UFC on ESPN 47 ‘Vettori vs. Cannonier’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Modestas Bukauskas (205) vs. Zac Pauga (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bukauskas (-200), Pauga (+170)

Round 1

Welcome to another installment of Dana White’s Saturday Night Contender Series, also known as UFC on ESPN 47 or UFC Vegas 75. This dozen-fight show in the Apex is extremely light on star power, with just three ranked competitors on the whole billing, and two of those are in the main attraction. Sometimes, fight cards less desirable on paper can deliver in a big way, so all hope is not lost. Starting low in the standings at 205 pounds, either one of these men will reach .500 or pass it with a win today. The latter can be said for Pauga (6-1, 1-1 UFC), while the former is available for Bukauskas (14-5, 2-3 UFC) on his second stint with the promotion. The third man in the cage for the first fight of the night is referee Mark Smith, and the two fighters choose la violencia and proceed without a glove touch. Bukauskas takes the middle of the fence, and Pauga practically runs at his opponent. Swinging his fists wildly, Pauga clips Bukauskas with windmilling overhand right, and Bukauskas bangs into the wall and is seeing stars. Pauga closes the distance and grabs hold of his opponent to dump him to the mat. Bukauskas recovers to full guard, and he hacks with elbows off his back until he fights to his feet. Pauga presses heavily on him, but Bukauskas shakes him off and returns to kickboxing range. Pauga sticks out a jab that snaps the head back, and Bukauskas absorbs a subsequent low kick and barely dodges a looping right hook. Pauga attacks the body, and Bukauskas sits down on a thudding leg kick. Pauga dings Bukauskas with a pair of hooks, and he uses the momentum to press “The Baltic Gladiator” to the fencing. Pauga hunts for a trip as he tangles up Bukauskas’ legs, and Bukauskas is able to stifle the attempt and a redoubled effort from the former NFL player. Bukauskas shoves him away, and Pauga springs back away from a straight left hand. Bukauskas follows it with a high kick and a jab, and Pauga ignores it to double up his jabs. Pauga swings too hard with a right hand, and Bukauskas catches him with a right hand counter. Pauga shakes it out, and the two trade heavy leather in an exchange. Chins remain intact, and Bukauskas swipes out with a left hook that grazes the chin. Bukauskas counters an advancing Pauga with a right hand, and Pauga is rocked and shoots for an emergency takedown. Bukauskas stands him up and pushes him away, but he does not empty his gas tank hunting for a finish. Instead, Bukauskas tags him with a big right hand, and the horn blares right after Pauga gets one back.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pauga

Round 2

The light heavyweights come together in the center of the Octagon, ready to trade, but they are somewhat cautious of the other’s power. Bukauskas lands first with a chipping calf kick, and Pauga walks into a counter right hand. Bukauskas strafes to the side, and they both snap out powerful jabs. Pauga takes the worst of it when they land at the same time, but he does not seem concerned as he races forward with a swinging hook and a level change for a double. Bukauskas avoids the former and shrugs off the latter, and he circles away to aim a left hand at the chest. Pauga splits the guard with a left hand, and he surges forward and hits nothing but air with Bukauskas out of harm’s way. Pauga plants his shin on Bukauskas’ raising leg, and he jabs, ducks and bangs a right hand off Bukauskas’ chin. Pauga lunges, and Bukauskas reacts by jumping away from him. Bukauskas sits down on a thudding low kick, and Pauga comes at him throwing haymakers. Bukauskas prepares a right hand counter but does not release it as Pauga is rushing at him. They trade low kicks, and Bukauskas’ foot goes up to bump off the cup. Pauga waves off Smith, and he raises his guard right in the nick of time when Bukauskas zooms a high kick at him. Pauga keeps plodding forward, jabbing his way in, and he telegraphs a big right hand on the way. Pauga dips and scores a short right hook, and Bukauskas replies with the fall of his foot on the chest. Pauga strides forward, right hand ready for bear, and he knocks Bukauskas back and digs punches to the body. Bukauskas tries to keep circling away and respond with a few punches, but he is more intent on dodging the wide arcing blows aimed at his chin. Pauga steps through with a straight right hand, wobbling Bukauskas and sending him ricocheting off the fencing. Pauga ends up clinched, but he moves back so he can unload power punches. Bukauskas avoids the worst of it but his face is swelling from the blows. Bukauskas ends the round with a few hooks of his own.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pauga
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pauga

Round 3

The last round begins with Bukauskas trying to keep a slugging Pauga at bay. He cannot do so, as Pauga runs him down and busts him in the chops. Bukauskas responds with a big body kick, and Pauga bites down on his mouthpiece to throw bombs. Bukauskas closes the distance to stop Pauga from reaching him with these winging punches, and he presses the American against the fence. Smith tells Bukauskas to work as the two do little in the position, and Bukauskas answers this by gripping his hands around the back. Pauga fights off the potential takedown setup, and he ignores a few knees to the thigh. Pauga explodes to turn him around, and the two end up splitting with three minutes left on the clock. Bukauskas misses with a check left hook, as Pauga throws him off with feints and fakes now. Bukauskas connects with a clean right hand as Pauga sits still for too long, and Pauga blinks it out and flicks out a jab. The two clash together when throwing hands, and Pauga backs Bukauskas away with a sprinting right hand. Pauga kicks the ribs, and Bukauskas stands him up with a long punch. Pauga, not discouraged, throws another kick to the same spot, and this time he is not answered the same. Pauga winds up on a power right hand, and Bukauskas wears it well and is forced to eat a second one right after. Pauga aims another body kick, and he times a takedown when Bukauskas comes at him. Pauga ducks a punch to unloads a hefty right hand, and he absorbs a flush one-two without batting an eye. Pauga nearly falls over when swinging for the fences, and he clips Bukauskas with an overhand right. Bukauskas tries to counter, and he spins with a back kick but Pauga is too close. Bukauskas pops him with a jab, and he spins with a back kick that finds its mark. Pauga rushes headlong into a punch, and the two engage in one last mighty slugfest before the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pauga (30-27 Pauga)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pauga (30-27 Pauga)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Pauga)

The Official Result

Modestas Bukauskas def. Zac Pauga via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Dan Argueta (136) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lawrence (-190), Argueta (+160)

