UFC on ESPN 44 ‘Holloway vs. Allen’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Joselyne Edwards (136.5: Missed Weight) vs. Lucie Pudilova (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pudilova (-135), Edwards (+115)

Round 1

For the first time in six years to the day, the UFC is back in Kansas City, Missouri, with a Fight Night offering. In the building formerly known as the Sprint Center and now the T-Mobile Center, the promotion throws 14 fights in rapid succession at fans in the building and those watching on ESPN and ESPN+. Of note, the prelims will bring eight bouts in the span of three hours, so the pace should be higher. This presumably speedy slate of matches begins outside of normal weight categories, as Edwards (12-4, 3-2 UFC) missed weight ahead of her bantamweight bout with Pudilova (14-7, 3-5 UFC). The 137-pound catchweight affair will be overseen by referee Dwayne Bess, and there is no interest in a glove touch to start off the night. Instead, the ladies immediately begin to brawl, throwing hands in volume and tagging the other right out of the gate. One particular right hand from Edwards draws a telegraphed double-leg attempt from her opponent, and Edwards stuffs it and gets back up. Pudilova counters a leg kick with a right hand, and Edwards loads up on a pair of overhand rights in response. Pudilova scores a low kick and paws at her nose, which is already showing some damage from the few absorbed blows thus far. Pudilova surges forward and lifts Edwards off her feet to take her down to the mat, where she lands right in half guard. Pudilova controls her adversary, flattening her to the floor and not throwing much of note. A few punches to the rib cage do connect for Pudilova, who is dragged back to the guard when Edwards looks to buck her off. Pudilova is comfortable from this position as well, even with Edwards clutching both of her hands, so that she can posture up and drop down some decent ground-and-pound. Pudilova rains down hammerfists from high up until Edwards boots her off, and the Panamanian even gets off an upkick that stuns Pudilova momentarily. Instead of standing, Edwards remains on her back, and Pudilova adjusts her mouthguard and top and dives back down into the half guard. The boos begin to rain down from crowd, and this spurs Pudilova into action. Pudilova looks to pass to a dominant position, and Edwards turns to her side and slides out the back door to stand back up. Pudilova gives chase, and she swings her way into the clinch. The round closes as Edwards tries to toss her foe down.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova

Round 2

Pudilova advances calmly out of her corner, watching Edwards lob inaccurate bombs at her, until she rushes forward to close up. Edwards shuts down a takedown, and she makes Pudilova pay for it with multiple leg kicks. Pudilova’s offense stalls out while Edwards pecks at her with kicks, and she barely dodges a spinning back fist in time. Edwards sinks in a few body kicks, and Pudilova takes a moment after the second one lands. Pudilova ducks a few punches to pursue a double, and she drags “La Pantera” to the mat while simultaneously turning to land in side control. Pudilova grinds her elbow on Edwards’ face as she maintains heavy top control, with chest-to-chest pressure to keep Edwards flat on her back. Bess asks Pudilova to start working, as the action lulls. Pudilova drops down a few solid elbows on the cheek, and she moves to claim mount. As she does, Edwards flips over to her knees, and Pudilova does not fall off this time. Instead, Pudilova takes her back, where she gets in both hooks and threatens immediately with a rear-naked choke. Edwards fights the hands off from the first choke try, and she attempts to slip Pudilova off of her. Pudilova softens her up with a few punches, and Edwards keeps her stuck from trying anything with a two-on-one wrist lock. Edwards turns to her back, and Pudilova follows her and gets into mount. With 10 seconds to spare, Pudilova sits up and batters Edwards with vicious elbows until the horn saves the Panama native.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Pudilova
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova

Round 3

The last round opens up with Edwards aiming heavy kicks to the calf and big overhand rights up top. Pudilova stays composed and does not walk into anything harmful, and she flicks out a few jabs to keep Edwards honest. Pudilova shoots in from afar for a double, and she gets stood up as she pushes Edwards to the fence. Edwards slowly muscles her around, but Pudilova breaks off and separates. “La Pantera” shoots for her own takedown, and Pudilova tosses it aside and throws out a few kicks. Edwards strikes with several kicks to the thigh and upper calf, and Pudilova intercepts one with a straight left hand. Edwards punches her way into a spinning back fist, and Pudilova retreats and blocks both strikes. Edwards continues to work on the lead leg with pitter-patter kicks, and she smacks Pudilova with a clean left. “Bullet” charges for a takedown, and Edwards stands her up and kicks her in the body with a spinning kick. Edwards circles away on the outside, countering the advancing Pudilova and landing effectively. Pudilova crashes the pocket briefly with an overhand right, and Edwards is met with a knee before she swings a right hand back. Pudilova slams Edwards in the face with a knee, and she level changes to grab hold of Edwards. Edwards turns around, and Pudilova drags her to the floor. Edwards springs back up instantly, and the two remain clinched up. Pudilova misses with an elbow on the break, and Edwards tags her with two right hands. Pudilova surges forward with a few punches, and they trade short shots until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (29-28 Pudilova)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (29-27 Pudilova)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (29-28 Pudilova)

The Official Result

Joselyne Edwards def. Lucie Pudilova via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (136) vs. Aaron Phillips (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bolanos (-190), Phillips (+160)

Round 1

Returning to the cage from a 34-month absence in hopes of finally attaining his first UFC win, Phillips (12-4, 0-3 UFC) is back in action. He takes on promotional newcomer Bolanos (6-3, 0-0 UFC) at bantamweight, who had previously only competed in the Bellator cage before now. Sparks may fly, and referee Nick Berens is ready for it. The two men touch ‘em up, eager to impress and fire up the crowd. Instead of engaging, however, Phillips just chases Bolanos around and lobs a single high kick at him after about 30 seconds. Bolanos steps in with a straight right hand as Phillips chambers another kick, and Bolanos gets into a rhythm of kicking the lead leg. Phillips responds with a head kick, and Bolanos knocks him back after catching the leg in the air. Bolanos switches stances as he kicks from both legs, and Phillips punches his way into an engagement. Bolanos pushes him back with a knee to the body, and he has his lead leg kicked hard. “The Dreamkiller” sits down on three low kicks in a row, and the third makes Phillips pick his leg up. The other kicks from Bolanos are just out of range, and he ducks back when Phillips lunges at him with a few punches. Bolanos splits the guard with a right hand, and he stings Phillips with a second. Bolanos finds the target with another straight right down the pipe, and Phillips cannot seem to stop it. Bolanos fires off a clean one-two, and Phillips grabs him from behind the neck and slings him to his knees emphatically. Bolanos springs back up and gets back to action with low kicks, and the crowd starts wooing. They trade tit-for-tat strikes with little impact, and come together and clash their knees. Phillips whiffs on a big left hook, and Bolanos loads up on a pair of body kicks. Phillips just misses with a spinning kick, and Bolanos walks him down while continuing to sling kicks. Bolanos kicks Phillips’ leg out, and Phillips hops up and backpedals as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to get things going in the second round, and Bolanos starts off with a few kicks. Instead of getting into the pace of the last round, he changes things up and shoots for a takedown. Phillips bowls him over and pushes Bolanos to his back, where he moves to half guard. Berens asks them to work while Bolanos motions to him that he is being held down. Bolanos hacks with elbows from his back, and they land to the back of the head. Bolanos explodes back to his feet and lances Phillips with a handful of straight punches. Phillips knocks him back with a pair of hooks, and Bolanos surges back into action with a combination of punches and kicks. Phillips blitzes forward, tripping Bolanos down, and he lands right in mount. Phillips sits up to drop down punches, but the bucking Bolanos nearly escapes before he can do anything with it. Phillips lowers himself down and presses his full body weight on his opponent, and he looks to set up an arm-triangle choke. As he is in full mount working on a submission, Berens inexplicably asks Phillips to improve his position. Bolanos turns to his knees to break out of the arm-triangle setup, and he gives up his back. Phillips is keen to take it, as he secures the body lock around the waist and tightens it. Phillips threatens with a rear-naked choke, Bolanos tugs the gloves to get out of it as Berens warns him. Bolanos pulls off the fence with his toes, breaking out of the body triangle and working his way back to his feet. Bolanos lords over Phillips on his back, wailing on him with leg kicks until diving down with a monster right forearm. Bolanos beats on him until Phillips simply stands back up, and Bolanos is on him with a combination ending with a high kick. Phillips is slightly staggered from the strikes, and he blocks a spinning back elbow as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Phillips
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Phillips

