Tag: aljamain sterling

UFC Fight Night 274 live results: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC closes out a busy month of April with the Octagon back inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas for UFC Fight Night 274.

The main event is a pivotal five-round bout at featherweight as former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling takes on Youssef Zalal. Sterling is gunning to become a two-division champion and is looking to score his second straight win on the path to a title shot. Zalal has risen up the 145-pound rankings during his second UFC stint, winning eight straight fights overall and all five of his UFC bouts during his second run.

The co-main event is a battle of ranked women’s bantamweights as Norma Dumont battles Joselyne Edwards. Also on the main card is a lightweight fight between Rafa Garcia and Alexander Hernandez; a bantamweight bout pitting Montel Jackson against Raoni Barcelos; and a heavyweight opener between Marcus Buchecha and Ryan Spann.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- Talita Alencar (7-1-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Julia Polastri (14-5, 2-2 UFC)

Both looking to establish their range in the first minute as they don’t trade until a minute in. They trade kicks. Polastri lands a hard body kick. Alencar lands a high kick. Alencar lands a right hand and Polastri counters with a leg kick. Polastri lands a series of kicks. Polastri lands a stiff jab. Alencar with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Alencar scores with a body kick. Polastri lands a jab followed by a body kick. Polastri lands a body kick and they trade right hands before Polastri puts it against the fence, but they break the clinch. Alencar scores a takedown but Polastri is throwing upkicks. Alencar with a leg kick as Polastri is on her back. Polastri tries to get up, but Alencar keeps it down and gets to side control. Alencar with a few shots from the top. 10-9 Alencar.

Polastri lands a stiff jab. Alencar lands a right hand. Polastri with a stiff inside leg kick. They trade kicks before both land punches in close range. Polastri starting to land with more volume as she lands a body kick. Polastri lands a jab. Alencar throws some kicks that Polastri blocks, but Alencar lands a combo. Polastri lands a high kick. They trade inside the pocket. Polastri lands a body kick. Polastri snaps Alencar’s head back with a jab. Polastri lands a body kick, but Alencar grabs it and scores a takedown. Alencar gets into the half-guard. Alencar lands a pair of elbows, though she got warned for back to the head shots. Alencar lands to the body from the top. Alencar lands some elbows from the top. 10-9 Alencar, 20-18 Alencar.

Alencar with a body kick and a spinning back fist. Alencar lands a combo as Polastri lands a leg kick. Polastri with a body kick and Alencar lands a right hand. They trade jabs. They trade as Alencar looks for a takedown. Alencar with a right hand followed by a high kick. They trade. Polastri lands a right hand. Alencar lands a solid combination. Polastri with a leg kick. Alencar lands a solid right hand. They trade kicks and Polastri lands a jab. Alencar lands a body kick. Polastri lands a combo. Alencar with a right hand and they trade at the end. 10-9 Polastri, 29-28 Alencar.

Fight Result- Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Max Griffin (20-12, 8-10 UFC) vs. Victor Valenzuela (13-4, 0-0 UFC)

Neither has landed in the first 90 seconds. Valenzuela lands a leg kick. Griffin lands as they almost clinch up. Valenzuela lands and then lands a body kick. Valenzuela shoots for a takedown but Griffin defends and just misses a right hand. Griffin lands a short combo. Griffin lands a right hand as Valenzuela comes forward. Valenzuela with an inside leg kick. They trade and Valenzuela lands a body kick. Valenzuela lands a pair of right hands and Griffin counters and almost gets a takedown. Valenzuela defends as they work to the feet. 10-9 Valenzuela.

Valenzuela lands a pair of body kicks. Griffin with a leg kick. Valenzuela lands a left hand as he comes forward. Griffin lands a leg kick. Valenzuela lands a spinning back fist as Griffin scores a takedown and he nearly had a choke locked in as they scramble up and separate. Griffin lands a leg kick and looks for a takedown, but lands a right hand as he abandons the attempt. Griffin with a short combo as he advances. Valenzuela tries a wheel kick but Griffin ducks under and scores a takedown. They scramble up and Griffin lands an elbow in the clinch. Valenzuela has the body lock and drags it to the knees. They separate and both land combinations. 10-9 Griffin, 19-19.

Valenzuela lands a big combination and had Griffin in trouble. Griffin recovers and scores a takedown. Griffin controls for a moment before they work to their feet. They trade and Valenzuela connects with a solid right hand. Valenzuela lands a right hand as Griffin is backing up. Valenzuela lands a jab. Griffin lands a combination. Griffin looks for a takedown but Valenzuela defends. Valenzuela with a short uppercut. Valenzuela lands a left hand and pushes Griffin to the mat. Valenzuela lands an elbow and a knee. Griffin lands a right hand. Valenzuela with a small combination and he lands a body kick. Valenzuela lands a knee and Griffin lands a right hand. Griffin lands a knee. Valenzuela with a high kick and lands a combo. 10-9 Valenzuela, 29-28 Valenzuela.

Fight Result- Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Francis Marshall (9-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Lucas Brennan (11-2, 0-0 UFC)

Marshall lands a right hand followed by a leg kick. Marshall with a quick combination and lands a right hand that forces Brennan to look for a takedown. Marshall scores a takedown and lands from the top. Marshall continues to land and control from the top. Marshall working inside the half-guard of Brennan. Marshall lands to the body. Brennan looks for a heel hook as he attacks the leg. Marshall escapes and ends up back on top. Marshall lands an elbow. They get to their feet. 10-9 Marshall.

Marshall lands a right hand. Marshall with another right hand. Marshall lands a big right hand that stuns Brennan. Brennan shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence, but Marshall defends and has control against the fence. Brennan reverses and lands some knees to the legs of Marshall. Marshall lands some and gets Brennan down to the mat. Marshall smothering from the top and lands from side control. Brennan with some knees to the body from the bottom. Marshall with a knee from the top. 10-9 Marshall, 20-18 Marshall.

Marshall with a high kick. Brennan lands a body kick, but Marshall catches it and trips Brennan to the mat. Brennan gets back to his feet. Marshall lands a right hand. Marshall with a quick combo. Brennan lands a left hand. Marshall lands a right hand as Brennan tried a spinning attack. Marshall with a leg kick. Marshall lands a right hand. Brennan connects. Marshall with a right hand. Marshall lands to the body. They trade and Marshall lands a right hand. Marshall with another right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Marshall, 30-27 Marshall.

Fight Result- Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Jafel Filho (17-4, 3-2 UFC) vs. Cody Durden (17-10-1, 6-8-1 UFC)

Durden lands a right hand after Filho lands a leg kick. Durden with a high kick. Durden grabs a leg and lands a right hand before getting Filho to the mat. Durden lands from the top as Filho tries to sweep up, but Durden keeps it down. Filho is able to scramble to the top. They stand with Filho on the back. Durden landing short punches to defend. They separate. Durden lands a right hand. Filho with a left hook. Durden gets Filho down and lands a few right hands from the top. Both are attacking the leg. They scramble up and Durden lands. 10-9 Durden.

Durden lands a right hand. Filho lands a leg kick. Durden with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Durden lands an inside leg kick. Durden with a right hand. Durden grabs a leg and gets a brief takedown, and Filho lands an upkick before he stands. Durden looks for a takedown and Filho tried to grab the fence, but Durden got him down. Durden lands an axe kick to the groin and timeout is called. They return to action. Durden with a leg kick. Filho lands a right hand. Durden with a leg kick. Durden with a jab and Filho scores a takedown. Filho gets the back and looked for a choke, but let go to land before the round ends. 10-9 Filho, 19-19.

Durden lands a right hand. He lands another. Both are landing in close range before Filho initiates a clinch and pushes it to the fence. Filho lands an elbow and left hook on the break. They trade big punches and Filho looks for a takedown. Durden looked for a choke but Filho escaped and they’re tied up along the fence. Filho lands some knees to the body. Durden is able to get Filho down. Filho escapes and Durden lands a body kick as Filho was on the mat. Durden gets back on top. Filho with shots from the bottom. Durden has the back and is controlling. Durden is looking for a choke and is cranking. Durden lets go and lands from the back. 10-9 Durden, 29-28 Durden.

Fight Result- Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #12 Mayra Bueno Silva (10-6-1 1 NC, 5-6-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Michelle Montague (7-0, 1-0 UFC)

Montague quickly lands and scores a big takedown. Montague lands lots of punches from the top as Silva is able to recover the half-guard. Montague attacks the neck. Montague continues to control from the top. Montague transitions to side control and lands some hammerfists. Silva gives up her back and Montague lands punches with a few elbows mixed in. Montague keeps on top and continues to land to end the round. 10-8 Montague.

Montague lands and connects with a right hand. Montague looks for a takedown but Silva defends and lands. Montague pushes Silva against the fence and Silva grabs the neck for a choke. Montague drops to the mat to escape and they are back at a distance. Silva with a pair of kicks. Montague lands a combination. Silva lands a body kick that hurts Montague. Montague shoots for a takedown but Silva sprawls. Silva looks to take the back of Montague. Silva is attacking for a kimura. Montague gets free and is able to get back on top and starts landing and controlling. Silva lands an upkick right to the face of Montague while she was down and it’s an illegal kick. They get back going on the feet. Silva with a body shot and a pair of calf kicks. Montague looks for a takedown against the fence. They separate and trade to end the round. 10-9 Montague, 20-17 Montague.

Montague lands a stiff combination. Montague with a quick flurry. Silva lands some kicks. Montague scores a takedown. Montague lands from the top, but Silva is able to get the back and is on the back as Montague stands with Silva on her back. Montague is able to get out and gets into side control and lands elbows to the body. Montague lands lots of shots from the top as they go the distance. 10-9 Montague, 30-26 Montague.

Fight Result- Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Jackson McVey (6-2, 0-2 UFC) vs. Sedriques Dumas (10-4 1 NC, 3-4 1 NC UFC)

McVey quickly pushes Dumas against the fence. They trade knees along the fence. McVey with some knees. They continue to trade knees. McVey with some shoulder strikes. Dumas lands a right hand as they break. McVey drops Dumas with an uppercut and starts landing from the top. McVey landing lots of shots and then attempts a D’Arce choke. He has it locked in and Dumas taps! McVey picks up the win.

Fight Result- Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:14 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Rodolfo Vieira (11-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Eric McConico (10-4-1, 1-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and McConico goes down after Vieira lands a right hand. He gets up and they tie up and Vieira gets the back and looked for a choke. McConico escapes and Vieira locks in an armbar. McConico escapes and has the back of Vieira. They break apart. McConico lands a knee. They trade leg kicks and Vieira gets a brief takedown and has the back on the feet. They scramble and Vieira keeps back control. Vieira still controlling along the fence and lands a knee as they break. McConico lands a left hand and a pair of body kicks. They trade punches. 10-9 Vieira.

Both are landing and McConico is landing some solid combinations to start the second. McConico lands a left hand and a high kick. Vieira lands a leg kick. Vieira lands a right hand to the body. McConico with a combination and lands a big left hand. Vieira with a right hand and he looks for a takedown. McConico is defending against the fence. Vieira keeping body control and McConico spins to give up his back. McConico with a body punch as they separate to the center. They trade right hands. 10-9 McConico, 19-19.

Vieira with a leg kick. He lands another. McConico lands a few jabs and then a left hand. McConico with a combination. Vieira with a leg kick and a right hand. Vieira looks for a takedown but McConico defends as they tie up against the fence. Vieira tries a takedown but McConico ends up on top and lands an elbow. McConico lands a right hand as they break the tie-up. McConico with a left hand. Vieira lands a right hand. McConico with a jab. McConico lands a left hand. McConico with a stiff jab and a left hand. 10-9 McConico, 29-28 McConico.

Fight Result- Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Heavyweights- Marcus Buchecha (5-2-1, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Ryan Spann (23-11, 9-6 UFC)

Buchecha lands a leg kick. Buchecha looks for a takedown but Spann defends and Spann lands some punches from the top. Spann gets to side control. Buchecha gives up his back and Spann lands shots to the back. Buchecha reverses to the feet and has the back of Spann. Buchecha gets Spann to the mat. Buchecha tries to get the back of Spann, but Spann is able to escape to his feet. Buchecha with a front kick. Buchecha shoots for a takedown as Spann lands an uppercut. Buchecha gets to sprawl position. Spann is trying to get his arm free and lands a knee to the body and stands and backs away. Buchecha is ordered up. Spann with a front kick. Buchecha with a heavy leg kick and shoots for a takedown. Buchecha pulls guard to attack the leg, but Spann escapes. Spann gets the neck to get Buchecha down. Spann has back control. Spann lands a pair of hammerfists and stands. 10-9 Spann.

Buchecha gets a warning for his fingers being extended. Buchecha gets another warning. Buchecha lands a leg kick and shoots for a takedown but Spann defends as he grabs the neck. They stand. Buchecha lands a jab. Spann lands a massive right hand and Buchecha goes down and it is all over!

Fight Result- Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha by knockout (punch) at 2:10 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #14 Montel Jackson (15-3, 9-3 UFC) vs. Raoni Barcelos (21-5, 10-4 UFC)

Jackson drops Barcelos with a body kick and starts landing from the top. Jackson with lots of punches as Barcelos is trying to get to his feet. Barcelos is up and has Jackson against the fence. They break apart and Jackson lands a left hand and a body kick. Jackson with another body kick, but Barcelos grabs the leg and scores a takedown. Jackson is able to work his way up and they break apart. Barcelos gets another takedown and has the back as they scramble. Barcelos is looking for a choke late but time runs out. 10-9 Jackson.

Jackson lands a body kick. Barcelos with a right hand. Barcelos lands a body kick followed by a leg kick. Jackson lands a left hand followed by a jab. Barcelos looks for a takedown but Jackson defends it. Barcelos shoots for a takedown against the fence and is able to briefly get him down. Barcelos keeps body control and has Jackson pushed against the fence. Jackson lands a knee and a couple more. Barcelos trips Jackson to the mat. Barcelos gets the full mount. Barcelos gets the back of Jackson and locks in a rear-naked choke but Jackson survives yet again. 10-9 Barcelos, 19-19.

Barcelos looks for an immediate takedown as he pushes it against the fence. Jackson lands to defend and they separate. Barcelos lands a leg kick. Jackson lands a combination. Barcelos looks for a takedown and is able to score it. They scramble up and go to the fence. Jackson lands a knee. They break apart and Jackson lands the jab. Jackson with a high kick. Jackson back to the jab. Barcelos shoots for a takedown and gets it, but they get right to their feet. They trade kicks as they separate. Barcelos gets a takedown and works for a choke late and is on Jackson’s back as the fight ends. Close fight. 10-9 Jackson, 29-28 Jackson.

Fight Result- Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Davey Grant (15-8, 8-7 UFC) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (17-1, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. Grant lands a heavy calf kick. Grant with a body kick and a right hand. They both land punches. Grant with a switch kick and he lands an overhand right. Martinetti lands an uppercut. Martinetti with a leg kick and Grant lands a right hand. Grant connects with a solid left hand. Grant with a calf kick and lands another. Grant with more leg kicks. Grant lands a left hand followed by a leg kick. Grant with a leg kick as he continues to land with more volume. Grant with another calf kick. Grant with a combo to the body. Martinetti with a jumping knee. 10-9 Grant.

Grant landing low kicks to start and Martinetti lands a combination. Martinetti with a right hand. Martinetti lands another right hand. Grant lands a calf kick. Grant with a leg kick. Martinetti lands a left hand. Grant with an inside leg kick and he lands a side kick. Martinetti with a left hand. He lands another to the body. Grant with a leg kick. Martinetti lands a flurry against the fence. Grant with a combination and a high kick. Grant lands a combo. Martinetti lands a left hand. Grant with a right hand. Grant with a heavy overhand right. Grant lands another right hand and follows with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Grant with a calf kick. They trade and Grant lands a big right hand. Martinetti with a spinning back fist. Grant with more calf kicks. 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant.

They trade and Martinetti looks for a takedown, but Grant defends. Grant lands an uppercut. They trade leg kicks. Grant lands to the body and follows with a leg kick. Martinetti with a front kick to the face. Martinetti with an uppercut. Grant with a right hand and they trade inside the pocket. Martinetti lands a teet kick. Grant lands a combo. Grant with a left hand and a leg kick. Martinetti with a short elbow. Grant with a right hand and he continues to land leg kicks. Grant with a left hook. Grant lands a knee. Martinetti scores a takedown. Martinetti looks for the back on the mat. They get to their feet. Martinetti drags it down briefly but they stand and both start landing. Grant with a combo. 10-9 Grant, 30-27 Grant.

Fight Result- Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Rafa Garcia (18-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Alexander Hernandez (18-8, 10-7 UFC)

Garcia lands a right hand. Garcia with a leg kick. Hernandez lands a body kick. Garcia with a leg kick. Hernandez with a knee to the body. Garcia lands a few more leg kicks. Hernandez lands a body kick. Hernandez lands a left hand. Garcia with a right hand and he scores a takedown, but they get right to their feet. They separate. Garcia with a right hand. 10-9 Garcia.

Hernandez lands a right hand. Garcia lands a solid left hand. They trade in close range. Garcia is chasing Hernandez down as Hernandez is circling round. Hernandez is busted up a little. Garcia with a combo. Garcia lands a jab and a right hand. Garcia with a combo to the body. Hernandez lands a body kick. Garcia with a heavy calf kick. Garcia picking up the volume as he connects with a right hand. Garcia with another right hand. They both land in close range. Hernandez with a stiff jab. Hernandez lands a right hand. Garcia lands. 10-9 Garcia, 20-18 Garcia.

Garcia lands a double right hand. Hernandez with a combo and he lands to the body as Garcia lands to the head. They trade and Garcia looks for a takedown, but Hernandez defends it. Garcia lands a pair of right hands. They trade jabs and Hernandez lands a left hand. Garcia with a jab and Hernandez lands a combo. Garcia scores a brief takedown and has control against the fence as they stand. Garcia with some foot stomps. Garcia lands a series of left hands. Garcia with more left hands. Garcia with a short knee against the fence. Garcia gets it down but they get right up. Garcia lands a right hand as they break. Garcia with a right hand and they trade shots. They trade and both land heavy shots. They trade inside the pocket to end it. 10-9 Garcia, 30-27 Garcia.

Fight Result- Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #3 Norma Dumont (13-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. #11 Joselyne Edwards (17-6, 8-4 UFC)

They trade right hands as Dumont lands a pair of leg kicks. Dumont with a body kick and a quick right hand. Edwards lands a leg kick. Edwards lands a big flurry of punches before Dumont grabs the body lock and scores a takedown. They get up and Dumont keeps body control against the fence. Edwards lands some knees as she reverses. Edwards with some stiff knees. Dumont lands short punches as she’s defending. Dumont drags Edwards to the ground. Dumont is in the half-guard and looking to set up an arm-triangle choke. Edwards with some elbows from the bottom as Dumont controls. Edwards is able to reverse to the top. Edwards slams Dumont down trying to break the grip. 10-9 Edwards.

Dumont lands a leg kick. Edwards fires back with a leg kick. Dumont lands another leg kick. Dumont lands a right hand. Edwards with a right hand to the body. Neither are really landing their punches. Dumont lands a leg kick. She lands another. Dumont with a combo as Edwards was covering up. They trade kicks. Edwards with a switch kick to the body. Edwards with a right hand and they trade leg kicks. Dumont with a right hand. Dumont with a combination to the body. Edwards with a front kick. Dumont lands and Edwards fires back. Dumont with a leg kick and they tie up. Edwards with an elbow. 10-9 Dumont, 19-19.

They trade in close range and Edwards lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Edwards is pressing forward and throws a front kick. Dumont lands a right hand. Edwards throws a combo but barely lands. Dumont with a leg kick as Edwards fires in punches. Edwards gets the body lock against the fence and Dumont lands some knees. Dumont lands a knee and they separate. They trade kicks. Dumont lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks and punches as Edwards lands a combo ending with a nice right hand. Edwards with a high kick. They trade leg kicks and Edwards lands a jab. Edwards with a combo. Edwards lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Edwards, 29-28 Edwards.

