UFC 309 ‘Jones vs. Miocic’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Veronica Hardy (125.8) vs. Eduarda Moura (125.2)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hardy (-142), Moura (+120)

Round 1

A very good evening to you, fight fans, as we embark on a journey of combat through Madison Square Garden. The UFC carries on its crusade of being the gold standard of fight sports, and this pay-per-view has the potential to deliver the goods in a big way. The now dozen-long slate of matchups commences with a pairing in the women’s flyweight division, with two women sporting .500 UFC records looking to break over that hump. Hardy (9-4-1, 4-4 UFC) has turned things around significantly since dropping three straight to begin her journey in the promotion, while Moura (10-1, 1-1 UFC) came in strong but cooled down this June with a decision defeat, for the first loss of her career. Barring something strange, in the next 15 minutes or less, one of these ladies will step over the midpoint line to establish themselves in their weight class. Referee Dan Miragliotta will be there for it every step of the way, and he clocks the women in as they touch ‘em up. Moura measures out a front kick early, keeping her right hand cocked back as Hardy strafes around the cage. Moura cracks an advancing Hardy with a clean right, and Hardy’s nose turns red from the concussive blow. Moura swipes out with another right hook, and this one comes up short. Hardy keeps her distance, hoping to engage in blitzes, and Moura sits down on her punches and is ready for Hardy to spring at her. Moura absorbs a body kick so she can let fly an overhand right, and her presence and counters are keeping Hardy from doing much. Moura switches back and forth with stances as Hardy races in, and she counters the Renzo Gracie Academy fighter effectively. Hardy gets beaten to the punch with a sharp right, and she puts out a short shot to the body but does not have much on it. Her subsequent body kick lands far harder, but it is one-and-done as Moura stares her down. “Ronda” works her way in, just missing with a lunging right hand as she cuts Hardy off. Hardy kicks awkwardly, and Moura blasts her in the face with a fierce right hook. Hardy blinks it out and tosses out a left hand in response, to which Moura is there and ready to take so she can give something back. Hardy scores a body kick at the end of a combination, and she flicks out a jab in hopes of catching Moura unaware. Moura dances out of the way of a one-two, catches a body kick and topples Hardy to the mat. Hardy hits her back and defends with a two-on-one wrist lock, but she cannot use it for a submission or sweep before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moura
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Moura
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moura

Round 2

The women clap hands to get going in Round 2, and then stand in front of one another feinting and faking. Hardy goes after a body kick, and she wings a left hand that gets the Brazilian’s attention. Hardy pitches a stomping kick to the knee, and she finds herself encountering a charging Moura. Moura grabs hold of her and tosses her to the mat, even with Hardy grabbing the fence. Hardy gets away with a few more fence grabs, with Miragliotta shouting to stop the fouls, and she does this to keep herself from being placed flat on her back. Moura wrenches her down eventually, and she steps into half guard while exuding top control. Hardy swings her elbow to impact the body of her opponent a few times before Moura climbs into her half guard. Hardy manages to recover her guard, but efforts to wall-walk are unsuccessful. Hardy tries to brawl it out off her back, using elbows in hopes of chopping up the Brazilian. Moura drops down her own strikes to stay busy, and she gets pushed off thanks to Hardy’s frantic feet. Moura lowers herself back down into the guard, putting Hardy flat on her back again. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moura
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Moura
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moura

Round 3

There is a final clap of hands, and the two flyweights hug it out. Hardy moves to the center of the cage, attacking with a low kick and a jab to the body. Hardy lets fly a left hook over the top, and Moura shrugs it all off, completely unconcerned. Hardy kicks her in the body, and Moura smiles. Moura’s offense dwindles as she commits herself to single power strikes, and Hardy drifts out of the way from most of them. One solid left hand catches her on the chin, but not before Hardy lands on her to the body and legs. Hardy rushes in recklessly, and she walks directly into a huge right hand from the Brazilian. Hardy shakes it off and goes forward again, only to get caught a second time. Hardy thinks better of these blitzes, pushes out with a front kick and then attacking with a low kick to set up a few punches. Moura parries the punches, keeps her guard high and blocks a head kick. Hardy hand-fights to protect herself from a right hand, and Moura frees her limb and drills the Venezuelan with it. Hardy whips a low kick to the inside leg of her opponent, and she follows with a side kick to the torso. Her power is not getting the respect from Moura, who walks her down and tags her with a stern right hand. Moura gets off a body kick of her own when finding an opening, and Hardy slaps her in the front leg in response. Hardy’s head kick misses the mark, and she swings for the fences and marks up Moura’s face with a few successful strikes. Hardy slips a punch to go to the body, and she kicks the same spot. Moura’s counter bloodies up Hardy’s nose, and the flyweight contest concludes when time elapses.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hardy (29-28 Moura)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Moura (30-27 Moura)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hardy (29-28 Moura)

The Official Result

Eduarda Moura def. Veronica Hardy via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Bassil Hafez (171) vs. Oban Elliott (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS:

Round 1

Kicking right along, welterweights take center stage as two men that present as strikers but maintain very low knockout rates come to blows. Hafez (9-4-1, 1-1 UFC) has only procured one stoppage due to strikes early into his career, while Elliott (11-2, 2-0 UFC) has pulled that off twice. Nevertheless, referee Marc Goddard will be on his A-game for this contest, one that kicks off with a touch of gloves. Both men swing hard at one another early, missing the mark but not by much. Hafez punches his way into a clinch, landing an elbow and breaking off before levels are changed. Elliott picks at his foe with a low kick, and he flicks out a few jabs to not let Hafez’ looping fists reach him. Elliott maintains distance until Hafez bears down on him, with “The Habibi” taking a body kick so he can get in close and club the Welshman on the side of the head. Hafez tries to do this again, but Elliott’s legs keep him at leg’s length. Elliott prods out jabs and a front kick, and Hafez bears down on him hitting little more than air. Elliott goes high with a kick that brushes off the guard, and he avoids a huge right hand by a matter of inches. Hafez slings another haymaker, and “The Welsh Gangster” makes him miss by a wide margin. Elliott jabs the body with the ball of his foot, and Hafez complains of a groin shot as Goddard tells them to fight on. Elliott zings his man with a quick left hand, and he slaps the lead leg with a kick. Hafez is perturbed about another low body kick, and he chambers and fires as head kick as Elliott ducks down. Elliott tanks it, wagging his finger despite getting drilled upside the head. Hafez tries to kick him again, and Elliott’s defense holds up. Elliott fakes a jump knee to land with a front kick, and he beats on the front leg three times before Hafez does something. Hafez catches a body kick and tosses Elliott down to his hands, and Elliott recovers without issue and whips a high kick at “The Habibi” to conclude the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elliott

