UFC Fight Night 232 ‘Allen vs. Craig’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Rafael Estevam (128: Missed Weight) vs. Charles Johnson (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Estevam (-125), Johnson (+105)

Round 1

This is the next UFC Fight Night card holed up in the UFC Apex. There are 14 fights on it, and it starts earlier than usual. The first one comes in an unplanned catchweight, as Johnson (13-5, 2-3 UFC) tries to even his UFC record to .500 at the expense of heavy unbeaten newcomer Estevam (11-0, 0-0 UFC). The latter tipped the scales two pounds above the flyweight cap, and he siphoned off 20% of his purse to his opponent. The fighters do not touch gloves with referee Chris Tognoni watching on, and instead they look to find their own ranges immediately with kicks and jabs. Estevam changes levels after throwing a high kick, but Johnson is out of the way. Estevam peppers his foe with kicks to the calf and body, and Johnson springs out of the way of some of them but not all. Estevam keeps a high volume, always prodding out, until he shoots low for a single-leg takedown. His momentum allows him to plow Johnson against the fence, but the takedown does not succeed. Estevam readjusts himself and throws Johnson all the way around his body and down to the mat. Johnson is quick to start rifling off punches from his back, while frustrating Estevam with an elbow or two as he works to his knees. Estevam pounces on him to stop Johnson from standing, and takes the back of “InnerG” and leans against the cage wall. Johnson elbows the thigh repeatedly, and Estevam hunts for a choke that is more of a seat belt grip with his arm draped around the back. Johnson explodes to turn him around, and Estevam trips him and slams him down with gravitas. Johnson turns and surrenders his back, allowing Estevam to take it and fish for a choke grip. Estevam bails on it to let Johnson turn over so he can step into mount, and he considers an arm-triangle choke. The American keeps turning, but Estevam follows him every step of the way and reclaims mount to drill his man with punches and elbows. Johnson bucks and drags Estevam back to half guard, and he continues to scramble so he can escape the Brazilian’s clutches. Estevam gets the back again during a grappling exchange, and he ignores Johnson elbowing his thigh until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Estevam
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Estevam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Estevam

Round 2

The fighters are amped to get started, and Estevam practically sprints out of his corner to attack a single. Johnson keeps upright, but Estevam redoubles his effort and seats Johnson. Johnson springs up with his back against the wire, and Estevam wrangles him down to the ground with a body lock. Johnson looks to stand back up, and Estevam wraps his legs around Johnson’s waist to serve as a miserable backpack as Johnson gets back up. Estevam sneaks his right arm around the face and looks for a choke attempt, and Johnson falls over and hand-fights to keep himself out of submission danger. Estevam switches his grip to crank his right arm on the chin of his foe, and Johnson toughs it out and turns to his side. Johnson punches to little effect behind his head and wipes at his eye, and Estevam adjusts his body triangle and squeezes the midsection. Johnson turns again in an effort to get out, and Estevam steps over calmly to assume mount before a slick Johnson reverses him and tosses Estevam to his back. Johnson backs off to force them to stand up, and Estevam follows him and quickly shoots in on his hips. Johnson defends with a few elbows on the dome as he attempts to stop the takedown, and Estevam slithers around to the back as he looks to trip Johnson out. Estevam sneaks in a knee, and Johnson works his way around and slings a kick to the midsection on the break. Johnson strings together several punches, and Estevam answers with one or two and shoots in from a distance. Johnson stuffs him and lets his hands go, and he lets loose a kick and falls to the mat. As “InnerG” gets back up, Estevam surges forward for one last takedown, but the round ends before he can get it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Estevam
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Estevam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Estevam

Round 3

The round begins, and Tognoni calls time as he sees that Johnson is covered in sweat or water. Tognoni wipes him off with a towel, and the last round officially begins. Johnson comes out like a bat out of hell, charging at Estevam and laying into him with punch combinations. The strikes from the Missouri native put him off-balance, and Estevam tries to take advantage of this with a takedown. Estevam gets stonewalled, and Johnson works his way up and dings Estevam with an elbow and several body shots. Estevam gathers his energy, looks for a throw, and fails on it and stumbles away. Johnson lets him up and forces his foe to try another takedown, and he counters Estevam with a clean knee right on the face. Estevam shakes it off and tries for additional level changes, but Johnson is the fresher man and he defends one and turns to the side to snatch up Estevam’s neck with a schoolyard bulldog choke. Estevam turns his neck as Johnson lowers him to the ground with the submission setup, and Johnson pounds into Estevam’s head with his fist. Estevam escapes and attacks another takedown, and this results in stalemate against the fence. As time ticks off the clock, Tognoni decides they are not doing enough and separates them at the midpoint of the round. Johnson picks up where he left off, pressuring the undefeated fighter with body shots and mixing them up with strikes to the head. Johnson slams his elbow in Estevam’s face, and he keeps a torrid pace on his man that is slowing. Estevam shoots for a desperate takedown and is stood up, and he tries again. Johnson rips body shots and right hands over the top, and his elbows are included in the barrage that stand Estevam up. Johnson powers forward with a three-punch salvo, and he knocks Estevam’s head against the fencing. Johnson continues to walk Estevam down and work him over with strikes, and Estevam lands one in response. Estevam attempts one last takedown, and Johnson turns it around on him and rolls for a leglock. The fight ends in an unusual position, and it remains to be seen if it was enough for Johnson to stage the partial comeback to earn a 10-8 and force a draw.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Estevam)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Estevam)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson (29-28 Estevam)

The Official Result

Rafael Estevam def. Charles Johnson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Nikolas Motta (155) vs. Trey Ogden (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Motta (-135), Ogden (+114)

Round 1

Moving on to the lightweight division, two fighters will set foot in the cage hoping right the ship after losses earlier in the year, and the next victory will even their UFC record. Whether it is Ogden (16-6, 1-2 UFC) or Motta (13-5, 1-2 UFC), they will have the next three rounds or less to decide. Referee Mike Beltran draws the charge, and he sits back as the fighters do not choose to touch ‘em up. Both fighters fake jabs at one another, and then they reach out with jabs that do not find their targets. The first land is from Ogden in the form of a prodding jab, and he wipes his hands on his shorts. Ogden snaps out another jab as Motta comes in, and Motta sits down on a leg kick in response. Ogden gets in a jab and dodges when Motta counters, and he ducks away as Motta swings at him. Motta throws a kick, and Ogden catches it and goes after a single. Ogden presses his foe against the fence when the takedown does not materialize, and he is warned for grabbing the fence to keep Motta trapped on it. Ogden softens the body up with a few knees before pushing off, and he drops down for another single and bails on it to go up top with a right and a left. Ogden snipes his foe with another sharp jab, snapping the head back and disrupting the power coming back at him. Ogden shoots for a naked double-leg takedown, and Motta stands him up but gets popped with another jab. Motta prepares for another takedown and halts it, and Ogden once more sticks him with the jab. Ogden kicks low and rifles out a few jabs, and Motta is unable to let go with power punches as a result. Motta’s nose begins to glow like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and he defends against another shot but eats a number of jabs. Ogden snake-charms his opponent with jabs, and as Motta overswings on a right hand, he drops down low and secures a double to dump the Brazilian on his back. Ogden moves right to half guard with ease, and he grinds out the remainder of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ogden

