UFC Fight Night 129 ‘Maia vs. Usman’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Claudio Puelles vs. Felipe Silva

Round 1

Silva backs up the southpaw Puelles with a high kick and a long jab, but the Brazilian can't land anything damaging in the opening exchanges. Puelles gets hold of a leg and plants Silva on the ground in the center of the cage. Silva throws up a triangle, gets lifted and slammed, then tries it again. Puelles dodges the sub attempt by standing and punching down at his prone opponent. Puelles comes back to the floor and snares Silva in a headlock, looking to cinch a guillotine. Silva pops his head free, and suddenly it's the striker landing ground-and-pound. Puelles grabs Silva's left leg and rolls for a heel hook; Silva yanks the leg free and stands, asking referee Osiris Maia to order Puelles back up, too. Silva catches Puelles in the Thai plum and delivers a pair of knees. Puelles tries a flying armbar and winds up on his back, with Silva asking him to stand again. Seconds later, Puelles catches another kick and secures another takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Puelles
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Silva

Round 2

Silva quickly closes the distance on Puelles, backing up the Peruvian to the fence and clipping him with a nice hook. Puelles tries to tie up but winds up stumbling to the ground; Silva circles back to the center, waving for Puelles to stand. Puelles grabs for a leg but can't come close to Silva this time. Puelles reaches out to jab Silva on the chin; the Brazilian dismisses the strike with a shake of his head. A crashing right hook gets Puelles' attention, though he's able to pull out of Silva's Thai clinch seconds later. Silva blocks a single-leg attempt, continues to circle, now hurts Puelles with a three-piece combination. Puelles hits the deck at the fence, and this time Silva hangs around to land some ground punches. Puelles is trying to shrimp underneath and get hold of a leg, but Silva is punishing him with heavy right hands from top position. Silva is gunning for the finish, and now with 30 seconds left, he asks the ref to stand up Puelles. The final 20 seconds see Silva blast Puelles with a nasty body shot. Puelles is able to pull guard and survive to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Silva
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Silva

Round 3

A huge right hand from Silva sends Puelles to the ground in the center of the cage just 30 seconds into the final round. Silva tries to pound out his wounded opponent, can't get the stoppage, now asks referee Maia to stand him up. Silva drops Puelles again, this time with a body shot, but the Peruvian is able to cover up and survive the follow-up attack. Back up comes Puelles, only to receive more punishment from Silva, who looks to be on the verge of a knockout. Puelles shoots, has to pull guard, now grabs hold of a leg. In a flash, Puelles has Silva's left leg fully extended in a kneebar; Silva grimaces, trying to resist, but seconds later, he taps out. Claudio Puelles pulls out a come-from-behind stunner via third-round kneebar submission.

The Official Result

Claudio Puelles def. Felipe Silva via Submission (Kneebar) R3 2:23

Frankie Saenz vs. Enrique Briones

Round 1

Saenz strikes first with an outside leg kick and a right hand that swipes across the face of "Bure." Now a body shot-overhand right connects for Saenz, who gets spun around by Briones with a leg kick. Saenz fails on his first takedown attempt, so the wrestler pops Briones with another leg kick-right hand two-piece. Halfway through the round, Saenz gets in deep on a double-leg shot and easily slams Briones to the canvas. Saenz postures up in Briones' closed guard to land a couple heavy elbows up top. Briones rolls to his knees, Saenz tries to catch him in a guillotine but can't keep hold, and now both 135ers stand up with 1:45 on the clock. Saenz snaps back the head of Briones with a right hand upstairs just behind a left hook to the body. Briones touches Saenz with his first hard combination of the round in the last 30 seconds, and Saenz backs off a bit toward the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Saenz
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Saenz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Saenz

