Pre-fight discussion UFC on ESPN 56: Lewis v. Nascimento Sat. May 11 4pm et ESPN+, ESPN

[PurpleStorm]

Hey folks this weekend it's UFC on ESPN 56 Lewis v. Nascimento from St. Louis, Missouri. The main event features heavyweight stalwart Derrick Lewis (27-12) squaring off against Rodrigo Nascimento who boasts a solid record of 11-1. What are your thoughts, breakdowns and predictions for the card? Enjoy the pre-fight discussion. Check back throughout the week for more info leading up to weigh-ins and the play by play discussion. Please keep it friendly and civil.

Date/Time: Saturday 05.11.2024 at 04:00 PM ET
U.S. Broadcast: ESPN+
Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
Ownership: Endeavor
Venue: Enterprise Center
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Enclosure: Octagon
MMA Bouts: 13

UFC ON ESPN 56 - LEWIS VS. NASCIMENTO​

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
MAY 11, 2024

ENTERPRISE CENTER, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES

​

DERRICK LEWIS​	RODRIGO NASCIMENTO​
27-12-0​	11-1-0​

MAIN EVENT
HEAVYWEIGHT
​

MATCH​	FIGHTERS​
12​	Joaquin Buckley 18-6-0​	Welterweight​	Nursulton Ruziboev 34-8-2​
11​	Alonzo Menifield 15-3-1​	Light Heavyweight​	Carlos Ulberg 9-1-0​
10​	Diego Ferreira 18-5-0​	Lightweight​	Mateusz Rebecki 19-1-0​
9​	Alex Caceres 21-14-0​	Featherweight​	Sean Woodson 11-1-1​
8​	Waldo Cortes-Acosta 11-1-0​	Heavyweight​	Robelis Despaigne 5-0-0​
7​	Chase Hooper 13-3-1​	Lightweight​	Viacheslav Borshchev 7-3-1​
6​	Terrance McKinney 15-6-0​	Lightweight​	Esteban Ribovics 12-1-0​
5​	Tabatha Ricci 9-2-0​	Strawweight​	Tecia Pennington 13-6-0​
4​	Billy Goff 9-2-0​	Welterweight​	Trey Waters 8-1-0​
3​	Charles Johnson 14-6-0​	Flyweight​	Jake Hadley 10-2-0​
2​	Jared Gooden 23-9-0​	Welterweight​	Kevin Jousset 10-2-0​
1​	J.J. Aldrich 13-6-0​	Flyweight​	Veronica Hardy 8-4-1​

​

Shillan and Duffy: UFC on ESPN 56 Preview FacebookTwitterReddit0Email​

BEN DUFFY KEITH SHILLAN MAY 6, 2024COMMENTS

Keith and Ben preview "UFC St. Louis" with detailed predictions and picks for all 13 fights. Side topics of conversation include former troubled basketball star and current activist/motivational speaker Chris Herren; onetime MMA flyweight contender, convicted murderer, and notorious age cutter Alexis Vila; and, of course, Bo Nickal.



0:00 On the road again (hallelujah)
10:21 J.J. Aldrich (13-6) vs. Veronica Hardy (8-4-1)
21:36 Jared Gooden (23-9) vs. Kevin Jousset (10-2)
28:28 Charles Johnson (14-6) vs. Jake Hadley (10-2)
38:28 Billy Goff (9-2) vs. Trey Waters (8-1)
48:37 Tabatha Ricci (9-2) vs. Tecia Pennington (13-6)
1:02:20 Terrance McKinney (15-6) vs. Esteban Ribovics (12-1)
1:18:26 Chase Hooper (13-3-1) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (7-3-1)
1:33:07 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (11-1) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-0)
1:44:11 Alex Caceres (21-14, 1 NC) vs. Sean Woodson (11-1-1)
1:57:53 Diego Ferreira (18-5) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (19-1)
2:09:17 Alonzo Menifield (15-3-1) vs. Carlos Ulberg (9-1)
2:21:55 Joaquin Buckley (18-6) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (34-8-2, 2 NC)
2:34:53 Derrick Lewis (27-12, 1 NC) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (11-1, 1 NC)
2:49:10 A quick rundown of all the picks

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[Davidjacksonjones]

Enjoy the fights guys!!

