UFC 245 ‘Usman vs. Covington’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Punahele Soriano vs. Oskar Piechota

Round 1

One day after the Nightmare Before Christmas that was Friday the 13th in December, we get a lucky 13 fights including three belts on the line for UFC 245. We begin this jam-packed night in the middleweight division, with the unbeaten Soriano (6-0, 0-0 UFC) making his promotional debut against Poland's Piechota (11-2-1, 2-2 UFC). Our referee is Chris Tognoni. A touch of gloves begins the fights, and Soriano starts off with a front kick up the middle. Soriano presses forward and whiffs on a big looping shot, and then rushes forward to miss with a few more. As he ducks down, Piechota responds with a counter, but it is Soriano that cracks him with a left hook that sets the Polish finisher down. Soriano is on the offensive, slamming down hammerfists relentlessly until Piechota turns around and gives up his back. Soriano leaps after him to take his back, but in the ensuing scramble, Piechota pulls for a kimura to stand himself back up. Although "Imadlo" falls to his back to escape the dangerous position, he keeps two-on-one wrist control to try to sweep Soriano and get out of this rough spot. He does so, and the two stand back up and begin to trade leather, but it is clear that Soriano holds a sizeable power advantage between the two. A lunging combination comes from Soriano, who follows that with a tremendous left hand that blasts Piechota square on the jaw. The Polish fighter crumbles, and Tognoni dives in to save the unconscious fighter from any further damage. "Story Time" has induced sleepy time as he stays undefeated with that blistering knockout, raising his record to 7-0 with six finishes in the first round. What a way to start the night, ladies and gentlemen.

The Official Result

Punahele Soriano def. Oskar Piechota R1 3:17 via KO (Punch)

Jessica Eye vs. Viviane Araujo

Round 1

We take a trip to the women's flyweight division, although we need to move up a few pounds to a 131-pound catchweight, as Eye (14-7, 1 NC; 4-6, 1 NC UFC) missed weight by a whopping five pounds and surrendered 30 percent of her purse before facing Araujo (8-1, 2-0 UFC). Serving as the referee is Marc Goddard. Although Araujo tries to touch gloves, Eye has no interest in doing so, instead starting with a few low kicks. Araujo comes back at her with a reaching punch combination, and Eye tries to blitz back but is countered with a stiff right. The Brazilian throws out a front kick, and Eye counters with a right hook. This happens again, as Araujo comes in with a kick and gets cracked over the top. The two woman swing hooks at the same time, and "Vivi" connects and bloodies the nose up of the American. Eye tries to string together a combination and lands a solid right hook, before changing levels for a straight left to the body. A step-in elbow a la Anderson Silva-Tony Frylund misses from Araujo, and she follows it with a right hook that clubs Eye and makes her smile. As Araujo lands a one-two, Eye replies, and these two are going punch-for-punch with one another. Eye goes up high with a kick, and Araujo catches the kick, trips her down and takes half guard. From on top, Araujo quickly looks to pass guard and drops down some hacking elbows to soften up the American. Eye keeps a high left leg up to potentially set up a triangle or at the very least keep Araujo paying attention, but Araujo ignores it and pushes past it. Eye manages to roll to her knees, and Araujo circles around to take her back but Eye just stands back up. When back to her feet, Eye lands a few leg kicks before a high kick that follows. They tie up and land on each other, with Eye swinging heavily at her opponent to try to steal the round back. As Araujo hops forward to throw a Superman punch, Eye shoots for a quick takedown, and the Brazilian is forced to stuff it and they separate. A few exchanges of leg kicks end the round, and Araujo appears to show a slight limp from all the kicks to her lead leg.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Araujo
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Araujo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Araujo

Round 2

The round opens with Araujo swinging hard with an uppercut, and Eye is quick to counter it with a powerful right hand. Eye goes up top with a right hand that makes Araujo back away and switch stances for a moment, before the two clash together briefly. Another leg kick from Eye gives Araujo some pause, and she returns fire with a long jab but allows Eye to land once more with that targeted kick. The American digs to the body with a straight right, and then continues to keep the leg kick going, with Araujo picking her leg up to try to check it. Eye comes in with a right hand, and then a few more leg kicks, leading Araujo to throw another Superman punch that partially lands. Like the last round, Eye leaves a high kick up too long and Araujo grabs it, only this time the Brazilian is unable to plant her on the canvas. The leg kicks are adding up for Eye, as Araujo is forced to switch stances more frequently to avoid the kicks. Eye breaks it up with a body kick, and then commits twice more with powerful inside leg kicks. Eye aims for the outside with the next kick, and then throws it once more to the inside. Frustrated with these kicks, Araujo gets aggressive and chains together a wild combination. As Eye prepares to counter, Araujo changes levels and hits a takedown, but Eye keeps a defensive guard that allows her to push off and separate. Back to their feet, Eye wings a right hand that deflects off Araujo's chin, and another that scores and causes Araujo to take a step back and a deep breath. Eye stings the Brazilian with an audible leg kick, and she attempts to press for a takedown until the time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Eye
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Eye
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Eye

Round 3

Eye opens up the last round with a leg kick to capitalize on the success of the previous round. Araujo circles away, and then darts in with a massive right hand as she changes her footwork and movement up. Ducking and feinting, she draws out a big punch from Eye, and is ready to avoid the attack. "Vivi" stays fast and loose to avoid the big strikes, but has not landed much more than a few jabs. Eye commits to the leg kicks some more to slow down the Brazilian, and Araujo strings a combination together that is punctuated with a Superman punch. Ever ready to take one to give one back, Eye tags her with a stiff right hand that makes Araujo back off. Araujo stays on the outside, leading Eye to crowd her up close with a few body shots before backing off to reset. Eye continues to work the body, until Araujo rushes in for a takedown. Eye is ready for this attempt, catching Araujo with a knee coming in and stuffing it quickly. She tries again, and potentially receives a poke to the eye, but Eye looks at Goddard, who implores the women to keep fighting. Eye sits down on a right hand that nails Araujo, but the Brazilian weathers it and checks a subsequent leg kick. As Eye continues to land, she starts to smile, before throwing a jab and then a hard low kick. Eye fires off a stiff left-right hook combination, and Araujo responds in kind with a right that begins to form a mouse under the American's eye and makes her grin. With seconds to go, Araujo shoots in for one final takedown, and Eye is not having it as she shoves her away. The final horn sounds, calling an end to this back-and-forth flyweight -- catchweight, rather -- fight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Eye (29-28 Eye)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Eye (29-28 Eye)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Eye (29-28 Eye)

The Official Result

Jessica Eye def. Viviane Araujo via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France