Round 2

The round begins with both fighters hesitant to engage with much, largely aiming single strikes at one another. Elliott connects with a clean body kick, and he comes over the top with a solid right hand. Hafez forces a high kick and slips, but Elliott lets him stand up so he can work the front leg with another kick. Hafez swings for the bleachers and is knocking out the air around him, but Elliott is able to pick and poke with jabs and kicks. Elliott chews up the front leg and body with kicks from safe range, as Hafez’ big strikes are largely telegraphed and not reaching him. Elliott grabs a low kick and is surprised by Hafez spinning with a back fist, but he keeps his wits about him and slaps “The Habibi” in the face with the instep of his foot. Elliott’s foot jab is met with a kick to the body and front leg, and they clash shins at the same time. Elliott’s stance switches keep Hafez guessing, as he can chain kicks together from both sides and stay slick enough to avoid the power coming back at him. Elliott ducks a big kick to scoop an uppercut on the chin, and Hafez wears it well and comes out swinging. Elliott’s footwork and head movement keeps him safe, even when Hafez gets up close and personal and dings him with a short left hook. Elliott tosses out a reverse crescent kick, and Hafez does not know what to think and stutter-steps his way into winging full power hooks. Elliott slides away and smacks his opponent’s leg with a kick, and he ends the round with a front kick. The audience is not enjoying the action thus far, and they let their voices be heard.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elliott

Round 3

Hafez runs out of his corner to attack, reaching his man with a left hand and a high kick. Elliott gets on his bike and manages the distance well, nearly ducking into a head kick and then somehow leaning back to not get caught. Elliott chips at the front leg with a thumping kick, and Hafez is wearing it from the repeated kicks and welts are developing fast. Hafez lazily reaches out with a right hook, and Elliott sits down on a monstrous right hand that sends “The Habibi” flying. Hafez is out before he hits the ground, and he wakes up when Elliott drills him with a few standing-to-ground punches. Goddard watches closely until seeing that Hafez is not intelligently defending himself, and he waves the fight off. The Welshman becomes the first fighter to stop the durable, bloodied Hafez, and he walks off and starts posing like a pro wrestler. Meanwhile, Hafez tries to stand up a bit too quickly, and he stumbles across the cage and has to be caught by Goddard and his corner. They seat him on his stool, and he needs to be informed what happened.

The Official Result

Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez R3 0:40 via KO (Punches)

Ramiz Brahimaj (170.2) vs. Mickey Gall (170.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gall (-135), Brahimaj (+114)

Round 1

It’s an all-grappling affair as the early prelims cap off here, with two men that celebrate all but one of their combined wins via submission. Home-grown UFC product Gall (7-6, 6-6 UFC) will be looking to record his first win since 2021, while Brahimaj (10-5, 2-3 UFC) is aiming to keep his 100% finish and sub rate intact. Referee Kevin MacDonald draws the assignment for this welterweight grappler’s delight, and he checks the fighters in as they share a fist bump. Brahimaj takes to the center of the cage and paws out a front kick. Gall jabs a few times, and Brahimaj sits down on a right hand to break it up. Gall jabs and opens up with a right hand to follow. Brahimaj clinches up and drives a few uppercuts to the jaw, and a knee makes him slip. Brahimaj climbs back up to his feet and marches Gall down, walking through a one-two to set up another Thai clinch. Brahimaj again uses the tie-up to set up a few strikes, and breaks off when Gall lands on him. Gall prods out jabs until getting met with an overhand right, and his one-two gets Brahimaj’s attention. Brahimaj responds with a jab and a head kick on the other side, and Gall has to take a moment to recover. Brahimaj walks him down and clubs him in the face with a right hand, and Gall backs off. The Fortis MMA fighter strides forward, brimming with confidence, and unleashes a hellacious left and a massive right on the temple that crumples Gall. Only a few follow-up strikes from the submission specialist are needed until MacDonald gets between them, and Brahimaj has now notched the first knockout of his career. The old gloves are in business tonight, and it has already showed.

The Official Result

Ramiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall R1 2:55 via KO (Punches)

Jhonata Diniz (253.2) vs. Marcin Tybura (251)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tybura (-148), Diniz (+124)

Round 1

With Derrick Lewis out for the time being, Tybura (25-9, 12-8 UFC) is now the man who stands across the Octagon from undefeated hammer-thrower Diniz (8-0, 2-0 UFC). The Brazilian came in a few weeks ago expecting to serve as the favorite against “The Black Beast,” but instead he finds himself in a pick-‘em with a well-rounded Polish heavyweight. The big men get after it as soon as referee Herb Dean says go, with a touch of gloves a formality that happens first. Tybura strikes first with a body kick, and he shells up to block two punches up top. Diniz lets fly a surprising head kick, and he blitzes forward and clips the Polish fighter with a short, mean left hand. Tybura falls to his back, and Diniz gladly leaps on top while moving to half guard hacking down with elbows. Tybura attempts a sweep, but Diniz blasts him in the face with hammerfists in an effort to stop it. Tybura steels himself and completes the reversal, dumping the undefeated fighter on his back and lowering himself down into half guard. Diniz clings to the man on top of him to prevent most offense from raining down on him, and the crowd does not appreciate the stalemate that follows. Tybura uses his full body weight to press down, staying chest-to-chest and getting off short strikes on either side. Tybura covers Diniz’ mouth when not smacking him with short strikes that are more irritating than damaging. Tybura grinds with an elbow on the chin, and he uses the awkward face covering to step over to full mount. Tybura keeps tightly pressed rather than posturing up, smothering the unbeaten man and making his life miserable. Tybura sits up to drive a few punches on the chin, and Diniz ties him up again to save himself. Tybura gets in a single heavy elbow, and he rides out the remainder of the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Gloves are touched to start the round, and once more, Tybura aims a kick to the ribs. Diniz crowds him with a right hand, and Tybura backs off to reset. Tybura reaches out with a left hand that comes up short, and he pushes out a front kick that is also inaccurate. Diniz’ clubbing right hand bounces off the guard, and he narrowly evades a front kick aimed at his chin. Tybura keeps his distance with another front kick, and he dings Diniz with a straight left. Diniz bites down on his mouthpiece and slugs the Polish fighter in the jaw with a few heavy blows, and Tybura strikes back and slips away. Tybura splits the guard with a left, and Diniz wings back three punches that get his attention. Tybura drops down, ducking a punch and setting up a double-leg takedown. “Tybur” climbs into half guard, and Diniz claims that he is getting poked in the eye. Dean tells them to keep working, and Tybura does so with sporadic but effective ground-and-pound. With 1:50 remaining in the round, Tybura assumes full mount, and he starts fishing for an armlock by gripping Diniz’ right wrist and torqueing it. Tybura lets it go so he can set up a crucifix, and he beats down on the Brazilian with punches and elbows. Tybura pounds down with a pair of elbows, and he opens up with several more than rip Diniz’ face wide open. Blood sprays across the canvas in a display reminiscent of the infamous “you don’t know where I’ve been, Lou” scene, only it is the man on his back that is pouring red fluid everywhere. Tybura jackhammers the Brazilian with a massive flurry of elbows, and Diniz barely survives to the bell as cuts are all over his face with blood streaming everywhere. Diniz has to be helped back to his corner, and doctors are going to look closely at him. Before the third round opens, physicians attend to Diniz and check his condition. He passes the vision test, and the cutman appears to have sealed most of the open wounds on him. However, Diniz is wobbly on his feet even after a minute to recover, and the doctor does not want any further damage inflicted on the Brazilian. Diniz starts shouting that he is fine, able to continue and is not as hurt as he appears. The medical team thinks otherwise, informing Dean that Diniz’ condition is no bueno and that he should not be fighting anymore today. Dean accepts their advice and calls a halt to the match between rounds, giving a 5:00 finish by doctor stoppage to the Polish fighter.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz R2 5:00 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)

