World Series of Fighting 30 Results: Play-by-Play & Round-by-Round Scoring

Zach Bunnell vs. Jeff Roman

Round 1

Roman shoots from the outside to begin proceedings, but Bunnell sprawls easily and separates. The southpaw Roman slowly stalks Bunnell around the cage, with neither man really looking to throw. Bunnell lands a hard right cross, then an inside low kick, so Roman runs him to the canvas. Bunnell slides back up the fence aftera eating a few shots. Roman runs Bunnell to the far side of the cage, then they separate. Roman gets another takedown, but not before eating several knees from Bunnell. “The Bullet” gets to side control for a moment, but Bullett escapes and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bunnell
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Roman
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Bunnell

Round 2

Bunnell lands a right hand on a rushing Roman, but “The Bullet” runs him to the fence again, pummelling him with short right hands, bloodying Bunnell's face up. Straight left hand lands for Roman, further busting Bunnell's face. As soon as Roman starts doubling up with his left straight, Bunnell looks for a takedown of his home, but gets denied. Bunnell throws two wild hooks, which Roman ducks under, tackling Bunnell down to the ground once more. Roman grinds with short punches until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Roman
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Roman
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Roman

Round 3

More left crosses register for Roman, who then dives in for a double-leg. Bunnell rebuffs him, then misses an elbow on the break. Bunnell starts to press now, but Roman ducks under a volley of punches, gets a rear waistlock and grinds Bunnell along the fence, landing knees to the thighs and ribs. Bunnell gets free and is pushing for offense, but the tired Roman keeps his distance and fires left hands to the chin to keep the charging Bunnell away until the horn.

More left crosses register for Roman, who then dives in for a double-leg. Bunnell rebuffs him, then misses an elbow on the break. Bunnell starts to press now, but Roman ducks under a volley of punches, gets a rear waistlock and grinds Bunnell along the fence, landing knees to the thighs and ribs. Bunnell gets free and is pushing for offense, but the tired Roman keeps his distance and fires left hands to keep the hard-charging Bunnell away until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bunnell (29-28 Bunnell)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Bunnell (29-28 Roman)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Bunnell (29-28 Bunnell)

The Official Result

Zach Bunnell def. Jeff Roman via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Adam Acquaviva vs. Andres Ponce

Round 1

Ponce begins the bantamweight contest with a series of side kicks, prompting an Acquaviva double-leg takedown right into full guard. Acquaviva quickly moves to half guard, landing short, idle strikes. Buttering up Ponce, he tries to move to side control quickly, but the Arizona native escapes to his feet. Unfortunately for him, Ponce doesn't escape fully, so Acquaviva stays glued to his waist, then jumps on his back standing. Acquaviva locks up the rear-naked choke on the standing Ponce, and then drags him backward, toppling backward and tapping out.

The Official Result

Adam Acquaviva def. Andres Ponce via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:10

Matt Church vs. Steve Kozola

Round 1

Both men actively engage with punches and kicks early, with Church getting in Kozola's face and trying to crowd him. Kozola moves away and tries to find the range with his one-two, and eventually does, stepping forward and ripping Church with a right cross that spills him on the mat. Church gets back to his feet quickly, but “Thunderbeast” keeps up smart pressure, throwing hooks and mixing in clean right uppercuts behind them. He keeps in Church's face, eventually dropping him with a series of right crosses. Church winds up turtled and Kozola hammerfists away until referee “Big” John McCarthy intervenes.

The Official Result

Steve Kozola def. Matt Church via TKO (Punches) R1 1:57

Rex Harris vs. Clinton Williams

Round 1

Both middleweights flurry with short hooks in the center of the cage, and Williams elevates Harris and tosses him to the mat with such impressive amplitude and force that he can't control him. Back on the feet, Williams charges Harris with a body kick and swiping left hand, running him back into the cage and grinding on him until referee Kim Winslow separates the middleweights. More short hooks land for each fighter as step into range again, leading to another clinch controlled by Williams. Harris staves off Williams with an overhook, but can't get his back off the fence. Winslow separates the pair again with 80 seconds left in the round. Another smattering of hooks inside, the best of which is a right hook from Williams. “T-Rex” answers back with two clean jabs to Williams' mouth. Williams clinches up and absorbs two knees to the ribs.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Williams
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Williams
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Williams

Round 2

With Williams more methodical to start the second, Harris pops off a few one-two's that just glance their target. Williams runs him into the fence once more and Harris crossfaces him, landing knees to the ribs. They keep jockeying for position, unil Harris lands an accidental knee up the middle, right on the cup. Kim Winslow calls for a pause, and Williams takes about 90 seconds to recoup. Williams throws a low kick, but Harris catches it and nearly trips him to the canvas. With 90 seconds left in the second round, Williams tries to clinch up again, but Harris turns him around briefly and chips away before separating. Williams lands a hard right hook bowling in on “T-Rex,” but Harris stands his ground and tags him with a handful of right uppercuts.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Harris
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Harris
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Harris

Round 3

Three-punch combo from Harris glances Williams, but Harris can't get him to the mat with the double. Left hook-right hook from Williams lands and he tries to bull “T-Rex” to the mat, but Harris rolls through and winds up on top in side control.

