UFC on ABC 3 ‘Ortega vs. Rodriguez’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Emily Ducote (115.6) vs. Jessica Penne (115.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ducote (-150), Penne (+130)

Round 1

In what appears to be a rock-solid free fight card on paper, the UFC will show off its plumage on the ABC network in what will be an early morning show for most of the United States. An early start time means an early ending, so fight fans and media may be able to enjoy a Saturday night without a UFC show running till all hours in the morning. This dozen-bout show kicks off in the lightest division on the roster, between two former Invicta FC champions. The ex-105-pound queen Penne (14-5, 3-3 UFC), who is making her seventh UFC appearance since joining the league over seven years ago, takes on the debuting and recently vacating 115-pound champ Ducote (11-6, 0-0 UFC). This potential “passing of the torch” card opener will be officiated by referee Jacob Montalvo, and the ladies do not bother with glove touch to begin the day. Ducote looks to establish her range early, with several reaching jabs. Penne replies similarly as they stand right in front of one another smack in the center of the cage, with neither woman giving much ground as they look to set things up. One pokes out with a jab to land, the other responds with another strike just like it, and this tit-for-tat exchange continues. Ducote chains a low kick into a left hand, and Penne’s eyes open a bit wider after absorbing the blow. The newcomer chops at the leg and aims another check left hook across the bow, and Penne is looking a little marked up already after only a few punches. Ducote sharply reaches her opponent with strikes, and clipping Penne with an overhand right, and Penne has had enough of it and darts forward for a tie-up. “Gordinha” tosses her aside and continues to do work on the lead calf of Penne, which is reddening fast. Penne steps in to set up a clinch, and she strings three knees to the body together before ripping an elbow across the bow. Ducote shoves her away and keeps her active leg kick assault continuing, and Penne looks to break it up by drawing Ducote into a brawl. This does not work in her favor, as Ducote’s hands are just a slight bit faster, catching Penne with a couple hooks on the inside. Penne pushes off with a teep kick to the chest, and Ducote walks through it to smack Penne in the face with a left hand. Ducote scores a right to the body and a left to the head, and Penne bull-rushes forward only to get pushed aside. Ducote’s leg kicks on the outside continue to damage Penne’s wheel, as it is reddened and welted up already. Penne counters over the top, and Ducote stands firm and drills her with a right hand. The round ends as both ladies throw hands.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Ducote

Round 2

The second round begins with several fast exchanges between the two, and Penne starts quick but is outmatched on the power as they trade blows. Ducote does not let up kicking the lead leg of her opponent, and Penne’s poker face fades as she absorbs these unanswered calf kicks. Ducote follows one kick with a right hand on the jaw, and she splits the guard with a left hook as she slips a punch. They both load up on power punches, and Ducote’s arc is cleaner as she lands flush while Penne’s grazes the chin. Ducote takes two punches on the jaw and shakes them off so that she can pay Penne back, and this leads Penne into a shot. When that does not succeed, Penne looks to keep a clinch, and Ducote does not stick around and get peppered by knees like before. When they split up, Penne sticks out her jab, giving Ducote something to think about, and she checks a leg kick as well. Ducote reaches her with a right hand, and Penne grabs her and lifts up a knee. Penne keeps her jab going as Ducote walks her down, and it has the positive effect of keeping the newcomer at bay. Penne kicks the body when Ducote looks to kick her low, and a left hand busts up Ducote’s nose. Another takedown try fails from Penne, and Ducote makes her think twice with two looping hooks that land on either side of Penne’s dome. The jabs from Penne keep the blood flowing from Ducote’s nose, and Ducote steels herself and marches in to attack. She blasts Penne with four clean punches, knocking Penne back to the wall, and leading Penne to lift up her knee to keep her foe back. Ducote still reaches her with a few more, and the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Ducote

Round 3

While Penne looks to start off the last round with effective distance fighting, using her jab as her most effective weapon, she cannot stop the leg kicks from Ducote. The calf kicks from the newcomer have drawn visible reactions from Penne, and Penne can no longer hide the pain or keep her full balance. This leads Ducote to loosing several more, and Penne lifts her leg up and holds it up because she cannot keep her weight on it. Ducote measures a right hand that hammers Penne, and Penne’s other knee wobbles from the damage. Penne tosses out kicks from that hurt leg so that it is not a target from kicks, and Ducote continues to aim at that swollen calf. Ducote drops in two more, and she swipes out with a right. Penne sits down with all of her might to counter with a right hook, and she does not have enough oomph on it to get Ducote’s respect. “Gordinha” powers forward and keeps Penne backing off, and she mixes in punches to the body so that Penne is not simply focusing on that one particular strike. Penne bites down on her mouthpiece and throws hard, and her rights hands to land flush. Ducote walks through everything Penne wings at her, and she calmly hacks at the leg on the inside and out. Penne toughs it out, and her right eye begins to swell up from the left hands that are smashing her in the cheek. Ducote is firmly in her groove, and Penne tries valiantly to make her pay from any blow that lands on her. Ducote loads up on a right hand that lands flush, and Penne is right there to swing back with reckless abandon. Ducote plants another on the chin, and she strings the left hook into a low kick that draws a clear limp from Penne. The heart on display from Penne cannot be questioned, and she makes it to the final bell despite taking major damage to her lead leg.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ducote (30-27 Ducote)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ducote (30-27 Ducote)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Ducote (30-27 Ducote)

The Official Result

Emily Ducote def. Jessica Penne via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Dwight Grant (184.4) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (185.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grant (-140), Stoltzfus (+120)

