UFC 284 ‘Makhachev vs. Volkanovski’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Elves Brener Oliveira (155.5) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (Missed Weight: 157.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tukhugov (-540), Oliveira (+420)

Round 1

For the first time since October 2019, the UFC is back in Australia, taking the stage in Perth with a baker’s dozen matchups of varying intrigue until the night ends with a sure-fire superfight in every sense of the word. Before we get to one of the best fights the promotion could put together right now, we forge ahead first with a fight that was once set for the lightweight division. Missing weight by a pound and a half, Tukhugov (20-5-1, 5-2-1 UFC) starts the night off by forfeiting a good chunk of his purse to UFC newcomer Brener (13-3, 0-0 UFC). The first assignment of the night goes to referee Matt Wynne, who clocks the fighters in as they touch gloves. Tukhugov wades forward towards his on-weight opponent, but neither man is willing to engage for the opening seconds. Brener whips a single calf kick to test the waters, and he misses with one from his lead leg to follow. Brener jumps forward with a switch kick, and Tukhugov is well out of harm’s way from that and a subsequent sweeping kick. Tukhugov sticks out a single jab to measure his own end, and Brener watches him cautiously before uncoiling a leaping right hand that misses the mark. Brener again targets the lead leg with a kick, and Tukhugov swings and misses with a counter left. Brener chips away at the calf, with those strikes the only ones to land of note. Tukhugov connects with a clean right hand, and Brener crashes the pocket with a flying knee that dings off the chin. Tukhugov is no worse for wear, as he counters quickly as Brener lands. Tukhugov opens up with a pair of punches to get the Brazilian’s attention, and he cracks him with a left hook that swirls around the guard. Brener sits down on a calf kick that bothers Tukhugov, but when he fires off a second, Tukhugov is right there to counter him. Brener changes levels for a possible takedown, and the Russian shucks it off without even trying. Tukhugov walks through a few more low kicks, and he gets popped with a left hand on the forehead to split open a cut above his nose. Brener chops with kicks, and Tukhugov walks him down and scores a right hand. Brener charges with a combination, and Tukhugov parries it and sits down on a left hook that blows the hair back. The Brener connects with a powerful leg kick on the inside that appears to stun Tukhugov, and Tukhugov gathers himself and has to swat away a front kick that comes towards him. Tukhugov swings with two hooks, and he lands just at the end of the second to little effect. Brener strings a few punches together into a body kick, and Tukhugov fires off a one-two that shakes Brener up. Tukhugov walks his man down and dodges a flying knee try, and he evades a second jump kick so he can wing a right hand over the top. The close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brener
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brener
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Brener

Round 2

The cut is cleaned up fairly well between rounds, and Tukhugov is ready to continue into the second frame without a care in the world. He leads the dance with a fierce left hook, and this prompts Brener into action. Brener surges forward, practically flying at his retreating opponent with leaping shots, but Tukhugov is well out of danger and able to counter effectively. Brener spins with a kick, and Tukhugov intercepts him with a powerful kick that lands on the upper thigh. A jab from the Brazilian opens the cut back up on Tukhugov’s forehead, and he pays it no mind. A person from the crowd shouts something out, and the entire audience bursts out laughing. Tukhugov remains crisp with his punches, accurate and strong enough to drive Brener back, and ready to counter when Brener fires back. Brener chains a left to the body with a loud low kick, and the lead wheel of Tukhugov is red and welted but seemingly not slowing. Tukhugov lands through the guard with a few shots, spurring Brenner into action again. As Brener chops with a kick, Tukhugov catches it and counters him over the top, and Brener does a little pirouette to gather himself. One low kick from Brener pounds off the cup, and Tukhugov adjusts his athletic supporter and Wynne appears to not have noticed the foul. Tukhugov takes a breath and pushes forward, getting off two-punch salvos when he desires. Brener appears more reckless and wild with his offense, and Tukhugov sees the majority of it coming and keeps Brener honest. Brener attempts to fly at him with a knee, and Tukhugov tosses it aside and blocks a hook kick that follows suit. Tukhugov doubles up a jab and follows it with a right down the pipe, and Brener blinks it out and winds up on a right hand that misses the mark by a wide margin. The Brazilian absorbs a few flush jabs before attempting a jumping switch kick, and he spins with a back kick that slams into the body. Brener continues spinning, launching a capoeira kick that knocks Tukhugov into the wall, and the round ends as the crowd erupts in support from the exciting exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tukhugov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Tukhugov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Tukhugov

Round 3

Fists are briefly bumped to begin the final frame, and the first effective strike comes from the Russian in the form of a damaging leg kick. Brener stumbles out of the way to get his balance back, and Tukhugov walks him down with laser-accurate punches. Brener takes them on the chin and looks to push off from the cage, and he gets off a jab into an uppercut. Tukhugov swipes a right hand around the guard, and he fires off a head kick that slaps off the shoulder. Tukhugov puts power into a jab, and Brener rolls with it and nearly gets blasted with an overhand right. Tukhugov advances, ducking a punch and changing levels to drive Brener’s back to the wall. The Brazilian sprawls and lifts a cheeky knee up to make Tukhugov think twice about getting the takedown. Brener spins with a back fist and ducks down for a takedown, and Tukhugov pushes it aside, lands a few blows and commits for a double. Tukhugov clasps his hands and lifts Brener off the ground a couple inches, before setting him back down. Although Tukhugov gets off a sweep, Brener somehow remains upright, and he even keeps his footing when Tukhugov takes him from behind to take him down. Tukhugov clings to the newcomer, shutting down any flashy strikes, and Brener complains to someone that he is getting held. Brener manages to push off and starts letting go with a jumping kick and a winging left hook. Tukhugov sees them coming and walks forward with a right hand, before shooting in for a double-leg takedown. Brener sprawls exceptionally well to keep himself standing, and he bucks off the Russian and drives him back briefly. Brener swings for the fences with a right, plants the ball of his foot on the chest, and throws big hooks. Tukhugov rolls the majority of the strikes, jabs and counters smoothly, and blocks one final high kick to conclude the match.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tukhugov (29-28 Tukhugov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Tukhugov (29-28 Tukhugov)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Tukhugov (29-28 Tukhugov)

The Official Result

Elves Brener Oliveira def. Zubaira Tukhugov via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Blake Bilder (146) vs. Shane Young (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Young (-135), Bilder (+115)

Round 1

Looking to get one on the scoreboard early for his team of City Kickboxing, Young (13-6, 2-3 UFC) will come back after a layoff of over 21 months and take on undefeated Contender Series pickup Bilder (7-0-1, 0-0 UFC). The featherweights are joined in the cage by referee Peter Hickmott, and with a stoic touch of gloves, it’s on with the fight. Young keeps the center of the cage as Bilder strafes back and forth, and an off-balance Bilder sneaks a left hand out and wobbles back after tripping himself up. Young walks him down, with Bilder continuing to move and never stay in one place. Bilder sticks out a pair of inaccurate jabs and sweeps low with a kick, and Young checks the latter and sticks out his own jab. Young times a knee when Bilder reaches to the body with a jab, and he blocks a right hand that comes up top. Bilder swipes out with a left, only to get countered with a jab and a follow-up right from his opponent. Bilder absorbs a right hook without batting an eye, and he tosses a half-hearted kick to the calf. Young prods with jabs and connects a heavier leg kick, and Bilder replies in kind. Bilder catches a low kick, and he lifts his man off the ground and throws him to the mat, landing in side control. Bilder moves into half guard and grinds with his shoulder on the Kiwi’s face, using his body weight to frustrate and keep Young trapped on his back. Young looks to push off somewhere to get back up, but Bilder is heavy and gets off a few short right hands on the inside. Bilder hacks down with a few elbows, and connects with a pair of punches as he postures up. Young muscles his way out and back to his feet, and he absorbs a head kick on the way out. Young swings and misses with two punches as he chases Bilder, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bilder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bilder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Bilder

