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UFC Fight Night 180 ‘Ortega vs. Korean Zombie’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

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Sherdog's live UFC Fight Night 180 coverage will begin Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.

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Mark Striegl (136) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (136)

Round 1

This Fight Night card begins in the bantamweight division, which is where last week’s ended between Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Moraes. Nurmagomedov (13-2, 2-1 UFC), of no relation to the UFC lightweight champ, kicks things off by welcoming Striegl (18-2, 0-0 UFC) to the promotion. Referee Lukasz Bosacki will oversee this opening clash, and with a touch of gloves, away we go! Striegl stays on the outside and avoids a low kick, but when he closes the distance, Nurmagomedov lands a low kick and a right hand immediately after. Nurmagomedov flips up a head kick that gets blocked, and Striegl scores a leg kick. Striegl rushes in and gets clipped with a left hand, and he falls off-balance. The Filipino fighter tries to grab a single, and Nurmagomedov bowls him over as he starts blasting away on him. Striegl falls to his back, and the Dagestani fighter lords over him by smashing him in the face with punches. Nurmagomedov keeps raining down punishment until Striegl goes out, and Bosacki dives in to rescue the unconscious newcomer. Striegl had never before been stopped with strikes, and Nurmagomedov put him away in under a minute. What a way to start off the night!

The Official Result

Said Nurmagomedov def. Mark Striegl R1 0:51 via KO (Punches)

Gadzhimurad Antigulov (206) vs. Maxim Grishin (205.5)

Round 1

Vaulting up to the light heavyweight division, it’s an all-Russia battle as Antigulov (20-7, 2-3 UFC) comes to blows with Grishin (30-8-2, 0-1 UFC). The third man inside the Octagon is referee Anders Ohlsson, and there is a sporting glove touch to check this match in. Both heavy hitters keep their distance in the early going, and there is not a single worthwhile strike thrown for the first minute until Grishin slaps a light leg kick. Grishin paws out his left hand to find his range but he is not throwing it, and he kicks the lead leg again. Grishin kicks from the outside, leading to Antigulov crash forward and attack a single leg takedown. Grishin stuffs it and gets pressed to the cage, where Antigulov grinds on him and lands a few knees to the midsection. Antigulov gets off a shoulder strike or two in the process, but Grishin manages to gain separation and they return to the center of the cage. Antigulov charges in and gets dinged with a left hand on the way in, but he still engages in a clinch for a moment until Grishin pushes off. Antigulov swings and misses with a looping left hand, and he closes the distance to mash “Maximus” against the cage wall. Grishin pushes away, strings together a stiff combination of punches, and punctuates it with a heavy leg kick that makes Antigulov’s knee buckle. Antigulov fakes a spin and draws a wide reaction from his opponent, but he returns to his stance, and then switches it. Antigulov bull-rushes his opponent with punches, and Grishin ducks them and avoids the brunt of their impact on his guard. Grishin lands a jab and a leg kick at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grishin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grishin
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grishin

Round 2

Grishin leads off the round with a leg kick, and he is well out of the way when Antigulov flings a spinning kick at him. Grishin pushes forward and Antigulov grabs hold of him and takes Grishin’s back. Antigulov manages to drag Grishin down to a knee, and puts his full weight on his opponent as he gets elbowed in the face. Antigulov gets a hook in but Grishin is tight to the fence to prevent the other hook, so Antigulov lets the hook go to knee Grishin in the thigh repeatedly. Antigulov swirls around to attack a takedown, and he elevates Grishin and sets him down. Grishin scrambles, gets to his feet, and reverses the position to get Antigulov pushed to the cage on a knee. Antigulov turns him about, scores a right hand and considers a takedown, but when Grishin stuffs it, he bails. Antigulov pursues a takedown but gets swept and put on his back, and as he falls, he latches on to a guillotine choke. Grishin stays calm, pops his head out, and takes full mount where he starts unloading with strikes. Antigulov pulls his toes through the fence but in the process, Grishin is slamming him in the forehead with heavy elbows. Grishin keeps scoring on top while Antigulov is trying to defend himself, and his elbows and punches are adding up fast. When Grishin gets a little too high in mount, Antigulov sneaks out the back door and pops to his feet. Antigulov charges in and snaps Grishin’s head back with a right hand, leading to Grishin try to take the fight down. Antigulov bullies him on the fence with a few knees, but Grishin turns him around and rips the body several times. Grishin backs away and begins a furious barrage of strikes to the body and head, and Antigulov covers up against the cage. Grishin keeps pouring it on, landing over 20 punches to the head and off his opponent's guard as Antigulov tries and fails to fire back at him. Ohlsson has seen enough, as Antigulov is not intelligently defending himself and just absorbing shots -- some may call it an early stoppage -- and the fight is over mere seconds before the round ends.

The Official Result

Maxim Grishin def. Gadzhimurad Antigulov R2 4:58 via TKO (Punches)

Jamie Mullarkey (156) vs. Fares Ziam (156)