Round 3

The fighters hug it out to start off the final frame, and Bolanos looks to get his striking going early. Bolanos nearly sneaks a head kick around the guard, and he chains punches into kicks while Phillips walks him down. Phillips blocks a right hand and shoots in for a single-leg takedown, and Bolanos defends with the cage at his back. Berens asks the two to work as they are tied up against the fence, and Phillips tries to trip him up and elects to drag him down. Phillips rolls through to snag an armbar, and he falls to his back in pursuit of a triangle choke. Bolanos shakes out of it and opens up with some ground strikes. Phillips pushes off to make Bolanos stand back up, but Bolanos lords over him and hammers him with left hands before hopping over to pass guard on the other side. Phillips wall-walks his way up, and he is met with several punches and a spinning back elbow. Phillips grins at him and tags Bolanos with a left hook, and he walks Bolanos down and ducks another spinning back elbow. Phillips takes his back and drags him to the mat from behind, and he secures the body lock instantly. Phillips works the body with punches while hunting for a choke, but it cannot materialize as Bolanos is wise to it. Phillips lets the body triangle go so that he can shift into mount, but he instead fastens an arm-triangle choke that freezes Bolanos. “The Dreamkiller” works his way out of the choke try, but Phillips rides out back control until the horn sounds. Scores could be all over the map, and based on the decision in the last fight, anything goes in Kansas City tonight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Phillips (29-28 Phillips)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Phillips (29-28 Phillips)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Phillips (29-28 Phillips)

The Official Result

Gaston Bolanos def. Aaron Phillips via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Bruna Brasil (116) vs. Denise Gomes (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brasil (-170), Gomes (+145)

Round 1

It’s an all-Brazil battle between two strawweights hunting for UFC win no. 1. Nicknamed “The Special One,” Brasil (8-2-1, 0-0 UFC) – her real surname is Brasil, and this is not one of those Brazilian nickname-turned-stage names – will take on Parana Vale Tudo product Gomes (6-2, 0-1 UFC). Strikes will be thrown hard and fast between these two 115-pound ladies, although their glove touch is softer than the rest. Referee Dwayne Bess stands vigilant, and the fight begins with a looping right hand from the shorter Gomes. Brasil chips at her with a lead leg, and Gomes walks her down with another heavy right. Gomes is throwing fire, and she follows another kick with a vicious overhand right. Gomes bullies the taller woman against the cage with her aggression and power, but when she is tied up in the clinch, the action stalls out. Gomes gets in a single elbow before Brasil turns the tables and ducks down to try to take her down from the side. Brasil jams Gomes up with another takedown effort, but Gomes hops back to the wall and defends it. Gomes lifts up a beautiful knee that smashes into Brasil’s nose, and she targets the same spot with a thudding elbow. Brasil breaks off, and Gomes rushes at her with swinging fists. The momentum leads her into a clinch, and they trade short knees before Brasil escapes again. Gomes ducks down to fire off a huge overhand right, and Brasil wobbles back from the blow. Brasil spins with a wheel kick, and jumps with a knee, but Gomes sees them both and evades them. Gomes crashes forward throwing hammers, and she knocks Brasil against the wall again. Gomes manages to trip Brasil out and take her down, and Brasil throws her legs up for a high guard. The round ends in this position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gomes
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gomes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gomes

Round 2

The ladies meet in the middle tentatively to resume combat, and Brasil leads the dance with a step-in right hand. Gomes returns fire with a few looping hooks, and she succeeds in hammering Brasil hard enough to bounce her off the cage. Gomes engages in the clinch again, and Brasil tries to counter with a trip but is thwarted. Gomes muscles her foe down to the floor, and Brasil walks up the cage wall and nearly gives up her back in the process. The two break apart, and Brasil boots Gomes in the head. Gomes trips her out and dumps her to the floor, and she stands over her and batters her with several ferocious low kicks reminiscent of Donald Cerrone against Myles Jury. Brasil pops back up, and the two throw haymakers. Brasil slides out of the way, and Gomes strides after her and blasts her with a right hand. Brasil falls to her back, and Gomes stands above her and clobbers her with standing-to-ground punches. As the punches continue to mount, Brasil turns to her side, and Gomes keeps on throwing fire. Bess watches the action play out, and with no end in sight for Gomes onslaught, he steps in to wave off the fight. We have our first finish of the night, as fighters might be getting the memo to leave the judges out of the equation tonight. After briefly celebrating, Gomes goes to her fallen opponent and helps her back up, and they embrace after their slugfest.

The Official Result

Denise Gomes def. Bruna Brasil R2 2:42 via TKO (Punches)

Lando Vannata (156) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zellhuber (-120), Vannata (+100)

Round 1

Never one to shy away from a boring fight, Vannata (12-6-2, 4-6-2 UFC) is in it until the wheels fall off. This time around, he hunts for a post-fight bonus check against Zellhuber (12-1, 0-1 UFC), who is aiming for a second chance to make a first impression. The lightweight battle will be officiated by referee Jason Herzog, and it begins with a fist bump. Zellhuber jabs his way forward, using his reach advantage early. Vannata chops at the calf in response to a few jabs, and he fires off a high kick that bounces off the counter. Vannata surges forward with a big right hand, and he gets off another but is met with heavy counters. Zellhuber scores a kick to the body that lands with a thud, and Vannata crowds him with a right. Zellhuber greets him with a few knees, and they briefly clinch up only to shove apart. Vannata sweeps the leg with a kick, and Zellhuber does not lose his balance and keeps stalking forward. Zellhuber walks through another hacking kick to keep his jabs going, and Vannata responds with a resounding kick to the ribcage. Zellhuber follows a jab with a left, and a front kick from the young Mexican fighter staggers Vannata. Vannata wobbles back to the fence, and Zellhuber unleashes a fury of punches to drop Vannata to the floor. Vannata upkicks and flails as he is trying to survive, and Zellhuber pours it on with a barrage of punches. Vannata moves every time Herzog asks him to respond, and Zellhuber slows himself down so that he does not empty the gas tank. Vannata gets to a knee and blocks several punches from his opponent, and a swarm of left hands all colliding with the hand. Zellhuber wrenches his man down to his face, and he lands a few shots before Vannata turns to his back. Zellhuber opens up with a few elbows, and he lets Vanna stand so that he can nail him with a right hand. “Groovy” fires off a right hook that gets Zellhuber to back off, and he follows Zellhuber around until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Zellhuber

