UFC on ESPN 53 ‘Ribas vs. Namajunas’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Michael Parkin (262.5) vs. Mohammed Usman (237)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Parkin (-142), Usman (+120)

Round 1

It’s time for another rousing spectacle of fights holed up in the UFC’s headquarters of the Apex. Within the confines of the few-hundred seat arena, 13 fights will play out on a lineup that features exactly one ranked competitor in the division in which she is competing. Plenty of wheat will be separated from chaff as pickups from Dana White’s Contender Series vie for justification of their signing. The matches begin in the heavyweight division, as “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 30 victor Usman (10-2, 3-0 UFC) battles unbeaten 2022 DWCS pickup Parkin (8-0, 2-0 UFC). The big men will collide under the oversight of referee Mark Smith, and they start things off by meeting in the middle without a touch of gloves. Knowing they both have plenty of power, especially early, the two start off very hesitant to engage. Usman jabs out at the 30-second mark, and Parkin zings him with a right hand over the top. Usman starts to work behind his jab, flicking it out there and following one with a solid right hand. Parkin splits the guard with a clean one-two, and when Usman reaches out in response, the Brit kicks him and makes him turn 90 degrees. Usman lunges forward with a leaping right hand, rocking Parkin, but not hurting him badly. Parkin retreats to put his back to the cage and starts slugging, and he eats several more shots but lands a right hand to back “The Motor” off of him. Parkin settles down, clears his head, and sinks two leg kicks home. Parkin goes after his own jab, and he beats on Usman’s lead leg with a kick. Usman aims a right to the body, and he springs away from a counter right over the top. Parkin continues to chip away at the lead wheel, and he kicks Usman coming in with a big overhand right. The Brit lands low kicks on either side of the leg, mixing it up with a jab as Usman is flustered and trying to reach him back. Usman whiffs on a right hand, and a second snaps the head back and cuts Parkin on the corner of his left eyebrow. Usman goes for a one-two, and he evades a leg kick response. Parkin sits down on a right hand, only for Usman to meet him in the middle and tag him with a right hook. Usman connects with a Superman punch, and Parkin takes it flush and dodges the second such strike. Parkin gets his own right hand off, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The round begins with Usman aiming a jab to the sealed up cut of his opponent. Parkin replies with a quick low kick, and he aims a right hand over the top in an effort to unsuccessfully catch Usman. Parkin gets off another leg kick, and Usman turns his hips into a low kick on the thigh. Usman jabs the chest and ducks down, only for Parkin to follow him with a right hand on the temple that disrupts his balance. Usman shakes it off and gets back to aiming punches to the sternum. Parkin throws a leg kick, and he dips down to avoid a big one-two that buzzes his hair. Usman comes up short with a pair of punches again, and he gets his lead leg kicked hard in an answer. Parkin prods him in the nose with a double jab, and Usman crashes the pocket and lands a right hand as Parkin hits him back at the same time. Usman jumps forward with a right hand, and Parkin sees it coming and lets him fly by so he can score a hearty leg kick that gives Usman pause. Usman doubles up on a right hand, and Parkin measures him with two hooks on the outside. Parkin drives another thudding calf kick home, and he pops his opponent with a big right hand. Usman throws back with bad intentions, only to get caught with another overhand right. Usman powers out a jab, and he causes the cut to bleed again. Parkin can land his low kick will without concern of being checked or receiving a counter, and he takes advantage of that. Usman tries to reach him with a left hook, and he jumps forward with the right that Parkin can now see coming. Parkin pounds the lead leg with another kick, and he leans back as Usman aims a right hand at him. Usman wings his right hand that ricochets off the guard, and Parkin keeps his defenses up to block a second before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The heavyweights begin the final round with fires lit, and they start trading. Usman lands, Parkin retaliates, Usman gives him something back, and so on. They take turns trading shots, with neither having a serious advantage a minute in. Usman connects with a clean right hand over the top, only for Parkin to reply in kind. Usman jabs the chest and has his leg kicked for it, and he tries and fails to leap forward. Parkin just misses with a right hand that skims the ear, and he sits back and tags Usman with a short left hook as Usman comes in on him. Parkin thumps the lead leg with yet another kick, and Usman hits nothing but air with a trio of leaping shots. Parkin rings his bell with a right hand on the ear, and Usman takes it well but absorbs a calf kick shortly thereafter. Usman lumbers in, only to eat two right hands from the Brit and a punctuating leg kick. Usman swings hard but is not able to reach Parkin time and time again, as Parkin dances out of the way and cruises with jabs and leg kicks. Usman sneaks in a right hand when he closes in, and he lands another as Parkin tries to counter. Usman goes to the chest while Parkin aims at his head, and a leg kick that follows makes Usman recoil it. Parkin lands at the end of a one-two, and Usman finally reaches him with a heavy right hand. Usman surges ahead throwing bombs, and Parkin takes one or two but slides by the rest. Parkin chips at the leg and disrupts Usman just enough to dodge a right hand, and he kicks it again. Parkin scores a right hand on the temple, and he scores a heavy leg kick that knocks Usman off-balance. Usman climbs back up and tries to throw with everything he has left, and Parkin is ready to trade with him. Usman walks straight into a stern knee as they throw leather until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Parkin (29-28 Parkin)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Parkin (29-28 Parkin)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Parkin (29-28 Parkin)

The Official Result

Michael Parkin def. Mohammed Usman via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Andre Lima (126) vs. Igor da Silva (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lima (-180), da Silva (+150)

