UFC 235 'Jones vs. Smith' Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Polyana Viana vs. Hannah Cifers

Round 1

The first fight of the night is a women’s strawweight bout between Polyana Viana and Hannah Cifers. The referee for this contest is Mark Smith. Viana lands a low kick and Cifers returns with a straight right. Cifers lands a right hook to the body. Viana with another low kicks and Cifers returns fire with a left hook. Cifers lands a big overhand right. Viana with a front kick to the body. Cifers continues to move forward and just misses landing another overhand right. Big body kick by Viana. They exchange punches and Viana finishes the combo with a left hook. Viana lands another low kick as Cifers moves her way in. Cifers with a straight right to the body and she follows it up with a kick to the body. Viana lands another low kick. Cifers catches the kick and gets into the clinch but Viana pulls guard. Cifers is now on top landing ground and pound but Viana is working for a heel hook. Cifers manages to get into half guard. She stands back up. We’re back on the feet again and Cifers lands a low kick. Cifers lands a big overhand right and Viana returns with a low kick. Viana drops her guard and Cifers lands a massive overhand right that drops Viana. Cifers chooses not to follow her to the mat, instead chopping away at the legs. The referee stands Viana back up. Cifers continues to move forward and lands another big overhand right before the round comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Cifers
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cifers
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Cifers

Round 2

Round two begins. Cifers lands another overhand right after a Viana low kick. Now Cifers lands a low kick. Viana lands a body kick of her own. She catches Cifers with a right hook as she tries to move inside. They exchange low kicks. Viana lands another front kick to the body and Cifers returns with two low kicks of her own. As Cifers moves inside, Viana lands a left hook that briefly drops Cifers but she gets back up and Viana pulls guard. Viana is now working off her back in full guard, landing nasty elbows to the top of Cifers’ head. Viana is holding onto Cifers, who is not able to land any damage from the top. Viana is working on a high guard and the referee is warning her to work or he’ll stand them back up. Viana continues to land elbows from the bottom. Viana lands some hammerfists off her back and Cifers lands some of her own. The referee continues to warn the fighters to work but Viana is staying active but landing elbows. The round is now over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Viana
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Viana
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Viana

Round 3

Viana starts off the third round with some nice hard low kicks. Viana continues to land hard kicks to the body and Cifers just misses landing an overhand right of her own. Viana lands a high kick but it doesn’t have enough behind it to hurt Cifers. Viana continues to march down Cifers and land low kicks along the way. Cifers land a nice left hook to the body and then a right hook. Straight right to the body by Cifers. She is doing great work to the body right now, and she mixes in an overhand right for good measure. Viana lands a body kick but Cifers catches it and lands a counter overhand right but Viana shrugs it off. They clinch up and Viana lands some nice knees but Cifers lands a big left hook on the break. Viana lands a 1-2 backing away, and then a low kick. Cifers with another overhand right that just misses. The fight is coming to an end. Viana with a hard left hook and then a right left hook behind it. Cifers is biting down on her mouthpiece throwing bombs and Viana is returning fire. Great final 10 seconds of action, and the fight is going to be close on the judges’ scorecards.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Viana (29-28 Viana)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cifers (29-28 Cifers)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Cifers (29-28 Cifers)

The Official Result

Hannah Cifers def. Polyana Viana via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Gina Mazany vs. Macy Chiasson

Round 1

The second bout on the Fight Pass preliminary card is a women’s bantamweight bout between Macy Chiasson and Gina Mazany. The referee for this bout is Chris Tognoni. Immediately as the fight begins Mazany lands a straight left as Chiasson moves in. Chiasson returns with a low kick. Chiasson lands a hard body kick on Mazany. Chiasson lands a left hook as Mazany moves inside. Chiasson with another hard kick to the body, and another. She's landing the body kick at will. Mazany lands a right hook as Chiasson moves in but Chiasson gets into the clinch. She is looking for the body lock takedown on Mazany, who is doing a good job of defending. Mazany breaks from the clinch but Chiasson marches forward and lands a jab and then a straight right that rocks Mazany. Chiasson lands a left hook and then a right hook and another left hook that drops Mazany. Chiasson follows her to the ground and lands heavy ground and pound before the referee mercifully rescues her from any more damage.