Round 2

Briones emerges for round two sporting some redness and swelling on the left side of his forehead, where Saenz landed several hard right hands in the opening frame. Saenz grabs for a single-leg from a mile out, but it's easily dodged by the Mexican. One minute in, Saenz connects with a right hand that puts Briones on his seat, but "Bure" recovers in a hurry. Almost as soon as Briones is back up, Saenz changes levels and plows him back to the floor. Briones gives up his back, but Saenz isn't able to establish hooks before Briones climbs back to his feet. Briones grabs the fence along the way, drawing a warning from referee Marc Goddard. Briones denies a takedown attempt and lands a body shot, but Saenz cuts the face of Briones with a slashing elbow before backing out of the pocket. Briones blocks another shot, and again Saenz makes him pay with some dirty boxing and a knee to the gut. Saenz comes over the top with a right hand, then grabs Briones in the clinch and throws a couple knees to the body.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Saenz
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Saenz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Saenz

Round 3

The bantamweights crash into the clinch in the opening moments, and Saenz lands an accidental knee to the cup of Briones. Referee Goddard pauses the action, but Briones doesn't want much time to rest. When action resumes, Briones slips a right hand from Saenz and lands a counter uppercut. Saenz dives for a takedown and gets caught in a loose guillotine on his way down, though Briones' choke evaporates after a few seconds on the floor. With half a round remaining, it's Saenz on top, trapping Briones in the wrestling ride position. Briones rolls onto his back and tries to hook a leg, maybe hoping to duplicate Claudio Puelles' magic from the previous bout. Saenz snuffs out any potential sub attempt in a hurry, then mashes Briones with a couple right hands to the head. Briones powers back to his feet with 85 seconds left and separates from Saenz. "Bure" blocks Saenz' next takedown attempt, but the wrestler shoots again and puts Briones on the ground near the fence for the final time.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Saenz (30-27 Saenz)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Saenz (30-27 Saenz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Saenz (30-27 Saenz)

The Official Result

Frankie Saenz def. Enrique Briones via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Enrique Barzola vs. Brandon Davis

Round 1

Barzola throws a high kick, but it's blocked and countered by Davis with a clipping right hand. It's slow going in the opening minute as Davis inches forward, waiting for an opportunity to step inside. Before he can, Barzola drags him to the ground and jumps on his back. Davis shakes the Peruvian off his back as they stand, but Barzola keeps hold of his opponent with a bodylock. After being slammed and standing up again, Davis separates from Barzola with just under half the round remaining. Barzola digs into the body of Davis with a left hook; "Killer B" answers with a few inside leg kicks, then surges forward to land a right hand. Davis denies a trip attempt and clips Barzola with a right hand in the ensuing exchange. Barzola comes lunging back with a left hook, tries to throw the American to the floor, but Davis lands on top. Barzola powers back to his feet just before the end of the round, and both featherweights connect with punches in a wild final exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davis
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Davis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barzola

Round 2

Barzola gives Davis no space at the start of round two, dragging the American to the ground and then trying to jump on his back. Davis stands and blocks the back-mount, but seconds later, Barzola lifts and slams the striker to the floor in the center of the cage. Barzola is in a good top position now, keeping Davis pinned down in half guard. Davis rolls to his knees and tries to stand, but Barzola traps him in a cradle, now transitions to a guillotine choke as he pulls guard. Barzola can't get the crank from half guard, and Davis is able to escape and stand. Barzola follows him to the feet, wraps up Davis in a double-leg and then slams him once again. Davis gets to his knees and tries to crawl over to the fence; Barzola jumps on the kneeling Davis' back and finally secures the position with both hooks in. Barzola lands several hard shots from the back before Davis is able to stand and shake him off again. As soon as he stands, Davis tries a takedown of his own; Barzola denies it with ease and starts hunting for a guillotine or anaconda choke. Barzola has the anaconda setup but isn't able to roll Davis, so "El Fuerte" tries to jump on Davis' back again. Barzola slips off, but Davis can't capitalize, and the Peruvian is in back-mount again before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Barzola
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barzola
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Barzola

