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UFC Fight Night 216 ‘Cannonier vs. Strickland’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sherdog's live UFC Fight Night 216 coverage will begin Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.

Sergey Morozov (136) vs. Journey Newson (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morozov (-280), Newson (+235)

Round 1

It’s time for the final UFC event of 2022, and what a year it has been. Have no fear, Sherdog will have you covered chronicling all of the glorious and ludicrous happenings the last 350 days plus the next couple weeks to come. Before then, to quote master lyricist Redman, it’s time 4 sum aksion. In the blue corner, we have the funk body snatcher Morozov (18-5, 2-2 UFC), hard enough to chew a whole bag of rocks. Ready to chew an avenue, chew an off street and off block is Newson (10-3, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC). Lights, camera, cock back the hammer, it’s fight time. Referee Chris Tognoni clocks in as the bantamweights touch gloves. Morozov claims the center of the cage and ducks into a jab, and he leans back as a head kick whizzes past his face. Newson kicks at odd angles, tossing out side kicks and making Morozov take a second look at closing in. Newson just misses with a side kick to the head and a spinning kick, and Morozov leaps forward to strike but comes up just shy of the mark. Newson pushes forward to get off a jab, but it is a leg kick that he scores with more gravitas. The American lets go with a pair of punches to drive Morozov back, and he uses high kicks to keep Morozov honest. Newson lunges with a one-two, and he marks up his foe’s nose early. Newson gets off a high kick and rushes out with a right hand, and he falls to a knee but climbs back up before his foe can reach him. Morozov attempts to counter when Newson crashes the pocket, but he is beaten to the punch while Newson is also elusive on the way out. Morozov pressures but does not throw much of note, with Newson the more active striker of sorts. Morozov suddenly sprints forward, and he elevates Newson with a double-leg takedown and slams him on the mat. Newson scoots to the wall and works his way back up in a hurry, only for Morozov to trip him right back down. Morozov gets off short knees on the inside while staying heavily pressed to his adversary, and he changes levels in hopes of lifting Newson up again but fails. Morozov sneaks a knee up high, and as he does, Newson scrambles and breaks away to get free. Newson, in a safe distance, employs his reaching leg kicks and long left hands, until Morozov comes forward with a jump knee to the solar plexus. Newson looks to pay him back with a pair of looping hooks, and he ends the short combo with a low kick. When Newson fires off punches, Morozov escapes, and the bell rings.

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Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Newson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morozov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Newson

Round 2

The first strike of the second frame comes from Morozov, in the form of a jumping body kick. Newson attempts to respond, but he comes up short. Newson slams a calf kick home, and it lands with an audible thud. Newson aims another one as Morozov winds up at him, and he drills the Kazakhstani fighter with an overhand right. Morozov skates away when Newson blitzes him, and he swats away a front kick and lands a kick to his foe’s side. Morozov scores a second, and he hops away from a sweeping low kick. They both swing for the fences with power punches, and the air blows their respective short-cropped hair back. Morozov sees the awkward strikes of Newson flying at him, evading side kicks and winging hooks but not catching the low kicks. Newson changes things up by sprinting forward to punch and kick, and Morozov messes up his foe’s rhythm with a smooth double-leg entry that sets the American on his seat. Newson squirms to the wall and gets to a knee, and he is warned for grabbing the fence as he tries to fight his way back up. Newson attempts to stand, and he scores a no-look elbow right before Morozov drags him back away from the fencing to his hands and knees. Newson hurriedly crawls back to the wire in hopes of wall-walking, and Morozov peppers him with knees to the backside and thigh. The Kazakhstani bantamweight lifts Newson off the ground and away from the cage, but Newson recovers quickly and gets to his feet. Morozov clings to his foe like a cheap suit, and he hangs on until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morozov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morozov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Morozov

Round 3

One final glove touch opens up the last round, and while Morozov starts off aggressively, Newson drives him back with swarming punches. Newson closes the distance with leaping punches, and one catches Morozov behind the ear and staggers him momentarily. Newson follows up with another looping hook, and he whips a kick to the body while Morozov recovers. Newson swings for the bleachers with practically everything he attempts, which opens him up to a takedown attempt. Morozov scoops Newson up like a sack of potatoes and dumps him to the ground, where he lands in north-south posture. Newson scrambles and tries to get to the cage wall, but Morozov times his escape effort and takes his back during the crawl. Morozov gets both hooks in and starts fishing for chokes, and Newson uses two-on-one wrist control to spin around and get out. Seconds after the American stands up, Morozov is on him, looking for a body lock, a trip, or any sort of takedown he can muster. Morozov gets creative with trips and sweeps to drag Newson to a knee, and Newson somersaults to get away but does not get anywhere. The competitive snuggling mode of Morozov’s game has been fully activated, as he hangs on without landing many strikes while settling for control time. Morozov looks to muscle his man to the mat, but Newson pushes off a knee and gets up, and he shoves Morozov away to be free. Newson leaps at his adversary with a flying knee, and Morozov sees it coming from a mile away and evades it. As Newson comes up inches short with a head kick, Morozov responds with a front kick that surprises his opponent. Morozov ducks an overhand right and grips Newson from around the waist, and he drags Newson to the ground with seconds to go. The fight comes to a conclusion as Newson attempts to scramble out.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morozov (29-28 Morozov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morozov (30-27 Morozov)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Morozov (29-28 Morozov)

The Official Result

Sergey Morozov def. Journey Newson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

David Dvorak (125.5) vs. Manel Kape (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kape (-240), Dvorak (+200)

Round 1

Flyweights grace the cage next in a surprisingly important matchup for divisional relevance, surprising in how low this fight is placed for one that will determine a top-10 fighter at 125 pounds. Dvorak (20-4, 3-1 UFC) currently resides within that range, while Kape (17-6, 2-2 UFC) aims to break in and likely hunts for a dramatic finish to get there. With only five decisions across their 37 pro wins, referee Keith Peterson expects no nonsense here. There is no bad blood, as the contenders touch ‘em up before aiming to knock the other’s block off. The fighters are tentative to begin, heavily respecting the power of the other. Dvorak stays on the outside well out of striking range, and he scores one calf kick before darting away. Kape lines up his heavy overhand right but does not launch it, as Dvorak strafes away. Kape begins to showboat by putting his hands behind his back, hoping that he will draw Dvorak into an engagement, and he switches stances to give chase. Dvorak sinks in another powerful calf kick, and Kape is quick to changes stances to protect that lead wheel. Kape walks into a kick, and Dvorak continues to move and do circles around the cage. When Dvorak goes after another kick, Kape springs into action with a few punches, and Dvorak escapes in the nick of time. Kape charges and scores an uppercut, and as he attempts to follow it, Dvorak intercepts him and hits a speedy takedown to land in side control. When “The Undertaker” looks to pass to mount, Kape drags him back to his guard and closes it. Dvorak exerts heavy shoulder pressure and tries to weigh heavily, and Kape throws a few strikes from off his back. Kape gets stacked up and cracked with a left hand, and he fights off a Kape triangle or armbar setup. Kape isolates the left arm for a kimura, possibly looking to sweep his foe, and Dvorak settles for elbows to the thigh and side to answer. Kape keeps cranking the arm, and he gets it out and puts it behind Dvorak’s back and rolls his foe over. Dvorak fights with all his might to tough it out, and Kape torques it to a nasty angle but does not get the tap he seeks. The round ends before he can achieve the submission, but it might have won him the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Kape

