Tag: valentina shevchenko

UFC 215 live results: Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2

Posted on by Ryan Pike

Preview by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to our live cageside coverage of UFC 215 from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The UFC heads to Edmonton for the very first time, and unfortunately, the originally planned main event of flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg was scrapped due to illness from the challenger. Johnson was in search of history as he was looking for his eleventh consecutive title defense.

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes defends against Valentina Shevchenko in the new main event. The two were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 213 in July, but the fight was cancelled the day of the event as Nunes fell ill and was forced out of the bout. Their history has been long documented. Nunes holds a win over Shevchenko but Shevchenko came on strong at the end of their first fight with many thinking she would have won a five-round bout. She gets that five rounds and that chance to wrap a UFC title around her waist tonight.

The co-main event is a welterweight bout with title implications on the line as Neil Magny takes on former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos. Also on the card, fighters known for exciting fights square off in the main card opener as Jeremy Stephens slugs it out against Gilbert Melendez.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

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] after the show.

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UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Kajan Johnson (21-12-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Adriano Martins (28-8, 4-2 UFC)
Lightweights

Not a lot of action early, as Martins laid claim to the center of the cage and kept Johnson to the outside. Not surprisingly, the crowd wasn’t too thrilled with this early approach. But in the final minute of the round, Martins floored Johnson with a hard left and nearly finished him with a kneeling guillotine choke but Johnson was saved by the horn. 10-9 Martins.

More circling by Johnson to evade Martins in the second round. Johnson attempted more strikes than he did in the first round, but Martins was able to evade many of them and score some counter shots. Johnson generated more attempted offense, but Martins had the edge in Octagon control. 10-9 Martins, 20-18 on my scorecard.

Early in the third round, Johnson caught Martins coming in for a takedown with a counterpunch and dropped him for the knockout finish. The crowd didn’t like this fight at all until the finish.

RESULT: KAJAN JOHNSON (22-12-1) by knockout at 0:49 of the third round

> Luis Henrique (10-3 1 NC, 2-2 UFC) vs. Arjan Bhullar (6-0, 0-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

No Jinder Mahal for Bhullar’s walk to the cage. According to Ariel Helwani, Bhullar requested to wear his turban during his entrance and was denied.

It was a fairly back and forth opening round. Both fighters had their moments, but Bhullar was more of an aggressor and seemed to get the better of most of the exchanges. 10-9 Bhullar.

More back and forth early. Bhullar dropped Henrique with a right hand but couldn’t finish him on the ground. Bhullar got a slam, though Henrique almost wriggled free in the process. Loud “Arjan” chants. Bhullar couldn’t get much done on the ground, though, and Henrique survived. 10-9 Bhullar, 20-18 on my card.

Henrique dictated the pace early, seemingly pressing due to Bhullar’s performance in the previous round. Both fighters were pretty tired, though, and their strikes were a bit sloppy and lacked a lot of power. Henrique got the better of the exchanges, but didn’t do a ton of damage. Henrique 10-9, but 29-28 Bhullar overall. Big ovation from the crowd at the final horn.

RESULT: ARJAN BHULLAR (7-0) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

Another very loud ovation for the decision.

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Mitch Clarke (11-4, 2-4 UFC) vs. Alex White (11-3, 2-3 UFC)
Lightweights

Loud ovation for Clarke’s introduction, as he lives in Edmonton.

Clarke came out of the gates with some energy, controlling the middle of the Octagon and getting the best of some striking exchanges. He slowed down a little bit as the round wore on, though, and White began to execute. He did just enough in the first half of the round to have a very slight edge. 10-9 Clarke, but it was a close round.

White seemed to take the fight over in the second. Clarke’s strategy seemed to be tying White up in the clinch and trying to score some short-range punches. But White wriggled free and connected with a lot of elbows in the clinch, bloodying Clarke’s nose. After a couple back and forth exchanges that White got the better of, Clarke was knocked down hard and the referee waved it off.

RESULT: ALEX WHITE (12-3) by technical knockout at 4:36 of the second round

Following the fight, Clarke said it was a pleasure to fight in front of his adopted hometown and that it was his last professional fight. He thanked the Edmonton fans.

> Gavin Tucker (10-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rick Glenn (19-4-1, 1-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Another loud ovation for the entrance and introduction of a Canadian, this time for Newfoundland’s Tucker.

Tucker came out with a frenzy of offense early, but Glenn weathered the storm and began to exert control as the round wore on. Tucker seemed to initiate the offensive flurries, but Glenn’s counter-punching was more effective and he likely did more damage during the round. 10-9 Glenn.

Glenn got an early takedown, but Tucker was able to escape. After a brief back and forth, Glenn got Tucker against the cage and eventually worked him to to the ground. He didn’t get close to a finish, despite a late flurry of strikes on the ground, but Glenn had Tucker’s back or had him on his back for much of the round. 10-9 Glenn, 20-18 overall.

Glenn seemed content to stick to his gameplan in the third, clinching Tucker against the cage and once again working him down to the mat. Glenn kept going for strike finishes on the ground – punches, then knees – but Tucker kept wriggling free before the referee jumped in. Tucker nearly got finished again on the ground via Glenn’s strikes, but he once again managed to wriggle free and survived the round. The referee realistically had three or four good chances to stop the fight, but didn’t. Tucker may not have gotten a single instance of offense during the entire round. Glenn 10-8, 30-26 overall.

RESULT: RICK GLENN (20-4-1) by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 29-27)

> Sarah Moras (4-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith (#15, 5-2, 2-2 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Evans-Smith got Moras down and was working on the ground for position. Moras wriggled free out of a tough spot and, eventually, grabbed hold of Evans-Smith’s arm and rolled through for an armbar and a submission victory. Moras spent roughly 85% of the round on her back with a foot, shin or knee in her face, but she executed some impressive grappling.

RESULT: SARAH MORAS (5-2) by submission at 2:51 of the first round

“All I heard was my coach shouting ‘use your legs!’ So I used my legs.” – Moras, explaining her submission victory to Joe Rogan.

> Sara McMann (#6, 11-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Ketlen Vieira (#13, 8-0, 2-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

McMann came out fast and took Vieira into the cage with a clinch, eventually executing a takedown attempt that ended with her in Vieira’s guard. Vieira defended well for a while, then survived a flurry of McMann strikes from the mount and countered and grabbed McMann’s ankle, but McMann fought out of that as the round ended. McMann 10-9.

Vieira was very sharp in the second round. She stuffed a takedown attempt from McMann and got the better of their exchanges in the clinch along the cage. Eventually Vieira scored a takedown and gradually worked into an arm triangle on the ground. With no way out, McMann tapped out.

RESULT: KETLEN VIEIRA (9-0) by submission at 4:16 of the second round

PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

After being roughly 60% full for much of the prelims, Rogers Place looks to be roughly 85% full for the beginning of the main card. The biggest gaps in the seating are down low, in the expensive seats.