Fight Result- Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #5 Aljamain Sterling (25-5, 17-5 UFC) vs. #7 Youssef Zalal (18-5-1, 8-3-1 UFC)

Sterling with a leg kick. Zalal lands a right hand. Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling with a jab. Zalal lands a leg kick. Sterling with a right hand. Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence. Sterling lets go as he trips Zalal up. Sterling trips Zalal as Zalal was throwing a kick and Sterling gets on top. Sterling passes to the half-guard. Zalal looks for an arm and Sterling is trying to free his arm. Sterling gets back into the guard of Zalal. Zalal almost forces it up and Sterling lands to the body. Sterling with some knees. 10-9 Sterling.

Sterling lands a pair of leg kicks. Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence. They break apart. Zalal lands a combination. Zalal lands a knee. Zalal with a leg kick and Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling pushes Zalal against the fence and lands before Zalal circles away. Sterling gets it down and lands from the top and gets the back of Zalal. Sterling has the body triangle locked on. Sterling with big shots from the back. Sterling with hammerfists as he’s controlling Zalal from the back. Sterling lands more from the back. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling.

Sterling pushes Zalal against the fence and scores a takedown. Zalal has the neck with a guillotine choke locked in but Sterling is able to get out and Zalal ends up on top. Zalal with some elbows from the top. Zalal working inside the guard of Sterling. Zalal gets to the feet and Sterling lands an upkick. Zalal gets to side control. Zalal gets the back and is working for a choke. Sterling is defending well as Zalal has the hooks on and is working to get his arm under the neck. 10-9 Zalal, 29-28 Sterling.

Sterling with a pair of leg kicks and he pushes Zalal against the fence. Sterling has the back and gets it down and has the hooks on the back. Sterling landing from the back and is looking for an opening for a choke. Zalal is defending and Sterling is being patient in looking for the choke. Sterling controlling and lands some punches from the back. Sterling gets on top and is landing punches. Sterling lands to the body. Sterling with some left hands. They get to their feet and Sterling lands a right hand. 10-8 Sterling, 39-36 Sterling.

Zalal pressing forward and lands a right hand. They tie up against the fence. Sterling pushes Zalal against the fence. Sterling has the body lock. Sterling controlling against the fence and they separate. Sterling with a right hand and he connects with a combo before getting Zalal to the mat. Sterling working in the half-guard. Sterling gets the back and has the hooks on and is landing from the back. They get to their feet at the end and Sterling lands. 10-9 Sterling, 49-45 Sterling.

Fight Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)

UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal Predictions

Posted on by Jake Skudder

UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal is a high-level featherweight matchup built for tape nerds (like me); long-sample data, layered grappling, and subtle striking adjustments over 25 minutes. The rest of the main card follows that theme, with experienced grinders facing upcoming talents across multiple divisions.

Sterling vs Zalal: stylistic breakdown

Aljamain Sterling brings elite championship experience and a proven five-round engine, with years of fighting the very best at a high pace. His game is built around stance switches, long kicks, and level-change threats that force opponents to hesitate and back up toward the fence. Youssef Zalal, by contrast, is a movement-heavy operator: lateral footwork, high guard, and opportunistic back-takes and submissions when opponents overcommit on entries or kicks.

Sterling vs Zalal Prediction

Sterling’s profile is that of a round-winner: solid volume, strong accuracy, and low damage taken thanks to range management and clinch-based smothering. His chain wrestling, shooting to the fence, switching to trips, and then riding the back, is particularly effective in longer fights where opponents slow and give up scrambles. Zalal is more of a transition hunter: he may lose small portions of a round, then flip control off a failed shot, a caught kick, or a scramble, turning defence into attack with his back-takes and submission attempts.

Prediction: Aljamain Sterling by decision.

Over five rounds, Sterling’s advantages in championship reps, pace layering, and ability to control where the fight happens should allow him to bank more minutes, even if Zalal has flashes of success in the open and wins some striking sequences. The key swing factor is whether Sterling can repeatedly mat-return Zalal and keep his back against the fence without getting reversed in extended scrambles.

Other key main card predictions

The rest of UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal’s main card leans heavily into style clashes that hardcore fans love: pressure wrestlers vs mobile strikers, aging power vs rising pace, and long, disciplined jabbers vs crafty veterans.

Main card prediction snapshot

FightPickStylistic notes
Aljamain Sterling vs Youssef ZalalSterling (decision)Volume, cage control, and sustained grappling pressure vs movement and opportunistic submissions.
Norma Dumont vs Joselyne EdwardsDumont (decision)Tighter boxing fundamentals, better stance discipline, and more reliable fence work against a rangy but defensively open striker.
Rafa Garcia vs Alexander HernandezHernandez (KO or decision)Garcia’s forward-pressure wrestling vs Hernandez’s explosiveness and cleaner counters; if Hernandez maintains discipline, his speed edge shows over three rounds.
Davey Grant vs Adrian Luna MartinettiLuna Martinetti (finish)Veteran power puncher versus surging, high-pace finisher; Martinetti’s youth and aggression can overwhelm Grant once exchanges snowball.
Montel Jackson vs Raoni BarcelosJackson (decision)Significant reach and size advantage, strong jab and straight attacks; Barcelos remains dangerous but has shifted toward lower-output, longer fights in later career

UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal Prelims Start Times, Main Card Start Times, Card: US, UK, Australia and more

Posted on by Jake Skudder

UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal is a bit of a matchmaking gem at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, with a former champion trying to crash a surging contender’s party at 145. Here is everything you need to know about the UFC Fight Night this weekend:

UFC Fight Night Prelims and main card start times

The event goes down on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Vegas, but the local start times translate very differently for US, UK and Australian fans. All fights stream on Paramount+ in participating regions, with additional availability via DAZN in select markets:

Global broadcast schedule

RegionPrelims startMain card startNotes
US (ET)5:00 p.m. ET8:00 p.m. ETParamount+ simulcast from Meta APEX. 
US (PT)2:00 p.m. PT5:00 p.m. PTAfternoon slot on the West Coast. 
UK (BST)10:00 p.m. BST1:00 a.m. BST (Sun)Listed as 10 p.m. prelims, 1 a.m. main in UK schedules. 
Europe (CEST)11:00 p.m. CEST2:00 a.m. CEST (Sun)Typical late‑night Euro Fight Night window. 
Australia (AEST)*7:00 a.m. AEST (Sun)10:00 a.m. AEST (Sun)Calculated from ET; ideal Sunday morning viewing. 

*Australian times derived by converting 5 p.m./8 p.m. ET to AEST – check local listings to confirm closer to fight day.

Sterling vs Zalal: tape and advanced stats

This main event is a pure stylistic chess match: Sterling’s aggressive chain wrestling and top pressure against Zalal’s slick scrambling and back‑taking game. Both are proven five‑round operators, with average fight times comfortably north of 11 minutes.

Tale of the tape

MetricAljamain SterlingYoussef Zalal
Record25‑5‑018‑5‑1 
Height5’7″5’10” 
Average fight time13:5411:32 
Sig. strikes landed per min4.453.03 
Sig. striking accuracy52%50% 
Sig. strikes absorbed per min2.211.78 
Defensive striking59%66% 
Takedowns per 15 min2.452.17 
Takedown accuracy30%31% 
Takedown defence44%59% 
Subs per 15 min0.61.4 

Sterling’s 4.45 SLpM at 52% accuracy (via UFCStats) backed by a strong top game means his win condition is volume into control, not one‑shot power. Zalal actually gives up the cage in a lot of his fights but posts elite defensive metrics, with 66% striking defence and 59% takedown defence while threatening 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes (via UFCStats).

Card

Main card

BoutWeight class
Aljamain Sterling vs Youssef ZalalFeatherweight 
Norma Dumont vs Joselyne EdwardsWomen’s bantamweight 
Rafa Garcia vs Alexander HernandezLightweight 
Davey Grant vs Adrian Luna MartinettiBantamweight 
Montel Jackson vs Raoni BarcelosBantamweight 
Marcus Buchecha vs Ryan SpannHeavyweight 

Preliminary card

BoutWeight class
Rodolfo Vieira vs Eric McConicoMiddleweight 
Jackson McVey vs Sedriques DumasMiddleweight 
Mayra Bueno Silva vs Michelle MontagueWomen’s bantamweight 
Jafel Filho vs Cody DurdenFlyweight 
TBA vs TBALightweight 
TBA vs TBAWelterweight 
TBA vs TBAWomen’s strawweight 

UFC on ESPN+ 115 live results: Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

For the first time since November 2017, the Octagon returns to mainland China for an exciting night of fights as UFC on ESPN+ 115 takes place inside the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai.

The main event is an exciting five-round battle at light heavyweight as Johnny Walker takes on rising Chinese contender Zhang Mingyang. Walker is looking to get back into the win column as he hasn’t scored a victory over his previous three outings, while Zhang looks to extend a 12-fight win streak after scoring a first-round TKO over Anthony Smith in April.

The co-main event is also a five-round bout as former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega takes on former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. This fight was originally slated to take place at featherweight, but a last-minute change sees these two fighting at a 153-pound catchweight with Ortega looking like he went through a rough weight cut.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight battle between top-ranked contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta; a flyweight bout pitting Sumudaerji against Kevin Borjas; and a welterweight opener between the debuting Taiyilake Nueraji and Kiefer Crosbie.

There were a pair of official UFC bouts that took place on yesterday’s Road to UFC Season 4 event, with the results as follows:

> Bruna Brasil def. Shi Ming by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Nyamjargal Tumendemberel def. Terrance Saeteurn by submission (brabo choke) at 2:53 of Round 1

UFC on ESPN+ Prelims Results | 3 AM ET/12 AM PT

> Light Heavyweights- Uran Satybaldiev (9-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Diyar Nurgozhay (10-1, 0-1 UFC)

Nurgozhay lands a leg kick followed by a body kick. He lands another body kick. He lands another and they trade punches. Satybaldiev lands a right hand and Nurgozhay goes down to the mat. Satybaldiev gets into the half-guard. Satybaldiev is attacking the arm as they stand. They go back to the mat and Satybaldiev is still attacking the arm but Nurgozhay is able to escape. Satybaldiev gets back into the guard. Satybaldiev looks for an Ezekiel choke. It is locked in and Nurgozhay taps! Satybaldiev picks up the first-round win.

Fight Result- Uran Satybaldiev def. Diyar Nurgozhay by submission (Ezekiel choke) at 2:45 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Xiao Long (27-9, 1-1 UFC) vs. SuYoung You (15-3 1 NC, 2-0 UFC)

You lands a leg kick. They have a clash of heads as they clinch. They trade knees. They break apart. You lands a right hand. Long lands a jab. You lands a right hand. They exchange jabs. Both connect inside the pocket. Long lands a quick combo. You tags Long with a right hand as Long lands a leg kick. Long with a pair of leg kicks. You shoots for a takedown and Long sprawls, but You connects with a pair of right hands. Long lands an uppercut. 10-9 You.

Long lands a switch kick as he comes out more aggressive. You looks for a takedown but Long defends. Long lands a leg kick. You lands a body kick and Long lands a series of shots in return. Long with a body kick. You looks for a takedown as they clinch, but they quickly separate. You lands a right hand. They trade. You lands a jab. Long with a high kick and You counters with a calf kick. You lands a right hand but Long connects as You rushed in. You lands a combo and then an uppercut. You with a left hand. They trade inside the pocket and Long lands a big left hand. Long lands an uppercut. Long with another uppercut. They tie up and battle in the clinch. 10-9 Long, 19-19.

They trade jabs and You connects with a right hand. Long lands a right hand. Both are throwing hard punches. Timeout is called as Long is warned about grabbing the shorts. They get back going and both connect. You looks for a takedown but Long is able to defend. They clinch and Long connects on the break. They clinch back up and Long lands an elbow. You lands a big jab. Long with a pair of body kicks. Long lands a big right hand. Long lands some more as they tie up. They break and both connect before they clinch back up. They break apart. Long lands a pair of elbows. Long with some dirty boxing. Both land elbows on the break but go right back into tying up. They both land to the body while clinched and Long lands a pair of short elbows. Long with lots of elbows as both are landing inside the pocket. Long with more elbows. A ridiculous end to this fight. 10-9 Long, 29-28 Long.

Fight Result- SuYoung You def. Xiao Long by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Yizha (25-5, 0-2 UFC) vs. Westin Wilson (17-9, 1-2 UFC)

Yizha lands a leg kick. He lands another then a left hand and lands another pair of left hands. Yizha with another big left hand and then drops Wilson with a left hand. Yizha starts landing and Wilson gets up. Yizha keeps landing shots and Wilson goes down again and it is all over! What a blitzing finish from Yizha!

Fight Result- Yizha def. Westin Wilson by knockout (punches) at :37 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Michel Pereira (31-13 2 NC, 9-4 UFC) vs. Kyle Daukaus (15-4 1 NC, 2-4 1 NC UFC)

Pereira with a pair of body kicks. Daukaus drops Pereira with a right hand and gets on top and starts landing and lands an elbow and it is stopped! Pereira immediately got up in protest but he looked out from the elbow. Big win from Daukaus in his UFC return!

Fight Result- Kyle Daukaus def. Michel Pereira by knockout (strikes) at :43 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Rongzhu (26-6, 2-3 UFC) vs. Austin Hubbard (16-9, 4-7 UFC)

Hubbard lands a quick combo. Rongzhu with a few leg kicks. They trade in close range and Rongzhu lands a right hand followed by a leg kick. Hubbard connects with a left hand. Rongzhu lands a combo. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Rongzhu lands a pair of leg kicks. Hubbard with a spin kick. Rongzhu lands some more leg kicks. Hubbard scores a takedown. They get to their feet. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Rongzhu with a combo late. 10-9 Rongzhu.

Rongzhu with a jab as Hubbard lands a body kick. Rongzhu is coming forward but Hubbard lands a pair of body kicks. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Hubbard scores a takedown. Hubbard has body control against the fence and has the back as they stand. Hubbard with a pair of knees before they separate. Rongzhu lands a leg kick. Rongzhu with an uppercut then a right hand. Rongzhu with a quick combo. Hubbard with a short combo and a body kick. They trade in close range. Rongzhu with a right hand. Hubbard lands a jab. Rongzhu lands a solid left hook. Rongzhu connects in close range. Hubbard looks for a takedown but Rongzhu defends. Hubbard shoots again but Rongzhu defends. 10-9 Hubbard, 19-19.

They trade inside the pocket and Rongzhu connects with a right hand. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Rongzhu connects with a nice combination. Rongzhu with an uppercut. Rongzhu lands a hard combination. Rongzhu lands a combination and a stiff right hand. Rongzhu with another right hand and Hubbard shoots for a takedown, but Rongzhu sprawls and they stand and he lands a left hook. Rongzhu lands a hard right hand. Rongzhu lands a combination. Hubbard lands a spin kick. Rongzhu with an uppercut. Rongzhu lands a body shot. Hubbard is looking for takedowns but Rongzhu is defending and Rongzhu lands a right hand. Rongzhu with another big right hand and Hubbard lands a right hand. Rongzhu lands a combination. Rongzhu with a flurry late. 10-9 Rongzhu, 29-28 Rongzhu.

Fight Result- Rongzhu def. Austin Hubbard by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- Lone’er Kavanagh (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. #15 Charles Johnson (17-7, 6-5 UFC)

Kavanagh with some early leg kicks. Johnson lands a body kick. Kavanagh lands a left hook. Kavanagh lands a body kick. Johnson looks for a takedown but Kavanagh defends. Kavanagh lands a leg kick. Johnson trying to get a takedown but Kavanagh is defending. Kavanagh lands a body kick. Kavanagh lands a right hand. Kavanagh with a solid combination and then lands another right hand. Kavanagh lands a jab. Kavanagh with another stiff combination. 10-9 Kavanagh.

Johnson with a pair of low kicks. Kavanagh lands a right hand. Johnson looks for a takedown but Kavanagh grabs the neck looking for a guillotine choke. They end up scrambling back to their feet. They trade body kicks. Johnson looks for the takedown again and Kavanagh grabs the neck looking for a choke. They get up and Kavanagh has the back. Kavanagh gets a takedown but they pop right up. Johnson lands an elbow on the break. Kavanagh lands a combo. Johnson with a left hand. Johnson lands a right hand. Johnson with a high kick. Johnson with a flurry to the body against the fence. Johnson drops Kavanagh with a massive right hand and a couple of follow-up shots put Kavanagh out cold! What a knockout by Johnson!

Fight Result- Charles Johnson def. Lone’er Kavanagh by knockout (punches) at 4:35 of Round 2

> Lightweights- Maheshate (10-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Gauge Young (9-3, 0-1 UFC)

Young lands a body kick. He lands another and Maheshate lands a front kick up the middle. Young with a leg kick. Maheshate lands a right hand. He lands a combo after Young lands a leg kick. Young with another leg kick. They trade kicks. Young lands and Maheshate goes to a knee, but he gets up. They trade inside the pocket. Young lands a leg kick and Maheshate lands a right hand. They trade combinations and Young scores a takedown. Maheshate is able to get to his feet and Young keeps control. Young lands a knee and defends a takedown attempt. Young with an elbow. 10-9 Young.

They trade and Maheshate lands a right hand. Young with a leg kick. Maheshate lands the jab as Young lands more leg kicks to counter. Young with a short combo and misses a head kick. Maheshate with a stiff jab. Young landing with more volume as he connects with a combo that makes Maheshate stumble. Young working the jab and lands a right hand. Young lands a combination. Young with a jab. Young scores a takedown. Young gets the mount and takes the back. Young lands as they stand. 10-9 Young, 20-18 Young.

They’re trading in close range and both land leg kicks and Young lands a right hand. Young looks for a takedown and briefly gets it as Maheshate scrambles to his feet. They separate. Young with a short combo. Young with short punches and Maheshate lands a right hand. Maheshate with a stiff combo. Young shoots for a takedown but Maheshate keeps it up. They trade elbows as they’re tied up and Maheshate lands a knee on the break. Maheshate lands a right hand. Maheshate with a big overhand right. Young lands a body kick. They trade jabs. Maheshate looks for a takedown against the fence but they separate. Young lands a solid right hand. Maheshate with a big right hand. Maheshate with a left hook. They tie up late. 10-9 Maheshate, 29-28 Young.

Fight Result- Gauge Young def. Maheshate by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

ESPN+ Main Card Results | 6 AM ET/3 AM PT

> Welterweights- Taiyilake Nueraji (11-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kiefer Crosbie (10-5, 0-2 UFC)

Nueraji with a side kick. They scramble to the mat and Nueraji ends up inside the guard of Crosbie. Crosbie is looking for a triangle choke as he lands some elbows from the bottom. Nueraji with an elbow from the top. Nueraji with more elbows as he escapes. Nueraji with a big right hand as he stands and he lands some big shots going back inside the guard. Crosbie looks for a leg. Nueraji gets the mount and lands an elbow. Nueraji gets back inside the guard and lands some elbows. He lands some more and has Crosbie in trouble. They start to stand and Nueraji lands an illegal knee and timeout is called. Crosbie’s face is busted up. Crosbie says he can continue and Nueraji has had two points taken away. They get back going and clinch right up. Nueraji has the back on the mat and is landing heavy elbows. Lots and lots of big elbows and it is all over! Nueraji gets the win but not the cleanest of performances.

Fight Result- Taiyilake Nueraji def. Kiefer Crosbie by TKO (elbows) at 3:33 of Round 1

> Flyweights- Sumudaerji (17-7, 4-4 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (10-3, 1-2 UFC)

Sumudaerji with some hard inside leg kicks. He lands more kicks. Sumudaerji with a high kick then a jab. Sumudaerji with an inside leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a left hand and Borjas pushes it against the fence. Borjas with an elbow and they separate. Borjas lands a right hand. Sumudaerji lands a jab. Sumudaerji with a side kick then a head kick. 10-9 Sumudaerji.

