Noche UFC 306 ‘O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Qileng Aori (136) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rosas Jr. (-850), Aori (+575)

Round 1

It’s time for something new. It’s time for something different. Out of the UFC Apex, and not even posted up in its standard haunt of the T-Mobile Arena, instead the UFC is putting on a night of combat inside of the vaulted Sphere in Las Vegas. While some have seen snippets of previews, the occasional Twitter leak and some other sneak peeks, this will be fresh to fans and media alike. We don’t quite know what to expect, and that makes it exciting. This 10-fight showcase that celebrates Mexican fighters on Mexican Independence Day—along with a spangly-haired kid from Montana against a robot from Georgia, not to mention Saudi Arabia thrown in for good measure—and as a result, Mexican combatants will be the focus and betting favorites almost every step of the way. The matchup of the evening will also serve as the one with the widest betting lines, as grappling wunderkind Rosas Jr. (9-1, 3-1 UFC) comes in with odds in his favor around -1000 against well-traveled China export Aori (25-11, 1 NC; 3-3, 1 NC UFC). Although referee Chris Tognoni signed up to officiate this event like any other, even he is surprised at the spectacle unfolding around them. The bantamweights touch gloves, and it’s time for something new. Rosas lashes out first with a low kick, and he is warned for outstretched fingers. He switches stances and kick Aori two more times on the lead leg. Rosas goes to the body with a kick, and chants for “chiwiwis” rain down in support of Rosas. Aori springs into action with a lunging combination, and the Mexican youngster bats them out of the way and circles off. Rosas whiffs on a pair of looping shots, and he gets caught with a right hand and just misses on the counter. Rosas attacks the front leg a few more times, and when he stands still, Aori potshots him with a solid right hand. Rosas jumps back and forth between stances, and he is once more warned for his fingers pointing out. Rosas charges in from a distance to go after a takedown, and after they bounce off the wall, he succeeds in dragging the Chinese competitor down. Rosas opens up with several loud body shots while Aori looks for sweeps and butterfly hooks, but he elects instead to pass to half guard. Rosas climbs over to side control, and he moves to mount in a hurry. Aori times the guard pass to buck and sit up, but this only allows Rosas to circle around him and take his back. Aori is warned for pulling his toes in the cage as additional chants for “chiwiwis” loudly call for Rosas. Rosas grips a brief face crank, but he bails on it when the grip is not tight. As Aori turns to his side, Rosas punches him in the side of the head a few times. With seconds to spare, Rosas slides over to the mount position to rain down elbows, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosas

Round 2

The bantamweights touch ‘em up to get going, and Rosas opens up with a kick or two before Aori surges at him with punches outstretched. Aori reaches his foe with a right hand amidst an exchange, and he hops away when Aori jumps at him with a knee. Rosas paws with a few more low kicks, and one slides up and bumps into the cup apparently. Aori waves it off, and he winds up with a massive right hand that brushes past the hair of the youngster. Rosas shoots for a takedown, and Aori tosses it aside. Aori jabs his way in but misses on the overhand right, and he stops another takedown effort coming his way. Rosas peppers the lead leg with kicks, keeping to the outer edge to not allow Aori to reach him with anything of significance. When Aori does connect, Rosas fires back angrily. The warning comes for Rosas again for pointing his fingers out, and Aori loads up on an overhand right to smash the kid in the chops. Aori chambers and fires another big overhand right, and Rosas wears it well and keeps moving and switching stances. Aori goes for a right hand to the body, and he tries for two more wide hooks. Rosas walks towards him and wants to brawl, and Aori happily obliges him. Aori tags him during an exchange, and he fights off a takedown up close. Aori stalks after the younger fighter and flicks out a jab or two, and he goes to the body with a right hand. Aori parries a kick and gives a loud one back to the body, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aori
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Aori

Round 3

The fighters come together to hug it out before the last round commences, with Rosas showing a little trickle of blood on his lip. When they disengage, Aori is quick to pick up where he left off, walking the 19-year-old down and kicking him in the ribs. To fire up Rosas, the crowd chants “chiwiwis” again, and this results in him charging in for a tackling takedown that puts Aori to his seat. Aori wall-walks, and Rosas quickly mat returns him with a body lock, landing in side control. Aori scrambles, and in the process, he gives up his back when turning to his knees. Rosas reaches way back to slam down knees to the shoulder, landing several until Aori sells out by somersaulting. This forces “Mongolian Murderer” to his back once more, with Rosas comfortably on top of him in the guard. Rosas stays busy on top with ground-and-pound, more of the frustrating variety than with anything individually damaging. Tognoni asks for more activity from on top, and Rosas sits up to fling one right hand down. It’s “chiwiwis” again for the audience, but Rosas does not take any additional chances or let anything special fly. At 19 years of age, the young Rosas has not let the surroundings or his hype get the better of him, as he smothers the power puncher and keeps him flat on his back. Rosas drops down an elbow and a left hand, and Aori responds with an elbow from his back. As seconds tick off the clock, both fighters swing at one another, and the less-than-thrilling match comes to an end. Barring something unusual, Mexico is on the board, and the audience may hope that things spice up a bit.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rosas (29-28 Rosas)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rosas (30-27 Rosas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rosas (29-28 Rosas)

The Official Result

Raul Rosas Jr. def. Qileng Aori via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Edgar Chairez (125.5) vs. Joshua Van (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Van (-218), Chairez (+180)

Round 1

Plugging right along, flyweights take center stage in a fast-paced matchup that is likely to make referee Mark Smith dizzy before it is all over. Once expecting to battle Kevin Borjas, the tables have turned and previously favored Chairez (11-5, 1 NC; 1-1, 1 NC UFC) is now an underdog to replacement Van (10-2, 3-1 UFC). With finish rates of 100% and 80%, respectively, the two will go to battle in hopes of leaving the judges out of the equation once more. They touch gloves before getting down to it, and Chairez introduces himself with three quick kicks. Van resets, and Chairez walks him down to kick him another time in the lead leg. Van fires back, but the kick is checked with a thump. Chairez jabs with the ball of his foot and slams home an outside low kick, and he chambers to release a body kick. Van is getting chewed up by kicks, and Chairez opens up with a pair of swatting left hands. Van lets loose a head kick, and he doubles up on a jab that may have poked Chairez in the eye. Smith warns Van about his outstretched fingers, and Chairez hammers the front leg of his opponent with two more kicks. When Chairez stutter-steps his way in, Van counters with a right hand over the top. Chairez nails the calf once more with a kick, and as Van attempts to counter, Chairez kicks it again. Chairez scoops an uppercut that bangs in the chin of his foe, and Van shakes it off and sticks out a jab. Van evades a low kick but is not out of the way of a sharp jab, and a second kick from Chairez shakes Van up. Van gathers his thoughts and gets up close and personal to throw hands, only to get met with a step-in knee. They both kick one another low, but Chairez’ is much more powerful and damaging. Chairez whiffs on a one-two, but he uses his jab to set strikes up. Van dips under a jab to loop a right hand over the guard, and he connects with two low kicks on the way out. Van scores another low kick that irritates Chairez, but Chairez kicks him back and forces him to limp as well. Chairez’ jab and low kick seemingly cannot miss, and he plants a body kick to the ribs and pecks out with jabs. Van misses on a wheel kick, and Chairez smiles at him and pushes out a jab and a left hook. When Van throws a naked leg kick, Chairez sets him down with a powerful straight right hand. Van pops back up, and Chairez is in his face throwing punches. Chairez calms himself down after missing with a kick, but Van wants to keep swinging in the pocket. Van succeeds in brushing a left hand by the jaw, and Chairez answers with an Andy Hug-inspired spin kick to the lower leg. The horn sounds after the unorthodox blow.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chairez
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chairez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chairez

