Sherdog

UFC 303 ‘Pereira vs. Prochazka 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

By Jay Pettry,

22 days ago

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UFC 303 coverage will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.

Ricky Simon (136) vs. Vinicius Oliveira (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Simon (-218), Oliveira (+180)

Round 1

At long last, UFC 303 is upon us, but not how many would have hoped. In the weeks prior to the event, the final three bouts on the lineup transformed dramatically. Before we get to those, there will be 10 other matchups pleasing fight fans throughout the billing, with some fascinating stylistic clashes and others that promise immediate violence. We start off in the bantamweight division, where perennial contender Simon (20-5, 8-4 UFC) looks to get back in the win column after a rare skid. He faces high-flying Brazilian Oliveira (20-3, 1-0 UFC), who has seen 19 of his 23 pro outings end by knockout, win or lose. Referee Mark Smith is on call for the first fight of the night, geared up for what could be something wild. There is no fist bump to get things going, perhaps in part to the fiery weigh-ins the night before. The two feint and fake at one another in the opening 20 seconds, and Oliveira lunges for a few strikes but misses the mark. Oliveira prods out a front kick to the midsection and skirts away, his hands low as he aims a low calf kick. Simon reaches him with two punches up top, and Oliveira slips away from the rest. The Brazilian misses the mark with a jumping front kick, but his leg kick that follows does connect. Simon rushes him to get off a few punches before evading the counter. Oliveira uses his front kick as a jab, and he follows one with a rifling one-two down the middle. Oliveira switches stances regularly, keeping Simon guessing and flicking out a sharp left and a heavy right. Simon keeps his guard up to defend the worst of the blows, and he slams a low kick on the rear shin before crashing the pocket to sling “Lok Dog” to the canvas. Oliveira jumps right back up and stabs out a right hand that gets Simon’s attention, and Simon tags him with a counter that makes Oliveira drop his hands and march forward like a Terminator. Oliveira lets Simon have it with a number of unanswered leg kicks, and he whiffs on a head kick. Simon gets off a right hand, and Oliveira jabs him back. Oliveira walks through jabs, taking one on the nose and shrugging his shoulders before loosing a head kick that pounds into the guard. Oliveira gets off another head kick that nails the guard, and Simon dips down and lands a body shot that skips off the cup. Oliveira signals to Smith that he is fine, and he gets back to a stalking mode where his hands are low and he is swinging hard. Simon rushes at him to tie him up, but Oliveira wants nothing to do with it. Simon times a right hand as Oliveira ducks, and Oliveira shakes it off and tosses out two kicks. Simon snaps the head back as a gob of saliva launches from the mouth of “Lok Dog,” and they trade hands until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira

Round 2

Oliveira marches out of his corner, shouting something at Simon to get started. Oliveira’s hands low, he engages in a brief slugfest, and a left hand from Simon smashes into his ear and breaks open the cauliflower, resulting in a trickle of blood streaming down his neck. Oliveira laughs off anything Simon throws at him and lobs back hooks, and the two end up in the clinch until “Lok Dog” wants to push off and swing hands. Simon shoots through the hips with a solid double-leg takedown entry, and he lands on top comfortably. Oliveira keeps moving, and he scrambles back to his feet without issue. Simon ducks a punch and lifts Oliveira off the ground to slam him down to a knee, and when Oliveira tries to recover, Simon looks to take his back standing. Simon lets loose with a sharp elbow from a close proximity, and Oliveira pushes off and takes a deep breath. The punches from the Brazilian are labored less than two minutes into the second round, although his leg kicks do keep landing. Oliveira is frustrated about a warning to close his fingers, and he snaps out a jab that draws a frown from the Washington native. Simon looks for his own jab, all while trying to meander around the unorthodox looping punches from “Lok Dog.” Oliveira goes all power, and Simon blocks the strikes and drives him back with a few straight punches and a body shot. Simon attempts a takedown, and Oliveira stonewalls him and pursues a spinning wheel kick that Simon evades. Oliveira chains several strikes together including a few leg kicks, and he stumbles and returns to his feet to keep attacking. A few punches from Oliveira get through to shake up Simon, who escapes out the side and whips a head kick at the Brazilian’s melon. Oliveira takes it without issue and swings back with bad intentions, and he defends a takedown shot and uses rangy strikes to get to Simon. As Oliveira lazily tosses out calf kicks, Simon checks a few, and Oliveira staggers back, compromised from the defense. Simon rushes at him, letting his hands go. The two trade leather until the bell rings, and Simon barks at his opponent. Oliveira does not know what to do when hearing this, and he punches Simon in the face well after the round ended. Smith drags him to the corner while shouting at him, and cooler heads prevail to get to the third round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira

Round 3

Physicians come in to assess the damage of Oliveira’s leg, and he is cleared to continue. Oliveira rushes out of his corner once more, but this time, Simon meets him in the middle to trade with him. Simon ducks the punch and lets go with a kick, and he engages in a back-and-forth session of strikes with him coming out slightly better. Simon pushes Oliveira back, and he checks a kick as Oliveira shakes his head uncomfortably. Simon leads off with punches, and Oliveira pushes off and a finger jabs into Simon’s eye. Oliveira shakes his finger as if to say it was from a punch, and Smith does not call anything. Simon fails on one takedown attempt, and his second is much deeper but he is spun around on the fence. Oliveira breaks free and jabs out with a front kick, circling to the left and switching stances regularly. Oliveira sticks out several jabs in an effort to launch a big right hand to follow, and he jabs the body and starts showboating and raising his hands to signal for Simon to fight him. Oliveira blocks a head kick and gives him one back, and he motions to Simon that his was much more effective. Oliveira walks Simon down, backing off only to block the offense his way, and he loops a left hand over the top. When Oliveira lets go with two punches, Simon shoots in for a double, and “Lok Dog” shuts it down and strings a number of punches and a kick together. Simon cannot reach his man, and Oliveira tags him back and raises his arms in the air to celebrate. Oliveira lands a few shots and looks over to his corner in a Max Holloway-esque display, and he decides to change things up and take Simon down. Oliveira backs off to stand back up, and he uses several unusual strikes including a kick behind his other leg to mess with Simon. Oliveira lands a head kick right at the bell, and the two stop fighting and hug it out to squash any beef that may have developed between them.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira (30-27 Oliveira)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira (30-27 Oliveira)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira (30-27 Oliveira)

The Official Result

Vinicius Oliveira def. Ricky Simon via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Rei Tsuruya (125.5) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tsuruya (-485), Hernandez (+370)