Round 1

Moving right along, bantamweights take the stage as Argueta (9-1, 1-1 UFC) drops down from featherweight to meet fellow grappler Lawrence (8-2, 2-1 UFC). The exchanges on the floor could be wild and dynamic, and referee Keith Peterson will need to be paying attention to keep up with what might come while tamping down any nonsense. Before they get to it, the 135ers tap their gloves together. Lawrence lashes out with a low kick and one high, and Argueta charges at him and pursues a takedown. Lawrence looks to defend it, only to get put on his seat. Lawrence tugs on the fence and turns to his knees, and Argueta takes his back. Lawrence keeps scrambling, but Argueta manages to keep hold of him from behind. Lawrence looks to spin out, and Argueta grabs hold from a strange angle before pushing Lawrence to his back. Argueta drops down several quick elbows, and he wraps up a guillotine choke. Lawrence is wise to it, and when he stands, Argueta snatches up a guillotine choke and steps over to mount. Lawrence defends, and Argueta loses his grip only to switch to an anaconda choke. With that submission not in play, Argueta changes up to a brabo choke, and he transitions right to a mounted guillotine choke. Lawrence is in big trouble, and he keeps his right arm extended but is not surrendering. As Argueta squeezes with all his might and body weight, Peterson checks on Lawrence’s arm, and Lawrence is still with it so he pulls it back to his side. From Peterson’s angle, this appears to be a tap, and not simply a reflexive move to get his arm back. Peterson calls the fight, and Lawrence immediately protests. Peterson signals to the outside officials to review the submission via instant replay, and the commission staff discusses their options while watching the footage. With the review complete, Peterson recognizes the error that it was in fact Lawrence tugging his arm back to display his consciousness, and he changes the stoppage from a submission defeat to a no contest – the right call, based on the replay shown. Given those exciting two-plus minutes of action, it would behoove the UFC to run this back soon.

The Official Result

Dan Argueta vs. Ronnie Lawrence is Ruled a No Contest (Overturned) R1 2:20

Tereza Bleda (125) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bleda (-245), Fernandes (+205)

Round 1

The lone women’s match on the card takes place on the prelims at 125 pounds. Both of these ladies will be seeking their first win under the UFC banner tonight, as Bleda (6-1, 0-1 UFC) hopes to bounce back from her first pro loss at the expense of Fernandes (8-2, 0-1 UFC). Taking charge of the cage will be referee Chris Tognoni, and the female fighters touch gloves before engaging. Bleda aims a kick to the knee and one to the body, and Fernandes swats away a third kick to the midsection. Fernandes smiles at her opponent as she dodges strikes, and she is out of the way from a subsequent head kick. Fernandes chops at the lead leg with a thudding kick, and she stays elusive to avoid the counters. Fernandes parries a front kick and a pair of punches, and Bleda races forward in pursuit of a takedown. Fernandes defends it with her back bouncing off the cage wall, and she turns Bleda around and takes part of a knee to the body on the way out. Bleda prods with front kick, and Fernandes is speedy and evading or blocking most of the strikes that come her direction. Fernandes responds with a quick right hand, and a Bleda combination falls short. The Brazilian aims another kick low and swings up top with two punches, and she ends her series of strikes kicking low. Bleda surges forward in pursuit of a double, catching Fernandes’ kick and planting her on her back. Fernandes tries to grab the fence to stay on her feet, and releases it as she gets taken down. Bleda postures up in half guard, and Fernandes keeps control of Bleda’s arms to prevent any significant ground strikes from coming. Bleda controls from on top, as Fernandes holds on to the back of her neck to hope for a referee standup. Bleda remains in top position, thwarting the attempts for Fernandes to buck her off, and she sneaks in a few right hands. Bleda grinds her elbow on Fernandes’ face, and she slashes down with a few to stay busy. Bleda keeps working methodically, and rides out one last escape try on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bleda
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Bleda
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bleda

Round 2

The flyweights meet in the middle, and Bleda starts up with front kicks. Fernandes responds with a resounding leg kick, which makes Bleda rush towards her and pursue a takedown. Bleda knees the body and drops down for a single-leg takedown, and Fernandes shuts this down and ends up getting hold of Bleda from behind briefly while standing straight up. Fernandes uses full power to fight off a single, and Bleda changes things up for a double as Fernandes frantically defends against it. Bleda hits a trip to plop the Brazilian on her hindquarters. Fernandes closes her guard and smacks Bleda feebly on the sides of the head, and seconds peel off the clock in this stalemate position. Tognoni asks Bleda to keep working as things slow down, and Fernandes suddenly throws her legs up high to pursue a triangle choke. Bleda stacks Fernandes up and keeps her knee pressed on Fernandes’ neck and face to shut down the submission setup. With one arm in, Bleda is able to defend against the choke and keep enough space to not worry one iota. The woman who calls herself “Ronda” shrugs past the submission and lowers herself back down to press her chest on her opponent. Fernandes tries to kick off, and she moves enough to sit up to put her back to the fencing. Bleda sits down on top of her, and she moves to full mount and starts hammering Fernandes with punches and ferocious elbows. Bleda hacks down with several more elbows, and she works Fernandes over with ground-and-pound. Bleda keeps striking right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bleda
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Bleda
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bleda

Round 3

Fernandes moves to the center of the cage to start off the last round, and she is quick to move her guard to the body to block a kick. Fernandes steps through a punch to land a right hook, and she dings Bleda with a one-two. Fernandes shoves away a takedown effort and keeps punching, and she hops back to avoid one high kick and one low kick. Fernandes steps away from a punch to fire off a one-two, and she tries to initiate a brawl. She tags Bleda with two big left hands, and a leg kick stumbles Bleda. Bleda pushes forward to go after a takedown, and Fernandes shuts it down and blasts her with a few knees. Fernandes walks through a punch to lay into Bleda, and she winds up on huge left hands until Bleda drops down for a desperate takedown. Bleda drives her from one side of the cage to the other, and she scoops the Brazilian up and throws her down. Bleda lands in three-quarter mount, and slides straight into a full mount. Bleda frames off using her elbow to drill one in the face, and Fernandes slides to her side and bucks with all her might, but Bleda is a 125-pound weight on top of her pinning her down. Fernandes turns to her side in a last ditch effort to get out, but Bleda threatens with a back take, forcing the Brazilian to lay back flat down. Bleda drops down short elbows, and they start to add up as Tognoni is watching on. Bleda keeps grinding with elbows, and she hacks at “Gabi” with bad intentions. Bleda beats on Fernandes until Fernandes spins around to her knees with 20 seconds left, and Fernandes gives up her back. Bleda takes it and gets both hooks in, and she pounds on the side of Fernandes’ head until time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bleda (30-27 Bleda)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Bleda (30-27 Bleda)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bleda (30-27 Bleda)

The Official Result

Tereza Bleda def. Gabriella Fernandes via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Denys Bondar (126) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bondar (-130), Hernandez (+110)

