UFC on ESPN 7 ‘Overeem vs. Rozenstruik’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Makhmud Muradov vs. Trevor Smith

Round 1

We welcome the UFC back after an absence that felt much longer than two weeks with what should be a fun card on ESPN, kicking off with a middleweight matchup between Muradov (23-6, 1-0 UFC) and Smith (15-9, 5-6 UFC). Our referee is Kevin Mulhall. A touch of gloves clocks us in, and Smith starts as the aggressor walking down his counterpart. Muradov backs off, throws a body kick and ducks away, before popping back in with a quick jab. Already looking loose, Muradov snaps out a jab a few more times, and then dodges a left counter from the American. Smith charges at his opponent but misses like a bull, and as they separate Smith nails Muradov with a kick that clacks loudly off the cup, and the action pauses. Muradov takes less than a minute to regain his faculties, and the fight resumes. As Smith wings a punch, Muradov counters with a fast uppercut and snaps Smith's head back. Smith shakes it off, but eats several more jabs from the Uzbekistani. "Hot Sauce" proceeds to try to stalk Muradov down, but Muradov circles out of danger and peppers Smith with a few more jabs before unloading a right hand that Smith blocks. Muradov keeps his range and connects with a one-two, before backing off. As Muradov piles up strike totals with jab after jab, Smith counters with a low kick that gives Muradov pause briefly. Smith eats a few more jabs and absorbs a big overhand right without issue, then takes a front kick to the body while unable to offer any offense of his own. Muradov chains a few thudding punches to the body together, and Smith replies over the top to send Muradov backwards. A body kick from Smith only partly connects, and Smith appears frustrated as he chases after Muradov, but then eats a flying knee. Smith grins and pushes forward, only to get cracked with a jumping head kick. The American almost shouts out his excitement, and the round ends with Smith as happy as a person could be after taking several resounding shots to the head.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two touch gloves, and Muradov is light on his feet, switching stances and staying away from power shots from Smith. The American loads on some punches, but Muradov is out of the way in time, and makes Smith pay with a punch to the body. Smith continues to come after his opponent, and tags Muradov with a right hand that briefly wobbles his opponent. Muradov circles away to clear out the cobwebs, and is quick to get his bearing back. After taking a few quick punches, Smith rushes in and throws a right hand that nearly spins himself around falling into the cage. A few leg kicks from Smith lead to a solid right hand from Smith, but Muradov fires right back with bad intentions. As Smith comes forward, Muradov sticks a jab in his face, and has started to follow the jab with a looping right hand. One such right comes from Muradov, and is swung so hard it nearly blows the hair back of those in the front row, but does not land on his intended target. Smith walks forward, but does not use angles and is plodding forward, so he takes several flush body shots that give him pause. Muradov sees that these strikes are doing some damage, so he commits to more, and then a body kick for good measure. Smith winces, walks through them, and briefly hits a takedown before Muradov pops back to his feet. We can see a very red mark on the midsection of Smith, and Muradov targets that spot with another right before whipping a left hand that does not connect. Smith throws a kick, falls over, and Muradov charges at him. As soon as Smith hits the ground, Muradov grabs his back and cinches in a rear-naked choke, but time expires before he can get the tap.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

One last glove touch gives way to Round 3, which begins with a reaching low kick and a few wild strikes from Smith. Muradov ducks away to escape harm, and begins to work Smith on the outside. Muradov slams a powerful punch into the midsection, and knowing it scored, points at his own torso and laughs. Smith tries to set up big looping shots, but Muradov is quicker and able to disrupt Smith's offense with straight shots. A huge right hand from Muradov clips Smith on the side of the head, and he staggers back to the cage while grinning. Sensing his opponent is hurt, he fires another, and then a head kick. Smith backs away, and another right stands him up as Muradov is able to land virtually at will from a distance. A sizeable mouse has begun to form perhaps surprisingly under the left eye of Muradov, but Muradov is doing the damage this round. Smith's strikes are still coming hard, but are slower and more telegraphed. Muradov stings Smith to the body, getting Smith to drop his hands, and then fires a monster right hand over the top that lands flush on the chin. The mouthpiece goes flying out of Smith's mouth and Smith is out cold, faceplanting to the canvas in a knockout reminiscent of one you would see in the UFC video games of old. What a punch, and what a performance from Muradov.

The Official Result

Makhmud Muradov def. Trevor Smith R3 4:09 via KO (Punch)

