UFC on ESPN 49 ‘Holm vs. Bueno Silva’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Ashlee Evans-Smith (135.5) vs. Ailin Perez (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Perez (-200), Evans-Smith (+170)

Round 1

A week removed from the rousing UFC 290 pay-per-view extravaganza, the UFC bounces back with an Apex-staged card. Ranked fighters will be at a premium over the course of the night, and instead this event could be one more of summer cleaning – after all, of the 14 fighters on the prelims, two will be making their company debuts, the remaining 12 have lost their last fight in the UFC, and six of those 12 are on multiple-fight losing streaks. Even the toughest cards on paper could surprise fans, so all is not lost. The late event begins in the bantamweight division, as Evans-Smith (6-5, 3-5 UFC) makes her return to the promotion after over two and a half years away, having lost four of five. Hoping to have re-invented herself, she will come to blows with Perez (7-2, 0-1 UFC), who is trying to make the most of a second chance to get a win in the promotion. The referee for this 135-pound tilt will be Chris Tognoni, and the battle begins without the ladies bumping fists. The two are tentative to engage early, until Evans-Smith steps in to strike with an overhand right at about the 25-second mark. Perez responds with a body kick, and she chains four punches together to knock Evans-Smith’s head around. Evans-Smith responds with a kick, and Perez snatches it up and dumps Evans-Smith to the mat. Perez lands in half guard, and she presses her shoulder on Evans-Smith’s mug and elbows her once. Evans-Smith twists, and she bucks out of position but is unable to garner enough space to escape. Perez climbs back on top from half guard on the other side, where she looks to drag Evans-Smith to the spot between the wall and the floor. Perez stacks Evans-Smith up when Evans-Smith looks for butterfly hooks, having snuck back to her guard. Perez lines up several right hands, flustering Evans-Smith but not hurting her. Perez starts to pour it on with a long barrage of hammerfists, and Evans-Smith takes them all flush and manages to work her way back to her feet. The mat return comes easily for “Fiona,” who trips Evans-Smith and deposits her back to the floor again. This time, Perez gets on top in side control, and she takes three-quarter when Evans-Smith turns to her side. Perez sits up, moving to full mount, and she slashes down with multiple elbows. Evans-Smith desperately tries to kick off the fence, and she does so enough to fight back up to her feet. Perez unloads with haymakers until she changes levels and throws Evans-Smith down to the mat once more. Evans-Smith wall-walks, and Perez is just ragdolling her at this point. Evans-Smith uses all of her energy to circle out, and she gets back to striking range, Evans-Smith paws out a front kick, and Perez counters her with a right hand over the top. Perez chains a body kick into a left hand, and a hematoma is forming on the forehead of her opponent. Perez ducks a punch and hunts for a takedown, but time expires before she can get it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Perez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Perez

Round 2

The two ladies are grinning to start off the second round, and Perez marches out of her corner to engage. She pulls back right before reaching striking range, and she leans back with a left hand. Evans-Smith races at her throwing hands, and she eats a body kick. As soon as Evans-Smith sits down to respond, Perez crashes the pocket and hits a body lock to throw Evans-Smith down. Perez lands in side control and briefly claims north-south position, but this is all while Evans-Smith is turning and looking to get out. Perez trips Evans-Smith back down when Evans-Smith stands briefly, and Evans-Smith is able to use the wall to stand up again even as she is warned for grabbing the cage. Perez unloads with a few punches, and Evans-Smith responds with effective blows until Perez secures another body lock trip takedown. Evans-Smith exhales sharply when hitting the canvas this time, as Perez put some mustard and most of her body weight down behind her. In side control, the Argentinian slowly grinds on Evans-Smith’s face with her right elbow, and she keeps heavy top pressure to disallow Evans-Smith from any reversals or bucks. Perez lifts up a knee high and slams it into the side, and she follows it with an elbow as the temple of Evans-Smith is swelling and shiny like a target. Perez presses down with her shoulder to set up a potential arm-triangle choke, but she abandons it to step over. This lets Evans-Smith turn to her knees at the right moment, and she explodes back to her feet. Perez knees Evans-Smith in the face when Evans-Smith leans against the wire, and she lifts Evans-Smith up to throw her down. Evans-Smith grabs the cage to prevent it, and upon Tognoni’s warning, Perez is able to throw Evans-Smith to the canvas. Evans-Smith powers back upright and appears to have some fire left in her, as she walks Perez down and swings a high kick. Perez ducks back and evades a trio of punches, and she pops Evans-Smith with a left hand and hits a takedown a little after the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The bantamweights tap their hands together to open up the last round. Perez ducks down to evade a punch, and she trips Evans-Smith to the mat. Evans-Smith climbs to her knees and gets upright, and Perez follows her, clinging to her back, until she runs into the wall. Perez lets her grasp go to slug Evans-Smith in the chops with a strong left hand, and she lumps Evans-Smith up with another. Evans-Smith turns around to put her back to the wall, and Perez knees her in the belly and trips her to the floor. Perez jumps right to half guard without much offered from Evans-Smith, and Evans-Smith does little more than grab the cage and get warned again. Perez secures Evans-Smith’s arm between her own to set up a crucifix, and she starts dropping down punches from her other hand to hope for a mercy stoppage. That does not come, as Evans-Smith does just enough to wrench her arm free and turn to her knees. Evans-Smith works her way up, and Perez times a knee right on the chin. Evans-Smith gets shoved from behind into the fencing, and she grabs the cage one more time much to the frustration of Tognoni. Perez turns the corner and chucks Evans-Smith to the floor, where she lands in side control and drills Evans-Smith with punches and elbows. Evans-Smith, still not giving up, moves and stands back up. Perez boots her in the face when Evans-Smith stands, and she resets with her back to the wall. Evans-Smith tags Perez a few times in an exchange, and Perez ducks down to grab hold of and complete a double-leg takedown. The Argentinian gloms onto “Rebel Girl” to suffocate her and shut down any remaining offense. Like a hot knife through butter, Perez slices into full mount, and she hacks at Evans-Smith with elbows. Evans-Smith turns her back and lets Perez get a hook in, and Perez gets off one hammerfist before Evans-Smith jumps upright with seconds to spare. Evans-Smith tries for one Hail Mary combination, but Perez closes the distance right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Perez (30-26 Perez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)

The Official Result

Ailin Perez def. Ashlee Evans-Smith via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)

Carl Deaton (156) vs. Alex Munoz (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Munoz (-150), Deaton (+130)

