‘The Ultimate Fighter 27’ Finale Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Oskar Piechota

Round 1

Piechota barges inside to clinch, gets pushed against the wall, then hits an outside trip to put Meerschaert on his back at the foot of the fence. Piechota lands in full mount but steps off to half guard in order to better control the position. Now it's side control for Piechota, spinning to north-south position as Meerschaert gets to his knees. Piechota immediately begins hunting for a D'arce choke, forcing Meerschaert to surrender mount again as he drops to his back. Meerschaert rolls to his knees again, giving Piechota another opportunity to try a front choke. Meerschaert drops to his back and puts Piechota back in guard, and the Pole stays there long enough to hear a stand-up command from referee Chris Tognoni. Piechota stings Meerschaert with a right-handed counter, then floors him with another. This time, Piechota attaches himself to Meerschaert's back, locks on a rear-naked choke, but loses his hooks and the RNC as they hit the 20-second mark. Meerschaert looks to get up and catch Piechota in a late choke attempt as the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Piechota
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Piechota
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Piechota

Round 2

Meerschaert works from the center in the first minute of round two, stalking Piechota around the outside, though neither man finds much of an advantage in the striking exchanges. Meerschaert tries a takedown of his own, nearly gets mounted, but keeps driving and completes the shot near the fence. Piechota lands on his back with a headlock, but he can't secure it before Meerschaert passes to side control. Piechota gives up his back but is able to stand from the dangerous position. Meerschaert catches him in a guillotine, then hangs onto it as Piechota drops to his back. Piechota escapes the choke, but as he stands up, Meerschaert attacks him with both hands, now adding some knees into the mix. Piechota is in serious trouble, propping himself up against the fence as Meerschaert unloads with clinch knees and short elbows. Referee Tognoni is taking a close look, telling Piechota to fight back. Meerschaert opts to change levels and hit another takedown, trying to pound out Piechota on the floor. Piechota tries to roll over and gets caught in a rear-naked choke. Piechota somehow stays conscious for a few seconds despite offering no defense for the fully-locked choke, but soon enough he goes to sleep and referee Tognoni stops the bout.

The Official Result

Gerald Meerschaert def. Oskar Piechota via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 4:55

Matt Bessette vs. Steven Peterson

Round 1

Peterson comes rushing across the cage at the bell, but he can't catch Bessette off guard. Bessette pushes the Texan against the fence, where Peterson jumps guard with an arm-in guillotine choke. Bessette struggles to free himself and looks to be in trouble just before he's able to pry Peterson's arm from around his neck. The featherweights scramble up, where Bessette holds Peterson against the fence, both men landing knees in the clinch. Referee Mark Smith warns Peterson for grabbing the fence after he spins Bessette around. Bessette looks for a trip, then a clinch knee, but Peterson thwarts both. The 145ers separate with 2:05 on the clock, but not before Peterson lands a sharp knee to the gut. Bessette lands a clean right hand but narrowly misses with the uppercut behind it. Short left hook connects for Bessette as he stands in the pocket, trading with Peterson. "Ocho" lands a crisp combination of his own, then gets his face slapped with a Bessette high kick. Bessette lands a right hook, an uppercut, then a left. Peterson is cut at the outside corner of his left eye, and now he eats another right hand, another high kick. Bessette is still putting good punches on Peterson in the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bessette
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bessette
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bessette

Round 2

Both featherweights come out throwing hands, but it's Peterson taking control of the range as he backs up Bessette to the fence. "Ocho" tries a double-leg, can't get anything going, and now comes back up to clinch. Bessette shoves him away just as referee Smith issues another warning to Peterson for grabbing the fence. Bessette scores with another uppercut, takes an arm-punch one-two from Peterson in return. A left high kick lands foot-to-face on Peterson, who doesn't budge and keeps coming forward on the New Englander. Bessette goes up top with a right high kick, then slugs Peterson with a one-two. Peterson sticks a jab, stuffs a takedown attempt. Bessette is keeping his hands very low, inviting Peterson to come forward; Peterson tries to take advantage, pressing forward with jabs, but Bessette uses head movement to slip the shots. Peterson tries a takedown with 80 seconds left, drags Bessette to his knees at the foot of the fence, then jumps on the back of the "Mangler." Peterson establishes his hooks and goes hunting for a RNC with 30 seconds on the clock. Peterson drops an elbow and is warned by referee Smith to watch the "12-to-6" angle of the strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Peterson
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Peterson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Peterson

