UFC 285 ‘Jones vs. Gane’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Loik Radzhabov (155.5) vs. Esteban Ribovics (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Radzhabov (-250), Ribovics (+210)

Round 1

The T-Mobile Arena will play host tonight to a wide range of scintillating action, with a pair of title fights interesting for different reasons serving atop the billing. A whopping 14 fights – one shy of the UFC record – will play out in front of the fans and those watching all over. The slate begins in the lightweight division between two highly touted recent pickups both making their first walks to the cage this evening. Always seemingly a day late and a dollar short, Radzhabov (16-4-1, 0-0 UFC) will become the second fighter to rep Tajikistan in the cage – Nurullo Aliev had the honor of introducing his nation to the promotion last week, as the former PFL runner-up in both 2019 and 2021. He meets undefeated Argentinian Ribovics (11-0, 0-0 UFC), who has earned all 11 of his pro wins by stoppage, with seven coming in the opening frame. What could be a short night at the office for the judges in this first one might mean a more hectic time for referee Mark Smith, but he is ready and rearing to go as the two 155ers tough gloves to start off the night. Radzhabov starts off with a few jabs, and he looses a huge right hand that immediately staggers the undefeated fighter. Ribovics wobbles back, and Radzhabov tackles him right down to the floor. Ribovics sits up and stands, and Radzhabov latches on with a guillotine choke that he brings with him standing up. Ribovics appears to shake off the cobwebs and he gets away, but Radzhabov lines another right hand when they separate and cracks him on the temple. Smith warns the fighters for outstretched fingers, and Radzhabov cracks his man with another solid right. As Ribovics is stunned, Radzhabov takes advantages of the opportunity to bowl Ribovics over and push him to the canvas. Ribovics hits his back and starts hunting for a kimura for a sweep, and when that fails, he jumps over and takes Radzhabov’s back suddenly. The fighter from Tajikistan shakes him off and pulls his arm out of the two-on-one wrist lock, and both men stand up and break apart. Radzhabov leads the dance by marching Ribovics down with right hands, and Ribovics responds with a few sharp jabs as he strafes on the outside. Radzhabov shoots down low for a double-leg takedown, and he sucks the legs out and plants Ribovics on his seat. Ribovics surrenders his back while trying to wall-walk, and Radzhabov is happy to take it and start doing some damage with strikes on the side of the head. Ribovics turns all the way through, and Radzhabov pushes him down to the floor and briefly hunts for an arm-triangle choke, only to bail on it so he can posture up and deliver strikes. Ribovics stands up while hanging onto a kimura, and Radzhabov lifts him up and slams him down for a solid mat return. With 30 seconds to spare, Ribovics fights to his feet and looks to get his hands going. The two lightweights trade blows right to the opening bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Radzhabov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Radzhabov
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Radzhabov

Round 2

The second round begins with Ribovics letting his hands go right out of the gate, with a combination that surprises “Jaguar Paw.” Radzhabov counters this with a takedown, and he successfully plants the unbeaten fighter on his back. When Ribovics powers back up, Radzhabov very quickly drags him back down and flattens him out, landing in half guard and smothering Ribovics’ mouth. Radzhabov is warned for raking or scratching his fingers around Ribovics’ eyes, and Ribovics adjusts and looks to push off and escape. Radzhabov responds with an arm-triangle choke setup, but Ribovics uses the opportunity to perfectly explode out of the position and work his way back to his feet. When Ribovics starts to settle down on his punches, Radzhabov replies with a three-piece, and the soda comes in the form of a body lock takedown. Ribovics hits the mat and uses all of his energy to jump back to his feet, and Radzhabov greets him with a heavy leg kick when upright again. Radzhabov scores a few punches, and Ribovics complains about a poke but Smith calls it a punch. Radzhabov shoots in from afar with a double, and he still manages to suck the legs out and put the unbeaten fighter on his backside. Ribovics manages to stand, and Radzhabov tosses him around like a sack of flour with frustrating mat returns. Ribovics gets a bit of space, and he sticks out several jabs and connects with a clean one-two. Ribovics strings together a few body shots, and he goes up top and rocks Radzhabov with a right. Radzhabov crumbles to the floor, and Ribovics gives chase and lands when Radzhabov is on the floor. Radzhabov works his way back up, but Ribovics is on him, scoring at will. The bell sounds, and Radzhabov looks spent.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics

Round 3

Although Radzhabov appeared tired at the end of the last frame, he does not show it when the third round opens, Radzhabov stalks his foe down and cracks him with a series of punches, with his big right hand the most powerful. When Ribovics replies, Radzhabov leaps at him with a flying knee to knock him back into the cage. Radzhabov changes levels and dumps the Argentinian to the floor, and he claims top position and starts to land some ground-and-pound. Ribovics fishes for a kimura to sweep his man, and he flips Radzhabov all the way over and moves to take his back. Radzhabov does not surrender to this position, and he instead turns around, and falls to his back. When Ribovics looks to get the advantage, Radzhabov powers out and springs to his feet. As Ribovics greets him back upright, Radzhabov quickly takes the wind out of his sails with another takedown. Radzhabov continues to exhaust Ribovics with subsequent mat returns when “El Gringo” stands again, and he tosses him around like a toy. Ribovics slides out the back door with a minute to go, and the two get back to it on the feet. Ribovics strings together a few punches, shocking Radzhabov and forcing him into a desperation takedown. Ribovics stuffs it and allows him to stand up, and he marks Radzhabov up with punches to the body and head. Radzhabov charges forward to take the fight down again, totally wiped out, and Ribovics stops it but gets pushed to the wall. The fight comes to a close in the clinch, and it could go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Radzhabov (29-28 Radzhabov)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (29-28 Ribovics)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (29-28 Ribovics)

The Official Result

Loik Radzhabov def. Esteban Ribovics via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Farid Basharat (136) vs. Da'Mon Blackshear (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-410), Blackshear (+330)

Round 1

Keeping things trucking, bantamweights take center stage as Jackson-Wink product Blackshear (12-4-1, 0-0-1 UFC) looks for his first UFC win against the debuting London Shootfighters rep Basharat (9-0, 0-0 UFC). Both men sport a single knockout on their respective ledgers, as well as exactly three decision victories apiece, with the rest by submission. This potentially fun grappling contest will tolerate no nonsense because of the officiating from free referee Keith Peterson, and it begins not with a glove touch but a flying kick from Blackshear. Basharat slides to the side without concern, and he keeps his range from the reaching strikes that follow. Blackshear attempts a jumping switch kick, and Basharat parries it and chops the lead leg. “Da Monster” crashes forward with a jump knee, and he collides into Basharat without landing it. Basharat scores a right hand through the guard, and he kicks the side. Blackshear catches his leg and pushes him back to the wall, smacking him upside the head with a left hand as he did. Blackshear sets it down and gets pushed around when his takedown does not succeed, and Basharat rips the body a few times and lands a left up high. The two fighters trade jabs, and Basharat shoots in for a single-leg takedown and lifts Blackshear’s leg up. When Blackshear balances against the fence, Basharat drags him out and sets him on his seat in the open cage. Blackshear maintains a butterfly guard and looks to sweep, but Basharat remains on top and passes to half guard. Basharat springs over the body to take side control, and he presses his shoulder on Blackshear’s face and drops it on him a few times for good measure. Blackshear explodes in the bad position, and he bucks his hips and escapes to get back to his feet. When on two legs again, Blackshear jumps with a kick, and Basharat fires off a left hand that just misses the mark. Basharat slings a quick head kick that is blocked, and Blackshear paws out push kicks to the knee. The English fighter spins with a back fist, and he parries a jump kick right at the bell to conclude the razor-close round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 2

