UFC Fight Night 206 ‘Holm vs. Vieira’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sam Hughes (115.5) vs. Elise Reed (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Reed (-170), Hughes (+140)

Round 1

Chris Tognoni is the referee for the night's opening bout. Reed is first to score on the feet with a sharp combination of punches, which forces Hughes to clinch up. Hughes' grappling looks sharp as she controls position and lands knees while against the fence. However, Reed is able to stay upright before Hughes backs away and lands a punch while exiting. Back at distance, Reed once again finds her range before "Sampage" hits a single-leg takedown and takes the fight to the ground. Hughes lands several damaging shots before transitioning briefly into side control. Reed regains her guard and eventually works her way back to the feet, but Hughes clinches up again. Reed's forehead has a sizable knot on it from the prior ground-and-pound. The round ends with both women clinched as Hughes lands small knees.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Hughes

Round 2

Round 2 opens with Hughes getting an immediate takedown. Quickly passing through the guard of Reed, "Sampage" is in side control and landing elbows. Reed is offering little on the ground besides holding but regains guard midway through the frame. Reed is looking for a kimura but let's go after realizing the attempt was fruitless. Hughes works her way into mount with 30 seconds left and begins raining down punches as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hughes
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-8 Hughes
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Hughes

Round 3

Taking advantage of her fatigued opponent, Hughes lands several punches before taking Reed down again. Hughes gets into side control while Reed squeezes for a guillotine with no real chance of submitting her opponent. Hughes' head pops out and begins landing solid elbows to Reed's head and body. "Sampage" looks for an arm-triangle choke and maintains control before transitioning into mount. In full control, Hughes begins landing short punches and some solid elbows. Hughes postures up and begins throwing a series of elbows that ends the fight.

The Official Result

Sam Hughes def. Elise Reed via TKO (Elbows and Punches); R3, 3:52.

Felipe Dias Colares (145) vs. Chase Hooper (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Colares (-165), Hooper (+145)

Round 1

In charge of the action is veteran UFC referee Mark Smith. Both men open up on the feet and Hooper fails on a takedown attempt. Colares gets clinched against the fence and Hooper eventually finds himself on the back of the Brazilian. Colares reverses position and finds himself on top and begins landing solid punches. During a transition, Colares grabs the fence and the fight is stood up. Colares reverses another takedown attempt from Hooper, who finds himself back on top after a scramble. Hooper takes the back and begins landing solid hammerfists. Colares works his way back to the feet but then is taken down once again. Hooper begins looking for a submission and then locks in a choke that Colares is able to escape with just seconds before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hooper
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Hooper
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Hooper

Round 2

Hooper works his way into another clinch and then grabs an armbar after Colares attempts a throw. Colares works his way out of trouble and stands back up after 90 seconds of action. Hooper lands knees in the clinch and is like glue stuck against his opponent. "The Dream" pulls guard and then starts looking for sweeps. However, Colares gets into side control and begins landing elbows. Hooper is able to pin one of Colares' arms and then gains control. Hooper then sloppily goes for an armbar and finds himself back on the ground with a minute left. Hooper looks for an ankle lock, Colares escapes but Hooper manages to get in mount. Hooper ends the bout on Colares' back and landing punches.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Colares
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Hooper
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Hooper

Round 3

Hooper lands a nice elbow on the feet to start Round 3 and then tees off with punches. Hooper looks like the fresher fighter and then takes his opponent down. Colares grips a headlock, but Hooper pops out and begins looking for a kimura before choosing to rain down elbows instead. Hooper gets into back mount and flattens out Colares. Hooper is landing punch after punch and then looks for a rear-naked choke. Colares survives the choke but is overwhelmed by a series of punches and the fight is mercifully stopped.

The Official Result

Chase Hooper def. Felipe Dias Colares via TKO (Punches); R3, 3:00.

Jonathan Martinez (135.5) vs. Vince Morales (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-150), Medic (+130)

Round 1

The third man inside the cage for this bantamweight contest is Herb Dean. Both men take their time feeling out the other with each fighter looking to find their distance with leg kicks and jabs over the opening minute. Martinez snaps a body kick that lands and Martinez lands a solid counter punch a few moments later. Martinez throws two other kicks that connect and begins walking down Morales. Martinez continues to land damaging leg kicks as Morales is unable to counter. Another leg kick slows down Morales as Martinez remains the aggressor, who is just one step ahead on the feet but not getting his opponent in any real danger. The round ends with Martinez throwing a jumping knee.