Round 3

Peterson spends the better part of a minute working for a takedown on the fence, ultimately bringing Bessette to the floor and jumping on his back. Peterson secures the position with a body triangle, flattens out Bessette on his stomach and postures up to land a few strikes. Halfway through the round, it's all one-way traffic for Peterson, with Bessette unable to do much of anything from the bottom position. Peterson rolls Bessette on his side, where he's able to land some more effective ground-and-pound. Bessette looks for an escape, but he's trapped in Peterson's body triangle, and Peterson rides out the round on Bessette's back.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Peterson (29-28 Peterson)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Peterson (29-28 Peterson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Peterson (29-28 Peterson)

The Official Result

Steven Peterson def. Matt Bessette via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Tyler Diamond vs. Bryce Mitchell

Round 1

Diamond tries to press forward early and gets popped with a left from the southpaw Mitchell, who switches between stances as he circles off his back foot. Mitchell tries to go upstairs with a leaping switch kick, instead winds up in a brief clinch, then goes back to circling. Mitchell tries a trip, can't get it, and instead it's Diamond driving forward to place Mitchell on his seat with a double-leg takedown. Halfway through the round, Mitchell hits a sweep and scrambles to his feet, but Diamond catches him in a guillotine along the way. Mitchell breaks up the choke with a powerful double-leg slam, but Diamond quickly works back to his feet. Diamond takes a kick to the cup in an exchange, and referee Marc Goddard pauses the action. The Team Alpha Male fighter recovers within a few seconds and comes back to hit Mitchell with a low kick. Mitchell throws a head kick, can't land it clean, then changes levels for a double-leg. Diamond tries another guillotine as he's taken down, but Mitchell lands in half guard and isn't in any danger. Diamond stands up and barely avoids being taken down again by using the whizzer in the final seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diamond
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mitchell
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Mitchell

Round 2

Mitchell shoots and completes a takedown in the center of the cage, but Diamond catches him in another headlock and uses it to get back on his feet. Mitchell goes after a single-leg on the fence, and again Diamond threatens with a guillotine. Mitchell drops to his knees, so Diamond turns the corner to take his back. Mitchell drops to guard and throws up a triangle, somehow finding the space to lock up the choke despite being pressed up against the fence. Diamond isn't tapping to the choke, so Mitchell starts teeing off with elbow strikes, leading referee Goddard to shout for Diamond to protect himself. Mitchell's flurry subsides, allowing Diamond to survive, but with his right arm trapped and left leg hooked, Diamond still isn't in a position to do much of anything. Mitchell finally loses the choke as Diamond slips loose with 1:45 on the clock. Now it's Diamond on top, working from side control on Mitchell's right side. Mitchell tries to kick off the wall and gets warned for lacing his toes in the chain-link fence. Mitchell gets to his knees with 50 seconds left, and Diamond tries to establish back-mount. Instead, Diamond drops some hard right hands from the wrestling ride position, then finishes the round with a few knees to Mitchell's body.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mitchell
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mitchell
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Mitchell

Round 3

Mitchell hits an early bodylock takedown but can't keep Diamond on the floor. Diamond presses forward with a body-head combination, then drops for a double-leg and plants Mitchell on his back at the base of the fence. Mitchell slows things down with a kimura attempt from the bottom, but Diamond breaks it up and moves to take Mitchell's back. Mitchell stands up, only to be lifted and slammed back to the ground, and now Diamond moves to side control on the left. Diamond lands a short, stapling elbow to the face of Mitchell, who's breathing heavy and slowing down as he tries to escape here in the final two minutes of the bout. Diamond might be hunting for an arm-triangle choke here, but Mitchell rolls to his knees. Diamond drops a few hard right hands from the wrestling ride, adds a few knees to the body as the final seconds tick down.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diamond (29-28 Diamond)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Diamond (29-28 Mitchell)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Diamond (28-28 Draw)

The Official Result

Bryce Mitchell def. Tyler Diamond via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28) R3 5:00