Round 2

Ogden is ready and rearing to pick up right where he left off, and he pushes out a jab and beats Motta to the punch a few times. Motta rushes out throwing big punches, but Ogden sees them coming and evades them. Motta looks for a head kick at the end of a few strikes, and Ogden parries and strafes to the side. Ogden ducks and runs to the side when Motta swings for the bleachers, and he gets back into position and pierces the guard with a jab. An overzealous Motta runs into a takedown attempt, and he manages to stop it and throw hand back. Ogden keeps composed and rolls with the punches, what few Motta has landed. Motta unloads a right hand that skims past the side of his foe’s head, and Ogden answers this with a double attempt. Motta stifles this and chomps down on a few more jabs as mis mouth opens from the blows. Ogden fails on another takedown attempt, but his follow-up punches are largely finding their mark while Motta swings back hitting air. Ogden stands in one place a little too long and takes a right hand on the chin, and this wobbles him as he stumbles away. Motta tries to give chase, but Ogden takes a quick count of his teeth and smacks the Brazilian with a left hook. The jabs continue to mount by the busy Ogden, who regains his sea legs as he further marks up Motta’s face. Ogden fakes out his foe to grab hold of him with a body lock, and he delivers a pair of knees to the body. Motta pushes off and continues to throw wildly, and every so often he does manage a land. Motta dips down to block a takedown, and Ogden opens up with three punches and a blocked head kick. Ogden slings Motta to the ground with sheer strength, and Motta climbs back up and takes a knee up the middle and a right hand. Motta shakes it off and continues relentlessly throwing power punches, but Ogden sees most of them coming and does work with his jab and follow-up hook. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ogden

Round 3

The two have reached the final round, and they meet in the middle and trade hands. Ogden hops back away from the power right hand, and he glances it off the cheek and surprises Ogden. The Marathon MMA fighter doggedly goes after a takedown, and Motta hops across the cage and keeps his balance. Ogden exerts himself and dumps the Brazilian to his seat, and he wraps his legs around Motta’s for a partial mount position. Motta sits himself against the fence, and Ogden drags him flat to his back as he slides himself a bit higher to claim full mount. “Samurai Ghost” maintains heavy chest pressure and bonks Motta in the side of the head with open palm strikes, and he squeezes down to set up an arm-triangle choke and slips his left arm behind Motta’s head. Ogden adjusts his grip and talks to his corner, and he follows their instructions to lock down the arm-triangle choke. Ogden steps over to the side as he presses down with all his might. Beltran tells Motta to show him he is still in the fight, and Motta fights the grip and is still with it. Beltran checks on Motta’s hand and believes that Motta is out, and he steps in to stop the fight. Motta immediately screams at Beltran, saying he was not out and asking why the fight is over. By first glance, it appears to be a bit of a premature stoppage, as Motta was not rendered unconscious and his attempts to signal Beltran something like a thumbs-up would put him further in danger. For now, the result is what it is, a win by technical submission for Ogden, unless the replay goes over the footage and determines something else. As it turns out, they do.

The Official Result

Trey Ogden vs. Nikolas Motta is Ruled a No Contest (Premature Stoppage) R3 3:11

Ailin Perez (136) vs. Lucie Pudilova (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Perez (-180), Pudilova (+150)

Round 1

Two 29-year-old bantamweights prepare to engage in the Octagon with vastly different career trajectories and levels of experience. With Pudilova (14-8, 3-6 UFC) holding over double the number of fights as her opponent, and nearly as many UFC walks as Perez (8-2, 1-1 UFC) has overall as a pro, there is a lot that will be proved in the next 15 minutes. Referee Chris Tognoni is in it for the long haul, as these two have gone the distance a combined 19 times in their 32 outings. The ladies touch gloves, and Perez backs off so she can measure her lead leg kicks. She throws one to the body and one that smacks into Pudilova’s gloves, and one could hear a pin drop in the UFC Apex. Perez strings two punches together, and she comes up short with a head kick. Perez continues prodding out with kicks to the body, and she slowly turns to throw one that goes past her opponent. Pudilova crowds her foe with punches, and Perez changes levels and grabs hold of the taller woman to consider a takedown. Perez elevates Pudilova and slams her to the mat, landing in half guard. Perez presses her full body weight down to control Pudilova, doing little in the way of offense. Pudilova turns to her side, and Perez times this and jumps straight into full mount. Perez postures up and slashes down with a pair of elbows and some punches. Pudilova keeps her hands clasped around the waist of her opponent to stop her from getting off anything especially damaging, and Perez fights this off and slams down with two more elbows. Perez hangs on as Pudilova bucks, and she controls in a dominant position while largely unable to get off much. Perez frames off to slash down with an elbow, and she gets off a few punches while staying at her smothering best. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Perez

Round 2

The ladies clap hands and then immediately get after it, as Pudilova tries to crowd forward with one-twos while Perez replies with two head kicks. Perez comes up short with a spinning wheel kick, and Pudilova punches her in the face in response. Perez’ left eye has developed a great deal of swelling, so to take away from any more getting bopped in the noodle, she drops down and hits a double to place Pudilova flat on her back. With four minutes to work, Perez has plenty of time to slowly work her way into a position and start up with some ground strikes. Pudilova keeps a hand on the forehead and tries to push Perez back, but Perez sneaks in some left hands while in half guard. Perez continues to grind, landing the occasional elbow or punch to keep Tognoni from stepping in. Perez jumps into mount at the midpoint of the round, and she proceeds to sit up and elbow the Czech fighter in the face with impunity. Pudilova tries all she can to buck, but Perez is comfortably teeing off on her with punches and elbows. Pudilova gets pressed against the fence with her neck pressed against the wall in an awkward position, and Perez starts jamming down a number of light but scoring punches. Perez looks to Tognoni as if to force a stoppage, but Tognoni sees the punches have nothing on them and are not hurting Pudilova. Perez settles down and lands a few more punches and an elbow at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Perez

Round 3

Perez leads off the round to get a glove touch, and she is answered before wrapping a kick around the guard. Within the first 15 seconds, Perez attacks one leg of her opponent in search of a single. Pudilova tries to lean against the fence, but she gets wrenched down to the mat. Pudilova stands up, gets booted in the face, and grabs the leg to turn Perez around and throw her down to the ground. Pudilova jams an elbow in Perez’ face while in Perez’ guard, but it is one-and-done as she holds on. Perez scoots herself to the fence so she can wall-walk, and she does so even while Pudilova hangs onto her back. Pudilova drives several knees to the midsection when she pushes Perez to the wall, and Perez answers with a feeble takedown effort that gets her shoved to her back. Pudilova moves on top in half guard, and she looks to claim mount as Perez kicks off the wall. Perez gets away with a few illegal upkicks with Pudilova on her knees, and Pudilova shakes off any of the fouls by shifting into side control. “Fiona” turns to her knees and pursues a single, but Pudilova slides around her and follows her back upright so she can knee Perez in the belly. Perez pushes off and throws hands, and Pudilova stays on her and slams fists into Perez’ face. Pudilova maintains heavy pressure and fights of a throw to push Perez to her knees. Perez falls to her side, and Pudilova drops down a few left hands and a couple elbows. Perez gives up her back as she moves to her knees, and Pudilova slips her arm under the chin and locks down a rear-naked choke. Perez fights the grip and valiantly survives the submission, and Pudilova has to readjust her arms. The tap does not come, and the two ladies hear the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova (29-28 Perez)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova (29-28 Perez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova (29-28 Perez)

