UFC on ESPN 36 ‘Blachowicz vs. Rakic’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Nick Maximov (184.5) vs. Andre Petroski (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Maximov (-380), Petroski (+290)

Round 1

With a trim event that allows the organization to catch its breath after the wild and crazy UFC 274 show, this ESPN offering will bring the lighter side of the promotion with it – over half the bouts of the evening will take place at 135 pounds or fewer. We do start off in a sizeable weight category of middleweight between two men in Maximov (8-0, 2-0 UFC) and Petroski (7-1, 2-0 UFC) that are as of yet unbeaten inside the Octagon. While Maximov began his career with five straight finishes in under two rounds, Petroski has yet to go the distance as a pro. Referee Chris Tognoni may have his hands full in this prelim opener, although the fighters touch gloves before coming out swinging. Maximov leads off with a kick to the body, and Petroski backs off after sprinting forward. Petroski throws out a kick, and Maximov topples over to the mat off-balance, only to climb back up. They throw hands recklessly, missing with their most powerful blows, as Petroski throws so hard he almost falls over. Maximov dives into a low single, and Petroski sprawls it well and threatens with an anaconda choke with Maximov leaned over. Petroski simultaneously locks the choke in and cinches the grip, and it is tight in a hurry. Petroski attempts to gator roll, and he does successfully to move to his side as he uses Maximov’s own arm to lock it down. Maximov does not think about tapping, and he might be surprised by the submission or trying to tough it out, but as he does, he loses consciousness. The lights are on and no one’s home, as Tognoni recognizes that Maximov is out cold and breaks them apart. Petroski still retains a 100% finish rate with a dynamite submission, and Maximov has suffered the first defeat in his career dramatically while Petroski strides around the cage shouting “who’s the best wrestler!” That’s one heck of a way to start the day.

The Official Result

Andre Petroski def. Nick Maximov R1 1:16 via Technical Submission (Anaconda Choke)

Carlos Candelario (126.5: Missed Weight) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Taira (-240), Candelario (+195)

Round 1

Two weeks after we thought we would see it, we will kick this fight card off with a bout between promotional newcomers, when Japanese hotshot Taira (10-0, 0-0 UFC) battles it out with the Stephan Bonnar of Dana White’s Contender Series in Candelario (8-1, 0-0 UFC) – the latter earned a contract off of a thrilling defeat, much like how Bonnar still pocketed the contract at the end of TUF 1 due to his legendary scrap with Forrest Griffin. Even with two men making their UFC debuts, it could be a fun one to start things off. Candelario did miss weight, coming in half a pound heavy at 126.5 pounds, and it plays a factor as they do not touch gloves while referee Mike Beltran watches on. Candelario crashes in straight away to clinch up and pursue a possible takedown, but Taira shoves his man away to gain some space and look for something on the feet. Taira absorbs a solid overhand right, and he keeps his guard up while Candelario strings a few punches together. Taira turns the momentum of his opponent against him, tying Candelario up and hunting for a trip takedown. The Japanese fighter trips his man to a knee, but Candelario is able to power up and out. As he looks to break, Taira scores a left hand and a body kick. Candelario gathers himself and dives forward for a single, and Taira pushes him off again where he can work with his kicks. A leg kick scores, but a body kick is blocked from the unbeaten fighter, and he uses his own range-finding strikes to keep Candelario and an increasingly reddening nose at bay. Taira steps forward with a right hand down the pipe, staggering Candelario for a second but not backing him off, as Candelario comes back quickly with a head kick that is swatted away. Taira marks up the body with a kick, and Candelario just misses with a counter. Taira kicks high, and his counters fall short. Taira shoots in from an unorthodox single-leg takedown approach, and he trips Candelario up and puts him on the mat. Candelario works back up using the fence behind him. Taira cannot keep him there for long, but he does rip the body with a left when Candelario stands. Taira backs off and hammers the lead leg with a kick, but it is one-and-done as Candelario checks one on the outside. Candelario presses forward with punches, and he turns the corner with a single and plants the Japanese fighter on the canvas. Taira nearly defends with a choke on his way down, but Candelario is able to yank his neck free and ride out the remainder of the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Taira

