UFC on ESPN 35 ‘Font vs. Vera’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Taira (-250), Candelario (+200)
Carlos Candelario (126) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125.5)

Round 1

Taira vs. Candelario was canceled on Saturday afternoon due to an illness suffered by Candelario, and it has been postponed to the May 14 UFC card. News of its cancelation was disclosed by UFC officials.

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Mazany (-180), Young (+150)
Gina Mazany (126) vs. Shanna Young (125)

Round 1

There’s no sugar coating this one: this is far from the best UFC offering there has ever been. The fact that this now 11-fight show is being displayed on the flagship network of ESPN for its main card is a testament to the content-demanding contract signed by the promotion and its broadcast partner. If fight fans are lucky, this scrappy, rag-tag group of underachievers with only 10 of the 22 fighters sporting UFC records above .500 can still put on a good show. Due to the cancelation of the previous match, we now kick things off with a bout in the women’s flyweight division with two ladies that desperately need a win in Mazany (7-5, 2-5 UFC) and Young (7-4, 0-2 UFC). Combining for just two victories inside the Octagon opposite seven defeats, something’s gotta give her. The gloves do not get touched as top-notch referee Jason Herzog watches on, and the night begins. Mazany sticks out several punches early on, but Young holds her off with a longer reach. “Danger” puts her foe in danger early when she then charges for a takedown, and Young springs off the fence and shoves off to get some space and pull out of the clinch. Mazany scores a few punches over the top before crashing forward again to clinch, and she is in rapid pursuit of a takedown. Young keeps her balance after multiple tries, but she remains shoved up to the wall with Mazany glommed on to her. This grinding performance continues until Young explodes and twists to separate, only to get popped with a right hand on the way out. From a distance, Mazany chops down the leg and rushes forward to take the fight down, only to abandon it and knee Young square in the face. “The Shanimal” drops to a knee from the damaging blow, and appears to get her wits about her as she springs back to her feet. Young stays back with long jabs that are well short of the mark, and a front kick is feet away from her target as well, possibly so that she can recover from the strike. Mazany trips up on a jab before following it with a left hand, and she connects with another that splits the guard. Young chips at the lead leg with a kick, but her volume is diminished as Mazany meets her and doubles up on it. Mazany targets a few punches to the body before going over the top, and Young rolls with the overhand and backs off. Mazany charges in, chin in the air, and Young cannot capitalize and instead is forced to block when Mazany swings at her. Young takes a body kick and tosses one back, and she sits down on a left hand. Mazany counters, Young fires back, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mazany
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Mazany
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mazany

Round 2

Whether by accident through throwing jabs at the same time or intentional, the two ladies end up touching gloves. Young then pushes off with a front kick to the chest, shoving Mazany back. Mazany replies with a high kick that comes up short, and a slapping kick to the torso that does not. “Danger” lets loose with several calf kicks as Young just watches them land, before winding up with her hips to sling a much heavier kick low. Mazany mashes forward and sneaks in a left hand, and she gets in another from a messy combination. When Mazany backs off, she bull-rushes in again and gets intercepted with a left hand from Young that shakes her up. Mazany does not know whether to try for a takedown after getting stung or retreat to gather her thoughts, and when she does, Young touches her with the jab a few times to make Mazany wipe at her nose. Mazany bites down on her mouthpiece and slings a left hand, and she uses the forward motion to grab hold of a body lock. Instead of her getting the takedown, Young counters her and slams Mazany down to the mat. Young keeps her grounded for a moment, and Mazany walks up the wall back to her feet. “The Shanimal” hits a mat return to wrench Mazany down to the canvas, and she climbs on top and takes Mazany’s back during a wild scramble. When riding Mazany like a bucking bronco, she manages to flatten her out and drops down hammers. Knowing a finish could be around the corner, Young gives it everything she has with a long barrage of punches. Herzog allows Mazany every opportunity to defend herself or get out of the position, but as the unanswered blows continue to add up, he calls a stop to the fight. This is a crucial win for Young, who gets on the board as a UFC fighter after three tries.

The Official Result

Shanna Young def. Gina Mazany R2 3:11 via TKO (Punches)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Levy (-180), Breeden (+150)
Mike Breeden (155.5) vs. Natan Levy (155)

Round 1

One of these two lightweights here will earn their first victory under the UFC banner, barring something strange, when Israel’s Levy (6-1, 0-1 UFC) battles it out with Glory MMA & Fitness product Breeden (10-4, 0-1 UFC). Levy prefers the submission while “Money Mike” Breeden would rather knock an opponent out, and referee Mark Smith will be there to see if one achieves this goal or if things go awry. The fighters do not choose to touch gloves before duking it out, and Levy strikes first with a body kick. Breeden crashes the pocket after throwing his own kick, and he trips Levy down to the mat with his legs. Levy calmly walks himself back to his feet, and when Breeden cannot ground him again, Breeden backs away. “Money Mike” walks into a punch, and he tries to reply in kind but comes up short. Breeden tosses up a high kick, and he swings a left hand that sneaks around the guard. Levy just misses with a hook kick, and when Breeden bears down on him, Levy intercepts him with a kick to the torso. As Levy goes high again, Breeden blocks it and plants Levy down to the mat. Levy attacks a heel hook as soon as he lands, and Breeden slides his knee out and crawls back to his feet. Breeden chomps down on his gumshield and throws heavy leather, and Levy is forced to shell up and retreat. The American measures several jabs, only to take a flush kick to the body. Levy comes to clinch up and lifts up a knee, and when Breeden answers with one of his own, that knee pounds into Levy’s cup. Smith pauses, and Levy takes 45 seconds to recover before coming out swinging. Levy throws a few punches, and Levy replies with a head kick. Breeden walks straight through a head kick that smacks him upside the head to take his man down to the mat. Like before, Levy pulls for a heel hook, and Breeden twists to snatch his leg back and climb back up to stand. Breeden catches Levy when Levy throws wildly, and Levy ignores the counters to swing an overhand right that stings Breeden. Levy times a single-leg takedown to put Breeden down to the ground, but he can keep him there for just a second or two before the American gets back up. Levy snags a mat return, and when Breeden is on his hands and knees, Levy drills him in the side with a knee. Breeden explodes back to his feet upon hearing the 10-second clapper, and Levy concludes the round with a high knee.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Levy
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Levy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Levy

