The UFC returned to its home base at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 10, 2024, for UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2 (also known as UFC Vegas 95). The 10-fight card delivered a heavyweight rematch as its main event, with Serghei Spivac seeking revenge against Marcin Tybura more than four years after their first meeting. While the event was criticized by some as one of the weaker cards of the year, it provided crucial learning moments about weight management, featured dramatic comeback finishes, and showcased the evolution of heavyweight grappling.
The card was plagued by multiple issues leading into fight night. Three fighters missed weight—two by significant margins—and several late withdrawals forced last-minute opponent changes. The main card aired live on ESPN and ESPN+ at 7:00 PM ET, with prelims beginning at 5:00 PM ET. Despite the obstacles, UFC Vegas 95 delivered three submission finishes and several competitive decisions that determined the trajectories of fighters across multiple divisions.
The compact 10-fight lineup was a departure from the typical 11-13 fight cards the promotion had been running, reflecting both the APEX venue's limitations and the impact of late cancellations. Still, the event provided meaningful action for hardcore fans and settled some unfinished business in the heavyweight division.
Table of Contents
Main Card - UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2
Serghei Spivac (Moldova) defeats Marcin Tybura (Poland) via Submission (Armbar) at 1:44 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night
In a stunning reversal of their 2020 encounter, Moldovan heavyweight Serghei "Polar Bear" Spivac avenged his previous loss to Marcin Tybura with a slick first-round armbar submission that sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division. The 29-year-old Spivac improved to 17-4 overall and 4-1 in his last five fights, while the 38-year-old Tybura dropped to 25-9, suffering his first submission loss in 13 years of professional competition.
The finish came quickly and demonstrated Spivac's significant evolution as a complete mixed martial artist. Spivac opened the fight aggressively, landing a clean right hand in the first exchange that allowed him to close distance and initiate a grappling sequence along the cage. "The Polar Bear" secured a takedown and immediately looked to take Tybura's back, falling to his side in an attempt to secure the position with hooks.
Tybura, demonstrating the veteran savvy that has made him a perennial contender, picked off Spivac's right hook and reversed position to end up in top control. For a moment, it appeared the Polish fighter would use his wrestling pedigree to dominate from top position, similar to their first fight. However, Spivac had other plans.
From his back, Spivac immediately attacked with an armbar, catching Tybura's extended arm and shifting his hips with exceptional technique. The transition happened in a flash—Spivac rolled through, extended the arm fully, and applied devastating pressure. Tybura's agonized screams could be heard throughout the APEX facility as referee Keith Peterson recognized the verbal submission and stopped the contest at 1:44 of the opening round.
The armbar was notable for being the first in the UFC's heavyweight division since Fabricio Werdum submitted Alexander Gustafsson in July 2020—also at a UFC APEX event. The technical submission showcased Spivac's Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials and proved he had addressed the grappling deficiencies that Tybura exploited in their first meeting.
Spivac earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the spectacular finish and positioned himself back into heavyweight title contention. In his post-fight interview, he referenced his only recent losses coming to interim champion Tom Aspinall and number-two ranked Ciryl Gane, making a case that he belonged among the division's elite.
For Tybura, the loss was a devastating setback. The Polish veteran had been riding momentum with an 8-2 record over his last ten fights and was positioned just outside the top five. At nearly 39 years old, suffering a first-round submission loss raises serious questions about his remaining time as a contender. The defeat marked the first time Tybura had ever been forced to tap out in his lengthy career.
Jose "Chepe" Mariscal (Mexico) defeats Damon Jackson (USA) via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
In the co-main event, rising Mexican featherweight prospect Jose "Chepe" Mariscal delivered a one-sided beatdown of veteran Damon "Action" Jackson, earning lopsided scores despite missing weight by 3.5 pounds. The 26-year-old Mariscal weighed in at 149 pounds—well over the 146-pound non-title featherweight limit—forcing the bout to proceed as a catchweight affair.
