UFC Fight Night 92 ‘Rodriguez vs. Caceres’ Results: Play-by-Play & Updates

Chase Sherman vs. Justin Ledet

Round 1

The heavyweights paw with jabs as they circle in the center of the cage, Ledet grinning at Sherman before sticking a left hand that bloodies the nose of the “Vanilla Gorilla.” Ledet connects with a straight right a few seconds later, but Sherman takes back some ground with a pair of hard leg kicks. Still smiling at Sherman while they trade, Ledet continues to stick his jab and follows up with a hard right. Ledet is looking to pull down Sherman’s head for a clinch knee, but Sherman does well to avoid it. Sherman eats a few more jabs, steps back and draws a deep breath; Ledet walks down his opponent and drills him with a knee to the midsection. Sherman is still swinging for the fences and landing the odd low kick, but Ledet is getting the better of the exchanges with his cleaner, harder punches.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ledet
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ledet
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ledet

Round 2

Sherman gets his nose bloodied early in the round as Ledet picks up where he left off, snapping off jabs in the Mississipian’s face. Despite the punishment, Sherman continues to walk forward, throwing leg kicks which are coming much slower than they were five minutes ago. Ledet, meanwhile, works off his back foot, covering up when Sherman steps into the pocket, then opening up to counter. Midway through round two, Sherman looks exhausted as he plods around the cage, walking into more punches and clinch knees from Ledet. He continues to rumble forward until the final minute, when a particularly hard jab from Ledet knocks him backward. Ledet looks up at the clock, allowing Ledet to land another punch, then another which dislodges Sherman’s mouthguard. Ledet senses the finish and swarms with three or four good punches, but when Sherman doesn’t go down, Ledet takes his foot off the gas. Sherman sticks his tongue out in defiance, and he’ll survive to see the final round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ledet
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ledet
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ledet

Round 3

The story remains the same in the first minute of round three: Sherman slowly pressing forward on Ledet, who’s still doing work with his jab and counter left. Sherman looks fed up as he stands in the center of the cage with his arms outstretched; Ledet takes the opportunity to punch him in the face again. Sherman won’t stop coming forward, even when he’s doing so with his hands on his hips. Ledet’s strategy remains unchanged, just circling off his back foot with hop-steps and swinging punches whenever Sherman comes close enough. Sherman glances up at the clock, which shows 60 seconds remaining. He tries to rally the crowd as he makes a final push toward Ledet, but he can’t get close enough to land anything. Sherman looks at the clock again, now with 10 seconds left. He starts jawing at Ledet as he walks him toward the wall; Ledet responds with a middle-finger salute and a flex as time runs out. Sherman leans against the cage in defeat as the referee gets between him and Ledet, who’s still barking at his opponent.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ledet (30-27 Ledet)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ledet (30-27 Ledet)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ledet (30-27 Ledet)

The Official Result

Justin Ledet def. Chase Sherman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Cub Swanson vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri

Round 1

Swanson presses Kawajiri toward the fence, backs away from a kick and then comes back to touch the Japanese fighter with a reaching overhand right. Swanson slips throwing a punch and gets clipped with a right hand, but he springs back to his feet before Kawajiri can capitalize. Kawajiri latches onto a Swanson kick and tries to single-leg the American to the canvas, but Swanson shows great balance and fends off the shot. Kawajiri steps in behind a double jab and pops Swanson with a nice right hand, then changes levels and puts him on the ground. It’s Kawajiri on top, working from Swanson’s half guard with just over two minutes on the clock. Thirty seconds later, Kawajiri passes to full mount, but his movement is limited by Swanson wrapping him up from underneath. Kawajiri is looking for an arm-triangle setup with his left arm looped around Swanson’s neck. The choke doesn’t materialize, so “Crusher” tries to make things uncomfortable for Swanson with a can opener. The final half minute sees Kawajiri grinding away with short elbows and forearm strikes, while Swanson throws heel strikes to the top man’s legs.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kawajiri
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kawajiri
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kawajiri

