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UFC Fight Night 174 ‘Lewis vs. Oleynik’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring



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Sherdog's live UFC Fight Night 174 coverage will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.

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Irwin Rivera (136) vs. Ali AlQaisi (136)

Round 1

Back again with another Fight Night at the UFC Apex, we begin the festivities in the bantamweight division between two men in Rivera (9-5, 0-1 UFC) and the debuting AlQaisi (8-3, 0-0 UFC) looking for their first win inside the Octagon. Referee Chris Tognoni will oversee the card opener, and with no touch of gloves, away we go! AlQaisi sticks out a jab a few times to find his range and get his bearings, and Rivera clashes in and swings for the fences. They tie up on the fence, and Rivera trips him to the ground to land in side control. When Rivera tries to advance position, AlQaisi recovers position and kicks him, making his way back to his feet without taking any damage on his back. AlQaisi connects with a popping leg kick, and then connects with a solid right hand when Rivera bears down on him. Rivera strings in a one-two, and AlQaisi counters with a heavy head kick that Rivera barely blocks in time. Rivera charges forward with a pair of hooks, and a body kick lands so hard on AlQaisi’s midsection that the Jordanian fighter shoots in for a takedown instinctively. They struggle to get the better of the exchange, and AlQaisi manages to plant Rivera down on the canvas, where he takes half guard momentarily after a failed guillotine choke attempt. Rivera springs to his knees, and AlQaisi snatches up an arm-in guillotine choke to keep Rivera playing defense. Rivera rolls all the way through it, and gets back up but takes a left hand in the process. A quick punch and a low kick from AlQaisi follow, leading Rivera to come back at him with a flying knee that gets blocked. Rivera targets the body again with the kick, and AlQaisi sees it coming, takes a backstep and lets fly a leg kick for a counter. They lock up in a clinch again, and AlQaisi dumps him down to the ground. The Jordanian fighter gets off a couple ground strikes, but rides out the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 AlQaisi
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 AlQaisi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 AlQaisi

Round 2

The round begins with both fighters trading kicks, with each landing them with resounding slaps. The two are more tentative on the feet in the opening minute, with AlQaisi partially committing to an overhand right that is blocked with ease. They both paw at each other with jabs and follow-up strikes, but nothing lands with much import. The two trade head kicks, and both block them, but in the process they begin to start trading. They start to slug it out one after the other, with AlQaisi getting the better of an exchange with a thudding right hand. Both men jab to the body, with the fighters seeming to mirror one another’s striking tit-for-tat. Rivera catches him up top with a right, so AlQaisi backs off and gets off a pair of leg kicks on either side of Rivera’s lead leg. AlQaisi grabs a leg and considers a single leg takedown attempt, but Rivera slaps his hand away. AlQaisi recommits to it, and he manages to hit it, but Rivera gets to a knee while punishing him with punches to the side of the head. The strikes do enough to make AlQaisi pay attention to them, which allows Rivera to spring back to his feet. Rivera lands a few quick strikes and gets out of the way of big counter overhand rights, as AlQaisi telegraphs a few that each get blocked. Rivera times one to crash forward and try his own takedown, but AlQaisi stuffs it and shoves him away. AlQaisi tosses a head kick at him, and a left hand stings Rivera for a moment. Rivera shakes it off and eats a hard body, making him charge in for a takedown. Rivera gets stuffed, but when he gets up, he lands a few hard punches. Rivera dives in with a scissor sweep, and AlQaisi stands him up and makes him eat a few punches. The close round ends with the two trading a few punches.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 AlQaisi
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 AlQaisi
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rivera

Round 3

The final frame begins with Rivera lunging for a few body shots, and AlQaisi stands back and potshots him with reaching punches of his own. The Jordanian bites down on his mouthpiece and lands two hard punches, and Rivera practically ignores them. Rivera gives a few punches back, and the two clash together and drop to the ground. After they scramble for position and AlQaisi fishes for a guillotine, they pop back up. Rivera gets off a right hand, and slings a low kick that makes AlQaisi’s knees buckle. AlQaisi fires one back, and it gets checked. He backs off and lands a combination that ends with a head kick, and Rivera is unfazed and rushes in for a clinch. In the clinch, Rivera dings him with a knee to the groin, and AlQaisi falls to the ground in pain as he yelps out. Hopefully this is not the shape of things to come, if last week’s card was any indication. Tognoni gives AlQaisi all the time he needs to recover, assuring AlQaisi not to come back early and only when he is “100 percent ready.” The action resumes with Rivera delivering a flying knee straight to AlQaisi’s chin, which holds up as he grabs him and shoves him to the fence. Rivera breaks free and lands a hard one-two that makes AlQaisi stumble backwards. AlQaisi slings a head kick his direction, which clangs off Rivera’s forearms with a dramatic sound. Rivera chases after him with a few long punches that all come up short, and AlQaisi is circling away while Rivera comes at him. Rivera nails him with an uppercut, and the two feint and fake and posture towards one another until Rivera rushes at him. “The Beast” muscles him down for a takedown, but AlQaisi is able to get back to his feet quickly. Rivera lets him have it on the way up with a few punches that open up a cut on the corner of the Jordanian’s eye. AlQaisi goes after another head kick, and it gets blocked like most of the rest before that one. AlQaisi clinches up to hold on tight and end the round. The final horn sounds, and this decision could be very close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rivera (29-28 AlQaisi)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rivera (29-28 AlQaisi)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rivera (29-28 Rivera)

The Official Result

Irwin Rivera def. Ali AlQaisi via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Peter Barrett (145.5) vs. Youssef Zalal (146)