Round 1

Staying at flyweight but switching genders, Moreno (15-5-1, 3-2-1 UFC) tries to bounce back from a draw against the surging Kara-France (20-7, 1 NC; 3-0 UFC). Referee Chris Tognoni will oversee the action in this likely frenetic fight. A touch of gloves checks us in, and Kara-France is quickly on the offensive in the form of a sweeping leg kick. Moreno throws a jab his direction but it falls short, so he comes at the Aussie with another. Kara-France throws up a quick head kick that is blocked, and then loads up on huge hooks that blow Moreno's hair back. Kara-France keeps these power strikes going, winging a right hand that the Mexican is able to defend in time, but he lands with one that follows. Moreno sticks out his jab a few more times, and tries to land additionally with an uppercut and running elbow, but Kara-France defends it well. As Moreno flicks his jab out there, Kara-France comes back with a vicious right hand, and the two start to slug it out. "The Assassin Baby" shrugs at him after eating a powerful shot, and then blocks a head kick. Kara-France clocks Moreno with a right hand that makes Moreno stumble and put his hand on the mat, and as he recovers, Kara-France goes low with a few thudding leg kicks. As he throws a kick up high, Moreno whips a right hand in his direction that just brushes off the chin of Kara-France. Rushing at his opponent like a bull, Moreno misses with a swinging punch, and Kara-France keeps the unorthodox strikes going with a capoeira kick that falls shy of the mark. As Moreno sits down on a big right, Kara-France somehow ducks down to avoid it while landing a heavy leg kick. The Mexican throws his left leg up high a few times and Kara-France is barely able to block them in time, and the two jab at one another to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kara-France
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Kara-France
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kara-France

Round 2

The two touch gloves once more, and start winging punches at one another. Although neither land flush, Moreno starts to loosen up with several jabs and a wheel kick that is well short of the target. Kara-France commits to a leg kick that Moreno absorbs, and circles on the outside and nearly eats a head kick from Moreno. The high kick from Moreno comes up again and is blocked once more, leading Kara-France to sit down on some wild punches that Moreno evades. Going to the body before landing to the head, Moreno stalks Kara-France down and pours on the pressure. A few body shots lead to a huge right hand that Kara-France ducks, and the Aussie throws back heavily enough to force Moreno to back off. Moreno sends a body kick in the direction of his adversary that forces Kara-France to block it, and keeps it going with a few punches to the head and a blocked head kick to follow suit. Kara-France ducks down with a shovel uppercut, but Moreno sees it coming and dodges it to throws back with a clubbing left on the jaw. Moreno comes at him with a similar combination, and Kara-France nearly times an uppercut that almost starts at the cage floor. The punches have bloodied up the nose of Kara-France, and Moreno continues the aggression with lightning-quick jabs that are followed by left hooks. They trade jabs and Moreno shrugs them off, and Kara-France times a few jabs with some fierce right hands that catch Moreno flush. Moreno eats them like sandwiches and as the horn sounds, stands before his foe and stares him down.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moreno

Round 3

The last round begins with a glove touch, and Moreno sneaks in a few jabs right after. Kara-France throws up a head kick that makes him topple over, but he springs back to his feet into the oncoming strikes of the Mexican. Right before Moreno leaps in the air for a knee, Kara-France interrupts him with a leg kick. Moreno flips up a head kick and Kara-France is barely able to block it, so Moreno changes it up with a few body kicks that Kara-France absorbs. Continuing his assault on the body, Moreno digs a few lefts to that same spot, aiming right at the liver. The two flick jabs at one another, and Kara-France wings up with a huge right that does not land as much as it does push Moreno over, who somersaults backwards and pops right back to his feet. Moreno stings Kara-France with a jab, so the Aussie comes back at him with a lengthy combination that is largely blocked. Moreno protects his face from the attack and lifts his arms in the air and shouts at his opponent. Moreno backs up, and then comes forward with relentless pressure that makes Kara-France backpedal. Moreno throws heavily and the two load up and land frequently on one another in rapid succession. The two are going strike-for-strike, and Moreno poses and showboats a bit as he lands successfully. Kara-France rips a left to the head, and this fight is close and very thrilling, as they are taking turns to work on one another. When Kara-France lands, Moreno replies, leading to a response from the Aussie, and so forth. The pace does not wane, and Kara-France stings Moreno with right hooks while Moreno throws right back at him. The two trade right until the final bell, and this was quite a fun fight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (29-28 Moreno)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (29-28 Moreno)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (29-28 Moreno)

The Official Result

Brandon Moreno def. Kai Kara-France via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Daniel Teymur vs. Chase Hooper

Round 1

At featherweight, Teymur (7-3, 1-3 UFC) will try to make the youthful Hooper (8-0-1, 0-0 UFC) feel unwelcome in his Octagon debut. The two will be joined in the cage by referee Jason Herzog. The two touch gloves, and Hooker opens up the fight and his UFC career with a leg kick and then a body kick. As Teymur looks to counter, the American dives in for a quick takedown. The Swede stuffs it, and locks up a guillotine choke. Hooper defends it by jumping off the cage wall, and manages to survive the attempt that briefly transitions into an anaconda choke. As Teymur tries to load up with his punches, Hooper pulls guard and searches for an armbar. Teymur pushes off and they stand back up, so Teymur throws a huge right hand that Hooper eats flush. Possibly stumbled, Hooper runs in and engages a clinch. As Teymur defends, Hooper circles around to nearly take his back, and attempts to become a backpack on his Swedish adversary. Teymur defends his position but takes some punches in the process, until Hooper drags him down and searches for a rear-naked choke quickly. Teymur staves it off but has his back taken, and he starts absorbing heavy punches to the head. Hooper secures his arm under Teymur's neck, and the American tightens up the choke. Turning purple, Teymur stays patient and eventually manages to turn out of the choke. Seeking the finish, Hooper spins to mount and hammers down some fierce elbows, leading Teymur to turn about and give up his back once more. Hooper decides to pursue a different position, takes a high mounted triangle and starts to rain down powerful strikes. Hooper slashes down with elbows that slice Teymur's forehead open, leading Herzog to take a hard look at the action. Hooper pours it on with constant ground-and-pound, until Herzog has seen enough. This is an emphatic debut for "The Teenage Dream," who stays undefeated at 9-0-1 with this vicious stoppage.

