The UFC returned to its intimate APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20, 2024, delivering UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba (also known as UFC Vegas 94 and UFC on ESPN 60), an evening that exceeded expectations despite losing its originally scheduled co-main event. The strawweight showdown between Brazil's Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba headlined a card that featured 11 fights across multiple divisions, with six finishes that kept fans at the edge of their seats.
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The event underwent a significant change just hours before fight night when the planned middleweight co-main event between veteran Brad Tavares and Jun Yong Park was scrapped. Park, nicknamed "The Iron Turtle," was forced to withdraw after weigh-ins due to a medical issue that was later revealed to be a small staph infection on the back of his ear. Both fighters had successfully made weight the day before, making the cancellation particularly disappointing for fans eager to see Tavares potentially set a UFC record for most middleweight appearances.
Despite this setback, UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba delivered in spectacular fashion. The promotion awarded four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses, recognizing explosive knockouts, technical submissions, and dramatic comebacks. No Fight of the Night bonus was awarded, as all four performance bonuses went to fighters who secured finishes on the main card—a testament to the high-quality action throughout the evening.
The card showcased rising prospects making statements, veterans seeking redemption, and title contenders solidifying their positions in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions. From heavyweight newcomers looking for their first UFC victory to strawweight elites battling for championship opportunities, UFC Vegas 94 provided the full spectrum of mixed martial arts competition.
Main Card - UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba
Virna Jandiroba vs Amanda Lemos - Women's Strawweight Main Event
Virna Jandiroba (Brazil) defeated Amanda Lemos (Brazil) via submission (armbar) at 4:48 of Round 2 - Performance of the Night
In an all-Brazilian strawweight battle with massive title implications, Virna Jandiroba delivered a masterclass in grappling excellence by submitting former title challenger Amanda Lemos with a spectacular armbar late in the second round. The victory extended Jandiroba's winning streak to four consecutive fights and positioned the 36-year-old former Invicta FC Strawweight Champion as the clear next challenger for the UFC title.
From the opening bell, Jandiroba implemented her game plan with precision, immediately taking the fight to her preferred domain: the mat. The former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion wasted no time closing distance and securing takedowns, knowing that Lemos—one of the division's most dangerous strikers—posed significant threats if the fight remained standing. The first round featured competitive grappling scrambles, with Lemos demonstrating improved defensive grappling that kept her in the fight despite spending considerable time on her back.
Jandiroba's submission attempts in round one showcased her relentless pressure and technical brilliance. She threatened with three separate submission attempts, flowing seamlessly between chokes and limb attacks as Lemos worked desperately to defend. While Lemos managed to survive the opening frame, it was clear that Jandiroba's grappling superiority would determine the outcome if the pattern continued.
The second round began with similar dynamics, as Jandiroba once again brought the fight to the ground and began hunting for the finish. She secured Lemos' back and locked in a rear-naked choke, squeezing with tremendous pressure for nearly a full minute. Lemos defended admirably, tucking her chin and fighting the hands to prevent the choke from being fully secured. However, in a moment of brilliance that will be replayed for years, Jandiroba recognized that Lemos was focused entirely on defending the choke.
In a lightning-quick transition that demonstrated world-class grappling IQ, Jandiroba released just enough pressure on the rear-naked choke to create a momentary opening. As Lemos adjusted to defend, Jandiroba snatched up her arm and explosively transitioned to an armbar. The sequence happened so quickly that Lemos had no time to defend effectively. Jandiroba hyper-extended the arm with technical precision, twisting it at a brutal angle that left Lemos no choice but to tap immediately at the 4:48 mark of round two.
The submission was Jandiroba's fourth consecutive finish via submission in the UFC, showcasing her as one of the most dangerous grapplers in women's MMA. Her performance earned her a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and likely secured her a title shot against reigning champion Zhang Weili. Jandiroba now holds a record of 21-3 overall and 7-2 in the UFC, with the third-longest active winning streak in the strawweight division.
For Lemos, who entered ranked #3 in the division, the loss was a significant setback in her championship aspirations. The 37-year-old had been a former title challenger and won her previous bout against Mackenzie Dern, but Jandiroba's grappling proved to be a puzzle she couldn't solve. Lemos' striking arsenal, which includes devastating knockout power, was largely neutralized by Jandiroba's relentless takedowns and control.
