UFC Fight Night 233 ‘Song vs. Gutierrez’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Talita Alencar (116) vs. Rayanne Amanda dos Santos (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dos Santos (-148), Alencar (+124)

Round 1

The penultimate UFC card of 2023 is upon us, and it is certainly an event. Road to UFC 2 Finals UFC Shanghai UFC Vegas 83 will bring a small crop of Asian prospects to the forefront, but it will start with two Brazilian ladies going head-to-head at 115 pounds. Invicta FC atomweight champ Amanda (14-6, 0-0 UFC) will be moving up in weight for her promotional debut, while Alencar (4-0-1, 0-0 UFC) was signed off of Dana White’s Contender Series—from a draw. High finish rates from the ladies mean that referee Keith Peterson might have to get involved before it is all said and done, but before they get after it, the strawweight leave their nonsense at the door and wade towards one another without a glove touch in sight. Alencar sticks out a front kick to introduce herself, and Amanda backs off and flicks out a jab. Amanda springs to the side and gets kicked upside the head, and Alencar crashes the pocket and looks for a takedown. When Amanda pushes her off, Alencar looks for a left hand on the break. Alencar reaches out with an overhand right, and she just misses with a subsequent high kick. The ladies slam fists in one another’s faces at the same time, and Alencar wobbles back but gathers her senses and looks to settle down with jabs and head kick attempts. Alencar misses the mark with an overhand right, and Amanda answers her with a solid right that knocks her foe back. Amanda pushes off with a one-two, and as she overcommits to a strike, Alencar closes in on her and snatches hold of a single-leg takedown. Amanda backs herself up against the fence, keeping her balance, and she leans back against the wall. When she pushes off, she takes a right hand on the chin. Amanda comes out firing, and Alencar responds in kind as they crack one another in the chops. Amanda wings a left hand high to open up a straight right hand down the middle, and Alencar takes a few steps back and gets driven towards the cage wall. Amanda rings her bell with a one-two, and she goes low with a kick to mix things up. Amanda strings several punches together, and she ends a combination with a right hand right on the ear. The two slow down to not burn out their gas tanks early, and Amanda settles down with a few jabs. Alencar attempts a takedown in open cage, and Amanda shoves her back and starts lighting her up with body shots and those up high. Right as the bell sounds, Amanda leaps in the air, and she bounces of Alencar’s forehead—it is a legal blow, technically, so nothing else comes of it.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The ladies meet in the middle, and Alencar reintroduces herself with a winging right hand that bounces off the guard, and a head kick try that makes her topple over. Amanda backs off, as if to signal her foe to stand back up, but Alencar butt-scoots towards her. Amanda motions for her to stand up, and Peterson gets between them to make it so. When upright, Alencar throws hard but cannot find her range with her strikes. Amanda prods at her with a low kick, and she leans back from a pair of high kicks that buzz past her. Amanda calmly works her way in, peppering with the occasional kick, and shutting down much of anything coming back her way. When Alencar attempts a head kick, Amanda dips and smacks her in the lead leg. Both women paw out front kicks several feet away from the other, and Alencar struggles to get in. Alencar aims one kick low as Amanda springs from side to side, and the former Invicta champ ducks a pair of punches and nails Alencar with a right hand. Alencar crowds her and jams her up against the fence, and she spams knees to the body to stay busy. With both underhooks, Alencar muscles Amanda to the mat courtesy of a body lock takedown. Alencar lands on top in half guard, and she looks for side control while also attempting an armlock on the other side. Amanda defends against the submission while pushing the shorter woman off of her, and she connects with a few on the chest to keep Alencar at bay. Alencar lowers herself down to deliver some powerful strikes, and she stings Amanda with one right before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Alencar takes to the center of the cage to start the final frame, and she leads the dance with a one-two as Amanda ducks to the side. Amanda looks for her own short combination, and she ends up countering Alencar with a short right when Alencar attacks. Alencar kicks the body and reaches out with a left hand, and Amanda’s own offense is relatively muted. Amanda looks to strike when Alencar ducks down for a takedown, and she pushes Alencar to the side and whiffs on a haymaker when she breaks away. Alencar tosses out three punches that bounce off the raised guard, and Amanda gets one back on the temple. This same type of exchange repeats itself, with Alencar not landing while Amanda gets one in. Amanda swings for the fences, and Alencar is well out of harm’s way in time. Alencar, not wanting to get hit by one of those booming shots, shoots for a single. Amanda stuffs it and sprints to the side to reset. Alencar meanders forward, attempting kicks and punches, and Amanda calmly responds with a single damaging leg kick. Amanda doubles up on a jab as Alencar walks her down, and she hops back to avoid a head kick and comes up short with an overhand right. Both women get off right hands during a brief exchange, and Amanda separates and connects with a low kick. Alencar attempts a single, and Amanda stuffs her and busts her in the chops with a right hand. Amanda is swinging with everything she has, and she catches Alencar at the end of a right. Amanda smiles with 10 seconds left on the clock, as she draws Alencar into a brawl. This works to her advantage, as she rings Alencar up with a few strikes before Alencar tries to clinch up. This position ends the fight, and Amanda, all smiles, looks for a hug from her now former opponent.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Talita Alencar def. Rayanne Amanda dos Santos via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Carlos Hernandez (125) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Taira (-410), Hernandez (+320)

