UFC Fight Night 223 ‘Song vs. Simon’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Hailey Cowan (137.5: Missed Weight) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Horth (-140), Cowan (+120)

Round 1

Chris Tognoni will referee the opening bout of the card, which matches a pair of former Legacy Fighting Alliance competitors. Cowan will forfeit 20 percent of her purse due to missing weight. The combatants come out in opposite stances, and Horth lands an inside leg kick. Cowan counters with a two-plunch combination. A solid body kick lands for Horth. Cowan catches the strike after it lands and attempts to counter. Cowan moves forward and connects with a straight left. Horth follows a hard body kick with a right hand. A right from Horth lands on the chest of her foe. Cowan misses a kick to the head. Horth slams another kick to the body. A spinning back kick to the midsection lands for Cowan and the fighters clinch. Horth pushes Cowan back into the fence. They trade knees and Cowan reverses position, landing a short elbow in the clinch. Both fighters land knees and Horth lands an elbow as they break. A headkick finds the mark for Horth, and Cowan shoots for a takedown behind a flurry of punches. Horth sprawls nicely and now Cowan shoves her into the cage. Cowan with a short elbow in close. Cowan is cut above the left eye. Horth breaks free and lands a right hand. Cowan fires off a series of punches that miss the mark at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cowan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth

Round 2

Cowan goes right back to the clinch and shoves her foe into the fence. Horth lands a knee to the midsection. Cowan with a knee as they separatea nd Horth responds with a 1-2. A right to the body lands for Horth, who then goes back to the well with a body kick. This time, Cowan catches it and takes Horth to the canvas. Cowan gets to work from top position, and drops an elbow before Horth scrambles to her feet. They clinch again and Cowan lands a knee, which is answered by a Horth right hand. Cowan pressures behind a jumping switch kick but can’t land anything substantial. Horth lands a side kick to the gut. Cowan blocks a head kick. Cowan follows a head kick with a left hand. Cowan lands a right uppercut before forcing the clinch against the cage. Horth with a knee to the midsection. Cowan cointinues to control the position, applying pressure with her head. Cowan lands a knee. Horth lands a right hand as they break, and Cowan answers. Cowan shoves Horth to the mat after catching a kick right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cowan
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cowan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cowan

Round 3

Cowan sticks a jab at the outset of the round. Cowan probes with push kicks only to absorb another body kick from Horth. Cowan closes the distance and shoves Horth into the fence. Horth uses a fence grab to halt a takedown attempt from Cowan, and she is warned by Tognoni. Cowan maintains control and knees the midsection. Horth throws some knees of her own with her back to the fence. Horth turns off the cage and lands a knee and a right hand before being taken down. A scramble ensues and now it’s Horth driving for a takedown against the fence. Cowan defends well and they get back to range. A right jab connects for Horth. Cowan looks fatigued as Horth lands another body kick. Horth follows a high kick with a right hand. Cowan steps in with a straight left. Cowan puts on the pressure but Horth circles away and lands a 1-2. Cowan with a kick to the body. Horth steps in to the pocket and snaps her foe’s head back with a right. A left lands for Cowan, and Horth answers with a kick to the head and body. Another head kick lands for Horth. Cowan capitalizes with a takedown, and she’ll ride out the final seconds on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Horth (29-28 Horth)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Horth (29-28 Cowan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth (29-28 Horth)

The Official Result

Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Hailey Cowan via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Marcus McGhee (140) vs. Journey Newson (138.5)

