UFC Fight Night 234 ‘Ankalaev vs. Walker 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Joshua Van (125.5) vs. Felipe Bunes (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Van (-218), Bunes (+180)

Round 1

It’s showtime! The UFC is back, and the Apex is its home for its first card of the year. With no further introductions necessary, we get right into the action. Flyweights take center stage first as the surging Van (9-1, 2-0 UFC) welcomes the well-traveled Brazilian Bunes (13-6, 0-0 UFC) to the promotion. The former has won seven straight, while the latter claimed the LFA flyweight strap by punching out Yuma Horiuchi at the beginning of January. The referee for the first UFC bout of 2024 will be Mark Smith, and he clocks in the fight as the two men touch gloves. Van takes the middle of the cage first and ignores an inside leg kick as he tries to find his range. Bunes is a bit more jittery out of the gate, pawing out jabs and low kicks. Van advances and pushes out a front kick, only to be met by a slapping low kick on the outside. Bunes opens up with an overhand right, and Van retaliates and makes Bunes think twice about standing in the pocket and trading. Bunes lines up a right hand and moves to the side, and the two toss front kicks at the other. The Brazilian has a high kick bounce off the raised guard of his foe, and he backs off as Van lays into him with two heavy right hands. Bunes shakes it off and reaches out with a left that misses and a right that does not. Van blitzes, and part of a left hook finds its mark before Bunes is able to escape laterally. Bunes chambers and fires a gnarly right hand, and Van takes it flush and does not bat an eye. Both fighters let their hands go in a brief exchange, landing a few shots, and Bunes mixes things up with a step-in knee. Van throws back with a fury, and he finds himself suddenly defending a single-leg takedown from “Felipinho.” Bunes pushes Van back to the fence when he cannot secure the entry, and Van answers by splitting the uprights with a knee. Bunes drops to his knees in pain, and Smith calls the foul for the groin shot. Bunes stays down for over a minute as he tries to cough it out and recover, and after a minute and 45 seconds, he asks Smith to restart the fight on the feet instead of in the takedown position. The Brazilian picks up where he left off with a number of low kicks on the inside and out, and he weaves to the side as Van lobs bombs at him. Bunes stays on his bike, but he peppers the body with front kicks and those to the lead leg, and Van tanks them all while aiming heavy strikes over the top. Bunes pursues another single-leg takedown, and he slings Van to the canvas and lands in side control with 15 seconds left in the round. Bunes climbs into mount, and Van throws him over the top and shucks off an omoplata setup before the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bunes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bunes

Round 2

The flyweights get right after it when they resume the action, and Van puts his foot on the gas. The Myanmar-born Van comes out swinging, and he catches Bunes with a few shots. As Van gets somewhat reckless, Bunes changes levels in pursuit of a takedown, and he is stuffed before it goes anywhere and takes a number of elbows to the side of the dome. Bunes shoves Van back to the fencing and gets a body lock while stomping on Van’s toes, but Van decides he is sick of it and spins his man around. Van lays into Bunes with knees and body shots, and Bunes is taking some damage and shoots for a takedown. Van turns him around and wall-walks to get back upright. When he gets some space, Van looses a number of body shots to back the Brazilian to the fence, and he chases an escaping Bunes from one side of the cage to the other to continue throwing. Van elects to go for his own takedown, and he threatens with an unexpected leglock before bailing on it to smash Bunes in the face with a trio of elbows. Van sits up, not totally in Bunes’ guard, and he lands powerful punches from above. Van stands back and allows Bunes to get back up, so that they can trade. Van dings his man a few times, and when Bunes fires back, Van keeps him backed off and lands harder. Van digs several more body shots, and Bunes is wearing it but still in the fight as he spins with an inaccurate wheel kick. “Felipinho” rushes out for a desperate takedown, and Van pushes him away and slugs him in the face. Bunes does not stop swinging either, but his punches are far slower. “The Fearless” fearlessly lasts Bunes with knees to the body and thunderous punches, until Bunes crumbles to the mat. Van does not take his foot off the accelerator, raining down punches and elbows furiously. As Van continues to clobber the former LFA champ with a flurry of ferocious fists, Smith has no choice but to step in to save Bunes from his own toughness. This is a big win for Van, who earns his first stoppage in the Octagon and stamps himself as yet another young up-and-comer to watch in the talent-rich flyweight division.

The Official Result

Joshua Van def. Felipe Bunes R2 4:31 via TKO (Punches)

Nikolas Motta (155.5) vs. Tom Nolan (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nolan (-298), Motta (+240)

Round 1

Two power-punching lightweights enter the Octagon to make some waves. Motta (13-5, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) may be fighting for his job, depending on the result, while unbested Aussie Nolan (6-0, 0-0 UFC) wants to leave a lasting impression in his promotional debut. Referee Dan Miragliotta draws the charge for this fight that might not need the full 15 minutes, and it opens up with a glove touch from the two combatants. Nolan quickly whips a leg kick on the inside, and he follows it with two punches. Nolan crowds his man and swings hard, and Motta bites down on his mouthpiece and throws back with a vengeance. Nolan sits down on a few kicks as he mixes in punches, while Motta fires off two body kicks that land with loud slaps. Motta takes a few punches on the chin, says “please sir, may I have some more,” and retaliates with a left hand and a vicious right that drops the unbeaten Australian to his seat. Nolan turns over and tries to survive, but Motta follows him and proceeds to batter him with right hands. The thudding punches continue to connect on the side of the head, and Nolan is showing no signs of recovering at this point. Miragliotta recognizes this and intervenes, and Nolan thinks about protesting but decides against it as his circuits are still somewhat scrambled. Motta rushes off and proceeds to celebrate with his eclectic corner of Ray Sefo, Jake Shields and Julian Erosa.

