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UFC on ESPN 5 ‘Covington vs. Lawler’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring



Sherdog's live UFC on ESPN 5 coverage begins Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.

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Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and predictions below.

Miranda Granger vs. Hannah Goldy

Round 1

Starting off the night on the prelims is a flyweight matchup between two women both making their Octagon debuts in Granger (6-0, 0-0 UFC) and Goldy (5-0, 0-0 UFC). The referee in charge of this first bout is Herb Dean. The two touch gloves and exchange low kicks. Granger lands a one-two, who keeps her distance. Goldy closes the distance and lands, getting Granger's attention. The two clinch up and Granger throws a few knees, to which Goldy responds in kind. The two break by both landing an elbow. We are just over two minutes into the first fight of the night and the "woo" birds already rear their ugly heads. Granger lands a few more strikes at distance before closing in, and the two separate again. As Granger lands a leg kick, Goldy sits on a counter right hand that scores. To deal with multiple leg kicks, Goldy checks one and they stop for a moment. Granger tags Goldy with a combination, and charges into the clinch. Granger throws up a high knee in the clinch that catches Goldy in the face. As the two reverse position against the fence, Granger lands several more short knees. The two separate and exchange when the horn sounds, calling an end to the opening round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Granger
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Granger
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Granger

Round 2

The first 30 seconds of the second round are tentative, with Granger finding her range with low leg kicks and a reaching head kick that falls short. Goldy responds to some of Granger's leg kicks by landing a slapping one of her own. Granger lands a stiff left hand that backs Goldy against the fence. Granger does not capitalize on hurting her opponent, as Goldy gets her wits about her and throws some more kicks. Granger goes back to stringing punches together, although most fall short. Goldy tags Granger with a left hand and then a left head kick that surprises Granger. Granger whiffs on a spinning wheel kick, and Goldy applies the pressure by chasing Granger around the cage for a moment. Goldy throws a three kick combination that are all well short of the target. Granger lunges forward to throw a head kick, which is blocked. Granger lands a couple strong body kicks as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Granger
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Goldy
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Granger

Round 3

Granger starts the round by taking the center of the Octagon, although the two trade to no effect. On a kick attempt, Granger appears to slip and possibly tweak her ankle, but she wears it well. Granger leaps forward but does not land anything of significance. Keeping her distance and circling on the outside, Granger backs away while Goldy takes the center of the cage. Goldy's reach disadvantage shows itself again as she falls short with more strikes. Goldy starts throwing several kicks including a side kick aimed at Granger's face, but it too misses. Granger presses forward with a combination, and while she does not connect she backs Goldy against the cage. The two trade kicks, and the flyweights are going strike for strike with each other. Granger lands a kick over the top and then backs away. Granger throws a spinning kick and misses, although she presses forwards and cracks Goldy with some punches. With 10 seconds left, the two women launch multiple kicks at one other, and the fight ends when the final horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Granger (30-27 Granger)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Granger (29-28 Granger)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Granger (30-27 Granger)

The Official Result

Miranda Granger def. Hannah Goldy via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Claudio Henrique da Silva vs. Cole Williams

Round 1

Next up is a welterweight fight between the surging Silva (13-1, 4-0 UFC) and the debuting Williams (11-1, 0-0 UFC). The referee is Gary Copeland. Silva lunches forward with a left hand and scores. Williams fires right back, and lands as well. Silva lands a hard low kick, but Williams counters effectively. Williams lands a long right hand to the body, and Silva throws back a leg kick. Silva grabs a hold of Williams and gets him down. Williams is in danger, as Silva takes Williams' back immediately. Instead of fishing for a choke, Silva goes after an arm before he decides to land some strikes. Williams defends himself by not allowing Silva to get both his hooks in, but he is taking some loud shots. The strikes make a big difference, as Silva takes advantage by snatching Williams' neck, and Silva coaxes the tap in seconds. Justifying his place as the biggest betting favorite on the card, Silva has won his first five fights in the UFC, and it is his third consecutive submission victory.

