UFC Fight Night 123 ‘Swanson vs. Ortega’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Antonio Braga Neto vs. Trevin Giles

Round 1

Giles comes out swinging and backs up Braga Neto with a pair of hard, straight punches. The Brazilian tries to clinch, gets popped with another punch, then double-jabbed as Giles backs him up some more. Giles takes a low kick from Braga Neto and lets out a war cry before resuming his forward movement. Giles continues to keep Braga Neto on the outside, mixing jabs and long body shots to prevent the ground specialist from getting hold. Two minutes in, Braga Neto manages to get Giles in a bodylock, and a few seconds later, he has the American on the floor. Braga Neto postures up in Giles' half guard as he looks to pin "The Problem's" left arm behind his back. Giles gets his back flat to the ground and his arm out of danger, but he is still dealing with heavy top pressure from Braga Neto. The Brazilian wants to mount but doesn't have enough room on Giles' right side, which is flush to the fence. Braga Neto manages to sock Giles with a couple solid right hands before hunting for an arm-triangle setup. Braga Neto can't get the choke but manages to mount Giles in the final 40 seconds. Giles recovers half guard but finishes the round on the bottom.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Braga Neto
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Braga Neto
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Braga Neto

Round 2

Giles gets back to working his jab in the opening minute of round two, once again keeping Braga Neto out of clinching range. A right cross from Giles catches Braga Neto leaning, adding to the redness spreading across Braga Neto's face. Giles goes to the body with a left, but a few seconds later, it's Braga Neto landing a right hand over the top, his best punch of the fight so far. Giles lands a one-two, then a big right hand that has Braga Neto backpedaling. Giles steps inside with a right hand and then sends a short left crashing into Braga Neto's jaw. Two minutes left in the middle frame as Giles continues to get the better of the striking exchanges. Braga Neto is taking damage to his lead leg, too, and the Brazilian is stuck in reverse as Giles keeps jabbing his way forward. In the final 20 seconds, Giles tags Braga Neto with an overhand right, then a left hook, another right hand, but Braga Neto will survive to see round three.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Giles
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Giles
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Giles

Round 3

Braga Neto is on the hunt for an early takedown, and he manages to trip Giles to the ground at the base of the fence inside the opening minute. Braga Neto looks to hop on Giles' back, but Giles escapes out the back door and wants referee Frank Trigg to order his opponent to his feet. Giles finds the mark with a right hand, then resumes snapping back Braga Neto's head with stiff jabs. A powerful one-two stuns Braga Neto, who looks to be barely hanging on as Giles pours on the punishment. Referee Trigg is telling Braga Neto to fight back when a blistering right hand from Giles lands flush and sends Braga Neto slumping to the canvas.

The Official Result

Trevin Giles def. Antonio Braga Neto via KO (Punches) R3 2:27

Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Davi Ramos

Round 1

Gruetzemacher lands a right hand behind a double jab, but Ramos eats it and strikes right back with a nasty knee to the body. The first takedown attempt from Ramos is stuffed by "Gritz," and the lightweights reset on their feet. Gruetzemacher works from the center of the cage, but Ramos charges him with a big right hand, now a two-piece that lands clean. Gruetzemacher kicks the leg out from underneath a shooting Ramos, then drops a couple hard hammerfists on the grounded Brazilian. Gruetzemacher opts to stand as Ramos rolls underneath, grabbing for a leg. The 155ers are back to moving around the edge of the cage. Gruetzemacher is stringing together some leg kicks, but now Ramos comes flying at him with a knees that finds its mark. Halfway through the round, Ramos catches a low kick and converts it to a takedown, landing in half guard on Gruetzemacher's right side. Referee Mark Lawley calls for work as the Brazilian works to advance position. The ref continues to ask for more work even as Ramos is framing up an arm-triangle choke, trying to extract himself from half guard. Gruetzemacher rolls to his side, defends his neck from a brief Ramos guillotine attempt, and Ramos finishes the round on top, dropping body punches.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ramos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ramos
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ramos

