Live Now! UFC Vegas 100 ‘Magny vs. Prates’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Melissa Mullins (137: Missed Weight) vs. Klaudia Sygula (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mullins (-238), Sygula (+195)

Round 1

A lot has been said about this UFC Vegas 100 card, one that has transformed significantly on fight week and diminished in the eyes of most spectators. They’re not wrong, but they are viewing it in the incorrect lens: rather than a standalone slate of combat, it should be considered the early, distant appetizers to UFC 309 next week. That might help. The first of this palate-warming platter of matchups comes outside of standard weight classes, because Mullins (6-1, 1-1 UFC) could not hit the 136-pound limit properly. She surrenders 20% of her earnings to debuting Polishwoman Sygula (6-1, 0-0 UFC) in an all-Euro battle of *bantamweights. Referee Chris Tognoni will keep things on the up-and-up going forward, and he clocks the ladies in as they bump fists. Sygula paws out a few punches and a kick while Mullins walks her down, and she gets off another leg kick as she finds suitable targets. Sygula’s reach advantage allows her to peck at her opponent in the early going, with Mullins unwilling to pull the trigger in the first minute beyond some range-finders. A half-hearted body kick comes from the woman from Poland, and she lets her hands go behind it. A stern left hand marks up Mullins’ right cheek, who walks forward and pitches uppercuts. Sygula jabs the head and body, springing away from a low kick and jumping forward to deposit one and wing a right hand. The two clash together, resulting in a body lock takedown attempt for Sygula. She hunts for trips and tries to get her foe down, but Mullins keeps her balance by hopping back and forth to put her back to the cage. Mullins turns Sygula’s momentum against her, hitting a head-and-arm throw to dump Sygula on her head, but Sygula is able to climb back to her feet and wrap her arms around Mullins’ waist. Mullins turns the tables, spinning around and pulling off a trip to put Sygula on her back. Mullins lands in half guard, with the Brit maintaining top control rather than looking for anything significantly offensive. Mullins steps over to three-quarter mount to land a single strike, and Sygula drags her back to half guard. Mullins opens up with a few short right hands on the forehead, and when the 10-second clapper sounds, she leaps into mount and pummels Sygula with punches and elbows. As Sygula turns to her stomach, she gets elbowed in the back of the head, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mullins
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Mullins
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Mullins

Round 2

The women clap hands before engaging, and Sygula wants to trade and trade she does almost immediately. Sygula strings a few punch combinations together, but all this does is open her up to grappling. Mullins ties her up and completes an easy body lock takedown, and this time, she is in mount almost immediately. Mullins drops down a 12-6 elbow—it’s legal, don’t forget—and she starts slugging away. Sygula turns over, and Mullins controls her right arm to take away a shield. Mullins jackhammers her downed opponent with left hand after unanswered left hand, and the damage begins to mount as she busts Sygula’s nose open. Tognoni implores Sygula to fight back, and Mullins pours it on knowing the finish is right around the corner. Her powerful, effective left hands finish the job, and Tognoni has no choice but to wave the fight off. Mullins, who is thrilled to bounce back from her first loss in big way, hurries to her corner and breakdances.

The Official Result

Melissa Mullins def. Klaudia Sygula R2 1:20 via TKO (Punches)

Tresean Gore (186) vs. Antonio Trocoli (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gore (-198), Trocoli (+164)

Round 1

Moving right along to the middleweight division, two men lower on the totem pole that could use a win collide. Gore (4-2, 1-2 UFC) returns to the Octagon after over two years away, while Trocoli (12-4, 1 NC; 0-1 UFC) will try to make the most of his second chance for a first impression. The two will be joined in the Octagon by referee Kerry Hatley, and they get things going with a glove touch. Gore takes the center of the cage and whips a mighty leg kick, and Trocoli is quick to give him one back. Gore crashes the pocket, grabbing hold of the Brazilian and elevating him to slam him down to the mat. Trocoli scoots his way to the fencing and walks on it to stand, and Gore is on him pressing him tightly. Trocoli frames off with a solid knee to the body, prompting Gore to hit him with one back. Trocoli attempts to counter his opponent with a trip and throw, and he gets away with a fence grab. Gore latches onto a standing power guillotine choke, and it is tight in a hurry. He stands his taller opponent up—despite being around six inches shorter, he wrenches on it mercilessly and has no concern about Trocoli wrenching his way out of it. Gore sells out for the dangerous submission, torqueing the neck with all of his might. Trocoli, back against the cage, is forced to surrender. This is a statement sub for “Mr. Vicious,” pulling off a vicious move while they are both dry and full of energy. Gore emphatically states that he deserves respect, and that he will blaze a trail to the title.

