UFC Vegas 98 ‘Royval vs. Taira’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Clayton Carpenter (125.5) vs. Lucas Rocha (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Carpenter (-192), Rocha (+160)

Round 1

It’s fight time again. The Apex plays host to a dozen matchups of varied intrigue, with little in the way of immediate title stakes outside of the main attraction. That does not preclude plenty of frenzied violence and thrilling action, as anything is possible tonight. Combat commences in the flyweight division, as unbeaten Carpenter (7-0, 1-0 UFC) looks to stave off surging newcomer Rocha (17-1, 0-0 UFC) in what should be a wild one. Referee Mark Smith is prepped and ready to handle the speedy combatants, who come together to bump fists. Rocha moves straight to the driver’s seat, pressuring forward only to dodge a pair of jabs flying at his face. Rocha jabs out with a foot, and he wings a right hand over the top. When Carpenter kicks low, Rocha rails the body with a kick. Smith calls time to warn Rocha for his outstretched fingers, and they get back to quick one-after-another striking. Carpenter rushes into a brawl, and the Brazilian obliges him as the two trade hands, absorbing clean strikes and giving them back in volume. Rocha slows things down by hunting for a jump knee, and Carpenter backs off and suddenly blitzes forward to tackle Rocha to the mat. Carpenter lands in half guard, and Rocha scrambles madly but cannot get the American off of him. Carpenter lashes out with an elbow that rips Rocha’s left eyebrow wide open, and he gets pulled back to the guard briefly. Blood leaks down Rocha’s face and into his eye, and he remains nullified with Carpenter’s effective heavy shoulder pressure. Carpenter postures up again to bean Rocha again with another powerful elbow, and the mat around the fighters is quickly gaining stains that will never be cleaned. “Fenomeno” fights off an arm-triangle setup and bucks his hips at the right time to sit up, and Carpenter meets him every step of the way and keeps him stuck thanks to a front choke. Carpenter bowls Rocha to his back again, where he claims full mount briefly. Rocha shifts his hips to pull Carpenter to half guard, but he absorbs another elbow or two in the process. Rocha thinks about a leglock off his back, and Carpenter sees it coming and rains down offense to break it up. The unbeaten fighter keeps jackhammering elbows down, causing additional damage on Rocha’s nose, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Carpenter
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Carpenter
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Carpenter

Round 2

The doctors are able to temporarily stifle the bleeding of Rocha’s eyebrow between rounds, but a few strikes may restart the flow. Rocha, knowing a trigger-happy doctor might wave things off, starts out even more aggressively than the last round. Rocha walks through several jabs that open him up further, rushing after Carpenter to throw wild strikes and tag the unbeaten man with a knee. Carpenter sweeps the leg with a kick, and he catches Rocha coming in with a few body kicks. Carpenter mixes in a takedown, crashing through the hips with a double-leg takedown to plant Rocha on his seat. As Rocha tries to recover, Carpenter spins around to take the Brazilian’s back and hook in a body triangle. Rocha pushes off the fence with his foot, but Carpenter is more occupied with hunting down a rear-naked choke. The forearm slides beneath the chin and is immediately tight, but Rocha is insanely tough and grits it out. Rocha fights the hands, even landing a few strikes from behind his own head, but the choke is not going anywhere. As Carpenter sits up slightly to squeeze with all his might, Rocha’s hands go limp and he loses consciousness. Smith recognizes this instantly and breaks them up, with Carpenter standing up triumphantly to check his hair. This is a solid win for the still-unbeaten Carpenter, who becomes the first man to submit his opponent.

The Official Result

Clayton Carpenter def. Lucas Rocha R2 2:12 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Dan Argueta (138.5: Missed Weight) vs. Cody Haddon (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Haddon (-185), Argueta (+154)

Round 1

Shifting gears to what was supposed to be a bantamweight contest, Argueta (9-2, 2 NC; 1-2, 2 NC UFC) failed to make weight and surrendered 20% of his purse to Australian debutant Haddon (7-1, 0-0 UFC). The 139-pound catchweight contest will be overseen by referee Jason Herzog, who clocks the fighters in as there is no plan for a glove tough. It takes the fighters mere seconds to get after it, with Argueta hoping to impose his will by getting right in Haddon’s face throwing hands. Haddon obliges the slugfest, and they swing for the fences early. As Argueta lands cleanly, he sets up a takedown perfectly, stripping Haddon’s legs out and putting him on his seat. Haddon slowly, calmly works his way up, and he engages further with the heavy American. Argueta tags his man on the temple with a right hand, and he crashes forward to change levels. Haddon turns to lean against the fencing to remain upright, and Argueta wrenches him down to his knees momentarily. Haddon climbs back upright using the wall to force his way up, and Argueta is doggedly determined to get him down. Haddon wants nothing to do with it, and he opens up with a long combination of punches as Argueta swings his way into level changes. Haddon clips Argueta with a left hand, forcing Argueta to shoot in deep. Haddon defends the attempt and snaps off several sharp jabs and leg kicks to back Argueta up against the fence. Argueta loads up on power strikes, and he stumbles Haddon with an overhand right. Haddon shakes it off and comes back with clubbing strikes that sting Argueta. Argueta lands cleanly and jumps guard with a guillotine choke, and Haddon squirms his way free and stands up. They resume their ill-advised strategy of standing and banging, and Haddon picks his shots carefully to rip a left to the body and a right to the head. Haddon rings Argueta’s bell, meeting Argueta’s attempts to take the fight down with crisp uppercuts. Haddon shoves Argueta against the wall to knee him with big blows, and Argueta works his way out but cannot dodge the jabs coming en masse. Argueta slips one and counters with a right hand over the top, and the two are simply hammering each other with no regard to conditioning. The frenetic-paced round ends with both men throwing hands.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haddon
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Haddon
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Haddon

Round 2

It is right back to the races for these fighters, who continue to fight as if the match is five minutes long. Haddon is the more accurate of the two but by no means avoiding power strikes hurled back his direction. A glancing right hand from Argueta opens a cut on the hairline of the Australian, and he pays it no mind as he strikes his way into a takedown. “The Determined” is filled with determination, muscling his way back to his feet, turning Haddon around and depositing him on his back. Argueta starts to get some ground-and-pound going while Haddon looks for a kimura sweep or other kind of escape. As Haddon looks to work his way up, Argueta stays on him, never allowing the newcomer a moment to breathe or reset. Haddon stands, and Argueta lifts him up from behind to drop him to his hands. Argueta lifts Haddon up with a mighty single and throws him to the mat, but Haddon is a man possessed and he wants to keep trading. Exploding back to striking range, Haddon pays his man back with a series of punches. Argueta dives low for a takedown, and Haddon blasts him in the face with a knee that is about as clean as it can be. Argueta somehow tanks it, and he goes after a takedown that transitions into a low-percentage front choke. Haddon shucks out of it and clubs Argueta with combinations. Argueta aims several to the body, and Haddon gives him a knee back to the chest to think about. A solid leg kick from Argueta sweeps the leg, and Haddon frowns and lines up a right hand to stun Argueta. With Argueta backed against the wall, Haddon comes at him with fists and a knee before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haddon
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Haddon
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Haddon