Round 2

The featherweights clap hands to get things started, and Young again moves into the center of the cage to engage. Bilder strikes first with two punches and a slapping leg kick, and he is out of harm’s way when a counter zooms at him. The two clack legs at the same time when throwing them, and neither man is worse for wear as Bilder chambers that same leg to throw it shortly thereafter. Bilder gets in a few jabs and a body kick, and he darts out of the way when Young wades in to strike. Bilder’s lateral movement keeps him dodging the worst of what the Kiwi throws at him, and he manages to time his own movement to duck in and land a jab or kick sporadically. Bilder dodges a kick and shoots in for a low double, and when he sees there is nothing to it, he bails on it and backs away before Young can retaliate. Bilder scores a single left hook and tosses out a low kick, and again the two fighters’ legs collide. Bilder keeps light on his feet, spamming leg kicks and jabs, and Young swings with swatting punches that graze off the beard. Bilder just misses a looping left and a step-in knee, and he kicks low and a foot collides with the cup. Hickmott does not register the foul, and the two continue. Bilder pursues a takedown, suddenly switches up for a jump knee, and Young counters him to tackle him to the canvas. The American springs back up and keeps on his bike, sticking out a few jabs and keeping Young at bay. Young crowds him and gets off a right hand over the top, and follows it with another that delights the partisan crowd. Bilder does not get trapped against the cage, instead circling away and winding up with a right hand to give Young one back. Young walks through a low kick to loose one more big right hand, and it bumps off the guard in the waning seconds. Bilder tries to end the round with a takedown, but Young tosses him away at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bilder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Young
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Young

Round 3

The last round begins with an amped up Young, who throws hammers right out of the gate. Bilder sticks out a few jabs, and Young is committing to his hooks. Bilder moves to the side and fires off a head kick, and the kick slams into the raised guard but still moves Young a bit. Young’s nose reddens from the jabs that he absorbs, and Young barely dodges a huge right hand. Bilder keeps peppering with jabs, and Young times a right hand and stuffs a subsequent takedown. Bilder pushes out a jab and ignores a low kick, leaning back when Young rips an uppercut. Young settles down with a few leg kicks that he puts a little mustard on, and Bilder kicks the side and calf in response. Young whiffs on a haymaker, and Bilder’s jabs continue to flow. The American follows one with a right hand down the pipe, and Young retaliates with a salvo of punches. Bilder sticks and moves, chipping with a low kick or sticks out a jab, and he walks through one such counter kick to drill Young with a couple heavy punches. Bilder gets Young attention with a left hand, and Young tries to pay him back and gets in a left. The two start swinging hard for one another, and after taking some shots, Bilder shoots in for a takedown. Young stuffs it but a cut has formed in the center of his forehead. Bilder has a huge right hand slam into the shoulder, and Young keeps pushing forward and chasing him around the Octagon. Bilder pierces the guard with jabs as he moves, and Young keeps walking but only throwing every so often. Bilder misses with three punches but has a subsequent fourth land on the mark. Young keeps pushing forward, gets knocked back and eats a left hand. Bilder swings so hard he nearly falls over, and Young tries to take him down but the ensuing scramble leads to Young grabbing Bilder and pushing him to the cage before the final horn sounds. This could be a close one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bilder (30-27 Bilder)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bilder (29-28 Bilder)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Bilder (29-28 Bilder)

The Official Result

Blake Bilder def. Shane Young via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Konklak Suphisara (115.5) vs. Elise Reed (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Suphisara (-265), Reed (+225)

Round 1

The lone women’s match of the evening comes at 115 pounds, as muay thai aficionado Konklak Suphisara (7-3, 4-2 UFC) – known as “Loma Lookboonmee” in her Thai fighting name – battles New Jersey’s Reed (6-2, 2-2 UFC). The two have reached the scorecards in 12 of their combined 18 pro bouts, so referee Steve Perceval is ready for the long haul should he be needed for 15 full minutes. The ladies touch ‘em up, and Suphisara is the initial aggressor as she winds up with a nasty calf kick. She throws one with the other leg, and ducks back to dodge a spinning wheel kick from the American. The two trade hands in the middle of the cage, and Reed appears to be her opponent to the punch in one such exchange. The Thai fires off another low kick, and she fires off a kick to the body when Reed misses when her own flashy kick attempt. Reed gives one inside leg kick back, and Suphisara is quick to give it back. Suphisara chips away at the lead leg on the inside and out, working Reed over and evading most of the offense that comes back at her. Suphisara slips a jab and counters with an overhand right to stop Reed in her tracks, and Reed takes a quick count of her teeth and backs off. Significant welting has begun to develop on the lower thigh of Reed less than three minutes into the fight, but she is no worse for wear as she surges into action to throw hands. The offense leads Reed to push Suphisara to the wall, and Suphisara welcomes it as she knees her in the body. The two women jockey for position and look to take the other down from up close, and Suphisara throws Reed to the mat. Reed scrambles to take top position, where she sits on top in three-quarter mount as her nose starts to pour blood on her opponent. Reed manages to keep top position despite Suphisara bucking and moving, and she sits up and punches Reed in the nose while she holds on until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Reed
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Reed

Round 2

The two women start off throwing kicks, and they close in on one another. Suphisara ducks a right hand to circle around to the back, and she drags the American down to the canvas. “Loma Lookboonmee” quickly takes the back and gets her hooks in, and in an instant, she starts fishing for a rear-naked choke. Reed struggles to defend the choke, gripping the arm beneath her throat but unable to loosen the vice-like grip that the Thai holds. Suphisara squeezes with all her might, and after a few seconds, she forces Reed to tap out to earn her first career submission – all while becoming the first fighter to ever submit Reed. This is a big win for Suphisara, who notches her first finish since August 2018 while scoring the first stoppage of the evening with style points.

