UFC 229 ‘Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Ryan LaFlare vs. Tony Martin

Round 1

LaFlare opens with leg kicks and a few missed Superman punches before catching Martin on the cup with a stray inside thigh kick. Martin only needs a few seconds to recover, after which he comes back and snipes at LaFlare with a straight right hand. Martin gets hold of LaFlare and shoves him against the fence, but LaFlare breaks free at the halfway point of the round. Martin times a front kick and counters LaFlare with another nice right hand. LaFlare comes on strong in the final minute, pressuring Martin with punches and kicks, but Martin is standing tall and firing back, popping the New Yorker with more than one clean uppercut. LaFlare finishes the round with a failed double-leg, pressing Martin against the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 LaFlare
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 LaFlare
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 LaFlare

Round 2

Martin sends LaFlare to the canvas with a right hand in the opening minute of round two, then stands over his downed opponent and rains down heavy punches. LaFlare appears to go limp after one punch connects, but the next shot appears to bring him back around. Martin abandons the ground-and-pound to take top position, now working from LaFlare's half guard with more than three minutes on the clock. LaFlare rolls to his knees, exposing his back, and Martin immediately tries to take it. LaFlare seems poised to escape, so Martin transitions to top position again. Martin frames up a D'arce/brabo choke, but LaFlare frees himself and explodes to his feet before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Martin
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Martin
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Martin

Round 3

Martin catches LaFlare with his left hand low and absolutely blasts him with a right high kick, shin to temple. LaFlare crumbles to the ground and Martin pounds away on his dazed opponent; LaFlare eats a few unnecessary punches before out-of-position referee Chris Tognoni releases the fight is finished and intervenes.

The Official Result

Tony Martin def. Ryan LaFlare via KO (Head Kick and Punches) R3 3:59

Nik Lentz vs. Gray Maynard

Round 1

The southpaw Lentz opens with a few kicks to the lead leg of orthodox Maynard, who lunges at “The Carny” with a big right hand. Lentz’s first few punches find a home on Maynard’s jaw, and “The Bully” looks wobbled immediately. Lentz hustles his wounded opponent against the fence, drags him to the floor and starts pouring on the left hands. Maynard powers back to his feet, avoiding a rear-naked choke attempt along the way. Lentz catches a kick from Maynard and slugs him with a right hook, then a left, then a knee that sends him to the mat. Maynard stands up, only to be double-legged back to the floor. Lentz tries a guillotine, then abandons it in favor of dropping elbows through Maynard’s guard. Maynard is already cut open on the forehead, his face beet red as Lentz continues to pound on him with 90 seconds left in the round. Lentz postures up at the 40 second mark and starts unloading with both hands, clearly looking to put Maynard away before the end of the round. Maynard looks in danger of being stopped, even receiving a warning from referee Dan Miragliotta, but the veteran somehow climbs back to his feet just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-7 Lentz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-7 Lentz
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-7 Lentz

Round 2

Maynard gets poked in the right eye just seconds into the round, and referee Miragliotta calls the cageside doctor in to check on him. Action resumes with Maynard looking for a big right hand, and he finds the mark with a shot to the chin that puts Lentz in reverse. Lentz plants his feet near the fence and starts swinging back, and Maynard appears to catch him again. Lentz circles away and resets, then catches Maynard with a right high kick, his shin landing to the temple. Maynard’s legs go out from under him, and Lentz drops a few punches before Miragliotta steps in to end the bout.

The Official Result

Nik Lentz def. Gray Maynard via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) R2 1:19

