UFC on ESPN 8 ‘Overeem vs. Harris’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Don'Tale Mayes vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira

Round 1

For the third and final UFC card in the span of a week, we are treated to an event that will air in its entirety on ESPN. We kick things off in the heavyweight division, as Mayes (7-3, 0-1 UFC) tries to record his first win inside the Octagon against unbeaten newcomer Nascimento (7-0, 0-0 UFC). Referee Dan Miragliotta will be in charge of this big contest, and no glove touch could set the stage for the intensity we’re going to experience tonight. The two start off firing heavy leg kicks, and both score on one another. Nascimento is largely the aggressor, but Mayes is swinging right back at him. The Brazilian charges after his man after briefly considering the takedown, while Mayes peppers low kicks. Nascimento closes the distance to land a few heavy shots and ties up, and the two jockey for position while Nascimento is hunting for a trip takedown. The pace slows down as the two try to turn each other about on the cage, and Nascimento sneaks in an elbow and ducks out of the way from a big one coming from Mayes. Nascimento puts his foot back on the gas, with a few sharp jabs followed by looping hooks, and a few catch Mayes and send him backwards. Mayes throws a leg kick at him, and gets checked, so he spins through to just barely miss with a spinning back fist. Nascimento starts to counter a leg kick with an overhand right, so Mayes transitions into a body kick before Nascimento charges in with a barrage of punches. As “Ze Colmeia” gets hold of his opponent, he grabs and throws him down. Nascimento hops over into half guard, and as he tries to advance position, Mayes retains his guard and nearly scores an upkick in a scramble. Mayes bursts back to his feet, and clips Nascimento with a solid left hand but the Brazilian is undeterred. A few ranging kicks from Mayes close the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento

Round 2

The second round begins as both men wade forward, and Nascimento slips in a solid leg kick before launching a huge head kick that almost rocks Mayes even though he blocked it. The American regains his composure and start throws a few long left hands, while Nascimento is interested in putting combinations together. One such blitz from Nascimento leads to a clinch, and Mayes holds the top of the cage to keep his opponent trapped. Nascimento sneaks in a few short knees up the middle, and considers a Thai clinch until Mayes tightens up. Nascimento uses that forward momentum to throw him down, and as Mayes tries to get up, he gives up his back. The Brazilian, who holds five of seven career wins by tapout, cinches up a rear-naked choke. Mayes bucks like a bronco, but the choke tightens and “Kong” is forced to surrender lest he fall asleep. Eliciting the tap, Nascimento advances his unbeaten record to 8-0 while retaining his 100 percent finish rate.

The Official Result

Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira def. Don'Tale Mayes R2 2:05 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Cortney Casey vs. Mara Romero Borella

Round 1

Unlike the last two events, this card sees multiple women’s bouts sprinkled throughout the night. The first takes place in the flyweight division, as Casey (8-7, 4-6 UFC) makes her move up to 125 pounds where she faces Romero Borella (12-7, 2 NC; 2-3 UFC). The latter is still suspended until 2044 in Italy, but she will be making her second appearance in the UFC this year. Referee Michael Cardoso will oversee the action in this bout, and the two women touch ‘em up before they begin. They jab at each other from a distance, but do not commit on many heavy strikes until Casey sits down on a few right hands. Romero Borella does not like the contact, so she closes in to clinch and Casey makes her pay with some sneaky-powerful uppercuts on the way in. The Italian fighter eats them like pasta and presses into the clinch, where she starts to work Casey with some knees while holding Casey tight. As Romero Borella keeps the pressure on, she drags Casey down and takes top position. Casey attempts to push off the cage with her feet, but elects to close her guard instead to stall the offense of “Maravilla.” Casey briefly flirts with a submission attempt setup with a high guard, but Romero Borella postures up to get away from any danger, stands up and drops back down with a few punches. Casey throws her legs back up again quickly, and this time she has a tight grasp on her opponent’s arm but Romero Borella gets out. Wresting her arm free to briefly stand and attempt to pass from above, she gets back down but falls into an armbar position. “Cast Iron” latches on tight to that armbar, and wrenches on the outstretched arm. Romero Borella tries to get to her feet, but the elbow is practically hyperextended and the Italian yelps out while tapping. Cardoso leaps in to stop the contest, and Romero Borella falls to her back while clutching her arm in obvious pain. It is unclear whether the arm is hurt, injured or broken, but either way, that armbar was nasty.

