UFC Fight Night 229 ‘Dawson vs. Green’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Montana De La Rosa (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: De La Rosa (-118), Aldrich (-102)

Round 1

After a much-needed respite, the UFC is back for three straight Saturdays of fights. The first of those three cards will post up in the UFC Apex, with a surprisingly deep lineup of action matchups despite only a couple of ranked combatants on the card. The first bout of the evening comes in the flyweight division, as talented grappler De La Rosa (12-8-1, 5-4-1 UFC) throws down with late replacement Aldrich (12-6, 8-5 UFC), with the latter winning about a month and a half ago. Assignment no. 1 goes to referee Jacob Montalvo, who clocks the ladies in when De La Rosa offers a glove touch that is not received. De La Rosa lets that go and starts reaching out with her left hand to find some range, and she slaps a kick to the lead leg and one to the midsection. Aldrich meets her advancing with a step-in knee, and De La Rosa takes a step back to reset. Aldrich sits down on a clean counter right hand, and De La Rosa tries to flail back but comes up with little more than a grazing left hook. Aldrich walks her down, but she does not open up and instead tries to force De La Rosa to make a mistake. De La Rosa looks to tie her up when Aldrich lands a low kick, but they split apart. De La Rosa goes up high with a kick, and Aldrich blocks it and comes back firing with a right hand over the top. The training partner of Rose Namajunas splits the guard with a solid left hand, and she ducks under a wild right hand and looks for a level change. De La Rosa attempts to counter, but Aldrich grabs her from behind and shoves her to the wall. De La Rosa rings her up with a short elbow, and Aldrich retreats to get back to boxing range. This distance is where Aldrich prefers to stay, as she smacks De La Rosa with a straight left hand down the pipe and follows it with a big right to snap the head back. De La Rosa whips a left hand up quickly, and she tries to chain it into a head kick, but the kick is well off the mark. Aldrich snaps her with a jab, reddening De La Rosa’s face and drawing a slight bit of swelling under De La Rosa’s left eye. De La Rosa races into action, stringing several punches into a head kick that gets through. Aldrich returns fire, and she belts her foe in the mouth with a right hand. The close round wraps.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich

Round 2

De La Rosa starts off the round again reaching out with her left hand to hand-fight and not let Aldrich jab her, but that does not slow Aldrich from kicking her in the guts. De La Rosa returns fire with a left hand, and Aldrich no-sells and aims a right hook on the slightly damaged eye of her opponent. De La Rosa whiffs on a jumping switch kick, and Aldrich makes her flinch again and again when she lands with feints. Aldrich takes a punch and chains three back, starting with a left to the body and two up top. The volume of Aldrich is flustering De La Rosa, as she tends to put two or three together while De La Rosa is relegated largely to one-offs. Both ladies come together with a brief flurry, and Aldrich backs off and reaches her adversary with a one-two. De La Rosa leaps at her with a right hand, but Aldrich is out of range in time. As Aldrich closes the distance, De La Rosa intercepts her with a leg kick, only for Aldrich to back her off with a clean one-two. Aldrich swats away a front kick, and the two tie up but release before anything comes of it. Aldrich flicks out her jab, and she plants two fists right on the face of her foe. De La Rosa tosses a naked head kick, and Aldrich simply parries it and stays out of range for the subsequent front kick that is aimed at her direction. De La Rosa sneaks in an uppercut when Aldrich tries to cut her off, and Aldrich pecks at her with jabs and follow-up lefts. Aldrich’s footwork is not allowing De La Rosa to give her anything back, and she is able to hop forward and pop De La Rosa in the chops with two punches. De La Rosa swarms forward, flailing her fists, and Aldrich knees her in the midsection and then sets up a solid body kick that lands with an audible thud. The round ends as the two engage in a brief clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich

Round 3

The two get right back to action to start off the final frame, and it is Aldrich who keeps the range out of the gate. De La Rosa reaches out with a kick, and Aldrich boxes her up with three punches. One of the left hands from Aldrich starts growing a knot on the temple of De La Rosa, who tries to give her back strikes but cannot reach her opponent. De La Rosa charges for a takedown in the open cage, and Aldrich easily stifles it and smacks her in the nose to bloody it up with an uppercut. De La Rosa fails on a second try to get the fight down in the clinch, and Aldrich separates and continues to do work on De La Rosa’s leaking nose. De La Rosa wings a right hand that is well wide of the mark, and Aldrich smashes her in the beak with a powerful left hand that makes De La Rosa’s eyes water. Aldrich keeps her guard up high to block a kick, and she jabs and backs off. De La Rosa manages to get in a single leg kick, and when she blitzes with a few punches, Aldrich parries every one. Aldrich protects her dome from a high kick, and one-twos continue to draw further blood. Aldrich suddenly spins with a back kick to the midsection, and De La Rosa does not like it but recovers well enough to keep throwing. Aldrich crashes the pocket when De La Rosa kicks the side, and she retreats while using her fists to keep De La Rosa at bay. De La Rosa eats one, lands one back, and Aldrich nods at her. Aldrich sits down on a heavy body kick, and she cuts to the side and busts De La Rosa in the nose with a left. De La Rosa replies with a left to the body, and Aldrich meets her immediately with a thudding left hook on the bullseye that is De La Rosa’s busted nose. Aldrich allows De La Rosa to attack so that she can counter, and she lets her hands go and continues to cause damage until the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich (30-27 Aldrich)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich (30-27 Aldrich)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich (30-27 Aldrich)

The Official Result

J.J. Aldrich def. Montana De La Rosa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Johnny Munoz Jr. (136) vs. Qileng Aori (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aori (-112), Munoz (-108)

