Bellator 297 ‘Nemkov vs. Romero’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Edwin Chavez (146) vs. Cody Law (145)

Round 1

Featherweights Chavez and Law get things started off from Chicago, with Mike Cimmarusti set to referee the opening bout of the evening. Chavez is southpaw, Law orthodox as they exchange pawing jabs. Law catches a Chavez kick and counters with a punch upstairs. Chavez is sliding laterally around the outside of the cage as Law gives chase. Law backs Chavez up into the fence and tries to tee off with punches, but Chavez slips most of them and gets out of danger. Law's right cross has landed enough, halfway through the round, that Chavez's face is visibly marked up. Law changes levels for an easy takedown and settles in his opponent's guard near the base of the fence. Law slides around to the back and tries to get a hook in. Chavez fights Law's hands and does a good job of denying hooks. Law is still on Chavez's back with under a minute left. Chavez gets back to his feet, but Law drags him back down and punishes him with punches. the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Law
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Law
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Law

Round 2

Law goes for a takedown almost immediately. Chavez defends the first attempt well with an overhook, but Law adjusts, hoists and dumps him onto the canvas near the cage. Law is far out to the side, looking to pass Chavez's half guard and move to side control. He can't get it, so settles for guard for the moment, throwing short punches. Chavez gets Law back to full guard, then pushes him up with butterfly hooks, though Law remains over him. Around the halfway point of the round, Law forces Chavez to abandon butterfly guard. Chavez is doing a good job avoiding damage, but has not even come close to escaping or threatening from the bottom. Law tries passing to mount, but only manages to get to half guard. Chavez regains full guard and is looking for a leglock at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Law
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Law
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Law

Round 3

The final round opens with Chavez flicking out a high front kick that just misses. Law takes him down seconds later and sets up shop once again in Chavez's guard at the base of the cage. Only a very loose half guard is keeping him from passing to mount. Chavez pops up with a whizzer and gets a knee between himself and the relentless wrestler. Law goes for a mat return and Chavez counters with a front headlock, falling to his seat and cinching up a guillotine choke. It looks tight, but Law is calm. Chavez adjusts his grip and Law bucks and rolls, ending up on top in near side control. Ninety seconds left in the round and Chavez has not let go of the neck yet. Law pops his head out and gets in a few punches before the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chavez (29-28 Law)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chavez (29-28 Law)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Law (30-27 Law)

The Official Result

Cody Law def. Edwin Chavez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Jordan Newman (186) vs. Matthew Perry (184)

Round 1

Middleweights Newman and Perry are not here to make friends, as referee Jason Herzog waves them into action. Newman is southpaw, Perry orthodox. Newman is aggressive, coming forward with punches and a long push kick that comes up just short of Perry's face. Newman steps forward and grounds Perry with a body lock and trip. Newman settles into Perry's open full guard and drops a couple of heavy punches to the face. Perry tries to tie him up, control his posture, but Newman is getting through with sporadic hard shots to the face. At the midway point of the round, Newman lands a pair of nasty elbows. Newman passes to mount with just over a minute left and looks perhaps to isolate an arm. He does isolate an arm, cranking up a mounted keylock for a nearly instant tap. Extremely dominant ground work by Jordan Newman and a rough outing for Matthew Perry, who was not told that life was going to be this way.

The Official Result

Jordan Newman def. Matthew Perry R1 4:20 via Submission (Americana)

Archie Colgan (155) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (155)

Round 1

Colgan looks to keep his pro record spotless in a step up against the veteran contender Sanchez. Both men are in orthodox stance to open the fight. Very little traffic going back and forth on the feet in the first minute or so. Colgan comes forward, possibly in search of a takedown, but bails before committing to anything serious. Colgan lands a sharp kick to Sanchez's lead left calf. Sanchez wades in and lands a two-three. Colgan changes levels and scoops Sanchez up for an effortless takedown. Sanchez closes up his full guard and is active with his hips, looking to create offense from his back. With a minute left, Colgan lets Sanchez up, eats a hard upkick and then catches Sanchez with a hard punch as he stands, staggering him. The bell sounds with the lightweights exchanging on the feet.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Colgan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Colgan
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Colgan

