The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 31, 2025, for UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein (also known as UFC Vegas 107). What should have been a women's flyweight title eliminator headlined by Erin Blanchfield vs Maycee Barber instead became one of the most dramatic and controversial events of the year when Barber withdrew minutes before her walkout due to a medical emergency. The shocking last-minute cancellation left only nine fights to proceed - the fewest bouts on a UFC card since UFC Fight Night 194 in 2021.
Despite the main event disaster, the card delivered memorable performances including Mateusz Gamrot's wrestling clinic, Dustin Jacoby's brutal knockout, and thrilling submission victories that earned $50,000 bonuses. The lightweight bout between former KSW champion Gamrot and unranked ฤฝudovรญt Klein inadvertently headlined the event, while Blanchfield stood backstage calling Barber "super unprofessional" and refusing to reschedule their fight. Multiple weight misses and catchweight bouts added to the card's chaotic energy, creating an unforgettable night at the Apex for all the wrong and right reasons.
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UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein Main Card Results (De Facto Main Event)
Erin Blanchfield vs Maycee Barber - Scheduled Main Event (Women's Flyweight/Catchweight) - CANCELLED
Fight Cancelled - Maycee Barber withdrew due to medical emergency minutes before walkout
In one of the most dramatic and shocking moments in UFC history, the UFC on ESPN 68 main event between ranked women's flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber was cancelled literally minutes before the fighters were scheduled to walk to the cage. Video packages for the headliner had already aired, fighters were in their locker rooms ready for walkouts, and even the broadcast team remained unsure what was happening as the cancellation unfolded in real-time.
The bout was plagued with issues before it even reached fight night. At Friday's weigh-ins, Barber missed the 126-pound women's flyweight limit by half a pound, weighing in at 126.5 pounds. The bout proceeded to catchweight with Barber forfeiting 20 percent of her purse to Blanchfield.
Barber, ranked No. 5 at women's flyweight, hadn't fought in 14 months since defeating Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024. The 27-year-old Greeley, Colorado native had been sidelined by multiple medical issues, including one that prompted an 11-day hospital stay. Her long layoff raised concerns about ring rust and conditioning heading into a five-round main event.
Blanchfield, ranked No. 4 and representing New Jersey, entered holding a 7-1 UFC record. Her most recent performance came via narrow split decision over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in November 2024. The victory positioned her for a title eliminator opportunity against Barber, who rode a six-fight winning streak spanning 2021-2024.
During fight week, Blanchfield expressed concern about Barber making it to fight night given her medical history and prolonged absence. Those concerns proved prophetic.
Just moments before walkouts were scheduled, with both fighters in the back and production packages already aired, Barber was not medically cleared to compete. According to reports, she suffered seizures backstage that prevented her from continuing. The exact nature of the medical emergency remained unclear in immediate aftermath.
Barber later posted on Instagram apologizing but providing little explanation beyond calling it "just a bad hand" she was dealt. She revealed she "begged" her coaches not to call doctors but they ultimately made the decision for her safety.
Post-cancellation, Blanchfield gave a scathing interview backstage with Megan Olivi. Fighting back frustration, she stated: "No. My coaches right away were like, 'Don't entertain her. She's not on your level. Super unprofessional.'" The New Jersey contender refused to consider a rescheduled bout with Barber.
The cancellation marked another disappointment for both fighters. They were previously expected to meet at UFC 269 in December 2021, but Barber withdrew due to undisclosed reasons. This represented the second time Barber pulled out of facing Blanchfield.
The late withdrawal extended Barber's layoff indefinitely and raised serious questions about her future in the division. For Blanchfield, the frustration of a full training camp and weight cut without competition left her seeking new opponents at flyweight.
The main event cancellation reduced UFC on ESPN 68 to just nine completed bouts - the fewest on a UFC card since 2021. Notably, the last 10 fight cards featuring single-digit matches all took place at the UFC Apex.