The Official Result

Claudio Henrique da Silva def. Cole Williams R1 2:35 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Lauren Murphy vs. Mara Romero Borella

Round 1

Flyweights return to the cage for the second time in three fights today as Murphy (10-4, 2-4 UFC) takes on Borella (12-5, 2 NC; 2-1 UFC). Overseeing this fight is referee Liam Kerrigan. The two feint and fake right out of the gate, and Borella throws a combination while Murphy counters. Borella is content on throwing low kicks while she tries to find her range. Murphy throws a right hook, followed by a head kick that misses. Borella lands a right hand that reddens the face of Murphy, and the two trade strikes. Borella lands more leg kicks, and Murphy starts picking her leg up in anticipation of more low kicks. Borella lands over the top, and Murphy returns fire with one of her own that backs off Borella. As Borella tries to set up another combination, Murphy breaks it up with an effective right hand, and then one more for good measure. The two clinch at the center of the cage while Borella presses Murphy against the fence, and they separate after Murphy attempts a knee. The horn sounds and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Borella
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Borella
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Borella

Round 2

As the second round begins, Murphy leads the dance by pursuing Borella, although she misses on most of her strike attempts. Murphy lands a right hand, and Borella scores a one-two combination as Murphy resets. Murphy sits on her counter punches, and catches Borella on the way in with a left. Borella surprises Murphy with a takedown, and it is Murphy throwing strikes off her back while staving off Borella. Murphy sits up and then stands back up, but in doing so puts her head into an attempted guillotine by Borella. Murphy survives and presses for a single, and then a double leg takedown while Borella continues to fish for the neck. The two are in a stalemate and before they get stand up against the fence, with Murphy pressing hard on her Italian foe. Murphy lands a few knees in the clinch position, but Borella uses the opportunity to reverse her briefly before Murphy takes control again. The round comes to a close in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Borella
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 3

Much like the first two rounds, the two keep their distance while trying to control the center of the Octagon, feinting before eventually finding their range again. The two stare at one another across the cage, with neither throwing anything until they suddenly land on one another. Murphy scores the more effective strike, possibly hurting Borella while backing her off. Borella shoots for a takedown but is stuffed by Murphy. In response, Murphy blasts Borella with a huge knee to drop her adversary. The tide has turned completely, and Murphy leaps down to land some vicious elbows, forcing referee Kerrigan to intervene and take the judges out of the equation. In a stunning turn of events, that knockout is one the biggest wins of Murphy's career.

The Official Result

Lauren Murphy def. Mara Romero Borella R3 1:46 via TKO (Knee and Elbows)

Jordan Espinosa vs. Matt Schnell

Round 1

A pair of ranked men's flyweights take the Octagon now, with Espinosa (14-5, 1 NC; 1-0 UFC) facing Schnell (13-4, 0-0 UFC). Our referee is Gasper Oliver. The two leap forward and Espinosa lands hard on Schnell's face. Schnell fires back immediately, landing a low kick that sends Espinosa spinning. Schnell counters a body kick from Espinosa with a right hand of his own. Espinosa shoots for a takedown and lands it, but ends up into a guillotine attempt from Schnell. Espinosa escapes, but falls into a triangle setup. The choke is incredibly tight, and Espinosa has no choice but to tap out. This is a huge win for Schnell, who has now recorded back-to-back triangle choke victories and pushes his win streak to four. With the win, both fighters with the nickname "Danger" have won today, as Granger prevailed earlier.

