UFC on ESPN 39 ‘Dos Anjos vs. Fiziev’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Saidyokub Kakhramonov (136) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lawrence (-135), Kakhramonov (+115)

Round 1

These days, the UFC never seems to take a weekend off. In this instance, the promotion has been running cards every Saturday from June 4, and it will continue straight through to Aug. 20, with the 27th looking like the next free Saturday for those that cover the sport. Not all fight cards can be elite on paper, and UFC on ESPN 39 is one that fits in the “just content” category, with two of the upcoming 10 fighters on the prelims sporting UFC records above .500. We begin with both of those competitors, as it were, in the bantamweight division. With two wins in two appearances, “The Heat” Lawrence (8-1, 2-0 UFC) looks to turn up the heat against Kakhramonov (9-2, 1-0 UFC), who himself is 1-for-1 in the UFC to date. The Octagon official for this first matchup of the evening is referee Chris Tognoni, and he bears witness to a touch of gloves that starts off the night. A jittery Lawrence takes the center of the cage, and he absorbs a flush right hand and a body kick as he comes forward. Lawrence grabs his opponent and tosses him down to the mat, and when Kakhramonov gets to his knees, he finds himself in submission danger. Lawrence cannot lock down a guillotine choke, and his foe spins around and takes Lawrence’s back momentarily. As Kakhramonov turns his foe to the cage, he lifts him up and drops him down to the ground. When “The Heat” jumps back to his feet, Kakhramonov hits a judo throw to plant him right back on the floor. Lawrence, with a nose that is bloodied, finds himself on his back as he closes the guard. Kakhramonov scores with effective ground-and-pound as he slams his fists on Lawrence’s face, and Lawrence halts guard passes and explodes back to his feet after absorbing a few more hammerfists. Kakhramonov is a dog with a bone when it comes to the takedown pursuit, as he wrenches Lawrence straight back down to the canvas. When landing, Kakhramonov takes side control, and Lawrence is active on his back to flip over to his knees and then back upright again. This success is short-lived, as Kakhramonov redelivers him to the floor with ease. Kakhramonov maintains top position, where he lands little but controls his man, and he hangs on in this spot until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov

Round 2

Gloves get touched to start off the second round, and Lawrence finds himself dodging missiles when Kakhramonov spins a back wheel kick at him and a big kick. Lawrence attempts to reply with a spinning back kick of his own, and he gets Kakhramonov’s attention with a right hand. Kakhramonov winds up on his own power punch, but Lawrence is able to dodge the strike and sneak in an uppercut. Kakhramonov takes a strike on the chin and shoots in for a double, and he scoops out Lawrence’s legs but cannot ground him. As Lawrence works his way to his knees so that he can stand again, Kakhramonov drills him with several heavy punches. Kakhramonov muscles his foe over to the mat, and he steps into half guard on the way down so that he can start dropping down strikes from above. Lawrence attempts to fight off his back, but Kakhramonov is the smothering force who holds on to Lawrence’s right arm and slugs away with ground-and-pound. When Lawrence bucks, Kakhramonov follows him smoothly, and he cools off “The Heat” with exhaustive top control. Lawrence gives up his back to spin up, and this works out for him to stand up. Lawrence turns the tables to fling Kakhramonov down to the ground, but Kakhramonov reverses the position and stands back up as if to make a point. Kakhramonov hangs on with a single-leg takedown attempt, and he bails on it to fire off a head kick that is blocked as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov

Round 3

There is one last glove touch to open the final frame, and Lawrence is quick to start throwing. “The Heat” turns up the heat with a spinning back kick to the body, one to the head, and a wheel kick to add in for good measure. Lawrence rings Kakhramonov’s bell with an overhand right, but this allows Kakhramonov to wrap his arms around him and ground him. Lawrence throws his legs up for an omoplata setup while on his back, and Kakhramonov does not show any sign of concern as he wriggles his arm out and places Lawrence flat on the mat. Kakhramonov grinds comfortable, keeping Lawrence trapped with his neck pressed between the corner of the floor and the cage wall, and he occasionally drops down a few strikes to keep Tognoni at bay. Lawrence bucks and looks for scrambles, but Kakhramonov completely nullifies him in these exchanges. Lawrence works his way to the wall and manages to get to a knee, and Kakhramonov allows him to do this so that he can take the back. Lawrence ignores this so that he can stand up, but Kakhramonov sweeps the legs right out beneath him and plants him on his face. Lawrence bursts back upright, and the mat return from Kakhramonov is soon to follow, dumping Lawrence back to his knees. Lawrence still forces his way up, and he fights off another try to lean his way against the cage. Kakhramonov trips him and plops Lawrence down with 80 seconds to spare in the fight, and this time, Kakhramonov is in north-south position. Kakhramonov bonks Lawrence with a few short shoulder strikes as he works his way over to the side, and he voluntarily re-enters the half guard so that he can keep Lawrence pinned. Kakhramonov opens up with a trio of punches when Lawrence pulls him back to the guard, but Kakhramonov is far more concerned about position over submission or damage. When the 10-second clapper echos through the UFC Apex, Kakhramonov rains down punches right to the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov (30-27 Kakhramonov)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov (30-27 Kakhramonov)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kakhramonov (30-27 Kakhramonov)

The Official Result

Saidyokub Kakhramonov def. Ronnie Lawrence via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Kennedy Nzechukwu (205) vs. Karl Roberson (202.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nzechukwu (-125), Roberson (+105)

Round 1

Heavy-hitting light heavyweights take center stage next, when Nzechukwu (9-3, 3-3 UFC) USA aims to put himself over the hump at the expense of “Baby K” Roberson (9-5, 4-5 UFC). Holding on tight will be referee Herb Dean, although there is a glove touch before the hostilities commence. Roberson strikes first with an exceptionally loud body kick, and Nzechukwu responds with a knee up the middle. The knee does not strike, and his foot clacks into Roberson’s cup, causing a brief pause. Roberson recovers, and he dives forward for a single-leg entry. Nzechukwu nearly bowls Roberson over before stuffing the attempt altogether, and he sets up a guillotine choke only to get shoved into the wire. Roberson changes things up for a body lock try, and Nzechukwu muscles his man around when he breaks up the attempt. Nzechukwu hooks his leg around Roberson’s to set his own trip up, and he drags Roberson down to the canvas on his own terms. Roberson turns to his side, but as he does, Nzechukwu climbs over to take the back with one hook in. Nzechukwu hunts for a rear-naked choke when Roberson puts himself in this bad position, and Roberson spins all the way around to stop it. “African Savage” follows Roberson all the way through so that he can latch on to what ends up being more of a neck or face crank, and he crushes Roberson with his bicep. Roberson grits it out and looks to stand up, but Nzechukwu releases the hook so that he can just attempt a brute force choke. Roberson is not concerned by this maneuver, as he is able to stand up. As soon as he does, Nzechukwu sucks his legs out and plants Roberson back down. Nzechukwu threatens with a guillotine choke when Roberson sits up, and he turns it into a possible anaconda choke but bails on it when Roberson keeps moving. Nzechukwu climbs around to take Roberson’s back, and he hooks up a rear-naked choke that is nowhere near under the chin, and sitting around Roberson’s nose instead. It may be an uncomfortable position, but Roberson explodes and stands back up. Nzechukwu meets him with a knee, and the knee may have collided with the cup as Roberson grimaces. Nzechukwu looks to drag him back down, and Roberson turns the table in pursuit of a double-leg takedown. It does not succeed before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu

Round 2

The light heavyweights touch ‘em up, and Roberson initiates the melee as he starts throwing hands in rapid succession. Nzechukwu answers in kind, and he mixes in a pair of body kicks to give Roberson pause. After scoring, Nzechukwu changes levels and hits a takedown. Roberson is quick to return to his knee when Nzechukwu cannot quite smother him down, but Nzechukwu powerfully re-deposits him to his back. Nzechukwu nails Roberson with several solid right hands as Roberson works his way up, and Roberson grabs the fence as Nzechukwu tries to take him back down. Dean warns Roberson, and Nzechukwu completes the takedown. Nzechukwu steps over to a mount position with Roberson’s back against the wall, and he starts smashing Roberson’s ribcage with vicious right hands. Roberson blocks some of the strikes while others get through to the body and head, and Nzechukwu steps back to pull Roberson’s legs and flatten him out. When Roberson fights this off, Nzechukwu steps over to a half guard, and he uses his full body weight to lean on Roberson. “Baby K” fights to get to his knees and stand again, but he has to grab the fence again to do it. As Nzechukwu winds up with a knee, his coach Sayif Saud implores him not to throw these strikes, as they would likely connect to the head of a grounded fighter. Nzechukwu abandons the strikes when Roberson powers his way to his side so that he can get upright, and Nzechukwu wrestles him right back to his seat. Nzechukwu rides this position to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu

Round 3

The final stanza opens up with a slugfest. Roberson meet Nzechukwu right in the middle of the cage and throws hands, and Nzechukwu walks through them so that he can back Roberson against the wall. Nzechukwu lets loose with a body kick, and he switches gears to pursue a takedown and reintroduce Roberson down to the floor again. Nzechukwu smoothly takes full mount, and he rains down a few punches as he looks to flatten Roberson out. “Baby K” keeps squirming so that he does not absorb anything noteworthy, and he nearly slides out the back door. Nzechukwu is wise to the escape, and he turns Roberson back over and returns to mount. The Fortis MMA fighter hunts for an arm-triangle choke while in mount, and he decides to strike instead of submit. Nzechukwu winds up and starts drilling Roberson with ferocious elbows, forcing Roberson to turn around and give up his back. Nzechukwu batters Roberson with a long series of unanswered elbows, and he does not slow down, sensing a finish could be around the corner. The elbows do not stop until Dean steps in to pull Nzechukwu off of a wrecked Roberson, with those strikes doing some serious damage. Nzechukwu puts a stamp on a dominant performance with scary ground-and-pound, while putting an end to a losing streak with a memorable stoppage.

The Official Result

Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Karl Roberson R3 2:19 via TKO (Elbows)

Garrett Armfield (145) vs. David Onama (145.5)

ODDS: Onama (-800), Armfield (+550)

Round 1

On short notice, Onama (9-1, 1-1 UFC) finds himself with a new opponent as he tries to keep his finish rate at a perfect 100%. He will now meet fellow Missouri native Armfield (8-2, 0-0 UFC), who also has a penchant for ending fights early. These two first met in 2018 as amateurs, and Onama beat Armfield by decision. This featherweight rematch that could end in the blink of an eye draws officiating from referee Mike Beltran, and Onama is glad to still be fighting and offers a glove touch that is promptly accepted. Onama sits down on an early body kick to counter a jab, and Armfield takes it flush and pushes out a few more jabs. Armfield uses his lead left hand to connect to the head and body, and he pushes Onama up against the fence. Onama changes things around and looks for a trip, and he succeeds at dropping Armfield to his knees. Armfield powers back upright, but Onama has his hands clasped around Armfield’s waist. They both jockey for takedowns after a prolonged clinch exchange, and neither can ground the other successfully. Onama attempts a kimura to defend a takedown, and he uses it to roll all the way through and out of a takedown try. “Silent Assassin” does not get back to his feet fast enough, however, as Armfield steps over to assert top position. Onama bursts upright to walk up the wire, and he just misses a knee as they break. Armfield ducks a punch to land two, and Onama is swinging with vicious power while Armfield is keener on touching. Onama nails the newcomer with a few heavy blows, and Armfield replies and shocks Armfield momentarily. They meet in the center of the cage and throw hammers, and Onama misses a few killshots by a matter of inches. They trade right hands, and Onama loads up with a shin to the midsection. Armfield takes this as a sign that he needs to get out of kicking range, and he races forward to clinch the relative UFC vet up. Armfield dives down for a single, but he cannot get it as Onama fights out of it and connects with a clean right on the break. Onama splits the guard with a left hand, and he unloads a pair of left hooks that knock Armfield back. Onama tries to do more work, but time expires in the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Onama

Round 2

The featherweights are fired up and signal to the crowd to give it up for them, and when the round opens, they start brawling. Onama gets the better of the exchanges, and he looses with a body kick that partially graces the cup. Armfield shakes it off, and he backs off as Onama charges. With his head down, Onama inadvertently headbutts Armfield as he crashes forward, and Beltran mentions it and warns the fighters of head clashes. Armfield shoots low for a double, and Onama sprawls brilliantly and works his way around to take Armfield’s back. Armfield still works his way up, only to have Onama elevate him and drop him down to the ground. Armfield turns to his side, and Onama once more takes his back. This time, Onama gets the hooks in, but he cannot set up the body triangle as Armfield turns around. Onama gives up back control so that he can step over on top, and he shifts to side control. As soon as he does, “Silent Assassin” quietly aims for an arm-triangle choke. Armfield defends by keeping his arm beneath his own knee, and Onama looks for better leverage to lock it down. He finds exactly that, breaking the grip and lowering his shoulder to crush the neck. Beltran tells Armfield to show him something, and Armfield replies with a thumbs-up. This gesture is short-lived, as Armfield loses consciousness shortly thereafter, and Beltran recognizes this to intervene. There is no permanent damage, as Armfield comes to without concern and returns to his feet, and he learns of what happened from Beltran.