Round 1

Flyweights will draw the focus in this next bout, with Hernandez (8-2, 1-1 UFC) looking to rebound from his first stoppage loss. He draws Bondar (14-3, 0-1 UFC) from Ukraine, whose promotional debut over 18 months ago ended in early injury. With plenty to prove, the 125ers are ready to get down to it, and they touch gloves first while referee Jerin Valel watches on. Bondar walks into a few jabs, and he responds with a leg kick and lowers his hands to his waist. Hernandez gets off a one-two, and he keeps his jab active while Bondar walks him down and spins with a back kick. Bondar overswings with a pair of punches that glance off the shoulder, and Hernandez dings him with a right hand. Bondar mocks him and gets clipped with a right hand, and he follows Hernandez around and gets off a right hand. The two trade knees when they clinch up, and Bondar breaks off with a slashing elbow. Hernandez walks through a body kick to throw punches, and Bondar moves but absorbs several more. Bondar whiffs on a huge right hand, and Hernandez is much more composed and avoiding the majority of the power strikes. Bondar connects with a heavy body kick, and Hernandez takes it without batting an eye. Hernandez strings a few punches together and reaches out with a body kick, and Bondar takes several punches to land a big right hand. Hernandez tags his man with a left to the body and a right to the head, and Bondar swings for the fences and misses. Bondar overswings again and misses with a right hook, and Hernandez gives a short chain of punches back at him. “Psycho” drills a spinning kick to the liver, and Hernandez pushes out of a subsequent clinch to pin punches on Bondar’s reddening face. Hernandez lands three fists, including one to the body, and Bondar drops his hands and eats a right hand when he does. Bondar jumps forward with a knee that breezes past his foe, and the two toss out low kicks. The two clack heads together, opening a cut on Bondar’s forehead, but he pays it no mind. Hernandez changes levels, and he looks for a trip. Bondar stays on his feat and eats and elbow on the break. Hernandez connects with a combo of punches right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez

Round 2

The flyweights meet right in the center of the Octagon, and Hernandez dodges several looping strikes as Bondar starts off too aggressively. Hernandez paws out a few jabs, and he lands a right hand to follow one. Hernandez blocks a head kick, but it partially gets through, and Bondar throws a right to the body after it. Hernandez steps in with a right hand, and the two end up tied up. Hernandez sneaks up a few knees as he pushes Bondar to the fence, and Bondar eats an elbow that reopens the cut on the top of his forehead. Hernandez strides forward with a right hand, and he takes a clean spinning back kick to the breadbasket. Hernandez wears it well to string punches together, and he backs Bondar up with a series of accurate blows. Bondar comes up short with a head kick, and he rushes in with an uppercut. Hernandez loops a right hand around the guard, and he drops a right hand to the waist. Hernandez triples up on a jab, and he pops Bondar with a good right. Bondar throws too hard with a right hand again, and Hernandez slips it and counters cleanly. Hernandez splits the guard with a straight right, and Bondar spins but misses with a back fist. Hernandez meets Bondar while spinning to tag him upstairs, and Bondar recovers and plants a front kick on the chest. Hernandez boxes Bondar up, and Bondar throws big single strikes. Hernandez takes one and loads up with a thudding left hook, and Bondar smiles at him. Hernandez drops down to go for a takedown, and Bondar ducks down and they bang heads together. Bondar shoots in for his own takedown, and he throws Hernandez to the floor. The American wall-walks upright in seconds, and he makes Bondar pay with a series of quick punches. Bondar unloads with an inaccurate uppercut, and he is met with a flying knee. Bondar shrugs at his foe, and Hernandez slides out aside from a spinning kick. Hernandez drops to his knees, and Bondar walks right at him and illegally knees him in the temple. Valel calls the foul and pauses the fight. Hernandez signals that he is fine, and Valel resets them a split second before the bell sounds. Valel calls for the replay and ends the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez

Round 3

Upon review, replay official Herb Dean informs Valel of what he saw, and Valel determines the strike was not a distinctive, intentional foul, and therefore it only receives a warning. The two start off the last round, and Hernandez is back to his boxing in a hurry. Bondar swings heavily, and his punches miss the mark. The Ukrainian pushes out a front kick, and it bounces into the cup as Hernandez waves it off. Bondar offers an apologetic glove touch, and Hernandez walks forward uncompromised. Hernandez blasts a left to the body, and Bondar waves his finger at him. Bondar snaps back the head with a left hand, and Hernandez is right in his face with a short salvo of punches. They jab at the same time, and Bondar follows it with an overhand right. Hernandez goes after a one-two, and he intercepts an oncoming Bondar with a left hand. Bondar pushes out a few jabs, and Hernandez answers him with several that open a cut on the right side of Bondar’s head. Hernandez sticks him with a right and a left, and Bondar tries to pay him back with power only to miss the mark. Bondar suddenly changes levels for a takedown, and Hernandez springs back up to his feet with ease. Hernandez follows after Bondar with a few punches and a step-in knee, and Bondar’s chin is made of sterner stuff as he absorbs it and fires off a stern leg kick in response. Bondar shoots for another takedown, and this time, Hernandez stuffs it and elbows him before Bondar can get away. Bondar throws heavy punches, and Hernandez tags him with a flying switch kick and a big knee. Bondar ignores them and swings a head kick back, and Hernandez slides and moves. Hernandez misses with a spinning wheel kick, and he pushes forward to secure a takedown when Bondar spins with a strike. Bondar walks his way up the fence, and Hernandez throws him back down with a body lock hard on the mat. Bondar might be out when he hits the ground, and Hernandez punishes him with a number of ruthless elbows. Hernandez completely separates Bondar from his consciousness with the devastating elbows, as he rips open yet another cut on Bondar. Blood pours from Bondar’s head as he is staring lifeless off to space when Valel steps in, and there is immediate controversy and concern that the two clashed heads when Hernandez slammed Bondar down to the mat. The result of a knockout is under review, as Valel calls in another replay to review this incident. The officials determine that they did bang heads together, even though it took place during the course of a legitimate slam takedown, and declare it is no longer a knockout. Instead, with one second left on the clock, it goes to the scorecards officially as a technical decision. The victor should be in no doubt.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (30-27 Hernandez)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (30-27 Hernandez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez (30-27 Hernandez)

The Official Result

Carlos Hernandez def. Denys Bondar via Unanimous Technical Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 4:59

Kyung Ho Kang (135.5) vs. Cristian Quinonez (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Quinonez (-165), Kang (+140)

