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UFC Fight Night 96 ‘Lineker vs. Dodson’ Results: Play-by-Play & Updates



Sherdog.com's live UFC Fight Night 96 “Lineker vs. Dodson” coverage kicks off Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET.

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Kelly Faszholz vs. Ketlen Vieira

Round 1

Vieira catches an early body kick and uses the leg to shove Faszholz against the fence, where the Brazilian leans on her opponent for 20 seconds or so. Faszholz breaks away, dodging a sweeping punch from Vieira on her way out of the clinch. Faszholz whiffs on a high kick and gets popped with a right hook on the turn-around. Now it’s Faszholz looking to pin Vieira to the wall, but Vieira turns the tables with a lovely throw that puts Faszholz on the floor at the base of the fence. Vieira lands short body punches as she works to pass Faszholz’s guard at the midway point of the round. Faszholz slows the fight by entangling Vieira from the bottom, but Vieira opts to stand in the final minute. Vieira still can’t pass the guard but finishes the round kneeling atop Faszholz.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Vieira
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vieira
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vieira

Round 2

Faszholz gets off to a good start, sticking her right hand in Vieira’s face and placing a kick across the Brazilian’s midsection. Vieira catches another kick, and again she uses it to her advantage by tripping Faszholz to the floor. Faszholz closes her guard and looks to lock down Vieira’s arms, so Vieira stands up and tries to shuck the legs. Vieira still can’t find a pass and winds up kneeling back down in Faszholz’s guard. Back up comes Vieira, having to dodge the swirling and upkicking legs of the grounded Faszholz. Two minutes remain in the middle round and the fighters have settled into a stalemate, with neither able to improve their position. Referee Dan Miragliotta brings the bantamweights back to their feet. Vieira blocks a kick aimed at her head, then catches one to her body and brings Faszholz straight back to the ground. Ref Miragliotta doesn’t let them stay down for long, but a stand-up of the fighters in the final 20 seconds proves fruitless.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Vieira
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vieira
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vieira

Round 3

Faszholz spends the first minute of the final frame chasing Vieira around the cage, swinging punches as the Brazilian backpeddles away. Ninety seconds in, Faszholz traps Vieira against the fence and scores with a knee to the body. Vieira tries to reverse and trip, but Faszholz blocks it and separates. The fighters are apart only for a few seconds before Vieira grabs hold of Faszholz and brings her back to the wall. Faszholz blocks another throw attempt and creates some space, now with half a round remaining. She continues to chase Vieira around the perimeter, but once she catches up, it’s Vieira controlling the fight by hurling Faszholz to the canvas. Faszholz throws up a triangle from her back, but she can’t get hold of Vieira, who’s standing over her. Vieira catches Faszholz rolling to her knees and tries to take her back; Faszholz sits up against the wall to block the back-take, and they finish the fight grappling at the foot of the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Faszholz (29-28 Vieira)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Faszholz (29-28 Vieira)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Faszholz (29-28 Vieira)

The Official Result

Ketlen Vieira def. Kelly Faszholz via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Cody East vs. Curtis Blaydes

Round 1

Blaydes shoots straight for a double-leg takedown, but it’s quickly stuffed by East, who backs up and looks to throw hands. Blaydes shoots in again and plows East to the floor, though the heavyweights are back up on their feet within seconds. A second takedown for Blaydes lands him in side control inside the opening minute of the bout. East’s left side is up against the fence as he tries to pivot and put “Razor” in guard. East reclaims half guard, now with just over three minutes remaining in round one. Blaydes scores with a few elbows from top position before putting a forearm across East’s throat. East posts and stands up, absorbing a few punches from Blaydes along the way. He’s only up for a few seconds before Blaydes hits another takedown and steps over to full mount. East hooks a leg and escapes out the back, then drives forward and lands a takedown of his own. Blaydes springs back up and pushes East to the wall with double underhooks, then switches to a bodylock and flings East to the floor once again. There’s not enough activity on the ground for referee Dave Hagen, who brings the fighters back to their feet inside the 30-second mark. East bursts forward with a barrage of punches, followed by a single-leg takedown to finish the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Blaydes

