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UFC Fight Night 101 ‘Whittaker vs. Brunson’ Results: Play-by-Play & Updates



Saturday's live UFC Fight Night 101 “Whittaker vs. Brunson” (current odds) coverage kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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Jenel Lausa vs. Zhikui Yao

Round 1

Lausa opens with a left hook that catches Yao off balance, but the Chinese fighter regains his footing and swings back with a hook of his own. The flyweights trade hooks, and again it's Lausa looking to land the harder strike. Lausa presses forward with his jab and appears to take a finger to the left eye from Yao's outstretched arm, but referee Greg Kleynjans says fight on. Lausa sizes up Yao and swings over the top with a right hand, then follows up with a left hook. Yao is blinking from the combo as he backpedals again, and Lausa walks him down with more punches. Yao throws a leg kick but has to hop away as Lausa tries to catch it. The fighters clash near the cage and Yao staggers to the ground after a close-quarters exchange. He jumps back to his feet with 60 seconds on the clock. Lausa continues to land with his jab, but now Yao clips the Filipino fighter on the temple with a reaching left. Lausa responds with a heavy body blow, followed by a counter right which sends Yao crashing to the mat. Yao powers back to his feet and Lausa marches him down, swinging heavy leather to try and finish before the horn, but Yao is saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lausa
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lausa
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lausa

Round 2

Yao lands a few low kicks in a tense opening minute, but Lausa soon begins to find his range with the jab again. Yao shoots in for a single-leg, can't get anything behind it as Lausa pushes down on his head. Lausa fires a head kick which appears to only graze Yao's head at first; however, it lands on the temple and Yao slumps to the floor in a delayed reaction. Lausa tries to polish off his wounded opponent with punches, then drops to the ground with a guillotine, but Yao works his way free. Yao spends only a few moments in top position before Lausa sweeps, stands and asks the ref to bring Yao to his feet. Lausa punches his way inside, grabs a standing rear waistlock and rides Yao down to his knees. Yao gets hold of one of Lausa's legs, sits up and drives him against the fence, where the fighters separate with 90 seconds remaining. Yao times a low kick perfectly and runs Lausa to the floor with a single-leg. With 30 seconds left, Yao postures up to land some heavy punches through Lausa's wide open guard. Yao stands and connects with a few more hard shots, then has to go defensive as Lausa throws up a triangle.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lausa
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lausa
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lausa

Round 3

Yao gets his mitts up to deflect some early jabs from Lausa, but the Filipino is also doing well to evade Yao's jabs and low kicks. Lausa breaks through with a jab, then begins to string together some punches around the 90-second mark. Yao pushes forward and backs up Lausa to the fence, but it's Lausa springing toward Yao and dropping him with a speedy right hand to the nose. Yao climbs back to his feet, seemingly unfazed, and continues to walk forward. Yao puts a solid low kick on Lausa's left knee, but Lausa continues to score the better shots with his right hand. Yao gets dropped to one knee again but refuses to stay down, each time springing back up to square off with his opponent. Lausa sticks a lovely jab and then sidesteps in anticipation of a double-leg, leaving Yao shooting on legs that aren't there.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lausa (30-27 Lausa)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lausa (30-27 Lausa)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lausa (30-27 Lausa)

The Official Result

Jenel Lausa def. Zhikui Yao via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Marlon Vera vs. Guangyou Ning

Round 1

The southpaw Ning opens with a chopping kick to the inside of Vera's left leg, then follows the Ecuadorian around the outside and swings a massive overhand right. Vera blocks it and circles away, but Ning stalks him to connect with another pair of heavy leg kicks. Vera drops his hands and shakes his hips at Ning, taunting the Chinese fighter to engage. Ning stays measured and gives Vera another massive leg kick, then just misses with an overhand when Vera sprints away on his back foot. Vera scores with a kick to the midsection, gets backed up with another rush of punches. Ning throws a high kick but it's caught by Vera and uses to run him against the fence. Referee Steve Perceval warns Ning multiple times for grabbing the fence as Vera works to take him down with a bodylock. Vera spins to the rear and jumps on Ning's back, then stays glued on when Ning hurls himself to the ground. Vera secures back-mount with a body triangle and punches at Ning from behind, looking to open up the neck for a rear-naked choke. Ning defends with two-on-one hand control and keeps his chin tucked to survive the final 30 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vera
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Vera