Round 3

When the round begins, Argueta slugs Haddon in the face with a huge left hand. Haddon does not even blink, instead releasing his own heavy right hand that slams into the side of Argueta’s melon. The two batter one another with power blows, and Haddon flicks out two jabs, uses his head movement to dodge the counters and stonewalls a takedown. Haddon spins with a back fist that bounces off the raised guard, and Argueta says “two can play that game” and answers with a spinning back elbow that partially connects. Argueta lumbers forward, flailing big strikes, and Haddon picks him off and tags him with accurate blows. Haddon measures an elbow up top, fighting off a tie-up from the New Mexican so he can rip combinations. Argueta stumbles to the side, but he keeps throwing heat. Haddon lets Argueta overswing so he can ding him with single counters, until Argueta boots him in the front leg and drops him. Argueta pulls back right before unleashing what would have been an illegal soccer kick, and Haddon stands back up. Argueta uses Haddon’s forward momentum against him to land power strikes, but Haddon is right in his face popping him again and again. Argueta’s blows become more labored and telegraphed as he fatigues, and Haddon is still on point with strikes but unable to stop Argueta from taking him down. Haddon crawls his way back up, scoring two quick punches before Argueta rushes after him to re-engage a clinch. Argueta drops low for a takedown, fails and transitions into another attempt, and then one more. Haddon remains upright for all of them, pushing Argueta to the center of the cage and breaking. Haddon jabs and lumps Argueta up with straight strikes, not exposing himself with too much power to throw himself off-balance. The Aussie turns the tables on the charging Argueta, putting Argueta on his back after an attempt. Argueta scrambles to his feet and pursues a few more that come up short before the final bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haddon (30-27 Haddon)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Haddon (30-27 Haddon)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Haddon (30-27 Haddon)

The Official Result

Cody Haddon def. Dan Argueta via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Cory McKenna (115) vs. Julia Polastri (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Polastri (-125), McKenna (+105)

Round 1

Pushing right along, ladies take center stage as Polastri (12-4, 0-1 UFC) tries to make good on her second chance to make a first impression. She collides with fellow diminutive strawweight McKenna (8-3, 3-2 UFC), with the two measuring about 10’5” combined. The 115ers will carry on with referee Chris Tognoni taking charge of the cage, and they gladly clap hands before commencing combat. McKenna moves to the center of the cage, stutter-stepping her way in to disrupt her opponent as she advances to initiate some wrestling. Polastri intercepts her with a few punches on the way in, and she frames off McKenna in the clinch to knee her in the head and midsection. McKenna uses her own shoulder pressure to keep grinding the Brazilian, but Polastri turns her around with a bouquet of knees. Polastri looks for a few knees to the dome, and McKenna spins her around and cracks her with a short but effective right hand. McKenna drops down for a double, and Polastri keeps her balance as the commentary booth drifts off into a conversation of taking down tables. Polastri dirty boxes with knees, elbows and short shots to the head and ribs, and she stands McKenna up with an uppercut and uses a right hand to break. Polastri beats McKenna to the punch with a long jab, only for McKenna to come back over the top with a one-two. Polastri leaps forward with a flying knee that crashes into McKenna’s jaw, and she fearlessly stalks her down to throw hands and feet. McKenna draws some swelling around Polastri’s right eye thanks to a few solid left hands, and she loops a left hook and a right around the guard while Polastri hunts for elbows. Polastri jabs with a front kick, and a second is met with an overhand right. Two one-twos from McKenna find their home as she backs away, and she cannot get out of the way of heavy right over the top. Polastri chains a body kick into a right hand, and she ties McKenna up and knees her repeatedly. A knee on the button makes McKenna think twice about engaging like this, and Polastri walks her down and knees her a few times before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Polastri
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Polastri
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Polastri

Round 2

Polastri comes out of her corner to take the center of the cage, and she calmly walks McKenna down before leaping at her with a jump knee. The knee bounces off the Welshwoman’s chest, and she keeps her guard up to block a long left hand and retaliate with a body kick. Polastri absorbs a jab to come out swinging with a combination of punches and a knee before shoving McKenna to the wall in a clinch. As Polastri works the body with knees, McKenna tries to respond with a head-and-arm throw that fails miserably. Polastri lines up knee after knee to the midsection, ignoring what McKenna gives back at her. McKenna breaks away and fires off a one-two, and she follows it with a right to the body as she dances out of the way of a counter. Polastri shrugs off the offense aimed at her so she can keep McKenna on her back foot, and she shoots in for a double and uses it to take McKenna’s back standing. Polastri winds up with big knees to the back of the thigh as she makes McKenna’s life miserable in the clinch, jumping over to get a hook in on the side in hopes of dragging McKenna down. McKenna fights off the hook, but the arms of the Brazilian are locked around McKenna’s waist. McKenna breaks up a seatbelt position around her chest so she can spin around and pay Polastri back for a few of those knees before splitting off. Polastri follows her along and kicks her upside the head. McKenna swings frantically as Polastri gives chase, and Polastri does damage to the body as McKenna throws with anything she has while strafing. McKenna lands a few shots, but Polastri knees her in the noodle twice as the round wraps.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Polastri
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Polastri
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Polastri

Round 3

The Brazilian offers a clap of hands to start the final round, and McKenna gladly accepts only to get kicked in the ribs as she backs off. Polastri tees off on her opponent with punches and body kicks, and she allows McKenna to get in close so she can knee her in the guts. McKenna backs off and dips out with two shovel uppercuts, and Polastri completely no-sells them to chase the woman from Wales. They land at the same time, and Polastri’s left hook lands harder as she races after McKenna and swings an elbow at her. McKenna escapes from getting backed to the wall momentarily, but it does not take more than a high kick and a jab from “Psycho” to put McKenna on her back foot. As Polastri lines up several punches, she connects at the end of a combo to stagger McKenna back. McKenna gets pushed to the wall and absorbs a slashing elbow before she is able to turn around and shoot for a double. Polastri sprawls to defend the shot and even scores a knee from up close, pressing on the back of McKenna’s head to keep her from succeeding. McKenna finally manages to clasp her hands around Polastri’s backside, dumping the Brazilian to her back in a big moment. Polastri throws her legs up to defend with either a high guard or a triangle choke setup, and the Team Alpha Male export shrugs it off and opens up with a few punches while hunting for a guard pass. Polastri times this by attempting a sweep, and McKenna keeps heavy to maintain top position. Polastri attempts another triangle, and settles for using her feet to push off McKenna’s hips to make her adjust. Polastri closes the guard when McKenna lowers herself down, and her strikes from the back may be more powerful than McKenna’s that are hitting her back. McKenna rains down punches until Polastri kicks her foe in the chest, and McKenna gets off one diving punch before the final horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Polastri (30-27 Polastri)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Polastri (30-27 Polastri)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Polastri (30-27 Polastri)

