UFC on ESPN 62 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage and official results of the event which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier (17-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) took on Caio Borralho (17-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in the main event. In the co-feature, Angela Hill (17-14 MMA, 12-14 UFC) met Tabatha Ricci (11-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in a women’s strawweight bout. Plus, there were two Season 32 finals of “The Ultimate Fighter.”
Check out our round-by-round updates and official results below.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
- Caio Borralho def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46)
- Tabatha Ricci def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ryan Loder def. Rob Valentin via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 1:49 – TUF 32 middleweight final
- Mairon Santos def. Kaan Ofli via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:30 – TUF 32 featherweight final
- Michael Morales def. Neil Magny via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:39
- Gerald Meerschaert def. Edmen Shahbazyan via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 2, 4:12
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
- Francis Marshall def. Dennis Buzukja via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
- Zach Reese def. Jose Medina via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Viacheslav Borshchev def. James Llontop via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
- Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Josiane Nunes via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30)
- Wang Cong def. Victoria Leonardo via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:02
Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho
Round 1 – They touch gloves and the main event is underway with a feel-out process. Stiff jab from Borralho to start. Cannonier with an inside leg kick. Borralho fires one back. Cannonier gets poked in the eye as he comes forward, pausing the fight. Less than a minute break here and we’re back to it. Borralho connects with two hard calf kicks that take Cannonier off balance. Borralho lands a right jab as Cannonier comes into range. The ref warns both to watch their fingers. Borralho jumps with a knee, but it’s blocked. Cannonier unleashes a big fight hand. Another leg kick from Borralho. Cannonier charges forward with a nice two-punch combo.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Borralho.
Round 2 – Cannonier closes the distance quickly, looking for a right hand. Borralho fires back. Cannonier blitzes again with punches. A nice outside kick from Borralho and Cannonier responds with one of his own. A nice combination of fast punches from Cannonier. Borralho looks for a knee in the center. Cannonier cracks with a big left and a right behind it. Borralho circles, and Cannonier lands again. Borralho looks hurt. Cannonier turns up the forward pressure, but stays patient. Borralho lands a right hand. They exchange stiff leg kicks. Cannonier comes with a right hook. Another nice combination from Cannonier. Borralho gets in a counterpunch.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cannonier.
Round 3 – Borralho lands a nice right hook as Cannonier looks to land a combo. Cannonier’s mouthpiece gets scraped out by Borralho. The ref pauses the action and returns it. They exchange strikes as things start to heat up. Borralho with a knee. Cannonier doubles up the jab. Borralho comes in with a kick. A nice left for Cannonier. Borralho kicks to the body. A stiff leg kick added a moment later. Cannonier puts together a combination. Borralho lands nicely with a fast combo. A left follows. Now they’re trading as Cannonier answers. A big 1-2 from Borralho has Cannonier retreating! Borralho swarms! Cannonier circles away to stay in it. Borralho lands again, and Cannonier drops to a knee! He’s back up. Borralho keeps coming forward! Now Cannonier answers just before the horn. What a wild ending to the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Borralho.
Round 4 – Cannonier comes out with strikes as he looks fully recovered. Borralho stays in close, looking to counter. Hard leg kick from Borralho. Cannonier lands a nice right hand. They trade leg kicks after punches upstairs just miss their target. Borralho finds home for a right. Another leg kick for Borralho. Cannonier ducks under and comes up high with punches. Borralho fires off a fast 1-2, but Cannoier responds with three punches. A 1-2 from Cannonier opens up a cut under Borralho’s eye. Cannonier slips after a kick from Borralho. Cannonier get back to forward pressure and they exchange punches. A punch from Borralho causes Cannonier’s mouthpiece to come out, but he catches it and puts it right back in.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cannonier.
Round 5 – A big show of respect and a hug before they get to the final 5 minutes. Borralho threatens a takedown attempt, but bails. Cannonier looks for the overhand left. Borralho pressures and lands a right. Borralho lands a counter as Cannonier comes forward. A high kick from Borralho is blocked. Cannonier moves ahead with punches, but Borralho counters with another right hand. Borralho knocks Cannonier’s mouthpiece out again with a punch. The ref returns it. Borralho pressures. A sharp 1-2 combo lights up Cannonier and he wobbles to the canvas! Borralho is swarming, unloading heavy punches from the top! The referee lets it go! Cannonier survives the storm. Borralho switches to an arm triangle. The referee checks on Cannonier, but he gives the thumbs up. Cannonier gets up in the final seconds, but can’t land anything before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Borralho, giving him the fight 48-46.
