UFC Fight Night 267 live results: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez

The Octagon returns to the Lone Star State this weekend with a big middleweight main event as UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez on Paramount+ takes place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The main event is a pivotal bout in the middleweight division as former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland takes on Anthony Hernandez. Strickland fights for the first time in a year and looks to get back into the win column after a title fight loss to former champion Dricus Du Plessis. Hernandez is the hottest fighter at 185 pounds, entering this fight riding an eight-fight win streak.

In the co-main event, fireworks are expected at 170 pounds as Geoff Neal takes on Uros Medic, both with ten knockout wins in their career. Also on the main card is a featherweight battle between Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa; a battle of ranked heavyweights as Serghei Spivac takes on Ante Delija; and a middleweight fight pitting Zachary Reese against Michel Pereira.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Women’s Flyweights- Juliana Miller (4-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Carli Judice (5-2, 2-1 UFC)

Judice pressing forward and throwing as both connect. Judice lands a body kick and Miller grabs the leg looking for a takedown. Miller has the back and the body lock against the fence. Miller drags it to the mat and has the body triangle locked on. They scramble to their feet and Miller lets go of back control. Judice lands a big elbow as they are clinched up against the fence. Judice is able to break the clinch as Miller lands an uppercut. Judice lands a combination. Judice stuns Miller with a straight left hand and then defends a takedown attempt from Miller. Judice lands some more punches as she’s pressuring. Judice lands a big combination. Miller shoots for a takedown but Judice defends. They trade knees. Judice lands some elbows. 10-9 Judice.

Judice landing to start the second as she connects with some leg kicks and a left hand. Miller lands a counter right hand. Judice with a combo as Miller lands a right hand. Judice lands a combo and Miller is busted up a little. Judice continuing to pour on the volume as she is pressuring. They trade kicks. They clinch and both land elbows as Judice lands a body shot on the break. Judice lands a solid left hand. Judice with a hard body kick. Judice with a flurry though Miller is firing punches back. Miller lands a right hand. Judice lands a pair of uppercuts. They trade and Judice lands a head kick. Judice with a knee to the body and a body kick late. 10-9 Judice, 20-18 Judice.

Judice landing to start the third. Judice lands a pair of left hands followed by a body kick. They clinch against the fence. Miller jumps on the fence to use it to take the back of Judice as they go to the mat. Judice is trying to scramble out as Miller keeps back control. Miller lands from the back and looks for a rear-naked choke. She is on the jaw as Judice is landing back punches. Miller is squeezing but Judice is able to get out and they scramble up. Judice lands a combination. Miller lands a solid right hand. Judice with a front kick to the body. Miller looks for a takedown but Judice slides off. They trade against the fence. They both land left hands. Judice lands a solid left hand. They trade at the end. 10-9 Miller, 29-28 Judice.

Fight Result- Carli Judice def. Juliana Miller by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Jordan Leavitt (12-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Yadier del Valle (10-0, 2-0 UFC)

del Valle tries a front kick but Leavitt grabs the leg and clinches and then drags del Valle down to the mat. They stand with Leavitt keeping body control. Timeout is called as Leavitt landed a groin strike on del Valle. They get back to action and Leavitt scores a takedown. Leavitt working from inside the guard of del Valle as Leavitt slams him back down. Leavitt with a short elbow from the top. Leavitt with more elbows from the top. Leavitt postures up for a moment to land a right hand before getting back into del Valle’s full guard. Leavitt trying to pass guard as he lands from the top. Leavitt with more shots from the top. 10-9 Leavitt.

del Valle is pressing forward and lands a leg kick and a left hand. Leavitt shoots for a takedown but del Valle sprawls away. del Valle with a right hand to the body of Leavitt. Leavitt looks for a takedown but del Valle defends and grabs the neck. Leavitt is able to get into side control before working to the half-guard of del Valle. Leavitt landing from the top as del Valle is trying to use the fence to get to his feet. Leavitt with more shots from the top. del Valle lands an illegal upkick and timeout is called. They restart on the mat. Leavitt looks for a heel hook. 10-9 Leavitt, 20-18 Leavitt.

Leavitt throwing kicks to keep del Valle at a distance. del Valle is cutting the Octagon off from Leavitt but isn’t throwing punches. Leavitt isn’t throwing either. Leavitt goes for a takedown but del Valle lands a knee and ends up on top. Leavitt hanging on with double underhooks on the bottom. del Valle isn’t doing a lot but lands some body shots. Leavitt reverses and ends up on top. Leavitt with some shots from the top and he smacks the butt of del Valle. Leavitt with a pair of elbows from the top. 10-9 Leavitt, 30-27 Leavitt.

Fight Result- Jordan Leavitt def. Yadier del Valle by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Phil Rowe (11-6, 4-4 UFC) vs. Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (9-2, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks at the same time. Lebosnoyani lands a leg kick and then a left hand as he looks for a takedown, but Rowe defends. Lebosnoyani backs away and then lands a solid combination. Rowe lands a stiff jab. Rowe lands a leg kick. Rowe working the jab and lands a leg kick. Lebosnoyani is able to score a takedown against the fence. Lebosnoyani attacks the neck. Lebosnoyani with some elbows from the top. Lebosnoyani lands from the top but they scramble up. Lebosnoyani lands against the fence before backing away. They trade left hands and Rowe lands a knee. Lebosnoyani lands a head kick followed by a right hand and then lands to the body. Lebosnoyani with a combo. Both land at the end. 10-9 Lebosnoyani.

Lebosnoyani lands a pair of kicks. Rowe works the jab. Rowe lands a leg kick. Lebosnoyani with a body kick after Rowe lands on the feet. Lebosnoyani with a body kick and a right hand. Lebosnoyani shoots for a takedown but Rowe is defending against the fence. Rowe lands an elbow as he’s defending. Lebosnoyani scores the takedown. They get to their feet and are clinched against the fence. Lebosnoyani lands a right hand as they separate. Rowe lands a leg kick. 10-9 Lebosnoyani, 20-18 Lebosnoyani.

Lebosnoyani lands a right hand. Rowe with a jab and a right hand. Rowe still working the jab but eats a pair of leg kicks from Lebosnoyani. Both work the jab. Rowe with a double jab and a high kick. Lebosnoyani lands a right hand. Rowe throws a knee but Lebosnoyani grabs it and scores a takedown. Lebosnoyani looks for a guillotine choke but lets go to get the mount. They scramble and Lebosnoyani remains on top. Rowe tries to scramble but Lebosnoyani keeps attacking the neck and stays on top. They get to their feet. Lebosnoyani lands a right hand. They trade right hands. Rowe with a combination. Rowe lands a big combo. 10-9 Lebosnoyani, 30-27 Lebosnoyani.

Fight Result- Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Phil Rowe by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Ramiz Brahimaj (13-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Punahele Soriano (12-4, 6-4 UFC)

They trade left hands. Soriano lands an uppercut. Brahimaj with a body kick. Soriano with a high kick. Brahimaj lands some counter shots and a high kick. Brahimaj lands a body kick. They clinch and both land dirty boxing before separating. Brahimaj landing with slightly more volume. Brahimaj with a body kick. Brahimaj lands a combination. Brahimaj lands to the body then Soriano lands a series of punches. Brahimaj with another body kick. Soriano lands a straight left hand. Soriano lands a combination. Soriano with a solid left hand. Brahimaj shoots for a takedown and drags it down from the back. Soriano spins to the top and lands to end the round. 10-9 Brahimaj.

Brahimaj looking for a takedown early as they work to the fence. Brahimaj has back control and is trying to drag it down. Soriano goes to one knee. They scramble and Soriano is on top and has control as they stand. Soriano with some knees against the fence and lands an elbow. They are separated. Brahimaj shoots for a takedown but Soriano sprawls to defend. Brahimaj takes the back and gets Soriano down and has the body triangle locked on. Brahimaj gets the mount late but grabs the fence. Close round. 10-9 Soriano, 19-19.

Soriano lands a pair of high kicks. Soriano lands two more kicks and Brahimaj is hurt a little. Soriano lands a combination. Brahimaj looks for a takedown and is able to get one. Brahimaj is holding onto Soriano and not doing anything. Soriano is able to force it to the feet but Brahimaj keeps ahold of the body. Brahimaj looks gassed. They scramble down as both attack the neck and they stand. Soriano with a combo against the fence. Brahimaj goes to his butt and Soriano lands from the top and lands a knee as they stand. Brahimaj attacking the neck on the feet. They go to the mat and Soriano ends up on top and he ends it there. 10-9 Soriano, 29-28 Soriano.