Round 1

When the dust settles after this bantamweight battle, one of the two competitors will likely be back in the win column – barring something strange or a draw. Additionally, the victor will move back to a .500 record with the promotion, while the defeated may find themselves on the chopping block. Whether that is China’s Aori (24-11, 2-3 UFC) or “Kid Kvenbo” Munoz Jr. (12-3, 2-3 UFC), they will have 15 minutes or less to decide that. Referee Keith Peterson draws the charge for this nonsense-free matchup, and the fighters do not have time for a touch of gloves first. Instead, Aori wants to stalk straight forward and fire off a leg kick. The pace wanes as they try to find their distances, with Aori’s occasional low kick the only strikes after about 90 seconds. Aori suddenly sprints into action with a left to the body and a hard right to the head, and Munoz has to shake it off and shoots for a takedown in response. Aori easily stops it and delivers a stern leg kick. Munoz whips a right hand over the top, stinging his opponent and backing him to the fence. Instead of taking advantage of the situation with more strikes, “Kid Kvenbo” settles to shoot in for a double-leg takedown. Munoz gets his man down momentarily, and Aori powers back up. Although Munoz gets a mat return, Aori again has little issue standing, but he does give up his back. Munoz uses this to trip up Aori from behind, and he gets his hooks in and secures back control when Aori hits the ground. The Chinese fighter is quick to hand-fight to not allow any submission attempt get anywhere close to completion, and Munoz tries to soften him up with a few body shots and slide his right arm around the chin. Aori looks to push his feet off the fence to get a bit of leverage, and he spins around quickly. This allows Munoz to snatch up an armbar, and Aori struggles momentarily but breaks the grip and stands up. One big kick from Aori to Munoz’ thigh concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munoz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Munoz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Munoz

Round 2

Aori immediately starts the round aggressively, putting hands on Munoz and hurting him early. Munoz responds with a few strikes but is bowled over, and Aori moves himself into the guard of his opponent. Munoz protests that Aori is clawing his eyes or sticking fingers up his nose, and Peterson tells Aori to keep it clean. Munoz considers a submission attempt from his back, and he slides his leg up and around to set up an armbar. Aori wrenches his limb free from the sub, and he lowers himself back down to the guard. Munoz uses his active guard to force Aori to think twice and stand back up, and when Aori gets up, he starts slapping his feet into Munoz’ legs. Aori times a diving right hand to smash Munoz in the face, and Munoz smiles at him. Aori gets back to his feet, and Peterson has Munoz stand after a few awkward moments. Aori nails his man with a calf kick, and he clips Munoz with a few punches. Munoz shakes it off and backpedals, loosing a head kick that sails past his opponent. Munoz shoots for a takedown, and although Aori stops it, Munoz succeeds in jamming Aori up to the fencing. Munoz quickly goes for a body lock takedown, looking for some way to leverage Aori down, but Aori is strong and not only stops it but turns Munoz around. Aori sneaks in an elbow, and Munoz does not like this, so the American decides to jump for a guillotine choke while he wraps his legs around Aori’s waist. With Munoz’ back to the wall, there is nothing to the submission, so he releases it right before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aori

Round 3

The bantamweights race to meet one another, throwing big right hands one after the other. Aori walks into a jab, and he digs a right hand to the belly. Aori looks for a jump knee when Munoz ducks down, and Munoz eats part of it and laughs, offering a glove touch for the solid blow. Munoz circles to the side, and when he aims a left hand over the top, Aori counters him with two punches as he slides away. Munoz shoots in low for a takedown, and “The Mongolian Murderer” kills the setup and pins Munoz against the wall. Peterson tells the fighters not to grab the fence, and the fighters break away and return to striking distance. A Munoz kick grazes the cup, and Aori adjusts his groin when there is no stoppage. Munoz shoots for a takedown, and Aori perfectly times a body shot that ultimately nails Munoz in the chin and sets him down. Munoz stands back up, and fails on another takedown. When the attempt fails, he gets cracked with another right and flops to his back. Aori jumps down into the open guard of his foe, looking for ground-and-pound. Aori gets some strikes off, racking up the points while not allowing Munoz to get in on a submission. Munoz sells out for a leglock when Aori tries to pass guard, and Munoz finds himself in a strange position that is a partial calf slicer. Aori lays to his back and is not overly concerned about the maneuver, and he drives several hammerfists on the side and back of the head. Peterson is watching closely, warning Aori for a few illegal blows, but Munoz toughs them out and explodes for one last takedown try. Aori staves it off, is pressed to the cage, and the fight comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aori (29-28 Aori)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aori (29-28 Aori)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aori (29-28 Aori)

The Official Result

Qileng Aori def. Johnny Munoz Jr. via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Vanessa Demopoulos (116) vs. Kanako Murata (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murata (-340), Demopoulos (+270)

