Bellator Champions Series San Diego Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Aysia Cortez (116) vs. Ashley Thiner (115)

Round 1

Paul Buentello will be officiating this matchup of professional debutantes. Thiner takes the center of the cage and Cortez answers with a right. Thiner lands a calf kick and sneaks a left through. Cortez gets deep on a takedown attempt but can’t get it as she presses Thiner into the fence. Thiner is able to create space and she leaps in with a left hand. Thiner with a snapping inside leg kick. Cortez follows an overhand right with a level change, but Thiner reverses her against the fence. Thiner keeps heavy pressure on Cortez, and she elects to separate. Cortez shoots and eats a knee and a series of punche from Thiner, who ends the assault with an elbow. Thiner times a push kick nicely as she controls the range. Cortez is bleeding from her nose, likely a result of eating several left hands. Another push kick followed by a left from Thiner, who sprawls on a subsequent takedown from her foe. Thiner backs up Cortez with a leaping knee and keeps the pressure on with a headkick. Cortez reaches for another takedown and Thiner defends against the cage. Back at range, Thiner tags Cortez with a combination and lands a few more kicks. Cortez shoots unsuccessfully to end the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Thiner
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Thiner
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Thiner

Round 2

Thiner takes the center of the cage once again. Cortez executes a better-timed level change early, but Thiner denies it and knees Cortez in the face. They separate and Thiner goes right hook-body kick. Thiner continues to mix up kicks nicely and Cortez shoots for a single leg. Thiner drops to her knees and lands a few punches. Cortez grinds away without much success, and Thiner reverses the position. Thiner backs off and tags her foe with a lead hook. Thiner smiles after stunning Cortez with a push kick. A right hand from Thiner backs up Cortez. Cortez shoots a telegraphed takedown and eats a knee. Thiner is starting to tee off near the cage. Cortez tumbles to the floor, clinging to her opponent’s leg, and Thiner continues to unload offense. Although bloodied and battered Cortez gets to her feet, she isn’t defending herself intelligently, and more punches from Thiner bring a halt to the contest. With that, Thiner has her first professional triumph.

The Official Result

Ashley Thiner def. Aysia Cortez via TKO (Punches) R2 3:11

Josh Hokit (242.2) vs. Sean Rose (264.8)

Round 1

Frank Trigg will be the third man in the cage for this heavyweight affair. Hokit waves off the glove touch offer from Rose and we’re underway. Hokit lunges in with a right and backs up Rose. Rose jabs the body. Hokit shoots and is denied. Rose lands a body kick afterward. Moments later, Hokit goes for another takedown and this one is successful. Now he’s using the wrestler’s ride to make Rose carry his weight. Hokit steps over to the back as they near the fence. Hokit gives up on the hooks and drags Rose down. He gets his hooks in briefly but goes back to the wrestling ride as he peppers Rose with punches. Hokit transitions to full mount and secures an arm-triangle choke. He passes over to the correct side. Trigg takes a closer look and Rose gives a thumbs up. Rose is able to escape the predicament, but Hokit remains in complete control. Rose has a kimura from his back but Hokit yanks his limb free. Hokit lands a series of hammerfists as he continues to dominate Rose. Hokit alternates between punches and elbows as Rose tries to cover up and ride out the round. With time winding down, Hokit deftly transitions into and armbar and goes belly down with the maneuver. After a few moments, Rose has no choice but to tap.

The Official Result

Josh Hokit def. Sean Rose via Submission (Armbar) R1 4:58

Bryce Meredith (135.8) vs. Jonathan Macalolooy (134.8)

Round 1

Paul Buentello gets the assignment for this bantamweight bout. Macalolooy lands a hard body kick and Meredith pressures forward with punches. Macalolooy circles on the outside, throwing a fair amount of kicks. Meredith moves in and it’s Macalolooy with the level change, which is kind of a surprise. Macalolooy threatens with a guillotine as Meredith defends the takedown. They stand and move back to range. Macalolooy ducks under and briefly spins to the back before wobbling his foe with a head kick. Meredith steps in and lands a knee. He pressures with punches and gets in on a takedown. Macalolooy is able to stand and follows two body kicks with a left hand. Meredith responds with a takedown and wraps up Macalolooy’s legs. Macalolooy scrambles up but Meredith executes a mat return and moves to the back of his foe. Meredith is hunting for a rear-naked choke. It appears to be a tight crank at first, but Meredith maintains the squeeze. The choke eventually goes under the chin and Macalolooy goes all the way out. A technical submission win for the former standout wrestler after surviving a few precarious moments early.