Fight Result- Punahele Soriano def. Ramiz Brahimaj by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #12 Nora Cornolle (9-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. #14 Joselyne Edwards (16-6, 7-4 UFC)

Cornolle lands a solid right hand. Cornolle lands a combination before they clinch. Cornolle with an elbow as they’re up against the fence. Edwards pressuring and lands some knees. Edwards has the body lock and looks for a takedown, but Cornolle defends and lands an elbow followed by some heavy knees against the fence. Edwards reverses and they’re still working against the fence. Cornolle with a pair of hard knees. They separate. They trade combinations. Cornolle with a spinning back fist. They both throw spinning back fists before tying up against the fence. Cornolle with a knee and an elbow. 10-9 Cornolle.

Cornolle lands a leg kick as Edwards is pressing forward. Cornolle with a pair of leg kicks. Edwards is able to score a takedown. Edwards with a pair of left hands from the top as she gets the back of Cornolle. They get to their feet. Edwards slams Cornolle to the mat and is landing heavy shots. Cornolle looked out but the referee let it go. Edwards grabs the back and locks in a rear-naked choke and Cornolle taps! What a finish from Edwards!

Fight Result- Joselyne Edwards def. Nora Cornolle by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:44 of Round 2

> Flyweights- Alden Coria (11-3 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) vs. Luis Gurule (10-2, 0-2 UFC)

Coria works the jab and they exchange leg kicks. Coria lands a leg kick. Coria with a right hand. Coria works the jab. Gurule lands a right hand. Coria with a pair of left hands. Both are being patient. Gurule lands a combo as he presses Coria up against the fence. Coria reverses position and lands a shoulder strike and a knee to the body before they break apart. Coria works the jab. They trade jabs. Coria with a calf kick. Coria with a knee to the body. 10-9 Coria.

Coria lands a pair of leg kicks. Gurule catches a leg and scores a brief takedown as Coria gets right to his feet. Coria lands a right hand that briefly hurts Gurule. Coria lands a body kick. They clinch against the fence and Coria lands a couple of elbows before they separate. Coria lands an uppercut amidst a flurry of punches landed. Coria with a left hand followed by a head kick. Gurule lands a flurry of punches before they clinch. They separate and Coria lands a knee. Gurule with a right hand. Gurule ducks under a spin attack and gets a slam takedown, but Coria quickly gets to top position. Coria with some elbows from side control. Coria grabbed the neck but let go and landed a pair of elbows. 10-9 Coria, 20-18 Coria.

Coria working the jab as Gurule is pressuring and lands a combo. They tie up against the fence. They separate to the center. Coria lands a combination to the body, but eats a right hand from Gurule. They trade and Coria scores a takedown. Coria has the back as they stand. They separate as Coria lands. Gurule lands a right hand. Coria with an uppercut and Gurule lands a left hand. Coria lands to the body then hurts Gurule with a jab. Coria landing some big shots now. Coria with a pair of left hands and grabs the leg of Gurule. He lets go and lands a body kick. Coria lands a combo. Gurule with a right hand. They trade to end it. 10-9 Coria, 30-27 Coria.

Fight Result- Alden Coria def. Luis Gurule by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Flyweights- Ode Osbourne (13-9, 5-7 UFC) vs. Alibi Idiris (10-1, 0-1 UFC)

Idiris shoots for a takedown but Osbourne shakes him off. Idiris lands a right hand and Osbourne goes down for a brief moment. Osbourne lands a combo. Osbourne with a left hand and a body kick. Idiris lands a right hand. Idiris with a leg kick and looks for a takedown but Osbourne defends as they go to the fence. Idiris gets the takedown. Osbourne tries to force it up but Idiris gets back into the full guard. Idiris lands from the top before passing guard. They get to their feet and break apart. Idiris lands a right hand. Osbourne with a combo. Osbourne lands a right hook. Idiris lands an elbow. 10-9 Idiris.

Osbourne lands a right hand and a body kick. Idiris looks for a takedown but Osbourne defends and they break apart. Osbourne lands to the body. Idiris with a leg kick. Osbourne lands a left hand, and then Idiris lands a right hand. Idiris tries to get Osbourne down and almost does as he takes back control. Idiris lands from the back. They get to their feet and separate. Osbourne with a body kick and Idiris lands a counter right hand. Idiris looks for a takedown against the fence. Idiris gets the body lock and gets a takedown. Idiris with some hammerfists from the top. 10-9 Idiris, 20-18 Idiris.

Idiris lands a body kick as Osbourne connects with a right hand. Idiris lands a counter punch and then scores a takedown. He lands from the top before they scramble and Idiris keeps body control, but Osbourne connects with a right hook on separation. Osbourne with a jab. Osbourne shoots for a takedown, but Idiris defends and lands a knee. Idiris with a left hand. Idiris scores a takedown. Osbourne ends up inside the guard of Idiris. Not much happened before they get up. Idiris connects and they clinch. Idiris lands a knee. 10-9 Idiris, 30-27 Idiris.

Fight Result- Alibi Idiris def. Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Chidi Njokuani (25-11 1 NC, 5-4 UFC) vs. Carlos Leal (22-7, 1-2 UFC)

Njokuani with a series of kicks to start things off. Njokuani with lots of calf kicks early on. Leal lands a combo to the body. Leal with a series of combinations to the head but eats a knee from Njokuani. Leal with an inside leg kick then a flurry of punches. Njokuani with a front kick as they trade elbows then some punches. Leal with a flurry of punches to the head and body. Leal with a solid right hand and Njokuani lands a knee. Leal with a series of punches to the head and body as he lands a big right hand. Njokuani with a pair of kicks and a right hand. Leal lands a right hand. Leal lands a combo as Njokuani lands a body kick. 10-9 Leal.

Njokuani lands some kicks and Leal catches one and pushes it against the fence. Njokuani lands a pair of knees as they separate. Leal lands a right hand and Njokuani stumbles back but recovers. Njokuani lands a body kick. Leal pressing forward and landing punches as Njokuani lands some kicks. Leal pushes it against the fence. Leal has the body lock and gets a brief takedown. Leal still has body control as they stand. Njokuani with a back elbow as Leal lands some short knees. They separate. Njokuani with a body kick. 10-9 Leal, 20-18 Leal.

Njokuani lands a jab but Leal backs him up with a series of punches. Njokuani working the jab. Leal working the jab as well. Njokuani lands a high kick. Leal with some big punches, mixing to the head and body. Njokuani with a leg kick but Leal lands a series of combinations. They trade leg kicks and Leal lands a flurry of shots. Njokuani misses an elbow and Leal lands a combo. Njokuani with a jab. Leal lands a combination. Njokuani with a body kick followed by a jab. Leal lands a right hand. Njokuani lands a leg kick. Leal with a leg kick and a combination. Njokuani with a leg kick that put Leal down on one knee. Njokuani with a pair of kicks. Leal lands a right hand. They trade punches. Njokuani with a head kick. 10-9 Njokuani, 29-28 Leal.

Fight Result- Carlos Leal def. Chidi Njokuani by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Middleweights- Zachary Reese (10-2 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Michel Pereira (31-14 2 NC, 9-5 UFC)

Pereira lands a hard body kick. Reese with some leg kicks as Pereira lands a right hand. Pereira lands a right hand that drops Reese to his butt. Reese is throwing upkicks but Pereira backs off and lets him back up. Pereira with a front kick to the body. Reese lands a kick that grazes the cup and timeout is called. Replay looks clean like there was no shot to the cup. They get back to action. Reese with an inside leg kick. Pereira with a front kick. Timeout is called for another groin strike by Reese, and this one fully connected this time. They get back going and trade punches. Reese lands a head kick. Reese misses a spinning attack and Pereira scores a takedown. Both landing on the mat. Pereira lands a pair of knees as they stand. Pereira with a combination. 10-9 Pereira.