The Official Result

Cortney Casey def. Mara Morello Borella R1 3:36 via Submission (Armbar)

Darren Elkins vs. Nate Landwehr

Round 1

Shifting gears to the featherweight division, perennial tough out and perfectly nicknamed Elkins (24-8, 14-7 UFC) looks to derail “The Train” Landwehr (13-3, 0-1 UFC). The Octagon conductor for this 145-pound affair is referee Herb Dean, and the two men touch gloves. Landwehr takes the center of the cage and stick out his jab, but Elkins comes right back with a double jab of his own. The two continue to trade jabs, and Elkins sneaks in a good right hand. Elkins ducks down to jab his way in and scores a right-left hook. Elkins pops him with a short left hook, and Landwehr replies with a leg kick. Elkins shoots low for a single, and Landwehr stands him up but may have grabbed the fence in the process. Elkins yanks his legs out and gets “The Train” down, where he advances rapidly to half guard. As Landwehr scrambles, he gives up his neck and Elkins briefly fishes for a guillotine choke. Landwehr pops his neck out, evades another attempt and the two scramble until Landwehr returns to his feet. Elkins stays glued to him, lands a few flush knees and hunts for another takedown but is rebuffed. Elkins scores a good right hand, and Landwehr throws back and appears to have busted up the wafer-thin scar tissue of Elkins. Landwehr walks him down with a few jabs, and Elkins whiffs on a big right hand. Landwehr comes back at him, swings a few hooks and then drops his hands to yell “Woo!” Elkins is not concerned by the antics of his opponent, and goes after a single once again but cannot land it. Both men score effectively on one another, and the cut around Elkins’ right eye is starting to bleed heavier. It would not be an Elkins fight with no blood drawn, and Landwehr appears amped up by chaining a few combinations together. Elkins hops forward, and throws a head kick so high that he falls to his back. As he springs back up, Landwehr greets him with a short uppercut, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elkins
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Elkins
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elkins

Round 2

Between rounds, we can see that a headbutt from Landwehr caused the cut to form. The second round begins with both men swinging, and Landwehr is landing the heavier shots as Elkins tries to hit a takedown. Landwehr stuffs it without effort, and nails him with an uppercut to make him pay for it. Elkins sells out for a takedown, and as he gets stood up once more, Landwehr loads up on a big right hand that sends Elkins staggering back. Elkins is not concerned in the slightest, as he comes right back to throw windmilling right hands. Landwehr flicks out the jab several times to work on that already bloodied eye, and Elkins comes at him with a flurry of punches. Landwehr drops his hands again to bellow, and the two trade furious leather. They both jab at one another, and Elkins decides to throw a leg kick to hopefully slow the movement of his hard-charging foe. A double jab from Elkins is followed by a right hand-body kick combination, but Landwehr walks through it. Landwehr cracks Elkins with a knee to the chin, and Elkins drops down to fish for a takedown but he cannot get anywhere with it. The clinch strikes are mounting for Landwehr, who is connecting flush repeatedly on his opponent. They come together, and Elkins blocks the knee to come his while working the body with several short shots. A battered Elkins races in, and is cracked with a blistering elbow as Landwehr celebrates and shouting to UFC President Dana White. The elbow splits the forehead wide open, and Dean calls in the doctor to check the cut while Landwehr repeatedly screams “Dana!” Elkins assures the doctor and Dean that he is fine, and they get back to scrapping. The showboating is going to another level as Landwehr puts one hand behind his back while sticking out the jab. The round ends with Landwehr yelling to a nonexistent crowd, and Elkins follows suit by shouting as well.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr

Round 3

Although Elkins’ face looks like a side of ground beef, the doctors once again clear him with blood streaming down his face. Elkins leads off by winging a right hand, and Landwehr catches him on the swing with a knee up the middle. Landwehr starts to prance around some more, and Elkins commits with everything he has to a single. Landwehr stands him up and briefly takes top position, but Elkins scrambles and goes hard for a double. He cannot land it, but he does ding Landwehr on the right eye with a right hand to open up a cut. Elkins wades through the fire to take some powerful punches, and dives down for a single but Landwehr dances out of the way. Elkins, possibly fatigued, is throwing labored punches that are coming slower and landing with less impact. Even so, Elkins stings him with a right hand at the end of a short combination, and backs off to land another right. Elkins tries to time a head kick, but Landwehr slides away from it and scores a right hand. The joyful face of Landwehr is all business now, as Elkins has drawn blood and landed some solid shots in this last round. Elkins rushes in to clinch so he can secure a body lock takedown, but Landwehr displays excellent defense as he blocks it. Landwehr makes him pay with a few body shots, and Elkins laughs him off but cannot score with any retaliation. The strike totals from this fight are astronomical, and these guys keep throwing with reckless abandon. Elkins’ face is positively covered in blood, but he is completely unfazed as he walks his opponent down. A few big punches from Elkins force Landwehr to take a rare back step, and the two men are loading violently with massive bombs. As the seconds rapidly tick off the clock, both men decide to completely abandon any defense and slug it out. Blocking punches with their face, they both score consistently and constantly until the final bell. What a round, and what a fight. This one is going to be close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr (29-28 Landwehr)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr (29-28 Landwehr)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elkins (29-28 Elkins)

The Official Result

Nate Landwehr def. Darren Elkins via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Giga Chikadze vs. Irwin Rivera