Round 1

From the heaviest men’s division to the lightest we go, as a pair of undefeated Brazilian flyweights try to retain their 0 while impressing the bosses. Da Silva (8-0, 0-0 UFC) will rep an offshoot of Chute Boxe, while knockout artist Lima (7-0, 0-0 UFC) aims for another fist-flying effort. Keeping his head on a swivel will be referee Chris Tognoni, who checks them in as they tap gloves. Lima starts off with a low kick, and he dodges a jab that flies back at him. Da Silva aims his own leg kick and dodges a front kick, and Lima follows after him with leg kicks. Da Silva responds with two big right hands and a knee to the body, and he shoots in for a single and sets Lima down on his seat. Lima springs back up without issue, and da Silva clings to him from behind and wrangles him down to the mat. Da Silva wraps an arm around the head and threatens with a choke, until Lima turns to the right direction and works back to his feet. Lima presses da Silva against the cage wall and scores a knee, and Tognoni issues a loud warning for fence grabs. Lima sweeps the leg, and when da Silva pops up, he jumps guard for a guillotine choke that is tight early. Da Silva wriggles out of the submission, and Lima transitions with his legs to lock down an omoplata. Lima blatantly grabs the fence to reposition himself, and he is warned once more. He then draws an immediate other warning when he pounds da Silva in the back of the head. Da Silva muscles his way back to his feet, and the two separate. Da Silva decides to punch his way into a takedown attempt, where he succeeds in taking Lima off his feet and dumping him to the mat. Lima gets back up, and he blocks a jump knee from da Silva that makes da Silva fall over. The two start trading viciously, and da Silva blasts his man in the face with a vertical elbow. Lima hits him back with his own, but he is wobbled and takes a moment to recover. Da Silva gives chase around the cage, trying to cut him off as they throw hands and kicks and elbows with bad intentions. An elbow from Lima grows an immediate mouse on da Silva’s forehead, but he pays it no mind as he jumps for a kick and hits the floor. Lima lets him back up, throws a high kick and gets taken down for it. He climbs to his feet at the bell, ending a wild round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The flyweights start off the round throwing hands, with Lima landing first with a clean one-two. Da Silva crowds him and lands several punches, and Lima connects on the swollen lump with a heavy right hand. Da Silva pushes off with his fingers outstretched as they brawl, and Tognoni pauses the fight to warn him. Lima begins first with several jabs, and da Silva rips the body with a right hand. Lima throws his own body shot, and he takes a right hand over the top. Lima parries a left, and da Silva crashes in and lands a pair of punches and a knee that bangs into his forehead. Lima takes the loud knee without issue, and he checks two kicks and makes da Silva stumble. Da Silva runs forward, where he completes a double-leg takedown. The guard of Lima is active as he starts looking for a submission or strikes from off his back. Lima pulls on the fence again as Tognoni shouts at him to knock it off, and he turns over as da Silva knees him in the thigh. Lima complains that da Silva is grabbing his glove or something, and he gets away with a fence grab in the process. Tognoni calls time, and then has to call time again because they do not listen. Lima claims that da Silva bit him as he shows up bite marks on his elbow. Tognoni signals for the replay official to check it, and determines that it was a clear bite as he can see deep upper and lower marks that actually broke the skin. Da Silva said before the fight that he was hungry for his UFC debut, and apparently he meant that literally. Tognoni stops the fight, and he disqualifies the formerly unbeaten da Silva for the clear and obvious foul. This might be the last time Igor da Silva is seen in the Octagon, and what a way to lose your undefeated record.

The Official Result

Andre Lima def. Igor da Silva R2 2:52 via Disqualification (Biting)

Montserrat Rendon (135) vs. Dariya Zheleznyakova (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zheleznykova (-218), Rendon (+180)

Round 1

The largest betting favorite of the evening comes in this preliminary women’s bantamweight tilt. Heavy underdog Rendon (6-0, 1-0 UFC) will try to land an upset again powerful Russian Zheleznyakova (8-1, 0-0 UFC), with the latter coming in around -250 depending on the book. Whether the lines can be trusted or if all bets are off, they will have 15 minutes to figure it out. Joining them in the cage will be referee Jason Herzog, who sits back as Zheleznyakova cruises forward ready to throw down. The Russian tags her unbeaten opponent in the mouth with an overhand right, and she backs her off with a pair of punches to follow. Rendon throws back but is out of range, as Zheleznyakova zips in and out to find her own shots. Zheleznyakova connects with a powerful right hand, and Rendon counters inaccurately. Rendon sits down on a right hand after eating a one-two, and she presses forward and takes Zheleznyakova down to the mat with a body lock. Zheleznyakova scoots her way to put her back to the wall, and she wall-walks and grabs the fence to do so. Rendon presses hard on her and searches for a mat return with various trips, and she eats a knee right on the solar plexus that stands her up momentarily. Rendon tries with all her might to secure another body lock takedown, but Zheleznyakova breaks free and jabs her in the face. Zheleznyakova sticks and moves as Rendon comes up shy of the mark with an overhand right, and she is in and out to land another right. Rendon scores at the end of a right hand, and she races forward as Zheleznyakova circles away. Zheleznyakova aims a right to the ribs and meets a blitzing Rendon with a knee to the sternum, shutting down Rendon’s takedown effort. Zheleznyakova overswings on a right hand, leading Rendon to snag hold of her and push her to the fence. Rendon completes the outside trip with her body lock and places Zheleznyakova flat on her back. Rendon lands in half guard, and she hangs on until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Zheleznyakova starts off the second round aggressively, with several punches down the middle. Rendon lets fly her own strikes but is out of range again, as Zheleznyakova keeps her at the end of her punches and knocks her back with a long left hand and a body kick. Zheleznyakova lands a right hand and shuts down a takedown effort with a pair of punches. Rendon scores straight punches that bust open a cut on the Russian’s nose. Rendon pushes forward to pursue a takedown, and she fails to get it and eats a few punches on the nose. Zheleznyakova decides to start slugging it out, her nose leaking red down her face. Zheleznyakova surges forward to land a few, and Rendon has found her home with her power punches. Zheleznyakova spins with a strike and is stopped with a right hand, and Rendon clips her again as she tries to spin. Rendon crashes the pocket in pursuit of a takedown, and Zheleznyakova grabs the fence and has her hand slapped. The close round ends in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Zheleznyakova is cleared to compete in the last round, and they proceed to swing it out inaccurately. Zheleznyakova lobs a big left hand and brushes past the cheek, and she knocks Rendon back with a jab. Rendon crowds her but does not tie her up, instead backing up when she cannot find the right angle for a takedown. Zheleznyakova snaps the head back with a jab, and aims a right hand to the body and just misses a left over the top. Rendon sprints at her recklessly, dodging a strike and tying Zheleznyakova up to go after some kind of awkward takedown. Zheleznyakova shuts it all down and escapes out the side, and she pops out her jab to decent effect. When settling down with a big right hand, she gets backed off, but lands on the chest. Zheleznyakova goes high with a left and low with a right, and she snipes a charging Rendon with shots as Rendon runs at her. Rendon looks for a body lock and a trip, and she gets Zheleznyakova down to a knee for a moment before Zheleznyakova gets right back up. Rendon wrenches her down to a knee again, and she keeps her body weight pressed on the Russian to nullify any other offense. Zheleznyakova aims knees to the body as she tries to escape the clinch, and Rendon hooks her legs between her opponent’s. Zheleznyakova breaks free and lands a jab and a spinning back fist. Zheleznyakova spins with another back fist, and when that misses, she follows with a left that nails the unbeaten fighter. Rendon spins back with a fist that lands, and Zheleznyakova spins two more times to end the bantamweight bout.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova (29-28 Zheleznyakova)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova (29-28 Zheleznyakova)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova (29-28 Zheleznyakova)

The Official Result

Dariya Zheleznyakova def. Montserrat Rendon via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jarno Errens (144.5) vs. Steven Nguyen (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nguyen (-198), Errens (+164)