The Official Result

Macy Chiasson def. Gina Mazany via TKO (Punches) R1, 1:49

Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Charles Byrd

Round 1

The final Fight Pass bout is a middleweight matchup between the undefeated youngster Edmen Shahbazyan and the veteran Charles Byrd. The referee for this contest is Mark Smith. They touch gloves to begin the bout. Byrd lands a hard low kick. Shahbazyan lands a double jab and then a straight right. Byrd ducks down for a single leg takedown and pushes Shahbazyan against the fence. Shahbazyan defends the takedown attempt and lands some hard downwards elbows to the head of Byrd that knocks him down. As Byrd falls to the mat Shahbazyan lands some hard punches to the head of Byrd, who turns over and covers up before the referee jumps in and stops the fight. In his post-fight interview, Shahbazyan gives credit to stablemate Travis Browne for those elbows.

The Official Result

Edmen Shahbazyan def. Charles Byrd via TKO (Elbows and Punches) R1, 0:38

Diego Sanchez vs. Mickey Gall

Round 1

The first fight on the televised preliminary card is a welterweight bout between Diego Sanchez and Mickey Gall. The referee in charge of the Octagon is Marc Goddard. Sanchez comes out right with a front kick but Gall lands a counter straight right. They exchange strikes in close range and Gall lands a heavy knee that staggers Sanchez. Gall lands a hard low kick and then lands a high kick that is blocked by Sanchez. Sanchez tries to get a body lock takedown but Gall defends it and lands a knee on Sanchez. Gall now has Sanchez against the fence and is teeing off with hooks to the body and head. Sanchez moves away and Gall lands another hard low kick. Gall moves forward with a jab, straight, jab combo. He lands another kick to the body. Sanchez tries to lands a right hook but he can’t reach Gall. But he manages to get inside anyways and get the clinch on Gall. Sanchez is able to get a body lock takedown, completes it, and moves into side control. He moves into half guard now. Gall is working from the bottom but Sanchez is staying heavy on top. Gall is finally up but Sanchez is hurting him with knees to the thigh. Sanchez now drags Gall to the mat. Gall uses a guillotine choke attempt to stand the fight back up but Sanchez briefly gets it back to the mat. Gall gets back to his feet but Sanchez is able to drop down for a double leg takedown and gets it. Sanchez is now working on top and is landing brutal elbows to the body of Gall. Sanchez is now in side control earning points with position. The 10-second clapper rings and the round is now over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Sanchez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Sanchez
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Sanchez

Round 2

Round two begins and Gall is looking tired. Sanchez lands a low kick. He lands a left hook to the body and uses the punch to plow forward and push Gall against the cage. Gall breaks away but Sanchez lands a kick to the body on the break. Gall moves forward with a left hook but Sanchez lands a knee and then moves away. Sanchez gets inside and Gall lands a hard left hook that hurts Sanchez. Gall looks to land a hard elbow but Sanchez moves away just in time. Instead, Sanchez lands a hard knee that has Gall badly hurt. Gall falls to the mat and Sanchez briefly takes his back but Gall rolls away. Sanchez is on top of Gall on the ground landing heavy strikes to his body. Gall gets up but Sanchez drags him back to the mat. Sanchez is on top of him looking to take full mount as Gall is completely exhausted. He achieves full mount and lands a brutal elbow from the top. Gall uses the fence to escape and nearly locks up an inverted triangle but Sanchez gets out of it. Sanchez is on top of Gall landing brutal elbows to his face and body. Sanchez is now in full mount and is just teeing off on Gall’s head from top position. This fight is close to being stopped. Sanchez is now in high mount and raining down brutal punches on Gall and the referee steps in and stops the fight. Vintage performance by the first TUF winner tonight.