Round 1

Over at featherweight, Georgia’s Chikadze (9-2, 2-0 UFC) will take on incredibly short-notice replacement and former Titan FC champ Rivera (9-4, 0-0 UFC). The nonsense level in the cage just plummeted to zero, as referee Keith Peterson is third man in the cage. There is no touch of gloves, as Rivera is more interested in flying in the air with a superman punch to start things out. Chikadze evades it and racks a heavy leg kick that nearly knocks the leg out from his opponent. Chikadze misses with a high kick, forcing Rivera to clinch up and try to throw a left hand over the top, but there is nothing doing. As he takes a leg kick on the way in, Rivera is trying to swarm his way in. Chikadze tries to stop his advancement with a leg kick, and “The Beast” jumps over it to land a left hand and surprise his opponent. Both men connect with front kicks, and Chikadze sticks him with a jab as Rivera races in to try to close the distance. Rivera jumps forward with a knee, Chikadze blocks it, and it is a curious question as to how long Rivera can keep up this pace. Rivera runs at his opponent with such recklessness that when Chikadze evades him, Rivera stumbles across the cage and into the fence. Chikadze goes after another leg kick, and Rivera once more hops over it. A stiff body kick from Chikadze lands, and Rivera winces, recovers, and throws his own. Rivera lands a jab coming in, but Chikadze connects with a knee as the Georgian fighter tries to close in now. The pace from Rivera has waned significantly, allowing Chikadze to throw a question mark kick and surprise Rivera. Rivera keeps charging in wildly, and Chikadze stays patient, tries to counter with a body kick or a knee, and gets out of the way. Chikadze whiffs on a big spinning wheel kick, and both men are throwing high-risk, high-reward, high-energy strikes that do not land effectively. The round concludes with Chikadze jumping in the air to fake a flying knee.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze

Round 2

Chikadze starts the round out with a high kick, and he gets caught with a superman punch that sends Chikadze falling back against the fence. Chikadze commits to a few more kicks, and Rivera keeps his foot on the gas by rushing in to combinations. Chikadze clips him up top, and Rivera takes it flush, shakes it off and shoots low for a takedown. Chikadze stuffs it and sneaks in a kick, while following that with a stiff uppercut. Rivera absorbs kick right to his face, and the nose of the newcomer has started to bleed. The damage is starting to mount on Rivera’s face, as Chikadze is teeing off on him from a distance while also timing Rivera’s blitzes on the way in. A few blistering leg kicks bust up the face of the newcomer, but Rivera is still firing back at him. When Rivera rushes in, he takes a knee, lands a left hand, and gets countered all in one rapid exchange. Chikadze whips a high kick with his left leg, and chains that into a side kick to the body that puts Rivera on one knee briefly. Getting loose, Chikadze starts scoring more kicks from the outside and working Rivera from a distance until the round ends. Rivera exhales deeply.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze

Round 3

The round opens with Chikadze blasting Rivera on the chin with a nasty knee, sending the new UFC combatant to the ground. Chikadze dives after him to do some damage on top, but Rivera shakes out the cobwebs, kicks off and miraculously returns to his feet. The same knee from Chikadze scores once again, and Rivera absorbs it while trying to swing with huge looping hooks. Chikadze tags him with one more during a similar exchange, and Rivera is not quite able to get in on his longer, lankier opponent, but it is not for a lack of trying. Chikadze stings him with a high kick, but Rivera partially blocks it and walks forward. A potentially fatiguing Rivera stops engaging for almost a minute, allowing Chikadze to practice and miss an axe kick in the process. The two continue to stare at one another from a distance, and Chikadze fires up a high kick that gets blocked, and body kick that lands with a thud. Rivera comes up short with a body kick, but he does manage to get in a leg kick. Chikadze throws one right back, and it nearly turns Rivera around but the debutant is not remotely concerned. Rivera is walking forward, and though his offense has waned, when he does throw, he is swinging with home-run shots. He takes another knee while trying to close distance, and doubles over while trying to turn away. Chikadze chases him down to try to punish him, but Rivera turtles up. With precious seconds ticking off the clock, Rivera leaps at him with wild punches but he cannot catch his retreating foe. A few short shots from Chikadze land, and Rivera dives down to pull guard and set up a Hail Mary heel hook. Time expires before he has anything secured, and the fight is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (30-27 Chikadze)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (30-27 Chikadze)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (30-27 Chikadze)

The Official Result

Giga Chikadze def. Irwin Rivera via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Kevin Holland vs. Anthony Hernandez

Round 1

Up next, two ex-LFA middleweights will square off as Holland (16-5, 3-2 UFC) takes on “Fluffy” Hernandez (7-1, 1 NC; 1-1 UFC). The third inside the cage is referee Michael Cardoso, and the two opt not to touch gloves as they’d prefer to start throwing. Holland comes out with a huge one-two, and both land and send “Fluffy” bouncing back to the cage wall. Holland is loose as he goes from left kick to body kick to jab to hook. Holland cracks Hernandez with an elbow, and blasts him in the chest with a perfect knee. The strike evacuates the lungs of the one-beaten fighter from California and sets him down. Holland follows it with another knee, and Hernandez falls against the fence before landing face-first on the ground. Sensing the finish is right around the corner, Holland rains down punches until Cardoso stops the fight. What an impressive showcase for “Trailblazer,” who blazes through Hernandez in rapid fashion while becoming the first man to knock him out.