Mateusz Gamrot vs ฤฝudovรญt Klein - De Facto Main Event (Lightweight)
Mateusz Gamrot (Poland) def. ฤฝudovรญt Klein (Slovakia) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Polish wrestling specialist Mateusz "Gamer" Gamrot delivered a dominant grappling clinic against unranked Slovakian contender ฤฝudovรญt Klein, earning a shutout unanimous decision in the bout that inadvertently became the de facto main event. The performance announced Gamrot's return to the win column and reaffirmed his status as one of the lightweight division's elite grapplers.
Gamrot, the former two-division KSW champion, entered ranked No. 7 at lightweight with a 7-3 UFC record. His career had been defined by remarkable highs and untimely losses in crucial moments. After debuting with a decision loss to Guram Kutateladze in 2020, he rattled off four consecutive victories before falling short against Beneil Dariush in a top contender matchup in 2022. He responded with three more wins to climb back into title conversation before dropping a controversial split decision to Dan Hooker. Gamrot had never lost consecutive bouts in his professional career.
Klein brought a 23-4-1 record and seven-fight unbeaten streak (6-0-1) into the biggest opportunity of his career. The Slovakian's prodigious callout of the ranked Gamrot earned him the matchup despite limited credentials. His best victory likely remained a decision over Ignacio Bahamondes years earlier. Klein's 90-plus percent takedown defense rating had never been tested against elite-level wrestling.
That rating proved meaningless against Gamrot's relentless approach.
From the opening bell, Gamrot fired kicks and doubled up on his right hand, pressuring forward aggressively. Klein circled the outside defensively, waiting for openings. When he did open up, his first 1-2 combination landed heavily, showing his striking posed legitimate danger.
However, Gamrot committed hard to his first single-leg takedown and successfully dragged Klein to the floor. The Polish grappler circled behind his opponent as Klein fought to stand. Gamrot stuck to Klein like glue, riding the Slovak athlete as he tried to fight hands and create separation.
Round 1 set the pattern for the entire 15 minutes. Gamrot took Klein down early in Rounds 1 and 2, then again late in Round 3, suffocating any chance at a rally. His takedown accuracy proved overwhelming - landing six takedowns on 11 attempts while accumulating nearly nine minutes of control time.
Klein's vaunted takedown defense was breached repeatedly, exposing the gap between facing unranked opponents and elite competition. His ability to fight off his back proved inadequate against Gamrot's smothering top control and positional dominance.
The classically relentless Gamrot performance saw him take shots in the process but generally control the fight comprehensively. The finish didn't materialize, but Gamrot won a vast majority of the action across all three rounds.
All three judges scored it 30-27 for Gamrot - a complete shutout reflecting his dominance. The victory improved his record to 24-3 (7-3 UFC) while Klein dropped to 23-5-1 (7-3-1 UFC), suffering his first loss since a choke-out by Nate Landwehr on a 2021 Fight Night card.
Post-fight, Gamrot emphasized his wrestling pedigree: "This was a dominant performance. I always represent wrestling. Nobody can stand up to my shoot. No one defends my takedowns. I am one of the best guys in the world and I proved it."
The victory positioned Gamrot for a fellow top-10 opponent in his next bout now that he's back in the win column. His 49 career UFC takedowns across 11 opponents demonstrated his place among the promotion's premier grapplers.
For Klein, the ambitious callout backfired spectacularly. The reach exceeded the grasp as the comparative upstart learned the harsh reality of facing ranked opposition. The lopsided defeat likely sends him back to building against unranked fighters.
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Billy Ray Goff - Welterweight
Ramiz Brahimaj (United States - New York) def. Billy Ray Goff (United States - Connecticut) via technical submission (guillotine choke) at 3:16 of Round 1
New York's Ramiz "The Bronx Boa" Brahimaj turned in one of the card's most spectacular finishes, putting Billy Ray Goff to sleep with a standing guillotine choke in the first round. The brutal submission showcased Brahimaj's ability to capitalize on scrambles and earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
The welterweight bout was originally scheduled differently. Brahimaj vs Oban Elliott and Goff vs promotional newcomer Ko Seok-hyun were separate bouts. However, Elliott and Ko were forced to withdraw due to visa issues, so Brahimaj instead faced Goff. Elliott and Ko were later booked to face each other three weeks later at UFC on ABC: Hill vs Rountree Jr.
