UFC 281 ‘Adesanya vs. Pereira’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Nicolae Negumereanu (206) vs. Carlos Ulberg (205.2)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ulberg (-120), Negumereanu (+100)

Round 1

Kevin MacDonald will referee this light heavyweight matchup as we get started with no delay at UFC 281. Both men use front kicks as range finders at the start. Ulberg lands a leg kick. It’s a measured beginning with both Ulberg and Negumereanu looking for openings. Ulberg whips out another hard leg kick to his foe’s lead leg. Negumereanu urges his man forward and Ulberg lands a front kick to the gut. Ulberg connects with a couple straight punches through Negumereanu’s guard. Ulberg is already racking up damage on Negumereanu's lead leg as he lands another low kick. Negumereanu rushes in and whiffs on a punch, stumbling in the process. Ulberg lands an inside leg kick. Negumereanu is still stalking but isn’t throwing much. Ulberg sticks a pair of jabs and just misses a left hook. Negumereanu’s movement seems to be compromised, and he’s having trouble tracking Ulberg down. Suddenly, Ulberg drops Negumereanu with a jab-lead hook combination. As Negumereanu attempts to stand, Ulberg dives in and puts him to sleep with a pair of heavy follow-up blows. A bloodied Negumereanu needs to be helped to his stool after the carnage unleashed by the Kiwi.

The Official Result

Carlos Ulberg def. Nicolae Negumereanu via KO (Punches) R1 3:44

Julio Arce (135.8) vs. Montel Jackson (135.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jackson (-200), Arce (+170)

Round 1

Arce was victorious in his first appearance of 2022, while Jackson, who has won five of six UFC outings, will return to the Octagon for the first time in 14 months. Marc Goddard will be the third man in the cage. They touch gloves and we’re underway. Jackson changes levels within the first 30 seconds and shoves Arce into the fence. Jackson lands some knees to the body, but one lands on the cup, which prompts a warning from Goddard but no reset. Jackson thinks about a single-leg but Arce defends, and Jackson lands a short punch to the head instead. The crowd is already getting restless as Jackson continues to grind away against the fence. Goddard urges the combatants to stay busy. Arce can’t get his back off the fence and we’re halfway through the round when Goddard orders a restart in the center of the cage. Arce has a kick to the body partially blocked. He’s cautious, perhaps due to the threat of the Jackson takedown. Arce fires a straight to the body followed by a leg kick. Arce pressures and both men exchange jabs. Arce picks up the pace and fires off an overhand left. Jackson moves in with a right hook. Arce pressures as time winds down, and Jackson defends a takedown in the final 10 seconds. Arce muscles his opponent to the mat just before the horn, however.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Arce
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Arce
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arce

Round 2

Arce again takes the center of the cage, and he lands a left hand as he backs Jackson up. An inside leg kick connects for Arce. An outside leg kick lands for Jackson. Arce continues to lead the dance and he moves in behind a right hook, but Jackson lands a counter in response. A right hook connects for Jackson. Another counter right lands for Jackson, who is having more success but isn’t landing in great volume. Jackson connects with a solid right. Arce throws a right hook and Jackson angles out. Jackson is sticking his right hand with some consistency now as Arce pressures. Jackson shoots for a takedown against the fence. He steps around and gets the back of his opponent. Jackson continues to grind away until the horn, mixing in a knee with some dirty boxing.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jackson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson

Round 3

Arce comes out throwing combinations, but it’s Jackson who lands a right hand during an initial exchange. Moments later, Jackson puts Arce on his back with a stiff jab. Jackson assumes top position and works to land punches from inside Arce’s guard. Arce seems to have recovered, and he’s very active with his guard. Jackson is struggling to control the hips, and Arce nearly frames a triangle. Jackson works to stack Arce, but he is unable to pass at the 2:30 mark of the round. Arce sits up and then stands. Arce has some swelling under his left eye. Arce is not finding the range on his punches. Jackson finds an opening a tags Arce with a right hand. Arce pressures forward and whiffs on some looping punches. Arce moves in with punches and Jackson ties him up, shoving his foe into the fence. Jackson lands a short right on the break. Jackson with a straight left in the waning seconds, and he dodges a final Arce offering before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (29-28 Jackson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (29-28 Jackson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (29-28 Jackson)

