UFC Fight Night 212 ‘Grasso vs. Araujo’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Mike Jackson (170) vs. Pete Rodriguez (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-730), Jackson (+530)

Round 1

With an abbreviated appetizer ahead of next week’s blockbuster pay-per-view card, the UFC wheels out an 11-fight card that has undergone plenty of changes recently. As a result, the only ranked fighters are in the main event, but the remaining 10 fights promise varying degrees of action and intensity. We kick things off in the welterweight division, as Jackson (1-1, 1 NC; 1-1, 1 NC UFC) makes the quickest turnaround of his career – less than six months – against the hard-charging flamethrower Rodriguez (4-1, 0-1 UFC). The first in-cage assignment of the night goes to referee Chris Tognoni, and the fighters decide to touch gloves to start things off. Rodriguez initiates the offense wit ha jab to the body, and he tries to get inside as Jackson is the taller and longer man. Rodriguez loads up on a big leg kick, and it swings Jackson’s lead leg back. Jackson slips strikes as Rodriguez bears down on him, and a right hand from “Dead Game” to the ribcage sends Jackson down to the mat. Rodriguez unloads with offense while Jackson is on the ground, but he does not seal the deal, as “The Truth” climbs back to his feet. Rodriguez does not let him off the hook, working him over with solid elbows. Jackson blinks it out and circles away, and he sticks out a left hand. Rodriguez marches in with the utmost of confidence, and he wings a massive left hand that wobbles Jackson. Rodriguez strings together a few more punches to the head and body, forcing Jackson to dip down to his side. As he does, Rodriguez times a picture-perfect knee that separates Jackson from his consciousness. As Jackson collapses to the mat, Rodriguez unloads with one brutal right hand, but the damage is already done and Tognoni is there to intervene and rescue the snoozing Jackson. With that blistering finish now on his highlight reel, Rodriguez has still never fought beyond the three-minute mark as a pro.

The Official Result

Pete Rodriguez def. Mike Jackson R1 1:33 via KO (Punches and Knee)

Tatsuro Taira (126) vs. C.J. Vergara (129: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Taira (-240), Vergara (+200)

Round 1

For the second time in three UFC appearances, Vergara (10-3-1, 1-1 UFC) has come in well over the flyweight limit. Ahead of his pairing with the undefeated Taira (11-0, 1-0 UFC), Vergara clocked in at 129 ready pounds. While collecting 30% of Vergara’s paycheck, Japan’s Taira will try to keep his spotless record intact against a heavier foe. The Octagon ranger for this now-129-pound catchweight contest will be referee Kerry Hatley, and the two fighters slowly move towards one another with no intention of a glove touch. Vergara looks to close the distance early, sticking out a few jabs, and Taira stays light on his feet to respond with a quick high kick. Vergara lumbers towards the longer man, and he walks right into a left hook. As Vergara keeps plodding forward, Taira grabs hold of him, lifts him in the air and slams him down while letting out a yelp. The Japanese fighter lands in side control, and he grips tightly to squeeze his shoulder down on Vergara’s head. Vergara bucks a few times, but he only ends up getting elbowed for his work. Taira attempts to move to mount, and as he does, Vergara times a kick-off to stop the guard pass. Taira keeps moving, and he works his way to north-south position while Vergara traps his foe’s head between his legs with an inverted scissor choke of sorts. Taira shrugs it off and shifts to side control, and he glides into mount. The American times this perfectly to spin Taira around, and he finds himself on top. Taira does not accept this, kicking Vergara off of him and returning them to the feet. They trade kicks, and Taira shoots for a takedown as Vergara is backed up to the wall. Taira jumps immediately to full mount, but this is a short-lived positional maneuver as Vergara pulls him back and threatens with a guillotine choke. This is not the best plan for him, as Taira uses that against him and crushes down with a Von Preux choke. Vergara grimaces and manages to release his grip, and Taira slides to the side and prepares to move to mount again. Vergara skillfully turns Taira over, and he uses a modified arm-triangle choke to keep Taira honest. The unbeaten fighter grits out of the choke and stands up, where he promptly tees off on his man with punches and a knee. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Taira

Round 2

Vergara darts out of his corner, but he cannot find his target to start off the round. Taira drifts out of harm’s way and plans a leg kick so heavily that Vergara falls over to the mat. Taira allows him to stand so that he can lay into him with another nasty calf kick. Taira lets his hands go with a one-two, and he surprises Vergara with his left shin. Vergara attempts to respond with a looping left hand, and Taira changes levels and nearly walks into a knee. The American keeps his balance and backs off to score a few punches, and Taira responds with a knee strike and a takedown effort. Vergara backs off to the cage in an effort to keep himself upright, but Taira brilliantly snakes around the side to trip out Vergara from behind, where he lands on his back while claiming back control. Vergara fights off a body triangle from one side, and as soon as he moves to break it, Taira shifts his lefts to the other side. While Vergara attempts to escape, Taira latches on to a rear-naked choke, but it is on the chin. Taira nevertheless squeezes with all his might, hoping for a face crank if he cannot sneak the forearm beneath the chin. The Japanese fighter releases the submission so as to not burn his arms out from attempting an unsecured choke, and he switches to his other side with another rear-naked choke. Vergara keeps his chin down, surviving another choke, and he prepares to escape. As his opponent takes a breath, Taira transitions right into an armbar, and Vergara stands up. The arm of the heavier fighter is still very much trapped in the armbar, and he considers lifting Taira up to slam him out but he does not have the horsepower to do so. The elbow hyperextends as Taira straightens the arm out and then some, and Vergara promptly taps out to escape permanent damage. That’s one more win for the still-unbeaten Taira, who now celebrates exactly half of his pro wins by submission.

