Torrez Finney

Torrez Finney reacts to ‘dud’ UFC on ESPN 65 debut: ‘I thought I just F’d this up’

Torrez Finney knows he left a lot to be desired in his debut win at UFC on ESPN 65 against Robert Valentin.

LAS VEGAS – Securing victory in a UFC debut is a fighter’s dream, but the undefeated [autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] has to face a nightmare reaction to his performance.

After three wins on Dana White’s Contender Series, Finney (11-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) finally got his chance to compete under the UFC banner. His debut split decision win against Robert Valentin is one that he wants to quickly move past.

“I’d rather have an ugly ‘W’ than a good ‘L,'” Finney told reporters at a post-fight news conference. “… One, we were really confident in my area, obviously, getting it to the ground. I felt like I was the better grappler, no question. He did some things better in situations than I expected, but also, there was a lot of missed opportunities for me on the ground, and I didn’t take advantage of it. There’s a lot of things I got to grow on. I think I gave him too much confidence in areas, and I didn’t execute.”

From a grappling standpoint, Finney had was able to put Valentin (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) wherever he wanted early on in the fight with a couple of slams and easy takedowns. However, once the fight hit the canvas, there was nothing else Finney offered except simply holding his opponent down.

Over 15 minutes, Finney landed only four significant strikes, a record for the lowest output in a three-round decision. The damage was so low, the dissenting judge, Tony Weeks, scored all three rounds for Valentin, despite being held down a majority of the fight.

“In a way, I thought I just F’d this up, I really did,” Finney said.

Finney isn’t sure what prevented him from unleashing more offense in dominant positions. He says he goal is to always get a finish, but whether it was jitters from his UFC debut or some other factor, Finney says he will get back to work to improve for his next outing.

“It was a weird performance,” Finney said. “That was a dud, in my honest opinion. You know, it happens. I ain’t gonna lie, I feel great. This is the best I’ve felt going into a fight, just was a dud. I felt way worse than this going into a fight, and I’ve had an incredible performance. … Tonight was one of those type of nights.

“Like I said, came out with the victory, that’s the main thing, but just got to grow. I’ve only been fighting since October 2020. Heck, my coach was just telling me: less than five years, you’re already in the UFC, and a UFC win. Take that, you’ve got to run with it, but we got to grow from it.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

UFC on ESPN 65 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Middleweight veterans lead earners

UFC Vegas 105 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 65 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $161,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ESPN 65 took place at the UFC Apex. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 65 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Pat Sabatini[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Joanderson Brito[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]ChangHo Lee[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Cortavious Romious[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Gerald Meerschaert[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Ode Osbourne[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Luis Gurule[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Robert Valentin[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Dione Barbosa[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Diana Belbita[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Rhys McKee[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Daniel Frunza[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Loma Lookboonmee[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Istela Nunes[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Victor Henry[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Pedro Falcao[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Martin Buday[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Uran Satybaldiev[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Talita Alencar[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Vanessa Demopoulos[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,650; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $32,000 while title challengers get $42,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-65 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2025 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

“UFC on ESPN 65: Emmett vs. Murphy” – $161,000
“UFC on ESPN 64: Moreno vs. Erceg” – $168,500
“UFC Fight Night 255: Edwards vs. Brady” – $204,000
“UFC Fight Night 254: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2” – $173,000
“UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev” – $213,500
“UFC Fight Night 253: Kape vs. Almabayev” – $134,500
“UFC Fight Night 252: Cejudo vs. Song” – $185,000
“UFC Fight Night 251: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues” – $168,000
“UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2” – $254,500
“UFC Fight Night 250: Adesanya vs. Imavov” – $137,500
“UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Moicano” – $306,000
“UFC Fight Night 249: Dern vs. Ribas 2” – $173,500

Year-to-date total: $2,279,000
2024 total: $8,280,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $33,296,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

UFC on ESPN 65 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC on ESPN 65 in Las Vegas.

UFC on ESPN 65 took place Saturday, MMA Junkie had you covered with round-by-round coverage and official results throughout the event. UFC on ESPN 65 took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (ESPN, ESPN+).

Josh Emmett (19-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) took on unbeaten featherweight Lerone Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC) in the main event. In the 145-pound co-feature, Joanderson Brito (17-5-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) met Pat Sabatini (20-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC).

Check out our round-by-round updates and official results below.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC on ESPN 65 lineup

MAIN CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)

Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:48
Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ode Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:54
Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

Dione Barbosa def. Diana Belbita via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 4:13
Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy

Round 1 – No glove touch here as they begin the feel-out process. Only one punch lands in the first minute. Murphy offers a front kick. A left jab follows a moment later. Emmett steps in closer and rips a fast combination. Murphy lands an elbow in the exchange, opening a cut on Emmett’s forehead. The action slows as they circle each other, offering single strikes. Murphy lands a solid leg kick and Emmett fires off a combination. Emmett catches a kick and drives Murphy to the ground, but the fight doesn’t stay there.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy.

Round 2 – Emmett pressures immediately, looking to land punches. He closes in to look for a takedown, but ends up lifting Murphy high in the air and dropping him for a big slam. Emmett takes top position on the mat. Murphy finds a way to slap on a ninja choke, creating enough space to scramble back to his feet. A spinning back kick from Murphy lands nicely to the body, promting Emmett to close in to wrestle. Murphy gets a space for a nice knee to the body. Emmett adjusts his single leg attempt, but Murphy gets free. A solid leg kick for Murphy. A few moments later, Murphy digs in a kick to the body.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy.

Round 3 – Murphy lands a short elbow and a kick. Emmett comes forward with a nice combination of punches. Murphy side kicks to the knee. A fast right hand finds the target for Murphy. Emmett answers nicely with a clean punch. Emmett feints a takedown shot, causing Murphy to look for a counter, but he slips. Emmett takes advantage by closing in to look for a takedown. Murphy keeps things standing and returns to the center. Murphy pokes Emmett, pausing the fight. The referee warns to take a point if it happens again. The action resumes with Murphy offering high kicks. Emmett rips a 1-2. Murphy kicks to the body nicely and adds another oblique kick. Emmett catches the next kick attempt and shoves Murphy to the ground. Emmett takes top position, looking for ground and pound. Murphy quickly escapes, though, returning back to his feet. Murphy lands a front kick before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy.

Round 4 – Murphy comes out looking for a kick. Emmett presses forward with punches and a leg kick. A hard leg kick from Murphy takes Emmett off balance. Emmett looks for a jumping knee a moment later. Murphy digs in another solid kick to the body. Emmett responds with a powerful right hand. Another not far behind it as he comes forward. Murphy goes back to the leg kick. Emmett gets annoyed with the oblique kicks and just walks forward with his hands down. Murphy keeps circling, but Emmett finds home for a right hand. Emmett keeps giving chase and lands another right. Murphy circles out and lands a left and a front kick. Emmett shoots in for a double leg. In the clinch, Murphy lands an elbow to the head, opening a cut on the back of the head.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Emmett.