Round 3

Davis lands a few leg kicks and jabs as he keeps Barzola on the outside through the first minute of the final round. Barzola fires up his jab, but the Peruvian looks to be playing it safe here, keeping his distance, perhaps confident that he's ahead on the scorecards. Just when Davis begins to string together some combinations, Barzola changes levels and floors the American with yet another takedown. Davis posts and stands but still has Barzola draped all over him, throwing knees at the back of his thighs. Davis breaks free, only to be find himself caught in a front headlock seconds later. Barzola drags Davis to the floor near the center of the cage, landing in half-guard on the American Top Team fighter's left side. Davis tries to stand, but Barzola underhooks his arms from behind and pulls him back to the floor. Davis powers back to his feet just before the horn and gets a knee to the gut for his trouble.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Barzola (29-28 Barzola)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barzola (29-28 Barzola)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barzola (30-26 Barzola)

The Official Result

Enrique Barzola def. Brandon Davis via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) R3 5:00

Humberto Bandenay vs. Gabriel Benitez

Round 1

Benitez's first left hand of the fight clips Bandenay on the chin and sends the Peruvian to the canvas within 20 seconds. "Moggly" tries to pound out his downed opponent, but Bandenay quickly turns the tables by snaring Benitez in a deep armbar. Benitez doesn't panic, instead stacking up, then lifting and slamming Bandenay head-first on the ground. Bandenay releases the arm immediately, dazed from the slam, and the follow-up punches from Benitez finish the job. Referee Osiris Maia rushes in to rescue the unconscious Bandenay after a quick and brutal knockout.

The Official Result

Gabriel Benitez def. Humberto Bandenay via KO (Slam) R1 0:39

Poliana Botelho vs. Syuri Kondo

Round 1

Botelho marches across the cage to get in the face of Kondo, who opens the striking with a leg kick. Botelho keeps coming and lands a kick to the liver that puts Kondo in reverse, her right elbow dropped to protect her side. Botelho lands another grazing body kick, but it's a clean right hand that puts the unbeaten Japanese fighter on the floor. A pair of follow-up punches from Botelho is all that referee Camila Albuquerque needs to see in order to stop the fight.

The Official Result

Poliana Botelho def. Syuri Kondo via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) R1 0:33

Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja

Round 1

Pantoja presses the action in the opening minute, chopping at Moreno's legs with a few hard kicks, then catching the Mexican in a rear waistlock. Moreno breaks free and swings some awkward punches at the Brazilian. Pantoja catches Moreno leaning in and makes him pay with a knee, then secures his first takedown of the bout. Moreno immediately scrambles back to his feet, and now the flyweights reset with 3:30 on the clock. Moreno throws a slow leg kick and gets cracked with a hard right-handed counter. Pantoja scores with a nice clinch knee, another leg kick, now another right hand. Moreno is having all sorts of trouble getting inside on Pantoja, whose strikes have been quicker and crisper through the first half of round one. Moreno gets caught turning around slowly on a spinning backfist, as Pantoja chases him to the fence with punches and low kicks. One particularly stiff jab leaves Moreno squinting and grimacing, perhaps complaining of an eye poke. Referee Marc Goddard takes no action, and now Pantoja easily stuffs Moreno as the "Assassin Baby" grabs at a single-leg. Pantoja forces Moreno to the ground inside the final minute, now looks to frame up a brabo choke as Moreno tries to stand from half guard. Pantoja abandons the choke and stands up to blast Moreno with some more heavy punches. Moreno is a bloody mess as Pantoja jumps on his back, trapping Moreno's arms with his legs to land unfettered punches in the last 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Pantoja
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Pantoja
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Pantoja