Round 2

The flyweights meet in the middle of the cage to start the second frame, but they are hesitant to engage early on. They paw at one another with jabs, and a left to the body from Candelario nearly bumps into the cup. They trade high kicks, and Candelario chases a takedown but cannot get him there. A lightning-quick right hand from Taira drops Candelario down to the mat, and Taira looks to finish the job with ground-and-pound and slams him with several unanswered punches. Candelario explodes back to his feet, and Taira jumps on his back quickly and ties up a body triangle before fishing for a choke. Candelario lowers himself to the mat so that he does not have to carry the weight of another person, and Taira hangs on tight and is softening him up with punches and the occasional elbow. Taira fishes for a rear-naked choke, and Candelario considers tapping but decides not to so that he can tough it out. He miraculously slips his neck free from danger, and Taira answers him by rising up and blasting him with an elbow. Taira is relentless with his back control, threatening with chokes or staying busy with strikes, and thwarting a reversal as Candelario appears to have cleared out the cobwebs. Candelario hangs on tight to the wrists of his foe so that a choke or crank cannot materialize, and he rolls to present an unusual position that sees them both on their back somehow. Taira nails him with a right hand, and Candelario powers through to turn Taira over. Taira is slick, and thanks in part to his body triangle, he is able to take Candelario’s back again. The twisting and turning continues, with Candelario again reversing him to wind up in Taira’s guard. Taira sits up as Candelario pounds on him like a drum, and he grinds his elbow a few times for good measure in hopes of ending the round on a positive note. A few more strikes from the American conclude the second round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Taira

Round 3

The last round opens with a great deal of caution, and the first strike is a groin kick from Taira as Candelario rolls his eyes in frustration. Candelario is given ample time to recover from Beltran, but he only takes 30 seconds before getting back to it. Candelario is on the attack after the foul, swinging his way into a single. Candelario successfully drags his foe down to the canvas, but Taira turns a corner and goes after his own takedown. When Taira hits it, Candelario snatches hold of a guillotine choke. Candelario uses the choke to turn Taira over to take mount, and he releases it when he finds himself in half guard. Candelario is warned for an elbow to the back of the head, as Taira sits up to pursue a takedown. This cycle continues, as Candelario defends with a guillotine once more, but he does not have the same leverage nor steam in his arms to make it tight and dangerous. Taira does find himself in possible Von Preux position, but Candelario turns him over and falls into a triangle choke. Taira rolls all the way through to mounted triangle position, and the wild scramble that ensues leads to Taira taking the back with a tight body triangle. The unbeaten fighter never gives Candelario a moment to breathe, hunting for a neck crank or slamming Candelario with elbows and punches. Taira, comfortable in full mount with one of Candelario’s hands trapped, begins to unload ground-and-pound. Beltran keeps a close eye on the fight, and every time Candelario sits up, Taira drags him down and batters him more. Although he does not get the finish he was seeking, Taira was quite close to a stoppage toward the end and more than likely won the fight going away.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira (30-27 Taira)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Taira (30-27 Taira)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Taira (30-27 Taira)

The Official Result

Tatsuro Taira def. Carlos Candelario via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Angela Hill (115.5) vs. Virna Jandiroba (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jandiroba (-165), Hill (+145)

Round 1

For the victor, a spot will remain in the top 15 of the tumultuous strawweight division, while the defeated may tumble out of the rankings – and the company itself – altogether. Even though Jandiroba (17-3, 3-3 UFC) and Hill (13-11, 8-11 UFC) swam in the same circles of Invicta Fighting Championships’ and the UFC’s 115-pound category, their paths never crossed until tonight. These two ex-Invicta champs will receive oversight from referee Mark Smith, and do not touch ‘em up before proceeding to try and bludgeon, strangle or otherwise inflict great bodily harm on the other. Hill takes the center of the cage with one hand lower, perhaps anticipating a takedown while not remotely concerned with the Brazilian’s striking. If history is any indication, this might be a solid strategy. The stance allows Hill to stave off a takedown setup, and when she is paying attention to this, Jandiroba has two punches land across the bow. Jandiroba absorbs a right hand back, and as soon as Hill commits to punches, “Carcara” bullies her way into a takedown attempt. Jandiroba pushes Hill back across the cage to the fence, and Hill stuffs her and pushes Jandiroba over. This is not to her best interest, as Jandiroba falls to her seat and hunts for a leglock of some sort. Going for a kneebar, an ankle lock or anything she can snatch up, Hill is quickly in danger, with Hill’s left leg extended outward as Jandiroba is hanging on to it. Hill grimaces in pain as she hangs on to Jandiroba’s wrists, and Hill sits up to attempt to punch her way out of the sub and successfully does so. Jandiroba considers another submission setup, but she cannot keep Hill grounded. They stay tied up in the clinch when standing up again, and they both try to whip the other around for a takedown. Hill starts letting loose with knees to the body as Jandiroba is happy to remain tied up, and Hill looks to break off but Jandiroba is not letting go. Hill finally explodes her way out, and Jandiroba throws out a few hands while Hill is hesitant to engage. Hill swats away offense before ducking down and goes for a double, and she hits it only to get reversed as soon as they hit the mat. Jandiroba ends the round on top in an odd position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba

Round 2

Hill strikes first to begin the second round, and Jandiroba is more active and meets her in the middle with several more strikes in volume. They trade punches until Jandiroba closes in for a clinch, and after landing one knee up the middle, she abandons it and lets Hill swing back hitting air. Jandiroba goes over the top with a surprisingly effective right hand, and Hill blitzes into a tie-up so that she can hammer the midsection with a veritable bouquet of knees. Jandiroba scores a single elbow on the break, but Hill is energized, stringing three punches together as she gives chase. Hill presses forward to clinch, and they jockey for position and meet with knees on the sternum. Jandiroba breaks, and she looks for a one-two while Hill counters with a clean right hand. In the open cage, Jandiroba dives down for a takedown and practically tackles Hill over to plop her on the ground. Hill defends with a single butterfly hook as Jandiroba is on top heavily in half guard, and she cinches her own lets around Hill’s to shut down any possible escapes from “Overkill.” Jandiroba steps over to a dominant position, but instead of taking it, she snags hold of Hill’s left arm in search of an armbar or a kimura lock. Jandiroba turns it to an armbar as she falls to her back to lock it up, and Hill steps over and stacks Jandiroba up to keep the arm safe from harm. Jandiroba keeps that submission tied up as Hill’s knee crushes on Jandiroba’s jaw, and this posture of Hill along with her rocking back and forth allows Hill to make it to the third round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba

Round 3

Hill is aggressive to start the third round, and she throws hands fast and lets them go to nail Jandiroba upside the head. Jandiroba is stunned momentarily, and Hill rolls through to rip an uppercut. The punches get Jandiroba’s attention, forcing the Brazilian to shoot for a double that presses Hill to the wall. Hill keeps herself upright thanks to the fence behind her, but Jandiroba turns the corner and yanks her down to the canvas. “Overkill” instantly attacks with elbows off her back while Jandiroba is slithering her way through gain better top position, and she lines up north-south before taking Hill’s back as Hill looks to stand. Jandiroba holds on to a leg tightly to wrench Hill right back down to the ground almost as soon as Hill stands, and “Carcara” gladly lowers herself into Hill’s guard as Hill closes it around her. Time is ticking away from Hill’s chances at pulling off a comeback, and Jandiroba is comfortable wearing on Hill and working the body with short, stay-busy punches. Hill hangs on with a lock around Jandiroba’s shoulder, possibly for a straight armlock off her back, and Jandiroba wriggles her arm out and continues her smothering top control. With Jandiroba clinging to half guard, Hill explodes in an effort to get up. This does not work to her benefit, as Jandiroba follows her all the way through to take Hill’s back. With 10 seconds to spare, Hill turns Jandiroba around and gets on top, and Jandiroba throws her legs up high to prevent any offense from “Overkill” in the remainder of the match. The fight ends in this stalemate position, and as the horn sounds, Jandiroba hoots and shouts in celebration after a likely victory.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 Jandiroba)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 Jandiroba)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 Jandiroba)

The Official Result

Virna Jandiroba def. Angela Hill via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Michael Johnson (155) vs. Alan Patrick (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-150), Patrick (+130)