The Official Result

Tatsuro Taira def. C.J. Vergara R2 4:19 via Submission (Armbar)

Sam Hughes (115) vs. Piera Rodriguez (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-170), Hughes (+145)

Round 1

The prelims roll on with a strawweight contest as undefeated Venezuelan Rodriguez (8-0, 1-0 UFC) throws down with the appropriately nicknamed “Sampage” Hughes (7-4, 2-3 UFC). Drawing the assignment for this one is referee Jerin Valel, who observes no glove touch before the ladies get after it. Hughes circles along the outside while Rodriguez claims the exact center of the cage, and they wade towards one another with a brief flurry of fists. Rodriguez resets and tosses out a front kick, and Hughes slaps it away but cannot evade the jabs. Persistent jabs from the Venezuelan have already marked up Hughes’ nose less than a minute in, and Hughes attempts to pay her back with a front kick. They trade left hands at the same time, and Rodriguez follows it with a slapping body kick. Rodriguez sits down on a left hand in an exchange, and Hughes takes it flush and keeps moving forward. Hughes scores a few punches, but Rodriguez connects with a couple body shots and a right hand that irritates Hughes’ left eye. Rodriguez keeps her foe at bay with teep kicks, and Hughes gives chase and pushes out jabs. They clinch up, and both ladies land heavy strikes to the head and body. When they split apart, Rodriguez is the one who connects with a combination. Hughes returns fire with a couple punches and a head kick, but the kick does not reach the target. Rodriguez changes levels out of nowhere to hit a double-leg takedown, and she puts the American on her backside. Hughes threatens with an offensive guard off her back, doing enough to force Rodriguez to think twice about wading in. Hughes pushes her off and stands back up, where she chases after Rodriguez and lands a few punches. Rodriguez clips an advancing Hughes with a right hand, and Hughes does not take her foot off the accelerator. Hughes come out firing, and she slings a right hand around the guard of her opponent. Rodriguez gets stood up when attempting a takedown, and they both throw hands right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 2

The two strawweights pick up right where they left off, swinging quickly and heavily to re-introduce themselves to one another. Rodriguez escapes on the outside as she tags Hughes, and she lands a takedown while Hughes is plodding forward. Hughes works her way back to her feet with the wall behind her, and she gets off a few knees up tight. A few strikes from Rodriguez have opened a cut on the bridge of Hughes’ nose, but she does not notice it as she walks Rodriguez down. Hughes lands a heavy low kick, and she responds with a front kick that pounds square into the jaw. Rodriguez mixes things up with a single-leg takedown, but she only manages to pick Hughes’ leg up in the air. On her second effort, Rodriguez grounds her opponent, and she scores only a punch or two before Hughes kicks off and wall-walks to stand. Rodriguez knees her in the side, and she sneaks in an elbow on the break. Hughes walks through a jab and a low kick as she races after Rodriguez, and her shin skims off the forehead but does not land flush as Rodriguez breathes a sigh of relief. They trade punches at the same time, utilizing combinations and rarely reaching out with one single fist. Hughes tosses two head kicks after her retreating foe, and Rodriguez circles away to dodge them and rushes forward to secure a takedown. Hughes scrambles back up, and Rodriguez cannot take her back or keep it before Hughes stands. Rodriguez lands two knees on the cheek before Hughes can break away, and she keeps moving to her left and maintains a high guard as Hughes kicks at her face. Hughes plants the ball of her feet on the chest, and Rodriguez escapes to avoid the brunt of Hughes’ punches. Rodriguez gets off a few more knees when Hughes closes in on her, and she breaks off and sticks out a jab. The jabs continue to land until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 3

Hughes practically sprints out of her corner to initiate the last round, and she dives forward for a takedown. Rodriguez stuffs her and stands her up with several nasty knees to the body. Rodriguez releases the grip and fires off a few jabs, and she targets the body while Hughes is non-stop chasing her. Hughes lands a left to the body and a right to the head as she ties her opponent up, but Rodriguez shakes her off and just misses a front kick. Hughes swats a right hand out, and Rodriguez responds with a slapping low kick before tripping Hughes up and landing a single. Hughes uses her rubber guard with a possible omoplata setup as soon as she hits her back, and this forces Rodriguez to back off and reset. Rodriguez strides forward with a standing elbow, and Hughes replies with three crisp punches. Rodriguez’ punches are more labored as she might have expended most of her energy reserves by the midpoint of Round 3, while Hughes appears fresh and sharp with jabs. “Sampage” shuts a takedown down and fights off a clinch after only absorbing a single knee. Hughes attempts to time a left hand so that Rodriguez circles into it, and she bails on that strategy to just throw hands. Rodriguez jabs into a single-leg attempt, and Hughes stops her in her tracks and cracks her with two short hooks. Rodriguez releases and backpedals, seemingly slowing from the effort. Despite this, she still has the power as she loads up on heavy fists. Hughes is quicker, racing after her and trying to land strikes. Hughes smacks her foe with a right hand and connects with a front kick to follow, but before she can get off any more, Rodriguez forces her to think twice from a heavy calf kick. They clinch up with seconds to spare, and Hughes shoves off and takes a few punches on the chin before the final bell. This close fight comes to an end, and that first round might be the tossup depending on how judges assessed it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hughes (29-28 Rodriguez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hughes (29-28 Rodriguez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hughes (29-28 Rodriguez)

The Official Result

Piera Rodriguez def. Sam Hughes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Lucas Alexander (145.5) vs. Joanderson Brito (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brito (-350), Alexander (+255)