Round 2

Kawajiri whiffs on a spinning back-fist and a leaping knee as he tries to close the gap in the first 30 seconds of the round. When Swanson steps forward with a right hand, Kawajiri ducks underneath and tries another takedown, but the Jackson-Wink fighter stuffs the shot. Kawajiri scores with a pair of body kicks, ducks under another Swanson punch and this time succeeds with his takedown. Swanson reverses immediately and mounts Kawajiri, who rolls over and gives up his back. Swanson gets his hooks and slaps on a rear-naked choke, but Kawajiri peels away his legs and then twists loose of the choke. The featherweights scramble back to their feet, where Swanson connects with a clinch uppercut to the body and a crisp left hook to the jaw. Kawajiri gets caught off-balance and shoved to the ground, and the still-standing Swanson delivers an illegal knee to the face. Referee John McCarthy steps in to pause the action; Kawajiri wasn’t knocked out by the kick, but he’s taking his time on the mat while recovering. The cageside physician clears Kawajiri to continue after a couple minutes, and the fight resumes with no point deduction for Swanson. Kawajiri tries to catch a kick and trip Swanson to the ground, but Swanson springs back up and begins unloading with both hands, clipping Kawajiri with a few wide punches. Kawajiri drops to try another single-leg, pushes Swanson to the fence and switches to a double. Swanson breaks out with 30 seconds left and chops out Kawajiri’s legs with a low kick, but Kawajiri recovers.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Swanson
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Swanson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Swanson

Round 3

Kawajiri leans in to grab at Swanson’s legs and gets caught with a sweeping left hand to the face. A diving takedown attampt is stuffed by Swanson, but Kawajiri’s second effort puts the American on the floor. Swanson sits up against the fence, Kawajiri triangling his legs, and wraps his arms around Kawajiri to try and force a stand-up from the referee. Kawajiri flattens him out and postures up to pepper with a few short punches, but Swanson kicks him away and scrambles back to his feet. Kawajiri keeps him trapped on the fence with another takedown attempt; Swanson spreads his base against the wall to defend, but Kawajiri lifts and slams him to the ground with half the round remaining. Thirty seconds later, Swanson wall-walks to escape, and Kawajiri follows him back to the feet with two minutes on the clock. Swanson scores with a left hand that sends Kawajiri staggering backward; Kawajiri tries to grab a leg as Swanson charges in with a knee, but Swanson’s momentum sends them both to the mat with Swanson on top. Swanson dodges a brief leglock attempt and swoops around to take the back of Kawajiri as they enter the final minute. Kawajiri uses two-on-one hand defense to fight off a rear-naked choke attempt, but he ends the fight being punched in the face.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)

The Official Result

Cub Swanson def. Tatsuya Kawajiri via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Horacio Gutierrez vs. Teruto Ishihara

Round 1

The featherweights get off to an awkward start, with both men struggling to find their striking distance. Gutierrez stuffs the first takedown attempt from Ishihara. The fight toward the fence, where both men tee off with wild punches, both clipping with right hands. Gutierrez presses out from the center, charging Ishihara with a combination, but “Yashabo” lays waste to his opponent with a vicious counter left. Gutierrez falls to the ground in a heap, absorbs a few more punches from Ishihara, but referee Dave Seljestad isn’t stopping the fight. A semi-conscious Gutierrez tries to climb back to his feet, takes another left hand on the jaw and falls back to the ground. This time, the referee has seen enough and steps in to recuse Gutierrez.

The Official Result

Teruto Ishihara def. Horacio Gutierrez via KO (Punches) R1 2:32

David Teymur vs. Jason Novelli

Round 1

Teymur catches an early kick from Novelli and returns fire with a loud kick to the legs. Three or four more hard kicks score for Teymur as the lightweights inch around the cage in the opening minute. Novelli is the one pushing forward, throwing single strikes but struggling to connect. Teymur works off his back foot, outlanding Novelli with kicks to the legs and body. Novelli gets in his best shot of the round with a clinch knee to the jaw, but he doesn’t rush the wobbly Teymur. The Swede floors Novelli with a left hand, but Novelli gets right back on his feet. Teymur connects with an outside leg kick, then a left to the body, finishing the round with a kick to Novelli’s chest.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Teymur
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Teymur
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Teymur

Round 2

Novelli comes forward again and stuffs a takedown attempt from Teymur as they near the fence. Novelli tries to turn the tables by jamming Teymur against the wall, but the Swede spins him around and wheels away. Novelli walks forward with his left hand and extended and his right hand low, and Teymur blows him up with a beautiful overhand left. Novelli hits the deck, stumbles back to his feet and is greeted with four or five follow-up punches from the swarming Teymur. One of the shots knocks Novelli out cold and puts him flat on his back, prompting referee Herb Dean to rush in for the stoppage.