Round 2

Moreno, still bleeding from his nose as he comes off his stool, continues to eat punches from Pantoja at the start of the second stanza. It doesn't seem to faze the young Mexican, who swings hands back at Pantoja, occasionally finding the mark but largely whiffing as Pantoja slips the punches. Two minutes in, Pantoja lands a chop to the lead leg of Moreno and throws up his hands, inviting Moreno to trade. Moreno obliges, pressing forward with hands low, then slipping to the ground on an off-balance high kick. Pantoja tries to hold down his prone opponent but can't keep Moreno on the mat. With 90 seconds left, Moreno appears to sting Pantoja with a left hook, but the Brazilian is soon back on the offensive. Moreno sticks a jab, now a left hand to the body as they fight inside the last minute of the round. Pantoja lands a looping right hand behind the ear and a short left hook, putting Moreno in reverse toward the tail end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pantoja
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pantoja
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pantoja

Round 3

Moreno takes a front kick to the chin but seems unfazed as he presses forward at the start of the final round. Pantoja looks to be on the defensive early, circling the outside and allowing Moreno to walk him down from the center. Ninety seconds in, Moreno grabs for a single but has to settle for pushing Pantoja against the fence. Pantoja reverses to the outside and knees Moreno in the body before the flyweights separate. Moreno lands a leg kick but eats a right-handed counter over the top. Moreno runs an off-balance Pantoja to the ground in the center; Pantoja kicks him off and jumps back to his feet in an instant. Pantoja obliges Moreno in a brief firefight, thumping the Mexican with a few heavy hooks. Moreno just bites down on his mouthpiece and throws punches back at Pantoja, who circles away from his bloodied opponent. Inside the final 60 seconds now, Moreno catches a kick and trips Pantoja to the floor, but again is unable to keep him there. Moreno is a mess, bleeding from his nose and mouth, his face swollen; Pantoja, on the other hand, has barely a scratch on him. Moreno changes that with his last punch of the fight, a hard left hook that opens up a cut underneath Pantoja's right eye.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pantoja (30-26 Pantoja)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pantoja (30-26 Pantoja)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pantoja (30-26 Pantoja)

The Official Result

Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Moreno via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27) R3 5:00

Zak Cummings vs. Michel Prazeres

Round 1

Prazeres strikes first with a pair of kicks, one to each side of Cummings' body. The southpaw Cummings comes up short on his first few punches, and Prazeres slugs him with a right hand over the top. Another overhand right connects for "Trator," who ducks inside behind the punch and floors Cummings with a high-crotch single. Two minutes in, it's Prazeres on top, laying all his weight on top of Cummings as he works from the American's half guard. "Works" might be a generous description, as Prazeres is doing little but pinning Cummings to the ground. Referee Leon Roberts tells Prazeres to show "some aggression," and when there's no response, the English ref orders the fighters back to their feet. The next exchange sees the 170-pounders clash heads; Prazeres comes away with an apologetic look on his face after seeing the cut that's opened up somewhere along Cummings' left eyelid. The southpaw seems unfazed as he continues to press forward on Prazeres. Neither man is landing much in the final minute, until Prazeres comes over the top with another wrecking-ball right hand, his last hard shot of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Prazeres
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Prazeres
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Prazeres

Round 2

Prazeres wraps up Cummings with a rear waistlock as the welterweights open round two fighting on the fence. Prazeres eventually dumps Cummings to the ground but can't hold him there, as Cummings blocks the stocky Brazilian from taking his back. Now it's Cummings turning around to press Prazeres against the wall, releasing and landing a left hand that opens a small cut underneath the right eye of "Trator." There's not much action in the tie-up, and now referee Roberts calls for action. The fighters spin to the other side of the fence, where they disengage voluntarily with 2:45 on the clock. Prazeres appears to accidentally head-butt Cummings again in a striking exchange, the result of a 6-inch height disparity, ostensibly in favor of Cummings. Another right hand from Prazeres seems to worsen Cummings' left eye, the socket of which has filled up with blood. Cummings digs an underhook and tries to trip Prazeres to the floor, but Prazeres grabs the fence to stay up. Referee Roberts issues a verbal warning, then separates the fighters with 10 seconds left. Cummings sprints at Prazeres for one last exchange, and Prazeres gets the better of it with his compact counterpunches.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cummings
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cummings
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Prazeres

