UFC Fight Night 202 ‘Makhachev vs. Green’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Victor Altamirano (123) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125)

Round 1

A matchup of Dana White’s Contender Series alums will kick off the card, with Chris Tognoni as the third man in the cage. Altamirano starts out switching stances frequently before stepping into a one-two. The flyweights tie up and quickly separate. They clinch again and trade knees. Hernandez whiffs on a spinning back fist on the break. Altamirano with a long two-piece combination followed by a kick to the body. Hernandez misses a body kick. They trade in the pocket and both men land clean. A hard low kick connects for Altamirano, who dodges a Hernandez counter. A nice left hook finds the range for Hernandez. Altamirano is moving his head well and angling out of danger consistently. He pressures forward and tags Hernandez with a body kick. Hernandez answers with a leg kick. Altamirano lands a glancing head kick, which hits Hernandez’s glove but still does damage. Hernandez forces the clinch and drags Altamirano down with a little more than 1:00 to go. Hernandez stands inside Altamirano’s guard, before diving into top position. Altamirano looks to control Hernandez’s posture by holding him close before using his guard ot scramble up in the waning seconds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Altamirano closes the distance behind a front kick to the gut. They battle for position in the clinch, and Hernandez lands a knee in close. They separate near the fence and Altamirano returns to leading the dance. Altamirano lands a snapping body kick before tying up Hernandez. Hernandez with a knee on the break. He lands another knee with Altamirano dipping his head, and he also catches his foe with a short uppercut in an exchange. Altamirano lands another left kick to the body of his opponent. Hernandez steps in with a solid straight right. A glancing high kick connects for Altamirano, who digs a hook to the body as Hernandez moves forward. Altamirano counters a Hernandez shot with a straight, and then he lands another body shot on his foe. Altamirano ducks under a punch and drives Hernandez to the fence. Hernandez circles off and they separate. A close quarters exchange ends with a body kick for Altamirano, but he eats a punching combination from Hernandez shortly there after. Hernandez pressures with a combination, moving his head to avoid Altamirano’s offense. Another body kick lands for Altamirano. Altamirano puncutates a two-punch combo with a body kick and Hernandez tags him in response. Hernandez lands a nice knee, but Altamirano is unfazed. Hernandez counters a trip takedown with a hip toss and they’re both up. The frame ends with Altamirano controlling the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

They tie up almost immediately, and Hernandez reverses and shoves Altamirano into the fence. Hernandez tries to muscle his man to the canvas, but Altamirano defends nicely. Back on the feet, another body kick finds the range for Altamirano. Altamirano pressures against the fence and lands a combination followed by a body kick. A low kick connects for Hernandez before Altamirano ties him up and shoves him into the fence. A knee lands for Altamirano, and he’s warned by Chris Tognoni to get his attacks above the belt. More knees land for Altamirano, before Hernandez is able to turn off and separate. Hernandez lands an uppercut. Altamirano with a nice standing elbow in the pocket during an exchange. Altamirano forces the clinch again and shoves Hernandez into the fence. They break quickly and Hernandez gets aggressive, landing a left hook and just missing a high kick. Hernandez denies a takedown and the flyweights battle in close quarters before Hernandez lands a knee on the break. At range, Altamirano lands a front kick and a body kick. The action picks up and both men land more offense during a spirited exchange. Back in the clinch, Hernandez lands a left hook on the break. The flyweights trade body kicks. Altamirano lands a body kick and forces the clinch. Knees land for Hernandez, but he absorbs another body kick on the break. Altamirano scores a takedown in the waning seconds but Hernandez is able to scramble to his feet before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Carlos Hernandez def. Victor Altamirano via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5) vs. Micheal Gillmore (170.5)

Round 1

Mark Smith will officiate this welterweight clash. Brahimaj will be making a relatively quick turnaround following a Jan. 15 loss to Court McGee, while Gilmore drops to 170 pounds after competing at middleweight on “TUF.” Brahimaj takes the center of the cage, ducks under a Gillmore overhand and shoots for a takedown. Gillmore defends and posts an arm with a aid of a fence grab, but Brahimaj works to his opponent’s back, riding him near the fence. Gillmore is down on one knee, frantically trying to keep Brahimaj from sliding his arm under his chin. Now in back control, Brahimaj is applying serious pressure on the jaw, but somehow Gillmore frees himself. After a brief scramble, Brahimaj transitions to Gillmore’s back once again. This time, both hooks are in and the choke is even tighter. Gillmore has no choice but to tap out in a matter of seconds.