The Official Result

Konklak Suphisara def. Elise Reed R2 0:44 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Jack Jenkins (145.5) vs. Don Shainis (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jenkins (-325), Shainis (+270)

Round 1

The early preliminary portion of the evening is capped off with a featherweight clash pitting Australia’s Jenkins (10-2, 0-0 UFC) against Shainis (12-4, 0-1 UFC), with the winner earning their first victory inside the Octagon. Together, the two post just four decisions across 22 wins, and these two finish-minded 145ers may make referee Jason Herzog work during what could be a fast-paced encounter. It begins with no glove touch. Shainis leads off instead with a leg kick, and he fires off a huge right hand. Shainis crowds the pocket, ripping body shots and flirting with a takedown, and Jenkins answers him with a barrage of fierce knees up the middle. Shainis grinds his man against the cage wall while local chants for Jenkins rain down in the building, and they knee one another repeatedly. One such knee from Shainis bounces off the cup, and Herzog recognizes it and halts the action immediately. The crowd appropriately gives it up for the fouling foreign fighter, and after 30 seconds, Shainis is ready to go again. Jenkins swings a low kick, and Shainis charges him with punches and a single-leg takedown attempt. Jenkins shucks it off and drills a knee to the chest, and the two trade low kicks in rapid succession. Jenkins swipes out with left hands, and he splits the guard with a right and punctuates a combination with a low kick. Jenkins retreats and absorbs a leg kick, and he sprawls a takedown and lays into Shainis with a vicious calf kick that sets the New Englander down for a second. Shainis recovers and whips back with a hard kick, forcing Jenkins to change stances. Shainis walks Jenkins down, swinging with reckless abandon but missing with the majority of his strikes. Shainis kicks low, Jenkins slides back and fires two more back, and the Aussie’s power in his calf kicks are tremendous. Each kick landed thus far for Jenkins has produced a welt, and Shainis notices but is not slowed. Shainis rushes in with a jump knee that pounds into the guard, and he lifts his leg in time to check a kick. Shainis sticks out a few jabs and blocks a head kick that is loosed at him, and they both release gnarly right hands. Jenkins unloads with a low kick, and he gets jabbed right back hard enough to snap his head back. Jenkins switches stances, lets go with a head kick, and rings Shainis’ bell with a right hand. Shainis checks another calf kick to keep Jenkins honest, and he nails Jenkins in the calf with a kick and points to it mockingly. Jenkins says two can play that game and unloads with one that almost drops Shainis, and the round ends as Shainis is shouting at his opponent.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins

Round 2

Shainis opens the second frame with a push kick instead of a glove touch, and when that falls short, he goes after the inner calf. Jenkins counters backing up as Shainis wades forward into a flurry, and he catches Shainis with a clean right hand. The New England native absorbs a ferocious leg kick and rushes forward to clinch up, and he drills a knee square into the cup. Herzog admonishes Shainis for the foul as he calls a pause to the round, but he recognizes that it was indeed an accident and does not take a point. They resume after another 30-ish seconds, and Jenkins appears recovered well enough to continue the melee. Shainis pushes forward, only to have his momentum used against him as the Aussie trips him and throws him to the mat. Jenkins climbs on top and gets into half guard, and the two start slugging it out even while Shainis is stuck on his back. Shainis defends with a guillotine, and a Von Preux choke is open but Jenkins does not see it and instead looks to improve his position. Shainis scoots himself back to the wall while Jenkins remains on top, and his scramble ends up with him surrendering his back. Jenkins leaps on to pursue a rear-naked choke, and Shainis continues to squirm and he muscles his way back to his feet and knees Jenkins on the chest on the way. They trade knees when tied up, and Shainis flusters his man with a series of short left hands on the inside. Jenkins drives a knee into the sternum, and follows it with one more as the two try to work one another with knee strikes. Jenkins looks for a trip, and when that fails, they separate and he kicks low. The Aussie strings a combination together of body shots and leg kicks, and Shainis appears to be struggling from these kicks. Shainis changes things up, tripping Jenkins and landing on top right into mount. Like riding a bucking bronco, Shainis rides on top and belts Jenkins with ground-and-pound. Jenkins turns and nearly gives his back up and gets choked, only to turn about and muscles his way to his feet. With seconds to spare, Jenkins takes Shainis from behind, throws him to the canvas and takes his back in a furious exchange. The choke is not there, and instead Shainis spins around to end the wild round in top position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins

Round 3

Gloves get touched before they engage, and Shainis is quick to strike after recoiling his hand to wing two punches to the body and head. Jenkins backs off and sticks out a jab, and he gets popped with a step-in right hand and still manages to duck under and grab Shainis’ back. Jenkins drags his foe to the ground from behind, and he cinches up a body triangle to slow the scrambles from Shainis. This does not halt his escape, as Shainis manages to still break the leg grip, push off and power back to his feet. Jenkins meets him there with a powerful low kick, and he uses a low body lock and a sweep to put Shainis on the ground again. Jenkins, in half guard, is forced to immediately defend from elbows that Shainis uses from beneath. The American uses a kimura off his back in an attempt to sweep, and before he can turn Jenkins over, Jenkins frees his arm. Shainis is consistently busy striking when not fishing for some limb, and Jenkins takes a moment to go chest-to-chest on top and keep Shainis stuck. “Shameless” furiously bucks and kicks, and Jenkins uses this to his advantage to sneak his left arm under the neck in a potential arm-triangle choke setup. Shainis sits up and pushes off the cage before this succeeds, but he is still on his back giving up control time. Jenkins slides over to mount and is quick to look for an arm-triangle, but Shainis kicks him right back to his guard. Shainis looks to frame off with butterfly hooks, until Jenkins slithers back to the half guard. With 25 seconds to go, Jenkins unleashes a fury with a long salvo of right hands, doing so as Shainis scrambles, works his way back to his feet, and tries to force a brawl. They trade heavy leather until the bitter end, and Shainis rocks Jenkins right before the bell sounds. Shainis gets smacked back with a front kick, and when the bell rings, he does not appear to realize the fight is over, shoving away Jenkins when the Aussie looks to embrace him. They settle down, and the slugfest comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins (30-27 Jenkins)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins (30-27 Jenkins)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Jenkins (30-27 Jenkins)

The Official Result

Jack Jenkins def. Don Shainis via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Jamie Mullarkey (155) vs. Francisco Prado (154.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mullarkey (-250), Prado (+210)

Round 1

Action will almost certainly treat the fans to kick off the ESPN portion of the prelims, as proud Aussie Mullarkey (15-5, 3-3 UFC) welcomes the 20-year-old finishing machine Prado (11-0, 0-0 UFC) to the promotion. This classic Australia vs. Argentina contest will draw officiating from referee Marc Goddard, who better be ready to step in at a moment’s notice given the pace of these two lightweights. They do touch gloves before trying to knock the other into next week, and the first strike is thrown by Mullarkey after about 15 seconds. The Aussie tosses a head kick out without much behind it, and Prado sits down on a counter right hand that has much more heat on it. Mullarkey circles on the outside, blocking a head kick and chopping the newcomer’s lead leg early. They throw strikes at the same time, and Mullarkey eats a right hand and fires right back with his own. Prado shakes Mullarkey up with two punches, and he whiffs on a spinning wheel kick. Prado sits down on a big left hand, and Mullarkey ducks it, surges forward with a double and plants the newcomer on his back. Prado defends with two-on-one wrist control when hitting his back, and Mullarkey opens him up with several elbows to the side. Prado closes his guard up after tossing his legs up for a triangle, and Mullarkey frees his arms and elbows the young man on the jaw. Mullarkey sits up when Prado tries another triangle, and he gets off a few punches and yanks Prado back down when Prado attempts to scramble. The ground strikes from the Aussie open a cut on the corner of Prado’s right eye, and Prado pushes off after looking for a triangle and stands up. Mullarkey follows him up and grabs a body lock from behind and wrenches him back down to the canvas. In half guard, Mullarkey comfortably hangs on and grinds the unbeaten fighter with his elbow, and he whips an elbow over the top that rips the cut open a bit more. Mullarkey drives elbows on the dome while Prado looks for another kimura, and the veteran fights it off and ends the round stifling Prado.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey

Round 2

The second stanza opens with fists getting bumped, and Mullarkey lashes out with a kick to the upper thigh. Mullarkey sweeps out with another kick, and Prado lunges in response with an uppercut that blows a breeze on Mullarkey’s face. A person from the crowd shouts for Mullarkey to “put him in a body bag,” and the fighter answers the call with a few powerful punches while evading the counters. Prado partially blocks a head kick, whose offense is far more muted than the last round. Mullarkey jabs and kicks the inside of his foe’s lead leg, and Prado swings and pulls back from two hooks. Mullarkey fires off a left hand, and he ducks a Prado counter. Mullarkey jabs to the body, getting in and out before Prado can strike back. Mullarkey lets loose another head kick, and when he sets his leg down, Prado chops at it with his shin. Jabs of Mullarkey have opened the cut up on the side of the eye again, and Prado does not appear to notice as blood trickles down his face. The 20-year-old spins with a kick, and he misses and just dodges a booming left hook in the nick of time. Prado shoots in from afar, and Mullarkey stuffs the takedown and hops away easily. Mullarkey scores a low kick, absorbs an uppercut and dings Prado with a left hook upside the head. Prado tries to follow Mullarkey when he ducks and moves, but the strike goes wide. Mullarkey jumps forward with an inaccurate superman punch, and Prado’s offense is largely relegated to one-and-done shots. They throw hands at the same time, and Mullarkey cracks Prado and grins maliciously. The Aussie digs a left to the body, and he picks at Prado from a safe range with punches up top and kicks down low. Prado swings and misses, and gets pushed back from a body shot. Mullarkey slides out of harm’s way from an overhand right, and his jab connects right before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey

Round 3

The fists are bumped to lead off the final frame, and Mullarkey begins to stalk his man down. Prado lands a kick first before he can get struck, but it is one-and-done. Huge hooks come flying from both fighters, and Mullarkey gets the better of the exchange as Prado staggers back. Mullarkey reaches the side with a kick, and he just misses with a strong and speedy hook. Prado winds up with his power strikes, but Mullarkey is able to jab him when he does not wade forward recklessly. Mullarkey has a one-two glance off the raised guard, and he hops away when Prado looks to set up a spinning back fist. The Argentinian punches his way into a single-leg entry, and Mullarkey staves it off and boots Prado upside the head. Prado eats a leg kick so he can unload a heavy right hand, and Mullarkey takes it on the chin and stabs at the body. Prado blasts his foe with a left hook, and Mullarkey appears a little surprised but does not back down for more than a moment. Prado chambers and fires a few more lethal hooks, and they do not find the mark this time. Mullarkey kicks high on the left side, and scores a right over the top on the other. The offense of the Aussie throws Prado off-balance enough to get tackled to the mat, where Mullarkey lands in side control. Mullarkey tries to step over to mount, but Prado kicks him off momentarily. Mullarkey gets back into top position, and Prado latches on to Mullarkey’s right arm for a kimura. Mullarkey uses the opening to attack the body, and Prado rolls him all the way over with the kimura. Mullarkey gets flipped to his back, but he wrenches his arm free and bursts back to his feet with 20 seconds to go. Prado spins with a wheel kick that is wide of his intended target, and Mullarkey clocks him with a left hand right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey (30-27 Mullarkey)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey (30-27 Mullarkey)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey (30-27 Mullarkey)

The Official Result

Jamie Mullarkey def. Francisco Prado via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kleydson Rodrigues (Missed Weight: 127) vs. Shannon Ross (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodrigues (-320), Ross (+265)

Round 1

In what was supposed to be a matchup in the flyweight division, UFC debutant Ross (12-6, 0-0 UFC) – coming off a loss on the Contender Series, only to get signed when the story broke of him competing with a burst appendix – toes the line against the heavy Brazilian Rodrigues (7-2, 0-1 UFC). The latter missed weight by a pound, and Ross pockets 20% of his purse as an added bonus, win or lose. Someone’s got to earn their first UFC win, barring an unexpected result, and both men are ready and rearing to go. They bump fists as referee Matt Wynne watches on, and Rodrigues moves to the center of the cage immediately. “KR” stalks the home country fighter down and spin kicks him in the liver. Ross ignores it and swats back with a low calf kick. Rodrigues responds with the same kick on the inside, and he kicks up high and stings Ross with a left hand. A nasty body kick from Rodrigues bends Ross over, and “KR” knows that the end could be near. Lashing out with a brutal flurry starting with a head kick leading into a stream of body shots, Ross is in trouble and leans over with his back to the cage, in serious trouble. The Brazilian winds up with a vicious uppercut and chains punches together that get past the guard. Backing off, Rodrigues jumps forward with an attempted spinning back kick that ends up with him simply slamming his backside into Ross’ head like a horizontal version of Mark Hunt’s “atomic butt drop.” Ross’ knees buckle but he is still with it, while Wynne watches on closely, and Rodrigues unleashes one final salvo of punches until the Aussie crumbles. Having seen enough, Wynne leaps in between the two, and the flyweight that missed weight has just notched an impressive finish in about a minute. While this could have been a larger moment for the Brazilian, his corner does not have a Portuguese-to-English interpreter, and therefore he does not get a post-fight interview.

The Official Result

Kleydson Rodrigues def. Shannon Ross R1 0:59 via TKO (Punches)

Melsik Baghdasaryan (146) vs. Joshua Culibao (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Culibao (-120), Baghdasaryan (+100)

Round 1

Featherweights take center stage next in a matchup where neither man has ever landed a submission, so fists and feet are sure to fly. Repping his home country, Culibao (10-1-1, 2-1-1 UFC) collides with one of Glendale Fighting Club’s few remaining members in a major organization, Baghdasaryan (7-1, 2-0 UFC). Chins are sure to be tested early and often, so referee Peter Hickmott has strapped on his hard hat and is ready for the action. Despite the bad blood that developed on fight week, fists are bumped before they are swung. Baghdasaryan leads off with a leg kick, and he fires off a second in rapid succession. Culibao loops a head kick back in response, and he comes up short. Baghdasaryan pokes at the calf with his shin again, and Culibao winds up to make him pay with two of his own. The two trade low kicks one after the other, and Culibao changes stances after taking a particularly solid one. Culibao goes up high with a kick that is blocked, and he gets spun around from a chopping kick from “The Gun.” Culibao tries to close in and swipe out with a left hook, but Baghdasaryan is out of the way before it reaches him. Baghdasaryan digs a kick right to the liver, and Culibao winds up with one up high to respond but is just short. Baghdasaryan kicks the body again, and he settles down with a right hand when recoiling. Baghdasaryan gest off a low kick before Culibao can catch him back, and Culibao peppers him with three more as Baghdasaryan nods and smiles at him. The two get fired up and launch big left hooks, and Culibao begins to start checking the kick. Baghdasaryan goes up top with a kick and pulls back before Culibao can reach him in a reply. The two are trapped in a form of a mirror match, where one lands and the other tries to give the same blow back almost immediately. Baghdasaryan connects with a clean right hand to draw a stream of blood out of the nose, and he checks an oncoming low kick to follow. Baghdasaryan times a low kick to launch a left hand over the top, and Culibao just barely rolls it. Baghdasaryan spins with a back kick, and the heel smashes square into the cup and Culibao hits the mat in excruciating pain. Hickmott splits them up and informs Culibao he has five minutes to recover. Baghdasaryan tries to signal that it was not a groin shot, but on replay, he is informed of the foul. Baghdasaryan goes to apologize, and Culibao, still in agony, recognizes it was not at all intentional and holds no ill will. Culibao signals that after about two minutes, he is good to go, and the doctor is ushered out of the cage. Upon restart, Culibao lets fly a head kick, Baghdasaryan does the same, and the latter uses the momentum to fire off a tornado kick right before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Baghdasaryan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Baghdasaryan
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Baghdasaryan