Round 1

The quintessential striker vs. grappler contest is now on deck, as “The Body Snatcher” Grant (11-5, 3-4 UFC) moves up to middleweight in hopes of righting the ship. He will try to snatch the body of jiu-jitsu player Stoltzfus (13-4, 0-3 UFC), who is winless in three trips to the Octagon thus far. This stylistic contest that is a must-win for both fighters will draw oversight by referee Dan Miragliotta, who observes no touch of gloves between the struggling 185ers. Stoltzfus takes the center of the cage, and Grant circles him until he charges in with a winging right hand. Stoltzfus interrupts him with a low kick that makes Grant stumble, and Grant gathers himself and resets. Grant winds up on a big leg kick, and he wings a right hand from a great distance only to somehow find his target. Grant drills the Pennsylvania native with a right hand, and Stoltzfus fires back only to hit air as Grant escapes in time. Stoltzfus walks Grant down slowly, and he measures a right hook that catches Grant flush. Grant rushes away and catches a kick on the way out, and he chambers and looses a right hand while holding on to the leg. Stoltzfus rolls with it well enough so that he can get his leg back and push forward to pursue a single-leg takedown. Grant stuffs it and blocks a high kick on the way out, and he smacks Stoltzfus with a right hand over the top. Stoltzfus prods out with a low kick, and Grant dips when Stoltzfus lobs a telegraphed overhand right at him. Grant circles out and chops at the leg, and he sits down with two punches as Stoltzfus bears down on him. Stoltzfus sneaks in a left hand, and a right hand from Grant has opened a cut around the left eye of his opponent. Grant nails Stoltzfus coming in with a punch as Stoltzfus tries to spin, and Stoltzfus wears it well and walks through a low kick to continue moving forward. Grant counters a leg kick with two looping hooks, and Stoltzfus chases after his man and throws caution to the wind with seconds to spare, Stoltzfus catches “The Body Snatcher” with a punch or two, and the bell ends the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Grant

Round 2

Grant confidently comes out of his corner and walks straight into a leg kick, and he releases a big right and to pay Stoltzfus back. Grant swipes out with a looping right to the body, and Stoltzfus leans back and blocks a high kick. Grant nails Stoltzfus with a right hook, only for Grant to raise his arms in the air as if to ask Grant if he’s got anything more. Stoltzfus does work on the lead leg of the former welterweight with a sweeping low kick, and he rips a right hand that makes Grant think twice about advancing. Stoltzfus keeps his forward momentum going to aim a right hand, and Grant ducks it just in the nick of time. Grant stays on his bike and they trade leg kicks, and he unleashes a big right hand that pounds into the guard. Stoltzfus tries to jump forward with a knee, and Grant meets him on the way in and scores a body shot before backing off. Stoltzfus connects cleanly with a right hand, and he chains it into a takedown effort. Grant catches him coming in, and he leans back against the fence to stop the single. Stoltzfus doggedly pursues the takedown, switching from single to double-leg takedown, and he finally manages to get Grant down. Grant turns to his knees, and as he does, Stoltzfus slithers around to take his back. Stoltzfus unloads with several punches before hunting for a rear-naked choke. When Grant breaks the grip of the hands, Stoltzfus elects to start hammering him with ground-and-pound, smashing the ex-welterweight with punches and elbows. Grant tries to hang on tight and pull him close, but Stoltzfus slams him back down and unloads on him until the bell splits them up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stoltzfus
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Stoltzfus
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Stoltzfus

Round 3

Grant leads off the round with jabs, and he gets clipped with an overhand right counter. Stoltzfus does good work with a low kick, leading to Grant’s balance nearly giving out. Grant gets his wits about him and takes another leg kick just as he does, and this prevents him from letting go with two punches. Grant measures and cracks Stoltzfus with a right hook that spins Stoltzfus all the way around, and Stoltzfus blinks it out and comes back to marching at his foe. Stoltzfus wings a head kick that misses the mark, and Grant tries to intercept him with a leg kick and a left hook. Stoltzfus takes it on the chin and keeps on coming, but a counter right hand from Grant knocks him back. Grant, who is loading up on everything he throws, blows the hair back with a windmilling left hook. Stoltzfus ignores a low kick to scores a right on the temple, and Grant’s knees are wobbled and he may be more hurt than he is leading on. Grant backs away to clear his head, and Stoltzfus chases after him and goes for a takedown. “The Body Snatcher” shoves him away and nails Stoltzfus with a right. Stoltzfus spins with a hook kick that is blocked, and when Grant defends against it, Stoltzfus moves forward and lifts Grant up all the way in the air with his hands clasped around Stoltzfus’ legs. Stoltzfus walks to the center of the cage, jumps up and slams Grant down with emphasis. The slam itself knocks the wind out of his man, and he claims an unusual half guard-type position in which Grant’s legs are crossed. This position allows Stoltzfus to hang out on top landing strikes, and he starts yelling and selling his strikes with growls and shouts. Grant is trapped until he lets go of his leg lock, and Stoltzfus steps over immediately to full mount. Stoltzfus unloads with a massive elbow, forcing Grant to turn over to his stomach. With seconds to spare, Stoltzfus latches on to a rear-naked choke, but he cannot elicit the tap before time elapses.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stoltzfus (29-28 Stoltzfus)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Stoltzfus (29-28 Stoltzfus)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Stoltzfus (29-28 Stoltzfus)

The Official Result

Dustin Stoltzfus def. Dwight Grant via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Dustin Jacoby (205) vs. Da Un Jung (205.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jacoby (-130), Jung (+110)

Round 1

In this surprisingly relevant light heavyweight affair, former Glory kickboxing title challenger Jacoby (17-5-1, 5-2-1 UFC) has made the most of his return to the UFC, unbeaten in six trips in this second stint. Fellow 205er Jung (15-2-1, 4-0-1 UFC) has a similar UFC streak but a far longer stretch without a defeat – he has not lost since 2015, spanning of 15 fights. A number may be next to one of these fighters’ names next week, and impressively mustached referee Kevin MacDonald recognizes the importance of this contest and is ready for the rumble. The gloves are touched, and Jacoby immediately begins as the aggressor. Backing Jung up to the wall without throwing anything, his feints and fakes draw reactions out of his opponent. Jung throws the first kick, one to the calf, as “USA” chants rain down in the building. Jacoby responds with his own calf kick, and these quick strikes are exchanged a few more times one after the other. Jacoby thinks to wag a finger after checking a kick, but he finds a Jung punch coming at him. The former kickboxer reaches out with a few punches, and he connects with a kick on the knee that draws a reaction out of his man. Not to be outdone, Jung does the same kind of strike, and Jacoby moves his leg with it to take some of the sting out of it. Jung catches Jacoby with a few punches, and Jacoby reels and unloads a one-two that blasts the South Korean right on the jaw. “Sseda” collapses to the mat, his eyes rolling back in his head, and Jacoby raises his arms in the air as he believes his work here is done. It turns out this is correct, as MacDonald jumps in to stop the fight in what some may call quite premature as MacDonald was intervening as soon as Jung hit the mat. Jung promptly climbs back to his feet and falls forward towards the wall, and MacDonald goes over to make sure he is alright. Jung protests slightly, but that’s a wrap for him today. In victory, Jacoby becomes the first fighter to ever knock out the durable South Korean, and he makes a statement with his performance. In his jubilant post-fight interview, he has a name: commentator Daniel Cormier – for a golf match. Make it happen.

The Official Result

Dustin Jacoby def. Da Un Jung R1 3:13 via KO (Punch)

Bill Algeo (146) vs. Herbert Burns (145.4)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Algeo (-200), Burns (+170)

Round 1

A wild round robin of multiple opponent changes put this featherweight fight together on about a week’s notice. Now, Algeo (15-6, 2-2 UFC) finds himself taking on “The Blaze” Burns (11-3, 2-1 UFC) rather than Billy Quarantillo, while Burns no longer squares off with Khusein Askhabov. Both men still happy to be competing and taking home paychecks at night’s end, they gladly tough gloves before the nonsense-hating referee Keith Peterson. The fighters spend little time engaging on the feet until Burns starts hunting for a takedown. On his second effort, Burns drags his man down to the mat. Burns takes the back briefly, and he looks for an armbar setup but settles to fall for his back with a triangle choke that locks in as soon as he hits the mat. The legs are tightly pressed together and choking Algeo tightly, and Algeo rolls through but takes multiple elbows on the face. Algeo lands a few punches as he keeps moving and scrambling, and he gains just enough space to turn his head and slide himself out of the choke. Burns hangs on to the left arm and hunts for an omoplata, but “Senor Perfecto” perfectly escapes from this position and moves over to claim full mount. Algeo starts unloading with vicious ground-and-pound, and Burns drags him back to half guard. Algeo does not mind, as he starts connecting with punches again, and he begins to showboat and look around to the ground with a funny face before blasting Burns with his fists. Burns continues to get battered, and he scrambles to his knees and is about to get back to his feet, but he is hurt from this onslaught of ground strikes. Algeo continues to pound on him, and he crumbles Burns back down to the ground with power strikes. Burns is in major trouble, and Algeo decides to back off and stand back up. He motions for Burns to get up, and Burns takes an extra few seconds before standing. Algeo signals that Burns is not getting up in time, and Peterson gives Burns the benefit of the doubt as Burns is totally and completely spent. When both upright again, Algeo crashes forward, and he muscles Burns back down to the ground and delivers a beating before shifting to the crucifix. Algeo continues bludgeoning “The Blaze” with unanswered strikes, and the round ends to mercifully stop the assault. It is anyone’s guess if Burns is able to answer the bell in the next frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Algeo

Round 2

Peterson calls in the doctor between rounds, and Burns is cleared to continue and is good to go, but his body language does not show much in the way of a sign of life. Algeo crashes forward when the round kicks off, and his momentum is used against him as Burns latches on to him and circles around to take his back. Burns pulls his man down to the ground, and as he does, the Pennsylvanian spins around in the guard and nails Burns with several strikes. Burns is constantly attacking off his back, setting up a triangle or looking to lock on to an arm. Algeo spins around and finds himself in leglock danger, with Burns hanging on to a heel in a last ditch effort. “Senor Perfecto” rips his leg free and stands up, and he motions for Burns to join him on the feet again. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is spongy and bruised. Burns slowly turns to a knee, and when he cannot get back up, Peterson aptly calls off the fight. Burns rolls to his back, and he breaks into tears in pain as he motions to a possible injury. His team attends to him, and he does manage to make it to his stool after a prolonged period of agony. This was quite a roller coaster of a fight, one that ends with a victorious Bill Algeo calling for a match against Chase Hooper while saying he wants to punch him in his “little bird chest,” whatever that means.

The Official Result

Bill Algeo def. Herbert Burns R2 1:50 via TKO (Retirement)

Jack Shore (136) vs. Ricky Simon (135.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shore (-165), Simon (+140)

Round 1

Many questions surround this bantamweight matchup between perennial contender Simon (19-3, 7-2 UFC) and undefeated Welshman Shore (16-0, 5-0 UFC). Why was this fight booked for Long Island, instead of next week’s London card for the U.K. native? Since it remains on this show, why is this top-15 pairing buried in the prelims, below several unranked matchups? Nevertheless, the two talented fighters under 30 will be joined by veteran referee Jacob Montalvo, and they do not appear concerned about their improper card placement as they touch ‘em up and prepare to slug one another in the face. Simon’s first strike is a low calf kick, and it immediately makes a mark on the Welshman’s lead leg. Shore kicks on the inside, and he hurls a one-two to keep Shore on his toes. Simon ducks a punch and shoots in for a takedown, and he lifts Shore off his feet and throws him to the ground. Shore lands on his knee and powers right back up using the wall behind him, and Simon jams his man up against the wire and pummels him with short but effective shoulder strikes. Shore gets an underhook and splits off the side to separate, and when at range again, Simon scores a solid calf kick again. “Tank” looks to pay Simon back for the strikes with a few punches over the top, and Simon ducks down and attempts a takedown. Shore is able to remain on his feet this time, and he gathers himself and absorbs a heavy kick on his calf. Shore punches his way forward, and he whips a high kick up that is barely blocked in the nick of time. Shore changes levels to keep Simon on his toes, but Simon stuffs it comfortably and wings a right hand. Shore takes it flush and is forced to promptly defend a takedown entry, as Simon bears down on his legs. Shore is stuck up against the fencing as Simon knees his thigh a few times, and he loads up on an elbow that Shore ducks and slides away out of the clinch. When at distance, Shore pushes out a front kick, and as that misses, he follows it with an overhand right that crashes into Simon’s face. Simon darts in for a takedown, and he ties Shore up until Shore looses a knee that slams into Simon’s cup. Montalvo allows Simon a moment to recover and places them back in the same position, only for Shore to quickly break the position. Shore picks at his man with a front kick and a sharp jab, and Simon closes the distance as the horn rings out through the UBS Arena.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Simon
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Simon
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Simon

