UFC on ESPN 43 ‘Vera vs. Sandhagen’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Victor Altamirano (124.5) vs. Vinicius Salvador (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Salvador (-115), Altamirano (-105)

Round 1

With much of the matchmaking on UFC on ESPN 43, also known as UFC San Antonio, the promotion is putting the phrase “Don’t Mess With Texas” to the test. Plenty of competitors from the Lone Star State will square off against foreign opponents, in hopes of having as much luck as U.K.-based fighters did in London last week. The first of this series of fights begins in the flyweight division, as Fort Worth native Altamirano (11-2, 1-1 UFC) hunts for his second win inside the promotion. He will welcome Brazil’s Salvador (14-4, 0-0 UFC) to the promotion, all while watching out for the 93% knockout rate of “Fenomeno.” Referee Kerry Hatley draws the charge for the opening match of the evening, and it begins with a sporting fist bump. Altamirano springs forward to fire off a spinning wheel kick for the very first strike thrown this event, and Salvador dodges it and walks his foe down and plants a hard leg kick on the outside of his knee. Altamirano tries to throw one back, but Salvador is crowding him and takes some of the sting out of it. Altamirano stays on the outside chipping with a kick or two before Salvador swarms him with looping, awkward punches. The strikes are rarely coming straight from the Brazilian, with hooks and standing hammerfists until Altamirano grabs hold of him and tackles him to the mat with a successful body lock. The Texan lands in the guard, and he is held tight and unable to get much offense off. Altamirano stacks his man up to break the grip around his head, with Salvador clutching tightly to stop ground-and-pound, and Altamirano goes body-body-head to keep active. Altamirano slashes down with a single elbow as Salvador works his way to the fence, and “Fenomeno” wall-walks until falling back over. On his second try, Salvador pops back up, and he looks to throw Altamirano to the mat but fails. The flyweights separate, and Salvador runs at him with a cartwheel kick that does not materialize. Salvador goes low with a sweeping kick that Mortal Kombat fans would enjoy, and Altamirano responds with a spinning wheel kick that smacks his foe right in the face. Altamirano falls over before he can follow it up, and Salvador backs up against the wall and motions for Altamirano to come at him in an Anderson Silva-esque ploy. Altamirano does not bite, and instead the two meet in the center of the cage and swing for the bleachers. Altamirano gets tagged with a right hand behind the ear, and he shoots in for a single-leg takedown to stifle any additional punishment. Salvador defends with elbows, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano

Round 2

There is a quick fist bump to initiate the second round, and Salvador leads the action with another very low kick. Altamirano punches him square in the mug when standing back up, and the crowd lets out a collective gasp from the strike. Salvador throws back, and the two slug it out and even try spinning strikes in an exchange. Altamirano fails to take the fight down, and he gives up his back and is pushed to his knee. Salvador cannot ground him, and he lets go and resumes things standing. Altamirano times a spectacular spinning back fist that ricochets off the top of Salvador’s dome, but the Brazilian does not falter. Altamirano changes levels in pursuit of a takedown, and he settles for pushing “Fenomeno” up against the wire. A trip takedown from Altamirano takes Salvador off his feet, and Salvador rolls through it to stand back up. Salvador hits a throw and drops Altamirano right on his head, where he lands a few strikes before backing off. When standing, Altamirano gets cracked with a vicious right hand, but he tanks it and tries to throw back just as recklessly. Altamirano plants his foot on Salvador’s chest with a side kick, and Salvador walks forward and gets popped with a hook kick. Salvador pressures forward, and he gets countered on the way in with a short combination. The Brazilian misses the mark with a front kick, and his hands are down and he throws from his hips with wild hooks. Altamirano sees most of them coming, absorbs one flush, and pushes off with a front kick to gain some space. Salvador pushes the pace and eats a pair of body kicks, all while slinging inaccurate hooks. Altamirano sticks and moves, putting kicks to the side and body while Salvador bears down on him. Altamirano digs a left to the body, gets Salvador to bend over, and he fires off a head kick that connects about as flush as one can. Salvador does not wobble, marching forward without fear until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Salvador
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Salvador

Round 3

The final round kicks off with a tap of fists, and Altamirano runs forward after it to land two punches and a big kick. Salvador tries to come back at him, and Altamirano snatches up a single and puts the Brazilian on his back. Salvador attempts a guillotine choke, and he abandons it when realizing it would only put him in Von Preux choke danger if Altamirano pressed his shoulder down. Altamirano postures up and drops down punches and elbows, controlling from the guard until Salvador explodes to get back upright. Altamirano spins with a back fist as Salvador kicks the body, and the kick knocks Altamirano off his feet. The Texan hops back up and attacks with a few leg kicks before dropping down for a single. Salvador cannot defend this attempt, and Altamirano starts battering him with elbows. Salvador grabs the fence to pull himself up, and Hatley is there to get him to knock it off. Salvador once more tugs on the chain links, and Hatley shouts at him while Altamirano pulls him down. Salvador is able to work his way back up without a foul, and he dodges a spinning wheel kick when upright again. Altamirano closes the distance, digs a few short hooks to the body when up close, and backs off. Salvador gives chase with a missed spin kick, and Altamirano spins with a back fist right when Salvador whips a high kick that glances off his shoulder. Altamirano stays on his bike while Salvador gives chase, and the American dodges the worst of the blows until ducking into a knee. Salvador releases a body shot and unleashes a right hand over the top, and Altamirano tags him back and cuts him badly over the right eye with a salvo. Altamirano spins with two more back fists, and the second allows Salvador to tackle him down. Salvador ends the close, exciting fight on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano (30-27 Altamirano)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano (29-28 Altamirano)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Altamirano (29-28 Altamirano)

The Official Result

Victor Altamirano def. Vinicius Salvador via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Daniel da Silva (126) vs. C.J. Vergara (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vergara (-240), da Silva (+200)