The Official Result

Bryce Meredith def. Jonathan Macalolooy via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 3:18

Herman Terrado (170.4) vs. Masayuki Kikuiri (169)

Round 1

Mike Beltran will oversee this welterweight contest. The welterweights begin in opposiing stances. Terrado has a head kick blocked. Kikuiri throws a body kick that hits the forearm of his opponent. Kikuiri comes forward and Terrado responds with a right hand. It’s a deliberate pace so far. A hook from Terrado glaces off Kikuiri’s chin. Kikuiri kicks the calf. They trade low kicks. Kikuiri attacks with his lead hand but nothing lands clean. The Japanese fighter feeds Terrado a steady diet of push kicks. Terrado works his way in behind a series of power punches and he briefly takes Kikuiri down. Kikuiri returns to his feet in short order but he has Terrrado shoving him into the fence. Kikuiri spins around and Terrado lands a knee. They clinch again, this time with Kikuiri in control. Terrado flurries with power punches as Kikuiri breaks free. Terrado attempts a hip toss, but Kikuiri is able to reverse and take his foe’s back.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Terrado
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Terrado
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Terrado

Round 2

Kikuiri immediately goes up top with a high kick. Kikuiri with a right hand followed by a leg kick. Terrado pressures with a combination. They clash heads during a brief exchange. Terrado lands a lead left hook. Terrado works behind his jab and then goes to the body. Kikuiri lands a leg kick. A right to the body connects for Kikuiri. Kikuiri rips the body with an uppercut as he switches stances. Terrado walks forward and lands a combination after absorbing another leg kick. Kikuiri rushes forward and sneaks an uppercut through Terrado’s guard. Kikuiri continues to work in leg kicks. Terrado ducks under a hook and secures a single leg. Kikuiri quickly scrambles and takes top position near the fence. From a seated position, Terrado fires off elbows to the side of the head. The round ends with Kikuiri on top and Terrado unsuccessfully threatening a kimura.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kikuiri
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kikuiri
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Kikuiri

Round 3

Kikuiri with a hard leg kick to open the period. Kikuiri jabs the body and slips a return offering from Terrado. Kikuiri puts together a combination and Terrado fires back with heavy punches. Kikuiri targets Terrado’s lead leg once again. Kikuiri jabs and moves out of danger. Terrado lands a left hook. Kikuri is using his reach with a variety of jabs and front kicks. Kikuiri pumps his jab into Terrado’s face. Terrado gets inside on a single leg and pushes Kikuiri into the fence. Kikuiri reverses with relative ease. Kikuiri separates, throwing a perfectly placed kick to the liver as he steps back. Terrado yelps in pain and collapses to the canvas. Kikuiri follows his man to the canvas and tees off with a series of left hands before Mike Beltran steps in to save Terrado.

The Official Result

Masayuki Kikuiri def. Herman Terrado via TKO (Body Kick and Punches) 2:54 R3

Jordan Newman (185.2) vs. Imamshafi Aliev (185)

Round 1

Frank Trigg will ref this pairing of undefeated middleweights. A “USA” chant breaks out early on in this one. Aliev sticks a jab after Newman overreaches on a left. A very measured opening minute otherwise. They trade and Newman catches Aliev coming in with a check hook. Newman blitzes forward with a combination but Aliev avoids damage. Aliev changes levels and Newman shucks him off. Aliev lands a lead left hook. Aliev has a head kick blocked. Aliev jabs the body. Newman catches Aliev with a glancing counter right. A Newman high kick hits Aliev’s guard. Newman whiffs on a straight left. Newman lands a check right hook as Aliev moves in. Another check hook from Newman lands to the chin and knocks Aliev off balance during an exchange. That brings the “USA” chant back for a moment. The round ends without further incident.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Newman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Newman
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Newman