Result: Caio Borralho def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46)
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 results: Caio Borralho digs deep for biggest career win over Jared Cannonier
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), Borralho (16-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Sal D’Amato (49-45), Chris Lee (48-46), Ron McCarthy (49-45)
Angela Hill vs. Tabatha Ricci
Round 1 – Hill lands a sharp right in the first exchange, but Ricci rushes in to clinch. She gets double underhooks against the cage, but Hill frames and gets out. They exchange punches, and Ricci is in on another clinch. Hill gets away again, and punches on the exit. Ricci gets right back into Hill’s space with strikes and is back in to clinch. Hill escapes, and Ricci comes forward again. Hill lands a right on the entry. Now they’re trading punches. Ricci blitzes forward with a combo. Another clinch initiated by Ricci. Hill gets in a knee to the body. Ricci gets one of her own, and they separate. Hill connects with a right hand. They’re back to trading again, and now it’s Hill with a clinch. They fight for position long the cage, separate, and engage in one more exchange of punches before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ricci.
Round 2 – They come out firing punches, but Ricci gets a hold and dumps Hill to the canvas. Ricci lands strikes from top position. She stands up and lands a kick to the body as Hill returns to her feet. Ricci sticks with her against the cage, looking for another throw, but gives up on it. Hill with a front kick. A fast combo of punches from Ricci. Hill catches a kick from Ricci, clinches, and lands a few short strikes. Ricci gets away, but quickly charges forward with punches into a clinch. Hill with a body kick. Ricci fires back with a 1-2. The pace is high, and both are continuously throwing strikes. Hill appears more labored in her punches now, but still cracks with a big right hand. A moment later, Ricci changes levels and gets a takedown. Hill lands elbows from her back before kicking off and returning to her feet. They lock up and just fire off punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hill.
Round 3 – Ricci comes in quickly but Hill connects with two clean right hands. Ricci responds with left hands. They’re turning up the action again, trading in the center. Hill looks for a takedown, gets reversed, and kicks Ricci away. They’re back in the middle. Ricci comes forward with punches. Another clinch into the fence by Ricci. Hill gets free and they return to the middle. They just start letting punches fly. The pace is wild. They clinch up and Hill connects with a nice uppercut on the exit. Ricci fires off a series of 1-2s. A takedown attempt is sprawled by Hill. Just over one minute left. They continue to trade in the center. Ricci comes forward with punches and clinches again. Hill lands a knee and a kick on the exit. The back-and-forth action continues until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ricci, giving her the fight 29-28.
Result: Tabatha Ricci def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 results: Tabatha Ricci earns judges’ nod over Angela Hill in close affair
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Hill (17-14 MMA, 12-14 UFC), Ricci (11-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Mike Bell, Ben Cartlidge, Eric Colon
Ryan Loder vs. Rob Valentin
Round 1 – Loder opens up with a kick, followed by a successful takedown. Valentin quickly throws up a triangle attempt, but Loder is safe. Valentin attempts to scramble up, but gets dragged down. Loder has a choke! Valentin escapes and takes the back! What a wild sequence that was. Valentin is hunting for a rear-naked choke now but Loder stays calm and gets out. Valentin has a body lock, and goes for another choke. Loder escapes that one too, and scrambles to take top guard. Loder gets in a nice short elbow as he controls from the top until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Valentin.
Round 2 – Loder comes straight out with a big overhand left, straight into a clinch. Valentin nearly reverses the takedown attempt but Loder ends up on top. Loder gets the mounted crucifix and starts pouring in short elbows. Valentin is flailing, trying to escape. More elbows from Loder. The referee steps in close, warning a stoppage. More elbows land. Another warning from the ref. Loder keeps hammering, and that’s it! Very nice finish for Loder!
RYAN LODER PINS ROBERT VALENTIN TO WIN THE #TUF32 MIDDLEWEIGHT FINAL 💪 #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/MBChhwN5nd
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 25, 2024
Result: Ryan Loder def. Rob Valentin via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 1:49
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 results: Ryan Loder wins ‘TUF 32’ with inescapable crucifix vs. Robert Valentin
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Loder (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Valentin (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Kaan Ofli vs. Mairon Santos
Round 1 – They touch gloves and Santos opens up with a combo. Ofli closes the distance, and Santos looks for a knee to the body. Ofli clinches, but Santos shakes free. Santos lands a clean right hand. Ofli stays aggressive with pressure, charging forward with punches into a clinch against the cage. Ofli keeps Santos pinned there, but can’t improve. Santos lands a nice shot on the exit. A leg kick from Santos nearly sweeps Ofli off his feet. A hard front kick to the body from Santos. Now a right hand upstairs. There’s another hard kick, and this one does take Ofli off his feet! Ofli resets and charges forward, but gets countered. Santos attempts a jumping knee, but misses. Ofli lands a big right hand to counter Santos’ next offering.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Santos.
