UFC Fight Night 236 ‘Hermansson vs. Pyfer’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Daniel Marcos (136) vs. Qileng Aori (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marcos (-250), Aori (+205)

Round 1

If the reports and claims are accurate, a billionaire will be in the stands at the UFC Apex this afternoon. Within a matter of minutes, it will be apparent if the tech mogul and personality of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk, has received the Mark Zuckerberg treatment of renting the entire place out for himself. If not, a few hundred fans plus the controversial figure will be in the building for this jam-packed 14-fight showcase. The first match of the day comes in the bantamweight division, as flashy undefeated Peruvian Marcos (15-0, 2-0 UFC) aims to keep his spotless record intact at the expense of Inner Mongolia’s Aori (25-11, 3-3 UFC). Referee Jason Herzog will need to be on high alert right out of the gate to keep track of these two quick competitors. The gloves are touched, and it’s on with the show. Aori flicks out an early front kick to measure his range, and he sits back and waits to see if a counter comes his way. It does not. Marcos watches from afar, and he surges into action with a single overhand right that gets Aori’s attention. The two trade low kicks, and they both let their hands go with big, winging punches. In the midst of an exchange, Marcos changes things up with a stern knee on the jaw, and Aori shakes it off. Both men land flush and back off to not get sucked into a brawl. Aori paws out a front kick, and blood trickles down the temple from the power lefts from the Peruvian. Aori leaps forward with a knee, and uses his momentum to press into a clinch. Marcos meets him with a strike that busts Aori’s mouth open, and Aori cannot keep the tie-up and is forced to back off and reset. Marcos comes up short with a front kick, but his looping punches continues to bust up the Chinese competitor, smashing Aori’s nose in the process. Blood leaks from several places on Aori’s face like the Doomguy low on health, but he is very much still in the fight as he lets Marcos have it with a quick combination. Marcos keeps his guard high, so Aori kicks low repeatedly. Marcos retaliates after absorbing one particularly stern low kick, and he whips his right hand into action. Marcos prods out a jab and draws out some oncoming fire from Aori, taking advantage of this by blasting Aori with an uppercut. Aori tanks it and moves forward, and the horn signals the end of the first round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters touch ‘em up before getting back to it, and Marcos is ready to engage first as he clubs Aori with a short right hand. The unbeaten Peruvian presses forward into a clinch, and he presses Aori against the fence. When circling away, Marcos lines up a low kick that disrupts the balance of his opponent. Aori hits the deck, and Marcos pounces in an effort to finish the fight with a flurry of heavy firsts. Aori survives the worst of it and gets back to his feet, and crimson fluid trickles from additional places on his face after taking serious damage. Marcos spins with a back elbow that misses the mark, and he continues assaulting Aori’s lead calf with gnarly kicks. Aori tries valiantly to throw back and even catches Marcos with a two-punch salvo, but Marcos’ volume and power is breaking Aori. “Soncora” sits down on a left to the liver that lands with an audible thud, and he appears to find his mark almost every time he throws a strike. Aori swings backs, and his fingers stretch out as one drifts into Marcos’ eye. Marcos needs just a few seconds to recover, and when they get back to business, Marcos aims a front kick to the body but ends up glancing it off the cup. Aori takes 30 seconds to catch his wind before resuming, and he gets right in Marcos’ face and throws a few punches. Aori concludes his combination with a kick square on Marcos’ cup that looks to be a bit of payback, and Marcos groans as Herzog pauses the action for the third time in a few seconds after a trio of unfortunate fouls. Herzog warns Aori for his strike, and Marcos is ready to go after about 45 seconds of recovery. Marcos lets loose with a kick, and Aori responds with one that slaps into his inner thigh and draws a reaction from Marcos. Aori jumps in the air with an attempted strike, and Marcos meets him in the air with a front kick to the groin. Herzog rolls his eyes and calls time, and informs both fighters through their translators that there are to be no more accidents, and that points will be deducted for any additional fouls. Aori drops to his knees and dry heaves from the groin strike, and Herzog allows Aori to recover for a minute before calling in the doctor. Aori pulls himself back to his feet after two minutes elapse, but he is clearly compromised and not having a good time right now. Not wanting to cool down, Marcos shadowboxes and jogs in his corner, but Aori crouches down and drops back to a knee. Time continues to tick off the clock, and Aori reaches the five-minute mark. Herzog asks him if he is able to continue, and Aori does not say anything and bends over. Herzog recognizes that Aori is in no shape to fight another professional combatant aiming to take his head off, and he waves the fight off. Due to the inadvertent groin strike—Aori was in the air when Marcos caught him with a front kick, a total accident—and the fact that it did not reach Round 3, this fight should be declared a no contest. When the result is read, Marcos breaks into tears, with his stellar performance invalidated due to a fluke kick. On the other side of the equation, Aori is assisted out of the cage, with the damage of two direct groin shots too much to bear on his own.

The Official Result

Daniel Marcos vs. Qileng Aori is Ruled a No Contest (Accidental Groin Kick) R2 3:28

Hyder Amil (145.5) vs. Fernie Garcia (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Amil (-185), Garcia (+154)

Round 1

Moving along to the featherweight division, Garcia (10-4, 0-3 UFC) is in desperate need of a win and very likely will be fighting for his job in this outing. He faces unbeaten debutant Amil (8-0, 0-0 UFC), who is also a Dana White’s Contender Series and Legacy Fighting Alliance vet. The two men come together under the watchful gaze of referee Mark Smith to share a respectful touch of gloves, and they go back to their corners to prepare for combat. Amil races out to fire off a head kick, and he aims one to the body before switching to the other leg for a high kick on the other side. Garcia keeps defensive and tosses out a few jabs to keep Amil from advancing without absorbing something, but Amil crashes the pocket. Amil ducks down and lifts his man up to slam him down, and Garcia scrambles to get back to his feet. Amil attempts a mat return, and Garcia once more is able to get back up. Amil backpedals and returns to his preferred kicking range, booting the body with his left leg and nailing Garcia’s front leg with his right. Amil watches Garcia wander towards him and tags him with an overhand right, and he blocks a trio of punches that follow. Amil catches Garcia with a right hand in the midst of a combination, and Garcia drops to the ground as Smith tells him to fight back. Garcia stands, and Amil drives a knee to the jaw to hurt him again. Garcia shakes out the cobwebs as he takes oncoming fire, and he musters up all of his energy and senses to power back to his feet and rail Amil with a huge right hand. Amil is stunned from it, but he takes a moment to blink it out and engages in a brief firefight with his opponent. Amil continues to do work with knees to the head as he bends Garcia over, and he connects with strikes that make Garcia hit the ground again. Amil takes the back in a wild scramble, and he hunts for a choke but there is nothing to be had. Garcia turns over and gets into Amil’s guard, and he snakes to the side and secures Amil’s back as he continues moving. Garcia locks up the body triangle, and he starts fishing for his own rear-naked choke. Garcia cannot lock it down, and Amil explodes out of the position and reverses Garcia. Amil jumps to the side to snatch up an armbar, but Garcia sees it coming. Amil drives down some ground-and-pound before standing up to belt Garcia in the ribs with a powerful kick. Garcia is barely in the fight, on his knees, with Amil pummeling and Smith asking him to keep fighting. Amil lands another vicious body kick and concludes the round with heavy standing-to-ground punches, and Garcia is saved by the bell after a wild five-minute stretch.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two featherweights meet in the middle, and it is evident after one single exchange that Garcia’s legs are not back beneath him. Amil is a man on a mission, slamming Garcia in the face with a flurry of furious fists, and Garcia is tougher than a two-dollar steak at this point. Garcia swings back recklessly, not necessarily aiming at anything in particular but just throwing punches wildly. Amil snipes him with body shots and long head shots, weaving in and out to avoid Garcia’s flailing arms while working him over. Amil continues to beat Garcia down, thrashing the body with kick and a knee, and Garcia might be out on his feet at this point. Amil does not slow down, and Garcia has to hold himself up with the fence behind him. As Amil connects with a stern knee to the torso, he backs off to observe his work before darting in for the figurative kill. Garcia’s spirit is willing, but the flesh is spongy and bruised. With Garcia on the ropes, “The Hurricane” unleashes a storm of relentless punches until Smith has seen enough and saves Garcia from his own toughness. Amil is still undefeated after putting on a thriller, and he is all smiles as he drapes the American flag around his shoulders.

