Tag: UFC on ESPN 57

Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Nassourdine Imavov after UFC on ESPN 57 win?

Nassourdine Imavov is in line for something big after besting Jared Cannonier in the UFC on ESPN 57 main event.

(ALSO SEE: Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Jared Cannonier after UFC on ESPN 57 loss?)

[autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag] continues to take strides toward middleweight title contention after beating Jared Cannonier in Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 57 main event.

Although the result from KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ken., had some controversy attached due to a questionable stoppage from referee Jason Herzog, it was ultimately still Imavov’s (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) night as he got the fourth-round TKO over a former title challenger in Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC).

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With just one loss in his past seven fights, Imavov looks poised to take the next step in the 185-pound hierarchy.

What’s next for Imavov? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future after UFC on ESPN 57.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 57.

Ex-UFC title challenger Dominick Reyes relieved to snap skid: ‘I’m not going anywhere’

Ex-UFC title challenger Dominick Reyes can breathe a little easier now that he’s back in the win column UFC on ESPN 57.

[autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag] took a huge load off his shoulders Saturday.

The former UFC title challenger snapped a four-fight skid and maybe saved his UFC career when he stopped Dustin Jacoby in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 57 at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.

Entering the event, Reyes (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) hadn’t fought in two years due to health issues, and defeating Jacoby (19-9-1 MMA, 7-6-1 UFC) was a must.

“It’s a relief, absolutely,” Reyes told reporters at his post-fight press conference. “When he hit me, that was a relief. I was like, ‘I’m still here.’ I had so many questions, and I was questioning myself, and then I saw my performance, and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I felt it out there. I really do love this, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Reyes aims to make another title run again, but this time become champion. Reyes had a 12-0 to the start of his MMA career before losing to Jon Jones in a very close fight for the light heavyweight title. It was that defeat that sparked the subsequent, three consecutive stoppage losses.

The 34-year-old believes a title will always be in reach at light heavyweight, but it was just about getting back to the win column.

“It’s a little different with my division. You show a couple of good performances, you show the world who you are and do your thing, and you’re right back in the conversation,” Reyes said. “It was never like, ‘Oh, I’m never going back to the title,’ because I know who I am and what I’m capable (of).

“I was just not believing in myself and doubting everything I was doing: ‘I can’t even win a fight, how am I going to go for the title?’ So that wasn’t even in my mind. You just have to win and get back to being you.”

Reyes doesn’t have a specific name or date when it comes to his return to the octagon. He likes the idea of fighting in September at UFC 306, but is not married to any specific thing.

“It’s more about the timing vs. the opponent,” Reyes said. “Obviously, I want to move up and work towards the title again, but we’ll see. I don’t have anybody in mind. If people want to call me out, cool. That gives me more options. They do my manager’s job for me. I have a great manager, I have a great team, and we’ll figure out what’s next.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 57.

Nassourdine Imavov: Referee made the right decision in TKO win over Jared Cannonier at UFC on ESPN 57

Nassourdine Imavov says the stoppage was fair in his TKO win over Jared Cannonier on Saturday night.

A lot has been said about how the main event of Saturday’s UFC card ended.

In a middleweight bout, [autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Jared Cannonier[/autotag] at the top bill of UFC on ESPN 57, which took place at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.

Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) wobbled Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC) in the fourth round of their contest and then proceeded to go for the finish. In the process, referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight. Cannonier was hurt but still stood, covered up, and looked to recover. Cannonier complained about the stoppage, and so did many online.

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Imavov thinks the right call was made.

“It’s the job of the referee to decide if the fighter is able to keep going or not,” Imavov told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 57 post-fight press conference. “He took a lot of damage, and he would’ve taken even more if the fight would’ve continued, so I think it was the right decision to stop it.”

Imavov is now on a two-fight winning streak since his most recent defeat, which came at the hands of former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. Imavov would like to get that fight back, and hopes to get matched up with Strickland for the UFC’s expected return to Paris in September.

“Sean Strickland is in front of me, and we already fought at light heavyweight, so I would like to take my revenge at middleweight.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 57.

UFC on ESPN 57 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Nassourdine Imavov nets $6k for main event

UFC on ESPN 57 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 57 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,500.

