UFC 292 ‘Sterling vs. O’Malley’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Maryna Moroz (125) vs. Karine Silva (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-155), Moroz (+130)

Round 1

I’m a sailor peg, and I lost my leg. Climbing up the topsails, I lost my leg! I’m shipping up to Boston, to find my wooden leg. As it turns out, the UFC is also shipping off to Boston, for the first time since UFC on ESPN 6 back in 2019. There may be wooden legs in the TD Garden, but there will absolutely be fights – a dozen, in fact. The first comes in the flyweight division between a pair of action fighters, as Silva (16-4, 2-0 UFC) brings her destructive ways to the table in a revenge match against extremely tough out Moroz (11-4, 6-4 UFC). Combined, the two have 23 stoppages in their 27 pro wins, although all four decisions are on the ledger of the Ukrainian. The action begins without a glove of touch under the watchful eye of referee John English, and instead Silva looks to find her immediate range with kicks high and low. Moroz stays on the outside with a jab stuck out every so often, and she gets in to back Silva off momentarily. Moroz strides forward to land a few strikes, and Silva gives three back in rapid succession. Moroz checks a kick as she resets, and she misses the mark with a head kick by a short distance. Moroz jabs the midsection, and Silva swings back with counters that are just out of reach. Silva peppers the lead leg and waist with kicks, and she loads up with a sharp left hand that intercepts Moroz and knocks her to her seat. Moroz springs back up and clinches up to get her wits back about her. The two jockey for position, and Moroz is the one to separate first as she lands three strikes in rapid succession. Silva lashes out with a head kick, and she catches Moroz with a subsequent combination. Silva surges forward to mix things up, shooting in for a double-leg takedown, and she manages to trip Moroz up and set her down on the mat. Silva passes guard easily to move all the way to north-south position, and she hangs onto Moroz’ neck with her right arm. As Moroz sits up, Silva jumps guard for a guillotine choke, but “The Iron Lady” steels herself and passes through it to claim top position. Silva is still clinging to the neck, and she stretches Moroz out to reposition herself with the choke and crank it with all her might. There are just seconds left on the clock, and Moroz hangs on and tries to grit it out. The submission is frighteningly tight. On the verge of consciousness, Moroz taps out, and the horn immediately blows after English intervenes. Silva releases the grip and lets out a shout of victory, and she leaps atop the cage wall to motion to the crowd to celebrate with her. Exacting revenge on a woman that beat her in 2014, Silva becomes the first fighter to ever finish Moroz as a professional.

The Official Result

Karine Silva def. Maryna Moroz R1 4:59 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Andrea Lee (125) vs. Natalia Silva (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-355), Lee (+280)

Round 1

Keeping things in the flyweight division but now with a matchup that should have immediate rankings relevance, Lee (13-7, 5-5 UFC) looks to hold her ranked spot while keeping her UFC record above .500. Nipping at her heels will be hard-charging Brazilian Silva (15-5-1, 3-0 UFC), who will be eight years younger while holding a higher finish rate coming into this pairing. The cage general for this match will be referee Kevin MacDonald, and the ladies practically sprint at each other without bumping their fists together. Both peel back at the last moment, and they settle down in kickboxing range hurling kicks at one another. Both ladies miss their strikes, and this brings them closer together. When they engage again, both get off kicks on the other, and Silva is the faster of the two as she gets in and out of danger before absorbing a counter. Lee maintains a high guard to defend against Silva’s lead leg kicks that fly at her face, and she marches forward to trade leather. Silva pops her with a left hand, and she punctuates an exchange with a straight right hand that surprises Lee and marks up her nose. Lee suddenly realizes she is hurt, and she wobbles back and tries to get her bearings. Silva does not race after her, and instead allows Lee to regain her composure as they trade punches and kicks at range. Lee blocks a kick and counters with a right hand down the middle, and she shakes out her hand a few times. They clash shins together at the same time, and then release head kicks one after the other while out of range. Silva marks up her foe with a one-two and a high kick, and this causes blood to spray from Lee’s nose. Silva is able to potshot and do work at her own preferred distance, and Lee looks to reply from a kick but is blocked. Silva chains a few punches into a kick, and Lee again shakes out her hand. Silva stays light on her feet and spins with a back kick to intercept an advancing Lee. The Brazilian puts a stamp on the round with a few punches and a body kick, and the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva

Round 2

The flyweights meet in the middle, and Silva is the initial aggressor prodding out kicks and frustrating Lee right out of the gate. Lee looks for her own leg-based strikes, and Silva sees them coming and either parries them or is out of the way before they reach her. Lee comes up short on a few high kicks, and Silva chews up her foe’s lead calf with her shin. Silva strafes from side to side, not allowing Lee to cut her off, and she misses a side kick to the head by a matter of inches. Lee gives chase, and she boots the Brazilian upside the head. Silva shakes her head and responds with a kick of her own, and she strings together a one-two and a head kick to follow. Silva plans her instep on the ribs, and she pushes off with a front kick to stop Lee from reaching her. Lee doubles up a jab and gets off a right hand, and Silva shrugs it off and keeps moving. When one head kick misses from Silva, her second from the other leg finds its home on the face. Lee plods forward to pressure Silva, and she forces a brief exchange of fists before Silva backs off. Lee lands a clean body kick, and Silva pays her right back with the same strike. Lee gets off another body kick, eats one back, and slides her shin over the side of the head of her adversary. Silva pays it no mind as she cruises from her distance and kicks. Lee whiffs on a big overhand right, and Silva connects with a leg kick and a right hand for good measure. Silva bloodies up Lee’s nose again with a front kick, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva

Round 3

The flyweights reach the final round, and Silva moves immediately to the center of the cage and whips a high kick up fast. Lee leans back, and Silva fires off a kick with her other leg that Lee barely blocks. Silva picks and pokes with kicks, safely strafing to the sides any time Lee gains ground on her. The Brazilian is far faster, and much more elusive as Lee cannot seem to get a hold of her. Lee lands a single leg kick, and Silva counters with a right hand over the top and slaps her in the face with her foot. Silva times a perfect front kick that knocks Lee off her feet, and Lee is quick to climb back up. Silva gets in her kicks and Lee cannot answer with anything of note, which allows Silva to groove and style on her. Lee’s offense is largely relegated to single strike attempts, and Silva sees them coming and dodges or weaves. Silva rips a kick to the body when Lee tries to crowd her, and she springs back to avoid a front kick. Lee sells out with a leaping right hand, and Silva pays her back with three strikes in rapid succession. When Lee kicks the body, Silva goes up high. Silva puts three punches on the chin and gets a head kick up to follow it, and Lee’s nose begins to leak once more. Silva tries her two-punch plus a kick combination, and Lee shells up to defend it. A spin kick from the Brazilian also comes up short, and Lee marches on but still struggles to find any effective offense. Silva scores one final kick, and the one-sided striking match ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva (30-27 Silva)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva (30-27 Silva)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva (30-27 Silva)

The Official Result

Natalia Silva def. Andrea Lee via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Gerald Meerschaert (185) vs. Andre Petroski (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petroski (-245), Meerschaert (+200)