The Official Result

Hyder Amil def. Fernie Garcia R2 2:12 via TKO (Punches)

Bogdan Guskov (205.5) vs. Zac Pauga (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pauga (-130), Guskov (+110)

Round 1

Light heavyweights take center stage in a scrap that could go 15 seconds or 15 minutes, depending on who is in the driver’s seat. Relatively UFC vet Pauga (6-2, 1-2 UFC) only holds one finish in his career, while Guskov (14-3, 0-1 UFC) has heard the final bell once in a losing effort back in 2016. Referee Mike Beltran is on guard for what transpires next, and the fighters tap their gloves together before engaging. Pauga takes the center of the cage, and he lets fly an early low kick. Guskov pushes out a jab, and Pauga kicks up the middle and the side of his foot bumps into the side of the cup. Guskov shakes it off and keeps on fighting, and he winds up with a massive right hand but ends up banging heads into his foe. Pauga chips away with a few kicks, and Guskov drives a one-two into the chin that makes Pauga take a quick count of his teeth. Pauga presses into the clinch, trying to preserve his senses, and he looks for a trip when tied up. Pauga drives a knee to the body and whips an elbow as Guskov is circling away, and the blow makes Guskov blink it out. The two jab at one another from afar, and Pauga connects with a solid leg kick. Pauga times a heavy right hand when Guskov swings at him, and the Uzbekistan native takes it on the chin. Pauga continues to work Guskov’s lead leg over on both sides, and Guskov lumbers forward with heavy but telegraphed punches. Guskov reaches his man with a right hand, and Pauga is stunned when he eats a second left hand that quickly follows. Pauga tries to lean over, perhaps for an instinctive takedown, but Guskov’s accurate fists find his chin three times to destructive effect. Pauga topples to his side, separated from his consciousness, and Guskov pulls back and looks to Beltran, who is sprinting in to wave the fight off. Guskov is now on the board in the UFC, with a crushing knockout over the newly named “The High Chief” Pauga. That makes it 15 wins for Guskov, with all 15 coming inside the distance.

The Official Result

Bogdan Guskov def. Zac Pauga R1 3:38 via KO (Punches)

Max Griffin (170.5) vs. Jeremiah Wells (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Wells (-170), Griffin (+142)

Round 1

Action will be on display as these two offense-first welterweights enter the cage. This is a crucial contest for the 38-year-old Griffin (19-11, 7-8 UFC), who could get back to .500 with a win. All he has to do is get past the fast and frenetic Wells (12-3-1, 4-1 UFC), who is only one year his junior. These elder statesmen at 170 pounds will be officiated by referee Chris Tognoni, and they have no interest in touching them up as Wells instead spins with a heel kick to the midsection unexpectedly. Griffin deftly avoids it and he proceeds to stalk Wells down, chasing him around the cage for about 30 seconds without throwing anything. Wells spins with a wheel kick that glances off the side of Griffin’s head, and he keeps moving by spinning with an elbow that dings Griffin again. Griffin backs off instead of trying to counter, and Wells feints and stomps the floor with loud screams. Griffin acknowledges him with a sharp jab in response, but it is one-and-done as he continues to follow Wells around. Wells gets a jab back with his own, and Griffin surges ahead with a trio of punches. Wells dips back, and Griffin gives chase with a few more heavy shots until Wells retreats out of range. The two continue to measure one another for long stretches of inactivity, perhaps a little too respectful of one another’s power. Wells connects with a left hand, and he blitzes forward with another left hook and enough forward momentum that allows him to tackle Griffin to the canvas. Griffin fights back to his feet by wall-walking, and Wells presses on him with his full body weight. Wells ropes out several haymakers that sting Griffin, but Griffin manages to catches his opponent with a short right hand. Wells keeps a decent poker face despite being stung, and Griffin scores another right that makes Wells think twice about exchanging. Griffin’s own advancing gets him into range, and he secures a sudden takedown that puts Wells on his back for the remainder of the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The welterweights are tentative to engage to start off the round, both leading with single jabs but otherwise operating with plenty of fakes and feints but few actual committed strikes. Griffin keeps Wells on his back foot, and he holds his guard high to block a huge overhand right from Wells. Griffin is out of range when a subsequent wrecking ball of a left hook comes his way, and he does not bite when Wells fakes a spin. Wells attempts a front kick that grazes off the body, and he swats out a left hand that is parried. Griffin connects with a right hand, and Wells welcomes the exchange and hurls himself forward into the melee. Both men crack one another with violent blows, and Griffin’s chin holds together as he is pressed towards the fencing. After jockeying for position, the two split up and they return to kickboxing range. Wells, his nose bleeding, pokes out a jab and then swings a left hook that would blow Tognoni’s hair back if he had any. Wells connects with a body kick, and he spins with a kick to the same target as Griffin grimaces. Griffin eats a jumping kick to the body and a right hand on the chin, but he still manages to reply with a short right hand that gives Wells brief pause. Wells fires off a side kick that careens off the guard, and he doubles up on a jab as well. Wells reaches in with a left, but Griffin catches him with a right that makes Wells back off. Griffin comes at him to throw hands, and Wells practically sprints towards him so he can tie Griffin up again. This clinch position ends the round, and Griffin takes him down after the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Wells leads the dance with a spinning kick to the ribs, and Griffin grunts when it lands flush. Wells throws a sloppy right hand, and Griffin sees it coming and replies with a short right that Wells does not like. After another agonizing stretch of feinting, Wells lashes out with two hooks, and even though Griffin blocks it, they hurt. Griffin replies with a single kick, and they reset and start jabbing. Griffin times another big punch from Wells and beats him to the punch with a short right, but Wells continues throwing bombs and keeps Griffin cautious. Wells lobs haymakers as they soar past Griffin, and Griffin gets one shot in and makes Wells shake it off. The welterweights whiff on concussive blows, and Griffin dances out of the way when Wells jumps with a stomp kick aimed at his knee. Both men miss the mark with looping strikes, just out of range from one another. Wells spins with a wheel kick, and the crook of his knee wraps around the back of Griffin’s head as Griffin times an explosion forward in pursuit of a takedown. The resulting collision pushes Wells back against the fence, and he holds him there without doing much else. Wells slaps Griffin a few times on the ear, and the strange fight comes to a conclusion when the final bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Max Griffin def. Jeremiah Wells via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Devin Clark (204.5) vs. Marcin Prachnio (204.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Clark (-218), Prachnio (+180)