The Official Result

Kevin Holland def. Anthony Hernandez R1 0:39 via TKO (Knees and Punches)

Matt Brown vs. Miguel Baeza

Round 1

Headlining the preliminary portion of the event is a welterweight scrap pitting an older lion in Brown (22-16, 15-10 UFC) against a young thundercat Baeza (8-0, 1-0 UFC). Twelve years the elder of his adversary, Brown has recorded more knockouts inside the Octagon (11) than his youthful opponent has in total fights; highly respected referee Jason Herzog will keep things official. The two strikers touch gloves, and Brown starts out by stalking his opponent down and sticking out several long jabs. Brown continues to paw out with a long jab, and takes a leg kick on the way in. Brown wades forward and gets clipped with a right hand before Baeza slaps him with another low kick. A few more calf kicks have already irritated the veteran, as he has no solution to stopping them yet. The kicks continue to mount, forcing Brown to race in and throw punches, but the unbeaten fighter ducks out of the way. Brown swings wildly and scores on Baeza, and sends the Florida-based fighter falling backward. A massive blitz from Brown has Baeza hurt badly, and as they clinch up, Brown is in control as he rings in a few nasty elbows that send Baeza falling across the cage. One elbow in the barrage knocks the mouthpiece out, and Brown methodically comes forward without putting himself in danger. Baeza gets some distance, Herzog replaces the mouthpieces, and Baeza hurts Brown. A few one-twos from Baeza catch Brown off-guard, and a left hand hurts “The Immortal” and send him falling to the ground. Baeza chases after him, but Brown defends to avoid damage and walks his way back up the cage. Baeza nearly secures mount, and Brown simply stands up and fishes for a guillotine choke, so “Caramel Thunder” abandons it and backs away. Brown, whose hands are down, is swinging hard at his opponent while Baeza stays composed. Brown takes some deep breaths and absorbs another left hand, and Baeza chases after him until the horn sounds. What an insane round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Baeza
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brown

Round 2

The second round begins with an effective combination for Baeza, who scores a solid leg kick along the way. Baeza fades back, nails a left hand counter square on the jaw, and Brown is down. Baeza leaps down on him to barely land a brutal follow-up shot, and Herzog cannot get there fast enough to stop the fight. What a massive win for Baeza -- easily the biggest of his career -- who is still undefeated and has knocked out seven of his nine opponents.

The Official Result

Miguel Baeza def. Matt Brown R2 0:18 via KO (Punch)

Marlon Vera vs. Yadong Song

Round 1

Cracking open this main card is a highly anticipated featherweight match, as “Chito” Vera (15-5-1, 9-4 UFC) kept his original opponent when the “Kung Fu Monkey” Song (15-4-1, 1 NC; 4-0-1 UFC) was cleared to compete following visa issues. Song’s coach Urijah Faber was ready to serve as an alternate, but “The California Kid” will not be competing in any tag-team fashion; referee Dan Miragliotta will make sure of that. The two men touch gloves, and Song walks forward with a jab right after. Vera whips a heavy leg kick, and then throws one on the inside with his other leg. A one-two from Song scores, and Vera blinks it out. Song pursues another one-two, avoids a left straight and fires his own leg kick. Song sneaks in to throw a big right hand, but Vera blocks it as they back away. Song throws another one-two, and both kick each other at the same time. Vera throws another string of low kicks, and Song catches a subsequent front kick and nearly lands a right hand counter. Song comes in, lands a heavy right hand, and sends Vera tripping backwards. The Ecuadorian fighter recovers, where he takes the center of the cage but absorbs a low kick and a few punches in the process. Song rushes forward with a kick, and clinches up as they take to the middle of the Octagon again. The break allows for Song to score a knee and an elbow, and Vera is unfazed and slaps a hard inside leg kick. Vera points his toes out with a front kick, and then rips another inside leg kick. Song blitzes forward to land a few punches, and Vera’s guard is high and tight. Vera walks forward with his hands down and Song clips him coming in, but they clinch and both start to sting one another with short but thudding body shots. Mashed up against the fence, Vera tries to get off a few knees but turns Song about while putting all of his weight on his Chinese opponent. Song tries to force a separation and land some strikes on the break, but they both start slugging it out with uppercuts and elbows from a very close distance. Vera concludes the round with a few stiff knees to the midsection.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 2