The Official Result

Nikolas Motta def. Tom Nolan R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)

Westin Wilson (145.5) vs. Jean Silva (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-750), Wilson (+525)

Round 1

If the judges wanted to go out for a smoke break, this is likely the fight on the card where they could get away with it. Wilson (16-8, 0-1 UFC) would like nothing more than to get a win in the UFC, while “Killer” Silva (11-2, 0-0 UFC) appears to be a man on a mission as he slowly walks to the cage with a glacial pace. Together, the two featherweights have only gone to a decision once in their 27 victories, with 22 coming in Round 1. Referee Marc Goddard will need to be on high alert for the next few minutes. Silva offers a glove touch, but Wilson just stares at him until Silva withdraws his hand. Wilson prods out a high kick, and Silva evades it and whips a kick to the ribcage in response. The two in alternating stances look to find their respective ranges, and little comes from either man in the opening stages of the fight. Wilson rushes out with his hands down, and Silva drills him in the side of the head and sets him down. The Brazilian steps back and does not consider finishing the job, instead letting Wilson back up. Wilson backs himself up to the fence, and Silva meanders forward and lobs a left hand to get on the inside and scoop Wilson up and shuttle him to the mat. Wilson hits the ground hard, but is quick to fight his way back to his feet. Wilson responds with a few jabs from range, and he blocks a high kick. Wilson again races forward and gets popped with a vicious left hook, but this time he stays on his feet. Silva keeps his guard high when Wilson retaliates, and he waves Wilson on. Wilson obliges him, and Silva blasts him in the face with a pair of punches that send Wilson careening to the ground. Somewhere in California, Edmond Tarverdyan is watching this fight and screaming “head movement!” Unfortunately, Wilson cannot hear him, as he leaves his chin straight up in the air. Silva continues to stalk a struggling Wilson and smash him in the sides of the head with punches, and Wilson ricochets off the fencing as he keeps taking huge damage. Wilson gets tagged a few more times and practically topples to the ground. Wilson rolls and stands back up, and he shoots for a takedown. Silva intercepts him with a knee but still ends up hitting his back, only to turn him around and belt him with additional punches. Wilson somehow works his way up as he is taking horrible shots again and again. Wilson retreats to the cage wall, and the Fighting Nerds vet drills him once more with massive hooks. Goddard asks Wilson to fight back, and Silva is the one who answers that call by connecting with a flush knee on the chin and several more swarming punches. As he takes a nasty uppercut on the chin, Wilson collapses from the punishment, and Goddard gets between them when observing that Wilson is done. Silva strides away and barks several times, and he proceeds to put on thick-rimmed glasses with tape on the bridge to rep his team of the Fighting Nerds and reenact his success with his teammates.

The Official Result

Jean Silva def. Westin Wilson R1 4:12 via TKO (Punches)

Farid Basharat (136) vs. Taylor Lapilus (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-278), Lapilus (+225)

Round 1

Treating fans next is a historic bantamweight clash pitting Afghanistan against France, as Basharat (11-0, 2-0 UFC)—who currently resides and trains in England—collides with MMA Factory’s Lapilus (19-3, 4-1 UFC). The former still has his zero intact, while the latter has earned six victories in a row, the most important of which was his last triumph that came over the highly touted Caolan Loughran. The third man in the cage will be referee Chris Tognoni, and he starts the clock as the fighters do not touch gloves. Basharat starts the fight off with two kicks up top, and Lapilus leans back to evade them. Basharat changes it up with a pair of calf kicks, and he gets in an axe kick to surprise his opponent. Lapilus aims several punches at his foe, but Basharat is able to avoid and continue scoring kicks. Basharat suddenly shoots in for a single, and he succeeds in setting the Frenchman on his seat for a second before Lapilus bounces right back up. Lapilus gets away with a fence grab as he keeps scrambling, and Basharat cannot keep his foe down for long. Lapilus defends a takedown effort by wrapping up a choke, and Basharat drops to his back in order to escape it. Lapilus gets back to striking range when both fighters get back up, and he absorbs or blocks a number of kicks from the distant man from Afghanistan. Both men land single punches, but it is Basharat who is following with kicks. When “Double Impact” attempts his own kick, Basharat snatches up his leg and dumps him to the ground. Lapilus pops back up, sneaks in a knee and pushes off. Basharat prods and pokes with low kicks, until Lapilus grabs hold of him to blast him in the chest with a knee. Basharat retreats and dodges a left hand, and he keeps his guard up to defend from a high kick. Basharat kicks the side twice and shoots for a double, and Lapilus falls to his knees and grabs the cage wall for a moment. Lapilus elbows his foe in the spine a few times to draw a pair of warnings, and Basharat pulls his legs out from beneath him to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 2

Lapilus turns up his volume slightly to start off the second round, and Basharat retaliates with his own kicks high and low. Lapilus slaps his foot off the side of his opponent’s head, and Basharat grabs his hand to try to keep him stuck on one position. When Basharat does this, Lapilus wraps his other foot around the top and smacks Basharat in the face. Basharat backs off and suddenly attacks with a takedown effort, but the Frenchman shuts it down much easier than before. Basharat goes to the body with a kick, and Lapilus responds with a punch and a high kick that glances off the shoulder. Lapilus is just out of his range with his fists, and he ducks away from a spinning back fist. Basharat drops down for a single, and on his second attempt, he succeeds in grounding his foe. Lapilus gets to a knee, and Basharat circles around to take his back. As this happens, Lapilus scrambles to get out of the bad position and right back to his feet. Lapilus prods out several jabs, as Basharat kicks him in the sternum. Lapilus lets his hands go as he walks Basharat down, and Basharat absorbs or blocks some of them before sprinting and tackling Lapilus to his seat. Basharat lowers himself down to trap Lapilus, sitting in half guard and shutting down any escape attempts from “Double Impact.” Lapilus tugs his toes on the fencing several times to try to improve position, and Basharat elbows him twice before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 3