The bantamweights meet in the middle without a flying strike this time around, and Blackshear uses his lead leg to keep Basharat at bay until Basharat steps in with a solid right hand. Blackshear darts forward throwing punches from unorthodox angles, ignoring jabs that come his way until he pushes ahead to snag a body lock. “Da Monster” uses the momentum to drive Basharat down to the floor, and he keeps him there for barely a second before Basharat climbs back up. Basharat eats a few strikes and grins at his opponent, and Blackshear loads up with a few head kicks that all collide off the guard. Basharat answers with one of his own that is up close and personal, and this gets blocked as well. Blackshear jumps forward with a knee to the body, and he tries to chain it with a tackling takedown. Blackshear bails on the attempt as they move up against the fence, and he circles around to drag Basharat down from behind. Blackshear stifles a Basharat spin and pushes his foe down to his stomach, and he threatens with a choke at an odd angle. Basharat does not appear concerned, turning about and kicking off the fight to his feet. Before Blackshear can get going with his rangy kicks, Basharat closes the distance to hit a double and land straight in side control. Blackshear recovers to a closed guard despite getting punched in the face, and when he does, “Ferocious Farid” lands some ferocious elbows and punches. The unbeaten fighter rides out the round in this position, landing strikes from close proximity.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 3

Blackshear leads off the last round kicking, targeting the legs, body and head indiscriminately. As he moves forward, Basharat greets him with sharp boxing, and the Brit gets stung with a quick counter combination. Blackshear pressures his man with punches in bunches, forcing Basharat to fight off his back foot while throwing knees or heavy strikes. A failed Blackshear takedown try allows Basharat to latch on and push him back to the wall, slowing the wild Blackshear momentarily. Basharat succeeds with an inside trip to drag his foe to the canvas, and in half guard, he comfortably lets go with right hands. Blackshear grips that one wrist with both hands to sit up against the wire, but Basharat does not let him any higher before squeezing him back down flat on his back. Blackshear looks for his butterfly guard to sweep, and he succeeds in doing so by flipping Basharat over. Basharat does not settle here, exploding back to his feet instead, and Blackshear is quick to follow. Blackshear gives chase with a solid left hand, and he wings punches while Basharat sticks him with jabs. Blackshear releases a heavy low kick that buckles Basharat’s knee for a moment, and he considers a takedown that gets stuffed. Basharat gets caught with a knee and pushes forward to bowl Blackshear over, where he lands in the guard and looks to rack up more control time. “Ferocious Farid” lets go with powerful elbows until he extends too far, and Blackshear throws his legs up and locks a triangle choke up with an extended arm in a hurry. Basharat is in the danger zone immediately, but time is Blackshear’s enemy, as the brit is able to survive the awful position and hear the final bell ring before anything comes of it. Like the last fight, this one is ultra-close, and both men have an argument to get their respective hands raised.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (29-28 Basharat)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear (29-28 Basharat)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (29-28 Basharat)

The Official Result

Farid Basharat def. Da'Mon Blackshear via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jessica Penne (116) vs. Tabatha Ricci (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ricci (-230), Penne (+195)

Round 1

Even though former Invicta FC champion Penne (14-6, 4-3 UFC) made her pro debut in 2006, this will be just her 21st overall fight and her eighth in the Octagon since joining up in 2014. A whole 12 years her junior, Ricci (7-1, 2-1 UFC) will step into the cage for her fourth UFC outing in under 21 months. The two strawweights will battle it out under the oversight of referee Jason Herzog, in what some consider a potential passing of the torch opportunity, and they do not touch gloves before getting started. When Penne leads off to strike, Ricci grabs hold of her and looks to toss her to the floor early. Penne recoils, and when she initiates offense again, Ricci succeeds in throwing her to the mat. Penne wraps up her guard, and Ricci bails on the position and stands to lord over her kicking the thigh. Ricci considers lowering herself back down into the guard, but elects to stand up and try for another angle, while allowing Penne to stand as well. Penne rushes forward with a combination, and Ricci swats it away and connects with a front kick right on the chin. Ricci moves in to trip Penne out again, and she succeeds in dumping the veteran to the floor. Penne sets up an armbar from her back, and Ricci explodes out so that she can stand and kick Penne’s thighs a few more times. Penne considers standing, and Ricci dives down at the same time to push Penne’s face to the mat. Ricci is warned for striking to the back of the head, and Penne bursts back upright and gets shoved to the wire. The Brazilian hits another trip to throw Penne down, and Penne wraps up a high guard and looks for a quick sweep. Ricci survives the attempt to remain on top without getting snared in a triangle, and she stacks Penne up while landing a few punches until Penne kicks her off. Ricci settles for more standing-to-ground leg kicks, and Penne aims horizontal kicks at Ricci’s knees. Penne gets turned to her side, and she takes a series of elbows on the dome to produce some swelling above Penne’s left eye. Penne recovers back to the guard, but Ricci welcomes this and stays active with ground strikes. Penne turns to hunt for an arm, and she switches it up for a kneebar or a foot lock before Ricci jumps back up. Ricci goes back to kicking Penne’s legs, and the crowd voices its disapproval. Penne stands, and Ricci pushes her to the fence before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ricci
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ricci
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Ricci

Round 2

The strawweights meet in the middle, and Penne begins to lead the dance with a jab. Penne strings a few punches into a combination, and Ricci counters her with a right hand that opens up a cut on the corner of Penne’s left eye. Ricci sits down on a right hand targeting the same spot, and Penne pays it no mind as she lets go with her own line of punches. Ricci charges with a right hand, and Penne looks to turn the tables with her own takedown. Ricci counters with a brilliant hip toss, throw Penne all the way around her and down hard to the floor. Instead of leaping into the guard, Ricci stands up and chops at her legs with kicks. Herzog asks for Ricci to make a decision, and Ricci dives into the guard as Penne looks to set something up. Ricci abandons that train and stands again to kick at her leisure. “Baby Shark” circles the waters and leaps down at the exact moment that Penne sat up to return to her feet. The timing is immaculate, as she snatches up Penne’s right arm in an instant and rolls to torque it. Penne rolls to her back in a last ditch effort to escape, but the submission is completely locked up. Penne turns to her side to try to break it up, but there is nothing more she can do. Tapping out, Penne surrenders to a submission for the first time in nearly a decade, and Ricci puts the division on notice with a slick maneuver.

The Official Result

Tabatha Ricci def. Jessica Penne R2 2:14 via Submission (Armbar)

Leomana Martinez (137: Missed Weight) vs. Cameron Saaiman (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saaiman (-250), Martinez (+210)

Round 1

The first of two catchweight contests graces the cage next, as Martinez (10-3, 2-1 UFC) weighed in a pound above the bantamweight limit ahead of his match with unbeaten South African Saaiman (7-0, 1-0 UFC). With 13 knockouts across their 17 combined wins, referee Herb Dean will need to be on his A-game early. Before aiming to knock the other’s block off, the fighters do decide to touch ‘em up. Martinez strikes first with a low kick, and Saaiman immediately answers with one of his own. Martinez lets fly a right hand, stinging Saaiman quickly, and Saaiman backs off to let kicks fly to the lets and body. Martinez catches one, only to release it before anything can come of it. Martinez closes the distance with an overhand right, and Saaiman resets and replies in kind. The two men trade heavy leather one after the other, as if they were taking turns. Saaiman looses a low kick, stumbles, and throws another hits the deck. The South African climbs back up and walks into a solid right hand, bloodying his nose up, and he slings back but misses the mark. Saaiman splits the guard with a clean right hand, and he hops oddly on his left leg which does not entirely seem to be beneath him. Saaiman spins with a back kick, and when he resets, he lets fly a kick that collides square into the cup. Martinez lets out a yelp and walks away before dropping to his knees, in serious pain. After a minute, and several shouts to get his wind back, Martinez is good to go. Saaiman is warned for his high upper thigh leg kicks, and they resume. Martinez is a man possessed when they start up again, belting the body with a kick and firing off some punches. Saaiman targets another inside low kick, and once more, it collides with the cup. Martinez falls right to the mat as Dean pauses the action. Dean implores Martinez to take all the time he needs to recover, and he goes over to Saaiman and deducts one point due to the second foul in the round. Martinez signals that he is good to go after 90 seconds, and Dean asks him if he is sure. Martinez says yes, and he walks Saaiman down and swings for the bleachers. Saaiman takes a few on the chin, wobbles back, and throws caution to the wind with a heavy punch and a spinning back fist. Martinez ducks it and takes three calf kicks, and he absorbs a kick upside his head without issue. Saaiman pushes out a front kick and a body kick, and he stays busy with his legs while Martinez loads up with every punch he throws. Saaiman sticks him with a left down the pipe, and Martinez kicks off the fence with a superman punch that just misses.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 9-9
Ben Duffy scores the round: 9-9
Shane Clifford scores the round: 9-9

