UFC Seattle ‘Cejudo vs. Song’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Modestas Bukauskas (203) vs. Raffael Cerqueira (204)

Round 1

The UFC treks to Seattle for the first time since 2013, when flyweight king Demetrious Johnson put his belt on the line against John Moraga. The sport never stops moving, and none of the 24 fighters on the lineup of that event will be competing tonight at UFC Fight Night 252. The matchmakers put together a show that even with a ton of injuries and changeups, it has the potential to be hot fire, just like Dylan. A pair of light heavyweight sluggers grace the cage first, and with 22 finishes across their 27 combined wins, referee Jeff Hoiby is already hyper-focused on what’s about to happen next. With a fresh look at the division after leaving the company for a pair of fights, Bukauskas (16-6, 4-4 UFC) has fared better his second time around. On the other hand, Cerqueira (11-1, 0-1 UFC) introduced himself to the masses in October and had his block knocked off by a man in Ibo Aslan who will be competing later. It’s likely knock out or be knocked out, but before they try for that, the fighters bump fists. Bukauskas introduces himself with an axe kick of all strikes, and the Brazilian is well away from him as he watches it go wide. Bukauskas walks his man down and busts him in the chops with a right hand and a left, and Cerqueira bounces off the cage wall and sets up a body kick. Bukauskas reaches with a long right hand, and he paws out with a front kick and a low kick. Cerqueira strikes back at the lead leg, but he leaves himself over for an overhand right that skims the forward bow. Bukauskas turns his hips into a low kick, and this time it is him who is wide-open for a one-two down the pipe. Bukauskas targets the pectoral with a right hand, only to get his chin checked with another clean one-two. Cerqueira loads up on a power punch and gets the attention of “The Baltic Gladiator,” but he also gets tagged on the way out. Bukauskas strides forward, fired up and ready to go, and he unleashes a flurry of fists that crash into the chin of “The Lion.” Cerqueira’s eyes go wide as he is surprised he got clipped, and he backs towards the wall in hopes of getting his balance. This is the worst thing he can do, as he leans back and has his chin straight up in the air. Bukauskas does not let his man off the hook, blasting him in the face with powerful punches that shake the Brazilian up and separate him from his senses. Cerqueira crumbles to the floor, lights on but no one is home, and Hoiby rushes in to stop the fight. The victorious Lithuanian walks off triumphantly and hits a picture-perfect back flip to further wow the masses. That is one heck of a way to start the night, as the crowd goes wild.

The Official Result

Modestas Bukauskas def. Raffael Cerqueira R1 2:12 via KO (Punches)

Eric McConico (184) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (184)

Round 1

Moving right along, two men that rarely leave matters to the judges will clash to start building momentum in the wide-open middleweight category. After a tough loss, Ruziboev (34-9-2, 2 NC; 2-1 UFC) is returning to 185 pounds, and he will be welcoming Tuff-N-Uff vet McConico (9-2-1, 0-0 UFC) to the world-famous Octagon. Referee Keith Peterson is on guard, ready to step in at a moment’s notice and bust up any nonsense. A fist bump precedes the action, and McConico opens up with a slapping low kick as “USA” chants loudly echo throughout the building. McConico parries a front kick fired at him and chambers a head kick in response, only to not let it go. As the fighters circle one another without much activity, the fans let the fighters have it with a swath of boos. Ruziboev tries to answer their calls for action with an overhand right, but he misses the mark by a wide margin. Ruziboev tries for another as a counter, and he skims the side of the head when McConico attempts a kick. McConico is out of range with most of his strikes, and Ruziboev reaches him at the end of a right hand right on the pectorals. Ruziboev jams a front kick to the liver, and he is answered with a low kick. Ruziboev surges forward with a right hand, and he shakes his head when McConico fails on a counter. Ruziboev blitzes after another lull in action, and a second flurry gets his hands on his opponent. McConico rips a kick to the ribs, and “Black” wraps him up and pushes him to the fencing. Dirty boxing from the newcomer allows him to break out of the tie-up, and he has a head kick slap off the raised guard to little impact. The crowd is not impressed, even as Ruziboev marches forward and zings a few straight punches down the middle. A low kick from McConico is answered by a one-two, and this exchange happens a second time. The Uzbekistan ends the round with a body kick and a right hand.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ruziboev
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Ruziboev
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ruziboev

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to get going, and McConico is energized as he puts a pair of punches on the chin to reintroduce himself. Ruziboev fires right back, and this slugfest is exactly where McConico does not want to be. The taller, longer man unloads and nails McConico with a strong combination of punches, causing McConico to wobble and stumble his way to the fence. McConico falls to his face and works his way up under fire. Ruziboev chases, swinging with all his might, allowing the newcomer to get back to his feet so he can blast him once more with several relentless right hands. As McConico hits the deck a second time, Peterson has seen enough, with McConico turning to his side and in a bad, bad way. The victor walks off screaming, letting out all of his remaining emotions after registering the knockout. That marks 33 finishes in the 35 wins for the Uzbekistan native, who at 6-foot-5 will be a tough matchup for a lot of fighters in the weight class. To make matters more interesting, Ruziboev informs commentator Michael Bisping that he is willing to fight at either 77 or 84 kgs, meaning 170 pounds or 185 pounds.