Round 2

East counters an early kick from Blaydes with a straight right hand over the top, one of East’s best counter-shots of the fight. However, seconds later, Blaydes hits another easy takedown and postures up in East’s closed guard as they work at the base of the fence. Blaydes drops elbows on the bottom man, opening up a few small cuts on East’s face. East rolls to his knees and drives forward, clung to one of Blaydes’ legs. Blaydes just stays on one knee and drives hard elbow strikes into the side of East’s head. Referee Hagen tells East to improve his position; East does not, and the elbows keep coming, so the ref steps in to stop the bout.

The Official Result

Curtis Blaydes def. Cody East via TKO (Elbows) R2 2:02

Jonathan Wilson vs. Ion Cutelaba

Round 1

Cutelaba backs up Wilson to the fence and then tries to take off the American’s head with big overhand rights. A few of the punches clip Wilson, but “Johnny Bravo” survives the attack and circles away to reset. Once Cutelaba gets close enough, Wilson grabs hold and spins him against the fence, though only for a few seconds. The light heavyweights come back to the middle, now 90 seconds into the opening round. Cutelaba pushes Wilson to the outside again, lands a couple body punches and then backs off. Wilson waits for Cutelaba to step forward and rocks his head with a straight left. Cutelaba punches his way into the pocket, looks to tie up but can’t keep hold. An uppercut lands for Cutelaba, then another, but Wilson seems unfazed by the punches. Cutelaba lands a knee to the body during a brief clinch, but now the 205ers are back to swinging punches with one minute left. The pace slows in the final 60 seconds of the round, though Wilson comes through with a hard low kick and a body punch. Cutelaba rushes his opponent against the wall once more and lands another right hand as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba

Round 2

Cutelaba throws an inside leg kick from an awkward angle and connects square on Wilson’s cup. Referee Herb Dean pauses the action as Wilson drops to his knees in pain. The fight resumes after an extended break for Wilson to recover from the foul. Cutelaba is back on the offensive, walking Wilson around the cage, but the southpaw catches Cutelaba with a nice counter kick to the body. Cutelaba is throwing hard punches, but many of them seem to be bouncing off the high guard of Wilson, who is constantly backing up against the fence. Cutelaba closes the distance, waits for Wilson to angle off and cracks him with a lovely right straight. With two minutes left in the round, Cutelaba is starting to take over, cornering Wilson again to land an uppercut. Cutelaba begins swinging a bit more wildly as they move back to the center, but he still managers to slug Wilson with another hard right. Wilson easily snuffs out a poor takedown attempt and then blasts Cutelaba with a left hand over the top, Wilson’s best punch of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba

Round 3

Cutelaba is still swinging for the fences early in round three, but it’s Wilson coming forward now, presumably knowing he’s down on the scorecards. Wilson remains measured, not expending energy with too many punches, and instead picking at Cutelaba with low kicks and single strikes. Cutelaba waits for a lull and then bursts forward with a right straight that backs up Wilson to the wall. The offense from both men has dried up here late in the fight, though Cutelaba continues to press forward. Wilson has stopped engaging in exchanges; he is now turning his back and dashing away when Cutelaba attacks with punches. The remainder of the round ticks away without incident.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba (30-27 Cutelaba)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba (30-27 Cutelaba)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cutelaba (30-27 Cutelaba)

The Official Result

Ion Cutelaba def. Jonathan Wilson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Nate Marquardt vs. Tamdan McCrory

Round 1

Marquardt winds up and lands a hard outside leg kick to open his account, while McCrory steps forward on the shorter man, pumping his jab. McCrory fires a few right high kicks at Marquardt’s head, but both are deflected by the gloves of “Nate the Great.” Two minutes in, Marquardt shoots for and completes a takedown in the center of the cage. McCrory grabs a headlock on the way down but can’t turn it into a choke, and now it’s Marquardt working from the full guard of “The Barn Cat” with half the round remaining. McCrory pivots his hips, angling for a triangle or armbar, but Marquardt snuffs out the attempt before it can begin. Again, McCrory looks to catch something from the bottom; this time, Marquardt stacks him up, shucks the legs and passes to side control. McCrory quickly reclaims full guard and continues to hunt for an armbar in the final 30 seconds. The submission doesn’t materialize, but the threat keeps Marquardt from mounting any significant offense.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 McCrory
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Marquardt
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10