The final round kicks off with both bantamweights meeting one another in the center of the cage. Basharat strikes first with a head kick attempt, and Lapilus responds with a kick that glances off the pectoral. Lapilus kicks low and punches high, and Basharat backs him off with a right hand. The two hand-fight, leading to Basharat trying to locate another head kick. Lapilus evades it and sticks out a big left hand, forcing Basharat to reset. Lapilus lands another solid left hand, and Basharat is there in his face with an overhand right. The two clash their shins together with kicks until Basharat shoots for a single. Lapilus defends and backs himself to the wall, but the London Shootfighters product is able to elevate him and dump him to his backside. Lapilus leans his back on the wall as he tries to sit up, and Basharat drags his legs down and pulls him away from the wire to stop him from wall-walking. Lapilus scoots himself towards the barrier and works his way up, and he thanks Basharat for his takedown by punching him in the face a few times. Lapilus sits down on a heavy left hand, and Basharat shakes it off. “Ferocious Farid” lashes out with a punch, a kick and a takedown try. The single allows Basharat to drag his foe to the floor, and he climbs into side control and maintains heavy chest pressure. Basharat considers moving into mount, but Lapilus defends his effort even as he is pinned to his back. Basharat grinds his elbow on the face and lands a few punches, and he looks to lock down one of Lapilus’ arms before shifting the other direction to north-south position. The space Basharat leaves allows Lapilus to turn to get out, but Basharat locks down a brabo choke that is suddenly quite tight. Lapilus manages to break the grip and explode back to his feet, and time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)

The Official Result

Farid Basharat def. Taylor Lapilus via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Marcus McGhee (135.5) vs. Gaston Bolanos (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-278), Bolanos (+225)

Round 1

It’s a finisher’s delight in this 135-pound pairing as McGhee (8-1, 2-0 UFC) puts his 100% stoppage rate on the line against Bolanos (7-3, 1-0 UFC), who sports an 86% knockout rate on his ledger. Putting on his hard hat and lacing up his running shoes will be referee Mark Smith, who could be in there for 15 seconds or 15 minutes, as they both predominantly win by knockout, but neither has been put away with strikes. Fists are bumped, and McGhee is the aggressor as he walks the former kickboxer down. When McGhee lets go with a kick, Bolanos catches it and trips him up, but McGhee recovers well enough to get back up with no issue. Bolanos comes up short on a kick high and low, and McGhee takes a page out of his foe’s playbook by spinning with a back kick. Bolanos smiles and throws a right hand back at him, but he misses the mark. McGhee hops out of the way of a body kick, and the two swing big inaccurate strikes at one another. Bolanos leaves a kick out too long, and McGhee marches him down and busts him in the chops with four punches. “The Maniac” suddenly switches it up to hook his arms around the waist and secure a double-leg takedown. Bolanos climbs back up with the wall at his back, and McGhee settles to drive a few knees to the inner thigh of his opponent. McGhee trips Bolanos up and throws him to the ground, but he backs off instead of following him to claim top position. McGhee absorbs a stern leg kick when Bolanos stands, and he leaps at him with a knee. Bolanos grins and nails his man with a right hand. McGhee winds up and races forward, connecting with several heavy shots and staggering “The Dreamkiller.” Bolanos laughs at McGhee as he takes damage, and McGhee lays into him until dragging Bolanos down to the ground. Bolanos uses his legs to push off the chest, but McGhee rains down punches that hurt Bolanos. Bolanos tries to escape, and McGhee intercepts him on the way up with a pair of fists that knock Bolanos squirrelly. Bolanos hangs in there, but McGhee is right on top of him and lays into him with power punches. Bolanos tries to fire back, and McGhee ends the round with a few additional shots.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McGhee
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McGhee

Round 2

The strikers touch ‘em up to engage in the second round, and they proceed to find the other’s chins in a hurry. McGhee lands the harder shots, but Bolanos stays in his face and swings back with bad intentions. A huge right hand from McGhee opens up a cut on the corner of Bolanos’ left eye, and McGhee targets it with several more blows. Bolanos slashes out with a standing elbow, and he clips McGhee with a high kick as McGhee resets. McGhee gathers his thoughts and blitzes forward, landing flush with power as Bolanos tanks them all. McGhee lands two punches, and Bolanos shrugs him off and tries to give him one back, only to eat three more. McGhee puts volume on his foe, and Bolanos throws so hard that he stumbles. Bolanos kicks off the fence to put more impact into a Superman punch, and McGhee practically ignores it as he welcomes the striking exchange. McGhee gets up close with a left hand, and he spins with a risky back kick that connects cleanly to the midsection. Bolanos sits down on a right hand, and McGhee teeters and comes right back firing. “The Dreamkiller” attempts several high kicks from both legs, but McGhee bounces out of the way each and every time. McGhee times a perfect right hand that separates Bolanos from his senses and drops him on his face, and he raises his arms in the air and walks away. The ultra-tough Bolanos somehow wills himself back to his feet, and Smith is watching closely but has not called the fight. McGhee sees he still has more work to do, and he spins with a wheel kick that bangs into the temple of his foe. McGhee follows with a thudding left hook, and he misses with the right as Bolanos falls back to the cage. With the wall likely the only thing keeping the ex-Lion Fight competitor upright, Smith recognizes that Bolanos has nothing left to give and waves the fight off. McGhee nods, not wanting to inflict any more damage as he also can tell that Bolanos’ goose is cooked. McGhee still keeps his 100% finish rate intact with a spectacular win over a tough, talented adversary.

