UFC 272 ‘Covington vs. Masvidal’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

DustinJacoby (205.5) vs. MichalOleksiejczuk (206)

Round 1

Throughout these prelims tonight for UFC 272, holdout fans willhave to make the tough decision as to whether this fight card withno titles on the line but two five-round bouts will be worth about$80. Buy or sell, it may all hinge on the grudge match on the topof the billing tonight. Before we get there, we have a dozenmatches to get through, and we begin things in the lightheavyweight division. Making the most of his second stint with thepromotion, former kickboxer Jacoby (16-5-1, 4-2-1 UFC) will aim togo unbeaten in his sixth straight UFC fight as he takes on thenewly re-nicknamed “Hussar” Oleksiejczuk (16-4, 1 NC; 4-2, 1 NCUFC). Between them, 21 knockouts across their 32 victories havetaken place, and referee Mark Smith may have his hands full tostart the night. The gentlemen are happy to touch gloves beforecoming out swinging, and it’s on! Both men aim strikes at oneanother right off the bat, with the Polish man letting go withpunches down the pipe while Jacoby backs off with a high kick. Theymiss, but the next blows that come are not inaccurate, as Jacobysits down on a body kick and a left hand that reddens his foe’snose up early. Oleksiejczuk goes to the body as he walks Jacobydown, and Jacoby pushes off with his left hand and his finger jabsstraight into the eye of “Hussar,” who lets out a wail of pain asSmith is quick to intervene. After about 40 seconds of recovery,Oleksiejczuk blinks it out and is ready to continue but seems alittle reticent and keeps his guard high to defend it. Oleksiejczukscores a solid one-two as Jacoby advances briefly, and he standsright in front of Oleksiejczuk to throw hands with him.Oleksiejczuk sticks and moves, reaching him with a punch beforecatching a low kick. The Polish fighter lifts Jacoby’s leg up inthe air and plants him on the mat, but Jacoby is able to scramblequickly enough to get back to his feet. Oleksiejczuk gets counteredwith a left as he strides forward, but he plants his right handsquare on the nose of his retreating opponent. Oleksiejczukcontinues to make Jacoby fight going backwards, taking Jacoby’skicks out of the equation. “Hussar” gets off a few punches, duckingone and landing a solid left on the side of Jacoby’s jaw. Jacobyreaches up with a knee, and Oleksiejczuk greets him coming forwardwith a straight left hand that shakes him up. This makes Jacobyshoot in for an unexpected takedown, and he bails on it when thereis nothing to it. Oleksiejczuk resets and targets a few punches tothe body, putting volume together while Jacoby is more content tothrow single power shots. Jacoby gets off a kick to the midsectionup close, and he tries to time a counter knee when Oleksiejczukbears down on him with long, rangy punches to the torso. A leftfrom Jacoby opens a cut beneath Oleksiejczuk’s eye, and he pays itno mind and tags Jacoby with a clean left hook. A brief exchangefrom both men concludes the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 OleksiejczukBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 OleksiejczukTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 2

The two start off the second round with a brief punch exchange, andJacoby catches him with a short uppercut. Jacoby tags his opponentwith a left hand, and he strings together a wild combinationconsisting of punches, knees to the body and kicks up close thathurt Oleksiejczuk. Jacoby drops his man down to his knees, andOleksiejczuk is able to recover and spring back up but Jacoby willnot let him off the hook. Jacoby throws everything he has to finishthe fight, and Oleksiejczuk smartly defends himself and reboundsoff the fence while shelling up, possibly on hopes of Jacobypunching himself out. “The Hanyak” slows on his offense and pursuesa takedown instead, where he succeeds in grounding his Polishopponent briefly. Oleksiejczuk is able to work his way back up,eating shots all the while, and he stands back up to drill Jacobyin the side of the head with a left hand. Oleksiejczuk appears tohave gathered himself, and his lefts are stinging Jacoby now asJacoby wants to clinch and pursue body lock takedowns. Oleksiejczukfights his way off the cage wall and turns his man around, and hegains space and ducks when Jacoby aims a right hand at him at thebreak. Oleksiejczuk gathers himself and starts walking Jacoby downagain, and he clubs him with a solid left hand. Jacoby wears itwell and gives it right back to him, and Oleksiejczuk shrugs it offand strides forward to engage. The two tie up and pummel againstthe fence, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 JacobyBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 JacobyTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby

Round 3

The light heavyweights touch gloves to come out for the last round,and Oleksiejczuk is fired up as he wades forward into the fire witha fast one-two. Jacoby slips the punches and takes a step back,reaching out with a jab and smacking Oleksiejczuk in the face witha follow-up left hand. Jacoby starts flicking out a jab a few timesas Oleksiejczuk advances, and he times a lumbering Oleksiejczukwith a few punches. Oleksiejczuk feints and fakes, and he lungesforward only to get clipped with a left. Oleksiejczuk returns firewith two punches, and Jacoby jabs out with outstretched fingers tostab Oleksiejczuk in the same eye again. Smith is not thrilled, andhe gives Jacoby a hard warning. Oleksiejczuk recovers after lessthan 30 seconds, and Jacoby leads the dance with a quick string ofpunches that get Oleksiejczuk’s attention. Jacoby steps in with aknee and times a left over the top shortly thereafter. Jacobychanges levels after scoring the strikes, going after a double ashe jams Oleksiejczuk against the fence. “Hussar” fights off thetakedown but continues to remain pressed to the wall, forced todefend from a takedown try from the former kickboxer. Jacoby grindshis man against the wire, occasionally getting off short strikesbut far more focused on grounding the Polish fighter. Jacoby getsoff a knee and an elbow, and Oleksiejczuk explodes out of theposition and walks straight into a leg kick. Jacoby hops out of theway, and the fight comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28 Jacoby)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28 Jacoby)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby (29-28Jacoby)

The Official Result

Dustin Jacoby def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Unanimous Decision(29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

LudovitKlein (156) vs. DevonteSmith (156)

Round 1

In this next tilt at 155 pounds, “King Kage” Smith (11-3, 3-2 UFC)and “Mr. Highlight” Klein (17-4, 1-2 UFC) have seen 27 of their 28career wins come before judges were involved. Holding on to his hatis referee Marc Goddard, as these two are excited to get after itfollowing the touch of gloves. Smith starts off with punches thatmiss and a front kick that does not. Smith stays constantly busywith a long left jab, and they do enough to keep Klein fromadvancing. Klein shrugs them off to load up on a left hook, andSmith dances out of the way well in time. Klein slowly,methodically works forward, and he fires a left-right with a bodykick to follow. Smith returns fire with a loud body kick of hisown, and Klein glances a left hand off the top of his head inresponse. Smith keeps his left hand out, and he walks back butabsorbs a head kick that zips towards him. Smith pays it no mindand lands a right hand down the pipe. Smith score a body kick,blocks a head kick and resets. To give Klein a taste of his ownmedicine, Smith fires off a head kick, and the Slovakian fighter issurprised but he blocks it and scores a right hand to the body.Smith tries to pay him back, but he gets clipped with a left handthat sends him staggering back to the fence. Instead of succumbingto more strikes, Smith latches on to his opponent, and his mouthmay be bloodied but he is recovering while tied up. Klein gets offa short elbow and a knee to the thigh, but the position is largelystuck there because Smith has his hands clasped. Klein tries tobreak the grip by kneeing Smith in the solar plexus a few times,and Smith gives him one back. Goddard splits them up after a periodof inactivity, and Klein takes the center of the cage in the reset.Smith whiffs on a front kick, and Klein strides forward with aone-two and a head kick that knocks Smith back to the wall again.“Mr. Highlight” chases him to the fence, and the round ends in thisclinch position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 KleinBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 KleinTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Klein