Round 1

Moving on at the lightweight division, it’s an Australia vs. France showdown as Mullarkey (12-3, 0-1 UFC) comes to blows with “Smile Killer” Ziam (10-3, 0-2 UFC). This bout between two men desperately seeking their first UFC win will be overseen by referee Lukasz Bosacki, and the glove touch starts things off. Ziam begins the fight with a resounding leg kick, and Mullarkey tries to respond but it has nowhere near the power. Ziam targets it again, and then a third time. When Mullarkey jabs to the body, Ziam nearly tags him over the top. The Frenchman lets loose a front kick, and Mullarkey grabs it, pushes Ziam to the fence, pulls him back a ways and takes him down. Mullarkey gets on top, but he only keeps it for a moment before “Smile Killer” takes his opponent’s smile away by sweeping him. Ziam postures up and scores a heavy elbow, and Mullarkey stands up but gives up his neck. Ziam allows him back up, and when they split, he gets off a cracking elbow. Mullarkey lands a pair of right hands and takes as nasty leg kick, and his reply not nearly as impactful. Mullarkey’s leg is already reddening after just a couple of these kicks, and Ziam keeps on his bike and scores a left hand. When Mullarkey tries to clinch up, Ziam times a short elbow and the clinch dissipates. The Frenchman connects with another heavy leg kick, and backs off before getting countered. The Aussie grabs him and tries to push him back to the cage, but Ziam keeps away and absorbs a thudding leg kick. Mullarkey steps in to an overhand right, and he ducks out of the way from a counter. Ziam barely misses a front kick and slips over, but he gets up before Mullarkey can take advantage of the position. The two trade jabs briefly before both get off left hands, and Mullarkey is marching him down. Ziam changes levels for a single leg takedown, and he presses the Aussie to the cage before landing it. Mullarkey is able to power back up quickly, and Ziam returns him to the mat from behind. Mullarkey once more powers his way back up, and almost lands his own trip but Ziam keeps his balance. The round ends before either can ground the other.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ziam
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ziam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ziam

Round 2

The two lightweights touch gloves and Mullarkey gets clipped on the way in as he advances. Ziam keeps him back and dings him with a leg kick, but Mullarkey commits to an overhand right and tags Ziam. He uses this forward momentum to press Ziam to the fence, and the Frenchman tries to sneak in an elbow when he forces a separation. Mullarkey kicks his opponent’s back leg twice, and Ziam jabs him back while avoiding an overhand right counter. “Smile Killer” fires off a head kick that glances off the head of his adversary, but Mullarkey is unfazed. Ziam leaps in the air and slams Mullarkey in the face with a knee, but the Aussie eats it like a Vegemite sandwich. Ziam circles around and stutter steps to land a left hand, but Mullarkey crashes in and clinches up. Mullarkey gets admonished for a fence grab as he shoots for a double, but Ziam breaks free. Mullarkey lunges in with a right hand and then another, and Ziam gets backed up and taken down. The Frenchman gets to one knee and Mullarkey knees him in the face possibly illegally, but no one notices. Instead, Mullarkey redoubles his effort and plants Ziam on his back. In half guard, Mullarkey smacks him a few times with left hands while Ziam holds on tight, and Bosacki is already calling for action. Ziam tries to sweep him like the last round, but he cannot get there, and instead returns Mullarkey to his full guard. Mullarkey steps over, and Ziam times the guard pass to pop up to his feet. Mullarkey comes at him with a salvo of punches, and he pushes Ziam to the ground as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ziam
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ziam

Round 3

Mullarkey is aggressive at the start of the round, but Ziam keeps his distance with several crisp jabs. Mullarkey pushes in and takes Ziam down, but a wild scramble from the Frenchman allows him to stand up. Ziam scores an elbow and shoots in for his own takedown, and a second effort from Ziam gets the fight down for him. Mullarkey reverses the position to wind up on top, and he ends in half guard. “Smile Killer” slowly works his way back up to his feet as he does not take much in the way of strikes while his opponent is on top, and he grabs a two-on-one wrist control to halt Mullarkey’s advancement. Mullarkey climbs back on top but only for a moment, and Ziam gets to his feet in time. Both men try to change levels for takedowns in the clinch, and Mullarkey keeps on his feet and pushes Ziam to the fence. Mullarkey drops down for a single, and although Ziam nails him with an elbow, Mullarkey continues the effort and grounds Ziam. The Aussie nearly takes mount, but Ziam is able to drag him back to half guard. As Mullarkey stays on top and attempts to pass guard, Bosacki urges him to work. Mullarkey answers by jumping over, and Ziam times it perfectly to flip Mullarkey on his back. In the ensuing scramble, Ziam gets hold of Mullarkey’s back but falls off. The Aussie almost gets up but Ziam pushes him down, and Ziam ends this close fight with several ground strikes from above.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey (29-28 Ziam)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey (29-28 Mullarkey)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Mullarkey (29-28 Ziam)

The Official Result

Fares Ziam def. Jamie Mullarkey via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jun Yong Park (185) vs. John Phillips (186)

Round 1

Up next is a historic battle pitting South Korea against Wales, when Park (11-4, 1-1 UFC) faces off against “The Welsh Wrecking Machine” Phillips (22-10, 1 NC; 1-4 UFC). Both men prefer the knockout, and Phillips has his 100 percent finish rate to maintain; referee Lukasz Bosacki may have his hands full in this middleweight scrap. They touch gloves, and they stare at each other from a distance while reaching out alternating hands to find their range. Nothing comes of the first 45 seconds, as Phillips stands and hops in the air as if his UFC 4 controller had been disconnected. Park charges in out of nowhere to hit a double, and puts the Welshman on his back quickly. Park has Phillips stacked against the fence, and Phillips rolls to his knees in an effort to stand up. Park keeps him there with a guillotine choke attempt, and he puts his full weight into the choke to force Phillips back down. Phillips defends it but gives up his back, and the South Korean is quick to take the back and pursue a rear-naked choke. Park bails on it and starts getting off punches and hammerfists to frustrate his man. Park flattens his opponent out and lands a few shots, but Phillips explodes back to his seat to keep the fight going. Park rains down a dozen hammerfists until Phillips turns and gets back to his knees. Park continues to punish Phillips with strikes, forcing Phillips to roll and give up his back. “The Iron Turtle” slowly and methodically gets a hook in, and then the other, as Phillips rolls to get Park with his back against the cage. Park sits in back control with a few more punches until the round ends, and the only question about that round is how many judges wheel out 10-8 scores.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Park
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Park
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Park