David Onama (155.6) vs. Roberto Romero (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Onama (-1200), Romero (+800)

Round 1

What was once a featherweight match between Onama (12-2, 4-2 UFC) and Lucas Almeida has shifted into one at 155 pounds between “Silent Assassin” and UFC newcomer Romero (8-3-1, 0-0 UFC). The latter is leaving the confines of Combate Global, performing well on what might have been their final show in July—unless they remain in operation after all. Referee Marc Goddard will oversee the proceedings, and they start with a speedy bump of fists. Onama switches stances a few times right out of the gate, preventing Romero from doing much until Romero surges into action. Romero wraps a left hand around the raised guard, and he parries punches coming back his direction. The newcomer kicks low and is answered with a few low kicks. Romero slams home several leg kicks that force Onama to change stances, and he chips at both legs when Onama does that. Romero absorbs a one-two but does not bat an eye, instead catching a front kick and barreling towards his opponent. “Silent Assassin” walks through a few leg kicks and sticks out long jabs, but Romero’s kicks are starting to have a real impact. Onama slashes out with an elbow, and on the way out, Romero beats on his front leg. Romero switches up with a left to the liver and kicks the same spot, with his speed giving Onama issues. Onama chambers and fires a left hand in the midst of an exchange, and Romero is right in his face going hell for leather. Romero’s leg kicks continue to do damage, and his body shots open up right hands up top. Romero’s big right hands send Onama crashing to the mat, and he leaps after Onama wrapping up a rear-naked choke. Onama explodes back to his feet, out of the submission, and he gets turned to the cage wall. The action slows down as the fighters are tied up in the clinch, with Romero working the body and thigh with surprisingly strong knees. Onama snatches up a standing guillotine choke, transitioning into an anaconda choke that he cannot keep. Romero drives in on his hips for a takedown and Onama bucks him off and lets go with an elbow. Onama unloads with two power punches, and he follows them with a front kick. Romero strings together a few punches that give Onama pause, and his leg kick punctuates a combination. Romero’s right hand hurts Onama again, and Onama escapes and has to gather his thoughts. Onama checks a leg kick and fires off a left hand that stuns the newcomer, and he splits the guard with another left that put Romero down. Onama attacks instantly, slamming down hammerfists, but Romero makes it to the bell after a wild five minutes of combat.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters pick up where they left off to start the second round, both fighters trading leather with defense at a premium. When Romero takes a hard left hand, he backs off to launch kicks. Onama crowds him to bloody up his nose, and he gets pushed back by a clean spinning back fist. Onama connects with a big left, and a right that follows buckles the newcomer’s knees but does not put him down. Onama slides back and checks a low kick, using his long reach to prod out and not let Romero get to him. Onama plants a one-two on the forehead, and Romero fearlessly advances towards him. Onama uses intercepting blows to not let Romero get to him, and a groin strike is waved off as Romero wants to keep fighting. Onama fights behind his jab, and Romero kicks both of his foe’s legs in rapid succession. Onama scores a powerful left and then a vicious right, and these fighters are letting it all hang out. Romero chases after an escaping Onama, landing a right hand but not entirely cutting Onama off. Onama marks up Romero’s nose further with his sharp jab, which he uses with impunity. Onama counters a low kick with a straight left, and he opens a cut on Romero’s left cheek. Romero appears to be slowing slightly, recovering a bit slower when taking strikes. Onama works the body, pushes through a spinning elbow so he can tackle the newcomer to the floor. Romero ties up the guard for a moment, and he slows things down when hand-fighting the Ugandan. Onama advances to half guard, and he leans on one shoulder to set up a possible arm-triangle choke. Instead of submission, however, Onama drops down several more power punches. Romero flails his legs to get space, and he explodes to his feet when Onama gives him a second. The round ends with both men missing big strikes.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The fighters race towards one another to start the final frame, and jabs fly from both sides. Onama splits the guard with a front kick and a couple jabs, and Romero kicks him with both legs to respond. Onama jabs and works the body with a front kick, preparing a step-in knee in case Romero crowds him. Romero digs a kick under the guard, and Onama pays him back with a pair of body shots. Romero slings a right hand over the top, and three fiery jabs from Onama get him excited. He starts cheering and wooing, celebrating his handiwork as the two trade furiously. Just when Onama lands cleanly, Romero sweeps his leg. Onama awkwardly gets back to his feet, clearly hurting from the strikes that have slowed from the newcomer. Romero pierces the guard with a left, and they trade low kicks. Onama gets kicked square in the head, catches it and throws Romero to the mat. Romero sits up, and Onama hurls him back down and moves directly into mount. Onama calms himself down when getting to the dominant position, and Romero bucks and tries to push off but is stuck. Onama rips down an elbow and is pulled back into the guard, where he frames off thanks to a few more elbows. Onama works with ground-and-pound, tossing Romero’s legs out of the way in an effort to pass guard again. Onama slugs his man in the chops with a few strong left hands, and he chains a number of punches together as Romero snatches up a leg for possible submission. Onama twists out of it to reassert himself on top, and Romero is holding on for dear life. Onama batters him with elbows until Romero kicks off of his chest, and this allows Onama to drive down several standing-to-ground punches. With 10 seconds to go, Onama lets go with a final flurry. Onama hangs onto the cage with one hand while winging down hammerfists with the other, smacking Romero around until the final bell sounds. The two do not appear to be finished fighting when Onama stands up, as Romero follows him and gets right in his face. Goddard has to get between them, as their 15-minute period of legal battery is now over.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

David Onama def. Roberto Romero via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Damon Jackson (155.2) vs. Jim Miller (155.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jackson (-170), Miller (+142)

Round 1

Two vets on the wrong end of 35 will be matched against one another as the prelims carry on. Miller (37-18, 1 NC; 26-17, 1 NC UFC) will be seeking to improve on his UFC-leading win tally, while Jackson (23-7-1, 1 NC; 6-5-1, 1 NC UFC) has regressed to the mean and is a loss away from a .500 record after two stints in the promotion. For as long as it lasts, this one should be a good one, and referee Keith Peterson is on top of the lightweight action as well as the nonsense. There is no glove touch that comes from the elder statesmen, as they want to go after it immediately. Jackson attacks first, connecting with a few power punches to introduce himself. Miller fires back with an overhand right, takes a right to the body and comes back with another clubbing punch. The two clash legs at the same time when kicking, and Miller dings Jackson with an uppercut when defending a single-leg takedown. Jackson pushes Miller to the wire, and chants for “Miller” drown out all other noise in the building. This energizes “A-10,” who breaks out of the clinch and stuffs another takedown to boot. Jackson punches his way into an exchange, and Miller cuts him when firing back. Miller further opens the cut on the eyebrow with a step-in elbow, and he swings a big right hand that is ducked and countered. Jackson tosses out a front kick, and Miller throws back with fire. Another front kick from Jackson gets in, and Miller pressures forward and whips a low kick that lands with a whump. Miller sits down with a left hand that makes both men take a step back, and he is prepared to defend against what comes next. Jackson dives after him, with an ill-advised naked takedown that is stopped in its tracks by a Miller guillotine choke. Miller jumps guard to complete the submission, and as soon as Jackson hits the mat, he realizes the choke is so deep and so tight that he almost abandons ship immediately. Miller keeps squeezing for all his might, and Jackson decides against going out on his shield and surrenders. It is the first time that Jackson has ever tapped in his long career, with his previous submission defeat of the technical variety that put him out. The ageless wonder does it again, submitting a man with incredible jiu-jitsu without taking much damage. The crowd goes wild, as the UFC’s all-time winningest fighters adds one more to the total. Miller tells commentator Joe Rogan that there is still tread left on the tires, and says he plans on making it to fight 50 in the UFC. On the other side of the equation—as there is the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in almost every fight—Jackson removes his gloves and leaves them in the center of the Octagon, not wishing to speak to the crowd to give Miller his time to shine. Shine he did.