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 57 took place at the KFC Yum! Center. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 57 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jared Cannonier[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Dustin Jacoby[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Raul Rosas Jr.[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Ricky Turcios[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Brunno Ferreira[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Dustin Stoltzfus[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Zach Reese[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Julian Marquez[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Punahele Soriano[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Ludovit Klein[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Thiago Moises[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Charlie Radtke[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Brad Katona[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jesse Butler[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Montana De La Rosa[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Andrea Lee[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Daniel Marcos[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]John Castaneda[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Denise Gomes[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Eduarda Moura[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Taylor Lapilus[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Cody Stamann[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Puja Tomar[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Rayanne dos Santos[/autotag]: $4,000

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 $4,570; 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 $57,000 while title challengers get $57,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-57 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $3,451,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $26,188,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 57.

Nassourdine Imavov def. Jared Cannonier at UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos

Check out these photos from Nassourdine Imavov vs. Jared Cannonier in the UFC on ESPN 57 headliner.

Check out these photos from [autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag]’s win over Jared Cannonier in the UFC on ESPN 57 headliner in Louisville, Ky. (Photos by Timothy D. Easley, The Courier-Journal)

UFC on ESPN 57 bonuses: 19-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. gets third extra $50,000 check

The UFC handed out four post-fight bonuses after Saturday’s card, including another one to the youngest fighter on the roster. 

The UFC handed out four post-fight bonuses after Saturday’s card, including another one to the youngest fighter on the roster.

After UFC on ESPN 57, four fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their performances in Louisville, Ky. Check out the winners below.

UFC on ESPN 57 play-by-play and live results

UFC on ESPN 57 live results: Play-by-play of every fight from Louisville.

UFC on ESPN 57 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live play-by-play and official results. UFC on ESPN 57 (ESPN/ESPN+) took place at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.

Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC) and Nassourdine Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) met in the main event. Dustin Jacoby (19-9-1 MMA, 7-6-1 UFC) took on former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) in the co-feature.

Below are the live play-by-play and official results for UFC on ESPN 57.

Rayanne Amanda vs. Puja Tomar

Round 1 – Amanda is soing the pressing here. Tomar seems comfortable staying on the outside. Good leg kicks by Tomar. Nice right hook by Tomar. They both land in an exchange. Jab by Tomar. Oh! Amanda with a clean combination. It looked like it briefly stunned Tomar.  Pretty even contest so far. Another good combo by Amanda. It seems she’s finding her distance. Another big shot by Amanda. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Amanda.

Round 2 – Big leg kick by Amanda. Tomar answers back with a leg kick. Body kick by Amanda. They both trade leg kicks. It seems the fight has locked into a rythm – Amanda walks down Tomar and lands the better shots. Tomar is not too far off, but Amanda seems to be doing better. Good pressure here by Amanda. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Amanda.

Round 3 – Back to the same dynamic. Tomar landing good leg kicks and side kicks, but Amanda’s hands seem to be landing the bigger shots. Amanda closes the distance and presses Tomar against the cage. Tomar escapes after a few seconds. Nice right hand by Amanda. Push kick by Tomar knocks down Amanda. Two minutes left. These two are sluggling it out. A couple of right hands connect for Amanda. And a knee lands from Amanda. Body kick by Amanda. She’s putting it on here in the final seconds. Nasty combo by Amanda. Amanda clinches her against the cage. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Amanda. 30-27, Amanda

Result: Puja Tomar def. Rayanne Amanda via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Tomar (9-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Amanda (14-8 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: George Conley
Judging: Matt Jones 30-27, Sal D’Amato 27-30, Derek Cleary 29-28.

Taylor Lapilus vs. Cody Stamann

Round 1 – Stamann opens up with a kick, Lapilus answers back with a combo. Leg kick by Stamann. Good jabs and leg kick by Lapilus. Big knee by Lapilus! An eye poke from Lapilus halts the action. The fight resumes. Stamann closes the distance and presses Lapilus against the cage. Good control here by Stamann, but no damage. Lapilus breaks free. Two minutes left. Good combo by Stamann. They clinch. Good knees from both and they break free. Big knee to the head by Lapilus! Head kick now by Lapilus! What a chin on Stamann. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lapilus.