Round 2

The two middleweights greet with a touch of gloves, and Phillips lands what may be his first strike of the fight in the form of a leg kick. The South Korean is quick to take the fight down, pursuing a single and circling around to take Phillips’ back. Park lands several punches from on top but more importantly has his opponent trapped with no way out. Park continues to land right hands as he gets one hook in, and Phillips is on his knees but helpless as Park slowly chips away at him. No strike from Park is that damaging, but the numbers likely very high. Park thinks about a neck crank before opting to just smack his Welsh opponent in the side of the head. Park starts to pick it up with heavier hammerfists, and out of concern that the fight may get stopped, Phillips bursts out of position only to get pulled right back to the same place. Park again goes after a choke attempt, but he elects to keep punching. Bosacki asks for Phillips to protect himself, as this is a complete wipeout. Park raps the Welshman on both sides of the head and Bosacki is thinking about stopping it, but Phillips guards enough to ride out the round. One single no-look elbow from Phillips cuts Park open at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Park
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Park
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Park

Round 3

Phillips is ready to attack in the third round, knowing he is way behind on the scorecards. He lands a few punches in a combination, and pursues his own takedown. The Welshman gets reversed, and Park puts him on his back where he opens up with strikes. Phillips scoots his way back to get to the fence, but Park keeps him tight. Park sits up and starts jacking Phillips in the jaw with ground strikes, while now peppering in some elbows. Park grinds his elbow on the face of his opponent repeatedly, and Phillips may be a few absorbed strikes away from a mercy stoppage. “The Welsh Wrecking Machine” is anything but right now, although he does manage to get Park back to his guard. Phillips scrambles and tries to power back up, but Park latches on to his neck and pushes him back down. “The Iron Turtle” slowly moves an arm around to look for a guillotine, but instead decides he will keep landing strikes. Phillips gets to a knee against the fence, and Park leans his full body weight on his man to press him down. Park continues the light ground strikes, and the numbers are likely hilarious at this point as the commentary booth mentions that Park is approaching 300 total strikes landed. Park ends the round with a few elbows in side control to conclude this complete and utter mauling.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Park (30-24 Park)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Park (30-25 Park)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Park (30-24 Park)

The Official Result

Jun Yong Park def. John Phillips via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)

Gillian Robertson (125.5) vs. Poliana Botelho (125)

Round 1

The next bout comes at women’s flyweight, with a classic striker vs. grappler matchup in the form of submission specialist Robertson (8-4, 5-2 UFC) against striker Botelho (8-2, 3-1 UFC). This pairing of a Canadian against a Brazilian has drawn the assignment of referee Anders Ohlsson, and there is no touch of gloves before the two women get down to business. Robertson immediately attacks a single leg takedown in the opening seconds, and Botelho defends it and wraps up a counter choke, but there is nothing to it. The Brazilian gets back to her feet and pushes Robertson against the cage, and Robertson keeps her left knee up to defend from strikes. Botelho tries to let loose a few short shots, but Robertson defends against them. Botelho lands a knee to the body and they separate, with Botelho flinging strikes that come up short as the Canadian backs off. Both women jab at one another from a distance, and they were well out of range. The Nova Uniao fighter slams a leg kick to make Robertson stumble, and then slaps Robertson in the body with her lead leg. Robertson swings and misses with a high kick, and she shoots in from a distance for a single. Botelho keeps her balance as Robertson runs the pipe, but Botelho is strong enough to stay upright. The position stalls as Robertson keeps her opponent’s leg trapped between her knees, and when nothing comes from it, Robertson connects with a looping left hand. Botelho again goes for the heavy low kick, and this time Robertson tries to snatch it up. The Canadian cannot get it, but she does rush forward for a double. “The Savage” finally gets the takedown she is seeking, and she resides in half guard while held tight by the Brazilian. Robertson rips the body several times with knees from above, but the round ends before she can posture up or take mount.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Botelho
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Botelho
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Botelho

Round 2

Botelho begins the second round by unleashing her kicking game, getting off several nasty leg kicks and body kicks. She leaves her leg out a little too long after a body kick, and Robertson grabs her and takes her down, but Robertson loses her mouthpiece. Botelho keeps a high guard but she gets elbowed in the face to break the grip. The Brazilian keeps an iron grip to trap Robertson against her chest, so that the Robertson cannot get off any meaningful offense. Robertson separates and lands several right hands and elbows, and Ohlsson asks Robertson to work. The Canadian obliges with a few more ground strikes, but she passes over to half guard and pursues Botelho’s left arm while advancing to side control. Robertson steps over to mount, but Botelho rebuffs her as Robertson goes for a two-on-one wrist control. “The Savage” climbs into guard, and she lands a few punches and holds tight while Botelho bucks and flails to power out of the bad place. Robertson returns to mount and rips several short strikes, before she sitting up to unload some ground-and-pound. Robertson looks to her corner as she keeps striking, and Botelho tries to squeeze tight to ride out the round. The Canadian instead breaks the grip with several strikes until the round ends, when she gets her mouthpiece back.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Robertson