Williams is exhausted on bottom, but manages to explode back to his feet at the halfway mark of the round. The Georgia native gets double underhooks, but once again, can't get Harris to the mat, as Harris lands back on the fence, controls with an overhook and lands knees to Williams' body. Williams tries to drag Harris to the canvas desperately, but Harris winds up on top again in side control, punching and elbowing away. Harris wisely rides the fight out on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Harris (29-28 Harris)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Harris (29-28 Harris)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Harris (29-28 Harris)

The Official Result

Rex Harris def. Clinton Williams via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Matthew Frincu vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov

Round 1

Nurmagomedov comes out southpaw, darting in and out with big, swinging punches to set up his takedown. Nurmagomedov gets the double-leg takedown, but can't do much with it. He lands short, chopping punches on top, but is unable to pass the lanky Frincu's guard. Frincu escapes to his feet, Nurmagomedov working behind his jab, then lobbing heavy strikes. Nurmagomedov winds up and swings a big hook, but the Australian counters him with a hard low kick that trips him up. Nurmagomedov hops right back up to his feet and runs into a clinch, where he eats a body knee from Frincu.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

Frincu is determined to keep it standing, but Nurmagomedov gets in on another double-leg takedown and dumps him. He stands up in open guard, landing heavy punches. He is ragdolling Frincu now along the fence and pounding him with left hands. He rides the outside leg, landing more hooks and grinding his man into the mat. Frincu is trying to just hold onto Nurmagomedov's wrist unsuccessfully and is starting to wilt under the pressure. Nurmagomedov takes back mount with both hooks and continues to blast away with both hands. Frincu tries to roll over, but Nurmagomedov stops him with a long flurry of lefts that force referee Mark Smith into action.

The Official Result

Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Mathieu Frincu via TKO (Punches) R2 3:05

Abu Azaitar vs. Danny Davis Jr.

Round 1

Azaitar stumbles Davis with a pair of wild hooks quickly, but Davis is able to circle out, regroup and establish his jab. Azaitar keeps storming forward, swinging hammers on both sides, then running Davis into the fence. Davis gets an underhook, defends and gets off the fence, but again moments later, eats a wild barrage. Davis clinches now and turns “Gladiator” around, putting his back to the cage. Azaitar circles off and stumbles Davis with another right-handed swing, then follows up with another barrage. Davis circles away and sticks his tongue out to mock Azaitar, but Azaitar keeps slugging. Another clinch now as both men catch their breath, then Davis takes Azaitar off his feet with a double. Davis lands a few short punches before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Azaitar
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Azaitar
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Azaitar

Round 2

Azaitar appears winded to start the second, but is still married to looping punches. He lands a right, then Davis runs him into the fence and sucks the German-based welterweight's legs out. Davis gets to half guard and lands short elbows. “Gladiator” tries to explode up, but Davis takes his back with both hooks. The American sinks both hooks, but Azaitar turns, pushes down on his hip and escapes back to half guard. Azaitar explodes again, bumping his hips and sweeping into top position, where he nearly takes Davis' back, but the American shakes him. Davis pushes Azaitar into the fence over the last minute, but can't get another takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Davis
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Davis
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Davis

Round 3

Davis' left eye is badly swollen as the final round begins. Azaitar, drawing deep breaths, follows Davis around the cage without throwing much beyond low kicks.

Davis is reticent to throw, so Azaitar picks up his activity with the leg kicks, then body kicks, while Davis looks to counter. “Gladiator” times a rushing Davis with an overhand right, then goes back to patiently chopping away with hard outside low kicks. With one minute to fight, Davis shoots, Azaitar defends the initial shot, but winds up with his back against the cage. Davis takes his legs out, then jumps on Azaitar's back, riding it with one hook and pressuring for the rear-naked choke until time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Azaitar (29-28 Azaitar)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Azaitar (29-28 Azaitar)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Davis (29-28 Davis)

The Official Result

Abu Azaitar def. Danny Davis Jr. via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jake Heun vs. Vinny Magalhaes

Round 1

Magalhaes starts by circling the perimeter and lobbing low kicks at Heun. Heun tries to answer a Magalhaes right body kick with an overhand right, so “Pezao” runs him the fence and looks for a takedown, stomping on Heun's feet to butter him up. Hard knee to the body by Magalhaes and Heun breaks free. Heun begins to land some kicks of his own, but can't touch Magalhaes clean with his hands. Magalhaes continues to circle and attack with leg and body kicks.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Magalhaes
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Magalhaes
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Magalhaes