Round 1

Stepping up 10 pounds to featherweight, Zalal (9-2, 2-0 UFC) tries to keep it rolling against “Slippery Pete” Barrett (11-3, 0-0 UFC). Drawing the charge is referee Mark Smith, and there is a respectful touch of gloves to open the match. Zalal opens with a body kick and a calf kick to get Barrett’s attention early on. He fakes a knee, and plants a spinning back kick square on the chin of Barrett. “Slippery Pete” goes flying to the ground, and Zalal chases after him while Barrett is still hurt. Zalal keeps pounding on him while Barrett tries to get back up, and he manages to fight his way back to his feet while still on wobbly legs. Zalal plants a right hand on his chin. Zalal pushes the pace on him, working him over to the body and head. Barrett is still trying to regain his composure and get his offense going, while Zalal is keeping his distance with his hands down by his waist. Zalal ducks down and greets Barrett with a stiff right hand, and gets out of the way when a leg kick soars at him. A jab and a one-two come from Zalal, and Barrett is stalking him down but standing still when punches come at him like a heavy bag. Zalal picks at him from a distance, and Barrett crashes in to land a few strikes and clinch up to score some short knees. Zalal grimaces, as one knee may have landed on the cup, but there is no halting the action as Barrett is locked on to him. Zalal tries to spin, and Barrett keeps his grip and tries to lift Zalal in the air to slam him down. Zalal defends the takedown, and uses a kimura to counter the attack from Barrett. They separate, and Barrett wades forward to throw a body kick, head kick and a few wayward punches. Zalal circles along the outskirts of the cage, and Barrett catches him with a kick up top that sends Zalal falling back to the cage. “The Moroccan Devil” wags his finger at him as if to signal he was not hurt, and Barrett laughs at him. The two mean mug one another until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zalal
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal

Round 2

The two fighters come together and start swinging immediately. Zalal backs off after the initial exchange to jab at his foe, all while circling from a wide distance. Zalal steps in with a knee, and Barrett sees it coming so he takes a step back. Zalal uses the opportunity to nail him with a calf kick that nearly turns Barrett around, and he continues his momentum to lock them up. After a clinch exchange, Zalal hits a throw and gets Barrett down. “The Moroccan Devil” quickly takes his back, and uses the position to cinch up a rear-naked choke as Barrett is standing up. The weight of Zalal is slowly dragging Barrett down as his hooks are in, and Barrett is attempting to shake him off but topples over before he can get him away. Zalal connects with a few punches as Barrett sits up with his back on the cage, and Zalal hunts for a differently gripped rear-naked choke. Zalal locks it up on top of the neck and squeezes with all his might, but he bails on it so he doesn’t gas out his arms. Zalal wings an elbow, but it is 12-6 and Smith warns him immediately. Zalal clings to his back like glue, and Barrett stands back up while Zalal is still on his back. Barrett again tries to yank his opponent off, and he is unsuccessful as Zalal flattens him out on the ground. Zalal latches on another rear-naked choke, and this one is tight. Barrett fights the hands to save his neck, and turns him around while standing back up. As the final seconds tick off the clock, Zalal is holding on tight and cannot get the choke. Barrett partially turns him about with one or two seconds left, and he hits him once before Smith intervenes at the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Zalal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Zalal
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Zalal

Round 3

Zalal opens up the round with a head kick, and he catches Barrett standing still. He then tries to hit the takedown that he landed in the previous frame, but Barrett is wise to it this time and stops it. Barrett stays heavy against the fence, and Zalal drops to a knee so he will not be kneed in the face. Zalal reaches out with a front kick as they separate, and Barrett partially connects with a long left hand. Zalal lands a few punches to keep Barrett at bay, but “Slippery Pete” ties him up to land shots. Zalal shoves him away, and backs off to fire a flying knee at him. Barrett protects himself from it, but Zalal uses the position to take Barrett down. In side control, Zalal sets up an arm-triangle choke, and Barrett defends it and gets punched in the face. The Massachusetts native, down on his back getting punched while likely down on the scorecards, starts laughing. He explodes back to his feet, and Zalal flings a head kick that he notes just barely missed. Zalal strings together a quick combination, and drags Barrett back down to the canvas. Barrett retains full guard and fires off some elbows from his back, but after taking a few shots he gives up mount. Zalal lands a few punches to force Barrett to turn over and surrender his back, and Zalal fishes for the neck again before deciding to land punches. Zalal recommits to the rear-naked choke, and Barrett grits it out by simply waiting and not even fighting the hands. “The Moroccan Devil” does not have enough steam to crank the neck and elicit a tap, and he falls off the back with seconds to spare. Barrett lords over him with five seconds remaining in the round, and drops down a few hammerfists while Zalal throws his legs up to hunt for an armbar. The final bell concludes the fight while the two men are tied up like a human pretzel.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zalal (30-26 Zalal)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zalal (30-26 Zalal)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zalal (30-26 Zalal)

The Official Result

Youssef Zalal def. Peter Barrett via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Justin Jaynes (146) vs. Gavin Tucker (146)

Round 1

Remaining at the 145-pound division, two excellently nicknamed fighters square off as “Guv’nor” Tucker (11-1, 2-1 UFC) locks horns with “The Guitar Hero” Jaynes (16-4, 1-0 UFC). The two men touch gloves before introducing them to one another’s faces, and they do not wait long to do so before referee Jason Herzog. Jaynes begins the round by walking down Tucker, and clips him with a short uppercut. Tucker fires back with a left hand and a head kick, but both get blocked. Tucker swings and misses with a kick, and keeps an advancing Jaynes at bay with long kicks. Tucker fires up a head kick and ducks out of the way from a right hand counter, and circles around to flip one more up. Jaynes blocks them successfully, and darts out of the way when Tucker loads up on a big right hand. The Canadian again uses a quick head kick to get Jaynes’ attention, and he blocks the counteroffense in the process. Jaynes stabs to the body with a teep kick, and Tucker releases a few hooks to make Jaynes backpedal. Tucker gives a piercing teep kick back to him, and they trade jabs on the outside. Jaynes ducks down to swing and miss with a left hook, and Tucker fakes an uppercut to sling a head kick. Three punches from Jaynes get defended easily, and Tucker changes things up with a thudding body kick while Jaynes is expecting a head kick. Tucker lets another head kick rip, and a front kick to the body follows suit. Tucker strings together a series of punches that make Jaynes retreat, and Jaynes gathers his thoughts and blitzes him. A short uppercut from Jaynes lifts Tucker off the ground and plants him down, and Jaynes smells blood after that knockdown. He unloads a stream of punches while Tucker scrambles, and the Canadian makes his way back up. Tucker gets clipped again, and he shoots in for a takedown but falls into a guillotine choke. Tucker rolls to his back and his shorts fall off. “Guv’nor” ignores this wardrobe malfunction and keeps on rolling to set up an arm-triangle choke. The choke is tight, and Jaynes defends it while grimacing in pain until he is saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tucker
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tucker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tucker