The Official Result

Ailin Perez def. Lucie Pudilova via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Lucas Alexander (148: Missed Weight) vs. Jeka Saragih (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alexander (-375), Saragih (+295)

Round 1

Although he technically holds two wins with the promotion through the Road to UFC events, Saragih (13-3, 2-1 UFC) would like to claim his first victory under the official UFC banner tonight, and become the first fighter from Indonesia to do so. On late notice, the man whose nickname loosely translates to “The Deadly Kick” now takes on Alexander (8-3, 1-1 UFC), and the Brazilian tipped the scale by two pounds and gives up 20% of his fight purse. Referee Herb Dean is standing by, and perhaps because of the weight miss, the two do not touch gloves. Instead, kicks are traded by both fighters, with Alexander targeting the body while Saragih kicks any target he can find. The Brazilian plunks a low kick on the calf and shoots for a double, and Saragih reacts but does not have to stop it as Alexander lets go. Instead, Alexander comes out firing with a three-two down the middle, and he intercepts Saragih with an uppercut to shake the Indonesian fighter up. Alexander boots Saragih with several kicks, and he trips and falls to his back to go after a leg lock. The Brazilian lets the leg go and stands up, rushing away to reset. Saragih gives chase, and he slugs his foe with a massive right hand that sends Alexander collapsing to the ground, the back of his head bouncing off the fence. Although Alexander appears to be out, Saragih hammers the nail with three more thunderous punches before Dean can pull Saragih off of the doomed Brazilian. This is a spectacular performance for the Indonesian fighter, who pulls off the huge upset with a dynamite knockout over a man that had never been knocked out.

The Official Result

Jeka Saragih def. Lucas Alexander R1 1:31 via KO (Punches)

Caio Machado (250) vs. Michael Parkin (262.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Parkin (-345), Machado (+275)

Round 1

Meat is on the menu for the heavyweight slobberknocker combining for 512.5 pounds of man—not counting referee Mark Smith—and judges may get to take the next few minutes off. Britain’s Parkin (7-0, 1-0 UFC) has only heard the final bell once after seven pro fights, while Machado (8-1-1, 0-0 UFC) has gone six for 10 in terms of finishes. Before they swing for the bleachers, they bump their large fists first. Machado advances and throws a leg kick, and he swarms Parkin with punches. The Brazilian clips Parkin in his first blitz, and Parkin tries to recover by clinching up and pressing his extra weight on his man. Machado watches the big screen to see if he can find a way out of the clinch, and Parkin further squeezes on him. Machado defends a takedown shot from the Brit, but Parkin scoops him off the ground and throws him to the mat. Parkin sits comfortably in guard, and Machado pushes his legs off the fence and scrambles to fight his way back to his feet. “Mick” dumps him right back down with a single, and he dodges an upkick to lower himself down into the half guard. Parkin uses heavy chest pressure, and Machado explodes his way up and swings hard with a left hand when breaking off. Machado gets off a short low kick, and he dings Parkin with a right hand and follows it with a right to the head and left to the body. Parkin absorbs a right hand over the top, and the two clash together as they throw big at one another. Machado hammers the midsection with a kick, and Parkin clinches him up. Machado looks to turn the corner and hunts for his own trip, and when that fails, he separates and sticks out a few jabs as well as a low kick. Parkin returns fire with his own calf kick, and Machado smiles and nods at him. The Brit presses ahead into the tie-up, but he cannot keep Machado stuck against the fence. The Brazilian rips a left to the body, and Parkin snaps his foe’s head back with a jab. Machado keeps his hands low and he feints his way in, and he scores another calf kick. The two tag one another with right hands, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Machado
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Machado
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Machado

Round 2

The heavyweights get to Round 2, and they clap hands before going after it. Machado reintroduces himself with a head kick that ricochets off the raised glove, and he sticks out several jabs to the head and body to keep Parkin guessing. Machado pushes a left hand down the middle, and he stings Parkin with a second strike. Parkin throws hard with a left hook as he crashes the pocket, and he lifts “Bigfoot” up and chucks him down courtesy of a single. Parkin lands right in half guard, and he pushes his weight down on the smaller fighter. Machado tries to turn to either side to power his way back upright, and Parkin drags him back down flat. Machado hacks an elbow up from his back and adjusts his hips to get back to guard, and he strikes with additional punches and elbows off his back. Machado settles for trading strikes from this position, and he bloodies up Parkin’s left ear before pushing off with his legs. Parkin steps over the escape attempt to get to half guard, and Machado clings to his foe to hope for a referee standup. Machado kicks off the chest, and he blasts Parkin in the face with a left hand before Parkin jumps back up. Machado jumps at his opponent with an elbow, and Parkin swings his way off the fence. The two trade hands, and Parkin gets the better of an exchange and dings Machado with several uppercuts before pushing him to the wire. The Brit attempts a single, and Machado strikes the back of the head and falls to his seat to roll through and scramble. The excited Machado falls off the back and is in a bad position, as Parkin nearly hits a crucifix and holds him down. Machado throws his legs up and reverses Parkin with seconds to spare, and he attempts one elbow before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Parkin
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Parkin
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Parkin

Round 3

There is a glove touch, and Machado is quick to follow it with a jab. Parkin ducks down to throw a haymaker, and when he whiffs, he chops at Machado’s lead leg. Parkin connects with a right hand, and Machado retaliates with a push kick up the middle. Machado complains about a punch to the back of his head during an exchange, but he lowered his head to throw and Parkin was not intentionally targeting it. Machado hand-fights, and Parkin walks through it to crack his opponent with a straight right hand. “Mick” fires off another, and he knocks the Brazilian back to the wire. Machado spins him around and looks for an overhand right, and Parkin dodges and throws back with one that also misses. Machado goes with a left to the body, and they crash their heads together like rams. Smith calls time to allow them both to recover, and he warns them for coming together and connecting in this fashion. They touch hands, and then proceed to throw them. Parkin attempts a takedown, and Machado foils him and lets go with a sudden head kick. Parkin walks it off and plods forward, winging a tired right hand and shooting for a takedown that also fails. Machado dodges a hook and throws a jab, and he ducks down to dodge another and they clack head together once more. Machado jumps with a knee that pounds into the body, and he kicks the side for good measure. Parkin flails his way in and gets countered, and the two spent fighters are trying anything they can to get offense going but are exhausted. Smith asks them to do more as they stare at one another, sucking wind. Machado hooks two punches over the top, and he answers a Parkin jab with one of his own. Machado whiffs on a hook, and Parkin tries to take advantage of this with a body lock to a takedown, and Machado shuts it down. Parkin staggers his opponent with a right hand, and Machado grins. Machado scores a body kick, and he circles away to leap at his foe with a Superman punch. Machado goes to the body, and he comes up top with a right hand. Parkin responds, slugging the Brazilian in the face. He lands a right as Machado escapes, and Machado swings for the fence with every bit of energy he has left. The judges are required after all, as the heavyweights get to the final buzzer.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Machado (29-28 Machado)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Machado (29-28 Machado)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Machado (29-28 Machado)

The Official Result

Michael Parkin def. Caio Machado via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Christian Leroy Duncan (186) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Duncan (-450), Tiuliulin (+380)

