UFC Fight Night 242 ‘Burns vs. Brady’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Nathan Fletcher (145) vs. Zygimantas Ramaska (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fletcher (-145), Ramaska (+120)

Round 1

Before its multimillion-dollar showcase in the Sphere next week, the UFC trots out an above-average Fight Night event to whet the whistles of fight fans while also partially counterprogramming Bellator. Assuming the bouts all remain intact—far from a guarantee in this era of the sport—a dozen matchups will litter the lineup, with some good stuff to treat those tuning in. The night kicks off with a rescheduled matchup from a card two weeks ago. Featherweight teammates on Team Shevchenko of “The Ultimate Fighter” battle it out as injured semifinalist Ramaska (9-2, 0-0 UFC) tries to make good on his first stint in the UFC, much like Nate Quarry getting to the promotion after sustaining an injury on Season 1. Fletcher (8-1, 0-0 UFC) will be standing in his way, previously falling short to eventual finalist Kaan Ofli, in hopes of making a name for himself as well. The third man in the Octagon for this all-TUF match will be referee Herb Dean. The former training partners touch ‘em up, and Fletcher moves to the center of the cage to push out a front kick. Ramaska eats a left hand and counters, and Fletcher dives at him with a single and clips him with another left. Fletcher scoops his man up and deposits him on the mat, with Ramaska partially conceding the position by jumping for it at the same time. When Ramaska hits the floor, he rips a short elbow off the forehead that shreds the Brit, and he closes his guard. Fletcher moves to half guard, and Ramaska times a sweep to flip him over and put him on his back. Ramaska looks to set up a crucifix by pinning his knee on Fletcher’s left arm, but Fletcher is wise to it and turns him around. Fletcher transitions a single to a double, lifting Ramaska and slamming him to his seat. Fletcher closes in with a brabo choke close, and he lets it go when Ramaska ducks between Fletcher’s legs to get out the back door. Fletcher sees this and turns, only to get caught up in an inverted triangle choke. It is squeezing Fletcher’s face and not choking him, so he toughs it out and turns by pulling off the fencing. The two fight back to their feet, and Fletcher is quick to punch his way into a single that dumps Ramaska back down to the mat. Even without establishing top position, Fletcher lets his hands go, connecting with a few shots and following them with a pair of elbows. Fletcher gets pushed back to his feet, and he lowers himself back down to drop down more ground-and-pound. Fletcher shifts to the side and then into mount, and with 10 seconds to go he lays into the Lithuanian with a flurry of fists. That last barrage is not enough to finish the fight, so the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fletcher
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fletcher
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Fletcher

Round 2

The ex-teammates touch ‘em up to get going in the second round, and this time it is Ramaska who says hello in the form of a front kick. Fletcher gathers a full head of steam and plows forward, tying Ramaska up and searching for a body lock takedown. Ramaska keeps his balance as the two try to wrangle one another, but Fletcher is the more powerful man as he elevates and dumps Ramaska to the canvas. Fletcher climbs into full mount, and he lands a few punches and a mighty elbow before lowering himself chest-to-chest to lock down an arm-triangle choke. Fletcher jams his knee on Ramaska’s belly, shifting to the side while squeezing down with all his might, and Ramaska does not wish to go out on his shield. The Lithuanian surrenders, and Fletcher immediately releases his grip, not wishing to inflict any additional harm on his friend. The victorious Fletcher has now landed seven submissions in his nine career wins, with this the biggest in his career as he can forever say he won a fight in the UFC.

The Official Result

Nathan Fletcher def. Zygimantas Ramaska R2 1:14 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) 

Dylan Budka (188.5: Missed Weight) vs. Andre Petroski (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petroski (-278), Budka (+225)

Round 1

Despite holding a UFC record with six wins opposite two defeats, Pennsylvania-based grappler Petroski (11-3, 6-2 UFC) finds himself deposited haphazardly on the early prelims. Instead of reaching towards opposition in the top 20, he collides with a man in Budka (7-3, 0-1 UFC) who calls himself “The Mindless Hulk” that cannot find the middleweight limit. The favored Petroski will receive 20% of his foe’s purse, and he will be thanking his lucky stars the fight is still on considering the poor condition of Budka on the scales on Friday. The two receive oversight from referee Mark Smith in the cage, and while Budka offers an apologetic glove touch, Petroski wants nothing to do with it. Instead, he proceeds to walk Budka down, parrying a high kick and a few big punches, and he sees Budka active but inaccurate when approaching him. Petroski digs a kick to the ribs, and it is one-and-done as the two feint and fake at one another. Budka circles on the outer edge of the cage, lifting up an intercepting knee and doing so a second time but bumping into Petroski’s cup. Petroski walks him down, swinging his right hand out, but he pulls back when seeing “The Mindless Hulk” mindlessly leaps at him and missing by a wide margin. Petroski punches his way into a body kick, and he scoops Budka up and dumps him to the floor. Petroski lands in half guard, where he grinds his elbow into the jaw and is otherwise focused on control over damage. Petroski lowers himself flat on top, and when he wraps a few punches around the head, he is warned for punching the back of Budka’s melon. Budka bucks but is completely nullified on his back, although he hands on to prevent Petroski from getting off much. Petroski frees his right arm and rattles off five or six punches to the head and side, and Budka wraps him up once more. Petroski keeps smothering as he looks to step over to mount, and he succeeds in moving to the dominant position with 10 seconds to spare. Budka hangs on tight, and the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Petroski

Round 2

Petroski begins the round aggressively as before, ducking a punch to counter with a left. Budka bites down on his mouthpiece and slings leather, and Petroski largely ducks and rolls with the worst of the blows. Budka tosses out a high kick that bounces off the shoulder, and he slides to the side to avoid a two-hook swarm. Petroski slips on his way in, and when he regains his footing, he walks face-first into an uppercut. Petroski shoots for a takedown, bailing on it to knee his man in the sternum, and then softening up the inner thigh with additional knees. Budka breaks free and looks for an uppercut, but Petroski catches him with a clean left hand to stagger him for a moment. Budka lashes out with a head kick that gets Petroski’s attention, leading Petroski to pursue a takedown that he lands successfully. Budka remains defensively minded, protecting his mug from much of Petroski’s attacks. Petroski elbows the body of his opponent as he stays busy to keep Smith from asking for more action, and Budka clings to him like Saran wrap to force a standup. Petroski relocates himself to half guard while Budka scoots his side to the cage wall, and “The Mindless Hulk” tugs his toes on the chain links to try to improve his position. Smith sees the foul and tells Budka to knock it off, and then calls for Petroski to do more from on top. Petroski is warned for gouging Budka’s eyes as he holds his hand on Budka’s mouth and nose. Petroski grabs the fence hard to turn himself to a better posture, and Smith loudly warns him for the clear and obvious foul. Petroski postures up but still hangs on in a controlling position instead of inflicting a great deal of damage. Budka is stuck on his back, but at least he is not getting beaten down. Petroski tries to drop down a pair of elbows, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Petroski

