UFC Kansas City ‘Garry vs. Prates’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Chelsea Chandler (134) vs. Joselyne Edwards (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Edwards (-298), Chandler (+240)

Round 1

After some fight fans got a week off—at least from the UFC—the slate starts to roll on again. We start this cycle in an arena show, with the audience at the T-Mobile Center early in Kansas City ready to rock. A whole 14 fights are on the long slate tonight, and action begins in the women’s bantamweight division featuring two ladies most expected would miss weight and be required to compete at a catchweight or the nonexistent featherweight category. Both Chandler (6-3, 2-2 UFC) and Edwards (14-6, 5-4 UFC) have things under control for this April outing, and referee Zach Teiberis will join them in the cage to make things official. The women do not bump fists before engaging, and it’s time for some action. Edwards takes to the center of the stage and starts firing off kicks to the lead leg and side. Chandler tosses one or two back, but Edwards are starting to have an impact. Chandler looks to tie her foe up, and Edwards takes advantage of the body lock and trips the Californian out to plant her on her back. “La Pantera” lands in half guard, and Chandler holds on tight to not allow her to get off much offense. Chandler scoots to the fence and pushes Edwards off, but she waits for Teiberis to give her a stand-up. Edwards lets her up, and she gets right in her face with fists and a heavy kick to the ribs. Chandler rebounds off the fence after eating a punch salvo, with Edwards firmly in the driver’s seat in the first two minutes. Edwards times a right hand over the top when Chandler throws a naked kick, and Edwards lines up a chain of punches that had Chandler’s curiosity and quickly gain her attention. Chandler standing straight up against the fence, Edwards opens up with a couple right hooks, and it is a bomb of a left hand that separates Chandler from her senses. Chandler hits the deck, and Edwards pounces, knowing her work here is about to be done. Notching her first knockout victory since 2020, Edwards finishes the job with a slew of hammerfists that force Teiberis to wave the fight off. This was one-way traffic for the favored Panamanian, who dominantly placed the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu on her first career losing streak in just over half a round.

The Official Result

Joselyne Edwards def. Chelsea Chandler R1 2:31 via TKO (Punches)

Timothy Cuamba (146) vs. Roberto Romero (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Romero (-115), Cuamba (-105)

Round 1

The overstuffed prelims roll on with a featherweight contest, one pitting two men against one another that have yet to earn a UFC victory in three combined tries. Cuamba (8-3, 0-2 UFC) tried and failed twice last year, while Romero (8-4-1, 0-1 UFC) came up short in his single UFC appearance in 2024. Something’s gotta give, and referee Nick Berens will know first which man will break out of a short slump. Gloves are touched, and Cuamba goes to start circling on the outside. Romero stands firmly in the center of the cage, and eventually pitches out a single leg kick. After some inaction, the “woo” birds come out, and Cuamba answers them by shooting in for a takedown when absorbing a few strikes. Romero turns him about and presses him on the fencing, and Berens warns for glove grabbing. The fighters stall out, and fans are not thrilled. They trade short knees and the occasional elbow, all while stuck in a clinch. Cuamba goes low with a knee to the groin—it looks like Romero lands his own at the same time in the exchange—and Berens calls time. After about 30 seconds, both fighters are good to go, and they resume where they started the fight, with Romero in the middle of the Octagon and Cuamba searching for angles. The latter finds one, driving through a one-two on the chin to get Romero’s attention. Romero fires back, but Cuamba is quicker and more accurate as reddens the Mexico native’s nose with his one-two. He flashes another one-two out when Romero offers a body kick, and Romero takes advantage of a body kick by catching it and looking for a takedown. Cuamba scrambles back to his feet, and he adjusts his glove in discomfort. Romero lets fly his body kick, and Cuamba’s one-two quickly meets him on the forehead to open up a tiny cut. Romero breaks off and lets go with two hard body kicks, the second of which makes Cuamba frown. Romero walks his foe down, not selling out to walk into a flying knee, and instead measuring his foe with a head kick. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cuamba

Round 2

Romero starts the round as the aggressor, offering a glove touch that is partially accepted so that he can start kicking. Cuamba spins with a back kick to the ribcage, and Romero is not amused. As Romero bears down on his opponent, he trips Cuamba up but cannot keep him on the mat. Cuamba breaks free and again checks his left glove, but seems good to go. They trade single punches, with Romero beating him to the punch and not taking a flying knee on the chin. Romero grabs hold of the leg to take the fight down, and Cuamba’s balance holds out as he bounces to the side and introduces his fist to Romero’s face. Romero leans back to give him a pair of body kicks, and he gets in a low kick after it. Cuamba surges into action with a flurry of punches, and Romero answers him with a high kick. Cuamba’s right hand finds the mark again, staggering the Mexican but not backing him down. Romero keeps pushing forward despite the damage, and Cuamba boots him in the face. Once more, Romero is rocked, and he has to blink it out as he marches ever forward, blood streaming down his face. As Romero shoots in on his hips, Cuamba times a picture-perfect flying knee that blasts Romero square on the jaw, and Romero crashes to the canvas in big trouble. Berens is immediately rushing in to rescue Romero, but not before Cuamba hammers his downed foe with a pair of thudding punches. Romero rushes back to his feet and races towards Cuamba to re-engage, unaware that Berens has called the fight. Romero is upset, but the fight is already over and there is nothing that can be done tonight about what commentators questioned may have been a bit premature. Regardless of the stoppage, it is a crucial win for “Twilight Timmy,” who demonstrates that he is not in the twilight of his UFC career and instead earns a mighty victory to save his place on the roster.

