UFC 283 ‘Teixeira vs. Hill’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Daniel Marcos (136) vs. Saimon Oliveira (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oliveira (-170), Marcos (+145)

Round 1

For the first time since right before the pandemic, the UFC is back in Brazil, and it is a long time coming. Fittingly, every one of the UFC record-tying 15 matches contains at least one Brazilian, while two fights pit countrymen against one another. This marathon of a pay-per-view offering begins in the bantamweight division, as Santa Catarina native Oliveira (18-4, 0-1 UFC) tries to make good in his second try in the Octagon. He faces promotional newcomer Marcos (13-0, 0-0 UFC), who will look to keep his spotless record intact in hostile territory. The first assignment of this show in the Jeunesse Arena goes to referee Fernando Portella, who observes a clap of hands to get the night started. Oliveira is the initial aggressor, and he scores first with a sweeping low kick. Marcos responds with a front kick that smacks his man right on the jaw, surprising him early. From a wide distance, Oliveira shoots in for a takedown, but it is buffeted by the Peruvian as they clinch up against the wall. Oliveira jams a knee up the middle as his foe tries to escape, and a second effort from Marcos allows him to turn things around and blast a knee to the body. Oliveira spins him back around as the crowd already lets the fighters know of their brief displeasures. Marcos breaks off and dodges a spinning back fist by a matter of inches, and he lets fly a quick body kick. Oliveira replies with a slapping calf kick, and when he attacks another, Marcos slips out of the way. The Brazilian fighter leaps forward for another takedown that is far away from his opponent, and Marcos sees it coming and stands him up without issue. On the break, Oliveira pursues another spinning back fist, and this one collides off the guard. Marcos walks forward calmly, ripping two punches to the body, while Oliveira backs off and bounces off the fending. Oliveira springs into action, running forward with his fists outstretched and a flying knee, and Marcos guards against it and is forced to deal with a takedown to follow. Marcos cracks him with a big knee on the way up as he stops the takedown entry, and he releases his foe so he can slap a kick to the body. Marcos strings together a short combination and bobs out of the way when counters come at him, and he catches a fleeing Oliveira at the end of a right hand. Oliveira spins with a back fist, and he starts to get reckless and misses the mark wildly. Marcos closes in, and the two suddenly engage in a ferocious flurry of fists, with both landing cleanly. Oliveira changes things in up in pursuit of a single, and when that fails, he spins and gets drilled on the way out. The rounds ends, and the two jaw at one another.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Marcos
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira

Round 2

The fighters reintroduce themselves to one another with a quick glove touch, and Oliveira leads the dance with a high kick that misses his intended target. The Brazilian spins with another back fist, and he goes wide. Oliveira attempts another, and this makes him fall over. As he tries to recover, Marcos lets rip a kick to the body, and Oliveira hunches over in pain as he runs to the cage wall. Marcos gives chase, nailing him with another kick beneath the guard. Oliveira backpedals, and he finds himself getting blitzed by a combination of a few punches, a head kick, and a solid right hook. Oliveira tries to get one back with a spinning back fist, and Marcos does not seem concerned as he blocks it without issue. Oliveira loads up on his punches while Marcos is calmer and more measured, and the spins continue to fail. Marcos connects with a kick to the body to buckle Oliveira’s knees, and as he leans up against the wall, “Soncora” is there to continue his beating of the midsection. Oliveira tries to escape, and a knee from Marcos connects flush. One more vicious knee to the body crumbles the Brazilian, who shells up but is clearly done. Finishing the job with a bow in the form of a few punches while Oliveira is face-down on the floor, Marcos keeps on striking until Portella steps in and calls the fight. This was a statement introductory performance for the still undefeated Peruvian fighter, who notches one more knockout on his growingly impressive resume.

The Official Result

Daniel Marcos def. Saimon Oliveira R2 2:18 via KO (Knee to the Body and Punches)

Zarah Fairn dos Santos (146) vs. Josiane Nunes (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nunes (-475), Dos Santos (+380)

Round 1

Moving right along in these overstuffed prelims, a rare women’s featherweight match is set to play out with potential title implications for one fighter. In hopes of going 3-0 in the all-but abandoned weight category, Nunes (9-1, 2-0 UFC) faces a woman that has not yet earned a win with the promotion in Fairn (6-4, 0-2 UFC). It could be a striker’s delight for as long as it lasts, and referee Marc Goddard draws the charge for this contest. The ladies touch ‘em up before trading, and they do not waste any time to engage. Fairn fires off a low kick and one to the body, and she connects with several punches as she uses her range effectively immediately. Nunes slings back, catching the Frenchwoman a few times, but Fairn is lining her up and teeing off on her. Nunes bites down on her gumshield and swings hooks, and Fairn is out of harm’s way in time. Fairn kicks low and punches high, and she grabs Nunes’ right arm to punch her in the face. Fairn blasts another kick to the lead leg, and when she chains a punch into it, Nunes races forward to throw bombs. Fairn slides out of harm’s way without much concern, and she resets to walk ahead and bloody Nunes’ nose with a string of heavy punches. Nunes leaps forward with superwoman punches to close in, and when she gets some space, she connects with two punches. Fairn does not let her off the hook, drilling her back with her own salvo. Nunes comes up short with looping punches, and Fairn marks her up and draws some swelling around Nunes’ right eye. Nunes swings for the bleachers on the way in, and Fairn escapes and chops at her lead leg a few more times for good measure. They tie up for a moment to catch their breath, and then break free. Nunes strides forward, hoping to reach the target, but Fairn’s outstretched arms allow her to defend them. Fairn ducks away, and she appears to be slowing, while Nunes charges like a 5-foot-2 bull. Nunes wings hooks that start to find their home, and she knocks Fairn to the wall. Nunes ties her up and tries to knee her in the face, but her knee cannot rise high enough. Nunes breaks off and marches the French fighter down as Fairn circles away. Fairn leans and sways back, dodging the attacks of Nunes, and the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fairn
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Fairn
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Fairn

Round 2

When the second round begins, Nunes walks out of her corner like a small Terminator. Fairn lets her close in, and she tries to time knees and long punches on the way forward. Nunes’ forward movement backs Fairn to the wall, and she crowds her with heavy punches. Fairn escapes out the side, strafing laterally, while Nunes is a woman possessed, lobbing bombs. Nunes reaches her foe with a superwoman punch, and she knocks Fairn into the cage and off of it. Fairn shoves her away, but Nunes will not stay away for long. Nunes connects with looping punches at a higher accuracy rate than before, as Fairn’s defense is struggling while she keeps circling. Nunes clubs her and knocks her back, before tying her up and jamming her up against the wall. Fairn spins her around in the clinch momentarily to get off a knee, but Nunes muscles her foe around and elbows her on the jaw. Fairn pushes off again, and she absorbs a low kick on the way out. Fairn strings off a one-two, and another as Nunes walks after her. Nunes swings with reckless abandon to make a statement to the judges, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Nunes

Round 3

Like the last round, Nunes comes out of her corner straight towards her opponent. Fairn keeps her at bay with jabs, until Nunes surges forward to throw two big left hooks. The Frenchwoman fakes a level change to draw out a reaction, and this makes Nunes take a different angle of approach. Nunes walks face-first into jabs as the rangier Fairn tags her on the already damaged eye. Nunes bullies her way forward to lob bombs in the form of left and right hooks that would do some serious damage if they landed, but Fairn is out of the way. Fairn slaps a kick to the body, and she evades the windmilling hooks that soar towards her face to get away from the cage wall. Fairn jabs, and many hit the raised guard of her opponent, but they still keep Nunes from immediately advancing. Nunes slaps a hand away to dart forward with a big right hand, and she snaps the head back and stands Fairn straight up with a heavy salvo. Nunes rips the body to open up the head, and the strikes sting Fairn as she is back against the wall. Fain tries to gain some space, but Nunes is on her like a dog with a bone, throwing everything she has left into haymaker after haymaker. No punch from the Brazilian is straight, as every one has a wide arc and a seemingly higher point of impact than the strikes from Fairn. When Fairn escapes, Nunes takes a moment to reset before charging, and she catches her foe at the end of a left hand. Fairn paws out a few jabs and a couple right hands to follow them, and she connects from a safe range with solid punches. Nunes crashes the pocket, and Fairn backs away but gets popped with an overhand left. Nunes ties her opponent up, and on the break, she scores a right hook. The last punches of the fight come from Fairn, who has two one-twos bounce off Nunes’ guard. The final bell rings in the surprisingly empty arena, and this fight was likely closer than many expected it would be.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)