Round 2 – Stamann clinches Lapilus and Lapilus lands a hard knee to the body. Lapilus backs Stamann against the cage and lands a couple more knees. Stamann breaks free. Leg kick by Lapilus. Three minutes left. Another leg kick by Lapilus. Jabs by Lapilus. Leg kick by Lapilus. Oh! Nasty body kick by Lapilus! Stamann closes the distance on Lapilus and presses him against the cage, but Lapilus immediately reverses. Lapilus breaks and lands an elbow in the process. Back to striking. Lapilus lands a low blow and the fight is paused. The fight resumes. One, two lands for Lapilus. Stamann connects with a left and shoots for a single. He presses Lapilus against the cage. Stamman lets him go. Lapilus lands a nice combo and bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lapilus.

Round 3 – Great fight management by Lapilus. Stamann is upping the pressure here. Nice little combo by Lapilus. Stamann having a tough time connecting. Stamman closes the distance on Lapilus, picks him up and slams him! Three minutes left. Stamann on side control. Good control here by Stamann. Lapilus works his way up to his feet, but being presses against the cage. Lapilus breaks free. Two minutes left. Jabs by Lapilus. Good left by Lapilus. Stamann is bleeding. Stamman shoots and unable to get the takedown. Body shot by Lapilus. Stamann having a tough time connecting. Nasty knee by Lapilus! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lapilus. Overall 30-27, Lapilus.

Result: Taylor Lapilus def. Cody Stamann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Lapilus (20-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Stamann (21-7-1 MMA, 7-6-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Blake Grice
Judging: Rob Pope, Sal D’Amato, Derek Cleary 30-27.

Denise Gomes vs. Eduarda Moura

Round 1 – Moura immediately putting pressure on Moura. Moura shoots for a double, but gets caught in a standing guillotine! It looks tight! Moura fights out of it and continues to pressure Gomes against the cage. And she gets the takedown, but Gomes reverses it and now presses Moura against the cage. Three minutes left. Moura reverses the position, and she’s now the one controlling against the cage. She’s looking for the takedown, but unable to get it. Gomes gets out and back to striking. Good connection here by Gomes, but gets taken down by Moura. Moura working from guard. Shrt shots from both fighters. Gomes gets in the final seconds. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Moura.

Round 2 – Again, Moura pressuring. She closes the distance and takes down Gomes. Moura moves to the back, but is on the verge of losing te psoition. She’s too high. She loses the position and Gomes ends on top. Gomes lets Moura back up. Good knee by Gomes to the body. Moura closes the distance and presses Gomes against the cage. Gomes defends. Moura shoots again and Gomes stuffs it. Again! Good takedown defense by Gomes. Moura seems a little tired. Gomes presses Moura against the cage. Good shots from Gomes. Moura looks to takedown Gomes, but unable to. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gomes.

Round 3 – Good body shot by Gomes. Oh! Clean combo from Gomes connects on the chin of Moura. Moura looks spent. Moura shoots for a takedown, gets caught in a front choke, but gets out of it by taking down Gomes. Gomes immediately back up and presses Moura against the cage. They break free. Leg kick by Gomes. Jab by Gomes. Moura shoots and takes down Gomes. One minute left. Gomes gets back up shortly after. Not much going on here on the feet. Big miss by Gomes. Moura shoots for the takedown and unable to get it, as the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gomes. Overall 29-28, Gomes.

Result: Denise Gomes def. Eduarda Moura via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Gomes (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Moura (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Rob Mooney
Judging: Chris Kinman 28-29, Junichiro Kamijo, Mike Bell 30-27.

John Castaneda vs. Daniel Marcos

Round 1 – Leg kick by Castaneda. Marcos pressuring here. Another leg kick by Castaneda. Marcos seems to be looking for his timing. Clean right-hand lands for Marcos. Oh! Nice combo by Marcos. Three minutes left. Two leg kicks land for Castaneda. Oh! Marcos drops Castaneda with a right hand! Castaneda back up, looking to recover. Marcos upping the pressure. The right hand connects again for Marcos. He’s a sniper tonight. One minute left. Jab by Marcos. Leg kick by Castaneda. Oh! Another right-hand stumbles Castaneda! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Marcos.

Round 2 – Marcos comes out a bit more aggressive here. Castaneda closes the distance and presses Marcos against the cage. Foot stomps by Castaneda. Castaneda working for a takedown, but Marcos is defending well. Marcos breaks free and lands a combo on Castaneda. Good right hand by Castaneda. Marcos backs Castaneda with a combo, finished with a knee. Castaneda troes to press Marcos against the cage, but he gets out. Solid pressure here by Marcos. Marcos presses Castaneda against the cage, lands a few shots and Castaneda breaks out. Castaneda now presses Marcos agaisnt the cage. Marcos breaks free. Natsy combo by Marcos. Oh! Castaneda lands a clean left. Castaneda shoots for the takedown and gets it! One minute left. Marcos gets right back up and lands a combo. Castaneda is bleeding from his nose. Big righthand by Marcos! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Marcos.