Round 2

Smith lets out a “woo” before the round starts, and Klein yells inresponse as they are fired up to get back to it. Smith strikesfirst, stringing together a series of fast kicks that slam into thehead and body of “Mr. Highlight.” Klein wears them well, and hedecides to clinch back up as he might have taken some damage fromthat succession of strikes. From up close, Klein scores severalshoulder check strikes to the chin, and Smith appears to not likethis and he explodes out of position to stop these from continuing.Klein bullies him back to the fence, and he rips a knee to the bodywhen he gets Smith there. Smith returns fire with a single similarstrike, and Klein backs off to claim the center of the Octagonagain. Klein works the liver with a kick, and he tries to timeanother but instead goes low with a kick to Smith’s rear leg. Smithblocks a left hook and catches a front kick, where he uses theposition to try to take the fight down. Klein sets his leg down andturns him around, and the action stalls out other than a few shortknees to the thigh. Smith sneaks up a pair of knees from up close,only to get nailed in the face with a crisp elbow. Klein slicesanother elbow over the top, and he continues to jam Smith into thewall. Goddard tells them to improve position after Klein complainsabout his foe grabbing his glove, and he is quick to separate themagain. Klein whiffs on a leg kick, and when he swings a left, Smithducks down and grabs his hips to take him down. Miraculously, Kleinposts and fights his way back up without ever hitting the ground,and he springs up to push Smith into the wall until the roundwraps.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 SmithBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 SmithTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Smith

Round 3

The lightweights touch gloves to check in the last round, and justlike the previous frame, Smith begins to sling head kick. Kleinresponds with a high kick and then a front kick to the chest, andSmith is hurt as he wobbles back to the fence, possibly having thewind knocked out of him. Instead of laying into Smith, Klein electsto clinch up, thereby allowing Smith to get his sea legs backbeneath him. They trade short strikes up close, and Smith lands anelbow on the break. Smith wings a high kick that collides with hisfoe’s shoulder, and Klein marches forward winging a left thatbounces off Smith’s temple. They trade body kicks, and Klein chainsinto a low kick. After the strike, Smith marches forward, only toget snagged by “Mr. Highlight” and wrenched over to the fence inthe clinch. When they separate, Smith scores a stunning body kick.“King Kage” charges with a few punches, snapping Klein’s head back,and Klein attempts to sprint at him to clinch. Smith tosses himaside so that he can reach out with a few jabs, and he startsloading up on power punches while Klein remains elusive. Smith getsoff a knee to the chest and a swinging elbow, and Klein is feelingit as his volume has diminished. From a great distance, Kleinshoots in for a takedown, and he gets stood up as Klein holds himagainst the wire. As Klein clings to him clinched up, Goddard warnsthem, so this spurs Klein into action. The Slovakian fighter spinswith a back elbow, clipping the side of Smith’s head, but Smithignores it so that he can try to initiate a brawl. Klein is wise toit, hopping back to throw a few kicks and a one-two as the finalbell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Klein (29-28 Klein)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Smith (29-28 Smith)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Klein (29-28 Klein)

The Official Result

Ludovit Klein def. Devonte Smith via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28,30-27)

TimElliott (126) vs. TagirUlanbekov (125.5)

Round 1

It’s the U.S. vs. Russia up now in the flyweight division, asformer title challenger Elliott (17-12-1, 6-10 UFC) will try tobecome the second fighter to beat Ulanbekov (14-1, 2-0 UFC) as apro. Having laced up his shoes, referee Chris Tognoni is nowprepared for what could be a thrilling, fast-paced grappling affairfor as long as it lasts. The gloves get touched, and Elliott swingswith a spinning back kick that is well out of the way. Elliottturns through to score a leg kick, and Ulanbekov dings him up withtwo jabs and a one-two. Elliott keeps his hands down, and Ulanbekovcracks him with a right hand and follows it with a front kick.Elliott ignores the strikes to wade forward, throwing unorthodoxstrikes like stomp kicks to the knee and whipping uppercuts. TheAmerican charges ahead and secures a quick takedown, and Ulanbekovfights his way back to his knees. Elliott blasts him in the facewith a knee, and it is unclear if Ulanbekov’s knee was off theground as to whether it was illegal or legal, but it appeared thatUlanbekov’s knee was down. Despite this, we continue, and Elliottshouts at his man to come on and fight him. Elliott blitzesforward, landing punches and low kicks, and evading the strikeswith odd, bobbing head movement. Ulanbekov replies with a punch tothe chest, and he checks a kick but gets smacked with a left hand.Ulanbekov is much more composed with jabs, but as he flicks oneout, the ex-title challenger darts forward and lands anothertakedown. The Russian is not down for more than one second beforeexploding back up, and Elliott is quick to chase him down and landanother. Ulanbekov sweeps him after a wide scramble, and he getsback to his feet. Tognoni calls time as Elliott sticks his handsout to strike, and he warns Elliott from keeping his fingersoutstretched while Elliott protests. The fight resumes, and Elliottlands a front kick to the body and a low kick. Elliott dips a fewpunches, eats a couple more, and slings a left hook that slides offthe side of Ulanbekov’s head. Elliott tries to step in with anelbow, and as he does, Ulanbekov drills him with a few punches.Elliott laughs them off, keeps his self-described movement awkward,and he turns his hips while launching a massive left hand. Thestrike sends Ulanbekov crashing down to the mat, and he appears toget back up after the flash knockdown only into the hands ofElliott, who takes him down. Ulanbekov powers his way back up, getspopped with another questionable knee when he was standing, and hestarts talking to his corner. The wild and crazy round ends in theclinch.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 ElliottBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 ElliottTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Elliott

Round 2

The gloves get touched to start the second round, and Elliott comesout with a brief swarm of punches. Ulanbekov is energized, and hereturns fire with a salvo of his own. Elliott just misses with ahuge overhand right, and he windmills a left that follows thatblows Ulanbekov’s hair back. The Russian mixes things up with atakedown try, and Elliott sprawls well and pops right back up.Ulanbekov gets off a few right hands, appearing to have started totime the head movement, and he ignores the counters from Elliott toscore a hard right hand. When Elliott marches forward, Ulanbekovhits a double that puts the former title challenger on his seatmomentarily. Elliott scoots his way to the wall to power back up,and when Ulanbekov tries to secure a mat return, Elliott scramblesto wind up on top. As they both get back up to their feet, Elliottlands a few punches that make Ulanbekov blow his nose out.Ulanbekov drills Elliott in the jaw with a right hand, and Elliottcomes forward to clinch. Elliott grabs his foe’s glove and cracksUlanbekov with a punch from his other hand, and Ulanbekov proteststo draw a warning from Tognoni. They both try to set up a takedownafter this confusion, and a furious scramble ensues where Elliottis able to take top position and even snag mount for a coupleseconds. Ulanbekov fights his way back up, and he lifts Elliott inthe air but cannot wrangle him, as the former title challengercircles around to take top position until Ulanbekov bucks him off.They tie up, and start belting one another with short elbows andpunches. Elliott grabs Ulanbekov’s glove again and tries to slughim in the face, but Ulanbekov is able to evade the blow and heshoots for a double that plows Elliott in the wall. Ulanbekov holdson tight, not letting Elliott get space, and ignoring when Elliottstarts chattering at him. Elliott fights off one takedown, and hethrows up a guillotine right when the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 ElliottBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 ElliottTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Elliott

Round 3

The last round begins with no glove touch, as replays show severaluncalled illegal moves that Elliott got away with in the previousround, all while Ulanbekov’s coach Khabib Nurmagomedov is incensed.Dundasso is alive and well in the Octagon tonight. The actionstarts off with Elliott attacking, working the body with kicks anda few punches. Ulanbekov replies with a single crisp elbow, and hebacks off and marks Elliott up with a one-two. A cut opens up onthe corner of Ulanbekov’s eye, but it does not appear to be from apunch but rather from when they clacked heads when they were tiedup. They clinch up again just long enough for Ulanbekov to work thebody with several knees, and Ulanbekov hops back and dives forwardwith a double-leg takedown. Elliott sprawls, using the fence as hisally, but Ulanbekov lifts his leg off the ground to drop Elliott toa knee. Ulanbekov tries to elevate the ex-title challenger again,to no avail, as Elliott is able to get his feet beneath him to keephimself upright. With his hands clasping Elliott from behind,Ulanbekov gets off several emphatic knees to the back of Elliott’sthigh. Ulanbekov hops on to the back, circling over to get one hookin. As Elliott tries to escape, he leans over and Ulanbekov crawlson to his back to take it and secure a body triangle. From there,the Russian attacks a rear-naked choke, and Elliott grimaces butgrits it out. Elliott legally fights the hands, holding on to thewrist instead of the inseam of a glove, and he stops the choke butcannot stop punches connecting to the side of his head. Ulanbekovkeeps his body triangle tight, landing unanswered shots, and hepounds away until the final bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ulanbekov (29-28 Elliott)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ulanbekov (29-28 Elliott)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ulanbekov (29-28Elliott)

The Official Result

Tim Elliott def. Tagir Ulanbekov via Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28, 29-28)

