Bellator 220 ‘MacDonald vs. Fitch’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Aviv Gozali vs. Travis Crain

Round 1

Gozali goes upstairs with a high kick, and Crain taunts him after blocking it. After a scramble against the cage, Gozali takes his opponent to the canvas. He transitions to an armbar and goes belly down, then switches to a potential kneebar. Now Gozali cranks on a heel hook against the fence. Gozali continues to threaten with lower-body submissions while Crain tries to roll out of danger. Gozali gives up on it and passes to full mount. Gozali drops some punches and Crain quickly gives up his back. Gazli flattens his foe out and squeezes on a rear-naked choke. Moments later, Crain is forced to tap out.

The Official Result

Aviv Gozali def. Travis Crain Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:15

Chris Avila vs. Brandon Faumui

Round 1

Avila comes out probing with kicks, but there’s not much action in the opening minute. Avila clinches and forces Faumui against the fence. Avila fights for a takedown, but Faumui is able to fend him off. Faumui grabs a leg and turns him against the fence. Halfway through the round, and the clinch battle continues. They separate and Faumui lands a knee on the break. Faumui lands an inside low kick, then follows up with a job moments later. Faumui lands a kick to the body, but Avila catches it and throws him to the ground. Avila follows him to the mat, but Faumui is able to work his way back up against the fence. Faumui lands a couple left hands and evades a counter offering from Avila. Faumui lands a hook to the body before the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Faumui
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Avila
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Faumui

Round 2

Avila and Faumui trade punches in close quarters. Avila forces the action into the fence and just misses on a big uppercut. Avila changes levels, but Faumui is able to remain upright. They continue to battle for position, and Faumui lands a nice knee on the break. Faumui lands a hook upstairs and an uppercut to the body. Avila is switching stances periodically, but isn’t landing anything effectively. The Nate Diaz training partner shoots for a single leg, but Faumui defends against the fence. Avila pushes his foe against the cage and lands some short punches to the body. Avila maintains control and lands a knee in close. Faumui has a high kick partially blocked before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Avila
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Avila
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Avila

Round 3

Faumui dodges a big right hand from Avila. Faumui steps in with a low kick. Avila changes levels and drives Faumui back into the fence. Avila works for a single leg, but Faumui is able to break free. Faumui lands a stiff jab and now they’re trading a little bit. Faumui shoots, but Avila defends and they separate. Avila pressures as Faumui circles away. Faumui follows a jab with a low kick. A right to the body connects for Faumui. Avila pushes his foe into the fence, where he looks to stomp the feet. Faumui fends off the takedown and they separate. Faumui lands more low kicks while Avila misses a Superman punch. Avila pushes Faumui into the fence again. As time winds down, both men swing wildly and Faumui misses a flying knee.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Faumui (29-28 Faumui)
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Avila (30-27 Avila)
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Faumui (29-28 Faumui)

The Official Result

Brandon Faumui def. Chris Avila via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Justin Tenedora vs. Matt Perez

Round 1

Perez lands a straight right during an initial exchange. Tenedora responds with a low kick and Perez answers with a strike to the body. Tenedora ties up with his foe behind a pair of big hooks. Perez turns his opponent into the fence and the clinch battle continues. Tenedora executes a hip toss, but Perez scrambles to his feet immediately. Now Tenedora works to take Perez’s back from a standing position. They remain tied up, jockeying for position against the fence. Another hip toss works for Tenedora, and he quickly transitions to Perez’s back on the floor. Tenedora has a body triangle locked in as Perez attempts to control his foe’s hands. Tenedora has a little less than a minute to work. Perez is able to turn out of the predicament and move into top position. Tenedora frames a triangle as Perez begins to drop ground-and-pound from a standing position in the waning moments. Perez’s punches pick up steam and after about five or six right hands, he lands a couple more powerful blows that knock Tenedora unconscious. Nice come-from-behind victory for Perez.