Reese with a pair of body kicks as Pereira lands some punches. Pereira lands a knee to the body and Reese briefly goes down but gets up. Pereira lands a right hand followed by a knee. Timeout is called for an eye poke by Reese. They return to action and Reese scores a takedown. They scramble up and Reese has the back but is busted open. They separate. Pereira with a jumping knee to the body. Pereira with a jab as Reese lands a body kick. Reese with a solid left hand. Reese with a flying knee. 10-9 Reese, 19-19.

Reese lands a body kick. Reese with a leg kick. Pereira lands a knee as they briefly clinch. Pereira lands two solid right hands. They are both landing but this is still wide open. Pereira is landing with slightly more volume. Reese lands a left hand. Pereira gets a takedown but Reese attacks the neck. Pereira is able to escape and they get to their feet. They trade big right hands. Pereira lands a knee as they both throw late. Close fight. 10-9 Pereira, 29-28 Pereira.

Fight Result- Michel Pereira def. Zachary Reese by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Jacobe Smith (11-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Josiah Harrell (11-0, 0-0 UFC)

Smith landing some early kicks to the body and legs. Smith with another leg kick. Smith lands a right hand followed by a heavy body kick. Smith scores a takedown and Harrell attacks the leg before they get to their feet. Smith lands a head kick and a left hook. Harrell with a left hand but Smith lands a big counter right hand. Smith scores a takedown. They get right up and Harrell lands a body kick. Smith with a body kick. Harrell scores a takedown but Smith reverses and starts landing big shots. Smith continues to land big shots and Harrell is out cold! What a finish from Smith!

Fight Result- Jacobe Smith def. Josiah Harrell by knockout (punches) at 3:01 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #7 Serghei Spivac (17-6, 8-6 UFC) vs. #9 Ante Delija (26-7, 1-1 UFC)

They’re both working the jab. Delija lands a quick combination. They trade jabs. Delija lands a left hand. Delija lands a right hand. Spivac with a nice combination. They trade jabs. Delija with a quick combo. Spivac with a left hand as he was backing up. Spivac working the jab. Spivac stumbles Delija a little with a nice combination. Delija lands a right hand. Spivac back working the jab and Delija’s face is busted up. 10-9 Spivac.

Both are working the jab to start the second. Spivac working the jab more. Spivac lands an overhand right in close range. Delija lands a right hand. Spivac lands a right hand and then a left hand before a wild exchange against the fence between the two. Spivac lands a right hand. Delija with some big punches and Spivac is backing away. Delija with some big shots and right hands and uppercuts as Spivac is covering up. They clinch against the fence. Spivac holds Delija against the fence but they break apart before the end of the round. 10-9 Delija, 19-19.

Spivac lands a right hand and a leg kick. Spivac with a stiff jab. Right hand from Spivac and then he lands another one. They trade jabs. Spivac lands a combo. Spivac shoots for a takedown as he pushes Delija against the fence. Spivac drops down and is able to complete the takedown. Delija gives up his back but they end up on their feet. Spivac has back control but Delija is able to spin out of trouble. Spivac with a left hand. They trade jabs. Spivac with a left hook. Delija lands a left hand. Spivac with a late combo. 10-9 Spivac, 29-28 Spivac.

Fight Result- Serghei Spivac def. Ante Delija by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Featherweights- #14 Dan Ige (19-10, 11-9 UFC) vs. Melquizael Costa (25-7, 6-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Ige gets a brief takedown but they scramble up and clinch against the fence. Ige has the underhooks and looks to get Costa to the mat. Costa is able to get Ige to the mat but they quickly get up and are still clinched. Costa lands a knee. Ige with some foot stomps. Costa with a knee. They separate. Costa with a high kick. Costa with a front kick that briefly hurts Ige. Costa lands another high kick. Costa with more kicks and they briefly clinch before breaking apart. Ige lands a right hand. Costa drops Ige with a spinning kick right to the chin and some follow-up shots end it just before the end of the first! What a finish from Costa!

Fight Result- Melquizael Costa def. Dan Ige by TKO (kick & punches) at 4:56 of Round 1

> Welterweights- #12 Geoff Neal (16-7, 8-5 UFC) vs. Uros Medic (12-3, 6-3 UFC)

They’re trading and feeling each other out early. Medic then tags Neal with a left hand and Neal goes down and is out cold! What a knockout by Medic!

Fight Result- Uros Medic def. Geoff Neal by knockout (punch) at 1:19 of Round 1

> Middleweights- #3 Sean Strickland (29-7, 16-7 UFC) vs. #4 Anthony Hernandez (15-2 1 NC, 9-2 UFC)

Strickland working the jab and teet kick early. Hernandez lands a calf kick. Strickland still working the jab. He continues to work the jab and lands an uppercut. Hernandez with a left hand and a leg kick. Hernandez lands a jab. Strickland lands a solid combination followed by a big right hand. Strickland with an inside leg kick. Hernandez lands a combination and pushes Strickland against the fence. They separate. Strickland back working the jab. Hernandez lands a right hand and Strickland stumbles a little. Hernandez with a late flurry. 10-9 Hernandez.

They’re trading in close range. Hernandez lands a solid right hand as Strickland continues to work the jab. Strickland with a teet kick and Hernandez lands a counter right hand. Strickland working the jab well as Hernandez lands a leg kick. Hernandez lands an uppercut in a brief clinch and Strickland with a knee as they break. Strickland still working the jab. Hernandez is pressing forward but is also eating the jab from Strickland. Strickland lands a combo and Hernandez lands to the body. They clinch but not much happens. Strickland lands a right hand. 10-9 Strickland, 19-19.

Both working the jab. Hernandez lands a right hand. Hernandez lands inside the pocket as Strickland is moving and throwing the jab. They trade inside the pocket before clinching up. They separate and Strickland is hurting Hernandez with shots to the head and body. Hernandez with a right hand but Strickland hurts Hernandez with a knee to the body and then drops Hernandez with a flurry and some more shots from the top gets the stoppage.

Fight Result- Sean Strickland def. Anthony Hernandez by TKO (strikes) at 2:33 of Round 3

Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez Fight Preview and Breakdown UFC Houston 2026

UFC Fight Night in Houston (Toyota Center) on February 21, 2026 closes with a pure styles clash at middleweight, with Sean Strickland’s jab-heavy, pressure boxing against Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez’s pace grappling and submission hunting. On paper, the numbers explain why this fight is so compelling. Strickland pushes a high-output striking game (5.95 significant strikes landed per minute via UFC Stats) while Hernandez pairs efficient striking with one of the most aggressive takedown rates in the division (6.46 takedowns per 15 minutes).

Strickland’s jab-first boxing and damage accumulation

Strickland’s best rounds are built on simple, repeatable wins: occupy the center, pump the jab, and force opponents to throw first into his reads. He absorbs a fair amount in return (4.57 SApM) because he is willing to trade volume for control, but his defense and pacing let him keep the same cadence in the later rounds (if it gets there).

The strategic question is whether Strickland can keep Hernandez at the end of combinations long enough to discourage level changes. Strickland’s takedown defense is really solid at 76%, and he does attempt takedowns himself at a low level (0.73 per 15 minutes), but his primary win condition is still to bank minutes with clean, repeatable boxing exchanges to get the decision.

Hernandez’s chain wrestling and submission volume

Hernandez is not a “one shot” wrestler. His whole game is built on repeat entries, resets, and re-attacks until the clinch becomes a scramble. Statistically, it shows: 6.46 takedowns per 15 minutes with 1.8 submissions attempted per 15 minutes is a rare combination at 185.

Even if Strickland initially stuffs shots, Hernandez can still win sequences by forcing extended grappling exchanges that drain output and lower Strickland’s jab volume. Hernandez also absorbs very little (2.53 SApM), which suggests he is hard to hit cleanly when he is dictating phase changes.

Where the fight is decided: entry defense vs scramble management

This main event likely swings on two micro-battles:

First contact on Hernandez’s entries. Strickland must make Hernandez pay with straight punches before the hips get involved. If Hernandez gets to the body lock consistently, the fight becomes a cardio and position test.

What happens after the first stop. Even strong takedown defense can lose if the defender cannot reset to stance quickly. Hernandez thrives when opponents defend one attempt and then get dragged into the next exchange.