Sherdog Scores

Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 2

Morales throws a leg kick and a right ot the body, but Martinez answers with a leg kick that lands much harder. Martinez lands a couple more whipping leg kicks as he controls the center of the cage. Morales blocks a high kick with his forearm. They clinch briefly and separate. Morales is struggling to find the range on his attacks. Martinez with another inside low kick. He’s varying his kicks to the legs well, going to both legs and working the inside and outside. Martinez with a kick to the body followed by a front kick down the middle. Morales pressures and eats a knee down the middle from Martinez for his efforts. Martinez with another outside low kick and he avoids the counter from Morales. Morales wings punches moving forward but can’t connect. Martinez whips another outside leg kick, then he follows a knee with a left hand. Martinez shoves his foe away before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Martinez
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Martinez

Round 3

Martinez lands a push kick and then connects to Morales’ lead leg with an inside low kick. Morales closes the distance but he gets hit with punches. Morales blocks a high kick with his forearm. Martinez flicks out a jab and then connects with a left hook to the chin of his opponent. Martinez continues to dictate the range and the tempo of the exchanges. A knee and a left hand from Martinez land flush. Morales is trying to press the action, but Martinez is countering well. A right hand finds the mark for Morales. Martinez sticks a counter left and then throws a high kick that his foe blocks with his forearm. With about a minute remaining, Martinez executes a nicely timed level change for a double-leg takedown. Morales posts and stands against the fence, but Martinez is driving for another takedown, and he dumps Morales on the canvas. Morales reverses into top position but can’t make anything happen before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (30-27 Martinez)

The Official Result

Jonathan Martinez def. Vince Morales via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Uros Medic (156) vs. Omar Morales (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-150), Medic (+130)

Round 1

Chris Tognoni will referee this matchup of Dana White’s Contender series alums. Medic lands a front kick down the middle to open things up. A counter right by Morales gets his opponent’s attention. Medic lands a straight left to the body. Another front kick for Medic, who then has a head kick blocked. Morales responds with a body kick. An inside leg kick lands for Medic. Morales backs up Medic with a hard counter right hand behind the ear. Medic pressures with an inside leg kick. A heavy high kick by Morales is blocked. Medic sticks a jab. Another counter right puts Medic on the retreat, and Morales connects with a straight to the body. The lightweights trade body kicks. Morales with an inside leg kick, and Medic answers with on of his own. Morales lands a solid combination. They clinch and Morales whiffs on a big right hand. Morales lands several rights to the body and pressures forward. Medic clips the Venezuelan with a short shot coming in just before the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Medic
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Medic

Round 2

Medic takes the center of the cage behind a pair of front kicks. Morales lands an inside leg kick. Medic follows a superman punch with an outside leg kick. Morales is throwing everything with full power, but is not landing consistently. Morales has developed a mouse under his left eye, a product of Medic’s jab. Another front kick lands for Medic, but Morales attacks with a combination, ending it with a head kick. Medic with a left to the body followed by a front kick. Medic is throwing a variety of strikes to keep his adversary off balance, including a hook kick that just misses and draws a smile from Morales. Moments later, a straight left from Medic puts Morles on his seat. Morales is up quickly and Medic buckles him again with another left hand to the chin shortly thereafter. Though he kept his feet, Morales is reeling now and Medic smells blood. Medic backs Morales up into the fence and drops him once more with a short left to the chin and this time, Tognoni has seen enough.And with that, Morales has been knocked out for the first time in his professional career.

The Official Result

Uros Medic def. Omar Morales via TKO (Punches) R2 3:05

Jailton Almeida (224) vs. Parker Porter (265)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Almeida (-650), Porter (+460)

Round 1

Almeida moves from 205 pounds to heavyweight on short notice to take on Porter, who is on a three-bout winning streak. It’s not Almeida’s first venture to the big man’s division, and the Brazilian has designs on competing in two weight classes in the UFC. Mark Smith will oversee this matchup. They touch gloves and Almeida follows a front kick with a double leg attempt almost immediately. Porter defends against the fence momentarily before Almeida picks him up and slams him on his back. Almeida sets up in half guard, applying heavy pressure from the top. The Brazilian peppers his foe with a series of short left hands. Almeida postures up and unloads some hammerfists, but Porter is doing well to block most of the attacks. More punches and hammerfists from Almeida; some are landing and some are blocked, but it’s not a good look for Porter overall. Porter is up against the fence, but he isn’t showing any sign of an ability to return to his feet as we’re at 1:30 remaining. Porter briefly snatches a guillotine, but Almeida steps over, and laces the legs of his opponent while dropping more ground-and-pound. Back in half guard, Almeida keeps the pressure on before achieving full mount and landing more ground-and-pound. Porter gives up his back and the Brazilian locks in a rear-naked choke. It’s not completely under the chin, but the squeeze is plenty tight enough to force Porter to tap. “Malhadinho” punctuates his 10th career submission win with a dance in the center of the Octagon.