Round 1

Even in the talent-starved 205-pound weight class, the losing fighter of this pairing might not be long for the UFC roster. The end result of Clark (14-8, 8-8 UFC) vs. Prachnio (16-7, 3-5 UFC) will determine whether “Brown Bear” is over or below .500, while also showing of the Polish striker can hack it for much longer. The third man in the Octagon is referee Mark Smith, and the two combatants meander towards one another without offering a touch of gloves. Prachnio awkwardly switches stances repeatedly, and Clark simply winds up a right hand and pegs the Polish fighter on the chin. Prachnio backs off and tries to get his mojo back of springing from stance to stance in something more reminiscent of karate, Clark is having none of it. The angles and movement are not flustering the American one bit, who continues to find his home with right hands when seeing openings. Clark pushes off a kick and fakes a takedown, and he sprints forward with a right hook and zooms past his target. Clark shoots for a double-leg takedown but is thwarted on the way in, and Prachnio throws him to the side. Clark returns to his feet, and he absorbs two low kicks and frowns before punching his way into a tie-up. Clark connects with a single right hand on the break, and Prachnio tries to pay him back with a punch but ends up swiping out with a kick to the ribs. Prachnio works his way forward with kicks to all targets, and Clark measures him with a short left hook. Prachnio misses the mark with a huge right hand by a matter of inches, and his subsequent front kick and low kick to land cleanly. The kicks to the calf start welting up the lead leg of “Brown Bear,” and he chases Prachnio around but ends up taking more kicks. Clark tries to give a kick back, and knocks his foe back with a right hand. They trade kicks at the same time to the body, and Clark comes out swinging at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Clark is energized coming into the round, and he pressures his opponent to not allow Prachnio to get his kicks going. This abates after about 30 seconds, when Clark catches his man with a head kick as Prachnio changes stances. Clark swings his way forward, and Prachnio lets them fly by and counters Clark with two big punches. Clark scores his own low kick, and he shoots in for a double that is shut down in an instant. Prachnio wings a left hand that hurts Clark, and “Brown Bear” wobbles towards the fence but remains defensively aware to protect himself from any additional blows. Prachnio backs off rather than trying to force something, and he lulls Clark into a false sense of security before looping several punches over the top and kicking low. Clark takes a left hand on the chin and another leg kick, and he fires back with punches to the head and body. Prachnio overswings on a counter, and he sucks wind after missing by such a wide berth. Clark lumbers forward and pops his opponent with a left hook, and Prachnio times a leg kick that troubles Clark. Prachnio whiffs on a huge right hand, as his strikes become more telegraphed as he fatigues. The kicks continue to find their home, and Clark’s balance abandons him briefly as he stumbles forward during an attack. Clark backs away, and Prachnio kicks him again to the calf. Clark tries to strike, and his leg buckles once more. Prachnio races forward, face-first into big punches from Clark, and he batters Clark’s leg but is not fully committing to these strikes. Clark lets loose a head kick, and he spins along with it and cracks Prachnio to force the Polish fighter stumble around the cage in a drunken haze as the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Kicks are traded right out of the gate for the two light heavyweights, and Prachnio goes high and low while Clark tries to boot his foe in the head. One such attempt for “Brown Bear” results in him collapsing to the mat, but he scampers back to his feet before Prachnio can take advantage of the fall. Prachnio slides forward, spinning with a wheel kick and colliding with the shoulder, and Clark takes the brunt of it and looks for a right hand counter. Both fighters let loose with their fists, landing flush, and defense is off the map as arms drape low from exhaustion. Prachnio strikes, Clark responds, and Clark tries to chain through with a takedown but is stifled for his effort. Prachnio punches into a spin, and Clark shrugs off the foot that bangs into his neck. Clark comes out throwing hands, and Prachnio grabs hold of him and drives several knees to the body and jaw. Clark bends over but manages to get enough space to push off, and both men take deep breaths. Prachnio throws looping strikes that come from his hips, lowering his head and other hand while swinging recklessly. Clark catches Prachnio with an elbow as Prachnio practically falls towards him, and Prachnio shocks him with a huge right hand that drives Clark back. Clark unloads with punches and kicks, and he aims a knee to the body. Prachnio gathers a full head of steam and swings hard, and after an exchange, he rushes forward and almost falls over when bouncing into the fence. The drunken bar brawl of spent light heavyweights continues until Prachnio pushes to a clinch to ride out the round, and Clark will not let him do that and hunts for a guillotine choke. Prachnio easily pulls his neck out, and sloppy punches wrap up this odd fight when the bell rings to give the tired men some respite.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Marcin Prachnio def. Devin Clark via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bruna Brasil (115.5) vs. Konklak Suphisara (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Suphisara (-265), Brasil (+215)