Round 2

After a glove touch, Chairez says hello with a leaping knee. Van pushes past it and puts his hands together. Chairez keeps him at bay with jabs and low kicks, and one calf kick from Van makes Chairez change stances. Van sits down on a short left hand and hammers the front leg with two kicks, and Chaires frowns and tries to give him back a few punches. Van is quicker to the punch on these exchanges, starting combinations first and ending them last. Van strings several punches up high to body, and Chairez leans over showing he is a little hurt. Van turns it on, chasing after the Mexican and letting loose a flurry of fists and feet. Chairez feebly responds, but Van breaks him down with body shots. Van unloads an onslaught of punches and kicks, especially targeting the body, and Chairez is barely on his feet and leaned against the fence. Chairez grabs the fence with one arm, and when Van sells out for a blitz, he spins with a back fist that smashes Van in the face. Van staggers back to the wall, and now it is he who is hurt badly. Van tries to compromise himself by tackling Chairez to the ground, and they both share a laugh and catch their breath after ferocious exchanges. Van decides to stand back up, and they get back to it, with Van landing punch combinations and aiming at the body. Chairez digs deep and launches an overhand right that rocks the man from Myanmar. Van tries to steel himself and charge into the fray, and Chairez jumps guard with a guillotine choke that is tight in an instant. Van manages to work his head out of danger, and he settles down on top. Both fighters need to again get their wind back after another slugfest, and they trade ground strikes until the horn sounds. Talk about a “Round of the Year” contender.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Van
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Van
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Van

Round 3

It is anyone’s guess how much these two flyweights have left in the tank after 10 minutes of frenetic action, but they are eager to get going and tap gloves. Chairez starts the round with several low kicks, and he uses them to keep enough distance along with his jabs. Van pushes through a few with a one-two, and he slams home a low kick only to get met with a leg kick coming right back. Van sneaks a right hand over the top, and Chairez jabs him back to the body with a front kick. Van jabs the body, and he receives a one-two in response. Chairez uses head movement to keep himself safe from the majority of the strikes, but a body shot does get to him. Van jabs low and punches high, and Chairez tries to slip and move but finds himself square in the center of a methodical slugfest. Van goes after two punches and a front kick to the gut, and he chases after his foe. As Chairez looks to escape, he trips on Van’s foot and falls to his seat. Van assumes top control in a hurry, but Chairez does not settle for this position and instead tries to stand. Van answers by dropping to his back in pursuit of a heel hook, and he makes Chairez drop back to the mat as well to defend it. Chairez fights out of the leglock and takes Van’s back while they both stand up. Van shoots in for a double-leg takedown, and he lifts Chairez up and slams him back down with emphasis. Chairez defends by throwing his legs up to go after a triangle choke, and he looks his left leg over the shoulder but cannot get his right leg locked up. Van pushes through it and hammerfists his foe in the face several times, and he keeps Chairez stuck in the corner of the floor and the fence. Van sits comfortably in half guard pounding down, using his free left hand to shut Chairez down until time expires.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Joshua Van def. Edgar Chairez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Yazmin Jauregui (115) vs. Ketlen Souza (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jauregui (-500), Souza (+380)

Round 1

One of three ladies repping Mexico tonight, Jauregui (11-1, 3-1 UFC) recently got past her first career hiccup by beating up on Sam Hughes in February. Her opponent Souza (14-4, 1-1 UFC) too rebounded from a defeat, taking a decision over Marnic Mann this past April. One of these one-fight win streaks will come to a screeching halt in 15 minutes or less, and referee Jason Herzog should be the first to know. The strawweights tap gloves together before engaging. Jauregui jabs first, and he follows one with a leg kick that she turns her hips into. Jauregui strings together a combination started by a jab, and when Souza responds, Jauregui dings her with a right hand over the top. Jauregui prods out a jab with her foot, and she sticks a few more jabs before another front kick to the body irritates the Brazilian. Jauregui puts a combination of strikes to the body and head, and one low kick bangs into Souza’s groin. Souza takes a little over 30 seconds to recover, and they start off with flurries on both sides. The two women stand and bang, and Jauregui pushes Souza to her back after landing flush. Souza jumps back upright, and Jauregui works her lead leg over with kicks before marking up the body. Jauregui splits the guard with a right hand, putting two kicks together and a few punches after it. Jauregui is constantly attacking, with a jump knee into a few punches. Souza jabs her back, and she plants a front kick directly on Jauregui’s groin to pay her back from the foul. They both let out wails of surprise and discomfort, and Herzog tells them they both had one so they can have no more. Souza walks her foe down, but she gets tagged with four strikes up close before she gets anything off. Jauregui paws out a front kick to the thigh, and “Esquentadinha”—which means “Little Hothead” releases a fiery right hand that sets up a flaming left. As soon as Souza connects, Jauregui hits the ground hard. Jauregui sits up, and Souza pounces, seeing that Jauregui still does not have her wits about her. Souza takes the back while she is standing up and Jauregui is seated, and she grips a rear-naked choke that is instantly under the chin before she even gets her hooks in. The Brazilian deploys both hooks and Jauregui frantically hand-fights to save herself from the submission. Souza’s grip is ironclad, and Jauregui stops fighting the hands and starts lifelessly flailing. With her eyes open, Jauregui goes out, and Herzog is quick to get between them and turns Jauregui to her side to get blood flowing back to her brain. Souza unleashes a bellow as she walks off, recording the first finish inside of the Sphere and notching a huge upset. The victorious Brazilian becomes the first fighter to submit Jauregui, doing so with style points with the technical submission.

The Official Result

Ketlen Souza def. Yazmin Jauregui R1 3:02 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Ignacio Bahamondes (156) vs. Manuel Torres (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Torres (-118), Bahamondes (-102)