Round 2

Vannata appears to have fully recovered in the break, as he paces in his corner until they resume in Round 2. Zellhuber slaps a low kick and is countered with a right to the body. Vannata reaches his man with a body kick, and Zellhuber slugs him in the chops with a few punches. Vannata darts forward and lands, and he skirts away to not get countered. “Groovy” stays active with kicks to the legs and body, and he switches stances to sneak in a right hand. Zellhuber shakes it off and doubles up on a jab to follow it with a straight right. A Vannata kick lands with a thump, and they crash together and ding one another in an exchange. Chants of “USA” rain down in support of Vannata, who has found his range and is landing effectively while evading most of the counters. Vannata dives forward into a takedown, and he bails on it when Zellhuber stops it in its tracks. They each land sharp left hooks, and neither man flinches. Zellhuber comes up just short with a front kick aimed at the beard, and he chops at the lead leg to follow. Vannata switches stances as the pace wanes, and they trade leg kicks and explode into single-strike exchanges. Zellhuber takes a right hand on the chin and gives it right back, and he continues to measure with his front kick. Zellhuber avoids a leg kick and aims a jab, and he slips a kick over the shoulder. Vannata times this well to trip Zellhuber up and dump him to the canvas, but Zellhuber scampers right back upright. Vannata digs a left to the body and hammers his opponent’s lead leg with his shin. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vannata
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vannata
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vannata

Round 3

The last round kicks off with a clap of hands, and Zellhuber is the immediate aggressor throwing his fists. Vannata tries to counter, and he escapes while taking one on the chin that sends the mouthpiece flying out of his mouth. No one recognizes this, and Zellhuber chases down Vannata and pounds on him. Vannata gets a moment to breathe, and he recovers his mouthguard and they get back to it. A few punches from the Mexican fighter opens a cut on the corner of Vannata’s eye. The furious pace of Zellhuber slows, and he gets back to his methodical pace of jabs and occasional front kicks. Vannata lands a body shot, and he kicks the body shortly thereafter. They tag one another with left hooks, and the chins hold up well. Vannata crowds his foe and hooks on the inside connect flush without any concern. Zellhuber lines up a heavy body kick, and they alternate with kicks. Zellhuber follows a jab with a right hand, and he pushes off with the ball of his foot. Zellhuber keeps his safe range, and he slings a head kick that belts Vannata in the temple and raised guard. Vannata shakes his finger to signal he is fine, and booming chants for “Mexico” echo through the building. Vannata chambers and fires a right hand, and he gets Zellhuber’s attention with hard shots. Zellhuber circles on the outside, and he ducks into a head kick and points in the air when getting smacked in the face. Vannata attacks with a cartwheel kick, and Zellhuber ducks and grabs to try to take him down. Before he can land it, the match ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber (29-28 Zellhuber)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber (29-28 Zellhuber)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber (29-27 Zellhuber)

The Official Result

Daniel Zellhuber def. Lando Vannata via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Gillian Robertson (116) vs. Piera Rodriguez (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Robertson (-125), Rodriguez (+105)

Round 1

After 13 appearances in the UFC’s flyweight category, fiery red-haired Canadian Robertson (11-7, 8-5 UFC) is dropping down to 115 pounds in hopes of jump-starting her career. Her first encounter in the new division will be “La Fiera” Rodriguez (9-0, 2-0 UFC), who has never been beaten as a professional. Something will have to give here, but there will be no nonsense when it does, as referee Keith Peterson is prepped and ready. The two dyed redheads meet in the middle without tapping fists, and instead they would rather go to work. They trade jabs initially, and Robertson kicks the body and rushes forward. Robertson lands a kick and chases after Rodriguez, and she changes levels to keep Rodriguez guessing. Robertson lands a body shot and one to the head, and she crowds her opponent but lets her go instead of clinching. Robertson fakes a single and goes up top with a pair of punches. “La Fiera” meets her with a quick combination, and she backs away as Robertson walks her down. Rodriguez ducks down and considers a single, and Robertson pulls guard before she can even secure the takedown. Robertson closes her guard and fastens her legs around the waist, and Rodriguez stacks her up to try to open it up. Rodriguez pushes Robertson down when Robertson tries to reverse her, and the two stand up. Robertson lifts her foe’s leg up and dumps her to the canvas, and she lands in half guard. Robertson smashes down an elbow, causing some immediate swelling to form on the forehead. Rodriguez holds on from her back with a potential guillotine, but this allows Robertson to counter with a possible shoulder choke. Rodriguez releases it and absorbs a few elbows before the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Robertson

Round 2

The second round opens with a jab or two from Rodriguez, and Robertson immediately shoots for a single and throws Rodriguez to her back. Rodriguez tries for a kimura off her back, and Robertson counters with an armbar setup. The two start talking to one another as they are locked up, and Robertson shifts to the side and on top. Robertson briefly flirts with a kimura, but elects instead to step over to full mount. Robertson smacks Rodriguez with punches and elbows, and she sits on top with a three-quarter mount landing shots. The Canadian slides to the side and them moves back into mount when Rodriguez shuffles. Robertson elbows open a cut on the side of Rodriguez’ right eye, and the blood leaks into her eyes and Robertson continues elbowing. Robertson remains heavy on top any time Rodriguez tries to escape, maintaining position over pursuing submission or damage. Robertson slashes with an elbow and turns to work on the body as she moves to the side again. Robertson isolates Rodriguez’ left arm for a kimura, and “La Fiera” defends it and gets her right arm pinned down in the process. Robertson moves back to mount, raining down punches and thumping the unbeaten fighter with elbows. In the blink of an eye, Robertson flips over the top to snatch up an armbar. Robertson falls to her back and cinches it up, and Rodriguez taps out once on the knee. Robertson releases the grip as Peterson recognizes the submission, and Rodriguez immediately protests. The Venezuelan fighter shouts at Peterson, Robertson and anyone else in earshot, but the damage is done as Peterson has concluded the fight. The switch to strawweight is a successful one for the Canadian, who officially ejects Rodriguez from the ranks of the unbeaten. Rodriguez cools down, and the official result from announcer Bruce Buffer is a verbal submission.

The Official Result

Gillian Robertson def. Piera Rodriguez R2 4:21 via Submission (Armbar)

Zak Cummings (206) vs. Ed Herman (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cummings (-225), Herman (+190)

Round 1

In a match seemingly plucked out of the yesteryears of the UFC, ex-welterweight Cummings (24-7, 9-4 UFC) treks all the way up to light heavyweight after being away for a few years. Grizzled vet Herman (26-15, 1 NC; 13-11, 1 NC UFC), who himself has been inactive since the middle of 2021, will meet him at 205 pounds. The surprisingly matchmade fight will be joined in the cage by referee Dwayne Bess, who is just as puzzled as many of the fans are that these two men are throwing down at the combined age of 80. Respect is in full swing, and the two slap hands ahead of their scheduled melee. They both throw punches at one another, and Cummings lands flush with a left hand. Cummings fights off a takedown try, and he blasts Herman with another to send the older vet tumbling down to the canvas. Cummings looks to hammer the nail, and Herman throws his legs up to threaten with an armbar. Cummings unloads with three ferocious left hands, and Herman retaliates with several short uppercuts to the body. Cummings continues hurling strikes, and Herman pulls guard to slow the offense down. Cummings follows him down, and a Herman upkick smacks Cummings in the chin. Bess restarts them upright instead of restarting them with Cummings on top, and they come out swinging again. Cummings is much faster with his hands, and he belts Herman with a left and a right. Cummings splits the guard with a straight left, and Herman takes it cleanly and fires off a leg kick. Cummings thumps him with two solid hooks, and Herman shakes his head and plods forward. Cummings meets him with a step-in elbow, and they both crack one another with short shots. Cummings darts forward to engage, and he clips Herman and knocks him back. Cummings unloads with a kick to the body and two punches on the jaw, and Herman is still in the fight despite taking damage. Herman eats a body shot and lobs a right hand that Cummings ducks. Herman lumbers into action, and he flicks out a body kick and a left to the ribs. Cummings responds with a left to the body as well, and they trade powerful punches. Herman backs off and slaps a leg kick, only to be met with a left on the jaw. Herman scores an uppercut, is tagged with a punch from Cummings, and the tense round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cummings
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cummings
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cummings