Round 2

Colgan plows Sanchez to the mat quickly, but Sanchez refuses to concede the takedown, scrambling and popping back to his feet in seconds. Colgan moves to the back and drags Sanchez back down, landing in side control. The advantageous position doesn't last long, however, as Sanchez sweeps and stands back up. At the halfway point of the fight, Sanchez comes forward and lands a pair of punches. Sanchez reaches for a possible double-leg, but Colgan shoves him off instantly. Sanchez runs Colgan to the fence and lands a series of foot stomps. They separate and return to the center of the cage. Both men exchange single strikes. Sanchez throws a flying knee, but Colgan evades it and counters with a right hand. Colgan changes levels for another easy takedown. Colgan is still in top position, landing short punches, as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Colgan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Colgan
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Colgan

Round 3

Colgan changes levels and shoots, running Sanchez all the way across the cage, but Sanchez manages not to get taken down. Colgan lands a counter left hook, then another, interrupting Sanchez's punch combination. Colgan launches into a takedown attempt and Sanchez snares his neck in a standing guillotine. There is a tense moment as Sanchez cranks and falls to guard, but Colgan pops his head out and ends up in Sanchez's full guard, where he commences throwing elbows. With two minutes to go, Colgan is raining down a steady stream of elbows from top position. Sanchez sits up and looks for a front headlock to help him stand, but Colgan regains guard. Sanchez then tries kicking him off with butterfly hooks, but to no avail. Sanchez looks for a triangle, but Colgan is wise to it. The final bell sounds. Impressive composure on the ground by Archie Colgan, who should be officially 8-0 in a few minutes here.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Colgan (30-27 Colgan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Colgan (30-27 Colgan)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Colgan (30-27 Colgan)

The Official Result

Archie Colgan def. Emanuel Sanchez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Norbert Novenyi Jr. (185) vs. Kamil Oniszczuk (186)

Round 1

Novenyi and Onischuk engage at a motion from referee Jason Herzog. Novenyi is in a bladed stance, hands at his waist in emulation of his training partner Michael Page. Onischuk is in a more traditional kickboxing stance. They exchange a few tentative jabs, when Novenyi parries an Onischuk punch and comes over the top with a right hand that levels the taller man. Novenyi pounces and lands only a couple of standing-to-ground hammers before Herzog intervenes to rescue Onischuk. Nasty knockout by the young Hungarian.

The Official Result

Norbert Novenyi Jr. def. Kamil Onischuk R1 0:46 via KO (Punches)

Ramazan Kuramagomedov (170) vs. Jaleel Willis (171)

Round 1

Kuramagomedov is southpaw, Willis orthodox to kick off this clash of welterweight prospects. Kuramagomedov scores with a low kick, then another. He briefly assays a takedown, but Willis is all over it. Kuramagomedov grabs a clinch and brings up his left knee to the outside of Willis' guard, nailing him on the temple. Willis crumples to the canvas. A few follow-up shots are academic, as the referee is already diving in for the stop.

The Official Result

Ramazan Kuramagamedov def. Jaleel Willis R1 1:24 via KO (Knee and Punches)

Pieter Buist (156) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (156)

Round 1

Rabadanov paws out a jab and charges in behind it for a double-leg takedown. Rabadanov moves quickly to a high mount, going to work on a kimura on the far arm of Buist. Buist manages to extricate his arm and grabs a guillotine, using it to regain guard. Rabadanov is on top, with Buist closing his full guard. Rabadanov lands a couple of hard punches, causing Buist to turn his back. Rabadanov takes the back and sinks a hook, working for a rear-naked choke. Buist defends and spins, stuffing Rabadanov back to half guard. Rabadanov punches and passes again, moving to that high mount, then taking the back and getting in both hooks. Rabadanov looks for a choke, but Buist spins again, landing on top with under 90 seconds left. Buist is heavy on top, chest to chest, not throwing much offense. Buist scoots Rabadanov to the fence, where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov

Round 2

Buist scores first with a couple of outside leg kicks before Rabadanov drops for another easy takedown. Rabadanov is on top in half guard at the base of the fence. Rabadanov is throwing elbows and shoulder strikes while looking to pass to mount. Ninety seconds in, he gets it. Buist gives up the back and Rabadanov takes it, working for the choke. Halfway into the round, Rabadanov is back in half guard, framing an arm-triangle. He moves out to the side and squeezes, but Buist is calm on bottom and the tap does not appear to be comig. Rabadanov moves back to mount and releases the choke. Buist does to his hands and knees, with Rabadanov on his back. Buist works his way back to his feet, leaving fingers on the ground to forestall knees to the head. Ruist stands. Rabadanov is behind him with a seatbelt, but before he can try for a mat return, Buist breaks the grip and escapes. They go back to work on the feet with under a minute left. Buist scores with a glancing high kick, then a solid boot to the midsection. The round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov

Round 3

Buist comes forward with a long jab and a couple of low kicks. Rabadanov gives ground, circling out. Buist throws a big overhand, and Buist lunges forward for a fast takedowns. Buist kicks him off and springs back up, but Rabadanov sticks to him and drives him to the fence. Buist has an overhook and an underhook, trying to keep the shorter man from getting to his hips. They separate and Buist lands another body kick up the middle. Half a round left in the fight, and Buist lands a head kick off the Dagestani's guard. Rabadanov pushes Buist to the fence again. They jockey for position and Buist lands a nice knee to the gut. Buist tosses Rabadanov to the ground and lands in side control. He looks to be working for a topside guillotine, but cannot get it fully locked in. Rabadanov is inert, offering nothing from his hands and knees except to survive as Buist is all over him. They return to the feet and Buist gives chase with long kicks as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Buist (29-28 Rabadanov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buist (29-28 Rabadanov)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Buist (29-28 Rabadanov)

The Official Result

Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Pieter Buist via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Daniel James (265) vs. Gokhan Saricam (246)

Round 1

James, who came out to a roaring welcome from his hometown Chicago crowd, comes forward with punches. Sarican wastes no time in dropping levels for a takedown. He drags James off his feet, but the big American bounces right back up. They go careening into the fence, and James takes control, driving Saricam into the chain-link, throwing knees up the middle. Saricam reverses the position and is quickly reversed in turn. They spin again and the Chicago fans have cooled considerably, letting the heavyweights hear their displeasure. With two minutes left in the round, they are still grinding against the fence. Saricam creates a bit of separation and goes for a takedown. James keeps his balance, but Saricam gets the double-leg on his second effort. Saricam goes to work from full guard, throwing short, chipping punches and elbows. James works for a hip escape, but Saricam follows, stays on top and continues throwing leather. James goes for a kimura, hoping perhaps to sweep and get back up, but Saricam is still on top and in control as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Saricam

Round 2

Saricam lands a calf kick as he ducks under James' jab, then drops levels for a double-leg takedown. He gets it on the first try this time, and goes to work from half guard. Saricam uses the crown of his head to push James' head into the fence, working to pass James' guard. James tries to use wrist control to defend himself, keeping his hips mobile as he does. James gets Saricam to full guard, but Saricam is still throwing short punches to the body. Nonetheless, referee Jason Herzog gives the two an instruction to work. At the midpoint of the right, Saricam is on top, chest-to-chest, throwing body strikes. James is not taking a ton of damage, but neither is he doing anything to get out of the position. James is content to use his arms to keep Saricam from posturing up. Saricam stays low and punches to the head. The crowd is booing audibly; whether at Saricam or at both men is open to interpretation at this point. Thirty seconds left in the round, and neither man has improved his position measurably in the last two minutes. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Saricam

Round 3

James marches forward to open Round 3, and Saricam is intent on keeping his distance, sliding to his right as James comes forward. Saricam lands a hard low kick. Saricam shoots for a takedown, but unlike the first two rounds, James shucks him off with ease. Saricam settles for driving James into the fence, where James reverses the position. James has his hands locked, throwing some knees, but isn't landing anything of consequence. Saricam spins him into the fence, but Herzog separates them seconds later. Two and a half minutes to go and Saricam goes for another takedown. James stands him up again, though Saricam shoves him all the way to the fence. They pummel for underhooks as James reverses the position. Saricam reverses him right back. James tries a snatch single from the clinch but gives it up right away. Both men look exhausted, but Saricam always seems to take the more active inside position against the fence before they take their mutual breathers, which might affect the judges' perceptions of a round with next to no effective offense by either man. Saricam tosses an off-balance James to the canvas, but the bell rings before he can follow it up with anything.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Saricam (30-27 Saricam)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saricam (30-27 Saricam)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Saricam (30-27 Saricam)