Post-fight, Jandiroba made her case for a title shot clear, noting that she represents one of the only ranked fighters that champion Zhang Weili hasn't faced. With her dominant performance and four-fight winning streak, Jandiroba's argument for the next title opportunity is compelling.
Steve Garcia vs Seungwoo Choi - Featherweight Co-Main Event
Steve Garcia (USA) defeated Seungwoo Choi (South Korea) via TKO (strikes) at 1:36 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night
In a bout that lasted just 96 seconds, Steve "Mean Machine" Garcia continued his devastating run through the featherweight division by destroying South Korea's Seungwoo Choi with a brutal first-round TKO. The performance earned Garcia his fourth consecutive victory by stoppage and a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, while announcing his readiness for ranked competition.
Garcia, a 32-year-old veteran who had struggled early in his UFC career with just one victory in his first three appearances, has transformed into one of the division's most dangerous finishers. He came into the bout riding a three-fight finish streak, having stopped his previous three opponents with a combination of power striking and finishing instincts that few featherweights possess.
The fight began with both men measuring distance cautiously, but Garcia quickly established his game plan. He pressed forward with confidence, mixing up his attack with combinations to the head and body. Choi, known for his solid technical striking, attempted to counter and establish his jab, but Garcia's pressure was relentless and his power was immediately evident.
Approximately 90 seconds into the round, Garcia landed a devastating combination that rocked Choi and sent him stumbling backward. Sensing the finish, Garcia swarmed forward with a barrage of punches that overwhelmed the Korean fighter's defenses. Left hooks, right hands, and uppercuts rained down on Choi, who tried valiantly to survive but could not escape the onslaught.
The referee stepped in at 1:36 of the opening round, waving off the contest as Garcia had clearly hurt his opponent beyond recovery. The stoppage was Garcia's fourth consecutive finish and his fourth straight UFC victory, elevating his record to a respectable mark after his early career struggles. More importantly, the manner of victory—dominant, explosive, and decisive—sent a message that Garcia deserves to face ranked featherweights in his next outing.
For Choi, the loss was a disappointing result in what was supposed to be his opportunity to build momentum. The South Korean fighter had been looking to establish himself in the featherweight division but was thoroughly outclassed by Garcia's power and aggression. Post-fight, Garcia called for a step up in competition, stating that he's ready to face the "big boys" in the featherweight top 15 and prove he belongs among the division's elite.
Kurt Holobaugh vs Kaynan Kruschewsky - Lightweight Bout
Kurt Holobaugh (USA) defeated Kaynan Kruschewsky (Brazil) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In the only main card fight to go the distance, The Ultimate Fighter 31 winner Kurt Holobaugh edged out Dana White's Contender Series graduate Kaynan Kruschewsky in a gritty, grinding lightweight battle that showcased two different fighting philosophies clashing over 15 intense minutes.
The 37-year-old Holobaugh came into the bout desperately needing a victory after losing his UFC return fight to Trey Ogden earlier in the year. That defeat saw Holobaugh stuck on his back for the majority of the fight, unable to generate any meaningful offense against the Marathon MMA leader's superior grappling. Kruschewsky, meanwhile, was looking to rebound from a short-notice knockout loss to Elves Brener in his UFC debut, where he was stopped in the first round after accepting the fight with less than two months' preparation.
The fight began with Kruschewsky attempting to impose a technical, measured pace, utilizing his Brazilian jiu-jitsu background and crisp striking to control range and tempo. However, Holobaugh had different plans. The Louisiana native immediately dragged the fight into what commentators described as "the mud"—a grimy, physical affair where technique gave way to heart, toughness, and sheer will.
Throughout all three rounds, Holobaugh pressured relentlessly, making Kruschewsky fight on his terms in the pocket. The action was non-stop, with both men landing significant strikes and engaging in heated exchanges. Kruschewsky showed excellent defensive awareness and technical skill, but Holobaugh's pressure and activity likely swayed the judges in the close rounds.