Round 3

Before the last round kicks off, Smith issues a stern warning to Petroski for fence grabs and additional fouls. Petroski nods and the round begins. Budka looses an early head kick, and he finds that even bouncing off the guard it has a noticeable effect, so he chucks another. Petroski walks Budka down, sticking his left hand in Budka’s jaw when Budka advances. Petroski sits down on a low kick, and Budka considers a counter but pulls back on it at the last second. Petroski pushes out a one-two, and he sneaks a jab under the raised guard. Budka whiffs on his own one-two, and Petroski slips and counters with a short right. Petroski turns a single-leg takedown entry into a double-leg takedown, and he lifts the Ohio native off his feet to deposit him gingerly to the mat. Petroski positions himself in half guard, and he hammers Budka with a clean right hand. Petroski drops down a few more, and he thwarts Budka’s desperate escape attempt with heavy shoulder pressure and an elbow on Budka’s nose. Budka pushes off the wall to get to a better position and potentially wall-walk, but this only allows Petroski to step over to full mount. Petroski has firmly embraced the grind, with so little activity offensively that Smith is calling for more action while Petroski has Budka mounted. Budka pushes off the fence, but he does not escape before the grinder of a matchup concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petroski (30-27 Petroski)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski (30-27 Petroski)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Petroski (30-27 Petroski)

The Official Result

Andre Petroski def. Dylan Budka via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jaqueline Amorim (115.5) vs. Vanessa Demopoulos (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Amorim (-310), Demopoulos (+250)

Round 1

Strawweight grapplers come to blows in a battle between ladies that like to bully their opponents. Amorim (8-1, 2-1 UFC) has yet to go the distance when notching a win, while Demopoulos (11-5, 5-2 UFC) could comfortably describe the sound of the final bell. The pairing that could see some exciting exchanges on the mat will be officiated by referee Jacob Montalvo, and it kicks off as Amorim claims the middle of the cage and no interest in a glove touch. The Brazilian lets loose with a high kick, and Demopoulos pushes her back with a front kick but has that leg caught. Amorim uses the caught kick to take Demopoulos off-balance, and she throws “Lil Monster” to her back. Demopoulos tries for inverted triangle chokes while Amorim is on top in side control and briefly north-south position. Amorim shifts back to the side, and she pushes to three-quarter mount. Amorim gets dragged back to half guard, and she allows Demopoulos to explode so she can take her back and get a hook in. Demopoulos crouches down low in hopes of standing up, while Amorim is draped over her shoulders before tugging her to the floor. Amorim looks to set up an armbar but elects to get the body triangle. Demopoulos times a moment to escape, and she shouts loudly that the Brazilian has repeatedly grabbed inside of her gloves. As Demopoulos rolls to her knees, Amorim follows her through to lock down the armbar. Demopoulos keeps shouting to protest the fouls, and in doing so, she does not properly defend the submission. Amorim rolls to her back to complete the submission, and Demopoulos has no choice but to tap out. The second Montalvo intervenes, Demopoulos screams at him that the Brazilian was not grabbing her wrist but inside of her gloves to gain advantageous position. She implores Montalvo to check the replay, and he appears to go to the replay officials to check into it. For now, the official decision stands, with Amorim notching one more armbar and keeping her finish rate at 100%.

The Official Result

Jaqueline Amorim def. Vanessa Demopoulos R1 3:28 via Submission (Armbar)

Gabriel Santos (146) vs. Zha Yi (144.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Santos (-278), Yi (+225)

Round 1

Fresh off a few hikes on the Road to the UFC, China-based combatant Yi (25-4, 0-1 UFC) will try to make a second impression as an official UFC fighter—his first try in 2023 did not go his way. He draws valiant Brazilian Santos (10-2, 0-2 UFC), who has received two rough assignments in Lerone Murphy and David Onama thus far, and would very much like a step down in competition. Whether Yi is the foe that Santos can surpass or not, they will have 15 minutes to figure it out. Referee Kerry Hatley is the third man in the Octagon, and the featherweights touch ‘em up to commence. Santos pump-fakes his rear-leg kick several times, ultimately going up high with a left hand before kicking low. Yi responds with his own counters ending with a low kick, and the two trade leg kicks. Santos jams a kick to the ribs, and Yi pushes forward through it to bowl the Brazilian over. Santos scrambles to his feet, and he ducks a haymaker of a left hand that would have knocked down a bull moose. Santos remains targeting the lead leg of his opponent while keeping his guard up, chipping away and measuring his right hook. Santos drops down to his seat to sweep the leg in a Mortal Kombat-esque kick, but Yi remains on his feet loaded for bear. Both men sit down on heavy left hands, and Santos checks a kick and hurts Yi. When Yi is uncomfortable on his feet, Santos cracks him with a one-two that makes the Chinese combatant ricochet off the fencing. Santos connects with a hard inside leg kick that briefly draws a limp, and he sends Yi flying with a jumping switch kick right on the solar plexus. Yi climbs back to his feet, walking into a one-two but paying it no mind. Santos scoops a right over the guard, eats one back and fires back harder. The two load up on power punches, landing at the same time. Santos drives a Lyoto Machida-inspired front kick on the chin, sending Yi collapsing to the mat. Incredibly, Yi manages to survive the onslaught of subsequent punches and works back to his feet, and he makes Santos pay with a few hard low kicks. Santos checks them and starts motioning at him, and he points at Yi’s leg and knees Yi in the chest. As Santos bears down on his opponent, he connects with a left that bloodies Yi’s nose. Yi makes it to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Santos