Round 2

McCrory connects with a solid body kick, then a jab over the top as Marquardt fires a front kick to the body underneath. Marquardt slaps McCrory’s chest with a kick, then jabs hard to the midsection. McCrory lands a hook that seems to get Marquardt’s attention; “The Barn Cat” tries to pounce and follow up with more punches, but Marquardt covers up against the fence, changes levels and hits a quick takedown. The action slows again as McCrory wraps up Marquardt from the bottom, overhooking both of the Coloradoan’s arms to prevent ground-and-pound. Referee John McCarthy orders the fighters back to their feet with 30 seconds remaining. Marquardt lands an overhand right that puts McCrory on rollerskates. McCrory tries to mask the damage and stay standing, but Marquardt smells blood and follows up with a left high kick that sends McCrory crashing to the canvas.

The Official Result

Nate Marquardt def. Tamdan McCrory via KO (Punch and Head Kick) R2 4:44

Keita Nakamura vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Round 1

Nakamura catches the first kick from dos Santos and runs the Brazilian against the fence for a quick double-leg takedown. Dos Santos tries to post and stand, but Nakamura wraps up his legs and angles him away from the fence. Dos Santos climbs back to his feet, gets tripped up again and tries to land on a knee, leaving his back exposed. Nakamura climbs straight into back-mount and established one hook before beginning to throw left hands at dos Santos from behind. Dos Santos tucks his chin as “K-Taro” tries to snake his left arm around dos Santos’ throat for a choke. Dos Santos tries to roll over and gives up full mount, but he quickly pushes Nakamura out of the dominant position. Dos Santos is just clinging on from the bottom, trying to hold Nakamura in guard. Nakamura catches him in transition and spins to take the Brazilian’s back once more. Dos Santos shakes him loose and tries to stand, only to find Nakamura draped all over him. Dos Santos escapes in the closing seconds of the round and swings punches at Nakamura but can’t find the button.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Nakamura
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nakamura
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nakamura

Round 2

Dos Santos stays standing through the first minute of the round by pressing forward on Nakamura with body-head combinations. Nakamura withstands the early attack and then claims the center of the cage, moving dos Santos around the outside in measured steps. Nakamura changes levels and drives on dos Santos’ legs to score another takedown at the wall. Dos Santos gives up his back again and has to fight off Nakamura’s rear-naked choke attempts until he’s able to put his back flat on the ground. Nakamura postures up, waits for dos Santos to sit or kneel, then transitions to the back. Dos Santos stands before Nakamura can establish the position, and now “Capoeira” tries to reclaim some ground with punches and leg kicks. Nakamura slides backward to avoid damage in the final minute, though dos Santos does connect with a few hard leg kicks and a solid right hook.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 dos Santos
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 dos Santos
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10

Round 3

After a relatively uneventful 90 seconds to open the round, dos Santos steps into the pocket to throw an overhand right and gets clipped with an apparent kick to the groin. Referee Dave Hagen tells the welterweights to fight on, and soon it’s Nakamura catching a leg and scoring yet another takedown. This time, “K-Taro” lands in dos Santos’ half guard near the center of the cage, though the fighters soon roll back toward the fence. They scramble back to their feet, where dos Santos hurls Nakamura back to the floor with a rear waistlock. In the transition, “Capoeira” catches Nakamura in an arm-triangle choke setup, but when the Brazilian tries to finish the choke on the floor, Nakamura seems unconcerned. Sure enough, the choke falls by the wayside, so dos Santos tries to transition into a Peruvian necktie. Nakamura escapes from this, too, and then takes dos Santos’ back in the ensuing scramble. Dos Santos reverses out of this and finishes the round dropping punches on the kneeling Nakamura.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 dos Santos (29-28 dos Santos)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 dos Santos (29-28 dos Santos)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 dos Santos (29-29 Draw)