The Official Result

Matt Schnell def. Jordan Espinosa R1 1:23 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

Antonina Shevchenko vs. Lucie Pudilova

Round 1

In the final flyweight contest of the day, Shevchenko (7-1, 1-1 UFC) takes on Pudilova (8-4, 2-3 UFC). The referee is Liam Kerrigan. After a brief feeling-out process, the two women engage in the clinch in the center of the cage. Shevchenko lands knees and presses Pudilova against the cage. The moment the fight hits the fence, the "woo" birds make their ugly return. Shevchenko peppers her opponent with more knees in the clinch, as Pudilova tries to escape but is stuck against the fence. A few more knees land to the body of Pudilova, but the referee pauses the action when Shevchenko lands an accidental groin strike. The two do not break for long, as the action restarts and Pudilova shoots for a takedown but is stuffed. Shevchenko reverses her Czech opponent back against the fence and throws some more knees to her corner's delight. Pudilova gets position and attempts a single leg takedown, but she is again stuffed. Shevchenko lands a knee, and Pudilova throws back ferociously with some elbows that stagger Shevchenko and open a cut on her left eye. With her hurt, Pudilova finally gets the takedown and immediately advances to half guard. Pudilova drops more elbows as Shevchenko recovers guard and snatches an armbar out of nowhere. Pudilova fights with all her might and stands up, slamming Shevchenko and miraculously gets out of it. The round comes to a close in the clinch, as Shevchenko is opened up and bleeding going back to her corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2

Pudilova starts the round lunging towards her opponent with strikes and then pursues the clinch. Trying for another takedown, Pudilova slams her opponent but in doing so gives up her back. Shevchenko immediately sinks in the rear-naked choke as the referee watches closely, testing Pudilova's arm to make sure she is still conscious. Shevchenko flattens out Pudilova and continues squeezing the choke, and Pudilova goes out. As Kerrigan realizes Pudilova is out cold, he stops the fight and Shevchenko scores the first submission victory of her career.

The Official Result

Antonina Shevchenko def. Lucie Pudilova R2 1:20 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)?

Mickey Gall vs. Salim Touahri

Round 1

Headlining the preliminary portion of the card is a welterweight affair between Gall (5-2, 4-2 UFC) and Touahri (10-3, 0-2 UFC). Drawing the assignment for this one is referee Gary Copeland. Chants of "USA" erupt as the fight begins, as the crowd lends its support behind Gall. Touahri lands a few strikes at distance while Gall throws a body kick in return. Gall comes up short on a head kick attempt, and the two paw at one another. Gall leaps in and Touahri tags him on the way in, but Gall eats it and engages in the clinch. The two separate and Gall lands a strike that makes Touahri spin away. The two men trade leg kicks, and Gall shoots for a takedown but is unsuccessful. Trying for a trip, he can't get Touahri down, so he instead takes Touahri's back for a moment. Touahri escapes the position but Gall applies pressure against the cage wall. Gall grabs Touahri's back again and lands a questionable knee to Touahri's head or shoulder while Touahri's hand was down that Copeland shouts about, but does not separate them. Gall tries to drag down Touahri, who maneuvers away and stands back up. Gall then manages to get Touahri down and takes his back once more, although he is unable to get both hooks in. Gall lands some powerful ground-and-pound to end the round strong.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gall
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Gall
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Gall

Round 2

A different chant opens the second round, with the crowd opting to shout "Mickey" for the American fighter. Touahri lands on Gall's body, and Gall returns fire with a body kick. Gall presses forward again to clinch back up, and Gall launches a powerful elbow followed by a combination on the break. Gall leaps in the air to throw a kick that scores, and Touahri responds with more punches to Gall's body. Both men land hard and Gall appears to have gotten the better of that exchange, albeit slightly. Gall wings punches way off the target and then times Touahri's strikes to attempt a single leg takedown. Touahri defends it perfectly by reversing the position and ending up on top, immediately taking half guard. Trying to advance his position, Touahri stands up while landing strikes from on top. Gall rolls out and gets back to his feet, much to the delight of the crowd. Gall lands several serious elbows that cause Touahri to flinch, but he fires right back and gets Gall down the canvas again. As Touahri hops into side control, Round 2 ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Touahri
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Touahri
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Touahri