Round 2

The light heavyweights clap hands to start off, and they proceed to slam one another in the face with fists. Cummings’ momentum leads them to clinch up, and he leans back on the break to narrowly evade an uppercut. Herman steps in with a left hook, and Cummings counters him with a left that sends Herman flying. The TUF 3 vet climbs back up after the flash knockdown, and they clack heads and a cut opens on the side of Cummings’ eye. They trade left hands, and Herman wobbles but continues moving forward fearlessly. Herman clinches up, and Cummings reverses him and absorbs multiple knees. Herman gains some space with an uppercut from downtown, and he loops a left hand over the guard. When they come together again, their heads collide, and Herman backs off to release a right hook. Cummings responds with a fierce leg kick that drops Herman to the floor. Cummings tags him with a few punches as Herman stands, and Herman smacks his own chin to say that he can take it. Herman digs a left to the body as he moves forward to strike, and Cummings drills his man with a left hook that drops Herman again. Cummings climbs on top and briefly threatens with an arm-triangle choke when in half guard, and he opens up with some ground-and-pound until Herman shakes off the cobwebs and recovers to guard. Cummings gets off an elbow, and Herman upkicks him in the face illegally again. Bess calls the foul and allows Cummings ample time to recover, and Cummings paces back and forth and sticks his tongue out to the camera. Bess deducts one point for the upkick, and the fighters get back to it. Once against, Bess improperly resets them on the feet instead of giving Cummings his top position back. Cummings welcomes the stand-up, as he lays into Herman with low kicks and dangerous punches. Herman is still on his feet but barely, as he teeters and somehow gets in a left hand. Cummings grins and throws back, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cummings
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Cummings
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Cummings

Round 3

The gloves are touched to start off the last round, and they swing for the fences right off the bat. Cummings ducks the Herman hook and unleashes a leg kick, and Herman falls to his back. Cummings stands over the fallen Herman and slaps his leg, and he lets Herman stand up when the crowd starts booing them. Cummings swings a left that misses the mark by a matter of inches, and Herman loads up so much on a left that Cummings sees coming by a wide margin. Cummings sticks him with a left, and when Herman charges, he pops him with a left hook. Cummings rips a kick to the body, and he trips Herman’s leg out with a kick. Herman collapses to his back, and Cummings forces him to stand again. Cummings smashes the calf with a kick, and Herman throws any remaining caution to the wind and cracks Cummings back. A solid left from Cummings smashes Herman’s nose, and blood instantly pours from it. Herman looks for a counter left when Cummings throws a kick, and Herman continues to swing despite what has happened so far in the fight. Herman slings a right, and Cummings walks after him and evades a step-in knee. Herman paws out with multiple jabs, and Cummings digs his toes into the breadbasket. The audience cheers for “Zak” as he lines up a ferocious left hand that scrambles Herman’s circuits. Cummings sees that Herman is on the ropes, and he pummels the older fighter with his fists and a kick to the body. Herman is firmly entrenched in the danger zone, and Cummings wants to get him out of there and punishes him with left hands. Herman careens to the mat, defeated, and Bess determines that this fight is over as Cummings looks to hammer the nail. What a performance for Cummings, who may have recorded five knockdowns as he clobbered the TUF 3 veteran for the good part of three rounds. In his triumphant post-fight interview, Cummings thanks all the fans and tells them he could not imagine a better way to go out. While it sounds like it will be the last fight for Cummings, it is an extreme rarity as Herman also takes the microphone and says goodbye. Both fighters place their gloves in the center of the cage together, and they embrace after a terrific battle and two great careers.

The Official Result

Zak Cummings def. Ed Herman R3 4:13 via TKO (Punches)

Matheus Nicolau (126) vs. Brandon Royval (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nicolau (-210), Royval (+180)

Round 1

Other than the main event, this flyweight pairing buried on the prelims likely has the most immediate championship upside. Winner of two straight, Royval (14-6, 4-2 UFC) goes for broke against surging Brazilian Nicolau (19-2-1, 7-1 UFC), who has claimed four straight victories in the Octagon. In front of referee Nick Berens, the speedsters bump fists, and it’s on. Royval reaches with many right hands to find his distance right out of the gate, and Nicolau lets him do this and holds up his hands to make it seem like Royval is hitting ungloved mitts. Royval is the aggressor, but Nicolau is extremely light on his feet and dodges what Royval throws at him early. Royval steps-in with a few fake kicks, and his short jabs draw reactions out of his opponent until Nicolau revs up his engine and tags Royval with a single right hand. Royval gives chase as Nicolau is fast at avoiding what he throws, and he watches out from a single strike that lunges at him from the Brazilian. Nicolau lulls Royval into a pattern, and he charges forward while readying a left hook. As he does, Royval intercepts him with a picture-perfect knee that clacks into Nicolau’s jaw. Nicolau drops to his hands, and Royval bowls him over with two hooks to push Nicolau to his back. “Raw Dawg” goes hard, pulverizing the downed, doomed Nicolau with a torrent of elbows. As Royval continues to smash, Nicolau goes out, and Berens jumps between them and halts the fight. What a terrific knockout for the Factory X fighter, who calls for a title shot after his victorious performance. Meanwhile, Royval successfully shatters the six-fight win streak of the Brazilian with that knockout.

The Official Result

Brandon Royval def. Matheus Nicolau R1 2:09 via KO (Knee and Elbows)

Bill Algeo (146) vs. T.J. Brown (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Algeo (-210), Brown (+180)

Round 1

Headlining the prelims is a featherweight scrap between two men that sport 3-3 records in the UFC thus far. Barring an unusual result, either Algeo (16-7, 3-3 UFC) or Brown (17-9, 3-3 UFC) will lift themselves over .500 with the promotion. The first man to know who that is will be referee Jason Herzog, who checks the fighters in as they touch gloves. Brown pressures forward into a few leg kicks, and he gets his head snapped back by a left hand. Algeo catches his foe with a jump knee, and he makes Brown switch stances with a kick. Brown starts smiling as he gets punched in the face, and they trade quick kicks. Algeo cracks Brown with a left, and the Westside MMA fighter continues to rush forward and throw hands. Brown tags Algeo with a left, and he strings together a combination and ignores a solid left from Algeo. Brown makes Algeo spin around with a leg kick, and Algeo clubs his man on the side of the head and makes Brown hit the deck. Algeo times Brown standing up to snag a double, and he sets “Downtown” down again. Brown turns to his knees and he looks to stand, and Algeo follows him and gets a hook in for a potential back take. Brown, having nearly escaped to slide over and back on top, elbows the side a few times and latches on to Algeo’s right wrist. Algeo stands up and breaks off from the wrist lock, and he turns Brown towards the fence. Brown backs him away with a knee and a barrage of punches, and he catches an Algeo kick and hammers him to the body and head. Algeo weathers the storm and fires back, hurting Brown’s nose and making Brown wipe at it a few times. Algeo slips a jab but gets caught with a one-two, as his own nose is busted up. Brown eats right hand and counters with one that makes Algeo’s nose splatter. Brown tries to whip up a head kick, and he tumbles to the mat. Brown climbs back up, and he ducks a spinning wheel kick and flashes a smile again. Algeo lunges forward and gets worked to the body on the way out. Algeo spins with a kick, and Brown looks to catch his leg that comes up after. Brown lets it go and settles down to bust Algeo in the chops, and he knocks Algeo back to the fence again with powerful punches. Algeo gets in a right hand at the end of an awkward combination, and he gets caught. The two trade hands, and Algeo gets off a low kick and a right hand around the guard before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brown