The Official Result

Diego Sanchez def. Mickey Gall via TKO (Punches) R2, 4:13

Cody Stamann vs. Alejandro Perez

Round 1

It’s now time for a bantamweight bout between Alejandro Perez and Cody Stamann. The referee in charge is Chris Tognoni. Stamann takes the center of the Octagon and lands a hard low kick on Perez. Stamann ducks under and tries to land a huge overhand right but Perez moves out of the way. Stamann with another low kick. He then blitzes forward with a jab and follow it up with a straight right. Perez lands a low kick of his own. Perez throws a body kick that Stamann catches and throws Perez away. Perez engages and land a left hook on Stamann but Stamann lands a knee on the break that briefly stuns Perez. Stamann with another low kick, and another. That’s been a good weapon for him this round. Perez lands a left hook to the body and then one to the head of Stamann. They get up close and exchanges punches but neither lands anything significant. Stamann continues to march forward and lands a front kick on the body of Perez. Perez returns fire with a low kick and then puts his guard back up. Stamann continues to move forward and changes levels for a double leg takedown but isn’t able to get it. He switches to a body lock takedown but can’t complete it either and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Stamann
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stamann
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Stamann

Round 2

Round two begins. Perez is the one in the center of the Octagon now, backing Stamann up. Perez looks to land a left hook to the body of Stamann, but Stamann moves away and lands a counter right straight on the break. Now Stamann is the one back in the center of the Octagon, pushing Perez backwards. Perez lands a low kick. Perez rushes forward and Stamann backs him up with a counter left hook. Perez with a right cross down the pipe. Stamann with the jab. Perez rushes in and Stamann lands a hard counter left hook that briefly rocks Perez. Perez looks to land an overhand right but Stamann ducks under and attempts a double leg takedown. Perez stuffs it and shrugs Stamann off. They are now back in the center of the Octagon. Perez misses on a spinning back fist attempt. Stamann misses on a spinning hook kick of his own. Stamann lands a nice front kick to the body and Perez returns fire with a low kick. Stamann ducks under a Perez straight right once again for a double leg and is now shoving Perez against the fence looking for the takedown. Perez is defending nicely and landing some hard punches of his own and is finally able to break free. Stamann continues to march forward and once again gets Perez into the clinch against the fence. Perez switches position and breaks away, landing an elbow on the break. The round is now over and the referee is warning Perez now to grab the fence anymore.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Stamann
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stamann
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Stamann

Round 3

Round three begins and Perez is marching forward. He lands a hard low kick on Stamann. Perez pushes forward and has Stamann against the fence. Now Perez lifts Stamann up with a high crotch and throws him to the mat with a hard slam. Stamann is on the ground now and Perez is hurting him with kicks. Stamann stands back up. Perez takes the center of the Octagon and is finally showing some urgency as he desperately needs a finish. Stamann turns the tides and lands a hard right cross to the body of Perez. Perez looks to land a wild right uppercut but Stamann moves away. Stamann uses his jab to push Perez back against the fence. Stamann is doing a good job now of switching stances to avoid the strikes of Perez. They exchange hard low kicks and Perez moves in and clips Stamann with a right hook that briefly staggers him. Perez once again takes the center of the Octagon and he marches down Stamann and lands a hard low kick. Stamann lands a low kick of his own in return. There’s just over a minute in the fight and Perez needs a finish. Stamann has different plans, however, and he rushes in for the double leg takedown. He has Perez against the fence and Stamann finally gets him to the mat. The referee for some reason decides to stand the fighters up, drawing the ire of commentator Dominick Cruz. Perez throws a left hook out of the break. Perez is moving forward throwing hard kicks to the body. The 10-second clapper rings and both men exchange heavy leather before Perez lands a hard body kick right before the final buzzer.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Perez (29-28 Stamann)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stamann (30-27 Stamann)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Stamann (30-27 Stamann)

The Official Result

Cody Stamann def. Alejandro Perez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Misha Cirkunov vs. Johnny Walker

Round 1

It’s now time for a very exciting light heavyweight bout between Misha Cirkunov and Johnny Walker. Herb Dean is the third man in the cage for this contest. The southpaw Cirkunov throws an overhand left that Walker steps aside from. Walker bounces around and out of nowhere lands a massive flying knee that drops Cirkunov. Walker follows him to the ground and smashes Cirkunov with heavy ground and pound. Cirkunov covers up to defend but Walker continues to pour on the punishment and the referee is forced to stop the fight. Another knockout in less than a minute by Walker, who is quickly turning into one of the UFC’s biggest stars.