Round 5 – They touch gloves to start the final frame. Murphy offers a head kick. Emmett looks to land a right hand. Murphy misses a leg kick and Emmett lands a right hand. Murphy goes high with another kick. Murphy lands a solid left hand. Emmett steps in with a big right hand and immediately looks for the takedown. Murphy shakes free and returns to the center. Emmett comes forward with punches as Murphy circles on the outside now. Murphy lands a hard left hand! Emmett is wobbled! Murphy points to the canvas, but doesn’t stand and bang. Emmett wants to brawl now and mocks Murphy for running. Emmett can’t land a big punch in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy giving him the fight, 49-46.

Result: Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65: Lerone Murphy frustrates Josh Emmett, stays unbeaten
Social media reaction: ‘Well deserved win’: Fighters react to Lerone Murphy’s victory over Josh Emmett at UFC on ESPN 65
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Emmett (19-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC), Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (48-47), Eric Colon (49-46), Sal D’Amato (48-47)

Joanderson Brito vs. Pat Sabatini

Round 1 – They touch gloves to start, and Sabatini offers the first kick. Sabatini then shoots in for a takedown, and gets it. Brito looks for the guillotine counter, but Sabatini applies pressure for the Von Flue choke. Brito gets his arm free and now has to deal with Sabatini on top. Brito gets his back to the cage, but Sabatini peels him away. Brito looks to explode, but Sabatini slaps on a front headlock. Brito gets out, goes for a guillotine, and Sabatini slams him to the canvas. Another Von Flue attempt for Sabatini, but it’s not there. Sabatini with big ground and pound to close out the round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sabatini.

Round 2 – Brito comes out kicking, and stuffs a takedown shot from Sabatini. Brito looks for a right hand but then can’t stop the next takedown from Sabatini. Brito inches himself closer to the fence. Sabatini stays heavy on top and adds a few punches to the head. Midway through the round, and Brito is still flattened out. A few more clean punches from the top for Sabatini. Brito tries to explode, but can’t improve.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sabatini.

Round 3 – Sabatini offers a jumping switch kick. Brito lands an overhand, but Sabatini rushes foward to create a takedown. Brito looks for the guillotine, but Sabatini stays calm and gets his head out. Once again, Brito is flattened out with Sabatini on top. Sabatini postures up for a moment to land punches. As the time ticks away, Sabatini eventually finds space to rain down a few hard elbows. Brito gives up his back. Sabatini looks for a rear-naked choke but the horn sounds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Sabatini, giving him the fight 30-26.

Result: Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Brito (17-5-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Sabatini (20-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Sal D’Amato (30-26), Chris Leben (30-27), David Lethaby (30-27)

ChangHo Lee vs. Cortavious Romious

Round 1 – Romious pumps out the right jab to score early. Lee comes forward with punches, sparking an early heated exchange. Lee then looks for the level change. Romious puts up solid resistance, but Lee finds a trip to get the takedown. Lee takes full mount, but Romious stays calm and works up to his feet. Romious puts the pressure on for a takedown and gets it. Romious goes for a submission as Lee gives up his back, but gets too high and slides off. Now Lee finds Romious’ back and hammers short punches. Lee gets a body triangle locked in as he continues to offer short punches. Lee goes for a rear-naked choke, but it’s not there. Romious attempts to scramble up, but Lee slaps on another choke. Blood from a cut on Romious’ eye is pooling on the canvas. Romious gets out, but Lee postures up to rain down ground and pound. Romious actively defends and manages to reverse position. Lee reverses back to top control before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lee.

Round 2 – They slap hands and get into another furious exchange to start the round. Unfortunately, a knee from Lee goes south, causing the fight to pause. On the restart, they get right back into another wild exchange of strikes. The fight goes to the ground and it’s Romious taking Lee’s back. Lee stays calm and shakes Romious off, landing in top position. Lee gets in a couple of short punches before Romious gets to his feet. The clinch continues, and Romious attempts to step over to take the back. It doesn’t work, but Romious does find an armbar attempt. Lee gets out of it. Two minutes to go. Lee takes Romious’ back and starts raining down hard punches. The referee steps in closer. Romious turns to get his back on the canvas. Full mount for Lee, and he’s still raining down hard strikes! Romious can’t improve his position and there’s the stoppage!

Result: ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:48
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65 video: ChangHo Lee puts bantamweights on notice, pounds out Cortavious Romious
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Lee (11-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Romious (9-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and it’s Tavares coming forward quickly with the left jab. Meerschaert answers with a punch of his own. Taveras sits on a nice right hand, prompting Meerschaert to charge forward for the clinch. Tavares calmly works out of the position and they return to the center. Meerschaert offers a left and threatens a takedown, but doesn’t commit. A moment later, another single leg attempt is nicely defended by Tavares. They exchange punches, Tavares getting the better of it with a right hand. Tavares kicks to the body. The action slows to single-strike offerings, but out of nowwhere Tavares blasts Meerschaert with a hard two-punch combo. Tavares goes to the same combo again, landing it just as well.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Tavares.

Round 2 – Another glove touch starts the round. Tavares steps in with a hard 1-2, blasting Meerschaert. Tavares then sweeps Meerschaert off his feet with a well-timed calf kick. Meerschaert gets up and fires off a combination of his own. Meerschaert gets a clinch, but Tavares gets out of it. Meerschaert comes forward with punches. Tavares circles to land a clean right hand as the action heats up. Meerschaert fights his way into another clinch into the fence. Tavares gets away with two minutes remaining. Meerschaert digs in a nice kick to the body. Another takedown is denied. Tavares cracks with a right hand. A big exchange of punches sees Tavares losing his balance. A moment later, Tavares gets it right back with a hard 1-2, causing Meerschaert to stumble.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Tavares.

Round 3 – One more glove touch and they immediately trade punches. Tavares over-extends looking for a big punch. After resetting, Meerschaert charges forward, but Tavares’ takedown defense continues to shine. Meerschaert stays attached to the back in a standing position, repeatedly attempting to trip Tavares as the time ticks away. Tavares gets chest-to-chest with two minutes to go. Meerschaert keeps working for the takedown as the referee threatens to separate the position. With 70 seconds to go, they are separated. Meerschaert comes forward with a combination into a clinch. Tavares circles out with 20 seconds to go. Meerschaert looks for a coupe of head kicks, but they’re not there for him.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Meerschaert, but the fight goes to Tavares, 29-28.

