UFC Mexico ‘Moreno vs. Erceg’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Austin Hubbard (156) vs. MarQuel Mederos (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mederos (-192), Hubbard (+160)

Round 1

South of the border we go, as the UFC scoots over the Rio Grande and up several mountains to reach Mexico City and its roughly 7,350 feet of elevation. The promotion was cognizant of this fact, as no athlete above middleweight is competing tonight, while several matches at flyweight or lower are on the books. The action begins at 155 pounds, in a battle that will not immediately contain a Mexican resident but will have the crowd picking sides early. Winner of his last seven bouts, Mederos (9-1, 1-0 UFC) wants to make the most of his sophomore Octagon effort, and standing in his way will be the appropriately named “Thud” Hubbard (16-8, 4-6 UFC). Referee Horacio Lopez Villanueva will serve as the arbiter for the evening’s first melee, and he clocks things in as the lightweights bump fists. They get right in front of one another to throw the first leg kick, and Hubbard gets his off first and skirts away. Hubbard walks his man down, and a front kick of his grazes the cup. Villanueva checks on Mederos’ who motions he is good to go. On the restart, Mederos chips at the front leg, and he parries the lunging fists aimed at his head. Hubbard looks to split the guard with a front kick, and he comes up short on it and a second. Mederos pops the front leg again, and he chains a right hand behind it. When Hubbard recoils, Mederos hammers his other leg. Mederos uses the calf kick to get Hubbard’s attention, and Hubbard shakes it off and spins with a back kick that jams the Texan in the sternum. Mederos picks at his man with low kicks and long punches, with Hubbard trying to get in his preferred range but struggling. Hubbard leaps in with a punch and a kick, and he tries to jab his way out but is too distant. Mederos scores with a front kick and no-sells a faked takedown attempt, so Hubbard goes for another in the form of an ankle pick that he bails on halfway through. Mederos circles away, ignores a body kick and looks to further chew up his foe’s front leg. Hubbard whiffs on a trip of punches, and Mederos steels himself and sits down on a right hand while Hubbard is twirling. Mederos spins to kick Hubbard in the rear leg, and he backs himself to the wall and defends a double-leg takedown shot. Mederos easily stops the attempt, and Hubbard ties him up and takes his back standing. Hubbard looks to drag his adversary down from behind, putting his weight on throws and falling to one direction or the other. Mederos stops them all and breaks free, and he swats away a front kick and drills Hubbard with a left hand. Two long, lunging blows from Mederos punctuate the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Leg kicks from Mederos start off the first round, irritating “Thud” right out of the gate. Hubbard sells out to attack, only to be met with a clinch that nullifies it. Hubbard looks for a level change, and he succeeds in shoving Mederos against the wall but not in grounding him. Mederos uses a standing two-on-one wrist lock to keep his balance, and Hubbard imposes his full weight to drag the Texan to one knee. Hubbard climbs on Mederos’ back and laces his legs together. Mederos calmly walks towards his corner, Hubbard still on his back, and he leans on the wall to take some of the weight off of him. Hubbard twists and adjusts while remaining a malicious backpack, searching for the occasional choke or punching his man on the side of the head. Mederos simultaneously fights the body triangle around his waist and the face crank that develops over his mouth. Villanueva warns Mederos about grabbing inside of Hubbard’s gloves, and Mederos looks confused and has to suddenly deal with a tight submission wrapping him up. Hubbard squeezes the face crank with all he has, and he drags Mederos to the mat from behind with it. Mederos turns his head out of the submission move, and Hubbard tries to transition it to slide the forearm under the chin for a rear-naked choke. When that does not happen, Hubbard smacks Mederos upside the head a few times to conclude the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Mederos starts the final round off like the first two, with ample kicks. Hubbard, meanwhile, wants to slug him in the chops. As Mederos stays evasive, Hubbard charges at him and grabs hold of him to take the fight down. Mederos threatens with a guillotine choke, one that has no chance of succeeding, and he hits his back 30 seconds into the round. Hubbard begins to start grinding and smothering, racking up top control time while not inflicting a great deal of damage. Mederos looks for a sweep, and Hubbard follows it the proper direction to keep Mederos stuck on his back. Hubbard briefly threatens with an arm-triangle choke, and he is in the wrong side and does not choose to burn his arms out pushing for it. Mederos sits up, and Hubbard hops on to take his back but ends up sliding off the side. Hubbard desperately tries to keep the fight on the mat with a single, and Mederos hacks at him with elbows until he slices the side of Hubbard’s head open. Mederos keeps his weight pressed on top of Hubbard to thwart the additional takedown effort, and he times a knee and an elbow when Hubbard stands. Hubbard walks him down, jabbing and swinging, and it is Mederos who answers him back firmly with a solid elbow. Hubbard chases his foe around, pushes off when a flying knee comes his way and shoots for a double. Hubbard hurries the attempt and falls over, and Mederos answers with an unorthodox kneebar while seated on Hubbard’s chest. Mederos settles for some punches on top until the final horn sounds, and judges could go either way on this one.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

MarQuel Mederos def. Austin Hubbard via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Jamall Emmers (145) vs. Gabriel Miranda (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Emmers (-340), Miranda (+270)