The Official Result

Josiane Nunes def. Zarah Fairn dos Santos via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Warlley Alves (171) vs. Nicolas Dalby (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alves (-125), Dalby (+105)

Round 1

Welterweights take center stage as the proceedings keep moving, with TUF Brazil 3 middleweight winner Alves (14-5, 8-5 UFC) repping his home country against Denmark’s Dalby (20-4-1, 2 NC; 4-3-1, 1 NC UFC). The third man inside the Octagon for this interesting stylistic clash will be referee Herb Dean, who clocks them in as Alves tries to offer a glove touch but is not accepted. Alves absorbs a low kick and immediately kicks into high gear, swarming the Dane with punches and a couple low kicks back. Dalby strikes back, and Alves loses his balance from the middle of the cage to the wall, but he is not hurt. When Dalby reaches him, Alves grabs him and ties him up, and he uses tight chest pressure to tire his man out. Dalby spins him around and grinds him back, with short knees to the thigh and body as the crowd grows restless less than two minutes in. Alves boxes the ears and jumps up to rip a knee to the body, and this allows him to get enough space to separate. The Brazilian strikes with a kick to the body, and he kicks low twice in the midst of a Dalby combination. Dalby returns fire with a low kick, and he wipes his eye as he appears to have been swiped with a finger. Alves offers an apologetic hand instead of lashing out, and Dalby motions that he is fine and they get back to it. They trade heavy kicks, and Alves’ landing to the body connect with audible thuds. A clack of heads opens a cut on the corner of Dalby’s right eye, but he pays it no mind as he pushes off and walks Alves down. They both throw hands at the same time, leading to a clinch. Dalby sprints in the clinch to push Alves all the way across the cage into the wall, and the crowd lets him have it. Dalby squeezes his foe on the cage wall, even landing a short foot stomp, as Alves smacks him upside the head with short punches. Dalby breaks off with an elbow that surprises Alves, and Alves leaps forward only to get countered with a left hook. Dalby scores a one-two and a few punches, and the horn echoes through the building.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Alves
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Dalby

Round 2

Alves lands first with a front kick, and he kicks Dalby’s lead leg to follow it. Dalby replies with his own low kick, and they close the distance towards one another and bump heads again. Alves rushes in to throw bombs, and he uses his forward momentum to change levels and drop down for a single-leg takedown. When they awkwardly hit the mat in the scramble, Dalby falls to his back in search of a triangle choke. The Brazilian shucks it off and claims top position, and he holds on from on top without landing much of note. As they stay pinned to the floor, Dalby explodes out of nowhere to return to his feet, and a potential Alves guillotine choke setup is not there to be had. Dalby works Alves over with an elbow, body shots, knees and a few punches, before tying him up against and pushing him to the wire. As Dalby grinds, the crowd whistles and boos the control from the Danish fighter. Alves breaks away, and he lumbers forward to wrap a right hand around the guard. Dalby springs away and kicks low, he connects with a solid elbow on the jaw. They smash one another in the face with right hands, and neither man appears to be the worse for wear after the fierce exchange. Dalby kicks high a few times, and Alves loads up on a right hand and spins with a back fist that careens off the top of the head. Alves blocks a right hand but cannot defend against a side kick to the breadbasket, although he slips an overhand right to drill Dalby with a right hand. Dalby is loose and light on his feet, stringing together combinations of unusual strikes one after the other, like a body shot to a head kick. Dalby slides out of the way from oncoming fire, and Alves pushes his fingers out and rakes the right eye of Alves. Dean recognizes this immediately and pauses the fight, and Dalby takes 30 seconds to recover. With seconds to spare, Alves tries one head kick, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Dalby

Round 3

Between rounds, Alves blows his nose, and his eye swells up to a small degree because of it. The welterweights meet in the middle and throw hands to start off Round 3, and Alves begins with a barrage of power punches. Dalby responds but gets knocked back, and Alves’ power is the different maker. Alves splits the guard with an uppercut, and he knocks Dalby into the wall and his forward pace leads them to clinch up. Dalby manages to escape and strings a few punches to the body and head together. Alves blocks a head kick in time, and he slips a strike to score a right hand. Alves surges forward to connect with a few more punches, and a takedown try from the Brazilian is stifled. As they stay stuck against one another in the clinch, Dean asks them to work a few times. Dalby hands on for as long as he can, with short knees to the body, until he chooses to break away. Alves walks him down and blasts him in the face with a right hand, and Dalby’s knees wobble but do not buckle. Alves lets loose with a low kick, and a huge right hook stuns Dalby for a moment. Alves checks a low kick so that he can unload with a right hand, and he jumps with a spinning back fist that grazes on the top of the forehead. Dalby slows Alves momentarily with a short salvo, but Alves fires back hard to get Dalby’s attention. Dalby meanders back to the cage, and Alves leaps at him with a flying knee that makes him collide with the wall instead of his opponent. Dalby stays on his bike, circling around to strike and sneak in a takedown. Alves springs right back up, and they tie up. With seconds to go, Alves pushes off, and they both score punches until the fight concludes. It seems like this will be a close one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alves (29-28 Dalby)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Alves (29-28 Alves)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (30-27 Dalby)

The Official Result

Nicolas Dalby def. Warlley Alves via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Ismael Bonfim (156) vs. Terrance McKinney (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McKinney (-125), Bonfim (+105)

Round 1

An all-action lightweight tilt is on deck now, as the first of two debuting Brazilian brothers walks to the cage. Bonfim (18-3, 0-0 UFC), signed off the 2022 season of the Contender Series, throws down with the ultraviolent McKinney (13-4, 3-1 UFC), who has never before competed longer than 10 minutes and 43 seconds. Referee Osiris Maia will need to be ready to step in at a moment’s notice, and he takes a deep breath as the two fighters touch ‘em up. McKinney whips a kick high, and as that is blocked, he steps in with a knee that is not. McKinney fires off another head kick that slaps off the guard, and his left leg is very busy early with front kicks and kicks to all angles. McKinney strides in with another step-in knee, and he nearly meets Bonfim with it before Bonfim can make him pay with an overhand right. Bonfim measures his big right hand, but he cannot get inside as McKinney is kicking at him repeatedly. McKinney plants the ball of his foot on the sternum, and he stings Bonfim with a straight right but strikes back with a heavy right hand. McKinney sprawls instinctively as a level change into a takedown rushes at him, and Bonfim’s momentum forces them to both hit the mat for a moment. “T.Wrecks” bounces right back up, and his mouthpiece goes flying. They clinch up when standing, and as soon as they separate, McKinney motions that he would like his gumshield back. Maia gives it back, and when they reset, Bonfim blasts the American with a right hand. McKinney changes levels this time, in search of a takedown after getting stung, and they clinch up for some time. McKinney ties up one leg and ends up dragging Bonfim down, and he tries to claim the back when he goes down. The Brazilian slams him on the face with elbows that are very close to 12-6, until he spins around and into a guillotine choke setup for McKinney. When there is no choke, McKinney stands up, and he takes a knee to the thigh before getting wrenched down to the mat. McKinney leaps back up only to succumb to a mat return, and once more he climbs to his feet. Bonfim looks for a single, and releases it to let fly a head kick. The blocked kick puts Bonfim on his back, and McKinney leaps on top but cannot do anything before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bonfim
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Bonfim
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bonfim