> Jeremy Stephens (#8, 25-14, 12-13 UFC) vs. Gilbert Melendez (#14 LW, 22-6, 1-4 UFC)
Featherweights

Stephens hung back a bit early in the first, letting Melendez take the fight to him and executing leg kicks to Melendez’s lead leg to wear him down. Twice he dropped Melendez with this method, the second time Stephens went for the finish but the horn saved Melendez. Otherwise, Stephens still got the better of their striking exchanges. 10-8 Stephens. The commission doctor checked on Melendez before the second round began.

Both fighters made adjustments for the second round. Melendez slightly adjusted his stance, but kept advancing on Stephens. Stephens kept hanging back, but was much more active in initiating striking exchanges and mixing up his combos. Melendez continued to be on the receiving end of much of Stephens’ offense and was knocked down by another leg kick late in the round. 10-9 Stephens, 20-17 Stephens through two.

Stephens continued his dominance in the third round. He knocked down Melendez with a leg kick and he rolled to his feet, so Stephens encouraged the crowd to cheer for him. Stephens dropped Melendez twice more with leg kicks, but wasn’t able to finish the fight. 10-8 Stephens, 30-25 Stephens overall.

RESULT:JEREMY STEPHENS (26-14) by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)

Post-fight, Stephens put over his fiance for letting him postpone the wedding to take this fight. He also put over Melendez as one of the best ever, but noted he doesn’t think his game has evolved.

> Ilir Latifi (#10, 12-5 1 NC, 5-3 UFC) vs. Tyson Pedro (#13, 6-0, 2-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

The opening round was incredibly close. Punches were met by counterpunches. Clinches were met with counters. Takedowns were followed by scrambles to standing positions. Latifi got a couple big takedowns, the best countering a Latifi attempt at a headkick, so he had a very slight edge. But both men executed well. Latifi 10-9.

The second was even early on, with Pedro anticipating Latifi’s strikes well and countering. But the round swung on a takedown by Latifi midway through, as Latifi was able to keep Pedro on the ground or on the fence in the clinch for the duration. 10-9 Latifi, 20-18 Latifi through two.

Latifi seemed content to counter Pedro’s offense and stay out of danger early in the third, but eventually he scored a takedown out of the clinch and kept Pedro on the mat for the remainder of the fight. 10-9 Latifi in the third and it should be 30-27 in his favour overall. It wasn’t an incredibly entertaining fight, but Pedro had no answer for Latifi’s gameplan.

RESULT: ILIR LATIFI (13-5, 1 NC) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Henry Cejudo (#2, 10-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Wilson Reis (#5, 22-7, 6-3 UFC)
Flyweights

It was back and forth early, with Cejudo consistently getting the better of the exchanges. Reis scrambled out of a guillotine attempt by Cejudo, but Cejudo managed a few nice offensive flurries and a takedown late. 10-9 Cejudo.

Cejudo caught Reis on the button with a clean right hand that dropped him, then followed up with a flurry of punches on the ground before the referee jumped in to stop the fight. Very strong performance by Cejudo, particularly with his striking.

RESULT: HENRY CEJUDO (11-2) by technical knockout at 0:25 of the second round

> Neil Magny (#6, 19-5, 12-4 UFC) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (#10, 26-9, 15-7 UFC)
Welterweights

Dos Anjos countered an early Magny punch with a leg sweep to get him on the ground, then gradually worked through Magny’s guard and finally locked in an arm triangle for the submission. Magny never really got out of the gates in this one.

RESULT: RAFAEL DOS ANJOS (27-9) by submission at 3:43 of the first round

Joe Rogan put over dos Anjos as a potential title contender during the post-fight interview, and dos Anjos declared that he’s coming for the belt.

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid was shown on the big screen for easily the loudest crowd reaction of the night. (Arjan Bhullar was the second loudest.)

> Amanda Nunes (C, 14-4, 7-1 UFC) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (#1, 14-2, 3-1 UFC)
UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

Once she got into the cage, Nunes didn’t look at Shevchenko at all during the fighter introductions, stretching in her corner facing her coaches until Bruce Buffer finished his introductions.

Nunes controlled the middle of the cage throughout the first round, but seemed to hestitate with her striking – double-clutching on a couple openings early on. She avoided a Shevchenko takedown attempt and narrowly got the better of a few striking exchanges. It was a very close round. 10-9 Nunes, but it was extremely close.

The second round was equally close. Nunes maintained her Octagon control, but Shevchenko was much more active in engaging with strikes and was more effective than Nunes was in terms of delivering damage. Another very close round, leaning 10-9 Shevchenko. 19-19 through two rounds.

Nunes and Shevchenko continued at the same pace in the third round. Once again, Nunes controlled the middle of the Octagon and left Shevchenko to circle around the outside. Nunes engaged a bit more with her striking, though, with Shevchenko attempting to create offense via counters. It was another tough round to score, leaning 10-9 Nunes. 29-28 Nunes through three rounds but really any scores could be defensible.

The fourth round was very similar to the third. Nunes began throwing more leg kicks, but they were the extent of her offense. Shevchenko began engaging more from the outside and got the better of several striking exchanges, including a very nice knee to the body of Nunes in the middle of the round. 10-9 Shevchenko, arguably the least close round so far. My scorecard is 38-38 through four close rounds.

The fifth round opened up a bit, as both fighters were more aggressive than they had been previously. Shevchenko got the better of several standing striking exchanges. After a failed takedown attempt along the cage, Nunes managed to get one and take Shevchenko’s back. Shevchenko escaped, then was taken down again after some work along the cage by Nunes. Shevchenko was on the defensive for the better part of this round. 10-9 Nunes. My scorecard reads 48-47 Nunes through five very close rounds.

The crowd booed frequently throughout the fight (and chanted for their hockey team), which is a bit of a shame considering it was a very tactical bout between evenly-matched opponents.

RESULT: AMANDA NUNES (15-4) by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

UFC 213 loses its main event due to Amanda Nunes illness

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

UFC 213 has lost its scheduled main event on the day of the show.

Ariel Helwani first reported on his Twitter account this afternoon that Amanda Nunes, the UFC women’s bantamweight champion who was supposed to face Valentina Shevchenko in
the main event tonight, is currently in the hospital.

Helwani noted that Nunes has been feeling ill all week. The fight wasn’t officially off when he first tweeted, but he then confirmed that it wouldn’t be happening in a post on MMA Fighting.

The Yoel Romero vs. Robert Whittaker fight for the interim middleweight title will now be moved to the main event position and one of the prelim fights will be moved up to the main card. The rest of the pay-per-view lineup includes Fabricio Werdum vs. Alistair Overeem, Daniel Omielanczuk vs. Curtis Blaydes, and Anthony Pettis vs. Jim Miller.

Travis Browne vs. Aleksei Oleinik is the top fight scheduled for the FS1 prelims.