The Official Result

Nursulton Ruziboev def. Eric McConico R2 0:33 via TKO (Punches) 

Austin Vanderford (174) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (175)

Round 1

On late notice, Vanderford (12-2, 0-0 UFC), famously known as the husband of Paige VanZant, will be making his organizational debut. Due to short training camp, this fight will be contested at a pre-arranged 175-pound catchweight. He faces fellow LFA vet Veretennikov (12-5, 0-1 UFC), whose 83% finish rate is nothing to sneeze at. Before chins are tested, the fighters touch ‘em up while referee Kevin MacDonald watches on. Vanderford moves to the center of the cage with the crowd loudly on his side, but the first strikes come from his opponent in the form of a jab and a low kick. They lean in and out looking for strikes, and Veretennikov leaps forward suddenly with a Superman punch that misses by a matter of inches. Veretennikov lunges again, catching Vanderford with a left up top and a right to the ribs. When he loads up on more strikes, Vanderford scoops his man up and deposits him gingerly to the mat. In his foe’s guard, Vanderford nevertheless starts opening up with strikes, grinding with elbows on the jaw and staying tight to not let Veretennikov buck or force a scramble. The strikes from above shred open a cut on the top of the Kazakhstan native’s forehead, and Vanderford targets that wound with additional sporadic strikes. Vanderford attacks with more elbows, causing more blood to flow from the gash. The activity of the newcomer is enough to stave off referee intervention, and he shifts gears to lock up an arm-triangle choke from across the body. The submission is on the wrong side, and Veretennikov does not panic and protects himself from it effectively. This excites Vanderford, who wants to wrap up the submission after all. Jumping into full mount, Vanderford squeezes with all his might for the arm-triangle choke, and he does not get the tap he is seeking even after shifting over to side control. Instead of burning his arms out, Vanderford lets it go and moves back to mount, where he rides out the round landing strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vanderford
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Vanderford
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vanderford

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to get going, with the crowd already at Vanderford’s back with “USA” chants. Veretennikov walks his foe down with long jabbing kicks, hoping to utilize his range and not let Vanderford get his hands on him. Vanderford slings a head kick and is dinged with a reaching strike, but he allows Veretennikov to overswing so he can wrap him up. Vanderford clasps his hands from behind, searching for a level change and lifting Veretennikov off his feet with a double-leg takedown. Veretennikov’s long legs keep him upright for the time being, but the second attempt puts him on his back. Vanderford is quick to open up with elbows as he has Veretennikov jammed up in the awkward spot between the floor and the corner of the cage wall. Vanderford’s elbows split the guard and give Veretennikov something nasty to think about, and he sees that he can land his left hand at will and does just that repeatedly. The open guard where Veretennikov is keeping his foe is not slowing him one iota, and Vanderford elects to step over to half guard while clinging to Veretennikov’s wrist to nullify him. Vanderford slugs away with a long series of left hands, and Veretennikov is moving and swaying while blocking his face but still taking damage. MacDonald watches on asking for Veretennikov to fight back, and Vanderford keeps punching. As the dozens of strikes mount, MacDonald determines that Veretennikov is no longer intelligently defending himself and stops the fight. Veretennikov is incensed at the referee intervention, shouting at MacDonald and his opponent. Veretennikov gets to his feet, marches over to Vanderford and angrily shoves him after the fight has been stopped, and a UFC security staff member leaps in to prevent any further nonsense. Vanderford presents the double bird before getting the microphone, where he is all smiles and shouts out his wife, who will be getting slapped soon. Meanwhile, this may be the last we see of Veretennikov in the Octagon, although the promotion has allowed a blatant eye gouger in Priscila Cachoeira to keep fighting so anything is possible.

The Official Result

Austin Vanderford def. Nikolay Veretennikov R2 4:13 via TKO (Punches)

Javid Basharat (136) vs. Ricky Simon (135)

Round 1

Local competitor Simon (20-6, 8-5 UFC) will try to get the crowd lathered up on his side as he hopes to break a career-long three-fight skid. Standing in his way will be Afghanistan-born Basharat (14-1, 1 NC; 3-1, 1 NC UFC), who also wants to rebound after suffering his first career defeat. Something’s gotta give, and referee Mike Beltran will be there for it every step of the way. The bantamweights meet in the middle with no glove touch in sight, and instead tensely measure one another. Simon surges his way into a combination, only to get pushed back by the taller, longer man. Basharat doubles up on a front kick to the ribs and rifles a right hand on the temple before Simon can retaliate. Basharat kicks the lead leg, and Simon walks him down, lifts him in the air like a little brother from behind and throws him down. Basharat drops to his knee, bounces off and works his way to his feet. Basharat lashes out with a back elbow when trying to turn himself around, and Simon transitions from a double to a single-leg takedown but cannot get any of them. Basharat breaks free, and the building echoes with “Ricky” chants. Simon ducks a few punches to shoot for a double, and “The Snow Leopard” blocks him from his effort while getting backed to the wall. Basharat ducks a haymaker on the break and skips free, ripping a left to the liver and coming up short with a head kick. Simon rushes forward, and the two clash heads as they come in at the same time. Basharat lets Simon advance to ring his bell with a step-in knee, and Simon is tough as a two-dollar steak and shoots for a double. The takedown is unsuccessful on its first effort, and Basharat is able to escape and return to the middle of the Octagon winging high kicks. Basharat times a knee to the body as Simon races forward, and Simon tanks it and pushes out a jab and an overhand right. As Basharat is strafing to the side, Simon reaches out with a jab. Following it with a ferocious right hand, Simon hits the button about as perfectly as one can, and Basharat is out before he hits the canvas. Just to seal the deal, Simon embodies his inner Dan Henderson and rages down with one diving nuclear right hand. The follow-up is completely unnecessary, and Beltran jumps between the fighters to save Basharat from further harm. Incredible! The fans in the building erupt in support of their local victor, who almost certainly will be an additional $50,000 richer at night’s end. Basharat eventually comes to and is asking what happened, and he appears no worse for wear as he manages to get back to his feet by the time of the winner announcement. Wow. Knockout of the Year has a new contender from that devastating, picture-perfect right hand.

