UFC on ESPN 32 ‘Kattar vs. Chikadze’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

T.J. Brown (155) vs. Charles Rosa (156)

Round 1

Welcome back, fight fans, we missed you. We’ve had a few noteworthy fight cards this year in the form of Invicta, LFA and KSW – the latter currently ongoing – but the major league of the UFC is back in town tonight. In the UFC Apex, 10 fights will play out after a litany of shakeups to the billing, and we appropriately begin in a fight now scheduled at lightweight between Brown (15-8, 1-2 UFC) and extremely late replacement Rosa (14-6, 5-6 UFC). Referee Mark Smith draws the first assignment of the night, and with a touch of gloves, away we go! Brown comes out of his corner hot, rushing after Rosa sticking out jabs to the head and body before winging an overhand right over the top. Rosa rolls with it and chops down with a pair of calf kicks, doing enough damage from those few strikes to nearly make Brown trip to the ground. “Downtown” Brown times his right hand over the top a few times in an effort to stop the leg kicks from scoring, and a few land and pound into Rosa’s chin. A few identical exchanges play out as Rosa is aiming for the lead leg, while Brown prefers to bust him in the chops. Some damage has formed on the top of Rosa’s left eye, but his kicks are equally doing damage as Brown stumbles. As “Boston Strong” continues to slam strong leg kicks home, Brown crashes forward to hit a takedown. Rosa sits up, walks up the fence and targets the neck with a guillotine choke. Although he does not have the submission, he is able to get back to his feet and gain space. When they reset, Rosa looks to emulate Brown’s success and fires off a right hook that whizzes past Brown’s head. The two one-time lightweights proceed to slug it out in the center of the cage, and Brown’s hands find their home on the side of Rosa’s head while Rosa mixes punches up with kicks. Rosa continues to work on Brown’s front calf, forcing Brown to change stances. As soon as Brown switches it up, Rosa goes up high with a kick that is barely blocked in time. Brown spins with an elbow that glances off the side of Rosa’s head, and he chains the strike into a few punches on his way into a clinch. Right before they tie up, Brown connects with a clean elbow, and he changes levels to plant Rosa on his backside. Rosa once more scrambles back to his feet, and he threatens with a guillotine choke. Brown pushes through to flatten Rosa on his back and even flirt with a Von Preux choke momentarily, before electing to try to pass guard and set up an arm-triangle choke. Rosa does not appear remotely concerned as Brown tries to choke him out, instead calmly pushing off and getting Brown back to his guard. Brown stands up so that he can find another angle, jump down and attack. “Downtown” goes down into the guard to land a strike or two, and the exciting round comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Once more the fighters touch gloves before getting after it, and Rosa picks up right where he left off with several damaging leg kicks. Brown lines up a right hand every time Rosa looks to kick him low, but when he does, he absorbs the kick first before hitting Rosa back. Rosa goes up high with a kick to throw Brown off, but Brown sees it coming, deflects it, and strings together a short combination. After he lands with his punches, Brown darts in and snags a takedown to put Rosa on his back. The Bostonian is only in this position for seconds before he scrambles, turns to his knees and stands. A successful mat return comes from Brown, who fights off a submission setup from Rosa to get him down again. This time around, Rosa turns with his opponent, and he reverses Brown to take top position and immediately pursue submissions. As Rosa sets up something, anything he can find, Brown bucks and flips Rosa back over and down. Brown sets up an arm-triangle choke from half guard, and the shoulder pressure is tight but Rosa practically laughs it off as he wrenches his neck free and breaks the grip. With Rosa getting his foe back into his guard, he starts setting up a high guard to hunt for a triangle choke or an armbar. As he does this, he briefly has leverage, but Brown stands up and pulls his neck out. Rosa meets him as they get to their knees with an anaconda choke setup, and Brown shrugs it off and dumps Rosa back to the mat. In half guard, Brown starts landing some ground-and-pound with elbows and left hands, much to the delight of his audible corner. Rosa turns to his knees and surrenders his back, and Brown takes it for a moment before Rosa turns back over. When Rosa goes to his back, Brown fishes for his arm-triangle choke again, and Rosa is not having it as he shakes his neck out. Brown sits up, drops down some hammerfists, and the second frame ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two meet in the middle with a glove touch, and Brown starts to pay Rosa back with a pair of thudding calf kicks. He continues to throw heavily, doing so to pressure Rosa back to the fence and eventually slam him to the mat. Rosa turns to his side, and Brown deftly circles around to take his back. Rosa does not fear any choke attempts as he gets to his knees, but Brown is largely controlling him across the fight. “Boston Strong” threatens with a front choke, and he uses this position to muscle Brown down to the canvas, where Rosa is now on top. Rosa keeps side control, and when he looks to sit up and pass, Brown explodes out of the position and stand up. As he does, he scoops Rosa’s legs up and sets him down, with Brown on top landing a few strikes. Rosa threatens with anything he can off his back, including a two-on-one wrist lock and an inverted triangle, but Brown shrugs them all off to pass to mount. Rosa turns, leans on the wall and stands up, but Brown is on him like a cheap suit. Brown shoots low for a single, and he gives up his neck as Rosa hooks in a brabo choke. Brown sees it coming and pulls an arm free, but Rosa turns to set up a brabo on the other side. Brown rolls to his back so that he can slide his neck free, and Rosa follows him to try to tie his neck up. Brown shrugs it off so that he can stand, and they both try to push the other over. Rosa claims the better position, hammering Brown with elbows right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rosa (29-28 Brown)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brown (30-27 Brown)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosa (29-28 Brown)