Round 3

The first few seconds of the round lead to a takedown attempt from Robertson, but the Brazilian stuffs it and backs off. Botelho gets off a few punches and a body kick, and she over-extends on a right hand to allow Robertson to take her down. The double is quick and easy for the Canadian, who is already in half guard as she tries to step over. Robertson stings her quickly swelling opponent with a few elbows, and pulls Botelho away from the fence to keep her down. Robertson powers over into a three-quarter mount with a few sharp strikes on top, and when she keeps raining down shots, she gets to mount. Robertson steps over to the other side as she continues her assault, and the short elbows are doing some damage. Robertson sits up high in mount and flirts with an armbar setup, but instead elects to get off more ground strikes as Ohlsson implores the Brazilian to defend herself. Robertson has Botelho flat on her back, and her explosions to get Robertson out are not working like the past rounds. Robertson keeps at it with elbows and punches, letting loose kiais as she lands each one. Botelho rolls to her side and Robertson is happy to take her opponent’s back, getting the hooks in and pursuing a rear-naked choke. A few more punches in back control end the fight, with Robertson unable to land the submission she sought.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (29-27 Robertson)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (29-27 Robertson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (29-27 Robertson)

The Official Result

Gillian Robertson def. Poliana Botelho via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Guram Kutateladze (156)

Round 1

Now at lightweight, Gamrot (17-0, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC) makes his much-anticipated UFC debut as he squares off with fellow newcomer and recently nicknamed “Georgian Viking” Kutateladze (11-2, 0-0 UFC). In a bout many are calling a potential “Fight of the Night” and one that could have been on a main card instead of headlining the prelims, the third man inside the cage is referee Lukasz Bosacki. Kutateladze opens with a kick, and Gamrot responds with a pair of jabs to the midsection. Kutateladze fires another kick and it gets blocked with his opponent’s knee, so he backs away to slap a leg kick of Gamrot’s lead leg. “Gamer” shoots in from a great distance to land a single leg takedown, and the former KSW champ is in guard ripping punches to the head and body. Kutateladze throws his right leg up to lock his man down, so Gamrot simply stands up, throws the leg aside and jumps back down, all while avoiding an upkick. In an unusual quasi-half guard position, Gamrot is on top and nearly falls into an armbar while he lands strikes. Kutateladze throws his legs up and sweeps Gamrot down, where he instantly pursues a heel hook. Gamrot counters with one of his own, forcing Kutateladze to abandon ship and kick out to get to his feet. Kutateladze swings a big right hand and gets countered, but the Georgian digs to the body with a clubbing kick. Gamrot jabs and backs away, and snaps out a left hand to make Kutateladze retreat. He does this a few times until he switches stances, and Kutateladze quickly kicks the lead leg. A front kick from Kutateladze glances off the guard, and two punches get blocked but a body kick doesn’t. Gamrot’s body is already reddening up from these kicks, but he seems unconcerned as he throws out a quick right hand. Two jabs from Gamrot lead to a takedown attempt, and the Polish fighter cannot land it as he takes a soccer kick off the dome. Bosacki warns Kutateladze, and the action continues as Gamrot lands a few more punches over the top. The round concludes with a couple kicks from the Georgian.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kutateladze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kutateladze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kutateladze

Round 2

Gamrot comes out of his corner energized but takes a huge right hand that sets him down fast. “Gamer” is as game as it gets, and he powers his way back up to his feet where he appears recovered. Gamrot darts out of the way of a body kick, and punches his way into a takedown attempt. The former KSW champ has a single but Kutateladze bounces on his rear leg to keep upright and thwart it. Kutateladze breaks free and starts spamming kicks from both legs, and Gamrot has begun to react visibly when the kick is about to land. Gamrot dodges a body kick and gets off a counter right hand, but he can only land at the end of it as Kutateladze is mostly out of range. Gamrot chops at the lead leg, ducks a punch and shoots for a takedown. Kutateladze scrambles brilliantly to roll through it and stay upright, and he lets loose a kick that clatters off the guard. Kutateladze strings together several punches that get blocked, and he follows it with a leg kick that is not. Gamrot spins with a wheel kick and is out of range, and Kutateladze closes in on him to land a few punches and a leg kick. The Georgian connects with another body kick, and as he throws a leg kick, Gamrot takes him down. “Gamer” takes half guard while Kutateladze keeps a high knee, before keeping a rubber guard that transitions briefly into an omoplata. Gamrot pushes through it and avoids the beginning of a triangle setup to get back on top, where he lands a few punches. Kutateladze keeps pushing with his legs, and he kicks Gamrot away to stand up. Both men land flush body kick one after the other like Frank Dux vs. Paco, and Gamrot is not willing to keep trading like that as he is not on the power advantage of these. Instead, Gamrot shoots for one final takedown to steal the round, but he gets stuffed as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kutateladze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kutateladze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kutateladze

Round 3

Gamrot pushes the pace in the early going, but he absorbs a leg kick and a right hand before he can pursue a takedown. He circles around and hits the takedown, but Kutateladze rolls through it and kicks Gamrot to thank him for it. Gamrot kicks him back in the posterior, and they touch gloves and laugh. Kutateladze swings with a left hand, and Gamrot is quick to duck and pursue a takedown, but the Georgian stuffs it. Gamrot lands one left hand, and Kutateladze responds with three and a leg kick. Gamrot kicks the body and lunges forward with a left hand, and the two come together for a brief exchange where they both land. Kutateladze swings with a leg kick, and the Polish fighter charges in to take him down. Although he lands the takedown, Kutateladze is quick to get to a knee and walk up the fence. Gamrot gets a mat return as he pushes the Georgian down, but like before, Kutateladze springs back up. Gamrot pushes off and knees Kutateladze in the head, but Kutateladze is completely unfazed by the strike and walks towards his opponent. Gamrot absorbs a flying knee off the gloves, and he considers a takedown but instead gets off a one-two. Gamrot swings and misses with an uppercut, and he lands a right hand but gets countered with a harder left from Kutateladze. Gamrot changes levels and gets staved off, and another one-two from “Gamer” scores. Both kick at the same time, and Gamrot reaches the face and stings Kutateladze for a moment. Kutateladze is right back on him, and as he charges, Gamrot hits a masterful takedown. Kutateladze whips his legs around to try for a submission attempt, and Gamrot pushes past it to smash down a few strikes. This fun fight ends with some ground-and-pound from the undefeated fighter.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot (29-28 Kutateladze)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot (29-28 Kutateladze)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot (29-28 Kutateladze)