Round 2

Breeden takes the center of the cage to start off the round, and he begins with a blitz of punches, “Money Mike” lands some money punches as he jacks up Levy to the body, swinging relentlessly and doing some damage. Levy circles away and gains some space, only to catch a kick that soars at him. Turning the tables on what Breeden secured a few times, Levy trips Breeden down to the ground, dropping Breeden right on his head. Breeden is quick to get to his feet again, but with Levy’s hands wrapped around his waist, he cannot stay up for long. A few mat returns from Levy succeed one after the other, in a lather-rinse-repeat scenario with Breeden getting back up only to get dragged back down. Breeden wall-walks and turns Levy around in the clinch, and he attempts to take the fight down on his own. Levy does not allow him to succeed, and they break. Levy pounds the body with a kick, and he ducks down to go after a body lock throw. Breeden keeps his balance and shoves Levy to the wall, and he lands a few short punches but gets clipped with a left as he takes a step back. Breeden resets and marches forward, letting loose with punches that find their mark. Levy swings a left hand, and he plants a kick to the liver that hurts Breeden, and his poker face has dissolved as he is in great pain from the counter strikes. Levy spins with a wheel kick that just grazes his hair, and he pushes forward to take Breeden down and finish the job. Breeden climbs back up, and is only on his feet for a split-second before Levy yanks him back to the floor. This time, Breeden cannot simply burst back upright, and Levy takes his back momentarily. Breeden methodically climbs back up the wall, and he breaks the grip of Levy around his body and forces Levy to back off. Breeden walks forward, punching and jumping in the air with a knee, and Levy retreats until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Levy
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Levy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Levy

Round 3

Breeden is a man possessed coming out of his corner, knowing he might be down on the scorecards and fast in search for a finish. “Money Mike” lets loose with a long combination of punches, busting Levy up and making him defend himself up against the wall. Levy counters with a takedown effort, and Breeden does not have to sprawl as he just shoves Levy away and lets loose with several more punches. Breeden digs to the body as he mixes punches up, and Levy counters him with a left hand but Breeden walks through it. Levy drops down for a takedown, and Breeden bowls him over and stands back up to make Levy get up on his own power. Breeden continues to slam his fist into Levy’s head and body, and a right to the body makes Levy reel and take a look at the clock. Breeden winds up on body shots, and Levy is struggling and backing off but still winging left hooks occasionally. Breeden leaps in with a knee on the torso, and when Levy tries to take him down and falls over, Breeden backs away and makes Smith aggressively force Levy to stand. Breeden continues to give chase as Levy looks spent, and he loads up on power punches and gets cracked with a left. Breeden does not slow down, striding forward and forcing Levy into takedown tries to blunt his momentum. Breeden pushes him down, and when he lets Levy stand, he targets the body several times while Levy blocks himself. Breeden steps in with an elbow, and Levy greets him with an uppercut and a left hand. Breeden answers with a few powerful blows, and they smash one another with clean right hands. With everything he has left, Levy loads up on a left that pounds into Breeden’s skull, and Breeden is hurt and drops to a knee. Levy again targets his spinning wheel kick, and when that does not connect, he shoots for a single. Breeden stuffs it and comes forward, only to absorb three crisp punches on the jaw. Levy rocks his man again, and Breeden is now the one that appears more tired and punched out. Breeden shoves Levy to the wall and unloads on him, and he gets backed off from strikes that come his way as well. Levy spins with an elbow that does not find its mark, and they throw down to the final bell. What a blast of a fight, clocking in as an early contender for "Fight of the Night" after 15 minutes of action.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Breeden (29-28 Levy)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Breeden (29-28 Levy)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-10 (30-28 Levy)

The Official Result

Natan Levy def. Mike Breeden via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Green (-135), Lainesse (+105)
Gabriel Green (170.5) vs. Yohan Lainesse (169)

Round 1

Like the last fight, a submission specialist in Green (10-3, 1-1 UFC) will throw hands with a man who vastly prefers the knockout in the debuting Canadian Lainesse (8-0, 0-0 UFC). Referee Herb Dean will keep tabs on this welterweight affair, and the competitors clap hands ahead of their scheduled melee. Lainesse throws the first strike, with a front kick that looks somewhat like an axe kick, and Green is well out of the way before it lands. Green keeps his range and sticks out an occasional jab, while keeping away from the kicks coming at him from the unbeaten fighter. Lainesse scores a low kick on both sides of the leg, and Green changes his stances when coming forward. Green gives chase, and Lainesse picks at him with leg kicks on the way in. Green gives one back, only to have the inner thigh of his leg stung. Lainesse sprints forward and wings an overhand right, and it smashes into the side of Green’s head and stuns him. Green shakes it off and backs away as Lainesse is throwing fire at him, and he clears his thoughts and splits the guard with a left hand. Lainesse slaps a body kick home, and he targets the lead leg as Green backpedals. Green pushes forward to attack, and Lainesse is ready to catch him in the clinch and lift up knees, so Green bails on it. Green kicks him the body effectively, leading Lainesse into a takedown entry that lifts Green off the ground and deposits him to the mat. The newcomer steps into half guard and holds Green down with his shoulder, but Green kicks off the wall to stand back up. When Green is getting up, Lainesse locks on to a guillotine choke while standing, and he abandons it instead of gassing his arms when Green gets a little space to breathe. Green chops at the leg, and when Lainesse throws a body kick at him, Green steps through it with a straight right hand. Lainesse replies in kind, and they trade leg kicks. Lainesse just misses with a looping right hand as Green advances, and he tries again but gets his head snapped back with a left hand. Green scores a few punches and ends a combination with a front kick, and he gets countered on the way out. They smile at one another and touch hands as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lainesse
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Lainesse
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lainesse

Round 2

Gloves get touched to start off the second frame, and Lainesse strikes first with a low kick. Green marches forward with a short salvo of punches, and Lainesse meets him with a cracking right hook. Green ignores it to wind up with his own heavy right hook, and Lainesse slaps the lead leg. Green lets go with a head kick that does not find the mark, and when he kicks the leg after, Lainesse shoots for a takedown. A missile of a right hand zones in and collides with Green on the temple, and Green falls to the ground in a heap. Dean notices that Green is not totally out, and Green keeps moving and scrambles to get back to his feet. Lainesse goes after a guillotine when Green stands, and he lets it go to score a right hook when they break. Green throws caution to the wind for a moment, and he has to take a step back when a spinning back fist whizzes by his head. Lainesse times an advancing Green with a surging takedown, and he claims side control and turns to north-south position. The scramble is wild and crazy, with Lainesse briefly taking Green’s back and hooking up a rear-naked choke, and Green somehow finding his way back upright. Green pushes away and comes out swinging, with Lainesse aiming home run punches at him. Green stabs him in the torso with a front kick, and he sees the looping shots come at him as Lainesse is suddenly sucking wind. Green notices this and begins to work the body, drilling him on the side with his fists. As Green drives “White Lion” to the cage wall, he unloads with a brutal barrage of body blows until Lainesse’s legs give way beneath him. The Canadian crumples up and covers his head while Green batters him with standing-to-ground punches. The strikes continue to mount for “Gifted,” who gives the undefeated fighter several gifts in the form of powerful hands upside the head that make Dean take a close eye on the action. As Green slugs away while Lainesse is turtled up, Dean realizes that Lainesse is no longer intelligently defending him as shots get through, and halts the fight. With his knockout, Green has successfully removed the debuting Lainesse from the ranks of the unbeaten, while prevailing in his first appearance since early 2021.

