UFC on ESPN 2 ‘Barboza vs. Gaethje’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Alex Perez vs. Mark De La Rosa

Round 1

First up we have a bantamweight bout between Alex Perez and Mark de la Rosa. The referee in charge of the action for the first bout of the evening is Bill Bookwalter. They touch gloves and the fight is on. Perez takes the center of the Octagon immediately. He lands a hard left hook on the chin of de la Rosa. Perez just misses landing a straight right. De la Rosa connects with a low kick. Perez with a left hook to the body and de la Rosa responds with a low kick. Perez lands two low kicks of his own, and then follows it up with another left hook. Perez just misses landing an overhand right. Perez shoots in for a single leg and has de la Rosa against the fence. Perez works the dirty boxing from the clinch. They exchange knees from the clinch. Perez finally is able to land the single leg and is now on top of de la Rosa working from half guard. De la Rosa is working a kimura off bottom but Perez defends well. He lands some hard hammerfists from top position. Perez is starting to land some hard punches right to the face of de la Rosa, who is fighting back with elbows from the bottom. Perez is really pouring on the punches now and hurting his opponent but de la Rosa makes it to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Perez

Round 2

Round two begins. Once again Perez takes the center of the Octagon. They exchange low kicks. De la Rosa lands a straight right, maybe his best punch of the fight, but Perez walks right through it. Perez changes levels for a single leg and switches to a high crotch and is able to take de la Rosa to the mat. Perez is holding de la Rosa to the mat and landing hard punches on his chin. De la Rosa pulls guard. If Perez can start landing some punches, the ref might jump in and stop this fight. Perez continues to land hammerfists from inside the guard of de la Rosa. For whatever reason, de la Rosa seems content to just lie on his back and take shots to the face. Perez continues to land punches until the end of the round. Very dominant round two for Perez.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-8 Perez
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Perez

Round 3

Third and final round. Perez takes the center of the Octagon once again and lands a hard low kick. Another low kick by Perez. De la Rosa with a straight right and then a hard low kick of his own. De la Rosa is doing a better job this round controlling the standup exchanges with his jab. Perez lands another low kick. De la Rosa lands a hard straight right. Perez moves forward and chops down de la Rosa’s leg with a low kick. Perez changes levels for a single leg and de la Rosa pulls guard. Perez is now on top in de la Rosa’s guard with over a minute left and he’s well on his way to winning a decision. Perez continues landing efficient ground and pound until the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Perez (30-26 Perez)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)

The Official Result

Alex Perez def. Mark de la Rosa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Sabina Mazo vs. Maryna Moroz

Round 1

Next up is a women’s flyweight bout between Sabina Mazo and Maryna Moroz. The referee is Keith Peterson. No touch of gloves. Moroz shoots right way for a single but Mazo shrugs her off. Moroz shoots in for another double leg but once again Mazo stuffs it. Moroz is pushing Mazo against the fence and looking for a body lock takedown but Mazo is doing a good job defending. Moroz finally lands the body lock takedown and is now on top of Mazo on the mat in her guard. Moroz lands a hard elbow to the face of Mazo, who is bleeding from her mouth. Mazo is doing a good job tying up Moroz but being on her back looks bad to the judges. Moroz starts to punch Mazo in the stomach but Mazo uses the space as an opportunity to push Moroz off of her. Moroz immediately jumps back into the guard but Mazo is able to push her off once again and this time get back to the feet. Mazo now takes the center of the Octagon and lands a hard low kick. Moroz returns with a straight right of her own. Moroz moves in for another body lock takedown but Mazo stuffs it. Moroz doesn’t let go and pushes Mazo against the fence until the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Moroz
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Moroz
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Moroz

Round 2

Round two begins. Mazo looks more aggressive this round and is starting to get her kicks going. Mazo lands a hard kick to the body of Moroz. But Moroz shoots in once again and pushes Mazo against the cage. She is working hard for a body lock takedown but Mazo is doing a good job of defending it. Mazo is finally able to break free. Moroz is doing a good job of staying in the center of the Octagon and working off of her jab. Mazo returns with a jab of her own and follows it up with a low kick. Moroz lands a left hook. Mazo returns with a kick to the body. Moroz just misses landing a high kick. Moroz keeps pushing forward, working off of her jab. Moroz with a beautiful combination ending with a low kick. She pushes forward and pushes Mazo against the fence. Moroz continues to land knees from the clinch until the horn sounds to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Moroz
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Moroz
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Moroz

