UFC Fight Night 166 ‘Blaydes vs. Dos Santos’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Herbert Burns vs. Nate Landwehr

Round 1

Tonight's the night for the UFC's debut in Raleigh, North Carolina, and we begin in the featherweight division. Two UFC newcomers come head-to-head as Dana White's Contender Series contract winner Burns (9-2, 0-0 UFC) against former M-1 Global champ Landwehr (13-2, 0-0 UFC). All of Burns' finishes have come by tapout, while all of Landwehr's have been by strikes; the referee for this interesting style matchup is Larry Carter. There is no touch of gloves, as the two instead greet one another with jabs to the face. Burns throws a body kick, and then a high kick that makes him topple over. Burns nearly flops down to lure Landwehr, but the American is not interested and allows his opponent to return to his feet. Burns rushes in and drags Landwehr down, and immediately lands on top where he pursues a brabo choke. Landwehr flails and rolls over to try to survive, and Burns sits on top in north-south position while calmly applying the choke. The wrestler from Tennessee spins around and manages to stand back up all while in the choke, and Burns appears nonplussed. Landwehr breaks free and throws a shoulder strike a la Conor McGregor, and the commentary team takes note. Landwehr backs away and unloads some heavy leather, but Burns defends himself and fires a left knee up the middle that nails Landwehr right on the chin. Landwehr is out before he hits the ground, and just to be sure, Burns dives after him to drop punches until Carter dives in to save the unconscious fighter. What a statement performance in Burns' debut, who earns his first career knockout in the most important fight of his career.

The Official Result

Herbert Burns def. Nate Landwehr R1 2:43 via KO (Knee)

Brett Johns vs. Tony Gravely

Round 1

At bantamweight, Welshman Johns (15-2, 3-2 UFC) looks to right the ship after suffering the first two defeats of his career against the debuting Gravely (19-5, 0-0 UFC), with the latter earning a spot on the roster for his performance on the Contender Series. Referee Wayne Spinola will oversee the action, the two opt not to touch gloves and Gravely opens up with a leg kick. The American kicks to the body and then spins around with another kick, but the impact makes him fall over. Johns dodges a punch on the way in and darts forward to set up a powerful guillotine choke. The newcomer turns out of the choke, changes levels and hits a takedown, where he immediately starts punching his downed opponent. The Welshman attempts to stand back up, and Gravely latches on to a leg with his arm, but Johns is able to stand up against the fence. Gravely throws knees, and in the process, Johns catches him slightly off-guard and hip tosses him to the ground. As Gravely returns to his feet, Johns now drops down for a double leg takedown, where he scoops up the legs and takes him down. While Gravely looks to get up again, Johns circles around quickly to jump on to the American's back, and attempts a rear-naked choke. Gravely pulls the arm free as to not give up his neck, so Johns elects to simply crank his face before letting go to start punching. Gravely attempts to shuck him off by leaning towards the ground, but Johns cracks him with a powerful elbow and forces Gravely to reconsider, where he lands on top and flattens Gravely out. Johns begins to throw some heavy punches, and Gravely gets to his knees so Johns goes after the neck once more. Johns slowly applies the era-naked choke, goes palm-to-palm, and Gravely is in a bad way. Miraculously, the American survives to the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Johns
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Johns
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Johns

Round 2

Sensing he lost the round in a big way, Gravely starts out firing with some powerful punches. Johns attempts to close the distance, and Gravely catches him with an uppercut on the way in, but the Welshman continues to press forward and pursues a takedown. This time, Gravely spins him around and pushes him against the cage wall, and blocks a throw from Johns. Gravely lifts him up and slams him down, and nearly puts himself in bad position before the two get back up. Gravely picks him up once more and slams him down, where he takes the back of Johns now. Johns defends strike attempts and is not in danger of any submission, and bucks Gravely off of him and flips him over. Johns manages to get Gravely down, and goes after Gravely's back, but slides off in this fun grappling back-and-forth. Johns grabs tight and takes Gravely for a ride, where he leans heavily on his opponent and starts to drop down some ground-and-pound. Wise to the back take this time, Gravely forces Johns to fall off of him, and pushes Johns against the cage wall and takes him down. Johns looks to set up a guillotine choke, but there is nothing there, as the crowd begins to chant "Tony" for their American compatriot. As Johns stands up, Gravely throws a few short knees but gets spun around. The two break apart and slug it out for a moment, before Johns abandons that strategy to hit one more double leg takedown. The round ends when Gravely wings a few looping punches that fall short.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gravely
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gravely
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Gravely

Round 3

Johns comes out firing, and Gravely evades the shots and swings back. Johns crashes forward to initiate the clinch, and attempts a takedown but Gravely reverses the position by throwing him over his shoulder. Johns does not panic, and instead calmly scrambles to his feet where he gets up and takes Gravely back down. The Welshman circles and takes Gravely's back, where he sets up a body triangle and looks for that choke. Johns snakes his arm around Gravely's chin, and is not able to get it beneath the neck but wrenches on it nevertheless. Gravely spins to his side and gets flattened out, so Johns elects to start unloading punches while Spinola tells Gravely to defend himself. Johns continues to throw punches until Gravely gives up his neck. "The Pikey" sinks in a rear-naked choke, and this time, Gravely is unable to stop it. As it cinches up, Gravely taps out, as there is no way he can get out of this bad position. With this win, Johns bounces back from two losses and a long layoff with a big win over a tough newcomer. After the fight, the two embrace, having squashed the beef that recently materialized on fight week.