The Official Result

Guram Kutateladze def. Mateusz Gamrot via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Thomas Almeida (146) vs. Jonathan Martinez (146)

Round 1

Kicking off this main card that stays on ESPN+ is a short-notice featherweight affair pitting the returning Almeida (22-3, 5-3 UFC) against late-notice replacement “Dragon” Martinez (12-3, 3-2 UFC). Both men sport solid career knockout rates, and referee Anders Ohlsson will be keeping tabs as we see if their power translates up a weight class. They touch gloves and it is Martinez with the first strike of the fight in the form of a front kick. Martinez slings a head kick as he blocks kicks that come back at him. Almeida charges in and lands a quick uppercut, and ducks away to avoid a kick. Martinez lets loose a few kicks that get blocked, and he checks a leg kick from Almeida in the process. Both men let off kicks that do not land, and Almeida connects with a short left hand. The Brazilian ducks a high kick and lands a heavy leg kick. Almeida attacks the leg again and gets countered with a crisp right straight. Almeida slings a head kick that is barely blocked, and he commits to another leg kick. Almeida connects with another leg kick and takes a front kick to the torso, before leaping forward with a left hook. Martinez counters with another check right hand, and the action is very tense between these two kickfighters. Almeida goes back to the lead leg of his opponent and slaps away a front kick, and steps in with a left hand and a right that gets blocked. Almeida eats a right hand on the way in, and he still lands a leg kick to the rear leg. The Brazilian wades in and gets jabbed a few times, and he catches a kick but cannot take advantage of it. Almeida lands a shovel right hand, and then circles out to land a few more strikes. “Dragon” jumps with a knee that Almeida simply absorbs, and Almeida rushes in with a four-punch salvo. Martinez kicks the body and keeps his jab going to disrupt his opponent. Martinez connects with a left hand, and Almeida comes back at him with a few punches. Martinez hurts “Thominhas” with a head kick that is blocked, because the impact is that fierce. He lands a few more punches, and Almeida protects his face until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 2

A glove touch clocks in the second round, where Martinez opens up with a quick power jab. Almeida chops down the lead leg a few times, and Martinez responds with a head kick that is barely blocked. Almeida ducks down with a left and then a right, and Martinez replies with a step-in knee. “The Brazilian” attempts a superman punch, but it does not land as he avoids a knee to the breadbasket. Almeida slaps off a body kick and avoids a few jabs, but Martinez lands at the end of one. A right hand from Martinez has opened a cut under the eye of his opponent, and Martinez follows it with a left hand. “Dragon” keeps his jab flowing and is targeting the damaged area, and changes it up with a head kick that is narrowly protected against. Almeida lands a leg kick, and a follow-up head kick is nowhere near the mark. All the while, Martinez continues to snap out a jab. They crash together and Martinez eats a huge left hand, and jumps in the air with a knee only to fall over. Almeida allows him to stand back up, and he changes levels for a takedown attempt. The American stuffs it and backs away, where his jab continues to mark up the face. Almeida tries to come around them with a left hand and a head kick, but they are not able to score. Almeida very nearly lands a huge right hand, and Martinez snaps the head back with a jab. Martinez cannot connect with a big knee, and both scrap it out in the last few seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 3

Almeida begins the final round with a leg kick, and Martinez is ready to start up the jabs again. Almeida shoots for a takedown, and Martinez not only stuffs it, but he delivers a knee to the midsection on the break. Almeida throws up a few kicks, but none land flush as Martinez defends himself well. The Brazilian scores a front kick and the two come together for a brief combination, and Martinez darts out of the way to land an overhand right as they separate. Martinez flicks out the jab several more times, leading Almeida to charge at him with a few reaching punches. Martinez blocks them and stings Almeida with a left hand as soon as Almeida ends his combination. A pair of hooks from Almeida fall short, and Martinez keeps jabbing. Almeida tries to land another string of punches, and Martinez catches him once more with a left hand as Almeida stands still before resetting. Almeida gets a kick checked, and he rings home a few punches that hurt Martinez for a moment. The American gathers himself and restarts his jab flow, and throws up a high kick after a few jabs. Martinez fires off another knee that gets blocked, and Almeida slings a head kick back at him. When they clinch up for a moment, Almeida lands a knee to the side. Almeida clangs a few punches off the dome, and Martinez is forced to shove him away to stop the forward momentum. Almeida lands a left hand and takes a knee, and both men slug it out for a moment. Almeida changes levels when Martinez defends himself, and he cannot get the takedown as the fight wraps. This may be a close one -- even if scorers gave one fighter all three rounds -- as these two were neck-and-neck until the bitter end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)

The Official Result

Jonathan Martinez def. Thomas Almeida via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Claudio Henrique da Silva (171) vs. James Krause (171)

