UFC 322 ‘Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Viacheslav Borshchev (155.8) vs. Matheus Camilo (155.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Camilo (-174), Borshchev (+136)

Round 1

Keith Peterson is the referee. Both fighters tentative in the early going, looking for openings. A left hand gets through for Camilo. Borshchev probes with low kicks . Camilo fires off another left hook, but it’s not clean. Borshchev lands a body kick. A left hook lands for Camilo, and Borshchev answers with a stiff jab. Camilo shoots and takes his foe down near the fence. Borshchev hustles to his feet with Camilo attached. Borshchev shucks his foe off and they’re back at range. Camilo lands a left to the head and a left hook to the body. Borshchev goes back to the body kick. Camilo connects with a pair of straight punches at range. The Brazilian blocks a high kick. They trade in the pocket and Borshchev lands a left hook. Camilo lands a double leg takedown with 35 seconds to go in the round. Camilo peppers the ribs with right hands from top position. Borshchev uses his guard to stand just before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Camilo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Camilo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Camilo

Round 2

Camilo works behind his jab early, and then he lands a solid leg kick. Borshchev doubles up on his jab as he stalks his opponent. Borshchev pressures behind a flurry of punches and Camilo clinches. They separate, but Camilo lands another takedown with easy. Camilo works to the back as Borshchev attempts to stand and drags “Slava” back down with him. Camilo transitions to full mount, where he’s heavy on top. Borshchev recovers half guard. “Slava” scrambles to a seated position and eventually stands and separates. Camilo lands a knee in close quarters and after a brief pause, Camilo takes Borshchev down easily once again. Borshchev gets to all fours and he fights off his foe’s hands and returns to his feet. Borshchev lands a body kick and then digs a combination to the body. There’s a sense of urgency from Borshchev late in the round. A telegraphed shot is denied by Borshchev. Borshchev continues to pressure and rip punches to the body. Camilo shoots behind an overhand but Borshchev denies the attempt. A counter right from Camilo connects, and Borshchev answers with a left.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Camilo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Camilo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Camilo

Round 3

Camilo sticks a jab. Camilo with a left hook to the body. A right hand and low kick also connect for the Brazilian. Borshchev stuffs a takedown. “Slava” moves in and lands a combination. A front kick down the middle lands for Borshchev. Borshchev doubles up on his jab and Camilo seems to be fading. Borshchev kicks the body and lands a jab upstairs. Multiple jabs land for Borshchev and then he rips the body with a left hook. A lead left lands for Borshchev but he’s rocked by counter offering from Camilo. A hard low kick from Camilo makes Borshchev stumble. Camilo is able to take Borshchev down near the fence and he jumps on the back. However, Borshchev quickly reverses and is in top position with about a minute to go. Borshchev stands over his foe and kicks the legs before the Brazilian stands. A hard counter right lands for Camilo, right over the top of Borshchev’s jab. Camilo connects with a counter right and takes Borshchev down. “Slava” stands and eats more punches from Camilo before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev (29-28 Camilo)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev (29-28 Camilo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Borshchev (29-28 Camilo)

The Official Result

Matheus Camilo def. Viacheslav Borshchev via Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Eric McConico (185.6) vs. Baisangur Susurkaev (185.2)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Susurkaev (-1000), McConico (+560)

Round 1

Blake Grice is the referee. McConico follows a combination into the clinch in an aggressive start. McConico lands some knees against the fence before Susurkaev reverses the position. The combatants trade short knees in close, but nothing too damaging. The crowd is growing restless early after about a minute and a half of clinching at the outset. Susurkaev has double underhooks, but McConico reverses and lands an elbow over the top. Grice asks for work as the middleweights finally seprate. The American lands an uppercut as they break. A right gets through for Susurkaev. McConico spins his man around with an inside low kick. McConico pushes Susurkaev to the fence behind a punch and an elbow. The boos return as the clinch battle continues, with McConico in control. Susurkaev turns his man around and drags McConico to the mat. The American stands and Susurkaev slams him down. McConico is back up agian, looking to separate the hand, but it’s a mat return. Susurkaev stays busy with knees to the thighs. Susurkaev tries a spinning elbow but a counter shot lands from McConico in return. Susurkaev lands a front kick to the body, and McConico answers with a pair of right hands before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico

Round 2

Susurkaev eats a combination from McConico early. Susurkaev answers with an overhand right and a kick to the body. Susurkaev lands a knee down the middle. A hard body kick form Susurkaev lands and he follows with a leaping knee near the fence. Just when Susurkaev seems to be gaining momentum, McConico stops him in his tracks with a kick to the groin. The Russian crumbles to the canvas in pain as a result of the foul. Susurkaev only takes a minute and he’s ready to go. McConico with an inside leg kick, and Susurkaev responds with a high kick. McConico leaps in and Susurkaev lands a counter right. They clinch and Susurkaev with a hard knee to the body. They trade punches and knees in close, and McConico defends a throw nicely. Susurkaev shoves his foe into the fence and looks for a single leg. McConico maintains his balance as Susurkaev pulls him away form the fence. Susurkaev lets the leg go and pushes his man back into the wire. McConico connects with a short elbow with his back to the fence. Susurkaev sticks a couple right hands and a front kick to the body. They tie up and McConico pushes the Russian in to the cage. They separate and Susurkaev goes on the attack. However, a nasty elbow from McConico prompts a smile from Susurkaev. McConico is content to ride out the reset of the round in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Susurkaev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Susurkaev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Susurkaev

Round 3

Susurkaev opens with a two-punch combo. A high kick partially lands for “Hunter.” Susurkaev probes with a front kick. Another right gets through for Susurkaev, who is in pursuit of his opponent. McConico lands a straight left. A punch lands low for Susurkaev and time is called. McConico takes less than a minute to recover from the shot. McConico has a head kick blocked. Susurkaev kicks the body and the Russian appears to be getting loose, as he holds his hands low and dodges a counter offering from McConico. Moments later, Susurkaev catches McConico moving forward with a precision right hand. McConico is done right there, and he stumbles and collapses face first to the floor. No follow-up shots are needed, as Susurkaev has his second UFC win in a three-month span.

The Official Result

Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric McConico via KO (Punch) R3 1:38

Angela Hill (115.6) vs. Fatima Kline (115.4)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kline (-470), Hill (+360)

Round 1

Marc Goddard is the referee. Kline sticks a jab right off the bat. Hill tries to clinch and absorbs a knee and is then simply overpowered, as Kline takes the veteran down near the fence. Kline goes to work in her foe’s full guard. Hill lands an upkick as Kline hovers over her. Hill scrambles up but Kline keeps the pressure on, driving her into the fence. Kline with a nice knee in the clinch. The strawweights battle it out in the clinch, and Kline fires an uppercut on the break. Hill lands an effecitve low kick. Kline with a straight right at range. Kline punches into the clinch, land a knee and then separates. Kline catches Hill with a body kick. A front kick and uppercut lands for Kline, and then she takes Hill down when her foe tries an ill-advised spinning back kick. Kline is in half guard and lands a heavy elbow from above. Hill recovers full guard, but Kline continues to control position. Kline stands and eats an upkick before diving back into side control. Kline looks to set up a kimura late in the period. Kline gives it up and ends on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kline
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kline
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kline

Round 2

Kline immediately lands a front kick. Hill fires off a right hand and applies pressure, but she eats a body kick for her efforts. Now Kline is piecing up Hill with punches, and it’s an accomplishment for “Overkill” to keep her feet after that salvo. Kline shoots from distance and pushes Hill into the fence. Kline lands an elbow on the break. Kline shoots again and shoves Hill into the fence. They move back to range and Kline lands a knee down the middle. Hill with a right hand. Kline crashes into the clinch and it’s Hill who knees the body effectively. Kline backs up Hill with a combination. Hill with a low kick. A high kick partially lands for Kline, who forces the clinch again. The strawweights battle it out in close, with Hill landing a knee before they break. Kline kicks the body. Kline has a combination countered by Hill. A right gets through for Kline and it’s Hill who initiates the clinch. Kline reverses late in the round and lands a couple knees before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kline
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kline
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kline

Round 3

A right lands for Hill early on. Kline with an outside leg kick. Kline sticks out her jab, but another solid right finds the mark for Hill. A counter right lands for Kline, who follows with another right in short order. The right hand lands again for Kline, who then stops Hill with a front kick down the middle. Hill pressures Kline near the fence, but Kline lands her jab. Kline tags the veteran with a combination. A left hook-right hand combination catches Hill on the way in. Hill forces the clinch with about 2:00 to go. Kline powers her adversary down to the canvas. Kline stacks Hill near the fence and drops a hammerfist. Kline clears the legs and looks to take the back as Hill stands. Hill is able to free herself and they’re at range with less than a minute to go. Kline subsequently powers Hill back to the mat and unloads with a flurry of ground-and-pound. Kline jumps on the back and stays aggressive. Kline falls off the back and the strawweights are tangled up on the canvas. They scramble up and Kline punctuates what should be a victory with a backfist and a head kick.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kline (30-27 Kline)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kline (30-27 Kline)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kline (30-27 Kline)