Round 1

Grappling fans will likely get their money’s worth with this early preliminary headliner at middleweight. A perfect 4-0 in the Octagon since coming into the league off his unsuccessful jaunt on Season 29 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Petroski (9-1, 4-0 UFC) is a man on a mission with an equal distribution of knockouts and submissions on his ledger. Standing in his way is the ultra-dangerous Meerschaert (35-16, 10-8 UFC), who can snatch up a limb or neck in the blink of an eye. It could be a wild one for as long as it lasts, and referee Herb Dean will be the one keeping tabs on this affair. The crowd cheers louder for Dean than either fighter. There is ample respect, as the two fighters touch ‘em up before handling their business. Petroski moves to the center of the cage, and Meerschaert paws out a few jabs and narrowly avoids a sudden overhand left. Petroski chambers his left hand again, and Meerschaert ducks it and keeps his guard high to block three more strikes. Petroski sits down on a leg kick, and he takes a jab on the nose. Petroski swings for the fences, and Meerschaert responds with a short right hook. Petroski fires off a right hand, and he lumbers forward with two looping strikes. Meerschaert steps in with a sneaky left hand, and he pops Petroski with a second as he keeps moving. Petroski whiffs on a home run punch, and Meerschaert sees that and a second whiz by his face as he prods out with his own jab. Meerschaert’s jab continues to find its home, and he pushes out a one-two when Petroski comes at him, hands down. Petroski unloads with a vicious combination, and Meerschaert dodges most of them but takes one or two flush. “GM3” peppers the lead wheel with a kick, and he stutter-steps forward to draw a reaction out of Petroski. The Pennsylvanian has his right hand ready to fire off in a moment’s notice, and he leaps forward with three strikes that all come up short thanks to Meerschaert leaning and sliding backwards. Meerschaert starts to put his punches together, with a few short combinations that bounce off the guard of his foe. Petroski misses the mark by a mile, and Meerschaert pushes off as Petroski complains about an eye poke. Meerschaert does not acknowledge he committed a foul, and Dean allows him 30 seconds to recover before Petroski says he is good to go. When they resume, Petroski rushes forward but does not swing. Meerschaert gets in a left hand, and he scores a jab to follow. Petroski shoots in for a takedown, and Meerschaert falls to his back and sets up an inverted triangle immediately. Petroski is trapped in this position but does not appear to be overly concerned, and they ride out the round in this position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Petroski

Round 2

The two touch gloves to get back to it, and Meerschaert strikes first with a left hand over the top. Petroski connects with a leg kick, and he rushes forward in pursuit of a single-leg takedown. Meerschaert matadors him out of the way and allows Petroski to reset. When Meerschaert advances, Petroski lands a right hand. Meerschaert continues trotting forward, and Petroski throws hard and misses, and he goes after a single to follow it. Meerschaert shuts it down and gets off a shovel uppercut, and Petroski comes up high with a kick. They both trade right hands, and Petroski lands a pull-back two-punch combo. Meerschaert replies with a left hand that surprises Petroski, and he catches a Petroski kick that allows Meerschaert to trip his foe to the floor. Petroski jumps back up, and Meerschaert peppers him with a few jabs. Petroski throws hooks, and Meerschaert dodges and chips at Petroski’s lead leg. Meerschaert jumps forward with a jab, and he walks into a right hand that loops around his guard. Meerschaert backs Petroski off with three punches, and Petroski lets his hands go and belts him with a right hook. Meerschaert sticks his tongue out, and Petroski loads up and lands another. Meerschaert dips down and smacks Petroski with his own left hook, and he chains a head kick into it. Meerschaert flashes his jab and puts an uppercut on the chin, and Petroski disguises a single but falls into a potential guillotine trap. Petroski lets it go, and he gets shoved back and has his lead leg kicked again. Petroski drives a left to the body and goes for a right to the head, and Meerschaert defends against it and lands a short right of his own. Petroski leaps into action with a massive right hand, and it sends Meerschaert crashing to the canvas. When Meerschaert hits his back, he throws up a triangle choke, and he manages to gather his thoughts and threaten with another guillotine before the two stand up. As Meerschaert retreats, he is still a little hurt, and Petroski bears down on him and stops a lazy single from “GM3.” Petroski pushes Meerschaert to the floor and lands a few punches before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Petroski
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Petroski

Round 3

Meerschaert is amped up and ready to go, and he rushes at his man and gets off a solid left hand down the middle. Meerschaert snatches up a kick that flies at his side and trips Petroski up, and he succeeds in taking Petroski down and climbing into top position. Petroski attacks with a triangle choke off his back, and Meerschaert fights it off and gets pushed back in the process. Meerschaert jumps back down into the guard of his opponent, and he smothers Petroski without doing much offensively. Dean warns Meerschaert that he needs to do more from here, and this spurs Meerschaert into action, who drops down some ground-and-pound. Petroski swings his legs high for an armbar effort, and Meerschaert shucks it off and elbows Petroski on the head hard. A cut opens up on Petroski’s cheek under his left eye, and Petroski muscles his way back to his feet. Meerschaert pressures his foe, who appears slightly fatigued, and he lays into him with a combination. Petroski throws back with a vengeance, with one punch that does not have the pop on it that it once did. Meerschaert connects with a few more strikes until Petroski shoots for a takedown, and Meerschaert drops to his back and hunts for a guillotine choke. Petroski fights out of it and steps over to the side while threatening with his own counter choke in the form of a Von Preux, and Meerschaert sees this and releases his own grip. Petroski sits up on a guillotine choke as he moves to mount, and Meerschaert traps Petroski’s leg to thwart it. Meerschaert explodes up to his seat and back to his feet, and when clinched up, he knees Petroski right in the breadbasket. Meerschaert rails Petroski with a huge left hand, and the two decide to abandon their grappling ways and throw everything they have. The two begin to brawl, and Meerschaert lands the better of the strikes and knocks Petroski back to the wall. Meerschaert unloads with everything he has left, and Petroski barely survives to the bell. As soon as it sounds, he drops to the floor, totally spent. This could be a close one, depending on how the first round is scored. It may come to the surprise of many that it managed to go the distance.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Meerschaert)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-27 Petroski)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-27 Petroski)

The Official Result

Andre Petroski def. Gerald Meerschaert via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Cody Gibson (135) vs. Brad Katona (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Katona (-168), Gibson (+142)

Round 1

There could be some history in the making for this bantamweight battle that will kick off the ESPN portion of the prelim card. The first of two victors of Season 31 of TUF will be crowned, with the first coming at 135 pounds. Both men are UFC veterans, but Katona (12-2, 2-2 UFC) is the one who could break new ground by becoming the first two-time TUF winner ever. Of note, his opponent, Gibson (19-8, 1-3 UFC), faced future champ and UFC 292 headliner Aljamain Sterling in his promotional debut back in 2014, where he ultimately dropped a decision. The “six-figure contract” and bragging rights will be awarded to the winner, in a matchup that will be governed by referee Marc Goddard. The former show teammates do not decide to clap hands, and instead they rush out towards one another to strike. They do just that, one after the other, until they end up swinging at the same time and ending up in a clinch. Gibson pushes off and lands a pair of hooks, and Katona knocks him back with a counter. Gibson connects with a clean right hand, and Katona shakes it off and gets off a jab. Katona comes up hitting nothing but air when he looses hooks, and Gibson attempts to reach him with a front kick and fails. Katona sticks his man with a left, and Gibson ducks down to get off a body kick. Katona retaliates with a leg kick, and Gibson dips and strikes while avoiding offense that wings towards him. Both fighters are amped up and trading shots, and Gibson pushes out two jabs and dings Katona with a left hand. Gibson trips on his way in, and this allows Katona the briefest amount of time to shake it off. Gibson clubs his man with a right, and Katona stands firm and bashes him with a solid left hook. Gibson is not remotely concerned as he meanders forward, and he swings himself into a clinch. Gibson absorbs a right hand and misses with a second, and Katona counters with a left that marks up Gibson’s eye. Gibson continues to surge forward, hurling offense and making Katona have to match his pace. “The Renegade” mixes things up with a chopping kick, and he shrugs off anything that Katona lands on him to throw his own heavy blows. The two tie up, but nothing comes up it other than a right hand from Gibson on the break. Gibson tries to follow it, and he ends up lobbing strikes that are way off the mark. Katona strings together several low kicks, and they both work the body. The furiously paced round ends with a sharp left from Katona.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gibson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gibson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gibson