Round 3 – Righthand connects for Marcos. He’s been on point with that technique. Leg kick by Castaneda. It looks like Castaneda got hit with a low blow. The fight is paused. The replay shows it’s above the belt and the fight resumes. Nasty bdoy kick by Marcos. Castaneda shoots and presses Marcos against the cage. Marcos breaks free. Three minutes left. Jab then leg kick by Castaneda. Another right hand connects for Marcos. The right hand lands once again for Marcos. Nice body kick by Marcos. Castaneda is backing up Marcos now, a chance of pace. Oh! Castaneda gets dropped! He gets back up. More shots from Macros! Castaneda looks wobbly. Marcos presses hima aginsty the cage. He lets him go. Oh! Castaneda wobbles Mcros with a head kick! Castaneda chasing. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Marcos. Overall 30-27, Marcos.

Result: Daniel Marcos def. John Castaneda via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Marcos (16-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Castaneda (21-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Matt Jones, Junichiro Kamijo, Mike Bell 30-27.

Montana De La Rosa vs. Andrea Lee

Round 1 – De La Rosa clinches Lee early here and gets the takedown! Lee reverses her though and is now on top. De La Rosa locks a triangle choke! Lee landing shots from top. She gets out! De La Rosa works her way back to her feet, but is being pressed by Lee. De La Rosa gets out. Oh! What a shot by Lee! De La Rosa is wobbled! De La Rosa clinches and takes down Lee. They scramble and Lee ends on top. They scramble back to their feet. Lee picking apart here De La Rosa. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lee.

Round 2 – Good right hand lands for Lee. De La Rosa shoots, but gets stuffed by Lee. Nice jab by Lee. Leg kick by De La Rosa. Uppercut by De La Rosa! Oh! Nice standing elbow by De La Rosa! We’re halfway through the round. Good jabs by De La Rosa. She’s finding her timing. Leg kick by Lee. Nice combo by De La Rosa. She’s winning the striking battle at the moment. Lee shoots and gets stuffed by De La Rosa. Righthand lands for De La Rosa. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, De La Rosa.

Round 2 – Hard leg kick by Lee. Both land in an exchange. They clinch. Good knees by Lee. They break. De La Rosa is bleeding from her nose. Good one, two by De La Rosa. De La Rosa takes the back of Lee and takes her down. De La Rosa on back control. Lee gets out, but is on bottom. De La Rosa takes the back of Lee again. We’re halfway through the round. Good control here by De La Rosa, but no damage. De La Rosa gets the body triangle. Oh! Lee reverses and ends on top! Lee lets De La Rosa back up. Final minute. They both land. Head kick for De La Rosa. De La Rosa scores a takedown in the final seconds. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, De La Rosa. Overall 29-28, De La Rosa.

Result: Montana De La Rosa def. Andrea Lee via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: De La Rosa (13-9-1 MMA, 6-5-1 UFC), Lee (13-10 MMA, 5-8 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: George Conley
Judging: Rop Pope 28-29, Sal D’Amato, Derek Cleary 29-28.

Jesse Butler vs. Brad Katona

Round 1 – Katona ctches a kick early and takes down Butler. Katona working from guard. Shots from top by Katona. Katona moves to half guard. Solid elbows by Katona. Butler recovers guard. Good shots from top by Katona. Katona controling. Not much going on. Katona control until the bell. The fans boo.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Katona.

Round 2 – Katona gets a takedown early again. Ground-and-pound by Katona. Big shots from Katona. Butler is split open on his forehead. Haldway through the round. Katona keeps controlling and landing shots here and there. The crowd is chanting, ‘Stand them up, stand them up.’ Butler trying to get up, but unable to. Butler gets up, but Katona presses him against the cage. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Katona.

Round 3 – Nice shot by Butler! Katona answers back! Katona with a couple of hooks. Katona pressuirng here. Good left by Butler. Leg kick by Katona. Jabs by Butler. Good right hand by Katona. We’re haldway through the round. Leg kick by Butler. Katona with a right hook to the chin and then a lef to the body. Butler slips ona kick and Katona takes top position. Big shots from Katona. Katona moves to half guard. More shots from Katona. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Katona. Overall 30-27, Katona.