Result: Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Meerschaert (37-19 MMA, 12-11 UFC), Tavares (21-10 MMA, 16-10 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Sal D’Amato, Junichiro Kamijo, David Lethaby

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Gurule starts the action with a kick to the body. Osbourne responds with one of his own. They exchange more kicks to the legs and to the body as Osbourne controls from the center. Osbourne comes forward with a punching combo. Gurule kicks to the body. Osbourne rips another quick two-punch combo, then kicks high. Gurule closes in for a big takedown. Two minutes to go. Gurule steps into full mount, but Osbourne gets back to half guard immediately. Gurule adds a couple of short elbows to the head. Osbourne patiently works his way back to the feet. They exchange kicks before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gurule.

Round 2 – They touch ’em up and get back to exchanging kicks to the body and legs. Osbourne lands a right hand. Gurule changes levels, gets caught with a punch to the body, but still presses Osbourne into the fence. He bails on the takedown attempt. Osbourne lands a nice combo. Gurule closes in, but gets caught with another combo. Gurule comes forward again, but Osbourne floors him with a counter punch! Osbourne pauses as if it’s a clean KO, but he sees Gurule is still somewhat with it. Osbourne adds the follow-up strikes to get the stoppage!

Result: Ode Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:54
Recap: UFC Vegas 105 video: Ode Osbourne sends Luis Gurule flying for TKO upset
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Gurule (10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Osbourne (13-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin

Round 1 – Finney quickly takes the center of the cage to close the distance on Valentin. After a moment of looking for an opening, Finney shoots in and lifts Valentin on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He carries Valentin over to his corner and slams him. Valentin quickly gets to his feet, but is promptly returned to the mat. Valentin works his way up to his feet with Finney attached to his hips. Valentin turns into Finney and elbows the head. Finney yanks the legs out for another takedown. Finney looks to keep control on the ground, but Valentin gets to his feet again. Another mat return for Finney, but Valentin gets up. Finney pulls the legs out again, and this time he adds a couple of punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Finney.

Round 2 – Valentin looks to land a few strikes but he can’t stop Finney from getting a quick takedown. Valentin threatens a kimura from the bottom and then a triangle choke. Finney works out of both while maintaining top position. Valentin looks for an armbar next, but pays for it as Finney lifts and slams him to the canvas. Finney takes control of the back but eventually gets too high and slides off. Valentin scrambles to his feet, but Finney stays attached to a single leg. The round concludes in the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Finney.

Round 3 – Valentin comes forward aggressively with strikes, putting the pressure on Finney. However, he’s unable to stop Finney from charging forward and putting him into the cage. Nothing comes of the takedown and the referee separates them. Finney doesn’t spend much time in space as he charges forward to look for another takedown. Valentin adds a couple of elbows to the head in the stalled position. The referee separates them again. Finney immediately rushes forward for another takedown. Valentin punches to the head as he gets back to his feet while Finney holds on to the hips. The referee separates them again. Finney immediately charges forward again. Valentin keeps punching while defending the takedown.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Valentin, but the fight goes to Finney 29-28.

Result: Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Finney (11-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Valentin (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (29-28), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28), Tony Weeks (27-30)

Dione Barbosa vs. Diana Belbita

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Barbosa connects with a quick left jab. A 1-2 is not far behind it. Belbita looks for a left hand as they exchange. Belbita lands a nice leg kick. They continue to trade punches and kicks as they cover all corners of the octagon. Belbita lands a clean right hand. Barbosa resets and comes forward with a pair of hard combinations. Barbosa pushes Belbita into the fence and gets a takedown. Barbosa quickly steps over into full mount. Barbosa steps off to the side with an arm triangle choke locked in and the squeeze is on. Belbita attempts to defend, but there’s no escape and she has to tap.

Result: Dione Barbosa def. Diana Belbita via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 4:13
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65 video: Dione Barbosa takes out Diana Belbita with first-round choke
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Barbosa (8-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Belbita (15-10 MMA, 2-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Daniel Frunza vs. Rhys McKee

Round 1 – McKee quickly closes distance, but Frunza opens up his offense first with fast punches upstairs as he circles on the outside. McKee, controlling from the center, lands a few punches. They trade hard punches. Both are bruised early on from heavy strikes. McKee blasts Frunza with a clean punch! Frunza is rocked badly! He gathers himself. McKee drops him again! Frunza gets back to his feet and he’s still firing. McKee floors him for a third time! Frunza somehow is still in this. He’s back to his feet. Now Frunza lands a stiff punch to keep McKee honest. Both fighters are wearing the damage. They continue to trade as McKee comes forward. Frunza starts landing cleaner strikes. Now he’s coming forward. McKee punches his way into a clinch. They separate and McKee unloads a flurry of strikes. Frunza comes forward with another offering before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for McKee.

Between rounds, the cageside doctor stops the fight due to the damage on Frunza’s lip.

Result: Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65 video: Rhys McKee blows up Daniel Frunza’s face for doctor’s stoppage TKO
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Frunza (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), McKee (14-6-1 MMA, 1-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Loma Lookboonmee vs. Istela Nunes

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Lookboonmee opens the action with a few kicks. Nunes controls the center, switching stances as she kicks to the legs. Lookboonmee fires another kick. Lookboonmee rips a fast 1-2 with a kick combo. They trade leg kicks. A front kick from Lookboonmee gets caught. Nunes holds it and looks for a big right hand, but it misses. An eye poke from Lookboonmee pauses the fight momentarily. On the restart, Lookboonmee comes forward with more kicks. Nunes adds a front kick to the body. Lookboonmee comes forward with a combination. Nunes looks to answer. Lookboonmee goes for a takedown, but Nunes reverses it to take top position with a minute to go. Nunes stays heavy on top to prevent sweeps from Lookboonmee.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lookboonmee.

Round 2 – Nunes fires a sharp combo to start, but Lookboonmee blitzes with a flurry of strikes. They clinch up a moment later. Lookboonmee looks for the head and arm throw, but Nunes prevents it. Nunes maintains the clinch position, putting her fingers through the fence repeatedly, causing the referee to slap her hand a couple of times. Lookboonmee finally gets the trip, but Nunes quickly attacks a heel hook. Lookboonmee deals with the position and eventually stacks. Nunes adjusts to get another grip on the heel hook until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nunes.

Round 3 – Nunes connects with a solid right hand. Lookboonmee answers with a combination before they clinch against the cage. Lookboonmee gets a trip takedown, this time taking top position. Nunes keeps her pinned in close to prevent ground and pound, although Lookboonmee punches to the body. The referee decides to stand them up. They clinch up quickly and Lookboonmee hits a head and arm throw, taking top position again. Lookboonmee looks for ground and pound in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lookboonmee, giving her the fight 29-28.