Round 1

A finish is all-but guaranteed in this middleweight banger, as Duncan (8-1, 1-1 UFC) brings his 87% stoppage rate to the cage while Tiuliulin (10-8, 1 NC; 1-3 UFC) exceeds that with his own at 90%. Even if the judges might not be needed to hand in their final scorecards, referee Mike Beltran should be ready at a moment’s notice. The knockout-minded fighters come together and tap their fists together before trading them, and Duncan says hello with a leg kick. Tiuliulin blazes forward, throwing punches in bunches to back Duncan against the wall. Duncan returns fire, and his forward momentum results in them clinched. Duncan knees the thigh and slides his leg between Tiuliulin’s to trip him up. “CLD” hammers the thighs with a few more knees, and he imposes his will while remaining tightly pressed to the Russian. Duncan smacks his foe with his shoulder a couple times while up close and personal, and the knees have reddened Tiuliulin’s right leg. Duncan looks to sling Tiuliulin to the ground, but he does not have the leverage to do so and settles for spamming knees. Duncan stands Tiuliulin up with a sharp elbow, but he proceeds to press his chest on him until finding another opening for a second elbow. Duncan exerts his pressure to trap Tiuliulin against the wire with no hope of escape, and he rings Tiuliulin’s bell with another elbow. The grind is firmly embraced by the Brit, who shows no signs of changing his approach. Duncan knees the torso after a failed takedown attempt, and when he plants a second up the middle, Tiuliulin pushes him away. Tiuliulin spins with an inaccurate elbow, and the horn sounds to end the tepid frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Duncan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Duncan

Round 2

Duncan comes out of his corner switching stances, and he paws out with a front kick that drills into Tiuliulin’s cup. Tiuliulin waves it off, and Beltran lets them resume. Duncan connects with a right hand, and he catches the Russian with a left that staggers him. Duncan gives chase, leaping at Tiuliulin with a flying knee, and he chains several punches together after it. Duncan spins with a back fist that pounds square into Tiuliulin’s dome, and the Russian tanks it and throws haymakers back at him. Duncan hacks out with an elbow, and he follows with a jab that makes Tiuliulin shake his head. They trade jabs, and Duncan trips his foe up with a low kick. Tiuliulin works his way forward and walks through a jab to attack the body with a left hand, and Duncan is there to counter him with a short left hook. Duncan gets off a leg kick, and he plants the ball of his foot on Tiuliulin’s mug. The tough Tiuliulin fires back, and he connects with three punches and a body kick as Duncan tries to roll with it. Duncan returns fire, and shrugs off a leg kick so he can throw hands. Tiuliulin kicks the body and flails with two fists, and Duncan is well out of harm’s way in time. Duncan pushes Tiuliulin back with a front kick, and he spins with a kick to the lower leg. Duncan changes levels and pushes the Russian against the wall, but he cannot keep him there this time. A labored spinning wheel kick comes from Duncan, and the two come up close and personal with powerful, thudding elbows. Duncan lands a few, and Tiuliulin returns fire with similar blows. Duncan gets caught with a short elbow, and he pushes off to separate and land a leg kick. Duncan prods out with a front kick to the body, and he grabs Tiuliulin’s head and slugs him in the face with several uppercuts. Tiuliulin’s legs are giving way as each uppercut smashes him in the chops, and he rips two elbows over the top to send Tiuliulin hurtling to the canvas. From there, it is only a matter of time, as Duncan jackhammers his fallen opponent with punches until Beltran has seen enough. That makes seven knockouts across the nine wins for the Brit, who bounces back from a decision loss in an important way.

The Official Result

Christian Leroy Duncan def. Denis Tiuliulin R2 4:24 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Chad Anheliger (134.5) vs. Jose Johnson (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-205), Anheliger (+170)

Round 1

When the dust settles, one of these two bantamweights will get back in the win column. Canada’s Anheliger (12-6, 1-1 UFC) wants to string together another 10-fight win streak that he lost last year, while Johnson (15-8, 0-1 UFC) would not mind something like that either. Gloves are loudly touched, and referee Chris Tognoni is on the call. Johnson leads the dance with a sweeping kick, and he fires off a speedy head kick that bounces off the guard. Anheliger defends against another kick, and he dodges a right hand and backpedals. Johnson keeps after him with front kick, and as he pushes the pace, he trips Anheliger up and takes him down. Johnson slams the body with several punches, and Anheliger explodes his way up and throws bombs. The right hand of the Canadian gets Johnson’s attention, and Johnson backs off and jabs the body with a front kick. Johnson skims the forehead with a knee when the two clinch up briefly, and Johnson pushes the pace and drags his foe to the fence. Anheliger turns the tables and trips the man formerly known as “No Way Jose” down, but Johnson springs upright and gets shoved to the wall. Johnson tries to use the grappling exchange against his opponent, and the two jockey for position while tied up. Johnson knees his man in the face with his long legs, and he escapes out the side and gets his front kick going in a hurry. Johnson reaches with a long jab, and Anheliger counters with two punches and a leg kick. Johnson whips a kick up high, and he ducks two wide hooks. Johnson crashes the pocket to initiate another clinch, and he sneaks around to get the back as they try to improve their positions. Johnson knees the body a few times until getting dumped to the canvas, and he sweeps Anheliger as soon as he hits the ground and winds up on top. Anheliger attempts an armbar to get back up, and after a wild grappling exchange, both men take top position briefly. Johnson ends the round slightly on top, smacking Anheliger upside the head.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

Johnson advances out of his corner to start off the round, flashing his jab and walking through a leg kick. Johnson gives a kick back after taking one, and the two trade punches. Anheliger pushes off after an exchange to jam his pointer finger in Johnson’s left eye, and Tognoni sees it and calls time. Johnson signals to the Canadian that there is no ill will for the accident, and after a bit over 45 seconds, the action resumes. Johnson kicks twice, and he hops back from an Andy Hug-style spinning kick to the low leg. Johnson steps in with a left hook, and Anheliger takes it flush and tries to brawl, only for Johnson to push through and kick him on the side of the head. Johnson pressures forward, hacking at Anheliger with multiple vertical elbows, and Anheliger grabs his hands around the waist and looks to take the taller man down. Courtesy of a trip, he succeeds in putting “Lobo Solitario” down to the mat. Anheliger clings from above in side control, and Johnson walks his way along the fence to flip himself over and stand back up impressively. Anheliger stays tightly pressed to his foe, fishing for inside and outside trips while back in the clinch. Anheliger nearly puts Johnson on his seat with a body lock and a trip, but Johnson gains his balance. Anheliger drags him down, and he hops on the back as Johnson just stands back up. Johnson drops and rolls to scramble, and Anheliger snatches up an armbar in the ensuing scramble. Johnson defends, and the Canadian lines up a guillotine choke and pulls guard. Johnson breaks the grip and reverses the position, and he takes the back and slides a hook in. Johnson connects with a few punches as the second hook slips into place, and he allows Anheliger to turn so he can get into full mount. Johnson drives down an elbow to the back of the head, and he is warned for the infraction but they continue. Johnson gets off a few more strikes until the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 3