Round 1

Given the relative experience and frequency of competition of the two lightweights next on deck, it may come as a surprise to some that Johnson (19-17, 11-13 UFC) will clock in a little over three years younger than Patrick (15-3, 1 NC; 5-3, 1 NC UFC). The Brazilian made his promotional debut nine years ago, and he has fought just nine times under its banner. These longtime UFC roster members never clashed before, and they will do so now under the watchful eye of referee Herb Dean. The touch of gloves comes first, and Patrick strikes first with a slow but effective low kick. Johnson greets his foe with a straight right hand, and his one-two clubs Patrick right in the face. Patrick charges in for a body lock, and he hits a knee to the body but falls to his back when trying to pull the TUF veteran down with him. Johnson tags his man with a left hand, and Patrick staggers back and down to a knee. Johnson lets Patrick up so that he can blasts the lead leg with a kick, and he plays the matador when Patrick runs at him. Patrick returns fire with a left hook, and now it is Johnson that is hurt from the exchange. Patrick gives chase and latches on to Johnson’s neck while standing before kneeing him in the sternum twice. When Patrick pushes off, a finger goes into Johnson’s eye, and Dean checks and has the fighters play on. Patrick lets go with a front kick as if to emulate the success of Michael Chandler last week, but it brushes past the target as Johnson sits down on a right hand. They trade single punches, and Patrick steps back and unleashes a capoeira kick that is a foot away at best. Johnson is straighter and tighter with his strikes, and a straight left hand splits the guard and knocks the Brazilian back a few steps. Patrick responds with a spinning back fist, rocking Johnson, and Johnson falls forward into a double-leg takedown as he tries to find his thoughts. Patrick closes his guard down, but he allows Johnson to elbow him a few times as Johnson sets up a can opener to break the leg grip. Patrick throws his legs up in search of an armbar setup, and Johnson does not fall into danger and passes over to side control. Johnson scoots over to north-south, and he holds in this position to conclude the first round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

The lightweights touch gloves to start off the second round, and Patrick leads the dance by swinging wildly. Johnson greets him with a left hand that knocks him back a step, and they run at one another frantically in high-risk, low-reward strikes, as Patrick darts in with a flying knee and Johnson replies with a leaping punch. Johnson gets out of the way when Patrick tries to take him down, and he walks into a solid low kick. Patrick tosses out another, and one such kick is met with a left hook that surprises Patrick. Johnson thinks about clinching with his foe after landing successfully, but backs off and swats away four punches that fly towards him. Patrick looks to spin, and Johnson sees it coming, dodges the blow and lets his hands go with a combination that works the head and body while Patrick recovers. Patrick dives in from all the way across the cage, and Johnson sprawls and circles away to make Patrick flop onto his back. The Brazilian measures upkicks and even has a breakdancing maneuver possibly in an attempt to trip Johnson’s leg out beneath him, but Johnson backs off and lets him up. “Nuguette” lazily reaches out with a kick, and Johnson pops him with a few punches. This similarly occurs with a punch, and Johnson sits down on a barrage of punches. The Brazilian recklessly charges in with his hands down, and Johnson slips in with a right to the body, left to the chest, right to the temple and a fourth that is a left-handed heat-seeking missile that knocks Patrick clean off his feet and down to the mat. The head of “Nuguette” bounces lifelessly on the canvas after one crisp hammerfist when Johnson gives chase, with his consciously completely deprived, and Dean steps in to pull him off and halt the fight. This victory snaps a four-fight skid for the man once known as “The Menace,” while earning his first knockout since he scorched Dustin Poirier in 2016.

The Official Result

Michael Johnson def. Alan Patrick R2 3:22 via KO (Punches)

Viviane Araujo (125) vs. Andrea Lee (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lee (-115), Araujo (-105)

