UFC Fight Night 221 ‘Yan vs. Dvalishvili’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Jared Gooden (177: Missed Weight) vs. Carlston Harris (169.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Harris (-300), Gooden (+250)

Round 1

The UFC is holed up in Las Vegas this weekend for another Fight Night card, but not where you’d expect. Instead of the Apex or the T-Mobile Arena, the promotion will make its debut inside of the Theater at Virgin Hotels, which seats over 4,000 – some may remember it as called “The Joint” in years past. Fans will be cheering throughout this 13-fight event, and it begins with an unplanned catchweight contest now set at 177 pounds. Harris (17-5, 2-1 UFC) expected to face a member of the Nurmagomedov clan, but on short notice, he now welcomes Gooden (22-8, 1-3 UFC) back to the promotion. The latter was unable to make the 171-pound limit, and even though he checked in a whopping six pounds heavy, the fight is still on. Referee Keith Peterson will boot out nonsense from this new venue in the first fight of the night, and there is no touch of gloves to get things started from the fighters. The two test one another’s range early with long, lunging single strikes. Gooden sits down on a hard leg kick, and Harris catches his foe with his hands low with a two-hook combo. Harris swings so hard he almost hits the deck, and Gooden does not take advantage of this and lets him clinch up instead. They separate, and Harris lets fly a head kick that careens off the shoulder. “Mocambique” dings his opponent with a few sharp strikes, as Gooden’s hands are by his waist, but Gooden seems no worse for wear and steps in with a left hand. Harris pushes out a jab and a follow-up leg kick, and Gooden replies with a heavier low kick. They jab at the same time, and Harris follows one with a left hand that backs Gooden off. Harris wings a right hand that cracks “Nite Train” behind the ear, and Gooden wobbles but does not pick his guard up. Harris’ right hook collides with a few more oddly arcing overhand rights, and Gooden walks through them and tries to counter with a huge left hook. Harris nails Gooden with a few punches, and Gooden takes them on the chin and side of the dome without budging. Harris shoots in for a takedown in the center of the cage, and when that is stuffed, he blasts Gooden in the nose with a knee. Harris stands in the pocket and unloads with a haymaker of a right, and Gooden blinks it out but does not seem overly concerned. Harris swings for the bleachers with most of his blows, and they are already beginning to slow with a minute remaining in the opening frame. Harris sticks a jab, and Gooden answers him with two back. Gooden comes over the top with a right, and it has a near tomahawk motion than a typical right hook angle. Harris nails Gooden with a standing elbow, and he unloads with a combination of heavy blows to the head that rock Gooden and drive him back to the wall. The horn sounds as the two are clinched.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round opens up with a low kick from Gooden, and Harris shoots in for a double-leg takedown. “Nite Train” stands him up although he gets pushed back to the wall, and Harris tries for trips on the inside as Gooden talks to him. Harris redoubles his effort, and he manages to scoop Gooden’s legs out and dump him on the mat. Harris moves to half guard as soon as he hits the ground, and he actively works with ground-and-pound from on top. The punches and elbows are not individually damaging, but they stay busy and stave off the watchful Peterson from a possible standup. Harris lays down flat on top of his man, and he softens up the ribs with a series of unanswered, thudding right hands. Gooden prevents any guard passing even when absorbing elbows on the face, and he start throwing punches off his back. Gooden sits up, and Harris welcomes this and snatches up a guillotine choke in a hurry. Gooden moves to his knees while in submission danger, doing enough to fight the hands and preventing the choke from cinching up. As Harris holds on, he pushes Gooden down to his back again, and he squeezes his forearm on the throat and elbows Gooden until the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The final round kicks off with an aggressive Gooden, who marches out of his corner and swings heavily. Harris takes a few punches before jumping on a leaning Gooden to push him down to the ground on his face. Gooden looks to defend himself from a potential choke setup, but in the process, Harris circles around to take his back and drag him to the canvas. Harris jumps over to the mount position in pursuit of an arm-triangle choke, only for a Gooden buck to break up the choke. Harris postures up while still mounting his man, and he rains down punches and elbows that bounce Gooden’s head off the mat. Gooden scoots his way to the wall, and Harris lets him off the hook and tries to take his back on the way up. Gooden shucks him off, but Harris turns around to drop down for a single-leg takedown. Gooden stands him up and knees him in the upper chest, and Harris powerfully replies by wrenching Gooden’s feet off the floor and chucking him to the mat. Gooden lands on his backside with a disappointed look on his face, but he still powers his way back up to his feet before Harris can drill him with any strikes. Gooden breaks free from a tie-up, and he throws hands recklessly in hopes of catching Harris on the way in. Harris rings his bell with a fierce jab and shoots for a double, and he succeeds in grounding “Nite Train.” Gooden looks to keep his back against the cage to possibly wall-walk, and Harris slides around the side and back to try to take it. Gooden explodes out of the inopportune position, and Harris doggedly pursues doubles or any kind of takedown he can find. On his second try, while Gooden is halfway to escaping, Harris trips his legs up and throws him to the canvas. Harris climbs into half guard and lets loose with a stream of elbows, and he lumps Gooden’s head up with strikes right to the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Carlston Harris def. Jared Gooden via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tyson Nam (125.5) vs. Bruno Silva (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-195), Nam (+165)

Round 1

Moving right along, flyweights take center stage as two of the heavier handed competitors in the division meet. Fresh off a first-round knockout last August, Nam (21-12-1, 3-3 UFC) at 39 years of age looks to prove he still has some life left, and he steps into the cage against Brazilian bulldog Silva (12-5-2, 1 NC; 2-2, 1 NC UFC). Aware that this one could end in a moment’s notice, referee Chris Tognoni is prepped and ready for what happens next. There is no thought of offering a glove touch, and instead the two want to engage. Silva introduces himself with a whipping leg kick, and Nam smiles at him as he walks him down. Nam hand-fights with his left hand outstretched, and he follows a pawing left with a straight right. Silva circles away as Nam gives chase, with Nam lining up his right hand. Silva darts forward with two hooks, doing enough to make Nam smiles again. The Brazilian fires off another nasty low kick, and his subsequent combination flusters Nam. Silva spins with a back fist that collides perfectly off the side of Nam’s head, and the elder statesman simply grins at him. Tognoni warns Nam for outstretched fingers, and Silva boots his foe in the body. Nam continues to walk Silva down, and they trade low kick for low kick. Silva slides a right hand around the guard, and Nam practically ignores it as he kicks the inside thigh in response. Silva shoots in suddenly for a takedown, and Nam tosses it aside and ducks a looping punch. When Silva aims a kick to the ribcage, Nam catches him with an overhand right. Silva backs off as the jabs from Nam aim at his face, and he connects with a clean right hand while backing away. Nam bears down on him with a short salvo of punches, and Silva is mostly out of harm’s way in time. Silva goes for a takedown to keep Nam honest when Nam backs him against the wall, but Nam keeps his forward momentum when there is nothing to the entry. Nam blocks a spinning back fist as he marches onward, and he eats a body kick when trying to throw hands. Nam gets off his own body kick and scores a few punches to follow before the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The bantamweights meet in the middle, but it is Silva that takes a backward step when Nam comes at him faster. Nam pushes out jab after inaccurate jab, and Silva times a spectacular front kick up the middle that smashes into Nam’s jaw and sends in crashing to the canvas. Silva leaps down on top in the blink of an eye into Nam’s guard, and he pummels a dazed Nam with ground strikes. As Nam looks to escape and get his bearings, Silva slithers around to take the back as Nam is standing up. “Bulldog” snatches up a rear-naked choke without even getting a hook in, and Nam falls to the mat as Silva secures the back take. Silva gets his hooks in, and he crushes with his grip while Nam tries and fails to fight the hands and break the grip. As he is attempting to free himself from the submission, Nam goes out, and Tognoni recognizes this and calls a halt to the match immediately. This is a big win for Silva, who may find himself with a number next to his name next week as he becomes the first man to submit the well-traveled Nam.

