UFC Houston ‘Strickland vs. Hernandez’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Juliana Miller (126) vs. Carli Judice (125)

Round 1

Jeff Roxroad is the referee. Judice starts on the outside looking for openings and she tags Miller with an early combo. Miller catches a leg, then switches to a rear body lock and shoves her foe into the wire. Miller powers Judice to the mat and she’s got a body triangle secured. Miller is hunting for the choke. Judice tries to throw punches over the top of her head. Judice temporarily scrambles out of danger, but Miller regains back control. Judice stands, carrying Miller like a backpack. Judice discards Miller and shoves her into the fence. Judice with a big elbow in close quarters. Miller reverses position and goes to work with knees in the clinch. Judice is able to free herself and they’re back at range. Judice lands a kick to the body. Miller counters a front kick with a jab. Judice steps in and lands a left uppercut. A straight left stuns Judice and she looks to close distance. Judice shoves her away and stays on the attack. Judice lands a front kick and Miller can’t quite catch it. A short left lands for Judice, and she follows up with a combination. Miller shoots out of desperation, but Judice denies it and shoves Miller ito the cage. Judice punches the body. Judice fires a few punches upstairs from the clinch before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Judice
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Judice
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Judice

Round 2

Miller fires a front kick and Judice responds with a kick to the body and tags the “TUF 30” winner with a couple of punches. Judice is more active throwing combinations and moving in and out. Judice targets the legs and then another stiff straight left connects for “Crispy.” Miller closes the distance, but Judice is able to free herself and land another two-punch combo. Miller fires a jab and goes low for a single leg. Judice denies it without issue. Judice catches Miller coming in with a stiff left hand. Judice is controlling the center of the Octagon well, and her defensive wrestling is holding up nicely. Another counter left lands for Judice. A hard body kick has Miller backing up. Miller misses a spinning backfist. Judice with another left. “Crispy” fires off a combination. Judice is doing well to touch her opponent with strikes rather than loading up for power shots. An uppercut followed by a left land for Judice. Judice is in complete control as the round draws to a close. A head kick by Judice is partially blocked by Miller. Judice lands a knee to the body and the follows with a body kick and a left hand before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Judice
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Judice
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Judice

Round 3

Judice goes back to work, mixing up her punches and confounding Miller with movement. Judice steps in with a knee just as Miller is about to change levels. They clinch against the fence and Miller is able to work her way to the back, where she had her best success in Round 1. Miller pushes off the fence and drags Judice to the floor with a creative takedown. Judice briefly gets to her feet but she can’t shake Miller off her. Miller is able to secure a body triangle and she has a choke on the jaw of Judice, who punches rather than fighting the hands. Miller adjusts the choke and it’s tight for a moment. Somehow, Judice is able to escape and get back to her feet. That might have been Miller’s last gasp. Another knee lands for Judice. Judice fires a straight left into her foe’s chest. Miller lands a right in an exchange. They crash into the clinch and Judice stuffs a takedown. Judice stalks Miller, and she lands a left. Judice with a kick to the body, and moments later anotehr left connects. Miller keeps on fighting, but she’s outgunned on the feet. Judice kicks the body and counters a spinning attack with one last crisp left.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Miller (29-28 Judice)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Judice (30-27 Judice)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Judice (30-27 Judice)

The Official Result

Carli Judice def. Juliana Miller via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00

Jordan Leavitt (145.5) vs. Yadier Del Valle (145.5)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley is the referee. Del Valle leaps in with a front kick, and Leavitt catches it, shoves his foe into the fence and drags him to the mat. Del Valle scoots to a seated position against the cage. He posts and gets to his feet, and Leavitt maintains his body lock. However, a knee from Leavitt lands below the belt and the bout is paused so Del Valle can recover. Del Valle takes about 30 seconds and he’s good to go. Leavitt with a series of front kicks, then an inside leg kick. Del Valle moves in with a heavy combination, but that allows Leavitt to secure the clinch. Moments later, he takes “The Cuban Problem” down. Leavitt passes to side control, and the Houston crowd is booing already. Del Valle stands, but Leavitt trips him down immediately. Del Valle has full guard and Leavitt responds with a mini slam. Another short slam for Leavitt, as he tries to open up his foe’s guard. Leavitt hovers over Del Valle and drops a few punches before diving back into guard. A heavy elbow lands for Leavitt from above. Del Valle prevents Leavitt from passing guard, but “The Monkey King” peppers him with a few shots. Leavitt drops back for a leg lock in the waning seconds, but nothing comes of it.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt

Round 2

Leavitt lands a pair of leg kicks. Leavitt extends both arms in an awkward fighting stance. Del Valle counters a kick and sprawls on a takedown. Leavitt kicks the body twice and then fires off a series of push kicks. Del Valle rips the body with a right. Leavitt changes levels, but Del Valle sprawls. However, the Houston-based Cuban gambles for a guillotine and ends up surrendering top position instead. Now Leavitt goes to work in half guard and the boo birds are out again. Leavitt postures up and lands a short elbow. Del Valle is doing well to neutralize much of Leavitt’s offense with his guard. Leavitt passes to half guard again. Del Valle scoots to a seated position and Leavitt drives a shoulder into his chin. Leavitt shoves Del Valle to his back as he continues to impose his will. Leavitt periodically creates openings for ground-and-pound while continuing to control position. With about 15 seconds left, Del Valle lands an illegal upkick while Leavitt is still on his knees. They resume in the same position, with Dal Valle on his back. Leavitt again finishes the round by dropping back for a leg lock.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt

Round 3

Del Valle likely needs a finish. Leavitt goes back to work, controlling the range with a variety of kicks. Del Valle is still struggling to connect with his punches. Leavitt circles away then kicks his foe’s legs. Hatley calls for action about 90 seconds in. Del Valle stalks Leavitt and then throws his arms out in frustration. Leavitt follows a right with a takedown. He eats a knee from Del Valle but pulls the Cuban into his guard. Now it’s Del Valle in half guard. Leavitt is hanging on, hoping to force a standup. Del Valle lands a few short strikes to the body. Leavitt continues to cling to Del Valle, who nearly achieves full mount against the fence. Leavitt is content to try and neutralize Del Valle, as he realizes he is likely up on the scorecards. Del Valle stands and lands a few shots, before Leavitt reverses position and puts his opponent on his back with less than a mintue remaining. Leavitt gathers the leg and throws some hammerfists to Del Valle’s rear. Leavitt ends with a heavy elbow from side control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Del Valle (29-28 Leavitt)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt (30-27 Leavitt)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Leavitt (30-27 Leavitt)

The Official Result

Jordan Leavitt def. Yadier Del Valle via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Philip Rowe (170.5) vs. Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (170.5)

Round 1

Herb Dean is the referee. Lebosnoyani opens the action with an inside leg kick. Lebosnoyani follows an overhand with a single leg but Rowe denies it. Lebosnoyani lands solid combination. They clinch and Rowe lands a knee. Back at range, Rowe twice pumps his jab into his foe’s mug. Lebosnoyani fires an overhand and moves forward. Rowe lands another jab and Lebosnoyani shoots against the fence. He dumps Rowe to the mat and briefly threatens with a guillotine. Lebosnoyani creates some space and drops some impactful elbows from above. Another elbow for Lebosnoyani and Rowe just avoids being mounted. Lebosnoyani is doing a good job controlling his opponent while landing ground-and-pound. Roew scrambles up with a littl emore than a minute to go. They separate and Rowe sticks a jab. Lebosnoyani shoots behind an overhand and eats a knee in close for his efforts. Rowe lands another jab. Lebosnoyani backs his man up with a head kick and he puts the pressure on with a series of power punches. Both men land before the horn as the action heats up.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani

Round 2

Lebosnoyani jabs the body. An inside leg kick connects for Rowe. Rowe just blocks a high kick. Rowe’s jab finds the mark again. Lebosnoyani follows a head kick with a right hand. Roew avoids an overhand. Lebosnoyani is firing off high kicks with both legs. Lebosnoyani blocks a head kick from Rowe, then drives his man into a fence with a takedown attempt. Rowe defends well and separates. Lebosnoyani with a hard body kick. Lebosnoyani kicks the legs and then throws an overhand. Rowe answers with a low kick of his own. Lebosnoyani lands a hard body kick and then a two-punch combination. Lebosnoyani changes levels and looks for a single leg. Rowe defends and lands an elbow with his back to the fence. Rowe knees the body before Lebosnoyani dumps him to the mat. Rowe sits against the fence and attempts to push off on Lebosnoyani face. Rowe eats a couple shots as he stands. Lebosnoyani peppers Rowe with about five left hands. Lebosnoyani keeps the pressure on with punches and Rowe slips to the canvas while throwing a knee. Lebosnoyani dives on top and attacks before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rowe
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rowe