Round 1

At welterweight, Silva (14-1, 5-0 UFC) faces Krause (27-8, 8-4 UFC), and the latter will try to become the first man to beat the Brazilian – Silva’s only loss came in his pro debut by disqualification from an illegal strike a la Jon Jones. Referee Lukasz Bosacki takes charge of the cage for this one, but there is nothing but respect between the two 170ers as they get things started. Silva hops forward and throws up a head kick, but Krause easily blocks it. Silva throws a leg kick, and this leads to a punch combination from his opponent. Silva tries to get off a leg kick, and then another, and Krause dodges out of the way before stuffing a takedown. The Brazilian plants a foot on Krause’s chest, and throws another kick but falls over. Krause sticks and moves as Silva wings power shots, and he lands a stern right hand on the sternum. Krause stings him with a right hand, and Silva ducks down face-first to wing a right hand but is way off. Silva clips Krause with a right hand, but Krause is ready for when the Brazilian comes at him and lands a short right hand. Silva crashes in and hits a takedown, and Krause stands up but gives up his back. Silva tries to hop on like a backpack, but he just presses Krause down. The two men scramble, and Krause delivers a solid elbow right on the face. “The James Krause” – this is his official nickname – spins out and breaks out of a bad situation. Silva recklessly wades in and misses wildly with looping punches, and Krause clips him with a counter right to make the Brazilian’s legs wobble. Silva sells out for a takedown, and Krause is way out of danger. Silva lands a right hand, a body kick, and he shoots in from a great distance for another takedown. Krause is unconcerned as he sprawls and defends it. “Hannibal” kicks the lead leg and body, and connects with a solid left hand to stun Krause momentarily. Silva eats a counter left and kicks the lead leg, before ducking down and pawing a right hand off the forward bow. Krause rings Silva’s bell with a few right hands, and as he bullies Silva to the fence with strikes, the Brazilian shoots in for a takedown. The horn sounds before anything can come from it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Krause
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Krause
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Krause

Round 2

Krause admits to his corner between rounds that his knee is injured, but he comes out of his corner by slinging a huge right hand and a leg kick. Silva bum-rushes him with a windmilling pair of punches, and Krause’s sharper strikes stick him on the way in. Krause lands to the body, points to Silva’s leg, and then scores again. Silva tries to take the fight down, but Krause acrobatically stands up and hammers Silva’s lead leg with a kick. Silva’s hands are down and he is starting to slow as he takes deep breaths, while loading up on telegraphed shots from a long distance. Krause is the sharper fighter with quick left hands and right hooks while Silva charges him. The Brazilian swings and hits nothing but air, and Krause sees it all coming and sticks and moves. Krause has marked up the nose of his opponent with pinpoint accurate strikes, and he ducks the booming shot that come his way. Silva looks for a takedown but Krause shoves him over, and Silva falls to a knee when cannot get it off. Silva telegraphs another takedown, and Krause sees it coming a mile away and stuffs it without any concern. Krause takes a left hand as he gets complacent sitting on a right hand counter, and he absorbs a right hand. Krause bullies him over, tripping the lead leg down, and Silva pops back up. Silva throws a few naked kicks and fires off a heavy right hand. He misses with another, and Krause is able to dodge and weave the home run strikes. Krause rolls when Silva lands, and he is able to land flush on “Hannibal.” A check knee stops Silva in his tracks for a second, but the Brazilian wades forward into the fire, throwing bombs all the while until the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Krause
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Krause
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Krause

Round 3

There is no glove touch to begin the last round, and Silva throws a kick that gets caught. Krause holds it in the air and lets it go, where Silva flings a right hook at him. Silva lands another, and a heavy leg kick to the damaged leg of Krause makes the American stumble. Silva kicks hard to the body and shoots from a distance for a takedown, but another leg kick hurts Krause. Krause sneaks in a left hook, and Silva whiffs with a hook to the body and a left to the head. Silva once more attacks the leg, and Silva comes up short with punches that follow while Krause is more precise. Silva throws looping shots that are all blocked or not landing, so he again targets the lead leg. While Silva is charging ahead with his hands down, chin up, Krause is able to land quicker with straighter strikes. Silva tries to fire off a head kick but it clatters off Krause’s side, and he follows this with a leg kick. Silva lets loose another, and Krause is limping but keeping a stiff upper lip as the American checks another kick. A front kick and two winding hooks all come up short, and Krause pops him with a few quick left hands. Krause changes levels and Silva staves it off with ease, and he sneaks in a right hand as Silva gets his bearings. Silva loads up on a huge right hand, and it clangs off the chin but does not bother Krause one bit. Instead, Krause dings a few right hands, and when Silva recovers, he gets off a standing hammerfist. Krause cracks his man with a right hand that knocks the mouthpiece out, and Bosacki replaces it. Silva throws everything he has left into a few inaccurate strikes, and Krause’s tighter striking stings Silva. One last front kick from Silva gets caught, and as Krause is holding it, the final horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva (29-28 Krause)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Silva (29-28 Krause)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Silva (29-28 Krause)

The Official Result

James Krause def. Claudio Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Modestas Bukauskas (206) vs. Jimmy Crute (206)

Round 1

Shifting gears to the 205-pound weight category, “The Brute” Crute (11-1, 3-1 UFC) faces another European opponent, this time in the form of “The Baltic Gladiator” Bukauskas (11-2, 1-0 UFC). In what could be an all-action battle, referee Anders Ohlsson will need to mind his P’s and Q’s in the cage, although the two light heavyweights do touch gloves to precede their mutual combat. Bukauskas starts off with a leg kick, and Crute is quick to counter him. Crute charges in and pursues a takedown, but manages to just push the Lithuanian against the cage. Crute lands a knee to the groin, and there is brief pause. Bukauskas is ready to continue quickly, and Crute swings and misses with a low kick. A right hand that follows does not miss, and Crute fires off another leg kick that connects shortly after. Bukauskas lands a one-two, and Crute slaps a kick that marks up the lead leg of his opponent already. Crute stings him with a right hand, and he continues his leg kick assault, this time on the inside. “The Brute” follows a double jab with a leg kick, and he resets for a moment. When Bukauskas comes in for a body kick, Crute smashes him in the face with a right hand to send down falling to the ground. Bukauskas tries to return to his feet but he is wobbled and met with a fierce right hand that hurts him badly. Crute slings another right hand that does not find a target, but a vicious left hook from Crute sends Bukauskas crashing down to the canvas for good. As Ohlsson is tending to a barely conscious Bukauskas, Crute sits down next to his downed opponent to hug him. What a performance for Crute, breaking up a string of six consecutive decisions tonight with a beautiful knockout.

