UFC 209 ‘Woodley vs. Thompson’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Albert Morales vs. Andre Soukhamthath

Round 1

Morales lands a few hard leg kicks in the opening minute, then begins flicking jabs in the face of UFC newcomer Soukhamthath, who is looking a bit tentative here in the early going. Morales is winning the speed battle through the first half of the round, his long arms and legs allowing him to pepper Soukhamthath from distance. Soukhamthath steps forward and plants a solid left hand on Morales' face; a few seconds later, "The Asian Sensation" clips Morales with an uppercut. The bantamweights exchange right hands as they enter the final 80 seconds of round one. Soukhamthath tries a flying knee but gets picked off by Morales with a right hand. Soukhamthath is trying to score with a big right hand down the center, but Morales slips backward and moves his head off center each time the punch comes.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Morales
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Morales
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Morales

Round 2

Both men feint and swing with big punches, but neither fighter can come up with the homerun shot in the first minute of round two. Soukhamthath is beginning to mix more low kicks into his attacks, now countering Morales' long jabs with shots to the leg. Morales changes things up by dropping levels and taking down Soukhamthath with a double-leg at the fence. Soukhamthath posts and stands within seconds, but Morales is still glued to him, trying to drag him back to the mat. They wind up clinching on the fence, the action slowing as referee Chris Tognoni calls for work. Morales switches to a single-leg and botches an attempt to pull Soukhamthath to the ground, leaving Soukhamthath in top position with just about two minutes left to work. Morales entangles Soukhamthath in his guard, but Soukhamthath frees himself and nearly takes Morales' back in a transition. Soukhamthath winds up dropping a few elbows from Morales' half-guard before Morales stands up, and the round ends there.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Soukhamthath
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Soukhamthath
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Soukhamthath

Round 3

Soukhamthath digs into the body of Morales with several hard left hooks, and a few leg kicks for good measure. Morales stands in the pocket and swings back, but Soukhamthath looks to be getting the better of the exchanges. Soukhamthath pushes Morales to the fence and tries for a takedown, but Morales stuffs it and forces Soukhamthath to his knees at the base of the fence. Morales jumps on the back of Soukhamthath and softens him up with left hands until he's able to attempt a rear-naked choke. Soukhamthath looks to be in danger, but he buries his chin and locks down Morales' right hand to prevent the Californian from cinching the RNC. Two minutes left to fight, and Morales is locked on to Soukhamthath's back with a body triangle, still peppering with punches to try and open up Soukhamthath's neck. Soukhamthath is defending but cannot escape, and Morales may stay glued in the position until the final horn. Soukhamthath mounts some last-second offense with half a dozen over-the-shoulder punches.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Soukhamthath (29-28 Soukhamthath)

The Official Result

Albert Morales def. Andre Soukhamthath via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Paul Craig vs. Tyson Pedro

Round 1

Craig fires several left high kicks in the opening 30 seconds, but each one is deflected or dodged by Pedro. The "Bear Jew" presses forward to pop Pedro with a one two, then shoves the Australian against the fence with an underhook. Craig tries a throw, but the heavyweights land in the whizzer and Pedro is able to scramble up. Now it's Pedro with the outside position on the fence, landing some short punches and knees to the body as he muscles Craig against the cage. They separate with two minutes on the clock, and Pedro decks Craig with a straight right. Craig stays on his back as Pedro stands over him, kicking at the Scot's legs. Craig stands and gets run against the fence again, and after absorbing a few more knees, Pedro hurls him back to the ground. Pedro lands short, stapling elbows from side control, then catches Craig in a crucifix. Pedro lands six or seven clean elbow strikes to the face of Craig before referee Marc Goddard rushes in to halt the bout.

