UFC Fight Night 208 ‘Blaydes vs. Aspinall’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Nicolas Dalby (170) vs. Claudio Silva (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dalby (-250), Silva (+210)

Round 1

The venue isn’t completely full for the first prelim of the card in London, but those who are present seem to be fully engaged. Lukasz Bosacki will be the third man in the cage for this welterweight bout. Silva takes the center of the cage and shoots for a takedown, driving Dalby into the fence. Silva clings to a single leg, but Dalby hops around and maintains his balance while fighting his opponent’s hands. “Hannibal” finally yanks his foe down and passes quickly to full mount. Silva stays heavy on top as Dalby attempts to buck him off. Thus far, those efforts are unsuccessful. Dalby stays active and recaptures half guard, but Silva is still in control. Dalby posts in hopes of standing, but Silva grabs the arm and plants the Dane on his back with time winding down. Silva ends the round on top with mild ground-and-pound, much to the displeasure of the crowd. 10-9 Silva.

Round 2

Silva steps in with a front kick and Dalby responds with a leg kick that makes the Brazilian wobble. Silva has seen enough as he shoots and takes Dalby down near the fence. Dalby gives up his back as he stands, and “Hannibal” secures a body triangle and drags him right back down. Silva looks for openings to slide his arm underneath Dalby’s chin. Dalby resists and is able to turn out of the predicament, setting up in Silva’s full guard. Dalby creates some space and drops a heavy elbow that draws a roar from the London throng. Silva works his way up and eats a right hand. Dalby sprawls on a shot and lands a knee to the head. Silva looks tired as he circles away, but the Brazilian resets and pushes Dalby into the fence. Dalby defends and lands another solid right hand. Dalby is gaining momentum, and he tees off with a head kick and more punches. Dalby shoves Silva into the fence and lands a hard series of knees to the midsection. The tide has turned completely at this point, and Dalby keeps the knees going. Silva is exhausted, holding his hands low. Silva ties up Dalby in the waning seconds and absorbs a knee and a left hook before the horn. 10-9 Dalby.

Round 3

Dalby just misses on a head kick, but a low kick finds the mark. Silva shoots and Dalby defends, shoving “Hannibal” down to the mat with ease. Dalby follows his man down to the mat and sets up in his foe’s full guard. Dalby works to create space for elbows while Silva controls his wrists. Another short elbow lands on the chest of Silva. Dalby drops an elbow and grinds his forearm into Silva’s neck. Silva appears to just be holding on for dear life. One of those elbows appears to have opened a cut on Silva, and blood is dripping on the Octagon floor. Dalby frees himself from guard and stands up. Silva is slow to rise and Dalby lands a glancing head kick. Silva steps in with an elbow, but his offense is mostly slow and fatigued. A left hand lands clean for Dalby. Silva executes a beautiful level change behind a winging hook and gets Dalby down. Dalby attempts an omoplata sweep, and at the very least, it stops Silva from advancing position. After a brief stalemate, a scramble ensues and Silva lands mild ground-and-pound. Dalby is able to scramble back up just before the horn. 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby).

The Official Result

Nicolas Dalby def. Claudio Silva via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27) R3 5:00

Mandy Bohm (125) vs. Victoria Leonardo (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bohm (-130), Leonardo (+110)

Round 1

Dan Movahedi will oversee this female flyweight matchup. They touch gloves and Leonardo moves in aggressively with right hands. Leonardo closes the distance and shoves Bohm into the fence. Leonard lands a few short punches to the ribs as she remains attached ot Bohm. Bohm eats a short uppercut before reversing position and turning Leonardo into the fence. The clinch battle continues two minutes in, with the flyweights jockeying and reversing position against the fence. Bohm is able to separate about halfway through the round and Movahedi calls time and orders the fighters to their corners briefly while the Octagon door is closed. They exchange and it’s Bohm who lands a knee and a right hand. A side kick from Leonardo sends Bohm backward momentarily. Bohm lands a leg kick and just dodges the follow-up counter from her opponent. Another naked leg kick from Bohm and Leonardo lands a glancing counter. Leonardo closes distance following a low kick from Bohm and takes the German fighter to the mat. Bohm hustles back to her feet as Leonardo presses her into the fence. Leonardo lands an elbow and a short punch in the clinch before the horn. 10-9 Leonardo.