The bantamweights re-engage in the last round, and Johnson slaps a heavy leg kick to start things off. Anheliger gets into the pocket and trades hands, clipping Johnson with a number of serious punches. Johnson throws back with recklessness, and he drops Anheliger to a knee before Anheliger gets back up to keep swinging. Anheliger times a few punches to drop down for a double, and he scoops Johnson up and relocates him to the floor. Anheliger opens up with some ground-and-pound, and Johnson is active off his back with elbows and his own punches. Johnson sits up and uses his long arms to set up a 10-finger guillotine choke, but Anheliger wrenches his way out of it. Anheliger pushes his opponent back over and lands a few shots, and Johnson is more active off his back with hacking elbows. Anheliger thwarts the attempts of Johnson to sweep him, but he is taking shots as Johnson continues pounding on him from below. For every one that Anheliger lands, Johnson has connected with three or four at least. This prevents Anheliger from letting his own strikes come down en masse, as Johnson is not about to take his foot off the gas even when held down. Johnson kicks his feet off the chest, and Anheliger times the escape to snatch up a guillotine choke. Johnson hops over to the other side to prevent the choke from getting tight, and he finds himself open to set up his own Von Preux choke should he choose to go after it. Johnson abandons the submission track so he can batter the Canadian with punches and elbows to the side of the head, and he follows a turning Anheliger and takes his back while lacing up a body triangle. Johnson wraps up a rear-naked choke and cranks the maneuver with all his might. At his angle, with Anheliger on his belly, Johnson torques and squeezes until Anheliger has to surrender with around 10 seconds left in the fight. This puts on a stamp on a solid performance for Johnson, who is no longer in the red with this victory.

The Official Result

Jose Johnson def. Chad Anheliger R3 4:49 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Joanderson Brito (145) vs. Jonathan Pearce (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pearce (-130), Brito (+110)

Round 1

A potentially violent featherweight encounter rounds out this long preliminary slate. Winner of five straight, “JSP” Pearce (14-4, 5-1 UFC) will be in for a fight against the hard-charging Brito (15-3-1, 3-1 UFC). Referee Herb Dean may have his hands full for this one, although there is a sporting glove touch before it begins. Pearce lets loose with a kick to start things off, and Brito slings a right hand in response. Pearce shoots for a takedown, and Brito defends the double with a guillotine choke. Brito turns his foe around and keeps tightly pressed against him, and he starts digging right hands to the body as Pearce shakes his head. Brito lifts Pearce clean off the ground and slams him down, and he instantly lands in side control and starts slugging Pearce in the face with left hands. A bit too excited, Brito jumps over and looks to take a scrambling Pearce’s back, but he falls off the back and lands on his own back. Pearce lines him up for a solid right hand, and he attempts to set up a guillotine choke when Brito fights his way up. Brito clubs Pearce in the temple on the break, and he chases after Pearce throwing haymakers. Pearce responds with a body kick and a double, and Brito stops it and backs himself against the wall. Pearce redoubles his effort to take the fight down, and he is stonewalled but pressing the Brazilian against the wall. Brito slugs Pearce in the belly a few times as they turn one another around while clinched. Pearce claims that Brito grabbed his cup, as Brito tried to defend from a takedown. Pearce falls to his back in search of an armbar, and Brito stacks Pearce up to break out of the submission setup. “JSP” hunts for a triangle, and Brito lifts him up and slams him down to stop that as well. Pearce jumps back to his feet and looks for a takedown, and he sneaks in two uppercuts and dodges a windmilling right hand before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pearce
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pearce
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pearce

Round 2

The fists are bumped, and Pearce dives forward to hit a single in the opening seconds. Pearce lands on half guard and starts slamming down elbows. Pearce steps over into mount for a moment, and Brito bucks and fights off an arm-triangle set up to drag Pearce back to guard. Brito twists and bucks, but Pearce gladly grinds on his opponent to wear him down. “JSP” continues holding Brito down, landing sporadic shots, and the two start talking to one another. Pearce tells him to get up and do something, and Brito tries to explode out but his power is not what it was in the previous round. Pearce rides and lands right hands, and Brito laughs at him for his feeble strikes while irritated he is being held down. Brito scoots his way to the wall on one knee, and he works his way up. Out of nowhere, “Tubarao” snatches up a ninja choke with his back still against the wall, and it is shockingly tight. Pearce falls to his side to wriggle out, and Brito cranks down hard on it with his chest pressed tightly. Pearce starts tapping as Brito completes the submission, and the stunning comeback has been completed by the powerhouse Brazilian.

The Official Result

Joanderson Brito def. Jonathan Pearce R2 3:54 via Submission (Ninja Choke)

Uros Medic (171) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Orolbai (-140), Medic (+130)

Round 1

The main card begins with an action fight that may not last too long. With nine finishes in his nine pro wins, Medic (9-1, 3-1 UFC) will try to make Kyrgyzstani newcomer Orolbai (11-1-1, 0-0 UFC) have to see a medic after their welterweight clash. In his own right, Orolbai posts 10 stoppages across his 11 victories. Referee Mike Beltran is ready for what happens when the two do not touch gloves. Medic greets the debutant with a pair of body kicks, and Orolbai swats at him with a left hook. Medic attacks the midsection with a third kick, and Orolbai lunges at him in an effort to reach the longer fighter. Medic bounces a pair of kicks off the guard, and he keeps a wide berth until stepping in with a one-two. Orolbai lowers himself down, and Medic drills him in the face with a knee. Orolbai is stunned, and he tries to level change and lift up Medic. The man from Kyrgyzstan succeeds in tripping Medic’s rear leg out to set him down, and Medic is quick to walk up with the fence behind him. Orolbai lands a mat return and steps over to take Medic’s back, and Medic tugs on the fence to stand back up. Beltran warns him, and Orolbai enforces this by slamming Medic back down. Medic shrugs at the control that is being imposed on him, and he stands back up once more and tries to frame off by pushing his leg off of Orolbai’s chest. Orolbai drops down and hits a double, planting Medic on his seat. “The Doctor” climbs upright with Orolbai hanging on from behind him, and Orolbai ragdolls him with another takedown. Orolbai laces his legs around Medic’s to trap him on his back, and he drags Medic away from the fence and stacks him up. Medic lets fly a few upkicks, but Orolbai is able to lower himself back down and step over to get a hook around Medic’s leg. Orolbai slugs Medic in the face with a left hand, and some swelling starts to grow around Medic’s left eye. Orolbai hacks down with a few punches and elbows until the round wraps up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Orolbai

Round 2

The second round opens up with Medic kicking at a safe distance, but Orolbai is quick to crowd him again. Orolbai slings a right hand over the top to close in, and Medic skirts to the side so he does not put his back up against the wall. Orolbai swings another right hand that allows him to get up close, and he secures a double and deposits Medic to the floor. Medic gets stuck with his back against the wall and his legs on the floor, as Orolbai tries to drag him into an uncomfortable position and start to work him over. Orolbai elbows as he gets pulled back to the guard, and he keeps control of Medic’s wrist to stifle him from getting up. Orolbai lets Medic turn over so he can take the back, and both of his hooks comes around as he grips his right arm on the chin of his opponent. Orolbai locks up the body triangle and softens Medic up with right hands around the back, until Medic scrambles to get to his feet. Orolbai drags him back down to a knee and then to his backside, and Medic sharply exhales in frustration. Orolbai clings to him and makes Medic’s life miserable with control and sporadic ground-and-pound. Orolbai fastens his arm under the chin, but Medic turns out of it. Orolbai readjusts his grip and elects to squeeze on Medic’s face while wrenching the neck in a nasty direction. As Orolbai continues to torque the neck, Medic hangs tough until he cannot take it anymore, and he taps out. Coming in on short notice, Orolbai puts on a show and manhandles a tough out to introduce himself to the promotion.