Round 3

Third and final round begins. Mazo begins the round with a sense of urgency, landing some nice kicks to the legs and body. Moroz shoots in for a double but Mazo stuffs it and pushes Moroz away. Mazo with another kick to the body but Moroz keeps pushing forward with her jab. Moroz is doing a tremendous job of landing the jab. Mazo returns with a hard kick to the body. She just misses landing a counter knee as Moroz shoots. Moroz keeps moving forward off of the jab and clinches Mazo up against the cage. Mazo is able to break free but she needs a finish and has just a minute left. Moroz continues to lead off the jab, which has been money for her all fight long. Mazo fires back with a hard body kick, and then another. She needs a finish if she wants to win this fight. Moroz lands a kick to the body of her own. Mazo almost lands a massive head kick but it's partially blocked as Moroz continues to stand in the pocket and return fire. The 10-second clapper ends and they exchange heavy kicks and punches until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Mazo (29-28 Moroz)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Mazo (29-28 Moroz)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Mazo (29-28 Moroz)

The Official Result

Maryna Moroz def. Sabina Mazo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Ray Borg vs. Casey Kenney

Round 1

Up next are the bantamweights Ray Borg and Casey Kenney. The referee is James Chappell. They touch gloves and the fight begins. Borg is in orthodox, with Kenney in the southpaw stance. Kenney with a hard kick to the body. He lands a hard low kick and then just misses landing a head kick. Borg changes levels and locks up the body of Kenney against the cage. Kenney reverses position and then lands a body lock takedown. Kenney is working from top position landing hard punches. Kenney takes the back of Borg and is looking for the rear-naked choke but Borg explodes and scrambles out of it. Borg is now looking for a single leg takedown but Kenney is defending it and landing hard elbows. Borg switches to a double leg and slams Kenney to the mat. Kenney gets back up and is now pushing Borg against the fence. He is able to take Borg down to the mat with a body lock. Borg gets back to his feet but Kenney is able to power him down the mat. Borg uses the fence to climb over Kenney and scramble, landing on top, but the round ends before he’s able to make full use of top position.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Kenney
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Kenney
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Kenney

Round 2

Round two begins. Borg pushes forward and locks up the body of Kenney against the cage. Borg is working hard for the takedown but Kenney is doing a great job of defending it. Kenney reverses position and is now working for a takedown of his own but Borg switches positions back again. Borg locks up a double leg and slams Kenney to the mat. Borg is able to take the back of Kenney and is working for a rear-naked choke but Kenney shakes him off. Now Kenney is looking for a rear-naked choke of his own but Borg defends it. Kenney is on top of Borg now on the mat and lands some hard punches to the face of Borg. Kenney and Borg stand back up but they are still locked up in the clinch against the fence. Kenney lands a hard knee to the thigh of Borg, and then another. Borg breaks away and lands a hard right hook and is now pushing Kenney against the fence. Borg drops down and is working for a double and gets the slam. He takes the back of Kenney but there’s not enough time left to get the tapout.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Borg
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Borg
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Borg

Round 3

Round three begins. Borg pushes forward and gets Kenney against the fence, drops down for a double, and slams him hard on the mat. Kenney is able to stand back up to his feet but Borg is still holding him tight and looking to take his back. Kenney reverses position and is now pushing Borg against the cage. Borg reverses position and is working for a double leg once again and he dumps Kenney to the mat. In a scramble Borg is able to take the back of Kenney but he shakes out of it once again. Kenney puts his hooks in and is working for a rear-naked choke of his own now. Borg explodes out of it and is now pushing Kenney against the fence. Once again Borg dumps Kenney to the mat. Kenney is able to get back to his feet and is pushing Borg against the fence. They break. Kenney lands a hard kick to the body. He lands a straight left. The 10-second clapper ends and both men start to swing wild hooks at each other to the crowd’s delight and the fight is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Kenney (29-28 Kenney)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Borg (29-28 Borg)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Kenney (29-28 Kenney)

The Official Result

Casey Kenney def. Ray Borg via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Kevin Holland vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Round 1