The Official Result

Johnny Walker def. Misha Cirkunov via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches) R1, 0:36

Jeremy Stephens vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov

Round 1

The last preliminary bout is a very intriguing featherweight bout between veteran Jeremy Stephens and rising prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov. The referee in charge of this fight is Mark Smith. Magomedsharipov lands a low kick as Stephens moves forward. He clips him with a long straight left but Stephens returns fire with a low kick of his own. Magomedsharipov lands another low kick. He then lands a heavy body kick on the torso of Stephens, who returns fire with another low kick. Stephens looks to land a right hook to the body but Magomedsharipov counters with a left hook of his own. Magomedsharipov lands a nasty low kick that has the crowd gasping at the brutal sound of it landing. Stephens continues to move forward but Magomedsharipov is having good success countering as he moves closer. Magomedsharipov grabs the fence and lands a side kick on Stephens and the referee warns him not to grab the cage. Magomedsharipov lands a hard straight left as Stephens walks towards him then lands a brutal low kick to the groin of Stephens. The referee calls timeout, but Stephens is ok and the fight resumes. Off the break Magomedshairpov looks to land a Showtime kick off the cage. He doesn’t land it but he does land a really hard kick to the body of Stephens. The round is soon over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov

Round 2

Round two begins. Stephens lands a hard low kick and continues to march forward. The referee warns Magomedsharipov not to land any more low blows on Stephens after a brief scare. Magomedsharipov just misses a rare hook kick. Instead, he lands a chopping low kick. Stephens returns with a hard left hook of his own. Magomedsharipov with a straight left down the pipe. Stephens lands a low kick of his own and then pushes forward and lands a straight right to the head of Magomedsharipov. That may have been the best strike of the fight for him. Magomedsharipov lands a brutal left hook to the body of Stephens. Magomedsharipov gets in close and grabs a single leg and then switches to a body lock takedown and gets Stephens to the mat. Stephens is able to get up but Magomedsharipov is pushing him against the fence and working hard to take the back of Stephens. He has one hook in now and Stephens could be in trouble. Magomedsharipov now has back mount with two hooks in. He lands a hard elbow to the back of the head of Stephens and the referee warns him not to do that. Magomedsharipov has over a minute to work and get the submission now and he’s in a great position to do so. Magomedsharipov lands a hard elbow that hurts Stephens and causes him to roll over. Magomedsharipov is now in full mount and he switches to back control now with two hooks in. Magomedsharipov lands some hard elbows from the back and rolls Stephens over. The 10-second clapper signals and the round is over but Magomedsharipov shoves him in the face after the final horn and the referee is forced to separate the fighters.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Magomedsharipov

Round 3

It’s now round three and realistically Stephens needs a finish if he wants to get his hand raised. Like the first two rounds, Stephens is the one moving forward but Magomedsharipov continues to move side-to-side and evade the strikes of Stephens. Magomedsharipov lands another hard kick to the body, and now a low kick. Stephens tries to land a right hook but Magomedsharipov moves away once again. Stephens has Magomedshairpov against the fence and lands a straight right that has the crowd buzzing for a second. But once again Magomedsharipov moves away from danger. Jab from the Russian. Stephens returns with a left hook and Magomedsharipov circles away. Stephens lands a right hook behind his ear. Magomedsharipov dives down for an ankle pick but Stephens hits him with a clubbing right hand and Magomedsharipov backs up. Stephens is finally having some success and is touching the chin of Magomedsharipov with his hands with just a minute left in the fight. Magomedsharipov returns fire with a left hook. Now they are standing in the center of the Octagon and trading short punches. Magomedsharipov lands two hard left hooks that really hurt Stephens. He then changes levels and goes for double leg takedown. Stephens is able to stuff it and after a last-second flying head kick attempt by Magomedsharipov the round and fight are now over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Stephens (29-28 Magomedsharipov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Stephens (29-28 Magomedsharipov)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Stephens (29-28 Magomedsharipov)

The Official Result

Zabit Magomedsharipov def. Jeremy Stephens via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Cody Garbrandt vs. Pedro Munhoz