Result: Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Lookboonmee (10-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), Nunes (6-6 MMA, 0-5 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27), Sal D’Amato (29-28), Chris Leben (29-28)

Pedro Falcao vs. Victor Henry

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and Falcao applies early forward pressure. Punches and leg kicks offered from Falcao to start. Henry fires back with a nice punch to keep Falcao honest. Falcao shoots in for a takedown. Henry defends it well and gets a trip takedown of his own. Henry opts to stand up while Falcao stays on the canvas. Henry kicks to the legs repeatedly. Falcao decides to stand up. After resetting, Falcao comes forward with punches and heavy kicks. Henry sits on a right hand and drops Falcao! Henry follows him to the ground! More punches from Henry. Falcao is with it though, and is able to slow things down. Henry stands up and the fight returns to the feet. Falcao continues to come forward with punches. Henry stays on the outside, looking for counters. Another level change and single leg from Falcao denied by Henry. A leg kick is nicely checked by Henry. Falcao comes over the top with a solid 1-2. Henry responds with a counter 1-2 a moment later.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Henry.

Round 2 – Falcao comes forward but Henry quickly counters with a combination. Falcao lands a solid kick that affects Henry’s posture. Another kick behind it from Falcao to test the lead leg. They trade hard punches and Henry gets the better of it. Falcao sees the opening and gets a takedown. Henry scrambles to his feet, but Falcao slams him back to the canvas. Henry reverses the position quickly, but Falcao throws up an armbar. Henry escapes and gets to his feet. They stay clinched along the fence. Henry gets free and lands a punch on the exit. Henry rips a nice left to the body. Falcao punches then changes levels nicely for another takedown. Henry gives up his back but is able to scramble to reverse to take top position. Falcao quickly gets to his feet and the fight is back to standing. Short time now as they exhange punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Falcao.

Round 3 – Falcao comes out quickly with a takedown. Henry attempts to roll through to reverse, but Falcao maintains position throughout the scramble, ending up on Henry’s back. Henry is slippery enough to reverse the position and take top position in guard. Falcao creates space to kick Henry off. Back to standing and Falcao immediately shoots in again. Henry denies it. They wrestle for position along the fence. Back in the center now. Falco doubles a jab and Henry answers with a left. Front kick to the body from Henry as he comes foward. Falcao comes forward for a takedown, but Henry reverses it into his own. Falcao attacks the leg on the ground. Henry fends it well as they get back to a standing clinch. On the exit, Henry cracks Falcao with a hard right. Another pair of clean punches for Henry. Falcao shoots. Henry easily stuffs it and punches to the head. Falcao bails and resets. Just 30 seconds to go. Henry gets on his bike to circle as Falcao chases. They trade once more before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Henry, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Falcao (16-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Henry (25-7 MMA, 4-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Ben Cartiledge, Junichiro Kamijo, Chris Leben

Martin Buday vs. Uran Satybaldiev

Round 1 – They tap gloves and Buday presses forward, starting the action with a leg kick. Satybaldiev offers a couple of leg kicks too before unloading a couple of fast right hands. Buday lands a nice short left. Buday chases Satybaldiev around the cage, grabbing a clinch after a left. Satybaldiev gets away a moment later and now he’s coming forward with a combination of punches. Satybaldiev with a big 1-2 now. Buday eats it and comes back firing. Satybaldiev lands a right. Buday comes back with a leg kick. Buday charges forward with a pair of punches and initiates another clinch. Two minutes to go. Satybaldiev gets away. Buday adds another solid leg kick. Satybaldiev looks for the Thai clinch, gets a nice knee in, but Buday takes control of the clinch and pushes him into the cage. Buday adds a few short punches to the body. They separate before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buday.

Round 2 – They touch ’em up again and get back to the action. Satybaldiev comes forward with punches, causing Buday to back away and circle out. Buday gets back to the center and lands a leg kick. Buday looks for the overhand left. Satybaldiev looks for an uppercut, but Buday shoves him into the fence, then punches his way into a clinch. Satybaldiev slips out and lands a big right hand in the center. Satybaldiev comes forward with more punches, but Buday circles out again to reset. Satybaldiev looks for another 1-2. Buday lands a left. Another 1-2 offering from Satybaldiev. Buday goes to the leg kick again. Satybaldiev looks for a right hand. They exchange leg kicks. Buday lands a left hand. Satybaldiev is bleeding from the nose. A moment later he charges his way into another clinch, this time looking to get Satybaldiev off balance for a takedown. Satybaldiev keeps things standing. They separate and exchange again before the horn

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buday.

Round 3 – They touch ’em up for the last time. Satybaldiev comes out swinging aggressively, but Buday is able to circle away. Buday presses forward into a clinch. Punches to the body from Buday. Satybaldiev gets away and returns to the center. Satybaldiev sits on a 1-2 and puts a few more punches behind it. Buday defends the combo well. Satybaldiev cracks Buday with a clean right hand! He’s on shaky legs! Satybaldiev closes in but Buday gets a hold of him and drives him into the fence. Satybaldiev reverses the position and looks for a takedown. Buday denies it and keeps the clinch going. Buday lands a nice knee to the body on the exit. Buday comes forward for another clinch. Satybaldiev gets away with about 30 seconds to go, but it’s Buday landing the final punches of the fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Satybaldiev, but the fight goes to Buday, 29-28.

Result: Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Buday (15-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Satybaldiev (9-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Eric Colon, David Lethaby, Tony Weeks

Talita Alencar vs. Vanessa Demopoulos

Round 1 – Demopoulos comes out of the gate firing sharp punches. Alencar gets a hold of her and brings the fight to the fence. They wrestle for position, but it’s Alencar with a front headlock now, and she drags Demopoulos to the ground. Alencar takes top position, but it’s kind of an awkard holding position. Alencar eventually adjusts to posture up and land punches to the head. She adjusts again to keep Demopoulos controlled as the time continues to tick away. Demopoulos gets her feet to the fence to create space to throw up an armbar. It’s easily defended by Alencar.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Alencar.

Round 2 – They come out trading punches. After the initial exchange, Alencar puts together another combination. Demopoulos comes forward with punches, but Alencar changes levels for a clean takedown. Demopoulos looks to grab an arm from the bottom, but Alencar is wise to it and steps over. An arm triangle threat presented itself, but Alencar couldn’t lock it in. Demopoulos gets closer to the fence and looks to push off again, but Alencar stays heavy on top. Another arm triangle opportunity is there, but Demopoulos waves to the referee that she’s fine just moments before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Alencar.

Round 3 – Demopoulos rushes across the cage looking to land a punch, but Alencar evades and pushes her away. Alencar lands a combination and then gets another very easy takedown. Alencar adds punches and elbows from the top as she keeps Demopoulos pinned on the mat against the fence. The top control time continues to rack up as Demopoulos has no answers from the bottom. With a minute to go, Demopoulos finds an escape and scrambles to her feet. That lasted all of maybe two seconds as she gets immediately taken down. Alencar adds a few more punches and hammerfists before the final horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Alencar, giving her the fight 30-27.

