UFC Fight Night 203 Prelims: Matthew Semelsberger Spoils A.J. Fletcher's UFC Debut

A clean sweep across the board for @SemiTheJedi! 🧹

[ #UFCVegas50 | Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Gs1hP4Ii9U

— UFC (@ufc) March 13, 2022

UFC Fight Night 203's featured prelim saw Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight prospects Matthew Semelsberger and A.J. Fletcher battle for supremacy.

Fletcher (9-1) managed to take the fight to the ground early with a strong double leg takedown and then navigated his way to mount. Semelsberger (10-3) would have more success in Round 2 and even managed to get top position on Fletcher. Round 3 would mirror the previous frame with Semelsberger riding out the round in top position and landing solid punches. The judges all saw the fight 29-28 in the favor of Semelsberger.

With the win, "Semi the Jedi" improves to 4-1 inside the Octagon.

Aldrich Handles Robertson

In the women's flyweight division, J.J. Aldrich took on fellow UFC mainstay Gillian Robertson.

The first round was contested on the feet with Aldrich (11-4) landing the cleaner blows, as the most damaging strike from "The Savage" wound up being an inadvertent eye poke. Robertson (10-7) made a concerted effort to get the ground to the ground during the rest of the fight, but Aldrich mostly kept the fight standing and managed to get top position when it did go to the ground. After 15 minutes, Aldrich took home a clear unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board.

Aldrich has now won three straight bouts inside the Octagon.

Basharat Outstrikes Jones

Undefeated bantamweight prospect Javid Basharat passed his toughest test yet in Trevin Jones.

It was Jones (13-8, 1 NC) that wanted to exchange strikes in the middle of the cage and "The Snow Leopard" was happy to oblige. While Jones focused on punches, Basharat (12-0) showed a varied arsenal of strikes that included damaging knees and quick kicks. "5 Star" was never in much trouble of being finished, and was game throughout all 15 minutes, but was typically a step behind on the feet.

The judges awarded two 30-27 scorecards and one 29-28 verdict all in the favor of Basharat.

Related » UFC Fight Night 203 Round-by-Round Scoring

Jackson Arm-Triangle Chokes Kirk

Kamuela Kirk had no answer for how to get "The Leech" off of him.

After a feeling-out process, Damon Jackson managed to hurt Kirk (12-5) on the feet and take the fight to the ground, where he would end the round on top. The second frame started off with Jackson (19-4-1, 1 NC) getting another takedown and then securing an arm-triangle choke that elicited the tap at the 4:42 mark.

Jackson improves to 3-1 inside the promotion with the win.

Maverick Outgrapples Mazo

Both Sabina Mazo and Miranda Maverick entered their women's flyweight bout on two-fight skids.

Maverick (10-4) showcased her wrestling ability early on as she controlled the first round in top position while Mazo (9-4) had little to offer from her back. Round 2 was more of the same, although Maverick was able to get the back of the "Colombian Queen" and then sink in a rear-naked choke. Unable to escape, Mazo tapped at 2:15 of the second frame.

Maverick has now won six of her last eight fights and is 3-2 inside the Octagon.

Brundage Guillotine Chokes Lungiambula

Dalcha Lungiambula didn't quite live up to his nickname of "Champion" against fellow middleweight Cody Brundage.

Lungiambula (11-4) damaged Brundage (7-2) with punches early in the bout and went on full attack mode. However, throwing caution to the wind would prove to be a mistake. After the South African went for a sloppy takedown, Brundage was able to sink in a guillotine choke for the submission win.

Lungiambula tapped out at 3:41 of Round 1.

Cannetti Pieces Apart Moutinho

Kris Moutinho became known for his toughness after a brawl with Sean O'Malley, but Guido Cannetti was able to wipe out the bantamweight in under a round.

Both men came out swinging but it was Cannetti (9-6) that had a clear edge in striking power. The Argentinian striker would keep the pressure on Moutinho (9-6) and began teeing off while unable to knock his opponent down. After a series of unanswered strikes, the fight was waved off and "Ninja" was awarded the TKO victory at 2:07 of the first round.

The stoppage snaps a three-fight losing streak for Cannetti.

Murzakanov Flying Knees Nchukwi

UFC Fight Night 203 began with a battle between light heavyweight prospects Tafon Nchukwi and Azamat Murzakanov.

While Murzakanov came into the bout undefeated, it was Nchukwi (6-2) that fought confidently and was in control early on. However, in Round 3, "The Professional" showed he was one to watch by landing a gorgeous flying knee knockout for a comeback win. The fight was officially waved off just 44 seconds into the third and final frame.

Murzakanov advances to 11-0 with the victory.