Round 2

Fists are bumped by the bantamweights, and Simon reaches out with several jabs to start things off. Shore is the aggressor, but when he throws a bit too hard, he drops down for a tailed takedown. Simon spins him around and elbows him in the nose, and Shore blinks it out and tries to stick out a few jabs of his own. Shore punches his way into a single-leg entry, and Simon still manages to get his leg back and spin Shore around. Simon relentlessly trips Shore out and drops Shore to a knee twice, and he cannot keep the Welshman down. The unbeaten fighter springs up with his back to the wall, and Simon is hanging on tight. Simon decides that he must have the takedown right then and there, and he uses his strength to pick Shore up in the air like a 135-pound Matt Hughes. Shore, midair, tries to hook his left arm around the neck for a guillotine choke threat, but when Simon slams him down to the mat, the grip is gone. Shore still manages to power his way upright, and he breaks away and is ready to throw hands. Simon winds up on a bomb of a right hand, and he hits Shore about as cleanly as he possibly could. “Tank” takes a step back, and it catches up to him. His balance totally shot, Shore wobbles back on baby deer legs until they give out beneath him. Simon pounces, leaping on top and moving into full mount in the blink of an eye. Simon unloads ground-and-pound strikes until Shore turns over, and Simon considers a rear-naked choke. This forces Shore over to his back again, and Simon uses his full body weight to crush down on the undefeated fighter as he cinches up an arm-triangle choke from the mount position. Simon does not need to shift to side control, as he has this choke locked down, and it is now only a matter of time. Try as he might, Shore cannot fight off the maneuver, and he surrenders to suffer the first loss of his career. This is a statement performance for Simon, who puts the division on notice and draws an impressed look from champion Aljamain Sterling in the crowd. Shore calls for a fight against Sean O'Malley, which would be quite a thrilling scrap should it come to fruition.

The Official Result

Ricky Simon def. Jack Shore R2 3:28 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Dalcha Lungiambula (185.6) vs. Punahele Soriano (185.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Soriano (-245), Lungiambula (+205)

Round 1

Two strikers with overstated power will battle it out to conclude the prelims, and either Soriano (8-2, 2-2 UFC) will lift his UFC record above .500 or Lungiambula (11-4, 2-3 UFC) will reach that .500 spot when the dust settles. Keeping this potential slugfest above board will be referee Dan Miragliotta, who bears witness to a quick glove touch before the middleweights throw down. In alternating stances, they reach out with outstretched hands to figure out how to reach the other, and neither can score when setting up their jabs. Lungiambula suddenly blitzes forward with a right hand, and Soriano shrugs it off and looks for a counter. Soriano pushes in for a double-leg takedown, and the South African stuffs it without issue and moves away on the outside. Soriano comes out firing with a head kick, and when that gets blocked, he aims a body kick that lands cleanly. Soriano tosses out a few front kicks, and Lungiambula times one with a right hand over the top. Lungiambula slips a punch to let loose with a combination, and Soriano’s head movement keeps him safe. “Champion” unloads with a brutal leg kick that knocks Soriano down to the mat, and he jumps down to hammer the Hawaiian with a hammerfist. Lungiambula looks for a choke with Soriano on his knees, and his corner bellows that he needs to stand up and continue striking. Soriano fights back to his feet, and he looks to engage only to take a powerful uppercut to the midsection. Lungiambula scores a right hand and leans back as Soriano counters him, and Soriano is unconcerned but absorbs another mean low kick. Soriano keeps his balance this time, but he turns as it appears to hurt. The Hawaiian loads up on a left hand that gets Lungiambula’s attention, and after both slug it out briefly, Lungiambula drops down and hits a clean double-leg takedown. Soriano squirms his way to the wall in an effort to stand up, and he gets to a knee and fights his way up as Lungiambula leans on him. In an explosive movement, Lungiambula lifts Soriano up and hits a belly-to-back suplex. Soriano scrambles and gets back to the fence, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lungiambula
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lungiambula
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Lungiambula

Round 2

Between rounds, Lungiambula signals to his own right rib, showing that it has popped out from the action of the first round. Soriano aims a kick right at that spot as the round begins, and it appears to hit the sore spot of his opponent. Lungiambula wings a high kick early, and it gets blocked but the sheer impact is a noteworthy one. “Story Time” tells a meaningful story with a left hand that smashes square into Lungiambula’s jaw, stunning the South African and dropping him to a knee. Soriano gives chase and unloads a right hand on the chin of the grounded fighter, scrambling his circuits and sending him fall forward to his face. Soriano releases a few devastating left hands to say "Night Night" and close the book on their fight, and Miragliotta intervenes as he sees that Lungiambula has been separated from his senses. The win puts an end to a losing streak for the Hawaiian, who has performed eight finishes across his nine victories, while proving that his power is not quite as overstated as previously mentioned.

The Official Result

Punahele Soriano def. Dalcha Lungiambula R2 0:28 via KO (Punches)

Lauren Murphy (125.2) vs. Miesha Tate (125.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tate (-205), Murphy (+175)

Round 1

One of these two flyweights kicking off the main card may be making their last stand here on ABC. Whether it is former 125-pound title challenger Murphy (15-5, 7-5 UFC), who will turn 39 in two weeks, or ex-bantamweight champion Tate (19-8, 6-5 UFC), they have 15 minutes (or less) to make it happen. The Octagon official for this one will be referee Kevin MacDonald and his sweet handlebar moustache, and he sits back when the women touch gloves to seal the cage in this main card opener. Tate lets go with a left hand early, and Murphy replies with two punches. The punches lead to Tate coming in for a clinch, and Murphy answers her with two right hands that shake Tate up. Tate appears in trouble, and she drops down for a takedown, only for Murphy to sprawl it well. Tate moves back to her feet, and Murphy does not let her get a moment to reset as she lets loose with another solid right hand. The hands of Murphy are reaching her opponent, and Tate’s face is marked up early. Tate tosses out a low kick and one up high that is blocked, and Murphy walks through a jab so that she can uncork a right hook. Tate’s subsequent head kick gets blocked, and Murphy’s constant forward pressure is giving Tate fits. Murphy absorbs a few punches to land a few of her own, and Tate starts finding her range with her jab. Murphy, who takes the center of the cage, occasionally lunges forward with long right hands, and she ducks a Tate jab to attack a single-leg takedown. Murphy grounds Tate momentarily, and Tate quickly fights her way back up to her feet, as Murphy still has her hands clasped around the waist. Murphy gets turned around when Tate gets both underhooks, and she hunts for her own takedown and knees Murphy in the body and thigh. The former bantamweight champ looks for a body lock toss to the ground, but Murphy keeps her balance as they both land on their knees. They spring back up, and jockey for position against the fencing. Tate looks to tie a leg up for a trip, and “Lucky Lauren” smacks Tate’s thigh with her fist a few times. The two bully one another around and trade knees to the body, and Tate looks for a Thai clinch and lets it go to shoot for a takedown. Murphy remains upright as she gets pressed into the fence, and Tate works the body with a few knees until Murphy breaks free. Murphy snaps the head back with a jab, and she comes up short with a right hook. Murphy’s fists find the side of Tate’s head a few times, and the competitive round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 2