 

[HI SCOTT NEWMAN]

Enjoy the fights guys!!

Enjoy the fights David at one of your mansions.. hoping for Lewis to get a big KO win.

 

[Luthien]

At least it isn't at the Apex

 

[HI SCOTT NEWMAN]

At least it isn't at the Apex

Nice! I just noticed that as well, its makes a huge difference.

There are some good matchups on the main card of this one! should be fun.

 

[Luthien]

Nice! I just noticed that as well, its makes a huge difference.

There are some good matchups on the main card of this one! should be fun.

 

[gentel]

I'll watch from the T-Wrecks vs Ribovics fight onward

Hopefully Chase Hooper can put up a good fight but I think Slava Claus is going to beat the brakes off of him

 

[HI SCOTT NEWMAN]

Not even one single submission in all 13 fights, you've had a recent bad experience I see

 

[Luthien]

Not even one single submission in all 13 fights, you've had a recent bad experience I see

 

[oski]

Love the guy... Black Beast All Day!

 

[PurpleStorm]

Rivalries: Joaquin Buckley​

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ABHISHEK NAMBIAR MAY 6, 2024 COMMENTS


It would take nothing less than an iconic moment for a fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship to reserve an immutable berth in the roundup of standout moments in the organization’s rich history. Joaquin Buckley did just that with a spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay. That victory went on to win the knockout of the month in October 2020 and the knockout of the year, undeniably occupying a shining spot among the best of the best. Since then, “New Mansa” has managed to accumulate a muddled record. However, the decision to return to the 170-pound bracket in 2023 yielded positive results for him, and he has gained ground in the division with a three-fight win streak. Buckley crashed the UFC 300 press conference and grabbed the mic to shoot his shot to demand a main event slot at the upcoming UFC on ESPN 56 card. His wish has been partly granted as Buckley gears up to take on Nursulton Ruziboev on May 11 at the Enterprise Center, in St. Louis, Missouri. Ahead of the clash, let’s take a look at some of the rivalries that have shaped his journey so far.

Kevin Holland​

Buckley was welcomed into the organization tackling the challenge of Kevin Holland. He opted against a touch of gloves to start the fight which set the tone for a competitive encounter. Holland managed to score a takedown only for Buckley to return fire with a right hook when they got back to their feet. It took some time for both the combatants to settle into the bout, but when they did, it was Buckley who loaded every strike with vicious malice while Holland was content with volume striking. With over a minute left on the clock in the first frame, Holland caught Buckley with a right cross that dropped the St. Louis native. The second round advanced similarly, with Buckley radically forceful on offense while Holland calmly picked his shots. Just as the pace picked up in the third frame, Holland stupefied Buckley with a laser-like right hand that prompted referee Mark Smith to step in immediately. The official time of the finish was 0:32 of Round 3.

Jordan Wright​

Wright was an undefeated prospect, carrying a then-unblemished 11-0 record (1 NC) before crossing paths with Buckley. He imposed aggression on Wright from the opening bell, nearly securing the finish in the final moments of the first frame. However, Wright’s fortitude prevailed, partly the reason why he survived to see the second round. Subsequently, “New Mansa” hit the mark with heavy blows in the opening moments of the second round to stop Wright in a mere 18 seconds. With that, he improved his UFC record to 2-1 and demolished his opponent’s unbeaten record.

Chris Curtis​

Curtis and Buckley engaged in a fiery exchange at the UFC 282 ceremonial weigh-ins that dictated the temperament for both fighters before suiting up for the impending clash. “The Action Man” was trailing behind owing to Buckley’s dynamic striking. Somewhere midway into the second round, he found a home for a sharp left hand down the pipe that put Buckley on the deck. He followed up with a barrage of punches, leading the fight to be waved off at the 2:49 mark of the second round. That was Buckley’s second consecutive loss, which prompted the decision to drop down to the welterweight division.