Round 1

The fights continue as featherweights take center stage next. Having alternated wins and losses in his last eight bouts, Emmers (20-8, 3-4 UFC) is looking for a little stability and a victory here would help get that going. Something similar could be said for the hyper-aggressive submission specialist Miranda (17-7, 1-2 UFC), who needs a win to get back to .500 in the promotion—so does Emmers, at that. Someone’s fortunes will turn out for the better in the next 15 minutes or less, and referee Fernando Salas Navarro will follow them every step of the way. A fist bump precedes the action, and it takes mere seconds for the two to start trading furiously. Punches are thrown with bad intentions, and as soon as Emmers sits down on mighty blows, Miranda changes levels and hits a sneaky takedown. Emmers scrambles to turn to his knees, and Miranda locks down a rear-naked choke grip from the side with his legs locked around Emmers’ waist. The unorthodox submission move is more brute force than one that has the right angle and leverage to pull it off, so Emmers calmly resides in the position while letting Miranda burn himself out. Emmers pops his head out, and Miranda quickly throws his legs up for an armbar or a triangle choke. Emmers abandons the ground game entirely, standing up and lobbing down a few kicks before letting Miranda get back up. “Fly” immediately lets his hands fly, and Emmers responds with a thudding right hand on the neck. Miranda scores a low kick that makes Emmers do a funny step, and Emmers retaliates with a stabbing front kick and a monstrous overhand right that sends Miranda flying. Emmers allows Miranda to stand back up and stonewalls the takedown attempt he knows his coming, and he marches his man down. Miranda whips high a head kick that is blocked, and he wings a wheel kick that comes up short. Emmers laughs him off and staggers him with a short but merciless elbow, and he loads up on power punches to knock the Brazilian’s head around. With Miranda on the ropes, Emmers decides to lean on him instead of trying to finish the job. “Prettyboy” jams a knee to the breadbasket, and when Miranda reacts to it, Emmers reams him with a blistering right hand that sends him crashing to the canvas once and for all. With Miranda staring at him wide-eyed on his back, Emmers drives the point home with a pair of devastating hammerfists that shut Miranda out and back on again. Navarro sees Miranda’s eyes roll back in his head for a moment, and he leaps in to wave the fight off. In reading the official result, announcer Bruce Buffer inadvertently calls Miranda’s name instead of the rightful victor, and has to offer a correction for Emmers’ name—but the microphone is cut. Emmers knows he won the fight, so the announcement is immaterial to him, as he celebrates his handiwork.

The Official Result

Jamall Emmers def. Gabriel Miranda R1 4:06 via TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) 

Rafa Garcia (155) vs. Vinc Pichel (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-485), Pichel (+370)

Round 1

Twelve years separate the next two competitors, with the younger man a heavy betting favorite. Garcia (16-4, 4-4 UFC) gets a huge pop from the crowd as the first Mexican-born athlete to hit the stage today, while the leisurely paced Pichel (14-4, 7-4 UFC) is showered in boos. The lightweights with a fairly similar amount of combat experience touch gloves before referee Raul Porrata. Pichel keeps his distance early, parrying any incoming fire and letting the energy in favor of Garcia wash over them both. Garcia breaks the silence with a huge overhand right and rips a left to the liver. Pichel responds with a left hook that makes the Mexican fighter back off for a moment, and Garcia measures him with a thudding right hand that makes Pichel have to blink it out repeatedly. Garcia crowds him with a pair of hooks, and he swats away a head kick. Garcia crashes through a low kick to hurl punches, and Pichel keeps a wide berth and stabs out a front kick. Garcia comes up short with haymakers, allowing the elder Pichel to potshot him from a safe distance. When Pichel kicks low, Garcia wings a right hand over the top. Pichel fires back with a vengeance, and Garcia shrugs it off and stays close in front of him but not too close. Garcia scores a single low kick and is jabbed back, and he raises his guard in the nick of time to block an overhand right. Garcia swings wide to the body, forcing Pichel to ricochet off the wall, and he hammers the front leg with a kick. Pichel loads up with a body kick, and Garcia smiles at him and continues to crowd him. Garcia pushes a front kick out of the way to crowd the older fighter, pressing him against the wall while stomping on his toes. Garcia lifts Pichel’s legs up and is about to deposit him to the ground, but Pichel regains his balance. Perhaps in a poor bit of decisionmaking, Pichel spins for a back elbow while tightly pressed to his foe, and this allows Garcia to hit a clean double on him. Garcia rides out the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The athletes get right back down to business, trading leather early and often. Pichel sneaks in a right hand and slips to the side, and he dips to fire off an uppercut and jogs away to reset. Pichel’s stance switches and awkward movement prevents Garcia from blitzing him on the regular, and he keeps his head on a swivel to not get caught with anything flush. Garcia nevertheless walks him down and blasts him in the face with a crisp right hand, and then chains two more fists behind it. Pichel flashes out his jab, pop pop bang, to keep Garcia from going at him. Pichel pushes off while trying to push his foe’s arm out of the way, and his thumb slides deep into Garcia’s eye socket. Pichel immediately apologizes before Porrata gets between them, and he gives Garcia all the time he needs to recover. Garcia takes it, accepts Pichel’s fervent apology and gets back to walking the aging fighter down. Pichel uses his knee to frame off, and he strings a few punches together behind it. Pichel tosses up a head kick that is blocked in time, and he probes out a right hand before getting his head snapped back with a one-two. Pichel tries to jump his way forward, and he pushes off Garcia’s face and slams his shin on Garcia’s calf. Garcia grimaces and wraps Pichel up in hopes of taking him down. Pichel leans against the wall to keep himself upright, and he postures off and breaks free, where he puts punches and kicks together in rapid succession. Pichel fakes to the body to open up a head shot, and Garcia can only swing big right hands back at him. A few of those get through, and Pichel beans him with a counter overhand right to make him think twice about entering the pocket with his hands low. Pichel comes up swinging with a huge uppercut, and he hand-fights to parry most of the blows aimed at him. Pichel jabs to the head and body, and he splits the guard with a front kick, toes extended towards the target. Garcia lumbers forward swinging heavy leather, and Pichel skirts to the slide and flicks out a few low kicks to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Pichel is fired up to start up the last round, and he channels that energy with frenetic punches and kicks that stop Garcia from getting through to him. Pichel strings a few punches together up top, and Garcia clutches his eye as if he was poked. Pichel claims it was a closed fist that did the damage, and he unloads with flying fists until Garcia steels himself and comes back out swinging. Pichel counters the flailing strikes, but he is taking shots to the body and taking heavy breaths. Garcia continues to put everything behind every one of his swings, while Pichel is more than content to jab and prod. When Garcia looks to charge, Pichel pushes him back with jabs and front kicks, but Garcia decides to pour it on and tags Pichel a few times. Pichel rebounds off the fencing and uses his push kick to redden up Garcia’s midsection. Pichel probers out with straight punches until getting tagged, and he starts swinging back with arc on his punches when not mixing in his front kick. Pichel further keeps things interesting by shooting for a takedown, and Garcia just stands before him and smiles at him. A Pichel front kick bumps the cup, and Garcia wants to keep going so it goes uncalled. Pichel loads up on body kicks and walks through three left hands, kicking Garcia constantly while keeping his distance. The leg kicks to the thigh and calf keep landing for “From Hell,” until Garcia is sick of taking them and just lifts Pichel up and deposits him down to the mat like a sack of potatoes. Pichel scoots his way towards the wall in hopes of walking up it, while Garcia tries to smother him and threaten with an arm-triangle choke. Pichel turns to his knees and stands, and Garcia slugs him in the face with numerous unanswered right hands. Pichel frees himself with seconds to go, and he lets Garcia have it with all his remaining energy. Punches, kicks and knees fly every which way until the final horn blares, signaling an end to what turned into an entertaining scrap.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Rafa Garcia def. Vinc Pichel via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Lupita Godinez (116) vs. Julia Polastri (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Godinez (-238), Polastri (+195)