Round 2 – Punches and a kick to the body from Santos to start. He adds a leg kick and another combo of punches, starting fast in this round. Ofli sees an entry to clinch and takes it, but Santos gets away. Santos catches a kick from Ofli and returns with a jumping switch kick. Ofli charges forward with strikes, but Santos sleeps him with a counter left hand! WOW! What a finish!
MAIRON SANTOS PUT HIM TO SLEEP TO WIN THE #TUF32 FEATHERWEIGHT FINAL 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qeJMrpCpT8
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 25, 2024
Result: Mairon Santos def. Kaan Ofli via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:30
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 results: Mairon Santos folds Kaan Ofli with violent knockout to win ‘TUF 32’
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Ofli (11-3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Santos (14-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Neil Magny vs. Michael Morales
Round 1 – Magny opens with a front kick to the body. Morales checks a leg kick and digs in with his own a moment later. Another solid leg kick from Morales prompts Magny to charge forward with punches. Morales evades and lands another leg kick. Magny gets in on a takedown attempt, leading to standing back control. Morales keeps things standing, and lands a big spinning elbow to drop Magny on the exit! Morales rushes in to take top position and begins landing heavy ground and pound. Magny covers up as he gets flattened out. Morales keeps hammering! There’s the TKO stoppage!
STILL UNDEFEATED 😤
Michael Morales picks up another K.O. in style 👊 #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/tuiPxGtr4S
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 25, 2024
Result: Michael Morales def. Neil Magny via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:39
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 video: Michael Morales pummels Neil Magny for merciful stoppage
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Magny (29-12 MMA, 22-11 UFC), Morales (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Edmen Shahbazyan
Round 1 – They touch ’em up, and Meerschaert fires off a fast kick. He goes to the body wit ha kick a moment later. Shahbazyan closes in with a right hand. Another inside kick from Meerschaert. They trade punches upstairs. Shahbazyan defends a single leg well. Two solid punches from Shahbazyan. They clinch up and Shahbazyan lands an elbow on the exit. A powerful kick from Shahbazyan echoes loudly. A straight right from Shahbazyan gets through. Meerschaert kicks inside, but it’s a low blow and the fight is halted. The fight resumes and there’s just over one minute left. Shahbazyan kicks to the body. Shahbazyan lands a left at the end of a combo. He adds one more kick to the body before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Shahbazyan.
Round 2 – Meerschaert shoots in early, but is denied. Another attempt is not far behind it and Shahbazyan sprawls. Shahbazyan lands a clean right to the body followed by a knee upstairs. Oh, Meerschaert is hurt! He goes down and Shahbazyan swarms with punches! The referee is watching very closely now. Shahbazyan keeps unloading. The ref threatens to stop the fight again and Meerschaert finally gets a hold of Shahbazyan to slow the onslaught. Meerschaert eventually works his way up and now he’s unloading with a nice combo. Shahbazyan responds. Now it’s Meerschaert with a takedown! He slaps on an arm triangle! There’s the tap! What a comeback!
WHAT A COMEBACK FOR GERALD MEERSCHAERT 😳
He now holds the most finishes in UFC middleweight history 👏 #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/Oo43s26UQO
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 25, 2024
Result: Gerald Meerschaert def. Edmen Shahbazyan via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 2, 4:12
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 video: Gerald Meerschaert makes history with Comeback of the Year candidate
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Meerschaert (37-17 MMA, 12-9 UFC), Shahbazyan (13-5 MMA, 6-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Dennis Buzukja vs. Francis Marshall
Round 1 – They touch gloves and get right into it. Buzukja throws a kick as Marshall charges in for a takedown. Marshall gets Buzukja down to a knee from back control along the fence. Marshall continues to control from the position as time ticks away. Two minutes remain. Marshall adds a few punches to the head as Buzukja continues to calmly look for a way to get out. The separation comes with a minute left. Buzukja kicks to the body. Marshall with a left before blitzing with more punches into a clinch. Marshall catches Buzukja with a punch as he offers a kick.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Marshall.