Round 1

Keep things pushing, lightweights from top camps take center stage to throw down for the modicum of fans in the otherwise quiet UFC Apex. Munoz (6-2, 0-2 UFC), repping Team Alpha Male, will collide with the intriguingly coiffed Deaton (17-6, 2 NC; 0-1 UFC), who trains out of American Top Team. Coming together under the watchful eye of referee Jacob Montalvo, the fighters do not touch gloves ahead of their melee. Instead, Munoz is the immediate aggressor, only to spring out of the way from a looping left hand from Deaton. Deaton score a second, and he races forward to back Munoz off with a pair of hooks. Munoz returns the favor with a jump-in combination, and “CD3” moves just enough to evade them. Munoz ducks down, perhaps to change levels after throwing a right hand, and Deaton meets him down low and they flop to the floor awkwardly after bumping heads. They both return to their feet, unharmed, and proceed to crash together like rams on a mountaintop again. Montalvo mentions that they should probably stop doing this, and they continue their fight. Munoz intercepts an advancing Deaton with a left hand, and in transit they appear to bang heads again to one another – and commentator Brendan Fitzgerald makes a reference to rams clashing horns. A cut is opened on the center of Deaton’s forehead as he drops to a knee, but he seems uncompromised. Deaton gets back up, and both men proceed to throw looping hooks and largely miss the other. Munoz reaches his foe with a left hand, and when Deaton is backpedaling, he lures Munoz towards him. At just the right time, Deaton leaps in the air with a knee, tagging Munoz on the chin. The beard of Munoz holds up just fine despite the hefty blow, although he needs to take a minute to process this as his offense wanes. Munoz walks face-first into a right hand, and Deaton escape when Munoz tries to return fire. Deaton sneaks up an uppercut, and the two clap together as their chests slap. Deaton pushes off with a left hand, and Munoz reacts by tossing out a knee. Deaton kicks the body, and Munoz cannot catch it. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The lightweights resume in the middle of the cage, and Deaton plods forward pawing out his left hand. Munoz tries to hand-fight with him, and he extends his fingers and almost pokes Deaton in the eye. Munoz swarms forward with two punches, and Deaton circles away and jumps back at him with a left hook. Deaton dings his man with a left hook, and Munoz sits down on a straight left hand to drop Deaton to a single knee again. Deaton climbs right back up and rushes out to strike, but he only lets one hand go. The left hand is Deaton’s primary weapon, and Deaton decides to mix things up with a straight right hand to dispel any notions that it might be hurt. Deaton digs a right to the body, and he loops a left to the body and one to the head. Deaton strings three punches together to the body, and a right hand up top opens a cut on the bridge of Munoz’ nose. Munoz is warned for outstretched fingers, and he nods and steps in to throw a head kick at his opponent. Deaton blocks the brunt of it and flicks out a jab. Deaton reacts quickly before Munoz can aim another head kick, and he gets popped with a left hand. Deaton shakes it off and absorbs a one-two, and a kick from Munoz slams square into his midsection. Deaton gets on his bike and moves rapidly, and Munoz greets him with another kick to the ribs. Deaton connects with a stiff right hand to snap the head back, and the cut on Munoz’ eye has been opened up further. Deaton swings for the bleachers, and Munoz sees it coming a mile away and dodges. The two take turns engaging, with one throwing and the other responding. Munoz kicks the body, and Deaton loads up again on a right hand. Munoz shoots in for a double as Deaton overswings, but Deaton is able to stuff it as the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round kicks off as both fighters hand-fight in the middle of the Octagon. When Deaton charges, Munoz unloads with a vicious left hand, and he knows “CD3” clean off his feet. Deaton recovers to his knees, and Munoz chases him to the mat and slams his fists in the side of Deaton’s head repeatedly. Deaton survives the barrage, getting to his knees and working his way up to lean on the cage wall. Munoz is quick to dump him back down to the floor, where he holds on from behind and knees Deaton in the side heavily. Deaton is yanked down to the floor once more, and Munoz presses on him heavily while kneeing him in the thigh. Deaton muscles his way up, and his face is busted up from the bombardment he has received. When Deaton stands, Munoz lifts him all the way up and powerslams him back down like a pro wrestler. Deaton grunts when he hits the floor, but he has the energy to stand up. Deaton leans his back against the fence, and he prevents a single-leg takedown from getting completed by snatching up Munoz’ neck. Munoz slithers out of the potential guillotine before it is set up, and the two fall to a 50/50 position. Deaton gets his legs stripped out again when Munoz enters into one more takedown, and his sweaty hair on the back of his head wraps around his face to look like a Halloween mask. Bloodied and breathing hard, Deaton is nevertheless able to break away thanks to a knee to the body. Deaton charges at his opponent, who appears fatigued as well, and he tags Munoz on the busted nose. Deaton jumps at him with a knee, and he wipes blood out of his eye when resetting. Deaton slings a right hand, and time elapses in this grueling 15-minute affair.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Alex Munoz def. Carl Deaton via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)

Azat Maksum (126) vs. Tyson Nam (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Maksum (-410), Nam (+310)

Round 1

Drawing the honor of welcoming an undefeated competitor with a gaudy record to the promotion, the power-punching Nam (21-13-1, 3-4 UFC) looks to once again prove age is nothing but a number as he comes in a few months prior to his 40th birthday. He will take on Kazakhstan’s Maksum (16-0, 0-0 UFC), who has finished exactly 75% of his opponents as a pro. Whether Nam is one more on that list or if he can defy the odds, referee Keith Peterson will be the first to know as he throws nonsense from the building. The flyweights partially bump fists, and they measure one another for the first 35 seconds without throwing a strike. The first is a half-hearted body kick from Maksum, and Nam continues to figure out his range. Maksum sticks out a single jab to do the same, and he kicks at Nam’s lead leg to follow. Maksum swings over the head of his opponent, and Nam stonewalls him without batting an eye. Nam doubles up on a jab, calm as a cucumber, and he lands with a right to the body. The unbeaten fighter splits the guard with a left, reddening up the nose of his opponent. Nam connects at the end of a right hand to surprise Maksum, and he eats a few shots when Maksum lets his hands go back. Maksum shoots in from afar for a takedown, that is easily stuffed, and Nam doubles up a jab and aims a right to the midsection. Maksum prods out a front kick to the ribs, and he loads up on a heavier one to the side. Nam catches his man with a left hook when Maksum bounces into range, but Maksum shrugs it off and backs away to absorb a leg kick. Maksum fails on another takedown try, and when shoved back, he pushes the ball of his foot into his foe’s sternum. Nam kicks out Maksum’s leg, and when Maksum gets back up to trade leather, he does so again. Nam goes up top with a left hand, and Maksum meets him with a body kick. Nam jabs Maksum back but does not reach his man, as Maksum knees him in the chest and strings a few punches together. Nam fires off two inside leg kicks, and Maksum blitzes in and gets off a short left hook. Maksum resets and chops back at his opponent’s leg, and Nam is prepared for a takedown by setting up an uppercut. Maksum is able to walk through the punch and secure a takedown, if only for a second. Nam jumps back up, throws hands, and the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The flyweights come back together into punching range, but like the last round, there is no strike landed in the opening 20 seconds. Nam lands first, and Maksum chambers and fires a few in response. Nam sits down on a right hook, and Maksum sticks him with a pair of quick blows. Nam chops at Maksum’s leg while Maksum has his other in the air, and Maksum reacts when setting it down by switching stances. Nam grins as he lands another low kick, and both men land fiercely in an exchange. Maksum connects with a solid left hand, but Nam is able to give him two to the body and a left up top shortly thereafter. Nam parries a left hand and keeps his left hand outstretched in hopes of disrupting Maksum enough to unload his right. Maksum trips as he kicks, and he crashes into Nam’s chest when trying to change levels for a takedown. Nam slips a punch and tags Maksum with a left, and he is starting to smile frequently when they trade. Nam walks through a jab but absorbs a flush left to follow it. Nam manages to reach his man with a lunging right hand, and his leg kick behind it gets Maksum’s attention. Nam attacks the lead wheel again, and he shuts down a takedown from a wide berth with ease. Nam pushes aside a step-in knee and is ready to brawl, which Maksum obliges him for a moment. When both men get off one good shot, they reevaluate things, and Maksum sits down on a heavy body kick and a few punches. Nam goes to the body with a left and backpedals when Maksum strings several together. Nam thumps his foe with a right hand, and two leg kicks land on the inside thigh. When Maksum races forward with a left hand counter, Nam kicks his leg out. “Kazakh” climbs back up and jumps with a flying knee, and Nam blocks it and responds with a head kick. The round ends as both throw at the same time.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round kicks off with kicks from Nam, and when Maksum steps in with a right hand, Nam clubs him with three right back. On the way out, Nam slaps a leg kick home for good measure. Both men double up on jabs at the same time, sending both a step back. Nam slams his shin on the inside of Maksum’s thigh, and Maksum paws out with a few jabs. The jabs from Maksum have developed some serious swelling around Nam’s left eye, and Nam completely ignores it as he seems to love getting punched in the face. Nam sits down on another leg kick, and Maksum’s steady diet of jabs are having an effect on the rest of his opponent’s offense. Nam gets off one more leg kick, and they both swing hard and miss the other. When Maksum switches stances, Nam targets the other leg. Maksum stays busy with his jab, and Nam swarms him with two solid right hands. Nam parries a jumping combination, but he gets stunned with a left hand. Nam smiles and gets off another kick to the calf with a thud. Nam clubs Maksum upside the head with a right hand, and he starts to put his punches together and shakes Maksum up. Nam looses his overhand right, shaking Maksum up and forcing Maksum into a takedown. Nam goes to the body and slips back to avoid the counter. As Nam re-engages, Maksum grabs hold of him to draw him into the clinch. Nam obliges this by working the body with left hands. Maksum gives him a knee up the middle on the break, and Nam races at him to throw bungalows. Nam scores a leg kick and a blistering right hand, and Maksum wobbles and changes his levels. Maksum desperately pursues a takedown, and Maksum reverses his man and throws Nam to the mat. Nam jumps back up, and Maksum dumps him to the floor once more. The final frame draws to a close, and the judges look to have their hands full with this one.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Azat Maksum def. Tyson Nam via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Evan Elder (156) vs. Genaro Valdez (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Elder (-295), Valdez (+245)