Round 1

For the second fight in a row, a local flyweight will meet a Brazilian adversary looking for their first win in the Octagon. This one comes in the form of San Antonio’s own Vergara (10-4-1, 1-2 UFC), who receives a hero’s welcome ahead of his pairing with the struggling da Silva (11-4, 0-3 UFC). One of these two men will earn a lifeline with a win here, and they will vie for it in front of referee Jason Herzog. They are clocked in after touching gloves, and Vergara initiates the offense with a low kick and leans back when a spinning wheel kick whizzes past his face. Vergara continues chopping at the leg while da Silva swings or throws heavier, flashier blows. Da Silva puts out a front kick before spinning again, and he lands to go after a one-two on the Texan. Vergara blocks a high kick and they trade low kicks, and he lets go with a left while da Silva responds with a right. Another spinning wheel kick grazes the hair of the Texas native, and da Silva rushes after him with a jump knee that bounces Vergara off the fence. Da Silva plants a left hand on the jaw, and he tries to follow with a head kick only to have it bounce off the guard. Vergara stings his man with a left, and he moves away when da Silva whiffs a high kick. The Brazilian goes low with a kick, and he spins with a wheel kick and finally finds his range with it. The kick bounces off the temple, and Vergara is stunned. Vergara runs away, literally sprinting away from his opponent to try to recover as his knees are still not back beneath him. Da Silva charges wildly, throwing anything he can as he gives chase. Da Silva kicks the body twice, and he unleashes one more spinning wheel kick that sends Vergara crashing to the mat. Vergara tries to clinch up when he gets back up, and da Silva chases him and unloads with punches in bunches. Vergara survives as he gets dinged with a spinning hook kick, and he keeps his wits about him and escapes until the Brazilian takes him down to the mat. As Vergara tries to get out, da Silva takes his back and slides a forearm over the jaw with a face crank. Vergara gets out of the danger, fights off the hands and legs, and bursts back to his feet. Da Silva takes a very deep breath when standing again, and Vergara tags him with a few punches. Da Silva does not let him off the hook, swinging back with punches, kicks, spinning strikes and more. Vergara cracks “Miojo” again, and da Silva backs up against the wall and leans against it to stay upright. The thrilling round ends as Vergara surveys his foe from afar, having somehow made it through a veritable woodchipper of offense.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 da Silva
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 da Silva
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 da Silva

Round 2

The second round begins with a front kick from the Brazilian, and he lands another before spinning with a hook kick. Vergara walks through it to start working the body with punches, and he drives da Silva back and lands while avoiding the looping counters. Vergara kicks low and punches high, and he continues mixing up his offense until he forces da Silva to shoot in on him. The Brazilian surges forward in pursuit of a takedown, and he snatches up Vergara’s leg and torques on it to take him down. Vergara steps over it and gets caught in a calf slicer, but he does not appear concerned as he moves to a favorable position to drop down ground-and-pound. Da Silva releases the leglock as Vergara pounds on him, drilling the spent Brazilian with powerful punches and forcing Herzog to pay close attention. Vergara opts to press down with his shoulder and set up an arm-triangle choke, and he steps from half guard to side control to firmly lock it down. Da Silva defends by answering the phone, and Vergara knees him several times in the ribs while da Silva grits out the choke. Vergara allows him to turn over so that he can blast da Silva with punches and elbows, and chants of “C.J.” rain down in the building as he hunts for a finish. Vergara elbows the body several times to open up head shots, and he takes a moment to breathe before unleashing a hellacious onslaught of punches and elbows. Herzog is watching very closely, and da Silva turns over to his knees to try to stand up. The Texan will not let him do this, and he beats down on da Silva with punches to the side of the head until Herzog determines da Silva is no longer intelligently defending himself. After surviving a borderline 10-8 round where he was coming back strong, Vergara turns the tables and clobbers his opponent to procure the stoppage! What a fight! What a comeback! The crowd goes wild!

The Official Result

C.J. Vergara def. Daniel da Silva R2 4:04 via TKO (Punches)

Trevin Giles (170.5) vs. Preston Parsons (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Giles (-110), Parsons (-110)

Round 1

Breaking the 125-pound chain, welterweights now take center stage. Proud Houstonian Giles (15-4, 6-4 UFC) receives a solid pop from the crowd against Florida representative Parsons (10-3, 1-1 UFC), for what should be an interesting style matchup. It will play out under the watchful eye of referee Kerry Hatley, and it starts with respect as the competitors touch ‘em up. Parsons comes out swinging, with a right hook that leads to a clinch so that he can take “The Problem” down to the floor. Giles quickly spins him around and gets kneed in the gut a few times, and he pushes off and resets. Parsons dives in pursuit of another takedown, and Giles stands him up and shoves him back. Giles plants a one-two on the chin, and he snaps the head back with a follow-up jab. Parsons absorbs a few more jabs flush, and his face turns a brilliant shade of red at just 1:40 into the fight. “Pressure” pressures Giles up to the wall, and he stomps the foot and hooks an outside trip to try to ground Giles, and he does not succeed and fires off a right hand on the break. The power jab from Giles is making its mark, and he checks a leg kick and takes a one-two on the jaw. Giles sticks and moves away with jabs, and Parsons shoots for a double and is pushed down by Giles. Giles pops him upside the head before walking out of the takedown effort, and Parsons goes after him and unloads a combination that wobbles Giles. As Parsons strikes, he changes levels and drags Giles to the mat. Giles defends with an extremely unorthodox shoulder lock, but he does not go anywhere with it and surrenders full mount. Giles turns to stand, and he gives up his back momentarily. Parsons chains a choke attempt into an armbar, and Giles rolls over and through it, dragging his right arm out to reverse and wind up on top. Giles winds up with huge punches as Parsons attempts to stand, and the clinch is where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Parsons
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Parsons
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Parsons

Round 2

Parsons starts off the round aggressively, and he meets a stone wall in Giles that kicks him right in the head. “Pressure” presses his man into the wire, seemingly no worse for wear after the exchange, and he looks for a big elbow but cannot hit the ducking, escaping Giles. “The Problem” flashes a few jabs, and Parsons charges with winding hooks. Giles eats a right hand and a leg kick, and he keeps his jab going and follows one with an overhand right. Giles’ jab is sharp and accurate, and he disrupts Parsons’ attacks a few times. Parsons times one jab to scoop up the legs with a double-leg takedown, and he dumps Giles to the canvas. The Houstonian wall-walks to stand, and Parsons muscles him back down for a second. Giles breaks out once more, and he throws Parsons to the mat with emphasis. Parsons tries to snatch up the ankle, but Giles hops out before he gets downed. Giles leaves a jab out too long, and he is met with a strong overhand right. Parsons races ahead, swinging his way into a level change, and he succeeds in tripping Giles up but not in taking him down. Giles sprawls, and he is dragged to his seat as Parsons knees him in the upper thigh. Giles powers his way back up even as Parsons mashes him against the links, and a 50-50 shoulder hook leads to Giles wrenching Parsons down to the floor. Giles bowls his man over briefly, but “Pressure” is active and sits up. Giles jams him back down and sits up with a few hefty hammerfists right before the bell rings, and both of Parsons’ eyes show some serious swelling.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Giles