Round 2

Vera is looking a bit more aggressive at the start of round two, pressing forward and swinging punches in the opening minute. Ning reverses the momentum and resumes his leg-kicking in the second minute, reclaiming some ground despite Vera scoring with a solid body kick. Vera is starting to slow down a little now, freezing up on his back foot as Ning ups his pressure. A sequence of nasty low kicks hobbles Vera near the fence, and Ning capitalizes by putting the Ecuadorian's back on the mat. Heavy top pressure from Ning as he works his way to half guard on Vera's left side, then leans across to try a kimura or straight armbar. Ning can't get the arm, so he slides into full mount, but Vera pushes him back and reclaims full guard. Vera rolls Ning over the top and escapes to his feet just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ning
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ning
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Ning

Round 3

Ning comes out with a ferocious attack, backing up Vera to the fence with chopping low kicks and heavy punching combinations. Vera withstands the attack and pushes out to the center, where he gets Ning's attention with a body kick and then floors him with a straight shot to the jaw. Vera can't pound out the dazed Ning with hammerfists, so he attaches himself to the Chinese fighter's back. Ning scrapes him off, then stays prone while Vera stands over him. Ning sits up and drives forward on a double-leg, pushing Vera against the wall with under three minutes remaining. The featherweights come back to the center; an exhausted Ning whiffs on a spinning back fist, then absorbs a kick to the face. Vera looks the fresher of the two fighters, still snapping off jabs and walking down his fading opponent. Ning may have found a second wind here in the last minute, but Vera just keeps coming forward, backing up Ning with a body shot, now a hook, finishing with a clinch knee to the gut. They're still throwing when the final horn sounds, and this one will be decided by the judges.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vera (29-28 Vera)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vera (29-29 Draw)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Vera (29-28 Vera)

The Official Result

Marlon Vera def. Guangyou Ning via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Dan Hooker vs. Jason Knight

Round 1

Hooker lines up southpaw as he cuts angles around the outside in the opening minute, waiting for Knight to come forward with punches. Knight lands a reaching right hand that doesn't seem to faze Hooker, then another moments late which puts "The Hangman" on his seat. Hooker regains his wits and jumps back to his feet, where Knight continues to move him around the edge of the cage. Hooker dodges a right hand, sticks a jab which immediately marks up the face of Knight. The American takes another pinpoint shot on the nose, then a left straight to the jaw, and suddenly it's Hooker taking control of the bout from his back foot. Knight is throwing heavy combinations but coming up short against the taller man. Hooker uses his jab and long, straight left effectively, keeping Knight on the outside and constantly snapping back the American's head. Knight shoots behind a combination and floors Hooker with under two minutes on the clock. Hooker works his way back to his feet, sticks another jab on Knight's face, but when Knight shoots again, it's straight back to the canvas. Knight attaches himself to Hooker with an awkward side-body triangle and hunts for a rear-naked choke, but Hooker easily rolls him over. Now in top position, Hooker stacks up Knight in the final 30 seconds but can't inflict much damage.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Knight
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Knight
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Knight

Round 2

Hooker waits for Knight to throw a combination and then zaps the American with a beautiful counter left to the jaw. Knight reaches in for a single-leg, but Hooker denies the takedown this time. Hooker catches a kick and pops Knight with a punch, but the Kiwi gets caught leaning forward and is clipped by Knight in return. Knight's next shot yields a takedown with just over three minutes remaining in the round. Straight to the back goes Knight, locking on to Hooker with another body triangle. Hooker tucks his chin to fight off Knight's rear-naked choke attempt, but Knight keeps squeezing, maybe trying for a face lock or neck crank. The added effort sees Knight's forearm slip underneath Hooker's chin, but Hooker shows great tenacity in peeling away Knight's hands and freeing himself from the RNC. Knight is still stuck on with the body triangle, still attacking with elbows and short punches from the rear. Knight catches Hooker slipping and gets an arm around his neck, but Hooker battles his way out of the submission once again.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Knight
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Knight
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Knight

