UFC on ABC 7 ‘Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sedriques Dumas (186) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dumas (-218), Tiuliulin (+180)

Round 1

Fight fans on the West Coast of the U.S. will be having combat with coffee this morning, as the UFC takes to Abu Dhabi with a show featuring a number of fighters that struggle to get into the U.S. Plenty of international talent litters this event, with over a dozen countries repped at one point tonight. The fist pairing of the evening is more regular rivalry between America and Russia, as the much-maligned Dumas (9-2, 2-2 UFC) battles the struggling Tiuliulin (10-9, 1 NC; 1-4 UFC) in a match that might lead to at least one roster cut. Both men prefer the knockout, with the Evolve Gym fighter more inclined to headhunt. The middleweights choose not to bump fists to start the day’s festivities, and referee Keith Peterson is ready to cut all nonsense out of the equation. They lash out with dueling low kicks, and Dumas whiffs on a head kick. When Dumas fires off a low kick, he is countered by a knee that busts him in the chops. Tiuliulin gets his foe’s attention with a few additional punches, but Dumas surges forward and takes him off his feet with a sudden tackling takedown. Tiuliulin works his way towards the wall to get back up, and Dumas holds him down and knees him in the thigh repeatedly. Peterson asks for more activity, with Dumas in a holding pattern while the Russian is stuck on a knee. Dumas drags Tiuliulin down to his seat for a second, peppering the same spot with knee after short knee. Tiuliulin muscles his way upright, turning the corner and falling on top of his opponent in a surprise reversal. Dumas is on his backside and bursts his way up, and he eats a knee while standing but is no worse for wear as he looks to chuck Tiuliulin to the mat. The American presses his foe to the wire, and Dumas’ knees work the body and thigh until one bangs into the cup. There is a quick apology from Dumas, and Tiuliulin knows it was a total accident and takes a little under 30 seconds to get his wind back. When they resume, Dumas lunges forward with a right hand, and he belts Tiuliulin in the face with a lead-leg high kick. Dumas shoots in on a takedown and gets rebuffed, with Tiuliulin shoving him away and resetting. They fire off alternating jabs when upright, and Tiuliulin reaches with a one-two that leaves him vulnerable for a takedown effort from Dumas that drags Tiuliulin back to a single knee again. Dumas peppers the leg with irritating knees on the welted area until the horn awkwardly blares.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Tiuliulin is the immediate aggressor to begin the second stanza, firing off frantic offense including a knee that catches the chin. Dumas swings back, calming himself down and sticking out jabs, but Tiuliulin stings him with a few more wild strikes before slowing. Dumas flicks out a few more jabs and shoots for a reactive double, and Tiuliulin shuts it down and is pushed away. Dumas blasts the thigh with another kick—the first developed a huge welt in the previous round—and fights behind his sharp jab. Dumas whips a kick up around the guard, and ducks a punch in pursuit of a double. Tiuliulin counters with a step-in knee, and Dumas pushes through it and presses the Russian to the wire. Dumas successfully drags Tiuliulin to his backside, and Tiuliulin is quick to return to a knee and grabs the fence to try to improve position but is warned. Tiuliulin bops his man with a number of meaningless right hands, ones that are technically scoring but have absolutely no effect while Dumas hangs on and knees him. After a lengthy stalemate, Tiuliulin finally works his way upright with the fence behind him and a minute remaining on the clock. Dumas stays pinned to him like a cheap suit, and Peterson splits them apart. Dumas restarts with a big one-two, and Tiuliulin walks him down a shrugs off a right hook. Dumas intercepts the advancing Russian with an uppercut, and his range is giving Tiuliulin fits with jabs and long punches. Dumas lets a knee fly past him, and a body kick grazes him. Dumas ends the round with a reverse crescent kick that ricochets off the raised guard.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Dumas reintroduces himself with piston-like jabs, and Tiuliulin senses he might be down on the scorecards and approaches the last frame as such. Tiuliulin walks Dumas down, loading up on strikes, but it is his partial jump knee that catches Dumas on the jaw. Dumas staggers briefly and gets his bearings, strafing to the side and winging a right hand over the guard. Dumas ducks into a looping uppercut that comes up short, and Tiuliulin walks forward with his own uppercut that also misses the mark. Tiuliulin digs a left to the body and gets out of range of the kicks that fly at him, and Dumas spams body kicks and avoids a huge pair of hooks. Dumas jabs into a takedown, and Tiuliulin flips him all the way over and winds up on top at the three-minute mark. Tiuliulin smothers his man from above, dropping down some sporadic ground-and-pound while staying just busy enough to remain in the position. Dumas hand-fights in hopes of getting a standup, but when that does not come, he kicks off his opponent and explodes to his feet. With 60 seconds left on the clock, Tiuliulin is loaded for bear, but he finds that he has to dodge a quick spinning back fist and stifle a takedown. Tiuliulin is about to unleash a big right hand, but Dumas shoots again on the hips. Tiuliulin gets away from it and leaps with a knee that is way off the target. Tiuliulin cracks Dumas with a right hand, and Dumas appears rocked and totally spent. This does not stop Dumas from pitching kicks and looping strikes back at him. Tiuliulin ends the fight with a final takedown, with Dumas considering a guillotine but not nearly enough gas in the tank to get it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tiuliulin (29-28 Dumas)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tiuliulin (29-28 Dumas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tiuliulin (29-28 Dumas)

The Official Result

Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Rolando Bedoya (155) vs. Jai Herbert (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Herbert (-155), Bedoya (+130)