The Official Result

Ramiz Brahimaj def. Micheal Gillmore via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:02

Alejandro Perez (144.5) vs. Jonathan Martinez (144)

Round 1

Jason Herzog gets his first referee assignment of the night for this featherweight clash. Martinez takes the center, with Perez circling on the outside. A leg kick from Perez causes Martinez to slip briefly. Martinez answers with a thudding low kick, then a pair of kicks to the body. Both men are throwing kicks liberally at the outset, but Martinez is more active. Martinez checks a Perez leg kick, then goes upstairs with a high kick, but it’s blocked. Another high kick for Martinez, and it lands, backing Perez up for a few beats. Martinez again checks a low kick from his adversary. Martinez is battering the forearms and legs of Perez with kicks. Perez can’t find the range on a punching combination and Martinez answers with a front kick. An outside leg kick connects for Martinez, and he avoids a Perez combination. A couple high kicks smash into Perez’s forearms and then Martinez goes to the legs. Perez catches a head kick after it lands, and Martinez balances on one leg while punching his foe’s head before Perez drops the leg. Just before the horn, Perez counters a low kick and sits Martinez down with a right hook.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Martinez looks no worse for wear from the late knockdown and he backs up Perez with a glancing head kick. Perez answers with a leg kick. Martinez swings his left leg into the body and avoids a follow-up combo from Perez. Martinez with a solid inside leg kick. Martinez continues his nearly-kick exclusive approach with a front kick to the body. Martinez again batters Perez’s forearm with a high kick. A couple of big swings for Perez, but he can’t find the range. Martinez is showing signs of working in some jabs now, but offense has coming at a premium in this round. Perez continues to struggle to find the range on his punches. Martinez lands a trio of solid outside leg kicks, as he is content to control the range. A glancing head kick connects on Perez, and a left hook follows for Martinez. Late in the round, Perez puts on the pressure, flurrying with punches and landing a few before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Perez moves forward and lands a solid striaght right. He’s the aggressor, attacking with punching combinations in the pocket early on at the urging of his corner. They trade heavy leather in the pocket, but a counter left hook from Martinez is the most significant blow of the exchange. Another counter combination is successful for Martinez. The Factory X fighter is keeping his cool against Perez’s forward pressure, countering effectively with his hands. Martinez ducks under a spinning back fist, and Perez goes to the well twice more with spinning backfist attacks. None are successful, however. Martinez lands a combination and Perez urges him onward. Perez changes levels for a takedown, but Martinez is able to slip free. A jab lands for Martinez. Another jab for Martinez and he easily avoids a haymaker from Perez. A high kick lands for Martinez, and then a left hook-right high kick combination punctuates a solid round for Martinez.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-28 Martinez)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-29)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 Martinez)

The Official Result

Jonathan Martinez def. Alejandro Perez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00

Terrance McKinney (156) vs. Fares Ziam (155)

Round 1

Herb Dean will officiate this lightweight affair. McKinney is looking to capitalize on the momentum of a seven-second KO of Matt Frevola in his Octagon debut as he squares off against Ziam, who has won back-to-back UFC appearances. McKinney stumbles forward after winging a right hand and takes top position in a scramble. He stands inside Ziam’s guard, then passes to side control. Ziam recovers half guard as McKinney tries to take full mount. McKinney is heavy on top, applying shoulder pressure on his French opponent. Ziam gives up his back in an attempt to stand. McKinney transitions from full mount to Ziam’s back, and he secures a body-triangle while threatening with a rear-naked choke. Ziam does his best to turn his head to keep his opponent’s arm from under his chin. It’s a strange angle for a rear-naked choke, but the squeeze is significant enough for Ziam to ask out of the fight. McKinney has now finished his last five professional appearances inside of a round.