The Official Result

Gabriel Green def. Yohan Lainesse R2 4:02 via TKO (Punches)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Lacerda (-135), Figueiredo (+105)
Daniel Lacerda (125) vs. Francisco Figueiredo (125.5)

Round 1

Up next, two men looking to rebound off of defeats in 2021 will battle it out as Lacerda (11-2, 0-1 UFC) – also known as da Silva – takes on the flyweight’s champ’s younger brother of “Sniper” Figueiredo (12-4-1, 1 NC; 1-1 UFC). Of note, Lacerda’s nickname is “Miojo,” which translates to “ramen noodles.” Referee Keith Peterson will add a little salt and a splash of hot sauce but not a drop of nonsense to the dish that is this 125-pound fight, and there is a sporting glove touch before his eyes. Figueiredo throws a heavy leg kick as Lacerda jumps back, and Figueiredo goes for another kick on the inside of that lead leg. Lacerda spins with a wheel kick that lands on the neck of his foe, and Figueiredo shrugs it off and continue chopping with leg kicks. They kick at the same time, and Lacerda explodes into a takedown that sets “Sniper” on his back. Figueiredo closes his guard, and Lacerda looks to step over into a better position. As soon as he does, Figueiredo pounces on a leglock, and he snatches a kneebar in the blink of an eye. Figueiredo has the leg torqued and he wrenches on the ankle to hyperextend the knee, and Lacerda taps out in a hurry before his tendons stretch and snap like overtuned guitar strings. In victory, Figueiredo snags his first submission win since 2016, while also becoming the first man to tap out his fellow countryman.

The Official Result

Francisco Figueiredo def. Daniel Lacerda R1 1:18 via Submission (Kneebar)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Romanov (-2500), Sherman (+900)
Alexander Romanov (236.5) vs. Chase Sherman (247)

Round 1

What happens when “King Kong” takes on “The Vanilla Gorilla”? After a week delay, the unbeaten Romanov (15-0, 4-0 UFC) takes on still-late replacement Sherman (15-9, 3-8 UFC), who is a long way away from a .500 UFC record. A record-setting betting favorite upwards of -2500 depending on the book, most expect that Romanov will run through Sherman, who does celebrate a 93% knockout rate on his own ledger. Few, including referee Mark Smith, expect this will go the distance, but the two big men do show a sign of respect by touching up before engaging in their 483.5-pound affair. Romanov takes the center of the cage, and he shoots for a takedown in about 10 seconds. Scooping Sherman right off the ground, Romanov lands the takedown. When Sherman gets up, Romanov elevates him and hits a suplex to slam “The Vanilla Gorilla” on his head. As Sherman scoots his way to the wall, Romanov drops down a few punches, but Sherman is able to get upright again. Romanov snags hold of a single and wrenches him down, where he puts Sherman on his back and instantly takes side control. “King Kong” steps over to full mount, and he walks Sherman to the fence so he can lean Sherman’s head on the wall. Romanov postures up and begins to drop down “Donkey Kong”-style hammerfists, and he clubs Sherman in the head. Sherman turns a little, but he gets mauled over to his back. When Romanov gets tired of punching him, he isolates Sherman’s right arm and begins to crank it with a keylock. With Romanov getting hold of Sherman’s wrist with both hands while twisting the submission with all his Moldovan might, Sherman thinks about tapping with a hoverhand around Romanov's back. He then does tap one single time, surrendering before his shoulder is ripped straight out of its socket. This was complete and total one-way traffic for the biggest betting favorite in UFC history, who is now 16-0 as a pro with 15 wins inside the distance. Even though he just won his fifth UFC fight, Romanov is more excited about earning his BJJ brown belt that gets draped around his shoulders, who plans on earning his black belt in one year while also seeking out the UFC heavyweight strap.

The Official Result

Alexander Romanov def. Chase Sherman R1 2:11 via Submission (Keylock)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Jotko (-175), Meerschaert (+145)
Krzysztof Jotko (186) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185)

Round 1

A clash between two drastically different styles comes to a head to open up the main card, when unabashed point fighter Jotko (23-5, 10-5 UFC) – with a finish rate of 30% and one win inside the distance dating back to 2012 -- stands across the cage from Meerschaert (34-14, 9-6 UFC) and his own stoppage rate of 94%. Whether this middleweight matchup goes the distance or not, referee Herb Dean is ready for what comes next. There is no disrespect between the two, and they gladly touch gloves ahead of their scrap. Meerschaert leads off with a left hand over the top, and he walks into a leg kick. He lunges forward and gets countered, and he wears the strike well and fires off a left hand down the pipe. Jotko lands a left and gets popped, and Jotko is faster but still absorbing strikes. Jotko lands cleanly with a two-punch combination, and he intercepts a low kick and absorbs a left that reddens his nose. Jotko sits back with an uppercut, and he tries to time a left hook as Meerschaert rushes in recklessly. The Polish fighter smacks Meerschaert in the face with the ball of his foot, but he does not rush in to hurry and instead stays composed. As Meerschaert advances, Jotko circles around to grab hold of him and push him to the wall. “GM3” shoves his way out as Jotko backs off to reset, and he blocks a front kick but gets stood up with two punches. Meerschaert comes in swinging, and he leans back just as a right hand soars past his face. Jotko cracks his man with a few straight punches, and his short right hook is finding the mark again and again. They trade leg kicks, and Meerschaert just dodges a left hook. Meerschaert leans forward to attack, and Jotko is able to quickly step out of the way and avoid anything damaging coming his way. Jotko takes a right hand to throw one back of his own, and he snaps out a jab to back Meerschaert up. Jotko continues to do work when Meerschaert comes out swinging, and the American changes things up with a punch to the body. Jotko goes after a standing up-elbow, and Meerschaert pushes through it to tie Jotko up and pursue a takedown in the open cage. Jotko turns him around and presses him into the wire, and he is warned when a knee strike lands on the cup. Jotko grabs his hand on top of the fence to keep Meerschaert trapped, and he is warned of this three times. The clinch is where this round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jotko