Round 2

As would be expected, Tucker starts off the round with a head kick. He jabs at him with a front kick, and hurts Jaynes with a few punches to back him off. Jaynes starts talking to him, and Tucker responds with a couple more head kick attempts. Tucker sneaks in a few punches, and when Jaynes turtles up, Tucker blasts him with a pair of knees. A quick responding uppercut from Jaynes gives Tucker some pause, but it does not hurt him as the Canadian fires back at him. Another uppercut gets blocked, and Tucker makes him pay for it with a few punches and a hacking elbow. Tucker works the body and then the head to make Jaynes try to defend himself from the attack, and he times a head kick right. Tucker times his own uppercut that knocks the mouthpiece out, and Herzog quickly replaces it. Tucker lands at the end of a right hand, and concludes the short combination with a head kick. “Guitar Hero” fires back with a few overhand looping lefts, and Tucker is composed and landing shorter, crisper shots. Another knee stuns Jaynes, and Tucker digs a few punches to the body and splits the guard with a left. A combination of a teep kick, head kick, two punches and another teep kick all get off from Tucker, and “Guv’nor” is landing practically at will as Jaynes begins to tire. Jaynes eats them all and stares him down, but he is taking shots and his counters are very labored. The body work is beginning to pay off, as Jaynes is forced to cover up. Tucker slaps him in the face with a kick, and Jaynes falls back to the cage. He takes a few more punches, and looks extremely frustrated when the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Tucker
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tucker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tucker

Round 3

The two start out swinging, and Jaynes leaves a leg out a little too far and gets grabbed. Tucker fails on a single leg takedown, and Jaynes makes him pay for it. Tucker smashes him in the face with a knee, and “Guitar Hero” falls to the cage as if he was defeated by Buckethead. Rebounding off the fence wakes him back up, and Tucker keeps on the brutal assault. Another powerful knee and an uppercut make Jaynes shoot in for a desperation takedown. Tucker defends it with ease and circles around to take the back. Jaynes is spent, and “Guv’nor” snatches up the rear-naked choke. The Nevada native is able to defend it for the time being, but his situation is dire. Tucker readjusts his grip, and this time it is under the neck and tight as can be. Jaynes thinks about going out, but decides to tap out and surrender. This is now the second straight rear-naked choke that Tucker has locked up in the third round.

The Official Result

Gavin Tucker def. Justin Jaynes R3 1:43 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Andrew Sanchez (185.5) vs. Wellington Turman (185.5)

Round 1

Switching gears to a middleweight contest, the TUF 23 light heavyweight winner Sanchez (11-5, 4-3 UFC) takes on Brazil’s Turman (16-3, 1-1 UFC). Turman will be tempting fate, walking out to “Phenomenal” by Eminem, so we will see how his luck turns out. Our referee is Herb Dean, and the glove touch seals the cage to begin the violence. Sanchez starts off trying to draw out a flinch, and his powerful mullet flows smoothly behind him. Turman initiates the action with a kick, and Sanchez clinches him up quickly. Sanchez grinds him against the fence and lands a few knees up the middle, while attempting a trip that gets thwarted. “El Dirte” has him tied up and is keeping it dirty, with short shots as he racks up control time. Turman muscles his way out and lands a heavy right hand on the break, and Sanchez eats it without effort. Turman comes out swinging, with a couple punches and a low kick that pounds the lead leg of his opponent. Turman loads up on a right hand, and he connects it a few times, but Sanchez walks through it and tries to fire back at him. Turman flings a pair of head kicks at him that are both blocked, and Sanchez stings him with a left hook. The two are trading heavy leather now, going punch for punch until Sanchez kicks low. Turman spins and lands a kick the body, and they come together and slam each other in the face with blistering hooks. Sanchez catches him with a counter left, and a one-two gets in before he dances out of danger. Sanchez kicks low and spins with a back fist, and it zings past the hair of his opponent. Turman gets his attention with two punches, and Sanchez trips and gets his balance back. The Brazilian overextends on a right hand, and Sanchez clips him with a check left hook. Turman goes up top with a head kick, and Sanchez blasts him with a left hand and a right that comes after. Sanchez confidently strides forward and delivers a crisp one-two square to the jaw of the Brazilian, who crumbles to the canvas out cold. Sanchez hops on top with a few Russow-ian hammerfists that are unnecessary, as Dean sprints across the cage to save the sleeping Turman. What a massive performance from Sanchez, who likely earns the biggest win of his career by becoming the first fighter to finish Turman. Watch out, Mixed Martial Mullets list. “El Dirte” is coming for you.

The Official Result

Andrew Sanchez def. Wellington Turman R1 4:14 via KO (Punches)

Nasrat Haqparast (156) vs. Alex Munoz (156)