Round 1

In this featherweight matchup, Errens (13-5-1, 0-2 UFC) is hoping to make a good impression in his third UFC outing. Speaking of third tries, Nguyen (9-1, 0-0 UFC) needed three entries into DWCS to earn a contract, and it will now be about keeping his place on the roster rather than getting his foot in the door. Referee Mark Smith will keep tabs on this affair, one that begins with a leg kick from Nguyen as Errens comes towards him for a glove touch. Nguyen lands several heavy low kicks early to keep Errens at bay, and Errens gives him one back. Nguyen turns his hips into a calf kick that turns Errens to the side, and Errens’ calf is already red and swollen after 30 seconds and a handful of kicks. Errens pays it no mind, throwing a head kick but eating a low kick on that plant leg before getting chucked down to the mat like a sack of potatoes. Nguyen lets him up back up instead of taking top position, and Errens thanks him with this with a hard right hand. Nguyen shrugs it off, and Errens land another right and then aims a right to the midsection. Errens lets his hands go with a quick combination, getting Nguyen’s attention. Nguyen pushes him away with a front kick and a jab, and he takes a check left hook when resetting. Errens loads up on a right hand and just misses by a matter of inches, and he tries again as his fist bounces off the guard. Errens times a good leg kick to stumble his opponent, and Nguyen tries to pay him back with one but is out of range. They trade hooks, and Errens chops at the lead leg as Nguyen lifts it up. Nguyen doubles up on a jab and scores a right hand, and Errens replies with a big uppercut. Errens hammers the front leg with his shin, and Nguyen turns and kicks him in the midsection with a side kick. Errens bounces off the fence and circles, spinning with a back fist that lands on the guard. Errens checks a low kick and jabs the body, and Nguyen gets off his own jab at the same time. Nguyen tosses out an overhand right and a front kick, and he gets surprised with a right to the body and a left up top. Errens lets go with a combination that busts Nguyen’s mouth up, and he drills the front calf with two vicious kicks. Errens lunges with a jab to the body and kicks the lead leg, and he jumps at his man with a knee. They both kick with simultaneous low kicks, and Nguyen tries to intercept him with a knee that bounces off the cup but does not draw a pause. Nguyen misses with a spin kick, and Errens salutes him before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The featherweights clap hands to initiate the second round, and Nguyen introduces himself with a few punches. Errens is right in his face throwing back, and he takes a left on the nose that busts it up. Nguyen triples up on a jab and scores a low kick, and his jab is continuing to mark the Dutch fighter’s face. Errens sits down on a huge right hand, and Nguyen takes it flush without batting an eye. When Errens commits to a low kick, Nguyen counters him with a one-two over the top. Errens tries to force a brawl, getting off a sharp right hand before he backs off. Nguyen aims a left to the body and a right to the head, and his leg kick is checked. Errens kicks him back unguarded to the lead leg, and he pierces the guard with a jab. Errens steps in with a side kick, and he lets Nguyen turn but not strike. Errens tries to spin with a kick, and then sits down on a thumping calf kick. Nguyen spins with his own kick, and Errens is out of the way and starts brawling. Nguyen reels and throws back, but Errens gets the better of the exchange. Errens jabs the body and intercepts his man with a quick right hand up top, and he takes several jabs on the beak. Errens kicks low, and Nguyen answers him back with one on each side of the leg. Errens rushes forward and scores a right hand up top, and Nguyen jabs him back. Errens scores a high side kick, and Nguyen is struggling to put weight on his front foot as Errens kicks it. Nguyen switches stances, and Errens kicks the body as his foot slides down to bump the cup. Nguyen tells Smith he is fine, and they proceed to trade shots on one another. Errens misses with a huge windup of an uppercut, and he scores three punches and raises his arms up to signal Nguyen to give him something back. Errens surges into action with a jump kick, and he lands and blasts Nguyen with a right hand that knocks “The Ninja” off his feet. Nguyen recovers, and Errens charges after him and tries to finish the fight, but time expires before he can get it.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The fighters hug it out to start the round, and Errens gets back to his hard work with leg kicks and punches over the top. Errens chops down the lead leg with two successive kicks, and Nguyen has to change stances as his leg is betraying him. Errens uses this uncomfortable stance to land hard, and Nguyen times a flying Errens to blast him in the face with a right hand. Errens falls to his back, and Nguyen slashes him with two powerful elbows. Errens works his way back to his feet, and Nguyen wraps him up with a guillotine choke but cannot complete it. Errens backs off and chews up Nguyen’s busted lead leg, which cannot hold much weight on it. Errens loads up on two massive punches, and Nguyen staggers to the side and falls over. Errens charges forward, trying for a takedown instead of loading up on additional strikes, and Nguyen uses the tie-up to recover a bit. Errens separates when he does not have it, and he jabs out as Nguyen does the same. Errens jabs the head and body indiscriminately, and they both fire off strong right hands. Nguyen walks straight into a thunderous uppercut and shrugs it off as if it were a jab, and he starts chasing Errens around the cage, seemingly recovered enough on his leg. Errens strafes to the side to cruise for the last 90 seconds, and he lets Nguyen come recklessly his way so he can ruthlessly chop down the front leg. They sling hooks simultaneously, and Errens knocks his man off his feet with an uppercut. Nguyen works his way back up, tough as nails, and he swings with everything he has as Errens skirts away. Errens meets Nguyen with another crisp uppercut, and Nguyen is after him ready to engage with anything he can throw. Errens jabs from a distance, and he trades hands wildly with one final exchange before backing off to let time expire.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Jarno Errens def. Steven Nguyen via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Cody Gibson (135.5) vs. Miles Johns (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johns (-148), Gibson (+124)