The Official Result

Tyson Pedro def. Paul Craig via TKO (Elbows) R1 4:10

Daniel Spitz vs. Mark Godbeer

Round 1

Godbeer rushes forward throwing punches, then has to back up when Spitz tries to crack him with knees in a brief Thai clinch. Godbeer lands a few leg kicks, comes over the top and tags Spitz with a hard right hand on the end of a combination. Another hard inside leg kick from Godbeer momentarily drops Spitz to the mat in the center of the cage. Spitz is still reaching for the Thai plum but can't find the window for the high knee he wants to land on Godbeer's face. Godbeer continues to work low kicks down the stretch and punctuates the round with a hard, straight right that rocks Spitz's head in the final seconds.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Godbeer
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Godbeer
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Godbeer

Round 2

Godbeer hits Spitz with an uppercut as he pushes the American against the fence with a forearm across the throat. Spitz pushes off and circles out to the center of the cage, where Godbeer attacks with two, now three more heavy right hands. Godbeer tries to clinch and Spitz trips him to the floor immediately, and now it's Spitz on top with more than three minutes left in the round. Godbeer stands up, eats a knee from Spitz along the way, but Spitz is looking exhausted now. Godbeer is starting to land clean shots as the tired Spitz drops his hands to his sides. Spitz initiates a clinch to slow things down, but when Godbeer gets separation, Spitz's hands drop again. Godbeer is looking tired by the end of the frame, too, and this one will go to round three.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Godbeer
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Godbeer
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Godbeer

Round 3

Both heavyweights look spent as the final round begins, but it's Godbeer pushing forward, trying to bounce on his toes in between swinging big single punches at Spitz's head. Spitz pushes back with a kick to the body, misses with a jab and gets a little taunt from Godbeer. The Englishman ducks under 6-foot-7 Spitz's next slow hook and digs into the body with a punch of his own. A straight right from Godbeer nearly takes out Spitz's legs, but the American wobbles backward to lean against the fence. Godbeer tries a clinch knee but can't find the taller man's chin. The big men finish the fight in an exhausted clinch on the fence, both throwing body punches.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Godbeer (30-27 Godbeer)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Godbeer (30-27 Godbeer)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Godbeer (30-26 Godbeer)

The Official Result

Mark Godbeer def. Daniel Spitz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Iuri Alcantara vs. Luke Sanders

Round 1

Alcantara swings a big left hand at his fellow southpaw, then trips Sanders to the ground, but Sanders scrambles and comes out on top in the transition. Sanders allows "Marajo" to get back on his feet, and the Brazilian tags "Cool Hand Luke" with a bombing overhand left. Sanders swings back and forces Alcantara to backpedal with some heavy lefts of his own. A left hand from Alcantara opens a small cut on the outside of Sanders' right eye, but seconds later, Sanders catches a kick and uses the leg to run Alcantara to the floor. Alcantara is on his knees, burying his face as Sanders tees off with left hands, his right arm looped around Alcantara's waist. Sanders switches to the right hand, defends a brief kimura attempt from Alcantara and continues pounding away. Referee Marc Goddard is having a close look, telling Alcantara to fight back as the Brazilian continues to absorb punches, his face bloodied. The finish appears imminent when, inexplicably, Sanders delivers a knee to the head of the still kneeling Alcantara. Referee Goddard pauses the fight, calls the doctor to check on Alcantara and takes one point away from Sanders for what the ref deems a "blatant illegal knee."

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 9-8 Sanders
Chris Nelson scores the round 9-8 Sanders
Mike Sloan scores the round 9-8 Sanders

Round 2

Alcantara strikes first in round two with a big overhand left that forces Sanders to retreat momentarily. Sanders comes back to clinch, but Alcantara shoves him away and lands another left hand on the break. Sanders tries to step inside again, and once more Alcantara is waiting with the left hand. Sanders finds the mark with a left to the temple, and Alcantara pulls guard for a few seconds to recover. Sanders stands to avoid a leglock and allows Alcantara to stand as well. A knee to the body folds Alcantara, and a few more punches drop him to one knee near the fence. Sanders tries to pound out his wounded opponent, but Alcantara recovers and powers back to his feet. Alcantara rolls for a leg, and this time he catches Sanders' right leg deep in a kneebar setup. Alcantara straightens out the leg and Sanders taps in a hurry, giving the UFC veteran a sudden and surprising comeback win.