Round 2

Ramos catches Gruetzemacher stepping in and blasts the American with a speedy combination. Gruetzemacher barely avoids a head kick, then eats another pair of punches as he backs up. Gruetzemacher lands knee to the body, but Ramos gets hold of the leg and uses it for another takedown in the center of the cage. Gruetzemacher quickly wraps up from the bottom, looking for a standup, and the impatient Lawley obliges within 20 seconds. Gruetzemacher continues to push forward, cracking Ramos with a couple good uppercuts, then shutting down a double-leg shot from the Brazilian. Suddenly, it's Gruetzemacher on the ascent and Ramos glancing up at the clock just midway through the middle round. Gruetzemacher keeps marching, zapping Ramos with another hard combination. Ramos dives on a slow-motion double but somehow manages to spin Gruetzemacher to the ground. Gruetzemacher doesn't stay down this time, and with 90 seconds left, it's Gruetzemacher pushing the pace, walking Ramos down wirth low kicks. Ramos is still throwing back, though, and a right hand over the top slows down Gruetzemacher for a moment. Gruetzemacher strikes back with a knee to the body, just before Ramos takes him down again. Gruetzemacher holds Ramos in a headlock, neutralizing the action on the ground in the final 20 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ramos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ramos
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ramos

Round 3

Ramos wastes little time putting Gruetzemacher on the floor with a bodylock takedown, then immediately attaches himself to the American's back with both hooks. Gruetzemacher is caught in a rear-naked choke almost as soon as he hits the canvas, and Ramos forces a tap within seconds.

The Official Result

Davi Ramos def. Chris Gruetzemacher via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 0:50

Iuri Alcantara vs. Alejandro Perez

Round 1

Perez bounces forward on the relatively stationary southpaw Alcantara, who catches the Mexican's lead left hands in his right glove as the bantamweights test the range in the opening minute. Both fighters land hard shots in an exchange, but neither man budges and the slow pace continues through the second minute. Halfway through the round, the 135ers are still fighting cautiously, though Alcantara is having success with sporadic low kicks, now a left hand to the body. There's not much to mention until the final minute, when Alcantara lands a heavy left kick to the body and gets a spinning backfist to the face in return. Alcantara finishes the round with another burst of punches that puts Perez on his back foot.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alcantara

Round 2

Perez catches a front kick from Alcantara and trips the Brazilian to the ground, then backs up and allows him to stand. "Turbo" lands a low kick and slides backward to dodge Alcantara's spinning elbow counter. With little action through the first two minutes, the Fresno crowd is starting to let the bantamweights hear it. Perez sparks things with a right hand upstairs, now a shot to the body. Alcantara answers with a straight left to the jaw, suddenly Perez's offense dissipates. Perez catches a kick and hustles Alcantara against the fence, but the larger Brazilian is able to muscle his way out of the clinch. Alcantara counters a low kick with a straight left hand that knocks Perez backward. Alcantara rushes forward and gets clipped with an Alcantara counter as they hit the final 30 seconds of the round. Alcantara dives forward in the final 10 seconds, looking for a late takedown, but Perez tosses him to the mat.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10

Round 3

The final round begins with another slow 80 seconds before Perez lunges into range and touches Alcantara with a single left hand. Alcantara lands a few tapping low kicks but is mostly busy catching Perez's left hand in his glove. Alcantara starts inching forward while Perez hops backward, both men still waiting to counter. Perez lands a body kick and hurls a big right hand over the top, but Alcantara makes him miss. Alcantara takes a left kick to the body but swings back with a right hand. Perez stuffs a takedown attempt and then turns the tables on Alcantara by working for a single-leg on the fence. Alcantara denies the shot, so Perez stands up to pin "Marajo" on the cage with an underhook. The fighters separate with 60 seconds on the clock. Alcantara throws a front kick, caught by Perez, and again the Mexican foot-sweeps Alcantara to the floor. Back up comes Alcantara, pressing forward with 40 seconds left to go. A straight right hand puts Alcantara on the floor momentarily, but the Brazilian comes charging in the final 10 seconds, wrestling Perez to the ground just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Alcantara (29-28 Perez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-29 Perez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez (29-29 Draw)

The Official Result

Alejandro Perez def. Iuri Alcantara via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Frankie Saenz