Round 1

Johns (13-2, 1 NC; 4-2, 1 NC UFC) was supposed to be coming into this fight with the struggling Gibson (19-9, 1-4 UFC) on a win streak, but a failed drug test after beating Dan Argueta erased the victory. In short order, this standard undercard bantamweight matchup turned to one with greater personal stakes with both. Referee Herb Dean will sort things out, watching over the two men that do not touch gloves. Gibson starts off swirling his hand around, and he walks into a thumping leg kick. Johns swarms into action with a clubbing right hand, and he backs off and circles to the side away from strikes that come his way. Johns ducks down to swat away a leg kick, and he dips down and eats a clean uppercut. Gibson flashes out several jabs and avoids a huge overhand right, and Johns shifts to the side to get away and reset. Gibson overloads on a right hand, and he follows Johns around and grabs hold of one of Johns’ legs to think about a takedown. Johns backs him off with body shots, and he resets and dodges the swinging punches coming his direction. Johns misses a right hook by a matter of centimeters, and Gibson ties him up against the fence and knees him in the dome. Johns scores an uppercut on the break, and Gibson chases after him and jumps away to dodge a right hand. Johns races forward, and his momentum tackles “The Renegade” to the canvas. Johns resides in top position, and Gibson is immediately active with his guard, looking for a butterfly hook, a submission setup or just throwing strikes from off his back. Gibson keeps Johns from landing anything of merit, and he brings up his right leg for a rubber guard momentarily before Johns pushes it aside. Gibson tries to roll over in pursuit of an armbar, and Johns is wise to it as he stays flat on top of his opponent. Johns hammers down an elbow, and when he looks to pass, Gibson turns around to stand up with the wall at his side. Johns tries to drag him back down, and with sheer force of will, he tosses Gibson back down. Johns holds onto him while landing short but heavy right hands, as Gibson works his way up. Gibson ducks away and throws a big knee, and Johns nearly reenacts Fedor vs. Arlovski by blasting Gibson with a right hand that sends him flying. Johns points at him, and Gibson looks surprised but is still with it as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Gibson is the pressure fighter early, showing he has fully recovered from the concussive blow. He prods out a front kick and a few jabs, and Johns is well away from anything of note. Gibson drops down to grab a single, and Johns uppercuts him until he topples to the floor. Gibson grabs him from behind during a scramble, and Johns climbs back up while leaning against the cage. Gibson looks to trip or drag Johns down, but Johns escapes. Johns lands a powerful elbow that splits open a cut on Gibson’s cheek, and he crowds him and knocks him squirrely with another powerful uppercut. Johns continues to hammer his foe with uppercuts as Gibson shoots for a single, and Gibson manages to get the takedown despite absorbing the blows. Gibson follows a scrambling Johns until he takes his back, and he secures the body triangle. Gibson fishes for a choke, and Johns hand-fights and turns to flip Gibson over with a powerful reversal. Johns pins Gibson’s right arm with his knee and slugs him in the chops several times, and he keeps “The Renegade” pinned to the floor while landing shots. Johns wraps up a guillotine with one arm and lets it go to pummel Gibson with left hands until Gibson explodes back to his feet. Johns uses his full weight in an effort to wrench Gibson down, and he breaks and scores two uppercuts. Gibson resets and flicks out a jab, and Johns drills him in the lead leg with a kick and cracks him with two right hands. Gibson gathers his thoughts and leaps forward with a flying knee that skims off the dome, and Johns immediately drops down to take Gibson down with a double when Gibson lands. Gibson scrambles back upright, and Johns leans on him to land short shots until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two bantamweights clap hands as they reach the final round, and Johns sticks his jab out immediately while Gibson comes after him. Johns clubs him with three right hands and backs off with a jab, and Gibson slaps a high kick off his raised guard. Johns grapples to get hold of a single, tripping Gibson up and driving him to the fence. Gibson keeps his balance but is pressed against the wall, and Johns squeezes on him tight. Gibson manages to fight his way out of the clinch, and Johns comes up short with an uppercut on the way out. Gibson ducks down and into a few more uppercuts from “Chapo,” and he presses forward and watches a right hand slide off his cheek. They trade jabs, and change levels at the same time to no avail. Johns shoots for a single, pushing Gibson up against the wire, and he delivers a few knees to the thigh to keep busy. Dean asks for more work, and Johns connects with three clean shots that pound off Gibson’s head. Gibson breaks away, and he reaches out with a kick that is blocked. Johns rushes forward with a right hand as his lead leg is kicked, and Gibson fires off a body kick. When Gibson charges, Johns cracks him with an overhand right. Johns uses the power shot to frazzle Gibson just enough to change levels in pursuit of a single. Dean clasp for them to do more twice, and Gibson answers him by freaking away. They trade hands, and Johns doggedly goes after the single again. Lifting Gibson off the ground and slamming him down, Johns claims top position and fights off a kimura sweep. Gibson turns all the way over to stand up with less than 20 seconds left, and he walks into a right hand and pushes out a front kick. The fight ends with Johns landing one final right hand.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Miles Johns def. Cody Gibson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) 

Julian Erosa (146) vs. Ricardo Ramos (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ramos (-160), Erosa (+130)

Round 1

Referee Chris Tognoni better be holding onto his proverbial hat for this one, as a pair of wild featherweights are about to throw down. Ramos (16-5, 7-4 UFC), one of a few members of the UFC roster to ever pull off a spinning back elbow knockout—and he did it twice—will collide with equally energetic Erosa (28-11, 6-7 UFC). When the dust settles, someone’s highlight reel may grow. Before they swing for the fences, they cordially introduce themselves to one another with a fist bump. Ramos tries to strike first with a jab, and he reaches his target successfully with the body kick after it. Ramos kicks low, and he eats a left hook and is pushed away with a front kick from “Juicy J.” Ramos catches a body kick and tosses it aside, and he surges into action with a right hand that stuns his opponent. Ramos sees an opening for another big right hand, tagging and dropping Erosa, and he leaps at him with a knee when Erosa gets back up. Ramos closes in and lifts him up off the mat to deposit him in the center of the cage. Erosa gets control of his thoughts and starts attacking of his back, striking until Ramos steps over into half guard and elbows him in the chops. Erosa recovers full guard and eats a big hammerfist before pushing off the chest to get back up. Ramos spins at him with an elbow, and he plows forward with a power double-leg takedown. Erosa hits his back and wraps up a guillotine choke, and it is tight as a drum. The Brazilian tries to stand back up, and he realizes the choke is much deeper than he planned and frantically taps out before going out. What a comeback for Erosa, who was hurt badly and pulled off the submission right when Ramos’ confidence was likely at its zenith.

The Official Result

Julian Erosa def. Ricardo Ramos R1 2:15 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Kurt Holobaugh (155.5) vs. Trey Ogden (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ogden (-155), Holobaugh (+130)