The Official Result

Montel Jackson def. Julia Arce via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Seung Woo Choi (145.6) vs. Michael Trizano (147.6: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Choi (-165), Trizano (+140)

Round 1

South Korea’s Choi is mired in the second two-fight losing streak of his promotional tenure. Trizano, meanwhile, will attempt to halt his own two-fight skid after missing weight by 1.6 pounds on Friday. Kevin MacDonald will oversee the action. They meet in the center and it’s the rare double knockdown right off the bat, as both men land hooks simultaneously. Choi rocks Trizano with a left hook when they return to their feet, but the New Yorker remains upright. Choi with a leg kick and another left hook. Choi gets caught going to the well with the left hook and Trizano floors him again using a counter right. Trizano follows him to the floor and pounds away with hammerfists. Choi is able to scramble back to his feet. Triazno walks forward and lands a straight right. Choi attacks the lead leg and lands the left hook again. Trizano blocks a high kick. Choi feints a right and connects with the left hook again. Choi attacks and stings Trizano with a right. Trizano lands a solid right in an exchange and Choi is bleeding from his nose. Trizano snaps Choi’s head back with a jab. Choi wobbles Triano with a left hook, and he starts swinging wildly with looping punches. Trizano maintains his composure and he defends the ensuing takedown from his opponent. Choi lands a short elbow on the break. Choi loads up and partially lands a big left hook. A hard one-two finds the mark for Trizano, who is more technical than Choi. Choi moves in and Trizano gives him a taste of his own medicine, dropping him with a clean counter left hook. From there, the “TUF 27” winner follows his adversary to the mat and seals his victory with a barrage of ground-and-pound. Unfortunately for Trizano, his weight miss renders him ineligible for a post-fight bonus.

The Official Result

Michael Trizano def. Seung Woo Choi via KO (Punches) R1 4:51

Silvana Gomez Juarez (115.6) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (115.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kowalkiewicz (-120), Juarez (+100)

Round 1

Poland’s Kowalkiewicz, a former 115-pound title challenger, snapped a five-bout losing streak with a second-round submission of Felice Herrig in her last outing on June 4. Argentina’s Juarez, meanwhile, is coming off a first-round KO of Na Liang at UFC 275. Marc Goddard gets the assignment for the strawweight bout. Juarez is flicking out her jab repeatedly, then misses an overhand right. Kowalkiewicz catches a kick and immediately turns it into a takedown, and she immediately takes the back of her opponent. Kowalkiewicz secures a body triangle as she gets to work near the fence. Kowalkiewicz gives up the body triangle and the Pole retakes the back as Juarez attempts to escape. Juarez is up to a knee, and Kowalkiewicz is hunting for a rear-naked choke. Kowalkiewicz lands some right hands to the side of the head. Juarez is on her feet briefly, but she sits on the mat, with Kowalkiewicz attached to her back against the fence. Kowalkiewicz continues to throw short shots in hopes of creating an opening for a submission. Juarez is on a knee again as Kowalkiewicz maintains a rear body lock. Juarez finally is able to stand and break her opopnent’s grip with 20 seconds left. Kowalkiewicz lands a jab at range. Juarez pressures with a combination before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz

Round 2

Kowalkiewicz pressures forward, and Juarez is looking for that overhand right. So far it hasn’t found the mark. Kowalkiewicz lands a couple jabs in hopes of closing the distance, but Juarez circles away to avoid the level change. Kowalkiewicz again pressures behind a combination, but Juarez angles out. Juarez fires off the right but can’t find the range. A glancing overhand right finds the mark for Juarez, but Kowalkiewicz eats it without issue. A jab lands for Juarez. Both women land in an exchange. Kowalkiewicz lands a solid right hand, and Juarez answers with a short right of her own. Kowalkiewicz sticks a jab, and Juarez lands another right. Juarez lands a two-punch combination. She lands another right and steps out of danger from Kowalkiewicz’s answer. Kowalkiewicz forces the clinch and lands a knee to the head before the strawweights separate. Juarez misses the mark on an overhand right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz

Round 3

Kowalkiewicz lands a couple leg kicks. The Pole moves forward with a combination, and Juarez answers in turn. Juarez lands a left to the body. Kowalkiewicz marches forward and both women are throwing . Kowalkiewicz is having success with her jab, but she’s eating punches when Juarez returns fire with combinations. A nice counter right finds the mark for Juarez in an exchange. A right for Kowalkiewicz lands. Juarez sticks a jab and she puts Kowalkiewicz on her heels to connect with a straight right. Juarez seems to be in a rhythm now, but Kowalkiewicz looks to slow her with a leg kick. Juarez back sher foe up with a two-punch combination. Juarez goes body-head. Kowalkiewicz misses a spinning back kick and Juarez smiles. Kowalkiewicz forces a tie up and lands a knee to the body. Kowalkiewicz pressures with punches and shoves Juarez to the ground. Juarez is able to scramble up and put Kowalkiewicz’s back on the fence. They separate with about 30 seconds left in the round. Kowalkiewicz punctuates a combination with a series of knees in the clinch before separating. Juarez ends the bout with a punching combination followed by a leg kick.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (30-27 Kowalkiewicz)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (30-27 Kowalkiewicz)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (30-27 Kowalkiewicz)

The Official Result

Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Ottman Azaitar (155.6) vs. Matt Frevola (154.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Azaitar (-115), Frevola (-105)

Round 1

Azaitar returns to active competition for the first time since September 2020, and he looks to extended his UFC winning streak to three after back-to-back first-round finishes. Frevola, a New York native and Dana White’s Contender Series alum, is coming off a first-round TKO triumph himself. Dan Miragliotta will get his first reffing assignment of the night for this lightweight affair. Frevola comes out with big movements, missing a high kick and a spinning kick. Azaitar circles on the outside and lands a jab. Frevola answers with a body kick. Frevola moves in and lands a one-two. Azaitar backs his foe up with a front kick. A right from Azaitar backs up Frevola. He follows that with a nice front kick down the middle. A counter right lands for Frevola in an exchange, but Azaitar makes Frevola stubmle with a short left hook. Frevola snaps his foe’s head back with a jab. Azaitar looks to go on the attack as he backs Frevola into the fence with a punching combination. That proves to be a costly decision, as Frevola lands two short rights in close quarters before putting out Azaitar’s lights with a clean left hook. Frevola lands a couple standing-to-ground punches before Miragliotta dives in to save an unconscious Azaitar.

The Official Result

Matt Frevola def. Ottman Azaitar via KO (Punch) R1 2:30

Andre Petroski (185.8) vs. Wellington Turman (185.2)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petroski (-195), Turman (+165)

Round 1

New Jersey’s Petroski has finished his first three fights in UFC competition, while Turman is riding the momentum of back-to-back wins over Misha Cirkunov and Sam Alvey. Keith Peterson will officiate the middleweight showdown. Turman lands a leg kick early. A straight right from Turman backs Petroski up. Petroski lands a leg kick of his own. Turman responds with a front kick to the body. Turman lands a glancing high kick, and Petroski answers with a left hook and a right hand that might’ve hurt Turman a little. Petroski is on the attack and he lands a jab. Turman lands a pair of solid kicks to the lead leg of his foe. A right hand over the top finds the mark for Petroski. Petroski with a body kick. Petroski shoots for a single leg and drives Turman to the fence, where he switches to a double and gets the Brazilian down. Petroski takes the back as Turman stands. Turman works to break the grip of his opponent, and Petroski takes the opportunity to land a right to the head. Turman turns and then escapes the position. Petroski blocks a high kick and the middleweights trade punches. Petroski backs up Turman with a right. Turman again goes with a high kick but it’s blocked. Turman jumps in with a knee. Turman is working the body know, blending in kicks and punches. Petroski shoots for a single leg, resets against the fence and gets Turman down before the horn. Turman lands some elbows to the head from his seat as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Turman
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Turman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Turman

Round 2

Petroski lands a kick to the body. He sticks a jab into the mug of Turman. Turman with a right hand followed by a front kick to the midsection. Petroski lands a left to the body and shoots for a takedown behind it. He’s momentarily trapped in a guillotine but he escapes and winds up in side control. Turman regains half guard, then recovers full guard. Petroski jmps on Turman’s back as his opponent crawls toward the fence. He squeezes a neck crank but relinquishes the hold to return to top posiiton. Turman is able to stand and he goes back to working on Petroski’s body. That prompts Petroski to shoot. Turman can’t secure the guillotine but he assumes top position. Petroski explodes to his feet, but Turman maintains a rear body lock. Turman drags him down and Petroski pops up. Turman maintains the rear waist lock. He tries to lift Petroski up , but his opponent defends and reverses position. Petroski gets a takedown while trapping Turman’s arm behind him. He lets it go to take mount, then moves into Turman’s half guard. Turman tries to stay active with short punches from his back but they’re not doing much. Petroski ends the round with several hard elbows from half guard.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Petroski

Round 3

Petroski changes levels and briefly gets Turman down near the fence. He maintains a body lock and slams Turman back down. Petroski locks in a guillotine during a scramble and he applies the squeeze while falling back. Petroski moves to full mount but relents on the choke. He drops punches and elbows from above, then floats on top as Turman attempts to scramble. Petroski is still in full mount, looking to frame an arm triangle. Turman recovers his half guard. Petroski is still heavy on top, applying shoulder pressure to Turman. Turman has regained full guard now. Petroski covers his foe’s mouth before dropping a right hand. More right hands for Petroski. Petroski takes the back as Turman attempts to stand. Turman is back to his feet, but Petroski picks him up and dumps him back on the mat. Petroski with some right hands under the armpit as Turman stands again. Petroski still has the body lock against the fence, and he dumps Turman on the canvas once more. Turman looks to frame a leg lock in the last 20 seconds, but Petroski escapes without issue. Petroski ends the fight in mount, pounding away with left hands.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petroski (29-28 Petroski)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Petroski (29-28 Petroski)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Petroski (29-28 Petroski)

The Official Result

Andre Petroski def. Wellington Turman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Erin Blanchfield (125) vs. Molly McCann (125.4)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blanchfield (-390), McCann (+320)

Round 1

Blanchfield has the looks of a talent to watch in the flyweight division, as she enters UFC 281 on a five-fight professional winning streak that includes three victories in the Octagon. McCann has emerged as a star after consecutive finishes in her native England, and she also has won three in a row in the UFC. Kevin MacDonald will officiate the proceedings in the cage. Blanchfiled attacks with a low kick and follows up with a right hand. McCann catches a kick and misses a big right. Blanchfield lands a body kick and a punch before executing a takedown and landing in side control. Blanchfield is already heavy on top, and she secures a mounted crucifix. Blanchfield takes advantage of the position and peppers McCann with a barrage of short left hands. McCann is trying to buck Blanchfield off of her, but it’s to no avail as Blanchfield switches to elbows. The strikes aren’t heavy enough to warrant a finish, but it’s one-way traffic so far. More short elbows rain down for Blanchfield, but she relents on the crucifix to focus on a kimura. McCann’s arm is an awkward position behind her body, but the Englishwoman amazingly doesn’t tap. Blanchfield goes back to the mounted crucifix briefly before transitioning to another kimura attempt. This time, Blanchfield steps over and cranks the maneuver, giving McCann no choice but to tap. Absolute domination for Blanchfield, who wins her fourth straight UFC flyweight bout.

The Official Result

Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann via Submission (Kimura) R1 3:37

Dominick Reyes (205.4) vs. Ryan Spann (206.6: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Reyes (-205), Spann (+175)

Round 1

It’s been a rough stretch for Reyes, who was finished by Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz in back-to-back fights after a near-victory against Jon Jones in February 2020. He’ll look to right the ship against Spann, who missed weight by half a pound but has been victorious in six of eight promotional appearances. Marc Goddard gets the call to oversee the light heavyweight clash. Reyes with a front kick down the middle, and Spann misses a high kick. A right hand from Spann makes Reyes stumble, and Reyes answers. Reyes slips during an ensuing exchange and Spann latches onto a guillotine. He relents and they’re back at range. Spann counters a kick with a 1-2 combination and Reyes attempts to answer. As he steps in, a short left hand from “Superman” — along with a glancing right — lays Reyes out stiff on the canvas. He dives in and lands one unnecessary blow before Goddard dives in to save Reyes. Spann has his second straight first-round finish in the Octagon. Reyes’ struggles continue, as he loses his fourth straight.