Round 1

The first fight on the pay-per-view is a bantamweight bout between former champion Cody Garbrandt and top contender Pedro Munhoz. The referee for this contest is Marc Goddard. Garbrandt comes out firing a low kick but Munhoz backs away from it. Garbrandt lands another low kick but Munhoz grabs it and fires back with a straight right. He dives down for a leg lock but can’t get it and the fighters are back in the center of the Octagon. Garbrandt lands a jab and follows it up with a straight right. Munhoz just misses landing a high kick. Garbrandt just misses landing one of his own. Garbrandt lands a low kick and Munhoz returns one of his own. Garbrandt with a jab and follows it up with another straight right. Munhoz ducks down and wings an overhand right but Garbrandt moves out of the way. Garbrandt lands a kick to the body. Garbrandt with a straight right and Munhoz lands a low kick that seems to make Garbrandt hobble a bit. Munhoz gets close to Garbrandt and nearly lands a right hook to put him out. Munhoz lands a left hook that rocks Garbrandt and he’s down on the mat. Munhoz is now on top of his in half guard. The commentators are saying it was a headbutt that rocked Garbrandt. They stand up, and on the break Garbrandt lands a flying knee that rocks Munhoz but he quickly regains his wits. They are now standing in the center of the Octagon biting down on their mouthpieces and swinging wild, heavy punches at each other. This is pure insanity! Gabrandt lands a brutal left hook that stuns Munhoz but he doesn’t fall down. Munhoz bites down on his mouthpiece and lands a brutal right hook right on the button and Garbrandt is badly hurt. Garbrandt drops to the mat and Munhoz follows him down and continues to land punches until the referee jumps in and stops the fight.

The Official Result

Pedro Munhoz def. Cody Garbrandt via TKO (Punches) R1, 4:51

Tecia Torres vs. Weili Zhang

Round 1

Next up is a women’s strawweight bout between Tecia Torres and Weili Zhang. The referee for this bout is Chris Tognoni. They touch gloves to start the bout, with both in the orthodox stance. Zhang lands a spinning back kick. They both bounce around the Octagon and Zhang just misses landing another spinning attack. Zhang with a low kick and Torres returns with a counter straight right. Torres just misses landing an overhand right. Torres rushes in and whiffs on a hard straight right. Zhang with another spinning back kick. They clinch up, Zhang gets the body lock takedown, and Torres reverses position and is able to get back to the feet. Zhang whiffs on another spinning back kick. At this point, it’s telegraphed. Zhang looks for a spinning back fist but Torres moves aside and lands a counter straight right. They get close and Zhang clinches Torres up against the fence. In a scramble she is able to get the back of Torres and is now working for a rear-naked choke from the backpack position. Torres is doing a good job of defending it and Zhang lets go of the position. On the break Torres lands a right hook and Zhang circles away. Zhang lands a straight right and Torres ducks under and secures a body lock takedown but Zhang reverses it and lands in side control. She lands some hard elbows to the body of Torres and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 2

Round two begins. Zhang with a side kick to the body and then two hard low kicks. Zhang lands a spinning back fist. Zhang continues to march forward, landing kicks to the body and legs of Torres, who needs to get going here. Now Torres opens up and lands a body kick of her own on the torso of Zhang. Double jab by Zhang and she just misses the straight right at the end. Torres tries to move inside but Zhang lands a counter left hook on her way in. Torres looks to land an axe kick but Zhang catches it. Torres lands a straight right and they clinch up. Torres looks for the throw but Zhang defends it well and they are now clinched up against the fence. Zhang is able to land the body lock takedown and is now on top of Torres working in half guard. She’s landing some heavy punches to the head of Torres, who uses the space to create a scramble ad get on top of Zhang. Torres is now in the full guard of Zhang and looking to work from the top but Zhang is staying active from the bottom, throwing up elbows. The 10-second clapper hits and Zhang lands a hard upkick just before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Torres
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 3