The Official Result

Julia Polastri def. Cory McKenna via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Sean Sharaf (252) vs. Junior Tafa (241)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: ODDS: Tafa (-400), Sharaf (+250)

Round 1

The UFC nearly went two months without staging a heavyweight fight, with the last one between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa in the middle of August. Tafa (5-3, 1-3 UFC), one of the other hefty participants that night, will try to get back in the win column at the expense of relative neophyte Sharaf (4-0, 0-0 UFC). Referee Mark Smith will be keeping his head on a swivel, as these two sluggers combine for nine knockouts across their nine wins. Gloves are briefly touched, and Sharaf does not waste time and winds up a low kick and look for a big right hand. Sharaf backs Tafa against the fence and swings for the bleachers, forcing Tafa to bounce off the wall. Tafa jabs to the body, and Sharaf comes up top with a one-two. Tafa splits the guard with long punches, and Sharaf thumps the front leg with a kick. Tafa winds up with a counter right hand to nail the newcomer on the side of the head, and Sharaf dives after him for a takedown. Tafa grabs the fence to keep himself on his feet, and Smith is not happy about that and calls time to warn him of his foul. When they resume, it does not take more than a few seconds for Sharaf to charge his foe and get the takedown he was seeking. Tafa does not stay on his back for long before getting back to his feet, and they stand in the center of the cage and trade single strikes. The ferocity between the two is not nearly as intense as before, but Tafa breaks this up by blasting Sharaf in the side of the head and shaking him up. Tafa showboats by pointing at Sharaf’s corner, and Sharaf surges into action with thunderous punches that back “The Juggernaut” to the wall again. Tafa strafes away in part due to a successful takedown defense, and he scores a few leg kicks and follows one with a left hook. Sharaf keeps a decent poker face but is stung from the blow, and Tafa winds up and nails him on the temple to further shake him up. Tafa marches him down, walking through wild counters while picking his shots that are landing cleaner and heavier. Tafa backs off to adjust his shorts, and he checks a calf kick and leans back as a left hook comes his way. Tafa slips two lefts around the guard and unloads haymakers, only for Sharaf to stand form and rock him with two hooks and drag him to the mat with a double. Tafa turns to his side as Sharaf claims full mount, and Sharaf beats on him with punches and elbows. Sharaf swarms his man with elbows until the horn saves an exhausted Tafa.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sharaf
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sharaf
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sharaf

Round 2

The big men are sucking wind after five minutes of brawling, and they get back to it and tap their large hands together. Tafa fights behind his jab, tripling up on it and following with a right hand. Sharaf tries a labored shot, and he gets caught with a right hand. Sharaf steps out with a left hand, and Tafa intercepts him with an uppercut while stopping a shot. Sharaf digs a left to the body and a right to the head, and Tafa surges into action. Tafa winds up a massive right hand, and Sharaf don’t like it. His casbah is rocked. Tafa throws hammers until he runs out of steam, and he has no choice but to disengage as Sharaf is still in the fight albeit bloodied from his left eye. Tafa unloads a right hand around the guard of his opponent, and he marches forward and rifles off three uppercuts. Sharaf is barely on his feet, taking a deep breath and leaning back to avoid a haymaker. Tafa laughs off a possible shot and walks Sharaf from one side of the cage to the other. The spent Kiwi summons all his energy into one final punch, in the form of a booming right hand that clips Sharaf on the temple. Sharaf stumbles away, hanging on tightly to consciousness, and Smith sees he is not intelligently defending himself and waves the fight off. Taking the fight earlier this week, Sharaf showed off several solid moments and about five minutes of cardio, and Tafa had just a little more in the tank to get his hand raised. The victorious “Juggernaut” retains his 100% knockout rate, and he drops to his seat in exhaustion.

The Official Result

Junior Tafa def. Sean Sharaf R2 2:15 via TKO (Punches)

Themba Gorimbo (170.5) vs. Niko Price (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gorimbo (-278), Price (+225)

Round 1

One of two entries tonight in the “welterweight action fight club” will play out next, as Gorimbo (13-4, 3-1 UFC) is entering that category while Price (16-7, 2 NC; 8-7, 2 NC UFC) has been a member practically since day one. Any matchup in that section of 170-pound fighters seems to have a greater likelihood—anecdotally, with those numbers not officially tracked right now—of receiving some sort of “of the night” bonus. Both fighters could use it, as Gorimbo is famous for having seven dollars in his bank account while Price has six kids to feed. Referee Herb Dean will serve as the Octagon ranger, and when he calls for them to fight, they touch gloves. Price walks directly into a front kick when he moves to the center of the cage, and he further gets his bell rung by flying punches from Gorimbo. The Zimbabwe native lets his hands fly, and Price has to reset as he gets clipped with a left hand. Gorimbo aims two thudding leg kicks to the front leg of his foe, and when Price tries to counter with a third, Gorimbo dodges and connects with it. Gorimbo further does damage with his calf kick, and he strings together a pair of straight punches with a step-in knee to the belly. Price takes another chopping kick as he slowly advances, and Gorimbo sticks him with a right hand. Price attempts a body kick, and he gets caught with a fastball of a right hand. Price still marches ever onward, through a low kick and a one-two without flinching. Price squares up, opening him up to three punches, a leg kick and a takedown shot. “The Answer” deposits Price on his back, where he starts working with elbows and punches. Price gets stacked up when attempting an armbar, as Gorimbo punches through it to stop it from materializing. Gorimbo steps over to half guard as Price defends with a kimura sweep, and Gorimbo breaks out of it to open Price up with punches and effective elbows. Price looks to sit up, and Gorimbo hops around to take his back and get both hooks in. Price stands up, and Gorimbo hangs on his foe’s back and grips hold of a neck crank. Price responds by slamming Gorimbo on his head, and Gorimbo rides it out to secure a body triangle. From an awkward angle, the two punch one another until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo

Round 2

Price starts out the second round marching Gorimbo down, putting a jab and a front kick in his face early. Gorimbo chains punches together in response, with two up top and then a few to the body. Price retaliates with a body kick, and he catches Gorimbo coming in but still eats a few back. Gorimbo winds up with his power calf kick, and he plants the ball of his foot on Price’s sternum. Price punches his way into a clinch, and Gorimbo shakes him up with left hooks and uppercuts up close before tackling Price to the mat. Price turns to his stomach to survive and stand back up, all while eating clubbing left hands. Price gets to his knees and then back upright, and Gorimbo hurriedly mat returns him. Price once more stands, and Gorimbo is imposing his full weight on him, kneeing him in the breadbasket. They trade knees from close proximity, and Gorimbo tries for a trip on the inside but does not land it. Price turns him around as they dirty box with one another, and Price attacks a double that is easily stifled. Price goes after another double, transitioning to a single as Gorimbo’s hips are wide. Gorimbo turns the corner and knees Price in the chest, and they get back upright and split up. Price stalks a potentially tiring Gorimbo down and slugs him in the chops, getting his attention with power punches until they get clinched. Gorimbo responds with a knee on the break, and Price is out of range. Price marches forward to connect with a one-two, and Gorimbo slaps his front leg and then jabs him to the body with a front kick. Price meanders forward, left eye bloodied, and he walks into a takedown shot. Gorimbo pushes through his hips, tosses aside a leglock and starts smacking Price upside the head. Price stands up, and Gorimbo wrenches him down by imposing his body weight on him. As Price defends with a kimura, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo

Round 3

The welterweights reach Round 3, tired and beat up but still ready for another five minutes. Gorimbo leads off with two chopping kicks, hits a third and then goes up top with his other leg. Price sees it coming in the nick of time and defends a subsequent shot with a guillotine choke. Gorimbo powers through the choke to slam Price on his back, opening up with ground-and-pound as Price tries to push off the fence with his foot. Gorimbo controls his man while slinging short right hands, keeping Price trapped between the corner of the floor and the wall. Price again tries to push off the fence, this time tugging on the links with his toes. Dean calls him on this, and Price stops. Price explodes to sit up, only for Gorimbo grind him back down while keeping Price’s right leg laced to stop him from escaping. Price kicks his foe off his chest, and Gorimbo stands and backs up. Price throws a hard kick to the calf from his back, and Gorimbo allows him to do this so he can dive in to reclaim top position. Gorimbo draws further blood with slow but methodical strikes, stepping over to half guard on the other side. Price times this guard pass to burst upright with 55 seconds left in the round. Gorimbo cinches his hands around the waist to dump Price to the floor. Price stands up again through sheer force of will, and Gorimbo hangs on from his back and slides off. Gorimbo looks for an unorthodox banana split, Suloev stretch or kneebar, and time expires before he can get anything.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)

The Official Result

Themba Gorimbo def. Niko Price via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jonathan Pearce (145) vs. Pat Sabatini (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pearce (-130), Sabatini (+110)

Round 1

Grapplers enter the Octagon in what should be a fun stylistic clash. On a rare losing streak, Pearce (14-6, 5-3 UFC) has his back against the wall, but the same might be said for Sabatini (18-5, 5-2 UFC), who has dropped two of three. Someone will turn things around in the next 15 minutes or less, and referee Chris Tognoni will follow them every step of the way. Before throwing hands, “JSP” walks over to the other corner to deliver a friendly fist bump. Pearce takes to the center of the cage, and they clash body kicks at the same time. As they tangle up, Sabatini manages to sneak around and grab Pearce from behind, where he hops on his back to take the form of a mean-spirited backpack. Sabatini locks a body triangle around the waist, slugging his left hand around the raised guard of his foe. Pearce leans against the wall to relieve himself of some of the extra weight, and he turns his shoulder to sling Sabatini off of him. The Pennsylvanian turns the corner to get his arms around Pearce once more, and “JSP” is warned for fence grabs to keep himself on his feet. Rules are mere suggestions in the sport of MMA. Sabatini scoops up Pearce’s legs and steps over him to ground him, and Pearce is warned for elbowing the spine and attempting 12-6 elbows—these will be allowed next month. Pearce uses a butterfly guard to keep Sabatini from establishing a more traditional top position, only for Sabatini to smother him and move to half guard. Sabatini steps over to three-quarter mount, hunting for a choke when Pearce turns the wrong direction. Sabatini looks for another submission as Pearce gets to his knees, and Sabatini’s body triangle is wrapped firmly around the ribs. Pearce stands up and elbows Sabatini’s thigh to try to break up the body lock. Sabatini leans to add his weight to different places on the back, and he slithers his forearm beneath the chin and fastens a nasty rear-naked choke. Pearce’s head turns a brilliant shade of red, and he thinks about going out on his shield but elects to fight another day and taps out. Sabatini releases the lock and walks to the center of the cage, letting out one triumphant shout before calming himself. Sabatini tries his best to stay cool, but cannot help but flip around the cage, bellowing and fist-pumping in celebration.

The Official Result

Pat Sabatini def. Jonathan Pearce R1 4:06 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Ramazonbek Temirov (125.5) vs. C.J. Vergara (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Temirov (-265), Vergara (+215)

Round 1

Capping off the prelims is a flyweight contest pitting a UFC vet of six fights against a promotional newcomer. Vergara (12-5-1, 3-3 UFC) will be searching for his first win in over a year, while Temirov (15-2-1, 0-0 UFC) and his slightly sketchy fight record is hoping to make Uzbekistan proud. With 15 knockouts and one submission between them, referee Jason Herzog will need to be prepared for fast hands to fly. Before they aim those fists at one another, they meet them in the middle to seal the cage. Vergara looks to establish a long distance, and Temirov introduces himself to his opponent and the UFC with a spinning back kick to the body. Vergara dodges the strike and walks through a low kick, but a left hook from the Uzbek gets Vergara’s attention. Temirov spins again with a kick, and this one is checked as Vergara slides out of the way. Temirov swings hard with another right hand, and Vergara lets it graze his cheek as he resets. Temirov whips three punches at his foe, and Vergara dodges them all but absorbs a left to the head and one to the body on the way out. Temirov is hunting the knockout, coiling back his right hand like a snake ready to strike. Temirov spins past his target with another kick, and Vergara lets him fly past him and keep going. Vergara gets off a short low kick, and he backs off with his hands down. Temirov unleashes hell with a huge right hand that whiffs and a massive left that sends Vergara flying, and Vergara gets back to his feet and is cracked a second time. Vergara turns tail and runs away from his opponent to survive, trying for vicious counters that largely miss the mark as Temirov is measuring him well. Vergara keeps moving from side to side while holding his guard high. As Vergara’s arms are up, Temirov sets up a combination with two thudding shots up high and a lethal left to the liver that would make Bas Rutten blush. Vergara drops to his knees and is down for good this time, with Temirov needing only one more punch before Herzog gets between them. This is a statement for “Temurlan,” who lets the promotion know that he can crack as a flyweight. His mighty fists make him the first fighter to stop Vergara with strikes as a pro.