Round 1

With the state of the women’s flyweight division in flux and starved for fresh contenders for champ Valentina Shevchenko, the victor tonight in this flyweight preliminary headliner could be one win away from a crack at gold. To determine that, Araujo (10-3, 4-2 UFC) and Lee (13-5, 5-3 UFC) will square to see who is the better woman tonight. Referee Chris Tognoni will know first who is taking that next step towards the upper echelon of the division, and the ladies charge at one another early instead of touching gloves. Araujo jabs out twice, and a right hand drops Lee to a knee in a hurry. Lee comes back firing, and Araujo slips the punch and rips the body with a left hand as Lee’s mouthpiece goes flying. “KGB” lights Araujo up with a few punches, and when Araujo is reeling from a powerful left hook, Lee blasts her in the face with a head kick. Araujo hits the ground on her knees, and Lee tries to finish the job with a brutal barrage of hammerfists. “Vivi” powers out and up, and she lifts Lee in the air and slams her on the mat. Whether due to a clashing of heads or the frenetic strikes landing by both women, but Lee’s nose is bloodied up significantly. Lee works her way up, and Tognoni replaces her missing mouthguard. Lee finds her range and marks Araujo up with several accurate punches until Araujo crashes the pocket in search of a takedown. Lee grabs the fence to keep herself upright, and Tognoni warns her a few times until Lee gains a little space. They jab out at the same time, and even the jabs are power punches at this stage in the fight. Lee takes a push kick right on the sternum, and they both wind up on heavy strikes. Araujo marches forward fearlessly, and she tackles Lee over with a body lock takedown as Lee is blocking punches. The Brazilian lands in half guard as she keeps her shoulder pressing on Lee’s neck, in possible search of an arm-triangle choke. Lee defends the choke and puts her legs up to threaten with a triangle, and she tosses out a few upkicks for good measure while Araujo is punching down with long right hands. When Araujo lowers herself, Lee tries to tie up the triangle choke, but Araujo gets her neck out so that she can lord over Lee with a few more punches. Lee hacks with a few elbows off her back as the frantic round ends, and it might be a tough one to score given how much action took place in its overstuffed bounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Araujo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Araujo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lee

Round 2

The second round begins nearly as actively as the first, as both women start trading in a hurry. When Araujo comes forward with punches, Lee catches her flush with a standing elbow. The elbow does not back Araujo off, as Araujo comes back to the body and stuns Lee momentarily. Lee gathers her thoughts and slings a head kick, and she ducks down when it is blocked to take the fight down. Araujo welcomes this and sprawls, and she turns the try into a back take as she sneaks around to take Lee from behind. Araujo gets her hooks in and starts pounding on Lee, and as Lee turns to her back, Araujo hops over to set up an arm-triangle. Lee steps over to side control to lock down the choke, and she bails on it when Lee starts to scramble. Lee threatens with half of a triangle, and she cannot get her other leg up in time before the Brazilian passes through to the other side in pursuit of a crucifix. A scramble from Lee allows Araujo to take her back again, and she keeps Lee on her knees as she lumps up the side of Lee’s head with punches and hammerfists. Lee protects her head with arms on both sides of it, and a few strikes get through as Araujo continues blasting away. Lee stands up in hopes of sliding out the back door, and Araujo clings tightly with her leg around Lee’s waist so that she can stop Lee from shaking her off. The top pressure from Araujo allows her to ride Lee all the way down to the ground, and she flattens Lee out with a minute to go and punches Lee repeatedly. Araujo gets warned numerous times for strikes to the back of the head, and she adjusts herself and lets Lee turn over so that she can get full mount. Instead of striking, Araujo elects to step over to the side to secure the arm-triangle choke. Lee punches the side and keeps her right arm beneath the crook of her knee to relieve the pressure on her throat, and the horn sounds to possibly save “KGB” by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Araujo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Araujo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Araujo

Round 3

Lee sprints out of her corner to start off the last round, and she reaches out with a few jabs as Araujo answers in kind. Lee keeps on her bike as she pokes out jabs, and they trade leg kicks and more jabs one after the other as if they were taking turns. The Brazilian breaks up this back-and-forth approach by pursuing a takedown, and she elevates Lee with a double and sets “KGB” on her back with emphasis. Araujo slices over with ease to side control, and Lee bucks to sit up and pulls her foe back to half guard. Araujo drops down a single elbow as she is more focused on position, and Lee turns to her knees and stands up. “Vivi” shoves her back to the wall when Lee is upright again, and she hangs on as Lee knees her a few times in the gut. The flyweights separate, and they jab out and toss half-hearted leg kicks. Lee pierces the guard with a few more jabs, and Lee sits down on a body kick that gives Araujo pause. As Lee targets the same spot with another kick, Araujo pushes through it to take Lee down, and color commentator Michael Bisping exhales out a grunt of frustration for the American getting set on her back. The commentators of Bisping and Dominick Cruz squabble a little as Araujo claims side control while doing little else, and Lee finally powers out while scrambling only to give her back up. As Araujo takes her back once more, “KGB” attempts to slip out the back and does so with 20 seconds to spare. Lee follows her down, and she looks to slug it out from on top as Araujo attempts a heel hook from any angle. Lee rains down right hands, not remotely concerned with the leglock, until the final horn blares. With the prelims in the books, we must now pause and give thanks to Sherdog Senior Editor Ben Duffy for taking the reins for the remainder of this event.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Araujo (30-26 Araujo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Araujo (30-26 Araujo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Araujo (29-27 Araujo)

