UFC on Fox 23 ‘Shevchenko vs. Pena’ Results: Play-by-Play & Updates

J.C. Cottrell vs. Jason Gonzalez

Round 1

The southpaw Gonzalez misses with a few reaching left hands before firing a left high kick, partially blocked by Cottrell's right hand. Gonzalez takes a straight shot to the face but fires back with a vicious body kick, then rips into Cottrell with an uppercut. Cottrell looks to be in trouble as he staggers backward, but as Gonzalez charges on him, Cottrell ties up and works a quick takedown. Cottrell nearly takes the back of Gonzalez but winds up in north-south, then side control as the lightweight fight at the base of the wall. Gonzalez tries to kick off the cage as Cottrell goes back to north-south position. Gonzalez uses his long legs to recover a deep half guard, then attacks Cottrell's left leg with a kneebar at the midway point of the round. Cottrell frees the leg but loses his position, and now he's back in Gonzalez's closed guard. Cottrell passes to full mount with 80 seconds left, but Gonzalez slips out and the lightweights scramble to their feet. Gonzalez wraps up a brabo/D'arce setup and drags Cottrell to his knees, where Gonzalez cinches the choke and has Cottrell tapping in seconds.

The Result

Jason Gonzalez def. J.C. Cottrell via Submission (Brabo Choke) R1 3:54

Eric Shelton vs. Alexandre Pantoja

Round 1

Pantoja presses forward to try and clinch with Shelton in the opening seconds, but it's the American who turns the momentum into a takedown. Pantoja absorbs a few punches on the floor before kicking Shelton away and scrambling to his feet. A body kick and a push kick land for Pantoja, putting Shelton on his back foot momentarily. Referee Tom Johnson calls time after a low kick from Shelton grazes the cup of Pantoja, but the Brazilian says he's good to continue. Pantoja scores with another body kick, takes a straight punch in return and waves for Shelton to engage again. Pantoja presses out from the center of the cage and gets clipped by a spinning backfist. Pantoja keeps pressing, hustling Shelton against the fence, where he leaps onto the American's back and sinks in one hook. Shelton puts his head on the mat and tries to shake Pantoja off his back, but Pantoja gets his second hook to secure the position. Now it's Pantoja hunting for a rear-naked choke with nearly two minutes left in the opening round. Shelton shows good defense, killing off a full minute by continually peeling Pantoja's hands away from his neck. With 45 seconds left, Shelton whips around and drives on Pantoja's legs, reversing the position to land in Pantoja's guard. The flyweights work back to their feet in the final seconds, and Shelton completes another takedown just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pantoja
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pantoja
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Shelton

Round 2

Pantoja backs up Shelton with an early body kick, but Shelton is able to change levels and latch on to a single-leg as the Brazilian pushes forward. Pantoja defends the shot with his back to the fence, while Shelton drops to his knees in an attempt to complete the takedown. Pantoja eats an uppercut, gives Shelton another kick to the body. Pantoja shoots an ugly shot from a mile out, tries to turn it into a back-take and then has to defend as Shelton muscles him to the the fence again. Pantoja jumps guard with a guillotine, loses it immediately, and the flyweights work back to their feet with half the round remaining. Shelton gets in on another shot, takes a knee to the body in the clinch, and now Pantoja jumps guard with the same guillotine attempt. This try lasts a little longer, but Shelton escapes, stands and allows Pantoja to do the same. Shelton attacks with a jump knee just as Pantoja stands, then tries a double-leg which goes nowhere. Pantoja shoves him away and pushes forward, moving Shelton across the cage, where Pantoja completes a takedown. Pantoja quickly jumps on Shelton's back, both hooks in, and begins dropping punches to the sides of the American's head. Shelton goes belly-down, flips over to give up full mount, then surrenders his back again. Pantoja comes close with a rear-naked choke but can't force the tap before time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pantoja
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pantoja
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Pantoja