The Official Result

Ricky Simon def. Javid Basharat R1 3:58 via KO (Punch)

Mansur Abdul-Malik (186) vs. Nick Klein (186)

Round 1

The biggest betting favorite from this event is not one of the main card competitors or a fan-favorite, but rather Abdul-Malik (7-0, 1-0 UFC) entering into his sophomore appearance in the UFC. Lines have him anywhere from -1200 to -1400, demonstrating a shocking amount of confidence in the fairly inexperienced finisher. Rear-naked choke artist Klein (6-1, 0-0 UFC) will be debuting with hopes of spoiling the party. When the cage door closes behind referee Jason Herzog, anything can (and often does) happen. The middleweights touch gloves, and Klein start out with an extremely wide, awkward stance. Strafing from side to side, Klein shoots in for a telegraphed double, and Abdul-Malik stonewalls him with an easy stuff and allows his foe to get back up. Abdul-Malik comes up short on a front kick and a jab, and he swats out with a left hook that is also out of range. The edge of Klein’s foot scores three times on the leg, and Abdul-Malik walks him down and punches him in the face. Klein swirls around to reset, and he backs off and wings an overhand right that is feet away from his intended target. Klein snatches up a leg and tries for a single, and Abdul-Malik’s balance keeps him afloat without much concern. Klein settles for a couple low kicks, and Abdul-Malik jabs him in the belly. An inside low kick from Klein lands flush, and when Abdul-Malik rushes at him, Klein times a perfect spinning elbow that smashes square into the favorite’s jaw. Abdul-Malik somehow manages to stay on his feet after the destructive blow, and Klein rushes after him and takes him down. Abdul-Malik fights his way back to his feet with the fence, and he pulls on the links a few times to put himself in a better position. Klein looks for an inside trip, and Abdul-Malik stays on his feet leaning against the cage to get his wits about him. Klein drags him down to his hands and feet, and Abdul-Malik muscles back up. Herzog keeps warning Abdul-Malik for his fouls, and Klein knees his man in the thigh several times. Abdul-Malik turns the corner and attempts to counter the takedown, and Klein threatens with another back elbow. Klein ducks down to avoid a spinning elbow coming from the other side, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Klein
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Klein
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Klein

Round 2

The fighters touch ‘em up to get after it, both rushing towards one another to engage. Abdul-Malik wants to bang it out, and he clips Klein coming in for a single. Klein still pursues the takedown until Abdul-Malik elbows him in the side of the head, and he shakes it out and then doubles down on the entry. Klein does not give Abdul-Malik any space to breathe or let his hands go, and Abdul-Malik is forced to push his man away to reset. Flicking out a jab, the unbeaten fighter lets Klein slap away with low kicks so he can set up a massive right hand. One comes as Klein is shooting, and he misses and simultaneously stifles Klein’s attempt. Klein’s inside leg kicks are about the only strikes coming from either side, and he grabs hold of a leg and attempts a single. Abdul-Malik lifts his foe’s leg up to threaten with a reversal, and he lets it go and simply shoves Klein to the floor. With Klein posting on his hands, Abdul-Malik attacks with a sudden ferocity. Abdul-Malik lays into Klein with an onslaught of blows, hurting “Blue Collar” and causing Herzog to close in and pay very close attention. Abdul-Malik keeps bashing Klein with punches, until Klein turns in hopes of a desperation takedown. This allows Abdul-Malik to drill his man in the face with a knee, and a few more powerful punches are all he needs to seal the deal. Klein does not go down, but he is very possibly out on his feet, and Herzog recognizes this and steps in. Surviving some early adversity, Abdul-Malik keeps his spotless record intact, while also finishing every opponent within two rounds. Even though he still cashes as a hefty favorite, the line may be quite different in his next encounter.

The Official Result

Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Nick Klein R2 3:24 via TKO (Knee and Punches)

Melquizael Costa (145) vs. Andre Fili (145)

Round 1

A veritable chasm of UFC-level experience separates the next two featherweights, with grizzled Team Alpha Male product Fili (24-11, 1 NC; 12-10, 1 NC UFC) looking to hold the line and remind folks he is still very much a factor. Like Fili, Costa’s (21-7, 2-2 UFC) tenure thus far has been somewhat inconsistent but fairly violent. Referee Jeff Hoiby draws the charge between the two, and the local man Fili has no time for a glove touch as he wants to get going immediately. Fili chases his foe around the cage, looking for his jab. Costa backs him off briefly with a pair of high kicks, and he doubles up on leg kicks as well. Fili walks through everything pitched at him to sling leather, including a right left hand that zips through his guard. “Let’s go Fili” chants boom through the building, and they both fire off head kicks. Fili’s gets his foe’s attention, with Costa smiling at him. They decide to throw caution to the wind for a moment and brawl with no interest in defense, and they tag one another cleanly but do not budge. Costa backs off and fires off a wheel kick, and he settles himself to chop at the Washington-based fighter’s knee with oblique kicks. Costa rips a kick to the ribs as Fili is marching ever forward, and he narrowly evades getting his chin checked with a low kick but still walks into a left hook. Fili blocks a high kick but cannot stop a body kick, and he plods forward, energized by “USA” chants. Fili whiffs on a head kick, unable to lock his foe down, and he brushes his shoulder when Costa misses as well. Fili blocks a kick and hurls one right back, and Costa breathes a sight of relief and strikes back with a high kick. Fili motions that he protected himself from it, and Costa stays on his bike prodding with oblique kicks. Fili connects with a heavy body kick, dodges one that comes back and makes a matador motion. Fili takes a kick and shoots in for a takedown, and when he hits it, Costa wraps up a guillotine choke and wrenches with all his might. The Brazilian clings to the choke, which is not going anywhere as he has it tight as a drum with his right leg wrapped around Fili’s waist. Fili is fine until suddenly he is not, and he frantically taps out. The stunned audience is silenced in a second, as the hometown fighter surrenders from the submission and walks off disappointed that he got caught. Meanwhile, Costa has just earned the biggest win of his career, and he goes off to celebrate with teammate Joanderson Brito who previously put Fili away in the first round.