The Official Result

David Onama def. Garrett Armfield R2 3:13 via Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Cortney Casey (126) vs. Antonina Shevchenko (124.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shevchenko (-180), Casey (+155)

Round 1

The lone remaining two women’s match on this 11-fight card comes next, when Shevchenko (9-4, 3-4 UFC) and Casey (10-9, 6-8 UFC) throw down in hopes of keeping their place on the roster. Both women are 1-2 in their last three, and a victory would go a long way towards several more fights with the promotion. Referee Chris Tognoni helps clean the cage first before this 125-pound contest; despite the personal stakes of this matchup, they do not touch gloves. Shevchenko scores a low kick, and her sister, champ Valentina Shevchenko, celebrates it with a “hey” like a true muay Thai-trained fighter. Every strike she lands, there is a corresponding “hey” shouted out in the otherwise quiet Apex. Casey answers with a couple strikes back, but they miss the mark. Shevchenko reaches her with a one-two, and she punctuates the combination with a leg kick and one to the chest. Casey lets go with a body kick, and she takes a jab on the jaw for her handiwork. “La Pantera” delivers a shin to the liver that connects with an audible thud, and she counters Casey with quick strikes. Casey bites down on her mouthpiece to release a heavy right hand, only to drop down for a single that gets stuffed. Shevchenko checks a kick to wing two punches, and she steps away when Casey plods towards her and looks to counter with a left. “Cast Iron” absorbs a side kick to the body, and she goes up high with an axe kick that surprises Casey. The American catches the second kick and lifts the leg up, but she falls to her back when she attempts to take the fight down. Shevchenko willingly lowers herself into the guard, as Casey throws her legs up in pursuit of some submission setup. Shevchenko shrugs them up and scores a punch or two, but Casey is the far more active of the fighters. Casey hacks with elbows off her back and is constantly irritating Shevchenko with strikes, and she forces a bloodied Shevchenko to stand back up and reevaluate her position. Shevchenko lords over Casey with a few low kicks while Casey is on her back, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Casey
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Casey

Round 2

The second round opens with several kicks from Shevchenko, who reaches side kicks high and low as Casey retreats. Shevchenko whips a hook kick, and she connects with another as Casey comes towards her. The pitter-patter kicks from “La Pantera” continue until Casey blitzes forward, and Casey lands with one single strike before backing off. Shevchenko sets up another hook kick, and she keeps her foe at bay with kicks. Casey walks through the kicks to load up on a right hand, and she gets the kickboxer’s attention with it. She attempts to double up on it, but Shevchenko slides out of the way and peppers her with a kick. Shevchenko looses a wheel kick as she starts to test out different, unusual kicks, as Casey is not able to march her down. The kicks keep coming from Shevchenko, and they are rarely to the same target, allowing her to fluster Casey. The American charges with winging fists, and Shevchenko is on her bike and able to skirt away when Casey advances. Casey traps her and pursues a single-leg takedown as Shevchenko kicks, and Shevchenko wriggles her leg out and backs away. Casey swings with a high kick and falls over, and when she climbs back to her feet, Shevchenko meets her with her own head kick that slaps “Cast Iron” in the face. In her own safe range, Shevchenko is comfortable picking and poking with kicks, leading Casey to blaze forward with a salvo of punches. Casey gives chase when she lands cleanly with an overhand right, and she pops Shevchenko once more before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 3

Shevchenko claims the center of the cage to start off the final round, and her first strike is a hook kick that smacks Casey in the face. Casey charges forward to throw hands, and she gets off one or two that get past the guard before Shevchenko breaks away. Shevchenko peppers her with side kicks and other distance strikes, and she connects with a jab but cannot back Casey off completely. “Cast Iron” steels herself to march forward throwing hands, and her right hand finds its home. Shevchenko backs away to fire off a high kick and a spinning back fist, and Casey ducks both so that she can charge forward to go after a body lock takedown. Casey cannot land it, but she does succeed in jamming Shevchenko up and holding her tightly. As the American gathers herself, she throws Shevchenko down to the mat, and she climbs right into half guard to elbow Shevchenko in the face. Casey grinds her elbow on the jaw of her opponent, keeping Shevchenko stuck in this position, and Shevchenko looks to get into a slugfest off her back. Shevchenko bucks her opponent off of her, and she very nearly nails Casey with an upkick. Shevchenko works her way back up, but not before taking a right hand over the top. Casey marches forward and lines up her big right hand, and she counters a Shevchenko takedown and plants the kickboxer down again. Casey slices over to full mount, and she looks to isolate an arm but cannot find it as Shevchenko slides out the back door. Shevchenko stands back up and starts letting loose knees in the clinch, and Casey is beating her to the punch figuratively and literally. Casey crashes forward to scoop out the legs and drop Shevchenko down to the ground, and she keeps her there until the final horn ends this grueling fight. Judges might be split on this one, as only the third round appeared definitive.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Casey (29-28 Casey)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Casey (29-28 Shevchenko)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Casey (29-28 Casey)

The Official Result

Antonina Shevchenko def. Cortney Casey via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Cody Brundage (185.5) vs. Tresean Gore (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gore (-125), Brundage (+105)

Round 1

The sample size may be low, but combined, these two middleweights of Brundage (7-2, 1-1 UFC) and Gore (3-1, 0-1 UFC) total for just two decision wins in their careers. The intensity was high at the weigh-ins between them and turned it from just another fight to potentially one to watch, and referee Mike Beltran is prepared should anything go awry. The gloves are reluctantly touched, and Brundage walks through a loud leg kick to wing a spinning back fist. As soon as he turns about, Brundage ducks down for a takedown pursuit, and he drops Gore down to his knees. Gore fights back to his feet, and as he does, Brundage gets one hook in standing from behind. Gore breaks the grip and blocks a quick head kick, but Brundage follows it with a standing elbow that gets Gore’s attention. Brundage unloads with an overhand right, and he steps in with another vertical elbow. Brundage keeps his distance with a body kick, and Gore goes after leg kick that is checked. Brundage slips a punch to loose a right hand over the top, and Gore snaps the head back with a jab. Gore continues to work the jab as he marches forward, and he connects with a thudding low kick for good measure. Brundage swings and misses on a right hook, and Gore continues plodding forward with jabs and calf kicks. Gore just misses with a home run punch, and Brundage slides out of the way and walks straight into a leg kick. Gore doubles up with the kicks down low, and Brundage changes stances briefly after absorbing them. Brundage attempts a winging right hook, and Gore is able to block it and stay in his face. Gore throws a naked leg kick, and Brundage counters perfectly with a short right hand that knocks Gore clean off his feet. Brundage leaps down to start unloading with his fists, and he steps into mount and continues blasting away with punches. One particular punch separates Gore from his senses, and Gore slumps to the mat, out cold. Beltran is quick to recognize Gore's goose is cooked, and he steps in as Brundage is pounding on a sleeping Gore. When peeled away, Brundage shouts that he thought they were wrestling to no one in particular.

