UFC Fight Night 239 ‘Tuivasa vs. Tybura’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Chad Anheliger (135) vs. Charalampos Grigoriou (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grigoriou (-162), Anheliger (+136)

Round 1

If UFC 299 was considered a party by the audience and those watching worldwide, then UFC Fight Night 239 may be the hangover. Tucked back in the confines of the UFC Apex, away from some 19,000 rabid fans and in front of a few hundred at most, this card fits the contractual obligations portion of its arrangement with ESPN more than meeting a goal of “Global Expletive Domination” from years past. There will be plenty of Dana White’s Contender Series signees on board the lineup, and two will take center stage next. This first fight comes between a UFC newcomer of Cypriot Grigoriou (8-3, 0-0 UFC) and the struggling Anheliger (12-7, 1-2 UFC). The former will not be totally alien to the organization despite coming from a smaller nation of origin, as he will have the dulcet tones of Ray Longo backing him in his corner. The bantamweights will proceed to open the card with referee Chris Tognoni as their enforcing official, and they kick things off with a touch of gloves. Grigoriou moves right to the center of the cage, where he pressures the Canadian and lands a heavy calf kick. Anheliger gives him one right back, but Grigoriou is there to plant the ball of his foot on his foe’s chest and then kicks low. Anheliger explodes forward with a barrage of punches, knocking the man from Cyprus back and forcing him to reset. Grigoriou fires back, and he ends a combination with a pair of low kicks. Grigoriou kicks high, and he skims a right hand on the temple as Anheliger wobbles back and rebounds off the fence. Grigoriou winds up on a power punch and falls over, and he jumps back up and stings Anheliger in an exchange. “The Monster” lands a monster low kick that gets Grigoriou’s attention, and he aims another to the same spot to draw an early limp less than two minutes in. Grigoriou swarms forward to stop these kicks from landing, and he spins with a back fist that goes way wide of the mark, allowing Anheliger to crowd him and push him to the fence. Anheliger cinches his hands from behind in an effort to drag Grigoriou to the mat, and both fighters are warned for grabbing the cage as they are stuck in a stalemate position. Grigoriou manages to eventually spin things around, where he pursues a takedown by snatching up the Canadian’s ankle and dumping him to his seat. Grigoriou laces his opponent’s legs beneath his own to pin Anheliger to the ground, but his offense is largely relegated to control as Anheliger turns and bursts his way out to lay on his back. Anheliger maintains a butterfly guard while keeping Grigoriou tight stuck against him, not letting the Cyprus native land anything from on top. The round ends with Grigoriou in top position.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two lightweights are quick to maneuver themselves towards one another to re-engage, and it only takes one calf kick from Anheliger to practically disable Grigoriou. Grigoriou suddenly realizes he cannot put weight on that left leg, and he looks surprise before sprinting forward to pursue a single-leg takedown that takes Anheliger down to a knee against the wall. Anheliger muscles his way back up and elbows Grigoriou on the side of the head, hoping for a Browne vs. Barnett-type of result. That does not happen, as Grigoriou continues doggedly pursuing the grappling while ignoring the shots. Grigoriou remains stuck to the Canadian like glue, absorbing elbows and the sporadic knee to the body. Anheliger continues to bop and smack his wrestle-heavy opponent on the dome, until Tognoni splits them up with 90 seconds to spare in the round. Anheliger darts in, kicking low and swinging high. The leg kick shakes Grigoriou up, and Grigoriou retreats as his leg is cooked. Anheliger aims one more to the same spot as Grigoriou tries to switch stances repeatedly, and the kick drops Grigoriou to his knees. Grigoriou climbs up and signals that he is fine, but Anheliger beats him to the punch with a flurry of fists before “Ferocious” springs ahead with a ferocious takedown. With Grigoriou up tight against him, Anheliger knees him in the nose a several times until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two men clap hands, and Anheliger re-introduces himself with two leg kicks and some swinging punches. Anheliger kicks low again, and Grigoriou is hanging on tight but he appears fatigued and in trouble. Anheliger rips the body when he backs Grigoriou up to the cage, and he rings Grigoriou up with a line of punches until Grigoriou unloads with one big overhand right to back his man up. As Grigoriou bites down on his mouthpiece to fire back, Anheliger’s head swings up and bangs into Grigoriou’s face. Grigoriou asks for Tognoni to give him a second, and Tognoni recognizes the accidental foul and calls time. Tognoni brings in the physician, who allows Grigoriou to clean his eye as well with a cloth. After about 75 seconds, Grigoriou is good to go again, and he immediately puts his pedal to the metal. Grigoriou swings so hard that he throws himself off-balance, and Anheliger is there to counter him with low kicks and some effective body shots. Grigoriou loads up again and whiffs, and Anheliger allows him to overswing so he can take advantage with more punches to the body. Anheliger connects with a solid right hand over the top, and he has a front kick slap off the raised guard. Grigoriou paws out with jabs, but Anheliger is there in front of him to drive a few punches on the chin. Grigoriou swings recklessly, and one shot manages to catch Anheliger, but Anheliger recovers and tees off with long, straight strikes and a powerful calf kick. Anheliger gets in a one-two after a bunch of reaching jabs, and he steps in with a knee as Grigoriou’s volume has diminished greatly. Anheliger has his nose busted up during an exchange, but he pays it no mind as he is the much more active and accurate man of the two. Anheliger snaps the head back with a one-two, and chains a right to the midsection after it as Grigoriou sharply exhales. Grigoriou gives chase and reaches out with a right hook, and he eats a combination of punches when the Canadian splits off. Anheliger digs a left to the body and kicks the other leg, and he is light on his feet to avoid the worst of the booming shots. Grigoriou tries to slug it out, and Anheliger slips back and kicks him upside the head. The time expires, and both men raise their arms in the air to celebrate 15 minutes of fisticuffs.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Chad Anheliger def. Charalampos Grigoriou via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Thiago Moises (155.5) vs. Mitch Ramirez (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Moises (-410), Ramirez (+320)