Round 2

The second frame opens up with a body kick from the South African, immediately welting up Martinez’ midsection. Saaiman works kicks on the outside, keeping Martinez at bay until he darts in with a leaping left. Martinez dips in to engage but does not pull the trigger on the way forward, instead delaying before releasing four punches to the head and body. Saaiman tees off with body kicks on both sides, and he spins with a wheel kick that goes wide. Martinez replies with his own kick to the ribs, and the two enter the pocket and trade viciously. Martinez gets his head snapped back, and he takes a single step back before loading up on a kick to the body. Saaiman swings with kicks to the lead leg and body, and he spins with a kick to the ribcage. Saaiman takes a counter flush, and Martinez shakes his hand out after landing his left hand. Saaiman staggers his man with a jab, and Martinez throws everything he has into a few hooks even with his balance betraying him. After throwing the punches, all Saaiman needs is a stiff breeze and a little contact to push “Manaboi” to his back. Martinez considers setting up an armbar off his back, and Saaiman sees it coming and shucks the legs away. Saaiman gets off some short ground-and-pound before standing up to find another way down. When landing back down again, Saaiman moves to the guard that gets closed around his waist, and Martinez hunts for another armbar. Saaiman once more tosses it aside, and he postures up to batter Martinez with high-amplitude elbows. With seconds left in the round, Saaiman stands up, kicks the lead leg a few times while Martinez is down, and it ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Saaiman
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Saaiman
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Saaiman

Round 3

The gloves are briefly touched to start off the high-intensity battle, and they immediately open up to belt one another upside the head. Martinez takes another heavy body kick, and he changes stances to prevent his side being open. Saaiman connects at the end of a few punches, and he kicks low before spinning with a failed wheel kick. A lunging left hand from the South African opens a cut up on Martinez’ hairline, and they both trade punches including a solid left from Martinez – who shakes it out again. Saaiman uncorks a solid left, and Martinez lets fly two in response. Saaiman again steps in with a big right, and he shakes up Martinez and backs him up to the wall. After landing a few strikes, Saaiman backs off to reset. Martinez gives chase, and Saaiman pushes out his right hand and his finger jams straight into poor Martinez’ eye socket. Martinez drops to a knee as Dean calls the foul, and Dean subsequent calls in the doctor to check out Martinez’ left eye. Martinez mentions having eye spasms, and the doctor examines him and lets him wipe it out and gives him more time to recover. Martinez states that he wants to continue, and Dean comes to him and checks on his condition again. Dean gives Saaiman a stern warning again, and the fight resumes after a break of about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. When resuming, it is all haymakers from both men. Saaiman slips back and gets back to his kicking range, where he picks and pokes at Martinez’ lead leg before engaging. Martinez catches him with a left hand, and as Saaiman closes in, Martinez slings him to the mat. Martinez kicks the body, and Saaiman catches his leg and looks to throw him down. Martinez cracks him with a right hand with his own leg in the air, but Saaiman still manages to drag him down. Martinez fights with all his might to push off or stand, and the South African keeps him grounded and continues working with ground strikes. “MSP” unloads with heavy strikes, with elbows that open up a cut on Martinez’ face as they pound his head off the mat. Martinez tries to get another high guard to stave of the ground attack, but Saaiman pours it on and looks for a finish. Saaiman lands hammerfists, stands up and dives back down with a blistering right hand. Martinez scrambles recklessly but effectively, kicking off the body and standing up. The two collide while throwing everything they have left, and Saaiman falls to his back. Springing right back for one final surge, he spins with a back kick and throws bombs to follow. Martinez swings with hammers in response, and the two trade punches to the bell and slightly beyond. After significantly more than 15 minutes in the cage, the two fighters have gone the distance.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Saaiman (29-27 Saaiman)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Saaiman (29-27 Saaiman)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Saaiman (29-27 Saaiman)

The Official Result

Cameron Saaiman def. Leomana Martinez via Majority Decision (29-26, 28-27, 28-28)

Ian Garry (171) vs. Kenan Song (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garry (-620), Song (+400)

Round 1

For the third time in three bouts, a fighter with a spotless record will put it on the line against a dangerous opponent. This unblemished fighter comes in the form of Ireland’s Garry (10-0, 3-0 UFC), who squares off against Song (19-6, 4-2 UFC) and his impressive 89% stoppage rate as a pro. The welterweights will conclude the early preliminary portion of the card, and referee Marc Goddard draws the charge for it. A quick tap of hands between the two opens things up, and Song claims the center of the Octagon. Garry paws out with a front kick and a jab, and he hops back from a responsive low kick. Garry walks Song down and the two trade leg kicks, and one from Garry appears to get Song’s attention early. Garry follows the precise kick with a straight right down the pipe, and he goes back to chipping away at Song’s tree trunk thighs. Garry slips a jab and chops down the calf, and Song attempts to respond with a kick to the same target. Garry’s calf kick forces Song to take a funny step, and Song’s calf is swelling and changing color fast. Song blocks a whipping head kick, and he keeps a high guard when Garry swats with a one-two. Song scores an oblique kick on the knee, and he defends from the strikes from the Irishman over the top. Garry chews up the calf again, and Song stumbles and recovers. Garry’s jab is working wonders, snapping it out to the body or the chin as Song is stuck guessing. Song looks to counter a leaping strike from Garry with a left, and Garry shakes it off and pushes forward to stick a left to the body. Two front kicks to the knee and body are follows by a winging kick up top, and Garry shuts down oncoming fire and checks a calf kick. Song digs a left to the body, and “The Assassin” responds with a vicious left hand that knocks Garry clean off his feet. Song gives chase, throwing punches and shoving Garry to the wall. Garry tries to get his bearings as Song grinds him on, stomping on the feet and kneeing the thigh. Garry spins around in the clinch and breaks away, but his legs are still not fully back. The horn sounds, and they clap hands.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Song
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 2

A clap of hands starts off the second stanza, and Garry appears to have recovered and returns to his cruising altitude of push kicks and jabs. Song defends from the strikes that launch at him, and he scores a low kick when Garry advances. Song takes a groin kick and he motions to it, and Garry continues striking before Goddard breaks them up. It is not a major foul and rather more of an incidental contact of the foot when Song came in, so Song only needs a few seconds to clear it out. They resume, and Garry connects with a few front kicks up the middle and plans his shin on Song’s calf. Song keeps his footing and absorbs a flush jab without being able to reply, until lurching forward with a sweeping left hook. Garry dodges it but cannot avoid the low kicks on either side of his lead wheel, and Garry takes them and starts to push the pace. Garry stands right in front of the Chinese fighter and works the body, leaning back when the counters come and loading up on additional strikes. On the way out, Garry pounds the calf with a kick, swelling Song’s leg up even more. Song gets off a left hand, and Garry backs him off with a front kick to the body and a series of quick punches. The Irishman works the body and punishes Song’s left knee with a kick. The jabs from Garry continue to have an appreciable effect, with Song’s left eye swelling in a hurry as chants for “Garry” rain down in the crowd. Garry answers their calls with a jump knee, a front kick, and a right hand. Song backs him off with a spinning back kick, and a short combination from Garry concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 3

When the third round kicks off, Song’s left eye is nearly shut, but the doctor is not called in to observe it. Instead, they raise their hands in the air to clap, getting the crowd motivated. The strikes strike, landing with a few quick combinations to match the other. Song throws one or two to Garry’s four or five, but Song keeps throwing back despite getting beaten to the punch now. Garry’s jab busts open Song’s nose, and Song sprints forward and cracks Garry with a left hand. The Irishman shakes it off and keeps moving ahead, kicking the lead leg and snapping the head back with a jab. Song again reaches his man with a left hook, but Garry rolls with most of it to take some of the sting off. Garry whips a high kick that buzzes past Song’s hair, and he sets up a body kick and doubles his foe over momentarily. Garry batters the lead leg with kicks, jabs the body and keeps Song guessing as he changes his target constantly. Song shells up to defend anticipated strikes, and Garry pulls back and pops him with a jab and nearly gets a flying knee through. Song loads up on single punches, while Garry keeps active with jabs and short combinations. “The Future” goes to the body and the head to give Song fits, in his element and letting go with whatever comes to mind. Garry fires off a high kick, aims two down low, and intercepts Song with a solid right hook. Song takes a jab and a right hook and attempts to respond, but Garry dances out of the way. Song lands a left hook when Garry lays into him, but it is one-and-done as Garry keeps moving. Garry lets out hoots as he lands strikes, and he chains a few punches together that knock Song back to the wire. Garry unleashes a fury, suddenly fired up and ready to destroy, with punches to the body and head that do serious damage. The right hands from Garry separate Song from his balance and send him tumbling to the mat, and “The Future” looks to become the present as Song drops to his knees. Finishing the job with a final swarm of punches, Garry moves his record to 11-0 as a pro with an excellent performance. Even after over 14 minutes of combat, Garry is ready to keep going, and he tells commentator Joe Rogan and the UFC brass that he wants to be on the UFC event in Miami in a few weeks.