Round 1

Keeping things pushing, one of many combatants out of Entram Gym steps into the cage next, as Torres (15-2, 3-0 UFC) wants to keep his 93% finish rate high as can be at the expense of kick-happy Bahamondes (15-5, 4-2 UFC). While Torres sports an equal distribution of knockouts to submissions, the Valle Flow Striking ace Bahamondes vastly prefers to get things done on the feet. The bantamweight clash will be officiated by referee Marc Goddard, with the victor making a strong push to reach the outskirts of the top 15. They touch gloves. Torres reaches out with a low kick that comes up short, and Bahamondes does the exact same. Bahamondes reaches with a long pair of punches, and his leg kick also misses. Torres lands with a thudding kick, and he hits air as a right hand buzzes past the Chilean. Bahamondes reaches out with a jab at the end of a front kick, and Torres kicks him in the ribs and falls over. Torres jumps back up immediately and is no worse for wear, still out of range from most of Bahamondes’ kicks. Torres splits the guard with a strong left hand, and he knocks Bahamondes’ head around with three additional punches before Bahamondes can sprint away. Torres gets his hands on his opponent after Bahamondes tries a jump knee, rapping the body with short but mean right hands as well as a few knees. Torres breaks out of the clinch he set up, parrying a right hand and checking a calf kick. They catch one another in an exchange, but Torres appears to hit harder with his fists. Bahamondes hooks a kick around his head and rocks Torres, but Torres shakes it off and keeps his guard up to block a second head kick. Bahamondes hammers the midsection with his shin, and he parries a combination to rifle off a right hand that sends Torres crashing to the mat. Bahamondes jumps on top in hopes of finishing the job, but his hammerfists and punches do not seal the deal as Goddard asks for Torres to keep moving. Torres does just that, and he recovers enough to fight back to his feet. Torres charges in recklessly, knees still wobbled, and he lets Bahamondes have it with a short combination. Bahamondes just misses with a head kick, and he snipes the charging Torres with another step-back right hand that short-circuits Torres. The Mexican awkwardly hits the mat with his leg bent back, and Bahamondes does not let him off the hook this time. Crouched down above Torres, Bahamondes releases a barrage of standing-to-ground punches as Torres can do nothing but shell up to cover his head. Goddard sees that before long, Torres is no longer defending himself, and he steps in. Torres is quick to recover and embrace his victorious opponent, and Bahamondes has unquestionably punched his ticket to bigger fights going forward.

The Official Result

Ignacio Bahamondes def. Manuel Torres R1 4:02 via TKO (Punches)

Irene Aldana (136) vs. Norma Dumont (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aldana (-112), Dumont (-108)

Round 1

Wrapping the abbreviated prelims is a potential no. 1 contender bout at 135 pounds. Former title challenger Aldana (15-7, 8-5 UFC) washed the bad taste out of a one-sided loss to Amanda Nunes out of her mouth with buckets of blood courtesy of her titanic tussle with Karol Rosa in December. With the division starved for contenders, the Lobo Gym fighter might get another crack at gold if she gets past Dumont (11-2, 7-2 UFC). Fresh out of the 145-pound division, Dumont has shown she can successfully make weight, making her a viable contender as well. A clap of hands seals the cage that also contains referee Herb Dean. Aldana reaches out with a low kick but is out of range, and Dumont takes a few steps forward and lands her own. Dumont connects with another kick, and she just misses with a jab. Aldana jabs her back, and she checks a leg kick as marching forward. Dumont scores a solid low kick, and her one-two bounces harmlessly off the raised guard. Aldana catches her opponent with a left hook, and Dumont shakes her head at it. Dumont sneaks out a jab, with Aldana keeping her own jab active. Aldana jabs to the head and chest, and she walks through low kicks to get in range as Dumont is constantly fighting off her back foot. Dumont tries to force out three punches, but Aldana parries all three and chips away with the front leg. Aldana flashes out a jab and is countered with a right over the top, and she takes a hard kick to the side of her knee. Dumont overswings on power strikes, and Aldana remains in her face, composed and largely utilizing straight strikes while she maintains a grin. Aldana lands again and makes Dumont smile, and then clips her with a right hook that makes the smile disappear. Dumont gets in a clean low kick, and she lands at the end of a right hand and a left to drive Aldana back briefly. The Mexican continues stalking Dumont around, and she connects with a left hand and then pushes Aldana away with a front kick. Aldana reaches her opponent with a left hook and a right, and Dumont grins and swings back harder. Aldana leans back to dodge a high kick and jabs to the body, and she plods forward to deliver a left hook on the jaw. Dumont crashes forward to connect with a right hand, and she waves her hand at her to signal she landed cleanly. Aldana hits air with a left hook, and Dumont stays on her bike potshotting her freely. Aldana misses the mark a few times before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumont

Round 2

Gloves are touched to start the second round, and Aldana leads off well with a sharp left hook. Dumont smacks her with a front-leg low kick, and she is met with a right hand and quick left. Dumont tries to box her back, but Aldana beats her to the punch and kicks her in the posterior. Dumont peppers the front leg with kicks and uses a long jab to keep Aldana away, and Aldana dips to go after a right to the body and misses with a big left up top. Aldana whiffs on another left hook, and she lets Dumont walk into an overhand right. Aldana sticks out a jab and a low kick, and her guard protects her from two punches but not the two kicks that follow. They land punches at the same time, and Dumont jabs her back to the ribs and kicks the same spot. Aldana eats a left hand and swings back up top, and she gets in a left hook and tries to reach her with a right that comes up short. Both ladies are grinning as they trade punches, having a blast in the cage as they smack one another in the chops. Aldana stings Dumont with a right and a left, and Dumont races at her swinging for the bleachers. Aldana largely blocks the worst of the blows, but a few manage to sneak in. Aldana walks face-first into a left hand, and she continues chasing Dumont around and boops her with a jab. Aldana scores as left and is met with a counter right, and Dumont kicks her front leg for good measure. Dumont skirts away from a left hook to go after the body, and she ducks a looping punch to level change. Aldana pushes her away before a takedown can materialize, and she dings her foe with a long right hand. Dumont counters with an overhand right, and she sits down on a left hook that gets Aldana’s attention. Aldana does not falter as she chases the Brazilian down, but Dumont is outlanding her and hitting her harder. Dumont draws blood on the forehead, and Aldana rocks her with a short combination. Dumont is in her face, slugging it out and cutting Aldana again on the bridge of the nose. Aldana wipes her face, irritated by the bleeding, and the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumont

Round 3

The replay shows that the cut on Aldana’s forehead is much larger than it first appeared, and it was caused due to a clash of heads and not a strike. Her corner is nowhere close to closing it, and she wipes the blood all across her face as Dumont is willing to smear it with her own strikes. Dumont chases after Aldana early, like she has in the last 10 minutes, but she appears to have finally found her range to a larger degree. Dumont uses an effective jab, but Aldana plodding towards her releasing big hooks find their mark a few times. Dumont chips at the front leg enough to make Aldana take a second thought at approaching, and Aldana is covered in blood. The Mexican does not mind, stalking Dumont fearlessly and obliging in each and every striking exchange. Aldana keeps powering forward, and Dumont tries to take her down. Aldana smashes her in the face with an elbow, causing some unexpected damage, and Dumont is backpedaling and not enjoying herself anymore. Aldana hurries after her, wiping blood all the while, and she keeps working Dumont over with her strikes. Dumont tries all her might to keep Aldana away from her, using her jabs and front kicks to destabilize the oncoming Mexican. Aldana uses her shirt to wipe the blood away, and as she does, Dumont catches her with a left that makes her eye swell. Dumont may be a bit bloodied as well around the nose, but she relishes in the exchanges. Aldana coming at her opponent so fiercely, she is practically sprinting. Aldana wipes her face, strikes, lather, rinse, repeat. Dumont is constantly backing away, and with 10 seconds to spare, she shoots for a takedown that fails. With one final Superwoman punch from Aldana, the bloody match concludes. The enormous cut on the former title challenger’s face is shown in its full form when cleaned up, stretching practically from the top of her forehead to the bottom of her eyelid in a gash that would make Marvin Eastman blush. Just bleed.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldana (29-28 Dumont)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Aldana (29-28 Dumont)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumont (30-27 Dumont)

The Official Result

Norma Dumont def. Irene Aldana via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ode Osbourne (125) vs. Ronaldo Rodriguez (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-135), Osbourne (+114)

