UFC 225 ‘Whittaker vs. Romero 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Dan Ige vs. Mike Santiago

Round 1

Ige rushes across the cage to hustle Santiago against the fence, then clips him with a right hand, changes levels and takes him to the ground. Less than 30 seconds into the bout, Ige is in full mount and Santiago is rolling over, surrendering his back. Rather than hunting for a choke, Ige postures up and unloads with both hands, pounding away on the turtling Santiago until referee Kevin MacDonald calls a stop to the bout.

The Official Result

Dan Ige def. Mike Santiago via TKO (Punches) R1 0:50

Clay Guida vs. Charles Oliveira

Round 1

Oliveira opens with a few leg kicks, while Guida loops a left hand around the taller Brazilian's guard as they circle in the opening minute. Another low kick connects for "Charles do Bronx," and he deflects Guida's attempt at a counter. Guida narrowly avoids a whipping front kick, then eats a left hand that opens a cut above the right eye of "The Carpenter." After absorbing a few more strikes, Guida changes levels for a takedown attempt. Oliveira is ready and waiting with a tight guillotine choke which has Guida tapping out just seconds after the lightweights hit the ground.

The Official Result

Charles Oliveira def. Clay Guida via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 2:18

Joseph Benavidez vs. Sergio Pettis

Round 1

Benavidez opens the striking with some hard outside leg kicks, but Pettis lands the first hard punch with a clean right hand to the side of Benavidez's head. Benavidez tries to rush inside and gets decked with a short right hand. The Team Alpha Male fighter looks to be in deep trouble as he stands and wobbles backward, and Pettis finds the mark with some hard, accurate rights. Benavidez fails on his first takedown attempt, but the second puts Pettis on his seat near the fence. Pettis is able to work his way back to his feet toward the end of the second minute, though it looks like Benavidez has recovered from the scare by the time they separate. Benavidez, his nose and left cheek bright red, switches to southpaw, but it doesn't prevent Pettis from landing the same counter right hand again. Benavidez continues to lean inside with his head exposed, throwing awkward kicks and attempting to grab hold of Pettis. Nothing seems to be working for Benavidez, who shoots again when Pettis fires a right high kick. Benavidez doesn't complete the takedown this time, though he does stick Pettis with a jab in the closing seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis

Round 2

Benavidez presses forward in the opening seconds of round two, but his chin is still high and exposed to Pettis' speedy jabs. Benavidez lands a leg kick, then rushes Pettis against the fence with an underhook, looking to drop for a single-leg. Pettis steps over the low single and over Benavidez's back as he separates and circles out to the middle of the cage. Benavidez pins Pettis to the wall again as the flyweights hit the midway point of the fight. Pettis escapes again, dodges a spinning backfist from Benavidez and then slaps the veteran with a right switch kick. Benavidez continues to land low kicks, bruising the left shin and calf of Pettis, but it's "The Phenom" still landing the harder shots, mostly counterpunches to Benavidez's face.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis

Round 3

Benavidez clips Pettis with a spinning backfist in the opening moments of the round, then charges ahead and lands two or three punches in one of his better combiations of the bout. Pettis is still connecting with his crisp, accurate counter right hands, however, and the Roufusport fighter sprawls to shut down yet another Benavidez takedown attempt. Benavidez shoots again, this time straight into a well-timed Pettis knee. Pettis looks to have an opportunity for a guillotine choke as he catches the shooting Benavidez in a front headlock, but "The Phenom" opts to release and circle away. Pettis denies another single-leg shot, sticks a jab and blocks a head kick. Benavidez shoots for Pettis' hips, but once again only manages to drive him against the wall. Benavidez is the aggressor here in the last minute, but Pettis is landing counters off his back foot. With 40 seconds left, Benavidez scores a takedown; Pettis backs up to the fence and climbs back to his feet within 10 seconds. After another brief headlock, Pettis releases and moves back to the center. Pettis' final strike is a left high kick, while Benavidez rushes the youngster with a pair of right hands in the closing seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pettis (29-28 Pettis)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Pettis (29-28 Pettis)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis (30-27 Pettis)

The Official Result

Sergio Pettis def. Joseph Benavidez via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Rashad Evans vs. Anthony Smith

Round 1

Smith uses a Thai clinch to try and tee up Evans for a slashing elbow strike, but "Suga" gets his head off center to avoid it. Evans spins to the outside of the clinch and pushes Smith against the wall to work for a takedown. Evans gets caught leaning in, and Smith uses an elbow to force his head down further, then blasts the former 205-pound champ with a vicious knee. Evans is out cold before he hits the ground, and referee Dan Miragliotta thankfully gets between the fighters before Smith can do any more damage.