Round 2

The fighters touch gloves to get going, and Santos says hello with a spinning wheel kick that buzzes past his opponent. Santos jams a front kick to the ribs, pushing Yi back, and Yi responds by shooting for a takedown. Santos easily stuffs it, and they proceed to tag one another with power strikes. Santos goes high with another front kick to the chin, and Yi tanks it like a champ and does not budge this time. Yi leaps forward with a kick, and Santos counters with a left hand and looks for the big front kick once more. Yi presses forward to engage, and Santos greets him with a knee and turns Yi around to push him to the wall. Santos blasts Yi in the face with a loud elbow, and Yi raises his arms as if to ask him if that is the best he has. Santos takes his opponent off his feet with a sudden level change, and he lands in the guard looking for attacks. Yi tries to use his offensive guard to catch the Brazilian in something, but Santos stacks him up and beats on him with ground strikes. Santos slashes down with an elbow inspired by a horror movie, as it splits Yi’s forehead wide open. Blood sprays from the veritable axe wound, but Yi is not about to fade as he scrambles to not only work back to his feet but fight off a back take. Santos presses tightly on his opponent against the fencing, and they break apart. Hatley calls time to get the doctor to check on the cut above Yi’s left eye, and he is cleared to compete. Yi pushes his way in on the restart, and Santos spins with a picture-perfect back fist that bangs into Yi’s chin. Yi retaliates with a spinning back kick, and he plants his feet and eats a powerful left hand. Santos goes after a jumping front kick, and the kick pounds into Yi’s cup. Yi waves Hatley off and shoots for a takedown, but Santos rebuffs him. Yi walks the Brazilian down, fists flying, and he opens a cut on Santos’ cheek. Yi spins for two back elbows, and the horn sounds. Yi slaps his hand on Santos’ chest, and Santos takes offense as the round is over. Hatley has to get between them, and cooler heads appear to prevail.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Santos

Round 3

The two touch gloves to begin the last round, cooled down from the past few seconds, but they are not about to slow down. They briefly brawl, and Yi gets cracked and shouts for more. Santos tries to load up on a right hand, and Yi responds with a double. Santos sprawls, and he has to defend a second surprise shot. Yi is pushed back, allowing the Brazilian to counter his takedowns with one of his own. Santos climbs into the guard, and Yi lifts his legs up high for a potential submission but there is nothing there. Santos lashes out with a few more cut-inducing elbows from above, eventually forcing Yi to turn around and give his back up. Santos immediately fastens the body triangle around the waist, and he starts searching for rear-naked chokes. Yi turns to his belly, and he gets flattened out and tagged a few times before realizing he should not remain in this position. Santos pounds on the side of his opponent, and Yi lands a few responsive punches from behind his own head. “Mosquitinho” issues several stabbing strikes like a mosquito’s jab to the side of the head, making Yi bleed more. Yi scrambles but is stuck locked up with legs wrapped around his waist. Santos follows Yi anywhere he tries to twist and turn, and he lands a few additional shots. Yi stands up with all of his might, and he jumps in the air and slams himself and Santos down hard when Santos gets the choke. The fight ends, and the two bloodied featherweights hug it out after a hard-fought battle worthy of post-fight bonus checks.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Santos (30-27 Santos)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Santos (30-27 Santos)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Santos (30-27 Santos)

The Official Result

Gabriel Santos def. Zha Yi via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Felipe dos Santos (124.5) vs. Andre Lima (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lima (-180), dos Santos (+150)

Round 1

Two promising young flyweights will try to take that next step to put their name in the large hat of contenders in the talent-rich division. Out of the vaunted Chute Boxe Diego Lima camp, dos Santos (8-1, 1 NC; 1-1 UFC) has his hair dyed in the customary blonde for the team and is ready for blood. Fellow countryman Lima (9-0, 2-0 UFC), who sports a neat hat walking to the cage, will be standing in his way putting his unbeaten record on the line. Referee Chris Tognoni will do his best to keep up with the two speedsters, and he clocks them in as they clap hands. Lima takes center stage and switches stances, and he hops back from a front kick aimed at his chest. Dos Santos aims kick to the side, and he lets fly three more kicks to varied targets before jumping in with a jab. Lima scores with a low kick but immediately has to deal with a counter body kick, and he dings his countryman with a left hand. Lima thumps a kick down low, and he scores an overhand right. As he backs off, he signals that he was poked in the eye. Tognoni sees it and calls time, telling Lima to take his time to recover and not hurry things. Tognoni tells dos Santos to be careful, and after 40 seconds, Lima is good to go. They resume where they left off, with Lima slowly advancing while working the front leg with a kick. Dos Santos darts in, misses, whiffs with a wheel kick and counters a right hand with his own right hook. Lima misses with a low kick, and he sees a front kick brush off his chest. Lima stalks his foe down and wings an elbow, and dos Santos ducks and ties him up while looking for a single. Lima leans back from a head kick, and he lines up a left hand while simultaneously dodging a spinning elbow. Lima’s flexibility is solid as he bends his back to dodge strikes, and he stomps out with a kick to the knee. Lima skirts away from the offense flying his way, seeing it coming while working his own weapons. A leg kick from Lima forces dos Santos to lift his limb up several times preemptively, and dos Santos spins with a back kick that bounces off the guard. As they scramble, dos Santos grabs hold of Lima from behind and trips him to the ground. Lima grabs the fence when standing up, and dos Santos is unable to mat return him due to the foul. Dos Santos leans and knees his opponent in the thigh, and he lifts Lima up a few times to chuck him to the floor. Lima slides out the back door after the second slam, where he twists around to claim top position and assume half guard. Dos Santos works to his feet, and Tognoni warns Lima to stop grabbing the cage. Dos Santos blasts Lima with a spinning elbow, and they both fall to the floor as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lima
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lima
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 dos Santos

Round 2

The Brazilians are primed and ready to brawl, with dos Santos letting kicks go when not throwing hands, while Lima walks him down with punches in bunches. Dos Santos gets off a front kick and chains it into a flying knee, catching Lima cleanly and forcing Lima to tie him up. The two jockey for position against the fence, and dos Santos breaks free thanks to his knees. They both paw out right hands, and dos Santos goes over the top with a high kick. Dos Santos shoots for a takedown, and Lima overwhelms him and throws him down to the mat. Lima passes easily to full mount, and dos Santos is frantic to defend himself from anything that comes at him. Lima elects to remain tightly pressed down on his opponent and considers an arm-triangle choke. Dos Santos defends the first effort, and when Lima turns to get a better bite at the apple, dos Santos protects against that attempt as well. Lima drops down a few right hands on the ear, and he presses his hand on dos Santos’ face and draws a warning from Tognoni. Dos Santos scoots his way to the side of the cage, but Lima remains in mount, smothering him in the position. Dos Santos keeps bucking and pushes off the wall with his foot, and Lima keeps stuck to his opponent so nullifyingly that Tognoni asks for more activity. The horn sounds with Lima not doing any appreciable damage from this position after over three minutes of control.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lima
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lima
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lima