Round 1

Two lightweights with their preferred method of victory via fist-based pummeling will continue this prelim card. Both Elder (7-2, 0-2 UFC) and Valdez (10-2, 0-2 UFC) have lost their last two and are searching for that elusive first UFC win, so something likely has to give here barring the unexpected. Referee Mark Smith draws the charge for a match between 155ers with their backs against the proverbial wall, and the combatants elect to touch gloves first. The two fighters have 15 seconds of non-engagement, and Elder reaches out with a left hand. Stringing a few punches together, a right hand sends Valdez crashing to the floor. Springing back up, Valdez leans over and finds his neck in a guillotine choke position. Elder lowers himself down to lock it up, and Valdez rolls to his back and manages to escape. Valdez gets back up and appears to have shaken out the cobwebs, and they proceed to jab at one another. After one such jab, Elder connects with a left kick and two straight punches. Valdez responds with a jab, and he gets popped with a left hook. Valdez tries to counter a low kick with an overhand right, but he is out of range. Elder suddenly goes up high with a kick, and he chops at Valdez’ lead leg twice to send the Mexican fighter off-balance. They both loop hooks at one another at the same time, and Elder follows it with a jab. Valdez has a right hand bounce of the shoulder, and Elder resets and checks a kick. Elder gets off a right hand that skims off the forehead, and he has his head snaped back with a jab. Elder pushes off a jab, and he keeps his guard high to block a right hand. Valdez comes up short with a hook, and Elder smiles at him and string a jab, a right hand and a head kick together in a smooth combination. Valdez swings at nothing but air, and Elder is able to reach him with a jab on the outside. Elder counters a kick with one to the lead leg, and Valdez stumbles. When Elder kicks at the lead wheel again, Valdez counters him well and marks up Elder’s nose. Elder keeps his jab in Valdez’ face, and he puts three punches together before backing off from one overhand right. Valdez gets intercepted with a jab, and he is able to catch Elder coming in with a short right hook. Elder kicks at the lead leg, and he skirts to the side as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round kicks off with the two fighters jabbing at one another. Valdez lets go with a low kick, and Elder drives a straight right hand down the pipe that sits Valdez to his seat. Valdez pops back up, no worse for wear, but he is circling on the outside clearing his wits. Elder slowly walks Valdez down, connecting with a leg kick and another straight right. Valdez paws out with a jab, and he has a one-two skim the surface of the face. Elder puts some mustard behind a few punches, and a left to the body gets Valdez’ attention. Valdez is able to connect with a few of his own shots, but Elder’s are far more impactful. Elder lands several flush jabs that mark up the nose, and when he loosely throws a kick, Valdez slugs him in the face with a right hand. Elder wobbles and ricochets off the cage wall, and Valdez lays into him with a barrage of blows. Elder shells up, lets Valdez unload on him, and snaps back into things by scoring a big right hand. When Valdez walks him down again, Elder pushes off, and a finger slides into Valdez’ eye socket. Smith calls the foul and pauses the fight as Valdez wipes at his eye, and Smith calls in the doctor about 30 seconds into the recovery time. The physician gives him a towel to wipe out his eye, and Valdez tells him that he is seeing double. Smith tells the fighter that he has minutes more to clear it out, and Valdez chooses to return to fighting after about two minutes of clearing. Elder winds up on a leg kick, and Valdez counters with a few power punches to shake Elder up. Elder fires back with bad intentions, and Elder spins Valdez around with a kick to the calf. Elder flashes his jab to decent effect, and he puts two low kicks behind them. Valdez tries to give one back, and he gets knocked back with a punch that bounces off his guard. Elder lunges forward with a left hand, and he darts away before the counter finds him. Elder chops down the lead leg once more, and he mixes things up with one up high. Elder then kicks the body, and he walks into a few punches. Valdez winds up with a vicious right hand, and Elder fires right back. Elder blasts Valdez in the face with a knee, and Valdez wears it surprisingly well despite Elder busting him up. The ferocious round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round commences where they left off, with jabs from Elder and the occasional leg kick. At the 30-second mark, Elder staggers Valdez with a jab. Valdez wobbles back to the fence, and he pins Valdez back with a solid overhand right. The punch dislodges Valdez’ mouthpiece, and when Elder backs off to reset, Smith gives it back to him to replace it. Elder corners Valdez and works him over with a few punches, but he eats a solid counter. They jab at the same time when they return to the middle of the cage, and Elder is there in his face spamming jabs. Elder gets a right hand through the guard, and Valdez reels and gathers himself. Elder pops off several more jabs, and Valdez swings for the fences but blows past Elder’s hair. Valdez connects with a leg kick as Elder rushes in, and he swipes out with a right hand to follow. Elder peppers his foe with jabs and follow-up right hands, and the leg kick reply from Valdez is drawing a reaction repeatedly. Elder loops a left around the guard, and Valdez does the same. Elder strings three punches together, eats a body shot and paints Valdez’ face with a one-two. Elder comes up just short on another big right hand, but his jab seemingly cannot miss. Valdez backs him away with a left hook, and his calf kick makes Elder lift his leg prematurely. As Valdez aims another kick to the same spot, Elder invades his personal space and shoves him down to the canvas. Instead of following him to the floor, Elder lets Valdez get back up so they can keep trading. They proceed to do just that, throwing leather and having no fear of engaging. The waning seconds leads to a mighty slugfest, and Elder drills Valdez with a few punches and a leg kick to punctuate his performance. As Elder pours it on, the fight comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Evan Elder def. Genaro Valdez via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)