The Official Result

Ryan Spann def. Dominick Reyes via KO (Punches) R1 1:20

Renato Carneiro (155.8) vs. Brad Riddell (155.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Carneiro (-120), Riddell (+100)

Round 1

After beginning his UFC tenure with four consecutive triumphs, Riddell has run into adversity with back-to-back losses at the hands of Rafael Fiziev and Jalin Turner. Carneiro will attempt to rebound after taking a five-round defeat against Rafael dos Anjos in a 160-pound catchweight affair at UFC 272. Dan Miragliotta will ref the evening’s featured prelim. Carneiro takes the center of the cage early and he lands a jab. Carneiro catches Riddell coming in with a nice step in knee. Another jab from “Moicano” finds the mark. Riddell throws a right to the body. Carneiro catches Riddell with a glancing head kick and follows it up with a fluid combination. Riddell might’ve been briefly stunned by a right after the head kick. Riddell is already bleeding under his right eye. Another jab lands for the Brazilian. Another jab lands for Carneiro and Riddell attempts to answer with a body kick. They trade jabs, but Carneiro’s appears to have more impact. Carneiro forces the clinch and gets a takedown. Carneiro jumps on Riddell’s back during a scramble and he hunts for a rear-naked choke. His right arm is already under the chin. Riddell isn’t fighting the hands of his opponent at all, and that allows “Moicano” to sink the choke even deeper. Riddell can only keep his chin tucked for so long, and he is forced to ask out of the fight. Impressive win for Carneiro, who controlled all aspects of the fight.

The Official Result

Renato Carneiro def. Brad Riddell via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 3:20

Dan Hooker (155.8) vs. Claudio Puelles (155.2)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hooker (-145), Puelles (+125)

Round 1

It’s main card time at UFC 281. After a brief venture to featherweight, Dan Hooker returns to 155 pounds in hopes of ending a slump that has seen him lose four of five. Peru’s Puelles has rattled off five straight wins in the promotion, including back-to-back kneebar submission victories. Keith Peterson will be in charge of the action in the Octagon. Hooker takes the center of the cage. Hooker is testing the range with kicks, including several leg kicks. Puelles misses the mark on a head kick. It’s a measured beginning ,with Puelles checking the majority of Hooker’s low kicks but not really attacking. Puelles dives for a leg and rolls, hunting for a heel hook. Hooker drops to the canvas to defend. The Kiwi triangles his legs to defend himself, but now Puelles separates the legs and extends the left. Puelles is rolling and cranking for a heel hook. Hooker sits up on his knees and remains calm. He scoots his knee out and is in a better position. Hooker is in top position now and he stands, which prompts Peterson to order a standup. Puelles goes to the ground again, looking to grab Hooker’s leg. This time Hooker avoids danger. Hooker steps in and lands a straight right. Puelles drops to his back in the waning seconds, drawing boos from the crowd. Hooker doesn’t accept the invitation to go to the ground, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Puelles
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Puelles
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Puelles

Round 2

Hooker begins the frame with a front kick down the middle. Puelles dives for a leg but Hooker evades him and then lands a body-head punching combination. Hooker follows a left jab with a high kick. A straight right prompts a desperation shot from Puelles. Hooker pressures and Puelles fails on a telegraphed takedown. Hooker is starting to pick his foe apart at range, and Puelles has no recourse other than to dive for the legs. Puelles grabs the leg again. Hooker keeps his balance and forces Puelles to let go by applying a guillotine. Another right lands for Hooker, and he frees himself from an ensuing takedown try. Puelles looks overmatched on the feet and he drops low for a single leg. Hooker defends and orders Puelles to the center of the cage. Hooker sprawls on a single leg and lands some punches and elbows to the body before backing away. Puelles finally lands a left hook, and Hooker appears to hurt the Peru native with a front kick to the body. Hooker is in pursuit and Puelles falls to the canvas. Peterson orders him to stand. A cartwheel kick from Puelles doesn’t threaten Hooker. “The Hangman” presses forward and digs another front kick to the midsection of Puelles. Puelles falls to the canvas while grimacing in pain, and this time Peterson steps in and waves off the bout. Puelles’ winning streak ends at five.