Round 3

Rowe with an inside leg kick early. Lebosnoyani kicks the leg and follows with a two punch combination. Rowe sticks a jab. Lebosnoyani blocks a high kick. Lebosnoyani chops away at Rowe’s legs. Rowe again finds a home for his jab. Lebosnoyani blocks a head kick and counters with a jab. Lebosnoyani advances with a right hand. Rowe continues to pump his jab. Rowe follows a jab with a head kick and sticks Lebosnoyani with a right. Moments later, “Mufasa” takes Rowe down in the center of the cage. Lebosnoyani moves to mount and briefly threatens a guillotine. Rowe escapes a rear-naked choke, but Lebosnoyani is in control from top position at the 1:30 mark. Rowe tries to create a scramble, but Lebosnoyani threatens the neck and maintains control. Rowe gets to his feet with about 40 seconds left. Lebosnoyani lunges in with an overhand. Rowe lands a right, but Lebosnoyani counters in turn. They’re traiding late, and Rowe appears to wobble Lebosnoyani with a combination. It’s not enough, as Lebosnoyani keeps his bearings and the welterweights trade until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani (30-27 Lebosnoyani)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani (29-28 Lebosnoyani)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lebosnoyani (29-28 Lebosnoyani)

The Official Result

Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Philip Rowe via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00

Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5) vs. Punahele Soriano (171)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Soriano misses a left. Brahimaj lands a front kick and Soriano answers with a combination. Soriano slips a head kick through his foe’s guard. Brahimaj counters a left by stepping in with a knee. Another head kick for Soriano, and Brahimaj responds with a body kick. Another body kick for Brahimaj. Brahimaj continues to target the body with kicks. They trade in close quarters before briefly clinching. Brahimaj kicks the body and then lands a pair of striaght shots. Brahimaj buckles Soriano with a short left and then he kicks the body again. A jab gets through for Brahimaj. Soriano lands a straight left. Brahimaj with yet another body kick and Soriano just misses a heavy left. Brahimaj continues to have success attacking with body kicks. Soriano counters with a heavy combination. Soriano counters a kick with a combination. Brahimaj lands a left hook through his opponent’s guard. Soriano puts Brahimaj on the retreat with some left hands. Soriano doubles up his jab and then lands a left. Brahimaj is successful on his first takedown attempt of the fight, but Soriano reverses and ends the round landing some punches.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brahimaj
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brahimaj
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brahimaj

Round 2

Brahimaj changes levels less than 30 seconds in and pushes Soriano toward the fence. Soriano defends a rear body lock against the wire. Brahimaj laces one leg and keeps the pressure on. Soriano reverses position with a switch and shoves Brahimaj into the cage. Now it’s Soriano grinding away with underhooks against the cage. It’s a stalemate against the fence for now as the welterweights jockey for positional control. Miragliotta urges the fighters to work and the crowd expresses its displeasure. Soriano is in control and he finally clears some space for an elbow and a knee. Another knee for Soriano, and Brahimaj responds with a couple knees. That’s not enough for Miragliotta, who separates them. Brahimaj changes levels, but Soriano sprawls on it. However, Brahimaj resets, gets Soriano down and takes the back. Brahimaj ends the frame in mount but can’t land any damage before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Soriano
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Soriano

Round 3

Soriano partially lands a head kick. Another head kick lands. As Brahimaj changes levels, Soriano lands up high with another kick in a great start for the Hawaiian. A straight left gets through for Soriano, and Brahimaj shoots for a takedown. He puts Soriano on his knees near the fence. Brahimaj is working to take the back. Soriano stays calm and reverses. He lands an elbow in close before Brahimaj works for the takedown again. Brahimaj clings to the rear body lock. Brahimaj hunts for the neck as they scramble to their feet following another takedown. Soriano creates space for a nasty elbow before the cage battle continues. Soriano gets Brahimaj down and then punishes his foe with strikes as Brahimaj stands. Brahimaj is threatening a choke, but Soriano takes him down and clears his opponent’s guard. Brahimaj looks fatigued as the final minute ticks down and Soriano works from top position. Brahimaj clings to the neck in the waning seconds, but Soriano isn’t in any type of danger.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Soriano (29-28 Soriano)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Soriano (29-28 Soriano)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Soriano (29-28 Soriano)

The Official Result

Punahele Soriano def. Ramiz Brahimaj via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Nora Cornolle (136) vs. Joselyne Edwards (135.5)