The Official Result

David Teymur def. Jason Novelli via KO (Punches) R2 1:25

Viktor Pesta vs. Marcin Tybura

Round 1

Tybura reddens the face of Pesta with a right hand in the opening minute, then wheels away as the Czech fighter tries to trap him on the fence with a flurry of punches. Now it’s Tybura pressing forward, walking into a single-leg attempt from Pesta; “Tybur” yanks the leg back and continues his forward march. Another overhand right swipes across Pesta’s face, then a straight right as Tybura gets closer. Tybura whiffs on a head kick, sticks a jab, and both heavyweights miss with overhands. With 90 seconds on the clock, Tybura continues to control the cage and the pace of the fight, forcing Pesta into an early defensive shell. Tybura scores with a hard jab and pushes off Pesta’s face with his right hand; Pesta complains of an eye poke, but referee John McCarthy tells them to continue. The big men clinch on the fence with little action as the last 30 seconds tick away.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tybura
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tybura
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tybura

Round 2

Tybura applies more pressure at the start of round two, backing up Pesta with jabs and reaching left hands, although not at the same steady clip as in round one. Pesta whiffs on an uppercut-left hand combo that backs up Tybura momentarily. Tybura steps forward again, fakes a jab-hook and goes upstairs with a left high kick that lands flush, instantly knocking Pesta out cold. Tybura pulls back on a follow-up punch as referee McCarthy runs in for the stoppage on a highlight-reel knockout.

The Official Result

Marcin Tybura def. Viktor Pesta via KO (Head Kick) R2 0:53

Court McGee vs. Dominique Steele

Round 1

McGee stuns Steele with his first punch of the fight, a right cross to the temple that nearly puts Steele on the floor. Instead, Steele keeps his footing and has to fight off a headlock from McGee, who quickly switches tactics and spins for a rear waistlock. McGee lifts and slams Steele to the ground near the fence, then secures back-mount with both hooks in. Just 20 seconds into the fight, McGee is working for a rear-naked choke, trying to snake his right arm underneath Steele’s chin. The choke doesn’t materialize, so McGee tries to finish with a nasty looking neck crank, but Steele won’t tap out. Instead, Steele twists free of McGee’s back control, turns around and drives on the local favorite’s legs. McGee fends off the takedown, reverses and circles out to the center of the cage, now halfway through the opening round. The action slows as the welterweights dip in and out of range, neither man committing with any offense. Steele hurts McGee with a straight right hand and tries to blitz him on the fence, but McGee ties up for a few seconds to regain his composure. They’re back to striking with 60 seconds on the clock, McGee keeping Steele on the outside with jabs and body kicks. Steele tries to rush him again, has to defend a takedown and winds up holding McGee against a cage post. McGee spins him around and drops for a double-leg takedown attempt, but Steele spreads out and stays standing to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 McGee
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McGee
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 McGee

Round 2

Steele connects with a good left hook that leaves McGee’s counter right swinging at air. McGee is looking a little more defensive in this round after tasting a few hard shots in the first. Steele runs at McGee and clips him with a couple strikes near the fence, but it’s McGee having his way with the subsequent clinch and high-crotch single-leg attempt. Steele does well to defend and eventually shoves McGee away with just over half the round remaining. McGee dodges a pair of power punches, shoots for Steele’s legs, can’t get hold. The next attempt yields a takedown for McGee, but Steele is back on his feet within seconds. McGee holds him on the fence with another high single, switches to an underhook, then drops for a double-leg. Steele denies it all but can’t escape McGee’s pressure, and “Non-Stop Action Packed” finishes the round with his back on the wall.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Steele
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Steele
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Steele