Round 1

In this next matchup, fans will be treated to a classic battle between South Korea and Mexico. Representing the former will be “Mr. Perfect” Kang (18-9, 1 NC; 7-3, 1 NC UFC), who eyes a win streak while facing Entram Gym’s Quinonez (18-3, 1-0 UFC). Soon to be 36, Kang has a very limited window to get things done at bantamweight, and his journey can continue tonight with a victory. Referee Chris Tognoni is on top of the action, and the fighters touch gloves calmly. Quinonez spring back and forth in matching stances, and Kang meets an oncoming Quinonez with a low kick. Quinonez flashes out a jab, and he gets driven back with a short blitz. Kang sits down on a right hand, and Quinonez walks right through it and gets his knee kicked in the process. Kang lands another low kick, and Quinonez holds his hands up and paws his own jab out. Quinonez checks a kick as he comes at Kang, and Kang lifts his own leg up preemptively expecting a kick that comes and misses him. Quinonez grabs one of Kang’s hands and cracks him with his other hand, and he sticks out a sharp jab. Quinonez marches in confidently with a right hand, cracking Kang with a right hand and then an uppercut, and this draws the two into a wild slugfest. Kang, on the ropes, swings for the fences and blasts Quinonez on the chin with a left and a right. A stunned Quinonez turns around and drops to his knees, and Kang snatches up his neck for an unorthodox but seemingly painful choke. Quinonez keeps himself in the fight by turning around and falls to his back, and Kang climbs into mount and is about to strike. When he does, Quinonez spins around, and Kang takes his back in the blink of an eye. Before Quinonez can stand up while on his knees, Kang latches onto a rear-naked choke, and he sinks it in before Quinonez realizes it. As Kang leans back to seal the deal completely, Quinonez surrenders, and the comeback has been secured. What a wild half round between these two, as Kang was in trouble and handed “The Problema” a rare submission loss.

The Official Result

Kyung Ho Kang def. Cristian Quinonez R1 2:25 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Alessandro Costa (126) vs. Jimmy Flick (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Costa (-255), Flick (+215)

Round 1

Capping off the prelims, flyweights of Flick (16-6, 1-1 UFC) and Costa (12-3, 0-1 UFC) square off. “The Brick” has never before landed a knockout, with 88% of his wins coming by tapout, while Costa has never once been submitted. Something might have to give, and referee Keith Peterson is here for it if it does. The fight opens with a no nonsense glove touch, and Flick paws out after with a front kick. Costa slams a leg kick with emphasis on the calf, and Flick tries to get him back with another front kick only to miss. Costa stuffs a takedown after checking a kick, and he pushes Flick away and nails him with another calf kick. Flick jabs with the ball of his foot, and he ducks down low for an overhand right. Costa drills a kick to the body, and he starts chaining body shots together as Flick can do nothing but shell up. Costa pins two punches on Flick’s head before Flick realizes he has been struck, and he circles away while Flick is calculating the damage. Costa aims another left to the body, and Flick kicks low and just buzzes the hair with a high kick to follow. Costa backs Flick off with a one-two, and he absorbs a front kick to the midsection. Costa delivers another kick to the lead wheel, and he doubles up on it. Costa strings three punches together and kicks the calf, and the kick knocks Flick clean off his feet. Flick falls to his back, and Costa kicks at it once more before letting “The Brick” up. Flick stands, and he keeps that left leg back, as it is totally compromised. Costa decides to kick the other leg, and when Flick swaps again, he chops at it once more to nearly topple Flick over. “Nono” smashes Flick’s calf one more time, and Flick dives forward with a takedown. Flick cannot secure it, and he looks for a leglock that Costa shakes off and lets him get up. Flick is unable to plant on his leg, and Costa throws him down to the floor. Costa lines up several punches to the chin when Flick gets back up, and he nails Flick with a flying knee. Flick walks through a low kick to throw punches, and Costa is faster and more accurate. Costa rings Flick’s bell with speedy punches, and Flick’s face turns red as Costa seemingly cannot miss. Costa hammers Flick’s left leg with one last kick, and rips a right to the body as the horn sounds. Flick barely is able to limp back to his corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Costa
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Costa
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Costa

Round 2

Flick is able to make it out of his corner, and he starts off in southpaw to keep his left leg behind him. Costa does not attack right out of the gate, and he lets Flick kick at him high. Costa times one single low kick, and Flick’s balance is shot and he can barely even lift his foot up. Flick shoots in after hobbling back to put his arm in the fence to stay up, and Costa bowls him over and starts elbowing him. Flick threatens with some kind of submission, but Costa does not let him set anything up and starts blasting him with elbows. The Brazilian, seeing the finish might be around corner, batters Flick with these nasty elbows until Peterson has seen enough. Costa strides away, his work done, and he celebrates his first victory inside the Octagon.

The Official Result

Alessandro Costa def. Jimmy Flick R2 1:03 via TKO (Elbows)

Nicolas Dalby (170.5) vs. Muslim Salikhov (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Salikhov (-190), Dalby (+160)

Round 1

A potential all-action welterweight tilt will kick off the main card, as blood-and-guts Dalby (21-4-1, 2 NC; 5-3-1, 1 NC UFC) stands across the cage from “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov (19-3, 6-2 UFC). This will be the eldest bout on the billing, as Dalby is over 38 while Salikhov just turned 39, so the clock is absolutely ticking for these two 170-pound competitors in hopes of making a run. They do not plan on touching gloves, and referee Mark Smith sits back to observe the proceedings. Dalby slings a high kick early, and Salikhov replies with a solid calf kick as if he had watched the last bout and wanted to replicate that success. Dalby goes for another head kick that is blocked, and he puts a jab in the Russian’s face. Salikhov rifles out a left hand, and he absorbs a kick on the inside of his knee. Salikhov aims a front kick to the chest, and Dalby is quick to kick low again. Salikhov scores a pair of dangerous leg kicks, and they trade punches until Dalby decides to give Salikhov a taste of his own medicine with a kick. Salikhov reaches out with a left hook, and he pushes out with a front kick. The two trade leg kicks, and Dalby ducks a Superman punch right in time. Salikhov spins suddenly with a back fist, and Dalby raises his guard and takes a clean spinning back kick right after to the chest. Dalby picks at the lead leg with a kick, and they both go after one another with heavy right hooks. Dalby aims a shin to the midsection, and he walks into a solid right hand. When Dalby tries to kick low, Salikhov stands him up with an overhand right. Both men crash together with thudding fists, and Salikhov reaches his man in a subsequent strike. “King of Kung Fu” beats Dalby to the punch, and he clips him with a left hand to stagger Dalby. Dalby gathers his thoughts and retaliates with a right hand and a huge head kick. Salikhov is damaged from the blow, and he pursues a takedown to drag Dalby to the ground to recover. The two both stand up in the clinch, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov

Round 2

The welterweights come together in the center of the cage, and Dalby initiates offense with a head kick that is blocked. Salikhov replies with a front kick, leading Dalby into a charge that pushes him against the cage to the wall. Salikhov turns him around, and Dalby reaches him with high knees even with his back against the fence. Salikhov breaks off, and he defends a body kick and spins with a back kick to the midsection. The two measure one another with one-twos, and Dalby ducks straight into a knee when pursuing a takedown. Salikhov keeps his back to the wire as he stays upright, and Dalby lifts up a high knee. This is the worst thing Dalby can do, as Salikhov grabs hold of it, turns Dalby around and deposits him to the canvas. Dalby calmly works his way back up with the fence behind him, and he spams short knees to the side. Dalby wrenches the Dagestan native to the mat, and he moves straight into mount. Salikhov turns to the side and ends up giving up his back, and Dalby gets a hook in and drapes his arm around the chest. Salikhov turns enough to free himself from a hook, and Dalby traps Salikhov’s left leg while turning the torso. Dalby nearly has a twister set up, and he threatens with a choke that transitions from a rear-naked choke to an arm-triangle choke. This is a means to an end, as Dalby steps over into half guard and looks for ground-and-pound. Salikhov explodes back to his feet with a minute to go, and Dalby presses on the Russian when standing up and knees him a few times. Dalby fishes for a trip with his foot, and Salikhov breaks away with an elbow. Dalby chases after him with a head kick, and Salikhov replies with one and falls to his knees. The round ends as Dalby jumps on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dalby

Round 3

Dalby picks up where he left off, with a head kick attempt. Salikhov backs away and holds his arms high to block it and one that follows, but he cannot stop a few punches from Dalby. The Danish fighter attempts a third head kick, and he races forward to either change levels or settle for a clinch. Salikhov looks to muscle out, but Dalby turns him back to the wall, as Salikhov appears frustrated. Dalby grinds and works the body with several active knees, until Salikhov breaks away and gets to striking range. Dalby rushes after him and spears the Russian with a right hand and looks for a head kick. Salikhov is not fazed by the blows, and he jams his foot into Dalby’s midsection. Dalby punches his way into a clinch, but he cannot hold Salikhov there for long. Salikhov escapes, and he rushes backwards. Dalby practically sprints at him, tossing up a head kick and a right hand before engaging in the tie-up once more. When Salikhov drags them away from the cage, Dalby elbows him several times before kneeing him and pushing him to the fencing. Dalby slips a punch over the top and does not lose his clinch grip, and they both give one another mean elbows on the chin. Dalby slings a high kick, and he re-engages Salikhov before dragging him to his knee. Dalby jumps into mount with a little under 15 seconds left, and he beats down on Salikhov with hammerfists and an elbow until the final horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)

The Official Result

Nicolas Dalby def. Muslim Salikhov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Nikolas Motta (155.5) vs. Manuel Torres (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Torres (-180), Motta (+155)

Round 1

Referee Herb Dean will need to be on his A-game for this next fight, as it might not need the judges. Lightweights Torres (13-2, 1-0 UFC) – with his 92% finish rate, and eight straight fights to end in Round 1 – and knockout-minded Motta (13-4, 1-1 UFC) collide with sights set on bonus checks. The fighters meet in the middle of the cage and clap their hands together, and get right to it. Torres reaches out with several front kicks, and Motta tries to swing right hands back but is out of range. Torres plans a pair of kicks on the lead wheel of his opponent, and they trade leg kicks after. Motta steps in with a two-punch combination, and Motta crashes the pocket and nails him with a left hand. Torres, wide-eyed from the strike, backs off, and Motta gets him with a low kick. Torres tries to calm himself down by tossing out a front kick, and he chases after Motta with a few punches but cannot get to him. Torres has his lead leg nailed, and he loads up with an elbow with every ounce of his might. The elbow smashes directly into the face of “Iron Motta,” who collapses lifelessly to the mat on his side. Before Dean can run across the cage to break them up, Torres smacks Motta with a few hammerfists, and he is mercifully pulled away as Motta is long gone. Torres runs to celebrate, and medical professionals race into the cage to tend to the completely ruined Motta, who is still out. As Torres realizes how badly he destroyed Motta, he drops down to his knees and expresses concern for the fallen fighter. Thankfully, Motta eventually comes back around, and he returns to his stool and is embraced by the victorious Torres. The knockout turned from outstanding to scary in an instant, but Torres just registered one of the more destructive one-shot finishes seen in a while.

The Official Result

Manuel Torres def. Nikolas Motta R1 1:50 via KO (Elbow)

Lucas Almeida (145.5) vs. Pat Sabatini (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-190), Almeida (+160)

Round 1

In a fight that could end in the blink of an eye, submission specialist Sabatini (17-4, 4-1 UFC) takes on once-beaten finisher Almeida (14-1 1-0 UFC). Together, the two featherweights combine for 26 stoppages in their 31 pro wins, so referee Chris Tognoni could have his hands full. Before they throw down, they opt to bump fists. Almeida advances first, but Sabatini ducks any offense and pursues a quick takedown. Almeida fights off a trip attempt on the way back, and Sabatini looks for a body lock throw. Sabatini secures the drop, and he lands right in half guard while pinning Almeida to his back using his shoulder. Almeida sits up against the fence, but Sabatini hooks both his legs and peels him away from it. Sabatini smoothly maneuvers to keep Almeida trapped on the floor, and he drops down left hands. Sabatini pins Almeida’s right arm down to land several unanswered blows, and he frustrates the Brazilian with his active top control. When Almeida attempts to escape in some direction, Sabatini is aware and follows him every step of the way. Sabatini controls his foe and moves into mount briefly, while nullifying anything that Almeida can do to him. Sabatini leaps back into mount with 75 seconds left in the round, and he also traps Almeida’s arm behind the back and blasts him in the face with left hands. Sabatini hammers Almeida with a few elbows, and Almeida defenselessly takes them flush. Sabatini postures up and batters Almeida with punches and elbows, and Almeida is clinging to his foe with all he has left. Sabatini considers an armbar, but he thinks against it and elbows Almeida repeatedly. Sabatini smashes down with punches right to the bell, and Almeida has survived.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Sabatini

Round 2

Sabatini rushes out of his corner to tap gloves, and he immediately hunts for a single to make the Brazilian’s life miserable again. Almeida backs himself against the wall in defense, and Sabatini switches up to a body lock in pursuit of another trip. Sabatini drills a knee to the body and drops down low for a double, and he lets it go to snake his leg between Almeida’s. Sabatini successfully yanks Almeida to the floor, first bringing him to a knee and pushing him flat on his back. Sabatini slashes down with an elbow on the forehead to slice open a cut, and blood leaks down into Almeida’s eyes. Sabatini transitions over to the side, man on a mission, and he sets up an arm-triangle choke while Almeida fails to clear his vision. The Philadelphia native locks it down and crushes with his shoulder and full body weight, and Almeida has no choice but to tap. As Tognoni pulls them apart, Sabatini has just become the first fighter to ever finish the Brazilian featherweight, doing so in a spectacular and one-sided performance.