The Official Result

Melquizael Costa def. Andre Fili R1 4:30 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Ibo Aslan (205) vs. Ion Cutelaba (205)

Round 1

If this prelim headliner does not end violently, it will be quite the surprise. “The Hulk” Cutelaba (18-10-1, 1 NC; 7-9-1 UFC) has claimed 13 of his 18 wins via strikes, while Aslan (14-1, 2-0 UFC) presents a 100% knockout rate. Referee Kevin MacDonald keeps his head on a swivel for the mayhem that is about to ensue. Nothing more needs to be said other than buckle up, buckaroos. Cutelaba is so intense, security has to keep him from putting his hands on Aslan before the opening bell rings. The power-punching 205ers do not touch gloves. Aslan walks Cutelaba down with his right hand chambered, and he pitches a front kick instead. Cutelaba responds in kind, and he wings an overhand right that buzzes the beard of his foe. Aslan slings back with fire, and the two turn their hips into mighty low kick that crash together. A furious brawl suddenly erupts out of nowhere, with both men bashing each other in the face with ridiculously arced punches. When Cutelaba gets clipped, he shoots for a takedown, and it is rebuffed. Aslan tags him a few more times, and a second takedown effort from the Moldovan succeeds to get his wits back about him. Aslan climbs back to his feet, and he ducks to dodge a spinning back fist from “The Hulk,” who is bleeding already. Aslan tees off with strikes, and Cutelaba steels himself and releases a bomb of a right hand that sends Aslan staggering back. With his balance barely beneath him, Aslan stumbles away and gets taken to the floor by a beautiful double. Cutelaba sits up and smashes Aslan with a number of right hands, forces Aslan to turn over and jumps into dominant position. Rather than keep smashing, “The Hulk” in mount steps to the side to wrap up an unexpected arm-triangle choke. Aslan hangs on tough as MacDonald checks on him, and he signals he is ok and shows resistance on his arm. As the submission is not wavering, Aslan is about to go out, and he taps out. Cutelaba stands up and roars repeatedly. In his post-fight interview, the Moldovan declares, “Who now is power,” and that he is a “f---ing crazy guy.” With that, the prelims are violently completed, but who expected the hard-swinging Cutelaba to wrap up a submission?

The Official Result

Ion Cutelaba def. Ibo Aslan R1 2:51 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Alonzo Menifield (205) vs. Julius Walker (205)

Round 1

The UFC knew exactly what it was doing when it matched this event. One more fight is about to play out with a battle-tested aggression machine in Menifield (15-5-1, 8-5-1 UFC) against a newcomer in Walker (6-0, 0-0 UFC) allergic to boring fights. It would be a surprise if this lasts more than five minutes, likely giving the judges some respite while referee Jason Herzog needs to be more ready than usual. There is no fist bump to get going, as Walker instead walks forward and grabs right hold of his opponent and pushes him to the wall. Menifield thwarts any early trip effort, while the newcomer mashes him against the fencing, working him with short knees. Walker attempts to elevate his foe, and this allows Menifield to briefly turn him about. The crowd does not particularly appreciate the lengthy clinch exchange, prompting Walker to drop down in pursuit of a double. Menifield stops this abruptly and knees his man in the belly, but he remains pinned to the wire. Walker breaks free and suddenly lurches forward with an overhand right that gets the veteran’s attention. Menifield shakes out the cobwebs and halts another takedown try, but he gets popped on the exit with a right hand. Walker loses his balance when kicking high, falling to the ground, and Menifield charges at him in pursuit of his own double. Walker springs away and turns things around on his foe, but Menifield pushes him back around. Walker scores a knee and a few punches, but Menifield breaks and responds with strikes far heavier. A rocked Walker desperately goes after a double, and “Atomic Alonzo” stifles the try and pushes off. Menifield walks his man down and socks him in the face, and he leans back to dodge a knee. Menifield goes for broke with winging strikes, and he walks through an elbow to knock Walker’s head around the Octagon. Walker smashes Menifield in the face with a crisp knee, and Menifield does not bat an eye and goes all-out on attack. Menifield wraps up a standing arm-triangle choke after brushing off a spin strike, and Walker breaks out of it and jams several knees to the body. They continue jockeying for position, with Walker the one striking more frequently when clinched. Menifield gets away and is slapped in the face by the unbeaten fighter’s foot, and the two trade vicious leather until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Walker
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Walker
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield

Round 2

The light heavyweights meet in the middle after five sloppy, dangerous minutes, and they both are a bit tired from it. Walker keeps behind his jab early, punching his way into a takedown, only to get dropped to a knee from a Menifield right hand. Walker keeps himself together enough to crash forward and pursue a takedown, and he lets it go so he can knee Menifield in the face a few times. Menifield evades a few front kicks and absorbs two low kicks so he can let Walker fly past him with a follow-up jump knee, and he stands firm in defiance of a takedown effort. Walker drills his man in the face with another knee, and Menifield ducks a strike and clinches. Menifield reaches out with a right hand, and he counters a jab with a left hook. Walker strides forward to attack, with Menifield’s hands down by his waist, but this might be a trap. Menifield sits down on a powerful counter, and Walker walks through it and throws everything he has at his opponent. Menifield takes the strikes flush or off his guard, and he swings back with reckless abandon. Technique and energy might be low, but the aggression remains high. Menifield takes a knee so he can give back a punch, and he keeps his guard up long enough to defend a pair of high kicks. A jab to the body from Menifield stumbles Walker, who gathers his thoughts and eats a cracking low kick. Walker kicks him back, draws a visible reaction, and absorbs a pair of punches on the chin. Menifield surges forward, putting his hands on the chin, and Walker stumbles forward and catches himself before going down. Menifield works the body and opens a left hook up, and he beans Walker with a right hand on the beard. Walker keeps him on his feet and flashes a jab, and a second is met with a power right hand. Walker succeeds to get the fight down, and Menifield springs up by elbowing his man on the side of the dome. One more attempted takedown from Walker wraps up the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield

Round 3

As the third round opens, Menifield paws out and pokes Walker square in the eyeball. Herzog rolls his eyes and calls time, allowing the fighters to recover while warning Menifield for his obvious foul. Walker does not take long to get going again, and Menifield starts off first with a pair of lunging punches. The second knocks Walker’s mouthguard out, and he gets a second to replace it. Menifield intercepts his man coming in with a left hook, and he catches Walker a second time with one. Walker answers in kind, but Menifield’s knock his foe’s head about while Walker is more touching. One body kick from Walker is much harder, but his jabs that follow are about setting things up rather than sheer damage. On the other hand, Menifield fires off a power jab that snaps the head back. Walker moves forward to push Menifield against the wall, and he drives a knee directly into the cup. Menifield cries foul, and Herzog acknowledges it and gives the Texan time to recover. After less than a minute, Herzog brings the two together to tell them that even though they are both tired, more fouls equal point deductions. The fight kicks off again, and Menifield swings for the bleachers. Walker takes several strikes up top, and he sits down on a few low kicks to disrupt the balance of “Atomic Alonzo.” Menifield is all power, all day, and he swings his way open to defend a double. The prolonged clinch exchange allows Walker to score a few knees while keeping the wide swinging blows from Menifield off the table. Walker looks for a single or double, and Menifield is having none of it. The audience expresses its disapproval of the fighters as 90 seconds remain on the clock, clearly spoiled from the action from tonight. They split up and keep throwing, and Menifield catches his man with a left and just misses on a follow-up right. This happens a few more times, with Walker dancing just far enough away to not get cracked. Menifield keeps landing cleanly, and he takes a knee on the jaw that makes a clicking sound. Menifield steels himself and unloads a few bombs, and Walker is tough as nails as he keeps plodding forward. Menifield chases the newcomer around with a final flurry, and Walker escapes before getting downed. The fighters reach the 15-minute mark, with the final bell sounding for the first time tonight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (30-27 Menifield)

The Official Result

Alonzo Menifield def. Julius Walker via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Melsik Baghdasaryan (145) vs. Jean Silva (145.5)

Round 1

The action continues with a potential featherweight banger as Silva (14-2, 3-0 UFC) looks to push his win streak to 12 at the expense of Baghdasaryan (8-2, 3-1 UFC). Both men are capable and willing to author a dramatic knockout, and referee Kevin MacDonald needs to mind his P’s and Q’s for as long as it lasts. There is a calm glove touch to get started, and Baghdasaryan bounces back and forth to engage. Silva lets rip a body kick, and he sways back to avoid one aimed at his upper chest. The two present in alternate stances, out of range of one another. Baghdasaryan whiffs on a big kick, and Silva offers him a glove touch with a big grin. Silva fires off a booming kick that is blocked in the nick of time, and he is all smiles thus far. Silva goes high again with a kick, and he wraps one around the waist only to get popped with a right hook. A one-two from Baghdasaryan misses the mark, and Silva throws one back and follows it with a body kick. Silva crashes forward, and nothing results from the clash. Silva intercepts his opponent with a left hook and spins with a back kick to the body, prompting Baghdasaryan to fire a few big punches and a head kick at him. Silva lets the shin skim his forehead so he can ducks down and jab to the body, and he steps in with an elbow. Silva walks into a right hand, and he slaps Baghdasaryan in the face. They high-five and motion for the crowd to get interested, and Silva opens up with a huge one-two. The Brazilian knocks Baghdasaryan clean off his feet, and he lords over his opponent looking to MacDonald to intervene. When MacDonald does not step in, a confused Baghdasaryan looks around on his back and shells up. One final assault from Silva is all that is required—who did not even want to cause any further harm—as he lays into the doomed Baghdasaryan with punches and 12-6 elbows to the body. This is enough for MacDonald to step in, and the smile from “Lord” stretches from ear to ear on not only him but his whole Fighting Nerds team. That makes it 12 in a row for the Brazilian, including four wins in the UFC all by stoppage.