Sumudaerji lands a kick. Sumudaerji pokes Borjas in the eye and timeout is called. They get back going and Sumudaerji with more side kicks. Sumudaerji with a pair of leg kicks then a body kick and a side kick. Sumudaerji gets the clinch and pushes it up against the fence. Borjas lands to the body and they separate. Sumudaerji with a high kick and they trade left hands. Borjas shoots for a takedown but Sumudaerji defends as they tie up along the fence. They break and Sumudaerji with a pair of leg kicks. Borjas lands a leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a spinning attack. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 20-18 Sumudaerji.

Borjas lands a right hand and they trade punches. Sumudaerji with a leg kick. Sumudaerji lands an inside leg kick. Borjas lands a right hand and Sumudaerji slips but recovers right away. Sumudaerji lands a body kick. Sumudaerji with a pair of body kicks. Borjas looks for a takedown but Sumudaerji defends. They clinch but not much happens and they are separated. Sumudaerji with a high kick then a body kick. He lands a left hand. Borjas looks for a takedown but Sumudaerji defends. Borjas with a knee. Sumudaerji lands an elbow. Borjas tries for a leg but Sumudaerji lands a flurry. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 30-27 Sumudaerji.

Fight Result- Sumudaerji def. Kevin Borjas by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- #3 Sergei Pavlovich (19-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. #6 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (14-1, 7-1 UFC)

Pavlovich with a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. They clash heads and Pavlovich lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta with a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. They both swing and Pavlovich lands a left hook. Cortes-Acosta lands and Pavlovich lands a big shot that hurts Cortes-Acosta and they briefly clinch but break. Cortes-Acosta with a heavy leg kick and Pavlovich lands a right hand. 10-9 Pavlovich.

Pavlovich lands an uppercut as Cortes-Acosta rushed in. Cortes-Acosta with a heavy leg kick. They trade in the pocket. Cortes-Acosta lands and Pavlovich lands a counter right hand. Pavlovich lands a right hand followed by a quick flurry. Pavlovich works the jab. Cortes-Acosta with a left hand. Pavlovich connects. Cortes-Acosta throws an uppercut and Pavlovich lands a counter right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Cortes-Acosta with a jab. Pavlovich lands a left hand and a right hand. He lands a leg kick. 10-9 Pavlovich, 20-18 Pavlovich.

Pavlovich with a body kick and a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Pavlovich lands two big right hands. They trade and Pavlovich lands a leg kick. Pavlovich lands a combination. Pavlovich briefly pushes it to the fence but backs off. They trade jabs. Pavlovich with a big right hand and lands a flurry afterwards. Pavlovich connects with more right hands. Pavlovich with a jab as Cortes-Acosta lands a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. They trade jabs. 10-9 Pavlovich, 30-27 Pavlovich.

Fight Result- Sergei Pavlovich def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> 153-pound Catchweights- #5 FW Brian Ortega (16-4 1 NC, 8-4 1 NC UFC) vs. #7 FW Aljamain Sterling (24-5, 16-5 UFC)

Sterling lands a jab. Sterling lands a right hand and then a heavy leg kick. Sterling lands a right hand after Ortega landed a leg kick. Sterling with a leg kick. Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling with a leg kick and then another. Sterling with a pair of leg kicks. Sterling works the jab. Ortega really isn’t doing much. Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling with a jab. 10-9 Sterling.

Sterling lands the jab and a right hand to the body. Sterling lands a leg kick. Sterling just out-classing Ortega everywhere. Sterling lands a combination. He lands another. Ortega lands a right hand. Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling connecting more. Sterling lands a knee. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling.

Sterling lands a leg kick and a right hand and Ortega lands a right hand. Sterling lands a jab as Ortega was rushing in. Ortega lands a leg kick. Ortega with a groin strike but Sterling says he’s fine and they keep going. Ortega lands a body kick. Sterling with a jab. Ortega with a heavy leg kick and Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling with a double jab. Sterling with a hard leg kick that trips Ortega up. Ortega with a leg kick. Sterling with a right hand. Sterling lands a high kick. Sterling lands a jab. Sterling lands a right hand and Ortega lands a combo and Sterling a spinning back elbow. 10-9 Sterling, 30-27 Sterling.

They trade in close range. Sterling lands a leg kick. Sterling with a combination. Sterling lands a right hand to the body. Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling lands a jab. Sterling with a body kick. Ortega lands a quick flurry and they clinch. Sterling scores a takedown. He’s working inside the guard of Ortega. Sterling with a flurry from the top to end the round. 10-9 Sterling, 40-36 Sterling.

Sterling lands a leg kick. Ortega lands a right hand. Ortega looks for a takedown but Sterling is able to reverse to the top. Sterling lands from the top before they scramble up. Ortega lands a right hand to the body. Ortega lands a right hand. Sterling with a left hook. Sterling lands a right hand as he’s circling around. Sterling gets the back and gets it down for a brief moment. Sterling drags it down and almost had the hooks in but ends up inside the guard of Ortega. Ortega with some hammerfists from the bottom. Sterling lands to the body and starts landing shots from the top. Ortega tries to push off but Sterling jumps on the back and is now on top landing lots of shots to end it. 10-9 Sterling, 50-45 Sterling.

Fight Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Brian Ortega by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

> Light Heavyweights- #13 Johnny Walker (21-9 1 NC, 7-6 1 NC UFC) vs. #14 Zhang Mingyang (19-6, 3-0 UFC)

Walker tries to grab Mingyang and they go right to the mat with Mingyang in the mount but Walker retains his guard. Mingyang lands from the top but they end up getting back to their feet. Walker with a high kick. Mingyang lands a left hand followed by a right hand that briefly wobbled Walker. They clinch up. Walker lands an elbow as they break. Mingyang lands a right hand. Walker with a pair of leg kicks. Walker lands a leg kick. Walker shoots for a takedown but Mingyang defends and lands a big elbow. Mingyang lands a leg kick. Mingyang with a high kick. 10-9 Mingyang.

Walker lands a leg kick. Mingyang lands a right hand as Walker lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Mingyang lands two solid right hands. They both land leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Mingyang is hurt from the leg kick and he falls down. Walker starts landing from the top and is landing big shots as Mingyang is covering up. Mingyang grabs a leg but Walker continues to tee off with big punches. Walker stands and is landing lots of punches and it is all over! Walker gets the upset win!

Fight Result- Johnny Walker def. Zhang Mingyang by TKO (punches) at 2:37 of Round 2

UFC 292 live results: Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC returns to pay-per-view this weekend with a big event as the Octagon returns to the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts for UFC 292: Sterling vs. O’Malley, headlined by a pair of title fights.

In the main event, UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling defends against challenger Sean O’Malley in what has become a heated main event. Sterling is on a nine-fight win streak, last defeating Henry Cejudo in May, and this could be his final title defense as he’s talked of moving to 145 pounds win-or-lose. O’Malley fights for the first time since a win over Petr Yan in October, and is one of the most popular fighters in the sport.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili defends against Amanda Lemos in an exciting match-up. Weili re-gained the title with a submission win over Carla Esparza in November, and she looks to start her second title reign on the right note. Lemos gets a title shot on the heels of wins in seven of her last eight fights.

The rest of the main card is deep despite taking a few injury hits. Undefeated welterweight Ian Garry faces his biggest test to date in Neil Magny, while a pair of bantamweight bouts take place featuring Da’Mon Blackshear, in his second fight in a week, taking on Mario Bautista, and Marlon Vera battling Pedro Munhoz.

The preliminary card is highlighted by the return of former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman, who returns from a gruesome leg break suffered in April 2021, as he’ll take on Brad Tavares. The finals of this season of The Ultimate Fighter also take place, with Austin Hubbard taking on Kurt Holobaugh in the lightweight finals, and Brad Katona taking on Cody Gibson in the bantamweight finals.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

> Women’s Flyweights- Karine Silva (16-4, 2-0 UFC) vs. Maryna Moroz (11-4, 6-4 UFC)

Silva landing some leg kicks early. They trade leg kicks and Silva lands a left hand. Silva lands a couple more leg kicks. Moroz missing her punches. Silva drops Moroz with a left hand but she quickly gets up. They clinch and Moroz pushes it against the fence. Silva reverses and Moroz lands an elbow and they’re trading inside the pocket before they separate. Silva lands a right hand. Silva scores a takedown. Moroz reverses position and Silva tries for a guillotine choke and Moroz taps with a second to go in the round! What a finish from Silva!

Official Result- Karine Silva def. Maryna Moroz by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Women’s Flyweights- #13 Andrea Lee (13-7, 5-5 UFC) vs. Natalia Silva (15-5-1, 3-0 UFC)

Silva throwing kicks early on. Lee lands a couple of leg kicks as Silva lands a punch combo. Silva lands a jab. Silva lands a body kick then a combination. Silva rocks Lee with a left hand. They trade punches. Silva lands a leg kick. They trade late and Silva lands a combo and body kick. 10-9 Silva.

Silva lands some high kicks to start the second. They trade body kicks. Silva lands a body kick. Lee lands a front kick that connects to the chin. Silva lands a combo ending with a body kick. Silva lands a front kick to the body. They trade body kicks. Silva lands a spin kick. 10-9 Silva, 20-18 Silva.

Silva landing some kicks and circling around early in the third. Lee lands a leg kick and Silva lands a right hand. Silva lands a combo as Lee lands a body kick. Silva lands a high kick. Lee lands a leg kick. They trade high kicks. Silva lands a nice combo. Silva lands a body kick and Lee is continuing to back up. Silva lands a jab then a high kick. 10-9 Silva, 30-27 Silva.

Official Result- Natalia Silva def. Andrea Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights- Andre Petroski (9-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (35-16, 10-8 UFC)

Petroski lands a left hand and a leg kick. Petroski lands a right hook. They’re both mostly missing the punches they’re throwing. Meerschaert lands a jab. They trade punches. We have a timeout for an eye poke on Petroski. They get back to action and Petroski lands a jab then gets a takedown. Meerschaert looks for a triangle choke but time runs out. 10-9 Petroski.

They both land soft punches to start the second. Meerschaert lands a body kick. Petroski lands a left hand and a leg kick. They trade punches. Meerschaert lands a combo that stumbles Petroski back. Meerschaert lands a combo as Petroski lands a right hand and circles away. Petroski lands a left hand then a nice right hand. Meerschaert lands a left hand then a high kick and a left hand. Petroski lands a left hand to the body. Petroski drops Meerschaert with a left hand and starts landing from the top. He’s dropping elbows down. Meerschaert grabs a leg and is able to get up. Petroski lands a right hand. Meerschaert tries a takedown and Petroski grabs the back and finishes the round on top. 10-9 Petroski, 20-18 Petroski.

They trade left hands. Petroski lands a body kick but Meerschaert grabs the leg and gets the takedown. Meerschaert inside the guard landing some punches. Petroski trying to scramble from the bottom and Meerschaert sprawls, but they get up. Petroski is cut open under the eye. Meerschaert lands a nice combo. Petroski gets it down and Meerschaert has the neck looking for a choke but Petroski pops out. Petroski attacking the neck and looking for a guillotine choke. Meerschaert scrambles out and has the body lock as they stand. They trade and Meerschaert lands a left hand. Petroski lands an elbow. They’re trading wild punches in close range. Meerschaert lands a flurry as the fight ends. Wild final round. 10-9 Meerschaert, 29-28 Petroski.

Official Result- Andre Petroski def. Gerald Meerschaert by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> TUF 31 Bantamweight Finals- Brad Katona (12-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Cody Gibson (19-8, 1-3 UFC)

Both are throwing early but not landing before they clinch up. They quickly break. Gibson lands a right hand. Katona lands a high kick. Katona lands a jab. Katona lands a leg kick. They trade and Gibson lands a body kick and Katona counters with a leg kick. Gibson lands a combo then an uppercut in a brief clinch. Gibson lands a big right hand. Katona lands a leg kick then a left hand. Gibson lands a right hand as Katona lands a left hand. Katona lands a right hand. Gibson lands an uppercut. They trade inside the pocket. They continue to both land at high volumes. Katona lands a right hand. 10-9 Gibson.

Katona lands a left hand. He lands a right hand and Gibson fires back with some uppercuts. Gibson lands a right hand. Katona lands a nice jab. Katona lands a right hand after scoring a leg kick. Katona lands a jab as they trade inside the pocket. Gibson lands to the body. Katona lands a left hand. Gibson lands a combo. They tie up and both land some clinch shots. Gibson lands a combo and Katona counters with a right hand. They trade some more. Gibson landing with more volume as the round goes on. He lands a jab then an uppercut. They trading and Katona hurts Gibson with a right hand. Katona lands a jab and Gibson lands a left hand. Katona lands a right hand. He lands another. 10-9 Gibson, 20-18 Gibson.

They’re trading in the center to start the third and Gibson lands a right hand. Katona lands to the body. Gibson lands a right hand. He lands another. They clinch for a moment and Katona lands as they break. Katona lands a pair of high kicks. Gibson lands a big right hand. Gibson lands another big right hand. They trade in a brief tie up. Katona lands a right hand. Katona lands an uppercut. Gibson’s eye is hurt and Katona is landing a flurry against the fence. Gibson lands an uppercut. They trade in close range. They trade jabs. Katona with some uppercuts. Katona lands a left hand. They clinch as both are tired. They trade short shots. Great fight. 10-9 Katona, 29-28 Gibson.

Official Result- Brad Katona def. Cody Gibson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> TUF 31 Lightweight Finals- Kurt Holobaugh (19-7 1 NC, 0-4 UFC) vs. Austin Hubbard (15-6, 3-4 UFC)

Hubbard lands a leg kick and then scores a takedown. He lands an elbow from inside the guard. Hubbard throwing elbows from the top. Hubbard looks for the neck but it allows Holobaugh to scramble to his feet. They trade knees against the fence. They separate and Hubbard lands to the body. He lands a big right hand. Hubbard lands a knee to the body. They trade punches. Holobaugh lands a right hand. Hubbard gets a takedown. He’s landing from the top. Hubbard looking for a choke. He lets go. 10-9 Hubbard.

Both looking for the jab early. Hubbard tried a takedown but Holobaugh defended. Holobaugh lands a big right hand. He lands another. He lands it again. They trade and Holobaugh lands slightly more. Holobaugh sprawls a takedown attempt and has the neck. Holobaugh gets the back. Holobaugh looking for a choke. He has his forearm around Hubbard’s chin and lets go. Holobaugh in the full mount. Hubbard tries to escape and Holobaugh has the armbar but transitions to the triangle choke. Hubbard taps! Holobaugh gets the win, his first UFC win in his third stint.

Official Result- Kurt Holobaugh def. Austin Hubbard by submission (triangle choke) at 2:39 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Gregory Rodrigues (13-5, 4-2 UFC) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (11-7, 1-2 UFC)

Rodrigues lands a jab. Rodrigues gets the big takedown. Rodrigues gets to side control. He moves to the mount and Tiuliulin gives up his back. Rodrigues is landing big punches and elbows from the back and one knocks Tiuliulin out cold. Wow!

Official Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Denis Tiuliulin by knockout (elbows) at 1:43 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Chris Weidman (15-6, 11-6 UFC) vs. Brad Tavares (19-8, 14-8 UFC)

Tavares lands a right hand. Weidman shoots for a takedown but Tavares defends. Tavares lands a nice right hand. Weidman lands a jab to the body. Weidman goes for a takedown against the fence but abandons it. We have a timeout for a groin strike and they get back to action. Weidman lands a right hand. Tavares lands a jab. Tavares lands a leg kick. He lands another. Tavares lands a jab. Weidman lands a right hand then a body kick. Weidman lands some body kicks. Tavares lands an uppercut. 10-9 Tavares.

Both throwing to start the second but not much landing. Tavares lands a leg kick. Both land jabs. Tavares lands a leg kick then another. Weidman’s left leg is hurt. Tavares with a high kick that Weidman blocks. Tavares lands a combo ending with a leg kick. Tavares lands a pair of leg kicks. Weidman with a high kick. Weidman rocks Tavares with a punch but Tavares gets away. Weidman pressing forward as Tavares is attacking the leg. We have another groin strike and a timeout. They get back to action and Weidman lands. Weidman lands a body kick then a combo. Weidman tries for a takedown. Tavares defends and gets away. Tavares lands a body kick. Weidman lands a head kick then a right hand. Weidman tries for another takedown but Tavares defends. Weidman lands a high kick. 10-9 Tavares, 20-18 Tavares.

Tavares lands a heavy leg kick. We have a third groin strike of the fight and another timeout. They get back to action and Tavares is hurting Weidman with some punches. Tavares lands another leg kick. Weidman lands some right hands and goes for a takedown but Tavares defends. Weidman lands a left hand. Tavares lands a leg kick. Weidman lands a right hand. He lands a left hand. 10-9 Tavares, 30-27 Tavares.

Official Result- Brad Tavares def. Chris Weidman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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> Bantamweights- #6 Marlon Vera (22-8-1, 14-7 UFC) vs. #10 Pedro Munhoz (20-7 2 NC, 10-7 2 NC)

Munhoz landing a lot of leg kicks early on and Vera lands a high kick. Vera lands a jab. They’re trading kicks. Munhoz still landing lots of leg kicks. Vera scoring with the jab. Vera lands a leg kick. Munhoz shoots for a takedown but Vera keeps it standing. Vera lands a combo and Munhoz rushes in landing a combo. Vera lands a combination. They trade punches. Vera lands a combo. Vera lands a left hand. Close round. 10-9 Munhoz.

Munhoz lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade solid punches. Munhoz lands a combo. Munhoz back to the leg kick. Vera lands a leg kick and Munhoz lands some in return. Munhoz lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Munhoz lands a left hand. Vera lands a leg kick and Munhoz returns with one. They trade in close range. Munhoz lands a nice combination. Munhoz lands a leg kick but eats a left hand from Vera. 10-9 Munhoz, 20-18 Munhoz.

Munhoz lands a leg kick. Munhoz lands a leg kick after they trade punches. Vera lands a nice jab then a few more. Vera lands a nice combo and had Munhoz hurt for a moment. Munhoz back attacking the leg kick. Vera lands a combo and then a nice right hand. Vera lands a jab and Munhoz lands a right hand, but Vera lands a hard body shot. Vera lands some nice left hands. Vera picking up the volume in a big way right now. Munhoz lands some nice body kicks. Vera lands a nice combo. Close fight. 10-9 Vera, 29-28 Munhoz.

Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Da’Mon Blackshear (14-5-1, 2-1-1 UFC) vs. Mario Bautista (12-2, 6-2 UFC)

Bautista lands a right hand. Blackshear grabs the body and looks for a takedown but Bautista defends. Blackshear gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Blackshear still has a leg and lands a knee to the body. Blackshear lands a leg kick. Blackshear gets it back down but Bautista has the neck with a choke locked in but Blackshear escapes. They get to their feet. 10-9 Blackshear.

Blackshear lands some leg kicks to start the second. Bautista goes for a takedown against the fence but Blackshear defends. Bautista lands a right hand and shoots for a takedown but Blackshear defends against the fence and reverses position. Blackshear lands a short elbow as they break. Blackshear gets a takedown but Bautista pops right back up. Blackshear lands an elbow. Bautista lands a right hand. Blackshear lands a right hand. Bautista lands late. 10-9 Blackshear, 20-18 Blackshear.

Bautista lands a right hand. Blackshear lands a leg kick. Bautista lands a combo. Bautista lands a right hand. Bautista pressuring and looks for a takedown. They’re tied up and Bautista with a knee to the body. Blackshear lands an elbow and Bautista with a knee before they break. Bautista gets a takedown. He gets the back. They try to scramble up but Bautista drags it down and lands a knee to the body. Bautista still has the back and lands a knee as they break. Blackshear rocks Bautista with a right hand. They scramble to the mat. Bautista lands elbows from the top to end. 10-9 Bautista, 29-28 Blackshear.