Round 2

The bantamweights come back to the middle to start off the round, and Katona is the first to spring into action with a combination of fists. Katona then switches to a leg kick, and he rips a left to the body and nails Gibson with a right over the top. Gibson steels himself and throws back with gravitas, drawing a takedown attempt out of the Canadian. Gibson drills his man with an uppercut, and he pressures forward until they tie up and trade additional uppercuts. Katona does not register a leg kick, and he pops Gibson with a jab. Gibson does the same with his own jab and a follow-up right hand, and the two are taking turns to smack the other around. Katona flicks out a jab, and Gibson counters him with an uppercut and a body shot. Gibson walks face-first into a left hand, and he fires off a right hook and then goes to the body. Gibson again eats a few strikes, and the two start fighting in a phone booth and lay into each other. Gibson slings a right hand that bounces off the temple, and Katona smiles and delivers a right hand on the chin and a clean left shortly thereafter. Gibson lands a leg kick, gets up close to land a body shot, and then backs off when Katona scores with two hooks. Gibson overswings with a left hand, and Katona tags him a few times while he is recoiling. Katona suddenly goes up high with a kick, and frowns when it is blocked. Gibson misses the mark with a huge uppercut, and a few right hands from Gibson have developed some swelling around Katona’s left eye. Gibson targets it with a clubbing right and an elbow, and Katona tries to tie him up for a moment but ends up eating a few clinch strikes before releasing. Katona sits down on a right hand, timing it perfectly as Gibson ducked right into it, and Gibson powers forward to clinch up and recover. Katona jumps at him with a knee, and he fires off a short salvo of strikes that knock Gibson back again. Katona keeps Gibson honest with pawing jabs and a right hand, and Gibson appears to be fading. Katona lines up a right hand down the middle, and the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Katona
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Katona
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Katona

Round 3

Gibson waves to the crowd to get them fired up, and the audience reacts positively. Going into the last round, it could be all tied up, and they treat things as such as they get right after it. Gibson walks through the fast fists that fly at his face so that he can drive a right hand home, and Katona reels but comes back. Katona slides to the side and avoids the huge hooks, and he starts peppering Gibson with jabs. When Gibson changes this up to let go with his own jabs, Katona lets him have it with big punches. Gibson parries a jump knee and a kick to the body, and he drills Katona with a right hand down the pipe. Katona backpedals and eats another one like a plate of poutine, and the two let the other have it. This results in them coming together for a brief clinch, and Katona pushes him back and lets fly a high kick that slaps into the shoulder. Katona kicks with his other leg, and he books Gibson in the calf when he speedily moves. Gibson takes a punch to give one back, and he stings Katona with a right hook. Gibson plants two uppercuts on the chin, and he slides back and pops Katona with a clean right. Katona ignores a leg kick, and he knees the body and sneaks in a short right. Katona loads up and connects with a right, and he digs a few punches to the body and might have hurt Gibson. A few left hands force Gibson to cover his eye, and it is swelling badly. Gibson backs up to the wall as Katona lays into him, until Gibson decides to activate and sling fire back at him. Katona staggers back and then rushes back into action, and the two proceed to give it everything they have in an absolutely terrific brawl. Katona lands, Gibson gets him back, Katona stings him and Gibson shakes Katona up. This back-and-forth trading ends only when they tie up to catch their breath. Gibson pushes off and then sprints at Katona, who is backing away to try to let time expire. Gibson reaches him and blasts him with a few punches, and this all-action thriller comes to a close – unless there is an unexpected “sudden victory” round in the event of a draw. No matter who gets their hand raised, this is an instant “Fight of the Night” frontrunner as well as a scrap that might earn “Fight of the Year” consideration when it is all said and done. The two bantamweights embrace, having put on a display reminiscent of Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Katona (29-28 Katona)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Katona (29-28 Katona)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Katona (29-28 Katona)

The Official Result

Brad Katona def. Cody Gibson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Kurt Holobaugh (155.5) vs. Austin Hubbard (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hubbard (-170), Holobaugh (+142)

Round 1

The second TUF finale fight is upon us, with this one coming at 155 pounds between two men quite familiar with the Octagon. Both teammates under the tutelage of coach Michael Chandler on the season, all bets are off for how this one plays out. Hubbard (15-6, 3-4 UFC) last competed in the UFC in 2021, while Holobaugh (19-7, 1 NC; 0-4 UFC) is winless in four fights over two stints since coming over from the Strikeforce acquisition. Something’s gotta give, and referee John English will be here for it. The two bump fists, and Hubbard initiates offense first with a high kick. Holobaugh parries it and a few jabs, and he nails Hubbard with a sharp one-two. Hubbard grabs hold of him and drops down for a double, where he plants Holobaugh on his back with relative ease and starts hacking into him with elbows. As Hubbard sits up to land more ground-and-pound, Holobaugh times an explosion to fight back to his feet. Hubbard keeps hold of him and jams him up against the wire, where he starts driving knees to the body until Holobaugh pulls out of the grip and resets. Hubbard catches his man with a few right hands, and Holobaugh takes it on the chin and keeps on trucking. Holobaugh lets go with a leg kick and misses with a huge right hand, and Hubbard sticks a few jabs in his face as he keeps a wide berth. Holobaugh gets off an overhand right, and Hubbard absorbs it and high-tails it out of there to get his back off the cage. Holobaugh keeps himself on the center of the cage, and he does not take more than a step or two back when Hubbard drives a knee straight into his chest. Hubbard changes levels, and this time, Holobaugh shuts him down and jabs Hubbard up. Holobaugh dings his man with an overhand right on the temple, and he throws a low kick as he eats a counter. Holobaugh’s big swings force Hubbard to bounce off the fence, and Hubbard springs into action with a single that trips Holobaugh up and dumps him on the mat. Hubbard climbs on top, his ear leaking blood, and he opens up with short but effective left hands. Holobaugh decides to get into a slugfest off of his back, and Hubbard’s blows are far more damaging. Hubbard leans on his foe and considers a choke when Holobaugh tries to stand up, and Holobaugh is able to get up without putting himself in danger. Hubbard plants the ball of his foot on the body, and Holobaugh responds with two body kicks of his own. Holobaugh whips a right hand that bounces off the chin, and he thwarts a takedown and bullies Hubbard to the wall with a left hook. The round ends as Holobaugh lets fly a head kick that clatters off the raised guard.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holobaugh
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holobaugh
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Holobaugh

Round 2

A fist bump starts off the round, and Holobaugh picks up where he left off with wide-swinging offense. Hubbard gets driven back, but not before landing multiple effective body shots. Hubbard drops down to avoid a punch and goes after a takedown, but Holobaugh shucks him off and belts him in the face with a one-two when Hubbard stands. Holobaugh opens up with a huge right hand, shaking Hubbard up, but Hubbard does not want to slow down so he throws right back at him. Hubbard gets backed off, and he steps up with a knee but is shoved over by Holobaugh’s right hand. Holobaugh follows him down and takes his back while Hubbard is on his knees, and Holobaugh gets a hook in and ropes his left arm around the chin. Hubbard is not in choke danger, but Holobaugh uses the position to slide right over into full mount. Hubbard threatens with a leglock, and Holobaugh counters with an armbar that makes Hubbard have to scramble in a hurry. Hubbard rolls through it and shifts to the top position, but he is in imminent danger as Holobaugh slaps on a triangle choke in the blink of an eye. Hubbard is trapped, and Holobaugh tightens the grip around the neck while cranking down on his cinching leg with his hands. Hubbard has nowhere to go, and instead of going out on his shield, he taps out, and Holobaugh is now the lightweight victor of the 31st season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Additionally, this clocks in as his first win in the Octagon, and he is simultaneously thrilled to prevail while saddened that he had to defeat a friend and teammate to get there.