John Gunther vs. Allan Zuniga

Round 1

Gunther spends the majority of the first minute working a single-leg against the fence, eventually taking Zuniga to the floor. The Costa Rican is quick to post and stand, but Gunther keeps him trapped against the wall and trips him back to the mat. Back up comes Zuniga, now two minutes into the bout, Gunther still controlling the action from the outside position in the clinch. Gunther hits another takedown, tries to pin Zuniga to the ground in the half-nelson position, but again "Tigre" is able to get back to his feet. Zuniga still can't escape Gunther's grasp, and "The Machine" hits yet another takedown inside the final minute. Zuniga stands again and tries to untangle himself, but instead it's Gunther who hits him with a spinning elbow as he finally releases the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Gunther
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Gunther
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Gunther

Round 2

Gunther wastes no time going after another takedown, quickly hustling Zuniga against the fence and changing levels to work a double-leg. Zuniga succumbs to the takedown about 80 seconds in, and this time Gunther is able to jump on his back. Gunther gets one hook in, but his left side is blocked by the fence, and Zuniga is able to stand up once again. It's more of the same through the middle of the round, with Gunther taking down Zuniga, the Costa Rican standing up but unable to separate himself. Referee Chris Tognoni breaks up the fighters with half the round remaining, and Zuniga immediately finds a home for a couple hard body punches. With 80 seconds left in the round, Zuniga's back is scraped and bleeding from spending so much time pressed against the fence. Gunther hits another takedown in the final minute, tries to take Zuniga's back and is blocked by the wall. Zuniga gets up, hits Gunther with a body shot, but it's Gunther who closes the round with another takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Gunther
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Gunther
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Gunther

Round 3

Zuniga is able to keep Gunther out of takedown range, peppering the American with punches in the opening minute of round three. It doesn't last long, however, as Gunther closes the gap and secures a takedown early in the second minute. Zuniga stands up and gets jammed against the fence, where he tries to fit the leaning Gunther with a guillotine choke that goes nowhere. After a brief separation, Gunther puts Zuniga back on the fence. Zuniga escapes with 1:40 on the clock and tries to fend off Gunther with front kicks and jabs. An exhausted Gunther arm-punches in Zuniga's general direction; Zuniga swings for the fences and misses with an uppercut that allows Gunther to shoot a single against the fence. Zuniga limp-legs away and leaves Gunther falling face-first on the mat. Gunther is spent as he climbs back to his feet, and Zuniga is able to capitalize with a flurry of punches. Zuniga's best offense of the fight comes in the final 20 seconds, but Gunther hangs on and hears the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Zuniga (29-28 Gunther)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Zuniga (29-28 Gunther)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Zuniga (29-28 Gunther)

The Official Result

John Gunther def. Allan Zuniga via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28) R3 5:00

Luis Pena vs. Richie Smullen

Round 1

Smullen hits a quick takedown, then keeps hold of a bodylock after Pena gets up quickly and converts it into a second takedown. Pena looks to throw up a triangle or armbar from the bottom, but Smullen shucks the legs and tries to advance to side control. Pena does well to pivot underneath and puts Smullen in full guard, now 90 seconds into the fight. Pena sweeps to top position, escapes a brief guillotine attempt, and now the fighters come back to their feet with half the round remaining. Smullen, already bleeding from the mouth, gets staggered with a left hand, then eats an uppercut. Another shot from Pena puts Smullen on the ground, grabbing desperately for a heel hook. Pena pulls his leg free and tries a guillotine of his own, stepping over to try and finish the choke from mount. Smullen is in deep trouble with just under two minutes on the clock, and after a few more seconds of squeeze, he's forced to tap out.