Round 1

Fresh off three wins on the Road to UFC series, unbeaten youngster Tsuruya (9-0, 0-0 UFC) has a shiny UFC contract and will be officially making his debut with the organization. He takes on 2021 Dana White’s Contender Series pickup Hernandez (9-3, 2-2 UFC), who has alternated wins and losses since joining the major leagues. The third man in the Octagon for this flyweight affair will be referee Marc Goddard, who sits back as the fighters touch gloves. Tsuruya moves to the center of the Octagon immediately, bouncing back and forth looking for a read. Hernandez paws out half-hearted jabs to find his distance, and he hops back when a right hand whizzes by his face. Tsuruya splits the guard with a one-two, and he absorbs a low kick on the way out. When Hernandez commits to an overhand right, Tsuruya drops low and gets hold of a single-leg takedown. Hernandez moves right to a knee and stands back up, and he moves around to take Tsuruya’s back and slams Tsuruya down on his face. When the Japanese fighter hits the mat, he is quick to pursue a kneebar, and he turns the heel to get hold of a possible heel hook. Hernandez turns out of both of them, fights off the potential calf slicer and stands back to his feet. Tsuruya lunges at him with a right hand, and Hernandez walks him down looking for a big right hand that he does not throw. Both fighters miss with short punch combinations, and Hernandez dings the youngster with a left hand on the way out. Tsuruya leans over to land a few strikes, and Hernandez leans back and gets off a right hand at the end of a combo. Tsuruya shoots in for a takedown, and Hernandez works his way to the wall and leans back against it to stay upright. The 22-year-old decides instead to hit a suplex to toss Hernandez to the mat, and he winds up in side control briefly after a mad scramble. Hernandez continues to move, not settling for any position, and Tsuruya sits on top of him at an odd angle. Tsuruya locks down one left of his opponent and turns it to the right, and looks to torque the torso to the left for a potential twister. Hernandez is wise to it, and he escapes the danger before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsuruya
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tsuruya
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Tsuruya

Round 2

There is a quick tap of gloves to get things started in the second stanza, and Hernandez moves to the middle of the cage to start this one instead. Tsuruya dives after him in pursuit of a takedown, and he scoops Hernandez up and deposits him to the mat. Hernandez locks on with an arm-triangle of Tsuruya’s shoulder to trap him in this position, but he looses it to scramble and turn over to his knees. Tsuruya wraps up Hernandez’s left arm and smashes him in the dome with an elbow on the other side, and he is warned for it landing to the back of the head. Tsuruya gets hold of a crucifix position, and Hernandez moves wildly to free his limbs from the precarious posture. Tsuruya follows him in an effort to take the back, and he settles to hold on from one side. Hernandez sits up, with Tsuruya partially behind him, and Tsuruya goes after another twister setup. Tsuruya cranks Hernandez’ hips to the right and looks to pull on Hernandez’ left arm to torque his body in inhuman directions. Hernandez does everything he can to get out of it, and Hernandez turns the wrong direction but wriggles his leg out to escape at the last second. Hernandez flips over to put his back on the mat, where Tsuruya moves into a more standard position of the open guard. Hernandez tries to push off the hips, slash out with elbows and otherwise get some space. Tsuruya gets shoved up back to his feet, and he leaps back down on top and wraps his left arm around the neck for a possible guillotine choke. Tsuruya lets the neck go so he can look for Hernandez’ leg, and Hernandez keeps shifting and twisting. Tsuruya winds up sitting up dropping down 12-6 elbows on his opponent until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsuruya
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tsuruya
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Tsuruya

Round 3

It takes Tsuruya three seconds to shoot for a takedown, and when that fails, he attempts to throw Hernandez behind him. Hernandez keeps heavy, instead pressing forward and landing on top of his opponent. During the exchange, their heads bang together and a cut is opened on the corner of Hernandez’ left eye, and it starts leaking blood down immediately. Hernandez maintains the heaviest of top pressures, not allowing Tsuruya to get any space but not ultimately doing any damage either. Hernandez resides in half guard, and Goddard asks for more activity and for Hernandez to try to improve his position. Tsuruya turns to his side and looks for a single in response, allowing Hernandez to sit up and elbow him a few times. Tsuruya gets to both knees, and he commits hard to the single but they stand up together and end up clinched on the fence. Hernandez squeezes his man up against the wire, until Tsuruya goes down to a knee to try to trip Hernandez to the floor. Hernandez stands up and jams Tsuruya up further, and the pace wanes as Hernandez turns things to a grind. Hernandez digs two left hands to the body before squeezing tightly against the Japanese prospect, occasionally opening up to land another punch or two as time keeps ticking. Tsuruya looks for an arm drag but Hernandez spins around and knees him in the liver. Tsuruya does not like this strike, and Hernandez goes after a single but cannot get it before time expires.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (29-28 Tsuruya)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (29-28 Tsuruya)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (29-28 Tsuruya)

The Official Result

Rei Tsuruya def. Carlos Hernandez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Andrei Arlovski (245) vs. Martin Buday (264.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Buday (-258), Arlovski (+210)

Round 1

At the tender age of 45, former UFC heavyweight champ Arlovski (34-23, 2 NC; 23-17, 1 NC UFC) is chomping at the bit to earn his 24th win in the promotion, which would put him with the second-most all-time. A triumph would also put a three-fight slump behind him, and the UFC has matched him up against full-framed Slovakian big man Buday (13-2, 4-1 UFC). Referee Mark Smith will be on high alert for the next 15 seconds or 15 minutes, no matter how long they need. The two lumber towards one another and do not offer a fist bump. Arlovski retains control in the middle of the cage, and he tosses out a front kick while absorbing a low kick when he plants his foot back down. Arlovski lands another low kick and catches Buday with a straight left hand coming in. Arlovski chips at the lead leg with another kick, and he strings three punches together that largely ricochets off Buday’s guard. Arlovski flashes a jab that reddens the eye socket of his opponent, and Buday pushes towards him to muscle Arlovski to the fence. Arlovski tries to pummel and get better head position to get free, but Buday’s heavier frame pins him. Arlovski turns him about, and fans begin to shower the big men with boos. Arlovski breaks free and lands a right hand, only for Buday to rush at him and press him on the chain links once more. Buday scores a few short body shots while fans pelt him with more boos, and he pays them no mind as he grinds. Arlovski tries to explode out of the position, and Buday leads him back to the barrier to hold on. Buday targets the same spot with short left hand after left hand, and Arlovski partially frees himself by tripping “Badys” up. Arlovski delivers a clean knee to the gut, and a right hand from him allows him to split off. Buday races after him, looking to tie him up, and Arlovski potshots him. Buday manages to get close enough to jam Arlovski against the wall once more, and Arlovski is quick to turn him about and knee him in the liver. The tepid round ends in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski

Round 2

Arlovski jabs and lands low kicks to start off the round, all while the Slovakian walks after him looking to close the distance. Arlovski allows him to tie him up so he can quickly spin Buday around, and they trade knees from up close. A few more knees from Arlovski allow him to separate, and Buday counters him with a sharp left on the way out. They both tie one another up in the middle of the Octagon kneeing one another in the body, and Arlovski pushes the larger man to the wall and rests. Arlovski knees the thigh, and Buday does the same, as the two jockey for position. Arlovski lands on the break, and he pitches a few punches before Buday looks for a Thai clinch that goes nowhere. Arlovski kicks at the front leg, and he absorbs an uppercut and responds with an overhand right. The boos grow louder as the two recover while tied up, and they answer with a few knees to their bellies. Arlovski leans heavily and the two knee one another until Smith has seen enough and splits them up with 40 seconds to go. Arlovski springs into action with a six-punch combination, and he works the body on the way back. Buday retaliates with a knee and a kick, and Arlovski sticks out his jab and backs Buday off with a calf kick. Arlovski grabs hold of Buday when he comes at him, driving a knee to the guts before the close, unexciting round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Arlovski

Round 3

The heavyweights meet in the middle, and Arlovski strikes first with a low kick on the inside. The veteran parries a combo coming up top, and he connects with four punches before Buday can get one back to him. They jab one another, and Arlovski leans back to dodge an uppercut. Buday walks into solid jabs, and they come in close proximity and knee one another in the abdomen. Arlovski digs an uppercut to the body, and Buday knees him back. They both knee one another until Buday uses his weight advantage to shove Arlovski back. “The Pit Bull” is quick to turn him around, leaning with the occasional knee coming up as Smith already asks for more activity. Buday brings up a knee that slams into Arlovski’s cup, and Smith calls the foul as Arlovski drops to his knees. Arlovski tugs on the fence, bouncing up and down on his heels until the one-minute mark of the break. Arlovski catches his breath further while adjusting his cup, and he clutches his groin and signals to Smith he is good to continue after about 90 seconds. Arlovski has a little more pep in his step after the break, and he lunches out with two right hands. Buday crashes the pocket to sting the former champ with an uppercut, but it turns into a clinch that draws the offense down to low numbers. Arlovski hangs on, even grabbing the cage, to keep Buday stuck in position. As Arlovski gets up a few knees, Smith is aggravated and he splits them up. Buday comes forward loaded for bear, only to get clinched up in a hurry. Buday scores a few knees to the body and a pair of uppercuts, and Arlovski backs away and drills him with a spinning back fist. Arlovski uses his forward momentum to press the bigger man to the cage wall, and they knee one another in the torso while clinched in the middle of the Octagon. Arlovski walks “Badys” back to lean on him, and little meaningful offense comes from either man. They break away with 10 seconds to go, and Arlovski scores a spinning back kick and an uppercut. Arlovski backs off, sticks his tongue out, and the fight ends amid a chorus of boos.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Arlovski)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Arlovski)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Arlovski)

The Official Result

Martin Buday def. Andrei Arlovski via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Michelle Waterson-Gomez (115) vs. Gillian Robertson (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Robertson (-185), Waterson-Gomez (+154)

Round 1

To conclude the early preliminary portion of the evening, the first fight of immediate rankings relevance plays out at 115 pounds. Both ladies in the UFC’s top 15, the number next to their respective names will change in the next few days. Waterson-Gomez (18-12, 6-8 UFC) would like to show nothing more than that she is still in the game at 38, while the far younger Robertson (13-8, 10-6 UFC) searches for yet another submission to add to her record among all women in the UFC. The two will receive oversight from referee Jason Herzog, and the fight begins with a fearless Robertson charging in behind a number of jabs, without a glove touch in sight. Waterson-Gomez skirts on the outside looking for counters and body kicks, and Robertson plods forward punching. A quick head kick from Robertson surprises her opponent, and she pressures her and blocks a few punches but gets driven back with a front kick. The jabs have reddened the nose of the Jackson-Wink MMA staple, and she tosses out a kick and is met with a takedown attempt. Robertson looks for a body lock throw, and on her second effort, she tosses the former Invicta FC atomweight champ to the mat. Robertson lands in side control, and she starts to set up an armbar while stacking Waterson-Gomez up as well. Robertson steps all the way over into full mount, and she hacks down with elbows and punches until Waterson-Gomez frantically recovers half guard. Robertson locks Waterson-Gomez’ right arm down in a crucifix, and she isolates Waterson-Gomez’ left arm to trap it so she can land a number of free elbows. When Waterson-Gomez scrambles, Robertson follows her and looks for an armbar. When Robertson steps over to a high north-south position, she finds her neck in inverted triangle choke danger. The dyed-red-haired fighter shakes it off and shifts back to full mount, where she jackhammers the veteran with a number of right hands. Robertson opens up with a barrage of ground-and-pound, landing just enough until she can snatch up Waterson-Gomez’ right arm and roll for an armbar. Robertson turns herself over and still has hold of the armbar with Waterson-Gomez on her knees, and Waterson-Gomez holds one knee on Robertson’s chest to stop the submission from succeeding. The horn sounds, and Waterson-Gomez is safe.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Robertson

Round 2

Robertson sprints out of her corner to engage in the second round, and she is quick to catch a front kick that smacks her in the face so she can trip Waterson-Gomez up. The Canadian successfully turns the off-balance position into a body lock throw where she deposits Waterson-Gomez down to the floor. Robertson moves to side control, and she quickly sets up a crucifix. Robertson relocates into full mount, and she bludgeons Waterson-Gomez with elbows until Waterson-Gomez turns to her side to shell up. Robertson gets dragged back to half guard, and she spams elbows to the body and thigh to break the leglock on her own right leg. Robertson makes her foe’s life miserable by smothering her from on top, and she steps over to the side so she can sneak into full mount. Waterson-Gomez considers giving up her back as Robertson pounds on her with elbows, and Robertson spins at the right time to remain on top in mount. Waterson-Gomez throws her legs up at the right time to push Robertson out of position, and Robertson sits down with her shin pressing on Waterson-Gomez’ neck to make her extremely uncomfortable. Robertson turns to pick up side control, and it takes her seconds to acquire mount. Robertson drops down elbows until rolling for an armbar with 20 seconds left in the round. Robertson rolls to her back to lock it down, and Waterson-Gomez stacks her up and holds tight to survive to the last round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Robertson