The Official Result

Kurt Holobaugh def. Austin Hubbard R2 2:39 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

Gregory Rodrigues (186) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodrigues (-355), Tiuliulin (+280)

Round 1

If fight fans were thirsting for a knockout, this might be the best fight for it. The majority of “Robocop” Rodrigues’ (13-5, 4-2 UFC) victories have come via strikes, while Tiuliulin (10-7, 1 NC; 1-2 UFC) has only involved the judges once when getting his hand raised. These two action middleweights will be overseen by referee Bryan Miner, and they elect to touch gloves before swinging for the bleachers. The two appear to respect the other’s power and do not engage with anything for the first 30 seconds. Tiuliulin surges into action with four swarming punches, but Rodrigues is able to dodge every one and come back over the top with a right hand. Rodrigues decides he would rather take the path of least resistance and pursue a single, and he just lifts the Russian in the air and slams him down on his back. Tiuliulin scrambles madly and manages to kick “Robocop” off of him momentarily, but Rodrigues easily leaps back down and jumps into full mount. Tiuliulin turns over to his stomach, and Rodrigues does not go crazy but instead picks his strikes very carefully. Rodrigues smashes Tiuliulin with an elbow, and Tiuliulin does not respond well to it. Rodrigues follows it up with a hard right hand that might have landed on the back of the head but Miner is watching carefully and does not consider it illegal. Two more jackhammering elbows to the side of the head put Tiuliulin all the way out. Rodrigues knows his work here is done, as Miner waves the fight off due to the consciousness-destroying knockout. That is short work for “Robocop,” who gets back in the win column in a hyper-violent manner.

The Official Result

Gregory Rodrigues def. Denis Tiuliulin R1 1:43 via KO (Elbows)

Brad Tavares (185) vs. Chris Weidman (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tavares (-270), Weidman (+220)

Round 1

Two of the more experienced middleweights in UFC will finally toe the line in a matchup that could have happened many times over the years. Former champion Weidman (15-6, 11-6 UFC), who has been on the mend for over two years, will get back to action against perennial contender Tavares (19-8, 14-8 UFC). Referee Keith Peterson draws the assignment for Weidman’s first preliminary appearance since UFC 139 in 2011, and Weidman is not thrilled about that but nevertheless offers a glove touch as it is not Tavares’ fault. There is no more nonsense in the building. Weidman moves right to the center of the cage, and he works his way towards his opponent with neither man throwing a strike in the first 30 seconds. Tavares rushes out suddenly with two punches, and Weidman rolls with them and paws out a half-hearted jab. Weidman shoots for a sudden single, and Tavares keeps his back to the wall and stops the first attempt from getting anywhere. Tavares loads up on a right hand, and Weidman takes it flush and deals with it. Tavares chops with a leg kick, and Weidman fakes a takedown and swings a left hand. Weidman then changes levels for a single, and Tavares turns the corner and shuts it down. Tavares flashes out a single jab, and Weidman fakes changing levels and throws a body kick. At the same time, Tavares replies with an inside leg kick, and his foot pounds into the cup. Tavares immediately apologizes, and Weidman groans but knows there were no bad intentions. Peterson calls the foul and allows Weidman to recover. The former champion catches his wind and takes 50 seconds before getting back to it, and they clap hands. Weidman darts back to avoid a jab, and he is springier on his feet jumps back and forth but not actually throwing strikes. Weidman gets in a right shovel uppercut, and Tavares reaches out with a few jabs and a leg kick. Weidman partially connects with a one-two, and he pops his foe with a jab. Tavares releases a hard leg kick that makes Weidman recoil it painfully, and Weidman changes stances. They both sneak in short left hands, and Tavares chops at the lead leg again. He finds the target a few more times, and Weidman whiffs on a right hand as his left leg is hurt. Weidman comes out swinging with two punches and a front kick to the body, and he lets Tavares off the hook momentarily. Weidman snatches up a single, but he bails on it when Tavares is able to defend it easily. Weidman throws a head kick and one to the side, and Tavares blitzes him with an uppercut. The two kick at the same time, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tavares

Round 2

They touch gloves to start off the second round, and Weidman is the one to advance but he backs off when his lead leg gets kicked. Weidman swats with a left, but Tavares parries him and strings together three punches. Tavares snipes him with a left and chops at the front leg, and he swings a head kick that is barely blocked in time. Tavares hammers the lead leg once more, and they trade jabs. Tavares jabs and batters Weidman’s leg with a kick, and he leans over and is totally compromised. Tavares sees this and stalks him down calmly, winging a head kick and then attacking the lead leg with another kick. Tavares stands in the pocket and trades for a moment, but his low kick is the far more dangerous weapon. Weidman again limps back and changes stances, and he tries to gather steam and push out a few front kicks. Tavares decides to attack the newly presented lead leg, and Weidman crowds him and nails him with a right hand. The Hawaiian takes it on the chin and circles out, and Weidman is walking him down and engaging in a brawl. Weidman catches Tavares again and points to him, and he keeps throwing hands as Tavares bounces off the cage wall. Weidman punts the cup with the ball of his foot, and he shoots in for a double as Peterson is sprinting in to call the foul. Tavares rolls his eyes that Weidman got the takedown, and he stays seated for a few seconds as the replay officials review the kick that might have been legally targeted. The officials inform Peterson that it was legal enough, and Peterson restarts the fight. Weidman comes out firing, and Tavares instantly counters with a low kick that forces the former champ to limp again. Weidman changes stances and swings for the fences with a huge left hook, and he drops down for a single that is thwarted. Tavares tries to skirt away, and Weidman clasps his hands and transitions to a double. Tavares breaks the grip and gets away, once more shutting down the middleweight takedown leader. Weidman keeps after him with lunging hooks, and Tavares boots him to the body. Weidman skims a head kick off the target, and the Hawaiian is able to tank it and a second before Weidman clinches up with him. Weidman knees his foe a few times up close before lifting up Tavares leg for a single, and Tavares hops away to keep his balance. Weidman whips a head kick at his man, and Tavares retreats into the fence only to get popped with a few punches. The round ends, and it was much closer.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tavares

Round 3

The middleweights touch gloves one last time before engaging, and Weidman keeps his guard high to defend an early head kick. Tavares looks to sweep the leg, and he hammers Weidman’s lead leg with a thudding kick. They kick at the same time, and Tavares again connects right on the cup as Weidman groans. Peterson gets in between them, and he tells Tavares he has to be careful when they engage like that. Weidman takes 45 seconds before getting back to business, and there is still no ill will as they bump fists. Weidman lands his own leg kick, and Tavares shellacks him with two back that make Weidman hobble back to the wall. Tavares this time gives chase, and he lays into Weidman with two punches and a leg kick. Weidman tries to throw back, but he has no power with his counters. “The All-American” is able to stay on his feet through sheer force of will, and he surges forward and catches Tavares with a few right hands. Tavares appears surprised as he bumps into the wall behind him, and Weidman attempts to take him down. Tavares stuffs it, and Weidman backs off and punches his way into another effort. Tavares stonewalls him, and he fires off a head kick that Weidman blocks. Weidman throws three punches, and Tavares cancels out a subsequent takedown effort before Weidman can get there. Weidman unloads with a big left hook, and Tavares signals that it does not hurt him as he staggers back. Weidman keeps coming forward, taking a few punches and going towards the target. Weidman checks kicks from his other stance, and he loops a right hand in order to tie his foe up. Weidman defends from a head kick, and Tavares has two punches rebound off the guard. Weidman jabs as Tavares kicks him, and any time Weidman goes back to orthodox, Tavares pounds on it with his shin. Weidman checks a short low kick, but the second gets through and may have damaged his other leg. Tavares keeps working on it, as Weidman powers ever forward, and the kicks chip away and do not allow Weidman to land with anything. Weidman reaches out with the end of a left hand, and Tavares is moving and ready to intercept with devastating leg kicks. Tavares sits down on a powerful leg kick, and Weidman rushes forward only to get pushed back right at the end of the fight. The return may not have gone how Weidman planned, but he made it to the final bell after absorbing a hellacious amount of punishment to his legs.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares (30-27 Tavares)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Tavares (30-27 Tavares)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tavares (30-27 Tavares)