The Official Result

Chase Hooper def. Daniel Teymur R1 4:34 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Matt Brown vs. Ben Saunders

Round 1

In a fight that virtually guarantees action, we turn to the welterweight division between two hard-nosed veterans in Brown (21-16, 14-10 UFC) and Saunders (22-12-2, 10-9 UFC). Ensuring there will be no nonsense in this battle is referee Keith Peterson. There is no touch of gloves, and instead a head kick from Saunders that is well short of the target. The two come together and start trading, leading Saunders to back away and reset. Saunders looks to feint and fake his way in, and clinches up. Brown trips him down, and the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu wizard throws his legs up quickly for a triangle. The choke is tight, and Saunders starts throwing cutting elbows. Saunders adjusts the choke to the other leg, and as he pulls Brown's head down, Brown powers out of the bad position. Saunders continues to switch legs for his choke, and Brown holds Saunders' arm underneath his own body. Brown, who appears to be not in danger at the moment, throws a few punches to the body until Saunders switches the legs up once more. "Killa B" keeps the legs tight and pulls Brown's head down again to secure the choke, but Brown is unconcerned as he waits out the position. Eventually, Saunders loses the choke, and Brown pops his head free as he tries to throw some punches. Saunders keeps his rubber guard high on Brown's neck, but Brown is not in submission danger any longer. When the 10-second clapper sounds, Brown lands a few elbows and punches until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Saunders
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Saunders
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saunders

Round 2

The second round begins cautiously for the two, and Saunders throws a long body kick that Brown avoids. Saunders whips a lazy kick out, and Brown catches it and comes in with a big elbow. Saunders backs away, so Brown commits to a huge head kick that staggers Saunders even though he blocks it. Brown comes forward to do some damage, but Saunders wraps him up and drags him down. On his back, Saunders brings up his rubber guard again, keeping Brown from getting any offense off. Perhaps appropriately, Mark Coleman calls out from Brown's corner to unleash some heavy ground-and-pound, and Brown obliges. A cut on Saunders' head has opened up from the strikes, with the elbows finding their mark repeatedly as Saunders tries to tie up "The Immortal" with his guard. Peterson calls for the two to keep fighting, as Brown is content to occasionally drop down an elbow or punch sporadically, while avoiding anything of note from below. Peterson stands them up with 30 seconds left in the round, and Saunders swings a body kick that Brown catches and fires back with powerful strikes. As they come together, Brown trips Saunders to the ground, and he is quick to pounce on his tired opponent. Brown smashes down a monster elbow that may have caused a flash knockout, but he continues to pour it on with elbows and punches until Peterson intervenes with seconds to go in the round. This is a solid win for Brown, who returns after a long layoff with a crushing finish. Elated, Coleman could not be any prouder of the ground-and-pound that his fighter unleashed.

The Official Result

Matt Brown def. Ben Saunders R2 4:55 via KO (Elbows and Punches)

Ian Heinisch vs. Omari Akhmedov

Round 1

Stepping up one weight class to middleweight, Heinisch (13-2, 2-1 UFC) will try to bounce back from his first defeat under the UFC banner against Dagestan native Akhmedov (19-4-1, 7-3-1 UFC). Referee Marc Goddard will be in charge of the action in this one. There is no glove touch, and instead Heinisch is amped up and throws a few kicks to start things off. Akhmedov responds with a low kick of his own, so Heinisch throws one more. The leg kick is followed by an overhand right from Heinisch that catches the Russian on the chin. Akhmedov bites down on his mouthpiece and starts winging punches, landing flush and backing Heinisch against the fence. The American survives the assault and throws back, with a few leg kicks to boot. Akhmedov commits again to that right hand, and Heinisch fires back with a right hand that clips his opponent on the end of it. Akhmedov whiffs with a one-two, but the few low kicks from Akhmedov have done some damage to Heinisch's lead leg. Akhmedov is loading up on punches that keep falling short, but Heinisch is unable to capitalize on any counters. "Wolverine" sneaks in with a looping right and back away to avoid the counter, and attempts a spinning back fist that comes up short. As Heinisch throws a leg kick, Akhmedov fires back with a counter right that nearly connects. Heinisch fires a body kick that skims off the midsection, and Akhmedov shoots in for a deep double leg takedown, lifting his opponent in the air and slamming him down. Akhmedov quickly takes half guard, and Heinisch scrambles to kick off and manages to get back to his feet. Akhmedov keeps tight to his adversary, and Heinisch rolls out to escape the position. Back in the center of the cage, Akhmedov lands heavily with a powerful right hand to close out the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 2

Heinisch greets his opponent in the center of the cage to start the round with a body kick. As Akhmedov replies with looping hooks, Heinisch is out of the way in time. Heinisch throws a low kick, but Akhmedov is ready to counter with a stiff right. Akhmedov throws a left to the body and right to the head, and recognizing its success, does once more. Landing a kick to the body, Heinisch then eats a right on the jaw, but is no worse for wear. The low kick is telegraphed for Heinisch, as although he continues to land it, Akhmedov is prepared with a right hand again and again. The Russian scores with one, and then nearly lands a kick to the groin. The two men swing wildly, until Heinisch backs away to score a loud kick to the body. Akhmedov ducks in for a takedown, and hits a single, but Heinisch gets back to his knees and then stands without any ill effects. Like the previous round, Heinisch is able to spin out of the position and recover to standing, where he capitalizes on the exchange with a powerful body kick. Akhmedov does not appear to enjoy that kick, as he sits down on a big right hand that lands square on the chin of his American counterpart. Akhmedov throws a right, and then a left hook that connects, but Heinisch walks through it as he tries to pressure his more accurate opponent. Heinisch closes the distance and attempts a single of his own, changing levels and absorbing several elbows to the side of his head in the process. Upon the sound of the 10-second clapper, Heinisch hits the takedown, and uses the position to land a few punches to the temple as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 3

With Heinisch's corner concerned he is down on the scorecards, they implore him to seek a finish. Heinisch begins the round with a body kick, and then lands a left hook. He follows those strikes with a calf kick, to the same spot he targeted in the first few rounds. Seeing Heinisch come in, Akhmedov is able to catch him walking towards him, and digs a left to the body that interrupts Heinisch's aggression. The two trade half-hearted lefts, and Heinisch clinches up to land a knee and pushes Akhmedov against the fence. Akhmedov circles out and avoids an elbow on the break, before he makes Heinisch pay with a quick right hook. Heinisch commits to a right that is blocked, but cracks Akhmedov to the chin when throwing a high body kick that Akhmedov ducks into. Akhmedov stings him and hurts the American, but Heinisch stays tough and bullies Akhmedov against the fence while he tries to clear the cobwebs. Akhmedov reverses the position and lands a knee to the torso, so Heinisch pushes off to separate. Heinisch aims a big uppercut at his opponent, who avoids it and takes a long look at the clock, which reads 1:10 in the final round. Heinisch stays aggressive and drags Akhmedov down, landing a few punches and looking to take the Russian's back. Akhmedov spins out and tries to hit a single, causing Heinisch to stumble backwards. With 30 seconds remaining, Heinisch swings heavily, and Akhmedov ducks down to try to take the fight to the canvas. Heinisch stuffs it, and runs forward to throw a flying knee. Akhmedov grabs him and drags him down, and the fight ends with Heinisch popping back up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Heinisch (29-28 Akhmedov)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Heinisch (29-28 Akhmedov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Heinisch (29-28 Akhmedov)

The Official Result

Omari Akhmedov def. Ian Heinisch via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ketlen Vieira vs. Irene Aldana