Round 3

Robertson is fired up to begin the last round, and she rushes out to kick Waterson-Gomez at the beginning of the frame. Waterson shoots in for a double, planting the Canadian on her seat while Robertson snatches up a guillotine choke to threaten. Robertson flips her over and winds up in north-south position. Robertson shifts her way to the side to continue controlling the former Invicta queen comfortably. Waterson-Gomez bucks and tries to kick, but Robertson is a 115-pound anvil on her chest not allowing her to get anywhere. Robertson easily assumes mount and starts up beating Waterson-Gomez down with strikes. Waterson-Gomez pulls her legs up high to try to throw Robertson out of the way, but Robertson lowers herself down flat to maintain her position. When Waterson-Gomez tries to buck again, Robertson leans down, and she allows Waterson-Gomez to explode in a turn so that she can take the back of “The Karate Hottie.” Waterson-Gomez turns over to her back again, and she even recovers guard and closes it, but the damage has mounted from the strikes from the Canadian. Waterson-Gomez’ left eye has some massive swelling developing beneath it, and Robertson targets it when she can with strikes. Waterson-Gomez tries to get in a slugfest off her back, with no way back to her feet, but Robertson is able to beat her up further. Waterson-Gomez attempts to escape one last time, but she ends up mounted once more while Robertson clobbers her to the final bell. The only question at this point is how many 10-8 rounds are awarded to “The Savage.” When the winner is announced, Waterson-Gomez removes her gloves and signals that she will retire from the sport. The UFC gives her a moving career highlight package as she is interviewed by color commentator Joe Rogan, whose voice wavers due to the emotional moment and the powerful speech given by Waterson-Gomez who says farewell.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (30-26 Robertson)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (30-26 Robertson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (30-26 Robertson)

The Official Result

Gillian Robertson def. Michelle Waterson-Gomez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Payton Talbott (135.5) vs. Yanis Ghemmouri (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Talbott (-1600), Ghemmouri (+900)

Round 1

Coming in as the highest betting favorite of the evening—and in his range of -1600 to -2000, among the loftiest in organizational history—young upstart Talbott (8-0, 2-0 UFC) looks to justify the hype with yet another finish. He draws Ghemmouri (12-2, 0-1 UFC), whose only two defeats have come inside the distance. This bantamweight contest will play out under the watchful eye of referee Chris Tognoni, and the two come together without tapping gloves before determining whether one of the biggest upsets or locks in UFC history takes place in the next few minutes. Ghemmouri strikes first with a spinning wheel kick that does not quite connect. Talbott tosses out a leg kick, jabs and follows it with a piston-like right hand. The right hand completely separates the Frenchman from his balance, and as the back of his head bounces off the mat, he regains consciousness. Ghemmouri puts his guard up, and Talbott pounces and blasts him with several brutal left hands. Ghemmouri goes back out again and is punched back awake again, and Tognoni rushes between them to call a halt to the fight. When Talbott goes to celebrate his stoppage win of maybe 20 seconds, he does a twisting flip and lands awkwardly on his ankle. He gets up, seemingly uninjured, and the speedy stoppage—likely in the top three at bantamweight—is another bright spot on the growing highlight reel of the unbeaten 25-year-old.

The Official Result

Payton Talbott def. Yanis Ghemmouri R1 0:19 via KO (Punches)

Charles Jourdain (146) vs. Jean Silva (147.5: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-120), Silva (+100)

Round 1

An all-action battle originally scheduled at 145 pounds takes center stage next, as ultra-aggressive Canadian striker Jourdain (15-7-1, 6-6-1 UFC) runs into the 92% finish rate of “Lord” Silva (12-2, 1-0 UFC). The latter came in heavy by 2.5 pounds, and he has surrendered 20% of his purse to Jourdain. With three decision wins across their 27 victories, referee Marc Goddard better bring his A-game to this catchweight match. Silva offers an apologetic glove touch to get things started, and Jourdain accepts. Jourdain says hello with a loud body kick, and Silva responds with a Mortal Kombat-esque extremely low leg sweep. Silva bounces out of the way from a left hand, and he leans back as a head kick buzzes past him. Two more head kicks from the Canadian miss, and Silva offers him a high-five after an exchange. Jourdain connects with a heavy low kick, and a front kick lands as well. Silva again whiffs on the head kick, and Silva once more high-fives him. Jourdain pounds on the front leg, and Silva is walking forward but not throwing anything of note. Jourdain jumps forward with a high body kick, and Silva pounces with two punches but lets up. “Air” lands another big kick, and Silva eats a left hand and tells his opponent to keep throwing. Jourdain changes things up with a sudden double-leg takedown, and he shucks off a guillotine choke but cannot keep his foe down. Jourdain gets to his feet first, and he fires off a head kick that misses the mark by a matter of inches. Silva leaps forward with a hacking elbow, and Jourdain bounces off the fence to find another angle. Silva misses with a jumping front kick, and his looping left hook is just slightly inaccurate. As Jourdain crashes the pocket, Silva blasts him in the face with a left hand. Jourdain hits the ground like a sack of potatoes, and Silva drops to his knees to land strikes before standing up and motioning for Jourdain to follow him up and trade hands. Silva moves awkwardly to mess with Jourdain, who is still struggling on his feet, and he connects with a number of heavy strikes including a huge left. Jourdain tries for another takedown, and Silva blocks it and elbows him several times in the side of the head until Jourdain abandons it. Silva pursues his man recklessly, unafraid of the Canadian’s power so he can throw bombs. Jourdain catches a kick and puts Silva on his back, but he cannot do anything with it before the wild round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Silva

Round 2

Silva claps hands and hugs Jourdain to start off the round, and he wants to say something but Jourdain is more interested in fighting. Silva gets off first, landing power strikes and otherwise making Jourdain react from mere feints. Jourdain shoots in for a single, and he drags Silva to a knee but Silva bounces back up to his feet with his back to the wall. Silva hacks at his man with an elbow in the side, and he allows Jourdain to abandon the takedown and lift his head up. At the perfect moment, “Lord” unloads an uppercut that completely knocks Jourdain off his feet, and it is a done deal. Goddard steps in to wave off the one-sided beatdown, with Jourdain clutching the back of his head after it rattled off the floor. Silva, who will unfortunately sacrifice a post-fight bonus for missing weight, is the first fighter to knock out the durable Canadian. When Jourdain comes to his senses, the two fighters embrace, and Silva proudly dons his team’s black-rimmed glasses of the Fighting Nerds. He even draws a smile from the stoic Goddard.

