Rookie Report Card: Grading all Octagon newcomers UFC Vegas 105 post-mortem – A dud, nasty lip, and seeing stars

You only get one Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut!

Three rookies debuted in “Sin City” last night (Sat., April 5, 2025) at UFC Vegas 105 inside the promotion’s private Apex venue in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC newbies went 1-2, and two of them got finished.

It wasn’t a good night for any of them.

Nevertheless, now that the dust has settled, let’s grade their respective performances below:

Luis Gurule

It was going well until it wasn’t for UFC Flyweight Luis Gurule, who earned a contract on Season 8 of Contender Series by defeating the highly-touted, three-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Nick Piccininni.

For his UFC debut, the promotion threw him into the deep end against veteran Ode Osbourne, known for his one-punch knockout power. Osbourne lived up to that reputation, landing a vicious left that floored Gurule before finishing him with follow-up strikes (watch highlights).

Gurule shined in the first round, keeping his distance, chopping at Osbourne’s legs with low kicks, and then executing a crisp suplex. After taking Osbourne down, he showcased solid control and seamless transitions, effortlessly advancing to full mount.

However, once the second round began, Osbourne landed the kill shot.

I was extremely high on Gurule going into this fight, and despite the loss, I still believe in his potential.

Final grade: C

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Torrez Finney

After dominating all three of his Contender Series fights, Torrez Finney earned his UFC debut. Unfortunately, it was a dreadful performance, memorable only for being awful to watch.

Finney stuck to his signature nonstop wrestling but failed to capitalize on it. He threw no ground-and-pound, attempted no submissions, and didn’t advance his position.

His offense was meager: just four significant strikes and 17 total strikes landed.

Ultimately, a win is a win, but this one felt more like a defeat in the end.

Final grade: D

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Daniel Frunza

If Daniel Frunza has taught us anything, it’s that he’s absurdly tough. Unless his opponent knocks him out cold, he won’t stop coming. Unfortunately for him, doctors stepped in and halted his UFC when his eye swelled shut after a savage first round where he was dropped four times in under two minutes (his lip was shredded; check it out here)

Still, even while taking a beating from Rhys McKee, who notched his first UFC win, Frunza proved he’s got crazy heart. He’s a wild man, destined for Octagon brawls, staying in the fight until he can’t—if you catch my drift.

So, despite being stopped in his UFC debut, he showed enough to earn a passing grade.

Final grade: C-

For complete UFC Vegas 105 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.