Round 1

Next up a bantamweight, the undefeated Vieira (10-0, 4-0 UFC) will make her long-awaited return after a nearly two-year layoff against tall Mexican boxer Aldana (11-5, 4-3 UFC). Referee Jason Herzog is taking charge of the cage for this bout. The two women touch gloves, and Vieira starts off with a big right hand that is blocked easily. Vieira presses forward, and as she wings a right hand, Aldana surprises her with a heavy leg kick. The Brazilian connects with a stiff right hand, and as she comes forward with more punches, Aldana strings a combination together to back her off. The two miss with one-twos, and Aldana catches her with a fierce right hand, but Vieira walks right through it. Aldana keeps her distance and blocks the oncoming attack of Vieira, and times a right straight to the body in response. Vieira swings and misses multiple times, and Aldana lands a right down the middle. "Fenomeno" loads up on her punches, and Aldana is keeping her strikes straighter and quicker. Landing another right hand, Aldana backs away to avoid a potential counter. Vieira scores a left to the body that makes Aldana backpedal, and the Mexican fighter lands a solid leg kick while backing away. Four punches fly from Aldana, and she lands one cleanly, leading Vieira to throw back two in her direction that glance off her intended target. Both score with powerful punches, and Aldana follows suit with a left to the body. Vieira unloads some heavy punches, but they are largely blocked, allowing Aldana to quickly counter. As Vieira takes a moment to reset after that barrage, Aldana leaps in with a ferocious left hand that catches Vieira about as cleanly as it could possibly land. Vieira may be out as she falls to the canvas, but to be sure, Aldana follows her down with a blazing right hand that officially shuts the lights out, as Herzog springs in to rescue the unconscious fighter from Brazil. Vieira is unbeaten no more, and Aldana scores what is likely the biggest win in her career with a devastating knockout.

The Official Result

Irene Aldana def. Ketlen Vieira R1 4:51 via KO (Punch)

Mike Perry vs. Geoff Neal

Round 1

Headlining the ESPN2 prelims is what should be a welterweight slugfest between brawler Perry (13-5, 6-5 UFC) and the equally hard-hitting Neal (12-2, 4-0 UFC). The third man inside the Octagon is Chris Tognoni. No glove touch to start this fight, and instead Perry begins with a low leg kick. Neal comes up short with a front kick, and then comes forward with punches that Perry evades. Neal throws a low kick as a response to Perry's, so Perry keeps the kicks going with a body kick that partially lands. Neal replies with a much more emphatic body kick of his own. Both men land glancing groin kicks, and the action does not stop. Neal cracks Perry with a huge head kick, and "Platinum" is staggered and hurt badly. Neal turns up the aggression and throws another that Perry is barely able to block, but Neal is right on him with his attack. Launching one more head kick for good measure that skims off the side of Perry's head, a furious barrage of punches follows and put Perry down as Tognoni has seen enough. This win is a massive feather in Neal's cap, as he becomes the first fighter to ever knock out the durable Perry.

The Official Result

Geoff Neal def. Mike Perry R1 1:30 via TKO (Head Kick and Punches)

Petr Yan vs. Urijah Faber

Round 1

We begin the pay-per-view main card with Russia's Yan (13-1, 5-0 UFC) attempting to close the book on the Cinderella story that is the return of former WEC champ and multiple-time UFC title challenger Faber (35-10, 11-6 UFC). Yan is the biggest favorite on the card at anywhere from -450 to -550 -- the line has fluctuated wildly throughout the night -- and referee Keith Peterson virtually guarantees the nonsense will be down to zero. They touch gloves, and Faber opens with a head kick that is short. The crowd is immediately behind Faber, chanting "U.S.A." for their home country fighter against the Russian. Faber feints and fakes, but will not commit to anything beyond a body kick. Yan slowly walks towards Faber, and throws a heavy low kick to the calf of "The California Kid." Faber quickly rushes in and tags Yan with a knee, and the Russian backs away, surprised at that strike. He quickly regains his composure and presses forward, as Faber slaps at him and then whiffs on a head kick. Faber fakes for a takedown, and just barely avoids a left hook counter coming at him. Yan slams a leg kick in, but Faber checks it and laughs at him. Yan throws up a head kick that partially lands, followed by a one-two that get Faber's attention. Another head kick is shy of the mark for Faber, but he does score a front kick along with a right hand over the top. Yan ducks down to throw a left to the body, and as Faber avoids it, Yan connects with a right hook. Faber throws another high kick, and this time he falls to the ground, but springs up quickly. Yan tags Faber to the body with a kick, and they close in to try to swing on one another, but neither land anything of note. They clinch up briefly, and after nothing scores, Faber lands with a left on the break. Yan charges in with an uppercut that blows Faber's hair back, and then cracks Faber with a right elbow that staggers him. Faber replies in kind with a powerful right, and Yan walks through it. Clinching up, Yan lands a knee to the body, followed by a left as they separate. A low kick for Faber nearly sends Yan off balance, and another lands that makes Yan leap in with a knee that misses. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 2

The second round begins with Faber trying to catch Yan with a right and then backing off before getting counter. As Yan follows him, Faber attempts to time a knee up the middle, and Yan is just able to avoid it. A low kick from Faber nearly catches Yan low, but Yan shrugs it off to score on Faber with a left, and then a right hook that bounces Faber off the cage wall. The Russian pushes forward with heavy punches that Faber defends against, and the two clinch up with Yan's back against the fence for a moment. Faber searches for the guillotine choke but there is nothing doing, and the two men exchange pleasantries in the center of the cage. Faber stings Yan with a right and then changes levels to search for a takedown, but Yan is wise to it as he pushes him off and snaps his head back with a jab. Faber shoots in low for a single leg takedown, and Yan blocks it and scores with a big right hand that sends Faber flying into the cage wall. "No Mercy" chases him down and pours it on with punches, but Faber stands up, gives a thumbs-up to his wife and slams a right hand on the chin of Yan. The Russian laughs at him and drops him with a huge elbow, opening up a cut that could prove problematic as the fight drags on. Yan pushes him down to the ground and starts to unleash some ground-and-pound, but Peterson is quick to call in the doctor. The swelling is substantial, but the doctor clears Faber and they are reset into the grounded position. As soon as the action resumes, Yan slams down some heavy punches as Faber pulls for a submission. Faber unloads with a right hand that cracks Yan, but the Russian lands one that is heavier and drops Faber once more. The American survives the assault and gets to his feet, and tries to put a few strikes together until Yan trips him down to the ground. The round ends with Yan in side control.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Yan
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-8 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 3

A touch of gloves starts the final round, where Yan starts quickly with a body kick. The two both miss in an exchange, and they clinch up briefly. Just as they separate, Yan fires up a quick left head kick, and his foot collides off the side of Faber's head and puts him down. Recognizing that Faber is done, Peterson leaps in to call a stop to the fight. This is a statement performance from the Russian, who is almost certainly knocking on the door of a title shot with that victory. In his post-fight speech, Yan wishes "Happy Birthday" to his mother, and then calls for a championship fight against "Triple Clown" champ Henry Cejudo.