Round 3

Hatley calls in the doctor at the beginning of the round, bringing him in to check on Parsons’ left eye. Parsons is good to go after a brief inspection, and the action commences. Parsons is fought back from advancing with a few sturdy jabs, and elects to absorb them and rush forward to strike. A head kick and looping punches from Parsons largely miss the mark, but his calf kicks succeed repeatedly. Giles backs him off with a one-two, and he is met with a few more calf kicks and a heavy right hand. Giles splits the guard with an uppercut, and he fights off a clinch attempt and pushes out his jab. Parsons continues his focus on the lead calf of his opponent, and he is met with a few more jabs before darting in for a double that puts Giles down. Giles powers out of it without absorbing much damage, and he stands to put more jabs on the busted eyes of his foe. Parsons desperately pursues a takedown, and Giles stuffs it with ease and lets him stand so that he can keep striking. Parsons practically falls into a double-leg entry, and Giles defends with a few elbows on the side of the head until getting taken down once more. Parsons steps all the way over on one side to set up a crucifix, and Giles rips his arm out but finds himself in submission danger. Parson moves to mount as he tries to lock down an arm-triangle choke, but he is too close to the cage and cannot find the leverage to get there. Giles escapes this and a subsequent armbar to flip Parsons to his back, and he moves to the guard that gets closed around him so that he can land some ground strikes. Parsons scoots himself to the wall and locates his guard around the neck for a potential armbar or triangle choke, and this allows Giles to slug him in the face without hope of a submission. Parsons bails on it and turns to his knees to try to turn the tables with a single, and he sits on Parsons and elbows him in the back of the head right as the horn sounds. This could go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles (29-28 Giles)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Giles (29-28 Giles)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (29-28 Parsons)

The Official Result

Trevin Giles def. Preston Parsons via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Lucas Alexander (146) vs. Steven Peterson (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Peterson (-170), Alexander (+145)

Round 1

When the dust settles from this featherweight matchup, either Texas’ Peterson (19-10, 3-4 UFC) or Rio de Janeiro’s Alexander (7-3, 0-1 UFC) will lift their UFC record to .500. This dark horse “Fight of the Night” candidate will be overseen by referee Jacob Montalvo, and it kicks off with a glove touch. Peterson darts forward for something, and Alexander is well out of the way before it succeeds, be it a single or a low punch. Alexander fires off a few leg kicks, and Peterson is quick to pick his leg up and try to check them. The Brazilian goes to the body with his shin, and a second kick to the same spot leads to Peterson bearing down on him. Alexander works the lead calf a few more times, and he marches forward with a one-two that splits the guard. The pace is slow and deliberate, and mostly filled with single strikes or two at most. Peterson swarms forward with a possible level change, and Alexander hops to the side and drills a few more kicks to the calf of his opponent. The two both swing huge punches at one another, and neither find the mark. A left hand from Alexander opens a cut on the top of the hairline of his opponent, and his counters are extremely accurate and quick. Alexander beats Peterson to the punch a few times, and he gets off a front kick on the solar plexus. Peterson charges, with a jump knee and a few punches, and Alexander backs him off with a punch combination ending with a head kick. Peterson sits down on a body kick, and Alexander swings back with a vengeance. Alexander plants two punches to the chest, and he weaves a counter from the American and blocks a subsequent high kick. Alexander hacks down with a downward elbow, and it strikes the top of the head while Peterson ducks down towards him. Alexander circles on the outside, and he catches an advancing Peterson that knocks “Ocho” clean off his feet. Peterson defends from his back with a mighty upkick to knock Alexander back, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alexander
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Alexander
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Alexander

Round 2

There is still plenty of respect, as the two lead off with a glove touch. Alexander intercepts an advancing Peterson with a high kick, and he chops at Peterson’s lead leg until Peterson changes stances. “Ocho” stumbles forward as his left wheel is at least somewhat compromised, and he changes levels up with a takedown effort. Alexander fights it off and is met with a side kick to the chest, but he pays it no mind as he continues to push the pace. Alexander slaps a high kick off the raised guard, and another calf kick makes Peterson change stances again. Peterson throws from his nonstandard stance, and he appears awkward and not used to swinging from that angle. Alexander tees off on him from afar, with lightning-quick kicks that leave him safe from counters. Alexander walks through a right hand to score two, and he smiles as he launches a head kick. As soon as the kick is blocked, Alexander kicks the rear leg, and this draws a grimace from “Ocho.” The Brazilian lashes out with a jump elbow, and he backs off only to slowly, calmly meander forward, picking his strikes. Body kicks, low kicks, long jabs, or anything he can find, are the kinds of blows he lands, while Peterson is still searching for answers. Alexander strides forward confidently, landing straight punches, until Peterson shoots for an ill-advised double. Alexander easily hops away and makes Peterson stand up, which he does very gingerly. Peterson swipes out with his right hand, and Alexander can match him with a body kick from his lead leg in opposing stances. “The Lion” catches Peterson leaping at him with a swiping left hook, and he sees everything Peterson has coming at him from a mile away. Alexander unloads one more high kick, and Peterson rushes out with a Superman punch and a head kick that makes him fall over. The round ends, and the crowd boos.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alexander
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Alexander
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Alexander