The Official Result

T.J. Brown def. Charles Rosa via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Kevin Croom (145) vs. Brian Kelleher (144.5)

Round 1

Like the last fight, this one will take place at a new weight category on exceptionally short notice when Kelleher (23-12, 7-5 UFC) moves back up to featherweight against fight-saver Croom (21-13, 1 NC; 0-1, 1 NC UFC). Our referee is Keith Peterson, who is ready to stomp out all the nonsense ahead of a potentially wild battle. They are thankful to be competing this weekend, and express their satisfaction by touching gloves. It’s “Crash” vs. “Boom,” and they come out ready to throw hands. They both are feinting and faking at one another, and Croom is the first to engage with a low kick and then one to the head. As Kelleher circles away, Croom boots him in the belly. Croom uses his forward momentum to mash Kelleher into the fence, and he looks for an outside sweep while landing left hands until Kelleher breaks free. They both swing for the fences on the break, and Kelleher lands first with a right hand that drops Croom to the mat. Croom springs back to his feet, shakes it off and kicks Kelleher square in the groin. “Boom” takes less than 30 seconds to recover, possibly in hopes that Croom is still hurt from the strike, and they get right back to swinging wildly. Croom measures himself with long low kicks, and he stays out of the way from Kelleher’s big left hand that zooms by his chin. Croom keeps his range with jabs and front kicks, and Kelleher ducks down and just misses with a spinning back fist. The jabs from Croom are marking Kelleher’s nose up, but Kelleher pays it no mind as he is trying to close the distance and land bombs. All the while, Croom picks and pokes away at Kelleher, scoring leg kicks as Kelleher tries to come in and knock him off his feet. Croom remains on his bike to frustrate Kelleher, and he gets Kelleher’s attention with a three-punch combination. In the center of the cage, Kelleher shoots in for a takedown, only to get stuffed with ease and have his chin checked with a knee. Kelleher separates and takes a kick that makes him twirl around, and when he recovers, he rips the body with a left hand. Croom’s volume is giving him the advantage thus far, and he sneaks punches around Kelleher’s guard from outside. They clinch together and cannot put anything together, and Croom backs off just in time to avoid a big punch. Kelleher bites down on his mouthpiece and cracks Croom with a spinning back fist and an overhand right, and as Croom is stunned, he hits a takedown. The round ends with Kelleher attempting to get ground-and-pound off.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two meet in the middle and throw hands, and Kelleher backs off to sling a head kick. As it gets blocked, Croom backs off and stings Kelleher, but Kelleher shakes it off and cocks his right hand back to launch it. When he fires it, he misses, and Croom comes through to kick him in the head and land a pair of heavy punches. Kelleher swings back, only for Croom to duck back, evade an uppercut and kick Kelleher in the body. Croom scores a right hand around the guard, and Kelleher does not even register that a strike landed. Croom continues to put volume together, with body kicks and low kicks mixed in with sharp jabs. Kelleher ducks to land a pair of hooks, but Croom is connecting with three to every one. Croom winds up with power punches of his own, and Kelleher shells up and backs off before slinging bombs of his own. “Crash” evades them before crashing into the pocket to jam Kelleher into the wall. Croom cannot keep Kelleher in this position for long before the New Yorker breaks free and starts throwing high kicks. Kelleher walks through a kick to target the body, and he is marking Croom’s liver up. Croom replies with a standing elbow, slashing Kelleher's face wide open. Croom times a knee up high as Kelleher comes at him, only for Kelleher to instead bowl him over and then set up a guillotine choke. Kelleher’s blood begins to flow as he circles around hunting for submissions, keeping Croom honest and forcing him to defend submissions. When Croom stands, Kelleher emphatically whips him to the ground and climbs into his guard. Croom defends from most of the ground strikes, but a few elbows from Kelleher get through to conclude the second stanza.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Kelleher comes out aggressively in the final round, punching his way into a potential takedown setup. As he bullies Croom into the fence, he lifts the man formerly known as “The Hard Hitting Hillbilly” up off the ground and deposits him down to the mat. Croom scrambles as he tries to work his way up to his feet, only for Kelleher to smack him upside the head repeatedly and drag him back down to the ground any time Croom makes his way up. When Croom turns to his knees, Kelleher sets up a guillotine choke, and he abandons it to take Croom down again. Croom continues to move, never staying in one place for long, and Kelleher follows him every step of the way. Croom gets up using the fence as his ally, and Kelleher smashes him in the face with a knee to force Croom to drop back down. As he does, Kelleher sets up another guillotine choke, and he rolls through to turn it into a brabo choke. When that falls short, he goes after another guillotine, using it to push Croom to the ground and take half guard. Croom turns to his side and then on to his knees, and as soon as he does, Kelleher goes hunting for his specialized guillotine choke. None of the chokes succeed, but he is completely dominating a fatiguing Croom and rolls through with Croom every time to keep him down. Kelleher threatens with a rear-naked choke in one position, and then settles to end the fight with fierce punches from on top. The fight concludes in this spot, with the final bell sounding seconds before a stoppage could materialize.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Kelleher (30-26 Kelleher)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kelleher (29-28 Kelleher)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Kelleher (30-26 Kelleher)