Round 2

The middleweights touch gloves to seal the cage around them, and a brief brawl ensues with both men getting off glancing strikes. Meerschaert bites down on his mouthpiece to throw heavy punches, and Jotko slips them and replies effectively. Jotko connects with a low kick and a few punches, and then pops Meerschaert with a front kick. Meerschaert ignores them so that he can rush ahead, and Jotko takes a right hand and gets shoved into the fence. Meerschaert then goes after a takedown, and Jotko is able to defend it and knee his man on the chin. “GM3” swats away punches that come at him after they separate, and he is forced to deal with a front kick and a swarm of punches. Meerschaert kicks low and goes over the top with a left hand, and Jotko pays it no mind and slams his shin on the calf of his opponent. Meerschaert absorbs several straight punches on his way forward, and he gets kneed as well when he pursues the clinch again. Meerschaert turns Jotko around and drags him to the mat, but Jotko is able to work his way back up and not allow “GM3” to successfully ground him. Jotko turns him around to the fence, and Meerschaert drops to a knee so that he will not absorb knees to the head. Meerschaert turns the corner and tries to ground Jotko again, but Jotko is strong and able to push him back. Jotko spams short knees to the thigh in this position, and Jotko grinds him against the wall and even manages to take Meerschaert down. Meerschaert accepts this by snatching up a guillotine choke, and Jotko struggles and wriggles his neck free from the sudden, unexpected danger. Meerschaert is quick to toss his legs up for a possible triangle setup, and Jotko shoves them aside to work the body with punches. Jotko holds on from this safe top position, dropping down a few elbows and punches until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jotko

Round 3

The respect flows as the gloves get touched to commence the final round, and Jotko lands a jab as Meerschaert reaches low with a kick. Jotko punches through a low kick, and Meerschaert’s strikes are labored as he meanders forward, but he is still pressuring Jotko. Jotko scores a front kick to the body, and he picks and pokes while Meerschaert comes towards him. Meerschaert surprises him with a one-two, and he reaches a right hand over the top. Jotko considers a takedown, possibly stung from the strikes absorbed, and Meerschaert stuffs him and works forward. When Meerschaert presses, Jotko scoops him up and drops him down on the mat. When on the ground, “GM3” goes after isolating an arm with both wrists, and then considers a triangle choke as well. Jotko moves, and as he does, they both climb back to their feet with one arm locked. Meerschaert drops down for a double-leg takedown, and he abandons it when Jotko’s defense holds up. Meerschaert cannot keep Jotko trapped against the wire, so he backs off and throws a few fists. Jotko passes by then so that he can connect with a knee, and Meerschaert counters with a left hand. A pair of high kicks from Jotko make them fall a little off-balance, and Jotko recovers faster and dives in to go after a takedown. Meerschaert pursues a triangle choke, and Jotko moves through it and keeps Meerschaert on his back, not allowing Meerschaert to scramble. Jotko sprawls when Meerschaert turns the corner, and he steps over to sit down and put Meerschaert on his back once more. Jotko pins Meerschaert down and drops down a couple light elbows to the waist, and Meerschaert closes his guard up. Jotko drills down a single elbow, and Meerschaert sits up and looks for a sweep or a reversal of any kind. Time is not on his side, and although Meerschaert gets back to his feet, it is too late. Jotko raises his fist in the air with five seconds to spare, and Meerschaert runs at him swinging his left hand. Jotko escapes to survive to the final bell, and boos rain down from the cramped UFC Apex.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jotko (30-27 Jotko)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Jotko (30-27 Jotko)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jotko (30-27 Jotko)

The Official Result

Krzysztof Jotko def. Gerald Meerschaert via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Elkins (-190), Connelly (+155)
Tristan Connelly (146) vs. Darren Elkins (145.5)

Round 1

A grappler’s delight may play out in this next featherweight contest, when company staple Elkins (26-10, 16-9 UFC) wages battle with Canada’s Connelly (14-7, 1-1 UFC). Knowing he might be in it for the long haul, referee Jason Herzog laces up his running shoes in anticipation of what’s just around the corner. A glove touch precedes the action, and Elkins crowds his man early with several jabs. Elkins continues to throw them out there, even if they don’t land, just to back Connelly off. He turns a few jabs into a faked takedown, and he goes over the top with a right hand. When that punch lands, Elkins drops down and hits a double, where he puts the Canadian on his back in a hurry. Elkins circles around to take Connelly’s back, and he shifts through the position to attack an arm-triangle choke and take full mount. The Canadian drags him back to his full guard, and Elkins does not seem concerned as he drops down punches from on top. Elkins stacks his man up when Connelly tries to push off with butterfly hooks, and Connelly scoots himself to the wall. Punches from Elkins have reddened the face of “Boondock” early, and Connelly wears them well as he works his way upright. Before he can fully stand up, Elkins drags him back down to the mat from behind. Elkins pursues another arm-triangle when attempting to secure mount, and he explodes out of the position and wings an elbow. The featherweights separate, and Elkins shoots in for a takedown when Connelly reaches out with punches. The double succeeds, and Elkins resides in Connelly’s guard and rains down ground-and-pound. Connelly thinks about setting up a guillotine choke off his back when Elkins passes, and the maneuver keeps Elkins honest, as do the elbows that Connelly spams off his back. “The Damage” stays busy on top with damaging punches, and a few have developed some swelling under Connelly’s left eye. Connelly scrambles wildly, and he works his way back to his feet. Elkins allows him up so that he can club him upside the head with a couple punches, and he catches Connelly coming in. Connelly wings elbows, Elkins throws punches right back, and the round ends as they are striking one another.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elkins
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Elkins
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Elkins