Round 1

Originally expecting to face Brad Riddell in the co-main event slot, Moises (17-7, 6-5 UFC) instead tumbles down to the early prelims to take on late replacement and UFC debutant Ramirez (8-1, 0-0 UFC), who lost in an appearance on last year’s Contender Series. The two lightweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Mark Smith, who clocks them in as the fighters consider but abandon a glove touch. The two start rapping the other’s calf with kicks one after the other, testing the waters and doing some work early. They proceed to take turns with these kicks until Moises decides to mix things up with a tackling double-leg takedown. Moises succeeds in placing Ramirez on his seat, and Ramirez turns to his side in hopes of finding a sweep. Moises shuts it down and shifts to half guard, where he slowly opens up with elbow strikes. Ramirez bucks and twists, but the heavy Brazilian is not going anywhere as he proceeds to smother and land shots. Ramirez uses all his might to pop up, but Moises drags him down from behind until Ramirez realizes he should not give up his back and turns over again. Moises leans down to potentially set up an arm-triangle choke, but with half guard on the other side, he is unable to find the right leverage. Ramirez scoots himself to the wall, but Moises drags him away from it so he can hope to pass. Moises lets it go so he can slash down with elbows, and he gets bucked off but this is the best thing for him. Ramirez turns to crawl away on his knees, and like a predatory animal, Moises pounces on his back. Moises almost immediately gets the hooks in and secures a body triangle, and as Ramirez turns over to his back, Moises is already fishing for a rear-naked choke. Ramirez hand-fights well enough to prevent the choke from getting close, and Moises slides arms back and forth in search of the sub. Moises softens his man up with a couple strikes, and Ramirez tries to swing back from behind his head. The round ends in this dominant position, with the horn blaring twice.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The lightweights come together in the middle of the cage, and Ramirez pushes the pace by leading off with a whipping overhand right. As Ramirez tries to shove the Brazilian against the wall, Moises turns him about. The two jockey for position while tied up, and Moises tangles up the legs for a trip attempt but does not find it. Moises drives a knee to the chest as he looks for another entry, with a double that fails. This allows Ramirez to break free, and Moises chops down on his lead leg as he gets backed off with punches. Moises reaches out with a front kick, and leans back as a head kick whizzes past his face. Ramirez swings as hard as he can with a right hand, and the veteran shoots in for a double and drives Ramirez back to the wall. The two do a little slow dance when up close in the clinch, and Moises breaks free with an elbow and misses with a front kick by a matter of inches. Ramirez punches his way forward into a clinch, and he is turned around and smacked in the face a few times. Moises lets go to reset, and he kicks the calf of his opponent that is welted and swollen badly. Ramirez kicks back, but Moises aims at the same target again to make Ramirez recoil. As he does this, he fires off a front kick and stings Ramirez with an overhand right. Moises chops low and spins with a wheel kick that buzzes the side of the head, and he calmly works his way forward, landing shots to chop away. Ramirez goes after two leg kicks of his own, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Moises begins the round with a front kick, and he knocks Ramirez off his feet with a vicious low kick. Ramirez hits the deck, and a ferocious Moises chases after him and whips four low kicks down reminiscent of Donald Cerrone against Myles Jury. Ramirez grimaces in pain and Smith recognizes that he is done, and he waves off the fight. This is a statement performance for the Brazilian, who registers his first knockout as a UFC fighter by putting the newcomer away with leg kicks.

The Official Result

Thiago Moises def. Mitch Ramirez R3 0:15 via TKO (Leg Kicks)

Jaqueline Amorim (116) vs. Cory McKenna (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McKenna (-125), Amorim (+105)

Round 1

It is a potential grappler’s delight between two strawweights that rep elite teams in this next contest. Brazilian submission specialist Amorim (7-1, 1-1 UFC) will rep American Top Team as she comes to blows with Team Alpha Male’s McKenna (8-2, 3-1 UFC). Referee Mike Beltran will hope to keep up with them, although they start off with a sporting glove touch. McKenna flicks out an early jab, and Amorim comes back with her own before getting kicked in the calf. Both ladies trade low kicks before switching up to body kicks, and McKenna breaks up a back-and-forth by jamming Amorim up with punches. This allows her to close the distance enough to awkwardly take Amorim down, and when she hits the mat, she immediately finds herself in triangle choke danger. Amorim gets lifted off the ground and slammed down, and the choke tightens up as Amorim also locks in an armbar in the same sport. As McKenna wriggles, she appears to tap once on her opponent’s leg while turning, and Beltran shouts for them to stop. When he recognizes that it was not a complete tap, he tells them to keep fighting, and Amorim does not releases her grip. “Poppins” tries to take advantage of the confusion by getting up, but the Brazilian rolls her to her back and locks down the armbar. McKenna kicks and flails, and she finds her arm in a precarious position and is forced to officially tap out. This time the stoppage is the real deal, and the fight is over as Amorim releases the armlock and McKenna leans over to tend to her damaged wing. It might have been an odd situation, but it was an unusual exchange that led to the near-stoppage—and it was one that did not ultimately change the final result, besides delaying it a few seconds.

The Official Result

Jaqueline Amorim def. Cory McKenna R1 1:38 via Submission (Armbar)

Joshua Culibao (146) vs. Danny Silva (148.5: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Culibao (-192), Silva (+160)