Result: Brad Katona def. Jesse Butler via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Katona (16-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Butler (12-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Chris Kinman, Sal D’Amato 30-27. Derek Cleary 30-26.

Carlos Prates vs. Charlie Radtke

Round 1 – Radtke closes the distance on Prates and presses him against the cage. Prates breaks out. Hard leg kick by Prates. Leg kick by Radtke. Very low output so far. Three minutes left. Stiff jab for Prates. Nice left hook by Radtke, but Prates answers back with a combo. Front kick by Prates. Eye poke from Prates halts the fight for a few seconds. Prates on the offense. Good left by Radtke. Leg kick by Prates. Staright left by Prates! Oh! Prates folds Radtke with a body kick! It’s over. Wow.

Result: Carlos Prates def. Charlie Radtke via TKO (knee to the body) – Round 1, 4:47
Recap: Carlos Prates folds Charlie Radtke with pinpoint knee to body
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Prates (19-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Radtke (9-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Blake Grice

Ludovit Klein vs. Thiago Moises

Round 1 – Big head kick from Klein blcoked by Moises. Both timing each other, neither has landed anything clean so far. Three minutes left. Moises shoots, but Klein stuffs it. Leg kick by Moises. Hard leg kick by Klein. Very slow fight so far. The crowd is booing. One minute left. Oh! Klein wobbles Moises with a left! Moises drops. Klein with some ground-and-pound, but Moises works his way back to his feet. Klein now controlling Moises against the cage. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Klein.

Round 2 – Klein walking down Moises here. Very low output from both. They trade leg kicks. Moises almost lands a head kick. Hard leg kicks from both.Nice uppercut by Moises, Moises shoots and Kleins defends. Good knee to the body by Klein. Two minutes left. Moises presses Klein against the cage. Klein escpaes, but Moises lands a good right hand on the break. Klein shoots and gets the takedown. Oh! Moises locks a knee bar! It looks tight! Klein escapes and lands a few shots before the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Klein.

Round 3 – A low blow early from Klein halts the action. After a minute , the fight resumes. Moises shoots and gets stuffed by Klein. They go against the cage and Klein gets control. Knee to the leg by Klein. Moises reverses the position. They break. Big leg kick by Klein. Moises shoots and fails. Three minutes left. Moises shoots, they scramble and Moises ends up pressed against the cage. Moises breaks free. Oh! Klein drops Moises with a knee to the. body! Klein jumps on top. Ground-and-pound by Klein. Moises survives and does a good job at tying up Klein. Klein ends the round on top.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Klein. Overall 30-27, Klein.

Result: Ludovit Klein def. Thiago Moises via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Klein (22-4-1 MMA, 6-2-1 UFC), Moises (18-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: George Conley
Judging: Rob Pope, Junichiro Kamijo, Mike Bell 30-27.

Miguel Baeza vs. Puna Soriano

Round 1 – Side kick to the body by Baeza. They clinch and Baeza presses Soriano against the cage. Soriano reverses the position after a minute of control from Baeza. Soriano gets the takedown and lands a few shots on Baeza. More shots from Soriano. We’re halfway through the round. Baeza going for a heel hook! Soriano landing shots on Baeza. Both trading punches from 50/50 position. Baeza switches to a knee bar! It looks tight! Soriano gets out and begins toland shots on Baeza! Baeza gets up and the fight resumes. Soriano scores a takedown. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Soriano.

Round 2 – Soriano lands a right hand and then takes down Baeza. Soriano working from guard. Baeza attempts an armbar and fails. More shots from Soriano. Another failed armbar attempt by Baeza. More shots from Soriano. Another armbar attempt and this looks much better. They’re in a stalemate, but Baeza definitely threatening. Soriano gets out and begins to rain punches on Baeza. Soriano now takes the back of Baeza. Baeza gets Soriano off him, but Soriano still maintaining top position. More shots from Soriano. One minute left. Soriano controlling and landing shots from turtle position. Baeza trying to get up, but unable to. Soriano controls until the bell.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Soriano.