The Official Result

Timothy Cuamba def. Roberto Romero R2 3:55 via TKO (Flying Knee)

Jaqueline Amorim (116) vs. Polyana Viana (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Amorim (-550), Viana (+410)

Round 1

A pair of Brazilian strawweights with 100% finish rates collide with hopes of involving referee Dan Miragliotta before too long. The judges might be able to take this one off, as these two women combine for 15 submissions in their 22 pro victories. The submission rate for Amorim (9-1, 3-1 UFC) may be a bit higher, and of the two, she has not been finished. Viana (13-7, 4-6 UFC) cannot say the same, with a trio of stoppage losses in the past for her including two in a row. Amorim offers a glove touch, and when Viana accepts it, Amorim shoots in for a takedown. Viana falls to her back, and she searches for a submission off her back including an inverted triangle choke that excites the crowd because of the position. Amorim pulls her head out between Viana’s legs and shifts to the side, and positions herself in north-south where she can sit on Viana’s face. Viana looks for another inverted triangle, but Amorim sees it coming and steps out of it. Amorim exerts heavy shoulder pressure as she attempts to step into mount, and she wraps up a kimura on Viana’s left side. Amorim cranks on the limb, even considering a straight armbar with the two-on-one wrist lock, and she maintains her grip so she can successfully pass into mount. Viana puts her hand on Amorim’s mouth to disrupt her breathing and frustrate her, and Amorim postures up and looks for offense. Amorim drops down ground-and-pound, punching and elbowing her fellow countrywoman. Viana bucks and kicks her hips back and forth, but she cannot get Amorim off of her. Amorim delivers a handful of 12-to-6 elbows as she maintains her dominant position, and she fights off a half guard recovery from Viana to get back to side control in a hurry. Amorim allows Viana to turn to her knees so she can take her back, and she fastens a body triangle around the waist. Miragliotta appears to mistakenly consider the 10-second clapper as the bell, and the women look awkwardly at one another until the bell actually rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Amorim
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Amorim
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Amorim

Round 2

Viana tries to start the round off with striking, but it takes less than 10 seconds for Amorim to engage and take her down with ease. Viana offers little defense to stop the takedown, perhaps hoping she can keep playing jiu-jitsu to catch something. Amorim gets to side control in the blink of an eye, and Viana sets up a partial crucifix position off her back by wrapping her legs around Amorim’s right arm. This allows Viana to shift to her knees, but Amorim laughs off the escape and takes her back in an instant. Displaying that there are levels to this game, Amorim locks down the body triangle and a rear-naked choke almost simultaneously. Amorim can only cling one arm beneath the chin, and Viana is struggling but still with it. Amorim adjusts her grip, snaking her other arm under the chin and putting her palm-to-palm grip out of reach so that Viana can no longer hand-fight. Viana knows her goose is cooked, and she taps out before long, expressing frustration that she was outdueled but otherwise accepting her defeat gracefully as she embraces her corner.

The Official Result

Jaqueline Amorim def. Polyana Viana R2 1:49 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Cameron Saaiman (135) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saaiman (-110), Wellmaker (-110)

Round 1

Undefeated as a pro, 2024 Contender Series pickup Wellmaker (8-0, 0-0 UFC) want to keep that momentum going as he reaches the big leagues. His first test in the Octagon will be Saaiman (9-2, 3-2 UFC), who knocked out an unbeaten foe in Steven Koslow in his own UFC debut. Knockout rates of 50% or higher for each bantamweight mean that referee Zach Teiberis should be on his A game. There is no glove touch, as they instead want to find a way in with their alternated stances—Saaiman southpaw to Wellmaker in orthodox. Chants in support of Wellmaker rain down quickly, only to abate when the fighters do not do anything. They finally get down to business 30 seconds in, firing single strikes at one another. They take turns when engaging, with Saaiman the slightly more active as he stays on the outside edge with kicks going to all targets. Wellmaker swings twice with big hooks, and Saaiman sees them coming and returns fire with a spinning back kick to the gut. Wellmaker frowns and tries to let go with a right hook, and Saaiman dodges it and chews up the front leg with a trio of kicks. Wellmaker goes to the body with a right hand, and Saaiman does not like it and circles away. Ignoring a right hand on the jaw, “The Machine” mechanically launches a devastating right hook that sends Saaiman flying, and Saaiman is out cold before he hits the mat. As Teiberis is rushing to get between the fighters, Wellmaker connects with a vicious standing-to-ground right hand to punctuate his performance. When Teiberis halts the match, Wellmaker drops to his knees to drink in the moment, still undefeated while authoring an incredible knockout in his UFC debut. It takes Saaiman a bit of time to get back to his stool, but he manages to recover. Thrilled as can be, the victorious UFC newcomer calls for a spot on the upcoming Atlanta event in June, and he will more than likely get it as the promotion loves when fighters call for opportunities like that.