Round 1

Buried on the prelims is a young man fast on the rise, as 23-year-old Japanese prospect Taira (14-0, 4-0 UFC) looks for win no. 15 at the expense of the speedy Hernandez (9-2, 2-1 UFC). The latter recently picked up a win in June when a slam knockout ended up overturned to a decision thanks to an inadvertent clash of heads on the way down. The third man in the Octagon will be referee Mark Smith, and he kicks off the fight as the 125ers touch gloves. Hernandez is the initial aggressor, pushing the action at least from a movement standpoint. Neither man commit to a strike in the first 30 seconds, until Hernandez paws out with a left hand that sneaks around the guard. Taira responds with a front kick, and Hernandez chases him to the ground. Taira immediately sweeps his opponent, and the resulting wild scramble results in both men getting back to their feet. Hernandez pushes the Japanese fighter against the wall, and he lifts Taira up and attempts to slam him down. Instead, Taira positions himself midair to shift his body weight, and he pushes Hernandez over and lands on top of him. Taira steps over to three-quarter mount briefly, but remains comfortable in half guard so he can control and land sporadic left hands or an elbow. Taira jumps over to full mount, and he looks to hook his left arm around the side of the head while lacing Hernandez’ legs between his own. Taira bails on the arm-triangle choke setup so he can posture up and land shots from on top. Hernandez turns over, and Taira flattens him out and starts fishing for a submission. When that does not come, he starts laying into Hernandez with his fists. Hernandez turns about again, giving up his back, and Taira follows him every step of the way and looks to fasten in a rear-naked choke grip. Hernandez defends it and continues twisting himself around, and Taira drills him with punches any time he has an opening. Taira sits up and blasts Hernandez in the face with an emphatic right hand, and he rides out the remainder of the round on top and lands one more right hand.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The flyweights come together, and Hernandez is again the first to push the pace. Taira smacks him in the temple with a left hand, and he follows with a calf kick. Taira rifles a straight right hand down the pipe, rocking Hernandez down to his core, and he strings together a chain of punches until Hernandez crumbles to the mat. Taira follows him down, continuing his bombardment of strikes, and Hernandez turtles up on his knees, barely still with it. Smith watches on as Taira beats on him, and he determines that Hernandez is no longer in the fight and waves it off. This is a big win for Taira, who records his first career knockout in years by lifting himself to a perfect 15-0 as a pro.

The Official Result

Tatsuro Taira def. Carlos Hernandez R2 0:55 via TKO (Punches)

Stephanie Egger (135) vs. Luana Santos (139: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Santos (-185), Egger (+154)

Round 1

The final women’s bout on the card comes at a catchweight of 139 pounds, as former flyweight Santos (6-1, 1-0 UFC) tipped the scales three pounds heavy for her bantamweight bout against Egger (8-4, 3-3 UFC). The Swiss woman will come out with a heavier bag of cash than expected, as Santos has surrendered 20% of her fight purse as a result. The cage commander for this clash will be referee Herb Dean. There is an apologetic touch of gloves offered by the heavy woman to get things started, and it is accepted. Santos leads off with rangy, awkward strikes from strange angles. Egger keeps her guard high and parries most of the strikes that come her way, as Santos is overextending and winging strikes from various directions. Santos crowds her way in, throwing a clubbing right hand to get Egger’s attention, and she backs her off with a front kick. Egger shakes it off and plods forward, sticking out a jab and a right hand. Egger reaches out, dings the Brazilian on the cheek, and accidentally hooks her finger into Santos’ top. Dean allows them to reset so there is no wardrobe malfunction, and they return to their tit-for-tat striking exchanges. Egger pushes in and drives a knee to the chest, and Santos stops a throw attempt and turns Egger around. The two trade knees on the inside, and trip attempts fail from both sides. Egger gets a bit of space away from the cage as they continue to knee one another in the belly, and Santos keeps her hands on the Swiss woman to otherwise shut her down. Egger connects with a heel kick to the thigh and knees up the middle hard enough to stun Santos for a second, and she times a knee on the chin when Santos ducks down. The uneventful round ends with the two tied up.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two clap hands to get the second round started, and Egger paws out a jab shortly thereafter. Santos responds with three leg kicks, and Egger swings so hard that she falls on her hands. Santos cannot capitalize on this mistake, instead backing off to let the Swiss fighter stand back up. Egger slowly plods forward before swinging an overhand right at her foe, and this leads to a clinch to pick up where they left off, only with Egger the one pressing. Santos spins away, but she takes a knee on the break. Santos sticks out a one-two, and a low kick comes after it. Egger catches a front kick and lines up a right hand, and Santos shakes her head and continues throwing. Egger wings reckless punches, and Santos tries and fails to time a trip. The Brazilian settles for pushing Egger against the fence, until she manages to toss Egger to the canvas. Egger stands back up, fighting off hooks that Santos attempts to slide in, but Santos has her gripped from behind. Santos looks to drag Egger down from behind, until she turns to the side and gloms her full body weight on Egger. Egger attempts a Thai plum clinch, but Santos fights off the hands before Egger can knee her on the chin. Santos changes levels, but Egger fights this off and separates. Santos throws several punches and lands one, and Egger awkwardly throws back. Santos gets in two more left hands, and Egger cannot find her way in as Santos pecks at her and jabs her. Egger ignores the blows and chains three strong punches together that get Santos’ attention, leading Santos to force a clinch. Egger hacks with a downward elbow to try for any offense while pinned against the wire, and the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is one final clap of hands to start the round, and Egger pushes on the accelerator and bullies Santos back. Santos reaches with long jabs, and Egger grabs hold of her to knee her twice. The Brazilian takes advantage of this position by hip tossing Egger to the mat, dropping Egger right on her head. Santos looks for a scarf hold from there, but Egger deftly fights it off and forces her way back to the feet. As soon as Egger pushes Santos to the fence, Dean calls them to work. Santos muscles Egger around to press her back against the wall, and she peppers with light knees and foot stomps until Dean asks them for more activity. Santos continues to impose her weight until Dean steps in, and Santos takes a very deep breath. Egger thanks Dean for this by rushing after Santos, and she blasts Santos in the face with a long combination. When Santos walks away, Egger stands still, until the Swiss woman wades back into combat. Santos times this with a level change, and although she cannot get the fight to the mat, she squeezes the aggressive Egger against the cage. Santos knees the thigh and stomps Egger’s foot, and Dean continues to call for more work. With Santos doing nothing, Dean splits them up at the 45-second mark. Egger pushes forward until Santos attempts a takedown. Egger turns the corner and drags Santos to her knees, landing left hands as time ticks off the clock. A few pitter-patter strikes from Egger conclude the lackluster match.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Luana Santos def. Stephanie Egger via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Melquizael Costa (155.5) vs. Steve Garcia (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Costa (-275), Garcia (+225)