BrianKelleher (145) vs. UmarNurmagomedov (146)

Round 1

Back-to-back fights pit an American against a Russian adversary,this time with Kelleher (24-12, 8-5 UFC) representing the statesagainst unbeaten Dagestan native and famously named Nurmagomedov(13-0, 1-0 UFC). Can “Boom” Kelleher blow up the undefeated recordof the Russian? Referee Marc Goddard will be the first to know. Thefeatherweights show a sign of respect by touching gloves, but notbefore Kelleher spinning fist bumps Bruce Buffer. Kelleher advancesearly, and he swats away an oncoming right hand. Kelleher stridesforward into a high kick, and he rolls with it to let it slide offhis shoulder. Nurmagomedov push kicks Kelleher’s chin, and Kelleheris barely able to avoid a whipping head kick. Nurmagomedov checks alow kick and slaps Kelleher in the face with the ball of his footlike he was Billy Jack. Kelleher pays it no mind and continuespressuring his opponent, and he charges ahead with a few punches toclose the distance and push the undefeated fighter into the fence.Nurmagomedov turns him around with ease, and Kelleher hooks hisfinger in the wire only to get warned. Nurmagomedov tries to tripthe American down, and Kelleher falls to a knee and powers rightback up. Nurmagomedov gets away with fence grab of his own, and hefails on another takedown effort as Kelleher breaks away. Kelleherabsorbs a clean knee to the body, and he surges ahead right into atakedown try from Nurmagomedov. Kelleher hops back up without beinggrounded for even one second, but the mat return from the Dagestannative puts Kelleher down to his knees. Nurmagomedov takes the back of “Boom,” and like asnake ensnaring its prey, he slithers his arm beneath Kelleher’schin to lock up a textbook rear-naked choke. Kelleher struggles andfights the hands, but there is no way out in this position, so hetaps out before he gets put to sleep. The crowd is instantlysilenced by the Russian getting his hand raised and keeping hisrecord spotless, seemingly a bit surprised at just how fast thefinishing sequence materialized.

The Official Result

Umar Nurmagomedov def. Brian Kelleher R1 3:15 via Submission(Rear-Naked Choke)

MariyaAgapova (126) vs. MarynaMoroz (125.5)

Round 1

The fight likely with the most actual emotion and energy going intoit is not the headliner and its manufactured beef to sell tickets,but instead one of national pride here in the ESPN preliminaryopener. The first Ukrainian fighter to take the stage since Russianforces invaded the nation will be “The Iron Lady” Moroz (10-3, 5-3UFC), who will be fighting for her people in her flyweight clashwith Kazakhstan’s Agapova (10-2, 2-1 UFC) with a new nickname of“Demonslayer.” The two women were heated during the week, butcooled to a degree where they could shake hands at the weigh-ins.They do not elect to touch gloves as referee Herb Dean watches on.Moroz comes forward, ready to block a left hand from Agapova thatis coiled and ready to throw. Agapova pushes out several jabs withher right hand that are more for range finding than actuallystriking, and Moroz crashes forward in pursuit of a takedown.Clinching up with Agapova, Moroz goes after a body lock and a trip,and she forces Agapova to defend it by posting her arm on the mat.Agapova stands back up and scores with a few inside punches, andshe lands a couple on the spine but there is no warning. Agapovatargets a few 12-6 elbows that land right on the spine, and Deanwarns her from these strikes. As Moroz persists, she drags Agapovadown to the mat and takes her back. From there, “The Iron Lady”goes after a rear-naked choke, and Agapova keeps her against thefence where the leverage is not quite there. Moroz keeps her armtightly squeezing on Agapova’s jaw, but it cannot get under thechin, so Moroz softens Agapova up with punches. Agapova looks totry to turn over and get out of the position, but this allows Morozto hook her legs and sink the choke in even tighter. Agapova, onher knees, manages to fight out of the choke and sits up. Morozinstantly locks on to an armbar off her back, and Agapova wrigglesher arm out but it might have taken some damage. When Agapovaescapes, Moroz stands up, and Agapova takes her back. The Ukrainianfighter shakes her foe off of her, and she turns around to go aftera double-leg takedown against the fencing. Moroz lands severalemphatic foot stomps, kiaiing every time she does, and the roundends with the two flyweights tied up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 MorozBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 MorozTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Moroz

Round 2

Moroz is the aggressor to start off Round 2, kicking and punchingher way forward with kiais until she bullies Agapova straight tothe fence in about 10 seconds. From there, Moroz ties Agapova up,and they trade strikes up the middle. A few knees land, and Agapovaappears to grimace in pain. Moroz wrestles the Kazakh fighter downto the mat, and she immediately gets a hook in to try to secureAgapova’s back. Moroz drags Agapova away from the fence so she canget both hooks in, and Agapova is able to keep herself tightlypressed to the cage wall to prevent a full back take. All thewhile, Moroz is smacking her in the face with left hands. Morozmanages to get her down after a subsequent effort, and she climbson top to take three-quarter mount. Agapova finds herself trappedas Moroz fishes for an arm-triangle choke, but she elects to slicethrough guard and slash down with several jagged elbows.“Demonslayer” finds that the shouting demon that is Moroz isoverwhelming her, as Moroz handles her with ease to go from fullmount to back control as she hammers on Agapova. Every strike that lands, Moroz screams withaggression, until Agapova falls to her back. Moroz sees an openingand hops to the side, where she latches on to an arm-trianglechoke. The shoulder pressure is crushing, the choke is tight as adrum, and Agapova has no way of getting out of this precariousposition. Agapova’s arm falls to the side, as she finds herselfdrifting off to unconsciousness, but right before she goes out, shetaps one single time as if she were Fedor Emelianenko. “TheIron Lady” has done it, vanquishing a dangerous foe that had neverbeen submitted in impressive fashion and winning one for her homecountry. It is an emotional moment for the victor, and commentatorJoe Rogan hands her the microphone in her post-fight interview – anextremely unusual occurrence, to be sure. With tears in her eyes,Moroz thanks all those that supported her, and wishes love to herfamily and those in her home country struggling during horribletimes, as the crowd erupts with cheers for her.

The Official Result

Maryna Moroz def. Mariya Agapova R2 3:27 via Submission(Arm-Triangle Choke)

NicolaeNegumereanu (205.5) vs. KennedyNzechukwu (206)

Round 1

Up next in the light heavyweight division may be a pair of rock-emsock-em robots when Negumereanu (11-1, 2-1 UFC) throws down withNzechukwu (9-2, 3-2 UFC). Both men bring knockout rates in themid-to-high 60% range, and referee Mark Smith will need to keep hishead on a swivel for this one. There is no bad blood here, and theyare glad to touch gloves to seal the cage. Negumereanu strikesfirst with an oblique kick to the knee, and Nzechukwu walks into asecond without replying. Nzechukwu slowly walks his foe down, butNegumereanu circles away when in punching range. Nzechukwu sticksout a jab and stomps his foot at the same time, and he eats a righthand as he coils back a left hand to strike. Negumereanu goes afteranother kick to the knee, and he ducks down with a feinted shot sothat he can draw a reaction out of Nzechukwu. The Fortis MMAfighters gets warned for outstretched fingers, and he closes hisfist and slams it into the nose of his opponent. Negumereanu hasanother front kick to the knee land, and he gets jabbed once andbacks off before the rangier fighter can mark him up. They swingand miss with alternating right hands, and then whiff with lefts.Nzechukwu stays elusive as he backs off, swatting away punches thatcome at him, but he cannot avoid the kick to his knee. Nzechukwupokes Negumereanu in the eye, and the former apologizes and isadmonished by Smith to close his hands once and for all. Needingless than 20 seconds to get back to it, Nzechukwu does not closehis fingers and is holding them out towards an advancingNegumereanu. When Negumereanu jumps forward with a superman punch,Nzechukwu kicks him in the gut to intercept him. This same kicklands, and the crowd starts showering the fighters with boos fortheir relative lack of engagement. Nzechukwu pushes a left straightthrough the guard, but it is one-and-done when Negumereanu surgesforwards with a short salvo of punches. Negumereanu gives chase,throwing hands while making Nzechukwu back off and defend himself.The round ends as the Fortis fighter gets off a glancing kick tothe body.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 NegumereanuBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 NegumereanuTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Negumereanu