The Official Result

Marcus McGhee def. Gaston Bolanos R2 3:29 via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches)

Matthew Semelsberger (170.5) vs. Preston Parsons (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Semelsberger (-125), Parsons (+105)

Round 1

The prelims conclude with an intriguing welterweight clash, as Semelsberger (11-6, 5-4 UFC) tries to keep himself above the dreaded .500 record in the promotion. He faces Parsons (10-4, 1-2 UFC), who wants to get back up to that line with a win tonight. The two will be joined by referee Dan Miragliotta, who sits back as the styles are about to clash. Semelsberger offers out a glove touch, but Parsons would rather get down to business. When that happens, Semelsberger reaches out with a right hook, and he pulls it back before it connects. Both welterweights sling kicks that land at the same time on another, to the legs and the midsections. Parsons presses forward, tying the power puncher up, but Semelsberger ducks and pushes him away. Parsons lands a hard leg kick on the outside, and he is able to avoid a straight right hand down the pipe. “Pressure” gets off another kick as he stays moving, and he leans back to take the sting out of a right hand. Parsons scores a low kick, only to be met with a right hand that marks up his nose. Semelsberger blocks two of three kicks that come his way in rapid succession before he starts sticking out his jab, and Parsons kicks high and shoots down low for a single. Parsons kicks out the leg and drops Semelsberger down to the ground, but Semelsberger sweeps him in a hurry to work his way back to his feet. The two engage in a tie-up against the fence, and it leads into the open ring as they try to get one over on the other. Semelsberger slashes out an elbow and fights off a trip to back off and gain some space. The two trade low kicks, and Semelsberger bullies his way into a clinch where he works the body and drives a jump knee up to the sternum. Semelsberger gets out of the grip of his foe and keeps his guard up to block a body kick. Semelsberger eats a low kick and gives one back, and he stings his man with an uppercut. This spurs Parsons into action, who charges at him only to get grabbed to clinch up. Semelsberger turns him around and knees him to the body and punches the same spot, and they split up. Parsons pushes his foe back with a front kick right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Parsons
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Parsons
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Parsons

Round 2

Semelsberger practically rushes out of his corner to engage in the second round, and he lands several times on the jaw of his foe. Parsons shakes it off and gets off a low kick that makes Semelsberger take a funny step. Semelsberger powers forward and trips Parsons up, and he throws Parsons to his back. Semelsberger slams down with elbows from above, and Parsons scrambles only to give up his back standing. Parsons gets up to his feet and walks to the wall to lean on it, and Semelsberger tries to deposit him down but ends up taking a knee to the belly before splitting up. One of the blows from Parsons opens a cut on the top of Semelsberger’s forehead, and blood leaks down his face as he pays it no mind. Parsons races at his man, scooping him up with a double and throwing him down to the mat. Semelsberger muscles his way back upright, and Parsons is able to secure a mat return. Semelsberger kicks off the chest to move Parsons out of the way, and Parsons cannot keep him down before Semelsberger jumps upright. Parsons looks for an inside trip to put Semelsberger on his knees, and Semelsberger is again able to return to his feet. An awkward scramble ensues, and Parsons attempts an armbar and leans back to lock it down. Semelsberger steps over and lowers himself to his stomach so he can slide his arm out, and the limb may have hyperextended but he grits it out and wrenches his arm free. Parsons threatens with a choke, and Semelsberger takes a breath and explodes to get back up. The two jockey for position against the fence, both men dirty boxing with body shots and short punches. Semelsberger just misses with an elbow, and Parsons elevates and dumps Semelsberger to the ground to punctuate the round before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Parsons
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Parsons
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Parsons

Round 3

Possibly knowing he is down on the scorecards, Semelsberger is the aggressor as he pushes the pace and swings with bad intentions. Parsons takes several strikes on the chin, and he dives down in pursuit of a takedown. Semelsberger defends and pushes Parsons over while cinching up a guillotine choke, and he pushes his weight down but does not have a grip with his other arm to complete it. Semelsberger lets go of the choke and advances to half guard, but Parsons calmly reverses him and starts unloading with ground-and-pound. Semelsberger kicks off the chest again and returns to his feet, and he sets up a guillotine choke and pulls guard to lock it up. Parsons appears unconcerned despite the grip seeming tight, and he wriggles his neck out of danger. Semelsberger bails on the top position and tries to get back up, and Parsons follows him and drags him to the mat from behind. Parsons laces his legs between Semelsberger’s to keep him stuck, and he hops into three-quarter mount as he lands a punch and an elbow. Semelsberger scrambles, shrugging off Parson’s own guillotine setup so he can fight to his feet. Parsons gets hold of a single and puts him back down to the floor, and he attacks Semelsberger’s right arm to lock down a kimura. Miragliotta watches very closely the arm of “Semi the Jedi” starts torqueing the wrong direction, but Semelsberger toughs it out and saves himself from the submission. Parsons does not mind, as he jumps into full mount and starts hunting for an arm-triangle choke. “Pressure” lets go of the choke so he can bombard his foe with a final barrage of strikes, and as he continues busting Semelsberger up, the grueling fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (30-27 Parsons)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (30-27 Parsons)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (30-27 Parsons)

The Official Result

Preston Parsons def. Matthew Semelsberger via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Andrei Arlovski (247) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (261.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortes-Acosta (-600), Arlovski (+440)