Round 1

Jacob Montalvo is the referee. A hard right snaps Edwards’ head back to kick off the action. Cornolle punches forward and the bantamweights clinch. Edwards powers her foe to the fence. Cornolle brings a knee up and reverses position. Edwards regains control as the clinch battle continues. Edwards stays busy with some short knees and punches. Cornolle brings another knee up to Edwards’ head. Edwards is working hard for the takedown, but Cornolle defends, punishing the Panama native with an elbow and a series of knees. Edwards shoves Cornolle into the wire again, but she still isn’t having iany luck getting the fight to the mat. In fact, it’s Cornolle who is doing well to punish Edwards with knees to the head despite having her back to the fence. They go back to range, and Edwards cracks Cornolle with a straight shot. A glancing spinning backfist lands for Edwards, and Cornolle counters with one of her own, missing the mark. Edwards forces the clinch again, but Cornolle ends the round landing knees to the body.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cornolle
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cornolle
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cornolle

Round 2

Cornolle circles on the outside early. The Frenchwoman lands a leg kick. Another leg kcik for Cornolle, but Edwards times a takedown perfectly. Cornolle gets to a knee against the fence, then stands. Edwards is working toward the back, and she’s got one hook in. Cornolle defends that, but Edwards keeps her opponent pressed into the cage. Cornolle still is able to land offense. Edwards slams Cornolle to the mat, and she appears to be out or injured after landing directly on her right shoulder. Edwards unloads with shots as she looks toward the referee, but no stoppage is coming yet. As a dazed Cornolle attempts to return to her feet and survive, Edwards locks in a rear-naked choke. Cornolle falls back to the mat and Edwards applies the squeeze. Moments later, Cornolle taps out, giving Edwards her fourth consecutive finish in UFC competition. Cornolle remains down on the mat after the stoppage, and it appears that she suffered a right shoulder injury as a result of the slam.

The Official Result

Joselyne Edwards def. Nora Cornolle via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:44

Alden Coria (125.5) vs. Luis Gurule (125)

Round 1

Jeff Rexroad is the referee. Coria with an outside leg kick, and Gurule answers with one of his own. Gurule is warned to close his hands. Another leg kick for Coria. A right gets through for Coria. A stiff jab connects for Coria. Coria lands another jab. Coria counters Gurule with a nice combination. A quick left hand gets through for Coria, and Gurule follows a combination by shoving his man into the fence. Coria reverses position and lands a sneaky shoulder strike and a knee before they separate. Coria lands a body kick. Coria catches a kick and briefly dumps Gurule. Coria pumps his jab. Gurule wings a counter combination but can’t connect. Coria makes Gurule stumble with a calf kick. Coria knees the body and avoids a Gurule flurry at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Coria
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Coria
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Coria

Round 2

Coria opens up with a lead hook and Gurule responds with a low kick. Gurule catches a kick, lands a couple shots and looks for a takedown. He lifts and slams Coria, but the Houston native is right back to his feet. Coria hurts Gurule in an ensuing exchange. Coria targets the lead leg and then lands a straightr right. Gurule has a head kick blocked, and Coria connects with a counter left. Coria with a front kick to the body. Coria steps in with an uppercut and follows up with a straight right. They clinch and Coria lands a knee before shoving his foe into the fence. A shoulder strike follows. Coria breaks with a slashing elbow and keeps the pressure on with straights. An uppercut by Coria snaps Gurule’s head back. Coria is just picking Gurule apart. Coria connects with a head kick and Gurule goes on the attack. He strings together a series of punches before changing levels against the fence. Coria defends well and they separate. Coria stabs his foe with a front kick, then lands a knee in close. Another uppercut finds the mark for Coria. Gurule ducks under a spinning attack and slams Coria to the mat. However, Coria ends up on top in side control. Gurule goes to all fours and Coria frames a choke to force his foe back to the floor. Coria ends the round in side control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Coria
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Coria
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Coria

Round 3

Coria lands a jab and then an outside low kick. Gurule wades forward with power punches. He backs Coria into the fence and attacks before clinching. Gurule with a short elbow on the break. Coria lands a combination to back Gurule up. He works the body nicely before going upstairs. Gurule is firing back this round, however. Coria changes levels and gets a takedown in the center of the Octagon. Gurule stands, but Coria maintains a rear body lock. A quick mat return follows and then Coria shoves Gurule toward the fence. The Houston fighter peppers his foe with a flurry of punches on the release. Coria continues to find success with a uppercut. Coria is heating up, landing punches, knees and kicks to the body. Gurule wings punches but Coria slides out of reach. Coria catches a kick. Gurule is swinging wildly before Coria releases the limb. Coria lands a jab and then eludes an onrushing Gurule. Gurule wades forward with punches and Coria just misses on a spinning attack. Gurule falls after a kick and Coria kicks the body. Gurule goes on the attack one more time, but Coria remains defensively sound until the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Coria (30-27 Coria)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Coria (30-27 Coria)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Coria (30-27 Coria)