Round 2

The light heavyweights touch hands to start off the second frame,and Negumereanu picks up where he left off with continuous forwardpressure. Negumereanu gives chase every time Nzechukwu retreats,swarming him with short combinations. The single punches fromNzechukwu keeps him at bay long enough to reset, until Negumereanucharges ahead recklessly in pursuit of a takedown. The Romanianfighter cannot ground his opponent, but he does pin him to thefence and slowly works on him with knees to the same spot on athigh. Negumereanu hunts for an outside trip, but that too does notsucceed. On a subsequent attempt, Negumereanu wrenches Nzechukwudown to one knee, but not for long, as the Nigerian-born fighterpowers his way back up. Negumereanu is a dog with a bone going forthese takedowns, constantly fighting and changing levels andstaying busy enough to keep Smith from stepping in. Negumereanuswings several growingly powerful knees on the other leg fromNzechukwu, and Nzechukwu is stuck with no offense of his own as heis against the cage wall. When Negumereanu ducks down for a single,Smith steps in to separate them, and tells them to actually startfighting. Nzechukwu obliges with a jab and a front kick, and hestrings together a one-two and shows signs of life. Negumereanugives him punches in bunches right back, but Nzechukwu stands himup with several straight, accurate punches that stun Negumereanuone after the other. The Fortis MMA fighter pushes out a jab a fewtimes to decent effect, catching Negumereanu coming in towards him.They both paw at one another with punches, and Nzechukwu pulls backwith a left hook but scores on another to smash Negumereanu in thenose. Negumereanu’s face suddenly transforms into a crimson mask asblood pours from both nostrils, and he looks for a takedown aftereating heavy punches. The round closes out in the clinch, and itmight be a close one depending on how the 90 seconds werescored.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 NzechukwuBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 NzechukwuTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nzechukwu

Round 3

The final frame commences with a barrage of leaping, inaccuratepunches from the Romanian. As Negumereanu blitzes forward,Nzechukwu pushes off and lances Negumereanu’s eyeball with hisfinger. Smith immediately calls in the doctor as he pauses theaction, and Negumereanu is in a bad way, screaming in pain from thefoul. Negumereanu is struggling to even open his right eye, but heinforms the doctor and officials that he can continue. Smithdeducts one point from Nzechukwu for repeated fouls. When theyresume, a torrid brawl ensues, and the both come out blasting inthe kind of fight that some had hoped it would be in the beginning.Negumereanu gets hurt, he dives forward into a takedown effort, andNzechukwu leaps in the air with a knee that clicks into theRomanian’s jaw. Negumereanu eats it like Sarmale and pushes into atakedown, but ultimately settles for jamming Nzechukwu into thewire. The Fortis MMA fighter muscles his way out of the clinch andgains some space to start letting his hands go again. With rangeand height advantages well in his favor, Nzechukwu smartly keepshis distance and potshots Negumereanu with long punches. Nzechukwuscores a one-two, and he cracks his foe with a left hand.Negumereanu does not flinch as he continues to press forward,leaking blood that covers his beard, and he suddenly surprisesNzechukwu with a burst of offense. As Negumereanu lands powerpunches, Nzechukwu appears hurt, and his hands drop as he skirtsaway on the outer edge of the cage. Negumereanu plods forward,throwing caution to the wind with wild, looping punches. They bothload up, but Nzechukwu mixes his offense up with straight strikesand then big bombs. Nzechukwu scores a right, only to eat twopunches right on the chin. These two are trading every time theyengage, and defense is at a premium now. Negumereanu stridesforward, and he clubs Nzechukwu on the side of the head with a fewpunches. Nzechukwu fires back, and they throw down right to thefinal bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 9-9 (28-28)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Negumereanu (29-27Negumereanu)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 9-9 (28-28)

The Official Result

Nicolae Negumereanu def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via Split Decision(27-29, 29-27, 29-27)

MarinaRodriguez (116) vs. Xiaonan Yan(116)

Round 1

Buried on the prelims, two women with greater championshipimplications on the line than any match on the card will square offin the strawweight division. Both once-beaten inside the Octagon,Rodriguez (15-1-2, 5-1-2 UFC) and Yan (13-2, 1 NC; 6-1 UFC) willsquare off with sights on the title held currently by RoseNamajunas. Keeping everything on the up-and-up will be refereeChris Tognoni, and the ladies do not touch gloves. Instead,Rodriguez walks back and lets loose with a leg kick, and she hopsout of the way when Yan swings a right hand at her. Yan targetsanother overhand right as Rodriguez keeps circling, and the Chinesefighter plays the bull to the Brazilian’s matador. Yan bulliesRodriguez back against the fence, and when she backs off, shecracks Rodriguez with a right. Any time Rodriguez pulls thetrigger, Yan is right there firing back with quick combinations.Yan appears the faster fighter, beating Rodriguez to the punch whenshe can reach her. Rodriguez tries to keep this fight in kickingrange, and Yan swarms her with punches before breaking away asRodriguez tries to counter her. The Brazilian fighter lines up aheavy leg kick, and Yan takes a funny step after absorbing it butis able to still stay out of the way when Rodriguez marches herdown. Yan lets fly a low kick and is light on her feet, and whenshe attempts to score another, she is countered by a pair of hooksand a check of the kick. Rodriguez absorbs another low kick on theinside of her knee, and she gives one back to the calf. They tradeleg kicks, but Rodriguez appears to be the heavier while Yan’s isfaster. Rodriguez fights her way into a clinch, only to getuppercutted and forced to separate. The Brazilian whiffs on a pairof hooks, with Yan easily dancing out of harm’s way and approachingfrom another angle to connect with a leg kick. Rodriguez wings aright hand that glances off the chin, and Rodriguez lets rip a kneethat smashes square into Yan’s groin. Tognoni recognizes theunintentional foul and calls in the doctor and a translator, as Yanis in pain and needing to recover. Yan explains that she is in a“little bit of pain,” and after 90 seconds of recovery, she is goodto go again. Rodriguez apologizes, and she turns her hips toconnect with a solid side kick. Yan backs off, and Rodriguezcharges at her aggressively. Rodriguez lets her hands go, clippingYan, but her aggression gets the better of her as she circlesaround to take Yan’s back and gets turned around and tripped up.Yan lifts her up off the ground and throws her to the mat like asack of potatoes, ending the round with that dramatic moment.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 YanBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 YanTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 2

When the second round begins, Yan is ready to parry the inevitablecharging offense from the recharged Brazilian. Rodriguez pushesforward, punching her way into a clinch, but she bails on it andabsorbs a leg kick. The ladies trade punches, and Yan scores a lowkick on the inside of Rodriguez’ lead leg. Rodriguez still landswith a heavy right hand, but Yan gets off two or three toRodriguez’ one. Rodriguez initiates a brawl, and she gets counteredalthough managing to land a few strikes of her own. While Yan’spunches are generally straight, there is a fair amount of arc onthe Brazilian’s, which allows Yan to beat her to the punch. Theyconsider grappling for a moment, but Yan is slick and she gets to asafe distance. When Rodriguez attacks, Yan catches a raised kneeand sends Rodriguez falling to the mat. Rodriguez crawls to thefence on a knee and up, but Yan clings to her like Saran wrap withher arms wrapped around Rodriguez’ waist. Rodriguez gets away witha fence grab or two, turning Yan around in the clinch when upright,only for Yan to spin her back around into the wire. On the break,Yan connects with an elbow on the top of the hair, and Rodriguezshakes it off and gets jabbed in the face. Rodriguez digs a knee tothe body, and she grabs Yan and pushes her down to her knees fromthe side. The Chinese fighter easily powers back up, but she takesa stern knee and a sharp elbow for her effort from Rodriguez. TheBrazilian chases Yan around the cage, and drills her with a solidright hook right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 YanBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 YanTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 3