The Official Result

Luis Pena def. Richie Smullen via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 3:32

Montana De La Rosa vs. Rachael Ostovich

Round 1

De La Rosa towers over Ostovich as they circle in the opening minute, officially holding a 4-inch height and 6-inch reach advantage, per UFC measurements. De La Rosa opens with a few jabs and leg kicks, while Ostovich tries to come over the top with a heavy right hand but can't navigate her opponent's reach. Ostovich gets caught off-balance and is sent stumbling by De La Rosa with a left hand. The Hawaiian keeps her footing, but De La Rosa resets and pops her with a stiff jab seconds later. Down to the final minute of an opening round in which the action has been sporadic but largely controlled by De La Rosa. Ostovich tries to step inside and gets cleared out with a one-two, but she comes back to touch De La Rosa with a right hand in the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 De La Rosa
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 De La Rosa
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 De La Rosa

Round 2

Ostovich comes out aggressive but once again is having trouble working her way inside on the longer De La Rosa. After a minute of circling, De La Rosa wraps up Ostovich with a bodylock and goes hunting for a takedown. Ostovich defends and leans against the wall, so De La Rosa makes things uncomfortable by stomping on the Hawaiian's feet. Referee Mark Smith warns Ostovich for grabbing the fence as she tries to defend the takedown, and now the flyweights separate with three minutes on the clock. Both women connect with right hands in an exchange, but it's Ostovich following through with a left to punctuate. The fighters wind up on the fence again, De La Rosa holding Ostovich against the fence with over-unders. De La Rosa is sporting some damage now, a small mouse underneath her right eye. The 125ers are back to circling with 60 seconds left. De La Rosa swings forward to land a left but gets countered with a clean Ostovich right. Ostovich gets the last word in the round with a body kick followed by a spinning backfist, or possibly an elbow, that clips De La Rosa in close range.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 De La Rosa
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 De La Rosa
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 De La Rosa

Round 3

De La Rosa jams Ostovich against the fence, looking to do some work in the clinch and then trying to trip up the Hawaiian. However, as the flyweights get tangled, Ostovich rolls to the ground and tries an armbar, then quickly transitions to a shoulder lock. De La Rosa drops a hammerfist on Ostovich as she pulls the arm free, and now it's the larger woman on top with half the round remaining. De La Rosa passes to side control, catches Ostovich rolling over and takes back-mount. De La Rosa secures the position with a body triangle, flattens out Ostovich and postures up to unload with ground-and-pound. Referee Mark Smith tells Ostovich to fight back as De La Rosa drops punches and elbows. The flurry subsides as De La Rosa opts to hunt for a rear-naked choke, now holding on to back mount with hooks. De La Rosa gets her right arm around Ostovich's throat, and after a few seconds of squeeze, Ostovich taps out with less than a minute left on the clock.

The Official Result

Montana De La Rosa def. Rachael Ostovich via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 4:21

Alessio Di Chirico vs. Julian Marquez

Round 1

Marquez tries to back up Di Chirico to the fence and gets clipped by a left hook from the Italian southpaw. Marquez continues to bring the pressure and finds the mark with a heavy right hook that doesn't quite land cleanly. Di Chirico goes to the body with a kick, then stings Marquez with another left hand. Marquez is looking a little wobbly as he backs up, switching to southpaw stance momentarily. Di Chirico eats a right hand from Marquez but seems no worse for wear as he puts another kick on the American's ribs. Di Chirico is having trouble with the fence as he circles the outside, repeatedly getting his feet crossed and stumbling. Marquez makes him pay with a heavy right hand, but "Manzo" quickly recovers and fires off another body kick. Di Chirico completes a single-leg takedown with 50 seconds left but can't keep Marquez on the ground.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Marquez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Di Chirico
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Di Chirico

Round 2

Marquez comes out firing and slugs Di Chirico with a heavy right hand in the opening 20 seconds. Di Chirico is looking a bit more tentative in this round, while Marquez has upped his aggression from the first frame. Marquez catches a body kick and gives Di Chirico a right hand in return. Another kick is caught, and now Marquez goes upstairs with a right high kick as he releases. Di Chirico catches Marquez spinning around and grabs him in a rear waistlock, holding him against the fence. Marquez turns around and fits Di Chirico for a guillotine choke, but the Italian breaks Marquez's posture and frees himself from the headlock. Di Chirico scores a takedown in the center of the cage, but again he's unable to keep the "Cuban Missile Crisis" grounded. Another takedown lands for Di Chirico, and this time he passes immediately to side control. Marquez uses a nifty kimura sweep to transition onto Di Chirico's back, but the Italian escapes out the back door and lands a few punches from the wrestling ride before round's end.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Marquez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Marquez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Di Chirico