Round 1

Up next at lightweight, Kelvin Gastelum lookalike contest winner Haqparast (11-3, 3-2 UFC) tries to become the first fighter to take out Team Alpha Male prospect Munoz (6-0, 0-0 UFC). Referee Chris Tognoni is in charge of the action, and the two decide not to clock in the fight with a glove touch. Instead, Munoz comes at him with a left hand. The newcomer backs away, and charges across the cage to land a takedown. Although Haqparast gets up fairly easily, he gives up his neck for a moment. Popping it out, Munoz looks to stay heavy on the fence as they drill knees on one another’s chests. One knee comes up south of the border for Munoz, and we have another groin shot. We are now keeping score, for better or worse. Tognoni warns against any retaliations as he gives Haqparast the full time to recover again. They clap hands to restart the action, and come out swinging for the bleachers. Haqparast catches him with a left hand, and then stuffs a takedown only to land a big left again. Haqparast ducks down to land a few punches while Munoz is considering another takedown, and Haqparast breaks it up. Haqparast sees another takedown attempt coming, and stuffs it with an uppercut. Munoz holds his hand out like a big brother while Haqparast charges at him with a string of punches. Haqparast moves the arm away and rings home a left hand, giving Munoz pause. Haqparast loads up on a left hand, and catches Munoz coming in for another telegraphed takedown. Munoz shakes out the cobwebs and lands a left hand before thinking of changing levels. Haqparast stuffs it once more and gets off a few punches that have reddened up the nose of the unbeaten fighter. Munoz shoots for another ill-advised takedown, and Haqparast catches him on the way in with a crisp uppercut. Munoz backs off and fakes for a takedown, but this time he leaps in the air with a knee. Haqparast sees that coming as well somehow, landing a flush left hand as Munoz is in the air. It does not have quite the effect of Fedor Emelianenko’s counter on Andrei Arlovski’s flying knee, but it has shaken Munoz up a bit. Haqparast again staves off attempt after attempt, and Munoz thanks him for it with a knee up the middle. Haqparast waves him on to try to take the fight down, as he beckons Munos in. Haqparast slings a looping left that nearly makes him topple over, and when the horn sounds, the two men jaw jack as Tognoni separates them.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast

Round 2

When Munoz rushes forward to begin the second, Haqparast catches him with a left hand that wobbles the legs. Munoz loops out a few punches, but Haqparast counters them with straight shots or dips and dodges them. Haqparast shrugs off a right hand and is more concerned about a takedown, and partially connects with his own as he backs off. Munoz takes several punches as he stands still, blocking them but still taking the brunt of their impact. Munoz shoots low, and Haqparast sees it coming from a mile away and makes him pay for it. Munoz circles away from a distance and sneaks in a short right, leading Haqparast to crash forward with three or four of his own. Munoz attempts a clinch, but Haqparast catches him with a blitz of punches that hurt him. Munoz backpedals to recover, and Haqparast is on him and lumps him up with a few more punches. Munoz manages to keep his balance by tugging on Haqparast’s shorts, but they do not fall off like Tucker’s earlier. Munoz gets his balance back as he protects himself from the assault, but Haqparast disengages so he does not empty his gas tank. Haqparast jabs from a distance and lights him up with punches that open a cut under the right eye – this could have also been a clash of heads. They crash together with huge hooks, and we can see that Haqparast has his own cut on the corner of his left eye. Haqparast sits down on an uppercut and snaps Munoz’ head back, and the latter has decided to stand and trade with the German/Afghani fighter. Munoz fakes for a takedown, and clips Haqparast with a right hand. They trade leather right until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast

Round 3

The two come together in a flurry, both landing right out of the gate. Haqparast sticks him with the jab as he walks his man down, and Munoz backs him away with a pair of hooks to lead into a takedown. Haqparast shoves him away to stop it from ever getting close, and he recovers to land a few right hands from a distance. Haqparast digs to the body with a right, and Munoz comes over the top with a right hand. Haqparast flicks out his jab, and catches Munoz behind the ear with a booming left hook. Munoz, who may be hurt or may be trying to drag the fight down, gives it his all to get Haqparast down. Haqparast scrambles and returns to his feet, where he bestows a gift of face punches on his opponent. Munoz whips a looping left that staggers Haqparast, and another nearly makes Haqparast fall over. They jab at one another at the same time, and Munoz is standing in front of him and swinging. He sneaks in a left hand that gets Haqparast’s attention, and Haqparast regathers his thoughts and pounds his foe’s nose with a few jabs. When they clinch up, Haqparast rings home an uppercut that makes Munoz back away. The Team Alpha Male fighter comes back at him, and Haqparast greets him with a powerful right hook. The jabs from Haqparast are adding up, as the cut on Munoz’ face is growing and leaking. Haqparast ducks down with a quick left hook, and he catches him with another as Munoz changes levels. Haqparast is crisp, and Munoz walks through it to land a heavy right that makes Haqparast take a back step. An exchange from Haqparast hurts Munoz, and Munoz complains there may have been a poke. Haqparast pours it on as Tognoni does not call it, and he unleashes a fury including several thudding punches that make Munoz double over. They trade right until the final bell, and what a fun fight that turned out to be. Barring something unexpected, Haqparast has handed Munoz the first defeat of his career.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast (30-27 Haqparast)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast (30-27 Haqparast)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast (30-27 Haqparast)

The Official Result

Nasrat Haqparast def. Alex Munoz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kevin Holland (183.5) vs. Joaquin Buckley (185)

Round 1

A week removed from an unexpected loss of opponent, Holland (17-5, 4-2 UFC) – whose previous foe Trevin Giles fainted backstage in an instance eerie similar to Stefan Struve’s at UFC 175 – takes on short-notice opponent and recent LFA victor Buckley (10-2, 0-0 UFC) at middleweight. The third man inside the Octagon is referee Mark Smith, and there is no interest in touching gloves. Holland hits an early takedown, and Buckley quickly gets back to his feet and goats Holland on. Buckley comes up short with looping punches, and he catches a kick and plants Holland on his backside with a right hand. The strike was not damaging but knocked him off-balance, and Holland gets back up quickly. Buckley loops a few punches low, and one hits the cup, and we have another groin strike stoppage. We do not hold the action for long, and Buckley winds up with a few more booming punches. Holland keeps his distance, and Buckley throws everything he has at him like a muscular tornado. Holland stays composed with knees up the middle, and when they clinch, he rips a few elbows that catch Buckley on the dome. Cuts have opened up on both of the left eyes of the two fightes, but they pay them no mind. Buckley charges forward with punches, and lands a few more to the body as Holland tries to back away and keep distant with kicks. A leg kick and a front kick sting Buckley, who sounds like he is already taking some very deep breaths. Holland comes out with a few punches, and Buckley bites down on his mouthpiece and swings again. Buckley again nails the cup with a low punch, and Smith stops the action immediately. Holland recovers, and Buckley charges in like a bull. Holland has his hands by his waist as he starts talking to Buckley, who obliges with punches. Holland digs a kick to the body, and he keeps talking to Buckley as he walks him down with an elbow. When Buckley backs away, Holland flies in the air like a superhero and nearly lands a knee and a punch as he is coming down. The horn sounds to end this dramatic round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Holland