The Official Result

Anthony Smith def. Rashad Evans via KO (Knee) R1 0:53

Rashad Coulter vs. Chris de la Rocha

Round 1

De La Rocha shoots an early single-leg, can't get it going, then comes back up to whiff on a left hook. He clinches up, pushing Coulter against the fence, but it's Coulter doing damage in the clinch with a hard knee to the gut. Coulter escapes the tie-up and clips de la Rocha with a left, but he makes a mistake as he gets caught throwing a knee and is driven to the ground. De La Rocha tries a guillotine as he lands in full mount, then releases the headlock and drops a few punches. Coulter gives up his back and fights off a short choke from de la Rocha, who's sporting a cut above his right eye from Coulter's earlier left hand. Coulter spins around to escape back-mount, stands up and immediately blasts de la Rocha with a heavy right hand, then a left. Coulter backs up to give himself some space from de la Rocha, whose face is even bloodier after Coulter's last combination. De La Rocha is swinging back, though, and Coulter looks to be fading early as he backs up to the fence with his hands by his waist. It may have been a bit of rope-a-dope, as Coulter soon puts de la Rocha on the retreat with some windmilling punches. With one minute left, it's Coulter on the ascent once again, tagging de la Rocha with heavy punches. De La Rocha slows the assault with another takedown, moves straight to half guard but can't mount before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Coulter
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 De La Rocha
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Coulter

Round 2

De La Rocha puts Coulter on his back foot in the opening seconds of the round with some heavy punches near the fence. Less than 60 seconds in, de la Rocha has another takedown, then straight to full mount. Coulter gives up his back, and de la Rocha goes for a rear-naked choke. De La Rocha can't get under the chin, so he postures up to begin dropping punches. Referee Kevin MacDonald warns de la Rocha for grabbing the fence as he tries to keep his balance on Coulter's back. After another failed RNC attempt, de la Rocha resumes his punching. Coulter is doing very little on the bottom, barely covering up to defend himself, but de la Rocha's volume isn't high enough to warrant a stoppage from referee MacDonald. With 90 seconds left, both heavyweights look exhausted, but de la Rocha remains in the dominant position. Coulter fends off another choke attempt, tries to roll over and gets caught on his right side with de la Rocha mounting him. A few more punches and an elbow from this position, and referee MacDonald is finally convinced to stop the fight.

The Official Result

Chris de la Rocha def. Rashad Coulter via TKO (Punches) R2 3:53

Mirsad Bektic vs. Ricardo Lamas

Round 1

Lamas scores an early takedown but can't keep Bektic on the floor, and now he pins the Tristar Gym fighter to the fence with an underhook. Lamas clasps his hands around Bektic's back for a bodylock, but Bektic is able to spin him around and deliver a few knees to Lamas' midsection. Referee Herb Dean warns Bektic for grabbing the fence as he works to hold Lamas on the wall. Lamas escapes and circles away with 2:40 on the clock. Bektic is the aggressor here, first hitting Lamas with a body kick and then a clean right hand. Lamas slips on a kick, scrambles back to his feet and is again pressed against the fence. Lamas tries a throw and winds up on the bottom, with Bektic grinding him into the base of the wall. Lamas gets back to his feet with 35 seconds left, escapes the clinch 10 seconds later, and whiffs on a spinning kick at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Bektic
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Bektic
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bektic

Round 2

Bektic gets denied on an early single-leg attempt; Lamas, after reclaiming his leg, wags a finger in the face of his fellow wrestler. An inadvertant head-butt has opened a cut on the left cheek of Lamas, who now finds himself shoved against the wall with a Bektic underhook. After doing some work with short clinch strikes, Bektic releases and backs off to the center of the cage, where he sprawls on a Lamas takedown attempt. Bektic hooks Lamas' rear leg, resulting in a stalemate. Lamas finally gives up on the shot, tries and misses with a spinning backfist as he stands, and now it's Bektic bringing the fight back to the fence. With little happening in the clinch, referee Herb Dean splits up the fighters for the final 30 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Bektic
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Bektic
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bektic

Round 3

Lamas sits down on a big left hand and gets caught with a short, hooking counter from Bektic, who once again initiates a clinch on the fence. Same as before, Bektic traps Lamas with a right underhook, while Lamas uses wrist control to defend on the other side. This results in another stalemate, and now the 145ers separate. Lamas whiffs on a spinning backfist and gets taken down a few feet away from the fence. As Bektic tries to set up a choke, Lamas is working on a sweep that puts him on top with three minutes left. Lamas goes back to guard with a guillotine attempt but loses the choke immediately. Lamas hits another sweep, tries the guillotine again; this one looks much tighter, but Bektic fights his way free and maintains top position. Lamas stands up with Bektic still draped all over him. Lamas goes for another guillotine, can't get the choke but manages to stand and leave Bektic on his knees. Lamas jumps guard and attempts the guillotine for the fourth time; this one doesn't even come close, and it leaves Bektic on top for the final 30 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lamas (29-28 Bektic)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Bektic (30-27 Bektic)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lamas (29-28 Bektic)

The Official Result

Mirsad Bektic def. Ricardo Lamas via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Carla Esparza vs. Claudia Gadelha

Round 1

Esparza hits Gadelha with a leg kick but has a flurry of punches deflected by the Brazilian's guard. Gadelha takes a minute to strike, but when she does, a pair of punches puts Esparza in desperation mode, shooting for a takedown. Gadelha sprawls and catches the former titleholder in a front headlock, then the strawweights scramble back to their feet. Esparza throws a combination and gets tagged with a short left hook counter. An uppercut connects for Gadelha, who's working from the center of the cage and stalking Esparza around the outside. Suddenly, a combination from Esparza puts Gadelha on rubber legs. Esparza tries to pounce and capitalize, but Gadelha pulls guard, then uses a heel hook to sweep to top position. The strawweights come back to their feet with 80 seconds on the clock; 20 seconds later, Gadelha hits a takedown and lands in side control on Esparza's right side. Esparza tries to punch from the bottom but Gadelha is heavy on top, leaning all the way across Esparza's body. Gadelha baits Esparza into a mounted guillotine at the very end of the round, but the American is saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Gadelha
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Gadelha
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Gadelha

Round 2

Both strawweights come out swinging hands, but Esparza looks to be the fresher, more aggressive fighter in the opening minute. The wrestler puts Gadelha on the fence with an underhook, feeding her short punches and knees through the second minute of the round. As they hit minute three, Gadelha turns things around with a reversal and takedown at the base of the fence. Gadelha works from half guard on Esparza's left side, with the American's right side up against the cage. Esparza's head is jammed up against the fence, absorbing some rough ground-and-pound, including an elbow which opens a cut on her brow. Esparza climbs back to her feet but has little to offer in the way of defense when Gadelha spins her back to the canvas. Gadelha remains dominant on top until the final 10 seconds, when Esparza kicks her away and drives forward to put Gadelha on her back at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Gadelha
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Gadelha
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Gadelha

Round 3

Esparza looked tired through the latter half of round two, but she comes out aggressive and tags Gadelha with a right hand early in the final frame. Esparza touches the face of Gadelha with a front kick, now lands a Superman punch to the Brazilian's already swollen face. Esparza changes up her striking in the second minute with a knee to the body, then an outside leg kick. The wrestler barges into the pocket with a hard right hand and gets out of the way before Gadelha can get hold of her. At the halfway point of the round, Gadelha catches a kick and finally slows down Esparza with a clinch on the fence. Gadelha lifts and slams Esparza to the ground with authority, landing in side control on the American's right side. Esparza reclaims half guard and tries to stay busy with punches from her back, but she's being smothered by Gadelha's top pressure. With 75 seconds left, Esparza repeats her sweep from the end of round two, and now she finds herself in Gadelha's closed guard with one minute to go. Gadelha looks spent as she tries to grab hold of the pounding Esparza, looking to limit damage as the final seconds tick down.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Esparza (29-28 Gadelha)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Esparza (29-28 Gadelha)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Esparza (29-28 Gadelha)

The Official Result

Claudia Gadelha def. Carla Esparza via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Curtis Blaydes vs. Alistair Overeem