Tate comes out of her corner like she is shot out of a cannon, and Murphy smoothly moves on the outside and nails Tate with a few punches on the way in. Tate connects with a straight hand, and when Murphy replies in kind, Tate rubs her increasingly reddening nose. The punches from Murphy have busted open the ex-champ’s nose, and a few right hands continue to increase the blood flow. Tate steps in with a one-two, and Murphy swipes back with a right that gets around the guard. They shadowbox momentarily, and Murphy comes forward and lifts Tate’s leg up in the air to slam “Cupcake” down to the mat. Tate climbs to her knees, and Murphy begins to bombard her with powerful right hands. Tate fights through them so that she can get to her feet, and she succeeds at getting up and turning around. On the break, Tate absorbs a flush elbow, and she shakes it off as blood sprays from her lips. Tate gets Murphy’s attention with a few punches, and Murphy winds up with a power right hand that stuns Tate momentarily. Murphy is able to use Tate’s forward momentum against her as Tate runs headlong into the strikes, until Tate crashes forward to tie her up and look for a takedown. Tate tries to elbow on the break, and Murphy shakes her head and scores a few punches that make Tate wipe her nose and leave a bloody handprint on her white top. Murphy darts in for a single, and she scoops Tate up and trips her down, but Tate is able to scramble upright again. Murphy eats an uppercut and backs off to stuff a takedown, and Tate hunts for an outside trip that is thwarted by the former flyweight title challenger. Tate works the thigh with a few knees and lines up a shoulder strike that thumps into Murphy’s chin against the wall. The ladies do a little spin of a dance in the clinch, and Tate rips a massive elbow up close. The short strikes from Murphy have done some damage as well, as there is a significant amount of swelling beneath Tate’s left eye. They spam knees one after the other until the horn splits them up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 3

Tate’s left cheek is swollen and huge with a gash on it, but she is cleared to continue despite the damage. The ladies come out cautiously in the first 30 seconds, until Tate sells out for a low kick. Murphy pushes out jabs as Tate does the same, and she reaches out with a right hand that Tate times for a takedown. Murphy is the stronger woman, reversing Tate and throwing her down to the mat. Tate climbs back up, and she promptly takes a knee on the chin and an elbow before they split. Murphy scores a big right hand on the damaged eye, and Tate ignores it and comes out swinging. Tate’s jabs reach her opponent, but the punches with the arc on them largely come up short as her depth perception appears to be struggling. Tate looks to tie her opponent up, and Murphy greets her with a flush knee to the stomach. Murphy nails Tate with two elbows, with the second right on the eye. Tate cannot take her down, but she does score a front kick and a jab as her face bleeds on her formerly white shirt. Tate reaches out with another front kick as Murphy stays right in front of her, and she fakes a takedown that draws a reaction out of the former title challenger. The two ladies decide that it is time for a slugfest, and they start trading heavy punches one after the other. Murphy times a takedown when she gains the upper hand with the strikes, and Tate defends with a high guillotine choke until Murphy shakes her head out. Up close, Tate absorbs several knees and a right hand on that nearly closed eye, and she goes back to her push kick. Murphy pokes at the swelling with her closed fist, and she sticks out several jabs to keep an advancing Tate busy. Tate runs in with a low kick, and the 10-second clapper leads to a brief slugfest. They both land undefended strikes on one another until the horn blares, calling an end to this 15-minute affair and proving that the soon-to-be 39-year-old nicknamed "Lucky" still has plenty of life left in her, and that luck played no factor in her likely victory.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy (30-27 Murphy)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy (30-27 Murphy)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Murphy (30-27 Murphy)

The Official Result

Lauren Murphy def. Miesha Tate via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Shane Burgos (145.8) vs. Charles Jourdain (145.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Burgos (-170), Jourdain (+145)

Round 1

Mayhem is almost certainly on the menu for this featherweight contest between ferocious strikers Burgos (14-3, 7-3 UFC) and Jourdain (13-4-1, 4-3-1 UFC). Receiving the biggest pop of the evening thus far is New Yorker Burgos, who hopes to channel the crowd’s energy and handle the high-flying Canadian. Referee Keith Peterson has his hands full for the nonsense-free chaos that is likely about to ensue, and the two men light the fuse that is their bout with a glove touch. Burgos immediately begins to walk the Canadian down, and he blocks a head kick from the retreating Jourdain. Burgos reaches Jourdain with a few punches, and Jourdain pushes out several front kicks. A right hand from Burgos shakes Jourdain up, and Jourdain bounces off the wall behind him to reset. Burgos continues his constant forward movement, and he unexpectedly grabs hold of the legs to try a takedown. Burgos manages to get Jourdain down, and he finds himself in guillotine choke danger. “Hurricane Shane” shakes off the choke so that he can move to take the back, and Jourdain stands up and tries to peel Burgos off of him with the wire. Burgos uses this moment to jump on to his back, and he kicks off the fence to pull Jourdain back down. When down on the ground, Burgos latches on to a neck crank, and Peterson checks to make sure that Jourdain is still with it. He is good to go, and he slides his neck out of the crushing grip. Jourdain stands up again, even with Burgos on his back, and he not as much moves out the back door as he does slide out the side, and he lowers Burgos down to the ground. Burgos explodes back to his feet, and when he does, Jourdain meets him with a punch that draws a smile. Jourdain ties his man up and unloads with several knees to the body, and these have a noticeable impact as he slows Burgos down and finds the home with several short yet powerful blows. Burgos strides forward confidently, and Jourdain counters him by trying to sweep the legs. Burgos keeps himself upright and blocks a few kicks, and he plods ahead to throw hands. Jourdain again ties him up and works the midsection with knees until they break. Burgos offers him a glove touch after the multiple successful blows, and he steps in with a leg kick. Burgos winds up with one that lands with a loud slap, and Jourdain grabs him and spams knees. “Air” Jourdain just misses with a flying knee, and the clinch draws out a few strikes before the horn sounds. This round could go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain

Round 2

The featherweights meet in the middle with a slap of gloves to start off the round, and Jourdain backs off and reaches out with front kicks. Backing up, Jourdain sneaks in a right hand, and Burgos walks through it only to absorb a left hand that makes him smile. Jourdain is throwing leather as he keeps his safe range, and he beats Burgos to the punch in a few exchanges. Burgos rips the body with a right hand, but it is one-and-done as Jourdain escapes on the outside. When Jourdain overthrows on a strike, Burgos moves to take Jourdain from behind. Burgos manages to climb on to the back and lock up a body triangle while Jourdain is standing, leaning Burgos into the wall. Burgos cannot free his hands to hunt for a choke, but he does lean back to pull Jourdain away from the fencing and force Jourdain to bear his full weight. Jourdain bucks suddenly and bends over, and Burgos hands on tight and frees his hands to go after a rear-naked choke. Jourdain rolls all the way over, but Burgos’ body triangle keeps him tightly pressed on his man. The Canadian wriggles and shakes in an effort to get Burgos off of him, but it is to no avail, as Burgos starts to bop him on the sides of the head with very short punches. Burgos isolates the neck and bails on it to flirt with a Suloev Stretch, which makes Jourdain drop to his knees so a kneebar does not come from the position. The back control of Burgos is heavy and smothering, forcing Jourdain back down to his knees and nearly flattening him out. “Air” cannot get some space, and he finds himself in submission danger as Burgos locks on to a rear-naked choke that is just crushing on Jourdain’s jaw right below the nose. Jourdain toughs it out and stops Burgos from tapping him, and Burgos gets the crowd motivated as he smacks Jourdain upside the head until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burgos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burgos
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Burgos

Round 3

The exciting featherweights meet in the middle, and Burgos chops at the lead leg a few times to open up early. Jourdain responds with similar strikes, and they trade right hands as chants of “USA” rain down for the New Yorker. Burgos walks Jourdain down but eats several jabs on the way forward, and he is fighting in phone booth throwing punches to the body and kicks to the calf. Jourdain meets him with straight punches, and he chains a few punches together to mark Burgos’ face up. The jabs keep splitting the guard, and he backs Burgos up and scores several times without concern. Burgos is right there ready to trade, and he gets beaten to the punch several times as Jourdain’s left finds its home repeatedly. Jourdain strings together a sharp combination, leading to Burgos attempting a single. The Canadian defends it well and drills Burgos with multiple uppercuts, hurting Burgos but not getting him off of him. Burgos tries to pull Jourdain down, but Jourdain turns him around and knees him in the face. Burgos drops down to a knee when absorbing those strikes, and Jourdain rips the body several times. Jourdain lets his hands go as Burgos is reeling, and he is hurting Burgos with several big shots. Jourdain opens up with several hooks and kicks low, and Burgos’ single responses are labored and largely ineffective. Burgos, stuck against the wall, eats big punches and uppercuts, and Jourdain mixes it up with a flying knee. Jourdain unloads on Burgos with knees to the head and body, and his hands do not stop moving as he batters Burgos constantly. Burgos looks at the camera and sticks out his tongue, and Jourdain looses a vicious elbow that staggers Burgos. The New Yorker falls back against the fence, and he rebounds and ducks down to tie Jourdain up from the back. Burgos takes the back and slows the onslaught, and Jourdain grabs the fence to stay afloat. Jourdain yells “come on” as Burgos drags him down, only to spring right back up. With seconds left on the clock, they throw caution to the wind, and Jourdain nails him with a head kick. Burgos swings with everything he has left, as does Jourdain, and Peterson has to get between them when the final bell sounds. What a round for Jourdain, doing to Burgos what Burgos likes to do to people. They go the distance, and this fight could hinge on the first round’s score.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Jourdain)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Jourdain)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Jourdain)

The Official Result

Shane Burgos def. Charles Jourdain via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

Su Mudaerji (125.8) vs. Matt Schnell (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Su Mudaerji (-260), Schnell (+220)

Round 1

This upcoming 125-pound matchup will almost certainly give referee Jacob Montalvo a good workout with the movement that Schnell (15-6, 1 NC; 5-4, 1 NC UFC) and his Chinese counterpart Mudaerji (16-4, 3-1 UFC) employ. This fast-paced fight between finish-friendly and fleet of foot flyweights is first friendly as the fighters’ fists meet. Mudaerji starts with a chopping low kick that surprises Schnell, and it stops Schnell from landing a pair of punches he intends to smack Mudaerji with. Schnell goes after a few leg kicks of his own, and Mudaerji answers with two more. Mudaerji circles on the outside and slaps away a front kick, and he gets countered with a left hook when aiming a kick. The leg kicks continue to come, and Schnell checks one and points at his opponent. Mudaerji is not slowed from striking with these, and Schnell is having difficulty pinning him down. Schnell ducks a punch and changes levels to hit a takedown. In an instant, Schnell moves right to full mount, and he starts releasing heavy right hands and elbows. Mudaerji turns to his knees and allows Schnell to take his back. Mudaerji turns with all of his might, and he manages to move through the tight body triangle and claim top position. Mudaerji holds his hand on Schnell’s mouth to disrupt the breathing, and Schnell closes his guard tight when he cannot toss his legs up in pursuit of a triangle. Schnell bucks his opponent off of him, and Mudaerji climbs down into the guard and straight into a triangle choke. When Mudaerji moves his way out of the position, Schnell grabs the arm and shoulder to hunt for an omoplata. Mudaerji lifts Schnell all the way up and powerbombs him to break the grip, but Schnell winds up on top. “Danger” puts Schnell in the Danger Zone with vicious ground-and-pound, and he shakes Mudaerji up but takes a few hacking elbows from Mudaerji off his back. Schnell stacks Mudaerji up and scores a single punch before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Schnell
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Schnell
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Schnell

