UFC Vegas 115 delivered a main event between training partners and multiple technical performances across the card. Renato Moicano rebounded from consecutive losses with a submission victory over Chris Duncan, while Virna Jandiroba used consistent grappling to decision Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event. The April 4, 2026 card at the UFC Apex showcased several prospects extending win streaks and established contenders reasserting their position in their respective divisions.
Main Event: Moicano Submits Duncan With Face Crank
Renato Moicano (21-7-1, 13-7 UFC) defeated his American Top Team training partner Chris Duncan (15-3, 6-2 UFC) via face crank submission at 3:14 of round two in the lightweight main event. The Brazilian veteran delivered a dominant performance to halt a two-fight losing streak that included defeats to Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Moicano established control early with measured jabs and strategic clinch work. The Brazilian increased his output significantly in the second round, landing a left hook that sat Duncan down. Moicano immediately transitioned to back control and began working for a submission while mixing in punches.
Duncan defended the choke attempts but made a critical error by throwing a backward elbow while defending. This opened the opportunity for Moicano to secure the face crank, forcing the tap shortly after.
Technical Notes for Fighters
- Moicano’s patient approach in round one allowed him to read Duncan’s defensive patterns
- The left hook created immediate back-take opportunity rather than pursuing ground-and-pound
- Mixing strikes with submission attempts forced defensive lapses
- Duncan’s backward elbow demonstrated poor positional awareness under pressure
Co-Main Event: Jandiroba Grapples Past Ricci
Virna Jandiroba (recorded win) defeated Tabatha Ricci (12-4, 7-4 UFC) via unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in the strawweight co-main event. The former Invicta FC title contender bounced back from her championship loss to Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321 in October.
Grappling Control Strategy
The 37-year-old Brazilian executed a straightforward gameplan, securing takedowns in all three rounds for a total of six successful entries. Jandiroba’s grappling threat influenced the standup exchanges, allowing her to compete effectively on the feet when Duncan remained upright.
Ricci showed improved urgency in round three with more aggressive striking and better takedown defense. However, a late Jandiroba takedown led to back control and choke attempts. Ricci managed a reversal to top position in the final seconds, but insufficient time remained to affect the judges’ scorecards.
Coaching Points
- Jandiroba’s consistent takedown pressure prevented Ricci from establishing striking rhythm
- The grappling threat created openings on the feet without additional striking development
- Ricci’s third-round adjustments came too late to overcome the deficit
- Late-round reversal demonstrated technical competency but poor time management
Yakhyaev Extends Undefeated Record
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev (9-0, 2-0 UFC) submitted Brendson Ribeiro (17-10, 1 NC, 2-5 UFC) with a rear-naked choke at 2:52 of round one. The 25-year-old Turkish prospect has now finished his last five opponents inside a single round.
Ribeiro landed quality strikes early but momentum shifted when Yakhyaev absorbed a head kick and immediately countered with a takedown. Once grounded, Yakhyaev advanced to back control, landed ground strikes, and secured the choke. Ribeiro tapped within seconds of the full squeeze being applied.
Ewing Dominates Estevam to Second UFC Win
Ethyn Ewing (10-2, 2-0 UFC) finished Rafael Estevam (14-1, 3-1 UFC) via technical knockout at 1:44 of round three in their bantamweight bout. The CSW Training Center product, who trains alongside notable fighters, delivered a body shot followed by a hammerfist to end the contest.
Performance Progression
Ewing improved as the fight progressed, using superior footwork and combination striking to keep Estevam defensive. After nearly finishing in round one, Ewing controlled round two with right hands, elbows, and knees in the clinch.
The finish came when Ewing landed a liver shot that produced a delayed reaction. Estevam stepped backward before collapsing, where a follow-up hammerfist ended the bout. Ewing has won 10 consecutive professional fights.
McMillen Makes Successful UFC Debut
Tommy McMillen (10-0, 1-0 UFC) finished Manolo Zecchini (11-4, 0-2 UFC) at 3:57 of round one in their featherweight matchup. The 28-year-old Dana White’s Contender Series alum trains with Sean O’Malley and maintained his undefeated record.
Both fighters engaged at a high pace from the opening bell. McMillen’s length advantage allowed him to land extended punching combinations and knees in close range. Late in the round, McMillen secured a front headlock against the cage and unleashed sustained offense. Two body knees dropped Zecchini to a defensive position, and follow-up punches prompted the stoppage.
Delano Wins UFC Debut Over Ruchala
Jose Mauro Delano (17-3, 1-0 UFC) defeated Robert Ruchala (11-3, 0-2 UFC) via unanimous decision with scores of 30-26, 29-27, and 29-27 in their featherweight bout. The Brazilian Top Team representative needed one round to adjust before taking control.
After a feeling-out first round, Delano landed punching combinations to the head and diverse kicks that bloodied Ruchala’s face. Ruchala showed creativity with his kicking game but made a critical error in round three by grabbing the fence with both hands while defending a takedown. The immediate point deduction eliminated Ruchala’s path to victory.
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
UFC Vegas 115 reinforced fundamental principles for fighters and coaches. Moicano demonstrated how patient setup work creates finishing opportunities against quality opposition. His willingness to fight a training partner showcased professional discipline, while the technical execution justified the main event placement after back-to-back losses to elite competition.
Jandiroba’s performance illustrates the effectiveness of committed grappling gameplans when executed consistently across all rounds. Fighters with elite grappling should note how the constant threat influenced standup exchanges without requiring additional striking development. Ricci’s late adjustments provide a lesson in proactive rather than reactive gameplanning.
For developing prospects, Yakhyaev and Ewing showed contrasting but equally effective approaches. Yakhyaev’s ability to capitalize immediately after absorbing strikes demonstrates offensive wrestling’s value under duress. Ewing’s progressive dominance reflects intelligent pace management and combination striking that accumulates damage before the finish.
The fence-grabbing incident in Delano versus Ruchala serves as a reminder that desperation fouls carry tangible consequences. Defensive failures should be addressed through positional improvement rather than rule violations. The immediate point deduction properly reflected the severity of the infraction.