Round 1

Like the last pairing, these two combatants have their backs against the wall here. Winner of just two of his seven UFC outings, Herbert (12-5-1, 2-4-1 UFC) needs to get his hand raised today, but the same can be said for Chute Boxe’s Bedoya (14-3, 0-2 UFC), who wants the third time to be a charm. Something’s gotta give between these lightweights, and referee Lukasz Bosacki will be the first to know. There is a quick glove touch between the two, and Bedoya takes to the center of the cage pushing out a front kick and a body kick to find his range. Bedoya lands with a low kick as he bounces from stance to stance, keeping Herbert guessing early. Herbert paws out a jab that is at least two feet away, and Bedoya pitches a few kicks his way. Herbert gets one leg kick back, and he counters a leg kick with a jab to the body as the kick bounces into his cup. Herbert adjusts his athletic supporter and does not need a pause, and Bedoya takes a moment before drilling him in the face with an overhand right. Bedoya remains busy with low kicks, and Herbert looks for overhand right counters. One lands perfectly, briefly short-circuiting “The Machine,” who drops to a knee. Bedoya is able to get his bearings before Herbert can finish the job, and he works his way upright but is still not totally clear. Herbert pins a one-two on the jaw, forcing the Peruvian to tie him up against the fencing. Herbert gets off a pair of knees and escapes from the clinch, and he puts out a front kick that slaps off the chest of his opponent. Herbert slips from side to side, a cut suddenly developed under his right eye, and Bedoya walks him down throwing hands. Herbert replies with a big knee that is caught, and Bedoya slugs him backwards. Bedoya leaps in with a right hand that misses, and a leg kick does connect. Bedoya goes for another low kick that is not accurate, and he has a winging right hand ricochet off the shoulder. Herbert just misses on a counter right, and he takes two low kicks from the Chute Boxe Diego Lima fighter. Bedoya jams more kicks on the front leg, and Herbert replies with a combination ending with a stiff body kick. Bedoya does not slow kicking the front leg of the Brit, with it glowing red, but he eats another power right hand before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Any bleeding beneath Herbert’s right eye is ceased between rounds, but some serious swelling has developed. Bedoya is quick to target that damage, going after straight left hands and following them with leg kicks. Bedoya gets off a right hook and a left on the eye socket, and he parries a body kick and skirts away. Bedoya loads up on power punches as Herbert tries to keep him at bay with a push kick, resulting in some damage on the Brit’s nose. Bedoya gives chase with a few lunging kicks, and he snaps the head back with a right hand when Bedoya gets careless. Bedoya gets excited and wants to brawl, and Herbert clips him two more times when Bedoya comes at him. Herbert gets caught with a right hand as Bedoya corners him, but he manages to pay him back. As Bedoya rushes at him, they tie up, and he knees Herbert square in the groin. Bosacki calls time and warns Bedoya for the foul, and gives Herbert 30 seconds to recover before Herbert is good to go. Herbert is active at the restart with jabs and front kicks, and Bedoya responds with similar strikes and some to the front leg. Herbert uses a number of jabs to catch Bedoya coming at him with his hands down, and he kicks the ribs and just misses with a high kick. Bedoya strides towards him, belts him with an elbow and escapes. Bedoya kicks at the same time as his opponent, but Herbert doubles up on the body kick. Herbert quadruples his jab and dances away from a looping punch, although he does absorb a low kick. Herbert gets a sneaky left hook in when Bedoya is bearing down on him, and Bedoya tanks it and swings back with reckless abandon. Bedoya assaults the front leg and kicks the body, and they trade heavy punches. Herbert backs him off with a thudding knee, and he ducks the swarming punches when Bedoya approaches him again. Herbert zings a right hand that catches Bedoya flush, and a second stuns Bedoya for a moment. Herbert drills the front leg and rips a left to the ribs, and Bedoya replies with a heavy low kick. They clash together, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The fighters pick up right where they left off, trading strikes from kickboxing range. Bedoya is a bit more reckless than before, swinging just a little harder and slower. Herbert is accurate and quick, beating Bedoya to the punch and mixing things up to throw Bedoya to the mat. The Peruvian springs back up without issue and looks for a trip and throw, only for Herbert to thwart it in part due to a fence grab. Herbert counters with a throw, and Bedoya pulls himself back to his feet by grabbing the fence too—offsetting fouls, but a not particularly thrilled Bosacki. They resume striking, with Herbert jabbing his way into twos, and Bedoya gets his chin checked a few times but is able to take them cleanly. Herbert’s boxing remains crisp, and he mixes in body kicks and slides away from counters. Bedoya reaches him with a low kick, and Herbert doubles up on it and backs off with a right hand. Herbert stumbles, but that might be more due to an awkward step on the edge of the cage, and he recovers. Bedoya closes in on him and tries to take advantage of the moment, but Herbert gets out of danger. Bedoya slips several punches but walks into jabs, and Herbert scoots away from him and again takes a funny step. Bedoya clips Herbert with a right hand, and he lands it again after absorbing a jab. Herbert steps in with a knee, and he chops at the front leg. Bedoya walks him down consistently, keeping his guard up to block a pair of punches. Bedoya connects with a low kick, eats a knee and comes back with a right hand. Bedoya attempts to check a kick and eats a few punches for his effort. Herbert gets in a few punches, and Bedoya goes wide with responsive strikes. Bedoya loads up on a right hand that is easily dodged, and he gets blasted with a right hand but wears it shockingly well. Bedoya misses with a lumbering hook and runs into the wall, and when he recovers, he catches Herbert with a left. Bedoya attempts a spinning back fist, and Herbert boxes him up to the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Jai Herbert def. Rolando Bedoya via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Victoria Dudakova (115.5) vs. Sam Hughes (114)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dudakova (-175), Hughes (+145)

Round 1

While the previous two bouts saw both competitors with their backs against the proverbial wall, it is a one-way potential pink-slip derby for this next strawweight contest. Dudakova (8-0, 2-0 UFC) has won eight straight, so her place on the UFC roster is not likely at risk with a defeat. The same cannot be said for “Sampage” Hughes (8-6, 3-5 UFC), who is dangerously close to a .500 MMA record. The ladies touch gloves before getting after it, with referee Dan Movahedi on call to handle the particulars. Hughes sprints into action, and Dudakova slows her down with a jab. Hughes loads up on right hands that redden the nose up early, and Dudakova is ready and willing to oblige her in short bursts of slugfests. They tag one another cleanly in combinations, and both women sport a little damage on their noses after a minute of face-punching. Dudakova shoots with a double-leg entry to successfully plant “Sampage” on her seat, and Dudakova traps the left arm to pin Hughes to her back. Hughes uses a rubber guard to set something up, briefly getting hold of an omoplata shoulder lock in an effort to sweep. This allows Hughes just enough of a scary moment to make Dudakova adjust, and she fights back to her feet. Dudakova presses her against the fence, and is elbowed on the break. Hughes misses on a one-two, and Dudakova responds with a pair of punches that shred the bridge of the American’s nose. Dudakova pushes forward to go after a level change, and she hooks her fingers in the fencing to keep Hughes stuck there until she is warned for her foul. Hughes turns her around when the fingers are removed, and she works knees to the body and elbows over the top. Dudakova looks to counter with a trip but breaks off to return to striking range, only to get beaten to the punch a few times and forced to shoot again. Hughes defends the effort but eats a few knees up the middle after doing so. Hughes jabs several times and follows with a few right hands, and she clubs the Russian with hooks, a front kick and a low kick. Dudakova grabs hold of her to jam a knee on the beak, and Hughes wears it well and absorbs another to the same spot. Hughes takes a moment to recover and kicks the front leg, and Dudakova snatches up a Thai clinch and peppers “Sampage” with a number of knees. One last knee from Dudakova ends the round, as she takes a jab in response.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The strawweight touch ‘em up and immediately start trading hands, and Dudakova considers a takedown but is stood up and slashes with elbows. Hughes punches her back, stinging her with two short right hands on the inside. Dudakova ties her up briefly to get off a few knees to the body, and Hughes breaks away lobbing right hands. The pendulum swings quickly in favor of one, then the other, as they trade hard strikes. Dudakova gets tired of absorbing flush punches and ducks down in pursuit of a double, dumping “Sampage” to the floor. Hughes is quick to go for rubber guard, and when she is unable to get anything from it, she answers from her back with elbows. Hughes pushes the Russian off of her for a moment, but Dudakova is persistent in keeping the fight horizontal. Hughes times a perfect moment to push off and get to her feet, and she parries a few jabs but absorbs a combination when backing off. Hughes responds with a few punches, jabbing the head and body, and Dudakova steels herself and slings back with two wide hooks. Hughes splits the guard with a jab, and she connects with a low kick that turns her opponent. Dudakova whiffs on a jab and gets her bell rung with a right hand, and she attacks a single only to get shoved back to the fencing. Hughes tries to do some damage on the inside, but Dudakova escapes and takes several very deep breaths. Hughes walks her down throwing hands, and Dudakova meets her every step of the way with fierce combinations. Hughes slugs the unbeaten woman in the chops with a right hand, and she sees that Dudakova is compromised and strings a long chain of punches together to hurt Dudakova and back her against the wall. Dudakova frees herself from the bludgeoning, takes a huge breath and shoots for takedown. Hughes bowls her over and falls into a leglock, but she fights it off and lands a few hammerfists before the momentum-shifting round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is one final glove touch to commence the last round, and Hughes is the aggressor by darting in with several jabs. Dudakova responds with a crisp combination of short hooks, showing she is not done just yet. Hughes follows her around, measuring with the jab, and she is met with a few snappy jabs in response. They pop one another at the same time, and Hughes follows a few with hooks. Dudakova uses head movement to stay at the edge of the blows, prompting Hughes to kick her front leg twice. Hughes jabs and slips, and Dudakova shoots low for a single and rolls through but falls to her back. Hughes claims top position, and Dudakova is busy with elbows from her back. Dudakova closes her guard and absorbs a flush elbow, and Hughes relishes this by opening up with further ground-and-pound. Hughes drops down elbows until she is pushed off with Dudakova’s feet. The Russian returns to her feet, and she rifles off a jab and a head kick that bounce off the raised guard. Dudakova splits that guard with a sharp jab, and Hughes replies with a right hand over the top. Hughes gets another in and digs a punch to the body, only for the Russian to push through the hips and take “Sampage” to the mat. Hughes is warned for strikes to the back of the head, and she complains that Dudakova is grabbing her glove. Dudakova attacks with ground strikes, and Hughes does the same. Hughes scoots her way to the wall and walks her way up, and Dudakova clings to her like Saran wrap in hopes of securing a mat return. Dudakova sells out for the ground pursuit, and Hughes jams her elbow in the Russian’s face. Hughes threatens with a guillotine choke to end the fight, and it is entirely possible that Hughes has ruined another opponent’s undefeated record—ask Jaqueline Amorim.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Sam Hughes def. Victoria Dudakova via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

