UFC on ESPN 51 ‘Luque vs. Dos Anjos’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Juliana Miller (126) vs. Luana Santos (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Santos (-155), Miller (+130)

Round 1

Fight fans have now passed the midpoint of what will be the longest stretch of consecutive UFC weekends, and there are only seven to go including UFC on ESPN 51. This will be the last event in the Apex until its streak-ending Sept. 23 show, and it is certainly a fight card. As mentioned in a previous article, 15 of the 26 fighters tonight are coming in having lost their last bouts, and eight of those have dropped two in a row or more. It all starts with grappler-on-grappler action in the women’s flyweight division, as “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 30 victor Miller (3-2, 1-1 UFC) looks to lift her promotional record above .500. She takes on promotional newcomer Santos (5-1, 0-0 UFC), who made her way to the UFC not through the Contender Series or any of the other feeder programs, but from the LFA. This opening bout draws the assignment of referee Jason Herzog, and it begins without a touch of gloves as Miller charges like a bull. The two ladies immediately start swinging, and Miller snaps the head back with a few heavy blows. Miller’s aggression leads her into a clinch, where she immediately presses onto her opponent while kneeing her in the gut. Santos turns the corner and splits apart, and she resets. Miller walks her down, stutter-stepping her way in and throwing hammers. Santos sits down on a right hand to catch her on the way in, but Miller completely ignores it and keeps on storming forward. Miller puts her hands on Santos’ face, not landing with any individually damaging blow, but getting Santos’ attention. The Brazilian woman steels herself and launches a bomb of a right hand that bangs right into Miller’s temple, rocking “Killer.” Santos does not let her foe off the hook, as she slugs away and even mixes in a head kick as Miller leans her back to the wall to stay upright. Miller leans forward to try to slow things down, and Santos snatches up a guillotine choke that ends up with the two ladies landing on the mat. Santos releases her grip to allow them back to their feet, and she stays right in Miller’s grill throwing hands. Santos belts her foe in the jaw a few times, and Miller wobbles back to the wall and tries to counter but is only flailing. Santos smashes Miller in the face, and Miller reels and is in big trouble. Santos pours it on with fists flying, and she connects repeatedly and does not care about anything Miller gives back to her. Herzog is taking a close eye on the action, and Santos tries to force a stoppage by laying into Miller with everything she has. The punches keep coming, and Miller drops to a knee and fights her way back up. Miller may be out on her feet, and Santos continues busting her in the chops until Herzog has seen enough. This is a statement performance for the debuting Santos, who earns her first career knockout in her biggest fight to date. Meanwhile, she also becomes the first fighter to finish the TUF victor as a professional.

The Official Result

Luana Santos def. Juliana Miller R1 3:41 via TKO (Punches)

Da'Mon Blackshear (136) vs. Jose Johnson (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blackshear (-280), Johnson (+220)

Round 1

The UFC moves right along to its next matchup at 135 pounds, between “Da Monster” Blackshear (13-5-1, 1-1-1 UFC) and Johnson (15-7, 0-0 UFC). The latter is a perfect example of why the adage “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” holds true for the organization these days, as he lost on the Contender Series, won but did not wow on “Lookin’ for a Fight” and then got back the following year to the Contender Series to earn a contract. Keeping things above board will be referee Mark Smith, who sits back to let the combatants tough gloves. They do not. Instead, the two immediately get down to business, as Johnson spams several kicks to all targets. Blackshear counters with a flurry of fists, and this results in them crashing together. Blackshear scoops up a leg and slings his foe to the mat, where he stacks Johnson up and starts working him over with punches. Johnson fights his way back to his feet, but he is pinned against the wall with Blackshear kneeing him in the same spot on the thigh again and again. Blackshear turns the corner to get hold of a single-leg takedown, and Johnson springs to the side to thwart it but ultimately falls into the second attempt and gets planted on his back. Blackshear leaps on top and starts pelting Johnson with elbows, doing so until Johnson spins around and gives up his back in hopes of standing up. Blackshear follows him along while holding him from behind, and he attempts to sneak a hook in. Johnson hand-fights and makes certain that he does not open himself up to submission danger, and he lands two thumping elbows on the forehead. In transition, Blackshear hooks Johnson’s legs with his own and cranks the torso and above to set up an unorthodox submission move, all while grabbing Johnson’s arm when the elbow lands on him. Blackshear snags hold of a rear-naked choke in the process, and he lets it go so that he can torque the neck and upper body in a painful way. Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, Toto! It’s a twister! It’s a twister! The sub is locked up, and Johnson is in the danger zone and trying to get out of this precarious position. Johnson taps out with nowhere else to go, and Blackshear has landed the third twister in UFC history in spectacular fashion.

The Official Result

Da’Mon Blackshear def. Jose Johnson R1 3:47 via Submission (Twister)

Montserrat Ruiz (113) vs. Jaqueline Amorim (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Amorim (-238), Ruiz (+195)