UFC 213 card takes shape with Cody Garbrandt unable to fight

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With Cody Garbrandt unable to compete at UFC 213, Amanda Nunes will headline the UFC’s marquee International Fight Week event for the second straight year.

Dana White revealed to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto last night that Garbrandt was officially off of the card. Garbrandt was scheduled to defend his bantamweight title for the first time against TJ Dillashaw, but he has been battling back problems and was sent to Germany to see a stem cell specialist earlier this month.

Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s bantamweight championship is now the main event of UFC 213 on July 8th in Las Vegas. That matchup had been announced previously but wasn’t scheduled to headline the pay-per-view until Garbrandt vs. Dillashaw fell through.

Nunes was elevated to the top spot on the UFC 200 card last July when Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones was canceled at the last minute due to Jones failing a USADA test. She won the title by defeating Miesha Tate on that show.

An interim middleweight title bout is also set for UFC 213, with Yoel Romero taking on Robert Whittaker.

Controversy over Georges St-Pierre receiving the next shot at Michael Bisping’s title instead of Romero began as soon as that fight was scheduled, but White later announced that plans for Bisping vs. GSP had been scrapped when St-Pierre posted that he wouldn’t be available to compete until after October. Bisping is unavailable to fight right now due to a knee injury as well, so Romero will face Whittaker for the interim belt.

White told Okamoto that Demetrious Johnson vs. Dillashaw for the flyweight title is being planned for August, but Johnson tweeted that he hasn’t agreed to anything and is waiting on a contract to defend against Ray Borg. Johnson wrote that Dillashaw can come down to flyweight and get a win first if he wants a title fight.

As was previously revealed, Robbie Lawler vs. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Fabricio Werdum vs. Alistair Overeem, and Anthony Pettis vs. Jim Miller will also take place at UFC 213.

UFC on FOX 23 live results: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 23: Shevchenko vs. Pena, emanating from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the women’s bantamweight division, which could be a title eliminator bout, as first-ranked Valentina Shevchenko takes on second-ranked Julianna Pena. Shevchenko comes into the fight after winning a convincing decision over former champion Holly Holm in July. Shevchenko’s only UFC loss came to current champion Amanda Nunes, a bout in which she was winning late. Pena is undefeated in the UFC, having won four straight, and is coming off a win over former title challenger Cat Zingano.

The co-main event is a welterweight bout that has fireworks written all over it as Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will square off against Jorge Masvidal. Cerrone has been on fire since moving up to the welterweight division as he has won four straight fights. Masvidal has been calling out Cerrone for a long time, and now he looks to add to his two-fight win streak by derailing Cerrone’s quest for a title shot.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight slugfest as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski looks to end a three-fight losing skid when he takes on rising heavyweight prospect Francis Ngannou, winner of eight straight fights.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Jason Gonzalez (10-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. JC Cottrell (17-4, 0-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Gonzalez rocked Cottrell early but Cottell gained the momentum by scoring a takedown. Cottrell was landing from the top before Gonzalez was able to reverse position and get to the feet. Gonzalez grabbed the neck of Cottrell and was able to lock in a D’arce choke and that was it as he forced Cottrell to tap out! Submission win in the opening bout for Jason Gonzalez. After the bout, Gonzalez called out Drew Dober as he wants to avenge the loss he suffered to Dober in his UFC debut.

Official Result- Jason Gonzalez def. JC Cottrell by submission (D’arce choke) at 3:54 of Round 1

> Alexandre Pantoja (16-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Eric Shelton (10-2, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights

They traded early in the round with Pantoja getting the better of it with body kicks. Pantoja was able to take the fight to the mat and worked for the choke from the back before Shelton was able to spin free and get on top. They got to the feet and Pantoja landed a big kick but Shelton got a takedown close to the end of the round. A close first round but I score it 10-9 for Pantoja.

Pantoja was getting the better of the striking but Shelton was always able to reverse into takedowns. Pantoja went for a guillotine at one point but it didn’t come close to submitting Shelton. Shelton was able to land a flying knee before Pantoja score a takedown and took over the end of the round as he threatened with submissions from the back. They were pretty even on the striking this round but Pantoja’s ground control scored this round 10-9 for him, and I have Pantoja up 20-18 heading into the final round.

The pace slowed down in the third round considerably. That might be a common theme with the Denver altitude tonight. They stood on the feet and were just trading single punches. Neither man was doing much as the cardio was slowing them down. Pantoja was getting the better of the striking though Shelton stood toe-to-toe with him. This was Pantoja’s round 10-9 as he was the more effective striker. I have the fight 30-27 for Pantoja. This was a very good fight despite the slower-paced third round. Big mix of scores all over the place in this fight, and Pantoja took the fight on two of the three scorecards to get a split decision. It was definitely a close fight and one that could have gone either way.

Official Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Eric Shelton by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Marcos Rogerio de Lima (14-4-1, 3-2 UFC) vs. Jeremy Kimball (14-5, 0-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights (de Lima missed weight, coming in at 209.6 pounds)

de Lima landed some big punches early but Kimball was firing back. Kimball tripped inside the Octagon and fell to the mat and de Lima capitalized and started landing monstorous punches from the top before the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Unfortunate end for Kimball as de Lima gets the early stoppage win.

Official Result- Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Jeremy Kimball by TKO (punches) at 2:21 of Round 1

> Eric Spicely (9-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Alessio Di Chirico (10-1, 1-1 UFC)
Middleweights

They traded early on before Di Chirico got a takedown. Spicely locked in a triangle choke and started squeezing tighter and got Di Chirico to tap out. Slick submission win for Spicely in the opening round as he makes quick work. Spicely called out Dan Kelly for a fight in his post-fight interview.

Official Result- Eric Spicely def. Alessio Di Chirico by submission (triangle choke) at 2:14 of Round 1

> Henrique da Silva (12-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Jordan Johnson (6-0, 0-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Johnson got a big takedown early on and locked in an anaconda choke and had it on deep. Johnson let it go, though. da Silva was looking gassed out early after the choke. Johnson was controlling the pace and landing some big punches as da Silva was missing, and the first round definitely belonged to him after a late takedown. 10-9 first round for Johnson.

Johnson got a huge takedown at the start of the second round. Johnson was completely dominant from the top position landing lots of ground-and-pound. They got to their feet but Johnson was doubling up on his punches as da Silva just looked exhausted. Big round for Johnson as I had it 10-9, and Johnson up 20-18.

Johnson got another takedown at the start of the third. Johnson would get to his feet and the crowd would boo da Silva staying on the mat. da Silva was extremely gassed out. Johnson was landing big from the top and in complete control as the fight went the distance. The most dominant round of the fight for Johnson as that was a 10-8 final round. I have it 30-26 for Johnson. Johnson had a clean sweep on the scorecards, but no 10-8 scores from any of the judges in any round.

