‘The Ultimate Fighter 25’ Finale Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Teruto Ishihara vs. Gray Maynard

Round 1

Both featherweights began cautiously, feinting in the center of the cage. Maynard fakes a takedown and then backs off. After the reset, “The Bully” blasts forward again and dumps Ishihara on the canvas. Ishihara uses the fence to get back up but Maynard sweeps him back down. Maynard maintains heavy pressure from above, smothering Ishihara near the cage. The Team Alpha Male rep explodes to his feet and lands a knee. Maynard catches Ishihara in the middle of a flying knee attempt and gets his man back down to the floor. Maynard works for an arm-triangle choke but Ishihara defends. Maynard grabs a front headlock and spins to the back, but he can’t hold the position. Ishihara stands with about a minute to go. Ishihara throws a kick to the body before Maynard closes the distance and pushes his foe to the fence. Ishihara is on the ground with less than 30 seconds to go, and Maynard finishes the frame in mount landing punches from above. 10-9 Maynard.

Round 2

Maynard backs into the fence then moves forward and lands a combination. Moments later, the former lightweight title challenger explodes for a double-leg takedown. Ishihara hustles back up only to get dumped to the floor again. Maynard rides Ishihara near the fence as he looks to transition to his opponent’s back. Ishihara escapes, but Maynard presses him into the fence and trips the Japanese fighter back down. “The Bully” works from half guard, landing the occasional right hand to the face. Maynard lands a knee to the body as Ishihara tries to stand. Maynard is relentless with his top pressure. Ishihara tries to use his guard to create space. He briefly stands and absorbs a knee to the body. Maynard slips off Ishihara’s back and the young featherweight lands a knee before Maynard drags him back down. Maynard drops for one last takedown near the fence with 10 seconds remaining and that’s where the round ends. 10-9 Maynard.

Round 3

Maynard backs into the fence and expertly changes levels as Ishihara tries to throw a left hand. We’re back in a familiar position, with Maynard on top of his opponent next to the base of the cage. Maynard stands and lands a knee to the body. He drags Ishihara down and frames a kimura. Ishihara defends the maneuver and tries to use the cage to scramble out of danger. It’s to no avail, as Maynard remains in control. Maynard transitions into a guillotine try from top position, but he doesn’t have full mount. The cage is preventing him from fully cinching the hold, and he lets it go. Ishihara lands an illegal upkick to the face and is warned by referee Jason Herzog. They reset with Maynard back in top position. Maynard stays attached to Ishihara with a waist lock as his opponent attempts to scramble to his feet. Maynard sweeps his opponent’s leg and continues to grind away. The fight ends with Ishihara having landed minimal offense in a dominant effort by Maynard. 10-9 Maynard (30-27 Maynard).

The Official Result

Gray Maynard def. Teruto Ishihara via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) R3 5:00

Juliana Lima vs. Tecia Torres

Round 1

Torres takes the center of the cage and fires off a low kick. Lima catches it and takes Torres to the canvas. Torres uses her guard to create some space and scrambles to her feet. Torres grabs a front headlock and Lima pushes her into the fence. Torres turns and lands short knees to the thigh and punches to the head with Lima’s back to the cage. The strawweights continue to jockey for position and Lima thwarts a takedown with a blatant fence grab. The stalemate continues against the fence and referee Chris Tognoni orders the fighters to separate. The strawweights trade leg kicks before Torres punches her way into the clinch. Torres drives for a single leg takedown but Lima defends it nicely. The grinding clinch battle continues, with neither fighter gaining much of an advantage. Torres lands a couple knees to the midsection before the horn sounds. 10-9 Torres.

Round 2

Lima begins the frame with a pair of inside leg kicks. Lima is using a variety of kicks to try and keep Torres at bay. Lima shoots for a takedown and Torres sprawls, and deftly transitions to her opponent’s back in the process. “The Tiny Tornado” quickly locks in a rear-naked choke. She tightens her grip and Lima has no choice but to tap out. Torres has the first finish of her 10-bout professional career.