Round 1

In the lightest weight class in the company, two ladies will battle it out in hopes of righting the ship just a bit. With six first-round finishes on the regional scene, Amorim (6-1, 0-1 UFC) punched her ticket to the big leagues only to come up short in April. On the other hand, a large portion of Amorim’s career has taken place since Ruiz (10-2, 1-1 UFC) last fought, as she has been away from the cage for over two years. Two grapplers of different backgrounds will come together under the watchful eye of referee Chris Tognoni, with the 115ers bumping fists to engage. Amorim is the initial aggressor, reaching out with her superior range with a jab that leads to a takedown attempt. Ruiz bounces off the wall to stay upright, but Amorim tugs her away from it and hurls her down to the floor. Landing in half guard, Amorim is quick to try to pass to mount. Ruiz hangs on tight with a lock from her own legs, but she cannot hold Amorim there, as the Brazilian takes mount and then settles back to get a three-quarter mount position. Pressing her chest and shoulder forward, she flattens Ruiz to the canvas and moves into full mount, where she begins looking for an arm to take home with her. When there is not one to immediately snag, she sits up and belts Ruiz in the face with a series of punches. Amorim uses her full body weight to disallow Ruiz from any bucking or effective defense, and Ruiz even tries to turn to the side but realizes it will not be in her best interest to do so. Amorim continues pounding on Ruiz, as the Mexican fighter is shelled up and taking punches and elbows that get past her guard. Amorim postures up to drop down punches, and Ruiz frantically turns and ends up giving up her back. Amorim welcomes this so that she can lock up a body triangle in rapid succession, and Amorim elects to use the position she has to move right back to mount. Amorim beats on Ruiz until she rolls out of nowhere for an armbar. Ruiz turns all the way around, with her arm still in danger, and she manages to work her limb mostly out of danger. “Conejo” turns herself around, with her left arm caught between the legs in a possible omoplata. Amorim releases it so that she can snatch up a rear-naked choke, and she lets it go to land some ground-and-pound to punctuate the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

There is a bump of fists to open up the round, and Ruiz does not look discouraged and is ready to throw hands. Amorim is light on her feet, dodging anything of merit that comes at her. Ruiz wings a left hand that bounces off the guard, and she slings a low kick that Amorim ignores. Amorim times a perfect head kick that slams right into Ruiz’ dome, and Ruiz somehow tanks it and uses it to take Amorim down to the floor. Ruiz is in the guard for a few seconds, but the Brazilian sweeps her masterfully and ends up taking her back. Amorim smacks Ruiz on the sides of her head to soften her up in pursuit of a choke, and Ruiz fights smartly but is trapped in a body lock. Amorim goes palm-to-palm briefly to crank on Ruiz’ neck, only to abandon it when the leverage is not right and she does not want to burn her arms out. Ruiz tries to explode by turning towards her opponent, and Amorim recognizes this and jumps over into mount. Amorim gets back to her flattening ways, shutting down anything Ruiz can offer while threatening with a potential arm-triangle choke. Amorim presses her shoulder down with the submission while still mounted, and she considers moving to the side to complete it but Ruiz breaks the grip just enough to stop it. Amorim sits up and starts pummeling Ruiz with punches, and she switches to elbows when Ruiz turns to her side. Amorim holds one of Ruiz’ arms and busts her in the chops with her free hand, and she lets it go so that she can rain down elbows. Tognoni looks in on the fight, and instead of continuing to strike. Amorim rolls for an armbar. When the submission is not locked in, Amorim sits up and clobbers Ruiz with hammerfists until the bell sounds – one that might have saved Ruiz from a stoppage.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

After two extremely dominant rounds, Amorim is still fresh as a daisy, and Ruiz is not giving up just yet. They clap hands, and Amorim strides forward to land a few punches and parry others coming her way. Amorim fires off a head kick, and Ruiz pushes through it so that she can try to take the fight down. Amorim allows her to do this and closes her guard around Ruiz’ waist, and she starts fishing for a kimura in hopes of a sweep. Tognoni warns Ruiz that she needs to do more than just laying on her opponent, and Ruiz sits up and swings her fists but they hit nothing but air. Ruiz gets a few punches in while she is tightly pressed to her foe, and when she sits up to try to land something heavier, they are all shy of the mark because of her arm length. Amorim uses a butterfly guard and pushes off to attempt a sweep, and Ruiz barely manages to retain her composure to stay on top. Amorim again hunts for a kimura, and she calmly turns “Conejo” over and is right in full mount. The Brazilian unloads with a salvo of punches, elbows and hammerfists, and Tognoni is already there telling Ruiz to fight back. Ruiz does not fight back, and Amorim continues her final bombardment until Tognoni waves the fight off. Ruiz protests, but he might have saved her from another 90 seconds of unnecessary punishment with the stoppage. This was a serious beatdown for Amorim, who bounces back from her first career defeat and notches her first win inside the Octagon.

The Official Result

Jaqueline Amorim def. Montserrat Ruiz R3 3:41 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Josh Parisian (266) vs. Martin Buday (266)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Buday (-218), Parisian (+180)

Round 1

The structural integrity of the Octagon will be tested, as the maximum allowable weight of 532 pounds – not counting the poundage each man cut to get there, which is considerable – will be colliding next, and that does not even count what referee Herb Dean brings to the table as well. Having alternated wins and losses since his UFC debut, Parisian (15-6, 2-3 UFC) can keep the pattern going with a victory over the streaking Buday (12-1, 3-0 UFC). It could be over in seconds, or it could drag on to the bitter end, but it begins with a glove touch. Both men reach out with pawing jabs, and Parisian leaps in to kick and then retreats. Buday gives chase, and he gets countered and tagged with at three-punch combination. Buday bounces off the wall to power forward, and he hurts Parisian with a series of punches. Parisian swings back with everything he has, and Buday watches out for the slinging blows and smashes Parisian in the face with a knee and several more winging punches. Buday is right on top of Parisian, keeping Parisian stuck against the fence while beating on him like a rented mule. Parisian shoves off and spins with a back fist, but Buday holds his guard up high and backs Parisian up again. Buday unloads with knees to the body, and Parisian is cut up on the forehead and sucking wind two minutes in. The two are clinched up tight, and they trade sharp uppercuts. Parisian misses with an elbow and a big right hand, and Buday backs off and slowly lumbers forward. A check from Parisian is kicked, and he is flailing his fists and not landing with much. Buday sees the strikes coming and pushes out jabs and knees to the body before clinching him up. Parisian considers a spin, and he does not have the energy to throw a strike. Buday bears down on him and smothers him with punches. Parisian throws back with bad intentions, but they are not getting Buday’s attention. Buday shrugs off anything that does land on him and ties Parisian up again, and Parisian turns him around and changes levels in pursuit of a double-leg takedown. Buday perfectly turns him around to put Parisian on his back, and he immediately isolates Parisian’s right arm and snatches hold of a kimura. “Badys” wrenches it hard and torques it behind the back as he steps over Parisian’s head. Cranking the limb with his full power, Buday has him locked down and there is nowhere to go for the American. Dean asks for Parisian to talk to him since there might not be an available hand to tap out, and Parisian answers him by flicking his fingers on Buday’s thigh and yelling out. This verbal submission ends the fight, and Buday has registered his first stoppage in the Octagon while landing his second career kimura.