Virna Jandiroba vs. Mallory Martin

Round 1

Next dropping down to the strawweight division, Jandiroba (14-1, 0-1 UFC) looks to rebound from the first loss of her career against the debuting Martin (6-2, 0-0 UFC). Serving as the referee is the "No Nonsense" Keith Peterson. We touch gloves, and the fight begins with Martin pressing forward, as the two trade punches right out of the gate. Martin rushes in and throws a string of punches, but Jandiroba dodges them all and hits a quick takedown. Martin pulls hard for a guillotine, and it appears to be tight but is not enough to catch the Brazilian. Jandiroba pops her head out and steps over to half guard, and Martin keeps her arm on the neck of her opponent in that guillotine position. Jandiroba uses the moment to step into mount, and sets up an arm-triangle choke quickly. Jandiroba steps over to side control to secure the submission, and Martin tries to walk off the cage to survive while Jandiroba puts on heavy pressure. Martin stays calm and slowly manages to work her way out, circling away and getting out of the choke, managing to stand up as well. The two women, back to their feet again, trade simultaneous jabs before Martin comes in and initiates a clinch. The American seeks a takedown briefly, and Jandiroba nearly reverses it so Martin bails on it. As Martin ducks down, Jandiroba sets up a Thai plum and lands a few knees to the body, forcing Martin to break away. As Martin overcommits to a punch, Jandiroba takes her down, but Martin is quick to pursue that guillotine choke once more. The Brazilian again pulls her head free from harm, and ends the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Touching gloves to begin the round, Martin strings a few punches together but is quickly taken down. Jandiroba seeks out Martin's back before the American hits the ground, and takes control where she gets both hooks in. Like a snake, Jandiroba slowly pursues a rear-naked choke, and Martin frantically pulls her arm away to protect her neck. The Brazilian is undeterred, and proceeds to lock it up in another position. Martin has no choice but to tap out, and does so just before she passes out. Overcome with emotion, Jandiroba becomes the first fighter to ever finish Martin.

The Official Result

Virna Jandiroba def. Mallory Martin R2 1:16 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Joe Solecki vs. Matt Wiman

Round 1

Opening the ESPN prelims -- airing on ESPNews thanks to a college football game being played on a blue field that some fans may recognize as Boise State's -- is a lightweight contest as "Handsome" Matt Wiman (16-8, 10-6 UFC) welcomes Solecki (8-2, 0-0 UFC) to the Octagon. Drawing the assignment is referee Fernando Yamasaki. A touch of gloves begins this fight, and Wiman immediately starts to circle on the outside. Solecki goes for several pump fakes with his hips, but Wiman throws first with a body kick. Wiman throws another, and Solecki times it perfectly to hit a takedown. Solecki works with a few punches on top while Wiman holds on tight with full guard, and tries to sit up to drop down punches. "Handsome" pushes his legs off Solecki's feet, but Solecki is ready to follow him back down to the ground. Wiman tries to lock down Solecki's left arm, which is raining down punches, and Solecki steps over to half guard. Wiman turns to try to get out of danger, but Solecki slams down some heavy punches and elbows. Wiman turns over, and cracks Solecki with an elbow, but Solecki uses the position to take Wiman's back and hammer him with ground-and-pound. Wiman sits up but surrenders back mount, and Solecki seeks the rear-naked choke but cannot secure it. Looking for that choke, Solecki puts on a tight body triangle and softens up Wiman with some punches, and Wiman traps one hand to escape back to three-quarter mount. Solecki continues to hammer punches and elbows home, and Wiman is taking punishment. The punches continue to pile up on Wiman as Solecki goes from back control to full mount, and Yamasaki takes a close look at the action. Impressively, Wiman manages to survive to the bell, but he has taken some serious damage.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second frame begins back on ESPN (Boise State won), and Wiman goads Solecki on to start the round. Wiman tries to unload with some punches, and Solecki quickly lands a takedown to put Wiman right back down again. Wiman seeks a guillotine choke, but Solecki pops his head out without issue, and starts to open up with more ground-and-pound. Wiman looks to keep tight to Solecki to avoid big shots, and Solecki stands up to threaten said big shots. Although accurate, the punches from Solecki on top are not as impactful as before, and Wiman defends well. Each time Solecki stands up to rain down punches, Wiman looks to pull him down, trap him there and potentially force a standup. Solecki remains active enough with punches and elbows, although the action has slowed significantly. Yamasaki sees Solecki pause in his strikes, and stands the fight back up. Wiman uncorks a right hand, but Solecki is prepared with a counter left. Like the beginning of the round, Wiman tries to draw his opponent into a slugfest, but Solecki does not indulge. Unsurprisingly, Wiman loads up on an overhand right and Solecki scores a takedown, and the crowd starts booing. Wiman pulls tight for a guillotine, but there is nothing doing as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Solecki
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Solecki
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Solecki

Round 3

Wiman obliges his opponent with a glove tap to start the last round, although he looks discouraged and frustrated. Wiman swings hard and rushes in, and aims for an uppercut while expecting that Solecki seeks out a takedown. Solecki does, and Wiman gets set down once more. The crowd is not impressed by Solecki's performance, and Wiman is unable to come close to any submissions off his back. Solecki tries to pass Wiman's guard but is stuck, and the crowd continues to voice its disapproval. Solecki sits up in half guard, picks his shot selection and proceeds to score punch after punch, with an elbow sprinkled in for good measure. The suffocating pressure of Solecki is overwhelming Wiman, and the longtime vet does not have an answer for Solecki's gameplan. Solecki hops over to side control, lands a few knees to the body, and then steps over to reach a three-quarter mount. Wiman pursues a two-on-one wrist control, so Solecki snatches up his back and lands a few heel kicks to the kidneys. Wiman tries to power out of the position, but Solecki is tight as a drum, seeking a choke and then opting to throw punches. With 10 seconds remaining, Wiman reverses the position and starts shouting at Solecki. The fight ends, and Wiman backs up while continuing to scream at his likely victorious adversary.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Joe Solecki def. Matt Wiman via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Bryce Mitchell vs. Matt Sayles