The Official Result

Tresean Gore def. Antonio Trocoli R1 1:23 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Cody Stamann (135.5) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blackshear (-285), Stamann (+230)

Round 1

For the last few years, Stamann (21-7-1, 7-6-1 UFC) has averaged two appearances in a year, and this bout will be his second in 2024. He draws fellow skidding bantamweight Blackshear (14-7-1, 2-3-1 UFC), with both men having lost their last two. One man’s fortunes are about to turn around in the next 15 minutes or less, and referee Mike Beltran and his superb moustache will know before anyone else. The matchup commences as the 135ers do not bump fists and instead stay leagues away from one another. It takes time for them to reach one another, with Stamann bouncing back and forth but well out of striking range. Blackshear’s distance advantage is nullified when he’s too far away, and he pitches a lazy jab that gets him countered by a rushing left hook from “The Spartan.” Stamann absorbs a flush body kick and checks a low kick, and he jabs his way into action. A right hand at the end of a flurry catches “Da Monster,” who shakes it off and lunges with his own punch combo. Stamann intercepts a kick to go over the top with a right hand, and he chops down low when Blackshear is paying attention to the flying fists. Stamann’s blitz is effective at disrupting Blackshear, stringing at least three punches together each time while Blackshear is flustered and his counters are inaccurate. Blackshear leaps forward with a flying knee that brushes past Stamann’s chin, and he gets caught when landing courtesy of a clean right hand. Stamann capitalizes on that blow to put three more behind it, ending with a punctuating low kick. Stamann takes a right hand on the chin and gives it right back, further doubling up on a jab to the body and narrowly evading a knee to the chin. Blackshear walks his man down and blasts him in the face with a clean knee, and Stamann’s eyes look different directions for a moment as he is rocked to the core. Blackshear drills him with a series of punches that make him bend over, and he keeps striking until Stamann desperately pursues a takedown. Blackshear leaps after a guillotine choke, one he uses to claim full mount and ultimately abandons. Drilling Stamann with an elbow, Blackshear allows Stamann to roll over and give up his back so he can secure it and wrap up a rear-naked choke. The forearm slides under the chin, and the grip is going nowhere. Stamann taps out right before his consciousness is stripped away, and Blackshear shouts, “Let’s go,” and shoves Stamann off of him aggressively. Blackshear quickly realizes that this appears a bit too hostile of a gesture and apologizes to both his defeated opponent and Beltran.

The Official Result

Da’Mon Blackshear def. Cody Stamann R1 4:19 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Matthew Semelsberger (171) vs. Charlie Radtke (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Radtke (-162), Semelsberger (+136)

Round 1

In the fourth bout of the evening, we’re holding out for a hero. The battle of “Semi the Jedi” and “Chuck Buffalo” is about to go down, with betting odds closer in this contest than about any other on the card. Semelsberger (11-7, 5-5 UFC) has his back against the wall here, as he has dropped three straight. Radtke (9-4, 2-1 UFC) has only lost his last bout in comparison, but in the fast-moving waters of the 170-pound division, contenders and prospective title seekers can make few mistakes. Drawing the charge for this charged-up affair is referee Kerry Hatley, and he starts the time when witnessing a sporting glove touch. They circle early, sizing up each other. Radtke steps into a left hook and immediately gets his opponent’s attention. Semelsberger looks tentative at the start. Radtke staggers him with a left hook, drops him with a follow-up right and closes the deal with a quick burst of punches from both hands. The man did not waste any time.

The Official Result

Charlie Radtke def. Matthew Semelsberger R1 0:51 via TKO (Punches)

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (171) vs. Zach Scroggin (174: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dos Santos (-800), Scroggin (+450)

Round 1

On extremely late notice, Scroggin (7-0, 0-0 UFC) tried and failed to make the welterweight limit. Three pounds heavy, the newcomer will hand 20% of his purse to grizzled, dangerous veteran Zaleski dos Santos (24-8-1, 10-4-1 UFC). Due in part to this weight miss and as well as the perceived gap in competition, “EZ dos Santos” will serve as the largest betting favorite tonight and one of the largest this year. Anything can happen in MMA, and expected locks can slip on a banana peel or get blasted from a strike they don’t see coming. Referee Chris Tognoni will keep tabs on this catchweight contest, and he bears witness to an apologetic glove touch offer from Scroggin that is accepted. Scroggin strikes first with a long jab, and he pump-fakes a few times to draw reactions out of the Brazilian. Scroggin fires off a calf kick, and Zaleski dos Santos responds with one far heavier. Zaleski dos Santos counters a jab with another clubbing low kick, forcing Scroggin to turn around. Zaleski dos Santos keeps doing work on that kick, and Scroggin gives one back and flashes out his jab. Zaleski dos Santos kicks the rear leg, and he leaps into action with a massive right hand that shakes Scroggin up badly. Zaleski dos Santos unloads with a ferocious barrage of fists, blasting the newcomer with punches that seemingly never end. Scroggin drops to the mat in dire trouble, and he turtles on his side shielding himself from damage. Zaleski dos Santos keeps on pounding away, drawing Tognoni’s request to keep fighting. Zaleski dos Santos sits on top unleashing a storm of left hands until Tognoni has no choice but to save Scroggin from his own toughness. The victorious Brazilian strides away confidently after the fight is waved off, and he shows off his namesake of “Capoeira” by twirling and spinning about with a flashy routine of kicks that flow like water.