Round 3

Knight begins to find his range early in round three, clipping Hooker with right hands that barrel in behind short lefts. Knight's first takedown attempt goes nowhere, but his second try puts Hooker's back against a cage post. Working on a single-leg, Knight has to slow his roll and separate when the long-limbed Hooker starts to go for his neck. Hooker steps forward into pawing jabs from Knight, but "The Hangman" strikes back with a snappy right hand down the middle. Knight fails on another takedown try, jumps up and puts a one-two on Hooker's face. Hooker is pressing forward but there's not much urgency with two minutes left in the bout. Knight dives for a single-leg, then an ankle pick, but Hooker easily steps away. The featherweights are going punch-for-punch now in between Knight's diving takedown attempts. Knight slugs Hooker with a pair of rights; Hooker gives him a shot in return. Knight tries to pull guard now but Hooker isn't having it. It's kitchen sink stuff from Knight here in the final moments, attacking with all manner of punches and push kicks. Knight gets rocked by a late combination but Hooker's follow-up attack isn't enough to put away the American before the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Hooker (29-28 Knight)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Knight (30-27 Knight)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Knight (30-27 Knight)

The Official Result

Jason Knight def. Dan Hooker via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Geane Herrera vs. Ben Nguyen

Round 1

Herrera comes flying across the cage and knocks Nguyen to his seat with a flying kick to the chest. Nguyen springs back to his feet, greeted by a hook from Herrera, who denies Nguyen's attempt to clinch on the fence. The flyweights trade body kicks as the pace slows momentarily in the second minute. Nguyen misses as he pushes forward with a straight punches, but a blocked head kick and follow-up right hand put "La Pulga" on the mat near the fence. Herrera recovers and stands quickly, and moments later he's hit with an inadvertant foot to the groin on the back end of a Nguyen knee to the body. Herrera comes back and gets another left high kick to the head; he answers with a heavy hook to Nguyen's ribs. Nguyen looks to be controlling the distance with long right hands and low kicks as they enter the final two minutes of a busy opening frame. Herrera thumps Nguyen's body with a left kick, takes a pair of punches in return. Nguyen is a flurry of activity when he pushes forward, firing punches down the middle while stomping toward Herrera with high knees to the body. Herrera gets an underhook and tries to corral Nguyen on the fence, but he's turned around and hit with a pair of punches before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nguyen
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nguyen
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Nguyen

Round 2

As the second frame begins, Herrera is sporting some swelling around his right eye, where he absorbed a pair of high kicks in the opening round. Nguyen sticks to his jab and long punches in the first two minutes, keeping the shorter Herrera on the outside. Herrera scores with a knee when Nguyen comes too close, but Nguyen is winning the war so far with his volume striking. Nguyen snaps off a jab to the chest, then one to the jaw and comes over the top with a right hand. Herrera grazes with a flying knee but eats three or four more punches in return as he stands in front of Nguyen. Down to the final 90 seconds of the round, Nguyen keeps Herrera at bay with jabs to the chin, now a spinning back kick to the body. Herrera keeps stepping forward, pumping his jab but not inflicting much damage on the fleet-footed Nguyen.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nguyen
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nguyen
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Nguyen

Round 3

Nguyen catches Herrera with a pair of right hands, but Herrera gets his arms up to block a big right high kick. Very nice flowing strikes from Nguyen here, using punches and uppercuts to slide into the pocket, then attacking Herrera with inside elbows and low kicks. Backed up to the wall, Herrera changes levels and shoots a double, but it's easily denied by Nguyen. Both fighters seem to be feeling the wear now, midway through the final round, but Nguyen is clearly the fresher fighter and still has plenty of pop on his punches when he does throw. Herrera is being chopped down with leg kicks and punching combos, landing about one strike for every five scored by Nguyen. Herrera scores with a clinch knee in the final seconds of the bout, but it looks to be too little, too late.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nguyen (30-27 Nguyen)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nguyen (30-27 Nguyen)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Nguyen (30-27 Nguyen)

The Official Result

Ben Nguyen def. Geane Herrera via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Richard Walsh vs. Jonathan Meunier

Round 1

Walsh exchanges early leg kicks with the 6-foot-3 southpaw Meunier, who keeps his right arm outstretched to hold "Filthy Rich" at range. Walsh gets through with a hard right hand, but Meunier eats it and continues to work off his back foot. Walsh comes away from the next exchange complaining of a finger in the left eye, but referee Steve Perceval takes no action. Nice level change from Meunier as he ducks under a Walsh left hook, and "The French Spider" drives a knee to Walsh's midsection before separating. Walsh blocks a head kick midway through the round, and the welterweights continue to wade in and out of range. Meunier grabs for a high double-leg, can't get any purchase and instead smack Walsh with an elbow on the way out of the pocket. Meunier puts a few stomping oblique kicks on Walsh's left thigh. Meunier is beginning to use his length to great effect, popping the shorter man with long jabs, low kicks, now a spinning backfist. Meunier changes levels again and hits a takedown inside the 30-second mark, finishing the round in top position.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Meunier
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Meunier
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Walsh

Round 2

Walsh comes charging at Meunier with punches, then shoots for a double, but the French Canadian spins him around and stays vertical with the help of the fence. Meunier separates and retakes his position in the center of the cage, working Walsh around the perimeter. Walsh steps forward with a single jab, misses; Meunier ducks under and grabs for a leg, can't get it and hits Walsh with a right hand on the break. Walsh tries to jab his way forward, but he's picked off by the longer, more precise jabs of his opponent. Meunier lands a spinning kick to the midsection, takes a right hand on the cheek in return. With two minutes on the clock, Meunier snatches up a kick and tries to drive Walsh to the floor, but Walsh hops backward on one leg and stays standing. Back to the center come the 170-pounders, Meunier continuing to redden Walsh's nose with sharp jabs. Walsh times an attack well and level-changes into a takedown, but he's unable to keep Meunier on his knees after the initial attack. It's Meunier getting the final word in the round with a Thai-clinch knee and a spinning hook kick to the face of the Aussie.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Meunier
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Meunier
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Meunier

Round 3

Walsh latches on to the first kick of the round from Meunier and uses it to drive the taller fighter against the cage. "Filthy Rich" switches to underhooks, now a bodylock as he tries to rip Meunier away from the fence and down to the floor. Meunier defends well and even scores with a few knees while defending the takedown on the wall. The fighters separate with just over three minutes on the clock, and now it's Meunier ducking inside for a takedown. Walsh tries to snare him in a guillotine as he's taken down, but Meunier steps over to side control to neutralize any danger. Walsh rolls up and scrambles to his feet with two minutes remaining, and suddenly it's Walsh tagging Meunier with an overhand right that puts "The French Spider" on rubber legs. Meunier recovers quickly and gets back to firing off long punches, some of which look to have bloodied Walsh's left eye. Walsh clinches up in the final minute, locks his hands around Meunier and drags him to the mat with a double-leg. Meunier rolls to his knees, stands with Walsh still wrapped around his waist and then gets busted back to the mat. Walsh is bombing for a finish here, but opening up to strike allows Meunier to power back to his feet before time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Meunier (30-27 Meunier)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Walsh (29-28 Meunier)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Meunier (29-28 Meunier)

The Official Result

Jonathan Meunier def. Richard Walsh via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Damien Brown vs. Jon Tuck

Round 1

Tuck takes the center of the cage but quickly closes the distance on Brown, then shoots a close-quarters shot at the fence. The takedown works, but Brown grabs a guillotine with his right arm as he's planted on the mat. It takes a few seconds, but Tuck works his head free and now jams Brown's left side against the fence while working from half guard on the right. Tuck peppers Brown's face with short left hands, then some stapling elbows as they enter the third minute of the round. Tuck is looking to gift-wrap Brown's left arm but doesn't have much space to maneuver with the fence on that side. Brown is shifting his hips, trying to push Tuck away and create space to escape, but he's forced to cover up after Tuck unloads a pair of heavy punches. Brown recovers and powers back to his feet, then swings forward on Tuck, who evades the punches and gives the Australian a wide grin. Brown flicks out a jab as he tries to gain back some ground here in the final minute. An uppercut gets through for Brown, then a kick to the body, but it's Tuck who sends Brown back to the mat with a thumping right hand in the closing moments. Tuck immediately pounces and attaches himself to the back of Brown, who's bleeding from the left side of his face at the end of the round after being cut open by Tuck's big right hand.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Tuck
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tuck
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Tuck

Round 2

Brown opens the round with a few low kicks, tries to wade inside and gets caught on the cup by an inside leg kick from Tuck. The Australian needs only a few seconds to recover from the foul, and they're back to action with four minutes left in the frame. Tuck's offense has really dropped off here in round two, while Brown is starting to turn up the volume with hard leg kicks. Tuck strikes down the center with a right straight, gets another low kick from Brown, and the lightweights exchange smiles. Brown looks to be gaining confidence as he launches an unsuccessful spinning kick in Tuck's direction, then waves for the Guam native to engage. Tuck has a kick caught and stumbles backward to the center of the cage, but seconds later, he catches the incoming Brown with a stiff jab to the face. The fighters trade body kicks down the stretch, and they'll go to what looks like a decisive final round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Brown
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Brown
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Brown

Round 3

Tuck works from the center at the start of the final round, but it's Brown sticking and moving around the outside, attacking with punches and hard low kicks. Tuck connects with a punch that splits open the bridge of Brown's nose, then another which puts the Aussie on his seat at the base of the wall. Brown climbs back to his feet and forces Tuck to cover up with an elbow strike in the pocket. The lightweights come back to the center, where Tuck snaps off a neat front kick to Brown's chest. Brown shrugs it off and raises his hands, trying to draw Tuck into an exchange, but the "Super Saiyan" stays measured. Tuck lands a jab, ducks low and dodges Brown's telegraphed right hand over the top. Brown's face is a bloody mess with two minutes left to fight, all the plasma streaming from the center of his nose, down across his grill. Brown tries a spinning kick but only catches Tuck on the arm as the Guamanian circles away. Tuck scores with a body kick, gets clipped by an elbow from Brown. It's Brown pushing forward as they fight inside the final minute; Tuck blocks a pair of head kicks and then pushes forward on Brown, but doesn't do much. Brown tries to steal a late takedown and gets tossed over Tuck's hip. Brown scrambles back to his feet, only to be push-kicked to the floor just before the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tuck (29-27 Tuck)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tuck (29-28 Tuck)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Tuck (29-28 Tuck)

The Official Result

Damien Brown def. Jon Tuck via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Daniel Kelly vs. Chris Camozzi

Round 1

Kelly rumbles forward with hands high in the opening minute, but it's the quicker jabs and one-two's of Camozzi are the more effective weapons in the early going. Camozzi continues to work off his back foot through the first half of the round, constantly beating the plodding Kelly to the punch. Kelly keeps trying to flick out jabs and find his range against the taller man, but he's having real trouble so far. Suddenly, Kelly comes across the center with a left hand that gets Camozzi's attention. The Aussie pushes Camozzi against the wall for a few seconds, releases and catches the American with another reaching left hand. Camozzi answers by slicing open Kelly on the forehead with an elbow strike in the pocket, but it's Kelly who closes the round with a late takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Camozzi
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kelly

Round 2

Kelly presses forward with aggression until he's able to wrangle Camozzi against the fence. From there, the former Olympic judoka trips Camozzi to the canvas and postures up in the American's tight half guard. As he peppers Camozzi with short punches, Kelly is spraying blood all over the mat from the gash Camozzi opened at the end of round one. Two minutes in, it's all Kelly so far in round two, although he isn't doing much damage from top position. Camozzi tries to shrimp underneath, shifts his hips to reestablish full guard as Kelly continues to grind away with short elbows and punches. Kelly is staying busy enough to avoid a stand-up order from referee Herb Dean, but the Aussie continues to leak blood all over the floor and his opponent. Camozzi works to kick off the wall with his long legs, but Kelly pins him in north south position, then moves to side control and drives a few knees into the American's body. Camozzi's face is looking a little lumpy after spending nearly a full round underneath Kelly, absorbing pressure and ground strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kelly
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kelly

Round 3

Kelly gets cleaned up between rounds, but it's less than a minute before the cut over his right eye has coated his face with blood once again. Camozzi works off his back foot, firing off jabs to keep Kelly at a distance. Kelly manages to come over the top with another good left hand, but he's still absorbing many more strikes than he's inflicting here in the final frame. Two minutes in, Kelly gets hold of Camozzi and jams him up against the fence, but Camozzi is able to separate and circle away after only a few seconds. Kelly keeps coming forward, lands the left again but can't get hold of Camozzi, who creates space and jabs Kelly's face some more. Kelly finally manages to clinch up with 90 seconds on the clock, rips Camozzi away from the wall and slams him to the mat. Both middleweights look spent as they battle on the floor, Kelly landing very short punches while Camozzi comes up with a harder elbow strike from his back. Camozzi ties up Kelly in full guard, so Kelly stands with 10 seconds left and then comes back down to finish the fight throwing punches.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kelly (29-28 Kelly)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kelly (30-27 Kelly)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Kelly (30-27 Kelly)

The Official Result

Daniel Kelly def. Chris Camozzi via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Seo Hee Ham vs. Danielle Taylor

Round 1

Ham presses forward in a wide southpaw stance, slipping off center as Taylor fires a right hand in the opening seconds. Taylor scores with a kick to the body as Ham continues to close the gap. Ham comes away from an exchange holding her eye after Taylor rakes an open hand across the Korean fighter's face. After a quick check from the cageside doctor, Ham is ready to resume her forward march. Ham reaches out and grabs hold of Taylor's lead hand, then follows through with a nice kick to the midsection. Taylor lands a leg kick, but it's timed well by Ham with a thumping left hand over the top. Ham continues to move forward and finds a lovely left-handed counter to Taylor's face. Taylor is sporting a mouse above her right eye now, and another straight left from Ham doesn't help the damage. Taylor connects with a right straight, but Ham leans away from it as the punch connects and begins coming forward again immediately. Ham fends off a late takedown attempt and catches Taylor with another solid left hand to the face in the last 20 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ham
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ham
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Ham

Round 2

Ham is waiting for the first right hand from Taylor and clips the American with another straight left on the counter. Taylor lands a leg kick as she goes back to hopping around the outside, constantly cutting angles as Ham walks her down from the center. Taylor strikes with a clean right straight, her hardest punch so far in the fight, but Ham just eats it and keeps on pressing. Taylor launches an awkward kick and gets clipped on the chin by Ham's counter left. Ham catches Taylor leaning in and rattles off a three-piece combo, though only one of the punches appears to land cleanly. Taylor is landing some glancing blows, but the reach of Ham gives the Korean fighter the advantage as they continue to strike from range. At the one-minute mark, Taylor connects with another strong right straight, then just misses with a hook that wraps around Ham's head. Ham just keeps coming forward, as she has been for almost 10 minutes now. Taylor dives on a late takedown and gets hurled to the ground, then mounted by Ham in the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Ham
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ham
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Ham

Round 3

It's more of the same at the start of round three, with Ham providing constant forward pressure and Taylor skittering around the edge of the cage. Ham misses with a lunging punch and gets tagged by Taylor on the counter. A short right hook from Ham leaves Taylor swinging at air with a pair of hooks. Ham bites on a feint, still lands a left-handed counter, but gets cracked by Taylor's right hand on the turn-around. Ham's punches are looking a bit more desperate now, more swings and misses as Taylor is engaging less and proving a bit more evasive. Taylor catches Ham with a head kick which doesn't seem to faze the Korean strawweight. Ham comes away from another exchange complaining of an eye poke, but referee John Sharp says to fight on, and Taylor attacks her wounded opponent as Ham tries to call time-out. Taylor gets Ham in a headlock as the strawweights clatter to the ground in the closing seconds of the bout.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Taylor (29-28 Ham)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Taylor (29-28 Ham)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Taylor (29-28 Ham)

The Official Result

Danielle Taylor def. Seo Hee Ham via Split Decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29) R3 5:00

Khalil Rountree vs. Tyson Pedro

Round 1

Pedro switches between southpaw and orthodox stances as the lefty Rountree presses outward from the center of the cage. The Australian is scoring the better shots in the opening minute with a series of low kicks, but that changes when Rountree floors him with a straight left hand. Pedro powers back to his feet, drives forward and plants Rountree at the base of the fence. Rountree posts up and tries to stand, but Pedro is draped all over him. Rountree is back on his feet for all of a minute before Pedro trips him back to the mat. It's short, grinding ground-and-pound from Pedro before Rountree rolls to his side and Pedro takes his back. Pedro rolls Rountree onto his stomach, flattens him out and applies a rear-naked choke, forcing Rountree to tap out within seconds.

The Official Result

Tyson Pedro def. Khalil Rountree via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 4:07

Yusuke Kasuya vs. Alex Volkanovski

Round 1

Kasuya strikes first with a pair of straight left hands, then ducks under Volkanovski's first attack and floors the UFC newcomer with a fast double-leg takedown. Volkanovski stands and turns Kasuya against the fence, but Kasuya uses over-unders to limit damage and then tries to throw Volkanovski to the floor. Volkanovski keeps his balance and pushes Kasuya against the wall again. Kasuya sits out and almost reverses; Volkanovski keeps him pinned to the fence and then drops levels for his first takedown of the bout. Midway through the round, it's Kasuya with his back against the fence, Volkanovski flattening him out from half guard. Volkanovski postures up and begins landing some powerful right hands, then a heavy elbow to the temple. Kasuya shifts underneath to reclaim guard, so Volkanovski stands and dives back to the mat with a right hand. Kasuya gets hold of a leg and threatens with a heel hook, then uses the position to sweep to top position. Volkanovski tries butterfly guard, but Kasuya passes to half guard on the Aussie's right side. Volkanovski looks to elevate and sweep; Kasuya stays heavy on top as they grapple inside the last minute of round one. Volkanovski gets full guard in the last 30 seconds and wraps up from the bottom. Kasuya dives on another leglock in the final 10 seconds, and Volkanovski makes him pay with four or five heavy punches to the face.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Volkanovski
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkanovski
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 2

Volkanovski opens with a leg kick, fakes a few right hands and then dives to complete another takedown at the base of the wall. "The Hulk" postures up to sock Kasuya in the face with two hard right hands. Kasuya is looking for another leg but has to give up when Volkanovski gets the angle to resume his ground-and-pound. Volkanovski stands over Kasuya now, punching down through the former Shooto fighter's guard. Kasuya is absorbing some heavy punches and elbows now, and referee Greg Kleynjans shouts for the grounded fighter to respond. Kasuya goes belly-down on another leglock attempt, leaving his face exposed for Volkanovski's thudding right hands. With Kasuya no longer intelligently defending himself, referee Kleynjans steps in and halts the bout.

The Official Result

Alexander Volkanovski def. Yusuke Kasuya via TKO (Punches) R2 2:06

Kyle Noke vs. Omari Akhmedov

Round 1

Both welterweights stick jabs in the opening 30 seconds, then both score with kicks to the body. Akhmedov stings Noke with an overhand right, putting the Australian on roller skates as he staggers backward. Akhmedov tries to finish the job with a flurry of punches, but Noke weaves well and deflects the attack with his arms and body. Now it's Akhmedov driving forward for a takedown, planting Noke on his back near the fence. Noke absorbs a few punches and elbows but does manage to shift Akhmedov from side control back to closed guard as they hit the midway point of the round. Noke tries to walk off the fence and escape, but Akhmedov is too heavy on top. Akhmedov is forced to bail when Noke throws up a triangle, but the Dagestan native comes thudding back down on Noke with a smashing punch to the face. Noke is busted open by the shot, but still has his wits about him to attempt another triangle. Noke can't catch Akhmedov in the sub attempt, and now the blood from Noke's cut is leaking into his eyes, causing him to grimace. Akhmedov passes to half guard on Noke's left side and makes things uncomfortable with a forearm across the face. Akhmedov continues to grind away with short, sharp elbows in the final half minute.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Akhmedov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Akhmedov
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 2

Akhmedov makes Noke flinch with a heavy spinning backfist that thuds off the Australian's gloves, just centimeters from his face. Noke tries to keep his opponent at bay with a few low kicks, but Akhmedov isn't pressing too hard, and the welterweights have hit a lull here in the first two mintues of the round. Akhmedov decides to shoot for a double, runs Noke against the fence and slams him to the floor with three minutes left in the round. Noke seems to be thinking triangle again as he opens and closes his guard. Akhmedov just stays heavy on top, burying his face in Noke's chest while Noke tries to find angles to strike from the bottom. Under two minutes left now, and referee Steve Perceval calls for action as the pace slows on the mat. Akhmedov obliges with a few elbow strikes, but it's not enough for the ref, who brings the fighters back to their feet with 1:10 on the clock. Akhmedov slugs Noke over the top with a sledgehammer right hand, but little else transpires in the final minute.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 3

Noke comes out looking for a front kick to the midsection, but Akhmedov backpedals out of the way. The welterweights get through 60 seconds without any significant strikes landed as they circle slowly around the cage. Noke lands an inside leg kick, but the next one is checked by Akhmedov, who seems to be just waiting for Noke to engage while slowly stepping backward. Noke throws only single punches and high kicks, though, and the stalemate continues. Two minutes in, Akhmedov begins to push forward, and he lands the best offense of the round so far after catching a kick and slugging Noke with two right hands. Noke is back on the advance with two minutes left, still without much aggression, picking at Akhmedov with low kicks. Akhmedov counters one kick with a straight right hand that backs up Noke by a few steps. Referee Perceval calls for action in the final minute; Akhmedov quickly shoots for a takedown but is denied by Noke. The next takedown try from Akhmedov is successful, and it's enough to keep Noke on his back for the final 40 seconds of the fight.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov (30-26 Akhmedov)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov (30-26 Akhmedov)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov (30-27 Akhmedov)

The Official Result

Omari Akhmedov def. Kyle Noke via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jake Matthews vs. Andrew Holbrook