Round 3

Prazeres grabs for a single-leg, winds up clinching with Cummings in the center of the cage, and now the welterweights separate to resume striking. Cummings presses forward and walks into a body shot from Prazeres, then does it again and eats an overhand right. The American snaps off a jab in the face of Prazeres, who gets an arm up to block Cummings' left high kick behind it. Cummings telegraphs a big left hand, Prazeres ducks under it, and they wind up clinching on the fence again with two minutes remaining. Cummings takes the outside position in the clinch, but again neither man is doing much and referee Roberts breaks them up. Prazeres takes a slapping kick to the body but touches Cummings with another overhand right. Cummings is looking for a homerun shot with his left hand, but it's a nasty body kick that appears to hurt Prazeres in the last 30 seconds. "Trator" changes levels and quickly drives Cummings to the floor in the center of the cage. Cummings hunts for a last-second kimura, but he runs out of time.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Prazeres (29-28 Prazeres)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Prazeres (29-28 Prazeres)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Prazeres (30-27 Prazeres)

The Official Result

Michel Prazeres def. Zak Cummings via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Vicente Luque vs. Chad Laprise

Round 1

The welterweights trade leg kicks early as they bounce around the cage, and it's Luque who lands the first hard shot with a straight right hand that turns the head of Laprise. The Canadian comes in to clinch, then tries a takedown and winds up on his back. Laprise powers back to his feet, still holding Luque in a bodylock, and now drives the Brazilian against the wall. Luque breaks loose and marches forward to touch Laprise with a long right hand. Luque has a left high kick blocked but continues to press forward, and now "The Silent Assassin" chops at Laprise's lead leg with a heavy kick. Laprise continues to circle into the power hand of Luque, but it's a short left hook to the chin that takes out the Canadian's legs and sends him crashing to the mat. Luque stands over his downed opponent and sizes him up for three big hammerfists that force referee Marc Goddard into action.

The Official Result

Vicente Luque def. Chad Laprise via KO (Punches) R1 4:16

Andrea Lee vs. Veronica Macedo

Round 1

Macedo pressures Lee against the fence with combinations, but "KGB" makes her pay with a Thai clinch and several knees to the body. Macedo backpedals away, and now it's Lee working from the center, pressing forward with kicks and jabs to keep the Venezuelan on the outside. The strawweights tie up and jockey for position as they clinch on the fence. Lee roughs up Macedo with knees to the body before they separate. A left high kick from Macedo appears to put Lee in trouble; Macedo shoves the American against the fence, but it's Lee executing a throw to put Macedo on the ground. Lee jumps on Macedo's back and applies a rear-naked choke, but she can't get the tap and Macedo will see round two.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lee
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lee
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lee

Round 2

Lee closes the distance on Macedo and wraps her up with a bodylock against the fence. Macedo takes two or three heavy knees to the midsection before being tossed to the ground by Lee with a head-and-arm throw. Macedo throws up her legs, threatening a submission attempt, but Lee snuffs it out and now sets up in the Venezuelan's closed guard. Lee stands up and throws a kick to the body of the prone Macedo, who complains to referee Camila Albuquerque that the kick landed on her head. The ref says the shot was OK and tells the flyweights to fight on. Macedo seems in no hurry to get up off her back, even as Lee stands over her, kicking at her legs. Referee Albuquerque finally orders Macedo to stand with just under two minutes on the clock. Macedo tries to blitz Lee with strikes, gets too close and gets wrapped up again. Lee botches a throw and lands on bottom, but she immediately rights the ship by sweeping to top position. Macedo rolls for a kneebar and extends the right leg of Lee, who seems momentarily troubled but then reclaims the limb. Quickly turning the tables, Lee sets up an arm-triangle choke and steps over to Macedo's right side. Macedo is saved by the fence, though Lee takes mount and lands a couple punches before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lee
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lee
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lee