Melquizael Costa (146) vs. Austin Lingo (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Costa (-210), Lingo (+180)

Round 1

LFA veterans will come to blows in a featherweight affair that could be fast and furious for as long as it lasts. Fortis MMA’s Lingo (9-2, 2-2 UFC) and Brazilian Costa (19-6, 0-1 UFC) are equal opportunity finishers, so anything may be in play coming next. Referee Keith Peterson is ready for wherever the fight may take them unless it involves nonsense, and he sits back as they come together without bothering to touch gloves. Lingo is the initial aggressor, making the blue-haired Costa backpedal quickly. Costa looks for a step-in knee, and when Lingo swings at him, Costa’s head comes up and bumps Lingo in the chin. Lingo shakes it off and blocks a front kick, and he races forward throwing left hooks. Costa retaliates with a left hand and a leg kick, and the latter is checked. Costa springs in with a right hand, and Lingo sends him back into the cage wall with a left hand. Costa scores a low kick and a body kick, and Lingo drops his guard when the latter slams home. Costa sneaks in a left, and Lingo grits his teeth and tags Cost with two punches. Costa works the body with another kick, and he spins with a back kick that is just out of range. Lingo rushes forward and loads up with a left to the body, and he proceeds to muscle Costa to the floor. Costa jumps back up and eats a jab, and he unloads with a head kick. Costa pierces the guard with a jab to bloody up the nose, and he slams his shin on the midsection. Costa sticks Lingo with a left hand, and his body kick doubles Lingo over. Lingo bounces off the wall, and Costa knows he has his man hurt. Costa loads up on two more body kicks, and Lingo is wearing it. Costa kicks high when Lingo has his guard down, and Lingo is tough and wears the strikes well enough to keep going. Lingo slings a big right hand, only to walk into a knee to the midsection. Costa works him over with another kick to the ribs, and he is feeling himself as he spins with a back kick. Lingo’s body language is not great as the kicks continue to break his body down, but he still throws hands. Costa jabs his toes in the sternum, smacks “Lights Out” with a high kick and then spins with a wheel kick that slaps off the raised guard. Lingo jabs his way in and still absorbs a body kick, and he takes a flush head kick right on the beard. Lingo crowds his man with a combination, and he is pushed away and kicked. Costa spins with one last kick to the body, and his wheel kick misses at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The featherweights are ready and rearing to go, rushing out of their corners to get the hostilities started again. Lingo swats away a leg kick, and when he comes forward with a left hand, Costa is there with a left hook and a shin to the chin. Lingo blocks a kick and evades a spinning one, and he pressures Costa and gets off a jab. Costa jabs him back, and the two trade leg kicks. Lingo reaches out with an overhand right that brushes off the nose, and Costa unloads with a leg kick that forces Lingo to turn around awkwardly. Costa reaches out with a right hand, and he uses it to disallow Lingo from reaching him. Costa doubles up on body kicks, and Lingo shakes his head at him. Lingo turns his hips into a high leg kick, and he jabs only to eat a left hook. Lingo doubles up a jab only to eat a kick to the breadbasket, and Costa is able to tee off on him at range. Costa goes high with a shin, and he stabs his toes to the liver. Costa kicks the liver and absorbs a flush jab, and a straight left hand that follows drops Costa to his knees. Lingo lets him back up and strikes him in the face a few times, but Costa gathers his thoughts, shakes his head and kicks Lingo in the ribs. Costa’s nose bleeds, and he sways back from an overhand right and brushes his shoulder. The two crash together in the pocket and throw bombs, and Costa slips back and pushes out a straight left. Costa kicks the lead leg, the side, and lines a straight left hand down Broadway. Lingo is shaken up but still very much in the fight, as he throws a hammer back. Costa drives another kick home to the body, and Lingo belts him in the chin with a left hook. Lingo digs a right to the body, and he is answered by a kick to the side. Costa slides a kick upside the head, and Lingo completely no-sells it so that he can blitz forward with his own short barrage of punches. Costa jumps with a knee, and Lingo watches it land as he sits down on a right hand. They both smack each other with hooks, and Costa spins with a kick to the body as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two have reached the last round, and Lingo pushes the pace immediately. Walking straight into and through a few body kicks, Lingo nevertheless comes forward and lines up his left hand. Costa counters with a takedown, and Lingo shoves him away and tags him with a right hand. Costa slides to the side and kicks the ribs, and he trips Lingo to the floor when they tie up. Lingo fights his way up and thwarts a second toss so that he can give chase and chamber his right hook. Costa backpedals and kicks the side, and he doubles up on it as Lingo bends over to try to block the worst of it. Lingo jabs the body and keeps his guard up high to defend against a spin kick to his face. Costa parries a Lingo swarm and kicks Lingo in the face, and Lingo’s toughness is off the charts as he does not seem fazed from the head or body work. Lingo overswings with a right hand, and Costa tackles him to the ground from behind. Lingo sits up, and Costa threatens by looping his arms under the armpits of his opponent. Lingo stops a rear-naked choke and subsequent kimura try to work back to his feet, and Costa drags him right back down from behind. “Melk” snatches up a rear-naked choke from behind while he hops on the back, and Lingo leans over and tries to shimmy Costa off of him. Costa is too heavy to do this, and he pressures Lingo to his knees. Costa leans back and snags hold of the rear-naked choke he was seeking, but Lingo instantly falls to his back and lowers his chin to defend from it. Lingo gets out of the choke and turns to his back, and he pushes off Costa’s chest. Costa bullies him down as Lingo turns to his knees, but Lingo is still able to stand. Costa tries to trip him down, and Lingo looks at the clock which says 40 seconds remaining. The Brazilian slings Lingo to his seat, and Lingo jumps back up. Costa drops down for a guillotine choke, and Lingo rolls to his side to defend it properly. Lingo gives the thumbs-up with the choke not securely fastened, and the fight ends in this position.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Melquizael Costa def. Austin Lingo via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Victoria Dudakova (116) vs. Istela Nunes (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dudakova (-210), Nunes (+180)

Round 1

Just 24 years of age and six pro fights under her belt, Dudakova (6-0, 0-0 UFC) makes her promotional debut after a victorious appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series nearly a year ago. She draws Nunes (6-4, 1 NC; 0-3 UFC), who is clinging to her place on the roster and may receive her pink slip should she come up short again. This stylistic clash of a grappler vs. a muay thai practitioner will be overseen by referee Chris Tognoni, and it opens up with a tap of the fingers. Nunes paws out with her left hook right out of the gate, and she catches Dudakova coming in with a short left hook. Dudakova swarms her back with punches, and she gets tagged in another exchange. Crashing forward, Dudakova practically dives in for a single-leg takedown. Nunes posts off her left arm as she is going down to defend it, and her elbow completely explodes when her arm bends the wrong way. Dudakova recognizes that her foe is done and does not chase her down and beat on her, and Tognoni sprints as fast as he can to get between them just in case. Nunes screams in agony from the nasty injury. The medical professionals rush into the cage to tend to the downed Brazilian, whose haunting wails echo through the mostly empty building. This may not be the best way to make your promotional debut, but Dudakova is still undefeated, having picked up the TKO victory due to injury.