The Official Result

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Keita Nakamura via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Walt Harris vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov

Round 1

Abdurakhimov takes the center of the cage and inches forward on the southpaw Harris, who blocks the Russian’s first double-leg takedown attempt. Harris throws a whipping leg kick, caught by Abdurakhimov and converted into an easy takedown. Abdurakhimov lands a few elbows and tries to take Harris’ back, but Harris scrambles back to his feet. Abdurakhimov charges inside again, takes a knee to the body and tries another takedown, but Harris stands him up. The heavyweights move to the fence as Abdurakhimov tries to pin Harris to the cage with an underhook, but they soon disengage. Inside the final minute of a close opening round, Abdurakhimov steps into the pocket and both men bounce hooks off one another’s head. Harris’ right hand opens up a cut behind Abdurakhimov’s left ear. Harris stuffs another takedown attempt in the last half minute, and they finish the round on their feet.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Abdurakhimov
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Harris
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Abdurakhimov

Round 2

Lots of fakes and feints from both heavyweights during a slow opening minute to round two. Harris catches a kick and trips Abdurakhimov to the mat, then catches the Russian in a headlock as he stands. Harris comes down to the ground, where Abdurakhimov turns belly-down and slowly works himself out of the loose guillotine. Abdurakhimov climbs back to his feet, ducks under a front kick from Harris but can’t score another takedown. The fight is turning ugly here in the latter half of round two, with sloppier exchanges and fewer landed strikes for both men. Harris continues to press out from the center, and now he zaps Abdurakhimov with a clean left straight counter to a leg kick. Abdurakhimov changes levels to shoot and is greeted by a snapping front kick to the midsection.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Harris
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Harris
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Harris

Round 3

Abdurakhimov takes the center of the cage and swings a right hand over the top, then lands a sharp inside leg kick. Harris double-pumps his jab and comes up short, but the next right hand snaps back Abdurakhimov’s head. Harris picks off a Abdurakhimov right hand with a counter left; Abdurakhimov resets and lands another leg kick. Over the top comes Abdurakhimov with a right hand as they enter the final three minutes of the bout. Abdurakhimov ducks under a hook and grabs for a double-leg, but it’s blocked by Harris. More circling and pawing from the heavyweights, neither man really taking control of the final frame. Abdurakhimov finishes off a combination with a good right hook, ducks under another punch from Harris and shoves the American to the fence. Harris lands a knee and escapes the clinch to finish out the fight at range.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Abdurakhimov (29-28 Abdurakhimov)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Abdurakhimov (29-28 Harris)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Abdurakhimov (29-28 Abdurakhimov)

The Official Result

Shamil Abdurakhimov def. Walt Harris via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Andre Fili vs. Hacran Dias

Round 1

The southpaw Fili comes out swinging, bouncing on his toes toward Dias, who has his first attempt at a takedown denied by the Team Alpha Male product. Dias charges forward with a flurry of strikes and clips Fili with a sweeping left right hand. Now a right hook in close quarters tags Fili on the chin, but “Touchy” is still able to fend off Dias’ single-leg takedown try. Fili sends Dias to the canvas with a short left hook, then tries desperately to pound out the Brazilian with hammerfists. Dias survives the assault and sits up to drive forward on a single-leg attempt, pushing Fili against the wall. After a bit of work, Dias drags Fili to the floor and sets up in side control, but Fili rolls out and escapes to his feet. With 90 seconds left, it’s Fili pushing forward, looking to connect with another big strike. Dias backs up to the fence, hands low, trying to lure Fili inside so he can shoot for another takedown. Fili blocks the Brazilian’s shot and spins him against the cage, where the featherweights ride out the final seconds of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Fili
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Fili
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Fili