Round 2

The featherweights clap hands before getting after it, and Brown is having a blast in the cage. Algeo reintroduces himself with a missed head kick and a heavy low kick, and Brown nails him with a right hand over the top that makes Algeo ricochet off the wall. Algeo wades forward with a right hand, and he connects with a knee as he attacks. Brown responds with a few counter punches, and he shoots in for a double. “Downtown” takes Algeo down, but only for a moment before Algeo pops back up. Brown lets him up so he can load up on a left hand, and Algeo counters him with a short but devastating elbow that sends Brown crashing to the mat. Algeo jumps on top, hoping to finish the job, and he pummels Brown with strikes until Brown turns over and gives up his back. Algeo thanks him for this, as he secures his hooks and instantly searches for a rear-naked choke. The arm for “Senor Perfecto” is perfectly placed beneath the chin, and it is only a matter of time now. Brown tries to fight the grip, but as he rolls to his stomach, there is nothing he can do at this point. Brown thinks about going out on his shield, but he elects to tap out, and this thrilling contest ends not with strikes but via submission. Even in defeat, Brown is smiling, having thoroughly enjoyed the back-and-forth battle for as long as it lasted. Algeo takes his gloves off, and in his interview, he starts talking about a conversation he had with a friend about his family and livelihood. Instead of calling it, however, Algeo grins from ear to ear and says he’s never retiring, and that people will have to drag him out of the cage. Algeo cuts a solid pro wrestling-style promo about “never retiring in a dump like Kansas City” and riffs about the town as crowd showers him with boos. Algeo triumphantly walks out of the cage, and the fans are not amused.

The Official Result

Bill Algeo def. T.J. Brown R2 1:40 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Rafa Garcia (155) vs. Clay Guida (154.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-260), Guida (+220)

Round 1

The main card opens up with the lightweights, as eternally youthful 41-year-old Guida (38-22, 18-16 UFC) looks to go on his first win streak in six years. Standing in his way will be Combate Americas vet Garcia (14-3, 3-3 UFC), who also happens to be 13 years his junior. Whether this is a passing of the torch fight or proof that the now short-haired Guida very much still has it, they have 15 minutes to determine this while referee Dwayne Bess watches on. There is no plan for a bump of fists as the crowd goes crazy for Guida, and he starts off like he always does, with herky-jerky movement and plenty of energy. The two fighters meet right in the middle, throwing hands, and Guida gets the better of the exchange. Guida ducks a huge overhand right to stick him with a right, and he considers a takedown to mix things up. Garcia scores a right hand, and Guida slips and backs off to take a low kick. Guida returns fire with a leg kick, and Garcia quickly covers with a right over the top. Guida chains a low kick into punches, and Garcia backs him off with solid straight right hands. Guida circles along the outside, and he evades a one-two that soars at him. Guida lands a left and moves, and he swipes out with a left hand as Garcia reaches him with the right. Garcia rushes forward with a left to the ribs, and he misses the mark swinging a few hooks. Guida absorbs a flush leg kick at the end of a combination, and he gets tagged with a solid right to follow. They meet with jabs, and “Gifted” bestows Guida with a gift of a left hook. Guida bobs and moves in, and Garcia marks him up with five or six jabs in rapid succession. Guida’s nose is showing some damage from the punches, and Garcia clubs him with a right that lands on the jaw. Garcia counters with a sharp elbow, and Guida is eating shots every time he initiates his offense. Guida lands two punches coming in, and Garcia snaps out a jab at the end. Garcia’s jabs begin to sting Guida and make him smile, and the round ends after a pair of missed haymakers from both fighters.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 2

Guida races out of his corner to start off firing, and he sticks several jabs in then face of his opponent. Guida gets rocked with an uppercut, and he shakes it out and slaps down with a leg kick. Guida steps in with a knee, and he closes in on the clinch but does not change levels. A few punches from “The Carpenter” bounce off the guard, while a low kick does score. Garcia is timing uppercuts when Guida ducks or bobs, and chants for “Let’s go Guida” energize him slightly but do not change his strategy. Garcia nails his foe with a few right hands, and Guida catches him with a clean right in response before ducking into a single. Garcia stands him up and meets him with an elbow, and his jab is doing work. Guida shakes his head repeatedly when absorbing this blow again and again, but he cannot seem to get around it as his face bleeds out of multiple cuts. Guida checks a kick but gets tagged up top, and they trade punches with Garcia getting the better of them. Garcia knocks Guida’s mouthpiece out, and the veteran goes to retrieve it and continues to work towards Garcia. Guida does land a solid right, but Garcia is doing work with punches in bunches. Guida takes his foot off the gas to stop walking into so many jabs, and he adjusts his approach by not throwing as much to get countered. Guida punches his way into range, but Garcia reaches him with a few straight rights. Garcia rings Guida’s bell with a pair of straight shots, and Guida takes them on the chin and keeps coming forward. Garcia paws out with jabs to keep Guida at bay, and he allows Guida to throw with impunity as he tags him with right hands. A big right from Garcia ends the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garcia

Round 3

Like usual, Guida engages face-first in his approach. Garcia counters with a right over the top, and Guida counters with a head kick and takedown effort. Garcia shuts it down and gets popped with a few left hooks. “Gifted” intercepts Guida with an uppercut as Guida changes levels, and he lumbers forward throwing shots that Guida dodges. Guida connects with a left, a right and a low kick, and Garcia backpedals. Garcia loads up on an elbow that whizzes past Guida’s head, and he gets caught with a left as Guida is moving constantly. Garcia darts in with a left hook, and Guida ties him up and eats a few body shots before getting shoved back. Guida lands three punches up top as Garcia backs off with a right, and they trade punches while standing right in front of one another. Guida launches a head kick that gets blocked, and Garcia shells up and makes him pay with a few uppercuts. Garcia jabs to the body, and he swings and misses with a high kick in hopes of catching Guida barreling down on him. Guida gets his chin checked by a powerful right hook at the end of a string of punches, and the veteran shake it off and does not falter. Guida walks into a right hand as he tries to push the action, and he guard against a head kick. Garcia chains a few punches together, and he rocks Guida with a right hand as Guida staggers to the side. Garcia bloodies Guida up further as he drives jab after piston-like jab into the face, and Guida checks the sight of his blood and shoots for a takedown. Garcia escapes the grip and drills Guida with two more punches. Garcia leaps in the air with a knee, and Guida is out of the way but also out of time. The last round comes to an end, and the lightweights hug it out after 15 minutes of striking. When the dust settles, Guida takes his gloves off and holds them to earn an interview with Daniel Cormier. He does not hang them up, instead saying he will keep fighting, and asks to trade gloves with his opponent. This is the second fighter to do a retirement fake-out tonight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garcia (30-27 Garcia)

The Official Result

Rafa Garcia def. Clay Guida via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Chris Gutierrez (136) vs. Pedro Munhoz (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gutierrez (-200), Munhoz (+170)