Official Result- Mario Bautista def. Da’Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Welterweights- #11 Neil Magny (28-10, 21-9 UFC) vs. #13 Ian Garry (12-0, 5-0 UFC)

Garry lands some hard leg kicks early and Magny is already having trouble staying on his feet. Garry lands a body kick. Garry lands a jab. Garry lands a leg kick. Magny lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Magny lands to the body. Garry gets it down and backs away as Magny is forced to stand. Garry lands another hard leg kick and Magny falls to his butt but is forced up. Garry lands a high kick then another leg kick. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Garry.

Magny lands a double jab. Garry lands a combo. Garry lands another hard leg kick and Magny is limping. Garry lands more kicks. Magny grabs a leg and tries for a takedown but Garry defends against the fence. They break. Garry lands a head kick. Garry lands a leg kick and Magny is having trouble standing. Garry lands some punches and a flying knee to the body. Garry lands a jab then another leg kick. Garry with a leg kick then a combo. 10-9 Garry, 20-18 Garry.

Garry lands a leg kick. Magny lands a body kick but falls to the ground as he couldn’t plant on his damaged leg. Garry with a high kick then a leg kick. Garry lands a flurry against the fence and drops Magny with a leg kick. Magny gets to his feet and eats an immediate leg kick from Garry. Garry lands some leg kicks then a high kick. Garry landing more kicks. Magny lands a body kick but eats a combo from Garry. Garry lands another hard leg kick and Magny goes down but Garry wants him back up. Garry lands a big flurry with punches and high kicks and Magny is covering up. They go to the mat and Garry is in side control. Garry ends the fight on top. 10-8 Garry, 30-26 Garry.

Official Result- Ian Garry def. Neil Magny by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-24)

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Zhang Weili (23-3, 7-2 UFC) vs. #5 Amanda Lemos (13-2-1, 7-2 UFC)

Weili lands a leg kick and uses it for a takedown. Weili passes into side control. Weili lands some elbows from the side. Weili with some left hands from the top. Weili now landing to the body in the half-guard. Weili with more big left hands from the top. Weili keeps it down. Lemos locks in a D’Arce choke from the bottom but Weili is fighting it. Lemos is squeezing but Weili lands some knees to the body and she gets out and takes the back. Weili landing big punches from the back and looking to finish. Lemos spins and Weili is back in the half-guard. They stand and Weili gets a big late takedown. 10-9 Weili.

Weili landing to start the second and Lemos lands a hard right hand. Weili gets a big takedown. Weili landing from the top. Lemos tries to scramble out but Weili stays on top and gets the back. They get to their feet and Weili lands some knees to the body and gets another takedown. Weili has the back and lands. 10-9 Weili, 20-18 Weili.

They trade punches and Weili lands a side kick. Weili pushes it against the fence. Weili gets it back to the mat. Weili works to the back and lands some left hands. Weili moves to side control and has a knee on the belly and lands before they stand. Weili with a knee and elbow. They separate and Weili lands a combo. 10-9 Weili, 30-27 Weili.

Weili landing some kicks and punches to start off the fourth. Weili with a side kick. Lemos lands a punch and Weili slips to the mat. She gets back up and they’re trading before Weili gets a takedown. She lands from the top before they stand. Both throwing and both land before they tie up and break. Weili lands a body kick. 10-9 Weili, 40-36 Weili.

Weili lands a body kick then drops Lemos with a right hand. She gets on top and is landing punches and an elbow. Weili with some more shots from the top and Lemos attacks the leg. Weili landing hammerfists trying to finish. Weili landing a lot of punches as Lemos is trapped. Weili has the crucifix and continues to land. Weili with tons of punches as Lemos is still trapped. Lemos gets free as they stand. Weili with a knee. Weili gets a takedown. She’s in side control and pressuring while landing knees. Weili with body shots from the top. They get up and Lemos attacks the neck as they break. Weili with a side kick. Dominant performance from Weili. 10-8 Weili, 50-44 Weili.

Official Result- Zhang Weili def. Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 49-45) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Aljamain Sterling (23-3, 15-3 UFC) vs. #2 Sean O’Malley (16-1 1 NC, 8-1 1 NC UFC)

Sterling lands a leg kick. He lands another. O’Malley lands a body kick then Sterling lands a leg kick. O’Malley lands a left hand. Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling lands a leg kick. He lands another. He lands some more kicks. O’Malley barely lands a spin kick. Sterling shoots for a takedown and lands some punches against the fence in the clinch. 10-9 Sterling.

Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence. Sterling lands two left hands. O’Malley drops Sterling with a right hand as he was coming in. O’Malley lading from the top looking for the finish and lands some big punches and he ends it! O’Malley gets the finish and becomes the new champion!

Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Aljamain Sterling by TKO (punches) at :51 of Round 2 to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship

UFC 288 live results: Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back in Newark, New Jersey, for the first time since August 2019 with tonight’s UFC 288 — a show that features a title fight on top and a card filled with several exciting matchups.

UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling defends the title against former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion Henry Cejudo in the main event.

Sterling will be making his third title defense and is looking to extend an eight-fight win streak. Cejudo is returning from a retirement and is on a quest to regain a title he never lost. He last fought in May 2020, defending the bantamweight title in a fight against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249.

In the co-main event, it will be another five-round bout with a potential title shot in the welterweight division on the line as Belal Muhammad takes on Gilbert Burns. Muhammad is riding a nine-fight unbeaten streak, while Burns fought just one month ago, scoring a win over Jorge Masvidal.

Also on the main card: former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade vs. Yan Xiaonan; undefeated Movsar Evloev vs. the debuting Diego Lopes, and the return of Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain. 

A nice prelim card is capped off by an exciting lightweight matchup between Drew Dober and Matt Frevola.

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> Middleweights*- Joseph Holmes (8-3, 1-2 UFC) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (10-3, 0-1 UFC)

*Holmes missed weight by three pounds

Holmes with some leg kicks. They clinch against the fence. Holmes reverses position. Holmes with some knees to the legs and body. They remain tied up against the fence. They separate. Ribeiro lands a calf kick. Ribeiro with a big combo and Holmes backs to the fence. Ribeiro gets a takedown. Holmes is controlling trying to get to his feet. Ribeiro gets him back on his back. Ribeiro with some big shots from the top and he almost got the finish before the round ended. 10-9 Ribeiro.

Ribeiro lands a leg kick followed by a right hand before they clinch against the fence. Holmes reverses position. Ribeiro reverses and they break. Ribeiro lands a big inside leg kick. Holmes lands the jab. Holmes lands a leg kick but eats a counter left from Ribeiro. Ribeiro then lands a big right hand and they clinch. Ribeiro drops Holmes with a knee and is on top and lands some. Ribeiro with some more punches from the top and it is stopped! What a showing from Ribeiro.

Official Result- Claudio Ribeiro def. Joseph Holmes by TKO (punches) at 3:21 of Round 2

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> Middleweights- Phil Hawes (12-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Ikram Aliskerov (13-1, 0-0 UFC)

Hawes lands some leg kicks and the jab. Aliskerov lands a leg kick. Hawes scores a leg kick then a body kick. He lands another. Hawes with a right hook then a body kick. Hawes hurts Aliskerov with a right hand. Hawes lands another hard body kick. They trade inside the pocket. Aliskerov lands after slipping and landed a head kick. Aliskerov  then knocks Hawes out with a clean right hand. What a finish from Aliskerov!

Official Result- Ikram Aliskerov def. Phil Hawes by knockout (punch) at 2:10 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- Braxton Smith (5-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Parker Porter (13-8, 3-3 UFC)

Smith lands a body kick. They throw big shots and Porter clips Smith with a left hand. They trade big punches in close range. Both land more big punches. Porter drags Smith to the mat and Smith is already tired. Porter with lots of punches from the top and it is stopped! Just a thrashing from Porter.

Official Result- Parker Porter def. Braxton Smith by TKO (punches) at 2:10 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- #5 Marina Rodriguez (16-2-2, 6-2-2 UFC) vs. #9 Virna Jandiroba (18-3, 4-3 UFC)

They both look for openings. Rodriguez lands a leg kick and a few punches before Jandiroba scores the takedown. Jandiroba is on top and gets to the mount and is keeping pressure looking to set up a choke. Jandiroba lets go and lands a short elbow as she’s working from the top. Jandiroba looks for a kimura. She lets go and lands some punches from the top. Jandiroba gets on her feet. Jandiroba lands an elbow as she gets back on top. 10-9 Jandiroba.

Both swinging and missing to start the second. Jandiroba looks for the takedown but Rodriguez defends. Jandiroba shoots for the leg and Rodriguez grabs the fence to defend. Jandiroba is able to get the body and drags it down for a moment. Jandiroba looks for a leg lock and Rodriguez lands from the bottom, but Jandiroba remains on top. She ends the round controlling from the top. 10-9 Jandiroba, 20-18 Jandiroba.

Rodriguez lands a combo on the feet after Jandiroba misses some spinning back fist attempts. Rodriguez lands another combo and lands a flying knee. Jandiroba shoots for the single leg and pushes it against the fence and this crowd is not happy. Jandiroba gets Rodriguez down for a brief moment. She ends up getting Rodriguez fully down. Jandiroba fully on top and looking for the arm-triangle choke. She lets go and lands some elbows. Jandiroba stands and Rodriguez is throwing a lot of upkicks and some are landing. Jandiroba gets back on top and Rodriguez lands from the bottom. 10-9 Jandiroba, 30-27 Jandiroba.

Official Result- Virna Jandiroba def. Marina Rodriguez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Khaos Williams (13-3, 4-2 UFC) vs. Rolando Bedoya (14-1, 0-0 UFC)

Bedoya lands a leg kick. Williams lands to the body. Williams lands a body kick. They trade in close range. Bedoya lands a right hand. They clinch. They separate and trade leg kicks. Bedoya lands a leg kick. Williams with a couple of big punches and lands another big right hand. They clinch and Bedoya with a knee. Williams lands a knee as they break. They trade leg kicks. Bedoya lands a right hand. They trade short leg kicks. Williams lands some big punches. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Williams.

They trade leg kicks. They trade them again. They continue to trade leg kicks early in the second before they start landing punches. Williams with a right hand. Bedoya lands a jab. Williams lands some kicks and Bedoya lands some punches. Bedoya with a heavy leg kick and they clinch. They separate and Williams lands a combo. Bedoya lands a couple of leg kicks. Williams scores with a left hook. They trade in close range. Williams lands a right hand and then a body kick. They trade low kicks. Bedoya scores with a right hand as Williams was coming forward. Williams lands a big right hand. Close round. 10-9 Williams, 20-18 Williams.

They trade leg kicks then Williams scores with a combo before they clinch. They separate and Bedoya lands a left hand. Williams lands in response. They trade and Williams with a leg kick. Bedoya lands a step-in elbow. They trade inside the pocket. Williams with a knee to the body and Bedoya lands a combo. Bedoya lands a combo and they trade inside the pocket. They clinch as Bedoya pushes it against the fence but they separate. Williams lands a big right hand. They trade leg kicks. Williams lands a combo after Bedoya lands a leg kick. Williams lands a jab. Bedoya with a big right hand. 10-9 Bedoya, 29-28 Williams.

Official Result- Khaos Williams def. Rolando Bedoya by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Kennedy Nzechukwu (11-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Devin Clark (14-7, 8-7 UFC)

Clark lands a couple of leg kicks. Clark shoots for the takedown and has the body lock against the fence. They remain tied up and Clark has advantage and lands some short shots before Nzechukwu switches positions. Nzechukwu lands some elbows before they separate. Clark rocks Nzechukwu with a right hand. Clark tries to take advantage and is landing against the fence as Nzechukwu covers up. Clark mixing standing punches and elbows. Nzechukwu ties him up and lands a knee. Nzechukwu lands some hard shots. Nzechukwu lands a right hand. Nzechukwu with some big elbows against the fence and Clark is now in trouble. Nzechukwu with a couple more elbows. Nzechukwu with a knee and a few more elbows. 10-9 Nzechukwu.

Nzechukwu lands some hard shots before they clinch. Nzechukwu lands some big shots and they break and both land big shots. Nzechukwu grabs the neck and looks for a standing guillotine choke. He has it in and Clark taps and Nzechukwu drops him and Clark is out cold! What a finish from Nzechukwu!

Official Result- Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Devin Clark by submission (standing guillotine choke) at 2:28 of Round 2

> Lightweights- #14 Drew Dober (26-11 1 NC, 12-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Matt Frevola (10-3-1, 4-3-1 UFC)

Frevola lands a body kick. Frevola with a right hand then another body kick. Frevola lands a clean right hand. Dober lands a left hand. They trade and Frevola lands a body kick. Frevola with a knee to the body and Dober lands a left hand. Dober lands to the body. Frevola lands a left hand. Dober lands a combo. Dober with a left hand to the body. They both land some big punches. Frevola lands a head kick. Dober lands a few left hands and Frevola counters with a Superman punch. They trade in close. Frevola drops Dober with a right hand and gets on top and is landing a flurry and gets the finish! What a finish from Frevola!

Official Result- Matt Frevola def. Drew Dober by TKO (punches) at 4:08 of Round 1

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> Featherweights- Kron Gracie (5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Charles Jourdain (13-6-1, 4-5-1 UFC)

Jourdain lands a big combination. They clinch for a moment and Jourdain lands. They break and Jourdain lands a combo as Gracie lands some leg kicks. Gracie lands and they go to the mat. Jourdain working from the top as Gracie is looking to throw his legs up for a triangle choke. Jourdain escapes to his feet and Gracie is crawling on the mat trying to get Jourdain back down, but Gracie stands. They clinch against the fence and both land to the body before they separate. Jourdain lands some punches. 10-9 Jourdain.

They trade before clinching against the fence. Gracie pulls guard and they go to the mat. Both are landing on the mat. Jourdain working from the top and staying more active but both are landing, though not a lot is happening and the crowd is booing. Jourdain escapes to his feet and Gracie stands. Jourdain lands a knee to the body. Jourdain lands and Gracie pulls guard once again. Gracie lands from the bottom. 10-9 Jourdain, 20-18 Jourdain.

Jourdain landing more to start the third as he’s easily finding homes for his combos. Jourdain lands some big punches. Gracie tries to pull guard but Jourdain defends and pushes him off. Jourdain lands a knee. Jourdain scores with an uppercut. Jourdain lands a right hand to the body. Gracie lands and pulls guard once again. Jourdain landing from the top and Gracie is throwing punches but there really isn’t much happening. Jourdain gets to his feet. Gracie stays on the mat and Jourdain lands some leg kicks. Gracie is butt scooting and throwing kicks before being ordered up. Jourdain with a combo to the body. They clinch and Jourdain with a knee to the body. Jourdain lands some kicks late. 10-9 Jourdain, 30-27 Jourdain.

Official Result- Charles Jourdain def. Kron Gracie by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #10 Movsar Evloev (16-0, 6-0 UFC) vs. Diego Lopes (21-5, 0-0 UFC)

Evloev lands with some leg kicks. Lopes lands a big right hand and a leg kick. Evloev lands a right hand. They trade in close range and Lopes tags Evloev and Evloev retreats. Evloev lands a right hand and gets Lopes down. Lopes looks for a leg lock. Evloev escapes and gets into Lopes’ guard and is landing some right hands. Lopes is trying to throw his legs up and find a triangle choke. Evloev with some hammerfists from the top. Lopes looks for the armbar and has it locked in. Evloev somehow escapes as Lopes lets it go and Evloev is back on top. Evloev landing lots of punches from the top. Lopes looks for the leg but Evloev is punching him. Lopes looks for a triangle late. 10-9 Evloev.

Evloev lands a right hand. Lopes lands a nice left hook. Evloev lands another hard right hand. Lopes lands a combo. Evloev lands a hard right hand. Evloev with a pair of right hands. Evloev lands a combo but Lopes did land in the exchange. Evloev lands a combo and Lopes lands a left hand. Evloev scores the takedown. Evloev working in the guard and lands some right hands to the body. Evloev working to the head and body with right hands. Evloev with heavy pressure from the top as he lands. 10-9 Evloev, 20-18 Evloev.

Evloev lands a right hand. He lands another and follows with a combo. Lopes lands to the body. Evloev with a high kick. Evloev lands a combo but eats a counter right hand from Lopes. They clinch against the fence. Evloev lands a big elbow against the fence. Evloev gets an easy takedown and lands some right hands from the top. Lopes gets to his feet. Evloev grabs the back and drags it down but they get back up. Evloev has the back and is landing leg kicks from the back. Lopes looks for the kimura as they drop to the mat. He gets on top with it and Evloev might be in trouble. Evloev escapes and they stand. Evloev has back control. They go back down and Lopes was looking for the arm but Evloev got out and Lopes is looking for the leg. He is looking for a kneebar. Evloev gets out but Lopes gets it locked back in, though time runs out. 10-9 Evloev, 30-27 Evloev.

Official Result- Movsar Evloev def. Diego Lopes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Women’s Strawweights- #4 Jessica Andrade (24-10, 15-8 UFC) vs. #6 Yan Xiaonan (16-3 1 NC, 7-2 UFC)

Xiaonan with some leg kicks. Xiaonan then lands punches to the head and body. Andrade lands some leg kicks. Xiaonan with the jab to the body then a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket and both land good shots. Xiaonan lading some hard shots. Andrade with a flurry then Xiaonan drops her with a right hand and some other punches ends it. What a finish from Xiaonan!

Official Result- Yan Xiaonan def. Jessica Andrade by TKO (punches) at 2:20 of Round 1

> Welterweights- #4 Belal Muhammad (22-3 1 NC, 13-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Gilbert Burns (22-5, 15-5 UFC)

Burns lands a leg kick. Muhammad lands a high kick. Muhammad with a left hand. Burns scores with a jab but Muhammad counters with a straight left hand. Burns lands a body kick but Muhammad lands a right hand at the same time. Burns then lands two right hands. Muhammad lands a body kick and then another. Burns gets a takedown but they get right up. Muhammad lands two body kicks. Burns lands a body kick then Muhammad lands a left hand that stumbles Burns. He recovers and lands a right hand. Muhammad with a body kick that makes Burns stumble. 10-9 Muhammad.

Muhammad with a body kick and they trade punches. Burns connects with a right hand. Muhammad scores with another body kick. Burns scores with another right hand. Muhammad lands a jab. They trade and Burns lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Muhammad lands a right hand. Burns lands a leg kick. Muhammad lands a right hand. 10-9 Muhammad, 20-18 Muhammad.

Burns lands a body kick. Muhammad lands the jab as he’s pressing forward. The pace has slowed. Burns lands a leg kick. Muhammad with a high kick. He lands another. Burns scores with the right hand. Muhammad with a hard body kick. Burns lands a knee to the body. Muhammad lands a combo ending with a body kick. Burns lands a body kick. Muhammad with a body kick. Muhammad lands a head kick then follows with a jab. Muhammad with another body kick. 10-9 Muhammad, 30-27 Muhammad.

Muhammad with a hard body kick. Muhammad lands the double jab. Burns lands a couple of right hands. Muhammad scores a body kick. They trade kicks. Burns lands a jumping kick but Muhammad blocked most of it. Muhammad lands a combo. Burns lands a body kick and hurts Muhammad with a right hand. Burns lands a body kick. Burns with a leg kick. Muhammad lands a body kick and Burns shows he’s hurt. Muhammad then lands with some punches and another high kick. Muhammad lands some kicks as he’s pressuring. Burns lands a right hand. Muhammad lands a right hand. 10-9 Muhammad, 40-36 Muhammad.

Burns lands a body kick and looks for a takedown but Muhammad gets away. Muhammad lands a combo. Muhammad with another hard body kick. Muhammad with a combo after Burns lands a leg kick. Burns lands a body kick. Muhammad lands a counter right hand and is pressuring. Burns with a leg kick and Muhammad lands a combo. They trade leg kicks. Muhammad lands the jab and an uppercut. Muhammad with a body kick. Burns lands a right hand. They trade kicks. 10-9 Muhammad, 50-45 Muhammad.

Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Aljamain Sterling (22-3, 14-3 UFC) vs. Henry Cejudo (16-2, 10-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling lands a leg kick. Cejudo with a leg kick. They tie up and Cejudo scores a takedown. Sterling trying to scramble out but Cejudo has the neck. They get up and trade. Sterling lands a body kick. They tie up against the fence. Sterling tries a takedown but Cejudo defends. They get to their feet. Sterling gets Cejudo down and lands some knees as Cejudo is grabbing the fence. They get to their feet but Sterling gets it back down and has the back. Sterling tries to get the hooks in and lands some punches and some knees. 10-9 Sterling.

Sterling with some body kicks. He lands a leg kick. Cejudo with a right hand and a leg kick. Sterling lands a left hand to the body. Cejudo just barely lands a head kick. They trade body kicks. Sterling lands a knee. Sterling with a series of kicks. Sterling lands the left hand. Cejudo scores with a leg kick. He lands another then Sterling lands a combo. Sterling lands a low kick. They trade punches. Cejudo lands a high kick. Sterling lands a hard body kick. They trade low kicks and Cejudo lands a right hand. They scramble late. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling.

They trade and Cejudo grabs the neck as Sterling was shooting for the takedown. They get to their feet and Sterling lands. Sterling with some leg kicks. Cejudo lands a knee to the body and Sterling lands a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. Sterling gets Cejudo down to a knee. They stand and Sterling with a hard knee to the body. They separate. Sterling shoots for the takedown but Cejudo sprawls and lands some right hands. They get to their feet. They trade body kicks. Sterling lands a combo. Cejudo gets a late trip takedown. 10-9 Sterling, 30-27 Sterling.

Sterling lands some body kicks. They’re trading kicks as Cejudo is landing to the legs and Sterling to the body. Cejudo lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Cejudo has the edge. They separate. Sterling lands the calf kick. Sterling tries for the takedown and they trade knees in the clinch. Cejudo lands a body kick. Sterling tries a body kick but Cejudo grabs the leg and they clinch against the fence. Sterling tries to get it down but Cejudo defends and has the neck. They’re on the feet and Sterling gets it down. They get to their feet and Sterling lands a combo. 10-9 Sterling, 40-36 Sterling.

Cejudo lands a body kick. Sterling with some leg kicks. Cejudo lands a body kick and is pressuring. Sterling with a spin kick to the body. They trade leg kicks. Cejudo grabs the single leg. Cejudo lands a leg kick. Cejudo lands a right hand. Sterling lands a left hand. Cejudo lands a couple of knees to the body. They clinch and Sterling lands a knee before they separate. Cejudo lands a right hand. Cejudo gets a takedown and has the back as they get to the feet. They battle in the clinch at the end. 10-9 Cejudo, 49-46 Sterling.

Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Henry Cejudo by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) to retain the UFC Bantamweight Championship

UFC 280 live results: Oliveira vs. Makhachev, Sterling vs. Dillashaw

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev, emanating from the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The Octagon is back in Abu Dhabi for the first time in a year with another big pay-per-view event, with two title fights and one of the best overall cards of the year.

The UFC Lightweight Championship is up for grabs in the main event, with former champion Charles Oliveira battling Islam Makhachev for the vacant title. Oliveira was the title holder until the day before UFC 274 in May, where he missed weight and was stripped of the title. He went on to defeat Justin Gaethje the next night, his 11th straight win. Makhachev extended his win streak to ten with a win over Bobby Green in February, setting up a battle for the championship here.

I the co-main event, UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling looks to hold onto the gold when he defends against former UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw. Sterling became the undisputed champion with a decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 273 in April. Dillashaw fights for the first time in a year after being sidelined with a knee injury, and is coming off a win over Cory Sandhagen in his last fight.

Also on the main card is an exciting bantamweight match-up as former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan takes on the super popular Sean O’Malley in a big test for both men. Lightweight contenders Beneil Dariush and Mateusz Gamrot also square off in a fight that could play a role in the future title picture, plus a women’s flyweight battle of contenders Katlyn Chookagian in the main card opener. A strong preliminary card is capped off with a big welterweight fight as Belal Muhammad puts his eight-fight unbeaten streak up against the undefeated Sean Brady.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].

ESPN NEWS PRELIMS | 10:30 AM ET/7:30 AM PT

> Women’s Bantamweights- #9 Karol Rosa (15-4, 4-1 UFC) vs. #12 Lina Lansberg (10-6, 4-5 UFC)

Lansberg lands a right hand that puts Rosa on her butt but Rosa gets up. Lansberg with a jab to the body and then lands another overhand right. They clinch against the fence. Rosa gets the takedown and is in the half-guard. Rosa with some punches from the top. Rosa is working from the top trying to set up a choke. Rosa trying to get the mount late but ends the round landing from the top. 10-9 Rosa.

Rosa gets an immediate takedown. She’s in the half-guard and is landing from the top. Rosa with elbows and punches from the top to the head and body. Rosa stands and lands a leg kick as she looks to get back on top. Rosa with more leg kicks from the standing position. Lansberg tries to get up and Rosa lands a knee that might have been illegal as there is a timeout. Yes, the knee was still down and it was an illegal blow. Rosa gets a point taken away. They get back to action and Lansberg lands a right hand. Rosa gets the takedown. Rosa in the half-guard landing and looking to improve. Rosa stands at the end. 9-9 with the point deduction to Rosa, 19-18 Rosa.

Rosa lands a right hand. Rosa grabs the Thai clinch and lands a couple of knees. They tie up against the fence and Rosa has control. Lansberg lands some knees and Rosa is landing knees to Lansberg’s legs. Rosa with a knee to the body. Rosa continues to land and they break. They trade shots before tying back up. They trade elbows and Rosa lands a ight hand as they break. Rosa with an elbow and then lands a combo before they tie up but they quickly break. Rosa misses a right but they tie up. They break and Lansberg with a back elbow. 10-9 Rosa, 29-27 Rosa.

Official Result- Karol Rosa def. Lina Lansberg by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)

> Flyweights- Muhammad Mokaev (7-0 1 NC, 2-0 UFC) vs. Malcolm Gordon (14-5, 2-2 UFC)

Mokaev with a body kick as Gordon was pressing forward. Gordon lands a right hand. Mokaev with a right hand then a flying knee and a head kick. They clinch and Mokaev gets the takedown. Mokaev looks for the neck but they get up and Mokaev gets it back down but they stand. Mokaev gets it back to the mat. Mokaev working from the top and lands some body shots and has neck control. Mokaev gets in the full guard of Gordon. Mokaev ends the round dominant from the top. 10-9 Mokaev.

They both come forward throwing kicks. Mokaev kind of show boating here. Mokaev with a side kick. Gordon lands a right hand and Mokaev is able to get the takedown. Mokaev is in the guard of Gordon and lands. Mokaev rolls and they scramble but Mokaev is able to remain on the top. Mokaev looking for a D’Arce choke as Gordon rolls and Mokaev ends up in side control. Mokaev back into the half-guard. Gordon reverses to the top and is in the guard of Mokaev. Mokaev trying for the triangle but Gordon now landing punches. Gordon gets the back and looked for the rear-naked choke late. 10-9 Mokaev, 20-18 Mokaev.

Mokaev gets the immediate takedown and is in the guard of Gordon at the fence. Mokaev working from the top but they get to their feet. Gordon has the back and gets the takedown and looks to get the hooks in. Gordon working for a choke from the back. Mokaev scrambles out but Gordon ends up on top. Mokaev lands some punches from the bottom. They get to their feet and Mokaev is working for the takedown and gets it. Mokaev is on top but Gordon lands some elbows from the bottom. Mokaev with some body punches. Mokaev gets the back and locks in an armbar and gets Gordon to tap! Slick transition to get the finish for the talented prospect.

Official Result- Muhammad Mokaev def. Malcolm Gordon by submission (armbar) at 4:26 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Armen Petrosyan (6-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. AJ Dobson (6-1 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)

Petrosyan with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands a kick and Dobson grabs it and gets it down but they get up as Dobson lets go. They trade in close range. Dobson lands a right hand. Dobson with a leg kick. Petrosyan with a leg kick. They continue to trade on the feet and Petrosyan is mainly landing leg and body kicks. Petrosyan with some more leg kicks. Dobson gets a takedown but they quickly get to their feet and Dobson lands a knee. Petrosyan with an elbow. 10-9 Petrosyan.

Petrosyan landing combos to start as he continues to land the leg kicks. Petrosyan lands the jab and then lands a right hand. He lands another. Petrosyan with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands some counter lefts and is still working the leg kicks. They trade in close and in the clinch and Dobson gets a takedown but they scramble up to their feet. Dobson lands a right hand. Petrosyan with a body kick. They trade right hands. 10-9 Petrosyan, 20-18 Petrosyan.

Petrosyan with a leg kick as they trade jabs. Petrosyan with a left hook. Petrosyan with a body kick. They trade in close range and Dobson lands a nice left hand. Petrosyan with a body kick. Petrosyan lands a combo. They’re just trading with Petrosyan landing more volume but not a ton is happening. Dobson lands a counter right hand. Petrosyan with a body kick. 10-9 Petrosyan, 30-27 Petrosyan.

Official Result- Armen Petrosyan def. AJ Dobson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Abubakar Nurmagomedov (16-3-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (13-1, 0-1 UFC)

They trade kicks. Nurmagomedov looks for the takedown but Omargadzhiev grabs the neck to stop it and is threatening with the guillotine. Omargadzhiev with some knees and they break. They trade and Omargadzhiev gets a takedown. Omargadzhiev grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine but Nurmagomedov ends up in the half-guard. Nurmagomedov in the full guard of Omargadzhiev as Omargadzhiev lets go of the neck. Nurmagomedov landing from the top and they get to their feet. They stay tied up at the end. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov with a body kick. He gets the takedown and has the back of Omargadzhiev against the fence. Nurmagomedov lands some knees and then lands an illegal knee. We have a timeout. They get back to action with no point taken away. Omargadzhiev throws a right hand and Nurmagomedov is able to get a takedown. He gets the back of Omargadzhiev. They scramble up but get back down then Nurmagomedov stands, but lands a right hand as he goes into the guard of Omargadzhiev. He ends the round on top landing. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-18 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov lands the jab. He lands again. Both looking for openings as they’re being patient and not doing a lot. Nurmagomedov looks for the takedown but Omargadzhiev sprawls. They break and Omargadzhiev lands a knee and Nurmagomedov lands a counter right hand. Nurmagomedov with a right hand to the body and Omargadzhiev shoots for the takedown. He’s still trying for it. Nurmagomedov escapes and they stand. Omargadzhiev with a body kick. Nurmagomedov clips Omargadzhiev with a right hand. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 30-27 Nurmagomedov.

Official Result- Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Light Heavyweights- #8 Volkan Oezdemir (18-6, 6-5 UFC) vs. #10 Nikita Krylov (28-9, 9-7 UFC)

Oezdemir landing early as he’s coming forward. Krylov with a body kick. Oezdemir with a right hand. Oezdemir rocking Krylov with punches and Krylov is trying for a takedown. They break. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Oezdemir with some short uppercuts. Krylov tries a takedown and is able to complete it. They quickly get up, though. They break. Krylov with a right hand. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Oezdemir with a left hook. Krylov lands a knee and rocks Oezdemir with a right hand. Krylov now swarms looking to land. Krylov drags it down and has the back. Krylov looking for the rear-naked choke. Oezdemir is out but Krylov is on top. They get up and Oezdemir gets a throw takedown and is standing. Oezdemir gets on top and is landing left hands. They get to their feet. Wild round. 10-9 Oezdemir.

They’re trading big shots to start the second. Krylov lands a head kick and lands a flurry. Krylov gets the takedown. Krylov gets the back and they get to their feet. Krylov still has back control and lands punches and a high kick as they break. Krylov lands some knees. Krylov with an uppercut then lands a combination and scores a takedown. Krylov in the guard of Oezdemir. Krylov landing to the head and body from the top. He finishes the round on top. 10-9 Krylov, 19-19.

Krylov with a leg kick then lands a combo ending with a high kick. Krylov with a combo and some knees. Krylov gets a takedown. Krylov working from the top. He’s landing. They get stood up by the referee. Krylov with a flurry against the fence and scores a takedown. He’s working in the guard of Oezdemir. Krylov lands from the top. 10-9 Krylov, 29-28 Krylov.

Official Result- Nikita Krylov def. Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Makhmud Muradov (25-7, 3-1 UFC) vs. Caio Borralho (12-1 1 NC, 2-0 UFC)

Borralho lands a jab. Borralho misses a high kick. Muradov with a right hand. Borralho with a leg kick. Borralho with a jab as Muradov lands a body kick. Muradov with a right hand. Borralho gets the takedown and jumps on top. Borralho in the half-guard against the fence. Borralho landing from the top. Borralho in the mount against the fence. Borralho with right hands from the top. Borralho went for the armbar but Muradov escaped and they scramble. Muradov now on top but Borralho lands an upkick and Muradov is standing. Muradov gets into the guard of Borralho. Muradov is warned for fingers in the face. Muradov with a right hand at the end. 10-9 Borralho.

They trade and Muradov goes for a takedown and Borralho locks in a guillotine choke that is in tight but Muradov escapes. Muradov is now in the guard of Borralho and both are doing some shady things on the ground. Muradov landing punches from the top. Muradov with some more shots from the top. Borralho reverses late. 10-9 Muradov, 19-19.

Borralho lands a left hand. Borralho with a side kick. Borralho shoots for a takedown from long range and Muradov easily defends. Muradov gets the takedown and Borralho looks for the guillotine. Borralho is able to reverse to the mount position. Muradov tries to explode from the bottom but Borralho retains guard position. Muradov tries to push Borralho off but Borralho remains on top. Muradov with a right hand from the bottom. Borralho with shots from the top. 10-9 Borralho, 29-28 Borralho.

Official Result- Caio Borralho def. Makhmud Muradov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #5 Belal Muhammad (21-3 1 NC, 12-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #8 Sean Brady (15-0, 5-0 UFC)

Brady with some inside leg kicks. Muhammad with a right hand. Brady lands a right hand and is working the jab. Brady with a leg kick. Brady with a combo. Muhammad with a high kick. Brady with a leg kick. Brady with a body kick. Muhammad lands a body kick. Muhammad with a leg kick. Brady looks for a takedown but lets go. Muhammad with a combo. Brady lands a left hook. Muhammad with a right hand. Brady lands a counter shot. Brady with a right hand that hurts Muhammad, then Muhammad lands a right hand. Muhammad with another right hand. Brady with a right hand and they trade body kicks. Brady with a left hook. Muhammad with a right hand. Muhammad with a big flurry against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Brady.

Muhammad pressing forward and lands a left hook. Muhammad with a leg kick then a combo. Brady with a leg kick. Brady lands the jab. Muhammad with a right hand and Brady lands a body kick. Brady lands a hard right hand and Muhammad counters with a crisp combo. Muhammad with a right hand. Brady with a leg kick. Muhammad with a body kick. Brady with a left hook. Brady shoots for a takedown but Muhammad defends. Brady with a body kick. Brady with a flurry. Muhammad lands a combo. Muhammad is the one pressuring but both are landing. Brady tries a takedown but Muhammad defends and lands on the break. Brady with the jab. Muhammad with a big right hand and he’s landing a big flurry against the fence. Muhammad with lots of punches and he’s swarming on Brady. Muhammad with a massive right hand and then an uppercut. Muhammad lands a right hand and the referee steps in and stops it. Brady protested immediately but what a flurry from Muhammad to close it out.

Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Sean Brady by TKO (punches) at 4:47 of Round 2

ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 2 PM ET/11 AM PT

> Women’s Flyweights*- #1 Katlyn Chookagian (18-4, 11-4 UFC) vs. #6 Manon Fiorot (9-1, 4-0 UFC)

*Chookagian missed weight by 1.5 pounds

Chookagian tries a front kick to avoid the attack of Fiorot. Fiorot lands a right hand then a combo. Chookagian with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Chookagian with a leg kick. Fiorot with a right hook and they trade punches. Fiorot with a side kick and Chookagian lands a counter combo. Chookagian with a right hand. She lands another. Fiorot with a push kick. Chookagian lands a front kick. Fiorot with a right hand. Chookagian with a right hand. Chookagian with a body kick. Chookagian with a leg kick. 10-9 Chookagian.

Fiorot with a side kick then a combo. Fiorot with a right hand after they trade kicks. Fiorot with a combo. Chookagian with a right hand. Chookagian with a body kick. Fiorot with a right hook. Fiorot lands the jab. Chookagian is missing most of what she is throwing. Fiorot with a leg kick. Chookagian lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Fiorot lands a right hand. Fiorot with a left hand. Chookagian with a body kick. Fiorot with a combo. Chookagian with the jab. Fiorot with a combo. Fiorot lands some more left hands. 10-9 Fiorot, 19-19.

Fiorot with a combo. Chookagian lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. They both are landing and it’s very close on the volume in the third. Fiorot mainly landing the right hand. They’re both landing and Chookagian with a leg kick. Fiorot gets a takedown. They quickly get up and trade body kicks. They clinch late and Fiorot with a knee to the body. Close fight. 10-9 Fiorot, 29-28 Fiorot.

Official Result- Manon Fiorot def. Katlyn Chookagian by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- #6 Beneil Dariush (21-4-1, 14-4-1 UFC) vs. #9 Mateusz Gamrot (21-1 1 NC, 4-1 UFC)

Dariush lands some body kicks. Dariush with a leg kick as Gamrot drops for a takedown and they scramble all over the mat. Dariush rolls to a leg lock. They get to their feet and Gamrot has the back but they break. Gamrot lands a left hand. Gamrot with a left hand and Dariush lands a leg kick. Dariush with a leg kick and Gamrot gets a takedown. Dariush looks for a leg and it allows them to scramble up. Gamrot has the back and lands an elbow as they break. Gamrot tries a takedown and they go to the mat. Gamrot trying to clear the arm of Dariush to secure the takedown. They get to their feet and break. Dariush with a body kick. Dariush with some body kicks. 10-9 Gamrot.

Dariush looks for a takedown but Gamrot defends and lands a knee to the body as they get up. Dariush with a body kick and Gamrot lands a combo. Dariush lands a knee. Gamrot tries a takedown but Dariush escapes. Dariush with a body kick. Gamrot lands a right hand and a knee to the body. Dariush with a body kick. Dariush with a leg kick and follows it with a left hand. Gamrot with a takedown attempt but Dariush defends. Dariush lands a left hand. They continue to trade and Gamrot lands a knee and gets a late takedown. 10-9 Dariush, 19-19.

Gamrot looks for a takedown but Dariush counters it and they scramble before getting to their feet. Dariush lands a head kick. Dariush with a body kick. Gamrot with a right hand. Gamrot tries a takedown and is working hard for it but Dariush is defending and they break. Gamrot with a body kick. Dariush drops Gamrot with a huge left hand and Gamrot scrambles to try and get a takedown but Dariush defends. Gamrot with a flying knee and tries a takedown but Dariush defends and gets the back, but Gamrot slips out and they end up scrambling up. They trade late. 10-9 Dariush, 29-28 Dariush.

Official Result- Beneil Dariush def. Mateusz Gamrot by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- #1 Petr Yan (16-3, 8-2 UFC) vs. #11 Sean O’Malley (15-1 1 NC, 7-1 1 NC UFC)

O’Malley throwing low kicks early. Yan with a leg kick. Yan with a low kick. O’Malley lands a left hand. Yan with a body kick. O’Malley with a leg kick. Yan with a leg kick and O’Malley lands a right hand then a leg kick and another right hand. Yan with a body kick. O’Malley with another right hand. O’Malley with the jab and Yan with a leg kick. O’Malley with a stiff jab. Yan shoots for a takedown and O’Malley is defending and it looked like he grabbed the fence. They break. They trade punches. Yan with a leg kick. O’Malley working the jab and Yan with a left hand. Yan lands and looks for a takedown and is able to get it. Yan lands from the top but they get to their feet and break. Yan with a leg kick. O’Malley gets a late takedown but they get up. 10-9 Yan.