The Official Result

Fatima Kline def. Angela Hill via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jose Mariscal (145.6) vs. Pat Sabatini (145.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-142), Mariscal (+120)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Mariscal takes the center of the Octagon. It’s a tentative beginning for these former foes, who previously met on the regional circuit in 2018. About a minute in, Sabatini tags “Chepe” with a combination, then lands a takedown. “Chepe” stands, but Sabatini drags him right back down, taking the back with a body triangle nearly in place. Sabatini wants to lock in a choke, but Mariscal is doing well defensively. Marsical fights the hands, so Sabatini throws a couple short punches. Sabatini wants to roll Mariscal to his belly, but “Chepe” has defended those attempts well. Mariscal reverses the position and is now on top, but Sabatini is dangerous on his back. Marsical frees himself and lands a left before clinching. They separate and Mariscal ducks under a spinning back fist. Sabatini knees the body in close. A head kick lands clean late for Mariscal, and it cuts Sabatini right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini

Round 2

Mariscal is back in the center and he lands an inside low kick. Sabatini grabs a single leg and then shoves Marsical to the fence. Sabatini clings to a body lock as Mariscal tries to break the grip. Mariscal is warned to get his fingers out of the cage. Sabatini slams him down and jumps on the back. Sabatini is bleeding on his foe’s back, and that may have made him slide off. Sabatini takes his man down and floats on top as Mariscal attempts to scramble. Sabatini is making Mariscal carry his weight. Mariscal explodes to his feet, but Sabatini reshoots and takes “Chepe” down again. Sabatini is in the full guard of his opponent, who is staying busy with offense from his back. Sabatini drops a heavy elbow from above. Sabatini spins to the back, but Marsical is able to scramble to his feet. Sabatini is bleeding badly, and he eats a shot as he tries to close distance. Sabatini lands a left and the featherweights clinch. Mariscal shoves his man into the wire. They break briefly but Sabatini grabs a body lock and he trips Marsical to the floor. Sabatini lands some punches from half guard as the round draws to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini

Round 3

Sabatini drops low for a single leg right away, but Mariscal frees himself. Sabatini changes levels, connects his hands and dumps Mariscal on the mat. Mariscal is active with his guard as Sabatini diligently tries to pass. Mariscal goes to all fours and Sabatini threatens the back. Sabatini secures a body triangle with back control with 3:30 to go in the round. Mariscal rolls to all fours and Sabatini peppers him with shots before “Mariscal” rolls to his back. The bloodied Sabatini remains in control. Mariscal rolls over and Sabatini drops punches. Mariscal is fighting the hands and looking to roll and explode out of danger, but Sabatini has an answer for every move. Sabatini drops an elbow, and Mariscal gets to his knees. He can’t stand, however, as Sabatini pulls him back down to the mat. Sabatini is still hunting for the choke as time winds down, but Mariscal’s defense is too savvy. Still, it’s been one-way traffic for the majority of the round. Mariscal is able to stand in the final 10 seconds, but he can’t do anything to alter the outcome as a leaping kick falls short.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-27 Sabatini)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-27 Sabatini)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sabatini (30-27 Sabatini)

The Official Result

Pat Sabatini def. Jose Mariscal via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Kyle Daukaus (186) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Daukaus (-375), Meerschaert (+295)

Round 1

Herb Dean is the referee. Daukaus immediately tags Meerschaert with a straight left. Daukaus wades in with a straight left hand that rocks Meerschaert, who is already in retreat mode. Meerschaert falls to the floor after absorbing another shot. Daukaus follows him down and tees off with hammerfists before locking in a brabo choke. Daukaus powers Meerschaert to his back and applies the squeeze, and it’s only a matter of moments before the veteran middleweight is forced to tap out.Daukaus now has back-to-back first round finishes since returning to the UFC.

The Official Result

Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via Submission (Brabo Choke) R1 0:50

Ethyn Ewing (145.2) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (143.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Wellmaker (-500), Ewing (+360)

Round 1

Keith Peterson is the referee. Ewing pressures and throws a kick to the chest that Wellmaker blocks. Ewing counters a knee with a right hand. Wellmaker throws a striaght left to the body. Inside leg kick for Ewing. The crowd at MSG is firmly behind Wellmaker with a “Let’s go Malcolm” chant. Wellkmaker lands a body kick and then a counter check right hook makes Ewing stumble for a moment. Wellmaker lands a knee to the gut as Ewing closes distance. Ewing with a slick right over the top in the clinch. Back at range, Ewing steps in with a right. Wellmaker with a front kick down the middle. Ewing with a left hook in an exchange. Wellmaker stalks Ewing, who circles on the outside. They trade and then clinch. Wellmake alnds an elbow in the clinch. A powerful throw from Ewing elicits a gasp from the crowd, and the newcomer has a body lock as his foe stands. Wellmaker turns and lands a knee in side. Wellmaker with another knee. Ewing is making Wellmaker work in the clinch late iin the round. A nice knee lands for Wellmaker, who follows with an elbow over the top. Ewing lands offense on the break. Wellmaker kicks the body, and Ewing punches his way into the clinch. Ewing grabs a front headlock and lands some knees before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ewing
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ewing
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ewing