The Official Result

Martin Buday def. Josh Parisian R1 4:11 via Submission (Kimura)

Francis Marshall (145.5) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marshall (-166), Dulgarian (+140)

Round 1

Highly touted New Jersey native “Fire” Marshall (7-1, 1-1 UFC) takes to the cage next, where he will try to hold the line against an intriguing newcomer. His foe Dulgarian (5-0, 0-0 UFC), a former Glory MMA & Fitness fighter who also happens to have competed in coach James Krause’s Fighting Alliance Championship organization for his whole pro career, graces the Octagon with five first-round finishes to his credit. Referee Jason Herzog is ready for however this plays out, and it kicks off as the featherweights tap their hands together. Dulgarian follows that with a leg kick, and he gets backed off by a one-two. Marshall scores a calf kick, and Dulgarian gives him one back and a front kick to follow. Marshall pushes out several jabs, and they clash their shins together. Dulgarian charges forward, ultimately scooping up Marshall and setting him on his back. Dulgarian hits the mat on top in full guard, and he starts working with short body shots. Marshall holds onto his foe to shut down any further offense, and Dulgarian wriggles out of that enough to land a few elbows. Dulgarian slices down with an elbow, but it is one-and-done while Marshall clings to him. Dulgarian sneaks in another elbow while trying to advance his position, and Marshall keeps him tied up and defensively sound. Marshall closes his guard and grips Dulgarian tightly in hopes of a potential referee standup, and Dulgarian manages to get enough space to drop down two sharp elbows before popping over to half guard. As Dulgarian is in the driver’s seat, he passes his career-long of 2:49 in a cage. The short elbows keep getting in from “The Midwest Choppa,” and he fights off a scramble to keep Marshall flat on his back. Dulgarian jacks Marshall up with powerful elbows, shredding open a cut and breaking open his cauliflower ear. Dulgarian postures up and sits on top of his opponent, raining down heavy punches and elbows. While Dulgarian is battering his foe, he moves to full mount, and he hacks at Marshall with vicious, sharp elbows. Blood flows from several parts of Marshall’s face as the elbows rip him open, and his blood spreads all around the canvas as he twists and turn to no avail. Dulgarian hammers his foe with a long series of elbows and a few punches mixed in, and Herzog has no choice but to call off the fight with Marshall no longer intelligently defending himself. This may have been the longest fight in Dulgarian’s career, but it still goes down as a first-round finish victory on his ledger, as he introduces himself to the organization in a violent way.

The Official Result

Isaac Dulgarian def. Francis Marshall R1 4:48 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

Terrance McKinney (156) vs. Mike Breeden (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McKinney (-270), Breeden (+220)

Round 1

Referee Chris Tognoni is on the highest of alerts for this lightweight preliminary clash, one that could end in the blink of an eye. A 19-fight veteran, McKinney (13-6, 3-3 UFC) has still never gone the distance, and his foe Breeden (10-5, 0-2 UFC) is no stranger to the knockout himself. Little more needs to be said other than that these two fighters sportingly touch hands before getting after it. McKinney pressures forward immediately, landing a right hand and changing levels for a single. McKinney lets it go and slings a head kick, and it bounds off the guard as Breeden ricochets off the fencing. Breeden comes back at him, and McKinney aims another head kick his way. Breeden kicks the ribs, and McKinney catches it and thinks about taking the fight down, but he releases it so that he can sling a right hand. Breeden throws a right hand, and McKinney blasts him in the body and bends Breeden over. Breeden is in a bad way, and he gets pounded with strikes as McKinney pounces on him. Breeden tries to take him down, but McKinney shuts him down and knees him several times to the chest and midsection. Breeden is barely still with it, as he gets smashed with punches and knees. Breeden tries to escape, but McKinney is on him, unleashing a fury of fists until Tognoni leaps in between them to stop the fight. This was a much-needed victory for the promising “T. Wrecks,” who reminds the division that he is still very much here and a force to be reckoned with.

The Official Result

Terrance McKinney def. Mike Breeden R1 1:25 via TKO (Punches)

Marcus McGhee (136) vs. J.P. Buys (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-350), Buys (+280)