Round 1

In a 149-pound catchweight encounter, Mitchell (11-0, 2-0 UFC) tries to keep his unbeaten record intact against the heavier Sayles (8-2, 1-1 UFC). Our octagon ranger for this bout is referee Dan Miragliotta. There is no touch of gloves, as these two are right down to the business with a side kick to the midsection from Mitchell. As Sayles walks through it, Mitchell runs forward and hits a takedown. Mitchell advances quickly to side control, starts to pursue an arm-triangle choke, and abandons it when hopping to half guard. Mitchell slices through his opponent's guard and starts slamming down elbows, forcing Sayles to turn away. Like the previous bout, the Arkansan takes a three-quarter mount, and drops down punches before taking full mount once more. "Thug Nasty" takes wrist control and throws some punches to the body, before opting to pursue the arm-triangle choke once more. Sayles spins in desperation, and Mitchell nearly snatches up back control. Sayles almost gets out of the position, but Mitchell scrambles, takes mount again and lays heavy on his opponent. Sayles turns to get out, and this time Mitchell is happy to follow his movement and takes his back. Mitchell does not appear interested in going after a choke, and tries to reverse to mount before taking Sayles' right arm. The maneuver is brilliant, as Sayles is trapped, and Mitchell sets up a twister submission. "Thug Nasty" pulls on the top half of Sayles's torso while trapping the bottom half with his legs, and Sayles has to tap out! This is only the second twister we have seen in UFC history, with the first coming by Chan Sung Jung over Leonard Garcia at UFC Fight Night 24 in 2011. Toto, I have a feeling we're not in (Ar)Kansas anymore. Amazing.

The Official Result

Bryce Mitchell def. Matt Sayles R1 4:20 via Submission (Twister)

Jacob Kilburn vs. Billy Quarantillo

Round 1

Two men looking to make emphatic promotional debuts at featherweight are up next, between Quarantillo (12-2, 0-0 UFC) and Kilburn (8-2, 0-0 UFC). Quarantillo makes his debut accompanied by "Real American" by Rick Derringer, also known as the theme song for pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Referee Kevin Mulhall will oversee the action. Quarantillo rushes at him, and then touches gloves before engaging in the clinch with Kilburn. Quarantillo pulls for a guillotine, and Kulburn rolls to escape position. Quarantillo stays on the choke, and it is tight, but Kilburn somehow manages to survive although is now on the wrong end of full mount. Quarantillo is relentless, smashing with ground-and-pound and making Kilburn turn around. Quarantillo briefly fishes for a rear-naked choke, but opts to get back to mount and drum elbows off his opponent's head. Kilburn absorbs every shot and turns out to briefly reverse the position, but Quarantillo hangs tight with a body triangle and stays locked on Kilburn. Quarantillo rains down more elbows and punches, and Kilburn is trying to get out of this terrible position but continues to eat shots. Kilburn rolls and gives up his back, and this time Quarantillo is interested in the choke instead. Quarantillo goes palm-to-palm with a rear-naked choke attempt, and Kilburn wrenches his hand away as he continues to survive powerful strikes. Quarantillo nearly hits the rear-naked choke once more, but gives up on it to take top control with 10 seconds to go. An upkick from Kilburn scores, but Quarantillo remains heavy as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

This round begins with Quarantillo immediately taking the fight down, where he starts off in side control. Quarantillo jumps right into mount, and picks up where he left off in the previous round with hellacious punches. The punches from Quarantillo have a huge wind-up and are landing right on the chin practically every time, before Quarantillo switches it up to elbows. Quarantillo holds down his opponent's arm with his knee, but then opts to pursue an arm-triangle choke. Quarantillo pulls his leg out and advances to half guard, before taking side control and then slipping to Quarantillo's back. The hooks in but no body triangle this time, Quarantillo comes back to mount where he hammers his foe with vicious punches. Frantically trying to escape, Kilburn twists and turns, so Quarantillo sets up a triangle choke. As he tightens up the choke, he slashes with a few elbows a la Anderson Silva-Travis Lutter, and Kilburn is forced to surrender. Mulhall calls a stop to the fight when recognizing the tap, and Quarantillo put himself on the map with a devastating performance over a tough opponent. He also earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with his victory, and will celebrate his upcoming birthday on quite a high note.