The back-and-forth nature of the contest made it difficult to score definitively, with both fighters having moments of success. Kruschewsky landed cleaner, more technical combinations when he could establish distance, while Holobaugh imposed his will in the clinch and during extended exchanges where his cardio and durability proved advantageous.
After 15 minutes of warfare, all three judges scored the bout identically at 29-28 for Holobaugh, giving him his second UFC victory and snapping his one-fight losing streak. The win was crucial for the veteran's career, as another loss would have put his UFC future in serious jeopardy. For Kruschewsky, the defeat dropped him to 0-2 in the UFC, putting him in a precarious position where he'll need to secure a victory in his next outing to remain on the roster.
Bruno Silva vs Cody Durden - Men's Flyweight Bout
Bruno Gustavo da Silva (Brazil) defeated Cody Durden (USA) via TKO (strikes) at 2:58 of Round 2 - Performance of the Night
In a flyweight clash that featured a dramatic second-round finish, Brazilian veteran Bruno Silva erased a losing first round by landing a perfectly timed uppercut followed by a devastating ground assault that earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus—his fourth consecutive UFC performance bonus.
The fight began poorly for Silva, as Durden implemented an effective game plan that neutralized the Brazilian's striking advantages. Durden, coming off a submission loss at UFC 296, showed improved striking and movement, outworking Silva in the opening frame and appearing to be in complete control. The American's activity level, volume striking, and takedown threats had Silva struggling to find his rhythm and timing.
As the second round progressed, Silva appeared to be falling further behind. Durden continued executing his game plan effectively, mixing strikes with wrestling threats to keep Silva off-balance. However, late in the round, everything changed in an instant. As Durden moved forward to engage, Silva timed a devastating uppercut that connected flush on the chin.
The punch sent Durden's mouthguard flying dramatically out of the cage, a visual that immediately signaled the severity of the impact. Durden crumpled to the canvas, and Silva pounced immediately with murderous intent. A barrage of elbows and punches rained down on the defenseless Durden, forcing the referee to rush in and wave off the contest at 2:58 of round two.
The comeback knockout was vintage Bruno Silva—patient, dangerous, and capable of changing a fight with one perfectly placed strike. The victory improved his record and continued his streak of earning UFC performance bonuses, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the flyweight division regardless of his overall record. The $50,000 bonus marked his fourth straight performance award, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates his consistent ability to deliver spectacular finishes.
For Durden, the knockout loss was a harsh reminder of the dangers of the flyweight division, where one mistake against a powerful striker like Silva can end a fight instantly. Notably, Silva and Durden had been former training partners, adding an emotional layer to the finish. Post-fight, Silva showed respect to his former teammate while celebrating his dramatic victory.
Dooho Choi vs Bill Algeo - Featherweight Bout
Dooho Choi (South Korea) defeated Bill Algeo (USA) via TKO (strikes) at 3:38 of Round 2
In an emotionally charged return, South Korea's "Korean Superboy" Dooho Choi snapped a four-fight winless streak and earned his first UFC victory since July 2016 by stopping Pennsylvania's Bill Algeo with a devastating left hook in the second round. The 33-year-old Choi, a UFC Hall of Fame inductee for his legendary fight with Cub Swanson, showed that his legendary power remains intact despite years away from victory.
The fight lived up to its billing as an action-packed featherweight war from the opening seconds. Surprisingly, Choi opened the bout by showcasing grappling skills rarely seen in his highlight-reel career. He jumped guard for a guillotine choke attempt, demonstrating improved technical diversity, then later landed a judo throw while hunting for another choke. These uncharacteristic techniques caught Algeo off guard but ultimately didn't lead to any real danger.
As the first round progressed, both men settled into a striking battle. Algeo, known for his durability and volume striking, put together impressive combinations including a spectacular spinning elbow that landed clean. The 35-year-old worked effectively to establish his jab and fired off diverse attacks, ending the round on top after a late scramble. Most observers scored the opening frame for Algeo, who appeared to be the more active and effective striker.
The second round began with similar dynamics, but Choi's power was clearly operating on a different level. The Korean striker, who had been somewhat tentative in the opening frame, found his timing and began landing targeted left hands that visibly bothered Algeo. Each clean left hook that connected seemed to drain Algeo's confidence and durability.