Next up is a middleweight matchup between Kevin Holland Gerald Meerschaert. Dan Miragliotta is the referee for this contest. They touch gloves and the fight begins. Meerschaert lands a low kick. Holland lands a kick to the body but Meerschaert changes levels and land a double leg takedown. Holland is working on a guillotine but Meerschaert. It’s tight but Meerschaert is in half guard so he has enough space to get out of it. Holland explodes and gets back to this feet. Meerschaert hangs on to Holland drags him back down to the mat but Holland is on top. Meerschaert is able to lock up a guillotine choke of his own and is now in full mount. The choke is very tight but Holland is able to fight the hands and defend. Holland explodes and scrambles out but Meerschaert nearly takes the back of Holland in a scramble. Holland gets out of it and is now on top of Meerschaert, who clings on to him and drags Holland back down to the mat. Meerschaert has the back of Holland and is working on a rear-naked choke. He switches to a bulldog choke but Holland escapes and has Meerschaert in a rear-naked choke of his own. Holland uses the back position to start punching Meerschaert in the head and he moves into full mount. Holland is on top of Meerschaert raining own punches and elbows from mount. Holland is working for a rear-naked choke but Meerschaert is able to get out of it and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Holland

Round 2

Round two begins. Meerschaert eats a big overhand right from Holland. He grabs hold of Holland’s legs and takes him to the mat with a double leg. Holland gets back to his feet but Meerschaert continues to hold him against the fence. Meerschaert gets a body lock takedown but Holland scrambles and lands on top of him. Holland is looking for a guillotine choke again but Meerschaert is able to get a double leg takedown and land on top. Meerschaert is now in the closed guard of Holland, with both men taking a breather after what has been a high-paced bout so far. Meerschaert lands some punches from up top and Holland nearly locks up a triangle choke but Meerschaert escapes. Now Meerschaert is looking to take the back of Holland, but Holland is doing a tremendous job of scrambling. He lands on top of Meerschaert in full mount and is raining down punches on his head. But there’s only 10 seconds left, and the round is soon over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert

Round 3

The third and final round begins and the winner of this bout will win the fight. Holland starts off by taking the center of the Octagon and landing a low kick that briefly drops Meerschaert. Holland with a heavy left hook and he uses it to get inside and grab a hold of Meerschaert. Holland drags Meerschaert to the ground and is on top of him. Meerschaert grabs hold of a guillotine choke and Holland could be in trouble. But Holland is able to throw Meerschaert off of him and then take his back in a scramble. Holland is on top of Meerschaert raining down punches and elbows to his head. Meerschaert scrambles and is now on top of Holland, shoving him against the fence. Meerschaert is now the one punching Holland in the head, but Holland is able to stand back up to his feet. Meerschaert continues to push Holland against the cage and is looking to drag him to the mat. Holland is doing a good job of staying upright but Meerschaert lands a body lock takedown. Meerschaert continues to hold Holland against the fence until the end of the round, and now we are off to the judges.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Meerschaert)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Meerschaert)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert (29-28 Meerschaert)

The Official Result

Kevin Holland def. Gerald Meerschaert via Split Decision (29-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Enrique Barzola vs. Kevin Aguilar

Round 1

It’s time for a featherweight bout between Enrique Barzola and Kevin Aguilar. The referee is Bill Bookwalter. They touch gloves and the bout begins. Aguilar lands a low kick. Barzola returns with one of his own. Aguilar lands an accidental low blow and the referee calls time. The ref gives Aguilar a warning and the fight resumes. Aguilar moves forward and lands a hard body kick. Barzola with a jab and low kick of his own. Aguilar lands a left hook to the body of Barzola. He lands a heavy body kick. Aguilar with a straight right. Barzola keeps moving forward but Aguilar is landing good counter strikes to keep him away. Aguilar with a heavy jab. He lands another kick to the body. Barzola changes levels and has Aguilar clinched up against the fence, but Aguilar breaks free. Another kick to the body by Aguilar. Barzola with a low kick. Barzola shoots in for a double but Aguilar stuffs it and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Aguilar
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Aguilar
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Aguilar

Round 2

Round two begins. Aguilar is doing a great job of staying away from Barzola and landing counter strikes anytime he comes in. Barzola shoots for a single but Aguilar shakes him off. Barzola shoots for another single and lands it but Aguilar jumps back to his feet. Aguilar lands a hard jab that knocks Barzola backwards. Aguilar with a straight right, and then an uppercut. Aguilar moves forward and lands a heavy body kick. Barzola shoots for another single leg but once again Aguilar stuffs it. Barzola with a low kick. Aguilar with a nasty right hook to the body. He lands another body kick. Aguilar with a right straight and then a kick to the body. Barzola is really taking some punishment here. Aguilar stuffs another single leg takedown attempt by Barzola. He looks for a late double leg takedown but Aguilar stuffs it and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Aguilar
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Aguilar
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Aguilar

