UFC 265- Results & Quick Thoughts

Main Card

UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship (265)- Ciryl Gane def. Derrick Lewis via TKO at 4:11 of R3

Very technical, clean performance by Gane. Picked his spots, staying at range and particularly effective at chopping away with leg kicks, slowing down Lewis en route to the fight-ending flurry.

(135) Jose Aldo def. Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision (30-27 X 3)

Aldo was in championship-level form here. Precise with a high output, the King of Rio particularly looked like his old self with some blistering combinations in the 3rd, set up by devastating body attacks in rounds 2 and 3.

(170) Vicente Luque def. Michael Chiesa via submission (D'Arce choke) at 3:25 of R1

This was incredibly impressive, as Chiesa was doing great and almost submitted Luque first, with a RNC that by the winner's own admission was "80% in", before turning the tide with an escape and a choke of his own in mere moments. Huge statement by Luque, that could be enough to get him a shot as reigning welterweight champ Usman.

(115) Tecia Torres def. Angela Hill via UD (30-27 X 2, 29-28)

Huge speed advantage for Torres, leaving Hill looking a step behind all fight. Angela was game and kept coming forward, but Tecia was able to cut angles and land strikes at will. Torres could be looking at top contention at strawweight as she continues to do a commendable job bouncing back from the losing streak she was on.

(135) Song Yadong def. Casey Kenney via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

I was surprised by the split, but even with that and the pro-USA crowd booing the result, I thought Yadong was the clear winner, seeming sharper with his strikes and better with his movement at every turn. Kenney even tried to grapple at one stage and Song simply wasn't having it.

Prelims

(155) Rafael Fiziev def. Bobby Green via UD (30-27, 29-28 X 2)

I don't know how in the hell a 30-27 for Fiziev happens, as Green almost landed double on him in an epic third round, but we had the right victor in this deserved FOTN. Lots of fun trading bombs as they taunted and trash-talked each other for 15 minutes of carnage.

(135) Vince Morales def. Drako Rodriguez via UD (30-27, 29-28 X 2)

Honestly didn't have my full attention on this one as I was having a conversation, but from what I saw it was a gritty, competitive fight with neither man gaining a significant advantage on the other, but neither one backing down. Good stuff.

(205) Alonzo Menifield def. Ed Herman via UD (30-27 X 3)

Herman developed some kind of swelling on his shin that made it extremely difficult to function in the fight, but the old warhorse kept fighting and coming forward. Menifield played it a little cautious after having issues getting too aggressive in previous fights, but it was still a dominant win over a name opponent.

(115) Jessica Penne def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz via submission (armbar) at 4:32 of R1

Penne gets a Performance of the Night bonus and a huge name on her record with this quick submission finish of Kowalkiewicz. This was Karolina's 5th straight loss, which likely means the end of her UFC run. Penne was highly emotional and grateful in the post-fight interview as well.

(Catchweight- 129) Manuel Kape def. Ode Osbourne via KO (flying knee) at 4:44 of R1

Highlight reel KO. Osbourne protested the quickness of the stoppage, but the knee hit CLEAN. Kape was screaming about getting a bonus for this finish, but as DC kindly reminded him- he was ineligible due to the fact that he missed weight for the fight.

(135) Miles Johns def. Anderson dos Santos via KO (punch) at 1:16 of R3

This finish DID get a bonus, and it was especially impressive as Johns appeared to be in control and comfortably heading towards a decision victory. It was evident over the course of the fight that Johns had a power advantage, and it was evident as he landed a body shot/right hook combo to shut the lights off for dos Santos.

(125) Melissa Gatto def.Victoria Leonardo via doctor stoppage at 5:00 of R2

Gatto appeared to have a significant advantage in the grappling in R1, and stayed in control over R2, where Leonardo was unable to mount much of a comeback. In between rounds, Leonardo complains to her corner that she can't use her right arm, and despite saying she can continue, the doctor waves this one off. Unfortunate way to end, but impressive performance nonetheless for Gatto.

(135) Johnny Munoz Jr. def. Jamey Simmons via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:35 of R2

Full disclosure, I missed this fight because I slept in. May edit this later with some thoughts when I get a chance to see the fight.