Both men come out a little more cautiously to start off, and Song tries to land a few light leg kicks. He commits to a body kick, and Vera throws right back at him. A double jab from Song makes Vera run towards him, where he eats a right hand but lands one of his own. Vera targets the lead leg a few more times, but it is Song who is throwing far more punches at the time as he aims at the body now. Song kicks lazily with his leg outstretched, and Vera snatches the leg and makes him pay. A couple of powerful short strikes land for Vera, and Song pushes him away and connects with a solid right hand that knocks Vera back. The fighter from Ecuador is not concerned, and he walks his man down while they start to slug it out. Song starts uncorking bombs, and even though Vera blocks several of them, others get through. Song backs away and does not allow much in the way of counters to come his direction. A left hook from Song makes Vera shake his head out, and Song fires a head kick at him but allows Vera to catch it again. This time, Song cracks him with a left, and these punches are starting to find their home on Vera’s chin. They throw heavy leather briefly, until Vera decides he wants the fight to take place in the clinch. Song tries to time a knee up the middle, and Vera ignores it to come in on him. They separate and stand right in front of each other to throw vicious elbows, and both take them flush but proceed unmolested. They keep throwing punch-for-punch, and Song’s right hands are connecting hard. A huge punch to the liver gets Song’s attention, and the Chinese fighter buckles for a split second, allowing for Vera to rush him and try to hurt him. Song backs away, stings him right back with a few punches, and lands a knee right at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 3

Vera is energized after ending the round strong, and races out from his corner to throw a flying knee. Song defends against it, but the momentum carries them to the cage wall. After they spin around trying take dominant position, Vera sucks his legs out and rips Song to the canvas. In full guard, Vera gets a few punches together but Song kicks him off. As Vera lords above him, Song waves him to come in, and Vera obliges with a big punch to the body. The scramble that ensues immediately after sees the two get back up, and Song pops him with a right hand before they separate. Song’s punches appear to be slightly more labored, but they are still landing to an extent as Vera keeps his guard tight. Despite their speed, the strikes are still mounting for Song, while Vera throws a few leg kicks. Song counters Vera charging in with a huge left hand, and just barely misses a knee when Vera jumps forward. Another big right hand nails Vera, but the chin of “Chito” is outstanding as has not suffered a lot of visible damage. They start to bang it out, and a small cut forms on the Vera’s nose while Song’s is leaking as well. The clinch strikes from Vera are powerful, and they distract Song enough to wrench him down to the ground. Song kicks up, and they stand in the pocket and trade wildly. Both man land massive shots, and it is Song who reacts first by shooting for a low takedown. This is a bad idea; Vera gets on top, nearly takes his back, and ends up bullying Song against the cage wall when they stand. One last home run shot in the form of a head kick from Vera does not quite land, and this thrilling scrap is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vera (29-28 Song)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera (29-28 Song)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vera (29-28 Song)

The Official Result

Yadong Song def. Marlon Vera via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Eryk Anders vs. Krzysztof Jotko

Round 1

Up to the middleweight division, Anders (13-4, 5-4 UFC) will look to represent his Spartan Fitness gym against Poland’s Jotko (21-4, 8-4 UFC). The Octagon ranger is Herb Dean, and the two men respectfully touch gloves before throwing down. They do not wait for long, as Jotsko paws out a jab and then lands a front kick to the body. Anders uncorks a big left hand that comes up short, and misses with a high kick as well. Anders pursues a low leg kick that taps off the lead leg, and Jotko responds with his own leg kick and a long jab. Anders reaches out with a few punches and kicks, but they are all short as he lunges forward. Jotko’s counter does not miss, however, as he rings a right hand off the side of Anders’ head. Jotko just misses a spinning back elbow, thanks to Anders trying to tie the Polish fighter against the fence. Jotko frees himself to take the center of the cage, and sneaks up a step-in elbow before landing a left hand. Anders wears it well and pushes the pace, walking Jotko down, but Jotko is the one to land a few power shots while Anders considers taking the fight down. Anders muscles him down, and Jotko springs back up and pulls his head free from a potential guillotine choke. Anders comes up short with a head kick, and connects with an overhand left while Jotko tries to counter him coming forward. The forward momentum from Anders plows Jotko into the cage, and Anders tries to scoop him up but Jotko defends the takedown. Jotko scores a one-two, and lands two low kicks on the inside and outside. This time, Jotko is the one to tie him up and trie to get him down, but Anders muscles him over. The ferocious scramble allows them to get back up, and Anders chases after Jotko and nearly cracks Dean in the face with an errant high kick. Both men, close in the clinch, nail each other with some effective strikes. Jotko presses Anders heavily against the wall, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Anders

Round 2

The two greet with a glove touch, and Anders comes out swinging. He cannot quite land anything of note, and a failed takedown attempt chains into an inaccurate spinning back fist. Jotko pushes himself away, avoids the head kick from Anders, and then gets out of the way from a few more looping shots from the fighter from Alabama. Jotko sticks out his jab a few times, following one with a solid left hand that gives Anders pause. Anders cannot get the range, and Jotko rolls or uses head movement to get out of harm’s way. Anders bullies him to the cage wall, and Jotko shuts down a takedown attempt as Anders leans on him. Anders whiffs on a few punches while Jotko is more measured and ready to counter, as he catches Anders on the way in with a left hand. “Ya Boi” marches Jotko down, but Jotko is the one to land effectively and also stuff a deep double leg takedown attempt. Anders breaks free and spins with an elbow that lands on the back of his opponent, and Jotko emulates him but is a foot clear of the target. Anders swarms after him and is relentless with his takedown attempts, but Jotko stands him up and remains on his feet. Anders drops in a knee before tying him up, and nearly secures the body lock slam. Jotko keeps his balance, although he is still pressed against the fence and may have gotten away with grabbing the cage. Dean is right on top of it, and warns Jotko not to grab the wall again. Anders grinds on him until the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jotko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jotko