The Official Result

Jean Silva def. Melsik Baghdasaryan R1 4:15 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

Rob Font (138) vs. Jean Matsumoto (139)

Round 1

His back no longer totally against the wall, Font (21-8, 11-7 UFC) ended a losing streak last year by outworking Kyler Phillips. It is up to the Boston native to play spoiler once more, as he battles undefeated youngster Matsumoto (16-0, 2-0 UFC) at 140 pounds. With Font initially expecting to fight Dominick Cruz, Matsumoto stepping in late forced the weight shift. The assignment goes to referee Keith Peterson, who steps back to let the fighters get to nonsense-free business. They touch gloves, and Font walks straight forward hurling serious leather with a questionable tactic. Matsumoto is caught off-guard, and he fights for a takedown to slow things down and get his bearings. Font turns him against the fencing, and he staves off a single a few times as his seat hits the canvas for less than a second. Font gets up and breaks free, and he promptly puts a one-two on the chin. Matsumoto stumbles and rebounds off the fencing, and he narrowly escapes a huge uppercut soaring his way. Font fearlessly marches his foe down, whose one-twos are clean as can be. Font’s aggression gets the better of him, as the Brazilian tags him with a right hand to surprise him. Matsumoto rushes forward in pursuit of a takedown, and Font allows this so he can fall to his back and implement an offensive guard. Font goes for a triangle choke and transitions to an omoplata shoulder lock, and when both of those do not materialize, he hunts for a kimura to sweep. Matsumoto breaks out of it and shifts from one side to the other, not settling down or establishing himself in a guard. Matsumoto keeps moving, and he moves to half guard so he can keep Font pinned to the mat without any chance of throwing up a submission. Font still explodes to his feet, and Matsumoto sees this coming and wraps up a guillotine choke. Font, on his side, keeps his neck safe from danger, and he pops his head out. Matsumoto moves to a partial side control for a moment to land strikes, only for Font to get back to his feet. Matsumoto slams him back down with emphasis, dropping down a pair of punches to punctuate the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto

Round 2

Font charges out of his corner, and Matsumoto learned his lesson about accepting the touch of gloves this time. Matsumoto slows him down with his own jab, but Font is still right in his face. Matsumoto slaps a kick off the side and one to the lead leg, and Font flashes his own jab. Matsumoto turns his hips into a hard low kick, and Font snaps his head back a few times with speedy fists. Matsumoto fires right back to open up a takedown, and he finds himself in a guillotine choke. The Brazilian easily climbs out of it, and Font works his way to one knee and then upright. Matsumoto awkwardly hangs on the back ankle, using the leverage to wrench the veteran back to the mat. Font thinks about grabbing the fence to stand, and ultimately works his way up to break free. Font walks his man down and completely no-sells a few low kicks so he can fire off a massive uppercut that buzzes past the youngster. Font goes to the body and head in a combination, while Matsumoto is active with his feet. Font digs a few more to the body, and he defends a head kick. Matsumoto mixes up his kicks high and low, not giving Font a pattern to follow. Font ignores these all so he can punch the youngster square in the face, with sharp one-twos that are fast and effective while keeping him out of counter danger. Matsumoto runs at him and trips him up by the ankle to set him down, and Font egregiously grabs the cage to keep himself upright. Peterson slaps his hand out of the fencing, and Matsumoto again wraps up Font’s back ankle to get a mat return. Instead of tripping Font up like that, he elects to lift Font up the air and drive him down into the mat. Font wraps up a kimura to sweep, and it allows him to get back to his feet. Font is right back to walking his man down, with Matsumoto on his bike trying to not get hit with the worst thrown at him. Font attacks the body and gets stung up top, but he is willing to fire and take damage. Matsumoto boots his man upside the head, and he absorbs a stern right hand at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Font
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Matsumoto

Round 3

Scores could be all over the map in this one, and the final frame starts as aggressively as the first two. Font is a man on a mission, leading into combinations and not seeming to flinch any time the Brazilian slugs him back. Matsumoto keeps him honest with counters, and his leg kicks are beginning to add up. Font clubs his man in the side of the head and just misses with a head kick, and he keeps chasing forward. Matsumoto rips a mean left to the liver, and it is as if nothing happened as Font is in his grill slinging furious leather. The strikes from Font rip open a cut on his foe’s forehead, and he targets it with a knee when Matsumoto clinches him up. Matsumoto slips with a low kick and throws back a right hand up top, only to be met with a jab and a right. The blood quickly flows down the youngster’s face, transforming his visage into something out of a horror movie. Matsumoto tries to take the fight down with Font on him so doggedly, and Font stonewalls him and blasts him with an uppercut. Matsumoto chews up Font’s lead leg with kicks, and he doubles or triples up on them to open up takedowns. Font breaks out of a clinch to wrap his right hand around the guard of his foe, and he protects himself with a head kick and knees his man in the stomach. Font attacks with an elbow, a knee and several clinch strikes to put the 25-year-old through the wood chipper. Matsumoto fires back as well, but Font’s is putting volume and heavy pressure on him. Matsumoto sells out for a takedown, and Font pushes it aside and gets some space. They stand in the pocket throwing hands, and Font swings hard. Matsumoto goes wild with a flurry of punches, kicks, spinning strikes and anything else he can muster. One flying knee from Matsumoto is met with a huge right hand, and the two go ballistic with an onslaught of offense with shades of Max Holloway vs. Ricardo Lamas minus the pointing to the floor. Both men hit, get hit, hurt the other and get hurt as the torrid exchange only ends when the final horn blares. Judges will have their hands full with this one, but what a fight these two turned in.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font (29-28 Font)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Font (29-28 Font)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Font (29-28 Matsumoto)

The Official Result

Rob Font def. Jean Matsumoto via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Brendan Allen (186) vs. Anthony Hernandez (186)