The Official Result

Iuri Alcantara def. Luke Sanders via Submission (Kneebar) R2 3:13

Mirsad Bektic vs. Darren Elkins

Round 1

Bektic catches Elkins with a few speedy right hands in the opening seconds of the bout, then changes levels and dumps "The Damage" to the ground in the center of the cage. Bektic moves to side control, drops a pair of elbows and cuts Elkins open at the outside corner of his right eye. Elkins tries to roll inside and escape, but Bektic is all over him, trapping Elkins' left arm between his legs and then teeing off with more punches. Blood is pooling in Elkins' eyes as he pushes Bektic back to half guard. Bektic continues to land heavy punches as they enter the final 90 seconds of round one. Bektic briefly passes back to the side, but Elkins reclaims guard just before the end of the round.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Bektic
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-7 Bektic
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Bektic

Round 2

Bektic presses straight forward, clips Elkins with a big right hand, drops levels and takes him down at the fence. Elkins is back on his feet within a few seconds, still pinned against the wall with an underhook. Bektic drops to try a double-leg and gets snared in a headlock. Bektic sits down and Elkins turns the corner to try and take the prospect's back, but Bektic is able to stand before Elkins can secure the position. The featherweights separate and circle back to the center of the cage. Bektic punches his way back inside and clinches with Elkins on the fence midway through the round. Bektic changes levels, finishes the takedown, but now has to go on the defensive as Elkins throws up a triangle from guard. Elkins sits up and looks for an anaconda choke setup, but Bektic never seems to be in danger and pulls his head loose as he advances to half guard. With 30 seconds left, Bektic passes to side control, but Elkins reclaims half guard straight away. Bektic finishes the round on top, hitting Elkins' body with short punches.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Bektic
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bektic
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Bektic

Round 3

Elkins' first kick of the round connects with Bektic's cup, and referee Chris Tognoni calls time to give the American Top Team fighter a moment to recover. When action resumes, Bektic gets back to teeing off with punches, one particularly nasty left hand rocking Elkins' head. Bektic drops to his knees as he shoots for a takedown against the fence, but Elkins steps over the top and back to the center of the cage. Bektic shoots from a mile out, gets sprawled on and pushes Elkins backward to the fence. Bektic keeps trying and ultimately completes the takedown, but he's forced to abandon top position when Elkins drops back to try a heel hook. Elkins catches Bektic in a headlock in the transition, and now it's Elkins pushing Bektic against the fence, landing knees to the body. Bektic tries to stand and gets a right hand to the temple, then another on the jaw. Bektic is out on his feet as Elkins wheels up with a right high kick, and now Bektic slumps face-first to the canvas. Referee Tognoni immediately and rightfully steps in to halt the bout, and Elkins stomps off, a bloody mess and the winner of one of the most stunning comebacks of the year.

The Official Result

Darren Elkins def. Mirsad Bektic via KO (Punches) R3 3:19

Marcin Tybura vs. Luis Henrique

Round 1

Henrique moves quickly to clinch and presses Tybura against the cage with an underhook. Tybura creates space to throw a few elbows before the action stalls out and referee Herb Dean breaks up the fighters. Tybura catches a kick from the Brazilian and trips him to the canvas near the center of the cage. Henrique rolls to his knees, absorbs a few punches and then flips to his back. The big men move toward the fence, Tybura in half guard, looking to posture up and score with harder ground-and-pound. Henrique is doing well to wrap up from the bottom, keeping Tybura in half guard. Henrique goes to one knee with 45 seconds on the clock, then powers back to his feet. Now it's Henrique wrapping up Tybura and tripping him to the mat; Tybura stands up but can't escape Henrique's grasp before the horn.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Tybura
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tybura
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Tybura

Round 2

Henrique clinches up and trips Tybura to the ground for a quick takedown. Tybura rolls to his knees and then stands, but he's caught in a headlock by Henrique on his way up. Henrique holds Tybura in the headlock and lands a few knees as they lean against the fence with 3:30 on the clock. Nearly a minute passes with little action, and now referee Dean calls for work from the heavyweights. The action doesn't pick up and the fighters are restarted in the center, but it's only a matter of seconds before Henrique has Tybura jammed against the wall again. They break again, and this time Tybura stings Henrique with a front kick to the face. Henrique immediately shoots for the Polish fighter's legs and brings the fight back to the fence, where they stall out until the end of the round.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Tybura
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tybura
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Tybura

Round 3

Tybura hits Henrique with the same front kick from round two, but when Tybura tries to rush in and finish with punches, Henrique digs an underhook and resumes his clinching on the fence. Henrique is doing little with the position, and Tybura takes control of the clinch after a brief break. Tybura tries to run "KLB" to the ground with a single-leg, but Henrique catches him in a guillotine in the process. Tybura kneels at the fence until he's able to extract his head, and now he pushes Henrique onto his back. Tybura passes to full mount and begins unloading with right hands, while the exhausted Henrique turns his back and tries to avoid the punches. Referee Dean tells Henrique to fight back, and when the Brazilian does not, the fight is waved off.