The Official Result

Brad Tavares def. Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Pedro Munhoz (135) vs. Marlon Vera (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vera (-198), Munhoz (+164)

Round 1

The UFC made the best of a rough situation when Henry Cejudo withdrew from this matchup against Vera (20-8-1, 14-7 UFC). With about a month to prepare, Munhoz (20-7, 2 NC; 10-7, 2 NC UFC) is more than ready to rise to the occasion and battle it out tooth-and-nail for 15 hard minutes. Neither man has ever been finished, so referee Herb Dean could be in it for the long haul. These two action-packed bantamweights meet in the middle with a glove touch, and Vera immediately takes the center of the cage to lord over it. Munhoz strikes first with a body kick, and he chains a leg kick into it. Vera keeps his hands high but Munhoz gets a right hand in, and the two end up clashing shins at the same time. Vera catches a kick and knocks Munhoz down to the ground, and he nearly lands an illegal soccer kick but pulls back at the last second. Munhoz gets right back up, and he starts chasing Vera with looping punches. Munhoz mixes in leg kicks, and Vera pierces the guard with a sharp jab. Both fighters trade front kicks, and Munhoz chips away at him with strikes to the legs and body. Vera ignores a front kick to the midsection and blocks a right hand, and Munhoz comes at him with a head kick that slides off the raised guard. Vera pops out another jab, and he parries the strikes from Munhoz that come his way. Vera connects with a hefty leg kick, and he snaps the head back with a straight left hand. Vera’s jab intercepts “The Young Punisher” crashing the pocket, and he hops back to avoid a body shot. Munhoz shoots in from a distance for a takedown, and Vera stifles it and responds with a jab and a leg kick. Munhoz’ nose is already starting to redden up, and Vera releases a low kick and a one-two. Munhoz charges, and Vera counters him with a knee that rebounds off the forearm of his opponent. Vera strings together three punches that do not find their home, but a jab does when Munhoz chops at his lead heel. Vera lets go with his hands in a short exchange, and Munhoz connects with two thudding left hands over the top. Munhoz fires off a right hook, and Vera replies with a front kick that grazes past his cheek. Munhoz swarms with two punches before changing stances and swinging with one more. Vera lands a leg kick and continues damaging Munhoz’ nose with jabs, and he stops Munhoz from backing him off thanks to his jab. Vera digs a left to the body, and he keeps his jab flowing. Munhoz elects to mimic this with three straight jabs, and leg kicks come from both fighters. Vera checks a leg kick and darts away when Munhoz throws hands, and Vera resets with a front kick and a swatting left hook. The close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz

Round 2

The bantamweights come together in the middle of the cage, with Munhoz pushing out an immediate front kick. Vera slips punches and counters, and Munhoz lands another front kick to the body. Vera misses a head kick by a few inches, and he buzzes the hair with a second kick. Munhoz looses a big right hand, and Vera rolls with it and counters with a jab. Vera goes up high with a kick, and Munhoz swings a left hook that grazes past the target. Vera jabs a few times and parries a front kick to the side, and he connects with a thumping leg kick. Munhoz spams front kick, and Vera stands him up with a left hook on the inside. Vera peppers the nose with another sharp jab, and Munhoz lashes back with a strong leg kick and a left hook. Vera tanks it and kicks back on the lead wheel, and he paws out three punches that bounce off the gloves. Munhoz misses with a two-punch string, and he lands on a second effort. The right hands land from Munhoz, and Vera evades a spinning kick with ease. Vera gets in a short left hook, and he walks through a few leg kicks and has punches blocked. Munhoz plants a right hand down the pipe, and he backs off as he eats a body shot and protects his mug from a head kick. Munhoz plows forward and connects with a left, and they get off jabs at the same time. Munhoz follows it with a left hook, and they decide to dish out leg kicks one after the other. Vera nails his foe with a right hand, and Munhoz shakes it off and rubs his nose. Munhoz lands two straight right hands that Vera takes flush without batting an eye, and they swing their fists but end up missing with their exchanges. Vera slides a punch to land a left, and Munhoz whips a right hand over the top. Vera checks a leg kick and snaps out a jab, and a left and a right knock him back a few steps. Vera looks to catch a low kick and counter with a right hand, and he works the body as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Munhoz

Round 3

They clap hands to get started with one final round, and they both swing leg kicks at the same time. Vera checks a kick and strikes with his jab, and Dean tells him to watch his fingers. Vera connects with a left to the body and a right to the head, and he clubs Munhoz with a right hand as Munhoz comes his way. Munhoz fires back when Vera lands on him, and he splits the guard with a right hand. The two hand-fight, and Vera tries to check a low kick. Vera stings Munhoz with a jab, and a second makes Munhoz blink it out. Vera goes with a left to the ribs and a right up top, and Munhoz considers taking the fight down as he is stunned. Vera continues to crush Munhoz’ nose with his jab, and Munhoz is fighting back but it is starting to get to him. Munhoz absorbs a flush one-two, and he swings for the fences only to get nailed with a left hook. Munhoz is there every step of the way, but his face is starting to show serious damage. Vera hammers a left to the body that bends Munhoz over, but Munhoz gathers himself and blitzes forward. Vera stands firm and fires out his piston-like jab, and Munhoz has no answer to it other than to try to get his own going as well. Vera checks a kick and puts three punches on the chin of his opponent, and Munhoz is tough but gets stung with two vicious lefts. Munhoz takes a flush jab and shakes his head only to crash forward, and even though he lands, Vera is hitting him much harder. Vera brings a high kick up top for good measure, and he jabs up Munhoz’ face. Vera blocks two punches and lands a right, and Munhoz slips the follow-up and kicks the body twice. Vera nods at him and wings a left hand, and Munhoz shoulder-rolls and counters. Vera plants his fist on the Brazilian’s chin three times in rapid succession, and he ignores a counter. Vera starts showboating, and he steps back as Munhoz spins with two unsuccessful kicks. Vera hoots, and he drops his hands and puts them behind his back. Before Munhoz can reach him, the razor-close matchup comes to a close. It could be anybody’s fight, and judges will have their hands full scoring the first two rounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera (29-28 Munhoz)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vera (29-28 Munhoz)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Vera (29-28 Munhoz)

The Official Result

Marlon Vera def. Pedro Munhoz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Mario Bautista (136) vs. Da'Mon Blackshear (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bautista (-225), Blackshear (+180)