Round 1

The lone women’s bout of the evening comes in the strawweight division, between two strikers with fairly different backgrounds. Talented Thai “Loma Lookboonmee” Suphisara (8-3, 5-2 UFC) will battle it out with a woman named Brasil (9-3-1, 1-1 UFC)—this is not a nickname, and the Brazilian’s surname is indeed Brasil—and fists are sure to fly. Referee Jason Herzog will be watching out for any errant blows, and he does recognize the ladies clapping their hands together before getting after it. Both ladies measure out with high kicks early, but the first landed blow comes from the Brazilian in the form of a solid leg kick. Suphisara responds with a front kick that grazes past her target, and Brasil times another low kick. Suphisara whips a kick to the side, and Brasil recommits to her thudding leg kicks that force the Thai to switch stances. They both trade body kicks, and Brasil swings for the fences but misses the mark. Suphisara punches her way forward, missing those, but ultimately connecting with the body kick that comes with it. Suphisara slams her shin on the lead calf of her opponent, forcing a stumble, and Brasil gathers her thoughts and spins with a kick that pushes Suphisara rebounding off the fence. Suphisara strides forward to plant a kick on the ribs, and she side kicks the rear leg of her foe. Suphisara catches a kick from Brasil, and she ties the Brazilian up to push her against the wall and elbow her repeatedly. Suphisara attempts a throw, but the taller woman regains her footing and does not go down. When Brasil escapes, Suphisara gets off a kick to her side. Suphisara sprints forward with another punch combination, and the kick is the only one that lands. A welt beneath Brasil’s armpit has formed from the powerful kicks from the Thai, and Suphisara aims a kick to that same spot. Suphisara hops in, kicks, and hops back, before racing forward against with a body kick. “Loma Lookboonmee” ducks away from a spinning kick to the body, and then evades a spinning elbow that follows suit. Brasil succeeds in pushing Suphisara to the wall, but cannot keep her there for more than a few seconds. Suphisara dodges a strike, ducks down and grabs hold of a body lock takedown to put Brasil on the mat right before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The strawweights bump fists before getting back to business in the second stanza, and Brasil is quick to crowd the Thai. Suphisara pushes her back with a front kick, and she swipes out a low kick that does not reach. Suphisara takes a punch and nails the lead leg to force Brasil to take a funny step, and she kicks the other side as Brasil’s leg turns red. Suphisara pushes off with the ball of her foot, and fires off a switch kick that is blocked. Suphisara catches a kick and replies with a harder one to the ribcage, and she glances a kick off the side before chambering and firing another to the same spot. Brasil goes after a leg kick, and Suphisara answers her immediately. Brasil sells out with a spinning wheel kick, and Suphisara sees it coming and slides to the proper direction to totally avoid it. Brasil rushes forward throwing hands, and Suphisara stands in the pocket and trades, landing with a left hook that stuns her adversary. Brasil glares and advances with punches, and Suphisara is out of the way and spamming kicks. Suphisara slides to one side, counters, and dips to the other to tag Brasil while Brasil is whiffing. “Loma Lookboonmee” continues prodding Brasil with kicks to the body, and she is cognizant of the punches coming from the Brazilian and defends against the lion’s share of them. Brasil catches Suphisara with one on her way forward, resulting in a brief clinch, but Suphisara pays her back with a slashing elbow as she breaks. Brasil spins and misses, allowing Suphisara to kick her in the midsection and leaps at her with a Superwoman punch. The sparring match of a round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The strawweights come together one last time for a fist bump, and they get back to their exchanges of Suphisara kicking the body and Brasil looking for punches. Brasil lands one clean right hand, and Suphisara strafes to avoid eating more than one. Brasil lands a low kick, and she stays there too long and gets popped by the Thai with a right hook. Suphisara stays close to the fence, continuing to move, and Brasil’s strikes rarely land flush while Suphisara is connecting with her own offense. Brasil gets off a push kick, and when Suphisara crowds her, she spins away and bops Suphisara with a back fist. The unfazed Thai answers her with several body kicks, and Brasil cannot pin her down. Brasil fakes her way into a possible level change, and she is stonewalled by Suphisara. As they continue to move, Suphisara ends up with a partial standing back take, and Brasil hangs on with her right arm around Suphisara’s neck and under Suphisara’s left armpit. The commentary booth is so thrilled by the action or lack thereof in the cage, one starts discussing cracking his back. Brasil turns around and stays tightly pressed to her opponent, but she is so close that she cannot get off any knees. Suphisara shoves her away after some stalling and kicks the red and shiny section of Brasil’s torso. Suphisara takes her time and lands another kick to the same spot when Brasil does not do anything, until Brasil runs at her and body locks her way into a takedown. Suphisara sits up to stand and starts elbowing the Brazilian in the face, and the disappointing 115-pound pairing comes to a conclusion.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Konklak Suphisara def. Bruna Brasil via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Timothy Cuamba (155) vs. Bolaji Oki (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: N/A

Round 1

On August 29, 2023, both Oki (8-1, 0-0 UFC) and Cuamba (8-1, 0-0 UFC) competed on the fourth episode of Dana White’s Contender Series in its 2023 season. Both men ended up getting their hands raised—Oki by knockout, and Cuamba by decision—and the former was signed. The latter went back to the regionals, where he fought at Tuff-N-Uff, the former all-amateur promotion, and smoked Michael Stack just one week ago. The round robin of fighters ends with this lightweight pairing of 8-1 newcomers, and it will be joined in the cage by referee Chris Tognoni. There is no plan on touching gloves, as they would rather get down to business. Oki presents himself as the immediate aggressor, chasing Cuamba down and reaching out with a low kick and some wide punches. Cuamba does not engage with much of his own offense in the opening 90 seconds, but for a few jabs and low kicks. Oki throws back one leg kick and unloads with two big right hands that mark up Cuamba’s face. Cuamba looses a right hand of his own back Oki off, but Oki is driving jabs to the increasingly red eye of his opponent. Oki times an advancing Cuamba with a short right, and the offense slows down from both parties. Oki shuffles in place as he tosses out a single right hand, and when that misses, Cuamba lets rip two overhand rights. Oki pokes out several more jabs and avoids the counter, and he lands a low kick with an audible thud. Cuamba comes back with a jab and slings a right hand after it, and he presses forward but pulls back before shooting. Oki gladly remains in boxing range, jabbing his opponent up, until Cuamba spurs into action with a head kick. Oki catches it and pushes Cuamba to the floor, where he unloads with a series of punches until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The lightweights reach out to exchange a glove touch to start off the round, and Oki starts to chase Cuamba around the cage with jabs. Cuamba looks to mix things up with low kicks, but Oki walks through it and doubles up a jab to nail Cuamba with a right hand. Cuamba comes back with a two-punch combination, but it does not fluster Oki in the slightest. Oki continues to jab without fear of reprisal, and even when a counter comes from Cuamba, it is one-and-done. Oki peppers his man with a jab and occasional follow-up punches, and Cuamba attacks in response with a single-leg takedown effort. Oki backs up to the wall in defense, and he stifles Cuamba from getting him down and ends up taking Cuamba’s back in the process. Oki considers a rear-naked choke but falls off the side, although he gets a single hook in momentarily. Cuamba turns him back and stays doggedly pursuing the single, and he transitions to a double and manages to ground Oki after all. Cuamba steps over to the side and sits in an open half guard as he postures up to elbow Oki. When Oki sits up, Cuamba considers a guillotine choke at the 10-second clapper. Oki stands up, ignores a few elbows on the side of his head, and he hangs on as the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The final round commences as Oki looks to pick up where he left off on the feet with a veritable cornucopia of jabs. Cuamba attempts a kick, but Oki is too close and irritating him with jabs. Oki drops his hands and puts them behind his back to showboat, and Cuamba punches him square in the face. Oki continues to march forward with jabs outstretched, and he surprises his adversary by attempting a level change. Cuamba pushes him away and returns to kickboxing range. Oki welcomes this by reintroducing his jab to the face of his opponent, and he is light enough on his feet to dodge the counters that careen his direction. Cuamba sneaks out a left hand as he gets constantly driven back, but he cannot seem to stop the methodical strategy of “The Zulu Warrior.” Cuamba tries to swing for the fences, and Oki watches them soar past him. Oki sprawls to stop a takedown, and he marches down Cuamba and strings four punches together. Oki catches Cuamba with an uppercut, as he puts a bit more mustard on his punches with less than a minute to go. Cuamba keeps circling and absorbing punches, and he occasionally looks for a brawl but is telegraphing the majority of his power strikes. Oki fearlessly presses ahead with punches in bunches, gets in a knee, and reaches out with a Superman punch right before this lackluster offering comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Bolaji Oki def. Timothy Cuamba via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Trevin Giles (171) vs. Carlos Prates (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Prates (-270), Giles (+220)