Round 3

Lee tries an early clinch but can't keep hold of Macedo, who circles away in a hurry. The next time Lee wraps her up, Macedo rolls to try another kneebar. This time, Lee is ready for it and easily snuffs out the nascent sub attempt, then passes to Macedo's left side to land a few punches. Lee stands over Macedo and kicks at her legs in a repeat of their sequence from round two. There's not enough happening in the Ali-Inoki position, and now Macedo is ordered up by referee Albuquerque with half the round remaining. Lee takes a kick to the body, slugs Macedo with a left hand. Just when Macedo starts to string together a few punches, Lee wraps her up and runs her against the wall. Another trip takedown goes for Lee, this one inside the final two minutes. The Invicta FC veteran quickly passes to side control on Macedo's left as they grapple near the center of the cage. Now it's full mount for Lee with 1:25 on the clock; Macedo rolls over, giving Lee back-mount as they enter the final minute. Lee has both hooks in as she tries to soften up Macedo with elbow strikes. Instead of going for the choke, Lee peels off to try an armbar, but Macedo slams her way free. Macedo is on top with 30 seconds left, now tries to pull guard and catch Lee in a guillotine, but there's nothing there. Lee finishes the fight on top, fending off Macedo's unsuccessful last-ditch triangle attempt.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lee (30-27 Lee)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lee (30-27 Lee)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lee (30-27 Lee)

The Official Result

Andrea Lee def. Veronica Macedo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Guido Cannetti vs. Diego Rivas

Round 1

Cannetti crouches low and then lunges at Rivas with some awkward punches, but it's Rivas who clinches up and spins the Argentinian against the fence. The bantamweights pummel for position, Rivas neutralizing Cannetti's outside position with overhooks. Cannetti hits an outside trip and sets up in Rivas' half guard with 2:30 on the clock. Cannetti is wrapping up tight from the bottom, already looking at referee Leon Roberts to stand them up. Rivas kicks up his legs to try an armbar, then gets dropped on his head for his efforts. Cannetti kneels down behind his turtling opponent, then climbs on Rivas' back as he stands. Cannetti gets both hooks but can't maintain them, and now he's close to falling off Rivas' back. Rivas scrapes him off against the fence, tries a takedown in the last 20 seconds, but Cannetti stays standing.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cannetti
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cannetti
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cannetti

Round 2

Rivas throws an awkward, jumping kick at Cannetti, who's also throwing a kick and lands an accidental shot to the Chilean's cup. Rivas only needs a few seconds to recover, comes back and catches a kick, then tries to drive Cannetti to the ground near the fence. Instead, Cannetti bridges and rolls, sweeping Rivas to the bottom and immediately silencing the partisan Santiago crowd. Cannetti lands in side control, but Rivas pivots and puts him in full guard. Cannetti goes chest-to-chest on top, flattening Rivas and keeping him glued to the ground. Referee Roberts calls for action, so Rivas kicks up his legs to try another armbar. The ref allows Rivas a few seconds for the attempt, and when it fails to materialize, orders the 135ers back to their feet. Rivas hits a huge slam takedown but can't keep Cannetti on the canvas. After they scramble back up, Rivas snares Cannetti in an arm-in guillotine and jumps guard. Cannetti looks to be in trouble for a moment, but the "Ninja" is able to pop his head free after a brief scare. Rivas finds himself on the bottom again, though he's able to climb back to his feet in the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cannetti
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cannetti
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cannetti