Round 1

In the combined 16 victories for South African wrestler Buys (9-5, 0-3 UFC) and power-punching MMA Lab export McGhee (7-1, 1-0 UFC), neither man has ever heard the final bell. In fact, of the two men, Buys is the only one to ever go the distance, when he lost by decision to Montel Jackson nearly two years ago. Referee Jason Herzog will need to hold onto his proverbial hard hat as these bantamweights get after it. There is a calm glove touch before the potential madness ensues. McGhee tosses out a range-finding low kick and blocks a head kick that comes back at him. McGhee spins with a wheel kick that misses the mark, and he keeps moving to not let Buys land on him with sporadic strikes. McGhee sits down on a thudding leg kick and swats away a high kick, and he throws a right hand with the forward pressure that makes Buys bounce off of him. Buys catches his man with a right hand, and the two trade strikes until a Buys kick splits the uprights. McGhee shakes it off and does not let them pause, as he walks “Young Savage” down and plows into him with a fierce one-two. Buys reels and gathers his thoughts, and he tries to swing kicks but is not able to land anything. “The Maniac” unleashes a ferocious right hand on the chin that sends Buys crashing down on his face, and Herzog immediately jumps between them as McGhee specifically holds back on any additional strikes. Buys snaps back into focus, and he thinks the fight is still going. Buys chases after McGhee, who has walked off to celebrate, and he half-heartedly tries to take McGhee down. As Buys crashes into the wall, still not entirely with it, Herzog officially waves the fight off, and Buys has to take a moment to process things after getting short-circuited. The triumphant McGhee is now 2-0 in the UFC with two stoppages, and his finish rate remains sterling at 100%.

The Official Result

Marcus McGhee def. J.P. Buys R1 2:19 via KO (Punch)

Josh Fremd (189: Missed Weight) vs. Jamie Pickett (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fremd (-345), Pickett (+275)

Round 1

Opening up the main card, towering middleweight Fremd (10-4, 1-2 UFC) was unable to reach the 186-pound limit, and he gave up a good chunk of his purse for the three-pound miss to Pickett (13-9, 2-5 UFC). Neither competitor prefers to leave things in the hands of the judges, so referee Mark Smith might be needed before it’s all said and done. Possibly because of the weight violation, the two decide not to touch gloves. Fremd pushes out a front kick and tries to keep his safe distance several times with the strike. Pickett largely keeps on the outer edge, and he dodges a huge kick that buzzes his hair and makes him shake his head. Fremd pushes forward into a clinch, and he leans on his opponent without landing much on the inside. Pickett spins his man around and lands a knee on the inside, but Fremd turns him around and grinds his forehead on his foe. Fremd lifts up a knee that bumps into the cup, and Smith calls time but Pickett waves him off. Fremd jams a knee up the middle before considering a level change, and he otherwise leans on Pickett. They remain stalled out in this position, and Smith asks for them to work with a minute to go. Pickett explodes out but does not break away, and instead squeezes on Fremd. With seconds left in the round, Pickett does get free, and he misses with a few punches and dodges a flying knee by a matter of inches. Pickett tries to do the same and misses, and Fremd puts two punches on him along with a knee to conclude the tepid round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round opens up, and Pickett lashes out with kicks that just miss. Fremd chops at the lead leg, and Pickett returns the favor. Fremd lands with a body shot, and he recklessly charges forward in and manages to grip hold of a body lock to elevate Pickett in the air. Pickett recovers his balance and leans his back against the wall, and he tries a counter trip that forces a separation. Pickett paws out with a jab, and Fremd walks him down with a one-two. Fremd jumps forward with a kick to the knee, and he trips himself up and stumbles backwards. Pickett does not go after him, and instead the tit-for-tat exchanges continue. Fremd puts out three jabs and a body kick that slaps under the armpit, and he doubles up jabs before tying “The Nightwolf” up again. Fremd gets in a single knee to the midsection, and Pickett wrangles himself out briefly only to get shoved back again. Fremd rips an elbow up close, and Pickett grimaces and ducks a spinning back fist. Pickett uses the movement to shoot in for a takedown, and Fremd jumps guard with a guillotine choke that is tight. Pickett does not seem overly concerned, as he slowly wrests his neck out of danger, and he lowers himself down to attack. Fremd uses his legs to push Pickett off of him, and he turns to his knees. Pickett hangs on across Fremd’s back and clings to Fremd’s ankle to keep him grounded. Fremd pulls himself out of this position and wall-walks, and Pickett attempts a double as Fremd locks up another guillotine choke from standing. Pickett’s arms drape by his side and he might have gone out from the power guillotine, and Fremd bowls him over to the mat as Pickett’s eyes open and he looks surprised. Fremd lords over his man and rains down punches, and Pickett wraps him up to hang on to end the second frame.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round kicks off as the two kick at one another. Pickett is amped up, and as he charges forward, he rushes right into a jump knee that slams into his chin. “The Nightwolf” wears it well and comes back swinging, and as he throws caution to the wind, he suddenly changes gears and shoots for a takedown. Sucking Fremd’s legs out beneath him, he manages to throw Fremd to the ground while Fremd holds his neck in a reverse can opener position. Pickett shakes his head out of the posture and looks to take Fremd’s back when Fremd moves to his knees. Fremd ignores a submission setup to take top position, and he wrests Pickett to his back while sitting on him in half guard. Fremd drops down a short elbow, and Pickett grabs two-on-one wrist control to stop them. Fremd exerts heavy shoulder pressure, and Pickett scoots his way to the fence. Fremd sits up with Pickett seated against the fencing, and he cannot keep Pickett down. Pickett shakes his head in frustration as Fremd leans on him in the clinch, and Fremd looks for a body lock to drag him down. Pickett keeps his balance and takes a look at the clock to see that he has 90 seconds to turn things around in a big way. Fremd keeps tightly glommed onto his foe, and they trade light knees on the inside until Smith forces a break at the 45-second mark. Pickett taps the guard of his opponent with the top of his foot, and Fremd pushes forward to jams Pickett up against the fence. Fremd knees his man in the chops, and he backs off Pickett with a jump knee. Pickett tries to punch back, and the disappointing matchup goes the distance for the first decision of the night.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Josh Fremd def. Jamie Pickett via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tafon Nchukwi (189.5: Missed Weight) vs. A.J. Dobson (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nchukwi (-142), Dobson (+120)