The Official Result

Tecia Torres def. Juliana Lima via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 0:53

C.B. Dollaway vs. Ed Herman

Round 1

Herman blasts Dollaway with an overhand right behind the ear at the outset. Dollaway takes a second to recover near the fence but regains his bearings and lands several knees in a tie-up. “The Doberman” takes Herman down and settle’s into his opponent’s full guard. Herman tries to frame an armbar from his back, but Dolloway frees himself easily. Dollaway unloads with punches to the body and elbows to the head from top position. Herman rolls for a kneebar but Dollaway scrambles out of danger. Herman tries to stand, and Dollaway rides him back down to the mat and lands in side control. Herman again stands and is dragged back down. This time, Dollaway takes the back. He moves to side control and works for a kimura. Dollaway can’t maintain his grip and Herman attempts to transition to top position. Dollaway denies Herman and he takes “Short Fuse” down with a body lock. Dollaway is in Herman’s full guard as time runs out. After the opening punch from Herman, the round belonged to Dollaway. 10-9 Dollaway.

Round 2

Dollaway attacks with a leg kick and Herman counters with a two-punch combination. Herman counters another Dollaway low kick with a clubbing overhand right and lands on top. Dolloway uses his legs to shove Herman away and the light heavyweights are back up. Dolloway jabs then backs away. “The Doberman” lands a right hand in an exchange, then follows up with a jab moments later. Herman puts Dollaway on his seat with a short jab and he dives into his opponent’s guard. Dollaway transitions to a heel hook and Herman uses his right foot to pry himself free. Herman pops up and dives right back into top position. He stays heavy in half guard and briefly tries for a kimura. That doesn’t work but Herman maintains top control. He stands for a moment and dives in with a big right hand. Dollaway uses a leg lock to reverse into top position at the end of the period. 10-9 Herman.

Round 3

Dollaway is bleeding near his eye from a Herman elbow that landed in round two. Dollaway lands a takedown near the fence early in the period and goes to work from half guard. Herman tries for a kimura but the fence is in his way. He nearly uses the maneuver to move into top position, but Dollaway adjusts and maintains control. Dollaway drives three short elbows into Herman’s face. Dollaway is doing his best to stay busy with punches and elbows from inside of Herman’s guard. Dollaway keeps the pressure on, staying heavy with his hips and powering through Herman’s guard. Dollaway alternates punches to the body and elbows to the face from above, and Herman is running out of time. Herman uses a kneebar to sweep, but he elects to hang on to the submission rather than moving to top control, and the round ends with Dollaway back in control. 10-9 Dollaway (29-28 Dollaway).

The Official Result

C.B. Dollaway def. Ed Herman via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) R3 5:00

James Krause vs. Tom Gallicchio

Round 1

Gallicchio takes the center of the cage and applies pressure, but it’s Krause who lands a front kick to the face. Gallicchio eats it but is able to take Krause down. Krause tries to get to his feet but surrenders his back to “Da Tank.” Gallicchio can’t get both hooks in, so Krause stands and they separate. Krause throws a lazy hook and follows it with a head kick that connects. Krause lands a couple right hands and easily sprawls on a takedown by Gallicchio. A straight right hand from Krause finds a home. Gallicchio shoots for another takedown and Krause sprawls, then limp legs away. Krause throws another high kick, and Gallicchio absorbs it with a grin. Krause is doing a good job of controlling the range with his punches and movement. A one-two combination from Krause connects in the waning moments of the round. 10-9 Krause.

Round 2

Krause tags Gallicchio with a jab and then and clean right hand. Again, Krause lands as Gallicchio attempts to pressure with forward movement. Krause is also switching stances nicely to keep his foe off balance. Gallicchio gets inside and lands an overhand right, and now he ups his aggression with improved head movement. Still, he is landing far too infrequently thus far. Krause lands long punches, dodges Gallicchio’s return offerings and easily moves away as his adversary attempts to shoot for a takedown. Gallicchio is bleeding from his nose from absorbing so many punches to the face. Krause lands a counter left hand and then shoves Gallicchio away after he punches his way into the clinch. Gallicchio blocks a high kick and then catches a knee attempt from Krause. He can’t capitalize, however, and the round ends shortly thereafter. 10-9 Krause.