Round 3

Peterson comes out of his corner back in his orthodox stance, but it only takes one leg kick for him to move back. Peterson lashes out with three right hooks, and Alexander responds with a few body kicks and fires off a right hand that makes him shake it out. Peterson blitzes, and Alexander is well out of the way. Peterson jumps forward with a front kick, and the instep slams square into the Brazilian’s cup. Alexander crumples to the mat in pain, and Montalvo pauses the action. After less than a minute, Alexander is good to go, and the fight resumes. Alexander looks for a head kick as he expects a Peterson charge, and Peterson drops down for a single and hooks the leg between his own. Peterson sacrifices his own position to take the fight down, and Alexander falls down on top of him and starts blasting him with vicious ground-and-pound. The Brazilian stands up, and he unloads an axe kick that just misses the head. Alexander allows him to get back up, and Peterson is aggressive and wild but a step behind. Peterson connects with a body kick on the retreating Alexander, and he gets sniped with a left hook and is driven back. Alexander prods with front kicks to the body, preparing to counter when Peterson inevitably charges at him. They land punches at the same time, and a Peterson blow gets his attention. Alexander backs away with his hands held high, and he rips the body with a kick and unloads a left and a low kick that makes Peterson limp. Alexander slaps his man in the face with a high kick, and a sharp one-two that follows puts Peterson down to the mat. Alexander tells him to get back up, and Peterson does this and jumps at him. Alexander intercepts his foe with a knee right as Peterson is leaping, and he dings Peterson with punches and another head kick as Peterson bears down on him. Time expires while Peterson is attacking, and the crowd lets them have it. In his post-fight interview, Alexander speaks about a fallen friend, while directing people to his Instagram biography for a Go Fund Me for his friend's family. On the other side, Peterson takes his gloves off, thanks the Texas crowd, and calls it a career.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alexander (30-27 Alexander)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Alexander (30-27 Alexander)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Alexander (30-27 Alexander)

The Official Result

Lucas Alexander def. Steven Peterson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tucker Lutz (146) vs. Daniel Pineda (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lutz (-280), Pineda (+235)

Round 1

There will be plenty of cage corrosion to kick off in this new main card opener at featherweight, as neither Houston-based Pineda (27-14, 3 NC; 4-5, 1 NC UFC) nor “Top Gun” Lutz (12-2, 1-1 UFC) have entered the cage since 2021. “The Pit” sports a 100% finish rate after a lengthy and active career, and Lutz will need to mind his P’s and Q’s for as long as this one lasts. It opens up with a glove touch, and referee Jason Herzog is ready to keep up with the action. Lutz strikes first with a low kick, and he aims a second to the same spot. Pineda responds with a heavier one that makes Lutz turn to the side, and he charges in for a tackling takedown. “Top Gun” flies back up to his feet, and he jams Pineda into the wall. They jockey for position, and fight their way out of the clinch without much to come from it. Lutz fires off a body kick as Pineda leans into a right hand, and Lutz keeps targeting the midsection well, with a left to the liver to follow. Pineda spins with an unsuccessful back kick, and Lutz swats out a few fists and gets tagged with a Pineda right hand. Lutz walks through it to brawl, absorbing a flush body kick, and he shrugs off a following leg kick so that he can throw hands. Pineda blitzes from one side of the cage to the other while hunting for a single, and Lutz defends it well to stand him back up and lean on him in the clinch. They trade knees, and Lutz scores with an elbow on the break. Pineda gets off a heavy low kick, and he spins all the way through without throwing a strike. Pineda then winds up with a huge right hand, and he belts Lutz in the face and sends him crashing to the mat. Lutz is able to get his wits about him in a hurry as he jumps back up, and he gets right back into Pineda’s face. A high leg kick from Pineda sounds like it clips the cup, and Lutz dives at him with a single. Pineda stops this and takes a body kick so that he can release a few punches, and a leg kick that follows buckles Lutz’ left leg. Pineda unloads two right hooks over the top, and he catches a kick and lets it go at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pineda
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pineda
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Pineda

Round 2

The featherweights meet again with a clap of hands, and Lutz wades into the fire with a solid right hand. Pineda backs him off with a combination, catching Lutz on the jaw and driving him away. Pineda looks for a sweeping low kick, only to land with a second try. Pineda stings Lutz again with an overhand right, and he stuffs an oncoming takedown and looks for a guillotine choke to defend against it. “The Pit” abandons the choke as he remains on his feet, and he switches to a guillotine on the other side that he uses to lower the head and blast Lutz in the face with a flush knee. Lutz collapses to his knees, and Pineda locks down on a guillotine and sits down on it. Pineda falls with Lutz to circle around and take the back, and instead of taking that position, he moves to full mount. Lutz recovers back to guard, still trying to blink out the cobwebs from that crushing knee. Pineda drags him down when “Top Gun” tries to get out, and Pineda drops down for another guillotine choke. The Texan settles down and wrenches the neck, squeezing with all his might and turning to his back to complete it. Lutz rolls to his side and looks to escape to his knees, and even though he does this, the grip is insanely tight. The veteran continues his vice-like grip until he is able to squeeze a tap out of his opponent, and he successfully pulls off one of the bigger upsets possible this evening. Pineda still maintains a perfect 100% finish rate with the victory, and earns his first win since August 2020.

The Official Result

Daniel Pineda def. Tucker Lutz R2 2:50 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Albert Duraev (186) vs. Chidi Njokuani (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Njokuani (-165), Duraev (+140)

Round 1

The UFC chose violence for what used to be the fight to open the main card, but is now just another main card offering, with a fiery contest that brings Dallas-born Njokuani (22-8, 1 NC; 2-1 UFC) and Duraev (15-4, 1-1 UFC) to the table. Referee Kerry Hatley will need to keep his wits about him so that he is not struck with an errant blow, and the action begins without a touch of gloves. Njokuani leads off with a front kick, and this shuts down any aggression coming his way for a time. Njokuani strategically retreats slowly, picking at his man with kicks, and Duraev kick back at him but misses the mark by a matter of inches. Duraev reaches his man with a single right hand, but it is one-and-done as he resets. Njokuani throws up a kick that bounces off the elbows, and he circles along the outside before Duraev can back him to the wall. Njokuani paws out with a front kick, and he kicks the ribs hard and makes Duraev try to take him down. “Machete” picks up his opponent’s leg and kicks out the other to throw Njokuani down to the mat, and he sits on Njokuani before Njokuani can climb his way back up. Duraev opens up with left hands as he keeps Njokuani stuck on the mat, and he pounds on the face and hurts him with concussive blows. Njokuani sits up and moves to one knee so that he can wall-walk, but Duraev slugs him in the face and looks to keep him down. Njokuani pushes his hand off the fence and grabs it when trying to turn around, and Duraev looks for a double to set him back down. A body lock tackle of a takedown allows Duraev to fall on top of “Chidi Chidi Bang Bang,” and he gets popped in the chops a few times by the sneaky Njokuani. The Texan kicks upward several times to push Duraev off of him, but Duraev gloms back on top until time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duraev
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Duraev
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Duraev