Round 2

Doctors check Dvorak between rounds to make sure his left arm has not taken any serious damage, as he held it walking back to his corner. He shows the medical staff he can stretch his arms just fine, and he is cleared to continue. The second round begins cautiously again, as Dvorak does not throw much from that hurt wing, but he doubles down with right hands when Kape comes at him. Kape waits for the perfect shot, staying in the center of the cage without using much offense, and springing into action every so often. Dvorak sees the blitzes coming and circles away from the power, moving laterally when Kape changes stances to chase. Kape bears down on his man and cracks him with two short punches, and he hops away when “The Undertaker” wings a right hand at him. Dvorak times a big right over the top, but it is one-and-done as Kape counters and misses. Dvorak thumps a calf kick home to prompt a change in stances, and he walks straight into a flying knee. Kape lines up a right hook and ducks straight into a head kick, but he eats it without issue and plods forward. Kape points at his damaged opponent and staggers him with a short salvo, doing enough to make Dvorak falls to his back. Dvorak aims upkicks while Kape attempts to finish the job, and he survives and even throws a wild kick off his back to nearly slap Kape in the face. “Starboy” calls him to stand back up, and he marches forward to rip the body with a pair of punches, Kape knows his foe is in trouble, and he bust him up with punches to the head and ribcage. Dvorak is tough, and he absorbs a clean spinning back elbow on the jaw and times the movement perfectly to shove Kape over, move on top and take Kape’s back. Nearly able to reach for a rear-naked choke, Dvorak elects to heel kick the side and posterior until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Kape

Round 3

Fists get bumped to start off the last round, and Dvorak’s movement and footwork is back beneath him after having the minute to clear his head. Dvorak swings and misses with two lunging hooks, and he dips back when Kape swats at him with a left hook. Dvorak begins to press forward, and he reaches up with spinning high kick. Kape dodges and showboats to look around and away, and Dvorak lunges in to strike. Kape intercepts him with a low kick and a short left hand, but Dvorak continues to move and throw in response. Dvorak gets a right hand over the top, and he closes in and gets uppercutted for his work. Kape is in his element, sniping with strikes and busting the Czech fighter’s nose open. When Kape leaps in, Dvorak pushes off with his fingers out, and Kape calls an eye poke. Peterson sees the possible foul, assesses that it was a legal but odd push-off, and restarts them. Dvorak goes low with a calf kick and scores a left, and Kape begins to start dribbling an invisible basketball. Dvorak races in with a takedown, knowing he is likely down on the scorecards, and Kape is too slick to get hold of him for long. Dvorak comes in with a jab, and Kape puts his hands behind his back and leans forward. When Kape attempts to set up a knee, Dvorak catches him with a left hook, but Kape does not mind. Dvorak lands again, and Kape gets caught but still continues to motion and make fun of his opponent. Dvorak gets hit on the way in, but he connects with his own punches until they crash together. Peterson checks to make sure the two did not clash heads, and he resets them in the clinch. Dvorak pushes off and swings with all his might, tagging Kape with a left and a right. Kape dances out of the way and swaggers off, with “The Undertaker” unable to catch him before the final bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kape (30-27 Kape)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kape (30-27 Kape)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Kape (30-27 Kape)

The Official Result

Manel Kape def. David Dvorak via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Bryan Battle (170) vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fakhretdinov (-135), Battle (+115)

Round 1

Having prevailed in the 29th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in the middleweight bracket, the surging Battle (8-1, 3-0 UFC) has since moved down to 170 pounds and continued to impress. His next test comes in the form of highly experienced, once-beaten Russian Fakhretdinov (19-1, 1-0 UFC), who exceeds Battle’s stoppage rate of 75% with his own at 84%. Laces are tied for referee Herb Dean ahead of this welterweight scrap, one that begins without a fist bump. Fakhretdinov is the aggressor to begin, and he walks right through a head kick to wing a right hand over the top behind the ear. From there, the Russian charges like a bull, straight into a double-leg that allows him to pick Battle up and pull him away from the cage to hit the ground. Battle closes his guard and leans to his side in search of Fakhretdinov’s left arm, but he cannot set up a kimura or a subsequent seated guillotine choke try. When Battle turns to his side for a kimura on the other side, Fakhretdinov smacks him in the back of the head inadvertently. Battle works his way to the wall with the fence at his neck, and Fakhretdinov sits up to drill “Pooh Bear” in the face with stern left hands. Fakhretdinov traps the right arm of his opponent to open up strikes, and he unloads them until Battle snakes his arm free. Battle throws his legs up high and hunts for an armbar, but “Gladiator” stands up out of it and lowers himself down to slam his fists on the side of Battle’s head. Fakhretdinov punches his way out of another armbar setup, and Battle squirms to get his back to the cage wall. Fakhretdinov unleashes thunderous right hands that make Battle think twice, who lowers himself back down to the mat. Fakhretdinov imposes his will until Battle wall-walks, and Fakhretdinov trips him out to secure a mat return. When Battle triumphantly gets back up, Fakhretdinov takes the wind out of his sails by dumping him to the floor once more. Battle takes punches on the chin and elbows on the face that open up a cut above his left eye, and blood starts to pool beneath his head. With seconds to spare, Battle slaps on a triangle choke, but there is nothing to it before the horn sounds. The doctors will definitely take a close look at the cut between rounds, as it is a nasty one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov

Round 2

Battle is cleared to continue with a large blob of Vaseline covering it, but only one or two punches are all Fakhretdinov needs to knock that clean off his face. Fakhretdinov ducks down and hits an easy double, and he slams the American to his back for an early exclamation point. Fakhretdinov drops down punches until Battle turns to his side in an effort to either escape or get hold of an arm for a kimura, and he grabs Battle’s left arm to keep it trapped. This allows Fakhretdinov to smash down elbows and punches on Battle’s unguarded face until Battle recovers enough to block, and he turns to his other side for a two-on-one wristlock. Fakhretdinov slowly shifts over to side control, and Battle instantly recovers back to a guard that closes around the Russian’s waist. Fakhretdinov frustrates his opponent by lifting his legs up to keep Battle stuck on his back, and he lands the occasional left hand to stay active and stave off any referee intervention. Battle moves to his knees in an explosion, and Fakhretdinov blasts him in the face with a left hand. Battle muscles his way upright, and Fakhretdinov attempts to drag him down again. “Pooh Bear” snaps on with a front choke that turns into a ninja choke as Fakhretdinov look for a takedown, and the movement to the ground allows the Russian to slide his neck out of danger. Fakhretdinov remains comfortable in the guard of his adversary, slamming fists and elbows on the face while Battle feebly throws his legs up for any possible desperation submission. Battle slashes with an elbow off his back, and Fakhretdinov grinds out the rest of the round on top with punches to the side.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov

Round 3

The welterweights clap hands to begin the last round, and Battle aims a front kick in hopes of catching a ducking Fakhretdinov. Battle fires off a kick to the body, and the Russian coils and launches an overhand right that knocks Battle clean off his feet. Fakhretdinov leaps on top in hopes of securing the finish, but opts to slow things down again and pick up where he left off from the last round. Fakhretdinov slugs from on top with effective ground-and-pound, complacent to remain in the guard to rain down strikes. At the midpoint of the round, Battle explodes back up to his feet, but his victory is short-lived as Fakhretdinov sucks his hips out and drags him back down to the floor. Dean calls for the Russian to work as Fakhretdinov lords over his opponent and works him over with short but effective blows. Battle shifts his hips and tries with everything he has to escape, but it all pauses when Fakhretdinov slugs him on the chin with a mean left hand. Once more, Battle springs to his feet, and Fakhretdinov lifts him off his feet and piledrives him to the mat. Battle eats a few strikes and pushes off, and Fakhretdinov stands above him and looks at his fallen foe while Battle motions for him to come back. The fight ends before either can do anything more.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov (30-27 Fakhretdinov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov (30-27 Fakhretdinov)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Fakhretdinov (30-27 Fakhretdinov)

The Official Result

Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Bryan Battle via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

Rafa Garcia (155) vs. Maheshate Hayisaer (158.5: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-130), Hayisaer (+110)