Round 2

Baghdasaryan offers a fist bump, and Culibao accepts it. Baghdasaryan comes up short by a matter of inches with an axe kick, and they crash together in an exchange and clash heads. Culibao protests, and Hickmott to tells them to fight on as Culibao reels. Baghdasaryan does not give chase, and instead appears to take a little time to clear his own head. Baghdasaryan reaches out with his right hand outstretched to hand-fight, and Culibao winds up with two kicks that make Baghdasaryan nod at him. They trade low kicks, and Baghdasaryan targets the body with his shin. Baghdasaryan kicks low, and Culibao stabs out a jab and tackles him over to the floor to grab hold of his man in an instant. Baghdasaryan turns to his knees to stand back up, but this is the worst decision he can make, as Culibao takes his back and latches on to a rear-naked choke. The forearm begins to crush Baghdasaryan’s bottom jaw with the Californian’s mouth open, and Culibao sneakily slides it under the chin to cinch it up completely. Baghdasaryan does not need more than a second or two before he surrenders, and Culibao has now landed the first submission of his career. The crowd goes wild, and Culibao leaps atop the cage and motions to the crowd to give him a beer. “Kuya” does not end up getting one in time, but he will likely be treated to many on the way out and more celebrating tonight.

The Official Result

Joshua Culibao def. Melsik Baghdasaryan R2 2:02 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Modestas Bukauskas (206) vs. Tyson Pedro (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pedro (-240), Bukauskas (+200)

Round 1

The prelims conclude with a banger at 205 pounds, as Australia’s own Pedro (9-3, 5-3 UFC) welcomes back Bukauskas (13-5, 1-3 UFC) to the organization after a year and so back in Cage Warriors. With 20 total finishes in their 22 triumphs, referee Steve Perceval will almost certainly be needed while the judges may not. The match begins with a glove touch, and Bukauskas opens up with a spinning wheel kick. Pedro is well out of the way before that reaches him, and he backs off when Bukauskas hurls a big right hand at him. Pedro absorbs a stiff leg kick, and he looks for a few jabs. Bukauskas catches him on the way in with a right hand and swats away a push kick that comes his way, and he whips a high kick up that is blocked. Pedro stalks him down and scores a left hand, but Bukauskas rings his bell with a heavy left hook. Bukauskas spins with a back kick from up close, and Pedro is able to close in and evade it. The Aussie walks forward with a body kick, and he clinches up with his man while grinning like a banshee. Pedro appears to land a knee to the cup, but it goes uncalled as Pedro trips Bukauskas down to the mat. Landing in side control, Pedro slams down a short elbow to show he means business. Pedro attempts to pass guard, but Bukauskas is able to keep him from doing so and turn to his knees. Pedro holds him down, and he drops down with a guillotine choke and rolls Bukauskas over to his back. Pedro stands back up and somersaults to try to pass guard, but Bukauskas stands back up. They collide with punches, and Bukauskas appears no worse for wear after taking a left on the temple. Pedro fires off a kick to the ribcage, and he leans in to punch but Bukauskas slides out of the way. Bukauskas winds up with an overhand right, and Pedro times a short left counter. Bukauskas spins with a back kick that pushes Pedro back, and he tags Pedro as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pedro
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pedro

Round 2

The second round opens with a stomping low kick to the knee from the Lithuanian, and Pedro is walking him down but does not appear to have the same steam on his strikes. Bukauskas dips a punch and swings a left hand over the top, and he slaps a kick in the side. Pedro dodges a one-two and lumbers forward, getting off a short left hand to the chest before escaping. Pedro intercepts a low kick to reach a left hand over the top, and he kicks the side and just avoids a sweeping left hook. Pedro slaps a kick low and backs off when Bukauskas advances to throw bombs. Bukauskas strides ahead, and a right hand lands at the very edge of it and snaps his foe’s head back. Pedro releases a front kick, and the ball of his foot crashes straight into the cup. Bukauskas collapses to the mat as Perceval calls time, and it is unintentional and the latter declares it as such. After about 45 seconds, Bukauskas is remarkably good to go, and Pedro reintroduces himself with three kicks to the side that are not too low. Bukauskas swats a left hook on the jaw, and Pedro continues to wade forward despite eating strikes. Pedro scores a left and then looses a kick to the other side of the body, and he pushes forward to tie his man up. Bukauskas turns him around as they slowly jockey for position, and he whiffs on a spinning back elbow that Pedro ducks. Bukauskas gets in a left hook as he comes forward, and Pedro belts him in the ribs with a kick. A missed spinning wheel kick from “The Baltic Gladiator” punctuates the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pedro
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas

Round 3

The light heavyweights touch ‘em up to begin the final round, much to the surprise of some. Pedro strikes first in the period with a half-hearted kick to the liver, and he slides back as Bukauskas spins with an inaccurate wheel kick. Pedro pushes out a front kick with his right leg and a body kick with his left, keeping his opponent at bay. Pedro intercepts an advancing Bukauskas with a short left hook, and he sees a series of punches coming and misses. Pedro ducks them and pushes forward into a clinch, and he whips a kick that brushes past the shoulders of his opponent. Bukauskas strings two punches together, missing on a third, as Pedro backs away in time. They kick at the same time, and Pedro hops back. “The Baltic Gladiator” connects with an overhand right, and Pedro replies with a teep kick to the sternum. Bukauskas punches and attempts a standing vertical elbow, and a small cut has developed on the bridge of the Aussie’s nose. Pedro lands a kick to the ribs, prompting Bukauskas into action. As Bukauskas lets go with his hands, Pedro pushes through them to shove Bukauskas back to the wire. Bukauskas breaks off, absorbs a kick to the chest and backs away as Pedro swarms him with labored punches. Pedro grabs hold of his man to slow him down, and Bukauskas lifts up a knee to the midsection. Bukauskas knees the hip and then thigh as his gas tank betrays him, and he connects with one on the cup. Pedro groans, and they do not pause. Instead, they separate, and Bukauskas attacks with all his might. Spinning with an elbow and throwing everything he has into one final, mostly inaccurate, barrage, but it is a good look while Pedro runs away. The dreadful slog of a fight comes to a merciful conclusion, and it could go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Bukauskas)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Bukauskas)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Bukauskas)