The Official Result

Dan Hooker def. Claudio Puelles via TKO (Body Kick) R2 4:06

Frankie Edgar (135.6) vs. Chris Gutierrez (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gutierrez (-215), Edgar (+185)

Round 1

It’s the swan song for Edgar, a former lightweight champion and featherweight title challenger. He’ll attempt to end his MMA career on a high note against Gutierrez, a Factory X product with a seven-bout unbeaten streak in the promotion. Kevin MacDonald will officiate Edgar’s farewell. Gutierrez, who appears considerably larger than Edgar, comes out feinting and throwing kicks. Edgar moves forward and Gutierrez follows two lefts with a nice spinning back fist. A trademark Gutierrez leg kick follows. Edgar eats a left jab as he attempts to find the range. Edgar continues to press the action, looking to find an opening. Instead, it’s Gutierrez who steps in with a massive knee to the chin that lands clean. An unconscious Edgar falls to his back, his head bouncing off the canvas. Gutierrez knows there’s no need to land any follow-up blows, and this one is over with a walk-off KO. Gutierrez and Edgar share a moment in the Octagon after “The Answer” regains consciousness. Meanwhile, a “Frankie Edgar” chant goes up in the Garden.

The Official Result

Chris Gutierrez def. Frankie Edgar via KO (Knee) R1 2:01

Michael Chandler (155.8) vs. Dustin Poirier (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Poirier (-210), Chandler (+180)

Round 1

Two of the lightweight division’s best action fighters are set to square off, and both Poirier and Chandler are hoping to get back in the championship picture after recent losses in title bouts. Dan Miragliotta is the third man in the cage. Chandler misses on a big low kick. Poirier misses his first leg kick too, and Chandler answers with a right hand. Chandler comes forward and lands a hard body kick. Chandler shoots and Poirier shucks him off. Poirier jabs the body. Chandler has a leg kick checked. Chandler pressures with punches and front kicks, but Poirier defnds well. Moments later, a right lands clean for Chandler, and Poirier is on the defensive. Chandler lands some heavy shots with his foe’s back to the fence. Poirier gets off the fence and they’re back in the center of the cage. Chandler is swinging heavy leather as usual. A crisp right connects for Poirier. They collide heads and Chandler tees off with right hands. he backs Poirier into the fence and continues to land power punches. Poirier looks hurt and Chandler takes him down near the fence. Chandler thinks about a kimura, but Poirier scoots to the fence. Chandler almost jumps on the back as Poirier works his way up. Chandler has a body lock and he gets Poirier down once, then follows with a suplex. Poirier is right back up, and he’s moving forward with punches now. They’re trading, and it’s Poirier who buckles his man with a right. Poirer goes on the attack, and he’s unloading on a reeling Chandler near the fence as time runs out. Chandler, whose face is battered and bloodied, may have been saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Poirier
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Poirier
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Poirier

Round 2

Poirier sticks a jab at the outset. Chandler presses forward with a body-head combo followed by a kick. That sets up a high amplitude takedown, and now Chandler is in Poirier’s closed guard. Poirier lands elbows from his back. Chandler is leaking blood from his nose, and it’s getting all over Poirier. Poirier is framing a triangle, but Chandler passes and takes the back. Chandler attempts to get his left arm under the chin, but Poirier defends well. Chandler gets both hooks in and continues to hunt for the choke. Chandler is too high and the choke isn’t under the neck, but he is winning the round at this point. Chandler continues to hold a dominant position, but Poirier is able to turn and get his back to the cage. Poirier has full guard and he frames a kimura. Chandler makes him eat a big right and he gives up on that. Chandler switches to hammerfists and Miragliotta warns him for landing blows to the back of the head. Chandler relents and he traps the wrist of Poirier while landing solid right hands to the head. Chandler stays heavy on top as the round draws to a close, and he’ll end a dominant frame in top position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chandler