Round 2

The middleweights meet in the middle and touch ‘em up, and Duraev whips a kick low and then shrugs at his opponent with a cheeky grin on his face. Duraev spins all the way through with a back fist to catch Njokuani at the end of it, and Njokuani ignores it and looks to find his range again. A low kick from Duraev slides up to click the cup, but Njokuani says he is fine and they do not pause. Duraev winds up with a low kick as he walks Njokuani down, and Njokuani sticks him with a straight left hand and zips out of the way from a counter. Njokuani swings with two wild hooks that come up short, and his offense is fairly muted thus far in the round. Njokuani misses with an overhand right as Duraev continues to stalk him, and he pokes out a jab and gets smacked with a right hand that loops over his guard. Duraev jumps forward with a left, and he trips after eating a low kick. Njokuani counters an oncoming Duraev with two quick strikes, and Duraev pushes out a jab. Njokuani snipes his man with a straight right, and Duraev’s knees wobble but he is ready to keep walking forward. Njokuani feints and fakes to force Duraev to reset in the center of the cage, and he catches “Machete” with a single right hook. Njokuani checks a low kick and gets clubbed in the face with a right, and he continues strafing to the side and gets a right hand in. Duraev fires off a punch and tries to bring it back with a back fist, and Njokuani blocks both tries. Duraev chops at the lead leg, and he plods forward to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Duraev
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Duraev
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Duraev

Round 3

Fists are bumped to open the final round, and Njokuani connects with a vicious body kick that he almost knocks Duraev over. Duraev motions to the crowd and taunts them after taking the kick, and Njokuani plants another kick to the same spot to follow. Njokuani circles, and he pecks at Duraev and moves out of the way. Njokuani times a knee when Duraev changes levels, and Duraev looks for a double and switches to a single to slow things down. Njokuani spins around and breaks free, and he aims a left hand down the pipe as Duraev chips at his leg. Duraev loads up on a right hand, and Njokuani loops a right hand around his guard in response. Njokuani tosses out a front kick that glances off the guard, and he sits down on a thudding body kick that Duraev absorbs without flinching. The Russian keeps plodding forward, and he smiles when he gets punched in the face. Njokuani paws out with a right and a low kick to follow, and he checks a kick and reaches with an elbow that bounces off the forearms. Duraev lunges out with a right hand, and Njokuani does the same as the crowd grows restless. Duraev kicks low to cut Njokuani off, and Njokuani meets him with three punches. They trade fists, and Duraev backs away and takes a breath. Njokuani gets off a sharp uppercut, and another body kick lands noisily. Duraev rushes ahead with his hands down, allowing Njokuani to land with a few strikes before they split. Duraev misses with a punch to back fist swing, and Njokuani kicks him in the ribs. Njokuani aims a left to the liver, and he strings a few punches together into a head kick. The fight ends, and fans rain down boos.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (29-28 Duraev)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (29-28 Duraev)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani (29-28 Duraev)

The Official Result

Albert Duraev def. Chidi Njokuani via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Manel Kape (125.5) vs. Alex Perez (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kape (-175), Perez (+150)

Round 1

The fight was canceled on Saturday, due to a medical issue for Perez. The news was announced on the UFC broadcast after the Alexander-Peterson fight.

Maycee Barber (125.5) vs. Andrea Lee (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Barber (-275), Lee (+230)

Round 1

A win for Atlanta, Texas’ Lee (13-6, 5-4 UFC) or Barber (11-2, 6-2 UFC) could earn them a spot among the top 10 at 125 pounds, while a loss will send them tumbling down the contention ladder. With a lot at stake, these two ladies are ready and rearing to get after it, and referee Kerry Hatley is similarly excited. The fight begins with a quick tap of fists, and Barber is the first to strike with a high kick that is blocked well in time. Barber whiffs on a one-two as she looks to find her target, and Lee responds with a jab. Barber’s front kick misses the mark, and Lee replies with a front kick and a head kick that catches Barber on the temple. Lee kicks the side, and as Barber catches it, she smacks a turning Lee on the side of the head. Lee backs off, and gets in a counter left hand when Barber rushes at her. Barber tries to push forward for a body lock throw, and Lee stonewalls her and trips the youngster down to the mat. Lee lands in side control, and she angles to set up a crucifix in a hurry. Barber twists and turns, and Lee uses heavy chest pressure to keep her stuck down. Lee elbows down, and Barber throws her legs up and traps her right wrist with her legs to open up attacks. With Barber trapping Lee’s arm, she is able to tee off on an exposed Lee with elbows, and Lee wriggles hard to get her arm free. Lee moves to mount, and Barber times this to try to explode. Lee times this maneuver to take her back, but she cannot hold it as Barber bursts back upright. Lee greets her with a front kick, and Barber presses forward with a few punches and a high kick. Lee blocks a kick and unleashes a series of body shots to keep Barber honest. The ladies trade hands in the pocket, and both throw simultaneous head kicks. Barber swings with hooks while Lee’s strikes are generally straighter, but both land effectively and often. Barber keeps away with low kicks and dodges a strike to toss a few head kick, and she crashes the pocket with an elbow before the bell. Strikes land after it, but they apologize for the blows and go back to their corners.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lee
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lee
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Lee

Round 2

The two clock in with another glove touch, and Lee walks her opponent down and keeps a high guard to defend a shin aimed at it. Lee hops forward with a side kick and one to the lead leg, and Barber responds with a leaping right hand and puts her hips into a leg kick. Lee sticks out a jab, and she backs off when Barber spins with a back kick. They both let go with kicks, and Barber rushes forward and gets countered with a right. Lee sticks her and is out of the way, but Barber is still chopping at her lead leg. Barber shoots for a takedown when Lee kicks, and Lee hits her seat and immediately jumps back up as if the floor was lava. Lee puts a one-two on her, and Barber swings recklessly and lands at the end of a right hand. Lee checks a kick but is unable to defend against two punches up top, and she backs away to fire off leg kicks. Once again, they cinematically throw head kicks at the same time, and Lee’s lands heavier and shakes Barber up. Barber is incensed, and she charges into action, throwing caution to the wind and swinging. She catches Lee with a few punches, driving Lee back, but Lee retaliates with a low single that allows her to take Barber off her feet. Lee moves to half guard, and she threatens with an arm-triangle choke as she rides on top. Barber turns to the side and manages to kick Lee off of her. Lee lands an axe kick to the body, and whips several effective kicks to the thigh and calf. Lee leaps back down through an upkick to hammer Barber with hammerfists, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lee
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lee
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Lee

