Prelim Results | UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs Barcelos

Sidelined since beating Garret Armfield in June 2024, Hiestand was sharp from the outset on Saturday, attacking Nakamura from the jump, looking to initiate grappling entanglements. After threatening with an anaconda choke early in the second, “Bam Bam” worked to the back late in the frame, where he sunk in the fight-ending choke.

That’s now four straight wins and three straight finishes for the Sikjitsu representative and former TUF finalist. Still just 27 years old, the Spokane native continues to show that he’s someone to pay close attention to in the bantamweight division.

The Jackson-Wink MMA product had quality moments in the first and second, only to get clipped with big power shots from Bellato that shifted the momentum and kept things ultra-close. Between the second and third, Edwards was told to go forward and take charge, and that’s exactly what he did, connecting with a sharp left hook early in the third to put Bellato on the canvas and force the stoppage.

Edwards had a good showing on incredibly short notice back in May, dropping a split decision to Modestas Bukauskas, and showed what he can do on a full camp here. The 27-year-old has quickly established himself as a quality addition to the division and it will be interesting to see how he continues to progress going forward.

The Chute Boxe Diego Lima product flashed his nasty power and sharp striking throughout the round, attacking Harrell’s legs and just missing with a rear-leg high kick that could have been nasty. As the round progressed, Brener settled in and shucked off a takedown attempt from Harrell, resetting in the center and connecting with a right hook that sent the American face-first into the canvas before the quick follow-ups officially ended things.

Just a devastating finish for Brener, who was on the cusp of the Top 15 after his first year on the roster and showed that he still has the skills to make a push towards the rankings. The Brazilian turns 29 tomorrow and could very well have a little extra in his bank account to celebrate with after a brilliant finish here.

Jackson had good success with his long-range weapons throughout the first round, rocking Simon a time or two, only for the Washington state staple to find way to wrestle and recover. Midway through the second as Simon looked for ways in, Jackson uncorked a long one-two that dropped the veteran, with “Quik” staying true to his nickname with the follow-ups on the canvas to seal things.

Simon handed Jackson the first loss of his career back in 2018 when the inexperienced Milwaukee native debuted in the UFC, so this was an extra sweet return to the win column for 34-year-old. A constant presence in the lower third of the bantamweight ranks, Jackson declared his desire to stay active, so hopefully a speedy return to the Octagon is on order.

The Minnesota native Castaneda got out to a fast start, battering the Chinese veteran’s lead leg and landing well while dictating range. His output slowed and his focus drifted as the fight progressed, with Alatengheili not only finding more success with his hands, but also with his wrestling for a good portion of the third.

The judges were tasked with determining the victor and were split in how they saw things, with “The Mongolian Knight” coming out ahead. That’s now seven UFC win for Alatengheili, who continued to alternate results while getting himself back into the win column.

Demopoulos came forward as she always does, looking to engage, and was chopping at the lead leg before the returning Mexican connected with a right hand that backed the American up. From there, Jauregui did not let off the gas, firing off piston-like punches as Demopoulos backed into the fence and eventually fell to the canvas before referee Blake Grice stepped in to halt the action.

Just a blistering effort from Jauregui, who had experienced mixed results through her first six UFC appearances but looked outstanding today. Now 5-2 inside the Octagon, back to full health, and still just 27 years old, this was an outstanding effort from the strawweight prospect.