Official Result- Jordan Johnson def. Henrique da Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bobby Nash (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Li Jingliang (11-4, 3-2 UFC)
Welterweights

They were trading back and forth and Jingliang rocked Nash with some big punches. Nash had some takedowns defended but he dropped Jingliang with a big left hook and Nash had a rear-naked choke locked in. Jingliang survived to the end of the round but took a beating late. 10-9 Nash in the first round.

Nash rocked Jingliang with a nice combination and went to the grappling and had Jingliang clinched up against the fence. Jingliang got a brief takedown but Nash scrambled up. Jingliang then dropped Nash with a big right hand and one more punch on the ground ended the fight. This was a great fight and a big knockout win for Jingliang.

Official Result- Li Jingliang def. Bobby Nash by knockout (punches) at 4:45 of Round 2

> Raphael Assuncao (#4, 23-5, 7-2 UFC) vs. Aljamain Sterling (#7, 12-1, 4-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

There were a lot of feints from Sterling as he was dodging punches from Assuncao. Sterling was keeping Assuncao at a distance with his long reach but Assuncao was able to land some punches. This was a close round as neither did a ton to win the round, but Sterling landing a lot of kicks may have gotten him the round. I have it 10-9 for Sterling.

Strange moment early in the second with a low blow from Assuncao that wasn’t called, but he didn’t jump on a hurt Sterling. Fans were booing the action in the round as not much was happening. Sterling wasn’t throwing any punches in the round and Assuncao was far more active. They went back to trading kicks and the fans were growing restless with the action in this round. They traded leg kicks late. I have round two 10-9 for Assuncao, and it tied up at 19-19.

They were trading and the pace was picking up. Sterling was landing more and keeping Assuncao at good range. The fans were still booing because while the activity picked up a little, it wasn’t all that exciting. Sterling started landing more late and threatened with takedowns in the round. Assuncao was missing more. This is a close fight overall. I have round three 10-9 for Sterling, and Sterling winning 29-28 overall, but this one will be interesting on the scorecards. Assuncao took the fight on two scorecards, which seemed like a good call as it was real close.

Official Result- Raphael Assuncao def. Aljamain Sterling by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Nate Marquardt (35-16-2, 13-9 UFC) vs. Sam Alvey (29-8 1 NC, 6-3 UFC)
Middleweights

They had a grueling clinch battle against the fence. Both were switching positions but neither was able to get a distinct advantage. Not a whole lot of action went on and then when the ten-second block sounded, Alvey landed a big knee and came on with a late flurry that likely got him the round. It was really a nothing round for the first 98 percent of it. I have it 10-9 for Alvey.

Marquardt came on with a flurry as Alvey was clearing looking to set up a counter punch, but it was costing him early in this round. Alvey knocked Marquardt down at one point but did nothing to capitalize on it. Marquardt was bleeding from his cheek. Neither man was doing much and the crowd began booing. Alvey landed a good combination at the end of the round. This one was more clear for him. 10-9 Alvey in the second round and I have him up 20-18.

Marquardt got a takedown in the third round and had Alvey planted against the fence in the clinch. He took Alvey down again and was working for the choke. Alvey was able to work back to his feet and was starting to get the edge on the feet with just over a minute left. Neither man did a lot in the last minute before Marquardt landed a combo in the closing seconds. I have round three 10-9 for Marquardt. I have the fight 29-28 Alvey overall. It will come down to how the first round was scored in my eyes. All three judges had the fight for Alvey. Alvey called for a fight against Jack Marshman in his post-fight interview.

Official Result- Sam Alvey def. Nate Marquardt by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Alex Caceres (12-9 1 NC, 7-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Jason Knight (15-2, 2-1 UFC)
Featherweights

They spent most of the round on the feet and exchanging. Caceres showed good head movement and good overall footwork to keep away from Knight and was more accurate with his strikes. Caceres was winning the round until very late when Knight got a big takedown and had Caceres locked in a rear-naked choke, but the round ended before he could finish. A 10-9 round for Knight.

They were trading back-and-forth again before Knight got a takedown again. Knight was threatening from the back with a choke and punches and had Caceres planted firmly on the mat. Knight got the choke locked in and he forced Caceres to tap! Knight with a big submission win in the second round and he has now won three straight fights. Knight called for a fight against Doo Ho Choi for his next fight.

Official Result- Jason Knight def. Alex Caceres by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:21 of Round 2

> Andrei Arlovski (#7, 25-13 1 NC, 14-7 UFC) vs. Francis Ngannou (#10, 9-1, 4-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

They were trading back-and-forth and then Ngannou landed a big right uppercut that sent Arlovski airborne and down and then Ngannou finished him off with some more punches. A very violent finish by Ngannou, who has shown to be a legitimate threat in the heavyweight division.

Official Result- Francis Ngannou def. Andrei Arlovski by TKO (punches) at 1:32 of Round 1

> Donald Cerrone (#5, #11 LW, 32-7 1 NC, 19-4 UFC) vs. Jorge Masvidal (#12, 31-11, 8-4 UFC)
Welterweights

They were standing and trading early on. Cerrone was landing kicks but Masvidal was landing some punches. Cerrone went for a takedown but it was defended, though he landed a head kick. Masvidal’s lead leg was all red from eating the leg kicks from Cerrone. Masvidal landed a big right hand that dropped Cerrone and he landed some punches. Herb Dean stepped in but it happened to be right at the end of the round. Dean said the fight wasn’t over and it was the end of the round. Masvidal stole it at the end. 10-9 Masvidal.

Masvidal knocked Cerrone down again and Cerrone got up but Masvidal was landing to the body and Herb Dean stepped in and stopped the fight. Masvidal with the biggest win of his career and that ends Cerrone’s undefeated run at welterweight.

Official Result- Jorge Masvidal def. Donald Cerrone by TKO (punches) at 1:00 of Round 2

> Valentina Shevchenko (#1, 13-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Julianna Pena (#2, 8-2, 4-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Pena got an early clinch and pushed Shevchenko to the fence. Shevchenko swept to a takedown but Pena was able to scramble up and they were back in the clinch. Shevchenko got another takedown into side control. Shevchenko got into the guard and ended the round on top. First round was for Shevchenko 10-9.

It was another clinch battle with Pena having Shevchenko pressed against the fence. Pena got a takedown and was in the full guard of Shevchenko. Pena was doing enough to keep the fight on the mat but Shevchenko was active on the bottom with good defense. Shevchenko got an armbar in from bottom and Pena tapped out! That armbar came out of nowhere and Pena was in all sorts of trouble. Shevchenko likely secured herself the next title shot at Amanda Nunes. Nunes came into the Octagon after the fight and they exchanged words post-fight.