Third and final round. Zhang continues to press forward and Torres pushes her back with a side kick. Zhang lands a straight right and just misses landing a high kick to end the combination. They start to exchange wild punches and both women get hurt in the melee. Zhang clinches Torres up against the fence to catch her breath and Torres breaks away. Zhang attempts another spinning back kick but Torres catches it. Zhang is able to close the distance and clinch up Torres against the fence and land some hard knees in the process. They break. Zhang lands another low kick and then a switch kick to the body. Zhang bullies her way in and lands a body lock takedown. She’s now on top working in half guard and is able to briefly pass into mount before getting back into half guard. Zhang is staying heavy on top and landing some hard elbows to the head of Torres, who can’t seem to escape from this position. Zhang is landing really hard elbows now. There’s less than a minute left in the bout. Zhang is in a dominant position and is putting the finishing touches on what would be the biggest win of her career. The 10-second clapper hits and Zhang continues to land elbows from top position until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Zhang (30-27 Zhang)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zhang (29-28 Zhang)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Zhang (30-27 Zhang)

The Official Result

Weili Zhang def. Tecia Torres via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Robbie Lawler vs. Ben Askren

Round 1

It’s finally time for the long-awaited UFC debut of Ben Askren, who takes on Robbie Lawler in a highly-anticipated welterweight bout. The referee for this fight is Herb Dean. Immediately Askren goes for a double leg takedown. Lawler is able to stuff it and then slams Askren to the mat. Wow! Lawler is on top of Askren raining down brutal punches on Askren. Somehow Askren is hanging on but his face is bleeding badly and the referee looks close to stopping the fight. We’ve never seen Askren hurt like this before. Somehow Askren is able to hold on to Lawler for dear life and get up to his feet. They stand up and break apart. Askren is pouring blood. Lawler lands a huge left uppercut but Askren keeps walking forward. He manages to clinch up Lawler against the fence but Lawler is landing some nasty knees to his body. Askren lands a knee of his own. Askren continues to push Lawler against the fence and is looking for a single leg takedown and then transitions to a double leg. Lawler defends it beautifully, but finally Askren is able to get a double leg takedown. Askren nearly takes the back of Lawler for a rear-naked choke but switches it to a bulldog choke. The choke looks very tight and Lawler's right arm appears to go limp. Herb Dean checks Lawler to see if he’s out and then stops the fight due to technical submission. It looked like Lawler was out of it but as soon as the fight is stopped Lawler protests it. On replay, it looks like an early stoppage, but it was still one heck of a comeback by Askren. Tough spot for the ref there, and it will be interesting to see what Dana White has to say about this one in the post-fight press conference.

The Official Result

Ben Askren def. Robbie Lawler via Technical Submission (Bulldog Choke) R1, 3:20

UFC Welterweight Title Fight:
Tyron Woodley vs. Kamaru Usman

Round 1

The co-main event is finally here, and it sees UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley put his title on the line against top contender Kamaru Usman. The referee for this contest is Marc Goddard. The fight begins. Usman takes the center of the Octagon and Woodley lands an overhand right then circles away. Usman ducks down for a single leg and Woodley locks onto a guillotine choke and pulls guard. Woodley doesn’t have the choke tight and Usman is landing some nice punches to the body from top position. It looks like Woodley has made an early mistake in pulling guard against a top-heavy wrestler like Usman, who is doing a good job of controlling Woodley on the mat. Woodley is trying to get to his feet but Usman is holding him against the fence and landing some hard knees to the thighs. Woodley is finally able to get back up to his feet but Usman keeps him in the clinch and lands some knees to the body. Woodley breaks it up. Usman lands a front kick to the body off the break. He lands a jab and then dives in for a single leg takedown. Woodley is able to get double underhooks and shrug Usman off of him. Usman lands a straight right and then gets Woodley into the clinch once again. Usman is landing some solid punches to the body of Woodley along the fence. The referee decides to break the clinch up. Woodley lands a straight right and Usman returns with another front kick. It appears Woodley lands a short right hook but Usman presses forward and pushes Woodley against the fence until the bell rings to end round one.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Usman