Yana Kunitskaya vs. Lina Lansberg

Round 1

Lansberg catches a kick and gets double underhooks on Kunitskaya in the center of the cage. The Russian drives a knee to the body of Lansberg before tossing her to the ground. Now it’s Kunitskaya on top, working from half guard on Lansberg’s right side. Kunitskaya puts a forearm across Lansberg’s face as she tries to advance position, but the Swede is able to put Kunitskaya in full guard. Kunitskaya uses a can opener to break up the guard, but she’s unable to do much with top position before Lansberg scoots over to the fence and stands. Kunitskaya keeps Lansberg trapped against the fence as they fight with over-unders, now with two minutes on the clock. Kunitskaya tries another head-and-arm throw, but she botches it, allowing Lansberg to take her back standing. Kunitskaya turns around, scraping off Lansberg with the help of the fence, then tossing the “Elbow Queen” back to the ground. Kunitskaya sets up in side control with 45 ticks remaining in the round. Leaning across Lansberg’s body, Kunitskaya hunts for an arm, then abandons it in favor of smashing Lansberg with a few elbows at the buzzer.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya

Round 2

Kunitskaya uses jabs and body kicks to keep Lansberg at bay, eventually going on the offensive and putting the Swede’s back against the fence. Kunitskaya gets double underhooks and tries to rip Lansberg off the wall, but Lansberg finds over-unders and keeps her footing. Kunitskaya lands a few knees to the body, but it’s not enough for referee Chris Tognoni, who separates the fighters inside the three-minute mark. Lansberg pops Kunitskaya with a clean right hand, but the Russian is doing well to slide out of range and avoid most of Lansberg’s big shots. Kunitskaya grabs the Thai plum and lands a knee to the body as she pushes Lansberg to the wall once again. Lansberg tries to reverse, but she’s being outmuscled in the clinch by Kunitskaya and her underhooks. Kunitskaya drops to try a single-leg, eventually dropping to her knees and ankle-picking Lansberg to the ground. Lansberg looks for a kimura but still finishes the round jammed up against the cage.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya

Round 3

Lansberg comes out aggressive to start the final frame, but it’s not long before Kunitskaya gets hold of her and shoves her against a cage post. Lansberg is trying desperately to escape, but Kunitskaya’s clinch keeps her in place. Ninety seconds in, Kunitskaya completes a high-crotch single, then socks Lansberg with a few hard right hands as the Swede climbs back to her feet. The bantamweights separate with half a round remaining, and Lansberg comes after Kunitskaya with punches and a tired kick. Kunitskaya quickly wraps her up and initiates another clinch; the fighters remain tied up for another 90 seconds, with Kunitskaya working knees to the legs and body of Lansberg. Another separation from referee Tognoni gives Lansberg a chance to flash some kicks and punches at Kunitskaya, but it’s Kunitskaya who finishes the fight with a late takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya (30-27 Kunitskaya)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya (30-27 Kunitskaya)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kunitskaya (30-27 Kunitskaya)

The Official Result

Yana Kunitskaya def. Lina Lansberg via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Scott Holtzman vs. Alan Patrick Silva Alves

Round 1

Patrick fires a left high kick that bounces off the glove of Holtzman, who answers with a left hand that lands clean but doesn’t seem to faze the Brazilian. A spinning kick to the body sends Holtzman backward a few steps, after which he only shrugs at Patrick before coming forward again. Patrick comes over the top with a left hand, then catches Holtzman with a left hook that puts “Hot Sauce” on his back foot. Holtzman is lunging at Patrick with some wild, telegraphed punches; “Nuguette” dodges the punches but gets caught with a hard inside leg kick from the wrestler. An accidental clash of heads opens a cut near the left eye of Holtzman, who denies a takedown attempt from Patrick seconds later. Holtzman stings Patrick with a lunging right hand, then closes the distance for a brief clinch on the fence. Holtzman catches Patrick lunging at him and chops the legs out from under the Brazilian with a quick kick. Holtzman pounces and comes down to take top position with 40 seconds on the clock. The American postures up to drop a hard right hand, then a few short elbows. Holtzman stands up and gets slapped with an upkick right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Holtzman