Round 1

The action ticks up one notch as we move to the featherweight division. After a veritable revolving door of opponents, heavy-handed Brazilian finisher Brito (13-3-1, 1-1 UFC) now squares off against fellow countryman Alexander (7-2, 0-0 UFC) in the latter’s UFC debut. While both are the same age, Brito holds greater high-level experience, having fought up through the LFA to DWCS and then the UFC. Meanwhile, his opponent comes in on a five-fight win streak, with most of those victories coming in Florida-based leagues. The third man in the Octagon is referee Chris Tognoni, and there is a touch of gloves to get things started. Brito immediately starts racing forward, and he wings a low kick that comes up short. Alexander responds with one that lands, but he already finds himself backed up to the cage and ducking a haymaker. Brito bears down on him and loads up on right hands, and he ducks a head kick by a matter of millimeters and allows Alexander to fall to the mat. Brito lifts his man up and slams him down, and then does this a second time when Alexander gets to his knees. Brito knees the thigh a few times before scooping “The Lion” up and dropping him down once more. When Alexander moves back to his feet, Brito jumps on his back to serve as a malicious backpack, while setting up some form of a rear-naked choke. Brito tightens his legs around the waist and switches his arms to sink his right forearm under the chin. The choke is instantly tight and Brito has plenty of energy to crush it like a vice, and he drags the newcomer from behind down to the ground to make the submission purely academic. Barely one second after they hit the mat, and Alexander taps out frantically from the maneuver, as he would likely go out if the grip remained tight for too much longer. Tubular work for "Tubarao" Brito, who now posts an even number of knockouts and submissions on his ledger while lifting his finish rate above 85%.

The Official Result

Joanderson Brito def. Lucas Alexander R1 2:02 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Jacob Malkoun (185.5) vs. Nick Maximov (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Maximov (-135), Malkoun (+115)

Round 1

Two training partners-turned-UFC middleweights will grace the cage next, as Nick Diaz Academy product Maximov (8-1, 2-1 UFC) will aim to bounce back from his first career defeat at the expense of Robert Whittaker teammate Malkoun (6-2, 2-2 UFC). Ready for whatever happens next is referee Mark Smith, and the fighters do not touch ‘em up. They both measure their range with high kicks, but neither man lands with them. Instead, they switch things up to jabs, and they peck at one another from a distance. Maximov walks his opponent down and straight into repeated jabs, and he loads up on a huge left hand. When it misses, he doubles down with another, and it stuns the Aussie and drops him to his knees. Malkoun attempts to take the fight down when hurt, and after a brief grappling stalemate, they return to their feet. Maximov looks to get his feet beneath him again and work his jab once more, but Maximov has found his range with hooks. The Nick Diaz-trained fighter just misses with a spinning wheel kick, but he clips Malkoun coming in with a sharp left. Malkoun ducks down with a single, and he wrenches Maximov down to the mat. The American works his way to his knees and back to his feet, but Malkoun immediately secures a mat return. The grind continues for Malkoun, who yanks Maximov down any time he stands back up. Maximov wriggles out of the grip, and he backs off to the fence and gets popped with a left hook. Malkoun connects with a few punches that draw a grin out of his opponent, and he might have compromised Maximov when attacking. Maximov winces as he backs off, and Malkoun gives chase and connects with a few punches before setting him down with a snatch single. Maximov works his way back up, and Malkoun follows him every step of the way and sneaks a right hand around the guard. Maximov shells up and is defending, and he cannot back Malkoun off even when getting a left hand in. As soon as the horn sounds, Maximov reaches to his right leg in pain, and he lets out a yelp. It is unclear if he will be able to continue, and his corner calms him down and has him sit on his stool to recover. Smith calls in the doctor between rounds, but Maximov is cleared to keep fighting.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun

Round 2

Knowing his opponent is in trouble, Malkoun pushes his foot on the gas and rushes out of his corner to engage when Round 2 begins. He backs Maximov off and hits a single with ease, and this time, Maximov is not as eager or able to work right back up. Instead, Maximov closes his guard around the waist, and he is wincing greatly when trying to maneuver his right leg for the guard. Malkoun postures up and lines up with a right hand, but his foe keeps his gloves high to defend it. Maximov leans to his side but cannot get up, and Malkoun drops down left hands in the form of hammers. The pain is clear on Maximov’s face, and he is completely devoid of offense as he lays on his back. Malkoun comfortably moves to half guard, and he aims to drop down ground-and-pound while Maximov is doing anything in his power to show signs of life. With every bit of his energy, Maximov grits his teeth and explodes back to his feet. He immediately backs off, and Malkoun walks him down and lumps him up with heavy punches. Malkoun slips a few punches and plods forward, all while Maximov limps back. Malkoun has a right hand get through, and Smith tells Maximov to fight back. Maximov shells up and backpedals, and when he has a guard high, Malkoun rips the body. Practically every step from Maximov draws a physical reaction out of him, and Malkoun decides to kick the legs for good measure. The one-sided but hardly dominant round ends as Malkoun lands a few more punches.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun

Round 3

The doctors come to check on Maximov again between rounds, and despite the limp and obvious pain, Maximov is once more good to go. A few punches from Malkoun lead to a takedown, and he grabs a single and lowers Maximov to the mat gently. Malkoun searches for a rubber guard with his non-damaged leg, but Malkoun shrugs it off and continues holding on from above. A little light ground-and-pound is absorbed by the Californian before he jumps back up to his feet, and Malkoun is on him with his fists. Smith is paying close attention to the injured fighter, and Malkoun grips his man from behind and then slings leather at him. Maximov strings two punches together, but neither find their target as the Aussie is able to evade them. Maximov tumbles to the ground from a single-leg takedown, and Malkoun clings to his damaged opponent without landing much in the way of offense on his own right. Malkoun grinds from top position, preferring to rack up control time rather than deal damage. The heavy top pressure is not enough to keep even the injured Maximov down, and Maximov works his way back up and connects with a few punches to get the audience back in the fight. Malkoun takes any momentum away with a labored but simple single, and Maximov has no hope of defending it in his condition. Maximov turns to his knees, despite this, and wants to fight his way back up. Malkoun holds him down with a front choke that is more to hang on than to actually submit anyone, and the horn mercifully sounds to conclude this miserable fight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malkoun (30-27 Malkoun)