Result: Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Alencar (6-1-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Demopoulos (11-7 MMA, 5-4 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon (30-26), Sal D’Amato (30-27), David Lethaby (30-27)

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 65

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom goes inside the Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin fight at UFC on ESPN 65.

[autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Rob Valentin[/autotag] meet Saturday in the main card opener of UFC on ESPN 65 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 25-22-1

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 preview

Finney (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) needed a ridiculous three wins on DWCS before he got a UFC contract. Now he brings his unbeaten record and wrestling credentials to a debut against Valentin (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who was finished in his official promotional debut this past August by Ryan Yoder in the “TUF 32” middleweight final.

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 expert pick, prediction

Death, taxes and the UFC matchmakers force-feeding us middleweights on Fight Night main cards.

In this case, the promotion has opted for a lead-in with lesser-proven commodities in [autotag]Robert Valentin[/autotag] and [autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] – despite having proven bantamweight action fighters stuck on the prelims.

I’ll be curious to see if Valentin can show off any potential improvements after his time spent training at Bang Tao Muay Thai, but I suspect that Finney presents a tough stylistic ask.

Say what you will about Finney’s short stature, but the 26-year-old American knows where his bread is buttered and isn’t afraid to work toward his A game. Finney, who is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also shows a solid flow on the mat – making me think he’ll be able to clear whatever submission threats Valentin presents.

The pick is Finney by unanimous decision.

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the American fighter, listing Finney (-280) and Valentin (+220) via FanDuel.

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 start time, how to watch

Finney and Valentin are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:15 p.m. ET. The fight airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

Fan-favorite UFC prospect Torrez Finney books debut fight

After three wins on Dana White’s Contender Series, Torrez Finney finally earned his UFC contract and has his first assignment.

[autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] has his first UFC assignment.

After three wins on Dana White’s Contender Series, Finney (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was awarded a contract in October. Six months later, he’ll make his promotional debut when he battles “TUF 32” runner-up [autotag]Robert Valentin[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in a middleweight matchup April 5. UFC Fight Night 256 is expected to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Both fighters confirmed the matchup on social media after an initial report Saturday by Eurosport NL.

Finney, 26, first entered the international spotlight in 2023 when he defeated Yuri Panferov on DWCS. Dana White told Finney he wanted him to build up experience before signing. Finney returned to the regional scene with a thunderous knockout, then defeated Cam Rowston on DWCS in 2024. White was critical of Finney’s performance and pointed to only one regional fight taken between DWCS seasons.

However, after White’s comments, Finney explained in interviews that he was tied up due to a commitment to “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show that did not come to fruition. The promotion gave him a third DWCS shot and he defeated Abdellah Er-Ramy by first-round TKO. White acknowledged the error in judgement and offered Finney a contract.

Valentin, 29, represented his home country of Switzerland well on “The Ultimate Fighter 32” as he finished Giannis Bachar and Paddy McCorry in under four minutes combined to reach the season final. However, American wrestler Ryan Loder upset him in the final with a second-round TKO.

With the addition, the UFC Fight Night 256 lineup for April 5 includes:

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne
Daniel Frunza vs. Rhys McKee
Dione Barbosa vs. Diana Belbita
Ariane Carnelossi vs. Loma Lookboonmee
Talita Alencar vs. Vanessa Demopoulos
Torrez Finney vs. Robert Valentin

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 256.

Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Grading the winners

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the performances of the five winners from Dana White’s Contender Series 75.

Week 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series (2024) took place on Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.

With a simple but digestible format that has had the MMA fanbase responding, this series has shown to have legs in multiple ways while serving as a crockpot for contenders the UFC matchmakers can use to fill their roster for future events. With that trend in mind, I once again will be taking a look at the winning fighters, regardless of whether or not they won a UFC contract, and grading their performances in regard to their probability of returning to a UFC stage.

***

Sean Gauci

Weight class: Flyweight
Result: Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Grade: B

Summary: Setting the tone for the night was a technical scrap between [autotag]Sean Gauci[/autotag] and Anthony Drilich.

I’m not beyond rewarding fighters who go to a decision with an A, but there wasn’t enough output and action to get there for me. That said, it was a shame that Gauci didn’t get consideration come contract time given that he was one of the most complete fighters to compete on the entire card.

I know Dana White has gotten everyone (including myself when it comes to winner grades) to associate quick finishes with good performances, but those two things are far from mutually exclusive.

Unfortunately for Gauci, he claimed to have broken his hand early in the second frame and couldn’t make a case as strong as he would like.

It’s a shame that the UFC flew out two Australian talents who could’ve just fought on the regionals (especially given the flyweight grading curb), but I hope that Gauci and Drilich get serious consideration from the UFC matchmakers down the road.

Islam Dulatov

Weight class: Welterweight
Result: Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 2:44
Grade: A

Summary: After turning the cage into a cartoon dust storm, it was hard to deny [autotag]Islam Dulatov[/autotag] anything short of an A for his knockout over Vanilto Antunes.

As his record indicates, Dulatov is a fighter accustomed to getting things done early.

Dulatov, like other fast starters, such as Conor McGregor, appears to have the ability to lock in straight out of the gate regarding his reads on distance and openings.

Although it can be hard to tell given his enthusiasm and work rate, Dulatov appears to have solid technique and a diverse striking arsenal from which to draw. Dulatov also owns multiple submissions on his record, so I’m curious to see more of him against stiffer competition.

Signing the Chechnya-born German was a no-brainer for Dana White, so don’t be surprised to see Dulatov featured on an international card early next year.

I’m not sure who they’ll book Dulatov with, but I suspect he’d be the perfect dance partner for someone like Danny Barlow.

Mario Pinto

Weight class: Heavyweight
Result: Mario Pinto def. Lucas Camacho via knockout (left hook) – Round 1,
Grade: A

Summary: Even though it was a quick outing, it’s difficult to deny [autotag]Mario Pinto[/autotag] an easy A for his knockout over Lucas Comacho.

Both men seemed to be somewhat shakey at first given the height and length parity at play, but Pinto was able to be the more composed of the two by staying behind his lead hand. And once Pinto was able to establish his range, the native of Portugal smartly hooked off his jab to catch Camacho coming in.

I obviously want to see way more of Pinto before making any bold declarations, but not even I can argue with a heavyweight who actually jabs.

Considering Dane White’s Vince McMahon-like adulation for huge men, seeing Pinto get promptly signed came as no surprise to me. As far as his first assignment goes, I think Thomas “Jefferson” Peterson would be the perfect matchup to test Pinto in his promotional debut.

Kody Steele

Weight class: Lightweight
Result: Kody Steele def. Chasen Blair via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:07
Grade: A

Summary: Bodyshot stoppages equal instant A’s for me, so it should be no surprise that [autotag]Kody Steele[/autotag] gets the proverbial rubber stamp from myself and the UFC brass alike.