The Official Result

Jimmy Crute def. Modestas Bukauskas R1 2:01 via KO (Punches)

Jessica Andrade (126) vs. Katlyn Chookagian (126)

Round 1

In the sudden co-main event, ex-title challenger Chookagian (14-3, 7-3 UFC) welcomes former strawweight champ Andrade (20-8, 11-6 UFC) to the flyweight division. In this bout, Andrade will look to become the first female UFC fighter to win in three weight classes, while Chookagian will try to earn one of the biggest feathers in her cap in victory. Referee Lukasz Bosacki will be the Octagon ranger for this bout, and the two ladies touch gloves before getting into it. Chookagian starts out with a jab, and Andrade rushes towards her with looping strikes that are all short – she is several inches disadvantaged in the arms. Andrade pushes past the reach disparity by plowing her way into a clinch, and she rips Chookagian’s legs out beneath her and lands on top. Chookagian employs a high guard, and she throws her legs up for a triangle choke. When Andrade lifts her in the air, Chookagian lets go so she won’t get slammed like Rose Namajunas. This sequence repeats itself, only this time Chookagian pursues an armbar instead of a triangle. Chookagian’s submission attack off her back forces Andrade to stand up, and the former flyweight title challenger walks up the fence and back to her feet. They battle it out in the clinch for a moment, and Andrade slams her leg into Chookagian’s knee so hard that Chookagian falls over. Andrade allows her to stand up and kick the leg again, and the two women clinch up. Chookagian starts spamming knees to the body, but Andrade is the one muscling her back to the wall. Chookagian circles out and lands a short elbow, but Andrade has her wrapped up tight and presses her back to the fence. Andrade stomps down hard on the toes of her opponent, and Chookagian pushes her away to start striking. Andrade gets tagged by several long punches and kicks, and Chookagian has begun to start flowing and letting loose kiais. Andrade absorbs the strikes and wades her way in to try to land strikes, but Chookagian keeps her range and clips her. Andrade throws a barrage of punches to close the distance, and she scoops up Chookagian and slams her down hard to the floor. “Bate Estaca” starts landing pile-driving punches from on top, but Chookagian is able to power her way out. Andrade blasts her opponent's liver with a right hand, and Chookagian doubles over in pain and turns around. Chookagian tries to keep a poker face but Andrade smells blood, and the former champ flies at her with a double flying knee. A left and then a ferocious right hand to the torso puts Chookagian down, and Bosacki has seen enough. Welcome to the flyweight division, Jessica Andrade. Good luck against Valentina Shevchenko.

The Official Result

Jessica Andrade def. Katlyn Chookagian R1 4:55 via KO (Punches to the Body)

Brian Ortega (146) vs. Chan Sung Jung (146)

Round 1

We have reached the main event, the one everyone has been waiting for, as two thrilling featherweights square off in a grudge match. Ortega (14-1, 1 NC; 6-1, 1 NC UFC) will be making his return after nearly two years away, and he draws an imposing foe in “The Korean Zombie” Jung (16-5, 6-2 UFC). Everyone is waiting on pins and needles including referee Lukasz Bosacki, and even though there is no love lost between these two, they do opt to touch gloves. Jung rushes forward with a few punches, and Ortega backs out of the way to slam down a leg kick. “The Korean Zombie” responds with one of his own, and he jabs to the body once. Ortega pushes him back with a front kick and then lands a leg kick. Jung nearly kicks out the lead leg of his opponent, and he eats a quick jab. Ortega jabs the body and makes “Korean Zombie” back up, and when Jung comes back, he takes a hard leg kick. This time, he gives one with equal intensity back at the American. Ortega keeps hacking at the leg, with a stomp to the knee and an outside keg kick, but Jung fires back with a few reaching punches. Ortega hops forward with a right hook, and “Korean Zombie” takes it on the chin and then a left hook without even noticing. Ortega hacks at the lead leg, and when he tries a second one, Jung meets him with one to the inside of Ortega’s rear leg. Jung jabs at the body and Ortega kicks his foe’s torso back, and this tense round sees both men standing before one another landing single strikes. Ortega lands a few leg kicks, and he avoids a right hand. Ortega catches him with a left hand, and as Jung crashes forward, Ortega is ready with a right hand. Ortega hurts “Korean Zombie” with a left hand, and as Jung falls, an errant blow skims off Ortega’s cup. Jung slings a head kick back at him, and a heavy right hand clatters off the guard. Ortega kicks the body, legs and head one after the other, and Jung blocks each of them in some fashion. Jung chops down the leg, and when Ortega closes distance, Jung turns and nails him with an elbow that would be familiar to come that saw Jung’s match with Yair Rodriguez, only far less substantial. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ortega