The Official Result

Viviane Araujo def. Andrea Lee via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Jake Hadley (125.5) vs. Allan Nascimento (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hadley (-210), Nascimento (+175)

Round 1

Undefeated Brit prospect Hadley makes his debut against “Puro Osso,” with referee Mike Beltran set to oversee the proceedings. The flyweights begin exchanging right away, with Hadley in southpaw to Nascimento’s orthodox stance. Nascimento catches a kick and runs Hadley to the canvas. Hadley immediately uses an omoplata to sweep to top position, setting up in the Brazilian’s guard. He moves to half guard, pins Nascimento’s right arm and moves to the back. Nascimento keeps hold of Hadley’s leg, preventing him from completing the back take, then threatens with a heel hook before sweeping to top position. Hadley closes up his guard, then applies a body triangle from the bottom. With a minute left, it’s still Nascimento on top, throwing short shoulder strikes and driving Hadley toward the fence. Nascimento tries to pass Hadley’s guard, but time expires before he can.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento

Round 2

Hadley rushes forward to open the round and is met by a flying knee from Nascimento. A moment later, Nascimento changes levels and intercepts the advancing Hadley with a nice double-leg. Hadley immediately looks to use rubber guard, but Nascimento extracts his arms and “White Kong” changes to conventional guard. Two minutes into the round, the Brazilian is still in top position, where he advances to half guard. Hadley is active on the bottom, shifting his hips and looking for a chance to escape or sweep. Hadley uses feet on hips to kick Nascimento off of him, but Nascimento dives right back into his guard. Under a minute left, and Hadley stands up against the fence. They clinch there, with Nascimento’s back against the cage. Hadley throws a couple of short knees before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento

Round 3

The flyweights touch gloves to open the final round. Hadley scores with an overhand left. A moment later, Hadley grabs a standing guillotine choke. He cranks it hard, and though he loses the choke, he uses it to drive Nascimento down to the mat. Hadley pounces and ends up with a slightly out-of-position brabo choke. He readjusts and moves to the back, but Nascimento shrugs him off, spins and lands on top. Nascimento is in loose half-guard and working for a D’Arce choke. Nascimento loses the choke but spins to the back. Hadley scrambles away and ends up on his back with the Brazilian standing over him. Hadley gets up to his knees and Nascimento grabs a front headlock. He loses the headlock and Hadley takes him back down. Hadley tries for a guillotine choke, but gets swept for his trouble. Under 30 seconds left, Nascimento is on top. The final horn sounds on 15 minutes of frenetic grappling.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (30-27 Nascimento)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (30-27 Nascimento)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (30-27 Nascimento)

The Official Result

Allan Nascimento def. Jake Hadley via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Frank Camacho (155) vs. Manuel Roberto Torres (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Torres (-130), Camacho (+110)

Round 1

Camacho and Torres waste no time in slinging punches as referee Herb Dean gets out of their way. Camacho briefly looks for a takedown, but otherwise there’s nothing but fists flying for a solid minute. Camacho lands a stinging jab but eats a right-hand counter from the Mexican. Camacho runs Torres into the fence and drives a knee up the middle. They disengage and meet in the center of the Octagon. Torres lands a big rear hand uppercut that rocks Camacho. Sensing he has his man hurt, Torres pursues with punches. Camacho appears to be recovering, throwing back, when Torres slips a punch and lands a blistering left-right combo that drops Camacho to his seat in a daze. Referee Dean rushes in for the stop, and Manuel Torres has made his UFC debut in scintillating fashion.