Round 2

Holtzman catches Patrick rushing inside and snipes him with a short counter right hand. Patrick dives in behind a wild left hand and scores a quick double-leg takedown in the center of the cage, but Holtzman explodes back to his feet immediately. Holtzman backs up Patrick with a straight right but misses with a leaping kick behind it. Holtzman whiffs on a left hook but manages to pin Patrick against the cage. “Hot Sauce” drops for a double-leg, clinches his hands and drags Patrick to the floor with 2:40 on the clock. Patrick is in danger now, getting stacked up against the cage while Holtzman drops punches and elbows. Patrick looks for a leglock, can’t find anything, and now Holtzman looks to turn up the volume on his ground-and-pound. Patrick kicks him away and stands up with 1:45 on the clock. Holtzman jams Patrick against the fence with double underhooks, receiving repeated warnings to not grab the fence from referee Jason Herzog. Patrick reverses to the outside and tries to secure a late takedown, but Holtzman shuts him down with ease.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Holtzman

Round 3

Both lightweights come out swinging with punches and high kicks, though neither is looking terribly accurate. Holtzman lands the first hard shot with a clean right hook, but Patrick wears it well and continues to look for a homerun shot. Holtzman is staying a little more measured, but a missed Patrick left hand leaves a big opening for Holtzman to drop him with a counter right. Patrick drops to his back in a daze, barely able to raise his arms, but somehow he manages to survive a dozen follow-up punches with referee Herzog hovering nearby. Holtzman takes full mount with 2:45 on the clock, sits up to drop elbows and gets bucked out of the dominant position. Patrick puts Holtzman in full guard, but the American is still able to posture up and land some hard punches. Patrick gets hold of Holtzman’s left hand and kicks his legs up, hunting for an armbar, but Holtzman is wise to it. Holtzman moves from side control back to full mount with 90 seconds remaining. Holtzman seems to be trying to finish with an arm-triangle choke from mount but can’t find the angle. Instead, he sits up and blasts Patrick with one, two, three huge elbow strikes, knocking the Brazilian unconscious and prompting referee Herzog to finally stop the fight.

The Official Result

Scott Holtzman def. Alan Patrick Silva Alves via KO (Elbows) R3 3:42

Tonya Evinger vs. Aspen Ladd

Round 1

Evinger clinches early and lands punches to the face and body of Ladd, while ducking and weaving to avoid Ladd’s counters. “Triple Threat” closes the distance and digs an underhook to jam Ladd up against the fence. Ladd reverses to the outside and trips Evinger to the mat, then tries to pound out the former Invicta champion with hammerfists and elbows. Evinger is caught in a bad position on her knees, but she’s not taking a huge amount of damage and is doing well to prevent Ladd from taking her back. Halfway through the round, Ladd finally secures back-mount with both hooks in, then flattens out Evinger as the veteran rolls onto her stomach. Ladd is starting to land some harder punches now; they don’t look terribly damaging, but she’s not slowing down, and referee Chris Tognoni decides to stop the fight.

The Official Result

Aspen Ladd def. Tonya Evinger via TKO (Punches) R1 3:26

Vicente Luque vs. Jalin Turner

Round 1

Luque opens with a kick to the lead leg of Turner, then stalks his fellow southpaw across the cage, firing a few left hands along the way. Luque switches to orthodox and flashes a jab in Turner’s face, then lands another hard low kick. Luque knocks Turner backward with a hard right hand, then catches him with a left hook near the fence. Turner is trying to keep the shorter man at range with kicks and long jabs, but Luque’s pressure is heavy through two minutes. Halfway through the round, Luque continues to advance, still swinging murderous left hands in Turner’s direction. Luque counters a low kick with another heavy punch, then blocks a jumping knee attempt from “The Tarantula.” Turner tries an ill-advised spinning backfist and gets blown up as he turns around, courtesy of a Luque right hook. Turner hits the deck and Luque pounces, wrapping his right hand around Turner’s head to tee him up for some hellacious left hands. Turner eats one or two, but the repeated concussive shots soon knock him out cold with eyes still wide open.