The Official Result

Marcin Tybura def. Luis Henrique Barbosa de Oliveira via TKO (Punches) R3 3:46

Alistair Overeem vs. Mark Hunt

Round 1

Hunt opens with a thudding outside leg kick; the next one is checked by Overeem, who looks to counter Hunt's third kick with a straight right. Hunt gets his head off center, but his right shin is now leaking a significant amount of blood from a cut sustained on the checked kick. "The 'Reem" backs up Hunt with a pair of stomping kicks to the body and thighs. Hunt fires his injured right leg into Overeem's midsection, painting the Dutchman with blood. Two minutes remain in the opening round as Overeem grabs for Hunt's legs and gets pushed away. Hunt lays another kick across Overeem's body and arms; Overeem responds with a low kick, a pair of punches and another kick to the lead leg. Overeem misses as he grabs for Hunt's legs again, but he catches the "Super Samoan" with a knee to the body on the break.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Hunt
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Overeem
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Hunt

Round 2

Overeem backs up Hunt with a spinning kick to the body before whizzing a right high kick just over top of the Kiwi's head. The Dutchman has taken control of the center of the cage and is using his reach advantage to good effect as he moves Hunt around the outside. Overeem digs an underhook and walks Hunt backward to the fence, where he lands a pair of knees to Hunt's head. Referee Marc Goddard calls for action as the heavyweights stall out on the fence, and now they separate and return to the center. Hunt catches Overeem stepping inside and slams him with an elbow to the jaw. Overeem looks hurt as he backs up to the wall; Hunt is staying measured, slowly closing the distance to throw more punches, but as soon as he comes close enough, Overeem wraps him up and spins him against the cage. Hunt is unable to escape as he absorbs knees to the body in the clinch. Hunt sneaks in a few solid elbow strikes but remains trapped on the fence until the round ends.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Overeem
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Overeem
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Hunt

Round 3

Overeem works off his back foot as Hunt presses forward at the start of round three. A good right hand and a body kick land for Overeem before he gets hold of Hunt and shoves him against the wall again. Referee Goddard calls for action, and Overeem obliges with a crushing knee to the jaw. Hunt is already slumping to the ground when Overeem connects with another knee, then an uppercut to finish the job.

The Official Result

Alistair Overeem def. Mark Hunt via KO (Knee) R3 1:44

Amanda Bobby Cooper vs. Cynthia Calvillo

Round 1

Calvillo strikes first with a left cross, steps in behind it and plants a standing elbow on Cooper's jaw. Cooper follows Calvillo around the outside and gets one back with a straight right hand. Calvillo catches a body kick and uses the leg to spin Cooper to the ground in the center of the cage. Calvillo tries to pass, winds up in north-south position and stands to avoid Cooper's shifty guard. Cooper sits up and drives for a double-leg of her own, buy Calvillo executes a beautiful sacrifice throw to send Cooper over the top. Calvillo has an anaconda choke setup, tries to finish but Cooper slips out. Calvillo takes Cooper's back in the scramble, secures it with a body triangle and begins working for a rear-naked choke with more than two minutes on the clock. Cooper defends well at first, but Calvillo eventually gets her arm around the neck. Calvillo rolls Cooper onto her stomach and cinches the choke, forcing a quick submission.

The Official Result

Cynthia Calvillo def. Amanda Bobby Cooper via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 3:19

Rashad Evans vs. Daniel Kelly

Round 1

The first two minutes of the bout pass with little action to speak of, both men testing the range and feinting punches as they circle the cage. Kelly takes the center and pushes outward to touch Evans with a left hand, but Evans steps straight back to hit the Australian with a right-handed counter. Evans ducks in behind an overhand right and takes down Kelly with a high single-leg, but Kelly is back on his feet just seconds later. Kelly shuts down Evans' next takedown attempt and hits the former champion with an elbow on the way out. Evans gets the final word of the round with a heavy kick to the left side of Kelly's body.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kelly