Round 3

Steele comes out swinging for the fences, trying to take off McGee’s head with heavy punches in the first 20 seconds of the final frame. McGee is able to evade or block most of the attack, and now he’s standing a few feet away from his opponent. Steele gets in a solid right hand that sends McGee shooting for a takedown which doesn’t materialize. Steele misses a leaping knee but connects with the left hook behind it; McGee tries to shoot and gets his back spun against the fence. McGee reverses and goes hard for a takedown. He manages to wrangle Steele to the mat, but only for a matter of seconds. Steele pops up, still pressed against the cage by McGee, who pops his opponent with a few short right hands before they’re separated by referee Dan Miragliotta. It’s not long before McGee is holding Steele on the wall again. Steele tries a spinning back-elbow while standing in place, but McGee ducks underneath and continues his search for a takedown until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 McGee (29-28 McGee)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McGee (29-28 McGee)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Steele (29-28 Steele)

The Official Result

Court McGee def. Dominique Steele via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Maryna Moroz vs. Danielle Taylor

Round 1

Moroz takes the center of the cage and pivots to follow Taylor around the outside, keeping the shorter woman well out of range with long jabs and front kicks. Moroz swings a combination but can’t connect as she’s busy slipping her head off-center to dodge Taylor’s counters. The pattern continues through the middle part of the round, with neither woman appearing to land much in the way of clean offense. Inside the final minute, Mozoz connects with a pair of straight punches to counter a Taylor leg kick. Taylor looks slightly troubled as she dashes away, but she’s still swinging punches when the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Moroz
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Moroz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Moroz

Round 2

The positions and pace from round one carry over into the second, with Moroz working from the center and Taylor circling the edge of the cage, out of range of the Ukrainian long strikes. Two minutes in, a wind-up overhand right from Taylor knocks Moroz backward a few steps. “The Iron Woman” appears to have recovered quickly, however, as she begins marching forward on Taylor almost immediately. Taylor swings and misses with another huge right hand over the top, then eats a jab for her trouble. Moroz is still coming forward in the last minute of the round, although now at an even more measured clip.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Moroz
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Moroz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10

Round 3

The strawweights continue their standup stalemate in the final frame: Moroz is constantly moving forward, Taylor sliding backward or angling off to the side, but neither woman is getting close enough to hit the other with punches. Both fighters are constantly pulling up short, though Taylor is able to drag a windmill right hand across Moroz’s face in the latter half of the round. Taylor tries to attack with a wild combo and gets swept out of the pocket by Moroz’s counter left. Moroz tries a head kick, can’t land it, sticks a jab in Taylor’s face instead. The dance goes on until the final 10 seconds, when Taylor ducks underneath Moroz’s pawing hands and lands a takedown right at the death.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Moroz (30-27 Moroz)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Moroz (30-27 Moroz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10 (30-29 Moroz)

The Official Result

Maryna Moroz def. Danielle Taylor via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Trevor Smith vs. Joseph Gigliotti

Round 1

Smith quickly closes the distance to push Gigliotti’s back against the fence, but the UFC newcomer is active while being held on the fence, as he works short punches and knees to Smith’s body. Smith keeps working for the bodylock trip and eventually whips Gigliotti to the ground. Gigliotti is back on his feet within seconds, though he’s still being held against the cage. Smith works some knees to the legs, then an elbow up top, keeping just busy enough as referee Dan Miragliotta calls for work. The ref twice warns Smith for lacing his fingers into the chain-link of the fence. The next infraction causes Miragliotta to split up the fighters and issue a sterner warning to Smith, advising that another grab of the fence will draw a point deduction. Gigliotti comes looking for a clinch and gets a knee to the face from Smith, who grabs for a guillotine as “Capo Joe” shoots for a takedown. Gigliotti extracts his head from the choke and turns the tables by catching Smith in a front headlock. Smith pulls loose and drives forward, putting Gigliotti on a knee at the fence. Smith appears to land an illegal knee to the face while Gigliotti is kneeling, but the foul goes unpunished.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Smith
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Smith
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Smith