Round 1

A classic battle of Mexico vs. China unfolds in a match that will take place at 158.5 pounds. Combate Americas vet Garcia (13-3, 2-3 UFC) will hunt to elevate his UFC record to .500, while youngster Hayisaer (9-1, 1-0 UFC) looks to make it eight in a row. Only one man will get their wish, and referee Mark Smith will oversee the pairing to find out who gets it done. Having missed the lightweight limit by 2.5 pounds, there is no interest in a glove touch from either fighter. Garcia plods forward as the smaller man in many ways, and he ducks back when Hayisaer throws a front kick his way. Garcia walks straight into a knee, and he grabs the leg and turns it into a single-leg takedown. Hayisaer snags his leg back and breaks free, and he snaps his front kick out. Garcia tries to close the distance, but Hayisaer is able to beat him to the punch and kick. Garcia crashes forward again, going after a single, and he gets hold of Hayisaer’s right leg and leans him to the wall. Hayisaer again frees himself and starts to walk Garcia down, and he jumps at his man with a flying knee. Garcia nails Hayisaer with a left hook, forcing Hayisaer to spin around. Hayisaer recovers and sets up his jab, and he flashes out with several front kick to the chin. Hayisaer chains a step-in knee into two head kick and a spinning wheel kick, but Garcia walks through them all and drills the taller man with a big left hand. “Gifted” bestows his foe a present of a right hand over the top, and Hayisaer does not accept it and tries to give it right back. Garcia loads up on his heavy blows, and Hayisaer chips away but cannot keep Garcia off of him. Garcia rips the body and goes up top, and Hayisaer ricochets off the fencing and tries to circle away from the power. Hayisaer comes up high with a knee, and the foot slams into the cup. Garcia waves Smith off without slowing down, and he keeps a high guard up when Hayisaer advances and throws hands. Garcia wings a right hand to loop around the guard, and he snaps the head back with another as Hayisaer aims a counter knee. Garcia chases his man around, loading up on two more punches and a kick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 2

The fighters incidentally bump fists as they move to engage, with Garcia crowding the fighter from China and letting his hands go. Hayisaer responds in kind with swatting hooks, and Garcia closes in and wings strikes. Hayisaer steps in with an elbow, leaps with a knee that nails Garcia on the chin, and Garcia grabs hold of him to take the fight down. Hayisaer escapes but is not off the hook, as Garcia lines up a left hand to the liver. Hayisaer uses a jab but elects instead to slash with elbows, and the side of Garcia’s head above his temple on the air is ripped wide open. Blood begins to spray from Head Wound Harry, in no exaggeration, as his chest is immediately turned red. Garcia closes in to take his foe down, and he secures it and bleeds all over Hayisaer. The Chinese competitor gets back up, but Garcia is on him and works the body a few times before taking him down again. In the center of the cage, Garcia is on top, with crimson rain falling from his noggin on the floor and the body of his adversary. Garcia cannot hold Hayisaer down because the blood makes the two men slippery, and Hayisaer slides back upright. Garcia gives chase and throws a jumping kick, and Hayisaer cannot keep him at bay. Instead, “Gifted” gives Hayisaer a nasty gift with a big takedown and some powerful ground-and-pound to follow. Garcia slugs away as Hayisaer works his way back to his feet, thanks in part to the donated plasma covering his body. Garcia makes sure to give him one back, and tries to tear open a cut on the forehead with a jagged elbow in an effort to make both of them bloody. The round ends, and the two bulls butt heads until Smith sends them back to their corners. The cutmen are going to earn their money between rounds here.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 3

Somewhere in the world, James Ladner is losing his mind about this bloody battle. They resume action, cleared to continue, but it does not take more than a few seconds for the layer of grease to fall off of Garcia’s head. Hayisaer times a perfect knee on the chin, and Garcia weathers it and lifts Hayisaer off the ground and dumps him down. Garcia strikes and bleeds on his foe effectively, but the latter streaming out again allows Hayisaer to escape bottom position and get to his knees. Hayisaer slithers back to the cage wall, and Garcia powerfully grounds him once more. Hayisaer moves to a knee, with Garcia leaking on his face, and he does not abandon ship like Angela Magana against Jessica Aguilar. It may taste like copper, but Hayisaer spits it out and works to his feet. After a grueling and scarlet-covered exchange, the two split up, but Garcia’s pressure is the difference-maker this round. Garcia wings an overhand right that stings his adversary, and he tries for another takedown but bails on it to let them reset and swing it out. Garcia ducks straight into a jump knee and eats it like blood sausage, and he powers through to lock his hands and grip a double. Switching to a single, likely because they are slippery, “Gifted” channels his inner Matt Hughes to carry Hayisaer to the middle of the cage and toss him down like donated Red Cross bags. With seconds left to go, Garcia unloads with fists on top, and the horn sounds to stop the fight. They are not finished yet, as they get in one another’s faces after time expires. Smith separates them, but they are still shouting and motioning towards one another, clearly in need of a few more rounds of action. Cooler heads prevail as they are separated and go to the judges, but Hayisaer does not want to stick around after Martinez’ announcement. Garcia finally manages to get the hug he was seeking, and they squash some of their beef after the result is called.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)

The Official Result

Rafa Garcia def. Maheshate Hayisaer via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Saidyokub Kakhramonov (136) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nurmagomedov (-110), Kakhramonov (-110)

Round 1

A commentator’s nightmare match – in terms of calling the action comfortably – will play out in the bantamweight division, when Nurmagomedov (16-2, 5-1 UFC) battles Kakhramonov (10-2, 2-0 UFC). One man’s win streak will come to a crashing halt in the next 15 minutes or less, and referee Keith Peterson is here for it even if the nonsense is not. The fighters do not bother touching gloves, as Kakhramonov instead wants blood. Kakhramonov races forward swinging with bad intentions, catching Nurmagomedov with a few punches before hunting for a takedown. Nurmagomedov defends against a single by setting up a guillotine choke, and he pulls guard to lock the choke up. Kakhramonov leans his foe’s head against the wall to prevent the leverage from being fully secured around the neck, and he punches the side a few times before popping his head out. Kakhramonov works from on top, and Nurmagomedov sets up another power guillotine from his back. Kakhramonov bucks and shakes out of the choke, and he jumps all the way around in an effort to pass guard after escaping. Kakhramonov elects to remain in the guard, aiming left hands at the dome to keep Nurmagomedov pinned to his back. Nurmagomedov fights to his knees and upright, but this allows Kakhramonov to take the back standing. Kakhramonov lifts Nurmagomedov’s leg all the way up and almost puts him down, but the Russian keeps his balance and springs away. Nurmagomedov spins with a back kick to the body, and Kakhramonov unloads with several vicious punches to the body. Nurmagomedov spins with a back fist and shoots in for a takedown, only to get stuffed by the fighter from Uzbekistan. Kakhramonov sits up and hunts for his own guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov is wise to it and turns around to get out of it. Kakhramonov drives a knee to the chest without nailing his grounded foe in the face, and he maintains heavy pressure while looking for a single or any way to drag the Russian back down. Nurmagomedov stands back up and is wrenched to the floor, with Kakhramonov following him down with several left hands. As Kakhramonov tries for one last mat return, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov

Round 2

The round begins with Kakhramonov advancing, and Nurmagomedov slaps a leg kick home but gets belted with an overhand right. Kakhramonov changes levels deftly for a takedown try, and Nurmagomedov fights it off to post off his hands and rip elbows to the side of the head. This does not succeed, as Nurmagomedov is pulled to the ground while Kakhramonov takes his back. The Russian explodes out of the back take to get to his feet, and Kakhramonov drives him back down to the ground on his head. Possibly in a bad way, Nurmagomedov covers up, as the faceplant might have hurt him more than he is letting on. Kakhramonov pours it on in hopes of a finish, bludgeoning Nurmagomedov with unanswered right hands until Nurmagomedov moves well enough to grab hold of Kakhramonov’s arm. Kakhramonov isolates an arm and keeps slugging away, forcing Nurmagomedov to play defense while he rains down strikes. The methodical beating allows Kakhramonov to shut Nurmagomedov down offensively, and he forces Nurmagomedov to roll in an effort to get away. A wild scramble ensues, and Kakhramonov comes out on top by holding on to Nurmagomedov from behind. Nurmagomedov bucks his man off of him for a second before Kakhramonov dives back down for a single. The Russian snatches up a guillotine choke as the takedown succeeds, and he allows Kakhramonov to get on top so that he can set it up perfectly. As Kakhramonov squirms in submission danger, Nurmagomedov maneuvers his arm around to turn the move into a ninja choke. Kakhramonov is in trouble, and there is no way out in his position. The trap was sprung, and Nurmagomedov gets the tap to achieve the dramatic comeback. Nurmagomedov has done it, landing the first finish of the day while becoming the first fighter to tap out Kakhramonov.

The Official Result

Said Nurmagomedov def. Saidyokub Kakhramonov R2 3:50 via Submission (Ninja Choke)

Jake Matthews (171) vs. Matthew Semelsberger (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Matthews (-255), Semelsberger (+215)

Round 1

We turn to the 170-pound division, as longtime vet Matthews (18-5, 11-5 UFC) at the elderly age of 28 makes his 17th walk to the Octagon. He will throw down against a power puncher also in his prime in the form of “Semi the Jedi” Semelsberger (10-4, 4-2 UFC), who will look to work some Jedi mind tricks before it’s all over. The two touch ‘em up as referee Herb Dean watches on, and this match will occur at the exact same time as the madness that will be Mamed Khalidov vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 77. The welterweights largely commit to leg kicks in the early going, trading them without throwing much in the way of punches. Matthews sits down on a calf kick and gets countered over the top, and “Semi the Jedi” manages to get off a solid kick on the way out. Out of nowhere, Semelsberger leaps forward with a powerful right hand that knocks Matthews off his feet. Matthews toughs it out, fights his way back to his feet and gets kneed in the guts. The Aussie steels himself and fires back with a vengeance, forcing Semelsberger to back off and gather his thoughts. As he advances to engage, Semelsberger cracks Matthews with a left hand on the way in, and he uses his momentum to take “The Celtic Kid” to the floor. Semelsberger drives down punches when he postures up, working the body and connecting with occasional blows to the face. Matthews ties his man up from above, protecting himself the onslaught band using effective head movement to sway and dodge the strikes coming at him. Semelsberger concludes the dominant round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Semelsberger
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Semelsberger
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Semelsberger

Round 2

The two fighters trade blows to begin the second round, but it is Semelsberger who leads the dance and throws harder. Matthews shells up after firing off a jab, knowing that the inevitable punches will come his way from “Semi the Jedi.” Matthews jabs the body with a few front kicks, and Semelsberger practically ignores them to close the distance. Semelsberger sweeps the leg and does not chain any strikes into them, instead snatching up a single off a kick and dumping the Aussie to the ground. Matthews pops back up, right into a solid knee on the chin. Matthews replies with a sharp elbow, only to get tagged with a few uppercuts before breaking off the gather his thoughts. As Semelsberger swings for the fences, Matthews beats him to the punch with a left hook, and Semelsberger stumbles into the wall. Sensing the success of this blow, he times an advancing Semelsberger with another check hook, but he cannot keep Semelsberger at bay entirely. Semelsberger slowly works his way in, taking a flush jab on the forehead so he can wind up with power punches. Matthews replies with a left hand that gets Semelsberger’s attention, backing the American up and making him stick his tongue out. Semelsberger chambers and fires off two huge right hands, and both miss the mark as Matthews’ footwork keeps him inches away from annihilation. Semelsberger swings two big punches, but Matthews is ready for it and clips him on the way in with a short right hand. Semelsberger again advances, and he gets popped with a left. Matthews pushes his man back with his effective, short combinations, until Semelsberger tries to turn the tide with a jump knee. Matthews responds with a head kick, and they both loose big strikes. Matthews has a power left hand pound into the guard, and the sheer impact makes Semelsberger take a step back. Semelsberger coils back and releases a blistering right hook, sending Matthews crashing to the mat as the back of his head bounces off the floor. Matthews gets his wits about him and jumps back up to slug it out, but Semelsberger beats him to the punch a few times before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger

Round 3

The welterweights clap hands to begin the last round, and Semelsberger is ready and rearing to go. Matthews loads up on a right hand, but Semelsberger is faster and swings harder. As if it were a force push, “Semi the Jedi” sends Matthews crumbling to the mat with a brutal right hand. Matthews hits the floor and rebounds in style, surviving a few ground strikes to fight to his feet. The Aussie is still with it despite suffering three knockdowns in the fight thus far, and he re-engages and clinches up to make certain his feet are beneath him again. Dean calls for Matthews to work while Matthews holds on tight, and Matthews breaks free and trips his man and cracks him with a left hand. The American staggers to the side but does not go down, and he resets to come forward. Matthews throws everything he has with a few rushing punches, but they all fall by the wayside as Semelsberger evades them. Semelsberger jumps forward with a knee, and he drops down for a low single, but neither succeed. Matthews connects with a few punches as he is light on his feet and bounces around, and he lets loose with a heavy salvo of punches on the inside until Semelsberger ties him up and goes after a single. Matthews hops away to keep his balance, and he gets shoved to the wall without going down. Matthews breaks free and strings a few punches together, but the high guard of Semelsberger protects himself from most of the harm. The two trade quick blows after the 14-minute mark, still showing plenty of gas left in the tank. The welterweights clash together, and Matthews hits a clean trip to dump the American to the floor. Matthews jumps on top in the guard, and Semelsberger wings punches and elbows from his back. The two slug it out horizontally until they reach the judges’ scorecards.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger (30-26 Semelsberger)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger (30-26 Semelsberger)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Semelsberger (30-26 Semelsberger)

The Official Result

Matthew Semelsberger def. Jake Matthews via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Cory McKenna (115.5) vs. Cheyanne Vlismas (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vlismas (-190), McKenna (+160)

Round 1

The last women’s match in the UFC this year comes at 115 pounds. In a practical mirror match in terms of the particulars, Vlismas (7-2, 2-1 UFC) greets McKenna (7-2, 2-1 UFC) in the cage. Here’s a trivia question for the onlookers: Which was the first woman’s fight inside the Octagon this year? The answer will be listed at the end of this match. Even with ample respect for one another, the two ladies opt not to bump fists in front of referee Chris Tognoni. Instead, they wish to trade hands, and they do it fast. McKenna leads off with a quick combination, and she hops away from a head kick that zips at her. Vlismas lines up a jab, and McKenna crashes the pocket to trade speedy leather. Vlismas stays on the outside while McKenna follows her around the cage, trying to close the distance as Vlismas holds a significant range advantage on her. Vlismas nails the Welshwoman with an overhand right and skirts away, and she catches a pressing McKenna with a solid right hook. “The Warrior Princess” uses a jab to keep the Team Alpha Male fighter at bay, and she absorbs a leg kick as she circles. McKenna shoots for a naked takedown from afar, and Vlismas shoves her back and sticks a jab in her face. They land opposing hooks at the same time, and then jab identically as well. Vlismas beats her foe to the punch with a few blows, but McKenna bears down on her and scores. Vlismas winds up with a right hook, and McKenna has to blink it out as the side of her face turns red. The American aims a knee up the middle to counter an advancing McKenna, but McKenna grabs it midair and tackles Vlismas to the mat. Vlismas closes the guard as McKenna starts to land ground strikes, and she turns it to a high guard as she throws her legs up for some kind of setup. Vlismas considers an armbar off her back, but decides to end the round with several elbows. McKenna strikes back, and the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vlismas
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vlismas
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Vlismas