Round 3

Gall starts off the round with a solid combination. Touahri responds with a stiff jab. As Gall misses a head kick, Touahri leans on long left hands to Gall's body. Touahri throws a three-punch combination and scores one of the three, while Gall misses and turns in a circle. Touahri scores with a right hand that makes Gall pause for a moment, and then Touahri tries for a takedown. To counter, Gall attempts a choke, and Touahri bails on the attempt. The two men trade hard shots, with Touahri landing to the body while Gall scores over the top. As they go against the fence once more, Gall takes Touahri's back until Touahri circles out of it. Another wild exchange follows, and Gall appears to land more cleanly. Gall shoots for a takedown and again tries to take Touahri's back. Gall tries to lift up Touahri, and then tries a few trip attempts, but Touahri forces Gall to slip off his back and ends up on top landing some solid strikes. Gall stands up with a spinning elbow and briefly loses his mouthpiece. The round ends in exciting fashion as Gall ends up on top dropping punches until the final bell sounds. This could be a close one. If Gall takes the decision, it would be the first time he has ever won a fight in any other way than submission.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gall (29-28 Gall)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Gall (29-28 Gall)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Touahri (29-28 Touahri)

The Official Result

Mickey Gall def. Salim Touahri via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Darko Stosic vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu

Round 1

Kicking off the main card is a light heavyweight battle between Stosic (13-2, 1-1 UFC) and Nzechukwu (6-1, 0-1 UFC) . The referee in charge this time around is Gary Copeland. The two touch gloves and Nzechukwu immediately paws his right hand out to find his range. Stosic lands a hard inside leg kick that causes Nzechukwu to react, and Stosic follows that up with one more to the same spot. As he lands a few more, Nzechukwu finally starts to check them. Stosic shoots for a single leg takedown but gets stood up, although he is in control against the fence. Stosic breaks with an overhand right that just misses, and then starts back up on kicking Nzechukwu's lead leg. Nzechukwu tries to land a knee, as his corner implores him to start throwing. Stosic repeatedly lands loud leg kicks that are already causing some damage to Nzechukwu's right leg. Nzechukwu throws another high knee, but is not attempting many other strikes. Nzechukwu backs off Stosic when he finally starts throwing long right hands, and Stosic attempts to counter with an overhand left. Stosic lands a body kick and then charges forward with a combination that forces Nzechukwu to cover up. Stosic unloads a barrage of strikes that are mostly blocked by Nzechukwu. The round ends when the horn sounds, but Stosic looks visibly tired as he leans against the cage in his corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Stosic
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Stosic
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Stosic

Round 2

The round commences with Stosic landing a powerful accidental groin kick on Nzechukwu that stops the action immediately. Copeland warns Stosic and allows Nzechukwu to take some time to recover. The action restarts as Stosic throws a few more leg kicks. Nzechukwu follows Stosic around with a few jabs. Nzechukwu chases Stosic around the cage while Stosic peppers Nzechukwu with leg kicks. Nzechukwu applies the pressure and starts throwing kicks to Stosic's body. Nzechukwu throws some more jabs that causes Stosic to go for a double leg takedown that he scores. Nzechukwu fights the control and manages to stand up against the fence. Nzechukwu breaks the clinch and returns to throwing long right jabs and front kicks to the body. The crowd grows a little restless while Nzechukwu continues to rely on long jabs to keep his opponent at bay. Stosic lands another groin kick, and Copeland is not amused. Copeland deducts one point from Stosic, and admonishes Stosic for his fouls. Nzechukwu recovers and lands a solid one-two, and follows Stosic around the cage. The round comes to a close as Nzechukwu pursues his opponent.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Nzechukwu
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-8 Nzechukwu
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-8 Nzechukwu