The Official Result

Terrance McKinney def. Fares Ziam via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:11

Josiane Nunes (145.5) vs. Ramona Pascual (146)

Round 1

Mark Smith will oversee this female featherweight showdown. Pascual is making her debut, while Nunes is moving up from bantamweight. Pascual opens with a leg kick and a body kick. They’re swinging wildly early, and Pascual welcomes the exchange. Pascual with a couple step in knees and she circles away. Pascual thuds a kick to the body. Pascual follows a lead elbow with a straight right. Nunes lands some punches in a close quarters exchange. Nunes has the advantage in hand speed against her visibly larger foe. Another knee in close for Pascual. Nunes rushes forward with punches but Pascual avoids it. Nunes times a left hand as Pascual throws a knee and Pascual falls to the canvas. Pascual is powering forward with more knees and she is again caught off balance by a Nunes left hand. Nunes pressures with a flurry of punches near the fence. A body shot lands and that prompts Pascual to shoot from the fence. She plants Nunes on her back near the center of the Octagon. Nunes with a couple elbows from her back. Pascual tries to clear the legs but the transition is unsuccessful. Nunes remains busy from her back, landing punches and elbows. Pascual passes to a north-south position late in the round. She finds herself briefly caught in a triangle, and the featherweights stand before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Nunes lands a left as Pascual plods forward. Pascual lands a knee but a solid straight left lands for Nunes on the break. Nunes tags her foe with another left and Pascual hits the canvas. The Brazilian is swarming with punches and Pascual shoots out of desperation. Nunes takes top position and unloads with ground-and-pound, including a few sharp elbows. Nunes is on the back of her foe, but Pascual slides out the backdoor. Another straight left lands for Nunes at range. There’s some serious swelling under Pascual’s right eye. Another left wobbles Pascual. Nunes marches forward, shucks off a shot and rips a kick to the body. Nunes jabs a few times, then denies another takedown. The left connects again for Nunes. Pascual changes levels, and this time she puts Nunes on her back at the 2:00 mark. Nunes operates from a closed guard, throwing some elbows to the head from her back. Pascual doesn’t look like she’s trying hard to create space for ground-and-pound. Instead, it’s Nunes chipping away with more elbows. Pascual is just burying her head in the torso of Nunes, and Mark Smith wants to see more work. Pascual postures up and drops an elbow. Pascual concludes the round with a few short rights to the ribs.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Nunes
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Nunes

Round 3

Pascual throws a labored high kick at the outset, but Nunes is able to block it. Nunes shucks a takedown attempt and lands a pair of left hooks to the head. Pascual shoots and Nunes stuffs it. Nunes ducks under a spinning back fist. Nunes backs up Pascual with a pair of left hands. Pascual sticks a jab. Another couple left hands find the mark for Nunes. Nunes briefly puts Pascual on the retreat with another powerful blow. Pascual attempts to move forward and lands a leg kick. An overhand left backs up Pascual. Pascual lands a two-punch combo followed by a body kick, but Nunes easily denies the subsequent takedown. Nunes stuffs a takedown and punishes Pascual with multiple left hands and a body kick near the fence. Nunes sticks a nice one-two. A counter left hand stuns Pascual for a moment. With 15 seconds left, Pascual gets a takedown and lands in side control. Nunes hunts for a kimura as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (30-26 Nunes)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (30-26 Nunes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (30-26 Nunes)

The Official Result

Josiane Nunes def. Ramona Pascual via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) R3 5:00

Zhu Rong (160: Missed Weight) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (154.5)

Round 1

Veteran official Keith Peterson gets his first assignment of the night for the featured prelim. Bahamondes, the tallest active lightweight on the UFC roster, will attempt to following his spinning wheel kick KO of Roosevelt Roberts last August with another memorable performance against Rong, who is also coming off a knockout victory but missed weight badly on Friday. Bahamondes opens up with a leg kick against the pink-haired Rong. Bahamondes pumps his jab and switches stances, then attacks the legs. More jabs land for the Chilean fighter, who has a sizable reach edge against his opponent. A jab to the body connects for Bahamondes and he circles away. Bahamondes doing well to mix up straight punches and leg kicks early. Rong lands a low kick of his own and then eats a jab. Bahamondes continues with the constant switching of stances, chipping away with kicks and straight shots. A combination lands for Bahamondes. Rong meanhile, is relctant to pull the trigger. Bahamondes with a straight left to the body. Bahamondes throws an effortless head kick and Rong shakes it off before shooting for a takedown. Bahamondes defends with a guillotine and drops a heavy elbow from half guard. Bahamondes mixes up elbows and punches from top position, then Rong recaptures guard as he is shoved down to the mat. Bahamondes unloads more punches and elbows as Zong attempts to stand before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Bahamondes with a leg kick and a more aggressive Rong pressures with punching combinations. Rong briefly has his foe on retreat bfore Bahamondes sticks a couple straight punches and a front kick. Rong backs his man up and digs a couple shots to the body. Bahamondes responds with straight punches. Rong with a straight right to the body. Bahamondes answers with a straight tot he body. Rong blocks a high kick and shakes his head. A right hook connects for Bahamondes. A leg kick and a straight righ connect for Bahamondes. Bahamndes is staying busying with jabs from both stances. His output is increasing and he mixes in a head kick. Rong pressures with a combination. Bahamondes rips the body with a kick, then goes to the lead leg and finishes with a jab upstairs. Bahamondes mixing things up nicely and Rong looks frustrated. A counter left hook lands for Rong. Rong is stalking his foe and a right hook to the body lands. Bahamondes with another jab. Bahamondes continues with his volume-based approach, mixing up kicks and punches. A nice body shot lands for Bahamondes. Bahamondes snaps Rong’s head back with a big right before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Rong looks for a takedown early and Bahamondes defends against the fence, lands a knee and separates. They’re trading early, and Bahamondes lands a knee in close. A left hand-right uppercut combination lands for Bahamondes. Rong gets a takedown, but Bahamondes sweeps and stands immediately. Bahamondes peppers the mug of his Chinese opponent with more straight shots, then follows with a kick to the body. He stuffs a Rong takedown and quickly locks in a modified brabo choke from side control. It’s tight and Rong is forced to tap in a matter of seconds. It’s the first career submission victory in 17 pro bouts for Bahamondes.

The Official Result

Ignacio Bahamondes def. Zhu Rong via Submission (Brabo Choke) R3 1:40

Armen Petrosyan (186) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (186)

Round 1

It’s another pairing of Dana White’s Contender Series alums, and Jason Herzog will be the third man in the cage for the opening bout on the main card. Rodrigues checks a low kick. Petrosyan with a probing inside leg kick. An overhand right from Rodrigues backs up his foe. The Brazilian sticks a jab. Petrosyan jabs the body, then lands a left hook to the head. Petrosyan catches a body kick. Rodrigues attacks with a combination and Petrosyan fires back in a heated exchange. Petrosyan with a jab followed by a lead hook. A snapping inside leg kick lands for Petrosyan. A body kick finds the mark for Petrosyan, who is more active thus far. Petrosyan with a leg kick and a jab followed by a punching combination. Rodrigues is stalking but not throwing much. Rodriguez loads up on a right but misses. Rodrigues with a nice jab. A hard right from Rodrigues lands on the chest of his opponent. Petrosyan works his leg kicks, jab and lead hook in the center of the cage. Petrosyan with another inside leg kick and then a body kick to end the frame.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Petrosyan goes back to the well with a low kick. Petrosyan jabs the body then goes upstairs. Rodrigues finds his opening and lands some heavy hands, putting his foe on the retreat. Rodrigues wants to press the action and bully his opponent, but Petrosyan finds room for a body kick. They’re trading in the pocket, and Petrosyan backs up Rodrigues with a combination. A perfectly timed right hand from Rodrigues stops Petrosyan in his tracks. Rodrigues lands a nice counter jab. Petrosyan jabs the body. A left hook seems to wobble Rodrigues momentarily, but he’s back in the center of the cage. Both men land a jab. Rodrigues pressures forward and lands a jab but misses the follow up right hand. Petrosyan eats a left hook but replies with a body kick. A solid jab from the Brazilian finds the range. Rodrigues shoots for his first takedown of the fight and puts Petrosyan down near the fence. Rodrigues takes the back as Petrosyan stands. Petrosyan is able to turn and separate. A stiff jab catches Petrosyan, and Rodrigues counters a leg kick with a right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The combatants hug before the beginning of the round. Petrosyan with an outside low kick and then a jab to the body. Petrosyan jabs and then lands a leg kick. Rodrigues with a stiff left jab. Rodrigues pressures with punches and then a body kick staggers Petrosyan. Rodrigues forces the clinch, drags his man down and threatens with a reverse knee bar. Petrosyan escapes, but Rodrigues scrambles to top position. The Brazilian takes Petrosyan’s back. Petrosyan is leaking from the nose as Rodrigues threatens with a rear-naked choke. Petrosyan defends the initial attempt. Rodrigues lets go of a body triangle and Petrosyan stands. Petrosyan, bleeding profusely, marches forward and swings heavy punches. A counter right hand lands clean for Rodrigues, but Petrosyan eats it. Petrosyan lands a left hook upstairs. Petrosyan continues to attack the legs of his foe. A counter right finds the mark for Rodrigues. Petrosyan forces the issue and attacks with a body kick. Rodrigues catches a kick but can’t complete the takedown. Petrosyan ends the round with authority, attacking with a salvo of kicks on Rodrigues, who is now also bleeding.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Armen Petrosyan def. Gregory Rodrigues via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) R3 5:00