Round 1

Three fights on the card feature a competitor that missed weight, and the first bout will bring the most egregious offender of them all. Silva (8-1, 0-0 UFC) eclipsed the featherweight limit by two and a half pounds, and he surrenders 20% of his fight purse to Culibao (11-2-1, 3-2-1 UFC) before they even set foot in the cage. This potential banger will be overseen by referee Mark Smith, and despite the weight irregularity, there is a fist bump. Silva rushes forward throwing hands immediately after the tap, and he rings Culibao’s bell with several punches ending with a powerful uppercut. As Culibao wobbles, Silva sprints at him and latches onto a guillotine choke. Silva uses the submission to roll over to claim a nearly mounted guillotine. Culibao rides it out calmly, sitting up and getting his butterfly hooks before kicking off to get to his feet. When he returns upright, he gets Silva’s attention with a flurry of fists, but Silva takes the punches on the chin and fires right back with an uppercut from the other hand to hurt Culibao again. Culibao retreats and kicks the body, and Silva gives chase and racks him up with another flurry. Culibao takes a breath and aims a front kick to the body before rifling out a left and right on the chin. Culibao charges forward, knocking the debutant into the wall with a combination. Silva ricochets out, the right side of his face red and swelling, and he leans back to barely dodge a punch salvo. Culibao sits down on a right hand, and he connects with a low kick that slides up to the cup. Culibao offers a glove touch as Silva does not flinch from the near foul, and the two get back to throwing hands without Smith getting involved. Culibao digs a left to the body and swings wide with an overhand right, and he gets backed up to the wall and bounces off of it with an effective body shot. Silva gets jabbed up, and Culibao follows with a pair of one-twos as Silva is slowing. Culibao comfortably strings a combo together to the head and body, and he dips out of the way before “The Puma” can chase him. Silva whiffs on a right hand as Culibao slides to the side, and he tries a front kick before pressing forward to clinch. Silva manages to wrench Culibao down to his knees, and he slips a hook in the side to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two men touch ‘em up, and Silva is aggressive again as he loads up on low kicks. Culibao chambers and fires two back in rapid succession, and he sees a swiping right hook coming. Silva looks for a big right hand, and Culibao slips it and counters with a leg kick. Culibao digs a straight right to the body, and he puts three punches on the head while Silva is looking for answers. Silva swings and misses, although he does clip Culibao with a short left after throwing a number of strikes. Culibao counters with a front kick that bumps into the cup, and Smith calls time until Silva tells him to keep the time-out so that they can continue fighting. Culibao strafes to the side and times two huge hooks, standing Silva up for a moment. Silva connects with a right hand, but Culibao pounds him in the chin with a sharp left as he keeps moving. Culibao shoots in for a single, and when it does not land, he bails on it and whips a head kick up that is barely blocked. Silva comes out swinging, although his strikes miss the mark. Silva shuts down another takedown effort, pushing Culibao to the wall and dragging him to a knee. Culibao grabs the fence to keep himself up, and Smith slaps his hand away from it. Silva shoots for a double, and Culibao turns around, so Silva takes his back while standing. As Silva clings to his man from behind, Silva asks them to do more. This prompts Silva to try to lift Culibao up and slam him down, but Culibao regains his footing and splits off. Culibao gets back on his bike, preparing counters and using short hooks to beat Silva to the punch. Silva manages to get his hands on the Australian, cracking him with three punches. Silva uses the momentum shift to drag Culibao down to the floor for a moment. Culibao stands back up with the wall at his side, and Smith tells them to work after a brief lull in action. Silva dodges an uppercut and swats away a front kick to separate right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Silva is the aggressor to start off the final frame, swarming Culibao with hooks and backing him to the wall. Silva uses his forward pressure to make Culibao turn, and he grabs Culibao from behind again and pushes him into the chain-link fence. Culibao pushes off this time instead of being stalled, and he turns his hips into a nasty calf kick. Silva fires one back with bad intentions, allowing Culibao to knee him in the face when they get up close. As Culibao escapes, Silva tags him with power punches. Silva darts his way in, using a knee to close the distance and subsequently connect with a pair of punches. Culibao gets stung, and Silva takes him down with a double. Culibao sits down with his back to the cage, but he works his way upright. Culibao connects with a clean shot, and he waves Silva on to trade leather with him. Silva charges in, and Culibao counters him brilliantly without getting hit on the way out. Silva plods forward, throwing hands, and Culibao deftly counters and tags him with check hooks. Silva tries to push his man to the wall, and Culibao turns and separates but eats a powerful elbow. As Silva pressures, Culibao is forced to shoot in for a takedown in the middle of the cage. Silva stuffs it and holds Culibao down, and Culibao works his way up. They trade violently right to the bitter end, and when time expires, it will be all up to the first round’s score.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Danny Silva def. Joshua Culibao via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Jafel Filho (125.5) vs. Ode Osbourne (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Filho (-180), Osbourne (+150)

Round 1

Two flyweight finishers meet in hopes of advancing in the wide-open division, where three wins can get you a title shot these days. Filho (15-3, 1-1 UFC) has earned all but one of his career victories via stoppage, while Osbourne’s (12-6, 1 NC; 4-4 UFC) 75% finish rate is nothing to sneeze at either. Referee Herb Dean may have his hands full for as long as this lasts. It begins with a glove touch, and Filho is quick to move right to the middle of the cage. Filho goes wide with a low kick, and has a front kick parried. Osbourne comes back at him with a front kick, and he darts away when Filho sprints with a body kick. Filho slams a low kick home, and he comes up short with a left hook. Filho eats a punch coming in for a takedown, and he flips Osbourne over with a sweep to put Osbourne down on the ground. Osbourne turns to his side, and he absorbs a bunch of right hands before giving up his back. Filho gets one hook in as he searches for a rear-naked choke, and Osbourne sits up to defend the submission. Filho sneaks in several undercuts beneath the armpit to fluster Osbourne, and he stifles “The Jamaican Sensation” before climbing on top of him again. Osbourne defends to not let Filho get both hooks in, but Filho ultimately flattens him out with sheer horsepower. Filho wrenches on with a neck crank that is all power, and Osbourne grits it out and turns to put his back on the floor. Filho leans down while hooking up an arm-triangle choke, and when this fails, he sits up and tugs on the fence before opening up with ground-and-pound. Filho rains down a barrage of punches, and Osbourne defends against several strikes but not all of them. As Filho’s punches do damage, he opens up an opportunity to get the rear-naked choke he has wanted all this time. “Pastor” locks down the submission and forces Osbourne to confess with a tap. When Dean splits them up, Filho scurries to his corner, where he grabs his bible and walks around the cage pointing at it.