Round 1

In hopes of breaking the first losing streak of her career, the promotion matched “Loopy” Godinez (12-5, 7-5 UFC) down a few pegs. Rather than take on ranked opposition, she draws a two-time Contender Series vet in Polastri (13-4, 1-1 UFC) who has seen mixed results on the major scene. In their combined nine defeats, neither strawweight has ever been finished, so referee Horacio Lopez Villanueva may be in this one for the long haul. The ladies greet with a sporting glove touch, and chants for “Loopy” rain down in the building. Polastri leads off with a slapping low kick as she circles away, and Godinez walks her down and punches her square in the face. Polastri tries to roll and counter, and Godinez in her grill connecting with her hands. Polastri keeps her distance when she can with front kicks, and when going to the leg, Godinez counters her over the top. Polastri darts in and plants her foot on Godinez’ face, and “Loopy” lifts her up like a professional wrestler and slams her down hard to the mat. Polastri lets out a gasp of air when her back hits the canvas, and Godinez leaps on top to try to inflict further damage. Polastri uses her guard to keep Godinez honest, and she flirts with an armbar and pushes off the chest to get back to her feet. Godinez walks her down and slugs her in the mouth, and she transitions to a double and puts the Brazilian on the floor again. Godinez steps over to the side and imposes herself nearly in north-south position, but Polastri is able to recover her back to half guard. Godinez grinds down with her elbow on the face of “Psycho,” and she uses her free arm to batter the body. Godinez maintains top pressure and stacks Polastri up when Polastri tries to use her legs to set something up. Godinez gets off a body shot, and Polastri stuns her with an elbow off her back. This makes Godinez stand up, and she welcomes her foe up as the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The ladies get right back to business in the second stanza, and Polastri tries to keep her advancing opponent away with distant punches and kicks. Polastri gets in low kicks in both sides, and Godinez crowds her with a pair of punches that results in a clinch. Godinez drives a knee to the body and breaks away, and she loops a right hand around the guard. A faked spin from Godinez is able to dissuade Polastri from firing back, and the women play counter on one another. Godinez throws, Polastri responds, and Godinez tries to be the one to start and end the exchange. Polastri walks her down, mouth open wide, and she chains a few punches together. Using the Brazilian’s momentum against her, Godinez tackles her to the mat with an easy double. After getting off some ground-and-pound, Godinez allows her opponent to stand back up. This is just a trap, as she almost immediately hits another double that dumps Polastri on her back once more. Godinez steps over to the side, ignoring a cut opened from a Polastri elbow, and she shifts to north-south while setting up a crucifix. Polastri explodes back to her knees, and Godinez takes her back and wraps up a power rear-naked choke grip. Polastri keeps moving, scraping “Loopy” off of her and turning to her back again to free herself from submission danger. Polastri hacks off her back with elbows while Godinez looks for offense, and the two trade strikes until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Fists are bumped to kick off the last round, and Polastri has a fire lit under her belly and kicks up a frenzy. Polastri lets her fists fly, and she tries for a takedown that is stuffed. Godinez stands firm in the pocket and trades, not concerned about what comes back her direction, even though her nose is marked up and she sustained a cut earlier. Polastri is loading up with everything she has left, and she cracks Godinez with a lengthy combination of punches. Godinez desperately shoots for a takedown, and Polastri’s defense holds up and her momentum continues as she pounds Godinez with ferocious punches. Godinez steps in with a vicious elbow, and Polastri drops her hands and walks her foe down like a Terminator. Godinez’ fists find their home on Polastri’s nose, and the Brazilian pays it no mind and swings back even harder. Getting the worst of one painful exchange, Godinez ties Polastri up against the fence, looking for a level change that is not there. Polastri frames off the face with her elbow to get some space, and she walks Godinez down and smiles at her while punching her in the face. Godinez keeps her honest with an uppercut and a right hand, and Polastri grits her teeth and hurls back several punches. Godinez is fading as Polastri fearlessly pursues her, and these two are trading with absolutely no concern for their chins or durability. One lands, the other scores, and then the first smacks her again. They keep brawling right until Godinez hits a body lock takedown, where she holds on with an arm-triangle choke until time expires. What an exciting fight that turned into.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Lupita Godinez def. Julia Polastri via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Melquizael Costa (145) vs. Christian Rodriguez (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-148), Costa (+124)