Round 2

Leonardo with a nice combination and Bohm answers with a low kick. Leonardo presses forward with a combination. A straight right from Bohm catches Leonardo coming forward. Leonardo closes the distance and nearly gets a trip takedown, but Bohm does a nice job of keeping her feet. Leonardo is back to shoving Bohm into the cage, maintaining solid head pressure. Bohm gets off the fence and reverses position. They remain tied up and move to the center of the Octagon, where Bohm lands an elbow as they separate. Leonardo answers with a stiff jab. A standing side kick and an overhand right connect for Leonardo, who ups her aggression and lands another punching combination. Bohm initiates the clinch this time and Leonardo drives her into the cage. Leonardo continues to work for the takedown, and Movahedi is getting impatient with the lack of action. The referee separates them and Leonardo rushes forward with a combination. They clinch in the center of the cage moments later, and Leonardo lands a right as they separate. Bohm connects with a body kick and Leonardo answers with a side kick. A couple knees to the midsection might have hurt Leonardo, but the Brazilian nonetheless drives forward and shoves Bohm back into the fence, keeping her there until the horn. 10-9 Leonardo.

Round 3

Leonardo opens up with a punching combination and then comes up short on a pair of spinning kicks. Bohm sticks a straight right followed by a low kick. A counter right from Leonardo briefly puts Bohm on the defensive. Leonardo forces the clinch and shoves Bohm back into the fence. Leonardo drops for a takedown and Bohm defends with a guillotine. Leonardo isn’t in danger and Bohm relents on the grip. Bohm reverses position and lands short punches to the ribs and a knee down the middle. They separate and Bohm finds the range on a nice body kick before Leonardo initiates a tie-up. Leonardo is back to grinding away, but Movahedi wants action and orders the flyweights to separate. Leonardo lands a few short punches in close quarters. Bohm stalks Leonardo and lands another leg kick. Bohm misses a standing elbow but connects with a body kick. Leonardo shoots and drives Bohm into the fence. This time, she plants Bohm on her back against the cage in the late moments of the frame. Leonardo stands and drops a punch in Bohm’s guard before the end of the period. 10-9 Leonardo (30-27 Leonardo).

The Official Result

Victoria Leonardo def. Mandy Bohm via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Jai Herbert (155) vs. Kyle Nelson (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Herbert (-265), Nelson (+225)

Round 1

Both Herbert and Nelson have lost three of their last four promotional appearances, so jobs could be at stake in this lightweight affair, which will be governed by veteran official Herb Dean. They touch gloves and we’re underway, with Nelson moving up from featherweight. Nelson lands a hard body kick to start out. Herbert extends a long jab. Nelson with a body kick followed by a calf kick. Nelson lands another low kick. Nelson grabs a leg as Herbert lands a knee to the midsection. The Canadian is in on a takedown and he shoves Herbert into the fence. Herbert is defending well so far, but Nelson is persistent in his approach. Nelson lands a knee before Herbert reverses position. Nelson creates space and lands a big elbow with his back to the fence. They continue to battle in the clinch, with Herbert currently controlling position. Another elbow for Nelson, but not as powerful as the first. Nelson with a short elbow before breaking free. Nelson throws a high kick but it’s blocked. A calf kick from the Canadian finds its mark, though. Nelson ends the period with another low kick. 10-9 Nelson.

Round 2

Herbert opens up with a kick to the body as he circles on the outside of the cage. Nelson stalks his man and lands a body kick. Herbert answers with a jab. Nelson dodges a pair of high kicks and then attacks with the calf kick again. The action picks up as both men trade low kicks and Herbert opens up a little bit more. Herbert jab the body and then lands a left hook to the body. They clinch and Nelson drives a knee into the midsection before shoving his foe into the cage. Herbert circles off the fence, but Nelson reverses and goes high with a knee. Nelson defends a trip attempt by Herbert as the clinch battle wages on. Herbert connects with an elbow in close quarters, and he defends a hip toss and continues to control position. Herbert with a nice right hand on the break. Nelson appears to be slowing down somewhat. Herbert pressures and absorbs a low kick. Herbert tags Nelson with a right before clinching with Nelson. After a spirited exchange in close quarters, Herbert sprawls nicely on a Nelson shot, and the lightweights end the round in the clinch. 10-9 Herbert.