Round 1

It’s a titanic tussle to start off the main card, as heavyweights collide with 50% knockout rates between them. Former champ Arlovski (34-22, 2 NC; 23-16, 1 NC UFC) is looking to end his losing streak before he turns 45, while the relative youngster Cortes-Acosta (10-1, 3-1 UFC), almost 13 years his junior, is seeking to be a contender. Fists are soon to fly, but referee Marc Goddard is there to keep things on the up-and-up just in case. There is no glove touch to begin, as Cortes-Acosta instead wants to reach his target with an introductory kick to the ribs. Arlovski kicks high, gets blocked, and keeps his guard up to defend against a kick to his dome. Arlovski lands two kicks to the lead leg, and he makes Cortes-Acosta pull back from a kick and land his own to the side. Cortes-Acosta swings and misses with a wide overhand right, and Arlovski reaches him at the end of a head kick. Arlovski scores with a left hand, and his hands open as a finger grazes the eye. Cortes-Acosta is alright and waves off a pause, and they trade hands for a moment. Arlovski whiffs on a haymaker of his own, and Cortes-Acosta rifles off a right hand to the midsection. Cortes-Acosta jumps forward with a switch kick that pushes off the body, and Arlovski responds with two jabs and a missed spinning back fist. Arlovski does land with a low kick, and Cortes-Acosta shrugs at him and leaps forward with two massive hooks that cannot find their mark. Arlovski tries and fails to get him back with a big hook, and Cortes-Acosta plods forward and swings a back fist at him. Arlovski pokes out a jab, and Cortes-Acosta reaches him with a right hand and goes high with a kick. The two big men go tit-for-tat with single strikes, and Arlovski lands a glancing blow and leans back to dodge a monstrous uppercut. Arlovski bounces off the fence when evading a kick aimed at his torso, and Cortes-Acosta dips down and rings Arlovski’s bell with a left hand on the temple. Arlovski blinks it off and starts peppering jabs, and a low kick follows with an audible thud. Cortes-Acosta comes out swinging, pouring it on with huge punches, and Arlovski sways and dodges to defend against every single one. The round ends as an Arlovski right hand bounces off his foe’s shoulder.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta

Round 2

The second round opens with Cortes-Acosta throwing heavy strikes, and Arlovski is ready to parry and avoid them. Arlovski doubles up on a jab, and he kicks the inner thigh. Cortes-Acosta lands two kicks and starts salsa dancing, and Arlovski does not bite and engage. Cortes-Acosta dips straight into a left hook, and he reaches his foe with his own left hand. Cortes-Acosta starts shaking his hips and trying to draw Arlovski in, and he slaps the veteran in the face with an open-handed slap. Arlovski protests, but it is a legal strike. Cortes-Acosta measures out a few jabs, and the volume diminishes for both fighters as they likely have low accuracy rates as well. Cortes-Acosta comes up short with a spinning back fist, and he gets Arlovski’s attention with a single left hook in the midst of a blitz. Cortes-Acosta dances when Arlovski lands on him, and he is showboating even though he lands very little on his own side. A jab from Arlovski dislodges the mouthpiece of his opponent, and Arlovski looks frustrated at the pause of the action or lack thereof. Cortes-Acosta blocks the oncoming strikes for the most part, and he parries an Arlovski blitz. Arlovski lands to the body, and Cortes-Acosta surges into action with several flailing punches. A few land, including an uppercut, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta

Round 3

The final round opens up, and the first strike lands courtesy of Cortes-Acosta in the form of a light leg kick. Arlovski kicks him back harder, and the stalemate of awkward strikes resumes. Cortes-Acosta crowds him and throws big strikes, and a big right hand from “Salsa Boy” appears to straighten Arlovski’s crooked nose. Arlovski targets the body and kicks high, and Cortes-Acosta shrugs at him. Arlovski again strikes the body and rolls with the winging punches aimed at him, and Cortes-Acosta again shrugs at him and takes three punches. Arlovski gets off a leg kick, and Cortes-Acosta splits the guard with a power right hand that shakes the former champion up. Arlovski recovers, and he lands a light leg kick that makes Cortes-Acosta mockingly grunt loudly at him. Cortes-Acosta sells out with two looping hooks that miss the mark, and Arlovski spins with a back fist in response. Arlovski has a high kick bounce off the guard, and he jabs his way forward. Cortes-Acosta lines up a huge right hand and appears to hurt Arlovski, but Arlovski leans down and connects with an overhand right before signaling he suffered an eye poke. Time is not called, and they trade body kicks as Cortes-Acosta is in full showboating mode. Matt Hughes would not be impressed by his performance. Cortes-Acosta pushes out a front kick and tries to tie Arlovski up, but is pushed back thanks in part to a front kick from the Belarusian. Arlovski gets off a high kick, and Cortes-Acosta starts talking to him. Arlovski spins with a kick to the ribs, and Cortes-Acosta slaps for him. Arlovski blitzes forward, lands a few heavy punches, and Cortes-Acosta takes them flush and asks for more. The fight ends with Arlovski launching a flurry of strikes, and he is not a happy camper as he stares at the younger fighter. Due to the low volume and oddly connecting strikes, scorecards could be diverse here. It was not a good fight, and no one came out ahead, winner or loser.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Cortes-Acosta)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Cortes-Acosta)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Cortes-Acosta)

The Official Result

Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Andrei Arlovski via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Phil Hawes (185) vs. Brunno Ferreira (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ferreria (-118), Hawes (-102)