The Official Result

Brett Johns def. Tony Gravely R3 2:53 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Sara McMann vs. Lina Lansberg

Round 1

Sticking to bantamweight but flipping to the women's divisions, McMann (11-5, 5-5 UFC) is back for the first time since February 2018 after having her second child. She will take on "Elbow Queen" Lansberg (10-4, 4-3 UFC), who is riding some momentum with the first win streak of her Octagon career. Our referee is Larry Carter, the two women touch gloves and we are underway. Lansberg starts to walk down McMann in the early going, but the former title challenger looks to counter with a big right hand. From a great distance, McMann changes levels and takes Lansberg down quickly. She advances right to half guard, and already has set up a potential arm-triangle choke if she passes guard. McMann stays heavy as she tries to break her leg free from the guard to step over, and the crowd already grows restless just 90 seconds into the contest. McMann bails on the choke and starts slamming punches down to Lansberg's body, and Lansberg cannot block them. The punches keep coming and they are fierce, causing Lansberg to turn a bit as McMann aims for that choke again. Lansberg pops out briefly, and McMann sets up a brabo choke to keep Lansberg grounded. Although she tries to tighten the choke, Lansberg stays composed and does not fall victim to it, so McMann abandons it and grabs the arm for a double wrist lock. Lansberg tries to sit on her arm to keep it from getting freed, and survives to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 McMann
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 McMann
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 McMann

Round 2

Lansberg comes out from the break by looking to set up combinations, but is cautious to commit as to not give up another takedown. McMann is prepared to counter with that right hook, so Lansberg throws a body kick to change things up. The Olympic silver medalist in wrestling utilizes her credentials successfully, landing a takedown where she immediately returns to half guard. Lansberg appears flummoxed, as she cannot return to her feet once planted on her back. The Swede throws a few punches from her back, but McMann goes back to those vicious body shots to the same spot as the first round. Calm and collected, McMann stays busy while on top with punches and potential submission attempts, so Lansberg ties her up to hope for a standup. McMann's activity likely too great to merit referee intervention, she steps over and avoids a sweep attempt from "Elbow Queen." The arm-triangle choke nearly there for the taking, McMann manages to step into mount with 15 seconds remaining. Lansberg holds on for dear life to stop McMann from unleashing heavy ground-and-pound, and we hear the horn once more.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McMann
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 McMann
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 McMann

Round 3

The two greet each other in the center of the cage with a glove touch, and Lansberg smiles as she tries to strike. McMann has no interest in engaging in this, and at 20 seconds into the round, lands a nearly effortless takedown. This time, McMann is in side control, and Lansberg sighs heavily. McMann pursues the arm-triangle once more, but Lansberg fights it off and in the process, gives up her back. McMann immediately gets her hooks in, and tries to flatten Lansberg out as she hammers her with punches. Lansberg throws a few surprisingly effective punches behind her head and knocks McMann's mouthpiece out, leading Carter to pause the action and replace it. McMann postures up and starts throwing some heavy right hands while Lansberg tries to slap her hands away, but the Swede is trapped. McMann continues to punch away, taking a brief respite to go after another choke, but Lansberg protects her neck. The American, in full back control with Lansberg on her knees, continues to punch sporadically and clings to her opponent tightly. Time expires, and this dominant performance for the wrestler comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 McMann(30-25 McMann)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 McMann (30-26 McMann)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 McMann (30-26 McMann)

The Official Result

Sara McMann def. Lina Lansberg via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-25)

Montel Jackson vs. Felipe Dias Colares

Round 1

Back to the men's bantamweight division, Jackson (8-1, 3-2 UFC) tries to make it three in a row in the UFC when he takes on fellow once-beaten Colares (9-1, 1-1 UFC). A first for recorded walkout music, Jackson walks out to the iconic "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. It's beautiful. Serving as the referee is Dan Miragliotta, who hopefully enjoyed the music as much as the crowd did. The two men touch gloves, and in opposite stances they paw at one another until Colares throws a low kick and then a body kick. Jackson fires back with a quick one-two, so Colares takes a moment to gather his thoughts before throwing another body kick and then an unusual one behind his legs. Colares whiffs on a head kick, Jackson throws back with punches but is more interested in the takedown. Although he sets Colares down briefly, the Brazilian returns to his feet where he nearly hits a trip. Jackson evades it and drags Colares down, while color commentator Daniel Cormier remarks that he and the bantamweight from Wisconsin have the same size hands. Jackson doggedly continues his pursuit of the takedown, and Colares takes a knee, eats a knee to the chest, and then stands back up. Jackson holds on tight, where he drags Colares down away from the fence. The Brazilian looks to threaten with a submission, so Jackson backs off and they stand back up. "Quik" pushes him against the cage, and as he considers another takedown, Colares attempts to jump guard and secure a guillotine choke. Jackson appears unconcerned, as he waits for Colares to get tired of holding himself up, and Colares lets go. Jackson again avoids a trip attempt, and makes Colares pay with a pair of elbows in the clinch and a big right hand. Jackson sees he might have him hurt, and begins chaining some ferocious punches together. Colares eats nearly a dozen punches flush, and he absorbs them all without wobbling. Colares ties him up, but Jackson shoves him off and unloads an insane barrage of punches. Colares finally appears hurt, but the horn sounds to save the Brazilian. "Cabocao" is cut up on several places on his face after the onslaught, and Jackson puts his hands on his knees after that rush.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Jackson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Jackson
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Jackson