The Official Result

Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson R1 2:44 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Eryk Anders (185.6) vs. Chris Weidman (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Anders (-118), Weidman (-102)

Round 1

The fight was canceled on Saturday afternoon due to a medical issue suffered by Anders. News of the bout's cancelation was first reported on the UFC 309 broadcast.

Jonathan Martinez (135.8) vs. Marcus McGhee (135.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McGhee (-142), Martinez (+120)

Round 1

Feet and fists are sure to fly in the preliminary headliner. The last several stoppage wins for Martinez (19-5, 10-4 UFC) have all come from strikes from his legs, while the hyper-aggressive McGhee (9-1, 3-0 UFC) has used all kinds of weapons to get the job done as of late. Referee Herb Dean will do his best to keep track of these high-speed, elusive bantamweights. Before they begin, Dean is told to examine Martinez’ toenails. He is cleared to go on, with Dean saying he will not clip anything. They share a glove touch before getting down to business. McGhee flips up a high kick and then one down low to say hello with Martinez standing right in front of him. McGhee throws a head kick on the other side, and he lunges forward with a right hand and then jabs with a front kick. A single Martinez leg kick makes McGhee recoil his leg, and this spurs McGhee into action as he starts spamming more kicks. Martinez chips at him with another kick, and McGhee races after him hurling punches. Leg kicks are traded, and McGhee lands at the end of a salvo of punches. McGhee chops at the front leg twice, and the third punch he throws gets through. McGhee strides forward to pitch a head kick, and Martinez parries it without concern but he does not block the follow-up leg kick. Martinez walks McGhee down but is taking fire high and low, and he has not committed to much halfway through the round. McGhee picks at his man from afar, with Martinez unwilling or unable to pull the trigger. McGhee hacks at the front leg and triples up on his jab, where a big left hand does not get through. Martinez maintains heavy pressure and releases a single low kick, and he shoulder rolls to let overhand lefts bounce off him. Leg kicks come from both sides, with McGhee’s volume higher by a factor of at least five. McGhee absorbs a leg kick to throw one back, and he leans back to dodge a flurry and fires back with a vengeance. McGhee jabs to the head and body to end the tentative round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters touch gloves, and McGhee whips a head kick after. Martinez blocks the first and then the second, keeping his guard up. McGhee chews up his foe’s front leg and body, with Martinez’ blocks effective but counters almost silent. Martinez scores a single leg kick, and McGhee chains a few punches into a kick. Martinez knocks him back with a left hand, but it is one-and-done before McGhee picks up his offense. McGhee plants a one-two on the jaw, and Martinez responses fall flat. Martinez walks into a right hand, and he absorbs a second before throwing back. McGhee reaches his man with a jab, and he uses a side kick to keep Martinez off of him. Martinez spins with a back fist that ricochets off his guard, and he pays Martinez back in spades with a few punches and a kick. When Martinez kicks the front leg, McGhee responds in kind. McGhee puts a couple punches through the guard, getting Martinez’ attention and not giving him much to think about. Martinez manages to sneak in a left hand, but McGhee walks through it as if nothing happened. McGhee’s volume is giving “Dragon” fits, and when he puts power behind a strike, Martinez does not always see it coming. McGhee goes high and opens up a body shot, and he rolls when a left hand thumps him on the temple. Another big left hand from Martinez finds its home, and Martinez celebrates that with a powerful elbow and then a leg kick. Martinez starts picking up the pace, and McGhee appears to be slowing. Martinez misses an elbow by an inch, and they throw hard at one another and cannot score. Martinez sits down on a low kick that draws a limp from his opponent, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is a final clap of hands to commence the final stanza. Martinez puts himself in close range, letting McGhee hurl punches at and past him. McGhee strafes from side to side, not letting Martinez bear down on him. McGhee triples up on a jab to the body and then head, and he ends the trio with a leg kick. When Martinez kicks him back, McGhee hops to try to avoid it. Martinez slams another leg kick home, and McGhee gets after it with a lengthy combination ending with a low kick. Martinez jabs out and parries the response, and he smashes McGhee’s front leg with a kick. McGhee hobbles away, clearly compromised, and Martinez slams it two more times. McGhee remains on his feet but is in big trouble, struggling to keep his balance even as the damaged limb is behind him. Martinez pushes into a clinch rather than attack the leg further, and the crowd disagrees with this decision and audibly voice their opinions. Martinez keeps tight until pushing off with a minute 50 to go. Martinez connects with a mean leg kick, and McGhee barely escapes. Martinez blasts the rear leg again, and McGhee is in a bad way. Martinez lets fly a kick to the front leg, and McGhee bursts into action swinging with everything he has left. Martinez takes it on the guard and kicks McGhee, and McGhee is shaking his leg to recover it slightly. McGhee’s blitzes do not have near the pop on them as before, allowing Martinez to get right in his face. Martinez whips a kick to the other leg, and McGhee wings a right hand over the top to keep him honest. McGhee strings a few punches together and backpedals fast, and Martinez follows and bashes the wounded leg one last time. The round ends, with McGhee surviving the pain and very likely pulling off the victory.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Martinez (29-28 McGhee)

The Official Result

Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

James Llontop (166.2: Missed Weight) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (164.4)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ruffy (-800), Llontop (+550)