Vicente Luque​

The battle of explosive welterweights served as the co-main event fixture of UFC on ESPN 54. In the opening round, both fighters hunted for strategic openings. Buckley opted to fight outside range, blitzing with strikes to dart in and penetrate Luque’s nimble stance occupying the center of the Octagon. It remained an evenly matched round and “New Mansa” boosted the vigor in the following round. He initiated a series of flying attacks, landing a well-placed knee, but it was the flurry of punches that ensued which staggered Luque. The Brazilian decided to take matters to the canvas. However, Buckley, wise to Luque’s advances, reversed the position to unleash punishing ground strikes. He pounded out the finish at the 3:17 mark of the third frame and walked away with one of the biggest wins of his career.

Rivalries: Joaquin Buckley

A perfect 3-0 since dropping back down to welterweight, New Mansa will seek to build on his impressive run at the expense of fellow former 185-pounder Nursulton Ruziboev in the co-main event of UFC St. Louis on Saturday.

www.sherdog.com

 

[PurpleStorm]

5 Defining Moments: Rodrigo Nascimento​

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ABHISHEK NAMBIAR MAY 7, 2024 COMMENTS

Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweights have undergone a steady evolution in athletic prowess and competence in the last few years. Unlike their contemporaries of yesteryear who relied heavily on explosiveness, the new generation of heavyweight competitors ensure the skills they bring to the table are more diverse. Brazilian heavyweight contender Rodrigo Nascimento stands as a textbook example of this trend.

“Yogi Bear” will draw his first main event assignment inside the Octagon when he takes on all-time heavyweight knockout leader Derrick Lewis in the UFC on ESPN 56headliner this Saturday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Nascimento enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak, having most recently registered his second head-to-head victory over Don’Tale Mayes.

Ahead of the Nascimento’s clash opposite Lewis, a look at five defining moments of his career:

1. Fate intervened to steer his martial arts course.​

Nascimento was born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. An unlikely meeting of the minds led him to cross paths with his mentor, Everton Rabelo de Andrade, at a Local Area Network party while playing video games. Andrade, who taught martial arts, invited Nascimento to join his team, and the die was cast to forge his mixed martial arts career.

2. He established himself as The King of Belo Horizonte.​

“Yogi Bear” suited up for his first professional fight on March 24, 2012. Competing actively in local Full House events, Nascimento mounted a solid three-fight win streak, finishing all of his opponents in the first round. He went on to further solidify his claim as one of the most highly touted potential standouts from Belo Horizonte. “Yogi Bear” competed twice under the BH Fight banner, collecting signature victories over Fabricio Nascimento Silva and Fabio Moreira.

3. His skills earned a coveted contract with the UFC.​

Nascimento squared off with Michal Martinek on Dana White’s Contender Series in July 2019 to shoot his shot at securing a UFC contract. Martinek was unbeaten in seven starts and had the reputation of being a dynamic striker. Nevertheless, Nascimento prevailed in the battle of the undefeated big boys, securing a first-round arm-triangle choke submission win.

4. He subdued a seasoned veteran in his most significant victory to date.​

Nascimento took on veteran UFC challenger Ilir Latifi at UFC Fight Night 223. The Brazilian mandated the terms of the bout for much of the contest, using his size advantage to keep Latifi just out of range and avoid incoming offense. Latifi managed to scoop the Brazilian and take the fight to the canvas, but his foe’s bottom defense showed staying power. Nascimento navigated through precarious positions to counter the efforts of his challenger. When the 10s and nines were calculated, the 31-year-old walked away with one of the most important wins of his career via split decision.

5. He forced the door open to better competition.​

The last time “Yogi Bear” stepped inside the Octagon, Lewis was headlining UFC Fight Night 231. Now, Nascimento stands on the cusp of achieving glory in his maiden main event responsibility alongside “The Beast,” all thanks to the unanimous decision win over the aforementioned Mayes. The pair reignited hostility three years after their first encounter, which Nascimento won by second-round rear-naked choke submission. From the opening bell, Nascimento pushed the action, harnessing volume striking and landing at will, all while dictating the pace. While the intensity eroded over time, the Brazilian continued to steer the tone of the fight. Mayes doubled down on his efforts to counter in the later portion of the fight, by which time Nascimento had already scored heavily on the judges’ scorecards. With his name gleaming on the positive side of the result, the Brazilian made a case to be paired against better rivals. In Lewis, his wish has seemingly been granted.

5 Defining Moments: Rodrigo Nascimento

The Brazilian heavyweight will lock horns with Derrick Lewis in the UFC on ESPN 56 main event on Saturday in St. Louis.

www.sherdog.com

 

[CasualBot]

Stoked this isn't at the apex.