The Official Result

Petr Yan def. Urijah Faber R3 0:43 via KO (Head Kick)

Marlon Moraes vs. Jose Aldo

Round 1

A high-stakes bantamweight battle is on deck between destructive Brazilians as former title challenger Moraes (22-6-1, 4-2 UFC) welcomes Aldo (28-5, 10-4 UFC) into his world. Referee Marc Goddard will be keeping tabs on this potentially thrilling fight. The two men touch gloves, and Moraes immediately blasts Aldo with a head kick. That kick hurt Aldo, but he tries to shake it off as he laughs at his opponent. Moraes goes for two more head kicks, but Aldo is able to block it and regain his faculties. Keeping his distance, Moraes switches stances to get a read on Aldo, and Aldo catches Moraes coming in with a right straight. Moraes walks through it to land a knee, and Aldo couldn't be happier about how this fight is going so far. Aldo starts to throw out a left jab, and when he throws a leg kick, Moraes responds with one where he turns his hips into it. A right hand catches Aldo on the chin and snaps his head back, and as Moraes continues with punches, Aldo gets his guard up in time. Moraes tags Aldo with a few more punches, and then whiffs with a wheel kick, so Aldo backs away and then resets to walk him down. Moraes throws a leg kick and then fires a right up top, allowing Aldo to reply with a straight left and then a follow-up right that misses the mark. Moraes digs to the body with a right, and then the two swing at one another as Aldo lands to the body as well. Aldo winds up on big punches and hurts Moraes, causing "Magic" to back away to the fence. Aldo tags him and keeps his opponent backpedaling, until Moraes grabs Aldo and throws him to the canvas. Moraes sits on top as the horn sounds, and Aldo is energized as he jogs back to his corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moraes
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Moraes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moraes

Round 2

A tense second round opens with Moraes throwing a few jabs and a high kick that Aldo sees coming and defends against. Aldo lands to the body, and then throws a heavy leg kick that Moraes counters with a straight right. Moraes lands a strong inside leg kick as he circles out of harm's way, but Aldo is laser-focused as he stalks Moraes down. A few straight punches from Aldo open up a cut on the nose of Moraes, and Moraes tries to back off Aldo with a few jabs, but Aldo is unfazed. Blocking a head kick coming his way, Aldo targets the body with several more punches until Moraes tries to load up with a right-left. Two more fierce body shots get Moraes' attention, so he returns fire with an uppercut that clips Aldo but does not hurt him. The two men land a few punches at the same time, but it is Aldo that is pressing the action. Aldo fires right hook, then a left followed by another right, with each landing flush on Moraes. Not to be outdone, Moraes lands a similar combination, but Aldo's strikes appear to be having a greater effect as they cause a cut to form on the side of Moraes' left eye. Aldo works the jab, so Moraes tries to back him off with a telegraphed wheel kick that Aldo blocks without issue. Aldo cracks him with a right hook, and then leaps in with a flying knee that glances off the midsection of Moraes. Aldo is bearing down with punches, and an uppercut lands that makes the crowd erupt. Moraes eats it, and keeps walking backwards as Aldo blocks a head kick and dodges a few punches coming his direction. Moraes lands a stiff jab, and we hear the horn to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Aldo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aldo

Round 3

The two men embrace as the round begins, much to the delight of the crowd. Aldo throws a few straight shots to the body, and then rings a right hand off the side of Moraes' head. Moraes triples up on the jab, and all three land and force Aldo to take a back step, but it is not for long as he cuts off Moraes' movement around the cage. Trading jabs, Moraes has to keep wiping his face, and circles into the power right hand of Aldo. Moraes is short of the target with a looping hook, and Aldo loads up on a big right that Moraes evades. Moraes leaps in to land a few jabs, and then darts out of the way when Aldo responds, but Aldo is still able to score convincingly. As Moraes continues to retreat, the crowd is starting to turn and rain down boos, begging the fighters to engage with more than jabs and telegraphed strikes that miss. Aldo jumps forward with a knee, and as he soars by Moraes, Moraes laughs at his attempt and dances out of the way. They throw big hooks at one another and both miss, before Aldo scores with a right to end a tense exchange. Moraes sits down on a right hand that lands flush on the chin of Aldo, but Aldo ignores it as Moraes continues to throw. A low kick, followed by a right come from Moraes, who is likely down on the strike totals in this round but tries to make up for it with a few more right hands. Aldo appears unimpressed, taking punches and leaping up for a flying knee to end the round in style. The knee falls short, allowing Moraes to attempt -- and miss badly -- a “Hail Mary” wheel kick. When the 10-second clapper sounds, Aldo stays on his bike to avoid any desperation strikes from Moraes, and raises his arms in the air to celebrate a potential victory. The fight is very close, and the judges may have differing opinions in the upcoming decision. Regardless of the outcome, Aldo likely quieted many naysayers with his impressive showing against a top contender at 135 pounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldo (29-28 Aldo)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Moraes (29-28 Moraes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aldo (29-28 Aldo)

The Official Result

Marlon Moraes def. Jose Aldo via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

UFC Women's Bantamweight Title Fight:
Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie

Round 1

The first of three title fights is up, with the women's bantamweight division on tap in a rematch between champ Nunes (18-4, 11-1 UFC) and de Randamie (9-3, 6-1 UFC), with Nunes taking their first meeting by first-round knockout. Not one single iota of nonsense will take place in this bout as long as referee Keith Peterson is in charge, the two women touch gloves, and we are underway! Nunes opens with a low leg kick, and then a jab as she avoids a counter from de Randamie. A leg kick from Nunes transitions into a big right hand, and de Randamie backs away as the punch catches her on the end of it. De Randamie scores a low kick, and then a body kick as Nunes catches it, threatens with an attack, and sets it back down. Scoring another leg kick, Nunes opts to be patient until unloading some huge punches that de Randamie is able to block. As she closes the distance, Nunes hits a takedown and gets de Randamie down. De Randamie is able to get back to her feet, but Nunes greets her with a guillotine choke that makes de Randamie fall over to defend it. The choke is tight, but de Randamie slowly works her way out of it. Getting back to her feet, de Randamie pushes Nunes against the fence and starts to throw knees until Nunes circles out and lands another takedown. Nunes pulls her opponent's legs out and slams down some heavy punches, and then slows down to pick her shots carefully. "Lioness" calmly lowers herself into the Dutchwoman's guard, and she aims some ground-and-pound while avoiding any upkicks flying her way. Nunes starts to unleash a furious barrage of right hands, and de Randamie is turtling up while Nunes pours it on. Nunes continues to throw punches and steps over to side control, where she sinks in an arm-triangle choke. De Randamie is defending herself by "answering the telephone" and does not overreact to the dangerous situation. As she escapes, de Randamie throws a few upkicks, but Nunes drops down some shots until she backs away. Nunes offers to help up de Randamie when the horn sounds, and de Randamie has survived an onslaught.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Nunes
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-8 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Nunes