The Official Result

Victoria Dudakova def. Istela Nunes R1 0:34 via TKO (Arm Injury)

Melsik Baghdasaryan (145.5) vs. Tucker Lutz (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Baghdasaryan (-165), Lutz (+140)

Round 1

The prelims come to a close with the first combatant of the night sporting a winning record inside the Octagon. Baghdasaryan (7-2, 2-1 UFC) did get choked out back in February, so he hopes to get back in the win column at the expense of the skidding Lutz (12-3, 1-2 UFC). In this featherweight contest of “The Gun” vs. “Top Gun,” respectively, expect a potential firefight. Referee Jacob Montalvo dons his bulletproof armor, and the fighters touch ‘em up before pulling the trigger. Baghdasaryan reaches out with a body kick to introduce himself, and he kicks the lead leg to follow. Lutz responds with two leg kicks, and he swats away a reverse crescent kick and has his guard up to block a subsequent high kick. Baghdasaryan’s shin bounces right off Lutz’ chin, and Lutz tanks it and kicks Baghdasaryan in the ribs twice. They both paw at one another with straight right hands, and Lutz is ripping kicks to the body while Baghdasaryan is aiming them high. Lutz strings three punches together that clatter off the forehead, and he chambers and looses another kick to the side. Baghdasaryan pays him back with one, leading Lutz to offer up a takedown attempt. “Top Gun” is able to complete the takedown he seeks, sucking Baghdasaryan’s legs out beneath him and hooking his own legs around Baghdasaryan’s. This keeps Baghdasaryan on his seat without a way to get up, and try as he might, Baghdasaryan cannot stand. Lutz is primarily focused on position over any other offense, as Baghdasaryan is leaned with his back to the cage. Baghdasaryan slowly scoots his leg free from the triangle that kept him stuck, and he stands up. Lutz is quick to drag him right back down, and he ignores an elbow that bounces off the side of the head. Baghdasaryan explodes to his knees, but Lutz yanks him back out again. Baghdasaryan returns to his feet while Lutz is clinging to him, and Lutz looks to trip him out from behind. Lutz lifts Baghdasaryan up, and Baghdasaryan grabs the fence a few times to prevent him from getting grounded. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters either touch gloves or stick out alternating jabs at the same time to start off the round, and they get going with kicks one after the other. Lutz slaps a kick to the upper thigh, and he springs out of the way from a jab to the body from his opponent. Baghdasaryan splits the lowered guard with a front kick on the belly, and he drills Lutz in the face with a reverse crescent kick. In an exchange, Baghdasaryan connects with a few punches including a stiff uppercut, hurting Lutz and sending him backpedaling. This puts the Baghdasaryan in the driver’s seat, who leaps in the air and kicks at Lutz like Josh Thomson against Nate Diaz. Lutz defends from the blow and the subsequent strikes enough to gather his wits, and he starts to fire back with bad intentions. Lutz slams his shin to the belly a few times, and he eats two jabs that snap his head back. Baghdasaryan wings a left hand that bounces off the cup, and it pounds square into Lutz’ cup. Lutz doubles over and clutches his groin, and Baghdasaryan does not pause as he kicks Lutz upside the head before Montalvo can reach him. Lutz takes the time he needs to recover, and he is ready to re-engage in a brawl. Catching Baghdasaryan with a right hand and a knee, Lutz gets backed away with a front kick. Lutz spams leg kicks, and he is driven back with a solid one-two. Lutz throws a naked body kick, and Baghdasaryan counters him and shuts down a takedown attempt from the surging Lutz. Baghdasaryan lands one body kick, and Lutz reaches him with two. Both men trade hands, and the Glendale Fighting Club fighter’s head movement is minimal as he gets tagged by Lutz. Baghdasaryan has the power to surprise Lutz, which defends him from Lutz surges. Baghdasaryan rifles off a piston-like jab that Lutz takes right on the nose to knock his head back, forcing Lutz into takedown mode. Lutz grabs hold of his foe and deposits Baghdasaryan to the floor with 30 seconds left in the round. Lutz hangs on tight, riding out the remainder of the round in this position without doing anything else with it but catching his breath.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The featherweights touch ‘em up to start off the last round, and Lutz races forward throwing leather. Baghdasaryan shoves him back, and two of his fingers jab deep into Lutz’ eye socket. Lutz yelps in pain as he backs away, and Montalvo calls time. Lutz states the he is good to go within a minute, answering the doctor that he can see just fine. Montalvo warns Baghdasaryan sternly for fouls, and the two restart after 75 seconds away. Lutz springs right into action, and Baghdasaryan does just the same, knocking Lutz back with a few punches. Lutz responds with a loud body kick, and he tags Baghdasaryan with a left hand. Baghdasaryan responds with an axe kick that misses the mark by a foot, and Lutz steps in with a right hand that lands on the chin. Baghdasaryan strings three punches together to rock Lutz, and Lutz drops to his knees to hunt for a takedown. Lutz clasps his hands and lowers Baghdasaryan to his knee, and Baghdasaryan stays busy with elbows to the side. Lutz sells out for a single, and he trips Baghdasaryan down and takes his back even as Baghdasaryan grabs the fence repeatedly. Montalvo even slaps Baghdasaryan’s hands out of the fence, and Lutz snakes his right arm around the chest as he gets one hook in. Baghdasaryan wriggles and through sheer force of will, he works out of the position and stands up. In a close clinch, Baghdasaryan slams his knees on the midsection, and Lutz winces in pain – possibly because one glanced off his cup during the exchange. Baghdasaryan keeps spamming knees even when he is turned around against the wire, and Lutz searches for a single-leg takedown. Baghdasaryan elbows Lutz on the side of the head and stifles Lutz from getting it, and he delivers a few more knees to the body for good measure. With 25 seconds to spare, Baghdasaryan pushes off and spins with a back kick to the body. Baghdasaryan races after his opponent, belting Lutz in the face with a left hand. The two tie back up, with Baghdasaryan initiating the clinch so that he can open up with knees and elbows up close. Lutz breaks off and evades a spin kick to his midsection, and Baghdasaryan steps in with a knee. Lutz lands a right hand over the top, and the horn sounds to end this 15-minute engagement.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Melsik Baghdasaryan def. Tucker Lutz via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Terrance McKinney (156) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-150), McKinney (+130)