Round 3

Round three begins. Barzola with a big left hook that lands. Aguilar lands a heavy low kick. Heavy uppercut by Aguilar lands. He continues to lead off his jab and move whenever Barzola gets close to him. Barzola lands a low kick. Aguilar with a straight right, and then an uppercut. Barzola connects on a huge left hook and shoots for a double but Aguilar stuffs it. Barzola with a jab and looks for a body lock takedown but Aguilar shoves him off. Barzola with a high kick. Aguilar with a kick to the body. Barzola continues to push forward and lands a straight right. Barzola with a left hook. He continues to move forward but Aguilar keeps pushing him away with his jab. Barzola with a hard low kick. He lands a double jab and then a straight right. Barzola with another low kick. He connects on a straight right and then nearly lands a flying knee and follow-up strikes but the final bell sounds and the fight is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Barzola (29-28 Aguilar)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Barzola (29-28 Aguilar)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Barzola (29-28 Aguilar)

The Official Result

Kevin Aguilar def. Enrique Barzola via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ross Pearson vs. Desmond Green

Round 1

Up next is a lightweight bout between Ross Pearson and Desmond Green. The referee is James Chappell. They touch gloves and the fight begins. They exchange kicks to the body and legs early on. Pearson moves in for a left hook but Green connects with a counter left hook of his own and drops Pearson, who immediately gets back up. Pearson lands a heavy body kick. He lands a low kick. Green returns with a heavy body kick of his own. Green changes levels and lands a double leg takedown. Green has Pearson on the mat pinned against the fence and starts pummelling the head of Pearson with short, heavy punches. Pearson is hurt and Green continues landing hard punches until the referee is forced to jump in and stop the fight.

Sherdog Scores

The Official Result

Desmond Green def. Ross Pearson via TKO (Punches) R1, 2:52

Marina Rodriguez vs. Jessica Aguilar

Round 1

The final preliminary card bout is a women’s strawweight matchup between Jessica Aguilar and Marina Rodriguez. The referee is Keith Peterson. No touch of gloves between these two. Rodriguez accidentally pokes Aguilar in the eye and the referee calls time and asks for the doctor. The referee warns Rodriguez. Aguilar says she’s ok and the doctor tells the referee she’s able to fight. Time in. Aguilar plows forward and uses punches to get inside and push Rodriguez against the cage. They are tied up in the clinch and Rodriguez reverses position. Aguilar’s face is bleeding badly. Rodriguez has the Thai plum and uses it to break from the clinch. Rodriguez falls backwards and Aguilar lands on top of her. Rodriguez has Aguilar in an open guard and is hitting her with elbows, breaking open Aguilar’s nose. Aguilar passes into half guard and almost moves into mount but Rodriguez ends up on top. Aguilar is looking for an armbar but Rodriguez defends it with a slam. But the slam actually puts Aguilar in a better position to get an armbar. Aguilar has a belly-down armbar locked in but Rodriguez is defending it. It looks like Rodriguez is safe and the referee breaks it up. Aguilar’s face is completely busted open. Another eye poke by Rodriguez and the referee is forced to call time again. The referee takes one point from Rodriguez. Time is back in and Rodriguez drops Aguilar with a straight right. Aguilar bounces back up and recovers quickly but her face is a bloody mess. The round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 9-9
Cole Shelton scores the round: 9-9
Ant Walker scores the round: 9-9

Round 2

Round two begins. Rodriguez begins the round with a teep kick. She lands a heavy jab. Rodriguez lands a heavy body kick and is really starting to take control of the Octagon. Aguilar lands a counter right of her own. Rodriguez with a superman punch. She grabs Aguilar’s head and lands a hard knee. Aguilar lands an overhand right. Rodriguez lands a nasty elbow to the face of Aguilar. She grabs hold of the clinch and starts hitting Aguilar with knees to the body and elbows to the fact. Aguilar manages to get away but she is really starting to take some damage now. Rodriguez lands another knee to the body and has Aguilar hurt. She moves forward and lands a nasty teep kick that hurts Aguilar. She continuing marching forward and has Aguilar pressed against the fence, landing heavy elbows, knees and punches. It’s amazing how much punishment Aguilar is taking. Rodriguez clinches Aguilar and lands a series of knees but Aguilar moves away. The final 10-seconds rings and Aguilar makes it to the third round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-8 Rodriguez
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 3