Guram Kutateladze (155) vs. Jordan Vucenic (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kutateladze (-205), Vucenic (+170)

Round 1

Everything was coming up roses for Georgia’s Kutateladze (12-4, 1-2 UFC), who introduced himself to the UFC brass in 2020 by outhustling the well-regarded Mateusz Gamrot. Inactivity and a pair of losses have let him slip down the pecking order, and he gets a tough one in violent late replacement and walking tattoo Vucenic (13-2, 0-0 UFC). Winner just two weeks ago, Cage Warriors export Vucenic would have been in line for a title in that league but for the call-up to replace Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady. The 155ers will engage under the oversight of referee Greg Kleynjans, and a glove touch precedes the action. They are not quick to get going, with a single jab the only strike in the first 20 seconds. Vucenic looks for a counter when Kutateladze advances, and Kutateladze has his guard u. Kutateladze parries a high kick and sticks out a jab. Vucenic replies with a jab and a lead hook, and he fakes a level change. Vucenic darts forward with a left hook, and he does this again much to the surprise of the Georgian. Vucenic scores an uppercut and a few punches, and Kutateladze is stuck in first gear unable to get off much of note. Vucenic sticks and moves, loose and unconcerned as Kutateladze manages to land on him once. Vucenic sticks a jab and parries a response to loop a left over the top. Kutateladze escapes the first but eats a second, and swelling grows beneath his right eye. “The Epidemic” makes Kutateladze sick by blasting him with a fast right hand, separating Kutateladze from his senses for a moment and setting him down. Vucenic leaps after him, threatening with a guillotine but letting it go so he can claim top position as he has slashed open Kutateladze’s left cheek. Kutateladze sets up rubber guard and holds on, preventing Vucenic from landing any more on him. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

There is a clap of hands to begin the second round, and Kutateladze starts off first with two front-leg head kicks that are blocked. Vucenic swipes at him with a left hook, and he defends from a right hand and ducks another to get in on his man. Vucenic backs “Georgian Viking” up with his punches, and Kutateladze tackles him over with a takedown but is rolled by the Brit to force them both back to their feet. Vucenic jabs as he gets clinched, and he pushes Kutateladze to the wire and knees him in the belly. Kutateladze lands an elbow on the break, and Vucenic’s jab has opened a cut on the bridge of the nose as well. Kutateladze fakes low and goes high with a jump knee, and Vucenic sees it coming from a mile away and subsequently avoids the body kick. Vucenic misses with a big right hand and shakes his head, and he runs after his man and boots him with a head kick. Vucenic smushes Kutateladze against the wire and tries to drag him to the floor by sheer force of will, and he fails and looks for trips. Kutateladze stifles those efforts and turns his foe around, kneeing Vucenic in the gut a few times. Vucenic answers with his own knees, but Kutateladze’s are much more forceful. Vucenic hunts for a trip and spins Kutateladze around, and he keeps his footing when Kutateladze goes for his own trip. They split apart, and Kutateladze slashes out with an elbow that just misses by a matter of inches. Kutateladze splits the guard with a front kick, and he blasts the liver with a left hand and kicks him in the same spot. Kutateladze zings out an elbow that opens a significant cut on the hairline, and the two clash heads together and need a moment to get their respective balance. When they get back to it, Kutateladze attacks a takedown, successfully planting Vucenic on his back with seconds left in the round. Kutateladze uses grinding elbows to his benefit, jamming a few down on the face until it concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Gloves are touched to commence the final frame. Kutateladze jabs and follows with a right hand, and he evades a Vucenic counter and tags him with a right. Vucenic shoots low for a double, and he dumps the Georgian to the floor for a moment. Kutateladze scrambles madly to get back to his feet, leaning against the wall and defending multiple takedown attempts. Kutateladze grabs the fence to not get taken down, and he slides out the back door after the cheeky foul and deposits Vucenic to his back. Kutateladze reintroduces himself with a power elbow, thwarting submission setups and landing some ground-and-pound along the way. Vucenic scoots himself to the fencing, and now it is Kutateladze who is nearly slid off the back. In an unorthodox but dazzling move, Kutateladze kicks off the fencing before falling off to take Vucenic’s back. Kutateladze completes the body triangle and threatens with strikes from behind. When Vucenic turns to one direction to break up the body lock, Kutateladze shifts his legs to the other, disallowing Vucenic to escape. Vucenic sits up, Kutateladze’s back against the wall, and he absorbs punches, punches and more punches. Kutateladze raises his arm in the air as he pounds on the side of his foe’s head, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Guram Kutateladze def. Jordan Vucenic via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Shamil Gaziev (262) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (265)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gaziev (-238), Mayes (+195)

Round 1

The lone heavyweight contest on the fight card plays out on the prelims rather than slotted undeservedly on the main card. Fresh off a deflating headlining loss to suffer his first pro defeat, Gaziev (12-1, 1-1 UFC) is hungry to bounce back from that setback at the expense of Kentucky judoka Mayes (11-6, 1 NC; 4-4, 1 NC UFC). The reputation of the fictitious Kentucky Judo Federation is at stake over the next 15 minutes, and referee Keith Peterson is ready to handle the nonsense. There is a clap of hands, and Mayes says hello with punches, a low kick and a looping left hand. Gaziev backs him off with a one-two, and Mayes fires back but is tagged with a right hand. Mayes backs up to the wall as he tries to get his mind right, and Gaziev shoots for a double and clasps his hands. Gaziev slams his man to the floor, and the entire Octagon shudders at the impact. The Bahraini by way of Russia moves to half guard with ease, where he frames off the face with his elbow and jams it down. Gaziev frees his hand from the grasp of his foe to slug him in the chops with two right hands, and he keeps “Lord Kong” flat on his back with no sign of getting back to his feet as there are over three minutes left in the round. Gaziev considers taking side control but prefers the half guard to maintain control, and he winds up with a hard right hand that bounces off the forehead. Gaziev lands right hands when he is able to wriggle his arm out of the grip of his adversary, landing enough to keep Peterson from standing them up. Gaziev presses down with his shoulder for a potential arm-triangle choke, and he sits up to land more offense. Gaziev fights off Mayes trying to sit up and punches him in the face. Gaziev hooks his arm around the neck again to keep Mayes flat, lumping him up with short but powerful blows. When the 10-second clapper sounds, Gaziev punches his way into an arm-triangle choke from the other side, but the horn toots before it is completed.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The heavyweights meander towards one another as the second round opens, and Mayes keeps his man honest by busting him in the chops with several hooks. The blows are strong but largely one, and then another, rather than chained together. Mayes gets in an uppercut and shoots for his own takedown, and Gaziev grabs pursues a takedown. Mayes grabs the shorts of his foe, pulling them way up, and Peterson warns him for the grab and calls time to issue another warning instead of taking a point. They resume where they left off, and Mayes ducks, seeing an elbow whiz by his head. Mayes gets back to boxing range, slinging hooks, and Gaziev clashes forward and slams his head into the chin of his foe. Peterson observes it but does not call time, and Gaziev fights his way into a clinch as Mayes is not overly thrilled. Gaziev drives knees to the solar plexus, and he rings Mayes’ bell with an elbow. Mayes staggers back, away from the clinch, but Gaziev snags him again and starts peppering him again with knees. As the heavyweights slow to a crawl, the commentary booth remarks that the temperature feels like over 100 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity in the arena around 75%. The big men are pouring sweat and are totally wiped out, kneeing one another with short shots as Gaziev is warned by draping his hands over the fencing. Mayes sneaks in a left hand, and Gaziev pays him back with a thumping knee. Gaziev has no interest in letting go or deviating from his approach, clinging to the Kentucky native and spamming knees until the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Mayes starts out the final round with a fresh head of steam, racing in with punches that are telegraphed and largely miss the mark. Gaziev avoids some, eats others, and responds when caught. Mayes swings hard to the liver, and Gaziev runs at him and bowls him over, landing in half guard and returning to smothering top control form. Gaziev stays just busy enough to not have Peterson warn him for inactivity, smacking Mayes in the dome and otherwise making his life miserable. Gaziev holds on with his forearm, and Mayes complains about something. Mayes starts talking to Gaziev, and Peterson does call for more action. Gaziev answers with a few fists, and Mayes answers him with words that Gaziev may or may not understand. Gaziev postures up to drop down heavy left hands, and Mayes keeps chattering and softly lands punches to the side from his back. Mayes holds on and is trying to have a conversation, mentioning that the fans are booing Gaziev. Gaziev controls and grinds, sapping time away and ending the rough matchup disappointingly.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Shamil Gaziev def. Don’Tale Mayes via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kaue Fernandes (155.5) vs. Mohammad Yahya (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fernandes (-380), Yahya (+300)

