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UFC Fight Night 217 ‘Strickland vs. Imavov’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sherdog's live UFC Fight Night 217 coverage will begin Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.

Jimmy Flick (126) vs. Charles Johnson (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-345), Flick (+285)

Round 1

At long last, voracious fight fans can sink their teeth into a major event again. This was, of course, not the first since the Dec. 17 fight card, as Bellator took on Rizin on New Year’s Eve while One Championship ran last night, but it is the first in 2023 for the world’s leading MMA promotion – sorry, other leagues. The 11-bout action kicks off in the lightest men’s division, between a man trying to prove himself in Johnson (12-3, 1-1 UFC) and exhibit 9,476 that MMA retirements mean little in “The Brick” Flick (16-5, 1-0 UFC). The latter earned his first UFC win in 2020 – by flying triangle choke of all ways – and packed it up and called it a night. Some two and change years later, he is back, and he will try to become the first man to submit “InnerG.” Referee Kerry Hatley draws the charge for the first UFC match of 2023, and with a touch of gloves, it’s on with the show! Johnson looks to get a jab going, finding range early, and he lands first with a front kick to the solar plexus. The two 125ers trade leg kicks one after the other to test the waters, and Johnson pulls back to dodge one and marks up Flick’s nose ever so slightly with long left hands down the pipe. “InnerG” follows one with a right hand, and this spurs Flick into action in the form of a takedown effort. Johnson bowls his man over, but this does not concern Flick one iota, as he is just as comfortable on his back. Johnson moves into the guard, and Flick slowly slides his legs up the back in a high guard to possibly set something up. Johnson sees this coming and breaks off, and he stands up and rings Flick’s bell when Flick stands. Johnson sticks his man with a slapping low kick and slips back as Flick wings a head kick, and Flick topples to the mat when that comes up short. Johnson lets him back up and cracks him with a right hook, and Flick wobbles and shakes off the cobwebs. Another whipping head kick misses the mark, and Johnson takes advantage of this imbalance by ripping the body and going up top. Flick is uncomfortable on the feet while Johnson is doing work, and Flick tries to break things up with a body kick. “InnerG” blasts his foe with a head kick, and even blocked, shakes Flick up. Johnson does not capitalize on this, so Flick gathers his thoughts and dives in for a double. Flick lifts his man up in the air and slams him to his knees, and as soon as Johnson hits the floor, Flick leaps on to take his back. Johnson lowers his head down to the mat to slide out, and he takes top position and punishes Flick with a sharp elbow and some mean ground-and-pound. Flick gets stacked up thanks to Johnson’s top pressure, and Johnson rips Flick’s face open with elbow as blood begins to leak. Flick guards the blows for the most part, but Johnson is pouring it on, slamming him in the face with punches and vicious elbows. Hatley is paying close attention to this exchange, and Johnson is showing no signs of slowing down. The blows rained down from Johnson force Hatley to step in, and some including Flick might believe he could have let it go on a little longer. “The Brick” protests briefly, and he stands up and shakes his head to claim that he will be back and he will be better. Johnson, meanwhile, celebrates his work, and he announces that he is about to become a “girl dad” with a new daughter on the way.

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The Official Result

Charles Johnson def. Jimmy Flick R1 4:33 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Nick Aguirre (145.5) vs. Dan Argueta (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Argueta (-600), Aguirre (+425)

Round 1

In the previous match, Johnson was stepping in as a replacement for Jeff Molina, who has things outside of the cage he needs to take care of. In this bout, unbeaten finisher Aguirre (7-0, 0-0 UFC) will be doing something similar, stepping in on extremely short notice for Isaac Dulgarian. “Slick Nick” will battle it out with Argueta (8-1, 0-1 UFC), who came into his promotional debut last year full of vim and vinegar, only to lose to a man fighting in the co-main event tonight. The featherweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Mark Smith, and Aguirre offers a glove touch but Argueta does not oblige him. After a tentative feeling-out process, Argueta punches his way into a takedown setup, and he pushes Aguirre to the wall. When he cannot get the takedown from this angle, “The Determined” gathers his determination and hurls Aguirre all the way to the middle of the cage. In the guard, Argueta lifts his man up and drives him into the cage wall, and an unorthodox exchange from Aguirre leads to a near inverted triangle set up. The unbeaten fighter turns the corner as he hunts for a maneuver, and Argueta falls out the back and isolates an arm while in a near reverse triangle position. Argueta does not take advantage of this, as Aguirre explodes out and takes the back. “Slick Nick” wraps in his hooks and connects a body triangle, and he starts fishing for a rear-naked choke in a hurry. Argueta fearlessly spins around and turns towards the body lock to break it up and take top position, and by sheer force of will, Argueta muscles his way around to achieve this. Argueta drives down a few elbows until Aguirre sits up and attempts a takedown, but Argueta pushes this over and slides to side control. Argueta, on top, rains down a few strikes, all while Aguirre scrambles back to his knees. When Aguirre sits up, Argueta rapidly moves to take his foe’s back, and he looks for a RNC of his own. Aguirre rides this position out to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Argueta
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Argueta
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Argueta

Round 2

The featherweights resume their action to start off the second frame, with Argueta pushing the pace and launching a high kick and a few heavy punches. The advancing Argueta leads into a clinch, and he considers a level change but cannot find it. Smith implores them to work, and Aguirre bursts his way out and cracks his opponent with a right hand. Argueta wobbles and shakes it out, and they awkwardly hurl single strikes at one another. Argueta crashes the pocket to tie the newcomer up again, and he presses heavily to keep Aguirre pinned to the wire. Argueta breaks off to wing punches, but Aguirre slides out of harm’s way without much of note connecting. Argueta once more rushes into action, jamming Aguirre back to the wall before wrenching him out and down to the floor. In Aguirre’s closed guard, Argueta lifts him up and moves him forward to the fencing. Aguirre scrambles and sits up in this position, and this allows Argueta to take his back and start looking a neck crank of sorts. Aguirre fights off the first attempt, but “The Determined” is determined to get a submission, and he locks down another. The undefeated fighter survives this as well, and he lowers himself to the mat as Argueta takes full mount. Argueta hammers him with a few punches, and an elbow bounces off the back of the head to draw a warning from Smith. Aguirre gives up his back and nearly falls into a rear-naked choke, but he fights out of it and turns around to lay on his back. The fists of Argueta collide into the head of Aguirre a few more times until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Argueta
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Argueta
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Argueta