Round 2

The second round begins with an aggressive Bonfim looking to push the action, and he strikes first with a quick right hand on the outside. McKinney lets his hands go, and Bonfim is more accurate and rocks him with a short combination. McKinney dives into a takedown try, and Bonfim keeps his balance in part thanks to a fence grab. McKinney lets go and backs up with the cage at his back, and he sits back, prepared to counter. Bonfim does not blitz forward or do anything reckless, instead waiting for McKinney to throw so he can counter him instead. This lull lasts until McKinney works a right hand to the body, and Bonfim responds with a left to the body and right to the head. Bonfim scores a big left to the ribcage, and he ducks as a high kick soars over his head. McKinney looks to catch an oncoming Bonfim with a knee, and Bonfim replies with a two-punch combination that ejects McKinney’s mouthpiece once again. Seeing that McKinney is stung and throwing back wildly, Bonfim backs off to find a better angle. Like a bolt of lightning, Bonfim leaps in the air with a double flying knee. His left knee connects as cleanly as it possibly could on the side of McKinney’s head and neck – this is sort of a good thing, as McKinney’s mouthpiece is on the floor – and McKinney is immediately unconscious. In true highlight reel fashion, Bonfim lands comfortably while McKinney falls lifelessly to the ground on his face. Incredible! In his UFC debut, Bonfim just completely annihilated a highly touted prospect with a vicious knockout that is an instant contender for “Knockout of the Year.” That’s one heck of a way to introduce yourself to the bosses, as the crowd goes wild for their home country fighter's spectacular finish.

The Official Result

Ismael Bonfim def. Terrance McKinney R2 2:17 via KO (Flying Knee)

Luan Lacerda (136) vs. Cody Stamann (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Stamann (-340), Lacerda (+280)

Round 1

The prelims continue with a bantamweight battle between two grapplers with significantly different backgrounds. The submission-savvy Lacerda (12-1, 0-0 UFC), with 10 tapouts across his 12 wins, will try to add one more sub defeat to the ledger of Michigan’s Stamann (20-5-1, 6-4-1 UFC). The Octagon ranger for this matchup is referee Marc Goddard, and Stamann runs out of his corner without offering a glove touch. Stamann circles and hops in and out to find his range, and he walks into a leg kick or two. The Brazilian uses kicks to keep himself at safe range, slapping a kick off the low guard of his opponent. Stamann closes in, but as he sees a counter coming his way, he darts back. Stamann strings together four punches before Lacerda can respond, and the response is a body kick. Stamann shakes his head when it lands, and he walks through a body kick on the other side so that he can put three punches and a low kick on his foe. Stamann’s movement is constant and frenetic, changing angles and not keeping one specific, predictable pattern. Lacerda tries to reach him a few times, but Stamann is out of harm’s way in time. Lacerda sits down on a body kick, and this thuds off the side of the American. Lacerda continues to prod with body kicks, and Stamann gets tired of eating them and charges with an overhand right. Lacerda threatens with a level change, and he gets stuffed and jabbed back. Lacerda continues to spam kicks from both legs, with the distance they keep largely keeping Stamann from getting too close. The Brazilian keeps a high guard to block the overhand punches from “The Spartan,” and he kicks low and to the body with impunity. Lacerda connects with his shin to the body, and Stamann surges into action with a barrage of punches. Stamann kicks low, and then checks one in response. Lacerda steps in with a knee, and he absorbs a clean right hand without batting an eye. Stamann knocks Lacerda back with a similar combination, and he is pushes away and raises his arms to shrug at him. With a few seconds left, Stamann walks off, and Lacerda jumps at him with a knee that slams into Stamann's cup. As it hits on the bell, there is no pause, and Stamann limps back to his corner in pain.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lacerda
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lacerda
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Lacerda

Round 2

The bantamweights touch fists to begin this round, and Stamann appears recovered from the groin strike and is moving comfortably again. Strafing from side to side, Stamann walks through a body kick so that he can nail his opponent with a kick to the calf and then one to the liver. Lacerda responds with a high kick, and it collides with the guard without concern. Stamann darts in to score a punch, and he parries a counter. Stamann lets go with a one-two, and he evades the counters to connect with a few back. Stamann drops his hands to draw out a brawl, and this lets Lacerda bust him in the chops. Stamann returns fire, and they both throw heavy punches as the crowd gets into it. Stamann counters a step-in knee with a clean left hand, and Lacerda is rattled but still upright. Lacerda has a kick caught, and Stamann throws him to the mat but does not jump on top to take top position. When Lacerda gets his feet beneath him again, Stamann chops at them. Lacerda replies with a low kick, and the commentary team begins to drift off into conversations about hockey fights. As they do, Lacerda continues to plod after his opponent while Stamann lands cleaner strikes on his bike. The American catches a kick, and he lets it go so that he can plant two fists on Lacerda’s face. Stamann strings a pair of body shots together and works one to the head, and he sneaks two punches around the guard. Lacerda whips a head kick at him, and Stamann is out of the way before that or the two punches that follow can catch him. Stamann continues to move, and he tries to back Lacerda off with a push kick but has to deal with the oncoming fire from the Brazilian. Lacerda drills a few punches to the body, and he finishes the round with a couple more body shots.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stamann
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Stamann
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Stamann

Round 3

Touching gloves to start off the final round, it could very well be one round apiece with this one the difference maker. The two are tentative to begin, with Stamann actively moving and not staying in one place for long. Lacerda backs Stamann down and gets off a few punches before Stamann can escape, and Stamann hops forward with a leg kick and back when a head kick whizzes towards his face. Stamann swipes out with a left, and his leg kick finds its home right on the inside of the knee. The Brazilian releases a kick to the body, punching his way into a double-leg takedown approach. Lacerda elevates his opponent and slams him down to the mat, and Stamann stays down for less than two seconds before leaping back up. Lacerda’s mat return, in the form of a clean double, allows him to lift Stamann up again and drop him down harder. Stamann sits up against the wall without taking much punishment, and Lacerda latches on to a guillotine choke that he uses to keep his full body weight pressed so that Stamann cannot stand up either. Lacerda lets the choke go and immediately drops down for a single, but Stamann hops out of it and sprints away to reset. Lacerda gives chase, and Stamann outboxes him briefly with a few jabs and follow-up right hands. Lacerda lands one single jab back, and Stamann walks forward to connect with a handful of body shots. Lacerda tosses out body kicks from both legs, and one from Lacerda’s left leg stuns the American briefly. Lacerda continues to spam kicks to the same side, seeing that he might have done some damage, and Stamann’s work rate falls off a cliff as he just moves from side to side. Stamann ignores another body kick to land a few punches to the side, and he motions for Lacerda to come get him. Lacerda remains measured and composed, jabbing with front kicks and his fists, so that Stamann’s oncoming counters cannot find him. The fight ends, and it might be another close one that goes either way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lacerda (29-28 Lacerda)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lacerda (29-28 Lacerda)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Lacerda (29-28 Lacerda)

The Official Result

Cody Stamann def. Luan Lacerda via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Shamil Abdurakhimov (263) vs. Jailton Almeida (232)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Almeida (-900), Abdurakhimov (+625)