Round 1

If the UFC isn’t careful, a fight might break out in the cage with this next one. Having bounced back from his first career stoppage loss well enough, Rodriguez (12-2, 5-2 UFC) is looking to put himself on another win streak. To get that going, he will have to get past the recently renamed “Melk Cauthy” Costa (22-7, 3-2 UFC), a name more in line with Costa’s preference for the knockout—or, nocaute. Fists are bumped before they are traded, as the featherweights are joined in the Octagon by referee Fernando Salas Navarro. Costa pump-fakes several times to get started, setting up a high kick with it that does not get through. His low kicks do trip up Rodriguez, who hits his knees and bounces back up to tie Costa up against the wall. Rodriguez peppers the ribs with knees on either sides, and Costa responds with short punches to the side of the dome when not fighting to keep his balance. A body lock and trip from Rodriguez allows him to get Costa down for a split-second, only to have to settle for pushing Costa against the wire again. They jockey for position against the wire, and Rodriguez sells out to drag Costa down to the floor as they hit the ground together. They spring right back upright while still in the tie-up, with Costa stomping the toes and kneeing the body. Costa softens the side up with several punches, and Rodriguez finally hits the sweep he was looking for and puts Costa down. Costa gets back up as fast as he can, and he keeps his hand on the ground to defend himself from knees to the head. Rodriguez suddenly snatches up a brabo choke and twirls Costa around, and the Brazilian does not panic in the slightest and not only escapes it, but flips Rodriguez over to establish top position. Costa attacks the body with elbows, and when Rodriguez explodes back upright, Costa chases him with a single strike before the horn sounds to end the close round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Rodriguez is the initial aggressor in the round, taking it to Costa with punches and kicks. Costa pushes off with the ball of his foot, sending Rodriguez down to the mat for a second. Rodriguez jumps back up, elbows Costa in the noggin and initiates the clinch. Costa breaks free and plants a body kick on the side of his foe, and a second comes up short. Rodriguez jabs his way into a right hand, and Costa counters him with a clean right that drops Rodriguez to his knees. Rodriguez regains his footing and clinches heavily, and he fights off a sweep attempt and turns to avoid a slashing elbow when back tied up. They continue to deliver short strikes to one another, and Rodriguez lands his foot sweep and places Costa on his back. Costa returns upright after a second, where he re-engages in a clinch. Rodriguez ducks down for a level change, and Costa knees Rodriguez in the side of the head and hurts him badly. Rodriguez scrambles to try to keep himself in the fight and not taking much more damage, and he lets Costa’s punches rebound off his guard. Costa wraps up an unusual arm-in guillotine choke from the side, partially a bulldog choke, and Rodriguez stays composed and twists out of it. Costa throws Rodriguez to his back, blood streaming down the left eye of “CeeRod,” and he postures up to jack Rodriguez up with elbows and punches. Rodriguez attempts a guillotine off his back to stop Costa from hitting him, but Costa breaks out of it and drops down more strikes including an axe kick to the chest before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Rodriguez races out of his corner to engage, where he kicks his way into close range and sets up a trip. “CeeRod” hits the sweep—the same one he has been attempting the whole fight—and Costa finds himself on his back playing jiu-jitsu. The Brazilian looks for a kimura in hopes of sweeping, and although he takes a clean elbow on the melon, he turns the tables on Rodriguez and takes his back standing. They continue to roll and twist, and Rodriguez keeps Costa tied up and bullies him to the fencing. Rodriguez uses his elbows to fluster Costa from up close when not looking for another sweep, and he takes Costa off his feet for a moment. Costa climbs back up, elbows his foe in the chin and frames off to take a breath. Rodriguez is quick to impose his weight on him, and he trips Costa up again for good measure. Costa stands and avoids an elbow that soars at him, and he gets pulled back to the floor. Rodriguez tries to take his back, and he slides off. “CeeRod” races back to his feet and rails Costa with a right hand, stunning him for a moment and giving him openings to find more punches and a step-in knee. Costa pushes off with a front kick, and Rodriguez shrugs at him. Costa knees him again, but not before getting clipped with a barrage of punches. Costa whiffs on a two-punch flurry and hits his back from an easy foot sweep from Rodriguez. Rodriguez sits up in the guard and drops down hammers, with Costa faded just enough to not offer resistance to force a standup. Rodriguez rains down a bombardment of hammerfists, including one raised from the ceiling all the way to the floor, and the crowd is loving it. Rodriguez keeps hammering away, and Costa survives to make it the distance.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Melquizael Costa def. Christian Rodriguez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ateba Abega Gautier (186) vs. Jose Medina (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gautier (-470), Medina (+360)

Round 1

Just like two weeks ago with Carlos Vera vs. Josias Musasa, the promotion is trotting out a struggling South American competitor against an unproven African gunslinger. Out of Bolivia, Medina (11-4, 0-1 UFC) wants to get on the board for his nation, and he will have to dodge the haymakers of Cameroon’s Gautier (6-1, 0-0 UFC) to do so. Referee Raul Porrata has his head on a swivel as soon as these two middleweights start throwing, which happens to be after the fighters touch gloves. They jab at the same time, and Gautier follows it with a slapping low kick. Medina turns to let a few punches brush past his shoulder, and he backs off to roll with a right hand that buzzes his chin. Medina offers his own jab back, only for Gautier to split his guard and make him think twice about taking the fight courtesy of a crisp uppercut. Medina catches Gautier coming in with a looping strike, and he has a finger scrape his foe’s eye and quickly offers and apology. Gautier does not appear concerned, as he whips a head kick back at him. Gautier puts two punches on the chin, and Medina smiles at him and loads up with his own power strikes. Gautier dings him two more power hooks, and a step-in knee and a left hook knock Medina’s head around but do little more than make his smile larger. Gautier changes his target to the body, jabbing the chest and swiping his right hand to the ribs. When Gautier lands, Medina laughs, and the two high-five. Gautier stands his man up with a left hand that cuts Medina’s cheek, and he follows it with a right hand that backs him off. Seeing that Medina is hurt, Gautier unloads with a fiery barrage of punches and grabs behind his opponent’s head to drive a knee practically through it. Medina collapses to the ground in a heap, and Porrata does not need to see any more to wave this one off. The Bolivian sits up and stands to protest that the stoppage may have been early, but it is way too late to challenge that as the fight is officially over. The Cameroon native walks off, lifting his coach up in celebration while challenging the division to handle his power.