The Official Result

Jailton Almeida def. Parker Porter via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 4:35

Alen Amedovski (186) vs. Joseph Holmes (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holmes (-200), Amedovski (+170)

Round 1

Herb Dean will be the third man in the cage for this middleweight contest. Amedovski is making his first Octagon appearance since September 2019. Holmes exercises his six-inch reach advantage early, sticking a couple jabs. Amedovski looks to close the distance, loading up for power punches. Holmes is attacking with leg kicks but isn’t disguising them with punches. Suddenly, Holmes drops Amedovski with a knee that lands flush to the chin and pounces for ground-and-pound. Dean takes a close look, but Amedovski is somehow back to his feet. The Macedonian is still dazed, though, and Holmes drags him back down to the mat. After landing a few punches to the head, Holmes slides his left arm under the chin and applies the squeeze. No hooks are necessary for “Ugly Man” to get his first UFC win.

The Official Result

Joseph Holmes def. Alen Amedovski via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 1:04

Eryk Anders (186) vs. Jun Yong Park (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-210), Anders (+170)

Round 1

Jason Herzog is the referee for the first bout of the evening’s main card. Anders takes the center of the cage and eats a leg kick from Park. Anders changes levels behind a pair of left hands and presses his man into the fence. Park secures a front headlock as Anders continues to push him into the cage. Anders loses the position after landing a knee to the groin. Anders lands a straight left and then shoots for a single-leg. Park defends and spins off the cage, but they remain in the clinch. Park lands a knee as the middleweights battle for position. Anders seaprates and lands a left before clinching with Park once more. They break and Park circles away before landing a front kick. An inside leg kick finds a home for Park. Park lands a left hook and circles away from Anders. A body kick-right hand combo lands for Park, and Anders pressures forward, shooting for a single leg takedown against the fence. Once again, Park defends with a front headlock. Anders pulls Park off the fence and finally takes him down. Park hustles up and wags his finger at Anders. Park picks up the pace in the waning seconds, throwing heavy punches and landing a few before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Anders

Round 2

Park lands a couple thudding inside low kicks. Anders shoots and takes Park down near the fence. Park stands and Anders maintains a body lock. The South Korean breaks free and tags Anders with a combination in the center of the cage. Anders tags Park with some stiff straight punches. Park fires back, including a solid counter right hand. Anders shoots behind a left hand but he can’t complete the single-leg takedown. Park catches Anders with a combination as the former Alabama football player comes forward. During an ensuing close quarters exchange, a knee from Anders lands below the belt and “The Iron Turtle” crumbles to the canvas. Herzog calls both fighters together to warn that he’ll take points with any future groin strikes. Park counters Anders with a couple short rights and then shrugs off the clinch. Anders wades forward, swinnging big punches. Park attempts a spinning elbow as Anders shoots for another takedown. They separate, but it isn’t long before Anders shoves his foe back into the fence. They separate and Anders changes levels behind a left. Anders gets the takedown with about 30 seconds to go. He slips off the back of Park, and the South Korean has a front headlock as the stand. Park lands a knee and then Anders rolls into an upkick before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Anders
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Anders

Round 3

Anders lands a straight left as Park applies pressure. Park with a pair of uppercuts to teh body and then a right hand, as he is denying Anders’ initial shots. Park keeps the pressure on, then lands a knee to the body as Anders tries for a takedown near the fence. A left from Anders finds Park’s chin. Anders changes levels again, then shoves Park into the fence. Park separates quikcly. They trade in the center of the cage, but Anders goes back to the single leg and shoves Park into the fence. Park lands an inside low kick, then another. Anders marches foward with a 1-2. Anders counters a Park low kick with a left. Anders shoots but quickly lets go of a single-leg. Anders with a jab. Anders is keeping Park off balance with the threat of the takedown. Park forces the issue and lands an uppercut. They trade blows one more time, and Park ends the contest with a two-punch combination.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Park (29-28 Anders)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Park (29-28 Anders)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Park (29-28 Anders)