The Official Result

Vicente Luque def. Jalin Turner via KO (Punches) R1 3:52

Jussier ‘Formiga’ da Silva vs. Sergio Pettis

Round 1

An active “Formiga” hops around his more deliberate, flat-footed opponent in the opening minute. Da Silva connects with a right hand, after which Pettis decides to take a turn coming forward. Pettis backs up da Silva toward the fence, but the Brazilian explodes out of the corner with a two-piece. Pettis switches between stances as he jabs his way forward on the smaller man. Pettis has been landing low kicks through the first half of the round, but now Formiga appears to be getting his timing down. Three minutes in, Formiga gets hold of a low kick and spins Pettis to the ground, but the American scrambles back to his feet instantly. Da Silva hits another takedown with 80 seconds on the clock, and this time he’s able to settle down in Pettis’ guard. Formiga rides out the remainder of the round on top, though he’s not able to inflict any notable damage from the dominant position.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Formiga
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Formiga

Round 2

Pettis is on the advance as round two begins, once again switching between stances as he applies forward pressure to the Brazilian grappler. Formiga gets in deep on a double-leg shot, but Pettis sprawls beautifully and circles away. Pettis pops Formiga with a jab but takes a left hook in return on the other side. Formiga eats a few more jabs before shooting again, switching from a single-leg to a bodylock and then dragging Pettis to the floor near the center of the cage. Pettis’ busy guard forces Formiga to stand; when he comes back to the floor, Formiga is hunting for Pettis’ neck, but the “Phenom” goes flat on his back again. Pettis tries to escape from the bottom, but Formiga’s top control is suffocating, keeping the prospect on the mat until the final 10 seconds of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Formiga
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Formiga
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Formiga

Round 3

Formiga eats a jab as he enters on a single-leg, but he keeps hold of the limb and gets Pettis off-balance. In a lightning-quick move, Formiga turns the corner and jumps up on Pettis’ back, securing the position with a body triangle. Pettis backs up to the fence, leaning the Brazilian’s weight against the wall while using two-on-one wrist control to fend off a rear-naked choke attempt. Da Silva uses his free hand to sock Pettis in the face, trying to get the Milwaukee native to expose his neck. Formiga has to switch hands, then nearly sinks his right arm under Pettis’ chin, but Pettis shows great poise in fighting out of the RNC. Pettis isn’t out of trouble yet, however, as Formiga reamains locked on his back with more than two minutes remaining in the fight. Still punching, still switching between hands, da Silva continues to hunt for the choke as time ticks away. Referee Herb Dean issues a verbal warning to Pettis for grabbing the fence, and now both fighters look up at the clock, which shows 37 seconds. Pettis finally walks off the fence, out to the center of the cage, throwing right hands over his shoulder as time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Formiga (29-28 Formiga)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Formiga (30-27 Formiga)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Formiga (30-27 Formiga)

The Official Result

Jussier ‘Formiga’ da Silva def. Sergio Pettis via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Michelle Waterson vs. Felice Herrig

Round 1

Waterson touches Herrig’s face with a left high kick in the first minute, drawing an ‘ooh’ from the crowd but not much reaction from Herrig. The early pressure comes from Herrig, but she’s being kept at bay by the backpedaling Waterson’s side and high kicks. Waterson puts a jab on Herrig’s grill and then gets on her bicycle, forcing Herrig to chase her around the outside through the middle of the round. Herrig finally catches up to Waterson and puts a right hand across her face, then puts the “Karate Hottie” on the fence with double underhooks. Waterson uses an overhook to create space and fire a knee to Herrig’s midsection. Waterson is still finding room for some hard strikes, including one particularly solid elbow to Herrig’s face. Herrig is using pure muscle here as she tries to drag and trip Waterson to the floor, but Waterson does well to keep her balance to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Waterson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Waterson
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Waterson

Round 2

Herrig brings the pressure again at the start of round two, overpowering Waterson’s clinch attempt to shove the Jackson-Wink MMA fighter against the cage once more. Waterson escapes briefly but is soon corraled again. Herrig is controlling the clinch, but Waterson is landing the better strikes, rare though they may be. Herrig absorbs a knee, a hard elbow, then Waterson escapes. Herrig walks toward Waterson in the center of the cage and gets tossed to the ground, with Waterson rolling straight into full mount. The tide has turned quickly here in the middle of the round, but Herrig manages to get Waterson in half guard. Waterson uses short, grinding elbows and a forearm across the throat to make things uncomfortable for her grounded opponent. Herrig is wrapping up from the bottom, perhaps looking for a stand-up from referee Jason Herzog. Herrig puts Waterson in full guard with 50 seconds remaining; Waterson jams her up against the base of the fence. Herrig tries to catch a ground-and-pounding Waterson in an armbar or triangle in the final moments, but Waterson breaks loose.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Waterson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Waterson
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Waterson