Brahimaj entered seeking his second consecutive first-round finish after knocking out Mickey Gall in fall 2024. The 32-year-old Albanian-American brought a reputation for explosive early finishes - 11 of his professional victories came inside the opening round.
Goff, the Connecticut native, hoped to derail Brahimaj's momentum and earn his first signature UFC victory.
The bout opened with both fighters working for position. Brahimaj quickly turned a 50/50 position along the fence into a submission opportunity. As they scrambled, "The Bronx Boa" seized Goff's neck with lightning speed.
Brahimaj adjusted into a high-elbow guillotine choke while maintaining the standing position. The technique - squeezing the neck while controlling the body - proved devastating. Within seconds, Goff went unconscious, his body going limp as the referee rushed in.
The stoppage came at 3:16 of Round 1, marking Brahimaj's second consecutive first-round finish and cementing his reputation as one of welterweight's most dangerous early fighters.
Post-fight, Brahimaj referenced his recent knockout: "My last fight I was the Bronx Bomber, and in this fight I was the Bronx Boa." The guillotine choke - his 11th first-round victory - demonstrated his finishing instincts and submission prowess.
The $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus rewarded the spectacular finish. Brahimaj's career bonus total improved to two, establishing him as a reliable action fighter who delivers memorable moments.
For Goff, the brutal finish represented a disappointing setback after accepting the short-notice opponent change.
Dustin Jacoby vs Bruno Lopes - Light Heavyweight
Dustin Jacoby (United States) def. Bruno Lopes (Brazil) via KO (punch) at 1:50 of Round 1
Thirty-seven-year-old light heavyweight veteran Dustin "The Hanyak" Jacoby proved that age is just a number, delivering one of the most vicious knockouts of his career against up-and-coming Brazilian Bruno Lopes. The spectacular finish came just 1:50 into Round 1 and marked the card's only knockout - yet controversially, Jacoby did not receive a Performance of the Night bonus.
Jacoby entered seeking his second consecutive victory after finishing Vitor Petrino in December 2024. The Colorado native brought a veteran's poise and knockout power honed over years competing in both MMA and kickboxing.
Lopes represented rising Brazilian talent hoping to make a statement against the ranked opposition. The matchup positioned both fighters for potential movement in the loaded 205-pound division.
From the opening bell, Jacoby fought like a man with everything on the line. He blitzed through Lopes in brutal fashion, wasting little time establishing his dominance.
Jacoby opened by landing several heavy low kicks as the fight began, chopping at Lopes's legs to compromise his movement and balance. The leg kicks set up the finishing sequence.
Just seconds into the bout, Jacoby exploded forward with punches. One shot - a devastating hook - caught Lopes flush on the chin. The Brazilian's lights went out instantly, his body crumpling to the canvas as the referee rushed in.
The knockout came at 1:50 of Round 1, giving Jacoby his sixth knockout victory in modern light heavyweight history - tying him for fourth-most in the division's modern era.
The spectacular finish extended Jacoby's winning streak to two and improved his UFC record. "The Hanyak" demonstrated that despite being 37 years old, his power and timing remained elite-level.
However, controversy erupted post-fight when UFC announced the bonus winners. Despite scoring the card's only knockout in spectacular fashion, Jacoby did not receive a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Instead, bonuses went to submission winners Ramiz Brahimaj and Jordan Leavitt.
Jacoby took to social media expressing his frustration: "C'mon man!" The veteran's disappointment was palpable - his highlight-reel knockout seemingly deserved recognition alongside the submission finishes.
The knockout victory positioned Jacoby for bigger opportunities at 205 pounds. His consistent finishing ability and veteran savvy make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. He's earned three POTN bonuses during his UFC tenure, including brutal knockouts of Kennedy Nzechukwu and Da-Un Jung.
For Lopes, the devastating early knockout represented a harsh introduction to ranked-level opposition.