The Official Result

Ateba Abega Gautier def. Jose Medina R1 3:32 via KO (Punches and Knee)

Kevin Borjas (125) vs. Ronaldo Rodriguez (127: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-170), Borjas (+142)

Round 1

Due to some card rejiggering, the catchweight contest between Rodriguez (17-2, 2-0 UFC) and Borjas (9-3, 0-2 UFC) is currently the main card opener. The fight was originally booked at 125 pounds, but “Lazy Boy” could not help himself and exceeded the divisional cap by a pound. Despite their differences in momentum, this is one of the matches tonight with the closest betting line, with Rodriguez still the favored man of the two both in the building and on the books. The fighters are ready, and referee Herb Dean is ready too. The crowd is alive, and the fighters are as energized as it gets. They choose not to touch gloves, and take advantage of the amperage. Both fighters aim at one another without pulling the trigger, until about 45 second passes. Suddenly, Rodriguez spins with a wheel kick that glances off the target, and his second attack is a jumping switch kick. Rodriguez uses kicks to back Borjas off, and Borjas walks him down and smashes him square in the jaw and sets him down. Rodriguez reverse-somersaults to roll through the knockdown blow, and somehow appears not compromises at all and in fact waves Borjas on. Rodriguez lands a few times to get back at Borjas, and he walks the Peruvian fighter down looking for a way in. A Rodriguez spin kick slaps off the raised hands, and he presses forward calmly with his right hand ready to fire. When Borjas catches his foe’s leg, Rodriguez yanks his limb free and resets. Borjas just misses with a one-two, and Rodriguez gets in a low kick and ducks away from a counter right hand. Borjas connects with another overhand right, and Rodriguez responds with kicks. A fireball of a Borjas right hand torches Rodriguez and knocks him off his feet again, and like before, “Lazy Boy” returns right back upright and is again prepared to brawl. Borjas enters and fires off more strikes, only to be met with a crisp right hand that stuns him. Rodriguez shoots into a takedown attempt, and Borjas times a jump knee and clacks it off Rodriguez’ knee. Rodriguez lifts his foe’s leg up and attempts to slam it down to simultaneously go for a takedown and hyperextend the limb. On his second try, Rodriguez gets his foe down. Time expires before he can do anything with the position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borjas
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Borjas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Borjas

Round 2

Rodriguez is the initial aggressor in the second round despite getting dropped twice. He tries a jumping kick that is well off the mark, and Borjas lets it soar way past him. Rodriguez chips at the front leg with a kick as he settles himself down, and he springs into action with a looping left and a body kick on the other side. Rodriguez slaps the front leg with another kick, and he gets caught with a few jabs but slings heavy leather. Rodriguez just misses with a front kick, and he swings a left hand that turns out to be a strange level change. Borjas is easily out of the way, and once more he has a jump knee waiting for the shot that he expects and eventually comes from Rodriguez. Borjas stands in the pocket and drills his man with a one-two, and Rodriguez reels and re-enters the melee while pointing at the floor for more of that. Borjas does not go for broke, and Rodriguez chases him around the Octagon and scores a leg kick. Rodriguez has a wheel kick partially connect, and he sprints at Borjas to attack more. Borjas escapes, but he does not avoid the low kick that comes. Borjas stands his man up with a clean right hand, and Rodriguez answers him with a front kick straight up the middle. Rodriguez gets popped when kicking the front leg, as Borjas is prepared with counters, especially the power right. Rodriguez spins and his heel bounces off the chest, and he chains a low kick into a jumping switch kick. Borjas slips and moves, and he times a right hand that drops Rodriguez to a knee. Rodriguez, steel in his noodle, rebounds and crashes the pocket for a single-leg entry. Borjas defends it by putting his back to the wall, and he keeps his guard up to block a spinning back fist right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Rodriguez runs out of his corner to attack with a big front kick to start things off, and Borjas easily deflects it. When Rodriguez engages, Borjas doubles up on a jab and rifles off his nasty right hand. Rodriguez keeps in the pocket throwing hands rather than backing off, resulting in Borjas ripping the body after. A right hand from the Peruvian fighter busts Rodriguez’ nose up, and Rodriguez chains a few punches together that get Borjas’ attention. Jabs are traded, and Borjas uses a right hand to break up a leg kick try. When Rodriguez throws, Borjas clacks him with his overhand right, a strike that seemingly cannot miss. Rodriguez jumps with a switch kick and then lands to toss out a wheel kick, but he is too close to do anything with it. This allows Borjas to plant his feet and blast him in the face with a mean right hand, and he seconds it with another that Rodriguez tries to absorb by leaning back. Rodriguez accepts that he will get jabbed as he starts loading up with more power, and he ducks and protects himself from a head kick that he nearly leaned into. Rodriguez gets stood up when throwing hands once more, and he lobs a low kick at his opponent. Borjas rolls with a punch and looses a few more, breaking up a combo with a head kick and then stifling Rodriguez with a second. Borjas checks a kick and points at Rodriguez, who came up gimpy from the shin-on-shin contact. Rodriguez bites down on his mouthpiece, blood streaming down his mouth, and he slings several failed wheel kicks and power strikes that do not connect. Rodriguez points to the mat to force a final brawl, and Borjas thinks twice and then decides to oblige him. Rodriguez clips him back, and he even has a cartwheel kick bounce off the Peruvian’s guard. Rodriguez pounds a leg kick home, and the two swing it out right to the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borjas (30-27 Borjas)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Borjas (30-26 Borjas)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Borjas (30-27 Borjas)

The Official Result

Kevin Borjas def. Ronaldo Rodriguez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 

David Martinez (135) vs. Saimon Oliveira (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Martinez (-395), Oliveira (+310)