Round 3

They trade leg kicks early, but Herbert appeared to be more affected by the blow. Nelson with a body kick and Herbert answers with a combination. Herbert defends a takedown and powers his way into top position, where he sets up in Nelson’s half guard and drops a shoulder strike. Nelson holds Herbert close to neutralize his offense from above. Herbert seems content to remain in half guard rather than looking to advance to mount. A few short right hands land for the Englishman. Nelson recovers full guard. Nelson is able to work his way to a knee as Herbert attempts to circle his way to the Canadian’s back. Nelson is now up with a minute left. He turns off the fence and shoves Herbert into the cage. Nelson works for a takedown but Herbert defends all the way until the horn. A late shot from Nelson at the horn draws a displeased reaction from “The Black Country Banger.” 10-9 Herbert (29-28 Herbert).

The Official Result

Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Charles Johnson (125.5) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mokaev (-460), Johnson (+370)

Round 1

An interesting matchup of flyweight prospects is on tap, as Mokaev, the youngest fighter on the UFC roster, and Johnson, a former Legacy Fighting Alliance champion, are ready to lock horns. Marc Goddard will be the third man in the cage for the bout. The crowd is engaged as we’re underway with Mokaev stalking his foe. Johnson circles away and slips. Mokaev pressures and lands some heavy hooks. Mokaev keeps the pressure on and he secures a body lock behind a combination. Mokaev clasps his hands and suplexes Johnson to the canvas. The American pops right back up, but Mokaev is still attached to his back. Johnson lands some elbows to the thighs, but Mokaev is composed. Mokaev slams Johnson down and looks to get his hooks in, but Johnson stands up quickly again. Johnson is in a state of constant defense thus far, and Mokaev continues to maintain his grip. Johnson with a sneak back elbow while attempting to break his foe’s grip. Johnson turns, but Mokaev dumps him on the mat again. Johnson is up immediately. Mokaev stays sticky with a rear waistlock and then resets for a takedown. Johnson defends it but will end with Mokaev still attached to him. 10-9 Mokaev.

Round 2

Johnson probes with a few front kicks. Mokaev lands a leg kick in return. They throw dueling kicks and Mokaev is briefly knocked off balance. Mokaev changes levels and Johnson stuffs the takedown. Mokaev keeps the pressure on, backs Johnson into the fence and drops for a single leg. Mokaev puts Johnson on his butt against the fence. The American throws a few elbows before standing up. Mokaev wraps up Johnson’s leg and is back in the same position we saw for the majority of Round 1. Mokaev shoots for a takedown, then deftly shifts to the back as Johnson denies the attempts. Mokaev can’t take the back but he assumes top position inside Johnson’s guard after a scramble. Johnson looks to create space with his legs, but Mokaev floats on top and dives back into full guard. Johnson keeps scrambling and working, but Mokaev remains a step ahead. Now Mokaev is in side control. He stands, avoids an upkick from Johnson and dives back into top position, and that’s how the stanza ends. 10-9 Mokaev.

Round 3

A leg kick lands for Johnson and he stalks his foe early, stepping in with a knee. That allows Mokaev to change levels and dump his man on his back near the fence. Johnson again works his way up, but he can’t break Mokaev’s iron grip. Mokaev wraps up Johnson’s left leg and is attached to his foe’s back. A scramble ensues and Mokaev grounds Johnson against the fence. Johnson is up and Mokaev executes a suplex. Johnson pops up and briefly wears Mokaev like a backpack before Mokaev drops down and laces up the leg. Johnson denies a takedown and temporarily gets some space, but Mokaev is right back on him, driving the American into the cage. Johnson continues to defend, but Mokaev is relentless in chaining takedown attempts together. They stand and Mokaev laces the leg again. Johnson briefly threatens with a guillotine after Mokaev drops for a takedown, but he relents on the grip. Mokaev puts Johnson on his seat with one final takedown just before the horn. 10-9 Mokaev (30-27 Mokaev).

The Official Result

Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Makwan Amirkhani (145.5) vs. Jonathan Pearce (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pearce (-200), Amirkhani (+170)

Round 1

Dan Movahedi will oversee this featherweight showdown. No glove touch for this one. Amirkhani misses the mark on a leaping knee, but he does find the range on a low kick. Amirkhani changes levels. He clings to a single leg and Pearce is just unloading with elbows to the side of the head. Amirkhani is already busted open but he stays devoted to the takedown and drags Pearce to the mat. Amirkhani nearly has the back but instead gets a front headlock in a scramble, where he looks to frame a choke. He drops back for a potential guillotine, then has his hands locked for an anaconda choke. Pearce escapes the submission attempts and they’re back up. A counter left finds the mark for Amirkhani. Pearce just misses on a right hand and Amirkhani snaps his foes head back with a jab. Amirkhani looks for a takedown and another scramble ensues. Pearce drops more elbows as he defends a single leg. Amirkhani won’t relent as he absorbs more elbows. Pearce assumes top position and drops elbows and punches. He dives in with one more big right hand before the horn. 10-9 Pearce.