Round 3

The flyweights bump fists for presumably the last time of the fight, and they both pick up where they left off with kicks to every target. Barber kicks high a few times, and Lee sees them and backs off. Barber charges, and her punch combination dislodges Lee’s mouthpiece. As she gets tagged, Lee takes the fight down. Barber fights her way back up to her feet quickly, and she mashes Lee against the wall. When they separate, Hatley gives Lee her gumshield back to put in. Lee plants the ball of her foot on Barber’s face, and she reaches with two punches as Barber backs her off with a front kick. Barber kicks towards the head with both legs, and Lee defends them and snaps out two straight punches. Lee absorbs a flush right hand as Barber bears down on her, and Lee attempts a low sweep but is not able to ground her. Barber kicks at the raised guard a few more times, and rushes forward to take Lee down. “KGB” climbs up and takes a few knees on the jaw, before grabbing Barber’s leg and throwing her down to the mat like a sack of potatoes. Barber powers back up without issue, and she gets a right hand in during a combination. Lee replies with a few punches, and both ladies have bloody noses from their fistic exchanges. Barber hunts for a takedown on the inside, and Lee trips her out and lands hard on top to claim half guard. The Texas-born Lee moves to the side as seconds tick off the clock, and she presses her shoulder on Barber’s throat. Lee sits up to drop down strikes, and the final horn blares to call an end to the match.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lee (30-27 Lee)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lee (30-27 Lee)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Barber (29-28 Lee)

The Official Result

Maycee Barber def. Andrea Lee via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Nate Landwehr (145.5) vs. Austin Lingo (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Landwehr (-225), Lingo (+190)

Round 1

The final Texan of the night competes in the “featured fight of the night” slot, and he does so with a few disadvantages. While Tennessee’s Landwehr (16-4, 3-2 UFC) had spent a full camp preparing for Alex Caceres and is glad to be with an opponent, Fortis MMA product Lingo (9-1, 2-1 UFC) steps in on short notice after a layoff of over 19 months and a recent opponent scratch of his own a few weeks back. Whether “The Train” will roll, or Lingo will display his “Lights Out” power, referee Jason Herzog is here for it. The two clap hands to get things started, and Lingo is the aggressor from the beginning. Backing Landwehr up against the wall with looping punches, the sheer impact of his blows make Landwehr bounce off the cage. Landwehr looks for a head kick when he gets some space, and Lingo rushes out with a double jab and a right hand. Lingo trades in the phone booth and gets cracked with a short punch, and he shakes it off and walks through a pair of leg kicks. Lingo surges forward with a punch salvo, reaching Landwehr with a few strikes but pushing the pace otherwise. Landwehr responds in kind, and a knee misses by a matter of centimeters. A big left hand from Lingo busts open a cut on the corner of Landwehr’s eye, and he pays it no mind as he counters an oncoming Lingo with an uppercut and a short barrage of punches. Landwehr eats a clean right hand and defends against the Texan, blocking punches and throwing back. Lingo defends against a few kicks so that he can blitz forward with a punch combination, and Landwehr chops at his lead calf when he backs away. Landwehr lances a right hand down the middle while Lingo swings, and Landwehr ducks down with a single that is stuffed. Lingo ducks a head kick in the nick of time after the takedown fails, and he swarms Landwehr with a few punches. Landwehr lands several push kicks aimed at Lingo’s left knee, and Lingo times one to leap forward. Landwehr spins when he does this, with a back fist that gingerly bumped the back of Lingo’s head. Landwehr punches forward into a leg kick, and he opens up with a few punches to make the advancing Lingo retreat. Landwehr slaps a kick up high, and Lingo unloads with a booming left hand. Lingo rocks the head around with a pair of hooks, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lingo
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Lingo
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Lingo

Round 2

The featherweights rush out to engage, only to pull back at the last second. Landwehr aims a few high kicks that all collide with the guard, and they keep Lingo from reaching him. Lingo lunges with a few punches, and Landwehr answers back with a long left. Both men trade hands, and Lingo digs a left to the body and a right to the head. “The Train” jabs the body with his foot, and he chases Lingo around the cage with repeated front kicks to the midsection. Lingo chains a pair of punches up top, and Landwehr responds with a high step-in knee. The strikes from Landwehr have opened up a cut on the bridge of Lingo’s nose, and Landwehr is the one pressing the pace and working the body with kicks. Lingo’s offense slows, while Landwehr is picking up the pace or at the very least maintaining the same volume. Lingo windmills a pair of punches, and he is met with a head kick that rocks him. Landwehr throws two more high kicks for good measure, and he jumps at his man with a knee. Lingo swings for the fences, allowing Landwehr to close in on him and grab him to topple him over. Landwehr moves to take the back, and he quickly sets up a rear-naked choke. As Landwehr squeezes, blood sprays from Lingo’s nose as Lingo tries to keep breathing, fight the grip and stay in the match. Landwehr refastens the grip with his forearm under the chin, and he squeezes with all his might. This time, Lingo cannot defend the choke, and he surrenders. Landing on the second submission of his career, Landwehr successfully becomes the first fighter to finish Texas’ Lingo. The night will end with an even record of 4-4 for Texas-based or -born competitors, who started out well.

The Official Result

Nate Landwehr def. Austin Lingo R2 4:11 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Holly Holm (135.5) vs. Yana Santos (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holm (-240), Santos (+200)

Round 1

This co-main event will have an unfortunate side effect for the losing party: the unsuccessful women’s bantamweight leaving the cage will then sport a UFC record of .500. Former champ Holm (14-6, 7-6 UFC) just signed a new six-fight deal at the age of 41 to keep things going, while Santos (14-6, 1 NC; 4-3 UFC) is back from maternity leave to show off her abilities enhanced by motherhood. Some may know her better by her maiden name of Kunitskaya. This potential title eliminator commences with ample respect and a glove touch in front of referee Jacob Montalvo, and Santos pushes the pace immediately by punching her way towards Holm to bully her to the cage. Chants for “Holly” rain down in the building, as she tries to fight off the clinch position early. Santos looks to trip her to the mat, and Holm thwarts this and squeezes her elbow on Santos’ face. They turn one another around while stuck to each other, exerting their influence and grinding. The occasional knee gets through from one woman or the other, and Holm fishes for a trip but is shoved back to the wall. With one arm tied, they smack one another with their free arm, until they push off. It does not take more than one Holm combination for Santos to tie her back up and drive her to the wire again. Holm softens up the thigh with a few knees, and Holm splits up with an uppercut when she cannot take the fight down. Santos rushes with a stream of punches, and Holm is well out of harm’s way in time. “The Preacher’s Daughter” punches the body and ducks a counter, and she sneaks in a left hand and skirts out of the way. Holm meets a low kick with a left hand over the top, and the sheer momentum of Santos makes them crash into one another and clinch up again. Knees come from both fighters, and Holm lashes out with an elbow to break apart. Holm then fires off a few front kicks, and Santos absorbs them all and gets tripped up when a left hand finds her face. Holm falls on top of her, and she jams her shoulder on Santos’ face and elbows the midsection until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holm
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Holm
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Holm