Round 2

Fili is trying to mix up his angles here, throwing awkward strikes to keep Dias on his back foot. Dias shoots inside, then comes back up to hold Fili in a high bodylock. Fili keeps his balance for a moment but soon finds himself back on the ground, with Dias holding him down from side control. Fili tries to kick off the fence, but Dias is heavy on top and won’t allow him to escape. Dias may be setting up an arm-triangle choke here; he’s not doing much else with top position. Fili rolls him over and explodes back to his feet, now with half the round remaining. Dias grabs for a double-leg, gets pushed away, comes back for another try and drives Fili against the fence. Fili uses the momentum to trip Dias to the mat, and now it’s Fili in top position with two minutes on the clock. Dias swings his legs around for an armbar but loses the submission when Fili stands up and drops him on his head. Fili stands over his prone opponent, landing leg kicks, while Dias looks at referee Herb Dean, maybe hoping for a stand-up order. Fili seems content to keep Dias on his back here in the final minute, but Dias jumps up for the last 30 seconds of the round. Dias shoots for another takedown in the final moments and gets ragdolled to the floor by another Fili throw.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Fili
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Fili
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Fili

Round 3

Dias goes looking for a takedown in the first minute of the final round, but each time he gets hold of Fili, the American is able to escape to safety. Fili connects with a stiff jab, changes levels and gets denied on a single-leg attempt of his own. Dias waits for another punch, ducks underneath and drags Fili to the ground near the center of the cage. The action slows just as soon as they hit the ground, with both men appearing to take a breather here in the third minute. Dias tries to get busy with short ground-and-pound, but he’s soon tangled up in Fili’s lanky guard. Referee Miragliotta calls for action, so Dias postures up and then stands while still wrapped in guard. Fili jumps back to his feet, though only for a few seconds before being taken down again. Fili blocks Dias’ attempted pass to mount, but the Brazilian advances to side control in the last 90 seconds. Dias leans across Fili’s body to frame up a kimura on the right, but before he can secure the arm, Fili explodes out from the bottom and sweeps. The fight ends there, with Fili on top, trying to land ground-and-pound in the final seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dias (29-28 Fili)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Dias (29-28 Fili)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dias (29-28 Fili)

The Official Result

Andre Fili def. Hacran Dias via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Luis Henrique da Silva vs. Joachim Christensen

Round 1

Christensen pumps his jab as he steps backward, da Silva moving outward from the center of the cage. As “Frankenstein” closes in, Christensen reverses to the outside and jams the Brazilian against the wall. Da Silva reverses right back to claim the outside position, but Christensen pops him with a few short uppercuts in the tie-up. Da Silva responds with a knee to the body, looking to pull down Christensen’s head in the Thai clinch. Christensen breaks out of the clinch and takes a kick to the chest as he circles off. Da Silva steps forward to land another body kick, then gets a jab on the nose and a follow-up right hand from the Dane. Suddenly, da Silva bursts forward with an overhand right that leaves Christensen stumbling. Da Silva follows his off-balance opponent to the fence and pushes him to the ground, then stands over him. Referee John McCarthy orders Christensen back to his feet with just over 90 seconds on the clock. Da Silva continues to walk down Christensen in the final minute and connects with a hard right hand over the top. Christensen continues to stick jabs, but it looks like da Silva is willing to eat them in order to get inside.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 da Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 da Silva
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 da Silva

Round 2

Christensen tries to go back to his uppercut in the early stages of round two, but this time da Silva is ready and the punches bounce off the Brazilian’s gloves. Da Silva runs Christensen against the fence, trying to land knees, but he’s struggling to find a home for the strikes against the taller man. The 205ers separate briefly, then clinch again, and this time da Silva lands a pointed knee to Christensen’s midsection. Christensen drops da Silva with a knee to the face, but the Dane doesn’t have enough left in the gas tank to pound out his fallen opponent. Instead, Christensen kneels in da Silva’s wide open guard and the fight slows to a glacial pace at the midway point of the round. Christensen stands, comes back to the ground with a hard right hand but doesn’t follow up. Da Silva is just clinging on from the bottom, trying to ride out the final 90 seconds of the round. Christensen isn’t giving him much trouble on top, and when the Copenhagen native tries to set up an awkward choke, da Silva sweeps him right underneath. Quickly goes da Silva to full mount, dropping punches until Christensen rolls over. When he does, da Silva snatches up an armbar and forces a surprising submission.