The Official Result

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Zach Scroggin R1 1:15 via TKO (Punches)

Karolina Kowalkiewicz (115.5) vs. Denise Gomes (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gomes (-420), Kowalkiewicz (+335)

Round 1

Due to plenty of card shifting, this strawweight contest between former title challenger Kowalkiewicz (16-8, 9-8 UFC) and rising young talent Gomes (9-3, 3-2 UFC) will serve as the preliminary headliner. A difference of 15 years is not quite as massive as Roxanne Modafferi vs. Maycee Barber in 2020 (16 years), but it is close and may play a factor in the next 15 minutes or less. Finish rates of 25% for the Polish lady and 67% for the younger woman mean that referee Mark Smith could be in it for the long haul but should be ready to spring in at a moment’s notice. There is a respectful glove touch to open things up, and Kowalkiewicz fires up her engine and starts feinting with several jabs. Kowalkiewicz tosses out a low kick that is out of range, and Gomes does the same. Gomes lobs a low kick and then one up high to keep her opponent guessing, and Kowalkiewicz chips back with one calf kick. Gomes surges into action with two hooks, and Kowalkiewicz dodges and pressures forward with jabs and leg kicks extended. A second Gomes blitz is out of reach, and Kowalkiewicz kicks her in the ribs for good measure. Gomes tries to crash forward once more, only for Kowalkiewicz’ defense to keep her out of danger. Gomes sticks out a front kick, and Kowalkiewicz mirrors her attack. Gomes slugs her way into action, catching the Polish woman with a right hand. The Brazilian lets her hands go as she rushes forward, clipping Kowalkiewicz with another right hook and a knee before shooting for a takedown. Kowalkiewicz stands her up with her back against the wall, and Gomes gloms onto her with tight chest-to-chest pressure. Gomes drives a few knees to the midsection while leaning as hard as she can on her opponent, and Kowalkiewicz turns her about and knees her back. Knees are further traded as they jockey for position, and Kowalkiewicz lifts one up that nearly bumps into her foe’s chin. Gomes lifts her opponent off of one leg but cannot leverage her to the mat, so she stays pinned to Kowalkiewicz until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gomes
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gomes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gomes

Round 2

The strawweights clap hands to open the second stanza, and Kowalkiewicz is quick to measure out with a number of kicks to the body and legs. Gomes staves these off with looping punches, catching the Polish woman on both sides of her temple. Kowalkiewicz shakes it off and evades a calf kick, but a second from Gomes lands with a thud. They crash together after kicking, but opt not to tie up and instead stay in kickboxing range. Gomes digs power shots to the body, audibly connecting but not slowing Kowalkiewicz one iota. Gomes times her blitzes to catch her opponent unaware, and she spins with an ill-advised spinning back kick that allows Kowalkiewicz to grab hold of her from behind. Gomes turns her around and lifts up a sneaky back-elbow, and she connects with a second of those unorthodox blows before clinching. Gomes imposes her body weight again when in the tie-up, drumming Kowalkiewicz on the thigh with knees before they break away. Kowalkiewicz fights off a trip and drives in a knee, and Gomes threatens with another back-elbow that misses. Kowalkiewicz jabs her way into range, and Gomes walks through them all to punch Kowalkiewicz in the face repeatedly and then crack her with a head kick. Gomes nails Kowalkiewicz on the way in, but the former title challenger still closes range to initiate a clinch. Kowalkiewicz frames off with her back to the wall using an elbow on the forehead, and Gomes wraps her hands around the waist and drags Kowalkiewicz down to one hand. Kowalkiewicz slides a leg around the back to keep her balance, and Gomes switches gears in pursuit of a single and then a sneaky elbow from behind her own back. Gomes continues with knee attacks as she embraces the grind, hanging on in this position until the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gomes
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gomes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gomes