The Official Result

Brian Kelleher def. Kevin Croom via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5) vs. Court McGee (170)

Round 1

In this welterweight battle between an older lion and a young, hungry thundercat, TUF 11 winner McGee (20-10, 9-9 UFC) will try to hold the line against Brahimaj (9-3, 1-1 UFC), where the latter will hope to make it two in a row after his ear exploded in 2020. There is nothing but respect between these two fighters, who touch gloves before referee Chris Tognoni. The venerable veteran leads the dance with several kicks from afar, aiming them to varying targets. McGee avoids a punch combination to throw back one of his own to the body and head. They land single shots at the same time, and Brahimaj winds up with a left hand that snaps McGee’s head back. McGee scores a solid left hand after a few jabs to set up a takedown, and he pushes Brahimaj into the fence when he cannot take him down. In the clinch, Brahimaj grimaces, and McGee groans to pick his man up but there is nothing doing with this takedown effort. McGee sells out for a double, and he lifts Brahimaj off the ground and slams him into the mat. Brahimaj turns to his side in an effort to stand, and after a brief struggle, he succeeds to get back up. “The Crusher” looks to grind and crush Brahimaj up against the fence, going after another takedown and making life miserable for Brahimaj. Once more, McGee elevates his opponent and drops him down. This time, Brahimaj turns to his knees and nearly gives up his back, but he stands up before McGee can set anything up. Brahimaj gets off a short knee up the middle while McGee is in close, and it does not discourage McGee from looking for a takedown. Brahimaj successfully shoves McGee away to gain some breathing room, in which he gives chase with long strikes. McGee gets off a clean one-two, and he connects with a pair of right hooks when Brahimaj is finding his range. They land strikes at the same time, and Brahimaj catches his opponent with the left. McGee gives it right back to him, and they trade it out. McGee cracks his man with a crisp right hand over the top, sending Brahimaj crashing to the canvas right before the bell sounds. Before McGee can try to force a stoppage, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

McGee is ready to engage right out of his corner, and he does so with a few fierce punches and a leg kick that gives Brahimaj issues. Brahimaj gathers his thoughts and charges in to hit his own takedown. The veteran climbs back up to his feet without issue, only for him to turn the tables and ground Brahimaj instead. The youngster fights his way back up to his feet, but McGee is pressuring him with every bit of weight he can muster. Brahimaj briefly threatens with a guillotine in this close proximity, but there is nothing to be had as McGee is too crafty and more than willing to effectively embrace the grind. As Brahimaj tries to wing a punch, McGee turns around him to find a better angle, one he uses to set Brahimaj on the ground again. Brahimaj springs up, but he cannot break the grip of “The Crusher.” As Brahimaj wriggles, he manages to get his arms free and pushes off, and when he scores a punch, McGee hits him back harder. Only a few seconds elapse before McGee charges in for a double, one he uses to push Brahimaj back against the fence. Brahimaj manages to break off, and McGee is there to punch him in the face. Damage continues to mount on Brahimaj’s face, as his left eye starts leaking from right hands of the Utahan. McGee blitzes forward again for one final takedown try, one he hits right before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Brahimaj feebly offers a glove touch that might have been construed as a hug, and McGee taps his foe’s glove and then crashes in to pursue a takedown. McGee goes after a double, and he turns the corner to plant Brahimaj on the floor again. Brahimaj defends with a guillotine off his back, and McGee shrugs it off as he tries to set over and pass guard. Brahimaj utilizes a rubber guard to go after an omoplata, but McGee does not register the submission and instead keeps heavy top pressure to shut Brahimaj down. From another angle, Brahimaj goes after a guillotine with his left arm, and McGee wriggles his neck out so that he can keep grinding. The Fortis MMA fighter may have blood leaking in his eye and he might be down on the scorecards, but he does not quit and is constantly searching for something until he scoots his way to the wall. Brahimaj gets to a knee, and McGee pulls his hand out to splat Brahimaj on his face. McGee, taking Brahimaj’s back, sets up a rear-naked choke. The choke is not there, but McGee uses the opportunity to force Brahimaj to turn over and surrender full mount. McGee ties up an arm-triangle choke, but with the cage to his side, he cannot find the right leverage to secure the submission. Once more, Brahimaj turns over to give up his back, and McGee is quick to attack the neck. Brahimaj alternates between fighting off rear-naked chokes when McGee has his back to preventing arm-triangles when allowing McGee to take mount again, as this sequence continues. In a final burst of energy, Brahimaj stands, but it is far too little, too late, as the grueling fight is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McGee (30-27 McGee)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 McGee (30-26 McGee)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 McGee (30-27 McGee)