The Official Result

Ian Garry def. Kenan Song R3 4:22 via TKO (Punches)

Marc-Andre Barriault (185) vs. Julian Marquez (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Barriault (-125), Marquez (+105)

Round 1

Two burly middleweights with a penchant for leaving judges out of the equation throw down to kick off the next crop of prelims. It’s a battle of unorthodox nicknames as “The Cuban Missile Crisis” Marquez (9-3, 3-2 UFC) toes the line against “Power Bar” Barriault (14-6, 1 NC; 3-5, 1 NC UFC). Referee Mark Smith, with no competing nickname of his own, draws the assignment for this clash. The two rush towards one another without a touch of gloves, and Barriault measures his man with a swinging left hook. Marquez dodges it and lets fly a heavy low kick, and he marches forward to throw hands. Barriault backs him off with a pair of hooks, and they both land flush with heavy hands. Marquez scores a jab and goes hunting with a big right hand, only to get met with a low kick on the way in. Marquez jabs to the body and backs away to reset, and Barriault rings his bell with a one-two down the middle. Marquez responds in kind as his left eye already looks marked up less than two minutes in. “The Cuban Missile Crisis” lets loose a right hand that glances off the shoulder, and Barriault does the same. Marquez steps in with a body kick, and Barriault answers with a front kick down the middle. Marquez sticks out two jabs to follow with an overhand right, and Barriault bounces off the cage wall and lands a front kick to the body. Marquez stings his man with a right, and he loads up with power punches as Barriault wobbles back. Barriault retreats and blocks a high kick just in time, and he grins and sticks out a jab. Marquez swings a one-two, and he follows that with a solid right hand. Barriault smiles again, and he fires off a head kick that slams into the raised guard. Marquez rushes in with a swarm of punches, catching Barriault with uppercuts but ultimately getting knocked back from the Canadian’s counters. The two trade right hands, and Marquez sticks a right on the chin that shakes up his opponent. The two slug it out one after the other, both landing flush, and Barriault scores with a brief combination before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Marquez
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Marquez
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Marquez

Round 2

The fighters race towards one another to immediately engage to start off Round 2, and both men land effectively. A left hand from Barriault grows some swelling under Marquez’ right eye, and they close in on one another and belt one another with one single elbow. They break off, and Marquez gets caught when flinging a low kick. Barriault backs his foe off with a few straight punches and a body kick, and Marquez has his looping punches bounce off the guard. Marquez fakes to go high and kicks low, and Barriault winds up with a few punches on the inside. Marquez gets cracked with a left hook that opens a cut under his eye, and he tries to slow the Canadian down with low kicks. Marquez shoots for a double from a distance, and he is easily stuffed as he appears to be slowing down. Barriault pushes the pace, landing until clinching up. When up tight, Barriault releases a stream of elbows, and Marquez gets shaken up but wears it well. Marquez breaks off and starts to unload with wild and reckless strikes, and Barriault sees it coming and blocks the brunt of the damage. Marquez gets hurt in an exchange, and Barriault closes in and blasts him with uppercuts until Marquez’ mouthpiece flies out of his mouth. There is no time for Smith to replace it, as Barriault is on the fading Marquez with a ferocious, unending swarm of punches and elbows. Barriault bullies Marquez with thudding elbows and short but nasty punches, ripping open more cuts on Marquez’ face. Barriault drills “The Cuban Missile Crisis” with a knee up the middle, and this appears to be the turning point as Marquez turns to the fence and shells up. Barriault is showing absolutely no signs of slowing despite constantly marking up and blasting Marquez with everything he has. Barriault continues to beat down Marquez, and Marquez is leaned up against the fence as Smith watches on closely. As the Canadian keeps beating on Marquez, it seems like this fight could be stopped at any moment. Smith lets Barriault continue clobbering the Factory X product, as some of his strikes land on the guard while others smash the body and collide with the head. Smith finally sheds his “if he dies, he dies” mentality and calls a halt to the contest, and Marquez collapses to the ground in defeat. While it started rough for Barriault, he outlasted his opponent and pulverized him in destructive fashion.

The Official Result

Marc-Andre Barriault def. Julian Marquez R2 4:12 via TKO (Punches)

Viviane Araujo (126) vs. Amanda Ribas (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ribas (-130), Araujo (+110)

Round 1

It’s an all-Brazil battle in this next one here between these two flyweights, when Araujo (11-4, 5-3 UFC) and Ribas (10-3, 5-2 UFC) look to rebound from tough losses. Similar finish rates around 60% mean that referee Keith Peterson might be in it for the long haul given that the rate diminished when both women moved to the major stage. The ladies touch nonsense-free gloves ahead of their flyweight contest, and Araujo moves to the center of the cage as Ribas measures her range from afar. The two both collide with right hands at the same time, and Araujo lands on the outside with a right to the body and left to the head. Ribas resets and pushes forward in pursuit of a takedown. Araujo catches her on the way down with a guillotine choke, and it is tight in an instant. Before Araujo’s back hits the mat, she sets up the grip and goes palm-to-palm to lock it down. Ribas calmly deposits her foe to the floor, and she wriggles her neck free and lands in the guard. Ribas looks to pass to half guard when the submission is abandoned, and Araujo hunts for a half guard sweep. Araujo turns to her side and attempts to turn the tables on her opponent, but Ribas bowls her back over for a moment. Araujo moves to a knee, and the two women hook their arms together to stand. Ribas belts Araujo in the face with her left fist repeatedly, and she tries to muscle Araujo down but cannot keep her there. Araujo pops back up and walks Ribas down, throwing a one-two and marking up Ribas’ left eye. Ribas spins with a back kick when Araujo advances, and Araujo sticks out several jabs and uses long, rangy punches to fluster Ribas. Araujo pushes out a fierce right hand that stands Ribas straight in the air and locks her knees with a stunning blow, and Ribas recovers and barely blocks a head kick in time. Ribas surges forward to knock Araujo’s head back with a left, and Araujo bites down on her mouthpiece and attacks with a chain of punches. Araujo slips a few counters and connects with a right, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Araujo
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Araujo
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Araujo

Round 2

The Brazilians meet in the middle, and Ribas strikes first with a low kick and an overhand right. Araujo marches her down, and she walks face-first into a right hand. Ribas does not let her off the hook and drills her with a few more punches, shocking “Vivi” and buckling her legs. Ribas blazes forward with a flurry, knocking Araujo off her feet and leaping down into the half guard to do more damage. Araujo gathers herself as she holds on to Ribas to prevent more damage, and this allows Ribas to shift her shoulder to set up an arm-triangle choke from across the body. Ribas keeps working with open left hands to the side, but they are not particularly damaging as Araujo continues to clear the cobwebs. Ribas elbows the thigh as she prepares to pass guard, and Araujo keeps her legs hooked on Ribas left leg. Araujo uses her hand to push off Ribas’ face, and her fingers slightly scratch Ribas’ face and eyes. Ribas ignores it to keep dropping down short punches and maintain shoulder pressure, and Peterson is watching closely when Ribas postures up to hammer Araujo with punches. As Araujo turns to her side, Ribas slugs her in the face repeatedly, and Araujo gives up her back looking to stand. Araujo rolls through when Ribas attempts a back-take, and although Araujo slides out the back door once, Ribas catches her in a transition to do so and get one hook in. Ribas maintains control from behind right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Ribas
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribas
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Ribas