The Official Result

Manuel Roberto Torres def. Frank Camacho R1 3:27 via TKO (Punches)

Katlyn Chookagian (125.5) vs. Amanda Ribas (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chookagian (-170) Ribas (+150)

Round 1

Flyweight contenders are up next, as former title challenger Chookagian and strawweight transplant Ribas take to the cage. The referee on duty is Chris Tognoni. Both women set up in orthodox stance, and Ribas comes forward, looking to navigate the distance against the much taller, rangier Chookagian. Ribas uses a head and arm throw to send “Blonde Fighter” flying, landing in side control. Chookagian is active on bottom, trying to scoot around the back, but Ribas snuffs it out and looks to pin Chookagian’s arm in a crucifix. Chookagian secures a figure-four on Ribas’s leg, preventing either woman from advancing position. Ribas tries to pull the leg out, and Chookagian gets up. Ninety seconds left and Ribas is once again coming forward. She eats a hard one-two from Chookagian. Chookagian’s jab is finding a home over and over again. Ribas spins for a hook kick that misses. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ribas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ribas

Round 2

The second round begins as the first did, with the Brazilian advancing. Chookagian’s jab is there to meet her once again. Ribas keeps coming forward, though, and takes a jab and right cross that briefly stumble her. Ribas spins for another hook kick, which lands on the midsection. Ribas drives Chookagian to the fence and gets another headlock throw, though with far lower amplitude than in the first round. Chookagian throws her legs up, but Ribas hops into side control. Chookagian manages to stuff her back into full guard. Chookagian pulls her long right leg up to a rubber guard mission control position. Ribas moves to the back, but Chookagian takes the chance to pop back up to her feet. A minute left in the round. Ribas whiffs on yet another hook kick. Ribas is still marching forward, but her hands are low and Chookagian is just piecing her up. Chookagian looks briefly for a takedown against the fence, but time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian

Round 3

Ribas’s commitment to coming forward remains strong as the final round begins, but Chookagian’s jab is a constant factor. Ribas lands a spinning hook kick to the midsection. Ribas charges forward, but Chookagian sidesteps and won’t let herself be driven into the fence. Chookagian intercepts the advancing Brazilian with a two-handed shove, again refusing the clinch that has led to takedowns in both rounds so far. Half the round is gone, and Chookagian continues to frustrate the Brazilian’s efforts to get into phone-booth range. Chookagian comes forward with a high kick that glances. Ribas drops levels and drives her to the canvas at the base of the cage, but Chookagian stands right back up. Under a minute left and Ribas lets out a war cry, charging forward with punches. The yell is kind of silly, but she does land several hard shots. Chookagian is right there, though, returning fire. The final horn sounds on a surprisingly close and entertaining scrap.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian (29-28 Chookagian)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian (29-28 Chookagian)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chookagian (29-28 Chookagian)

The Official Result

Katlyn Chookagian def. Amanda Ribas via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Davey Grant (135.5) vs. Louis Smolka (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grant (-290) Smolka (+230)

Round 1

In a fight clearly booked for its potential entertainment value, “Dangerous Davey” and “Da Last Samurai” square off, with veteran ref Mike Beltran set to supervise the expected violence. Grant comes out in southpaw and is met by the orthodox Smolka. Grant throws a kick to the Hawaiian’s lead leg. Smolka comes forward, bobbing and weaving. He throws a front kick up the middle which lands. Grant launches a spinning high kick, but comes up short. Grant lands a hard pair of hooks to the body. Grant lands a hard outside kick to Smolka’s lead left leg, then just misses with a murderous punch up top. Smolka lunges in and scores with a nice jab. Two minutes left in the round. Smolka lunges in again and lands a left hand, but Grant scores with a pair of counters. Grant lands another hard leg kick, then a spinning back fist. Smolka is still marching forward, but Grant is hitting with just about everything he throws. Smolka walks right into a hard jab and falls to his rear, dazed. Grant jumps on him and after a brief scramble, lets Smolka back up. The round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Grant
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Grant
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grant

Round 2

Smolka charges forward, swinging big hooks. Grant gives ground and circles away, tagging the Hawaiian with punches as he goes. Grant goes to the body several times in the first minute, then follows up with combinations upstairs. Smolka keeps on coming, however, and is landing quite a few of his own shots. Grant appears to be slowing just a bit. Smolka wades in and lands a right kick to the body. Smolka mixes in level elbow strikes at close range, catching the Englishman. Smolka takes a collar tie and looks to punch with the other hand, but Grant shrugs him off and throws a pair of wide hooks. A minute left, and the momentum seems to have shifted. Smolka catches a kick, hoists Grant’s leg high and runs him to the ground. Smolka moves to the back, then out to the side, working for an armbar. Grant defends the hold, and escapes to his feet. They swing wildly as the final seconds expire.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Smolka
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Smolka
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Smolka

Round 3

Grant lands a hard low kick, then a pair of punches upstairs. Smolka sneaks a look at his own leg, comes forward somewhat gingerly, and Grant lands another low kick that takes his base out from under him completely. Smolka lunges forward for a desperate takedown attempt, but Grant sprawls all over it, then dives in with punches that land unblocked, the last of which puts “Da Last Samurai” out. Ref Beltran is there a heartbeat later, and it’s another stoppage win for Davey Grant.