Midway through the second round, Choi unleashed the shot he had been setting up. A massive left hook landed directly on Algeo's orbital bone, immediately dropping him to his knees in pain. The punch was perfectly placed and devastatingly powerful, crumpling Algeo in a manner that left no doubt about the outcome. The referee immediately waved off the contest at 3:38 of round two, giving Choi the knockout victory.
The win was profoundly emotional for Choi, who had endured a frustrating stretch that included injuries and mandatory military service obligations that derailed the momentum of his once-promising UFC career. In his post-fight interview, a tearful Choi stated: "This win was a long time coming. I'd let a lot of people down, but I kept believing in myself. I knew I could do it, and I wanted to prove that to people who still believe in me."
The victory improved Choi's record and gave him new life in the featherweight division. For Algeo, the knockout loss snapped a modest two-fight winning streak and marked the first time in his 26-fight career that he suffered back-to-back defeats. Despite the loss, Algeo showed tremendous heart and toughness throughout the contest before succumbing to Choi's superior power.
Hyder Amil vs JeongYeong Lee - Featherweight Bout
Hyder Amil (USA/Philippines) defeated JeongYeong Lee (South Korea) via TKO (punches) at 1:05 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night
In what may have been the most spectacular finish of the entire evening, undefeated Filipino-American prospect Hyder Amil delivered an incomparable 38-punch flurry that overwhelmed South Korea's JeongYeong Lee and earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus in just 65 seconds.
Lee, nicknamed "Korean Tiger," was making his second octagon appearance after winning the featherweight tournament on Road to UFC Season 2. He came into the fight with confidence and immediately engaged with Amil in a striking exchange. The featherweights waded into the center of the cage and began throwing leather with reckless abandon, creating instant excitement for the APEX crowd.
Lee actually landed first and landed hard, stinging Amil with clean punches that momentarily rocked the Dana White's Contender Series graduate. However, Amil's response was immediate and devastating. The Filipino-American fighter planted his feet, set his base, and began systematically unloading on Lee's chin with a combination of hooks, uppercuts, and straight punches that seemed to never end.
What happened next was remarkable. Amil unleashed a 38-punch combination—an absolutely staggering number of strikes landed in rapid succession—that battered Lee from every angle. The South Korean fighter demonstrated incredible toughness by refusing to fall, absorbing punishment that would have felled most fighters. His iron chin and warrior spirit kept him upright despite the brutal assault, but his inability to defend himself or fight back left the referee no choice.
The standing TKO came at 1:05 of the opening round, giving Amil his second UFC victory and maintaining his undefeated professional record. The finish was so explosive and one-sided that it immediately earned performance bonus consideration, with UFC officials awarding Amil $50,000 for one of the most electric performances of the year.
Post-fight, Amil celebrated with his team while showing respect to Lee, who had absorbed an unbelievable amount of punishment without going down. The victory announced Amil as a legitimate prospect to watch in the always-competitive featherweight division, while Lee will need to regroup and make adjustments after his second UFC appearance.
The Prelims - UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba
Cody Gibson vs Brian Kelleher - Bantamweight Bout
Cody Gibson (USA) defeated Brian Kelleher (USA) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:58 of Round 1
In a fight with significant career implications for both competitors, Cody Gibson delivered when it mattered most by submitting struggling veteran Brian Kelleher with a perfectly executed arm-triangle choke late in the opening round. The victory was crucial for Gibson, while Kelleher's fourth consecutive loss puts his UFC future in serious jeopardy.
Kelleher, a 37-year-old veteran known for his toughness and exciting fighting style, came into the bout desperately needing a victory. He had lost three straight fights and hadn't tasted victory in over 2.5 years, making this matchup essentially a must-win situation to remain on the UFC roster. Gibson, meanwhile, was looking to build on momentum and establish himself in the bantamweight division.
The fight played out on the ground, where Gibson demonstrated superior grappling skills and positional awareness. He worked methodically to advance position, eventually securing side control and setting up the arm-triangle choke. Gibson isolated Kelleher's arm across his own neck, then applied pressure by squeezing his shoulder into Kelleher's carotid artery while using his body weight to compress from the opposite side.