The Official Result

Cody Brundage def. Tresean Gore R1 3:50 via KO (Punches)

Michael Johnson (155.5) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mullarkey (-240), Johnson (+200)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card is a lightweight staple who hopes to bring his UFC record back to .500 in his 26th outing with the company. “The Menace” Johnson (20-17, 12-13 UFC), a longtime vet dating back to his 2010 debut at the end of Season 12 of TUF, will collide with Australia’s Mullarkey (14-5, 2-3 UFC), a man who turned pro a few years after Johnson’s stint on the reality show. There is ample respect between these two fighters, who touch gloves as referee Herb Dean watches on. The lightweights are tentative and hand-fight in the opening seconds, and Mullarkey paws out with a jab to find his range. Mullarkey looks to follow it with a looping right hand, but Johnson is easily able to slip out of the way. Mullarkey digs a straight right hand to the body as Johnson kicks low, and Johnson marches forward to let go with a pair of punches. Mullarkey digs down with a thumping low kick, and Johnson dips back to avoid a straight left hand. Mullarkey wades into an exchange, and Johnson snipes him on the way in with a trio of unanswered blows. Johnson prepares his counters to make Mullarkey pay for any mistake, and he cannot block a body kick. “The Menace” wings menacing bomb of a left, and Mullarkey ducks it and chops at the leg. Johnson comes up hitting air when he lets go with a combo of punches, and the two engage in a tense stalemate when trying to measure the other. Mullarkey scores one more hacking low kick as Johnson comes out firing, and the American clips Mullarkey with an incredibly quick counter string of punches. Mullarkey hits the canvas, and Johnson jumps down and holds on as Mullarkey grabs his gloves. Johnson complains of this, and he lets go and stands back up to smack Mullarkey upside the head with a straight right hand. Mullarkey appears to have his wits about him again as he goes back to his diet of leg kicks from afar, and he sticks out a jab and a high kick to slow Johnson. Mullarkey winds up with a right hand, and he staggers Johnson with it. Johnson collapses to his knees, and Mullarkey unloads with several elbows to the side of the head. Johnson explodes back to his feet somehow, and he begins to throw caution to the wind and let his hands fly any direction. He clips Mullarkey again, and he staggers as the horn ends the brief brawl.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

The lightweights are energized to start off the second round, grinning at one another, but they do not commence with a flurry. Johnson gives ground as he absorbs a few jabs and low kicks, and he takes a right hand across the bow that stuns him. Mullarkey lunges out with a straight right hand and delivers another chopping calf kick, and Johnson swings and misses with two punches. Mullarkey jabs his way in and gets countered, and he appears to grimace from the strikes. The Aussie goes to the body and the head, and Johnson leans back just inches away from a huge strike. Mullarkey catches him with a head kick, and Johnson gathers his thoughts and throws back. Mullarkey kicks Johnson in the belly a few times, and Johnson makes him pay for one with a straight left hand down the pipe. Mullarkey opens up with a head kick and several follow-up punches, and he is amped up and ready to trade hands with Johnson. Mullarkey greets Johnson with a knee up the middle, and he knocks Johnson back with it. When Johnson retreats, Mullarkey leaps in the air to connect with a flying knee. Mullarkey nails Johnson with a long series of knees, and subsequent elbows from the Aussie bust Johnson’s face open. Johnson tanks it well and wipes the blood around his right eye, and he loads up on a few right hands. Johnson struggles to see out of his eye, wincing after taking jabs to that damaged eye, but he still have plenty of pop on his strikes as he shocks Mullarkey with a left hook. Mullarkey peppers his man with low kicks, and Johnson tags him with a punch to the body and one up top. To keep his man guessing, Johnson shoots in low for a takedown, and Mullarkey catches him on the way in and knees him several times. Mullarkey swings up a high kick that rocks Johnson, and Johnson attempts to brawl it out to get his senses. He bites down on his mouthpiece and blasts Mullarkey in the face, and Mullarkey just smiles at him. Johnson is still wobbled as he throws punches, but he reaches the end of the torrid round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey

Round 3

The last round kicks off with the lightweights attempting to get their bearings, and Johnson strikes the first noteworthy blow of the round with a solid left hand. Mullarkey pierces the guard with a jab, and Johnson replies in kind as the nose of Mullarkey begins to leak. Johnson swings and misses with a pair of heavy blows, and Mullarkey boots him in the body and scores a right hand on the side of the head. Johnson makes Mullarkey miss and marks him up with a few short punches, and he steps back when taking a straight punch to the sternum. Mullarkey scores a right hook, and follows it with one to the body and another to the head, and Johnson stands right in front of him and trades leather. Mullarkey has a huge right glance off the shoulder, and Johnson knocks him back with three punches. Mullarkey does not slow in his leg kick assault as he mixes it in with his combinations, and he sits down on a body kick that collides straight into the breadbasket. Johnson counters Mullarkey with a left hand that knocks Mullarkey back, and Mullarkey offers a high-five from it. Johnson follows it up with another massive left hook, and Mullarkey is shaken up but still in his face. Johnson stuffs a takedown as Mullarkey changes levels, and Johnson meets him with three punches across the bow. Mullarkey lunges and darts back with a right, and he fails on another takedown try. Johnson cannot quite break the grip before absorbing a knee, and Mullarkey pushes off to get back to striking range. Mullarkey powers into a head kick and several punches, and Johnson does not back down an inch as he throws with a fire and a fury. This fight is still razor close with 30 seconds to go, and they jab at one another, with Johnson’s landing cleaner. Johnson scores three, takes a head kick, and decides it’s time to brawl. Mullarkey obliges him, and the two lightweights throw haymakers and abandon all hope of defense, landing with impunity and firing right back. This ferocious barrage of traded blows only ends when the final horn blares, putting a close to a thrilling 15-minute battle.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Johnson)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Johnson)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Johnson)

The Official Result

Jamie Mullarkey def. Michael Johnson via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Cynthia Calvillo (126) vs. Nina Nunes (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Calvillo (-150), Nunes (+130)

Round 1

The fight was canceled on Saturday afternoon after Nunes suffered an illness that forced her out of the match. Nunes announced this first on her Instagram page.

Ricky Turcios (135.5) vs. Aiemann Zahabi (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Turcios (-190), Zahabi (+160)

Round 1

Unexpectedly, this preliminary contest now is slotted on the main card, as bantamweights go at it. Tristar’s Zahabi (8-2, 2-2 UFC) makes his way back to the Octagon for the first time in over 16 months. He will do so against “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 29 winner Turcios (11-2, 1-0 UFC), who himself has been out of action since August. Cage corrosion will be kicked off in front of referee Chris Tognoni, and the returning gentlemen do not touch ‘em up before proceeding. Turcios very violently stomps the floor a few times for feints, and he wings a hook kick and lets loose a kiai to follow, even as it is feet away from the target. The Canadian ducks back when Turcios walks him down and flicks out several jabs, and he intercepts Zahabi on the way in with a front kick right on the chin. Turcios employs a more traditional martial arts stance, bouncing back and forth on his feet, and his movement is making Zahabi struggle to close the distance. The Tristar Gym fighter rushes forward, and he only manages to land one right hand before he has to back off. Turcios slaps him in the chest with a kick, and he puts another front kick out after stomping the floor loudly. Zahabi kicks him in the ribs, and he blocks a high kick and counters with a left hook. Turcios tosses up a head kick, and as Zahabi guards it and recovers, he shoots in for a takedown. Zahabi manages to sprawl well enough to break away and reset, and they trade kicks from range. Turcios just misses with a front kick, and he widely misses with another. As Zahabi plods forward, Turcios clips him with a right hook, and Zahabi keeps a stiff upper lip but may be stung from the blow. When Zahabi backs off, Turcios stomps the ground repeatedly and tells Zahabi to come on. Turcios kicks high again and pursues a takedown to follow, and Zahabi is wise to it. They kick one another in the body, and Turcios spins with a back fist that is at least a meter away from where he planned on it landing. Zahabi connects with a leg kick, and Turcios taunts him with a shout. The awkward stance and posturing of Turcios is allowing him to dictate much of the action, even if his high-flying strikes are all hugely inaccurate. Turcios kicks with body legs, and he jabs out several times, shouting every time. Zahabi swings and hits air in a counter, and the strange round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Turcios
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Turcios
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Turcios