Round 1

In 2018, Allen (24-6, 12-3 UFC) and Hernandez (13-2, 1 NC; 7-2 UFC) collided for the LFA middleweight strap, and “Fluffy” emerged the victor by decision. Since then, both men have made their mark on the UFC’s 185-pound division, and a spot in the top 10 now looms for the winner. Referee Mike Beltran will get to handle the proceedings for the co-main event, one that should have two extra rounds. Gloves are touched, and Allen opens up with a hearty low kick. Allen probes out a few jabs, and he disrupts Hernandez who is looking for an early takedown. Allen nails his foe with a leg kick and then wraps a head kick around the guard. With Hernandez stunned, Allen jumps on to his back, only for Hernandez to hurl him to his back. Allen scrambles wildly to get to his knees, and he nearly gets Hernandez’ back again in the process. Hernandez stops him from completing a takedown or back take, and he leans Allen against the wall. “Fluffy” wrangles Allen to the mat, where he lands in side control. The knee guard from Allen protects him from losing mount, and he sits up and leans up against the cage while Hernandez is still behind him. Allen tries to stand, but Hernandez is on him like a cheap suit, pushing on the back of Allen’s neck while always flirting with some kind of submission setup. Allen turns him around to claim top position, flipping Hernandez to his back and dropping down a few strikes. Hernandez strikes back off his back, being busy enough to make Allen think twice about recklessly passing guard. Allen partially isolates an arm-triangle choke while sitting in half guard, and Hernandez motions a thumbs-up to his corner. Allen postures up and jacks Hernandez in the jaw with a few punches, and he isolates Hernandez’ arm for an armlock setup. Allen nearly takes the back, but he slides into mount and starts hammering Hernandez in the face with right hands and elbows. Allen wraps up a rear-naked choke, and it is briefly under the chin until Hernandez turns himself to his back and slithers out. Allen smashes down with a number of elbows that split Hernandez’ forehead open, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 2

Allen kicks off the round with another powerful low kick, and Hernandez sprints at him in pursuit of a takedown. As they whirl around, Hernandez succeeds in grounding Allen. Hernandez hangs on from the side and keeps Allen on his seat, and he leans over to wrap up a guillotine choke. Allen escapes the submissions without a modicum of concern, and he keeps moving in hopes of rolling his foe over. Hernandez follows the scrambles and grabs hold of a rear-naked choke, and this time it is Allen who turns the proper directly to break it up. Hernandez gets one hook in while Allen is on his knees, and he elbows Allen in the side of the head. Allen hangs onto the wrist to keep Hernandez from gaining a dominant position, and he shoots in for a takedown only to find Hernandez setting up an anaconda choke. Allen knows it is coming and turns to his back, permitting Hernandez to establish top position for the moment. Allen turns over voluntarily and keeps spinning, and Hernandez him until exploding around to take Hernandez’ back. Allen has his own hook in, and he attempts a brute force neck crank without bothering to fasting his hooks or the grip all the way. Hernandez grits his teeth and stands up, chucking Allen to his back and dropping down heavy strikes. Allen scrambles and gives up half guard on his back so as to not be in submission danger, but this opens him up to Hernandez’ right hand and elbow. A few more strikes come from Hernandez before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez

Round 3

The fighters hug it out as the third round begins, and this time Allen punches instead of kicks to get going. Hernandez strikes back, and Allen claims he was poked in the eye while Hernandez states it was a closed fist. Beltran calls time and checks the replay, and when they determine it was indeed a punch, they resume the action. Hernandez surges right forward to grapple, and Allen pushes it off and drills Hernandez in the face with a left hook. Hernandez clutches his eye as he is suddenly in jeopardy, and he backs away. When Hernandez’ back hits the fence, he swings hard, and Allen dodges and attempts a standing submission. The two scramble and return to their feet, where Allen again clubs his man in the face to hurt him. Hernandez desperately pursues a takedown, and Allen deliberately lowers himself to one knee to take knees to the head out of the equation. When Hernandez sells out for a takedown, Allen keeps himself afloat and never truly goes down, although he returns to one knee down. Hernandez has his hands clasped around the waist, and he turns the corner and gets Allen down to his seat momentarily. Allen winces and returns to a knee, and Hernandez slips his arm beneath the chin for a second but is stopped from getting a choke. Hernandez keeps heavy on top of his opponent, not letting Allen get to his feet, and Allen appears frustrated and wants to fight instead of wrestle in this stalemate position. Hernandez has no plan on changing gears, and he snatches up a rear-naked choke and falls off the side. Allen uses two-on-one wrist control to free himself from the worst of it, and he smacks Hernandez and knocks his mouthpiece out. The two fall all over the place, possibly from fatigue or sweat, and Hernandez is the one who establishes top position raining down strikes. Allen backwards somersaults in a desperate attempt to get out, but Hernandez hangs onto him until the final buzzer. This could have used two more rounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (29-28 Hernandez)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (29-28 Hernandez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (29-28 Hernandez)

The Official Result

Anthony Hernandez def. Brendan Allen via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Henry Cejudo (135) vs. Yadong Song (136)