The Official Result

Alden Coria def. Luis Gurule via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Alibi Idiris (126) vs. Ode Osbourne (126)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Idiris opens with an inside low kick and then shoots for a takedown. Osbourne shucks him aside. Idiris leaps in with a right and it sits Osbourne down. The flyweights are back to it and Idiris lands another impactful right. Osbourne kicks the body. Idiris lands a leg kick and drives Osbourne into the fence. Idiris goes from a foot stomp to a shoulder strike. They move off the fence and Idiris trips Osbourne down. Idiris is inside his foe’s full guard. Osbourne creates space with his guard momentarily, but Idiris dives right back into top position. Idiris advances to side half guard. Osbourne stands but Idiris is attached to his back. Osbourne is able to free himself, and he counters a leaping Idiris nicely. Idiris steps in and lands another big right. A 1-2 lands for Osbourne and he eludes a takedown attempt. Osbourne catches Idiris with a right hook. Idiris moves in an lands an upward elbow.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Idiris
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Idiris
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Idiris

Round 2

Osbourne pressures early and connects with a combination followed by a body kick. Idiris shoots and Osbourne defends and breaks form the clinch. Idiris absorbs a couple body shots from Osbourne, who sprawls on a takedown. Idiris lands a leg kick. Osbourne lines up a left hand. Idiris lunges in with a right. Idiris grabs a hold of a leg and takes Osbourne down near the fence. Idiris is looking to work his way to the back against the cage. Idiris softens him with punches, but Osbourne turns. Now Idiris is in half guard, flat on his back. Osbourne stands and lands a couple knees before the break. Idiris lands a glancing head kick. Osbourne answers with a 1-2. A counter right lands for Idiris, who shoots for a takedown against the fence. Osbourne knees the body as he defends. Idiris nonetheless powers Osbourne to the mat with a body lock takedown. Idiris drops some heavy elbows from above, then switches to hammerfists as Osbourne scrambles. Idiris unloads with a couple more shots as they stand.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Idiris
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Idiris
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Idiris

Round 3

Idiris follows a body kick with a combination. Osbourne throws a kick that Idiris catches, and he dumps his foe to the mat. Idiris drops a heavy elbow from inside guard. Osbourne scrambles up and creates space, landing a combination. A left backs up Idiris temporarily. Osbourne partially lands a high kick. A stiff jab hits the mark for Osbourne. Osbourne ducks under a punch for a takedown but Idiris defends without issue. Idiris loads up and lands a big left. Idiris turns the corner and grounds Osbourne about halfway through the frame. Osbourne reverses into top position. Idiris is still throwing strikes from his back. Idiris is looking to turn this into a takedown. While that doesn’t happen, Idiris works his way back up and goes on the attack. He fires punches and shoves Osbourne back into the fence. From the clinch, Idiris lands a knee late, and he’ll end the fight in control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Idiris (30-27 Idiris)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Idiris (30-27 Idiris)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Idiris (30-27 Idiris)

The Official Result

Alibi Idiris def. Ode Osbourne via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Carlos Leal (170) vs. Chidi Njokuani (171)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley is the referee. Njokuani with a leg kick and Leal counters him. Njokuani contiues to chip away with a series of low kicks. Njokuani is mixing in body kicks with leg kicks. Leal is measured, trying to find range for punches. Leal moves in and rips the body and head with a combination. Leal keeps the pressure on after absorbing a knee, backing Njokuani into the fence with power shots to the head and body. Leal kicks the legs and then lands a series of right hands. More right hands connect for Leal, who goes back to the body. Njokuani forces the clinch and lands a couple knees. A hard counter right over the top finds the mark for Njokuani. Leal keeps his foot on the gas, teeing off with more combinations to the body and head. A sharp counter right connects for Njokuani. Njokuani keeps his cool as Leal backs him into the fence. Leal continues to land in flurries. Njokuani is taking it well, but Leal is racking up damage. Leal kicks the lead leg. Njokuani puts together some kicks and punches to briefly push Leal back. Leal lines up an overhand and Njokuani kicks the body. Njokuani mixes up his attacks late in the round, and he finds some success after what was largely one way traffic for Leal.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Leal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Leal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Leal