Round 3

Gallicchio begins the frame marching forward and throwing punches. Still, it’s Krause maintaining the range and using his reach to counter effectively. Gallicchio dives for a single leg and Krause easily steps away. They “TUF 25” teammates touch gloves and get back to work. Jabs and straight right hands continue to connect for Krause. Even when Gallicchio does get inside, he is unable to land anything of note. Gallicchio steps forward and lands a right hand. The combatants are talking a little bit as time winds down. Krause stuffs a takedown and resumes landing punches at range. Krause stops yet another takedown, but Gallicchio is able to land a left in transition. He follows up with a right hand. Krause counters a low kick with a straight right. Krause wobbles Gallicchio with a high kick with 15 seconds to go. Gallicchio shoots out of desperation and is denied. Krause punctuates his victory with a knee to the skull before the round expires. 10-9 Krause (30-27 Krause).

The Official Result

James Krause def. Tom Gallicchio via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Angela Hill vs. Ashley Yoder

Round 1

Hill blocks a high kick from Yoder. Yoder uses a front keep to keep the distance. HIll folllows a low kick with a right hand. Yoder responds by pushing Hill into the fence and landing a takedown. Hill stands and thwarts an attempt by Yoder to pull guard. They separate and Hill lands an outside low kick. Hill connects with a right hand through Yoder’s guard. Hill catches a a Yoder kick and counters with a hard outside low kick of her own. Hill ducks under a Yoder punch and lands a right hook. Hill lands a two-punch combination punctuated by a low kick. Hill pressures with a combination and lands a couple right hands. Hill stands Yoder up with a head kick. Hill lands another right hand before the horn sounds. 10-9 Hill.

Round 2

Yoder immediately lands a single leg takedown at the beginning of the period. Yoder maintains half guard and lands an elbow. Yoder seems content to stay in half guard, but she isn’t doing a lot of damage. She gets a warning from the referee and responds with some right hands to the body. Hill finally creates some space and stands. Yoder charges forward and Hill winds up comfortably in top position near the fence. Hill decides to stand with 1:20 to go. Yoder finds the range on a straight left. A straight right from Hill snaps Yoder’s head back. Hill is on the attack as time expires, but Yoder’s control may have taken the round. 10-9 Yoder.

Round 3

Hill catches Yoder with a right hand over the top in an early exchange. Yoder goes for a takedown. Hill fends it off at first, but eventually Yoder gets her foe to the mat. Hill works her way back up, lands a knee in close quarters and separates. Yoder changes levels but Hill defends and counters with a takedown of her own with a little less than 2:30 remaining. Hill is inside of Yoder’s guard, and Yoder is doing a good job limiting her opponent’s offense by controlling posture. Hill stands and urges her foe to join her. They’re up with 1:30 to go. Hill lands an outside kick to the lead leg. Hill dodges a heavy left hand by Yoder. Yoder counters a kick with a straight left hand. Hill lands a low kick followed by a right hand. Another right hand connects for Hill as the horn sounds. 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill).

The Official Result

Angela Hill def. Ashley Yoder via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Marcel Fortuna vs. Jordan Johnson

Round 1

Johnson whiffs on a big right hook and then has a left high kick blocked. Fortuna throws a low kick and is countered by an overhand right by Johnson. Johnson follows his man to the floor and lands some heavy shots on the mat before Fortuna returns to his feet. Johnson goes to the body and then to the head with a combination. Johnson misses on a windmilling overhand right but it allows him to get a rear waistlock. Johnson gets him down despite Fortuna grabbing the top of the Octagon. Fortuna gets to his feet quickly and they separate shortly thereafter. Fortuna steps in and lands a left hook. Fortuna times an uppercut nicely with Johnson moving forward. Johnson snaps a couple quick jabs to the mug of Fortuna. Fortuna lands a kick to the body before the end of the round. 10-9 Johnson.

Round 2

Johnson flicks out his jab to begin the period. Fortuna misses a high kick but follows up with two kicks to the body. Fortuna counters Johnson with a right hand. A big right hand from Fortuna lands behind the ear, but Johnson seems to absorb it well. Johnson jabs into range but Fortuna circles out of danger with his back to the fence. Another counter right hand from Fortuna connects. A left hook appears to briefly buckle Johnson, but the American recovers to land a right hand in the ensuing exchange. A left hook from Johnson catches Fortuna. The Brazilian lands a pair of low kicks. Johnson catches a third kick and counters with a right hand. Fortuna flurries with his back to the fence and Johnson drops for a takedown. Johnson ties his man up and sweeps his foe to the ground, where he lands a series of hammerfists before the end of the round. 10-9 Fortuna.