Round 2

Round two begins. Usman continues to move forward and once again he presses Woodley against the cage. Usman lands some solid knees to the thighs of Woodley to stay busy. He then lands a big elbow on the break and Woodley backs away. Usman gets him against the fence and then secures a body lock takedown and slams Woodley to the mat. Usman is now in full mount on top of Woodley with over three minutes to go in the round. Usman is on top of Woodley in full mount landing hard elbows and punches. Woodley is just hanging on for dear life here. Usman is landing really hard elbows to the face of Woodley and he’s had full mount for two minutes now. Usman is now looking to secure an arm-triangle choke but Woodley is defending it. Usman continues to rain down hard punches and elbows and the round is over. Dominant round by the challenger.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-8 Usman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Usman
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-8 Usman

Round 3

Round three begins. Usman continues to stalk Woodley and once again gets him into the clinch against the fence. Usman is landing hard punches to the body of Woodley right now. The champ is in trouble. Usman continues to press Woodley against the fence but the referee decides to break it up. Usman continues to push forward and just misses landing a straight right on Woodley. Usman uses the opportunity to get inside and push Woodley against the cage. Usman continues to land hard punches to the body of Woodley from inside the clinch. The referee breaks it up again, drawing the ire of commentators Joe Rogan and Dominick Cruz. Usman marches forward and Woodley lands a straight right that appears to briefly stagger Usman. However, Usman continues to march forward and once again pushes Woodley against the fence. Woodley gets out of the clinch this time but Usman closes the distance once again. The round soon comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Usman
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Usman

Round 4

The championship rounds begin. Once again Usman pushes forward and has Woodley backed against the cage. Woodley looks for a guillotine choke and pulls guard but Usman slips out of it. Usman is on top of Woodley and staying busy with punches to the body but the crowd is booing and the referee may feel pressured to stand the fighters up. Usman is just holding onto Woodley at this point and doing just barely enough with shoulder strikes to keep the fight on the mat. This is the worst Woodley has ever looked in his career. Finally, the ref breaks it up. Usman gets into the clinch once again and lands some brutal knees to the chin of Woodley. They break. Usman lands a big right uppercut and Woodley is hurt. Usman is pouring on the punishment with hard punches but Woodley is showing a lot of heart and staying upright. Usman with another huge uppercut and this fight is close to being stopped. Usman clinches Woodley to buy time and the fourth round is now over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-8 Usman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Usman
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-8 Usman

Round 5

The fifth round begins and Woodley needs a finish if he wants to retain his title. Usman with a hard jab and he uses it to get inside and clinch Woodley up against the fence. Woodley is fishing for a guillotine choke but Usman continues to work with knees to the thigh. Woodley at this point is just holding on for dear life. Usman uses the guillotine choke to dump Woodley to the mat. Woodley is looking for a Von Flue choke from the bottom but Usman is staying strong on top and throwing punches to the body. Usman is in half guard keeping busy throwing punches to the body of Woodley and he’s two minutes away from becoming the UFC welterweight champion. Usman continues to land hard punches, shoulder strikes, and elbows from the top. He stays busy until the final second, and he’ll soon be wearing UFC gold for his efforts tonight against the champion. Incredible performance by Usman.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Usman (50-43 Usman)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Usman (50-42 Usman)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-8 Usman (50-42 Usman)

The Official Result

Kamaru Usman def. Tyron Woodley via Unanimous Decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-45)

UFC Light Heavyweight Title Fight:
Jon Jones vs. Anthony Smith

Round 1

It’s now time for the main event of the evening as UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones puts his belt on the line against Anthony Smith. The referee in charge is Herb Dean. They touch gloves. Jones leads with a front kick, then fakes a superman punch. Smith lands a hard low kick. Jones whiffs on an overhand right, a rarity for him. He lands a spinning back kick to the body a second later, then follows it up with a low kick. Smith whiffs on an overhand right himself. Jones misses an axe kick. Smith with a straight right but Jones evades it. Jones with another spinning back kick to the body. Jones with a high kick, then a straight left to the body. Smith nearly lands a head kick on Jones but he evades it at the last second and then clinches Smith up against the cage. Smith looks to do some dirty boxing from the clinch himself but Jones lands a shoulder strike. They break. Jones continues to stand tall in the center of the Octagon. Smith with a nice jab and Jones returns fire with a side kick to the body. Smith just misses landing a straight right. Jones nearly lands a left high kick but Smith just blocks it. Another spinning back kick by Jones, then a low kick, and the first round is now over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Jones