Round 2

Njokuani stabs the body with a front kick. An inside low kick lands for Njokuani. Leal marches forward and shoots for a takedown against the fence. Njokuani stays upright and punishes his foe with a knee. Leal rocks Njokuani back into the fence with a right. Njokuani keeps his footing and recovers well. Njokuani kicks the body. Njokuani backs Leal up with a trip attempt. Njokuani kicks the body and the legs. A jab is followed by a body kick for Njokuani, who follows with a 1-2. A stiff jab snaps Leal’s head back. Leal shoots for a takedown and Njokuani defends against the fence. Leal works hard for the takedown and gets it, but Njokuani is right back up. Leal is dogged in pursuit of the takedown as Njokuani tries to break his grip. There’s not nearly as much action in this round as a result. Njokuani is warned repeatedly against grabbing the fence. Leal falls for an ill advised leg lock. He hustles up and absorbs a leg kick before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Leal
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Leal
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Leal

Round 3

Njokuani grabs for a leg and Leal makes him pay with a blitz of strikes. Back at range, the fighters trade jabs. A head kick lands for Njokuani, but Leal is undeterrred. The Brazilian continues to march forward landing combinations. A counter right lands for Njokuani, but Leal eats it. Leal again lands in volume, connecting to both the head and body. Njokuani is more measured, but he has been accurate with his attacks. A left hook lands with impact for Leal. Njokuani answers with a jab. Leal marches forward with punches in bunches. Njokuani lands some clean counters on the chin. Njokuani trips Leal and appears to land an illegal kick. Leal waves off the ref, and they continue. Njokuani makes Lea stumble with a leg kick. Leal pressures, keeping Njokuani on the defensive. Njokuani defends a takedown and answers with a knee. Another knee lands in close quarters for Njokuani, and Leal shakes it off. Leal keeps firing, but Njokuani is landing clean as well. They continue to trade until the horn, and the combatants embrace in the center of the Octagon at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Leal (30-27 Leal)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Leal (30-27 Leal)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (29-28 Leal)

The Official Result

Carlos Leal def. Chidi Njokuani via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Michel Pereira (186) vs. Zachary Reese (185.5)

Round 1

Herb Dean is the referee. Pereira lands a hard body kick to begin the main card. Pereira counters a kick with a glancing overhand, but Reese seems to be OK. Pereira jabs the body. Pereira counters another kick with a right hand and Reese goes down. Pereira welcomes Reese back to his feet. Reese lands a body kick. Pereira with a front kick down the middle. Pereira jabs the body. Reese moves in and lands a knee to the body. Reese attempts an inside leg kick, but Herb Dean calls time because it apparently landed low. The crowd isn’t buying it but Pereira takes about a minute. Pereira tries for that same overhand counter following a Reese kick but it’s not as successful as it was earlier. Reese moves in and lands a combination to the body. Reese kicks the body, and Pereira grimaces, as it landed below the belt again. A replay review determines that it was indeed a foul, despite the protests of the fans. Reese lands a kick and they engage in the clinch, with both men swinging wildly during a brief exchange. An errant spinning attack by Reese results in a takedown for Pereira. Reese stands, but Pereira grabs the neck and lands a couple knees on the break. Pereira stabs the body with a front kick. Reese leaps in wildly, but Pereira can’t capitalize. Reese makes his foe stumble with a low kick before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pereira

Round 2

Reese targets the body with kicks. They clinch, and Pereira lands a pair of hard knees to the gut. They clinch and Pereira lands another knee before pushing Reese to the wire. They separate in short order. Pereira lands a right followed by a knee. Reese had his fingers extended during an exchange, and he poked Pereira in the eye. This results in the third timeout of the fight due to a foul by Reese. No point is taken and the action resumes. Reese quickly lands a takedown in the center of the cage. Reese peppers the Brazilian with left hands from half guard. Reese maintains a body lock as Pereira stands. Reese is busted open. Reese lands a body kick. A counter left freezes Pereira where he stands. Pereira throws a right to the body. Reese moves in and Pereira land a leaping knee. They crash forward, with both men landing in an exchange. Reese is holding his hands low as he lands a right. Pereira jabs the body while avoiding a high kick. Another body kick for Reese. Reese lands a two-punch combination. Reese throws a front kick to the body and Pereira urges him on. Reese just misses with a flying knee. Pereira responds with a rolling somersault kick at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Reese
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Reese
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Reese