Round 2

Gigliotti steps into the pocket, where Smith grabs him by the neck and delivers a knee to the rookie’s face. Gigliotti drops to his back and “Hot Sauce” smothers him, transitioning from top position to back-mount as Gigliotti tries to get his bearings. Gigliotti rolls to his knees, Smith still hooked onto his back, and moves slowly toward the fence. As they near the wall, Smith flattens out his opponent and postures up to drop punches. Gigliotti gets back to his knees and looks to be on the verge of standing when Smith’s weight brings him back to the mat. The middleweights continue to fight on the ground with three minutes left on the clock. Around the midway point, Smith gives up back-mount to work from top position. He triangles the legs of Gigliotti, who takes a seat propped up against the fence. Smith feeds him a slow but steady diet of right hands as they hit the two-minute warning. Gigliotti looks to be close to standing again, so Smith puts all his weight on top and rides him back to the ground. There’s just no escape for Gigliotti here; Smith is all over him, constantly controlling the position and grinding away with ground-and-pound in between. Smith frames up a D’arce/brabo choke in the waning seconds but can’t force a tap before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Smith
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Smith
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Smith

Round 3

Smith ducks under a looping right hand and takes Gigliotti to the ground within 20 seconds of the bell. “Hot Sauce” moves slowly as he works his way up into half guard, but he’s stopped there when Gigliotti locks up his right foot. Smith eventually passes to side control, then tries to take Gigliotti’s back as he stands, but Gigliotti spins away and puts his back against the fence. Smith traps him there for a few seconds, but the middleweights separate with 2:30 left in the round and the fight. Smith barely masks a takedown attempt behind a combination, but he’s able to bring Gigliotti back to the ground nonetheless. Gigliotti gives up his back, then flips over, leaving Smith in full mount with over a minute remaining. Smith delivers short elbows to the face of the fading Gigliotti, grinding away from the top until time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Smith (30-26 Smith)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Smith (30-26 Smith)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Smith (30-26 Smith)

The Official Result

Trevor Smith def. Joe Gigliotti via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) R3 5:00

Zak Cummings vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio

Round 1

The southpaw Cummings inches forward on Ponzinibbio, who slides backward in the orthodox stance, evading a few of the American’s early attacks. Cummings is shooting his left hand fast and hard down the middle, but Ponzinibbio is able to dodge it each time. Ponzinibbio takes control of the center and slugs Cummings with a hard right straight, sending the wrestler shooting for a takedown. Ponzinibbio sprawls and backs up to the fence, where he disengages and separates from Cummings with three minutes left in the round. Ponzinibbio comes close with a few hard punches before landing a foot-to-face right high kick. Cummings absorbs the shot and gives Ponzinibbio a grin before marching forward again. An inside thigh kick from Cummings catches Ponzinibbio on the cup just as they enter the final minute, and referee Herb Dean pauses the action to give “Gente Boa” time to recover. Dean issues a “strong warning” to Cummings because of the upward angle of the kick, but no point is deducted. When the fight resumes, Cummings whiffs on a spinning kick and takes a straight right to the chin. Ponzinibbio denies a takedown attempt in the final moments of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio

Round 2

Cummings tries to jab his way into range and gets a straight right on the chin from Ponzinibbio instead. The American is throwing with greater volume but missing frequently, while Ponzinibbio is connecting at a higher rate with his selective counters. Cummings covers up to block a Ponzinibbio high kick, then grabs for the Argentinians’s leg, but Ponzinibbio hops away. Ponzinibbio thuds Cummings’ left flank with a body kick and pulls the leg back before Cummings can latch on. Cummings seems encouraged when he lands a jab, but the four or five follow-up punches behind it all come up short. Ponzinibbio lands a pair of hard leg kicks, then comes away from an exchange complaining of an eye poke. Cummings denies it, and ref Dean didn’t see anything, so the fight goes on. Cummings goes diving on a single-leg attempt; Ponzinibbio pulls away and makes the American pay with a blasting right hand down the center. Cummings’ face is looking more and more swollen, particularly around his left eye, which has been battered by Ponzinibbio’s right hand. Ponzinibbio isn’t damage-free either, as he finishes the round leaking blood from his nose and a cut beneath his left eye.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio

Round 3

Ponzinibbio comes out firing as the final round begins, but his heaviest strikes aren’t finding a home early on. He connects with a straight right, but Cummings shakes his head in disapproval. Ponzinibbio stays too close while throwing a series of leg kicks and gets a left hand on the jaw. This wakes up “Gente Boa” a bit, and he’s soon closing in Cummings with heavy punches. A jab to the nose slows down Ponzinibbio momentarily, but he’s back on the attack as the 170-pounders enter the final two minutes. Ponzinibbio scores with a hard kick to the ribs; Cummings tries to keep hold of the foot, can’t get a grip. Cummings taps Ponzinibbio’s leg with a short kick outside and takes a hard right straight to the face in an uneven exchange. Cummings tries a cartwheel kick as time runs out, but Ponzinibbio dodges it, and this one will go to the judges.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio (30-27 Ponzinibbio)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio (30-27 Ponzinibbio)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ponzinibbio (30-27 Ponzinibbio)

The Official Result

Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Zak Cummings via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Thales Leites vs. Chris Camozzi

Round 1

The middleweights tangle in an early clinch, with Camozzi winding up in the outside position as they grapple on the fence. Leites reverses and works to reap Camozzi’s left leg, but Camozzi balances by leaning his right side against the fence. Leites trips his opponent to one knee and sees the opening to spin to Camozzi’s back. The Brazilian gets one hook in and drapes himself over Camozzi’s back as he stands. Referee Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters that they’re in a “stalemate position” and threatens to separate them. Leites still has only one hook established, but he’s working for a rear-naked choke, trying to soften up Camozzi with short right hands while his left arm searches for the choke. Camozzi goes two-on-one defense and peels away Leites’ choke hand. Leites briefly slips off the back, but when Camozzi stumbles to his knees again, Leites re-establishes back-mount. Camozzi stands up with Leites on his back and leans against the cage. Leites, now holding the position with a body triangle, momentarily abandons the choke to sock Camozzi in the face with short left hands. Camozzi is all defense here, just standing in place and trying to avoid being choked. Leites locks up an RNC, but it’s only on Camozzi’s jaw and can’t slide under the chin. Camozzi tries to somersault and shake Leites loose in the final 10 seconds, but Leites comes down on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Leites
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Leites

Round 2

Leites wraps up Camozzi and puts him on the floor with a bodylock takedown in the first 40 seconds of the round. They hit the mat near the center of the cage, and Camozzi tries unsuccessfully to create some space with butterfly guard. Leites is heavy on top, setting up a D’arce choke but abandoning it as Camozzi threatens to escape to his feet. Leites jumps on the taller man’s back and rides him back to the ground, this time at the base of the fence. Leites secures back-mount with another body triangle and throws a couple left hands to the side of Camozzi’s head. Camozzi breaks up the body triangle and peels away one hook but can’t get free. Leites remains on his opponent’s back until the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Leites
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Leites

Round 3

Camozzi appears to hurt Leites with his first right hand of the round, but Leites keeps his footing and seems to regain his wits in a hurry. Camozzi tries a guillotine, then clinch knees, but Leites blocks both before changing levels to land yet another takedown. Camozzi rolls to his knees, once again allowing Leites to take his back. Leites rolls him away from the fence and resumes his hunt for the rear-naked choke. Camozzi is just barely surviving here, constantly having to peel Leites’ arms away from his neck. Finally, Leites gets his left arm across Camozzi’s neck and forces a tap.