The technique was textbook perfect. Kelleher fought desperately to escape, but Gibson had locked in the submission too deeply. With only two seconds remaining in the first round, Kelleher was forced to tap at the 3:58 mark, giving Gibson the submission victory and handing "Boom" his fourth consecutive defeat.
The loss was devastating for Kelleher, whose UFC career now hangs in the balance. At 37 years old with four straight losses and no victories since 2022, the fan-favorite bantamweight will likely be watching his inbox nervously for news from the UFC regarding his future with the promotion. For Gibson, the victory provided crucial momentum and demonstrated that he possesses the submission skills necessary to compete at the UFC level.
Miranda Maverick vs Dione Barbosa - Women's Flyweight Bout
Miranda Maverick (USA) defeated Dione Barbosa (Brazil) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
In a bout that was originally supposed to feature Tracy Cortez before she was pulled to headline UFC Denver on short notice, Miranda Maverick controlled former Dana White's Contender Series graduate Dione Barbosa for three rounds to earn a clear unanimous decision victory and extend her winning streak.
Maverick came into the fight on solid footing, looking to build momentum in the competitive women's flyweight division. Barbosa, who had won her UFC debut against Ernesta Kareckaite at UFC 301 just two months prior, was riding a four-fight winning streak and accepted the fight on relatively short notice after the original matchup changed.
The fight showcased Maverick's well-rounded skill set and high fight IQ. She spent large portions of each frame working from top position after securing takedowns, shutting down Barbosa's offensive attempts while delivering constant short strikes, elbows, and ground-and-pound. Maverick's grappling control was exceptional, as she consistently followed proper positional advancement and prevented Barbosa from creating scrambles or sweeps.
While Barbosa had some solid moments on the feet when the fight remained standing—showing the striking skills that carried her to four consecutive victories—she struggled to keep Maverick at distance or stuff the takedowns. Once Maverick established top position, the Brazilian found herself spending the majority of the time defending rather than attacking.
After 15 minutes of action, the judges had little difficulty rendering their verdict. Two judges scored the bout 30-27 for Maverick, while one saw it slightly closer at 29-28, but all three agreed that Maverick was the clear victor. The unanimous decision improved Maverick's record and positioned her for continued advancement in the flyweight rankings.
For Barbosa, the loss snapped her four-fight winning streak and provided valuable lessons about the level of competition in the UFC's flyweight division. While she showed toughness and moments of technical skill, her inability to defend takedowns or escape bottom position proved costly against a fighter as skilled as Maverick.
Trey Ogden vs Loik Radzhabov - Lightweight Bout
Trey Ogden (USA) defeated Loik Radzhabov (Tajikistan) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Marathon MMA head coach Trey Ogden secured his first two-fight winning streak in the UFC by dominating "The Tajik Tank" Loik Radzhabov on the ground for three rounds, showcasing superior grappling and positional control to earn a clear unanimous decision victory.
Both fighters came into the bout with alternating win-loss records in the UFC. Ogden sat at 2-2-1 after his victory over Kurt Holobaugh earlier in 2024, while Radzhabov entered at 2-1 after also experiencing the frustration of inconsistent results. The matchup presented both men with an opportunity to build momentum and establish some consistency in their UFC careers.
Ogden implemented a dominant wrestling-based game plan from the opening bell. In every single round, he was able to take Radzhabov to the canvas and advance to dominant positions. In the first round, Ogden secured back control and threatened with rear-naked choke attempts. In both the second and third rounds, he worked from mount—one of the most dominant positions in MMA—landing ground strikes while Radzhabov struggled beneath him.
Despite controlling position for extended periods, Ogden was unable to secure a finish. Radzhabov showed excellent defensive awareness and toughness, surviving submission attempts and preventing Ogden from landing fight-ending ground-and-pound. When the fight remained standing, Radzhabov was able to deliver sporadic solid offense with his striking, but these moments were too brief and infrequent to swing rounds in his favor.
The judges' scorecards reflected Ogden's dominance, with two judges scoring it 29-28 and one seeing it more decisively at 30-27, all in favor of Ogden. The victory marked an important milestone for the fighter, who had previously alternated wins and losses throughout his UFC tenure. For Radzhabov, the defeat continued his pattern of inconsistency and raised questions about his ability to defend wrestling-heavy game plans.