Round 2

A glove touch checks in the second round, and Jung steps forward with a few jabs that all come up short. Jung slaps at the lead leg and Ortega recoils it after it lands. Jung has a right hand chambered as the two men paw hands at one another, and it is Ortega who throws first in the form of a hard leg kick. Jung leaps forward with a few big punches, and most careen off the guard. Ortega tries to counter with an elbow on the inside, but it is too short to land. Ortega drops down to attack a single leg takedown, and “Korean Zombie” stuffs it with ease. Ortega stands tall and scores a right hand, and Jung responds with one while avoiding a follow-up elbow. Jung lets loose a one-two, and the strikes are each blocked, so Ortega kicks him to the body and then lands a cup check. They touch gloves, and Ortega goes right back to the front kick to the midsection. Ortega stomps at the knee again, and Jung is content to stalk him down until unleashing a short flurry of punches. Jung has several punches blocked, and Ortega responds with an uppercut counter that makes Jung back off. A few more leg kicks from Ortega land from a distance, as he keeps an advancing Jung at bay. Ortega goes after a head kick, and it bounces off the guard. Ortega blocks a few punches and spins around to blast “Korean Zombie” on the chin with a spinning back elbow. Jung goes flying, and before he manages to get back to his feet, Ortega leaps on top to start throwing heavy leather. Jung survives the assault and scrambles back to his feet. Both men slug it out wildly for a moment, until Ortega shoots in for a takedown. “T-City” gets it, and when Jung tries to stand back up, Ortega threatens with a guillotine choke. Ortega pushes him over again, and ends the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ortega

Round 3

The third round also begins with a glove touch, and they back away to measure the distance for a good 30 seconds until “Korean Zombie” throws a leg kick. Ortega walks in and gets countered, but he is able to protect himself from the strikes. When Jung advances, Ortega kicks him away with a kick to the knee. Jung lets loose a body kick, and he marches Ortega around the cage. Ortega scores a right hand, and he avoids the left hand counter from the South Korean. Jung fires off a leg kick and a straight right hand, but his strikes are few and far between, all while Ortega gets kicks off to the leg and body. A side kick from Ortega pushes Jung back a little, but Jung is advancing. Ortega lands a right hand to the body and a leg kick, and Jung rushes in with two punches. Jung backs off, and jumps forward with a right hand. Ortega absorbs another leg kick and snaps out a jab, and both men trade single jabs. Ortega rips the body with a straight left hand, and Ortega stands him up with a jab and a leg kick. “T-City” grabs Jung’s knee to threaten with a takedown, only to pull it back when Jung reacts. Ortega swings up a head kick and then lets loose leg kicks from both legs. Jung lands a leg kick, and Ortega crashes in to pursue a takedown. When Jung stuffs it, Ortega cracks him with a left hand. “Korean Zombie” staggers back but keeps his composure. Ortega goes to the well with a spinning back elbow again, and Jung pushes forward to avoid it and land a few punches. The round ends as Ortega turns around and puts his foot in Jung’s face.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ortega

Round 4

The two featherweight clap hands to start off the championship rounds, and “Korean Zombie” fires off a front kick. Jung zings up a head kick that gets blocked, and he takes a leg kick while crowding Ortega against the fence. Ortega circles out and stomps hard to the knee, and Jung kicks him back in the torso. Jung tries to rush in, but an Ortega jab halts that briefly. Ortega sticks out a jab and scores a couple big left hooks, and Jung is flustered and unable to make his way in. Ortega blasts the body with a kick, and races in to take the fight down. When Ortega is closing in, he lands a fierce right hand that cuts Jung’s eye open. Ortega is unable to get him down, but he lands another right hand to the damaged area. Bosecki pauses the fight as the cut is by the corner of Jung’s eye, and the fight resumes. Ortega goes right back to the body and stomps the knee, and backs away with a right hand. Jung tries to close the distance and reach with a left hand, but Ortega keeps attacking the leg while circling away. Jung steps forward through a body kick to land a punch to the body, and when Jung spins, Ortega stings him with a right hand. Jung turns about and barely avoids a right hand. Ortega fakes for a few spins, and every time he makes the move, Jung backs away. Jung tries to step in and land a left hand, and he opts to throw a body kick at the end of it. Ortega changes levels for a takedown, and Jung keeps his balance and also dodges a spinning back elbow to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ortega
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ortega

Round 5

Between rounds, we learn that the cut from the previous round came from a clash of heads, and not the right hand that came after. Bosacki warns Ortega to watch as he leads with his head, and the last round begins. Jung comes out firing, reaching out with a few left hooks. Jung jumps forward with a right hand, and Ortega gets his guard up in time. Ortega fakes a takedown that makes Jung defend it, and he pulls on Jung’s leg before trying to elbow “Korean Zombie” in the face. Jung manages to avoid it in time, and he stalks Ortega down but is not landing much of note. Ortega snaps his head back with a left hand, and then a right hand, and Jung is unable to respond effectively. Jung swings a left hook, and a subsequent body kick lands flush on the torso of Ortega. “T-City” circles away and does another knee grab to make Jung protect himself, but Ortega uses the opportunity to jab the body a few times and kick it as well. Jung swings and misses, and Ortega is able to avoid the danger while sticking out the jab repeatedly. Ortega dances out of harm’s way and shoots in for a single, but he bails on it to try to land strikes. Jung defends himself and rushes in with leaping strikes, but they hit nothing but air. Ortega is sharp as he keeps drilling right hands on the cut, and Jung is flailing wildly but not able to connect cleanly with anything of note. Jung scores a left hook and Ortega stands in front of him within budging. Jung cracks him with a right hand, and Ortega is on his bike as he keeps away from the assault. The American keeps his jab flowing to disrupt the momentum, and he keeps Jung at bay while “Korean Zombie” throws everything he has left to get a finish. It never materializes, and the round ends with a spinning back elbow that Ortega pulls back at the last second so it will not land after the bell. This was a masterful performance by Ortega, who re-introduces himself to the top echelon of the featherweight division in style. A title fight may be next for him, and what’s next for fans is a blockbuster pay-per-view in UFC 254 for all the lightweight marbles. We will be there, and we hope you are too!

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ortega (50-45 Ortega)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ortega (50-45 Ortega)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ortega (50-45 Ortega)

The Official Result

Brian Ortega def. Chan Sung Jung via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
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