Round 3

The final round begins with Aguirre opening up with high kicks, and Argueta blocks them all and marches forward swarming with hooks. The blows may not be accurate, but they have enough force to make Aguirre react to them and defend himself. Argueta pushes him up to the wall again, but he cannot hold him there for long. Argueta is a man possessed, pressuring the newcomer and draining him as he presses heavily in the clinches or chasing him around the cage. Argueta manages to suck the legs out and put Aguirre on the canvas, and he is quick to slide into back control. “Slick Nick” turns, but this allows Argueta to claim mount. Aguirre keeps moving, and try as he might, he cannot get Argueta off of him. No matter where Aguirre squirms and shifts, Argueta is on him like a cheap suit, slugging away with punches and occasional elbows, mixed in with a choke attempt if one is available. Aguirre turns to his side, and Argueta hunts for a guillotine choke, but there is nothing to it. Argueta settles for top position once more, and he thwarts an Aguirre scramble to put him down on the ground once more. Aguirre muscles to his feet, and Arguta shows him the business by slamming him down with emphasis with one second left on the clock. The dominant fight comes to a close, and Argueta offers to pick his fallen foe back up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Argueta (30-27 Argueta)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Argueta (30-27 Argueta)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Argueta (30-27 Argueta)

The Official Result

Dan Argueta def. Nick Aguirre via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Carlos Hernandez (125) vs. Allan Nascimento (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nascimento (-410), Hernandez (+330)

Round 1

Moving back to flyweights, Brazilian submission artist Nascimento (19-6, 1-1 UFC) will try to get things done against fellow grappler Hernandez (8-1, 1-0 UFC) in what could be a fun battle on the ground. The two combine for 17 submissions across their 27 career wins, while neither man has ever been finished. Referee Jason Herzog is ready for wherever the fight may take the three of them, and he sits back as the two competitors clap hands. Nascimento advances first, feinting and faking to draw immediate reactions. Hernandez does not bite on anything, and they paw at one another with low kicks and jabs. Nascimento goes up top with a kick that is blocked, and he slides out of the way from a straight right hand. Nascimento connects with a front kick that splits the guard, shaking Hernandez up, and this allows him to punch his way into a takedown try. In an unorthodox fashion, Nascimento throws Hernandez down to his knees, and Hernandez immediately fights his way back up. The subsequent mat return from Nascimento succeeds when he drags the American down from behind, and he cinches up a body triangle in a hurry. Hernandez smartly fights the hands and turns to the proper side to break up the body lock, and Nascimento switches his leg grip as he hunts for a sneaky choke. Hernandez walks off the wall and turns all the way to belly down, and this is the worst possible move for him as Nascimento gets the leverage to sink in the rear-naked choke. Hernandez stands up with Nascimento on his back, and “Puro Osso” still has the choke under the chin as he squeezes with all his might. Switching his grip to palm-to-palm, it is just a matter of time at this point. Hernandez grimaces and squirms, but there is nothing more he can do, and he taps out. As it turned out, something did have to give, as Hernandez has now been finished for the first time as a pro.

The Official Result

Allan Nascimento def. Carlos Hernandez R1 3:16 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Nick Fiore (155) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rebecki (-700), Fiore (+510)

Round 1

It is extremely rare to have such lopsided betting odds when two UFC newcomers are pitted against one another, but here we are. Poland’s Rebecki (16-1, 0-0 UFC) is anywhere from the low -700 range to above -800 in his first UFC appearance, as he will be squaring off against late replacement and substantial +570ish underdog Fiore (6-0, 0-0 UFC). Fiore steps in for the injured Omar Morales, and betting confidence is low in him – likely due in part to a strength of schedule that includes not one but two wins over the notorious Jay Ellis. It’s the fight game, anything can happen and these two lightweights know it. Overseen by referee Kerry Hatley, the two men looking to make a violent statement bump fists to seal the cage around them. Rebecki instantly releases a body kick, and he comes out aggressive to kick low and follow it with a right hand. When Fiore tries to crowd him, Rebecki fires off a kick to the chest, and Fiore responds with a right hand. Rebecki clubs him with a pair of fastballs, and Fiore bounces off the cage wall to reset. The Polish fighter chops down the lead calf as he pushes forward, and he wings three straight left hands to the head and body. Rebecki rips the body with a kick, and a one-two plants right on the New Hampshire native’s chin. Fiore connects with a right hand to open up some swelling on Rebecki’s left eye, but he ignores it and keeps throwing caution to the wind. Rebecki punishes his foe with a long string of punches, and he keeps one-twos landing one after the other. Fiore’s left eye is marked up as well, and he counters his charging opponent with an elbow. Rebecki digs punches to the body, and Fiore fires back with a vengeance but gets his legs kicked hard. Rebecki slams a left hand to the body, and Fiore spins all the way around and retreats. “Chinczyk” gives chase with a flying knee, and he walks through strikes from Fiore to load up on his own power blows. Fiore shakes off two punches to the side of the head, and Rebecki unloads with rights and lefts to the ribcage. Fiore wears it all well without his knees buckling, and Rebecki suddenly blitzes him to tackle him over with a double-leg takedown. Fiore throws his legs up quickly for a possible triangle setup, or something to slow the wild Rebecki down. Fiore ties his man up in the guard, and Rebecki pushes off and drives down elbows with pure power. The Polish fighter tears open a serious cut above the left eyebrow of his opponent with his elbows, and Fiore wraps Rebecki up to make it to the bell, likely blowing up any betting line of the match ending in Round 1 – barring doctor intervention regarding that cut.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki

Round 2

The two lightweights reach Round 2, and Rebecki is no less aggressive to start things off. Rebecki pounds the body with a kick, and he swings and misses with a wide uppercut. Fiore stands back and trades blows with his reckless adversary, but the body work from Rebecki is not matched. Fiore catches a charging Rebecki with a vertical elbow, and this makes Rebecki changes levels for a takedown. The attempt fails, and Rebecki appears to be visibly slowing as Fiore backpedals. Fiore tags his man with a one-two, and he grabs hold of a double and nearly takes Rebecki for a ride. Fiore drags his opponent to the mat, and he steps into full mount briefly while Rebecki scrambles. The two slide around and work their way back to their feet before anyone claims position, and Rebecki slams his fists in Fiore’s face. Fiore takes them flush and gets his lead leg kicked out, and this draws a grimace. Rebecki bull-rushes forward to secure a double and plant Fiore on his back, and he takes a deep breath when landing. Not wanting the referee to get involved, Rebecki stays busy enough with ground-and-pound, all while Fiore clings to him to force a standup. Rebecki methodically works Fiore over with punches, and the New Hampshire native keeps his guard closed even while absorbing punishment. Rebecki continues his slow but steady drubbing of his grounded foe, and the horn sounds to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki

Round 3

The final frame begins with a glove touch, and Rebecki appears briefly energized although he walks into a few power punches and a front kick. Fiore advances first to go after a takedown, and Rebecki throws him down and backs off. Rebecki swipes with a right hand over the top and slams his shin on the inside of Fiore’s lead leg, and Fiore shakes his leg and backs off. Rebecki follows him all the way from one side of the cage to the other courtesy of a double, and he plops Fiore on the mat to pick up where he left off in the second round. Fiore once more closes up his guard, with no signs of standing or scrambling or moving in any fashion to recover. Rebecki does not mind, as he can go at his own pace, dropping down punches and keeping Hatley from making them get up. Rebecki thumps down an elbow and looks for a guard pass, but Fiore keeps him in this posture. Rebecki has activated the grind-embracing mode, and he has no interest in changing his pace or doing more on his end. Fiore briefly flirts with a high guard, but Rebecki shucks it off and returns to his control that has devolved into something more akin to lay-and-pray. The time ticks away while Rebecki holds on from on top, and with 30 seconds to spare, Fiore looks to implement a butterfly guard. There is nothing to it, as Rebecki holds on to the final bell, thereby taking Fiore to the scorecards for the first time in the latter's career.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki (30-27 Rebecki)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki (30-27 Rebecki)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Rebecki (30-27 Rebecki)

The Official Result

Mateusz Rebecki def. Nick Fiore via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Abdul Razak Alhassan (185.5) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (183)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alhassan (-110), Ribeiro (-110)

Round 1

If you like knockouts, you’ve come to the right matchup. These two middleweights combine for a perfect 100% knockout rate, meaning Ribeiro (10-2, 0-0 UFC) has 10 wins with all 10 by knockout, and Alhassan (11-5, 5-5 UFC) counters with 11 of 11 of his victories by strikes. Referee Mark Smith better be ready, as this fast and furious firefight is about to begin. The stoic and calm fighters, knowing what is about to be unleashed on one another, clap hands first. Ribeiro strikes first, with a calf kick he turns his hips in. Alhassan advances, and Ribeiro throws three more that are getting his foe’s attention early. Alhassan swings and misses wide, and Ribeiro sinks in two more low kicks – although these two are checked. Alhassan stands right in front of his opponent, and out of nowhere, he shoots for a double. Ribeiro defends with illegal punches to the spine, and he cannot quite ground his Brazilian adversary. Ribeiro breaks the grip and muscles his way out of the position, where he winds up with a power inside leg kick. The Brazilian fires off another to the same spot, and Alhassan swings and misses with a high kick. Ribeiro comes up short with a front kick, but his overhand right connects cleanly. Alhassan barely blocks a head kick in time, and he again crashes in for a double. The sheer horsepower of Ribeiro allows him to prevent getting placed on the mat, and he turns his man around and knees him in the belly. Alhassan uses chest pressure to keep his foe pinned to the wire, and this sluggish clinch exchange ends with a few violent inside strikes from the Brazilian and a combination of fists from Alhassan.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribeiro
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ribeiro
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Ribeiro

Round 2

Fists are bumped to commence what some might be surprised is a Round 2 between these two, and Ribeiro starts out with a pair of emphatic leg kicks. Alhassan slowly plods forward, and he releases a bomb of an overhand right that stings the Brazilian. Ribeiro prepares to get in a slugfest, and Alhassan beats him to the punch with a few punches that knock him back to the wall. Knowing his man is hurt, “Judo Thunder” releases thunder in his left hand and lightning in his right, battering the Brazilian with a brutal bombardment until Ribeiro’s legs wobble. With nowhere to go, Ribeiro is forced to take them on the chin, and a blistering right hand separates Ribeiro from his senses and sends him collapsing to his side. Nothing more needs to be done here, as Smith leaps in to call the fight. What a knockout from Alhassan, who proves he is not done yet as a UFC fighter.