The Official Result

Bruno Silva def. Tyson Nam R2 1:23 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Ariane Lipski (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aldrich (-320), Lipski (+265)

Round 1

In the lone women’s match of the day, flyweights with plenty to prove come together. Brazil’s Lipski (14-8, 3-5 UFC) looks to get back in the win column, while Aldrich (11-5, 7-4 UFC) does as well. Something’s got to give – barring an unexpected result – and the two 125ers will have 15 nonsense-free minutes to work with as referee Keith Peterson watches on. The two want to get right two it and hurry to the middle of the cage, only to draw back without touching gloves or engaging. Lipski measures with her left hand to find her range, and she slaps out a right hand and a pair of quick leg kicks. Aldrich sticks her with a right hand, and Lipski steps in to drop three punches on Aldrich’s face. The Brazilian goes after a head kick that is blocked, and she eats a clean jab on the chin in response. Lipski counters an advancing Aldrich with a left and a right, and she keeps measuring Aldrich in search of her range. Aldrich rushes forward, changing levels for a takedown, and Lipski greets her with a knee up the middle and drives her back to stop the entry. Lipski strings a few punches together, and she misses by a matter of inches with a standing elbow. Lipski scores a one-two down the pipe, and she swats away Aldrich working towards her. Lipski pushes out a left hand, and Aldrich changes levels to go after a single. Lipski hops back to the wall and thwarts the attempt, and she stops a second effort in the form of an outside trip. Lipski knees Aldrich a few times to force a break, and she fires off a head kick that slams into the raised guard. They clinch up, and Lipski welcomes this as she spams knees to the body until Aldrich releases her. A naked takedown from Aldrich allows Lipski to catch her with several knees to the midsection, as “Queen of Violence” makes Aldrich pay for every entry. Lipski scores a solid right hand that staggers Aldrich, and she lays into Aldrich with punches until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Aldrich appears to have gathered her senses to start off the second frame, advancing straight out of her corner to begin the round. Lipski fades back and lets go with a pair of low kicks before Aldrich can reach her or get her hands on her. Aldrich catcher her with a one-two, and she flashes out a jab when Lipski fires back. Lipski walks through a left hand to score three, and they measure one another with jabs that are too far away. Lipski goes to the body with a left hook, and she threatens with a step-in knee when Aldrich comes forward. Aldrich scores a low kick as they hand fight, and Lipski just misses with a head kick to follow. A jab to the body opens a combination up top for the Brazilian, who concludes a short series of strikes with a low kick. Aldrich fakes a level change, and Lipski meets her with a few punches. Aldrich sticks her foe with a jab, but it is one-and-done. Aldrich tries to put a few jabs together, leading to a collision with Lipski landing a solid combination. An Aldrich takedown is greeted with a stern knee to the solar plexus, thwarting the attempt and pushing Aldrich back. Lipski fires off a body kick and keeps aiming punches to the body, using it to allow her to land shots up top. Lipski has a quick head kick blocked, prompting a shot from Aldrich that is stopped in its tracks. Lipski’s knees are accurate and effective at shutting down grappling attempts, and she scores a one-two and dings Aldrich with a right hook over the top. A head kick from the Brazilian that bounces off the high guard concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Aldrich begins the last round aggressively with a front kick and several punches, pushing Lipski back immediately. Lipski replies with a front kick of her own, and Aldrich continues to walk forward. Lipski snipes her with a jab and a right hand, and she strings a front kick into a chain of punches that snaps the American’s head back. Aldrich returns fire with an easily guarded high kick, and Lipski stands firm and sticks out two punches. Aldrich tries to sneak a right hand around the guard, and Lipski closes in and knees her once in the body before bailing on the clinch. Lipski draws her out and pops her for with a hook, stuffing a takedown, getting off a knee and potshotting Aldrich with distance strikes. Aldrich tries to find her range as she continues plodding forward, and she half-heartedly pursues a takedown until Lipski elbows her on the nose to bloody it up. Lipski laces a solid combination together on Aldrich’s face, until Aldrich sells out for a takedown. Aldrich drops to her knees and jumps back up to put her back to the wall, ultimately shutting it down on this try. Lipski knees her in the face from up close, and Aldrich times this to grab her from behind to try to throw her down. The Brazilian spins back around to remain upright, and she turns the tables on Aldrich to trip her out and drop her to her knees. Lipski rips the body with knees as she presses Aldrich against the wire, until she elects to let her go and take the center of the cage with 30 seconds left in the match. Aldrich chases after her with jabs, and she tosses out a body kick that is defended. Aldrich fires off a front kick that misses the mark, and Lipski replies with a few powerful kicks of her own. With one final surge, Lipski hip tosses Aldrich to the mat for a last exclamation point, and the fight ends with Aldrich on her knees, blood dripping from the her nose.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Ariane Lipski def. J.J. Aldrich via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tony Gravely (136) vs. Victor Henry (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Henry (-140), Gravely (+120)