Round 3

Reese opens with a body kick. Pereira throws a push kick to the body. Reese lands a leg kick and is warned to keep his hands closed. Reese attacks the body with another kick. They collide in the clinch and separate. Reese closes distance and lands a knee. Pereira connects with a straight right. A lead leg head kick lands for Reese, as these two keep trading one-off attacks. Reese with a two-punch solid combination. Pereira sticks a jab. Reese kicks the body. Pereira lands a counter right. Reese lands a right uppercut to the body followed by a left hand over the top. Pereira closes the distance and Reese nearly had a choke locked. Periera was a ble to scramble up. That sets the stage for another exchange. Both men land heavy shots initially, but they’re mostly swinging and missing in the waning seconds, save for a Pereira knee down the middle.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Reese (29-28 Reese)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Reese (29-28 Reese)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Reese (29-28 Reese)

The Official Result

Michel Pereira def. Zachary Reese via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00

Josiah Harrell (171) vs. Jacobe Smith (171)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley is the referee. Smith moves in and lands a straight right early. Harrll shoots and Smith defends with ease. Smith with an outside leg kick. Smith is measuring that right hand and he connects with a nother, followed by a hard body kick. Smith briefly gets a takedown, but Harrell uses a leg lock to scramble up. Smith lands a head kick and a left hook after they return to standing. Smith closes the distance and lands a takedown. Harrell scrambles up quickly and lands a body kick. Smith with a hard right hand. Harrell closes the distance and surprisingly takes Smith down. Smith explodes and quickly reverses into top position, dropping heavy punches and elbows almost instantly while trapping his foe in a crucifix. Smith continues to unload with ground-and-pound on his defenseless opponent until Harrell goes out. Harrell absorbs more than a few shots while unconscious before Hatley steps in to wave off the fight. Smith remains undefeated in impressive fashion, earning his third straight UFC finish in the process.

The Official Result

Jacobe Smith def. Josiah Harrell via KO (Elbows and Punches) R1 3:01

Ante Delija (239) vs. Serghei Spivac (251.5)

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Delija opens up with a head kick before following up with a quick jab. Delija displays quick hands as he lands a combination. Spivac has also landed some jabs early, and Delija is already cut open. A right gets through for Delija in another exchange. Spivac moves in and lands. Both men are having success with their respective jabs. Delija connects with a counter right in an exchange. Spivac lands a left as he retreats. Spivac connects with his jab yet again. A 1-1-2 lands for “The Polar Bear” in an exchange. Delija pressures behind a combination .It’s been all striking so far in Round 1. Delija, bleeding profusely, lands a combination. They trade jabs again. Spivac blocks a head kick and lands another jab before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Spivac
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Spivac
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Spivac

Round 2

Delija comes out working his jab. Spivac lands a couple jabs of his own. Delija is struggling to get past the lead hand of his opponent. It’s more of the same for Spivac, though he mixes in a timely right and that connects following a series of jabs. Delija ups the aggression and a right hand gets through. They start to trade near the fence and that prompts Spivac to try and clinch. Delija shucks it off and they’re back at range. Another long right connects for Spivac. More jabs find a home for Spivac. But Delija puts Spivac on his heels with a heavy combination. Spivac covers up and Delija goes on the attack. Delija decides to clinch after the flurry, and Spivac turns him into the fence. Spivac with a short elbow in close quarters. The Moldovan leans on Delija with less than a minute to go. The blitz might have fatigued Delija significantly, but he is able to break free before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Delija
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Delija
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Delija

Round 3

Spivac fires off a long right hand and then lands a leg kick, one of the first of the fight. Another stiff jab lands for Spivac. Spivac goes back to the 1-1-2, which has worked on multiple occasions. Delija lands a jab, but Spivac answers with a combination. Spivac shoots behind a jab and rips the body as Delija defends against the fence. Spivac lands a couple punches to the head before dropping low for a takedown. This time he gets Delija to the mat, and he’s in half guard against the fence. A short elbow lands and Delija has his mouthguard dislodged. Delija gives up the back in hopes of standing. Spivac stays heavy, but Delija is able to return to his feet. Delija frees himself with 1:30 remaining, but Spivac tags him with a jab. Spivac continues to do well with his jab as the fight draws to a close. Delija turns up the heat, but he’s not landing consistently with his combinations down the stretch. Spivac lands one final combination before crashing into the clinch as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Spivac (29-28 Spivac)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Spivac (29-28 Spivac)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Spivac (29-28 Spivac)

The Official Result

Serghei Spivac def. Ante Delija via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Melquizael Costa (145.5) vs. Dan Ige (145.5)