Looking like the second coming of Rick Story, Steele – who comes from a grappling base – showed steady pressure and bodywork en route to wearing down Blair.

In Blair’s defense, he did take the fight on a short turnaround from a fight he won in late September, so I hope to see him again on a full camp.

Steele appears ready to meet the usual standard signed for this show, but I can’t help but worry about his propensity to keep his head upright and on center in exchanges. That said, I expect solid fight-to-fight improvements from Steele, given his age and the camp he trains at.

I’m happy to see Steele get signed considering the fallout he endured during this season and wouldn’t be shocked to see him paired with someone like Mitch Ramirez for his first UFC assignment.

Artem Vakhitov

Weight class: Light heavyweight
Result: Artem Vakhitov def. Islem Masraf via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:23
Grade: A

Summary: Despite starting off a bit shaky, I felt like [autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] showed enough in his first-round finish over Islem Masraf to earn an A from me.

When you consider that Vakhitov only recently came over from kickboxing (only having two professional MMA fights prior to this), then I feel like we should temper our expectations when it comes to both the Russian’s style and ceiling.

The clinch is quietly the most important space for strikers coming into this sport, so seeing Vakhitov gravitate toward this phase of the fight isn’t the worst thing in the world (although I suspect he was only doing it to quiet the chaos and reduce win conditions for his opponent).

So long as Vakhitov can avoid pulling his opponent on top of him like he briefly did in this bout, then I expect his competence in closed quarters to only improve from fight to fight. That said, I suspect that the UFC will be careful with how they book Vakhitov, considering his history with Alex Pereira (who apparently played a role in his former foe’s signing).

I feel bad for Yousri Belgouri, who now trains with Pereira and still didn’t get this treatment in his two swings at bat on the Contender Series, but I wasn’t surprised to see Vakhitov get the nod from Dana White and company. For my money, don’t be shocked to see Vakhitov paired up with someone like Ivan Erslan for his UFC debut.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.

Torrez Finney explains why he felt like a UFC fighter before earning contract with third DWCS win

Undefeated middleweight Torrez Finney felt at home in the UFC before he was officially on the roster.

LAS VEGAS – Stepping into the cage for his third Dana White’s Contender Series fight, [autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] knew he wasn’t leaving the UFC Apex without a contract to fight in the world’s premier organization.

In fact, Finney (10-0) already felt like a UFC fighter before he picked up a first-round TKO win over Abdellah Er-Ramy. It was Finney’s third victory on DWCS, a first in the show’s history.

“I’m going to be honest with you, along with my teammate Trevor Peek, being able to go through a lot of these experiences with him – I’m going to be honest with you, I feel like I was already UFC,” Finney told reporters during a post-fight news conference. “When you fight three times on Contender Series, that’s literally, you get a four-fight deal (in the UFC). The heck, I’ve already done three of them, so I already feel like I was in the UFC.

“Going through the walk, all this stuff – I felt comfortable. I was like, I’ve done this enough times. When that UFC debut (comes), obviously, there’s some more added things to that week and to that day, but it’ll be the same for me. It’s like I’ve already looked forward to this. I know what I’m ready for.”

Even though he felt at home, Finney actually wasn’t until UFC CEO Dana White finally extended the undefeated middleweight a contract offer after his third victory. It took a decision, a submission, and a TKO to convince the boss that he was ready to enter the promotion.

Despite being denied twice before, Finney said victory was his primary focus against Er-Ramy (7-2), and he had no intention of deviating from his game plan just to impress the boss as some fighters often do on the show.

“For myself, I said, you know, we’re just going to go out here and do me,” Finney said. “The W is the thing that matters the most. I always go out here and I always have the W as the top of my list. As long as I was going to go out there to win, everything else was going to play into it self, and I just made sure of that. I was like, if we go out here and just do Torrez Finney, nobody can deny you.”

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Dana White: Torrez Finney ‘showed up with a completely different energy’ at DWCS 74

The UFC boss saw a different Torrez Finney at Dana White’s Contender Series 74, leading to a big win and contract offer.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] saw a different [autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] at Dana White’s Contender Series 74.

The third time was the charm for Finney (10-0), who finally was able to impress White and earn a UFC contract after stopping Abdellah Er-Ramy (7-2) by first-round TKO on Tuesday at the UFC Apex.

Finney’s first attempt at a UFC contract came in October 2023 when he defeated Yuri Panferov by TKO. He was told then by White that he needed more development. Finney returned to DWCS this season in August and beat Cam Rowston by unanimous decision. That still wasn’t enough to earn Finney a UFC contract as he was heavily criticized by White for his lack of activity between DWCS appearances.

“The way that I try to set my mind when I come into this thing, there’s no bias,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters on Tuesday at the UFC Apex. “When a guy comes in for the third time, I lean more on the side of respect, the fact he’s coming back and saying, ‘OK, then I need to prove myself again.’

“I went through his whole family and him. You can’t deny that kid showed up with a completely different energy tonight. Not just fighting, just his whole attitude and personality were completely different tonight.”

After Finney’s second DWCS appearance in August, he was told by White that he’d get “absolutely decimated” in the UFC.

“That’s what we’re going to find out,” White said after signing Finney. “I told him, ‘You did not impress me. I think you’d get destroyed in this division over here.’ And he went back and, you know, he came back and handled business.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 74.

Dana White’s Contender Series 74: Grading the winners

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the performances of the five winners from Dana White’s Contender Series 74.

Week 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series (2024) took place on Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.

***

Jacobe Smith

Weight class: Strawweight
Result: Jacobe Smith def. Christien Savoie via TKO (ground and pound) – Round 2, 2:55
Grade: A

Summary: Setting the tone for the night was [autotag]Jacobe Smith[/autotag], who earns an easy A for his destruction of Christien Savoie.

Considering that Smith was already on my radar as one of my prospects to watch in 2023, I can’t say I was surprised to see him come away with the win here. That said, I was impressed with Smith’s continued strides in his transition game.

Whether we’re talking about his comfortability taking a back or the fact that he seems to naturally find strikes in transition, Smith showed everything you’d want to see in a welterweight prospect.

Even though Smith may be a bit on the smaller side for the division, the former two-time NJCAA champion has the correct foundation to thrive in a division that carries the unofficial nickname of “wrestle-weight” given its history of successors.

Signing Smith was a no-brainer, so don’t be shocked to see him back in the cage sooner than later. I believe that Smith can already swim with the middle of the pack at 170 pounds, but I suspect that the UFC will start him off with a name like Charlie Radtke for his first official assignment.

Weight class: Middleweight
Result: Torrez Finney def. Abdellah Er-Ramy via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:10
Grade: A

Summary: Making quick work of Abdellah Er-Ramy, it was hard to deny [autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] both an A and UFC contract.