The Official Result

Gokhan Saricam def. Daniel James via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Corey Anderson (205) vs. Phil Davis (206)

Round 1

Stakes are high as the perennial light heavyweight contenders take the cage. Both set up in orthodox stance. Anderson grabs a single-leg and runs Davis to the fence. Davis defends beautifully, but Anderson separates, re-shoots and scoops the former Penn State Nittany Lion up for a slam. Davis keeps moving, springs right back up and takes Anderson's back standing. Davis works to lock his hands, perhaps to elevate "Overtime," but Anderson is wise to it, breaks the grip and spins to face him. They separate and Anderson lands a hard jab. Davis sinks to his knees and bounces right back up, possibly having misstepped rather than being rocked by the punch. In any event, he seems recovered immediately and they return to the clinch against the fence. Anderson drops to Davis's waist, looking for a single-leg takedown, but Davis defends with a front headlock and nice balance on his lone foot. Anderson tries again and gets Davis down, but Davis promptly does a semi-sitout and pops back up. Under 30 seconds left and Anderson's relentless hunt for the takedown resumes against the fence. The bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Anderson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Anderson
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Anderson

Round 2

Anderson advances slowly, backing Davis towards the fence. He rushes forward behind a pair of punches, but Davis is out of reach and circles out rather than be walked into the cage. Davis lands a calf kick, then another as Anderson puts a jab in his chest. Davis drops for a single-leg, switching to a double as he shoves Anderson to the fence. Davis takes Anderson's back standing and looks briefly to isolate one of Anderson's arms. Anderson goes for a standing kimura and Davis pulls away. Anderson shoots for a takedown, slides behind and drags Davis down. Davis looks for a possible kneebar, but Anderson pulls his leg out and Davis stands back up. Anderson slips a Davis jab and lands the counter. Anderson comes forward, clinches and drives Davis into the fence, but they disengage quickly. Under 90 seconds left and it's still anyone's round. Davis feints a punch, then feints a level change, with Anderson biting on the latter. He grabs a body lock and knees Anderson up the middle. Davis shoots a double-leg which Anderson pancakes. They are jockeying in boxing range as time expires on a grueling five minutes.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Anderson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Anderson
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Anderson

Round 3

The third round begins as the first two did, with Anderson advancing at a measured pace and Davis giving ground. Davis pops Anderson in the face with a nice jab. Davis comes in to throw and walks into a counter left hook. Davis lands a sharp right cross and takes left to the body. Davis sticks Anderson with several jabs in a row. Anderson comes charging forward and Davis skips away. Anderson enters again, grabs a body lock and drags Davis down. He gets a folkstyle-type ride, sinking one hook, but Davis explodes up and they are back on their feet. Anderson drives Davis to the fence, where they separate. Two minutes left in the fight and the light heavyweights are exchanging single punches in the center of the cage. Anderson throws a spinning back fist that glances. Anderson continues his forward march. Davis is meeting him with the jab, but Anderson keeps on coming. Davis sticks Anderson with a clean one-two. Anderson returns fire with an outside calf kick. Anderson's mouth guard falls out and the referee retrieves it. Anderson gets it back at the 10-second clapper, and nothing else of consequence lands before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Davis (29-28 Anderson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Davis (29-28 Anderson)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Davis (29-28 Anderson)

The Official Result

Corey Anderson def. Phil Davis via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight:
Sergio Pettis (134) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (134.2)

Round 1

History hangs in the balance as "Pitbull" goes for his third Bellator divisional title against the younger Pettis brother. Both men are in orthodox stance, showing a deliberate pace, perhaps out of an abundance of respect for their champion counterparts. Freire lands a calf kick, then another. Pettis stings "Pitbull" with a lightning-quick jab. "Pitbull" lands an outside calf kick. Pettis comes back with a right kick to the body that slaps off of Freire's ribs. Freire times a takedown beautifully, dumping the bantamweight champ to the canvas, but Pettis scrambles out instantly. Pettis flicks out a calf kick of his own. The opening round is in its last minute, and Pettis comes forward with a jab and a pair of kicks. He slips on the last kick but springs back up as Freire declines to try and take advantage. Pettis tries a superman punch off the cage that misses. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Freire
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Freire
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pettis