The Official Result

Billy Quarantillo def. Jacob Kilburn R2 3:18 via Submission (Triangle Choke)

Thiago Alves vs. Tim Means

Round 1

A battle between two welterweights with 45 combined Octagon appearances is up next, with former title challenger Alves (23-14, 15-11 UFC) taking on "The Dirty Bird" Means (28-11-1, 1 NC; 10-8, 1 NC UFC). The third man inside the cage is referee Keith Peterson, who will tolerate zero nonsense. Means begins immediately with a stiff right hand, while Alves replies with a heavy leg kick. He scores another, while Means tries to counter over the top. Unexpectedly, Means shoots in for a takedown, but he cannot land it as they separate. Alves launches a vicious body kick that immediately welts up the body of his opponent, and then shakes off the ensuing clinch to land a right hand on the break. Alves throws a leg kick that is partially checked, and fires a body kick to the same target as before, so Means presses in for a takedown again. On the separation, "The Dirty Bird" wings a spinning back elbow that glances off the dome of the Brazilian, but he is unscathed and they separate. A picture-perfect left hand sends Alves crashing to the canvas, and Means dives on him and throws a torrent of punches. As Alves sits up on the cage, Means snatches up the neck and squeezes tight for a guillotine choke. "Pitbull" has no way to get out, and taps almost immediately. Predominantly known as a knockout artist, Means earns only the fifth submission victory of his career, and his first since 2015.

The Official Result

Tim Means def. Thiago Alves R1 2:38 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Rob Font vs. Ricky Simon

Round 1

To kick off the main card, we are treated to a bantamweight scrap between Font (16-4, 6-3 UFC) and Simon (15-2, 3-1 UFC), with Simon coming off of his first knockout loss. Referee Fernando Yamasaki is taking charge of the Octagon in this one, they touch gloves, and we are underway! Simon's powerful mullet waves behind him as he circles around the outside, while Font follows him aggressively. Simon digs to the body, and Font counters with a thudding right hand over the top. As Simon tries to counter, Font times a takedown and gets Simon down. Simon gets back to his feet, but eats a clicking elbow on the chin for his effort. Staying in the clinch, Simon tries to impose his strength, but they separate with a knee from Simon. Font clubs Simon with a right, and absorbs a low kick before stuffing a quick takedown attempt. They trade jabs, both disrupting the other with stiff lefts to the noes, and Simon resets as he takes the harder of the punches. Simon tries to come in with a combination but lands an uppercut, and in a flurry Simon cracks Font and hurts him. Against the fence, Font tries to regain his composure but Simon is on him. Simon takes the legs out from his opponent and gets him down, and as Font tries to pop back up, Simon unloads several stern knees to the midsection. As Font returns standing, Simon lifts him up and slams him down as the crowd pops. Font scrambles and gets to his feet, and this time he leads the dance with aggressive strikes that back off Simon. One strike, whether a knee or a punch, bloodies the nose of Simon, but Simon is undeterred. Simon presses forward, and Font tries to counter with a spinning back elbow, although Simon ducks and hits the takedown. He is unable to capitalize on the position as Font springs up, and as the horn sounds, the two nod at one another for a fun round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round begins with a similar pace from the first, and as Font tries to set up his strikes, Simon shoots in for a takedown but cannot score it. Font chases him down and tries to throw some standing elbows, but sets up a powerful three-punch combination that makes Simon reach in for a takedown to get his bearings back. Font staves it off and backs away, landing a stern combination with a punches and a knee that send Simon back falling against the cage wall. Simon does not approve, and drops down for a takedown, landing it briefly. Font pulls for a guillotine choke, and uses the attempt to get back to his feet, where he quickly lands on Simon again. Simon tries to stick out a jab, but Font hops out of the way a few times before stinging Simon with a left. A one-two from Font snaps the head back but Simon eats it like a sandwich and keeps going strong. As Simon tries to score a takedown, Font times it and counters, but Simon wades through the punches to land it with 45 seconds left in the round. Font stays patient off his back, and springs to his feet after being held down by Simon. As the 10-second clapper sounds, Font rushes in and lands a few punches to punctuate the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two are quick to engage in the final frame, as both corners admit that the fight is likely tied up going into this round. Simon starts with pressure, and lands a one-two while getting out of the way from a counter. Font throws a quick left jab but Simon ducks it and lands a punch followed by a knee, before diving down for a takedown. Font shoves him away and throws a vicious right hand that just clips the chin of Simon, but he is no worse for wear. The left jab from Font is finding its home more often, and as he tags Simon, he slips and possibly tweaks his ankle. He walks through it, and follows Simon with a long left jab he uses to keep Simon at bay. Simon digs to the body and bends over Font, so Simon smartly throws another to the same spot. Font closes the distance and throws an elbow, to which Simon uses the opportunity to lift Font up and drop him down to the canvas, where he takes side control briefly. Font returns to guard in a scramble, reversing position and getting back up. Font misses with a knee and tries to follow it with a right hand that Simon evades, but we get back to the center of the Octagon. The jab for Font peppers Simon repeatedly, and Simon practically ignores it. Font chains a big right hand on the end of his jabs, stinging Simon, and chases Simon with a glancing uppercut. Simon wears it well, but Font keeps the left jab-right hook combination going a few times to decent effect. Simon pushes in for a takedown attempt, but Font catches him with a knee, and the two trade heavy leather in the center of the cage. Font dings Simon with another a knee, and Simon shakes it off while pressing forward with 10 seconds left. Simon raises his hands in the air to initiate a brawl, and they throw wildly until time expires. Those that expected this would be a potential "Fight of the Night" were not disappointed, as these two put on quite a show.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Rob Font def. Ricky Simon via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Cody Stamann vs. Yadong Song

