UFC 250 Nunes vs. Spencer ESPN Undercard Results
UFC 250 Nunes vs. Spencer ESPN prelim action from Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada saw more upsets and exciting finishes. Beginning with Maki Pitolo and ending with Alex Caceres, unexpected Octagon moments ensued.
Maki Pitolo vs. Charles Byrd
Pitolo made believers while delivering favored Charles Byrd a third TKO loss in as many fights.
Following his uninspired UFC debut last October vs. Callan Potter, "Coconut Bombz" used his return platform for greater success. After even first round exchanges where no clear pace-setter emerged, the Hawaiian unloaded harsh combination work to stop overmatched Byrd at 1:10 of round two.
Pre-fight, many felt Charles Byrd had the size, power and athleticism edge opposite an inferior on-paper matchup. However, in real time Pitolo claimed a seventh TKO to further his reputation among MMA's leading action fighters.
Saturday's victory posed crossroad territory for both men as Pitolo (13-5) will gain further top-level exposure. Conversely, 36-year-old Byrd is likely done on the UFC roster.
Pitolo via TKO
Cody Stamman vs. Brian Kellher
Stamman used superior boxing to outpoint veteran Kelleher. With family tragedy effecting the Colorado raised grappler during event preparations, Stamman nonetheless gave an excellent performance. On the heels of a contested draw versus Song Yadong, Stamman kept alive his 135 lb. ranking push while improving to 19-2-1 (5-1-1 UFC).
The first two rounds featured hand-to-hand battle, with the heavy favorite proving too elusive and quick for his generally dangerous opponent. Working angles, Stamman landed early and often against Kelleher: fighting for the second time in under one month, Kelleher appeared flat in the pocket while dropping to 21-11 (5-4 UFC).
Now 30, Stamman is primed for a bantamweight contender run after halting his game opponent's two fight unbeaten streak.
Stamman via Unanimous Decision
Ian Heinisch vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Ian Heinisch overcame recent COVID-19 confusion to make easy work of ground savantGerald Meerschaert. Taking his winning purse by the minute, Heinisch abolished a two fight losing streak by applied bodywork on "3M."
Heinisch used greater athleticism while keeping his matchup with Meerschaert from harm's way. The fringe Middleweight contender resumes UFC fortune and earned another shot at the division's top names.
Meerschaert (31-13) dropped his fourth fight in six outings. The Duke Rufus protege couldn't build on recent victory vs. Derek Winn. Interestingly, Meerschaert was TKOd Saturday for just the second time in 44 paid outings.
Heinisch (14-3) added his fifth TKO on a night where the smaller cage bred multiple finishes.
Heinisch via TKO
Alex Caceres vs. Chase Hooper
Alex "Bruce Leroy" Caceres gained another signature win after making his 22nd Octagon appearance. Caceres set early tone by knocking 20-year-old grappling phenom Chase Hooper to the canvass. From there, the grizzled veteran worked behind downhill momentum after gaining respect fromHooper.
In a contest where veteran poise outshined youthful exuberance, Caceres notched his third victory in four starts. Many faded "Bruce Leroy" against explosive Hooper. And while Chase "The Dream" threatened for moments Saturday, he clearly was outclassed by more well rounded striking. Hooper will need diversified standup improvement to fulfill hype.
Not hype, but battle tested against all UFC competition levels, affable Caceres now stands 16-12 and is the ultimate gatekeeper. Unbeaten prior to Saturday, Hooper falls to 9-1-1.
Caceres wins via Unanimous Decision