Round 1

The long preliminary card wraps up with welterweights on the docket, as longtime vet Giles (16-5, 7-5 UFC) enters into his 13th UFC fight against promotional neophyte Prates (17-6, 0-0 UFC)—although the debuting Brazilian holds the overall experience edge at 23 to 21 fights. Both fighters have abilities to finish the fight anywhere, and they have also suffered more stoppage losses than by decision. Referee Mike Beltran draws the charge for this preliminary headliner, and it begins as the 170ers touch ‘em up. Giles introduces himself with a jumping side kick, and he smacks Prates’ front leg with several times in rapid succession. Prates preemptively raises his leg after the early barrage of kicks, looking to check these kicks coming at him, and Giles ignores it and keeps kicking it. Prates quickly chambers and releases a kick to the body, and Giles ignores it and kicks Prates in the knee. Beltran warns them for outstretched fingers, and Prates nods and kicks Giles in the chest. Prates goes high with a kick that bounces off the guard, and Giles plods after him and nails him with a one-two. Prates bounces off the fencing to reset, and he starts jabbing with the ball of his foot. Prates looks to use his rangy legs to keep Giles away from him, and Giles stays ready to block the bigger kicks while getting inside the others. Prates lunges forward with three punches, and Giles ducks away from it. Giles comes out swinging, and Prates defends himself and tries to reply with a kick. Giles cracks Prates with a left hook in the midst of a combination, and Prates wears it well and tries to retaliate with a knee. Giles tosses out two punches and gets away in time to avoid counters, and Prates sweeps out kicks that partially land at best. Giles continues prodding at the lead knee, and he takes a knee on the chest from his opponent. The opening frame wraps as Prates jump at him with a knee, and Giles hops away.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The welterweights tap their gloves together before engaging, and Prates starts off by kicking the chest. Giles gets off two inside leg kicks to stumble Prates, and the taller man regains his composure only to get knocked back by the Texan’s fists. Prates kicks the body and then looks for step-in knee, and Giles grabs him in an effort to take him down. Prates shoves him away and looks for long kicks, while Giles crowds him with short three-punch salvos. Prates takes at least one clean punch each time Giles rushes him, and his counters are limited to a high knee that has not landed cleanly more than once. Giles allows Prates to swing a kick by him so that he can shoot for a double, and the American is unable to complete it. Prates defends with his back to the wall with short strikes, and Giles comes over the top with an elbow that splits the corner of Prates’ right eyebrow. Prates connects with a big knee as he shuts down Giles’ takedown efforts, but he cannot seem to stop Giles from teeing off on him with four punches at a time. Prates comes in faking with a knee, reaches out with a right hand and rifles a left hand down the pipe. Giles is out before his head hits the mat, and Prates does not need to follow up as he sees Giles is unconscious while Beltran gets between them. What a stunning moment, staging a mighty comeback and introducing himself to the stacked 170-pound weight class with a vicious knockout.

The Official Result

Carlos Prates def. Trevin Giles R2 4:03 via KO (Punch)

Armen Petrosyan (186) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vieira (-120), Petrosyan (+100)

Round 1

Rescheduled from November due to a fight-night scratch, this quintessential striker vs. grappler contest opens the main card, as ADCC and mundials all-star Vieira (9-2, 4-2 UFC) would like nothing more than to become the first man to tap out kickboxer Petrosyan (9-2, 3-1 UFC). No matter how it plays out, these two middleweights are primed to put on a show. Referee Mark Smith is on call to keep things on the up-and-up, and there is no bad blood between them as they even hugged it out before announcer Joe Martinez introduced them. They clap both hands together, and Petrosyan takes to the center of the cage and starts looking for a jab. It is Vieira who lands the jab first, although Petrosyan is quick to find it on his own. Petrosyan jams a low kick on the calf, and he scores a front kick and another low kick while Vieira is still watching him. They trade leg kicks, and Vieira hand-fights to prevent Petrosyan from landing a right hand. Petrosyan accepts this by turning his hips towards low kicks, and he uses a front kick like a jab. Vieira doubles up on a jab, leading Petrosyan to kicking him in the side. Vieira scoops up an easy single, and when Petrosyan scrambles, the Brazilian takes his back briefly. Petrosyan manages to get back up, only for “The Black Belt Hunter” to take him down again with a single. Vieira gets one hook around the side and allows Petrosyan to surrender position so he can fish for a choke. Petrosyan muscles his way back upright, and Vieira decides instead to lift “Superman” in the air and throw him down to the mat like a middleweight Matt Hughes. This time, Petrosyan is not so able to climb up the wall behind him, and Vieira moves to half guard while lowering his weight down for an arm-triangle choke. Vieira easily steps over to mount, and Petrosyan turns over to give up his back. Vieira lets this happen so he can get a rear-naked choke, and Petrosyan turns around to lay down flat on his back. The Brazilian presses down with all his might and he locks down an arm-triangle choke, and it is academic at this point. With seconds to spare in the round, Petrosyan taps out twice, and he nearly goes out as Vieira releases the grip. Smith pulls them apart, and Petrosyan is incensed, perhaps not realizing that he surrendered. Petrosyan tries to claim he did not submit to the move, but no one listens as the video plays on the big screen showing him tapping. Vieira still retains a 100% finish rate with his arm-triangle choke, and he claims the UFC record with the most submissions of this type in company history (four).

The Official Result

Rodolfo Vieira def. Armen Petrosyan R1 4:48 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Darrius Flowers (156) vs. Michael Johnson (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-125), Flowers (+105)