Round 1

While the aforementioned Munhoz stepped up last month to save that fight, Blackshear (14-5-1, 2-1-1 UFC) could make history by becoming the first UFC fighter in the modern era to win two fights within seven days – obviously excluding tournament fights from the days of old. Just a week ago, Blackshear hit a twister submission on Jose Johnson, so Bautista (12-2, 4-2 UFC) will have to be on his toes as he goes from expecting to fight striker Cody Garbrandt to someone in Blackshear that holds most of his wins by submission. Keeping this bantamweight scrap on the up-and-up will be referee Bryan Miner, and it starts with a sporting glove touch. Blackshear is the one to push the pace immediately, and he parries a few jabs and strikes back with a leg kick. Bautista responds with his own leg kick that he turns his hips into, and Blackshear strides forward through a second. Blackshear kicks the side, and they come together throwing haymakers. Neither lands with anything cleanly, and Blackshear rolls when Bautista launches a huge right hand. Blackshear crashes the pocket and ties Bautista up in order to go after a trip takedown from behind, and Bautista keeps his balance and works his way to the fence. Blackshear peppers his man with knees while maintaining the body lock, and he succeeds in slinging the MMA Lab product down to the canvas. Bautista’s guard is active the moment he hits the floor, and he works his way to his seat and the cage wall. Blackshear lifts one leg all the way up in the air for a complete split, and Bautista wrenches his leg free and stands back up. Punching his way out of the clinch, Bautista engages another from a different angle so that he can measure “Da Monster” with a knee on the chin. Blackshear connects with a calf kick that nearly trips Bautista up, and Bautista recovers and belts Blackshear in the side of the head with a right hand. Blackshear kicks the body and shoots in for a takedown, and he drops Bautista to one knee but cannot keep him there for more than a couple seconds. As Blackshear circles around, he takes the back and kicks Bautista’s legs out from beneath him to pull off a mat return. Bautista scrambles brilliantly to turn himself around and press himself on top of Blackshear, who is going after another takedown. Bautista snatches this up to secure a guillotine choke, and Blackshear is not remotely concerned as he motions a thumbs-up before pulling his neck out. Both men fight back to their feet, and Blackshear misses with a short elbow as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 2

The 135ers touch gloves at the last second, and Blackshear starts off the round with a chopping leg kick. Bautista swings hard back at him, with punches that come extremely close but do not connect. Bautista loads up on punches, and Blackshear crowds him and considers a body lock before eating an elbow on the mug. Bautista turns the tables on him by shooting in for a double, and he clasps his hands but is unable to ground the taller Blackshear. Blackshear cracks Bautista with several short but powerful elbows on the inside, and Bautista gives him one back to break apart. Bautista lashes out with a kick on the calf, and he springs forward with a one-two that is intercepted with a leg kick coming his way. Blackshear ties his opponent up and jams him against the fencing, and he plants an elbow on the ear. Both men wildly jockey for position before releasing their pummels, and Bautista comes out firing with a head kick that brushes past Blackshear’s hair. Blackshear doubles up on three low inside leg kicks, and he chambers and fires one to the body to keep Bautista guessing. Bautista replies with body shots that set up a takedown entry, and Blackshear shuts it down and turns him around in the clinch. The two both connect with short elbows before splitting up, and Blackshear hunts for a takedown in the open cage but shuts it down when Bautista stops him. Bautista gets off a right hand, and Blackshear appears to be slowing and is less elusive than the previous frame. Blackshear shoots in for a double, and he takes Bautista off his feet. Bautista immediately explodes back to his feet, and the two get back to striking range. Blackshear splits the guard with a right hand, and Bautista returns fire with a left hook. Blackshear catches a kick, and Bautista pulls it back and strikes to the lead leg. The two clinch up, and Bautista pursues a single. When Blackshear stops it, Bautista wings an elbow, and Blackshear ducks it and strafes to the side. The round ends with Bautista giving chase.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 3

There is a final glove touch to commence the final frame. Bautista pushes the pace, and he racks a right hand on the temple. Blackshear wears it well but is putting his back to the cage. Blackshear uses his range to keep Bautista at bay, but Bautista reaches him with several flush right hands. Blackshear is slowing down considerably, while Bautista is finding his home with his big right hand more and more. Bautista pursues a takedown, and Blackshear puts his back flat against the fence to stifle it. Bautista gets off a single elbow before backing off, but he meanders right back to tie his adversary up and go for another level change. Blackshear shuts this down, and he pushes out a few jabs before Bautista shoots again. This time, Blackshear is unable to halt it, and Bautista quickly slides around to take his foe’s back. Bautista gets one hook in as Blackshear pushes his foot off the cage, and Blackshear uses his leverage to turn himself over to his knees. Bautista is a 135-pound weight on his back, keeping Blackshear from standing up for more than a second. Bautista attacks the body with a knee, and he drags Blackshear back down to secure partial back control. Bautista finds himself somehow in a twister setup position, but instead of attempting it, he lands ground-and-pound. Both men fight back to their feet as Blackshear scrambles with all his might, Blackshear appears fresher now and rails Bautista with a straight right hand. Bautista crumbles to the mat, but he is able to recover and open his guard up when Blackshear climbs into it. This allows Bautista to hit a sweep, and he puts Blackshear on his back with seconds left in the fight. A few strikes from the MMA Lab export conclude the match, and it is entirely possible that Blackshear will be the first fighter in modern UFC history to notch two wins within a week.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bautista (29-28 Blackshear)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bautista (29-28 Blackshear)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bautista (29-28 Blackshear)

The Official Result

Mario Bautista def. Da’Mon Blackshear via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Ian Garry (170) vs. Neil Magny (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garry (-485), Magny (+370)

Round 1

Like several of the other fights on this card, it is not the original matchup that the promotion had in mind. Instead of Geoff Neal, it is longtime vet and tough out Magny (28-10, 21-9 UFC) in at this welterweight contest. He faces brash unbeaten Irishman Garry (12-0, 5-0 UFC), who has riled him up in ways few seem to have gotten to Magny in the past. Whether this has an impact on Magny’s performance or not, referee Keith Peterson will be there every step of the way keeping an eye on the nonsense-free proceedings. There is no glove touch due to their suddenly brewed bad blood, and Magny immediately pushes the action coming forward. Garry sweeps the leg with a kick, sending Magny tumbling to his seat on the mat. Magny leaps back up, and Garry is now advancing and sends him to the floor with a second calf kick. When Magny gets up the second time, he is ginger on it. Garry lines up a body kick when he returns to his feet, and he hops back as Magny jabs at him. Garry leaps forward to put his right hand on the dome, and he hops back to evade the counter. Garry lands at the tail end of a one-two, but his calf kick lands hard. Garry jabs his way into a clinch, and Magny tries to hold onto him to slow things down but cannot keep him there. Garry whiffs on a head kick, and he stomps at Magny’s knee with his foot. Magny absorbs a leg kick and replies with a high kick, and Garry swats it away. Magny comes up short of the mark with a right hand, and he chases after Garry but does not corner him. Garry chews up the calf with another kick, and Magny looks to clinch up. Garry leans his arm over the top of the fence as he holds Magny against the wall, and he is committing a foul by holding his arm over the top of the cage. Peterson admonishes him, and Garry releases the grip and turns to trip Magny out and put him on his back. Magny butt-scoots towards him until Peterson stands him up, and Garry comes out firing with a one-two that misses and a calf kick that does not. The two clash their shins together with simultaneous kicks, and Garry backs the veteran up with his pressure alone. Garry belts the calf of “The Haitian Sensation” with another kick, and Magny goes down. Magny scoots after him, and Peterson orders him to stand up. Garry fires a kick up high, and Magny catches it and takes Garry off-balance. Magny tries to race after the Irishman, and he only lands with one strike before Garry resets and nails his leg with another kick. Magny’s limb is compromised, and the two tie up until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 2