Round 2

Round 2 opens with a head kick from de Randamie, and she misses and loads up with a huge right hand that Nunes ducks. De Randamie starts to fire a few stiff jabs out, and Nunes smiles at her. Nunes responds with a low kick, but de Randamie times that kick with a counter right that caught Nunes unaware. De Randamie scores a big right, and again Nunes is grinning, but the Dutchwoman is starting to score effectively. Nunes throws a front kick, but de Randamie is walking forward unafraid. Just then, Nunes changes levels and lands a takedown, with de Randamie holding tight in her guard as Nunes punches the body. Peterson stands the fight up quickly, and de Randamie thanks him by slamming a kick to the side of Nunes' head. Sensing she might have hurt her opponent, de Randamie sets up several powerful knees that score cleanly and make Nunes smile again. Defending herself against the incoming knees, Nunes spins around against the fence and hits a single leg takedown, dragging de Randamie down. Nunes stays comfortable on top, throwing a few punches and loud elbows while de Randamie tries to kick off with his guard. De Randamie briefly fishes for a triangle choke setup, but Nunes shucks it off and stands up. Nunes times her attack with a leaping right hand, but her pace appears to be slowing as we hear the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 de Randamie
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 de Randamie
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 de Randamie

Round 3

The two women high five and exchange words as the round begins, and de Randamie walks forward while landing a kick and avoiding Nunes' counter. As de Randamie swings carelessly, Nunes ducks down and scores a takedown, where the Brazilian ends in half guard. As Nunes drops down a few elbows, de Randamie starts throwing a few palm strikes from her back, but Nunes takes that opportunity to secure a crucifix position. De Randamie sits up to get out of that position, but sits backward against the cage wall as she holds on tight to hope for a standup from Peterson. Nunes stays heavy but is not landing strikes, and de Randamie shrugs with her hands as Nunes tries to punch her in the body a few times. Nunes postures up and looks to rain down a few elbows, and de Randamie keeps a high guard until she latches on to Nunes and holds on for dear life. Nunes breaks free and slams down a few elbows, before timing a leaping elbow as she aims to advance position. The strikes from de Randamie continue to come, and they are largely ineffectual as she eats a few elbows in the meantime. Nunes considers an arm-triangle choke, but bails on the submission attempt to score some more powerful elbows. As Nunes backs off and looks to come down with strikes, de Randamie blasts her with an upkick that may have hurt the champ, who falls awkwardly down atop her opponent. Nunes shakes it off and sends a stream of right elbows on the head of the challenger, all while bucking off an attempted sweep from de Randamie. The third round is now over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes

Round 4

Once more, the two greet in the center of the cage with a glove touch, and Nunes is quick to attack the body. As de Randamie tries to throw a looping punch, Nunes times a takedown and gets de Randamie down to the cage floor once more. In half guard, Nunes rams an elbow into her foe's forehead, so de Randamie grabs hold once more. Nunes sits up occasionally, landing some short right hands and elbows, and then turns to throw a hard left elbow that glances off de Randamie's guard. As she picks her shots carefully, Nunes sits up to land a hacking elbow that makes de Randamie's head bounce off the canvas. As Nunes attempts to pass guard, de Randamie sets up a triangle choke that makes Nunes panic. The choke is tight as looks to double up with an armbar as well, and Nunes slowly twists herself free. As she breaks out of the submission, the crowd erupts for the champ, who drops down for a double leg to yank de Randamie down once again. Nunes stays heavy but looks very fatigued, and de Randamie hangs tight to force a standup. Nunes pops out and hammers a fierce elbow down, while de Randamie throws very short shots off her back. Peterson asks them to keep fighting, so Nunes frames up and an elbow finds its home on de Randamie's head. The pace has now slowed to a crawl, as Nunes has done just enough to keep the fight grounded until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes

Round 5

We are treated to an embrace between the two as the final round begins. De Randamie throws a kick, and Nunes is quick to shoot in for a takedown and score it. The commentators have begun to start taking side bets on whether Peterson will stand the fight up. The Brazilian throws some light punches while on top, but none of them appear to have any sting on them. De Randamie attempts to kick the champ off of her, but Nunes stays heavy and busy enough to keep the fight down. While Nunes lands a solid elbow and a few punches to the body, this is over the course of 60 seconds. Nunes begins to open up with a few more body punches, and as de Randamie looks to defend her side from these strikes, Nunes goes up top with them. Stuck with full guard, de Randamie is unable to mount any offense, attempt any submission or get out of this bad position as time ticks away in the round. The crowd is not amused by the labored punches from Nunes, who is working the body methodically and frequently enough to not receive referee intervention. Peterson tells the champ to work with one minute remaining, so she throws punches more often, and de Randamie is hacking with elbows and flailing her arms to land anything. De Randamie manages to kick herself off with 30 seconds left, and Nunes hops past the legs of the Dutchwoman to land in side control. Nunes stays on top as this round -- and fight -- is mercifully over. Barring an inexplicable judges' decision, mark it 2-0 for Nunes over de Randamie.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (49-45 Nunes)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (49-45 Nunes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (49-45 Nunes)

The Official Result

Amanda Nunes def. Germaine de Randamie via Unanimous Decision (49-44, 49-46, 49-45)

UFC Featherweight Title Fight:
Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski

Round 1

The second of three title fights is upon us, with Holloway (21-4, 17-4 UFC) putting his featherweight strap and lengthy 145-pound win streak on the line against the similarly streaking Volkanovski (20-1, 7-0 UFC), with the two men winning their last 18 bouts combined at 145 pounds. Referee Jason Herzog will keep a watchful eye on this matchup. These two touch gloves repeatedly, and this featherweight title fight is officially on! Holloway comes out cautiously, sizing up his opponent and throwing long jabs as he walks towards his opponent. The two trade leg kicks, and Holloway aims a few long punches to the body a few times. Volkanovski scores with a solid one-two on Holloway, and tries to capitalize on that success by throwing a few like it. All the while, Volkanovski scores with multiple powerful calf kicks, and Holloway tries to stay away as Volkanovski loads up on his punches. Holloway is content to stick and move, and Volkanovski is leaning into his strikes, landing some on the traditionally slow starter. A few more leg kicks are finding their home for the Aussie, who has landed at least ten so far to great effect. Holloway drops his hands to his waist and eats a left from Volkanovski that makes him grin. Holloway turns his hips into a leg kick and Volkanovski does not flinch, before charging forward to catch Holloway at the end of his punches. As Volkanovski bull rushes him, Holloway clips him with a counter, before Volkanovski lands a hard right that gets Holloway's attention. "The Great" pursues a takedown against the fence briefly, but Holloway practically walks out of it as he defends it. Volkanovski throws a low kick with each leg and Holloway has largely ignored them, while dodging a few looping hooks from the challenger. The horn sounds to end this close first round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 2