The Official Result

Modestas Bukauskas def. Tyson Pedro via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Jimmy Crute (204.5) vs. Alonzo Menifield (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Crute (-205), Menifield (+175)

Round 1

The action at light heavyweight hopefully picks up as the main card commences, with Bendigo native Crute (12-3, 4-3 UFC) coming back to the Octagon after over a year on the shelf to throw down with “Atomic Alonzo” Menifield (13-3, 6-3 UFC). Referee Marc Goddard is on high alert for what could go down in the very first round, with 18 Round 1 finishes between them. There is no interest in a glove touch, as these two flamethrowers would like to do just that. Crute kicks low and gets countered over the top, and this similar exchange occurs again. Menifield swings too hard with an overhand right, and Crute crashes forward and hits a double. Menifield walks up the wall, only to get dragged back down to his knees in a hurry. Crute holds on from the back, and Menifield protects himself from any damage but is getting handily controlled early. Menifield powers back to his feet, and he sprawls far to stave off the takedown. Crute elevates him with a single and dumps him back to the mat, and he is quick to move to half guard and threaten with an arm-triangle choke. Menifield kicks off with a butterfly hook, doing enough to stand back up. Menifield grabs hold of a guillotine choke with his back mashed to the wire, but Crute pays it no mind and sets him back down to his seat. Menifield explodes back up once more and smacks Crute in the side of the head, but he cannot thwart the younger Crute from dragging him to the floor. Menifield sits up, and Crute grabs hold of his neck and pulls guard to hit it. Menifield scrambles wildly, rolls back and gets to his feet. Menifield cracks him, and Crute fires back and slings a head kick. As he does, Menifield knocks him down to the floor. Crute tries to set up an armbar off his back when Menifield drops down to attack him, and he wrenches on the face in a brute force submission. When Crute stays on his knees, Menifield belts him with powerful punches to the side of the head. Crute moves, but Menifield is still on him, and the American calmly rides on top while landing short punches. Menifield smacks Crute with a few hammerfists, and he punishes Crute as Crute tries to stand. Crute manages to get back upright, and he gets knocked back and hurt badly with punches. Menifield unloads with a ferocious flurry, and Crute manages to turn the corner, possibly out and working on autopilot, to set Menifield to his seat. The tense and thrilling round ends before Menifield can get up and hammer the nail.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Menifield

Round 2

The two meet in the middle, and Menifield is the fresher man out of the gate, as he wings bombs and knocks Crute back. A few punches from “Atomic Alonzo” wobble the legs of his opponent and set him down, and Crute dives forward in pursuit of a single. The younger Crute, sitting on his knees, crawls to the fence while taking a few shots. Menifield thinks about strangling him from behind, but settles to smash Crute in the face. The Aussie climbs back upright, and Menifield presses him tightly to the wire and drives a pair of elbows in the face. Crute responds with a knee and pushes off, and he gets clipped when he comes out striking. Menifield connects with two jabs and a one-two, and Crute’s legs are still not back beneath him. Menifield jabs and scores, and Crute fails to take the fight down and gets tagged on the way up. Crute lets go with a head kick, and Menifield blasts him with a pair of punches to knock him back. Menifield lays into a nearly unconscious Crute with ferocious punishment, and the fence may be the only thing holding “The Brute” up. Crute attempts to spin Menifield around and trip him to the floor, but Menifield is too strong to succumb to the trip. The pace wanes as they both try to catch their breath after over eight minutes of wild combat, with Menifield squeezing his man on the wire like he wants to squeeze him through it. Crute pushes through the pain, pushes through Menifield and plants him on the floor. Menifield turns to his knees, and Crute gets the back and lands a few punches. Crute attempts a rear-naked choke, but it is not under the chin and he does not have anything. Menifield blocks any light punches that Crute tries to land on him before turning to his side, and this gives his neck up. With seconds left in the round, Crute goes for one last rear-naked choke, and Menifield signals the thumbs-up before the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Menifield

Round 3

The spent 205ers march out of their corners, and Menifield sits down on a right hand to wobble Crute’s legs immediately. Crute gathers his thoughts and plods forward, and he walks into another right hand. The Aussie punches his way forward into a double, and Menifield stops it and sneaks in an uppercut. Crute drops down for a single, and Menifield grabs the fence to stop it and is deducted one point for the foul. Goddard admonishes him for this and resets them in standing clinch position. Crute is quick to drop down for a double when they restart, and Menifield stands him up and is too tall to eat a knee. Crute continues to spam takedowns while pushing the American against the fencing, but Menifield’s defense holds up against the tries. Crute lifts up one leg and hops across the cage with him before throwing him to the floor, and he lands in half guard. Menifield immediately kicks to fight off Crute, but Crute gloms on to him and advances to full mount. Crute only gets off a few hammerfists before he is bucked off, with Menifield turning to his side to break up the position. Menifield moves well enough to escape mount, and Crute allows this to shift to side control and lock down Menifield’s right arm for a kimura trap. Menifield sees this coming and slides the arm out, and he turns to his knees in an effort to stand up. Crute follows him every step of the way, landing shots while holding Menifield down. Crute lands a few half-hearted punches on either side of Menifield’s head, and Menifield works his way back up with 15 seconds left on the clock. Crute hangs on like a cheap suit, riding out the fight in the clinch. With the point deduction, this one could very possibly be scored even.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Crute (28-28)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Crute (28-28)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-8 Crute (28-28)

The Official Result

Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield is Scored a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

Parker Porter (264) vs. Justin Tafa (266)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tafa (-130), Porter (+110)

Round 1

The obligatory heavyweight slobberknocker of the card is slotted up on the pay-per-view portion, and a ranking among the top 15 is still a few wins away for these two competitors. Tafa (5-3, 2-3 UFC) will hope to lather up his home country fans at the expense of New Englander Porter (12-7, 3-2 UFC), and referee Jason Herzog draws the call. The big men clap hands before getting after it, and it is Porter who throws the first strike in a reaching jab. Tafa replies with a big left hook, and Porter makes sure not to get behind early and wings a right hand. Tafa scores a body shot and stings the American with right hand over the top, and he is met with a few punches and a slapping low kick to respond. The two close in and work one another with uppercuts up close, and they break apart and Tafa backpedals. Porter charges recklessly with his hands down, and Tafa uncorks a bomb of a left hand that detonates on the chin. Before Porter crashes to the ground, Tafa greets him with one final uppercut, shutting the lights out completely. Porter collapses to his back, and Tafa begins to dance, knowing his work here is done while Herzog officially waves the fight off. Every win for “Bad Man” has come by knockout, as the Brisbane native records one more crushing knockout in a bit over a minute. The crowd goes wild.