    Tale of the tape and style metrics

    MetricSean StricklandAnthony Hernandez
    Record29-7-015-2-0
    Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
    Reach76 in (1.93 m)75 in (1.91 m)
    Sig. Strikes Landed per Min (SLpM)5.954.59
    Sig. Strikes Absorbed per Min (SApM)4.572.53
    Takedowns Avg per 15 min0.736.46
    Takedown Defense76%68%
    Sub. Avg per 15 min0.21.8

    The cleanest paths to victory

    FighterWin conditionWhat must show up
    StricklandBox at range, deny clean clinch entries, win rounds on volumeJab discipline, early intercepts, fast stance resets
    HernandezForce grappling minutes, win scrambles, threaten submissions to keep Strickland defensiveChain wrestling, top pressure, re-shots after the first stop

    If Strickland is consistently jabbing and forcing Hernandez to shoot from too far out, he can turn this into a long, frustrating kickboxing match. If Hernandez gets repeated clinch contact and turns every defense into a second and third attempt, the math shifts quickly in his favor.

    UFC on ESPN 72 live results: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez

    For the second straight week, the Octagon resides inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas for another night of UFC action as UFC on ESPN 72 takes place.

    The main event sees a five-round middleweight battle of top-ten 185-pounders as ninth-ranked Roman Dolidze takes on tenth-ranked Anthony Hernandez. Both men are looking to extend win streaks, as Dolidze enters riding a three-fight win streak, while Hernandez comes in having won his last seven fights.

    In the co-main event, Steve Erceg battles late replacement Ode Osbourne in a bantamweight bout. Also on the main card is a battle of ranked strawweights as Iasmin Lucindo takes on Angela Hill; Andre Fili squares off with Christian Rodriguez in a featherweight tilt; and Eryk Anders meets Christian Leroy Duncan in a middleweight opener.

    ESPN PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

    > Light Heavyweights- Cody Brundage (11-6-1 1 NC, 5-5-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Eric McConico (9-3-1, 0-1 UFC)

    McConico hurts Brundage with a left hand early and they go to the mat. McConico lands from the top before they scramble up and Brundage is looking to take it down against the fence. McConico is defending landing to the body and they are separated by the referee. McConico lands and Brundage shoots for a takedown and completes it. They work up to their feet. McConico lands a knee. Brundage lands a body kick then a knee. Brundage with two right hands and they clinch. 10-9 McConico.

    McConico ties it right up against the fence to start the second. McConico has Brundage pushed against the fence and Brundage lands some hammerfists to the thighs of McConico. Brundage lands an elbow as they break. They start trading big punches inside the pocket and Brundage hurts McConico. McConico backs up and Brundage lands a right hand and a knee before scoring a takedown. Brundage has body control as they stand. Brundage controlling against the fence as McConico lands some body shots. Brundage scores a takedown. They stand and Brundage lands a high kick. McConico with a body kick and then another and lands a high kick. 10-9 Brundage, 19-19.

    McConico pressing forward and lands some high kicks. McConico lands a left hand. Brundage lands a right hand. McConico with a big left hand followed by a knee and they clinch up. McConico lands an elbow. McConico with a knee followed by an elbow. They are separated from the clinch by the referee. Brundage lands an uppercut. McConico with a high kick. McConico lands a flurry of punches, mixing to the head and body, then backs off and lands a body kick. Brundage lands a right hand. McConico with a left hand followed by a body kick. Brundage with a big right hand late. Close fight. 10-9 McConico, 29-28 McConico.

    Fight Result- Eric McConico def. Cody Brundage by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

    > Women’s Flyweights- Gabriella Fernandes (10-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (11-8-1, 2-6 UFC)

    Stoliarenko lands some leg kicks and then one that slams against the arm of Fernandes. Stoliarenko with another leg kick. Fernandes lands a left hand. Fernandes lands to the body. Fernandes lands a combination. They clinch up but quickly break. They trade body kicks. Fernandes lands a body kick. Fernandes hurts Stoliarenko with a body kick. They trade kicks and start trading punches. Fernandes lands some hard punches. Stoliarenko lands a body kick. Fernandes with a high kick. 10-9 Fernandes.

    Stoliarenko looks for a takedown but Fernandes defends against the fence. They break and Fernandes lands a high kick. Fernandes with a body kick. Stoliarenko is bleeding from her left eye. Fernandes lands two heavy high kicks. Stoliarenko blocks with her arms but damage is still landing. Stoliarenko looks for a takedown, but Fernandes defends and they separate. Fernandes lands a body kick. Stoliarenko lands a right hand. Fernandes lands some more kicks. 10-9 Fernandes, 20-18 Fernandes.

    Stoliarenko misses a right hand and Fernandes lands a jab. Fernandes lands a left hand. Stoliarenko misses a right hand. Stoliarenko throws a high kick and Fernandes blocks it. Fernandes lands a body kick and Stoliarenko looks for a takedown as she grabs the body and pushes it to the fence. Fernandes lands and they break. Fernandes lands a body kick. Stoliarenko lands a right hand. Stoliarenko lands a body kick. Fernandes lands a combo and a high kick. Stoliarenko with a body kick. Fernandes lands a solid left hand. Stoliarenko lands a combo. Fernandes lands a head kick. 10-9 Stoliarenko , 29-28 Fernandes.

    Fight Result- Gabriella Fernandes def. Julija Stoliarenko by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Welterweights- Uros Medic (10-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Gilbert Urbina (7-3, 1-2 UFC)

    Urbina drops Medic with a right hand right away, but Urbina lets him up. Medic lands a body kick. Urbina lands a body kick and Medic lands a right hand. Medic lands a big left hand and Urbina goes down and is out as Medic lands a follow-up shot. What a finish from Medic!

    Fight Result- Uros Medic def. Gilbert Urbina by knockout (punch) at 1:03 of Round 1

    > Women’s Bantamweights- #14 Joselyne Edwards (15-6, 6-4 UFC) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (13-6, 5-6 UFC)

    They trade leg kicks and Edwards lands a solid right hand. They trade leg kicks some more as Cachoeira is pressuring. Time out is called for an eye poke by Cachoeira. They get back going and both start teeing off. Edwards lands a big combo. Edwards lands a pair of big left hooks. Edwards drops Cachoeira with a right hand and then lands some follow-up shots to end it! What a finish by Edwards!

    Fight Result- Joselyne Edwards def. Priscila Cachoeira by knockout (punch) at 2:24 of Round 1

    > Bantamweights- Elijah Smith (8-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (11-4, 1-2 UFC)

    Kazama lands and gets a takedown. Smith switches to the top and starts landing big punches and elbows. Smith lands some shots from the top as Kazama attacks the leg. Smith lands some hammerfists as Kazama attacks. Smith with more punches from the top. Smith with more punches from the top as Kazama continues to attack the leg. Kazama looks for an armbar but Smith punches his way out of it. Smith picks Kazama up and slams him down to the mat and Kazama is out cold! What a finish from Smith!

    Fight Result- Elijah Smith def. Toshiomi Kazama by knockout (slam) at 4:10 of Round 1

    > Light Heavyweights- Julius Walker (6-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (11-2, 0-2 UFC)

    Walker landing combos to start and Cerqueira lands a pair of right hands. Cerqueira with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Cerqueira lands and they clinch up. Walker with some knees against the fence. They separate. Cerqueira lands a left hand. Cerqueira with a spinning leg kick. Walker forces a clinch against the fence. Walker scores a takedown and has the back. Walker lands from the back. They briefly stand, and Walker drags it back down as Cerqueira looks for an arm. Walker gets an arm and is attacking for a kimura. He lets go and lands some punches. 10-9 Walker.

    Walker lands a leg kick and Cerqueira goes to the mat. Walker gets inside the guard of Cerqueira and starts landing. Walker mixing punches to the body and head. Walker still controlling as Cerqueira is trying to scramble up. Walker gets the back as they’re on the feet, but Walker drags it back down. Walker with some knees to the body. They get up and separate and both land before Walker gets it back to the mat. Walker lands from the top. Walker looks for an arm but time runs out. 10-9 Walker, 20-18 Walker.

    Cerqueira lands a right hand. Cerqueira is chasing Walker down and throwing. Walker shoots for a takedown but Cerqueira defends. Walker lands a right hand and Cerqueira goes down and Walker starts landing from the top. Walker lands but they get up. Cerqueira lands a right hand. Walker shoots for a takedown but Cerqueira sprawls and has the neck. He lets go and they stand. They trade and Walker gets a takedown. Walker controlling from the top and has the back before getting back on top. Walker with some left hands. Walker gets the back and is looking for a choke late. 10-9 Walker, 30-27 Walker.