Round 1

The predominant method of victory for these two fighters—now competing at lightweight due to the short-notice nature of their rescheduled pairing—is the knockout. Referee Chris Tognoni should don his hard hat before going out against these two sluggers. “Mean Machine” Garcia (14-5, 3-2 UFC) has performed his last six victories via strikes, while LFA vet Costa (20-6, 1-1 UFC) has earned two of his last three wins by knockout. Before the fists fly, they meet together in a sporting manner. Garcia springs forward, but he pulls back before engaging. On his second advance, Garcia throws caution to the wind, winging big punches. Costa shimmies to the side and allows Garcia to push past him, and he hooks his leg around Garcia’s and tries to drag him down to the floor. Costa elects to lift Garcia up and slam him to the mat, but “Mean Machine” moves back up to his feet quickly. Costa clings to Garcia from behind relentlessly, and Garcia tries to defend with no-look elbows. Costa knees Garcia in the backside and upper thigh as he pressures his man, and Garcia responds with elbows on the thigh. Costa whips Garcia to a knee, and Garcia considers grabbing the fence but at the last second just points at it. Costa forces his man down to a knee again, but Garcia springs up with no ill effects. Costa continues to embrace the grind from behind, shutting down any offense from Garcia and forcing him to spend energy in strange exchanges. When Costa looks to get a hook in, Garcia shucks it off. Costa peppers with knees until scooping Garcia up and dumping him down once more. Garcia powers back upright, and he wiggles and wriggles but cannot escape. Costa trips Garcia out but is unable to keep him grounded for more than a second, and he stays in this position until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Round 2 Garcia comes out of his corner angrily, and he swings violently and connects with a few of his shots. Costa responds as the two engage in a mad brawl, with punches and elbows flailing in all directions. Garcia wings a left and a right, catching Costa and knocking him down to the canvas. “Mean Machine” follows him to the mat and drives down a vicious elbow, splitting Costa wide open, and Costa is in a bad way. Garcia smashes his man with fists and sharp elbows, and blood sprays around the canvas. Costa turns over and gives up his back, and Garcia snatches up a rear-naked choke. Perhaps due to the blood flow, Costa is able to slide out of the choke and turns to his back. Garcia postures up, in full mount, and he demolishes “Melky” with three ruthless elbows. Tognoni halts the fight, with Costa out or very nearly out. When Garcia dismounts his defeated adversary, Costa tries to take Tognoni down, and he is deep in on a single. Tognoni displays excellent takedown defense as officials flood the cage, with one very loud shouting at Costa to wake him back up. Costa realizes that he is trying to take down a referee and that the fight is over, and he surrenders.

The Official Result

Steve Garcia def. Melquizael Costa R2 1:01 via KO (Elbows)

Hyun Sung Park (126) vs. Shannon Ross (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-425), Ross (+330)