Official Result- Valentina Shevcheko def. Julianna Pena by submission (armbar) at 4:29 of Round 2

UFC on FOX Chicago live results: Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC on FOX 20: Holm vs. Shevchenko from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

This event is headlined by a five-round bout in the women’s bantamweight division as former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm takes on Valentina Shevchenko. In the co-main event, it is a pivotal lightweight bout as Edson Barboza takes on former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

– UFC On FOX 20 Observer Panel Predictions
– UFC On FOX 20 DFS Playbook

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 4:30 PM ET/1:30 PM PT)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
LUIS HENRIQUE (8-2 1 NC, 0-1 UFC) VS. DMITRY SMOLIAKOV (8-0, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Henrique misses a head kick. Smolyakov with a leg kick and then another. Henrique with a big punch and a knee that rocks Smolyakov and they clinch against the fence. Smolyakov with some punches in the clinch. They trade knees and Henrique lands one on the break. Smolyakov with a right hand and Henrique goes for a takedown but it is defended. Smolyakov with short punches in the clinch and some body punches. Smolyakov with a right hand. Henrique with a takedown attempt and he picks Smolyakov up and slams him. Henrique with some punches from the guard and then a big round of elbows. Henrique looking for a finish with some big punches and elbows. 10-9 Henrique.

ROUND 2- Smolyakov already looks gassed out. Henrique lands a left hand. Smolyakov with a leg kick and stuffs a takedown attempt from Henrique. Henrique looks for a high kick but eats a right hand as they clinch against the fence. Henrique working for the takedown. Smolyakov works for a takedown but Henrique sprawls and starts landing some punches. Henrique takes the back and landing some punches from the back. Henrique with more big punches and looking to finish. Smolyakov is doing nothing. Henrique with more punches. Smolyakov with a back elbow but still eating a lot of punches. Henrique with more punches as Smolyakov is doing nothing. Henrique has the choke in and Smolyakov instantly taps out. Henrique with the submission win.

Official Result- Luis Henrique def. Dmitry Smolyakov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:58 of Round 2

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was a very poor fight and not a good showing for Dmitry Smolyakov. He doesn’t look like he is ready for the UFC and tapped out the moment he found himself in trouble on the ground. It’s only his first UFC bout but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is cut- it was that awful of a showing. Luis Henrique got the win but didn’t look like a viable threat in the division. He is just 22, so there is plenty of room for improvement.

FEATHERWEIGHTS
JIM ALERS (13-2 1 NC, 1-1 1 NC UFC) VS. JASON KNIGHT (13-2, 0-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- They trade punches to start. Alers lands a solid combo. Knight with an oblique kick. They trade again. Knight with another oblique kick. They trade right hands. Alers with a right hand and a left hand. Knight with a big leg kick that trips Alers up. Knight with a solid jab followed by a right hand and an oblique kick. Knight with some trash talk in the middle of the fight daring Alers to take him down. They trade punches and Knight is cut under the right eye. Leg kicks from Knight and then a high one. They trade and clinch but Knight shakes the clinch off. Alers with a leg kick. Knight with a leg kick but eats a right hand from Alers. Alers scores a big takedown. Knight scrambles to his feet. Alers with a jab. Knight with a leg kick but it is checked. Alers with a left hand. Knight with a good combo. Knight gets a big takedown but gets right back up and begs Alers to stand. Knight with a solid combo. Good round. 10-9 Knight.

ROUND 2- Knight with a leg kick. Alers with a big right hand and they scramble to the mat but back up after a second. Knight with a leg kick. Alers lands a big right hand countering a combo from Knight. Knight with another oblique kick. Alers lands a left hook. Knight with a body punch and then lands a left hand. Knight with another leg kick. Knight with a good combo. Alers with a jab to the body. Knight with more taunting during the round. Knight with a leg kick. Knight with more leg kicks. Alers is now cut above his right hand. Knight with more trash talk. They trade and Knight with a right hand and then some more and then a front kick. Knight with a big leg kick and then another. Alers isn’t checking leg kicks but scores a takedown. Alers in the guard and Knight looking for a gogoplata. Alers esacapes to his feet and lands a big right hand as he gets back in the guard. They get to their feet and Knight with a quick takedown and they scramble. Good round and fun fight. 10-9 Knight, 20-18 Knight.

ROUND 3- Alers comes out and hurts Knight right away with a right hand and instantly gets the takedown. Alers with some punches from the top but Knight is very active from the bottom. Alers gets to his feet and Knight is able to push off and gets to his feet. They scramble and finally separate. Knight with a leg kick. Alers looking very tired right now. Knight with a body punch. They trade punches and Knight with a leg kick. Knight with a right hand that cracks Alers. Knight with another oblique kick. Alers goes for a takedown but it is stuffed but he gets one and into side control. Alers into the guard and Knight working rubber guard. Both men scoring with strikes on the ground. Knight with short punches from the bottom. Knight uses the cage to scramble to his feet. Knight gets a quick takedown but back up as the fight ends. Great fight. 10-9 Alers, 29-28 Knight.

Official Result- Jason Knight def. Jim Alers by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Early contender for fight of the night. I’m not sure how you can give Alers two rounds so that is a bad scorecard in my eyes. Knight showed a lot of improvement compared to his first bout against Tatsuya Kawajiri. He can have some fun fights but will need to keep his emotions in check against tougher competition. Alers has just one win in four UFC bouts but with this entertaining bout he will see another fight in the Octagon in all likelihood. Alers has good skills but needs to work on conditioning, checking leg kicks as they did a lot to hurt him in this fight and not telegraphing his takedowns so much.

WELTERWEIGHTS
ALEX OLIVEIRA (14-3-1 1 NC, 3-2 UFC) VS. JAMES MOONTASRI (9-3, 2-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- They both try and land kicks but they miss. Oliveira went for a takedown but it was defended. They are clinched and Oliveira with short punches. They scramble but Oliveira presses Moontasri right back against the fence. Moontasri spins Oliveira around and lands a knee to the body. Oliveira with a knee that went low and we have a timeout. Moontasri is in a ton of pain. He is able to continue after taking time to recover. Moontasri with a leg kick. They are clinched against the fence and each land short punches. They trade knees. Moontasri with an elbow. Oliveira going deep for a takedown but can’t get it. Oliveira lands a knee. Moontasri with an elbow. They are still clinched and Oliveira with some uppercuts as the round ends. 10-9 Oliveira.

ROUND 2- Moontasri with a leg kick and then a high kick. Oliveira with the clinch against the fence. Oliveira going deep looking for a takedown and lands a low knee. Moontasri reverses position but Oliveira reverses back. Oliveira has the single leg. Oliveira with a knee to the body. They both miss uppercuts. Oliveira dropping down working hard for the takedown. Oliveira with the takedown and he steps over to half-guard. Moontasri trying to scramble but ends up getting almost mounted. Oliveira with punches from the top. Oliveira with more punches from the top. Moontasri has Oliveira in his closed full guard. Oliveira with a big right hand followed by hard elbows and punches from the top. Moontasri is tired. Oliveira with big punches to the body from the top. Oliveira with more punches as Moontasri scrambles. They get to their feet and Oliveira with a knee to the body. 10-8 Oliveira, 20-17 Oliveira.