The Official Result

Justin Tafa def. Parker Porter R1 1:06 via KO (Punches)

Randy Brown (171) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Della Maddalena (-315), Brown (+260)

Round 1

Two welterweights on solid win streaks will enter, and only one will leave with it intact. Since losing his first two pro outings, Maddalena (13-2, 3-0 UFC) has strung 13 wins in a row, while Brown (16-4, 10-4 UFC) has rattled off four straight in the Octagon. A spot in the top 15 and a big next matchup likely looms for the victor, but this is no easy ask for either man first. Referee Marc Goddard will take charge of the cage in this “featured fight of the night,” and there is no fist bump before it all goes down. Brown uses his reach right out of the gate, pushing out a long jab to split the guard of the heavy-handed Aussie. A rude chant rains down against Brown, who is fighting a Perth local. Brown stays on the outside with front kicks, jab, single strikes and accurate blows to not let Maddalena close in on him. Maddalena strikes the low calf a few times, and Brown pushes off with his fingers outstretched and is warned for this. Brown picks and pokes at his foe with reaching strikes, switching stances and scoring teep kicks while circling away from Maddalena’s power. Maddalena blazes forward, and with a fiery right hand he scorches his opponent behind the ear. The resounding blow separates Brown from his faculties, who falls face-first to the mat. Maddalena leaps on top to pound on Brown, delivering punishment with hammerfist after unanswered hammerfist. Brown works his way to the wall, but in the process, he surrenders his back. Maddalena latches on from behind, and he sinks both hooks in and simultaneously sets up the rear-naked choke. The two are still dry and Maddalena is at full strength, so his squeeze is undeniable and the choke is securely fastened. The roof positively blows off as Brown taps out, with Perth’s own putting a stamp on a terrific performance. In an interview where he can barely hear himself think, Maddalena calls for a ranked opponent when he comes back from holiday, and he hopes to fight again in front of a home crowd soon.

The Official Result

Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown R1 2:13 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

UFC Interim Featherweight Title Fight:
Yair Rodriguez (145) vs. Josh Emmett (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-165), Emmett (+140)

Round 1

Because the division’s champion moved up in weight to attempt to climb another mountain, the UFC has elected to grant interim championship status to the winner of this UFC 284 co-main event. This gold-studded no. 1 contender matchup will come between dynamic striker Rodriguez (14-3, 1 NC; 9-2, 1 NC UFC) and the brick-fisted Emmett (18-2, 9-2 UFC), with a fresh challenger emerging for Alexander Volkanovski if and when he comes back down to featherweight. There is zero bad blood between the fighters, and they show it by touching gloves while referee Jason Herzog gives them their final instructions. Rodriguez claims the center of the cage initially, but the movement of the two featherweights take them all around the inner ring of the cage. Neither strike for the first 30 seconds, until Rodriguez gets off a front kick that glances off the beard. Rodriguez throws another that misses, and a low sweeping kick makes Emmett spin all the way about. Emmett walks the rangy striker down, as Rodriguez strafes back and forth, and he walks through a kick. Rodriguez rips a kick to the body right beneath the guard, and Emmett is stung badly but keeping a solid poker face. Rodriguez lets him recover and prods at him with low kicks from afar, and Emmett gathers himself and walks into a heft low kick. Rodriguez connects with another fierce kick to the liver, and the area of contact turns a brilliant shade of red in a hurry. Emmett continues to chase, and he absorbs a rough kick to the ribcage to launch a right hand that gets Rodriguez’ attention. Rodriguez retreats before eating any further shots, and he drifts in and out and tosses forth a body kick. Emmett charges with a swarm of punches that all miss the mark, as Rodriguez is out of the way before anything can touch him. Rodriguez spins with a wheel kick, and he follows it with a right hand that does land. Emmett bites down on his mouthpiece and wings a right hand over the top, and his charge leads him into trouble until he catches Rodriguez with a solid right hand. Emmett unloads with a barrage of punches that sends Rodriguez crashing to the mat in trouble. Rodriguez rolls and turns to try to escape, but the American is on him pounding with hammers. “El Pantera” looks for a triangle or something to use to threaten just long enough to sneak out, but Emmett ignores it all and belts him with strong punches. Emmett elects to move into Rodriguez’ guard so that he can work him over with punches, as he stacks Rodriguez up and throws hands. Rodriguez strikes off his back with elbows and hammerfists, and the two trade until the bell separates them and nearly after – but Emmett pulls back right before landing after it sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Emmett
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Emmett
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 2

The second frame opens up with Rodriguez the one pushing forward. Like the last round, they do not engage early, instead moving laterally and finding an angle to approach. After about 40 seconds, they let loose and connect with haymakers. Rodriguez targets the body with a kick when they break off, and this forces Emmett to shoot in out of desperation. Rodriguez stuffs it, and the two trade furiously. Emmett throws everything he has into a right hand that makes him fall to the side, and Rodriguez connects cleanly to the side again for good measure. Emmett closes in and pursues a single, and when this fails, he eats a knee and spins with a back elbow to take a page out of Rodriguez’ book. Rodriguez ducks back and releases two head kicks, and he dips down when a telegraphed Emmett overhand right soars past him. A composed Rodriguez stagers Emmett with an elbow, and he allows Emmett to wind up with his inevitable fastball so that he can target various parts of Emmett indiscriminately. Emmett’s leaping, looping punches miss the mark as Rodriguez sees them coming and slides or dodges, but Emmett sneaks one in when he doubles it up. Emmett absorbs a punch, blocks a potential spin, and takes a flying knee on the jaw so that he can throw the Mexican fighter down to the canvas. Emmett finds himself dealing with vicious elbows from Rodriguez on his back, while trying to stack Rodriguez up and work him over from above. Emmett gets off a heavy punch and pushes out of a triangle choke setup, and Rodriguez gets his toes hooked in the cage for leverage. Herzog slaps the toes out, and Rodriguez resets his triangle choke and locks it around the neck. Immediately transported to the danger zone, Emmett cannot free himself from the submission, and he is forced to tap out for the first time in his career. Elated, the new interim champion leaps out of the cage to celebrate with friends and fans in attendance, and he is given a cowboy hat to bring back with him for the official announcement. He has punched his ticket to a unification match with Volkanovski, and he did it by putting on one heck of a show.

The Official Result

Yair Rodriguez def. Josh Emmett R2 4:19 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

UFC Lightweight Title Fight:
Islam Makhachev (155) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (154.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Makhachev (-365), Volkanovski (+300)

Round 1

Throughout the history of the UFC, only a few reigning champions have journeyed to another weight category to claim a second concurrent title, and just four have prevailed. Featherweight kingpin Volkanovski (25-1, 12-0 UFC) will try to become the fifth, as he moves up 10 pounds to challenge for Makhachev’s (23-1, 12-1 UFC) throne. A UFC record of win streaks totaling 12 for Volkanovski and 11 for the Russian will crash together, and only one will continue in the next five rounds or less. During the first walkout, which comes for the blur cornered Volkanovski, his walkout of “Down Under” by Men at Work shakes the walls when seemingly every fan in attendance sings along at the tops of their lungs. Referee Marc Goddard takes the honor of officiating this momentous match, and the fighters are eager to compete while full of respect. The gloves are touched, and it’s on with the show. Volkanovski pump-fakes several times to show different looks at the beginning of the fight, and Makhachev fakes a possible level change to draw a reaction. Neither man throws a strike for over 45 seconds, until the Russian tosses a kick to the side. Volkanovski responds with a low kick, and he darts in with a right hand. Volkanovski switches stances repeatedly, and he ducks down to block a leg kick with his arm. Volkanovski ships at the lead leg with another kick, and he hops forward with two punches. A third knocks Makhachev back, and Volkanovski starts talking to him as he is extremely amped up. Volkanovski chases the lightweight champ and throws fists, and Makhachev swats him out of the way and counters with a right around the guard. Volkanovski resets and charges in, with a combination ending with a calf kick. Makhachev scores a calf kick and a body kick, and the two throw down in a wild exchange and Volkanovski hits his knees and springs back up. Makhachev fires off a kick to the head when his foe stands again, and he presses forward to bully the featherweight champ into the cage. Makhachev hunts for a takedown, looking to get the Aussie down from behind, and he succeeds in dragging Volkanovski to the mat. Volkanovski sits up, but Makhachev slips in from behind and gets both hooks in with his back to the cage wall. Volkanovski fights the hands, when Makhachev fishes for a possible rear-naked choke setup, and Makhachev squeezes with a face crank when there is no choke around. Volkanovski does not flinch, and Makhachev torques for a neck crank that he gives up when Volkanovski pulls the hand out. Volkanovski rides out the round as a smile creeps on his face, as the crowd grows to a crescendo.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 2