Round 1

The lone heavyweight fight of the night headlines the early preliminary portion of the event, and it is one that should not last too long. The biggest betting underdog on the card is the 41-year-old Russian Abdurakhimov (20-7, 5-5 UFC) at +650 odds, who faces -1000 overwhelming favorite Almeida (17-2, 3-0 UFC). Anything can and often does happen in this wild sport, so nothing is guaranteed. Putting on his hard hat for this bout that could end in a blink is referee Fernando Portella, and the two big men who were scheduled against one another twice in the past decide to touch gloves well before getting down to business. Almeida kicks first, and Abdurakhimov responds with a blistering right hand that stuns him. Shaken up by the first punch of the fight, the Brazilian rushes forward to lift up the 260-something pound man and slam him down to the mat. Abdurakhimov wall-walks to get back up, but Almeida trips him back out and plants on him on the canvas in the middle of the cage. Abdurakhimov threatens with a kimura sweep, doing enough to force Almeida to take a second approach to get in on top. Abdurakhimov again pursues a two-on-one wrist lock to keep Almeida honest, but “Malhadinho” wriggles his arm out and jumps into full mount. “Abrek” moves well enough to push off, and this lets Almeida slide around to take the back and get both hooks in. Almeida sits to his side and turns around to get mount again, and Abdurakhimov scoots his way to the wall. Almeida traps one arm so that he can drill the Russian in the face with a right hand, but it is one-and-done as he ties Abdurakhimov up to pin him flat on the floor. Almeida slashes down with a single elbow and moves right to mount again, and he uses his weight to take the wind out of Abdurakhimov’s sails. Almeida hooks his own legs beneath Abdurakhimov’s to keep him trapped, as Abdurakhimov looks to kick or buck him off. Abdurakhimov turns to his side to escape, and he manages to get back to half guard and move closer to the cage wall. Abdurakhimov turns to his bell and gives up mount again, with Almeida allowing him to move so that he can sit up and ride Abdurakhimov like a bucking bronco. Almeida postures up to slam his fists into the face of the Russian, and when Abdurakhimov scores a right hand from his back, Almeida shakes his head and lowers himself down to threaten with an arm-triangle choke. Almeida sits up and slices with ferocious elbows, battering Abdurakhimov with heavy punches and smacking him in the head right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Almeida
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Almeida
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Almeida

Round 2

The hands are quickly touched to start off the round, and Almeida sinks in a heavy leg kick that gives Abdurakhimov immediate pause. After a second low kick, Almeida changes levels and dives towards a double. Hitting the takedown with relative ease, Almeida climbs on top and positions himself to three-quarter mount in a hurry. Abdurakhimov looks to wall-walk while surviving, but Almeida winds up and smashes him with a left hand to draw a bad reaction out of the Russian. A series of unanswered lefts lead to a bunch of unanswered right hands from Almeida, and Abdurakhimov tries to fight back and sits up but is in big trouble. Portella implores Abdurakhimov to fight back or the fight will be stopped, and Almeida sits up to score a huge right hand. Abdurakhimov uses every bit of his energy to turn around and get to his knees, and he stands up with his hands on the ground. This is not even a moral victory, as Almeida wrenches him right back to the ground and has his back with Abdurakhimov flattened out. Almeida begins to unload with his fists to the side of the head, and Abdurakhimov has no way to escape, flat on his belly. Almeida continues to pound on the Russian’s dome with strike after unblocked strike, and Portella finally decides that enough is enough and he calls the fight. This was one-way traffic for “Malhadinho,” who ends the early preliminary portion of the event with Brazilians sporting three wins against the world holding the other three.

The Official Result

Jailton Almeida def. Shamil Abdurakhimov R2 2:56 via TKO (Punches)

Gabriel Bonfim (171) vs. Mounir Lazzez (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bonfim (-190), Lazzez (+160)

Round 1

Switching gears to the prelims on the ABC network, welterweights are up as Bonfim (13-0, 0-0 UFC) tries to make his family go 2-0 tonight at the expense of Tunisia native Lazzez (11-2, 2-1 UFC). Bonfim has yet to go the distance as a pro, with a majority of his wins by sub, while Lazzez’ own knockout rate sits at a solid 73%. Overseeing what could be a fun one is referee Herb Dean, and the two fighters do not bump fists as they have violence in mind instead. The two throw kicks at one another almost simultaneously, and Bonfim falls over when throwing too hard. Bonfim backs off and prepares to counter, and he catches an oncoming Lazzez with a clean right hand. Lazzez walks into a kick, slings a few punches, ducks one coming at him and rushes forward in pursuit of a takedown. The Brazilian is prepared, and he counters with a guillotine choke. As they move, Bonfim completely capitalizes on the momentum coming towards him to roll Lazzez over to his back, with the guillotine choke completely secured as soon as he claims full mount. From there, it is only a matter of time, as they are bone dry and Bonfim is at full power. The squeeze is ruthless, and Lazzez grits it out for a few seconds before frantically tapping out on the side, just in time as he would likely have gone out had he not. It is quite a night for the Bonfim brothers, as they secure exceptional finishes in their debuts over extremely tough opponents – Lazzez had never been submitted – in front of a home crowd.

The Official Result

Gabriel Bonfim def. Mounir Lazzez R1 0:49 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Melquizael Costa (155) vs. Thiago Moises (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Moises (-300), Costa (+250)

Round 1

On short notice, Moises (16-6, 5-4 UFC) will draw a drastically different face than his expected opponent of Guram Kutateladze. Instead, he will welcome fellow countryman and LFA vet Costa (19-5, 0-0 UFC) to the organization. Only this fight and the next one feature two combatants both from Brazil, and they are because of late replacements like the extremely excited “Melk.” The lightweight matchup will be officiated by referee Osiris Maia, and the cage is sealed despite a touch of gloves from the combatants. Moises lands an early leg kick, and Costa is giddy to be fighting in the UFC. Costa scores a front kick down the middle, and he pulls back from a head kick to land one on the knee. A second front kick from Costa lands cleanly, and he blocks a high kick right in time. Moises drops down low for a takedown, and Costa defends it before it can get secured. Moises jumps right back up and absorbs a stomp kick on the kneecap. Moises punches his way into a takedown effort, and this too fails as Costa defends and backs himself up to the wall. Moises opts to go after a body lock with a trip on the inside, and he even lifts Costa up momentarily, but he cannot put the newcomer on his back. Costa stays upright and fights off the tries, but Moises remains tightly pressed to him. The crowd begins to voice its displeasure at Moises’ approach, until it succeeds and Moises lands on top. Costa keeps a butterfly guard to push on the hips and eject Moises from claiming top control, but this eventually falls through as Moises brushes past it. Costa nearly gives up his back as he scrambles, but he turns back over and returns to using his feet and lower legs to push off Moises’ hips. Moises looks to pass guard as Costa hangs on tight from below, and Moises is unable advance. Costa sits up and works his way to his feet without falling into danger, and even dodges a knee on the way back. Costa smiles and offers a glove touch, and the calm Moises takes it. Costa absorbs a low kick, and he spins Andy Hug-style to kick his opponent’s thigh. At the very last second, they trade heavy punches, and the horn sounds before either man gets hurt.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moises
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Moises
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Moises

Round 2

The second round opens as the two meet in the middle, and he smiles at Moises as he lands a kick. Moises fires of a head kick that Costa dodges back, and Moises crashes forward to take the fight down. Costa posts off both arms, scrambles effectively and gets right back to his feet, and he begins to pepper Moises with kicks. Moises steps in with a solid right hand, and Costa shakes it off and looks for more kicks to the knee. Moises rushes from afar, and this time, the takedown he secures is much easier to land. Costa still uses butterfly hooks, but Moises is much more able to pass through it now. Moises keeps his own knee on Costa’s, pinning his leg down and opening him up for some left hands. Costa works his way to get back to half guard as Moises drives down an elbow, and the elbow splits open the side of Costa’s head. Costa does not seem concerned as he grabs hold of a two-on-one wrist lock to roll Moises over, but Moises keeps top control and opens up with more ground-and-pound. A few left hands from Moises break open Costa’s cauliflower ear, and blood begins to flow from multiple points of the newcomer’s head. Moises continues to slam his fists on the side of the head, and Costa muscles his way up and gives up his back in the process. Moises drags him back down, and he secures the body lock. As he fastens his legs around the waist, Moises slides his around the chin with a rear-naked choke grip. The forearm squeezes down on the jaw, and Costa is in big trouble even though his air and blood streams are not restricted. So his jaw does not break, Costa surrenders from the face crank, putting an end to a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful promotional debut.