Round 1

The only one of 26 competitors directly from this host nation, Yahya (12-4, 0-1 UFC) reps the UAE tonight as a regular of the Etihad Arena. He welcomes Nova Uniao prospect Fernandes (8-2, 0-1 UFC) overseas, in a lightweight affair where one of these two will finally get their name on the board in the UFC—barring something unusual. Before they engage, referee Marc Goddard clocks them in, and the fighters with opposing 75% finish rates touch ‘em up. It becomes a low battle of leg kicks after they touch gloves, with Fernandes’ heavier. One kick from the Brazilian is countered with a right hand over the top that marks up Fernandes’ nose, and he is not overly concerned and keeps tossing heavy kicks. Yahya fires them back, clipping the Brazilian with a short combo, but Fernandes fires right back at him. Fernandes hammers the front leg with a kick, compromising it just two minutes in. Yahya switches stances, and when he moves back, Fernandes kicks him again. The calf is welted and swelling badly for the UAE native, and Fernandes is loose and goofing around, sticking his tongue out with a wide stance and his hands down. Fernandes rings off a one-two and a front kick before Yahya can get to him, and he nails the front leg with another kick to force “The UAE Warrior” to change stances. Fernandes pushes away when Yahya closes in on him for a body lock takedown effort, and he darts in with a high kick that goes wide. Fernandes clobbers the front leg once more, and Yahya can barely put weight on it. Fernandes sneaks up a question mark kick that buzzes the hair, and he jabs the body with front kicks. Fernandes intercepts his man with a right hook, and he pins a few punches on the chin as Yahya tries to go for broke. Yahya tanks the power punches but is completely outgunned, and even walking is tough for him. Fernandes has a hard kick countered, and he reels and fires another one off that makes Yahya limp badly. Yahya rushes in, and Fernandes knocks him off his feet with a setup left hook and a blistering right hand. The Brazilian pounces, knowing that Yahya is in a bad way, and he unleashes a blazing fury of punches and hammerfists. Goddard implores Yahya to fight back, but Fernandes is battering him with unanswered, undefended blows. It does not take long for Goddard to see enough, and he waves the fight off in our first stoppage of the night. Yahya needs to be helped back to his feet, and Fernandes is on the map after a one-sided shellacking.

The Official Result

Kaue Fernandes def. Mohammad Yahya R1 4:45 via TKO (Punches)

Alonzo Menifield (204) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murzakanov (-205), Menifield (+170)

Round 1

It took seven fights for the promotion to matchmake a fight between two members of the UFC roster with records in it over .500. Murzakanov (13-0, 3-0 UFC) puts his unbeaten record on the line as the winner of three straight in the Octagon, while powerhouse Menifield (15-4-1, 8-4-1 UFC) hunts to take that “0” away. Fists are sure to fly in a moment, but the light heavyweights first wait for referee Dan Movahedi to check in the fight. They hesitantly touch gloves, and Menifield is the one looking for offense first but is not running at his opponent. Murzakanov times an uppercut as Menifield dips down, and he snaps out a powerful jab. Menifield gets jabbed and reaches with a right hand, and he tries again but is out of range. “The Professional” steps in with a heavy left, and he backs Menifield up and drills him with a clean knee. Menifield shakes it off and blocks a head kick, and Murzakanov bears down on him and lays into him with heavy punches and a knee. Menifield blocks the worst of the blows, but the body shots are landing cleanly on him. Menifield ties him up, and Murzakanov lands a few punches to the back of the head before pushing the Texan to the wire. Murzakanov is warned twice for hooking his fingers in the cage, and again strikes Menifield in the back of the head. They jockey for position against the wall, and fans in the building grow restless while Movahedi asks for more from the two. Menifield breaks away and ducks into an uppercut, and he takes a knee and winds up with a big right hand. Murzakanov is warned for another foul, and he blocks a right hand as they clash heads due to both going forward. Menifield takes a body shot and gives a right back, and he eats a short combination and gets his bell rung. Murzakanov bullies him to the fencing again, and Menifield wants nothing to do with it and breaks off. Murzakanov lashes out with an elbow, and his uppercut clangs off the forehead. The Russian plants a right hand on the dome and a left to follow, and he slips away from a punch and draws some blood over the eye of his foe. Menifield goes up with a kick that is blocked, and he absorbs a flush body kick. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The light heavies are ready to get after it, and Movahedi has to ask them to back off before beginning. When they do, Menifield swarms into action, only to walk into a knee and an uppercut. Menifield launches big shots back, but Murzakanov’s defense is solid and his counters are sharp. Murzakanov draws further blood with an uppercut on the left eye that is leaking, and he slips punches and does not stand still long enough to eat big strikes. Menifield shrugs off two uppercuts that would knock out lesser fighters and punch his way into the distance. Murzakanov loops two right hands around the guard, and Menifield tanks vicious punches without batting an eye. Murzakanov drives a knee to the chin and a huge right hand on the temple, and gets caught with a clean uppercut that surprises him. Murzakanov punches and pushes off, and he jumps with a knee and rips a left to the body. Menifield lumbers forward swinging hooks, and Murzakanov is the faster and crisper, and he blocks a head kick. Murzakanov whiffs on a booming uppercut and ties his man up, pushing the Fortis MMA-trained fighter to the wall while watching the clock. Menifield turns him around and shoots low for a double, bailing on it when Murzakanov stands him up and threatens with a counter trip. This results in a reset, and both men attack with uppercuts. Menifield walks face-first into a monster left hand, and he hurts Murzakanov with a sudden counter. This only infuriates the Russian, who swings with bad intentions and rocks Menifield badly. Three ferocious punches from “The Professional” knock Menifield’s head around, who stumbles back and falls over when retreating. Murzakanov runs at the downed man, bludgeoning him with a hammerfist and a punctuating right hand, with the second shutting Menifield’s lights out. Movahedi pulls Murzakanov off of the doomed Menifield, and Murzakanov walks off to celebrate with his corner. Menifield comes to, spitting out his mouthpiece, and his team might need to explain what happened. Murzakanov is now 14-0 with 10 knockouts, with this one undoubtedly the biggest of his career.

The Official Result

Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield R2 3:18 via KO (Punches)

Joel Alvarez (155.5) vs. Elves Brener (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alvarez (-185), Brener (+154)