The Official Result

Jacob Malkoun def. Nick Maximov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Brandon Davis (136) vs. Leomana Martinez (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Martinez (-155), Davis (+135)

Round 1

The lead-fisted Martinez (9-3, 1-1 UFC) made his way to the UFC thanks largely to his championship run under the Fury FC banner, where he wrecked five opponents all within two rounds. He takes on Davis (14-9, 2-6 UFC), who is trying to make his second stint in the UFC a better run than his first. The bantamweights receive oversight from referee Herb Dean, who laces up his running shoes in order to keep up with these speedsters. They touch gloves before the fists fly, and Martinez is the aggressor and throws out a punch within the first couple seconds. When that misses, he decides to chop down the lead leg on both sides. Davis responds with a push kick that slams into the cup, and Martinez now needs some time to recover. After a little over 30 seconds, they resume and touch ‘em up. Both men reach with body kicks, and Davis connects with a short left hook. “Manaboi” responds with a head kick, and they are going kick-for-kick with one another. Martinez lands one to the body and another to the calf, and he strings a few more together but gets knocked back with a straight left hand. Davis swats away a front kick, and he finds himself constantly defending and looking for punch counters. He gets off a solid right hand as Martinez throws a naked kick, and he is finding a home for it while Martinez looks for angles. “Killer B” irritates Martinez with a jab, and after a brief exchange, Martinez swipes out with his outstretched hand and catches his opponent in the eye. Dean brings in the doctor not to check him out but to give Davis a wet towel to wipe his eye out. After 45 seconds of pause, they start up again. Davis lines up a solid right hand as Martinez advances, and he comes up short with a head kick. Martinez plants the ball of his foot on the solar plexus, and Davis chases after him and drills him with several heavy punches. Martinez kicks off the wall with an Anthony Pettis-inspired punch, and he clubs Davis with a follow-up right hand. Davis wears it well and stays on the outside. Davis catches a kick and slaps the other leg with his shin, and he sets it down to deliver one more loud leg kick. Martinez paws out with a front kick that is more of a jab, and he scores a calf kick that lands with an audible thud. As he closes in for a possible takedown, Davis intercepts him with a knee up the middle. Davis tries to capitalize on this and walks into a few power punches that shake him up, but he gathers his footing and loads up with his own powerful blows. Martinez gets kicked in the side and shrugs at him, and he spins with a back kick to the ribs in a reply. They start jawing with one another as they slug it out, and Davis shoots in for a takedown as Martinez laughs at him and tells him to knock it off. The round ends in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 2

The bantamweights bump fists to start off the second round, and they both land strikes in the first couple seconds. The volume and pace are high from these two, and they trade blows one after the other. Davis winds up with a power punch, and Martinez measures him and backs him off with several quick hands. Martinez strides forward to deliver a kick to the body, and he puts Davis’ back to the wall and unloads with several body shots. Davis threatens with a takedown, and Martinez turns him around and breaks the grip. Martinez is swinging with a fury after the separation, winging power punches and ignoring the ones that come back at him. Davis absorbs a solid low kick and hops away, and Martinez kicks the same spot after resetting. “Manaboi” continues working the calf in the midst of brief combinations, and Davis largely sticks to punches. A front kick from Davis on the chest draws a reaction out of Martinez, and he doubles over – possibly for gamesmanship to draw him in. As soon as Davis advances, Martinez clips him with a speedy right hook over the top. Davis stays at range with a low kick of his own, and he leans back as Martinez lunges at him. The low kicks get traded, and Martinez burps. The two are having fun slugging it out with one another, and Davis smiles and talks to his foe as he is landing effectively. Davis intercepts him with a short right as Martinez is winding up, and he chops down the lead leg to force him to switch stances briefly. They begin to talk to one another again as they trade hands, and Davis eats a left hook and suddenly he is no longer smiling. Martinez drops him with a ferocious series of punches, and Davis firmly finds himself in the danger zone. Davis gets up and tries to slip away, but Martinez is on him, drilling him with blows until Davis hits the mat again. When Martinez looks to finish the job, the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 3

Davis is good to go in the final frame, and they start trading almost immediately. Martinez slows things down with leg kicks and reaching punches, and Davis moves forward into the clinch. Davis winds up with a right hand that staggers Martinez, and Martinez grits his teeth and finds himself on the back foot as Davis is walking him down. Martinez flails and misses with punches as he tries to get Davis to think twice, but Davis stalks him down and kicks him in the body. Davis slides away from a spinning back fist and plants a right hand on the nose – a nose of the Texan that has begun to bleed. Davis pressures heavily to draw a takedown attempt from “Manaboi,” and the first try fails. The second, however, succeeds, and he dumps Davis to the mat. Davis works his way back up with the fence at his side, and Martinez attempts to bring him down but in unsuccessful a third time. Davis gains a full head of steam and marches forward, and he stings Martinez with a straight right hand down the pipe. Martinez is on the ropes and taking shots, with Davis the fresher fighter with more accurate strikes while Martinez is largely swinging recklessly and spinning. Davis gets caught with a right hand and a subsequent spinning fist as he comes forward with his hands down, and Martinez aims a few punches to the body before circling away. As Martinez attempts a takedown, Davis uses it against him to put “Manaboi” on his back. Davis sits up with several short elbows, fighting off an armbar effort and even lifting Martinez up to slam him back down on his back as if to make a point. The fight wraps as Martinez is eating shots from his back, and the judges have their hands full with this one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Davis (29-28 Martinez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Davis (29-28 Martinez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Davis (29-28 Martinez)

The Official Result

Leomana Martinez def. Brandon Davis via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Misha Cirkunov (206) vs. Alonzo Menifield (205.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Menifield (-200), Cirkunov (+170)