Round 3

Lima offers a glove touch that is accepted, and dos Santos backpedals quickly to find an angle of attack. Lima proceeds to walk him down, blocking quick strikes and using his legs to check kicks. As they engage, Lima complains about something, and Tognoni confusedly pauses the fight. Lima tries to use Tognoni’s sleeve to wipe something on it, and Tognoni has the interpreter find out what the nature of the stoppage was. It turns out Lima needed to blow his nose, and Tognoni tells him he cannot do that and restarts the fight. It takes a few seconds for dos Santos to level change in pursuit of a takedown, and like before, Lima ends as the one on top. Dos Santos turns to give up his back when Lima moves to mount, and Lima gladly accepts this position and wraps his legs around the waist with a body lock. Dos Santos is warned for grabbing the glove, and once more it is proved that Dundasso is the greatest base for MMA, above wrestling or any other martial art. Lima shrugs off the foul and latches onto a rear-naked choke, and his forearm slides beneath the chin. While the submission would normally elicit the tap from 95% of the roster, dos Santos fights the grip and frees his neck from danger. Lima adjusts his grip and sneaks it under the chin once more, and dos Santos’ face turns a brilliant shade of red but he does not give up. “Lipe Detona” manages to survive a nearly completed RNC a second time, and he hand-fights to prevent another choke from getting set up. Dos Santos is otherwise shut down, forced to occasionally punch behind his own head, and he irritates Lima enough with these strikes to make Lima lay flat on his back. Lima raises his arms to celebrate that he is about to win, and dos Santos’ remaining swings go wide. The fight comes to a conclusion.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lima (30-27 Lima)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lima (30-27 Lima)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lima (29-28 Lima)

The Official Result

Andre Lima def. Felipe dos Santos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Isaac Dulgarian (145.5) vs. Brendon Marotte (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dulgarian (-1800), Marotte (+1000)

Round 1

Featherweight slugger Dulgarian (6-1, 1-1 UFC) is about to make UFC history. When the cage door closes behind him and referee Mark Smith says “Fight!” he will become the largest betting favorite in the history of the organization. “The MidWest Choppa” will smash the record of -2000 held by Alexander Romanov against Chase Sherman, as books see him around -3000 when he takes on New Hampshire’s Marotte (8-2, 0-1 UFC). This sport is as unpredictable as it is magnificent, so there is no such thing as a “lock” when it comes to one-on-one unarmed combat. Ready to defy the odds, Marotte offers a glove touch that is gladly accepted. Dulgarian immediately punches after the glove touch, and he uses the momentum to tackle the New Englander to his back. Dulgarian scrambles his way into full mount in less than 20 seconds, and he starts raining down right hands in a hurry. Marotte turns to his side and gives up his back, and Dulgarian takes him from behind and pounds on him. Smith warns Dulgarian from striking the back of the head, and “The MidWest Choppa” adjusts his trajectory and keeps beating on the hapless Marotte. Marotte clutches the back of his head to signal he is eating shots on the mohawk line, and Dulgarian does not slow down with his methodical barrage of right hands. Dulgarian sneaks three undercuts beneath the armpit as Marotte turns over. Marotte turns to put his back on the floor, and Dulgarian locks down an arm-triangle choke. Marotte turns his hips back and forth to survive the choke, so Dulgarian abandons it and repositions himself to mount to keep bludgeoning “The Kid.” Dulgarian attacks with elbows from above, and Marotte smacks him with two surprising no-look elbows. Dulgarian jams down elbows while Marotte twists and turns to keep defending himself with his arm pinned to his head. The Factory X fighter opens a cut on Marotte’s eye from his bombardment of fists, and Smith asks Marotte to keep moving. Marotte hangs tight, and Dulgarian sits up and slashes down with a few elbows. Marotte fights back to get his guard back, and he has miraculously made it out of the first round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Dulgarian
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Dulgarian
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-8 Dulgarian

Round 2

To begin the second round, Marotte sprints out of his corner in search of a jump knee or some other leaping strike. Before it can land, Dulgarian catches him and lifts him off the ground to emphatically slam him down. Dulgarian is warned for his finger going into Marotte’s eyes, and Dulgarian is stuck in the guard but glad to get off punches and elbows. Marotte lands a strike off his back to cut Dulgarian, and Dulgarian’s pace has slowed as he leaks down on his grounded opponent. Marotte tries to sweep his foe, and he nails Dulgarian in the back of the head with a few elbows and is quick to apologize for it. Dulgarian isolates an arm-triangle choke when he advances to half guard, and he lets it go when assuming mount. Marotte turns over to his belly, and Dulgarian gets his hooks in and smothers his man. Dulgarian steps partially to the side to pursue another arm-triangle, and he uses half guard to press down with his shoulder and complete the submission. As “The MidWest Choppa” squeezes down, he finds the right place on the throat and force Marotte to quickly tap. Dulgarian hops away and jumps in the air to click his heels together in celebration, having successfully recorded the biggest betting lock in UFC history. It also marks his first finish beyond the opening frame.

The Official Result

Isaac Dulgarian def. Brendon Marotte R2 4:19 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Chris Padilla (154) vs. Zhu Rong (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rong (-285), Padilla (+230)

Round 1

Wrapping up the prelims is a lightweight encounter pitting the returning Rong (25-5, 1-2 UFC), fresh off a successful campaign on the second season of Road to UFC, against a Californian named “Taco” Padilla (14-6, 1-0 UFC). Appropriately, Padilla competed at the infamous Xplode Fight Series event titled “Taco,” which might be the origin of his nickname. Riding a four-fight win streak, Padilla wishes to spoil the party of Rong’s comeback. Referee Kerry Hatley will know first who gets it done, and he steps back as the fighters touch gloves. Rong opens up with an early combination of punches and a low kick, and the two then clash legs with simultaneous kicks. Rong targets the lead leg with a few more kicks, with one particularly heavy one spinning Padilla all the way around. Padilla resets and absorbs another chopping kick, and when he gives one back, it is checked. Rong misses the mark with a head kick to mix things up, and Padilla calmly pecks away with kicks to the lead wheel. Rong splits the guard with a one-two, and Padilla backs him off with a jab that makes him wipe his nose. They trade body kicks, with Rong’s far louder. Padilla gets off a left hand, and Rong intercepts him with a few punches on the way out. Rong hammers the front leg with a kick and has a right hand skim the temple. Padilla sticks and moves with his jab, prodding it out to keep Rong honest. Rong batters the body with a kick, and Padilla tries to catch the second kick and take him down. The Chinese fighter stuffs the entry and shoves him away, leading Padilla to rap a few low kicks off the calf. Rong comes out swinging, and his combination is ended with a shove while Padilla’s arms are outstretched to parry. Padilla lands a one-two and he pins a low kick on the inside, and the kick slides up into the cup. Rong thinks about asking for recovery time, but he tells Hatley he is good to go. Padilla steps in with several jabs and a fierce leg kick, and when Rong counters, he makes Padilla shrug at him. Leg kicks land from both sides, and Rong is spurred into action, charging at “Taco” and letting his hands go. Padilla guards against the worst of the strikes, and leg kicks from both men conclude the trading. Padilla sneaks a right hand over the top, and he does a second time and then scores a low kick at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rong
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Rong
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Rong