The Official Result

Jafel Filho def. Ode Osbourne R1 4:27 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Chelsea Chandler (137: Missed Weight) vs. Josiane Nunes (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nunes (-135), Chandler (+114)

Round 1

The second catchweight affair comes next, as ex-featherweight Chandler (5-2, 1-1 UFC) could not quite reach the 136-pound limit, clocking in a pound heavy and giving up 20% of her purse to her opponent. Also a featherweight in the past, the 5-foot-2 Nunes (10-1, 3-0 UFC) had no issue making weight. There will be a size disparity in the cage, and referee Chris Tognoni will make sure nothing problematic comes from it. Nunes is intense and has no interest in touching gloves, and she walks out of her corner calm as a cucumber while knowing it is about to get messy. Nunes slowly moves forward, until she lets her hands go. Nunes clubs Chandler on the side of the head with a huge left hand in the midst of a combination, and she draws Chandler into an early brawl. Nunes gets the better of the exchange to force Chandler to separate and strafe to the side, and Nunes gives chase and engages another slugfest. Chandler takes a few shots and ties the Brazilian up, but it does not take long for the shorter Nunes to turn her around perhaps thanks to her lower center of gravity. Nunes gets off a high knee, and she breaks off and just misses taking a hard elbow. Nunes swarms her opponent with a flurry of punches, clipping Chandler on the temple with a wild left. Chandler backs off and moves away from the small ball of power and fury, but Nunes catches up with her. Chandler attempts to slow her down again, clinching up and setting up a trip on the outside. Chandler succeeds in tripping Nunes to the mat, where she imposes her body weight on top of the slugger. Nunes tries to kick off, and Chandler opens up with a few punches. Nunes sets up a high guard, and she hacks with elbows while not letting Chandler throw much else. Nunes looks to lift one leg up high to set up a potential triangle, and she goes all the way over with her legs to hook up an armbar. Chandler lifts her up in the air and powerbombs her down, and Nunes lets it go instead of letting it sink it deeper. Chandler connects with several punches, and Nunes fights her way back up and absorbs a risky body kick on the way. Nunes lashes out with a blitz of punches, knocking Chandler back until Chandler stands her ground and fires back. The two measure one another with power strikes until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Nunes loads up on vicious punches as soon as the round begins, and she stings Chandler in a flurry of blows. Nunes knocks Chandler down to a knee, and Chandler works her way back up. Nunes backs Chandler up again, laying into her with fiery fists, and Chandler swings back with bad intentions including a few body kicks. Nunes’ punches smash Chandler’s nose wide open, and blood leaks out of both nostrils. As they both trade, Nunes considers a level change, but Chandler tackles her over and shifts to full mount. Nunes turns to her side while maintaining wrist control, and Chandler takes her back and gets both hooks in. Nunes turns in an effort to escape, and Chandler follows her every step of the way to remain on top, although no longer in dominant position. Chandler opens up with a few strikes but would prefer to remain in top control, and Nunes closes her guard around the waist. Chandler slams a few elbows down to stay busy, dishing out damage as time ticks off the clock. Nunes hangs on tight to prevent any serious offense from mounting, as a small cut on the bridge of her nose drips blood into her eye. Chandler winds up with a few more elbows, and she stands back up with seconds to go before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round kicks off with a body kick from the American. Nunes ducks down, swinging a right hand to the body, but she misses. Chandler digs another kick to the ribs, prompting Nunes to load up with a left hand that gets Chandler’s attention. Nunes unloads another overhand left, and she forces Chandler to retreat with her surge of punches. Chandler uses jabs to keep her distance until Nunes charges her, and the Brazilian’s strikes land as Chandler keeps moving. Nunes walks through a body kick and rocks Chandler with a left hook. Chandler bites down on her mouthpiece and slings back, and Nunes racks her again with a massive left. Chandler tries to tie her up with a clinch, and Nunes shakes her off and resets so she can race forward swinging her mighty fists. Chandler turns away from an exchange, and she gets to the center of the cage and sticks out a jab. Nunes passes the jab so she can wing her left, and her momentum allows Chandler to grab hold of her and slow her down. Chandler presses her full body weight and drives a few knees to the chest, but Nunes wants to break and throw hands. Nunes smacks her foe with a few more punches, and Chandler still has some bounce on her feet as she moves. Nunes connects with two heavy left hands, and Chandler tanks them and is no worse for wear. Nunes crowds her with a swarm of punches, and Chandler turns her back and lifts up a back kick that smacks into Nunes’ cheek. Nunes darts forward, leading with her left, and she gets driven back by a front kick to the ribs. Nunes continues to spam her left, and Chandler eats it like a slice of avocado toast and remains in the fight. Chandler pokes out a jab and starts taunting her opponent, who responds by punching her square in the face. Nunes leaps forward with two left hooks, and the fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Chelsea Chandler def. Josiane Nunes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mike Davis (155) vs. Natan Levy (156.5: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Davis (-340), Levy (+270)

Round 1

The catchweight contests conclude with a fight formerly scheduled at lightweight. Levy (8-1, 2-1 UFC) whiffed by half a pound, and Davis (10-2, 3-1 UFC) will be 20% of Levy’s purse richer at night’s end, win or lose. The grappler and the striker will come together under the observation of referee Mike Beltran, and anything could happen next. There is a glove touch before their scheduled melee, and Davis immediately puts the heavier fighter on his back foot. Davis aims a head kick, and he blocks a low kick. Davis unloads with a straight right hand that sends Levy crashing to the mat, and he leaps on to secure Levy’s back and get in both hooks in the blink of an eye. An aware Levy fights the hands, and he prevents Davis from locking up a body triangle. Levy swings punches from behind his head with nothing else to do, as Davis is unable to implement any submissions or land any shots of his own. Davis eventually attempts a brute force submission attempt, simply muscling down to squeeze on Levy’s jaw with more of a face crank than anything else, and Levy toughs it off until Davis lets hit go. Davis tries it again, and Levy turns to his side and lands a good right hand. Levy attempts to sweep, but Davis turns him around and puts him back down. Levy manages to stand back up in an exchange, and he takes Davis’ back in a sudden switch of positions. Levy drives his knee to the chest while Davis’ knee is down against the cage, and he lands this a few more times until Davis moves. Davis snatches up a kneebar from out of nowhere, and Levy spins all the way around to slither his leg out. Levy manages to land a kick with his heel to the chest, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Davis moves right to the center of the cage to start off the second round, and Levy allows him to do this so he can measure two body kicks. Levy attempts a head kick, and he falls over. Davis drops down in pursuit of a leglock, and he releases it so he can move into top control. Levy scrambles when hitting the ground, only for Davis to shift around and easily take Levy’s back. Davis secures the body triangle, and he starts hunting for the rear-naked choke. Davis drives several punches to the side of the head before sliding over to pursue an arm-triangle choke. Levy does not fight off the grip or try to move in any way, instead just watching for things to turn out, and this leaves him wide open. Davis does not even step over all the way before imposing his full body weight down to complete the submission. Levy finally starts defending the submission with the “answer the telephone” grip, but it is far too late to fight it off. Levy starts to feel his consciousness fade away, and he surrenders before going out on his shield. This is a far different display of skills from the knockout-preferred “Beast Boy,” who picked up the second submission of his career by tapping Levy. He is the first man to finish his opponent from Israel.