Round 3

Poirier attacks the lead leg of Chandler. Poirier with a straight left. Chandler blocks a head kick and then is denied on a half-hearted takedown. Chandler pressures behind a combination and changes levels. He gets a high crotch and lifts Poirier for a slam, only to see Poirier scramble into top position on the deposit. From there, Poirier transitions to the back of his opponent. Poirier has a body triangle secured with Chandler still on his knees in the center of the Octagon. Poirier locks in a rear-naked choke and falls back to the canvas, drapping his adversary with him. Poirier’s arm is under the chin and the squeeze is tight. Chandler has no choice but to tap in a matter of seconds.

The Official Result

Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 2:00

Carla Esparza (114.8) vs. Weili Zhang (114.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zhang (-340), Esparza (+280)

Round 1

The strawweight title is on the line next, as Esparza hopes to improve upon a lackluster victory over Rose Namajunas that gave her the belt at UFC 274. Zhang, meanwhile, is looking to regain the strap after ending her rivalry against Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a spinning back fist KO at UFC 275. Keith Peterson gets the nod to referee the co-main event. Zhang lands a leg kick behind a jab. Esparza moves in a lands a right. Esparza counters Zhang with a jab. Zhang with a kick to the body. Zhang lands a low kick, then has a high kick blocked. Zhang with a straight right to the body. Zhang dodges an overhand and resets, throwing an inside leg kick. Esparza counters a leg kick with a right hand. Zhang lands a hard right and a high kick. Esparza catches a another kick and gets a takedown. A wild scramble ensues and it’s Zhang with back control and mount, where she unloads with punches before Esparza reverses into top position. Esparza is inside her foe’s guard. Esparza stands and Zhang is able to hustle up, and she lands a right hand. Zhang denies a takedown, and Zhang lands a kick to the body. Esparza shoots for a single leg, but Zhang spins around and reverses. The Chinese fighter unloads with elbows and punches from top position. Esparza is active from her back and is able to get to her feet before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 2

Zhang takes the center of the cage early and lands an inside leg kick. Esparza moves forward with punches and is stung by a Zhang right. Esparza shoots from range and Zhang defends well, working her way to her opponent’s back on the sprawl. Zhang secures a crucifix from Esparza’s back, and she’s hunting for a rear-naked choke at the same time. Esparza defends it for a moment, as she controls Zhang’s other hand. Zhang eventually frees the hand, and connects the choke. It’s academic at that point, and Esparza, with one arm trapped, is forced to tap for the first time in 12 years. Zhang will begin her second reign as UFC strawweight champion.

The Official Result

Weili Zhang def. Carla Esparza via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 1:05

Israel Adesanya (185) vs. Alex Pereira (184.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Adesanya (-205), Pereira (+175)

Round 1

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware by now that Pereira has a 2-0 record against Adesanya in professional kickboxing. While that helped fast track Pereira to a title shot, those results are meaningless once the Octagon door closes. Marc Goddard will preside over the evening’s middleweight championship headliner. Pereira begins with a jumping front kick that Adesanya easily avoids. Adesanya is chipping away at his foe’s legs early. Pereira answers with a couple leg kicks of his own. The middleweights trade leg kicks and then Pereira goes up high. Adesanya answers with a jab. A body kick lands for Adesanya. Pereira blocks a high kick. Another jab lands for Adesanya, and the champ follows with a solid straight right. Adesanya’s feints are drawing noticeable reactions from his opponent now. Pereira follows a low kick with his left hook but it misses. Adesanya kicks the body and then the legs. Periera blocks a high kick. Pereira goes with a high kick that glances off the head of his foe. Adesanya answers with a good low kick. Pereira kicks the body and the champ responds with an inside leg kick. Pereira moves forward and lands a kick to the body. A leaping knee from the Brazilian is blocked. They tie up and Adesanya secures a body lock. Pereira lands some punches to the body and a knee to the body. They separate late in the round and Adesanya wobbles Pereira badly with a three-punch combination before the horn. Pereira was definitely saved by the bell there.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 2