Third and final round. Rodriguez lands a spinning back kick to the body of Aguilar. She lands another teep. Another body kick by Rodriguez. She just misses landing a spinning back fist. Aguilar moves forward and lands an overhand right. Superman punch by Rodriguez and she has Aguilar moving backwards. Rodriguez with a high kick to the face of Aguilar. Low kick by Rodriguez. Teep by Rodriguez. She grabs hold of Aguilar’s head and knees her in the body three times. Rodriguez with a superman elbow. Aguilar just misses landing an overhand right. Aguilar changes levels and shoots for a double but Rodriguez shoves her away. Aguilar with an overhand right. Rodriguez grabs her head again and lands knees. Rodriguez just misses landing a high kick. Aguilar with another overhand right. Rodriguez moves forward and lands another knee. Aguilar returns fire with a counter straight right. The 10-second clapper rings and Aguilar lands another straight right but Rodriguez keeps moving forward hurting her until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-26 Rodriguez)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-27 Rodriguez)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-27 Rodriguez)

The Official Result

Marina Rodriguez def. Jessica Aguilar via Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-27, 29-27)

Sodiq Yusuff vs. Sheymon Moraes

Round 1

The first main card bout is a featherweight fight between Sheymon Moraes and Sodiq Yusuff. The referee is Dan Miragliotta. No touch of gloves as both men come out orthodox. Yusuff just misses landing a right hook. He lands a low kick. Yusuff with the jab. Another low kick lands. Moraes with a body kick. Yusuff lands another low kick, and another. Yusuff is landing this low kick at will. Yusuff clinches Moraes against the cage. The referee breaks them apart after a minute of no action. Moraes with a jab. Yusuff lands another low kick. Moraes lands a left hook and Moraes grabs him and clinches up against the cage. Moraes reverses the position and starts to land heavy knees against Yusuff. They exchange low kicks and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff

Round 2

Round two begins. Yusuff lands a straight right and is beginning to march Moraes down. Yusuff grabs him and they clinch against the fence. Moraes reverses position and they break. Moraes just missing landing a head kick. Moraes with a hard jab to the body. Yusuff with another low kick. Moraes catches it and nearly lands a massive head kick. Once again they clinch up and Moraes is shoving Yusuff against the fence. They break. Moraes land another straight right. This is a much better round for him. Once again Moraes clinches Yusuff against the cage. They break. Moraes nearly lands another high kick. Yusuff clinches him up but Moraes reverses position. Yusuff reverses back and lands a body lock takedown but Moraes stands back up. Yusuff continues to shove Moraes against the fence. Once again they break. They continue to exchange kicks and soon the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Moraes
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Moraes

Round 3

Third and final round. Yusuff pushes forward and lands a teep kick to the body. Moraes with a left hook and Yusuff grabs him and they clinch against the cage. They break. Moraes just misses landing another left hook. Moraes lands a hard kick to the body. Yusuff with a low kick. Moraes just misses landing a right hook. He slips after a head kick attempt but Yusuff can’t take advantage of it. Yusuff with a right hook. They are starting to really pick it up now. Moraes lands a heavy upwards elbow. Moraes with a left hook. Yusuff returns with a low kick. Moraes with a left hook and then a high kick. Yusuff lands a straight right and knocks Moraes to the floor. Yusuff follows him to the ground and is in full mount raining down punches. Moraes gets back to his feet but he’s on wobbly legs. Yusuff moves forward and is looking for the kill but Moraes is hanging in tough. Yusuff clinches Moraes against the cage. Moraes breaks away. He misses landing a head kick. They bump gloves and the fight is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Yusuff)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (30-27 Yusuff)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Yusuff)

The Official Result

Sodiq Yusuff def. Sheymon Moraes via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Paul Craig