Round 2

Newman lands an inside leg kick to get started. Newman blitzes behind an uppercut-straight left combination. Another left lands for Newman, who seems to have the edge in speed. The pace is once again deliberate, with both men wary of committing to strikes. Aliev runs into a left hand. Newman kicks the body and Aliev is talking to the American. The boo birds make an appearance, as they are not happy with the lack of volume. Newman lands another body kick. A looping right connects for Aliev, who avoids an ensuing blitz from Newman. A nice jab connects for the Dagestani. Newman kicks the inside leg. A counter check hook lands again for Newman, and he catches Aliev with a guillotine. He lands several knees to the head of Aliev before they separate. Aliev with an outside leg kick. Newman blocks a head kick and lands a rear kick to the body. Aliev lands a body kick of his own before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Newman
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Newman
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Newman

Round 3

Newman begins with an inside low kick, and Aliev responds with a leg kick of his own. Aliev ends a combination with a straight right hand. Newman counters with a check right hook as Aliev rushes forward. Aliev sticks a jab. Aliev counter a leg kick with a hook, but Newman avoids the blow. Newman lands a left during an exchange. Newman slams his shin into Aliev’s body. A nice jab lands for Aliev. Newman kicks at the legs to control the range. A body kick connects for Newman, who then counters a body kick from his foe with a hook. Newman counters with a left. Another check hook by Newman appears to make Aliev stumble late in the round. The middleweights swing away until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Newman (30-27 Newman)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Newman (30-27 Newman)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Newman (30-27 Newman)

The Official Result

Jordan Newman def. Imamshafi Aliev via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Yancy Medeiros (155.2) vs. Zhora Ayvazyan (155.4)

Round 1

Jason Herzog will be in charge of this lightweight clash. It’s a slow start as Ayvazyan looks to bait Medeiros to create openings for a takedown. About a minute and a half in, Ayvazyan gets his first takedown. Medeiros scrambles up but Ayvazyan remains attached to him. Ayvazyan pulls his foe off the fence and slams him on the mat, landing a series of punches to the head in the process. Medeiros stands and is slammed down. Medeiros is back up but he can’t break his foe’s grip. It’s mat return after mat return for Ayvazyan, who gets the Hawaiian down in a seated position against the barrier. Medeiros is warned for grabbing the cage. The Aremenian grinds away, and Medeiros is struggling to find a base to work his way up. He stands with less than minute to go, but Ayvazyan still has the body lock secured. Medeiros sprawls, separates and lands a body kick. Medeiros misses a right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan

Round 2

Medeiros jabs the body. Ayvazyan lunges in with a lead hook. A right connects for Ayvazyan. Ayvazyan slips a jab past his foe’s guard. Ayvazyan feints a takedown and lands an overhand right. The Armenian follows with a front kick and a leg kick. Medeiros jabs the body in response. A solid right lands for the Hawaiian. Ayvazyan changes levels for a single leg and drives Medeiros into the fence. He’s attached to Medeiros with the body lock and slams his foe down. Ayvazyan with a mat return and a couple punches to the head. Medeiros is up and Herzog is looking closely to see if he grabs the fence again. Instead, it’s just rinse and repeat for Ayvazyan, who stays on the back of Medeiros and executes repeated mat returns. He doesn’t keep Medeiros down for any extended period of time, but it’s still a grueling type of fight for Medeiros, who has no space for offense. Medeiros frees himself in the final seconds but it’s too late to land any offense.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan

Round 3

Medeiros will need to produce a finish to win this fight. Ayvazyan is comfortable on the outside, waiting on Medeiros. The Armenian fires off an overhand right. An inside leg kick lands for Ayvazyan. Medeiros is reluctant to pull the trigger. Ayvazyan lands an overhand right and a left hook. Another power punch lands for Ayvazyan, who also attacks with a body kick. Ayvazyan ducks under a punch and gets inside on a single leg. He spins around to the back, lifts Medeiros and slams him to the canvas. Medeiros gets up, but now this looks a lot like the last two rounds, as he wears Ayvazyan like a backpack. Medeiros is able to separate with about 1:30 to go. A counter left connects for Ayvazyan. Ayvazyan catches Medeiros with an overhand right. Every time Medeiros tries to initiate, he’s met by offense from Ayvazyan. Ayvazyan closes the distance and pushes Medeiros into the fence. He lifts his foe and dumps him on the floor. Ayvazyan ends the fight with some ground-and-pound and walks away with a few seconds left. Medeiros rushes at his opponent and launches a head kick, but it’s blocked as the frame expires.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan (30-27 Ayvazyan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan (30-27 Ayvazyan)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Ayvazyan (30-27 Ayvazyan)

The Official Result

Zhora Ayvazyan def. Yancy Medeiros via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Sumiko Inaba (125.2) vs. Mackenzie Stiller (125.2)

Round 1

Mike Beltran will referee this flyweight scrap. Stiller lands a combination. She catches Inaba with a right. Inaba comes back with a combination. Stiller is finding openings for her right hand. A head kick partially lands for Stiller, and she also catches her foe coming forwad with a right. Stiller catches a body kick from Inaba and forces her way into the clinch, where she executes a throw. Inaba scrambles up in short order. Stiller lands a knee and Inaba lands some punches in close quarters before they break. Another right lands for Stiller. Stiller follows a lead leg head kick with a takedown. Inaba scrambles up and they battle in the clinch. Stiller thinks about a throw before they separate. Stiller lands her right again. Inaba catches Stiller ducking and tags her with a head kick. That hurts Stiller, and Inaba presses the issue. They clinch and Inaba lands an uppercut and right before moving away. Inaba presses the action with a combination. Inaba closes the distance and lands a couple short elbows. Inaba is picking up the volume with her combinations. Another head kick lands for Inaba. They clinch once more and Inaba sneaks an uppercut in before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Inaba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Inaba
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Inaba

Round 2

Inaba works behind her jab, applying pressure. Stiller shoots for a takedown, but Inaba reverses her into the fence. Stiller wants the head and arm throw, and she gets it in slow motion. She steps into a front headlock as Inaba stands. Inaba is able to free herself. Back at distance, Inaba pumps her jab. Stiller lands another counter right as Inaba pressures. They clinch and Inaba shoves her foe into the fence. Inaba lands a sneaky elbow on the inside. Several more elbows land and Stiller appears to be rocked. Inaba switches to right hands and Beltran takes a close look. Stiller is still eating right hands in the clinch, and her body language isn’t good. Inaba switches to left elbows and Stiller is wincing. However, Stiller lands a throw out of nowhere, and gets full mount before transitioning to an armbar attempt. Stiller wants to go belly down, but Inaba sneaks an elbow free and ends up in top position, where she drops more elbows. Inaba is nearly on Stiller’s back. Inaba alternates right and left hands with Stiller in a turtled position. Beltran is taking another close look at the flurry. Inaba keeps pouring it on with volume on the ground, and Stiller isn’t doing anything to stem the tide.Finally, Beltran has seen enough.

The Official Result

Sumiko Inaba def. Mackenzie Stiller via TKO (Punches) R2 4:25

Douglas Lima (184.6) vs. Aaron Jeffery (185.4)

Round 1

Frank Trigg gets the nod for this middleweight matchup. Jeffery takes the center and begins with a front kick and a leg kick. Lima throws a right and Jeffery gets in on a single leg. He’s able to trip Lima to the canvas and step into Lima’s guard. Jeffery is cut already and is dripping blood all over Lima and the canvas. Jeffery works to create openings for ground and pound, while Lima lands an elbow from the bottom. Jeffery does his best to stay busy with short shots to the ribs. Jeffery is leaking profusely onto his opponent, but he still controls top position. Lima has worked to a seated position against the fence. Lima scrambles up but he hasn’t broken Jeffery’s grip. Jeffery peppers his foe with short left hands. Jeffery keeps the pressure on and knees the body. Jeffery is working to take the back as he continues to rack up points with strikes. They stand, and Jeffery lands an elbow before changing levels. Lima defends but the round ends in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jeffery
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jeffery
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Jeffery