Round 2

Pearce throws a body kick, then a front kick to keep Amirkhani at bay. It’s a kick heavy attack at range for Pearce. Amirkhani clips Pearce with a right during an exchange. Another heavy right lands for Amirkhani, and the action is heating up. Pearce shoots for a takedown behind a flurry of punches. He escapes a guillotine and uses a fence grab to aid him in a scramble to maintain top position. Pearce lands some hard knees to the body from side control against the fence. Amirkhani is on his knees and then stands, but Pearce pulls Amirkhani’s leg out and lands a hard punch. Pearce is on top, landing a barrage of ground-and-pound from half guard. None of the punches are extremely heavy, but the volume is impressive. Amirkhani is on his knees and Pearce continues to unload, increasing the intensity of the shots. Amirkhani gets a warning from Movahedi to improve his position but Pearce continues to tee off with punches. Finally, Movahedi has seen enough and steps in to save Amirkhani.

The Official Result

Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan Amirkhani via TKO (Punches) R2 4:10

Charles Rosa (145) vs. Nathaniel Wood (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Wood (-520), Rosa (+410)

Round 1

Lukasz Bosacki will officiate this featherweight clash. Wood takes the center of the cage and both men land leg kicks. Wood finds the range on a right and draws a smile from Rosa. Another right lands for Wood and Rosa grabs a leg. Wood defends and separates. A body kick lands for Rosa. Wood slips a punch and lands a left hook. A calf kick from Wood sends Rosa tumbling down. He pops up and the featherweights share a high five. A counter left hook lands clean for Wood. Rosa lunges in with a body kick. Wood eludes a combination without issue and tags Rosa with a combination. Wood is picking Rosa apart when they exchange. Another low kick draws a reaction from Rosa. A low kick and a left hook land for Wood. They clinch up briefly and Rosa drives a knee into Wood’s groin, which prompts a pause in the action. The fight resumes and Wood makes Rosa stumble back with another calf kick. Wood denies a takedown attempt, but moments late, he attempts to leap as Rosa shoots, which results in him being dumped on the mat. Rosa locks in a brabo choke but time is limited and Wood escapes. 10-9 Wood.

Round 2

Wood steps in with a right hand at the outset. Wood with a crisp counter right as Rosa attempts a kick. Wood grins at his foe and goes on the offensive. Another right lands and Rosa is bleeding from a cut on his cheek. Rosa is relying on a kick heavy attack on the feet. Another stiff right lands, but Rosa answers with a counter left. A low kick sends Rosa to the canvas, but Wood isn’t going to follow him to the canvas. Rosa gets back up. They clinch and Wood lands a two-punch combination and then knocks Rosa off balance with another low kick. Wood denies a takedown and trips Rosa to the mat. They tie up and trade slashing elbows in close quarters. Wood’s appeared to land with more impact, however. Another leg kick from Wood and then he trips Rosa to the canvas from the clinch. Rosa pops back up, but he doesn’t have much for his opponent on the feet. Wood ends the frame with a two-punch combination. 10-9 Wood.

Round 3

Wood goes right back to the well with more leg kicks. Another hard low kick takes Rosa’s legs out from under him. Wood defends a takedown and pushes Rosa’s head down. He lets Rosa up. Rosa rolls forward in an attempt to lure Wood to the mat, but he isn’t biting. Wood lands a knee in the clinch and ducks under a spinning elbow from Rosa. A short elbow lands for Wood in close. Rosa continues ot move forward. He eats a right hand from Wood and then a leg kick knocks him to the mat again. Wood catches Rosa with a right and they tie up. They trade in close and then Rosa whiffs on a spinning elbow. Another calf kick knocks Rosa off balance, but he attempts to grab a single leg on the way down. Wood stuffs it and extracts himself to return to the feet. Another low kick makes Rosa lose his balance. Rosa yells in an attempt to draw Wood into a brawl in the final seconds. Rosa gets a takedown in the waning seconds and Wood claps from a seated position against the fence as time runs out. 10-9 Wood (30-27 Wood).

The Official Result

Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) R3 5:00

Marc Diakiese (156) vs. Damir Hadzovic (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Diakiese (-330), Hadzovic (+275)

Round 1

Herb Dean will referee this lightweight pairing. Diakiese feints some big movements early, drawing a reaction from Hadzovic, before changing levels and securing a takedown near the fence. “Bonecrusher” sets up inside the guard of his opponent. Diakiese lands a couple right hands to the ribs. Hadzovic doesn’t appear to have any answers from his back, as Diakiese continues to grind away from top position. The Brit passes to half guard before working his way to Hadzovic’s back. Diakiese laces a leg and throws some left hands to the head. Hadzovic battles his way up, only to see Diakiese drag him right back down to the mat. Diakiese stays just busy enough, controlling positioning and landing the occasional punch from above. One-way traffic this round. 10-9 Diakiese.

Round 2

Hadzovic opens up with a leg kick. Diakiese pressures and quickly shoots for a takedown against the fence. Hadzovic doesn’t defend for long before Diakiese grabs a leg, pulls him off the fence and plants him on his back. Diakiese is on top and in half guard. Hadzovic will have to show a better ability to return to his feet if he wants to change the complexion of this fight. Diakiese grinds away from above and transitions to a rear waistlock as Hadzovic stands. He drags Hadzovic down with ease. Hadzovic stands again, and is taken down again. Diakiese wraps up the legs of his adversary and lands a few punches to the head. Hadzovic appeared to be cut by an accidental clash of heads as Diakiese attempted to advance position. Herb Dean orders a break in the action as a result of the clash. The doctor comes in to look at the eye of Hadzovic. The fight resumes standing and Hadzovic looks for a single of his own. Diakiese defends with a guillotine and then lands an elbow followed by a left hand. Another left lands and “Bonecrusher” moves forward with a combination before the horn. 10-9 Diakiese.

Round 3

Diakiese shoots immediately but Hadzovic defends and shucks him off. Moments later, however, the Englishman twists his foe to the canvas and sets up in full guard. Diakiese postures up and drops a left hand. Diakiese drives his left forearm into the chin of Hadzovic. Hadzovic posts an arm and is now seated against the fence. Diakiese drives his head into the chest of his foe and pulls Hadzovic off the fence. It’s a rinse-and-repeat performance from Diakiese, who continues to control things from top position. It’s not the most exciting, but Hadzovic has offered so little resistance that there’s no need for Diakiese to adopt a change in strategy. Diakiese stands briefly and then dives back into top position. Diakiese stands briefly, throws a high kick and secures one more takedown at the horn. 10-9 Diakiese (30-27 Diakiese).

The Official Result

Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) R3 5:00

Mason Jones (155.5) vs. Ludovit Klein (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jones (-320), Klein (+265)

Round 1

Marc Goddard will oversee the final preliminary bout of the card. Klein lands a jab as Jones moves forward. Jones pressures and misses an upward elbow. A left hook finds the mark for Jones and Klein answers with a straight left. A body kick by Klein is blocked. Jones leaps in and ties up with Klein. Jones with a variety of strikes in close, including a knee and a shoulder strike. They separate and both men land in a quick exchange. Klein with a knee in the clinch. A body kick finds the range for Jones. Klein connects with a glancing high kick. They clinch again and Jones shoves Klein into the fence, landing a short elbow and a knee to the midsection. A counter left lands for Klein, but Jones keeps moving forward. A leaping high kick from Klein snaps Jones head back, but he is undeterred and forces the clinch. Jones briefly drops for a takedown but gives up on it. Jones lands a few knees in the clinch before the horn. 10-9 Klein.

Round 2

Jones marches forward and gets tagged with a two-piece combination for his efforts. Jones keeps pressuring and Klein drops him with another quick, accurate combination. Klein jumps on top of his stunned foe, but Jones seems to have recovered quickly, as he holds his opponent close. Klein creates some space and lands some powerful hammerfists. Jones is active with his guard, and Klein stands. Klein works his way to Jones’ back in a scramble and secures a body lock. Jones spins out and shoves Klein into the fence. Jones drops low but Klein denies the takedown. Jones shoves Klein into the cage and lands some knees before thinking about another takedown. Klein defends and separates with about a minute to go. A counter left and a body kick land for Klein. Jones answers with a body kick and a flying knee. Jones has a hip toss denied, and Klein shoves him into the fence. Jones reverses and looks for a single leg. Klein frees himself before the end of the round. 10-9 Klein.

Round 3

Klein is looking to counter as Jones advances. Jones is able to close distance and clinch. Jones lands an elbow in close and keeps the clinch. Jones tries to pull guard for a highlight reel submission but it backfires, as he slips off, allowing Klein to take top position. Jones creates space with his guard and lands a glancing upkick before Klein dives back into his full guard. Klein finds space for a short elbow from above. Klein stands briefly and dives back into Jones’ guard, where he lands another short elbow. There’s not tons of offense from Klein, but he’s staying just busy enough. Jones gives up his back in attempt to escape. Klein gets his hooks in as Jones stands. Klein jumps down and Jones turns in. Klein grinds his foe into the fence, but Jones does land a nice uppercut. A jumping knee misses the mark from Jones as the separate. Klein with a leg kick and they’re still at range. The fight ends without a final push from Jones, who might’ve needed it. 10-9 Klein (30-27 Klein).

The Official Result

Ludovit Klein def. Mason Jones via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Paul Craig (206) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (205.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oezdemir (-155), Craig (+135)

Round 1

Former light heavyweight title challenger Oezdemir will attempt to halt Craig’s six-fight unbeaten streak — and four-fight finishing streak — in this pairing, with Lukasz Bosacki as the third man in the cage. Oezdemir backs Craig up and lands a leg kick. Craig shoots and then pulls guard, but Oezdemir wisely gets up. Craig pulls guard again and Oezdemir extracts his leg. Moments later, Craig gets Oezdemir trapped in his guard and threatens with a heel hook. Oezdemir is staying composed and he is able to free his leg and return to the feet. Craig changes levels under an Oezdemir punch and then pulls “No Time” into his guard. Oezdemir drops a couple big shots from above. Craig is looking for another leg lock, but Oezdemir avoids it and he stands again. Craig is back on a leg and Oezdemir hops around and frees himself. An elbow from Oezdemir opens a cut on Craig’s head. Craig with a front kick down the middle and a leg kick. Oezdemir pressures with heavy punches and Craig tries to pull guard. Oezdemir backs up and makes him stand. Oezdemir denies a takedown and again doesn’t follow Craig to the mat. A leg kick lands for Oezdemir. A left hook lands for Craig followed by a head kick late. Oezdemir shoots for a takedown of his own and is denied at the horn. 10-9 Oezdemir.

Round 2

Craig follows a front kick with a head kick and Oezdemir runs his man over for a takedown. He stands and forces Craig to follow. “Bearjew” lands a heavy right. The Scotland native is opening up his offense now, mixing up punches and kicks. Following an exchange, Craig shoots and pulls guard, pulling Oezdemir with him. Oezdemir with a few hammerfists. Oezdemir escapes and Craig follows, landing more punches. Oezdemir denies a takedown, but Craig follows with some kicks. Another shot results in Craig pulling Oezdemir into mount. Craig recovers half guard, and Oezdemir drops some short elbows before returning to his feet. Another standup is ordered. Craig steps in with a left hook. Oezdemir with an inside leg kick. Oezdemir lunges in and lands a right hand. Craig answers with a combination, feints a takedown and lands a glancing spinning back elbow. Oezdemir wades forward and lands some big shots against the fence. He briefly follows Craig to the mat and then elects to stand. Oezdemir lands a big right hand against the fence before Craig pulls guard. Oezdemir ends the frame with some moderate ground-and-pound from above. 10-9 Oezdemir.

Round 3

A body kick finds the mark for Craig. Oezdemir clips Craig with a short left and then follows his foe to the mat. Oezdemir gets a little reckless with ground-and-pound and nearly gets caught in an armbar. Oezdemir frees himself and they stand. A solid leg kick lands for Oezdemir. Craig with a hard calf kick. He shoots for a takedown and eats some short shots as he pulls Oezdemir into guard. “No Time” escapes and stands, forcing Craig to come with him. Craig lands a glancing right hand. Oezdemir answers with a leg kick and then shucks off a takedown. Oezdemir drops his hands briefly and Craig throws a spinning back kick to the body. Oezdemir eludes a spinning elbow and again denies his foe’s invitation to come to the mat. Craig lands a right and Oezdemir responds with a jab. Craig ups the volume, landing punches and a body kick. Craig with another combination punctuated by a body kick. There isn’t a lot of steam behind the shots, though. Oezdemir sticks a left jab and ends the fight with a leg kick. 10-9 Oezdemir (30-27 Oezdemir).

The Official Result

Volkan Oezdemir def. Paul Craig via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Hannah Goldy (125) vs. Molly McCann (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McCann (-390), Goldy (+320)

Round 1

Herb Dean will oversee this flyweight clash, which features McCann looking for another highlight-reel finish in front of the home folks. McCann works her way inside and lands on overhand right. They clinch and Goldy lands a knee to the midsection. McCann keeps the pressure on, switching stances and looking for openings. A jab to the body lands for “Meatball.” Goldy closes the distance and pushes McCann into the fence. Goldy looks strong as she maintains her grip. McCann gains separation and they’re back in the center of the cage. Goldy times and kick and looks for a takedown, only to eat a heavy counter from her opponent. McCann with a short left in close quarters. McCann catches a kick and shoves Goldy to the canvas, then avoids a leg lock from her opponent. McCann doesn’t want to go to the mat, so Goldy is forced to stand. An impressive flurry of offense ensues. McCann rocks her foe with a right hand over the top, which is immediately followed by a spinning elbow that also connects. From there, “Meatball” unloads with a flurry of heavy shots on her reeling adversary. Goldy falls to her knees and McCann keeps pouring it on until the bout is halted. McCann then jumps out of the Octagon to celebrate her victory with the raucous crowd at the O2 Arena.

The Official Result

Molly McCann def. Hannah Goldy via TKO (Punches) R1 3:52

Alexander Gustafsson (205) vs. Nikita Krylov (204)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Krylov (-200), Gustafsson (+170)

Round 1

Gustafsson returns to 205 pounds after a brief stop at heavyweight in 2020 against Krylov, who has lost three of his last four. Marc Goddard will officiate the bout. Krylov drops Gustafsson with an overhand right during an early exchange. Gustafsson eats a series of knees as he returns to his feet, and the former title challenger is already in a world of trouble. Gustafsson clinches with Krylov to get a brief respite from the onslaught. Krylov breaks free and keeps his foot on the gas pedal. Gustafsson catches a body kick only to get dropped by a short left hand in close quarters with Krylov still on one leg. Krylov stands over his fallen opponent and alternates left and right hands until Goddard steps in on Gustafsson’s behalf.

The Official Result

Nikita Krylov def. Alexander Gustafsson via TKO (Punches) R1 1:07

Jordan Leavitt (155) vs. Paddy Pimblett (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pimblett (-245), Leavitt (+205)

Round 1

Dan Movahedi will oversee what is one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening. Pimblett, as expected, gets a huge pop from the crowd. Pimblett takes the center of the cage and pressures with punches. Leavitt responds with a single leg. “The Monkey King” briefly gets his foe down and maintains the clinch when Pimblett stands. Pimblett defends with a guillotine, but Leavitt lifts him up and executes a big slam. “The Baddy” maintains his hold on the choke and he has Leavitt trapped in his full guard. Leavitt is able to pop his head free and Pimblett stands up. Leavitt presses his foe into the fence and Pimblett jumps guard for a guillotine. Leavitt avoids the submission and maintains a body lock as the Cage Warriors vet stands. Leavitt continues to grind away in the clinch, making Pimblett work to defend takedowns against the fence. Leavitt clings to a single leg before Pimblett lands a couple hard elbows to the side of the head. Pimblett finally gets some space at about 45 seconds. Pimblett uses the opportunity to land a jumping kick before threatening with a guillotine. Pimblett takes the back in the waning seconds and drops a few punches from above before the horn. 10-9 Leavitt.

Round 2

Pimblett gets to work right away but can’t find the range on his initial combination. Leavitt answers with a front kick. Pimblett again blitzes forward with punches, but Leavitt is doing well to move away thus far. A right hand lands for Leavitt before he secures a single leg and shoves his foe into the fence. Pimblett defends with his back to the fence and lands an elbow. Leavitt drops low but Pimblett frames a choke and then lands a knee to the had that seems to hurt Leavitt, who falls to his knees. The maneuver allows Pimblett to take his foe’s back, and he’s got Leavitt’s right arm trapped in the body triangle. With Leavitt having just one arm free to defend, Pimblett is able to lock in a tight rear-naked choke. Leavitt can only resist for a few seconds before he’s forced to tap. Like Molly McCann before him, Pimblett leaps from the Octagon to celebrate his victory in the arena with the fans.