The Official Result

Matt Perez def. Justin Tenedora via KO (Punches) R1 4:52

Cass Bell vs. Peter Ishiguro

Round 1

Ishiguro opens up with an inside low kick. A couple straight left hands connect for Bell, and Ishiguro just misses on a massive counter. Ishiguro secures a body lock, drives his man into the fence and then slams him to the mat. Ishiguro lands some ground-and-pound before Bell stands. Ishiguro slams him back down, but Bell returns to his feet in short order. Ishiguro goes back to attacking with low kicks. Bell presses forward but has a kick caught by his opponent. Bell sprawls on the ensuing takedown attempt, but Ishiguro won’t give up. He eventually grinds his way to side control, before Bell achieves half guard. Bell is looking to hold Ishiguro close and not allow him space to land offense from above. Ishiguro lands some short punches to the body before Bell reverses the position. After a scramble the combatants return to their feet. Bell has a high kick blocked. Bell secures a double-leg takedown against the fence. Bell drops some punches as Ishiguro clings to a leg. After a scramble, Ishiguro ends the round on Bell’s back.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Bell
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Bell
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Bell

Round 2

Bell lands a leg kick and dodges a counter from Ishiguro. Ishiguro catches a body kick and attempts to secure a body-lock, but Bell escapes. Ishiguro is staying busy with low kicks. Bell counters a kick with a straight right. Ishiguro times a punch and explodes for a double-leg takedown. The fighters scramble toward the fence and Bell stands. They seaprate and return to the center of the cage. Bell backs his opponent up with a punching combination before launching a left knee. The timing is perfect, as Ishiguro is dropping his head down for a takedown at the exact same moment. Ishiguro is out, but Bell drops a couple standing-to-ground punches before Jason Herzog can wave off the contest.

The Official Result

Cass Bell def. Peter Ishiguro via KO (Knee and Punches) R2 2:59

Chuck Campbell vs. Bruno Casillas

Round 1

Campbell uses his range with leg kicks to keep Casillas at bay early. It’s an extended fell-out process so far, but that changes in a hurry. Campbell pressures forward with punches, and then Casillas catches a kick to the body, but that allows Campbell to secure the Thai clinch. He pulls Casillas’ head down directly to a knee and his opponent drops limp to the floor. Casillas is out cold.

The Official Result

Chuck Campbell def. Bruno Casillas via KO (Knee) R1 1:45

Hyder Amil vs. Paradise Vaovasa

Round 1

Amil starts aggressively, with a head kick and punches to the head. They go to the mat and then scramble back up. Amil with a big belly to back suplex as the fighters set a fast pace. Amil backs Vaovasa up with a couple right hands. Vaovasa briefly gets a takedown on an Amil kick, but Amil gets up quickly. Amil catches a kick and trips Vaovasa to the canvas. He drops some heavy elbows, which creates an opening for him to take Vaovasa’s back. Amil locks in a rear-naked choke and it’s tight. Vaovasa fights for as long as he can, but eventually he can no longer resist the hold. Vaovasa taps and this one is over.

The Official Result

Hyder Amil def. Paradise Vaovasa via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:34

Josh San Diego vs. Brandon Laroco

Round 1

The fighters are both utilizing a variety of kicks in the early moments. Laroco catches San Diego off balance and drops him with a counter right hand from one of those kicks. San Diego is quickly back up to his feet. Not much is landing so far outside of periodic San Diego leg kicks. Lots of movement and different techniques but both fighters continue ot come up short on most of their offense. San Diego eats a combination but but buckles Laroco with a counter. San Diego ducks under a punch and grabs a rear-body lock. San Diego breaks away and they return to the center of the cage. Laroco misses on a flying knee but lands a two-piece follow-up combination.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 San Diego
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 San Diego
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 San Diego

Round 2

The combatants trade leg kicks early, then San Diego lands a body kick. Once again, leg kicks are the only offense landing, as both men struggle to find the range on various attacks. Short body kick lands for San Diego. He pressures forward and lands some knees in the clinch and then an elbow on Laroco. Laroco looks for a takedown against the cage. San Diego drops to a knee to defend and remains upright before they separate. San Diego forces the clinch , but Laroco turns his opponent and lands a right on the break. San Diego lands a left hand and chases Laroco into the fence. San Diego is initiating most of the exchanges now. San Diego is blending punches and kicks together as the round winds down, keeping Laroco off balance. San Diego lands a body kick before time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 San Diego
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 San Diego
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 San Diego