O’Malley with a right hand. O’Malley lands a big right hand that hurts Yan and then Yan lands a left hand that hurts O’Malley and they go to the mat with Yan on top. Yan with some punches from the top. O’Malley tries to scramble up but Yan keeps him down. They get to their feet and Yan with a knee to the body. Yan working hard for the takedown but they break. O’Malley with a right hand. Yan trips O’Malley to the mat but he gets up. O’Malley with a right hand. Yan with the jab. O’Malley with a body kick. Yan with a body kick and O’Malley lands a right hand. Yan gets a takedown. Yan ends the round on top. 10-9 Yan, 20-18 Yan.

O’Malley with an early leg kick and looking to work the jab. Yan with a right hand. O’Malley with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Yan looks for a takedown but O’Malley defends. O’Malley lands a knee and lands some shots and Yan is cut open. O’Malley with a flurry. They trade inside the pocket and Yan lands a huge left hand. O’Malley with a big head kick. Yan shoots for the takedown but O’Malley defends. Yan still working for it against the fence. O’Malley with some elbows. Yan gets it down. They get to their feet and Yan is bleeding everywhere and they break the clinch. O’Malley with a right hand. They trade inside the pocket and Yan tries for a takedown and they scramble away. Yan with a leg kick and O’Malley tried to rush in and Yan got a takedown. Great fight. 10-9 O’Malley, 29-28 Yan.

Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Aljamain Sterling (21-3, 13-3 UFC) vs. #2 TJ Dillashaw (17-4, 13-4 UFC)

Sterling gets a takedown right away and Dillashaw looks hurt. Sterling in the mount and is looking to set something up. Sterling with some punches from the top and Dillashaw is having trouble defending. Sterling with big right hands from the top. Big shots from Sterling and he takes the back. Sterling looking for the choke. Sterling with more big shots and an elbow and they scramble. Sterling gets the back again and is landing left hands. Sterling with big shots and he’s keeping Dillashaw on the mat but they get to their feet. Dillashaw’s shoulder is popped out. Sterling gets the takedown. Sterling with shots from the top and they stand late. 10-8 Sterling.

They popped Dillashaw’s shoulder back in between rounds. Sterling with a body kick. Dillashaw looks to be fighting with one arm and Sterling gets the takedown. Sterling working from the top and landing punches and elbows. They get to their feet and Dillashaw’s shoulder is back out and Sterling gets it back down. Sterling in the mount and is landing big punches and elbows and he finishes Dillashaw off. Big win for Sterling as he keeps the title.

Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. TJ Dillashaw by TKO (punches) at 3:34 of Round 2 to retain the UFC Bantamweight Championship

> UFC Lightweight Championship- #1 Charles Oliveira (33-8 1 NC, 21-8 1 NC UFC) vs. #4 Islam Makhachev (22-1, 11-1 UFC)

Oliveira with a flying kick to start. Makhachev lands a left hand. They tie up and Oliveira pulls guard and Makhachev lands from the top. Oliveira is cut open. Both landing on the mat as Oliveira has an active guard. They get to their feet and are clinched against the fence. They trade knees and Makhachev gets a trip takedown. Makhachev working from the top but not doing a ton as he has Oliveira pressed against the fence. Makhachev gets to his feet and looks to improve as the round ends. 10-9 Makhachev.

They tie up right away against the fence and Makhachev lands some knees. They break after Oliveira lands a knee to the body. They trade punches. Makhachev with a combo. Makhachev with a head kick but Oliveira blocks it. Makhachev drops Oliveira with a right hand as Oliveira tried a flying knee. Makhachev gets on top and is looking for an arm-triangle and has it locked in and Oliveira taps! Makhachev wins the lightweight title with the finish.

Official Result- Islam Makhachev def. Charles Oliveira by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:16 of Round 2 to win the UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC 273 live results: Two title fights, Burns vs. Chimaev

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 273: Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie, emanating from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Octagon returns to Jacksonville for their second straight April pay-per-view event in the arena with another stacked card featuring two title fights and one of the promotion’s big upcoming stars in a big featured bout.

In the main event, UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski makes his fourth title defense as he defends against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung. Volkanovski is coming off a decision win over Brian Ortega at UFC 266 in September, and has won 20 straight fights. Jung gets his second shot at winning UFC gold and last fought in June, scoring a main event win over Dan Ige.

In the co-main event, it is the long-awaited rematch for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, as current champion Aljamain Sterling and current interim champion Petr Yan look to settle the score. Sterling became the champion at UFC 259 in March 2021 when Yan was disqualified after landing an illegal knee. Sterling ended up having to have neck surgery following the fight, and Yan would win an interim title fight over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 267 in October to set up the rematch.

Also on the main card, former title challenger Gilbert Burns battles the much-hyped and undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a pivotal welterweight bout. Also, Mackenzie Dern takes on Tecia Torres in a strawweight bout.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

> Bantamweights*- Julio Arce (17-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Daniel Santos (10-1, 0-0 UFC)

*Arce missed weight by a half-pound

Santos is making his UFC debut. Santos throwing big punches early and lands a right hand. Arce with a high kick. Santos throws some heavy shots and connects then Arce lands a jab. Arce continuing to land the jab. Santos only throwing big shots as they clinch. Santos lands a big elbow before they break. Santos lands an uppercut elbow as they clinch. They break. Santos with a right hand. Arce with a head kick and Santos barely blocks it. Arce lands a few jabs. Arce with a left hand. They trade body kicks. Arce lands a jab then a left hand. Santos lands a right hand and Arce lands a left hand. Arce with a high kick. Arce lands a big head kick and some big punches. 10-9 Arce.

Santos is swinging big to start the second but missing a lot of his shots. They clinch but break. They trade in close range. Arce lands a combination as Santos is missing most of his shots. Both guys landing near the fence as Santos lands to the body. They separate and Santos lands more to the body. Arce lands a nice combination. Santos still coming forward and throwing and landing some. Arce ahead on volume in the round. Santos with a leg kick. Arce with the jab. 10-9 Arce, 20-18 Arce.

Arce lands the jab. Santos throws a head kick but Arce blocks it. They trade body kicks. They’re trading in close range and Arce is landing a little more. Arce with a head kick and Santos blocks it. Santos still coming forward and throwing but not landing much. Arce lands a solid combination. Arce lands the jab as Santos misses a spinning back fist. Santos with a spin kick that just barely lands to the body. Arce with a high kick. Arce with a left hand to the body. Santos tries a spin kick and falls to the mat and Arce lands a big left hand. They both throw big shots at the end. 10-9 Arce, 30-27 Arce.

Official Result- Julio Arce def. Daniel Santos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights*- Piera Rodriguez (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kay Hansen (7-5, 1-2 UFC)

*Hansen missed weight by 2.5 pounds

Rodriguez is making her UFC debut. Hansen with a quick combination to start. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Hansen lands a solid jab. Hansen gets a takedown but they’re at the fence and Rodriguez uses it to get to their feet. They trade and Hansen gets another takedown, this time in the center of the Octagon. Rodriguez with an elbow from the bottom while Hansen is working in the guard. Hansen lands from the top as she passes to side control. Hansen is looking to set up an arm-triangle as she gets back to the half-guard. Hansen ends the round in the guard of Rodriguez. 10-9 Hansen.

Rodriguez with a body kick then a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez with an uppercut inside the pocket. They clinch against the fence. Hansen working hard for the takedown against the fence. They break for a moment but clinch right back up against the fence. Rodriguez gets a takedown and rolls to side control. Rodriguez has the back and lands some punches. Rodriguez has back control and lands some elbows. She’s trying to set up something but Rodriguez moves to the top. Hansen attacks the leg but time runs out. 10-9 Rodriguez, 19-19.

Rodriguez gets a takedown after not much happens to start the third round. They get to their feet. Rodriguez with a leg kick. She lands one to the body and they clinch. Hansen tries for a takedown but Rodriguez defends. They clinch against the fence. Rodriguez has the pressure and control against the fence and looks for a takedown but Hansen defends. Hansen grabs the neck but Rodriguez pops out. Hansen with a knee. Rodriguez pressuring against the fence. They break and Hansen with a front kick to the body. Rodriguez gets a late takedown and ends the fight on top. 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Rodriguez.

Official Result- Piera Rodriguez def. Kay Hansen by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- Aleksei Oleinik (59-16-1, 8-7 UFC) vs. Jared Vanderaa (12-7, 1-3 UFC)

Oleinik tries a big overhand right and misses. Oleinik lands the right hand. Oleinik with a leg kick then a right hand. Vanderaa throwing the jab. Oleinik lands a jab and then lands a right hand. Oleinik lands another right hand and goes for a takedown but Vanderaa defends and lands a knee. Oleinik lands a right hand. They clinch and Oleinik tries to pull guard but Vanderaa stays up and lands some punches. They scramble and Vanderaa has the back of Oleinik and has the hooks in. Vanderaa has the back mount and is landing punches. Vanderaa looking for a choke but lets go. Vanderaa looking for a triangle choke and lands some punches. Oleinik escapes and has the back of Vanderaa now. Oleinik looking for a rear-naked choke. Oleinik switches to side control and has the scarf hold in. Vanderaa taps! Oleinik gets win number 60 in his career in a fun fight.

Official Result- Aleksei Oleinik def. Jared Vanderaa by submission (scarf hold) at 3:39 of Round 1

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> Welterweights- Mickey Gall (7-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Mike Malott (7-1-1, 0-0 UFC)

Malott is making his UFC debut. They trade punches early. Malott lands a right hand that stuns Gall. Gall with a combination against the fence. Malott with a leg kick. Malott lands a nice right hand. Gall lands a double jab. Malott with the jab. Malott with a combination. Gall scores a takedown but they get right up. They’re trading and then Malott lands a left hook and Gall does a face plant to the mat and Malott lands some follow-up punches that he didn’t need to and gets the finish. What a debut from Malott!

Official Result- Mike Malott def. Mickey Gall by TKO (punches) at 3:41 of Round 1

> Women’s Bantamweights- #4 Aspen Ladd (9-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. #7 Raquel Pennington (13-8, 10-5 UFC)

Pennington landing a jab to the body early and lands a right hand. Pennington lands a right hand. Pennington with a body kick. They clinch and Pennington with an elbow as she pushes it against the fence. They break. Pennington lands a left hand and a body kick. Ladd with a high kick. Pennington lands a combo against the fence. Ladd with a body kick. Pennington lands a right hand. Pennington lands a left hand. Ladd lands a  left hand. Pennington lands a left hand. Pennington with a nice combination. Pennington with a body kick. They trade punches in close range. Pennington with a big right hand. Pennington with some knees in the clinch late and they exchange in a flurry at the end of the first. 10-9 Pennington.

Ladd lands a couple of kicks to start the second. Pennington lands a right hand. They trade punches. They exchange punches inside the pocket and Pennington pushes it against the fence in a clinch. They break and trade punches then Ladd lands two kicks and pokes Pennington in the eye and we have a pause in the action. They get back to work and Pennington pressing forward. They trade inside the pocket and Ladd lands a nice left hook. Pennington lands a big right hand. Pennington landing with more volume after Ladd lands a combo. Pennington with a combo. They clinch against the fence. They break. Ladd with a high kick. They clinch and Pennington with some dirty boxing as she lands right hands and an uppercut. Pennington with a nice combination. Pennington lands a left hand. Pennington lands a late flurry. 10-9 Pennington, 20-18 Pennington.

Ladd with a body kick. Ladd with a body kick and Pennington lands a right hand. Pennington with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. Ladd has the Thai plumb and lands some short knees. They trade knees. Ladd gets a takedown and is in the guard of Pennington. They get to their feet and Ladd has the back and Pennington lands a back elbow. Ladd gets another takedown but they get up. Ladd still has the back. Ladd lands a knee as she’s pressuring against the fence now. They trade knees to the body. Ladd trips it to the mat. They get up and Ladd still has the body lock. Ladd with another knee. They end in the clinch. 10-9 Ladd, 29-28 Pennington.

Official Result- Raquel Pennington def. Aspen Ladd by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Anthony Hernandez (8-2 1 NC, 2-2 UFC) vs. Josh Fremd (9-2, 0-0 UFC)

Fremd is making his UFC debut. Fremd with a leg kick and then another. They trade punches. They clinch as Hernandez is looking for the takedown. Hernandez still trying hard for the takedown and gets it and has the back. Hernandez gets the neck and looks for the guillotine but they get up. Hernandez gets a takedown and has the back. Hernandez looks for the guillotine and now moves to the D’Arce choke. Fremd is defending. Hernandez lets go and still has the back as Fremd is grabbing the fence. Hernandez goes for a standing arm-triangle but Fremd breaks it up with a knee. They break and Hernandez with an elbow and follows it with a combo. Hernandez lands a big right hand as they break. Fremd lands a right hand. Hernandez with a right hand and gets a takedown. Hernandez has the back of Fremd against the fence. They get to their feet. Hernandez lands a right hand and gets another takedown. 10-9 Hernandez.

Hernandez lands a punch and gets a brief takedown. They break. Hernandez pressuring with more takedown attempts and he has the back against the fence. Hernandez looking for the neck to set up a choke. He lets go and lands some elbows and body punches. Hernandez with some elbows. He mixes punches and elbows. Fremd now goes for a guillotine choke. Hernandez escapes but is on the bottom. They get to their feet and Fremd has the back standing. Fremd gets the takedown against the fence. They get to their feet. Fremd with a knee as they break. Fremd with a couple of big right hands. Fremd tries for a takedown but Hernandez has the neck and has a guillotine but Fremd turns out. Hernandez with some big punches on the ground as the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Hernandez, 20-18 Hernandez.

Hernandez gets a takedown right away to start the third. They get up and Hernandez with a big slam takedown and looks for the guillotine choke. He lets go and looks for the D’Arce choke but lets go of that. Hernandez on top and lands some elbows. Hernandez lands some knees to the body on the ground. Hernandez gets the back and lands some big elbows. Hernandez has the mount and looked for a rear-naked choke. Hernandez with some right hands and Fremd lands an up-elbow. Hernandez has a reverse triangle choke locked in but Fremd gives a thumbs up and they make it to the end. 10-9 Hernandez, 30-27 Hernandez.

Official Result- Anthony Hernandez def. Josh Fremd by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Ian Garry (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Darian Weeks (5-1, 0-1 UFC)

Garry with a front kick to the body. Weeks with a leg kick. Garry with a leg kick and Weeks falls to the mat for a second. They clinch against the fence and Weeks with some knees. Garry reverses position and they break. Garry with a front kick and then a body kick. Garry with a question mark kick. Garry with the jab. They clinch. They break near the end. 10-9 Garry.

Garry with a snap jab that whips Weeks’ head back. Garry with a combination. Garry lands a couple of jabs. Weeks is barely doing anything on the feet as they clinch again against the fence. Weeks with a big elbow as they break. Garry with a front kick to the body. Garry lands a right hand. Garry lands a combo and gets away from Weeks throwing punches. Garry with a body kick and a right hand. Weeks gets the back and almost gets a takedown. They break and Weeks lands a left hook on the break. Garry with a leg kick. Garry with a late flying knee that doesn’t really connect. 10-9 Garry, 20-18 Garry.

Garry with a quick combo. Garry with a leg kick. Garry with a big combination and he lands kicks to the body and legs. Garry with another combo. Weeks goes for a takedown but Garry defends. Garry with the jab and then lands a left hand. Garry with the jab. Weeks lands a left hand. Garry with the calf kick. Garry lands a right hand and Weeks stumbles. Garry lands a leg kick and a jab to follow up. Garry with a knee against the fence and they break. Weeks has the back at the end. 10-9 Garry, 30-27 Garry.

Official Result- Ian Garry def. Darian Weeks by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

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> Lightweights- Vinc Pichel (14-2, 7-2 UFC) vs. Mark Madsen (11-0, 3-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. They trade leg kicks again. Madsen landing several leg kicks early. Pichel with a body kick. Pichel with a leg kick. He lands another. Pichel lands a right hand. Madsen with a leg kick. Pichel lands a leg kick. Madsen gets a takedown and is into side control. They get to their feet and Pichel escapes and lands a knee on the break then a jab. Pichel with a leg kick. Madsen lands a huge right hand. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Madsen.

Madsen throwing right hands early in the second but not connecting. Pichel with a leg kick. Madsen with a leg kick. Pichel with a nice body kick. Pichel lands the jab. Pichel with a leg kick. Madsen gets a takedown and has the back near the center. Pichel has the back as they’re battling for position on the mat. Madsen escapes to his feet and Pichel looks for a takedown as gets up. Pichel with a leg kick. Pichel shoots for a takedown against the fence. He completes it. 10-9 Pichel, 19-19.

Madsen lands a right hand. Pichel with a jumping knee and follows it with a right hand. Pichel with a leg kick and he continues to land more as he’s putting on the pressure to start the third. They clinch and Madsen has the back but they break. Pichel with a front kick to the body. Madsen gets the takedown and is in the half-guard. He moves to the full guard of Pichel. Both land elbows on the mat as Madsen has top position. Madsen keeping Pichel planted on the bottom. They get to the fence and Madsen is keeping Pichel down on the mat. Pichel goes for a kneebar late but Madsen gets back on top and lands punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Madsen, 29-28 Madsen.

Official Result- Mark Madsen def. Vinc Pichel by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #5 Mackenzie Dern (11-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. #7 Tecia Torres (13-5, 9-5 UFC)

Torres landing some right hands as Dern is coming into range. Dern tries for a takedown but Torres shakes her off. They clinch against the fence and trade positions. They break. Torres with a leg kick. Torres with another leg kick. Dern shoots for a takedown and Torres lands a right hand. Dern pressuring and throwing more but Torres landing more. Torres with an inside leg kick. Dern with a right hand. Dern lands another right hand. They trade and Dern rocks Torres with a right hand. Torres with a side kick. Dern with another right hand and Torres with another side kick. Close round. 10-9 Torres.

They trade and Torres lands a nice counter shot. They clinch against the fence and Dern jumps up and is looking to attack the arm. Dern trying to find a kimura. Torres doing a good job of staying balanced on her feet. They go to the mat and Dern looking for the armbar. Torres escapes. Dern still attacking the arm as Torres is defending well. Dern now attacks the leg. She has it and is looking for a kneebar. Torres survives the round. 10-9 Dern, 19-19.

Dern throwing to start the third as Torres circles away. Dern with a body kick. Torres with a leg kick. Dern with a left hand. Torres with a short leg kick. Torres lands a right hand and a heel to the chin as Dern was trying to grab the leg for a takedown attempt. Dern gets a takedown and Torres lands an upkick that sends Dern down and they get up. Torres with a spin kick to the body. Dern lands a couple of right hands then Torres lands a punch. Torres with a body kick and Dern falls down trying to bait Torres to the ground but she has to get up. Torres with a body kick. Torres with a leg kick. Dern lands a right hand as Torres goes for a late takedown. Great fight, close fight. 10-9 Torres, 29-28 Torres.

Official Result- Mackenzie Dern def. Tecia Torres by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #2 Gilbert Burns (20-4, 13-4 UFC) vs. #11 Khamzat Chimaev (10-0, 4-0 UFC)

Chimaev coming forward and lands a right hand and goes for the takedown. Chimaev with some knees. They trade knees and Chimaev with a foot stomp. They go to their knees and trade punches. Chimaev drags Burns to the mat. They get up and Chimaev still has the body lock. Burns rolls and Chimaev ends up on top. Chimaev stands and lands some kicks. Burns with a leg kick and then a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Burns with a body kick. Burns with a right hand then a jab. Chimaev with a combination. Burns with a right hand. Burns with a left hook. They trade in close range. Chimaev with a leg kick after Burns hit him and he slipped. Chimaev with a body kick. Chimaev drops Burns with a straight right hand and gets on top and starts throwing hammerfists. Chimaev stands and lands a kick. Burns has a big cut opened up. Chimaev with a right hand. 10-9 Chimaev.