The Official Result

Mike Davis def. Natan Levy R2 1:43 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Bryan Barberena (186) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Meerschaert (-245), Barberena (+200)

Round 1

The prelims kick off with a stylistically opposite middleweight matchup pitting a submission magician against a burly brawler. Meerschaert (35-17, 10-9 UFC) will be the rare betting favorite in a match, because it comes against former welterweight Barberena (18-11, 9-9 UFC). This fight may not need the judges at its conclusion, but referee Herb Dean is on call for what comes next. The grizzled veterans touch gloves, and Meerschaert crowds forward and paws out a low kick. Barberena replies with one as he hops from side to side, not letting himself get cornered or stay too long in one spot. Barberena misses with another leg kick, and he reaches out with a swatting right hook. Meerschaert loads up on a right hand that skims the bears, and he digs a left to the body before backing away to dodge a counter. Barberena chips at the lead leg with a kick, and Meerschaert ducks a punch to tie him up. Barberena frantically escapes the clinch, not allowing the grappler to get hold of him for more than a second or two. Barberena keeps sliding to the side until Meerschaert shoots in on a double, and he takes “Bam Bam” off his feet. Barberena posts off his arm to remain upright, and Meerschaert jumps on top of him to secure the position. Meerschaert clings to the side of his opponent, with one hook in, as Barberena fights to maintain wrist control and keep Meerschaert from establishing a dominant position. Barberena climbs back to his feet, and he threatens with an overhand right but misses the mark. Meerschaert walks straight into a one-two, and Barberena charges into him and bowls him over. Meerschaert absorbs a few low kicks from on his back before popping back up, and he reaches out with a right hand when upright again. Meerschaert slips a few punches and shoot for a double, and he lands in the guard before quickly advancing to half guard. “GM3” slides into side control, and he isolates Barberena’s left arm to pursue a kimura. Meerschaert steps over and wrenches on the kimura behind his foe’s back, but Barberena leans up against the wall to defend it. Meerschaert drops down to snatch up a guillotine choke, but the leverage is not there from his angle to get it set. Meerschaert lets Barberena up and lands a few punches before backing up, and Barberena lumbers towards him throwing inaccurate hands until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Meerschaert accepts a fist bump to get started, but he is on a mission as he crowds Barberena and chases him around the cage. Barberena keeps moving, and he swings a right hand that is ducked by a shooting “GM3.” Barberena defends the single and pushes off with a left hook, and he reaches out with a pair of punches to back Meerschaert off for a moment. Barberena just misses with a windmilling left hand, and Meerschaert shoots for a single that is stuffed. Meerschaert kicks the ribs and parries a one-two, and he sticks out a jab. Meerschaert prods out another jab, and Barberena answers with his own. Meerschaert shoots, turns the corner and succeeds in putting Barberena on his back. Barberena maintains butterfly hooks to defend from anything, until Meerschaert steps over to half guard. Meerschaert grabs hold of an arm-triangle choke and presses down while his body is draped on the alternate side, and Barberena grits his teeth and scoots his way to the fencing. Meerschaert hangs on from the side and hunts for a rear-naked choke, and Barberena hand-fights to stop it. When Barberena attempts to stand back up, Meerschaert gets the hook in on the other side and acts as a mean-spirted backpack. “GM3” locks up a rear-naked choke while standing, but Barberena is tough as a two-dollar steak and fights it out as he drops to his knee. Meerschaert grips the rear-naked choke grip on the chin, squeezing with all power on the face crank. Meerschaert does not adjust his grip, and Barberena searches for options and suddenly loses consciousness—from a face crank. The forearm never slid under the chin, and yet Barberena is out cold! When Dean gets between them, the sportsman Meerschaert rushes over the lift Barberena’s legs up to force the blood to flow back to the head, while Dean tends to the groggy, defeated fighter. The victorious Meerschaert now ties Anderson Silva for the most finishes in the UFC’s middleweight division, and when asked what he wants next, he calls for a beer and a nap.

The Official Result

Gerald Meerschaert def. Bryan Barberena R2 4:23 via Technical Submission (Face Crank)

Macy Chiasson (135.5) vs. Pannie Kianzad (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chiasson (-245), Kianzad (+200)