Round 3

Marquez brings the forward pressure again at the start of round three, but it's Di Chirico landing body kicks and jabs as he circles off his back foot. Di Chirico lands an elbow as he circles away, but Marquez catches him with a kick to the midsection. Marquez tags Di Chirico with a short, straight right, now jabs to the body with the same hand. The middleweights are halfway through a final round which is still very much up for grabs. Marquez walks into a left hand that rattles his head, but he keeps coming and slaps Di Chirico's face with a high kick. Di Chirico drops levels, lifts and plants Marquez on the floor with a single-leg. Marquez gets back to his feet, leaning against the fence with Di Chirico still draped across his back. Marquez spins around and gives Di Chirico a knee to the gut, but Di Chirico continues to control the clinch as he hugs Marquez on the fence with double underhooks. Referee Chris Tognoni tells Di Chirico to stay busy as they enter the final 45 seconds. Marquez gets tripped to the ground, springs back to his feet and tags Di Chirico with a right hand. Marquez marches forward, hands low, and pops Di Chirico with a right, then backs up and leaves the Italian swinging at air with his counter. Marquez gets the final word as he catches Di Chirico spinning and slugs him with a counter right.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Di Chirico (29-28 Marquez)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Marquez (29-28 Marquez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Di Chirico (30-27 Di Chirico)

The Official Result

Alessio Di Chirico def. Julian Marquez via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30) R3 5:00

Barb Honchak vs. Roxanne Modafferi

Round 1

Honchak takes the center of the cage, but it's the circling Modafferi who gets the better of the striking in the opening minute, sticking the former Invicta champ with a few jabs. After another minute of awkward circling, Modafferi changes levels and puts Honchak on the ground in the center of the cage. Honchak shrimps up underneath, locking down Modafferi's right leg in deep half guard as "The Happy Warrior" works to advance her top position. Inside the final 30 seconds, Modafferi finally passes to side control, but she's not able to do much with the position before the round comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Modafferi
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Modafferi
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Modafferi

Round 2

Honchak clinches up and tries a sacrifice throw, but Modafferi thwarts it and stuffs her to the bottom. Modafferi lands straight in full mount and begins dropping hammerfists, now elbows on the side of Honchak's head. Honchak is in a bad position with more than four minutes left in the round, but she manages to escape out the side and put Modafferi in her half guard. Modafferi leans left to right across Honchak's body, framing up an arm-triangle choke. She abandons this in favor of mounting, then resumes her ground-and-pound with short punches and grinding elbows. Honchak is covering up, not doing much on the bottom, and referee Marc Goddard is shouting at her to fight back. Honchak has nowhere to go, and with Modafferi continuing to land elbows on top, Goddard calls a halt to the bout.

The Official Result

Roxanne Modafferi def. Barb Honchak via TKO (Elbows) R2 3:32

Martin Bravo vs. Alex Caceres

Round 1

Caceres slips throwing a kick, springs back to his feet and is briefly held against the fence. "Bruce Leeroy" circles away, fends off the advancing Bravo with a side kick, then tags the Mexican with a speedy left hand. Bravo corners Caceres near the fence, drops for a single-leg and completes the takedown with little effort. Caceres takes a few punches to the body, scrambles back to his feet and is taken down again. Referee Mark Smith warns Caceres for grabbing the fence on his way down. Back up comes Caceres, narrowly missing with a knee as he separates from Bravo and moves back to the center of the cage. Caceres slips a jab and rocks Bravo's head with a nice counter left hand. Bravo shoots again, and Caceres tries to jump guard with a guillotine but can't get hold of the neck. Now it's Bravo on top in Caceres' full guard, working in the center of the cage. Caceres throws up a triangle, forcing Bravo to stand. Bravo kneels down in Caceres' guard with 90 seconds on the clock, but Caceres kicks him away and scrambles back to his feet. Caceres continues to find a home for his left hand, leaving Bravo pawing at his right eye. Bravo puts a right hand on Caceres' chin but doesn't seem to have much effect. Caceres finishes the round with a body shot, digging into Bravo's breadbasket with a sweeping left.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bravo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bravo
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres

Round 2

Bravo catches a kick but holds on too long, as Caceres swats him in the face with a pair of punches, forcing him to release the limb. Bravo continues to walk forward on Caceres with his hands low, and "Bruce Leeroy" makes him pay with a left hand. Bravo comes straight back and eats another left, and this one puts him on his seat. Caceres tries to jump on the back of his wounded opponent, but Bravo survives the scare and scurries over toward the fence. Caceres briefly takes the back, then stands up and invites Bravo to do the same. Bravo steps out to the center, swinging and missing with a big right hand. Bravo tries a single-leg, winds up holding Caceres against the fence, then gets shoved away and body-kicked by the American. Yet another plunging left hand to the jaw puts Bravo on rubber legs. Bravo stays standing this time and comes forward swinging hands at Caceres, who ducks and dashes away when Bravo starts to trap him on the fence. Bravo's face is a bloody mess as he chases Caceres around the cage. Caceres lands a clean spinning backfist, then stands in front of Bravo with his hands down and absorbs three or four punches from "El Toro." Caceres throws a body kick, has it caught, but still manages to kick Bravo a second time before being taken down. The featherweights are back on their feet just before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Caceres
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres

Round 3

Bravo chases Caceres around the cage as the final frame begins; when he finally catches the American, Bravo grabs hold of a leg and plants Caceres on the ground at the base of the fence. Caceres stands, giving up his back in the process, but he peels Bravo's hands from around his waist and separates with 3:45 left to fight. Caceres' left hand continues to find its mark on Bravo's bloody face, but Bravo just keeps pressing forward. Bravo eats a clinch knee while simultaneously being warned by referee Smith for grabbing Caceres' shorts. A punch from Bravo knocks out Caceres' mouthguard, and as soon as its replaced, "Bruce Leeroy" goes shooting for a takedown. Bravo sprawls on the shot, but once they're upright again, Caceres feeds him a hard uppercut. The striking exchanges are increasingly sloppy here in the final two minutes, but Caceres seems to be landing the more accurate shots, even if he's leaving himself open to Bravo's counters. Bravo's left eye is swelling shut, blood streaming from his nose, but he refuses to back off, continually pressing forward on the 19-fight UFC vet. Bravo is the busier fighter down the stretch, but he can't find a finish and this one will be decided by the judges.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bravo (29-28 Bravo)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bravo (28-28 Draw)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bravo (29-28 Caceres)

The Official Result

Alex Caceres def. Martin Bravo via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Jay Cucciniello vs. Brad Katona

Round 1

Katona sticks to the outside in the opening minute, trying to pick at Cucciniello with kicks. Cucciniello works from the center, pressing forward and looking to close the distance on the Canadian. A front kick from Cucciniello appears to graze Katona's cup, but Katona tells referee Herb Dean that he doesn't need a break. Katona changes levels and shoots forward, but Cucciniello easily backpedals to shut down the takedown try. Katona goes to the body with his left hand, a slapping kick, then fires upstairs with a right hook. Cucciniello gets caught hopping forward and dropped with a nice left hook. Cucciniello springs back to his feet after the flash knockdown, and he walks into another left from Katona before the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Katona
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Katona
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Katona

Round 2

Cucciniello once again starts the round on his front foot, but Katona is the busier man as he fires off kicks and left hands in reverse. Another left hand decks Cucciniello, who's put on his seat with the exact same punch as in round one. Cucciniello jumps back up, but now Katona finds the opening for his first takedown of the fight. Ninety seconds in, it's Katona on top, working from Cucciniello's open guard. Cucciniello uses a half-butterfly guard to try and create some space, but Katona uses the opening to pass to half. Cucciniello reclaims guard, but Katona is keeping busy on top, going body-head with his punches while flattening out the Luke Barnatt pupil with heavy top pressure. Two minutes left in the middle frame as Katona continues to dominate the action on top. He's back in Cucciniello's half guard, grinding away with ground-and-pound, doing just enough to prevent a stand-up from referee Dean. Katona is still on top, dropping elbows on Cucciniello when the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Katona
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Katona
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Katona

Round 3

Katona looks to be the fresher, faster fighter as the final frame begins, but Cucciniello continues to press forward on the Canadian prospect. Katona reverses the momentum with a high single-leg, running Cucciniello up against a cage post. Cucciniello widens his base to defend the takedown, while referee Dean tells Katona to work or risk losing the position. Katona replies by lifting and dumping Cucciniello to the mat near the center of the cage, now with three minutes left to fight. Katona finds himself back in Cucciniello's half guard, just flattening out the injury replacement and occasionally landing an elbow or punch. Cucciniello tries to scramble up with 90 seconds left, but Katona jumps on his back, flattens him out and postures up to drop punches with both hands. Cucciniello is still trying to escape, trying to buck Katona off, but Katona is glued on tight and remains there until the final horn. Barring an epic judging blunder, Canada's Brad Katona should be crowned the 145-pound champion of "TUF 27."