Round 1

One of the largest betting favorites on the card—but still trailing the top name in a huge way tonight—will be Fighting Nerds export Ruffy (10-1, 1-0 UFC), who battles the skidding Llontop (14-4, 0-2 UFC) instead of Charlie Campbell. “Goku” might be in for a rough night, facing an adversary with a 100% knockout rate compared to his own at 50%. There will be no energy blasts allowed in this catchweight contest, so “Goku” will need to rely on his strikes alone. Before hitting the cage, the underdog required accommodations to shift this lightweight match to one at 165, pounds, and he still could not reach that limit. Seeing that Llontop’s back is against the wall, referee Kevin MacDonald checks the fight in, and observes a quick fist bump. Ruffy moves directly to the center of the cage, hopping out of the way of a leg kick and then dodging a second. Ruffy slowly edges forward, measuring a counter right hand but not letting it go. No strike lands until Ruffy connects with a jab 45 seconds in. Llontop whiffs on the counter, and Ruffy jabs him in the belly. Ruffy kicks the front leg and slides out of the way. Llontop surges forward, and Ruffy easily parries the strikes and gets kicked in the midsection at the end. Ruffy connects with a sharp jab and absorbs a low kick, and both men get behind a jab. Ruffy swings for the bleachers with a monstrous right hand, and he only buzzes past the hair of his adversary. The Brazilian smoothly dodges winging punches coming his way, and a few jabs get in on him. Ruffy uses his own jab to break up a big swing, and Llontop goes to the body to follow. Llontop prods out with jabs, and his body kick slips under the elbow. Llontop looses three big punches, and the right hand in the middle of it clips the favorite. Ruffy fires back, only to miss the mark. Two hard leg kicks from Ruffy draw a reaction out of his opponent, who surges into action with a lunging right. Llontop kicks the body and then the front leg, and Ruffy sits down on a shovel uppercut that nearly detaches Llontop’s head from his body. Llontop manages to avoid it in the nick of time, and he kicks the body of his adversary. Ruffy rips a right hand over the top, and he nails the underdog with a big left. Ruffy times a massive right hand that hurts Llontop, and he spins with a tornado kick and falls over. Llontop allows him to stand so he can blast him in the face with a right hand. Ruffy takes it on the chin and lands a punch and spins with a back kick to the ribs. Llontop kicks the front leg once before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Before the round begins, the crowd chants “USA” but it is unclear who they are supporting between the Brazilian and the Peruvian. They get right to business after tapping gloves, and Ruffy starts promisingly with a spinning kick to the lead leg. Llontop chews up Ruffy’s front leg with a few kicks, and they both connect with jabs. Ruffy tries to time a jab with a spinning back fist, and Llontop is able to block it. Llontop walks the Brazilian down and pitches out a front kick, and he mixes things up with a leg kick and a few punches. Ruffy laughs it off and decks “Goku” with a ferocious left hand, and Llontop rolls around on the ground to regain his composure and work his to his feet. Llontop’s left eye begins swelling in a hurry, and he tries for a takedown but is shoved out of the way. Llontop doubles up on a jab, and Ruffy has his hands low and dodges back to avoid anything further. Ruffy blasts his foe in the face with a right hand from the depths of Hades, and Llontop is tough as nails and keeps on coming forward. Ruffy slips several jabs and a head kick with his hand on his hip, so Llontop goes after the front leg with kicks. Ruffy narrowly misses a big left hand counter when Llontop rushes forward, and he connects with a perfect right hand on the busted eye that stuns Llontop completely. Llontop shakes out the cobwebs, and he goes back to attacking with heavy punches. Ruffy busts him open with his mean right hand, and he lets Llontop dive after a takedown so he can counter him. Ruffy backs off, parrying and blocking a few punches, and Llontop is busy as can be. Ruffy times counters and hops away from big punches so he can pay Llontop back in spades. Ruffy throws everything he has, and he stops after missing and puts both hands on his hips. It is unclear if he is tired or trying to goad Llontop on, but the round ends before anything comes of it.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

There is a clap of hands to open up the last round, and Llontop is ready and rearing to go. Ruffy gets behind his jab early, using it to set up and draw out strikes. Llontop kicks the side of his opponent, and Ruffy tries to slip away but is grabbed by the Peruvian. Llontop dirty boxes until Ruffy turns him around, and he misses with an elbow on the break. “Goku” is fighting just as aggressively as before, pushing the pace and not fearing Ruffy’s attacks. Ruffy’s volume diminishes as he looks for single home run strikes, and one big left misses. Llontop drives knees to the body when he ties the favorite up, and a right hand from Ruffy on the break skims the side of his head. Ruffy scores two punches and Llontop kicks his front leg on the kneecap twice. Ruffy goes wide with booming right hands, his hands low when not striking. Llontop beats on Ruffy’s front leg with kicks, and Ruffy gets sick of taking these kicks and punches Llontop in the face a few times. Llontop kicks low and then high, and he drops down after a single that fails. Llontop tries again, and when the takedown comes up short, he knees Ruffy in the chest. Two hard inside leg kicks from Llontop get Ruffy’s attention, and the Peruvian is picking it up while Llontop is flagging. Llontop stomps on the toes when he gets up tight, grinding on Ruffy and working the body with knees and punches up top. Ruffy dodges and slides away when Llontop tries to trap him, and he appears somewhat compromised when his leg gets kicked hard. Ruffy goofs around and dances in place, lifting up a no-look elbow when he sees Llontop coming at him. Ruffy connects with a blistering right hand when Llontop approaches, and he is swinging for the fences. Llontop does the same, and they let one another have it until the final horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Llontop (29-28 Ruffy)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Llontop (29-28 Ruffy)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Llontop (29-28 Ruffy)

The Official Result

Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Viviane Araujo (125.6) vs. Karine Silva (125.8)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-258), Araujo (+210)

Round 1

It’s a battle of momentum as the main card rails on, with Araujo (12-6, 6-5 UFC) struggling at the upper echelon of the flyweight division as of late. The same cannot be said for the younger Silva (18-4, 4-0 UFC), who has cruised through opposition with three subs in her four UFC wins to date. Referee Marc Goddard draws the charge for this 125-pound contest, and it kicks off as the ladies touch ‘em up. Silva marches forward behind a front kick to start, and she aims it a few more times to keep Araujo away from her. Silva uses it to try to close the distance and wrap up her opponent, but Araujo gets away. Silva slaps her with a leg kick, and a second is met with a one-two. Silva crashes the pocket and gets off a leg kick, and she whiffs with a huge overhand right. Araujo splits the guard with a right hand, and Silva pays it no mind and keeps plodding onward. Silva sticks out a jab, and Araujo puts three punches on her before sliding to the side. Silva crashes forward, and Araujo is able to wriggle away before getting clinched. Silva kicks at the front leg and is countered by her fellow countrywoman, and she keeps chasing until getting tagged with a straight right hand. Silva again shakes off the strong strike and trades a low kick with her foe. Araujo steps to the side and sinks in a right hand around the guard, and she stays away from a number of inaccurate kicks. Silva does reach her with a low kick, and the high kick that follows is easily blocked. Araujo moves from side to side, not falling into a pattern and easily shrugging off a Silva shot. Araujo rings her opponent’s bell with a one-two, and Silva does not slow with her constant kick approach. Silva gets off a left hand, and the swings that follow all go wide. Silva paws out with a big right hand, clubbing “Vivi” on the side of the dome. A second shakes Araujo up further, and Silva stalks her down and hits her a third time. Araujo strikes back, and is warned for outstretched fingers. The horn sounds as Silva rushes into attack, and they crash heads together when Goddard grabs them, resulting in a bloody nose for Araujo.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Silva starts off the round as aggressive as ever, with her front kick immediately drawing more blood from Araujo’s nose. Araujo rushes into action, fighting behind several punch combinations that all connect before Silva can strike back. Araujo hammers the front leg with a kick, and Silva runs towards her and gets hold of her against the fencing. Araujo escapes before absorbing anything of note, but blood is trickling out of that nose quicker than before. Araujo backs Silva off with a one-two, and a second two-strike combo finds the mark as Silva rushes towards her. Silva blasts Araujo in the face with an overhand right, and Araujo backs up into the wall and has no way to escape the second that catches her cleanly. When Silva tries to use the close proximity to take the fight down, Araujo repeatedly grabs the fence to keep herself afloat. Silva sells out for a throw, and Araujo turns her around. Silva uses the body lock to lower Araujo to the floor, her own nose bloodied as well. Araujo gets busy off her back with punches, and she throws her legs up and grabs hold of an armbar. Araujo rolls to her stomach and flips Silva over, and she goes belly-down to almost complete the submission. Silva keeps pushing through it, turning the proper direction to survive the maneuver and reposition herself to side control. With Araujo’s nose busted, she gasps for air with her mouth open. Silva transitions her way to north-south position, and she wraps up a brabo choke when Araujo sits up. Silva rolls to her back to lock things up, and Araujo fights her arms and pushes off the knee to get some space. Araujo turns through it to get into north-south, and she considers wrapping up an armbar or another armlock. Araujo opens it up with several unblocked punches, ending the round sitting on Silva’s face but not in a fun way.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The Brazilians hug it out to begin the last round, with scores possibly all over the map. Silva marches forward and shoots in for a takedown with Araujo jabbing her, and the ensuing scramble results in Araujo winding up on top somehow. A bit of blood on both women plus fatigue equals strange positioning. Araujo bails on the position and backs off, allowing Silva to stand. Araujo backs off and lands a low kick and a right hand, and Silva jabs her back in the midsection. Araujo reaches out with a right hand over the top, and Silva’s responses are labored and flailing. Araujo catches a front kick and tosses Silva to her back, with Silva appearing to flop to her back in part due to exhaustion. Silva puts her hands behind her head, with Araujo kicking her legs until Goddard stands her up. Araujo leans back from a head kick to boot Silva in the ribs, and they trade kicks until Araujo drills her with an uppercut. Silva plods forward and absorbs a solid right hand, and she takes a step back and launches several front kicks that all come up short. Araujo kicks the front leg, and she catches a kick her direction and tosses Silva to the mat. Silva again needs Goddard to get between them and let her up, and the fans in the building do not approve of Silva’s strategy. Silva walks into punches and kicks, her face swelling up with a mouse growing on her forehead. Silva’s front kick is swatted away, and she flops to her back. Araujo tells her to stand back up, and she watches Silva’s labored punches soar past her. Silva uses them to get hold of Araujo, and she drives a knee into her jaw. Silva gloms onto her opponent in the clinch, with the occasional knee coming until Araujo head-and-arm throws her to the ground. Silva lands strangely with her head squished against the cage floor and wall, and she is held there until the strange fight closes. Judges may have their hands full here.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Viviane Araujo def. Karine Silva via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Paul Craig (186) vs. Bo Nickal (185.4)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-1100), Craig (+700)

Round 1

A pair of middleweights with 100% finish rates throw down in a clash that could find the winner with a number next to their name come Tuesday. Nickal (6-0, 3-0 UFC) has not encountered much opposition in the cage thus far as a pro, while Craig (17-8-1, 9-8-1 UFC) cannot say the same. Referee Dan Miragliotta is the third man in the Octagon for this one. There is no touch of gloves. Nickal starts out the initial aggressor, faking takedowns and tossing out a front kick. Nickal comes up short on a reaching left hand, and he changes stances to find another look. Craig absorbs a heavy calf kick, and he keeps his guard up to block a huge swinging left hand. Nickal chops at the front leg two more times as Craig walks him down, and Craig lets loose a body kick. Nickal absorbs a knee on the chin and a left hand, and a hard Craig leg kick makes Nickal take a funny step. Both men unload with power punches at the same time and glance off one another, and Nickal chambers and fires a huge right hand that misses. Craig checks a kick and fires off one that ricochets off the raised guard, and he has a second also blocked. Craig raises his leg as a body shield, and Nickal is unable to get his hands on him. Nickal reaches out with a side kick and a left hand, and Craig kicks him twice in response. Nickal wings another left hand, reaching out far and landing with a glancing blow. Craig checks a kick and slides back to not let Nickal get to him. Craig spins with a fake kick, and he slides back as Nickal aims a body shot. Craig pump-fakes several kicks until letting one loose, and Nickal doubles up on the left hook. Craig jabs his way in, and he starts talking to the unbeaten fighter. Nickal has one kick checked, and the second is not. Craig throws a kick that grazes the shoulder, and he rolls with a right hand that buzzes his hair. Nickal absorbs a right hand on the chin, which holds up well as he backpedals. Craig gets drilled with a left hook, and Nickal pitches another fastball that gives Craig brief pause. Craig again brings up a knee to intercept Nickal, and he chops at the front leg of his foe. Craig kicks his foe in the gloves, and the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

Between rounds, Craig tells his corner how much fun he is having in the cage, grinning from ear to ear. The two start off the round again, with Craig jabbing his way forward into a head kick that comes up short. Craig kicks with his other leg, and he almost falls over but manages to keep his balance. Nickal has a huge right hand come over the top, and he has a kick caught. Craig chatters to his adversary, and Nickal does not change his expression. Nickal scores at the end of a left hand, and Craig responds with a right hand and keeps on talking. Craig swats away Nickal’s outstretched hand, whipping a kick to the guard. Nickal aims a body shot and goes over the top with a left hand, and Craig’s eyes open up a bit wider. Craig blocks a body kick with his knee, and Nickal jabs him in the chest and blasts him with an overhand right. Craig swarms forward with two punches and a high front kick, and he flicks out a jab. Nickal scores a body shot, and he cannot quite block the body kick that comes back his direction. Craig just misses with an uppercut as Nickal ducks down, and he takes a left hand on the chin. Craig lets fly two kicks and eats a body shot on the way back, with Nickal swinging hard with his left hand. The Scot checks a kick and talks to his opponent, and after they shadowbox, he lets fly one more body kick. Nickal winds up with a left hand and thumps his man in the chin, and Craig’s responsive elbow misses by a tiny margin. Craig sticks out a left and then a right, and he launches a body kick that hammers into the wrestler’s arms. Nickal splits the guard with a left and is disciplined enough to block the body kick he knows his coming at him, and he shells up to defend against a second. Nickal steps in with a right hand and catches Craig with a second, and the two both smack one another before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

The fighters meet in the middle to start the final frame, and Craig is the one marching forward first. After about 20 seconds, Craig tosses a half-hearted low kick, and Nickal counters him with a heavy right hand over the guard. Craig uses a side kick to push off, and he blocks a body kick. Nickal considers a takedown but abandons it, and he steps back as Craig’s leg whizzes past him. Nickal stands still and lets Craig walk around him, and he laughs and claps hands with his confused foe. Craig kicks the front leg twice, and he aims his shin at the chest after Nickal changes stances. Craig rifles a right hand down the pipe, and Nickal kicks him in the lead leg to respond. Nickal fakes a level change, and the audience showers the fighters with boos for their sparring match. Craig lets loose a high kick, and Nickal thanks him by clapping him on the side of the head with a right hook. Nickal skirts away, blocking a head kick and clipping Craig with a huge left hand. Craig grabs his eye, which starts swelling immediately and he backs up to the cage wall. Nickal corners him but picks his shots very carefully, and he does not engage with more than a right hook. Nickal springs away from a high kick and wings a left hand on the damaged eye, further hurting the Scot. Nickal kicks the front leg and dances away from danger, zipping in and out without much concern of reprisal. Craig jabs a few times, whiffs on a head kick and a front kick. Nickal rips a left to the body, and Craig starts pointing at him as the fans chant “overrated” at Nickal. Craig checks a kick, and Nickal draws his foot back uncomfortably. With seconds to spare, the Penn State wrestler sells out with haymakers, dinging Craig again and eating one in response. The disappointment of a fight comes to an end, and Nickal mimes swinging a golf club and goes over to talk to President-elect Donald Trump, who has been in the building since the end of the prelims.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Michael Chandler (155.6) vs. Charles Oliveira (155.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oliveira (-258), Chandler (+210)