Round 1

At the conclusion of the 28th season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” teammates Kianzad (16-7, 5-4 UFC) and Chiasson (8-3, 6-3 UFC) represented Team Gastelum in the finals of the 145-pound bracket. The friends put aside their companionship for the much-desired “six-figure contract” and the crystal trophy, and Chiasson ultimately prevailed by submission in the second round. Since then, Kianzad has gone the distance in every fight, while Chiasson has had plenty of ups and down on her own side. The friends will be matched up again, and this time, referee Mark Smith will oversee the proceedings instead of Yves Lavigne. The bantamweights leave all good will behind when entering the Octagon, and instead they come ready to trade. Kianzad quickly pressures forward with strikes going, and she walks right into a head kick that she blocks. Chiasson crowds her and looks to tie her up in the clinch, but Kianzad turns her around. Chiasson uses the exchange and close range to take the fight down, and she is quick to reach up high with a high guard. Chiasson blocks a number of right hands, but more get through from “Banzai” until Chiasson lowers herself down. Kianzad turns quickly to get hold of an armbar or shoulder lock, and Chiasson turns through it and threatens back with an inverted triangle choke. They both stand back up as they grapple, and Kianzad presses hard up against the wall before she manages to take Chiasson down. The Fortis MMA fighter attacks a leglock that she uses to nearly reverse the position, but Kianzad simply falls on top of her, letting herself go down like dead weight. Chiasson scrambles and moves around to take the back, and Kianzad stands up with Chiasson pinned to her. Chiasson nails Kianzad in the face with a knee, and she aims one to the thigh before sucking the legs out and dragging Kianzad to the ground. Chiasson grabs hold of a rear-naked choke as she leans up against the fence behind her, and the grip is excruciating as she squeezes it over the face. Chiasson turns to get away from the fence while she continues her crushing choke, and as Kianzad keeps fighting, the forearm slides under the chin and it is now academic at this point. Kianzad does not need more than a second before she surrenders, as there is no way out and she is about to drift off to commune with her ancestors. Chiasson lets go on the tap and releases a guttural scream, celebrating her first victory since May 2022 with an outpouring of an emotions followed by an embrace with her defeated friend.

The Official Result

Macy Chiasson def. Pannie Kianzad R1 3:54 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Isaac Dulgarian (145.5) vs. Christian Rodriguez (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dulgarian (-192), Rodriguez (+160)

Round 1

Finding himself on a bit of a win streak, Rodriguez (10-1, 3-1 UFC) moves up to featherweight after some issues making weight in the past. He will attempt to become the first man to beat ferocious finisher Dulgarian (6-0, 1-0 UFC), who has yet to fight beyond the five-minute mark as a pro. The fast and furious action will be overseen by referee Chris Tognoni, who sharply exhales when the two men touch gloves to engage. Dulgarian flashes out a low kick, and when Rodriguez throws back, he charges like a bull to take the fight down. “The Midwest Choppa” succeeds in putting Rodriguez on his back on the first effort, and he postures up well to smash down with punches and elbows. Dulgarian sits down with a potential guillotine choke setup, and he lets go of it to lower himself down to go after an arm-triangle choke. When Rodriguez scrambles, Dulgarian drops down for an unusual Peruvian Necktie choke with his arm grip beneath his legs. Rodriguez turns through it, and he finds himself in a much deeper Peruvian Necktie. He grits it out, and he turns to put himself flat on his back as Dulgarian resides on top of him in half guard. Dulgarian continues moving until Rodriguez turns over, and he beats Rodriguez every step of the way with movement or strikes. Rodriguez stands back up, and Dulgarian drags him down immediately. Dulgarian clings on from behind, shutting down Rodriguez’ return to his feet. Rodriguez miraculously scrambles to get out of a precarious position, and he works his way back up. The doggedly persistent Dulgarian wrenches his foe down to the mat, and he lands in half guard where he sets up an arm-triangle choke. Rodriguez breaks the choke up, so Dulgarian lays into him with elbows that split his eyebrow open. Rodriguez turns to his stomach, and Dulgarian slams him in the side of the head with hammerfists. Rodriguez flips back over, and Dulgarian laces up an arm-in arm-triangle choke. When he feels the submission is not as tight as he wants it, he lets it go. Rodriguez scrambles to get to his knees, and Dulgarian hops on his back and chucks him down to the floor. Dulgarian softens him up from the sides with punches until Rodriguez stands up by leaning on the wall. Dulgarian reaches his career long professional fight as he completes the first round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Dulgarian
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Dulgarian
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Dulgarian

Round 2

The featherweights race out of their corners, and Rodriguez introduces himself with a jump knee that lands on the forehead. Rodriguez snatches up the neck while Dulgarian is surprised, and he jumps guard with a guillotine choke. Dulgarian wriggles his neck free, and he goes back to imposing his wrestling. Dulgarian manages to get control from behind, and Rodriguez turns around to nearly get top position before Dulgarian explodes to his feet. Dulgarian trips Rodriguez up to set him down to his knees, and when Rodriguez stands, he secures an almost immediate mat return. Rodriguez hits his seat and winces, and Dulgarian keeps himself very low to keep Rodriguez grounded. Dulgarian slings him back down to the canvas, where he tries to get back control before Rodriguez posts off his arms to stand up. Dulgarian pressures from behind when Rodriguez walks towards and leans on the cage wall. Rodriguez turns around to put his back to the fence, and he lifts up a knee to the body. Rodriguez lifts up a knee that smacks into Dulgarian’s chin, and Dulgarian thanks him by hurling him to the ground. Dulgarian immediately takes the back, hanging on from an opposite side before Rodriguez works his way upright. Rodriguez manages to get a little breathing room, and he reaches out with punches and an elbow. Dulgarian jabs the body and kicks his foe out, and Rodriguez responds with a short shot that might have stung Dulgarian. Dulgarian goes back to his wrestling, tripping Rodriguez to a knee and leaning on him against the fencing. Tognoni asks for them to stay busy when they stall out, and the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Beginning the last round, the pace and intensity of Dulgarian has dialed down a little. Rodriguez lands a few strikes from up close, and he succeeds in staving off two attempts. Dulgarian charges to go after a low ankle pick, and Rodriguez stands up and blasts Dulgarian in the side with a soccer kick. Dulgarian is on his knees, perhaps out of gas, and Rodriguez jumps on his back and easily gets both hooks in. Rodriguez flattens the undefeated fighter out and starts pounding on him from both sides of the head. Dulgarian turns to his back, and Rodriguez welcomes this so he can sit up and start pummeling him. Rodriguez follows his foe while spinning to his stomach, landing pitter-patter shots but not the damaging kind that will like force a stoppage. Rodriguez pops Dulgarian on the side of the head, and when Dulgarian sits up, he grabs hold of a rear-naked choke. Dulgarian survives by grabbing his foe’s gloves, and Rodriguez uses his free arm to land shots on the side of the head. Dulgarian controls one wrist, and he turns around and scoots himself to the fence. Dulgarian finds his way back to his feet with 90 seconds to go, and he is a spent force but still manages to get off a power overhand right. Rodriguez connects with a low kick and walks Dulgarian down, blasting him with a straight right hand to follow. Dulgarian eats a right hand and shoots, and “CeeRod” stops it in its tracks and stands. Rodrigeuz leaps forward with left hands until Dulgarian shoots for a double, and the Rodriguez stuff leads to him searching for a brabo choke. Dulgarian gets hold of a leg and tries to lift Rodriguez up one final time, and Rodriguez elbows him in the side of the head until the horn blares. The scores could go all over the map here, depending on how many 10-8 tallies are awarded.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Rodriguez (28-27 Dulgarian)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Rodriguez (28-27 Dulgarian)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Rodriguez (28-27 Dulgarian)