Round 1

The UFC chose wisely when it matched up this lightweight main card opener. Ferocious attacker McKinney (13-5; 3-2 UFC) will trade leather and more with Sadykhov (8-1, 1-0 UFC), and combined they hold 20 finishes across their 21 wins. The judges may not be required, but it is an almost certainty that referee Keith Peterson will be called on before it is all said and done. Before the nonsense-free violence ensues, the two clap hands. McKinney darts forward with a jab outstretched, and he counters a leg kick with a left hand. McKinney drops down suddenly in pursuit of a takedown, but the fighter from Azerbaijan shuts him down and gets shoved to the wall. McKinney doggedly pursues the body lock and trip, and he dumps Sadykhov down to his seat. McKinney quickly circles around to take the back, and he locks up the body triangle around the waist as he hunts for a choke. Sadykhov hand-fights well to break up an attempt, so McKinney slams his elbow in to the side of the head to soften him up. Sadykhov keeps his arms up high above his head to prevent any submission from getting close, and the two hand-fight as McKinney looks for a better grip. McKinney smacks the side, and Sadykhov effectively protects himself from anything worse. McKinney alternates one arm or the other to sneak in a rear-naked choke, but Sadykhov is wise to each and every move even though he is getting his midsection crushed with the body lock. McKinney thumps the temple and then side with his left hand, and Sadykhov wall-walks in hopes of breaking up the posture or getting some space. McKinney fishes his right arm around the head to try to secure something, and when he does, Sadykhov turns to his side and breaks up the body lock. Sadykhov spins rapidly to take top position, and he stands himself up. McKinney dives after him for a takedown, but when that fails, they both get back up. Sadykhov charges at his opponent, and McKinney eats two left hands and clinches up. The round ends in this position, with many likely surprised it reached the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Sadykhov races out of his corner to start the second round, backing McKinney right up to the wall. They both sling right hooks, and McKinney hops to the side as he avoids a knee. Sadykhov unloads with a few punches, and McKinney shoots in for a takedown. Sadykhov grabs the fence multiple times to stop it, and Peterson slaps his hand on two separate occasions. This allows Sadykhov to climb on top, and McKinney rolls over to his belly. McKinney has his left arm trapped in the exchange, and he gets flattened out by the man from Azerbaijan. The rear-naked choke is sunk in with ease, as McKinney is unable to defend it with just one arm in play. After just a second or two, McKinney taps out, and Sadykhov has completely turned the tables after handily dropping the first round. The victorious Serra-Longo product notches just his second submission as a pro, and he declares that the “world is a boomerang” in his post-fight interview, having avenged the past loss for teammate Matt Frevola.

The Official Result

Nazim Sadykhov def. Terrance McKinney R2 1:07 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Chelsea Chandler (145.5) vs. Norma Dumont (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dumont (-140), Chandler (+120)

Round 1

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: this might be the final women’s featherweight bout in UFC history. This next bout will officially serve as the first between ranked combatants, although neither are ranked in the division in which they are competing because there is no ranking for featherweights. Both in the top 15 at 135 pounds, little should be at stake when Dumont (9-2, 5-2 UFC) faces off against Chandler (5-1, 1-0 UFC). Bad blood has entered this matchup, and they do not touch gloves in front of referee Jacob Montalvo. While they were wild on weigh-in day, they are anything but to lead off the bout. Chandler plods forward slowly, and she reaches out with a front kick and a few jabs. Chandler backs Dumont to the fence, and Dumont suddenly springs to life, with a fierce and furious combination of punches. Chandler is stunned and worse, and she actively turns her back and sprints from one end of the cage to the other in a bizarre display. Dumont chases after her, backing her up to the wall, and Chandler gathers her thoughts and tries to fight back. Dumont get off a body kick ad she circles away, and Chandler walks her down and walks into a punch. Chandler connects with her own left hand, and they end up tied up. Chandler looks for an outside trip or some way to put Dumont to the floor, but her attempts fail as Dumont turns her around. Chandler drives a knee to the torso, and she presses her weight on her opponent to slow things to a crawl. When Chandler commits to a takedown, the Brazilian reverses her and puts Chandler on her back. Chandler utilizes a high guard in an attempt to trap Dumont, but Dumont is wise to the triangle setup and keeps her body weight squeezed down as tightly as she can. Dumont smothers her foe without getting little else going in the way of offense, grinding and wearing Chandler down. With seconds to spare, Dumont drops down a short elbow and raps Chandler on the side of the head a few times before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Chandler marches out of her corner willing to engage, but Dumont throw back with a vengeance to make Chandler think twice. Dumont gets off a calf kick, and she reaches out an overhand right. Chandler clips Dumont with a left hand, and her lead leg is kicked hard to make her change stances. Dumont kicks the other leg, and Chandler checks it. Chandler telegraphs a left hook, leading to a clinch when Dumont snatches her up and turns her around. Chandler breaks free and starts slugging, but she gets bopped with a one-two and her head snaps back. Chandler continues pressing forward, even coming up short in the exchanges, largely because her hands are too low and Dumont beats her to the punch. Dumont blasts her opponent in the face with a one-two, and she follows it with another as Chandler’s head movement is the kind that would force Coach Edmund to yell “head movement.” Dumont trips Chandler up and dumps her to the floor, where she falls flat on top of her and smothers again. Chandler gets put in a position where her neck is between the floor and the wall, but she still lifts her legs up high enough to potentially threaten with an armbar or a triangle choke. Dumont shucks out of it without concern and keeps top position. Chandler pushes Dumont up with her foot, and she drills her in the face with an upkick. Dumont gloms back down and imposes her weight and will, and Chandler still manages to muscle her way back up with the fence behind her. Chandler jockeys for position, turning about and leaning her shoulder on Dumont. They trade short knees to little effect, and the round ends with a push-off and a left hook from the Brazilian.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two featherweights nod at one another before starting off the last round, and Dumont strikes first in the form of a one-two. Chandler bobs her head up and down, but Dumont is easily able to time her movement and smack her in the face. Dumont then rushes forward, where she goes for a double or some sort of takedown to put her foe down. Chandler turns the tables on the Brazilian, taking Dumont for a ride. Dumont stands back up, and Chandler hangs on with a standing arm-triangle choke as she leans on Dumont against the wire. Dumont ignores it, gets out of the clinch and is followed with Chandler punching towards her. Dumont uses Chandler’s momentum against her and procures a body lock takedown. Dumont lowers herself on top, and Chandler rolls for a leglock. Dumont is able to move the proper direction to shut it down entirely, to the degree that she rolls Chandler over to her knees so that she can pound on her from behind. Chandler is unable to stand back up, as Dumont shoves her back over to her side. Dumont grinds an elbow on the cheek, and she sets up an arm-triangle choke with half guard on the other side. Chandler senses it being set up and thwarts it by getting her arm between the gripping arm and her head. Dumont postures up with 45 seconds to go, slugging Chandler in the face from above. Chandler throws her legs up high for a possible armbar, and when Dumont stands up, Chandler swings upkicks at her. Dumont warily lowers herself back into the active guard, and she ends the exhausting fight in this position.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Norma Dumont def. Chelsea Chandler via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Albert Duraev (185) vs. Jun Yong Park (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-155), Duraev (+135)