Round 2

Pettis comes out southpaw to open Round 2. Freire comes in to throw and is nailed with a lefty counter hook from "SP." Pettis switches back to orthodox and there is a lull of a few seconds before "Pitbull" reaches out with another low kick. Pettis counters him with a right straight. The pace remains very controlled, with both men staying buttoned down defensively, sticking to single strikes or two-piece combinations on the occasions they do open up. Pettis throws a one-two upstairs and to the body. Pettis tries a spinning back kick that whiffs and/or glances. "Pitbull" advances and meets Pettis with a pair of hooks, then launches a fast flying knee to the chest. It lands, but Pettis disengages before Freire can grab on to follow up. Under a minute left and Pettis nails Freire with a counter left hook. He follows up with a teep to the chest that stops Pitbull's momentum. Freire changes levels for a takedown, but Pettis shucks him off and slips away. Pettis tries another spinning wheel kick and it lands! "Pitbull" staggers back and Pettis dives in with a murderous sweeping hook that comes up short. The bell rings before Pettis can line up another killshot.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pettis
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pettis
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pettis

Round 3

"Pitbull" may still be a little rung up as the middle round begins, and he is bleeding from over the left eye. He throws a low kick immediately. "Pitbull" is marching forward and Pettis sticks him with a quick pair of punches, then slips the counter. Freire tries for a takedown and Pettis again stands him up with ease. Pettis throws a karate-style side kicks. Pettis comes forward throwing, and lands a nice hook to the gut. "Pitbull" comes forward and throws a one-two as Pettis goes southpaw again, then switches back. Pettis nails the advancing Freire with a jab which is blocked, and a right cross that lands clean. Pettis looking confident, his volume picking up as the fight goes along. "Pitbull" throws a jab and Pettis returns fire with a one-two. Freire changes levels and gets his first real takedown of the fight, plowing Pettis to the ground with under 30 seconds left. He looks to pass guard, but Pettis locks him down until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pettis
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pettis
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pettis

Round 4

The championship rounds open with another advance by "Pitbull," punctuated by a calf kick. Pettis sticks out the jab, landing to Freire's face. Pettis switches stances early, snapping out his jab from orthodox as well as southpaw. Neither lands very heavily, but Freire's punching volume dwindles to nearly nothing amid the stance changes. "Pitbull" grabs a single-leg, but Pettis spins and hops away. Halfway through the round and Freire is still the man coming forward, but not throwing much other than the occasional jab and low kick. He tries for another takedown near the fence, but Pettis extracts his leg and bounces out of range again to reset. Pettis flicks out a front kick that smacks "Pitbull" right in the face. It lacks Anderson Silva-Vitor Belfort torque, but snaps the featherweight champ's head back nonetheless, seconds before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pettis
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pettis
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pettis

Round 5

"Pitbull" is even more aggressive to open Round 5, perhaps sensing he needs to do something big this round. He comes forward with a couple of murderous hooks, but they come up well short. Pettis flicks out the oblique kick, halting Freire's forward progress. Pettis sticks a left hand out for range, then throws a fast right straight behind it. Freire tries to cut off the cage, walking Pettis toward the fence, but Pettis is quicker and refuses to be cornered. Two minutes to go and "Pitbull" is still measuring Pettis for one of his patented massive hooks, but thus far it hasn't come. Pettis is patient, snapping out his jab. Pettis surprisingly goes for a takedown with a minute left, but gets nowhere. Freire tries a takedown of his own, but Pettis stays upright against the fence and disengages. "Pitbull" tries a haymaker that misses. The bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pettis (49-46 Pettis)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pettis (49-46 Pettis)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pettis (50-45 Pettis)

The Official Result

Sergio Pettis def. Patricio Freire via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight:
Vadim Nemkov (203.8) vs. Yoel Romero (205)

Round 1

The main event begins, with Jason Herzog drawing the final refereeing assignment of the evening. Nemkov is orthodox, Romero southpaw. Nemkov flicks out a high kick immediately. Nemkov sticks another kick, this time to the midsection. Nemkov is aggressive, coming forward and working the body with kicks. Romero is nearly inert. Nemkov goes upstairs with a kick, then a pair of punches. Nemkov lands a big spinning back kick to the midsection. Everything is landing solidly, clattering off of Romero's guard with authority or splitting it to strike home. Nemkov easily slips a Romero punch and lands another body kick. Nemkov is teeing off. A minute left, and Nemkov lands a jab, then bounces back out of range. He bounces back in with a three-punch combination. Nemkov with a superman punch, then a wheel kick that is blocked, a moment before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov

Round 2

Nemkov comes forward with a jab-jab-right cross combo that backs the challenger up. Romero comes forward, but Nemkov intercepts him and lands a body kick before he can throw anything. Nemkov lands a hard right cross. Nemkov lands a straight right and a body kick. A minute and a half in Romero throws out a front kick to the body that might be his first landed shot of the round. Nemkov is sliding left to right as he advances, landing two-and three-punch combinations seemingly at will. Romero is throwing back next to nothing. Under two minutes left, Nemkov darts in to land a punch and has to duck a huge left hand. Nemkov goes upstairs with a roundhouse kick, then a wheel kick. Nemkov with a right hand-left body kick combination. Nemkov sticks Romero with a left hand. Romero gestures as if he thinks he was poked in the eye, but it was a punch. Nemkov lands a stiff jab. The bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov

Round 3

Romero throws first, with a punch upstairs and then a push kick to the lead leg. Neither lands with authority, but it's better than nothing, which is more or less what the challenger has offered thus far. Nemkov is back to work, throwing his jab and a variety of kicks to all levels. Nemkov launches a brutal left-right combination, then another right hand up the middle that hurt Romero badly. Romero stumbles back to the fence. Nemkov pursues, but with his composure intact. Nemkov goes to work against the fence, stinging Romero with punches to the head and body. The round is half down and Romero seems to have recovered enough that he can return to not throwing punches. Nemkov comes forward and Romero, who had apparently been playing possum, springs at him with a big punch that glances. Nemkov enters again and is wise to Romero's tactics. Romero catches Nemkov in a collision and the champ goes down! Romero swarms, grabbing a headlock and trying for the choke. The knockdown looks to have been more of a slip or an off-balancing, because Nemkov calmly waits out the choke and stands. Nemkov stings Romero again before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Nemkov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov

Round4

The champ wades in with heavy punches, then a knee up the middle. Nemkov slugs Romero with a right hand to the gut. Nemkov's jab finds a home, followed by a check left hook on the advancing challenger. Nemkov avoids a telegraphed haymaker from Romero. Nemkov blasts Romero with a one-two. Romero is nearly inert except for sporadic haymkakers. Nemkov lands a couple of punches and takes a low kick in return. Two minutes to go in the round, it's still all Nemkov, though the crowd begins chanting Romero's name. Romero obliges them with a high front kick that comes up short. Nemkov's left jab and left hook have both purchased season tickets to Romero's face. Nemkov throws a slapping right high kick, then dodges a lunging counter from Romero. Romero throws another big punch and lands his best blow of the fight so far, but Nemkov shakes it off and the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Nemkov

Round 5

The final round begins with the challenger - presumably - hopelessly behind on the scorecards, in need of a finish. He may sense it, as he comes forward right away with a big left hand. Nemkov stands right in there, however, and lands what feels like his hundredth clean one-two of the night. Nemkov sticks Romero with another pair of punches. Nemkov is not on his bike at all, choosing to keep doing what got him here in the first place. He stings Romero with a kick up the middle, then yet another left jab and right cross. He dodges a Romero charge, matador-like. Nemkov is pitching a near shutout here, with little more he could do to illustrate his dominance short of a finish on the ultra-tough Romero. He grabs a front headlock against the fence. Both men have tired, clearly. Romero gets a takedown, moving into guard and then spinning to north-south position with a minute left. Nemkov wraps his arms around the hulking Cuban and controls the position. Romero punches to the body, then to the head, and will end the fight in side control.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Romero (49-45 Nemkov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Romero (49-46 Nemkov)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Romero (49-46 Nemkov)

The Official Result

Vadim Nemkov def. Yoel Romero via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)