Round 3

The 115ers reach the final round for the first time of any fighter tonight, and they clap hands again in greeting. Gomes swings hard early, while Kowalkiewicz uses straight strikes to keep her at bay. Kowalkiewicz connects with a right hand, absorbing a powerful counter on the chin that fires her up, and she chains over a dozen fast punches together to back the Brazilian up to the wall. Gomes uses the close proximity to get into the clinch and stop Kowalkiewicz from hitting her, and she pins the American Top Team-trained fighter against the wire. Kowalkiewicz uses uppercuts and knees to break free, chaining punches into a leg kick while dodging the fierce countered hurled at her. Gomes loads up on practically everything, and she is telegraphing as she winds up. Kowalkiewicz sees the strikes coming, ducks a left hook to work a few strikes and then slip away before eating anything. Kowalkiewicz mixes punches up to the body and head, and Gomes explodes with three powerful responsive blows. Gomes paws out a low kick and one to the body while Kowalkiewicz appears to be the fresher woman, and she keeps her guard up to block the combination flurries. Kowalkiewicz strings a few punches together, blocks a haymaker and stings Gomes with a one-two. Gomes goes to the liver with a kick and then a left hand, and she has a wide uppercut go off-target. When Kowalkiewicz pursues her, Gomes lashes out with a body kick. Kowalkiewicz stands firm after absorbing big strikes, taking the Brazilian’s power without budging so she can find an opening. An opening presents itself, when Gomes tries to spin in close range. This allows Kowalkiewicz to take her from behind and drag her to the mat. Gomes stands up and slides out the back door, with Kowalkiewicz unable to throw her legs up for a submission setup. Gomes wrenches on Kowalkiewicz’ head and neck to keep her grounded, and she pulls for a guillotine with seconds to spare. The choke is not tight in the slightest, and Kowalkiewicz rides out the remainder of the round. The two go the distance, and judges are involved for the first time of the evening. Combo breaker.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gomes (30-27 Gomes)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz (29-28 Gomes)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gomes (30-27 Gomes)

The Official Result

Denise Gomes def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Mansur Abdul-Malik (186) vs. Dusko Todorovic (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Abdul-Malik (-375), Todorovic (+295)

Round 1

A dentist should be on standby, because one of these middleweights might lose some teeth after the expected slugfest ensues. With six wins, all finishes, on his ledger, Abdul-Malik (6-0, 0-0 UFC) knows one speed coming into his organizational debut. He will engage a man whose stoppage rate is only slightly lower than his, 92% for Todorovic (12-4, 3-4 UFC) compared to the neophyte’s 100%. Referee Mike Beltran dons his proverbial hard hat ahead of what could be a violent one, one that opens with a fist bump. Abdul-Malik assumes control of the center of the cage immediately, switching stances and looking for a jab on either side. Todorovic tosses out a single leg kick, and he works his way forward with a one-two. Abdul-Malik responds by bouncing off the cage and blasting “Thunder” in the face with a combination that sends Todorovic crashing to the mat. The lights are still in for Todorovic as he lands on his back and hunts for a leglock, but Abdul-Malik drills him with a number of heavy hammerfists to make him think twice. Abdul-Malik smashes his man in the face with a fierce right hand, and the two scramble while Todorovic still hangs onto the unbeaten fighter’s right leg. Abdul-Malik yanks his leg out of danger while beating on the man from Serbia, but Todorovic works his way back to his feet and walks through a knee while escaping. Swelling develops on his forehead like he is sprouting a third eye, and Abdul-Malik is aiming at it with lunging, looping strikes. Todorovic defends against the punches, but Abdul-Malik blows him out of the water with a flush knee. Todorovic crumbles to the mat, and he still has the wherewithal to hunt for a leglock. Abdul-Malik wants nothing to do with that grappling, unleashing a flurry of standing-to-ground punches to knock Todorovic in and out of consciousness. A particularly potent right hand from the newcomer changes Todorovic’s expression and makes him turn to his side and shell up, and it only takes a few more hammerfists before Beltran has to step in. Statement made for the now 7-0 Abdul-Malik, who celebrates all seven of his victories by stoppage.