The Official Result

Thiago Moises def. Melquizael Costa R2 4:05 via Submission (Face Crank)

Brunno Ferreira (185) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodrigues (-330), Ferreira (+275)

Round 1

Fists are sure to fly in this middleweight pairing, one that pits “Robocop” Rodrigues (13-4, 4-1 UFC) against Octagon newcomer Ferreira (9-0, 0-0 UFC). Together, they celebrate 20 finishes in their combined 22 wins, so referee Fernando Portella best be on high alert for this all-Brazil battle. Instead of bothering to touch gloves, they would prefer to introduce them to one another’s faces first. Ferreira switches stances frequently and bounces back and forth, while Rodrigues slowly works towards him and reaches out with a punch to the body. Ferreira jumps forward with a front kick, and “Robocop” returns fire with a fierce uppercut in a string of punches. Ferreira darts away, and he escapes from a snappy jab to try to find a better angle. Ferreira reaches but cannot find his range, and he only manages to score a low calf kick. Rodrigues moves effectively to evade the looping strikes coming at him from the newcomer, and he sneaks in a right hand while Ferreira tries to dodge. Rodrigues kicks the body and easily stuffs a takedown from the unbeaten fighter, and he jabs him in the body. Rodrigues walks through an uppercut to land his own shots, and he does not show much respect to the newcomer and gets his legs kicked out from one kick. Ferreira tackles him down, but a speedy scramble from “Robocop” allows him to briefly take top position before they decide to just stand back up. Ferreira chains a few punches together, whiffs on a spinning back fist, and Rodrigues scores on him with counters. Ferreira misses with punches and connects with a kick up the middle, and Rodrigues stings him with a right hand. “The Hulk” rears back, dodges a pair of strikes and unloads a ferocious left hand on the jaw, knocking Rodrigues clean off his feet and all the way out. Ferreira hammers the nail with a vicious right hand that smashes Rodrigues’ cheek open a la Dan Henderson to Michael Bisping, but it is completely unnecessary as Rodrigues was already communing with his ancestors. Anyone that wanted to know what happens when “Robocop” meets “The Hulk”…Hulk smashes. Ferreira is a perfect 10-0 as a pro with 10 finishes, with that win by far the biggest of his young career.

The Official Result

Brunno Ferreira def. Gregory Rodrigues R1 4:13 via KO (Punch)

Ihor Potieria (205) vs. Mauricio Rua (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Potieria (-200), Rua (+170)

Round 1

A veritable chasm of high-level experience separates these two light heavyweights in the preliminary headliner. With 23 UFC fights under his belt (and 13 more in Pride), this 24th for the legendary “Shogun” Rua (27-13-1, 11-11-1 UFC) will allegedly be his last. Meanwhile, Potieria (18-3, 0-1 UFC) hopes his sophomore appearance in the organization goes better than his first. If their 29 knockouts in total have anything to say, referee Herb Dean could have his hands full for this potential retirement match. Happy to be doing it one last time in front of home fans, Rua offers a glove touch and it is accepted. Potieria reaches out with several jabs early to find his range, and Rua holds his left hand out to parry any oncoming fire. Rua scores a heavy leg kick, and he blocks a quick high kick returned at him. Rua scores a kick to the body, and then one to the lead leg again. Rua marches forward with a straight right hand, and he absorbs a low kick but gives one back as well. Rua cracks the Ukrainian with a left hook, and Potieria stumbles and backs away to reset. The crowd goes wild as Rua backs off to measure his man, and he gets off a kick to the inner thigh. Rua takes a right hand and whiffs on a pair of looping hooks, and a low kick gets checked. Potieria plants a right hand on the side of the head, bloodying the ear of “Shogun,” and he walks the legend down and throws wildly. Rua dodges the majority of the blows and scores a low kick. As they tangle up, Rua slips, and Potieria runs forward and collides with him. Rua stands back up, back against the wall, and he lands a low kick. They hand-fight, and Rua ducks a big punch to just miss with a left hook. “The Duelist” ties him up, and connects with a loud shoulder strike to the jaw. Rua pushes off and gains some space, and he loads up on a right hand and misses by a matter of inches. Rua gets off an inside leg kick, is countered with a left hand, and scores another kick. As they come together, Potieria dings him with a right hand right above the ear, and Rua is in trouble. “Shogun” drops to his knees, and he powers back up and tries to brawl. Potieria unloads with a combination of lefts and rights, and a few land flush and separate Rua from his balance and senses. Rua crumbles to his knees, still with it but only by a small margin, and Potieria does not let him go. Instead, the youngster batters Rua with a few more punches to the side of the head until Dean recognizes that Rua is no longer intelligently defending himself. The crowd is silenced, and then showers the victorious fighter with boos, upset that the legend lost like this in his final battle. After Potieria gives his triumphant post-fight interview, UFC commentator Daniel Cormier goes to “Shogun” to give him the mic. Rua, gloves off, is met with a standing ovation from the entire crowd, with cheers as loud as they can muster for their beloved fighter. “Shogun” thanks everyone that has supported him for the past 21 years, and calls it a career.

The Official Result

Ihor Potieria def. Mauricio Rua R1 4:05 via TKO (Punches)

Paul Craig (205) vs. Johnny Walker (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Walker (-190), Craig (+160)

Round 1

With 10 fights in the books, it’s on to the main card. A battle for the top 10 at 205 pounds looms, as submission magician Craig (16-5-1, 8-5-1 UFC) wades into unwelcome territory in search of a win over Walker (19-7, 5-4 UFC). Something dramatic is almost sure to come from this potentially wild affair, and referee Marc Goddard is geared up and good to go wherever it takes them. The intensity is high, and the competitors decide not to touch gloves before getting after it. Craig walks forward, pump-faking, and taking a quick step back when Walker looks to maneuver himself in an awkward way. Walker releases a nasty leg kick at about the 30-second mark for the first strike of the contest, and Craig does not like it as he turns away and has to gather himself. When he does, he lifts up a high kick that pounds into the guard of his foe. Walker slowly works his way forward and takes a short leg kick, backing Craig into the cage. “Bearjew” jabs his way out and takes another powerful low kick, and Walker doubles up with one on the inside. Another high kick from Craig whiffs, and he is one-and-done as Walker is well out of harm’s way in time. Craig paws out a left hand that Walker shrugs off, and he catches a front kick that smacks into his shoulder. Craig holds on tight to it after it lands, and Walker seizes the moment by driving out a piston-like right hand that staggers Craig. The Scottish fighter hangs on to the leg, in hopes of dragging the fight down, and Walker unloads with punches and back fists while still standing. Craig hits the ground, leaned with his back to the cage, and Walker snaps down several brutal standing-to-ground hammerfists that utterly destroy Craig. Goddard recognizes very quickly that Craig is done and he steps in, and there is not a moment of protest to be had in response. In celebration, Walker flops to the ground on his stomach, and he breaks into “The Worm” without blowing out his shoulder this time. A dancing Walker declares himself once more as a threat to the division, while calling out that he wants to become a two-division champion like his interviewer Cormier.