Round 2

Holm starts off the second frame with a combination, and Santos gives one right back and ends up in the clinch. The former champ wants nothing to do with this, as she shoves Santos away and delivers a front kick out of the playbook of the film “300,” where she knocks Santos clear off her feet. The Russian jumps back up, and she recklessly charges at her opponent. Holm uses the momentum against her to throw Santos down to the ground, and she jumps into mount only to pull back to half guard to keep Santos pinned to her back. Holm comfortably rides on top with sporadic ground strikes, shutting down any offense from Santos while staving off intervention from Montalvo. Holm slides to side control, and her chest pressure is smothering and frustrating Santos at every turn. Holm sits up every so often to land punches, With less than a minute to spare, Holm locks down Santos’ left arm with a crucifix between her own lets, while holding down Santos’ right arm as well. Holm drops down a few punches before slamming her shoulder into Santos, and she jumps to mount as Santos shells up. Holm rains down punishment, with elbows and punches, and she gets off one more shoulder strike before the round ends – Santos has survived.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Holm
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Holm
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Holm

Round 3

The bantamweights collide immediately, with Santos attacking with a fury in hopes of getting some ground back and taking away from Holm’s momentum. Holm grabs hold of her as Santos strikes, and she pushes the Russian to the cage wall. Santos remains upright, and she separates to get some space. Holm rushes after her, and she secures the body lock and trips Santos to the ground. Holm steps right into full mount like a hot knife through butter, sensing she might be able to force a stoppage given how the last round ended. Holm considers pursuing an armbar, and she gets bucked to half guard but is smoothly able to move to side control again. Holm isolates Santos’ right arm, and she thinks about an armbar setup again. The former champ moves to mount, and when Santos sits up, she takes the back and threatens with a rear-naked choke – a potential submission would be the first of her career. Holm abandons it when Santos lowers herself to her back, and Holm moves to half guard again and hops to half guard. Holm goes after another crucifix, and Santos explodes to get to one knee. Holm holds on from behind, and Santos smacks her in the face with several elbows. Holm presses her against the wall, spamming knees to the body, and she fights off a trip attempt from her opponent. Santos frames her off, Holm greets her with an elbow, and they split up. Holm stands firm when Santos sprints at her with offense, and Holm ducks a punch and shoots in for a double-leg takedown. The ex-champ scoops Santos up off the ground and slams her to the mat with style points, and she holds on from on top until time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holm (30-26 Holm)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Holm (30-26 Holm)
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Holm (30-27 Holm)

The Official Result

Holly Holm def. Yana Santos via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Marlon Vera (136) vs. Cory Sandhagen (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sandhagen (-165), Vera (+140)

Round 1

The UFC knew what it was doing when it put this fight together, and made sure fans would appreciate it by moving it from the UFC Apex to an 18,000-seat arena in San Antonio. Bantamweight greatness looms, and Vera (20-7-1, 14-6 UFC) would like nothing more than to put Sandhagen (15-4, 8-3 UFC) away and possibly earn a crack at gold. “The Sandman” is no easy out, having never been stopped with strikes, so a back-and-forth, blood-and-guts battle may loom for the next 25 minutes. Referee Dan Miragliotta is in it for the long haul, and the fighters are ready to handle their business, electing to not bump fists before launching them at one another’s faces. Sandhagen leads off with several range-finding jabs and low kicks, and he punches into Vera’s raised hands. Sandhagen walks “Chito” down and kicks at his lead leg a few times, and Vera absorbs a one-two on the dome while holding off on retaliating. Sandhagen drives Vera back to the wall with a left, and Vera strings two jabs into a chipping kick. Sandhagen works low kicks into jabs, and Vera pushes forth a one-two when “Chito” chants echo throughout the building. Vera hand-fights as Sandhagen walks forward calmly, and he allows Sandhagen to score on him repeatedly. Sandhagen ducks a jab to loose a solid left hook, and Vera takes it on the chin and subsequently absorbs another. Sandhagen bears down on his man with a few punches and a head kick while Vera escapes, and Vera he swats away a few punches that zip at him. Sandhagen leaps at his foe with a jump knee, and Vera parries it and is forced to defend a takedown effort. Sandhagen smoothly trips Vera’s leg out and plants him on his seat, and he postures up and hammers Vera with punches and elbows. Vera closes his guard as he gets shoved to the wall with his neck trapped at the corner of the floor and the fence. Sandhagen pummels “Chito” with elbows, and Vera replies with a few on his back to split open a cut on the top of Sandhagen’s forehead. Sandhagen continues to bombard his downed adversary with elbows as Vera looks to kick him off, but the listless Vera blocks the majority of them and seems content to remain on his back. Sandhagen ends the round with several more pounding elbows.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

Round 2

The bantamweights meet in the middle, and Sandhagen is the aggressor right out of the gate. They trade front kicks, and Vera is backed up to the wall as Sandhagen opens up with a right hand. Vera aims a punch to the body, and he front kicks and chops at Sandhagen’s lead calf a few times to slow him. Sandhagen blitzes with a few uppercuts, and he secures a single-leg takedown and puts “Chito” on his back. Vera defends with a guillotine choke before he even hits his seat, and he releases it without burning his arms out as Sandhagen steps over to half guard. Sandhagen starts to drop down left hands and elbows as Vera is pinned to the floor, and his top control is smothering and frustrating for the Ecuadorian. Vera turns to his side as he eats elbows, and Sandhagen allows him to do that so that he can posture up and drill him with punches. Vera hooks a foot beneath his elbow to flirt with a heel hook, and Sandhagen lowers himself down and takes side control on the side to continue his attack. Vera turns once more, nearly giving up his back as he attempts to escape, and he leans back down when Sandhagen’s elbows start to have an appreciable effect. Sandhagen looks to isolate Vera’s right arm, but he cannot hold it as Vera slides out and explodes to his feet. Vera gets off a front kick to the chest, and he checks a calf kick. They trade jabs, and Sandhagen follows one with an uppercut that gets Vera’s attention. Sandhagen reaches his man with punches on the outside of the guard, and Vera misses when retaliating. Vera catches a body kick, and he lets it go when Sandhagen posts off his other arm and fights back up. Vera walks forward without throwing much in the way of offense, and Sandhagen dodges the strikes that come at him before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

