In the main event, Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series standout Don’Tale Mayes faced gritty Alabaman Nkemdirim Oti.

The 26-year-old Mayes made debuted on Contender Series in 2017, regarded as the best heavyweight on the United States regional scene. That night, Mayes was upset by Allen Crowder but was invited back for Season 2 this past summer. 

In his second attempt to earn a UFC contract, Mayes defeated fellow up-and-comer Mitchell Sipe in a bloody war.

While he didn’t earn the contract that night, it’s safe to say the UFC is keeping close eyes on the former boxer, who did work at V3Fights 71, finishing Oti via third-round submission (strikes). 

With the win, Mayes is almost certainly back on the UFC's radar, and he could very well serve as a short-notice replacement or emergency signing in the near future. 

Earlier in the evening, former Ohio State University standout wrestler Mark Martin returned to the cage for his second professional outing inside an MMA cage.

The 25-year-old was met with stiff competition, however, in the form of Georgia’s Yemi Oduwole.

Friday morning, during the V3Fights 71 weigh ins, Oduwole missed the mark on the scales. The weight cut mishap by his fight night foe didn’t phase Martin, who accepted the fight regardless. 

The bout was competitive with both men having their moments. Three rounds after it begun, the final bell chimed. The judges were not in agreement for this one and were split in favor of the underdog, Oduwole. 

The V3Fights announcing team cited the decision as highly controversial and one they didn’t agree with.

Following the bout, Oduwole took to the mic to set things straight. The 28-year-old fighter apologized for missing weight citing an illness.

As for the controversial decision, Oduwole went on to challenge Martin to a rematch at the next V3Fights event.

Before the professional portion of the card went live, two V3Fights amateur champions were crowned. 

Cameron Hall defeated Malik Anbar for the 145-pound strap and Jacob Sandlin submitted Darrius Foster for the 135-pound title.

Full V3Fights 71 Results 

Pro card

Pro Heavyweight: Don’Tale Mayes def. Kem Oti by submission due to strikes in Round 3

Pro Middleweight: Ricco Ralston def. James Horne by unanimous decision

Pro Catchweight: Yemi Oduwole def. Mark Martin by split decision

Amateur Card

Amateur Featherweight Title Bout: Cameron Hall def. Malik Anbar by unanimous decision

Amateur Bantamweight Title Bout: Jacob Sandlin def. Darrius Foster by submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 1

Amateur Catchweight (160) Bout: Johnathan Williams def. Shun Mitchell by submission (armbar) at 2:40 of Round 2

Amateur Featherweight Bout: Tyler Stevens def. Trinity Swint by unanimous decision

Amateur Welterweight Bout: Quadarrius McGinnis def. Drew Chiles by TKO (injury) at 2:49 of Round 1

Amateur Flyweight Bout: John Cruz def. Jake Black by submission (armbar) at 1:25 of Round 1