Round 2

Turcios leads out with a glove touch, and Zahabi accepts it to start off the round. The leg kicks get traded one after the other, and other strikes do not find their homes. Zahabi blocks a few blows on the way forward so that he can sit down on a leg kick, and he slides back as Turcios comes at him with punches. Zahabi counters with a right, and he does not bite on the feints and shouts from Turcios. Turcios goes after a half-hearted spinning wheel kick, and Zahabi sprints forward to catch him spinning with a right. Zahabi keeps on kicking the leg, but his overhand rights brush past Turcios’ hair. The American kicks high, and it lands on the guard to little impact. Zahabi tries to throw the same strike, and it misses the mark. The accuracy rate for this fight is exceptionally low, as most strikes are either blocked or well short of their intended targets. Turcios comes out throwing hands, and Zahabi blocks each and every one and replies with a one-two. Zahabi’s leg kick may be his most successful strike, and Turcios pushes the pace but cannot connect with anything as Zahabi is slippery and evasive. Zahabi assaults the calf twice, forcing Turcios to switch stances briefly, and when Turcios returns to southpaw he lifts his leg repeatedly in anticipation of the kick. Zahabi slithers back and pops Turcios coming in. Turcios gives chase, throwing recklessly, but only a few of his punches come close to landing. Time expires to end this unexciting sparring match of a round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi

Round 3

The bantamweights meet in the middle to begin the final round, and Zahabi keeps his guard high to block any early strikes that come his way. Zahabi pounds on the inside of Turcios’ lead leg with a heavy kick, and Turcios switches stances to throw a kick but is miles away. Zahabi stops Turcios’ punches and kicks getting through, and his defense is solid but his offense is limited to low kicks and inaccurate counters. Turcios wings a right hand that is inches away, and he flicks out several jabs. Zahabi doubles up on leg kicks, and he swats away a punch and is similarly blocked when he attempts to load up on a right hand. Zahabi’s inside leg kick is paying dividends as Turcios’ wheel is slightly limited as he presents a minor limp. He does not slow, regardless of the damage, and he powers forward to throw punches that cannot find the mark. When Zahabi throws back, Turcios catches him mid-exchange with a pair of punches. Zahabi cleanly lands a low kick as Turcios ambles towards him, seeing the telegraphed strikes and playing matador to Turcios’ awkward bull. Turcios finally sits down on a punch, and Zahabi shrugs it off as if it never even landed. Turcios tosses up a light head kick, and Zahabi catches his plant leg on the way down with his shin. Turcios whiffs on a wheel kick, Zahabi wings a left hook that blows the hair back, and this fight is now mercifully over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zahabi (29-28 Zahabi)

The Official Result

Aiemann Zahabi def. Ricky Turcios via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Chase Sherman (253) vs. Jared Vanderaa (263.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vanderaa (-180), Sherman (+155)

Round 1

Even by COVID-era standards, this particular heavyweight fight on the main card is a tough sell. While Vanderaa (12-8, 1-4 UFC) holds just one win in five tries in the Octagon, Sherman (15-10, 3-9 UFC) can say the exact same thing – for this specific stint. Whether Vanderaa suffers his fifth UFC defeat or Sherman his 10th, referee Mark Smith is ready for any shenanigans that come next. The big men touch ‘em up, and they open up with alternating jabs. Sherman looses a one-two that snaps the head back, and Vanderaa shrugs it off to come out throwing jabs back. Sherman dings his man with an overhand right, and once more, “The Mountain” is not shaken. Vanderaa attempts to wing a left hand that backs Sherman off, and Sherman slams his shin into Vanderaa’s calf. The heavyweights trade individual strikes one after the other, in a form of a mirror match. Sherman works the leg on the inside and out, and he takes a right hand on the nose. Sherman dodges a few punches so that he can work a left to the body and a right to the head, and he loads up on another leg kick that makes Vanderaa’s knee buckle momentarily. Sherman loops a left on the jaw, and Vanderaa’s chin is holding up from all the blows that land cleanly. Sherman scoops up an uppercut to split the guard, and he slips a few punches but takes one on the pectoral. Sherman boxes his way in, blocking the oncoming strikes except for a left to the body, so that he can headhunt. “The Vanilla Gorilla” strings several punches to the head and body together, and Vanderaa frowns and blocks a front kick. Sherman begins to load up on several left hooks, and Vanderaa maintains a high guard and paws out multiple jabs to break them up. Vanderaa clubs Sherman with a right hand, and Sherman turns his back while Vanderaa works him over with heavy punches. Vanderaa starts to give Sherman some low kicks back, and Sherman begins to talk to him. The heavyweights, while trading hands, chat with one another. Sherman connects cleanly with a left to the body and a right to the head, and another overhand right ends the round for “The Vanilla Gorilla” as he celebrates his work and laughs.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sherman
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Sherman
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vanderaa

Round 2

The large combatants lumber out of their corners to bump fists to start off the round, and Smith warns them both for pointing out their fingers. Vanderaa advances first, scoring a left hook and slipping a punch from his opponent. Sherman whips a body kick out, and Vanderaa greets him with a left as they trade blows. Sherman darts forward, gets caught on the way in, and still throws a pair of punches right down Broadway. Vanderaa keeps his jab going to Sherman’s detriment, and he yells to Sherman “let’s go!” It is now Vanderaa who is feeling himself, hooting and celebrating his work after landing it flush. Vanderaa winds up on a powerful combination by rocking Sherman with a right hand, and he ducks as Sherman returns fire with a left over the top. Sherman rushes out with his fists outstretched, and Vanderaa is quicker now and catches him with a left hook and a body kick. They nail one another at the same time, and Sherman’s nose busts open to start bleeding. Sherman winds up on two hooks, and Vanderaa absorbs them all flush and barely flinches. Sherman does not have quite the same poker face when Vanderaa connects, but he does manages to unload with a trio of punches that knock Vanderaa’s head around. Sherman comes forward, and the two clash heads when Sherman stands up. Vanderaa reaches with an elbow, and he tags Sherman with a right hand. Sherman looks to Smith to protest something, but they do not pause. The head clash has opened a cut on Vanderaa’s temple, but he pays it no mind as he continues to slug it out with his heavyweight compatriot. Vanderaa slugs the body, Sherman crashes forward to throw leather, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vanderaa
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Sherman
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sherman