In what was Finney’s third swing at bat on the Contender Series, the pressure was certainly on for the undefeated fighter to leave no doubt this time around. And after grounding Er-Ramy right in front of Dana White and the UFC matchmakers, Finney went right to work with both strikes and positional advances, eventually mounting his opponent off of some solid wrist rides.

Despite Er-Ramy being incredibly outmatched in this spot, I’m happy that the UFC finally awarded Finney a contract. Don’t be surprised to see him booked by year’s end against someone like Zachary Reese or Sedriques Dumas.

David Martinez

Weight class: Bantamweight
Result: David Martinez def. Xavier Franklin via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Grade: A

Summary: Despite being the only winner to not find a finish, I hard time denying [autotag]David Martniez[/autotag] anything less than an A for arguably being the most UFC-ready fighter of the night given the skills that were on display, as well as the opponent at hand.

Not only did Martinez demonstrate some solid ring awareness and sharp counters, but the Mexican fighter almost turned Xavier Franklin into “Professor Xavier” with the number of crushing leg kicks he was landing on him.

Credit to Franklin, who displayed a lot of promise for such a young fighter. Although Franklin was getting tagged early, the American was able to find Martinez with some solid counters in Round 2.

That said, you could argue it was too little too late for Franklin given that the damage had already been done regarding his leg condition and ability to explode. I’m glad that Martinez got signed and hope we see Franklin again in the future.

Although Martinez looks like he’s already primed to swim with the sharks, I suspect that the UFC brass matches him up with someone like Lee Chang-ho.

Alberto Montes

Weight class: Featherweight
Result: Alberto Montes def. Carlos Calderon via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 2, 2:38
Grade: A

Summary: Even though [autotag]Alberto Montes[/autotag] got a little too positionally wild for my liking, I had a hard time denying him an A for hitting his special move in style over Carlos Calderon.

After stunning Calderon early with the counter right hand, Montes found himself fending off an opponent who was intent on making this a sticky affair. After some entertaining scrambles (and botched submission attempts prior), Montes was able to make some serious hay from a failed Peruvian necktie attempt by transitioning right into his patent anaconda choke.

I believe that Montes will make for a solid action-fighting addition to the weight class, so I’m glad to see Dana White sign the Venezuelan fighter. I hope that the matchmakers pair Montes up with someone like Hyder Amil for some guaranteed fireworks.

Diyar Nurgozhay

Weight class: Light heavyweight
Result: Diyar Nurgozhay def. Bartosz Szewczyk via knockout (head kick) – Round 2, 3:32
Grade: A

Summary: Although this fight felt dangerously close to falling victim to a slow-paced slogfest, [autotag]Diyar Nurgozhay[/autotag] ends up earning an A for beautifully paying off his previous work to earn an emphatic knockout to close out the show.

Despite Bartosz Szewczyk doing his best to keep Nurgozhay honest with some hard returns of his own, the Kazak fighter showed some savvy striking from his southpaw stance.

Establishing the threat of the left hand (as well as the occasional body kick), Nurgozhay was able to get Szewczyk to eventually bite hard on anything coming from said side. And after Nurgozhay drew a strong reaction from a left-sided feint, he smartly followed up with a cross to a same-side head kick that sent the Pole falling to the floor half-conscious.

Nurgozhay is a solid light heavyweight signing for the UFC. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the next United Arab Emirates card opposite someone like Magomed Ghadzhiyasulov.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 74.

Dana White’s Contender Series 74 results: Five winners get contracts, including Torrez Finney’s 3rd chance

Dana White handed out five more contracts on Week 8 of DWCS, including to Torrez Finney, who fought and won for the third time on the show.

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie was on scene reporting live from Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 74 event.

Dana White’s Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions.

The eighth week of the eighth season saw 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract. In the feature bout at light heavyweight, Kazakhstan’s Diyar Nurgozhay knocked out Bartosz Szewczyk.

The UFC Apex hosts the card, which streamed live on ESPN+.

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Who won a UFC contract?

At the conclusion of the event, White handed out UFC contracts to all five winners: Diyar Nurgozhay, Alberto Montes, David Martinez, Torrez Finney and Jacobe Smith.

DWCS 74 full results

[autotag]Diyar Nurgozhay[/autotag] def. [autotag]Bartosz Szewczyk[/autotag] via knockout (head kick) – Round 2, 3:32
[autotag]Alberto Montes[/autotag] def. [autotag]Carlos Calderon[/autotag] via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 2, 2:38
[autotag]David Martinez[/autotag] def. [autotag]Xavier Franklin[/autotag] via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
[autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag] def. [autotag]Abdellah Er-Ramy[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:10
[autotag]Jacobe Smith[/autotag] def. [autotag]Christien Savoie[/autotag] via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:55

DWCS 74 round-by-round updates

Christien Savoie vs. Jacobe Smith

Round 1 – Savoie opens with a trio of leg kicks before Smith answers with one back. Smith shoots in for a single leg and elevates Savoie above his head and slams him to the mat. He tries to establish top position but Savoie gives up his back and uses the fence to stand up. Smith is still hanging from the waist and pulls Savoie back down then lands some big punches and elbows, one of which opens a cut on the back of Savoie’s head. Savoie scrambles up then is taken back down to the mat. Smith steps over to the back and is working for a rear-naked choke but Savoie stands up. Smith won’t get go of him and scores a slick trip. Smith is overwhelming Savoie, who stands up once more before being reintroduced to the canvas. Savoie already looks out of ideas with roughly 90 seconds remaining and Smith cuts his face open with an elbow. The referee warns Savoie to defend himself and he tries to kick free but has his back taken again. Smith lets him up but then ducks in for a scoop takedown – his sixth takedown of the round. He lands some more elbows to close out the frame.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Smith.

Round 2 – Savoie comes out with a pair of wild kicks high and to the body. Smith looks completely unintimidated and steps in with some huge punches that barely miss. Savoie is throwing back on the feet but looks concerned about the takedowns as he moves forward. Smith is more content to strike than he was in the first at this moment until Savoie nearly lands a massive knee that leads into a takedown. Smith slides into side control and starts landing some more shots. Savoie is stuck and the referee warns him to defend. Smith keeps chipping away and finally the referee has seen enough and waves it off. Smith gets the TKO and stays undefeated.

Result: Jacobe Smith def. Christien Savoie via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:55
Recap: Oklahoma State wrestler Jacobe Smith slices Christien Savoie en route to TKO
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 74: Best photos
Records: Smith (9-0), Savoie (10-2-1)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Abdellah Er-Ramy vs. Torrez Finney

Round 1 – Finney gets a takedown with a matter of seconds and takes Er-Ramy’s back within 30 seconds. Er-Ramy flips over and Finney moves into mount. Finney latches on an arm-triangle choke and it’s deep just over one minute into the fight. Er-Ramy is squirming and gasping for air as Finney tries to finish it, but he lets it go and takes half guard position. Finney eventually takes the back again and postures up and unloads with punches to force the TKO stoppage. Finney makes history with his third career win on DWCS, then goes to Dana White and dances to the smile of the UFC CEO. Perhaps her finally gets his contract tonight.