The Official Result

Johnny Walker def. Paul Craig R1 2:16 via TKO (Punches)

Jessica Andrade (125) vs. Lauren Murphy (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Andrade (-490), Murphy (+390)

Round 1

When the dust settles, only one of these two flyweights will be ranked in the top five of their division. At the age of 39, Murphy (16-5, 8-5 UFC) aims to prove that age is nothing but a number, while the 31-year-old Andrade (23-9, 14-7 UFC) is hunting for another crack at any available belt with a violent win here. Referee Osiris Maia will join the two ladies in the cage for this important tilt, who stoically touch gloves prior to the action. Murphy quickly sets up her jab and tries to follow one or two with a left hook, and Andrade sees it coming and begins to pepper the lead leg with kicks. Andrade continues to chip away at the inside and outside of the front leg, and Murphy struggles to reach her with her fists. Andrade blitzes forward with a few punches, and Murphy backs off and continues to push out a jab. Andrade splits the guard with a front kick, and her leg kicks continue to do damage as Murphy does not check a single one. Murphy pushes forward for a takedown effort, and Andrade greets her with a right and left hook that stun her. Andrade does not realize how hurt she has Murphy, and instead she lets Murphy recover. “Lucky Lauren” comes forward throwing hands, and Andrade meets her in the middle throwing back, all while working over that leg. Murphy’s face grows red from the absorbed blows, and changes levels only to get rebuffed completely. Murphy walks face-first into a few punches, and Andrade slams her shin into the calf a few more times. Murphy jabs back, throwing single strikes while Andrade is on fire with combinations. Murphy gets stung again and pushed back, and she muscles forward for a brute force takedown. Andrade gets grounded briefly, and comes right back up. When she stands, she belts Murphy’s lead calf again, and Murphy has an immediate physical reaction from it. Andrade punches her way close, spins with a back fist, and turns all the way around with a head kick. “Bate Estaca” is chewing up Murphy on the feet, landing practically at will and breaking Murphy down. Andrade nails another kick at the lower leg, and she shuts down a takedown and smashes Murphy in the face with a pair of devastating hooks. Murphy takes them flush and continues to move, but Andrade chops down her front leg and busts Murphy up with practically unanswered punches. Murphy barely blocks a high kick in time, and she surges ahead to drag Andrade down. Andrade powers her way back up and lays into Murphy with punches right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Andrade
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Andrade
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Andrade

Round 2

The second round opens with Andrade picking up exactly where she left off, kicking and punching Murphy at a variety of targets. Murphy calmly sticks out a jab a few times, trying to keep the advancing Andrade at bay, and she finds herself uppercutted when shooting for a takedown. Andrade ducks two punches and gets off a low kick, and a series of punches find their home on the incredibly tough Murphy’s face. The Brazilian knocks Murphy back with her fists, forcing another takedown effort from Murphy, and she stands firm on this try. Andrade stops another takedown to score four quick punches in rapid succession, and she strings three more together to rock Murphy once more. Andrade mixes in the occasional leg kick, throwing them less often than the previous round, while swinging for the bleachers. Murphy’s face is a bloody mess, and she gets hurt again, but she remains tough and keeps throwing back. Andrade intercepts her with a low kick, and she staves off a takedown and cannot make Murphy pay this time. Andrade jumps with a knee that misses, and Murphy tries and fails to do the same. Andrade pounds the lead calf with another kick that she turns her hips into, and she swarms “Lucky Lauren” with a combination. When Murphy replies with a spinning back fist, Andrade ducks it and lays into her with a few more strikes. Murphy catches a low kick and pursues a single, and Andrade pushes her to the mat face-first and considers a choke from on top. When there is nothing to be had there, Andrade lets go to allow Murphy to stand, and she kicks the body and goes up top with punches. Murphy flails in response, landing a few shots, but Andrade practically ignores them entirely to connect with her own. Andrade’s leg kick again makes Murphy struggle, and she winds up for one final barrage to send Murphy falling back to the wall. The round ends with Murphy getting wrecked, but she survives to the bell. It would not be a miscarriage of justice for her corner to decide enough is enough, after the 10-minute drubbing thus far.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Andrade
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Andrade
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Andrade

Round 3

Murphy meets her opponent the middle and touches gloves, not afraid to continue and perhaps too tough for her own good. Murphy closes in to strike, and the faster Andrade beats her to the punch repeatedly and lands far more in rapid succession. “Bate Estaca” connects with a piledriver of a right hand, and Murphy reels but does not go down. Andrade might have to get the steel chair from outside of the cage if she hopes to put Murphy down in this match. The ultra-durable Murphy takes another blitz square on the chin, and she throws back with impunity as Andrade is fully in her element. Murphy fails on a takedown try, and Andrade pushes her back to the wire to give her a brief respite of face-punching. Andrade considers a single-leg takedown of her own, and she scoops Murphy’s leg out and grounds her to perhaps send a message. From her back, Murphy defends with a kimura in an effort to sweep, and Andrade breaks free with all of her might to not let it get set right. Andrade stands back up and blasts Murphy in the chin with a right hand, and Murphy tanks it and absorbs several more. Andrade lets go with a ferocious barrage of fists, and Murphy stays with it as her face swells to virtually unrecognizable levels, and cries for the referee or Murphy’s corner to stop the fight rain down. The match continues as Andrade walks Murphy down, pummeling her all the while. Andrade chains a leg kick into a serious combination, and Murphy takes them on the chin and ducks down face-first into a knee. Andrade is not giving her one second to breathe, and Maia has fully adopted the “if she dies, she dies” mentality in this one-sided beating. Andrade cannot miss with her combinations, and Murphy cannot hit back with anything to get respect or slow Andrade one iota. Her toughness is the only thing keeping her going, as Murphy barely makes it to the final bell all while Andrade pounds on her relentlessly. This fight could, and likely, should, have been stopped well before the full 15 minutes elapsed. Very early into the year, we have a serious frontrunner for “Beatdown of the Year,” and it might be some sort of a moral victory that Murphy was never dropped despite taking that hellacious punishment for all three rounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Andrade (30-24 Andrade)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Andrade (30-24 Andrade)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-7 Andrade (30-23 Andrade)

The Official Result

Jessica Andrade def. Lauren Murphy via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)

Gilbert Burns (170) vs. Neil Magny (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Burns (-410), Magny (+330)

Round 1

Welterweights with a lot at stake invade the Octagon next, as former title challenger Burns (20-5, 13-5 UFC) looks to get back on the right track against the UFC welterweight division’s all-time wins leader Magny (27-9, 20-8 UFC). At 36 and 35 years of age, respectively, the time is now for these two to go on a run, lest they get left behind for the young guns nipping at their heels. This 170-pound “featured fight of the night” scrap will have referee Fernando Portella keeping tabs, and it begins with hands clapping together. The two hesitantly approach one another, and Magny uses his range to disallow Burns from coming at him. This strategy does not stay intact for long, as Burns closes in to whip a high body kick under the elbow. Burns chambers his big right hand without throwing it for a prolonged stretch, and he rushes forward and only lands a jab. The right hand from Burns is chained right into a level change, and he scoops Magny off the ground and slams him to the mat without batting an eye. The Brazilian shifts straight into half guard when landing, although the veteran Magny drags him back to his guard. Burns aims to jump into the mount, and opts to move to side control when Magny’s long legs give him issues. Magny leans to his side, and Burns hooks his left arm behind the neck and right arm beneath Magny’s left knee to pass. Burns passes to the other side, and he presses his shoulder down in a potential arm-triangle setup. "Durinho" slices over to full mount, as the crowd cheers in unison for his success. Burns again flirts with an arm-triangle, but bails on it to lock Magny’s right arm down in a potential keylock. Burns suddenly presses his full body weight down and steps to the side brilliantly for an arm-triangle choke, and he locks it up in an instant even with his side against the cage wall. Magny knows there is nothing more he can do, and he reaches his arm straight out and then taps out. Burns made that look easy, putting away a respected veteran while barely breaking a sweat. In the process, he also pulled off his first submission since returning to welterweight in 2019.