Round 3

Anders comes out swinging, but just cannot find a home for his head kick. Doggedly pursuing the takedown quickly, Jotko protects against it and gets out of a bad position while landing a short knee up the middle. We have picked up where we left off in the last round, with Anders putting his weight on his opponent but not landing shots or takedowns. They separate, and the Polish fighter wings another up-elbow that dings Anders on the forehead. A wild front kick from Anders is countered heavily by Jotko, who knocks Anders’ head back. Jotko is still fresh, with a bounce in his step as he pops a few punches in and darts away from a labored head kick. Jotko rushes in to fake for a takedown, and lands a few punches before breaking away. Suddenly, a fire is lit under Anders, as he charges in to land a few powerful punches that send Jotko reeling. The Polish fighter recovers and ricochets off the fence, but Anders is chasing him down to tie him up again. Although Jotko is about to land a right hand while Anders rushes at him, he is more interested in stopping the takedown and getting underhooks. Jotko tries to use Anders’ posture against him to take the fight down and gain dominant position, but Anders defends it too. Not interested in throwing strikes other than to set up coming forward into a clinch, Anders has embraced the grind but not likely to his benefit across the last 14-plus minutes. Jotko turns him around briefly to land a few solid knees to the stomach, and when they separate, Jotko flails with a spinning back kick that is well off the mark. This grueling fight has come to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jotko (30-27 Jotko)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jotko (30-27 Jotko)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jotko (29-28 Jotko)

The Official Result

Krzysztof Jotko def. Eryk Anders via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Edson Barboza vs. Dan Ige

Round 1

At 145 pounds, longtime lightweight contender Barboza (20-8, 14-8 UFC) will make his first trip down to the featherweight division, where he will be greeted by the surging Ige (13-2. 5-1 UFC). Hanging on tight is referee Jason Herzog, and there is no glove touch as Ige decides to charge forward. Landing a few punches, Barboza tries to counter with a knee on the way in. As Ige rushes in with punch combinations, Barboza again tries to time the knee, and the strikes are surprising him. Barboza loads up with a thunderous right hand, and when he cracks Ige on the side of the head, “Dynamite” goes flying. Ige defends himself from ground-and-pound while throwing his legs up to protect from damage, but his submission attempt is thwarted. Barboza unleashes a fury to try to force a stoppage, but Ige turtles up to get through the storm and kick his way to freedom. Ige returns to his feet, and starts right where he left off by crowding Barboza. A few solid punches and a body kick forces Barboza to backpedal, and as Ige chases after, Barboza sinks in a solid low kick. Ige digs to the body with a solid right hand, and the left hook that comes from it glances off the target. Barboza is well shy of the mark with a head kick, and Ige has started to throw him off with feints and kiais. Ige sits down on a left-right hook combination and Barboza blocks it but there is still a significant impact. Barboza regathers himself with a big leg kick, and then lands another but gets caught right on the chin with a flying knee. Barboza is still attempting to counter with a knee, and a left hand opens a cut under Ige’s right eye. The Hawaiian is not concerned, and he evades a wide low kick to land a hard right hand as he closes the distance. Barboza drags his toes across Ige’s torso but cannot quite land the brunt of his foot with a looping kick. Ige attempts to come back at him, and Barboza dances out of the way to land a solid leg kick. A blocked head kick from Ige wraps the first exciting round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barboza

Round 2

Between rounds, a large amount of swelling on Barboza’s cheek has formed from the flying knee. Ige races out of his corner like his hair is on fire, and he connects with several punches to make Barboza retreat. One of those lightning-quick salvos has started some bleeding above Barboza’s right eye, and the Brazilian thanks him for the blood by ripping a body kick to Ige’s torso. Although Barboza lands a leg kick while Ige comes at him, Ige manages to close the distance and tie Barboza up. Barboza sets up a Thai clinch and fires a few knees up the middle, and Ige tries to match with body shots but the power difference is stark in these strikes. They separate, and Barboza lands a few kicks while Ige sinks in a good left hand. Ige wings a right hand, and the sheer impact of the hook makes Barboza fall away even though he blocked it. A few punches from Ige have gotten his opponent’s attention, and Barboza responds with a few nasty leg kicks. Ige tries to match those with his own, but takes a body kick for his efforts. Barboza tries to set up the Thai clinch again, but Ige works him to the body and head to force a separation. From a great distance, Ige shoots in for a takedown, and the Brazilian stuffs it while searching for an anaconda choke. He cannot secure it, and glances a spinning back kick on the body of Ige. The two go punch for punch for a moment, as Ige tries to chase him down but gets drilled in the liver with a check knee. Ige is hurt, and he tilts backwards while trying to keep a poker face. Ige pulls guard, and Barboza hops on top to start hammering down some punches, and the round ends with Barboza on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ige