Round 1

Well-traveled bantamweights Henry (22-6, 1-1 UFC) and Gravely (23-8, 4-3 UFC) come to blows in the next fight on the prelims. Referee Mark Smith laces his running shoes, as this one could take place anywhere and everywhere over the next three rounds if needed. There is a clap of hands to initiate the matchup, and Gravely leads the dance with a body kick. As their legs collide, a foot may have grazed the cup as Smith warns the fighters to stay careful. Gravely steps back and boots Henry in the lower leg as Henry is kicking higher, sweeping Henry off his feet and dumping him to the mat, Thai style. Henry climbs back up, and Gravely tries to do the same again. Henry gathers himself and walks forward with jabs, backing the shorter man up but not able to stop the inside calf kicks from popping him. Henry doubles up on a jab and kicks the side, and he catches Gravely coming in with a straight right hand. Henry connects with a front kick to the chest, and he has a lower body kick graze off the cup to elicit a warning but not draw a stoppage. Henry shucks off a possible level change and lets loose a head kick, and the two up close sling punches and kicks without budging. They break apart, and proceed to trade leather one after the other. Gravely pushes the pace in pursuit of a takedown, and he jams Henry back to the wall. Gravely works the body with knees while pressing on his opponent, and Henry breaks off and takes the center of the cage. Gravely scores two punches including a sharp uppercut, and Henry changes things up to blast the body with a side kick. Gravely pulls back on a low kick try, and Henry decides to follow through with his own, and he chains that kick into a few punches including an uppercut that splits the guard. Gravely sits down on a right hand that just misses, and a left that does connect as Henry tries to shoulder roll. Gravely crashes the pocket with a double, tripping Henry out and putting him on his seat for a second. “La Mangosta” powers back up thanks to the wall behind him, and Gravely circles around to take his back standing and slide a hook in for a trip. Gravely elects to lift Henry up in the air and drop him back down, and Henry springs back up. The two tumble to the mat as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The bantamweights slap hands to get things started again, and they immediately engage recklessly and wildly. Henry lets off a few kicks, Gravely slings leather, and as Gravely takes a few punches, he changes levels and hits the deck on his face. Henry lets him back up and lays into him with a few punches, forcing Gravely to shoot in for an ill-advised takedown. Henry threatens with a front choke, and he lets it go to allow Gravely to stand up, so that he can continue working Gravely over. Henry slips punches and moves, frustrating Gravely and landing flush while Gravely responds hitting little more but air. Henry gets caught with an overhand right, but he grits his teeth and throws back with a vengeance. As Gravely gets teed off on, he looks to tie Henry up and take the fight down. Henry pushes him back and gets away with glove grabs to keep Gravely pinned to the wire. As Gravely looks to explode, Henry slashes with an elbow and chains a few punches together. Gravely leaps forward to take the fight down, and he successfully puts Henry on the floor. Henry tries to burst upright, and he manages to work his way up walking off the cage. Henry spins around, rips a knee to the body and makes Gravely back off. Henry continues assaulting Gravely’s body as Gravely backs off, and he strings punches and elbows together as he has Gravely on the ropes. Henry pounds knees to the body, and one makes Gravely drop down for a failed takedown entry. Henry’s pace is sky-high as he batters Gravely with everything and the kitchen sink, driving Gravely back to the wall. Gravely slows him down by clinching up and dropping down for a double, and Henry intercepts him with a barrage of elbows to the side of the head. The angle is very close, and Smith is watching closely to make sure the elbow strikes are legal, and Gravely drops to his knees from the damage. Gravely musters whatever energy he has to force Henry to the mat, but they land in a 50-50 position. Henry climbs right back up and knees Gravely repeatedly in the midsection. Gravely pushes off and aims a body kick, and Henry backs him off and continues striking until the bell and Smith’s intervention as the round has ended.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The bantamweights meet in the middle to high five, and they pick up immediately where they left off. Gravely has a bit more space to throw hands back, but Henry’s pace drives him back to the wall and draws a takedown from Gravely. Gravely abandons it and throws hands with his opponent, and Henry welcomes this type of technical slugfest. Gravely drops down to his knees for another takedown effort, and Henry’s defense is immaculate as he keeps himself upright. Henry breaks off and takes a kick to his ribs, as Gravely unloads with a series of punches including a solid right hand that chin-checks Henry. “La Mangosta” does not bat an eye as he continues to throw caution to the wind, trading fists with his opponent and staying active with head movement. Gravely swings and misses with high-arcing strikes that Henry dodges, and Henry intercepts a takedown with a calf kick and a few knees to the dome. Gravely releases the grip and throws haymakers, and Henry staggers him with a few right back. Fighting in a phone booth, they trade ferocious leather one after the other, and strike totals are likely to be quite high at the fight’s conclusion. Henry backs off to measure a body kick, and Gravely throws hammers while Henry marks him up with a consistent and accurate salvo of blows. Henry connects with a few more strikes until he decides to go after a single, but this might be to catch his breath and not because he wants to change levels. Gravely belts him with a few looping shots, and as he moves down for a takedown, Henry drops down to hit the ground in pursuit of a leglock. Henry attacks a heel hook, and he bails on it to grab hold of a kneebar. Gravely defends with several solid punches to the body, and he slides his knee to a safer place and continues to beat on Henry. Henry loses the grip, and Gravely drops down on top of him to grab hold of an arm-triangle choke. Henry explodes upright, taking the back of his opponent but letting it go so they can keep trading. Henry knees him in the body as they are close up, and the wild fight comes to an end with the two tied up. The first and third rounds could be close on the scorecards, so this one might go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Henry (30-27 Henry)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gravely (29-28 Henry)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gravely (29-28 Henry)

The Official Result

Victor Henry def. Tony Gravely via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Sedriques Dumas (184.5) vs. Josh Fremd (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dumas (-180), Fremd (+155)

Round 1

A finish is not guaranteed but highly likely in this middleweight clash. The debuting and much-maligned Dumas (7-0, 0-0 UFC) will try to hand Fremd (9-4, 0-2 UFC) his third loss in three UFC tries, as these towering 185ers duke it out. Referee Chris Tognoni may have his hands full when these two get after it, and there is no glove touch to clock them in. Fremd walks straight into a leg kick, and he picks his leg up as if to throw one back, but there is none to come. Dumas chops at the lead leg again, and Fremd responds in kind. Dumas swings a right hand over the top to sting Fremd, and he follows a low kick with it. Fremd shakes it out, and he blocks a head kick just in the nick of time. They score with alternating low kicks, and then trade jabs. Fremd sits down on a low kick, and Dumas charges with an overhand right that zips past his foe’s face. Fremd ducks a punch and blocks a head kick, and he loads up on counters that do not successfully land. Fremd gets off another few low kicks, and Dumas cracks him with a right. Fremd replies with his own left hook, rocking the undefeated fighter, and allow him to change levels for a double. Fremd scoops “The Reaper” off his feet and drops him flat on his back, taking side control instead of trying to force a finish. Fremd hangs on from on top, and as Dumas signals to Tognoni for a standup, Fremd slashes down with an elbow. Fremd gets dragged back to the closed guard, and he slides his legs higher for a potential triangle choke setup. Fremd comfortable holds on until Dumas sits up, and Dumas’ neck is in a precarious position as Fremd laches on to a guillotine choke. The newcomer slides his head out, and he wings a high kick that glances off the shoulder. Fremd takes a few punches on the chin and turns the tables to sting Dumas again, and Dumas finds himself pursuing a takedown after getting hurt. Fremd stops this in its tracks and shoves him to the wire, and he lifts up a knee to the side. Dumas tries to throw knees up the middle, and Fremd replies with a jump knee and lands a blow after the bell. Fremd immediately apologizes, and there is no bad blood from it.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round begins with a deceptively cautious Dumas, as he tosses out a body kick, avoids a counter, and suddenly springs into action with a chain of reaching punches. Fremd side-steps them and blocks the head for a follow-up kick, and he sticks out a few jabs. Fremd measures a right hand around the guard to rock “The Reaper,” and he secures a high hip toss to slam Dumas to his back. Fremd jumps straight into half guard, and he starts to drop down some ground strikes. Dumas recovers to the full guard and gets struck in the back of the head, to which Tognoni notices and warns Fremd. Fremd sneaks back to half guard and controls his man from above, and Dumas scrambles wildly to get up. Dumas searches for a back take and tries to go after a rear-naked choke, but he falls over the top and lands on his seat. Fremd jumps on top to replicate Jon Jones’ seated guillotine choke that landed last week on Ciryl Gane, but he releases the grip to punch Dumas upside the head a few times. Seeing that the choke is still there, Fremd locks down the guillotine and squeezes with all his might. Shocked like Gane was, Dumas instantly taps, as the pressure is too much to bear. Fremd has now won his first fight in the UFC, doing so by knocking off an unbeaten fighter with plenty of momentum behind him.