Round 1

Like the previous matchup, one of the two middleweights blew weight by a wide margin. While Dobson (6-2, 1 NC; 0-2 UFC) is the professional one of the two, Nchukwi (6-3, 2-3 UFC) failed to properly drop back down from light heavyweight and eclipsed the 186-pound cap by a hefty 3.5 pounds. Whether that extra weight will help or hinder him, referee Herb Dean will be the first to know. Nchukwi offers an apologetic glove touch that is accepted by his opponent, and Dobson measures his way forward. Swinging for the bleachers, Dobson throws so hard he bangs his forehead off the fencing. Bouncing off, he narrowly avoids a looping shot from Nchukwi that would have knocked down a bullmoose. The two start trading single shots one after the other, as if to test how hard they can hit. Both largely commit to single strikes, and neither lands effectively. Jabs are traded, and Nchukwi doubles up jabs to the body and kicks the side. Nchukwi thumps the calf with a kick, spurring Dobson into action with a leaping right hook that is blocked. Nchukwi uses a power jab and slams another leg kick home, and Dobson slips and counters. Nchukwi gets off one more calf kick, and Dobson tries to respond with his own but they have a bit less impact. Dobson throws a kick up high, and Nchukwi catches it and lets it go to hammer the leg again. Dobson surges ahead with a pair of punches, and Nchukwi kicks at him with both legs. Nchukwi chambers and fires a nasty leg kick, and Dobson takes it and retaliates. They clash legs together when kicking at the same time, and Nchukwi gathers himself and kicks off the raised guard. Dobson surprises him with a high kick, and Nchukwi tries to trip him out and throw him down but Dobson gets his balance. Nchukwi is not slowing with his methodical assault of Dobson’s lead wheel, and each one seems individually damaging. Jabs are exchanged, and Nchukwi kicks hard and punches almost as hard. Dobson splits the guard with three punches, and Nchukwi is right in front of him ready to respond with a few punches and a kick. Nchukwi slams his shin into the raised guard of his opponent, and Dobson slaps his foe’s lead calf. Nchukwi kicks the side and has his leg caught, and he recoils it quickly. When he kicks the same spot, Dobson again snatches up his leg, and he hurls Nchukwi to the mat. Before he can do anything on top, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

There is a clap of hands to initiate the combat, and Dobson gets right up close to Nchukwi and pulls back to whip a pair of kicks at his opponent’s leg. Dobson parries punches and comes back swinging, and he eats a body kick and backs off. Both fighters pop kicks off the lead leg of their opponent, and Dobson partially checks one and walks Nchukwi down. Nchukwi swings back and lands a leg kick, and he eats a head kick and looks for a home run shot. Dobson rolls with the overhand right and takes a quick count of his teeth. Dobson checks a kick that comes at him, and he absorbs a second. Dobson pushes out two punches, and he sneaks up an uppercut that skims off the forehead. Dobson catches a body kick and pressures his man against the cage wall, but Nchukwi is quick to pummel and spin him around. Dobson gets off an elbow on their break, and the two measure one another with single shots. Most of Nchukwi’s offense is coming from his leg kicks, and Dobson is getting wise to them and countering over the top or checking. Nchukwi kicks the calf, and Dobson lifts his air up preemptively as he advances. Nchukwi rips another low kick, and he ducks back from a big right hand. Nchukwi tries to swing for the fences, and Dobson leans back to avoid the worst of it. Dobson checks a leg kick, catches a body kick, and pushes Nchukwi to the wall. The two share a laugh as Dobson recognizes the heft of his heavy opponent, and the slow round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

They high-five to start off the final frame, and the pace does not improve or change from their immediate strategy. They chop at one another with kicks, and the punches largely miss their marks. As Nchukwi unloads with a strong body kick, Dobson snatches it up and trips Nchukwi up to throw him down to the ground. Dobson climbs on top in half guard, and he prefers to maintain position over submission or any offense to speak of. Nchukwi tries to scoot his way to the wall, and Dobson pulls his right arm to drag him back down. Dobson fights off an explosion and maintains control, and he occasionally lands a body shot or two just to make it seem like he is busy. Nchukwi manages to kick Nchukwi off of him with a minute to spare, as the time is positively peeling off the clock with nothing to show for it. Dobson leaps back on top of his grounded opponent and settles for the closed guard around his waist. Nchukwi scrambles and boots Dobson off of him with a well-placed push off the chest from his heel, and Nchukwi stands up and is immediately gripped from behind by the Strong Style Fight Team product. The slog of a 189.5-pound catchweight affair ends in this position.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

A.J. Dobson def. Tafon Nchukwi via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Polyana Viana (116) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lucindo (-198), Viana (+164)