Round 1

Jacob Montalvo is the referee. Ige takes the center, kicks the leg and then lands a takedown. Costa is right back up as Ige presses him into the cage. Ige with a shoulder strike from the clinch. Costa is able to toss Ige to the canvas and then lands a knee to the body as his foe stands. They’re battling it out in the clinch, and Costa drives a couple knees to the midsection. Costa with another knee and then he shoves Ige away. Costa goes high with a kick, but Ige has his guard up .Another high kick from Costa is blocked. Costa follows yet another head kick with a front kick down the middle. Another front kick has hurt Ige, but he keeps his wits to survive a follow-up barrage from his foe. Costa steps in with an elbow, then lands a knee as he slides out of range. Ige forces the clinch, but Costa knees and separates. Costa follows a side kick to the body with a left hand. A leg kick lands on Ige. Costa backs up to the fence but leaps in with a knee. With time winding down, Costa drops Ige with a beautiful spinning back kick to the jaw. Ige covers up on the canvas, and Costa unloads with about seven to eight standing-to-ground punches before Montalvo steps in to wave off the fight. Costa has his sixth straight UFC win and in the process becomes the first person to finish Ige in 30 professional fights.

The Official Result

Melquizael Costa def. Dan Ige via TKO (Spinning Back Kick and Punches) R1 4:56

Geoff Neal (170.5) vs. Uros Medic (171)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley is the referee. Medic takes the center of the cage to start. Neal probes with a double jab. Neal moves in and lands another jab. Meanwhile, Medic uses front kicks to try to control distance. Neal kicks the body. After a little bit of a feeling out process, the welterweights decide to plant their feet and trade. Both Medic and Uros are swinging with bad intentions, but the most devastating blow by far comes from “The Doctor,” who clips his opponent with a left hook to the temple. Neal is unconscious as he collapses to the canvas. This one is a wrap, and Medic has his third consecutive first-round finish in the Octagon.

The Official Result

Uros Medic def. Geoff Neal via KO (Punch) R1 1:19

Sean Strickland (185) vs. Anthony Hernandez (186)

Round 1

Herb Dean is the referee. Strickland lands an inside leg kick followed by a jab. A 1-2 from Strickland keeps Hernandez at bay. Hernandez lands a hard calf kick. Strickland, as expected, is using his jab liberally. Hernandez jabs the body. Inside leg kick lands for Hernandez and he jabs the body Strickland continues to pump his jab in Hernandez’s mug. Hernandez just misses a right hand. Hernandez looks to get inside and Strickland lands a short uppercut. Strickland follows a front kick with a jab. Strickland tags Hernadnez with a combination and “Fluffy” grins at him. Hernandez follows a combination by clinching with Strickland, but the former champ is able to circle out and extract himself. Multiple jabs land for Strickland. Hernandez fires back and Strickland appears to slip as he circles away. A solid right lands for Hernandez and Stirckland angels out. Strickland keeps firing his lead hand to keep Hernandez at a safe distance, but “Fluffy” is having his moments to land, as well. Hernandez follows an inside leg kick with a late flurry before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 2

Strickland with an inside low kick. They both trade low kicks. Hernandez fakes a takedown and then follows with an overhand right. Strickland lands a straight right. Hernandez pressures but Strickland is able to angle out of dnager. Hernandez counters a front kick with a right. More jabs and then a rigth hand connect for Strickland. A solid leg kick connects for “Fluffy.” Strickland’s patented jab and front kick both find the range. They briefly trade in close quarters, with Hernandez finding the rage on an uppercut. Hernandez pressures and Strickland pumps out his jab. Hernandez lands a jab of his own, but he’s still struggling to get into takedown range. Hernandez jabs the body. Strickland lands a 1-2. Hernandez answers with a couple shots to the body. They clinch and Strickland pushes Hernandez into the fence. They separate in short order with 40 seconds to go. Hernandez gets inside and forces the clinch, but Strickland lands an elbow as they separate. Strickland lands a nice combination late in the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Strickland
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Strickland

Round 3

Hernandez follows a combination with a head kick early to provide a different look. Strickland doubles up on his jab. Hernandez is trying to put pressure on his opponent, but Strickland always seems to have an anwer with volume and intelligent movement. Hernandez forces the clinch, but Strickland lands an elbow on the break. Moments later, Strickland seems to have hurt Hernandez with a knee to the body. Hernandez is on the retreat as he tries to recover. Strickland goes in for the kill and it’s just a barrage of punches as Hernandez covers up against the fence. A series of uppercuts does the trick, and finally “Fluffy” goes down. Strickland polishes off the victory with about eight unanswered standing-to-ground punches. That’s the end of Hernandez’s eight-fight UFC winning streak, and don’t look now, but Strickland is right back in the thick of the middleweight title picture.

The Official Result

Sean Strickland def. Anthony Hernandez via TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) R3 2:33