Round 1

Dvalishvili misses with a spinning kick and gets wrapped up by Saenz, but the UFC rookie turns the tables by digging an underhook and pinning Saenz against the fence. Saenz spins him around and catches Dvalishvili in the Thai clinch, delivering a pair of hard knees to the midsection. Dvalishvili is covering his liver as he barges forward, plowing Saenz to the ground. The fighters clashed heads in the exchange, and it looks to have opened a sizeable cut over Dvalishvili's right eye. Nonetheless, the Georgia native has a grip on Saenz and is slowing the fight down by wrestling the smaller man against the wall. Saenz lands another knee to the gut and breaks away now two minutes into the opening stanza. Dvalishvili tries a double-leg at the fence, but Saenz thwarts it with a bodylock over the top. Dvalishvili drags him to the ground anyway; Saenz gets to one knee, up against the fence, then climbs back to his feet with 75 seconds left. Saenz dodges another spinning kick and comes back to hit Dvalishvili with a body punch. Dvalishvili takes a kick to the body but catches it and takes down Saenz again. Saenz is back on his feet with 20 seconds left, defending a last-second takedown from Dvalishvili to stay standing at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Saenz
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dvalishvili
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Saenz

Round 2

Saenz drops his head as he throws a left to the body, and Dvalishvili clicks him back with a counter left hook. Another Thai clinch from Saenz yields some more hard knees to the body of Dvalishvili, who converts the clinch into another takedown. Saenz gets back on his feet in a hurry and gets back to pushing the pace on Dvalishvili, trying to pressure the newcomer with strikes. Dvalishvili clinches again, trapping Saenz on the wall, but again it's Saenz doing the better work in the clinch with knees to the Georgian's gut. Dvalishvili drags Saenz to the floor again, now with three minutes on the clock. Saenz is back up 10 seconds later, and now the bantamweights separate to resume striking. Saenz darts inside to throw another knee to the gut, gets caught with a left hand on the exit. Dvalishvili gets another heavy knee to the body but scores another takedown. Once the fighters hit the mat, however, Dvalishvili is doing very little, only trying to keep Saenz on the ground with no attempt at offense. Referee Frank Trigg orders the fighters back to their feet with 60 seconds left. Dvalishvili stuffs a takedown attempt from Saenz, touches the American's face with a slow left hand. Saenz keeps his balance on Dvalishvili's final shot to deliver another knee to the body, but Dvalishvili's second effort yields a last-second takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dvalishvili
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dvalishvili

Round 3

Saenz clinches to land a knee to the body, but once again the position gives Dvalishvili an easy takedown. The fighters clash heads again in the exchange, and this opens another, even deeper looking cut on Dvalishvili's left brow. Saenz powers back to his feet and escapes with 3:20 on the clock. Saenz backs up Dvalishvili with a knee to the face, then tacks on a big left hook, but the Georgian slows things down with another clinch on the wall. Dvalishvili nearly completes a single-leg; Saenz hits his knees and springs back to his feet, but he can't escape Dvalishvili's clinch. The fighters separate with 1:45 remaining in the bout. Saenz presses forward with another clinch knee, now sprawls all over a shot from Dvalishvili. The double-leg attempts from Dvalishvili don't have much behind them now, allowing Saenz to drive Dvalishvili's face into the mat as he sprawls. Dvalishvili instead tries a single-leg at the fence, bringing Saenz to one knee with 45 seconds left. Saenz lands a flush uppercut that seems to stagger Dvalishvili, but the Georgian is able to clinch up for the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Saenz (29-28 Saenz)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Saenz (29-28 Dvalishvili)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Saenz (29-28 Saenz)

The Official Result

Frankie Saenz def. Merab Dvalishvili via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Carls John de Tomas vs. Alex Perez

Round 1

Perez opens with kicks to the lead leg and body of de Tomas, who swings punches in return but can't land anything clean on the UFC rookie. De Tomas counters Perez's next entry with a short right hand to the temple that forces Perez to reset. The boxing and counterstriking of de Tomas starts to pick up in the second minute, and the Filipino shuts down Perez's first takedown attempt of the bout. Perez pulls de Tomas down to his knees, where the Californian slaps on D'arce choke setup and rolls de Tomas onto his side. De Tomas resists the choke, but Perez isn't finished working for the sub, now switching to a modified guillotine as he keeps de Tomas on his knees. With two minutes left, de Tomas climbs back to his feet, freeing his neck. Perez thwarts de Tomas' takedown attempt, however, putting de Tomas on his knees once again. Perez starts hunting for another choke, looping his right arm around de Tomas' neck and looking to grab his bicep on the other side. De Tomas defends well, his head glued to the ground until he's able to drive forward on Perez's legs. Perez widens his base at the fence with 30 seconds left and elbows de Tomas in the head before forcing him to the ground. Perez hits de Tomas with a hard elbow through the guard before time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Perez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez

Round 2

Perez snatches up a quick single-leg takedown, landing in side control on de Tomas' left side just 20 seconds into the round. Perez immediately begins working for a kimura, and when he can't secure that, the UFC newcomer drops a heavy elbow on de Tomas' face. De Tomas rolls to his knees, but Perez is reaching across his body, trapping his left hand. Perez lands right hands to de Tomas' unprotected face, now drives a big knee into his ribs. De Tomas is getting roughed up on the floor through 90 seconds of the round, and now Perez starts to frame up another choke attempt. De Tomas isn't prepared for this one, and when Perez applies the anaconda choke and rolls onto his side, de Tomas is forced to tap out.

The Official Result

Alex Perez def. Carls John de Tomas via Submission (Anaconda Choke) R2 1:54

Luke Sanders vs. Andre Soukhamthath

Round 1

The southpaw Sanders pressures Soukhamthath backward toward the fence, then catches the "Asian Sensation" with a left hook but misses with a big uppercut. Soukhamthath takes a kick to the body, throws a right hand but gets picked off by Sanders with a counter left. Sanders' left hand is working early, but when he comes lunging at Soukhamthath to strike, the Rhode Island native shoves him to the ground. "Cool Hand Luke" jumps back to his feet before Soukhamthath can capitalize, and now goes back to slinging hard left hands in Soukhamthath's direction at the midway point of the round. Sanders lands a hard one-two and moves in behind the punches to pin Soukhamthath against the fence. Sanders shoots a clinch knee up the outside, catching the leaning Soukhamthath on the nose and bloodying it. Short, stapling elbows and more knees keep Soukhamthath in danger down the stretch.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Sanders
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Sanders
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sanders

Round 2

Sanders brings the pressure to Soukhamthath at the start of round two, once again sticking hard left hands in the short-notice replacement's face. Sanders ducks inside and throws a left hand which misses, and Soukhamthath makes him pay with a beautiful, devastating counter left hook. Sanders drops to the ground in a heap, and Soukhamthath pours the punches on his wounded opponent until referee Josh Rosenthal stop the bout. Andre Soukhamthath comes from behind and scores a stunning knockout to upset Luke Sanders.

The Official Result

Andre Soukhamthath def. Luke Sanders via TKO (Punches) R2 1:06

Liz Carmouche vs. Alexis Davis

Round 1

Davis touches Carmouche with a right cross in an early exchange, then digs double underhooks and pushes her against the wall. Carmouche lands a few short elbows as she defends the takedown, but "Girl-rilla" is already bleeding from her nose after taking a hard shot from Davis. One minute in, Davis continues to work for the bodylock takedown, keeping Carmouche trapped on the fence. Davis drops to try a single-leg, now back to the underhooks, and referee Frank Trigg is going to separate the fighters with three minutes left in round one. Now it's Carmouche tying up and hitting a fast trip takedown that puts Davis on her knees at the fence. Carmouche holds the Canadian in a front headlock and drives a couple knees into her ribs, but Davis is able to power back to her feet with 1:45 remaining. Carmouche completes another takedown, and now Davis tries to control her opponent with rubber guard. Davis throws up an armbar with 40 seconds on the clock; Carmouche does well to defend, stacking up Davis at the foot of the fence, but Davis has the arm extended. Carmouche lifts and slams Davis in the final 10 seconds, and the American hangs on to see round two.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Davis
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 2

Davis lands a low kick, takes one to the body, then catches Carmouche's leg and trips her to the floor. Davis kneels down in Carmouche's half-butterfly guard, looking to step over to the left side. Carmouche maintains guard, wrapping up Davis as they enter the second minute of the round. Davis peppers the body of Carmouche with punches from top position, doing just enough to prevent referee Frank Trigg from standing up the flyweights. Davis moves to half guard, possibly looking for an arm-triangle choke as they hit the midway point of the round. Carmouche shifts underneath and reclaims full guard, now pulls rubber guard and pops Davis with some short elbows to the side of the head. Referee Trigg warns the fighters to stay busy, as the 125ers have hit a bit of a stalemate on the floor. Carmouche briefly threatens with a triangle setup, but Davis snuffs it out. Trigg stands up the fighters with 45 seconds left in the round. Carmouche lands a push kick to the body, now a sweeping right hand to the face of the incoming Davis. The Canadian walks inside to clinch up, but it's Carmouche scoring a trip takedown in the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Carmouche
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Carmouche