Round 3

Barboza targets the body to start the round, and Ige’s right arm is lower, A few body kicks and a punch from Barboza make Ige wince, and opens the Hawaiian up top to eat a one-two. A few long kicks from Barboza are not able to be countered, and Ige wings a big right but is blocked without issue. The one-hitter quitters keep coming from Ige, and the Brazilian can see them from a mile away and blocks or dodges them. Barboza aims at the lead leg of Ige, and chains a combination that backs Ige off briefly. Ige sits down on a looping right but falls short when Barboza can predict that it is coming his way. They clinch up, and Barboza cracks him with an uppercut and an elbow to force Ige to shoot for a low takedown. It fails, but he successfully manages to pop Barboza with a stiff right hand. Ige manages to follow it with a left, but Barboza turns his hips to fire a blistering leg kick that Ige has no choice but to take flush. The jab for Barboza is starting to come alive, as he keeps Ige away for a moment. The Hawaiian braves a possible counter to tie up Barboza and suck Barboza’s legs from underneath him. A couple big left hands from on top score for Ige, and time may be his biggest enemy with less than a minute left on the clock while possibly down on the scorecards. Ige drops down a heavy elbow, and jumps over to nearly pass guard, but the Brazilian fighter protects against it and retains guard. Ige rides out the round on top, and the two men embrace after a hard-fought battle.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ige (29-28 Barboza)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ige (29-28 Barboza)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ige (29-28 Ige)

The Official Result

Dan Ige def. Edson Barboza via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Claudia Gadelha vs. Angela Hill

Round 1

In this co-main event, former title challenger Gadelha (17-4, 6-4 UFC) will look to stave off the momentum of “Overkill” Hill (12-7, 7-7 UFC) at strawweight. This potentially all-action scrap will gain oversight by referee Keith Peterson, and no nonsense will be tolerated for this next fight. Gadelha starts with a low kick, as they do not bother with touching gloves, and Hill tries to angle her way in while avoiding the left hand from the Brazilian. Gadelha shoots in for takedown but cannot score it, although she does manage to land a left hand in the process. Hill is the one pressing the pace, but other than a knee on the inside, she did not land much of significance in this exchange. Gadelha jabs her way in and blocks the looping left hand counter. The former challenger goes to the body and slaps a leg kick while dodging what Hill throws her way. Hill slips in a left, but Gadelha connects with an overhand left and a right to the body. Gadelha catches Hill on the way in with a jab, while blocking the left hook from Hill again. The jab from Gadelha scores again, and the two clinch up to throw hard but Gadelha wants the body lock takedown. Gadelha presses “Overkill” to the fence, and tries to trip Hill’s leg out but cannot secure it. Gadelha drops down for a single, and Hill defends it to stand Gadelha back up. Gadelha doggedly pursues this takedown, clinging to Hill like a bad penny while sneaking the leg out. “Claudinha” manages to hit the takedown she so desperately sought, partially because she muscled the fight down to her realm. She lands in side control, and grinds an elbow on Hill’s chin. Gadelha pulls her right arm free to land a punch, although Hill is holding on tight to block the strike and try to walk up the fence. Gadelha places her knee on Hill’s stomach to get top position, and in the scramble, Hill gets to her knees and eats some short punches. Although she stands up, Gadelha is practically attached at the hip until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gadelha
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gadelha
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gadelha

Round 2

Hill begins the round with the jab, allowing Gadelha to swing with a few power strikes to back Hill off. Gadelha is able to see Hill’s punches coming, as she protects the lion’s share of them in time to block or avoid them. Three punches from Gadelha only see one land, but Hill fires back with a left straight. Another from Hill opens a cut under Gadelha’s eye. A huge right hand from Hill sends Gadelha crashing down to the ground, and Hill listens to her corner and backs off. Allowing Gadelha to stand up, an excited Hill plants a solid uppercut on Gadelha’s chin. Gadelha is wearing it now, and a forced takedown does not succeed as she takes another left in the process. Hill’s speed is playing a factor now, as she lands a one-two but gets out of danger when Gadelha wings shots back at her. Gadelha ties her up again and eats a knee on the body, but it is Hill that briefly tosses her aside. The Brazilian stands back up, but Hill is now on the offense against the fence. As Gadelha circles out and tries to load up on a left, Hill ducks out of the way and they return to the center of the cage. Gadelha swings and misses with a few power punches, and dodges Hill’s left hand to land a right of her own. Gadelha swings and scores with a heavy right hand to catch Hill, and then nails Hill with a left with equal power. Hill stuffs a takedown and works the body with a few punches, and the two start trading. Hill again targets the body with punches, while Gadelha is primarily headhunting. Hill throws a few front kicks to break up her routine, and just avoids a glancing blow from the hard-swinging Brazilian. “Overkill” catches Gadelha on the end of a left hand to possibly stumble her, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 3