Round 1

The difference in experience for this lightweight affair is a chasm, but it is not a UFC record—talk to Jim Miller about that one. Undoubtedly in the twilight of his career but hoping for a big moment to hang his hat, Johnson (21-19, 13-15 UFC) is a slight betting favorite against the relative greenhorn Flowers (12-6-1, 0-1 UFC). In a fight that could end in the blink of an eye, referee Chris Tognoni is on call. There is a touch of gloves, and Johnson pushes an early side kick out of the way to land a left hand. Flowers kicks out again, and his side kick bounces off Johnson’s cup. Johnson tells Tognoni he is fine after a few seconds, and they get back to it as Johnson reaches out with a left hand to the sternum. Flowers shoots for a double, and Johnson easily shuts it down and stands him up with a right hand and a low kick. Flowers spams side kicks to stop Johnson from closing the distance, until “The Menace” does that and ducks a huge right hand to aim strikes to the midsection. The two hand-fight and try to get in one another, and Johnson leads the dance with jabs to the body. Johnson snatches up a leg, but he sets it down before doing anything with it. Flowers kicks the body twice in a row, and Johnson loads up on a left hand but brushes past the temple. Johnson keeps targeting the body with impunity, while Flowers chips away at the lead leg. Johnson loads up on a few punches, and Flowers narrowly dodges them. Johnson fearlessly strikes the body, ducking down and even putting his chin on the line for a counter knee that Flowers attempts. Johnson chases his man down with swinging punches, and Flowers is able to watch them breeze by while not absorbing many of the worst ones. Johnson splits the guard with a left that drives Flowers back, and he dives forward to hit a double with seconds to spare. Johnson stays on top until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Not at all afraid of his opponent, Johnson comes out swinging to start Round 2. “The Menace” swings several menacing haymakers, and Flowers allows them to largely skim past his shoulders, although the strikes Johnson aims at the body do connect cleanly. Johnson mixes in several body shots, and he rings Flowers’ bell with a clubbing right hand. Flowers recovers his balance and stifles a takedown attempt to bounce off the fence, seemingly clear-headed. Johnson scores a few more body shots, and he eats a counter when ducking down. Johnson goes after a single, and Flowers tosses him to the side and dings him with an uppercut. Johnson fires off a double jab, and Flowers ducks down after them to shoot in for a takedown. Johnson stops it, and he accidentally knees Flowers in the groin and informs Tognoni that he did so. Tognoni allows Flowers to recover, and then resets them in a neutral position. At the restart, Johnson crashes forward and hits an easy double, dumping the neophyte on his back. Johnson drops down short but emphatic elbows, until Flowers kicks him off. Johnson staggers back, and he approaches a single. Flowers cannot stop this attempt, and Johnson climbs on top and searches for an unorthodox arm-triangle choke while in side control. Johnson knees the side, and he turns the corner to press down for a sudden north-south choke. Flowers is saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The lightweights meet in the middle of the cage, and Johnson is in cruise control with kicks to several targets. Flowers swings and misses with a check hook, and Johnson crashes towards him and appears to spear him with his head or at least knock him to the floor. Johnson climbs on top and sits in half guard, happy to ride time out and take any possible comeback opportunity away. Johnson isolates Flowers’ left arm as he hunts for a kimura, and Flowers pulls off the fence to break it up. Johnson releases the grip and settles for ground-and-pound, smothering “Beast Mode” and making his life miserable. Johnson shifts from half guard on one side to side control on the other, and as he is scrambling, Flowers throws his legs up with a Hail Mary triangle choke and an armbar to go with it. The veteran recognizes this and does not fall into danger, standing up to break out of the position. Flowers explodes into action, with less than a minute to go way down on the scorecards. He kicks Johnson off of his chest, and jumps at Johnson with a knee. Johnson drops to the floor, looking for a low single and protecting himself from strikes, and this allows Flowers to lay into him with desperate punches on the side of the head. Johnson gets back up, and Flowers rolls for a low-percentage submission attempt that starts as a kimura and ends as a belly-down armbar. Johnson grits the subs out and makes it to the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Michael Johnson def. Darrius Flowers via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Gregory Rodrigues (186) vs. Brad Tavares (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodrigues (-245), Tavares (+200)

Round 1

Middleweight is the name of the game for this main card, as four of the six matches scheduled for it were set to take place at 185 pounds, including this one. Grizzled veteran and perennial contender Tavares (20-8, 15-8 UFC) is once again holding the rankings line against a powerful foe, and “Robocop” Rodrigues (14-5, 5-2 UFC) says “dead or alive, you’re coming with me.” Before fists fly, referee Jason Herzog clocks them in. They do show a modicum of respect by bumping their fists together first. Rodrigues very calmly shuffles forward, giving no ground even when Tavares scores a right hand and a low kick. Rodrigues sits down on a right hand, and he knocks Tavares back by slamming into his raised guard. Tavares takes a few punches on the chin and retaliates with a huge right hand, and the Brazilian is rocked. Tavares lets him regain his composure, as Rodrigues gathers his senses and throws fire his foe’s direction. Tavares takes a right hand and misses on a counter, but he does get off a kick to the ribs. Rodrigues throws caution to the wind by blasting Tavares with ferocious power punches, and Tavares defends himself and counters to sting his man with another right. This time, Rodrigues answers with a double-leg takedown. The Hawaiian stifles it as he keeps his back to the fence, and he splits off and cracks the Brazilian with a one-two. Tavares’ hands are sharp, and even while keeping himself with his back to the wire, he welcomes reckless exchanges. Rodrigues darts forward in pursuit of a single, and Tavares hops away but is followed by Rodrigues, who belts him in the face with a few right hands and whips a kick to the body. Rodrigues abandons traditional takedown technique and simply grabs hold of Tavares and muscles him down, and this only keeps the Hawaiian on the floor for a few seconds. Tavares keeps his hand on the mat so that Rodrigues cannot knee him in the head, and once he lifts it, Rodrigues drives a knee to the dome. Tavares tries to play the game by putting his hand on the floor and lifting it up, and Rodrigues sneaks his arm around the neck for a choke. With no submission in sight, Rodrigues concludes the round with several flush knees to the body.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

There is a sporting glove touch before the two re-engage. Rodrigues starts off the round with heavy punches, and Tavares is ready and willing to answer with fiery exchanges that get Rodrigues’ respect. Tavares kicks low and then high, and the former reminds Rodrigues that he can kick the lead leg harder. Rodrigues approaches for a takedown, and Tavares is ready for it and defends with his back on the wire. Rodrigues knees the body when up close, and Tavares does the same and shoves Rodrigues back. Tavares misses the mark ever so slightly with a high kick, and Rodrigues prods the solar plexus with his toes extended from a front kick. Tavares reaches a right hand around the guard, and he flicks out a one-two that makes Rodrigues back off. Tavares reaches him with another one-two, and Rodrigues steels himself and unloads with a much heavier right hand. The Brazilian drives home a calf kick, and Tavares’ lead leg is welted and swollen badly less than eight minutes into the fight. They trade jabs, and Rodrigues shoots for a distant double that is easily blocked. Rodrigues chains a one-two after the failed attempt, giving the Hawaiian something else to think about. Rodrigues sticks out a teep kick, fires a kick high and then aims low in an effective trio of leg strikes. Rodrigues rushes forward and takes Tavares off his feet courtesy of a single, and he lands in half guard. Tavares hangs on with both hands gripping Rodrigues’ left arm, shutting down any notable offense until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round begins with jabs from both fighters. Tavares reaches first with a follow-up right hand, but Rodrigues does not let him savor the moment for long as he unleashes two fierce right hands that ring Tavares’ bell. Rodrigues knows that he has Tavares hurt, and he races forward, laying into the longtime veteran with thunderous punches. Rodrigues gets Tavares to duck down, and he blasts him with a knee on the cheek that makes it swell up like a balloon. “Robocop” targets Tavares like he was Clarence Boddicker and unleashes a bombardment of devastating strikes. Tavares bounces off the cage like a pinball as he is getting knocked about by the Brazilian. Rodrigues chases him down every step of the way and continues to bludgeon him until Herzog peels Rodrigues off of the defeated but still-standing Tavares. The ultra-tough Tavares weakly protests the intervention, and his face swells visibly while the camera is on it.