Round 3

Davis is sporting some significant swelling above her left eye as she comes out for round three, and Carmouche targets the damaged eye with a right hand in the opening seconds. Carmouche catches Davis wakling forward and zaps her with a big right hand. Carmouche looks to have Davis in trouble when the American slows things down with a takedown. Davis not only has a chance to recover on the floor, but nearly catches Carmouche in a guillotine on the way down. Davis slows the pace to a crawl with rubber guard, perhaps looking to set up another armbar or a triangle. Carmouche gets caught in an armbar but muscles her way free by lifting and slamming Davis on her head. Carmouche comes back down in side control, but Davis soon reclaims full guard. Down to the final 90 seconds now, Carmouche slows things down with a can opener, jamming Davis up against the base of the fence. Referee Trigg calls for more action, and Carmouche obliges with perfunctory right hands to the ribs. Davis hits a surprise sweep in the final 10 seconds and throws a flurry of punches to try and steal the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Davis (29-28 Davis)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Carmouche (29-28 Davis)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Carmouche (29-28 Carmouche)

The Official Result

Alexis Davis def. Liz Carmouche via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Benito Lopez vs. Albert Morales

Round 1

Lopez charges straight at Morales and blasts him with a left high kick, but Morales eats it and circles away on the outside. Morales catches a low kick from the "Golden Boy" and dips inside to take a standing rear waistlock, but Morales quickly escapes. Morales storms back to sting Lopez with a stiff jab, but now Lopez drops Morales with a big flying knee. Lopez comes down on top with a mounted guillotine, and it looks like Morales will be forced to tap. Morales is trapped in the guillotine for the better part of a minute before he's able to bump Lopez out of mount and escape. The bantamweights scramble back to their feet, where Morales corrals Lopez against the fence with another waistlock. Morales applies one hook and tries to climb onto Lopez's back, popping the Team Alpha Male product with left hands in the process. The attack slows in the final minute, but still Lopez is unable to peel Morales off his back. Lopez keeps control and continues working Lopez with left hands until the horn sounds to end the wild opening round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lopez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Morales
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Morales

Round 2

Both bantamweights connect with jabs in the early going of round two, and Lopez mixes a few nice body kicks in with his attacks. Morales takes the body shot and keeps pressing forward, but the jab of Lopez is keeping him at bay. Lopez continues to punish the body of Morales with kicks, now goes up top with another left high kick. Morales' chin is on display here, as he continues to walk through every clean shot Lopez throws his way. Lopez finds the body again with another kick; this time, Morales snipes over the top with a counter right hand. Morales strings together a nice body-head combination and slides out of the way, as Lopez's leaping kicks and knees begin to come up well short of the target.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Morales
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lopez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Morales

Round 3

Lopez presses out from the center of the cage as both fighters stick jabs in a tense opening minute. Another left high kick finds the face of Morales, this time cutting him underneath the right eye. Morales works Lopez's lead leg with kicks, then rips into the body of the "Golden Boy" with a right hand. Morales catches Lopez coming inside and picks him off with a left hook, then does it again when Lopez sits down to throw a right hand. The left hook of Morales continues to land as they hit the final 90 seconds of the bout. Morales catches a kick but can't make anything of it; Lopez misses with a few flashy, leaping kicks, takes a punch to the body in return. Lopez lunges at Morales with one last flying knee but can't find the homerun shot, and it's Morales who gets the final word with one last left hand.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)

The Official Result

Benito Lopez def. Albert Morales via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Eryk Anders vs. Markus Perez