Fists are bumped to begin the second stanza, and Makhachev presses the pace and hand-fights to prevent a Volkanovski jab from reaching him. It takes the two about 30 seconds before committing to a strike, one in which Volkanovski ducks and grins. Makhachev lines up a body kick, and Volkanovski lunges forward with two looping hooks that miss the mark. Volkanovski blitzes his man, knocking him back to the cage and colliding his fists with Makhachev’s chin to make him hit the deck. Volkanovski looks to do some damage, but Makhachev turns the tables when they hit the ground and goes to take top position. In a surge, Volkanovski works his way back up to his feet, and Makhachev meets him with a knee up the middle. Volkanovski threatens with his own takedown when he presses Makhachev up against the fence, and he breaks off as a knee grazes off his dome. Volkanovski retreats and gets into his rhythm of stance switching, as Makhachev walks him down but does not throw anything. Volkanovski backs him off wit ha stern calf kick, and he ducks a punch and attacks the body with a right hand. Volkanovski ducks down and connects cleanly with a left hook, and Makhachev is stunned but retaliates immediately. Makhachev knocks his foe back with a combination, and he follows a staggering Volkanovski with a knee and a few punches, as swelling grows on the side of the Aussie’s left eye. Volkanovski cannot get the lightweight champ off of him, as Makhachev stalks his prey and throws with bad intentions. Makhachev scores a clean knee and an uppercut, and his momentum pushes them into a clinch situation. Volkanovski allows him to close in so that he can attack a single, and he bails on it when Makhachev knees him repeatedly. The round ends with the featherweight champ imposing his body weight on his adversary.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 3

The two are much quicker to start in the third round, but they pull back after a brief exchange. Makhachev leans back and slaps the featherweight champ in the face with the instep of his foot, and Volkanovski gives one back in the form of a clean right hand. Volkanovski rushes in suddenly to dig a right to the body, and he escapes without taking much flush. Makhachev unloads a kick to the liver, and Volkanovski races into action with punches and a leg kick. Makhachev stings him with a right hand, and Volkanovski turns to the side and connects with an inside leg kick that wobbles the Russian’s knee. Volkanovski races forward with a few punches, and Makhachev grabs him to set up a Thai clinch. Makhachev attempts to drag the fight down, and Volkanovski springs up on the first try but is pulled down on the second. Makhachev leans heavy but cannot keep the Aussie grounded, as Volkanovski spins out and turns Makhachev into the wall. From up close, Volkanovski delivers several short punches before unloading with three sharp shots. Makhachev breaks off and gains some space, and he pressures forward in hopes of backing Volkanovski to the wall. Makhachev stands firm when his foe advances, meeting him with a left hand that makes Volkanovski shrug at him. Makhachev prepares a left hand counter, and he swipes a right hand over the shoulder when Volkanovski blitzes. A few jabs from the lightweight champ open a cut on the forehead, and whips a left hand over the top that knocks Makhachev to the floor. They scramble when Makhachev tries to take the fight down, and Volkanovski shucks him aside and gets back into the open cage. The round ends as the two measure one another.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 4

The championship rounds have been reached, and they clap hands to begin the next five-minute span. Volkanovski delivers a solid leg kick to reintroduce himself, and Makhachev steps forward at the 30-second mark with a one-two. Volkanovski responds with a punch to the body, and he steps in with a pair of jabs. The Aussie slaps the calf on the outside, and the two clash high kicks together. Makhachev connects with one left hand, and Volkanovski nods and surges ahead with three punches. Makhachev counters a blow with a right hand, prompting another acknowledgement from the featherweight king. Volkanovski throws a bit too hard, allowing Makhachev to change levels in an instant in the open cage to throw Volkanovski to the floor. Volkanovski scoots his way to the fence, but Makhachev takes his back and tightens the body lock around the waist. With his foe doing little else besides controlling, Volkanovski starts punching behind his own head. Makhachev moves his left forearm slowly in an effort to set up a choke, but this falls short repeatedly as Volkanovski controls the grip arm. The fighters are warned for grabbing their fingers inside the glove, and Volkanovski starts talking to the lightweight champ. Makhachev keeps back position even as Volkanovski jaws at him and smacks him with light fists, and Volkanovski gets angrier and angrier as Makhachev hangs on from behind. Volkanovski turns frantically and shouts at the risk-averse approach, which only ends when the horn blares. When they stand, Volkanovski is in Makhachev’s face until they are separated by Goddard.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 5

The final round kicks off with a quick hug, and although Volkanovski advances, Makhachev lands the first blow with a piercing left hand. An incensed Volkanovski goes for it, throwing caution to the wind with a heavy barrage, only slowing when Makhachev meets him with a knee. Volkanovski eats it like a Vegemite sandwich and barrels forward, reaching high with a head kick and allowing Makhachev to try to take him down. When that fails, Makhachev ties him up and knees him twice on the face. One of the blows rips open a cut on the side of Volkanovski’s left eye, and Makhachev takes advantage of the moment to pursue a takedown. The wild scramble from the Aussie allows him to burst back to his feet, and he breaks out of the clinch to walk Makhachev down. Volkanovski pushes the pace, throwing until Makhachev ducks down for a single. Volkanovski overextended, but he does not pay for it, as he pulls Makhachev down on his face. Volkanovski breaks off with two minutes to spare, and the crowd is on its feet in hopes of their home country favorite pulling something off. Volkanovski collides with a few punches and hurts Makhachev to the body, but not before taking a flush knee on the chin. Volkanovski trips Makhachev down to his knees, and when Makhachev powers back up, he disengages from the clinch to strike. The Aussie unloads a ferocious right hand that sets Makhachev down to the mat, and he climbs into his downed foe’s guard and unloads with ground-and-pound. Precious seconds tick off the clock as Makhachev clings on for dear life, while Volkanovski punches any target he can find. Volkanovski postures up, and he unleashes a fury of punches right to the final bell. What a fight! This may come down to the scoring of the second round, but no matter who the victor, this match was well worth the price of admission. It may be one we see again sometime down the road. With UFC 284 in the books, the UFC will zip back to its headquarters with a much-maligned Fight Night card next week that took hits – including one tonight – and will keep on ticking. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski (48-47 Makhachev)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski (48-47 Volkanovski)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski (48-47 Makhachev)

The Official Result

Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)