The Official Result

Ramazonbek Temirov def. C.J. Vergara R1 2:50 via TKO (Punches)

Alex Morono (170.5) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-198), Morono (+164)

Round 1

Action is on the menu with this welterweight main card opener. Recent middleweight Rodriguez (17-5, 7-4 UFC) realized after his last outing that he is better suited for 170 pounds, and Morono (24-10, 1 NC; 13-7, 1 NC UFC) will serve as a more-than-willing dance partner. Referee Herb Dean will have his hands full as long as this one goes, and the fighters elect not to touch ‘em up. Morono stays on the outside chipping with low kicks, and Rodriguez marches forward looking for left hands. Morono loads up with a right, and he gets Rodriguez’ attention and is forced to parry a response. Morono reaches out with two punches, and he catches Rodriguez ducking in to score a right. The Texan keeps moving, absorbing a low kick and firing off a right over the top. Rodriguez eats a pair of punches when coming forward, and he shines up Morono’s right eye with a counter. Morono pursues a high kick, and he chambers and fires a right hand on the counter. Morono backs Rodriguez up with another right, and they trade kicks. Morono’s head kick comes up short, and Rodriguez tries and fail to land his own. Morono bounces his way in and out to attack, not absorbing much back from “D-Rod.” Morono lets off a right hand, and he gets clipped on the way turning himself around after spinning for a back fist. Morono sits down on a thudding right hand that forces Rodriguez to blink it out, and Rodriguez escapes and pushes out a jab to the belly. Morono absorbs a flush body kick and throws back with three punches up top. Morono jabs, flicks out a low kick and releases a trio of fists high. Rodriguez snaps the head back with a sharp jab, and he gets knocked back a few steps from a winging right hand. Morono keeps him guessing with a wide variety of strikes, but his short right hands do as well as anything he puts out. Morono whiffs on another high kick, and he slips a punch to fire off a haymaker that misses by a whisker. Morono kicks low and is met with a pair of heavy punches, and Rodriguez smiles. They trade low kicks, and Morono connects with three big overhand rights. Rodriguez wears them well, blocks a spin and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morono
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morono
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Morono

Round 2

The welterweight strikers pick up where they left off, trading blows without fear. Rodriguez fight behind his jab, and Morono looks for counters. One heavy right sends Rodriguez careening back, and Rodriguez gathers his thoughts and wades forward to re-engage. Morono takes a right hook on the chin and reloads to slug it out with Rodriguez. A right from Morono glides off the shiny head of his opponent, and Rodriguez keeps jabbing away. Morono’s face is marked up from the jabs, and he jumps forward with a Superman punch that misses the mark. Rodriguez jabs the body with his foot, and Morono meets him with a step-in right hand. Morono puts a jab on Rodriguez’s face when Rodriguez resets, and he scores a right over the top. Rodriguez fires off a high kick, and Morono comes up short on another Superman punch. Morono jabs his way into a right hand, and his subsequent haymaker bounces off the guard. When Morono slings another, it gets through. Rodriguez barely flinches when taking it flush, and he retaliates with counters on counters. Rodriguez lines up a body kick and swats his way into action, only to walk face-first into a home run punch. Rodriguez again does not waver as he takes the power strike cleanly, and Morono strings three more together over the top before getting out. Morono ducks a jab and releases a right hand, and Rodriguez’ jaw hangs open slightly as if it sustained some damage. Rodriguez’ job stays busy, and he uses it to cut off the looping striker. Morono still gets off a thudding right hand, and he goes to the body with a kick and follows with a right hook. Rodriguez scores to back Morono off, and Morono rushes back at him throwing fire. Rodriguez goes after a one-two to the body, and the two trade furiously until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morono
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 3

The two men are ready and willing to get after it as soon as Dean calls for them to begin. Morono cracks Rodriguez with an effective right hand at the end of a flurry, and Rodriguez calms himself down and pushes out with a front kick and one to the lead leg. Morono chambers and fires a big right hand that partially connects, and he gets knocked back from a short left. Rodriguez follows with a hard left, and Morono staggers back to get his bearings. Instead of shelling up, Morono steels himself and comes out swinging even harder than before. The wild attacks of “The Great White” catch Rodriguez a few times, and Rodriguez’ speed is making a difference as he tends to land first. Morono catches a kick and pushes his man back, but he lets it go instead of pursuing a takedown. Morono jabs his way into an overhand right, and as Rodriguez responds, Morono bombs back. Rodriguez pokes out a leg kick and slides back from a salvo of fists, and he kicks the lead leg again and leans back from the massive counter. Rodriguez sticks Morono a few times with his piston-like left, giving Morono something to think about each time. Morono loads up with his right hand from down by his hip, and Rodriguez absorbs it cleanly and pecks at his foe with a clean right. Morono spins his way in with a back fist, and Rodriguez ducks it and tags him with a left. Rodriguez pushes the Texan against the fence, kneeing him a few times in the midsection while stifling Morono’s trip attempts. Rodriguez digs a few punches to the body on the break, and he sits down on counters with Morono bearing down on him. Rodriguez snipes him with a short right, and he slips back when Morono sells out on fastballs. Morono walks his foe down but cannot corner him or land cleanly, with Rodriguez playing defense until he ducks a spinning back fist and hurls Morono to the floor. Morono explodes back upright, and the horn blares to call an end to what should be a close one, depending on how the second round was scored.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 Morono)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 Rodriguez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 Rodriguez)

The Official Result

Daniel Rodriguez def. Alex Morono via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Grant Dawson (156) vs. Rafa Garcia (154.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dawson (-395), Garcia (+310)