Round 1

Before the main card commences, the UFC really shows off what the Sphere can do. A few videos play, and we find ourselves in Level 2, in front of some Aztec-looking pyramids. This is the real deal. As far as fights go, a bit of a sleeper matchup became one much noisier on Thursday courtesy of Rodriguez’ (16-2, 1-0 UFC) on-stage verbal confrontation with Osbourne (12-7, 1 NC; 4-5 UFC). Spanish-speaking viewers might have had their ears filled with all sorts of obscenity, but it may have been just what the doctor ordered to spice up this 125-pound affair. Referee Chris Tognoni will keep clean what has turned into a slight grudge match, one that has devolved to the point that they opt not to touch ‘em up before proceeding. Osbourne immediately fights behind his jab, landing two clean left hands behind them. Rodriguez tries to parry the blows and ends up eating two hard body kicks. Rodriguez recklessly attacks with a naked kick, and Osbourne counters him with a blistering right hand that sends “Lazy Boy” collapsing to the mat. Osbourne follows him to the ground to finish the job, dropping down hammerfists and punches, and he snatches up a triangle choke and rolls to his back to lock it down. Rodriguez clings to consciousness and absorbs several elbows at the top of the head, and he miraculously stands himself up to free himself from the seemingly fight-ending choke. Rodriguez lowers himself back down into the guard, and he gathers his thoughts as Osbourne hacks at him with elbows from his back. Osbourne continues to slash from his back, and Rodriguez has his thoughts about him and he delivers some mean ground-and-pound back. Rodriguez slams home a few elbows that stun Osbourne, and Osbourne angrily swings back at him from the bottom. A few wide-arcing hammerfists sting Rodriguez again, making Rodriguez lower himself back down instead of sitting up to attack again. Osbourne turns to his side and closes his guard, and he absorbs a few ground strikes from his opponent. Rodriguez jams down several punches and elbows to stay busy and perhaps stave off a 10-8 score, and he maintains this position until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Osbourne
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Osbourne
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Osbourne

Round 2

Osbourne is ready to trade when the fight resumes on the feet in Round 2, and he quickly blocks a head kick to counter with a pair of punches. Osbourne goes up with a kick, and he fights off a takedown attempt by hooking up a power guillotine choke. Rodriguez takes Osbourne off his seat and wrenches his neck out of the submission, and as Osbourne scrambles, Rodriguez takes his back and gets a hook in. Rodriguez sits up and connects with a number of left hands while hanging on from on top, and Osbourne is stuck on one knee before getting lowered down and flattened out. Rodriguez sits up in full mount and blasts Osbourne in the face with unrelenting elbows. Tognoni asks Osbourne to fight back, and Osbourne bucks and twists before exploding to turn Rodriguez to his side. Rodriguez rides him like a bucking bronco, and he reclaims full mount after a tense exchange. Osbourne sits up, but he does not turn, so Rodriguez happily takes his back and sets up a face crank. “Lazy Boy” sets up the body triangle and elbows Osbourne on the side of the head from a funny angle until he hunts for a rear-naked choke. The submission is on the jaw, and Osbourne rides it out and sits up again. Rodriguez hits him in the back of the head and cranks his face again. Rodriguez is warned for eye gouging, and he reclaims his position to get to mount thanks to his body triangle. Osbourne turns to break up the body triangle, but the hooks keep him stuck in position until the Mexican secures it again. Osbourne stomps and pushes off the mat to explode, but without spinning, he remains trapped in a dominant position. Osbourne finally twists with all his might with 20 seconds to spare, and he drills Rodriguez with a number of long, meaningful punches that bounce Rodriguez’ head off the mat. Time expires, and both fighters are fatigued but still have five minutes to go.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 3

The exhausted fighters try to bump fists, but they miss and shrug it off. Rodriguez level changes into a huge overhand left, and Osbourne springs away to defend against a takedown try. Rodriguez blocks a head kick and shoots for another takedown, and Osbourne sprawls it effectively and digs a kick to the ribs. Rodriguez whiffs on a home run punch, and his leg is tenderized a few times with kicks. Rodriguez is warned for outstretched fingers, and Osbourne snaps out a handful of jabs. Osbourne clicks a short right hand off the jaw, and Rodriguez has to hang on to not lose his footing. Osbourne fires a jab out, and Rodriguez tags him with an overhand right as “The Jamaican Sensation” acknowledges the blow. Osbourne dodges a pair of spinning wheel kicks, and he jabs Rodriguez up. Rodriguez loads up on haymakers, and he overswings his way into a double-leg attempt coming his way. Rodriguez stops the takedown and make them reset. Osbourne clinches his foe up, but he cannot hold him there as they back off. They trade left hooks, and Osbourne blinks it out and shoots for a double. Rodriguez latches onto the kimura immediately to sweep his man, but Osbourne remains heavy on top. Rodriguez returns to his knees and then feet to stand, and Osbourne backs off. Osbourne peppers his adversary with jabs, and he shoots a double when Rodriguez swings so hard he nearly falls over. Osbourne sits up after bailing on it, and Rodriguez holds on with a guillotine choke grip before aiming to take the back. Osbourne opts to falling to his back instead of giving it up, and they start trading with offense on both sides. Rodriguez lands several strikes, and Osbourne whips elbows back at him. The wild match comes to a close, and the judges will have their hands full with this one.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Ronaldo Rodriguez def. Ode Osbourne via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Esteban Ribovics (155) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zellhuber (-265), Ribovics (+215)

Round 1

Level 3 takes the fighters from a temple village to the flower-covered streets of a colorful city pulled from the minds that created Grim Fandango, in true Day of the Dead fashion. A pair of once-beaten powerhouses at the talent-rich lightweight division will meet in the Octagon to handle their business, although this encounter is far more sporting than the one that proceeded it. Zellhuber (15-1, 3-1 UFC) carries the nation of Mexico on his back—but does not train in one of the major camps in the country like many of the others competing tonight—against the ultra-aggressive Ribovics (13-1, 2-1 UFC). Violence is on the menu for this bout as well as the next one on the ledger, but before we get to that one, these two have work to do. Referee Jason Herzog clocks them in as they bump fists, and Ribovics starts off with a body kick and a flashy combination of punches. Zellhuber backs him away with a body kick, but Ribovics crashes towards him with looping punches and a head kick that goes wide. Zellhuber jabs and catches Ribovics with an uppercut, and he slides a kick up over the shoulder to the temple. Ribovics hand-fights to work his way forward, and he lands at the end of jab and gets off a pair of leg kicks. Ribovics scores another chopping low kick as he finds his way in, and Zellhuber is ready to work the body in response. Zellhuber loops a left hand over the guard, and Ribovics explodes his way into land a left hand and a leg kick. Zellhuber strings together a few punches and a step-in knee to the ribs, and Ribovics smacks his foe’s lead leg once more. Zellhuber jabs and pushes his palm on the forehead of his opponent, keeping his safe range and not letting Ribovics get close to him. Zellhuber cracks his man coming in with an intercepting right hand, and he slings a body kick that hammers into the guard. Ribovics goes after his own high kicks, but when those fail, he succeeds in ripping two punches to the body. Zellhuber pays him back with a thumping body kick, and he stays on his bike at the tail-end of his jab. When Ribovics comes towards him, Zellhuber has a knee up the middle ready to strike. Zellhuber jabs the body with the ball of his foot, and he swipes out with a left hook. Ribovics splits his guard with a short combo, and he sends Zellhuber back a few steps. Zellhuber keeps at his own safe range to avoid a blitz from his opponent, and he sticks out the ball of his foot and his jab to decent effect. The two put a bit of fire behind their successive hooks, and they proceed to bang it out with a Zellhuber combination. They trade leg kicks at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics

Round 2

The fighters gladly clap hands to get back to business, and Zellhuber resumes from his jab range but is picking up the pace early. Ribovics does the same, and they go from two- or three-strike combinations to four, five or more. Zellhuber uses his powerful knees to break up combos of his fists, and he cracks Ribovics when Ribovics ducks down towards him. Zellhuber jabs, eats a short flurry and ends at the end of his with his own blows. They let their hands go in succession, and Ribovics lands flusher of the two and stings the man from Mexico. Ribovics blitzes his way in, and his prolonged surges are allowing him to stay in range and land cleanly before Zellhuber can skirt away. A Zellhuber kick goes a bit low, and Ribovics waves him off and keeps swinging. A right to the head is followed by a left to the body from the Argentinian, and Zellhuber pays him back immediately with a chain of speedy blows. Zellhuber mixes up his combinations with kicks when not using knees, and his jab keeps Ribovics guessing. Ribovics keeps working the front leg, and he walks through a particularly concussive knee to snap Zellhuber’s head back with a barrage. Zellhuber digs a kick to the ribs, and he slings a few punches only to get met by a half-dozen back his direction. The two fighters are keeping it exceptionally close and extremely active, with neither man letting the other score freely. When Ribovics lands, Zellhuber is there to retaliate. When Zellhuber connects, Ribovics sets up another blitz. Zellhuber is warned for his fingers pointing out, and this allows Ribovics to dart towards him and jack him in the jaw with a left hook. Zellhuber shakes it out and keeps his fingers pointed out, and he leans down and eats a clean elbow. Zellhuber knees Ribovics up the middle again, and he doubles up on a kick to a spin kick as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics

Round 3

The fighters embrace before the last round begins, and Herzog clocks them in after it. The lightweights are instantly active, somehow swinging even harder than the last two rounds. Zellhuber lands cleanly, Ribovics spins with a back fist and Zellhuber pays him back with a sharp elbow. Zellhuber stings his opponent with a right hand, only for Ribovics to do the same. Zellhuber lashes out with an elbow as Ribovics races towards him, and it sends him collapsing to the canvas. Before Zellhuber can pounce, Ribovics explodes back to his feet. Zellhuber punches and a thumb jabs into his foe’s eye, and Herzog has to call time and give Zellhuber a stern warning. When they restart, Zellhuber is warned again, and he uses long, straight punches to keep Ribovics back and far away. Ribovics positively explodes, out of rage or frustration or something else, and he smashes Zellhuber in the face with a ferocious right hand. Ribovics races at his damaged fighter and batters him with a prolonged exchange of punches to the head and body. Zellhuber sways and moves, keeping his guard up and dodging a number of the strikes. Zellhuber somehow stays in the fight as Ribovics is pounding on him, and Herzog asks him to do more so he answers with an occasional counter and more movement. Zellhuber keeps moving, stumbling over and getting to his feet, and he leans against the fence. Rather than get tagged freely, Zellhuber starts responding. Short counters turn into heavier ones, and suddenly Zellhuber is recovered as he busts Ribovics up. Even when Ribovics lands, something has taken the Mexican fighter over from the inside, as he stings Ribovics with a flurry of his own strikes. Ribovics hurts Zellhuber again, forcing Zellhuber to shoot for a takedown. Ribovics stuffs it and lets Zellhuber have it with power punches. Zellhuber tries to strike back, but Ribovics is in his element, walking through or dodging the blows by a matter of millimeters and firing back with massive power. Without having to point at the ground to signal something, the two lightweights give it everything they have left with an absolutely sensational brawl as time ticks away. They both eat clean strikes, land back, and continue without budging an inch. Incredible. Absolutely incredible. The two gladiators fight right to the bitter end, and they remarkably made it to the final bell. In the span of 15 torrid minutes, these two 155ers put in instant contenders for “Round of the Year” with this round and “Fight of the Year” for the overall tussle. Good luck trying to match that tonight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (29-28 Zellhuber)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (30-27 Ribovics)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Ribovics (30-26 Ribovics)

The Official Result

Esteban Ribovics def. Daniel Zellhuber via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Diego Lopes (146) vs. Brian Ortega (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lopes (-175), Ortega (+145)

Round 1

A backdrop of the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the fighting area for this next bout, one that signals the victory of Mexico in winning its independence. A relatively short-notice matchup between these upcoming fighters turned into a spectacle at UFC 303, when Ortega (16-3, 1 NC; 8-3, 1 NC UFC) realized that he would not be anywhere close to reaching the featherweight limit. When the weight cut down to 155 pounds still sickened him to the point of withdrawing from the bout, Lopes (25-6, 4-1 UFC) made modern UFC history when Dan Ige stepped in just a few hours before the match. Rescheduled for this September showcase and neither man having issue making weight, the two elite featherweights will settle things. Referee Marc Goddard draws the assignment for this intense 145-pound contest, and he checks the fighters in. They clap hands, and proceed cautiously. Ortega leads off with his boxing, sticking out a few short strings of punches. Lopes responds with a low kick, and a remarkably powerful barrage of blows that knock Ortega off his feet. Ortega recovers to try to escape, and Lopes follows him, lifts him up and hurls him to the mat like a side of beef. Lopes decides to get into the guard so he can hammer Ortega with ground-and-pound, and he shrugs off a triangle choke to bust up Ortega’s eye. Lopes lowers himself down again to attack, once more pushing past a triangle, and the cut on Ortega’s left eye is even worse. Ortega turns over to give up his back, and the Brazilian leaps on top of him and lays into him with right hands. Ortega works his way off the fence and smacks Lopes with an upkick, so Lopes responds by grabbing hold of the ankle and lowering himself down to attack. Ortega’s snake-like offensive guard threatens every step of the way, and Lopes appears to want to make a point by either submitting Ortega or playing fearlessly in his guard. Lopes cannot find a way in, so he backs off and beckons Ortega back to his feet. Ortega thanks him for this by landing a pair of punches, and Lopes returns fire to that damaged eye. Ortega plants two kicks in the inside of his foe’s leg, and he connects with an uppercut and a left hand. Lopes jabs his way in, and Ortega’s is far more concussive as he knocks Lopes back. Lopes scoops a left hook around the guard and square into Ortega’s jaw, and Ortega responds with a blitz that is met with an elbow. Lopes sticks out his jab and follows it with a low kick, and he checks a kick coming back his way. Ortega catches a kick and winds up a right hand, but Lopes beats him to the punch when wrenching it back and clips Ortega with a three-fist bouquet. Lopes loops a left over the guard, and he connects with three punches before Ortega can give one back. “T-City” plants a kick to the ribs, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lopes