Round 3

San Diego shoots for a takedown early and pushes Laroco into the cage. They separate shortly thereafter. San Diego blocks a kick and then drops Laroco with a counter high kick that lands squarely on the jaw. San Diego dives into top position and tries to finish with ground-and-pound. Laroco attempts to hold his opponent close to limit the offense and recover. Laroco recovers half guard. Laroco tries to stand but San Diego shoves him back down. San Diego passes back to full mount and lands some punches before Laroco recovers half guard again. Laroco now using rubber guard to try and control his opponent’s posture. San Diego remains heavy on top as he works to improve position with 1:00 remaining. San Diego stands, and Laroco uses some upkicks to create enough space to return to his feet. San Diego immediately drives his man into the fence. As time winds down, they separate for one last spirited exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 San Diego (30-27 San Diego)
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 San Diego (30-27 San Diego)
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 San Diego (30-27 San Diego)

The Official Result

Josh San Diego def. Brandon Laroco via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) R3 5:00

Diego Herzog vs. Jordan Williams

Round 1

Williams sprawls on an early takedown and then sends Herzog stumbling with a shove from the clinch. Herzog lands a low kick. Williams marches forward with punches, and Herzog answers with a low kick and a kick upstairs, which Williams blocks. Williams sticks a jab. Herzog stays busy with low kicks. Williams takes his foe down off a kick, but Herzog is up in a hurry. Herzog lands a glancing head kick. Williams moves forward with a 1-2 combo; his jab was especially clean. Herzog catches a kick and briefly chases Williams to the cage before backing off. A body kick partially lands for Herzog. A left hand connects for Herzog as he moves his head off the center line. Herzog lands a combination as time winds down.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Herzog
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Herzog
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Herzog

Round 2

They’re trading early, and Williams looks to be bleeding from his nose after the exchange. Williams grabs a waistlock after dodging a Herzog punch, and he pushes his foe into the fence. They trade knees in close before separating. Williams is upset about a possible eye poke, but referee Frank Trigg doesn’t acknowledge a foul. Williams lands a couple jabs, and the middleweights are trading in the pocket more frequently. williams is having more and more success with his jab now. Herzog connects with a couple body kicks. Williams lands a straight left. A hard leg kick lands for Herzog. Williams is undeterred as he marches forward throwing combinations. Williams tags Herzog with a couple cmbinations. Williams is opening up and looking more comfortable with about a minute left in the frame. Williams doubles up on his jab, then lands a left-hand counter. Herzog looks for a takedown, but Williams stuffs it and turns his man into the cage. Williams stuffs a takedown and lands another combination as the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Williams
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Williams
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Williams

Round 3

A nice counter left lands for Williams right off the bad. Herzog fires back and tags Williams with a jab. But it’s Williams setting the pace, and he’s teeing off on Herzog with punches. Herzog turns away against the fence, and Williams takes him down. He elects to let Herzog back up rather than stay on the ground with the jiujtisu black belt. Williams picks up the volume, and virtually everything is landing now. Herzog is practically out on his feet, stumbling backward and turning away from his opponent. Frank Trigg has had enough, and he steps in to save the reeling Herzog.

Sherdog Scores

The Official Result

Jordan Williams def. Diego Herzog via TKO (Punches) R3 1:21

Justin Roswell vs. Abraham Vaesau

Round 1

Roswell catches a low kick and immediately takes Vaesau to the canvas. Roswell sets up in his opponent’s full guard. Vaesau attempts to set up a triangle, which allows him to reverse into top position. Vaesau lands some ground-and-pound from half guard. Roswell recovers full gaurd, and Vaesau stands and drops punches. Roswell looks for a triangle, but that only allows Vaesau to unload with heavy punches. Roswell turns over as Vaesau continues to pummel him with right hands. Roswell covers up, but he’s not defending himself. Vaesau lands another couple blows and Roswell’s body goes flat, prompting referee Blake Grice to step in and call off the welterweight bout.

The Official Result

Abraham Vaesau def. Justin Roswell via TKO (Punches) R1 1:59

Gaston Bolanos vs. Nathan Stolen

Round 1

Bolanos makes Stolen stumble forward with a low kick. A two-punch counter lands for Bolanos. Both fighters are staying in the pocket early on. Stolen eats a counter right and shoots. Bolanos uses a whizzer to stay upright. Bolanos with an uppercut-right hook combination. Bolanos dodges a punch and clinches. Stolen slams Bolanos to the mat and briefly rattles his foe. however, Bolanos reverses to top position before letting his man up. Bolanos lands a short standing elbow before resetting. Moments later, Bolanos floors Stolen with a two-punch combination. Stolen connects simultaneously as Bolanos lands his second punch, but Bolanos connects his left hook with more power, dropping his foe to his seat. Bolanos rushes in for the finish and drops about four more punches from above before the featherweight contest is halted. All five of Bolanos' career triumphs have come via knockout or technical knockout.