Round 2

Jeffery marches forward, but Lima makes him stumble with a stiff jab. Lima opens up and lands a combination. Deciding he’s had enough of the striking, Jeffery shoots for a takedown against the fence. They trade knees in the clinch. Jeffery drops low in hopes of securing a takedown. Lima gets some space and lands an uppercut. But he doesn’t angle out and Jeffery shoots again, driving the Brazilian into the cage. Jeffery grabs a single leg but Lima gets free. Jeffery shoots again and Lima unloads a series of elbows to the side of the head. Lima breaks free and angles away. Jeffery shoots after an inside leg kick. Lima is back to playing defense with his back to the fence. Jeffery with a knee up the middle. Lima reverses position and lands some short punches to the body. Jeffery regains control and he drops low again. Jeffery attempts a lift, but there’s nothing doing. Jeffery knees the thighs but Lima briefly reverses position. The round ends with Jeffery back in control of the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lima
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lima
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Lima

Round 3

Jeffery with an outside leg kick. Lima sticks a stiff jab. Jeffery has backed his foe into the fence again, but Lima lands a solid straight right. Lima lands a leg kick and Jeffery drops low for a takedown. Jeffery gets a single leg and steps across for the trip. Jeffery is now set up inside Lima’s guard, landing some short shots to the ribs. Jeffery lands a few solid elbows from above. Jeffery does a good job keeping Lima’s leg on his hip to keep him from pushing off and getting up. Lima gets active with his guard for a moment, but a triangle attempted is quickly thwarted. Jeffery is content to grind away from top position. Lima finally works his way up but eats a couple knees for his efforts. Jeffery maintains a body lock as Lima is back down to a knee. Jeffery drives knees into the thighs. Jeffery stays attached to Lima and lands more knees to the thighs. This is grueling work, and Lima is running out of time. Lima frees himself and lands a knee and a combination, but Jeffery shoots again, drawing boos from the crowd. Jeffery secures a leg, and steps across again with a trip. Jeffery ends the round landing ground and pound from top position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jeffery (29-28 Jeffery)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jeffery (29-28 Jeffery)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Jeffery (29-28 Jeffery)

The Official Result

Aaron Jeffery def. Douglas Lima via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Lorenz Larkin (170.4) vs. Levan Chokheli (170.8)

Round 1

Jason Herzog will ref what has been billed as a No. 1 contender’s fight at welterweight. Chokheli lands an inside leg kick. Chokheli catches a Larkin kick and presses forward behind a right hand. Chokheli elects to let Larkin return to his feet. Chokheli pressures with heavy punches, then backs away and lands a body kick. The Georgian keeps the momentum going with a stiff jab. But just like that, Larkin disrupts Chokheli’s equilibrium with a short right to the temple. Chokheli drops to his knees and then stumbles backward, with Larkin continuing to tee off with punches. Chokehil’s legs are failing him, and he drops to the canvas again. Larkin unloads with a few more standing-to-ground punches before Herzog intervenes on Chokheli’s behalf. Larkin is next in line to challenge for Bellator welterweight gold.

The Official Result

Lorenz Larkin def. Levan Chokheli via TKO (Punches) R1 1:53

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight:
Usman Nurmagomedov (154.8) vs. Alexandr Shabliy (154.8)

Round 1

Mike Beltran gets the final assignment of the night for this lightweight title bout. Nurmagomedov has a high kick blocked. Shabliy counters a low kick with a stiff right hand. The lightweights collide in the center of the cage and clinch. Nurmagomedov lands a knee in the middle before they break. Shabliy eludes a spinning kick. Nurmagomedov with an inside leg kick. Nurmagomedov clinches under a Shabliy combination. Nurmagomedov closes the distance with great speed and jumps on Shabliy’s back. He’s too high and Shabliy escapes out the back door. Shabliy is looking for openings to land his conter right. Nurmagomedov pressures and thorws a high kick. Shabliy lans a short elbow as Nurmagomedov comes forward. Nurmagomedov with a jab. Nurmagomedov stomps the knee of his foe’s lead leg. Shabliy responds with a right to the body. Nurmagomedov thinks about a takedown but Shabliy is ready for it. Nurmagomedov flicks a head kick. Shabliy feints an attack before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