Round 3

Rivas comes out aggressive and begins tagging Cannetti early, first with a left hook and then a right that has the "Ninja" using the fence to keep him up. Cannetti regains his footing and comes off the fence to try a flashy spinning kick; he whiffs, drawing a mocking round of applause from the pro-Rivas audience. Rivas shoves Cannetti against the fence and lands a knee to the body, but there's little else happening in the clinch. Referee Roberts calls for action, so Rivas opens up with elbows in the Thai plum. Rivas switches to uppercuts, then changes levels for a takedown; Cannetti tries a guillotine of his own, but he has little more than a headlock by the time he hits the floor. Half the round remains as Rivas bullies Cannetti on the fence, now back in the clinch. Cannetti is cut open, and Rivas is trying to add to his woes with some sharp knees to the breadbasket. Cannetti escapes and circles away; Rivas walks him down and lands a body kick. Cannetti lands a body kick of his own, but he's looking exhausted as they enter the final minute of the bout. Rivas is still bouncing on his toes, but his offensive output has slowed over the last half-round. Rivas takes a body kick and slugs Cannetti back with a counter right hand. Both men are swinging for the fences in the final seconds, but neither can come up with a buzzer-beater finish and this one will go to the judges.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Rivas (29-28 Cannetti)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rivas (29-28 Cannetti)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Rivas (29-28 Cannetti)

The Official Result

Guido Cannetti def. Diego Rivas via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jared Cannonier vs. Dominick Reyes

Round 1

Cannonier runs into a knee from the southpaw Reyes but comes over the top to clip the unbeaten Californian with a right hand. An off-balance Reyes tries to step inside with another knee and gets knocked to the ground. Reyes jumps up and grabs one of Cannonier's legs to try an early takedown; Cannonier is having none of it and pushes him away. Reyes lands several hard leg kicks, his best offense through the first half of the round. Cannonier continues to pressure and walks into an uppercut from Reyes, and suddenly the tables have turned. Now it's Reyes on the offensive, stalking Cannonier around the outside. High kicks don't find the mark, so Reyes sizes up Cannonier for a lead uppercut that lands clean and puts Cannonier on the ground, face first. Reyes turns around and strolls off; Cannonier wakes up from the flash knockout and springs back to his feet, but it's too late, as referee Marc Goddard has already stopped the fight.

The Official Result

Dominick Reyes def. Jared Cannonier via TKO (Punches) R1 2:55

Alexa Grasso vs. Tatiana Suarez

Round 1

Suarez takes 40 seconds to grab hold of Grasso's legs and push her against the fence, looking for an early takedown. The wrestler switches to a head-and-arm throw and tosses Grasso to the ground, though the Mexican prospect quickly springs back to her feet. Suarez immediately attacks with a single-leg and puts Grasso on her seat at the base of the fence. Grasso tries to throw up an armbar and instead gives up her back. Suarez secures the position with both hooks in and whips her left arm around Grasso's throat, immediately cinching a deep rear-naked choke. The fight looks to be over already, but Grasso is hanging in there, trying desperately to pry Suarez's arms from around her neck. Grasso's last-ditch attempt to survive sees her throwing over-the-shoulder right hands. Suarez just keeps squeezing, and Grasso is forced to submit before she goes to sleep.

The Official Result

Tatiana Suarez def. Alexa Grasso via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:44

Demian Maia vs. Kamaru Usman

Round 1

English referee Leon Roberts is the third man in the cage for tonight's 170-pound main event. Usman opens the striking with a few kicks for the lead leg of his fellow southpaw. Usman switches to orthodox and eats a stiff jab from the Brazilian, then gives him another leg kick before flipping lefty again. Maia dives for a double-leg and becomes the first man to take down Usman inside the Octagon, but Usman springs back to his feet within seconds. Maia keeps Usman held against the fence, grapevining the legs of the "Nigerian Nightmare." Maia has Usman in a very uncomfortable position, with the Brazilian's left hook set and Usman's right arm twisted behind his back in what looks like a pro-wrestling abdominal stretch. The position turns into a stalemate, and referee Roberts decides to separate the fighters with roughly one minute on the clock. Usman throws a low kick and gets blasted by a Maia left hand over the top. Maia sticks another jab on Usman's grill before the end of the round; Usman pops Maia with a right hook on the end of a combination.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Maia
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Maia
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Maia