Round 1

The main card kicks off with a potential banger at 155 pounds, between two athletes who combine for two decision wins across their 36 pro victories. Alvarez (20-3, 5-2 UFC) sports a marvelous 100% finish rate, while the two triumphs on the scorecards can be attributed to Brener (16-4, 3-1 UFC). In this Spain vs. Brazil battle, referee Lukasz Bosacki takes charge to make sure there are no ill international relations. There is a fist bump to get things started, and Brener engages with a pair of leg kicks. Brener jabs his way into range, and he kicks the lead leg and gets knocked back with a right hand. Alvarez loads up on a power right hand to get Brener’s attention, and he walks the Brazilian down while measuring him with a jab. Alvarez calmly cuts off the cage, and he pins a one-two on the chin. Brener ducks down, directly into a standing guillotine choke, and he furiously throws Alvarez off of him. Alvarez resets and jabs the body, and he hops away from a jumping low kick. Brener keeps working on the leg and tosses out a front kick to mix things up, strafing to the side when Alvarez advances. Alvarez boots his man in the head, rings his bell with two punches and rails him with a jump knee. Brener absorbs it all without flinching, and he ties Alvarez up and looks to throw him down. The gangly Alvarez does not go down, landing in a 50-50 position and getting back up. Alvarez targets the liver with a left and kicks his man as well. Blasting Brener in the body and then kneeing him on the chin, Alvarez lines up a few more knees until Brener shoots in on his hips. Alvarez welcomes this as he fastens a brabo choke, and Brener rolls to his side and back in hopes of defending the submission. Brener pulls on Alvarez’ shorts to defend it, and Alvarez puts as much pressure as he can muster on the choke. Brener miraculously survives to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Alvarez is so ready to get back to it, he paces in his corner before they begin. When they do, gloves are briefly touched, and Alvarez moves right to the middle of the cage. Brener awkwardly moves back and forth, hands up and down, but Alvarez does not flinch even when absorbing a clean left hand on the jaw. Alvarez swings his way in, and Brener counters with a left and digs a body shot to open up a right hand over the top. Alvarez pushes with a front kick and irritates Brener’s nose with a long jab, and he aims a jab at the body while backing away from a front kick. Alvarez zips a left and a right to the midsection, and Brener charges, landing and getting caught with a right at the end. Brener kicks the body a few times, and Alvarez jabs him up. Brener works the body and shoots for a takedown, where he pushes Alvarez to the wall but cannot wrench him to the canvas. Alvarez splits off and jabs a front kick to the ribs, and Brener kicks him and rushes away. Brener swipes out with a left hook, and it is one-and-done. Alvarez continues to plod forward, sneaking a left around the guard and aiming a right hand to the sternum. Alvarez blocks a kick aimed at his noggin and keeps the pressure going, doubling up on a jab to make Brener scoot away. Alvarez follows him around, jabbing and following one with a low kick. Brener kicks him back in the same spot, and he darts in with a leaping left. Alvarez catches Brener coming in with a sniping left, and he just misses with a long right hand and a head kick. Brener keeps moving to not take anything flush, and he scoops a left hand under the guard. Alvarez paws out a few jabs to stay busy, and he backs off when Brener charges him. Brener walks through a jab to connect with a right hand, and Alvarez walks him down and boots him in the raised guard. Brener tries to jump knee him, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The fighters motion to the crowd to get them energized, which works while they meet in the middle and clap their hands together. Brener scores a low kick and hurries away, and he is out of range from a front kick. They crash together with right hands, and Alvarez walks through a leg kick to track him down. Brener is on his bike, not planting his feet for long, but that does not stop Alvarez from popping him with a one-two. A rushed exchange from Brener results him in getting tagged more often and more effectively, so he breaks off and tries a spinning strike. Alvarez blocks it without issue, and he goes to the body with a left and kicks high twice. Brener guards against both and connects with a leg kick, and he sprints in with a left hand and backs off when Alvarez kicks him in the lead calf. Alvarez jabs and sets up a hook when Brener does the same, and Brener pours it on but that only results in him getting worked. Alvarez rocks him with a left hand, drawing blood with a combination that follows around the left eye, and he chains a dozen or so knees to the head. Bosacki watches on closely as Alvarez clobbers him with furious knees, and Brener’s legs eventually give out beneath him. “El Fenomeno” only needs a pair of left hands to finish the job, as Bosacki is on top of the action and rescues the Brazilian from further punishment. Alvarez retains his 100% finish rate with the stoppage late in the fight, while handing the durable Brener his first finish loss.

The Official Result

Joel Alvarez def. Elves Brener R3 3:36 via TKO (Knees and Punches)

Mackenzie Dern (115.5) vs. Lupita Godinez (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dern (-130), Godinez (+110)

Round 1

The final women’s match tonight comes in a sneaky contender fight between savvy grapplers from very different schools. ‘Megaton’ Dias-trained Dern (13-5, 8-5 UFC) is submission-or-bust, while Lobo Gym’s Godinez (12-4, 7-4 UFC) can wrestle with the best of them. It remains to be seen if the woman from Mexico decides to consider the floor lava against the submission specialist. Referee Greg Kleynjans takes control of the cage, commencing the fight between the strawweight talents. They sportingly touch gloves, and Dern leads off with jabs. Godinez gives a few back at her, and Dern mixes in a low kick. Godinez walks Dern down with jabs that have already marked Dern’s nose up, and she gets off a few punches from up close before backing off. Dern slugs her back with a right hand, only to eat a left when backing off. Godinez dips and loops two left hooks at her foe, and she keeps her guard up to block a one-two. Dern kicks low, and Godinez knocks her on her seat with a left hand. Godinez backs off to force Dern to stand, and she picks up where she left off with accurate jabs and a very high guard. Dern shoots in for a double that is easily stuffed, and she pressures “Loopy” to the wall but is turned around and kneed in the face. Godinez breaks off while landing a left, and she absorbs two punches and gives three back. Dern comes up short with a jumping front kick, and Dern races out to put three fists on Godinez’ reddening beak. Godinez misses on her own offense, but she stands Dern up with a left hand when Dern rushes at her. Dern ties her up and hits a sudden body lock takedown, slinging Godinez to the mat and landing in full mount. Godinez bucks and twists, and Dern remains tightly compressed on her foe. Dern briefly considers isolating an arm, and Godinez rolls her over and falls straight into an armbar. Dern locks the limb up and stretches from her back, smacking Godinez with hammerfists when not torqueing the arm. Godinez stays close, but the hammerfists have busted her nose up and blood leaks on Dern’s thigh. Dern abandons the submission and absorbs a flush elbow, with Godinez landing some ground shots before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The women clap hands to get going, and they start with alternating jabs. Dern puts a pair of hooks on the forehead, and Godinez knocks her back with power punches that stagger Dern. Godinez pushes her opponent back to the wall, and Dern jumps guard for something but is pressed to the wire and unable to lower herself to the ground. Dern bails on the guard pull and stands, and Godinez backs off. Dern scores a solid right hand to draw additional blood from the nose, and Godinez snaps out a hard jab. Dern strings three punches together that all bounce off the guard as Godinez adjusts her top, and Godinez’ jab is finding its home. Dern follows her own jab with an overhand right, and she connects with another after a few strikes from the Mexican. Dern walks into a left hook as she plods forward, and a front kick comes up short. Dern kicks high, and Godinez snaps her back with a power jab. Dern tries to tie her up, but Godinez wants nothing to do with it and backs Dern off with her laser-like jab. Godinez kicks the body, and Dern catches the kick and goes for a takedown. Dern releases the leg and rifles off four punches, only to get caught with a right hand that shoves her over. Godinez does not follow, again allowing Dern to stand. Dern loads up with a right hand when upright, and she is answered by two leg kicks. Dern jabs her way into action, and Godinez bops her with a left hook. Godinez sneaks a right hand around the guard, and she paws out a left but gets staggered by a one-two from the Jason Parillo student. They trade jabs, and she meets Godinez with a right but takes a clean left. Dern chops at the front leg and pushes out a front kick, and Godinez surprises her with a powerful double that takes Dern off her feet for a moment. Godinez locks onto a standing arm-triangle choke when Dern gets back up, and she pushes heavily with her shoulder and knees her foe in the ribs while clutching it. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is a final glove touch, and Dern moves to the middle of the Octagon prodding jabs and power punches. Godinez is right there to meet her blow-for-blow, and they are swinging hard. Dern misses with a front kick and gets wobbled with a left hook, and she recovers her footing and gets back to a jab. Godinez lands a combination of punches ending with a leg kick, and she zips out two left hooks to keep Dern honest. Dern has a head kick blocked, and Godinez’s jab finds its mark again and again. A trickle of blood leaks from the corner of Dern’s right eye, and they proceed to trade hands one after the other. Dern uppercuts her way into a double-leg entry from a distance, and she scoops “Loopy” up and deposits her to the floor. Dern lands in side control, and she counter-scrambles when Godinez moves to briefly threaten with a guillotine choke. Godinez kicks her off, and Dern lets her stand up so she can flirt with a standing guillotine choke. Dern wrenches on the neck to use it to lower Godinez to the canvas, but she is unsuccessful. Dern punches to break off, and they reset. Godinez swarms her with multiple left hooks, forcing Dern to rebound off the fence. Dern takes her turn, getting Godinez’ attention with an uppercut in the midst of a salvo of fists. Dern sticks out a front kick that misses the mark, and she parries a jab to jab Dern back in the chest. Godinez connects at the end of a left hook, and she aims two body shots and a left hook after it. Godinez targets the body and opens up a few up top, stepping in with an elbow that brushes past Dern’s hair. Dern slings a hard low kick, and Godinez counters with a left over the top. “Loopy” ties her foe up, and she plants knees on the torso until Dern turns her about. Dern cannot hold Godinez or take her down, and Godinez separates and rushes at her with flailing fists. Godinez shoots at the 10-second mark, and she closes in and knees Dern multiple times. Dern responds with uppercuts, and the clinch is where the close match ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Godinez (29-28 Godinez)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dern (29-28 Dern)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern (29-28 Dern)