Adesanya has the momentum now, but Pereira seems to have recovered. Adesanya steps in with a knee and Pereira answers with a left to the body. Adesanya lands a low kick and a right hand. Pereira pressures and Adesanya angles out of dagner. Adesanya lands a jab. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. A high kick is blocked but the champ sticks a jab. A left jab lands clean for Pereira and he sticks another one before tying up. They both land shots in close quarters and Adesanya turns the challenger around into the fence. Adesanya drops for a takedown but the larger Pereira defends well. Adesanya with a nasty 1-2 on the break. Periera blocks a high kick. Pereira tries to bck his foe into the fence and he lands a solid left hand. He lands another and Adesanya circles out. They trade leg kicks and Pereira lands a knee before Adesanya forces the clinch. Adesanya maintains control, pressing Pereira into the fence, but he can’t get a takedown. They break and Pereira rocks Adesanya with a solid head kick. Adesanya shakes it off. Pereira shoots and gets a takedown just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pereira

Round 3

Pereira absorbs an inside leg kick and just misses on a head kick. Adesanya shakes his head. Adesanya lands a leg kick and follows with a nice punching combination. Pereira pressures again and lands a knee to the body and a kick to the body. Adesanya executes a throw and takes Pereira’s back. Adesanya drags him back down and lands some punches while controlling his foe’s wrist. Adesanya gets a hook in and peppers Pereira with lefts. Adesanya continues to work from this position, controlling the wrist and landing punches with Pereira on a knee. More punches land under Pereira’s armpit. Pereira stands and posts, then rolls for a leg lock before quickly giving up on it. Now Adesanya is in his opponent’s full guard, and Pereira looks tired. Still, the Brazilian fires off a solid elbow from the bottom. Pereira grabs the wrists to prevent Adesanya from landing ground-and-pound. Adesanya stands and lands an axe kick to the body just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 4

Adesanya jabs the head and body early. Adesanya has a high kick blocked. Pereira with a glancing left hook and the champ answers with a leg kick. Adesanya sticks a jab, then a right hand lands clean. Pereira pressures Adesanya but gets backed up with a 1-2 and a body kick. Adesanya lands a body kick and follows up with a left hook. Pereira’s output has gone down significantly this round. Adesanya lands a pair of straight rights. Adesanya fakes a level change and sucks Pereira into the clinch. Adesanya shoves his man into the cage. Pereira tries to land some knees in the clinch, but Adesanya controls the position. They separate and Adesanya lands a hard right hand. Pereira pressures forward again and lands a left jab and a leg kick. He throws heavy leather and Adesanya elects to clinch again. Pereira with a knee to the body. Adesanya shoves his man into the fence and drops for a takedown. He gives it up but keeps the Brazilian on the cage. They break and Adesanya just misses an elbow. Pereira misses a left hook before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 5

Adesanya begins with a hard low kick. Pereira closes the distance and lands a left to the body. Pereira with a leg kick and then another left to the body. The Brazilian lands a right as he backs Adesanya up. They clinch again, and Adesanya shoves his foe into the cage. They separate quickly and Adesanya has a kick checked and then loses his balance. Adesanya is on the defensive for a moment and they tie up and then separate. Pereira backs up Adesanya to the fence and is unloading with power punches on the champion. Several heavy shots land clean -- including a big left hook -- and a reeling Adesanya falls to the canvas for a moment and then is back up, albeit on shaky footing. Pereira smells blood in the water and continues to unload with punches near the fence. More shots land, though Adesanya avoids some of the punches as well. Still, referee Marc Goddard determines that Adesanya isn’t intelligently defending himself anymore, and he steps in to stop the fight. What a remarkable turn of events in the final round. Adesanya protests the stoppage but Pereira is your new middleweight champion.

The Official Result

Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya via TKO (Punches) R5 2:01