The Official Result

Luis Henrique da Silva def. Joachim Christensen via Submission (Armbar) R2 4:43

Louis Smolka vs. Brandon Moreno

Round 1

Moreno goes body-head on his first combination, then backs up as Smolka pushes forward with a body kick. Moreno catches the leg and drags Smolka to the ground near the fence, but Smolka prevents him from passing to side control. Smolka lands a few short elbow strikes from the bottom, while Moreno buries his head and works to maintain top position. Smolka flips over backward and jumps back to his feet, where he clings on to a single-leg and pulls Moreno to the ground. Moreno catches a guillotine choke as he’s taken down, rolls into full mount and nearly loses it as Smolka threatens to stand. Moreno adjusts the choke and jumps guard again, and this time Smolka cannot escape. The Hawaiian hesitates for a moment and then taps out in submission.

The Official Result

Brandon Moreno def. Louis Smolka via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 2:23

Joshua Burkman vs. Zak Ottow

Round 1

Ottow fires off a right high kick that bounces off the gloves of the southpaw Burkman, and the welterweights continue their cautious circling through the opening minute of the bout. Both men fire punches, neither landing clean, and then Ottow connects with a hard kick to Burkman’s lead leg. Burkman slides backward to evade a one-two, takes another kick to the leg. Ottow presses forward with an inside leg kick that lands on Burkman’s groin. Referee John McCarthy pauses the fight and issues a verbal warning to Ottow before action resumes. Both men still seem hesitant to engage, now three and a half minutes into the bout. Ottow comes up with a solid body kick, answered by Burkman with a front kick to the midsection. Another hard body kick connects for Ottow, followed by a stiff right hand. Ottow stuffs a late takedown attempt, stands up Burkman and elbows him on the jaw.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ottow
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ottow
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ottow

Round 2

Ottow plunges a straight right hand to Burkman’s body and follows with a leg kick that half-turns the veteran around. The welterweights clash leg kicks, now trade simultaneous jabs in what continues to be a frustrating, tentative fight. Burkman catches Ottow stepping in to throw a big right hand and picks him off with a jab. Ottow gets a glove up to block a spinning kick at the midway point of the round. More twitching and feinting from both fighters down the stretch. Burkman changes levels, possibly looking for a shot, but he’s forced back upright when Ottow whips a kick at his head. Nothing much to note down the stretch as neither man takes control of the striking exchanges.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ottow
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ottow
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10

Round 3

Ottow goes for an early single-leg but can’t spin Burkman to the ground. Burkman crouches low, waits for Ottow to step inside and then fires an off-target right hand. The fighters trade inside leg kicks, with Ottow’s appearing to have more behind them. A right hand on the jaw makes Burkman take a step backward. Halfway through the final round, Burkman is trying to get something going but still can’t land the clean punch he’s searching for. Ottow shoots in low, then comes back up and drills Burkman with a hard knee to the gut. Burkman winces as he pushes Ottow against the cage, then tries to wrestle him to the ground. Ottow resists at first but is soon tripped to the mat, now with less than 80 seconds on the clock. Burkman is just riding out the last minute in top position, keeping Ottow pinned to the ground from side control. Ottow escapes to his feet with 30 seconds left and closes in on Burkman to land a body kick. Ottow slips to the ground while throwing the kick, but when Burkman tries to capitalize, Ottow uses the momentum to put Burkman on the floor. Ottow finishes the fight working for a last-ditch choke attempt.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ottow (30-27 Ottow)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ottow (30-27 Ottow)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ottow (30-27 Ottow)

The Official Result

Zak Ottow def. Joshua Burkman via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira

Round 1

Oliveira backs up Brooks with an overhand right; Brooks changes levels to shoot for a takedown, but the Brazilian underhooks his arms and stands him up against the fence. Now it’s Oliveira digging for a high single-leg against the fence, but he’s getting nowhere with his takedown attempt against the experienced wrestler. Brooks balances on one leg as Oliveira tries to lift and slam. Oliveira always is his head underneath Brooks’ chin to make things uncomfortable as they grapple on the wall. Brooks shoots a sharp knee to Oliveira’s body and then spins him around. Brooks drops for a double, stands and lifts Oliveira into the air before dumping him to the canvas near the fence. The larger Oliveira posts and climbs back to his feet, where he turns Brooks’ back to the fence once again. Brooks uses a bodylock to trip Oliveira to the floor but can’t keep him there. Brooks scores another takedown late in the round but can’t do much with it as Oliveira catches him in a guillotine.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Brooks
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oliveira
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Oliveira

Round 2

Brooks latches on to an early single-leg attempt, drags Oliveira to the canvas and steps over to full mount, still inside the opening minute of the round. “Ill Will” slows down once he gets mount, taking his time to flatten out Oliveira and then posturing up with a can opener. Oliveira rolls over, giving up his back, and then stands with Brooks attached to him, both hooks in. Brooks fishes for a rear-naked choke, can’t get it and instead throws punches, but he soon slips off Oliveira’s back. Oliveira whips around, pushes Brooks to the fence and double-legs him to the ground, but Brooks is back on his feet within 10 seconds. Oliveira holds his opponent against the cage, drops for another double and plants Brooks on his posterior inside the two-minute mark. Brooks works his way back up with a minute remaining, turns the corner and suplexes Oliveira to the ground. Oliveira stands up and Brooks hops on his back, but again Brooks is unable to catch a choke before he slides off. Brooks finishes the round working for a takedown while Oliveira defends, driving elbows to the American’s body.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Brooks
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Brooks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Brooks

Round 3

Oliveira catches Brooks throwing a kick and knocks the off-balance American to the floor with a well-timed right hand. Brooks stands up, only to be muscled against and taken down by an unorthodox Oliveira single-leg. “Cowboy” lands in half guard on Brooks’ right side, but Brooks is able to elevate and push back to his feet. Oliveira keeps his enemy close, hugging Brooks against the cage once more to deliver a knee to the body. Oliveira is latched on to another single, can’t quite spin Brooks to the ground this time. The Brazilian switches to a double and finds immediate success, putting Brooks flat on his back with roughly half the round remaining. Oliveira is working right in front of his corner now, pressuring Brooks from half guard. Oliveira sits up and starts landing left hands; they don’t look like much at first, but after four or five strikes land, Brooks goes limp. Referee Herb Dean steps in for the sudden stoppage, while Oliveira climbs to his feet and offers some unkind words to his fallen opponent. Brooks gets up from his daze and tries to come after Oliveira, throwing his mouthguard at the Brazilian; fortunately, referee Dean holds back Brooks, and the altercation goes no further.

The Official Result

Alex Oliveira def. Will Brooks via KO (Punches) R3 3:30

John Lineker vs. John Dodson

Round 1

Veteran referee “Big” John McCarthy is the third man in the cage for tonight’s catchweight main event. Lineker lines up orthodox against the southpaw Dodson, who steps forward to land a leg kick, then another. Lineker quickly switches to a left-handed stance, throws an awkward low kick of his own, then back to righty. Dodson scores with a kick to the body and slides out of the way just before Lineker’s clobbering right-handed counter can connect. Lineker continues to move Dodson around the edge of the cage, the Brazilian stalking with his power hand loaded up. With 90 seconds left in the round, Dodson steps out to the center and fires a left high kick. Lineker catches the leg but can’t convert the takedown before Dodson hops away. Dodson deflects a heavy left hook from Lineker and gives the Brazilian a grin. Dodson catches a kick and trips Lineker to the ground, but Lineker rolls away and back to his feet before Dodson can doa nything about it. Lineker comes lunging at Dodson with a flying knee in the dying seconds of the round, follows up with punches but can’t connect cleanly.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dodson
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Dodson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dodson