The Official Result

Josh Fremd def. Sedriques Dumas R2 3:00 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Raphael Assuncao (136) vs. Davey Grant (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grant (-140), Assuncao (+120)

Round 1

One of the more underrated bantamweight greats might be entering the final fight of his storied career, as longtime Brazilian contender Assuncao (28-9, 12-6 UFC) is a few months away from his 41st birthday. He battles .500 UFC fighter Grant (14-6, 5-5 UFC), who posts an 86% finish rate and generally lives up to his “Dangerous” nickname. The match will be officiated by nonsense-allergic referee Keith Peterson, and the two fighters opt to clap hands. Assuncao moves to the center of the cage briefly, and they clash legs early. As Assuncao pushes back, Grant does the same, and fingers rake eyes. Grant offers an apology, and they resume nailing one another on the legs. Assuncao sits down on a booming right hand, wrapping his arm just around the head and not connecting with it. Grant boots his foe in the body, and Assuncao catches it and scores a right hand to put Grant on his back. Assuncao whips an elbow down, and Grant threatens with a triangle choke that the Brazilian sees coming from a mile away. Grant scoots to the wall on his backside, and Assuncao follows him from behind and slides his left arm around the chest in hopes of setting up a rear-naked choke. Assuncao releases the arm so that he can punch Grant in the side of the head repeatedly, all while Grant tries and fails to scramble away. Grant stands back up despite Assuncao’s arm around his neck, and he spins around and shoves his man back to get space. Grant, with distance to strike, does just that with a front kick. Grant goes to the body and tries to swing a left hand over the top, but Assuncao intercepts him with a push kick. Grant scores a right hand after regaining his balance, and he switches stances right into a right hook in response. Assuncao lets go with a few punches on the inside, and he ducks back and blocks a head kick. Grant darts forward with a few punches, sneaking them in and evading the counters. Assuncao measures a right hand, and he signals to Peterson that the two clashed heads. Grant spins with a wheel kick that just misses, and Assuncao ducks a few leaping punches to clinch up and push Grant to the wire. The Brazilian lands a few knees to the thigh before breaking off with a right hand. Grant winds up with a right hook, landing it a second before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The respect is high to start off the second round, as the two gladly high-five to get going again. They trade body kicks, and Assuncao leans back to dodge a spinning wheel kick. Assuncao checks a low kick, and he tries to engage but gets popped with an overhand right. Assuncao chips at the calf of his opponent, while checking those that come back to his lead wheel. Assuncao grabs hold of a single, ducking a punch from his opponent, and he is stood up before securing it. Assuncao does land a right hand on the break, and they reset. The two land lefts at the same time, and Grant goes high with a kick that whizzes past his foe’s face. Grant throws a naked leg kick, and Assuncao counters with an emphatic right hand that makes Grant turn about. Grant steps in to release a spinning back elbow, and Assuncao blocks the worst of it and fires off a low kick. Grant kicks high and low, and the Brazilian swats them away without much concern. Assuncao looses a head kick, and he backs off as Grant walks him down and wings right hooks. Grant lunges forward, and his only strike that lands is a low kick. Grant gets a little too reckless, getting countered on the way in, and he finds himself getting grabbed by the veteran. Grant is warned for grabbing the fence to prevent the takedown, and Assuncao still drags him to his knees despite the foul. Grant fights his way back to his feet, but Assuncao has his arm around Grant’s waist with his legs intertwined for a trip. Grant looks to counter Assuncao with a trip, only to get thrown down once more. Assuncao gets a hook in as he takes the back, and Grant defends himself from anything else until the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round opens with a glove touch, and then the two throw hands. Both fighters connect with clean overhand rights, and they back off to measure one another. Assuncao beats the Brit to the punch with another right over the top, and Grant tries and fails to reach him back. As Grant advances, Assuncao kicks at his lead leg, which changes as Grant switches stances a few times. Assuncao hops away from a low kick, and he gets caught with a right hand coming in. Grant shucks him aside and strings a few punches together, ending it with a head kick that slides over the top. “Dangerous Davey” suddenly unleashes a torrent of punishment, blasting Assuncao with punches until he knocks Assuncao off-balance. Assuncao wobbles back to the fence, and he shoots for a desperation takedown to keep himself afloat. Grant defends the first try, but Assuncao redoubles his effort and pulls Grant’s ankle out to strip away his footing and put the Brit on his back. Assuncao holds on from an unorthodox half guard, but this posture allows Grant to explode back up. Grant fires off an uppercut that snaps Assuncao’s head back like a Pez dispenser, and he still has the Brazilian hurt. Grant tosses aside takedown entries from the veteran so that he can lay into him with punches, and he hurts Assuncao again in an exchange. Assuncao dives after a takedown, and Grant grabs the fence again to stop it. This time, Peterson has had enough of this nonsense, and he pauses the fight and deducts a point from Grant. Assuncao also loses his position from this, and Grant is thrilled so that he can tee off on the Brazilian some more. Assuncao struggles to stay on his feet from an onslaught of strikes, and Grant spins with a back fist that drills into the side of Assuncao’s head. Assuncao tries desperately to get the fight down, and he falls on top of Grant as the British fighter still tries to scramble. “Dangerous Davey” wraps his legs around Assuncao’s neck to set up an inverted triangle choke, and the unexpected move is secured in a hurry. Assuncao is nonresponsive from on top after the choke gets tight, and he goes out without Peterson recognizing it immediately. Peterson reaches in to check on the Brazilian, who is completely unconscious, and he determines that Assuncao is out and stops the fight. As soon as the fight is stopped, Assuncao’s coach, Eric Nicksick, is outraged from Peterson’s point deduction that also resulted in Assuncao losing his position, and it is explained that Grant had sat up and gained a superior position – and cannot be rewarded for gaining that position due to a foul. After Assuncao comes to, he removes his gloves and places them in the center of the cage to signal his retirement, while saying in his quick farewell interview that, “I think my time has come.”

The Official Result

Davey Grant def. Raphael Assuncao R3 4:43 via Technical Submission (Inverted Triangle Choke)

Lukasz Brzeski (245) vs. Karl Williams (240.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Williams (-200), Brzeski (+170)