Round 2

Heun begins the middle stanza by pumping his jab and getting active with his own low kicks. Magalhaes starts trying to time his foe with the lead left hook, but Heun stays diligent behind the jab. Heun throws a low-drifting Brazilian kick, and cracks the actual Brazilian right in the jaw with the beautiful technique. Short left hook for Heun, right uppercut for Magalhaes, then Heun glances with a spinning back elbow. Two stiff right low kicks by Magalhaes, and Heun's left leg is starting to look chewed up. Magalhaes closes the distance with 90 seconds left and puts Heun down, then twists on top for a kneebar. He bails quickly, settling into “The Honey Bear's” full guard, while posturing up with punches and elbows. Heun manages to kick him away, but Magalhaes shoots another powerful double and gets him back down with 30 seconds left. Magalhaes lands a few more short shots.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Magalhaes
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Magalhaes
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Magalhaes

Round 3

Heun presses the action to start the round, as Magalhaes tries to stay away, maintaining distance with hard low kicks. The Brazilian is clearly tired, so Heun, now southpaw, continues turning the pressure up with front kicks and lefts, then changes stance again. Left body kick from Heun lands to the ribs. Magalhaes shoots a double just past the 13-minute mark and puts Heun down, moving to half guard with ease and landing left hands. “Pezao” threatens a kimura on the far side.

e horn. Heun attempts to scramble, to Magalhaes drops to his back and gets his left leg over Heun's right shoulder. Magalhaes opens his guard and Heun steps over into half guard to escape. Magalhaes goes to deep half guard, so Heun sits over his head and traps him. With time ticking down, “The Honey Bear” opens up with a rapid, spastic stream of hammerfists, then harsh elbows to the exposed, trapped ribcage of Magalhaes. The fight ends with Heun sitting on Magalhaes' head, assaulting his torso.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Heun (29-28 Magalhaes)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Heun (29-28 Magalhaes)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Heun (29-28 Magalhaes)

The Official Result

Vinny Magalhaes def. Jake Heun via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

WSOF Welterweight Title Fight:
Jon Fitch vs. Joao Zeferino

Round 1

Zeferino backs up cautiously, looking to land jabs and right-hand counters on the charging Fitch. The Brazilian defends a Fitch shot, then smacks him with a hard right cross. Fitch's left eye is already reddened as he grabs over-unders on Zeferino, but gets nowhere. Fitch grabs another body lock, but the Brazilian gets double underhooks and nearly puts Fitch on the mat. Inside low kick lands for Fitch, then a charging overhand right as he closes the distance, but he's not fast enough to get into Zeferino's legs. Jab, right cross, then a right hook from Zeferino, who is landing steadily. Fitch shoots, Zeferio sprawls and balances on one leg. Fitch sucks out his plant leg but can't advance position before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Zeferino
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Zeferino
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 2

Fitch closes the distance quickly, landing a hard low kick, walking through Zeferino's jab to a clinch. Fitch continues fruitlessly shooting, but Zeferino is more cautious now, relying mostly on jabs that just touch their target. With just under 90 seconds to go, Fitch ducks under a Zeferino jab and finally gets a clean takedown. The former UFC welterweight title challenger sits in half guard, punching Zeferino in the face and elbowing him in the ribs until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 3

Zeferino looks for the early takedown in the third and Fitch stuffs it easily. The former Purdue Boilermaker lands a leg kick, then tackles Zeferino to the mat. Zeferino briefly shows a leglock, then a kimura, but Fitch pounds through his attempts, squats on Zeferino's right leg and elbows him. Zeferino moves to a deep half guard, so Fitch pelts him to the body. The Brazilian slides of the fence at the halfway mark of the round and the fight, retaking his feet. Tepid jabs from Zeferino, then a weak double-leg attempt. Fitch stumbles him with an inside low kick, but then Zeferino sprawls on his shot. Fitch comes up into the clinch and touches his target with a spinning back fist, but it's doesn't land clean. Fitch gets an easy takedown with under 90 seconds to go, then settles in full guard, pounding away on a fatiguing Zeferino. Fitch postures up, digging to the head and body with right hands.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 4

Both welterweights are conserving energy in the early fourth round, with Zeferino lazily jabbing, Fitch sparsely kicking, and each man trading tired takedown attempts. At the halfway point of the round, Fitch gets another double-leg takedown, and it's a Jon Fitch type of fight from there. Zeferino turns for leglocks and works an open guard, but Fitch smothers him and stays steadily chipping away with hooks to the ribs and head over the final two minutes, grinding into half guard before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Fitch
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Fitch