The Official Result

Jean Silva def. Charles Jourdain R2 1:22 via KO (Punch)

Cub Swanson (146) vs. Andre Fili (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fili (-245), Swanson (+200)

Round 1

A featherweight banger many may be surprised never happened to this point plays out in the Octagon next. The unfair recipient of some recent shade, WEC vet Swanson (29-13, 14-9 UFC) has had plenty of exceptional moments despite never winning gold in the UFC or in the confines of the blue WEC cage. On the other hand, Fili (23-11, 1 NC; 11-10, 1 NC UFC) always welcomes a brawl but he is a loss away from holding a .500 record in the UFC. Keeping tabs on this dark horse “Fight of the Night” candidate will be referee Jason Herzog. The longtime veterans partially touch gloves, but they are amped up to compete against one another as they face off in alternating stances. A committed strike does not come until 25 seconds in, when Swanson lands a low kick and pushes out a jab. Fili answers with his own jab, and his lead leg gets kicked two more times in the process. Swanson reaches out with a left hook, and he ducks down directly into a flush knee. Swanson does not mind, as he keeps chopping at the lead leg of his adversary. Fili lets fly a head kick that gets through the guard, and he chambers and fires a body kick with his other leg to great effect. Swanson walks him down, hands fairly low, and he jumps forward to snap the head back with a jab. Fili strafes to the side, looking for a jab but getting jabbed back in the process. Fili stays far enough away to potshot with body work, and he dodges the largest of Swanson’s hooks along the way. Swanson sits down on a heavy leg kick, and he targets a straight right hand to the solar plexus. “Killer Cub” follows the punch with two more up top, and Fili motions that he did not take the strikes flush. Swanson does not believe it, and he bears down on the Team Alpha Male fighter and clubs him with a number of powerful punches. Fili splits off and ends up getting grabbed in the clinch, and he frames off with an elbow and gets two thudding knees to the body before they separate. Swanson continues walking “Touchy” down, and he slips off-balance when throwing a strike and is countered on the way down. Swanson gets up with no issue, and he keeps his guard up to block a few jabs flying at him. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Fili

Round 2

The fighters are so ready to get back to it, Herzog has to back them off before clocking in the round. They immediately start throwing, with Swanson aiming hooks and Fili trying to parry and counter. As Swanson keeps after him, Fili ducks down and hits a takedown. Swanson does not settle for being on his back, and he explodes back to his feet without concern. Fili jabs, and he gets countered by a Swanson right hook. Swanson reaches him with another right, and he smacks the front leg with a kick for good measure. Swanson gets off a big right hand, resulting in Fili grabbing hold of his leg to try to take the fight down. Swanson leans himself up against the cage wall, and Fili’s pressure slows the bout down to a crawl. Boos rain down, and Swanson tries to answer their call by escaping, to no avail. Swanson briefly gets his back away from the fencing, and Fili looks for a throw to put him back to it. Swanson elevates his foe briefly, and Fili realizes the threat and releases his grip so they separate. Swanson opens up with a right hand and a sharp jab, and Fili responds with a counter and shoots in on a takedown. Swanson looks around, irritated that he cannot stand and bang, but he otherwise defends the level change and remains on his feet. Fili gets spun around and has to keep his balance when Swanson sweeps the leg, and Fili breaks off to reset. Swanson pursues “Touchy” like a man on a mission, reaching him with power punches when he surges into action. Fili sits down on counters and knocks Swanson back, and he sticks his tongue out to celebrate. Swanson does not back off, instead plodding forward loading up on hooks that at least partially connect. Fili stops this in its tracks with a takedown shot, and Swanson is stuck against the fence with an elbow bouncing off his forehead. As the two move for position in the tie-up, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Swanson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Swanson
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Swanson

Round 3

The last round starts with a flurry, as Swanson walks Fili down with punches and gets kicked in the head as he comes in. Fili lands a solid punch to the body, and Swanson whips a head kick at him. Fili pushes him away and ties him up, but Swanson breaks free before absorbing a clinch strike. Swanson unloads with two punches, and Fili stuns him with a heavy left hook. Swanson swings for the bleachers with wide hooks, and Fili times one and shoots in for a single that puts Swanson down for a moment. Swanson climbs back up and gets away with a fence grab on his way up, and he defends himself from a lifted knee right before it tagged him. Fili knees him in the liver while they are clinched, and they dirty box one another. Fili gets just enough space to hammer him with an elbow, and a left hand from Fili on the break does not dissuade Swanson from following him around. Swanson punches his way in, and Fili lands last and perhaps a bit more powerfully. Swanson ducks an intercepting right hook to land his own right hand, and he blocks a head kick from close proximity to keep pressure on the Team Alpha Male product. Fili gets in his licks when trading hands with Swanson, and his short check hook connects several times. Swanson beans him with a right hand, and Fili sticks his tongue out and releases a counter that falls just short. Swanson leaps in with a right hand, and Fili kicks him on the calf on the way out. Swanson ducks a haymaker and accepts a leg kick so he can lunge forward with a left, resulting in Fili tying him up for a few seconds. Swanson pushes off and maintains his constant forward motion, no matter how hard Fili hits him. Swanson releases a bomb of a right hand that shakes Fili up, but Fili is quick to gather his thoughts and grab hold of Swanson to slow him down. Fili considers dropping down for a double, and Swanson gets free and wipes his hands off. Swanson blocks a head kick and just avoids a left hand so he can keep after Fili. Another two head kicks from Fili come, and Swanson avoids them and lets Fili have it with a final torrent of punches. Fili lets his hands go, and a wild exchange concludes the ultra-close fight.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Fili (29-28 Fili)

The Official Result

Andre Fili def. Cub Swanson via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Joe Pyfer (185.5) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pyfer (-298), Barriault (+240)

Round 1

The UFC knew what it was doing when it matched up this fight between middleweight sluggers—more on crazy matchmaking and bizarre scenes in a few hours. Both Pyfer (12-3, 3-1 UFC) and Barriault (16-7, 1 NC; 5-6, 1 NC UFC) relish in bouts with high offense and minimal defense, and that is what is likely about to happen for the next three rounds or fewer. Before the fists fly, referee Herb Dean clocks them in. There is no brief glove touch before they try to lop one another’s head off, and instead Pyfer takes the center of the cage whipping kicks to the calf. Pyfer slowly walks the Canadian down, keeping his right hand cocked back and ready to fly. Pyfer hammers the front leg with another kick, and a jab flickers harmlessly before his face. The kicks from Barriault do not reach his opponent, while Pyfer splits the guard with a jab. Pyfer opens up with a blistering right hand on the temple, and Barriault is stunned and not sure what to do with himself. He circles away instinctively, and Pyfer gives chase with three power punches. A huge right hand from “Bodybagz” skims the side of Barriault’s head, leaning him over. Like a sniper finding his perfect shot, Pyfer releases an uppercut that jacks Barriault’s jaw and completely shuts his lights out. Barriault crashes to the floor, face-first, and he is completely out cold. Pyfer walks away and screams, seeming angry but not directing his rage at his fallen opponent. This is a reminder from Pyfer that he is very much still a threat in the middleweight division, as he ices a solid striker in less than 90 seconds.