The Official Result

Court McGee def. Ramiz Brahimaj via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joseph Holmes (185.5) vs. Jamie Pickett (184.5)

Round 1

Wrapping up these abbreviated prelims is a middleweight matchup as “The Nightwolf” Pickett (12-6, 1-2 UFC) welcomes self-described “Ugly Man” Holmes (7-1, 0-0 UFC) to the Octagon. This clear-cut striker vs. grappler battle – one where Pickett posts two-thirds of his wins by knockout while Holmes has earned submissions in 71% of his victories – will draw oversight from referee Mark Smith. The two gentlemen touch gloves before coming out firing. Holmes swipes with a few punches, and they both connect with body kicks at the same time. Holmes carries a hop in his step, as if to chamber a right knee or kick whenever he walks. When Pickett comes at him, Holmes catches him on the way in with a calf kick. The man that actively wants people to call him “Ugly Man Joe” comes up short with a body kick, but he reaches out a jab and a high kick skims the forehead of his opponent. Pickett gathers himself to punch his way into a clinch situation, and Holmes turns him around to mash him into the wall. Holmes gets off short knees to the thigh as he grinds Pickett tightly, even going after a trip on the outside before Pickett pushes him away. A Holmes low kick makes Pickett stumble, and as he ducks away, Holmes just misses with a booming kick that whizzes past his hair. Pickett again tries to bully Holmes into the wall, only for Holmes to turn him about. The middleweights jockey for position against the wire, and Pickett tries and fails to trip Holmes to the mat. Holmes makes him pay for a trip with a hacking elbow to the side of the head, but it is not enough to make Pickett back off. Holmes continues to smash Pickett in the side of the head with elbows until he turns the corner and breaks off. Pickett aims a front kick up the middle that misses by an inch, and he charges in like a bull with a takedown that is stuffed with ease. Holmes comes up short with a high kick when Pickett rebounds off the fence, and they return to kickboxing range. Holmes commits to a low kick, and he slides out of the way when one comes back at him. A hard inside leg kick connects for Holmes, apparently angering Pickett, who rushes at Holmes with a four-punch salvo. Pickett’s relentless rushes for takedowns finally succeed with 20 seconds left in the round, as he drags Holmes down for a moment. Holmes gets up, and he lands a few clinch strikes before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round opens as Holmes offers a glove touch, and they do not wait for long to swing for the fences. Pickett attacks with swiping punches, getting Holmes attention as he pushes forward to press his man into the wire. Holmes turns him around, but Pickett pulls his leg out and puts him down to the ground. Holmes stands up, and Pickett lets loose with a long combination of punches and kicks that bust Holmes’ face open. Holmes may be a little hurt as he escapes, but Pickett is not allowing him much space as he works the body with kicks. Pickett dodges a pair of looping punches, only to walk into two more from Holmes. “The Nightwolf” jumps forward to stomp kick, and it hits the thigh. A high kick from Pickett slaps into Holmes’ face, possibly wobbling Holmes but more likely him taking a funny step on the edge of the cage. Pickett lays into Holmes with long punches, as Holmes tries to back off and recover. Pickett jabs his way in, and tags Holmes with a one-two. The two makes Holmes instinctively shoot for a single-leg takedown, where he lifts Pickett’s leg up briefly before setting it down when he does not have the right posture. While tied up, they push one another around like wedgebots from “Battlebots,” until Holmes manages to get Pickett up against the fence in search of a possible double. The takedown is nowhere to be found, and Holmes backs off only to get slugged with a right hand. They have a wild exchange until Pickett grabs hold of him again, and Holmes turns him about so that he can grind him tight. Holmes smashes his foe in the solar plexus with a knee, and Pickett doubles over and complains only for Smith to state it was a legal blow. Pickett breaks off so that he can knee Holmes in the face, and he follows his foe with punches until they clinch again. This clinch position concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