ROUND 3- Moontasri with a high kick. Oliveira lands a right hand and Moontasri is able to counter with a right hand. Oliveira with a right hand and pressures Moontasri against the fence and scores the takedown. Oliveira with punches and elbows from the top. Oliveira in the full guard and lands a body punch. Oliveira with more smothering punches from the top control. Oliveira with body punches from the guard. Oliveira with more short punches from the top as he’s doing enough to keep the fight from being stood up. Oliveira with body punches. Oliveira with more punches to the body from the top. This is going to the judges. 10-9 Oliveira, 30-26 Oliveira.

Official Decision- Alex Oliveira def. James Moontasri by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Oliveira with a very dominant win over Moontasri in kind of a boring fight. He fought a smart fight in keeping the distance closed and using the clinch and takedowns to smother Moontasri. Moontasri is a distance striker but was never able to get a rhythm going on his feet, and he didn’t look like he ever fully recovered from the early low blow. He has some work to do in the clinch and on the ground and Oliveira really exposed his weaknesses. As for Oliveira, he has had some good showings in the UFC and this is his most complete win so far in six appearances.

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX- 6 PM ET/3 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS
MICHEL PRAZERES (19-2, 3-2 UFC) VS. J.C. COTTRELL (17-3, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- They trade leg kicks. Prazeres with a high kick. Prazeres ducks under a right hand and scores a takedown but Cottrell gets back to his feet. Cottrell with a right hand but Prazeres counters with a takedown. Prazeres tries to scramble to the back and Cottrell reverses and Prazeres is looking for an omaplata. Prazeres’ legs are really locked down on Cottrell’s arm. Cottrell tries to roll out and Prazeres uses the scramble to end up on top. Cottrell attacking the arm from the bottom. He lets go and Prazeres is in the half-guard. Prazeres looking to move to the mount. Cottrell with body punches from the bottom. Prazeres passes to side control. Prazeres does a good job at keeping Cottrell from scrambling out. 10-9 Prazeres.

ROUND 2- Prazeres with a leg kick. Cottrell tries to land a right hand but Prazeres ducks under and lands a takedown. Cottrell scrambles but gives up his back and Prazeres takes him down. They get to their feet but Prazeres still has the back and then lets go. Cottrell misses a body kick. Prazeres ducks under another punch and gets another takedown and has the back of Cottrell. They get to their feet but Prazeres still has the back. Prazeres with a big right hand on the break. Prazeres with a body kick. Prazeres with another takedown. Prazeres with some body shots in the guard of Cottrell. They get to their feet and Prazeres with a knee to the body. Cottrell stuffs a takedown attempt. Prazeres with a couple of leg kicks and then scores another takedown. They both land body punches as both look tired. 10-9 Prazeres, 20-18 Prazeres.

ROUND 3- Prazeres with a solid combination. Cottrell lands a right hand but Prazeres fires back his own right hand and then a head kick. Prazeres with a solid flush combo and then a body kick. Prazeres with punches to the body and head and then a body kick and he goes right into a takedown. They scramble to their feet and Prazeres has the back. They break. Prazeres with a combo to the body and then clunches against the fence. Cottrell is very tired. Prazeres with a combo and then ties up with Cottrell. They trade punches and Prazeres with a right hand. Prazeres with another brief takedown. Prazeres with a right hand. Prazeres with a left hand and then an overhand right. Cottrell with a low blow but there are ten seconds left. 10-9 Prazeres, 30-27 Prazeres.

Official Result- Michel Prazeres def. JC Cottrell by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was an uneventful fight. Cottrell took the fight on short notice and it really showed as he got tired early. Prazeres is physically imposing at 155 pounds with a large, muscular frame, but he played it completely safe in this fight. When he had Cottrell in trouble, he wasn’t looking for a finish but instead went for takedowns. He was getting them all, and it made him tired, and while he dominated the fight, it didn’t show much in the case of overall ability. He can get the takedowns, but against a good wrestler, he’s gonna need to rely on the striking, and his gameplans are gonna hurt him against better competition.

WELTERWEIGHTS
KAMARU USMAN (7-1, 2-0 UFC) VS. ALEXANDER YAKOVLEV (23-6-1, 2-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- They clinch right away against the fence. Usman with short punches. Yakovlev with a knee. Usman with a brief takedown and gets another. Usman with punches from the top. Usman gets Yakovlev back down and he is warned multiple times about grabbing the fence. John McCarthy takes a point away as he did give Yakovlev multiple warnings and he did grab the fence about three times. Yakovlev gets to his feet but Usman still has the body locked. Usman with knees. Usman with another takedown and Yakovlev is grabbing both fence and Usman’s shorts again. Usman drags Yakovlev down and is in side control. Usman back in the full guard of Yakovlev and lands an elbow. Usman controlled the round and wins big with the point deduction. 10-8 Usman.

ROUND 2- Yakovlev with a leg kick and Usman with a right hand. Yakovlev with a body kick. He lands another. Usman with a right hand to the body. Yakovlev with another hard body kick. Yakovlev with a knee to the body. They clinch and Usman deep in for a takedown. Usman gets the takedown and is in the half-guard. Usman with body punches from the top. Usman with more big punches from the top. He is doing enough to keep the fight on the mat. Yakovlev attempts to scramble as Usman made a mistake in stepping over and Yakovlev looking for a leglock. Usman escapes and is in the north-south position. Usman with elbows to the body. Usman with more punches to the body. 10-9 Usman, 20-17 Usman.

ROUND 3- Yakovlev misses a knee and Usman closes for a takedown. Usman with body punches as he has the back. Usman steps over into the half-guard. Usman with body punches. Yakovlev trying to scramble out from the bottom. They get to their feet and Usman gets another takedown and is in full mount. Usman with punches from the top. Usman with elbows looking for the finish in the full mount. Usman with more elbows from the top. Yakovlev rolls and gives up his back. Usman with a knee to the body. Usman has the back. Yakovlev got to his feet and grabbed the fence again. Usman with some knees to the legs and drags Yakovlev to the ground and gets into the mount. Yakovlev with a cut under the eye. Usman with punches and elbows from the top. Yakovlev survived the fight but this was complete domination. 10-8 Usman, 30-25 Usman.

Official Result- Kamaru Usman def. Alexander Yakovlev by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was a completely dominant performance from Kamaru Usman. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all that exciting. Yakovlev had nothing for him on the mat and couldn’t avoid the takedowns if his life depended on it. Yakovlev’s best defense on the mat was grabbing the fence and he could’ve had more than just one point taken away. A complete nothing performance from Yakovlev, and he could be cut after this. Usman looks like he’s going to be a real solid threat at 170 pounds, and his wrestling is very strong. This was a strong win for him.