Round 1

It’s time for a light heavyweight bout between Kennedy Nzechukwu and Paul Craig. The referee is Keith Peterson. No touch of gloves. Craig immediately comes out with a low kick. Nzechukwu nearly lands a massive high kick. Nzechukwu lands a heavy knee and Craig clinches him up against the fence. Craig is fishing for a single leg takedown but Nzechukwu is landing downwards elbows that are hurting Craig, who pulls guard. Nzechukwu gets stuck in an armbar and Craig nearly finishes the fight but Nzechukwu gets out of it. Craig shoots for another double and pulls guard again. Nzechukwu is on top of Craig and lands a hard elbow. Craig switches back to the armbar but Nzechukwu gets out of it yet again. Craig shoots for another double but Nzechukwu shoves him off. Craig pushes forward and is looking for a single leg takedown and gets it. Nzechukwu continues to land hard elbows. Craig pulls guard yet again and has Nzechukwu in a weird leglock position but Nzechukwu steps out of it. They’re back on the feet. Craig pushes forward and lands a straight right. Nzechukwu returns with a high kick. Craig has a head kick of his own blocked and the round is soon over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Craig
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu

Round 2

Round two begins. Craig with the jab and then an uppercut. He then follows it up with a heavy body kick. Craig with a front kick. He shoots for a single leg but Nzechukwu defends it. Craig lands some hooks on the break. Craig shoots in for a single and gets it. Nzechukwu gets back up but Craig drags him back down with a body lock. He’s looking to take the back of Nzechukwu now, but Nzechukwu shakes him off. Nzechukwu is on top of him landing heavy ground and pound. Nzechukwu is landing some hard elbows on Craig’s face. The referee is taking a close look now but Craig scrambles out of it. They get back to their feet. Craig lands a straight right of his own. Nzechukwu pokes Craig in the eye and the ref tells him not to do that. Craig lands a brutal low blow and the referee calls time. Time is back in. Craig pushes forward and lands another straight right. Craig with a body kick. Nzechukwu moves forward and works off his jab. The crowd is really starting to let the boos out now. Nzechukwu continues to walk forward until the horn rings in what was a truly awful round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu

Round 3

Round three begins. Nzechukwu continues to stalk Craig around the Octagon with little action and the crowd is booing hard. Craig shoots for a single leg but can’t get it. Craig shoots for another single leg but Nzechukwu pokes him in the eye and the referee calls time. The referee takes one point for the eye poke. Time back in. Craig continues to move forward and lands an uppercut. Craig lands a body kick. Nzechukwu stuffs another shot from Craig. He shoots once again for a single but Nzechukwu stuffs it. Nzechukwu shoves Craig down to the mat and is on top of him smashing Craig with ground and pound. Craig locks him up in a triangle with an armbar. The timer is running out but Craig has Nzechukwu in a bad spot. He flips him over with the triangle-armbar locked in, and Nzechukwu is forced to tap out due to the triangle choke. Craig with another Hail Mary submission win!

The Official Result

Paul Craig def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via Submission (Triangle Choke) R3, 4:20

Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Michelle Waterson

Round 1

It’s time for a women’s strawweight bout between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Michelle Waterson. The referee is Dan Miragliotta. They immediately step into the center of the Octagon and exchange low kicks. Waterson with a straight right down the middle. They continue to exchange low kicks. Kowalkiewicz with a right hook over the top. More low kicks are exchanged. Waterson with the jab. She lands another straight right. Kowalkiewicz with a kick to the body. Waterson with a low kick. Kowalkiewicz continues to move forward but Waterson is doing a good job of sticking and moving. Kowalkiewicz lands another kick to the body. She plows forward and clinches Waterson against the fence. Waterson reverses and breaks free. Waterson with a straight right over the top. Kowalkiewicz grabs a hold of Waterson and knees her in the body before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz

Round 2

Round two begins. Kowalkiewicz lands a short straight right. Waterson with a low kick. Kowalkiewicz lands a straight right. Waterson returns fire with one of her own, and lands a leg kick for good measure. Another low kick by Waterson, and another. Waterson with a kick to the body, then a jab. Waterson throws a body kick but Kowalkiewicz catches it. Waterson is able to trip her and throw her to the ground with a judo toss. Waterson is now in side control and is landing ground and pound to the head and body of Kowalkiewicz. Waterson remains strong on top in side control. She isn’t doing much but is burning valuable time off the clock. Waterson switches to an armbar and it looks locked in tight but Kowalkiewicz is able to survive it and last until the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Waterson
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Waterson
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Waterson