Round 2

Gloves are touched to open the second round, and Elkins drops down to avoid a punch coming his way early to counter with a right hand over the top. Connelly throws a half-hearted low kick, and Elkins grabs it and goes after a single. Connelly defends the takedown well and backs off, and he sweeps the leg with a thudding kick. Elkins pops back up, and they clack heads as they throw bombs at one another. Elkins drills Connelly with a right hand, and he crashes forward to take the fight down. “Boondock” replies with elbows up high, and they do enough to back Elkins up. Elkins loads up on several punches and shoots in for a double, only for Connelly to bounce off the wall and use it to keep his balance. Connelly fires off a few punches and a knee, and Elkins leaps forward for a double. Connelly gets set on his back as he snags hold of a guillotine choke, and the Team Alpha Male product practically laughs this off as he passes over to half guard, forcing Connelly to release it. Elkins thumps him up with several left hands, forcing Connelly to turn his back in an effort to stand back up. Elkins gets both hooks in, and he drags Connelly down with Connelly’s left arm. Elkins uses this armlock to keep Connelly grounded, but he can only keep him there for so long until “Boondock” explodes to get back to his feet. They trade punches, and Elkins is the one moving forward with higher volume. Connelly lands a few punches and connects with a leg kick that makes Elkins wobble. Sensing he might have hurt Elkins, he briefly unloads with a salvo of strikes, only to abandon that train when Elkins goes to the body. Elkins lands a right hand and shoots for a single when ducking a Connelly punch, and he does not get Connelly down but does take his back. Elkins nearly takes his man down, and the Canadian grabs the fence to stop it. Herzog immediately intervenes and calls Connelly on his foul, while resetting them in the position they were in against the cage before the illegal escape attempt. Despite this, Connelly is able to burst back to his feet, and the two featherweights slug it out to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elkins
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Elkins
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Elkins

Round 3

Hands are clapped to celebrate 10 fun minutes of action thus far, and they get right back after it. Elkins sticks out a few long left hands, and Connelly replies with multiple kicks to the body. Elkins ducks into an overhand right, and he looks to tie Connelly up and take him down, but there is nothing doing. Connelly eats a few punches when Elkins come close, and he pushes off and jumps at Elkins with a knee that connects square to the midsection. Connelly pushes Elkins back to the fence in a clinch, and although he absorbs a knee, he cracks Elkins with a flush elbow. Blood begins to flow from the faces of both men after a violent exchange, and Connelly stuffs a takedown and pushes Elkins back to the wire and nails him with an elbow. “Boondock” continues to pour on the elbows, and as Elkins looks to be fading, he rips three huge punches that sting Connelly. The Canadian is not out of it, and he jams Elkins up to the wire before checking him with a shoulder strike. Connelly goes to the body, and Elkins punches over the top to break the clinch. The pace is still furious at the midpoint of the third round, and Connelly spins with a back kick that Elkins evades. Connelly winds up with a pair of power punches, but it is a short right that Elkins eats on his way in. Elkins barely bats an eye and swings back with bad intentions. Connelly rips the body with a left, and he throws a calf kick to follow, only for the kick to be caught. Elkins runs the pipe and takes the Canadian down to the mat, where he happily claims his foe’s guard. Connelly escapes and turns to his side to get back up, so Elkins follows him and keeps Connelly on his knees. When Connelly is about to stand up, Elkins drags him back down and takes his back. “The Damage” secures the body lock, and he starts softening Connelly up. They begin to get in a slugfest, with Connelly punching behind his own head. As he does, Elkins latches on to a rear-naked choke. Connelly grabs the glove and is admonished by Herzog, and the choke does not succeed at least in part thanks to that. Elkins settles for punching Connelly upside the head again and again until the final horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elkins (30-27 Elkins)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Elkins (30-27 Elkins)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Elkins (30-27 Elkins)

The Official Result

Darren Elkins def. Tristan Connelly via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Dawson (-190), Gordon (+155)
Grant Dawson (155.5) vs. Jared Gordon (155.5)

Round 1

Lightweights take center cage in this main card offering as “Flash” Gordon (18-4, 6-3 UFC) looks to hand “KGD” Dawson (17-1-1, 5-0-1 UFC) his first loss inside the Octagon. Referee Keith Peterson will preside over the nonsense-free action, and there is a respectful but tense touch of gloves to start things off. Gordon takes the center of the cage, and he lands a low kick when Dawson kicks high. Dawson pulls his foot back so that he can deposit it on the center of Gordon’s chest. Gordon backs off and kicks the lead leg, and he blitzes forward only to get pushed back by the longer man. Gordon swings with several looping punches, and Dawson responds with a head kick that just breezes over the smoothly shaved dome of his opponent. Gordon initiates a takedown approach, and he puts Dawson down briefly. “KGD” scrambles and pops back up without being down for long, and he jumps in the air with a knee to close the distance. As Gordon backpedals, he is just out of the way from a spinning wheel kick. Dawson presses the action in pursuit of a takedown, and as he does, Gordon snatches up a guillotine choke. Dawson rolls all the way through the choke to ground Gordon, and the choke gets released. Gordon is able to scramble his way back up, and they start clubbing one another with loud, powerful punches. Gordon bites down on his mouthpiece and slings it out, and a few punches get Dawson’s attention and force the American Top Team fighter to shoot for a takedown. Gordon gives up his back as he tries to turn out and through, and Dawson claims it and secures a strong body triangle. Dawson smacks Gordon in the side of the head several times when Gordon controls the wrist, and “Flash” rolls to the side to lean Dawson up to the wall and prevent any leverage of a choke coming. Dawson does not mind this, as he continues softening his man up with punches. Gordon does not waver in the defense of his neck, regardless of the punches he is absorbing, while allowing Dawson to hold his back and crush him with a triangle around his waist. “KGD” continues pounding on Gordon with his free left hand, and the strikes might not be individually damaging, but they are consistent and frustrating. Gordon continues to absorb these strikes, which have busted open his nose, and he remains in this position until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dawson
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Dawson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dawson

Round 2

The lightweights touch glove to begin the second round, and Dawson is the first to throw a punch. Gordon replies with a right hand back at him, and he has a head kick blocked. Gordon wings a left hook, and he just misses it as Dawson’s eyes are wide open. A few more strikes lead to Dawson pursuing a takedown, and he hits the single he is seeking and puts Gordon on the mat. “Flash” quickly scrambles to his knees, but his attempt to escape is thwarted as Dawson skillfully locks up a body triangle while Gordon is standing up. This body triangle allows “KGD” to lower Gordon down to the ground, and he has Gordon’s back where he rode out the last two-plus minutes of the previous round. Instead of setting up a rear-naked choke, Dawson elects to crank the neck, and he squeezes with an ample amount of power, much to the discomfort of his opponent. Gordon grits it out and leans against the wall, before pushing off with his feet. Dawson gets a little careless in his posture, and as he does, Gordon erupts to fight out of the position and back up to his feet. “KGD” sucks his legs out briefly, and Gordon gets dragged back down a couple times until Gordon separates with a left hand on the break. “Flash” comes out firing, swinging huge left hands, and he changes it up with a head kick in which the instep of his foot slaps Dawson in the face. Gordon does not slow down, pressuring Dawson to the fence while spamming punches at him. Dawson shoots low for a single, and he hits it to deflate the current comeback hopes of the Roufusport fighter. Gordon turns to his side, and Dawson partially takes his back while swinging a right hand at the grounded fighter’s noggin. Dawson rides out this position to the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dawson
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Dawson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dawson