Chimaev with a leg kick. Burns shoots for a takedown but Chimaev gets out of it. Chimaev with a right hook. Burns lands a right hand that wobbles Chimaev. Chimaev with a right hook and Burns counters with a big body kick. Chimaev with a leg kick. Chimaev with a right hand. Burns with a couple of leg kicks and a right hand. Burns tries for a takedown but Chimaev defends. Burns clips Chimaev with a left and he falls but gets up. Burns with a big flurry as he has Chimaev hurt but Chimaev recovers and lands a combo. Chimaev has a cut open. Burns with a body kick. Chimaev with a leg kick. Burns with a right hand. Burns tries for a takedown but Chimaev sprawls and gets on top. Burns with hammerfists and pushes Chimaev off and they stand. Burns with the jab. They trade punches. Burns with a right hand. Chimaev lands a right hand. Chimaev with a right hand. Burns lands a big right hand. Burns lands a punch and Chimaev slips and Burns looked to try and soccer kick him. They trade on the mat at the end and there may have been some illegal shots in there. 10-9 Burns, 19-19.

Burns with a leg kick. Chimaev with the jab. Burns lands a jab. Chimaev lands a right hand. Burns shoots for the takedown but Chimaev defends. They scramble. Chimaev starting to land big punches against the fence and Burns is covering up. Chimaev lands a big knee and Burns is in trouble. Burns looks gassed. They break from the clinch. Chimaev with a right hand. Chimaev lands a good combo. Burns misses a right hand. They trade punches. Chimaev with a combination. Burns with a right hand. Chimaev pressing forward. Burns with a right hand and then another and a third. Chimaev with a right hand. Chimaev with an uppercut. Chimaev with a body kick. What a crazy fight! 10-9 Chimaev, 29-28 Chimaev.

Official Result- Khamzat Chimaev def. Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Aljamain Sterling (20-3, 12-3 UFC) vs. IC Petr Yan (16-2, 8-1 UFC)

Sterling with a leg kick. Sterling with a body kick and a right hand. Sterling with a body kick. Yan has been missing almost all of his punches. Yan with a body kick. Yan lands a left hand. Yan misses his punches as he was rushing in. They both land punches. Sterling with a body kick. Yan with two left hands. Sterling still circling as Yan is trying to find an opening. Sterling looks for a takedown and Yan lands a left hand. 10-9 Yan.

Yan with a body kick. Sterling shoots for a takedown but Yan defends. Sterling gets Yan to the mat and has the back. Sterling has the body triangle on. They both land punches on the mat as Sterling has the body lock. Sterling with a left to the body. Sterling with some big left hands. Sterling looking for the rear-naked choke. Sterling lets go and is landing big punches from the top. Sterling with more punches. Sterling with complete control in the second. 10-8 Sterling, 19-18 Sterling.

Sterling landing to start the third and Yan lands a low kick. They trade kicks. Sterling shoots for a takedown but Yan defends. They clinch against the fence. They break. Sterling lands a left hand. Sterling gets a takedown against the fence and takes the back again. Sterling has the body triangle locked in again as they’re against the fence. Sterling with some punches from the back. Sterling in complete control on the mat as the crowd is booing, but only because they don’t like Sterling. Yan has no answers on the mat right now. 10-9 Sterling, 29-27 Sterling.

Yan lands a left hand to start the fourth. Sterling goes for a takedown but Yan defends and lands a combination as they break. Sterling dives for a takedown but Yan sprawls. They get to their feet. Yan with a knee. Sterling with a body kick. They trade left hands. Sterling gets the back standing and jumps on it but is too high and Yan escapes. Yan goes to the mat and Sterling looked for a triangle but Yan gets in the guard of Sterling. Yan working from the top and lands a big right hand. Yan gets the back standing. They end the round laying on the ground. 10-9 Yan, 38-37 Sterling.

Yan with a leg kick and Sterling trips to the mat but gets up. Sterling with a body kick. Yan with a leg kick. Sterling tries for a takedown but Yan defends as they get against the fence. They break. Sterling lands a combination. Sterling goes for a takedown has has the back against the fence. Yan escapes and they break to the center. Sterling lands an elbow. Sterling trying for a takedown and Yan with a left hand to the body. Sterling shoots again but Yan stuffs it. Sterling with the jab. Yan with a jumping knee and follows it with a left hand. Sterling shoots for a takedown but Yan defends and takes the back. They get to the fence and break. Sterling with an up-elbow and shoots for the takedown. Yan defends and has the back as they’re on their knees. They end the fight in that position. This will be interesting. 10-9 Yan, 47-47 DRAW.

Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Petr Yan by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) to become the Undisputed UFC Bantamweight Champion

> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Alexander Volkanovski (23-1, 10-0 UFC) vs. #4 Chan Sung Jung (17-6, 7-3 UFC)

Volkanovski lands a left hand. Volkanovski with a body kick. Jung lands a right hand. Volkanovski lands a counter left hook. They trade kicks. Volkanovski with a leg kick. Volkanovski with a leg kick after they trade jabs. Volkanovski with a nice combination. Volkanovski with some more big punches. Volkanovski with the jab. Volkanovski lands a right hand and Jung is wobbled. Volkanovski gets a takedown. Jung quickly gets up. They tie up against the fence. They break. Jung lands a left hand. Volkanovski lands a left hand and Jung falls to his butt. He gets up and Volkanovski with a leg kick and a nice combo. 10-9 Volkanovski.

Jung with a leg kick. Volkanovski with an inside leg kick. He lands another. Volkanovski with a body kick. Volkanovski with a right hand. Jung with a leg kick and Volkanovski checks it. Volkanovski with a big right hand. Volkanovski with the jab. Volkanovski with an inside leg kick. Jung lands a left hand. Jung with a front kick. Volkanovski with a right hand. Volkanovski lands some big punches and Jung falls but gets up and Jung lands a big left hand. Volkanovski gets a takedown against the fence. Volkanovski with punches from the top. They get up and break. Volkanovski with an elbow and uppercut as they break. Volkanovski with two solid right hands. Volkanovski gets a trip takedown against the fence. They get up and break and Volkanovski with a right hand. Volkanovski with a body kick then a jab. Jung pressing forward but getting tagged. 10-9 Volkanovski, 20-18 Volkanovski.

Jung lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. They exchange jabs. Volkanovski with a right hand. Volkanovski lands in close range. Jung with an uppercut and follows it with a couple of shots that land. Volkanovski with a knee as they briefly tie up. Volkanovski with a right hand. Volkanovski with a right hand and then scores a brief takedown but Jung gets right up. Volkanovski has control against the fence. They break and Volkanovski with a combination. Volkanovski with a leg kick and then a short right hand and a left hook. Jung lands a nice combo. Volkanovski with a left hand. Volkanovski drops Jung with a right hand and gets on top. Volkanovski with shots from the top as he’s looking for the finish but Jung survives the round. 10-9 Volkanovski, 30-27 Volkanovski.

The doctor asked Jung if he wanted to continue and he did, so they let it go on. Volkanovski with some leg kicks. Volkanovski with a big right hand and then another and Herb Dean stops the fight. That was the right call. An absolutely dominant showing from Volkanovski as he retains the title.

Official Result- Alexander Volkanovski def. Chan Sung Jung by TKO (punches) at :45 of Round 4 to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship

UFC Fight Night 88 Las Vegas live results: Thomas Almeida vs. Cody Garbrandt

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 88: Almeida vs. Garbrandt from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC’s annual Memorial Day Weekend event in Las Vegas is headlined by a bout between undefeated bantamweight prospects as 21-0 Thomas Almeida takes on 8-0 Cody Garbrandt. The co-main event features former UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao moving up to the featherweight division as he takes on Jeremy Stephens. Also on the card, in a pivotal bout on UFC Fight Pass, it will be undefeated Aljamain Sterling taking on Bryan Caraway in bantamweight action. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

UFC Fight Night 88 Observer Picks & Preview
UFC Fight Night 88 DFS Playbook

Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6 PM ET/3 PM PT)

HEAVYWEIGHTS- CHRIS DE LA ROCHA (4-1, 0-1 UFC) VS. ADAM MILSTEAD (7-1, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Milstead is making his UFC debut. They start swinging wildly to start. Milstead with a big right hand and de la Rocha pulls guard. They scramble up and Milstead lands a knee. They trade right hands. Milsread with another big right hand. de la Rocha lands one and then gets a takedown but they scramble up against the cage. Milstead with an elbow against the fence. Not much happening in the clinch. They break. de la Rocha is cut. They trade big punches and both are starting to tire early. Milstead with a big right hand and then two more. Milstead with a combo and a big right hand. Milstead landing punches and de la Rocha initiates a clinch against the fence. They break and Milstead with a solid left hand. de la Rocha scores a sloppy takedown but they get to their feet. Milstead with a big elbow in the clinch. They break. Milstead with a big left hook and a right hand and misses a head kick. 10-9 Milstead.

ROUND 2- They trade punches to start to second. Milstead with a big uppercut followed by a right hand. They trade punches in a scramble. de la Rocha with a right hand. They trade big punches. de la Rocha has a large cheering section in the arena. de la Rocha shoots for a takedown against the fence. He’s working for it but eats a big elbow from Milstead. They are broken up with not much going on in the clinch. de la Rocha goes for a kick but Milstead catches the leg and lands a big right hand. Milstead starting to tee off and has de la Rocha in trouble. de la Rocha is bleeding very badly. Milstead with two big right hands. Two more big right hands and another couple shots and the referee steps in and stops this fight. Milstead with a big TKO win in his UFC debut.

Official Result: Adam Milstead def. Chris de la Rocha by TKO (punches) at 4:01 of Round 2

BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#4) ALJAMAIN STERLING (13-0, 4-0 UFC) VS. (#8) BRYAN CARAWAY (20-7, 5-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- This is a big fight in the bantamweight division. Sterling with a quick front kick and another. They trade punches. Sterling with a jumping kick that misses but lands a spin kick. Sterling grabs a single leg but Caraway defends. They trade punches in the clinch. Sterling grabs the back and drags Caraway to the ground and has the hooks in and is looking for the choke. Sterling with punches from the back. Sterling has an arm over the neck. Caraway escapes but Sterling with big punches from the back and he tries to set up the choke again. Sterling still has the back and landing big punches from the back. Sterling has a modified choke in looking for the finish. Caraway survives. Big round for Sterling. 10-8 Sterling.

ROUND 2- Caraway looks to land a right hand quickly. Sterling shoots for a takedown but Caraway sprawls and has the neck of Sterling looking for a choke. Sterling escapes to his feet. Sterling with a body kick and then another. Sterling lands a big right hand and a big leg kick. Caraway lands a right hand. Sterling with a leg kick. They trade strikes and clinch against the fence. Not much happening but they break the clinch. Sterling just misses a spinning back fist. Caraway shoots for the takedown but Sterling defends against the cage. Caraway gets him down though. Caraway with punches from the top. Caraway looking for the back. Caraway transitions to the back and is landing punches. Caraway gets into half-guard. Caraway looking for a choke but the round ends. 10-9 Caraway, 19-18 Sterling.

ROUND 3- This round will decide it and its interesting how the judges scored the first. Sterling with a leg kick. Caraway looks the fresher of the two. They trade and Caraway misses a takedown. Sterling with a front kick followed by a right hand. Caraway gets a takedown but Sterling has the neck. Not much happening on the ground. They scramble to the feet but Caraway looking for another takedown. He gets it after Sterling lands a big knee. Caraway in the half-guard. Sterling has an inverted triangle locked in but Caraway escapes. Caraway not doing much and Sterling looking for the ref to stand them up. Caraway gets to the back of Sterling and looking for a choke. Sterling stands up and Caraway is on his back. Caraway with punches from the back. They go back to the mat and the fight ends. Real interesting decision coming up. 10-9 Caraway, 28-28.

Official Result: Bryan Caraway def. Aljamain Sterling by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- ERIK KOCH (14-4, 3-3 UFC) VS. SHANE CAMPBELL (12-4, 1-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- Campbell with two leg kicks to start and he slips on a third. Koch with a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Koch lands a left hand and then another. Koch with a head kick followed by a left hand. They trade punches. Koch with a head kick that stuns Campbell and they trade against the fence before a clinch. Koch with some knees in the tie-up. They trade knees. Both still battling in the clunch and landing knees and they finally break. Koch with a high kick. They trade and Campbell goes for a takedown but it is defended against the fence. Koch gets a takedown after eating an elbow. Koch takes the back and transitions to another takedown. Koch gets the back again. 10-9 Koch.

ROUND 2- Campbell lands a big punch and Koch immediately scores a takedown and is in the half-guard. Koch working to get into the mount but Campbell defending well on the bottom. Koch still working from the top and is setting up position but transitions to the back. Koch has the back and is looking to get the arm under the neck. Koch landing punches from the back and he locks a choke in and Campbell taps out! Big win for Koch in his first fight in over two years.

Official Result: Erik Koch def. Shane Campbell by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 2

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- JAKE COLLIER (9-3, 1-2 UFC) VS. ALBERTO UDA (9-0, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Uda makes his UFC debut. They clinch right away and Uda looks to land the knees. They break and Collier lands a left hook. They clinch again and trade knees and push the fight against the fence. Uda with a big knee as they break. Collier with a body kick. Uda with a big knee and a head kick and he has Collier in trouble. Uda grabs the back and lands punches and they go to the mat for a moment but scramble right back up. Uda has the body locked but misses a takedown and gives his back up to Collier.They clinch and land knees. They break and Collier with a spinning back fist. They clinch again. Each with a knee. They trade knees again. Collier scores a takedown. Collier in the full guard of Uda and lands a big left hand. Collier gets to his feet and it allows Uda to take his back and Uda looks for a choke. Uda ends on top landing punches as the round ends. 10-9 Uda.

ROUND 2- They come out punching and clinch right up. Collier grabs the body looking for a takedown but Uda is defending. Collier with some solid punches as they break. They trade body kicks and Collier seemed to hurt Uda with his. Collier with some big punches and a spin kick and Uda goes down and Collier finishes him off with a couple more punches from the top. Big win for Collier as he hands Uda his first career loss.

Official Result: Jake Collier def. Alberto Uda by TKO (strikes) at 1:06 of Round 2

LIGHTWEIGHTS- ABEL TRUJILLO (14-6 1 NC, 5-2 1 NC UFC) VS. JORDAN RINALDI (12-4, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Rinaldi is making his UFC debut on short notice against a tough opponent in Trujillo. Rinaldi with a leg kick. Trujillo lands a big right hand. Trujillo gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Rinaldi. Trujillo with a body punch from the top. Trujillo gets to his feet and Rinaldi stays on the mat until ordered up by Herb Dean. Trujillo with a big right hand and then stuffs a takedown attempt from Rinaldi. Rinaldi ducks under a left hand from Trujillo and they clinch against the fence. They trade punches and Trujillo lands big with a right hand. Left hook by Trujillo. Front kick by Trujillo. Trujillo lands a big right hand as they exchange punches. They trade left hands as the round ends. 10-9 Trujillo.

ROUND 2- Trujillo gets a takedown to start the second round. Rinaldi grabs the arm looking for the armbar but Trujillo defends it well. Trujillo now in the full guard of Rinaldi. Trujillo stands up and Rinaldi gets to his feet. They trade punches and Rinaldi grabs the back of Trujillo and scores a takedown along the fence. Rinaldi has the back and the hooks in and is looking for the choke. Rinaldi with punches from the back. Rinaldi has an arm under the neck. Trujillo escapes the attack and they start to each land punches on the mat. Rinaldi still working for the choke. He has Trujillo flattened out but no choke in. Trujillo staying out of the choke but eating punches from Rinaldi. Trujillo scrambes out to the top but the round ends before he is able to do anything. 10-9 Rinaldi, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Trujillo quickly goes for a takedown and lands a big right hand. They trade punches and each man connects. They scramble on the mat and to the feet and Rinaldi lands a knee. They trade and Trujillo defends a takedown and they clinch against the fence. They break. Rinaldi goes for a takedown but eats a knee from Trujillo. Trujillo with a big right hand. Rinaldi with a head kick. Trujillo with a right hand and he looks the fresher of the two with two minutes left. Trujillo throwing bombs at Rinaldi and some are landing. Trujillo with a left hook and another and he has Rinaldi rocked. Trujillo gets a takedown in what will probably guarantee him the win. Trujillo with punches from inside the guard. Neither man doing much on the mat. Rinaldi tries to scramble but eats a hammerfist from Trujillo, who gets to his feet. Herb Dean orders Rinaldi up. Trujillo with a left hook. 10-9 Trujillo, 29-28 Trujillo.

Official Result: Abel Trujillo def. Jordan Rinaldi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#6) SARA MCMANN (8-3, 2-3 UFC) VS. (#7) JESSICA EYE (11-4 1 NC, 1-3 1 NC UFC)

ROUND 1- Both women are in desperate need of a win here. Eye with a right hand. They trade and McMann goes for a takedown and they clinch against the fence. McMann with a couple of knees. McMann just holding on and not doing much. McMann with a knee. Another knee by McMann. They trade right hands. McMann misses a right hand. Eye lands a right hand. Both miss punche attempts. Eye with a missed body kick. Not much happened. 10-9 McMann.

ROUND 2- They trade punches. Eye with a right hand. McMann slips after getting hit by Eye. They trade punches and Eye lands as she circles away. McMann goes for a takedown but it is defended by Eye who lands a punch. They trade punches and McMann goes for a takedown and gets it. McMann with some hammerfists from the top. Eye throws up the leg to defend. McMann moves to side control and scrambles to the back. McMann with punches from the back and a knee to the body. 10-9 McMann, 20-18 McMann.

ROUND 3- McMann with a leg kick and Eye fires back with a combo and a leg kick. Eye with a leg kick and a right hand. McMann gets a takedown and is in side control. Eye looking to scramble out. McMann lands punches from the back. McMann has the back. Back elbow from Eye. McMann still has the back. McMann with punches from the back. Eye tries to scramble out but McMann still has the back and is landing punches. McMann looking for a north-south choke. She gets into the half-guard of Eye. McMann with some punches from the top and Eye starts to land from bottom but the fight ends. 10-9 McMann, 30-27 McMann.

Official Result: Sara McMann def. Jessica Eye by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 9 PM ET/6 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- JOSH BURKMAN (28-12 1 NC, 6-7 1 NC UFC) VS. PAUL FELDER (11-2, 3-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- Burkman going for side kicks. Each land leg kicks. Burkman with a head kick. Burkman with a leg kick. Felder with a head kick. Felder with a body kick. Burkman misses a right hand. They trade punches. Felder with a head kick. They trade punches and Burkman lands a right hand. Burkman with a leg kick. Each mand lands big and they are throwing bombs at each other. Burkman gets the takedown and is in side control. They get to the fence and Felder wall walks up. Burkman with a leg trip and they go down for a moment but get right back up. Burkman with a knee to the body. 10-9 Burkman.

ROUND 2- Burkman with a body kick and Felder fires back a leg kick. Burkman with a right hand. Felder with a leg kick. They trade punches. Felder with a leg kick.They trade and Felder lands a right hand. Felder with a combo. Burkman with a body kick. Felder with a hard both kick. They trade and then clinch. Burkman with a knee to the body and switches position. They break the clinch with just over a minute left in the round. Felder with a right hand. Felder rocks Burkman with a left and they trade against the fence. Felder clinches and lands a knee. Felder with an elbow. Felder gets the back of Burkman and lands a knee. 10-9 Felder, 19-19.

ROUND 3- They trade nice combinations to start the final round as this one likely decides it.Felder with a spin kick and slips for a moment. Felder with a big right hand. Felder lands a right hand. Burkman just misses a right hand. Felder with a leg kick and then another. Burkman with a knee kick and Felder counters with a leg kick. Felder just misses a head kick. Burkman with a left hand. They clinch and Felder lands a big knee as Burkman pushes the fight against the fence. Burkman has the body lock looking for a takedown and he gets it, Felder gets right back to his feet. They battle for position. They battle for underhooks. Burkman is bleeding pretty good right now. They are broken up from the clinch. Burkman with a late takedown as the fight ends. 10-9 Felder, 29-28 Felder.