Round 1

McGhee makes his debut on just a few days notice against five-time UFC vet Newson. Mark Smith will oversee the catchweight bout. McGhee takes the center of the cage and has a high kick blocked. McGhee goes upstairs with another kick and again, Newson’s guard is in place. Newson wings an overhand left and misses the mark. McGhee lands an inside low kick. The newcomer jumps in with a knee and Newson holds on to a leg before releasing. Newson sits down an a solid right hand. A body kick lands for Newson. McGhee jumps in with a front kick that lands. Newson catches it and lets it go immediately. Newson throws a high kick that McGhee blocks. A stiff left hand backs up Newson, and another straight punch lands shortly thereafter. McGhee is finding the mark for his left hand now. Newson looks to keep his man at bay with a series of kicks. A right lands for Newson and he circles away. McGhee kicks the body. Newson closes the range and drops for a takedown against the fence. Newson releases a leg and then follows McGee as he rolls. The fighters get back to range, and Newson pushes his foe into the cage, where he misses a spinning back elbow before stepping away. McGhee lands a knee in the clinch and misses a kick. A spinning kick to the body lands for McGhee and then he fires off a left hand. A right lands for Newson as he rushes forward with punches at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Newson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McGhee

Round 2

Newson can’t find the range on a head kick and McGhee answers with a body kick. Newson pressures forward and McGhee counters with a right hand. Newson nearly trips his man down but McGhee is up quickly. Newson lands a couple inside leg kicks. They tie up and McGee backs Newson into the fence. Newson reverses the position and he looks for a takedown. He eventually gets McGee down, but only for a couple seconds. A quick straight left at range sits down Newson and McGee jumps on his opponent’s back when he rolls to his knees. McGhee applies a rear-naked choke and tightens the hold. Newson can only hold on for a few seconds before he taps out. McGhee has yet to go the distance in his professional career.

The Official Result

Marcus McGhee def. Journey Newson via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:03

Irina Alekseeva (140: Missed Weight) vs. Stephanie Egger (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Egger (-305), Alekseeva (+255)

Round 1

Switzerland’s Egger has won three of her last four UFC appearances. She’ll welcome one-time Bellator veteran Alekseeva to the Octagon for a catchweight affair after the Russian missed weight by four pounds on Friday, a mishap which results in Alekseeva forfeiting 30 percent of her purse. Jason Herzog gets his first officiating assignment of the night for the bout. Egger marches forward and Alekseeeva fires of a variety of kicks to keep her foe at bay. A leg kick by Egger makes the Russian stumble. A low kick connects for Egger. Another leg kick lands for Egger. Alekseeva is winging big punches and mostly missing. A big right lands for the Russian during an exchange and Egger briefly covers up aagainst the fence. Egger closes the distance and grabs a rear waistlock. Alekseeva deftly rolls for a kneebar on the canvas. Egger tries diligently to prevent her adversary from extending the leg. The Swiss does well at this for a spell, but eventually “Russian Ronda” rolls over and cranks on the leg. It’s not fully extended, but it’s enough to force a quick tapout from Egger to avoid further injury. It's the fourth kneebar submission in UFC women's history.

The Official Result

Irina Alekseeva def. Stephanie Egger via Submission (Kneebar) R1 2:11

Cody Durden (126) vs. Charles Johnson (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-145), Durden (+125)

Round 1

Durden will attempt to extend his UFC winning streak to three against Johnson, who is the first fighter of 2023 to make three Octagon appearances. Chris Tognoni will be the third man in the cage for this flyweight encounter. They trade kicks and Johnson tumbles to the floor. Durden moves in and immediately has to defend a leg lock. Durden moves to Johnson’s back when “Inner G” returns to his feet. Durden jumps on Johnson like a backpack with a body triangle in place. Durden tags Johnson with a series of left hands, hoping to create an opening for a choke. Johnson remains calm and continues to defend his neck well. Durden jumps down to his feet but remains attached to Johnson’s back. Johnson drops to the floor in an attempt to free himself, but Durden keeps the pressure on. Durden stays behind Johnson against the fence, and he jumps on his foe’s back again before the flyweights separate. Johnson lands a leg kick, and Durden answers with one of his own that makes Johnson stumble to the mat. They trade punches, and both men make solid connections. Durden jabs, then shoots for a takedown. He gets Johnson down to a knee near the fence. Johnson isolates the arm of Durden then gets dumped to the canvas. Johnson locks in a reverse triangle in the waning seconds, but Durden defends until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Durden