Round 1

If this light heavyweight main card opener goes the distance, it would be quite a surprise for bettors – the line that the fight ends inside the distance is a hefty -400 or so – as well as both finish-friendly competitors. Cirkunov (15-8, 6-6 UFC) will look to put an end to a three-fight skid as he moves up in weight against “Atomic Alonzo” Menifield (12-3, 5-3 UFC) and his 92% stoppage rate. Referee Mark Smith knows he may need to intervene at a moment’s notice, and he steels himself while the two men touch gloves before his eyes. Cirkunov throws a low kick, and Menifield walks him down and slings haymakers. Cirkunov attempts to defend with a possible takedown entry, but the wildness of the exchange has them wobble back. They wind up at the same time and connect with punches, and Menifield blinks his right eye out from possible damage he absorbed. Menifield throws with all his might, and Cirkunov barely ducks it and tries a tie-up for a takedown. Cirkunov again looks for a clinch to a trip, and Menifield shoves him away. As they break apart, a stream of blood trickles out of the corner of Cirkunov’s left eye. Menifield charges like a bull, and he clips his man with a booming left hook. Cirkunov spins all the way around from the blow that landed flush on his ear, and he falls to the mat. As he goes down, “Atomic Alonzo” detonates bombs that put Cirkunov completely out. Cirkunov is communing with the ancestors as Menifield slams a few additional punches down in a Hulk-like rage, doing so until Smith dives on top to sacrifice his own body to save Cirkunov, because the fight is well and truly over. It takes quite some time for Cirkunov to regain consciousness, but he does so, and the whole of the Apex including Menifield applaud this. With that blistering knockout that materialized before the 90-second mark, Menifield’s stellar finish rate is even greater now.

The Official Result

Alonzo Menifield def. Misha Cirkunov R1 1:28 via KO (Punches)

Raphael Assuncao (136) vs. Victor Henry (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Henry (-345), Assuncao (+285)

Round 1

At the ripe age of 40, some believe the book on longtime bantamweight contender Assuncao (27-9, 11-6 UFC) is coming towards its conclusion soon. In hopes of snapping a career-long rough patch of four losses in a row, Assuncao will try to show there are still more pages to be written as he takes on the well-traveled Henry (22-5, 1-0 UFC). The 135ers clap hands ahead of their scheduled melee, and referee Kerry Hatley is prepped and ready for what is about to go down. Henry strikes first with a kick to the thigh, and Assuncao responds with the exact same strike. Henry stalks down the UFC vet and lines up a right hand, but he misses the mark. Assuncao is tentative and switching stances, with his own attack largely muted as he seems coiled to wait for a response. Henry rips the body with a kick, and Assuncao catches it, leading to them both trading punches while Henry’s right leg is in the air. Henry pulls his leg out and resets, and he advances while tossing out a front kick. Assuncao sits down on a heavy left hand that graces the chin, and Henry takes note and feints and fakes multiple times. Henry ducks this telegraphed punch and stings his man with a left, and his body kick lands again solidly. Assuncao pushes a front kick up the middle, and he swings a left hook when Henry bears down on him. Henry gets his leg grabbed again, and Assuncao once more cannot set him down, but Assuncao releases it and strings together a solid one-two. Henry blinks it out and continues his constant forward pressure, and they end up clinching him until he can shake off the grip. Assuncao throws with bad intentions, and “La Mangosta” dodges the worst of them and releases a right hand that pops Assuncao in the chops. The Brazilian evades the second such hook, and he snatches Henry and turns him to the wall. Henry shoves him away and gains some space, and he marches on while Assuncao backs himself to the cage on the other side. They trade heavy punches, and a body kick from Henry bounces off the cup. Assuncao shakes his cup and they do not pause, so Henry boots Assuncao upside the head. Assuncao shrugs it off so that he can throw heavy hands, and he fires off alternating punches while Henry is backed up on the fencing. Henry slides out of the way and pushes the action, mixing in body kicks, low kicks and punches. As Henry gets fancy with a crescent kick, Assuncao snipes him with a right hand. Henry wades forward to engage, but the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Henry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Henry

Round 2

The bantamweights take the center of the cage and begin trading low kicks, and as if they both got the same memo, they switch to front kicks. Henry spins with a back kick, and Assuncao does the same, while neither lands flush. Henry pressures his man while spamming low kicks, softening the Brazilian up and dodging the right hook that wings by him. Assuncao connects with that heavy blow when he tries again, and Henry shakes his head and spins with a wheel kick. Assuncao capitalizes on this and jumps on top to take top position. Henry defends with an armbar setup off his back, but the veteran savvy of Assuncao pays off and allows him to move through it and keep striking. After a handful of powerful fists land on the dome, Henry explodes and gets back to his feet, only to be met with a head kick. Henry shrugs it off and gets out of the close range so he can initiate the offense. Henry swipes out with a left hand, and some swelling has developed on both cheeks of Assuncao. The bantamweights throw hammers at one another in close range, and Henry tries for a kick only for it to get caught. Henry tries to slug it out, but Assuncao lines up several clean right hands to knock Henry from one side of the cage to the other, all while hopping away. Assuncao uses this awkward situation to hit a takedown, and he finds himself in early submission danger. Assuncao punches his way out of it to open a cut on the left side of Henry’s face, but Henry doggedly pursues an armbar. The longtime contender fights off various submission setups including a shoulder lock and a toe hold, and Henry works his way to his feet right before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao

Round 3

A touch of gloves commences the final frame, and Henry walks his opponent down and gets slugged in the face with a right hand. Henry tries to make him may, but he gets clubbed with a left hook. Assuncao is connecting with clean, heavy counters, and Henry is taking a beating but still coming forward. Henry has kicks blocked and checked, but he slings a right hand that wobbles Assuncao. Henry strings several punches together, and Assuncao fires back with reckless abandon and far more power. Assuncao scoops up a leg and dumps Henry to the mat, and like the last two rounds, Henry threatens with a submission when landing. Assuncao turns through the possible triangle, but this allows Henry to stand back up. Henry walks Assuncao down and gets punched in the face for his effort, but not before landing a few shots of his own. Henry lashes out with an elbow, and Assuncao backs off and gives him a thumbs-up for the effective blow. Assuncao catches a body kick and drives Henry from wall to wall, but this time, there is no takedown to be had. Henry springs away and walks into a crisp right hand, and Henry shakes it out and eats a follow-up right hand. Henry slides out of the way from a power punch, but they are not one-and-done for the grizzled veteran. Henry absorbs a pair of knees up the middle as they get too close, and he resets and rushes forward with a right hand and a body kick. Assuncao clinches him up, and Henry attempts to dump him down but settles to release him and line up a solid one-two. Assuncao dives down for a double, where he switches to a single and picks Henry’s right leg up but cannot get the leverage to ground him. Henry tries to sneak in short shots on the inside while Assuncao is still hanging on to the leg, and he manages to keep his balance with his back against the wire. Henry sets it down with 10 seconds to spare, and Assuncao cracks him with a left hand. Henry races after him in hopes of one last ditch effort, but the bell rings to conclude the close match before he can reach his aging but very game opponent.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao (29-28 Assuncao)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao (29-28 Assuncao)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Assuncao (29-28 Assuncao)

The Official Result

Raphael Assuncao def. Victor Henry via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Dusko Todorovic (186) vs. Jordan Wright (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Todorovic (-205), Wright (+175)

Round 1

One of these two middleweights now in the “featured fight of the night” slot should record their first win since 2021 – barring something strange – and it’s anyone’s guess if Wright (12-3, 1 NC; 2-3 UFC) or Todorovic (11-3, 2-3 UFC) will get it done when the dust settles. Combined, they have exactly one decision win among their 23 victories, so scorekeepers may be able to take a break for this one. Referee Chris Tognoni will not, however, be so lucky, as a fast finish could crop up out of nowhere with these two. They touch gloves before trying to lop the other’s head off, and Todorovic leads the dance and corners Wright. The American immediately has to fight off a takedown entry, and Wright shucks off the first attempt and turns Todorovic around. “The Beverly Hills Ninja” lands his own takedown, and he moves to half guard and starts punching Todorovic upside the head. Todorovic clings to him to stifle most of the offense, only to absorb an elbow on the forehead. Wright stays heavy even while Todorovic scrambles and gets butterfly hooks in to buck Wright off of him, and he transitions to a heel hook to give Wright a scare. The American rolls all the way through it, and Todorovic moves to set up a possible kneebar. As Todorovic’s attention is paid to the leglock, Wright smashes him in the face several times to make Todorovic’s face turn quite red. Wright knees Todorovic in the chest when pinning him to the wall, and he snags a single and deposits the Serbian fighter down to the canvas. Wright, in half guard, fastens an arm-triangle choke, and he hops over to side control to lock it down. Instead of securing the submission, however, Wright jumps to mount and slugs Todorovic in the face repeatedly. Todorovic bucks him at the right moment to get back to his feet, and Wright follows him in pursuit of a double-leg takedown. With 10 seconds to spare, Wright lands a takedown, and the round ends with “Thunder” on the mat.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Wright
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Wright
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Wright

Round 2

To the surprise of some, the two middleweights have reached the second round. They high-five to start off the round, and Todorovic is the aggressor as he backs Wright back. Todorovic tags Wright with a right hand over the top, and he lets loose a fury of punches to knock Wright’s head around. Wright defends himself well enough from a brawl, but Todorovic is teeing off on him and hurting Wright badly. Wright responds with a few punches, and he tries to kick Todorovic in the dome, but he gets elbowed right in the face. Todorovic tosses Wright to the mat, and Wright appears totally spent already. Just six minutes into the fight, and Wright is in full defensive mode. A labored takedown effort from Wright slows the offense from Todorovic, but not for long, as Todorovic shakes it off. Todorovic batters the body as Wright takes gasping breaths, and he blasts Wright with a long string of unanswered fists. Wright attempts to respond every so often, but he is more intent on clinching up to save himself from a further drubbing. A spent Wright gets pushed down to the floor, and Todorovic steps right into mount and rains down punches. Wright gets elbowed repeatedly and turns to his side, and Todorovic is not letting up. Todorovic continues to bombard Wright, knowing the finish is around the corner, and the elbows start to pile up from the Serbian striker. As the elbows do not appear to be ceasing any time soon, Tognoni has seen enough, and he saves a defeated Wright from any further harm. This roller coaster battle somehow made it past the midpoint of Round 2, but Todorovic dug deep, came back from adversity and recorded the finish to earn his 11th stoppage across 12 career wins.

The Official Result

Dusko Todorovic def. Jordan Wright R2 3:12 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

Jonathan Martinez (135.5) vs. Cub Swanson (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Martinez (-205), Swanson (+175)