Round 2

Colares comes out kicking, and Jackson steps back and fires a left hand that blasts Colares on the jaw. The Brazilian falls to his back, and "Quik" is quick to follow. Colares pursues a triangle choke and threatens from his back, so Jackson is forced to defend it and turns for the briefest of moments. Colares takes that moment to circle and take his back, although Jackson survives and stands back to his feet. Jackson still interested in the takedown, Colares jumps guard and pulls for a guillotine choke. Unlike the first round, Colares does not abandon it and instead holds tight as Jackson sets him down on the canvas. Colares tightens his grip and adjusts his position, but in that moment Jackson wrenches his neck free. Jackson stands up and his opponent follows suit, so Jackson presses the Brazilian against the fence and throws a few knees for good measure. Instead of breaking free to set up the strikes that proved greatly effective in these two rounds, Jackson scoops him up and sets him down. Colares walks up the cage to get up, and then throws Jackson down where the American lands right on his head. Unfazed, Jackson gets out of bad position, and stands back up. Jackson lifts him up and now throws his opponent on his head, but the Brazilian pops back up so Jackson opens up with a lengthy combination as if he were fighting Don Flamenco from “Punch Out.” Jackson tags him several times and busts him up, but Colares again manages to rely on his chin and not protect his jaw from strikes, leading Jackson to pressure and pull him down. The round ends with Colares pursuing a fruitless guillotine choke with no time remaining.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Jackson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Jackson
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Jackson

Round 3

The tale of these two fighters is starkly different, with Jackson's hands on his knees, visibly exhausted. Meanwhile, Colares is shouting and dancing and laughing, amping the crowd up. Jackson plods forward and throws a wild punch, leading the Brazilian to dodge it and nearly set up a spinning back elbow. Jackson maintains his forward movement and presses Jackson against the cage. The two push away from one another and begin to trade fiercely. This time, Colares shows a bit of success as he lands a few times, but Jackson still comes out having landed the harder, more accurate strikes. Colares goads him on, and manages to back Jackson against the cage wall where he clinches up and considers a takedown. Jackson thwarts it and hits an outside trip, where he lands in side control as Colares scrambles frantically. The Brazilian scoots his back to the fence and stands back up with it, while Jackson leans on him. Colares throws Jackson down, and briefly snatches up his back before Jackson spins out and returns standing. "Cabocao" takes a hard look at the clock, and then absorbs several punches that have him seeing stars. Another spinning back elbow attempt is well off the mark, leading Jackson to press in and go after another takedown. He lands it, and Colares grips tight for a guillotine choke. Colares grimaces as he squeezes with everything he has left, and Jackson rolls over to escape the worst part of the choke. Jackson stays calm and survives that Hail Mary choke attempt, all the while unofficially tying the record for the most takedowns landed in any UFC bantamweight fight with 11. This exciting, albeit one-sided bout is in the books, and Jackson surely impressed with this kind of performance.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-25 Jackson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-25 Jackson)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Jackson (30-25 Jackson)

The Official Result

Montel Jackson def. Felipe Dias Colares via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)

Justine Kish vs. Lucie Pudilova

Round 1

Up now is a women's flyweight tilt as two women in desperately in need of a win meet as Kish (6-2, 2-2 UFC) faces Czech Republic native Pudilova (8-5, 2-4 UFC), with the two combining for five consecutive defeats. Drawing the assignment is referee Kevin MacDonald, and the two decide not to touch gloves as they keep their distance in the early going. Kish looks to walk forward while Pudilova is circling away, and both miss on range-finding jabs and a front kick. Kish misses with a one-two but slaps with a leg kick. Pudilova sticks out a triple jab and catches Kish on the nose, forcing the American to shake it out. A front kick and flying knee attempt fall shy of the mark, and Kish is still trying to figure out her distance as she whiffs with a spinning back fist that is a long way away. Kish crashes in with a leg kick and the two clinch up, where Pudilova is happy to engage with several knees. Kish catches a kick and Pudilova decides to keep punching, but she is unable to land a strike like Anderson Silva when he faced James Irvin. The two break apart, and Kish rushes towards her to land a few punches. Pudilova attempts to reply with a one-two, and Kish is far away before the strikes can reach her. As soon as the crowd begins to “woo,” the two engage again. Kish races forward with punches and Pudilova lands with a few punches of her own on the way in. Clinched up again, the two trade knees before pushing away. Kish paws out a left hand before committing to a right hook, and catches Pudilova on the end of it. Like before, Pudilova strings together a triple jab, and Kish takes every one. Kish jumps in the air with a flying kick, and the Czech fighter pushes it away as she tries to strike back at her. The horn sounds to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kish
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kish
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Kish