Round 3

As the final round begins, Nzechukwu lands a solid jab, and Stosic returns with a right body kick. Stosic attempts a takedown but is stuffed, and Nzechukwu scores a right hand in return. Stosic tags Nzechukwu with a right hand that back off Nzechukwu, and he briefly lands a takedown before Nzechukwu pops back to his feet. Almost unbelievably, Stosic kicks Nzechukwu in the groin one more time, and this was likely the worst of the three and unquestionably the loudest. Nzechukwu crawls back to his corner and is in serious pain. With the clock stopped, Copeland checks with the commissioner to determine the right course of action, assuming that Nzechukwu can continue. In a great display of refereeing, Copeland repeatedly checks on Nzechukwu and makes certain that Nzechukwu is alright. Copeland deducts one more point from Stosic. The fight starts back up again and Stosic throws more leg kicks. Nzechukwu lands a left hand that makes Stosic bounce off the cage. Nzechukwu scores a solid one-two, and Stosic replies with a takedown attempt that gets Nzechukwu down for about one second. Stosic gets Nzechukwu down one more time, but Nzechukwu again stands back up. Stosic lands a third takedown but Nzechukwu gets right back up and dodges a right hand on the break. Stosic scores a right hand and then rushes in for another takedown to no avail. The fight comes to an end with the crowd audibly voicing its disapproval.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 9-9 (28-27 Nzechukwu)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 9-9 (28-27 Nzechukwu)
John Brannigan scores the round: 9-9 (28-27 Nzechukwu)

The Official Result

Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Darko Stosic via Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-26, 28-27)?

Scott Holtzman vs. Dong Hyun Ma

Round 1

Our next bout sees a 158-pound catchweight contest between Holtzman (12-3, 5-3 UFC) and Ma (16-9-3, 3-3 UFC), with the latter coming in over the lightweight limit by two pounds. The referee is Gasper Oliver. Holtzman starts out with a few low kicks right out of the gate. Ma fires back with a leg kick of his own after eating several from Holtzman. Holtzman comes over the top with a right hand that lands on Ma. Holtzman drops in and tags Ma with a big uppercut, and then a leaping right hand puts Ma on his back. Holtzman follows Ma to the ground and takes half guard, while setting up a potential Von Flue (or possibly Von Preux) choke with Ma attempting a guillotine on his back. Holtzman pops his head out and takes full mount. In mount, Holtzman briefly pursues an arm-triangle choke but Ma gets back to half guard. Holtzman lands a strong elbow, and there is some serious swelling under Ma's left eye. Ma tries to explode out of the position but Holtzman stays high and tight. Ma regains the guard, and manages to get to his feet but eats and uppercut for his effort. Holtzman lands two more right hands, and the round ends with the two men clinched together.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holtzman
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Holtzman
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Holtzman

Round 2

Holtzman throws a leg kick to start off the second round, but Ma is wise to it and throws a counter right hand. Holtzman backs away and scores a slapping leg kick as the two clash together. The two trade blows and Ma lands more often, stinging Holtzman and causing him to back up. Ma grabs Holtzman and drags Holtzman to the canvas, although Holtzman stands up quickly. In the exchange, Ma tries to take Holtzman's back but is punished with some inside strikes. Holtzman backs off and throws a solid left hand, and wings a right hand that goes wide. Holtzman catches Ma with an uppercut up close, and the two are trading. Ma drops Holtzman with a left hand, and Holtzman bounces back up and shoots forward while pressing Ma against the cage. The two separate and both land with serious power in a wild exchange. Holtzman briefly attempts to trip Ma, but is unable to do so as the two separate again. After a brief brawl, Holtzman lands a leg kick that forces Ma to change stances. Holtzman then lunges forward and scores a takedown while hopping into half guard. Holtzman drops down a few punches and an elbow for good measure, and the round ends. Ma's eye is severely swollen, and the doctors may have something to say about it. This proves to be the case, as Ma's eye is practically swollen shut, so the doctor calls a stop to the fight between rounds. It was a great fight while it lasted, and the stoppage was the right decision.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holtzman
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Holtzman
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Holtzman