Official Result: Paul Felder def. Josh Burkman by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

WELTERWEIGHTS- JORGE MASVIDAL (29-10, 6-3 UFC) VS. LORENZ LARKIN (16-5 1 NC, 3-5 UFC)

ROUND 1- Larkin with a left hand. They trade punches and Larkin lands a leg kick. Larkin with a big body kick. They trade punches and Larkin lands a leg kick and then a right hand. Masvidal lands a right hand following a leg kick. Larkin with the jab and then a leg kick. Masvidal with a leg kick. They each fire off punches at the other. They clinch against the fence. Each with some knees in the clinch. Larkin lands on the break and lands a leg kick. They trade punches and Larkin just misses an uppercut. Masvidal gets poked in the eye and is in a lot of pain. This could end the fight. Replay shows it was a bad eye poke and the doctor is checking on Masvidal. Masvidal is able to continue and lands a leg kick. 10-9 Larkin.

ROUND 2- Larkin with a huge leg kick in the opening minute of the round. Masvidal with a leg kick of his own. They trade leg kicks. Larkin just misses an uppercut. They trade punches and Larkin clinches with Masvidal against the fence. They battle for underhooks but break. Masvidal with a soft head kick. Larkin with a body punch. Larkin with a leg kick. Masvidal lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Larkin lands a big punch. They are firing away at each other. Masvidal with a leg kick but Larkin counters with a solid combo. They trade punches and Larkin with a knee. Larkin gets a late takedown at the end of the round. 10-9 Larkin, 20-18 Larkin.

ROUND 3- Larkin with a huge leg kick. Larkin with a big uppercut and they clinch. Both men throwing bombs at each other against the fence. Masvidal just misses a flying knee. Masvidal grabs the neck and pulls Larkin to the ground and they scramble back to their feet. Masvidal is deep on a takedown attempt against the fence. Masvidal gets a brief takedown as Larkin bounces right back to his feet. They thrown wild punches at each other and then clinch again. Larkin with some short punches as Masvidal is in on a takedown and then lets go. Masvidal going for another takedown but it is again defended. Larkin going for the takedown and lands a spinning elbow as the fight ends. 10-9 Larkin, 30-27 Larkin.

Official Result: Lorenz Larkin def. Jorge Masvidal by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- CHRIS CAMOZZI (23-10, 8-7 UFC) VS. VITOR MIRANDA (12-4, 3-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- Camozzi with a leg kick. Miranda with a body kick and Camozzi lands a leg kick. They trade kicks again. Miranda with a leg kick. Camozzi with a left hand. Miranda with a leg kick and then a body punch. Camozzi with a nice combo that backs Miranda against the fence. Camozzi with a leg kick. Miranda with a body kick. Camozzi goes for a head kick but Miranda grabs the leg and they scramble to the mat. They each land punches on the mat as they have their legs all tied up. Camozzi with some punches and Moranda isn’t doing much. 10-9 Camozzi.

ROUND 2- Camozzi with a nice combo to start off the second round. Miranda with a body punch. Miranda with a high kick. Miranda with a body kick. Camozzi catches the leg and gets a takedown and is in the guard of Miranda. Camozzi with some body punches from the top. Miranda tries to scramble out and it allows Camozzi to take his back. Camozzi looking to flatten Miranda out but Miranda is working to get to his feet. Camozzi in the half-guard and landing punches from the position. Other than that, not much action. Camozzi with some big elbows as the round ends. 10-9 Camozzi, 20-18 Camozzi.

ROUND 3- Miranda has a cut and it was checked on before the round. They trade punches and Camozzi scores the takedown and is looking to take the back. Camozzi is on top looking to improve position but not much action going on. Miranda scrambles to his feet. Miranda is bleeding pretty badly. Miranda lands a head kick but Camozzi comes back with a combo. They trade punches. They clinch and Camozzi lands a knee. Miranda with a high kick. Miranda lands a right hand. Miranda with a big high kick. Camozzi lands a left hand. Camozzi with a solid combo. Miranda misses a big left hand. Miranda with a leg kick. Camozzi with the short jab. Miranda lands a left uppercut. Camozzi should take this fight pretty easily. 10-9 Camozzi, 30-27 Camozzi.

Official Result: Chris Camozzi def. Vitor Miranda by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

WELTERWEIGHTS- (#10) TAREC SAFFIEDINE (16-4, 2-1 UFC) VS. (#11) RICK STORY (18-8, 11-6 UFC)

ROUND 1- Story with a leg kick to start. Story misses on some left hands. Saffiedine with a leg kick. They trade punches and clinch and Story pushes against the fence. They scramble on the mat for a moment but end up clinched back against the fence. Story with some body punches as Saffiedine has ahold of him. Neither man can separate from the other. Story with a right hand and they clinch against the fence again. Story with some big body punches at the close and Saffiedine lands a knee and a kick that was clearly after the bell. 10-9 Story.

ROUND 2- Saffiedine with a high kick and then a leg kick. Saffiedine with a front kick. Story slips after a leg kick and Saffiedine gets on top but they get right back to their feet. They clinch but notjing happens. Story with a leg kick and Saffiedine fires back with his own leg kick. Saffiedine shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Story pushes Saffiedine against the fence. They try to break but Story again pushes Saffiedine against the fence in a clinch. Story lands some punches against the fence and back to the clinch. They break for a moment and Saffiedine lands a punch and Story goes back in the clinch and lands some short knees. 10-9 Story, 20-18 Story.

ROUND 3- Saffiedine with a leg kick. Story with his own leg kick. Story with some big body punches as he gets in close range and they clinch. They break. Story with a leg kick but Saffiedine counters with a left hand. Story lands a left hand. They clinch again against the fence. Story with some body punches against the fence. They trade punches and Story again with the clinch against the fence. They each land punches as they break. This fight is on repeat with all the clinch, break and clinch again action. Story with a leg kick and Saffiedine fires back his own leg kick. They trade punches. They exchange again. Story with body punches. Story goes for a takedown but it is defended. 10-9 Story, 30-27 Story.

Official Result: Rick Story def. Tarec Saffiedine by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#2 BW) RENAN BARAO (33-3 1 NC, 8-2 UFC) VS. (#9) JEREMY STEPHENS (24-12, 11-11 UFC)

ROUND 1- Barao making his debut at 145 pounds. Barao with a quick leg kick. Barao with a body kick. Stephens with a leg kick. Barao lands a right hand. Stephens with a leg kick but Barao catches it and fires off a combo. Barao with a leg kick. Barao lands a right hand. Stephens with a body kick. Barao with a leg kick. Barao with a leg kick. Barao shoots for a takedown but it is defended against the fence. Barao with a couple of knees. They break the clinch. They trade punches. Barao with a body kick. They clinch and knee lands from Barao. Barao tries a trip and it breaks the clinch. They trade punches and Barao with a spinning back kick. Barao shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Barao has the back but the round ends. 10-9 Barao.

ROUND 2- Stephens lands a big right hand to start. Barao shoots for a takedown but it is stuffed. Stephens with a leg kick. They trade punches and Barao with a quick knee. Stephens with a left hand and then rocks Barao with an uppercut. Barao circling away and Stephens lands two more big uppercuts. Big right hand from Stephens and Barao lands a knee. Big punches from Stephens. Barao is slowing down and he goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Stephens with a knee to the body and then some foot stomps. They each land short punches in the clinch. They break. Barao with a spinning kick. Stephens with a body kick. Stephens lands a left hand. They trade punches. Barao with a late takedown but Stephens lands a big elbow and is able to get to his feet and reverse position. 10-9 Stephens, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Barao with a leg kick. Barao lands a left hand. Stephens lands a nice combo. Stephens with a left hand. Barao with a leg kick. Barao with a solid combo to the body. Stephens just misses a big left hook. Barao lands a left hand and goes for a takedown against the fence. Stephens with some knees to the legs of Barao. They trade punches. Both men landing big shots. Stephens lands a solid left hand after missing an uppercut. Barao goes for a takedown and gets it. Barao moves to the back of Stephens. They break. Barao just misses the spin kick to the face. Stephens lands a left hand. Stephens lands a big right hand. They trade body kicks. Stephens grabs the body but they break. Stephens lands a big left hand as the fight ends. Close deciding round. 10-9 Stephens, 29-28 Stephens.

Official Result: Jeremy Stephens def. Renan Barao by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#7) THOMAS ALMEIDA (21-0, 4-0 UFC) VS. CODY GARBRANDT (8-0, 3-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Someone is going to suffer their first career loss. Garbrandt tries a cartwheel kick to start. They trade leg kicks. Garbrandt with a combo and just misses a flying knee. They trade punches. Garbrandt with a right hand. Garbrandt lands some punches and a big right hand. Almeida just misses a right hand. Garbrandt with a leg kick and a combo. Garbrandt with a huge punch and Almeida is in trouble. Almeida fires back though. They trade punches as Almeida looks to have recovered. Both men land big punches. Garbrandt with a big right hand and Almeida is down and out! Garbrandt scores the big knockout win!

Official Result: Cody Garbrandt def. Thomas Almeida by knockout (punches) at 2:53 of Round 1

UFC Fight Night 80 Preview: 5 storylines to watch, betting odds & predictions

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The biggest UFC Fight Week in company history is finally here, with three straight nights of fights coming from the fight capital of the world- Las Vegas, Nevada. It all kicks off with UFC Fight Night 80 on Thursday night at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, an exclusive event airing on UFC Fight Pass. The action kicks off at 6:45 PM eastern time with the preliminary card heading into a 10 PM eastern time start for the main card.

The main event will be the first time a female non-title bout has headlined a UFC event as former strawweight title challenger Rose Namajunas takes on budding star Paige VanZant in VanZant’s first showcase in a main event slot. The card as been billed as “Paige & Sage” as 19-year-old Sage Northcutt also competes on the card, taking on Cody Pfister in a lightweight bout. The UFC is banking on VanZant and Northcutt to carry the company into the future, and they get their chance to shine in the beginning of the biggest week in UFC history. There is more action on the card, so let us take a deeper look and give you five storylines to keep an eye on for UFC Fight Night 80 on Thursday.

1. Who wins the main event between Rose Namajunas and Paige VanZant?

Two rising contenders in the UFC’s women’s strawweight division square off in the main event of the first of three straight nights of UFC action. Paige VanZant, a 115-pound fighter being groomed for big things in the future at just 21 years of age, makes her first headline appearance against Rose Namajunas, an injury replacement for Joanne Calderwood, who was originally scheduled to fight VanZant. There is an argument to be made whether this is a stiffer test for VanZant as Namjunas and Calderwood have a different approach to a fight, but either way, it will be the toughest test for VanZant, winner of her first three UFC bouts, as she looks to knock on the door to a title shot. Namajunas has already fought once for the title, in the inaugural fight for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship, but came up short in her quest as she was submitted by Carla Esparza. Esparza has since lost the title to the dominant champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, while Namjunas has fought just once since then, a submission win over Angela Hill in October.

This is an interesting bit of match making as both women could be built up for a fight for the championship. Granted that Namajunas is an injury replacement, but this is a tough match-up for VanZant, who the UFC is banking on as a potential challenger. Even though Claudia Gadelha is waiting in the wings, it would be easy to envision a scenario where VanZant gets a title shot with a win. She isn’t ready, but a win puts her at 4-0 in the UFC, a record only matched by Jedrzejczyk at 115 pounds. VanZant is a grinding wrestler with excellent conditioning and a solid top game and submission game. Namajunas has submissions for days, but she can break mentally when pushed into a tough fight. We haven’t seen VanZant tested too much as she has won her three UFC bouts with relative ease. This one won’t be as easy. It really is a tough fight to predict, but I do see VanZant getting the win in the later rounds.

2. Will Sage Northcutt continue to live up to the hype?

This event is being billed as the “Paige and Sage” show as, along with Paige VanZant, the UFC is banking on 19-year-old Sage Northcutt to be a future star in the sport. He has been impressive in his young career with six wins by stoppage, and five coming in the first round. He may be young, but he is clearly ready for the UFC with his skills, and he brings in a lot of hype. It may not be as warranted, but he has the marketability that the UFC looks for when grooming a future star, and he has shown the skills to back it up, albeit against lesser competition. He had an impressive UFC debut, destroying Francisco Trevino in just 57 seconds at UFC 192 in October. Trevino made it easy for him, though, as he came in four pounds overweight, didn’t look like he cared too much, didn’t put up much of a fight, complained when the fight was stopped, and, to top it all off, failed a drug test and was later released from the UFC.

Northcutt is going to be built up the right way by taking on lesser competition until you can no longer avoid giving him top-flight opponents. He is taking on Cody Pfister on Thursday night, a solid fighter, but one that doesn’t have the look of being a future contender. Pfister is 12-4-1 in his career and has just one loss in his last ten fights after starting his career 4-3, and he does train with a solid camp in the Team Takedown camp. He is just 1-1 in his UFC tenure and is coming off a decision win over Yosdenis Cedeno at UFC 189 in July. He is the perfect opponent for Northcutt at this point. The question is whether Northcutt is too overhyped. He has gotten a lot of attention in the last two months since his UFC debut, and he has gone and trained at other camps in the meantime. Whether how all of this fame, hype and change in fight status will affect him remains to be seen, but he gets the bigger stage to show if he will continue to live up to the hype, or if he just isn’t ready for the limelight yet. Pfister, despite being groomed as someone who is being fed, isn’t taking this lightly, but I see Northcutt getting the job done and continuing his path.

3. Who wins in a solid co-main event scrap when Jim Miller and Michael Chiesa do battle?

Lost in the shuffle of the hype behind Paige VanZant and Sage Northcutt is an excellent co-main event scrap in the lightweight division as UFC veteran Jim Miller makes his 21st appearance inside the Octagon to take on former “Ultimate Fighter” winner Michael Chiesa, winner of five of seven in the UFC. It will be the biggest fight to date for Chiesa, who is coming off a dominant decision win over Mitch Clarke in April. Chiesa’s only losses in the UFC have come to Jorge Masvidal and Joe Lauzon, a fight that was controversially stopped due to a cut. In Miller, he has an opponent who has scored 14 wins during his UFC career, but he has also scored just five wins in his last ten bouts after being very close to scoring a chance at earning a title shot at 155 pounds. Miller got back on track with a close split decision win over Danny Castillo in July.

These two men have similar fighting styles with wrestling and takedowns as their primary strengths to go along with solid submission skills. Both men grind their opponents, and it is an interesting clash of styles. Both men fight as southpaws, but land roughly the same amount of strikes with the same type of accuracy. Chiesa’s takedown game may be a little stronger as he averages more over the course of a fight, and he has shown better defense. Chiesa will also have a five-inch height advantage and a four-inch reach advantage, and he will want to exploit his length over Miller. Miller hits a little harder and mixes his kicks and knees in well. This is a tough fight to predict as the betting odds have it as pretty much a pick ’em. It will be Miller’s Octagon experience against the gritty nature of Chiesa in what should be an excellent fight. I like Miller just a little bit more to score the win due to his experience, but Chiesa is going to make it a battle.

4. Why is Aljamain Sterling in the prelims?

No offense to any other fighter competing on this card, but the best fighter fighting on the UFC Fight Night 80 card is buried way down in the preliminary card, and that is rising bantamweight prospect Aljamain Sterling. A product of the Serra-Longo fight team in New York, Sterling is a perfect 11-0 in his career, with his last three wins coming after signing with the UFC as an injury replacement in early 2014. He has scored wins over Cody Gibson, Hugo Viana and Takeya Mizugaki in his UFC career, and he has been dominant in all of his fights. He has scored seven of his eleven wins by stoppage, and alongside Thomas Almeida, he is looked at to be the future of the UFC bantamweight division. He has been inactive for a while, whether it be due to injury or the UFC matchmakers having trouble finding him an opponent and spot on a card.

Sterling deserves to be showcased on the main card. He is extremely talented and will likely fight for the title within the next two years. He had to campaign hard to get on a fight card, and his fight was the last fight put together for this card. The UFC realized they were making a mistake in not featuring him prominently, and made him a late addition to the open workouts for this event. He has an extremely tough opponent in Johnny Eduardo, who has 36 professional bouts in his career. Eduardo has scored wins in 13 of his last 14 fights, but injuries have limited him to just three fights in the last four years. Eduardo hasn’t fought since a May 2014 knockout win over Eddie Wineland, but it was his most impressive performance to date inside the Octagon. This is one fight that has been flying under the radar for this crazy fight week. Sterling deserved to be on the main card, and really, this fight did as well. He will show why when he steps into the Octagon on Thursday night.

5. What else on the card is there to keep an eye on?

Rounding out the main card for this UFC Fight Pass exclusive event is a former “TUF” winner, as “TUF: Nations” middleweight winner Elias Theodorou puts his perfect 11-0 record on the line against Thiago Santos. Theodorou is coming off a big TKO win over Roger Narvaez at UFC 185 in March, and he is a solid prospect at 185 pounds. He gets a big test in Santos, who has won three of his last four fights, and is coming off one of the best knockouts of the year, a head kick knockout of Steve Bosse at UFC Fight Night 70 in June. Headlining the preliminary portion of the card is a solid welterweight bout as Tim Means looks to get back into the win column following a loss to Matt Brown when he takes on John Howard, who got back into the win column after ending his three-fight losing skid when he scored a split decision win over Cathal Pendred at UFC 189 in July.

Three other fighters to keep an eye on during the preliminary card are Antonio Carlos Junior, Danny Roberts and Kailin Curran. Carlos Junior is a former “TUF: Brazil” winner as a heavyweight, and has since moved down to 185 pounds, where he has a huge size advantage. However, he utilized IV’s, and this will be his first fight without them, so it will be interesting to see how that effects him. Roberts is making his UFC debut with an 11-1 record and on the heels of five straight wins. He has an excellent mix of skills and has scored nine of his wins by stoppage. Curran is still in search of her first UFC win, having dropped both of her prior UFC bouts. She was in a heated battle with Paige VanZant in her UFC debut, and was dominating her fight with Alex Chambers before being submitted late in the fight. She has a lot of potential and just five career bouts, but gets a favorable match-up taking on Emily Kagan in the opening bout.

Full UFC Fight Night 80 Fight Card, Betting Odds and Predictions

MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

Women’s Strawweights: (#3) Rose Namajunas vs. (#7) Paige VanZant
Betting Odds: Namajunas (+160), VanZant (-185)
Prediction: VanZant by submission in round 4

Lightweights: (#14) Jim Miller vs. Michael Chiesa
Betting Odds: Miller (+105), Chiesa (-125)
Prediction: Miller by decision

Lightweights: Sage Northcutt vs. Cody Pfister
Betting Odds: Northcutt (-1250), Pfister (+800)
Prediction: Northcutt by knockout in round 1

Middleweights: Elias Theodorou vs. Thiago Santos
Betting Odds: Theodorou (-250), Santos (+210)
Prediction: Theodorou by knockout in round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:45 PM ET/3:45 PM PT)

Welterweights: Tim Means vs. John Howard
Betting Odds: Means (-335), Howard (+275)
Prediction: Howard by decision

Welterweights: Omari Akhmedov vs. Sergio Moraes
Betting Odds: Akhmedov (-140), Moraes (+120)
Prediction: Akhmedov by knockout in round 2

Middleweights: Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Kevin Casey
Betting Odds: Carlos Junior (-290), Casey (+245)
Prediction: Carlos Junior by submission in round 3

Bantamweights: (#5) Aljamain Sterling vs. (#10) Johnny Eduardo
Betting Odds: Sterling (-700), Eduardo (+500)
Prediction: Sterling by submission in round 2

Welterweights: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Andreas Stahl
Betting Odds: Ponzinibbio (-190), Stahl (+165)
Prediction: Ponzinibbio by decision

Welterweights: Danny Roberts vs. Nathan Coy
Betting Odds: Roberts (-155), Coy (+135)
Prediction: Roberts by knockout in round 1

Featherweights: Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Phillipe Nover
Betting Odds: Tukhugov (-330), Nover (+270)
Prediction: Tukhugov by decision

Women’s Strawweights: Kailin Curran vs. Emily Kagan
Betting Odds: Curran (-350), Kagan (+290)
Prediction: Curran by submission in round 2