Round 2

Wellmaker opens with a solid counter left hand. A high kick from Ewing connects shortly thereafter. Ewing tags Wellmaker with a combination. Ewing is putting on the pressure early, landing punches in more volume. Wellmaker backs his man up with a lead hook, and then he tags his foe with a right. Wellmaker goes body-head with punches before wading into the clinch. Both men land on the break. Ewing utilizies good movement and lands another combination. Wellmaker fires back with a lead hook. Ewing moves forward and punctuates a combination with a high kick. A couple rights land for Wellmaker, but Ewing doesn’t hesitate to fire back with a counter. They clinch and Wellmaker lands a knee to the body. Wellmaker backs his foe up with a punch and a spinning heel kick lands to the shoulder. Wellmaker has Ewing on the retreat as he attacks the body and lands a slashing elbow near the fence. Ewing lands a rapid fire combination, but Wellmaker tags him with a hard counter. Ewing is doing well with volume and accuracy, and Wellmaker is lunging and swinging wildly at times. Wellmaker is landing and pressuring, however, and he rips to the body. Ewing lands a takedown, locks up a front headlock and knees the head. Just before the end of the round, Wellmaker lands a resounding spinning elbow, and a hard right lands for Ewing in response.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Wellmaker
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Wellmaker
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Wellmaker

Round 3

Ewing working well behind his jab, and Wellmaker responds with a front kick. Wellmaker attacks the body. Ewing answers with a combination. Wellmaker lands a body kick. Ewing applies presure, and throws another effective combination. Wellmaker fires off a stiff jab. Ewing moves in close and tees off with a combination before looking for a takedown. Ewing shoves his opponent into the fence, but Wellmaker reverses. Wellmaker stays busy with knees in close quarters. They separate after Wellmaker lands an elbow. At range, Ewing connects on a right. They trade in the pocket, but Ewing backs up Wellmaker. Wellmaker has an ensuing takedown denied, and Ewing lands a solid elbow upstairs. Ewing keeps the pace up, and he lands a clean right hand. Ewing follows a knee with another slick combination. They clinch, and Ewing is able to land a takedown and maintain a rear body lock as Wellmaker stands. Ewing lands a few short right hands, and the featherweights trade one more time before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ewing (29-28 Ewing)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ewing (29-28 Ewing)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ewing (29-28 Ewing)

The Official Result

Ethyn Ewing def. Malcolm Wellmaker via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Erin Blanchfield (125.8) vs. Tracy Cortez (125.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blanchfield (-258), Cortez (+210)

Round 1

Blake Grice is the referee. Cortez lands a jab and Blanchfield answers with an inside leg kick. Cortez is firing off combinations early as Blanchfield moves forward. Cortez fires off a 1-2 and Blanchfield counters. Cortez connects with a left as Blanchfild moves forward. Cortez is doing well with her handspeed and combinations thus far. Cortez fends off Blanchfield with a knee to the body. Blanchfield pumps her jab in Cortez’s face. A nice body kick lands for Blanchfield and the flyweights exchnage in the pocket. Cortez pressures behind punches. B lanchfield connects with a jab but Cortez continues to find the range on her right hand. No takedowns attempted yet, as Cortez follows a combination with a knee. Blanchfield works behind her jab. Cortez with a knee inside, but Blanchfiled answers with a combination. Another knee down the middle lands for Cortez. Blanchfield sticks the jab again. Blanchfiled counters a body kick. They trade jabs late in the round. Blanchfield ends the frame with a long right hand and a short elbow from the clinch just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez

Round 2

Cortez gets right to work, firing off punches in the center of the cage. A straight right lands for Cortez. Cortez is the first to shoot and she gets her opponent down. However, Blanchfield is able to reverse off an errant back take by Cortez. Cortez stands but Blanchfield has a body lock. Blanchfield grinds away against the fence, applying pressure. Blanchfield attempts to change levels, but Cortez is doing well to stay upright. They break at the 2:45 mark. Cortez lands anotehr solid combination. A stiff jab finds the mark for Blanchfield. A counter right from Cortez follows a front kick by Blanchfield. Cortez catches a body kick but it landed nonetheless. Blanchfield forces the clinch and trips Cortez down for her first takedown of the bout. Blanchfield is thinking about an arm triangle choke but she’s in half guard near the fence. Blanchfield flurries with short shots as Cortez stands. Blanchfield keeps the pressure on near the fence. Blanchfield connects her hands and drives Cortez down all the way across the Octagon. Cortez quickly hustles to her feet, but she doesn’t defend the rear-naked choke from her opponent. Blanchfield drags Cortez down, and even though “Cold Blooded” is off to the side, the choke is more than tight enough to elicit a tap. Not only is Blanchfield the first woman to finish Cortez in UFC competition, but she avenges a loss that occurred under the Invicta FC banner in February 2019.