Round 1

As soon as the cage door closes, the promotion will have its first brother-sister team in its history. Martinez (11-1, 0-0 UFC), also a surgeon in his day job, enters the UFC with plenty of momentum and a sister in “Super Mely” Martinez who is still awaiting her next assignment. “Black Spartan” will make this history when he throws down with Astra Fight Team product Oliveira (18-5, 0-2 UFC). The bantamweights will be accompanied by referee Marc Goddard for the entirety of the process, one that commences with a clap of hands. Martinez is quick to start pump-faking kicks and level changes, forcing Oliveira to react early. Martinez sinks in one leg kick and dances away from the counter, and he stands his ground and pushes out a one-two. Oliveira misses on the comeback with a low kick, and Martinez lets fly several kicks to varied targets. Oliveira tries to stalk his man down, but Martinez is fleet of foot and able to pepper him with kicks and slip to the side. Martinez probes with a front-leg head kick, and Oliveira winds up with his own head kick and has his guard up to block the inevitable counter. Martinez strikes first, and Oliveira responds. The Brazilian looks to cut off Martinez, and he spins with a telegraphed back fist that Martinez sees coming from a mile away. Martinez initiates the clinch, pushing the taller man against the wire and pressing his weight against him. Oliveira breaks off and keeps his hands up to defend strikes, and Martinez connects with a few punches and dips to the side. Oliveira whiffs on two spin attacks, and Martinez puts a right hand on the chin that he does not like. Martinez whips his leg at him, and then catches the kick that comes back his way and tosses Oliveira to the floor. When Oliveira sells out on a combination, Martinez knocks him squirrely with a vicious right hand. The Brazilian is in trouble, and Martinez gives chase with a swarm of punches and a knee that puts Oliveira on his back. Martinez pounces and starts pounding him with hammerfists, drumming the Astra Fight Team athlete out with punishing strikes and forcing Goddard to get between them. The Mexican peels away and hits a picture-perfect back flip to celebrate his victorious UFC debut in front of a home crowd. It could have scarcely gone any better for him.

The Official Result

David Martinez def. Saimon Oliveira R1 4:38 via TKO (Knee and Punches) 

Vince Morales (136) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rosas Jr. (-375), Morales (+295)

Round 1

As he will likely encounter while literally growing up with the UFC, Rosas Jr. (10-1, 4-1 UFC) faces a foe tonight 14 years his senior. The promotion teed up Morales (16-9, 3-7 UFC), a fighter who has only won three times in 10 UFC appearances thus far, to serve as fodder for the youngster. The best-laid plans of mice and matchmakers often go awry, and there is no such thing as a “sure thing” in this chaotic sport of ours. The bantamweight come together under the watchful eye of referee Mike Beltran and do not touch gloves. Morales takes to the enter of the cage and paws out a jab, and he is met with a front kick to the body and a shin aimed at his chin. Rosas kicks his front leg a couple times, and he shoots for a takedown that Morales easily shucks out of the way. Rosas sprints forward to put two punches on “Vandetta,” and he chains a few more punches together before lifting Morales up in the air and slamming him down in the middle of the Octagon. Rosas lands in side control, not concerned about a feeble guillotine set up by Morales and suddenly searching for a submission. Morales reacts well enough to drag Rosas back to his guard for a second, and Rosas leaps over to the side again. Morales fights with his legs to stifle a mount attempt, and he wraps up Rosas neck with his arms and finds himself in Von Preux choke danger. Morales sees this setting up and releases his own grip to not fall in the trap. Rosas keeps moving, and he allows Morales to get to his knees so he can take the back. Rosas sneaks in a hook and pulls Morales to his side, with Morales intent on turning him about. Rosas forces Morales to turn, not getting his other hook in, and he keeps on the back while continuously threatening. Morales sits up and looks to twist again, and Rosas hooks one leg around him to keep maintaining his position. Morales breaks out of it and pursues a single, and Rosas keeps his body weight down and slams his fist on Morales’ ribs. Morales turns Rosas over and holds his shoulder down on Rosas’ neck, looking for open strikes until Rosas turns to his knees. Morales pursues a necktie submission, gripping it and leaning back to complete it, but time expires before he gets it.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Morales comes out of his corner jabbing, and Rosas has his distance-keeping front kick outstretched. Rosas jabs him back, and he walks into a right hand and pays it no mind. Morales loops a right hand around the guard, and he is answered by a low kick. Rosas comes up short with a step-in knee and a punch, while Morales prods him with his jab. Rosas wraps his foot around the shin of his foe, and he gets his head snapped back with a fierce right hand. Rosas backs off, and Morales slings a head kick at him and starts to defend against a takedown he is knows is coming. Still, the youngster presses Morales from one side of the cage to the other, resting his weight on the veteran and looking for a body lock and a trip when the single or double does not materialize. A subsequent effort, a single-leg takedown, allows Rosas to take his man down. Rosas hunts for a back take, sliding a hook in from behind but the second is fought by Morales. Rosas re-settles himself to hang on from a shoulder, and the two keep scrambling until Rosas laces his legs around Morales’ left thigh. Morales rolls his eyes as he is getting controlled without being able to fight back, as Rosas follows his moves and threatens to loop his arm around the chin. Morales defends with two hands on one wrist, and he posts off to get to his feet all while Rosas is still imposing his weight on his back. Morales shimmies and shakes to wrench the youngster off of him, only to get dragged down and put on his back. Morales wags his finger at the conclusion of the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Morales is even more fired up to get to the last round, and he runs at the 20-year-old flailing his fists. Rosas keeps his back to the cage, strafing to the side and into a head kick. Rosas shoots, and Morales sets up a Peruvian necktie and tries to hit it. When that first one does not come together, Morales locks up an anaconda choke and transitions it to a brabo choke while on his back. Without any legs in play, hooked around Rosas’ back or otherwise presenting additional pressure, Rosas is able to stay composed and slowly work his way out of it. Rosas unleashes a powerful elbow when reclaiming top position, and Morales tries to roll out of the predicament and gives his back up. Rosas does not hang onto the back this time and instead lets Morales roll through. Morales hooks the leg to set up some leglock, and Rosas steps over it and puts Morales back on his side. When Morales gets up, Rosas bullies him right back to his seat. Morales is irritated that he cannot get Rosas off of him, and he stands up and uses the fence to his side to scrape Rosas off. Rosas shoots for a single, and Morales attempts a desperation necktie. Rosas turns through it, and Morales fastens a brabo choke again but does not have a lot of time left. Rosas signals a thumbs-up as the choke is pressed on his windpipe, and the match comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Raul Rosas Jr. def. Vince Morales via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Kelvin Gastelum (186) vs. Joe Pyfer (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pyfer (-310), Gastelum (+250)

Round 1

The fight was canceled on Saturday afternoon due to an illness suffered by Pyfer. News of its cancellation was first reported by the organization.