Round 3

There is a final glove touch between the heavyweights to start off the final round, and they get right back to trading one after the other. Vanderaa snaps the head back with an effective jab, and Sherman does the same when Vanderaa tries to follow it up. A winging exchange ensues from the two, as they both glance huge hooks off one another. Sherman chips at the legs, and Vanderaa jumps forward to unleash a ferocious right hand that slams into Sherman’s face. Vanderaa rocks him with another, and Sherman takes a quick count of his teeth and finds himself absorbing flush jabs. Vanderaa connects with a combination, and Sherman bites down on his mouthpiece to throw back. Vanderaa rips a left to the body, and Sherman blitzes him with his own series of punches. Vanderaa punches into a low kick, and Sherman cracks him with a right hand. Vanderaa is finally wearing it, and Sherman blasts him with several more unanswered punches. Vanderaa is rocked and falls back to the cage, and Sherman does not let him off the hook. “The Vanilla Gorilla” keeps swinging until Vanderaa’s legs give out beneath him, and Smith leaps in to stop the fight. That’s a roster-saving performance for Sherman, who earns his first win in MMA in over two years.

The Official Result

Chase Sherman def. Jared Vanderaa R3 3:10 via TKO (Punches)

Said Nurmagomedov (135.5) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nurmagomedov (-255), Silva de Andrade (+215)

Round 1

This bantamweight battle pitting Brazilian against Russian will be the first on this card since its opener to feature two men with winning UFC records. The appearance for Silva de Andrade (28-4, 1 NC; 6-4 UFC) will be just his 11th since becoming a UFC fighter in 2014. His adversary Nurmagomedov (15-2, 4-1 UFC) will be making his sixth walk in the four years he joined up with the UFC, and this battle of relatively inactive competitors will receive oversight from referee Herb Dean. They touch gloves, and the Brazilian starts with a resounding low kick. Nurmagomedov spins for a back kick, and as he does, Silva de Andrade leaps forward with a right hand. In doing so, Silva de Andrade grabs Nurmagomedov’s back and before looking to chain it into a single, and he switches that to a trip when that fails. Nurmagomedov rolls his eyes and knees “D’Silva” in the chest a few times, and Silva de Andrade stays tightly pressed to his opponent to slow him down. Silva de Andrade gets thrown to the mat when Nurmagomedov reverses him, and he powers back up only to absorb a right hand across the brow. Silva de Andrade backs off to reset, and Nurmagomedov wings a high kick that misses by a matter of centimeters. The Russian slings a quick question mark kick, and Silva de Andrade barely gets his guard up in time. Silva de Andrade kicks low, and his foot slides up to the cup, but Nurmagomedov tells Dean to back away so he can keep fighting. Nurmagomedov spins with a back kick to the body, and Silva de Andrade swats that away and kicks at the midsection. Nurmagomedov just comes up short on a whip of a high kick, and Silva de Andrade bull-rushes him and nails him with a right hand. Nurmagomedov shakes it off and puts his hands up to ask Silva de Andrade if that is all he has, and he cleanly connects with a spinning back kick that knocks Silva de Andrade back a foot. Nurmagomedov busts Silva de Andrade’s left eye open, and he flails on a right hand that breezes past the hair. Silva de Andrade lands a kick to the ribs, and Nurmagomedov’s side is bright red from the kicks absorbed thus far. Both men spin wildly at one another, as if they had a breakdancing contest. Nurmagomedov looks to end the round with a takedown, and when they both hit the ground, the horn sings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

The bantamweights reach out with an extended glove touch, careful not to get in too close lest one want to pull a fast one on the other. Nurmagomedov backs off and throws first, in the form of a spinning back kick. Silva de Andrade brushes past it so that he can unload with a right hand, and Nurmagomedov shoves him back and down to a knee. Silva de Andrade gathers his thoughts and again races in with a looping left, and Nurmagomedov rolls with it and does so a second time when Silva de Andrade repeats his approach. An exchange, likely a clash of legs when both men threw wildly, splits Silva de Andrade’s right shin open, and blood drips down his shin and on to the mat. Silva de Andrade barely gets his guard up in time to defend against a spinning wheel kick, but he cannot stop the slapping body kick that comes shortly thereafter. To pay the Russian back, Silva de Andrade lands the same kick to the midsection. Silva de Andrade advances and leaps back as a spinning back fist goes wide, and he finds himself in danger when Nurmagomedov comes at him with a head kick. Silva de Andrade wears it well and slugs Nurmagomedov in the face with a right hand, and it is one-and-done as Nurmagomedov slides out of the way before he can follow it. Nurmagomedov intercepts the Brazilian with a right hand as Silva de Andrade jumps forward to strike, and he pops him a couple more times with Silva de Andrade’s leg in the air. Silva de Andrade pulls it back and stuffs a takedown, and he takes a right hand square on the jaw and does not bat an eye. Nurmagomedov slams his fist into the guard with a spin, and Silva de Andrade spins with a back kick. The two bantamweights spin at the same time, and “D’Silva” blasts Nurmagomedov with a back fist that rocks Nurmagomedov. The Russian gets pushed down to the mat, but Silva de Andrade cannot climb on top to do any additional damage. Nurmagomedov kicks him off, and Silva de Andrade stands above him until the bell concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva de Andrade
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva de Andrade

Round 3

The fighters meet with a double glove touch to begin the last round, and Silva de Andrade crashes forward a man on a mission. Ducking a spinning back fist, the Brazilian latches on to Nurmagomedov and lifts him up with pure muscle to slam his man down to the ground. Nurmagomedov climbs back to his feet without issue, and he finds Silva de Andrade hanging on to him with a body lock. Nurmagomedov breaks the grip and misses on a strike on the way out, but he gathers his thoughts and hacks at Silva de Andrade’s lead calf and chains a right hand into it. Silva de Andrade swings a kick to the body, and he knows a spin is coming, so he keeps his hands up to block a back fist. Silva de Andrade counters a body kick with a spin kick of his own, and his heel cracks into the Russian’s cup. After 30 seconds of recovery, Nurmagomedov is ready to continue, and he does this by shooting in for a single. Silva de Andrade hops around and gets dragged down, where Nurmagomedov is quick to drop down some ground-and-pound. Silva de Andrade attacks a leglock off his back, leading Nurmagomedov to let go and stand up, and he times a head kick that collides with the guard. Silva de Andrade throws ferociously with every swing, and he bowls Nurmagomedov over as the Russian spins with a strike. Nurmagomedov lays on his back, flirting with upkicks, and he works kicks to the knee and aims heels at Silva de Andrade’s face. Dean implores them to do something more, and Nurmagomedov slaps the Brazilian in the face with an upkick. Dean again tells them to keep working, and Silva de Andrade keeps putting himself in danger as upkicks fly one after the other. Silva de Andrade grabs the leg to throw his own kicks, and Dean steps in to make them stand up. Silva de Andrade spins with a wheel kick, prompting a takedown entry from Nurmagomedov. This one fails, and looks to make him pay with a right hook. As Silva de Andrade rushes forward, the Russian boots Silva de Andrade upside the head twice. Silva de Andrade is shaken up but still ready to throw bombs, and he stumbles when he realizes he might be more hurt than he realizes. He rushes back to his feet right at the horn, putting an end to a compelling matchup.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (29-28 Nurmagomedov)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (30-27 Nurmagomedov)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (29-28 Nurmagomedov)