Luana Carolina vs Lucie Pudilova - Women's Flyweight Bout
Luana Carolina (Brazil) defeated Lucie Pudilova (Czech Republic) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
In a women's flyweight matchup that highlighted the UFC's sometimes questionable matchmaking practices, Brazilian fighter Luana Carolina extended her winning streak to three fights by defeating struggling veteran Lucie Pudilova over three rounds of striking-heavy action.
Carolina came into the bout riding a two-fight winning streak and looking to continue building momentum in the flyweight division. Pudilova, meanwhile, was desperately seeking to end a two-fight losing streak and avoid falling further down the divisional rankings. The matchup pitted a fighter on the rise against one struggling to maintain relevance—a pairing that drew criticism from some observers who questioned why matchmakers continue to book athletes on winning streaks against those on losing streaks.
Throughout the 15-minute contest, Carolina proved to be the more active and accurate striker. She opened a cut above Pudilova's right eye in the first round with a well-placed strike, then spent the remainder of the fight mixing up her attack with combinations to the head and body. Carolina's footwork and movement kept Pudilova off-balance for large stretches of the fight, preventing the Czech veteran from establishing any sustained offense.
To Pudilova's credit, she refused to stop coming forward despite being outworked. The 32-year-old veteran continued pressing the action and hunting for openings, demonstrating the heart and toughness that have characterized her lengthy combat sports career. However, she struggled to get inside Carolina's range consistently, and when she did close distance, Carolina often met her with intercepting strikes that disrupted her rhythm.
Carolina's variety in striking proved to be a significant advantage, as she offered diverse attacks that kept Pudilova guessing throughout the contest. While no single strike or combination threatened to end the fight, the cumulative effect of Carolina's cleaner, more voluminous striking built an insurmountable lead on the scorecards.
After three rounds, the judges rendered their verdict unanimously in favor of Carolina, with two judges scoring it 29-28 and one seeing it more decisively at 30-27. The victory improved Carolina's record to 11-4 and gave her three consecutive wins, positioning her for continued advancement in the flyweight division. For Pudilova, who dropped to 14-10, the loss extended her skid to three straight defeats and raised serious questions about her future in the UFC.
The Early Prelims - UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba
Thomas Petersen vs Mohammed Usman - Heavyweight Bout
Thomas Petersen (USA) defeated Mohammed Usman (Nigeria) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In the evening's opening bout, heavyweight prospect Thomas Petersen bounced back from a disappointing UFC debut by dominating The Ultimate Fighter 30 winner Mohammed Usman across three one-sided rounds to earn a shutout unanimous decision victory.
Usman, the younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, came into the fight looking to rebound from his first UFC loss—a unanimous decision defeat to Mick Parkin that snapped his three-fight winning streak to begin his UFC career. The 31-year-old TUF winner needed to prove that his previous success wasn't a fluke and that he could compete with legitimate UFC-level competition.
Petersen, 29 years old, had impressed in earning his UFC contract with a second-round submission win over TUF 30 alum Chandler Cole on Dana White's Contender Series. However, his UFC debut against fellow DWCS graduate Jamal Pogues in February had gone poorly, with Petersen suffering a defeat that put immediate pressure on him to perform in his second opportunity.
From the opening bell, Petersen established dominance and never relinquished it. He controlled the pace, the range, and the action across all three rounds, implementing a diverse game plan that mixed striking with grappling threats. While the fight never reached the dramatic heights of potential knockout or submission, Petersen's consistency and control made it clear who was winning every exchange.
The nature of heavyweight fights—where both competitors typically possess one-punch knockout power—kept the outcome uncertain until the final bell, but Petersen never appeared in serious danger. He accumulated dominant positions when the fight hit the ground and outlanded Usman significantly in the striking exchanges. Usman showed toughness and durability by surviving all 15 minutes, but he could never mount any sustained offense or threaten Petersen's control.