Round 3

A final glove touch opens the final frame, and Gordon plants his flag in the center of the cage and marches Dawson down. Gordon throws hammers, while shrugging off the kicks of Dawson. As he does, Dawson turns his back and runs away. Gordon follows him, and he nearly walks into a takedown try. Gordon stuffs it and then absorbs a clean right hand across the bow. Dawson tosses up a high kick, has his lead leg kicked, and he drops down for a takedown. Gordon greets him with an uppercut, and another shakes “KGD” up. Gordon is slinging leather at this point, and his strikes draw out one more takedown entry from his opponent. Gordon turns him around and knees the groin, and Peterson takes away the position and separates them from the foul, as Dawson says he is good to go. Dawson steps in with an elbow that slashes “Flash” open on the forehead, and he goes after a takedown when ducking the blows coming at him. Gordon rolls through it and stands, and he rips the body with several punches as Dawson leans into him. Gordon uppercuts him and sneaks in a few punches, only to be answered by a flush knee and a pair of punches back. Dawson spins with a back fist, and when the strike slides off Gordon’s slick, smooth head, Dawson falls over to the mat. Gordon takes advantage of this by jumping on before Dawson can turn this into a takedown effort. Dawson drops to his knees to try for a single, and Gordon stuffs this too and drops down punches and elbows on the side. Dawson turns the corner and lifts up a leg, and he takes Gordon’s back in a hurry. As soon as the body triangle is secured, Dawson snakes his arm beneath the chin and secures a rear-naked choke. Gordon twists his neck and appears to be safe, only for the dangerous “KGD” to tighten his grip and sink it in completely. “Flash” has no more speed to escape, and after a few seconds of panic, he taps out for the very first time in his career. This is a huge win for Dawson, who signals that he is ready for a top-15 opponent with six wins and a draw in his burgeoning UFC career.

The Official Result

Grant Dawson def. Jared Gordon R3 4:11 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Fili (-230), Brito (+180)
Joanderson Brito (145.5) vs. Andre Fili (145.5)

Round 1

In this upcoming featherweight fight, Fili (21-8, 1 NC; 9-7, 1 NC UFC), a UFC vet since 2013, will square off with 2021 Contender Series signee from Brazil Brito (12-3-1, 0-1 UFC), who is still looking for his first UFC win. “Touchy” Fili first stepped into the Octagon a month before Brito turned professional, so the gap in high-level experience is vast between these 145ers. Taking charge of the cage will be referee Herb Dean, who watches over as a rapid glove touch comes ahead of the battle. Brito is about to throw a huge right hand, but he pulls back at the last second. Fili scores a few low kicks out as he is long and reaching, and when he does one time, Brito times a solid low kick. They jab at the same time, and both heads get snapped back. The Brazilian flashes out a quick jab, and he follows it with a heat-seeking missile of an overhand right that smashes directly into “Touchy.” Fili collapses to the floor from the devastating blow, and Brito lords over him, pounding on him with ferocious right hands. Fili shells up, and he appears to get knocked out and back into consciousness as Dean jumps in to save the Californian from any more damage. Right after the stoppage, Fili comes back around, and he sits up and is frustrated but not remotely protesting Dean’s intervention. This is a huge statement win for “Tubarao,” knocking out a man in Fili that had not been finished since 2016. He promptly celebrates this by storming around the cage, demanding a bonus check for his lightning-quick knockout.

The Official Result

Joanderson Brito def. Andre Fili R1 0:41 via TKO (Punches)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Arlovski (-150), Collier (+120)
Andrei Arlovski (246) vs. Jake Collier (265)

Round 1

Former heavyweight champ Arlovski (33-20, 2 NC; 22-14, 1 NC UFC) held and relinquished the UFC strap, and had competed 23 times, before “The Prototype” Collier (13-6, 5-5 UFC) made his debut as a professional in 2010. The American moved up to heavyweight in 2020 after a few years off to get his career back on track following an injury and positive drug test – and at that time, Arlovski had already made the walk to the Octagon 32 times. While “The Pit Bull” finds himself on his longest win streak (three) dating back to 2015, Collier has alternated wins and losses for the entirety of his 10-fight UFC run, and Collier prevailed in his last outing in January. The heavyweights will draw oversight from referee Mark Smith in the co-headliner, and respect is ample between the two as they touch gloves before throwing down. The first strike of the fight comes from Arlovski, when he prods out a front kick, Collier crashes the pocket and swings a left hook on the way in, and although that misses, he pushes the former champ against the wall. Collier applies his full body weight on his foe and considers a body lock takedown, and Arlovski stuffs this and absorbs several knees to the thigh. Collier tries to take him down again, and settles for more knees to the same spot on Arlovski’s thigh right above his knee. Arlovski turns off the cage and separates, and when at range, he takes a jab to the body. Arlovski checks a leg kick and ducks a looping punch, but the sheer momentum of the larger Collier bowls into him and jams him to the wall once more. Collier returns to his slow, effective knee strikes again and again, while Arlovski looks to get off one high knee to the chest before dipping out of the way. The American swings wildly with a right hand, and he gets clipped in response. Arlovski splits the guard with a left hand, and he sticks and moves to get away. They trade heavy punches, and Arlovski shakes off a left that connects to his chin and retreats. They throw punches at the same time, and the overhand right from Arlovski barely grazes the target. Arlovski sticks out a jab, and the two fighters clack heads together to draw a pause from Smith. When they resume, “The Pit Bull” pops his man with a right hand, and absorbs a flush elbow that cuts him above the bridge of his nose. Arlovski turns out of a clinch and lands a punch on the break, and he lets Collier kick at him so that he can check another and knee the former middleweight in the chest. Chants for “Andrei” rain down in the building, and he ducks a looping punch and sets up a knee up the middle when Collier lumbers towards him. “The Prototype” gets off a low kick, and he blocks a front kick. Collier stings him with a left hand, and a sudden blitz of punches from the ex-champ collides into Collier’s chin until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Collier
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Collier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Collier