Round 1

Remaining at bantamweight, two fast rising prospects in Stamann (18-2, 4-1 UFC) and Song (15-4, 1 NC; 4-0 UFC) come to blows. Kevin Mulhall is our referee for this bantamweight fight, and it has a lot of competition from the last one if these two are vying for "Fight of the Night." There is not a touch of gloves, and the two stand apart from one another for the opening minute trying to find their range. Song whiffs on two looping hooks, and he follows those punches with a quick combination that catches Stamann off guard. Stamann whiffs on his own punches, and Song bounces off the cage to circle away. A spinning back fist chains into a spinning wheel kick from "Kung Fu Monkey," but he is well off the mark. The American waits for Song to stop throwing spinning strikes before timing a takedown and landing it against the fence. Song sets up a guillotine choke while Stamann is shooting in, and it looks tight. Stamann signals to the referee that he is fine, and Song unleashes a fierce knee while one of Stamann's knees is on the ground. Stamann topples to the ground clutching his head, and Mulhall takes one point from Song. The action restarts quickly, and Song is rushing at Stamann with strikes but misses. Stamann presses forward and fakes a takedown, drawing a big sprawl from Song. Concerned about the potential takedown, Song overreacts to every potential takedown attempt from Stamann, although Stamann finally lands one in the center of the cage. Song tries to roll out but Stamann jumps on top as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

No gloves are touched to start the second stanza, as Song rushes forward to initiate the action. Song wings a right hand that glances off the mark, causing Stamann to back away and have Song chase him and land one more. Stamann shoots in for a takedown and is stuffed, but Song wisely chooses not to throw a knee while Stamann is grounded. As Stamann breaks free, Song takes the center of the cage and throws a heavy leg kick that turns Stamann around. A counter from Stamann leads to a combination from Song, and Song bloodies up the American's nose and eliciting a shrug. Song presses in to consider a takedown of his own, but instead scores an elbow on the break. Sensing the opportunity, Stamann shoots in from a distance and lands a takedown. Song tries to counter with more than one submission attempt, and as he looks for a sweep, they roll away and stand back up. Song clips Stamann with a right hand, and then catches a kick that comes back at him. A single leg takedown from Stamann allows him to elevate Song and slam him down, where he takes side control. Trying to angle for some ground-and-pound, followed by a brief search for an arm-triangle choke, Stamann is reversed with 30 seconds remaining. Song postures up and slams down a heavy elbow, to which Stamann laughs it off and shakes his head. Song hangs on tight as the round ends with Stamann slapping him repeatedly.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round opens with Song pressing the action like the previous frame. A one-two from Song is countered by punches from Stamann, although he is able to evade those strikes. Stamann hits a takedown and Song is quick to scramble, rolling out and briefly pulling for a leglock. Stamann spins out and takes top position, but Song tries to spin out and nearly escapes. Stamann remains heavy and holds Song down, but is unable to mount any particularly effective offense while on top. Stamann takes half guard, and Song tries to push him off as Mulhall calls for them to stay busy. Stamann sits up to drop down some heavy punches, bouncing Song's head off the canvas, and using the strikes to take full mount. With a minute remaining, Stamann throws more punches, causing Song to give up his back. Stamann fishes for a choke but there is nothing there, so he takes mount and starts unloading punches. The 10-second clapper allows for Song to nearly escape, but Stamann holds tight and ends the round with more ground-and-pound.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Cody Stamann vs. Yadong Song is Ruled a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

Aspen Ladd vs. Yana Kunitskaya

Round 1

Staying once more at 135 pounds but switching to the women's divisions, Ladd (8-1, 3-1 UFC) will attempt to bounce back from her first career defeat against former featherweight title challenger Kunitskaya (12-4, 1 NC; 2-1 UFC). Overseeing this battle will be referee Keith Peterson, who will ensure the nonsense is nonexistent. With no touch of the gloves, Ladd comes forward and considers a takedown, but Kunitskaya spins her around in the clinch and starts throwing knees. Ladd tries to power out of the position, but Kunitskaya grabs the fence repeatedly. Peterson has had enough of the cage grabs, so he separates the two and warns "Foxy." They separate, but Ladd goes right back into the clinch, where Kunitskaya turns her around once more. The Russian continues to spam short knees, and Ladd is trapped with her back on the fence taking them to the midsection. The two jockey for position, and Ladd tries to lift a knee up to the chin of her opponent, but Kunitskaya is wise to it. Ladd snaps off a short elbow, and uses the break to press forward and scores a takedown. In half guard, Ladd tries to pull her arms free so she can start attacking, but Kunitskaya is holding on tight. Ladd gets her right arm free, and pounds Kunitskaya with an elbow and an accompanying kiai. Staying in half guard, Ladd throws some short punches, forcing Kunitskaya spin around and give up her back. Ladd fires off a string of wild punches, screaming all the way, and making Kunitskaya turtle up. Ladd starts swinging too hard, and Kunitskaya times the strikes to reverse the position, putting Ladd on her backside as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The two women trade leather right when the round begins, with Ladd opening up with her punches while Kunitskaya throws jabs. Ladd throws punches, while Kunitskaya is content to score a few leg kicks, until Ladd rushes in for a takedown. Kunitskaya stuffs it and drags Ladd against the fence, where she starts to work the body with knees. Kunitskaya leans heavily on the American, and as Ladd tries to separate, Kunitskaya tags her with a body kick. Kunitskaya is content to circle on the outside with low kicks, while Ladd stalks her down. Ladd charges in after taking a few more leg kicks, aiming for a double leg takedown and landing the trip to get the fight down again. Ladd tries to break posture and throw punches, forcing Kunitskaya to cling to her opponent like Saran Wrap. Ladd pulls her arms out to throw a few short elbows, and the round ends with Ladd on top.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Ladd cracks Kunitskaya with a left hand straight to the jaw and drops her right out of the gate. Ladd pours on the pressure, taking Kunitskaya's back and hammering down with elbow after elbow. "Foxy" tries to protect herself from the onslaught but Ladd continues to punish her opponent with elbows. As the storm is not abating, Peterson calls a stop to the fight as Kunitskaya is not intelligently defending herself, and Ladd picks up a huge win in emphatic fashion.