Round 2

Kelly comes out with increased aggression in round two, trying to close the gap and back up Evans to the wall. Evans blocks a throw attempt and tries to stand in the pocket to trade, but Kelly's getting the better of the striking with his looping punches. Evans blocks another throw and this time hits Kelly with a knee to the face as he stands. Midway through the round, Kelly catches a finger to the right eye and referee John McCarthy pauses the fight. Kelly is cleared to continue and restarts the fight with a kick to the body of Evans. "Suga" takes a looping right hand on the cheek and then returns fire with a heavy kick to Kelly's body. Evans goes under a punch and scores another single-leg takedown in the center of the cage, but again he's unable to keep Kelly on the mat. Kelly keeps the pressure on Evans down the stretch, and Evans seems to have little answer for the southpaw's attacks.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kelly

Round 3

Evans steps forward on Kelly but isn't presenting much volume in his offensive attack, and Kelly continues to keep "Suga" at bay with long jabs. Evans gets through with an uppercut, then another right hand, and Kelly comes away grabbing at his eye; referee McCarthy tells the middleweights to fight on, but Evans doesn't come up with much for his wounded opponent. Kelly blocks a head kick, takes a pair of punches from Evans and then fires back with a left hand that rocks Evans' head back. Kelly hits a throw, but Evans lands on his feet; the middleweights engage in a tie-up and Kelly scores the better blows with a series of slow but accurate uppercuts. Kelly gets through with a straight left hand, another uppercut, but Rashad pops up to land a cracking left hook. Evans drops levels to try a takedown and grabs Kelly's trunks, tearing them and prompting a warning from referee McCarthy. The middleweights stand toe-to-toe in the final seconds, both men landing heavy punches, but it's Kelly who raises his arms when the horn sounds.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Evans (29-28 Kelly)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Evans (29-28 Kelly)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Evans (29-28 Kelly)

The Official Result

Daniel Kelly def. Rashad Evans via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Lando Vannata vs. David Teymur

Round 1

Vannata presses forward from the center of the cage and gets a kick to the midsection from the southpaw Teymur, who cuts angles around the edge of the cage. Teymur scores with a few hard kicks to Vannata's lead leg; Vannata misses with a spinning backfist and gets tangled up with Teymur, but the lightweights untangle themselves without incident. Vannata connects with a capoeira kick to Teymur's face, then blasts the Swede with a straight right. Teymur wobbles backward but manages to catch the incoming Vannata to land a pair of clinch knees to the gut. A left hand from Teymur seems to stun Vannata, and now "Groovy Lando" calls for time so that he can replace his mouthguard. Vannata connects with a spinning back kick to the body, tries to tee up Teymur for another but can't find the mark. Vannata explodes into a late takedown, nearly takes Teymur's back, but the kickboxer powers back to his feet before Vannata can secure the position. Teymur eats an elbow but bounces a left hand off Vannata's temple in the final 30 seconds.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Vannata
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vannata
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Teymur

Round 2

After a relatively slow opening minute, Teymur scores with a body kick but gets his head rocked by Vannata's counter right hand. Teymur pulls Vannata close and drives a pair of hard knee strikes into the American's midsection, but Vannata no-sells the shots and strides away. Another spinning kick from Vannata slaps the face of Teymur, who answers with another low kick. Vannata lands a straight right and gets clipped by Teymur with a counter left. Teymur hits a quick takedown but can't keep Vannata on the mat, and they're back to striking with 90 seconds on the clock. Vannata pushes forward with a jab-right cross; Teymur's offense has dropped off here in the final minute, but when Vannata comes close enough, the Swede comes alive with another pair of hard knees to the gut.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Teymur
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Teymur
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Vannata

Round 3

Teymur lands a hard inside leg kick, caught by Vannata, who is unable to convert it into anything. Vannata steps back to the center, drawing Teymur forward, and the Jackson-Wink MMA fighter lands a beautiful counter right hand to Teymur's next low kick. Teymur responds with a body kick, another low kick, and now rushes Vannata against the fence to drive another hard knee to the body. They separate with three minutes left to fight and the lightweights exchange low kicks. Vannata presses forward but walks into a one-two from Teymur, who follows with a double-leg takedown. Vannata springs back to his feet right away, now with just over two minutes on the clock. Teymur scores another quick takedown but can't keep Vannata on the ground. Vannata catches Teymur with a good right hand on the temple, but Teymur fires back with a rapid combination of kicks and punches. Vannata blocks Teymur's next takedown attempt, then another, but Teymur is scoring with almost everything he throws on the feet here. Teymur tries one last takedown before the final horn but gets stood up by Vannata.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Teymur (29-28 Teymur)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Teymur (29-28 Teymur)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Teymur (29-28 Teymur)