Round 3

Herrig walks through a few Waterson kicks to initiate another clich on the fence. The “Lil Bulldog” releases and tries to blast Waterson with an uppercut, but Waterson dodges it and circles away with a smile on her face. Waterson tries another throw but winds up on the bottom this time; the “Karate Hottie” immediately tries to catch Herrig in an armbar, unsuccessfully. Herrig is on top, but Waterson is landing some sharp elbows from her back, mostly to the top of Herrig’s head. Waterson nearly sweeps, but Herrig stays heavy on top. Waterson opens her guard and catches Herrig’s left arm in an omoplata; Herrig stands up and extracts the limb, then smashes back down into Waterson’s guard. The elbows keep coming from Waterson, who’s busier off her back than Herrig is on top. Referee Herzog stands up the fighters with just over two minutes remaining. Another clinch from Herrig, this time using a bodylock to pin Waterson to the fence. The strawweights separate with 65 seconds remaining, and Herrig lands a few clinch knees to the body. Waterson disengages and resets to slap Herrig in the face with another kick. Herrig tries one last clinch, but Waterson elbows her in the face and circles away just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Waterson (30-27 Waterson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Waterson (30-27 Waterson)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Waterson (30-27 Waterson)

The Official Result

Michelle Waterson def. Felice Herrig via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov

Round 1

Volkov fires a range-finding kick, then goes to the legs as Lewis throws his first punches. Lewis tries a left high kick of his own but can’t reach the head of the towering Volkov. The Russian presses forward, stinging Lewis with a body kick, but the “Black Beast” withstands the follow-up punches. In a bizarre sequence, Volkov lands a left hand and Lewis comes away holding his right eye. Referee Herb Dean tells Lewis to fight on, but then Volkov backs off and appears to ask Dean to pause the fight. The ref calls time, Lewis takes a moment to recover from the phantom eye poke, and then Volkov motions to his mouth, seemingly accusing Lewis of a foul. Action resumes and Lewis shoots an awkward double-leg which is stuffed by Volkov, who comes down in top position. Lewis uses an underhook to stand, then blasts Volkov with a big overhand right. Lewis tries to press Volkov against the wall, but “Drago” reverses course and trips the Texan to the mat with just under two minutes on the clock. Volkov works from side control on Lewis’ right, slamming the American’s jaw and midsection with elbows. Lewis rolls to his knees and Volkov jumps on his back, establishing back-mount with both hooks in. Lewis uses two-on-one control to fend off the rear-naked choke, then turns over and winds up on top of Volkov with 25 seconds left. Lewis lands a heavy elbow, then stands up and blasts Volkov with three or four hard right hands as the wild opening round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Volkov
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Volkov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkov

Round 2

Volkov charges forward and hits Lewis with a right hand over the top; Lewis doubles over and eats a few more punches, but he’s able to recover, such as it were, and circle away. Lewis grabs for Volkov’s legs but can’t get hold of the Russian, who continues to walk down the “Black Beast” with measured jabs. Lewis gets rocked with a right and tries to tie up, then has to bail when it looks like Volkov might reverse and trip him. Lewis is certainly exhausted, his right eye swollen, but he may be doing just a bit of rope-a-dope here, as he offers up huge right hands whenever Volkov steps into range. Volkov continues to apply pressure, switching between southpaw and orthodox as he stalks Lewis around the outside with two minutes on the clock. Lewis is doing better to avoid damage now, but his offensive output is just a smattering of Hail Mary counterpunches. Volkov is walking straight at Lewis with hands dropped low, and Lewis makes him pay by knocking out the Russian’s mouthpiece just before the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Volkov
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Volkov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkov

Round 3

Lewis punctuates a glacial opening minute with another awkward takedown attempt which is easily blocked by Volkov. The American climbs back to his feet after narrowly avoiding an uppercut on the ground. Volkov again rocks Lewis with a combination, causing him to double over, and still the Russian is unable to finish the fight. Lewis appears to be in serious pain, grabbing at his injured eye whenever “Drago” touches it. Volkov forces him backward with leg kicks and jabs as they hit the halfway point of the round. Lewis offers up a body kick and gets three in return from Volkov, who covers up as Lewis swings for the fences with his right hand. Lewis gets backed up by leg kicks again, then swings a right hand across Volkov’s face that causes the Russian to retreat. Lewis is on the advance with 20 seconds left, and he comes over the top of a Volkov low kick to floor the Russian with a big right hand. Volkov’s legs give way and Lewis is all over him, posturing up in Volkov’s half guard to unload with brutal right hands. Volkov’s head is rattled by the first four punches, but the fifth and sixth knock him out cold. Referee Dean steps between the fighters as the Las Vegas crowd explodes. Derrick Lewis pulls off what must surely be the comeback of the year, laying waste to Alexander Volkov with just seconds left on the clock. Wow.

The Official Result

Derrick Lewis def. Alexander Volkov via KO (Punches) R3 4:49

Ovince St. Preux vs. Dominick Reyes

Round 1

Reyes opens with an outside leg kick for his fellow southpaw, then he chops the base out from under a throwing “OSP” and knocks him to the ground. Reyes lands a body kick as St. Preux stands up, then goes back to leg kicks. St. Preux lines up orthodox now and narrowly dodges a Reyes left hand. St. Preux fakes a shot, slips a punch and counters Reyes with a right hand. Reyes denies the subsequent takedown attempt and shoves St. Preux against a cage post, his head buried under the chin of the former Tennessee Volunteer. St. Preux reverses and tries a double-leg as they hit the halfway point of round one. St. Preux completes the takedown but can’t keep Reyes on the mat, and fails to take the unbeaten fighter’s back as they stand. Reyes takes the outside position in the clinch with two minutes on the clock. A heavy combination rocks St. Preux, but Reyes takes his foot off the gas. A left high kick puts St. Preux on his back foot, but again Reyes allows him to recover. With 30 seconds left, St. Preux is backed up to the fence, his hands dropping lower. Reyes lets him off the hook yet again, and this fight will go to the second round.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-8 Reyes
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Reyes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Reyes

Round 2

The second round starts much slower than the first, with both 205ers looking a little gunshy. St. Preux tries a takedown, but Reyes denies him and shoves “OSP” against the fence again. St. Preux shoves him away and they meet back in the middle of the cage, where Reyes kicks at St. Preux’s legs. St. Preux throws a left high kick, but it’s blocked, and the ineffective striking from both parties continues through the middle of the frame. Reyes fends off a single-leg, lands a body kick, then gets backed up by a St. Preux left to the body.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Reyes
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Reyes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Reyes

Round 3

St. Preux tries to advance at the start of the round, once again working southpaw, but Reyes is keeping him at bay with kicks. St. Preux switches to orthodox, still can’t navigate paste Reyes’ kicks, and the slow going continues through the second minute. St. Preux throws a kick to the body and flashes a left hand in Reyes’ face, but there’s no follow-up. Reyes is throwing kicks almost exclusively, mixing in the occasional overhand left. St. Preux gets hold of a kick and trips Reyes, but “OSP” can’t complete the takedown and winds up pressing Reyes against the wall. Reyes reverses to the outside with two minutes remaining, then St. Preux breaks loose. OSP continues to plod forward, surely knowing that he must produce a finish to get the win here. Reyes isn’t making that easily, constantly backing up, kicking at St. Preux’s legs and body each time he comes near. Reyes floors St. Preux with a straight left hand just before the horn, but St. Preux is able to get up and this fight will go to a decision.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Reyes (30-26 Reyes)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Reyes (30-26 Reyes)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Reyes (30-27 Reyes)