Round 1

One of the fights fans pointed to as a potential fight of the night plays out next, when bantamweights throw down. Searching for his first win since early 2021, Munhoz (19-7, 2 NC; 9-7, 2 NC UFC) will collide with the blazing hot Gutierrez (19-4-2, 7-1-1 UFC). Fists and feet are sure to fly en masse, but before they do, the sportsmen touch both gloves. Referee Jason Herzog steels himself for what is about to come, poised to step in at a moment’s notice. Munhoz attempts to strike first, with a few sweeping leg kicks, and they all miss the mark. Gutierrez feints and fakes with strikes to draw big reactions out of his opponent, and Munhoz stays on the outside out of range with kicks. Gutierrez lands one heavier kick to the calf, and he plants the ball of his foot on the Brazilian’s chest. Munhoz comes up hitting air with a body kick, and he checks a leg kick that zips his way. Munhoz springs forward, blasting Gutierrez with a left hand that sends the Texan collapsing to the mat. Munhoz leaps into the guard to try to hammer the nail, and Gutierrez survives and hangs on without taking much more damage. Munhoz postures up with a pair of slashing elbows, and he opens up with more of these strikes without bothering to pass. Gutierrez tosses his legs up for a triangle setup, and Munhoz stays tightly pressed to him to shut this down. Munhoz keeps active with elbows from above, and he drops down left hands and swings hard enough to accidentally pass to the side. Munhoz grips the foot and looks to set up a kneebar or toe hold, and this allows Gutierrez to power back up. Gutierrez grabs the fence to try to break Munhoz’ grip around his waist, and Herzog slaps his hand. Munhoz rolls for a low-percentage heel hook, and when that fails, he jumps right back up. Munhoz doubles up on a jab and chains a right hand over the top, and Gutierrez looks to get some strikes off in response. A few jabs and a spinning back fist get Munhoz’ attention, and he plants his foot on Munhoz’ midsection with a spin to conclude the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz

Round 2

Hands are clapped to start off the second frame, and they both meet right in the middle of the cage. Munhoz swats with a low kick, and he hops in with a left. Munhoz comes up just short of the mark with a booming right hook, and he is met with a chopping leg kick. Munhoz slings a high kick at him, and he chops down low. Gutierrez answers with a jumping body kick, and he backs up to the fence to avoid a kick coming at his ribs. Gutierrez scores another calf kick and has a subsequent strike to the same target checked. Munhoz strategically works his way forward, not absorbing the big strikes while keeping just enough range to reach his target. They clash shins when kicking at the same time, and Munhoz fires a kick low to get checked. Gutierrez spams a few back, and Munhoz darts in with a big right that misses. Munhoz gets a little careless as he rushes in, and Gutierrez counters him with a short left hook and sneaks in a few low kicks. Munhoz fires off a head kick that glances off the shoulder, and he loops two left hands over the guard. They trade calf kicks one after the other, and Munhoz swings for the fence with a left up top and right to the midsection. Munhoz rips a kick to the body, and he sweeps low but comes up short. Gutierrez tries to attack with kicks high and low, and Munhoz is evasive despite moving towards him. Munhoz sits down on a leg kick, and he pushes off the face when he backs off and may have poked Gutierrez in the eye. The Brazilian sportingly allows his foe to clear his vision, as it was not called or recognized, and they get back after it with tit-for-tat striking. Leg kicks come from both fighters, and they take turns as the crowd begins to overwhelm them with boos. Munhoz scores a right and a left, and the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz

Round 3

The last round kicks off with hands getting clapped, and Munhoz leads off aggressively like usual. Gutierrez backs off and threatens with a head kick, but Munhoz guards it and comes at him throwing punches. A right hand from the Brazilian nails “El Guapo,” and Gutierrez rebounds off the wall and defends from a subsequent blow. The two reset, and Munhoz sticks him with a straight right and opens a tiny cut on the bridge of Gutierrez’ nose. Leg kicks land for both fighters, and simple exchanges of fists make the audience grow restless. Gutierrez sweeps the leg with a kick, and they pick their strikes without landing much. Munhoz lands a right hand and spins with a back kick, but the latter misses the mark. Munhoz walks through a leg kick to back his man off, but he cannot cut his man off and instead gets popped with a pair of shots. Gutierrez spins with a back fist that careens off the guard, and Munhoz keeps marching ever forward. They smack one another with leg kicks, and Munhoz lets two hooks go that knock Gutierrez’ head around. Munhoz chops at the upper calf to mix things up, and he counters an attack from Gutierrez with a clubbing right. The fans begin to take their phones up and wave the lights around, and the fighters do not change their tactics. Munhoz walks through a right hand after blocking a high kick, and he gets clipped with a left as he surges ahead. Munhoz splits the guard with a left, and he charges forward with a one-two. They start to trade fists more than one at a time, and the action then lulls again as they relegate themselves to one at a time. Gutierrez connects with a step-in elbow, and it is one-and-done as Munhoz walks him down and ducks a spinning back elbow. Munhoz takes a flipping kick from his opponent that bounces off the top of his head, and he allows this to happen so that he can push Gutierrez to his back and ride out the closely matched striking match on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz (30-27 Munhoz)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz (30-27 Munhoz)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz (30-27 Munhoz)

The Official Result

Pedro Munhoz def. Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tanner Boser (203) vs. Ion Cutelaba (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-130), Boser (+110)

Round 1

While there are no heavyweight matches littering the lineup tonight, this next fight may seem like the closest of any. Two men with their backs against the proverbial wall come to blows, when ex-heavyweight Boser (20-9-1, 4-4 UFC) makes his move down in weight having dropped three of his last four. Cutelaba (16-9-1, 1 NC; 5-8-1 UFC) sports the same unsuccessful record the last couple years, so they are both in dire need of a win. Watching out for any nonsense or an errant blow will be referee Keith Peterson, as this potential mad dash begins with a glove touch. The first 30 seconds go by without a strike, and as soon as the crowd turns on them, they surge into action. Both men throw bombs, and Boser gets knocked back and bounces off the cage. Cutelaba flicks out front kicks as Boser backpedals, and the Canadian sticks out a jab to avoid a huge overhand right. Cutelaba launches a missile of a right hand that collides square on the jaw of the ex-heavyweight, and Boser is on rubber legs and in big trouble as he falls to his knee up against the wall. With sheer force of will, Cutelaba charges in and angrily hurls Boser down on the mat, where he begins to unload his right fist repeatedly with Boser on his knees. Cutelaba continues pounding on the exposed face of Boser, and Boser tries to stand but is wobbled and his head is getting knocked around like a heavy bag. “The Hulk” keeps on smashing Boser’s noggin until Peterson calls a stop to the fight, with Boser not defending himself or improving his position. This is a huge win for Cutelaba, who ends a long losing streak to get back in the win column in a big way.