Round 1

With 20 finishes across the 22 wins of Hawes (12-5, 4-3 UFC) and Ferreira (10-1, 1-1 UFC), this might be another occasion where judges can pull out their Game Boys. All of the losses of the two fighters have come by stoppage as well, so bettors looking at various unders very well might cash soon. Referee Chris Tognoni takes charge of the middleweight affair that could end in the blink of an eye. There is no interest in the glove touch, with Hawes marching forward fearlessly and leaning back to get out of the way of a sudden head kick. Hawes flicks out a power jab, and he allows Ferreira to throw so hard that he stumbles. Hawes leans through a high kick and stuffs a takedown, but he absorbs a right hand from the Brazilian. Ferreira shoots in for a double, and he gets stood up and popped with a short right hook. Ferreira sits down on a right hand of his own, and Hawes absorbs it without flinching. Ferreira overswings again, and Hawes knees him in the chest. The power of “The Hulk” allows him to fling Hawes over his shoulder to put him down on the ground with emphasis. Ferreira lands on top of him in side control, where he presses down on his shoulder before lifting his arm to hack with an elbow. Ferreira stifles his man with top control, and he sits up to slug Hawes in the face with power punches. Hawes times an explosion to get up, and the two tie up and start blasting one another with uppercuts. Hawes backs off and intercepts an advancing Ferreira with a left hand, but Ferreira reaches him with his own straight left. Ferreira scores and eats one on the retreat, and he jumps with a knee that is feet away from his intended target. Ferreira lets go with a head kick that catches Hawes behind the ear, and the two land glancing power strikes. Ferreira buzzes the hair with another kick, and he follows with several big punches that hurt his opponent. Hawes shakes it off and tries to retaliate, but Ferreira grabs him and throws him to the ground. Ferreira lets him back up and gives chase, with a spinning back fist and a high kick that makes him topple over. Ferreira races in with his fists flying, and Hawes takes them on the chin. Hawes is in a bad way, and “The Hulk” is not about to let him off the hook even with mere seconds left in the round. Ferreira unloads a straight left hand that collides with Hawes’ temple, and Hawes collapses to the ground. Ferreira hammers him with two hammerfists to completely shut the American’s lights out, and he pulls back during Tognoni’s intervention and lets out a bellow. “The Hulk” exclaims that he is back, and Hawes comes to and is crestfallen about his devastating defeat.

The Official Result

Brunno Ferreira def. Phil Hawes R1 4:55 via KO (Punches)

Ricky Simon (136) vs. Mario Bautista (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Simon (-175), Bautista (+145)

Round 1

A spot in the top 15 at bantamweight is on the line for this “featured fight of the night.” Simon (20-4, 8-3 UFC) lost in his last fight in a main event, and Bautista (13-2, 7-2 UFC) has rattled off five straight in the Octagon. The two speedy fighters will be overseen by referee Mark Smith, and they race towards one another without a glove touch in sight. As Bautista starts off with leg kicks, Simon opts to jump over one. Bautista continues spamming kicks, and one glances off the cup. Simon shakes it and signals to Smith he does not need a break. Bautista changes his trajectory and aims a kick at the head, and Simon cannot find his distance with Bautista kicking again and again. Simon times one advancing movement of his foe with a big left hand, and he clips Bautista with a right hand when Bautista does not get away in time. Bautista lances the guard with two punches, and he connects with a flying knee as well but he is the one that hits the ground. Bautista jumps back to his feet before Simon can climb on top of him, and he leaps at Simon with a knee. Simon catches him in the air and tackles him to the canvas, where he lands on top of his man and quickly gets to half guard. Simon skitters over to the side, and he threatens with a guillotine choke before Bautista scrambles back to his feet. Bautista escapes the choke and scores two big punches on the way up and out. Simon chambers and fires a pair of heavier low kicks, and he walks through a step-in knee so he can take Bautista down. Bautista fights off one attempt, and he gets away and prepares a knee when Simon comes at him. Simon takes it like a champ and keeps plowing forward, and he succeeds in pushing Bautista against the wall. Bautista fights his way out of the tie-up and chases Simon down, working on the lead leg of his opponent and sticking out a few jabs. Bautista unloads with a right hand after a jab, and he falls forward to his face. Simon lets him up so he can slug it out with him, and Bautista responds with two jabs and a body shot. Bautista aims a kick to the ribs, and he follows it with two more. Bautista rushes after his foe with a jump knee, and he gets cracked with a left hand and falls over. Bautista scrambles wildly and fights off a back take to get back upright, and Simon gives chase until the wild round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bautista
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bautista
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bautista

Round 2

The round kicks off with several kicks for Bautista, who spins his way into a wheel kick that misses by a matter of inches. Both fighters swing with major power and do not find their home, and Simon opens up with a combination only to get countered and driven back. Simon kicks low and gets checked, and Bautista strings together five punches and keeps the pace up. Simon chambers but does not release his strikes until unloading with a left to the body, and Bautista’s volume triples him up. Bautista swings so hard with a right and a left hook that he almost goes down, and he catches himself in the process. Simon scores a right and shoots in for a double, pushing Bautista back to the wire but halted from lifting Bautista up in the air. Bautista escapes the position and chains a number of punches together before Simon can get him back. Bautista connects with a crisp elbow, and Simon gets stunned and winds up to throw back but learns that Bautista is out of the way. Bautista rips a few shots to the body that land with thumps, and Simon looks for a straight right hand. Bautista retaliates with his own straight right, and Simon sneaks forward and catches him with a knee. Simon pushes out a right hand, and Bautista belts him in the body with a powerful liver kick. Bautista drives a knee to the solar plexus and takes a left hand that bloodies his nose, and he looks for an uppercut. Simon jabs and digs a right to the body, and Bautista counters him with multiple powerful blows. Simon shakes off the cobwebs and shoots for a double, and Bautista shuts him down and pushes off. Bautista lands at the end of a right hand, and Simon gets backed off by subsequent jabs and a knee that bounces off his guard. Bautista reaches out with a right, and Simon responds with a takedown. Bautista stops it, dodges a right hand and sticks out a front kick that smacks Simon in the face right before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bautista
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bautista
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bautista