The Official Result

Scott Holtzman def. Dong Hyun Ma R2 5:00 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)

Trevin Giles vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Round 1

Middleweights are set to take the center of the Octagon as Giles (11-1, 2-1 UFC) faces off against Meerschaert (28-11, 4-3 UFC), with Herb Dean as the referee. To this point, Dean might have earned one of the loudest pops from the crowd. Giles opens up with a right hook, and then tags Meerschaert with a right hand to back him off immediately. Meerschaert attempts a knee, but Giles dives in for a takedown and immediately lands in side control. Meerschaert looked willing to engage in this exchange, and barely mounted a defense. Giles postures up and lands a left hand, while moving over to half guard. In the blink of an eye, Meerschaert sweeps Giles and takes full mount while briefly attempting an arm-triangle choke. Meerschaert stays heavy on top without taking any risks, and lands a few short but solid right hands. Giles pushes off but Meerschaert maintains position while methodically working Giles' body. Meerschaert sits up to land strikes and Giles sweeps Meerschaert, taking top position. Meerschaert tries to get back to his feet but in doing so gives up his back as Giles throws a strong left hand. Giles takes side control again while Meerschaert turns away. Giles rolls for an anaconda choke but Meerschaert evades the threat, and then Giles takes his back before ending the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Giles
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Giles

Round 2

The second round opens as the two clash together, and Meerschaert vies for a single leg takedown. The attempt is unsuccessful as Giles sprawls and lands an elbow to the side of Meerschaert's head. Meerschaert falls to his back as Giles lands a couple more elbows. Giles keeps top pressure while throwing a few more strikes, and then takes mount before giving it up to go back to side control. Meerschaert turns and rolls out, but in the scramble Giles mounts his opponent. Meerschaert turns to his back and Giles tries to briefly attempt a submission before Meerschaert sweeps Giles again. Meerschaert sits in the guard of Giles without attempting any strikes, although once Meerschaert's corner calls for elbows Meerschaert obliges with a few. Meerschaert keeps smothering top pressure on Giles, while Giles throws his legs up every so often to look for any sort of submission, but none can be found. Meerschaert ends the round on top, unable to land any significant strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert

Round 3

The third and final round begins tentatively until Meerschaert lands a solid body kick. Meerschaert throws a head kick that is blocked, and then shoots for a takedown that Giles staves off. Instead of forcing Meerschaert to stand up, Giles elects to go after Meerschaert. This works against him as Giles gets taken down. In the exchange, Meerschaert tries for a guillotine and it looks tight. Giles tries to roll out of it but Meerschaert sinks it in and Giles taps, but Dean is not in the position to see it. As the choke stays in place, Giles goes to sleep and Dean finally calls a stop to the fight. After Dean pulls Meerschaert off of his unconscious opponent, Meerschaert shows great sportsmanship by lifting the legs of Giles to help Giles' blood flow and wake the losing fighter back up.

The Official Result

Gerald Meerschaert def. Trevin Giles R3 1:49 via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke)?

Joaquim Silva vs. Nasrat Haqparast

Round 1

Up next is a lightweight scrap pitting Evolucao Thai product Silva (11-1, 4-1 UFC) against Tristar Gym standout Haqparast (10-2, 2-1 UFC). The third man inside the cage is the famed "no nonsense" referee Keith Peterson. The two keep their distance the start out the fight, as Kelvin Gastelum lookalike Haqparast takes the center of the cage. Silva throws a head kick that is blocked, but neither has their offense going two minutes into the fight. Silva throws a few kicks from the outside as Haqparast charges in with punches that fall short. Silva throws a spinning kick with such force that he falls to the canvas, but Haqparast stands back and lets his foe get back to his feet. Haqparast lands a strong one-two that stings Silva for a moment, and Silva counters with a knee up the middle. Silva loads up with a right hand to no avail, but he does land a few leg kicks. After they land, Haqparast gets wise to it and counters with a left hand. Haqparast does this again, causing Silva to tumble to the floor having lost his balance. Haqparast throws a combination that forces Silva to get back on his heels, and Haqparast pursues him and lands again. Silva commits to a few more leg kicks, going after the lead leg of Haqparast. Silva whiffs several times with big hooks as this close round comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Haqparast