Round 1

Two submission specialists come together in the preliminary headliner, and both men are in desperate need of a win given their track records with the promotion thus far. Holobaugh (20-7, 1 NC; 1-4 UFC) is trying to make his third stint in the UFC the best, while Ogden (16-6, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) is still fuming about a premature stoppage of Nikolas Motta from November that cost him a win bonus. Barring something crazy, a win bonus will be doled out, and referee Mark Smith may be the first to know who that is. The lightweights touch gloves, and Holobaugh puts a few quick combinations together as Ogden sits down on a leg kick and swatting left hand. Ogden doubles up on a jab and eats a body shot, and Holobaugh crowds him and kicks him hard on the lead leg. Ogden feints a takedown, drawing a short flurry of strikes that allows him to shoot and take Holobaugh down to the mat. Ogden gets busy with flailing punches, and Holobaugh is just as busy if not more as he attacks with short strikes and elbows. Ogden lowers himself down in pursuit of an arm-triangle choke, and he gets smacked a few times in the back of the head. Ogden, in half guard, again presses his shoulder down for the arm-triangle, and he bops Holobaugh in the side of the head with short but irritating hammerfists. Holobaugh hooks his legs around Ogden’s to keep him from passing or advancing position, so Ogden sits there comfortably scoring short punches and shoulder strikes. Ogden postures up to land harder blows, and he drives his shoulder in Holobaugh’s chin once more to conclude the frame.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Holobaugh practically sprints out of his corner to engage, and he eats a leg kick on the way in. Holobaugh tries to come out swinging again, and Ogden kicks his other leg out. Ogden chews up both legs with kicks, and he fakes his way forward and kiais to draw out a reaction. Ogden smacks him in the face with a question mark kick, and he slides away as Holobaugh chases for a counter. Holobaugh lands a body kick, and they trade one-twos. Ogden digs a kick to the ribcage, and he has a leg kick checked when he backs up against the cage. Ogden shoots for a takedown, and Holobaugh stuffs him and rings his bell with two fierce right hands. Ogden jabs once to make him retreat, and he points at Holobaugh after absorbing a low kick. Ogden tries to tie him up when Holobaugh crowds him, and he gets off a few short knees and trips Holobaugh up to dump him on the ground. Ogden threatens with an arm-triangle choke, pressing his shoulder down on the windpipe until smashing them down on Holobaugh’s face. Holobaugh turns to his side in an effort to escape, and Ogden pounds away at him with his free right hand. Ogden’s fist continues to meet face again and again, and Holobaugh can only grab Ogden’s wrist or block his face to defend from the methodical bludgeoning. Ogden fearlessly clubs away, picking up the pace as he looks for a stoppage. Holobaugh recovers well enough to stave off Smith’s itchy trigger finger, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The gloves are touched, and Holobaugh aggressively pursues his man around the cage only to eat a number of jabs and low kicks while trying to close the distance. Ogden stays elusive and does not let Holobaugh crowd him, but he stands still and gets beaned with two right hands. As he shakes it off, he shoots in for a perfect takedown that deposits the TUF winner on his back. Holobaugh closes guard as Ogden works him from on top, and the man now known as “Shamurai” methodically climbs into half guard while continuously beating on his opponent. Ogden grinds out time as he clubs Holobaugh with hammerfists and punches, not allowing Holobaugh to breathe or get anything off of merit on his own side. With a minute to go, Ogden jumps into full mount, and he decides against trying anything reckless. The control on top carries out until the final bell, and Holobaugh gets up and walks off irritated about the fight.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Trey Ogden def. Kurt Holobaugh via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Fernando Padilla (145) vs. Luis Pajuelo (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Padilla (-162), Pajuelo (+136)

Round 1

Violence will almost certainly be on display to kick off this main card, as the two featherweights facing off share a combined three decisions across their 23 victories. Padilla (15-5, 1-1 UFC) holds two of those, along with a knockout of previous UFC on ESPN 53 victor Erosa, while Pajuelo (8-1, 0-0 UFC) has involved the judges just once to get his hand raised. This potential wild one will be officiated by referee Jason Herzog, who clocks the fighters in before they decide to touch gloves. Pajuelo tests the waters with a low kick as he circles along the outside, and Padilla winds up with a booming kick that stumbles his man early. Pajuelo catches his balance and sticks out a jab, and Padilla answers with a jab and a low kick. Padilla snaps out a left hand when Pajuelo rushes him, and he reaches out with a one-two that misses and a front kick that pounds into the chin. Pajuelo continues to chase Padilla, and he lands a right to the body before disengaging. Padilla sits down on a body kick and fires off two heavy leg kicks and spins with a kick to the ribs in a fast exchange. Padilla sticks out his jab and lands a stern leg kick, and he steps in with a knee. Padilla shells up to block oncoming fire, and he connects with two hooks and a front kick. Pajuelo attacks, and this opens him up for a counter left hand that knocks him down to his seat. Padilla rains down hammerfists as he climbs on top, and Herzog takes a close look at the action but backs off as Pajuelo recovers and clears his head. Padilla sits up in half guard, jackhammering his opponent with elbows until Pajuelo turns to his knees and stands up. As “Corazon de Leon” works his way to his feet with the wall on his side, Padilla locks up a brabo choke in the blink of an eye. Padilla cinches his long arms around to complete the submission, and there is nothing more that Pajuelo can do at this point. Rather than going out on his shield, Pajuelo surrenders, and Padilla dons a straw hat and drops down to the Second Gear pose of main character Luffy from “One Piece.” The One Piece is real.

The Official Result

Fernando Padilla def. Luis Pajuelo R1 2:45 via Submission (Brabo Choke)

Billy Quarantillo (145.5) vs. Youssef Zalal (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Quarantillo (-148), Zalal (+124)

Round 1

Keeping the main card pushing, the hyper-aggressive Quarantillo (18-5, 6-3 UFC) will welcome kickboxer-turned-wrestler Zalal (13-5-1, 3-3-1 UFC) back to the Octagon after a year and half away. While Quarantillo has battled three top-25 names in that span, Zalal has crushed three adversaries in the Sparta Combat League promotion—the last coming at the end of a night where he won a boxing match, then a kickboxing match, and tapped a kickboxer in the MMA finals. Speed will be the name of the game in this featherweight encounter, and referee Herb Dean will try to keep up. Gloves are tapped, and Zalal moves right to the middle of the cage to plant a kick on the lead leg of the Floridian. When Quarantillo comes forward to throw hands, Zalal skirts on the outside and lands another slapping calf kick. Zalal pokes out a jab and has a third leg kick find its home, and he is able to dance away from “Billy Q.” Zalal gets off kicks on the inside and out of his foe’s leg, and he snaps a jab out to follow. Quarantillo again telegraphs his blitz, and Zalal dodges everything but a leg kick and a power right hand. Zalal rolls with it and strafes from side to side, not letting Quarantillo find his pattern yet. Quarantillo steps in with a knee that brushes his past his target, and he reaches out with a right hand. Zalal keeps moving and lands a knee to the chest, and Quarantillo chases him and walks into a punch to the ribs and a low kick. Quarantillo lumbers in with a right that whiffs, and Zalal rings his bell with a right hand as he delivers kicks to several targets. Zalal hops in and out, landing another one-two as Quarantillo shakes his head. Quarantillo crashes forward and results in a clinch, and Zalal scrambles away and points at the ground as he would prefer to strike. Zalal takes a right hand on the temple and drops to a knee, and he fires back and gets Quarantillo’s attention with a flurry of punches. The right hand from Zalal tags Quarantillo another time, nails him with a knee and he hits a trip that takes “Billy Q” off his feet. Zalal moves into the guard, and he hacks down with elbows and prevents Quarantillo from getting his butterfly hooks in. Quarantillo rolls for an armbar, and Zalal sees it coming and turns to the right side and batters him with punches and elbows. Zalal steps over to take the back, and he hooks up a body triangle and hunts for a standing rear-naked choke when Quarantillo stands. Quarantillo falls to the ground, with the grip on his chin and not under it, and he toughs it out and winces in pain. Zalal crushes with the squeeze until Quarantillo punches his way out of it, and he smacks Quarantillo on the side of the head until the one-sided round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Quarantillo starts the round aggressively, winging overhand rights, and tries to counter kicks with this big right hand. Zalal slides from side to side, landing a front kick and a few punches until he closes in to hit a trip and toss Quarantillo to his back. Zalal ignores a rubber guard moment from his opponent so he can punish Quarantillo with punches and hammerfists, and he stacks Quarantillo up and thwarts an armbar as Quarantillo turns to his knees. Zalal hangs on from behind again, and he drags a standing Quarantillo back down and locks down a body triangle. Zalal hunts for a rear-naked choke, and he wriggles his forearm beneath the chin. When the choke locks down, Quarantillo quickly knows that this is it for him, and he surrenders with taps on the arm. This is a stellar performance for the returning Zalal, who ended a seven-fight streak in the Octagon of going the distance by running roughshod over a solid featherweight in Quarantillo.