Round 3

Both flyweights look exhausted as the final round begins, and neither man is in a rush to engage, instead opting to circle and throw strikes from range. Pantoja is controlling the center of the cage, advancing and moving Shelton around the outside. The Brazilian lands a partially blocked head kick, shoots a long takedown attempt and gets stood up by Shelton. Half the round remains in a frame still very much up for grabs. Pantoja throws a right hand, gets stuffed by a palm to the face by Shelton, who just misses a jump knee counter. Pantoja complains of an eye poke from the open hand, but referee Johnson takes no action. Ninety seconds left now; Shelton lands a solid right hand and shoves Pantoja to the floor when the ex-Shooto Brazil champ tries to tie up. Pantoja waves for Shelton to come forward; Shelton responds by shooting a double-leg, but it's blocked by Pantoja.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pantoja (30-27 Pantoja)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10 (30-28 Pantoja)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Pantoja (29-28 Pantoja)

The Result

Alexandre Pantoja def. Eric Shelton via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Jeremy Kimball

Round 1

De Lima takes the center of the cage and lands a few leg kicks on the circling Kimball, who swings back with a right hook counter. Kimball comes down the center with a left hand and slips the return fire of "Pezao," then comes back with another combo that knocks de Lima to the mat. De Lima fits a heel hook, forcing Kimball to scramble back to his feet, and the Brazilian stands as well. "Pezao" connects with a thudding body kick and catches Kimball with a right hand as the American tries to step inside. Kimball slips up throwing a combination and takes a big right hook from de Lima. The UFC newcomer hits the deck near the fence, kneeling with his head buried, and de Lima connects with four or five heavy right hands on the ground to convince referee Adam Martinez to stop the fight.

The Result

Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Jeremy Kimball via TKO (Punches) R1 2:27

Alessio Di Chirico vs. Eric Spicely

Round 1

Working from the center, Spicely quickly closes the gap and underhooks the southpaw Di Chirico against the fence. Spicely tries to reap a leg for a trip takedown, but Di Chirico is doing well to keep his balance up against the wall. Di Chirico reverses and trips Spicely to the floor, and now it's the Italian in top position, working from Spicely's guard. Spicely throws up a triangle but can't quite cinch it, as Di Chirico has both hands inside the choke. Spicely shifts on his back, adjusting the choke, and suddenly Di Chirico taps in submission.

The Result

Eric Spicely def. Alessio Di Chirico via Submission (Triangle Choke) R1 2:14

Luis Henrique da Silva vs. Jordan Johnson

Round 1

The 205ers tie up in the center of the cage, but Johnson breaks out of the clinch before da Silva can do damage with a high knee. Da Silva steps back inside, digs an underhook and gets dumped to the floor in the center of the cage, leaving the wrestler Johnson on top, in side control, with nearly four minutes remaining. Da Silva rolls to his knees and tries to stand, only to be pulled back to the floor by Johnson with a brabo or modified guillotine choke. Da Silva doesn't look to be in danger, and Johnson soon releases the hold, prompting both men to stand. Da Silva is being picked off by Johnson's jab when the Brazilian tries to come inside, and now Johnson is adding uppercuts to the mix. Da Silva smiles, but he's already doing some heavy breathing with 90 seconds left in the first frame. An uppercut-straight right from Johnson backs up da Silva a few steps; Johnson gives chase and rips into the body with another uppercut, then floors da Silva with a double at the fence. Da Silva tries to lock down Johnson's arms to work a submission, but he runs out of time and finishes the round on his back.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

Da Silva comes out strong, charging Johnson with an overhand right followed by a kick to the body. Johnson catches the kick, however, and converts it into another takedown just seconds into the round. Johnson works to pass da Silva's half guard, possibly framing up an arm-triangle choke in the process. Da Silva rolls to his left, into Johnson, and tries to escape the bottom with a kimura sweep. Johnson catches the now-kneeling da Silva in a headlock and keeps him on the ground near the wall. Da Silva tries to stand, eats a few short right hands and gets flattened out again, his face now lumped up from Johnson's ground-and-pound offense. Da Silva attacks Johnson's legs, winds up rolling to his knees and then slowly climbing back to his feet, with Johnson still wrapped around his waist. Johnson taps da Silva's chin with a knee, so da Silva stands upright and backs up against the wall. The light heavyweights separate with 30 seconds on the clock, and it looks as if da Silva can barely lift his arms as he plods forward in the final moments.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Johnson
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Johnson