The Official Result

Myktybek Orolbai def. Uros Medic R2 4:12 via Submission (Neck Crank)

Luana Pinheiro (115.5) vs. Amanda Ribas (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ribas (-258), Pinheiro (+210)

Round 1

The final women’s bout of the fight card comes in a strawweight contender matchup between Brazilian countrywomen and former housemates. The surging Pinheiro (11-1, 3-0 UFC) has won nine straight coming into this contest, while Ribas (11-4, 6-3 UFC) has hopped back and forth between 115 and 125 pounds to mixed success as of late. The women will be overseen in the Octagon by referee Chris Tognoni, and there is no plan on touching gloves as they have both switched on. They proceed to start blasting each other in the face almost immediately, and Ribas is taking shots early. Pinheiro swings hard, fearlessly dinging Ribas repeatedly and forming a mouse on Ribas’ temple. Pinheiro settles down, and Ribas begins to walk her down, until Pinheiro unloads with a huge right hand on the button. Ribas takes it clean and her left eye is showing serious damage after less than 90 seconds from the power of her opponent. Pinheiro backs Ribas off with two low kicks and an overhand right, and the power difference is stark. Ribas is just shy of the mark with a front kick, and she gets pushed back when trying to let her own hands go. Pinheiro delivers a solid inside leg kick and circles away, blocking a head kick on the way out. After resetting, Pinheiro scores another calf kick, and she steps in with a left. Pinheiro connects with two wide hooks, and Ribas does not budge when absorbing them. Ribas spins with a back kick to the body, and she races after Pinheiro when her own punches connect. Ribas races after her foe, and Pinheiro stands her up with a right hand. Ribas eats a right hand and tries to fire back, swinging at air as Pinheiro keeps moving. Pinheiro strafes to the side and jabs the body, and she swipes out with a left hook and steps back from the counter. Another two big hooks get off for Pinheiro, and she is grabbed and just gets away before Ribas can hit her with a knee. Ribas reaches with a low kick, and she gets pelted with a massive right hook. Ribas rushes at her to clinch up, and Pinheiro shucks her off to the side and separates to plant a side kick on the ribcage. Ribas dances out of the way from a sweeping kick, but she takes three heavy hooks that develop more swelling on her face. Ribas is lumped up with a cut above her left brow, but she makes it to the second round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro

Round 2

The Brazilians race out of their corners to engage, and the first strike is a head kick from Pinheiro. Ribas takes it on the cheek and comes out to stick out a right hand. Ribas tries for her own high kick, and it is easily blocked. Pinheiro times a body kick with a right hand, and she backs away before Ribas can get to her. Ribas gets off a solid leg kick, and Pinheiro keeps moving to prevent any additional strikes from reaching her. Ribas pops the front leg and gets countered with an overhand right, and Pinheiro throws a fastball of a right hand. Ribas gathers her thoughts and splits the guard with a left hand, and she pressures forward. Ribas lands four punches, and Pinheiro knocks her back with a left hook. Ribas comes up short on a combination, as Pinheiro is more content to potshot her with heavy strikes. Ribas lands a low kick as Pinheiro kicks her on the side, and a wild exchange leads to Pinheiro tumbling to the ground when catching a kick and coming back to drill Ribas in the side of the head. Ribas chains three punches together to get Pinheiro’s attention, and Pinheiro steps into a back fist that blasts Ribas square in the face. Pinheiro considers a single, and Ribas fights it off and peppers the lead leg with a few kicks and rifles off three punches. Pinheiro kicks the body as Ribas chops at her leg, and she loads up on two right hands as Ribas tanks them on the chin. Ribas goes after leg kicks on either side, and she sneaks a high kick in and evades the counter overhand right. Pinheiro tries a second power punch, and she lands with a one-two. Ribas kicks Pinheiro’s leg out as she keeps working on them, and Pinheiro spins with a back fist that bops Ribas in the side of the head. Ribas spins with a back kick to the ribs, and she follows it with a body kick to make Pinheiro turn away. The two trade punches until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribas
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ribas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ribas

Round 3

It could be anyone’s game after two rounds, and the ladies start off the last five-minute stretch as if this is the case. They both land punches and kicks, and Pinheiro loads up on several haymakers as Ribas takes them flush. The two trade leg kicks, and Pinheiro overswings a right hook and just has her guard up in time to block a kick. Pinheiro times a leg kick by grabbing hold of it and looks to take the fight down, and Ribas uppercuts her twice to make her think again. Pinheiro bails on it, and she walks through a head kick and a spinning elbow to close in. Ribas attempts to take the fight down, and Pinheiro chucks her down in response. Ribas stumbles as they scramble, and Pinheiro latches on with a brabo choke. Pinheiro lets it go so she can swirl around to take the back, but Ribas falls to her back and closes her guard to slow things down and get out of submission danger. Pinheiro lands a few punches, and Ribas is equally active off her back with elbows. Ribas attempts a shoulder lock, and Pinheiro steps over through it. This allows Ribas to stand, and Pinheiro thumps her in the body with a few knees. Ribas attempts a head lock throw, and Pinheiro defends it by dropping to her knees, and she breaks off and eats a knee to the body. Ribas gives chase, nailing Pinheiro with a right hand, and Pinheiro returns fire but is slowing fast. Ribas charges forward, connecting with a huge right hand, and she spins with a wheel kick that cracks Pinheiro square in the face. Ribas capitalizes on this monumental blow by blasting Pinheiro with a left hand, and a fatigued Pinheiro bounces off the fence and takes two hefty punches on the jaw that put her down. Ribas swarms her fallen foe with a long series of hammerfists, and Tognoni waves the fight off when Pinheiro is just taking unnecessary damage at this point. Pinheiro protests the stoppage, but her cries fall on deaf ears as Ribas runs off to celebrate with her corner. This is the first spinning wheel kick finish for a female fighter in UFC history, and Ribas lands it against a woman in Pinheiro that had never before been finished.