Round 3

The bantamweights are ready and rearing to go to start off the final frame, and they proceed to open up with flurries of punches. The heavy shots from Simon continue to bloody the nose of his opponent, but Bautista is accurate and putting up decent numbers. Bautista ducks under a big punch and goes after his own takedown, but Simon turns the tables and lifts him up in the air. In true Matt Hughes fashion, Simon carries Bautista from one side of the cage to the other, and he slams Bautista down on his elbow. Simon lowers himself down in half guard to squeeze with an arm-triangle choke, but Bautista’s leg fighting drags him back to guard. The two scramble madly until Bautista escapes well enough to wall-walk, and he is back up in the blink of an eye. Simon slips a punch and scores a left, and Bautista steps in with a knee that is just short. Bautista does not allow Simon to take a break, but Simon is ready and willing to trade furious. Simon continues to pursue takedowns, and Bautista fights them off and backs Simon up against the cage. Bautista dings Simon with straight punches, more content to touch than load up on anything of merit. Bautista boots Simon in the guts with a kick, and he chains punches together with cardio not an issue at all. Bautista plinks Simon with accurate punches, and Simon desperately goes for a takedown as his gas tank appears to be fading. Bautista stands him up and busts him up with a continuously flood of fists. Simon is tough and still looking for takedowns, but Bautista is a stone wall at this point and ready to throw hands. Simon gets stood up again and tries for a jump knee, and Bautista pursues a takedown to conclude the fight. He does not get it before the bell, ending one heck of a scrap.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bautista (30-27 Bautista)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bautista (30-27 Bautista)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bautista (30-27 Bautista)

The Official Result

Mario Bautista def. Ricky Simon via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Jim Miller (155.5) vs. Gabriel Benitez (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Miller (-120), Benitez (+100)

Round 1

It’s Miller (36-17, 1 NC; 25-16, 1 NC UFC) time. The storied veteran takes on Benitez (23-10, 7-6 UFC) and already has his next date on the calendar circled: April 13. Before then, he has to get past the fiery “Moggly,” who should not just serve as a heavy bag. The co-main event will be covered by referee Dan Miragliotta. The lightweights have all the respect in the world for one another, they touch ‘em up before engaging, and there’s a bad moon on the rise. Miller parries a jab and takes a one-two on the chin, and he walks Benitez down. Benitez tries to back him off with a front kick, and he scores a low kick. Miller gives him one back immediately, and he scores three punches up top and a left to the body. Miller scores a low kick, and he aims a right to the body. Miller walks his foe down and unloads with punches, and Benitez is marked up already and defends with a knee. They trade leg kicks, with Miller throwing harder. Miller chops down the lead leg of his opponent, and Benitez drives a one-two down the pipe. Benitez gets off another one-two, and Miller pushes a front kick out of the way to make Benitez slip. Benitez jumps back up, and he swings heavy punches including a left hand that marks up Miller’s right eye. They connect with right hands at the same time, and Miller blitzes forward to back Benitez off. Miller blasts the body with two loud knees, and Benitez escapes on the outside and gets back to striking range. Miller follows him and swings, and he gets clipped with a left hand. Benitez scores a low kick, Miller fires it back and walks through a jab. Miller plods ahead with punches and an inside leg kick, and he gets one off on the other side. Benitez sticks out a few jabs, and Miller crowds him but does not land flush in an exchange. Miller keeps coming forward, getting off a left hand and a knee up the middle. Benitez ties him up, and Miller aims a body shot before the two split up. Benitez goes to the body, and Miller goes up top. Benitez flicks out a few jabs and gets backed off with a hefty low kick, and he reaches Miller with a long left. Miller loads up on a high kick, and Benitez springs into action with several punches and a body kick. Benitez tags his foe with a left hand, and Miller blinks it out and keeps his guard up to defend another one-two that soars at him at high speed. Miller leaps ahead with a right hook, and he gets met on the way in with a left hand and a low kick. Benitez gets off several jabs and a left hook follows the fourth, and Miller is on him with his own combination to end the spirited round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Miller

Round 2

The lightweights touch ‘em up to get started, and fists meet faces shortly thereafter. Benitez wades through a few punches and then backs off, but Miller is right on him and nails him with two leg kicks. Benitez connects with a clean left hand to shake Miller up, and he eats a few punches as Miller is right on him. Miller blasts him with a left hand, lands another, drives up a knee and pounds Benitez with another short left. Miller slashes out an elbow, and Benitez is no worse for wear as he backs away. Miller keeps the high pace and whips down low kicks that have welted up the Mexican’s legs. Benitez looks to get his jab going frequently, and the low kicks from Miller make Benitez lift his leg up preemptively to block them. They land powerful punches, and Miller strides forward confidently to nail Benitez with an elbow. Miller changes things up and hits an easy takedown, and Benitez turns to one side in an effort to set up an armbar. Miller sees it coming and shuts it down, and he stacks Benitez up and works the body. Miller continues to strike, and Benitez moves his legs up to set up a high guard to for a potential submission setup. Miller breaks out of it by connecting with two nasty elbows, and Benitez rolls frantically to grab hold of Miller’s arm and lock down an armbar. Miller moves the proper way through it and gets out of danger, and he again holds himself on top of Benitez and hammers him with standing-to-ground punches. As Benitez turns after absorbing a particularly heavy blow, Miller takes his back and secures a body triangle. Benitez hand-fights to prevent any rear-naked choke, and Miller uses one left to break the wrist lock so that he can isolate Benitez’ neck. Benitez survives to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Miller
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Miller