Round 1

Moving things along to the strawweight category, Demopoulos (9-5, 3-2 UFC) will be searching for her first win this year. The same can be said about her Japanese counterpart, Murata (12-2, 1-1 UFC), who has been away MMA since a gruesome broken arm suffered in June 2021. Despite the lengthy layoff, Murata comes in as a hefty underdog, and it will be up to her to show that cage corrosion is not a factor. The Octagon ranger for this preliminary bout will be referee Mark Smith. The ladies do not tap their gloves together before engaging, and instead it is a low kick from either woman. In alternating stances, they paw out their hands together one another, one smacking the other to the side, and so on, which leads to a stalemate. Demopoulos jumps into action with a punch, and Murata speedily scurries to the side and delivers multiple low kicks. Murata mixes things up with a shin to the midsection, and when Murata tries to double up on it, the American ties her up and starts slamming her knee into Murata’s body again and again. Demopoulos continues to pummel the midsection with thudding knees, until Murata gains a full head of steam and cinches her hands together to scoop Demopoulos up and set her down. Demopoulos sits up with her back against the cage, and Murata smothers her to not let Demopoulos get any space. Demopoulos kicks with all her might, and Murata backs off and decides to let Demopoulos up. “Lil Monster” lets loose a head kick, and Murata pays her back with a left hand on the nose that reddens it up fast. Murata fires off another stern body kick, and she hammers the lead leg with a few kicks to make Demopoulos stumble. Demopoulos lines up a right hand to snap the head back, and Murata gives her two punches back and slips on her way out. As Demopoulos just got tagged, she does not take advantage of the trip up, and instead she chambers and fires a right hand that knocks Murata clean off her feet. Murata jumps right back up, no worse for wear, and she gets tied up when Demopoulos advances towards her. Demopoulos jumps guard for an armbar, and the Japanese woman defends the attempt and shuts down an omoplata setup to conclude the round with some ground punches. Demopoulos elbows her foe in the back of the head a few times until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Demopoulos
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-10
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Demopoulos

Round 2

Demopoulos takes the center of the cage when the two resume, and she starts throwing hands. Murata is not afraid to throw back at her, but the rangier American is able to get her hands on Murata before Murata can get to her. Demopoulos has a head kick bounce off the raised guard, and she misses another try as Murata escapes. Murata lunges forward with a right hand, and Demopoulos answers her with a knee to the belly. Murata powers straight through the exchange to hit a trip and dump Demopoulos on her back. Demopoulos looks for a submission setup off her back, and when Murata turns her to her side and starts elbowing her, Demopoulos oddly reaches her arm up and wags her finger. Murata takes advantage of that with a few more strikes, and Demopoulos responds with a couple elbows that appear to open a cut on the left eyelid of the Japanese fighter. Demopoulos maintains a rubber guard to trap Murata from getting anything off, and she starts speaking to her corner. Embodying her inner Kazushi Sakuraba – Murata did also walk out to his theme music of the “Speed 2 TK Remix” as well – Murata slams repeated double hammerfists down on Demopoulos’ face. Demopoulos shrugs them off and hand-fights to slow down the ground offense, but Murata frees her hands and continues to deliver strikes from above. Demopoulos hacks with frantic elbows off her back any time she has space to throw them, and they shred open the top of Murata’s scalp. Murata nails her opponent with another double hammerfist as she tries to pass guard. Demopoulos sets up a triangle choke in extremely close proximity, and Murata fights it off and doubles up with more hammerfists. Murata holds the position until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murata
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murata
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murata

Round 3

Demopoulos once more kicks off the round as the initial aggressor, and she delivers a kick to the ribs to start things off. Demopoulos goes up high with a kick, and Murata catches it and bowls her over. Murata drives down with three huge right hands from standing-to-ground position, opening Demopoulos’ eyes wide, and she lowers herself into the guard to establish top control again. Demopoulos attempts to use her offensive guard to trap up some limb that goes wide, or otherwise keeps a high guard right under Murata’s armpits, but Murata is wise to the effort and punches Demopoulos in the face repeatedly. Demopoulos throws back, but the strikes of the Japanese fighter are much more damaging as Demopoulos’ head bounces off the floor. Murata stacks Demopoulos up when Demopoulos tries to go for an armbar, and she ignores any attacks from her opponent from below. Murata frees her left arm and busts Demopoulos in the chops multiple times, and she drops down a few elbows for good measure. Demopoulos tugs on the fence to move a bit so that her head is not stuck against the chain links, and when she does, Murata sees the opening and thumps her with Donkey Kong-esque slamming double hammerfists. Demopoulos locks her back down with her rubber guard, and she hunts for an armbar, only for Murata to turn her over and thwart the attempt completely. Demopoulos rolls to her back as Murata searches for her own armlock, and Demopoulos is able to twist over to try to move to top position. Murata, whose right eye is swelling up fast, dumps Demopoulos down to the ground again, and the strawweights fight to the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murata (29-28 Murata)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murata (30-28 Murata)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murata (29-28 Murata)

The Official Result

Vanessa Demopoulos def. Kanako Murata via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Nathan Maness (126) vs. Mateus Mendonca (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mendonca (-230), Maness (+190)

Round 1

Hoping to make the most of his second chance to make a first impression at flyweight, Maness (14-3, 3-2 UFC) aims to snap a career-long two-bout skid at the expense of Brazil’s Mendonca (10-1, 0-1 UFC). Two men enter, and only one will come out with green on their ledger. The third man in the cage is referee Chris Tognoni, and as he starts the fight, the competitors touch ‘em up and pat one another on the shoulders. Mendonca leads off with heavy pressure, backing Maness up to the wall in a hurry, although he eats a head kick early. Mendonca pushes through a few counter strikes and wraps his hands around the Tennessee/Kentucky native, and he dumps Maness to the ground. Maness powers right back up, and he stops the subsequent mat return and turns the tables to put Mendonca to his back. During a furious exchange, Maness leans back and finds his leg caught in a potential leglock, and Mendonca uses the submission attempt to take the fight down. Maness frees his limb, stands up and puts his back to the wall. Mendonca is quick to start working the body with knees, and Maness answers with a knee of his own up high. Maness changes levels suddenly and snatches up Mendonca’s left leg, but he cannot get the Chute Boxe Diego Lima fighter down. Mendonca rolls for a leglock, and Maness makes him pay badly with a number of powerful left hands. Maness hurts his opponent as he beats on him, and he is warned for grabbing the fence when he tries to reposition himself. Mendonca grabs both of Maness’ legs and wraps them under his armpit, settling for a heel hook, all the while Maness pounds him in the face with a number of unanswered strikes. Maness slugs away with body shots as Mendonca cranks on the heel, and the awkward angle turns the submission into an inverted heel hook as he torques on Maness’ right leg on his own right side. Maness stuns his man with a flurry of fists until Mendonca turns over, and the Brazilian bails on the attempt to gather his senses. Maness continues bludgeoning him, and he stands up and lets loose with destructive punches. “Mayhem” knocks Mendonca all the way out with standing-to-ground punches, and he wakes Mendonca back up with his assault of strikes. Before Tognoni can intervene, Mendonca is responsive and leans to the side to try to improve his position. Maness will not let him off the hook, and he continues to blast Mendonca in the face with punches and hammerfists until Tognoni sees that Mendonca is just taking damage and waves things off. Mendonca tries to protest, but when he gets to his feet, he is as wobbly as a baby deer with blood leaking out of a cut on his left cheek. This is an important win for the American, who rights the ship after two tough losses against extremely talented opposition.

The Official Result

Nathan Maness def. Mateus Mendonca R1 4:40 via TKO (Punches)

Diana Belbita (115.5) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kowalkiewicz (-162), Belbita (+136)

Round 1

It’s striker vs. striker for this strawweight contest. Former title challenger, Kowalkiewicz (15-7, 8-7 UFC), who arguably looks as good as ever despite turning 38 in a week, has her sights set on another crack at gold having already won three in a row. Standing in her way will be former world Kempo champ Belbita (15-7, 2-3 UFC), and hands and feet are soon to fly. Referee Kerry Hatley makes things official, and the women clap their hands together before slinging them. The first strike comes from Belbita via a leg kick, and she follows it with a second before getting crowded with a flurry of fists from the Polish woman. Kowalkiewicz circles and blocks a few punches, and she works the body with a knee. Belbita comes up short with a low kick, and Kowalkiewicz steps in with a knee to the midsection. Belbita uses her foe’s momentum against her, and she head-and-arm tosses Kowalkiewicz to the ground. Kowalkiewicz instantly hooks her legs around Belbita’s back and manages to reverse the position, and she slides over to full mount much to the surprise of her opponent. Belbita uses every bit of energy to turn Kowalkiewicz over, and Belbita lets her up so she can follow after her with a head kick. Kowalkiewicz blocks the kick and takes a few punches over the top, and the two proceed to trade leather in volume. Belbita resets and goes after a low kick, and Kowalkiewicz connects with a few punches as something that resembles a gob of saliva or a tooth goes flying. Kowalkiewicz pressures the Romanian woman back, and she tags her with a pair of punches. Belbita counters with an uppercut, and Kowalkiewicz smiles at her and chains three punches into a front kick to the ribs. Belbita kicks low, and Kowalkiewicz pops her in the face with a jab. The two women jab at one another, and Kowalkiewicz crashes the pocket and puts hands on her adversary. Belbita stands Kowalkiewicz up in a combination, but Kowalkiewicz lands right back as neither gives an inch in these trades. Kowalkiewicz connects a bit heavier with punches and a knee up the middle, and Belbita does not appear thrilled but is ready to retaliate. Belbita gives one knee back on the forehead, and Kowalkiewicz shrugs it off and defends herself from another high knee coming from “The Warrior Princess.” Belbita sits down on a huge right hand, surprising the former title challenger but not following it up. Kowalkiewicz shakes her head and comes back with a salvo of punches, and she spins in close proximity with an elbow that glances off the forehead. Kowalkiewicz presses her opponent up against the cage and trip her out, and the close round ends before Kowalkiewicz can take advantage of it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Belbita
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz

Round 2

There is a tap of the fingertips to show sportswomanship between the two, and once the round begins, it is an immediate surge into action. Both women land punches, and kicks come soon as well. Kowalkiewicz chains two body kicks together, and Belbita spins her around with a low kick. Belbita goes to the body and then up top, and Kowalkiewicz grabs hold of her and looks to drag her to the mat. Belbita’s hand posts off the mat and she regains her balance to stand, and Kowalkiewicz suddenly snatches up a leg to pursue a single-leg takedown. Belbita looks to take advantage of the position with an elbow up top, and Kowalkiewicz lets it go and backs off. Belbita connects with a few jabs and a right hand gets Kowalkiewicz’ attention, and Kowalkiewicz gives her back a front kick to the body and a left to the same spot. Kowalkiewicz continues aiming punches to the midsection, and she allows Belbita to crowd her so she can drive up a high knee. Belbita flails back as her hair whips back and forth, and she stings Kowalkiewicz with two punches but takes two right back. Belbita knees the body, and she uses her slightly longer arm to jab up Kowalkiewicz’ reddening nose. Kowalkiewicz beats Belbita to the punch in an exchange, and she parries a few jabs and reaches her with a right hand. Kowalkiewicz starts to go after jabs of her own, and she knees the body and backs away to avoid the counter. Belbita gets off two more jabs before Kowalkiewicz races towards her, and Kowalkiewicz considers a level change only for the Romanian to turn her around and nearly ground her. Belbita strikes the body with knees, and Kowalkiewicz answers with short elbows and punches until she pushes Belbita’s back to the wire. Belbita does not settle for the position, and they reset in the center of the cage with a minute to go in the round. Belbita’s head get snapped back with an uppercut as she plods forward, and she pushes Kowalkiewicz back momentarily with a front kick. Kowalkiewicz catches her with a number of punches until Belbita kicks up high, and Kowalkiewicz looks to grab the kick and throw her down. Belbita counters her with a head-and-arm toss, and the horn sounds with Belbita landing a few punches from above.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz

Round 3

The ladies clap both hands together to reintroduce one another ahead of the last round, and they start off furiously as strike totals are high and very likely close. Kowalkiewicz gets off a few punches, Belbita retaliates with a head kick, and Kowalkiewicz takes it on the cheek and connects with a few more punches. The right hand from the Polish woman has swelled the right eye of her opponent, and Belbita is undeterred as she remains in the pocket willing to trade. Belbita lunges with a few inaccurate strikes, and Kowalkiewicz charges at her with an uppercut that misses and a left hand that does not. Belbita leaps in with a knee, and when Kowalkiewicz is out of range, Belbita extends her leg and kicks Kowalkiewicz in the belly. Kowalkiewicz walks right into close range and gets off a number of body shots, and Belbita backs off and gets pressed to the wall. Kowalkiewicz aims for a takedown, and Belbita counters it and shuts it down. Kowalkiewicz releases the grip and lays into Belbita with a combination that shakes up the Romanian, and she follows it up with a number of punches and a body kick. Belbita goes back at her with a high kick, and Kowalkiewicz stabs the midsection with her toes and belts Belbita in the face with an uppercut. Kowalkiewicz continues working the body with kicks, and Belbita’s volume diminishes to single jabs or the occasional flurry. Kowalkiewicz uses her own power jab to snap the head back and keep Belbita from advancing, until one irritating jab makes Belbita spring into action. Belbita blocks a spinning back fist, and Kowalkiewicz digs a kick to the body in rapid succession. Belbita lands a few punches, and Kowalkiewicz steels herself and chains a number of fists together. Kowalkiewicz spins with a body kick to the ribs, and she catches Belbita several times with uppercuts on the ballooning eye socket. Belbita takes a few punches when coming in, and she tries to throw a head kick only to be too close, which lets Kowalkiewicz tag her with a few more strikes. Kowalkiewicz lets her hands go, and Belbita does the same, as they proceed to brawl wildly all the way to the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (30-27 Kowalkiewicz)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (29-28 Kowalkiewicz)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (30-27 Kowalkiewicz)

The Official Result

Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Diana Belbita via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ion Cutelaba (205.5) vs. Philipe Lins (204)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-142), Lins (+120)

Round 1

The bout was canceled on Saturday due to an illness suffered by Lins. News of this fight's cancelation was first reported by John Morgan, and confirmed on the broadcast.

Bill Algeo (146) vs. Alexander Hernandez (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Algeo (-135), Hernandez (+114)

Round 1

Switching over to the main card, but still broadcasting on ESPN+ stateside, two featherweights right on the borderline of .500 UFC records will collide with intentions of stay on the right side of that line. Former lightweight Hernandez (14-6, 6-5 UFC) will try again in the lower weight division of 145 pounds, and Algeo (17-7, 4-3 UFC) will welcome him back down with bad intentions. With oversight and not a lick of nonsense from referee Keith Peterson, the two men tap their gloves together. Algeo switches stances when he starts the fight, reaching out with kicks from both legs. Hernandez swings a head kick at him that buzzes past his hair, and Algeo avoids it and salutes the strike. Both men trade low kicks, and Hernandez goes after one to the body. Algeo checks a kick and kicks the calf back, and he leans back from a power right hand that misses him by a small margin. Hernandez kicks his foe in the chest, and Algeo springs into action with two hooks and a high kick. Hernandez ricochets off the fencing to reset, and he leans low to block a head kick before the full power is on it. Hernandez aims punches to the midsection, and he opens up the head with these strikes. “The Great Ape” connects with a solid leg kick, and he ducks a head kick. Algeo kicks him in the gut with a side kick and sends him flying, and Hernandez springs back to his feet and is ready to block a spinning kick fired his way. Hernandez goes up high with his shin, and Algeo is able to defend against it and chip at the lead wheel with another kick. Algeo targets the body with a kick, and he snaps out a jab, and turns a full rotation to spin with a kick to the body. Algeo looks for an intercepting knee when Hernandez ducks to punch the body, and Hernandez aims his heavy strikes that are coming up just short. Hernandez digs punches to the midsection, and he keeps his guard up high in time to defend against a hook kick. Hernandez fires back with a kick that glances off the shoulder of his foe, and Algeo replies with a number of pawing jabs. Hernandez sweeps out with a body kick, and Algeo is right there to give him a low kick back when he sets his leg down. Hernandez looks for a leaping combination, only for Algeo to shoulder roll every blow and circle on the outside. Algeo threatens with a kick and a spin kick, but Hernandez does not bite on them and lets him turn back around. One body kick from Algeo concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Algeo

Round 2

Round 2 begins with a half-hearted glove touch, and Hernandez follows it quickly with a kick to the ribs. Hernandez loads up on a right hand, and Algeo shakes it off and jabs the body. Hernandez puts power behind his strikes, and Algeo stays elusive and meets him with a knee up the middle. Algeo ducks a haymaker, and a second strike from “The Great Ape” bounces off the chest. Algeo jabs the nose and body, and Hernandez starts to crowd him and force exchanges in the pocket. The Texan parries a few punches and comes back with a big right hand, and Algeo turns to the side and lets it glide past him. Algeo fires off a right hand to the eye socket, and Hernandez complains that it was an eye poke. Peterson calls time and allows Hernandez to recover, and replays show it was the knuckle of Algeo’s thumb that jammed into the eye – which could be considered a legal blow. However, if Algeo’s thumb was not locked into the fist, it would be the legitimate foul, and Hernandez continues to take the time he needs as Peterson brings in the doctor to check his condition. After two minutes and 15 seconds, Hernandez informs the medical staff and Peterson that he is good to go, and the fighters touch gloves and have no ill will about the perceived foul. The action begins immediately, and Hernandez is headhunting with power strikes and stalking Algeo down. Algeo skirts on the outside and lands a few kicks to varying targets, with his intention of keeping Hernandez missing while he fights at his preferred range. Hernandez loads up on everything, and a few right hands get Algeo’s attention. When one solid right hook slams into Algeo’s chin, Algeo is energized and starts putting some power into his own strikes as well. Algeo turns his hips into a low kick, and a straight left hand that follows sits Hernandez down. Hernandez pops back up and ties Algeo up, trying to get his bearings back after getting his bell rung. The two separate, and Hernandez comes back with a vengeance. Algeo slips to the side and jumps at his man with a knee that pops into the nose, bloodying it up instantly. Algeo spins with an elbow that clacks into Hernandez’ cheek, and Hernandez tanks it and is loaded for bear. Hernandez plods forward and digs a punch to the body, and he chains a head kick into it that makes Algeo shake his head. Hernandez targets the body and goes up high, and Algeo leans back to take the worst out of it. The round ends with both fighters trading.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Algeo

Round 3

The featherweights are amped up and ready to finish the fight off with style, as the limited crowd gives it up for the two fighters. Hernandez races out of his corner with bad intentions, throwing hammers until he bullies Algeo to the wall and goes after a takedown. Algeo shuts it down and pushes Hernandez back, and he busts Hernandez in the chops with a straight right hand. Algeo stays loose while Hernandez is a coiled string, and Hernandez just misses a counter left that is a bit too low to find the chin. Algeo uses his traditional martial arts stance to put two side kicks on the chest in rapid succession, as range-keeping weapons that disrupt the bombs Hernandez looks to throw. Algeo suddenly whips a kick up high to hurt Hernandez, and he strings several punches into a body kick to conclude it with an exclamation point. Hernandez is tough as nails, as he swings back with all his might, with looping right hooks and heavy kicks to the body. Algeo reaches his man with a sweeping right hook and a left to the body, and Hernandez gives him a hard right hand back on the chin. Hernandez follows it with a second, and Algeo cannot quite shoulder roll that one. Algeo dings his man with a left hand with his thumb outstretched, and Hernandez tells Peterson he was poked in the eye again. Peterson asks Hernandez to keep fighting, and he does just that. Both men keep trading, with Hernandez kicking the body and aiming a few to the head as well. Hernandez steps in with a right hand on the jaw, and he slams his shin on the waist to follow. Algeo meanders back, and Hernandez blasts him with a huge right hook. Algeo takes it and does not bat an eye, instead going right back at his foe and making sure to not allow Hernandez to land strikes for free. Hernandez continues to stalk Algeo down, unloading anything he can throw, and they both land massive shots at the same time. Algeo tags Hernandez with a knee, Hernandez cracks him with a right, and Algeo trips him up and throws him to the mat. Hernandez climbs back up, and the scrap comes to a conclusion.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Algeo (30-27 Algeo)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Algeo (30-27 Algeo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Algeo (30-27 Algeo)

The Official Result

Bill Algeo def. Alexander Hernandez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Drew Dober (155.5) vs. Ricky Glenn (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dober (-470), Glenn (+360)

Round 1

If fans crave a knockout, this is the fight on the card that should not be used as a bathroom break. One more victory via strikes for Dober (26-12, 1 NC; 12-8, 1 NC UFC) would set the UFC’s lightweight record, but Glenn (22-7-2, 4-4-1 UFC) is no stranger to punching someone’s lights out either. Referee Chris Tognoni is strapped in and ready for this 155-pound scrap, one that could end in 15 seconds or surprisingly go 15 minutes. The gloves are sternly touched, and Glenn introduces himself with a front kick that slaps off Dober’s glove. Glenn goes up high with a kick, and he trips up Dober by suddenly ducking down to snag his leg. Dober gets his balance, and he lunges forward with a left that misses. Glenn swings back with a left hook that is similarly inaccurate, and he tags Dober with a high kick that appears to stun him. Dober retaliates with a head kick, and he crashes the pocket and drills Glenn with a number of punches. The two lightweights trade leg kicks, and Dober splits the guard with a left but is just short of the target. Dober doubles up on low kicks and swats with a left hook, and his second left hook gets Glenn’s attention. Dober gives chase, seeing that Glenn has taken a few strikes on the chin, and he lays into Glenn and drops him down to a knee. Glenn rolls over to his back, and Dober lowers himself into the guard. Dober stands up, and Glenn hangs on by illegally grabbing Dober’s glove. Practically everyone in the Apex shouts that Glenn cannot grab the glove like that, and Tognoni does not say anything and instead lets the foul continue until Dober pulls himself away. Incensed, Dober goes on warpath, where he hammers “The Gladiator” with a number of thunderous punches. Glenn backpedals when he gets nailed by a huge right hand, and Dober bashes him with a left that separates Glenn from his senses for a moment. Glenn hits the deck, and Dober leaps after him to finish the job. With Tognoni watching closely, Dober batters Glenn with ferocious ground-and-pound, and Tognoni decides to step in as Glenn turns to his side. Dober has now achieved the 155-pound record for the most knockouts in UFC divisional history with nine, breaking a tie with Dustin Poirier.

The Official Result

Drew Dober def. Ricky Glenn R1 2:36 via TKO (Punches)

Joaquin Buckley (170) vs. Alex Morono (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Buckley (-175), Morono (+145)

Round 1

From one action fight to the next we go, as exciting welterweights Morono (23-8, 1 NC; 12-5, 1 NC UFC) and Buckley (16-6, 6-4 UFC) toe the line in search of another highlight-reel finish. Referee Kerry Hatley will have his hands full, as the match could take place anywhere and end in the blink of an eye. Buckley dances his way to the cage with Beyonce playing, while Morono goes hard with Prong. There is no glove touch to start the fight, and instead Buckley charges like a bull, throwing fists. He ends up grabbing hold of Morono’s legs. Morono pulls his limbs out and returns to striking range, and the welterweights calm down and proceed to measure one another with single blows. Buckley lands a body kick, and Morono splits the guard with a right hand. Morono ducks away from a haymaker and counters with a right hand. Morono catches his man with a right, and Buckley loads up with a right in response to put his man on rubber legs. Morono shakes out the cobwebs and bounces off the fencing, and he chambers a right hand that just misses the forehead. Buckley springs into action with an uppercut, and he spins with a back kick that ends up getting crowded by the Texan. Morono drives a straight right hand after following a jab, and the power punch in response from Buckley grazes off the side of his noggin. Buckley blitzes with a few punches, and Morono is able to parry or avoid them all. A second surge from “New Mansa” also misses the mark each and every time, but Morono does not make him pay for these reckless attacks and instead allows Buckley to hit air. Buckley leaps at him with a knee extended, but Morono is nowhere to be found. Morono hand-fights until putting a right hand on the jaw, and Buckley races after him and tags him right back. Buckley attempts to spin, and Morono’s safe distance disallows it from succeeding. From out of nowhere, Buckley runs at his foe and lifts him off the ground with a double. Morono hits his back and defends with an armbar, and Buckley wriggles his arm out and backs off to escape the guard before upkicks or other submission attempts find him. Buckley lifts him up again, and Morono latches onto a guillotine choke. Buckley ends up slamming Morono down hard to break up the submission, and the energetic round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buckley

Round 2

At the beginning of the round, Buckley is not quite as wild as before, instead lining up a head kick. The Texan counters him with a picture-perfect right hand that sends Buckley flying, and Buckley scrambles back to his feet. Morono allows him to reset so that he can further trade with his opponent, and Buckley aims a few strikes to the body. Morono looks for a high kick that is feet away from the target, and he leans back from a pair of looping hooks that whiz at him. Buckley lumbers forward and suddenly unloads a few huge hooks, and Morono is out of range in time. Morono aims a front kick down the middle when he expected Buckley will come at him, but Buckley does not bite. Buckley kicks the body, and Morono responds with a kick that slaps him in the posterior and makes Buckley grin. Buckley explodes into a combination that is largely blocked and defended by the Fortis MMA fighter, and when he backs off to measure his man, he drills Morono in the ribs with a stern kick. Morono flicks out a number of jabs, and he leans and ducks a punch so that he can catch Buckley with a right hook on the side of the head. Morono measures and releases a head kick that pounds into the guard, and Buckley kicks him in the body again. Buckley tries to corner his foe with a flurry of punches, but Morono will not have it and backs Buckley off. Buckley whiffs on a kick but lands with a body shot, and he ducks a spinning back fist just in the nick of time. Morono strings a few punches together, gets clipped, and responds with a right. Buckley continues to target the body and head indiscriminately in attacks, keeping Morono guessing and not allowing a pattern to emerge. Buckley digs a left to the body and aims a right over the top, but it is a charging left hook when Morono dodges him that catches Morono. Buckley rushes at his man to jam him up against the fencing, and they trade knees before separating at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Buckley
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buckley

Round 3

The welterweights meet in the middle, and Buckley leads the dance with a series of punches. Commentator Daniel Cormier starts barking when saying that the fighters “need to bring the dog out,” and Buckley lashes out with power strikes that finally find their home cleanly. A left hand from “New Mansa” busts Morono’s lip, and blood immediately trickles out of his mouth. Morono aims counters, but Buckley appears slightly fresher and able to beat his foe to the punch. Buckley runs forward with a looping left hook, and he slams his right fist into the body. Morono backs him off with a front kick, and the kick rams into his cup. Buckley waves off Hatley and does not want to allow Morono to recover. Morono eats several clean shots, and he is taking damage and trying to back off to survive. Buckley lays into him with a number of unanswered body shots and a few to the head, and Morono hits nothing but air when he replies with a right hand. Buckley spins with a wheel kick, and Morono tackles him to the ground. Buckley bursts back to his feet after only a few seconds on his back, and he smashes Morono in the face with a left hand. Buckley hammers his foe with a number of punches to the body and head, and Morono is leaning against the fence and struggling to stay on his feet. Morono shoots desperately for a takedown, and it is a feeble attempt as he falls to his knees. Buckley lets him stand up so that he can punch the Texan in the face again and again. Morono takes a deep breath and starts firing back, but it is a takedown shot that he goes for a full-throated effort. Buckley stonewalls him and pushes Morono to his back, and he lowers himself into the guard to drop down some heavy ground-and-pound. Morono maintains a high guard, and Buckley opens up with several right hands until Morono adjusts. Buckley keeps tightly pressed to “The Great White” to not allow Morono to latch on with a submission, and he sneaks in some ground strikes when he finds openings. Buckley stands up, and lets Morono up with 15 seconds to spare. Morono meanders forward, and he throws everything into one final right hand that ultimately misses and sends him toppling to the mat. Morono rolls to his back, and Buckley returns to the guard to do a little more damage before the final horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Buckley (30-26 Buckley)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Buckley (30-27 Buckley)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buckley (30-27 Buckley)