Round 2

The fighters clap hands and get right back to business. Rong backs Padilla off with a combination, but Padilla keeps him honest with low kicks. Padilla shoots for a low single, and Rong pushes him off and sweeps him off his feet with a leg kick. Padilla climbs back up and eats several body shots on the way up, and he gathers a full head of steam and unleashes a right hand that stuns the Chinese combatant. Padilla pitches a few half-hearted low kicks, and he checks one coming back at him. The two bite down on their mouthpieces and slug it out, and both do some damage in the exchange. Rong gets the better with a stern right hand, and Padilla takes a few moments to find another angle and reach out with a few low kicks. Padilla jabs with his leg kick, using his foot to keep Rong at bay. Rong stalks Padilla down and reaches him with a left hand, and Padilla is out of the way after taking one. Rong spins with a back kick that slams into the fence, and Padilla scampers out of the way and counters him while evading. Rong steps in and walks into a ferocious elbow, and he points to Padilla to say he was poked in the eye but it was all elbow. Rong’s eye swells up immediately, and he eats a few more shots and fires back with a vengeance. Padilla slashes out with another elbow, drawing blood with the blow, and he aims another to the same spot. Hatley calls time to have the doctor check on the cut, and Rong slams his fist on the wall as he is upset and knows the fight might get stopped because of the swelling. Rong’s eye has turned into a golf ball and he can no longer see out of it, and the physician and Hatley have no choice but to stop the fight. Hatley waves it off, and “Taco” lets out a whoop while pointing at his elbow as a weapon he honed. In his post-fight interview, Padilla shouts out muay thai champion Superlek, who won on Friday courtesy of a remarkably similar step-in elbow that wiped out Jonathan Haggerty.

The Official Result

Chris Padilla def. Zhu Rong R2 4:14 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)

Yanal Ashmoz (154.5) vs. Trevor Peek (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Peek (-120), Ashmoz (+100)

Round 1

It’s a just bleed delight to kick off the main card, as two willing and able brawlers will likely do just that for the next three rounds or fewer. Peek (9-2, 1 NC; 2-2 UFC) is a knockout-or-bust puncher, while Ashmoz (7-1, 1-1 UFC) has landed a few submissions but would also prefer to swing for the bleachers. As a Fight Finder-related note, Ashmoz’ record may be reviewed in the future to determine if all of his early wins are legitimate, but for now, he is registered with seven wins and one loss. The lightweight “just bleed” pairing will be joined in the cage by referee Herb Dean, and they tap their fists together before going for broke. Peek marches forward and then hops back when Ashmoz wings a right hand at him. Peek misses a low kick, and he paws out with his fingers outstretched. Dean does not want to play with that, and he calls time to tell Peek that he cannot lead with his fingers pointed forward. They resume, and Peek comes up short with a head kick. Peek kicks low twice, forcing stance switches each time. Ashmoz stalks Peek down and loads up on a right hand, and Peek reaches the body with a right in response. Peek thuds the front leg with a kick, keeping his guard up to let a high kick brush past it. Peek just misses with a wide uppercut, but he does get in at the end of a right hand. Ashmoz ducks a looping punch and hits an easy takedown, placing Peek firmly on his back while landing in side control. Peek bucks and tries to escape, so Ashmoz settles down in half guard on the other side. Ashmoz keeps Peek pinned down without mounting much offense or getting to the mount position, and as he tries to advance, Peek explodes to his feet. Ashmoz drives a knee on the nose while Peek is standing, and Peek backs off to load up on two power punches. Peek jabs his way into a combination, and Ashmoz shoots under one to pursue a takedown but fails on this effort. Ashmoz wrangles Peek to a knee, but Peek keeps his balance. They trade knees until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz

Round 2

Peek walks out of his corner, hands down, and offers a glove touch. Peek then wades into combat without concern of reprisal, and he hops his way in and manages to partially land with two right hands. Ashmoz chops back with a kick high and then one low, and he gets caught by one of Peek’s lunging strikes. Ashmoz uses head movement to get away before Peek can tee off on him, and he puts pressure on the Alabama native and gets clipped. Peek finds him with a huge right hand, and he unloads with punches to the head and body and intercepts Ashmoz as Ashmoz dodges and weaves. Peek rips a left to the liver, and Ashmoz kicks him back to the same spot. Peek overswings and allows Ashmoz to hit a comfortable takedown, and he knees Peek in the face when Peek stands. Ashmoz trips Peek down to his knees, and Peek takes a moment to blow his nose. Ashmoz rides from behind and sneaks in another knee on the beak, and he trips Peek up for a moment with a single. Peek again climbs back up, but a mat return from Ashmoz succeeds. Ashmoz remains pinned to Peek, wrestling him to a knee or otherwise in an uncomfortable position. Peek turns the corner and lifts Ashmoz’ leg up to put him down, but Ashmoz bounces back up and pushes Peek against the cage. Knees are traded on the inside, and Peek hammers the body with a few uppercuts before Ashmoz responds with a number of knees. Ashmoz lifts his man up with a single, landing in half guard and stepping over when Peek turns his back to go for a choke without a hook in. Peek peeks out and stands back to his feet, but he goes for a ride when Ashmoz hits a suplex on him to ground him before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz

Round 3

The fighters clap hands, and a brawl erupts. Peek finally gets to exchange recklessly with his adversary, and Ashmoz moves to the side to take the sting out of most of the blows. Peek sneaks in a stutter-step right hand, and Ashmoz shakes his head at him. Peek throws the kitchen sink in the form of two booming hooks, and Ashmoz dips away without taking much. Peek punches to draw out movement, and he catches Ashmoz with an uppercut. Ashmoz loads up on a power punch, and Peek lets it fly by him. Peek gets off an uppercut and pushes through a knee to sling heavy leather. Ashmoz shoots for a takedown to respond, and Peek defends with a possible guillotine choke while sprawling against the fence. Ashmoz goes after a single, and he succeeds in dragging Peek to a knee and then his seat. Peek stands once more, and he grips a kimura in hopes of sweeping Ashmoz but falls to his back. Ashmoz considers taking his back, but Peek continues to move and fight back to his feet. Ashmoz knees the body once before Peek separates, and Peek loads up on power and does not let Ashmoz take him down. Ashmoz slugs his man in the chops, and Peek reels and fires back with a vengeance. Ashmoz does not like getting tagged in the mad exchanges, so he shoots for a single to slow things down. Peek largely keeps his balance, and Dean calls for more action when Ashmoz stalls. Peek grabs the fence to prevent a takedown, and Dean slaps his hand out while also asking for additional activity. Peek stomps the toes a few times, leading to Ashmoz sling him to the mat with a body lock. Ashmoz drops down hammerfists, and Peek explodes back to his feet as this matchup that did not live up to expectations ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz (30-27 Ashmoz)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz (30-27 Ashmoz)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ashmoz (30-27 Ashmoz)