Round 3

Johnson doubles up on his jab and then turns da Silva's head with a straight right. Da Silva is already wobbly as Johnson forces him to the ground, then controls the Brazilian from riding position. Da Silva spins to guard, tries to catch an arm, but loses the grip when Johnson stands over his prone opponent. Johnson takes a few seconds before diving back to the ground, this time passing straight to side control on da Silva's left. Half a round remains as Johnson postures up to sock the exhausted da Silva with short hammerfists. Da Silva sits up with his back on the fence and tries to stand, but Johnson pulls the legs out from under him once again. Da Silva looks to be fishing for a last-ditch submission attempt, but his wide open guard is easily passed by Johnson as they enter the final minute of the bout. Johnson stands and comes back down in side control on the right now, grinding away on da Silva's face with short punches and forearms in the closing moments.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Johnson (30-27 Johnson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Johnson (30-25 Johnson)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Johnson (30-26 Johnson)

The Result

Jordan Johnson def. Luis Henrique da Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Bobby Nash vs. Jingliang Li

Round 1

The welterweights trade leg kicks and little else in the opening minute, though Nash tries to score with some winging combinations, easily sidestepped by Li. "The Leech" scores with a counter right hand in an exchange, but moments later, Nash slows Li's progress with a check left hook. Li comes over the top with a right hand that appears to stun Nash, who shoots for a takedown and is shut down with a sprawl. Nash stands, eats another right hand, shoots again but still can't get Li to the floor. Nash stands again, telegraphs a leg kick and gets blasted with Li's right hand yet again. Li tacks on a few leg kicks of his own, lands another counter right, but this time Nash swings back and floors "The Leech" with a right of his own. Nash dives to the ground, looking to capitalize with a no-hooks rear-naked choke, but Li peels the American's hands away from his neck. Nash is still on top, however, held in deep half guard but working toward full mount in the final seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Nash
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nash
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Nash

Round 2

Nash clips Li with a left hand to the temple in the opening exchange, then pushes the China Top Team fighter against the fence. Li reverses and disengages, but not before absorbing a few more punches and a knee to the gut. Nash fires a looping right hand behind a jab and nearly takes the legs out from under Li, who somehow keeps his footing. The welterweights are getting into a firefight now, both men standing in the pocket and swinging hands. Nash changes levels and takes down Li near the fence, but Li is back on his feet seconds later, still pressed against the cage by Nash with an underhook. Li breaks out of the clinch with a left hand, now with 90 seconds on the clock. Li lands a nice leg kick and shoots in for a takedown, but Nash sniffs it out and neutralizes with the whizzer. Li zaps Nash with a right cross as they hit the final 30 seconds. Nash looks dazed as he takes another right hand to the temple, and a follow-up left hook behind it. Nash drops to his back and Li finishes him off with a diving right hand, sending referee Adam Martinez in for the stoppage.

The Result

Jingliang Li def. Bobby Nash via KO (Punches) R2 4:45

Raphael Assuncao vs. Aljamain Sterling

Round 1

The bantamweights trade low kicks in the opening minute, then Sterling goes to the body and oblique. Assuncao controls the center while Sterling circles left around the edge of the cage, both men feinting and gauging reactions as they pass through a tense second minute. Assuncao counters a low kick from Sterling with a left hand over the top, but Sterling eats it and sticks out his tongue. Assuncao's next low kick strays to the cup of Sterling, who drops to his knees in pain as referee Tim Mills calls time. Assuncao receives a warning, but the low blow was clearly unintentional as Sterling was in motion, trying to dodge the strike. When action resumes, Assuncao rips a hard right hand down the center; Sterling circles away before coming back to the middle of the cage and delivering a pair of outside leg kicks. Assuncao catches a body kick and gets Sterling hopping backward, then hits the Brazilian with a right hand to the body. Assuncao continues to press forward and land sporadic right hands in the final minute, but it's all single strikes from the Brazilian. For his part, Sterling stays elusive off his back foot and continues to punish Assuncao's lead leg with speedy kicks.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Assuncao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Assuncao
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Assuncao