Round 3 – Body kick by Soriano. Soriano shoots and takes down Baeza. They’re back in the same position – Soriano controlling Baeza by the cage in turtle position. Shots from Soriano. Baeza goes to his back Non-stop ground-and-pound from Soriano. Three minutes left. Baeza taking tons of shots here. Soriano moves to half guard. Sorinao controlling. The crowd is booing due to the lack of action. One minute left. More short shots from Soriano. Baeza is not looking to get up and Soriano is not looking to pass guard. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Soriano. Overall 30-27, Soriano.

Result:Punahele Soriano def. Miguel Baeza via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Soriano (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Baeza (10-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Rob Mooney
Judging: Chris Kinman 30-27, Sal D’Amato 30-25, Derek Cleary 30-25.

Julian Marquez vs. Zach Reese

Round 1 – Oh! Uppercut drops Marquez! It’s over! What a showing by Reese!

Result: Zach Reese def. Julian Marquez via TKO (punches) – Round 1 0:20
Recap: Zach Reese starches Julian Marquez with 20-second TKO
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Reese (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Marquez (9-5 MMA, 3-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Brunno Ferreira vs. Dustin Stoltzfus

Round 1 – Stoltzfus pressing Ferreira here. Both fighters very tentative so far. Big shots from Stoltzfus. Oh! A right hand lands for Stoltzfus. Stoltzfus takes down Ferreira and is working from guard. Three minutes left. Stoltzfus has a front head lock. Stoltzfus takes the back of Ferreira. Stoltzfus falls off, but transitions to a knee bar! Ferreira gets out! Back to the feet. Big elbow by Ferreira as they clinch. A right hand connects for Stoltzfus. One minute left. Oh! Spinning back kick to the body by Stoltzfus. Oh! Stoltzfus is badly hurt. Stoltzfus all over him! Ferrira going for the KO. Boom! It’s over! Spinning elbow does it for Ferreira. Incredible.

Result: Brunno Ferreira def. Dustin Stoltzfus via TKO (spinning elbow) – Round 1, 4:51
Recap: Brunno Ferreira smashes Dustin Stoltzfus with vicious spinning back elbow
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Ferreira (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Stoltzfus (15-6 MMA, 2-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Jason Herzog

Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios

Round 1 – Oh! Big kicks from Turcios right away! Rosas Jr. shoots and gets the takedown. He takes Turcios towards the cage. Rosas Jr. moves to half guard. Just control, no damage from Rosas Jr. so far. Pure control her eby Rosas Jr. Rosas Jr. with a punch. Turcios gets back to his feet, but Rosas Jr. drags him back down. Shots from bottom by Turcios. Rosas Jr. now takes the back of Turcios but loses it almost immediately. Turcios now takes his back. Turcios going for the rear-naked choke! Rosas Jr. gets out and now takes Turcios back! Crazy sequence. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Rosas Jr.

Round 2 – Knee to the head by Rosas Jr.! He takes down Turcios. Rosas Jr. takes the back of Turcios and sinks in a body triangle. Rosas Jr. is working to set up the rear-naked choke. Three minutes left. He’s got the choke! There’s the tap! It’s over!

Result: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Ricky Turcios via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:22
Recap: Raul Rosas Jr. taps Ricky Turcios with slick rear-naked choke
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Rosas Jr. (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Turcios (12-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Blake Grice

Dustin Jacoby vs. Dominick Reyes

Round 1 –  Body kick by Reyes. Reyes throwing heat here. Leg kick by Jacoby. Reyes answers back with his own leg kick. More leg kicks by Jacoby. Right hand connects for Jacoby! Oh! Ryes wobbles Jacoby! He’s hurt. More shots from Reyes! It’s over. What a comeback win by Reyes.

Result: Dominick Reyes def. Dustin Jacoby via KO (punches) – Round 1, 2:00
Recap: Dominick Reyes snaps four-fight skid with quick TKO of Dustin Jacoby
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Reyes (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Jacoby (19-9-1 MMA, 7-6-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov

Round 1 – Both guys swinging big early. Big calf kick by Cannonier. More calf kicks by Cannonier. Imavov with a nice jab. Cannonier close the distance and presses Imavov against the cage. Cannonier lets imavov off the hook and back to strikking. We’re halfway through the round. More calf kicks by Cannonier. Right hand connects by Cannonier. Imaviv catches a leg kick from Cannonier and drops him to te ground. Cannonier gets up into a takedown. He doesn’t get it, but he presses Imavov against the cage. One minute left. Good control here by Cannonier, but no damage so far. Pure control here by Cannonier. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Cannonier.