Shabliy with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov answers with a front kick to the gut. Shabliy with another inside leg kick. They trade quick low kicks. Shabliy continues to look for openings to land his right hand. Nurmagomedov steps in with a lad left hook. Nurmagomedov forces the clinch and presses Shabliy into the fence. He lands a knee before Shabliy frees himself. Shabliy with an inside leg kick followed by a right hand. Shabliy with a solid counter right. Nurmagomedov leaps in and falls to his back. He eats a right and lands one of his own. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown against the wire with about 90 seconds to go. Nurmagomedov lands a knee before they separate. Nurmagomedov dives for a takedown during an exchange but Shabliy easily eludes it. Nurmagomedov with a glancing high kick. Nurmagomedov lands a left hook. Shabliy fires off his counter right and Nurmagomedov ends the round with a leg kick.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 3

Nurmagomedov with an inside leg kick. Shabliy misses a spinning kick. Nurmagomedov lands a front kick and Shabliy can’t connect with a counter. Shabliy lands a combination and Nurmagomedov answers with a low kick. Nurmagomedov stays busy with kicks, but to the legs and the midsection. Shabliy fires off his straight right. Nurmagomedov kicks the legs and the body. Nurmagomedov steps in and gets a jab through Shabliy’s guard. Nurmagomedov ducks low and grabs a single leg but quickly lets it go. Nurmagomedov is much more active this round than his opponent. More leg kicks land for Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov lands an uppercut and they briefly clinch. Shabliy lands a front kick. Shabliy goes for a takedown at the very end of the round, but Nurmagomedov is up instantly.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 4

Shabliy fires off a right and Beltran warns the fighters to watch their heads. An inside leg kick by Shabliy knocks Nurmagomedov off balance as he throws a combination. Nurmagomedov leans back and throws a high kick. Shabliy lands a left hook-right hand combination and Nurmagomedov’s ensuing level change is unsuccessful. Shabliy tries to land a flying knee. It doesn’t land, but he does poke Nurmagomedov in the eye. The Dagestani recovers relatively quickly, but Shabliy gets a hard warning from Beltran. They trade low kicks. Nurmagomedov is ever active with his lead leg, throwing to all levels. Shabliy has a body kick partially land. Nurmagomedov pumps his jab and the lightweights trade body kicks. Nurmagomedov lands a left to the body. They clinch and Nurmagomedov lands a knee before they disengage. Nurmagomedov lands a head kick, and this one appears to have hurt Shabliy. Nurmagomedov sprawls on a takedown and Nurmagomedov threatens with a choke before moving into top position. Shabliy uses a butterfly guard from the bottom. Nurmagomedov drops a heavy elbow from above. Another elbow lands for the champ. Nurmagomedov spins out of a heel hook and assumes top position again. Shabliy stands in the waning seconds, and Nurmagomedov attacks the body before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 5

Shabliy opens up with a jab. Nurmagomedov lands a counter left hook. Nurmagomedov has a high kick blocked. Shabliy is stalking a little bit now, because he likely needs to find a finish. Shabliy denies a Nurmagomedov takedown attempt. Shabliy fires a right but Nurmagomedov avoids it. Nurmagomedov uses kicks to keep his opponent at a safe range. Shabliy’s offense leaves a lot to be desired in this critical final round. Nurmagomedov is content to circle on the outside. Shabliy lands a leg kick. Shabliy jabs the body. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and lands a knee as he presses him into the fence. Shabliy defends and circles off the fence. Shabliy marches forward and gets sucked into the clinch. He can’t do anything significant and they separate just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-10 (50-46 Nurmagomedov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shabliy (49-46 Nurmagomedov)
Mike Pendleton scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (50-45 Nurmagomedov)

The Official Result

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Alexandr Shabliy via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) R5 5:00