They meet in the middle and start throwing hands, and Pickett comes out the heavier aggressor as he backs Holmes up to the wall. Pickett eats a punch and gives a few back, before dodging a swiping left paw from “Ugly Man Joe.” Pickett mushes Holmes into the fence like strained peas, and Holmes has had enough of this position as he shoves off. Pickett appears the far fresher man, while comfortable at range with low kicks. The punches lead him into closing the distance, where he ties Holmes up again. As they separate, Holmes catches Pickett cleanly, but “The Nightwolf” is ready to grind and pushes Holmes back up to the wall. Pickett cannot keep Holmes there for long, and Holmes swings inaccurate punches and a body kick that slaps off the side. Pickett crashes in again after landing a punch, and he gets a grip on Holmes’ neck to set up a high knee. The strike does not land as Holmes muscles out, and Pickett plants a crisp side kick on his midsection. They trade body kicks one after the other, and Pickett jams Holmes into a clinch by leading with a left hand. Holmes appears frustrated, but he manages to break off after a few seconds and aims a front kick to Pickett’s chest. Pickett recoils from the strike, but he gathers himself and pushes back in to the clinch. On the way in, Holmes times an elbow that glances off Pickett’s face, but this does not discourage Pickett from the close-range pursuit. Pickett backs away and starts to fire off “Sweet Chin Music” side kicks to the jaw, landing at least one while throwing three. Holmes retreats to defend himself, and the horn blares, leading the two to hug it out.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Jamie Pickett def. Joseph Holmes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bill Algeo (145) vs. Joanderson Brito (145.5)

Round 1

Our ESPN main card will kick off with a featherweight scrap pitting Algeo (14-6, 1-2 UFC) against a newcomer nicknamed “Shark” in Portuguese – “Tubarao “ – in Brito (12-2-1, 0-0 UFC). “Senor Perfecto” will aim to lift his UFC record to .500, all while attempting to make Brito’s debut end poorly. The third man in the cage will be referee Keith Peterson, who just buried all of the nonsense alive out back. The fighters touch gloves before handling their business, and Brito is fired up as he rushes after Algeo immediately. Algeo fires first, with a big body kick that makes Brito practically run at him to clinch up. The featherweights trade short knees while tied up, and Brito aims for a double-leg takedown. Algeo defends the takedown by hopping up off the ground, but this strips his base away from him and allows Brito to lean forward and plop him down on the mat. The American scrambles back to his feet, and he fights off a mat return while Brito has his hands locked around Algeo’s waist. Like he was setting down a heaping helping of Country Breakfast, the newcomer Brito channels his Matt Hughes and picks Algeo all the way in the air and walks him across the cage to slam him down. Algeo hits the ground hard, and Brito quickly circles around to take his back after the emphatic takedown. The Brazilian gets his hooks in and starts hunting for a rear-naked choke, switching from one hand to the other until Algeo explodes and turns around to put Brito’s back to the mat. Brito keeps an open guard as Algeo starts to unload with ground-and-pound, with short elbows and heavy chest pressure to disallow “Tubarao” to thrash and get afloat again. Brito throws his legs up when Algeo stands to find a better angle, and this lets him stand up and try to turn the tables on Algeo. “Senor Perfecto” perfectly sprawls to stifle Brito’s attempt, and when they stand, Brito swings for the fences and misses. Brito is throwing everything into his strikes, and Algeo remains calm and is more content to touch his opponent. Brito loads up and then pushes forward for a takedown entry, and Algeo stands tall, knees his man in the thigh and circles out. Algeo gets off a jab and a few front kicks until the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round opens with a clap of hands, and Brito practically sprints towards Algeo to lay into him. Brito tags him with overhand rights and lefts, but Algeo stands firm and smashes Brito in the face. The Brazilian is hurt, but instead of taking a step back, he races forward to pursue a takedown. Algeo defends the first effort, and he sprawls when Brito goes after a power double. Algeo fakes throwing knees as he has Brito leaned over, so Brito plays the game and keeps one hand on the mat to protect himself from knees. Brito leans back a slight bit, and Algeo drills him with a knee, leading Brito to lean back over again. They stand back up, and Algeo clocks his foe with a left hand and a body kick. Not to be outdone, Brito targets Algeo’s lead leg with four vicious leg kicks that draw reactions each time they land. They both start loading up on bombs, nailing each other with power punches, and Algeo moves and gets rocked with winging hooks from the Brazilian. When he hurts Algeo, Brito strangely decides to go after a double, which allows Algeo to get his wits about him again as he defends the takedown. With Brito’s cardio starting to abandon him, Algeo pushes Brito over and lands in side control, where he begins to drop down elbows and punches. Brito rolls to his knees in an effort to stand, and he does so and leans over to play the game again of putting his hand down to prevent himself from getting kneed in the face. Algeo brilliantly starts stomping on Brito’s hand on the mat, in a maneuver not seen often. This forces Brito to stand, and Algeo follows him with a few knees. Brito gains a full head of steam and clubs Algeo with a few punches, and he bullies his foe into the fence. They continue to turn each other around, until Brito holds tight and Algeo protests. The round ends with Algeo frustrated that Brito was just hanging on to him.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Brito accepts a glove touch as he is aggressively coming towards Algeo, and he lets loose with a long combination of looping punches that are largely inaccurate. Algeo ducks and dodges most of them, and when Brito clinches up with him at the end of the salvo, he lets Brito have it with a pair of shots. Brito gains some space and stuns Algeo with his power strikes, but Algeo keeps moving and does not let Brito to pin him down. Algeo fires back, and he threatens a spin but Brito interrupts him with an attack. Brito hacks at his lead leg as Algeo wobbles back, so he kicks the same spot again. Algeo pats his chest as if to say “bring it on,” and Brito comes at him right as Algeo ducks down for a takedown of his own. “Tubarao” does not succumb to the try, but he does get shoved up against the wall while Algeo works on him with short strikes including a solid shoulder to the jaw. Algeo backs off and just comes up short with an intercepting knee, but he sticks out several punches to break up a Brito barrage. Brito throws wild, power strikes, and he spins with an elbow that Algeo sees coming. When Algeo ducks out of the way, he plays coy and pulls a Max Holloway by looking around mockingly. Algeo is in his flow state, slipping the telegraphed punches of the Brazilian and stinging him with straight punches. Brito does not let him off the hook, and he connects ever so often with his bombs, but Algeo is scoring two to every one, at least. As Brito aims to ground the American, Algeo hits a slick throw and puts Brito on the ground hard. Algeo takes Brito’s back in the ensuing scramble, and he starts fishing for a choke before electing to elbow Brito in the side of the head. Algeo maintains a tight body triangle while he elbows his foe on the dome, and he puts his hand up to motion that he’s number one right before time elapses.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Bill Algeo def. Joanderson Brito via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Viacheslav Borshchev (155) vs. Dakota Bush (155.5)