The Official Result

Mackenzie Dern def. Lupita Godinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Michael Chiesa (170) vs. Tony Ferguson (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chiesa (-750), Ferguson (+525)

Round 1

Of the 13 encounters on today’s billing, none is more must-win than this welterweight pairing. Another loss for Ferguson (25-10, 15-8 UFC) would bestow upon him the UFC record for the most consecutive defeats (eight), while a defeat for Chiesa (16-7, 11-7 UFC) will put “Maverick” halfway to that mark. At a combined age of 76, these winners of “The Ultimate Fighter” may not be long for the sport, but they will try to make this one count. Referee Marc Goddard receives the honor of officiating this matchup, and he sits back as the fighters choose not to touch ‘em up. The crowd loudly chants “Tony,” who starts the fight with a sweeping leg kick. They try to find their respective ranges, with Ferguson hand-fighting to parry any jab from Chiesa. Ferguson walks Chiesa down, and the audience loves him and voices that love throughout the arena. Chiesa sets up a body kick, and Ferguson walks through it and jabs the body. Chiesa sneaks a left hand over the top, and he hops away but cannot get away from a low kick. For the third time in 90 seconds, “Tony” chants echo through the Etihad Arena. Ferguson catches the chin with a pair of punches, and Chiesa tries to return fire. Ferguson zip and elbow past the forehead, and he sinks in two low kicks. Chiesa just misses on two big punches, and Ferguson’s head movement saves him from any harm. Chiesa stands him up with a right hook, and he strafes to dodge a punch and a kick. Ferguson lands an uppercut and a jab, and Chiesa jabs him back. Chiesa has a jab met with a low kick, and he rushes towards “El Cucuy” and lifts him up to set him down gingerly to the ground. Chiesa is quick to take the back as soon as they hit the mat, and he fastens the body triangle and locks down a rear-naked choke. Ferguson fights the hands to break the grip, and Chiesa adjusts on the other side and completes the submission under the chin. Knowing there is nothing more he can do today besides go to sleep, Ferguson surrenders. When they both stand up after Goddard’s intervention, they are all smiles. Even in defeat, now the sole holder of the most consecutive losses in UFC history (eight), Ferguson does not appear crestfallen. If there is any solace in the loss, it is that the beloved 40-year-old did not take much damage in the defeat. Ever the sportsman, Chiesa has the broadcast focus on Ferguson for the post-fight interview instead of him. Ferguson takes it all in when given the microphone, and he gives an interesting message. Leaving one glove in the center of the cage, Ferguson declares that he would not fight anywhere but the UFC, saying that he will keep one glove just in case he has the itch to compete once more. If this is indeed the final fight in the fantastic career of Ferguson, it has been a pleasure.

The Official Result

Michael Chiesa def. Tony Ferguson R1 3:44 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Deiveson Figueiredo (135) vs. Marlon Vera (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Figueiredo (-155), Vera (+130)

Round 1

Set in the “featured fight of the night” slot instead of the co-main event as would be reasonable, bantamweight strikers Vera (23-9-1, 15-8 UFC) and Figueiredo (23-3-1, 12-3-1 UFC) do not care much about card position as long as they can hit someone today. Vera has never been finished as a pro, while “Daico” has not lost since relocating to 135 pounds. “Fight of the Night” could be right around the corner, and referee Keith Peterson is will make sure no nonsense comes between them. Eager to throw leather, they ignore a glove touch and meet in the middle of the cage. Vera measures his range with a low kick, and he lands another on the calf to briefly disrupt the balance of his foe. Figueiredo fires one right back, leading Vera to punch the ball of his foot at Figueiredo’s knee. Figueiredo kicks the inner thigh and may have grazed the cup, but there is no pause. Figueiredo strikes his way into distance, and Vera uses a solid left hand to back him off. Figueiredo chops at the front leg, and he digs a right to the body and dips a punch to hit a takedown. Vera closes his guard and keeps tight wrist control to stop the Brazilian from striking him from above. Figueiredo frees his arms for a moment and drops down a heavy hammerfist, stacking Vera up so he can attempt to break out of the leg grip around his waist. Vera lifts his guard up higher, and this allows Figueiredo to land some ground strikes. Figueiredo stands back up to find a better way in, and Vera smacks him in the face with an upkick. This results in a furious scramble where Vera works his way back to his feet, and Figueiredo follows. Vera starts stalking the former flyweight king down, whipping out a high kick and protecting his jaw from a leaping left hand. Figueiredo winds up with a fierce low kick, and Vera flinches when Figueiredo fakes a second. Vera scores a jab and leaps forward with a knee, and Figueiredo scoops him off his feet and dumps him to the ground, landing in half guard and opening up with elbows right off the bat. Figueiredo drives home an elbow or two before the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The second round begins with a low kick from Figueiredo, and he checks a kick back his way and whips one to the ribs. Vera clashes forward with a left hand, and he doubles up on leg kicks. Figueiredo hops back and forth, swatting Vera with a left hook. Vera attempts a head kick, and Figueiredo ducks down to go for a takedown, so Vera recoils it. Vera pushes out front kicks to the leg, and Figueiredo retaliates with a liver kick. Vera overswings, and Figueiredo threatens a takedown, abandons it and comes over the top with a right hand. Vera sticks a front kick to the solar plexus, and he low kicks his way in with a jab. Figueiredo ducks low for a takedown, and the Ecuadorian shoves him away and delivers a heavy low kick as Figueiredo backs off. Vera pierces the guard with a left hand, and Figueiredo punches him in the body. Vera does not like it, giving him a rude gesture because he thought it landed low. Figueiredo attempts a takedown, and Vera hops away and resets with a jab. Figueiredo zings a left over the top, and they trade leg kicks. Vera scores a front kick after checking a kick, and Figueiredo connects with a right hook. Figueiredo doubles up on a jab and comes out firing with a right hand, and Vera is ready for it. They go tit-for-tat with strikes, neither having a serious advantage, and Figueiredo tries for a takedown that results in him banging his forehead on his opponent’s. Vera kicks his way into a tie-up, and he connects with a body shot before the bell. Figueiredo protests about something after the bell, and Peterson gets between them to usher them back to their corners.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Figueiredo starts the last round aggressively, shooting in for a takedown that is rebuffed by his opponent courtesy of a guillotine. Vera kicks at him, and Figueiredo grabs the leg and hops back to the fence to defend it. Vera breaks free, and he flicks out a few jabs. Figueiredo jabs him right back, and he shrugs off a calf kick to deliver a similar response. Figueiredo stabs a right hand to the body, leans back and takes a low kick. Vera follows a ducking Figueiredo with an uppercut, and he blitzes forward to land a pair of punches. Figueiredo triples up on strikes, and Vera parries and escapes. Vera comes up short on a head kick, and Figueiredo kicks him in the ribs before aiming a right to the lower chest. Figueiredo aims a left to the body and another, and he has a front kick push him back and gets picked at from a leg kick. Figueiredo sits down on a straight right hand, shaking the Ecuadorian to his core and setting him on his seat. Vera climbs back up to his feet, and Figueiredo beans him with a right up top and a left to the ribcage. The Brazilian has a fire lit under his belly, aiming single accurate strikes that land flush, and Vera aims to quell that fire with his own body shot response. Figueiredo takes his time rather than selling out on offense, and he rifles a right hand to the sternum. Vera connects with a heavy leg kick, and Figueiredo does the same in response. Figueiredo ducks a looping left hand in pursuit of a takedown, and Vera stands him up and is caught with a right hand. Figueiredo shoots in on the hips, and Vera sprawls effectively, backs the Brazilian off and kicks him in the body. Vera jabs his way in and spins with a wheel kick that buzzes past his opponent, and Figueiredo flirts with two takedowns that both fail thanks to Vera’s stalwart defense. The attempts shut down Vera’s combinations, and “Daico” fakes another that makes Vera drop to his knees. Figueiredo grins and starts throwing hands in the pocket, catching Vera and eating a right hand back. Vera goes to the liver, and Figueiredo waves him on. This initiates a brief brawl, and they end up in a Thai clinch and think about knees. Vera finds another way in with a knee, and when he lands on the mat, Figueiredo times an uppercut to sting Vera right at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Deiveson Figueiredo def. Marlon Vera via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Sharabutdin Magomedov (186) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Magomedov (-238), Oleksiejczuk (+195)