The Official Result

Gregory Rodrigues def. Brad Tavares R3 0:55 via TKO (Punches)

Robert Bryczek (185.5) vs. Ihor Potieria (187.5: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bryczek (-198), Potieria (+164)

Round 1

Just one of the 14 fights on this card featured someone missing weight—Flowers and Marcos both missed initially and then came back to hit their proper marks. Former light heavyweight Potieria (19-5, 1-3 UFC) took his fight against Bryczek (17-5, 0-0 UFC) on short notice, and he clocked in one and a half pounds over the middleweight limit. As a result, Potieria surrenders 20% of his purse to the Polish slugger. Whether that 20% will be from Potieira’s one check or two, the two men have the next 15 minutes or less to decide it. Referee Mike Beltran checks them in as they touch gloves. Potieria is the aggressor as he pitches kicks from his rear leg to the waist and knee. Bryczek allows Potieria to crash the pocket, so he can sit down on two punches that stop Potieria in his tracks. The Ukrainian shakes out immediate cobwebs and continues to move forward, looking for a right hook that is not there. Bryczek takes a kick to the ribs and responds with a right hand, and he pushes off as a finger jabs into Potieria’s eye. Beltran sees it immediately and calls time, and he lets Potieria wipe it out with a towel as he brings in the doctor. Potieria remarks that he is a little bleary in his eye, but that he is otherwise good to continue. After two minutes, the fighters resume their mutual combat in the center of the cage. Potieria tosses out low kicks, and one lands with a thump instead of a slap. Bryczek loops punches to the body, and Potieria scores a solid kick and a right hand. Bryczek opens up with a huge right hand, and he cracks Potieria again. Bryczek lets loose several more punches, and Potieria bounces away and absorbs one more flush right hand on the jaw. As Potieria backpedals, he parries a right hand from the Polish fighter, which rebounds square into Potieria’s cup in an unlucky turn of events. Beltran recognizes the unintentional foul and allows Potieria to recover once more, and Potieria takes all the time he needs. This results in another lengthy stoppage of three minutes long, and Beltran loudly and sternly admonishes Bryczek that he will lose a point if he fouls again. When they resume, Bryczek is ready and rearing to throw hands, and he lands several hard ones to force Potieria to shoot for an ill-advised takedown. Bryczek stops it, but he gets pressed into the fence from behind, with Potieria kneeing him in the back of the thigh frustratingly. Bryczek spins around with seconds to go, and they bang it out right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters meet in the middle and jab at one another from range, with neither landing much early. Potieria misses with an overhand right, but he plants a kick on the inside of the Polish fighter’s calf. Potieria shoots for a takedown, and he abandons it right when Bryczek sprawls so that he can aim an uppercut on the dome. Bryczek sees it at the last second and dodges it, and he ducks a subsequent spinning back fist. Potieria drops his hands and lands a few punches from a safe distance, and he punctuates a combination with a low kick. The two clash together and bang heads, but it does not result in anything more problematic. Bryczek digs a left to the body, and Potieria shrugs at him and then shoots for a single. Potieria again follows that failed takedown with an uppercut, and this one brushes the side of the UFC newcomer’s head. Bryczek looks for a right hand over the top, and he kicks the body as Potieria again shrugs at him mockingly. Potieria sprints in for a single, and Bryczek hops away and walks Potieria down. Potieria intercepts him with a spinning back kick to the midsection, and Bryczek takes it cleanly and keeps his guard up to block and overhand left. Potieria taps his chest and drops down to the floor with a Mortal Kombat-esque leg sweep. Bryczek look at him confusedly. Potieria is in his groove, having fun and dodging and weaving anything coming from Bryczek. Potieria clips his man a few times with short shots, and he catches Bryczek on the chin with an uppercut. Bryczek headhunts and struggles to reach his opponent, and they trade one big punch right as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is a final glove touch to check in the last round, and Potieria stays firmly in his groove with jabs and funky hand movements. Bryczek reaches his foe with a straight left hand, but it is one-and-done. Bryczek loads up on a right hand, only to get countered with a left hook that shakes him up. Bryczek charges into action with a huge left hook, and Potieria’s head snaps back like a Pez dispenser. Potieria replies with a three-punch salvo that knocks Bryczek off his feet, and Bryczek barely keeps with it courtesy of a desperation takedown. Bryczek gets back to his feet, and Potieria chases after him and swings for the bleachers. Bryczek does the same, and he manages to catch Potieria coming in but is taking shots as well. Both men use a ton of energy, and Potieria presses the Polish fighter into the wall and strings four elbows together. Bryczek slips and rips Potieria with big punches, and he splits Potieria’s eyebrow open in the process. Potieria rips an elbow that misses slightly, but he blasts Bryczek with an elbow and several punches from up close. Bryczek turns his man around in the tie-up, and he sneaks an elbow up top before breaking away. Potieria reaches his foe with a few punches, and Bryczek tags him back with his own short flurry. The two clash together, and Potieria clinches up to wear on the exhausted Bryczek. Bryczek gets space with 10 seconds to go, and the two throw down and knee one another right as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Ihor Potieria def. Robert Bryczek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 

Andre Fili (146) vs. Dan Ige (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ige (-175), Fili (+145)

Round 1

The UFC knew exactly what it was doing when it gave Ige (17-7, 9-6 UFC) the replacement of Fili (23-10, 1 NC; 11-9, 1 NC UFC) after Lerone Murphy suffered an injury. Booking these two featherweights together almost guaranteed post-fight bonus money, and it very likely could come in the form of “Fight of the Night” when the dust settles. Referee Jason Herzog will get to enjoy these two exciting competitors go to battle for three rounds or fewer, and friends will put their friendship on hold as they get after it. There is no glove touch. Fili does not hold back, racing towards Ige and throwing hands. Ige steels himself and delivers a fierce left hook when Fili advances, and he cracks him a second time on a second exchange. Fili uses a long jab to reach Ige before the Hawaiian can get to him, and he slips and moves left and right while changing stances. Ige whiffs on a short but dangerous left hook, and he closes in on Fili to tag him with a strong left. Fili returns fire, willing to engage in this kind of high-intensity affair. This is the worst idea for “Touchy,” who connects with a straight left hand but is standing directly in front of Ige. Ige uncorks a bomb of a right hand that detonates on his foe's temple, sending Fili crashing to the ground possibly out cold. To seal the deal, “50K” likely snatches a $50,000 bonus check with one devastating standing-to-ground right hand, completely separating Fili from all senses. Ige walks off, knowing his work here is done. Wow.

The Official Result

Dan Ige def. Andre Fili R1 2:43 via KO (Punches)

Jack Hermansson (185) vs. Joseph Pyfer (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pyfer (-245), Hermansson (+200)