Round 2

The two men high-five before engaging again. Ortega leads off behind his jab, and Lopes sways as his mullet follows behind him. Ortega boxes his way in, and has his chin checked by powerful punches from the Brazilian. Lopes walks through a jab to load up on a right hand, and he tags a speeding Ortega with a right hand as Ortega comes by him. Ortega lets his right hand fly as well, and Lopes ducks and works the body. Lopes gets off a few leg kicks, and Ortega shoots in for a single and is uppercutted several times to stop his approach. Lopes keeps working on the front leg during the lulls, and Ortega loads up on a pair on his own side. Lopes wings a right hand that is easily parried, and he hops forward with a left hook that just misses the mark as well. The looping Lopes right hand knocks Ortega back, and he shakes it off and eats a subsequent head kick like a chile relleno. Lopes darts in with two punches, Ortega pays him back, and they trade power shots. Lopes blasts the former title challenger with a leg kick that knocks Ortega off his feet, and a huge welt has developed on and around his shin. Lopes lets him stand back up, and he kicks the same spot once before Ortega races at him. The two trade jabs, and Ortega follows one with a straight right hand. Lopes’ counter combo bounces off the guard, and he slaps a low kick as Ortega fails on checking it. Lopes plants a right hand on the jaw at the end of three punches, and Ortega counters with a right up top and a few jabs. Ortega partially checks a chopping kick, and his jab reddens the nose of the Brazilian. The round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lopes

Round 3

The fighters clap hands one final time as the last round begins, and Ortega is not sure-footed as he slips on his front leg. Lopes scoops a left hand around the guard and nails Ortega’s swollen shin with another kick. Ortega jabs the body, and Lopes sits down on a left hook that clubs “T-City” on the side of the noggin. The featherweights trade jabs, and Ortega attacks his own leg kick. Lopes does the same with another kick, and he catches Ortega in the midst of a combination. Ortega stands in the pocket and trades leather, and Lopes clips him again but Ortega is right there to deliver punishment in response. Lopes absorbs several straight punches, and he loads up on responses. Lopes snaps the head back with bitter strikes, and Ortega remains right in front of him putting his hands in his face. Lopes chops the front leg and goes after a push kick, and Ortega catches the second but sets it down. Ortega sneakily works his way into a takedown attempt, and the Brazilian stops it in its tracks and pushes Ortega away. Lopes nails the front leg with his umpteenth kick, and Ortega pops Lopes in the chops with a big right hand. Lopes hurts Ortega with a right hand and a left, and Ortega wipes his eye as if he got poked, but it appeared to be a punch and not an outstretched digit. Lopes races at him throwing hands, but he ties him up and holds on instead of taking him down or otherwise attacking. They separate, and Lopes apologizes in case he was a poke after all. Ortega acknowledges it, and the two start slugging. Ortega fights behind his jab, and Lopes wobbles him twice with massive left hooks. Ortega’s chin is made of sterner stuff as he rarely backs off, but eventually Lopes’ left hook finds its home in the perfect way. Lopes sends “T-City” flying, and he runs after him and takes his back to try to submit the grappler. He bails from that submission setup to stand and bang for the remaining seconds, and he batters Ortega with a final flurry of fists.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lopes (30-27 Lopes)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lopes (30-27 Lopes)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lopes (30-27 Lopes)

The Official Result

Diego Lopes def. Brian Ortega via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

UFC Women’s Flyweight Title Fight:
Alexa Grasso (124) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Grasso (-135), Shevchenko (+114)

Round 1

Moving on to Level 5, the Sphere erects the interior of a massive modern Mexican building that appears to be floating in space. It looks awesome, in the actual definition of the overused term, as in awe-inspiring. The last fighter officially representing Mexico takes the center of the Octagon as she looks to defend her 125-pound throne. The flyweight title reign of Grasso (16-3-1, 8-3-1 UFC) has exclusively seen the name of Shevchenko (23-4-1, 12-3-1 UFC) on the other side of the marquee, so the former hopes that she will finally be done with the former kickboxer once and for all with another win. The latter, however, is dead set on forcing this to a tetralogy, or quadrilogy, between the two. Taking a deep breath is referee Mark Smith, who knows there is no bad blood between the two but that the stakes are sky-high over the next 25 minutes. There is a sporting glove touch between the women, and Shevchenko takes the center of the cage and calmly walks forward. Grasso races out on her side, reaching out with several punches, and she is met with a big left hand. Grasso gets countered on the way in again, and she takes some times to reset. Shevchenko tags her with a powerful counter right hook, and she has found the target repeatedly. Grassi throws bad recklessly, allowing Shevchenko to scoop her up and deposit her gingerly to the mat. Grasso falls flat on her back and closes her guard, and Shevchenko methodically works from above to stave off any immediate referee intervention. Grasso tries to buck and twist, even getting a butterfly hook in for a sweep, but Shevchenko pushes past it. Grasso throws up a triangle choke and transitions into an armbar, and Shevchenko sits comfortably and keeps herself low and composed while punching Grasso in the face a few times. Shevchenko has controlled the champion without unleashing a substantial amount of offense, instead finding small openings and not letting Grasso’s occasionally offensive guard respond. Grasso sits up and grips a guillotine choke, and Shevchenko does not bat an eye as she wrenches her neck out of the danger. Shevchenko raps down an elbow, and some swelling has developed on Grasso’s forehead. Grasso attempts to jumps back to her feet with seconds to go, and Shevchenko follows, tackles her over and takes her back. Before Shevchenko can get hold of a choke when she secures the back, the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2

Grasso tries to start the round off with a one-two, but Shevchenko is well out of the way and swats back with a body kick. Grasso reaches out with a right hand and is still out of range. Shevchenko darts away from a lunging combination of punches, and she dings Grasso with a powerful right hand. When Grasso attempts to respond, Shevchenko snatches up a double and plants the champion on her backside. Grasso lands and has already set up an omoplata shoulder lock, but Shevchenko is not remotely concerned as she smacks Grasso in the face until the submission falters. Shevchenko uses her palm to cover Grasso’s mouth, and Grasso makes a funny face at a drone camera hovering directly above them. Shevchenko climbs into half guard, where she maintains heavy shoulder pressure and stops Grasso from getting anywhere. Shevchenko gets kicked off courtesy of Grasso’s butterfly guard, and Grasso is quick to attack an armbar while lacing her legs around Shevchenko’s shoulders. Shevchenko leans back, and she whips Grasso down hard on her back while breaking the armbar grip to pass to side control. Grasso turns to escape, and Shevchenko takes her back for a second. Grasso races to get back up, and she resets with a bit under 90 seconds in the round. Shevchenko shoots, and when Grasso defends, Shevchenko still bowls her over. Grasso uses her butterfly guard to almost reverse the position, but Shevchenko’s balance and poise allow her to get on top. Grasso bucks with upkicks off the chest, and she is warned for illegal upkicks in the process. Shevchenko relocates to the side, and Grasso wraps her legs around the head to pursue an inverted triangle choke. Grasso also attempts a kimura with her wrists, and Shevchenko shrugs them off and pounds on Grasso chin a few times. Shevchenko jumps over the guard to land a few more strikes, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 3