Round 2

Buckley wades forward with more looping hooks to the body, throwing them like Bobby Southworth in rapid succession. He muscles Holland to the canvas when he tries to close the distance, and Holland stands back up without effort. Landing at the end of his right hand, Holland is able to avoid a bomb of a left hand by his whiskers. Buckley is content to throw strikes up close, and Holland kicks to the leg and body to keep him away. Holland stings him with a left as Buckley wades forward, but Buckley bites down on his mouthpiece and walks through it. Holland kicks and leaves his foot out too long, so Buckley catches it. He cannot do anything with it, and they clash shins with they kick at the same time. Buckley crashes towards him with unloads a barrage of heavy punches, and Holland is able to keep his guard up to block them and avoid the strikes. Holland connects with a front kick and a right straight that knocks the mouthpiece out, and Smith replaces it in an instant. Holland goes low with a kick and ducks a looping punch to back way. Buckley charges with reckless abandon and his hooks are not landing successfully, but he is keeping Holland backing away. When Buckley closes in and pushes him to the fence, Holland slaps him repeatedly in the ear. They separate, and Holland stays on the outside with jabbing kicks as Buckley attempts to close in and throw caution to the wind. Holland steps forward with an elbow to disrupt the booming hooks from Buckley, and the two men slam their bodies together with a flurry of violence. Holland sticks out a jab to keep Buckley backing off, and kicks him to the body to push him back again. Holland rings his bell with a right hand, and the action wanes towards the end of the round. Holland goes for a lazy side kick and a hook kick that is well above the head. They slam together again and swing for the fences, with Holland leaping in the air for a knee on the bell. They celebrate their handiwork at the end of the second.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Holland

Round 3

Buckley has no interest in touching gloves to being the final frame, and would rather knock the head off his opponent’s shoulders. He tries and fails, with Holland backing off to reset. “Trailblazer” pinpoints a blistering right hand after a jab that ejects the mouthpiece from his opponent’s mouth as if he were in a UFC video game, and Smith checks and sees that Buckley is out. Smith wisely waves off the contest as he likely sees Buckley’s eyes rolling around in the back of his head. What an outstanding performance for Holland, who records the knockout in impressive fashion.

The Official Result

Kevin Holland def. Joaquin Buckley R3 0:32 via TKO (Punch)

Tim Means (171) vs. Laureano Staropoli (174.5: Missed Weight)

Round 1

Sitting atop the prelims is a dark horse “Fight of the Night” candidate as the always-exciting Means (29-12-1, 1 NC; 11-9, 1 NC UFC) comes to blows with flashy Argentinian striker Staropoli (9-2, 2-1 UFC). The referee for this 174.5-pound catchweight affair – Staropoli missed weight, and Means did as well but successfully hit his mark on his second attempt – is Jason Herzog. The two strikers opt against touching gloves, and prefer to get right down to the action. Staropoli comes out with a few punches and a body kick that lands hard. Means ducks an overhand left and scoops up the Argentinian to slam him down. Staropoli walks up using the fence, and Means lifts him up again but cannot plant him on the cage floor again. Means keeps tight, clinching up and trading knees with his man. Means racks him with an elbow, and Staropoli’s knees may have wobbled but he seems alright. Staropoli lands a one-two, and then another, and they trade hard uppercuts at the same time. Means sets up a Thai clinch, and he cannot land anything of merit as Staropoli shoves him away. Staropoli connects with a heavy low kick and gets countered over the top. They trade heavy shots, and Means lands a chopping low kick and evades the spinning wheel kick that zooms past his head. A head kick also goes careening by his head, and Means defends a spinning back fist but takes a left hand. Staropoli spins a little too much and falls over, and Means catches him with a short left that makes the Argentinian stumble. Means stabs the body with a front kick and a sharp uppercut, and backs away from the return fire. They stand in front of each other and nail each other with nasty power shots, but neither appears worse for wear. Staropoli just barely misses with a spinning wheel kick, as Means ducks all the way to his knees to avoid the brunt of it. Means cannot make him pay, and fakes a spinning strike and jacks him in the jaw with a left. Staropoli turns and connects with a spinning back elbow, but Means ignores it and keeps him tight on the fence. In the clinch, Means frames off and jabs his opponent in the eye with his thumb, and we have a brief break in the action. They do not pause for long, as Staropoli begins again with a spinning strike that Means ducks and counters. Means knees him to the body and narrowly misses an elbow, and Staropoli returns fire with a left. They both nail each other with punches, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Means
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Staropoli
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Staropoli

Round 2

Staropoli comes out firing with punches, and turns into a spinning back elbow. This catches Means flush, but he wades forward and clinches up to tie him up. Means recovers and separates without landing a takedown, and Staropoli targets the body. Means counters Staropoli coming in with a short left, and he lands a leg kick as Staropoli tags him with a right. Staropoli steps in with an elbow that misses and a right that does not miss, and Means rolls with it and tries to come back. Means counters a long reaching punch with a head kick, and the shin meets Staropoli’s chin and sends him crashing to the canvas. Means puts his foot on the pedal and keeps hurting him, but Staropoli is able to protect himself and stand back up. Means lands another few shots as Staropoli gets his wits about him, and the Argentinian spins and drills Means on the chin again with a spinning back fist. Means walks through it and lands a few punches, and Staropoli targets the body with a kick. Staropoli chains the kick into a few punches, and one left hand hurts Means. “The Dirty Bird” bites down on his mouthpiece and blasts Staropoli with a counter left, who eats it like a traditional Argentinian dish. They both work the body, and Means backs away from a flashy strike and keeps Staropoli at arm’s length. Staropoli presses in, so Means times an elbow that forces Staropoli to back off. Means sneaks in a few punches and blocks a body kick, but a punch to the body nearly makes Means double over. He keeps his composure and swings back, and digs to the body with a punch. Staropoli works the lead legs a few times, and Means walks forward and knees him in the gut. Staropoli chops down the leg once more, and Means leans forward into the clinch to tie his opponent up and halt the long offense. Staropoli may have clipped him with a left hand on the way back in, but Means ignores it and clocks him with an elbow right at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Means
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Means
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Means