Round 5

The pace remains deliberate in the fifth and final round. Fitch comes in behind a clean right uppercut, tackling Zeferino to the mat and getting back to the top position grind. Zeferino turns for another kneebar and actually forces Fitch out of top position for a moment, but Fitch pushes his foot on Zeferino's butt and slips out, jumps back into top position and smashing away. Zeferino tries to go to deep half guard again, but Fitch forces him down with a headlock, then keeps socking him with both hands. Zeferino kicks Fitch away and then tries to turn for another kneebar, but once more Fitch shuts it down, affirms top, and pounds away until the bout expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Fitch (49-46 Fitch)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Fitch (49-46 Fitch)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Fitch (50-45 Fitch)

The Official Result

Jon Fitch def. Joao Zeferino via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) R5 5:00

WSOF Middleweight Title Fight:
David Branch vs. Clifford Starks

Round 1

Branch moves in behind the jab, working his way to a clinch with Starks. In close, Starks swims to a collar tie, lands a hard knee, then separates. Starks doubles his right hand, putting the champ on his heels and moving him back to the fence. They come off the fence, and Starks lands two left hands off of a Branch kick. Right uppercut for Starks glancing on an advancing Branch, who goes into another over-under clinch along the cage. With 90 seconds to go in the round, Branch hits a great foot sweep to take top position. Branch punches his way to half guard before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Branch
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Branch
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Branch

Round 2

Branch smothers Starks against the fence for the first 90 seconds with no real offense. They separate, then as soon as Romero lands a punch, Branch runs him back to the cage. “The Big Cat” gets free and lands a pair of nice jabs. Branch continues to tie Romero up whenever he approaches, then just past the three-minute mark of the round, drives him back to the mat with a driving double. Starks works back to the fence and attempts to gain his feet, but Branch hits him with an illegal knee to the top of the head. Referee John McCarthy is on it in a heartbeat, pausing the action and giving the Arizonan a moment to recover, then to allow a brief consult with the physician. Starks says he's ready to go, and McCarthy then takes a point from the champion for his indiscretion. On the restart, Starks moves him behind his left hand again, so Branch drives on him. Starks grabs a guillotine and pulls guard. It's not a bad look, but Branch creates some space and waits the clock out.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Starks
Jeff Miller scores the round 9-9
Mike Sloan scores the round 9-9

Round 3

Lukewarm jabs for the first minute of the third round, then Branch initiates another clinch, moving Starks back to the fence, then dropping for a double. Branch switches to a single and Starks threatens from the headlock, then lands a hard knee. The champion grabs another over-under clinch, but Starks turns it around and neutralizes him before breaking. Clean jab-cross for Branch lands, then he opens up a bit, tagging Starks with a long right behind it. Quick right for Starks lands, prompting a Branch over-under clinch. Starks lands a right uppercut, then Branch returns with a left cross. Under a minute to go, Starks drives for a takedown, but Branch defends and narrowly misses a head kick on the break.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Starks
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Starks
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Branch

Round 4

Branch's jab is more authoritative in round four, sticking Starks, then driving in on a double-leg takedown when Starks tries to attack. Branch pounds on Starks' ribs from full guard. “The Big Cat” scoots back to the fence but Branch keeps sucking his legs out to keep him on the mat and on his seat. Branch climbs over his legs into a partial mount, Starks throws up his hands in frustration, looking to John McCarthy for a standup. Starks tries to free himself, but Branch pounds him and drives forward, back into top position with just over two minutes to go. Hard right elbow by Branch. The Renzo Gracie pupil moves into half guard, then lands another short salvo of elbows. With 30 seconds to go, Branch threatens a kimura, steps over Starks' head and pounds his body, but can't break his grip before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Branch
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Branch
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Branch

Round 5

The middleweights clinch, but Branch breaks it off quickly with a sharp left hook. Branch lands the jab, Starks shoots and gets denied, so they clinch for a minute until John McCarthy separates them. Starks lands a quick combo, but then gets dumped back on the mat by the native New Yorker, who goes back to half guard and goes to work. Starks shrimps to the fence, but winds up giving up full mount at the halfway mark of the final round. Starks keeps shrimping and bucking.

He eventually gets Branch back to half guard, but he's getting worked over by the WSOF two-division champ now. Branch goes back to full mount, keeping high, heavy pressure on a still-exploding Starks. Branch continues to deny Starks' attempts to explode, finally landing punches and elbows with 60 seconds left. Hard stream of right hands lands for Branch, so Starks ties him up and hangs on. He breaks the full mount for a second, but Branch punches back into it, hammering his ribs.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Branch (48-47 Branch)
Jeff Miller scores the round 10-9 Branch (48-46 Branch)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Branch (49-45 Branch)

The Official Result

David Branch def. Clifford Starks via Unanimous Decision (49-44, 49-49, 49-44) R5 5:00