Gadelha tries to start off by putting the fight where she wants it, but Hill stuffs a quick takedown and starts to slug it out. Both women stand in front of each other and trade, with Hill relying on volume while Gadelha is loading up. Hill rips to the body with a combination, and rings a left off the forehead of her opponent. Gadelha digs in a solid leg kick, but admires her work a little too long and takes a one-two. Another punch from Hill makes Gadelha check her nose briefly, and Hill follows it up with a left. Hill escapes from a cocked back left hand from the Brazilian, and stings her with a left but gets caught on the jaw with an elbow. Gadelha scores a right, and Hill jabs a few times to snap Gadelha’s head back. Gadelha chases after her to try to swing hard, and Hill avoids the hard shots while sneaking in quick straight punches. As Gadelha comes in, Hill rings her bell with a left hand, and Gadelha takes a few hops to get her balance. Hill flips up a head kick that gets blocked, and hooks a right hand. Gadelha fires right back at her and plants a left hook on Hill’s face. Hill shoves her away to get some separation, and then sticks out a jab. As Gadelha overcommits to a right hook, Hill ducks to throw a spinning back elbow, but she cannot quite land it. A few short punches have busted the nose up of Gadelha, who is now leaking from multiple places on her face. Gadelha loads up with an elbow to crack Hill, and Hill does a quick count of her teeth. We hear the 10-second clapper, and these two slug it out right until the end. Wow, what a fight. This is almost certainly going to be a close one, and win or lose, Hill's stock should definitely rise for hanging in there with a top contender.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gadelha (29-28 Gadelha)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)

The Official Result

Claudia Gadelha def. Angela Hill via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris

Round 1

In what could be the last UFC fight for a while, we will get to enjoy a high stakes heavyweight throwdown as Overeem (45-18, 1 NC; 10-7 UFC) tries to spoil the return of Harris (13-7, 1 NC; 6-6, 1 NC UFC). Due to his recent family tragedy, Harris will carry virtually the unanimous goodwill of the MMA community. Drawing the tough assignment for this potential slugfest between two men that sport a combined 36 knockout victories is referee Dan Miragliotta. The two very respectfully touch gloves, and it’s straight to business. Harris keeps a low stance while jabbing at his opponent, walking Overeem against the cage. Harris fakes for a superman punch, and lunging forward, Overeem ducks and gets out of the way without issue. Harris jabs to the body, and Overeem spins and drills him in the midsection with a spinning back kick. Harris crowds him with a few punches and a head kick, and Harris is loading up on these shots. Overeem picks at him with a low kick, and Harris clips him and hurts Overeem badly. Harris attacks relentlessly with thunderous punches, and Overeem falls across the cage. Overeem stays low to defend himself, and he falls to his back while Harris slams some hellacious punches down on him. Overeem scrambles, flirts with a leg lock, and stands up. Overeem’s eye is badly cut and blood is pouring out, and his face is already a bloody mess. Harris hurts him with a few shots, and gets a little overzealous and loses balance. Overeem snatches up his back and pulls Harris down, before pressing Harris down. “The Demolition Man” lands a few short punches while staying heavy stop Harris in three-quarter mount. Harris is tied up against the fence and eating punches, but there is not a lot on them but Harris’ lip may have started bleeding. Overeem keeps sneaking left hands in to Harris’ chin, and Harris is turtled up with his fingers stuck in the fence. Harris is breathing heavily with Overeem maintaining suffocating pressure on top. The left hands keep mounting for Overeem, and Harris has no choice but to take them one by one without defending them. Overeem postures up while Harris tries to sit up, and gets to one knee but Overeem blasts him in the side with a knee. Harris stands up, and eats a knee flush on the jaw as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Harris
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-10
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Harris

Round 2

Round 2 begins with Harris sticking out his jab, and blocking a straight left from Overeem. Both fake with their off-hand, and Overeem blitzes forward to engage but Harris gets out of the way. The action has slowed to a crawl as both men are taking deep breaths, clearly spending a majority of their respective gas tanks in that opening round. Harris paws out a jab, and absorbs a straight left to the body. When Harris throws out a lazy jab, Overeem nails him with a hard calf kick. A massive head kick from Overeem catches Harris unaware and hurts him badly, and a vicious left hand from Overeem puts Harris down on the ground. Harris turtles up while Overeem starts raining down punches, and now we have entered a similar position to the previous frame only Overeem is dropping down short right hands while Harris is flattened out. Miragliotta is taking a close eye on the proceedings, as Harris is completely trapped and has no way to escape. The slow, methodical punches from Overeem add up, and Miragliotta has no choice but to call a halt to the contest. When the fight has been stopped, Overeem goes over to console his fallen foe. One by one, officials and doctors come in to check on a crestfallen Harris’ condition. Harris returns to his feet, and he and his adversary embrace after it is over. This may be a bitter pill to swallow for some, but Harris exclaims that this is not the last that we will see of him. See you next time, sports fans.

The Official Result

Alistair Overeem def. Walt Harris R2 3:00 via TKO (Punches)