The Official Result

Youssef Zalal def. Billy Quarantillo R2 1:50 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Cameron Saaiman (135) vs. Payton Talbott (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Talbott (-148), Saaiman (+124)

Round 1

Two prospects with plenty to prove and a lot of years ahead will sharpen iron against one another here. Nevada’s Talbott (7-0, 1-0 UFC) aims to keep his spotless record intact, while Saaiman (9-1, 3-1 UFC) is planning on bouncing back from his first career defeat in a big way. Referee Chris Tognoni will keep tabs on the youngsters, with Talbott a learned 25 compared to Saaiman at 23 years of age. The 135ers get after it with no plan on touching gloves, and instead Saaiman leads off with a calf kick. Talbott tries to pay him back, but Saaiman is away in time and lands two more leg kicks. Talbott crowds him with a right hand, and he backs off to throw a low kick that makes his man switch stances. Both men rip kicks to the ribs, and Saaiman misses a right hand over the top and eats a straight right down the middle. Talbott rings his foe’s bell with a one-two, and he has his lead leg kicked out beneath him a few times. Saaiman eats a knee to the body and a few punches as Talbott bullies him, shoving “MSP” against the wall. They crash together throwing hands, and Saaiman hits the deck from the heavier blow. Saaiman jumps back up and lands a body kick, and Talbott strides in confidently and nails Saaiman with a step-in knee. Saaiman tries to get his thoughts as he works his way upright and backs off, and Talbott digs several punches to the body. Talbott aims another knee to the ribs, and this hurts Saaiman, who tries to escape away and takes a few more body shots. Saaiman desperately shoots for a takedown, and Talbott bowls him over but lets go as he would rather strike. Saaiman is warned for outstretched fingers, and he reaches his foe with a long left hand. Talbott boots him upside the head and then aims a kick low, and he blocks an elbow and a high body kick so he can rush in and land a knee to the body. Saaiman tries for jabs to keep his opponent away, and Talbott keeps on him and racks him up with punches to the head and body. Saaiman releases a kick to the ribs, and Talbott spins in response with a clean wheel kick. Saaiman says two can play that game and he spins with a back kick that slams into the chest. As Saaiman kicks the body, the kick goes slightly low and rebounds off the cup. Talbott grins and says he does not want to stop, and he resumes after a brief pause. They trade heavy leather, and Talbott breaks up a flurry of fists from both sides by lifting up a knee to the torso. They both swing with bad intentions and tag one another, and Talbott walks into a body kick and delivers a stern knee to the side. Saaiman wings a left hand over the top and kicks up high, and Talbott tosses him to the mat when catching the kick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round opens as Talbott jabs his way forward, and he intercepts Saaiman with a short but devastating left hook that knocks him down to the canvas. Talbott gives chase and hammers him with punches and hammerfists. Saaiman rolls to his back, his head getting bounced around like a child’s toy, and Talbott continues clobbering him as Tognoni implores him to fight back. Talbott does not slow down with his beatdown, and Tognoni gets between them and waves the fight off. What a showing for the still-undefeated Talbott, who puts away a tough prospect that had never been finished.

The Official Result

Payton Talbott def. Cameron Saaiman R2 0:21 via TKO (Punches)

A.J. Dobson (185.5) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shahbazyan (-198), Dobson (+164)

Round 1

In the “featured fight of the night” slot, two relatively young middleweights are both at a crossroads. After starting out his UFC tenure red hot and surging into the rankings, Shahbazyan (12-4, 5-4 UFC) has hit a wall and won just once in five outings. Dobson (7-2, 1 NC; 1-2 UFC) has not struggled quite as much, and a win could right his ship in the Octagon to .500. Both men will try to establish themselves while referee Mark Smith watches on, and they lead off with hands being clapped together. Shahbazyan lands first with a low kick, and Dobson springs into action with a three-punch combo. Shahbazyan tries another lazy kick, and Dobson once more meets him with three in a row. Dobson is a coiled spring ready to strike, and Shahbazyan is more cautious and landing single strikes. Dobson shrugs off a calf kick and puts a one-two on the chin, and he takes two left hands on the temple to back him off for a moment. Dobson chips at the lead leg twice until they crash together throwing hands, and he tags “The Golden Boy” with a right hand. Shahbazyan is stunned and shoots for a takedown, and Dobson stands him up with a guillotine choke try. Dobson looks to make him pay with short shots, and Shahbazyan gloms onto him and hits a trip takedown. Dobson scrambles madly to get out of bad position, and he manages to flip him over and get into the guard of his foe. Dobson connects with left hands, and Shahbazyan answers with elbows off his back. Dobson clubs his opponent with right hands until Shahbazyan wraps him up and looks for an armbar. Dobson shrugs it off and absorbs more elbows to the side of the head as Shahbazyan squirms his way to the fence. Shahbazyan stands back up with the wall behind him, and he lands a knee on the inside and turns Dobson around in the clinch. Shahbazyan tries to wrangle Dobson down to the mat, and Dobson nearly falls on top of him until Shahbazyan muscles his way back up. Dobson pushes off out of the clinch and catches Shahbazyan with a left hand, and he beats Shahbazyan to the punch with a pair of strikes. Dobson lunges out with a left, and he chains a few punches together and gets caught with a vicious left hand. Dobson crumbles to the mat, and Shahbazyan jackhammers him with punches and ferocious elbows. Dobson teeters on the edge of consciousness as Shahbazyan delivers punishment, and the strikes put him out as his head bounces off the mat. Shahbazyan continues punching until Smith recognizes that Dobson is unconscious and he calls a halt to the fight. What a dramatic round for Shahbazyan, who outlasts a rough few minutes to knock Dobson unconscious. This marks the first time that Dobson has been finished as a professional, while clocking in as Shahbazyan’s first stoppage in the first round since 2019.