Round 1

It’s time for the main attraction, with the bout where the victor is likely closest to a title shot of all 14 tonight. It may still be a while, but at the very least, a place in the 185-pound rankings is on the line. Not concerned with being the type of guy to keep fighters out of the top 10, Hermansson (23-8, 10-6 UFC) may be 35 but does not consider himself old. Eight years younger with plenty of momentum, Pyfer (12-2, 3-0 UFC) wants to put hands on “The Joker” and make him cry. The Octagon ranger for the final battle of the evening is referee Mark Smith, and he is good to go for what should be a fun one. Before the action begins, they show respect in the form of a glove touch. Pyfer lashes out quickly with a low kick that gets checked, and a fierce right hand that lands right on the chin and does not make Hermansson flinch. Hermansson blocks another calf kick, and he takes one more huge overhand right that staggers him briefly. Hermansson kicks the lead wheel and is countered with the same blow, and he wades forward to land two and lean back to avoid the power of Pyfer. “Bodybagz” slowly moves forward, until he gets backed off by a Superman punch. Hermansson splits the guard with a front kick, and Pyfer slams his shin on Hermansson’s lead leg. Pyfer clips his foe with a left hook, and Hermansson stumbles but does not lose his balance. Hermansson parries punches and lands a strike to the body, and he jabs the body a second time when Pyfer advances towards him. Pyfer unloads with a combination, ending with a left hand that thumps Hermansson on the jaw. Hermansson brings up a knee to intercept his adversary, and his foot bounces off Pyfer’s cup. Pyfer thinks about pausing but tells Smith he is good to go, and he restarts with a short combination of punches. Hermansson blocks and rolls with most of them, but he is getting beaten to the punch by the quicker Pyfer early on. Pyfer misses a monster right hand by a matter of inches, and he succeeds in digging a left hand up and on the chin. Hermansson takes it well, wobbling again but putting his chin on full display. Pyfer goes to the body, and he catches Hermansson coming in with a shovel hook. Pyfer bobs and whiffs on a massive right hook, and he follows the missed shot with a jab. Pyfer snakes a left around the guard, and he peppers Hermansson with a number of quick jabs. Hermansson weaves back and has a head kick blocked, and he kicks the lead leg before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Hermansson opens up the second round with a high kick, and Pyfer keeps his guard high to block it without issue. Pyfer aims a shot to the body, and he releases two hooks that graze past Hermansson’s dome. Hermansson walks through a hook to the body, and Pyfer again unloads two hammers. Hermansson shoots in for a single, bouncing Pyfer to the wall, and Pyfer shuts it down as a cut has opened on the corner of his eye. They trade low kicks when back in striking range, and Pyfer snaps out a few jabs. Hermansson plants a kick on the calf and checks one that comes back, and he gets in a left hand of his own. Pyfer leaps forward and grazes the nose with an uppercut, and he slams his shin on the calf and eats one back. Pyfer swings with full power every strike, and Hermansson is able to take them or evade them smoothly enough. Pyfer doubles up with jabs to the body, and he is warned for outstretched fingers. The two start talking to one another, with Hermansson praising a strike Pyfer threw. Hermansson wades forward, landing a right hand and opening a cut on the bridge of Pyfer’s nose. Hermansson kicks the midsection, and Pyfer crowds him but ends up eating a sharp left hook. Pyfer presses forward, but the majority of his strikes bounce off Hermansson’s arms. Hermansson protects his mug from oncoming strikes, and he reaches out with a right hand. Hermansson has a high kick bounce off the guard as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Hermansson practically sprints out of his corner to engage, and he walks through a few jabs to back Pyfer up. Hermansson sticks out several jabs, disrupting the power strikes that Pyfer wants to launch at him. Pyfer scores a body shot and misses a right hand over the top, and Hermansson prepares a knee counter that does not find its home. Hermansson checks a low kick and slowly moves forward behind his jab. A low kick from Hermansson makes Pyfer do a partial turn, as his calf is starting to turn red and swell. Hermansson goes to the same spot with another kick, and Pyfer changes stances as a result. Hermansson punches out several jabs and cracks Pyfer with a knee and a right hand, further damaging Pyfer’s nose. Pyfer goes after a hefty low kick, and Hermansson retaliates with a punch that drives Pyfer back. The Swede hammers the lead leg with another kick, and Pyfer leans down to either grab it or take some of the sting out of it. Hermansson rifles out a jab, and Pyfer turns away and claims he is damaged from an eye poke—it was a punch. Hermansson starts working him over with jabs and distant strikes, not allowing Pyfer to load up on anything of merit. The Hermansson jab is befuddling “Bodybagz,” which is marking Pyfer up further and causing the younger fighter to struggle to see. Hermansson sits down on a calf kick and hops away from a few Pyfer punches, and he drives a knee to the chest and whips a right hand over the top. Pyfer gets one back, but he is the one backpedaling as Hermansson is fresh as a daisy. Pyfer loads up with a huge left hand, hurting Hermansson and making the Swede back away. Pyfer gives chase, trying to throw power so he can get the job done. Pyfer aims a shot to the body, but Hermansson’s jab and leg kick frazzles Pyfer. Pyfer shoots for a takedown, and Hermansson stuffs it with a leg in the air, and makes him pay with a jump knee on the forehead with his other leg. The round ends with Hermansson jackhammering Pyfer’s side with punches.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

Hermansson kicks off the round with two crushing calf kick that make Pyfer limp, and the American rushes down for a takedown that does has no hope of landing. Hermansson easily stuffs him and scores a few punches, and another low kick further hobbles “Bodybagz.” Hermansson keeps on with his jab, and Pyfer wanders forward with his arms outstretched as he keeps taking punches. Hermansson’s jab is sharp, and Pyfer winds up with a big body shot. Hermansson replies with a jumping punch, and Pyfer decides to start jabbing. Hermansson stops him from doing this by smashing his calf with another shin, prompting Pyfer to shoot from afar. Hermansson is backed up against the wall as Pyfer tries to change levels, and Smith tells Pyfer to work. Hermansson answers by breaking free, and he flicks out jabs. Hermansson dips and fires off a one-two, and Pyfer eats it like a cheese steak. Hermansson stops a takedown as he jabs up Pyfer’s nose, and he breaks free to get back to his jab and leg kick. Pyfer unleashes a hard leg kick of his own, and Hermansson meets him immediately with jabs that snap Pyfer’s head back. Hermansson’s jab opens him up to additional strikes, including a right hand on the ear. Pyfer swings with reckless abandon, and Hermansson slips to the side and stomp kicks Pyfer’s other leg. “The Joker” is not joke as he busts Pyfer’s nose open, causing blood to flow down and get smeared all around his face. Pyfer scores a solid one-two, and he shoots for a double but is laughed off by the fresher man. Hermansson drives home another leg kick, and he ends the round with one more.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

The fight may be up for grabs in this last round, and they treat it exactly like that. Both middleweights unload with vicious combinations, and Pyfer still has plenty of power while Hermansson’s accuracy is on point. Hermansson chains a front kick into a stern low kick, and Pyfer frowns but loads up on a right hand that misses. Hermansson gets back to a jab, and one straight down the pipe irritates Pyfer more than others. Hermansson’s piston-like jab and leg kick freeze Pyfer, who stands before Hermansson for seconds at a time. Pyfer throws obvious big hooks, and Hermansson sees them coming. At the three-minute mark, Hermansson hits a picturesque takedown, putting Pyfer flat on his back in an unorthodox position that turns to half guard. “The Joker” smashes down with elbows and punches, bloodying Pyfer’s face further. Hermansson briefly considers an arm-triangle choke, but he prefers to keep top position where he can maul the fatigued youngster. Pyfer recovers to full guard, but this does not slow Hermansson down much. Hermansson sits up every so often to slash down with an elbow or pummel Pyfer with punches. Pyfer tries to kick him off with seconds to go, but Hermansson stacks him up and lumps him up with standing-to-ground punches to conclude the back-and-forth match. Barring an unexpected set of scorecards, Hermansson should have shut the door on the rising Pyfer for the time being, displaying veteran savvy and excellent game plan adjustment to get the job done. The victorious Swede has three things to say on his post-fight interview: legalize MMA in Norway, put him in Sweden and let him fight France’s Nassourdine Imavov. All three sound great. If those come to fruition, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson (48-47 Hermansson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson (48-47 Hermansson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hermansson (48-47 Hermansson)

The Official Result

Jack Hermansson def. Joe Pyfer via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)