The Official Result

Davey Grant def. Louis Smolka R3 0:49 via TKO (Leg Kick and Punches)

Ion Cutelaba (205) vs. Ryan Spann (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-220) Spann (+180)

Round 1

A pair of obviously talented but inconsistent light heavyweight contenders comprise the co-main event, and “The Hulk” vs. “Superman” is a comic universe crossover that surely would have made longtime UFC matchmaker Joe Silva smile. The referee on duty is Herb Dean. Both big men are in orthodox stance, and Spann scores first with a long right hand. Cutelaba bounces around the outside, hopping in to land an overhand right. Spann catches Cutelaba with a double jab and right cross that wobble him briefly, but as he charges in to capitalize, Cutelaba takes him down. Spann gains guard against the fence, then stands up, but Cutelaba drops down and takes him down again. Spann kicks Cutelaba off so hard that he goes flying, and stands up. Cutelaba drops for yet another takedown, but this time Spann is ready. He hops out of the way, slaps on a guillotine choke, drops and cranks. Cutelaba is tapping in a hurry, and Ryan Spann gets up to celebrate a quick submission win.

The Official Result

Ryan Spann def. Ion Cutelaba R1 2:22 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Jan Blachowicz (205.5) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rakic (-180) Blachowicz (+155)

Round 1

For a probable light heavyweight title eliminator, the lead-up to this fight has been somewhat subdued, but none of that matters once the cage door closes on Blachowicz, Rakic and referee Mark Smith, who draws the final assignment at “UFC Vegas 54.” Both fighters are in orthodox stance. Blachowicz lands a hard calf kick. Blachowicz with a jab and missed right cross, then another low kick. They exchange flurries of punches. Blachowicz with a nice left to the body, but comes away bleeding from over the left eye. Blachowicz lands a low kick and another left to the body, but he is clearly distracted by blood dripping into the eye from that cut. Blachowicz catches Rakic with a right hand that rocks him, and Rakic grabs a body lock for a takedown. He can’t get it, but seems to have recovered as they disengage. Rakic steps inside a body shot and drops for a takedown, but can’t get it. Blachowicz comes up short with a calf kick at the 30 second mark. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Blachowicz
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Blachowicz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blachowicz

Round 2

Blachowicz’s cutman has momentarily stopped the bleeding over the left eye, but that will certainly bear close watching as the fight goes on. The former champ lands a glancing low kick. Rakic drops levels for a takedown, and he gets it, hoisting the leg for a big finish, but dives right into a triangle choke. Blachowicz clears the arm and tries to cinch it up, but Rakic escapes and sets up in Blachowicz’s full guard. Blachowicz closes his guard and works to control Rakic’s wrists, while Rakic throws short elbow strikes to the body and head. As the halfway point of the round passes, Blachowicz briefly opens his guard and looks to hip out, but gives up on the attempt. Rakic is heavy on top, chest to chest, staying busy but not doing too much damage. They scoot to the fence and Blachowicz sits up, but Rakic has the legs laced and arms locked behind him. Rakic moves to one side and uses head position to pin Blachowicz’s torso up against the fence. Blachowicz stands just as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rakic
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rakic
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rakic

Round 3

Rakic is active with his jab in the opening seconds, reaching out to touch Blachowicz twice and backing him off. Blachowicz steps in and lands a combination, then another Rakic jab dislodges his mouthpiece. He pops it back in, and seconds later he lands an outside low kick to Rakic’s lead left leg. Rakic steps back and unexpectedly, the right leg buckles under him completely. The Austrian goes down in agony, cradling the stricken limb. Blachowicz steps in, but sees the fight is over and refrains from inflicting any unnecessary harm. A moment later, referee Smith arrives to wave it off, a surprising and disappointing end to fight that had been building towards something good.

The Official Result

Jan Blachowicz def. Aleksandar Rakic R3 1:11 via TKO (Leg Injury)