Round 1

In the main event of UFC 262 in 2021, Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC; 22-10, 1 NC UFC) and Chandler (23-8, 2-3 UFC) threw everything they had at one another for five minutes and 19 seconds of pure carnage. When the dust settled, the lightweight strap remained around the waist of “Do Bronx,” although Chandler had the champ on the ropes more than once in the first round. Three and a half years later, they meet again, again with five rounds to work but no gold up for grabs. Referee Keith Peterson will enjoy officiating this lightweight affair for as long as it lasts, and the fighters bump fists with ample respect for one another and a whole lot of excitement for what’s about to come. There will be no nonsense…inside the cage, at least. Around its perimeter, however, some may disagree. The fighters square up, with Oliveira moving to the center of the cage, and he backs off after an exchange and wipes at his eye as if he was poked. Chandler jabs at the right eye a few times, otherwise measured and not going wild like the first fight. Chandler connects with a left to the body and eats a right up top. Oliveira shoots in for a double, lifting Chandler up and not dropping him down because Chandler egregiously grabbed the top of the fence. This works to his disadvantage greatly, as Oliveira traps Chandler’s left leg and sits on top of Chandlers chest. Oliveira frees his left arm and swats at Chandler to make him think of other strikes, and Chandler hooks his leg around Oliveira’s right wrist and puts the limb in a triangle. Oliveira lowers himself down to wrench his arm out, and he wriggles it free and unwraps Chandler’s other hand from the back of his head. Chandler hangs on in hopes of a standup, and Oliveira sits up and starts pulsing his hips to yank his leg free to move to mount. All the while, Oliveira remains on top in control, with Chandler stuck unable to do anything but smack him on both sides of the head. Peterson pays close attention, asking for more action and warning Oliveira for putting his fingers in the cage to hang on and keep the position. Oliveira rides out the round.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to get going, and Oliveira walks Chandler down and paws out front kicks. Oliveira lets fly a leg kick that turns Chandler slightly, and he backs off and scores another before Chandler can reach him. Chandler jabs to the body and head, and he misses when swinging harder. Oliveira rushes forward, knocking Chandler to a knee courtesy of a three-punch combination. Chandler works his way up and escapes, and Oliveira follows him and clubs him with a powerful right hand. Chandler sprints away, tripping on the outer edge of the cage to try not to get cornered and hurt any further. Chandler smiles, bounces off the cage and attacks. Oliveira blocks and counters, kicking Chandler when resetting. Oliveira kicks high and stumbles his opponent, and he drives a knee to the chin. Chandler bites down on his mouthpiece and throws bombs, and one heavy left gets in. Oliveira pitches a front kick and rushes after the former Bellator champ, bowling him over with ease and landing into full mount. Oliveira stays tightly pressed to his adversary, getting in the occasional elbow before he is able to posture up. The elbows keep coming from the Brazilian, and every time he sits up, Chandler looks for a way to escape but is stifled each and every time. Oliveira’s elbows inflict damage, cutting Chandler slightly as they start to add up. Chandler tries to turn his head to the side, and Oliveira hacks down with 12-6 elbows when his corner reminds him he can use these strikes. Chandler looks to tug his fingers off the fence to get in better position, and Oliveira thumps him with a few more strikes before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Chandler wipes his feet on the floor a few times before the round opens, and he is fired up and looking for offense as soon as it does. Chandler rushes forward, going past a front kick to back the Brazilian against the wall. Oliveira sticks out a left hand and a front kick to make Chandler retreat, and he crashes the pocket in pursuit of a labored takedown. Chandler gets out of the way and works the lead leg with a kick. Oliveira races after him, drilling Chandler with an uppercut and putting his back against the cage. Chandler sways and leans with his back on the wall, waiting for Oliveira to engage so he can counter. Chandler pounds his foe on the front leg, and he clips Oliveira. Oliveira gives him back an uppercut to think about, and he jumps at “Iron Mike” with a knee. Oliveira strides forward with the utmost of confident, letting Chandler have it and watching him swing way too hard. Oliveira strings an elbow into an uppercut and a level change, and Chandler defends the takedown that comes with a fence grab. Oliveira takes his back and gets both hooks in, and he secures the body triangle and squeezes it tight. Chandler hand-fights to keep his neck free of harm, and Oliveira complains of glove grabs. Chandler turns and twists, and Oliveira elbows him on the top of the head—these blows are still illegal because they are landing on the crown of the head. Peterson mentions this, and Oliveira adjusts his trajectory and keeps his right arm fastened on Chandler’s face to smack him with his free left hand. The Brazilian resets the body triangle, attempting to hook Chandler’s arm in the leglock but not successfully doing so. Oliveira wraps his arm on the chin, and he squeezes a face crank that does not have enough strength to stop him. Chandler turns and sits up, and he smiles at someone sitting cageside. The round ends, and Chandler lightly shoves the Brazilian away with a grin.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Oliveira
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Oliveira

Round 4

Having reached the championship rounds, the two touch ‘em up. Chandler swats away a few early kicks and swings hard with a right to the body. Oliveira chips at him with low kicks, walking through a Chandler strike to put a right hand on his chin. Chandler opens up with a left hand and is hurt from the response, but he knows Oliveira wants the finish and winds up with looping hooks. One big blow stings “Do Bronx,” and Oliveira closes in a bit more carefully so as to not get caught. Oliveira works his way in to wrap up Chandler and drag him down from behind, where he takes the ex-Bellator fighter’s back and wraps up a hook. Chandler turns to his stomach, and Oliveira wrenches on him to turn him to the side so he can complete a body triangle. “Iron Mike” knows the choke is incoming, so he retains an iron grip on the right wrist of his foe. Chandler turns all the way around, and Oliveira follows him but is unable to get both hooks in. Slowly and methodically, the Brazilian sneaks in the second hook, and he tries to force Chandler down to flatten him out. Oliveira wraps up a rear-naked choke, and Chandler yanks on Oliveira’s hand to break up the submission. Oliveira tries again, and Chandler grits it out and again survives the choke. Both fighters decide to go for anything else, and time eventually ticks away to conclude Round 4. Chandler, likely way down on the scorecards, flashes a grin to the commentary booth.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 5

The fighters double clap hands, and Chandler chooses not to participate in a hug or whatever else Oliveira offers. He comes out swinging, and a big left to the body lands hard. Oliveira intercepts him with a clean leg kick that hurts him, and he shoots in deep for a takedown that fails miserably. Seeing the leg kick is succeeding, he kicks the knee twice, and Chandler comes back at him with three powerful punches. Oliveira backs off, clutching his right eye—not the one that was poked early on Round 1. Oliveira falls over due to the oncoming fire, and he rolls over as Chandler smashes him time and again all to the back of the head. Peterson somehow allows a long series of blatantly illegal strikes, and Oliveira hangs on tight despite this. Chandler keeps on pounding on his opponent until Oliveira turns to his back. Peterson asks him to fight back, and Chandler slows down and does not want to burn himself out swinging so much, so hard. Oliveira miraculously sits up and works to his feet, and Chandler stalks him down and slings with bad intentions. Oliveira responds, and Chandler waves him on. Chandler swings as hard as he can and falls over, allowing Oliveira to take his back in a hurry. Oliveira wraps up a rear-naked choke that is on top of the chin—that is a face crank, not a choke—and Chandler’s toughness keeps him safe. Through sheer force of will, Chandler stands up despite Oliveira hanging on, and he screams “F--- yeah” and jumps in the air to slam Oliveira down with his own body adding to the impact. Oliveira hangs onto his back like a malicious backpack, and Chandler stands up again and once more smashes him down like a pro wrestler doing a super move. The crowd explodes in favor of Chandler’s high-amplitude attacks, and Oliveira is no worse for wear from the assault. Chandler taps Oliveira hands, not to surrender but to ask him if he is having fun yet. The five-round affair comes to a close, with high drama and excitement littered across this rematch. Both men put it out there and had a blast, and Chandler walks to his corner and collapses to his seat to catch his breath. Oliveira, on the other hand, climbs out of the cage to have a conversation with a few people watching, including the President-elect. What an interesting battle, and what a final round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chandler (49-46 Oliveira)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chandler (49-45 Oliveira)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Chandler (49-46 Oliveira)