Edgar Chairez (126) vs. C.J. Vergara (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chairez (-278), Vergara (+225)

Round 1

It is unfortunate that in the year 2025, the UFC is still depositing a match between two fighters with losing records in the promotion this high on its billing. It originally was a bit lower, but when Pyfer vs. Gastelum fell off, this flyweight encounter shifted up to this slot. If there is a silver lining, it is that one of these two will hold the coveted .500 mark in the Octagon at night’s end. Whether that is Chairez (11-6, 1 NC; 1-2, 1 NC UFC) or Vergara (12-6-1, 3-4 UFC), referee Marc Goddard will be the first to know. A respectful glove touch starts things off, and Vergara comes out firing with a one-two that is off the mark. Chairez gets behind his jab, take full advantage of his long reach, and they trade low kicks. Chairez just misses with an uppercut, but his jab is already reddening the face of Vergara. Vergara comes up short on his own offense, and Chairez is able to pick at him from his preferred distance. Jabs continue popping Vergara in the face until calf kicks fly his direction, reddening and welting it in a hurry. Chairez lines up a jab and loops a left hook behind it, flooring Vergara for a moment. Vergara gets back up and tries to escape, but Chairez is on him and backs him to the wall with swinging fists. Vergara drops to his knees, and rather than punch his man out, the Mexican leaps on Vergara’s back and wraps up a rear-naked choke. The submission is almost instantly tight, but it does not slide underneath the American’s chin and is settled firmly on his jaw. Chairez, destined on keeping his 100% finish rate intact, crushes the face crank with all his might. The sheer horsepower from the squeeze is enough for Vergara to surrender, and Goddard recognizes the tap and gets between them. The victor, completely overcome with emotion, goes to his corner and then drops to his knees in tears, just now processing what he accomplished in front of thousands of screaming fans. Chairez has the building in the palm of his hands, yet he cannot stop weeping.

The Official Result

Edgar Chairez def. C.J. Vergara R1 2:30 via Submission (Face Crank)

Drew Dober (155) vs. Manuel Torres (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Torres (-125), Dober (+105)

Round 1

The organization knew exactly what it was doing when it matched these two flamethrowers together. In the one corner stands a Mexican in Torres (15-3, 3-1 UFC) who proudly celebrates a 93% finish rate with an equal number of knockouts to subs. In the other will be Dober (27-14, 1 NC; 13-10, 1 NC UFC), who just so happens to share the UFC lightweight knockout record with Dustin Poirier. Fists and feet are sure to fly in a frenzy, but before they do, referee Mike Beltran clocks them in. A quick clap of hands leads to Dober claiming the center of the cage fishing out a jab. Torres pitches back a push kick, and he pump-fakes other to try to keep Dober from getting to him. Torres lines up a one-two down the pipe, and he chain a body kick into it. Dober comes up short on his own kick to the ribs, and he ducks out of the way of a pair of big punches aimed at him. Torres gets off a front kick and a head kick—the latter is blocked—before Dober swings for the bleachers and largely misses the mark. The Mexican pierces the jab, and a fierce right hand that follows sends Dober collapsing to his knees. On instinct alone, Dober leans forward to clutch Torres’ ankle, and Torres rains down a hellacious stream of hammerfists that appear to separate Dober from his senses and wake him back up. After well over a dozen hammerfists smash into the side of Dober’s dome, Beltran decides to step in and wave the contest off. Dober stands up, confused, and he asks the cage officials and medical professionals what happened and why the fight was stopped. All the while, Dober is barely able to stand up without assistance, and he does not like what happened but comes to terms with it after seeing the replay. Some may call it an early stoppage, but others saw upwards of 15 unanswered, unblocked swinging hammerfists colliding with Dober’s head and scrambling his circuits completely.

The Official Result

Manuel Torres def. Drew Dober R1 1:45 via TKO (Punches)

Brandon Moreno (125) vs. Steve Erceg (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Moreno (-238), Erceg (+195)