Round 2

Johnson works behind his jab early, then throws a front kick down the middle. Durden with a left hook followed by a low kick. Durden works his way to the back and slams Johnson to the mat. Johnson gets up in short order but can’t break his foe’s grip. Durden looks to take the back, but Johnson rolls onto his back. Durden continues to keep the pressure on as Johnson goes back to his knees. Now Durden applies the body triangle. He relents and continues to ride Johnson as he opponent scrambles to his feet. Durden has a rear body lock as Johnson drops to a knee near the fence. Durden muscles his man to the mat and secures the body triangle again. Now Durden has his hooks in as Johnson rolls to face the fence. Johnson pushes off the fence and uses the threat of a leg lock to scramble to his feet. At distance, Johnson lands a jab. Durden moves forward and connects with a straight right and a left hook. A left hook and body kick finds the mark for Johnson. A counter right from Durden tags Johnson. Durden shoots for a takedown and Johnson lands a knee to the body. They separate and Johnson has Durden on the retreat a little bit, attacking with kicks to the body and punches to the head. A solid end to the round for Johnson.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Durden

Round 3

Durden with a nice counter uppercut early. Johnson pressures forward behind a combination, but Durden counters. They’re trading, and Johnson is getting the better of the exchanges, mixing in kicks with punches. Johnson stuffs a shot from Durden. Johnson sticks a jab. Durden moves in with a right hand. They continue to trade punches before Durden shoots in the middle of the cage. Johnson denies it and turns his foe around. Durden tags Johnson with a solid right hand, and he uses the opportunity to try for another takedown. Johnson defends yet again and Durden backs off. Durden gets deep on a single leg and his fourth takedown attempt of the round is successful. Johnson works his way to his feet but Durden jumps on his back, body triangle secured. Johnson bends over, hoping to make Durden slide off. Durden keeps his hips back and continues to be a backpack on his foe. Durden goes back to the ground but he still has the waistlock. Durden jumps back on the back, and Johnson is trying to shake him off the top. Durden slides back and maintains the dominant position as Johnson falls to the floor. Durden is going to end the fight on Johnson’s back.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Durden (30-27 Durden)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Durden (30-27 Durden)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Durden (30-27 Durden)

The Official Result

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

Martin Buday (265) vs. Jake Collier (265.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Collier (-115), Buday (-105)

Round 1

Slovakia’s Buday will attempt to extend his professional winning streak to 11 against Jake Collier, who has competed as low as 185 pounds in UFC competition before settling in at heavyweight. Mark Smith will officiate the contest. Buday moves forward and Collier backs him off with a combination. Collier pressures Buday against the fence, landing some heavy shots. Collier keeps that pressure on, but Budya backs him up with an uppercut. Collier has set a fast pace early, moving forward and slinging heavy leather. A jab and a 1-2 land for Collier. Now Buday goes on the offensive, landing punches before shoving his foe into the fence. Collier is able to break free and land a low kick at range. Collier switches stances and lands a left hand. Collier chips away with a leg kick and body kick. Collier stays busy with his jab, landing several of those punches. Collier backs up Buday with a flurry of punches and the Slovakian circles away. Buday sucks Collier into the clinch, but Collier is able to escape. A leg kick lands for Buday. Collier finds a home for the jab aagin, then he attacks the body with straight punches. Collier backs Buday into the fence, lands a two punch combination and then ties up with his opponnet. Collier whiffs on an elbow on the break. Collier moves forward but Buday with a nice counter right. Collier kicks Buday’s leg out from under him and follows him to the floor. Buday moves to all fours as Collier attempts to take the back. He can’t get both hooks in but is content to hammer away with punches from the position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Collier
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Collier
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Collier

Round 2

Collier goes back to work with his jab, and Buday answers with a leg kick. Collier clinches behind a right hand. Collier backs off, then steps in with a big uppercut. Both men land in an exchange and then Buday connects with a solid uppercut-left hand combo. Collier plods foward into the clinch, where he lands an uppercut in close. They separate and then clinch again. Budy lands a knee and then eats a right from Collier. Collier keeps wading forward and he clinches with Buday again. A knee to the midsection lands for Collier. Colliler with an elbow in close before backing away. The movements are labored for both men now. Collier clinches and pushes Buday into the fence. They separate and Collier lands a jab, but Buday counters with a left hook. Buday shoves Collier into the cage, but Collier turns him around before they separate. Collier wades right back into the clinch and they trade knees. Buday’s knee hurt Collier and he opens up with punches. Collier seems to be OK, and he clinches with Buday and shoves him back into the fence. A knee to the midsection lands for Buday, and Collier tries a level change against the fence. Buday defends and knees the body again. Collier swings an elbow in response. Buday backs up and Collier enters the clinch again. Collier will end the round in control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Buday
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Buday
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buday

Round 3

Buday lands an uppercut in an initial exchange. Collier fires off three jabs. An uppercut-left hook combo connects for Buday, but there isnt much power behind it. Another uppercut for Buday. Collier moves in and eats an uppercut-left hook combo. Another uppercut lands for Buday before Collier clinches and shoves his man into the fence. Collier gets a finger in the eye as he attempts to back away and time is called. A doctor enters the cage to examine Collier. After about two minutes, Collier says he’s good to continue. Buday moves in and lands a combination. Collier with a low kick and Buday responds in turn. Collier sticks his jab. Buday finds the range on his jab, then goes body-head with a combination. Collier lands a left to the body. Collier lands a left hook and then clinches with Buday against the cage. Collier with some punches to the ribs, and Buday throws a knee. Collier controls the position and fires off a couple knees to the body. Collier with another knee and an elbow before they separate. Collier lunges forward and shoots for a takedown. Buday shucks him aside and assumes top position. Buday is in full mount with less than a minute to go. Buday with a couple short elbows, but he doesn’t have the energy to unleash a barrage of ground and pound. Buday steps off to the side, and that allows Collier to get to his knees. Buday hovers, then tags Collier with more punches when his opponent can’t return to his feet. Buday ends the fight unloading with more punches.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Buday)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Buday)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Buday)

The Official Result

Martin Buday def. Jake Collier via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Josh Quinlan (169) vs. Trey Waters (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Quinlan (-180), Waters (+155)

Round 1

Quinlan, who is coming off a first-round KO in his UFC debut, will welcome Waters to the Octagon. The 6-foot-5 Waters fought just two weeks ago under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner. Jason Herzog will ref the evening’s first main card bout. Waters makes Quinlan slip to the canvas with a nicely timed inside leg kick. Quinlan returns to his feet and shoves Waters into the fence. Waters denies a takeown try from Quinlan, who maintains his grip on his opponent. Quinlan lands a short elbow on the break. Waters backs up his foe with a left hook. Waters extends a pair of jabs and Quinlan answers with a calf kick. Waters slips a hook and counters with a jab. Quinlan is trying to figure out the range on his longer opponent, but Waters tags his him with a two-piece combo. A body kick lands for Waters. Another leg kick for Quinlan. Waters jabs and then follows with a lead left hook. Quinlan kicks the legs and then misses a superman punch off the cage. Waters counters with a right hand, then moves in with a left hook. Another step back right lands for Waters as Quinlan moves forward. Waters with a apir of front kicks to the midsection. Another counter right lands for Waters. Quinlan continues to target the lead leg of his foe. Waters counters with a right and evades Quinlan, who ends the round with a takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Waters
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Waters
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Waters

Round 2

Quinlan steps in and stuns Waters with a left hook. They trade briefly, and Quinlan backs up. Waters shakes it off and lands an inside low kick. Waters lands a pair of stiff jabs. More jabs connect for Waters. A 1-2 is successful for Waters, as he controls the striking at his preferred range. A counter right connects for Waters. Waters moves in and tags Quinland with a left hook. Quinlan follows a leg kick with a takedown try but Waters shrugs it off. Waters with another left hook that lands. Waters with a left hook followed by a straight rgiht. Waters lands a pair of jab followed by a right hand. Waters lands a 1-2 as Quinlan struggles to close the distance. A sharp right hand stops Quinlan in his tracks, Quinlan lands a couple more calf kicks to his opponent’s lead leg. Waters counters Quinlan’s advance with a three punch combination. A hard calf kick makes Waters stumble. Quinlan kicks the body and lunges in with power shots. Waters answers with a knee and right hand and the welterweights go to the canvas at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Waters
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Waters
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Waters

Round 3

Quinlan opens things with a leg kick. Waters lands his left hook but absorbs another hard leg kick. Quinlan has a takedown attempt denied. Waters lands multiple jabs then angles away from Quinlan. Quinlan lands another leg kick and triess to pressure. But his journey into the pocket is met by multiple punches from Waters, and Quinlan backs away. Waters sticks his jab again. Quinlan eats a counter right before landing another low kick. Waters lands a jab and then counters with a straight right. Waters counters Quinlan with a combination. A left hook backs up Quinlan. Quinlan pressures again and lands a left. Quinlan eats a right as he attempts to find the striking range. Waters stuffs a takedown. A clean counter right from Waters puts Quinlan on the retreat. Waters doesn’t hunt the finish, preferring to keep a measured pace. Waters touches Quinlan with a 1-2. Quinlan pressures with power punches but Waters circles awway. Waters dodges more punches and then lands a straight right. Waters with another stiff right hand. A bloodied Quinlan continues to force the issue with heavy shots, but Waters changes levels and gets a takedown late. Quinlan stands and rolls, but Waters stays attached to his waist as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Waters (30-27 Waters)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Waters (30-27 Waters)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Waters (30-27 Waters)

The Official Result

Trey Waters def. Josh Quinlan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (258) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (262.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: De Lima (-180), Cortes-Acosta (+155)

Round 1

De Lima enters this heavyweight fight having won three of his last four UFC appearances. He’ll look to halt the momentum of Cortes-Acosta, whose undefeated record includes a pair of UFC triumphs. Herb Dean gets his first assignment of the card as the third man in the Octagon. De Lima stalks his foe and throws a front kick followed by a pair of calf kicks. A Cortes-Acosta body kick is countered by a de Lima right. A hard leg kick lands for de Lima and Acosta nods in acknowledgement. Another leg kick for de Lima and Acosta with a straight to the body. De Lima is heavily targeting the leg, and Acosta’s calf is swelling up early. De Lima punches his way into the clinch and he drags Acosta to the mat. Acosta gives up his back in an attempt to stand. Dean warns Acosta to keeps his fingers ot of de Lima’s glove. Acosta is able to stand and he throws a body kick. De LIma with another low kick and Acosta jabs the body. A solid right lands for Acosta, who shoots for a takedown. He doesn’t get it but he does shove de Lima into the fence. Acosta knees the thighs in close quarters. De Lima reverses position and the heavyweights separate. A counter left connects for de Lima, who then goes back to attacking the legs. Several more leg kicks land for de Lima, but Acosta answers with a spinning back kick. De Lima shoves Acosta into the fence, and they’ll end the round in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 de Lima
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 de Lima
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 de Lima

Round 2

Acosta opens with an inside leg kick and a jab. De Lima answers with a leg kick. Acosta is still moving well despite absorbing those leg kicks. De Lima makes Acosta stumble with a trio of leg kicks. Both heavyweights land body kicks. Acosta with a right hand, and Acosta answers with an uppercut. De Lima lands a right to the body. De Lima shoots for a takedown against the fence, lifts Acosta and plants him on his back. De Lima sets up hin his foe’s half guard. The Brazilian passes to mount and Acosta threatens with a kimura. Acosta gives up his back and scrambles to his feet. De Lima keeps his hands locked and then lands a few left hands before taking his man down near the fence. The Brazilian is back to working from half guard. Acosta gives up his back and scrambles to his feet. They swing heavy punches for a few moments. Acosta eats a leg kick and then makes de Lima stumble backward with a right hand. De Lima shoots for a takedown against the fence with about 30 seconds left. De Lima drops low, but Acosta defends and leans forward. They separate just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 de Lima
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 de Lima
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 de Lima

Round 3

Acosta lands a clubbing right hand. Acosta lands a jab and de Lima responds with a low kick. It’s a measured beginning to the final round for both men. Another jab for Acosta and another leg kick for de Lima. Acosta lands a spinning back kick to the midsection. Another nice jab lands for Acosta. De Lima steps in with a left hook, but Acosta answers with a combination. A hard low kick hurts Acosta. Acosta jabs the body, then the head. A right hand lands for Acosta, and de Lima is just standing in front of his foe and eating punches. Another jab lands for Acosta. A three-punch combination lands for Acosta, and de Lima fires off another low kick. More jabs for Acosta, as de Lima’s output has slowed significantly. De Lima’s face is wearing the damage from Acosta’s jab. De Lima shoots for a takedown against the fence. He locks his hands but Acosta nonetheless defends the attempt. Acosta frees himself and touches de Lima with straight punches. De Lima makes his foe buckle briefly with a low kick. but it’s Acosta landing in volume as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta (29-28 de Lima)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta (29-28 de Lima)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta (29-28 de Lima)

The Official Result

Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Julian Erosa (145.5) vs. Fernando Padilla (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Erosa (-150), Padilla (+130)

Round 1

Twelve-time UFC veteran Erosa will welcome newcomer Padilla to the Octagon in this featherweight clash. Padilla does have notable bouts against the likes of Dan Ige, Spike Carlyle and Darrick Minner on the regional circuit. Chris Tognoni will referee the clash. Erosa opens up with an outside leg kick. Padilla sticks a stiff jab. Padila landsa front kic. Erosa steps in and connects with a jab. A right hook follows a leg kick for Erosa and Padilla attacks with punches. Erosa with a combination following a leg kick, and Padilla answers with a hard jab. A front kick from Padilla draws a grin from Erosa. Padilla opens up and puts Erosa on the retreat with a multi-punch combination. A right hand buckles “Juicy J” near the fence as Padilla turns up the heat. Erosa shoots for a takedown and Padilla sprawls. The Mexican fighter creates space and drops Erosa to a knee with another clean right hand. Erosa is up to his feet and seems to be circling away, but Tognoni has seen enough and waves off the bout. A questionable stoppage but nonetheless an impressive offensive display from Padilla.

The Official Result

Fernando Padilla def. Julian Erosa via TKO (Punches) R1 1:41

Cody Brundage (185.5) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vieira (-240), Brundage (+200)

Round 1

Grappling ace Vieira has lost two of his last three UFC appearances, while Brundage is coming off a 2-1 campaign in 2022. Mark Smith will officiate the bout. Brundage kicks the leg and the body of his foe, then backs up Vieira with heavy punches. A clubbing overhand right has Vieira on the defensive. The Brazilian shoots for a single leg to stem the tide. Brundage defends against the fence, and then Vieira falls to his back in an attempt to initiate a grappling exchange. Vieira doesn’t like the position and returns to pushing Brundage into the fence. Vieira is already cut near his left eye from the early assault. Vieira locks his hands briefly but Brundage denies the takedown. Moments later, Vieira knees the cup of his foe and time is called. They resume the fight in space. Brundage wallops Vieira with an overhand right and the Brazilian hits the canvas. Vieira clings to a leg from half guard as Brundage hammers away with punches and elbows from above. Brundage stalls out and Vieira gets to his feet, locks his hands and looks for a takedown against the fence. He sweeps the leg out from Brundage and gets the American down. Vieira is on Brudage’s back with about 45 seconds to work. Vieira unloads with hammerfists to the side of the head. Vieira gets his hooks in and continues to attack with punches until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brundage

Round 2

Vieira pressures Brundage near the fence and shoots for a single leg within 15 seconds. Brundage locks in a guillotine as they go to the canvas. Vieira pops his head free and can now work from half guard. The Brazilian looks to frame an arm triangle, but Brundage gives up his back to escape. Brundage rolls back over again, a mistake which allows Vieira to lock the arm triangle in even tighter. This time there’s no escaping the submission, and Brundage has no choice but to ask out of the fight. A big comeback victory for Vieira after being in danger early.

The Official Result

Rodolfo Vieira def. Cody Brundage via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) R2 1:28

Caio Borralho (185.5) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Borralho (-360), Oleksiejczuk (+295)

Round 1

Borralho has compiled three straight UFC victories after needing two appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn a contract with the promotion. He’s the biggest betting favorite on the card against Oleksiejczuk, who is coming off back-to-back first-round KO/TKO victories. Jason Herzog is the referee for the co-main event. Oleksiejczuk moves in and partially lands a big left. The Pole jabs the body but Borralho answers with a hard leg kick. Oleksiejczuk attacks the body again. The Pole ducks under a punch and lands a stiff counter. Borralho just misses on a jumping knee. Oleksiejczuk digs to the body and then tags Borralho with a two punch combination. Oleksiejczuk counters with a left after absorbing a leg kick. Borralho shoots for a single leg but Oleksiejczuk keeps his feet. They separate from the clinch and Oleksiejczuk wings an overhand that misses the mark. A right hook by Borralho stuns Oleksiejczuk for a moment. Borralho lands a knee and uppercut in the clinch. Oleksiejczuk sits down on an overhand left but Borralho takes it. The Pole with a right hook to the body before clinching. He throws a knee and Herzog calls time, determining that it landed low. Action resumes in short order. A jumping knee from Borralho but Oleksiejczuk is undeterred. A straight left from Oleksiejczuk tags the Brazilian . Oleksiejczuk stuffs a takedown but eats a knee in close. Borralho lands a left hand followed by an uppercut to the body. Borralho gets a takedown from the rear waistlock and he works his way around to the back near the fence. Oleksiejczuk is on all fours trying to survive the final seconds. Borralho lands a few knees to the body before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Borralho

Round 2

Oleksiejczuk pressures early and he jabs the body. Borralho lands a right hook to the head in response. Oleksiejczuk steps in with a straight left and Borralho answers with a pair of low kicks. Borralho times a double leg takedown perfectly but Oleksiejczuk returns to his feet immediately. Borralho peels the Pole off the fence and settles into half guard. The Brazilian passes to mount and drops a big elbow. Borralho controls one hand and peppers Oleksiejczuk with short lefts. Oleksiejczuk gives up his back and Borralho secures a body triangle. Borralho punches under the armpit and then the side of the head. The Brazilian then swiftly slides his left arm under the chin of his foe and locks in the rear-naked choke. Oleksiejczuk taps in a matter of seconds. Borralho has won four straight in the Octagon and has his first finish in UFC competition.