The Official Result

Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 4:44

Roman Kopylov (185.2) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodrigues (-166), Kopylov (+140)

Round 1

Marc Goddard is the referee. Rodrigues probes with a right to the body. The Brazilian counters a kick with a crisp straight right. Another straight right splits the guard of Kopylov. Rodrigues follows a right hand with a hard body kick. Rodrigues continues to fire off his right hand and now he tries a takedown, which Kopylov defends. Kopylov with a straight left to the body, his first meaningful offense of the fight. Rodrigues with a hard body kick and then a right to the body as well. Every punch from Rodrigues is taking effect so far. Kopylov attacks the lead leg and Rodrigues answers with an inside leg kick. Rodrigues just misses a head kick. The Brazilian steps in with a knee to the body and he shoots for a takedown. Kopylov reverses it with a hip toss. He stands over Rodrigues as time ticks down, but he doesn’t land anything of note before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues

Round 2

Rodrigues opens with a 1-2. Kopylov lands a left, but Rodrigues answers. They go to the ground and Kopylov scrambles out of a leg lock. Rodrigues shoots again against the fence, but Kopylov shoves him away. Rodrigues backs up Kopylov with a knee to the body. Kopylov sticks a jab. Rodrigues with a jab of his own. Rodrigues stalks his opponent, drawing mbig movements with feints. Rodrigues with a solid jab. Kopylov catches a kick and fires off a series of right hands before releasing the limb. Rodrigues moves in behind a right hand. Rodrigues marches forward, throwing straight punches, sometimes mixing in body shots. Kopylov with a left to the body. Rodrigues follows a knee with a series of hard right hands. “Robocop” keeps the pressure on as Kopylov remains on his bike. Rodrigues lands a jab followed by a right to the body. Kopylov remains on the defensive. Rodrigues lands a body kick. Kopylov catches it and shoves his foe down. A right by Rodrigues makes Kopylov stumble. Rodrigues stalks the Russian, landing heavy blows along the way. Kopylov unleashes a quick head kick, but it can’t quite find the mark. They clinch late in the round. Rodrigues lands a knee and misses a spinning attack as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues

Round 3

Rodrigues pumps his jab. Kopylov probes with a leg kick. Another jab lands for the Brazilian. Kopylov flicks out a jab but eats a right hand. Kopylov leaps in with a left that briefly buckles Rodrigues. Rodrigues recovers quickly, but that was Kopylov’s best attack so far. Rodrigues goes back to the well with a powerful 1-2. “Robocop” follows up with a right to the body, then a high kick that slams off Kopylov’s arm. Kopylov presses forward and lands a left to the body. Kopylov is on the attack, and he leaps in with another left. Rodrigues fires a right to the body. They trade on the inside and both men land. Rodrigues chops away with low kicks. Rodrigues stays busy with 1-2s, but Kopylov with another rapid left hand that finds the mark. Rodrigues continues to attack the body with his right hand while also throwing 1-2s upstairs. Kopylov is still hunting for that left hand. Kopylov fires another head kick, but Rodrigues blocks it. A quick right hand finds the mark for the Russian. Kopylov can’t get through with a head kick but ends the contest with a spinning backfist.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov (29-28 Rodrigues)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov (29-28 Rodrigues)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov (29-28 Rodrigues)

The Official Result

Gregory Rodrigues def. Roman Kopylov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Bo Nickal (185.8) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-225), Vieira (+185)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Nickal opens with a jab and then a left. He backs up and lands a front kick and a leg kick. They collide and Nickal lifts Viera and executes an emphatic slam. He unleashes a barrage of short punches to the head as Vieira strands. Nickal switches to knees and then lands an elbow that cuts the grappling ace. Vieira turns nickal into the fence and lands some close quarters offense of his own. Nickal frees himself and they’re back int the center of the Octagon. Nickal just misses a left. Vieira ducks under a high kick and Vieira shoots for a takedown against the fence. Nickal briefly threatens with a guillotine but Vieira is OK. Vieira stands and Nickal lands a hard elbow before they break. Vieira fires off a straight right .Nickal has a head kick blocked. A couple lefts land for the American. Vieira probes with a low kick. Nickal pumps a jab and then lands a front kick. Vieira keeps the pressure on , but Nickal is active with his striking, particularly left hands. Another left and a jab get through for Nickal. The round ends without further incident.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nickal