Round 2

The second frame begins as Kish stalks down Pudilova, but it is “Bullet” who throws first. Kish comes in to try to land some knees, and the two trade several knees. Kish fires a few elbows that glance off the forehead of her opponent, and Pudilova is not a fan of those so she breaks free. Kish dances around the outside, and comes in with a leg kick and a right hand, before hopping back to avoid the counter. Although she spins, Kish ends up just landing a back kick to the torso as she stops midway through the spin. Kish chases after her, and clinch again where she tries to rip a knee up the middle, but Pudilova ducks away. Kish throws a low kick, but she is the one that falls over after landing the strike. Pudilova cannot capitalize on this, but does land a solid jab when Kish gets up and comes at her. Kish lands an inside leg kick, and whiffs with a big left as Pudilova keeps working her jab. As Kish tries to set up a knee, Pudilova tags her with a straight left, forcing Kish to back off for a moment. The momentum does not get halted for long, as Kish walks towards her opponent while the crowd expresses its displeasure at this bout with relatively low striking totals. Kish lands a few more leg kicks, and her movement is irritating Pudilova. The two finally stand in front of each other and trade, as Pudilova lands a solid left while Kish spins and cracks her with a back fist. The two continue to punch until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Pudilova

Round 3

This last round begins with three stiff punches from Pudilova, who lands her best strikes of the entire fight that snap Kish's head back. Kish tries to come in with a kick, and Pudilova is prepared to counter it. Whiffing with a superman punch, Pudilova then walks backward as Kish pops in and out. Pudilova sticks her with a jab, and eats a knee as Kish comes forward. Kish goads her on, so Pudilova obliges with a solid one-two. The leg kick continues to land for Kish, and one gets the Czech fighter to react for a moment. Pudilova telegraphs a spinning kick, and Kish is well out of the way when it flies. Kish throws a few looping punches, and does not land flush. The crowd showers the two flyweights with boos, so Pudilova goes for another superman punch that misses. Kish throws a few more leg kicks, and Pudilova comes at her with lunging punches allowing Kish to nail her with a spinning back fist. With a minute remaining, things are still hanging in the balance, as neither have really established themselves 14 minutes in. Pudilova lands a sharp combination, so Kish responds with a front kick. Pudilova rushes in with a superman punch, and Kish ducks it and trips Pudilova to the ground. Pudilova begins to flail, throwing elbows and kicks from her back as Kish swings with punches. The two trade until the horn sounds, and we are now in the hands of the judges. Scores could be all over the map with this one.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kish (29-28 Kish)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-10 (29-29)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Kish (29-28 Kish)

The Official Result

Justine Kish def. Lucie Pudilova via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Nik Lentz vs. Arnold Allen

Round 1

In a featherweight affair, gritty veteran Lentz (30-10-2, 1 NC; 14-7-1, 1 NC UFC) steps in on short notice to try to hand Allen (15-1, 6-0 UFC) his first career defeat in the Las Vegas-based promotion. The third man inside the Octagon is referee Wayne Spinola. There is no glove touch, as Allen instead prefers to walk down his opponent. Lentz is the first to land, in the form of a big overhand right. Allen takes it and throws back at him, but Lentz darts out of the way and throws a head kick that gets blocked. Allen lands a one-two, and then avoids Lentz' advancement and scores another. Allen sits down on an uppercut, but Lentz avoids it and lands a few punches before they separate. Lentz rushes forward and tries to throws a looping left hand, but Allen tags him on the forehead with a solid combination that marks up the forehead of "The Carny." Allen dings him with a jab, but Lentz is firing back furiously and catches him with one of his punches. Allen tags him again with a left, and as Lentz blitzes him, Allen hits him with a right and pushes him away. Lentz throws a leg kick and then goes after the takedown. The Brit spins out and in the process gives up his back and a takedown for a brief moment. Lentz throws a few knees to the back of his opponent's thigh, but is more intent on dragging the fight down, which he does again. Lentz is relentless with his takedown, and the commentary booth is squabbling over the level of wrestling in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, Allen secures separation and lands heavily on the chin. Lentz ignores the shots and walks through them before landing a few punches of his own. Lentz flips up a head kick that careens off the shoulder, and Allen then shoves away a brief takedown attempt. Allen continues to strike from a distance, and cracks Lentz on the jaw with an uppercut to stop a level change. Lentz continues to put on the pressure, and narrowly avoids another big uppercut as he comes forward. Allen may have hurt Lentz with a left hand, but Lentz wears it well as the two trade to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 2

Lentz begins the round with a leg kick, and follows that with a head kick that is well off the mark. He misses another as Lentz sticks him with the jab, and plays matador to a bull rush from Lentz. The American throws a few more loud leg kicks, and then chases after Allen with a left-right. Allen keeps his range and lands flush, before slamming a powerful left hand that staggers Lentz for a moment. "The Carny" blocks a head kick, and shakes out the cobwebs as Allen chains a few more punches together. Lentz lands with a left, and then a right that makes Allen clinch up. The quick, accurate strikes from Allen have bloodied up the nose of his adversary. In the clinch, Allen tries to work but Lentz defends himself, and as they separate Allen lands again. Allen ducks out of harm’s way as Lentz continues the pressure, and the two go punch-for-punch for a few moments. The jab from Allen is finding its home on the reddening face of Lentz, who can then evade the strikes coming back at him. A looping left hand from Allen gets around the guard of Lentz, and makes the American stagger again. He regains his composure and the two clinch up, where they trade knees and short punches. Lentz comes forward and eats an uppercut, but is not concerned as he wades through it to land a knee, before coming close to securing a takedown. Lentz tries with all his might to land one as the round ends, and the two break apart to swing until and after the bell, but both apologize immediately after.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 3