Round 1

The unranked heavyweight slobberknocker of the night is not placed high up on the main card this time, and instead it serves as the preliminary headliner. Former 205-pounder Williams (7-1, 0-0 UFC) moves up in weight against Poland’s Brzeski (8-2-1, 1 NC; 0-1 UFC), and it could end quite violently. Referee Herb Dean needs to be on his A-game for this collision, one that starts off with the big men clapping hands. Brzeski starts off with a few jabs, and Williams scores one that is much heavier. Williams unloads with a few punches and a front kick, and Brzeski catches the kick but cannot do anything with it, so he lets it go. Brzeski scores a clean left hook when his foe comes in, and Williams crashes the pocket with two inside leg kicks and a high-amplitude double-leg takedown that makes the cage walls shake when they hit the floor. Brzeski calmly walks up the cage behind him back to his feet, and he trips out Williams to his knees. Williams climbs back up and goes after a single, and he dumps the Polish fighter to the floor again. Brzeski slowly works his way up again, and Williams goes back to the single. Brzeski grabs the fence to stay upright, and he is warned for it but still gets taken down. Brzeski explodes to his knees and upright, and he pushes Williams away and takes a few deep breaths at the three-minute mark. Brzeski gathers himself and swings a pair of heavy punches, and Williams is not much fresher as he evades them. Williams throws a kick to the liver, and Brzeski steps in with a right hand that pounds into the side of the dome. Williams tanks it and fires back with a vengeance, with ferocious single strikes that could fell buildings but not one another. Brzeski meets his foe coming in with a few body shots, and he leans back in the nick of time as Williams swings everything he has into an elbow. Williams gains a full head of steam, and in pursuit of a takedown, he pushes Brzeski all the way from one side of the cage to the other. The impact of the two big men hitting the wall shakes it and almost knocks the cameraman off the post. Brzeski separates, sucking serious wind, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters begin the round completely energized, and they throw caution to the wind and blast one another with heavy salvos of punches. Williams gains the upper hand, battering Brzeski with punches until he bounces off the wall. Williams grabs hold of his foe and lifts Brzeski all the way off the ground and suplexes him violently to the mat, and the entire fighting surface shudders from the destructive impact. Williams pulverizes his fading opponent with punches, opening up a cut above the left eye, and blood pours from it immediately. Brzeski works his way upright, but Williams dumps him back down and pummels him with heavy fists. Brzeski once more is able to stand up, and Williams abandons another takedown and gets pushed back and kneed. Brzeski spins with a back elbow, and Williams strides off. Dean pauses the fight to adjust Williams’ gloves, as the logo of the UFC peels off. Williams puts his hands on his hips in a sign of exhaustion, and they get back to it. Williams still manages to fight through the fatigue and trip Brzeski up to throw him to the floor. Williams measures left hands, with very little on them, as he is more focused on keeping the Polish fighter down. The two men are totally spent with 1:20 left in the second round, but Williams keeps trying to throw Brzeski around. Williams looks for a trip, but he cannot use his body weight to force a level change on the first attempt. The second try does allow him to trip Brzeski up, and he clings to Brzeski’s ankle to strip away his footing and stop a stand-up. Brzeski slowly lumbers his way upright, and he backs off as Williams throws an ill-advised head kick at him. Williams misses and falls to his back, and Brzeski flops on top of him to land punches to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The big men clap hands to start off the last round, and Brzeski appears to have the energy advantage of the two, as he comes out firing. After a few punches, Brzeski runs out of gas, and Williams takes advantage of this and goes after a takedown against the cage. Williams succeeds in throwing the Polish fighter to the ground, and he puts Brzeski flat on his back and lowers himself into the guard. Williams uses his body weight to keep Brzeski pinned, grinding him out without landing anything of note. Brzeski turns to his side and manages to get to his knees, but Williams slug away with right hands. Williams holds his foe down and smacks him upside the head futilely, with low impact blows that will not likely force a finish because of how infrequent they land. Brzeski moves back to his knees, but the weight of Williams keeps him stuck in the bad spot taking occasional punishment. Williams steps over when Brzeski tries to escape, and he presses his chest on Brzeski’s back to keep him flat. Brzeski falls to his side again, and Williams bops him with a few more weak right hands. The horn finally sounds to conclude this miserable 15-minute showing, and Brzeski is so tired that he cannot stand up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Williams (30-26 Williams)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Williams (30-26 Williams)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Williams (30-26 Williams)

The Official Result

Karl Williams def. Lukasz Brzeski via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Vitor Petrino (204) vs. Anton Turkalj (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petrino (-110), Turkalj (-110)

Round 1

The main card commences with a light heavyweight contest between two foes with very similar high finish rates. Unbeaten Brazilian Petrino (7-0, 0-0 UFC) will bring an 86% finish rate into this match, while “The Pleasure Man” Turkalj (8-1, 0-1 UFC) counters with his own at 87%. While the judges may not be involved at the end of this affair, referee Mark Smith very well may be needed before long. There is a sporting touch of gloves between these competitors, and the first strike comes from Turkalj in the form of a body kick while backing up. Petrino crowds him, and Turkalj throws another body kick. Petrino grabs hold of his man in a clash, eating a left hand on the way in but still lifting “The Pleasure Man” off the ground with a body lock and depositing him gingerly to the canvas. The Brazilian moves right into half guard, and he holds him there for a few seconds before Turkalj scrambles to get back to his feet. Petrino clings to the Swede like a cheap suit, and he tries to scoop up Turkalj’s left leg to throw him back down. Turkalj uses his own body weight to topple Petrino over and land on him, but the Brazilian jumps back up to his feet and is pushed to the wall. Turkalj fires off a knee up the middle, and it glances off the cup as Smith checks on Petrino’s condition. Petrino is good to play on, and Turkalj is warned. Smith asks the two to work as they stay glommed to one another on the fencing, and Petrino pushes off to get space. When distant, Petrino fires off a few head kicks, and a left hook is intercepted by a chopping low kick. Petrino goes after another high kick, and it glances off the shoulder to no effect. Turkalj ducks a punch and clinches up, and he drives a knee up to split the upright and clatter off the cup. Smith pauses the fight, and Petrino takes a minute to recover before the reset. The two trade kicks to get started again, and Turkalj eats a right hand when crashing forward. Turkalj quickly ties up to make sure he has his sea legs beneath him, only to separate when he is good to go. Petrino releases a barrage of fists, and Turkalj has his head knocked back from the blows. Petrino continues to give chase, beating on Turkalj and throwing him to the ground. Turkalj, on his back, fires off an upkick and rocks Petrino, who slumps on top of the Swede. Turkalj closes the guard, allowing Petrino to work his side so that he can clear his head, and the strange round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The 205ers greet with a glove touch, and both appear to have shaken out any cobwebs. Turkalj surges forward for a takedown, and he bails on it when running into the brick wall that is the Brazilian. Petrino unloads a left hand, snapping Turkalj’s head back, and following it with a few heavy punches. Turkalj responds with several body shots, and Petrino tackles “The Pleasure Man” over to land on top of him. Turkalj wall-walks to get back up, and he looks for a trip and results in pulling Petrino to his knees. Petrino climbs back up, but Turkalj drags him down again. Turkalj takes the back and gets his hooks in, but Petrino powers his way out and around to put Turkalj on his back and break up the submission. Turkalj works his own way up by grabbing the fence, and Petrino still hits a mat return. Turkalj climbs up again, and he turns Petrino around and looks to trip Petrino up and throw him to the floor. Petrino grabs the fence this time, and Turkalj looks to take the back and try to keep a hook on the side. Petrino rolls, but this time he cannot get Turkalj completely off of him, as Turkalj secures both hooks. Turkalj tries to move to mount, but Petrino turns himself over. Turkalj grabs the fence to sit up in an egregious but unpenalized foul, and the fighters stand again. “The Pleasure Man” takes pleasures in blasting Petrino with a swarm of punches, bullying the bully and pushing him back to the fencing again. Turkalj cannot settle on holding Petrino, as Petrino explodes to turn him around, and they keep jockeying for position while Turkalj is again warned for fence grabs. Both fighters throw and land spinning back elbows, ending the second frame.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is a clap of hands to start off the last round, and Turkalj starts with a sweeping low kick. Petrino throws one back, and he is answered by the Swede. Petrino tries to go up high with a kick, and Turkalj surges forward to break it up and throw hands. As Petrino swings for the fences, Turkalj circles around to take his back and drag Petrino to the floor. Turkalj gets both hooks in, and he fastens the body triangle to stop Petrino from exploding around like before. While Turkalj fishes for a choke, Petrino miraculously twists himself around to get on top and quickly take mount. Turkalj grabs the fence repeatedly, and Smith even has to get in and slap the hand away. Petrino jumps over to take the back, and he latches on to a rear-naked choke in a hurry. Turkalj grits it out and turns himself around while Petrino squeezes, and he stands up and quickly attempts a level change. Turkalj yanks Petrino down to his knees, even with Petrino grabbing the cage, and he takes the back and tries to claim dominant position. Petrino stays patient and predictably reverse the position to throw Turkalj on his back. Turkalj turns to his knees in hopes of standing up, and he gives up his back without a care in the world. Petrino lets him up so that he can lift him up and slam him to the floor, and Turkalj stands up by tugging on the chain links as Smith slaps his hand again. After a moment against the fence, they split up, and they proceed to throw bombs at one another. Turkalj swings a head kick, and he uses the forward motion to wrap his arms around Petrino’s waist to try to yank him to the mat. Petrino stands him up and knees him in the face, and he scoops “The Pleasure Man” off the ground and slams him to the ground. Turkalj tries to crawl away, and Petrino slugs him on the side of the head until the final horn stops this foul-plagued match.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Vitor Petrino def. Anton Turkalj via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Mario Bautista (136) vs. Guido Cannetti (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bautista (-1050), Cannetti (+700)

Round 1

Because of a late fight scratch after weigh-ins on Friday, this 135-pound contest between Bautista (11-2, 5-2 UFC) and Cannetti (10-6, 4-5 UFC) finds itself on the main card. Regardless of its placement, MMA Lab’s Bautista will close as the largest betting favorite of this event by a massive margin, with odds in his favor at or above -1000. Whether Cannetti can spring the huge upset at +650 or not, referee Chris Tognoni will be here for it. Gloves are touched, and they immediately start kicking. They swing alternating low kicks, and then spinning wheel kicks. Bautista changes levels and hits a takedown on the Argentinian, putting him in the open cage and claiming half guard in a hurry. Cannetti bucks to try to escape, and he stops Bautista from moving to full mount. Cannetti scrambles and sits up, and Bautista threatens with a guillotine choke to bowl Cannetti over. Cannetti fights to his feet quickly after hitting his back, and he grabs hold of a body lock and tackles Bautista down to the floor. Bautista quickly turns the tables to stand up, and he ignores a guillotine choke and tosses Cannetti back down. Bautista times a scrambling Cannetti to take the back standing, and he locks in a body triangle while Cannetti stands up. Bautista torques back to drag Cannetti towards the wall, and he abandons the back take to let go and perform a mighty belly-to-back suplex that drops Cannetti square on his head. As soon as they hit the mat, Bautista grips hold of a rear-naked choke, and the forearm slides under the chin. Bautista crushes on the windpipe and carotid artery to complete the choke, and Cannetti has no choice but to tap out before he is put to sleep. This was quick work for the overwhelming favorite, who has now won four in a row including three straight by first-round submission.

The Official Result

Mario Bautista def. Guido Cannetti R1 3:18 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Jonathan Martinez (135.5) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nurmagomedov (-240), Martinez (+200)

Round 1

At the end of this important bantamweight affair, one of these fighters’ four-fight win streak will likely come to an end. Meanwhile, the victor will claim their 18th pro triumph. Fresh off the momentum of another Nurmagomedov winning last night in Bellator, the Dagestan native Nurmagomedov (17-2, 6-1 UFC) has plenty of expectations and skills to match. Unfortunately for the Russian, Martinez (17-4, 8-3 UFC) is also an excellent fighter, and the two styles should produce an interesting pairing. Referee Keith Peterson will be responsible for overseeing this potentially fun scrap devoid of nonsense, and the fighters bump fists to get things going. Martinez opens up with a low kick, and Nurmagomedov throws to the body and head in rapid succession with his legs. Nurmagomedov spins with a back fist that collides off the high guard, and he slaps a high kick that hits the same spot. Nurmagomedov spins with another back fist, and when he keeps spinning, he kicks Martinez and knocks him of his feet. Nurmagomedov lets him up and fires off a quick kick up high, and Martinez plays defense and lets one single kick go. Nurmagomedov aims his shin to the midsection, and he chains a few punches together into a high kick and a level change. Nurmagomedov hits the ground and takes the back, and he fishes for a rear-naked choke and puts Martinez instantly in the danger zone. Martinez grits it out, as it is not completely under the chin, and he scoots his back to the fence. With Nurmagomedov still behind him, the Russian adjusts his grip and locks down the rear-naked choke again. Martinez once more does not panic, and instead slowly turns his head out and fights his way to his feet. Martinez and his opponent jockey for position, and Nurmagomedov gets away with a fence grab to keep his foe pinned. Martinez connects with a knee to force a separation, and he rushes forward to throw hands. Nurmagomedov blasts his man with a nasty back fist, and Martinez wobbles and eats a high kick shortly thereafter. Martinez continues pushing forward, ending in the clinch and slamming his knee into the solar plexus. Nurmagomedov replies with a short elbow on the inside, and Martinez holds him against the wall with knees. Nurmagomedov grabs hold of a head lock to roll them to the floor, and Martinez wrests his neck out of the grip and keeps pressing on Nurmagomedov until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two contenders meet in the middle with a fist bump, and “Dragon” starts plodding forward and right into the range of the kicking Russian. Nurmagomedov throws a front kick, a low kick and a side kick before Martinez can do anything in response. Martinez lands one single low kick, and he dips away when Nurmagomedov fires off a right hand over the top. Nurmagomedov springs away and sets up a spinning back fist, and he changes things up to trip Martinez up and set him down softly to the floor. Martinez maintains a high guard, but Nurmagomedov pays it no mind as he grinds on Martinez. Martinez lets off a few elbows from his back, and he throws Nurmagomedov all the way up in the air and over from his back to force an impressive standup. Martinez advances to strike, and he takes a spinning back fist on the chin and keeps coming forward. Nurmagomedov dives in for a single, and Martinez defends it and belts Nurmagomedov upside the head with a number of elbows. Martinez pushes Nurmagomedov down to his knees and elbows him a few times, before kneeing the Russian in the face as Nurmagomedov stands up. Martinez keeps pressing Nurmagomedov against the wall, and short knees from both fighters get off. Martinez tries to frame off, but Nurmagomedov beats him to the punch and spins with a telegraphed blow. Martinez kicks low and their legs clash, and Nurmagomedov fires off a spinning wheel kick that misses the mark. Martinez pounds his shin on the calf, and Nurmagomedov reaches down after a few land to the same spot. The round ends as they feint and fake at one another.