The Official Result

Abdul Razak Alhassan def. Claudio Ribeiro R2 0:28 via KO (Punches)

Javid Basharat (136) vs. Mateus Mendonca (134.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-350), Mendonca (+290)

Round 1

The prelims conclude with a battle of the unbeatens in the bantamweight category. With two victories in the Octagon thus far – accounting for the only two decisions in his career – Basharat (13-0, 2-0 UFC) welcomes newcomer Mendonca (10-0, 0-0 UFC) to the organization. With 15 of their 23 overall wins coming in the opening frame, referee Chris Tognoni is geared up and ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. The fists are not bumped, as Mendonca and his blue hair springs towards his opponent. Mendonca slaps a high kick off the face, and Basharat points to his shoulder to motion it did not connect cleanly. The Brazilian keeps his foot on the gas as he chases Basharat around the cage, punching his way straight into a level change. When Basharat is put with his back to the wall, he threatens with a guillotine choke, and this forces Mendonca to change his mind. Basharat retreats, and he gets his lead leg kicked out and topples to the mat. Mendonca gives chase and drills “The Snow Leopard” in the face with a right hand. Basharat wears it well, circles away, and is forced to deal with a cartwheel kick that soars towards his dome. Basharat strikes straight and accurately, with jabs and straight punches, while Mendonca throws with everything he has with odd angles and unorthodox strikes. The two trade heavy blows on the feet, and Basharat hops away on the outside to dodge a spinning back fist. When the re-engage, Basharat leaps forward with a left hand, and Mendonca takes it right on the chin and reels. Mendonca gathers his thoughts and blasts into a takedown effort, and the ensuing scramble allows him to put Basharat on the floor. Basharat fights his way back upright thanks in part to a guillotine, and he works his way to the wall and out. Mendonca cannot get out of the way of a spinning back kick to the ribs, but he does get off a pair of low kicks by his own right. Basharat steps forward to blast the Brazilian in the chops with a right hand, and he catches the end of a kick in hopes of tossing Mendonca to the floor. The Brazilian springs back up and cracks Basharat with an overhand right, and now Basharat is hurt. Instead of pursuing a possible finish, Mendonca takes a few breaths, allowing Basharat to get his feet beneath him. Basharat scores a few punches on the outside before pursuing a double, and he dumps Mendonca down to the mat. Mendonca defends with a guillotine, and Basharat retaliates with a Von Preux. This falls short on both fronts when they leap back to their feet, and Basharat suddenly boots Mendonca upside the head right before the horn, ending a thrilling round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 2

Mendonca takes the center of the Octagon to begin the second round, and he lets loose with an overhand right to reintroduce himself. Mendonca bears down on his man with a few more blitzing punches, and Basharat stays composed as he circles on the outside. Basharat sneaks in a front kick on the midsection, and he cannot keep Mendonca at bay long enough to stop a takedown. Basharat gets right back to his feet, even with Mendonca holding his left leg in the air, and Mendonca doggedly pursues a double. Basharat defends with elbows on the side of the head and a guillotine as well, doing enough to make Mendonca think twice about this takedown at that angle. Basharat sticks and moves, marking up a slowing Mendonca with straight strikes. Mendonca loads up on a body kick and slaps one on the lead leg, and he dives forward for a single-leg takedown. Basharat sprawls and works his way to get the wall behind him, and this allows him to stay upright. Mendonca appears to be fading fast as he backs off and shells up, and he claims he suffered an eye poke in the process. Tognoni did not see it, but he calls for the replay official to review it. Meanwhile, Basharat tackles his man to the mat, and he wriggles his neck out of a guillotine setup. Basharat sits up and drops down hammerfists, and he eludes a leglock setup to stand up and smack the Brazilian in the face with a solid right hand. Mendonca turns to his side in an effort to prevent mount from being taken, and this lets Basharat drill him on the side of the head repeatedly with elbows. As Mendonca turns, Basharat lays into him with damaging blows that bust up Mendonca’s nose or mouth to draw some blood. Mendonca snatches up a sudden kneebar in an effort to either snag a sub or at least force a scramble, and he turns it into a heel hook. Basharat breaks out of the submission as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 3

Right before the final round begins, Tognoni implores the fighters to “keep it classy.” The last frame kicks off as Mendonca kicks towards his opponent. Basharat swats it away and changes stances to fire off a head kick. Mendonca counters with one from his lead leg, and he slowly plods forward. Basharat stutter-steps to dart forward with a straight left hand, and this causes blood to spray from the Brazilian’s nose. Mendonca bites down on his mouthpiece to throw heavy leather, and Basharat manages to evade the worst of the blows and circle away. Basharat snipes with a right hand and a left, flustering the oncoming Mendonca and leaning back out of the way of Mendonca’s haymakers. Mendonca spins without throwing a strike, and he shoots in for a double that is easily sprawled. Basharat begins to tee off with step-in knees and straight lefts, until Mendonca crowds him and shoves him to the wall. Mendonca drags Basharat down to his knee, and ultimately powers so hard that he dumps both of them on their heads. Mendonca falls to his back, goading Basharat to enter his guard, in a “’come into my parlor,’ said the spider to the fly” approach. Basharat is not afraid, and he wades right in and punches Mendonca square in the face. Mendonca, low on energy, still scrambles well enough to break out of the bad position, and he snatches up a last-ditch effort guillotine choke when Basharat leans over before taking him back down. Basharat dumps the Brazilian flat on his back, and he moves to half guard with little concern of what Mendonca can offer off his back. Basharat takes a brief breather, and Mendonca begins to initiate a brief slugfest from his back. Basharat welcomes this and hammers him with an elbow. The blue-haired Brazilian attempts a final leglock, but there is nothing to it before the horn blares. The 0 of Mendonca appears to be the one that will go after 15 minutes of action.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)

The Official Result

Javid Basharat def. Mateus Mendonca via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Raoni Barcelos (135) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nurmagomedov (-610), Barcelos (+460)