Round 2

Mudaerji comes out throwing fire, and an inside low kick slides up into Schnell’s cup. Schnell drops to a knee, and Montalvo calls time to allow him to recover for about a minute. Mudaerji is warned through a translator, and the two flyweights get back to it. They start throwing fire, and Mudaerji clips Schnell and nearly drops Schnell to his knees. Schnell gathers himself but is still off-balance, as he is taking punishment from the Chinese fighter. The left hand from Mudaerji nails Schnell, and Schnell replies with a leg kick that trips Mudaerji up. When back on his feet again, Mudaerji splits the guard with a straight left hand that stuns Schnell. Mudaerji celebrates this by firing off another, and this one puts Schnell down on the canvas. Schnell looks to turn things around with a takedown effort, but Mudaerji backs off and lets him back up so that he can continue bombing. Mudaerji rails Schnell with a brutal elbow, and Schnell is hurt badly and continues to take punishment. Mudaerji unloads with impunity, throwing punches, knees and elbows, and Schnell is bent over and very possibly out on his feet. Montalvo is watching on closely, and when Schnell is nearly at the end of his rope, he fires off a right hand that shakes Mudaerji up. Mudaerji continues to work Schnell over, and Schnell eats the strikes and counters effectively to blast Mudaerji. It is now Mudaerji who is on the rocks, and when Mudaerji overswings, Schnell takes him down and moves straight into mount. Schnell drops down an elbow, and commentator Daniel Cormier shrieks with a sound that echoes through the arena. Schnell batters Mudaerji with unanswered strikes, punching and elbowing Mudaerji’s face off, and Mudaerji is bloodied and beaten. Mudaerji somehow keeps his wits about him to flip Schnell over, but Schnell throws his legs up for a triangle choke. Mudaerji starts slugging from on top, but danger danger, high voltage, “Danger” locks down that choke and Mudaerji is in dire trouble. Schnell slashes from his back to rip Mudaerji’s face open and cause blood to splatter all around them. Schnell adjusts the triangle choke up high, and he pulls down on the neck to completely secure it. Mudaerji is still with it and ready to keep fighting…until he isn’t anymore, as he goes out on his shield completely, blood still leaking from his now-unconscious person. Montalvo recognizes that Mudaerji is sleeping on the job and steps in to break them up, awarding Schnell the absolutely incredible comeback and putting a stamp on what should go down as an instant contender for the best round of the year. What a terrific fight, one that went everywhere and had something for everybody. The mere write-up of this battle does not remotely do it justice, and this is a must-see match that also could be contention for “Fight of the Year” as well. Outstanding.

The Official Result

Matt Schnell def. Su Mudaerji R2 4:24 via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke)

Jingliang Li (170.6) vs. Muslim Salikhov (170.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Salikhov (-175), Li (+150)

Round 1

A place in the top 15 at the ultra-competitive welterweight division will serve as the prize for this “featured” fight of the night. Already the #14 fighter according to the UFC, China’s Li (18-7, 10-5 UFC) will try to keep an iron grip on his ranking spot against the confidently nicknamed “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov (18-2, 5-1 UFC). While Salikhov has earned two-thirds of his career wins by knockout, “The Leech” has never been stopped by strikes, although Salikhov will put that to the test. Referee Dan Miragliotta keeps things on the up-and-up, even as gloves are touched before his eyes. Both fighters circle one another for a time, until Li sits down on a single leg kick. Salikhov answers him with a spinning wheel kick that hammers into the guard. A lull in the action again ensues, until Li darts forward with two looping punches. When those do not land, a leg kick does. Li jabs to the body, and he lifts his leg up but Salikhov still kicks it and makes him spin around. Salikhov jumps with a knee, and then spins with an untelegraphed spinning back kick that Li jumps back and avoids. The spinning strikes are likely going to be the weapon of choice for the Dagestan native for much of this fight. As Li kicks low, Salikhov rushes forward, lifts up the leg and slams the Chinese fighter down to the mat. Li keeps his guard high and tight, shutting down most of the offense that could come at him, and this draws a warning from Miragliotta. Salikhov stacks Li up to break out of the guard, and Li smacks Salikhov with an illegal but uncalled upkick. Salikhov stands back up, and he spins with a back kick that partially lands on the body. Salikhov checks a kick and is well out of harm’s way when Li throws one high. Salikhov swarms forward, but he backs off as Li is ready to greet him with a short right hand. The spinning back fist from Salikhov misses the mark, as Li anticipates it. A spinning back kick from the Russian connects with the arm of his foe, and Li bounces back and forth until trying to sweep the leg. Li wings a left hook, and Salikhov is slick and avoiding everything that soars at or past him. Salikhov sinks a leg kick home on the inside of the knee, and he stuffs an oncoming takedown as the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov

Round 2

The welterweights touch ‘em up to start off the second round, and crowd is ready for action and possibly spoiled due to the madness from the Mudaerji-Schnell fight. These two answer the call with a few big punches, and Salikhov catches a leg and knocks Li off his feet with a big left hand. When Li gets up, he just manages to avoid a spinning wheel kick that would have knocked his block off. Li continues coming forward, avoiding a few punches on the way in and swinging his way to close the distance. Salikhov sneaks away but absorbs a jab on the way out. Salikhov come up short with an uppercut from the “Mortal Kombat” playbook, and Li thanks his lucky stars that he did not absorb that momentous blow. The accuracy rates are likely low in this match, as both men are putting almost everything into one-hitter quitters. Li misses with a winging punch, and Salikhov answers him with a low kick. Salikhov checks another kick, and he finds himself facing a body lock takedown attempt. Li manages to wrestle him down, where he lands in half guard but cannot keep him there for more than a few seconds. Salikhov gets up and does not absorb any damage or find himself in danger from any submission, and he plants a one-two on the chin as Li leans over to avoid it. The spinning kick from Salikhov is slower than before, and Li sees it coming from a distance and keeps that distance to avoid it. Li looks for a short counter as Salikhov blitzes him, and Salikhov still connects with a clean right. The spinning kick for Salikhov grazes off the midsection, with Li bouncing back to evade the brunt of the damage. Li, irritated by the pace, winds up with a monstrous right hand that slams straight into the face of the “King of Kung Fu.” Salikhov is in a bad way as he staggers back, and Li gives him chase and nails him with another. When Salikhov is about to gather himself, Li bullies him back to the wall and ducks down with a jab to the body. Li lets go with a left hook and follows it with a destructive right that sends Salikhov collapsing down to the mat. Knowing the finish is in sight, “The Leech” leaps down and sucks the life out of Salikhov with a pair of ferocious elbows. Seeing that Salikhov is done like dinner, Miragliotta moves in and stops the fight, even as Salikhov sits up and shrugs at the finishing sequence. This is a solid bounceback victory for Li, who leaps to the top of the cage and holds a Chinese flag high.