Round 1

Moving right along, lightweight contender Dawson (21-2-1, 9-1-1 UFC) needs this next opportunity to put together a win streak. To do so, he will need to get past Mexico’s Garcia (16-3, 4-3 UFC), who will not make it easy on him. Referee Chris Tognoni checks in as the cage commander for this 155-pound contest, and it kicks off with a glove touch. Garcia crouches several times early, expecting to have to defend against a level change. Dawson meets one of those with a front kick, and Garcia just barely dodges it. Garcia avoids another jabbing kick to throw out a one-two to the body. Dawson sticks him with a jab and uses another front kick, and he parries an overhand right. Dawson gets knocked off-balance with a right hand, and he gathers himself and spins with a wheel kick. Garcia walks forward slinging hands, and Dawson answers a solid right hand with a single-leg entry that plants “Gifted” on his knee. Dawson hits a mat return when Garcia powers his way back up, and this time he has Garcia flat on his back. Dawson opens with ground-and-pound and is answered some from Garcia, and Garcia’s hit the back of his foe’s head as Tognoni asks him not to land fouls. Dawson sits up to hammer Garcia with two big punches, an elbow and some other ground strikes to disguise his guard pass to half guard. Dawson stays busy with smothering top control and active offense, getting hard shots in when not attempting to advance position. Dawson gets pushed back for a moment, and he bowls Garcia back over with elbows. “KGD” shifts from one side to the other to pass the guard, and he pounds down with strikes. Garcia kicks him off to gain a bit of space, only for Dawson to swarm him with standing-to-ground punches. Garcia scrambles madly until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dawson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dawson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dawson

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to get going, and Dawson is eager to kick things off by kicking four times with four different types of kicks. His spin kick finds its home, and he uses that to get in close, swing an overhand right and duck low to secure an easy takedown less than 30 seconds into the round. Dawson finds openings and attacks with hammerfists or elbows, and he takes a chunk out of Garcia’s forehead with a Friday the 13th-insired slashing elbow. Blood sprays from the Mexican’s head as he turns to his knees, and Dawson further beats on him with a barrage of punches. Sitting proudly in mount, “KGD” unleashes a mighty barrage of punches and elbows, clubbing Garcia as Tognoni asks Garcia to fight back. Dawson knows the finish is around the corner, with Garcia bloodied and bruised, and he finishes the job with a final salvo of punches. Tognoni has no choice to step in, and the American Top Team contender notches his first knockout in nearly three years. In victory, Dawson becomes the first fighter to ever stop the durable man from Mexican.

The Official Result

Grant Dawson def. Rafa Garcia R2 1:42 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Jared Gooden (172.5: Missed Weight) vs. Chidi Njokuani (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Njokuani (-185), Gooden (+154)

Round 1

The preferred method of victory for well-traveled welterweights Njokuani (23-10, 1 NC; 3-3 UFC) and Gooden (23-9, 2-4 UFC) is the knockout. Fists are sure to fly for this matchup that has transformed into a 173-pound catchweight affair, with Gooden coming in overweight and losing 20% of his purse to his opponent. Njokuani will hope to pick up four checks tonight with his appearance, victory, fine amount and a bonus, and referee Mark Smith will keep it clean between them. They would rather get right after it instead of bumping fists, and Gooden springs into action with a flurry of punches that he uses to wrap his hands around Njokuani. “Chidi Chidi Bang Bang” muscles his way back to his feet after getting dragged down, and he lifts Gooden up with a knee to the body. Njokuani turns Gooden around and raps him in the belly with a number of stern knees. Njokuani keeps working on the midsection with knee after knee, pinning Gooden against the wall and doing some damage. Gooden ducks and wings a left over the top, and Njokuani is wise to it and pushes Gooden flat against the wire again. Njokuani hacks at his man with a short elbow to keep things guessing when spamming knees, and the knees draw slightly larger reactions each time one lands. Njokuani is comfortable in this position, hammering Gooden again and again. Gooden looks to break again, only to get his head snapped back with an uppercut. Gooden steps around to hunt for trips from behind, and Njokuani stops the first two and spins around to back Gooden up and knee him hard. Njokuani lands a few times, and Gooden responds with a knee that claps into the cup. Njokuani does not need to take a breather, instead remaining pressed to his opponent with knees and elbows flying. The round ends with Njokuani ripping knees, and they share an intense staredown until Smith sends them to their corners.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani

Round 2

The second round begins with both fighters kicking at one another. Njokuani goes low and then high, and Gooden bears down on him with a wide right hand. Gooden tries another as his lead leg gets chopped, and Njokuani is hunting with his inside low kick. Gooden gets intercepted when advancing with two more, and Njokuani goes up high to slap Gooden in the face. Njokuani crashes the pocket with a knee, and Gooden grabs him and turns him around to shove him against the fencing. Njokuani needs just a few seconds to spin Gooden to the wall, and he starts up with knees in bunches like much of the last round. Njokuani hacks with an elbow when Gooden starts to move out of the tie-up, and he continues beating down the body with a number of growingly effective knees. Njokuani jams his man with several elbows on the inside, and Gooden is taking some damage up close in the clinch. Njokuani relishes this position, hammering Gooden with sharp elbows and nasty knees. Gooden bumps another knee to the groin, and Njokuani again lets it slip so he can stay in Gooden’s grill, kneeing him repeatedly. Njokuani flirts with a spinning elbow as he is picking up steam, chewing Gooden up with a comical amount of knees and some elbows mixed in. Gooden bursts out of the clinch and throws hands, and Njokuani leans back and kicks him in the face. Njokuani narrowly evades a strike to smack Gooden with an elbow, and Gooden’s final strike of the round, a head kick, is nowhere near its intended target.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani

Round 3

Njokuani uses his long legs to keep an early advancing Gooden off of him, with Gooden likely knowing he is well down on the scorecards and needs a stoppage to win. Njokuani lets him come at him to land a high kick, and as he meets Gooden with knees when Gooden pursues a clinch, Gooden tackles him to the ground. Njokuani bucks him off, absorbs a pair of power punches and stands back up. Gooden sells out for a single, and Njokuani hops back to the fence and is forced to defend against a double when the first attempt runs out of steam. Njokuani pushes off the forehead instead of getting back to his clinch game, and he moves back to a wide berth to score kicks aplenty. Gooden ducks down square into a ferocious knee, stunning him badly. Gooden’s balance is nearly gone and he appears struggling even putting punches together, overswinging and getting wild before pushing forward to the clinch. When Gooden tries to take his foe down, he ends up feebly pulling Njokuani on top of him. Njokuani briefly hops into mount, looking to sit up and inflict some punishment, and he gets pulled back to half guard. Gooden threatens with a kimura off his back, and Njokuani pulls his arm out of danger without concern. Gooden attempts another kimura sweep, and he nearly takes the back when he flips Njokuani over, but Njokuani still manages to flow through it and return to top position. While in an open guard, Njokuani inflicts pain with elbows and punches from his long arms. Njokuani steps to the side and clubs “Nite Train” with elbows, forcing Gooden to turn over to his back again. Njokuani grinds elbows and lets loose a lengthy string of punches until the final bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (30-27 Njokuani)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (30-27 Njokuani)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (30-27 Njokuani)