Round 1

The main card kicks off with an important bantamweight tilt between an undefeated up-and-comer in Nurmagomedov (15-0, 3-0 UFC) and an aging but still dangerous Brazilian bomber Barcelos (17-3, 6-2 UFC), with a place in the top 15 on the line. The third man in the Octagon for this one is referee Jason Herzog, who clocks them in despite no touch of gloves. The two are tentative to begin, with 30 seconds of inactivity before Barcelos springs into action with a big right hand. Nurmagomedov shoulder-rolls it and changes stances, and he kicks with both legs. Barcelos sits down on a head kick, and the blocked impact echoes through the UFC Apex. Nurmagomedov looks to curl a right hand round the guard, and he plants a side kick on the breadbasket. Barcelos cuts him off while Nurmagomedov kicks away, and the Brazilian advances slowly and has a body kick connect. Nurmagomedov paws out front kicks like jabs, with the two fighting at safe kickboxing range. Barcelos kicks high and then to the body, and Nurmagomedov answers with one to the ribs of his own. The Brazilian catches his man with a quick right hand, and he crashes forward with two looping shots. Nurmagomedov counters to back him off, and he fires off a head kick that gets blocked. Barcelos defends it and swings a hammer, and Nurmagomedov barely avoids it. When they come together, they clack heads, and Barcelos appears to ask him not to do this. Barcelos shrugs off a pair of front kicks so that he can loose a kick to the side, and he takes a flush jab on the way in. Nurmagomedov chips away with kicks from both legs, and a left hand stuns Barcelos momentarily. Barcelos gathers his wits and continues to advance, throwing so hard that he crashes into the wall and ricochets off it. Nurmagomedov resettles for a small bouquet of kicks as Barcelos advances again. The Russian lifts his knee up and turns it into a body kick, and he unloads a left hand on the same side to completely separate Barcelos from his consciousness. The Brazilian falls lifelessly to the mat on his back, with the back of his head clattering on the floor, and Nurmagomedov gives chase to drop down one single destructive hammerfist. Realizing that his opponent is astral traveling, Nurmagomedov pulls back from any further damage, and actually puts his hand on the top of Barcelos' head to check on him like a mother and her child. Herzog sees that this fight is over, and he pulls Nurmagomedov off of the dozing Barcelos. Nurmagomedov appears genuinely concerned for his fallen opponent, and he confirms this by apologizing for destroying him in the post-fight interview. For only the second time of his career, Nurmagomedov has knocked an opponent out, and he is now a flawless 16-0 as a pro.

The Official Result

Umar Nurmagomedov def. Raoni Barcelos R1 4:40 via KO (Body Kick and Punch)

Raquel Pennington (135.5) vs. Ketlen Vieira (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vieira (-115), Pennington (-105)

Round 1

In terms of pure rankings, no fight on the billing is more relevant than this fight that is not on the marquee. This women’s bantamweight pairing, one pitting the second-ranked Vieira (13-2, 7-2 UFC) against the no. 5 Pennington (14-8, 11-5 UFC), could have immediate title implications depending on how it plays out. One woman will take her first defeat in quite some time, and referee Chris Tognoni will be the first to know who that is. The ladies sportingly clap hands ahead of their important fight, and they are jittery and not ready to engage. At the 20-second mark, Pennington leaps forward with a superwoman punch, and Vieira backs her off with a solid right hand in response. Vieira walks through a low kick on the inside and a jab to the body so that she can swing a swatting left hook, but this misses the mark. The Brazilian whiffs on a big right as well, prompting Pennington to charge in with a stream of jabs. Vieira parries two looping strikes to catch “Rocky” with a short right hand on the way in. Pennington appears no worse for wear as she goes for another kick on the inside of the knee, and she ducks back when a big left hook whizzes past her face. Vieira grabs a charging Pennington to knee her right in the chest, and she sends her backpedaling with a clean right hand across the bow. Pennington slams her shin on the low calf of her opponent, and she fakes a second to draw an exaggerated reaction out of the Brazilian. Vieira snipes with a left hand to open a cut on the top of Pennington’s forehead, and she chains together a combination of punches and a low kick to keep Pennington guessing. Vieira absorbs a kick to the ribs as she closes the distance, and she reaches her foe with a left hook in a short salvo. Vieira paws out a trio of low kicks before lunging with a straight punch to the body, and Pennington answers with a similar punch before swinging a left hand at her. Vieira lands at the end of her left hook, and another superwoman punch from Pennington allows her to close the distance and tie the Brazilian up to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Vieira

Round 2

The bantamweight contenders touch hands before re-engaging, and engage they do almost immediately, when Pennington coming out firing. Vieira answers with a counter left hook, as she measures this strike to draw ever closer to the mark. Vieira takes one on the chin to throw back two, and she has a handful of punches ricochet off the guard. Pennington connects with a heavy one-two, and Vieira blinks it out but cannot keep an advancing Pennington off of her. “Rocky” grabs hold of Vieira from behind, where she considers elevating the Brazilian to drop her on the mat, or otherwise force Vieira to carry her body weight. Vieira gets warned for bragging the fence, and she turns back around in the clinch and belts Pennington in the face with a stern elbow. Vieira opens up with a one-two, and she starts slugging it out with her opponent and gets marked up as well. The right side of Pennington’s face is growingly covered in blood, while Vieira’s mouth is also turning a brilliant shade of scarlet. Vieira spins Pennington around, and a knee from the former title challenger slams square into Vieira’s groin. Tognoni recognizes the foul as Vieira appears in clear pain, and the action is paused for about 45 seconds until they get back to it. Pennington starts off the initial aggressor, slinging a high kick and a few lancing punches while Vieira throws back in volume. Vieira gets off with a right hand, and Pennington replies in kind to snap the head back. Pennington nails her with another right over the top before latching on to the clinch and clubbing the body with a pair of knees. Pennington checks the clock when pinned to the fence – it reads about 58 seconds – and she tries with all her might to break off. When she cannot get out of the clinch, she settles for knee after unanswered knee to the chest and midsection. Vieira is sticking to her tightly without striking back, and Pennington remains the busier of the two with body shots. Vieira slithers around to the back with seconds to spare, and there is nothing to be had before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pennington
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Pennington
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pennington