The Official Result

Pat Sabatini def. Lucas Almeida R2 1:48 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Christian Leroy Duncan (186) vs. Armen Petrosyan (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Duncan (-140), Petrosyan (+120)

Round 1

The two fighters in this “featured fight of the night” slot both come in with knockout rates of exactly 75%. Petrosyan (8-2, 2-1 UFC) has put six of eight foes away in victory with strikes, and so has the undefeated Duncan (8-0, 1-0 UFC). Another could be authored in the very near future, and referee Mark Smith has punched the clock and is on call in case it arises. The 185ers touch gloves, before they figuratively look to knock the other’s head into the third row. Duncan gets into his groove immediately, reaching his man with long punches and lunging front kicks. Petrosyan swipes out, and Duncan jumps at him with a knee. Petrosyan connects with a heavy outside leg kick, and he gets backed off with a jab. They trade low kicks, and Duncan turns with a side kick on the chest. Duncan steps in with an uppercut, and Petrosyan meets him with a few punches right when they come together. Duncan leans out with a left hand over the top, and he ducks back to dodge the strikes. The two trade low kicks again, and Duncan absorbs a right hand without issue and stabs out a jab. Petrosyan aims another kick to the lead leg, and he catches an axe kick and nearly takes Duncan down. When that does not succeed, he punches Duncan behind the ear as Duncan scampers away. Duncan spins with a back fist and immediately follows it with a punch, and the Armenian fighter is able to just avoid it. When he resets, Petrosyan is on him chopping at his legs. Petrosyan gets off a right hand over the shoulder, and his calf gets popped. Duncan slides away from a punch and swings a wheel kick, and Petrosyan is able to keep his composure and hammer Duncan’s lead leg with several more kicks. Duncan slides forward with al eft hand, and Petrosyan intercepts him with a kick. Duncan catches a kick with the other leg to his body, and he rushes forward and gets tagged with a right hand. Petrosyan lines up a one-two, and he counters an oncoming Duncan with a left. Duncan presses out with a jab and has his calf chewed on the way forward, and he fakes with a spin to draw a large reaction. Duncan jumps in the air to stomp down with a kick to the knee, and Petrosyan is surprised but does not take the brunt of it. Duncan blocks a high kick and bounces off the wall, where he puts his jab on Petrosyan’s reddening nose. Petrosyan spins with a kick to the body, and Duncan turns his back and aims a kick. Petrosyan responds with a low kick and a right hand before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan

Round 2

The middleweights come to the middle and clap hands, and Duncan swats out with low kicks from each leg before firing off a hook kick. Petrosyan counters with a left up top, and goes for a one-two after it before getting off kicks on both legs. The leg kicks from both fighters are open and aimed frequently, and Duncan races ahead for a takedown. When that fails, he comes up with a left hand and Petrosyan barely defends against it. Duncan flashes his jab to the nose, and he spins but gets caught on the way in. Petrosyan grabs him from behind, and he drills Duncan with a few right hands before they break apart. Duncan looks to hand-fight and is caught with a body kick, and they both go high with alternating kicks. Duncan throws thee kicks, but only the third lands. Duncan takes a hard leg kick, and he retaliates with one that makes Petrosyan shake his leg out. Duncan plants the ball of his foot on Petrosyan’s beard, and Petrosyan is no worse for wear for it. Duncan goes for the low kick in part of a combination, and he slides back when Petrosyan aims one at the same area. Petrosyan does work with calf kicks, and he narrowly avoids a spinning wheel kick. Duncan leaps at him with a Superman punch, and he walks into a body shot. Duncan stands too tall and gets drilled with a right hand, and he bends over and stands right back up to make a knee miss. The two tie up, and Petrosyan pushes him tightly to the fencing before aiming a right hand around the guard on the break. Duncan follows his backpedaling foe and engages in another clinch, and the two take some time to catch their breath. Petrosyan turns his man around, but cannot keep him there for long. Duncan rifles out a right hand and moves forward for a potential level change, and he tries to lift Petrosyan up but ends up falling to his back. Petrosyan lands a few right hands before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan

Round 3

The fighters touch gloves to initiate the final frame, and Duncan is the one to strike first with multiple kicks and jabs. Duncan spins towards his opponent with a kick, and Petrosyan avoids the flashy strikes and pins a one-two on the chin. They both connect with solid jabs, and Petrosyan kicks Duncan hard enough in the calf to force an immediate stance switch. Duncan half-heartedly reaches out with a front kick, and changes his tempo with a stomp kick to the knee. Petrosyan hops back and jabs to the body, and he does not slow down methodically breaking Duncan’s leg down. Duncan pushes forward in pursuit of a potential takedown, getting a body lock as Petrosyan lifts up a knee shield. Petrosyan turns the undefeated fighter around and rests his weight on Duncan, and Smith asks them to work. Duncan obliges by spinning off the cage, and he runs at Petrosyan and belts him with a spinning back fist. As Duncan charges, seeing that he hurt “Superman,” his momentum is used against him when Petrosyan suddenly doubles him to plant him on his back. Duncan closes his guard with two minutes to go, and he considers an armbar but is nowhere near setting it up. Petrosyan easily moves over to side control, but this lets Duncan move to a knee against the wall. Petrosyan presses on him heavily, and Duncan still works his way upright. Duncan turns around to put his back against the cage with 30 seconds left, and he breaks off with little time remaining. Duncan blitzes with a spinning wheel kick, and Petrosyan stays on his bike and avoids any final engagement until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan (30-27 Petrosyan)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan (30-27 Petrosyan)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petrosyan (30-27 Petrosyan)

The Official Result

Armen Petrosyan def. Christian Leroy Duncan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Joaquim Silva (155.5) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tsarukyan (-1050), Silva (+700)

Round 1

Two teammates from American Top Team will throw down in the co-main event, in what is currently the largest betting disparity of the night. Registering anywhere from -1000 to -1400 tonight, Tsarukyan (19-3, 6-2 UFC) is widely expected to dispose of Brazil’s Silva (12-3, 5-3 UFC), who comes back all the way up to +800 on some books. Whether “Netto BJJ” can secure the massive upset or the Russian will hold serve, referee Keith Peterson is going to be paying close attention and keeping any nonsense at bay. The gloves are touched by the lightweights, and Tsarukyan advances and reaches out a head kick. Silva dodges back and strafes, but Tsarukyan chases after him with a high kick and then one to the body. When Silva responds with a kick, Tsarukyan catches it and secures an easy takedown. As the Brazilian closes up his guard, Tsarukyan comfortably resides in top position and softens Silva up with light punches to the side. Silva tries to post off an arm, but Tsarukyan sees it and rips him back down to the floor. Tsarukyan maintains smothering top pressure, keeping Silva trapped with his neck between the floor and the wall, and he drives down an elbow on the nose. Silva explodes back to his knee, and Tsarukyan lets him do this so he can take the back. Silva sits back down with Tsarukyan’s arms clutched around his waist, and Tsarukyan steps over to get a hook in. Tsarukyan holds on like a backpack when Silva tries to stand, and his weight frustrates in keeping Silva grounded. Tsarukyan wrenches his man slowly back to the floor, and he drags Silva around to take the back. Silva scrambles to the side, and he is again caught by Tsarukyan and gets smashed with a huge elbow and a legal knee that Tsarukyan drives into Silva’s chest. The grinding round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan

Round 2

The lightweights again touch gloves before getting to it, and Tsarukyan leads the dance with twin body kicks. Silva looks to counter, and Tsarukyan is so far out of the way he ends up bouncing back to the wall. Tsarukyan adds up more body kicks, and he strings it into combinations with right hands. Silva absorbs an elbow and fires back with an overhand right, surprising his training partner. It does not take long for Tsarukyan to give it back in spades, closing the distance with an elbow and a right hand. Tsarukyan releases the clinch grip to get back to boxing range, and the two both trade heavy punches. Silva ducks into a knee, and he absorbs a quick body kick that slides under his guard. When Silva goes to the body, Tsarukyan closes in and elbows him before backing off. Tsarukyan aims a right hand to the chest, and he swats away a front kick. Silva swings too hard, and Tsarukyan grabs him, but the Russian lets him go to get back to trading. Tsarukyan steps in with a vicious right hand, and Silva eats it and backs away to get cracked with an axe kick. Tsarukyan bears down on him with punches, and Silva backs up to the wall and delivers a knee to the chest. Tsarukyan backs away to measure his opponent, and he bursts forward with a one-two. Tsarukyan intercepts Silva with a body kick, and a right hand over the top makes Silva backpedal. Tsarukyan secures an uppercut and an overhand right, and Silva swings back with every ounce of his energy and cracks Tsarukyan on the temple with a left hand. “Ahalkalakets” is in the danger zone suddenly, and he shoots in for a takedown desperately to preserve his chin. Tsarukyan gets the takedown he seeks, and he plants Silva flat on his back. Tsarukyan elbows Silva a few times as he appears to have gathered his thoughts, and the round ends with Silva pursuing a shoulder lock.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tsarukyan

Round 3

There is one final glove touch to begin the final stanza, and Tsarukyan is amped up and chases Silva around with several body kick. When Tsarukyan pursues an axe kick, Silva counters with looping hooks. Tsarukyan punches his way to close proximity, avoiding an elbow on the way forward, and he hunts for a body lock and slings Silva to the canvas. Tsarukyan pushes over to half guard with an arm-triangle setup, and he steps over while Silva scoots himself to the fence. Tsarukyan tugs him back down when Silva attempts to stand, and he drops down short but effective left hands when in this position. Tsarukyan starts to embrace the grind, and Silva bursts out of the position and moves to a knee. Tsarukyan holds on, but Silva muscles him back and pushes him away. Tsarukyan lines up a one-two that misses, and he spins with a back kick and aims a left hand that swings to the side. Tsarukyan masterfully dumps Silva right on his head, and he jumps right into half guard and starts overwhelming Silva with mean-spirited elbows and punches. Silva manages to survive the blows, but he turns to his side and keeps moving to show he is still in the fight. Peterson is watching closely, and Tsarukyan hammers Silva with everything he has left. Peterson gives Silva every opportunity to get up and recover his position, but Tsarukyan is not about to let this go to the scorecards. Tsarukyan continues his final bombardment, and Peterson sees that Silva is no longer defending himself intelligently and waves the fight off. Tsarukyan gets the finish he was looking for, and he survived a bit of adversity to achieve it as well. In victory, the Russian calls for an opportunity to face champ Islam Makhachev again, and if not the champion, then Michael Chandler, who could be in need of an opponent if Chandler does not meet Conor McGregor.

The Official Result

Arman Tsarukyan def. Joaquim Silva R3 3:25 via TKO (Punches)

Jared Cannonier (185.5) vs. Marvin Vettori (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vettori (-115), Cannonier (-105)

Round 1

We have reached the final fight of the card, and it is the only one to contain a pair of ranked competitors. Both men have lost to champ Israel Adesanya, so a victory tonight might not be enough to move them to the top of the ladder. In one corner stands Vettori (19-6-1, 9-4-1 UFC), who has never had his chin checked as a pro. In the other is knockout artist Cannonier (16-6, 9-4 UFC), who celebrates a solid 75% finish rate. Whether it lasts five minutes or five rounds, referee Herb Dean is prepped and ready to go. There is an intense glove touch between the two middleweights, and it’s on with the main event. Vettori looks to set up his jab early, and Cannonier walks him down and does the same, except he follows with a calf kick. Vettori sticks out a one-two, and he catches Cannonier with a power left hand that stuns “The Killa Gorilla” unexpectedly. Cannonier defends with his back to the wall and thinks to change levels, and he gathers his thoughts and waves Vettori on for more. Vettori aims a left hand over the top and stings Cannonier again, and Cannonier once more has to retreat to gather his thoughts. Vettori does not give chase or get into a reckless slugfest, instead measuring the former heavyweight with a head kick. Cannonier blocks it in time and steps in with a right hand, and Vettori gets cracked with a right hand that shakes him up. Vettori pays him back with a left hand, and he ducks a swopping punch to sneak a right hand around the guard. Cannonier checks a leg kick and has a left hand bounce off his forehead with little effect. Vettori works the body with a kick, and Cannonier backs him away with a thumping kick to the inside calf. Cannonier keeps his guard up when Vettori throws hands, and he gets off another solid leg kick. Cannonier walks through a jab and rolls with a right hand, and he forces out a jab only to give two right back to his opponent. The Italian flicks out several jabs, and he follows one with a left hand to stagger Cannonier. “The Killa Gorilla” reels and recovers once more, and he kicks at the lead wheel and puts the ball of his foot on Vettori’s sternum twice. Cannonier unloads with a leg kick, only to get knocked back with a pair of punches. Cannonier backs Vettori against the wall and cannot trap him with a barrage, as Vettori instead makes him change his mind with a step-in knee. Cannonier gets in two right hands as Vettori rolls, and he escapes out the side but walks into a right hand that soars at him. Cannonier paws out with three punches that slide off the shoulder, and he eats a one-two shortly thereafter. As Cannonier comes out throwing, the exciting round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Vettori
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vettori