The Official Result

Thales Leites def. Chris Camozzi via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 2:58

Dennis Bermudez vs. Rony Mariano Bezerra

Round 1

Bezerra tries a jump knee in the opening moments of the fight and gets Bermudez’s right hand in his face. Bermudez works from the middle of the cage, stomping toward “Rony Jason” with hard front kicks and pumping left hands. The larger Bezerra uses his reach to touch Bermudez with a right straight, but Bermudez charges back with a low kick that spins the Brazilian around. Bermudez changes levels and drives Bezerra to the floor, but he’s forced to stand up when “Jason” throws up an armbar. Bermudez comes back to the ground, kneeling in Bezerra’s guard, then stands again when Bezerra threatens with another armlock. Down comes Bermudez once more, this time forced to fend off a Bezerra triangle attempt. Bermudez breaks up the submission with three or four heavy elbows which split open the Brazilian’s forehead. Bezerra is leaking blood all over the mat as they enter the final 80 seconds of the opening round. Bermudez is heavy on top, stacking up Bezerra at the foot of the fence and grinding away with ground-and-pound. Bezerra tries to kick off the fence and throw up another submission, but it’s all Bermudez in the closing minute of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Bermudez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Bermudez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Bermudez

Round 2

The corner of “Rony Jason” does well to patch him up between rounds, at least temporarily closing the bloody wound on his forehead. Bermudez steps inside with an awkward high kick and gets clubbed with a counter right hand. Despite landing the hard strike, it’s Bezerra who’s taken down seconds later when Bermudez powers forward. Bermudez tries to take the back of the kneeling Bezerra, can’t get there and instead receives a warning from referee John McCarthy for lacing toes in the fence. Bezerra escapes to his feet with just over three minutes left in the middle round. The Brazilian scores with a body kick, but he’s knocked to the ground when he’s caught off-balance by a Bermudez body punch. Bermudez comes down in top position but can’t hold down his foe. Bezerra is only vertical for a few seconds before Bermudez blasts him back to the ground. Back up comes “Jason” to land a body kick, but Bermudez dives into range with a well-timed right hand and then changes levels to work a takedown. Good defense keeps Bezerra on his feet, much to the delight of the crowd. Bezerra swings and misses with some wild punches, but Bermudez dashes away, leaving “Jason” breathing heavy with hands on hips. Bermudez finishes the round with one last powerful takedown at the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bermudez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bermudez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bermudez

Round 3

Bezerra times a flying knee perfectly, but the ducking Bermudez gets a mitt up to deflect the strike. Bermudez lands a couple hard leg kicks, forcing Bezerra to switch stances. A pair of punches down the middle and another low kick score for Bermudez, prompting Bezerra to shrug off the attack and wave him forward. Bezerra sprawls all over a mile-long double-leg attempt from Bermudez and tries to catch the wrestler in a headlock, but Bermudez works his way back to his feet. Bermudez scores with a body shot, answered up top by Bezerra with a cracking left hook. Bermudez goes shooting for a takedown near the fence, but “Jason” hits the switch and moves to take Bermudez’s back as they hit the final two minutes of the fight. Bermudez is in deep trouble, flattened out on his stomach as Bezerra tries to slip in a rear-naked choke. Bermudez sits up and tries to escape, but Bezerra pulls him backward to the ground. “Jason” tries to secure the position with a body triangle, but as he does, Bermudez whips around and claims top position in a huge reversal. Bermudez grinds with elbows and punches on top, opening up another cut on Bezerra’s already bloody face. Bezerra struggles back to his feet just before the horn and cocks his hand back to throw a late punch, but thankfully he holds up.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bermudez (30-26 Bermudez)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bezerra (29-27 Bermudez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bermudez (30-26 Bermudez)

The Official Result

Dennis Bermudez def. Rony “Jason” Bezerra via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Yair Rodriguez vs.Alex Caceres

Round 1

Referee Herb Dean is the third man in the cage for tonight’s 145-pound main event, with judges Derek Cleary, Glenn Trowbridge and Tony Weeks scoring at cageside. Rodriguez takes a hard left hand on the jaw in the first 30 seconds and has to grin at Caceres after absorbing the clean strike. “El Pantera” answers with a leaping kick to the body of Caceres, resets and follows with a right high kick which catches Caceres throwing a spinning back-fist. Rodriguez is turning into a tornado of strikes, repeatedly whirling toward Caceres with feet and fists flying, but unable to come up with any clean offense out of the flashy offerings. Caceres blocks a leaping right high kick as Rodriguez slips to the canvas. “Bruce Leeroy” sidesteps the next attack from Rodriguez, wraps him up and trips him to the ground, but the American scrambles back to his feet as Rodriguez threatens to secure a leglock. Another spinning kick from Rodriguez slaps the face of Caceres but produces no visible effect. Rodriguez gets his man backing up with a kick to the body, then blitzes and runs Caceres to the ground. Caceres springs back to his feet with 40 seconds on the clock and tries to press forward. Rodriguez catches him with a reaching right hook to the face, the last clean offense of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 2