Round 2

Maia pops Usman with a jab and slides back as the wrestler whiffs on a heavy right hook. Referee Roberts warns Usman for leaving his fingers outstretched as he strikes. Maia seems to have Usman's leg kicks sussed, as the Brazilian is landing some solid counters whenever "Marty" goes low. Maia shoots again, and this time Usman sprawls all over it, sinking his hips to the mat as he holds Maia in a front headlock. Usman complains of Maia grabbing his gloves; Roberts has a look and tells him "wrist control is fine." The welterweights separate and resume striking, and Usman gets another verbal warning for leading with an open hand. Maia shoots another double and is stuffed by Usman again as they hit the halfway point of round two. Maia comes over the top with a left hand, grabs a single-leg but can't bring Usman to the ground. Usman presses forward with a few good jabs, but when he get Maia against the fence, the jiu-jitsu ace lands a nice uppercut in the clinch. Maia jumps guard with 20 seconds on the clock but doesn't have time to get anything going on the ground. Referee Roberts gives Usman yet another warning, this time for dragging his open hand across Maia's face.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Usman
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Usman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Usman

Round 3

Usman puts Maia on his back foot early with hard jabs to the Brazilian's already reddened face. The wrestler works from orthodox now, testing Maia's reaction with some feints and getting him to bite on a few. Maia slugs back with a right hand; Usman just scrunches up his face and shakes his head. Usman is smiling at Maia now, having clearly grown in confidence after denying Maia's numerous takedown attempts in round two. Maia, meanwhile, is increasingly forced to work in reverse; Usman lands an uppercut with 1:50 on the clock, and Maia actually turns his back to run away. Maia dives for a takedown, switches to an ankle pick, but Usman is having none of it. Usman stands over the prone Maia and strikes his legs for a few seconds until referee Roberts orders him to stand. Maia continues to land sporadic jabs but Usman appears wholly unconcerned with the punches. Usman sprawls all over another shot from Maia to close out the final 20 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Usman
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Usman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Usman

Round 4

Usman blasts Maia with a straight right hand, sending the Brazilian to the canvas in a daze. Usman gives chase, first trying to pound out Maia, then holding him in a front headlock as Maia kneels. Maia flops to his back, trying to pull guard, but Usman wants him back on his feet. Usman sprawls on yet another Maia shot and holds him in the headlock again. Maia tries to shrimp inside and pull Usman into his guard, but as soon as he gets close, Usman shoves him away and stands up. Maia looks spent as he gets back to his feet with 2:45 on the clock. Referee Roberts continues to warn Usman about his outstretched fingers. Maia pops Usman with a few good punches as they enter the fourth minute of the round, but they seem to have almost no effect. Maia grabs for another single-leg; Usman sprawls, then walks away when Maia pulls guard. Thirty seconds left in the fourth frame, and Usman looks as fresh as he did in the opening round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Usman
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Usman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Usman

Round 5

The welterweights trade jabs in a slow opening minute to the final round, then repeat their now-familiar sequence: Maia shoots, Usman sprawls, Maia pulls guard, and Usman tells him to stand up. Maia just keeps shooting for takedowns, in spite of the fact that he hasn't brought Usman to the ground since round one. This time, Usman decides to flatten out Maia from north-south position. Maia hunts for a reverse arm-triangle choke from his back, but he doesn't really come close before Usman gets back to his feet. Usman blocks yet another takedown attempt; Maia pulls guard, and this time Usman seems willing to play on the ground a bit. Usman stands and Maia beckons for him to come back to the ground; Usman says no thanks, and the ref tells Maia to get up. With less than two minutes left, the decision win for Usman is looking like a foregone conclusion. Maia keeps trying to pull guard until the bitter end.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Usman (49-46 Usman)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Usman (49-45 Usman)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Usman (49-46 Usman)

The Official Result

Kamaru Usman def. Demian Maia via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) R5 5:00