FEATHERWEIGHTS
(#11) DARREN ELKINS (20-5, 10-4 UFC) VS. GODOFREDO PEPEY (12-3, 4-3 UFC)

ROUND 1- Pepey with a spinning back kick and then a spinning back fist to start and he stuns Elkins. Pepey with a knee in the clinch and they break. Pepey with a high kick and Elkins is able to counter with a takedown and is in the guard. Pepey looking for a kimura and Pepey reverses to full mount. They scramble and Pepey pins Elkins down and is on top. Pepey with a big right hand. Pepey passes to half-guard and they scramble to their feet. Elkins looking for a takedown against the fence and gets it and lands an elbow on the way down. They trade punches on the ground. Pepey attacking from the bottom by throwing up the legs. Elkins with body punches from the full guard. Pepey looking to attack with his legs again. Elkins with some hammerfists from the top. Elkins with short elbows and Pepey is able to scramble to his feet. Elkins picks Pepey up and Pepey looking for a kimura as he has the arm of Elkins. Elkins back in the full guard. Good round of action. 10-9 Elkins.

ROUND 2- Pepey with a spin kick and he goes to the mat and Elkins chases him down. Pepey has the leg and is looking for a kneebar and Elkins is scrambling to escape. Pepey with some hard elbows from the bottom. They scramble to their feet and Pepey lands an illegal knee. Elkins was clearly down and that was clear as day. Pepey landed a right hand after as well. Herb Dean deducts a point from Pepey. Elkins is bleeding. Pepey with a right hand. Elkins ducks under a right hand from Pepey and gets a takedown. Elkins with some body punches from the bottom and blocking Pepey’s offensive attempts. Hard elbows from the bottom by Pepey. Elkins with some hammerfists from the top and then goes with the elbows. 10-8 Elkins, 20-17 Elkins.

ROUND 3- Elkins with a big body kick to start the third round. Elkins with another high kick. Pepey with a body kick and Elkins gets the body and Pepey pulls guard. That was a dumb move by him. Pepey with a punch from the bottom. Elkins with some elbows from the top. Elkins with some more ground and pound. Pepey pushes Elkins off but Elkins gets right back into the half-guard. Pepey separates and they get to their feet. Pepey misses a jumping knee and pulls guard and Elkins back on top. Elkins with more hard elbows from the top. Elkins with a big right hand from the top. Elkins mixing it up with strikes to the body and head. Pepey with small punches from the bottom but doing nothing to escape. Pepey tries to push off but Elkins is relentless from the top. Elkins with more big strikes from the top as the fight ends. 10-9 Elkins, 30-26 Elkins.

Official Result- Darren Elkins def. Godofredo Pepey by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 30-26)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was your standard smothering performance from Elkins. He looked as good as usual and Pepey gave him a fight. Unfortunately for Pepey, he made a lot of mistakes. Not only was the blatant knee that led to a point deduction a head-scratcher, so was him pulling guard multiple times and allowing Elkins’ suffocating top game to take over. Pepey hasn’t fought in a long time but is not ready for the level of Elkins. Elkins just keeps grinding along.

BANTAMWEIGHTS
(#12) FRANKIE SAENZ (11-3, 3-1 UFC) VS. (#15) EDDIE WINELAND (21-11-1, 3-5 UFC)

ROUND 1- Saenz with a couple of leg kicks to start. Saenz with another leg kick. Wineland with a quick takedown but they scramble right back up. Wineland with a right hand. Saenz with a leg kick. They trade punches. Saenz with a leg kick and lands a right hand after. Wineland drops Saenz with a right hand and he has him in trouble. Saenz recovers but gets tagged by Wineland again. Saenz lands an uppercut. Saenz gets a takedown. Saenz with some body punches on the ground. Wineland with an elbow from the bottom. Saenz with an elbow from the top. Wineland scrambles and gives up his back. Saenz drags him down. Saenz is cut pretty big at the top of his head. Saenz just holds position as the round ends. 10-9 Wineland.

ROUND 2- Saenz with a low kick and we have a timeout as it got the wrong part of Wineland. Back to action and they trade kicks. Wineland just misses an uppercut. Saenz lands a right hand after Wineland lands a right hand to the body. They trade right hands. Saenz with a right hand. They each land and Wineland with some solid punches. Saenz with an inside leg kick and it went low. We have a brief timeout as Wineland says it wasn’t that bad. Saenz lands a right hand but Wineland counters with a combo. Saenz misses a spinning back fist and eats a combo from Wineland. Wineland stops a takedown from Saenz. Saenz with a knee to the body and then a leg kick. Wineland lands an uppercut. Wineland clips Saenz with a right hand and he goes down for a moment. 10-9 Saenz, 19-19.

ROUND 3- This is a close fight. Saenz with a leg kick after they trade punches. Wineland lands a right hand. Wineland ducks under a Saenz punch and lands a right hand to the body. Saenz with an inside leg kick. He goes for a takedown but Wineland throws him back off. Wineland with a big right hand that drops Saenz and Saenz is in big trouble. Saenz to his feet and Wineland with more big punches and it is stopped! Big TKO win for Wineland in the third.

Official Result- Eddie Wineland def. Frankie Saenz by TKO (punches) at 1:54 of Round 3

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was a very solid fight and Wineland looked solid for being out for the last year. He dropped Saenz multiple times and connected clean in the third and finished Saenz when he had him in trouble. Saenz was unable to find openings against the unique style of Wineland but it was a close fight until the finish. Both men are still solid top-15 fighters in the division.

MAIN CARD (FOX- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS
FELICE HERRIG (10-6, 1-1 UFC) VS. KAILIN CURRAN (4-2, 1-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- Herrig with a body kick. Herrig with a left hand. Herrig with a combo and a body kick. Herrig with another body kick. Curran tags Herrig but Herrig takes the fight to the mat. Herrig gets the back and has a rear-naked choke locked in and Curran is fighting it off. It is still in but Curran trying to survive. Curran taps! Herrig with the submission win in the first round.

Official Result- Felice Herrig def. Kailin Curran by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:59 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This fight went quick but Herrig looked like the veteran she is and Curran looked a little cautious and nervous out there. Herrig has been out of action for well over a year due to a lot of personal and mental issues but the layoff didn’t seem to effect her here. Curran is just now 1-3 in the UFC, and while she has loads of potential, she may be on the chopping block. That may be a good thing for her since she had only three pro bouts before coming to the UFC, and some more experience against lesser competition may be the best for her.

HEAVYWEIGHTS
FRANCIS NGANNOU (7-1, 2-0 UFC) VS. BOJAN MIHAJLOVIC (10-3, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Ngannou is a specimen to be seen. I hope he’s not USADA’s next victim. Mihajlovic misses a right hand. Ngannou with a left hand that drops him. Ngannou with big punches from the top and this fight is quickly stopped. Mihajlovic is upset but this was a mauling that went quick.

Official Result- Francis Ngannou def. Bojan Mihajlovic by TKO (punches) at 1:34 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- That went how it was supposed to go. Ngannou is a big, scary dude at heavyweight and with tons of power. He made a bold statement that he will be champion in his post-fight interview. Mihajlovic was just a sacrificial lamb giving up five inches in height, 31 pounds and ten inches in reach. Ngannou can be a legitimate contender but needs to fight someone who has been around in the UFC for a while in his next fight. Mihajlovic may be one and done in the UFC. He is definitely too small for heavyweight and would get crushed by a lot of light heavyweights as well.