Round 3

Johnson lands a combination and Fortuna forces a clinch. Fortuna fends off a takedown and they separate. Johnson is walking Fortuna down and the Brazilian responds with an overhand right to back his foe up. Fortuna catches Johnson with an uppercut, but he misses on his follow up punches. Johnson catches a kick and counters with a combination. Johnson stops a takedown with little difficulty. Fortuna grazes Johnson with an overhand right. Fortuna attempts to change levels for a takedown but Johnson shrugs it off. Johnson drives his foe into the fence in pursuit of a takedown of his own. Fortuna breaks away with 45 seconds left. Fortuna lands a trio of kicks to the body and Johnson counters. Johnson immediately raises his arms in triumphs as the horn sounds. 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Johnson).

The Official Result

Jordan Johnson def. Marcel Fortuna via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Brad Tavares vs. Elias Theodorou

Round 1

Theodorou pressing forward with punches and low kicks early. Tavares answers with a left hand. Theodorou lands a body kick in close but Tavares is able to get a takedown. The Hawaiian works to take his opponent’s back. He can only get one hook in before Theodorou is able to stand. Tavares blocks a high kick from his foe and urges Theodorou forward. They tie up and both land offense in the clinch. They separate and Theodorou stays busy with kicks at range. Tavares connects with a straight left hand. The middleweights tie up again and Theodorou lands some punches to the body, while Tavares lands a knee to the midsection. They separate and Theodorou goes up high with a kick. Tavares lands a hard kick to the body. Tavares blocks a kick upstairs. Tavares lands a low kick. Theodorou throws a kick to the leg and the body and Tavares answers with a right hand as time runs out. 10-9 Tavares.

Round 2

Theodorou stumbles back after absorbing a leg kick. The Canadian tries to take Tavares down from a rear waistlock, but the Hawaiian remains upright. Tavares stuffs another try and lands a knee in the clinch. They remain in close quarters and Theodorou misses an uppercut on the break. The tie up again and trade dirty boxing in the clinch. Tavares lands a jab and Theodorou forces another tie-up. Theodorou catches a low kick and takes his man down. Tavares powers his way up immediately and keeps his hands on the mat as Theodorou secures a front headlock. Theodorou lands some knees to the shoulder and follows up with a body kick. Theodorou continues with a relatively high output, but he’s not landing anything significant. Theodorou lands a couple of low kicks at range. Tavares andwers with a high kick but it’s blocked. Theodorou lands a left hook as time expires. 10-9 Theodorou.

Round 3

Tavares presses forward with a jab and Tehodorou gets deep on a single leg. Tavares keeps his balance initially, but Theodorou resets and gets the takedown on the second attempt. Tavares posts his right hand and hits a switch, but Theodorou continues to grind his foe against the fence. Theodorou gets his man down again. Tavares pops up immediately, but Theodorou drops down again in pursuit of the takedown. Tavares is eventually able to turn the corner and take Theodorou’s back. The Hawaiian has both hooks in with 1:40 to go and he’s trying to slide his right arm under Theodorou’s chin. “The Spartan” gives a thumbs up and escapes. Tavares is now hunting for an armbar. After a series of scrambles they return to the feet with 20 seconds left. Tavares lands a glancing head kick that is caught by Theodorou, who responds with a kick to the body before the end of the stanza. 10-9 Theodorou (29-28 Theodorou).

The Official Result

Brad Tavares def. Elias Theodorou via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jared Cannonier vs. Nick Roehrick

Round 1

Cannonier lands a jab early. Roehrick responds by doubling up on his jab. Cannonier tags Roehrick with a combination. Roehrick counters his foe with a right hand. Cannonier moves into close quarters and begins to land some heavy punches. Roehrick eats some heavy leather but his chin is holding up so far. Cannonier marches forward and goes to the body and then upstairs with heavy punches. Roehrick fires back. Cannonier finds the range on his jab. A one two combo from Cannonier lands, but Roehrick answers with an uppercut. Cannonier turns his back after a punch, allowing Roehrick to secure the clinch. Cannonier turns and separates before the period ends. 10-9 Cannonier.