Round 1

Multiple fighters on this billing celebrate 100% finish rates, and Brazilian Viana (13-5, 4-4 UFC) is one of them. In fact, she has landed 12 of her 13 victories in the first round, with her latest a minute and change into Round 2. This likely means that youthful countrywoman Lucindo (14-5, 1-1 UFC) will need to be on her guard and not fall into any early traps if she hopes to put herself on a win streak. Standing by will be referee Chris Tognoni, and the bout opens up as the strawweight clap hands. Viana leads off with a kick that whizzes past the target, and Lucindo counters with a clubbing left hand that staggers Viana briefly. Viana gathers her thoughts and whips down a leg kick, and she partially checks one that eventually comes back her way. Viana scores a low kick and a punch, and she decks Lucindo in the face with her shin. Lucindo tries to punch back, and Viana closes in and grabs hold of her. Viana looks for a takedown, and she slugs Lucindo in the face a few times before dragging her down to the mat violently. Lucindo closes up her guard to try to stall things out, and Viana stays heavily pressed to her to keep her otherwise grounded. Tognoni asks for Viana to do more than sit there, and Viana does not improve her position or attack with anything else. Tognoni once again tells Viana to do something, and Lucindo is clinging tightly to shut down anything. Tognoni stands them up, and Viana helps her opponent to her feet and then offers a glove touch. Lucindo spins with a back kick that grazes off the side, and she misses with a back fist and ends up getting her leg grabbed in the air. Viana looks for a level change, but it is Lucindo who ends up tripping her up and throwing “Dama de Ferro” down to the mat. Viana hits her back and ignores light, frustrating punches bopping her on the side of the head. Viana turns to her side to potentially escape, and Tognoni now asks Lucindo to work. Lucindo postures up with a few hammerfists, and Viana kicks her off right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The strawweight bump fists together to start off the second stanza, and after a lull, Lucindo springs into action with a head kick and spinning back kick. Lucindo strings together a right and a left, and she hurts Viana. “Dama de Ferro” bounces off the cage wall and shakes out any cobwebs, and Lucindo does not give her chase or pressure her one iota. Instead, Lucindo lets Viana back in the fight, as she slowly works her way forward and tosses out a blocked overhand right. Lucindo spins with a kick that ricochets off the guard, and she tries to boot the ribs only to have that blocked as well. Lucindo drills Viana with a fierce overhand right, and Viana wobbles but does not fall down. Lucindo does not follow it with anything, allowing Viana to shake it off and spin at her with a back fist and keep turning into a body kick. Lucindo meets her in the middle and tackles her to the ground, where she plops on top in half guard. Lucindo smothers and grinds without the occasional short punch. Viana has no offense of her own, prompting Tognoni to tell Lucindo to do something. Lucindo looks to pass over to three-quarter mount, and she suddenly attacks with an arm-triangle choke. Jumping straight over to the side, the submission is complete and Viana has nothing left to offer. One single tap comes from Viana, and Tognoni recognizes it and pulls the two apart. For the first time since 2019, Lucindo forced an opponent to tap out, doing so over a woman in Viana that typically is the one submitting others.

The Official Result

Iasmin Lucindo def. Polyana Viana R2 3:42 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Khalil Rountree (203.5) vs. Chris Daukaus (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rountree (-180), Daukaus (+150)

Round 1

It’s a striker’s delight at the light heavyweight division, and it is one that might need to involve referee Herb Dean before it is said and done. The surging muay thai aficionado Rountree (11-5, 1 NC; 7-5, 1 NC UFC) will welcome ex-heavyweight Daukaus (12-6, 4-3 UFC) down to 205 pounds, and he will try to make tonight a very unwelcoming experience. Fists and feet are sure to fly, but before that, there is ample respect shown in the form of a fist bump. The two are very jittery immediately when standing in front of one another, and they hand-fight with Rountree punching Daukaus’ wrist a few times. Daukaus walks forward to throw a few punches, and he gets Rountree’s attention with a right hand. Rountree stands firm and cracks his man with a solid left hook, and as Daukaus rushes at him, he nails Daukaus with a speedy counter right. Daukaus crashes the pocket in search of a single, and he closes the distance as the two men start spamming knees in a hurry. Rountree turns him around and grinds his forehead into Daukaus’ jaw, and the former heavyweight gets muscled around in this position. Rountree breaks off and plants a knee on the raised guard, and he backpedals before Daukaus can reach him with strikes. Rountree lands another hammerfist parry, and he spurs Daukaus into action. Daukaus rushes forward, and Rountree counters him with two short right hands. Chambering and releasing a ferocious straight left hand that splits the guard, Rountree sends Daukaus flying with one strike. Daukaus tumbles to the mat, and Rountree considers celebrating but Dean has not waved the fight off yet. Rountree chases after the downed fighter, laying into him with two additional swarming blows before Dean calls it. The victorious Rountree ties his career-long win streak, having prevailed four times in a row over tough opposition.

The Official Result

Khalil Rountree def. Chris Daukaus R1 2:40 via TKO (Punches)

Cub Swanson (146) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dawodu (-230), Swanson (+190)