Round 3

The last round opens with Araujo fired up and ready to throw hands. “Vivi” marches forward swinging hammers, and she catches Ribas swinging wildly with a right. They trade hands, and Ribas gets the better of an exchange with a left to the body and right to the head. Ribas chains a combination together, punctuated with a heavy low kick. Araujo walks through it to score jabs, and Ribas replies with a few low kicks and a spinning kick to the liver. The two land right hands at the same time, and Ribas kicks her in the midsection and pushes out a jab. Araujo lumbers forward only to get popped with three subsequent left hands, and she is further driven back from a one-two. Araujo catches Ribas with a single left, and she scores a right over the shoulder to sting Ribas. “Vivi” stuffs a takedown and throws hands, only to get met with a low kick. Another spinning kick from Ribas lands to the body, and this appears to get Araujo’s attention. Ribas goes up high with a kick, and Araujo takes it as her nose begins to bleed. Ribas stays busy with high volume, keeping lengthy combinations together as Araujo largely throws single strikes. One big right hand from Araujo does get in, but Ribas takes it on the chin and walks into a jab she ignores. Araujo kicks the body, and Ribas catches it and throws her down to the ground. “Vivi” lands on her back and instinctively sets up an armbar, and Ribas stacks her up to defend against it. Ribas pulls back and knees the thigh as Araujo tightens it up, and Araujo punches Ribas with her free right hand when she goes to crank on it. Araujo cannot quite get the leverage she seeks, and she shucks the submission away as Ribas beats on her like a drum. Ribas keeps right on pounding until the bell, and the fight has come to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribas (29-27 Ribas)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribas (29-28 Ribas)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Ribas (29-28 Ribas)

The Official Result

Amanda Ribas def. Viviane Araujo via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Derek Brunson (185.5) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Du Plessis (-240), Brunson (+200)

Round 1

An action fight in the middleweight division should treat fans next, as both of these men have power and then some. Brunson (23-8, 14-6 UFC) at the age of 39 will look to show he is still an elite talent, while Du Plessis (18-2, 4-0 UFC) is hoping to break in to the top echelon of the weight class. Referee Herb Dean has laced up his shoes and is ready for what comes next, and the fighters gingerly bump fists before letting them fly. Du Plessis moves to the center of the cage and looks for his reach, while Brunson kicks his lead leg. Du Plessis strikes back with one of his own, and he constantly changes stances and fires off a head kick. Brunson blocks and grabs the kick, and he throws the South African down to the mat with emphasis. “The One,” which is Brunson’s new nickname, practically belly-flops on top of Du Plessis to flatten him out. Brunson moves right to side control, and he fights off a bucking Du Plessis to prevent a sweep. Du Plessis nearly powers out of the bad spot, so Brunson moves to half guard. Du Plessis still explodes to his feet, and Brunson jumps guard for a guillotine choke. Du Plessis easily escapes it as they hit the ground, and he opens up with ground-and-pound. Du Plessis slashes with short elbows on the forehead, and he stands back up to get a better angle to leap down with a straight right hand. Brunson grabs hold of Du Plessis’ leg to pursue a leglock, and Du Plessis turns it around on him with a foot lock as they are stuck in a 50/50. The American fights off the lock to circle around and take Du Plessis’ back, with Du Plessis on his knees. Du Plessis tries to slide his man off the back door, but Brunson smoothly rolls to the side and remains in back control. Du Plessis muscles his way back to his feet and upright, and Brunson gives chase and lays into him with an assault of looping punches. Du Plessis appears shocked as he gets knocked back to the wall, and Brunson continues slugging away at him. Du Plessis gets shoved to the floor as he tries to escape, and Brunson takes his back in a hurry. “The One” goes after a rear-naked choke, and Du Plessis spins around and lays flat on his back. Du Plessis powers back upright, and they trade strikes in the clinch. Du Plessis pushes off, the bell rings, and he spins with a back fist that partially lands on Brunson. He immediately apologizes for the shot after the bell, and nothing else comes from it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brunson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brunson
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Brunson

Round 2

The two meet in the middle to exchange, and Du Plessis connects with a powerful low kick to reintroduce himself. Du Plessis scores another, and he lands a couple punches on the way back. Brunson loads up on a right hand, comes up short, and sticks out three front kicks. Brunson charges like a bull, and Du Plessis intercepts him on the way in with a sharp uppercut. Brunson keeps surging forward, and the South African ducks out of the way. Brunson recovers and kicks the liver a few times with his toes outstretched, and Du Plessis takes a deep breath and marches Brunson down and tags him with a left hand. Brunson wobbles back, and Du Plessis scores a body shot and rocks him with a right. Du Plessis gets off a liver kick, cracks Brunson with a left, and the two slug it out. Brunson just barely ducks a swinging right hand, and he lumbers forward with a telegraphed and fatigued right hand. Du Plessis lines up a right and a left while Brunson’s head is up in the air. Brunson dives in for a desperate takedown after getting his calf kicked hard, and Du Plessis stops him from succeeding and pushes him away. Brunson swings for the fences with a left, and he gets in a kick to the ribs. Du Plessis fires off a huge right hand that just brushes off the blonde hair of his opponent, and he measures a low kick and catches Brunson with a left. Brunson leaps forward and gets caught again, and Du Plessis tags him with a long string of punches. Brunson winds up with everything he has to blast Du Plessis in the face, and they nail each other with powerful blows as Brunson smiles wide. Du Plessis pushes forward to take the fight down, and Brunson drops to a knee but does not get taken down. Du Plessis lets him up and unloads with haymakers, and Brunson is barely on his feet as he takes hellacious punishment. Brunson smiles even wider, and Du Plessis punches him in that bloody grimace and shoves him over. Brunson falls to his back, and Du Plessis smashes him in the face a few times as Brunson is completely defeated with his arms up but not really defending his face. As Du Plessis continues beating on him, Brunson’s corner throws in the towel, calling it quits for their wrecked fighter right before the horn sounds. There is a bit of confusion as to whether the towel was thrown before the round ended, and it is determined that it came out just before the round’s conclusion. This is a huge win for “Stillknocks,” who reminds people of his name and calls for a top opponent after his wild slugfest with a true and tested vet.

The Official Result

Dricus Du Plessis def. Derek Brunson R2 4:59 via TKO (Corner Stoppage)

Cody Garbrandt (136) vs. Trevin Jones (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garbrandt (-165), Jones (+140)

Round 1

The prelims wrap up with a must-win bantamweight contest for both competitors. While former champ Garbrandt (12-5, 7-5 UFC) has dropped five of his last six, Guam’s Jones (13-9, 1 NC; 1-3, 1 NC UFC) is aiming to snap a three-fight skid of his own. Someone will get their hand raised in the next 15 minutes or less, and referee Jason Herzog will be the first to know. The 135ers opt to not bump fists, and instead Garbrandt walks his man down and unleashes a kick to the ribcage. Jones grimaces and takes a second one on the same spot, and he tries to give one back with far less impact on it. Garbrandt hits the deck and sweeps the leg in a Mortal Kombat-esque move, and Jones looks at him quizzically as Garbrandt stands back up. Garbrandt loads up on another powerful body kick, landing with a thud that echoes in the filling arena. Jones again tries to reply in kind, and it partially lands. The former champion dodges a low kick as the pace slow down, and he looses another body kick with emphasis. A high body kick from Jones bounces off the guard, and Garbrandt intercepts a low kick to fire two punches over the top. Garbrandt sits down on a right hand, and Jones takes it on the chin and is forced to eat another shortly thereafter. Garbrandt moves constantly and circles when Jones tries to back him to thew all, and he starts showboating and dancing around with fancy stance switches. Jones continues plodding after him, and he swings a body kick that grazes the target. Garbrandt steps in with a straight right to the body, and he hops back and blocks a front kick. Garbrandt leans in with a punch to the midsection, and he blocks a half-hearted high kick. Garbrandt kicks the sternum and has a right hand over the top bounce off Jones’ hands. Garbrandt stays on the outside, chipping with a low kick, and he misses with a windmilling right hand but does land a body kick on the way out. Garbrandt again dances with his stance switches, and Jones chases him around the cage but cannot catch him before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garbrandt
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garbrandt
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Garbrandt