Round 2

Sterling opens with a leg kick, answered immediately by Assuncao, who again clips the moving Sterling with an accidental low blow. Sterling drops to his knees and waits for the ref to step in, but Tim Mills tells the bantamweights to fight on. Assuncao doesn't swarm his wounded opponent, instead allowing Sterling a few moments to recover and get back on his feet. They settle into their familiar pattern from round one, with Assuncao working from the center and Sterling circling the outside. Assuncao staggers Sterling with a counter right hand but again doesn't pounce. Sterling misses with a punching combo, catches Assuncao with a front kick to the body just behind it. Assuncao cracks over the top with a right hand and then moves back out of range, now forcing Sterling to move back to the center and engage a bit. Sterling wades back to the outside, shoots a long shot and is denied by Assuncao with underhooks. Sterling connects with a right hand to the solar plexus but then has to hop backward when Assuncao catches his follow-up kick. Down to the final minute, Assuncao scores with a clean kick to the right rib cage of Sterling; the New Yorker closes the round with a few outside low kicks.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Assuncao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Assuncao
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Assuncao

Round 3

Sterling changes tactics and begins pressing forward in the opening minute of round three, but the activity level doesn't pick up from either man, the fight still being contested mainly with kicks and single punches. Sterling tries to shoot, gets stuffed and goes back to his foward pressure. Assuncao is waiting with a quick counter; the Brazilian slides backward again, fires an overhand right and then pushes Sterling away again as the American tries to get inside. Assuncao cracks with another right hand, but Sterling pops back with a left hand to the temple. The action is picking up with two minutes left, as Sterling lands a pair of jabs in quick succession. Assuncao is throwing less, instead sidestepping and resetting every time Sterling throws a power punch. Sterling gets through with a kick to the body, a clean right cross and grabs for a leg, but Assuncao shoves him away. Sterling takes a glance up at the clock and moves forward again with 30 seconds left. A pair of heavy body kicks seem to fold Assuncao momentarily, but he recovers quickly and the bantamweights finish the round on their feet.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Sterling (29-28 Assuncao)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sterling (29-28 Assuncao)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Sterling (29-28 Assuncao)

The Result

Raphael Assuncao def. Aljamain Sterling via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Sam Alvey vs. Nate Marquardt

Round 1

Marquardt takes the center of the cage with his right hand cocked, but it's the southpaw Alvey who lands first with an outside leg kick. Marquardt answers with a low kick of his own, but there's little else in the way of offense during the first minute. The middleweights clinch near the fence and Alvey takes the outside position, but Marquardt is keeping things close with a left arm looped tight around Alvey's neck. Marquardt spins to the outside, then Alvey again, and the stalemate continues through the middle of the round. Referee Herb Dean calls for action, waits 15 seconds and then separates the 185ers. It's still slow going in the striking department, neither man taking control of the fight. Alvey commits to a combination but can't find the mark as Marquardt turns to dash away. Marquardt lands a low kick, but it's Alvey who gets the final say with a two-punch combo and clinch knee attack in the last 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Alvey

Round 2

Marquardt lands an early low kick and presses forward on Alvey, but the middleweights continue the lukewarm action in the striking department. Alvey spends a minute or more grimacing and missing with long punches aimed at Marquardt, then explodes into a powerful combo that has Marquardt backing up. The pace drops off again immediately, though Alvey is beginning to connect with sporadic power punches. A one-two rattles Marquardt's head but "Nate the Great" stays on his feet. Alvey goes on his front foot now, and Marquardt's face is showing wear around the left eye from the punishment inflicted by "Smile'n Sam" in the second half of this round. Another combo from Alvey gets Marquardt backpedaling in the last 20 seconds, and Alvey finishes strong with a pair of punches in the pocket.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Alvey
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alvey
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Alvey