Round 1

A fun featherweight contest will take up the co-main event slot, as longtime veteran and fan-favorite Swanson (28-13, 13-9 UFC) looks to show there is more left in the tank at 39. Seven years his junior, Canadian striker Dawodu (13-3-1, 6-3 UFC) stands in his way, and only one of these two men will get back to the win column in the next 15 minutes or less. When the action begins, in charge will be referee Jason Herzog. There is no touch of gloves, as they both meander out of their corners until Dawodu springs into action with a front kick. Swanson deftly avoids it as he approaches his target with low hands, and he whips a low kick on the knee of his foe. Feints and fakes come from Swanson, who ends up eating a leg kick when missing one of his own. Swanson triples up on a jab, and his right hand that follows staggers Dawodu for a moment. Dawodu gets his bearings and lets Swanson miss him with a kick so he can chop down low. Swanson lands on the button with a big right hand, and the Canadian takes it on the chin and does not budge. Dawodu strings together multiple punches into a calf kick, and he has opened up a cut on the corner of Swanson’s right eye. Swanson comes out swinging, but Dawodu catches him on the way in. Swanson laughs and acknowledges that he got tagged, and he tries to work his way in only to get his lead leg kicked hard. Dawodu eats a right hand, and he plants his shin on Swanson’s lead wheel in a hurry. Every time Swanson throws a kick, Dawodu lashes out with one that seems to be a big heavier. Swanson looks to check one, knowing Dawodu’s strategy, and he leans back to let Dawodu’s fists fly past him. Swanson connects with a few jabs, and they begin to start brawling. Dawodu lands at the end of it to drive Swanson back with a long punch, and Swanson is not remotely concerned. Dawodu wings a right hand, and Swanson leans away and avoids the worst of the damage. Swanson jabs his way in, and he keeps his leg up to try to check a kick. Dawodu still manages to land one, only to get booted upside the head by the UFC Hall of Famer. A short combination from Dawodu cuts Swanson’s lip, and Swanson smiles as the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Swanson is the immediate aggressor to start off the round, and Dawodu is quick to counter him without flinching. The blows open up what turns to be a bloodied nose and not lip for Swanson, and he grins as he takes shots. Dawodu pressures his foe into the wall, where the two trade knees from up close. Swanson sneaks up two to the head from close proximity, and Dawodu gives him back two rib-roasters. Dawodu knees any target he can find, until Swanson pushes him off. Swanson checks a kick to punch his way in, and he surprises Dawodu but gets popped on the way out. Swanson walks face-first into a straight jab, and he swings back with an arc that Dawodu sees coming and dodges. Dawodu jumps forward with a front kick, and Swanson parries it out of the way and takes a jab on the eye socket. Dawodu strings two punches into a head kick that buzzes past Swanson’s mohawk, and Swanson takes a sigh of relief. Dawodu chains a low kick into a few punches, and he punctuates the series of strikes with a low kick. Dawodu moves his way into a clinch, where he starts right back up with a number of short but irritating knees. Herzog tells the fighters to keep working, and Swanson starts swinging heel kicks to the lower calf. Dawodu drills his man in the gut with a knee, and Swanson turns to his side in hopes of escaping. The Canadian gets off an elbow on the break, and Swanson walks right after him and throws caution to the wind. A furious slugfest leads to Swanson getting the upper hand, and he rocks Dawodu in a ferocious exchange. Dawodu tries to swing back, and he lands a shot after the bell, but Swanson does not take it personal.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Swanson opens up the last round picking up where he left off, swinging haymakers without fear of what comes back at him. Dawodu stays technical, getting off rangy shots and beating Swanson to the punch on a few exchanges. Dawodu dodges and weaves, and Swanson looks for an unorthodox trip that results in him tumbling to the mat. Swanson climbs back up and gets shoved towards the fence, and Herzog is quick to warn Dawodu from inaction. Dawodu brings up a knee that might have clacked into the cup, and Herzog takes the position away from then and restarts them. Dawodu is ready to tie up again, and as he spams knees, and one more slams into Swanson’s cup. Herzog pauses the fight and admonishes Dawodu, but he does not take a point, saying that there are no more warnings. Swanson recovers and blows a kiss to his family, and the two get back to it. When they do, it is Swanson who pushes the pace, throwing bombs and giving Dawodu everything he has. A left shovel uppercut stings Dawodu, but he shakes his head and sticks out several punches to keep Swanson honest. Swanson continues his forward momentum to throw looping strikes, and he suddenly changes levels in pursuit of a takedown and hits it with ease in the middle of the cage. Swanson opens up with some ground-and-pound, and he moves to half guard and pushes his shoulder down for a possible arm-triangle setup. Dawodu kicks him off, and Swanson chases after him and manages to take his back. Dragging “Mean Hakeem” to the floor, Swanson looks to wrangle his foe in the waning stretch of the fight with a choke. Dawodu toughs it out, and he flips Swanson around with one single second. The back-and-forth battle comes to a conclusion, largely delivering the action it promised from bell to bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Cub Swanson def. Hakeem Dawodu via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Vicente Luque (170.5) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: dos Anjos (-118), Luque (-102)