The Official Result

Christian Rodriguez def. Isaac Dulgarian via Split Decision (28-27, 27-28, 28-27)

Kennedy Nzechukwu (205) vs. Ovince St. Preux (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nzechukwu (-575), St. Preux (+425)

Round 1

Making his walk to the Octagon for the 27th time, longtime veteran St. Preux (26-17, 14-12 UFC) knows the end might be near soon but is hoping to turn the clock back one more time. He draws a man nine years his junior in Nzechukwu (12-4, 6-4 UFC), who will be all offense for as long as this one goes. Whether St. Preux lands one more trap or the self-named “African Savage” does something spectacular, referee Mark Smith will be there every step of the way. The 205ers do not bother to bump fists, with St. Preux acting as the immediate aggressor instead. “OSP” pushes out a front kick, and the two measure one another with hand-fighting. St. Preux aims a kick to the side, and the two are in a very slow pace trying to find their range. St. Preux reaches out with occasional kicks, and he winds up to land a heavy calf kick. Nzechukwu does not throw much back, missing with a right hand, and St. Preux is striking a bit more often. St. Preux lumbers forward to reach out with a left hand, and Nzechukwu parries it and comes up short on a one-two. St. Preux hammerfists Nzechukwu’s outstretched hand and leans back from a straight right hand. “OSP” jabs with a front kick, and he spurs into action with a combination of punches to the head and body. Nzechukwu connects with a right hand, and he lands again to get St. Preux’ attention. St. Preux retaliates with a long right hand, and he walks through a body kick to keep plodding forward. St. Preux jabs and ducks back, and Nzechukwu aims a body shot in response. St. Preux aims a kick to the body, and it bumps into the cup but Nzechukwu waves Smith off. St. Preux flicks out jabs and drives down two low kicks, and a front kick slides off Nzechukwu’s cup. Nzechukwu appears frustrated but he signals to Smith that he can continue without a pause. St. Preux sits down on calf kicks that land with resounding thumps, and he absorbs a one-two on the way back. St. Preux chops at the calf and swings two punches over the top, and a side kick to the knee from the veteran ends the slow round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 St. Preux
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 St. Preux
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 St. Preux

Round 2

It is tit-for-tat with prodding jabs and kicks from the fighters to begin the second round. Nzechukwu answers a front kick with a front kick, and he catches a body kick and just misses with an overhand right. St. Preux chips at the lead leg, and Nzechukwu walks his direction and looses a left hand. St. Preux bowls forward and backs his foe up, and he continues to do work on the lead leg. St. Preux smacks his man in the face with a back fist, and Nzechukwu lines up a number of jabs that split the guard. Nzechukwu keeps his guard up to block a left hook, and he digs his toes in the solar plexus. St. Preux gives him back a body shot to answer, and he gets knocked back a step courtesy of a sharp jab. They trade single strike on after the other, not putting a great deal behind them but giving them back and forth. St. Preux splits the guard with a front kick, surprising his opponent, and he turns it up with two punches up top and a left to the body. When St. Preux tries to deliver another front kick, Nzechukwu catches it and pushes him back to the wall to try to blast him in the face with a right hand. St. Preux pulls his leg down before eating anything of significance, and he resets in the middle of the cage. The two continue to take turns tossing out single strikes, and St. Preux’ head movement and pressure flusters his opponent. Nzechukwu gives him a straight right hand down the pipe back, and he knocks some sweat from St. Preux’ brow with a hefty left. St. Preux gets a full head of steam and jabs his way forward, and he leans into a solid left hand and puts a one-two on the chin to follow. St. Preux slips a strike and rings Nzechukwu’s bell with a left hook, and he kicks low to intercept Nzechukwu coming at him. The horn sounds to end the close frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 St. Preux
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 St. Preux
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 St. Preux

Round 3

The last round begins just like the previous one ended, with jabs and front kicks from both sweaty men. St. Preux threatens to mix things up with a level change, and Nzechukwu shuts it down and jabs him right back. “OSP” reaches out with a left hand, getting Nzechukwu to duck down square into an uppercut. Nzechukwu drops down to a knee as he leans against the fence, trying to regain his bearings, and he thanks St. Preux for attempting a takedown to follow. When the takedown fails, St. Preux abandons it and clubs Nzechukwu on the chin with an uppercut. Nzechukwu tries to throw back, but St. Preux appears to be the fresher man, displaying both head movement and superior power. Nzechukwu looks to parry and reply with jabs, and St. Preux connects more cleanly and effectively. Nzechukwu rips a knee to the body, and he unloads with an uppercut and keeps his guard up to block a few elbows. They start fighting in a phone booth, and St. Preux lets go with punches to the head and body. The Fortis MMA product knees St. Preux in the sternum and lays into him with a series of punches. St. Preux reels, and Nzechukwu continues to chain punches together until he pushes “OSP” against the fence to knee him flush. Nzechukwu rattles off three quick uppercuts while up close and tight, and St. Preux bites down on his gumshield and ends up eating a left hand on the chin. Nzechukwu digs a kick to the body, and he drills St. Preux with three short hooks. St. Preux fights back, but his gas tank is abandoning him while Nzechukwu is turning it up. Nzechukwu absorbs a few punches and nails St. Preux in the chest before doubling him over with another. Nzechukwu snaps the head back with uppercuts, and St. Preux lets go with everything he has while Nzechukwu does the same. The two brawl it out right to the bitter end putting a stamp on an otherwise lackluster affair.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu (29-28 St. Preux)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu (29-28 St. Preux)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu (29-28 St. Preux)