The round begins slower than before, and Lentz is the first to land in the form of two body kicks and a low kick. The American scores a one-two, but Allen is right back at him with a pair of jabs and out of the way when the head kick comes his direction. Allen continues to flick the jab out there, and follows it with a vicious left hook that Lentz is just able to duck in time. Allen tags him, and Lentz does not let him get away with it and lands right back. A jab is followed by a powerful left from Allen, but the chin of Lentz is sturdy. Another one-two from Allen scores, and he follows that with a head kick that nearly lands cleanly. The two clinch up against the cage, and Lentz goes after a single leg takedown but the Brit stuffs it as he has multiple times throughout the bout. Allen presses Lentz against the fence, and separates with a strong left hand that Lentz practically laughs at. "Almighty" keeps his right jab in the face of his opponent, and Lentz blocks a big left coming his way. When we hear the 10-second clapper, Allen digs deep for an uppercut and then smashes a left hook on the jaw of his durable foe. The round ends, and both celebrate for a bout well-fought. Should Allen take home the win, he will increase his win streak to seven in the UFC.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen (30-27 Allen)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Allen (30-27 Allen)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen (30-27 Allen)

The Official Result

Arnold Allen def. Nik Lentz via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Bevon Lewis vs. Dequan Townsend

Round 1

To headline the prelims for this ESPN+ card is a matchup between two hard-hitting middleweights who are both looking to score their first win with the promotion, as Lewis (6-2, 0-2 UFC) takes on Townsend (21-9, 0-1 UFC). The Octagon ranger will be referee Kevin MacDonald. The two do not touch gloves, as instead Lewis comes out aggressively with big looping punches. Townsend backs away and tries to throw a kick, but Lewis rushes forward with some big punches before the two clinch up. Lewis gets off a decent knee before the separation, and lands a heavy leg kick that makes Townsend flinch. "The Tarantula" tries to respond with one, but nearly eats a few punches on the way in. The two swing wildly with some loud, powerful punches, and Lewis gets the better of the exchange as he lands square on the jaw. Back in the clinch, Lewis jumps in with a knee before they separate once more, and Townsend looks for a jab but it lands far short of the mark. Lewis scores with a one-two, and gets away before absorbing a strike. Another leg kick lands for Lewis, and Townsend turns away, possibly hurt. Townsend winds up and thumps Lewis with a hard uppercut, and a knee lifts Lewis off the ground before he pops back up and returns to the clinch. Lewis throws a few short knees in the clinch, and Townsend looks for a big body shot but Lewis is able to turn him around effectively. Lewis throws a left and brings up a knee, all while avoiding the counter from Townsend in a big left hook. "The Extraordinary Gentleman" catches Townsend at the end of a right, and Townsend throws back at him and nearly connects with an uppercut that would have made Dan Forden exclaim “Toasty!” at the bottom right of the screen. The two clinch up and throw knees until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lewis
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lewis
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Lewis

Round 2

Lewis opens up with perhaps his most effective strike, the leg kick. He follows that with a looping left as he fires one more leg kick, and Townsend visibly reacts as he loads up on shots. Lewis clinches once more and tries to knee his opponent in the breadbasket, but Townsend is the one that lands a few. They break apart as Lewis lands two punches, and then backs off to jab. Townsend throws a body kick and misses a high kick, so Lewis backs off and lands three punches before clinching up. The two jockey for position and throw a few short clinch strikes, and Lewis opens up with several fierce punches that force them to break apart. Townsend gets wild and throws bombs, catching Lewis briefly, but "The Extraordinary Gentleman" evades most of the harm and charges back into the clinch. Townsend lands a shoulder strike on the inside, and commentator Michael Bisping laments that "it’s all the rage." The crowd begins to grow restless, so Townsend wriggles free and throws a left that Lewis dodges and counters. Although less impactful than before, Lewis lands another leg kick and then a left hand that causes Townsend to rush forward. Lewis takes the opportunity to clinch up again, and that's where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lewis
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lewis
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Lewis

Round 3

The two greet one another with some heavy punches to start things off, as Lewis connects with a one-two while Townsend tries to reply in kind. Townsend slams a heavy leg kick and Lewis appears to grimace from that strike, so he changes levels to try to secure a double leg takedown. Switching to a single, Lewis then bails on it to lean heavily in the clinch. Lewis drops down for a double again, but Townsend defends it by giving up his back. He is able to turn out before taking any punishment, throwing a looping left that Lewis narrowly evades. Lewis backs away and then comes forward with heavy punches, but Townsend is no worse for wear; he does get caught in the clinch again. The pace slows as Lewis shoots in for another takedown, and the crowd is not thrilled with this grueling clinch battle. Townsend defends the attempt but eats a knee, and separates with a push-off of a left hand. Townsend leaps in with a left, and Lewis immediately closes distance and clinches, but Townsend breaks free once more. "The Tarantula" stalks his prey, likely down on the scorecards with 45 seconds to go, and throws some big shots including a head kick. Lewis latches on to him as he comes forward, before again trying to drag the legs out from beneath Townsend. The fight ends in the clinch, and Lewis limps away, having injured his left leg and is unable to put much weight on it now.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lewis (30-27 Lewis)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lewis (30-27 Lewis)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Lewis (30-27 Lewis)