The Official Result

Caio Borralho def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:49

Ricky Simon (136) vs. Yadong Song (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Simon (-115), Song (-105)

Round 1

This bantamweight clash was supposed to be a co-main event one week ago before UFC Fight Night 223 lost its originally scheduled headliner. Now Song and Simon get two extra rounds with which to work. Herb Dean gets the final officiating assignment of the night. Simon tests the waters with a high kick and front kick. Song defends without issue. Simon lands a leg kick as both fighters remain patient. Song sidesteps a takedown and lands a leg kick. Song steps in with a knee and misses a right hand. Song blocks a body kick and then lands a hard one of his own. Song catches a kick and Simon spins out of it. A 1-2 connects for Simon and Song responds with a leg kick. Simon doubles up on his jab and follows with a right. They clinch against the fence and battle for position before Simon shakes his foe off. Simon lands a clubbing right. A leg kick connects for Simon and Song smiles. A left lands for Song and then Simon can’t finish a takedown. Song avoids a level change and fires off punches as Simon moves out of danger. Another three-punch combo lands for Simon and Song answers with a leg kick. Simon sticks a jab before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Simon
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Simon
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Simon

Round 2

Song opens with a front kick to the midsection. He follows up with a leg kick and Simon backs him up with a combination. Simon lands another jab. Another jab for Simon gets through. Song backs up Simon with a powerful combination and Simon briefly falls to the canvas after a clash of heads. He quickly transitions to a double leg takedown, giving him time to recover. Song is able to scramble up in a hurry. Simon sticks his jab and Song responds with a hard right to the body. Song with a push kick down the middle and Simon circles away. A clean left hook catches Simon. Another hard left lands for Song, who seems to have found his timing. Simon backs up his foe with multiple jabs. Song pressures and swings heavy leather. Simon continues to work his jab, but Song is undeterred. Song lands a leg kick. Simon evades some jabs but Song lands a left to the liver. Simon eats a right but gets a takedown in the waning moments of the round. He unloads with a flurry of hammerfists from above while Song attacks from his back in a frantic final exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Song
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 3

Song kicks the lead leg and avoids a hook. Simon shoots for a takedown but Song stuffs it and they’re back at distance. Song tries to land another body shot during an exchange but it lands below the belt, and time is called. Simon needs less than a minute to recover and the fight resumes. Simon just dodges a head kick but Song does connect with a leg kick. Song with two more leg kicks. Simon jabs and follows with a takedown but Song easily evades it. Song misses a pair of high kicks but he digs a left hook to the body moments later. A right lands clean for Song. A left from Song puts Simon on wobbly legs, and he circles away. A right to the body finds a home for Simon. Song pressures with punches and Simon circles away. A right uppercut lands to the body for Song. Song misses a high kick followed by a spinning back fist. The round concludes with Song being warned by Dean for leading with his head.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Song
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 4

Simon fires off a combination but Song dodges it. Song lands a leg kick. Simon hits a low kick of his own. Simon attempts a flying knee but Song shoves him back. Song then puts together a nice combination, landing to the body and head. Song sticks a jab then sprawls on a takedown. Simon resets and tries again, but yet again Song denies it. Song moves in with a left hook to the head, and Simon circles away. Song backs up Simon with a combination and then digs a hook to the body. Simon fires off a right hand and then a pair of leg kicks. Another right for Song. Song again lands a combination, but Simon answers with a jab. Song has a low kick checked. Simon moves forward behind his jab and Song answers with a body kick. Simon thinks about a takedown but Song is wise to it. Song with a right hook. Simon moves in with a straight left. Another jab lands for Simon. Song doubles up on his jab and follows with a right hand. Son lands a leg kick and sits Simon down with a left hand right at the horn. Song dives into top position as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Song
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 5

Simon will likely need something big to get the win. Simon jabs forward. Song lands a left hook to the body. A nicely timed overhand right stops Simon in his tracks. Shortly thereafter, Song drops Simon with a left hook during an exchange. Song pounces on his reeling foe, unloading with heavy punches. Simon tries to scramble out of danger, but the barrage continues and he falls back to the canvas, still absorbing damage. Finally, Dean has seen enough and steps in to wave off the bout.

The Official Result

Yadong Song def. Ricky Simon via TKO (Punches) R5 1:10