Round 1

At one time, these two headliners were expecting to face off in July. Pushed a month later to this main attraction, Luque (21-9-1, 14-5 UFC) and dos Anjos (32-14, 21-12 UFC) will throw down over a maximum of five rounds. The stakes are not the same for either man, and it will be a rare occasion of two athletes ranked in the top 10 of different divisions facing off – on the UFC’s rankings, Luque is the 10th ranked welterweight, and dos Anjos holds the no. 9 spot at 155 pounds. Taking charge of the cage for the final fight of the evening will be referee Mark Smith, who takes stock of his surroundings as the combatants cordially bump their fists together. Luque takes the center of the cage, but he gets backed off and fires off a body kick. Dos Anjos gives him one right back, and he keeps his guard up when Luque tries to boot him in the head. The former champ whiffs on three punches, and he dips back to avoid the counter. Dos Anjos catches his man with a right hand, and he stretches out with a left and shoots down low for a single-leg takedown. Luque turns himself around to put his chest on the fence, and dos Anjos looks to take him down with a body lock or a foot sweep from behind. Luque turns himself around, and the two jockey for position and get in the occasional knee. Dos Anjos nearly trips his man up, and Luque hops just at the right time to keep his footing. When Luque turns him around, he eats a knee to the breadbasket, and he presses his weight on the smaller man without looking for his own level change. Dos Anjos rips a right hand over the top and looks for an elbow, and Luque ducks away from the second to reset. Luque gets off a solid leg kick and has a head kick blocked, and he shells up when dos Anjos charges at him with a swarm of punches. Dos Anjos kicks the body, and he gets backed up from a few punches that make him rebound off the fence. Luque digs a left to the body, and the two take turns throwing hands. Luque mixes things up with a kick, and they clash together throwing hooks. Dos Anjos swings an elbow as he goes airborne, and he lands and looks for a takedown. Luque counters his foe with his own takedown effort, and he succeeds in taking the former champion off his feet. Dos Anjos jumps for a guillotine choke, and Luque manages to barely survive it by pulling the torque leg from dos Anjos off his back and roll over it. The two work their way up, and the round ends in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round opens with both fighters coming out tentatively, as neither commits to much more than a jab. Dos Anjos reaches his man with a body kick, and he catches one that comes right back at him but cannot take advantage of snatching it up. With his leg free, Luque recoils it and ships it down on dos Anjos’ calf. Dos Anjos powers forward, and he initiates a clinch and very nearly has a single. At the last second, Luque defends against it and spins dos Anjos around against the fencing. Dos Anjos keeps his leg elevated to stop from most knees getting through, and they both throw elbows and break apart. Dos Anjos sways back and forth to avoid a trio of jabs, and he protects himself against a head kick. The former champ jabs his way in, and he eats a solid right hand but does not take his foot off the gas. Dropping down to his knees, dos Anjos wrangles Luque down, but Luque is able to stand back up quickly. Dos Anjos cracks his foe with a short elbow, and Luque blinks it out and turns the tables to trip dos Anjos up and secure a brief takedown. Dos Anjos springs back up, and the two trade short strikes when tied up. Luque crouches down low and hunts for a takedown, and dos Anjos keeps a kimura grip to stop Luque from getting any deeper. Luque stands up, and he hunts for a standing arm-triangle choke. Dos Anjos is surprised for a moment, and he splits apart and eats a stern elbow. The takedown effort from dos Anjos ends the second frame.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two meet in the middle to start up again, and a few jabs from Luque further bust up the nose that was damaged from the final elbow in the last round. Luque gets into a rhythm of potshotting from a distance, and he absorbs a solid body kick and backs himself up to the wall. Dos Anjos dips for an uppercut, using it to close the distance and pursue a takedown. Luque sees it coming from a mile away and spins him about, and the two trade positions from up close. Luque grinds his elbow on the bloodied nose of his opponent until he lowers himself to secure a takedown. Grabbing dos Anjos’ back leg, he is able to trip him up and drop dos Anjos to his knee. Dos Anjos powers back up and presses on the back of Luque’s neck to thwart a single-leg try, and he pushes off enough to make Luque abandon his effort and get back to striking range. Dos Anjos strides forward confidently but with a face growingly bloodied with a big left hand, and he tags Luque with a right when Luque tries to give him the business. Dos Anjos lets go with a body kick, and Luque further marks the former champ’s face up with jabs. Dos Anjos looks for a left hand around the jab that comes at him, and he puts three punches on his adversary’s noggin before Luque is able to respond. Luque takes a few more on the chin, and he defends against a takedown entry by slapping on a brabo choke. Dos Anjos rolls all the way through it to get out of the submission danger, and he wrenches Luque’s arm down to put him out of position and get back up. Luque desperately seeks a single down by his knee, and he puts dos Anjos on his seat at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

Reaching the championship rounds, neither man appears overly fatigued after 15 minutes of grueling combat. Luque puts his foot on the gas, shutting down a potential takedown entry and popping the former champ with a few punches. Luque shifts his weight and attacks a single, but dos Anjos with his back against the wall bucks his hips and makes Luque abandon the effort. Luque elects to simply lean on dos Anjos for a stretch, until Smith tells him he needs to work. This prompts Luque into a successful trip, but only for a moment before dos Anjos climbs to a knee. Luque hangs on from an odd angle that is less of a submission and more one of chest pressure, until dos Anjos explodes up and ignores an elbow that bounces off his head. Dos Anjos rushes into action, and Luque snatches him up and clinches again. The two trade postures when up close, and dos Anjos gets in a thumping knee before Luque turns him back again. Luque pursues a single, and he gives up his neck as dos Anjos considers a potential guillotine choke. There is nothing to it, but it does make them both stand up straight. Luque embraces the grind, until dos Anjos pushes off and connects with a pair of punches. The former champion shoots down low, and Luque stifles him and picks him up to turn him around in the clinch. Dos Anjos tries to turn the corner, and Luque times the scramble to sneak around and take dos Anjos’ back. Slapping on a rear-naked choke, Luque hopes for an unexpected finish, but there is no tap in sight before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

After four rounds, scorecards could be all over the place and this match could be up for grabs in the final frame. Luque bounces back and forth, and he peppers the shorter fighter with jabs. Luque jumps forward with a knee, and dos Anjos jabs his way forward and has a takedown easily halted. Luque turns him around, further grinding him in the tie-up, and he considers a single that is not there. Luque is clinging to him and hanging on, with little offense other than a possible level change. One such change in levels comes from “The Silent Assassin,” who silently lands a partial takedown before dos Anjos pops back up. Dos Anjos frantically frees himself from the control, and he looks to swing for the fences. Luque blocks a head kick, and the momentum from dos Anjos leads him into a clinch that Luque relishes. Luque scoops dos Anjos up but does not set him down fully, and dos Anjos is able to wall-walk without concern. Luque trips dos Anjos up and drops him down to one knee, but he holds him there for one or two seconds before dos Anjos jumps to his feet. Luque tries to keep him tied up, and dos Anjos breaks away, only to power forward and lay into Luque with power punches. Dos Anjos connects with a pair of elbows, and he swings a head kick that skims his dome and may have shocked him. The punches from dos Anjos lead into a successful takedown, and with a handful of seconds in the fight, dos Anjos takes top position and starts dropping down ground-and-pound. Dos Anjos swings with all his might, but Luque is able to protect himself and ride out the fight. The final horn blares, and the two countrymen embrace after their 25-minute encounter. After he gets his hand raised, the triumphant Luque tells the audience to believe in miracles, because he is one, having survived brain hemorrhaging to come back and not only fight, but defeat a former champion. Next week, two champions will put their belts on the line in Boston for what should be a wild night. We will be there for it, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Luque (48-47 Luque)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Luque (48-47 Luque)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Luque (48-47 Luque)

The Official Result

Vicente Luque def. Rafael dos Anjos via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)