The Official Result

Bevon Lewis def. Dequan Townsend via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jamahal Hill vs. Darko Stosic

Round 1

Kicking off the main card will be a battle between the unbeaten newcomer Hill (6-0, 0-0 UFC) and heavy-handed Serbian striker Stosic (13-3, 1-2 UFC). In charge of this light heavyweight contest is referee Dan Miragliotta, and the two start off with a touch of gloves before Hill throws a hard low kick. Stay outside and away from the shots of Stosic, Hill potshots his opponent but eats a big right hand. Stosic comes forward and Hill shoves him away, where the Serb tumbles backward as the crowd begins to cheer “USA.” Hill sneaks in a quick right hand and a mouse begins to form on the forehead of Stosic. Stosic catches him with a few powerful punches, and Hill circles away from his back against the fence. Stosic lands hard again, and Hill smiles at him before throwing up a head kick that is just blocked. Hill lands a heavy body kick, and as he tries to set up a knee, Stosic cracks him flush with a right that does not bring a smile to his face. The two trade kicks, and Stosic walks him down as Hill tries to get his left hand going. Hill attempts to throw knees, and lands a hard one but gets caught and taken down. Using upkicks, Hill pushes him away and returns to his feet, where he slams a stern knee right to the torso. Stosic tries to time a right hand on the way up, and just barely misses with it. The reach of Hill is marking up the face of Stosic, with the latter forced to rush in and throw vicious punches that catch Hill upright. Hill commits to two more body kicks, and backs away as Stosic walks forward. As he rushes in, Hill pops him with a right, and the nose appears to be bloodied for the man from Serbia. Hill tries to unload with a combination, but Stosic blocks it and nails him with a thunderous left hand that sends Hill staggering. The undefeated fighter makes his way through that shot, and shakes his head out as the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Stosic

Round 2

Hill commences the round with some body shots and a few kicks for good measure. Hill digs to the body and Stosic fires back with a huge right hand that again catches him standing still. Hill continues to pepper him with kicks, and Stosic loads up on a right again that pushes Hill back on the mere impact. The Serbian fighter attempts to take the fight down, but instead bails on that to fire an overhand right. Hill races in and begins to chain strikes together, working Stosic from a distance and staying out of the way from the wild looping shots coming his direction. The body strikes continue to accumulate for Hill, and he puts three jabs together before landing one on the midsection. Stosic winds up with some huge punches and misses, and Hill keeps his distance with long punches and a front kick that splits the guard. Two one-two combinations from Hill are blocked, but a third lands and frustrates Stosic, who crashes forward for a takedown. Hill stuffs it and shoves him away, where he works the body and legs with kicks along with some jabs. Hill rips to the body with a few hard right hands, and then aims at the same spot with a kick. Stosic tries to wing a big right hand again, but Hill nearly kicks his leg out to disrupt the strike. Hill varies his strikes with knees, legs kicks, front kicks to the body and head, jabs and big lefts, keeping Stosic guessing and fight off his back foot. Hill brings up a knee, and Stosic catches it to land a takedown with seconds to spare. The round ends while Hill tries to get back to his feet.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 3

The two meet with a glove touch and short embrace, and Stosic shouts out something so Hill throws five kicks at him in rapid succession. Hill stings Stosic with a one-two, and backs off when Stosic tries to change levels. Stosic lands a few leg kicks that make Hill react, and then shoots in for a takedown from a distance, where he lands it successfully. Stosic starts unloading some heavy punches that bloody up his opponent, and Hill frantically returns to his feet before getting hurt. Stosic tries again to take him down, but is unsuccessful this time and eats a few punches and kicks for his effort. Hill wings a big punch that goes wide after absorbing a loud leg kick, and Hill goes back to the body and flicks his jabs out there. Stosic times the strike again with an effective takedown, but Hill pops back up without taking any strikes this time. The pace has slowed significantly, but Hill is still able to keep Stosic fighting backward with leg kicks and jabs. As Hill throws a few body kicks, Stosic loops a right back at him but is well shy of the mark. Stosic rushes forward for a takedown, and although Hill avoids it, he stumbles. Stosic pounces, and although he cannot get him down, he tags him with a left. Stosic backs away and charges at him until he eventually lands the takedown across the ring, where he lands in full guard and begins to throw some short punches. With 30 seconds left on the clock, Hill tries to tie him up while Stosic looks to unleash some strikes, and it is Hill that gets back to his feet. Stosic tries with maximum effort to take the fight down, and lifts Hill up and slams him down while landing on his head. Luckily for him, it is not nearly as potent as Gray Maynard vs. Rob Emerson, and the fight ends with Stosic on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stosic (29-28 Hill)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Stosic (29-28 Hill)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Stosic (29-28 Stosic)

The Official Result

Jamahal Hill def. Darko Stosic via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Angela Hill vs. Hannah Cifers