Round 1

The latest hot commodity out of Russia for the UFC, Magomedov (13-0, 2-0 UFC) has a stiff test in front of him in the power-punching Pole Oleksiejczuk (19-8, 1 NC; 7-6, 1 NC UFC). “Shara Bullet” has passed every previous exam set before him, winning most thus far via strikes. Together, they have performed 25 knockouts, so referee Dan Movahedi is prepped and ready for the potential of a 26th. Interested in lopping the other’s head off at the stem, they pass right by touching gloves. Bouncing towards and away from one another in alternating stances, Oleksiejczuk is the first to reach his opponent. Oleksiejczuk reaches his foe with a right and a left while Magomedov kicks. Oleksiejczuk jabs and defends a right hand and a trio of kicks. Oleksiejczuk knocks his man off his seat with a left hand, and Magomedov pulls on the fence to stand back up. Oleksiejczuk bears down on him with two left hooks, and he aims a left to the body while Magomedov kicks him twice in the side. Oleksiejczuk connects with a left hand and eats a left hand counter, and he digs a left to the torso. Magomedov chips with two kicks and absorbs another flush left hand, and Oleksiejczuk aims another heavy left at the ribs. Magomedov tries to spin with a punch, and he catches Oleksiejczuk coming in with a knee. Oleksiejczuk windmills a left hand, and the second he throws lands flush. Magomedov replies with a short few punches, and an elbow gets Oleksiejczuk’s attention and shreds him open. Magomedov knees him and pushes Oleksiejczuk away, but Oleksiejczuk walks right towards him again and parries two high kicks. Oleksiejczuk digs a left to the side and absorbs a clean knee and a side kick to the same spot, and he loops a right hand over the guard. Magomedov lands a body kick and pulls on the top of the head, getting off a head kick and taking a left hand off the forehead. Magomedov lands and gets tagged, but his knee connects cleanly as Oleksiejczuk tries to tie him up. There is a brief Thai clinch, and they separate as Oleksiejczuk swarms with left hooks. Oleksiejczuk kicks the front leg and tries to catch a side kick, as Magomedov buzzes him with spinning back elbow. Magomedov skirts away and pitches out side kicks, and he has a leg kick checked. Oleksiejczuk wings a left up high when a head kick flies at him, and he backs Magomedov of with a second left. Oleksiejczuk pounds on the body with a knee and a kick, and he swipes out with a right hand. Oleksiejczuk drills the chest with a straight left, and he lumbers forward swinging lefts. Magomedov gets off a body kick and ducks a swinging punch, and he dodges the worst of the wild punches except for one. The Russian misses a head kick right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Oleksiejczuk is so amped up to go, Movahedi has to back him up halfway across the cage. They practically sprint out of their corners to start fighting again, with Oleksiejczuk backing the Russian off immediately. Magomedov snipes at his opponent while backing off, with a side kick, low kick and check left hook. Oleksiejczuk lumbers at him with looping punches, and Magomedov’s head movement keeps him largely safe. Magomedov scores with front kicks, and Oleksiejczuk lands a left to the body and then one up top. Magomedov stuns his foe with a Superman punch, and Oleksiejczuk turns him around with a left hand. Magomedov fakes a spin, and his front leg gets kicked when recovering. Oleksiejczuk uses a body lock to try to take the fight down, and Magomedov blatantly grabs the fence to stay on his feet and is not called because Movahedi is on the wrong side. Oleksiejczuk releases him and eats a right to the body and a right to the head that briefly shakes him up. Blood flows from the left side of his head on multiple wounds, and he still is headhunting and throwing everything he has. Oleksiejczuk kicks the front leg and whiffs on a left hook, and he walks into a check hook and a jab. Oleksiejczuk responds with a clean left hand, and Magomedov stands firm and answers with a straight right hand down the pipe. They both throw hands at the same time, with Oleksiejczuk landing cleaner as he dodges the sneaky front-leg head kick. Oleksiejczuk gets in a left hand as Magomedov bounces and moves, and he has a massive left hand miss him by a matter of millimeters. Oleksiejczuk rips a left to the side as he jabs his way forward, and a left hook brushes the beard. Oleksiejczuk blocks a head kick as the crowd oohs, and Magomedov is quick to throw another low kick. Magomedov jumps into his offense, and he lines up several knees before Oleksiejczuk can push him away. Oleksiejczuk reaches his foe with a left and a right, and he takes a deep breath. Magomedov slips a punch and zips a counter up high, and he remains in perpetual motion while not staying in the same spot for long. Oleksiejczuk kicks the front leg and loops a left over the top, and he dodges a left hook and counters cleanly. Magomedov connects with a head kick, and Oleksiejczuk throws him to the floor and hops onto the back when they hit the mat. Oleksiejczuk sneaks a single hook in and considers a choke, but Magomedov hand-fights to prevent anything from materializing. Oleksiejczuk fastens one arm beneath the chin, and Magomedov punches him from behind until the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The middleweights meet in the middle after 10 minutes of blood and guts battle. Magomedov misses with a knee, and Oleksiejczuk belts him in the jaw. “Shara Bullet” mocks him, asking if that is all he has, and Oleksiejczuk swings hard in response. Oleksiejczuk loops a left over the top, and he gets kicked in the guts while wading forward. Oleksiejczuk telegraphs a left hand that Magomedov is able to block, and speed is on the side of the Russian at this point. Magomedov delivers a kick to the body, and he laughs off the attacks from Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk whiffs on looping shots as he walks forward, and Magomedov keeps his hands down and moves from side toe side. Oleksiejczuk is an inch out of range from a brutal left hand, and he follows him around and scores one. Magomedov knees him in the face and then side kicks him square on the jaw, and Oleksiejczuk can do nothing but tank it. Magomedov connects with a side kick, and Oleksiejczuk punches him in the body back. Magomedov swats with left hands and side kicks, and he leans back when Oleksiejczuk loads up on his left hand. Magomedov hammers the body with several knees, and he kicks the Polish fighter in the head, who does not budge. Oleksiejczuk lands a leg kick and wings a left hook, and Magomedov once more boots him upside the head. Oleksiejczuk grabs hold of him and throws him to the canvas in response, and Magomedov wall-walks and keeps his balance to prevent the mat return. Oleksiejczuk attempts a double, and Magomedov stops it. Magomedov stands him up and slashes him with an elbow, and Oleksiejczuk keeps his chin tucked and unleashes a left hand. With a minute to go, Oleksiejczuk sprints forward and grabs hold of a single, dumping “Shara Bullet” to the canvas. Magomedov lands several rabbit punches to the back of the head, and Movahedi warns him for the fouls. Magomedov hacks with elbows from his back, and these may have cut Oleksiejczuk a few more times. Oleksiejczuk tries to mount some offense, and they proceed to trade strikes right to the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Sharabudtin Magomedov def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Cory Sandhagen (136) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nurmagomedov (-305), Sandhagen (+245)

Round 1

When the dust settles and a maximum of 25 minutes elapses, a bantamweight title challenger will almost certainly emerge. Having never vied for the undisputed throne, Sandhagen (17-4, 10-3 UFC) wants to prove the naysayers wrong and hand Nurmagomedov (17-0, 5-0 UFC) his first pro defeat. While a large step up in competition for the Russian, bettors largely favor him to get his hand raised. Referee Marc Goddard will handle the particulars for the next five rounds or fewer, and he brings the two combatants to the center of the cage to formally touch gloves and initiate the proceedings. Sandhagen darts in and continually pulls back, keeping out of range of a head kick or two that comes at him. They trade leg kicks, and Nurmagomedov shoots in for a single. Dragging Sandhagen to the mat for a moment, Nurmagomedov manages to take the back but Sandhagen is able to wriggle away and get back to the middle of the cage. Nurmagomedov reaches him with a one-two, and Sandhagen kicks him hard on the lead leg. Nurmagomedov tries to catch it, and he abandons it to launch a head kick that bounces off the shoulder. Sandhagen scores a right hand and a low kick, and he reaches the midsection with a long right hand before bouncing away from a kick. Nurmagomedov attacks a single, and Sandhagen hops on the other leg and slashes with an elbow before fighting it off. Sandhagen wings a left hook that buzzes past his foe, and he hops forward with a jab. Sandhagen connects with a head kick, and the foot brushes the cup and Sandhagen stops to make sure Nurmagomedov is ok. He is. Leg kicks fly from both sides, with Sandhagen adding more and tripping Nurmagomedov up. Nurmagomedov falls on his side awkwardly, and he bounces back up while Sandhagen gives chase. Nurmagomedov counters a leg kick with a hard left over the top, and he eats a swiping left hook. Nurmagomedov strikes, slips and escapes, but Sandhagen follows him and hammers him with a kick on the calf. Nurmagomedov fakes an entry on a takedown, and he sticks his man, gets countered and lands a heavy leg kick. Front kicks from both men connect, and Sandhagen jumps forward with a switch kick that hits the body. Nurmagomedov ducks a punch and hits a takedown, allowing Sandhagen to scramble so he can take the back. They get tangled up like 135-pound pretzels, and Sandhagen smacks him with a few hammerfists until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Sandhagen strides out of his corner stopping before a front kick can reach him, but in range so that his front leg gets kicked. Sandhagen kicks him back and defends a single, sprawling effectively while pushing on the back of his foe’s head. Nurmagomedov turns the corner and grabs hold of Sandhagen from behind, and Sandhagen works his way to the fence to lean on it. Nurmagomedov knees him on the break, and when they reset, Sandhagen snaps his head to the side with a left hook. Nurmagomedov misses with a head kick and eats a jab, and he tries to reach the target with a one-two that comes up short. Sandhagen lands a thudding left hand and gets countered tossing out a leg kick with a left to the chest. Sandhagen jumps forward but pulls back from the knee as Nurmagomedov wants to catch him, and a volley of low kicks soon flies. Sandhagen chops down the front leg, prompting a stance switch, and Nurmagomedov lunges with a body shot. They take turns kicking one another in the calf and launching one-twos, and alternating kicks are released. Nurmagomedov slaps Sandhagen in the face with the instep of his foot, and Sandhagen does not register the blow and boots Nurmagomedov upside the head with his own kick. Sandhagen eats a right and responds with a left, and he jabs and tries to parry a front kick aimed at his nose. Sandhagen connects with a low kick, and the Russian is ready and willing to counter with a left over the top. The punches from Nurmagomedov have opened a cut on the eyebrow of his opponent, and Nurmagomedov attempts a takedown and manages to take Sandhagen to his seat. Nurmagomedov tries to take the back and is warned for grabbing inside the gloves, and he gets hold of Sandhagen’s back and locks down a brief crucifix. Nurmagomedov flirts with a choke for a second, but Sandhagen explodes to his feet and spins around. Nurmagomedov trips him to the floor, and Sandhagen gets up and lands a front kick before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Leading the dance again is Sandhagen, who makes the Russian back away courtesy of his measuring jab. Nurmagomedov slaps a kick beneath the armpit of his foe, and his front leg gets kicked in response. Nurmagomedov scores a calf kick, and Sandhagen switches stances and engages. The kicks from “The Sandman” are getting the attention of the unbeaten fighter, who is raising his leg preemptively when not trying to catch them. Nurmagomedov kicks the front leg and whiffs on a head kick, and Sandhagen kicks his foe’s raised limb. Nurmagomedov hammers another kick low, and he tries to check one flying back his direction. Sandhagen jabs his way in, but nothing follows it. Nurmagomedov brushes past the hair with a kick, and Sandhagen slams his shin on both sides. The two bantamweights remain at this snail’s pace for some time, both appearing to take the round off. Sandhagen kicks the calf and Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown right after it, resulting in Sandhagen bouncing away and breaking the grip to escape. Leg kicks keep getting traded, and he blocks a body kick and pushes a front kick to the chest. Sandhagen jumps with a switch kick that lands to the body, and Nurmagomedov manages to kick him back to the side. Nurmagomedov jams a left hand to the breadbasket, and Sandhagen leaps into action with a punch and a kick. Nurmagomedov chases him around aiming body shots, and Sandhagen intercepts him with a knee. Nurmagomedov goes for a takedown, and as Sandhagen gives up his back to stand, Nurmagomedov gladly obliges to take it in the scramble, Sandhagen sits comfortably until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 4

The championship rounds have been reached, and Sandhagen pushes the pace with several jabs and follow-up right hands. Nurmagomedov responds with a pair of high kicks, and both a get blocked. Nurmagomedov shovels a few uppercuts to the chin, and Sandhagen rushes after him with a short combination. Two hooks from Sandhagen miss the mark, and the third graces the chin. Sandhagen lands a clean left hook, and Nurmagomedov places two punches on the jaw. Sandhagen again scores his dipping hook, and then a third time. Nurmagomedov jabs and throws crosses, and Sandhagen reaches him at the end of a right hand. They are taking turns once again in engaging, and Sandhagen starts while Nurmagomedov ends these exchanges. Nurmagomedov lands a flush one-two, only to be met with a left from “The Sandman.” It cleanly catches his man again, prompting Nurmagomedov to string three punches back at him. Sandhagen hammers the body and is countered with a left hook, and he defends against a looping body shot. The Russian finds his home with a body kick, and Sandhagen clips him with an uppercut. They both trade heavy shots, and Nurmagomedov concludes the combo with a right before exiting. Sandhagen does wide with a high kick, and Nurmagomedov retaliates with a trio of fleet fists. Sandhagen scores a solid low kick, and he comes up just short with a front kick. Nurmagomedov ducks a punch to procure a takedown, and he succeeds in dragging Sandhagen to a knee from behind. Sandhagen rolls through and pushes off the fence, turning himself around but eating a few punches in the process. Sandhagen responds with his own double try before the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

The first punch of the last round is scored by Sandhagen, with a left hook that he has find the last round or so. Sandhagen switches stances and delivers leg kicks, and he is shoved away by a front kick. Sandhagen chops down the lead wheel, and he blocks a body kick to lash out with a calf kick. Sandhagen shoots for a single, and he bails on it to go over the top with a left hook. Nurmagomedov shrugs it off and comes out swinging, with a right to the body and a missed right hook upstairs. Sandhagen goes after another single, with nothing on it. Sandhagen again tries a big overhand right, and Nurmagomedov is there to back him off with three crisp punches and a body kick. Sandhagen stands Nurmagomedov up with a right hand, but Nurmagomedov is quick to shake it off and coming back strong. Sandhagen dodges the front kick, and he is forced to defend a takedown attempt where the Russian takes him from behind and follows him while rolling. Sandhagen sets up a triangle choke when Nurmagomedov turns over to take top position, but Nurmagomedov works through it and establishes top control. Sandhagen looks to his corner for advice, and he rolls over to give his back up. Nurmagomedov gets a hook in and holds his leg over Sandhagen’s right arm, but Sandhagen’s scramble allows him to flip him around and attack a single. Nurmagomedov follows this roll with his own roll, and he sits on Sandhagen’s face before sliding around to establish half guard. Nurmagomedov clings to top position, cruising to a win while landing some occasional ground-and-pound. Nurmagomedov holds on, doing what he needs to do to get his hand raised. This is easily the biggest win in the career of the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is now a perfect 18-0 and likely the next man in line to face the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili. No matter who that ends up being, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (49-46 Nurmagomedov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (50-45 Nurmagomedov)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (49-46 Nurmagomedov)

The Official Result

Umar Nurmagomedov def. Cory Sandhagen via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)