A touch of gloves clocks in this second round, and the two paw at one another until Volkanovski fires that same low leg kick that Holloway absorbs. Volkanovski lands two on the inside, and Holloway changes levels to throw a big right hook to the body. The Hawaiian lands a one-two, and Volkanovski chases him with a leg kick that sets Holloway off-balance briefly. These leg kicks could spell trouble for the champ, who tries and fails to check one as he takes another. Holloway closes in to interrupt the kicks, and Volkanovski times it with two looping shots that miss, allowing the Aussie to throw a few more vicious kicks. The leg kick finds its home on the inside, and Holloway's movement appears to be very moderately hampered as a result of these repeated kicks. Holloway attempts to counter one such kick with a right over the top, but the Aussie is undeterred as he throws a few more before whiffing with a spinning back fist. The kicks are starting to make the champ's lead leg swell and turn red, and he switches stances briefly. As soon as he changes stances, Volkanovski aims at that lead leg again, until Holloway lands a stern one-two that Volkanovski tries to counter over the top. Volkanovski catches Holloway at the end of his right hook, and Holloway has changed stances and stayed there for a good while. The Aussie charges in with a three-punch salvo, and Holloway blocks it to unleash a combination of his own that backs away the willing challenger. Holloway misses a spinning back kick, and Volkanovski attempts to close the distance while scoring another few leg kicks to Holloway's other leg. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway

Round 3

Volkanovski rushes forward with a blitz to start the round, and Holloway avoids the harm while eating a kick on his right leg. Holloway follows after him with long punches, and closes the distance but Volkanovski is ready to counter with an overhand right. The both land simultaneous body kicks, and Holloway throws a right hand while Volkanovski is prepared to fire back at him with his own counter right. Holloway scores an uppercut, and the Aussie concocts a response with a solid left. As he lands flush on Holloway, Holloway looks at him and shakes his head as they start talking to each other. Holloway tries to string a few jabs together but none connect, and Volkanovski successfully connects with several glancing hooks before nearly kicking Holloway's legs from beneath him. Holloway tries to lead with a stomp knee, and Volkanovski cracks him with a left hand and then another, while Holloway looks to counter with a knee on the way in. Holloway attempts to chase Volkanovski down with a left hook, and then misses with a one-two as Volkanovski lands a jab. The two stand in front of one another and trade, but the power is in the advantage of Volkanovski as he chains his punches in with a few heavy leg kicks. Holloway lands a flush knee to the torso as Volkanovski presses forward, so the Aussie throws a few leg kicks as Holloway jacks him in the jaw with a right hand. The two continue to talk to each other as Holloway misses a spinning back kick before connecting with a body kick. Holloway spins all the way around with a back fist as the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 4

The champ opens up with a body kick, and Volkanovski is ready to counter with a right hand over the top. "The Great" fires a few more hard leg kicks, and Holloway jumps in with a stomp to the knee while his opponent responds with a huge right that stuns the Hawaiian. Holloway walks through it and eats a powerful right hand, as Volkanovski stands his man up with hard punches. Holloway scores with a left, causing Volkanovski to rush in and pursue a takedown, but Holloway shoves it off and lands an elbow for good measure. As Holloway returns to orthodox, Volkanovski throws a few leg kicks but Holloway chains a combination together to give Volkanovski pause. The champ puts together another successful string of punches, but as he takes a leg kick, he is forced to switch stances. Any time Holloway returns to orthodox, Volkanovski is prepared with a leg kick to make him unstable. Holloway scores with an uppercut, and then another successful combination backs off Volkanovski. Holloway stays long with a few punches to the head, and then works the body with a straight left as he gets comfortable. The two continue to talk to each other, and Volkanovski thuds a few leg kicks to Holloway's lead leg as Holloway walks him down. As the two come together, Holloway lands a stiff right to the body followed by a kick to the torso until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 5

The two men touch gloves one last time to open the final round. Holloway targets the body early and often, while Volkanovski responds with multiple leg kicks. Any time Holloway closes the distance, Volkanovski slings hooks from each arm, making the champ back off. Holloway cracks Volkanovski to the body, and celebrates his work as he resets. Holloway continues to attack the body, while keeping the jab in front of him to stave off Volkanovski. The Aussie continues to throw lead leg kicks, and Holloway ignores them until Volkanovski crashes forward into the clinch to possibly pursue a takedown. Holloway brings his knee up and lands to the cup, and they separate as Holloway apologizes. Volkanovski rips the body and then cracks the champ with two ferocious right hands that Holloway laughs off and asks if he has anything more with that. Volkanovski ducks down to pursue a takedown, and Holloway times an uppercut, before pushing the challenger off of him and scoring an elbow on the break. Holloway sneaks in a body kick, and Volkanovski responds with double jabs and a right hand that barely misses. The uppercut again finds its home for Holloway, who backs off Volkanovski and Holloway walks him down. Volkanovski drops down to look for one final takedown or tie up Holloway, but the champ shoves him off as he throws a wild spinning kick that is well off the mark. The two swing until the final horn sounds, and we could very well see a new champion in the 145-pound division. This was a thrilling fight, regardless of the winner, and one we could see again in the future.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway (48-47 Volkanovski)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Holloway (48-47 Volkanovski)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway (48-47 Volkanovski)

The Official Result

Alexander Volkanovski def. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 50-45)

UFC Welterweight Title Fight:
Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington

Round 1

We have now reached the headlining attraction of UFC 245, between a pair of once-beaten wrestlers in champ Usman (15-1, 10-0 UFC) and former interim title holder Covington (15-1, 10-1 UFC). The two have a slew of interesting statistical similarities coming into this matchup, including wins over the man that beat their opponent, seven finish wins apiece and 10 victories inside the Octagon. Referee Marc Goddard will keep this grudge match clean, unsurprisingly there is no touch of gloves, and it's time for the main event! Covington comes out with a jab, and Usman replies with one, and neither land. Covington throws a low kick, causing Usman to throw a head kick back at him, and Usman slips to the canvas but gets up before Covington can catch him. Covington lands a hard body kick and whiffs with an uppercut, but lands with a left as Usman ignores it. As Usman wades forward, Covington is landing short shots while Usman throws wider punches. Covington lands to the body with another kick, and they come together and trade as Usman comes out more successful in that exchange. A right snaps the head back of Covington, who responds with a left that does the same. Usman cracks him with a right and causes him to smile, leaving Covington to string several jabs together. An uppercut from Usman falls shy of the target as Covington grins, and Covington scores with a huge left hand. Covington lands a flush knee, and they tie up as Usman brings a few up. Usman flicks out multiple jabs, as Covington loads up with a left that lands on the button. Covington keeps his jab going, never throwing one single jab but instead two, three or more. Covington throws a few body kicks, and Usman swings back with a body kick. As Covington cracks him with a left, Usman bites down on his mouthpiece and hits him back hard. Usman digs a solid right to the midsection, and Covington grimaces, so Usman throws back to the same spot. Covington appears undeterred and walks forward, allowing Usman to throw another uppercut to the stomach. Covington leaps in with a knee, but Usman is targeting the body as he blocks it. The two men trade jabs and Usman rips the body as Covington goes to the head. The round ends with the two swinging, and they laugh at each other and hype up the crowd.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 2