The Official Result

Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser R1 2:05 via TKO (Punches)

Dustin Jacoby (206) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jacoby (-155), Murzakanov (+135)

Round 1

This “featured fight of the night” comes as a crossroads outing for these two light heavyweights. A win for Murzakanov (12-0, 2-0 UFC) would elevate him into top-15 contention, while Jacoby (18-6-1, 6-3-1 UFC) may be able to say the same should he ice the unbeaten Russian. The losing competitor may tumble down the pecking order a ways, and at ages 34 and 35, respectively, it is a tough row to hoe. The strikers meet in the middle to touch gloves, and referee Nick Berens is standing by should he be needed in a flash. The two are extremely tentative to begin, knowing they both possess the power to switch the other off. Jacoby slaps a leg kick home, and Murzakanov catches it and looks to trip him up, but he lets the leg go. Murzakanov jumps forward to push out a right hand, and he connects with a left hook. Murzakanov loads up with a left hook, and he wraps it around the raised guard of his opponent to catch Jacoby by surprise. Murzakanov lands a few jabs and looks to catch another leg kick, but Jacoby is too fast to snag this time. Murzakanov reaches out with a right hand, and Jacoby swats the oncoming fire away but cannot block them all, as a few get through. Jacoby goes high with a kick, and he gets popped with a blistering left hand on the way in. Jacoby hits the deck and tries to spring back up, with his nose completely shattered, and Murzakanov has that look in his eye. Jacoby survives up against the wall, and Murzakanov lays into him with a few punches before letting him off the hook. Murzakanov slams another left hand into the obliterated nose of his opponent, as he ignores Jacoby’s kicks while coming forward. Murzakanov shoots for a single, and Jacoby defends with a guillotine choke instead of trying to stuff it. Jacoby turns all the way around to stand back up, but Murzakanov stalks him and busts him in the chops with a few power left hands. The punches keep coming from Murzakanov until the bell and slightly after, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov

Round 2

The light heavyweights greet one another right in the middle of the cage to start off again, slapping hands to begin. Murzakanov digs a left to the side, and he times a few leg kicks to unload a left hook that grazes the cheek. Jacoby tries to toss out a kick, and two punches right down the pipe sending him hurtling back. Murzakanov paws out with a right hand, and he stings Jacoby again with a left on the jaw. Jacoby strings a few punches together, and the Russian blocks or dodges each and every one. Murzakanov scoops a left and a right around the high guard, and Jacoby defends and is forced to fight off a takedown entry. “The Hanyak” turns Murzakanov around and grinds on him, hoping to slow Murzakanov and take some venom out of his shots. Jacoby keeps tightly pressed despite Berens asking them to work, hanging on tight and forcing Murzakanov to carry his weight. Murzakanov gets off a short knee in the inside, and he eats a right hand on the ear when breaking. Jacoby chips at the lead calf, and he flicks out a pair of jabs to mark up the Russian’s nose slightly. Jacoby remains at kickboxing range, where he avoids the power shots that come less often than before. Jacoby fakes for a takedown, and he still eats an overhand left when pulling it back. Murzakanov lets go with two punches up top, and Jacoby sees them coming but does not recognize the booming left hand soaring at his dome. Murzakanov knocks Jacoby down to the mat with a thud thanks to a left hook, and he continues to batter Jacoby as the American stands back up and leans against the cage. The round ends, and Jacoby survives to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Murzakanov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Murzakanov

Round 3

Gloves are touched to start off the final frame, with Jacoby likely needing to come out for blood if he hopes to get his hand raised. Jacoby pecks and prods with low kicks and jabs, and Murzakanov explodes in with a knee and a left hand. Jacoby catches his man unaware with a knee and a right, and he shakes Murzakanov up momentarily. The Russian gets his bearings and trades leg kicks, and he gets reached with two straight lefts. Jacoby legs to with a head kick that bounces off the guard, and he targets another to the same spot as Murzakanov might be flagging. Jacoby ignores a left hand over the top, where he surges forward with a right hook that makes Murzakanov blink repeatedly. Jacoby lashes out with a vengeance, with several sharp and accurate jabs. Murzakanov takes a deep breath and backs away, with the crowd firmly and loudly on the side of “The Hanyak.” Murzakanov charges like a bull for a takedown, and Jacoby tosses him aside but is pushed to the wire to slow his offense. Jacoby turns him around in the clinch as his foe hangs on tight. Jacoby backs out of the clinch so that he can line up strikes, but Murzakanov is on him going for another takedown. Jacoby turns the tables on him and dumps “The Professional” to the floor, where he begins to drop down left hands. Murzakanov works his way to a knee, fading fast, and Jacoby beats on him with short yet effective left hands. Jacoby looks for a single to deposit Murzakanov on his back again, but Murzakanov stays tall and even threatens a trip on his own side. Jacoby sells out for a double as precious seconds tick off the clock, and they let go with a few to spare. The light heavyweights throw hands right to the final horn, and the match ends before either man can catch the other with a conclusive salvo.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28 Murzakanov)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-27 Murzakanov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-27 Murzakanov)

The Official Result

Azamat Murzakanov def. Dustin Jacoby via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Edson Barboza (146) vs. Billy Quarantillo (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Quarantillo (-175), Barboza (+150)

Round 1

A striker’s delight will treat fans for as long as these two can survive in the cage. Venerable veteran Barboza (22-11, 16-11 UFC), still with plenty of pop in his shots, locks horns with the hard-charging Quarantillo (17-4, 5-2 UFC). This potential all-action, no-nonsense affair will be overseen by referee Keith Peterson, and the featherweights do not bump fists before bringing the pain. Quarantillo shoots in for an immediate takedown in the first couple seconds, going after a single and lifting the Brazilian’s left leg in the air. Barboza sets it down and pushes off, where he returns to the center of the cage and lands a fast leg kick. Quarantillo walks forward into a few punches, and Barboza hurts him with a low kick. Quarantillo stumbles forward throwing hands, and Barboza backs off to threaten with another calf kick. Quarantillo doubles his jab to make Barboza retreat, and he strides forward fearlessly and even lands his own chopping kick. Barboza strings a leg kick into a right to the body, and Barboza rolls with a right hand and blocks another to stop a diving single. Barboza nearly pulls off the fence to stop it, and he lets it go to stand up with his back to the cage. Barboza once more pushes away and digs a mean kick to the liver, forcing Quarantillo to switch stances. Barboza nails his foe with a right, and Quarantillo throws back with bad intentions. As “Billy Q” swarms him with a front kick and an overhand right, Barboza turns back the clock and blows him out of the water with a gorgeous right knee that Quarantillo ducks into. Quarantillo shot at the time the knee met him, flush as can be, and the Floridian by way of Buffalo crumples to the floor. It is purely academic, but Barboza jackhammers the lifeless Quarantillo with one more right hand, and that is merely because Peterson has to rush in and reach the fighters to wave off the fight. Barboza reminds people he is still a serious threat at the featherweight division, crushing an ultra-durable adversary that had only once been knocked out before that. Quarantillo gets up and pleads that the fight was stopped early, but he might not know what happened or where he is right now. What a knockout!

The Official Result

Edson Barboza def. Billy Quarantillo R1 2:37 via KO (Knee)

Max Holloway (146) vs. Arnold Allen (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holloway (-175), Allen (+150)

Round 1

The featherweight championship trilogy for Holloway (23-7, 19-7 UFC) did not go his way, dropping three matches to king Alexander Volkanovski, and now “Blessed” will try to earn an unprecedented fourth crack at him. On the other hand, like excellent fighters at lightweight (Beneil Dariush) and welterweight (Belal Muhammad), Allen (19-1, 10-0 UFC) cannot seem to buy a title shot despite an outstanding win streak of 10 straight. Should “Almighty” get past the Hawaiian – Holloway has not lost a non-championship outing in nearly a decade – it should be more than enough to earn him the coveted opportunity to vie for a belt. One thing is certain: This fight should be electric. Referee Jason Herzog is on the call for the last fight of the night, and the two combatants are amped up but glad to touch gloves before the face punching begins. Allen is the aggressor to lead off, with a few leg kicks and jabs. Holloway hops around on the outside, dodging kicks and staying loose. Allen lets go with a body kick, but it is low and bounces off the cup. Herzog pauses the fight to let the Hawaiian get his wind back, but Holloway only needs 15 seconds before he is good to go. Holloway scores a chipping leg kick and two one-twos, and he blocks a head kick and gives one right back. Holloway digs a right to the head and left to the body, and he slides back out of harm’s way in time to avoid a counter. Allen connects cleanly with a left hand, and Holloway absorbs it without batting an eye. Holloway jabs to the body and eats a low kick, and he keeps his guard up from one up high. Holloway slips a jab to sneak one in, and he plants two fists on the Brit’s mug. When Allen misses on another high kick, Holloway tunes him up with three fast punches. They both land strikes on the outside, and Allen raises his arms up to reset. Holloway stomps at the knee with a kick, and he keeps scooting around the outer edge and away from the high kick. Holloway blocks a body kick, throws one back and ends the combination with a few punches. Holloway sneaks a left over the guard, and he leans back as a head kick whizzes past him. The two men clash leg kicks together, and Allen gives chase with a left hook that misses the mark. Holloway backs Allen up with a short combination, and Allen gathers his thoughts and flicks out a jab. Allen reaches his foe with a left over the top, and Holloway spins all the way through with a kick that glances off Allen’s midsection. Holloway times a body kick and a left hand, surprising Allen but not stunning him. Holloway slips a punch, moves, and reaches up with a head kick right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway

Round 2

The fighters half-heartedly touch ‘em up to start off the second stanza, and he shifts to the side when Allen advances with a left hook. Allen aims a pair of kicks to the side, and he gets tripped up and a front kick clicks off the cup. Holloway shakes it off and they do not break, and Allen walks him down and slugs him in the face with a monster left hand. The Hawaiian tanks it and tries to trade back, and he gets clubbed again with a powerful left. Allen slows his barrage when Holloway sticks out a right hand, but he times a left over the jab to tag Holloway again. “Blessed” smacks the lead calf a few times, and it is turning red as Allen surges forward. Allen chambers and fires another left, but Holloway rolls with this one and is not overly concerned. Holloway splits the guard with a jab and marks up Allen’s nose, and he blocks head kick to return one. Holloway jabs the body as he reaches out, and he dodges a heavy strike and avoids a high kick that soars after it. Holloway strings three punches together while Allen is resetting, and he jabs to break up Allen’s looping punches. Holloway wings a right hand, and he follows it with three punches to the head and body. Holloway switches stances repeatedly to give Allen pause, and he hops in with a piercing jab. Allen whiffs on a left hand and connects with a front kick, and he takes a flush body kick that lands with an audible thud. Holloway gets caught with a left hook, and he flings a kick up high and throws one from the other leg that slips under the armpit. Holloway spins with a hook kick, and the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 3

Allen starts off Round 3 pushing the pace, and he walks into a quick right hand from “Blessed.” Allen returns fire, and his nose is showing some wear. Holloway lines up three punches on the jaw, and Allen has to take a second to gather his thoughts. Allen loads up on a right hook and a big left, and Holloway sees them and defends from the brunt of the damage. Allen gives chase with power punches, and Holloway jabs at him to the head and midsection. Holloway takes a strike to cut the inside of his eyebrow on his left eye, and he dodges the vicious swings to stay safe. Allen blocks a head kick and tags Holloway with two long left hands, and Holloway reaches him with a straight right to the body before leaping back. Holloway slides a kick up high and is backed off with a check right hook, and he slips several punches and sinks in another body kick. Holloway sends Allen backing away with a short combo of punches to bloody the nose, and the Brit waves Herzog off from a possible uncalled foul. Holloway slams his shin on the calf to make Allen’s knee turn in, and he stands right in the pocket to trade. Allen throws a high kick, and Holloway guards it and secures an unblocked kick to the midsection. Allen takes one more heavy kick, and Holloway closes in and gets off a step-in elbow. Holloway flashes out a jab and two punches when Allen bears down on him. Holloway spins with a back fist, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway

Round 4

The fighters tap hands to start off the championship rounds, and he races forward to engage. Allen scores a few body shots before backing off, and Holloway lets him so that he can work on the welting calf of his opponent. Holloway jabs the nose, and he walks through a head kick to score a right hand down Broadway. Holloway slows Allen coming forward by pushing off Allen’s knee to potentially hyperextend it, and he darts back when Allen springs into attack mode. Holloway gets off one more kick to the body, and he spins with a kick that misses the mark. Holloway pops Allen with three punches in rapid succession, and he rips the body with a left. Allen gives him one back with a solid right hand, but it is one-and-done while Holloway keeps combinations flowing. Holloway keeps kicking at the knee, and he digs another straight hand to the breadbasket. Chants for “Holloway” rain down in the building as he delivers one more gutbusting kick, and Allen wears it well but is heavily marked up all over. Holloway jumps in, jabs the body, and jumps away. Allen catches a kick and tries to throw Holloway down, and when the Hawaiian will not go down, he tosses a head kick at him. Holloway blocks and circles away, and he guards a second head kick that soon follows. Holloway strides in with an elbow, and Allen catches him with a right. As soon as he does, Holloway is amped up and gives him one right back. Holloway slams a kick to the ribs, and he is answered with a powerful left hook. The former champ does not flinch, and he spins with a wheel kick and drops to a knee. Holloway climbs back up and works the body with a few punches, and he pecks at the knee a few times with his shin or the ball of his foot. Holloway goes up high with a kick, and Allen lunges with a left and gets drilled upside the head with a kick. Allen rushes out with a spin kick, and Holloway concludes the round with a high kick that wraps around the guard.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway

Round 5

The fighters clap hands to begin the final round, and Allen is ready to throw hammers. He chases Holloway around, knocking him around with big hooks. Allen stings the former champ with a left hand, and Holloway wears it well and escapes. Holloway steps back from an elbow to reach him with a knee, and he spins with an elbow that smashes Allen right on the jaw. Allen takes his foot off the gas when absorbing this heavy blow, and Holloway kicks his side. Allen swings for the fences but cannot reach Holloway with this exchange, and Holloway stands in front of him and puts several punches on the chin. Holloway does work on the lead knee and calf, and he digs a kick to the body that makes Allen rush in and clinch up with him. Holloway pushes him off and gains space, and he kicks the body again and knees it for good measure. Allen lashes out with a right hand, and Holloway dips away from the subsequent blows. Allen kicks Holloway in the head twice, and “Blessed” absorbs them and takes a few more heavy punches as he escapes. Allen lumbers into a winging left hook, and he tosses forth a head kick that slides off the guard. Allen is met with a one-two when trying to go forward again, and Holloway intercepts him with a knee to the ribs. Holloway kicks the side once more, and he ducks a kick that skims his hair. Holloway rolls with looping, dangerous shots, and Allen is emptying the gas tank and takes a spinning back kick to the body. When Holloway lands another kick to the body, he falls over, and Allen lets him up to throw hands. Allen gets too close and ties up, and his mouthpiece flies out. Herzog replaces it while the two are clinched, and Allen tries for a body lock takedown. “Blessed” remains upright and pushes away with seconds to spare. In typical Holloway fashion, he lets the final seconds turn into a mighty brawl. Allen hurts Holloway with an elbow, and Holloway blasts him with a stream of punches that hurt Allen and put him down to a knee. Allen pops back up, looking to trade leather, but time expires. This is a terrific fight in the books, and it was a close one that lived up to the expectations. Even in defeat, Allen’s stock should not fall far, as Holloway is one of a kind and still has not lost a non-title fight in almost 10 years. Next week, the UFC goes back to the Apex with a show featuring a potential heavyweight title eliminator, and we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen (48-47 Holloway)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen (48-47 Holloway)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen (48-47 Holloway)

The Official Result

Max Holloway def. Arnold Allen via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)