    Fight Result- Julius Walker def. Rafael Cerqueira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

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    > Middleweights- Eryk Anders (17-8 1 NC, 9-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (11-2, 4-2 UFC)

    Duncan lands some kicks. Duncan working the jab and time out is called as he lands an eye poke. They get back to action and Duncan lands some kicks. They trade and Duncan lands a groin strike and time out is called again. They get back to action and Duncan lands a spin kick. Duncan lands a flying knee and a pair of right hands. Anders was hurt but he quickly recovers and gets a takedown. Anders controlling from the back. Duncan reverses. Anders lands a knee. They trade knees. Duncan lands an elbow and then a big knee. They separate and Duncan lands a pair of leg kicks and then stuns Anders with a spinning elbow. Duncan then lands some punches as Anders goes to the mat and it is all over! Duncan with a big first-round finish.

    Fight Result- Christian Leroy Duncan def. Eryk Anders by TKO (punches) at 3:53 of Round 1

    > Bantamweights- Miles Johns (15-3 1 NC, 6-3 1 NC UFC) vs. Jean Matsumoto (16-1, 2-1 UFC)

    Matsumoto with a body kick. Johns lands a right hand. Johns lands a leg kick. Johns with a right hand. Johns scores a big takedown. Matsumoto is attacking the neck from the bottom. Johns escapes and remains on top. They stand as Johns has Matsumoto against the fence, but they separate. Johns lands a left hand. Johns with a combo as Matsumoto lands a right hand. Johns lands the double jab. Johns with a left hook as Matsumoto lands a high kick. Matsumoto with a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Matsumoto tries a jumping knee, but Johns grabs him and gets a brief takedown. They tie up and Johns lands to the body on the break. They trade big punches. They trade late. 10-9 Johns.

    Matsumoto lands a heavy calf kick. Johns with a solid right hand. Matsumoto lands another calf kick. Johns with two right hands. Johns with a quick combo. Matsumoto lands a solid counter combo. They tie up and Johns lands an elbow on the break. Matsumoto lands some kicks as Johns connects with some punches. Johns lands a right hand. Johns lands a right hand and Matsumoto lands a high kick. Matsumoto with a high kick and then a body kick as he lands some punches. Matsumoto tries a knee, but Johns grabs him and gets a takedown. Matsumoto grabs the neck and looks for a choke. They stand and Matsumoto lands. Johns with a left hook as Matsumoto lands a body kick. They trade. Johns with a combination. Close round. 10-9 Matsumoto, 19-19.

    Matsumoto lands a big calf kick. Matsumoto with a right hand as Johns lands a jab. Johns with a combo and Matsumoto lands a leg kick. Matsumoto lands a body kick. They trade in close range and both connect with hard punches. They trade in close range. Matsumoto landing some bigger shots right now. Johns grabs the back and lands some knees. They get to their feet and separate. Matsumoto lands a right hand. They trade to end it. 10-9 Matsumoto, 29-28 Matsumoto.

    Fight Result- Jean Matsumoto def. Miles Johns by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

    > Featherweights- Andre Fili (24-12 1 NC, 12-11 1 NC UFC) vs. Christian Rodriguez (12-3, 5-3 UFC)

    They trade in close range. Rodriguez with a big flurry against the fence. They break to the center. They trade inside the pocket. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Fili rocks Rodriguez with a left hand but Rodriguez is able to recover. Fili lands a right hand. They trade punches. Fili lands a body kick and Rodriguez grabs the leg and gets a takedown and ends the round on top. 10-9 Fili.

    They trade quick flurries. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. They trade combinations. Fili lands a calf kick. They trade inside the pocket before clinching up. They break and Fili lands some jabs. Fili lands a hard right hand, and Rodriguez counters with two big right hands. Fili with a high kick. Fili works the jab as both land right hands. Rodriguez lands a knee. Rodriguez with a right hand. They tie up and Rodriguez lands a knee. Close round. 10-9 Fili, 20-18 Fili.

    They trade with both landing before Rodriguez pushes it to the fence. They separate and trade. Rodriguez lands a high kick. Fili lands some punches and scores a takedown. Fili lands from the top but Rodriguez is able to force it to the feet. Rodriguez lands a combo. Fili with a body kick and lands two jabs. Rodriguez lands a left hand. They trade inside the pocket as Rodriguez lands an elbow, and Fili changes levels and scores a takedown. Rodriguez with some elbows from the bottom. They get up and Fili has back control at the fence. Fili with a double jab and lands a body kick. They tie up but break. They trade late as Rodriguez lands a flurry. Close fight. 10-9 Fili, 30-27 Fili.

    Fight Result- Andre Fili def. Christian Rodriguez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

    > Women’s Strawweights- #8 Iasmin Lucindo (17-6, 4-2 UFC) vs. #12 Angela Hill (18-14, 13-14 UFC)

    Hill lands a left hook as Lucindo lands a leg kick. They tie up and go to the fence and Lucindo jumps on the back and drags it down for a moment. They stand and Lucindo still has back control. They trade with some dirty boxing as Lucindo lands clubbing right hands. Hill lands some knees and they separate. Hill looks for a takedown but Lucindo defends. They trade jabs. Lucindo lands a combo. Lucindo with another hard combo. Hill lands a left hook. Lucindo lands a flurry. Hill with a spinning elbow. Lucindo lands a flurry of punches. Hill with a leg kick. Hill looks for a takedown but Lucindo defends. They trade. Lucindo with a spin kick and spinning elbow. Lucindo scores a late takedown. 10-9 Lucindo.

    Lucindo lands a body kick then a heavy flurry of punches. Hill lands a spin kick and tries a switch kick but Lucindo gets it down. Hill attacks the neck and looks for a choke and lands some knees before letting go. Lucindo lands a combination. Hill lands a right hand. Hill with another one. Lucindo with a left hook. They tie up and Lucindo lands a knee. Hill with a leg kick. They land inside the pocket. Lucindo lands a flurry. They trade and Lucindo grabs the back and drags it down. 10-9 Lucindo, 20-18 Lucindo.

    They trade to start as Lucindo lands with heavy volume. Hill lands a right hand. Lucindo lands a combination. Lucindo with a pair of combinations. Lucindo landing more combos. Lucindo scores a takedown and is working from side control. Lucindo working from the top and keeping Hill pinned on the bottom. Lucindo continues to land from the top as she dominates Hill in the third. 10-9 Lucindo, 30-27 Lucindo.

    Fight Result- Iasmin Lucindo def. Angela Hill by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

    > Bantamweights- #10 FLY Steve Erceg (12-4, 3-3 UFC) vs. Ode Osbourne (13-8, 5-6 UFC)

    Osbourne throwing kicks to start. Erceg lands a right hand. Osbourne lands a leg kick. Osbourne lands a hard right hand in an exchange. They both land and tie up for a moment. Osbourne rocks Erceg with a right hand and Erceg almost went out and Osbourne landed another punch and Erceg shoots for a takedown. Osbourne defends and is landing. Erceg attacks the leg and Osbourne is landing punches. Erceg still working for a takedown. Osbourne gets it down into the mount and takes the back of Erceg. They scramble up. Erceg gets it down and lands from the back and he attacks for a choke. Osbourne spins into the guard of Erceg. They get up and Osbourne lands a high kick. 10-9 Osbourne.

    Osbourne lands a leg kick. Erceg lands a combo, and Osbourne lands a counter combo. Erceg shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Osbourne is able to defend and they end up breaking. Erceg lands a right hand. Osbourne with a leg kick. Erceg with a high kick. Osbourne lands a kick and Erceg counters with a right hand. Erceg looks for a takedown but Osbourne defends as they clinch. Erceg lands a body kick on the break. Erceg lands and looks for a takedown and lands a knee. Erceg lands a right hand. They trade. 10-9 Erceg, 19-19.

    Erceg lands a right hand. Osbourne with a side kick. Osbourne lands a left hand. Erceg lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket and Erceg lands better. Erceg scores a takedown. Erceg working from the half-guard. Erceg gets into the mount. Osbourne trying to scramble out and Erceg takes his back. Erceg lands a couple of punches. Erceg gets the body triangle locked on and is working for a choke. Osbourne escapes and they scramble up. Erceg gets a front headlock trip takedown and lands from the top. Erceg lands from the back and looks for a choke late, lets go and lands from the mount to end it. 10-9 Erceg, 29-28 Erceg.