The action is immediate to begin the final frame, with both womenthrowing hard at one another. Rodriguez bites down on hermouthpiece to throw bombs, and she connects with a few, but Yan isable to skirt out of the way from the worst of the blows. Rodriguezhacks at the calf with a kick, and she dips when Yan throws a fewpunches at her. Rodriguez scores a trio of punches, and Yan gathersherself and kicks the inside of Rodriguez’ thigh. Rodriguez plodsforward, never taking a step back, and forcing Yan to fight off herback foot. Rodriguez winds up a right hand, cocking it back andaiming it. They throw hands and tie up, with the right skimmingpast Yan’s hair. Rodriguez introduces the ball of her foot to Yan’sface, and Yan appreciates the strike and lets Rodriguez meet theinstep of her own foot in a fun kick-for-kick exchange. Rodriguezmarches Yan down and scores a solid left hand, gets cracked fromone by the Chinese fighter, and gives it right back to her. Astabbing kick with Rodriguez’ toes split the guard and land onYan’s body, and Yan throws back with a few punches that open a cuton the right eye of the Brazilian. Rodriguez lands a bomb, Yanblasts her back, and it is Yan who celebrates after the trade andpoints in the air. They trade hammers again, and Yan once moredances a little. Rodriguez does not slow down, instead trying tobrawl it out. Rodriguez lands a knee to the body, gets off twopunches, and makes Yan back away. Yan times a spinning back fistthat Rodriguez walks into, and Rodriguez runs after her to engagebut time expires before she can catch up with her.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 Yan)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 Yan)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28Yan)

The Official Result

Marina Rodriguez def. Xiaonan Yan via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29,29-28)

JamieMullarkey (155.5) vs. JalinTurner (156)

Round 1

It’s a finisher’s delight for this preliminary headliner when “TheTarantula” Turner (11-5, 4-2 UFC) and his 100% stoppage rate goagainst Australia’s Mullarkey (14-4, 2-2 UFC) with 93% in his ownright. The judges might not be needed for this lightweight contest,but referee Herb Dean almost certainly will be. They touch glovesin anticipation of what could be thriller, and Turner walks forwardto deliver a kick to the Aussie’s liver. Mullarkey bites down onhis gumshield and throws hands, but Turner is able to get on theinside and let them bounce off his shoulders. They both throw bigpunches at one another, and Turner slips throwing so hard. Hesprings right back up, and Turner blasts his foe in the face with apunch that wobbles Mullarkey. They swing for the fences, and theAussie clips Turner, and now he is hurt too, after a furiousexchange. Mullarkey pushes into a clinch, tying Turner up, butTurner frames him off with an elbow and a front kick up the middle.Turner busts Mullarkey’s nose open, and he does not let Mullarkeyoff the hook as he shucks off a takedown and scores a clean righthand down the middle on the damaged nose. Turner marks Mullarkey upwith punch after accurate punch, ducking back when Mullarkeycounters him. Turner kicks him in the face and knocks Mullarkey offhis feet. Mullarkey is able to spring back up, and he finds adangerous “Tarantula” waiting on him, holding a knee and readyingit as soon as Mullarkey can be legally struck in the head.Mullarkey hops back and gets tagged yet again, with his chin stillholding up, and Turner changes things up with several body shots.Mullarkey bends over from the blows, but he gets his wind back andretreats. Mullarkey connects with a punch, Turner lands harder, andMullarkey swings and misses with a high kick. In the open cage,Mullarkey darts in and lifts Turner off the ground, slamming him tothe mat and claiming side control with a little under a minute togo. Turner holds on with two-on-one wrist control, but he loses itwhen Mullarkey sits up to elbow him in the face a few times.Mullarkey looks to pass over to full mount, but Turner recovers himback to full guard. The Aussie steps into half guard, and scoresone single elbow before the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 TurnerBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 TurnerTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Turner

Round 2

The lightweights touch ‘em up to start off the second frame, andTurner stands firm in the center of the cage while Mullarkeycircles around him. Turner throws the first strikes of the round,missing with them, and he shoulder rolls when Mullarkey returnsfire. Mullarkey sits down on a right hand, and as soon as it lands,Turner is there to kick him in the body with a front kick. A huge, short right hook from “The Tarantula” clubsthe Aussie right at the perfect spot, and Mullarkey’s legs give waybeneath him. As Mullarkey collapses to the canvas in a heap, Turnerturns it on with a salvo of standing-to-ground punches as hebatters his opponent that has physically surrendered. Dean seesthat Mullarkey can no longer intelligently defend himself, and hesteps in, sealing the victory for the rising star Turner. Retaininghis excellent 100% finish rate, Turner finds himself on afour-fight win streak over increasingly impressive opposition.

The Official Result

Jalin Turner def. Jamie Mullarkey R2 0:46 via TKO (Punches)

GregHardy (266) vs. SergeySpivak (243.5)

Round 1

A pair of unranked heavyweights will kick off this main card, andone will hold a UFC record at .500 or below when the dust settles.Whether it is “The Polar Bear” Spivak (13-3, 4-3 UFC) or the formerall-pro defensive end Hardy (7-4, 1 NC; 4-4, 1 NC UFC), likereferee Marc Goddard, we will find out shortly. The big menreluctantly touch gloves, and away we go. The two big men start offfighting hands, and Hardy lands first with a thudding leg kick.Spivak walks into another leg kick as he swarms at his opponent,and Spivak is forced to retreat after absorbing a third on theinside of his knee. Spivak tries to get off a punch, and he absorbsa leg kick but pays it no mind as he goes after a single-legtakedown. When Hardy stops this from succeeding, Spivak hits apicture-perfect hip toss to put the 290-pound Hardy on the groundwith a resounding boom. Hardy crawls to the wall, and he gives upback control so that he can stand back up. The former footballplayer looks to get back up, and Spivak does not seem concerned ashe lifts Hardy up in the air and slams him back down again. With anexplosive burst, Hardy jumps back up, only for the Moldovan putshim on the mat for a third time. This time, Spivak presses Hardyover to his back with a half-nelson, and he climbs to mount withease. “The Polar Bear” begins to maul Hardy with ground-and-pound,slamming his fists into the much-maligned fighter’s head. Hardyturtles up, and Spivak continues to smash him with unansweredpunches until Goddard has seen enough. Hardy sits up when Spivakgets off of him and appears to protest the stoppage, but he isconfused by the whole turn of events and he might have even goneout from the beating. That’s certainly one way to start off themain card.

The Official Result

Sergey Spivak def. Greg Hardy R1 2:16 via TKO (Punches)

KevinHolland (170) vs. AlexOliveira (170)

Round 1

Many expect that this welterweight scrap on the docket now is asure-fire “Fight of the Night” candidate, as both Holland (21-7, 1NC; 8-4, 1 NC UFC) and Oliveira (22-11-1, 2 NC; 11-9, 1 NC UFC)love to put on a show. Both men had no issue making the 171-poundlimit, and they appear to be fired up and excited to get after it.Referee Chris Tognoni wrangles them long enough to get them tostand behind their respective black lines, and when the fightbegins, they rush together to touch gloves. Holland leads the dancewith a low kick that connects and a high kick that whizzes past thehead of “Cowboy.” Holland connects with another leg kick, drawing areaction from Oliveira and a response with one of his own. Hollandscores a third low kick to the calf, and he just misses whenOliveira wings a big right hook at him. Holland continues to chipaway from the outside, and Oliveira catches him on the way in witha right hand counter that knocks “Trailblazer” off his feet.Holland is able to jump back up to his feet and block a flying kneethat soars towards him, and he gets back to poking with calf kicks.Holland lunges forward with a right hand, and Oliveira is rightthere to return fire with a swiping right hook. The punches fromOliveira make Holland lean off-balance. Holland gets cracked with aright hand as he advances, and when he falls to the ground, helaces his legs up for a leglock. Oliveira is able to step out ofdanger, and he lifts Holland up and slams him down to the mat.Holland is able to scramble away, and he blasts “Cowboy” in theface with a crisp right hand that puts the Brazilian on rubberlegs. Not one to shy away from a brawl, Oliveira swings right backand gets Holland’s respect with a few power shots that makeHolland’s rear leg lock up for a second. Both men gather themselvesand get back to kickboxing range, where Holland is comfortableworking with leg kicks and away from the swinging punches that whizat him. Oliveira chops down Holland’s lead leg with a kick that ismuch heavier than the ones Holland are throwing, and Holland does atwirl and comes back out swinging. Holland kicks low, and he has itchecked, but it seems to have affected Oliveira as well. Oliveiratries to grab the kick, but when it lands, he throws back atHolland. Holland spins from the kick, and he gets snagged againstfrom the Brazilian. In a ridiculous scramble, Oliveira takes hisfoe’s back and cinches up a rear-naked choke. Instead of beingconcerned at all, “Trailblazer” motions to thumbs-up signs fromeach hand to the camera, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 OliveiraBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 OliveiraTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira

Round 2

The hands get touched to start off the second round, and Oliveiraappears to come out limping. Despite this, Oliveira charges aheadwith a low kick, and he gets clipped with a small right handcounter. Holland smells blood, and he races out drop hammers on hiswounded opponent. The knees of “Cowboy” give way beneath him and hecrumbles to the mat, and Holland can see the finish line anddelivers a brutal salvo of punches to end the fight. As Oliveiraflails and protects himself from harm, Holland switches to elbowsand smashes them in his adversary’s face one after the other.Unleashing the thunder, Holland gives it everything he has torecord the finish, and Tognoni jumps in to pull Holland off of awrecked “Cowboy.” There is no ill will between the two after thefurious five-plus minutes of ferocity, and they hug it out tocelebrate a hard-fought battle.