Round 1

Perez fires a quick right high kick on his fellow southpaw, but it's Anders controlling the movement in the first minute, closing the distance on the Brazilian newcomer. Anders digs an underhook and traps Perez on the fence, then drops to try and complete a single-leg. Perez does well to keep his balance with his back against the wall, then escapes Anders' clutches and circles back to the center. Anders zaps Perez with a straight right hand and moves in to clinch again. The middleweights trade knees to the body as they pummel for position. Perez reverses to take the outside position with double underhooks, now drops to try a double-leg. Perez lifts and slams Anders to the canvas with 2:15 remaining in the opening round. Perez tries a D'arce choke, but can't find the right angle, and Anders frees himself to scramble back to his feet. Anders is looking to get something going late, rushing Perez with a missed head kick and a left hand. Perez dips out and tries to run away, but Anders slaps his face with a kick. Anders dodges a spinning elbow and takes the back of Perez as they lean against the fence. Perez is clowning a bit in the final 20 seconds, dropping his hands and enticing Anders to blitz him. Perez evades the attack and uses Anders' momentum to toss him to the ground, allowing Perez to end the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Anders
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Anders
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Anders

Round 2

Anders comes out swinging, with big left hands aimed at Perez's head. The former college football player runs Perez against the cage, lands a couple left hands and then backs out to avoid a Perez cartwheel kick. Perez doubles over to grab for Anders' legs, gets warned by referee Mark Smith for grabbing the shorts, then eats a kick from Anders as they separate. Anders connects with a big uppercut, a left hook, then backs out as Perez grabs for a leg. The 185ers meet back in the center with 3:30 on the clock. Perez lands a couple low kicks, then gets dropped with a left. Anders stays patient and measured, calmly walking down his wounded opponent. Perez looks to have shaken the cobwebs as he evades Anders' follow-up attack, but the hands of "Maluko" are hanging by his waist. Anders is backing Perez straight up against the fence as they hit the final two minutes of the round. Perez shoots a weak takedown attempt and is easily pushed away. Anders floors Perez with a left high kick and traps the Brazilian on his knees, dropping hammerfists on his face. Perez is fading here, and Anders is all over him, roughing up the UFC newcomer with heavy shots from half guard. Perez somehow climbs to his feet and tries to come up with a kimura as Anders drags him back to the floor.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Anders
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Anders
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Anders

Round 3

Anders gets Perez backpedaling and floors him with a pair of punches in the first 20 seconds of the round. The exhausted Perez tries to work back to his feet, gets caught kneeling and takes a knee to the chest. As he stands up, Perez eats another knee from Anders, and now Perez is just stumbling around the cage. Anders catches up with "Maluko" and throws a knee to the fence, then fends off a brief guillotine attempt by planting Perez on the canvas. Both fighters are looking spent now, as Anders takes a bit of a breather in top position with 2:45 on the clock. Perez isn't doing much to improve his position, either, as he rests on his back, holding Anders in a loose headlock. Anders pops his head free, postures up and puts a left hand on Perez's right ear. Anders stands with 45 seconds on the clock, waits a few seconds and then kneels back down in Perez's guard to ride out the uneventful final minute.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Anders (30-25 Anders)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Anders (30-27 Anders)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Anders (30-25 Anders)

The Official Result

Eryk Anders def. Markus Perez via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-26, 29-28) R3 5:00

Scott Holtzman vs. Darrell Horcher

Round 1

Holtzman aims a few big right hands at the southpaw Horcher, can't connect cleanly, and now changes levels for a takedown attempt. Horcher backs up to the fence, reverses to the outside position with double underhooks and stomps on Holtzman's feet a bit. Holtzman spins to the outside, trips Horcher to the floor and lands in the open guard of the Pennsylvanian. Holtzman stands up and drops a big right hand on Horcher's jaw, then drops back down in half guard with 2:30 on the clock. "Hot Sauce" tries to tee up Horcher's head for some hard elbows, but Horcher is alert on the bottom, repeatedly moving his head out of harm's way. Horcher gets back to his feet and is greeted by a knee to the face, but "The Saint" turns the tables on Holtzman with a takedown of his own. Holtzman climbs back to his feet quickly, leaps at Horcher with a flying knee and slips to the ground again. Horcher winds up on top with 60 seconds left but can't get much going from the dominant position. Holtzman powers back to his feet, drives a knee to the body of Horcher, but it's Horcher sneaking in a nice uppercut before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holtzman

Round 2

Holtzman pushes forward, gets clipped with a counter left hook and barely keeps his footing. Now it's Horcher on the advance, catching his wounded opponent with another left hand that leaves some "hot sauce" leaking from Holtzman's nose. Holtzman slows things down with a takedown at the fence, now postures up in Horcher's half guard and tries to regain momentum with some ground-and-pound. Referee Mike Beltran calls for action, and Holtzman obliges with a few left hands to Horcher's face. Horcher uses an underhook to stand, now halfway through the round and the fight, but Holtzman quickly trips him back to the ground. Holtzman postures up to try and land some hard strikes, but Horcher is doing well to deflect the shots from the bottom. Referee Beltran orders the fighters back to their feet with 60 seconds left. Holtzman barges right into the clinch and trips Horcher straight back to the canvas. "Hot Sauce" stands over Horcher, eats an upkick but gets Horcher back with a series of hammerfists before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Holtzman
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holtzman

Round 3

Horcher fends off Holtzman in the first 30 seconds with a left hook and a clean jab, but Holtzman keeps pressing forward until he can press his opponent against the fence. Horcher isn't standing still this time, zapping Holtzman with an uppercut in the clinch. Holtzman backs away momentarily, then dives on Horcher's legs to try a double on the fence. Horcher keeps his footing but can't get his back off the fence. Holtzman releases to land a standing elbow, then comes right back to hug Horcher against the wall. Holtzman completes another takedown with 2:35 remaining in the bout. Horcher tries to post and stand but gets his right arm stuck behind him while Holtzman pops him with short punches to the face. Referee Beltran brings the fighters back to their feet with 1:45 left to fight; Holtzman doesn't like the call. Horcher catches Holtzman with a knee as the wrestler comes shooting for another takedown. Holtzman eats it and drives through, plowing Horcher to the floor at the base of the fence. Horcher hunts for a last-ditch kimura from the bottom as they enter the final 60 seconds of the bout. Holtzman fishes for an armlock of his own, but he has no room to work with the cage up against Horcher's left side.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Holtzman (30-27 Holtzman)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Holtzman (30-27 Holtzman)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Holtzman (30-27 Holtzman)

The Official Result

Scott Holtzman def. Darrell Horcher via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Marlon Moraes vs. Aljamain Sterling

Round 1

Moraes comes out swinging hands, then catches a kick and trips Sterling to the ground. Referee Michael Bell steps between the fighters as Sterling gets back to his feet. As soon as Bell moves out of the way, Sterling changes levels and shoot straight on Moraes' legs -- straight into a devastating knee. Sterling is out before he hits the ground, and Moraes walks off with a stunning, highlight-reel knockout.

The Official Result

Marlon Moraes def. Aljamain Sterling via KO (Knee) R1 1:07

Gabriel Benitez vs. Jason Knight

Round 1

Knight shoots out of the corner and meets Benitez with a straight right hand. The southpaw Benitez fires back with a left hand and a kick to the body. Knight catches Benitez reaching with a left and momentarily drops him with a counter over the top. Knight shoots a double-leg and drives Benitez against the fence, but after a few seconds in the position, Benitez grimaces and referee Mark Smith pauses the fight. Smith calls for the doctor, who examines Benitez's hand and quickly clears him to continue. Smith takes a point away from Knight, apparently for biting Benitez on the finger. Knight appears apologetic, calling the foul an accident, and action resumes. Benitez starts to find his range with his left hand, so Knight moves in for a clinch on the fence. Benitez reverses and trips Knight to the ground, and now the Mexican sets up in Knight's full guard. Knight shifts and twists underneath, looking to lock down an arm, but Benitez opts to bring the fight back to the feet. Two minutes left in the opening round, and Knight is back to swinging for the fences. Benitez slips a wild right hand and triples up on his jab before angling out of the pocket. Knight eats a straight left but continues to come forward in the final minute. Benitez is making Knight miss badly on his combinations late in the round, then coming back to slug the American with some nice lefts. Benitez stuffs a takedown attempt and catches the bloodied Knight with an uppercut at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Benitez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Benitez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Benitez