Round 2

Lineker is firing off some heavy shots in the opening minute of round two, but Dodson is too quick and cuts sharp angles to sprint away from the attacks. Lineker keeps trying to close in on Dodson near the fence; each time he does, “The Magician” bounces away and sometimes pops the Brazilian with a punch or two on the exit. A left hand snaps back Lineker’s head but doesn’t seem to faze him. After a little more of this, Lineker pauses in the center of the cage with hands on hips, then does a mocking dance. Referee McCarthy brings the fighters together and tells them to engage. When the fight resumes, Lineker goes chasing after Dodson again and gets a kick to the groin. Lineker takes a minute to compose himself, and the fight resumes with under three minutes left in the round. Lineker connects with a snappy left hook, then another. Dodson responds with a left of his own but leaves his right hand low and gets zapped by a counter on the other side. Dodson is still smiling at Lineker as they play a bit of patty-cake with their lead hands. The American continues to beat Lineker to the punch, but the Brazilian is clearly landing the harder strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lineker
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lineker
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lineker

Round 3

Dodson lands a nifty combo with a right outside leg kick followed by a left kick to the body. Lineker backs him up toward the fence but doesn’t attack before Dodson angles away. Suddenly, Lineker connects with a heavy left hook that forces Dodson to go on the defensive. Lineker shouts at his opponent and waves for him to engage, but 20 seconds later, the flyweights are back in their familiar pattern. Dodson puts a hard kick on Lineker’s body and narrowly blocks a big right hand counter. Midway through the round and the fight, Lineker is starting to find a home for more of his punches, but he’s still being forced to chase after a speedy moving target. Lineker continues to give chase down the stretch; Dodson backs up to the fence and pops the Brazilian with a counter left on the exit. Lineker waves his arms to hype up the crowd, connects with an overhand right but can’t follow up.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lineker
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lineker
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dodson

Round 4

The flyweights are back to their familiar setup at the start of the fourth, with Lineker stalking out from the middle and Dodson in constant motion around the outside. Lineker is still swinging heavy left hands, but Dodson continues to beat him to the punch, striking with blinding speed even at this late stage in the fight. Dodson tries a quick takedown, can’t get it and goes back to hopping around the edge of the cage. Lineker picks off a jump knee attempt with a right hand that spins Dodson around. Lineker whiffs on a left hook and waves Dodson forward in frustration, but Dodson just keeps to his back foot. Lineker attacks with a body-head combination, scoring several shots to the breadbasket and a hard left up top. Dodson is in full-on sprint mode now, running away from Lineker without offering any retaliation. Lineker counters a low kick with a thumping left hand over the top, then slugs Dodson hard in the gut. Despite this strong round for Lineker, the Brazilian is the one wearing damage on his face, his right eye rapidly swelling up from underneath.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dodson
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lineker
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lineker

Round 5

Dodson’s frenetic movement from the earlier rounds has vanished at the start of the final frame, though he’s still able shift his hips quick enough to dismiss a Lineker takedown attempt. It’s Lineker going hell for leather here, still swinging murderous left hands, though they’re coming a bit slower now. Dodson sticks a jab as he steps off the fence, avoiding a body kick and an uppercut in the same motion. Lineker steps into the pocket; Dodson simply shoves him away. Lineker comes back again; Dodson tags him with a short, crisp left hook and then angles away. Lineker is swinging powerful punches, but Dodson looks to be deflecting nearly everything aimed at his head. With 80 seconds left, it’s Dodson nearly scoring a knockdown with a left hand to the jaw that puts Lineker on rubber legs. Down to the final minute now, Lineker comes in with his hands low and gets popped with a right hand. Dodson changes levels behind the punch and tries a takedown. When the shot leads to nothing, Dodson climbs up on Lineker’s back and takes him for a quick ride around the cage before hopping off. Dodson fires off a left high kick in the closing seconds, but Lineker eats it and charges forward for one last attack on the spot where Dodson had been standing.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dodson (48-47 Dodson)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Dodson (48-47 Lineker)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dodson (48-47 Dodson)

The Official Result

John Lineker def. John Dodson via Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) R5 5:00
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