Round 2

The ladies re-engage in the beginning of the second round with alternating strikes. McKenna lands, Vlismas responds, and McKenna gives a few back. Vlismas lands harder, with her overhand right best weapon in her arsenal thus far. McKenna takes one flush and pushes in to tie her up, so Vlismas puts her hands under the chin and pulls her foe’s head up to stop a possible level change. McKenna shakes her head free from this uncomfortable position and grinds the American against the wall, and Vlismas gains a little space and drills the midsection with several clean knees. McKenna tries to reply with uppercuts, but the knees are more impactful. McKenna ties her back up and exerts her weight against her opponent, and time ticks off the clock in this position. McKenna releases her foe to swing her fists a few times, and she closes back in to grab Vlismas and make her miserable. McKenna drops down in pursuit of a double, but when she cannot clasp hands, she decides to knee the body a few times. The grind continues as the Welsh fighter hangs on tight, getting off short shots while largely disallowing Vlismas from responding. McKenna lifts Vlismas off the ground at the 10-second clapper, and she slams her down hard. While Vlismas spams punches off her back, McKenna does the same from above until the horn breaks them up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McKenna
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 McKenna
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 McKenna

Round 3

Vlismas taunts McKenna before the round begins, goading her into striking with her. McKenna does not oblige as the last round opens, and instead presses forward and goes right to the clinch again. “Poppins” pops off with a takedown, dumping Vlismas to the ground, but Vlismas does not mind this. Vlismas grabs hold of an arm-triangle choke from her back, but it is not tight and she cannot turn it into an Ezekiel choke. McKenna frees herself from the neck grip to establish herself on top, and Vlismas is immediately active when the choke fails. Slicing with elbows and swinging with punches, Vlismas does some damage and fishes for a potential armbar or triangle choke to keep McKenna honest. McKenna hammers with ground-and-pound once she staves off the attempts from her downed opponent, and she continues working and staying busy to not involve Tognoni. Vlismas scrambles, and McKenna grabs hold of the leg and turns around to move into half guard. The Team Alpha Male fighter rides and scores with short but effective blows, going from the body to the head. Vlismas cannot get off her back, and she takes solid strikes right to the final bell. This could be a close one. The answer to the trivia question above? Katlyn Chookagian defeated Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 32 on Jan. 15 in the first women's match in the UFC this year.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McKenna (29-28 McKenna)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 McKenna (29-28 McKenna)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 McKenna (29-28 McKenna)

The Official Result

Cory McKenna def. Cheyanne Vlismas via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Cody Brundage (185) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oleksiejczuk (-275), Brundage (+230)

Round 1

The main card kicks off in the middleweight division, as two proud finishers come to blows in hopes of moving up the ladder in a wide-open 185-pound category. On the heels of two first-round stoppages, Brundage (8-2, 2-1 UFC) will battle it out against ex-light heavyweight Oleksiejczuk (17-5, 1 NC; 5-3, 1 NC UFC), who has also secured his last two victories in Round 1. It might be a short night at the office for referee Mark Smith, who is nevertheless prepared should we go all the way. The sportsmen touch fists to commence their scheduled melee, and Oleksiejczuk is quick to dart in and out with a left hand. Brundage sprints forward and takes one leg out, and he drags Oleksiejczuk straight down to the floor with a single. Brundage sits on top and hooks the leg to keep the Polish fighter down, but Oleksiejczuk still manages to work his way back up. Brundage leverages his body weight to drag Oleksiejczuk down from behind, and Oleksiejczuk grabs the fence to stop it but is sternly warned for the foul. Brundage still manages to get Oleksiejczuk down, and he hits a mat return as soon as Oleksiejczuk stands once more. Oleksiejczuk has his hand slapped out of the fence as he tugs on it to get a better spot, and Brundage slides to the side and attempts to claim mount. Oleksiejczuk turns the tables brilliantly to flip Brundage to his back, and he is quick to slam down fists and elbows to make up for lost time. Oleksiejczuk belts the American with vicious punches and elbows, all while moving Brundage away from the wall so he cannot stand up. Oleksiejczuk wings wide left hands that collide on the dome, and Brundage drifts in and out of consciousness as he absorbs these unblocked, brutal blows. Oleksiejczuk continues pounding on Brundage, unleashing a fury of hellacious punches until Smith has seen enough and Brundage might have gone out. The Polish fighter makes a statement by showing that he can survive off his back long enough to turn the tables, and laying a beating on the American wrestler.

The Official Result

Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Cody Brundage R1 3:16 via KO (Punches)

Drew Dober (156) vs. Bobby Green (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dober (-150), Green (+130)

Round 1

A potential lightweight brawl is about to treat fans, when the iron-chinned Dober (25-11, 1 NC; 11-7, 1 NC UFC) throws down with Strikeforce vet Green (29-13-1, 10-8-1 UFC). Fists are sure to fly in high numbers, and referee Keith Peterson will need to keep his nonsense-free head on a swivel so as to not get struck with an errant blow. Ahead of what many have prognosticated to be the “Fight of the Night,” the 155-pound vets do not touch gloves. Dober throws a kick, and Green shakes his head and responds with one of his own. Green steps in with a left hand, drawing a wry grin on Dober’s face, and he drills him with another. Dober marches forward to go for some grappling, but as he lifts Green off the ground, Green turns the tables and pushes him over to land on top. Green backs off as he has no interest in ground fighting, and he lets Dober get back up. Dober walks forward with a smile to throw hands, and Green tags him twice and literally shrugs off a blow as he shrugs his shoulders to tell Dober it didn’t land. Dober keeps his hands busy, and a kick may have slapped his cup but he does not mind. Green jabs fast to get Dober’s attention, and Dober wobbles but does not go down. Green has his hands by his waist, but he is far faster and more accurate. Green rings Dober’s bell with a right hand, bloodying the nose and sliding out of the way. Green slugs it out briefly, but he lands the better in the exchange with an overhand right. Green pierces out a left and a right, and he ducks away when Dober spins with a wheel kick. Green lashes his left hand out of nowhere, and Dober stuns him with a leg kick that makes Green take a funny step. “King” lords over all he surveys, including Dober, as he marks Dober up with a few more punches. Green catches a kick and pushes Dober from one side of the cage to the other, and he motions to Dober to come get some. Dober obliges, and Green meets him in the middle and throws hands. Dober cracks Green with heavy right hands, and he snipes Dober back with long lefts and accurate overhands. Dober fakes a level change and whiffs on a big left, and Green gets grabbed and scores a knee before breaking. Dober leaps in to strike, but Green is ready for when he comes and connects one after the other. Dober’s face is a bloody mess as Green continues to land, and “King” scores a few to the body for good measures. Green keeps chirping at Dober, and even talks to Dober’s corner, as he styles on Dober. Green gets off a big front kick to the body, and he slides away from a spinning kick as the fun round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Green
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Green
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Green

Round 2

Green walks out of his corner to motion that he would like to touch gloves, and Dober obliges him. Green slides back and dodges Dober’s charging punches to slip and counter. Dober gets off a big leg kick, but Green beats him to the punch repeatedly with quick, untelegraphed combinations. Green pushes out a front kick, and Dober stands him up with a right hand. A front kick from Dober slaps into the cup, but Green says he is good to go. Green walks into a spinning back fist and sticks his tongue out, and Dober chops down his lead leg a few times. Green responds with a low kick, and Dober marches him down and gest clipped on the way in. Dober gets cracked as he advances, but his chin holds together as he fires at will. Dober spins with another back fist, but this one misses the mark. “King” strings three or four punches together before Dober can respond, but Dober does plant a kick low that gives Green some issues. Green picks his leg up, and he is standing more in front of Dober slugging it out as the leg kicks appear to be having an appreciable impact. Green ducks a big punch and flashes out a left, and he rips the body with a kick. As he does, Dober fires a left hand, and he connects with another. Green gets stood up with a fierce combination, and he tries to keep moving as his back is against the wall. Green dodges and weaves, and Dober sits down on one ferocious left hand that connects as cleanly as a punch can on the chin. Green is out cold before he hits the ground, as the back of his head slams into the mat with no resistance. Sometimes, it truly only takes one, as Dober survives a tough round and a half to turn the tables and shut Green’s lights completely out. What a fight for as long as it lasted. When Green comes to, he is dismayed that he got caught, but he goes over to Dober to congratulate him and tell him how much fun he had. In the meantime, Dober has now tied the UFC's lightweight record for the most knockouts with eight, sitting in the lead alongside Dustin Poirier.