Round 2

The cut on Arlovski’s forehead appears to get sealed between rounds, and Collier leads off with a few punches to start off Round 2. Arlovski counters, and Collier leans forward and appears to bang into Arlovski’s head with his own forehead. Smith tells them to fight on, and they resume, where they trade punches. Arlovski eats two to throw three, and he catches Collier with an uppercut on the way forward. Several jabs from “The Prototype” push Arlovski back to the wall, and Arlovski looks to sneak in a punch but Collier connects with a left of his own to bust up Arlovski’s beak. Arlovski gets in a standing elbow when they break free, and he strings together several punches. Collier stuns his man with a jab, and Arlovski ducks away and has his neck snagged. Collier lets it go and pushes off with a couple punches. Arlovski resets and loads up on a power right hand, and Collier ducks it and slings an inaccurate one back. Arlovski clips a pressuring Collier, and he knocks Collier back when Collier cracks him. They are going one after the other, with one landing flush and the other replying in kind. One such right hand from Arlovski draws a smile from his opponent, and the American pushes forward to clinch and pursues a trip takedown. Collier pulls Arlovski’s leg out, but the American Top Team fighter walks his way up using the fence without staying ground for more than a few seconds. From behind, Collier holds on to “The Pit Bull,” and he tries to time a spinning back fist on a forced break. Arlovski ducks it and starts throwing several jabs. He follows one with a right hand, and Collier does the same set of combination. Arlovski absorbs a low kick and secures a left hand that lands flush, and they trade punches. Arlovski jumps forward and spins with a back fist that goes wide, and he uses his momentum to charge straight into the fray. The former champ unloads with one last salvo of strikes before the bell, putting a stamp on a very close round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Collier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski

Round 3

Hands are touched to start off the last round, and Collier goes on the attack as he throws heavy punches at the ex-champ. Arlovski blocks most of them and slides out of the way, and he counters effectively only to absorb a thumping leg kick. “The Prototype” lets loose a body kick, and he takes a kick on the cup when trying to escape out the side. Arlovski does not flinch, pushing out a few long, straight punches. Collier jabs forward, and he comes straight on in as their heads collide. Smith warns them both of keeping their heads from crashing together, as it was on both of them and not a headbutt. Arlovski shakes it off as they restart, and Collier is the aggressor to start off when they resume. A few right hands from Arlovski open a cut on Collier’s nose, and they clash heads once more. Collier protests, and when Smith does not step in this time, he handles his business himself with a solid let hand. Arlovski blasts a kick to the body, leading to Collier going on the offensive and throwing big punches. Arlovski slips out of the way and rolls with the punches, and his counters have busted Collier up badly. Arlovski strings several punches together, and he breaks up a combo with a leg kick. Collier nails his man with a right hand, and Arlovski eats it like a steak and replies with powerful shots of his own. Collier shoots for a takedown, and when Arlovski sprawls, he grabs behind Arlovski’s neck to pull him into a knee. Arlovski does not take it flush, and he breaks free. For the umpteenth time, their heads clank together, and both put their hands up in frustration. They begin to slug it out again, and these striking totals are neck-and-neck. It could still be anyone’s fight with a minute remaining. Arlovski walks a slowing Collier down, and when he puts out a jab, Collier connects with a clean one-two. Collier then does the same combination, and Arlovski absorbs it flush and starts spamming kicks to the face and legs. Collier winds up with two punches, and Arlovski replies with a spinning back fist. When the strike misses, Collier senses this is his moment, and he tackles the former champion to the mat. While he lands in half guard, he does not land a strike as this razor-close scrap comes to a conclusion.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Collier (29-28 Collier)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Collier (30-27 Collier)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Collier (29-28 Collier)

The Official Result

Andrei Arlovski def. Jake Collier via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

SHERDOG BETTING PREVIEW
ODDS: Font (-140), Vera (+110)
Rob Font (138.5: Missed Weight) vs. Marlon Vera (136)

Round 1

We have now reached the main event, which takes place in a catchweight instead of a standard weight category as Font (19-5, 9-4 UFC) missed weight by 2.5 pounds ahead of his marque pairing against “Chito” Vera (18-7-1, 12-6 UFC). These two are the only ranked competitors that set foot in the cage this evening, but a win for Font would arguably mean less as he could not reach the bantamweight limit. Apologetic for this error, Font offers a glove touch as the two stand before gold-standard referee Jason Herzog, and Vera accepts it with a smile as he is amped up for his first UFC main event. Vera is crouched over in his corner when the fight begins, and Font does a tour of the cage while waiting for him to stand up. Vera does do so, and he throws a front kick to start things off. Font starts up with his staple jabs, and Vera replies with a calf kick. Font subsequently counters it with an overhand right, and they back off to kick one another in the legs. Font strings together a pair of one-twos, and Vera responds with a thudding body kick to the guard. Font continues to work the jab, and he chains a solid boxing combination together that knock Vera back. A big uppercut from Font reddens the nose, and he knees Vera in the chin when Vera bends over. Vera gets a little space and lets loose with low kicks, and Font continues peppering him with jabs. Font steps in with an elbow, and Vera responds with a powerful leg kick. Vera closes in and pins several uppercuts on the chin before Vera pushes off and reaches out with a front kick that is just shy of the face. Font rips the body, and when Vera advances, he goes after another crisp uppercut. Font tattoos Vera’s heavily tattooed head and body with jabs, and Vera slips a couple of punches and counters with a front kick. Font nails his man with an uppercut again, and Vera staggers back and gathers himself to absorb a few punches high and low. Font put three punches together as Vera guards up and circles on the outside, and he commits to his calf kick when Font gives him a moment to breathe. Font absorbs another leg kick, and he loads up on punches when Vera tries to kick his lead calf once more. Font walks into a punch, and he blocks a loud body kick that impacts off his arms. Font winds up with an uppercut after a jab, intercepting Vera coming in. The uppercut continues to find its home as Font targets it repeatedly, and Vera is not able to read it and tries to block them, but they still get through. Vera kicks the midsection, and when he comes in, Font meets him with a knee and his own low kick, The first round ends, and the bantamweights tensely stare down one another after the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Font
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Font

Round 2

The fighters meet in the middle to start off the second round, and they bounce closer together only to back off before engaging. Font jabs, follows it with a right and connects with a clean left to back Vera up. Font puts the ball of his foot on Vera’s chest, and he steps in with a hacking elbow that glances off Vera’s head. Vera fires off a front kick, and Font catches it and pushes Vera back. Vera, with his leg in the air, jumps with his other to kick Font a few times. Font delivers a big elbow that make Vera mockingly show that he is hurt, and he subsequently spins with a back kick to the body. Font reels from the kick and has to rebound off the fence, and Vera kicks the body again. Vera is able to counter a few punches, and Font begins to chain jabs into punches effectively as Vera’s face starts to turn red. “Chito” rips the body to make Font’s guard drop, and Font kicks his leg as a result. Vera loads up on a heavier one of his own, and Vera blocks an oncoming salvo of punches. Font has a few punches blocked, and Vera sticks his tongue out at him. As he does, a piston-like jab connects and knocks a surprised Vera back. Vera walks into another jab as Vera walks him down, but Vera does get off a leg kick. Font throws five punches in a row, and a huge body kick from Vera bends Font over. Font recovers and leans on his boxing to back Vera up, but “Chito” rallies and kicks him in the gut with a front kick. Vera works the leg with a kick, and Font strides through it to land a few punches and ends a combination with a solid left hand. Font steps through a series of punches with a knee up the middle, and Vera ricochets off the fence and marches his man down. Font kicks high, and the kick glances off the shoulder. Font carries on jabbing, and he works a right hand to the body in the midst of a punching chain. Vera walks him down and cracks him with a left hand, and Font is rocked badly and drops to his knees. Font instinctively goes after a single, and Vera bowls him over and unloads several brutal elbows. Font hangs on to the bell, and he springs right back up and goes to his corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera

Round 3

“Chito” is so fired up to start off the round, he is physically pulled back a few times by Herzog. Despite this aggressive intention, Font is the one who strikes first, jabbing his way in before shooting for a takedown. Vera scrambles and gets to his knees when dragged down, and he turns his opponent around to the fence and starts working the sides with punches and knees. Font pushes off with an elbow to break, and Vera puts everything into a head kick. Even with the kick blocked, it still has enough impact to shake Font. Font is quick to gather his thoughts and start working his uppercut, and Vera takes a front kick that goes low on the cup. Vera shrugs at Herzog when Herzog asks if he is alright, and the fight continues as they trade powerful blows. A thumping leg kick from the Ecuadorian gives Font some pause, and Font responds with a body kick. Vera steps through with a left hand, and he just misses a straight left hand across the bow. Font plants several punches on the guard, doing enough to take Vera’s focus away so he can drill a kick to the gut. Vera absorbs a leg kick, and Vera allows this so he can counter with a left hand that knocks Font back a few steps. The Bostonian marches forward, jabbing effectively and just getting up a block when a high kick aims at it. Vera unloads with a right hand, and Font greets him with several punches in a line of blows. Vera takes a clean elbow on the side of the head and barely flinches, and he kicks Font in the side. Font responds with a few punches to the body, leading Vera to tie him up. “Chito” separates and starts working kicks to the leg and side, and he slips a punch to throw one back. Font absorbs four flush punches without batting an eye, and he counters Font with a left to the midsection and a kick to the same spot. Font puts several punches together as Vera bounces off, and he splits the guard with a left. Font connects with a big left to the body, and Vera lifts up a knee that knocks Font off of his feet. Font climbs back up and wobbles back, only for Vera to chase him down and elbow him several more times. Herzog asks Font to keep fighting and moving, and Vera unleashes a fury of elbows right to the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera

Round 4

Font has gathered his thoughts between rounds, and even with swelling and damage on his face from the concussive blows, he is ready to continue and starts off with jabs. Vera kicks the body, and he gets knocked back with a series of punches. Vera fights through the oncoming blows to give back his own, and he jumps in the air with a knee that is barely blocked in time. They trade one after the other, with Font preferring to touch while Vera is loading up on strikes. Font pins three uppercuts right on the chin, and he follows it with a one-two as chants for “’Chito’” rain down in the building. Font chases him down and uploads, and Vera ties him up and gets kneed. Vera elbows on the break to cut Font, but the Boston native does not even register this as he stalks Vera down. Font considers a takedown before bailing on it to let his boxing speak for himself. Vera rolls with the strikes that come at him, dancing back and sliding out of the way. Vera gets in a left, and Font is a bloody mess but no less active. Font opens up with jabs and one-twos, and Vera is circling away as his volume has diminished. Vera winds up with a side kick that connects as flush as it could, knocking Font back and down to the mat. Vera goes after him to try to finish him, and he gets kicked off as Font lays on his back aiming upkicks. Vera kicks the leg from above, while Font is still getting his wits about him. Vera is letting his foe of the hook, and eventually Herzog intervenes to stand Font up. Font walks through a spinning heel kick that soars at him to throw hands, and Vera spams another that similarly is inaccurate. Font bounces around, and he absorbs a pushing kick to his knee. Vera winds up on a body kick, and the fourth round ends. Vera walks back to his corner, laughing all the way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera

Round 5

Battered and bruised, swollen and sore, Font is hanging in there and cleared to continue. Vera is excited to reach the fifth round in this contest, and he walks straight into a left to the body when they begin to fight. Font has his jab reach out, and he misses an overhand right as Vera slides out of harm’s way. Font comes after him and elbows him on top of the head, and Vera looks at him quizzically and slaps Font in the face with his open hand like a Diaz brother. Font is riled up, and he lands six heavy punches that knock Vera back up to the wall. Vera scores a single leg kick, and he backs away as Font walks him down. Font keeps his hands busy, and he takes a solid jab on the face. Vera tries to back him off with a side kick, and Font is not slowing as he again backs Vera to the wire with his punches. They trade low kicks, and start to put power into their punches. Vera loads up as Font stalks after him, and he has a body kick that stuns Font for a second. Like a Terminator, Font keeps going, and a front kick blasts him in the face. Font strings several punches together despite the serious level of damage on his face, and he makes Vera take a step back when he lands a front kick. Vera counters Font coming in with a left, and he smacks Font with a left as Font leads into a combination. “Chito” snaps out a jab that makes Font shake his hands out, and he kicks the lead leg a pair of times. Font gets hurt from a punch, causing him to turn around for a second, and Vera begins to showboat and point. Font steels himself and powers ahead, chasing Vera around and absorbing punches while attacking. Font nails Vera with an uppercut, leading Vera into a dance as Vera signals that he is fine. Font does not fall for anything, and instead splits the guard with a right hand. Font bites down on his mouthpiece and throws hands to the head and body, and Vera aims another standing hook kick slash side kick that cracks into Font’s dome. Font is rattled once more from the powerful strike, and he wobbles back to the wall to try to recover for the waning seconds. Instead of going for a finish, Vera walks away to celebrate, pointing in the air and even turning his back on Font at one point. Font cannot reach him as time elapses, and this thriller comes to an end. Both bantamweights raise their stock after 25 minutes of bloody, chaotic battle. An emotional Vera thanks his team and invites his family into the cage after the fight, and declares that he will be a world champion and will bring the belt back to his home country of Ecuador. With that, the uneven ESPN card wraps up, with the night ending in style after that five-rounder in the books. Next week, the UFC will travel to Arizona, with a fantastic pay-per-view offering bringing a pair of highly anticipated title fights and some other great scraps like Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson. We will be there for it, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Font (48-47 Vera)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Font (48-47 Vera)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera (49-46 Vera)

The Official Result

Marlon Vera def. Rob Font via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)