The Official Result

Chidi Njokuani def. Jared Gooden via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jun Yong Park (185.5) vs. Brad Tavares (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-180), Tavares (+150)

Round 1

This middleweight co-main attraction was previously scheduled for July 20, only for Park (17-6, 7-3 UFC) to fail his medical clearances after weighing in. Pushed back nearly three months, Tavares (20-9, 15-9 UFC) is ready to compete, with only so many more appearances left in the tank for the grizzled 36-year-old. The well-rounded pair will be joined in the Octagon by referee Herb Dean, and they touch ‘em up to get going. The two are slow to get going, and Tavares tosses out a few jabs. When Park comes at him, Tavares lashes out with a one-two that sends the South Korean flying. Tavares leaps on top, but instead of taking top position to drum Park out, he takes Park’s back and gets a hook in. Park turns the proper direction to get to a knee, and he stands up and spins away without getting followed. Park jabs and twos his way into close range, clipping Tavares with a right hand as they stand in the pocket trading. Tavares comes back swinging, and he gets off three uppercuts before Park can push him back and ring his bell with an elbow. Tavares skirts away to the side, and Park is on him immediately with a pair of sharp one-twos and an uppercut. Tavares gives back the same two-pieces, until Park squeezes him against the fencing. Park wraps his hands around the waist of his foe, and he pursues trips or imposes his weight in hopes of just wrenching Tavares to the floor. Tavares turns his back to the wall, and he ducks a spinning elbow in the nick of time. Tavares nails the front leg with a kick, and “The Iron Turtle” wags his finger at him. Tavares comes back with a right over the top, and his front calf gets kicked hard. Once more, Park motions to Tavares, and then he calls on him to keep slugging away. Tavares obliges, and they beat on each other with power strikes. Tavares sinks in a few heavy low kicks, and Park drills him with a right hand and his own low kick. Tavares lances out a straight left hand, and Park backs off and clutches his eye to signal his eye was poked. Dean calls for a replay and determines that it was a legal punch and restarts the action. Park walks through a few low kicks to slug it out, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tavares

Round 2

Park is amped and excited to start the second round, and they clap hands to get going. Tavares reintroduces himself with a one-two and a low kick, and he checks a low kick and secures a solid right hand on the chin. Park catches a kick and trips him out, and Tavares explodes back to his feet and bites down on his mouthpiece to trade leather. Park stands right in front of him busting him in the chops, and Tavares retaliates and backs Park off a few times. Park continues to pressure recklessly, constantly striking with something until his momentum leads to a tie-up. Tavares threatens to spin and force a break, but Park is wise to it and gets nice and close. Park tags his foe with an elbow and leans back to back off, and Tavares has to give chase and potshots him with a jab. Park’s leg kicks land with thuds and not slaps, and Tavares tries to check them but is marginally successful. Park chips away freely with kicks, and he hops away to dodge one coming from the Hawaiian and waves his finger at him. Tavares reaches the target with a long right hand, and he has his calf meanly massaged with additional kicks when rushing forward. Tavares doubles up on a jab and follows with a right over the top, and a second big right hand shakes Park up. Tavares eats jab after jab until he stings Park with a right hand around the guard. Park jabs, follows with a right and ends the combo with an unfriendly low kick. Park keeps his jab flowing, and Tavares punches his way through it with a one-two. They trade hard punches one after the other, taking turns as they attack. Park’s jab allows him to sneak right hands around them, and Tavares’ nose is turning colors from eating these punches. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Park
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Park
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Park

Round 3

Fists are traded right out of the gate, and they brawl fearlessly and wonderfully. Punches meet faces, defense is at a premium and their chins largely hold up until Tavares eats one he does not like and wobbles towards the fence. Park rushes after him, gripping him around the side and looking to trip him to the floor. The exchange has opened up Tavares’ left eyebrow, which produces a thin trickle of crimson fluid down his mug. Dean calls for more action, and Park answers the call by hitting a body lock to drag his man down to the mat. Park holds on in three-quarter mount and looks to establish dominant position rather than rain down offense. With Park imposing his body weight on the Hawaiian, Tavares leans to the side and exposes himself to choke danger. Park elects to get a choke, and Dean calls for them to work even with Park sitting in what should be already considered dominant position. Park settles down in half guard, and he has his right arm trapped and cannot get strikes off. Dean’s cries grow louder, and so do chants for “Turtle” in support of the South Korean. The Apex is as active and loud as it has ever has been. Park grinds down elbows in short range, smothering the longtime veteran to further nullify him. Dean does not get between them until time expires, and Park hops back to his feet and dances awkwardly but entertainingly away with a big smile on his face.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Park (29-28 Park)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Park (29-28 Park)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Park (29-28 Park)

The Official Result

Jun Yong Park def. Brad Tavares via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Brandon Royval (125.5) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Taira (-225), Royval (+185)

Round 1

The UFC has chosen well with this all-action flyweight scrap capping off the fight card. Fresh off a revenge win over Brandon Moreno, Royval (16-7, 6-3 UFC) is energized and fully capable of playing spoiler. Taira (16-0, 6-0 UFC) has yet to taste defeat, and his performances continue to dazzle as he works his way up the 125-pound ladder. The two are brought to the middle of the cage by referee Jason Herzog for final instructions, and they gladly bump fists before madness ensues. It’s on with the show. Royval hops in and out searching for an early jab, and he pitches out a high kick to further gauge his range. Royval has another head kick miss, and Taira tests his mettle with a light low kick. Royval connects with a body kick, and Taira changes levels on him. Royval defends with a guillotine choke, and he breaks free of the attempt with his back bouncing off the wall. Royval walks through a right hand to get off his own, and his subsequent head kick efforts continue missing. A straight left from Royval reddens the Japanese fighter’s nose, and he catches Taira coming in with another left hand. Royval kicks the body and spins around, with Taira getting off a right hand. Royval scores another body kick that does not get caught, and he snaps out a one-two to get Taira’s attention. Royval clubs his foe with a left hand, and he gets off another in short order before dancing away to a safe distance. Royval measures and clubs Taira once more with a left, having found its range with it and a body kick. Taira bends over and gets his hair buzzed with a back fist. Two more body kicks from Royval get through, and his jab splits the guard. Taira walks into a pair of punches, and he makes Royval stumble with a short combo and grabs hold of Royval from behind to drag him to the floor. Royval attacks a kneebar as soon as he hits a mat, and he transitions into a heel hook and tugs on it from the other side for an inverted variety. Taira turns but cannot get out of the leg danger, as Royval commits to it by rolling over. Taira slithers away from the submission, and Royval breaks free and darts after him with long punches before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Royval
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Royval
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Royval