    Fight Result- Steve Erceg def. Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Middleweights- #9 Roman Dolidze (15-3, 9-3 UFC) vs. #10 Anthony Hernandez (14-2 1 NC, 8-2 UFC)

    Hernandez with a leg kick. Dolidze with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Dolidze with a hard calf kick. Hernandez connects with a right hand. Dolidze with a left hook. Hernandez lands a calf kick. Hernandez lands a right hand and they trade in close range. Dolidze clinches and pushes it to the fence. Dolidze lands some knees and Hernandez lands an elbow to force a break. Dolidze with a calf kick. Hernandez lands and looks for a takedown against the fence. Hernandez drags it down and has the back. They scramble up. Hernandez with a jab. Dolidze lands a leg kick. Hernandez lands and clinches. Dolidze lands a left hand. Hernandez lands a leg kick. Hernandez lands a right hand and scores a takedown. Hernandez lets him up. Dolidze lands a jab and body kick. 10-9 Hernandez.

    Dolidze throwing kicks. They roll to the mat for a moment but get right up. Hernandez with a right hand. Dolidze lands a jab. They trade right hands and Dolidze lands a combo. Both land inside the pocket. Hernandez is urging the action on as both connect. Hernandez lands a solid right hand and drags Dolidze to the mat. Hernandez lands from the back. Hernandez stands and Dolidze is ordered up. Hernandez with a left hand. Hernandez connects and Dolidze is looking tired already. Hernandez lands a hard elbow. Hernandez with a leg kick. Dolidze lands a knee and Hernandez scores a takedown. Hernandez with some knees. Dolidze rolls for a leg but Hernandez escapes. Hernandez lands a jab. Hernandez lands a right hand. Dolidze with a left hand. Hernandez hurts Dolidze with a flurry and Dolidze was running away before Hernandez got him down. Hernandez looks for a guillotine choke. He lets go and takes the back and lands. Hernandez with a knee and big shots from the top to end the second. 10-9 Hernandez, 20-18 Hernandez.

    Dolidze lands two jabs. Hernandez gets the back and gets it down. Hernandez gets to his feet and lets Dolidze up. Hernandez lands a right hand and grabs the back as Dolidze grabs the fence. Hernandez gets Dolidze down and Dolidze grabs the fence for a third time. Hernandez with some knees to the body. Hernandez with more knees as they briefly stand. Hernandez backs off and lets Dolidze get up. Hernandez lands and gets it down but stands it right back up. Hernandez lands a right hand and Dolidze slips to the mat. Hernandez gets side control from the back and lands some knees. They stand. Hernandez grabs the neck and gets it back down and lands some knees. He gets inside the guard of Dolidze. Hernandez with some shots from the top. 10-8 Hernandez, 30-26 Hernandez.

    Hernandez lands a leg kick. He lands another hard leg kick. Hernandez lands a right hand and a knee before getting Dolidze to the mat. Hernandez lands some punches as he’s controlling the back. Hernandez landing more punches. They get to their feet. Hernandez lands an elbow and grabs the body and lands some knees. Hernandez then locks in a standing choke and Dolidze taps! What a performance from Hernandez!

    Fight Result- Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Dolidze by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:45 of Round 4

    UFC on ESPN+ 103 live results: Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira

    Action inside the Octagon is back inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada for the second straight week for UFC on ESPN+ 103.

    The main event is a battle of rising middleweight contenders, both in their first UFC main event, as Anthony Hernandez takes on Michel Pereira. Both are on long win streaks as Hernandez is on a five-fight win streak while Pereira comes in riding an eight-fight win streak.

    In the co-main event, it is a battle of ranked bantamweights as Rob Font squares off against Kyler Phillips. Also on the main card is a flyweight bout pitting Charles Johnson against Sumudaerji; a bantamweight bout between Jake Hadley and the debuting Cameron Smotherman; and a featherweight battle between veterans Darren Elkins and Daniel Pineda.

    ESPN+ PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

    > Heavyweights- Austen Lane (12-5 1 NC, 0-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-1, 1-1 UFC)

    They trade kicks and Despaigne gets tripped up to the mat and Lane gets on top. Lane with some body shots from the top. Lane with more shots from the top. They work to their feet along the fence. Lane gets it back to the mat and controls and lands from the top to end the round. 10-9 Lane.

    They trade some shots with Lane landing solidly. Not a lot of action as they’re feeling each other out. Lane pressing forward as Despaigne lands a right hand. Lane looks for a takedown against the fence. Despaigne defends as they separate. Despaigne with an inside leg kick. Despaigne lands a jab. Despaigne lands a pair of hard right hands and Lane is backing up. Despaigne with a leg kick. Lane shoots for a takedown and is able to get it. He steps into mount and lands but holds on. 10-9 Despaigne, 19-19.

    Lane with a body kick. Despaigne lands a stiff jab. They trade and Lane looks for a takedown. Despaigne defends against the fence as he has the neck. Despaigne with some elbows as Lane is leaning, but Lane is able to score the takedown. Lane with body shots from the top. Lane continuing to land from the top as Despaigne is pinned on the bottom. Lane gets the mount and lands several big punches from the top as he closes the fight out strong. 10-9 Lane, 29-28 Lane.

    Official Result- Austen Lane def. Robelis Despaigne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Women’s Strawweights- Melissa Martinez (7-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Alice Ardelean (9-6, 0-1 UFC)

    Martinez lands a left hand. She lands again. They trade in close range. Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez circling around. Ardelean throwing but Martinez is circling away. Ardelean connects with a jab. Martinez lands a leg kick. Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez with a hard leg kick. Martinez with a body kick and Ardelean lands after. They trade and Ardelean lands with more volume. 10-9 Ardelean.

    Martinez lands a left hand. They trade as they circle around. Ardelean lands a left hand as Martinez is circling around. Ardelean lands a jab. Martinez lands a leg kick. Martinez with a high kick. Martinez lands a combination after Ardelean lands. Ardelean lands a leg kick and Martinez lands a leg kick. Ardelean lands a right hand. Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez with a leg kick then a high kick. Ardelean lands a right hand. Martinez with a head kick. She lands another. 10-9 Martinez, 19-19.

    They both connect to start the third. Martinez with a leg kick and Ardelean connects with a left hand. Martinez with a leg kick and Ardelean lands a combination. Ardelean lands to the body and grabs the body lock against the fence. Martinez lands an elbow that cuts Ardelean open. They separate. Martinez lands a body kick and Ardelean lands a right hand. Martinez lands an elbow. Ardelean with a right hand. Martinez lands a kick to the body and Ardelean is hurt and Martinez lands a combo after and timeout is called claiming a low blow. They look at the replay and it wasn’t a low blow and they continue the fight instead of stopping it. Martinez lands a leg kick. Martinez with a head kick. 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 Martinez.

    Official Result- Melissa Martinez def. Alice Ardelean by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

    > Women’s Strawweights- Jessica Penne (14-7, 3-5 UFC) vs. Elise Reed (7-4, 3-4 UFC)

    Penne lands a leg kick and a right hand. Reed lands a leg kick. They tie up and Reed lands a knee before they separate. Reed lands a leg kick. Penne with a leg kick and she shoots for a takedown against the fence. Penne has the body lock and Reed is defending with punches. They separate but Penne is able to score a takedown, but they quickly scramble. Penne grabs the body lock and pushes it to the fence. Penne is landing knees as Reed is throwing punches and landing some. They are separated. Reed lands a right hand. Penne with a leg kick. Penne lands a solid right hand late. 10-9 Penne.

    They trade kicks. Penne with a right hand. Penne lands a combination. Penne with a body kick as Reed lands a left hand. They trade combinations. Reed with a stiff jab. Penne grabs the body and pushes it to the fence. Penne with some knees. They separate and Reed lands a big left hand that stumbles Penne. Reed with a stiff calf kick. Penne lands a combo. Reed with a leg kick and Penne lands a counter right hand. Reed lands a right hand. Reed with a spin kick. Penne with some kicks. They trade. Penne shoots for a takedown and lands a knee from the clinch. Reed lands a right hand and Penne with some late knees. 10-9 Reed, 19-19.