The Official Result

Gilbert Burns def. Neil Magny R1 4:15 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

UFC Flyweight Title Fight:
Deiveson Figueiredo (125) vs. Brandon Moreno (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Figueiredo (-110), Moreno (-110)

Round 1

It’s time to make history. This co-main event between Figueiredo (21-2-1, 10-2-1 UFC) and Moreno (20-6-2, 8-3-1 UFC) will become the first quadrilogy/tetralogy in UFC history. It will also be the first time that a UFC fighter has faced the same opponent four times in a row, as Figueiredo has met Moreno in four straight matches – but not the same for Moreno. This will also serve as the flyweight championship unification match, as the Brazilian champ tangles with the Mexican interim beltholder. This one is for all the proverbial marbles, and referee Herb Dean is on the call. To get things started, the rivals do not touch gloves but instead bow to one another. For what may be the last time ahead of a match, barring a fifth fight and beyond, it’s on. Figueiredo takes the center of the cage, cutting off Moreno and firing off an uppercut. Moreno ducks forward and tackles Figueiredo over with a body lock takedown, and his neck finds itself in immediate guillotine choke danger. Figueiredo tightens the grip as he falls to his back, and Moreno remains comfortably on top without showing concern of the choke. Moreno jumps over, and Figueiredo rolls through to toss Moreno to his back, and they both leap back to their feet. Moreno strikes with a single sweeping low kick, and he wings an overhand right that lands right behind the ear. Figueiredo wobbles momentarily and appears no worse for wear, and he plants the ball of his feet on Moreno’s chin. Moreno swings and misses, and he gets off a body kick as the crowd erupts in chants for their home country man – and not to suggest that Moreno is going to die. The two are tentative and patient to engage, and Figueiredo suddenly blitzes forward with an exchange that ends with an uppercut. A front kick from the Brazilian gets his foe’s attention, and he digs to the body with a right hand. Moreno considers another takedown, but Figueiredo stands him up and leans back as Moreno swings an elbow at him. Figueiredo turns his hips into a fierce leg kick, and he runs through Moreno kicking him to close in. Moreno counters with an elbow before breaking off, and he targets the body with a left hand. Moreno swipes a left hand over the top around the guard, and he shoots from range for a double. Running all the way through the champion, Figueiredo gets put on his back and huts for a heel hook. The two end up a 50/50 position, but it is Figueiredo who has the submission under his armpit. Figueiredo smacks Moreno in the face with his heel illegally, and Moreno protests. The incredibly close round ends without Figueiredo getting anything.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo

Round 2

Dean takes note of the kick to a downed opponent that happened at the end of the round, and he issues Figueiredo a warning before the round begins. When it does, Figueiredo presses the action, and he bolts forward and bowls Moreno over. Figueiredo stacks his man up and slugs him in the face with a right hand, with Moreno’s neck trapped between the floor and the wall. Moreno escapes and fights his way back up, and he tags the champion with a left hand on the way out. Figueiredo sits down on a right hand that gets Moreno’s attention, and Moreno scores a one-two and shoots for a failed takedown. Moreno sits down on a leg kick and plants a right hand on the cheek, and he beats Figueiredo to the punch and connects as Figueiredo fires back at him. Figueiredo chops at the calf and stalks Moreno around the cage, and he swats away an overhand right and kicks up high. Moreno blocks it and knocks Figueiredo off balance, giving chase but not taking him down. Figueiredo pushes Moreno down after catching a kick, and Moreno sweeps him over. Moreno does not stand back up, and he instead trips Figueiredo up as they scramble madly. Moreno races forward for a takedown, and the champ jumps guard with a guillotine choke that is tight as a drum. Moreno does not panic and calmly assesses his spot and pulls his neck out of harm’s way, popping it out and grinding his forehead on Figueiredo’s face. Dean tells Moreno to work from on top, and Moreno answers with a hacking elbow. As Moreno holds on from above, Dean claps a few times to get them to work, and Moreno sits up to slice down with a few more elbows. Figueiredo replies with elbows of his own until the horn breaks them up, and this likely will be another tough one to call on the scorecards.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Figueiredo

Round 3

The third round opens up with Figueiredo lashing out first, scoring a few punches and bully Moreno back to the wall. Moreno gets off a right hand, checks a kick, and the two clash heads together. Moreno backs away and gets off a left hand, and Figueiredo lets him swing and miss to nearly topple over. Moreno loads up on a left hand and pushes his right hand out off the face, and this hurts Figueiredo badly. Figueiredo motions to Dean that his eye was poked, and a cut has opened up immediately. Dean motions that it was a legal strike and lets them continue, and Moreno tackles Figueiredo over to the mat. Moreno cannot get through the guard and land anything of note, so Dean calls for him to work. This leads to Moreno slamming down a little ground-and-pound, and manic scrambles ensue. Moreno winds up back in the closed guard, and he stands up to get off some standing-to-ground strikes and eat an upkick or two. Figueiredo pulls him back into the guard, and Moreno elbows him from up close before stacking him up. As Dean tells Moreno to work, Moreno gets up and steps over to the side to deliver some more elbows and punches. Moreno remains in this position, scoring short strikes until the bell sounds. Between rounds, Figueiredo’s corner issues him spectacular advice of “fight with one eye” when Figueiredo expresses that he cannot see. His right eye almost completely closes up as the last seconds of the break tick by, and the doctor is taking a close eye on the proceedings. As he examines the champion’s eye, it becomes quite clear that Figueiredo cannot see out of it at all. The doctor tells Dean that this fight is over, and Dean waves it off. Figueiredo is heartbroken about the result, and Moreno is over the moon. Moreno celebrates his win in his post-fight interview, and when Figueiredo is presented the microphone, gloves in hand, he announces that he is leaving the flyweight division. When Moreno leaves the cage, he is showered with cans, bottles and other items thrown from the raucous crowd, and Moreno is ushered out and raced to the tunnel so he is not struck by these objects. What a rivalry.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Moreno

The Official Result

Brandon Moreno def. Deiveson Figueiredo R3 5:00 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)

UFC Light Heavyweight Title Fight:
Glover Teixeira (205) vs. Jamahal Hill (204.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hill (-125), Teixeira (+105)

Round 1

The fight no one knew they wanted until it was thrown together minutes after the conclusion of UFC 282 is here. On relatively short notice for both men, a vacant lightweight championship is on the line. Former champion Teixeira (33-8, 16-6 UFC), who could decide this fight is his last, wants to get his belt back. In his way will be heavy handed Michigan native Hill (11-1, 1 NC; 5-1, 1 NC UFC), who is reaching for gold for the first time in hopes of being the first Contender Series graduate to claim a UFC belt. Marc Goddard will take charge for the final fight of the evening, and this fascinating clash of styles begins with plenty of respect and a glove touch from the challengers. Teixeira immediately shoots for a takedown, or at least fakes it, and Hill grins it and prepares for it. Hill scores a punch or two, and Teixeira closes in on him and grabs him. Hill breaks off from the takedown attempt, and Teixeira doggedly pursues another. Hill shucks it off and sticks out a jab, and he scores a low kick and resorts largely to single strikes to be on his guard from the oncoming takedown. Hill stabs the midsection with a front kick, and he hops away as the Brazilian plods towards him for a takedown. Hill blasts a kick to the ribs, and he springs away to connect with a clean right hand. Hill pushes Teixeira back and makes him pay for a takedown try with a right hand, and Teixeira sneaks out a left hand. Hill strings a few punches together to draw out an exchange from the former champ, and he eats them as they fly back at him. Hill doubles up on body shots, and he springs away from Teixeira tries to latch on to him. Teixeira whiffs on two looping punches, and he walks through a jab to pop out one of his own. Teixeira walks forward, throwing heavy leather, and he leans over and gets uppercutted on the chin. Teixeira pushes him off and a pinky goes into the eye, and Goddard recognizes it and halts the action properly. Hill only takes a few seconds before blinking it out and signaling he is ready to continue. Teixeira goes low for a single, and Hill’s takedown defense holds up even as Teixeira lifts it up to scoop him out. Teixeira connects with two calf kicks, and Hill strides forward to drill him in the face with a few straight shots. The nose of the Brazilian begins to bleed as he absorbs these blows, and he knocks Hill back with a left hand. Hill splits the guard with jabs, marking up the nose further and mixing in a low kick. Teixeira scores a left, but Hill fires back right until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 2