Result: Torrez Finney def. Abdellah Er-Ramy via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:10
Recap: Torrez Finney wins for third time, breaks out dance for Dana White
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 74: Best photos
Records: Finney (10-0), Er-Ramy (7-1)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Eric McMahon

Xavier Franklin vs. David Martinez

Round 1 – Both men are staying just out of range each other in the first couple minutes of the fight. They are trying to connect with hands and feet but are failing to land clean. Franklin is being the early aggressor but Martinez catches him with a hard overhand. Franklin comes back with a stinging jab and straight right. A low blow briefly halts the action, but it goes on and Franklin is back to pressuring. Martinez is landing some good shots from the outside as he circles away from the power of his opponent. He walks into a shot that briefly staggers him but he’s right back to the game plan of sticking and moving. Franklin is landing a few good blows but Martinez shows no fear as he attacks with a flying kick late in the round.

Close opening frame, but MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Martinez.

Round 2 – There’s intensity on the striking exchanges early going. There’s a brief eye poke stoppage as Franklin sticks Martinez, but we’re back to it. Martinez throws a plethora of leg kicks but Franklin counters one and Martinez is staggered. He quickly recovers and comes forward but is tagged again moments later. They keep striking and Franklin shoots for a pair of takedowns with just over two minute remaining. Martinez does well to defend and circles free, but he needs to do something to sway the round back in his favor. Franklin shoots for some more takedowns but Martinez is resisting with powerful leg kicks and multi-strike combinations as he moves forward. There’s some good action late in the round, but no one gets badly rocked.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Franklin, but it was another close one.

Round 3 – Martinez lands the first nice punch of the round less than 15 seconds in then fires home another leg kick to Franklin’s lead left leg. He lands another smashing one that takes the balance of Franklin, who shoots in for a desperation takedown that’s easily rejected. Martinez looks to be the more confident side at this point as he lands a jab and another kick to Franklin’s front leg. Martinez sneaks in an uppercut, followed by two leg kicks. Franklin is still moving forward but it starting to fade and show signs of damage he steps in with a knee to the body. Martinez is bleeding from the right eye but he’s still using solid movement. Martinez lands a superman punch and has the looks as if he’s got this fight won with less than two minutes left. Franklin is trying to make something big happen and swings a head kick, but his energy is running low. Martinez lands another leg kick and another jab. Martinez lands another leg kick to bring his total for the fight to above 30, then starts going high with a head kick and a wheel kick attempt. Martinez is just showing out at this point but he stumbles off a kick and Franklin tries to take him down. No luck, though, and Martinez closes out the fight switching stances and throwing.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Martinez, and he should win a decision here as Dana White comes into the octagon and praises both fighters.

Result: David Martinez def. Xavier Franklin via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 74: Best photos
Records: Martinez (11-1), Franklin (5-1)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Carlos Calderon vs. Alberto Montes

Round 1 – It’s an immediate collision in the center of the octagon with both men tagging the chin of the other and slipping all over the place. Calderon slows the pace down with a takedown but he can’t keep Montes down long as he scoots to the fence and works his way upright. Calderon has Montes pressed against the fence but Montes tries to snatch the neck for an anaconda choke. Calderon squirms free and ends up on top. They scramble and now Calderon is looking for a guillotine from the front headlock position. He lets is go and we get some wild scrambles in the following minute with both men getting top position. It’s now Montes in control and he sets up the D’Arce choke. It’s in deep but Calderon is shifting his body and giving his neck space. He eventually frees himself and gets back to the feet. Calderon is throwing heavy with less than 90 seconds left. Montes is obliging in exchanges and it forces Calderon to shoot for takedown that leads to another scramble. They trade to close the round.

MMA Junkie scores a wild round 10-9 for Montes, but it was real close.

Round 2 – Thing pick up right where they left off as they throw punches and kicks from right in front of each other and are landing. There seems to be comfort in what’s being thrown both ways, but Montes is doing some good work from behind his jab. Calderon is moving forward without fear and throwing but he is getting countered with the right hook over and over. Montes is taking over and he reacts to a takedown attempt with a Peruvian necktie attempt! He switches to an anaconda choke and gets the tap! Incredible grappling to close an incredible fight.

Result: Alberto Montes def. Carlos Calderon via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 2, 2:38
Recap: Alberto Montes locks anaconda choke to end entertaining battle vs. Carlos Calderon
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 74: Best photos
Records: Montes (10-1), Calderon (7-2)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Eric McMahon

Diyar Nurgozhay vs. Bartosz Szewczyk

Round 1 – To the surprise of no one the strikes are coming hard and fast from both sides to start the fight. Szewczyk is working the kicks more while Nurgozhay is focusing on using his hands. Nurgozhay catches a kick from Szewczyk and lands an uppercut in the process of releasing. Szewczyk continues to use leg kicks and now Nurgozhay is timing them with step-in counters. Nurgozhay seems to be waiting for something big and he lands a pair of clean lefts in the process. Szewczyk is starting to do more with his hands but Nurgozhay looks completely composed as the round winds under 60 seconds. There’s a big exchange as we hit 30 seconds but they both come out in the clear. Szewczyk works more kicks late, but nothing is overly impactful.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nurgozhay, but Szewczyk landed some good kicks.

Round 2 – Nurgozhay hits a second round for just the third time in his career and he looks fine. Szewczyk goes right back to the kicking game while Nurgozhay is sticking true to his boxing. The leg kicks from Szewczyk look like they are starting to take some effect. He tries to go high but it’s blocked by Nurgozhay, who answers with some boxing combinations. Both men are struggling to do anything to change the momentum of the fight, but A is fine with it as his boxing is doing well and he seems to have a hold on the kicking range. Szewczyk finally shoots for the first takedown of the fight with two minutes left, but he’s easily denied and Nurgozhay feed him a knee to the body on the break from the clinch. Szewczyk just misses with an uppercut. A loads up a huge left head kick that lands clean to the face of Szewczyk! He goes flying back and Nurgozhay jumps in with a follow-up punch to close the show. It’s over. Explosive finish by Nurgozhay to stay undefeated.

Result: Diyar Nurgozhay def. Bartosz Szewczyk via knockout (head kick) – Round 2, 3:32
Recap: Diyar Nurgozhay blasts Bartosz Szewczyk with violent head kick
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 74: Best photos
Records: Nurgozhay (10-0), Szewczyk (8-3-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 74.