Round 3

Marquardt backs Alvey toward the fence with an overhand right, spends 20 seconds looking for an opening and then thumps the Team Quest product's midsection with another right. Alvey steps in with an uppercut, grabs for a Thai clinch and gets tripped to the ground by Marquardt, who corrals the larger man against the fence as they stand. Marquardt uses a rear waistlock to drop Alvey to the floor, then jumps on his back and sets both hooks. Alvey locks down the former King of Pancrase's arms to neutralize the threat of a rear-naked choke, but Marquardt is set in back-mount with nearly three minutes left to work. Alvey does a great job walking off the fence and breaking the position, and now the middleweights jump back to their feet with about two minutes on the clock. Alvey is breathing with his mouth wide open, his mouthpiece out of place as he slides on his back foot. Marquardt overcommits to an attack and is sidestepped by Alvey, who then underhooks the Coloradoan against the fence. They break with 60 seconds left to fight, and Marquardt steps forward, sizing up Alvey for a punch. Alvey stops his progress with a few low kicks, and Marquardt stays inactive until the last 10 seconds, when he catches Alvey with a few counterpunches in the final exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Marquardt (29-29 Draw)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Marquardt (29-29 Draw)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Marquardt (29-28 Alvey)

The Result

Sam Alvey def. Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Alex Caceres vs. Jason Knight

Round 1

The featherweights go toe-to-toe in an early exchange, and it's a grazing right hand from Knight that forces lefty Caceres backward a few steps. Caceres strikes back with a left before Knight closes the gap and holds "Bruce Leeroy" against the wall. Caceres slips out quickly, throws a low kick and gets countered by Knight with a straight right. Knight lands a speedy two-piece, then gets a hand up to block a high kick. Caceres switches between stances, fakes a shot and then comes over the top to plunk Knight with a left. Knight responds with a straight right, an inside leg kick, but a four- or five-strike combination is full of misses as Caceres shows beautiful head movement. Knight hustles Caceres against the fence with 1:40 on the clock, but Caceres soon breaks out to hit Knight with a left-handed body shot. Inside the final minute, Caceres continues to move well and avoid punishment, but a straight right hand to the chin puts him on his seat for a few seconds. Knight gives chase as the wobbly Caceres stands up, then slams him to the ground with force as the seconds tick down. Knight jumps on the back of Caceres and hunts for a rear-naked choke just as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Knight
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Knight
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Caceres

Round 2

Knight takes a kick to the body, catches the leg but can't capitalize as Caceres hops away. Caceres scores with a lead left hand, then a counter right straight when Knight throws a body kick. Caceres weaves his way inside, looking to clinch, but he's shoved away by Knight. The next clinch leads to a whizzer, from which Knight throws Caceres to his knees and jumps on his back again. With a body triangle to secure back-mount, Knight goes in search of the rear-naked choke, just as he did at the end of round one. Caceres goes to his knees and shells up, so Knight postures up and begins throwing punches, now elbows which look to have sliced open Caceres. One heavy elbow slams into the side of Caceres' head with a thud, and seconds later, Knight is applying another rear-naked choke attempt. He can't get under the chin, and Caceres peels away Knight's hands to continue fighting with 1:40 on the clock. Caceres kneels again, so Knight goes back to punching until he finds the opening for the RNC. This time, Caceres can't free himself from the choke and is forced to submit.

The Result

Jason Knight def. Alex Caceres via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 4:21

Andrei Arlovski vs. Francis Ngannou

Round 1

Ngannou grazes the head of Arlovski with his first punch of the fight, an overhand right counter to an Arlovski low kick. "Pit Bull" lands another leg kick and gets out of the way as Ngannou tries to blast him with another right hand. Arlovski whiffs on a right hand, leans in too far and gets floored by Ngannou's counter right. Arlovski drops to his knees in a daze and is swiftly pounded out by Ngannou, who records another sudden stoppage for his fifth straight UFC win.