The Official Result

Jung Yong Park def. Eryk Anders via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Tabatha Ricci (115) vs. Polyana Viana (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ricci (-120), Viana (+100)

Round 1

Chris Tognoni will officiate this clash of Brazilian strawweights. Viana connects with a hard body kick at the outset. Ricci goes for a single leg takedown and Viana jumps on a guillotine. Ricci escapes without issue, but Viana transitions to an armbar. Ricci stands and kicks at her grounded foe’s legs. Viana is content to remain on her back, kicking at the knees of her opponent, one of which makes Ricci stumble. Tognoni orders a standup as Ricci backs away. Ricci moves in behind a solid jab. Ricci closes the distance and Viana jumps on a guillotine again. Ricci dumps her foe down and frees her head. Viana is active off her back with strikes as she attempts to frame a triangle. Not much action from Ricci from above. Viana remains busy with short shots to the head. With 1:00 to go, Ricci is still in top position, but it’s Viana who is more active offensively from her back. Ricci stands and backs away just before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ricci
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ricci
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Ricci

Round 2

Viana moves forward behind a kick, and the strawweights clinch briefly before separating. A lot of swings and misses from both sides early in the ruond. Ricci with an outside leg kick. Another leg kick lands with authority for Ricci. They tie up and separating in short order once again. A spinning back fist lands for Viana, at least partially. Viana steps in and lands an elbow. Ricci executes a beautifully timed level change and ground Viana near the fence. Ricci stands, and another kick to the knee by Viana makes Ricci stumble. Ricci looks to work her way in and winds up in the full guard of her opponent. Viana holds her close, landing short punches. Ricci stands and Viana is perfectly content to stay on her back, kicking at the knees of her opponent. Tognoni orders them up with 20 seconds left. Ricci powers Viana back down in the waning seconds and ends the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ricci
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ricci
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Ricci

Round 3

Ricci wastes little time forcing the clinch and pressing Viana into the cage. They separate and return to the center of the Octagon. Ricci rushes forward and lands a right hand. Ricci shoots for a takedown against the fence, then trips Viana to the mat. Ricci stands, then briefly dives to side control before standing again. We’re back in a familiar position, with Viana on her back and Ricci standing and looking for openings to dive into top position. Tognoni doesn’t like the lack of action and orders them up. Ricci ducks under a punch for a single leg takedown but Viana briefly ends up on top. They scramble back up and Ricci plants Viana on her back. Ricci stands and backs away, kicking at the legs of Viana. Not much is happening here, but Viana is content to let things play out this way. Ricci can’t quite get past the legs of Viana to get on top and land ground-and-pound. The fight ends with Viana on her back and Ricci kicking away at her legs.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ricci (30-27 Ricci)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ricci (30-27 Ricci)
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Ricci (30-27 Ricci)

The Official Result

Tabatha Ricci def. Polyana Viana via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Chidi Njokuani (185) vs. Dusko Todorovic (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Njokuani (-190), Todorovic (+160)

Round 1

Mark Smith will be the third man in the cage for this middleweight scrap. Njokuani enters the matchup on the heels of a 16-second knockout of Marc-Andre Barriault in his UFC debut. Todorovic ducks under a punch for a takedown, but Njokuani sprawls nicely. He has a front headlock secured and he rolls over, briefly securing a nifty brabo choke. Njokuani has to bail on the choke as Todorovic gets top position. Njokuani tries to use the cage to his advantage and work his way up, but Todorovic is relentless as he moves to his foe’s back. Njokuani is standing with Todorovic hanging onto a waist lock. Njokuani works to break his opponent’s grip. Todorovic shoves his man into the fence and lands some short right hands to the head. It’s a grueling style of fight, with Todorovic giving Njokuani no room with which to work. Todorovic drops for a single leg. Njokuani sprawls and hits Todorovic with a knee on the exit. Njokuani lands a series of knees to the body in close, and now it’s Njokuani with a waist lock. They tie up and Njokuani lands another knee to the body. With time running out in the round, Njokuani creates just enough space to unleash a vicious right elbow to the temple of his adversary. Todorovic drops like a sack of potatoes and this one is over in sudden fashion.