The Official Result

Joaquin Buckley def. Alex Morono via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Abdul Razak Alhassan (184.5) vs. Joseph Pyfer (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pyfer (-470), Alhassan (+360)

Round 1

The UFC knew exactly what it was doing when it put this co-main event together. Sporting a 91% finish rate, Pyfer (11-2, 2-0 UFC) is coming in with plenty of momentum after a pair of first-round knockouts in the Octagon thus far. Not to be outdone, Alhassan (12-5, 6-5 UFC) celebrates a 100% stoppage rate, with all of them coming via strikes. Referee Mark Smith will need to be on his A-game for a slobberknocker that could very well end with one punch. Before that punch comes, the middleweight fists collide together in a sporting manner. Pyfer surprises many by starting the fight with a takedown attempt, and he succeeds in dragging Alhassan to his knee. Alhassan stands, and Pyfer snatches up a sneaky standing arm-triangle choke. Alhassan does not panic, and instead works his way out of the submission attempt, and he turns Pyfer around and backs off. Both fighters trade body kicks, and Alhassan wings a right hand that glances off the beard of his opponent. Pyfer sinks a kick to the body, and he ducks a punch so that he can grab hold of Alhassan and slam him to the ground. Alhassan defends when he hits his back with a guillotine choke, and he uses it to work his way to his feet. The fighters settle down, and Pyfer walks forward calmly while Alhassan has a left hand ready to let fly. Alhassan fires off a high kick that slams under the armpit of Pyfer, and Pyfer retaliates with a sweeping kick. Alhassan loads up on a much more powerful leg kick that lands with an audible thud, and follows it with one that just glances off the lead leg. Pyfer whips two wide hooks at his opponent, and Alhassan shrugs them off and keeps his hand up to parry them. Alhassan whiffs on a home run punch, and Pyfer backs him to the wall and unloads with a fierce right hand on the chin. Alhassan keeps a good poker face and slings a left back that is blocked, and Pyfer chains several punches together that collide with the guard. Pyfer lands a leg kick, and Alhassan springs into action. Pyfer smashes his shin in the midsection, and Alhassan completely no-sells the nasty strike and belts Pyfer with a kick above the beltline. Alhassan resets and partially checks a low kick, and Pyfer pierces the guard with a left. Pyfer ducks and moves out of the way of oncoming fire, and he backs Alhassan up against the wall and chains several punches together. Alhassan blocks a subsequent kick, and he jabs back to the body. Pyfer has one final punch ricochet off Alhassan’s gloves, and the horn sounds to end the tense frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pyfer
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pyfer
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pyfer

Round 2

The middleweights clap hands to get things going in the second round, and the fighters are coiled and ready to strike. Pyfer jabs to the chest, and he backs off and just misses with a long right hand. The two fighters end up chest-to-chest in a clinch, and Pyfer looks for a trip but settles to knee Alhassan in the sternum before splitting up. Alhassan scores a powerful calf kick that makes Pyfer switch stances and shake his leg out, and when Pyfer returns to orthodox, Alhassan kicks it again. Pyfer struggles with his footing as Alhassan lands a third kick, and welts begin to form fast as Alhassan continues working on it. Pyfer paws out a few punches to keep honest, but Alhassan is watching the stance switches and times another big kick to the calf. Pyfer crashes forward and lifts Alhassan off the ground, and he slams his man down to the mat with emphasis. Pyfer almost immediately steps over to the side, all the while setting up an arm-triangle choke in a hurry. Pyfer locks the choke down completely from in side control, and Alhassan thinks about punching the side but taps out four times with his fist. Smith asks Alhassan if that motion was a tap, and before Alhassan can respond, he loses consciousness. Alhassan, out cold, starts spasming with his whole body, and Smith quickly recognizes the choke has forced Alhassan to go to sleep and moves in to separate them. This is a statement victory for the co-headliner, who drapes the American flag around his shoulders – it is unclear if the UFC has lifted its ban on wearing flags to the cage – and celebrates his finish. Pyfer now becomes the first man to submit “Judo Thunder” as a professional.

The Official Result

Joseph Pyfer def. Abdul Razak Alhassan R2 2:05 via Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Grant Dawson (156) vs. Bobby Green (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dawson (-425), Green (+300)

Round 1

It’s time for the main event of the evening. A spot in the lightweight rankings is on the line, as top-10 Dawson (20-1-1, 8-0-1 UFC) fights to keep his place against unranked divisional stalwart Green (30-14-1, 1 NC; 11-9-1, 1 NC UFC). The classic stylistic matchup will play out across a maximum of five rounds with absolutely zero nonsense, and referee Keith Peterson receives the final assignment of the evening. There is no interest in a glove touch, and Dawson even offers a handshake that is rebuffed, as these Green would rather get right down to business. Green walks out of his corner with his hands low at his waist, and he backs Dawson up. Dawson swings with several wide punches, and every one misses the mark as Green dodges and weaves. Calm as a cucumber, Green lances his opponent with a straight left hand, and Dawson collapses to the mat in grave danger. Green rains down two vicious right hands, forcing Dawson to turn to his side. “King” punishes Dawson with a few hammerfists as Dawson turns belly-down, completely defeated. Peterson intervenes to call a halt to the main event, and Green has just secured the enormous upset to shatter Dawson’s lengthy unbeaten streak. Unbelievable! In his post-fight interview, the soon-to-be-ranked Green elects not to call for an individual name, and instead asks for a slot on a December card. If that ends up coming together, we will be there for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Bobby Green def. Grant Dawson R1 0:33 via KO (Punches)