Round 2

Vieira opens with a solid right hand. Vieira catches Nickal coming forward with another rigth. Nickal steps in with a hard body kic. Nickal freezes Vieira with a combination, then lands another body kick. Nickal lunges in and lands another left hand. A couple jabs form Nickal snap Vieira’s head back. Nickal is winning exchanges, relying on combinations and superior hand speed. Vieira is bleeding profusely now. The Brazilian counters a kick with a right and then shoots for a takedown against the fence. Vieira gets an underhook and lands some punches before Nickal frees himself. Another straight left gets through for Nickal. Vieira lands a right as Nickal moves forward. Nickal rocks Vieira with a left and then finds the range on a short uppercut. Vieira is still in the fight, but he’s still bleeding and his eye is swelling shut. Nickal sprawls on a takedown with about 20 seconds left. Nickal lands some short punches and a knee as Vieira stands.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nickal

Round 3

Vieira lands a decent right during an initial exchange. Nickal pumps out his jab. Nickal lunges in with a left and then lands another left to the body. Another lunging left connects for the Penn State All American. Nickal with a hard inside leg kick. The crowd is getting restless with the pace of the bout, which is mostly one shot at a time — but that’s working well for Nickal. Nickal connects on a 1-2 and then seemingly out of nowhere, he unleashes a left head kick that lands clean. An unconscious Vieira collapses in a heap on the canvas, and Nickal knows he needs no follow-up offerings. Nickal climbs on the cage and flips off the crowd in celebration as he rebounds from his first career defeat in emphatic fashion.

The Official Result

Bo Nickal def. Rodolfo Vieira via KO (Head Kick) R3 2:24

Beneil Dariush (157.2: Missed Weight) vs. Benoit St. Denis (155.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: St. Denis (-198), Dariush (+164)

Round 1

Herb Dean is the referee. Dariush opens the action with a hard outside leg kick. A second low kick makes St. Denis stumble forward, which emboldens Dariush to go on the attack. Dariush rushes forward and fires off a knee in close quarters, but St. Denis clubs his reckless adversary with a left hand directly behind the ear. Dariush collapses face-first to the mat, and just to be safe, “God of War” adds one more follow-up shot on the ground for good measure. Herb Dean steps in before any further damage can be done. Dariush briefly protests the stoppage, but it’s clear the lightweight veteran is on wobbly legs as he returns to his feet. That’s three KO losses in his last four for Dariush and a statement win on a grand stage for St. Denis.

The Official Result

Benoit St. Denis def. Beneil Dariush via KO (Punch) R1 0:16

Leon Edwards (170) vs. Carlos Prates (169.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Prates (-198), Edwards (+164)

Round 1

Keith Peterson is the referee. They start in matching southpaw stances and trade low kicks. They both land more leg kicks and then Prates moves foreward with a jab. Prates defends a takedown from Edwards. Prates lands a knee on the inside. Both welterweights continue to land low kicks. Edwards shoots and shoves Prates into the fence. Prates defends and stays upright. Edwards brings a knee. Prates is talking to Edwards as they remain in the clinch. Peterson has seen enough and they separate. Back at range, Prates steps in with a knee. Edwards times a level change nicely and takes Prates down. Edwards looks to take the back and makes Prates carry him like a backpack as the Brazilian stands. Prates fights off the hands to prevent a choke. A few short shots to the side of the head for Edwards. Edwards jumps off the back and takes Prates down. Edwards threatens with a rear-naked choke late in the round but Prates survives.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Edwards

Round 2

Edwards fires off a front kick. Prates with a low kick. Edwards counters a low kick with a left hand. Prates sticks a crisp jab. A leg kick spins Edwards around. The welterweights trade lefts as Prates keeps talking to his foe. The Brazilian pumps his jab while chattering away. A nice counter lands for Edwards following a Prates knee during an exchange. Moments later, Prates lands a long left hand through Edwards’ guard, taking the Englishman clean off his feet. “Rocky” crashes to the canvas and his eyes roll back in his head. Prates dives in and adds one follow-up missile for good measure. “The Nightmare” is the first man to knock out Leon Edwards in his professional MMA career.

The Official Result

Carlos Prates def. Leon Edwards via KO (Punches) R2 1:28

Sean Brady (169.4) vs. Michael Morales (170.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-142), Morales (+120)

Round 1

Blake Grice is the referee. Brady circles on the outside, probing with leg kicks. Morales flicks out a couple jabs. Morales continues to throw that jab and he’s gradually starting to find the range on it. Brady leaps in with a hook. Brady lands a hard low kick. Moraes rocks Brady with a right hand, and he tees off with a series of impactful punches during an ensuing barrage. Brady looks like he’s on wobby legs, but he’s able to eventually shove Morales off of him for a brief reset. Morales steps in with an uppercut. The long jab remains effective for Morales, who is brimming with confidence. Brady gets clipped with another right hand and Morales pressures forward with heavy punches. Brady is in survival mode so far, and he’s been unable to close distance to impose his grappling. Morales goes back to the jab, then clips Brady with a right hand over the top. Three more punches connect and Brady goes down. Morales drops a few hammerfists before Grice steps in to save a reeling Brady. The Ecuardorian’s undefeated run continues in impressive fashion, and he might have solidified his claim for a future welterweight title shot.