The Official Result

Drew Dober def. Bobby Green R2 2:45 via KO (Punch)

Alex Caceres (145) vs. Julian Erosa (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Erosa (-165), Caceres (+140)

Round 1

A fun featherweight clash claims center stage as we move along the main card. Two tested fighters with just as much of a likelihood of scoring a highlight-reel finish as finding themselves on someone else’s will battle it out with bonus money possibly on the line. Caceres (19-13, 1 NC; 14-11, 1 NC UFC), winner of five of his last six, faces off against Erosa (28-9, 6-5 UFC), who has prevailed in six of seven. Aware of the stakes, referee Herb Dean is ready for what comes next. The fighters bump fists, and Caceres leads off with a slapping kick to the thigh. Caceres fakes with a jumping body kick, and he plants a kick low and hard. Erosa aims a counter at his head, but Caceres slips it and kicks again. They kick at the same time, and Caceres continues to work the lead leg. Erosa replies in kind, and he follows one with an overhand right. Caceres leaps forward with a right and a left, and when he misses on the second, he runs past his opponent. “Juicy J” gets off a solid kick to the bottom of the calf, and Caceres spins with a back kick that pushes Erosa across the cage. Erosa scores the low calf kick again and swings his fists, but they hit nothing but air as Caceres is always somewhere else. Caceres goes high with a side kick, and Erosa sits down on a right hand to reply. The extremely low kick that is just above the ankle is finding its home repeatedly for Erosa, drawing reactions out of his opponent. Caceres winds up unorthodox blows, like windmilling punches and rising shots from his knees up, and they land effectively as Erosa is struggling to time them. Erosa chops at the leg with another kick as he marches forward, and Caceres backs him off with a few shots. “Bruce Leeroy” dips down, reaches out with a left hand that misses the mark, and with a short delay, whips his shin at Erosa’s face. Erosa crumbles to the ground in a heap, clinging desperately to his senses and consciousness. Even though they may be academic in nature, Caceres pummels a wrecked Erosa with a brief series of punches as Erosa goes limp again. Dean recognizes this and steps in, and Erosa tries to protest but cannot even sit up as he instead falls half-lifelessly to his side as if he does not have full control of his faculties. This is a big win for Caceres, who bows to all corners respectfully and goes over to check on his opponent’s condition.

The Official Result

Alex Caceres def. Julian Erosa R1 3:04 via TKO (Head Kick and Punches)

Amir Albazi (125.5) vs. Alessandro Costa (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Albazi (-425), Costa (+350)

Round 1

A few weeks ago, rising flyweight Albazi (15-1, 3-0 UFC) expected to take on Brandon Royval in a crucial matchup in the division looking to sort out contenders. Instead, he now greets UFC newcomer Costa (12-2, 0-0 UFC), who made his way to the UFC not for winning on his appearance on this year’s Contender Series but for laying waste to an opponent in 12 seconds in October. Costa may be less renowned than “Raw Dawg” but he is still dangerous. Referee Keith Peterson is prepped and ready for what should be a fast-paced, no-nonsense tilt. The 125ers do not feeling like touching gloves, and instead want to throw leather. Albazi sticks out a few jabs at a range, and Costa replies with one, but neither man finds their range. Albazi feints and fakes by stomping the floor before turning his shoulders to pretend he is throwing, and Costa stomps the floor as well as they try to trigger the other. Costa scores a hard low kick, and Albazi strides forward to double up on his jab. Costa uses his front foot to stomp the mat to fake his blows, and Albazi is not biting. “The Prince” splits the guard with a jab, and Costa fires a single punch back to get some respect. The Brazilian winds up on two power punches, reaching his target at the end of one. Albazi ducks down, takes a punch on the chin, and ducks even lower to pursue a takedown. Costa stops it from succeeding, so Albazi adjusts his effort and hunts for a single to lift his man up. “Nono” says no to the takedown, escaping before it succeeds, and they return to striking range. Costa gets off a one-two as they continue to measure one another from afar, not committing on much and still looking to reach. Albazi shoots in for a double, and he bails on it when Costa stuffs him. Costa tries and fails to make him pay with a one-two, and the jittery Albazi escapes without concern. Albazi springs away from a looping left hand, and he scores a few jabs and follows one with a slapping leg kick. Costa jabs him back, and he comes up short on a one-two. Costa does land on a subsequent one-two, and he jumps at his man with a knee as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Costa
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Costa

Round 2

The second round begins with more of the same, as Costa measures with rangy strikes. Once Costa connects with a left, he chains it into a pair of one-twos. Albazi whips a kick to the side, and he charges in with a fierce right hand that removes Costa’s balance completely. Costa collapses to the mat, and “The Prince” leaps on top in an effort to land ground strikes. Costa ties him up and largely shuts that down, with a tight guard and some short offense including a few elbows off his back. Albazi gains a little space to land a couple short punches, working the body and going up to the head as he methodically and strategically connects. Costa grabs both of his foe’s wrists and freezes Albazi, with submission possibilities and a tight grip stopping Albazi from getting off offense. The Brazilian suddenly releases them to hammer Albazi’s dome with sharp elbows. Albazi postures up every so often to land a power strike, while Costa stays busy from beneath. Albazi sits up and slams down a number of long punches, getting full extension and bouncing Costa’s head off the mat. Albazi stands up and starts drilling the midsection with standing-to-ground blows, and he evades the potential triangle setup by pushing the legs aside and smacking Costa with arcing hammerfists. Albazi gets off a few more hammerfists before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Albazi
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Albazi
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Albazi

Round 3

The flyweights meet in the middle to start off the last round, and Albazi begins with a step-in front kick right to the sternum. Costa tries to wing punches back at him, and he does manage to land a few to the body, but Albazi largely ushers him to the side as he evades the brunt of them. Albazi connects with another push kick up the middle, and he times an advancing Costa by countering with a double that puts Costa flat on his back. The Brazilian closes up his guard as Albazi stays tightly pressed on his opponent, delivering sporadic ground-and-pound. In a lull in the action, Costa kicks off and explodes back to his feet. “The Prince” swings with an overhand right that connects behind the head, and Costa resets. Albazi lunges forward to loose a blistering uppercut, and Costa’s legs give way beneath him as he is in big trouble. Albazi pounces not to secure top position, but to finish the job. Battering Costa with brutal ground strikes, he only needs a few for Peterson to end any possible nonsense and call a halt to this fight as Costa appears to have gone out. Albazi made the most of a rough situation, taking on a tough but unheralded opponent as other foes had withdrawn from facing him.