LIGHTWEIGHTS
(#6) EDSON BARBOZA (17-4, 11-4 UFC) VS. GILBERT MELENDEZ (22-5, 1-3 UFC)

ROUND 1- Melendez lands a right hand. Barboza with two leg kicks and Melendez with two right hands. Melendez with a combo. Melendez goes for a takedown but it is defended and he lands a right hand. Melendez fakes a takedown and throws Barboza’s footwork off track. They trade and Melendez lands a left hand. Barboza goes for a kick but Melendez catches it and chases him to the fence and lands a knee. Barboza with two heavy leg kicks. Barboza with a spinning back kick to the body. They trade punches. Melendez lands a nice combo and a solid left hook. Barboza with a left uppercut. Barboza with a body kick. They exchange punches and Barboza with a right hand. Melendez with a right hand. Barboza with a flying knee to the body. 10-9 Barboza.

ROUND 2- They trade wild punches to start the second round. Melendez just misses a right hand as he tries to close the distance. Melendez with some right hands. Melendez goes for a takedown but Barboza throws him off and Barboza with some leg kicks from the standing position. Barboza with a leg kick. Barboza with another leg kick and Melendez goes down and eats a right hand on the way back to his feet. Barboza with another leg kick. Barboza with a switch kick to the body and then a leg kick and then one back to the high body. Melendez stuns Barboza with a right hand. They are firing away. Melendez had Barboza in trouble there. Barboza has slowed down but lands a leg kick. Melendez with a body kick but Barboza catches the leg and gets a takedown. Both men landing on the ground in an exciting end to the round. 10-9 Barboza, 20-18 Barboza.

ROUND 3- Barboza with two leg kicks. Another big leg kick from Barboza forces Melendez to switch stances. Barboza with a left hook and another leg kick. Barboza with another leg kick. Melendez misses a right hand. Barboza with more leg kicks. Melendez misses a right hand and eats another leg kick from Melendez. Barboza with another leg kick. Melendez shoots for a takedown but easily defended by Barboza. Barboza with more leg kicks but Melendez checked one. Melendez just misses a right hand. Barboza misses a leg kick. Melendez with a right hand. Great performance from Barboza. 10-9 Barboza, 30-27 Barboza.

Official Result- Edson Barboza def. Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Another great showing from Barboza, who keeps improving every time he’s inside the Octagon. He went to his bread and butter, the leg kicks, and Melendez paid for it. Barboza is technically great, but there are still some signs that he leaves himself open for trouble. Melendez dropped him once and didn’t capitalize on it, and by going for the takedown instead of attacking Barboza more on the feet, likely cost him the second round and could’ve changed how he fought in the third. Barboza is in an interesting position now as his teammate is Eddie Alvarez, the lightweight champion, but Barboza is definitely creeping up in the title discussion.

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS
(#2) HOLLY HOLM (10-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. (#7) VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO (12-2, 1-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- Both faked leg kicks to keep the distance in the opening minute. They trade leg kicks. They trade leg kicks again. Shevchenko with a left hand. Holm drops Shevchenko with a left hand and lands a high kick as Shevchenko got up. Shevchenko with an inside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a right hook and Holm lands a side kick. Holm misses a head kick. Shevchenko lands a right hand. They each land kicks. They clinch and Shevchenko with a takedown. Holm right back up. Holm with knees in the clinch. Holm with short knees as she has Shevchenko pressed against the fence. They break. 10-9 Holm.

ROUND 2- Shevchenko with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Shevchenko misses an axe kick. Holm just misses a side kick. Shevchenko with a leg kick. The pace is slow this round. Shevchenko with the clinch looking for a takedown but Holm turns her around. They break and Holm stumbles. Shevchenko with a right hook. Shevchenko with a spinning back fist that Holm blocks. Holm with a side kick to the body. Holm lands a right hand but Shevchenko counters with a left hand. Shevchenko with an inside leg kick. They trade punches. Shevchenko with a left hand. Holm lands a right hand as Shevchenko stumbles. Holm with a leg kick and Shevchenko misses a spinning back fist but lands a leg kick. 10-9 Shevchenko, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Shevchenko with a leg kick. Shevchenko with a right hook. Shevchenko just misses the spinning back fist. She is trying to time it. Shevchenko with a leg kick and then a side kick. Holm misses a head kick. Holm with a right hook. Shevchenko lands a right hand and then a jab. Holm tries a leg kick and Shevchenko catches it and takes her down. They scramble up and Holm puts Shevchenko against the fence. Holm is cut above her right eye. They scramble and Shevchenko with another takedown. Shevchenko in the half-guard. Shevchenko lands a couple short punches and then a knee to the body but not very active otherwise. Crowd booing big time hoping for a standup. Shevchenko lands some elbows from the top. 10-9 Shevchenko, 29-28 Shevchenko.

ROUND 4- Holm with a right hand and Shevchenko with a high kick. They trade kicks. They both miss kicks. Holm just misses a side kick. Shevchenko lands a combo. Shevchenko with a wheel kick. Holm with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Shevchenko with a combo. Shevchenko with a leg kick. They clinch for a moment and Holm with a body kick on the break. Holm lands a left hand. Shevchenko with a combo and a leg kick. Shevchenko with a combo. Not much happened this round. 10-9 Shevchenko, 39-37 Shevchenko.

ROUND 5- Shevchenko lands a right hand. Shevchenko with a Superman punch. Shevchenko lands a combo. Holm lands a right hand. Holm with a leg kick. Shevchenko with an inside leg kick and then a wheel kick that lands and then a counter right hook. They trade leg kicks. Shevchenko lands a right hand and then a left hand. Holm with a leg kick. Holm with a body kick. They trade punches and Holm lands a side kick. Shevchenko lands a right hand and then a jab. Holm getting aggressive at the end and lands a right hand. Shevchenko misses the spinning back fist. Shevchenko lands a combo. 10-9 Shevchenko, 49-46 Shevchenko.

Official Result- Valentina Shevchenko def. Holly Holm by unnaimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- With this result, you really have to question even more the booking decisions made in this division. There was lots of money thrown away by not going with the Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm rematch, and now neither are champion and Holm is no longer in title contention. As for this fight, it was clear that Holm couldn’t get going because she works best as a counterstriker, and Shevchenko fought a calm and patient fight where she didn’t get aggressive and Holm had no answer for her. Holm is clearly not what she was when she fought Ronda Rousey, for whatever reason that may be. Shevchenko could’ve beaten Amanda Nunes had there been two more rounds, and she is a threat in that division. Still, this risky booking in this division may have killed it dead for now. Holm didn’t get going, expecting the counterpunches, and Shevchenko was the better fighter in this fight.