The Official Result

Michael Morales def. Sean Brady via TKO (Punches) R1 3:27

UFC Women’s Flyweight Title Fight:
Valentina Shevchenko (124.6) vs. Weili Zhang (124.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shevchenko (-130), Zhang (+110)

Round 1

Marc Goddard is the referee. Zhang moves in and out, pumping jabs. Shevchenko strikes first with a leg kick. A big right lands for Zhang. Shevchenko responds with a hard body kick. Lots of movement for Zhang early, but she’s not in great striking range against a larger foe. Shevhcneko counters as Zhang moves in. Zhang closes the range and Shevchenko lands a big knee in close before powering her foe to the canvas. Schevchenko is working to pass the butterfly guard, but Zhang is able to scramble up, looking no worse for wear from the knee. Zhang comes in with a right, but “Bullet” rocks her foe with a spinning backfist. They’re in the clinch again, and Shevchenko powers Zhang down as the Chinese fighter attempts to throw an elbow. Shevchenko is in side control this time. Zhang recovers her half guard but Shevchenko is heavy on top. Zhang is doing a good job limiting ground-and-pound chances, but she’ll end the period on the bottom.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2

Shevchenko lands a leg kick as Zhang looks to close the distance. A counter left lands for Shevchenko. They clinch and Shevchenko lands a knee before pulling Zhang back down to the floor. “Bullet” is in half guard early in the period. The champ passes to side control, landing a couple elbows to the head. Shevchenko tries to secure a crucifix. Zhang defends, so Shevchenko drops shoulder strikes from above instead. Shevchenko briefly gets the crucifix, but Zhang is able to escape the predicatment relatively quickly. Still, Zhang is getting overpowered on the mat by a larger adversary. Zhang recovers half guard and she punches the body from her back. Shevchenko is still extremely heavy on top. Zhang is able to get full guard, but Shevchenko quickly passes to half guard to drop some punches. Another shoulder strike lands for Shevchenko. More punches land for Shevchenko, who is methodical in her domination of this round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 3

Zhang will have to figure out a way to remain upright if she’s to have a chance. Shevchenko fires off front kicks. Zhang lands a kick to the body, then an inside low kick. Zhang just misses the mark on a right hand. Shevchenko tags Zhang in the mug with a counter right. Another right lands for “Bullet.” Zhang can’t find the range, and Shevchenko answers with a spinning back kick to the body. Zhang lands a solid body kick but gets sucked into the clinch for her efforts. Zhang lands an elbow on the break. Shevchenko catches Zhang coming forward and lands a knee to the body. That might have hurt Zhang a little as she backs up for a moment. Shevchenko catches a Zhang kick and powers her foe to the mat with a little more than 1:30 to go in the round. The champion is in half guard near the fence, applying heavy top pressure. Zhang doesn’t seem to have any answers from her back as this round draws to a close. Shevchenko drops a shoulder strike and then hovers over her foe to land a brief flurry of ground-and-pound. Shevchenko dives back into top position, and that’s where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 4

Zhang steps in and lands a body kick. Shevchenko lands one of her own, and Zhang backs up due to its impact. Shevchenko is pressuring more now, looking for openings to attack. Zhang continues to be out of range with most of her attacks. Shevchenko punishes Zhang with another body kick, and then almost on cue, goes upstairs with anotehr kick. Shevchenko traps Zhang in the clinch and hurts her foe with a knee to the body. A front kick down the middle draws another reaction from Zhang. A counter right from the champ stings Zhang, who is getting completely dominated so far. Zhang lands a body kick, but Shevchenko catches it and plants the former strawweight queen on her back. Shevchenko is in half guard with about a minute to go. Shevchenko drives more shoulder strikes into Zhang’s face from above. Shevchenko lands a few more short punches and a couple more shoulder strikes before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 5

Zhang’s only chance is a hail mary finish. Zhang pressures and lands a body kick at the end of a combination. That allows Shevchenko to secure the clinch, however. Shevchenko lands a knee before they break. Shevchenko counters Zhang with another hard body kick. Zhang gets sucked into the clinch as she attacks. Shevchenko with another hard knee. Zhang answers with an elbow over the top, but shortly thereafter, she is planted on the mat once again. Shevchenko is back in top position, where she has controlled Zhang throughout the contest. More heavy top pressure for Shevchenko, who hasn’t been threatened at all in this matchup. Goddard urges Shevchenko to work, so “Bullet” ups the volume of shoulder strikes and short punches. There’s a minute left, and there’s not much drama left in this one. Shevchenko is standing, and Zhang pedals her legs with hopes up a desperation upkick. Shevchenko won’t take the bait, and she raises her arms in triumph as the final seconds run off the clock. A completely one-sided victory for “Bullet.”