Mariscal's dominance was total and unrelenting across all three rounds. The young Mexican attacked from multiple angles with varied striking, mixing crisp boxing combinations with powerful kicks and devastating knees in the clinch. His wrestling was equally impressive, as he consistently took Jackson down with authority, including several spectacular judo throws that slammed the American to the canvas.
Once on the ground, Mariscal unleashed brutal ground-and-pound, battering Jackson with elbows, punches, and hammerfists. The 36-year-old Jackson, known for his toughness and veteran guile, simply had no answers for Mariscal's youth, speed, and aggression. "Action" absorbed tremendous punishment throughout the fight but never stopped trying to find a way back into the contest, demonstrating the heart that has defined his career.
Two judges scored the fight 30-25 while the third saw it 30-26, all decisively in favor of Mariscal. The scores reflected complete dominance, with Jackson failing to win a single round on any scorecard. Mariscal improved to 4-0 in the UFC and 16-5 overall, continuing his impressive run through the featherweight division.
However, the victory was tainted by Mariscal's significant weight miss. Jackson had actually predicted during fight week that his opponent would miss weight, and those predictions proved accurate. The weight advantage—3.5 pounds over the limit—meant Mariscal forfeited 20% of his purse to Jackson and was ineligible for any post-fight bonuses despite his dominant performance.
The weight miss raised serious questions about Mariscal's future at featherweight. At 149 pounds, he essentially fought at lightweight while Jackson drained himself to make 146. The size and strength advantage was visible throughout the contest, and while Mariscal's performance was technically impressive, the circumstances diminished its significance.
For Jackson, the loss dropped him to 23-7-1 overall and extended a frustrating pattern of being matched against rising prospects. The Louisiana veteran has frequently served as a measuring stick for young talent, and this defeat—while lopsided—didn't necessarily reflect poorly on his skills given the weight disparity.
Danny Barlow (USA) defeats Nikolay Veretennikov (Russia) via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
In a low-output welterweight bout, Dana White's Contender Series graduate Danny Barlow edged Season 5 alumnus Nikolay Veretennikov via split decision after three tentative rounds. The fight was competitive but lacked the action and urgency fans expect from the welterweight division, with both fighters appearing hesitant to truly engage.
Barlow had his own weight issues leading into the fight, initially weighing in at 171.5 pounds—a full pound and a half over the 170-pound welterweight limit. After stripping down, he came in at 171.25 pounds on his second attempt, still a quarter-pound over. Medical staff prevented him from attempting further weight cutting, forcing the bout to proceed as a catchweight with Barlow forfeiting 20% of his purse.
Throughout the fight, neither man established a high pace or threw significant volume. Instead, both fighters picked their shots carefully, looking to land single power strikes rather than building combinations or sustained offense. The cautious approach made for a technical but ultimately underwhelming contest.
Two judges scored the close affair 29-28 for Barlow, while one saw it 27-30 for Veretennikov (equivalent to 30-27 for Veretennikov). The split decision reflected how closely matched and evenly contested the fight was, with neither man doing enough to separate himself definitively.
Barlow improved to 8-0 overall but the performance raised questions about whether he's ready for a step up in competition. Veretennikov, who took the fight on short notice, dropped to 13-4 overall and 1-2 in the UFC, putting his roster spot in jeopardy.
The fight was viewed by many observers as the low point of an already criticized card, epitomizing the concerns about UFC Vegas 95's overall quality. Both fighters needed to make a statement, but neither managed to deliver the memorable performance required to secure their UFC futures.
Chris Gutierrez (USA) defeats Quang Le (USA) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight mainstay Chris Gutierrez successfully navigated a tricky short-notice matchup against newcomer Quang Le, collecting a unanimous decision victory fueled by his signature low kicks. The fight served as a test for Gutierrez after his December 2023 decision loss to Song Yadong, while Le was making his UFC debut on extremely short notice after Javid Basharat withdrew from the card.
Gutierrez, known for his devastating calf kicks and technical striking, implemented his game plan effectively throughout the 15-minute contest. He systematically attacked Le's lead leg with chopping low kicks that accumulated damage and compromised the newcomer's mobility as the fight progressed. The Colorado-based fighter mixed in straight punches and body kicks to keep Le guessing and prevent him from timing counters.
Le, despite taking the fight on short notice and facing a ranked opponent, acquitted himself well in his promotional debut. The Las Vegas native showed heart and durability, landing clean shots of his own and never backing down from exchanges. However, the accumulated leg damage and Gutierrez's experience proved to be the difference.
All three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Gutierrez, reflecting a competitive but clear victory. The unanimous decision moved "El Guapo" back into the win column and to 10-2-1 in the UFC, maintaining his position as a bantamweight gatekeeper. For Le, the loss was disappointing but understandable given the circumstances—a short-notice debut against a seasoned UFC veteran is among the toughest introductions to the Octagon possible.
Gutierrez's victory demonstrated his value as a reliable fighter who can be counted on to accept short-notice changes and deliver professional performances. His leg kick game remains one of the most effective weapons in the bantamweight division, and the win kept him relevant in the crowded 135-pound weight class.
Yana Santos (Russia/Brazil) defeats Chelsea Chandler (USA) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
In the most controversial fight of the evening, Yana Santos dominated Chelsea Chandler to earn a unanimous decision victory that was as much about frustration and disrespect as it was about technique. The bout was overshadowed by Chandler's egregious weight miss—she came in at 141 pounds, a staggering five pounds over the 136-pound non-title bantamweight limit.
The weight miss was Chandler's second consecutive failure to make the bantamweight limit in the UFC. The California native had previously weighed in at 137 pounds for her March fight against Josiane Nunes, and her repeated inability to hit the contracted weight raised serious questions about her professionalism and commitment to the division. Making matters worse, Chandler has never successfully made the 135-pound limit during her UFC tenure, having competed at 140 and 145 pounds in her first two promotional appearances.
Santos, who successfully weighed in at 135.5 pounds after enduring a rigorous two-month training camp and strict diet, was understandably livid. The Russian-Brazilian fighter seriously considered refusing the bout but was convinced by her team to proceed. She entered the Octagon with visible anger and channeled that emotion into a dominant performance.
Throughout the fight, Santos outlanded Chandler 94-56 in significant strikes and scored a crucial knockdown. Her superior technique, movement, and conditioning—benefits of properly cutting weight—were evident in every exchange. Santos fought with urgency and purpose, landing clean combinations and controlling the cage effectively.
One judge scored the fight 30-27 while two saw it 29-28, all in favor of Santos. The victory snapped a brutal three-fight losing streak for Santos, marking her first win since early 2021. The emotional 35-year-old broke down in tears during her post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, explaining the unfairness of the situation.
In her backstage interview, Santos didn't hold back: "I felt it was so unfair because for me, I'm a big girl... I'm not small. It was two months and I had a very strong diet. I never miss weight and always do my job to be there. She came in fat, missing five pounds... This means she didn't even try."
Santos also criticized the lack of meaningful punishment for weight misses, noting that three of her five most recent opponents had failed to make weight. "To have a small percentage [taken] from a small salary is nothing compared to the damage [we take]," she argued, highlighting a systemic issue in the sport.
Adding insult to injury, no one from Chandler's team apologized before or after the fight, which Santos described as "so disrespectful." The 20% purse penalty that Chandler paid to Santos—standard for such significant weight misses—did little to compensate for the competitive disadvantage and physical toll of facing a larger opponent.
The victory potentially moved Santos into the top 10 of the women's bantamweight rankings, as the 11th-ranked Pannie Kianzad lost earlier on the card. For Chandler, the loss and weight miss likely put her UFC future in serious jeopardy. At 33 years old with a pattern of weight management issues, she may face release if she cannot demonstrate the professionalism required to compete at bantamweight.
Toshiomi Kazama (Japan) defeats Charalampos Grigoriou (Greece) via Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:55 of Round 2 - Performance of the Night
In the most dramatic fight of the main card, Road to UFC finalist Toshiomi Kazama delivered an incredible comeback submission victory over Charalampos Grigoriou, earning his first UFC win after dropping his first two promotional appearances. The 27-year-old Japanese fighter earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the thrilling finish that saved his UFC career.
Kazama entered the fight desperately needing a victory. Having lost his first two UFC bouts via first-round knockout, he was likely facing release with another defeat. The pressure was immense, and early in the fight, it appeared his worst fears would be realized.
Grigoriou came out aggressively, finding success with his striking and eventually hurting Kazama with clean shots. Midway through the second round, the Greek fighter dropped Kazama with a clean combination and swarmed for the finish. From top position, Grigoriou unleashed a barrage of brutal elbows that opened cuts and had Kazama in severe trouble. The referee was close to stopping the fight as Kazama appeared unable to defend himself effectively.
However, the Japanese fighter demonstrated incredible heart and tactical awareness even in a compromised position. Rather than panic or give up, Kazama remained calm and looked for opportunities. As Grigoriou continued his ground assault, Kazama worked his legs into position and began threatening a triangle choke.
In a stunning turn of events, Kazama secured the triangle and squeezed with everything he had. Grigoriou, who moments earlier appeared to be on the verge of a finish, found himself trapped with no escape. The choke tightened, cutting off blood flow to his brain, and Grigoriou was forced to tap out at 1:55 of the second round.
The comeback was one of the most dramatic of the year. Kazama had gone from nearly being stopped to securing a fight-ending submission in a matter of seconds. The finish demonstrated not only his grappling skill but also his mental toughness and refusal to quit even when facing certain defeat.
Kazama's emotional celebration showed just how much the victory meant. He had saved his UFC career and proven he belongs on the sport's biggest stage. The $50,000 bonus was well-deserved recognition for delivering the kind of dramatic, never-say-die performance that makes MMA special.
For Grigoriou, the loss was devastating. He had been moments away from a finish and a potential bonus but couldn't close the show. The defeat highlighted the importance of staying technical and avoiding overconfidence even when dominating a fight.
The Prelims - UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2
Karol Rosa (Brazil) defeats Pannie Kianzad (Sweden) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Brazilian women's bantamweight Karol Rosa celebrated the five-year anniversary of her UFC debut by delivering the best performance of her career to date, battering Pannie Kianzad from start to finish to earn a lopsided unanimous decision. The 29-year-old Rosa improved to 18-6 overall and picked up a crucial victory that positioned her for a move up the rankings.
The fight was an action-packed battle that saw both women combine for an impressive 278 total strikes across three rounds. Rosa was the more effective fighter throughout, landing cleaner, harder shots while also demonstrating superior grappling and cage control when the fight entered those phases.
All three judges scored the bout 30-27 for Rosa, a shutout that reflected her clear dominance in every round. The victory was particularly significant as it came after Rosa had suffered a devastating TKO loss to Irene Aldana to close out 2023. The performance showed that Rosa had addressed her defensive issues and was ready to make a run toward the top of the division.
Rosa's striking looked sharp, her movement was improved, and her confidence was evident throughout the contest. She mixed volume with precision, landing significant shots while avoiding Kianzad's return fire. When the fight hit the ground, Rosa's Brazilian jiu-jitsu background gave her the advantage.
For the 32-year-old Kianzad, the loss was her third consecutive defeat, dropping her record to 1-4 over her last five fights. The Swedish fighter showed heart and toughness but was simply outclassed by a better, more technical opponent. With her recent struggles, Kianzad likely faces release from the UFC unless she can turn things around dramatically in her next opportunity.
Jhonata Diniz (Brazil) defeats Karl Williams (USA) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Undefeated Brazilian heavyweight Jhonata Diniz collected his second UFC victory of 2024 and eighth straight MMA win overall by picking apart American Karl Williams in a smart, well-executed performance. The 34-year-old Diniz improved to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the UFC, continuing his impressive start with the promotion.
Diniz, a Dana White's Contender Series graduate from the Class of 2023, showcased his evolving striking game throughout the fight. The Brazilian effectively used his jab to control distance, mixed in body kicks and straight punches, and demonstrated improved defensive awareness. Williams, who stands 6'5" and typically relies on his length advantage, found himself outboxed by the technically superior Diniz.
One surprising aspect of the fight was Williams' decision not to utilize his wrestling. The American chose to stand and trade with Diniz rather than attempt takedowns or clinch work that might have disrupted the Brazilian's rhythm. This tactical choice proved costly, as Diniz was clearly the better striker.
Williams did manage to secure a takedown in the final round, but it came too late to impact the judges' scorecards. By that point, Diniz had built an insurmountable lead with his superior striking volume and accuracy across the first two rounds.
All three judges scored the fight for Diniz, with one seeing it 30-27 and two scoring it 29-28. The unanimous decision moved the Brazilian forward in his quest to crack the heavyweight rankings. For Williams, the loss dropped his record to 9-3 overall and 3-3 in the UFC, leaving him in a precarious position in the ultra-competitive heavyweight division.
Youssef Zalal (Morocco) defeats Jarno Errens (Netherlands) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 3:52 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night
Moroccan featherweight Youssef "The Moroccan Devil" Zalal continued his impressive resurgence with a dominant first-round submission victory over Dutch fighter Jarno Errens, earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The Factory X product improved to 15-4-1 overall and secured his third consecutive finish since returning to the UFC earlier in 2024.
Zalal's first UFC run from 2020-2021 had ended disappointingly, with the talented striker going winless over four fights and subsequently being released. However, he used his time away from the promotion wisely, posting five straight finishes on the regional circuit and refining his grappling game. His return to the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular, with back-to-back submission victories showcasing his evolved skillset.
The fight began with both featherweights studying each other carefully, looking for openings in what appeared to be a tactical striking battle. However, Zalal quickly changed the dynamic by shooting for a takedown. Once he secured Errens' legs and brought the fight to the canvas, Zalal wasted no time advancing position.
With beautiful technical precision, Zalal transitioned to Errens' back, securing both hooks while the Dutch fighter attempted to return to his feet. Showing remarkable control and technique, Zalal maintained his position even as Errens stood up, riding him like a backpack with a body triangle locked in.
From there, Zalal methodically worked to sink in the rear-naked choke. His arm snaked under Errens' chin, and despite the Dutchman's desperate defense attempts, the choke was secured. With just eight seconds remaining in the first round, Errens was forced to tap out at 3:52, giving Zalal his second consecutive first-round submission in the UFC.
The performance was clinical and demonstrated Zalal's growth as a complete mixed martial artist. While he built his reputation as a striker, his grappling has become equally dangerous. The featherweight division is notoriously deep and competitive, but Zalal is showing he has the skills to work his way up the rankings.
For Errens, the loss was a disappointing UFC debut. The 26-year-old Dutch fighter entered with an 11-2 record but was thoroughly outclassed by the more experienced and technical Zalal. The submission defeat highlighted the gulf in skill between regional competition and UFC-level opposition.
Stephanie Luciano (USA) defeats Talita Alencar (Brazil) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In the evening's opening bout, 24-year-old women's strawweight Stephanie Luciano secured her first UFC victory with a decisive unanimous decision over Talita Alencar. The fight was a rematch of their Dana White's Contender Series meeting from September 2023, where Luciano had posted dominant 10-8 scores in the third round but ultimately lost via split decision.
This time, Luciano left no doubt. She showcased significant growth in the 11 months since their first meeting, demonstrating improved striking technique, better defensive positioning, and more effective cage control. Her game plan was executed perfectly—she lit up Alencar on the feet with crisp combinations, avoided takedown attempts with improved wrestling defense, and never allowed the Brazilian to establish her preferred grappling game.
All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Luciano, a shutout that reflected her clear superiority in every facet of the fight. The victory was particularly satisfying given that she had felt she deserved the decision in their first meeting. By leaving no question in the rematch, Luciano proved her development as a fighter and earned her spot on the UFC roster.
Luciano's striking looked sharp throughout, with good movement, effective combinations, and improving power. She circled away from Alencar's takedown attempts, used footwork to create angles, and landed the cleaner, more impactful strikes in every exchange. When Alencar did manage to close distance, Luciano showed improved wrestling defense and quickly returned to open space where she thrived.
The unanimous decision moved Luciano to 8-2 overall and gave her crucial momentum as she begins her UFC journey. For Alencar, the loss was disappointing but not entirely surprising—Luciano had evolved significantly since their first meeting and was simply the better fighter on this night.
Event Summary and Aftermath
UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2 will be remembered as a card that overcame significant obstacles to deliver some memorable moments despite widespread criticism. The 10-fight event produced just three finishes—all submissions—giving fans a 30% finish rate that was among the lowest of the year.
Performance Bonuses
UFC officials awarded only three Performance of the Night bonuses of $50,000 each, forgoing the traditional Fight of the Night bonus:
- Performance of the Night: Serghei Spivac (armbar submission of Marcin Tybura)
- Performance of the Night: Toshiomi Kazama (triangle choke submission of Charalampos Grigoriou)
- Performance of the Night: Youssef Zalal (rear-naked choke submission of Jarno Errens)
The absence of a Fight of the Night bonus reflected the card's lack of back-and-forth battles. While Karol Rosa vs. Pannie Kianzad delivered 278 total strikes and good action, it wasn't enough to warrant the extra recognition.
Weight Miss Controversy
The UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2 event was marred by three fighters missing weight, with two misses being particularly egregious:
Chelsea Chandler came in at 141 pounds, five pounds over the bantamweight limit—her second consecutive miss in the division. The failure drew widespread criticism and likely put her UFC future in jeopardy.
Chepe Mariscal weighed in at 149 pounds, 3.5 pounds over the featherweight limit. Despite dominating Damon Jackson, his missed weight cost him potential bonus money and raised questions about his professionalism.
Danny Barlow missed by just 0.25 pounds at welterweight after being medically prevented from cutting more weight. His miss was the least problematic of the three but still resulted in a purse penalty.
All three fighters forfeited 20% of their purses to their opponents, and all three bouts proceeded as catchweight affairs.
Divisional Implications
Heavyweight: Serghei Spivac's spectacular armbar finish moved him back into title contention talks. With losses only to Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane in recent years, Spivac has positioned himself for a potential top-five matchup. Marcin Tybura, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future at age 38 after suffering his first career submission loss.
Featherweight: Despite missing weight, Chepe Mariscal improved to 4-0 in the UFC with his dominant victory over Damon Jackson. However, his weight management issues must be addressed if he hopes to contend in the deep 145-pound division. Youssef Zalal's submission streak has him trending toward ranked competition.
Bantamweight: Chris Gutierrez's victory over Quang Le maintained his position as a reliable gatekeeper. Yana Santos likely moved into the top 10 after her win over Chelsea Chandler and Pannie Kianzad's loss. Karol Rosa's shutout of Kianzad positioned her for a ranked opponent next.
Women's Strawweight: Stephanie Luciano's first UFC victory gives her a platform to build from, though she faces a long road in one of the sport's most competitive divisions.
Notable Moments
The UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2 card will be remembered for Toshiomi Kazama's incredible comeback submission, which saved his UFC career and provided the most dramatic moment of the evening. His ability to secure a triangle choke while being pounded by elbows demonstrated the heart and technical skill that make MMA compelling.
Serghei Spivac's armbar was historic for being the first in the heavyweight division in four years, showcasing that technical grappling still has a place among the big men. The submission also avenged a 2020 loss and demonstrated Spivac's evolution as a complete fighter.
The weight miss controversy, particularly Chelsea Chandler's five-pound failure, sparked renewed discussions about the need for stricter penalties and potential same-day weigh-ins or hydration testing to prevent such extreme misses.
UFC Fight Night: Tybura vs Spivac 2 ultimately delivered for those who tuned in, despite its criticisms. While it lacked star power and suffered from multiple issues, the event provided meaningful results that will impact divisional rankings and showed that even maligned cards can produce memorable moments when fighters are willing to take risks and leave everything in the Octagon.
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