The light heavyweights calmly walk out of their corners to bump fists, and Teixeira advances and throws body shots. Hill slides back with a fade-away right hand, and Teixeira walks right into it. Teixeira appears to sting his opponent with a low kick, and Hill throws several back in rapid succession. Hill pushes off with his fingers outstretched, and he pushes a pink all the way in the eye socket. Teixeira takes 30 seconds to recover, and he says “one to one” to signal that they have both absorbed these fouls. When they start off again, Hill flings several head kicks, and even though they hit the guard, Teixeira is in trouble. The Brazilian wobbles, and he leans back to the wall to keep himself upright. Teixeira pursues a takedown, and Hill sees it coming a mile away and stuffs it. Teixeira gathers his thoughts, hurt and still moving, and he starts blasting Hill with a salvo of punches. One left hand splits open under Hill’s nose, and the punches and kicks of Hill have busted Teixeira’s face up badly. Hill knocks his man back with a one-two, and Teixeira pushes through to finally land the takedown he had been seeking this whole fight. Hill scrambles, but Teixeira climbs over him into full mount. As they continue to move, the blood from their faces start to leak on the bodies, and this makes them slide around as Teixeira hunts for a submission. Teixeira hunkers down in search of an arm-triangle choke, and he lowers his shoulder to tighten it up. Hill senses it and breaks it up, and Teixeira sits up and rails him with ground strikes. Hill sits up against the wall and works his way back up, and he punches Teixeira a few times to knock blood on one of the camera lenses. Hill launches a high kick, and he follows it with a straight right hand. Teixeira continues to walk him down, and Hill plays matador as Teixeira flies past him. The forward movement is not slowing from the former champion, and Hill backs him off briefly with a front kick and jabs. Teixeira scores a left hand, Hill fires back, and they connect with heavy shots. A right hand from Hill opens a cut on the side of his left eye, and Hill swings heavy leather right to the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 3

The light heavyweight gladiators smile and share a moment before bumping fists. Teixeira takes a few seconds before closing in, and he races forward in pursuit of a double. Hill stops him from succeeding and pushes the Brazilian against the cage wall, and he separates to measure him with jabs. Teixeira jabs to the body, and he gets a left hand off as he absorbs jabs. Teixeira connects with a solid left hook, and Hill’s jab is sharp as he switches stances, from both hands. Hill hurls a head kick up high, and Teixeira is in the danger zone. Hill bowls him over and throws hammers at him, and Teixeira sits up and tries to go for a single as he appears to be on autopilot. Hill pushes Teixeira over to his back, and he winds up on three vicious standing-to-ground punches as Goddard is right on top of the action. Hill lords over the busted up and bloodied Teixeira, and he slashes down with an elbow. Teixeira launches an upkick to keep Hill honest, and he sits up and goes for a double. Hill tosses him aside like nothing, and he forces Teixeira to return to his feet. Hill pushes out a jab, and he stops a tackling takedown and jabs out more. Teixeira walks through them all, with his legendary recoverability, and he wipes a bloody eye and connects with a solid right hand. Hill strings a series of punches together, and he punctuates a combination with a head kick as Teixeira’s left eye is giving him fits. Teixeira runs forward, throwing hands, and Hill turns him around and picks at him with jabs. Hill swings and misses with two hooks, and Teixeira gains a head of steam and starts throwing bombs. Hill barely dodges one, and they trade jabs at the same time. Teixeira gets the better of an exchange to force Hill to escape, and Hill backs off to time an uppercut. Teixeira sneaks a right hand over the top, and he gets cracked with two punches and a knee. Teixeira takes it all on the chin, wobbling back, but he makes it to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 4

Cut up and bloodied, Teixeira is cleared to continue despite a nasty gash developed on the top of his right eyebrow. Hill does not target them when the fourth frame opens, instead working the body with front kicks. Teixeira slings two heavy punches, and Hill sits back to blast the ex-champ with a head kick. Teixeira comes forward, and he eats a clean knee on the chin before grabbing hold of Hill. Hill spins him around and pushes off, and Teixeira smacks him in the face with an overhand right. Hill loads up on a head kick, and he follows it with a right hand, swinging about as hard as he possibly can. Teixeira incredibly absorbs them all and keeps moving forward, and he even lands a punch of his own when closing the distance. Hill gets off punches up top and kicks to the body, as Teixeira walks him down relentlessly. Hill hurts Teixeira once more with a head kick, and Teixeira leans back against the wall. When Hill comes at him, Teixeira knocks him back with two huge punches. Teixeira wipes his eyes, as blood leaks in both, and he still manages to be the one coming forward to attack. Teixeira gets a left hand over the top and tries to follow it with a right when Hill retreats, and Hill counters him with a combination. Teixeira’s legs wobble as he backs off to the wall, and Teixeira absorbs them and looks for counters. Hill counters with a left, and Teixeira cracks him with a right hand on the inside. Teixeira’s blood sprays as he continues to take punishment, and Hill pours it on with everything he has. Punches and knees land with impunity, but Teixeira is throwing back and still on his feet. Teixeira pushes his way out and stays active enough to stave off a stoppage, and he goes to the body and walks right into a knee. Hill blasts him with three more punches and an uppercut, and the horn blares. Doctors could very well call this fight, and his corner should consider calling it on account of rain. Goddard brings in the doctor to check on Teixeira’s vision, and incredibly, we have reached the fifth round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Hill
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Hill

Round 5

Teixeira calls out “let’s go, baby” when the last round begins, and they hug to start things off. Hill switches stances and jabs until unloading with a right hand, and Teixeira rolls with it. Teixeira leaps forward in pursuit of a single, and a second effort in the form of a body lock and trip allows the Brazilian to land on top in half guard. Hill looks for a sweep when off his back, and the savvy veteran uses his body weight to remain pressed to his opponent. Teixeira moves to side control, and Hill looks for another escape but cannot get there. Teixeira elbows him on the side of the head as he slides back to half guard, he is totally spent but still actively looking to pass. Teixeira steps over to full mount as the crowd goes wild, and he gets up a little too high. Hill slides out the back door incredibly and switches the position to put Teixeira on his back, sucking the wind out of those in attendance. In half guard, Hill drops down short elbows, and he sits up to swing when Goddard tells him he has to work. Precious seconds are ticking off the clock as Hill holds top position, and he passes over to the side and hangs on with a can opener type of grip, wrenching Teixeira’s neck up. Hill connects with elbows until Teixeira slides out, and Hill stands up to let him back up at the 60-second mark. The former champ absorbs a one-two, and Hill dashes to the side when Teixeira lumbers toward him. Hill kicks high and aims one to the body, and Teixeira is throwing everything he has left with haymakers. Hill scores a few jabs, and Teixeira motions for them to start brawling. Hill keeps his jab going and retains a risk-averse approach right to the final bell. In his stellar five-round performance, the Contender Series signee answers a number of questions as he claims the 205-pound crown – as the first fighter out of the Contender Series to win a UFC title. Overcome with emotions, Hill sobs while being embraced by his team, and he lets out several victorious shouts. “You can do anything if you’re willing to fight for it,” Hill states in his post-fight interview. Brazilian fighters will end their night with seven wins to six against the world. Declaring that he is too tough for his own good, Teixeira takes his gloves off and puts them in the center of the cage to signal his retirement. This has been an extremely emotional night of fights in Rio de Janeiro, one that ends with not one but two retirements from Brazilian legends. The promotion will be letting the results and the action simmer for an extra week instead of pushing forward with a UFC card, so we will be back in February with a late card – and another potential retirement fight with Fedor Emelianenko – and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill (50-44 Hill)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hill (50-44 Hill)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill (50-44 Hill)

The Official Result

Jamahal Hill def. Glover Teixeira via Unanimous Decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44)