Round 1

In one of the more lopsided matchups from a betting perspective, hefty favorite and unbeaten South Korean Park (8-0, 3-0 UFC) will put his spotless record against a foe in Ross (12-8, 0-2 UFC) that has lost three straight by knockout. Before they try to lop the other’s head off, they come together for a cordial touch of the gloves. Referee Keith Peterson takes a deep breath, clearing his lungs of any nonsense, and the flyweights get going. Park starts with a few leg kicks, and Ross is right in his face throwing hands. Park swings hard and fast, with a right hand that gets through. Ross comes back at him, and Park responds with a low kick that splits the uprights and draws a pause. Ross only needs a few seconds to recover from the groin shot, and they get back swinging frantically. Park connects with a stern right hand on the temple, and Ross’ balance nearly betrays him. Instead of falling over, Ross leaps forward with a knee. Park lets him land so he can circle around and drill “The Turkish Delight” on the other side of the head. Ross escapes, and they clack shins together, drawing a stumble. Ross gathers himself and swings with bad intentions, but Park lands with his own damaging blows. Park drives out a left hand that frazzles Ross, and Ross falls to his back and is in big trouble. Park leaps on top and hunts for a choke, but he settles to sit up and hack down with elbows. When Ross keeps turning, Park follows him and locks the body triangle. Park considers another rear-naked choke, and Ross hand-fights to keep himself safe for now. Park leans to his back to slash with two elbows, and he fastens another RNC grip, this time on the jaw. Ross toughs it out and keeps surviving, and Park turns him to his stomach and flattens him out. Ross turns to his side so he does not take more damage, and Park slides his arm on the jaw for a rear-naked choke. Ross fights off the grip with it squeezing on his chin, and Park continues frustrating him with punches when not looking for a choke. Ross scoots to put his back, and Park’s, against the fence. Ross punches from behind his head until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round begins with an aggressive Ross, who blitzes forward with his hands outstretched. Park sits down on several punches to counter the aggressive Ross, and two fierce exchanges where Park gets the upper hand ensue. Ross backs off to find a better way in, and he loops a right hand over the top. Park advances, and he counters Ross with a right and a left that send Ross wobbling back to the fence. Ross gathers his thoughts, and Park races towards him and pushes him to the fence. Park lets loose punches and elbows on the inside until Ross gets out of the precarious position. When Ross throws a low kick, Park checks one but takes some damage from it. Ross catches the undefeated fighter with a one-two, and he kicks low and then punches high to keep Park guessing. Park sneaks in a jab, and Ross loads up with a right hand and connects with another calf kick. Park meets Ross with an uppercut, and Ross reels from it and tries to hop from side to side to get his bearings. From a distance, Ross releases two hard leg kicks, and Park crashes the pocket and strikes. Ross counters with an overhand right, and he chains a superman jab into it. Park just misses with a huge right hand, and he checks a low kick. Park digs a kick to the body, and Ross tries to keep a stiff upper lip but did not like that kick. Park sees that there might have been some damage from the blow, and he fires off two punches high and rips a left hand to the midsection. The South Korean steps in with a knee, but Ross is already falling down to the ground at that point. Knowing the finish is right around the corner, “Peace of Mind” gives some peace of mind to those that bet on him by pounding out Ross with a long series of finalizing left hands. Peterson get between them to stop the fight, and when it is over, he allows Park to hug the downed Ross before the medical staff can tend to him.

The Official Result

Hyun Sung Park def. Shannon Ross R2 3:59 via TKO (Punches)

Kevin Jousset (170.5) vs. Kenan Song (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jousset (-170), Song (+142)

Round 1

Wrapping up the prelims, two welterweights with plenty to prove go to bang it out. Song (20-7, 5-3 UFC)—not to be confused with the headliner—is hoping to gain some momentum in the talent-rich 170-pound category. City Kickboxing’s Jousset (9-2, 1-0 UFC) is aiming to do the same, having won his UFC debut in September against a highly regarded player. When the bell rings, the referee will be Mark Smith. Song initiates his offense with a side kick to the body, and Jousset appears surprised. Jousset kicks his foe’s lead leg twice, and he pump-fakes and kicks the other side of that same leg. The two clash shins with simultaneous kicks, and they trade low kicks shortly thereafter. Jousset slams a low kick home, and Song sweeps the leg in response before aiming another side kick at the ribcage. Jousset continues working away on the lead wheel with his kicks, and he mixes one up to the body. When Song advances, Jousset prepares a short left hook counter. Song gets in a right hand when blitzing ahead, but Jousset circles away and kicks Song three times in rapid success on the leg. Song misses with his own kick, but he does dart in with a right hand. Jousset drives him back with a right hook on the temple, and Song chases after him with a one-two. Jousset stays at his preferred distance, chipping away at the lead leg of “The Assassin,” and he frowns when Song kicks him back. Jousset keeps Song at bay by potshotting him with low and front kicks, and Song tries to get in on him with a left. Jousset is ready and rearing to counter, getting in two hooks before Song retreats. Both men trade hands up close, and Song is wide-eyed and sinks two nasty calf kicks on Jousset. They swat at one another with left hooks, and Jousset counters with two powerful blows that draw immediate redness and swelling on either side of Song’s face. Jousset drives out a jab that snaps the head back a few times, and he trips Song up with a low kick when Song tries to charge. The round ends before Song can fire back.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Song’s mouthpiece falls out of his mouth right before the round begins, and Smith has to get it cleaned off before the fighters get after it. Jousset picks up exactly where he left off with accurate, distant strikes, and Song cannot seem to make him pay. When Song gets in close, Jousset blasts him with short, compact hooks. When in kickboxing range, Jousset does not hesitate beating on Song’s front leg with kicks and jabbing Song’s face off. Song misses on two punches when getting a little desperate, and Jousset’s expression does not change as he continues to methodically wear down his opponent. Song throws caution to the wind and attacks with all his might, and he beans Jousset with two heavy punches to get Jousset’s attention. Jousset backs off to gather his thoughts, and he is not crowded so he picks his strikes with low kicks and snappy jabs. Song attempts to close in again, and he gets in too tight and winds up in the clinch. Song tries once more to tie him up after eating some jabs, and Jousset pushes him away and lines up two punches down the middle. Song connects with a few punches as he sells out with strikes, and Jousset lands a few back to make Song think twice. Jousset leans and dips out of the way of a few blows, but Song continues to pour it on to land several more. As Song commits to a big strike, Jousset shoots in for a single, and Song defends and backs the French fighter out of City Kickboxing off. Jousset prods out several jabs, and Song catches him with a left hook that splits the guard. Jousset slams a shin on the lead calf, and Song stumbles but keeps himself upright. They clinch and drive elbows on one another’s jaw, and push off to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The welterweights clap hands, and Jousset is more than willing to continue his methodical breakdown of his Chinese opponent. The calf kicks from Jousset draw reactions more and more when landing, and his jab continue to hurt Song as Song’s face is busted up. Song is not out of the fight, but he commits to single strikes and eats a few back in response. Jousset chips and chops at the lead leg, forcing Song to switch stances briefly. Song goes back to orthodox and Jousset kicks it a few more times. Song tries to clinch up to stop the leg kick barrage, but Jousset shoves him away and beats on the leg. Song changes up his stance, and Jousset kicks the new front leg in response. Song puts everything he has into single blows, and Jousset takes some of the chin but rolls with others while stringing a number together back his way every exchange. Song steps in with an elbow, and this appears to frustrate Jousset, who bludgeons him with several fists on the inside. Jousset pushes forward to tie Song up and take away the big power punches, and he hangs on until Song gets a bit of space. Instead of Song striking back, it is Jousset who strings punches and kicks together en masse. The numbers are likely extremely high in Jousset’s favor, both in terms of leg kicks and total strikes landed, and Song’s toughness is on full display. Jousset shoots for a takedown, and when Song defends with his back to the wall, Jousset nails him with a no-look elbow. The two split with 10 seconds to spare, and Song puts everything he has into several ferocious punches. Jousset tanks them all, throws back with a few, and the final horn sounds to conclude the contest.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Kevin Jousset def. Kenan Song via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Andre Muniz (186) vs. Jun Yong Park (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-205), Muniz (+170)