    Reed lands a front kick. Reed with a few more kicks. Penne fakes a takedown and lands a right hand. Penne with a high front kick. Reed with a left hand. Reed with some right hands. They trade before a brief tie-up on the fence, but separate to the center. Penne lands a right hand. Penne lands a right hand. They trade right hands. Penne with a knee as Reed lands some punches. Penne with another knee and Reed connects with a left hand on the break. Reed scores with a combination. Penne with a right hand and Reed lands a left hand. Reed with a flurry and then ends it with a big late flurry. 10-9 Reed, 29-28 Reed.

    Official Result- Elise Reed def. Jessica Penne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Women’s Bantamweights*- Joselyne Edwards (13-6, 4-4 UFC) vs. Tamires Vidal (7-3, 1-2 UFC)

    *Edwards missed weight by three pounds

    Vidal with a leg kick. Edwards with a body kick and they trade heavy leg kicks. Edwards with a body kick and lands a jab to the body. They clinch against the fence. Vidal almost gets it down but they remain tied up. Edwards with some body shots as Vidal is trying to get it down. They separate. Vidal lands some hard punches as Edwards lands some kicks. Edwards with a spinning back fist. Edwards lands some leg kicks and another back fist. They trade and Edwards with some big punches. Edwards lands a combination and a body kick. Edwards lands a hard combination. Vidal with two big right hands. Edwards looks for a takedown and Vidal lands elbows, but Edwards scores the takedown near the end. 10-9 Edwards.

    Edwards with a high kick. Vidal with a leg kick and Edwards lands a right hand. Edwards lands a body kick. Edwards lands a pair of overhand rights. They tie up and Vidal gets the back and lands some right hands. Vidal with some knees to the legs as Edwards lands some back elbows. They separate and Vidal lands a high kick, but Edwards lands a flurry and scores a takedown. Edwards working from the half-guard. Vidal tries to scramble up from the bottom but Edwards keeps her down. They scramble but Edwards keeps it down and lands an elbow. 10-9 Edwards, 20-18 Edwards.

    Edwards pressing forward and landing front kicks. They clinch and Vidal lands a knee before separating. Vidal with some leg kicks and Edwards lands a flurry of punches. Edwards lands a combination. They clinch and Vidal with a knee. Vidal tries a spinning back fist but Edwards ducks and gets a takedown. Edwards with several big elbows from the top. Edwards mixing elbows to the head and body and now lands some punches. Vidal looks for a heel hook from the bottom. Edwards gets out and starts landing punches from the back. Edwards looking for a choke as she has the back. Edwards with some body shots. Edwards squeezing the choke and it forces Vidal to tap late in the fight. Dominant showing from Edwards.

    Official Result- Joselyne Edwards def. Tamires Vidal by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:33 of Round 3

    > Bantamweights- Brad Katona (14-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Jean Matsumoto (15-0, 1-0 UFC)

    They trade kicks. Katona with a leg kick and lands a right hand. They trade and Matsumoto lands a solid right hand. Matsumoto with a big right hand. Katona lands a right hand. Katona with a body kick and Matsumoto lands a combination. Matsumoto lands another combo. They tie up and Katona with a knee. Katona with a body shot against the fence. Katona lands a left hand as they break. Matsumoto with a leg kick. Katona with a standing elbow then follows with a right hand. Matsumoto lands a leg kick. They trade and clinch against the fence. Matsumoto looking to get it down as Katona lands elbows to defend. They break to the center. They trade. Matsumoto looks for a takedown but Katona defends. Katona with a knee to the body. Katona lands an elbow. 10-9 Katona.

    They trade inside the pocket and Matsumoto lands a solid combination. Matsumoto with a leg kick as Katona lands a right hand. Matsumoto with a jab as Katona was coming forward. They tie up and Katona opens a cut on Matsumoto with an elbow and lands another as they break. They trade solid combinations. Katona lands a right hand and then a left hand. Katona with some big punches in the pocket. They trade and Katona looks for the takedown as Matsumoto defends. Matsumoto lands some solid punches and then some leg kicks. Katona is also cut open. Matsumoto lands a combination. Katona lands a combination. Matsumoto shoots for a takedown but Katona defends. They trade knees as Matsumoto looks for a late guillotine choke. 10-9 Matsumoto, 19-19.

    Matsumoto lands a big right hand. They trade kicks. Katona comes in and Matsumoto lands a combination. Katona gets a takedown along the fence but they get right to the feet. Katona tries to get it down and Matsumoto may have grabbed the fence. They separate. They trade inside the pocket. Matsumoto with a pair of leg kicks. Katona lands a right hand. Katona tries a takedown but they scramble. Katona with some hard punches. They tie up against the fence. Matsumoto is bleeding badly and has the neck. He lets go and they trade knees. Matsumoto gets it down and lands but Katona gets up and scores a takedown but they scramble up at the end. Good fight. 10-9 Matsumoto, 29-28 Matsumoto.

    Official Result- Jean Matsumoto def. Brad Katona by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Flyweights- #7 Matheus Nicolau (19-4-1, 7-3 UFC) vs. #14 Asu Almabayev (20-2, 3-0 UFC)

    Almabayev with an inside leg kick. Nicolau lands a right hand as Almabayev was landing a calf kick. Almabayev just misses a spin kick to the jaw. They’re feeling out the timing for a lot of this round. Nicolau lands a jab. Nicolau with a jab to the body. Almabayev lands a body kick. Not much of a round. 10-9 Almabayev.

    Almabayev lands a knee to the body and Nicolau tries a takedown but they scramble right up. Nicolau lands a right hand. Nicolau with a left hook. Nicolau lands a solid calf kick. Almabayev with his own calf kick. Almabayev shoots for a single leg but Nicolau is defending. Nicolau with a right hand and he breaks away. Almabayev shoots again and Nicolau defends with elbows. They go to the mat and Nicolau has a guillotine choke locked in. It was in tight but Almabayev is able to escape to his feet. Nicolau with a leg kick. 10-9 Nicolau, 19-19.

    Almabayev with some leg kicks. Almabayev lands a right hand and Nicolau stumbles to the mat. Almabayev jumps on top and starts landing but Nicolau has recovered and looks for a leg lock. They scramble and Almabayev lands from the top. They’re scrambling on the mat but Almabayev is able to stay on the feet. Almabayev with some elbows from the top. Nicolau throwing from the bottom but Almabayev keeps landing from the top. Nicolau with a few elbows from the bottom. Almabayev continues to land from the top. They scramble up late. 10-9 Almabayev, 29-28 Almabayev.

    Official Result- Asu Almabayev def. Matheus Nicolau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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    > Featherweights- Darren Elkins (28-11, 18-10 UFC) vs. Daniel Pineda (28-16 3 NC, 5-7 1 NC UFC)

    Elkins with a pair of punches and gets a takedown. Pineda locks in a guillotine choke and has it mounted and keeps it locked in as they roll. Elkins is able to escape and is in the guard of Pineda. Elkins working from the top. Pineda is bleeding everywhere after being cut open from some elbows from Elkins. Pineda locks in another guillotine choke as they roll. Elkins is able to get out and Pineda stays on top. Elkins takes the back as they scramble up. They scramble back down and Pineda ends up in mount and lands some elbows. Pineda with some punches and lands heavy shots to end the round. 10-9 Pineda.

    Pineda lands an elbow and then trips Elkins up with a leg kick. Pineda lands to the body. Pineda lands a right hand. They clinch and Pineda lands to the body as Elkins lands a right hand. Elkins scores a takedown. Pineda attacks with the guillotine choke. They scramble up and trade punches. Pineda jumps the guillotine as they go to the mat but Elkins gets out. Pineda looks for a triangle choke and lands an elbow from the bottom. Elkins lands some punches from the top. Elkins with big elbows. 10-9 Elkins, 19-19.

    Elkins shoots for a takedown right away but Pineda defends. Elkins lands a combination. Elkins gets a takedown but they get right up. Elkins tries to drag it down but Pineda slips out and ends up on top. Pineda takes the back of Elkins but they scramble all over the place. They get to their feet and separate. Pineda defends a takedown attempt from Elkins. Elkins lands as they get to their feet. Pineda with a hard leg kick and Elkins gets tripped up. They trade and Elkins tries for an exhausted takedown attempt. They get up and trade knees. Elkins with a combination. Pineda with a heavy leg kick and goes for a guillotine choke. Elkins ends up on top and lands some elbows. They are both bleeding all over the place as the fight ends. Wild fight. 10-9 Elkins, 29-28 Elkins.