Round 2 – They exchange early punches. Buzukja licks to the legs. Marshall unleashes a barrage of strikes now. Boom! A big right hand puts Buzukja down! Marshall takes top position but Buzukja is still there and gets back to his feet. They trade kicks, but Marshall gets Buzukja tripped up. A solid right hand from Marshall. Another forward charge from Marshall with a punch into a clinch. Buzukja gets free and kicks to the body. A few punches from Marshall connect as Buzukja moves forward. Now Buzukja gets in a solid punch and denies a takedown. A nice left for Buzukja. Marshall answers with two punches. Buzukja gets in a left hook. They both throw and clinch up. Blood is pouring from both now. Continuing to exchange punches, Buzukja comes on strong late with a solid combination. One more hard right hand at the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Marshall.
Round 3 – Heavy action to start the final round, with both finding a home for punches. Buzukja gets a solid right hand over the top. Marshall answers with a punch. They continue to let the strikes fly in exchanges. A nice left hand from Buzukja and now he changes levels for the takedown. Marshall denies it and reverses the clinch before separating. Buzukja threatens another takedown but doesn’t commit. A solid counter right from Buzukja as Marshall misses. Marshall connects now with a few punches as Buzukja comes forward. Another right hand for Marshall. He grabs a single leg, but can’t get the fight to the mat.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buzukja, but the fight goes to Marshall, 29-28.
Result: Francis Marshall def. Dennis Buzukja via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Buzukja (12-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Marshall (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Adalaide Byrd (28-29), Ben Cartlidge (30-27), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28)
Jose Medina vs. Zach Reese
Round 1 – They touch ’em up, and Medina fires off a fast left. Reese charges forward with strikes, sending Medina into the fence for an early big moment. Medina gets away. Reese closes in and gets a takedown. Big ground and pound from Reese now, opening up a cut on Medina. Reese adjusts and keeps throwing punches. Medina works up to his feet as Reese punches. Reese lifts and dumps Medina, but he’s back to his feet quickly and breaks free. Reese lands another clean shot. Huge kick to the body from Reese and Medina retreats. Reese swarms, but Medina somehow gets a takedown. Reese grabs a choke, using it to roll Medina over and take top position. Reese stands, and Medina takes his time getting back up. Reese is back on the hunt with strikes, missing with a jumping knee at the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Reese.
Round 2 – Reese comes out with a darting left hand. A hard kick to the body gets Medina to smile and back away. Another gets in a moment later. Reese connect with punches now, including a big uppercut. Medina starts to taunt, finger waving after Reese lands. Medina lands a leg kick, but Reese answers with more power. Another kick to the body from Reese. A solid right hand at the end of a combo. Reese adds a question mark kick to the mix. A spinning back kick misses, and Medina gets in a counter. A moment later Medina charges forward with a nice combination. Medina taunts again before closing in to land a solid right hand into a clinch.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Reese.
Round 3 – Medina wants a hug before getting back to it, and Reese obliges. They get back into it, and Reese looks for a takedown but is denied. They exchange strikes and now Reese completes a double leg. Medina gets up, but just for a moment as Reese gets him down again. Back on the feet again. Medina cracks Reese with a nice punch. Medina taunts again as Reese resets. Another big takedown from Reese in the center. Reese focuses on control as Medina gets in a few short strikes from the bottom. After looking for the neck, Reese adds a few punches. One minute left. Reese takes the back as Medina scrambles to a standing position. Reese dumps him down. Medina is back up and swings until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Reese, giving him the fight 30-26.
Result: Zach Reese def. Jose Medina via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Medina (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Reese (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27), Ron McCarthy (30-27), Tony Weeks (30-27)
Viacheslav Borshchev vs. James Llontop
Round 1 – Borshchev opens the action with a pair of leg kicks. They clash shins throwing kicks at the same time. They clinch up momentarily, but both just miss with short strikes. Llontop rips a hard left to the body. Borshchev pumps out a left jab. Llontop kicks to the body. Borshchev gets in a push kick to midsection. Borshchev lands a powerful right hand at the end of a combo. A head kick follows, but it’s partially blocked. Llontop digs with a solid leg kick. Two more follow, both very solid. Borshchev kicks to the body. Llontop responds with one to the legs. Borshchev cracks with a short left uppercut. Borshchev gets poked in the eyeD, but the referee doesn’t immediately pause the fight, and Llontop rushes in with strikes. Finally, the ref intervenes. The cageside doctor comes in for a check, and clears the fight to continue. There’s short time left, and they exchange strikes before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Borshchev.