The Official Result

Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Dusko Todorovic R1 2:44 via TKO (Knee and Punches)

Luana Pinheiro (115.5) vs. Gillian Robertson (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Robertson (-340), Pinheiro (+270)

Round 1

Prospects change in a hurry in the UFC, and a couple of losses can deflate what would have otherwise been a “meteoric rise” in a wide-open division. Pinheiro (11-3, 3-2 UFC) has lost two in a row, throwing cold water on her early expectations. The same cannot be said for Robertson (14-8, 11-6 UFC), a record holder at flyweight who has found a new lease on life down 10 pounds. Both women prefer the submission, so fun grappling exchanges may ensue. Referee Chris Tognoni will be able to enjoy these up close and personal. Eager to get going, they opt against touching gloves. Robertson measures her distance with kicks high and to the chest. Pinheiro strafes to the side and slides past a straight left hand. Pinheiro intercepts her opponent with a few long strikes, but Robertson wraps her hands around the waist of her adversary and deposits her to the mat. Pinheiro wall-walks to get to her feet, and Robertson is a dog with a bone trying to wrangle her to the floor. Robertson surprises her foe with an elbow up top and drops down for a single, and Pinheiro keeps upright thanks to a fence grab. Tognoni does not like that, and yells at her, but the fight otherwise continues. Robertson imposes herself on the Brazilian, even when Pinheiro grabs the cage at least one more time. The two end up on the ground, with Robertson nearly securing back control before Pinheiro madly scrambles to get upright. Robertson hits a trip, and Pinheiro turns her around to land a few punches before Tognoni calls time. Tognoni sternly warns Pinheiro for her fence grabs, and then restarts them. Pinheiro reintroduces herself with a jab to the body, and she splits the guard with a snappy uppercut. Robertson slips and counters with a right over the top, and they trade hands until Robertson catches her with a kick. Robertson’s right hand is rolled with, and she paws out two kicks and clips Pinheiro with another overhand right. Pinheiro snipes the bobbing, weaving Canadian with lengthy strikes, getting her attention with a one-two. Robertson uses a head kick to set up a level change, and Pinheiro is wise to it and staves her off. Pinheiro flicks out a jab and a right hand to follow, tagging Robertson who throws naked leg kicks. Robertson dives forward in pursuit of a takedown, wrenching Pinheiro to the floor and establishing herself in three-quarter mount position. Robertson gets off a single 12-6 elbow before Pinheiro ties her up, and she elbows her repeatedly in the posterior until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Robertson
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Robertson

Round 2

Robertson practically sprints out of her corner to re-engage starting the second round, and Pinheiro stands firm and jabs her in the chest. Robertson responds with a right hand and an uppercut, and she has a front kick miss by a matter of inches. Pinheiro picks her shots with effective low kicks and long punches up top, and one overhand right is a little too swinging. Robertson ducks it and searches for a takedown, but her labored entry is rebuffed. A second effort is also thwarted, and Pinheiro works her several times to the body with long, piercing jabs. Pinheiro reddens the Canadian’s nose with accurate, quick punches, and she parries a head kick and puts a few more strikes on her oncoming opponent. Robertson walks through strikes to get in close, and Pinheiro is winging big shots at her. A guard-splitting one-two from the Brazilian is followed by a front kick, and Robertson’s leg kick is met with two right hands. Robertson’s level change is shut down, as Pinheiro’s accuracy and volume gives the red-haired woman fits. Robertson sells out for a takedown, where she ends up jamming Pinheiro up and lifting her left leg up briefly. Robertson bails on the shot and rushes in for a second, and Pinheiro’s defense is holding up this round. Pinheiro sticks and moves, beating Robertson to the punch and not letting the grappler get hands around her. Pinheiro jabs the body and moves along, remaining in constant motion as Robertson races after her. Robertson jabs to the body with the ball of her foot, and she shrugs off two jabs from alternating stances to plant a kick on the torso of her foe. Robertson has a head kick come up shy of the mark, and Pinheiro strings a few punches together but still gets grabbed by “The Savage.” Robertson looks for a standing back take, getting one hook in from the side in hopes of using her body weight to yank Pinheiro to the mat. The Brazilian keeps her balance until getting pulled to one knee. Robertson gets off a few short strikes until time elapses.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Pinheiro

Round 3

The strawweights meet in the middle, only for Pinheiro to jab her opponent back. Robertson races forward in pursuit of a double-leg takedown, and Pinheiro’s movement and footwork stops that from succeeding. Pinheiro slams her shin on Robertson’s lead leg, and Robertson uses it as an opportunity to get hold of the Brazilian and lower her to the canvas. Robertson shifts quickly to three-quarter mount, and she unloads with punches and elbows of all type of arc. Her corner calls for 12-6 elbows, and she answers them by blasting Pinheiro in the face with those strikes. Robertson steps into mount like a hot knife through butter, and she keeps working Pinheiro over with strikes. Pinheiro pushes off the wall to try to reposition herself, and Robertson shifts to the side while tying up a crucifix with her legs. Robertson uses the moment to elbow Pinheiro a few times, opening up briefly with left hands before Pinheiro gets her arm back to defend her face. Robertson moves back to mount, smacking Pinheiro with strikes and swaying while Pinheiro looks to buck her off. Robertson remains busy with elbows, and Pinheiro tosses her legs all the way up in hopes of tossing the Canadian off of her. Robertson elects to take half guard to stop these moves, and Pinheiro scrambles well enough to stand for a moment. Pinheiro explodes with a somersault to flip Robertson over, and she snatches up with a guillotine choke. Robertson keeps shifting through to break out of the submission, and she pushes Pinheiro to her back while reassuming her controlling position. Robertson transitions into an arm-triangle choke, but she does not have the leverage required to lock it down as the fence is against her. Robertson hops into mount, driving down strikes until the final horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (29-27 Robertson)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Robertson (28-28)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Robertson (29-28 Robertson)