Round 2

Cannonier moves right to the center of the cage after second stanza opens, and they trade rangy punches. Cannonier throws a hard low kick, and he walks into a few punches. As Cannonier bears down on Vettori, Vettori escapes out the side and fires off a piston-like straight left hand. Cannonier knows he will take it on the eye, and he does so he can loop a right hand over the guard. Cannonier slips a few punches as he trades with Vettori, and he ends a combo with a leg kick. Cannonier lines up a ferocious straight right hand, and Vettori wears it well but is not enjoying what he gets. Cannonier rails him with another overhand right, and Vettori staggers back and leans against the fence. Vettori clinches up, and Cannonier pushes him off to reset and approach from another angle. Vettori strides forward in effort to counter, and Cannonier kicks his leg out and puts Vettori on his back. Vettori defends from the subsequent ground-and-pound that Cannonier drops on him, and he moves to his knees while still clearly very hurt as his nose is bleeding. Cannonier racks him up with a few body shots and punches over the top, and Vettori succeeds in slowing Cannonier just enough with a combination. Cannonier digs a left to the body and a right to the head, and Vettori is on rubber legs and taking punches right on the chin. Vettori remains upright, and Cannonier is giving it all he has with punches, knees and even short elbows. Vettori blocks several of the strikes but takes many more, and he is hanging in there but taking a beating. Cannonier backs him off and stands Vettori up with a right hand, and Vettori surges forward with a pair of punches to surprise Cannonier. Cannonier slows himself down, and Vettori rushes after him with a one-two. Vettori misses with a left hook, and he dings Cannonier behind the ear with another and reaches the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Cannonier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Cannonier

Round 3

A busted up and slightly bloodied Vettori makes it to the third round, and he appears to still be trying to get his wits about him. Vettori leads off with a jab, and he uses several more to decent effect to keep Cannonier from bearing down on him. Vettori sits down on alternating leg kicks, and Cannonier measures a right hand to the midsection. Vettori swings a big left hand, and he springs forward to deliver a right hand off the guard. Cannonier knocks his man back with a power right hand, and he shoots in for a takedown. Vettori stops it and pushes him away, and he chains a calf kick into a one-two as he appears more recovered 75 seconds into the round. Vettori jumps into throwing an uppercut to the body and he snaps out a jab only to get met with a body kick. Cannonier knocks the mouthpiece sideways with a big right hand, and Vettori gathers it and reaches Cannonier with a right hand. Cannonier lines up a right hand down the middle, and Cannonier drills him with a right that marks up Vettori’s nose. Cannonier walks down his man and lands without fear, and he makes Vettori bend over so he can smack him with uppercuts. Cannonier drags Vettori to the floor and smashes him in the face with a right hand, and Vettori fights his way to his knee and feet while his face is transforming into a bloody visage. Cannonier is relentless, stalking Vettori down and lining up body shots and some others up top. Vettori backs Cannonier off with an elbow, but Cannonier is able to shake it off and pay him back. Cannonier tries to dump his foe to the floor, and Vettori reverses him and puts Cannonier on his seat. “The Killa Gorilla” desperately leaps back to his feet, and he breaks off from the clinch to get back to walking Vettori down. The two middleweights trade jabs, and Cannonier bops Vettori on the nose and finds his chin with two more hooks. Vettori puts two punches on Cannonier to make him reset, and his jab finds its home right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier

Round 4

Having reached the championship rounds, they meet in the middle and Vettori starts off with a leg kick and a few jabs. Vettori has some bounce back in his step, and he flicks out a few punches and ignores the return fire. Cannonier blocks a head kick and drives Vettori back with an overhand right, and Vettori is able to blink it out and string a pair of punches to the face. Vettori sinks a body kick home, and he slips a Cannonier right hook to put two on Cannonier’s face. Cannonier connects with a solid low kick, and Vettori reaches out with his lead right hook. Vettori again goes high with a kick, and it lands off the guard with a loud thud. Vettori tags Cannonier with straight punches, and Cannonier answers with chopping leg kicks. Cannonier leans back and pounds Vettori in the face with a right hand, and he shoots in for a takedown to put Vettori down. Vettori powers his way back up, and Cannonier leads him over to the fence in the tie-up. Cannonier cannot keep him, as Vettori squirts out the side and starts flashing his jab again. Vettori counters a leg kick with a left hand, and he leans back as Cannonier throws a haymaker. Vettori walks into a hook to throw two more, and he gets his head snapped back with a fierce jab. Vettori gets knocked back with jabs, and a one-two gets Vettori’s attention. The Italian kicks the lead leg, and Cannonier answers him right back and follows suit with a right hook behind the ear. Vettori delivers a kick to the ribs, and he hops away as Cannonier rushes at him with big hands. Cannonier throws hard and misses the mark a few times, and they hand-fight in the open until Cannonier closes in to go after a takedown. Vettori shuts it down and moves back to the middle of the cage, and he gets just out of the way of a home run punch from his opponent. Cannonier cracks Vettori with a right hand, but Vettori’s beard is immeasurable. When Cannonier kicks low, Vettori replies with a one-two, and he concludes the round with a head kick and a straight left.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier

Round 5

With five minutes left to decide things once and for all, the middleweights do not waste more than a few seconds before engaging. Vettori aims a kick up high, and when Cannonier guards against it, Vettori kicks low. Cannonier makes him think twice about this with a hard right hand, and he eats one back as Vettori starts chattering to him. They trade power punches, and then power kicks, as nothing is off the table in this skirmish. They both pop out jabs, and Vettori wipes his nose and nods. Cannonier smashes his fist into Vettori’s nose, and Vettori is right there answering him back with a combination. Cannonier rings Vettori’s bell with a monstrous right hand, but somehow Vettori is still with it and pushes off with a knee. Cannonier connects with another big right hook, and he clinches up with Vettori in search of a few short strikes on the inside. Vettori pushes him away and absorbs a flush body kick, only to throw a high kick right back Cannonier’s way. Cannonier corners Vettori momentarily with a short salvo of punches, and Vettori again escapes out the side and resets. Cannonier lunges with straight punches, and Vettori jabs him in the face. “The Italian Stallion” does not land his head kick, and he slides away from one power punch but takes a second one. Cannonier hurts his foe with a hellacious pair of punches, and he muscles Vettori down to the floor and hopes to hammer the nail with ground-and-pound. Vettori clings to him, but Cannonier is able to posture up with a minute to go and rain down elbows. Vettori’s face starts spraying blood, and he still has the wherewithal to sit up and fight back to his feet. All the while, Cannonier is punching Vettori on the bloodied nose. Cannonier swings with bad intentions, and Vettori eludes them and catches Cannonier with a big punch of his own. Cannonier tries to hit one final takedown to conclude the match, but Vettori turns him around. The bloody, brutal firefight that likely set striking total records in the 185-pound division wraps up, and “The Italian Stallion” has miraculously made it to the final horn. The two men may very well find a post-fight bonus in their immediate future after that thrilling back-and-forth slugfest. At the tender age of 39, Cannonier may have put forth his finest performance to date, and he asks for either a title shot or a fight that will get him there. When that happens, we will unquestionably be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (49-45 Cannonier)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (49-45 Cannonier)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier (49-45 Cannonier)

The Official Result

Jared Cannonier def. Marvin Vettori via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46)