Round 2 – Calf kick by Cannonier. Cannonier swining big here. Both guys defensively sound. Cannonier closes the distance and presses Imavov against the cage. Short shots from Imavov. Knee to the leg by Cannonier. Three minutes left. Imavov breaks free. Imavov pressuing Cannonier with his striking, but Cannoniercloses the distane once again and pins Imavov against the cage. Imavov breaks free after getting controlled for a good bit. Straight right lands for Imavov. Calf kick lands for Cannonier Nice jab by Imavov. Nice combo by Imavov in the final seconds, they seem to slightly wobble Cannonier. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Imavov.

Round 3 – Right hand lands for Imavov. He seems to be finding his rythm. Imavov ties up Cannonier and takes him down. Cannonier works his way back to his feet, but still being controlled. Cannonier reverses the position and pins Imavov against the cage. Imavov breaks free. Leg kick by Cannonier. Jabs by Imavov. Close round here. Cannonier pins Imavov against the cage once again. Two minutes left. Short shots land from Cannonier. They break. Body kick by Imavov, Imavov with the jab. More jabs by Imavov. Cannonier presses him against the cage again. Imavov escapes and lands a combo before the bell. Close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Imavov.

Round 4 – Leg kick by Cannonier. Oh! Spinning elbow connects for Cannonier. Imaviv takes his back in the process and pins him against the cage. Cannonier breaks free almost immediately. One, two lands for Imavov. Oh! Imavov wobbles Cannonier! Cannonier stumbling as Imaviv looks to finish. It’s over! Referee Jason Herzog stops tha fight and it’s a standing TKO for Imavov. Cannonier complains. Questionable stoppage.

Result: Nassourdine Imavov def. Jared Cannonier via TKO (punches) – Round 4, 1:34
Recap: Nassourdine Imavov wobbles Jared Cannonier, gets questionable referee stoppage
Photos: UFC on ESPN 57: Best photos from Louisville
Records: Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC), Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Jason Herzog

UFC on ESPN 57 results: Nassourdine Imavov wobbles Jared Cannonier, gets questionable referee stoppage

Nassourdine Imavov dished out the damage, and the referee thought it was enough for Jared Cannonier in the main event at UFC on ESPN 57.

The biggest win of [autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag]’s UFC career thus far was perhaps tainted by a questionable referee stoppage after hurting Jared Cannonier.

The middleweight main event of UFC on ESPN 57 at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky., was filled with heavy technical striking exchanges. That is, until Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) rocked Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), leading to a controversial referee stoppage at 1:34 of Round 4.

With roaring chants of “U-S-A” echoing, Cannonier started the action with crisp punches. Imavov responded, countering nicely to keep Cannonier honest with his offense. After a short sequence on the mat after a Cannonier takedown, the middleweights returned to trading heavy shots in the center of the cage.

Cannonier kept the tempo high in Round 2, which was matched well by Imavov. Striking exchanges led to brief clinch work sequences along the fence initiated by Cannonier. After separating, Imavov began to turn up offensive pressure, landing beautifully late in the round.

Early in the third, Imavov changed things up with clinch work of his own, but Cannonier patiently worked his way free and looked for a takedown of his own. The fight remained standing, and tight exchanges continued until the horn.

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Imavov found the mark with early combinations as Cannonier circled outside. Suddenly, Imavov cracked Cannonier with a vicious right hook, sending Cannonier wobbling.

Cannonier kept his guard up as he stumbled about the cage while Imavov was on the hunt with follow-up strikes. Cannonier did his best to keep his hands up while avoiding damage. Referee Jason Herzog decided to step in and stop the fight, which was met with immediate protest from Cannonier, and boos from the crowd.

As a result of the stoppage, Imavov secures his third UFC stoppage and back-to-back wins following a majority decision over Roman Dolidze in February.

During his post-fight interview, Imavov said he was ready to keep fighting had the referee not stepped in but knew he would find the finish sooner or later.

“My goal is to get the belt, for me, my family, everyone around me,” Imavov said through an interpreter. “I’d like to fight Sean Strickland in Paris. So Sean Strickland, if you want to do it, come to Paris and we’re going to fight together.”

Cannonier’s attempt to stretch his winning streak to three was denied. After defeating former champion Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori, “Killa Gorilla” was on the hunt for another shot at the middleweight title, but now finds himself further from that goal.

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Full UFC on ESPN 57 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 57.