The Official Result

Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)

UFC Heavyweight Title Fight:
Jon Jones (237.6) vs. Stipe Miocic (248.6)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jones (-650), Miocic (+470)

Round 1

Whether fans like it or not, the UFC’s heavyweight title is going through Jones (27-1, 1 NC; 21-1, 1 NC UFC) and Miocic (20-4, 14-4 UFC) tonight. The belt is not undisputed, as Tom Aspinall claimed the interim variety, and having weighed in as a backup on Friday he is in the building watching closely in hopes of facing the victor. Before that, the greatest light heavyweight in the promotion’s history looks to defend that heavyweight strap against the greatest heavyweight the UFC has seen. Both men are not as young as most would prefer, with Jones 37 years of age compared to the 42-year-old Miocic. Referee Herb Dean takes charge of the cage and will try to keep things clean in this frenetic fracas, one that is preceded by a handshake. They’re just normal, innocent men. It’s on with the show. Jones advances out of his corner, firing off a solid left hand only to get countered by Miocic on the way out. Jones stabs with a front kick to the torso, and Miocic connects with a leg kick as chants rain down in support of the Ohioan. Jones chops the inside leg, and Miocic kicks on the outside. A Jones body kick is met by a blitzing Miocic, who lumbers forward swinging hammers. Jones darts out of the way, turning away and resetting without getting stung. Jones kicks his man in the side and hits a quick trip to deposit Miocic on the mat. Jones drops down an elbow, and a second puts Miocic flat on his back. Miocic swings from his back, and Jones meets him with another few concussive elbows. “Bones” uses his sharp elbows to pummel Miocic, working the body and head with stiff ground-and-pound. The elbows find their home repeatedly on Miocic’s forehead, and Jones postures up when Miocic frames off with a knee. Jones smashes down with two more elbows before establishing himself in side control, and Jones bowls him over while bludgeoning him with elbows. Jones opens up with an onslaught of elbows, forcing Miocic into action to prove to Dean he is still fine and defending himself. Miocic gets his head thumped off the ground courtesy of Jones’ elbows, and Jones takes a moment before finding another opening with more elbows. Jones measures a 12-6 elbow, and Miocic recovers to full guard. Jones elbows Miocic in the arm to break his grip, and Miocic kicks him off to stand the former light heavyweight up. Jones allows this so he can pass over to side control, and he isolates Miocic’s right arm for a potential kimura. Jones bails on the sub to elbow Miocic until the horn saves him, and a cut on the cheek forms under Miocic’s right eye.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 2

As confident as ever, Jones establishes himself in the center of the Octagon. Miocic skirts on the outside, offering a low calf kick before Jones walks him down. Jones pushes off Miocic’s face when Miocic revs up his engines, and he jabs a few times. Miocic drives an uppercut through the guard, and he makes Jones turn away with a winging right hand. Jones palms his foe’s forehead when in range to push off and disrupt his attack arc, and he prods with low kicks. Miocic gets off a jab to the body, and he digs a left to the ribs and comes up short with a right over the top. Miocic misses with a right hand and gets countered up top, and the front kick that follows from Jones stings the heavyweight great. Miocic stands firm, not moving as Jones hand-fights him from his preferred range, and Jones has Miocic flinching when seeing strikes coming. Jones kicks low and punches to the midsection, and he pushes off before Miocic can reach him with a right hook. Jones steps in with an elbow and knees the body, and his front kick stops Miocic from approaching. Miocic slips one jab but eats the second, and he steels himself and scores a right hand down the middle. Miocic kicks the front leg and resets, dodging a looping left hand while firing a left back at his opponent. Jones whips a kick up high that is largely blocked, and he pushes out a jab and strides away before absorbing a response. Jones kicks the body a few times, and Miocic does not like them and backs away. Miocic charges, landing once or twice before Jones turns around and runs away to get back to his preferred distance. Jones spins to score a back kick, and Miocic takes it like a champ. Miocic jabs his way in, but Jones palms off his face to stop him before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

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

Round 3

Many expected the fight would be over by now, but they get to Round 3. Miocic is ready and loaded for bear, walking through a few jabs to fire off a salvo of punches at “Bones.” Jones skirts away and jabs the body and face. Miocic rings Jones’ bell with an uppercut, and he gives chase when Jones tries to escape, landing at the end of a right hand. Jones reaches him with a Superman punch after gathering himself, and he stabs his toes in the liver. Jones winds up with an elbow, and when Miocic bears down on him, he gets off a right hand. Miocic takes it on the chin, and as he rushes forward, Jones tags him with a right hand that makes Miocic back away. Jones goes after him, and Miocic prepares a counter or two but is bullied to the fence. Jones jumps with a shoulder strike, and Miocic gets free and tries to throw hands. Jones peppers him with low kicks, body kicks and long jabs, frustrating Miocic constantly. Miocic throws three punches and possibly connects with one, while Jones’ accuracy is far higher. Miocic reaches his man with a left hand, and Jones walks through it behind his jab. Miocic digs deep with a one-two, and Jones tries to body lock him and take him for a ride. Miocic gets out of the grip, only for Jones to kick him with a spinning back kick. Miocic hand-fights to pierce the guard with a jab, and Jones’ left hand stuns him back. Miocic’s chin holds up well as he keeps plodding forward, allowing Jones to score so he can try to hit harder. Jones backpedals, and Miocic chases and gets in a left hand. Jones kicks his foe in the ribs, and he chains a spinning back kick that detonates on Miocic’s ribs. Miocic goes down in a heap, possibly dealing with a broken rib sandwich, and Jones lets him have it with two clobbering punches until Dean can get between them. He did it! Jones did it! The victor strides away and dances like the President-elect, and he goes over to him and has a brief conversation. “Bones” made it look easy, beating down the best heavyweight in company history and finishing him with style points. He is now one of a small number of fighters in UFC history to defend a title in two divisions, and he is all smiles. Jones has the crowd in the palm of his hand, and he tells them he does not plan on retiring after all--the same cannot be said for Miocic, who does not leave his gloves in the cage but says farewell. Jones does not give a name on who he wants next, instead stating that he has plenty of options and looks forward to talking to the UFC brass. When departing the Octagon, Jones hands Trump his championship title. No matter who Jones faces next, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic R3 4:29 via TKO (Spinning Back Kick and Punches)