The Official Result

Dominick Reyes def. Ovince St. Preux via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis

Round 1

Referee Jason Herzog is the third man in the cage for tonight’s lightweight co-main event. Ferguson fires a jab to the body, then a front kick, but it’s Pettis who lands the first hard strikes with a few chops to Ferguson’s lead leg. Pettis is on his back foot, looking to counter, and he gets Ferguson to walk into a speedy right hand. It’s the awkward, herky-jerky movement of Ferguson up against Pettis’ quicker, more flowing style, and so far Pettis seems to have the upper hand. Ferguson puts a one-two on the former champ, though, as he continues to chase Pettis around the outside. A straight right hand catches Pettis, but Ferguson misses with the collar-tie uppercut behind it. Ferguson is giving Pettis no room to operate now, and “Showtime” is starting to bite on Ferguson’s feints. “El Cucuy” is coming on strong in the second half of the round, finding his range and touching up Pettis with some clean boxing. Ferguson offers a big grin, dodges an angry punch from Pettis and gives the Roufusport fighter a right hand, a low kick, another right hand. Ferguson tries a cheeky “Showtime punch” in the final 10 seconds, and Pettis heads back to his corner with a marked-up face.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Ferguson
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ferguson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ferguson

Round 2

Ferguson comes out a bit too aggressive at the start of round two and walks into a vicious right hook. Pettis chases after a wobbly Ferguson, who rolls to the ground and grabs for Pettis’ legs. Pettis comes down to kneel in the guard of Ferguson, who’s now covered in blood from a nasty cut on Pettis’ hairline. Referee Herzog calls the cageside physician to check the cut, which is deep but thankfully not in a bad spot. Action resumes with 3:20 on the clock, both men smiling. Ferguson points to the cut on Pettis’ face, and Pettis tries to catch him with a head kick. Ferguson seems to have recovered fully from the knockdown, while Pettis is looking increasingly flat-footed as he’s backed up against the wall. Ferguson tags Pettis with a running right hand, gets him against the fence and rocks him with a left hook. Pettis is still standing but eating hard shots, including a slicing elbow strike. Pettis is cut on the outside corner of his left eye now, and this one looks bad, too. Ferguson continues to attack, but Pettis tags him back with a wild overhand right. One minute remains as Ferguson applies heavy pressure to his bloodied foe. Pettis is shelling up, covering his damaged face, and Ferguson keeps pouring on the punishment to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Ferguson
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ferguson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ferguson

In between rounds, referee Herzog waves off the fight. Pettis has apparently broken his right hand, causing coach Duke Roufus to throw in the towel.

The Official Result

Tony Ferguson def. Anthony Pettis via TKO (Corner Stoppage) R2 5:00

UFC Lightweight Title Fight:
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor

Round 1

Referee Herb Dean will oversee tonight’s lightweight championship main event, with judges Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato and Junichiro Kamijo scoring the bout should it complete the scheduled five rounds. The fighters are kept a few feet apart during final instructions, and they opt not to touch gloves. McGregor takes the center of the cage at the start and lobs a long left hand at Nurmagomedov, who circles to McGregor’s right around the outside. Nurmagomedov shoots a long single-leg, but McGregor sprawls, then stands and balances on one foot as “The Eagle” tries to spin him down. Nurmagomedov’s next effort yields a takedown, and plants McGregor at the base of the fence, triangling the Irishman’s legs to keep him grounded. Nurmagomedov complains that McGregor is grabbing his shorts, and referee Dean appears to swat McGregor’s hands away. Halfway through the round, Nurmagomedov remains on top, controlling McGregor’s leg and burying his head under the challenger’s chin. McGregor tries to post and stand, but Nurmagomedov still has control of his legs. McGregor frees his legs and tries butterfly guard; Nurmagomedov immediately passes to half guard and puts heavy pressure on McGregor’s torso. McGregor remains flat on his back in the final minute, trying to punch and palm strike but having little room to do so. Nurmagomedov postures up just before the horn to land a pair of punches, but McGregor saunters back to his corner with a smile on his face.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