Round 1

Moving things right along, “Hairy” Bush (8-3, 0-1 UFC) will try to buzz through the competition and get his first UFC win at the expense of Team Alpha Male’s “Slava” Borshchev (5-1, 0-0 UFC). The two lightweights with finish rates of 75% or above will battle it out while referee Herb Dean stands vigilant. The touch of gloves precedes the action, and Bush starts off with several kicks at range to his foe’s lead leg. Bush aims a body kick, and he spins with the momentum but Borshchev is able to duck out of the way. Bush lets loose with a high kick that is easily blocked, and he catches a returned kick from Borshchev well in front of him. He sets the foot down and backs off, where he flicks out a jab and nails Borshchev with an overhand right. Borshchev stands patiently in the center of the Octagon, and he blocks a high kick that makes Bush fall over. Borshchev starts to let go with a combination, and as his strikes start to connect, Bush grabs hold of him and takes him down with an emphatic thud. Bush lands a few punches, but Borshchev kicks him off before much damage is taken. When Borshchev tries to get back up, Bush tackles him over. The scramble is wild and frantic, and Borshchev is able to burst his way back up to his feet. Bush greets Borshchev with a knee on the way up, and Borshchev is hurt and wobbling on the way back. Bush gives chase and lets go with a huge barrage of punches. Bush tags his foe, and then gets clipped with a huge right hand from Borshchev. Bush shakes it off and takes Borshchev down, where he quickly circles around and takes Borshchev’s back. Borshchev stands up, and he tries to buck Bush off of him by standing and wriggling. Bush slides off the back and on to his back, where Borshchev climbs down into the guard to punish Bush. Bush grits it out and kicks off so that he can pursue a single-leg takedown from Borshchev, which Borshchev defends in part by grabbing the fence. With Bush backed up to the wall, Borshchev unleashes a furious two-punch combination to the body. The right connects to the solar plexus, while the left slams square into Bush’s liver. In a delayed effect, Bush’s legs suddenly give way beneath him as he crumples to the canvas in pain. When Borshchev dives on top to pound him out, Dean is already leaping across them to pull them apart and call a halt to the contest. We finally have our first stoppage of the night, and in celebration, Borshchev breakdances in the center of the cage.

The Official Result

Viacheslav Borshchev def. Dakota Bush R1 3:47 via KO (Punch to the Body)

Katlyn Chookagian (126) vs. Jennifer Maia (126)

Round 1

The Top 5 flyweights square off in a rematch of their November 2019 meeting, with Chris Tognoni overseeing. They set up in matching orthodox stances in commence throwing jabs and one-twos. Maia is bouncing laterally around the outside as Chookagian stakes out the center of the Octagon. Maia lands a nice low kick. Chookagian lands a jab and eats a stiff counter. Ninety seconds in, “Blonde Fighter” lands a push kick up the middle that sends the Brazilian stumbling backward. Maia’s right cross has opened up Chookagian under the left eye, though it isn’t bleeding much yet. Chookagian steps in and uses a body lock and trip to drive Maia to the ground. Two minutes left in the round, and Chookagian is in Maia’s half guard, looking for an arm-triangle. Chookagian passes to side control and might be looking to step over to mount. Chookagian still framing the choke, but Maia pops back up with under 30 seconds left. Chookagian drives Maia into the fence and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian

Round 2

Chookagian is more aggressive on the feet to begin Round 2, coming forward with punches and forcing Maia to give ground and circle away. Maia lands a hard counter, but Chookagian steps in and grabs another body lock. Chookagian runs Maia to the fence and is looking for another takedown. Maia shucks her off and lands a knee on the way out. Chookagian now showing some red around the right eye. Maia steps past a front kick from Chookagian to clinch and shove her to the fence. Chookagian reverses position, briefly looks to take another body lock, but Maia denies her and they disengage. Two minutes left in the round, and Chookagian again looks to close the distance. Maia again pushes her off. Chookagian lands a knee up the middle, then a moment later, a head kick that is mostly blocked. They clinch near the fence and Chookagian takes Maia’s back in one smooth motion. They drop to the ground and Maia tries to let her slide off the top. Chookagian maintains the position and is looking for a choke when the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian

Round 3

Maia comes out swinging, perhaps sensing she is behind. She lands a glancing punch, and eats a harder counter. Maia lands a nice head kick that snaps Chookagian’s head back. Maia keeps coming forward as Chookagian works her jab. Chookagian catches a body kick, then lets it go. A minute and a half in, both women are in the center of the cage, swinging. Chookagian grabs a clinch, but Maia shoves her off and lands a right hook on the break. With the final round halfway gone, Maia is still moving forward with urgency, but is eating the jab over and over and struggling to get off more than a punch or two of her own at a time. Maia lands a glancing right cross, and Chookagian answers with a hard one-two to the head and body. Less than 30 seconds left, Chookagian is sliding around the outside, with Maia giving chase. The final horn sounds, and Chookagian raises her arms. Close round.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian (30-27 Chookagian)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian (30-27 Chookagian)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian (30-27 Chookagian)

The Official Result

Katlyn Chookagian def. Jennifer Maia via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Rogerio Bontorin (125.5) vs. Brandon Royval (125.5)

Round 1

In another flyweight tilt with likely title implications, it’s the men’s turn as Royval and Bontorin take to the cage. Mark Smith is the third man in the cage, making sure both men are as safe as possible and protect themselves at all times. The much taller Royval is the aggressor early, coming forward and pumping out a long jab. Bontorin lands a low kick that sweeps Royval completely off his feet, but he bounces back up a split-second later. Royval is back to throwing southpaw jabs, as Bontorin comes forward as looks to be measuring him for a left-hand counter over the jab. Royval with a long front kick to the midsection, but Bontorin steps in behind it and hoists the Factory X fighter for a takedown. Bontorin lands in side control and looks to wrap up Royval’s upper body. Royval tries to get to guard, but can’t manage it. A moment later he spins out and stands up. Bontorin comes forward and eats a three-punch combination. A minute left, Bontorin charges in and takes Royval’s back standing, is denied the big slam but does haul Royval to the ground, where he sets up in the American’s guard. Royval slides out and again escapes to his feet. A frenetic first round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Royval
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bontorin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Royval

Round 2

Bontorin lands a left hand that knocks Royval off-balance, and finishes by hustling him to the floor. Bontorin is in Royval’s guard, but Royval is scrambling furiously. Royval wriggles out, but Bontorin takes his back and secures his hooks. Royval keeps moving, though, and another scramble ensues. Bontorin lands in guard again, and Royval immediately looks for an omoplata. Royval scoots back to the fence and stands, Bontorin still glued to him. Bontorin tries to move to the back, but Royval slips out and disengages. Bontorin lands a hard right that puts Royval on his seat, partly due to a trip or slip. He gives chase and ends up on Royval’s back once more. Royval stands back up and tries an inside switch, but Bontorin is still holding onto a body lock. Royval escapes again and they resume striking. Royval walks right into a left hand that has him stumbling backward. Bontorin uses another body lock to slam the taller man to the canvas. The horn sounds on another furious five minutes.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bontorin
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bontorin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bontorin

Round 3

Royval is coming forward to open Round 3, throwing hard jabs and left crosses. Bontorin catches a kick and tips Royval over, but lets him stand a moment later. Royval rejects a clinch attempt, but Bontorin crashes right back into the pocket and elevates him for an easy takedown. Royval uses an unorthodox guard to trap Bontorin’s left arm, then tries an armbar. It’s deep, and Bontorin appears almost to tap, but they fight on and he extricates his arm a moment later. Royval rolls away, but Bontorin jumps right back on him and ends up on top. He’s looking to take the back, but Royval sweeps him quickly. Bontorin may be fatiguing, because his huge strength advantage on the floor in the first two rounds is nowhere to be seen. Royval on top in half-guard with a minute left. Royval is looking to pass, throwing short punches and shoulder strikes. Bontorin seems content to control Royval’s posture, but a moment later Royval arches up and throws a stream of elbows, which go right until the final horn. Great back-and-forth fight!

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Royval (29-28 Royval)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Royval (29-28 Bontorin)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Royval (29-28 Royval)

The Official Result

Brandon Royval def. Rogerio Bontorin via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Jake Collier (264.5) vs. Chase Sherman (250)

Round 1

The obligatory unranked heavyweight slugfest of “UFC Vegas 46” barreled all the way to the co-main event, as Herb Dean prepares to supervise. The big men set to feeling out the range in orthodox stance. Collier dashes in with a jab to the body of the taller Sherman. Collier is firing a steady stream of one-twos, some of which land. Sherman tags Collier with a low kick, then nails him with an uppercut to the body. Collier crashes in and drags Sherman to the floor. Collier moves to mount and blasts Sherman with a salvo of elbows, one of which cuts him. Sherman bucks and tries to get out, but Collier has his leg underneath Sherman’s body. Sherman gives up his back and tripods, trying to get Collier to slide off, but Collier holds the position and locks up a rear-naked choke. He flattens Sherman out and the tap comes a moment later. Dominant performance from Jake Collier.