The Official Result

Chidi Njokuani def. Dusko Todorovic via KO (Elbow) R1 4:48

Michel Pereira (170) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pereira (-120), Ponzinibbio (+100)

Round 1

Herb Dean gets the assignment for the co-main event of the evening. Pereira moves laterally on the outside and fires off a front kick. A right hand from Pereira has Ponzinibbio backing up, but his fingers are extended and he pokes his opponent in the eye. Ponzinibbio gets a hard warning from Dean. Another front kick from Pereira, and Ponzinibbio answers with a leg kick. A right hand over the top lands clean for Pereira. Pereira misses the mark on a right but follows up with a leg kick. Pereira briefly secures a rear waistlock but elects to separate. Ponzinibbio steps in with a leg kick. Pereira with a couple front kicks to the midsection. Ponzinibbio is walking his foe down, looking for openings. But it’s Pereira who lands a combination. Ponzinibbio loads up on some power punches but Pereira eludes the offering. Ponzinibbio has a head kick blocked. A right hand lands behind the ear of Ponzinibbio and appears to stun him momentarily. Another front kick to the gut for Pereira. An inside leg kick lands for Ponzinibbio. Ponzinibbio presses the action but Pereira defends well and counters. Ponzinibbio comes up short on a right just as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Pereira
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Pereira

Round 2

Pereira steps in and lands a 1-2 at the outset. Ponzinibbio with an outside leg kick. Pereira moves forward and rips a hard kick to the body. Pereira misses a massive overhand right, but he steps in a connects with a glancing knee. A left hook catches Ponzinibbio coming in. Ponzinibbio is still struggling to find the range on his strikes, as he is confounded by Pereira’s movement. The action picks up as both men trade willingly. Ponzinibbio tags Pereira with a big left hand near the fence. Another heavy left finds the mark for the Argentina native. A left hook lands for Pereira. Ponzinibbio lands a combination followed by a leg kick. Another exchnage and both men are bleeding. Ponzinibbio lands a couple jabs and then succeeds on a double leg takedown late in the round. Pereira stands but Ponzinibbio stays attached with a waist lock as the period ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Ponzinibbio

Round 3

The combatants touch gloves at the start of the final frame. Pereira with a jab to the body and a leg kick. Pereira follows a right hand with a knee to the body. A jab catches Ponzinibbio moving forward. Another right hand makes Ponzinibbio briefly stagger back. Pereira eludes a left and kicks the body. Ponzinibbio with a crisp straight left. Pereira blocks a head kick from Ponzinibbio. Ponzinibbio jabs and Pereira answers with an uppercut. Ponzinibbio with an outside leg kick. Pereira misses a heavy right hand. Ponzinibbio with another thudding leg kick. Ponzinibbio lands a right but Pereira backs him up with a combination of his own. Another nice jab for Ponzinibbio lands. A right from Ponzinibbio briefly jars Pereira’s mouthguard loose. Pereira lands a body kick. Ponzinibbio works behind his jab, and Pereira shucks off a takedown try. Both men are trading liberally in the final minute. A left hook and a right hand land for Ponzinibbio, two of the better strikes in spirited brawl. Pereira stuffs a takedown. The welterweights continue to battle as time ticks down. Ponzinibbio seems to be landing the cleaner shots, while Pereira is a little bit wild with his strikes. A very close, entertaining round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio (29-28 Ponzinibbio)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio (29-28 Ponzinibbio)
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Pereira (29-28 Pereira)

The Official Result

Michel Pereira def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Holly Holm (135.5) vs. Ketlen Vieira (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holm (-240), Vieira (+195)

Round 1

Jason Herzog will oversee the evening’s bantamweight headliner. After having multiple fights fall through, Holm makes her first appearance since a dominant win over Irene Aldana in October 2020. Vieira, meanwhile, will attempt to add another notable name to her ledger after besting ex-champ Miesha Tate this past November. Holm opens up with an outside leg kick and Vieira answers with a heavy inside leg kick. Holm with a side kick to the knee of her opponent. Vieira closes distance and shoves Holm into the fence. The Jackson-Wink product quickly reverses position. Vieira attempts to execute a throw and then lands a few punches as Holm scrambles up. They remain in the clinch, with Holm in control, pushing Vieira into the fence. Holm with a few short punches to the head. Holm defends a trip and lands a few punches. Holm is controlling the clinch and appears to be the stronger fighter, but there’s not a ton of action in this position. They trade knees and Holm drops for a single leg. Holm gives up on it and continues to grind away against the fence. Holm lands a few knees to the thigh of Vieira, who responds with knees of her own to the midsection. Holm defends another throw and the round ends in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Holm
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Holm
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Holm