Ketlen Vieira vs Macy Chiasson - Women's Featherweight (Originally Bantamweight)
Ketlen Vieira (Brazil) def. Macy Chiasson (United States) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Brazilian veteran Ketlen Vieira earned a unanimous decision over The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters featherweight winner Macy Chiasson in a women's bout that became mired in controversy when it was changed from bantamweight to featherweight on weigh-in day due to "weight management issues."
The bout was originally scheduled as a bantamweight (135 lbs) matchup. However, on the day of weigh-ins, the UFC announced it would proceed at women's featherweight (145 lbs) due to weight management issues from Vieira. The Brazilian forfeited 25 percent of her purse as penalty for the last-minute change.
Vieira and Chiasson had a long history of attempted bookings. They were originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 in January 2024, but Vieira was pulled due to injury and the bout was scrapped. They were later expected to meet at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs Song in February 2024, but Chiasson suffered an injury that removed the bout from the card. The third attempt finally came to fruition in Las Vegas.
Vieira, the former title challenger, brought veteran experience and well-rounded skills into the matchup. The weight class change potentially favored her physical advantages against Chiasson.
Chiasson, the TUF winner, sought to reestablish herself after recent setbacks. Her size and striking posed legitimate threats across three rounds.
The women's featherweight clash went the full fifteen minutes with competitive action throughout. Vieira's experience and technical approach earned her advantages on the scorecards despite Chiasson's spirited effort.
Two judges scored it 29-28 and one saw it 30-27 - all for Vieira. The split scoring reflected the competitive nature while acknowledging Vieira's overall control.
The victory improved Vieira's record despite the controversy surrounding the weight class change. Her 25 percent purse forfeiture penalized the last-minute adjustment that favored her physical advantages.
For Chiasson, the loss represented another frustrating setback after the long road to finally making the bout happen.
Zachary Reese vs Duลกko Todoroviฤ - Middleweight
Zachary Reese (United States) def. Duลกko Todoroviฤ (Serbia) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
American middleweight Zachary Reese defeated Serbian striker Duลกko Todoroviฤ via close unanimous decision in a bout that promised violence but delivered a more tactical affair. Both fighters entered with knockout-heavy records that suggested referee Herb Dean would get involved before the final horn.
Reese brought an 8-2 record (2-2 UFC) into the matchup, with knockouts his preferred finishing method. The American sought to build momentum in the crowded middleweight division.
Todoroviฤ entered at 12-5 (3-5 UFC), also favoring knockouts. The Serbian's experience against UFC-level opposition gave him the edge in credentials.
Combined, the two middleweights held 18 stoppages in their 20 professional victories - suggesting an action-packed affair. Both bumped fists before engaging.
Reese introduced himself with a body kick, with Todoroviฤ responding in kind. Todoroviฤ doubled up on kicks then shot for a takedown. Reese scrambled and found his way on top, with Todoroviฤ sitting up for a guillotine choke attempt.
Reese lifted Todoroviฤ up and slammed him down, but Todoroviฤ maintained the guillotine while mounted. Reese fought through the submission attempt, his neck in jeopardy, and worked to his feet.
Todoroviฤ used the choke to maintain control and impose his weight, lowering Reese to the ground while kneeing him in the side. The grappling exchanges defined much of the bout's competitive action.
After fifteen minutes of back-and-forth action, all three judges scored it identically 29-28 for Reese. The close scorecards reflected the competitive nature and Todoroviฤ's strong grappling threats that kept Reese in danger throughout.
The victory improved Reese to 9-2 (3-2 UFC) while Todoroviฤ dropped to 12-6 (3-6 UFC), continuing his struggles to find consistency at UFC level.
UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein Preliminary Card Results
Allan Nascimento vs Jafel Filho - Flyweight (Catchweight)
Allan Nascimento (Brazil - Chute Boxe) def. Jafel Filho (Brazil - Nova Uniao) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brazilian flyweight Allan Nascimento defeated fellow countryman Jafel Filho via close unanimous decision in a bout contested at catchweight after Nascimento's weight miss. The competitive flyweight affair saw two Chute Boxe vs Nova Uniao representatives battle over fifteen minutes.
The bout was originally scheduled for UFC on ESPN: Tybura vs Spivac 2 in August 2024 but was cancelled when Nascimento fell ill. The rescheduling to UFC on ESPN 68 finally allowed the matchup to materialize.
At Friday's weigh-ins, Nascimento weighed in at 127.5 pounds - one and a half pounds over the flyweight non-title limit of 126 pounds. The bout proceeded at catchweight with Nascimento fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Filho.
Nascimento, representing the legendary Chute Boxe camp, brought aggressive Brazilian striking and submission skills. The weight advantage potentially favored his physical approach.
Filho, from Nova Uniao - another storied Brazilian camp - sought to overcome the weight disadvantage with technique and conditioning.
The all-Brazilian flyweight clash delivered competitive action across three rounds. Nascimento's physicality proved decisive on the scorecards despite Filho's technical efforts.
All three judges scored it identically 29-28 for Nascimento, reflecting how close the bout remained throughout. The narrow margins suggested Filho's performance despite the weight disadvantage.
The victory improved Nascimento's record while the weight miss and purse forfeiture tarnished the performance. For Filho, the narrow decision loss demonstrated competitive spirit against an overweight opponent.
Jordan Leavitt vs Kurt Holobaugh - Lightweight
Jordan Leavitt (United States - "The Monkey King") def. Kurt Holobaugh (United States) via technical submission (anaconda choke) at 1:39 of Round 1
"Monkey King" Jordan Leavitt returned from an 18-month layoff to score a spectacular first-round submission victory over lightweight veteran Kurt Holobaugh. The anaconda choke finish came early in Round 1 and earned Leavitt a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Leavitt's layoff since his last UFC appearance in late 2023 created questions about ring rust and conditioning. However, the American grappler wasted no time announcing his return.
Holobaugh, the experienced lightweight veteran, sought to capitalize on Leavitt's lengthy absence with early pressure and striking.
The lightweight bout lasted less than two minutes. Just 30 seconds into the fight, Leavitt had Holobaugh on the mat and started working toward a submission. The grappling transition demonstrated Leavitt's comfort on the ground and ability to capitalize on openings.
After a brief scramble, Leavitt secured the anaconda choke position - a front headlock variation that applies pressure to the neck and shoulder. He tightened the submission expertly, cutting off blood flow.
At 1:39 of Round 1, Holobaugh went unconscious from the choke. The referee intervened immediately, giving Leavitt the technical submission victory.
The spectacular finish announced Leavitt's return in emphatic fashion. His grappling prowess remained sharp despite the 18-month absence, suggesting his layoff didn't diminish his skills.
The $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus rewarded the quick finish. Leavitt's career bonus total improved to three, establishing him as a reliable finisher who delivers memorable submissions.
Post-fight, "The Monkey King" expressed satisfaction with his performance and readiness to return to regular competition at lightweight.
For Holobaugh, the early submission represented a disappointing defeat against the returning grappler.
Michael Aswell vs Bolaji Oki - Lightweight
Bolaji Oki (Nigeria/United States) def. Michael Aswell (United States - promotional newcomer) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Nigerian-American lightweight Bolaji Oki defeated promotional newcomer Michael Aswell via unanimous decision in a bout that materialized just three days before the event. The last-minute replacement scenario created difficult circumstances for the debuting Aswell.
The bout was originally scheduled between MarQuel Mederos and Oki. However, Mederos withdrew three days before the event due to illness, prompting the UFC to bring in Aswell as a short-notice replacement making his promotional debut.
Oki entered as the favorite given his UFC experience and preparation against the original opponent. The Nigerian-American sought to capitalize on Aswell's limited preparation time.
Aswell faced the daunting task of debuting on short notice against a prepared opponent. The circumstances tested his ability to compete under pressure.
The lightweight clash went the full fifteen minutes with Oki's experience proving decisive. All three judges scored it identically 29-28 for Oki, reflecting Aswell's competitive showing despite the short notice.
The narrow margins suggested Aswell performed admirably given the circumstances, though Oki's preparation and experience carried him to victory.
For Oki, the decision victory provided relief after the opponent change disrupted his preparation. The win kept his UFC career on track.
For Aswell, the debut loss came under difficult circumstances but demonstrated heart and competitive spirit that could earn future opportunities.
UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein Early Preliminary Card Results
Alice Ardelean vs Rayanne dos Santos - Women's Strawweight (Card Opener)
Alice Ardelean (Romania) def. Rayanne dos Santos (Brazil - former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Romanian strawweight Alice Ardelean earned her first UFC victory with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Brazilian veteran Rayanne dos Santos in a women's strawweight war that earned both fighters Fight of the Night bonuses. The card-opening bout delivered three rounds of thrilling action that set an exciting tone for the evening.
Ardelean and dos Santos were originally scheduled to compete at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira in October 2024, but dos Santos withdrew due to a broken arm. The rescheduling to UFC on ESPN 68 finally allowed the matchup to proceed.
Both fighters entered desperately seeking their first UFC victory. Ardelean brought a 9-9 professional record after suffering two consecutive UFC losses. Dos Santos, the former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion, entered on a three-fight losing streak - all in UFC or Dana White's Contender Series competitions.
The women's strawweight clash delivered fireworks from the opening bell. Both fighters traded willingly on the feet throughout, creating an entertaining striking battle that kept fans engaged.
Ardelean took control early with heavier shots and steadier output. The Romanian's power and accuracy created advantages in the first two rounds as she backed up dos Santos and dictated the pace.
Round 3 saw dos Santos come alive dramatically. The Brazilian landed big shots and backed Ardelean up, creating her best moments of the fight. However, she couldn't maintain the furious pace required to completely turn the tide.
Ardelean recovered from the adversity and answered back late in Round 3, sealing a deserved decision victory with her responses to dos Santos's rally.
The judges scored it 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 - all for Ardelean. The split scoring reflected how competitive Round 3 became when dos Santos surged.
The $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus rewarded both fighters for their entertaining effort. The combined $100,000 in bonuses provided significant financial rewards for the card opener.
Post-fight, Ardelean expressed gratitude for the opportunity and opponent: "After two losses this fight camp was so focused from the physical to the mental. I changed a lot of stuff, and I improved a lot. I enjoy fighting. I like getting punched in the face. I need to thank my opponent, Rayanne, she's a dog."
The victory improved Ardelean to 10-9 overall (1-2 UFC), finally getting her first UFC win. For dos Santos, the defeat dropped her to 14-10 and extended her losing streak to four consecutive fights - three in UFC and one on Contender Series. The Brazilian's future in the promotion appeared uncertain after the latest setback.
Despite the loss, dos Santos earned her first UFC bonus, providing financial consolation for the competitive performance.
Notable UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein Information
Main Event Cancellation Drama
The Blanchfield vs Barber cancellation became the story of UFC on ESPN 68. Maycee Barber's medical emergency minutes before walkout created one of the most dramatic moments in recent UFC history. The half-pound weight miss the previous day raised questions about her preparation and conditioning.
Barber's history of withdrawals - this being the second time she pulled out of facing Blanchfield - created credibility issues. Her 14-month layoff plagued by medical issues including an 11-day hospital stay suggested ongoing health concerns.
Erin Blanchfield's post-cancellation comments calling Barber "super unprofessional" and refusing to reschedule demonstrated her frustration. The full training camp and weight cut without competition left her seeking new flyweight opportunities.
The cancellation reduced the card to nine fights - the fewest since 2021 and all single-digit UFC cards in recent years occurred at the Apex.
Performance Bonuses
UFC on ESPN 68 awarded three $50,000 bonuses:
Fight of the Night: Alice Ardelean and Rayanne dos Santos earned the honor for their entertaining three-round strawweight war that opened the card. Both fighters collected $50,000 for the thrilling battle.
Performance of the Night: Ramiz Brahimaj earned his bonus for the brutal standing guillotine choke that put Billy Ray Goff to sleep at 3:16 of Round 1. The spectacular submission marked his second consecutive first-round finish.
Performance of the Night: Jordan Leavitt collected his bonus for the anaconda choke submission of Kurt Holobaugh at 1:39 of Round 1. The return from 18-month layoff with an immediate finish impressed UFC brass.
Notably absent from bonuses was Dustin Jacoby, despite scoring the card's only knockout in spectacular fashion. Jacoby publicly expressed frustration with the decision, posting "C'mon man!" on social media. The veteran has earned three POTN bonuses during his UFC tenure for other brutal knockouts.
Weight Misses and Catchweight Bouts
UFC on ESPN 68 featured multiple weight issues:
Maycee Barber missed the women's flyweight limit by half a pound, weighing 126.5 lbs instead of 126. She forfeited 20 percent of her purse to Blanchfield, though the bout ultimately never occurred due to her medical withdrawal.
Allan Nascimento weighed in at 127.5 lbs - 1.5 lbs over the flyweight limit of 126. The bout with Jafel Filho proceeded at catchweight with Nascimento fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Filho.
Ketlen Vieira encountered "weight management issues" that forced her bantamweight bout with Macy Chiasson to be changed to featherweight (145 lbs) on weigh-in day. Vieira forfeited 25 percent of her purse for the last-minute change.
The multiple weight issues created an unprofessional atmosphere that tarnished the card's reputation.
Fight Card Changes
Several bouts experienced changes before reaching fight night:
- Two welterweight bouts (Brahimaj vs Elliott and Goff vs Ko Seok-hyun) were combined into one (Brahimaj vs Goff) when Elliott and Ko withdrew due to visa issues. Those fighters were rebooked to face each other at UFC on ABC: Hill vs Rountree Jr three weeks later.
- MarQuel Mederos withdrew three days before the event due to illness, bringing in promotional newcomer Michael Aswell as replacement to face Bolaji Oki.
- Andreas Gustafsson was originally scheduled for this event before being moved to replace another withdrawn fighter, creating a cascade of matchmaking adjustments.
UFC Apex Statistics
The nine-fight card represented the fewest bouts on a UFC event since UFC Fight Night 194 in 2021. Notably, the last 10 fight cards featuring single-digit matches all took place at the UFC Apex facility.
Mateusz Gamrot's Takedown Record
Gamrot's six takedowns against Klein brought his UFC career total to 49 across 11 opponents. He's now taken down all 11 foes he's faced in the Octagon, demonstrating remarkable consistency and dominance as a grappler.
Dustin Jacoby's Knockout Record
Jacoby's brutal knockout of Bruno Lopes represented his sixth knockout victory in modern light heavyweight history, tying him for fourth-most in the division's modern era. The 37-year-old continues defying age expectations with spectacular finishes.
Noche UFC Announcement
During the broadcast, the UFC announced that the third annual Noche UFC event would take place September 13, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at the Frost Bank Center (home of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs). The event celebrates Mexican Independence Day and honors Mexican athletes' contributions to combat sports. This marks the first time Noche UFC ventures outside Las Vegas.
Event Analysis and Takeaways
UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein will be remembered primarily for what didn't happen rather than what did. Maycee Barber's medical emergency minutes before the main event walkout created one of the most dramatic and disappointing moments in recent UFC history. The cancellation after video packages aired and fighters prepared for walkouts demonstrated the unpredictable nature of live combat sports.
Barber's half-pound weight miss the previous day raised red flags about her preparation and physical condition. Her 14-month layoff plagued by medical issues including an 11-day hospital stay suggested ongoing health problems that the UFC should have monitored more closely. The fact this marked the second time she withdrew from facing Erin Blanchfield raised serious questions about her reliability and professionalism.
Blanchfield's scathing post-cancellation comments - calling Barber "super unprofessional" and refusing to reschedule - demonstrated justified frustration. A full training camp and weight cut without competition represents the worst-case scenario for fighters. Her refusal to give Barber another opportunity suggests the bridge is permanently burned.
Despite the main event disaster, the card delivered quality performances from fighters who capitalized on their opportunities. Mateusz Gamrot's wrestling clinic against ฤฝudovรญt Klein reaffirmed his status among lightweight's elite grapplers. His 49 career UFC takedowns across 11 opponents demonstrated remarkable consistency and dominance.
Klein's ambitious callout backfired spectacularly. His 90-plus percent takedown defense proved meaningless against Gamrot's relentless pressure and technique. The shutout decision exposed the gap between unranked fighters and top-10 opposition, providing a harsh lesson about levels in the sport.
Ramiz Brahimaj's standing guillotine choke of Billy Ray Goff provided the card's most spectacular finish. Putting an opponent unconscious with a standing submission requires perfect technique and timing - Brahimaj delivered both. His two consecutive first-round finishes established him as a dangerous welterweight prospect worth monitoring.
Dustin Jacoby's brutal knockout of Bruno Lopes showcased veteran excellence and knockout power that defies age. At 37, "The Hanyak" proved he remains among light heavyweight's most dangerous strikers. However, the controversial decision to deny him a Performance of the Night bonus despite scoring the card's only knockout raised questions about UFC's bonus criteria. Jacoby's public frustration seemed justified given the spectacular nature of his finish.
Jordan Leavitt's anaconda choke return from 18-month layoff demonstrated his grappling remained sharp despite the lengthy absence. The quick submission announced "The Monkey King" is ready to compete regularly again at lightweight.
Alice Ardelean and Rayanne dos Santos delivered the card's most entertaining fight despite opening the evening. Their three-round war earned Fight of the Night honors and provided both fighters with $50,000 bonuses. Ardelean's first UFC victory came under pressure while dos Santos's four-fight losing streak raised questions about her promotional future.
The multiple weight misses from Barber, Nascimento, and Vieira created an unprofessional atmosphere. Weight cutting remains one of MMA's most problematic issues, with fighters jeopardizing their health and careers for competitive advantages. Vieira's last-minute bantamweight-to-featherweight change particularly stood out as poor preparation.
The nine-fight card - fewest since 2021 - highlighted the Apex's role as a venue for smaller events when main cards fall apart. The intimate setting allows the UFC to proceed with reduced fights when cancellations occur.
Looking forward, Gamrot deserves a top-10 opponent to continue his championship climb. Blanchfield needs a new flyweight opponent after refusing to rebook Barber. The division's title picture remains clouded by the cancelled fight.
Conclusion
UFC on ESPN 68: Gamrot vs Klein delivered memorable moments for unfortunate reasons. Maycee Barber's medical emergency minutes before the main event walkout created one of 2025's most dramatic UFC moments, reducing the card to just nine fights - the fewest since 2021. Erin Blanchfield's frustrated post-cancellation comments calling Barber "super unprofessional" and refusing to reschedule burned bridges between the flyweight contenders.
Mateusz Gamrot's dominant wrestling clinic against ฤฝudovรญt Klein inadvertently headlined the event, with the Polish grappler earning a shutout unanimous decision through relentless takedowns and control. His 49 career UFC takedowns across 11 opponents reaffirmed his status among lightweight's elite.
The card's highlights came from spectacular finishes earning $50,000 bonuses. Ramiz Brahimaj's standing guillotine choke that put Billy Ray Goff unconscious, Jordan Leavitt's anaconda choke return from layoff, and Alice Ardelean vs Rayanne dos Santos's Fight of the Night war provided entertainment despite the main event disaster.
Dustin Jacoby's brutal knockout - the card's only - controversially received no bonus despite its spectacular nature. The 37-year-old veteran's public frustration highlighted inconsistent bonus criteria.
Multiple weight misses from Barber, Allan Nascimento, and Ketlen Vieira created unprofessional atmosphere that tarnished the event. Vieira's last-minute bantamweight-to-featherweight change particularly raised questions about preparation.
As the UFC moves forward, Gamrot positions himself for top-10 opposition while Blanchfield seeks new flyweight opportunities. Barber's future remains uncertain given her medical issues and credibility problems. The chaotic UFC on ESPN 68 will be remembered as one of 2025's most dramatic and disappointing events - a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of live combat sports.
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