Round 2 – Llontop comes out firing, but gets tripped up. Borshchev looks to capitalize, but Llontop is able to quickly gather himself and reset. Borshchev lands a solid right. Llontop lands a leg kick and then rips a punch to the body. Borshchev gets in a leg kick. Llontop responds with one of his own. Borshchev steps in with a nice knee to the body. A moment later, Borshchev rips a hard punch to the body. Llontop lands a right in an exchange. More punches to the body by Borshchev. Just 30 seconds to go, and Borshchev attempts a wild spinning kick, taking himself off balance. Llontop connects with a solid left and a knee.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Borshchev.
Round 3 – Borshchev fires off a high kick that gets partially blocked. Llontop fires back, but Borshchev counters nicely with a left hand. A nice body-head combo by Borshchev. Llontop steps in with a knee and Borshchev lands counters. Llontop lands a sold 1-2 as Borshchev gets off balance. Borshchev kicks to the body. A spinning backfist from Borshchev misses. The action heats up as they both connect with punches and kicks. A head kick from Borshchev lands. Llontop responds with strikes. Three punches from Llontop now. Borshchev shoots in but gets easily shaken off. Llontop continues to push forward with punches. Another wild kick attempt from Borshchev before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Llontop, but the fight goes to Borshchev, 29-28.
Result: Viacheslav Borshchev def. James Llontop via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Borshchev (8-4-1 MMA, 3-3-1 UFC), Llontop (14-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Ben Cartlidge (29-28), Eric Colon (28-29)
Jacqueline Cavalcanti vs. Josiane Nunes
Round 1 – Cavalcanti offers a few early jabs. Nunes catches a kick and fires off a hard counter punch. Cavalcanti circles, continuing to work behind the left jab. Nunes fires off an inside leg kick, but Cavalcanti counters with a kick to the body and a fast punch. Cavalcanti keeps pawing out the left, keeping the distance, and lights up Nunes with a sharp 1-2. Nunes starts to respond with punches as she charges forward. Nunes is connecting well now as she backs up Cavalcanti. Big hooks continue from Nunes. Cavalcanti circles back to the center to slow things. Cavalcanti sneaks in a sharp right hand. Nunes blitzes forward with punches before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cavalcanti.
Round 2 – Leg kicks from Cavalcanti start it off, and Nunes charges forward with punches. Cavalcanti hunts for an opening behind the pawing left as she circles. Nunes connects with an overhand left. Another solid punch from Nunes gets through. Outside leg kick from Cavalcanti and a right straight to the jaw. Cavalcanti fires off another right. A combination follows, ending with another right. An eye poke from Nunes as Cavalcanti lands pauses the fight. The replay shows a clean punch and the fight quickly resumes. Nunes darts in with a left hand. Turning up the pressure in the closing seconds, Nunes charges forward, looking for a home for punches as Cavalcanti evades.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cavalcanti.
Round 3 – Nunes puts the pressure on early, trying to connect with a big left hand. A heated exchange of punches now. Both land big shots. Cavalcanti gets back to light-footed circling as she offers single strikes. Nunes closes in with a big left and eats a counter uppercut. Cavalcanti goes for a head kick and takes herself off her feet. Nunes tries to close in for ground and pound, but Cavalcanti is able to get back to her feet quickly. Two minutes left. Nunes blitzes forward, but Cavalcanti narrowly escapes. A front kick to the body from Cavalcanti. Nunes gets an overhand left around the guard. Cavalcanti lands a 1-2 as Nunes comes forward in the final exchanges.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cavalcanti, giving her the fight 30-27.
Result: Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Josiane Nunes via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Cavalcanti (7-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Nunes (10-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Sal D’Amato (30-27), Chris Lee (29-28), Ron McCarthy (27-30)
Wang Cong vs. Victoria Leonardo
Round 1 – They touch gloves and Leonardo starts pressuring forward. Wang circles on the outside, touching with punches and kicks. A hard outside leg kick for Wang. Inside kick follows. Wang looks for a push kick. She sits on a left hand and then, BANG! The right hand behind it sleeps Leonardo for the walkoff KO! Wow!
WANG CONG GETS THE K.O. ONE MINUTE INTO HER UFC DEBUT 💥#UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/beveOJwClH
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 24, 2024
Result: Wang Cong def. Victoria Leonardo via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:02
Recap: UFC on ESPN 62 video: Wang Cong makes good on ‘Joker’ threat, smokes Victoria Leonardo
Photos: UFC on ESPN 62: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Wang (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Leonardo (9-6 MMA, 1-4 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 62.