Round 2

Royval is right in the center of the cage ready to pick up where he left off, and his long punches lead to a step-in knee. Taira threatens with a double, scooping Royval up and pushing off the fence to drag Royval down and take his back. Taira flattens Royval out for a moment, but Royval is a scrambler and he keeps moving any direction he can. Taira secures the body triangle to stifle the former title challenger’s escape attempts, and he slides over to take mount before stretching Royval out further. Royval scoots his way to put the wall behind him, with Taira sitting up and the leg grip still around his waist. Royval hand-fights to defend from a submission, and Taira looks to isolate a choke. Royval rolls over, turning twice until he grabs hold of Taira’s knee to spin him around. Taira further maintains control from behind, with Royval’s efforts in vain. Royval is warned for grabbing the inside of the glove, and Taira sells out for a rear-naked choke. Taira turns to the other side to further sneak it in, and Royval is able to stop these attempts for the time being. Royval sits back down with Taira holding an unorthodox grip around his shoulder, and he uses it to put Royval on his back and reassume mount. Royval spins around to escape the first bad position, and Taira deftly slides through to get his back and shut Royval down by getting in half guard. Royval attacks a leglock, forcing Taira to stand up and pull his leg away. Royval works back to his feet in the waning seconds, and one body kick is all he gets off before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Taira

Round 3

Fists are bumped to get going, and a more tentative Royval gets countered over the top with a left hand. Taira reaches him with another left hook over the top, and Royval slugs him in the chops with a right hand. A straight left from Royval finds its home on the jaw, and he lands another few punches and a knee when Taira shoots for a takedown. Royval defends the double with several elbows to the side of the head, and he stands Taira up with a sharp knee. Royval breaks out of the attempt and goes wild with a flurry of strikes, shaking Taira up briefly. Taira’s recoverability is excellent, as he does not back up and instead stays just out of range. Royval bears down on him with a long left and an uppercut, and his uppercut clips Taira again when Taira tries to strike back. Royval gets energized by landing flush, hurting Taira with a flurry of fists. Taira shoots desperately for a takedown when he gets hurt with a salvo from “Raw Dawg.” Taira’s takedown is used against him, as Royval throws him to the mat and works on him with hammerfists. Royval thwarts another attempt, and Taira is fading fast as the woodchipper in Royval is on him chewing him up with punches and knees. Taira goes after another takedown, and it is not effective as he ducks face-first into a clean knee. Taira drops to the mat, and Royval follows him and beats on him with hammerfists on either side of the head. Taira tries to move, and Royval circles around to take Taira’s back and get hooks in. Royval searches for an armbar, rolling to his bell to lock it down, and Taira miraculously fights his way out of the sub and turns Royval around to get his back. Taira fastens the body triangle and starts hunting for his own submission. A rear-naked choke from the Japanese youngster sneaks around the jaw of his foe, and Royval decides to punch instead of fighting the hands. Royval grits it out and survives to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Royval
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Royval
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Royval

Round 4

Royval is fired up after his corner very loudly and dramatically informs him that he needs to crush this kid. Taira is not about to go down lightly, and the two flyweights meet in the center of the cage and trade hands violently. When Taira gets stung, he shoots in for a takedown. Royval balances thanks in part to a fence grab, although Taira still wrests him to the mat. Taira gets his hooks in and locks down the body triangle, with Royval pulling off the fence to try to spin himself about. Taira hunts for a choke, and Royval fights the body lock and turns to his knees. Taira’s body lock remains firmly around the midsection even sitting upright, and Royval rolls but is still snared in the web. Taira softens him up from behind with punches as Royval keeps turning, and he lands an elbow as he moves from position to position. When absorbing one particularly fierce elbow, Royval turns to his stomach, and he uses two-on-one control to wriggle himself out. Taira’s savvy back control further nullifies “Raw Dawg,” and he lets Royval roll to his back to get the body triangle again. Royval fights it off on one side, but Taira fastens it on the other. When the 10-second clapper sounds, Royval sits up and is near to escape, but time expires before he can. It could be all tied up now.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Taira

Round 5

With five minutes left in the fight very likely even on the scorecards, Royval strikes first in the final round. Connecting with four or five early punches, Royval is forced to sprawl to stop a level change. Taira walks into a few punches after Royval stands up, and he reaches with a right but gets clubbed with an uppercut. Royval reaches out with a left hand, and he snipes Taira coming in with a few punches. Royval eats a pair of lefts to get driven back, and he slips in an uppercut. Taira swings a right hand into a takedown, and he puts Royval on his seat with three and a half minutes left in the round. Taira moves to north-south position with Royval pushing his heels off the fence to flip around. Taira nearly gets the back, but Royval reverses the position and pursues his own takedown to place Taira on his seat. Royval holds on from behind as Taira stands, and he elevates and slams the Japanese fighter down. Royval jumps on the back as Taira gets to his feet again, and slides off in a hurry. Taira breaks the grip and separates, and Royval walks him down and bloodies his foe’s nose. Taira loads up on power strikes, and Royval’s straight left remains a money punch. Royval seems to land cleanly whenever he wishes, and Taira dives after a desperate single but Royval stops it and knees his foe in the chest. Royval breaks free again and rails Taira with a step-in knee, and Taira knocks him back with a big right hand. Royval gets back in his face with a series of punches, and he gets pushed over when spinning back. Taira shoots for a double, and Royval jumps guard with a guillotine choke that he uses to roll into full mount. Royval sits up and lets Taira turn over to take his back, and he snatches up a rear-naked choke. Royval gets the body triangle at the same time, and he cranks on the neck. The neck crank does not get a tap, and tough as nails Taira survives to turn himself over. The final horn blares, and this back-and-forth battle comes to a close in an easy “Fight of the Night” candidate and one possibly worthy of “Fight of the Year” consideration. No matter who picks up the win, these two put on a show and stamp their places in the elite echelon of the 125-pound division.

Springing the upset, Royval showers his defeated opponent with compliments, while saying that he would be happy to do anything to further Taira’s career—a fighter that he confidently proclaims will be a champion one day. Royval states he alone deserves the next title shot at flyweight, due to wins over top-five talents Brandon Moreno, Kai Kara-France and now Taira. He asks to be backup for the Alexandre Pantoja-Kai Asakura championship bout, or offers to fight in hostile territory to beat either man in their home country after UFC 310. If he gets the next crack at gold, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Royval (48-47 Royval)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Royval (48-47 Royval)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Royval (48-47 Royval)

The Official Result

Brandon Royval def. Tatsuro Taira via Split Decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)