Round 2

Benitez slams a left kick into Knight's body and slides back to avoid the return fire. "Moggly" is moving in and out of range, hitting Knight almost at will through the first minute of the round. Knight, meanwhile, is swinging wild punches, mostly coming up empty as Benitez does well to evade. Knight shoots and completes a quick takedown, can't keep Benitez on the floor but hangs on as they stand up. Knight drags Benitez back to the floor, but Benitez reverses and wants to stand up. Blood is leaking from Knight's mouth as he stands up and plods forward, walking into another clean left hand from Benitez. The strikes are showing on the face of Knight, who's looking increasingly tired. It's Knight moving forward, but Benitez moving in and out of range, mixing up punches to the head and body. The outstretched hand of Knight catches Benitez in the right eye, and Smith pauses the fight to call the doctor once again. After a prolonged examination, Benitez is cleared to continue, and action resumes with 1:40 on the clock. Benitez knocks Knight backward with a front kick, then catches a kick and trips "The Kid" to the floor. Back up comes Knight, still chasing Benitez around the cage, looking for a home run with big right hands. Benitez continues to beat Knight to the punch in almost every exchange. One sequence in the final 40 seconds appears to hurt Knight, but the Mississippi native just keeps walking forward until the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Benitez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Benitez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Benitez

Round 3

Knight comes out swinging but only walks into more punishment from Benitez, who lights up the American with a few clean left hands and a left high kick in the opening minute. Knight connects with a right hand over the top, but Benitez just eats it and smiles. Benitez is on the retreat, continually backpedaling to avoid Knight's advances. Benitez stays put long enough to land one counter left that nearly sends Knight tilting. Half the round remains now, and Knight just keeps creeping forward on Benitez, swinging with right-handed haymakers. Knight tries to clinch and gets hurled to the ground by Benitez, who strolls away and calls Knight back to his feet. Knight's face is a mess, his nose and mouth bloodied and swollen. Knight is getting turned around when he throws strikes and narrowly avoiding Benitez's counters. The fighters go toe-to-toe in the center of the cage with 70 seconds left. Knight keeps coming forward, trying for a late takedown and instead being mounted. Knight goes for a last-ditch heel hook or toe hold, but Benitez rides out the brief sub attempt to hear the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Benitez (30-26 Benitez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Benitez (30-26 Benitez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Benitez (30-25 Benitez)

The Official Result

Gabriel Benitez def. Jason Knight via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27) R3 5:00

Cub Swanson vs. Brian Ortega

Round 1

Referee Mike Beltran is the third man in the cage for tonight's all-California main event, scheduled for five rounds in the featherweight division. Judges Derek Cleary, Ron McCarthy and Marcos Rosales will score the bout at cageside. The fighters exchange leg kicks in a slow-paced opening minute, with Swanson landing a few more than Ortiz over the next 60 seconds. Ortega catches Swanson pressing forward with a right hand, but Swanson swings right back to counter. Swanson tests out a few feints and level changes, then fires a left high kick, blocked by Ortega with a glove. Ortega covers up as Swanson fires a combination, tacking on a low kick at the end. Ortega backpedals to avoid most of Swanson's next charging combo. Swanson slows things down and stays on the outside with low kicks as they fight inside the final two minutes. Ortega eats a right hand over the top, slides backward and pops the incoming Swanson with a jab. Swanson goes to the body of Ortega with a double jab, lands a leg kick and then flashes a left hook to the face of "T-City." Out of nowhere, Ortega snares Swanson in a tight guillotine and rolls him to the ground. Swanson is on his back, Ortega hooking his leg, locked in the choke as the final 20 seconds tick down. Swanson bucks and struggles, goes face down and somehow stays conscious long enough to hear the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Swanson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Swanson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Swanson

Round 2

Swanson puts a jab in Ortega's breadbasket, lands a low kick but eats a left hook in return from "T-City." Swanson doubles up on a right hand, dodges a punch from Ortega and snaps off a jab. Swanson is varying his strikes nicely here, goes to the legs with kicks, the midsection with jabs and the head with hooks. Ortega is wearing the shots well and continuing to press forward, but now Swanson snaps back his head with a big uppercut. Ortega tries to close the gap, walks into a left hand, but eventually presses Swanson against the fence. Ortega scores with a knee to the body in the clinch, takes an uppercut from Swanson in return. Swanson fends off a single-leg attempt from Ortega, who jumps guard with another arm-in guillotine attempt. Swanson is still standing and looks like he may be able to shake Ortega off, but Ortega adjusts the choke, and now it's extremely tight. Swanson can't shake him, and before he drops to the ground or goes unconscious, he taps out. Brian Ortega snares Cub Swanson in a shock second-round submission to remain unbeaten.

The Official Result

Brian Ortega def. Cub Swanson via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 3:22