The Official Result

David Teymur def. Lando Vannata via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

UFC Welterweight Championship:
Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson

Round 1

Veteran referee John McCarthy is the third man in the cage for tonight's 170-pound title fight, with judges Derek Cleary, Sal D'Amato and Chris Lee scoring at cageside. Thompson starts the bout in the center of the cage, pressing outward in his wide southpaw stance as Evans circles with his back near the fence. "Wonderboy" feints with a few kicks while Woodley fakes a couple shots as the welterweights pass through a slow opening half to the round. Woodley tries to come off the cage with a right hand, but it's slipped by Thompson, who also dodges a kick from the wrestler a few seconds later. It's down to the final minute of a round which is still up for grabs, and the Vegas crowd voices their displeasure to the fighters.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Thompson

Round 2

Woodley takes up the center of the cage as round two begins, swinging forward with punches seemingly aimed at Thompson's chest. Thompson answers with a few jabs as the slow-paced match continues. Halfway through the round, it's Woodley continuing to circle to his right around the perimeter, while Thompson keeps his wide stance and waits to counter. Woodley comes off the cage with a glancing right hand that opens a small cut on Thompson's face. Thompson sends a lead-leg round kick upstairs, raising a small mouse underneath Woodley's left eye. Thompson lands a body kick in the final 10 seconds but eats a straight right hand counter from Woodley.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Thompson

Round 3

Woodley snatches a single and runs Thompson against the cage; Thompson keeps his footing at first, but Woodley is tenacious and runs the striker to the mat at the base of the fence. Woodley leans across Thompson's body in half guard, landing short left hands to the face. "T-Wood" triangles the left leg of Thompson and works to trap an arm, but Thompson pulls it free. Thompson uses the fence to stand and now presses Woodley against the fence, and they separate with half the round remaining. Thompson plunges a straight left into Woodley's midsection, and Woodley slaps his abs to show he's not hurt by the punch. Thompson goes to the body with a side kick as they enter the final minute of the frame. Woodley comes off the fence with a right hand over the top, but Thompson eats it well. "Wonderboy" scores with a hard left hook just before the horn.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Woodley
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Woodley
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Woodley

Round 4

Thompson tries to move Woodley backward to the fence, but Woodley comes back to the center by swinging an overhand right. Thompson applies more pressure, though his actual thrown strikes remain relatively few and far between. Woodley gets a glove up to block a wheel kick and continues to circle right as the slow-paced fight drags on. Under two minutes left in round four, Thompson stays to his game plan of throwing single shots to Woodley's body and head, waiting for opportunities to counter. Woodley's offense has evaporated almost completely as he circles with open hands, just standing in front of Thompson and lobbing the occasional overhand right.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Thompson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Thompson
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Thompson

Round 5

Woodley controls the center of the cage as the final round begins, but Thompson reclaims his familiar position within 30 seconds. Woodley marches forward as if he's going to do something, but he doesn't, and the welterweights continue to circle and feint through the second minute of the round. Woodley grabs for Thompson's legs, can't get them, and he misses "Wonderboy" with a pair of right hands as well. Thompson fires a right hand into Woodley's midsection. Woodley grazes with a straight right to the chin, but it doesn't land flush as Thompson is already backing away. Leg kick from Thompson, now a left hook, and he gets on his bike as Woodley tries to explode forward. Suddenly, with 40 seconds on the clock, Woodley floors Thompson with an awkward right hand. Thompson falls backward, hitting the ground at the base of the fence, and Woodley tries to pound him out. Thompson gets back to his feet, gets dropped again with a Woodley uppercut, and somehow survives the follow-up assault. Woodley is trying to get Thompson out of there, now chasing him around the cage, but this one will be decided by the judges.

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Woodley (49-48 Woodley)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Woodley (49-48 Woodley)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Woodley (47-47 Draw)

The Official Result

Tyron Woodley def. Stephen Thompson via Majority Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-47) R5 5:00