Magny gets a tongue-lashing in his corner but is amped up to start off the second stanza, and he rushes towards his opponent. Garry catches him on the way in with a few kicks and a pair of jabs. Garry comes up short with a head kick, but his leg kick again irritates Magny. Magny tries to punch his way into an exchange, and Garry is speedy and able to get out of harm’s way before Magny can get his hands on him. Magny loops a right hand that is feet off the target, and Garry smashes his lead leg and draws a major limp out of the longtime vet. Magny recovers and blocks the oncoming fire, and he uses his front kick to keep the rushing Irishman from getting to him. Magny takes two more kicks, catches a body kick, and looks to take the unbeaten fighter down. Magny looks for a body lock and a trip, and Garry’s defense holds up initially at least in part thanks to Garry appearing to grab the fence. Garry looks to explode out of the body lock that is now behind him, and Magny holds onto him and looks to drag Garry down. Garry hand-fights and manages to turn himself around in the clinch, and he holds the top of the cage illegally once more. Garry scores a right hand and then works the body from up close. They both land one single knee before splitting up, and Magny comes out swinging and is kicked in the face. The kick knocks his mouthpiece out, and Peterson allows him to recover it. Garry settles down with two more low kicks, and Magny can barely stand. Magny stumbles back to the wall on one leg, and Garry jumps at him with a knee to the body. Magny tries to lunge with a punch, and Garry backs him off with a slapping kick to his calf. Magny parries a jab but absorbs a nasty leg kick, and Garry times a head kick on the other side while Magny is retreating. Garry slams home one more low kick, and Magny is hopping and struggling to stand up. Garry abuses the lead when with another kick, and the eternally tough Magny attacks with three punches that are all brushes aside. Magny tries to time a jump knee, and he lands and dodges a head kick right before the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 3

A slight bit of trash talking came between the end of the last round, and Garry flipped off his opponent as they were going back to their corners. They start off after 10 minutes of fairly one-sided combat, and Garry leads the dance with a head kick that just misses. Magny plods forward, and Garry slams him in the leg with a kick that drops Magny. Magny gets up again, and Garry targets it once more viciously. Magny grimaces and toughs it out, and his reaching punches in his other stance are not finding their target. Magny tries to walk off, but he is almost falling over. Magny gets kicked over, and Garry nails that same calf with two more kicks while Magny is on his back. Garry backs off and lets Magny stand, and Magny tries to scoot towards him until Peterson has him get up. Magny backs himself up when Garry advances, and he eats a jab to the body and another whipping kick. Magny keeps his guard up to defend the worst of the punches, but the kicks to his front leg are incredibly damaging. Magny’s toughness is on full display, and he defends a head kick but not the one down low that follows. Garry cuts Magny off and cracks him with a right hand, and he drops his hands and is giving chase fearlessly. Magny blocks strikes and bounces off the fence, and Garry mixes things up with a body kick. Magny tries to march forward, and as soon as he does, he walks straight into a low kick. Garry kicks at the knee of that busted leg, and he blocks a high kick that does not get to his shoulder. Garry sweeps the leg, and he shouts at “The Haitian Sensation” to stand up. Peterson has him stand up, and Garry is incensed. Garry blasts Magny in the face with a ferocious right hand and a few additional punches, and he bounces Magny off the cage wall before tackling him down to the floor. Landing in side control, Garry looks to get off any ground-and-pound he can muster, and Magny is clinging to him to run out the clock. Garry sits up with an elbow, and he suddenly snatches up the neck and steps into mount to set up a guillotine choke. When the final horn sounds, Garry flips Magny off and shouts down on him. Magny smacks his hand away, and the two are not going to be friends tomorrow. One-way traffic will almost certainly result in Garry earning the biggest win of his career, while remaining undefeated by prevailing over the insanely tough Magny.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Garry (30-26 Garry)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-26 Garry)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-27 Garry)

The Official Result

Ian Garry def. Neil Magny via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-24)

UFC Women’s Strawweight Title Fight:
Weili Zhang (115) vs. Amanda Lemos (114)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zhang (-305), Lemos (+245)

Round 1

Both of these ladies in the co-main attraction will be entering into their 10th fight in the Octagon, but they are coming in with drastically different histories. Zhang (23-3, 7-2 UFC) kicked in the door and ended up dramatically reclaiming her belt by wrecking Carla Esparza last November. On the other side of the equation, Lemos (13-2-1, 7-2 UFC) started off her tenure as a bantamweight, only to drop down 20 pounds while bringing that power with her. The two sport finish rates of 83% and 85%, so referee Kevin MacDonald is on call and ready for immediate intervention should the moment arise. The gloves are touched, and anything is possible from here on out. Zhang moves to the middle of the Octagon to set up a spearing leg kick, and she perfectly times a body kick from her opponent to kick out the other leg and set Lemos down hard. Zhang stacks her opponent up, and Lemos threatens with a quick armbar but cannot stop Zhang from getting to side control. Zhang drops her shoulder down several times on the side of Lemos’ head, as she controls her completely. Zhang drops down a pair of left hands and an elbow, and Lemos scoots herself towards the fence. Zhang stands up in order to keep Lemos pressed down, and she hammers the challenger with a series of powerful left hands. Zhang moves herself down into half guard so that she can keep Lemos stuck on the floor, and she gets off more ground-and-pound. Lemos holds onto the wrist, so Zhang nails her with a trio of elbows. Zhang considers a guillotine before laying into the Brazilian with ferocious left hands. From off her back, Lemos snatches up a brabo choke from her back out of nowhere, and Zhang is snared and in trouble. Zhang uses the position to move to mount while still in submission danger, and she calmly worms her neck free and unloads with destructive punches and elbows. Lemos turns over to her stomach and gets flattened out, and Zhang pounds on her as MacDonald is paying close attention to the proceedings. Lemos survives and does enough to stay in the fight, and she gets to a knee and leans up against the fencing. Zhang lifts Lemos up in the air and slams her down, while Lemos is holding onto her neck, and the round ends with Zhang battering Lemos from on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 2

The strawweights bump fists to kick off the second round, and Lemos comes out ready for battle. The Brazilian wings a right hand and a high kick, and she leans back to avoid a head kick soaring towards her. Lemos cracks the champ with a right hand, and Zhang counters with a left. Lemos attempts a front kick, only for her leg to get caught mid-air. Lemos pulls it back and absorbs a pair of side kicks, and she makes the champion pay with a big right hand. When Lemos looks to follow it, Zhang grabs hold of her and chucks her to the ground with a body lock. The Chinese fighter lands in side control, where she slices over to mount as she starts attacking. Lemos is able to recover back to half guard, and Zhang comfortably holds her down while getting off occasional strikes to the body. Zhang shifts to the half guard on the other side, and she belts Lemos in the face with a big left hand. Zhang hammers her foe with elbows while Lemos tries to kick her off, and Lemos times a sweep to make them both scramble. Zhang keeps a seatbelt grip around the back to not let Lemos get up, and she drags Lemos down and takes her back while getting both hooks in. Zhang abandons this position to try to claim mount, and Lemos stops her from getting to it and pulls her into half guard. Zhang hacks with short but effective elbows, and Lemos again powers her over to force Zhang to her knees. While they are still tied up, Zhang wrangles the challenger back down to the ground, and she beats up the body when she gets there. Zhang postures up and pushes the legs over to take Lemos’ back, and Lemos moves her way to her knee against the fencing. Zhang keeps hold of Lemos until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 3

The third round opens up with a glove touch, and Zhang reintroduces herself with a spinning back kick to the ribs. Lemos responds with a leg kick that is shy of her intended target, and she sways back to evade a soaring kick. Lemos misses the mark with another head kick, and she races forward throwing punches. Zhang dodges and weaves them before landing a pair that lead her into a takedown effort. Lemos counters with her own attempt, and she is warned for fence grabs. Zhang pounds her on the nose with two elbows, and she snatches up one leg and plants Lemos on her backside. Zhang stands up and clobbers Lemos’ legs with kicks, and Lemos defends the leaping punch but is flat on her back with Zhang on the side of her. Lemos turns over, and Zhang allows her to do this so that she can secure a back take. Lemos tries to sit up and escape, and Zhang traps her and slugs her in the chops with several left hands. Lemos defends her neck from choke setups, but Zhang gets both hooks in and keeps her there. As Lemos looks to roll over, Zhang follows her and keeps her flat. Zhang smothers her as she floats into half guard, and she hops back to side control when she feels like it. Lemos bucks and tries to get some space, and she bursts back to her feet. Zhang smashes her in the cheek with two elbows, and she keeps pressing on Lemos and making her life generally miserable. Zhang bullies her foe and puts together three punches and backs off to work the body with a front kick. Zhang re-engages with a one-two, and Lemos’ retaliatory offense is barely there. Lemos is inaccurate with an elbow, and Zhang keeps her backing off until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 4