Round 3

“Chito” rushes to the center of the cage to start off, having dropped the first two rounds unquestionably. Vera does not throw as Sandhagen is active from a distance, and he finally chambers and fires a head kick that is blocked. Sandhagen replies with a few long jabs, and Vera answers that with a front kick to the sternum. Vera reaches a left hand over the guard, and it is one-and-done while Sandhagen switches stances constantly and prods with punches and kicks. A blocked from kick from Sandhagen causes him to fall over, and when he climbs back up, Vera meets him with a thudding calf kick that stuns Sandhagen momentarily. Vera stomps the front knee and reaches with his left hand, and he kicks the body. Vera stuffs an oncoming takedown and makes his foe pay with a front kick, but Sandhagen strings together a few punches and a body kick to respond. Vera drills his opponent with a one-two, and Sandhagen walks through it and snaps the head back with an uppercut. As Vera loops a left, Sandhagen changes levels but cannot complete the takedown. Vera pushes off and starts to walk Sandhagen down, and they trade right hands. Sandhagen swipes at him with a clean left hook, and Vera tries to give him one back but Sandhagen is faster and beats him to the punch. They both get off front kicks in an exchange, and Vera goes up high with a kick that slams into the shoulder. Vera jabs to the body, and Sandhagen’s looping uppercut finds its home again. Vera swings while Sandhagen fires punches at him, and they miss while Sandhagen’s rangier blows connect. “Chito” jumps forward with a front kick, and he stalks after Sandhagen and has his lead leg kicked for it. At the waning seconds, Vera jumps at his opponent with a knee, but Sandhagen is feet away at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

Round 4

The championship rounds have been reached, and Sandhagen strikes first with a front kick, and he turns through with momentum to land a spinning back kick. Sandhagen punches his way forward with an uppercut, and he charges for a double. Vera stands him up and dings him with a knee, but Sandhagen tries again and fail once more. When they separate, Sandhagen gets off a few punches before ducking for a double, and Vera’s sprawl is excellent as he remains on his feet. Sandhagen digs a left to the liver and moves actively and frequently to not stand still in front of his opponent. Vera attempts to cut angles and back Sandhagen off, but “The Sandman” connects with several punches and has a flying knee bounce of Vera’s raised arms. Vera lands one single jab, and Sandhagen strings three punches and a low kick together – but the kick is checked. Sandhagen jabs, staying elusive and switching stances relentlessly. Vera cannot seem to lock him down or find the timing, and he swings with a left hook that Sandhagen dodges. Vera kicks the calf hard, and that kick is checked. Sandhagen swipes with a left hook, and Vera chains a few punches to the body up to a few to the head. Sandhagen jabs, switches stances, and jabs with the other lead hand, flustering “Chito” with his awkward movement and timing. Sandhagen loops a left over the guard, and he sits down on a low kick that Vera cannot defend. The crowd is extremely restless after the relative lack of action compared to its initial promise, as fans start whistling and holding up illuminated cellphones. Vera is similarly irritated, trying and failing to chase down and corner the Colorado native. Vera reaches his man with a front kick and a left hand, but Sandhagen is able to block the subsequent efforts. Vera spins with a kick before the horn, and the audience is not amused.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

Round 5

The last round of this disappointing – from an action standpoint, not tactically – headliner begins, and Sandhagen is happy to pick up where he left off. Sandhagen pushes the pace a little with a few heavier jabs after Vera lands flush a few times, and he shoots for a takedown. Vera stuffs it and takes a knee square in the midsection. Vera is tripped out and tackled to the mat, and he tries to throw up upkicks and may have landed an illegal blow to a grounded Sandhagen in the process. Sandhagen fights off a high guard and submission setup, and he allows Vera to roll laterally so that he can lower himself into the guard. Sandhagen is comfortable taking top position, and Vera kicks him in the chest and gets away with another slapping foot to the downed Sandhagen’s face. Vera explodes to his feet at the midpoint of the final frame, and Sandhagen lines up several punches to back Vera off. “Chito” tosses out a half-hearted leg kick, and he turns to fire one to the body. Vera knocks Sandhagen back with two punches, but “The Sandman” is not concerned as he gets right back to pressuring the pressure fighter. Sandhagen keeps changing stances and jabbing and poking at Vera with feet and fists, and he dodges and parries the lumbering but looping punches that come at him. Vera jumps forward with a left hook, and Sandhagen replies in kind. Vera reaches at the end of a jabbing punch, only to be met with Sandhagen’s short combination. Sandhagen kicks high off the guard, and Vera spins with a kick to the ribs. Vera pressures, and he staves off a rushing double. Vera catches a kick and slams his foot into the body from an odd angle, and he takes Sandhagen from behind and pushes him to the wall. Vera connects with a solid elbow, and he pours it on with high kicks from both legs, swinging punches and kicks, and anything else he can muster. Instead of throwing this all during the first 24-plus minutes of the match, Vera saved it for one final, desperate effort, and Sandhagen blocks or dodges the worst of it. As Vera charges like a bull, Sandhagen points at him, and the last horn blows to put an end to the less-than-thrilling main attraction. In his post-fight interview, Sandhagen states that he would “feel slimy” if he asked for a title shot over Merab Dvalishvili, so he prepares a line and challenges the Georgian to a fight. If that comes together, we will be here for it. Next week, there is a break from the UFC – but there will be Fight Circus, so stay tuned for coverage on that – and we return on April 8 with UFC 287. We will also be for here for that, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen (50-45 Sandhagen)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen (50-45 Sandhagen)
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen (50-45 Sandhagen)

The Official Result

Cory Sandhagen def. Marlon Vera via Split Decision (47-48, 50-45, 49-46)