Round 1

The only ranked matchup—meaning, fight between two fighters with numbers next to their names—is in the main event, and it should be a fun one. Former champ Moreno (22-8-2, 10-5-2 UFC) turned things around with a decision over Amir Albazi a few months ago, while Erceg (12-3, 3-2 UFC) has still not shaken the dust off after unsuccessfully vying for the flyweight strap. The triumphant man may position himself better towards another championship opportunity, while the defeated’s stock will take a serious hit. Referee Herb Dean brings the two 125ers to the center of the cage to issue final instructions and have the two bump their fists. They do. It’s on with the show. Jabs are outstretched to one another’s general direction, and Moreno commits first with a looping left hand. When the first misses, he fires it again and bangs it into Erceg’s temple. Moreno gets behind his jab, and he checks a kick aimed at his front leg. The lunging left gets through again, and he follows it with a left to the liver and a kick to the same spot. Moreno’s left side continues to get through, as he again blitzes with a left. Erceg sticks him with a few jabs and a right hand, and the low kick at the end of the combo is checked. Moreno pecks out a jab and a left hook, and Erceg walks him down to throw hands for a moment before splitting off. Moreno’s leaping left hand sends Erceg staggering off to the side, and he gathers his thoughts and pins a few punches on the raised guard. When Moreno’s left is established, he hurls out a right to surprise his opponent. Erceg drills him in the ribs with a pair of punches, and he comes up an inch or two shy of a snappy front kick. Chants in support of Moreno practically do not cease, with the crowd excited to celebrate each and every moment of success for their fighter. Moreno gets in again, and the audience booms in delight. Erceg gets off jabs and low kicks, but the power is firmly in the favor of the former champ. Erceg sneaks in a left shovel uppercut, and Moreno sits down with a body kick in response. Erceg flashes his jab a few more times, planting it at the top of the head. Moreno clacks him with another big overhand right, and a second shakes him up and forces him to jump away and shake it out. Moreno uses the opportunity to chop down the front leg, and jabs are where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Erceg rushes out of his corner to take the center of the Octagon, where he paws away jabs from his opponent and pitches a head kick up high. Moreno blocks and blasts Erceg with a right hand, and Erceg scoots away to not stay on the gunnery range. They crash together, and Erceg drives home a right hand and steps in with a knee. Erceg slips a punch to deliver an uppercut on the chin, and he tries to skirt away but takes two nasty leg kicks. Moreno steps in to fake like he will kick a third time, and goes up top with a left hand. Moreno dings Erceg with a second left, thwarting any attempt for Erceg to tie things up. Moreno times a counter right to knock Erceg back from a kick, and both men chain solid combinations together on one another. Moreno kicks the leg, and Erceg peppers out a jab. Moreno’s own jab allows him to get in and get off two left hooks, and he ducks down to mess with Erceg by grabbing his ankle. Erceg regains his balance and flicks the jab out, and he just misses a right hand and rushes away but gets kicked on the way out. Moreno drills Erceg with two clean hooks, and Erceg stands straight up and wonders what the number was of that bus. When he blinks out the damage, Erceg sticks his fists to the guard of his foe a few times. Moreno beats his man to the punch with a jab, and he lets a front kick go by so he can rip a left hand up top. Moreno capitalizes on the success with a low kick, and both men score single heavy hooks. Chins have been tested and answered the call well, with Erceg trying his foe’s out with a few punches and a high kick. Erceg hits a fade-back right hand, and the round closes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The round opens with Moreno faking to reach down for a level change. Erceg is not buying it, and jabs him in the face. Moreno lunges forward with a left hook, and he raises his guard just in time to block a kick. Moreno hits air on a pair of looping punches, with Erceg starting to see the power strikes coming. Moreno jabs the body and ignores a front kick that goes by, bobbing and weaving to move with jabs and not take anything flush. Erceg drives his opponent back with an uppercut, and Moreno reaches and barely lands at the end of his right hand. Erceg is slicker and more elusive than the last two rounds, but he still gets reached with kicks that are actively targeting him. Moreno flirts with checking kicks when Erceg kicks low, and he kicks the former challenger in the side. Erceg plants his fists on Moreno’s nose, kicking him in the front leg to mix things up. The fighters slip when trying to dodge one another, and then regain their footing as Erceg plants his feet to put a few punches together. Erceg sets up a knee to the body and backs off to avoid the counter, and he surprises Moreno with a front kick up the middle. Moreno fakes high to kick low, and he reaches with a few left hooks that continue to miss the mark. Erceg is more content to touch while Moreno loads up, but neither man is connecting at a particular high volume. One solid strike from Erceg comes in the form of a knee to the body, and as the round time expires, Moreno shrugs his shoulders.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

Having reached the championship rounds, the two pick up where they left off with jab attacks and kicks. Erceg aims to split the guard while Moreno wants to dig beneath or around it. Moreno successfully loops a single left around the defense of his opponent, and he pops Erceg with a second to force Erceg to stumble away. The Aussie is no worse for wear, wide-eyed to watch out for Moreno walking him down. Erceg forces Moreno to stay honest, keeping the jab in his face when not backing off to defend himself. Erceg times a front kick on the belly, hurting Moreno for a moment as the Mexican staggers back and forth confusedly. Moreno bites down on his mouthpiece and lunges into action, landing flush until Erceg kicks him upside the head. Another front kick from Erceg gives him a moment to breathe, as Moreno bears down on him looping heavy shots at him. Erceg jabs, follows the jabs and has to guard the oncoming fire from the former champ. Moreno starts talking to him, and Erceg grins when taking a few punches on the chin. Moreno goes high and then to the ribs, with his left hook drawing blood on the side of Erceg’s right eye. Erceg pays it no mind and kicks Moreno in the melon. Moreno laughs it off and swings back, and he keeps talking while throwing hands. Erceg defends from an overhand right, and he has his head kick pushed back while Moreno chases him around the cage. Moreno jabs the body, and the fans in the building start booing the fighters for their lack of heavy engagement after three rounds. Moreno shoots in for a single to quiet the masses momentarily, and he pulls Erceg to his seat and forces Erceg to scramble right before the bell. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

The crowd is largely on its feet as the fighters signal to them to give it up. The athletes are all smiles, and they get down to business by punching one another in the face in the final period of the fight. Moreno loads up on big right and lefts, and he lets Erceg try to do the same so he can make the Aussie hit air. Moreno sways and moves from a combo to let fly a left hand, torqueing his body in unusual ways to keep from being struck. Moreno winds up with a nasty leg kick, and a second is checked. Moreno jumps forward and possibly goes for a level change, but Erceg is having none of it and puts his hands in the former champ’s face. Erceg lifts up a kick that bangs into the raised guard, and when Moreno stings him, Erceg slips back. Moreno charges, ripping punches and hammering Erceg with a high kick. Erceg shells up and bounces off the fencing to reset, but he finds that Moreno is still right in front of him like always. An Erceg head kick mildly bumps into the guard, and Moreno reaches him with a right hook. Doubled jabs from the former beltholder lead to a right hand, and Erceg steels himself and drills Moreno in the chin. Erceg pushes out his jab, and Moreno does not budge an inch even when tagged. Moreno gives a bit of ground to lure Erceg in towards him, and when Erceg does not bite, he meanders forward. Erceg looses a head kick, and Moreno grabs it and hurls the former title challenger to his back. With 50 seconds to go, Moreno looks for a guard pass, positioning Erceg in an uncomfortable posture nearly doing a split on his back. Moreno successfully leaps over to the side with seconds to spare, and he jams down elbows until the horn concludes this five-round entanglement. Moreno stands and screams, waving off the doctor and pacing back and forth in anticipation of the result. Barring something unusual, Mexican fighters will end the night way ahead of foreign adversaries. Meanwhile, Moreno is about to pick up his first win in the Octagon on home soil. The former champion, who is now officially on a win streak, calls for an opportunity to compete at UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico, this September. If he makes it on that event, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (49-46 Moreno)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (49-46 Moreno)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (49-46 Moreno)

The Official Result

Brandon Moreno def. Steve Erceg via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)