The Official Result

Gaston Bolanos def. Nathan Stolen via TKO (Punches) R1 2:21

Phil Davis vs. Liam McGeary

Round 1

Both light heavyweights are gauging the range early on. They trade leg kicks, and then Davis lands a straight right hand. McGeary lands a lead right hand, and Davis answers with a low kick to the lead leg. Davis with another pair of low kicks while staying out of McGeary’s range. McGeary continues to struggle to find the range on his punches, and Davis opens up, landing multiple kicks at different levels on his opponent. Davis continues to stay busy with kicks. McGeary follows an uppercut to the body with a high kick, but it’s blocked. Davis whiffs on a head kick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davis
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Davis
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 2

McGeary lands an inside low kick. McGeary stalks his foe, and Davis just misses with a massive overhand right. Davis makes the Brit stumble with a pair of leg kicks. Davis continues to work the leg, and McGeary isn’t checking them. Davis closes the distance and lands a couple knees inside before breaking away from the clinch. McGeary is still coming up short on most of his punches. A straight right finds a home for “Mr. Wonderful.” Another low kick makes McGeary stumble slightly. Davis is persistent attacking the legs. McGeary tries to pick up the pace with less than a minute to go, but he’s still eating low kicks. The round ends with one more inside low kick from Davis.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davis
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Davis
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 3

Davis circles away from an aggressive McGeary and then lands a kick to the body. The UFC veteran lands his first takedown of the fight about 45 seconds into the round. McGeary tries to scramble up, but Davis transitions to his back and lands some big punches under his opponent’s arm from the wrestling ride. McGeary rolls to his back and looks like he’s framing a triangle. Davis thrwarts it and lands some elbows. McGeary scrambles up and eats a front kick from Davis on the way to his feet. Davis connects with a front kick to the body. They clinch and trade knees. Davis shoves McGeary to the fence and lands another hard knee before they separate. Davis steps in with a left hook that grazes his opponent’s chin. A short straight left form Davis appears to hurt McGeary coming in, and Davis takes his man down from a body lock. “Mr. Wonderful” pounds away with punches from mount and eventually McGeary taps out. After the bout, there is speculation that McGeary suffered a broken jaw during the fight.

The Official Result

Phil Davis def. Liam McGeary via TKO (Submission to Punches) R3 4:11

Benson Henderson vs. Adam Piccolotti

Round 1

his own. The lightweights clinch against the fence, and Henderson lands a nice knee with his back to the cage. “Smooth” turns off the cage and Piccolotti drops low for a takedown. He eventually wrestles Henderson down and quickly moves to the former UFC champ’s back. Henderson is in trouble here, as Piccolotti hunts for a rear-naked choke. Henderson breaks the choke, but Piccolotti remains in control about halfway through the frame. Henderson stands but Piccolotti is still attached to him. Piccolotti squeezes the choke and Henderson falls back to the canvas. “Smooth” escapes the choke and controls one of his opponent’s arms. Piccolotti changes to a body triangle now, but Henderson does well to avoid the choke. Piccolotti looks to pass to mount as he frames an arm-triangle choke. Henderson defends well and stands. They’re up, and Henderson attacks with a purpose, landing a hard short elbow and heavy leg kicks. Henderson ends with a kick to the body. Nice finish for Henderson, but that round was Piccolotti’s.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Piccolotti
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Piccolotti
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Piccolotti