Reaching the championship rounds, the champ and challenger meet with a clap of hands. Lemos walks through a leg kick and a side kick to the midsection, and she is standing firm. Zhang potshots her from afar, and Lemos does not throw back. Zhang picks her strikes with kicks to the lead leg and body, and Lemos can do little more than offer up a guard or side-step. Lemos suddenly whips three punches towards her foe, and Zhang slides back and snipes the challenger with a right hand. Zhang stays busy with leg kicks, and Lemos swats out with a right. Lemos times a counter on the way in with a right hand, and Zhang does not seem overly concerned as she remains in her rhythm. Lemos lands two punches, and Zhang slips as she throws a body kick. Zhang gets right back up, and she dodges a big right hand but absorbs a flush elbow. Zhang pops her with a one-two, and she chains a takedown into a few punches to plant the Brazilian on the canvas. Lemos sets up a brabo choke from off her back, and Zhang pulls on the grip and calmly works her way out of the submission. Lemos uses the moment to pop back to her feet, and the two trade strikes one after the other. Zhang gets off a side kick to the body, and she narrowly avoids a front kick aimed at her chin. Lemos scores a right hand, and Zhang pays her right back. Lemos lands another right, and she charges recklessly with her fists flying until they clinch. Zhang uses the postures to slash out with an elbow, and she breaks away. Zhang kicks the body as she keeps away from Lemos’ power punches, and Lemos flails until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Zhang
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zhang

Round 5

Now in Round 5, the only question may be how many 10-8 round scores have been issued thus far in support of the champ. There is one last clap of hands, and Lemos keeps to the center of the cage while Zhang is speedily circling around her. Zhang reaches her with a side kick to the chin, and she keeps low kicks going until she lines up a huge overhand right that rocks the challenger to her core. Lemos falls to her back, and Zhang gives chase and starts beating on her with merciless ground-and-pound. Lemos twists and turns, keeps her arm up to block the strikes and moves, but Zhang follows her with a right hand that keeps finding its target. Lemos latches onto a leglock to stop Zhang from pummeling her, and Zhang keeps her weight fully pressed on top to stop the takedown. As Lemos sits up, she leans forward and tries to take the champion down. Zhang lets this happen so that she can set up a crucifix, and she isolates Lemos’ right arm to trap it and pound on her. Lemos takes it all flush as MacDonald is paying very close attention, and she survives the onslaught and works her way sitting up again. Zhang turns her over and batters her with impunity, and Lemos times this to turn around and put Zhang on her back for a second. Lemos gets free, but only for a moment until Zhang turns her about and puts the Brazilian flat on the mat once more. Zhang in side control, she pounds in the ribs with a number of knees. Lemos remains in the fight but she is getting completely wrecked, as the beatdown continues with Zhang on top of her. With all the energy she can muster, Lemos surges up to her feet and pushes Zhang back to the wall to pull for a guillotine choke, but Zhang is able to shut it down without a care in the world. Lemos is pushed away, and she sprints forward for a takedown on the bell. This is absolute one-way traffic for the champion, who destroyed a game but totally outmatched Lemos for five straight rounds. Lemos fought valiantly, Lemos fought nobly, Lemos fought honorably, and Lemos lost. It will be interesting to see how the UFC matches Zhang in her next championship outing.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Zhang (50-44 Zhang)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Zhang (50-44 Zhang)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Zhang (50-44 Zhang)

The Official Result

Weili Zhang def. Amanda Lemos via Unanimous Decision (50-43, 50-44, 49-45)

UFC Bantamweight Title Fight:
Aljamain Sterling (135) vs. Sean O'Malley (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sterling (-258), O’Malley (+210)

Round 1

In the main attraction inside of the Boston Garden FleetCenter TD Banknorth Garden TD Garden, two men with no particular affinity to Beantown will collide for bantamweight gold. In the truest sense of the overused phrase, this is a pure grappler vs. striker affair, one that pits defending champ Sterling (23-3, 15-3 UFC) against the exceptionally accurate O’Malley (16-1, 1 NC; 8-1, 1 NC UFC). Should Sterling get his hand raised, he will set the record for the most consecutive defenses in the division’s history, while O’Malley can become the second champion to make his way to the promotion from Dana White’s Contender Series – Jamahal Hill was the first. There is nothing more that needs to be said from these two or about these two, and referee Marc Goddard brings the two together to make the title fight official. The staredown lasts from the moment Bruce Buffer starts speaking through to part of the introductions, and they are intense. They do touch gloves, and it’s on with the show. When they come together, Sterling is quick to swat O’Malley’s hands down. Sterling leaps forward with front kicks and side kicks, and he reaches out with long jabs while O’Malley stays out of reach. Sterling lands a solid leg kick as he races after O’Malley, and O’Malley responds with a front kick. Sterling keeps busy with kicks to any target, and O’Malley jabs to the body. O’Malley pushes the pace and draws a reaction out of his opponent, and the crowd rains down a profane chant against the champion. Sterling puts his foot on the gas, and he leans back from a long left hand that comes at his chin. The two take turns leading the dance, but O’Malley’s work rate is quite low through the first half of the round. O’Malley feints and fakes his way in, and he has to block a body kick that gets past his guard. Sterling chips away at the lead leg, and he absorbs a front kick on the ribs. Sterling peppers O’Malley with three low kicks before O’Malley gives him a stomping kick back to his knee. Sterling’s inside calf kicks force a stance switch early, and O’Malley lunges forward but does not fire off anything. Sterling reacts significantly when O’Malley is about to strike, and he picks at O’Malley’s leg while strafing to the side. O’Malley drops his hands to taunt Sterling into coming at him, and Sterling keeps ripping leg kicks and little else. Sterling blazes past his foe with a kick, and O’Malley settles down and fires off a spinning back kick that backs him off. Sterling shoots in for a single, and he jams O’Malley up against the fence while holding his foe’s leg in the air. Sterling lands several short punches, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sterling
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sterling

Round 2

The second round begins with the two rushing towards one another, and O’Malley lashes out with a kick that he misses and falls over after throwing. Sterling comes at him and pursues a takedown, and O’Malley backs himself against the wall to stay up. O’Malley shuts it down and drops back to line up a right hand, and Sterling misses with a punch and gets cracked right on the chin. Sterling crashes down to the ground on his face, and he turns to his side in an effort to get his wits about him. O’Malley follows him down and clubs him with hammerfists, and Sterling is moving but still taking damage. O’Malley continues his bombardment of punches, and Goddard is closely watching over things. Sterling turns over and looks to reach out with his left arm for a potential takedown, and Goddard waves the fight off. Some may consider it an early stoppage, given how Sterling was still moving and defending himself. Nevertheless, the fight is over and O’Malley is now the UFC’s bantamweight champion, and he is the second fighter off the Contender Series to claim a UFC strap. The landscape of the 135-pound weight class has now changed drastically, and a wealth of options present themselves for O’Malley first defense and upcoming title reign. Marlon Vera, Merab Dvalishvili, Umar Nurmagomedov and a few others are right in contention, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out. In his post-fight interview, O’Malley mentions that he would be up for his first defense against Vera this December, and Vera immediately responded on social media with a post of dollar signs and bags of cash. If that is the fight the UFC makes for its Dec. 16 pay-per-view card, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Sean O’Malley def. Aljamain Sterling R2 0:51 via TKO (Punches)