Round 1

Overeem comes out southpaw and crouches low in a wide stance, waiting for Blaydes to shoot inside. The Dutchman switches to orthodox, back to southpaw, but one minute into the round, neither heavyweight has committed to any sort of attack. Blaydes presses forward, getting Overeem to retreat with a feint. Two minutes in, Blaydes misses with a left high kick and gets a sarcastic cheer. At the halfway point, Blaydes finally gets going and plows Overeem to the ground with a powerful takedown at base of the fence. Blaydes drops short ground-and-pound as he works from Overeem's half guard with 90 seconds left. There's not much action on the ground, but Blaydes stays just busy enough to avoid a stand-up command from referee Dan Miragliotta. Overeem goes looking for a heel hook in the last 20 seconds but runs out of time.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Blaydes

Round 2

Overeem appears to roll his right ankle in the opening seconds of the round, but he shows no ill effects as he stings Blaydes with a knee, then an uppercut. Blaydes tries a desperation takedown and finds himself fighting his way out of another Overeem heel hook attempt. Overeem loses the leg and scrambles back to his feet with 3:30 on the clock. Now the potential damage to Overeem's right leg is showing, as the Dutchman looks hobbled and uncomfortable putting weight on the limb. Same as in round one, Blaydes shoots and plants Overeem on the ground at the halfway mark of the round. This time, Blaydes leans right to left across Overeem's body in half guard, with Overeem's left side flush to the fence. Overeem is unable to do much on the bottom, with Blaydes keeping him flattened out with heavy top pressure. Blaydes postures up with some big right hands in the final 30 seconds, but it's not enough to put Overeem out of the fight.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Blaydes

Round 3

Overeem stuffs Blaydes' first takedown attempt of round three, but the American catches Overeem with a left hand on the break. Overeem throws a body kick and gets blasted with a counter right hand. Blaydes smells blood and attacks Overeem with a flurry on the fence, then changes levels for another takedown. Overeem looks exhausted, breathing heavily as he sits up against the wall with Blaydes in his half guard. Overeem finally creates enough space to try a heel hook at the halfway point of the round, but the attempt lasts only a few seconds. Soon after pulling his leg free, Blaydes goes berserk with elbow strikes, one of which slices Overeem wide open, immediately coating his face with blood. Five elbows later, referee Miragliotta is stepping between the big men, giving Curtis Blaydes the late but decisive stoppage win.

The Official Result

Curtis Blaydes def. Alistair Overeem via TKO (Elbows) R3 2:56

Phil "CM Punk" Brooks vs. Mike Jackson

Round 1

Brooks whiffs on his first leg kick, lands the next one, but Jackson pings him back with a right hand. "CM Punk" moves in to clinch and pushes Jackson against the fence, but Jackson stymies the pro-wrestler's takedown attempt with underhooks. Back to the center go the welterweights, now 90 seconds into the bout. Jackson jabs his way forward, then comes over the top with a right hand that has Brooks wanting to clinch again. Brooks isn't able to do much with the position, though he does put a knee in Jackson's breadbasket as the Texan reverses him against the fence. Brooks drives off the fence and goes hard for a takedown, but Jackson keeps his balance while holding Brooks in a takedown. With 90 seconds on the clock, the fighters move back to the middle of the cage. Brooks throws an ugly front kick, eats three jabs and shoots again. Jackson defends the takedown with ease and now puts Brooks' back on the wall. Jackson backs off to resume his striking; Brooks, now with a reddened nose, charges forward with a trio of punches which don't land. Brooks tries another takedown and finally puts Jackson on the ground with 40 seconds left. Brooks is looking for a D'arce choke, but before he can set it up, Jackson is back on his feet. Jackson finishes the round strong with a body punch and a slashing elbow over the top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Jackson
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Jackson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Jackson

Round 2

Brooks gets aggressive early in round two, again looking to put Jackson on the fence. Jackson works his way out of the clinch, backs up and slugs "Punk" with a big right hand. Brooks immediately backs up, and Jackson picks at him with a few punches before Brooks tries a desperation guillotine. Jackson pulls the arm from around his head and drives Brooks to the ground, landing in the former WWE star's closed guard. Brooks is trying some wrist control, looking to isolate an arm, but Jackson looks wholly unconcerned as he postures up to land ground-and-pound. Brooks tries to throw up a triangle; Jackson slips out almost immediately and makes "Punk" pay with some more ground-and-pound. Brooks' face is cut and lumped up, but he's still trying to fight off his back, albeit with little success. Jackson strolls back to his corner at the end of the round, while the cutman rushes in to get an Enswell on Brooks' face.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Jackson
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-8 Jackson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Jackson