Round 1

A few weeks shy of his 39th birthday, storied veteran and UFC Hall of Famer Swanson (28-12, 13-8 UFC) is making his first trip down to 135 pounds in over 15 years. He will be meeting a large bantamweight in his debut, as kick-heavy Martinez (16-4, 7-3 UFC) stands in his way. The co-main event that could be a firefight will be overseen by referee Herb Dean, and there is no glove touch despite ample respect between the two. Swanson comes in with his hands down, kicking a few times to the calf, and he guards high from a pair of head kicks. The second kick makes Martinez slip, and Swanson follows him down and belts him in the face. Martinez springs back up and jams Swanson up against the wall, and he considers a takedown in this position. Swanson heel kicks the calf from the outside until Martinez lets him go, and when separated, Swanson chops down with a heavy low kick. Swanson charges with several punches, and he evades a kick so that he can blitz again. Martinez sits down on a thudding body kick, and he clips Swanson with a left hand and a pair of additional body kicks. One emphatic kick to his ribs prompts Swanson to shoot for a takedown, and he drags his opponent down to the mat. Martinez rolls through to take the top position, and he sets up a brabo choke to keep Swanson honest. Swanson keeps a knee down to disallow knees to his head, and he springs back up. Swanson climbs back up and releases a body kick, but Martinez is ready to respond. The two both land heavy hands in a collision, and Swanson comes out with his hands low and just misses a looping right hand. “Killer Cub” wades back from a head kick, and he darts in with a right hook. A slapping kick bounces off Swanson’s arms, and Martinez answers another charge with a quick kick. Martinez gets off a left hand that makes Swanson blink, and he checks a kick that comes ta him but cannot block the right hand that follows. Swanson leans back as a kick whizzes past his head, and Swanson digs a left hand to the body. Martinez scores a few body kicks, and Swanson crashes forward to strike. As he does, Martinez lifts him off the ground with a knee on the chin. Swanson falls to the ground in big trouble, and Martinez pounds on him in search of a stoppage. Swanson grits it out and stands back up with the wall to his back, and Martinez delivers a flush knee to the body that bends Swanson over. With seconds to go, Martinez lets loose with a stream of punches, but time expires before Dean steps in.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 2

Swanson appears to have recovered between rounds as he strides out of his corner comfortably, where he pitches out kicks to the knee. Martinez swings a high kick that is blocked in time, and Swanson spins with a wheel kick that glances off his intended target. Martinez unloads with a body kick, and Swanson appears to be compromised again. Martinez pours it on with several elbows, and Swanson’s legs give out beneath him as he drops down to his knees. Martinez gets one hook in with a seated half guard, and he considers an arm-triangle choke, but he elects to push Swanson over and go for an arm-triangle when Swanson is on his back. Swanson pushes off the leg to fight off the submission, and he sits up and tries to counter with a guillotine choke. Martinez is the stronger of the two, and he bowls Swanson over and swirls around to take Swanson’s back. Swanson, on a knee leaned up against the wire, is trapped with Martinez hanging on to him heavily. Swanson muscles his way back to his feet, and they trade knees up close until Martinez releases the grip. Swanson takes a breath and dips back from a punch and a kick. Swanson is fired up, and he rushes in with a heavy right hand and several powerful punches. Martinez responds with a couple kicks, and Swanson is still showing signs of life as he swings hard. Martinez looses several body kicks, and Swanson clips him with a left hand. “Dragon” lashes out with a leg kick that drops Swanson awkwardly to the mat, and Swanson regains his composure and is dropped a second time with this kick. Swanson stands, changes stances, and gets shredded with the nasty kicks coming from Martinez. Swanson throws caution to the wind with one last attempted salvo, but Martinez intercepts him with a destructive kick on the inside of the knee that sets Swanson down for the count. Swanson somersaults and rolls to his back in major pain, and Martinez jumps on top to hammer the nail in case Dean was not considering intervening. The punches are not necessary, as Swanson physically surrenders by rolling to his stomach in agony while Dean stops the fight. This is a statement performance for Martinez, who puts away a durable and beloved veteran with a rare type of finish.

The Official Result

Jonathan Martinez def. Cub Swanson R2 4:19 via TKO (Leg Kick)

Alexa Grasso (125.5) vs. Viviane Araujo (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grasso (-215), Araujo (+185)

Round 1

In five rounds (or less), the next challenger for Valentina Shevchenko’s flyweight crown may emerge. Whether it is the surging Grasso (14-3, 6-3 UFC) or the strong Araujo (11-3, 5-2 UFC), that is for them to figure out. The third time is the charm for this pairing, as it fell through two times in the past already. Referee Mark Smith is just as glad as the fighters that this match has remained together, and he issues the instructions for the headliners right before they touch gloves. The two are tentative prior to engaging, keeping very tight guards with jabs targeting the other. Araujo looks to find her range about 30 seconds in, and Grasso beats her to the punch with a short and crisp combo. Grasso gets off a quick left before an Araujo leg kick reaches her, and she strings together a one-two shortly thereafter. Araujo releases a left hand to the ribs, and Grasso ignores it and continues to jab. A whipping high kick buzzes the hair of Araujo, who prepares a counter in the form of a right hand over the top and a low kick. Grasso scores a left hand, and Araujo nods at her. The two ladies trade heavy hands in the pocket, and they mimic the other with tight boxing stances and fast jabs. The nose of Grasso is beginning to redden from the repeated jabs of the Brazilian, but she continues to land her own strikes as well. Grasso mixes things up with a low kick, and she aims a counter hook when the jab from Araujo comes at her. Araujo attempts a takedown, but Grasso staves it off and makes her pay with a hard one-two. Araujo keeps patient with a jab, and Grasso drives her back with a heavier blow. Araujo’s jab intercepts a Superman punch that is about to soar at her, and she gets clipped with a left hand and a leg kick. Araujo swats away a few punches to land a left hook, and she absorbs a double jab on the jaw. Araujo crashes forward for a takedown, and Grasso springs back and defends it with her back to the wall. Grasso then knees Araujo in the face a few times while she frames off with her elbow, and Araujo holds her on the wire until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 2