Round 2

Silva opens up with a few kicks at the beginning of the round, and Haqparast attempts to counter them with punches over the top. Haqparast blasts Silva with a huge left hand that sends Silva crashing to the ground. Sensing the finish, Haqparast chases his foe to the mat and unloads with some ferocious ground-and-pound to give Peterson no choice but to stop the fight. This is a major win for Haqparast, becoming the first fighter to ever finish Silva, as Haqparast's corner, including the legendary Georges St-Pierre, celebrates his victory.

The Official Result

Nasrat Haqparast def. Joaquim Silva R2 0:36 via KO (Punches)

Jim Miller vs. Clay Guida

Round 1

A pair of grizzled veterans with a significant string of statistical similarities is set to begin, as Miller (30-13, 1 NC; 19-12, 1 NC UFC) takes on Guida (35-18, 15-12 UFC) at lightweight. The referee in charge is Herb Dean, and the crowd appears fired up for this fight. Miller takes the center of the cage while Guida circles around him throwing jabs. Guida cracks Miller with a right hand and rocks him, and Miller returns fire with one that hurts Guida right back. Miller jumps for a guillotine choke and cinches it up tight. Guida refuses to tap and goes out, so Dean tests Guida's hand only to discover Guida is unconscious and stops the fight. It's a crazy exchange leading to a crazy stoppage, and we have our third technical submission of the night. Welcome to the 20-win club, Jim Miller.

The Official Result

Jim Miller def. Clay Guida R1 0:58 Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke)?

Colby Covington vs. Robbie Lawler

Round 1

In the main event, Covington (14-1, 9-1 UFC) meets Lawler (28-13, 1 NC; 13-7 UFC) in a pivotal welterweight matchup. Before they squared off, the two men engaged in a walkout music battle, as Lawler walked out to "Ain't No Grave" by Johnny Cash. His opponent countered with the theme song for WWE wrestler Kurt Angle, "Medal" by Jim Johnston, accompanied by loud chants of "You Suck" from the crowd. The referee for the final bout of the evening is Keith Peterson. Covington refuses to touch gloves, as Lawler smiles at his opponent. Covington starts aggressively, throwing a superman punch and trading with Lawler. Covington tries for a takedown briefly but bails on it, as Lawler applies the pressure. Covington attempts a double leg takedown as Lawler sprawls, and he manages to get Lawler down for the briefest of moments until Lawler gets back up. Lawler throws a few knees with his back against the fence as he defends the takedown. Covington switches to a single leg and succeeds in grounding Lawler. Lawler gives a thumbs-up to his corner as he stands back up and lands a reverse elbow. Covington takes Lawler's back and drags Lawler back down again. Without any hooks in, Covington attempts to go for a choke, but Covington abandons it and tries for one on the other side. Chants of "Robbie" are nearly deafening as Lawler survives the ground assault and tries to get to his feet, but Covington holds him down. Covington looks for another choke but Lawler is wise to it and keeps his chin tucked. Lawler spins out and gets up and lands a few strikes. Covington goads Lawler on and tees off on Lawler against the fence. Covington successfully gets Lawler back down again, and puts a heavy amount of pressure on Lawler. The round ends as Lawler stands again, with Covington throwing strikes as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Covington
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 2