Round 1

A violent one at 185 pounds is set to play out as the main card begins, as the surging South Korean Park (17-5, 7-2 UFC) would like nothing more than to toss another chip on the losing pile of the once-celebrated Muniz (23-6, 5-2 UFC). It could be a grappler’s delight, as Park has won three straight by RNC, while “Sergipano” will always have his bone-breaking armbar of “Jacare” Souza on his highlight reel. The match begins with a touch of gloves in front of referee Chris Tognoni, and they meet in the middle with Park striking first with a calf kick. Muniz replies with a head kick that just skims over the guard, and Park shrugs it off and goes low again with a kick. Park pulls his leg back to avoid a kick from the Brazilian, and Muniz strikes his foe’s body with his leg. Muniz spins with a back kick that comes up short, and he shoots in for a double-leg takedown. Muniz succeeds in placing the South Korean on his seat, and he sneaks around when Park tries to get to his knees. Before Muniz takes Park’s back, Park powers back to his feet, but Muniz wrenches him to the floor and successfully grabs “The Iron Turtle” from behind. Park stands up, and Muniz hits a mat return as Park is warned for grabbing the fence to prevent the takedown. Park again gets upright, and Muniz doggedly pursues the takedown. Park grabs the fence, and Tognoni shouts and slaps Park’s hand. Muniz is able to take Park down again, and he laces his legs around Park’s to keep him there. Park muscles his way back up, and Muniz tosses him down very quickly. Muniz takes the back, and as Park scrambles, the Brazilian gets both hooks in. Muniz starts fishing for a rear-naked choke or any limb he can snare, and Park fights the grip and attempts to spin around. Park gets the hooks off of his waist, and he turns around and takes top control. When Muniz tries to get up, Park dramatically hurls him to his back, and Park jumps into full mount. Park slams Muniz in the face with his fist several times, and Muniz keeps a knee shield up but eats a few elbows before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The middleweights touch ‘em up before getting down to it in Round 2, and Muniz reintroduces him with a slapping body kick. The two start trading hands in the pocket, and Park gets the upper hand with a right hand over the top. Muniz looks to take the fight down again, and Park reverses him, only to find himself tossed to his back by the Brazilian. Park does not settle in this position, and he fights to his knees, but Muniz welcomes this and takes Park’s back. Park simultaneously fights the hooks and keeps his neck out of danger from the submissions, and he turns over and eats several punches, including a few to the back of his head. Muniz follows Park when Park tries to recover, and Park cannot quite crawl back to his feet. Muniz lets go on his grip and attacks from a different angle to take the fight down, and Park explodes back upright. Muniz trips him up and chucks him back down, and he gets the hooks in from behind as Park is on his knees. As soon as Park stands, Muniz throws him back down to his side, and he smothers Park when on top. Park crawls to the cage wall in an effort to wall-walk and scrape Muniz off of him, and he does the former but cannot free himself from Muniz’ grip. Muniz drags him down to the floor, even though Park grabs the fence. Park is back up before long, and he turns himself around so that Muniz is not going after him from behind. Muniz sneaks around to put Park down to a knee, and the exhausting round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Before they start fighting, the combatants bow to one another and hug. Park comes out of his corner ready for bear, and he blasts a left hand to the liver as he tries to make Muniz pay for his grappling-heavy approach. Park punches until Muniz shoots, and Muniz runs the pipe and takes Park to his seat. A fatigued Park tries to climb back up, and as he moves, Muniz bangs his head into his by accident and opens a cut on the side of Park’s head. Muniz gets back control, and holds on while Park tries to move or do anything he can to escape. The methodical “Iron Turtle” manages to get out of the bad position and flip Muniz over, and he looks to strike immediately. Muniz sweeps him, but Park attempts a single to try to put Muniz down again. Muniz pursues a double, and Park shoves him over and gets in the closed guard. As time ticks away, Park grinds on Muniz and lands occasional ground-and-pound. With seconds to spare, Park unleashes one final barrage of punches and elbows, and it’s anyone’s guess how this fight will be scored as it reaches its conclusion after 15 long minutes.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Andre Muniz def. Jun Yong Park via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Tim Elliott (136) vs. Su Mudaerji (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Elliott (-165), Mudarji (+135)