Round 3

Brooks is trying desperately to get something going early in round three -- first with strikes, then a takedown attempt -- but Jackson is ready for everything "CM Punk" throws his way. Brooks stuffs a shot and then forces Brooks to the ground, where the former pro boxer slugs Brooks with a hard left hand. Jackson tags Brooks with a right hand before Brooks changes levels and tries a single-leg shot at the fence. Brooks eats more elbows, punches, then rolls for a kneebar, or maybe a figure-four leglock. Jackson comes out on top and feeds Brooks some light ground-and-pound; one gets the sense that Jackson could have ended this fight some time ago if he so desired. Brooks sits up and drives forward, at last completing a takedown seconds before the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Jackson (30-26 Jackson)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Jackson (30-26 Jackson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Jackson (30-26 Jackson)

The Official Result

Mike Jackson def. Phil Brooks via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) R3 5:00

Andrei Arlovski vs. Tai Tuivasa

Round 1

Tuivasa connects with a glancing uppercut and gets clipped with an Arlovski right hand in the opening minute, but neither heavyweight appears to have taken much damage. The big men clinch up, Arlovski tries a throw, and Tuivasa forces him to the ground. The Australian steps over to full mount immediately, putting all 261 pounds squarely on Arlovski's trunk. Tuivasa is unable to do much from the position, as Arlovski has both of the prospect's arms locked down. Arlovski bumps and rolls Tuivasa out of mount, then scrambles back to his feet with two minutes on the clock. Tuivasa sends him right back to the floor with a right hand, then tells referee Rob Madrigal for a stand-up. Arlovski tries to slow things down with a clinch, but Tuivasa breaks free and assaults the ex-champ with knees, now another big right hand. Tuivasa looks to be cut on the bridge of his nose, but the bleeding has slowed down by the time the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Tuivasa
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Tuivasa
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tuivasa

Round 2

Arlovski comes out pumping his jab, looking to keep Tuivasa on the outside with long punches and leg kicks. Tuivasa fakes a shot and nearly gets caught with a left high kick. Arlovski eats a two-piece but strikes back at Tuivasa with a leg kick and a right hand. Arlovski is starting to string together some nice combinations here in the first half of round two, while Tuivasa finding it increasingly difficult to find his range. Tuivasa slows things down with a clinch, but Arlovski breaks out and double-pumps his jab in the Aussie's bloodied face. Tuivasa backs up "The Pit Bull" with a body-head combo, but when he comes in to clinch, Arlovski spins him against the fence. Arlovski hits a takedown but can't keek Tuivasa on the mat, and now the heavyweights are back to trading with one minute on the clock. Referee Madrigal pauses the fight after Arlovski appears to take a poke in the right eye; instant replay shows that, while Tuivasa did slap an open hand across Arlovski's face, there did not appear to be an eye poke. Arlovski is quickly cleared to continue, but neither fighter is able to accomplish much in the final 45 seconds of striking.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Arlovski
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Arlovski
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Arlovski

Round 3

Tuivasa looks to be the aggressor as the final round begins, lobbing power punches which back up Arlovski but don't quite find their target. There's little to choose between the fighters in the first 120 seconds, though Arlovski picks at "Bam Bam" with some jabs and low kicks. Arlovski is breathing with his mouth wide open as he circles to his left around the outside. Tuivasa looks for a clinch, maybe a takedown, but he's denied by the Belarusian. With 1:50 on the clock, Tuivasa connects with a big right hand, then shoves Arlovski against the wall and tacks on another pair of punches, then an elbow. Arlovski cracks back with a counter right of his own, but Tuivasa just did the best work of the round so far. Arlovski goes back to striking from distance in the final minute, sticking Tuivasa with some stiff jabs on his already bloodied nose. Arlovski spends much of the final 10 seconds marching around the edge with an arm raised, apparently confident that he's won a decision.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Tuivasa (29-28 Tuivasa)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Arlovski (29-28 Arlovski)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tuivasa (29-28 Tuivasa)

The Official Result

Tai Tuivasa def. Andrei Arlovski via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Holly Holm vs. Megan Anderson

Round 1

Anderson quickly closes the gap on Holm, who gets caught with her back to the fence and kneed in the face by the Australian. The former Invicta FC champion tags Holm with a right hand soon after, but Anderson backs off and allows Holm to come forward. Holm looks to have shaken the cobwebs as she digs an underhook and puts Anderson's back on the wall. The 145ers clash knees as Anderson tries to fight her way out of the clinch; Holm is doing well to keep Anderson in place with her arms, feet and even head position. Anderson finally escapes with just under two minutes left in the opening frame. Holm eats a pair of punches but strikes back with a front kick that pushes back Anderson's head. Holm shoots for a takedown and gets caught in a cattle catcher as she drives Anderson to the canvas in the center of the cage. Anderson is forced to abandon the head-and-arm hold as Holm advances to side control. Anderson reclaims half guard in the final 30 seconds and tries to isolate a leg, but time expires with Holm on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Holm
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Holm
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holm

Round 2

Holm loops a right hand around Anderson's guard, circles away and waits for the larger woman to come forward. Once Anderson gets into range, Holm shoots on her hips and tries another takedown; Anderson stays vertical but has her back forced against the wall. Holm lands a few short, hard elbows in the tie-up before releasing Anderson and backing up to the center. Anderson counters a body kick with a left-handed counter, then catches Holm diving for a takedown and hits the former champion with a knee to the body. Holm completes the takedown anyway, landing in half guard on Anderson's right side. "The Preacher's Daughter" leans across to Anderson's left arm and begins framing up a kimura, then abandons the armlock in favor of advancing to side control. Inside the two-minute warning, Holm is landing short left hands from the side, now steps over to full mount. After eating two big punches, Anderson rolls to her right side and gets caught in an arm-triangle choke. Holm doesn't pursue the choke, instead opting to posture up and rain punches down on Anderson from mount. Holm's pace slows down in the final 40 seconds, though she does connect with a few punches and several hard elbows.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Holm
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Holm
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Holm

Round 3

Holm goes for an early takedown, but she winds up pressing Anderson against the fence with a right underhook, feeding her left hands on the other side. After nearly two minutes in the clinch, Holm trips Anderson to the mat at the base of the fence, landing in the Australian's half guard. Anderson works her way up to her feet, only to be tripped back to the mat with 90 seconds left in the match. Holm is stuck in half guard, trying to advance to side control, and she does just that with 65 seconds remaining. Holm is getting busy now, slamming Anderson with heavy elbow strikes, now stepping over to full mount. Anderson covers up as Holm drops punches with both hands, then begins to turn over. Holm straddles Anderson's head, then goes to north-south position. When Anderson tries to drive forward on a last-ditch takedown, Holm snares her in a guillotine, and the former boxing champ ends the fight with a submission attempt.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Holm (30-26 Holm)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Holm (30-27 Holm)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Holm (30-25 Holm)

The Official Result

Holly Holm def. Megan Anderson via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) R3 5:00

UFC Interim Welterweight Title Fight:
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington

Round 1

Herb Dean is the third man in the cage for tonight's title fight, scheduled for five rounds at 155 pounds. Covington wastes no time in rushing across the cage and taking down dos Anjos at the base of the fence. Dos Anjos tries to get back on his feet, only to be tossed down to the canvas. Back up comes dos Anjos, this time staying on his feet as Covington leans him against the fence. The Brazilian is already bleeding, possibly from a burst cauliflower on his left ear. Dos Anjos creates some space and circles away, then catches the incoming Covington with a short left hand. Escaping a brief clinch, dos Anjos tries to create some space but soon finds himself defending another shot from the wrestler. Covington shoots again and gets a knee to the gut that seems to sting him. Dos Anjos escapes the clutches of the American Top Team representative, but Covington is tenacious and chases him down for another double-leg attempt on the wall. Dos Anjos hits him with an elbow, a knee to the gut, now circles away. Covington shoots again and gets another hard knee to the body, followed by a right hand as dos Anjos escapes again. Covington is trying to match dos Anjos in the striking department, but the wrestler's arm-punches aren't coming close, so he shoots again. Dos Anjos backs up to the fence, escapes and circles away yet again. Covington shoots again in the final 10 seconds, and dos Anjos finishes the round with his back on the fence, boxing Covington's left ear.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 dos Anjos
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 dos Anjos
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 dos Anjos

Round 2

Covington goes straight for the takedown again at the onset of round two, and again dos Anjos is waiting to defend the shot by backing up to the fence. Dos Anjos frees himself and circles away, then hits Covington with a hard low kick before the wrestler comes shooting again. The Brazilian hits Covington with a hard knee to the gut before escaping and kicking him on the ribs. Halfway through round two, Covington looks to be tiring a bit, his strikes coming a bit slower in between spells of clinching with dos Anjos on the fence. Dos Anjos, meanwhile, looks fresh and composed as he bounces outside of range, jabbing and low-kicking the American from the outside. Covington lands an uppercut that appears to hurt dos Anjos, but "Chaos" opts to try another takedown, allowing dos Anjos time to recover and land more clinch strikes. With 45 seconds on the clock, Covington completes a takedown and tries to climb on dos Anjos' back, but the Brazilian peels away his hooks and finishes the round on his feet.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Covington
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Covington
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Covington

Round 3

Covington tries another takedown at the onset of round three, but dos Anjos defends with his back to the fence. The clinch positions are largely a stalemate, with neither man gaining much of an advantage. The welterweights separate, exchange low kicks, then Covington goes shooting for another takedown. Dos Anjos defends and, after a minute on the fence, escapes the clinch. Covington walks after him and throws a kikc that lands square on the cup of dos Anjos. Referee Dean pauses the action, dos Anjos takes a moment to recover, and the fight resumes with half the round remaining. Covington puts dos Anjos back on the wall, but dos Anjos breaks free and scores with a nice left hand. Covington clinches again, drops to try a double-leg, then comes back up to hold dos Anjos in a standing rear waistlock.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Covington
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Covington
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Covington

Round 4

Dos Anjos lands a big left hand in the opening seconds of the championship rounds, but Covington wears it well and continues coming forward. Dos Anjos is trying to keep his distance, jabbing at Covington, now ripping an uppercut to the wrestler's body. Covington wants to clinch, but dos Anjos refuses to be put on the fence, and now it's dos Anjos looking for a double-leg takedown. The former lightweight champ completes the takedown but can't keep Covington on the mat. Covington tries to pressure "RDA" on the fence, but it's dos Anjos turning the tables and scoring another takedown. Back up comes Covington, now breathing heavily. Dos Anjos gives him no space, keeping him on the fence and then completing another takedown. Covington gets back on his feet and separates from dos Anjos with two minutes left in the round. Covington shoots against the fence but can't hold dos Anjos for very long, and the Brazilian reverses to score yet another takedown on the man with the USA Wrestling tattoo. Covington stands and tries to charge forward with power punches, but dos Anjos slides backward to dodge them and clips Covington with a counter. Covington lands a short right hand on the end of a brief clinch, answered by dos Anjos with a left. Covington changes levels for a late takedown and keeps dos Anjos grounded for the last 15 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 dos Anjos
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 dos Anjos
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 dos Anjos

Round 5

Covington marches straight across the cage at dos Anjos, dodges the Brazilian's hooks and clasps his hands around the waist of the ex-UFC lightweight champ. Dos Anjos breaks free, Covington backs up a few steps and then charges back at "RDA" for a takedown early in minute two. Dos Anjos is back on his feet within seconds, now circling off his back foot as Covington pressures him. Dos Anjos lands a body shot as Covington comes in to shoot yet another single. Covington winds up with a rear waistlock, dos Anjos trying to peel the American's hands from around his body. The fighters separate with 2:25 on the clock, but Covington soon comes back to hit dos Anjos with a left hand and grab another single. Dos Anjos breaks free, fakes a single of his own, then comes upstairs to touch Covington with a short right hook. Covington drives dos Anjos against the wall, now inside the final 90 seconds of the bout. Dos Anjos hits the ground but uses a kimura sweep to stand up, now with 40 seconds on the clock. Both men stand in the pocket and swing hands, both men connecting but neither budging. Covington comes forward in the closing seconds, grinning at dos Anjos, who gets the final word with a short left hook.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Covington (48-47 Covington)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Covington (48-47 Covington)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Covington (48-47 Covington)

The Official Result

Colby Covington def. Rafael dos Anjos via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) R5 5:00

Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero

Round 1

Dan Miragliotta is the referee for tonight's 185-pound main event, which remains a five-rounder but is no longer a title fight due to Yoel Romero missing weight on Friday. Whittaker comes out attacking the lead leg of Romero with side kicks and oblique stomps, then switches to traditional leg kicks in between pumping his jab. Romero hasn't offered up anything through the first two minutes, seemingly content to stay on his back foot and figure out Whittaker's puzzle. When Romero does start striking, he's throwing big, single power punches. Whittaker maintains a more measured approach, dipping in and out of range, attacking Romero's legs while keeping his jab in the Cuban's face. Romero keeps his guard high, shelling up when Whittaker comes forward to jab. Whittaker crouches low, goes body-head and then ducks under a spinning backfist from Romero right at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Whittaker