Round 1

Middleweights take center stage in a classic matchup of Russia vs. South Korea. Earning his contract by thrashing Caio Bitencourt in 2021 on the Contender Series, Duraev (16-4, 2-1 UFC) would like nothing more than to make it three of four in the Octagon. Standing in his way will be striker-turned-wrestler Park (16-5, 6-2 UFC), whose “Iron Turtle” nickname is an apt one. The third man in the cage will be referee Mark Smith, and the fighters keep a safe distance and do not come close enough to touch gloves. Park eventually moves forward first, right into an outside calf kick. Park pushes off a jab, and he follows with a one-two. Park peppers with a jab, and Duraev jumps at him and levies a huge left hook. Duraev rips a right to the body, and he sits down on a leg kick. Duraev backs away and uses a jab, and his lead leg is kicked hard. The jabs from Park have already opened a cut on the bridge of Duraev’s nose after just a few. Park doubles up on it, leaning back when an uppercut soars at his chin. Park checks a kick to make Duraev hobble back, and he eats a left to the body and a right to the head that may have gotten Park’s attention. Park resets and lands a thudding leg kick, and Duraev responds with one and loops a left hook over the top. Park scores a kick to the outside knee with an audible thump, and they connect with left hooks. Duraev unloads with a fierce left hand that could knock down lesser men, and Park tanks it without flinching. The Russian, light on his feet, scores a low kick and overcommits to a wide left hook. Park chips at the lead leg and prods out his jab. Duraev tries to follow a jab coming at him with an overhand right, but Park rolls with it and continues marking Duraev up with his jab. Duraev swings for the bleachers with a left hook, and Park ducks away and gets clubbed with an oddly arced right hand that comes after it. Park is not flustered, and he continues bloodying up Duraev’s face with his effective jab. Park catches a body kick and trips Duraev out, and when Duraev stands back up, Park jumps guard for a guillotine choke. Duraev stands up until he has no more energy to do so, and Park squeezes with all his might as Duraev lowers himself to his knees. Park grips his legs around his foe's waist and puts everything he has into the choke. No matter the effort, Duraev will not tap, issuing a thumbs-up to Smith. The horn sounds before a tap can materialize.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Park offers a glove touch to start off the round, but Duraev ignores him as he would rather get down to business. Park keeps him backed off by starting off jabbing, disrupting anything Duraev can launch at him. Duraev shoots in from a distance, and he drives through the hips and puts the South Korean right down to his seat. Park considers a guillotine when falling to his back, but he instead butt-scoots his way to the cage wall. Park pulls himself to a knee, but Duraev hooks his foe’s legs beneath his own to trap Park. Park crawls to the side, and he powers his way up. Duraev has him from behind, but he cannot drag Park down. The two get back to their feet and separate, and Park pecks at the bloodied Duraev with his jab. Duraev blasts Park with a two-hook salvo, and Park steels himself and swings right back. Duraev’s knees buckle but he is still very much in the fight. Park finds his timing and range with follow-up right hands from his jabs, and they are doing damage. Duraev is swinging back recklessly, and Park sees the haymakers coming and starts jackhammering the body. Park drives his left hand to the body, a right to the head, and a vicious left that crumples Duraev to his knees. Park drags Duraev all the way down so that he can pursue a finish, and he decides instead of pummeling Duraev that he will try to choke him. Duraev surrenders his back as he gets flattened out, and Park wraps up the rear-naked choke and slides it under the beard. The incredibly durable Duraev grits it out, slowly working the arm out from under his chin to save him from submission danger. Park repositions himself and snatches up another choke, and Duraev is able to defend against it again. Park is a dog with a bone for these submissions, and he presses his full body weight down to flatten Duraev down completely. This time, he slithers his arm under the chin, and Duraev has nothing left to give. “The Iron Turtle” slowly but surely completes the submission, and Duraev thinks about going out on his shield but surrenders, tapping out for the first time in his career. The victorious Park gets up and starts dancing to celebrate, having locked down three rear-naked chokes in a row over increasingly difficult opposition.

The Official Result

Jun Yong Park def. Albert Duraev R2 4:45 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Ottman Azaitar (156) vs. Francisco Prado (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Prado (-120), Azaitar (+100)

Round 1

Of the 24 combined victories for these two upcoming lightweights, they celebrate 23 stoppages between them. That lone decision win is owned by German-Moroccan slugger Azaitar (13-1, 2-1 UFC), while the energetic 21-year-old Prado (11-1, 0-1 UFC) has never needed to involve the judges when prevailing. Hoping not to get caught with an errant blow, referee Chris Tognoni is on his guard for what’s to come. The 155ers touch ‘em up, and Prado is quick to stalk down Azaitar only to walk right into a jab. Azaitar stays on the outside, landing a leg kick, and Prado responds with one before crashing in for a double. The Argentinian transitions to a single, and when neither succeed, he keeps his guard high when separating as Azaitar punches on the break. Prado connects with a leg kick, and he checks one that comes back to split Azaitar’s shin open. They both swing hook at one another, and Prado swings a leg kick and fires off a one up high. Azaitar digs a right to the body and whiffs on the left to the head, and the two crash together as Prado drills Azaitar with a right hand. Prado charges in pursuit of a takedown, and Azaitar frames off and shoves him away. Azaitar slaps the body with a kick and jabs, and he blocks a head kick and blasts the body with his left hook. Azaitar connects with an uppercut, forcing Prado into a takedown try. Prado kicks at him, and Azaitar catches it and walks him down to smash him in the face with an elbow. Azaitar backs off and gets tagged with a spinning back elbow that Prado disguises well. Prado comes forward, getting shoved away briefly with a front kick but ultimately racing forward thorough a leg kick to unload two punches. Azaitar keeps some distance with his jab, and a step-in knee clatters off the guard. Prado dips down with a left hand, faking it to spin with a back elbow. The blow knocks Azaitar down to the ground like a sack of potatoes and splits him wide open. Prado, knowing the finish is right around the corner, batters Azaitar with a long salvo of nasty hammerfists. Blood sprays from Azaitar as he gets clubbed in the face again and again. Tognoni tells Azaitar to fight back, but he just keeps taking punches. As the 21-year-old is swarming his prey, Azaitar tries to push off, but it is too late. Tognoni waves the fight off, seeing that Azaitar was just taking relentless punishment. Azaitar protests angrily when Tognoni gets between them, but there is nothing he can say or do to get the fight restarted again. Meanwhile, Prado strides off proudly, having notched his 12th career stoppage – with six by knockout and the other six by submission. In his post-fight interview, Prado jokingly takes his gloves off and puts them on the floor to laugh about his retirement. In addition to calling for a bonus, he asks for a fight in December.

The Official Result

Francisco Prado def. Ottman Azaitar R1 4:05 via TKO (Punches)

Bassil Hafez (171) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Della Maddalena (-625), Hafez (+440)