The Official Result

Edmen Shahbazyan def. A.J. Dobson R1 4:33 via KO (Elbows and Punches)

Justin Tafa (264.5) vs. Karl Williams (246.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Williams (-180), Tafa (+150)

Round 1

The UFC has successfully pulled off a complete switcheroo. Previously booked against Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Tafa (7-3, 1 NC; 4-3, 1 NC UFC) suffered an injury on fight week and was replaced by his brother—who ultimately did not win. Although his brother planned on facing Williams (9-1, 2-0 UFC), “Bad Man” ended up stepping in for him, in a perfect switch of opponents. Whether this Tafa has more success, that remains to be seen. Referee Herb Dean draws the charge for this unranked heavyweight slobberknocker bizarrely placed in the co-main event slot. Big hands clap together. Williams paws his left hand out and follows with a right down the pipe, and Tafa no-sells it and jabs him back. Both men sit down on alternating hooks, and they are no worse the wear from the collision. Tafa rips a kick to the ribs that echoes in the arena, and Williams walks him down and puts a jab in his face. Tafa wings up with a power left hand, and Williams is stung but still with it as he retreats. Tafa gives chase, and when he loads up on heavy strikes, Williams shoots with a clean double that takes the Kiwi off his feet. Williams lands in half guard as the cage shudders from the impact, and Tafa slows him down and turns to the side. Williams hammers down an elbow on the side of the head, and Tafa thinks twice about sitting up. Williams delivers more elbow strikes until Tafa muscles his way back upright, and Williams easily trips him up and dumps him back down. Williams whacks him with hammerfists and circles around to take the back, with Tafa on his knees leaning on the cage wall. Tafa manages to fight his way back up, and Williams imposes his body weight and knees him in the thigh before lifting him up and slamming him down. Tafa bounces off his knees and stands up again, but he cannot break the clasped hands around his waist. Williams transitions to a single and lifts Tafa’s leg up, and he dumps the Kiwi down again. Tafa throws his legs up, but there is no submission to be had as Williams tosses his limbs out of the way and grinds him up with elbows and punches. Tafa kicks off, and kicks Williams illegally in the face with an upkick. Dean issues a hard warning as Williams says it’s all good, and they remain the position. Tafa squirms to his backside and leans against the cage, and Williams slugs him with left hands and hammerfists until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The heavyweights bump fists to engage in the second round, and Tafa unloads with a body kick after a lull. Williams jabs his way forward but misses with them, and he plants the ball of his foot on Tafa’s midsection. Tafa lets fly another pounding kick to the ribs, and Williams does not flinch. Tafa kicks the same spot, drawing a one-two out of Williams in response. Williams has a second one-two bump into the guard, and he tosses out a half-hearted low kick before reaching out with a one-two. Tafa unloads with two left hooks, and Williams circles all the way around and whiffs on a haymaker. Williams shoots in deep for a single, lifting Tafa’s leg up, but he does not put the Kiwi down. Williams backs away just in the nick of time to avoid a huge right hand that buzzes past him, and he leans back when Tafa wings a left. Tafa reaches him with an overhand left and kicks up high, and Williams gets close enough to take Tafa off-balance and sling him to the mat. Williams happily jumps into half guard, where he opens up with ground-and-pound as Tafa clings to him. Williams drops down hammerfists to the head and body, and he maintains a steady enough pace with punches to keep Dean at bay. Williams squeezes his forearm down on the windpipe before setting up an arm-triangle choke, and he steps over to the side but loses the grip. Williams returns to half guard to maintain control when the submission fails, and he postures up to lay into Tafa with sweeping punches. Dean warns Williams for striking the back of the head when Tafa turns, and Tafa goes back to his back. Williams scores a few more punches before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is one last clap of hands to begin the final round, and the big men are slow and lumbering as they wing labored punches. Tafa winds up with a left that bounces off the temple, and Williams throws back hard and gets clipped. Tafa tags his man with a combination, and a hurt Williams shoots for a desperate takedown. Tafa fights it off and gets free from the grip, but Williams meanders towards him and manages to drag him down in a second effort. Tafa sits up against the fence and has punches bounce off his belly. Dean asks Williams to work as he controls on top while doing little else, and Tafa tells him that he is not doing anything but hanging on. Williams grips a wrist in effort to drag Tafa to his side, and he opens up with short right hands to remain active in this position. A dejected Tafa leans over and tries to sway to the side and break the grip around his abdomen, but Williams stands up with his hands clasped and knees him in the ribs. Tafa gets to one knee and has both hands down, and Williams knees him on the thigh until Tafa fights his way up. Tafa tugs on the fence a few times to try to get Williams off of him, and he spins and absorbs a knee on the forehead to get away with a little over a minute left. Tafa loads up on a left hand, and Williams shoots for a failed takedown. Williams retreats, and Tafa plods towards him, ready to throw bombs. Tafa swings and misses, and Williams takes him down comfortably. Tafa appears defeated as Williams drags him down to his side, and he bonks Tafa with meaningless left hands. Tafa rolls his eyes, and Williams sits up and slams a hammerfist on the side of the head. The grinder of a heavyweight slog comes to a close, and Williams helps a crestfallen Tafa back to his feet.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Karl Williams def. Justin Tafa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Amanda Ribas (125.5) vs. Rose Namajunas (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Namajunas (-250), Ribas (+205)