Round 3

The fighters clap hands together as the last round opens, and they are just as willing to slug it out as ever. They stand in the center of the Octagon and trade leather briefly, and Miller targets the busted lead leg of his foe with a kick. Benitez stands firm and throws punches, and he comes up short with a high kick. Miller punches high and kicks low in response, as his corner cheers the kick as if he were in a muay thai contest. Miller sneaks two left hands around the guard, and Benitez is tough as nails but his nose starts leaking. Miller lands a heavy leg kick, and when Benitez backs him off with a few punches, Miller comes back firing with a kick he turns his hip towards. Benitez walks forward to throw hard, and Miller’s eyes begin to close from swelling. Benitez continues to pepper him with punches and kicks, and Miller staggers him with a straight right hand. Miller wades forward without a care in the world, and Benitez’s volume is starting to frustrate his opponent. Miller connects with another vicious low kick, and he shoots for a double that lands him in half guard easily. Benitez looks to scramble, and he gives his back up. Miller gets the body lock he was looking for, and he immediately starts pursuing the choke. Benitez turns to his side, but Miller has him locked down and fishing for rear-naked choke grip. Miller cranks down with his forearm on Benitez’ jaw, and he does not even bother to slide it under the chin before he starts squeezing. Knowing that he has no way out, Benitez surrenders to the face crank, and Miller has done it. He adds to his record with the most victories in UFC history, and hardcore fans around the world are elated at the grizzled veteran getting it done by stoppage once more. Pleasing the crowd and commentator Michael Bisping, Miller proudly declares that he has his sights set on UFC 300 in April, with three names in mind: Paul Felder, Matt Brown and Brock Lesnar.

The Official Result

Jim Miller def. Gabriel Benitez R3 3:25 via Submission (Face Crank)

Magomed Ankalaev (204.5) vs. Johnny Walker (205.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ankalaev (-455), Walker (+350)

Round 1

In October 2023, Ankalaev (17-1-1, 1 NC; 9-1-1, 1 NC UFC) and Walker (21-7, 1 NC; 7-4, 1 NC UFC) collided on the main card of UFC 294. The light heavyweights did not hold back for a little over three minutes, until Ankalaev busted Walker in the chops with an illegal knee. Odd doctor intervention aside, the promotion elected to rerack this encounter and set it for five rounds. This rematch may play out anywhere, and it could end in a split second with a dramatic strike or go right down to the wire. However it goes down, referee Marc Goddard will be there for it every step of the way. With no bad blood remaining between the two, they meet in the middle and bump their fists together while nodding. The light heavyweights slide their way to the center of the cage to engage, and Ankalaev gets off a right hand that surprises Walker. Walker wipes at his mouth and jumps with a flying, spinning kick out of the Jean Claude van Damme playbook. Ankalaev grabs hold of him and turns him to the wall in a clinch, but Walker wants nothing to do with it. Walker springs away and spams low kicks, and he brushes off a high kick and comes back with two question mark kicks of his own that have whipping action at the end. The fearless Brazilian axe kicks at his opponent, tossing out high-risk kicks with no fear of the takedown. When Ankalaev blocks the kick, Walker follows with a standard head kick. Ankalaev stays composed and sits down on a few chopping low kicks, trying to take the mobility out of the high flyer. Ankalaev ducks a wide spinning fist, and he gets the read when Walker tries those spinning strikes. Walker misses on these powerful shots, but he does mark up Ankalaev’s forehead with punches. Ankalaev connects with a hefty right hand, and Walker opens his mouth and smiles at him to show that it did not hurt. Walker’s wild strikes do not fluster his opponent one iota, who calmly walks him down and connects effectively. Walker misses the mark on another spin, and Ankalaev allows him to return to his orthodox position so he can ship away with low calf kicks. One solid kick from the Russian gets Walker’s attention, and Walker switches stances a few times before eating a powerful calf kick on the inside. Walker looks to check a kick, and Ankalaev kicks him square in the cup. Walker’s eyes go wide as he absorbed the foul, and he is talking to Ankalaev and even tells Ankalaev to watch the replay when Goddard has called time. Walker does not appear so much compromised as he is irritated, and he chides Ankalaev for the illegal blow. Goddard issues a hard warning for the direct foul through the translator, and he goes to check on Walker’s condition. After about 90 seconds, the two come together and tap gloves together on the restart. Ankalaev does not shy away from low kicks as they begin again, and Walker starts moving with capoeira motions and spins with a kick that Ankalaev sees by a mile away. As Walker keeps dancing, the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ankalaev
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ankalaev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ankalaev

Round 2

Ankalaev comes out of his corner angrily, ready to end the circus that Walker was attempting to create. The Russian lands hard with punches and low kicks, and Walker shocks him with an axe kick that actually finds the target. Ankalaev stalks the Brazilian around the cage, laying into him with effective calf kicks and straight punches. Ankalaev hammers the inner thigh of his foe, and Walker’s jovial face turns more serious as he is in a hard fight. Walker kicks low, and Ankalaev tries to check a few. Walker circles around his man, and Ankalaev swipes out a right hook that catches Walker on the chin but does not faze him. Ankalaev stalks his prey, and he pushes out a straight right hand to the body. Walker backs himself up to the cage, and he keeps circling to not get cornered all while Ankalaev is staying busy and active with offense. As he parries a strike from his foe, Ankalaev scores a big right hand, knocking Walker clean off his feet and down to the floor with his back to the wall. Knowing his work is nearly done, Ankalaev delivers one single uppercut that smashes Walker’s nose to a fine paste. Walker clutches his nose in agony as Goddard leaps between them to call a halt to the main event. This is a statement for the former title challenger, who never fell prey to Walker’s trickery and decked him when he found his opening. The victorious man from Dagestan buries the hatchet with his former foe, and he subsequently declares his intention to fight for the belt, no matter who holds it. It would be hard to deny him after a performance like this. If and when he gets another crack at gold, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Magomed Ankalaev def. Johnny Walker R2 2:42 via KO (Punches)