The Official Result

Joe Pyfer def. Marc-Andre Barriault R1 1:25 via KO (Punches)

Ian Garry (170) vs. Michael Page (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garry (-135), Page (+114)

Round 1

To kick off the main card, fans at the T-Mobile Arena will get to watch a fascinating welterweight affair play out. Brash Irishman Garry (14-0, 7-0 UFC) has everything to lose when he puts his flawless record on the line, while Page (22-2, 1-0 UFC) wishes to represent Britain to the fullest while employing his elusive, frustrating style. Whether Garry can solve the puzzle of “MVP” or not, he has the next 15 minutes to try to figure it out, all while referee Mark Smith watches on. The two are not friends, and they do not tap their gloves together in a friendly manner before trying to inflict bodily harm on one another. Page springs in and out, hands as low as can be, as is his custom. Garry misses with a leg kick, and Page changes stances to probe out with a side kick. Garry raises his leg to defend, and he bites on the fakes of the Brit but does not leave himself open. Page comes up short with a front kick, and he keeps his guard up to block a high kick. Page rushes forward and bops Garry with a right hand. Garry catches a subsequent front kick and trips Page up, where he dumps “Venom” to the canvas. Page sits himself against the fencing, standing to a knee for a second but getting dragged down. Garry hangs on as best he can, not allowing Page to have any space as he clings from the side. Garry manages to slide around to take the back, getting both hooks in and securing a body triangle. Page sits up, and Garry wraps his right arm around the jaw to snag hold of a rear-naked choke. The grip slips beneath the chin and Garry squeezes with all his might. When Page fights it off just enough to stay in the fight, Garry changes from palm-to-palm, and Page too survives this. Page turns to his side and uses his right arm as a shield to defend from softening blows on the side of the head. Garry keeps the body lock tight as a drum, where he makes it difficult for Page to get a full breath. Garry drops down left hands that get through, and Page tries to throw back until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 2

Page leaps out of his corner springy as ever, bouncing in and bashing Garry with a huge right hand. Garry takes it flush and has to shake out the cobwebs, and Page does not give chase. Page jumps forward with another right hand, and Garry cannot find the timing to intercept it. Page jabs and wings a right hand that misses, and a second huge right hand comes up just shy of his intended target. Garry is out of range with a head kick, and Page waves his arms around and lets go with a leg kick. Garry knocks him back with a one-two, but Page recovers immediately and jumps forward letting go with a big overhand right. Garry instantly clinches him and starts looking for body lock takedowns, even elevating Page for a moment before deciding against expending all that energy. As Garry gloms on in the clinch, the crowd voices its disapproval in their lack of activity. Garry considers a trip and is unable to take Page off balance, so Garry drops to the floor to hunt for a heel hook. Page pulls himself away using the fence, and he tries to lean down and punch the midsection. Garry sells out for the heel hook and turns to his side, and Page hits the deck. Page sits up and works his way out of it, landing two punches before getting back to his feet. The two resume in kickboxing range with a minute to spare, and Page finds the mark with two punches that rattle unbeaten fighter. Garry shows a wry grin, and Page meets him with a sudden flying knee and lands to pierce the guard with a jab. Page cracks Garry with a right hand, and he leans away from a one-two and a wheel kick to the bell.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Page
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Page
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Page

Round 3

Page moves to the center of the cage to begin the last round, and he intercepts a bounding Garry with a right hand that he loops around the guard. Garry scores a leg kick, and Page pauses to frown at him. Page brushes the nose of his opponent with a front kick, and he blocks a high body kick after Smith warns Garry for outstretched fingers. Page swings with a right hand as Garry tries to tie him up, and the resulting clash of chests makes Garry decide to drop to his back and hunt for a leglock. Page allows him to this to bowl him over, and he starts landing ground-and-pound while Garry locks his legs around Page’s waist. Garry attempts an elbow off his back, resulting in Page answering with one of his own. Garry lets go with a couple more to stay busy, while controlling Page around the body. Page breaks out of the body lock and stands up, where he lets Garry up so he can whip a kick at his face. Garry blocks in time and ducks away from a massive right hand, and Page is away before he can get countered. Page sticks out a jab and wings a right hand, and Garry gives a full-throated effort to grab hold of Page and sling him to the floor. Garry ends up climbing on Page’s back, getting a hook in while Page leans against the cage wall. Garry threatens with a rear-naked choke while serving as a malicious backpack of the Brit, but there is nothing to it as he maintains partial back control. Page leans over in hopes of shucking “The Future” off of his back, but Garry is stuck to him like glue. This position continues right to the final bell, giving judges a headache having to score that last round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry (29-28 Garry)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Page (29-28 Page)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Page (29-28 Page)

The Official Result

Ian Garry def. Michael Page via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mayra Bueno Silva (136) vs. Macy Chiasson (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bueno Silva (-115), Chiasson (-105)

Round 1

With the 135-pound title picture in flux, the winner of Silva (10-3-1, 1 NC; 5-3-1, 1 NC UFC) and Chiasson (9-3, 7-3 UFC) could be next in line for a shot at gold—although Silva fell short her last time out vying for the title in an exceptionally dull affair. The 32-year-old bantamweights come together to touch gloves to start the fight all while referee Chris Tognoni prepares himself to officiate. Silva maintains the center of the cage while Chiasson strafes on the outside. Chaisson swings too hard with a right hand, resulting in Silva grabbing hold of her and clinching her to land a knee and an elbow. Chiasson separates and reaches out with a left hook, and on a second effort she misses with the same strike as a body kick belts her in the ribs. Silva kicks the front leg, sticks out a right hand and evades a counter. Silva plants the ball of her foot on Chiasson’s chest, fires a head kick off from the other leg and punches her way into the clinch. When up close and personal, the Brazilian strikes with an elbow, and Chiasson answers her with one of her own. Silva breaks out of the tie-up after absorbing this strike, and she misses a body kick and keeps turning to slap Chiasson in the face with a wheel kick. Chiasson scores a front kick and a low kick, and she keeps her guard up to defend a head kick. Silva works the body with several punches and knees, and she pulls Chiasson down to knee her in the face a few times. Chiasson defends from a takedown and walks to the fence, and she uses body shots in close range with several uppercuts. Silva tries to go after the trip, and Chiasson stifles it and takes a few knees to the midsection. Silva gets off an elbow, and Chiasson rips the body and goes up high in a flurry. Silva backs herself up against the cage wall, and the two end up back in the clinch trading body blows. Chiasson lines up several knees to the body, and Silva pushes away and tags Chiasson with a right hand. Silva uses the opportunity to shoot for a double, and Chiasson sprawls against the wall but is tripped to a knee for a second. Chiasson springboards back up and presses Silva against the wire until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Silva