Grasso wants to lead off with her boxing, and Shevchenko stands firm in front of her parrying or shifting just a small amount to avoid the attacks. Shevchenko swipes a right hand around when Grasso kicks the ribs, and they jab at the same time. Grasso scores a solid low kick on either side, and when Shevchenko pushes out a front kick, Grasso snaps her back with another jab. Shevchenko clips Grasso coming in twice, with her right hand doing damage when Grasso’s left hand drops just a whisker. Shevchenko follows one with a head kick, and Grasso barely blocks it in the nick of time. Shevchenko jumps forward with a Superwoman punch and a head kick, and Grasso’s defense holds up. Shevchenko puts two fists on Grasso’s face, and then drives a knee to the dome. Shooting a takedown, Shevchenko abandons it when hitting a wall so that she can kick Grasso in the body on the way out. Grasso attacks, and she eats a right hand on the way out. Grasso sees a takedown coming, and still cannot defend it, as Shevchenko puts her on her backside and moves directly half guard. When Grasso bucks to get away, Shevchenko gladly times this so she can move to mount. The Mexican keeps shifting, and she uses her legs to drag Shevchenko back to her guard that has butterfly hooks on the hips. Shevchenko does not mind, as she lines up an elbow and pushes past the guard to put Grasso on her back. Shevchenko drops down short right hands until Grasso turns the corner and gives her back up. Shevchenko gets the body triangle laced, and the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 4

The ladies reach the championship rounds, and Grasso comes out of her corner aggressively fighting behind her jab. Shevchenko responds in kind, skipping away when Grasso gets close with any power and preparing to counter with her right hand. Grasso pushes towards her, and Shevchenko dives after a single-leg takedown and right into a guillotine choke. Grasso clings tight to the submission, but Shevchenko is not fighting the hands and is instead punching Grasso in the ribs. Shevchenko keeps softening up the side until Grasso rolls her over into full mount. Shevchenko waves Smith off and uses light, feeble punches to show she is still in the fight. Grasso shouts that Shevchenko is out, and Shevchenko answers with her little punches until she wriggles her head out. Grasso wraps a body triangle around the waist from her back, and she slithers up her guard until she bucks to the side. Shevchenko allows her to do this so she can step into half guard, using her full body weight to flatten Grasso out. Grasso rolls to her back, and Shevchenko flows with her to secure an arm-triangle choke. Shevchenko thinks about floating to full mount, but opts to shift herself to half guard to she can keep controlling the champion. Shevchenko uses her shoulder to press down hard until she gets to the side, and she squeezes down on Grasso’s neck or face. Grasso kicks her legs in hopes of doing something, and decides to walk her feet off the cage wall only to not flip herself over. With 10 seconds to spare, Shevchenko finds herself in crucifix position, and she rains down punches until the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 5

Moving right to the center of the cage for the final round, Grasso thinks twice about that and backs off instead. This allows Shevchenko to slow her slightly with low kicks, and Grasso loads up on power punches that miss the mark. Grasso lands a single leg kick, and Shevchenko uses her jab to decent effect. Grasso comes up short with a jumping front kick, and Shevchenko plants a one-two on the dome when she lands. Shevchenko scoots away to not let Grasso bear down on her, and she shoots for a double that is rebuffed. Grasso eats a few punches to close in on the former champ, tying her up hurling her to her knees. Grasso lands in full mount, and Shevchenko rolls all the way through to stand back up. “Bullet” successfully hits a trip takedown to put Grasso down, and she tries to take the back but falls off the side when Grasso stands. They separate, and Shevchenko strings a few punches into a takedown shot. Grasso rolls through it to nearly flip her over, but this results in both women standing in clinched against the fence. Shevchenko hangs on tight, ignoring short knees up the middle so she can counter a Grasso trip. Grasso falls to her seat, and a Hail Mary submission attempt is nowhere to be found when she lands. Grasso posts off both arms in hopes of standing up, and she succeeds in bursting back to her feet. Shevchenko outmuscles the champ to keep her in the clinch, and Grasso frantically manages to escape. With 45 seconds in the fight, Grasso jabs her way into a combination. Shevchenko shoots, hits a Mexican wall and plows through it to toss Grasso to her back. “Bullet” lands in side control, and she takes the back with seconds left. The two punch one another repeatedly until the grueling fight comes to an end, and Mexico has not overall fared well on Mexican Independence Day, going 2-6 in the course of the evening. Barring a miscarriage of justice, the trilogy will end with the ladies locked even at 1-1-1. While a fourth fight may come, other challengers like Manon Fiorot and Maycee Barber are waiting patiently for a crack at the throne.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Valentina Shevchenko def. Alexa Grasso via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

UFC Bantamweight Title Fight:
Sean O’Malley (135) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (134)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: O’Malley (-135), Dvalishvili (+114)

Round 1

It is all about the future of Mexico in the sixth and final Level of this impressive video display. In the future, according to the final video package, humans have harnessed the power of flight. Atop a city of lights set many years ahead, the main event will commence. Karate Combat, eat your heart out. Striker faces grappler in the quintessential stylistic clash the UFC has enjoyed for time immemorial. The headliner of UFC 306 does not feature a Mexican—to be clear, O’Malley (18-1, 1 NC; 10-1, 1 NC UFC) partially represents the nation courtesy of his wife and daughter, not because of his own heritage—but it does feature almost certain fireworks. The sniper of O’Malley will try to pinpoint grappling wizard Dvalishvili (17-4, 10-2 UFC) and, to quote the great Laura Sanko, advertise the price of admission early and often. The odds are remarkably close, fans are split and the mood is right inside of the gargantuan Sphere. Barely able to hear himself think, referee Herb Dean manages to bring the fighters together in the center of the cage to make things official with their glove touch. It’s on with the show. O’Malley is excited and rushes at his opponent immediately, and Dvalishvili starts screaming at O’Malley coach, Tim Welch, about yelling at them during the fight. Dean pauses the awkward moment and tells Dvalishvili that he will handle things, and they get back to it. O’Malley pushes off a pair of body kicks, and he whizzes a wheel kick by the Georgian. Dvalishvili connects with an overhand right, and Dean warns Welch for coaching or anti-coaching Dvalishvili. O’Malley splits the guard with a jab, and Dvalishvili meets him with a body kick. Dvalishvili runs at his opponent and boots him in the side of the head with a kick, and he just whiffs with an overhand right. Dvalishvili scores an inside low kick, and O’Malley jabs and connects with a right. The multicolor-haired fighter does the same strike tactic twice, with the third time going to the body. Dvalishvili has his nose reddened with a few strikes, and he shoots in fiercely for a takedown. O’Malley stands back up, and Dvalishvili wrenches him back down to a knee while landing power right hands. Dvalishvili lays into O’Malley’s thigh with several knees, and he smacks O’Malley a few times before O’Malley spins out. When separated, O’Malley drops his hands to show he is not concerned about the challenger’s striking, and Dvalishvili makes him pay for this with a series of punches and a successful takedown. Dvalishvili lets O’Malley stand back up so that he can jump guard after a guillotine choke, and he nearly takes mount before O’Malley rolls through it to his seat. Dvalishvili grins at the camera when it comes nearby, and he dings the champ on the nose with a left hook when O’Malley stands. Dvalishvili points at him when he backs away, and he dodges a spin kick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili

Round 2

Dean goes over to O’Malley’s corner to warn him of the foul of excessive coaching, a foul that could in theory result in Welch getting thrown out of cornering. The second round begins, and Dvalishvili is winging his arms around until he settles down and kicks the champ in the ribs. Dvalishvili keeps moving, just missing on a high kick and dancing out of the way of a jab. O’Malley jabs the midsection and zips away, and he rips a right hand to the same target and then fires a right over the top. Dvalishvili hops in and out of range, keeping O’Malley stuck in first gear throwing single strikes. When O’Malley commits to a big right hand, Dvalishvili hits a picture-perfect double to plant the champ on his back. Dvalishvili smiles and looks to his corner, who praise him for his efforts. Dvalishvili makes O’Malley’s life miserable, covering his mouth with his hand while rapping punches to either side of his head. O’Malley maintains a butterfly hook and even pushes Dvalishvili up to kick him with an upkick, but Dvalishvili lowers himself down and practically ignores O’Malley setting up an omoplata. O’Malley sets up a triangle choke, and when Dvalishvili tries to escape, O’Malley grabs inside of Dvalishvili’s glove so egregiously that Dean pauses the fight to warn O’Malley for the foul. Dean restarts them in the position where they left off as Dvalishvili had just escaped, and the Georgian rains down punches in bunches. When O’Malley twists and fights to his knee, Dvalishvili is on him like an angry wet blanket. Dvalishvili pins O’Malley’s arm down and slugs him in the face with his free hand, and O’Malley is stuck on a knee absorbing high-amplitude knees to the thigh or getting punched in the face. Dvalishvili pounds on the thigh with mean-spirited knees and punches until O’Malley leans over, and he latches onto a guillotine choke. Dvalishvili laughs and kisses O’Malley on the back of the neck—no, seriously—and Dean tells him to knock it off. Dvalishvili stands, and O’Malley runs at him and hits him in the back of the head. Dean tells Dvalishvili that he asked for that by turning around, and the bizarre round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili

Round 3

Dvalishvili is just as full of energy after 10 minutes of combat as he was walking to the cage, and he displays that by jumping around the cage from side to side. O’Malley cannot pin him down and land anything more than a single strike, with Dvalishvili’s stances switches flustering the champ as much as his other attacks do. O’Malley lands a body kick and jabs the ribs to the same spot, and he makes Dvalishvili back up one single step courtesy of a jab up top. Dvalishvili ducks a jab and shoots in for a single, and he drags O’Malley down enough to knee him square in the face. Dvalishvili wraps O’Malley’s neck up with a brabo choke, using it to control the Montana native more than actually choke him out. Dvalishvili imposes his body weight and knees O’Malley several times, even getting away with a knee when O’Malley postured up and then lowered himself back down. Dean tells him to be careful, and O’Malley explodes back to his feet and rushes away to reset. Dvalishvili feints and fakes his way in with jabs, and he spins away and walks into a clean knee. The Georgian tries to grab the knee and do something with it, but O’Malley snatches it back and zips away. Dvalishvili whiffs on a head kick, and he lands an inside leg kick on the way out. O’Malley reaches the target with a long left hand, and he springs away when Dvalishvili shoots in on his hips. Dvalishvili chips away at the front leg, and O’Malley excited the crowd by connecting on the challenger. Dvalishvili hits him right back with an overhand right, and he fails on two takedown efforts. O’Malley misses the mark with a right hand but stings Dvalishvili with a second, and the crowd is looking for any opening to cheer. Dvalishvili eats a knee and a left hand, and the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley

Round 4

The championship rounds of the main event are here, and both fighters are ready and rearing to go. Dvalishvili jitters his way into striking range, only to be met by two O’Malley jabs to the ribs. The two bounce around, not committing to any strikes, and a lull in the action presents itself, As O’Malley advances, he rushes after the challenger and catches him with a right hand that cuts Dvalishvili on the side of the head. Dvalishvili gathers a full head of steam and charges like a bull, tackling the champ to the floor and landing in half guard. Dean tells Dvalishvili that he needs to work more, so Dvalishvili answers the call by hammering down several elbows on the jaw. Dvalishvili isolates a single arm and pass guard at the same time, and as soon as O’Malley returns his man to guard, Dvalishvili gets back to the half guard. Dvalishvili smacks “Suga Sean” with punches and elbows, and as O’Malley stands up, Dvalishvili is on him with his hands clasped hoping to drag him down. Dvalishvili lands several knees to the posterior until O’Malley lowers himself down to his knees, and Dvalishvili is behind him wearing on him. Dvalishvili steps over on top to put O’Malley flat on his back, as O’Malley had leaned against the fence to protect himself. O’Malley sits up again and finds himself in a head lock, with Dvalishvili clinging to the submission so he can stop O’Malley from going anywhere. Dvalishvili postures up with seconds to spare, unloading with power until O’Malley flings a huge, telegraphed counter. The round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dvalishvili

Round 5

There is a glove touch to start the final round, and O’Malley takes the center of the cage and starts to stalk Dvalishvili down. Dvalishvili skirts all the way around the outside of the cage, not letting O’Malley get anywhere near him. Dean tells the fighters to fight, as the first 45 seconds goes by without more than a low kick landed. Dvalishvili keeps scooting from side to side, evading anything as Dean claps for them to do something. Dvalishvili jabs his way forward, committing to an overhand right that he uses to land a clean double that puts O’Malley down. Although Dvalishvili lands in mount, O’Malley excitedly rushes to crawl to the wall so he can walk up it. Dvalishvili knees him in the thigh several times until he wrenches O’Malley to a knee, and Dean asks Dvalishvili to work twice. O’Malley breaks free, and he steps in with a solid left hand that draws blood on the bridge of his nose. Dvalishvili slips as he slides away, and O’Malley kicks at him high and low. Dvalishvili shoots for a single from a wide berth, and O’Malley shoves him away. Dvalishvili hops back and forth while O’Malley stands firm, and he jabs out with a front kick as Dvalishvili rubs his belly and might actually be hurt. O’Malley spins with a wheel kick after him, and he drills another front kick down the middle that hurts Dvalishvili once more. O’Malley knows it is working, and he fights off a takedown. When O’Malley goes after another front kick, Dvalishvili shoots and comes up short. Dvalishvili eats a pair of front kicks, grimacing and taking a hard look at the clock. O’Malley drives a knee down the middle, and Dvalishvili races away and tries to recover. As O’Malley chases him, Dvalishvili catches a kick and slings his opponent down to the floor. Dvalishvili walks away, knowing his work here is done, and he hears the final horn and jumps to the top of the cage motioning to someone in the crowd. Unless we receive some crazy scores, the nation of Georgia will receive its second UFC champion along with featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria. When the scores are read, new champion Dvalishvili drops to his knees and unleashes an outpouring of emotions. He shakes it off and rushes to his team, embracing each and every one of them and thanking them for what they have done for him. He even gives a shoutout to coach Matt Serra, who was unable to be in attendance. The promotion tees up the Georgian’s next challenger who is sitting in the stands: Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili asks if he can enjoy the moment before preparing for his next test, and O’Malley leaves the cage without offering his own post-fight interview. This was a memorable show, even if it was light on finishes, and it made history in numerous ways. The UFC rightfully takes a week off to let this sink in, and then it returns to put on a show in Paris. When that fight show happens, we will be there for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (49-46 Dvalishvili)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (48-47 Dvalishvili)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley (48-47 Dvalishvili)

The Official Result

Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O’Malley via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)