Round 2

Jones marches out of his corner to chase Garbrandt around early, and Garbrandt moves and winds up with a body kick. As Jones attempts to respond, Garbrandt crashes forward and scoops Jones off the ground with a double and slams him to the floor. Garbrandt does not choose to keep him down, and he instead backs off and stands back up. Jones tries to make him pay with a reaching right hand, but Garbrandt is well out of harm’s way. Jones scores a leg kick on the inside, and he fires a similar kick to the same spot. Garbrandt intercepts an advancing Jones and lifts him off the ground to smash him to the mat once more, and Jones snatches up a guillotine choke before landing. Garbrandt wrenches his neck out and resides in Jones’ guard, and Jones holds him fight to prevent much of the offense coming at him. Jones keeps nullifying Garbrandt, and Garbrandt circles around to let Jones stand so that he can circle around and take Jones’ back. Jones grabs the fence to try to stand, and Garbrandt puts a hook in around the side and threatens with an arm around the face. There is no joke there, so the former champ pushes off and knees his man in the face. Jones returns to ineffectively chasing Garbrandt around the cage, not cutting Garbrandt off and instead crashing forward for a potential single-leg entry. Garbrandt stops this in his tracks with his back against the wall, and he fights off a trip and turns Jones around. They jockey for position until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garbrandt
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garbrandt
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Garbrandt

Round 3

The bantamweights reach the third round, and Jones swipes out with a right hand that misses the mark. Garbrandt catches Jones with a right hand on the way in, but Jones shakes it off and fires off a head kick. Garbrandt ducks it as the kick skims off his hair, and he sits back waiting to counter. Jones kicks the calf once, and the crowd voices its extreme displeasure for their inaction. Garbrandt jabs to the body as he strafes laterally, and he gets slapped in the face with Jones’ foot. Jones swipes out with another high kick, and Garbrandt’s own pace has dropped off a cliff. The former champ jumps back and forth but does little else until belting the Guam native with a resounding body kick. Jones tries to snatch it up, but Garbrandt pulls his leg out and continues to circle. Jones chase after him and has a head kick blocked, and he swings mightily with two hooks that are well off the mark. Garbrandt gets off one right hand, and he jumps in the air and pulls back on a possible flying knee with Jones a few feet away. Jones blitzes and misses with an overhand right, and Garbrandt gets caught with a left and hurt with a right. Garbrandt blinks it out and backs off, and Jones follows him around and snipes him with a left hand down the middle. Garbrandt grabs hold of him in the clinch, and Jones turns the corner and hits a trip with a body lock to plant the former champ on his back. Jones land in half guard with 40 seconds left in the fight, and he stands back up to lean on the fence as Garbrandt slaps him in the face with his foot. Jones lowers himself back down and gets popped with a right hand, and Garbrandt rides out the round taking a few shots on the mouth as boos rain down on them.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jones (29-28 Garbrandt)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jones (29-28 Garbrandt)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Jones (29-28 Garbrandt)

The Official Result

Cody Garbrandt def. Trevin Jones via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bo Nickal (185.5) vs. Jamie Pickett (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-1400), Pickett (+850)

Round 1

The main card of UFC 285 begins with the hotly anticipated debut of elite college wrestler Nickal (3-0, 0-0 UFC), who is entering only his fourth pro fight with a combined two minutes and 27 seconds of fight time under his belt not counting his amateur outings. He meets Pickett (13-8, 2-4 UFC), whose last trip to the cage lasted nearly 10 minutes, or nearly twice much time as Nickal’s pro and amateur career combined. Nickal comes in as a nonsensical favorite of -2000 or above in some books, and referee Keith Peterson will be the one to clock them in despite that nonsense. The middleweights do not touch gloves, as they would rather get right to it. Nickal leaps forward, jumps in the air with a kick that misses, and he hits the floor. Nickal shoots for a takedown, and Pickett stuffs it on the first try. Nickal shoves him against the wall and knees him a few times, and Pickett grimaces from an apparent knee to the groin. The foul uncalled, Nickal throws his man to his knees, and searches for a possible brabo choke, only to release it to circle around and take the back. Nickal grabs hold of a rear-naked choke, and he changes it to a neck crank but lets it go to look for another opening. Nickal jumps to the side, and he wraps his left arm beneath Pickett’s chin and squeezes with an arm-triangle choke. Pickett talks to Nickal the whole time while the submission is being attempted, and Pickett is able to survive the first strong squeeze. Pickett defends with his left arm between the neck and the choke, and Nickal adjusts and fastens it tighter. Pickett stays composed and calm as Nickal keeps squeezing, and Pickett pushes off the hip and stays with it. The wrestler keeps the vice-like grip as tight as can be, and he forces Pickett to finally surrender, thereby boosting his young record to 4-0 with four finishes on his ledger. Nickal has made good on his promotional debut, and the next question will soon be what the UFC does with him next with all the hype surrounding him. The victorious Nickal claims in his post-fight interview that he will be not only the champion, but the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.

The Official Result

Bo Nickal def. Jamie Pickett R1 2:54 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Jalin Turner (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gamrot (-170), Turner (+145)

Round 1

A thriller at 155 pounds continues the evening, when Polish powerhouse Gamrot (21-2, 1 NC; 4-2 UFC) squares off against the gargantuan lightweight Turner (13-5, 6-2 UFC). The latter has never gone the distance in a win, while Gamrot has rattled off finishes in three of his last four victories. Referee Mark Smith is prepped and ready to go, and the fighters introduce themselves to one another with a sporting glove touch. The two trade early leg kicks, and when Gamrot attempts another, the rangy Turner reaches him with a jab. Turner catches Gamrot at the end of a right hand after a brief period of inactivity, and Gamrot tosses out a low kick to answer. Gamrot stays light on his feet, circling on the outside, until he punches straight forward into a takedown attempt. Turner gets dragged to the mat, and he tries to post off his arms and walk to the wall. Turner’s shorts nearly come off as Gamrot pulls him down to the seat, but not because Gamrot is specifically pulling on them to pants him like a high schooler. Turner fights back to his feet, and Gamrot is clinging to him like Saran wrap. Turner quickly frames off to fire off a knee to the jaw, and he lands a pair of punches to pay Gamrot back for the takedown. Turner swarms his man and catches him with a right hand, and Gamrot drops and hunts for a single-leg takedown. Turner gets pulled down to the ground again, and the Polish fighter advances to half guard. Turner scoots his way to the wall, and he wall-walks as Gamrot smacks him in the face repeatedly. Turner gains some separation, and he walks Gamrot down until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Turner
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Turner

Round 2

The lightweights bump fists to start off again, and Turner reaches out with a one-two that just misses the mark. Turner tries to keep his man backed off with a front kick down the middle, but Gamrot still manages to get to him with a straight right hand. Turner replies with a slapping body kick, and Gamrot dodges a punch and kicks below the knee. Turner eats a left hand and swings back, only to hit air as Gamrot shifts to the side. Turner just barely comes up short with an intercepting knee, and he eats low kick but little else as Gamrot still struggles to reach him. Gamrot swats away a head kick and surges forward to pop Turner in the chops, and he hammers Turner with a low kick that draws a physical reaction out of him. Gamrot continues work the leg, and he darts in with a left hand before sprinting away to dodge the counter. Turner changes stances after taking a kick, and he gives Gamrot one back. Gamrot scores a left, gets tagged with a left, and shoots in for a takedown. Turner stops the takedown, gets off a kick, and is staggered with a right hand. Gamrot tries to keep it going, but Turner scores a right hand that hurts the Polish fighter back. A desperate takedown from Gamrot leads to Turner smashing him in the side of the head with a right hand, and a cut opens by Gamrot’s temple. Gamrot reaches his rangy foe with a right hand, and he walks through a low kick to charge and tackle Turner to the canvas. The Polish fighter shifts right to a crucifix, trapping Turner’s left arm and pounding on his forehead. Turner recovers his arm as he is flat on his back in half guard, and Gamrot keeps heavy chest pressure while landing occasional strikes to keep Turner thinking. Turner looks to buck him off, and Gamrot stops it and sits up to start punching and elbowing Turner in the head. Gamrot locks down another crucifix and beats on him with unblocked strikes until Turner wriggles his arm free again. The round ends with Gamrot on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot

Round 3

There is a final bump of fists to clock in the last round, one that begins with Turner trying to reach with jabs. Gamrot circles on the outside and paws away a front kick, and Turner measures him and gets caught with a pair of heavy punches. Gamrot shoots in for a double in the center of the cage, and he yanks the American down to the floor. Turner butt-scoots to take a seat against the wire, and he manages to slowly pull his way up. Gamrot pulls him down to the ground, nearly winding up on his own back from the partially failed body lock throw, and they both work to their feet in a hurry. Gamrot squeezes Turner against the cage and knees him on the thigh a few times, until Smith decides they are not doing enough and splits them apart with two minutes to go. Turner fires off a front kick up high that brushes past the chin, and he plants a one-two on the chin that rocks the Polish fighter. Gamrot responds with a takedown try, and Turner stuffs it and pushes his foe back. Turner lands a kick to the body, takes a right hand flush and knees the midsection back. Gamrot hops out of the way of a body kick, and he shoots down low for a single. Gamrot lifts Turner’s right leg in the air, and Turner responds with a flying knee from the other leg. This allows Gamrot to fasten the hands around the waist, and Gamrot attempts to lift Turner off the ground but ends up pushing Turner to the wall. Turner looks to elbow the side of the head a few times as Gamrot grinds, and Gamrot turns the corner and takes Turner from the side to pull him to the ground. “Gamer” lands in full mount, ripping elbows and punches as Turner kicks him off, and Gamrot remains on top until the final horn blares. The judges very well may have their hands full with this one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Turner (29-28 Turner)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Turner (29-28 Gamrot)
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot (29-28 Gamrot)

The Official Result

Mateusz Gamrot def. Jalin Turner via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Geoff Neal (175: Missed Weight) vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rakhmonov (-500), Neal (+400)

Round 1

The last non-title match of the night comes in an unplanned catchweight, after Neal (15-4, 7-2 UFC) checked in a stunning four pounds over the welterweight cap. After surrendering 30% of his purse to Rakhmonov (16-0, 4-0 UFC), the fight will continue. Referee Herb Dean is holding onto his hat for this wild one, and it opens up with a stoic glove touch. Rakhmonov slowly wades towards his opponent, backing him up early, and the first strike is a head kick from the Kazakhstani fighter. Neal blocks it and the two clinch up, and Rakhmonov knees the body once before getting turned around. Neal breaks away, and Rakhmonov slings up another head kick that is blocked as Neal reaches him with a right hand. Rakhmonov fires off a right hand and a body kick, only to be countered by a pair of sharp punches from the American. Rakhmonov lines up three solid right hands on the chin, and he follows it with a one-two and a knee to the body. Rakhmonov fishes for a trip, and Neal stops it but takes a flush knee to the sternum. Rakhmonov cannot keep his man trapped in the clinch, so he backs off and flicks out a one-two, with the right sneaking around the guard. Neal slips a punch and launches a head kick, and Rakhmonov takes it flush without budging. Rakhmonov’s mouthpiece flies out, and the two men keep throwing hands viciously. Dean does not recognize that it came out, and the two welterweights keep fighting. Neal kicks the body, and he fires a left hand over the top. Neal punches Rakhmonov in the face repeatedly while he does not have a mouthpiece, and he does not mind as he blasts Neal in the head with a kick. Neal staggers back to the wall, and Rakhmonov rushes in with a knee to the chest. When tied up, Dean pause the fight and has Rakhmonov pick up his mouthpiece and put it back in. The two resume, and Rakhmonov rushes forward with punches and ferocious kicks. Rakhmonov rocks Neal with a right hand, and Neal counters but gets tagged with a left. Neal has a cut opened on the corner of his left eye, and he appears energized and fires off a solid one-two that rings the bell of the unbeaten fighter. The round ends as both men take damage.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rakhmonov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rakhmonov
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Rakhmonov

Round 2

Rakhmonov leads off with a blistering overhand right, and Neal tanks it and fires back with a vengeance. Neal slips and moves, moving at odd angles and getting off a quick combination. Rakhmonov rips the body with a kick, and he takes a fist off the forward bow in response. Rakhmonov drills the chest with a knee, and Neal appears to be wearing it after that blow lands. Neal eats a body kick and part of a head kick, as Rakhmonov tees off on him from up close. Rakhmonov connects with another knee to the solar plexus, and he grabs hold of Neal’s right leg and attempts to trip him down. Neal keeps his balance, and Rakhmonov backs off and measures him with a front kick and a right hand. Neal slides back and throws a head kick, and when that misses, he scores a few punches down the middle. Neal dodges an uppercut to land three punches, and Rakhmonov paws out a small barrage of jabs. Neal sits down on a series of hooks, and Rakhmonov chomps down on them and comes right back at him. The Kazakhstani fighter crashes forward with a knee up the middle, and he is tagged a few times but does not bat an eye as he continues work Neal’s body. They split up, and Dean takes a look at the cut growing around Neal’s eye. Neal strings together a combo of punches, and Rakhmonov replies with a few and comes up short with a knee. Rakhmonov kicks the body, and Neal blasts him on the chin as hard as he can with a barrage of punches. In demoralizing fashion, Rakhmonov simply smiles at Neil and gives him a thumbs-up. Rakhmonov clinches up, and Neal pushes away and gets kneed during the escape. Rakhmonov reaches him with a series of punches, and Neal ducks out of the way and chops at his foe’s lead wheel. Rakhmonov connects with a right, and Neal replies in kind. Neal wings one final left hand on the break, and the slugfest of a round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rakhmonov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rakhmonov
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Neal

Round 3

The final frame kicks off with a glove touch, and Rakhmonov moves to the center of the cage and throws two head kicks. Neal blocks the worst of both of them and targets the body, and a left hand finds its mark. Rakhmonov boots him upside the head with a spinning kick, and Neal plants his feet and rocks Rakhmonov with a short but dangerous combination. Rakhmonov pushes forward for a takedown, and Neal hurts him with another few punches. Rakhmonov keeps his wits about him despite taking punishment, and he throws a front kick and a pair of punches before shooting in for a single. The Texan stops him in his tracks and is pushed back to the wire, with his takedown defense holding up spectacularly. Neal knees the body and dings Rakhmonov with an uppercut when Rakhmonov changes levels, and Rakhmonov gives up on the attempt and knees him a few times to the belly before breaking off. Neal eats one to give two back, and Rakhmonov splits the guard with a punishing right hand that stuns Neal. Rakhmonov rushes forward, smelling blood, and he knees the body a few times as Neal doubles over in pain. Neal gathers every bit of gumption and swings for the fences up close, battering Rakhmonov but not backing him off. Rakhmonov smashes Neal’s nose open with elbows, and Neal’s nose sprays blood. Rakhmonov grips hold of Neal and tries to throw him to the ground, and Neal keeps his balance and gets pushed against the wall. Neal leans over, and Rakhmonov wraps his arm around the neck with a modified standing rear-naked choke that is more brute force than technique. The forearm is completely under the chin and Neal is grimacing as blood leaks from his face in on several places. Rakhmonov crushes the windpipe and squeezes the carotid artery with all his might as the two are standing up, and Neal tries to pull the arm away to no avail. As he taps out, Rakhmonov releases the grip, and Neal slumps to the ground having lost consciousness at the last second. What a wild fight, one that answered questions about the still-unbeaten Rakhmonov, while also raising Neal’s stock even in defeat.