Round 2

Cannonier takes the center of the Octagon and lands a low kick. Cannonier tags Roehrick with a couple of jabs and then sidesteps a counter right. Cannonier lands a low kick followed by a left hook. Cannonier digs with a nice combination to the body and then follows up with a couple hooks to the head. Roehrick attempts to keep Cannonier at bay with his jab. Cannonier times a big right hand and then steps into the clinch. He pounds away on the ground and then continues to unload as Roehrick stands. Somehow the Octagon newcomer survives the blitz. Cannonier lands a one-two then steps off to the side. Roehrick’s face is now bloodied, but he continues to throw punches. Roehrick lands a solid right hand as Cannonier attacks. Cannonier lands an elbow and forces a tie-up late in the round. Another hard right lands for Cannonier before the horn sounds. 10-9 Cannonier.

Round 3

Roehrick continues to throw offense but Cannonier is landing more emphatically, and his opponent’s face is wearing the damage. Cannonier lands a lead left hook and the combatants briefly tie up. Cannoiner rocks Roehrick with a front kick to the jaw and he follows up with a knee in the clinch and a right hand on his wobbled foe. Cannonier shoves Roehrick to the canvas, where he unloads with a series of hard elbows from above. “Big” John McCarthy steps in and waves off the fight after four or five unanswered blows.

The Official Result

Jared Cannonier def. Nick Roehrick via TKO (Elbows) R3 2:08

Marc Diakiese vs. Drakkar Klose

Round 1

Klose opens with a pair of low leg kicks. Diakiese just misses on a spinning high kick and Klose goes back to the low kick. Klose powers his foe down to the canvas. Diakiese is up and Klose keeps the pressure on against the fnece with knees and foot stomps. Diakiese times the foot stomps and reverses the position for a takedown of his own. Klose stands but Diakiese holds a rear waistlock and works to take the back. Diakiese slams Klose down by his neck but Klose pops right back up. Klose turns and presses Diakiese into the fence. The Englishman separates and misses a spinning back kick. A low kick from Klose lands on the calf and knocks Diakiese off his feet. Klose moves into top position with approximately 1:00 to go and unloads with punches. Diakiese transitions to a heel hook and stands before moving into top position as the round ends. 10-9 Klose.

Round 2

Diakiese tries a leaping front kick but Klose avoids it, and the MMA Lab product forces the clinch. The lightweights trade knees in close quarters. Diakiese is finally able to return to the center of the cage. Klose goes back to the low kick and lands a couple more. Diakiese blocks a kick upstairs. Klose catches a risky spinning kick and gets Diakiese down. He fights off a leg lock attempt but Diakiese is able to hustle back to his feet. Klose extends his arms to urge his foe on and then lands another low kick. Klose goes for a flying knee near the fence and Diakiese turns him into the fence. Diakiese lands a knee to the groin and Klose gets some time to recover. After a brief pause, the action resumes. Diakiese catches a body kick but it connects. Klose dirves the Englishman to the cage in the clinch once again and lands a body kick on the break. Klose clinches again and Diakiese throws a jumping knee in close quarters. Klose trips Diakiese following a spinning kick. Diakiese is up quickly, but Klose kicks his leg out again and “Bonecrusher” buckles to the canvas. 10-9 Klose.

Round 3

Klose lands an inside low kick and Diakiese just misses on a counter. A jumping switch kick from Diakiese lands on the jaw, but Klose shakes it off. Klose grabs a single leg and pushes his man into the fence. Diakiese breaks away quickly. Diakiese throws a left hand to the body. Klose ducks under a punch and takes Diakiese down. Diakiese reverses position instantly and grabs a body lock as they stand. Diakiese lands some knees to the thigh while Klose attempts to break his opponent’s grip. Diakiese throws a high kick from the rear waist lock position but it doesn’t land clean. Klose capitalizes and pushes his opponent into the fence. Diakiese lands a left hand, but Klose answers with a right. Klose stands in front of Diakiese with arms outstretched. Klose blocks a spinning back kick with disdain. Klose changes levels and grabs a single leg. Diakiese defends well and tries for a guillotine. He just misses a knee as Klose stands. Klose lands a right hand to the side of the head in a final exchange. 10-9 Diakiese (29-28 Klose).