The Result

Francis Ngannou def. Andrei Arlovski via TKO (Punches) R1 1:32

Donald Cerrone vs. Jorge Masvidal

Round 1

Both welterweights stick jabs and land body kicks in the opening minute, and Masvidal receives an early verbal warning from referee Herb Dean to keep closes his outstretched lead hand. Masvidal presses forward and tags Cerrone with a blistering straight right, and Cerrone clips him back with a counter left hook. Cerrone snaps back Masvidal's head with a sharp jab; Masvidal comes back with a jab of his own a few seconds later, but Cerrone continues to chip away at the legs of "Gamebred" with powerful low kicks. Masvidal sprawls on a Cerrone takedown attempt, whirls around and clips Cerrone with a spinning backfist. Cerrone goes upstairs with a partially blocked head kick which draws a smile from Masvidal. Inside the final minute of a close opening round, Masvidal pushes Cerrone backward with a spinning kick to the body. Cerrone has a body kick caught but yanks back the leg before Masvidal can strike. Masvidal scores with a body kick-right hand to the jaw that seems to get Cerrone's attention in the last 20 seconds. Cerrone takes a kick to the body, tries to give Masvidal one in return, then gets blown up by a flurry of punches. Masvidal pounces with follow-up punches and referee Dean appears to stop the fight before the horn sounds, as Cerrone was knocked senseless. However, Dean subsequently announces that the fight will continue and a dazed Cerrone is propped up on his stool.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Masvidal
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Masvidal
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Masvidal

Round 2

Masvidal comes out aggressive at the start of round two, mixing up his punches to Cerrone's body and head. Cerrone still looks to be in rough shape from the beating he sustained at the end of round one, and Masvidal puts him down again with a right-handed counter to a body kick. Cerrone tries to stand but Masvidal traps him against the fence with a barrage of left hands to the body and head. This time, referee Dean steps in for the definitive stoppage.

The Result

Jorge Masvidal def. Donald Cerrone via TKO (Punches) R2 1:00

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena

Round 1

Pena takes only 20 seconds to duck inside and press Shevchenko's back against the fence. The bantamweights trade knees to the body as they fight in the clinch, with Pena's strikes appearing to land harder. Shevchenko perfectly times a foot sweep and lands in side control on Pena's left side, but Pena creates space from the bottom and powers back to her feet just seconds later. Two minutes in, the fighters return to the clinch on the fence, Pena continuing to score with knees. Shevchenko hits the same foot sweep to side control, and this time she's got Pena's right side jammed up against the cage. Shevchenko drops three heavy right hands on Pena's face, but the "Venezuelan Vixen" seems unfazed as she shifts her hips to reclaim a half-butterfly guard. Now it's closed guard for Pena with 90 seconds left in round one. Shevchenko is landing a few short punches but seems largely concerned with keeping Pena on the mat down the stretch. Pena throws up an armbar with 20 seconds left, tries to go belly-down for the finish but runs out of time.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pena
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Shevchenko
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2

Pena wastes little time running Shevchenko back against the fence, but "Bullet" is able to withstand Pena's early takedown attempt. The pace is slow in the clinch, prompting referee Herb Dean to call for work. The bantamweights continue to exchange knees, again with Pena landing the greater volume as she works on the outside. Shevchenko withstands a throw, takes another knee to the gut, and succumbs to a Pena double-leg takedown. Shevchenko is back on her feet in a second, though still held against the fence by Pena's over-unders. Shevchenko tries to walk the pair off the wall and has her momentum used against her as Pena trips her to the floor. Pena postures up in Shevchenko's closed guard but can't get much going in terms of ground-and-pound. Shevchenko slowly creeps her guard up Pena's body but can't catch an arm on the first attempt. Shevchenko throws up the armbar again, and this time she looks to have it. Pena tries to step over, but Shevchenko rolls with it and has the arm in deep, and Pena is forced to tap out. Valentina Shevchenko secures a second-round submission and becomes the likely No. 1 contender to Amanda Nunes' UFC women's bantamweight title.

The Result

Valentina Shevchenko def. Julianna Pena via Submission (Armbar) R2 4:29