Round 2

Whittaker starts the second round in the same manner as the first, going after the left leg of Romero with stomps and kicks. Romero continues to fight at a sluggish pace, seemingly waiting for an opportunity to counterstrike, but rarely offering up any counters. Whittaker is staying busy, keeping his distance and picking at the "Soldier of God" with jabs and body kicks. Even when Romero comes forward, he's not throwing much, though he does manage to put a kick or knee on Whittaker's midsection. Romero whiffs on a slow-motion spinning backfist. Whittaker catches him turning and pops him with a jab, and Romero's right eye begins swelling up instantly. Romero blocks a head kick, clinches up with Whittaker, but releases the champion before attempting a takedown. In the final 30 seconds, Romero is standing stock-still in front of Whittaker, who is happy to feed his stationary target some more jabs and leg kicks.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Whittaker

Round 3

Romero comes out aggressive and stings Whittaker with a huge right hand in the first 30 seconds. The champion hits the deck momentarily, then scrambles away on roller skates, trying to avoid Romero's follow-up fire. Romero can't keep Whittaker on the ground, but back on the feet, he's able to rock the young Aussie with punches and elbows up against the fence. Nearly two minutes in, Whittaker still hasn't recovered from the early knockdown, though he's started to tag Romero back as they fight in the clinch. Romero backs up to land another power punch, then hugs Whittaker against the cage. Whittaker reverses to the outside position and puts a knee in the breadbasket of Romero, who's looking tired after expending a lot of energy going for the finish. Whittaker eats another flurry of punches on the fence and is forced to go on the retreat. Romero tries to walk him down, but the "Soldier of God" marches straight into a head kick. With under a minute to go in the third, both men are starting to look spent. Whittaker takes the outside position in the clinch, and both fighters look content to take a 20-second breather at round's end.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Romero
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Romero
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Romero

Round 4

The championship rounds begin with the fighters toe-to-toe in the center of the cage. Whittaker looks to be the fresher fighter, slightly bouncing on his toes as he sizes up the virtually motionless Romero. Backing up Romero to the fence, Whittaker keeps his distance while attacking with jabs and low kicks. Romero blocks a right high kick, so Whittaker fires a few at his knees and midsection. A front kick clips Romero on the cup, and referee Miragliotta pauses the fight to give Romero time to recover from the accidental foul. Action resumes with 3:30 on the clock, and Whittaker looks refreshed from the rest as he attacks Romero's midsection with hard front kicks. Romero nods his head in acknowledgement as he inches forward on the champion, ripping a left hand to the champion's body. The middleweights are trading shots in the final minute when a right hand from Romero puts Whittaker on rubber legs. The champion recovers before the horn, but not before taking another Cuban right hand on the chin.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Romero
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-9 Romero
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Romero

Round 5

Whittaker gets caught off-balance with a Romero one-two, circles away and comes back to hit the challenger with a body kick. Romero is still attempting spinning strikes, albeit very slow ones at this late stage of the bout. Meanwhile, Whittaker continues to stomp on Romero's left knee, just as he was in the opening round. Romero explodes forward and floors Whittaker with a hellacious left hand, then tries to pound out the wounded champion. Whittaker tries to drive forward on a single-leg, but the Olympic wrestler defends the takedown with ease and continues to bash Whittaker from the sprawl. Whittaker climbs back to his feet but doesn't let go of the leg, and he soon finds himself back on his knees. Whittaker stands up, eats a knee, now has his legs kicked out by Romero, who's in control from the rear waistlock position. Whittaker still hasn't recovered from the knockdown, isn't doing much of anything as the final two minutes tick away and Romero holds him in place. Referee Miragliotta separates the fighters with under a minute remaining. Whittaker catches Romero throwing a spinning kick and trips him to the ground, but Romero springs back up to finish the fight on his feet.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Romero (48-47 Romero)
Ben Duffy scores the round 10-8 Romero (48-46 Romero)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Romero (48-46 Romero)

The Official Result

Robert Whittaker def. Yoel Romero via Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) R5 5:00