Round 3

The ladies double touch hands, hug and then bump fists again to start the last round. They immediately go for broke, with Pennington not wasting any time engaging and throwing hands. Pennington cracks Vieira with a superwoman punch, and Vieira answers with several speedy punches in response. The two close the distance and end up tied up, with Vieira pushing the former title challenger against the wall. Pennington grinds her elbow on the chin as Vieira stays close enough to not take many knees as she did the end of the last round. When Pennington sets up a Thai plum, Vieira disengages. Vieira resets and dings Pennington with a right hand, stringing together a few strikes before Pennington closes in to grab hold of her. They trade short single punches up close, and both try to attempt a throw or toss to change position. When neither succeed, Vieira spins her around in the tie-up, and Pennington looks for a Thai clinch again. This time, Pennington is able to score a knee before they separate, and Vieira leaps forward suddenly with a crushing elbow. Pennington takes it cleanly and tries to escape, so Vieira follows her and nails her with another before snagging here again up close. Vieira targets elbows, and Pennington rips the body with a knee. When in the clinch, Vieira slips around to nearly take the back, and she knees the thigh while Pennington punches her from over her own shoulder. Vieira looks to elevate Pennington, but she cannot throw her as Pennington’s base is too solid. Vieira stays clung to her adversary right to the bitter end, and the judges have their hands full with this one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vieira (29-28 Vieira)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Vieira (29-28 Vieira)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Vieira (29-28 Vieira)

The Official Result

Raquel Pennington def. Ketlen Vieira via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Roman Kopylov (185) vs. Punahele Soriano (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Soriano (-165), Kopylov (+140)

Round 1

This middleweight scrap may not last long, and referee Kerry Hatley will need to keep his head on a swivel. Dueling 89% finish rates for Soriano (9-2, 3-2 UFC) and Kopylov (9-2, 1-2 UFC) crash into each other like ships in a storm, although neither man has ever been stopped by strikes. Before the fists meet faces, the fists bump into one another respectfully. Kopylov is quick to back off as Soriano comes out guns blazing, with a pair of overhand rights getting his attention in a hurry. “Story Time” suddenly goes for a double, and when that fails, he wings a huge left hand. Kopylov blocks the worst of the haymakers flying towards him, but Soriano is still gunning for him with that big left. Kopylov sticks out a jab to disrupt the swinging hammers, sticking and moving to make Soriano hit air. Kopylov chops at the lead calf and blocks high as he expects a big left aimed at him. He is correct, as it collides off the guard and he resets. Kopylov sticks out several jabs, chaining them into a right hand, and Soriano grits his teeth and slugs right back. Kopylov is more content to touch while Soriano is swinging for the bleachers, and this allows Kopylov to see the strikes coming and block the dangerous ones. The Russian pierces out a jab, splitting the guard repeatedly and stifling the worst of the worst that is fired his direction. The jab continues to find its home, a piston connecting with the nose again and again. Soriano whiffs on a bomb and bounces off the cage wall, and he takes a deep breath just three minutes into the match. Soriano winds up and misses on another overhand left, with Kopylov composed and moving comfortably. Kopylov chips at the leg and paws out jabs, and he shuts down a tackling double-leg entry from the Hawaiian. Kopylov leaves a jab out too long, and Soriano reaches him with a huge left. When Soriano advances, Kopylov turns the tables on him with his own tackle of a takedown that sets his man down briefly. When Soriano scrambles, Kopylov just lets him back up, and the two get back after it on the feet. Kopylov sticks “Story Time” with a pair of punches, and he backs off until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov

Round 2

The middleweights touch ‘em up to start, and Kopylov decides to lead the dance initially. With a fast chain of punches, he knocks Soriano back, and forces Soriano to attack from a different angle. Soriano slows himself down and starts loading up on single shots, but this lets Kopylov pop him again and again with a stinging jab. Soriano swats the jab out of the way to close in and fire, and he unloads a fastball of a left hand that just misses the mark by a matter of millimeters. Kopylov spins to crack the body like a whip with a spinning back kick, and Soriano takes it flush and groans. Soriano lets them close in so that he can pound a few uppercuts on the nose, and this marks up Kopylov’s nose. Kopylov keeps his right hand out, further disrupting the Hawaiian and frustrating him. Kopylov dogs body shots, and he rips a kick to the ribs as Soriano winces in pain. The Russian knows the body is the weakness, and he targets the majority of his blows at the midsection. Soriano, with every bit of his remaining energy, swings recklessly and keeps Kopylov honest enough to not put him away. Kopylov takes a breath, and he smashes his shin in the Hawaiian's liver. Soriano is barely on his feet, frozen in time momentarily as he cannot even take a breath. Kopylov chains together a long salvo of punches, and Soriano shells up and bends over but does not go down. Knowing that there is nothing more Soriano has to offer, Hatley mercifully halts the fight. With that sterling performance in the books, Kopylov has now become the first fighter to ever finish the durable Hawaiian.

The Official Result

Roman Kopylov def. Punahele Soriano R2 3:19 via TKO (Body Kick and Punches)

Dan Ige (145.5) vs. Damon Jackson (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ige (-130), Jackson (+110)