Round 3

The last round does not feature a glove touch either, as Means kicks the leg while Staropoli swings with everything he has in a punch. Means ducks it and clinches him up to press him to the fence. Means gets off a few short knees as he pushes his full body weight on his opponent, and he explodes with a spinning elbow that Staropoli just avoids. They stand in front of one another in the center of the cage and trade leather, and Staropoli fires off a few kicks. Means blocks a high kick and walks forward to clinch up again, where he scores several knees and staves off a hip toss. Means is warned for grabbing the fence as time ticks off the clock, and Staropoli muscles his way out but gets bulled back to the cage. Means changes levels for a double, and although he cannot secure it, he takes Staropoli’s back. Means thinks about kneeing him to the head, but with a hand down it is thwarted. Means instead delivers a knee to the midsection, and he lifts Staropoli up and slams him down. “Pepi” springs back up and Means embraces the grind to run out the clock. Herzog separates the two after a fence grab from Means, and Means times a left hand on the break. Staropoli comes back with one of his own, and Staropoli is quicker on the draw as he lands hard on Means. The Argentinian fighter wades into attack, and Means senses he is getting careless and ties him up to the fence again. Means drops down for a takedown attempt, and although Staropoli stuffs it, he cannot gain separation. He pushes off for but a moment, but Means latches on like an Alabama tick and lands a few short elbows and punches. On the 10-second clapper, Means lands a few punches but grinds Staropoli for the remainder of the fight until the final horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Means (30-27 Means)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Means (29-28 Means)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Means (29-28 Means)

The Official Result

Tim Means def. Laureano Staropoli via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Beneil Dariush (158: Missed Weight) vs. Scott Holtzman (156)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card is another catchweight contest, this time down one scheduled weight class as Dariush (18-4-1, 12-4-1 UFC) came in two pounds heavy against “Hot Sauce” Holtzman (14-3, 7-3 UFC). Our Octagon ranger overseeing the match is Herb Dean, and despite the weight miss, there is a touch of gloves to signify the respect between these two men. Holtzman sticks out his jab, and he ducks a counter to land a right straight. Dariush returns fire with a blistering body kick, and Holtzman stretches his fingers out and jabs Dariush in the eye with a thumb to halt the action early. Dean gives them a pause, and when they begin, they touch gloves again. Dariush kicks low a few times, and one ricochets off Holtzman’s cup. Another exchange leads to another eye poke from a jabbing pinky, and we’ve seen three fouls in 45 seconds. When the action resumes again, Dariush comes out swinging. He charges forward with a few punches and turns that into a takedown attempt, lifting up the single and his opponent in the air but unable to secure it. One of the punches in the prior exchange has opened up a cut above Holtzman’s eye, and it has started to leak into his eye. Dariush grinds him hard on the fence as Holtzman tries to fend him off, and “Hot Sauce” breaks free and lands a few hard hooks. Dariush blasts Holtzman with a knee about as clean as anyone can land, and Holtzman is hurt badly. Dariush swings wildly and lands several more times as Holtzman tries to survive. Dariush rips a few more knees as Holtzman falls towards the ground, with the latter attempting a desperation takedown. Dariush stuffs it and takes his back for a moment, but Holtzman gathers his senses and presses Dariush to the cage. Dariush cracks him with another knee and a left hand on the break, and Holtzman’s knees are still very weak. Dariush slings and misses a head kick, and Holtzman counters with a crisp left of his own. Dariush tags him with a left, and misses wildly with a head kick. The two men swing and evade strikes, and Dariush checks a leg kick and lands heavy shots. Dariush clubs him with several powerful shots, and Holtzman is stumbling across the cage in grave danger. Dariush walks forward calmly and spins without any telegraphing, and scorches “Hot Sauce” with a back fist that may have actually been more of his forearm, and Holtzman is done like dinner. Dean jumps in to rescue Holtzman, who has now suffered the first stoppage loss of his career after a wild battle.

The Official Result

Beneil Dariush def. Scott Holtzman R1 4:38 via TKO (Spinning Backfist)

Julija Stoliarenko (136) vs. Yana Kunitskaya (135.5)

Round 1

In the lone women’s matchup of the evening, Kunitskaya (12-5, 1 NC; 2-2 UFC) welcomes TUF 29 cast member Stoliarenko (9-3-2, 0-1 UFC) back to the Octagon. Referee Mark Smith will oversee the battle between bantamweights, and they elect not to touch gloves to start things off. Stoliarenko starts out ducking a punch and clinching up with her Russian opponent. Kunitskaya ties her up on the fence and knees her in the stomach a few times, as they jockey for position against the cage wall. Kunitskaya knees her a few more times in the torso and Stoliarenko ties the legs up and jumps guard with her back to the fence to fish for some sort of submission. Kunitskaya ignores it and makes Stoliarenko stand back up again. Stoliarenko hacks at her with a few short elbows, forcing Kunitskaya into action to fire back at her. A few punches from Kunitskaya have bloodied up the nose of her Lithuanian opponent, and Stoliarenko again pulls guard mashed against the fence. As the fight goes to the ground briefly, both fighters stand back up and we return to the cage wall in grinding fashion. Stoliarenko is trapped with her back to the cage and unable to break free, as Kunitskaya works on her with short strikes as time ticks off the clock. The activity for “Foxy” is enough to prevent a break, and suddenly the two women gain enough separation to trade a little until we hear the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya

Round 2

The second round begins wildly, with Kunitskaya scooping up her opponent and slamming her down to the ground. Stoliarenko ambles back to her feet, and Kunitskaya squeezes her to the fence again like much of the last round. Stoliarenko’s nose continues to bleed, and Kunitskaya pops it with shoulder strikes in a tight clinch. Kunitskaya bullies her on the cage with knees and muscles Stoliarenko down to the ground. Stoliarenko welcomes her down, but “Foxy” lets her stand up and pushes her to the cage to re-embrace the grind. Stoliarenko leans over to try to get out of position, and Kunitskaya punches her in the head repeatedly to make her change her mind. Kunitskaya nails her with a few knees to the midsection, and Stoliarenko is showing it and wincing in pain as they continue to mount. Stoliarenko twists and turns, but Kunitskaya holds her tight and gets away with a fence grab or two to keep her trapped. Stoliarenko hooks her legs around her opponent and tries to pull guard, so Kunitskaya drops her down and stays tight. Stoliarenko throws her legs up to secure a Hail Mary armbar, and Kunitskaya is in a bad way but is defending by keeping her full body weight on her foe. Stoliarenko pushes off the fence and loses position, and they roll around on the ground until the horn concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya

Round 3

Stoliarenko wades forward to start the round swinging and throws out a front kick, but “Foxy” ignores it and walk through it to grind her out again on the cage wall. Stoliarenko tries to pull guard again and Kunitskaya allows her to fall to her back, where she climbs on top. The Lithuanian keeps her adversary in full guard and tries every so often to implement a rubber guard or set up another submission, but Kunitskaya is wise to it and sticks around like a bad penny. With her neck trapped against the cage, her rubber guard does not have the position to set anything up, but she is trying as Kunitskaya occasionally punches the body and amasses control time. With a lull in the action, Smith stands them up, but Kunitskaya needs one, maybe two seconds before walking her down like a boring Terminator and mashing her on cheese grater-like fence. Stoliarenko pulls guard once more, but this time Kunitskaya does not let her do anything with it, and instead gets off a few more short knees. The strike totals for this contest may be massive, but the significant strike numbers will not likely be as lopsided. Stoliarenko falls to her back to incite a grappling battle, but like a broken record, Kunitskaya lets her stand up and leans on her on the fence. Stoliarenko finally gains a separation with a bit over 30 seconds left, and she strikes with her opponent with several tired hooks. Kunitskaya shrugs them off, pushes Stoliarenko to the fence again, and breaks free for a moment. A few more labored strikes conclude this dreadful fight; the final horn cannot sound soon enough.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya (30-27 Kunitskaya)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya (30-27 Kunitskaya)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kunitskaya (30-27 Kunitskaya)

The Official Result

Yana Kunitskaya def. Julija Stoliarenko via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Darren Stewart (186) vs. Maki Pitolo (186)

Round 1

What could be a middleweight banger is upon us now, as “The Dentist” Stewart (11-5, 1 NC; 4-4, 1 NC UFC) tries to counter the offense from “Coconut Bombz” Pitolo (13-5, 1-1 UFC). Referee Chris Tognoni may have his work cut out for him tonight as he looks to avoid the wild swings from these two heavy-handed strikers. They touch gloves and Stewart takes the center of the cage. After one brief exchange, this fight is now more exciting than the entirety of the last one. Pitolo lands a knee when Stewart comes at him to land a few bombs. Stewart stalks down his opponent who is circling away on the outside, and lands a leg kick while Pitolo backs away. Both miss punches, and Stewart is pawing out a jab to try to get his distance. Stewart bites down on his mouthpiece to throw a big right hook, and the head movement of Pitolo saves him as they trade hard punches. Stewart’s most effective strikes are his jabs, and Pitolo lands a low kick and a right hook that freezes the Brit up for a moment. Stewart gets his composure back and takes a low kick and two punches over the top. The Hawaiian connects with a body kick, and jumps out of the way of an overhand left. Pitolo chains together several punches, and Stewart ducks his head down and swings like a maniac. Most land on the side of Pitolo’s body, and “The Dentist” ducks a spinning back fist to change levels and go after a takedown. Pitolo reverses the position and hits his own takedown to plant Stewart on his back. The Brit snatches up a guillotine choke from his back, and it is a high power guillotine that is instantly tight. Stewart rolls him over to his side, with his leg wrapped up and Pitolo has no way out. “Coconut Bombz” surrenders with a tap, as he would likely go out if he waited any longer. What a shot in the arm after that last fight! Stewart, historically a striker, earns his first career submission in quick fashion, and him winning by submission was an astronomical +1950.

The Official Result

Darren Stewart def. Maki Pitolo R1 3:41 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Omari Akhmedov (185.75) vs. Chris Weidman (186)

Round 1

In our co-main event, Dagestani powerhouse and ex-welterweight Akhmedov (20-4-1, 8-3-1 UFC) will look to spoil the return of former divisional kingpin Weidman (14-5, 10-5 UFC) at middleweight. Our third in the cage is referee Jason Herzog, and with a touch of gloves the MMA community collectively grits its teeth in anticipation of what could play out. Akhmedov reaches out a left hand as Weidman employs a wide stance more in line with a karate striker. The former champ shoots in from a distance for a single, and the Dagestani fighter steps out of harm’s way without effort. Weidman crashes forward for a takedown attempt, and Akhmedov stands him up but get bullied to the fence. Akhmedov again thwarts the takedown and forces the fight back to the center of the cage. Weidman sells out for a single, and he runs the pipe but Akhmedov resists and stays balanced on one foot. Pulling his leg free, Akhmedov muscles his way from off the wall and gains another separation. Akhmedov lands a left hand and Weidman thinks about another takedown, but he abandons it when he cannot get there. Akhmedov commits to a body shot and a left hand, and Akhmedov winds up with a right hook that glances off his intended target. Weidman walks him down and gets cracked by a one-two. Akhmedov shoots in from far away and gives up his neck, and Weidman fights it off with ease and pushes him away after flirting with a potential brabo choke. Weidman re-commits for the single, and this time, he finally gets it and sees a thin trickle of blood drawn from Akhmedov’s nose. Akhmedov checks the blood and is surprised, but manages to muscle his way back up. Weidman doggedly pursues the takedown again, and drags the legs out and sits him down. Weidman takes a few punches from the downed Dagestani fighter, but ignores them as he passes to half guard. Weidman remains heavy as he tries to squeeze his shoulder down on his opponent’s neck. When we hear the 10-second clapper, Weidman slams down a few elbows to punctuate his performance in the round. The horn sounds to break them up and end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Weidman
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Weidman
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Weidman