Round 2

Round two begins. Jones leads off the left hook and then throws a straight right behind it. He’s doing a good job of switching stances tonight. Jones with a straight right and Smith counters with one of his own. Jones lands another straight right and it appears to hurt Smith. Jones starts landing heavy kicks to the body and legs of Smith. Jones lands a spinning back elbow and he has Smith against the fence again. Jones continues to land shoulder strikes and knees to the thigh from the clinch. They break. Smith lands a right hook of his own now. Jones lands a low kick. Front kick to the body by Jones and Smith returns one of his own. Smith with a straight right to the body, and then a kick to the body. Jones lands a hard front kick to the body of Smith. Jones with a straight left that stumbles Smith backwards. Jones lands another hard low kick, then another. Smith with a left hook and then just misses a counter straight right. Jones lands a straight right of his own. Jones lands yet another low kick. Those have been money for him this whole fight. Jones just misses landing a left high kick but follows it up with a straight right to the body. Jones continues to back Smith against the fence and lands a knee to the body before the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Jones

Round 3

Time for the third round. Jones with a straight right off the bat that has Smith backing up. Jones changes levels for a double leg takedown but Smith is able to defend it. Jones now has Smith against the fence and is using his dirty boxing to soften Smith up. Jones is working hard for a body lock takedown but Smith is doing a good job of keeping on his feet. Smith is finally able to get the body lock takedown and he slams Smith to the ground. Jones is holding Smith to the mat and covering his opponent’s mouth with his hand to stop him from catching his breath. Jones is now landing heavy knees to the body of Smith on the mat. Smith is curled up against the fence and in a bad spot right now. Jones continues to punch him in the body and the round is now over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Jones

Round 4

The championship rounds begin and Smith is well behind on the scorecards at this point as this fight has been all Jones up until now. Jones lands a spinning back kick to the body. He now has Smith against the fence and is teeing off with elbows. Smith is just covering up against the fence and Jones is landing punches to the body and now a flying knee on Smith. Jones throws Smith to the ground and kicks him in the arm. He’s just beating Smith up on the ground at this point. Jones moves to take the back of Smith. He’s punching Smith and his nose is busted open. Smith tries to explode up but Jones keeps him planted on the mat. Finally Smith is able to get back up to his feet but Jones slams him right back down. Jones lands a hard knee to the body of Smith, who is just trying to survive at this point. Jones with some hard elbows to the head of Smith. Now he lands some punches and the fight could be over soon. Jones with a brutal knee to the body of Smith, and then another. Jones is teeing off now with elbows and knees while Smith sits crunched up against the fence. The 10-second clapper hits and Jones hits Smith with a brutal knee to the head of a grounded opponent. Herb Dean calls time and asks to see the replay. Dean decides to take two points from Jones for the illegal knee to the head of a downed opponent. Time is back in and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 8-8
Tyler Treese scores the round: 8-8
Cole Shelton scores the round: 8-8

Round 5

It’s now time for the fifth and final round. Smith needs to go for broke now. Smith and Jones are standing in the pocket now. Smith tries to land an overhand right but Jones evades it. Jones goes for a double leg takedown but Smith stuffs it. Smith is back to his feet and lands a left hook on Jones’ chin but there’s no power behind it. Jones with a low kick. Jones steps in for an elbow and then clinches Smith against the cage. Jones is just pushing Smith against the fence and landing knees and punches, while Smith stays waiting for the clock to end things. Jones nearly powers his way to a double leg takedown but Smith defends it and keeps the fight upright. Jones lands a hard shoulder strike and a hard elbow from the clinch. Jones continues to land punches to the body of Smith. There’s one minute left in the fight and Smith needs a miracle finish if he wants to win the belt. Jones isn’t having any of that, though, as he continues to press Smith into the fence until the final bell rings for yet another dominant title defense.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Jones (48-44 Jones)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jones (48-44 Jones)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Jones (48-44 Jones)

The Official Result

Jon Jones def. Anthony Smith via Unanimous Decision (48-44, 48-44, 48-44)