The Official Result

Drakkar Klose def. Marc Diakiese via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00

”The Ultimate Fighter 25” Welterweight Tournament Final:
Dhiego Lima vs. Jesse Taylor

Round 1

Taylor immediately dives for a single leg and Lima lands some hammerfists. Taylor is relentless, and he finishes the takedown and looks to take his opponent’s back. Taylor muscles Lima back down but he only has one hook in. Taylor lands some left hands to the side of the head before dragging Lima back down. Taylor is now on top in full guard, and he lands short elbows and punches to the head and body. Taylor keeps pounding away with elbows as they scoot toward the fence. Taylor gets his arm under Lima’s chin but he’s out of position for a rear-naked choke. Taylor scrambles to keep top position and he drags Lima to the ground. “JT Money” briefly appears to have a rear-naked choke sunk in, but Lima escapes. Taylor lands some more elbows as he smothers his foe. Taylor steps over into mount with Lima pinned against the fence. He’s looking for the choke again but elects to end the round with punches. 10-8 Taylor.

Round 2

Lima catches Taylor coming forward with a left hand and drops him with a counter left hook to the temple. However, Taylor recovers quickly and transitions to his opponent’s back after Lima follows him to the ground. Taylor has both hooks in and his arm is under the chin this time. Lima holds on for as long as he can, but Taylor cranks the hold and the Brazilian has no choice but to tap. Taylor is “The Ultimate Fighter 25” winner and more importantly, the recipient of a $290,000 check.

The Official Result

Jesse Taylor def. Dhiego Lima via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 0:43

Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Johnson

Round 1

Johnson lands a front kick and tags Gaethje with a two-punch combination. Gaethje laughs it off and comes right back at him. Johnson flashes his hand speed and lands another combination. Johnson lands a one-two to the body. Gaethje backs Johnson into the fence and lands an uppercut and a knee. Johnson appears to be stunned but he recovers and circles away. Gaethje maintains his forward pressure and he’s attacking th lead leg. Johnson is countering with his back to the fence. Gaethje’s leg kicks are already having an effect. Johnson counters a kick with a left hand. Gaethje drives a right hand to the body. Gaethje is chopping away at the legs and Johnson isn’t checking much of anything. Jonson lands an uppercut and then a hard left hook by Gaethje finds its mark. They continue to trade in the pocket, and Johnson smiles at a right hook that lands. Gaethje continues to walk his foe downwith leg kicks. Johnson eats another right hook. Gaethje grabs the clinch and lnads a knee to the head and a short elbow. Gaethje’s pressure remains the same but a right hand from Johnson buckles Gaethje. “The Menace takes Gaethje down briefly. Gaethje stands and Johnson tees off against the fence. “The Highlight” covers up and survives a wild round. 10-9 Johnson.

Round 2

Gaethje goes right back to the leg kicks at the outset of the round. Johnson counters with a quick two-punch combination. The pace has slowed somewhat early in the frame, but Gaethje is staying consistent with his leg kick attacks. Johnson wobbles Gaethje with a right hand. The Grudge Training Center product is stumbling all over the cage and Johnson elects to attack him in close quarters. Remarkably, Gaethje has recovered, but he eats another combination from Johnson. Johnson digs a combo to the body. Gaethje lands a straight right hand. A right hand from Gaethje snaps Johnson’s head back. Johnson lands a combination to the body, then a two-piece combo upstairs. Johnson is stunned by an uppercut to the chin. Gaethje walks him down and tees off with uppercuts. Johnson covers up and leans against the fence. An exhausted Gaetjhe is staying patient. Johnson is still hurt and he stumbles after a Gaethje leg kick. Johnson is struggling to stand and he tumbles to the mat. He is ordered up by “Big” John McCarthy and slowly rises to his feet. Gaethje launches a flying knee that rocks Johnson against the fence. Johnson isn’t defending himself, and Gaethje unloads uppercuts and then two knees, the last of which sends “The Menace” crumbling to the canvas. Gaethje has prevailed in a 2017 “Fight of the Year” candidate. He punctuates his first Octagon victory with his trademark backflip off the cage.

The Official Result

Justin Gaethje def. Michael Johnson via TKO (Knees and Punches) R2 4:48