The flyweights meet in the middle to start off the second stanza, and they land punches at the exact same time. Grasso scores a few punches, and Araujo responds with a high kick that rings off the temple. Grasso connects with a few clean punches that shake Araujo up, but the Brazilian grits her teeth and marches forward. Grasso swings and misses with two haymakers, and she takes several snapping jabs on the way in and out. Araujo has her own attack halted from a jab, and the two end up trading jabs. Araujo walks through a low kick and a body kick so that she can wind up power punches, but Grasso is the quicker and more evasive. Grasso scores a right, only to take two body shots as Araujo charges in for a double. The Brazilian jumps right into side control, and Grasso turns and nearly gives up her back in the process. Grasso returns to her back as Araujo leaps to the other side, and she grinds down with an elbow. Grasso clings to the shoulder to keep her opponent tightly pressed to her, and she bucks in order to recover half guard. Araujo moves to set up an arm-triangle choke in half guard, while Grasso feebly punches her in the side, until she shifts to side control. Grasso times this so that she can fight her way back up to her feet, and she walks Araujo down and punches her in the face repeatedly. Grasso drills Araujo in the face with a lengthy combination, and Araujo appears to be slowing as she is not as prepared or snappily able to counter her. Grasso knocks her back with punches, and Araujo is not entirely sure how to respond. Grasso kicks the lead leg and swings high with her shin, but it is a one-two that hurts Araujo. The Brazilian crashes into a takedown try, but Grasso springs up immediately as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 3

Smith warns Araujo between rounds to be careful for any eye gouges and finger rakes, and the third round begins. Grasso pops out a jab, and Araujo answers with a fiery one-two that ricochets off the guard. Araujo fakes a takedown and gets jabbed, and Grasso takes the foot off the gas and backs off when Araujo flails her right hand at her. Grasso swipes out with two left hook that hit nothing but air, and several more jabs that follow to land flush. Araujo replies with a right hand down the middle to the chest, and she follows it with a right hook that Grasso completely ignores. Grasso chips down low with a kick, and she makes Araujo blink with repeated jabs. Araujo chains a few jabs together into a right hand, and Grasso blocks the brunt of them and returns fire. Araujo splits the guard with a jab, frustrating Grasso into lobbing a right hand that Araujo takes on the chin. Grasso comes up barely short with a one-two into a head kick, but a right hand she aims after it does crack her and make her smile. Grasso digs a left to the body and attempts a high kick, and when Araujo closes the distance, Grasso answers with a spinning back fist. Grasso nails the lead leg with a kick, and she catches an advancing Araujo with a jab. Grasso winds up with a right hand that careens off the chin, and Grasso loads up on a subsequent right after a jab. Araujo grins at her opponent as she absorbs strikes, and a low kick makes her smile a little less. Grasso kicks the calf and knocks Araujo back with a right hand, but Araujo comes back to meet her with a cheeky right. Grasso strings together a combination of punches into a leg kick, and a few more follow. Araujo connects cleanly with a pair of right hooks, and the bell concludes Round 3.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 4

Neither woman has reached the fourth round until this moment, and they spring out of their corners fresh as proverbial daisies. Grasso leads off by booting her opponent upside the head, and Araujo attempts to reply but does not land hers. Araujo backs her off with a few jabs, and Grasso answers with identical blows. Grasso leaps forward with a left hook that brushes past the guard, and she slaps her shin on the calf to make Araujo stumble. As Araujo recovers, she absorbs two punches on the chin before backpedaling. Araujo resets and slings heavy hands, and Grasso meets her in the middle and connects with a few punches of her own. Araujo laughs when drilling Grasso in the face with a right hand, and Grasso hops forward with a hooking left to make that expression change. Araujo’s fists collide with the guard, and Grasso times the offense to pop Araujo in the chops with a right hook. Araujo look to initiate a slugfest, and Grasso obliges her as they throw hands. Araujo tosses a head kick that is blocked, and right hand after that does not get defended. Grasso pierces the guard with a right hand, and she hangs back waiting for counters as Araujo opens up more. This allows Grasso to time two powerful blows that drive Araujo back momentarily, but the Brazilian is still plodding forward relentlessly. Grasso snipes her with a left hand down the middle, and Araujo answers with a few before getting her lead leg kicked hard. Grasso strings three punches together to force Araujo to attempt a takedown, and she defends the single using the wall as her ally. Grasso elbows Araujo on the side of the head a few times, plants a few knees on the chest, and makes Araujo abandon the try. Grasso knees the body a few times, and she breaks off with seconds to spare. They throw right to the horn, and one more round remains.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 5

The final frame commences with a double hand touch, and they are amped up and ready to put on a show with 20 minutes in the books. The two are jittery and moving frantically, and Grasso lands flush first. Araujo knocks her off-balance with a heavy right hook, but Grasso gathers her thoughts and comes forward. The movement and footwork are far more active than actual striking, as Grasso finally lands another blow at the one-minute mark. Grasso lifts up a shovel uppercut, and she spins when Araujo comes at her with a back fist that glances off the side of the head. A solid right hand from Grasso prompts a takedown effort from the Brazilian, and “Vivi” tries with all her might in pursuit of taking the fight down. When that does not work, she settles for foot stomps, and Grasso pushes her away. Grasso rifles out a jab and a one-two, and Araujo walks into a left hook. They tensely feint and fake in front other until Grasso chooses to engage again, and Araujo returns fire with a few jabs. The volume has diminished and the two are largely aiming single strikes at the other, like one jab from Araujo or a lone low kick from Grasso. Grasso scores a right over the top, and another makes Araujo smile wide. Araujo tries to get in, but a double jab from the Mexican fighter makes her take a step back. Grasso scores, Araujo responds, and she tries a low scooping single that is easily blocked. Grasso ducks a punch and unloads with four blows, and Araujo appears surprised and tries to clinch up. The two ladies tie up against the wall, with short strikes from the fists, elbows and knees, until the conclusive horn puts an end to the fight. The upcoming victor, likely to be the woman from Mexico, is almost certainly in line for a crack at Valentina Shevchenko’s title, as she will have four wins in the division and has not already lost to “Bullet.” If and when that fight comes together, it will be an interesting one to watch, and we will be there for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (50-45 Grasso)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (50-45 Grasso)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (50-45 Grasso)

The Official Result

Alexa Grasso def. Viviane Araujo via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)