Round 1

Dropping down to the lightest division, women's strawweight, we are treated to a potential brawl as Hill (10-7, 5-7 UFC) tries to embark upon the first win streak of her UFC tenure against Cifers (10-3, 2-1 UFC). Surprisingly, Hill bucks her trend of great punk and metal walkout songs by switching it up to "Hell Yeah" by Dead Prez. Trying to keep up with this fight will be referee Kevin MacDonald. There is no glove touch, and instead a leg kick from Cifers as Hill walks forward to open up with punches. Both swing at each other and land partially, and then do so again. The two wing punches, and Cifers lands a leg kick on the break. Hill lands a straight left to the body, and Cifers throws back with a left hook. As Cifers throws another leg kick, Hill counters over the top. Hill sticks out a jab, and Cifers backs off so Hill chases with an uppercut. Hill lands with a solid left, and Cifers smiles and throws right back at her. The jab continues to land for Hill, so Cifers bites down on her mouthpiece and fires a four-punch combination back. Halting the movement again with a jab, Hill is able to keep her distance and stay out of the way from the looping punches from Cifers. Cifers does catch Hill on the end of a right hand, but Hill is unconcerned as she throws right back. At this pace, the punch totals are going to sizeable at the end of this fight. Hill ends a combination with a kick, and Cifers grins again, so Hill crashes forward to take the smile off her face with a few knees. Hill lands a heavy right to the body, and evades the counter in time. A low kick from Hill forces Cifers to momentarily switch stances until the North Carolina native clinches up. Hill reverses the position but eats a knee, and Cifers tags her with a right as the two swing heavily. Hill overcommits with a left hook and Cifers throws back but does not land flush, so Hill follows with a right that does score. A spinning strike from Hill and a flurry from both ends the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cifers

Round 2

Both women trade leather immediately out of the gate, with Cifers throwing a few kicks to the legs and body as they brawl. Hill digs to the body with a right, and as she backs away she takes another low kick. Cifers continues to work that lead leg of Hill with two more, and evades the counters from Hill. Hill steps in with a knee, and then sweeps the legs out from beneath Cifers and lands in side control. “Overkill” grinds her elbow on the face of Cifers, but she does not throw one as she instead looks to possibly set up a submission as she steps over guard. In three-quarter mount, Hill rains down punches and advances to mount. Hill slashes down with some massive elbows, and Cifers can do nothing but absorb them. Hill keeps a high mount and continues the fury in the form of more elbows and a few punches for good measure. A cut forms on the side of Cifers' head, and the blood begins to flow as Hill slams down elbow after elbow. MacDonald is taking a close eye on the action now, and every elbow Hill lands, he leans a little closer. Hill senses the finish, and throws several heavy punches that finally make MacDonald call the fight. The crowd erupts into boos, upset that their hometown fighter lost by stoppage. This is a major win for Hill, who is now on the first win streak in her 13-fight UFC career.

The Official Result

Angela Hill def. Hannah Cifers R2 4:26 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Jordan Espinosa vs. Alex Perez

Round 1

Switching to the flyweight division, a pair of top-15 fighters in the division lock horns as Espinosa (14-6, 1 NC; 1-1 UFC) faces off against Perez (22-5, 4-1 UFC). Our Octagon steward is referee Dan Miragliotta, who will be keeping a watchful eye on the action. A touch of gloves leads to a fast leg kick for Perez, and Espinosa throws back but Perez lands another. On the break, Espinosa accidentally lands an eye poke, and the action pauses for a brief moment before Perez blinks it out and they continue. A leg kick from Espinosa lands, and Perez rushes forward to take the fight down. Perez does exactly that, grounding Espinosa and holding him down in half guard. Instead of strikes, Perez searches for an arm-triangle choke, but seeing he cannot secure it, he throws a few punches to the body and elbows to the thigh. The Team Oyama fighter goes after the arm-triangle again, and Espinosa defends it by keeping his arm tight to his head. Perez stays in the same place, atop his man in half guard while pushing heavier on top, and Espinosa goes to sleep. The commentary team had just explained that Perez was in the wrong position, but Miragliotta notices the fighter is unconscious and calls a stop to the fight. Perez may be welcomed into the ranks of the top-10 of the division with this quick win, and he uses the post-fight opportunity to call out Askar Askarov.

The Official Result

Alex Perez def. Jordan Espinosa R1 2:33 via Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Michael Chiesa

Round 1

In the co-main event, former lightweight king dos Anjos (30-12, 18-10 UFC) takes on a fellow 155-pound expat in the submission-minded Chiesa (16-4, 9-4 UFC). Dos Anjos has never lost a fight by tapout, while his opponent has never dropped a bout on the scorecards. Taking charge of the cage in this welterweight scrap is referee Kevin MacDonald. The two men touch gloves, and the action begins with both men looking to establish their jab in the early going. The crowd immediately chants “USA” while there are countering chants of “Uh Vai Morrer” from the Brazilian fans. Dos Anjos sticks out his right jab several times, and Chiesa circles away but dos Anjos nails him with a heavy right. Chiesa comes forward, gets caught on his way in, but powers through and ties up with dos Anjos. Chiesa is quick to take dos Anjos' back, and drags dos Anjos down to the ground. Chiesa sinks in his hooks, and dos Anjos is quick to turn out but Chiesa secures the body triangle. The American is pursuing the rear-naked choke, and dos Anjos defends it as he walks toward the body triangle to try to break the position. Dos Anjos survives the danger and manages to get himself free, where he bucks Chiesa off of him and nails him with a body kick. Dos Anjos clips Chiesa with a few strikes, but “Maverick” closes the distance and gets another takedown briefly. The round ends with the two men in the clinch, after dos Anjos returns to his feet.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa

Round 2

Another touch of gloves clocks in the second round, and dos Anjos lands a powerful calf kick that makes Chiesa flinch. Chiesa jumps in with a knee to the body, and as he pursues the takedown this time, dos Anjos stuffs it and pushes them away. Dos Anjos lands another harsh leg kick, and Chiesa falls to the ground but dos Anjos does not want to play, so Chiesa returns to his feet. Closing the distance with big strikes, Chiesa goes all-in for a takedown, but the Brazilian stands back up and pushes away once more. The low kick from dos Anjos scores once more, and Chiesa is reacting to that kick as dos Anjos hits it right after. Chiesa is quick to clinch up, as he does not want to take these strikes that he is not defending well. The American throws a few knees up the middle, and dos Anjos circles out of the position and changes levels for a double leg takedown. Chiesa nearly flips him over with a guillotine choke, and steps over to try to set up another position but dos Anjos backs out of the position and throws that same calf kick. Chiesa lands a powerful uppercut, so dos Anjos chases him down with one and then follows suit with the leg kick. The two swing heavily and dodge each other’s strikes, so dos Anjos goes after the leg again. Chiesa scoops him up and slams him to the cage floor, all while dos Anjos works his way back up and defending his back. Chiesa goes after the back again, but gives up on it and tries for another takedown as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dos Anjos
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dos Anjos
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa

Round 3

The last round begins with a final glove touch, and the two trade punches as Chiesa lands a left. Dos Anjos works that leg kick again, and Chiesa puts on the pressure where he lands a takedown and immediately advances to half guard. “Maverick” considers an arm-triangle choke, as dos Anjos counters by flirting with a kneebar attempt before falling to his back. Chiesa looks to set up a kimura, and instead pursues a straight armlock as dos Anjos kicks free and hunts for a heel hook from his back. The action stalls in the position as Chiesa does not appear to be in danger but cannot mount offense on top. Dos Anjos nearly pushes off, but Chiesa dives back down on top and starts to throw some short, aggravating punches while dos Anjos is trapped on his back. The Brazilian tries to set up an armbar, but Chiesa shrugs it off and sits in half guard, holding him down with punches to the body. The crowd is not thrilled by this fight as it comes to an end, but Chiesa ends on top and very well may have earned the biggest win of his career. With a short but emphatic post-fight interview, Chiesa simply calls out Colby Covington for July and strides out of the cage.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa (29-28 Chiesa)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa (29-28 Chiesa)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Chiesa (30-27 Chiesa)

The Official Result

Michael Chiesa def. Rafael dos Anjos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Curtis Blaydes vs. Junior dos Santos

Round 1

We have reached the main event, in the form of a heavyweight showdown between rising contender Blaydes (12-2, 1 NC; 7-2, 1 NC UFC) and former champ dos Santos (21-6, 15-5 UFC). Together, the two have scored 24 knockouts in their 33 victories (about 73 percent), while combining for exactly one submission. Referee Dan Miragliotta will try to keep a lid on this 495-pound clash, and after the two men touch gloves, it's time to throw down! Blaydes begins with a jab, while dos Santos keeps his left hand low to possibly defend the almost-inevitable takedown attempt. Dos Santos tags him with a right, and Blaydes immediately shoots in for a takedown. The Brazilian sprints away, and gets out of the way of the takedown try, so Blaydes throws a leg kick and gets another takedown stuffed in short order. The two trade jabs, and Blaydes tries to fake his way in and lands a stern body kick. The two men both land a single leg kick, and a major uppercut from dos Santos whiffs and blows back the hair of the people in the first row. Blaydes rushes forward with lunging punches and an attempted takedown, but “Cigano” stuffs it. This time, Blaydes follows through with the takedown attempt and pushes dos Santos against the cage. While aiming for the body, Blaydes punches dos Santos square in the groin. Miragliotta pauses the action, dos Santos recovers, and we return to the fight. The two crash together quickly and throw heavily, and as dos Santos ducks out of the way, Blaydes chases him down and misses when he changes levels to go after his legs. Dos Santos throws a long punch to the body, but eats a big right hand afterward. As he closes the distance, Blaydes lands a hard right hand, and then attempts one more takedown that dos Santos shoves away. Blaydes slaps home another body kick, and misses with a big right hand as dos Santos loads up on a massive uppercut that just whiffs. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blaydes
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Blaydes
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Blaydes

Round 2

A glove touch checks in the second round, and Blaydes lands a low kick while absorbing a right hand. Blaydes cracks dos Santos with a huge right hand, and dos Santos is shocked, and backs off while flailing with a spinning back fist that is several feet away from the target. Blaydes blocks a head kick coming his way, and the two swing heavily at one another. Blaydes blasts him with a ferocious overhand right, and the strike stuns dos Santos on his feet. Blaydes pours on the pressure in the form of several knees and punches until Miragliotta has seen enough, ending the fight with a standing technical knockout. This triumph cannot be understated for Blaydes, who put away the former champ with strikes and not due to his wrestling. Blaydes, who has now put three wins in a row together, calls for a title shot. Unfortunately for him, former two-time foe Francis Ngannou is also in the division, and the Frenchman has knocked out each of his last three opponents including Blaydes -- although Ngannou faces an upcoming tough test in Columbus, Ohio, against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Regardless of his next opponent, this victory unquestionably puts Blaydes among the top of the division.

The Official Result

Curtis Blaydes def. Junior dos Santos R2 1:06 via TKO (Punches)