When the judges' scorecards were read, all three officials had scored every round for Petersen, returning identical 30-27 scores. The shutout victory gave Petersen his first UFC win and improved his professional record, while also demonstrating that his DWCS performance was no fluke. For Mohammed Usman, the loss was particularly concerning as it marked his second consecutive defeat and raised questions about whether he possesses the skills necessary to compete at the UFC level beyond his TUF success.
Event Aftermath and Analysis - UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba
UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba proved that even without household names or title fights, the promotion's APEX events can deliver exceptional entertainment value. The 11-fight card featured six finishes—a finish rate of over 54%—and showcased both explosive knockouts and technical submissions that reminded fans why MMA remains the most unpredictable combat sport.
The UFC awarded four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses, all of which went to fighters on the main card who secured finishes. This marked a rare occurrence where no Fight of the Night bonus was awarded, as officials felt that the individual performances deserved recognition over any single back-and-forth battle. The bonus winners were Virna Jandiroba for her title-clinching armbar submission, Steve Garcia for his 96-second destruction of Seungwoo Choi, Bruno Silva for his dramatic comeback knockout, and Hyder Amil for his spectacular 38-punch finishing flurry.
The main event delivered on its promise of high-level grappling, with Jandiroba cementing her status as the clear #1 contender in the strawweight division. Her submission victory over the #3-ranked Lemos gave her four consecutive submission wins in the UFC and positioned her for what would be her first opportunity to compete for UFC gold. With champion Zhang Weili having already defeated most of the division's top contenders, Jandiroba represents a fresh and dangerous challenge with a grappling-heavy style that poses unique problems for any opponent.
Steve Garcia's continued dominance at featherweight cannot be ignored. With four consecutive knockout victories and obvious finishing power, the 32-year-old has earned the right to face ranked competition. His post-fight callout for a step up in opposition should be granted, as Garcia has proven he's ready to test himself against the division's elite. The featherweight division is notoriously deep and competitive, but Garcia's recent run suggests he could become a factor in the rankings.
Dooho Choi's emotional return to the win column was one of the evening's most heartwarming stories. After years of injuries, military service, and disappointing results, the "Korean Superboy" reminded fans why he was once considered one of the sport's most exciting prospects. His devastating knockout of Bill Algeo showcased that his legendary power remains intact, and at 33 years old, Choi may still have time to make another run at relevance in the featherweight division.
The evening's lone decision on the main card—Kurt Holobaugh's gritty victory over Kaynan Kruschewsky—demonstrated that not every fight needs a finish to be compelling. The back-and-forth lightweight battle showcased two different styles clashing and two fighters leaving everything in the octagon in pursuit of victory. For Holobaugh, a 37-year-old veteran on his third stint with the UFC, the win was crucial for his career longevity.
On the preliminary card, several fighters faced critical career junctures. Brian Kelleher's fourth consecutive loss almost certainly spells the end of his UFC tenure, as the 37-year-old veteran has now gone winless for over two and a half years. Miranda Maverick continued her steady progression through the flyweight ranks with a workmanlike decision victory, while Trey Ogden secured his first UFC win streak by dominating Loik Radzhabov on the ground.
The cancellation of Brad Tavares vs Jun Yong Park due to a staph infection was disappointing but unavoidable. Park's small scratch on the back of his ear developed into a medical issue serious enough for the cageside physician to pull him from competition despite both fighters having successfully made weight. The bout was eventually rescheduled for UFC Vegas 98 in October, where Park would earn a split decision victory over the Hawaiian veteran.
UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba will be remembered as an event that exceeded expectations through the sheer quality of its finishes and the implications of its results. Virna Jandiroba emerged as the clear #1 contender at strawweight, Steve Garcia announced himself as a featherweight prospect ready for ranked competition, and several veterans either saved their UFC careers or saw them come to likely conclusions.
The event demonstrated that the UFC's APEX facility, while intimate and lacking the electricity of arena crowds, provides the perfect setting for prospects to shine and veterans to prove themselves. The smaller cage and controlled environment create a pressure cooker atmosphere where fights develop quickly and finishes come frequently. With six stoppages out of 11 fights, UFC Vegas 94 delivered the action-packed entertainment that fans have come to expect from APEX events, proving once again that big names aren't always necessary for great fights.
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