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko (50-45 Shevchenko)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko (50-45 Shevchenko)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko (50-45 Shevchenko)

The Official Result

Valentina Shevchenko def. Weili Zhang via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) R5 5:00

UFC Welterweight Title Fight:
Jack Della Maddalena (169.8) vs. Islam Makhachev (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Makhachev (-270), Della Maddalena (+220)

Round 1

Herb Dean is the referee. Makhachev opens with a low keg kcik. Maddalena immediately pressures behind a combination. Makhachev with a front kick down the middle but Maddalena has his guard up. Maddalena moves in with a combination. It’s a about a minute in when Makhachev shoots for his first takedown, and he gets it by tripping the Aussie to the mat. Makhachev in half guard, applying heavy top pressure. Makhachev looks for openings to land offense, and he lands short elbows and punches. Maddalena creates a scramble and gets to his feet, but Makhachev jumps on his back. The champ goes to his back, so Makhachev is in top position again, working from half guard. It’s all defense for Maddalena, who’s trying to limit his opponent’s offense from above. Makhachev looks to advance to lock up a choke. Maddalena seems to be wise to it, and he recovers full guard. The round ends with Maddalena landing an illegal upkick on Makhachev, who had a knee down.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 2

Maddalena misses a front kick and Makhachev answers with a hard calf kick. Makhachev leaps in with a two-punch combo then moves away. Makhachev lands a leg kick and then slides away with his jab. Maddalena partially blocks a high kick. Maddalena lands a solid shot as Makhachev closes the range. The Dagestani shoves his foe into the fence. Maddalena tries to defend by stepping over the top, but he ends up on his back near the fence. Makhachev works from half guard with 3:00 to go in the frame. Makhachev drops an elbow as he methodically controls the action. Maddalena isn’t doing much in the way of initiating a scramble. Short elbows land for Makhachev. The combatants move further away from the fence, and it’s still Makhachev in control. Maddalena considers moving to a hip but thinks better of it, maybe due to the threat of the submission. Makhachev creates some room to drop a series of elbows. Maddalena gets to his feet with about 10 seconds to go. Makhachev ends the frame with a knee to the body. One-way traffic so far.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 3

Maddalena throws a jab and then an inside leg kick. A much harder low kick lands for Makhachev. A calf kick from Makhachev makes Maddalena stumble. Makhachev picks up the pace and lands a combination. They clinch, and Maddalena finds a home for some body work. Makhachev attacks with a leg kick before executing a quick level change — and Maddalena is back on the floor. Maddalena does a good job defending his opponent’s desired choke, but Makhachev is otherwise in a dominant position again. Makhachev works diligently to pass guard as he peppers his foe with short punches. Makhachev switches from punches to elbows while continuing to apply top pressure. Maddalena gets to his knees, but he’s unable to create anything during a late scramble before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 4

Maddalena tries a high kick but Makhachev is ready for it. Makhachev lands a body kick as his opponent moves forward. Makhachev lands an inside leg kick. Another body kick connects for the Dagestani. Maddalena isn’t offering much in the way of offense at this point in the fight. Another low kick makes Maddalena hop briefly. Suddenly, Makhachev explodes for a takedown and he gets it with about 3:30 left in the period. Maddalena tries to create space with his guard, but Makhachev floats on top and deftly transitions to the back. The former lightweight king locks in a body triangle, and then he briefly collects one of Maddalena’s arms. The Aussie frees his limb, but he’s flat on his back again. It’s rinse and repeat for Makhachev, who continues to maintain significant pressure from half guard. Makhachev is thinking about a kimura, and Maddalena scoots to a seated position. Maddalena stands with 10 seconds left, but he can’t break his foe’s grip before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev

Round 5

Like Weili Zhang before him, Maddalena needs a miracle to come out with a victory. Maddalena tries to pressure early, but Makhachev takes him down with ease less than 30 seconds into the period. Makhachev is looking to frame a kimura once again, but Maddalena escapes the submission. It’s essentially turned into a repeat of the earlier rounds. Maddalena doesn’t have any answers for Makhachev, and the only suspense at this point is whether the Dagestani will be able to secure a submission before the final horn. For now, Makhachev is just staying busy with pressure and occasional offense from top position. Maddalena briefly recovers full guard, but he’s grimacing as Makhachev continues to impose his will. Makhachev briefly has a choke locked in, but Maddalena again avoids the finish. As time ticks away, an “Islam” chant rains down, led by Khabib Nurmagomedov from the corner. Maddalena scrambles up right before the horn once again, but it’s of little importance. Makhachev has his 16th consecutive victory in hand, and he’s about to be a two-division champion.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev (50-45 Makhachev)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev (50-45 Makhachev)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev (50-45 Makhachev)

The Official Result

Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) R5 5:00