The Official Result

Kevin Holland def. Alex Oliveira R2 0:38 via TKO (Elbows)

EdsonBarboza (145.5) vs. BryceMitchell (145.5)

Round 1

One will rarely ever find a more perfect example of a striker vs.grappler battle, when the highlight-reel aficionado Barboza (22-10,16-10 UFC) squares off with unbeaten submission artist Mitchell(14-0, 5-0 UFC). Referee Mark Smith is on the call for thisintriguing matchup at 145 pounds, and the men do not bothering totouch ‘em up before engaging. Mitchell throws a low kick, andBarboza is right there to return fire with a much heavier kick.Barboza attacks with another leg kick, and he backs away whenMitchell walks him down. Barboza sits down an inside leg kick, andjust a few strikes in, Mitchell’s lead leg is already changingcolor. Mitchell gives chase, walking through another low kick, andhe circles away as Mitchell tries to corner him. Mitchell aims asingle kick to the body, and Barboza strings together a couplepunches and a thudding low kick. Mitchell tries to grab Barboza butis out of range. Barboza scoots out of the way, and as he backsoff, he gets cracked by a sudden right hand that sets him down.Barboza shakes off the cobwebs as “Thug Nasty” bears down on him,and he scoops up his foe’s legs and sets him down to the mat. InBarboza’s guard, Mitchell softens up the body with short punches,and he postures up to stack Barboza up when Barboza looks to openhis guard and get offensive with it. From very close range,Mitchell thumps down a pair of elbows, and he uses effective toppressure to keep Barboza stuck with his neck on the wall and hisback on the mat. Body to head goes Mitchell as he works Barbozaover with light but constant strikes. Barboza tightens his guard,only to find an elbow zooming at his face, and he takes it flushand keeps absorbing punishment from below. Mitchell looks to sit upand drop down heavier blows, and as he does, the Brazilian kicksoff and explodes back to his feet. Keeping a safe range, andhopping out of the way of a takedown entry from Mitchell, Barbozajumps around and scores a big leg kick. Missing with a spinningback kick, Barboza then chases after his man and gets off a righthand right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 MitchellBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 MitchellTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell

Round 2

The featherweights are quick to get after it to start the secondstanza, and Barboza blasts Mitchell’s inside calf. Although he getsa couple off, he leaves his leg out a little too long and has itsnagged mid-air. From there, Mitchell hits a quick double, settingthe Brazilian flat on his back on the open mat. Barboza keeps hisguard tightly closed, and Mitchell does not mind, as he racks upcontrol time and has his ground strike totals add up. Mitchell sitsup every so often to elbow Barboza in the face, and then flattenshim back down and punches him in the side. One such elbow slashesBarboza’s left eyebrow open, and it begins to bleed instantly.Barboza scoots his way to the fence, but Mitchell will not let himup. Smith calls for them to work, and Mitchell obliges with apowerful elbow from on top. Barboza tries to push off and scramble,but the smothering top control of the Arkansan has him nullifyingBarboza. When Mitchell attempts to pass to mount, Barboza is ableto buck him of momentarily. Barboza looks to stand up with thefence behind him, and as he does, Mitchell drags him right backdown from behind. Barboza recovers position to get his guard back,but “Thug Nasty” is nasty with his ground-and-pound as he battersBarboza and slides over to three-quarter mount. Mitchell clubsBarboza with several right hands to the bloodied eye, and a smallpool of crimson forms beneath Barboza’s head. Mitchell settles forhalf guard, where he pounds on Barboza until the last five secondsof the round. Barboza manages to kick Mitchell off again, andMitchell lords over him until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 MitchellBen Duffy scores the round: 10-8 MitchellTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Mitchell

Round 3

The last round begins as Barboza appears to have a fire lit underhis backside from his corner. Instead of throwing kicks, Barbozastarts swinging heavy hands. Mitchell goes up high with a kick, andhis foot bumps into Barboza’s shoulder and Mitchell falls to hisback. Barboza does not oblige climbing into his guard, and he letsMitchell stand up so he can slug it out with him. Barboza ducks ajumping switch kick, and he throws a right hand that Mitchell ducksperfectly. “Thug Nasty” nails a double, putting Barboza down to thecanvas far away from the cage wall. Barboza closes up the guard,and Mitchell is happy as a clam in this position as this keeps himsafe from any power strikes that come at him. In an effort tochange things up, Barboza sets up a triangle choke from his highguard, and Mitchell lifts him in the air and slams him in the matto break the leg grip. Mitchell comfortably lowers himself back inthe guard, with sporadic punches on the bloody eye of his foe,until he stands up and stacks Barboza up. Barboza tries to kick offthe hips, but he does not have the power to get Mitchell off of himany longer. Barboza scrambles and turns to set up a leg lock, butwhen this fails, Mitchell secures three-quarter mount with Barbozaon his side. Mitchell begins to let a series of left hands go asBarboza cannot block his face, so the Brazilian twists and yankshis arm free but continues to get pounded by Mitchell. “Thug Nasty”starts to make things nasty again as he moves to half guard andstarts raining down elbows. A few more strikes from the undefeatedfighter put a stamp in this performance, and he will likely keepthat 0 and put himself in line for big opportunities in the nearfuture.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell (30-26 Mitchell)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Mitchell (30-26 Mitchell)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Mitchell (30-25Mitchell)

The Official Result

Bryce Mitchell def. Edson Barboza via Unanimous Decision (30-25,30-26, 30-27)

Rafael dosAnjos (160) vs. RenatoCarneiro (160)

Round 1

The co-headliner sees a new face compared to the lineup last week,but it is still a thrilling five-round matchup even as it shiftedto a 160-pound catchweight affair. Former lightweight champ dosAnjos (30-13, 19-11 UFC) remained on the billing, and he draws adrastically different foe compared to Rafael Fiziev as “Moicano”Carneiro’s (16-4-1, 8-4 UFC) best weapon may be his rear-nakedchoke – to note, every finish from Carneiro has come by thismaneuver. Both countrymen are glad to be fighting tonight, but theywould prefer to get started without touching gloves as referee MarcGoddard watches on. The first strike of the fight comes from“Moicano,” who lands a heavy kick to the midsection. From there,Carneiro pushes forward in an effort to drag the fight to the mat,and he circles around to hunt for a back take. Dos Anjos shimmieshim off and gains some space, but Carneiro will not let him breathefor long as he tries for another takedown try. Dos Anjos breaksfree and lands his own body kick before changing levels to hit atakedown on “Moicano.” Dos Anjos cannot keep his man grounded forlong, and when Carneiro stands up, he dings Carneiro with a righthand on the temple. Carneiro gathers himself and shoots from arange for a takedown, but dos Anjos is the one to turn the tablesand slam Carneiro to the mat with a double. Keeping Carneiro stuckon the fence in the corner, dos Anjos traps his man down even asCarneiro hooks his toes in the cage multiple times. Goddard warnshim, and dos Anjos ignores them so that he can step over and drillCarneiro with some ground strikes. Carneiro looks to scramble, butthe former lightweight champ is heavy with top pressure and elbowsCarneiro in the face. Dos Anjos stands up so that he can readjusthimself in his foe’s guard, and he lowers himself down and smashesCarneiro with a crushing elbow. “Moicano” reels from the blow andshells up for a moment, allowing dos Anjos to claim half guard andpush Carneiro flat on the canvas. Carneiro looks to sit up as dosAnjos attacks with punches and hacking elbows, and dos Anjos keepshim trapped while dealing damage. Carneiro looks to escape out theback door, but dos Anjos is able to keep him grounded and grind himout with strikes until the first bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 dos AnjosBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 dos AnjosTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos

Round 2

Dos Anjos comes out of his corner a man possessed, claiming thecenter of the cage and ripping a kick to the liver. Dos Anjos ducksa swinging right hand that comes back at him, and the two clashlegs at the same time. Carneiro swings hard at him, and dos Anjosducks in search of a takedown. “Moicano” fights it off to stayupright, and he gets clocked with an overhand left and has to shakeit off. Dos Anjos catches an oncoming kick and lifts it in the air,but he cannot put Carneiro on the mat. Punching his way into atakedown setup, Carneiro is unable to get dos Anjos to back off.Dos Anjos nails his man with a right hand, and “Moicano” returnsfire with a left that stuns dos Anjos for a moment. The formerchamp pushes forward in hot pursuit of a takedown, and Carneiroleans against the fence and gets dragged down for a second beforeclimbing back up. Dos Anjos coot control him against the fence, buthe does boot the body with his left leg and they tie up. Dos Anjostargets a punch to the body, and he dodges an uppercut that zipstowards him. “Moicano” tries to kick the body, but he gets answeredby a shin to the liver. Dos Anjos plows forward, crashing into“Moicano” and taking him down to the mat ankle-first. Carneirofalls to his back, and dos Anjos is quick to move to half guard anddrop down short elbows. Carneiro looks to scramble, but the weightand top control of his adversary are too strong for him to get anyspace and get dos Anjos off of him. Dos Anjos get pulled back tothe full guard as he tries to pass, but he does not seem overlyconcerned as he can stack “Moicano” up and hammer him with punchesand elbows. Dos Anjos secures half guard from the other side,pinning Carneiro flat, and works his foe over with a few morestrikes until the second round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 dos AnjosBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 dos AnjosTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos

Round 3

The third round opens with Carneiro coming out the initialaggressor, sticking out a single jab. Dos Anjos sticks a punch anddips back when an uppercut comes at him, and he leans back to throwa body kick. The battle of the jab begins, as both Brazilians pushthem out to decent success. Dos Anjos slips several punches andpounds the body with his left shin, before ducking down to take himdown. Dos Anjos gets shoved back, and Carneiro runs towards him andtackles him over. Dos Anjos gets back up and starts throwinghaymakers, and Carneiro waves him on. When he does, Dos Anjos kickshim in the head, and he follows it with a crisp boxing combination.Carneiro gets bloodied up as he continues to take unanswered shots,and dos Anjos lets fly a head kick that boots Carneiro upside thehead. “Moicano” staggers around the cage like a wounded animal, anddos Anjos gives chase and slams him down to the ground, where hebegins what he hopes to be a final onslaught of ground-and-pound.Carneiro manages to survive and roll around enough to prevent thebrunt of the damage from mounting, but Goddard is very close tointervening. Dos Anjos continues to let hands fly, mixing in elbowsas he tries to finish the job, but Carneiro locks him down and getshim stuck in the guard. Dos Anjos advances to half guard, and heforces Carneiro down to the ground every time Carneiro sits upbriefly. Dos Anjos cannot put his man away, but he is trying, withelbows and punches as he slowly and methodically mauls “Moicano.”Dos Anjos crushes Carneiro’s nose with an elbow, but Carneiroblinks it out and stays in the fight somehow. Blood trickles intoCarneiro’s eyes while he is on his back, and dos Anjos slows withhis ground-and-pound and searches for an arm-triangle choke. Thereis no sign of a tap, and the horn sounds. Carneiro stands back up,and he struggles to get back to his corner – it might not be theworst thing if his corner calls the fight at the end of this roughround.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 dos AnjosBen Duffy scores the round: 10-8 dos AnjosTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 dos Anjos

Round 4

Goddard calls in the doctor before the fourth frame begins, asCarneiro’s left eye is swelling shut fast. Carneiro says that hewants to continue, and the doctor clears him to keep fighting. DosAnjos leads off with several jabs to the busted eye, and Carneiroloads up on a high kick that bounces off the chest of the formerchamp. Carneiro finds a bit of life with a sharp one-two, and hegets dos Anjos attention with a jab and checks a leg kick. DosAnjos continues firing off a jab, and “Moicano” loads up on powerpunches that knock dos Anjos around as they collide with his guard.In a power move, dos Anjos practically shoves Carneiro down to theground and jumps on top to resume his ground bombardment. In halfguard, dos Anjos slowly works him over with ground strikes, and hetakes the opportunity to rest as he controls Carneiro completely.Dos Anjos comfortably pushes off any attempt from Carneiro tosweep, throw his legs up for a submission setup or do anythingoffensive of his own. Carneiro pulls with his fingers and toes onthe fence, warned each time, and dos Anjos grinds him out withelbows on the face. Dos Anjos strategically stays heavy, eventhough it might not be a scintillating watch, and he flattens hisopponent down to the ground. Dos Anjos links an arm around the backof the neck of “Moicano” in a half-hearted guillotine choke, and heinstead bails on it for a possible arm-triangle choke. That doesnot succeed either, so he switches back to short elbow strikes. Theformer champ hammers the swollen eye with elbows, and one opens acut on it that starts spraying blood. Dos Anjos picks up the groundstrikes as Carneiro panics and manages to explode back up. Althoughhe fights back up to his feet, dos Anjos lays into him with severalpunches that make Moicano fall back to the wall. When the roundwraps, Moicano stumbles back to the corner, and he is in a horribleway.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 dos AnjosBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 dos AnjosTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos

Round 5

To start off the last round, Goddard instructs “Moicano” that hewill stop the fight if things do not improve within the first 30seconds, as Carneiro can still somehow see even though his eye isclosed worse than Rocky before he told Mickey to cut him. Carneiroanswers the call with a few leaping strikes and a spinning backfist, although they miss the mark as dos Anjos is light on hisfeet. Dos Anjos blocks a high kick, and he slips and rips the bodywith a left hand. Carneiro swings hard with a right hand, and dosAnjos ducks and looks to snatch up a single-leg takedown. Dos Anjoslets loose a head kick, and when that bounces off the guard, hechanges levels and puts “Moicano” on the mat for what could be thefinal time of the fight. Dos Anjos looks to settle in and grind outthe rest of the fight, but Carneiro suddenly finds a surge ofadrenaline flowing within him as he bursts back to his feet.Upright again, “Moicano” slugs dos Anjos in the face several timesto get his attention, and plants a knee on the former champ’s chestto get the crowd something to cheer for on his behalf. Dos Anjosdoes not seem overly fazed from the strikes, and he slows on hisown offense with little more than jabs, low kicks and theoccasional takedown effort. Dos Anjos sticks out a pair of jabs,and Carneiro answers with bombs that miss the mark because he canbarely see out of one eye. Carneiro swings and misses so badly thathe nearly falls over, and it appears that dos Anjos is taking iteasy on him. A few heavier punches land from dos Anjos, but it isnot about doing damage and instead about landing and staying busy.Carneiro stings his foe with a left hand, and he tries to follow itwith a huge right. In a surprising exchange, “Moicano” catches dosAnjos, and he knows this might be his final time to shine. Carneirolets loose with long combinations, and one is interrupted with abody kick. Dos Anjos appears to have his bell rung, and Carneirolays into him with punches. When he lands a heavy shot, dos Anjosducks down for a takedown, and he ends the bloody battle in thisposition. Carneiro put on a valiant effort on short notice, and hemanaged to survive to the final bell, but some may debate thatchoice to allow him to continue given the punishment he absorbedacross 25 gnarly minutes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos (50-44 dos Anjos)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos (50-44 dos Anjos)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 dos Anjos (50-44 dosAnjos)

The Official Result

Rafael dos Anjos def. Renato Carneiro via Unanimous Decision(49-45, 49-44, 50-44)

ColbyCovington (170.5) vs. JorgeMasvidal (170.5)