Round 1

Matthews snaps off a few good kicks to the body of Holbrook, who works outward from the center of the cage while the Australian cuts angles around the outside. Holbrook scores with a body kick of his own, answered in kind by Matthews before the lightweights tie up away from the fence. Matthews uses an overhook to try a trip, but Holbrook stuffs it and works Matthews' body with a few uppercuts before they split. Matthews is landing with authority when he throws snap front kicks to the shorter Holbrook's midsection. Matthews catches Holbrook shooting in and grabs a headlock, then transitions onto Holbrook's back. Holbrook tripods up and slips out the backdoor, then stands to press Matthews against the wall. Matthews lands a nice body shot as he spins Holbrook's back against the fence. They separate with two minutes remaining and Matthews nearly chops out Holbrook's legs with a heavy low kick. Holbrook takes the opportunity to shoot for a takedown and, after a brief struggle, plants Matthews on the mat. Holbrook considers an arm-triangle choke, then switches to punching Matthews in the face. Matthews stands up, Holbrook still wrapped around him with a rear waistlock. Holbrook rides the young prospect back to the ground and jumps on Matthews' back just before time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Holbrook
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holbrook
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Matthews

Round 2

Holbrook scores with a few early uppercuts in a close-quarters exchange, then continues to walk after Matthews around the cage. Pushing Matthews against the fence with an underhook, Holbrook drops levels to grab for a leg, but Matthews widens his base and stays standing against the fence. Matthews gets Holbrook to back up with a right hand, lands another in the center of the cage and then takes the American down near the fence. Holbrook looks to have a heel hook setup, but Matthews twists his way free and sits up. Holbrook tries to stand but Matthews grabs him in a rear waistlock. Holbrook takes the opportunity to throw a series of hard, accurate over-the-shoulder elbows which connect to Matthews' face. Matthews takes his opponent down again, but now Holbrook forces him to defend against a kimura with 90 seconds on the clock. Matthews slowly works his arm loose, so Holbrook switches to a possible kneebar, then a toe hold, but he can't force a tap before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Matthews
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holbrook
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Holbrook

Round 3

Holbrook spends the better part of a minute pushing forward on Matthews before stepping back to the center and motioning for "The Celtic Kid" to engage. The Australian crowd doesn't like it, but they appreciate Matthews' left hand that connects a few seconds later. Matthews looks to have plenty left in the tank as he bounces on his toes in front of Holbrook, who's now bleeding from the corner of his right eye. Matthews gets in deep on a double-leg shot; Holbrook tries to sprawl out but instead gets turned over, flattened out and mounted. Matthews goes to slip around to the back, but Holbrook blocks the pass and then dives on another toe hold. Matthews stacks up to relieve pressure on his leg but doesn't do any striking. Holbrook releases the leg and rolls to his knees, now with 90 seconds remaining. Holbrook rolls through again, putting Matthews in his guard this time. Matthews wraps his arms around Holbrook's back and works to advance his position, while Holbrook sits up and peppers the Aussie's body with punches. Holbrook lands an elbow from the bottom and dodges one last big right hand from Matthews as time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Matthews (29-28 Matthews)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Matthews (29-28 Holbrook)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Matthews (29-28 Matthews)

The Official Result

Andrew Holbrook def. Jake Matthews via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Robert Whittaker vs. Derek Brunson

Round 1

Brunson backs up Whittaker to the fence with a jab, then changes levels and shoots in, but Whittaker fights away the early takedown attempt. Brunson is forced to back out of the pocket when Whittaker swings a heavy hook, but moments later it's Brunson connecting with a left hand and driving Whittaker against the wall. Brunson can't work the takedown, backs up and attacks Whittaker with a flurry of punches. Whittaker goes careening around the outside, seemingly staggered and getting turned around as Brunson tries to take off his head. Brunson is off-balance as he chases Whittaker around the outside, and he slips to his knees in front of Whittaker. "The Reaper" catches Brunson in a front headlock, but Brunson powers back to his feet and the middleweights clinch on the fence with half the round remaining. The frantic pace slows a bit now, but the fight comes alive again when Whittaker keeps his balance on a single-leg attempt. Whittaker tags Brunson with a combination, swelling Brunson's right eye nearly shut almost immediately. Whittaker follows up with some uppercuts, a straight right, and Brunson shoots desperately for a takedown. Whittaker stands Brunson up, tags him with a jab and then rocks him with a beautiful right high kick. Whittaker forces Brunson to the ground and smashes away with heavy hands. Referee Herb Dean tells Brunson to fight back; Brunson is covering up, but he is clearly out of this fight, and the ref steps in for the stoppage.

The Official Result

Robert Whittaker def. Derek Brunson via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) R1 4:07
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