Round 1

Stepping up a few days ago to replace Allan Nascimento, former flyweight title challenger Elliott (19-13-1, 8-11 UFC) pops into this now-bantamweight bash with Mudaerji (16-5, 3-2 UFC). This scrap that could—and very well may—take place anywhere will be overseen by referee Herb Dean, and he is ready for what comes next. The fighters touch ‘em up, and Elliott somersaults his way in to kick Mudaerji. Mudaerji shrugs it off, and Elliott keeps his knee up high to fluster his opponent. Mudaerji tries to pick off the veteran from range, and he gets in long strikes every so often to get Elliott’s attention. Mudaerji stays composed and does not fall for many of the awkward movements from Elliott, and he picks his shots carefully and stings Elliott with a right hand. Mudaerji boots Elliott upside the head, and Elliott grabs hold of the leg and tries to take him down. Mudaerji keeps his balance, but he gets clipped with a right hook when setting it down. Mudaerji connects with a clean left hand, and he strings several punches together until Elliott charges at him to go after a single. Elliott lifts Mudaerji’s leg above his head and elbows the Chinese fighter in the face, and he trips Mudaerji up and tosses him to the canvas. Elliott slithers his way over to half guard as he grinds on Mudaerji with elbows, and he draws blood as Mudaerji turns to his side. Elliott keeps his arm around Mudaerji’s head to threaten with a potential submission should Mudaerji sit up, and Elliott drills him with an elbow. Elliott leaps over to the other side and locks down an arm-triangle choke, and the choke is instantly in and tight. Elliott presses down his full body weight, and blood sprays from Mudaerji’s mouth in a brutal, cinematic moment as Mudaerji loses consciousness. Dean recognizes that Mudaerji is done, checking the arm of “Tibetan Eagle” and seeing there is no resistance, and he yanks Elliot off of the unconscious fighter. This is a great feather in the cap of the veteran, who earns his first finish since December 2017 with the technical submission.

The Official Result

Tim Elliott def. Su Mudaerji R1 4:02 via Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Nasrat Haqparast (156) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Haqparast (-218), Mullarkey (+180)

Round 1

It’s a striker’s delight as Haqparast (15-5, 7-4 UFC) throws hands with Mullarkey (17-6, 5-4 UFC) in a potential firefight at 155 pounds. Both men post knockout rates of about 60%, but lately they have gone the distance in most of their respective appearances. Whether they go 15 seconds or 15 minutes, referee Keith Peterson is locked in and standing by as he personally escorts nonsense from the building. Fists are bumped, and both men are ready to throw fire. Haqparast reaches his target first, but Mullarkey guns for him with short, effective combinations. Mullarkey flicks out a jab, and he follows one with an overhand right. Haqparast defends and responds with a straight left hand to the chest. Mullarkey connects with a low kick and has two punches off the guard, and Haqparast boots him in the felly. Haqparast stings Mullarkey with a huge left hook around the guard, and Mullarkey drops to his knees as he enters the Danger Zone. Haqparast chases after him and starts smashing Mullarkey with a long series of clubbing left hands, and Mullarkey ends up leaning up courtesy of the concussive blows. As Haqparast keeps spamming uppercuts, he kindly stands Mullarkey back up with his relentless strikes. Haqparast continues his bombardment with a blistering three-punch salvo that sends Mullarkey down once and for all. Peterson has seen more than enough as he stops the fight, as Mullarkey took a great deal of punishment in a rapid-fire flurry from the Tristar Gym product. This is an important victory for Haqparast, who notches his first triumph via strikes since August 2019.

The Official Result

Nasrat Haqparast def. Jamie Mullarkey R1 1:44 via TKO (Punches)

Anthony Smith (205.5) vs. Khalil Rountree (204)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rountree (-230), Smith (+190)