The Official Result

Aspen Ladd def. Yana Kunitskaya R3 0:33 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

Stefan Struve vs. Ben Rothwell

Round 1

Heavyweight veterans collide as Struve (29-11, 13-9 UFC) locks horns with Rothwell (36-12, 6-6 UFC), with the two combining for 59 finishes across 65 victories. Approaching the maximum capacity of a fight in the modern era at 530.5 pounds -- the limit is 532 -- referee Dan Miragliotta will keep a watchful eye on these two large men. A glove touch checks these two large men in, and Rothwell looks to try to find his range early on given Struve's natural advantages. A couple heavy leg kicks whip the lead leg of Rothwell, and he shrugs them off and tries to rush in on Struve. Rothwell charges forward with a few punches, but "Skyscraper" is able to avoid the danger and circle out. Another leg kick scores from Struve, and they are already starting to take effect. Rothwell slowly walks Struve down to get in on him, but eats another hard leg kick on the way in. Rothwell crashes in to stop the kicking attack, and clinches up with the Dutchman. Struve tries to land a trip takedown but Rothwell has none of it, standing up and pushing Struve against the fence. Rothwell lifts him up, but the long legs of Struve allow him to stay on his feet. They break away, allowing Struve to throw a head kick that hurts Rothwell even though he blocks it. Rothwell responds with a left kick that catches Struve square on the cup, and Struve collapses to the ground. Rolling around in pain, Struve is in a bad, bad way. The doctor comes in to check on Struve, and advises Struve to try to stand up, but Struve is on his knees before rolling over again in agony. After some time ticks by, Struve manages to get to his feet and the crowd is roaring its approval for Struve. As he lifts his head up, the crowd cheers for him, but when he leans over, the crowd boos, and this alternates a few times until Struve decides he can continue. Struve throws a body kick, and Rothwell catches it and follows him with punches against the fence. On the separation, Struve fires a head kick, but Rothwell is able to evade it in time. Struve blasts Rothwell with a nasty low kick, and then chains that together with another kicks including a left head kick. As Rothwell rushes in to negate the kicking attack, he gets caught, but pushes through it to clinch up an end the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Another glove touch begins the round, and the two trade jabs to start things off. Struve throws a right low kick followed by a left body kick, and as Rothwell comes in, he nearly times a knee up the middle. As they break, Rothwell complains about a groin strike landing on him, and Miragliotta laughs it off and lets them continue. Rothwell puts on the pressure in the form of several looping uppercuts, before clinching up with the 7-footer. They tug on one another to break position and gain an advantage, and eventually get free before Struve scores another audible leg kick. The head kick continues to come from Struve, and Rothwell is able to get his guard up in time. "Skyscraper" leans on the leg kick more until Rothwell leans in to the clinch, tying up Struve but not mounting any offense of his own. The American stays heavy on his opponent, until Struve leans back and scores a knee on the torso to break apart. Rothwell tries to throw a long left kick to the body, but blasts Struve on the cup once more, and Struve crumples to the floor. After writhing in pain, Struve sits up against the fence, and the doctor is already there to talk to him. Bizarrely, Miragliotta admits to Struve that he might have the fight wrapped up, and that he will take a point. He does so, deducting a point from Rothwell, and Struve is ready once more to continue. Rothwell charges with reckless abandon, checks a leg kick, and starts hurting Struve with uppercut. As Struve is able to recover, Rothwell backs off, and leaps forward to hurt Struve once more. The Dutchman's knees are wobbled, and Rothwell continues to pour it on. Struve falls over, and Rothwell finishes the job with strikes as Miragliotta waves off this bizarre contest marred in controversy. The crowd is not thrilled about this fight, nor the result.