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Katona (30-27 Katona)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Katona (30-27 Katona)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Katona (30-27 Katona)

The Official Result

Joe Giannetti vs. Michael Trizano

Round 1

Giannetti lines up southpaw and holds his hands low as he backs up, inviting Trizano to come forward. Trizano gets close enough to tie up, but it's Giannetti taking the advantageous position by kicking off the fence and almost jumping on his opponent's back. Instead, Giannetti winds up holding Trizano on the wall with double underhooks from behind, looking for an opportunity to jump on and sink his hooks. Halfway through the round, Giannetti drops to guard and pulls Trizano's left leg across his body, immediately putting Trizano in danger of an inverted heel hook. Trizano postures up, relieving pressure on the leg, but Giannetti continues to work for the leglock. Giannetti gives up the leg and tries a funky figure-four choke from the bottom; the choke doesn't work, but it allows the Massachusetts native to sweep to top position with 30 seconds left. Trizano tries a triangle in the closing seconds, but Giannetti is able to ride it out until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Giannetti
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Giannetti
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Giannetti

Round 2

Giannetti shoots for an early single-leg, gets caught in a headlock and forced to his back. Trizano comes down in half guard, looking to pass. Giannetti has a headlock, but he wisely releases it as Trizano is in position to hit a Von Flue choke. Trizano passes to side control, now with three minutes left to work in the middle stanza. He leans across the body of Giannetti and frames up a shoulder lock, so Giannetti throws up his legs and threatens to catch Trizano's head. Now it's Giannetti rolling underneath for a leglock, but Trizano takes a seat on his chest, turning it into a stalemate position. Sitting astride his opponent facing the wrong way, Trizano drives elbows into Giannetti's thighs, while Giannetti -- with his shoulders on the mat -- tries to find something to do from his back. Giannetti continues to hunt for a leg, earning him a hammerfists to the face. The lightweights finish the round in the unorthodox position, elbowing one another's legs.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Trizano
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Trizano
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Trizano

Round 3

Trizano's first kick of the round is an accidental low blow, but after a 30-second break, Giannetti is ready to get back to business. Trizano goes back to his low kicks, chopping at the inside and outside of Giannetti's legs. Giannetti lands a switch kick to the body, takes another pair of chops on his lead leg. Giannetti is circling the outside, bouncing on his toes with his hands by his waist, but not offering Trizano much in the way of offense. Trizano, meanwhile, works from the center, bringing the pressure to his opponent on the outside. There's not much urgency from either man, but Trizano is the busier and more accurate fighter, while Giannetti seems to be coasting through the final five minutes. One again, the judges will decide a "TUF" winner, and this one could be more interesting than the 145-pound final.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Trizano (29-28 Trizano)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Trizano (29-28 Trizano)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Trizano (29-28 Trizano)

The Official Result

Michael Trizano def. Joe Giannetti via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Brad Tavares vs. Israel Adesanya

Round 1

Veteran official Herb Dean is the referee for tonight's five-round middleweight main event. Tavares presses out from the center in the opening 30 seconds, swinging his way into range and then jamming Adesanya against the fence with an underhook. Adesanya circles away, but Tavares swipes his face with a right hand on the break. Adesanya resets to land a leg kick, holding his hands low as he shows Tavares a few feints. Tavares comes over the top with a reaching right hand, lands a leg kick, then gets a harder chop in return from the kickboxer. Adesanya lands another loud inside leg kick, then bounces a left kick off Tavares' chest. Adesanya tries a clinch knee, but he has to release and back away before Tavares can swing a counter over the top. Adesanya slips a jab, feeds one to Tavares, then shuts down the Hawaiian's single-leg takedown attempt. The New Zealander looks to be growing into the fight, looking more comfortable as he stands in front of Tavares, landing scattered kicks and testing Tavares' reactions with fakes. In the last 10 seconds, Adesanya tries an Imanari roll, grabbing for a heel hook, but winds up eating a left hand from Tavares as they scramble back to their feet.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tavares
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya

Round 2

Adesanya's speed advantage is on show early in the second frame, as he repeatedly steps inside, pops Tavares with a punch and then exits before the American can counter. Even when Tavares connects, Adesanya is able to land two shots in the time it takes Tavares to throw one. Adesanya shuts down a single-leg attempt in the second minute, feeds Tavares a side kick as they strike from distance. Tavares touches Adesanya with a right hand over the top, and the fighters resume circling, Adesanya leading with an outstretched hand. Referee Dean pauses the action and issues a stiff warning to Adesanya for leaving the fingers of his lead hand outstretched. A body kick puts Tavares on the retreat soon after the restart, but after a brief pursuit, Adesanya takes his foot off the gas for the final 30 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya

Round 3

After a slow-going opening minute, Adesanya begins to turn up his volume with jabs and low kicks. He goes upstairs with a left high kick that bounces off Tavares' glove. Adesanya steps forward, pulls down Tavares' head and drills him with a knee to the face. Tavares has some beard on him, as he just eats the shot and keeps coming forward. Halfway through the round, Adesanya puts a punch in Tavares' midsection, follows with a leg kick. Tavares tries to explode forward with a double-leg, but Adesanya shuts it down and circles away. Adesanya looks to be picking his shots now, peppeing Tavares with kicks both low and high, flicking lighting fast jabs in the Hawaiian's face. A clubbing overhand right to the side of the head finally gets Tavares to back up. Adesanya follows with another brutal clinch knee, but Tavares absorbs this one, too.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya

Round 4

Adesanya gets driven against the fence by a Tavares single-leg attempt; "The Last Stylebender" immediately looks at referee Dean to complain about something, though exactly what is unclear. Tavares rips Adesanya away from the fence and spins him to the ground, then has to defend as Adesanya throws up a triangle. Adesanya winds up on his knees, then climbs back to his feet as Tavares tries to take his back. Tavares pushes Adesanya against the fence, but he soon regrets this as Adesanya threatens with a standing kimura. After hitting the ground and abandoning the armlock, Adesanya and Tavares climb back to their feet with three minutes left in the round. After a few seconds of circling, referee Dean calls time; the ref wants the cageside doctor to check on Tavares, who suffered a cut just above his right eye after being slashed by an Adesanya elbow. Action resumes with blood flowing down into Tavares' right eye, which is bad news as Adesanya continues to work his left hand. Adesanya is jabbing and kicking with confidence, seemingly unconcerned with what Tavares might throw back his way. Tavares does connect with a clubbing right, but it barely registers as Adesanya continues his forward march in the last 30 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya

Round 5

The middleweights exchange jabs as the final round begins, then Tavares goes shooting for an early takedown. Adesanya sprawls all over the double, spins from north-south to ride position and gives Tavares a few right hands to the side of the head. Tavares rolls for a kneebar, tries to turn it to a heel hook, but Adesanya stands and limp-legs as he circles away. Three minutes left in what has been a one-sided fight since round two, with Adesanya completely dominating Tavares on the feet, and now on the floor. Adesanya sprawls on another shot, Tavares rolls to guard, and Adesanya follows him down to the floor. Adesanya stands and waits for Tavares to get up, then feeds the American another vicious knee. Tavares shoots again, clings to a single-leg as Adesanya sprawls, but now the fighters stand with just about 90 seconds remaining. Adesanya continues to pick at Tavares' legs, tries to step inside with a standing elbow and has to deny Tavares' attempted clinch. Tavares is breathing heavy, finally starting to move backward. He shoots a slow-motion shot, gets sprawled on and then stands when Adesanya circles away. In the final 10 seconds, Tavares shoots for a last-ditch takedown, gets caught in a guillotine, mounted and is ultimately saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Adesanya (50-45 Adesanya)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Adesanya (49-46 Adesanya)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya (50-45 Adesanya)

The Official Result

Israel Adesanya def. Brad Tavares via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) R5 5:00