Round 1

The co-headliner of this UFC Vegas show practically promises action and intensity for as long as it lasts. Durable veteran and divisional stalwart Smith (37-18, 12-8 UFC) want to show he is not a spent force, and he will have to get through vicious muay thai striker Rountree (12-5, 1 NC, 8-5, 1 NC UFC) to prove that. Referee Mark Smith will be minding his P’s and Q’s for as long as this one goes, and the two light heavyweight combatants do not tap their fists together. Smith chases Rountree around the cage, stalking him down but not throwing anything. Smith paws his hand out to push down Rountree’s arm, and Rountree tosses it aside and lances a left hand out straight. Smith boots Rountree in the head, and he chops at the lead leg and backs off from the counter. Rountree kicks the body twice, and Smith walks through them and lashes out with a straight right. Rountree presses in to slow the longtime vet down, and Smith informs referee Smith that they clashed heads. Rountree pushes off to separate, and his head bumps into Smith’s as a thin trickle of blood leaks from Smith’s inner eyebrow. Rountree chains several punches together to get Smith to briefly shell up, and Smith resets and pushes a front kick out. Rountree splits the guard with two punches, and Smith kicks him to the chest twice. The fists of Rountree force more blood to flow from the face of “Lionheart,” and they trade hands fearlessly. Rountree sits down on an inside leg kick, and he swings a right and a left as Smith dips away. Rountree glances a right hand off the guard, and Smith lands at the end of a right hand to make Rountree think twice about a reckless engagement. Smith reaches his left hand out several times to disrupt his opponent, and Rountree pounds his shin in the midsection of his foe. The resounding thud echoes through the arena, but Smith is tough and he fires right back. Smith connects with a right hand off the dome, and he gets drive back with two powerful punches. Rountree throws everything he has into two left hooks, and Smith ducks them both and is wide-eyed to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Smith again begins the round by taking the center of the cage, and this time Rountree boxes him with reaching right hands. Rountree uses the punches to set up a loud body kick, and Smith rushes at him to take the fight down. Rountree shuts him down easily and turns him against the fence, and they proceed to rack one another up with elbows. Smith gets the better of the elbowing, and he walks Rountree down and starts landing flush and at volume. Rountree sits down on a huge right hand, stunning Smith, and Rountree does not realize how hurt Smith is as he does not go after him. Smith shoots in for a desperate takedown, and Rountree stops it but will not let his hands go. Smith recovers enough to get his feet beneath him, and he continues pressing the action and backing Rountree off. Rountree lands a powerful leg kick, and he pushes off as Smith kicks him in the chest. Smith uses his head movement to dodge the hooks that soar at him, but a speedy left from Rountree gets through. Rountree goes high with his shin, and Smith blocks it and bowls him into the wall. Rountree tries to launch huge strikes at him to back him away, and Smith avoids them all and keeps advancing without fear. Rountree lands a punch, and Smith delivers a hard kick to the lead leg. Smith whiffs with a wide hook that makes him stumble, and Rountree circles away to get to the middle of the cage. Smith chases after him, and he walks through a number of jabs to get to him. Smith sneaks in a one-two, and Rountree snipes him with a left on the way out. The two go punch-for-punch in an exchange, and Smith kicks the body and snaps the head back with a right. Rountree scores a low kick, dodges a jab, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The light heavyweights meet on top of the Monster logo and tap gloves, and they proceed to throw fiery leg kicks at the other. Rountree lands a few while Smith walks him down, and he blazes Smith’s midsection with a kick to follow. Rountree times Smith ducking down with a left, but Smith is tougher than an Omaha Steak and presses ahead. Rountree flashes out a jab, rips an uppercut and blasts Smith with a monstrous left hook, transforming the former light heavyweight title challenger into Bambi walking on an icy pond. Smith falls to his back, totally done, and Rountree lords over him with his fist raised in the air. The merciful marauder known as “The War Horse” does not pounce on his fallen opponent, instead laying off when seeing that Smith has nothing left to give and has shelled up in hopes that he does not take any further damage. Referee Smith identifies this form of physical surrender and rescues Smith from any additional punishment, although Rountree refrained from dishing it out. That is five in a row for the Tiger Muay Thai-trained Rountree, who secures the biggest triumph in his pro career by smashing a top-10 foe and former title challenger.

The Official Result

Khalil Rountree def. Anthony Smith R3 0:56 via TKO (Punches)

Yadong Song (136) vs. Chris Gutierrez (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Song (-380), Gutierrez (+300)

Round 1

All hands are on deck for what should be action-packed headliner at 135 pounds. The winner should position himself closer to the top of the landscape at bantamweight, although a logjam of title suitors still sits in front of them. Whether they need one more win or five to get to the top of the mountain, Song (20-7-1, 1 NC; 9-2-1 UFC) and Gutierrez (20-5-2, 8-2-1 UFC) are ready to take that next step by going through the other. Striking totals and the power behind them will likely be high, so referee Herb Dean is on high alert for the next 25 minutes or less. When they are brought together, they touch gloves to signal there is no ill will for one another. Gutierrez paws out low kicks more as range-finders than as actual scoring strikes, and Song lunges at him and nods when a fist glances off the side of Gutierrez’ head. Gutierrez suddenly spins with a kick, and Song is well out of harm’s way. Gutierrez flicks a head kick at his foe, and Song is able to block it without concern and sweep the leg in response. Gutierrez prods out with low kicks on both sides of the leg of his opponent, and Song prepares a counter but does not release it when seeing Gutierrez is not committing to the strikes. Gutierrez dips out of the way of a spinning back fist that whizzes past him, and they trade low kicks. Gutierrez uses his kicks as distance-keeping weapons, not putting much into some of them and simply tossing them out to keep Song from closing in recklessly. Song peppers Gutierrez with leg kicks, and Gutierrez lands a few stomp kicks on the knee back. Gutierrez fakes a spin, and then sells out and spins with a fist that rebounds off the gloves. Song slams his shin on the lead leg of “El Guapo,” and he leaps forward with two hooks. The leg kicks prompt a stance switch, and when Gutierrez scores a left hand, Song smiles at him and shrugs. Song then lunges ahead, missing with a punch, but they both drive leg kicks home. Gutierrez kicks the body, and Song waves him on, asking for more. “Kung Fu Kid” races ahead, but he misses with strikes as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