Rodriguez continues his twirling, spinning attacks in the second round; even though most of the strikes aren’t connecting, the unorthodox offense has effectively frozen Caceres and forced him into a defensive, reactive game. Caceres dodges a high kick, but he can’t return fire as he has to worry about Rodriguez’s punch coming just behind it. Two minutes in, Caceres lands his best shot of the fight so far, an overhand left that snaps Rodriguez’s head at an awkward angle. Rodriguez shows no wear from the left as he presses forward, continuing to back up Caceres with wild strikes and feints. Rodriguez steps forward to clinch but can’t corral Caceres on the fence. Rodriguez lands a hard left hand, but the momentum from the punch sends him to the ground. Caceres tries to capitalize, can’t manage any offense as Rodriguez scrambles back up. There’s lots of dashing away from Caceres now, being forced to cover a lot of ground to dodge Rodriguez’s long, spinning attacks.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 3

Caceres takes a turn pressing forward at the start of the round, but it’s soon back to Rodriguez dominating the attacks. A step-in straight left from Rodriguez turns Caceres all the way around; once he spins, “Bruce Leeroy” charges forward on Rodriguez, running him against the fence. Rodriguez breaks away and resets, trying and failing to connect with a counter right hand as the “TUF” alum charges. At the midway point of the round and the fight, it’s Rodriguez holding the center of the cage, moving Caceres around the outside with body shots and high kicks. Rodriguez charges at Caceres and grabs him in a bodylock which quickly morphs into a standing arm-triangle choke. Caceres has to bail to the ground to get free, but Rodriguez loses top position and now it’s Caceres stacking up the Mexican near the center of the cage. Caceres tries to ground-and-pound while Rodriguez throws upward hammerfists from his back, with Caceres appearing to get the better of the round’s final exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres

Round 4

The pace slows as the featherweights hit the “championship” rounds, with lots of swings and misses from both men. Caceres looks to be the fresher of the two fighters, bouncing on his feet while Rodriguez steps forward heavily, though still throwing combinations. Rodriguez cracks “Bruce Leeroy” with a right hand upstairs, whirls around with a left-handed spinning back-fist, but nothing he lands seems to bother Caceres. A body punch lands for Caceres, answered by Rodriguez with a trio of hard leg kicks. Caceres sticks a straight right on Rodriguez’s nose as they fight inside the final minute of the round. Now a few stiff jabs from “El Pantera” bloody the mouth of Caceres. Two hard jabs connect for Rodriguez, but Caceres gets the last word in the round with a left to the face.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 5

Caceres lunges at Rodriguez with a Superman punch, misses; Rodriguez swings a pair of punches at the airborne “Bruce Leeroy,” misses. The featherweights wind up clinching on the fence, and Rodriguez breaks the position by pulling down Caceres’ head and hitting him with a knee. Rodriguez chases after Caceres and hits him with another clinch knee to the head, but the follow-up high kick from the Mexican doesn’t quite land cleanly. Ninety seconds into the round, Rodriguez steps into the pocket with a lazy clinch and is easily tripped to the ground. Caceres comes down on top, has to bail from the position when Rodriguez threatens with a leglock, and now it’s “El Pantera” on top with 3:00 on the clock. Caceres scrambles back up just in time for referee Dean to pause the fight; Rodriguez has some loose tape on his left tape which is quickly removed. The fight is back on with just over two minutes remaining, though neither man is really pushing the action. Both featherweights continue to attack with single strikes and low-percentage spinning attacks as they fight down the stretch. They go the full five rounds, and this one will be decided by the judges.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez (49-46 Rodriguez)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rodriguez (49-46 Rodriguez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10 (49-47 Rodriguez)

The Official Result

Yair Rodriguez def. Alex Caceres via Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 46-49) R5 5:00