The Official Result

Amir Albazi def. Alessandro Costa R3 2:13 via KO (Punches)

Damir Ismagulov (156) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tsarukyan (-190), Ismagulov (+160)

Round 1

We have reached the people’s main event, which comes between established Russians Tsarukyan (18-3, 5-2 UFC) and Ismagulov (24-1, 5-0 UFC) – although the latter currently reps Kazakhstan. Only one man will emerge as a top-10 fighter in the division, barring something unusual, so this is a pivotal moment for both competitors. The countrymen show respect as they clap hands before referee Mark Smith, and Tsarukyan introduces himself with a head kick. They kick at the same time when Tsarukyan sets his legs down, and Tsarukyan whips out a kick to the body that gets caught. Ismagulov catches it and dumps Tsarukyan to the mat, but he lets him back up so they can keep trading. Tsarukyan rushes in to punch and kick, and he gets jabbed in the body. Tsarukyan scores a right hand and a body kick, and he hops away from a winging right hand from “Qazaq.” Tsarukyan times a level change perfectly to put Ismagulov on his back, who hits the ground on the corner between the wall and the floor. Tsarukyan traps the legs and grabs his foe from behind, but Ismagulov stands up. Tsarukyan lifts him off his feet and drops him to his knees, and he drags Ismagulov a few times before slamming him on his face. Ismagulov keeps working his way back up, and he turns around and staves off a single to a double. Tsarukyan grabs the fence when they wind up against it, in hopes of keeping Ismagulov pinned against it. Ismagulov remains on his feet despite a few inside trip attempts, and he brings Ismagulov to one arm and a leg but cannot quite keep him there. Ismagulov recovers to get his back to the wall, and Tsarukyan stays tightly pressed against him. Tsarukyan pulls Ismagulov down, and as he does, Ismagulov jumps right into full mount and smacks Tsarukyan in the face a few times. “Ahalkalakets” works his way out of the bad position by sweeping to his side, and they both get back up as Tsarukyan pushes the pace and clinches up again. Tsarukyan goes after another trip or throw, grinding Ismagulov and disrupting his balance repeatedly. Tsarukyan sneaks an elbow up in an exchange, and Ismagulov pushes away and scores a solid one-two. Ismagulov loads up on a looping left hand, and he pressures Tsarukyan and rips a left to the ribs. Tsarukyan targets the head with a few punches and a kick, and he spins with a back fist that collides off the guard. As Tsarukyan unloads with a head kick that gets blocked, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan

Round 2

The fighters touch gloves, and Tsarukyan leads right from there to a jab to the midsection. Ismagulov fires back with two looping hooks, and Tsarukyan digs his shin beneath the ribcage. Ismagulov attacks with a similar kick, and he leans back as a head kick skims the top of his dome. Tsarukyan skips forward to chop at his lead leg, and he absorbs an overhand right without much concern. Ismagulov connects with a left to the body, and he tags Tsarukyan with a right. This spurs Tsarukyan into movement, as he darts in to trip Ismagulov out and down to the ground. When Ismagulov stands, Tsarukyan throws him to the floor once more. This time, Tsarukyan takes Ismagulov from behind, and he still cannot keep him grounded. Ismagulov looks to turn the tables with his own single, but instead elects to stand back up. Ismagulov is unable to break the grip, and Tsarukyan takes him down again. Ismagulov stands, and he gives up his back in the process. Before he can stand up straight, he falls over to his back, and Tsarukyan gets both hooks in to gain back control. Tsarukyan starts hunting for a choke, fishing his forearm around the chin and jaw. Ismagulov turns his head to prevent a rear-naked choke from materializing, and Ismagulov turns all the way around to break the leg grip and stand up. Ismagulov gives chase, and he cracks his foe with a solid right hand. Tsarukyan practically dives at him with a takedown attempt, and he sucks the hips out and pulls Ismagulov down to his seat. Ismagulov wall-walks to stand back up, and Tsarukyan sticks to Ismagulov like a bad penny. Tsarukyan is unable to ground his man, so he lets go of the grip and resets. Ismagulov is able to score one punch and one knee before Tsarukyan is back on him pursuing a takedown. There is nothing to this one, and Tsarukyan is warned once more for fence grabs. Ismagulov lifts Tsarukyan up with a knee to the chest, and he ducks an elbow at the right time and wings an uppercut on the inside. When the round ends, Smith warns Tsarukyan sternly for grabbing the cage.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan

Round 3

The fighters trade kicks and knees to the body to reintroduce themselves to one another in the third and final round. Tsarukyan punches high and kicks low, and the kick pounds into the cup. Ismagulov winces, and Smith recognizes it and gives Ismagulov time to recover. After about 30 seconds, Ismagulov is good to go, and the two lightweights hug it out before resuming. This leads to a very fast slugfest, with alternating speedy blows firing at one another. Ismagulov throws a little too hard with an overhand left, which opens up a low single opportunity for “Ahalkalakets.” Tsarukyan trips Ismagulov down to the canvas, and he takes his foe’s back in a hurry. Ismagulov will not settle for this position, bursting out of the worst of it and crawling to the cage wall. Ismagulov stands up, and Tsarukyan dives after his left leg right into a guillotine choke setup. The choke is not tight, and Ismagulov releases it and gets pushed from one side of the cage to the other. Ismagulov tries to break off by pinning several knees to the body, and he muscles out to get back to the center of the cage ungrabbed. Ismagulov connects with a right hand and a knee, and he starts to wince heavily out of his right eye when Tsarukyan jabs him a few times. Tsarukyan kicks the ribs and circles away, as Ismagulov is giving chase and putting everything he has into his power punches. Ismagulov overswings as Tsarukyan ducks, grabs the leg and trips Ismagulov out again, in a similar takedown approach as before. Tsarukyan once more takes the back, getting one hook in and hunting for a choke or crank before the other slides around the hips. The second hook is secured by “Ahalkalakets,” who follows Ismagulov roll to his stomach and knee in hopes of escaping. Ismagulov continues to move before Tsarukyan can lock down a choke, and he stands up and slams Tsarukyan’s head in the mat from behind. This is not enough to do any damage or even break the grip, and this grappling-heavy co-main event comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan (30-27 Tsarukyan)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan (30-27 Tsarukyan)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan (30-27 Tsarukyan)

The Official Result

Arman Tsarukyan def. Damir Ismagulov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jared Cannonier (185.5) vs. Sean Strickland (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Strickland (-115), Cannonier (-105)

Round 1

It’s a striker’s delight for the final UFC match of this year, and it might be one with immediate championship implications depending on the result. Coming off his unsuccessful jaunt for the belt, the lead-fisted Cannonier (15-6, 8-6 UFC) is motivated for one last title run and has to get through Strickland (25-4, 12-4 UFC) to do so. On the other hand, Strickland’s last time out saw him get crushed by the current champ Alex Pereira, one in which he promises would be different should they meet again. Herb Dean will serve as the referee for the final UFC fight of the year, and it begins with a smile from the two fighters and an enthusiastic fist bump. The first strike that lands is a leg kick from Cannonier that bounces off the kneecap. Strickland takes notes and measures his jab, pawing it out a few times, and Cannonier bears down on him with two wide punches. Another Cannonier kick makes Strickland pick up the leg to attempt to check it, but he does not block it. Cannonier kicks high and then goes low to the calf again, and this one lands flush. Cannonier fakes an overhand right, and he lands at the end of a second one. Strickland does not bat an eye, reaching with jabs and slapping a kick to the hip. Cannonier steps through two jabs to plant a right hand on the jaw, and he closes in on Strickland as Strickland jabs repeatedly. A pair of oblique kicks land to the knee for Cannonier, and Strickland starts getting in his groove of jabs and short arcing lefts. “The Killa Gorilla” hits air when he launches an overhand right, and Strickland sees it coming and dodges a second. Cannonier plants the ball of his foot on the ribcage, and he backs Strickland up and cannot quite get around the guard or connect cleanly with a kick. Cannonier kicks to the side, and it gets caught. Strickland tosses Cannonier down to the floor, and Cannonier muscles his way back up without staying grounded. They both get back to their feet, and Strickland holds his man from behind while smacking him with right hands. Strickland does not go after a takedown, and he bails on the clinch when Cannonier turns around. Cannonier slowly walks forward, and he fakes with an overhand right and smashes his shin into the calf. Strickland takes a funny step and retreats, and he measures his jab to fluster the advancing Alaskan. A kick from Cannonier careens off the guard, and he fires one off with the other leg to the calf. One more on the inside makes Strickland preemptively pick up his lead leg, possibly showing that the kicks are bothering him. He skates out of the way of an advancing Cannonier, who cannot catch him with a power blow before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier

Round 2

The middleweights touch ‘em up to start Round 2, and Cannonier delivers a leg kick home to begin. The kicks, and faked kicks, are making Strickland flinch. Cannonier winds up with a kick to the body, and when it gets caught, he is thrown to the mat again. Cannonier somersaults away and gets to his feet before Strickland can bear down on him and grab him, and they resume in the center of the cage. Strickland flashes out several jabs, and Cannonier is more reliant on power punches and kicks. Strickland dances out of the way when a right hand comes his direction, and he times the lunges of “The Killa Gorilla” with sharp jabs. The jab pace from Strickland increases as he sticks it on Cannonier’s face again and again, and he keeps it busy to not let Cannonier crowd him. Cannonier reaches the body with a right hand, and it is one-and-done while Strickland keeps jabbing him. Two heavy leg kicks find their target on the calf, and the second, Strickland swings his leg with it to take some of the sting out of it. Cannonier keeps beating on that left leg, forcing Strickland to start thinking about switching stances. Cannonier swings with all his might and comes up short with a haymaker of a right hand, and Strickland sees it and evades it. Cannonier fires another, and the left to set it up is the one that connects while the overhand right whiffs. Strickland sticks his man with a jab and a right hand, and he splits the guard with repeated jabbing. Cannonier cannot find the spot with his right hand, and they start talking to each other as Cannonier tells his foe to sit still. Cannonier kicks low and punches high, and the first lands while the second misses. “Tarzan” remains composed, swinging from side to side and dodging most of the power strikers while peppering the lunging Cannonier. As if we were shot out of a cannon, Cannonier charges, and his punches would blow back the hair if Strickland had any. Strickland keeps his distance and pops Cannonier with a few more lengthy punches until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 3

Cannonier flicks his hand out to receive the half-hearted glove touch, and they pick up right where they left off, with Strickland imposing his jab-heavy game plan. Cannonier lightly oblique kicks the knee, and he gets stunned by a piston-like jab from Strickland. Cannonier connects with a solid leg kick, and he jabs to the midsection. Strickland splits the guard with a few more jabs and a push kick as well, and he starts to follow his jabs with slapping right hands on the side of the head. Cannonier kicks the body, and it hits the block without issue. A Cannonier overhand is blocked, and he kicks on the other side suddenly to slip beneath the guard. Strickland continues to fluster the power puncher with his effective jabs, and Cannonier cannot quite bridge the gap to land with his overhand right. “The Killa Gorilla” goes after the lead leg again, and Strickland’s expression has not changed one iota even while battling it out against a heavy striker. Cannonier finds the end of a right hand, and he chains another left hook into a right hand that knocks Strickland back into the wall. Strickland walks it off and continues to pepper with jabs, and he chains four punches together to drive Cannonier back. Cannonier loads up with two power blows, but he misses the mark cleanly by a matter of inches. Settling for a leg kick, Cannonier maintains a relatively high guard to anticipate the jabs that come. Strickland successfully checks a swinging leg kick, and he pecks at Cannonier with punches in small bunches. Cannonier swings for the bleachers and nearly ends up in the stands after missing with his powerful blows, and they begin to start chatting again. Cannonier targets the body with straighter lefts, and Strickland actively jabs comfortably. Cannonier scores at the end of a left hand, and the close round ends. It would not be surprising if judges possibly had it three rounds in favor of either man now.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 4

Between rounds, Strickland’s coach slaps him in the face to get him going, as if Strickland weren’t already dealing with enough strikes coming his way. The top middleweights move into the championship rounds actively throwing hands, and Cannonier continues to press forward while Strickland is comfortable fighting off his back foot with jabs peppering his foe. Strickland gets off a trio of punches and a kick to the body, and he is answered with a leg kick that makes him pick it up ever so briefly. Cannonier walks through a jab to throw, but he does not swing it, just eating punches for nothing. Strickland powerfully checks another kick and plants two punches on the chin, and Cannonier is stalled out in front of his foe who is now starting to walk him down. Cannonier takes three clean punches that sting him, and he shakes it out but does not throw back. The jab has neutralized the offense for the last minute or two, and he connects with a one-two to decent effect. Cannonier sinks in an inside leg kick after a lull in offense, and he wings a heavy blow that glances off the shoulder. Strickland’s footwork and head movement keep him safe from harm when his jab does not keep Cannonier off of him. Strickland gets off a short left hand to drive Cannonier away, and he whips a high kick up and has a front kick graze off the jaw. Cannonier loads up with an overhand right and gets knocked back with a right hand for his handiwork. Cannonier takes a couple jabs on the jaw in an effort to march through then and throw hands, but Strickland sees them coming and moves. Strickland wraps his hands around the guard, and Cannonier finally finds his intended target with a few power punches. Strickland ties him up after absorbing the heavy shots, and he backs up against the wall and smiles. Strickland scores in response, and Cannonier comes at him right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 5

The last round of the last fight of the UFC this year is on, and the coaches are extremely fired up and trying to channel their energy to their fighters, not knowing how the judges are scoring this fight. Cannonier lashes out with a low kick, and Strickland pins a few punches on the chin with a little more heat on them. While jabbing and parrying, Strickland throws a little harder at his opponent. Cannonier jabs the body and hand-fights to find a way in, and he scores a left hand. Strickland staggers him with a few right hands over the top, and Cannonier talks to him and tells him to stand in front of him and trade. Cannonier swings hammers, and Strickland sticks and moves with a double jab and a right hand down the pipe. Cannonier rings his man’s bell with a right hand on the temple, and he snaps the head back with another as Strickland has to blink it out. “Tarzan” recovers and pushes out jabs and a short combo, and he absorbs a low kick on the way back. Cannonier unloads with two big punches that knock the head around, ignoring the jab so that he can connect cleanly. This second land from Cannonier wakes Strickland up, who strings together a lengthy combination as his nose begins to bleed. Strickland gets back into his jab-heavy approach, swatting away the punches that zoom past him. Cannonier sets up a jab and chain a right hand into it, and Strickland is getting marked up as Cannonier is ignoring jabs to strike. Cannonier swings with a back fist that goes wide, and he loads up on a left that breezes past the chin. The final minute begins with a brief brawl, and Cannonier strikes and gets knocked back by the responsive salvo. Strickland walks into a winging left hand and still stays composed sticking out jabs, and he catches an overswinging Cannonier with a few strikes. They both put big power into their strikes, and they throw fire in the form of punches, kicks and anything else they can muster until the bitter end. Neither man goes down, and they have reached the final bell. It truly could go either way. It was a fight. With this event in the books, we have reached the end of the year, with 42 UFC fight cards carrying on across 2022. Our next play-by-play will run on Jan. 14 in what could be a fun Fight Night event with a fantastic co-main event. Thank you for joining us this year on all of the action that the UFC has had to put on. We will be here for the next year, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (48-47 Strickland)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Strickland (48-47 Strickland)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (48-47 Strickland)

The Official Result

Jared Cannonier def. Sean Strickland via Split Decision (49-46, 46-49, 49-46)
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