McGregor takes the center again and fires a few kicks at Nurmagomedov, then narrowly misses with a leaping knee. Nurmagomedov comes back to the middle and floors McGregor with a missile right hand. McGregor gets back on unsteady legs and engages in a brief firefight before Nurmagomedov opts to double-leg and plow “The Notorious” to the floor. McGregor is flattened out, his right side flush to the fence as Nurmagomedov passes to side control. Nurmagomedov has an arm-triangle framed up, but he abandons it in favor of full mount. McGregor scrambles to recover full guard, but now Nurmagomedov is posturing up to land right hands to the body, a few left hands to the face. McGregor is eating some hard shots in between chatting with Nurmagomedov, who’s turning up the volume on his ground-and-pound toward the middle of the frame. Nurmagomedov stands over McGregor and bombs him with punches, both hands falling on the challenger’s face. Nurmagomedov can’t produce a finish, so he comes back to the ground, in side control on McGregor’s right side. Nurmagomedov leans across the body to try a kimura on McGregor’s left arm, but the fence gives him little room to work. McGregor sits up against the wall and leaves his neck exposed; Nurmagomedov gets a headlock but releases as McGregor stands up, now with 40 seconds on the clock. Nurmagomedov keeps him glued to the fence, with McGregor landing a few elbows to the side of the champion’s head in the closing seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov

Round 3

McGregor comes at Nurmagomedov with uppercuts to the start the round, mixing up his punches to the body and head with middling success. Nurmagomedov snaps off a jab, deflects a hard left hand, but he’s not giving McGregor much to worry about in terms of offense. The challenger continues to press forward, now sprawls on a shot and stands Nurmagomedov back up. McGregor lands a clinch elbow, but Nurmagomedov pushes him away and socks him with a hard right. Two minutes in, Nurmagomedov initiates a clinch on the fence; this time, McGregor peels the Russian’s hands away and walks him back to the middle of the cage. Nurmagomedov doubles up on a jab; McGregor answers with a body blow. McGregor shrugs off another clinch, but Nurmagomedov comes back to drive him against the fence. McGregor climbs back up from a brief takedown as Nurmagomedov keeps him pinned to the wall with 60 seconds on the clock. With his hands being controlled, McGregor’s only option in this position is to throw knees, but he has little space to do so

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 McGregor

Round 4

McGregor takes the center of the cage and keeps Nurmagomedov at a distance with long jabs and front kicks to the body. After a minute of this, however, Nurmagomedov bulldozes his way forward and plants McGregor on the ground at the foot of the fence. McGregor gets to his feet and puts both hands on the ground, but Nurmagomedov rips him away from the wall and tries to take the challenger’s back. McGregor rolls over, leaving Nurmagomedov in a three-quarter mount with McGregor trapping his right foot. Nurmagomedov abandons another arm-triangle choke setup but remains in full mount at the halfway point of the round. After eating a few solid left hands, McGregor rolls over, giving up his back. Within seconds, Nurmagomedov has his right arm wrapped around the Irishman’s jaw; seconds later, McGregor is tapping out.

What ensues is chaos. Nurmagomedov initially has words for McGregor, failing to stand up immediately after referee Dean stops the fight. The champion then climbs out of the cage and rushes into the crowd, apparently attacking someone from the McGregor camp who was sitting cageside. Meanwhile, inside the cage, one of Nurmagomedov’s cornermen -- Zubaira Tukhugov, according to UFC announcer Jon Anik -- reportedly attacked and landed a right hand on Conor McGregor. McGregor is escorted backstage by security and commissioners, while Nurmagomedov remains in the cage, demanding to have his hand raised.

“This is what I believe,” UFC President Dana White tells him. “If I put this belt on you, everybody’s gonna start throwing s--t into the Octagon.”

Moments later, Nurmagomedov is whisked backstage, and Bruce Buffer reads the official decision in an empty cage.

The Official Result

Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Conor McGregor via Submission (Neck Crank) R4 3:03