Round 1

Dead-set on getting a fight to not waste this training camp, Australia’s Maddalena (14-2, 4-0 UFC) stayed in Las Vegas and draws a late notice debuting opponent in the form of Hafez (8-3-1, 0-0 UFC). The biggest betting favorite in the card, Maddalena aims to improve his win streak to 15 while hunting for his 14th stoppage. On the other side, Philadelphia-trained Hafez has never been finished. This sport is wild and anything can happen, and referee Mark Smith is standing by in case it does. The two rush out of their corners with no interest in a glove touch, and Hafez is a man on a mission. Hafez shoots in for a double, and he puts the Aussie right on his back. Maddalena defends with a guillotine choke, and Hafez steps over properly to stop the choke from being tight while passing guard. Maddalena turns to his knees and returns upright to his feet, and he counter hip tosses Hafez back down. Hafez manages to reverse this when they land on their knees together, and he holds on from the side while keeping his weight on Maddalena. Maddalena leans up against the fence, and he manages to turn about and works the body. Hafez lands an elbow on the break as he backs off, and Hafez sticks his man with a left hand. Hafez slings a kick, and he topples over. The newcomer springs back up, and he backs up against the wall and trades furious leather, even catching Maddalena. Hafez gets popped, and he changes levels to secure a takedown and plant the heavy favorite on his back. Maddalena once more works to his knees and gets vertical, and he marches Hafez down and throws hands. Hafez catches him with a counter, but Maddalena lands the better strikes to force a telegraphed shot from his opponent. Maddalena defends it, and Hafez eventually bails on it instead of expending more energy. Maddalena clips Hafez behind the ear, and he strings a few punches together but eats some powerful blows right back at him. Hafez shoots in for a takedown, lifting Maddalena off his feet and fighting out of the guillotine choke that inevitably comes. Hafez, in half guard, leans down his shoulder with an arm-triangle choke that does not have the leverage he wishes. The round ends in this position.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Looking to make up ground, Maddalena starts out aggressively. Hafez times a takedown early, and Maddalena staves it off and looks to take the back. Both stand up, and Hafez kicks the body as he backs off. Maddalena crowds Hafez and shucks a takedown to the side. Hafez times a spinning back fist when recovering, and Maddalena ignores it so that he can throw punches. Hafez sits down on a left hand, and they proceed to nail one another. Hafez knocks Maddalena back in a wild exchange, and Maddalena is landing too but not flustering Hafez one iota. Maddalena aims a front kick to the body, and he loops a right hand around the guard. Maddalena shuts down a takedown as he backpedals from one side of the cage to the other. Maddalena gets out of the tie-up and starts opening up with his punches, leaning Hafez over and kneeing him in the face. Hafez appears to be running out of steam, as Maddalena works the body several times and opens right and left hands over the top. Hafez takes a knee to the side as he leans over, and he gathers himself to wing hooks that miss the mark. Maddalena stifles a leaping double, and he wrenches his arm around the neck and drops back for a guillotine choke. Hafez welcomes this, as he is not in danger and it allows him to crawl on top and catch his wind. Hafez shifts his weight over to grip down on an arm-triangle choke, and he hops to the side to get a better angle. Maddalena grabs hold of his own foot, and Hafez moves back to half guard. Hafez isolates Maddalena’s left arm for a potential keylock, and he bumps his shoulder into Maddalena’s face. The round ends with Hafez on top.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round opens, and it could be even on the scorecards. Maddalena wants to keep the judges out of the equation, coming out putting hands on face. Hafez misses with a high kick, whiffs with a superman punch, and absorbs a flush right hand. Maddalena sticks out a few jabs and lobs a left hand to follow, and Hafez rolls with it and drives Maddalena from one side of the cage to the other in pursuit of a double. When that fails, Hafez changes it for a single, and Maddalena pulls his leg out and resets. A cut has opened on the corner of his left eye, and he lets Hafez overswing so he can crack him with a left hand. “The Habibi” shoots for a double when getting tagged, and Maddalena shuts it down and a second try so that he can wobble Hafez with a right hand. Hafez tries to tie him up, and Maddalena pounds on the body. Maddalena gest clinched, and he pushes off so that he can kick Hafez and throw everything and the kitchen sink at the chin of his spent opponent. Hafez tries with all his might to get a takedown, and Maddalena stops it and beats on the body. Maddalena busts Hafez up with body shots, and he holds onto Hafez’ right hand so that he can slug him with his free hand. Hafez shoots in desperately with 100 seconds to go, and Maddalena lets him do this so that he can stop it and jump on his back. Maddalena fishes for a rear-naked choke, and he gets rolled over by the determined Hafez. As they scramble, Maddalena hunts for an armbar, and he elects to stand back up while Hafez hold on to head lock. Maddalena gets pushed back to the cage wall with a double, and Hafez grabs the fence to hold him there. Maddalena lowers his man down to the floor, and hangs on in this top position to end the fight. What a wild battle, easily the best fight on the card thus far. No matter the result, Hafez gave an incredible account of himself on short notice against a top contender. This is also a tough look for the ranked Maddalena, who might not even get his hand raised depending on the score of the second round.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Jack Della Maddalena def. Bassil Hafez via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Holly Holm (135.5) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holm (-170), Bueno Silva (+145)

Round 1

Likely the lone fight on the card with immediate championship implications, former champ Holm (15-6, 8-6 UFC) will look to send a message to the matchmakers that she is still at the top of her game at 41 years of age. Silva (10-2-1, 5-2-1 UFC), 10 years younger, is gunning for an upset, with upwards of five rounds to do just that. Needing no further introduction, referee Keith Peterson prepares for the bantamweight main attraction, one that opens up with a quick tap of gloves and not a lick of nonsense. Silva advances slowly, and Holm races at her and throws punches to back her away. Silva kicks the lead calf twice, and Holm gives her a scare with a head kick. Holm is moving quickly on the outside, and she sticks Silva twice with right hands before changing levels for a single. Silva stands up and elbows her foe in the face, leading Holm to let it go and squeeze against her in the clinch. They trade short knees on the inside to little effect, and Holm settles down to impose her weight and will. Holm pushes off and gets away without a strike on the break, and she lifts her leg up to check a body kick. Holm moves quickly to get Silva’s attention with a few punches, and she is out of the way before a counter finds its mark. Holm uses her momentum to clinch Silva up again. When they stall out, Holm times an elbow to break away, and she separates to back off only to lunge forward with a few punches. Silva wings an elbow that slams into Holm’s temple, and Holm has to shake it off and retreat. Silva chases with a few punches, and Holm kicks her way out of a clinch and starts working the body with her feet. Silva comes up short on a front kick, and Holm bounces around before Silva comes towards her. Holm dodges a spinning strike, and she takes a left on the chin and a subsequent right hand to stun Holm. The former champ shoots in for a double after getting her bell rung, and the Brazilian keeps her back to the cage wall and even lifts up a knee to hit Holm during the takedown. Silva motions to Peterson to get between them, but the round ends with Holm hanging on tight.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Holm paces back and forth in her corner before they start fighting again, and Silva takes the center of the cage and gets kicked in the midsection on the way in. Cutting Holm off, Silva pops Holm with a right hook. The former kickboxer moves forward to clinch, and Silva slides her arm under the chin with her back leaned against the wall. As Holm leans over for a potential takedown, Silva connects her arm to set up a ninja choke that is a modified, dangerous guillotine choke. Holm wriggles but is shocked at this situation, as she is trapped and cannot come up with a way to get out of the bad spot. “Sheetara” leans forward to press her chest down and put more pressure on the neck and submission grip, and she knows she has set the hook. Before she goes out, Holm frantically taps out on the side of her opponent. Peterson rushes to the other side to see if there had been a tap, and Silva releases the grip before Peterson is able to get between them and separate them. This is a massive feather in the cap for the Brazilian, who is only the second fighter to ever submit Holm – and the first, Miesha Tate, did so to win the bantamweight title. The victorious Silva is the only betting underdog to have pulled off a win tonight, and she made a real statement and stamped herself as an instant contender for the champ-less division. In her post-fight interview, Silva speaks about her mental health issues, thanking those that helped her through the worst days that are behind her. Calling for a title shot, it could be entirely possible that “Sheetara” punched her ticket for that opportunity, as the line of contenders is hardly a determined one. If she gets the next crack at the 135-pound title, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Mayra Bueno Silva def. Holly Holm R2 0:38 via Submission (Ninja Choke)