UFC on ESPN 13 Undercard Results, Recap and Analysis
UFC on ESPN 13 undercard action played fast and furious as 12 Octagon hopefuls warred over greater purses and winning exposure. Overall, five of the card's six matchups ended within distance.
Bantamweights: Jack Shore vs. Aaron Phillips
A -800 favorite, unbeaten Jack Shore used superior grappling strength to control his opponent through round one. The initial total strikes landed leaned heavily toward Shore.
At total ease against Philips, round two brought Shore’s eighth submission win at 2:33 as the rising prospect sunk an inescapable rear-naked choke after a quick takedown.
With the victory, 25-year-old Jack Shore improves to 13-0 overall and 2-0 in the Octagon. Meanwhile, UFC newcomer Phillips’ five fight undefeated run came to an abrupt halt.
The opening matchup showed a clear class divide between the two combatants as Shore rag-dolled and outlanded Phillips 42-7.
Winner: Jack Shore by submission
Flyweights: Diana Belbita vs. Liana Jojua
Round one began with each fighter pummeling hard for takedown opportunities. At a stalemate, Diana “Warrior Princess” Belbita outmuscled her opponent before landing in mission control. However, quick from her back, Jojua offered several arm bar attempts before finally securing the fight-ending lock at 2:24 of round one.
Jojua now owns five first round stoppages and the seventh tap out of her paid career. Slight favorite Diana Belbita has now dropped her first two Octagon appearances after an initial loss vs. Molly McCann.
Winner: Liana Jojua by submission
Featherweights: Chris Fishgold vs. Jared Gordon
While each fighter pressed early for guillotine chokes, after pulling guard Fishgold dropped a close first round after taking Gordon hammer fists from bottom.
Round two saw Gordon dominate his opponent from various top positions. The 31-year-old’s wrestling made a huge impression as he outlanded Fishgold 31-0 to surge ahead during the middle frame. Through two rounds, Gordon held a decided 111-28 striking edge.
The final five minutes brought more quality Gordon work as his wrestling game simply proved too much for UFC vet Fishgold. Overall,Jared “Flash” Gordon outstruck his opponent 206 to 34 while winning the takedown scrum 3-0.
A well-earned unanimous decision victory from Fight Island brought Gordon’s Octagon record to 4-2 as he’s won seven of ten overall.
Winner: Jared Gordon by unanimous decision
Light Heavyweights: Modestas Bukauskas vs. Andreas Michailidis
Round one brought tight action as the significant strike battle remained close. With leg kicks flowing from either end, Bukauskas pressed forward while Michalidis lobbed the more telling connects. However, after dropping retaliatory elbows on a last-second Michailidis shot, Bukauskas gained TKO victory after rupturing his foe’s eardrum to end the fight at 5:00 between rounds.
At 26, Modestas Bukauskas has stopped his last seven opponents and enters the UFC in style.
Winner: Modestas Bukauskas by TKO
Featherweights: Ricardo Ramos vs. Lerone Murphy
Ramos set early tempo while landing cleaner standing technique. Both fighters added takedowns, though Murphy’s proved deciding after his harsh ground-and-pound ended matters at 4:18 of round one. Overall, the unbeaten prospect outlanded his favored opponent 24-10 With the win, Leon “The Miracle” Murphy has finished his last two victims while Ramos’ UFC record falls to 5-2.
Winner: Lerone Murphy by TKO
Welterweights: Khamzet Chimaev vs. John Phillips
Powerhouse grappler Chimaev smothered Phillips’ early power by spending almost the entirety of round one reigning down from top control. In total, the Swede outlanded his heavy-handed foe 118-2 in round one.
Realizing his enormous ground edge, blue-chip prospect Khazmet Chimaev hit a beautiful D’arce Choke to render scorecards moot at 1:13 of round two. On a night he totally eclipsed Octagon veteran John Phillips, Chimaev improved to 7-0 with seven pro finishes.
Winner: Khamzat Chimaev by submission