The Official Result

Said Nurmagomedov def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Caio Borralho (185.5) vs. Armen Petrosyan (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Borralho (-215), Petrosyan (+185)

Round 1

When the dust settles, one of these promising middleweights will suffer the second loss of their careers. Whether it is Brazilian grappler Borralho (11-1, 1 NC; 1-0 UFC) or the power-punching Armenian Petrosyan (7-1, 1-0 UFC), referee Mike Beltran and his powerful mustache will be the first to know. The gloves get touched for what should be an exciting affair for as long as it lasts, and neither man commits to a strike for the first 20 seconds. Borralho leads off with a stomping kick to the knee, and Petrosyan responds with a low kick. Borralho slaps Petrosyan in the face with an open left, and he charges straight through with a double-leg takedown to plant “Superman” flat on his back. Petrosyan tries to sit up against the fence and stand, but the Brazilian easily takes his back and gets his hooks in. Petrosyan spins around, even with Borralho holding on from behind, and Borralho counters with a leglock that could become a Suloev stretch. Petrosyan bails on the escape to get to a better position, and Borralho easily puts his hooks in from behind and starts fishing for chokes. Borralho wraps his arm beneath Petrosyan’s neck for a rear-naked choke, and Petrosyan fights the grip and yanks the hands off of him. Borralho resets for another try, but the limb is not beneath the chin, so there is nothing to it. Petrosyan scoots his way away from the fence, with Borralho holding on tight, but he cannot spin around or otherwise get Borralho off of him. Borralho comfortably keeps back control and cinches up a body triangle, and Petrosyan turns to the side so that he can break the lock. Petrosyan punches behind his own head to smack Borralho in the face, and he succeeds in separating the body lock but otherwise is still being controlled. The horn sounds as Borralho softens his man up a bit.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borralho

Round 2

Petrosyan rushes out of his corner to start the second round, scoring a quick leg kick to begin. Borralho strafes on the outer edge of the cage, and he absorbs another low kick and leans back when the Armenian whizzes a head kick at him. Borralho sees another high kick coming and blocks that, and he checks a low kick to boot. The two middleweights kick at the same time, and Borralho blasts through with a double that sets Petrosyan on the floor again. The Brazilian shifts to side control as he hunts for a dominant position, and after landing an elbow or two, he steps over to full mount like a hot knife through butter. Petrosyan times a reversal to spin Borralho around, and he flips the Brazilian over and falls into guillotine choke danger. Petrosyan yanks his neck free and stands up, where he start slapping Borralho with leg kicks. Beltran intervenes after a lull in the action, and they start off when upright again by winging kicks at one another. Petrosyan aims a left hook across the bow, and Borralho strides forward with a right hook as the two men trade leather. Borralho easily shoots for a takedown, and while telegraphed, he runs through the hips and dumps Petrosyan down again. Petrosyan moves to get to his knees, and Borralho times this so that he can take the back. Petrosyan looks to continue a spin all the way through, but the hooks from Borralho shut him down. They return to the position where they rode out much of the first round, and Borralho cinches up a body triangle and sneaks an arm around the chin. Petrosyan turns his head to keep himself safe from submission threats, and he scores a few punches from behind until the bell stops the round and separates them.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Borralho
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borralho

Round 3

The last round begins with Petrosyan pressuring forward, and he opens up with a few kicks. Petrosyan leads the dance and loads up on a right hand that knocks Borralho to the wall, and he kicks the body on the way in. Borralho swings and misses with a pair of intercepting right hands, and he charges in for a body lock takedown that is rebuffed. Although Petrosyan does not get taken down, Borralho does mash his man against the wire to eat away at precious seconds on the clock for Petrosyan. Borralho changes levels in pursuit of grabbing a knee to take the fight down from there, but Petrosyan stands him up. Borralho remains Saran wrapped on his opponent, and Beltran calls for action as Borralho is doing little else besides holding. Petrosyan tosses out the occasional short punch, and Borralho spins him around and takes his back. Borralho looks to pull guard and falls to his back, and Petrosyan unloads with kicks that he turns his hips into. The kicks are reminiscent of Donald Cerrone vs. Myles Jury, and Beltran lets this play out as the leg kicks are heavy. As they slow down, Beltran splits them apart and stands Borralho up. The Brazilian backs off when punches come his way, and he charges from one side of the cage to the other with a double. Petrosyan defends it until his back hits the wall, and Borralho sucks his legs out beneath him and places him down gingerly to the canvas. Petrosyan frantically climbs back upright, but any hope of his breaking the grip around his waist is thwarted as Borralho traps him. With 10 seconds left, Beltran calls time from a knee strike to the groin, and he resets them shortly after. Petrosyan finally uses the moment to break free after they restart, and he runs at a backpedaling Borralho and wings a pair of head kick at him. The Brazilian blocks the kicks, and the grinding co-main event is finally over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borralho (30-27 Borralho)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Borralho (30-27 Borralho)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Borralho (30-27 Borralho)

The Official Result

Caio Borralho def. Armen Petrosyan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Rafael dos Anjos (156) vs. Rafael Fiziev (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fiziev (-200), dos Anjos (+170)

Round 1

The battle for Rafael supremacy comes to a head in this main event, in the only fight tonight containing two ranked competitors. Former lightweight king dos Anjos (31-13, 20-11 UFC) hopes to push towards another run at the title, but he will have to get through “Ataman” Fiziev (11-1, 5-1 UFC) to get there. This intriguing clash between veteran and upstart, grappler and striker, and old lion vs. young thundercat will be joined by referee Mark Smith. When the cage door closes, the Rafaels touch gloves ahead of their 25-minute tilt -- if needed – and they are ready to finally get after it. Fiziev strikes first with a sharp body kick, and dos Anjos looks to cut him off and he tosses out a low kick. Fiziev answers with another body kick, and he does a dodge reminiscent of the film “The Matrix” as he leans back from a high kick. Dos Anjos steps in with a left hand that catches “Ataman” on the chin, and he ducks a looping left to pop Fiziev with a punch of his own. The Brazilian charges in to press Fiziev against the cage, and he looks for a body lock to slow Fiziev down and starts spamming knees to the thigh. Fiziev keeps his balance when dos Anjos looks for a level change, and dos Anjos comfortable crushes Fiziev against the wire. The full body weight of the former champ is pressed against Fiziev, who finds himself pinned and unable to get any offense off from up close. Fiziev quickly turns to get out, and he steps in with a knee and a right hand as they split. Fiziev delivers two kicks to the body, and dos Anjos replies with one. Fiziev answers with another, and he kicks high and jumps in the air with a knee. Two punches to the body lead to one to the head from the Tiger Muay Thai fighter, and he just misses with a whipping head kick. Dos Anjos thumps a leg kick low and keeps his guard high and tight to block incoming fire until he can shoot for a double. Fiziev’s takedown defense holds up on the attempt, and he absorbs a few knees and an elbow before spinning out. Fiziev steps in with an elbow, and he catches dos Anjos with a pair of right hands. Fiziev sneaks in a left hand that shakes dos Anjos up, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev

Round 2

The lightweights clap hands to start off the second frame, and they meet in the center of the Octagon. Fiziev looses a head kick that misses the mark, and dos Anjos pounds him in the torso with a kick. Dos Anjos steps in with a left, and he takes a body shot on the way in. Fiziev catches a second loud body kick, and he clinches up but separates when nothing comes of it. The Brazilian loads up on a left hand, and Fiziev pushes him off and jams his thumb in dos Anjos’ right eye. Dos Anjos takes 30 seconds to blink it out, and when they resume, Fiziev kicks high quickly. Dos Anjos marches him down and catches him with a left hook, and he dives forward for a single. Fiziev spins around, and dos Anjos grabs hold of his back with his hands clasped. Fiziev turns back around to stop it, and he pushes off to split and get back the center of the cage. Dos Anjos keeps light on his feet and strides forward with a straight left hand, and he steps on Fiziev’s foot to hold him in that position. Fiziev once more uses the elastic that is his spine to bend backwards and dodge a head kick, and he counters with an uppercut and a left hook. Fiziev pushes out a jab and takes one clean one back, and dos Anjos kicks him in the ribs. Dos Anjos hunts for a takedown, and Fiziev deftly reverses him and hip tosses dos Anjos to his knees. Fiziev gets up first, and he pushes dos Anjos back to the wire, but cannot grind him there. “Ataman” wings an uppercut, and dos Anjos steps in to clinch in the middle of the Octagon. With a body lock, dos Anjos attempts to take Fiziev down, but once more, he is stopped in his tracks from doing so. Dos Anjos scores a knee on the break, and he pokes at Fiziev with an uppercut on his way back. Dos Anjos reaches him with a right, and Fiziev responds with a powerful one that stuns dos Anjos momentarily. The ex-champ gathers his thoughts and kicks low, and he reaches out with a short right hook. Fiziev kicks him in the body and gets clipped with a long left hand, and the bell rings to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev

Round 3

Between rounds, dos Anjos is concerned about a cut below his right elbow. His corner tells him to forget about it, and there is a split on his forearm from blocking a kick from the previous round. The round opens with a few punches from Fiziev, and dos Anjos darts forward in pursuit of a double-leg takedown. Fiziev posts off his arm to keep himself upright, and dos Anjos doggedly pursues it to ground Fiziev. The Brazilian kicks Fiziev’s foot out to get the takedown he was seeking, and Fiziev climbs right back up without concern. As dos Anjos hangs on in the clinch, Fiziev looks at the video screen to find a way out. He does this as dos Anjos goes after a single, yanking his leg free and gaining some separation to work several body kicks. After absorbing a few more blows, dos Anjos darts in with a double, and he pushes Fiziev back but is nowhere close to taking him down. Smith tells them to work as they just hang on in the clinch, and dos Anjos blasts a knee to the liver as Fiziev splits off. The lightweights trade low kicks, and Fiziev wings a short left hook that gets dos Anjos’ attention. A straight right hand from Fiziev makes dos Anjos blink it out, and Fiziev is the one to initiate a clinch, pushing the former champ up against the chain-link fencing. Dos Anjos turns the corner to break apart, and he connects with a chopping leg kick only to eat a jump knee in the process. Dos Anjos tries to keep his head movement to evade multiple straight punches aimed at his head, and the two men trade one after the other in the middle of the cage. The round ends as Fiziev connects with a right.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fiziev

Round 4

Ever the veteran, dos Anjos stays a little longer on his stool between rounds, prompting Smith to hurry his corner out and get him back so that they can fight. Fiziev starts off the round with several quick kicks, and dos Anjos plods forward and the two bang heads together. The Brazilian plows forward to go after a takedown, and as dos Anjos does not get it, Smith tells him to work. Fiziev gets the break he seeks, and he splits the guard with a left hand. “Ataman” chains four punches together in a combination, and dos Anjos level changes to push in for a takedown. Fiziev spins him around and jams the ex-champion into the fence, and the position stalls until Fiziev steps back. Dos Anjos nails Fiziev with a flying knee and a few punches, and he attempts to use this momentum to take the fight down, but Fiziev is quick to stop him. Dos Anjos grabs the gloves to break out of this position, only to get warned for his attempt. They break up, and dos Anjos pops Fiziev with a left. The Brazilian snatches up a leg for a single, and Fiziev hops back and keeps his balance. Dos Anjos meets him in the center of the cage to throw hands, and dos Anjos steps in with a back-elbow. Fiziev fights for a sweep takedown, and dos Anjos keeps his feet beneath him and punches his way into a takedown effort. Tired of struggling to get the takedown, “RDA” opts to lift Fiziev clear off the ground and slam him down to the mat. Dos Anjos gloms on to Fiziev while not doing anything from top position, prompting Smith to clap his hands and tell dos Anjos to work. Dos Anjos stays squeezed with his shoulder to the chest of his opponent, and Fiziev powers up with one second to spare. They both land a single punch as the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos

Round 5

Smith tells dos Anjos to stay busy in his positions between rounds, and the final round kicks off with a glove touch. The Brazilian kicks low and Fiziev kicks high, and dos Anjos pushes out with a straight left hand. Fiziev jumps in with a knee, and when that gets blocked, he releases a left hook that totally demolishes dos Anjos. The former champion falls crashing to the mat, and Fiziev leaps over and hammers him with two consciousness-depriving punches before Smith steps in to call a halt to this contest. Dos Anjos sits up to protest the stoppage, but there is nothing he can do, as the fight is over. Fiziev runs off to celebrate, earning easily the biggest win of his career and answering several questions that loomed about his talents. “Now we know who is the greatest Rafael in the UFC,” Fiziev shouts in his post-fight interview. He then calls for tennis star Rafael Nadal to determine the ultimate Rafael supremacy. Fiziev doubles down on the callout, boldly claiming that he can beat Nadal in his own sport. It is exceptionally unlikely this will come to fruition, but he did punch his ticket to a huge fight at 155 pounds next. No matter who Fiziev faces next, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Rafael Fiziev def. Rafael dos Anjos R5 0:18 via KO (Punches)