Round 1

We have reached the main event, which takes place in the flyweight division between two former strawweights. Bouncing back and forth between the weight classes, Ribas (12-4, 7-3 UFC) is trying to find her home betwixt the divisions. On the other side of the equation, former 115-pound queen Namajunas (11-6, 9-5 UFC) has moved to greener pastures, in hopes of conquering this next weight class. For “Thug Rose,” it begins in earnest here, and a loss would drastically change her trajectory. The next 25 minutes will be supervised by referee Jason Herzog, who is ready for anything that comes next. The ladies show plenty of respect and touch ‘em up before engaging. Ribas comes out of her corner jittery, swinging wide with a kick and a punch. Ribas gets off a leg kick as Namajunas zips on the outside with a few jabs. Ribas has a head kick go wide, and Namajunas connects with a one-two down the middle. Namajunas lands a right hand, and Ribas kicks her way in and gets countered. Ribas kicks the lead leg, and she spins with a back kick that lands on the body. They trade leg kicks, and Namajunas loads up with a right hand to catch Ribas coming in. Namajunas scores two punches, and Ribas tries to brawl back but Namajunas is sharper. Ribas goes to the body with her foot and wings and overhand right that bounces off the glove. They jab at one another, and Ribas gets off a one-two and a spin kick that slams into the ribs. Ribas crashes forward and hits a body lock takedown, only for Namajunas to spring back up. The Brazilian shoves her foe to the wall, and Namajunas is quick to try to disengage, only to settle for multiple knees to the body. Namajunas peppers the solar plexus with knees until Ribas pushes off, and they reset in the middle of the cage. Ribas swats out with a left hand, and she kicks low as it goes unanswered. Ribas kicks high, and Namajunas responds with a body shot. Namajunas goes after a right hand, and a straight left staggers Ribas momentarily. Ribas takes a quick count of her teeth and tosses out a head kick, and she snatches up Namajunas and hits a head lock throw. Namajunas rolls through and lands in side control, but moves instead to half guard to maintain control. Namajunas grinds with an elbow on the cheek, and she lands a few short punches from up close. Ribas keeps tight to not let the strikes have much momentum, but they are adding up for the former champ. Ribas elbows from her back, and Namajunas covers her foe’s mouth to disrupt her breathing. Namajunas maintains top position while landing sporadic shots to ride out the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Ribas leads the dance to begin the round with a head kick that slams into the guard. Namajunas skips from stance to stance, lunging forward with a right hand. Ribas pays her back with a straight right hand, marking up the former champ’s nose. Namajunas starts chambering and firing a number of heavy left hands, one of which gets Ribas’ attention. Namajunas jabs the Brazilian back, and gets just enough range to not absorb a standing elbow. Namajunas ducks in to strike, and Ribas backs her off and puts a spinning back kick on her ribs. Namajunas looks for a combination, and Ribas plants the ball of her foot on the sternum. Namajunas reaches out with a right hand, and springs away only to dart in with a jab. Ribas charges and spins with a kick that bangs into the wall, and Namajunas rebounds away to score a left and a lunging right. Namajunas kicks the body, and Ribas answers her back. Namajunas goes over the top with a right hand before tripping Ribas up to hit a takedown. Ribas hits her seat and bounces back up as if she landed on springs, and she scores a clean right hand. Ribas comes up close and pursues a head-and-arm throw, and Namajunas lands on top again. Ribas threatens with a heel hook, but she cannot lock it down as Namajunas slides her limb free. Ribas stands up and goes after another such toss, and Namajunas once more rides through it and claims top position. Namajunas in half guard lands a few punches, and Ribas gives her something to think about with elbows. Ribas elects to close her guard to tie the former champion up and hope for a standup, but the limited time left in the round—about 30 seconds—will likely prevent that. Namajunas works the body and head, clinging to top position to conclude the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The flyweights meet in the middle, and Ribas starts first again with a blocked head kick. Ribas kicks with the other leg, and she aims a low kick when Namajunas darts towards her. Ribas chips at the lead leg and wraps her foot around the side of Namajunas’ head, and she spins with a wheel kick that flies past her opponent. Namajunas gets off a right hand and backs off, and she trips when taking a body kick. Namajunas jumps back up and kicks Ribas in the ribs, and she shovels an uppercut on the chin. Ribas absorbs a flush right hand up top and then another to the body, and her leg kick is countered with a right hand over the top. They trade punches, and Namajunas answers a high kick with one of her own. Namajunas blitzes forward, ending up in a clinch where she knees the body a few times before breaking. Ribas spins with a back fist that goes wide, and she shoots in for takedown only to get smacked with a right hand. Ribas pushes out a front kick, and she is met with a straight left. Namajunas attacks the body with a left hand, and she boxes Ribas up but eats a right hand. Ribas spins with a kick only to miss her target, and Namajunas lets her have it with two hooks. Ribas rushes forward with a clean right hand, and Namajunas answers with her own blow of the same type. Ribas pursues a body lock takedown, and she puts Namajunas on her back momentarily. During a scramble, Namajunas lands on her head and flips around to get up, and she presses Ribas against the wire. Ribas hits a trip to deposit the former champ on her back, landing in a scarf hold where she opens up with right hands while Namajunas is trapped. Ribas spins around to take side control and stop Namajunas from sliding out the back door, and she threatens with an arm-triangle choke setup. Namajunas kicks off and turns to the side, and Ribas opens up with elbows and punches. Ribas pounds Namajunas on the side of the head, and she takes her foe’s back when Namajunas turns to her knees. The round ends with Ribas hanging on from behind.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

The ladies reach the championship rounds, and Ribas employs a kick-heavy offense with strikes to the knee and midsection. Ribas kicks the lead leg and gets her head snapped back with a jab. Namajunas loops a left hand over a jab, and she leans away from a head kick. Namajunas dips in to score a pair of punches, and she aims a few more to the body. Namajunas lands a few right hands, and Ribas tags her with a right hand on the way out of an exchange. Namajunas loads up on power shots that go wide, and Ribas is there to punch and kick her back. Namajunas scores a single left hand, and Ribas does not let her get away with it as she throws back a left hand and a high kick. Namajunas sprints forward, looking for a takedown, and Ribas falls to her back in search of a leglock. Namajunas ignores it and presses down to get top position, and Ribas lifts her left leg up and on the shoulder to keep the former champ honest. Namajunas works the body as Ribas elbows her back, until she pushes the leg aside. Ribas regains full guard as things slow down, but Namajunas stays busy with ground-and-pound. Ribas hunts for a triangle choke, and she lets it go and looks for an armbar that is also not available. Namajunas continues to score with short strikes until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

The last round opens with Namajunas looks for a jab, but it is Ribas who strikes first with a heavy body kick. Ribas then aims a kick to the lead leg, and she throws one on the inside of her foe’s leg to mix things up. Namajunas surges forward with a short flurry of punches, only to move away from kicks that whiz by her face. Namajunas slips and counters with a right hand, and she evades the Brazilian’s hands to land quick strikes. Ribas spins with a telegraphed back fist that is feet away from her target, and Namajunas is light on her feet to hops to the side and avoid a subsequent head kick. Namajunas rifles a left hand down the forward bow, and Ribas swings hard but misses with a big right hand. Ribas spins with a kick that is also not close enough, and she plants her feet to get off a right on the cheek. Namajunas snipes her with jabs and more effective strikes while Ribas is putting power into everything. Namajunas works the body and head, and she backs away from a head kick that does not find her. Namajunas steps in to land a knee to the body, and she shifts away to spin with a kick to the ribs. Namajunas jumps in to score a left and is out of range before reached, and Namajunas spins with a wheel kick that smacks into the former champion’s head. Ribas goes to the well with spin kicks again and again, and Namajunas avoids the worst of them. Ribas catches Namajunas coming in with a pair of punches, and Namajunas dives after her for a takedown. Ribas stands her up and backs her off, and she sees a one-two blaze past her. Ribas misses with a kick high and shrugs off a left hand, and when she misses with a wheel kick, Namajunas drills her with an overhand right. Namajunas flicks out a jab as she keeps moving, and she tags Ribas with a right hand. Ribas marks up Namajunas’s right eye with a number of punches, and her wheel kick goes wide. The two trade one after the other until time expires, and the main event is now over.

When she gets her hand raised, Namajunas remarks that it feels good to get her hand raised, as this marks her first victory since 2021. Namajunas has picked up a win in her new weight class, and likely will be receiving a number next to her name as a result. “Thug Rose” targets the top names of the division, and it remains to be seen if she gets a top opponent in her next time out. Whether she fights in a title eliminator or against another contender, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribas (48-47 Namajunas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ribas (48-47 Namajunas)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ribas (48-47 Namajunas)

The Official Result

Rose Namajunas def. Amanda Ribas via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)