Round 1

His back against the wall, former two-division champ Cejudo (16-4, 10-4 UFC) finds himself on a rare losing streak, albeit to two of the best bantamweights in the world in Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili. The Olympic gold medalist takes a slight step down in competition to face Song (21-8-1, 1 NC; 10-3-1 UFC), who also lost his last fight against a champ-level fighter in Petr Yan. The 135ers are brought to the center of the cage by referee Jason Herzog, and they acknowledge one another and double bump their gloves together. It’s on with the show. Cejudo pump-fakes his hips several times to give the impression of a looming takedown, and Song does not bite on a single one and fires off a heavy low kick. Cejudo rushes forward with a one-two that misses the mark, and he races forward and catches Song at the end of an exchange. Song bounces off the cage and gets back to kicking the wrestler in the lead leg and little else. Song sits down on a counter, but Cejudo is in and out with a body kick before that happens. Cejudo fakes a takedown to come up overt the top with a left hook, and after that fails, he motions low for a level change and attack with a flying knee. Cejudo lets fly a low kick and gets jabbed in the belly for his handiwork. Song uses his range to potshot from afar with jabs, low kicks and reaching left hooks. Cejudo fakes his way in but does not engage in anything other than a low kick of his own, and as Song backs off, Cejudo kicks him in the side. Chants of “USA” rain down in support of the wrestler, and Song takes advantage of the energy by clipping the American with a right hand and further flusters him with low kicks. The two drill one another with low kicks, and Song’s ankle bends awkwardly as he tries to put pressure on it. Cejudo keeps kicking the calf, and he shoots low and comes out swinging high. Song rips a kick to the side, and he nearly splits the guard with an uppercut. Both fighters blitz and pull back before letting things go, and Song sits down on a right hand. When Cejudo kicks the body of his foe, Song cracks him with another right hand. Cejudo is fired up and swings back with a vengeance, and he chases Song around until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 2

The fighters high-five to get started again, and then pull back without trading. Song eventually works his way forward, chipping away with kicks to the body. Cejudo surges forward with two hooks, and his low kick is all that lands from it. Song darts back and works the body, and Cejudo says something to him and strikes. Song swipes out with a left hook, and leg kicks fly from both sides. Song splits the guard with a double jab, and his naked leg kick is nearly countered with a right up top. Song backs off the former champ with a few long punches, and he puts a few right hands down the pipe and goes to the body after. Cejudo waves him on, and he comes up top with a right hand when faking a takedown. Cejudo goes after a takedown, and Song shrugs it off and triples up on his jab. They whip kicks at one another, and Cejudo times a solid left. A jumping switch kick from Cejudo lands to the side, and he drops down in pursuit of a takedown. Song’s sprawl shuts it down, and he fires off kicks to the lead leg. One skims the cup, but Cejudo motions that he does not want to pause. As Song keeps kicking, he falls over, and Cejudo charges at him and then backs off. Song allows Cejudo to come in so he can belt him in the face with a pair of hooks, and he trips Cejudo up with his leg kicks and forces a stance switch. Song jabs and jabs, following a few with right hands and beating the elder statesman to the punch. Song gets a right hand in and escapes, only for Cejudo get his hands on him with a fierce right. Song staggers back and is ready to engage, as if he needs to take damage to get out of first gear. Song suddenly drops down for a single, and Cejudo tosses it aside and scores a right hand. The former champion lands another overhand right, and Song clips him with an uppercut. Song stands his man up with a left, and Cejudo wants to bang it out and does just that. A few right hands from “The Messenger” bloody up Song’s nose, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cejudo
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Cejudo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cejudo

Round 3

Song wants to pay Cejudo back right out of the gate, surging forward throwing punches. Cejudo stands in the pocket ready for battle, and he fakes his takedown every so often to further open things up on the feet. Song never bites, and instead stands Cejudo up with his sharper punches. The punches from Cejudo open a cut on Song’s cheek, and Song blocks a jump knee and pushes Cejudo aside. The two trade one after the other, not concerned about power and willingly engaging. Cejudo blocks a few punches to throw back, but it is Song’s one-two that gets through. When Cejudo lashes out, Song pushes off with a front kick that lands on the cup. Herzog asks replay to check if this is a direct foul, and after 30 seconds, they get back to it. Cejudo ducks a few jabs and swings hard, and again drops down for a level change only to swing up high. This results in a furious brawl, with Cejudo right there in front of the fighter from China swinging hard. Song jumps at his man with a knee, and Cejudo blocks it just in time. Song knocks Cejudo back during an exchange and grins, and he slaps a kick low and backs off when Cejudo hurls a left hook at him. Cejudo sneaks in a clean right hand to get Song’s attention, and Song pays him back with a clubbing right. Song pushes off with his fingers outstretched, and his fingers jam into both of Cejudo’s eyes like a Three Stooges poke. Herzog pauses the action and tells Song to be careful, and Cejudo asks for a cloth to wipe his eyes while telling Herzog to take a point. Cejudo wipes his eyes out with a wet towel, taking ample time to recover while blinking his eyes repeatedly to clear his vision. Cejudo declares to Herzog that he wants to fight and needs to take the time to see better, and he sits down. The crowd showers him with boos, and Cejudo tells the audience to cool it because he was the recipient of a nasty foul. Cejudo uses the complete five-minute break to clear up, and when they resume, Song still holds his fingers out towards his opponent. Song walks Cejudo down and busts him in the chops, clipping him with a solid uppercut when Cejudo is circling away. Song backs Cejudo against the fence, trying to cut him off and aim long strikes at him like front kicks and jabs. Cejudo ducks back to defend from further uppercuts, and he dodges a jump knee to get to the end of the round. Cejudo complains to his corner that he cannot see, and Herzog is paying close attention to this. Cejudo asks the promotion to call in the doctor, and that he cannot see out of his left eye.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 4

Herzog allows the third round to complete, and he goes to start the fourth round and calls time, officially bringing in the doctor and waving the fight off. This means that the fighters will be going to a technical decision, and everyone in the building is disappointed. The first three rounds will be scored in their entirety, and a rematch is almost certainly in the cards for these two. After such a terrific start to the event, it is unfortunate for the night to end like this. Both fighters are game to run it back. When they do, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Yadong Song def. Henry Cejudo via Unanimous Technical Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)