The Official Result

Jake Collier def. Chase Sherman R1 2:26 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Calvin Kattar (146) vs. Giga Chikadze (146)

Round 1

The main event kicks off, with referee Keith Peterson having banished all vestiges of nonsense from the premises by means of ancient, arcane and forbidden magic. The first strike of the fight is a right outside leg kick by Chikadze. He lands another, then a front kick to the chin. Kattar is coming forward, switching stances and throwing jabs from both sides. Chikadze is backpedaling and using lateral movement to avoid being backed into the fence. Chikadze lands a low kick, followed by a kick to the body. Kattar times the next one and explodes forward for a huge takedown. Kattar lands in half guard. Two minutes gone in the round, and Kattar is heavy on top, denying a hip escape. Kattar looking to pass to side control, but can’t. Chikadze stuffs him back to a deep half guard. Kattar briefly contemplates isolating the far arm, but Chikadze is active with his hips and Kattar is forced to hold him down. Chikadze grabs a guillotine, but Kattar hops to the opposite side. Chikadze sweeps to top, but Kattar has an arm-triangle from the bottom and moves to the back. Kattar is working with a body triangle from the back, throwing punches as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar

Round 2

Chikadze lands a solid body kick. Kattar comes into punching range and Chikadze lands a pair of hooks to the body, followed by a left kick. Kattar counters a body kick with a sharp left hand. Kattar is still coming forward relentlessly, switching stances frequently, and Chikadze is having trouble adjusting, even as he lands. Kattar lands a hard right hook that hurts Chikadze. Kattar tries dropping for a single leg, but Chikadze evades it easily. Kattar lands a two-punch combination, followed by a step-in elbow. Chikadze retreats, and Kattar keeps the pressure on. Under a minute left, and “The Boston Finisher” has all the momentum. Chikadze lands a pair of punches, and Kattar responds with a spinning back elbow that lands flush. Kattar lands a takedown at the 10-second clapper and nails Chikadze with a couple of punches before he can stand. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar

Round 3

Kattar continues to come forward, pressuring Chikadze, and lands a one-two. Kattar is in control, and Chikadze is starting to look tired, discouraged or both. Chikadze lands an outside calf kick, then another. Kattar lands a right cross, and Chikadze whiffs on a counter. Kattar drops for a single-leg and chases Chikadze all the way across the Octagon with it, where the Georgian uses a fence grab to steady himself, lets it go quickly, but not before it succeeds in foiling the takedown. Under two minutes left and they’re standing in the center of the cage again. Kattar’s jab is busting Chikadze up. Chikadze lands a pair of hard punches, but stumbles afterward, off-balance or just fatigued. Kattar comes forward with 30 seconds left and throws a one-two and a body kick. Chikadze catches Kattar with a flush right and takes another back elbow for his trouble, right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar

Round 4

The main event rounds open up with both men’s face showing wear, but Chikadze’s more so. Kattar walks him down and lands a jab. And another. Chikadze denies a takedown attempt against the cage. Kattar’s jab is once again right in Chikadze’s face as the Bostonian moves forward. Kattar throws another step-in elbow. Chikadze throws a body kick, but Kattar punishes him with a three-punch combo. Halfway through the round, Kattar catches a kick and marches forward, throwing punches while holding the leg. Chikadze lands a solid straight left, but the volume advantage is definitely with Kattar. They land simultaneous jabs. Kattar has busted the right eye of Chikadze badly, cuts above as well as below. The horn sounds on another easy Kattar round.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar

Round 5

The final round begins as the other four did, with Kattar marching forward and cutting off the cage, but Chikadze explodes forward and tags him with a flurry of punches. Kattar keeps coming, though, and lands his own relentless volley of jabs. Chikadze lands a body kick, but Kattar is just overwhelming him. Kattar lands a high kick of his own. Chikadze comes forward, and Kattar counters with elbow strikes from both sides, then throws a kick up the middle. The round hits its halfway point, and Chikadze is still doing his best to find the finish he clearly knows he needs, but Kattar is far fresher and answering everything with two or more strikes to one. Kattar begins looking for bigger single shots on the flagging Chikadze, and lands a couple, leaving the Georgian stumbling backward. Kattar lands another spinning back elbow. Chikadze throws a kick up the middle. Under 30 seconds left and both men are still looking for the knockout. Kattar drops Chikadze with an elbow strike with under 10 seconds left, and referee Peterson looks on closely as he follows up with punches, but the round expires. Complete bell-to-bell performance by Calvin Kattar.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (50-45 Kattar)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (50-45 Kattar)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (50-45 Kattar)

The Official Result

Calvin Kattar def. Giga Chikadze via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44)