Round 1

Whether you buy the bad blood angle in this five-round welterweightheadliner or not – one between two fighters that are a combined 0-4against the sitting champion – the main event of UFC 272 is uponus. Former training partners want to settle what they claim to beill will, and the battle of words should end as soon as the cagedoors shut behind Covington (16-3, 11-3 UFC) and Masvidal (35-15,12-8 UFC). Locked in for the long haul will be referee Herb Dean,who will try his best to keep things clean should there actually bean inkling of real hostility between the two. If you put money onthe prop bet that they don’t touch gloves, cash your ticket now.Masvidal, taking a page out of his old playbook, leaps forward witha jumping knee that turns into a switch kick. Covington is well outof the way, not going to fall for what smote Ben Askren a few yearsago. Covington stays on the outside, and he loops a left hand thatgoes wide. Masvidal scores a front kick and one to the calf, andCovington takes an odd step after that one single kick. Covingtonreaches in and swipes his foe with his finger, and Masvidalimmediately protests an eye poke. Dean does not call it, andMasvidal shouts at him, but Covington continues forward and pursuesa takedown. Although he does not secure it on his first attempt, hegrounds Masvidal on the second try for a moment. “Gamebred” getsback to his knees, and Covington leans with his full body weight todrag Masvidal down to the canvas. Covington manages to take theback of his opponent, and he hunts for a rear-naked choke in ahurry. Masvidal turns towards the choke to break it up, andCovington tries to get another when Masvidal turns his head theother direction. Covington lands a few short softening punches andalternates with the strikes and rear-naked choke setups, but thereis nothing to be had at the moment. Masvidal sits on his seatleaned back with Covington keeping one hook in, threatening thechoke, and Masvidal is smothered but not in submission danger.Covington steps over to three-quarter mount from the side, and helands a punch to the back of Masvidal’s head. Masvidal proteststhis too as he gets pushed to his back, but he turns to his kneesand posts off to return to his feet. Covington swings an elbow anda right hand as Masvidal stands up, and with some space, Masvidallands a solid body kick. Covington shakes it off, and they tradelow kicks. A solid one-two from Covington ends the round, and hesticks his tongue out as Masvidal.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 2

Dean calls time before the round starts, and he goes over to issuea hard warning on Covington as he informs him it was an eye pokeupon reviewing replay. Covington tries to say he didn’t do it, butDean admonishes him nonetheless. When the round begins, Masvidalcomes out swinging, with both his fists and feet, as he startsworking on Covington’s lead leg from both shins. Covington goesover the top with a kick, and when that comes up short of the mark,he scores a low kick that frustrates Masvidal. “Gamebred” replieswith a body kick, and he dips back when Covington walks him downwith straight punches. Masvidal tries to intercept Covington comingin for a takedown with an uppercut, and he hacks at the side ofCovington’s head when Covington attacks a double-leg takedown. Afew of the elbows go to the back of the head, leading Masvidal tobail on them. As they are in close, Covington has a knee glance offthe cup. Masvidal yells at his opponent, and some bad blood mayactually be forming as a result of the fouls Covington iscommitting. Around the world, fight fans start losing their mindsas ESPN+ crashes shortly after Dean assessed the foul. With 2:15left in the round, the feed comes back, and it’s anyone’s guesswhat took place in that stretch – technical difficulties were onESPN’s end. When the video is back running again, they tradetit-for-tat with strikes, and Covington loads up on hooks. Theykick at the same time, and Masvidal gets off an inside kick toCovington’s thigh that makes him fall over. Covington manages fromhis knees to circle around and drag Masvidal to the mat, where hetakes the partial back-take position that he held for much of thefirst round. Masvidal shakes it off and does not allow a submissionsetup this time, instead standing back up. Covington has himguessing now, with constant takedown attempts making Masvidal notcommit to his punches nearly as much. Covington cannot get his foedown, and when he backs off, Masvidal lands a three-piece and abody shot with his foot. Covington wings a right hand that appearto catch Masvidal standing still, and Masvidal tries to play itcool but it might have hurt him. He drops his hands and taunts hisfoe until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 MasvidalTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Masvidal

Round 3

Covington instantly takes the center of the cage to start off Round3, and they trade hard kicks in a hurry. Covington dives forward inpursuit of a takedown, and Masvidal lands a few Travis Browne-JoshBarnett elbows to make Covington back off from the try. Covingtonpushes the pace, and after several attempts, he punches his wayforward into a takedown and sets Masvidal on his backside. StackingMasvidal up in his guard, Covington starts working Masvidal overwith punches and switches to elbows. Several elbows get through,and Masvidal absorbs them all flush without being able to get backup. Covington swarms him with several more elbows, deliveringeffective ground-and-pound to totally take Masvidal out of hisgame. Masvidal tries to cling to his opponent to force a standup,and the crowd turns on Covington for his grinding approach to thisround. “Chaos” steps over to half guard, ignoring the boo birds,and he looks to step over to the other side and get side controlpressed up against the wall. Covington shoves Masvidal over alittle to get some space to land ground strikes without having thefence at his back, and Masvidal scoots back up to it as he thwartsa kimura setup. Masvidal turns to his side, and Covington claimsthree-quarter mount and sets up a rear-naked choke. The thumbs-upappears to be an effective submission defense tonight, as Masvidaldisplays the sign and does not appear remotely worried about thechoke. Instead, he torques his body around, twisting to get to hisknees, and he finds Covington landing punches to the back of hishead. Masvidal hand-fights to get back upright again, and he ringsCovington’s bell with a left and a right as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 4

The championship round opens up like the last, with Covingtonclaiming the center of the Octagon as the two trade kicks. Masvidalmisses with a punch, but he does land a pair of body kicks asCovington switches stances. Masvidal connects with a leg kick, andhe blocks a shin that comes towards his chin. Covington dartsforward recklessly, and Masvidal tosses him aside from the feebledouble-leg attempt. “Chaos” comes right back in his face, landing aright hand and shooting in for a double that is much cleaner thistime. Masvidal defends this shot as well, and he is forced to fightoff the fence when Covington resets and tries again. Masvidal walksinto a powerful uppercut that shakes him up, and Covington dropsdown low for a single, and he lifts Masvidal’s leg up but cannotput “Gamebred” on his seat. Masvidal hops back across the cage withhis other leg in the air, and he sets it down. Masvidal manages tofight off this try and he pushes off, where he jumps in the airwith a knee. Covington charges through it to let go with punches,and he starts laying into Masvidal. Masvidal’s hands drop, and heseems to laugh off the punches that connect cleanly one after theother. Masvidal lets Covington finish his salvo, and he stepsforward with an elbow that gets Covington’s attention. Masvidalbites down on his mouthpiece and slings a right hand with all hismight, and it slams into Covington’s temple and buckles his legs.Covington tries to play it off, but he is hurt badly, and Masvidalis not following up on it. Instead, “Gamebred” backs off, letsCovington come back into the fight, and Covington pushes his wayforward and ties him up. As they stall out on the fence, thecommentary team places bets with one another that they hug afterthis fight ends. The fighters separate, and Masvidal misses with abig high kick that turns him around. The bell sounds, and theystare one another down.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonBen Duffy scores the round: 10-9 CovingtonTristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Covington

Round 5

The crowd is on its feet as the final round begins, and Covingtonseems to have shaken the cobwebs out. A punch from Covington allowshim to bull-rush forward, where he snags a single and dragsMasvidal to the mat. The crowd is no longer cheering for them, asCovington grounds him and embraces the grind. Covington tries topass guard, but Masvidal bucks him off and turns to his side, wherehe returns to a knee and gets upright again. Covington hangs ontight, tripping Masvidal down to his knees and preferring to holdon from on top instead of delivering ground-and-pound. The painfulnullification continues for “Chaos,” who holds Masvidal down andsneaks in several undercuts beneath Masvidal’s armpit. Masvidalspins with all his energy to try to wrest free from the grip ofCovington, but he is pinned on his backside partially against thewall as Covington hangs on to him. Covington sits comfortably inhalf guard, and he steps over to mount with practically noresistance as Masvidal appears totally spent. Covington startsletting go with right hands, getting three-quarter mount as righthands rain down. Making Masvidal’s life miserable, Covingtonpunches him and grips hard with a rear-naked choke that is moreabout power than technique. Masvidal twists out of the choke, buthe surrenders full mount, and Covington begins to batter him withpunches. Masvidal kicks off with seconds to spare, and Covingtonstrides away and sticks his tongue out at Masvidal and he grabs hiscrotch in a rude gesture to his former friend. They do not hug itout after time expires, and Masvidal does not look happy. In hispost-fight interview, Covington says that his work in Miami isdone, and he calls out someone from Louisiana – that somebody wouldbe former training partner Dustin Poirier. With that, this pair ofdominant five-round fights is in the books, and we can move forwardtowards a Fight Night that comes next week with no grudge to befound in the headliner. We will be here for it, and we hope you aretoo.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Covington (50-45 Covington)Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Covington (49-46 Covington)Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Covington (49-46Covington)

The Official Result

Colby Covington def. Jorge Masvidal via Unanimous Decision (49-46,50-44, 50-45)SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER