UFC 280 ‘Oliveira vs. Makhachev’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Lina Lansberg (135) vs. Karol Rosa (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rosa (-295), Lansberg (+245)

Round 1

The big show is upon us, and if you live in North America, you’re getting up early for this one and for good reason. A cool dozen fights – with most matches featuring ranked competitors – will grace this blockbuster event, one that begins in the women’s 135-pound weight class. Rising contender and Jessica Andrade training partner Rosa (15-4, 4-1 UFC) will look to get back on track after a humbling defeat to Sara McMann in March, while 40-year-old Swede Lansberg (10-6, 4-5 UFC) intends on demonstrating she is not done yet as she hunts for her first win since 2019. The first match of the day draws officiating from referee Lukasz Bosacki, and it begins without a glove touch. As a note, the UFC commentary team of Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier and Paul Felder is completely silent, possibly from technical difficulties. The two ladies jab at one another, and Rosa tosses out a body kick. Rosa fires off another kick, and Lansberg counters her with a right hand over the top that drops Rosa to her seat. The crowd erupts, and Lansberg sprints forwards but cannot reach her opponent before Rosa springs to her feet. Still a little tingly, Rosa runs straight into Lansberg, where she pushes her straight into the fence and clings on tight. Lansberg gladly accepts this position, turns her foe around and knees her in the belly a few times. Lansberg stays busy in the clinch, working the thighs and midsection with knees, and Bosacki calls for action. The two ladies both consider takedowns at the same time, and Rosa is the stronger woman and shoves Lansberg down to the mat. The Brazilian lands in half guard, and she postures up but Lansberg is clinging to her wrists to prevent any offense. Meanwhile, Lansberg is attempting to slash with elbows off her back, and this allows Rosa to get her own strikes going from above. Rosa settles for control time as she rides and drops down a few punches, but the strikes are sporadic at best. Rosa shifts momentarily to three-quarter mount, but opts to stand up right before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lansberg
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosa
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Rosa

Round 2

The commentary resumes at the beginning of the second round, but fight fans might pine for an option for no commentary for broadcasts going forward – not because Jon Anik is not an exceptional fight caller, but because it provides a different and interesting option to watch fights. At the start of Round 2, Rosa blitzes forward and hits a takedown within seconds. Rosa comfortably sits on top, with Lansberg unable to reverse, sweep or find a better angle. Rosa places her foe flat on her back, and she grinds her elbow on the face of “Elbow Queen” as if to attempt a very low level of regicide. Rosa then elbows the side as the time ticks off the clock, and Lansberg suddenly explodes to kick Rosa off of her. Rosa lords over her with slapping kicks to the leg, and Lansberg remains on her back instead of climbing back up. The crowd is not thrilled with this exchange. Rosa allows Lansberg to sit up, and as the Swede is leaning against the cage with her left knee down, Rosa blasts her in the face with an illegal knee. Bosacki recognizes this immediately, and he allows Lansberg to recover from the foul and calls in the doctor. Lansberg is all smiles and asks for Bosacki to take a point, and he agrees and deducts one point from Rosa. The fighters get back to it after about two minutes of recovery time, and Lansberg comes out swinging. Rosa capitalizes on this aggression by bowling her over with a takedown. The Brazilian smothers from on top in half guard again, with few strikes of merit and plenty of time hanging on in this position. Lansberg considers snatching up a heel from her back, and this forces Rosa to stand back up. Rosa leaps down in a diving leg lock attempt, and the round ends before anything can come from it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 9-9
Ben Duffy scores the round: 9-9
John Brannigan scores the round: 9-9

Round 3

The bantamweights meet in the middle, and both want to throw hands. Rosa clips her opponent with a right hand, and as Lansberg throws a body kick, the Swede gets tagged with a left hook. Lansberg strides forward and delivers a knee to the chest, and Rosa is feeling it as Lansberg pushes her to the wall. Rosa attempts to respond with knees while stuck on the fence, and she spins her opponent around and elbows her on the chin. The two jockey for position in this tight posture, and they get off knees at the same moment. This stalemate continues as Rosa gets the upper hand with short but effective strikes, and she gets shoved back. The Brazilian leaps in the air with a knee, and she bullies Lansberg back to the wire again. Lansberg deftly turns her around and gets off an elbow, forcing Rosa to change levels and go for a failed takedown. As she senses Lansberg slowing, Rosa swarms with a barrage of elbows and punches, as if to send a message to “Elbow Queen.” Rosa swings so hard she nearly topples over, as Lansberg has some swelling growing fast under her left eye. Lansberg catches her and ties her up to slow down the onslaught, but this allows Rosa to hit a throw and drop her to her knees. Lansberg climbs back up, and Rosa spins with an elbow that collides with the temple. Rosa rips one more knee to the body before the horn blares, and this could a close one depending on how judges score the first round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rosa (28-28 Rosa)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosa (29-27 Rosa)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Rosa (29-27 Rosa)

The Official Result

Karol Rosa def. Lina Lansberg via Majority Decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)

Malcolm Gordon (126) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mokaev (-850), Gordon (+600)

Round 1

Moving right along, flyweights take center stage next as the surging youngster Mokaev (8-0, 1 NC; 2-0 UFC) hunts for his third UFC victory in three tries at the expense of Canadian finisher Gordon (14-5, 2-2 UFC). This likely fast-paced affair will receive oversight by referee Dan Movahedi, who is prepared for a battle that could start off immediately with a blitz of offense. The gloves are not touched before the hands are traded, as Gordon is immediately aggressive throwing kicks. Mokaev retreats, and Gordon crashes forward and stings Mokaev with a jab. Mokaev gets his foe’s attention with a flying knee, and Gordon trips him up as Mokaev somersaults to recover himself. Gordon surges forward, only for “The Punisher” to latch hold of him and take him down to the mat. Gordon attempts to sit up, and Mokaev smacks him in the face a few times. Mokaev quickly switches to a guillotine choke, but this allows Gordon to reverse the position and get up, Mokaev threatens again with a guillotine, and this time, Gordon is able to stand and lean up against the wall. Mokaev comfortably lowers him back down to the canvas, and Gordon closes his guard up. The fighters are warned for grabbing the glove, and Mokaev remains on top with occasional ground-and-pound. Gordon sits up with the fence behind him, and Mokaev steps over to drag the Canadian back down. In an awkward position, both men cling to one another’s necks, but there are no chokes to be found. Gordon recovers his guard again, and Mokaev softens him up with short punches to the ribs. Mokaev grinds out his foe for the remainder of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev

Round 2

The flyweights sprint out of their corners towards one another to start off the round, and they both fire head kicks at the same time. Gordon pushes Mokaev back, and Mokaev drops his hands to taunt him as he escapes. Gordon dodges a spinning hook kick, and the flashy kicks keep coming from the unbeaten fighter, including a jumping spinning back kick. Gordon connects with a clean left hand, and Mokaev grips him and takes him down with the utmost of ease. Gordon almost accepts this position as he sits down on the floor, and “The Punisher” comfortably moves to side control. Gordon looks for an inverted triangle, and the two roll through a position as Mokaev follows him the whole way through to remain on top. The Canadian threatens with a triangle choke into an armbar off his back, but this only allows Mokaev to jump into half guard on the other side as he shucks the legs off. Gordon turns to his knees, and Mokaev grabs his neck for a guillotine that transitions into a brabo choke. “Malcolm X” keeps working to free himself from submission harm, and he capitalizes on offense from his opponent to reverse him. Mokaev immediately throws his legs up for a triangle choke, and he wraps his legs around the head and shoulder to set it up. Gordon looks to punch his way out of the position, and he stacks Mokaev up to prevent it from locking up. Gordon follows Mokaev around, and he takes his foe’s back with seconds to spare. Gordon latches on to a rear-naked choke, and he goes palm-to-palm, only to run out of time.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev

Round 3

When the last round opens, Mokaev holds his hands in the air to celebrate. Gordon rushes forward, and his aggression allows Mokaev to hit a double that he could land in his sleep. Gordon pulls on the fence a few times, and Movahedi admonishes him when he does so. Mokaev passes to half guard, and this lets Gordon stand up. Gordon secures the back, and he lifts Mokaev in the air and slams him down. Gordon follows Mokaev on the way up and gets his hooks in, and Mokaev is twisting and turning to prevent Gordon from securing a dominant position. Mokaev rolls, only for Gordon to push him to his back as Gordon claims the top posture. Gordon smacks his adversary with a few punches and an elbow, and Mokaev sits up and attempts his own takedown to turn the tables. Gordon hammers a few elbows on the side and back of the head, but Mokaev is intent on getting the fight back to the ground. Mokaev succeeds, despite a cage grab from the Canadian. Gordon sits up with his back to the wall, and he elbows from his back. When Gordon attempts to get out, Mokaev jumps to his back in a flash. Gordon tries to slide out the back door, but “The Punisher” punishes him by snatching up an armbar in a hurry. Gordon looks to power out of the dangerous position, but it is tight as can be and he is forced to tap out. The Canadian walks away clutching his elbow in serious pain, while the still undefeated Mokaev runs to his corner to celebrate a win after overcoming a bit of adversity.

The Official Result

Muhammad Mokaev def. Malcolm Gordon R3 4:26 via Submission (Armbar)

A.J. Dobson (185) vs. Armen Petrosyan (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petrosyan (-205), Dobson (+175)

Round 1

Over in Russia, Petrosyan (7-2, 1-1 UFC) started his career off with four speedy knockouts including one that claimed the AMC title. A subsequent 2021 outing against Hassan Yousefi saw him get dispatched in 63 seconds, and he rebounded a month later with a 14-second drubbing that drew many questions. That win did enough to earn him a place on Dana White’s Contender Series, and he made good to earn a contract and eventually reach UFC 280 to face off against fellow DWCS signee Dobson (6-1, 1 NC; 0-1 UFC). This intriguing stylistic clash will be watched over by referee Marc Goddard, who steps back as the 185ers clap hands together. Petrosyan throws a low kick, and Dobson wings a pair of counterpunches that miss the mark as Petrosyan slides back. As Petrosyan fires off another body kick, Dobson catches it and tosses his man to the mat. Instead of climbing on top and securing the position, he lets Petrosyan back up. They trade single punches, and Dobson times a solid overhand right when Petrosyan kicks his side. Leg kicks come from both fighters, and Petrosyan pops his foe with a right hand. Dobson comes out swinging with a head kick that is blocked, and more leg kicks come from each middleweight. Petrosyan sits down on a right hook as Dobson plods forward, and Dobson shakes it off and plants a one-two on the jaw. Petrosyan does the same, and Dobson rolls with it just enough to take the sting out of it. “Superman” lets go with two leg kicks and a pair of punches, and he chains it into a power right hand that Dobson takes flush. Petrosyan starts to get comfortable as he picks away at his opponent with multiple kicks at a time, and he dings Dobson with a glancing right hand off the temple. Dobson tries to crash forward to attack, but Petrosyan is able to circle away and parry the punches. Petrosyan gets off two strikes, and he slides away as Dobson retaliates. Dobson barely dodges a haymaker of a right hand, but Petrosyan keeps a high pace up as Dobson largely gives chase. The pursuit from the American allows him to ring Petrosyan’s bell with a solid right hand, but it is one-and-done as Dobson rushes forward to drag Petrosyan down. Petrosyan climbs back up, leaning on the fence, and Dobson knees him in the face. Petrosyan puts his fingers on the mat to stop subsequent knees, and then stands up to slash an elbow over the top before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan

Round 2

The middleweights greet in the middle with a double glove touch again, and Petrosyan starts up his engine and slaps a kick home. Before Dobson can respond, Petrosyan gets his attention with two speedy punches. Dobson keeps a high guard to defend against a head kick, so Petrosyan kicks his calf. Petrosyan sinks a kick to the body, and Dobson cannot catch it, so the American elects to kick his man back. When Dobson attempts his own body kick, Petrosyan snipes him with a right hand down the pipe. Dobson checks a kick, and as he moves forward, Petrosyan spins with a back fist that whizzes past Dobson’s face. Petrosyan slips a right and swings his own that catches Dobson on the jaw, and the Ohioan is no worse for wear. Dobson catches another body kick, but he does not do anything with it before releasing it. Dobson wades forward into a straight left hand, and he gets drilled with two upside the head. Dobson blocks a few additional blows without replying, as Petrosyan sticks and moves. Petrosyan cannot get out of the way from a takedown attempt from the American, but he does get up quickly and backs off. The left leg of Petrosyan gives way beneath him suddenly, and he seems compromised but keeps a stiff upper lip. Dobson kicks that damaged knee, but Petrosyan shows he is fine as he kicks with that leg as well. They trade single strikes one after the other until the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan

Round 3

The fighters share a final embrace to start off the last round, as they appear to be having fun together. Petrosyan steps in with a left hand, and Dobson advances without firing. Petrosyan is more active and intercepts him, even tossing out a superman punch that gets blocked. Petrosyan kicks the calf and lobs his fists at his foe’s face, and Dobson slips them and ambles forward. They trade heavy blows, and Dobson ends a combination with a clean left hand as the frantic voice of his chief corner, the great Mark Coleman, echoes throughout the Etihad Arena. Dobson walks Petrosyan down, only to have to dodge on the way in, and he stays patient as Petrosyan whiffs on a few blows and a spinning back fist. Dobson slaps Petrosyan in the face with the ball of his foot, and Petrosyan rings him up with two clean punches. Dobson catches a body kick and plods forward to clinch, and this allows Petrosyan to back off and work the body with several solid blows. Petrosyan resets and snaps the head back with a jab, and he gets off two more over the top. Dobson sticks out a pair of jabs, and Petrosyan goes to the body. Petrosyan beats his man to the punch with a calf kick and a string of punches, and he is outpacing and outworking Dobson fairly significantly in terms of volume. Dobson does not listen to the advice of a takedown until 10 seconds remain in the round, and he cannot ground him before the fight comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan (30-27 Petrosyan)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan (30-27 Petrosyan)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan (30-27 Petrosyan)

The Official Result

Armen Petrosyan def. A.J. Dobson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Abubakar Nurmagomedov (170.5) vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nurmagomedov (-175), Omargadzhiev (+150)

Round 1

An all-Russian affair claims the Octagon in this welterweight contest, as Dagestan’s Nurmagomedov (16-3-1, 1-1 UFC) – a cousin of UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov – throws down with Moscow-born Omargadzhiev (13-1, 0-1 UFC) in a fight that could take place anywhere. Before it does, referee Lukasz Bosacki clocks them in, and the countrymen respectfully touch gloves. After nearly 30 seconds of inaction, the two fighters throw body kicks. They parry one another with punches, and Nurmagomedov shoots in for a double-leg takedown. As he does, Omargadzhiev snatches up a guillotine choke, and he stands his foe up and knees him in the face a few times to send a message. Omargadzhiev lines up overhand rights, but they all miss the mark. Omargadzhiev attempts to reply with his own right hand over the top, and he ducks down in an effort to change levels and surprise his opponent. When Nurmagomedov turns the tables, Omargadzhiev locks down a guillotine choke and drops to his back. Nurmagomedov recognizes this as a Von Preux choke is wide open with Omargadzhiev still clinging tight to the sub, and Nurmagomedov wriggles his neck out and resides in the closed guard. Omargadzhiev clings tightly to hope for a referee standup, and Bosacki claps for more action. Nurmagomedov looks to pass the guard on one side or another, but Omargadzhiev stalls him out every step of the way. Omargadzhiev sits up with his back to the wall, all while spamming meaningless short punches, and he fights his way back to his feet. Both Russians stay tied together until the bell sounds, putting an end to a close round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Omargadzhiev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Omargadzhiev

Round 2

The welterweights come out throwing kicks, but neither man connects with anything of note early on. Nurmagomedov clips his adversary with a right hand that forces Omargadzhiev to spin around, but he does not capitalize on this and instead slowly works his way forward to pursue a takedown. Nurmagomedov drags Omargadzhiev down to the ground, and Omargadzhiev partially gets up but has one hand down. Nurmagomedov knees him in the face flush, landing the illegal blow, and Bosacki calls it and brings in the doctor in a hurry. There is no bad blood from the foul, as they shake hands while Nurmagomedov is seated on the ground, and the question is whether a point will be deducted. Bosacki sternly warns Nurmagomedov but does not take a point like he did in the first fight tonight from a very similar situation, and the fighters get back after it after a little over a minute break. Omargadzhiev strings a few punches together, but he overextends himself in a combination and gets grabbed and taken down. Omargadzhiev scrambles and gives up his back, and Nurmagomedov follows Omargadzhiev in a roll to get both hooks in. Omargadzhiev escapes the bad position to work his way up, and a wild and frenetic exchanges leads to Omargadzhiev getting put on his back again. As Nurmagomedov leaps down to engage in the grappling, Omargadzhiev nails him in the face with a nasty upkick that rattles Nurmagomedov. Omargadzhiev does not stave off Nurmagomedov with the strike, but he does set up a triangle choke when Nurmagomedov lowers himself into the guard. Nurmagomedov works his way through the submission posture, and he drags Omargadzhiev down from behind as they keep moving. Omargadzhiev attempts a kneebar from his back, and Nurmagomedov stays patient, slides his leg out of the grip, and drops down to the guard. The round ends with Nurmagomedov on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 3

The Russians hug it out to start the last round, and commentator Daniel Cormier expresses his disgust for fighters embracing during their bouts. Nurmagomedov leads off with a power right hand that stuns Omargadzhiev, and he lets Omargadzhiev recover so that he can set up several crisp jabs. Nurmagomedov clinches him up to back him towards the fence, and releases the grip so that he can stick and move with quick punches while Omargadzhiev is far slower. Omargadzhiev throws lumbering punches and telegraphed kicks, and Nurmagomedov is tight and elusive even as Omargadzhiev lobs haymakers. Nurmagomedov stabs the body with his toes, and he ducks back as Omargadzhiev wings punches recklessly. Nurmagomedov pops him with several jabs, and he wades into the fire and takes a few punches on the chin so that he can give some back. Omargadzhiev scores a clean right hand that draws a single-leg takedown entry from his opponent, and he stuffs this by dropping straight to his knees. Nurmagomedov stands up and gets popped with a right hook, but he does not seem concerned even as Omargadzhiev jumps and cracks him with a knee. Nurmagomedov shoves Omargadzhiev over to his knees, and the pace is getting to both fighters as they slow. Nurmagomedov stuffs a takedown attempt from the other side, and he hands on to a guillotine choke while keeping heavy chest pressure to grind out the round. Omargadzhiev stands up but is pushed back down to the floor, and he continues to try for takedowns that are not there. Omargadzhiev trips out one leg and grabs for a toe hold, and Nurmagomedov smacks him in the face with his heel quite illegally. They both stand up, and Omargadzhiev rushes forward, gets clipped, and falls to his face as he attempts one last takedown. The slow, plodding fight comes to a merciful conclusion after the 15th minute elapses, and both men fall to the ground, exhausted.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (29-28 Nurmagomedov)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (30-27 Nurmagomedov)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (29-28 Nurmagomedov)

The Official Result

Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Nikita Krylov (206) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Krylov (-165), Oezdemir (+140)

Round 1

An intriguing light heavyweight contest that virtually promises action and violence is coming over the horizon, as Oezdemir (18-6, 6-5 UFC) aims to keep his UFC record above .500 against proven finisher Krylov (28-9, 9-7 UFC) who has only gone the distance once in his 28 victories. The heavy-hitting pairing will be joined in the cage by referee Marc Goddard, and the fighters touch gloves before swinging them for the bleachers. Krylov pushes out a front kick as Oezdemir comes at him, but this does not slow Oezdemir from looking for a brawl. Oezdemir lines up several heavy punches, and Krylov is rocked early and circling on the outside. Oezdemir gives chase, and he drills Krylov again and again with destructive punches. Krylov shoots in for a takedown, badly hurt, and the Swiss fighter breaks off and confidently marches forward. Krylov again attempts a front kick, and he still does not have his legs beneath him. Oezdemir closes the distance and connects with a string of uppercuts, and Krylov again shoots in and drags Oezdemir to the floor for a second. “No Time” has no time for the ground game, as he springs back up with the wall at his side. Krylov attempts a mat return, and he clears his head as he leans on Oezdemir while landing knees to the thigh. Oezdemir bursts out of the clinch, and he allows Krylov to swing at him with his own barrage before sitting down on a calf kick. Oezdemir calms himself down and methodically approaches instead of rushing it, and Krylov gets loose. Oezdemir sprints in, and Krylov intercepts him with a crushing knee that rocks Oezdemir. “The Miner” digs deep and nails Oezdemir with a salvo of unanswered strikes, and he goes for a takedown only to fall to the ground. As Krylov keeps moving, he gets one hook in and then the other, and he isolates the neck for a rear-naked choke. The grip is around the chin and not under it, so Oezdemir grits it out and sits up. Oezdemir stands up, catches a high knee, and slings Krylov down to the ground. Krylov tosses out upkicks, keeping Oezdemir honest, until Oezdemir lowers himself into the guard. Oezdemir drops down a few hammerfists as he moves to side control, but he abandons it and stands back up. The horn sounds to conclude this thriller of a round, and judges have their hands full here.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Krylov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oezdemir
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Krylov

Round 2

The light heavyweights meet in the middle to start off the second stanza, and Krylov strikes first with sweeping leg kick. Krylov crashes forward with a stream of punches, knocking Oezdemir back but not hurting him. Oezdemir keeps his right arm high to block the expected high kick, and it glances off the guard. Oezdemir kicks low a few times, and he pushes out a few jabs as Krylov appears the fresher man now. Krylov just misses a head kick, and he darts down to grab a double and plant Oezdemir on the canvas. Krylov moves to the guard, and he does work from on top as Oezdemir responds with elbows from off his back. Oezdemir works his way to his knees and surrenders his back, and Krylov takes this but cannot claim the dominant position. Oezdemir turns his back to the fencing, and Krylov trips him out to his knees. Krylov rips Oezdemir down to the floor again, but Oezdemir bursts upright and just dodges a head kick. Oezdemir connects with a clean right hand, and Krylov meets him with a knee up the middle. The knees turn to a takedown entry from “The Miner,” who digs down low to pull Oezdemir’s legs out and bury him on the floor. Krylov gets his wind back from the guard position, with light ground-and-pound but far more important control time given the energy expenditure thus far. Goddard tells Krylov to keep working as they stall out, and Oezdemir closes the guard and ties Krylov up to force referee intervention. Krylov continues his body-body-head strikes from above that are more stay-busy strikes, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Krylov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Krylov
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Krylov

Round 3

The seemingly spent 205ers greet with a touch of gloves to begin the last round, and both men score punches immediately. Krylov lands the cleaner of the strikes, backing Oezdemir up and getting off an uppercut and a knee. Krylov uses his forward momentum to go after a takedown, and his double sets the Swiss man on the mat again. Oezdemir appears dejected from getting grounded once more, and the ground control resumes from “The Miner.” Little in the way of offense comes from a fatigued Krylov, with the occasional punch to the body or head to remain active. Goddard stands them up at practically the midpoint of the round, and Oezdemir is energized and marches forward. Krylov keeps him at bay with a front kick, and he strings a one-two together that Oezdemir practically ignores. Oezdemir swings his fists like he is underwater, with Krylov appearing physically far fresher, and he is more active as he puts a one-two on the chin and follows it with a head kick. Krylov connects with a few more heavy blows, including a stunning right hand, and he secures a takedown to deflate Oezdemir completely. When Oezdemir defends with a triangle choke from his back, Krylov makes him pay by raining down punches that bounce his head off the floor. Krylov slowly, methodically works Oezdemir over, and he passes to the side right when the final bell perhaps surprisingly sounds. Should he get his hand raised, it will be just the second decision victory of Krylov's lengthy career.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Krylov (30-27 Krylov)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Krylov (29-28 Krylov)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Krylov (30-27 Krylov)

The Official Result

Nikita Krylov def. Volkan Oezdemir via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Caio Borralho (186) vs. Makhmud Muradov (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Borralho (-200), Muradov (+170)

Round 1

In August 2021, Muradov (25-7, 3-1 UFC) had a 14-fight win streak with 11 finishes come to a conclusive halt thanks a submission from Gerald Meerschaert. Nearly 14 months later, he returns to action against another savvy grappler in Borralho (12-1, 1 NC; 2-0 UFC), and the Brazilian lauds two UFC wins over opponents that happened to have fought earlier today in Omargadzhiev and Petrosyan. The third man in the Octagon will be referee Dan Movahedi, and the middleweights calmly bump fists before getting after it. Borralho lands a side kick that glances off the cup, and he shakes his finger to his opponent claiming it was not low. There is no pause, and Borralho hops in and out but gets snapped back with a jab. The Brazilian just misses with a high kick, and Muradov sits down on a straight right hand that marks up Borralho’s face. Borralho responds with a front kick, and he gets countered with a right on the way in. Borralho comes up short with a few kicks, and he changes levels to trip “Mach” up and put him flat on his back. Borralho, in half guard, starts slashing down with elbows. Muradov gouges his opponent’s eyes with his fingers while on his back, and Movahedi sees this and shouts at Muradov to stop. Muradov scrambles, but this ends up with Borralho claiming full mount. Muradov hooks his fingers in the cage, and then his toes, as Muradov is getting warned for several fouls in rapid succession. Muradov is once more admonished for fingers in the eye, and Borralho drives his elbows into the face. Muradov times a submission setup to get through an armbar and wind up on top, and Borralho continues moving and threatens with a leglock. Muradov steps out of it and gets blasted in the face with an upkick, and he wobbles back and forward to move down into the guard. The warnings keep coming for Muradov, who again puts his fingers in Borralho’s eyes. Movahedi steps in to warn him very sternly, and he lets it play out as Borralho sits up to nail his foe with ground-and-pound before the round ends. Muradov complains that he was fishhooked as the round ends, but his complaint falls on deaf ears.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Borralho

Round 2

The fists are bumped, and the middleweights tentatively get after it. After about 30 seconds of staring, Borralho swings his foot up high and is barely blocked. The block opens a cut on his shin, and he hops back and forth until Muradov shoots in for a takedown out of nowhere. Borralho defends perfectly with a guillotine choke, and it is tight in an instant. Muradov spins with all his energy to free himself from the grip, and Borralho releases it and stands up to move down to top position. Muradov is warned for the umpteenth time for fingers raking in or around the eye, and he uses the confusion of a warning to sweep the Brazilian that had just taken mount. Muradov keeps heavy top pressure while not posturing up to land strikes, lest he fall victim to his opponent’s active guard. Borralho is given a warning to not hit the back of the head, and the fouls are freely flowing in this 185-pound affair. Borralho sits up and works his way to the wall, and Muradov lowers him back down. Borralho attempts to lock down a guillotine, but there is nothing to it as he sweeps his man seconds before the bell. Muradov again complains about a foul after the horn sounds, but Movahedi declares it was not a strike after the bell but a legal blow.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Muradov

Round 3

The fighters share a half-hug to start off the last round and show there is no ill will despite a litany of illegal actions throughout the last 10 minutes. Muradov takes the center of the cage and backs Borralho off with a right hook, and the Brazilian springs back and forth before diving into a takedown effort. Muradov shucks him out of the way, punches his way forward and takes Borralho down. Borralho hits his back and sets up another guillotine choke, and Muradov rolls through it and pulls his toes on the cage wall to try to move through it. Borralho allows him to do this so that he can get right into mount, and he hangs on with a possible arm-triangle choke. As he has a few times thus far this fight, Muradov bucks and manages to get out of a hairy position of full mount by “The Natural.” Borralho returns to the guard, and Muradov stays busy off his back with strikes before pushing off the chest with his heel. Borralho does not let him off the hook, jumping right back down on top of him and into the guard. Borralho gets kicked off again, and he returns to the top to grind out his adversary. Borralho gets off a few short punches before standing up to reset again, and Muradov sticks his toes in the cage again to turn around only to be warned one more time. Borralho drives home a few punches to leave a lasting impression, and when the final horn echoes through the building, he walks off and holds his hands high.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borralho (30-27 Borralho)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borralho (30-27 Borralho)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Borralho (29-28 Borralho)

The Official Result

Caio Borralho def. Makhmud Muradov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Sean Brady (171) vs. Belal Muhammad (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-145), Muhammad (+125)

Round 1

Headlining the prelims is a welterweight matchup that could easily and comfortably headliner any UFC Fight Night or ESPN-run event. For a possible shot at the logjammed welterweight throne, Muhammad (21-3, 1 NC; 12-3, 1 NC UFC) and his eight-fight unbeaten streak run up against Brady (15-0, 5-0 UFC), who has never dropped a pro fight. Someone will take a rough loss, barring something unexpected, and referee Lukasz Bosacki will be there for it. The 170ers have a strange bit of bad blood between them and decide not to touch ‘em up, and instead Muhammad comes out aggressively to push the pace on the undefeated fighter. Muhammad scores a left hand down the pipe, and Brady looks to swipe back at him and only lands a calf kick. Muhammad keeps moving forward and clips Brady with a right hand, and he retreats as Brady races forward. Brady works the lead leg with kicks, and he walks into a knee and forces Muhammad to fall over. When Muhammad stands, Brady gives him a shove to put him back to his seat but does not follow him down. Brady allows him to stand so that he can bust him in the chops with a right hand, and he gets a few punches off that get Muhammad’s attention. Muhammad keeps coming forward as he lines up a head kick, and Brady backs him away with a high body kick. Muhammad kicks the leg, and Brady changes levels in pursuit of a takedown but it is nowhere close to materializing. Brady backs off and whips a high kick up fast, and when it is guarded, he follows it with a clean right hand over the top. Muhammad pins a one-two on the chin, and Brady counters him to make him take a step back. Brady gets tagged with a short combination, and he blocks a head kick that follows. Muhammad gets out a left hand and the two start trading, with Brady landing flush and Muhammad giving it right back to him. Muhammad connects with a heavy right hand that draws some swelling under Brady’s right eye, and Brady shoots in from a distance and does not draw out a reaction. Muhammad walks him down and starts throwing hands, and Brady replies with a left hand that opens a cut on the side of Muhammad’s right eye. The horn sounds awkwardly, and the razor-close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 2

The pace from Muhammad does not relent as the second round begins, continuously pressing forward as Brady sits down on counters. The welterweight contenders trade low kicks, and Brady shoots and is stopped in his tracks. Brady gets off a sharp left hook that splits the guard, and he smacks Muhammad in the nose with a front kick. Brady gets off another left hook as Muhammad is walking him down, and he kicks the body to give Muhammad momentary pause. Muhammad sticks out a jab that reddens the nose, and Brady lines up a one-two that shakes Muhammad up. Muhammad keeps his fists in Brady’s face, and the nose starts to leak from the offense. Brady jumps forward, mixing punches with kicks, and Muhammad stands firm in front of him and responds with a blocked head kick. Brady leaps forward with a powerful left hook, and he celebrates his work with a low single that gets stuffed by “Remember the Name.” Muhammad lands two punches as Brady prepares and connects with a counter, and he gets rocked with a short left hand. Muhammad blinks it out and fires back with a venomous right hand, and he uses several jabs to back Brady up. A Brady entry is tossed aside, and they trade jabs as Muhammad begins to unload on his punches. They kick at the same time, and Muhammad falls to the mat and jumps back up. A shovel uppercut from the Philadelphia native gets through, and he tries to get off a combination but has his bell rung by Muhammad. Muhammad pours it on with combinations, and he hurts Brady and puts him on the proverbial ropes. Muhammad continues his bombardment of unanswered punches as he batters Brady on the wall, and Brady is in big trouble and leans over from taking punishment. Muhammad stays right in his face, pounding on him with an assault of fiery fists. Brady tries to keep Muhammad honest with a heavy counter or two, but Muhammad will not relent as he drills Brady in the face again and again. The seemingly unending barrage of blows continues until Movahedi dives in to call it a standing TKO, and Brady immediately protests although he was in a bad, bad way. “Remember the Name” makes the crowd remember his name as he moves his unbeaten streak to nine, while handing Brady his first defeat as a professional. Muhammad declares that he fought down to face Brady, and that it is time to fight up – calling out champion Leon Edwards or Khamzat Chimaev for future opportunities.

The Official Result

Belal Muhammad def. Sean Brady R2 4:47 via TKO (Punches)

Katlyn Chookagian (127.5: Missed Weight) vs. Manon Fiorot (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fiorot (-200), Chookagian (+170)

Round 1

Flyweight championship stakes may be on the line for these two ladies in the main card opener, although Chookagian (18-4, 11-4 UFC) did clock in above the division’s limit by a pound and a half. She will meet the hard-charging Fiorot (9-1, 4-0 UFC) in the center of the cage, but not before referee Jason Herzog tells them to get to it. They have no interest in touching gloves as it’s time to fight, and they begin by throwing hands almost immediately. Chookagian stays mobile, hopping back and forth and jabbing while tossing out leg kicks, while Fiorot commits to power punches. The Frenchwoman catches Chookagian early, but Chookagian springs away and comes back out firing with a lengthy combination all accompanied by kiais. Fiorot works a side kick, and she clips Chookagian with a right hook as Chookagian continues her constant activity of punches and kicks. Fiorot swings with fury, and Chookagian appears more content to touch her opponent. Chookagian digs a punch to the body and gets kicked in the knee, and they trade low kicks. Fiorot marches forward, putting Chookagian on her back foot and landing multiple side kicks to the knee. Chookagian swarms her back with a salvo of punches, and she puts a right hand down the middle. Fiorot lands a single right hook, while Chookagian puts three or four punches on Fiorot on the way out. Fiorot advances, and she puts a push kick up the middle. Chookagian responds in kind and smacks “The Beast” in the side of the face, who takes a slight wobble before gathering her balance. Fiorot has a kick caught, and Chookagian connects in response with a handful of punches in rapid succession. The side kicks from Fiorot are scoring, and Chookagian attempts to counter them but keeps working her jabs and front kicks. Fiorot knocks her back with a punch, but Chookagian puts a right hand on the chin as these two trade blows. The round ends, and judges will almost certainly have their hands full scoring this match if the first frame is any indication.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot

Round 2

The second round opens with Chookagian as the aggressor, claiming the center of the cage and swinging hard. Fiorot returns fire with a few looping hooks, and the two change their attack patterns with Chookagian as the one pushing the pace. Fiorot loads up on heavy punches, and they largely miss the mark while Chookagian is more straightforward with her offense. Fiorot steps in with a side kick, and Chookagian knocks her back with a quick right hand. Chookagian times a low kick as Fiorot comes in, and Fiorot pops her with a left hook as Chookagian hops back and forth to shake it out. A body kick from Chookagian is swatted away, and Fiorot’s counters miss the mark as well. The side kick from Fiorot does land with regularity, mostly targeting the upper knee area of Chookagian’s left leg. Chookagian winds up on a few punches that get dodged, and she is stunned with a left and a right. Chookagian swats with a right hand that Fiorot completely ignores, and she lifts up an uppercut to follow suit. Fiorot steps in with a left that forces Chookagian to backpedal, and she chains it into a body kick. Fiorot splits the guard with a straight left, and she dodges an uppercut and blocks a high kick that zips at her. Fiorot jabs and steps back to watch a Chookagian spinning back fist zoom by in front of her eyes. Fiorot beats her opponent to the punch in an exchange, and she slows the oncoming volume from “Blonde Fighter” with her power punches. Fiorot again stomps at the knee of her adversary a few times, and she gets in a short right hook and a left to follow that gets Chookagian’s attention. Chookagian tries to reach her foe with a few punches, but Fiorot keeps a safer range and utilizes the side kick to great effect. The second round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot

Round 3

The flyweights meet in the middle, and Fiorot strikes first with a few quick punches before Chookagian can retaliate. When Chookagian gives chase, Fiorot puts three punches together that snap Chookagian’s head back. Chookagian tries to close in and land a knee, but Fiorot kicks the kneecap to intercept her. Fiorot pushes off with a side kick and swats out with a right hand to keep Chookagian honest, and Chookagian comes at her with head kicks from both legs. The distance-keeping kicks from Fiorot are effective to blunt the momentum of “Blonde Fighter,” who struggles to find the range as she plods forward. Fiorot steps in with an elbow when Chookagian considers a level change, and she digs a right hand to the body as Fiorot circles away. Fiorot connects first before Chookagian can get her hands on her, and she uses jabs to counter Chookagian’s and force the American to try another way to get inside. They trade body kicks, and Fiorot advances to strike only to get backed off by a short combination. Fiorot allows a brief slugfest that she gets the better of, and she gets back on her bike and moves as Chookagian advances, hitting little but air. Chookagian sneaks up a head kick that bangs into Fiorot’s forehead, and she rushes after the Frenchwoman but is met with a handful of punches. With one minute to spare, Fiorot changes levels out of nowhere to put “Blonde Fighter” on her back, although she only keeps her there for 15 seconds before Chookagian springs back up. Chookagian marches forward and kicks the side, and she slides back as a one-two flies towards her but ultimately misses. Chookagian practically runs towards her opponent in one final flurry, and Fiorot snags her and knees her in the body to punctuate the strike-heavy fight. Every round was close, but a 30-27 is similarly not unreasonable depending on how the judges weigh the effective striking from both women.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot (30-27 Fiorot)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot (30-27 Fiorot)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot (30-27 Fiorot)

The Official Result

Manon Fiorot def. Katlyn Chookagian via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Beneil Dariush (156) vs. Mateusz Gamrot (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gamrot (-195), Dariush (+165)

Round 1

Like every other main card tilt, this lightweight affair pitting Dariush (21-4-1, 15-4-1 UFC) against Gamrot (21-1, 1 NC; 4-1 UFC) has nearly immediate championship implications, as the victor could very likely be next in line for the winner of the headliner a few fights from now. Before they can look ahead, they have to get past the other, and they will do so under the watchful eye of referee Dan Movahedi. The two bump fists, and after a few seconds to find their feet in the cage, Dariush slings a pair of quick kicks. Dariush rushes forward with a high kick, and Gamrot attacks for a takedown. A furious scramble ensues, and Gamrot lowers Dariush down but finds himself in leglock danger. Dariush attempts to sweep with this, but the two end up back on their feet. Gamrot pushes him to the wall, but he releases his foe and they reset. The right ear of Gamrot is split, and it starts to bleed, but he pays it no mind. Dariush attacks with a few low kicks, and Gamrot catches a body kick that follows and dumps Dariush to the mat. Dariush pursues a leglock as soon as they hit the ground, and he considers a heel hook but is on the wrong side without the right leverage to lock it down. “Gamer” pulls his leg out and stands up, and Dariush follows him. Gamrot stays tightly pressed to his opponent, before releasing him and backing off. An odd takedown entry allows Gamrot to get his hands on Dariush and drag the fight down, but Dariush defends with an awkward position to stop it. Dariush implores the referee to break them up, so Gamrot answers this by taking Dariush’s legs out beneath him. The Polish fighter cannot keep Dariush down, so he backs off and lets Dariush kick him in the side. On the kick, Gamrot grabs it, and he gives a shove but cannot ground Dariush this time. They trade kicks, and Gamrot slips on the way out before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot

Round 2

Sherdog encountered some technical difficulties at the beginning of this round, and we apologize for the inconvenience. We resume the action at the beginning of Round 2. The lightweights touch ‘em up, and Gamrot leans forward into a punch and has a strange reaction to it, but it could have been from a possible takedown setup. Gamrot resets and crashes forward for an authentic try, and Dariush tosses him aside and lets Gamrot get his footing again. Dariush kicks the body and gets punched in the head for his effort, and Gamrot counters another kick with an overhand right. Dariush pushes a jab out, and he sets up a high kick that glances off the shoulder. The lightweights clash legs at the same time, and Dariush walks forward to engage only to get sniped with a jab. Gamrot dives down to the ankle to take the fight down, and Dariush pulls his leg away and backs away. Dariush intercepts his opponent with a stern knee, and he targets the body with his shin as his legs continue to be his best weapon. A Gamrot takedown is stuffed, and Dariush makes him pay by chopping at his lead leg. The single strikes come back and forth, and Gamrot darts forward to throw a few in a bundle, but Dariush slips and rips with a left hand. The former KSW champ slowly moves forward without pulling the trigger, and he is forced to block a high kick that rolls off his shoulder. Dariush scoops up an uppercut and gets backed off with an overhand right, and Gamrot blitzes him with a knee. Gamrot sprints at his foe for one final takedown, and the scramble that ensues ends the round with both men on their seats.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dariush

Round 3

The top lightweights meet in the middle and offer half-hearted gloved touch that is more of a jab, and Gamrot claims the center of the cage. Gamrot punches his way into a takedown entry, but the veteran savvy of Dariush smoothly flows with the attempt and forces Gamrot to release his grip and stand back up. Dariush lets him have it with a flush kick to the body, and he lets go with a subsequent pair of kicks to the upper thigh. As Gamrot replies with a head kick try, Dariush pops him with a right hook. Gamrot comes up short with another high kick, and Dariush sees his strikes coming and is seemingly one step ahead of the offense. Dariush lifts up a knee that bounces off the midsection when Gamrot strides forward, and Gamrot continues to give chase no matter what he absorbs. The crowd appears distracted with the drama outside the cage, and they rain down a shower of boos not targeting the fighters but at that individual or individuals. As they are paying attention to something out of the cage, Gamrot leaps forward to snatch up Dariush’s lead leg and look for a takedown, but the attempt fails and Dariush gains his balance and hops away. Gamrot loops a right hand over the top, but it is one-and-done when Dariush backpedals. Dariush prepares a left-hand counter for when Gamrot walks into his range, and he times a spectacular blow that knocks Gamrot clean off his feet. The recoverability of Gamrot is solid, as he somersaults back and gets right back into action following the flash knockdown. Gamrot punches his way into a takedown attempt, and Dariush smoothly follows him all the way through to get to his knees and back up without spending much time on his back. The fight comes to an end with one final exchange of alternating punches, and the lightweights hug it out after the bell sounds. It remains to be seen if the victor here has done enough to earn a crack at the triumphant man of the main event, a shot which also hinges on the result of that match itself.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)

The Official Result

Beneil Dariush def. Mateusz Gamrot via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Sean O'Malley (135.5) vs. Petr Yan (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-265), O’Malley (+225)

Round 1

Yan and O’Malley launch into action at the prompting of referee Jason Herzog. Yan is in orthodox stance; O’Mally southpaw. Yan stalks forward as O’Malley slides around the outside of the cage. Yan switches stances and flicks out his right jab, then switches back. Herzog shouts a warning to O’Malley to watch his extended fingers. Yan lands a right low kick and eats a hard right hand counter. O’Malley connects with a right low kick. Halfway through the round, Yan changes levels for a double-leg near the fence. O’Malley backs into the cage, trying to keep the Russian from taking his back. Yan gives up on the takedown and they return to the center. Yan lands a series of three left hands upstairs, then drops for another takedown. This time, he hoists the taller man and dumps him to the canvas. With a minute left, Yan is in O’Malley’s guard. O’Malley goes to stand and eats some punches on the way up, but they return to their feet. O’Malley shoots a takedown at the 10-second clapper, briefly takes Yan’s back in the ensuing scramble, but they separate before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 2

Yan lands an outside low kick, then one to the inside of O’Malley’s lead leg. O’Malley comes back with a huge uppercut that has Yan hurt badly. Yan staggers away as O’Malley gives chase, landing more punches. Yan turns the tables with a massive punch of his own and now O’Malley is rocked. Yan ducks under and drags O’Malley to the mat. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard as O’Malley squirms and looks to escape. O’Malley pops up and Yan drives him to the fence. O’Malley grounds himself with a hand on the canvas to forestall knees to the head. They separate and a moment later, Yan pushes O’Malley back to the floor with a nice inside trip. O’Malley pops right back up. Under two minutes to go and Yan is matching O’Malley down. O’Malley pushes him back with a kick up the middle, and slips the counter punch. Yan flicks a high kick upstairs, then comes in behind it for a takedown. Yan is in O’Malley’s guard at the base of the fence with 45 seconds left in the round. Yan postures up and lands a couple of punches. The round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 3

Yan shoots for a takedown right away, but O’Malley defends well and stands him back up. O’Malley flicks out a couple of jabs. Yan lands a low kick. Yan swarms forward with hooks, then shoves O’Malley to the cage. O’Malley pushes him back off, and lands an intercepting knee that cuts Yan badly. Yan is bleeding right away. Yan comes up short with a pair of punches, then lands a one-two. O’Malley throws a high kick that glances. Yan shoots a fast takedown from way outside, but drives O’Malley to the fence, and gets him to the ground. Yan takes O’Malley’s back as they stand. O’Malley escapes and they separate. There’s 90 seconds left as they reset in the middle. O’Malley lands a pair of jabs to Yan’s bloodied right eye. Yan drags O’Malley to the ground late in the round, and is landing punches from guard at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Yan (30-27 Yan)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (29-28 Yan)

The Official Result

Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

UFC Bantamweight Title Fight:
Aljamain Sterling (135) vs. T.J. Dillashaw (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sterling (-175), Dillashaw (+150)

Round 1

The co-main event kicks off under the watchful eye of referee Marc Goddard. They exchange kicks as Sterling changes stances. Tons of movement early on, and Sterling catches a kick which he uses to spin Dillashaw to the canvas. Sterling takes Dillashaw’s back for a moment, but they spin through and Sterling lands in half guard. Dillashaw appears to be in pain from something. Sterling moves to mount, then locks up a body triangle from the top. Dillashaw’s left arm or shoulder may be the problem. Sterling lands a couple of huge right hands from the top, then takes Dillashaw’s back. Sterling working for a choke, then gives it up to move back to mount. Dillashaw pops back up and scrambles, but Sterling is all over him, regaining back control. Under two minutes left and Sterling has Dillashaw in a body triangle from back mount. Sterling pelts the ex-champ with punches that curl around the front of Dillashaw’s face. Dillashaw escapes to his feet and his left arm is clearly compromised. Sterling drops for a takedown with 30 seconds left, driving Dillashaw to the fence. He peels Dillashaw away from the fence and dumps him on the canvas. Dillashaw pops back up right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Sterling
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-8 Sterling
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-8 Sterling

Round 2

Dillashaw’s shoulder is popped back in between rounds, and they’re good to go for another round at least. Sterling throws low kicks to open the round as Dillashaw returns fire, mostly with his right hand. Sterling drops levels for an easy double-leg takedown in the middle of the Octagon. Sterling sets up in Dillashaw’s half-guard. Sterling tries to move to side control, dropping elbows as he does. Dillashaw drives back to his feet, but is ensnared in a D’Arce choke as he does. Dillashaw escapes the hold, and his arm is once again all the way out of the socket, hanging limply at his side. The champ seems unsure of what to do, but takes Dillashaw down again. Sterling moves to mount. Dillashaw turns his back and goes belly-down. Sterling smashes Dillashaw with a couple of brutal elbows, then several punches, and Dillashaw is doing next to nothing to defend himself. Ref Goddard steps in and mercifully calls a stop to the mauling.

The Official Result

Aljamain Sterling def. T.J. Dillashaw R2 3:44 via TKO (Punches)

UFC Lightweight Title Fight:
Charles Oliveira (154.5) vs. Islam Makhachev (154.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Makhachev (-190), Oliveira (+160)

Round 1

Never before has a UFC fight taken place between two men with 10-fight win streaks or higher. Winner of his last 11, former champ Oliveira (33-8, 1 NC; 21-8, 1 NC UFC) looks to get his old belt back. He will have to get through Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé Makhachev (22-1, 11-1 UFC), who himself has won his last 10, to claim it again, as the title sits vacant for the next 25 minutes if needed. Referee Jason Herzog holds the supreme honor of keeping control of this lightweight championship extravaganza, and it could be one for the ages. The two elite 155ers touch gloves as they stand before one another, and it’s on with the show! Oliveira jumps out of his corner with a front kick, and Makhachev blocks it and is ready to defend against another. Makhachev responds with a quick two-punch combination, and the left hand gets the Brazilian’s attention in a hurry. Oliveira holds a high guard as he walks down the Russian, and he clinches up and practically pulls guard to drag Makhachev to the mat. “Do Bronx” immediately begins to throw up submissions, and he sets up a triangle choke that is high on the top of the head. Makhachev gets his head and arms out so that there is no armbar to follow, and he starts dropping down a few short elbows. Oliveira responds with elbows from his back, and the grind begins to get embraced. Oliveira kicks him off briefly to get a better position, and he hunts for a sweep and manages to work back to his feet. Oliveira shoves Makhachev to the wall and knees him in the liver, and they trade blows up close until Makhachev hits a trip to put Oliveira on his back. Although he lands in half guard, Oliveira quickly recovers his own high guard as a cut around his right eye begins to bleed. Makhachev slows things down and keeps a calm, composed pace with occasional grounds trikes, and the crowd erupts into sudden cheers of “Islam” as the Russian works over Oliveira. “Do Bronx” does not appear remotely concerned off his back and is not in a rush to get up or exert any extra energy, and Makhachev sits up and elbows him repeatedly much to the delight of the partisan crowd. The elbows continue to slam on the nose and cheek of the former champ, who eventually pushes off the chest and boots Makhachev in the face with his heel legally. As Oliveira looks to scramble or pull something off from his back, the horn blows.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 2

The round begins as Oliveira marches forward to engage, and he walks straight into a straight left hand. Oliveira ignores a few punches to clinch up, and they trade knees up close. Oliveira hunts for his own body lock takedown, and Makhachev drops to a knee and powers back up. The Russian turns Oliveira towards the fencing and hangs on to him, and Oliveira knees him in the gut a few times as he is getting squeezed tightly. Makhachev considers his own body lock toss, but “Do Bronx” keeps himself upright and lets a knee go on the inside. Makhachev breaks, and he narrowly avoids a slashing elbow coming his way. Oliveira walks straight ahead to throw hands, and Makhachev greets him right in the middle of the cage and gives it just as well as he receives it. Oliveira resets, and Makhachev puts on the pressure and stuns the ex-champ with two looping punches. A head kick wraps around Oliveira’s guard, as his own offense has slowed significantly even though he pressures his man. Oliveira throws a few reckless punches, and Makhachev retaliates with a clubbing right hook that sets Oliveira down to his seat. Makhachev leaps on top into half guard, and he immediately cinches up an arm-triangle choke. The choke is tight and Makhachev still has a full head of steam, and he crushes down with his shoulder and the Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard is in dire straits. Oliveira shakes his shoulders and attempts to buck out of the position, but Makhachev shifts to side control as it is now firmly locked down, and it is just a matter of time. The moment Makhachev steps over, Oliveira taps out frantically before he goes out, and we now have a new champion from Dagestan. The win streak of Oliveira has come to a crushing end, while Nurmagomedov beams with pride as his close friend and longtime teammate has pulled it off and earned the lightweight strap. Makhachev is now the victor of 11 straight, and he gets hoisted in the air right after the belt wraps around his waist. Makhachev dedicates his win to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and he places the strap on the shoulder of Khabib and hugs his dear friend. Nurmagomedov claims that he wants Makhachev to travel to Australia and defend his throne against top pound-for-pound fighter and current featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. The Aussie rushes into the cage, and he accepts the challenge and says the top pound-for-pound spot can be on the line when they fight next year. If and when that happens, we will most certainly be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Islam Makhachev def. Charles Oliveira R2 3:16 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)