When the second round begins, the two kick and kick and kick. They trade kicks to the lead leg, Song goes high, and Gutierrez emulates him with one of his own. Gutierrez plants the ball of his foot on Song’s face, and Song grins and laughs it off. Song lashes out, and when he misses, Gutierrez spins with a back fist and partially catches him with it. Gutierrez looks for a second front kick, and Song picks up on it but only partially. Gutierrez chips away with low kicks, and he checks one that comes back at him. Song reaches him with three punches, getting off at the end of one, and Gutierrez bounces away and picks and pokes with low kicks. Song looks to split the guard with a right hand, and Gutierrez kicks his leg out and sends him careening off-balance when Song spins. Gutierrez kicks the lead leg and backs away from a counter, and he pokes out with a front kick. Song tries to crowd him, and Gutierrez parries and evades the blows. Song connects with a few low kicks, and Gutierrez pushes off his face and pokes Song in both eyes. Dean calls time and tells Gutierrez to stop leading with his fingers, and he allows Song to recover. Song tries to hurry back, and Dean gives him more time, but Song wants to fight so they resume after about 45 seconds off. Gutierrez starts up again with his front leg raised, and he chambers and fires it at his foe. Gutierrez circles away from the oncoming offense, avoiding any of the power punches and getting off his own strikes. Song rushes forward, practically tackling Gutierrez to the ground. Gutierrez sets up butterfly hooks to try to sweep his foe from China, and he kicks off Song’s hips but cannot lift him off. Song slowly works with occasional strikes, and Gutierrez looks to throw his legs up with a high guard or something more. Song keeps Gutierrez pressed against the fence, until Dean calls time and issues a hard warning to Gutierrez for grabbing Song’s gloves. Dean resets them in position, and Song rides out the round on top landing right hands.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two bantamweights touch ‘em up before opening the third round, and kicks are the first item on the menu. Song fires off a high kick, and he shoots in for a takedown. Gutierrez defends it, but he gets popped on the way out with a right hook. Gutierrez lands a front kick, and Song outstretches his hand and a finger jams deep into Gutierrez’ eye socket. Dean pauses the fight and allows Gutierrez to recover. Gutierrez takes 90 seconds and a hand wipe before he is good to go, and they resume. Gutierrez pushes out several front kicks with both legs, interrupting Song’s movement and combinations. Song reaches him with a left hand, and ducks back as Gutierrez spins with a wheel kick. The leg kicks land one after the other for both men, and Gutierrez raises his guard at the right moment to block a left hook that blazes at him. Song sticks out a jab, and Gutierrez answers him with a right hook. Gutierrez kicks the knee and fakes with spins, and the two crash together without landing of note. Gutierrez snaps up a question mark kick that Song mostly defends, and Song tries to make him pay but Gutierrez is well out of the way. Song delivers a stern leg kick that lands with an audible thud, and he tosses up his other leg to Gutierrez’ face—Gutierrez protects himself from it. Gutierrez drops low to change levels, drawing a huge reaction out of Song. Gutierrez fakes another takedown to again make Song think about defending, and he goes up high with a right hand. Gutierrez jabs the lead leg with his own leg, and he gets cornered by the Chinese fighter and skirts away after eating a three-punch serving. Song reaches Gutierrez with a left, and he clubs him with a right before Gutierrez escapes. Song takes a knee up the middle while throwing hands, and he takes a straight right hand after landing a few strikes. Gutierrez slides to the side to let a spinning wheel kick land on his shoulder, and he throws a high kick in response. Song catches it and dumps him to the mat with seconds to go, and Song does not do anything with it as the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

The bantamweights reach the championship rounds, and feet are in play before fists. Gutierrez blocks a head kick and takes two low kicks, and he connects with a clean front kick up the middle. Song tries to chase him down and corner him, but it ends with him falling over. Gutierrez spins with a back fist, and when that misses, Song belts him with a huge right hand that shocks him and sends him crashing down to the floor. Song jumps on top, but Gutierrez closes his guard and stifles any further offense from getting through. Gutierrez recovers, as Song resides on top of him without worry. Gutierrez slaps Song on the side of the head as he stays stuck on his back, and Song occasionally gets in a few strikes to keep Dean from standing them up. Song stacks Gutierrez up any time Gutierrez tries to do some finagling of his guard, and Gutierrez claims several strikes land to the back of his head. The strikes from Song, methodical and effective, open up a cut on Gutierrez’ left eyebrow. Song grinds the remainder of the round out, and Gutierrez is extremely frustrated.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

Reaching the last rounds, the two men come together but do not engage quite as quickly as they did before. Gutierrez keeps his range, until out of nowhere he attempts an Imanari roll for a leglock. This is a poor decision, as Song completely bowls him over and gets right back to the position where he ended the last frame. Song has no qualms about smacking Gutierrez around with short punches and a few elbows, all while precious time ticks off the clock for the underdog Gutierrez. Song postures up every so often to hammer down an elbow, and Gutierrez scoots himself back to the wall to try to lean off of it and get up. Song drags him back down and drives home a number of elbows, until Gutierrez desperately turns and pushes his legs off the fencing. Dean warns him for hooking his toes in the fence, and Song celebrates this moment of confusing by punching Gutierrez in the face. With 30 seconds left in the fight, Song opens up with a stream of left hands and hammerfists as he holds Gutierrez in an awkward position. Gutierrez looks for a low-percentage leglock that allows him to get bludgeoned a few more times, and the long five-round engagement comes to a close. There is just one more UFC event in 2023, and it may be one to remember with two title fights and plenty of action fights booked. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song (49-46 Song)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song (50-45 Song)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song (50-45 Song)

The Official Result

Yadong Song def. Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (50-44, 50-45, 50-45)