Round 2

Henderson lands a flying knee, but Piccolotti seems unfazed. Piccolotti pressures against the fence and looks for a single leg takedown. Henderson defends and takes his foe down near the fence. Henderson works to his opponent’s back as Piccolotti attempts to stand. Henderson tries to get his hooks in but is too high and Piccolotti shakes him off. Henderson quickly takes his adversary back down and escapes a guillotine. PIccolotti scrambles up and Henderson cranks a standing guillotine, landing a couple knees to the head. Piccolotti frees himself off the choke but Henderson stays glued to him. “Smooth” ducks under a punch and drives for a takedown. He pulls Piccolotti off the cage and gets him down. Piccolotti scrambles up and Henderson looks for a back take. Henderson ends up on top and drops a big elbow. Piccolotti transitions to a leg lock, but Henderson isn’t in real danger. Henderson assumes top position with less than a minute remaining. Henderson stands and eats an upkick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Henderson
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Henderson
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Henderson

Round 3

Piccolotti gets Henderson down following an ill-advised flying knee. Now Piccolotti is inside of the MMA Lab product’s closed guard. Piccolotti is in top position, but he’s pretty well neutralized. Henderson sits up and cranks on a modified guillotine. Piccolotti is free and retains positional control near the fence. Henderson has his legs underneath him, but Piccolotti has a head lock. Piccolotti hooks Henderson’s leg and briefly gets him down. Henderson hustles up and lands an elbow against the fence. Piccolotti counters a Henderson takedown and is in top position with “Smooth” seated against the cage. Piccolotti wraps up Henderson’s legs, then takes Henderson’s back as the UFC veteran stands. Piccolotti looks to secure the rear-naked choke, and they fall back to the mat. Henderson isn’t in danger anymore, and he is able to turn in Piccolotti’s guard with 45 seconds left. Henderson is on top, but Piccolotti is doing a good job of containing his offense by holding him close as time winds down. Henderson ends the fight on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Piccolotti (29-28 Piccolotti)
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Piccolotti (29-28 Piccolotti)
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Piccolotti (29-28 Piccolotti)

The Official Result

Benson Henderson def. Adam Piccolotti via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00

Women’s Flyweight World Title Bout:
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Veta Arteaga

Round 1

Arteaga comes out throwing punches and Macfarlane quickly changes levels for a takedown. The champion shoves Arteaga into the fence, and the challenge works hard to stay upright. Arteaga lands a couple knees before being dragged to the mat. Arteaga stands up, but Macfarlane is relentless in maintaining her grip. Macfarlane has a body lock, and she wrangles Arteaga to the mat. The Hawaiian quickly works to Arteaga’s back. Arteaga frees herself, and Macfarlane clings to a leg lock as Arteaga attempts to stay active with hammerfists. Macfarlane still has designs on a heel hook with 2:00 to go. Arteaga frees her limb and assumes top position with a front headlock. They stand and then separate. Arteaga presses forward in hopes of initiating a brawl. They trade in close before Arteaga secures a front headlock. Macfarlane turns and puts Arteaga’s back to the fence. They break with 25 seconds to go. Arteaga sprawls on a takedown as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Macfarlane
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Macfarlane
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Macfarlane

Round 2

Macfarlane lands a jab, then moves out of danger. The flyweights clinch and Macfarlane pushes Arteaga into the fence. Macfarlane drags Arteaga down and sets up in full guard. Arteaga tries to use her guard to create space but Macfarlane maintains her top pressure. Macfarlane is struggling to posture up and land ground-and-pound. Macfarlane appears to have been cut, as Arteaga has landed a few elbows off her back. Macfarlane postures up and lands some body punches before Arteaga stands. A right hand from Macfarlane finds Arteaga’s chin. A jab lands clean for Arteaga. Macfarlane finds the range on a pair of inside leg kicks. Macfarlane follows an inside leg kick with a jab, and Arteaga fires off a combination before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Macfarlane
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Arteaga
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Macfarlane

Round 3

Macfarlane with a right hand in an early exchange. The champion looks for a takedown against the fence, and Arteaga defends. Macfarlane pulls her opponent down again, setting up in her adversary’s full guard. Macfarlane drops a massive elbow from above, and Arteaga begins gushing blood from her forehead instantly. Arteaga is able to create enough space to stand up, and referee Jason Herzog pauses the fight so a doctor can examine the challenger, whose face is a crimson mask. Arteaga has a lengthy gash across her forehead, and after a brief checkup, the fight is waved off. With that, Macfarlane has her third successful 125-pound title defense.