Arman Tsarukyan (156) vs. Joel Alvarez (156)

Round 1

It’s a pairing of four-fight winning streaks for these lightweight prospects, and Chris Tognoni will referee the bout. Tsarukyan sticks a jab early. Tsarukyan kicks Alvarez’s leg and is able to score a takedown with his opponent off balance. Tsarukyan is now inside the lanky Spaniard’s guard. Alvarez lands an elbow from his back. Tsarukyan remains heavy on top, and he’s working diligently to pass to half guard. Alvarez does a good job preventing the pass. Tsarukyan drops an elbow from above. Alvarez is active with his guard and lands a hammerfist from his back. Tsarukyan floats into a front headlock before finding himself in the full guard of his opponent. A slashing elbow lands for Tsarukyan, who then lands a short elbow to the face. It’s control time galore for the Russian standout, and another elbow cuts Alvarez wide open. Alvarez is just gushing blood in the waning seconds, and Tsarukyan is pouring it on. Another elbow lands before the horn. The fight could be in danger of being stopped between rounds, as Alvarez’s face is a crimson mask.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Amazingly, Alvarez is allowed to continue for another round after a brief examination from the cageside doctor. Tsarukyan shoots immediately. Alvarez looks for a guillotine but his foe passes to side control. Tsarukyan briefly achieves a mounted crucifix but Alvarez frees his arm. From side control, Tsarukyan drops brual elbows and punches, and Alvarez is spewing blood again, his vision obviously obscured. Alvarez is on all fours, eating punches. The Spaniard attempts to stand, and Tsarukyan ragdolls him back down near the fence. More punches from Tsarukyan, and Tognoni urges Alvarez to fight back. From back mount, Tsarukyan controls the wrists and unloads with more left hands. Tognoni has finally seen enough and mercifully calls off the fight.

The Official Result

Arman Tsarukyan def. Joel Alvarez via TKO (Punches) R2 1:57

Ji Yeon Kim (126) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (125)

Round 1

Keith Peterson will oversee this clash of women’s flyweights. Kim dodges a massive overhand and lands a counter. Cachoeira is already swinging for the fences. A Kim jab counters a low kick. Cachoeira with a kick to her foe’s lead leg. Kim follows a leg kick with a combination, but it’s just out of range. Another inside leg kick lands for Kim. They trade briefly in the pocket and both fighters land significant shots. A left hook lnads for Cachoeira, but Kim fires back with a combination. Cahoeira is swinging wildly, pursuing her opponent. Kim angles out and lands a right hand. A jab lands for Kim, who avoids her foe’s follow-up. Km with a couple inside leg kicks and Cachoeira shots for a takedown before the horn. Kim is down to a knee but stands before the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Kim opens with a one-two. Kim counters an overhand right by Cachoeira, who steps in with a left hook that connects. A straight right snaps Cachoeira’s head back. A right cross finds the mark for Cachoeira. Kim sticks her jab but misses a right hand. A right hand backs up Cachoeira briefly. Kim with a counter left hook. Cachoeira tries to force a brawl but Kim wisely angles out of danger without taking too much damage. Kim goes back to pumping her jab, moving in and out. The flyweights trade low kicks. Another jab connects for Kim. Kim counters after a wild right from Cachoeira. The Brazilian lands a crisp jab. Cachoeira moves forward, swinging away, but she’s missing the mark. Cachoeira pressues and lands a right, but Kim tags her with a combination. They trade in close quarters, but Kim is still using her jab effectively at range.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Kim with a nice three-punch combo to start. Cachoeira forces a brawl and they’re swinging wildly in the pocket. Kim connects during the exchange and Cachoeira is stunned. Kim inexplicably forces a tie-up with her dazed opponent. They separate in relatively short order and are back in the center of the cage. Kim seems to be landing more and more during the wild exchanges, while Cachoeira’s big movements are coming up empty. Kim tags Cachoeira with a few jabs, then eats a right hand. More jabs from Kim, and Cachoeira’s face is marked up. Cachoeira walks right into another jab, but she does step in and land a right. A solid right sends Cachoeira backward momentarily. Kim with another jab and then a right hand. A one-two and then a clean right tags Cachoeira. Cachoeira is unfazed, and she’s lunging forward with elbows. One of those lands and cuts Kim on her cheek, but Cachoeira is eating punches in bunches for her efforts. Cachoeira has decides to throw only elbows, and quite a few are landing. The Brazilian measures a right haymaker and connects near the fence. They are just brawling in a phone both, both trading heavy punches. Cachoeira marches forward, landing a pair of jumping knees. A standing elbow on the break lands for Cachoeira, and that one also cuts Kim. A spirited ending for Cachoeira, who appeared dead in the water earlier in the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Priscila Cachoeira def. Ji Yeon Kim via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Misha Cirkunov (185.5) vs. Wellington Turman (185)