Round 2

The ladies clap hands, and Chiasson is ready to party and starts trading strikes. Head shots lead to other punches to the body and kicks, and she decides to take the fight down to the ground and succeeds. One single elbow from Chiasson slices a massive cut open above Silva’s right eyebrow. Chiasson stays tightly pressed to her opponent, and Silva throws her legs up in pursuit of an armbar. Chiasson remains stacked up on top until Silva abandons it, and Silva kicks her off of her. Chiasson stands and whips low kicks at the thigh from both sides, while Silva lays on her back with her hands behind her head bicycling upkicks. Chiasson decides to let Silva up, and Tognoni calls time to bring in the physician to observe the monstrous cut above her eyebrow. This appears to be a fight-ending cut, nearly two inches wide from one to the other. The doctor tells Tognoni the cut is extremely deep and that the blood will pour into her eye, and it already has as Silva’s face is covered with blood. Tognoni waves the fight off, and Silva is incensed, to the point that she climbs out of the cage and tries to plead her case to UFC head Dana White. He and others around him back away as she is leaking all over the place, and White tells her she needs to go see the doctor and get patched up. No matter her cries, this is a legitimate stoppage and way to win the fight—the head wound is no joke, much like the headliner of PFL last night.

The Official Result

Macy Chiasson def. Mayra Bueno Silva R2 1:58 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)

Anthony Smith (206) vs. Roman Dolidze (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dolidze (-142), Smith (+120)

Round 1

A few short weeks ago, former light heavyweight champ Jamahal Hill was planning on fighting Khalil Rountree in the co-main attraction of UFC 303. When Rountree fell out due to PED issues, Carlos Ulberg stepped in to make the new matchup quite appealing. Unfortunately, injuries ejected both Hill and Ulberg out of their appearances at this fight card. When the dust settled, Hill-Rountree transformed into Smith (38-19, 13-9 UFC) vs. Dolidze (12-3, 6-3 UFC). The former recently reminded fans he still has something left to offer despite all his miles, while the latter is coming back up to 205 pounds after a few outings at middleweight. The two men are separated at birth by nine days, with the Georgian the slightly older of the two. Glad to be fighting after all, they touch gloves. Referee Marc Goddard checks in this fight, and it begins with Smith moving to the middle of the cage and pawing his hand out. Dolidze backs him away with a light low kick, and he turns his hips into a head kick that is barely blocked in time. Dolidze peppers his foe with slapping leg kicks from both sides, and he leans back as a right hand buzzes his beard. Smith works the front calf with a kick, and Dolidze gives him a kick right back and loops a right hand after just for good measure. Smith absorbs another leg kick and returns fire with one, and Dolidze lets go with one more low kick as Smith tries to punch him. Smith reaches him with a right hand over the top, and he gets pushed back from a side kick. Dolidze slams a kick on the front leg, and Smith does the same and chases after the Georgian with two punches. They keep trading leg kicks, and Smith misses a kick as Dolidze salutes to watch it fly by. They high-five, and Smith keeps plodding forward and just misses taking a massive right hand over the top. Smith comes up short with his own power right hand, and he has a front kick graze the chest and sinks in a thudding low kick. Dolidze does the same on the front leg, and Smith cannot check in time. Fans grow restless at the pitter-patter nature of their exchanges, although these two are swinging for the fences with their telegraphed power shots. Dolidze sneaks in a left hand after ducking a home run strike, and Smith trips off-balance and recovers before eating anything extra. Dolidze kicks him in the side, and he hops away from two looping shots. Smith checks a kick, and Dolidze backpedals. The slow round ends as both men miss left hooks.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Smith
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Smith
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Smith

Round 2

Dolidze leads off with a low kick after a glove touch, and Smith checks a second and jabs his way forward. Smith plants a shin on the swelling calf of his opponent, and he prods at it a few more times while Dolidze is measuring with his right hand. Smith chips at the front leg and dodges a haymaker, and leg kicks get trade. Dolidze powers his way into attack, and he tackles Smith to the floor and starts pounding on him with wild ground-and-pound. Smith shells up and sits up, defending a large portion of the strikes as he rides out the worst of it and keeps two-on-one wrist control of Dolidze’s right arm. Smith turns to his knees and Dolidze weighs heavily down on him, and the offense has slowed mightily after the surge. Dolidze frees a hand and starts beating Smith with rights, and Smith looks around as he is stuck on one knee unable to stand up while taking damage. Smith tries to explode up to his feet, and Dolidze is a wet blanket keeping him stuck on his knees. The Georgian gets in a knee to the side before lowering himself back down again, and he lands a few including one to the head of questionable legality depending on if Smith’s knee had been off the ground. Smith manages to burst back to his feet, and he sprints at Dolidze throwing hands. Dolidze staggers him with a left hand, and Smith stops advancing and brings his guard up to defend. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Dolidze

Round 3

The light heavies bump fist to meet up as the last round begins. Dolidze strikes first with an outside leg kick, and Smith raises his leg preemptively a few times to check kicks that do not come. Smith kicks the leg, and Dolidze dances around mockingly. Smith lands a second kick when Dolidze stops doing what he was doing, and Smith offers him a high-five. They toss out inaccurate head kicks, and Dolidze slams a kick to the ribs to follow. Smith whiffs on a lunging punch, and Dolidze wraps a right hand behind the ear and scores with a second as Smith reels. Smith gathers his thoughts and backs off to not get cracked by a wide shot. Smith slips a punch and gives it back, and Dolidze pokes out with two calf kicks. Smith jabs and blocks a high kick, and Dolidze lands at the end of a right hand. Smith parries a punch and blasts Dolidze in the face with a huge right hand, and Dolidze sticks his tongue out and seems no worse for wear. Smith stays right in front of him and blocks a strike while hand-fighting from boxing range. Smith gets off a short elbow when Dolidze bears down on him, and he bends Dolidze over with a punch. Dolidze tries to spin with a back fist that is so labored that it bops Smith on the side of the noggin to no effect. Smith jabs and dodges, and he takes part of a left hand on the forward bow. Smith flicks out a few jabs, and he follows one with a right hand. Dolidze tries to slug it out, but Smith is out of harm’s way in time. Dolidze gets off one kick down low and sneaks up a front kick, and Smith shrugs it off and marches forward. Nothing happens for a while, resulting in loud boos. Dolidze takes the negative energy of the crowd and spins with a back kick that lands flush on the body, and they trade leg kicks to finish up the disappointing 15-minute encounter.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Smith (29-28 Smith)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Smith (29-28 Smith)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Smith (29-28 Smith)