The Official Result

Jingliang Li def. Muslim Salikhov R2 4:38 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

Amanda Lemos (116) vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lemos (-315), Waterson (+260)

Round 1

The name may be slightly different, but the skills are very much still there for the woman now known officially as Waterson-Gomez (18-9, 6-5 UFC). While she has struggled as of late, winning one in her last four, they have all come against the top echelon of the division. Never taking an easy fight, she now faces the powerful ex-bantamweight Lemos (11-2-1, 5-2 UFC), who is on a mission to bounce back from her first submission defeat. This possibly intense strawweight contest will be joined by moustache-empowered referee Kevin MacDonald, who hopes he is not needed much for this fight. They do not touch gloves, as Waterson-Gomez is very far away from the Brazilian to start things out. Waterson-Gomez remains well outside of kickboxing range, and her jabs are feet away from where she intends them to land. Lemos slowly moves forward, slipping back when a leg kick comes at her every so often. Lemos whiffs on a front kick, and she hops back from a leg kick attempt. Waterson-Gomez lands a side kick to the chest, likely registering at the first landed noteworthy strike of the fight at about the 80-second mark. Lemos pokes out a jab as she takes a few low kicks, and she whips a kick that crashes into the forearms. Lemos moves towards her opponent confidently without putting herself in danger, and she leans back from a head kick so that she can blitz Waterson-Gomez with a few punches up high. The strikes from the former Invicta champ are largely missing the mark, other than the occasional leg kick, and nothing has any power that will gain some respect. Lemos gets her attention with two big punches, and she gets in on Waterson-Gomez’ leg when Waterson-Gomez goes high with a reverse crescent kick. Waterson-Gomez reaches out with a right hand, and Lemos is out of range from that and a front kick. The Brazilian kicks the side and absorbs a side kick back at her, and the crowd goes mild as they hold up lit cellphones and wave them around in the arena to signal their disappointment in the action thus far. Waterson-Gomez ducks into a double-leg takedown, planting the Brazilian on her back, and Lemos keeps an active guard going from her back. Lemos surrenders half guard and Waterson-Gomez steps over to nearly get mount. Lemos trips her down with a sweep, planting Waterson-Gomez on her back right before the round ends. The crowd lets these two strawweights have it for the first five minutes of relative inaction.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lemos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lemos
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Lemos

Round 2

Lemos marches out of her corner to resume where she left off for much of the round, and she slings a head kick that slams into Waterson-Gomez’ guard. Lemos scores two punches, and she winds up a body kick to decent effect. Waterson-Gomez hops in with a low kick, and one up high hits nothing but air. Waterson-Gomez again tries to throw a head kick, and Lemos sees it coming, ducks it, and plants a right hand on her foe’s chin. Waterson-Gomez starts to use her side kick as a jab, and Lemos rips the body with a right hand. Lemos swings with an overhand right, allowing Waterson-Gomez to take her down. Lemos pops up and snatches up a guillotine choke, and it is shockingly tight in a hurry. The arm wrapped firmly beneath the neck, Waterson-Gomez falls to her knees and looks to push off the leg to break the grip. Lemos rolls her over to move to a mounted guillotine choke position, and as she turns to her side, Waterson-Gomez taps out. MacDonald does not see it as it is on the other side of the body, and Lemos lets go of the choke and raises her arms while on her back. Waterson looks around, with the fight still not officially over, and she admits to MacDonald that she did tap. MacDonald promptly waves the fight off. This is a classy gesture that other fighters may not have made – see, for example, Renan Ferreira – and the confusing conclusion is cleared up when replays display a very clear tapout from “The Karate Hottie.” This is a huge win for Lemos, who finds herself instantly back in contention at 115 pounds with her submission triumph.

The Official Result

Amanda Lemos def. Michelle Waterson-Gomez R2 1:48 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Brian Ortega (146) vs. Yair Rodriguez (145.4)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ortega (-165), Rodriguez (+140)

Round 1

Hold on to your hats, because this featherweight main event has all the makings of something special. Former title challenger Ortega (15-2, 1 NC; 7-2, 1 NC UFC), coming off a deflating loss to champ Alexander Volkanovski, will look to prove he is still the elite of the elite at 145 pounds. In this headliner, he draws a fresh face in dynamic Mexican striker Rodriguez (13-3, 1 NC; 8-2, 1 NC UFC). The promotion has allegedly promised a title shot to Rodriguez should he win – the victory would put him on a one-fight win streak – but it raises the stakes and amps him up for battle. These two intense gentlemen meet in the middle, coming into the pairing friends and likely leaving as friends as well. Keith Peterson, the ref for the final battle of the night, will tolerate absolutely no nonsense. They shake hands and then hug in an impressive show of respect and goodwill, and go back to their corners, ready for action. One last fist bump comes before the action, and Ortega races forward with long jabs. Rodriguez is on his bike in a hurry, keeping a range with a right hand and a head kick. Rodriguez nails Ortega with a fast right hand, and Ortega’s chin holds up brilliantly as he continues to pressure forward. Rodriguez kicks high and low, and he snaps the head back with a jab before switching stances. Rodriguez loads up on two hooks, and Ortega dodges the blows and counters, opening a cut beneath the right eye of “El Pantera.” Rodriguez slips back with a knee up the middle, and Ortega changes levels and grabs hold of a body lock to control the Mexican striker. Loud chants of “Ole Ole Ole” drown out any other noise in the building, but the two featherweights remain locked together tightly. Ortega keeps Rodriguez’ back smushed against the wall, and the fans grow restless from this prolonged clinch battle. Rodriguez is stuck while Ortega has his arms around his waist, and Rodriguez lifts up his foot and lands surprisingly effective heel strikes until Ortega lets go. Rodriguez connects cleanly with a right hand, and Ortega tanks it and continues marching him down. Rodriguez snipes him with a front kick, and when he tries to follow it with a few punches, Ortega shoots in for a single. Ortega throws Rodriguez over his hips, and Rodriguez’ back hits the mat. Rodriguez tosses his legs up to hunt for an armbar, and he grips Ortega’s arm and holds on tight. Ortega sits up and pulls back while still trapped in the armbar, and his right shoulder completely pops out of its socket. Ortega falls to his back in massive pain, and Rodriguez notices this and does not sit up to pound on him. Peterson jumps in to see what is the matter, and Ortega clutches his shoulder in agony. The fight gets waved off, ending this highly anticipated tilt in about as disappointing a fashion as possible. The crowd is silenced immediately, a bit confused and quite crestfallen that the fight ended this anticlimactically. Ortega’s corner races into the cage to tend to their injured fighter, and when he stands back up, his arm hangs limp by his side like a bird with a damaged wing. In his post-fight interview, Rodriguez says that he would be more than happy to run it back with Ortega any time, but he would prefer it be for a championship. Whether the rematch is made, or Rodriguez elevates to fight for the title, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Yair Rodriguez def. Brian Ortega R1 4:11 via TKO (Shoulder Injury)