The Official Result

Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Geoff Neal R3 4:17 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

UFC Women’s Flyweight Title Fight:
Valentina Shevchenko (124.5) vs. Alexa Grasso (124.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shevchenko (-600), Grasso (+450)

Round 1

The champ is here. Flyweight champ, specifically, as Shevchenko (23-3, 12-2 UFC) will try to notch her eighth successful defense tonight. The latest challenger is surging former strawweight Grasso (15-3, 7-3 UFC), who has strung together her longest win streak since starting her career at 9-0. Whether Grasso can spring the mighty upset or Shevchenko continues to rule the roost, referee Jason Herzog will be there for it every step of the way. There is plenty of respect between the ladies, and they double bump their gloves ahead of their scheduled 25-minute encounter. The first strike of the match is a low kick from Shevchenko, who then looks for a front kick up the middle. Grasso is just out of range of that strike and a few punches, and she slides back when Grasso wades forward to throw a combination. Grasso gets countered with a left hand, and she partially blocks a spinning back fist and takes a leg kick flush. Shevchenko spins with a wheel kick that goes wide, and she shrugs off a pair of inside leg kicks. Grasso keeps working on the lead leg of her opponent, and Shevchenko’s thigh is already starting to get marked up. She sticks Grasso with a few long punches as Grasso strides forward, and Grasso tags her with a right hand. Shevchenko fires back immediately without batting an eye, making sure the blow did not come for free. Shevchenko whips a high kick that grazes off the hair, and Grasso gets her attention with another right hand. A confident Grasso marches forward, and she strings three punches together including a solid right that staggers the champion. Shevchenko backs off to work leg kicks, and she connects with a few punches of her own. Grasso keeps kicking the reddening leg of her foe, and they meet one another with punches up top. Grasso blocks a step-in head kick, and she backs off when absorbing a front kick up the middle. Shevchenko sneaks in an elbow when they close in, and Grasso settles down and guards up high from a few punches. Grasso takes a kick to the body, and Shevchenko spins with a back fist that collides with the dome. Grasso pushes through, tackling the champion to the mat, and Shevchenko leaps back up to her feet. Shevchenko responds with a head-and-arm throw, dropping Grasso on her face as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 2

The second round opens cautiously, with the two ladies swiping at one another with punches. Shevchenko decides to fight to her best interest and scoops the legs out from the challenger, dumping Grasso on her backside. Shevchenko moves into the guard, and she fights off the butterfly hooks to establish top position. Grasso hangs on to hook her right arm beneath her knee to lock up Shevchenko, and Shevchenko slides over when Grasso releases to claim side control with ease. Shevchenko starts looking for a crucifix, and she pins Grasso’s arm beneath her own legs for a moment to slug Grasso in the face. Grasso recovers her arm position to protect herself from damaging blows, but Shevchenko is still pressing tightly on her. Grasso walks all the way around the fence, and she uses it to push off, turn to her knees and walk up the wall. Grasso leads off with a sharp combination to drive Shevchenko back, and she flails with a few punches that miss the mark to follow. Grasso walks the champion down, throwing hands, but Shevchenko is elusive and keeps moving away from the strikes. Grasso kicks the leg, comes up short, and whiffs on a spinning wheel kick. Shevchenko sticks out a jab, and Grasso backs her up with a few punches. Shevchenko absorbs a right hand flush before surging forward to take Grasso down again, and she lands in half guard. Grasso swings with her fists while on her back, and she keeps herself safe from any heavy blows before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 3

Grasso starts the round off aggressively, and Shevchenko meets her coming forward with a pair of right hands. Grasso tosses up a high kick that is slapped away midair, and Shevchenko answers her with several quick jabs. Grasso counters one jab with an overhand left, but it does dissuade the champ from working on them. Grasso charges forward to throw hands, and Shevchenko brawls with her before shooting in for a telegraphed takedown. Grasso shuts it down and comes out swinging, where she stings the champion with a left hand. Shevchenko stops a possible takedown coming her way with a left hand, and takes a few low kicks before intercepting one with a double-leg entry. Grasso appears frustrated as she hits her back, and Shevchenko lands in the guard and settles down. Grasso hangs on from below, irritating Shevchenko with punches on the side of the head while otherwise locking Shevchenko down with a tight grip. Herzog calls for the two to work, and Shevchenko postures up only to be met with a high guard from Grasso. Shevchenko drops down a pair of heavy right hands, staving off referee intervention for a time, until Herzog calls for them to break and stand them up. Shevchenko lands one big punch after Herzog called them to stop, and she apologizes for the strike after the break was called. Shevchenko rushes to take the fight down again, and Grasso gets away with an illegal upkick while Shevchenko is grounded as they scramble madly. Shevchenko winds up taking the challenger’s back briefly, and Grasso rolls over and ties up a guillotine choke and tightens her guard. The horn sounds before it is tight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Shane Clifford scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 4

The ladies reach the championship rounds, and Grasso is amped up and ready to throw hands. She marches the champion down and does just that, connecting with a few punches before landing a low kick. Grasso keeps her center of gravity low, and she hops back from a spinning back kick. Grasso’s low stance allows her to shut down a takedown that comes her way, and she wings a right hand that brushes past the guard. Grasso is light on her feet, springing forward with short combinations, while Shevchenko leans back to defend or dodge the majority of the strikes. Shevchenko flicks out a few jabs to keep Grasso at arm’s reach, and she chops at the calf as Grasso advances. Shevchenko tries to time a knee up the middle, and it grazes off the forehead to little effect. The flyweights jab at one another, and Shevchenko eats a solid jab and shoots in for a takedown that is too telegraphed to succeed. Grasso stops her from succeeding, but she absorbs a few more jabs on the face. Grasso sprints forward to grab hold of the champion and take her down, and Shevchenko is jammed against the wall before framing off with a knee. Shevchenko splits the guard with a few jabs, and she catches Grasso before Grasso can land on her. Shevchenko spins with a back kick, and Grasso times it perfectly to hop on her back and drag her down to the floor, face-first. Grasso hooks both of her legs around the waist immediately, and she squeezes with a rear-naked choke grip. Shevchenko is suddenly in dire trouble, as she has to defend the choke attempt while Grasso has full control of her back. The Mexican fighter’s forearm crushes over the jaw without sliding under the chin, and she squeezes with all of her might and the hopes of her country on her side. Shevchenko wriggles and twists, trying to buck Grasso off or at least take some pressure off from the jawbreaking move. Unbelievably, Shevchenko taps out to the face crank, surrendering to a submission for the first time in her storied career. On the other side, the new champion has landed just the second submission on her pro ledger, doing so in by far the biggest fight of her life. While Grasso has just pulled off likely the biggest upset of 2023, she will very likely have to beat Shevchenko in an immediate rematch in order to hold on to the top spot. Nothing can take away from her incredible victory tonight, even if she has to fight Shevchenko again in a few months, and history has been made here as the longest title reign in the company comes to a shocking conclusion.

The Official Result

Alexa Grasso def. Valentina Shevchenko R4 4:34 via Submission (Face Crank)

UFC Heavyweight Title Fight:
Jon Jones (248) vs. Ciryl Gane (247.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jones (-155), Gane (+135)

Round 1

This one is for all the marbles. The heavyweight strap is officially on the line with the relinquishment of Francis Ngannou’s heavyweight crown and his subsequent release. The challengers for the vacant strap will be former light heavyweight king Jones (26-1, 1 NC; 20-1, 1 NC UFC), who is taking his first trip up to this division and weighed 248 pounds, against ex-interim champ Gane (11-1, 8-1 UFC). Surprising many, Gane checked in a half pound lighter than Jones. These big men have 25 minutes to work and establish themselves, and referee Marc Goddard will receive the final assignment of the night. After a touch of gloves and Gane patting Jones’ chest, it’s on. Jones comes out of his corner like usual, climbing upright, and the two throw at one another immediately. Jones fires a punch up top, and Gane responds with a low kick that slams into Jones’ cup and causes a pause in the first 10 seconds of the bout. Jones takes 30 seconds to clear it out, and they get back to action. Jones takes a low kick to stick the Frenchman with a right hand, and he walks Gane down firing at him. Jones sweeps low with a kick, and Gane replies with a similar blow. Jones walks through a jab and marches Gane down, pressuring the Frenchman and no-selling any strikes that land on him. Jones swings with a big body shot that misses the mark, and when Gane fires off a big right hand, Jones ducks under and trips Gane out to drop him to his knees and down. Gane fights back up to his knees, and Jones slips a hook in around the side while Gane works to his feet. Jones pulls Gane down, and he sits on Gane’s knees and suddenly grips with a guillotine choke that is crushing around Gane’s noggin. Jones lets go and resets his grip to slip his forearm under the chin, and he presses his full body weight on the submission to completely fasten the guillotine. Gane is shocked, his eyes wide open, and he frantically taps out before he goes out. Jones has done it! He is a two-division UFC champion, and he made it look easy against a phenomenal opponent. His status as one of the greatest if not the greatest of all time is fully cemented with this victory, which clocked in around two minutes as his quickest since he smashed Vladimir Matyushenko in 2010. After thanking his family and training partners, Jones has one name in mind: Stipe Miocic, for International Fight Week in July. We will absolutely be here should that materialize, and we hope you are too. What a night.

The Official Result

Jon Jones def. Ciryl Gane R1 2:04 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)