Round 3

Round three starts. They immediately clinch up but break. Waterson lands a high kick but Kowalkiewicz eats it. They clinch up again and Waterson looks for the judo throw for a second time but can’t get it and they break. Kowalkiewicz with a hard low kick. She continues to march forward but Waterson is doing a good job of backing away. They clinch up again and Waterson starts landing knees to the body and elbows to the head. They break. Waterson lands a straight right. She changes levels and lands a single leg takedown. Kowalkiewicz is able to stand back up. Waterson moves forward and clinches Kowalkiewicz. She lands a hard elbow and they break. Waterson misses a spinning wheel kick but continues throwing kicks to the body until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Waterson (29-28 Waterson)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Waterson (29-28 Waterson)
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Waterson (29-28 Waterson)

The Official Result

Michelle Waterson def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Josh Emmett vs. Michael Johnson

Round 1

Up next are the featherweights as Michael Johnson takes on Josh Emmett. The referee is Keith Peterson. No touch of gloves. Johnson with a high kick that’s blocked. He continues to push forward but Emmett is circling away well. Emmett shoots for a double but Johnson stuffs it easily. Johnson with a left hook, and Emmett with a low kick. Johnson lands a right hook. Emmett with a hard low kick and now it’s he who is the aggressor. Johnson with a straight left. Emmett with a low kick. Emmett goes high but Johnson blocks it. Johnson lands another straight left. Emmett changes levels for a double leg but Johnson stuffs it once again. Emmett moves forward and lands a left hook that backs Johnson up just before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Emmett
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

Round two begins. Johnson takes the center of the Octagon and has Emmett on his back foot. Johnson lands a short right hook. Emmett lands his patented straight right. Johnson continues to push forward as Emmett backs away. Johnson lands a straight right and it cuts Emmet under his eye. Johnson with another straight left. Emmett with a high kick that’s blocked. Emmett with a straight right. Johnson with a kick to the body. Emmett lands a low blow and the referee calls time. Johnson says he is ok and the fight is back on. Johnson lands a straight right. The 10-second clapper rings and Emmett changes levels for a double but Johnson stuffs it and the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Adam Martin scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Ant Walker scores the round: 10-9 Johnson

Round 3

Third and final round begins. Emmett pushes forward but Johnson moves backwards and lands a left hook as he circles. Emmett shoots for a double but Johnson stuffs it and moves away. Emmett has taken control of the center of the Octagon this round. He lands an overhand right on the chin of Johnson. Emmett is having a hard time landing despite having Octagon control this round. Johnson with another straight left. Emmett with a left hook. He is having a much better round than he did the first two. Emmett with a massive overhand right out of nowhere and Johnson falls to the canvas as he is knocked out cold! Wow!

The Official Result

Josh Emmett def. Michael Johnson via KO (Punch) R3, 4:14

David Branch vs. Jack Hermansson

Round 1

The co-main event is up next, a middleweight bout between David Branch and Jack Hermansson. The referee is Dan Miragliotta. No touch of gloves. Hermansson comes out right away with hard punches and kicks. Hermansson starts to work off of the jab and follow it up with low kicks. Branch tries to initiate the clinch but Hermansson foot sweeps him to the mat. He looks to take the back of Branch but switches to a guillotine choke instead. Hermansson has the guillotine choke locked in tight and gets the tapout! What a performance by Hermansson!

The Official Result

Jack Hermansson def. David Branch via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1, 0:49

Edson Barboza vs. Justin Gaethje

Round 1

The main event has finally arrived and it should be an entertaining and violent affair between high-volume strikers Justin Gaethje and Edson Barboza. The referee is Keith Peterson. They touch gloves. Gaethje lands a low kick right away, and then another. Barboza returns with one, and Gaethje returns with his own. They exchange heavy low kicks again. Gaethje hurts Barboza with a right hook. He has Barboza up against the fence and is teeing off with hooks but Barboza circles away and they clinch up. Gaethje lands a hard uppercut from the clinch and they break. Gaethje with a short left and right hook. Barboza lands a heavy left hook of his own. These guys are just sitting in the phone booth exchanging bombs. Barboza lands a nasty low kick. Gaethje continues moving forward and lands a right hook and knocks Barboza out cold! What a way to end the night!

The Official Result

Justin Gaethje def. Edson Barboza via KO (Punch) R1, 2:30