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

Martinez whips a low kick down to the calf to start off the last round, drawing an immediate reaction out of him. Nurmagomedov takes a few others, and Martinez is now beating him to the punch and kick. Nurmagomedov has a spinning back fist blocked, and the contact between the two allows the Russian to knock Martinez off his feet, either by a strike or by Martinez being off-balance. Nurmagomedov jumps into the guard but cannot hold Martinez down, as Martinez throws his legs up to lock on a triangle choke. Martinez transitions the maneuver into an armbar, and he wrenches on the limb with every bit of remaining force. Martinez cannot get the tap, as Nurmagomedov stacks him up and breaks the posture. While “Dragon” looks to escape, Nurmagomedov swirls around to take his back and get the two hooks in. The Dagestan native works to set up a body triangle, and he fishes his left arm around the neck to attack a rear-naked choke. The choking arm is not under the chin, and Martinez powers out and back up to his feet, where he manages to get Nurmagomedov off his back. Martinez turns him around to the fencing, and he fires off a few short knees. Nurmagomedov pursues a trip, and they both land on their knees and gets back up to the same clinch position. Martinez clings to his man as time ticks off the clock, and he drills Nurmagomedov with two left hands while Nurmagomedov looks to escape. Martinez keeps him honest and scores a few more punches from up close, and he knees Nurmagomedov to break apart. Martinez throws everything he has with punches and knees, while Nurmagomedov fires off a head kick that is blocked before the bell. This razor close fight will be left to the hands of the judges, and it’s anyone’s guess who gets their hand raised here.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Jonathan Martinez def. Said Nurmagomedov via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Nikita Krylov (213) vs. Ryan Spann (213)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Krylov (-170), Spann (+145)

Round 1

Two weeks later than expected, fans in the building should soon be treated to an all-action slugfest in what was supposed to be the UFC Vegas 70 headliner. A combined 38 first-round finishes have come between Krylov (29-9, 10-7 UFC) and Spann (21-7, 7-2 UFC), with stellar stoppage rates of 93% for the former and 86% for the Texan. Referee Herb Dean better buckle up for this one, although he is able to take solace knowing it is still a matchup without any bad blood. With the cancelation a few weeks ago, this is no longer taking place at light heavyweight, and instead at 215 pounds. Fists are bumped before they throw down, and when they do, it should be one heck of a show. Spann reaches out with an early jab as Krylov kicks, and Spann follows it with a few punches that knock Krylov around. Krylov gains space after bouncing off the fence, and he pops Spann with a right hand to wobble the Texan’s legs. Krylov advances to try to keep swinging, and he ends up clinched up with his opponent. Spann throws Krylov down to the mat, and he lands on top and starts fishing for a submission. Krylov sits up and finds his neck in submission danger, but he shucks off the first guillotine choke try as Spann switches to a brabo choke. Krylov stays patient, and Spann adjusts his head and settles down with another guillotine. “The Miner” digs through the pain and discomfort to yank his neck free, and the two fighters work their way back upright. Krylov holds Spann from behind and kicks him in the side of the face awkwardly, and he drags Spann down to the ground. Spann turns the tables to take Krylov down, and Spann winds up in a guillotine choke threat on the other side. Spann slides out the back door and frees himself, and he grabs a two-on-one wrist lock in an attempt to scramble out. Krylov stays tightly pressed to him and lands a few punches that might have hit the back of the head. Spann stands up and Krylov falls over, and Spann jumps on top of him to drop hammers down. When Spann lands on top, Krylov wraps his legs up around his opponent's head to tighten up a triangle choke. Spann knows this time, there is no way out, as he fell right into a trap. “Superman” is forced to surrender to the choke, as the crowd is silenced at the sudden conclusion of the mighty grappling battle. This gives the victor, who is not representing a country given the Russian invasion of his home country of Ukraine, his 30th pro win and 28th by stoppage.

The Official Result

Nikita Krylov def. Ryan Spann R1 3:38 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

Alexander Romanov (264.5) vs. Alexander Volkov (258)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Romanov (-150), Volkov (+130)

Round 1

There is no truth to the rumor that only one man will keep the name Alexander after this heavyweight co-main event comes to a close. In this classic style matchup, striker Volkov (35-10, 9-4 UFC) will collide with grappler Romanov (16-1, 5-1 UFC), and the two are so young in the division that they have at least five more years left in them, if not 10. The battle between “Drago” and “King Kong” will be joined in the cage by referee Mark Smith, who will keep things above board for as long as they need. The two are happy to tangle tonight, and they bump fists together. Volkov pushes the pace immediately, and Romanov greets him with a charging takedown. Volkov defends as he gets pushed from one side of the cage to the other, as Romanov changes up for a single. Volkov clearly and obviously grabs the fence to stay upright, and Romanov stays clung to the left leg until bailing on it to back off. Volkov cracks him with a few punches, and he works the body and scores a right hand that hurts “King Kong.” Romanov tries to take the fight down again, and Volkov moves around deftly to get a hook in and take Romanov’s back. Volkov drills the downed fighter with several vicious undercuts -- uppercuts sneaking beneath his opponent's armpit -- busting up Romanov’s nose and causing blood to spray all over the floor. Volkov pours it on with punches, and Smith takes a hard look at the action and tells Romanov he needs to fight back. Volkov lets Romanov sit up, and he frees his left hand to belt the Moldovan upside the head. The Russian continues his bombardment of punches, and Smith has no choice but to step in. Volkov has prevailed in the all-Alexander battle, making short work of the heavier Romanov to earn his second first-round knockout in a row – a first for "Drago" since 2014.

The Official Result

Alexander Volkov def. Alexander Romanov R1 2:16 via TKO (Punches)

Petr Yan (136) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (134.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yan (-255), Dvalishvili (+215)

Round 1

While the division has a serious logjam going on, the winner of this bantamweight headliner might earn a crack at gold in the relatively near future. Former champ Yan (16-4, 8-3 UFC) has struggled as of late, with three losses in his last four, and he will be trying to end the first losing streak of his career. On the other hand, “The Machine” Dvalishvili (15-4, 8-2 UFC) has been a machine the last few years, stringing together eight straight wins over increasingly difficult opposition. The last fight of the night will have Octagon ranger Herb Dean on call, and he brings them to the middle to issue formalities. Although Dean suggests a touch of gloves, the bad blood has risen to a boil and the 135-pound contenders eventually choose not to do so. Yan strides forward, brimming with confidence, and he backs Dvalishvili up and has to immediately fight off a takedown. Yan drops to a knee, climbs back up to his feet, and immediately takes several punches to the side of his head while standing. Yan backs off, and Dvalishvili surges forward for a low single. Yan stuffs it, resets and fires of a nasty low kick that makes the Georgian do a full rotation. Yan backs off from a reaching punch, and the two trade low kicks. Dvalishvili attempts a jab, and Yan replies in kind and comes up just short of the mark with a leg kick. Yan is formally warned by Dean for holding outstretched fingers, and he apologizes for his infraction. Dvalishvili charges in for a double, and Yan stops him in his tracks and blasts him with an elbow. As Dvalishvili is backing off, Yan kicks the lead leg hard. Dvalishvili bounces back off the wall and comes in for another takedown, and Yan shuts it down. Dvalishvili reaches out with a high kick, and Yan is loudly admonished for pointing out his fingers. Dvalishvili grabs hold of a single, lifts Yan’s left leg high in the air, and tries to kick it out. “The Machine” cannot get Yan down, and he eats a hefty leg kick when they separate. Dvalishvili punches his way into takedown efforts, and he wings a back fist that spins far off where he tries to reach. Yan clobbers the lead leg of his opponent with kicks, and Dvalishvili responds with one that knocks Yan off-balance and stuns him with a straight left hand. Dvalishvili pushes forward and tries to knee Yan in the head, but Yan grounds himself to protect from pokes. As they get back to the center of the cage, Yan is once more warned for outstretched fingers. They resume, and Dvalishvili kicks the body. Yan races in with a takedown of his own, and Dvalishvili scrambles all the way through it to dump the former champ on his back. Yan sits up against the wall, and he stands up and takes a knee on the head before reaching his hand down to the floor to prevent others. Dvalishvili clings to Yan’s neck, kneeing the dome a few times, and holding on with a guillotine choke until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Yan claims the center of the cage to start off the second round, and Dvalishvili whips a leg kick at him. Yan is forced to quickly fight off a takedown, and Dvalishvili downs him and allows him to get up so that he can lay into him with punches and a cheeky elbow. Dvalishvili evades Yan’s swinging strikes when Yan comes at him, and Yan even considers dropping down to keep Dvalishvili honest. Dvalishvili ignores it and connects with a one-two, and he throws a naked leg kick that gets countered over the top with a Yan right hand. Dvalishvili slings a jab and a low kick, and Yan backs off and eats a right hook on the way out. Dvalishvili gets Yan’s attention with a combination that ends with a chopping low kick, and Yan checks it and backs away and uncomfortably resets. Dvalishvili bears down on him with a step-in elbow and w few more punches, and Yan gathers his thoughts and fires back. As he commits to a right hand, Dvalishvili tackles him clean off his feet to put him on his seat. Yan powers his way back up without concern, and he guards against damage when getting back up. The Russian rips the body with a left hand, and Dvalishvili lunges for a dramatic single that he fails to secure. Dvalishvili settles down and launches three straight head kicks, and Yan blocks them and sweeps Dvalishvili off his feet. The Georgian crawls frantically to the wall, where he walks up it and turns around as Yan pressures him. Yan gets off a knee to the body, and Dvalishvili walks him down and attacks the midsection and fires punches over the top. Dvalishvili has a head kick bounce off the guard, and he tries to lash out with a standing elbow that misses by a matter of inches. Yan unsuccessfully defends against a takedown, and he falls to his backside momentarily before surging back up. Yan backs away when breaking the grip, and he kicks Dvalishvili’s lead leg twice before Dvalishvili throws punches at him. A wild exchange allows Yan to throw his opponent to the floor, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Dvalishvili immediately opens the third frame with a front kick, and he advances rapidly and throws caution to the wind. Yan releases a body kick and a leg kick, and Dvalishvili ignores them as if they never landed. Dvalishvili spins wildly after missing with a head kick, and Yan stands in front of him and stuffs a low single. Yan eats as right hand as Dvalishvili runs at him, and they trade hands with Dvalishvili landing with a higher volume. Dvalishvili runs at him to snatch up a single, and Yan blocks it and takes a knee on the dome to try to give Dvalishvili a side kick to the breadbasket. Yan fights off a takedown and throws Dvalishvili to his knees, but Dvalishvili pops up and goes after another. Yan is pushed back to the wall and stops it, and he turns around to go after a double. Yan bails on it, and Dvalishvili catches him with a left on the break. Yan overswings with a punch, and Dvalishvili shoots for a single. Yan stops it and immediately has to fight off a second try, with the pace frustrating the former champion. Dvalishvili takes Yan from behind and lowers him to the mat, but only for a second before Yan wills himself back to his feet. Yan breaks the grip and looks to let his hands go, but a Dvalishvili single into a trip puts Yan on his seat for a second. Dvalishvili doggedly pursues the takedowns, never allowing Yan to have a second to breathe or get going. Yan rolls through the attempt to separate, and he rubs out his eye as they get back to striking range. Yan gets stung with a few punches as Dvalishvili throws wildly, and Dvalishvili throws him on his head in a dangerous attempt to bring the fight down. Yan looks to do something similar, but the round ends before he can try it.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

Yan moves to the center of the cage, showing he is still fresh, but when the round opens, Dvalishvili sprints at him and drills him in the face with a left hand. Yan works the body with a right hand, and Dvalishvili punches his way close but does not shoot. Instead, he kicks the midsection and punches it a few times, and Yan elects to box with him. Dvalishvili targets the body, and he drops down to grab hold of a single. Yan leans against the wall, and he thinks about grabbing the fence but decides to stay clean unlike many of the previous competitors tonight. This allows Dvalishvili to dump Yan on his backside, but only for a moment before the Russian powers his way up. Yan reverses him and trips Dvalishvili up, and when Yan holds on in the clinch, Dvalishvili slaps his foe’s posterior several times and even squeezes it. It is not a tap, but rather a taunt, and they separate. As they break apart, it is evident that swelling is growing on the corner of Yan’s right eye, but he pays it no mind and is still ready to trade. Dvalishvili dives low for a takedown, and Yan breaks it up and makes him pay with a left hook. Dvalishvili keeps going for takedowns, and he drops to the floor to try to force the issue. Yan shrugs it off and strafes into a high kick, and Dvalishvili follows him and opens up with punches including a left hook that lands right on the swollen eye. Yan loads up on punches, and Dvalishvili is giving him everything he has on the feet as they trade with impunity. Dvalishvili kicks the calf, and Yan replies in kind before crashing the pocket. It is likely that Dvalishvili will break the organizational record for the most takedown attempts in a fight, but he still has not landed many. Yan staves off another one or two before the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

Yan’s right eye is practically closed between rounds, but he is still cleared to continue fighting. When the final round kicks off, Dvalishvili starts with a kick to the damaged calf of the Russian. Yan throws one back and shoots in for a takedown, and Dvalishvili ignores it and lets them get back to kickboxing range. Dvalishvili punches his way into a takedown, and he spams yet another single and fails to get it. Yan keeps himself upright, and Dvalishvili backs away to rush in for another try. It is lather, rinse, repeat, as Dvalishvili may get Yan to a knee but it may or may not officially land as one more on the record. Dvalishvili keeps tight to Yan, and he swings into a single that he bails on immediately. Dvalishvili clubs Yan with a right hand over the top, and he backs him into the wall with a seconds before racing in for the umpteenth single. He changes his grip to a double, and he lifts the former champion off his feet and throws him to the floor. Yan powers back up, and he protects his mug from knees and pushes off. Dvalishvili fakes a level change to loose a right hand over the top, and he kicks the body as Yan ties him up. Dvalishvili breaks off, and the two jab at one another with Yan still maintaining solid head movement. Dvalishvili trips Yan off his feet and throws him to the floor, with no doubt that that one counted, and Yan is stuck on his knees for more than a few seconds before working his way up in the open cage. Yan backs away and tries to throw one punch, but Dvalishvili is after another single. Dvalishvili releases a huge right hand that Yan takes flush, and the punches and body shots from Dvalishvili are slowing Yan. Yan cannot even throw a single strike before Dvalishvili attacks with constant takedowns, having completely obliterated the takedown attempt record – and along with that, the failed takedown amount record. Yan yanks his leg out, and he lets his hands fly with seconds to spare. Dvalishvili obliges him, and a right hand from Yan busts his nose open in the final flurry. They keep trading punches right to the final bell, and with 25 minutes in the books, this is a true coming-out party for the cardio machine that is Georgia’s Dvalishvili. The two fighters squash their beef after the official result, and hug it out. The jury is out on what he will do next, as friend and training partner Aljamain Sterling holds the belt at their weight class, and they will not fight one another. Dvalishvili states that he will not fight for a title for as long as Sterling holds it, and says he will vie for the gold when Sterling moves up to 145 pounds. If and when that happens, we will be there for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Merab Dvalishvili def. Petr Yan via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)