The Official Result

Paddy Pimblett def. Jordan Leavitt via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:46

Chris Curtis (186) vs. Jack Hermansson (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hermansson (-115), Curtis (-105)

Round 1

Curtis steps in for the injured Darren Till and puts his eight-fight winning streak on the line against Hermansson. Marc Goddard is the third man in the cage for the middleweight co-main event. Hermansson opens up with an outside leg kick. Curtis lands a two-punch combination as Hermansson comes forward. Hermansson tries to kick Curtis’ knee, and “Action Man” questions the attack with his palms outward. Another outside leg kick lands for Hermansson. Hermansson lands a jumping knee to the midsection and follows up with a leg kick. Another outside leg kick for “The Joker.” Curtis blocks a high kick, but another leg kick lands for Hermansson, who is having success on the outside. Hermansson is keeping Curtis off balance with his movement and kicks. Curtis steps in and digs a left hook to the body. Hermansson grabs a single leg but lets it go and misses a combination. A nice body kick finds the range for Hermansson. Hermansson continues to find success with low kicks. Curtis blocks another head kick. 10-9 Hermansson.

Round 2

Hermansson is back to fighting on the outside, working behind his variety of kicks. Curtis tries to get in boxing range, but Hermansson darts away. A kick down the middle lands to the midsection for Hermansson. Hermansson mixes up his kicks and lands a snapping body kick. Curtis is struggling to find opportunities to pull the trigger thus far. A high kick that appears to be blocked has Curtis wobbly and Hermansson capitalizes, teeing off with a barrage of punches and elbows against the fence. Curtis covers up and absorbs the barrage, and he seems to have recovered. They’re back in the middle of the Octagon and Hermansson steps in with a knee to the chin. Curtis appears to be getting frustrated, but he does land a nice counter right after a Hermansson knee. Hermansson with a hard body kick followed by a right hand. Curtis is able to land a left to the body before the horn, but that round belonged to Hermansson. 10-9 Hermansson.

Round 3

Hermansson keeps mixing up his kicks, going to the head and body early in the round. Hermansson follows a Superman punch with a leg kick that briefly makes Curtis buckle. Hermansson lands another glancing head kick. Hermansson counters Curtis with a two-piece combination. “The Joker” continues to do well mixing up his strikes, throwing punches and kicks to all levels. Curtis pressures and lands a right to the body. Hermansson changes levels and shoots for a takedown, but Curtis defends it well. Shortly thereafter, a kick from Hermansson lands on the cup and time is called. After a brief respite, the bout resumes. Hermansson follows a left hook with a body kick, then jabs Curtis a couple more times. Curtis wants Hermansson to meet him in the middle of the Octagon, but Hermansson remains technical and poised. Curtis gets into boxing range and lands a right. “Action Man” increases the sense of urgency and lands another good shot and then stuffs a takedown. Curtis is slowed by a pair of body kicks. Curtis is pushing the pace in the waning moments, but he’s getting frustrated by Hermansson’s movement. Hermansson with a couple more body kicks and high kick before the horn. Curtis isn’t pleased with Hermansson’s strategy and the two exchange words before Curtis gives his opponent a pair of middle fingers. 10-9 Hermansson (30-27 Hermansson).

The Official Result

Jack Hermansson def. Chris Curtis via Unanimous Decision (29-28 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00

Curtis Blaydes (260) vs. Tom Aspinall (251)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aspinall (-130), Blaydes (+110)

Round 1

Herb Dean will officiate this heavyweight clash, which could go a long way toward determining the next title contender. Blaydes lands a right hand as Aspinall closes distance. Aspinall is aggressive right away, but Blaydes is having success landing counter right hands early. The Englishman steps in with a leg kick and Blaydes counters with a two-punch combination. Aspinall steps awkwardly and falls back in pain, not as a result of the punches but instead due to what appears to be an apparent knee injury. Aspinall is still on the canvas in visible agony, and for Blaydes, it’s a bittersweet victory. For the second consecutive week, a UFC Fight Night headliner has ended early as a result of an injury.

The Official Result

Curtis Blaydes def. Tom Aspinall via TKO (Knee Injury) R1 0:15