The Official Result

Gillian Robertson def. Luana Pinheiro via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (135.5) vs. Cortavious Romious (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Romious (-180), Bolanos (+150)

Round 1

In January, Bolanos (7-4, 1-1 UFC), known for his spinning strike prowess, ultimately saw his undoing due to a spinning attack from an opponent. He will try to get back in the win column against ultra-aggressive grappler Romious (9-2, 0-0 UFC). The UFC debutant can be dragged into a brawl, and Bolanos would like nothing more as a striker by trade. No matter where the fight plays out, referee Kerry Hatley will able to follow it every step of the way. Gloves are touched from the bantamweights to open the matchup, and it leans to kick from both fighters. Bolanos stays at kicking range, potshotting Romious with heavy blows. When Romious tries to respond, he goes in the air to attack and is knocked on the ground for his effort. Romious climbs back up, and the two lob high kicks at one another. Bolanos reaches out with a big overhand right, and he ducks one that comes back at him. Romious ducks a punch to shoot in for a double, and his second attempt slams “The Dreamkiller” to the mat with emphasis. Bolanos hits the mat and scrambles enough to gain top position, only to have to fight off a dangerous armbar attempt. Romious’ armbar is thwarted, and when he sets up another submission, Bolanos backs off. Romious stands up with his back to the wall, and Bolanos leans on him while working him with knees to the thigh and body. Fierce low kicks from Bolanos fly when he gains space on the separation, and each one lands with resounding impact. Romious jabs a few times, and he absorbs two right hands while looking for wild counters. Romious shrugs off a body kick, but a second nails the same spot as he frowns. Bolanos beats on his foe’s lead leg, and they sling hooks in close range but somehow miss across the board. Bolanos pounds on the midsection with a few more kicks, and Romious ducks a winging punch and shoots for a double. Bolanos rolls his eyes as he gets pushed back to the fence, and he turns Romious around and is warned for grabbing the cage to achieve this. Bolanos backs off to levy a few kicks, and Romious counters with a big right hand that hurts him badly. The two roll around on the mat, and Bolanos shreds open a cut on the corner of the newcomer’s right eye immediately before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Romious
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Romious

Round 2

The two are having a blast in the cage, and they smile and touch ‘em up before getting going. Romious surges through a few strikes to change levels, and he leverages Bolanos to the mat. When Bolanos stands back up, Romious slams him back down with a partial suplex. Romious sets up a body triangle, and he goes fishing for a choke. Bolanos hand-fights to defend the submission, briefly sitting up but getting pulled back down. Romious grabs hold of a short choke, a modified rear-naked choke that can materialize out of nowhere, and Bolanos has to defend it. And finds his way into another. Romious latches on with a face crank, hoping the pain-inducing submission will do enough, but Bolanos is tough as a two-dollar steak. Bolanos turns over, and Romious follows him every step of the way and is leaned with his back to the fencing. Romious keeps both hooks in when losing the body lock, and Bolanos scoots and pulls himself out of danger while hammering Romious with ruthless elbows. The elbows do enough to allow Bolanos to climb back up, and he is incensed and ready to get the job done. Bolanos hammers his opponent with close, harmful elbows, further opening the cut—one that was actually from a clash of heads, and not a strike—with his offense. Bolanos drags Romious down and opens up with heavy shots, and Romious hangs on tight in hopes of riding out the remainder of the round. Bolanos does not want this to happen, and he unloads high-amplitude elbows that make Romious turn all the way to his stomach. Romious manages to make it out of the round, and scores could be all over the map.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos

Round 3

The bantamweights hug it out as the third round is reached, and Bolanos reintroduces himself with a thumping low kick that staggers Romious. Romious bites down on his mouthpiece and throws a big punch, only for Bolanos to bowl him over. Romious sets up a calf slicer when wrapping up Bolanos’ left leg, and Bolanos turns through the pretzel-like position and gets dumped on his back. Bolanos throws his legs up for a possible triangle choke, and Romious sits up and practically falls into an armbar. Bolanos loses the grip and cannot follow Romious, who spins around to take his back while they are both grounded. Bolanos walks to the fence and stands up despite Romious’ arms around his waist, and he turns around and plants Romious on his back. Bolanos winds up in the closed guard, but he opens it up with hacking elbows and hammerfists. Bolanos gets away with a knee to the chest that would have been illegal even with the new grounded fighter language, and Romious bursts upright and tries to hit a double. Bolanos fights it off and lifts up a knee, and his body lock allows him to put the newcomer back down on the mat. Bolanos scores a few right hands before Romious closes his guard. Romious uses his legs to push off the chest when opening the guard up, and he stands up and shoots for a diving takedown that puts “The Dreamkiller” on the canvas. Bolanos kicks him off, and Romious tackles him back down. Romious starts swinging his fists, but Bolanos’ elbows off his back appear more substantial and frequent. Bolanos spams these elbows until 15 minutes are in the books, and judges may have their hands full here.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos (30-27 Bolanos)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos (29-28 Bolanos)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Bolanos (29-28 Bolanos)

The Official Result

Gaston Bolanos def. Cortavious Romious via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Gerald Meerschaert (185) vs. Reinier de Ridder (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: De Ridder (-290), Meerschaert (+235)

Round 1

In their combined 54 pro wins, these two co-headlining middleweights have earned 50 finishes. Referee Mike Beltran better buckle up as soon as these two get started, as Meerschaert (37-17, 12-9 UFC) is just as dangerous in the first minute as he is in the last. Ridder (17-2, 0-0 UFC) will be coming over from One Championship, where level of competition and some other policies differ significantly, and it remains to be seen if there are any immediate growing pains. If this hits the ground, hang on tight. The 185ers touch ‘em up, and de Ridder starts out with multiple front kicks. Meerschaert chases after him with a one-two, and de Ridder’s front kick gets plenty of work early. De Ridder awkwardly lunges his way in, and he gets popped with a right hand before backing off. “RDR” chips at the front leg twice before Meerschaert gets his hands on him, with Meerschaert connecting with a series of punches that redden the newcomer’s face up. De Ridder uses a low kick to set up a takedown attempt, scooping up the middleweight submission leader in the UFC and putting him down to the ground. De Ridder passes briefly, but Meerschaert flips him over and fights off a triangle choke setup to allow them both to stand. Meerschaert stabs out a jab, and he rips a left to the ribcage. Meerschaert scores two left hands, and his subsequent right hand draws a funny reaction out of the UFC debutant. Meerschaert checks a body kick and swarms forward with several powerful punches. De Ridder wobbles back, gets clipped with a left hand and ducks down to prevent any further harm. “GM3” shuts down a takedown with ease and slides to the side, and he eats a jab on the way out. A de Ridder low kick gets checked, and he sets up a few punches with a jab and takes a few on the chin before backing off. Meerschaert connects with a solid left hook and jumps guard for a guillotine choke, but de Ridder shucks him out of the way. Meerschaert kicks him off, stands up and deals with a jump knee. Meerschaert stuffs a takedown and sets up a power guillotine, only to use the grip to push off. De Ridder swings wide, has a low kick checked and shoots for a failed entry. Meerschaert drills him with an elbow when fighting of the takedown, and de Ridder pecks at him with distant jabs. Meerschaert gives him one jab back to think about, and de Ridder sits down on a right hand that gets Meerschaert’s attention. Meerschaert closes in and dings him with an uppercut, and he gets sent flying with an elbow and a looping left hand. Before “RDR” can put a stamp on things, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 de Ridder

Round 2

To start off the second round, de Ridder wants to put hands on what he thinks to be a wounded fighter. Meerschaert appears to have his sea legs out him, and he swings back and tags the newcomer a few times. “RDR” walks him down, wraps up a body lock and hits an easy trip. Meerschaert turns to his side as de Ridder hopes to establish to half guard. De Ridder sneaks in an elbow before Meerschaert hand-fights with two-on-one wrist control on the Dutchman’s left arm, and de Ridder uses the opportunity to nearly slide out of danger. De Ridder sets up a choke while on his seat, and Meerschaert pushes him off and unloads with a lengthy punch combination. De Ridder still works his way upright, threaten with a throw and falls over. Meerschaert jumps on top, moving right into half guard and opening up with strikes. A brief arm-triangle choke from the American is flirted with, but Meerschaert bails on it to nail the debuting fighter with an elbow. De Ridder re-fastens his guard before tugging his toes on the fencing, and he pushes Meerschaert to his feet. “GM3” lowers himself back down while smacking de Ridder in the chops with punches. De Ridder fires back, and he lifts a leg up in hopes of hooking up a triangle. Meerschaert is wise to it and shucks it off, and he takes a few punches from “RDR” off his back. De Ridder fishes for an arm, and he uses it to work his way back to his feet. De Ridder turns the tables with a trip, placing the underdog on his back before having to fight out of an armbar. Meerschaert goes for one more submission as the 10-second clapper sounds, and he flips “RDR” over before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert

Round 3

The middleweights touch ‘em up to get the last round going, and Meerschaert is the one pushing the pace in pursuit of a clinch and possible takedown. De Ridder fights his way off the wall, only for Meerschaert to trip him down to his face. De Ridder stands back up, and Meerschaert shoots for a single that is defended. De Ridder drives a knee to the torso while Meerschaert stands up, and he trips “GM3” up and tosses him to the mat like a side of beef. Meerschaert squirms the right direction and puts de Ridder on the mat, evading a front choke while scurrying as fast as he can to put de Ridder on his back. De Ridder repositions to full mount, and he locks down an arm-triangle choke in a hurry. Meerschaert defends by answering the telephone, and he quickly finds the submission is a bit too tight for his liking. Rather than get put to sleep, a disappointed Meerschaert taps out twice. Both exhausted fighters fall to their backs, sucking wind now that the fight is over. De Ridder becomes the first fighter since Jack Hermansson in 2018 to force “GM3” to surrender, introducing himself to his new company in a big way.

The Official Result

Reinier de Ridder def. Gerald Meerschaert R3 1:44 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Neil Magny (171) vs. Carlos Prates (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Prates (-650), Magny (+470)

Round 1

Ever the “trap fight” connoisseur, Magny (29-12, 22-11 UFC) would like nothing more than to derail the quick rise of power-punching Prates (20-6, 3-0 UFC). The durable New Yorker by way of Colorado may be susceptible to getting blitzed early, but he also has the unearthly ability to outlast opponents and turn on the jets. Ask Hector Lombard, Mike Malott or Daniel Rodriguez, to name but a few. With five rounds to get things done, it could be a lot of fun until what could be a dramatic end. Referee Mark Smith is in it for the long haul, and he brings the welterweights to the center of the cage to bump fists. They do not bump fists. It’s on with the show. Magny strides into the middle of the Octagon to get going, where he uses his length with low kicks and jabs to surprise the Brazilian with a sudden level change. Magny goes after a single-leg takedown, pressing Prates to the cage but falling to his back. Magny lands on his back and closes his guard, with Prates posturing up for a second before Magny wraps him up again. Prates looks for one big right hand when he finds space, and Magny boxes his ears and tries to keep him tight. Prates works his way out of the grappling and stands back up, and he launches a leg kick only to have to deal with three lunging punches flying back his way. Magny come up close and elbows his opponent, looking for a trip and letting it go to chase Prates while dinging him with a right hand. Magny drops down for a single, and Prates hops out of danger and finds himself dealing with a second attempt as soon as he spins around. Magny lifts the limb up, and Prates’ balance is immaculate as he not only stays on his feet but lowers his leg back down. Prates gets off a single knee with his back to the wall, and Magny hangs on until Prates explodes out. Magny jabs from afar, and he leans to avoid a looping left hand. Prates has his left hand chambered, and he stops a double-leg entry and kicks Magny’s rear leg. Prates whips a left to Magny’s chest, and he knocks Magny down with a fierce short right hand. Magny is told to stand back up, and Prates walks him down, swarming him with punches. Magny bounces off the cage wall, kicking out with front kicks to keep distance before selling out for a single. Prates defends it, frees his trapped arm and walks Magny down. Magny snipes him from a long way out, with his reaching limbs effectively keeping “The Nightmare” at bay…until they don’t. Prates unloads a monstrous left hand that does not even connect flush but buzzes the top of the veteran’s head. This is all it takes, with Prates apparently possessing “dim mak” as Magny falls to his face, unconscious. Prates walks off, knowing his work here is done, and everyone in the Apex is stunned as they may not have seen the mighty sleep-inducing blow. “Breakthrough Fighter of the Year” may be well and truly sewn up, with Prates making his promotional debut in 2024 and scoring four knockouts, none greater than his annihilation of tricky vet Magny. The perennial contender comes to as Smith tends to him, and Prates dons the trademark Fighting Nerds glasses to celebrate his terrific handiwork. The Brazilian calls his shot, with very specific plans in mind: Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 312 in Australia. If this is too big of a gap, dispatching the UFC’s #15 Magny and moving on to a top-five adversary, he is reasonable and suggests he and Geoff Neal would engage in a wild one. No matter what the heavy-handed rising fighter gets next, we will be here for it—just like we will be ready for UFC 309 next week. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Carlos Prates def. Neil Magny R1 4:50 via KO (Punch)