Usman begins the second stanza by winging up a head kick, and a few jabs from Usman have caused some damage around Covington's right eye. Covington throws up a head kick that is blocked, and they both target the body. Usman chains a few jabs together, so Covington throws back with some and then a right over the top. "The Nigerian Nightmare" jabs to the body with a kick, causing Covington to drop his hands to protect his body for a moment. A jab from Usman bloodies up the nose of Covington, who responds with a huge left hand that hurts Usman. Covington keeps on by throwing a few more lefts, and Usman stands firm and throws right back at him in the pocket. Usman flips a head kick up that is blocked, but aims a body kick as they trade jab after jab. Covington just misses with a huge uppercut as Usman connects with a big left hand, Usman goes back do the body. A body kick from Usman misses, allowing Covington to sink in several quick jabs as the crowd chants "Colby." Covington jumps up with a kick, and inadvertently lands to the top of Usman's cup. The crowd is not thrilled in the replay, but after a brief break from Goddard, we resume the action. Usman starts with a low kick before swinging wildly with a left, switches stances and throws a left jab followed by a big right hook that misses. The two land flush on each other, and as Covington sticks out the jab, Usman sits down on a right hand and backs his man off for a moment. Two right hands from Usman land, and he misses with a head kick but connects on the body a few times. A left to the body from Covington follows a right to the head, and Usman staggered him with a right hand. The crowd goes wild, and Usman aims hard to the body that appears to hurt "Chaos." Usman targets the midsection a few more times until the round ends, where the two stand in front of each other and make faces.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 3

Usman takes his time to start the round before flipping out a jab, and then stabs to the torso with a front kick. Covington ducks down to throw a left hand, and Usman catches him with a knee up the middle. Usman works the jab for the outside as he evades a counter left from Covington. The pace has waned, at least briefly, while Usman times his shots carefully to counter Covington coming in. The two trade jabs, and a massive right hand from Usman stings his opponent before Usman slings a body kick. Covington wears it well as he keeps his right jab coming, but he absorbs another stern kick to the breadbasket. Usman lets fly another kick to the body before following it with a blocked head kick and then a right hand that freezes Covington momentarily. Usman lands a one-two and then two front kicks to the body as Covington's pace slows more. Usman thumps a right to the body and avoids the counter, before catching Covington on the end of a right hand. The right hand to the body makes Covington drop his hands once more to block the punches, so Usman comes over the top with a right. As Covington takes it, Usman rushes in to attack. This stokes a fire in the belly of "Chaos" who unleashes a barrage but jabs a finger into Usman's left eye. Usman immediately reacts, and Covington gets a shot in before Goddard stops the action. The doctor checks on the fighter, and Usman takes his time to recover. As the action resumes, Covington rushes in with a few jabs and a looping left hook that Usman ducks. Usman has timed the right to the body in the form of an uppercut, and Covington continues to take it without being able to stop it. A big right from Usman concludes the round dramatically, as Covington claims he was poked but it appears to be a punch.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Usman

Round 4

The replay booth shows a massive right hand that could have broken the jaw of Covington, and the damage remains to be seen. Usman opens with a front kick to the body, and Covington comes out firing with everything he has. These two stand in front of each other and bang it out, with Covington stinging Usman with a few nasty right hands. Usman defends well and keeps his jab going, but Covington is fighting aggressively and taking shots in the process. Usman rips to the body with a right hand and then a body kick, so Covington loads up on a left that staggers Usman briefly. Covington cracks Usman with an uppercut, and Usman wears it without any ill effect, throwing a few more jabs but eating another. Covington strings a powerful combination together, and lands successfully repeatedly, but much to his chagrin, Usman is not bothered by it as he walks forward and throws a body kick. Usman targets the body again, and then a right hand that sends Covington reeling. The two swing and land hooks on one another, but Usman is scoring more often than Covington. A three-punch combination nearly buckles the legs of Usman, but he shakes it out, and while doing so, Covington targets the lead leg with a few inside leg kicks. Covington has found a home with that kick, and Usman potentially lands an eye poke as Covington calls a time out. Goddard stops the action and tells them to fight on until he says stop, so when he checks them back in, Covington runs at him. Covington attempts a Superman punch, and Usman catches him with a knee. The two laugh and jaw at each other as the fourth round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 5

The last round begins, and Covington opens up with a left hand. Usman sneaks up a head kick that glances off Covington's head, but "Chaos" appears unconcerned. The two trade heavy leather in front of each other, going punch-for-punch in rapid succession. As Usman leaps in with a left, Covington counters with a massive right hand. Covington against scores with a long left, so not to be outdone, Usman does the same. Three punches land flush from Covington, and Usman throws three back at him but only hits two. Usman aims back at the midsection again, with a few punches that make Covington take a step back. Usman misses with a one-two, and chains that together with another that partially lands. Covington fires up a head kick that is blocked, and the subsequent left he throws does score. Usman goes back to the body with a left, and block the return fire from Covington. As they wing punches at each other, Covington nearly falls over, but he regains his composure just in time to engage in a wild slugfest. Usman cracks Covington hard with a right, and the damage is mounting for Usman. Covington is hurt and retreating, but Usman chases him and bites down on his mouthpiece to throw vicious. Usman unleashes a hellacious right hand and drops Covington, but Covington rolls out and pops back up. A second right straight from Usman sends Covington crashing to the floor once more, throwing everything he has into these last punches. Covington shoots in low for a takedown while Usman rains down a torrent of hammerfists. The punches continue until Goddard has seen enough, and we now have back-to-back UFC main events that end with one minute left in the fifth round. The crowd goes wild, and Usman has now defended his title against a fight that will almost certainly take home "Fight of the Night." What a fight, and what a win for "The Nigerian Nightmare." Covington protests the stoppage, but his face is battered and bloodied when he gets back to his feet. Usman dedicates his performance to the "whole entire world," and brings his brother in to give love to his nephew that passed away earlier in the year in an emotional moment.

The Official Result

Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington R5 4:10 via TKO (Punches)