Round 2

Weidman begins the right with a low kick and a right hand. He throws out a loose front kick and Akhmedov tries to counter with an overhand right, and just barely misses clocking Weidman on the jaw. Akhmedov shoots in for his own takedown, and Weidman gets away with a fence grab but gets grounded by the Dagestani fighter. Weidman works his way to his feet, and Akhmedov attempts a single while Weidman snatches up the neck in a power guillotine setup. Akhmedov is wise to it and gives up the takedown, so they return to the center of the cage and throw a few punches. Weidman shoots low and has a takedown stuffed, and Akhmedov pays him back with some body shots that lead to his own takedown effort. Weidman reverses it, is similarly stuffed, and pulls his neck out of a precarious position. Weidman drops down low for a takedown as Akhmedov rings a few elbows off the side of the head, and Herzog warns him for landing to the back of the head. Weidman lifts the leg up high but cannot get Akhmedov down, and “Wolverine” gets free and wings several big shots that fall short. A clubbing right hand is timed on Weidman’s chin, and Akhmedov follows it with a punch to the body as Weidman appears to be slowing. Weidman lands a left, and Akhmedov scores one better as he transitions into a quick takedown. Akhmedov hits it, and blasts right into half guard as he sets up some elbows from on top. Weidman pushes him away and connects with an upkick to the side of the head. Weidman stands back up as now Akhmedov looks tired, but Akhmedov gives it to him with a left to the liver. Akhmedov sits down on a right hook that comes around the guard, and a pair of left straights land flush. Akhmedov shoves Weidman over, and although Weidman gets back up, Akhmedov lands a few punches as he stands. Akhmedov hits another takedown, and the exhausted fighters do not engage, so Herzog stands Weidman back up. They trade punches to end the second round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 3

They clap hands to check in the round, and Weidman is the first to attempt a level change. Akhmedov stands him up and delivers a knee to the breadbasket in the clinch. Weidman keeps on him and takes him down, briefly securing Akhmedov’s back in the process as Akhmedov returns standing. Weidman knees him in the head and drags him back down, where he has one hook in on his opponent’s back. Weidman rolls low for what looks like a Suloev Stretch, but it looks to be more of a Banana Split as Weidman takes top position in the scramble. Weidman rolls along with him and advances to mount, where he sets up an arm-triangle choke that gives Kelvin Gastelum flashbacks. Weidman stays heavy and is keeping his offense going just enough to stave off a referee standup. Akhmedov tries to buck him off, and Weidman opens up with a few hacking elbows that make Akhmedov turn over. The Dagestani fighter is still trapped on his back, and Weidman goes after the arm-triangle choke again. Weidman puts his full body weight on Akhmedov as he squeezes with all of his remaining might. Weidman softens him up with a few punches as he abandons the choke, and rips an elbow followed by a few more on top. Weidman chains together several more elbows as Akhmedov rolls to his stomach. With Weidman in back control as Akhmedov is on his knees, Weidman rides out the remainder of the round with punches.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Weidman (29-28 Weidman)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Weidman (29-28 Weidman)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Weidman (29-28 Weidman)

The Official Result

Chris Weidman def. Omari Akhmedov via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)

Derrick Lewis (265) vs. Alexey Oleynik (227)

Round 1

The headliner of the evening sees a fascinating style matchup between a knockout artist in Lewis (23-7, 1 NC; 14-5 UFC) against the submission wizardry of Oleynik (59-13-1, 8-4 UFC). This five-round heavyweight contest may very well end one of two ways, with Lewis one knockout away from the all-time UFC heavyweight record, while Oleynik could notch his 47th by tapout should he elicit a submission. Referee Herb Dean will be right there to make sure everything is copacetic as it all plays out, and the two large men – Lewis weighs 38 pounds more than his opponent – touch gloves to introduce themselves. Lewis opens with a head kick, and a hard one-two to hurt Oleynik and push him to the fence. Oleynik quickly sets up an Ezekiel choke, but he abandons it to try to gain a better position with his back to the fence. Lewis throws him down to the ground like Tim Boetsch’s hip toss, and he starts slamming the Russian in the head with punches. Oleynik sits up and looks for a leg, so Lewis spins out from on top to pop over to half guard. Oleynik ties him up from his back as he tries to sit up, but Lewis is content to press his full body weight down on his opponent. Oleynik gets back to his knees and ties up Lewis’ leg to land his own single and wind up on top. He gets to side guard with ease, and secures a scarf hold headlock and wrenches on Lewis’ neck. Lewis powers out of the bad spot and starts raining down punches, but Oleynik ties him back up and clings to him like Saran wrap. Oleynik reverses the position and gets back to side control, where he aims for a scarf hold headlock on the opposite side. He lets go to readjust, and Lewis wriggles and turns his head while Oleynik puts everything he has into the choke. Lewis appears unconcerned and rides it out as veins bulge on Oleynik’s forehead while he applies the torque. The Russian recommits to the choke, and Lewis is trapped but not entirely in danger. Oleynik bails on the choke and elects to take side control and set up a keylock. Time expires before he can land it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oleynik
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oleynik
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oleynik

Round 2

Oleynik reaches with a front kick, and Lewis leaps at him with a flying knee. A bomb of a right hand takes the legs out from the Russian, and as “The Black Beast” rains down punch after punch from on top, Oleynik turns to his side. Unleashing a barrage of nasty punches. Lewis smells blood and knows the finish is right around the corner. Lewis keeps clubbing Oleynik in the face until Dean has seen enough and stops the fight. Lewis is now the all-time leader in heavyweight knockouts, scoring his 11th inside the Octagon. Lewis survived adversity and got the Russian out of there to end the night with style points. See you next week, for a much higher stakes heavyweight contest at UFC 252.

The Official Result

Derrick Lewis def. Alexey Oleynik R2 0:21 via TKO (Punches)
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