Potential bangers.

Wish it was tonight.

 

[Howard Moon]

I know I'm the only person in the world looking forward to Slava Claus vs Hooper, but I like them both.

 

[Gio]

 

[PurpleStorm]

Preview: UFC on ESPN 56 Prelims​

Hooper vs. Borshchev​

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TOM FEELY MAY 8, 2024 COMMENTS

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Saturday will head back to St. Louis for the first time in more than six years with UFC on ESPN 56, which brings a decent preliminary slate to the Enterprise Center. The featured spot goes to a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup, as Viacheslav Borshchev and Chase Hooper look to quickly get to their strengths while avoiding those of the opponent. Meanwhile, Terrance McKinney gets back to business for an all-action battle with Esteban Ribovics, though the most interesting subplot on the undercard might be the return of Tecia Pennington, who looks to pick up where she left off at strawweight against Tabatha Ricci. Beyond that, the opener between J.J. Aldrich and Veronica Hardyrepresents an interesting litmus test for two veteran flyweights.

Now to the preview for the UFC on ESPN 56 prelims:

Lightweights​

Viacheslav Borshchev (7-3-1, 2-2-1 UFC) vs. Chase Hooper (13-3-1, 5-3 UFC)

ODDS: Borshchev (-142), Hooper (+120)

Much was made of Hooper signing with the UFC, mostly owing to his getting on the promotion’s radar as such a young age. He was on the Contender Series at age 18 and made his UFC debut a little over a year later, all while exuding a particularly youthful energy. As a fighter, “The Dream” has unsurprisingly had to learn on the job. He’s a talented grappler who can grab some impressive submissions from some unorthodox positions, but his height has often worked to his disadvantage as a striker, leaving him stiff and defensively open. Hooper alternated wins and losses and survived some beatings through the durability of youth as a featherweight, but after quickly getting shellacked by Steve Garcia late in 2022, he moved up to lightweight and looked better for it. Nick Fiore and Jordan Leavitt haven’t provided much resistance as strikers, but Hooper still looked much improved on the feet during the moments he wasn’t trying to initiate things on the ground. Borshchev certainly has the potential to test Hooper’s striking, depending on how this fight turns out. Borshchev’s a fun striker who has also kept his head above water while in the UFC, but his game has been one-dimensional enough that opponents have taken him out of it quite often. Marc Diakiese and Mike Davis each made wins over “Slava Claus” look surprisingly easy just by leaning on their wrestling. Borshchev tends to pick his shots, so there’s a chance he gives Hooper enough initiative to get this to the ground quickly. However, Hooper also offers enough defensive openings that Borshchev could blow this fight open quite quickly. The pick is Borshchev via first-round knockout.

Jump To »
Hooper vs. Borshchev
Ribovics vs. McKinney
Ricci vs. Pennington
Waters vs. Goff
Hadley vs. Johnson
Jousset vs. Gooden
Hardy vs. Aldrich

Preview: UFC on ESPN 56 Prelims - Hooper vs. Borshchev

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Saturday will head back to St. Louis for the first time in more than six years with a decent undercard in tow.

www.sherdog.com

 

[BluntForceTrama]

does blck beast know hes free fight fodder?

 

[BEATDOWNS]

10:21 J.J. Aldrich vs. Veronica Hardy
21:36 Jared Gooden vs. Kevin Jousset
28:28 Charles Johnson vs. Jake Hadley
38:28 Billy Goff vs. Trey Waters
48:37 Tabatha Ricci vs. Tecia Pennington
1:02:20 Terrance McKinney vs. Esteban Ribovics
1:18:26 Chase Hooper vs. Viacheslav Borshchev
1:33:07 Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne
1:44:11 Alex Caceres vs. Sean Woodson
1:57:53 Diego Ferreira vs. Mateusz Rebecki
2:09:17 Alonzo Menifield vs. Carlos Ulberg
2:21:55 Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
2:34:53 Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento

imo

 

[The_Renaissance]

Really sneaky good card, will definitely check it out on Sun.

 

[Reign Supreme]

Lot of potential bangers on this card I am stoked! Feed the Just Bleed Gods!