The Official Result

Yanal Ashmoz def. Trevor Peek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Cody Durden (135) vs. Matt Schnell (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Durden (-335), Schnell (+220)

Round 1

Due to the late nature of this flyweight pairing coming together—Durden (16-6-1, 5-4-1 UFC) will serve as a replacement to Alessandro Costa—the two men next will be fighting up in weight at bantamweight. Both short-notice Durden and Schnell (16-8, 1 NC; 6-6, 1 NC UFC) are hovering around the .500 mark in the promotion, so a win may go a long way while a loss could spell disaster. Referee Chris Tognoni will serve as the Octagon ranger for this contest, and gloves are touched to get things going. Durden moves to the center of the cage and is caught with an early uppercut. Durden backs off and finds another way in, and Schnell clips him twice more in a speedy exchange. Schnell points at him but does not capitalize on hurting and reddening Durden, instead allowing Durden to walk him down. Durden elects to fight to his disadvantage, brawling wildly and backing Schnell up a big. Durden lands several body shots until Schnell fires back, and Schnell’s attacks are more powerful and result in Durden thinking twice. Durden lands a right and eats two rights back. Durden unleashes a fury of punches, and Schnell shakes him up with furious counters that are heavier and faster. Durden wipes his hands and blinks it out, and he backs away as Schnell kicks him in the ribs. Durden wings a few punches that come up short, and Schnell times an outside leg kick that buckles the knee. Durden catches his man on the end of a left hand, and Schnell fires back with a right. Durden clubs him with a hard right, and Schnell skirts to the side and prepares an uppercut that lands on the nose. Schnell clacks the front leg again, and he allows Durden to overswing so he can counter effectively. Durden still manages to get off his right hand a few times, and Schnell’s head movement and footwork keeps him from absorbing any flush. Schnell snipes his man a few times until Durden pushes out a front kick to slow him down. Schnell ducks a head kick that skims his hair, and the two throw caution to the wind and brawl again. Schnell gets tagged with a left hand on the nose, and he winds up and retorts with a flurry of fists. Durden connects at the end of a right hand that cuts Schnell’s eyebrow, and Schnell bites down on his gumshield and blasts Durden in the face with an overhand right. Durden spins with a wheel kick that brushes past his opponent, and Schnell gathers his thoughts and punches his way into a short combo. They trade left hands, and Schnell lands three while Durden gets off two. The two trade right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Schnell
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Durden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Durden

Round 2

The fighters are ready to pick up right where they left off, and after a few low kicks, Schnell lands a big left hand. After connecting, Schnell shoots in with a telegraphed takedown, and Durden’s eyes go wide and he grins as he snatches hold of a guillotine choke. Schnell twists around, and Durden chains his submission into a ninja choke. When “Danger” keeps turning, he finds himself in even graver danger, as Durden locks the choke down and turns Schnell to his back. As soon as Schnell is on his back, he taps with both hands in a panic as the submission was likely to put his lights out. Durden releases the choke when Tognoni gets between them and goes over to the cage to shout at someone in the audience. His team manages to calm him down, and he celebrates his handiwork with his wife and corner. While Durden gives his post-fight interview, Schnell removes his gloves and places them in the center of the cage to signal his retirement. Instead of looking for a moment on the mic, Schnell departs the cage, overcome with emotion.

The Official Result

Cody Durden def. Matt Schnell R2 0:29 via Submission (Ninja Choke)

Steve Garcia (145.5) vs. Kyle Nelson (148.5: Missed Weight)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garcia (-192), Nelson (+160)

Round 1

Garcia (16-5, 5-2 UFC) is hungry, and he wants to share his lunch of knuckle sandwiches as the short-notice substitute against Nelson (16-5-1, 4-4-1 UFC). Both men come into this pairing on win streaks, so someone’s momentum is about to come to a grinding halt. Garcia has notably recorded four straight knockouts, a rarity for the weight class. This bout will officially take place at 149 pounds due to the Canadian missing weight, but that should not preclude the two from slugging it out as expected. Gloves are not touched under the watchful eye of referee Mark Smith, and instead they want to fight. Garcia lets fly a kick and a few punches, and he gets pushed back to the wall and trips. Nelson jumps on top to take Garcia’s back in a hurry, and he gets both hooks in without effort. Garcia hand-fights to prevent Nelson from setting up a submission, so the Canadian smacks him in the forehead several times. Nelson tries to set up the body triangle, but Garcia is able to fight off the first setup while he twists to one side and uses two-on-one wrist control. Garcia explodes to spin around, and he falls into an armbar. Garcia unloads with punches with his free arm, and he strikes his way out of the submission and lets Nelson have it with an onslaught of punches and elbows. Nelson turns to his side and shells up, and he slows Garcia down. Garcia elects to grind his elbow on the cheek, and he thumps it down every so often. Garcia slams down a few punches, and he nails Nelson with an elbow that makes Nelson turn to turtle up. As Garcia unleashes a fury, Nelson keeps his wits about him and kicks off Garcia to force him upright. Garcia leaps down and elbows Nelson in the back of the head, and a lump develops in a hurry. Nelson sits up with his back to the cage, and Garcia rails him with an elbow that makes Nelson crumble to his side. Garcia releases a final flurry of elbows and punches, and Smith sees that Nelson is no longer defending himself and intervenes. Nelson tries to stand back up after the fight has been called off, and Smith is there to make sure he does not fall over. This is a statement performance for the ultraviolent Garcia, who has earned five straight knockouts and pounds his way into contender status.

The Official Result

Steve Garcia def. Kyle Nelson R1 3:59 via TKO (Elbows and Punches)

Jessica Andrade (124.5) vs. Natalia Silva (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-298), Andrade (+240)

Round 1

Former strawweight queen Andrade (26-12, 17-10 UFC) is bouncing back to the flyweight division for her next test. As a significant underdog, she will try to halt the momentum of the streaking Silva (17-5-1, 5-0 UFC), who has not lost in the Octagon thus far. The countrywomen will compete while referee Kerry Hatley keeps things on the up-and-up. Andrade offers a glove touch, but Silva would prefer to just fight. Andrade advances first, and she lands a low kick and gets countered with a quick one-two. Silva is jittery and moving on the outside from side to side, and Andrade sits down on a hard left hand but cannot land any follow-up shots. Silva fires off a low kick, and Andrade remains the bully, swinging hard. Silva would vastly prefer to potshot, fighting behind her jab and using her reach advantage to her favor. Andrade keeps pressing forward in hopes of trapping Silva up and landing a power strike, but Silva strafes from side to side. Silva gets off her shots and moves before Andrade can reach her. Andrade keeps her right hand chambered and ready to go, and she releases a big one that catches Silva after Silva flashes out a combination. Andrade dodges a high kick and ignores a spinning kick to the ribs in close range so that she can walk Silva down. Andrade tags Silva with a right hand, and she loads up with a second. A rocked Silva responds with a side kick that sends Andrade flying. Andrade climbs back up and walks into a right hand, and she does not bat an eye when eating shots so that she can be in Silva’s face throwing back with bad intentions. Silva chops at the knee a few times as she circles away, and Andrade misses on two wide hooks as Silva slips to the side. Andrade ignores low kicks and body shots so she can headhunt, and she does just that. The power is significantly in the favor of the former champ, and she leaps forward with a Superwoman punch that blasts Silva in the face before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Andrade
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Andrade
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva

Round 2

The ladies march towards one another to begin the second round, and Silva’s reach allows her to land a few shots before Andrade can get to her. Andrade keeps coming, shrugging off a spin kick and a smacking back fist to keep chasing Silva down. Silva tries to keep Andrade at bay, but this allows Andrade to kick her legs hard. Andrade shoots for a single but is rebuffed, as Silva shoves her away. Silva jabs her foe in the midsection, and Andrade parries another jab to close the distance. Silva sneaks in a knee and another jab to the body, and her activity rate is far higher than the former champ’s. Andrade loads up on her strikes, swinging hard until she gets hold of Silva and looks for a body lock. Silva keeps her balance thanks in part to her longer legs, and she once more is able to shove Andrade back. Silva jabs with her fist and foot, and she spins with a back kick that bounces off the side. Andrade wings a right hand that catches Silva on the cheek, and she uses her momentum to jam Silva up against the fence. Silva escapes from the tie-up and shifts from side to side, and Andrade constantly pressures her and lands a combination of punches. Silva lashes out with a left hand that slices open Andrade’s eyebrow, and Andrade wipes her eye and appears compromised for a moment. Silva uses this moment to attack, and Andrade gathers herself and fights back after taking some punishment. Andrade returns to rushing after Silva, setting up her right hand with a big left. Silva flicks out a jab, and Andrade unloads with three hooks that glance off her intended target. Andrade pushes out with a front kick, and she misses with her bombs. Andrade puts three punches on the chin that shakes Silva up, and Silva backs her way to the wall and lands a body shot and a side kick to the face. Andrade catches her with a right to the body and left to the head, and Silva still tags her with side kick to the jaw right up close. Andrade ends the round with a stern elbow.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva

Round 3

While Silva starts the round in the center of the cage, it takes mere seconds for Andrade to get her to back off. Andrade chases, landing a few punches to the chest that causes a brief wardrobe malfunction. Andrade allows her to recover, and the two get back to swinging with all their might. Silva slips a hook and fires off a high kick, and she dodges another bomb to let loose on two quick punches down the pipe. Andrade lobs her way into the clinch, and Silva calmly turns her around and pushes her to the wall. Silva spins and belts her opponent with a wheel kick in the face, and Andrade reels and rushes forward. Silva drills her in the chin with a hook kick, and Andrade is not about to slow down no matter how hard she hits. With no steel chair in sight, Silva has to use her feet and fists to pummel her blitzing adversary. Andrade blocks a high kick as she strides forward, and she clips Silva with a left hook. Andrade tags her with a second, forcing Silva to take a moment to reset. This allows “Bate Estaca” to tie her up. Silva uses a takedown attempt against Andrade, forcing Andrade down to the floor before they both climb back up and split apart. Andrade lands at the end of a few big punches, and Silva slips away and pops Andrade in the chops with a side kick. Andrade unloads with a combination, and Silva is elusive and rarely stops moving. Andrade smashes her in the face with a left hand, and she grabs hold of Silva to slow her down. Andrade lets her fists do the talking, and Silva responds with some of her own. Silva adjusts her top again and keeps moving, staying on her bike and not letting herself get cornered. Andrade races forward with one final barrage, and Silva shells up and then hugs Andrade before the slugfest concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva (29-28 Silva)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Silva (29-28 Silva)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Silva (30-27 Silva)

The Official Result

Natalia Silva def. Jessica Andrade via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Sean Brady (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-185), Burns (+154)

Round 1

With the welterweight title picture in flux thanks to a glut of contenders, the winner of this main event might need to get one more victory after tonight to get a crack at gold. Nevertheless, it is a big one at 170 pounds as former title challenger Burns (22-7, 15-7 UFC) looks to show that age is nothing but a number at 38 years young when he throws down with much younger grappler Brady (16-1, 6-1 UFC). This bout could take place anywhere, and it likely will go everywhere before it is all settled. Referee Herb Dean will hand the particulars for the headliner, and he brings the fighters together to respectfully touch gloves. It’s on with the show. Brady strikes first in the form of an inside low kick. Burns jumps forward with a knee that does not come up, and he backs off as Brady slaps him with another leg kick. Brady attacks the same spot with his kick once more, and he punches his way into a combination of fists that makes Burns smile at him. Burns lunges with a left hook, and Brady backs him off with a handful of punches. Brady scoops an uppercut through the guard, and he interrupts an advancing Burns with a straight left. Burns lets loose a few hooks, and Brady is wise to them and counters the Brazilian with a quicker combo. Burns times a punch to shoot in for a double, and he deposits the Philadelphia native to his seat. Brady climbs back to his feet thanks to the wall behind him, and they trade knees in the clinch as Brady walks Burns from one side of the cage to the other. Brady uppercuts on the break, and he races forward landing a series of punches that Burns largely blocks. Brady considers changing levels, but the Brazilian stops it from going anywhere. Brady gets in a short uppercut, and they trade knees on the inside in a clinch. Burns spins him about and looks for a single, allowing Brady to knee him in the face. Brady trips Burns up, and Burns topples to his knee, jumps back up and lashes out with an elbow that is inches away from his intended target. Brady reaches with longer punches than Burns is throwing, and he backs Burns up with a chain of strikes and pushes him to the chain links. Brady lifts Burns up and sets him on the mat, and Burns is quick to wall-walk to get upright. Brady hangs on from the side, tripping Burns up but not grounding him with a mat return effort. Burns spins out with seconds to spare, kneeing Brady once before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 2

Burns absorbs a clean body kick to start the round, and he responds with an overhand right that sends Brady flying into the wall. Burns leaps after him, but is grabbed and spun around in the clinch. Brady drops down for a double, and his first try lifts Burns up but does not put him on his back. Brady knees the Brazilian in the thigh a few times until Burns turns him about, and they break up. Brady gets off a trio of one-twos, and Burns walks through them and pushes out his own jab. Brady lands three punches in rapid succession, and he takes another hard right hand as Burns surges into action. After taking another powerful punch on the chin, Brady gets hold of the clinch. Burns wraps a right hand over the guard on the break, and he winds up with two more power hooks that Brady ducks and tries to counter with wrestling. Burns spins him to the fence, but he lets go so he can punch Brady in the face. Brady hits a takedown, and Burns scrambles, spins him around and dumps Brady to a knee. Burns grabs Brady from behind as Brady leans against the wall, and Brady fights out of the grip and uses a jab. Brady lands a jab and a low kick, and he lands another leg kick on the inside. Brady swarms forward with punches, clubbing Burns on the side of the head around the guard. Brady rifles off three quick punches, and he ducks a right hand to double up on a jab. Burns loads up on his power hook, and Brady is more accurate and far more active. They shadowbox until the round wraps.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 3

The welterweights meet in the middle, and Brady’s jabs are the first blows to lead off the round. Burns responds with a low kick and a body kick, and he dings Brady on the nose with a right hand. Brady chains several punches together in response until Burns ties him up. Burns is spun around and eats several body shots, and he gives one back before Brady goes after a single. Burns pulls his leg out and puts his guard up to defend the attack from Brady. Brady goes for a takedown, and Burns spins him around and throws him to his knees. Burns lets fly a pair of huge hooks, and Brady thanks his lucky stars he did not absorb them flush. Brady splits the guard with an uppercut, and he walks face-first into a right hand that stuns him. Brady still has the wherewithal to power forward into the clinch, and he considers a level change until Burns spins him about and attacks a single. Brady hops back to remain on his feet, and they split apart after some dirty boxing. Brady charges forward to go after a single, and Burns pushes on the back of Brady’s neck to stifle it. Burns gets a bit of space and throws punches, but it is an elbow on the inside when Brady comes towards him that does some damage. Burns lays into Brady’s body with knees, and Brady backs away. Burns slips a jab and counters with a right hand, and he turns to his side when Burns takes him down. Burns tags him with an overhand right on the standup, and Brady explodes through to scoop the Brazilian up with a double and loudly dumps Burns to the floor. Burns pushes off and defends himself until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 4

The two reach the championship rounds, and they share a fist bump to kick off the fourth frame. Brady paws out a few jabs, and he offers out a leg kick that bumps into Burns’ cup. Dean calls time, and Burns walks away to lean on the fence and recover. Burns takes a minute to get his wind back, and the two share another fist bump. Burns whips a kick to the body as Brady comes at him, and this time Burns has kicked Brady in the groin. As Dean calls time again, Brady falls to his knees in pain, and he takes a little bit and winks at the camera. Brady paces back and forth until another minute elapses, and Dean tells them to please keep it clean. On the next restart, Brady kicks the lead leg on the outside and then twice on the inside. Burns kicks the front leg once, and Brady fires right back. Brady releases a solid body kick, and he plants his left hand on Burns’ chin when setting down. Brady drives a few jabs through the guard, and Burns clubs him behind the ear and makes him stumble. Burns ducks a jab to respond with another heavy right hand, and Brady knows it is coming and still has to shake it off. Brady rushes at him with six punches in a row, resulting in a clinch. As Brady keeps Burns against the fence, he holds his fingers in the links, and he is warned for it. Burns gets a little space and knees Brady in the face and releases a right hand on the side of the dome. They break apart to reset, and Brady punches his way into a single that lands and puts Burns on his seat. Burns defends with a guillotine choke and uses it to work his way to his feet, only for Brady to sling him down with a mat return. Burns responds with a leglock, and Brady scrambles enough but gives up his back. Burns rolls through and keeps hold of Brady’s back in a grappling exchange, and they stand up with Burns behind him. Burns lifts Brady up and slams him down, and Brady climbs back up after landing on his face. Burns cannot get the takedown again before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Burns
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 5

The two touch gloves to start off the last round, and even though Brady might be ahead in terms of raw numbers, it might still be anyone’s fight. Brady adds to his totals when it commences with a stream of punches, and Burns ducks away and has his front leg kicked. Burns wings a right hand over the top, and Brady pecks at him from a safer distance with jabs and leg kicks. Burns winds up with a right hand that gets Brady’s attention, and Brady steels himself to throw hands and rushes into a legal knee where the foot lifts and bounces into the cup. Dean calls time and checks the replay to make sure it struck Brady’s groin, and Brady takes 50 seconds before resuming. They get back to it with a brief firefight, throwing hard at one another. Brady doubles up on leg kicks, and he also sticks out a double jab and a right hand. Burns slams his low kick home, and he leaps at Brady and cracks him in the chin with his knee. A shocked Brady turns him around and goes after the single, but Burns is a stone wall. Burns pushes Brady back and wings a right hand that brushes past the hair. Brady shoots for a high single and lifts Burns up to dump him to the floor. Brady peels precious time off the clock as he maintains ground control, until Burns threatens with an omoplata that he uses to turn himself around and work his way to his feet. Brady trips Burns out and slams him to the floor like a sack of potatoes, landing in half guard for a moment before Burns pushes off his chest. Burns turns to grab hold of a leglock, and Brady smartly turns through it and lowers himself back down to not let Burns get any extension on it. Burns works to his feet only to get muscled down to the mat, and when time expires, Brady collapses to the floor in exhaustion. This brings to a close an intriguing back-and-forth battle that answered a slew of questions for the resurgent Brady, including how he can perform in a five-rounder. While the top of welterweight is a mess, the Brady victory likely puts on the shortlist of top contenders. Brady knows that a title fight may not be the immediate next challenge for him, so he calls for anyone in the top five or the unbeaten Ian Garry—the latter Brady says could work because they share the same management. If that matchup comes together, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brady (48-47 Brady)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brady (50-45 Brady)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brady (50-45 Brady)

The Official Result

Sean Brady def. Gilbert Burns via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)