The Official Result

Roman Dolidze def. Anthony Smith via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Dan Ige (164.5) vs. Diego Lopes (161)

ODDS: Lopes (-275), Ige (+220)

Round 1

The sport never fails to surprise. As recent as a few hours ago, two-time former featherweight title challenger Ortega was planning on facing surging 145er Lopes (24-6, 3-1 UFC). That fight came together on quite short notice, and as a result, Ortega was unable to make 146 pounds comfortably—transforming the matchup into a lightweight affair. However, on fight day, Ortega fell ill and was forced out of the fight. In a first for the UFC, Xtreme Couture product Ige (18-7, 10-6 UFC), who trains in Las Vegas, is stepping up to serve as the latest-notice replacement imaginable. Again, this has never happened before. Ige hit the scale at 164.5 pounds today, making the 165-pound catchweight affair official—the magnificently mulleted Lopes weighed 161 pounds on the other side of the equation. The two will give it their all while referee Jason Herzog keeps things clean, and they decide to touch ‘em up before swinging for the fences. Lopes starts right out in the center of the cage, keeping his guard up to parry early jabs from the Hawaiian. Lopes lands a quick leg kick, ducks down and lets go with two fast punches. Ige comes in to swing, and Lopes dips to drive a counter knee up the middle. Ige counters on the way out, and they reset with Lopes pawing with a front kick. Ige misses a huge left hand, and Lopes catches him with a knee that spins his man around. Ige twirls and recovers without issue, evading the worst of the rest that comes his way. Ige shells up to protect against a few punches and a step-in elbow, and he lets Lopes bounce punches off his guard. Lopes sneaks in a knee, and he strings three punches around the guard as well. Lopes slams his shin on the outside of Ige’s front leg and flashes a jab, and the two in alternating stances hand-fight on the outer edge. Ige swings and misses, and Lopes meets him with a right hand before Ige backs off. Lopes whiffs with a jump knee, and he lands lobbing hooks from both hand. Ige prevents them from getting to him and pushes Lopes away, keeping his guard up to defend against a head kick that follows. Lopes winds up on a power right hand, and it is one-and-done as Ige lets it harmless clatter off the guard. Ige ducks down to race forward and engage in a slugfest, and Lopes drives him back with a combination punctuated with an uppercut. Ige walks through a low kick to shoot for a takedown, and Lopes hits the ground and instinctively snatches up a guillotine choke. Ige turns to the right direction, and Lopes adjusts his grip to set up a brabo choke. Ige keeps twisting and returns to his feet, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lopes

Round 2

The fighters jog towards one another to start the second round, where they share a fist bump. Ige is the initial aggressor, sliding in to deliver a straight left hand and slipping away to not get countered. Lopes chambers and fires a calf kick that spurs Ige into movement, and Lopes is ready for him coming in and tags him with a right hand. Lopes works on the front leg again, forcing a stance switch. Lopes tries to jab and is caught with a right hand behind the ear, and he shakes it off and meanders forward to let go with a leg kick. Ige returns fire with his own calf kick, prompting Lopes to loose a few body shots. A few jabs have opened a cut on the bridge of Ige’s nose, and he pays it no mind and slings a head kick that bangs onto the man with the mullet. Lopes grabs hold of it and chucks the Hawaiian down to the ground, where Ige scrambles and is quick to recover back to his feet. Lopes follows him and gets hold of him from behind, and he allows Ige to roll through so he can maintain the back control while locking down a body triangle in a hurry. Lopes softens Ige up with short, frustrating right hands, and he searches for a rear-naked choke but does not have a free hand to get it. Ige turns over to his knees, and Lopes adjusts his leg lock around the waist to keep Ige stuck in his grasp. Lopes smacks Ige upside the head a few times, and his search for the choke is fruitless as Ige maintains smart two-on-one wrist control. Lopes keeps bopping Ige with minor strikes, and Ige turns to his side and start slugging Lopes in the face with surprisingly powerful blows. Lopes transitions to an armbar with seconds to spare, and Ige turns over and rides it out to end the round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lopes

Round 3

Lopes offers a double glove touch and pats Ige on the side to initiate the final frame, and he backs away to commence offense. The Brazilian reaches out with a front kick while adjusting his gloves, and Ige walks through it and a low kick to back Lopes to the wall. Ige loops a left hand over the top that brushes Lopes’ hair, and he tries again and does the same. Lopes gets off six punches in a rapid flurry while Ige chucks one bomb, and Lopes is not concerned about the flamethrowing Hawaiian. Lopes gets out a jab, and Ige touches him with a right hand that briefly wobbles Lopes. Lopes fires back with an uppercut, and he appears to have his legs beneath him again in a hurry. Ige charges swinging punches, and he walks into a leg kick that disrupts his movement. Lopes rushes him and nearly completes a takedown, but Ige scrambles to burst back to his feet. Ige walks Lopes down, who may be flagging, and he has his right hand ready to release. Ige releases it. Lopes takes it on the temple and absorbs a subsequent uppercut, and he digs a left to the body and right to the head. A huge left hand from the Hawaiian knocks Lopes against the fencing, prompting a desperation single from the Brazilian. Lopes manages to turn the corner and drive Ige down to a knee, and Ige stands back up with a hook around him as Lopes tries to make him carry their body weight. Ige forces Lopes to slide off his back, and he lowers himself down to the guard to bust Lopes in the chops with fierce punches. Lopes ties him up with a closed guard to ride out the clock, and Ige sits up to nail him with a stiff right. Ige postures up to deliver a single elbow on the cheek, and he rains two more down and smiles. Ige drops right hands on the midsection, and he lets loose with a number of pounding left hands. Ige is pushed up to his feet from Lopes’ legs after Lopes gets tagged, and Lopes upkicks him and flusters him until the final horn sounds. No matter the result, these two men should be proud of their performances and simply the fact that the fight happened. History was made tonight.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ige (29-28 Lopes)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ige (29-28 Lopes)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Ige (29-28 Lopes)

The Official Result

Diego Lopes def. Dan Ige via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)