The Official Result

Ben Rothwell def. Stefan Struve R2 4:57 via TKO (Punches)

Marina Rodriguez vs. Cynthia Calvillo

Round 1

The co-headliner is upon us, with Rodriguez (12-0-1, 2-0-1 UFC) putting her unbeaten record on the line against Calvillo (8-1, 5-1 UFC). As Calvillo came in heavy, this bout is a 121-pound catchweight affair, and referee Fernando Yamasaki will preside over the fight. There is no touch of gloves, and they back away from one another until Calvillo throws a quick leg kick. Rodriguez flicks a right hand out that catches Calvillo, and throws another that makes Calvillo retreat. Rodriguez begins to chase Calvillo around the cage throwing strikes, and as they come together, Calvillo tries to throw up a knee but cannot land it. The two trade briefly, and Calvillo ducks down to hit a takedown as she pulls the leg out from Rodriguez. In half guard, Calvillo tries to step over, and searches for the neck of her opponent. Rodriguez uses the moment to break free, and as they stand up, Rodriguez wings several powerful elbows in the clinch followed by a head kick that is barely blocked. Rodriguez stalks her down, and Calvillo tries to use her aggression against her but clinching up with the Brazilian. Rodriguez breaks free, and goes on the offensive, nailing Calvillo with several vicious knees and strikes that cause Calvillo to trip backwards. A spinning back fist from Rodriguez misses, and Calvillo uses the opportunity to take Rodriguez down and advance into mount. Calvillo drops down some short punches while sitting in three-quarter mount, and threatens to take the back as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Rodriguez comes out of her corner with a confident strut, and is met with an oblique kick to the knee from her opponent. Rodriguez fires back with several long punches, hoping to catch Calvillo at the end of them, but the American evades the brunt of the strikes. Calvillo circles away while Rodriguez stands in the center of the cage, prepared to counter but more than willing to wing a looping right hand. Rodriguez steps in to land a knee, and Calvillo backs off and avoids a huge right hand as well. Rodriguez has begun to start throwing wild punches, and Calvillo sees them coming, although she takes a knee up the middle in the exchange. Rodriguez targets the body as Calvillo's corner is the one calling out body shots, and she nearly connects with a stern knee. She continues that with another that partially lands, but Calvillo takes it without concern. A long right hand briefly stuns Calvillo, and as she circles away, she absorbs more punches from her Brazilian opponent. Calvillo stays on the outside looking to try to pick her shots, but Rodriguez pulls in multiple times for a Thai clinch to land knees on the chin, and Calvillo backs off each time. Getting Calvillo against the fence, Rodriguez hurts Calvillo with a knee, punch and kick to the body. Rodriguez pours it on, noticing that she might have done some damage, and throws several body shots in the process. A spinning back fist from the undefeated fighters falls well short of the target, and Calvillo leans in for a clinch to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The last round begins with Rodriguez ready to pick her shots at range, throws long strikes including low front kicks, push kicks and reaching punches. Calvillo closes the distance rapidly and manages to hit a takedown, landing in half guard and nearly taking mount. The American begins to hammer home some powerful elbows, before searching for a two-on-one wrist lock. She is unable to find the kimura, and slams some elbows down to the body before Rodriguez spins out. This is not a good place for her, as she gives up her back and Calvillo gets in the body lock. Calvillo rains down punches and elbows, while Rodriguez scrambles frantically to get out of harm's way. As Rodriguez turns, Calvillo pummels her with punches and elbows to redden up the Brazilian's face. Calvillo snatches up mount, and begins to blast Rodriguez with punches that makes Yamasaki take a hard look at the action. Rodriguez survives the assault and powers out of the bad position with just over 30 seconds left to get to her feet. Feeling she may have lost the round, Rodriguez lets her hands go as the seconds tick down, and the fight ends with Rodriguez chasing her adversary around the cage.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Marina Rodriguez vs. Cynthia Calvillo is Ruled a Majority Draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)

Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Round 1

Coming into this main event, these two heavyweights have combined for 102 knockouts in their MMA and kickboxing careers, with Overeem (45-17, 1 NC; 10-6 UFC) accounting for 30 and Rozenstruik (9-0, 3-0 UFC) celebrating 72 of his own. Hang on tight, just like referee Dan Miragliotta. Rozenstruik snuffs the glove touch, and the crowd reacts negatively, but Rozenstruik is all business. Rozenstruik leads off with a big leg kick, and Overeem reaches his hands out to try to paw at Rozenstruik's hands. They crash together, and Rozenstruik looks to land a knee and some punches, but Overeem defends them well. A left from Overeem scores, and he ducks down to avoid a counter. "Bigi Boy" is loading up on his punches, and Overeem is staying patient and evasive while not taking anything flush. The Dutchman again lands a left, and this time, fakes a takedown. He notices the flinch from Rozenstruik, and uses the opportunity to hit a takedown and plant Rozenstruik on his back. In half guard, Overeem sits up and avoids punches from the bottom before hacking down with a few elbows. The pressure of Overeem is quite heavy, and he is not taking chances or making any risky maneuvers to allow Rozenstruik to power back to his feet. Rozenstruik tries to kick off and Overeem lands a few more elbows, and after a brief exchange, Overeem pushes him back down and takes side control. "The Demolition Man" is playing the long game, preferring to place all of his weight on the chest of his adversary, while slashing with a few short elbows. Overeem sits on top as the round ends, and when they stand back up, Rozenstruik inadvertently hits Overeem with an elbow. He immediately goes to apologize, as this did not appear to be remotely intentional.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Rozenstruik opens with a long jab, but does not follow it with anything more, perhaps looking a little cautious. Overeem wades in and avoids the counter shots to pursue a body lock takedown. Pressing his weight on Rozenstruik against the fence, Overeem throws a knee but takes one in response. Overeem tries to score a trip takedown like the first round, but Rozenstruik is able to stay balanced and land a few punches to the body. Rozenstruik comes over the top with a right, but Overeem rolls with it and stays leaned up against "Bigi Boy." Miragliotta has seen enough walling and stalling for the moment, and separates them. Standing in front of one another, Overeem goes high with a kick that Rozenstruik blocks, and the Suriname native looks to set up big shots but Overeem is blocking them well. A stiff right hand pushes Overeem backward even though he blocks it, and he is keeping his head protected but Rozenstruik sneaks an uppercut through. A huge left from Overeem hits his opponent right on the button, and Rozenstruik practically ignores it, putting the pressure on the Dutchman with punches that back Overeem against the cage. Overeem circles out without taking much, and then rips a kick to the body. The crowd is not pleased by the slow going of this bout, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The two trade punches to start the third round, and a front kick and a right hand catches Overeem. As Overeem reaches, Rozenstruik is ready to counter, so Overeem commits to a takedown. The double leg is not there for the Dutchman, and Rozenstruik stands him up as the crowd voices its lack of approval. Leaning Rozenstruik against the fence, Overeem pushes hard, so Rozenstruik tosses him away to break free. A short right hand nearly jostles the mouthpiece of Overeem loose, and so Overeem fakes for a takedown. Overeem ducks down to land two hooks, and Rozenstruik absorbs them without incident. Overeem blocks a few punches coming his way, not allowing Rozenstruik to score flush, and walks his man down with a stomp kick to the knee. Overeem slaps a kick to the body, and Rozenstruik throws a low kick back at him. Overeem wings a looping left hand, but like before, Rozenstruik is completely unfazed. Overeem drops down to land a takedown but is stood up, and patiently takes the opportunity to land a throw and get Rozenstruik down. Taking half guard, Overeem remains calm and composed while slowly looking to throw elbows and possibly advance position. A few powerful punches from Overeem land and make Rozenstruik squirm and flail his legs, pushing Overeem off of him. As Overeem tries to come back, we hear the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

The fourth round opens with wide left hands from Overeem, and as they miss, Rozenstruik whips a leg kick back at him. Although Overeem scores a left hand, he only lands one before putting his guard up to block the replies. They trade leg kicks, and Rozenstruik attempts to counter a takedown attempt with a knee. Rozenstruik appears agitated, and charges at Overeem while throwing punches in bunches. Overeem holds his guard high and defends his head, waiting for the barrage to end and circling out without taking much damage. The Dutchman keeps a high guard while wading in to the danger zone, and blocks some punches while landing some short counters of his own. Rozenstruik connects with a sharp left jab, so Overeem responds with a right. Overeem ducks down and throws a hook that misses wide, so Rozenstruik leaps forward with a kick that is partially blocked. Rozenstruik continues to throw punches at Overeem, but Overeem is able to defend them well. Whiffing with another big left, Rozenstruik stays more composed with straight left hands and ignores another stomp kick to the thigh. The output from Overeem has slowed, and Rozenstruik throws a flying knee before landing two punches to the body. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

We enter the fifth round, a sentence we firmly did not believe we would have to type for this potential heavyweight slugfest. Overeem throws another stomping kick to the knee before pressing in for a takedown, and Rozenstruik sees it from a mile away and shrugs him off. Overeem throws two lefts that both land despite being telegraphed, and when he clinches up, Rozenstruik tags him with a short elbow before pushing him away. Rozenstruik sits down on a right that nearly knocks out Miragliotta, but does not connect on anyone and allows for Overeem to run towards him an attempt to hit a takedown. Rozenstruik, sensing he may be down on the scorecards, is getting wilder with his strikes, although Overeem is largely able to block or dodge them. Overeem slings a low kick that appears to go low, and Rozenstruik protests, but Miragliotta tells them to fight on. It is entirely possible that Overeem is exhausted and not showing it, as his output has plummeted. Although he throws a low kick, Overeem does not follow it with anything and merely walks towards his perhaps equally exhausted foe. Overeem ducks in for a takedown but is stood up with ease, and takes a kick to the knee and a few jabs. As the 10-second clapper sounds, Overeem drops his guard. He backs away, likely having coasted to victory. Rozenstruik comes at him, throws a left straight and puts everything he has left into one enormous right hand. The punch sends Overeem crashing against the cage wall, where he falls over. Rozenstruik walks away, and Miragliotta does not halt the fight. Overeem stands up and stumbles along the fence, leading Miragliotta to call the fight with mere seconds left. The cut on Overeem's lip is gigantic, and reminiscent of Robbie Lawler when he faced Rory MacDonald at UFC 189, but possibly even worse. The crowd is stunned, as is the Sherdog.com staff, at this result. This is an incredible comeback, as Rozenstruik was likely down on the judges' scorecards. What a night of fights.

The Official Result

Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Alistair Overeem R5 4:56 via KO (Punches)