    Official Result- Darren Elkins def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Bantamweights- Jake Hadley (11-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Cameron Smotherman (11-4, 0-0 UFC)

    Hadley with an inside leg kick. He lands another. Smotherman lands a right hand and Hadley back to landing leg kicks. They trade punches. Smotherman with a combination. Hadley lands a left hand. Hadley with a body kick and Smotherman lands a counter right hand. Smotherman lands to the body. They trade. Smotherman landing with more volume as the round goes on. Smotherman connects to the body. Smotherman with a combination ending with a body kick. Smotherman lands a right hand. 10-9 Smotherman.

    They get going but Hadley lands an early groin strike and timeout is called. They get back going and trade inside the pocket. Both land solid left hooks. Smotherman with a combination. Hadley lands a solid left hand. Smotherman with a pair of right hands. Smotherman lands a combination to the body. Hadley with a straight left hand. Hadley with a pair of leg kicks. Smotherman lands a right hand. They trade and an eye poke forces a timeout. Hadley gets a point taken away. They get back to action and Hadley tries to get a takedown. Hadley lands to the body. 10-8 Smotherman, 20-17 Smotherman.

    They have a wild exchange to start the third before Hadley pushes it to the fence. They separate and both land combinations. Hadley with a leg kick. Hadley lands a left hand. Smotherman lands to the combination. Smotherman lands more to the body and lands a knee. Smotherman with a flurry. Hadley lands a left hand. Smotherman lands a groin strike on Hadley and timeout is called. They get back to action. Smotherman lands a right hand. Smotherman lands a big combination against the fence. Hadley lands a combo. 10-9 Smotherman, 30-26 Smotherman.

    Official Result- Cameron Smotherman def. Jake Hadley by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)

    > Flyweights- Charles Johnson (16-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Sumudaerji (16-6, 3-3 UFC)

    Johnson blitzes forward and throws before pushing Sumudaerji against the fence. They separate and Johnson lands a right hand. Sumudaerji with a leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a calf kick and a right hand. Sumudaerji with an inside leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a left hand and a leg kick. Johnson lands a flurry to the head and body and pushes it against the fence. Johnson with some knees. They break apart. Johnson chasing Sumudaerji around the fence and landing. They trade along the fence. 10-9 Johnson.

    Sumudaerji with an inside leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a pair of jabs. Sumudaerji landing as they’re circling around and he’s keeping Johnson at range. Johnson with a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Johnson lands a front kick. Johnson lands a leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a left hand. Johnson lands some big punches and he drops Sumudaerji with a flurry. Johnson landing lots of punches looking for the finish as Sumudaerji is defending. Sumudaerji with a big upkick. Johnson gets on top and Sumudaerji looks for a triangle choke. They sweep and scramble and Sumudaerji grabs the back. They get to their feet. Johnson gets a takedown but Sumudaerji sweeps and they scramble. Wild end to the round. 10-9 Johnson, 20-18 Johnson.

    Sumudaerji with a spinning hook kick. He grabs the leg of Johnson and briefly gets him down but they pop right up. Sumudaerji with a leg kick. He lands a left hand. Johnson lands a left hand. He lands another. Johnson landing with more volume as the round is going on as he is pressuring. Sumudaerji lands a leg kick. Sumudaerji now landing with more volume. Johnson scores a takedown and is in side control. They scramble to their feet. They scramble to the mat and Sumudaerji looks for a D’Arce choke. Sumudaerji with a knee on the way up and they trade in a wild exchange. Very fun fight. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 29-28 Johnson.

    Official Result- Charles Johnson def. Sumudaerji by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Bantamweights- #10 Rob Font (20-8, 10-7 UFC) vs. #12 Kyler Phillips (12-2, 6-1 UFC)

    Phillips lands a high kick and scores a takedown. Phillips is in side control. Phillips scrambles to the guard but moves back to side control. Phillips keeps scrambling and remains in side control. Phillips with several elbows from the top as he is in the half-guard. Phillips lands another pair of elbows. Phillips goes back to side control and lands a side elbow. Phillips with more elbows as he has total control on the mat. They scramble up and Phillips lands a spin kick. Font with an uppercut and lands a right hand. Font lands an uppercut as they break. Phillips with a combo and Font with another uppercut. 10-9 Phillips.

    Font lands a right hand. Phillips is able to get a takedown. They get to their feet and Phillips lands a right hand. Font lands a right hand. Font with a jab. They briefly tie up but break. Font lands a right hand. Font lands to the body. Font lands a combination and they clinch against the fence. Font lands a big right hand. Font lands a combination. Phillips with a leg kick. Font with a combination. Font with a right hand. Font lands and they clinch but quickly break. Font with a double jab. They tie up and Phillips with a late takedown. 10-9 Font, 19-19.

    Phillips with a leg kick and gets a takedown. They get to their feet and separate. Phillips lands a combination. Font with a right hand. Font with a flurry. Phillips lands a leg kick. Phillips with a short leg kick. Phillips works the jab but Font lands a right hand. Font with a stiff jab. Font lands an uppercut. Font with another right hand. Phillips lands a calf kick. Phillips looks for a takedown against the fence. They separate. Font lands a combination. Phillips lands a solid right hand. Font lands a right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Font, 29-28 Font.

    Official Result- Rob Font def. Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    > Middleweights- #13 Anthony Hernandez (12-2 1 NC, 6-2 UFC) vs. #14 Michel Pereira (31-11 2 NC, 9-2 UFC)

    Pereira landing a lot to start. He lands a body kick then a flurry to the head and body and has Hernandez hurt after body shots. Hernandez looks for a takedown but Pereira is defending as they’re clinched, but they separate. Hernandez lands a right hand. Hernandez lands an elbow. Hernandez with a spin kick. Hernandez throws a flurry and ties it up against the fence but they break apart. Hernandez lands a right hand. Hernandez tries a takedown but Pereira defends. Pereira with a pair of knees from the Thai clinch. Hernandez lands a combo. Hernandez lands a spinning elbow. Hernandez scores a takedown. Hernandez lands from the top at the end. 10-9 Hernandez.

    They clinch right up against the fence. Timeout for an eye poke by Hernandez. They trade and clinch but quickly break. Hernandez shoots and Pereira grabs the neck. Pereira looks for a guillotine choke. Hernandez gets out and is on top. Hernandez with some elbows from the top. Hernandez gets the mount and looks for an arm-triangle choke but Pereira gets out and scrambles up. Hernandez gets a takedown. They pop right up but Hernandez gets it right back down. Hernandez with a big flurry from the top. Hernandez with big punches and may have landed an illegal knee. Hernandez with heavy elbows and lands some right hands. 10-8 Hernandez, 20-17 Hernandez.

    Hernandez goes for the takedown right away as he grabs the body lock. They separate but Hernandez pushes it back against the fence and scores the takedown. Hernandez with some elbows and starts landing punches. Hernandez with elbows to the body and legs. Hernandez gets the full mount and lands. Hernandez with a big right hand from the top. Hernandez gets an arm-triangle locked in. It wasn’t quite in and Hernandez lets go and lands a pair of hammerfists. Hernandez has the back and lands some elbows to the body. Hernandez continues to land from the top. 10-8 Hernandez, 30-25 Hernandez.

    Pereira looks exhausted. Hernandez pushes it to the fence immediately. They separate. Hernandez lands a right hand and Pereira lands a knee as Hernandez gets it down. Hernandez landing from the back. Hernandez gets it back down right after they get up and lands from the top. Hernandez with punches from the back as they get to their feet. Hernandez scores a takedown. Hernandez with lots of hammerfists from the top. Hernandez with some elbows. Pereira is able to scramble to his feet. Hernandez lands a spinning elbow. 10-9 Hernandez, 40-34 Hernandez.

    Hernandez shoots for a takedown right away as they tie up against the fence. Hernandez drags it down but they pop right up. They separate. Hernandez lands a right hand and scores a takedown. Hernandez with some elbows and Pereira is cut open. Hernandez keeps landing and it is stopped by Herb Dean. Complete domination from Hernandez.

    Official Result- Anthony Hernandez def. Michel Pereira by TKO (strikes) at 2:22 of Round 5