Round 1

In the co-headlining spot, two men with drastically different trajectories meet in the middle to determine which one moves up in the world. Hawaii’s Ige (15-6, 7-5 UFC) has encountered a veritable murderer’s row in the featherweight division, while Jackson (22-4-1, 1 NC; 5-2-1, 1 NC UFC) has found himself on a mighty run, winning five of six in his second stint in the Octagon. This fun tilt will draw oversight from referee Jason Herzog, before it even begins, they touch gloves. Jackson takes a kick and releases several punches. When he gets in Ige’s range, Ige drops him with a right hand, but he lets Jackson get back up so they can continue their fun. Ige advances, with fire in his right hand, and he launches it at his opponent. Jackson stays circled on the outside, closing the distance fast with a body shot and a front kick that gets blocked, and escaping out of the range of the heavy-handed Hawaiian. Ige reaches him with two lefts to the body, and he connects shortly thereafter with a right hand over the top. Jackson dodges a jab and strafes to the side, bringing up a knee that brushes past the jaw as Ige bears down on him. Ige turns his hips all the way into a pounding kick to the thigh, and he slams his shin into Jackson’s raised guard just in time. Jackson ducks down in search of a single, and he gets smacked in the side of the head a few times. As Ige springs away, he pushes off, and a finger or part of the glove goes into Jackson’s left eye. Herzog steps in as Jackson holds his arm up in pain, stopping Ige from a hard charge. Herzog calls in the doctor to evaluate “Action Jackson,” and Jackson is cleared to continue for now. Herzog informs Jackson that the glove did the damage, and they resume after about 90 seconds of pause. Upon the restart, Ige is ready to throw bungalows, and Jackson keeps him at bay with a pair of big countershots. Ige backs off and resets, and his hyper-aggressive approach is slowed as he marches Jackson down without firing. Jackson potshots him from a safe range, and Ige gives chase and tries to cut him off. Ige drills his shin into his foe’s liver, and Jackson replies with a front kick that skims off the chest. A sharp knee from Jackson backs off Ige momentarily, but not enough to keep Ige from getting back into the fray. Ige stings Jackson with a right hand, and he backs away to then dart in and score a takedown. The round ends as Ige moves to the side.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ige
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ige
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Ige

Round 2

The second stanza commences with Jackson striking first, with a right hand that sneaks around the guard. Jackson gets a high kick aimed at the same spot, and Ige cannot reach him. Jackson keeps circling, but he is not with his back close to the wall. When Ige comes to strike, Jackson strings together three heavy punches and a low kick, and Ige thinks twice about engaging in this fashion. Ige swings a telegraphed uppercut to close in on his opponent, and he bails on it before Jackson can settle or pull guard. Ige, firmly claiming the center of the cage, tosses out a single kick out of range. Ige jabs, and a responsive head kick bangs into his guard. Jackson walks face-first into a right hand, and this cuts him open immediately and staggers him. The blood on the upper forehead flows straight into Jackson’s eye, one that was already compromised from the swiping of the glove in the last round. Ige walks him down calmly, shucking off a quick Jackson advance to march him down with a pair of body shots. Jackson skirts away and reaches with a front kick, only to be several feet away from the mark. Ige sneaks a right hand over the top, further opening the cut, and he swings a kick to the low calf and points to someone outside the cage. Jackson strings four punches together off the guard, and Ige looks to reply with an uppercut that is also blocked. Jackson kicks the side and scores a right hand, and Ige takes them cleanly without budging. An Ige uppercut gets Jackson’s attention briefly, but it is one-and-done. Jackson ducks and darts forward to swing a left hand recklessly, and he aims a right hand shortly after it. Before Jackson can reach him, Ige times a perfect uppercut square on the jaw, and Jackson crumbles like a bird that’s just had its wings clipped mid-flight. Ige is comfortable that he can clock out and go home, and he strides off while Herzog leaps in to check on the wrecked Jackson’s condition. The Fortis MMA fighter drifts in and out of consciousness, and his night of combat is over. What a knockout!

The Official Result

Dan Ige def. Damon Jackson R2 4:13 via KO (Punch)

Nassourdine Imavov (194) vs. Sean Strickland (204)

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

Round 1

We have reached the main event of the evening, one that the organization did not have in mind coming into 2023. Instead of Kelvin Gastelum, rising Frenchman Imavov (12-3, 4-1 UFC) will be battling Strickland (25-5, 12-5 UFC). Rather than fighting at middleweight, the two will be competing at light heavyweight. The weight difference is fairly stark, with Imavov clocking in at 194 pounds, a whole 10 pounds lighter than Strickland (204). Strickland will try to turn things around, as he is currently riding the first losing skid of his career, while Imavov has earned three straight wins on his own ledger. The last fight of the card will be joined by referee Mark Smith, and the two men are happy to be competing tonight and touch gloves. Strickland gets right in his foe’s face, but Imavov is the one striking first with a few straight punches and a low kick. The Frenchman connects with a left hook, and Strickland responds with a one-two down the pipe. Strickland uses his outstretched jab to parry a few punches, and he absorbs a punch at the end of it. Imavov winds up with a huge right hand over the top, and Strickland takes it flush and rolls to fire back with a one-two. Strickland prepares to shoulder roll, and he strings three punches together including a left hand straight down the middle. Strickland throws a front kick, and the two are warned for outstretched fingers while they come together. They hand-fight with long reaches, and Strickland finds an opening to kick the liver. Strickland slaps at the lead calf, and he hops away when Imavov charges. Imavov reaches Strickland with a right, and Strickland responds cleanly in kind to stun Imavov. Strickland reaches his man with punches in bunches, and Imavov tries to spin with a no-look elbow to no avail. Strickland rushes forward, pushing the pace and throwing hands, and he eats a few punches and swings much harder than he has in several fights. The wild swings of “Tarzan” lead into a clinch, and he presses Imavov to the wall and scores a short left on the break. Strickland leans back from a jab, and he absorbs a front kick and swats away a leaping right hand. Strickland gets in a jab as he works his way forward, and he wings a huge right hand that skims off the Frenchman’s hair. Imavov ducks and uses the top of his skull to block a punch, and Strickland does not blink and continues to walk forward. The American sees a telegraphed overhand right come at him so that he can counter with three or four punches, and these two overcommit to several powerful blows that blow back the hair of those seated in the first row of the Apex. Strickland plods forward, landing two punches and getting tied up right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 2

The middleweight expats meet right in the center of the cage to begin the second round, and they continue practically right where they left off. Strickland leads the dance, coming forward and pressuring the Frenchman actively. Imavov swings wildly, with a huge right hand skimming past Strickland’s shoulder. Strickland kicks the body and strings a few punches into the combination to follow, and this leads to a clinch. Strickland protests that Imavov is grabbing his glove, but Smith does not intervene or remark on it. The fighters split up, and Strickland puts a one-two together and unloads with a hellacious right hand on the button. Imavov absorbs it surprisingly, and he starts swinging back dangerously. Both men are wearing it and slightly hurt from the brief brawl that ensued. Strickland changes levels suddenly to trip Imavov to the mat, but he cannot hold him there for long. Imavov walks up the wall with it at his back, and he pushes off with a front kick to gain some space. Imavov lands a right hand, and Strickland replies with a one-two and a wild right hand. Neither fighter appears quite the technical wizard as per usual as they flail and swing awkwardly arcing punches at one another, and this results in one more clinch. Imavov eventually escapes, and he times a Strickland jab to smash him in the face with a right hand. Strickland gets shoved back with a knee, elbow and punch, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Imavov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Imavov
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Imavov

Round 3

Round 3 begins with tit-for-tat strikes from one man and the other. Strickland breaks up this exchange with a leg kick, and he nails the Frenchman with a left hand and a right to follow. Imavov welcomes the brief brawl, and they both score with punishing blows and either budge an inch. They break away from their proverbial phone-booth fight to let Imavov circle on the outside, and he flirts with a high kick and suddenly reaches with a straight right hand. Strickland rolls with a punch and scores a left, and he cannot get out of the way from a left on the jaw. With his chin tucked, Strickland does not bat an eye, and the two proceed to stand right in front of one another punching the other in the face. Strickland catches the hands of his opponent and swipes out a left hand, and he marches forward to snap out a few jabs. Imavov dives into a single that misses by a mile, and Strickland lets him back up and shrugs off a few punches. When Imavov kicks low, Strickland counters him with a left over the top. Strickland jabs his way in to closer exchanges, and he scoops a right hand that slugs right into Imavov’s chops. Imavov bounces on his feet to shake things off, and they trade front kicks to the belly. Strickland times a counter on the jaw, and the pace has understandably slowed after how hard the two not-middleweights were throwing for the first few rounds. Strickland jabs, Imavov responds, and this spurs Strickland into action with a big right hand and a left. Imavov cannot dodge a body kick, and he lets Strickland grab him and tries to spin with an elbow. Strickland ducks it after landing a front kick, and the round comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 4

The championship rounds have been reached, and this is a first for France’s Imavov. Strickland flusters him out of the gate with a low kick, a body kick and several jabs. Strickland pushes out a one-two before Imavov can respond, and Imavov pushes forward but only hand-fights. Strickland kicks the ribs and smacks Imavov with another fierce one-two, and this leads to Imavov grabbing his hands standing. Imavov presses forward with his shoulder into a clinch situation, but Strickland shrugs it off and gets back to his preferred striking range. Strickland paws out a few punches and gets his head snapped back with a left, but he drives the ball of his foot to the body in response. Imavov swats kicks his foe’s way, but they are half-hearted. Imavov absorbs a few punches from up top, and he answers by throwing fire. Strickland pops Imavov with a right hand, and his sheer momentum knocks Imavov to his back. Strickland does not want to take him to the ground, and instead they return to the clinch up against the cage wall. Strickland uses his full body weight as a weapon, as if he wanted to squeeze Imavov through the fence like French Play-Do. Imavov manages to break off and escape with a right hand over the guard, and Strickland makes him pay with a short combination. Strickland is confident in his approach, calmly walking the French fighter down and smacking him upside the head with his fists. Imavov flails and tries to parry the blows with his outstretched arms, but Strickland still manages to find his dome repeatedly. Imavov bends over upon receipt of a body kick, and Strickland pours it on with several more unanswered blows. Imavov goes for a clinch, and Strickland walks him from one side of the cage to the other before releasing him gingerly. The round ends, and both men appear spent.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 5

The last round commences, and Strickland strikes first with a front kick and a few punches. Imavov swings back as his punches careen off the guard, and Strickland snipes him from afar. When Imavov tries to come out swinging, Strickland intercepts him with a front kick to the belly. Imavov unloads with heavy blows, and Strickland wears them well and greets him in the middle of the cage with a flurry of his own. The two close in as they fatigue after an exchange, and they clinch up. Imavov changes his offense to slashing elbows from up tight, and Strickland dodges the brunt of them and splits. Strickland punches his way to close the distance, and Imavov catches him and tries to slice him with elbows. Strickland breaks off and connects with a jab, before going back to the clinch to frustrate the Frenchman. “Tarzan” takes the most dangerous tools away from a desperate Imavov with the clinches, and he uses his jabs and twos to keep Imavov honest. Imavov tries to break off when Strickland latches on to him, or gets off a singular elbow, but they are not enough to stave Strickland off. Imavov breaks off and looses a fury of blows, and Strickland retaliates with a slow but steady barrage. Imavov smashes two elbows on the orbital, and he pushes Strickland to the wall and breaks free. Strickland ducks down and right into an elbow, and Imavov meets him with a knee up the middle. Imavov throws with everything he has, swinging recklessly and wildly while Strickland is doing some of the same. Imavov ducks two booming hooks, and Strickland nods and motion down to the floor. The two fighters give it everything they have with an exhausted swarm of punches, knees, elbows and anything else they come up with. Strickland bullies Imavov back to the wall, and the final horn blares to signal an end to the fight card. The short turnaround appeared to work in his favor, as he should right the ship after this 25-minute affair. Next week, the UFC takes to Brazil for the first time in years. Two belts will be on the line, including one in the UFC’s very first tetralogy match, and we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Imavov (48-47 Strickland)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Imavov (48-47 Strickland)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Imavov (48-47 Strickland)

The Official Result

Sean Strickland def. Nassourdine Imavov via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
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