The Official Result

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane def. Veta Arteaga via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R3 1:50

Welterweight World Grand Prix:
Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch

Round 1

MacDonald takes the center of the cage and tags Fitch with a right hand. Fitch shakes it off and shoots for a takedown against the fence. Fitch fights hard and gets the takedown, with “The Red King” seated near the cage. The champ works his way up, but Fitch continues to grind, clinging to a leg. MacDonald uses a kimura to reverses position, but Fitch won’t let go of the leg. MacDonald stalks his foe, then sprawls on a takedown. Another clean straight right lands for MacDonald. MacDonald blocks a body kick. Fitch changes levels as MacDonald comes forward, and he picks his foe up and plants him on his back. MacDonald holds Fitch close from the bottom. Fitch lands small punches to the ribs, but they don’t have much on them. The round ends with Fitch on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 2

Fitch shoots immediately but MacDonald defends well. “The Red King” sprawls on a subsequent attempt, as well. Fitch drives forward and pushes MacDonald into the cage. Fitch drops low, but MacDonald is aided by what appears to be a lengthy fence grab. Mike Beltran warns the champ. They separate, and MacDonald lands a big head kick on Fitch. MacDonald connects with a right hand, and Fitch immediately changes levels, but the Canadian shrugs him off. MacDonald has Fitch backed into the fence. He lands a body kick and stops a takedown. Fitch answers with a body kick of his own. Now they’re back in the center of the cage, and Fitch walks forward with punches before shooting for a takedown. This time it’s successful, although MacDonald is up quickly. MacDonald breaks the body lock, catches a kick and gets Fitch down late in the period. He ends the round in top position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 MacDonald

Round 3

Fitch eats a head kick while shooting, but he keeps pressing forward. Moments later, he shoves MacDonald into the fence and gets a takedown. MacDonald doing a good job using his butterfly guard to limit the power of Fitch’s ground-and-pound. Still, Fitch is grinding away and staying in control. MacDonald tries to scramble up, but Fitch is still in top position. An elbow from Fitch opens a cut near MacDonald’s right eye. With 2:00 to go, Fitch is still in control, staying busy with moderate ground-and-pound while wearing on his opponent. MacDonald briefly threatens with an armbar, but Fitch escapes with little difficulty. Fitch pounds away with left hands to the ribs and we’re at 30 seconds left. MacDonald sits up, but this is Fitch’s best round by far.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 4

A right hand connects for MacDonald. Fitch wades into the clinch, but eats some more shots in close quarters. MacDonald lands a head kick as Fitch clings to a leg. MacDonald unloas with more big punches on the mat. They stand and Fitch looks to be hurt. He clings to a leg as MacDonald punishes him with punches and elbows to the side of the head. Fitch ends up on top in a scramble, but MacDonald stands. Fitch keeps the pressure on, driving the Canadian into the fence before securing another takedown. MacDonald has a hold of a kimura, but it isn’t especially threatening. MacDonald gives up on the hold and goes to a closed guard with 2:00 remaining. Fitch stays on top, landing short punches to the body and head of his opponent. Fitch stacks his foe and drives some moderate knees to the body. We’re under a minute to go, and Fitch is staying busy enough to keep this top position. With 10 seconds left, Mike Beltran orders a standup, but no action ensues before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 5

MacDonald steps in with a knee but Fitch blocks it. “The Red King” denies one takedown attempt, but moments later the American Kickboxing Academy product puts MacDonald on the mat about one minute in. MacDonald again frames a kimura before transitioning to a triangle from his back. It’s a tough angle with Fitch grinding him into the cage. MacDonald relents on the submission and goes back to a defensive guard. Fitch is doing his usual work, applying pressure and landing short punches. MacDonald attempts to explode up, but he only gets to his knees. Fitch shoves him back down and drops some elbows to the ribs. With 25 seconds left, MacDonald stands, but he can’t break free of Fitch’s grip. The fight ends in grueling fashion, with Fitch pressing a bloodied MacDonald into the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Fitch (48-47 MacDonald)
Alex Aboud scores the round 10-9 Fitch (48-47 MacDonald)
Scottie Smith scores the round 10-9 Fitch (49-46 Fitch)

The Official Result

Jon Fitch vs. Rory MacDonald ends in a Majority Draw (48-46, 47-47, 47-47) R5 5:00; As the champion, MacDonald retains his title and advances in the welterweight grand prix.