Round 2

Holm begins with an outside leg kick. Vieira just misses the mark on a head kick. The Brazilian moves forward and fires off a straight right. Vieira closes the distance behind a combination, but Holm circles out. Another leg kick for Holm. Holm with a leg kick yet again, and she moves away from Vieira’s counter. Holm punches her way into the clinch and Vieira executes a nice hip toss. Holm immediately slides to the fence and posts an arm before standing. Vieira shoves Holm into the cage, but “The Preacher’s Daughter” turns off the cage and separates. Holm with a standing side kick to the head. Holm gets in on a single leg. Vieira hops on one leg while attacking a guillotine. Holm clings to the leg and atttempts to drag Viera to the mat. She leaves her neck exposed and Vieira briefly has a really tight standing rear-naked choke. Somehow Holm, with her face red and eyes bulging, turns out of it and shoves Vieira into the cage. Holm fires off a hard elbow from the clinch. Another elbow for Holm with time winding down. The round ends with Holm controlling position against the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Vieira

Round 3

Holm goes back to the outside leg kick and Vieira answers with an inside low kick. Holm with a punching flurry, but Vieira counters her. Moments later, a front kick to the face from Vieira appears to catch Holm, who keeps her bearings and turns her foe into the cage. Holm is content to grind away from the clinch, but Vieira breaks free. Holm with an outside leg kick followed by a side kick to the midsection. Holm goes with a high kick, but Vieira blocks it. A right hand from Vieira lands flush, so Holm punches her way into the clinch. Vieira does a good job landing a few knees up the middle with her back to the cage. Holm continues to control head positioning with an underhook while occasionally flurrying with left hands. Holm with more short left hands to the head, and Vieira breaks free and lands a solid right hand. Holm lands a standing side kick but Vieira marches forward and sticks a stiff right nad to the chin. Holm ends the frame with a few knees in close quarters.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Vieira

Round 4

Holm moves forward behind a combination, but Vieira answers with a clean right hand. Holm attempts to close the distance, but she’s stung by a right nand from Vieira. A front kick to the face lands for Holm but Vieira eats it without issue. Holm rushes forward but Vieira counters with the more significant punches. Vieira tags Holm with a combination. They briefly clinch and Vieira sticks another right. Holm’s blitzes aren’t effectively, but a standing side kick puts Vieira on her seat and Holm follows with a body kick when she stands. Another Vieira right hand catches Holm coming in. Holm forces the clinch but eats an uppercut in the process. Vieira is able to separate and circle away. A straight right snaps Holm’s head back. It’s another close round, but Vieira counters effectively with a punching combination yet again as Holm wades forward. Holm continues to throw a variety of kicks, but the punching exchanges are going Vieira’s way. Holm with another furious flurry before the bantamweights clinch at the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Holm
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Holm
Tudor Leonte scores the round:10-9 Holm

Round 5

The combatants hug to start the round. Vieira gets Holm’s attention with a head kick. They clinch, and Vieira breaks with a spinning elbow. Holm with a big left hand into the clinch. Vieira breaks free and Holm attacks with a front kick to the body. Holm forces the clinch again and the fighters stall before they reach the fence. Holm lands a short elbow on the break. Vieira counters a kick with a solid right hand. Holm forces the clinch and shoves Vieira into the cage, where she lands a knee. Vieira separates, but Holm lands a pair of nice front kicks to the face. A glancing head kick also finds the mark for Holm. Vieira counters an onrushing Holm with an uppercut. Holm changes levels and grabs a single leg. She shoves Vieira into the fence with less than 2:00 to go. Holm lets go of the leg but maintains the underhook. A short right hook lands for Holm on the break. Holm with a kick to the body and they clinch again. Holm shoves Vieira back into the fence. On the break, Holm with a flurry of punches. Holm stuffs an ensuing takedown from Vieira, turns her foe into the fence and lands several short punches. Holm drops for a takedown, can't get it and then lands some punches to the thigh before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Holm (48-47 Holm)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Holm (48-47 Holm)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Holm (48-47 Holm)

The Official Result

Ketlen Vieira def. Holly Holm via Split Decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) R3 5:00