The Official Result

Amanda Ribas def. Luana Pinheiro R3 3:53 via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches)

Nick Aguirre (136) vs. Payton Talbott (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Talbott (-550), Aguirre (+410)

Round 1

The biggest betting favorite on the card is the undefeated 25-year-old Talbott (6-0, 0-0 UFC), who makes his promotional debut tonight with a line anywhere from -620 to -900. He faces the once-beaten Aguirre (7-1, 0-1 UFC), who himself was undefeated before setting foot in the Octagon this past January. Across their 13 pro wins, the bantamweights have earned stoppages in 12 of those. Referee Mark Smith will need to be on his A-game, as the fighters rush towards one another without a plan of a glove touch in sight. Aguirre immediately changes levels, and his double-leg takedown is completed at the 30-second mark of the fight without likely taking a significant strike. Talbott leans his back to the wall while on his seat, and Aguirre slither his legs between Talbott’s to keep him grounded. Aguirre drags the youngster away from the fence, and he smothers his opponent without landing any strikes. Aguirre steps into half guard and tries to trap Talbott’s hand under his leg, but Talbott recovers it as he leans his side against the wire. Aguirre hops around in pursuit of a back take, and he presses his chest down on his foe’s back to keep him stuck. Talbott muscles his way upright, and Aguirre hangs on from behind and trips him up. Talbott regains his balance only to get kneed in the face. Aguirre keeps control of his opponent as Talbott tries to wriggle him off the back door, and he takes the back when Talbott does not. “Slick Nick” wraps up a slick body triangle, and he implements a face crank on his undefeated opponent. Talbott grits it out and lets Aguirre burn his arms out, and he rolls to his knees. Aguirre fishes for a rear-naked choke while Talbott hand-fights, and Talbott stands back up even with the body triangle fastened around his waist. Talbott signals to Smith to do something, but with Aguirre on his back, this is where he will remain practically until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aguirre
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aguirre
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aguirre

Round 2

Talbott practically sprints out of his corner to engage, but he only succeeds in backing Aguirre up early. Talbott scores a right hand and kicks Aguirre in the guts, and Aguirre shoots for a takedown. Talbott stonewalls him and lets Aguirre flop to his back, and he lords over Aguirre until Smith stands him up. Talbott walks his man down and works the body and head until Aguirre shoots again, and Aguirre ends up pulling guard instead of letting Talbott get away. Talbott gets stuck until he opens up with some gnarly right hands and elbows, and Aguirre turns to his knees as Talbott circles around to take his back. The younger fighter clings to him from behind, and Aguirre turns to his back and tries to establish his guard. Talbott moves to the half guard and drops down a few punches and elbows with his free left arm. Aguirre kicks him off, and Smith stands them up as per Talbott’s request. The two trade jabs, and Aguirre kicks and falls over. Smith tells Aguirre to stand up when Talbott looks at him, and Aguirre does so and crashes forward to hit a double. Talbott falls to his backside and strikes Aguirre in the back of the head repeatedly. Aguirre hops on to serve as a malicious backpack, as Talbott stands. Talbott tries to scrape Aguirre off of him and wriggle him off, and he succeeds in turning Aguirre over and starts elbowing him. Aguirre uses a rubber guard to hook his leg around the back of the neck, and Talbott pops his head out and finds himself in an inverted triangle setup position. Talbott pushes it to the side and postures up to drive down punches. The undefeated fighter stops a single from materializing and he slams an elbow to the side of the head. Talbott drops down a few more punches until the horn goes off.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Talbott
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Talbott
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Talbott

Round 3

The fighters clap hands to start off the last round, and Talbott is brimming with confidence as he races after Aguirre. Talbott drills his man with straight punches and sets up an elbow, and he stifles a takedown and somersaults over the back to defend it. Talbott sits down on a body kick when standing up, and he smashes Aguirre with several punches until Aguirre shoots for a takedown. The youngster pushes over Aguirre, and he rains down ground-and-pound until Aguirre surrenders his back. Talbott deftly locks down a rear-naked choke when seeing the opening, and he records the first submission of his pro career when he forces Aguirre to tap in short order. The 25-year-old has now broken into the UFC with a victory, while celebrating six finishes in his seven pro triumphs.

The Official Result

Payton Talbott def. Nick Aguirre R3 0:58 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Chase Hooper (155.5) vs. Jordan Leavitt (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hooper (-230), Leavitt (+190)

Round 1

Styles make fights, and these two lightweights appear to have the same one. These two grapplers may treat fans with fun exchanges, or they could nullify the other and result in a kickboxing match. Hooper (12-3-1, 4-3 UFC) and Leavitt (11-2, 4-2 UFC) are ready to go wherever is needed over the next three rounds, as is referee Mike Beltran. Two of the more convivial fighters on the roster share a light-hearted clap of hands, and then prepare to hurt each other. Hooper rushes out hoping to strike, and Leavitt hunts for a takedown. Hooper turns him over and fights off a single attempt from Leavitt, and the two spin one another around in the clinch. A scramble leads to the two hitting the mat, and Leavitt considers a guillotine and then a triangle choke into an omoplata. Leavitt uses these attempts to sweep his opponent, and he maintains a can opener only to fall into an armbar setup. Hooper turns over and leans to his back to try to lock the submission down, and Leavitt turns and stands up to stack Hooper up and break up the submission. Hooper chains a leglock into an armbar, and Leavitt smashes him in the face with big right hand that stuns Hooper. “The Dream” attempts a leglock, and Leavitt drops down to do the same, and the 50/50 position persists until Hooper drills Leavitt in the face. Hooper turns over, and Leavitt sits up and is a bit too slow to spin around. Hooper takes his back during the scramble, and he fastens the body triangle around the waist and locks down a rear-naked choke. The forearm slides beneath the chin, and Hooper starts celebrating the submission before he even gets a tap. Leavitt ultimately does surrender instead of going out, and Hooper lets go and stands to release a guttural celebratory shriek.

The Official Result

Chase Hooper def. Jordan Leavitt R1 2:58 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Jake Matthews (170.5) vs. Michael Morales (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-270), Matthews (+230)

Round 1

The winner of this co-main event may earn a place in the top 15 at welterweight. It could be undefeated 23-year-old wunderkind Morales (15-0, 3-0 UFC), or former wunderkind-turned-veteran Matthews (19-6, 12-6 UFC). Referee Herb Dean will know which one it is first, and he is confident this will be all above board. The 170ers calmly slap fists, and Morales snaps out a jab. Matthews does the same, as they use it as a rangefinder. Morales scores an inside leg kick that lands with a thump, and he just misses with a left hook. Morales bounces off the fence with a Superman punch that Matthews bats away, and Matthews backs him off with a right hand. Morales rebounds with a right of his own, and he slips in a jab to break up a combination that buzzes his hair. Matthews digs to the body as he eats a leg kick, and Morales’ jab has already reddened Matthews’ face up a bit. Matthews overswings and stumbles, and Morales lets him up so that he can stick the jab in his face. Morales connects with a slapping kick, and Matthews unloads with an overhand left that surprises his foe. Morales fires back with a right hand down the pipe, and Matthews staggers but does not fall down. The two reset and start trading calf kicks one after the other, and Matthews breaks the chain with a swatting left to the body. Morales sits down on a leg kick, and Matthews jabs him of his feet. Morales climbs back up and is quick to engage with a one-two, and he kicks out Matthews’ leg to drop Matthews to a knee. Matthews returns to his feet and blocks a trio of punched aimed at his mug. Morales plants a one-two on the jaw, and he looks to follow it with a flying knee but is caught in midair and hurled down to the mat. Morales springs back up as Matthews raises his eyebrows, and Matthews swings a right hand and gets jabbed back. Morales peppers the lead leg and comes up short with a jumping switch kick, and again Matthews raises his eyebrows. The Aussie surges forward with a left and a right, and Morales tanks them right on the chin and shrugs them off. Morales leaps at him with a flying knee, and he lands to attempt a takedown. Morales attempts one more Superman punch off the cage, and the tense round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales

Round 2

The welterweights bump their fists together before trading them. They feint leg kicks, and Morales jumps forward with a right hand. When Matthews attempts to respond, Morales digs his shin in the calf. Morales whiffs on a counter when Matthews pops him, and jumps forward with a stomp kick to the knee. Morales gets his jab going again, disrupting the overhand right from “The Celtic Kid,” and he stings Matthews with a long and powerful series of uppercuts. Matthews shakes his head when he escapes, and he chips at Morales’ calf and wings a right hand that comes up short. Matthews has a one-two bounce off gloves, and Morales answers him with a thudding kick to the calf that is showing some damage. Matthews paws out his own jab, and they both throw hands and catch the other. Morales shakes his arms out, and he turns to dodge the worst of a one-two coming at his face. Morales gets off a few inside kicks, and he jabs as Matthews kicks him back. Morales ducks a looping right hand and hops away from darting offense so he can counter with sharp strikes. Morales slips and rips with a right hand, and he does eat a right hand on the way out after landing a few strikes of his own. Morales peppers out the jab and eats a right hand for his effort, and he answers a few strikes with a Superman punch. Matthews digs to the body, and Morales rifles back a quick and dangerous right hand that snaps the head back. Matthews keeps a stiff upper lip as he eats a few jabs on the nose, and he swats out a left hook and keeps his guard up as Morales springs into action. Morales jump with a knee, a body kick, and he releases a long series of punches and a high kick at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales

Round 3

There is a final tap of the gloves to start off the last round, and Matthews strikes first with a kick from either leg. Morales shuts down a punch by working the lead leg, and Matthews beats him to the punch with a few additional strikes. Matthews fires off a one-two, and a leg kick that follows slams right into the 23-year-old’s cup. Morales groans as Dean calls time, and it does not take long before Morales signals he is ready to go. Just 30 seconds elapse before the fight resumes, and Matthews wants to take advantage of the discomfort by crowding his adversary with looping punches. Morales strafes away and counters, and he settles down and prods out a jab. Morales shakes his hands out and starts doing the Ali Shuffle, and he leaps into action with a knee that flies past the Australian. Matthews lunges with two punches, and Morales slides just to the side and counters with a right hand. Morales drives a kick to the calf, and Matthews stumbles. He kicks the same spot, and Matthews catches his leg and tries to take Morales down. Morales recovers his balance and swats away a jumping front kick. Matthews attempts a one-two, and Morales parries him with ease. When Matthews jabs the body, Morales kicks him on the inside of the leg. The unbeaten fighter continues working the leg on both sides, and he stays out of range from the power punches hurled back his direction. Morales lands a right hand after evading Matthews’, and Morales throws two punches and a body kick that strikes the peninsula south of the equator. Matthews groans from the foul, and Dean pauses the fight for a few seconds before Matthews waves them back on. Matthews charges with a pair of punches, and Morales steps to the side and releases two kicks with the same leg in rapid succession. Morales drives a shovel uppercut that brushes the beard, and Matthews goes after him and puts hands on his opponent. Morales throws back, keeping composed and still barely breaking a sweat after nearly 15 minutes of activity. Matthews tries to corner him and lay into him, and Morales pushes him away and snipes him with an uppercut. With 15 seconds to go, the Ecuadorian attempts a takedown, and Matthews shuts it down and lets his hands go. They brawl it out to end the fight, with a jump knee by Morales mixed in during the final slugfest. They hear the final bell, and hug it out.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)

The Official Result

Michael Morales def. Jake Matthews via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Brendan Allen (186) vs. Paul Craig (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Allen (-410), Craig (+320)

Round 1

At long last, we have reached the main event. Five rounds or less will decide a much-needed contender in the wide-open middleweight division. Two exceptionally talented and dangerous grapplers will ply their trade against one another, and referee Mark Smith will almost certainly get involved before it is said and done. Allen (22-5, 10-2 UFC) is aiming to add to his five-fight win streak, while Craig (17-6-1, 9-6-1 UFC) introduced himself to his lighter weight category by wrecking Andre Muniz in July. Before they inflict all sorts of violence on one another, they come together and stare down, but Craig does not want to touch gloves. They begin, and Craig leads with a low kick. Allen comes back with two punches, and he lands his own leg kick. Allen swings with everything he has, and he nearly topples over when missing. The two trade jabs, and Allen digs one to the breadbasket. They crash together, and Craig looks for a possible level change only to be met with a knee. Craig presses his man to the wall, and he drops down for a possible takedown. Allen stands him up before anything comes of it, but Craig is pressing him tightly against the wire. Allen knees the body and throws Craig over his hips, where he lands in full mount. Craig turns to his side, and Allen hammers him with a few punches and an elbow. Allen gets pulled back to half guard, and he is warned for hooking his toes in the fence. Allen hunts for an arm-triangle choke with pure chest and shoulder pressure, and Craig pushes both of his hands on Allen’s face to stop it. Allen isolates an arm and sneaks around to get the rear-naked choke, but Craig defends brilliantly with a calf slicer. Allen wrenches his leg out and turns around, and he attacks Craig’s ankle to keep him honest. Craig stands back up, and Allen slams him right back down to the mat. Allen smashes down with an elbow, and he cuts Craig’s eyebrow. The horn sounds, and Allen mocks him as they stand up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 2

The middleweights meander towards one another to start off Round 2, and Allen sits down on a one-two that rocks Craig. Craig weebles and wobbles but does not fall down, and manages to catch Allen with his own right hook on the way. Craig shoots to save his chin, and Allen bowls him over and drives down an elbow. Allen frustrates his opponent with top control and sporadic elbows, and blood flows out of the corner of Craig’s eye. Allen looks for an arm-triangle choke and he steps into full mount, and Craig is in trouble but rolls to his side to break it up. “Bearjew” lands a few heel strikes to the thigh, and Allen answers him with elbows and a few smacking fists. Allen rails Craig with another elbow, and the cut on Craig’s eyebrow splits further. Craig maintains butterfly hooks, and Allen makes his life terrible with elbow after unanswered elbow. Craig throws his legs up to threaten with something, anything he can find, and Allen shucks them to the side and elbows Craig in the busted eye. Allen stacks his man up and gets illegally upkicked, and Smith warns Craig of the fouls. Allen hunts for another arm-triangle choke, and Craig is wise to it and defends before it comes together. Allen sneaks a guillotine under the chin when Craig sits up, and Craig keeps his back against the fence to stop his foe from getting the right leverage. Allen takes Craig’s back with seconds to go, and he looks for another rear-naked choke to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 3

The middleweights reach Round 3, and Allen starts off with his striking. Allen rips a left to the body and rings Craig’s bell with a left up top, and he jumps over Craig and snatches up a guillotine choke. Craig turns well enough to stop the choke from getting locked down, but he turns the wrong way. Allen sees the opening and snatches it up in an instant, piggybacking Craig and wrapping up a rear-naked choke with practically zero setup. The RNC aficionado—Allen has won his last three fights with this submission—secures it under the chin and it is now a matter of time. The Scot thinks about going out on his shield, but he taps one time on the forearm to signal that he has been defeated. Smith is right on top of the action and pulls them apart, and Allen confidently nods and calls for a big fight. On his post-fight interview, Allen asks for any top contender, no matter who they put in front of him, and he celebrates with his daughter in his arms. Allen asks her who won, and all smiles, she replies “Da da!” The UFC will be on break for a week, and fight fans in the U.S. will take the time off and celebrate Thanksgiving. When the UFC is back in December, we will be there, and we hope you are too.

The Official Result

Brendan Allen def. Paul Craig R3 0:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)