The Official Result

Ovince St. Preux def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Bryan Battle (170) vs. Ange Loosa (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Battle (-180), Loosa (+150)

Round 1

To serve as the co-main attraction for this UFC Apex card, unranked welterweights Battle (10-2, 5-1 UFC) and Loosa (10-3, 2-1 UFC) will do battle. Despite no numbers next to their names, a win could put them relatively close to the coveted top-15 spot. The middleweight winner of TUF 29 sports the higher finish rate of 80% compared to 60%, and referee Mike Beltran may yet be needed to intervene at a moment’s notice. The fighters are clocked in with a glove touch. The speedy Loosa leads the dance immediately with a few kicks, and he swarms in and out without getting tagged. Battle powers forward, and he connects with a clean right hand in the midst of a combination to get his opponent’s attention. The aggressive fighters lead to a tie-up, where Battle succeeds in taking Loosa down to the canvas and assuming mount for a second. Loosa scrambles madly to fight back to his feet, and he gets shoved against the fence for his efforts. As Loos attempts to get out, Battle pins him back against the wire and knees him in the side. Battle stalls things out in this position, and Loosa looks to spin out and takes a knee on the break. Loosa kicks the lead leg on both sides, and he gets shoved back with a front kick. Battle meanders forward, missing with a head kick but reaching two a body kick and a front kick to follow. Battle flicks out jabs, and he follows them with twos and even dings Loosa with a Superman punch. Battle keeps pressuring forward, taking two right hands on the chin but shrugging them off to keep Loosa on the back foot. Battle jabs the body with the ball of his foot, and he drives a straight right hand through the guard and connects with a clean knee up the middle. Battle launches a front kick with one leg and a head kick with the other, and when he resets, he bounces a head kick off Loosa’s guard. They jab at one another, and Battle uses the tail end of his reach to get a one-two on the chin. Battle parries a jab and lets fly one back, and the two trade distance strikes before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Round 2 commences with Battle slowly creeping forward, getting Loosa to fight off his back foot and not allowing Loosa to even try to take the fight down. Battle flicks up a head kick that rebounds off the guard, and he checks a low kick but absorbs one on the other side. Loosa shoots, and Battle frames off Loosa’s face as a thumb slides into his eye—and they clash heads as well. Beltran calls time to allow Loosa to recover, and Loosa needs to blink out his left eye and uses a cloth from the requested doctor to clean it out. Loosa informs the physician that his vision is blurry, and Beltran tells Loosa to take the time he needs. Loosa says that he cannot see, and Beltran waves the fight off at the advice of the physician. This is an unfortunate ending to what was shaping up to be a fun fight, and hopefully when Loosa recovers, the UFC can run this one back. When the decision is read, both men stand stoically. Battle turns to his opponent and tells him that he was looking for a way out, and that he was beating Loosa badly. This erupts into a near-brawl, where an enraged Loosa screams that he will kill Battle. Security and commission officials need to separate them, and Battle boasts on the post-fight interview that if Loosa was unable to keep fighting but wanted to throw down with him after hearing that just now, he was “faking it.”

The Official Result

Bryan Battle vs. Ange Loosa is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) R2 1:00

Tai Tuivasa (265.5) vs. Marcin Tybura (247)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tuivasa (-122), Tybura (+105)

Round 1

Heavyweights put meat back on the menu for the marquee matchup. Likely having to cut down in weight to reach 266 pounds, Tuivasa (14-6, 8-6 UFC) is ready to let his heavy hands fly. Tybura (24-8, 11-7 UFC), who will be almost 20 pounds lighter officially—not counting whatever Tuivasa weight lost to get there—would prefer not to be on the receiving end of those fists. Although it is always possible that this could go 25 minutes, referee Herb Dean is ready for this to be done sooner than later. He brings them together, and they bump gloves before trying to take the other’s head off. Tuivasa sticks out a jab, and Tybura releases a body kick and a right hand in response. Tuivasa aims a body kick and connects with a few right hands, and Tybura closes in and gets clacked with several elbows on the forehead. The elbows slide Tybura’s head open on several places, causing blood to flow fast. Tybura looks to his hand to see the blood, and Tuivasa starts letting go with heavy leg kicks Tybura lumbers forward, walking through strikes to shoot in for a double. Tybura clasps his hands, and when Tuivasa punches him on the side of the head, he lifts the Aussie up and slams him down to the ground. “Tybur” lands in half guard and starts driving down right hands, and he lets Tuivasa turn to his knees so he can take the back. Tybura gets both hooks in and starts raining down right hands on the side of the head. As he continues to pound on “Bam Bam,” Tuivasa lowers himself down and does not seem otherwise worse for wear. Tuivasa turns to his side and tries to defend the sledgehammers with one hand. Tybura keeps heavy and allows Tuivasa to turn over so he can keep bludgeoning the Aussie. Tybura softens his man up before locking down a rear-naked choke, and he secures it under the chin. Tuivasa fights the grip and kicks with his legs to tough out the choke, and he tries to slowly slide his jaw down to escape choke danger. Tybura does not release the grip even when he hears Tuivasa gasping for air and clinging to consciousness, but he knows the finish is right around the corner. The Polish heavyweight retains his grip, and as he presses down with his full weight from behind, he puts Tuivasa all the way out. Tuivasa goes out on his shield, his arm flopping to the side, and Dean recognizes this immediately and halts the fight. This is a massive win for Tybura, even with Tuivasa skidding, as he lands the first submission in his UFC career, doing so under bright lights. With that technical submission—not the first of the night, making this card somewhat unusual—in the books, this show comes to a close. The Apex will play host again next week to another event before taking to the road, and we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Marcin Tybura def. Tai Tuivasa R1 4:08 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)