Covington begins the round with a few kicks, missing a head kick but landing with one to Lawler's legs. In an exchange, Covington puts Lawler on the ground with his back against the fence. Lawler stands back up but Covington immediately tries for another. Covington tries for a spinning back elbow but Lawler ducks out of the way and gets some distance. Covington leads with a strike and pulls Lawler back down to the mat once more. Lawler escapes the position but keeps his fence against the cage. Covington fires off a left hand and a head kick at Lawler that stings Lawler, leading to another takedown scored by Covington. Lawler gets to his feet but Covington's pressure is relentless. Covington tags Lawler with an elbow and a solid combination while Lawler sways his head back and forth. Lawler fires a left hand that backs off Covington for a second, but Covington reapplies the pressure while keeping Lawler backed up against the cage. Covington sticks the jab out there repeatedly and lands a body kick for good measure. Lawler is eating shots and barely throwing any in response. Covington wraps the round up with some crisp striking and one low kick to each of Lawler's legs.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Covington
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 3

Lawler starts the round off by pressing forward, but Covington uses the aggression against him and gets Lawler down. Lawler manages to get back to his feet each time, but Covington is scoring takedown after takedown. Lawler successfully sprawls and catches Covington with a left-right that surprises Covington. Covington bites down on his mouthpieces and throws right back, before hunting for the takedown. Lawler stuffs it but eats a knee on the way out. Covington engages the clinch to land a few strikes, before jumping for a flying knee and using the forward movement to try for another takedown. Lawler gets out but is eating strikes at a constant clip. Each men throw bit shots and they both eat them, as Covington pours on the pressure and strikes. Lawler lands four jabs in a row while Covington comes back with strikes high and low. Covington launches two body kicks that land flush on Lawler. As the round ends, Lawler nods to his corner but his face is showing some damage.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Covington
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 4

As the round begins, Covington continues to mount a relentless offense. No strikes are particular damaging, but the volume is significant and Lawler is only landing at a fraction of Covington's pace. The two men clinch up and Covington lands a knee while Lawler throws an uppercut to respond. Lawler dings Covington with a few hooks, but he cannot get Covington off of him. Covington peppers Lawler with some short strikes, and he tries for a takedown that Lawler stuffs. Covington lands a few leg kicks as Lawler closes in, and Lawler cannot get any significant offense going. Covington digs in with a loud right hand to the body, and then adds a knee. Lawler walks through Covington's strikes but gets taken down and gives up his back for a moment. Lawler calmly gets back to his feet as Covington applies more pressure. In the clinch, Covington lands a few short, slashing elbows while Lawler tries to fire back on the inside. The fourth stanza wraps up with the two trading shots.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Covington
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 5

Covington leads off the final round with a head kick that is blocked, and a jumping knee that partially connects. Lawler replies with a few straight right hands, but none are too impactful. Covington leans in and tries for another takedown, although Lawler spins out of it and takes the center of the Octagon. Covington lands jab after jab on Lawler's face, as Lawler tries to throw hooks that do not land. Covington scores a few knees but Lawler is swinging harder now. Covington keeps his right hand in Lawler's face with frustrating strikes, keeping Lawler at bay. The punch totals will be enormous at the end of this fight with the pace that Covington has kept, potentially throwing 500 strikes by the final bell. Lawler unloads with a few hooks that clip Covington, but Covington stays composed and turns the pressure back on. In one stretch, Covington threw and landed north of a dozen jabs while Lawler tried to avoid them. Lawler stalks down Covington and his hands drop to his waist. Covington keeps the jab going and Lawler whiffs with a right hand that blows the hair back of fans in the first row. Covington ends the fight with a slick spinning back fist that opens up Lawler, and this fight was one-way traffic. If all goes according to plan, Covington will receive the next title shot against current welterweight champ Kamaru Usman as promised by UFC President Dana White.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington (50-45 Covington)
Cole Shelton scores the round: 10-9 Covington (50-45 Covington)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Covington (50-45 Covington)

The Official Result

Colby Covington def. Robbie Lawler via Unanimous Decision (50-44, 50-45, 50-45)

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