Round 1

Mark Smith will referee the co-main event, which marks Cirkunov’s second appearance as a middleweight. A straight left lands for Cirkunov and Smith warns for the fighters to keep their fingers closed. A body kick connects for Cirkunov. Turman wants a takedown, and he snaps his man down and is on Cirkunov’s back as they stand. Turman jumps on a standing Cirkunov’s back. Turman has the right arm under the chin, as Cirkunov fights off the left. Turman is trying to apply some squeeze with one arm to get Cirkunov to relent on his grip. Turman briefly relents to punch the side of his foe’s head. Cirkunov is still controlling the off arm, carrying Turman’s weight on his back. Now Turman switches arms and the choke is tighter. Impressively, Cirkunov dumps Turman to the mat and drops big standing-to-ground punches. Cirkunov continues to stand and drop heavy offense, and now Turman is attempting to scramble up. Cirkunov capitalizes by transitioning to a north-south choke. Cirkunov is slowing sinking his way into the choke, but he lets it go and spins to the back, where he unloads with more punches. More heavy punches land with Turman on all fours. Turman goes to his back and Cirkunov ends in top position.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Cirkunov lands a solid body kick. Cirkunov shoots and Turman stuffs it. Cirkunov has an underhook as he presses his foe into the cage. They trade strikes in close quarters, with Turman landing a few short elbows. Moments later, Cirkunov trips Turman to the mat. Cirkunov settles inside Turman’s guard. In what seems like a matter of seconds, Turman throws up his legs and locks in an armbar following a punch from his opponent. Cirkunov grimaces in pain and taps almost immediately, falling to 0-2 at 185 pounds.

The Official Result

Wellington Turman def. Misha Cirkunov via Submission (Armbar) R2 1:29

Islam Makhachev (160) vs. Bobby Green (158)

Round 1

Herb Dean will officiate tonight’s headliner. Green, fresh off an impressive win over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271, stepped in on short notice to replace the injured Beneil Dariush to save the card. Makhachev is knocking on the door of a lightweight title shot, so the stakes are high. Makhachev and Green eschew the glove touch with Dean, and we’re underway. Makhachev throws a head kick right away and Green shakes his head. Makhachev punches his way into a front headlock, but Green escapes. Green is much more measured in deiding to throw than he normally is out of respect for his opponent’s wrestling. Makhachev catches a front kick and attacks, tying up Green near the fence. Makhachev resets, changes levels and shoots, getting a takedown near the fence. Makhachev is working to mount, raining down left hands. Now Makhachev is in half guard, remaining extremely heavy on top. Makhachev passes to mount and Green gives up his back. Heavy ground-and-pound lands for the Dagestani grappler, and Green is rolling and covering up. Green can do nothing but cover up, and Makhachev shifts from punches to hammerfists. The unanswered assault continues, and with Green not defending himself intelligently, Dean steps in to stop the bout. That’s 10 victories in a row for Makhachev — with his last four wins coming via stoppage.

The Official Result

Islam Makhachev def. Bobby Green via TKO (Punches) R1 3:23