The Official Result

Malcolm Wellmaker def. Cameron Saaiman R1 1:59 via KO (Punch)

Heili Alateng (136) vs. Da'Mon Blackshear (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blackshear (-375), Alateng (+295)

Round 1

For as long as Blackshear (16-7-1, 4-3-1 UFC) is in the fight, he will be searching for a submission of some kind. The Kill Cliff FC fighter already celebrates one of a select few twisters in UFC history, and he has tapped a pair of men named Cody (Stamann and Gibson) to get to this matchup with Alateng (17-9-2, 5-2-1 UFC). “The Mongolian Knight” has only surrendered to one submission, over a decade ago to a short-term fighter from Kazakhstan. Whether the second is caught or not, referee Jason Herzog will be there for it every step of the way. The 135ers do not bump fists to get going, as Blackshear leaps at his opponent instead with a knee extended. Alateng gets just out of the way of it and starts walking down the taller fighter, but it is Blackshear who is potshotting him with jabs and low kicks to start off. Blackshear ducks a counter jab to jam Alateng in the jaw with a right hand, and he backs off to evade the counter. Blackshear sneaks a right hand around the guard, and his head kick attempt after is blocked. Blackshear turns his hips into a hefty low kick, and he is well out of reach for the Chinese fighter to get to him. Blackshear steps in with a strong right, and he gets tagged on the way out but is no worse for wear. Blackshear circles away, using his reach in the both the arms and legs to irritate his opponent. Blackshear smacks Alateng in the face with the side of his foot, and he rifles off a straight right hand down the pipe. Alateng swings his way into closer proximity, reaching “The Monster” and drawing him into a brief brawl. Blackshear thinks twice about just trading in the pocket, as Alateng can reach him this way, and he backs off just enough. Alateng has started to figure out the distance to a degree, and as he does, chants of “USA” boom in the building. Blackshear takes full advantage of the energy boost by cracking Alateng with a flying knee, and Alateng not only eats it but throws fire back at him. Blackshear takes a few punches on the chin, and he steps in again with a knee to the stomach. Alateng is having issues with the varied attack coming his way, with his strikes far more academic and methodical. Blackshear whiffs with a flying kick, and he hops out of the way when landing to not get caught with a big right hand. Alateng keeps coming towards him to get off a left hand, and Blackshear picks him apart with shots to the head, body and leg. Alateng reaches out with swinging fists, only to hit air as “The Monster” keeps marking him up. When Alateng connects, Blackshear steels himself and fires back until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 2

It is not a flying knee for Blackshear to start off the second round, but rather a flying stomp kick to the lead knee. Alateng shrugs it off and starts dealing with distant strikes bopping him in the noggin. Blackshear chains three punches together, and he follows it up with a combination that ends in a resounding body kick. Alateng cannot string together his own combos, as Blackshear is constantly moving and rarely standing firm. Alateng reaches his man with a pair of punches, and attacks the body to make Blackshear stand there in front of him. Blackshear grabs the back of Alateng’s neck and slams a knee in the face, and Alateng does not bat an eye as Blackshear tumbles to his back. They clinch up as they look for level changes, with Alateng leading the charge to ground the taller man. Blackshear pushes his way out of it, and pecks out with jab after unanswered jab. Alateng answers one jab with a right hand, and he steps through them to land on the body and head. Alateng gathers himself for a surge of offense, throwing Blackshear off-balance as he works the body and opens up the head. Blackshear retaliates with a long right hand and a stabbing kick to the liver, only for Alateng to smile at him. Alateng pushes forward with a right to the body and left to the head, and Blackshear leans back and swings a high kick at him. Blackshear misses the mark with a booming right, and Alateng has figured things out as he stands close enough to land as often as Blackshear hits him. Alateng swings hard but does not use a lot of head movement or footwork to keep himself safe from harm, while Blackshear is as elusive as can be even while slowing a bit. Blackshear’s jab keeps Alateng honest from just charging at him, and he beats on the front legs with kicks. Alateng reaches his man with a right hand on the temple, and Blackshear busts him back with a right hand up top and a left to the side. They throw hard at one another right until the bell, and Blackshear raises his arm in the air to celebrate that he got the better of that fierce exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 3

There is no wild strike from Blackshear to open the round, as he instead calmly marches forward to put punches and kicks together. Blackshear snipes Alateng with a left hand and then a right, swaying to the side just enough to let a counter fly past him. As Blackshear peppers “The Mongolian Knight” with a jab, he draws some swelling on both sides of Alateng’s face. Blackshear parries a leaping combination, circling back and forth and pump-faking to draw out reactions. Alateng goes way wide with a huge right hand, and Blackshear sees it coming and dances out of the way. Alateng measures it a few more times, landing at least one cleanly while others at minimum brush past the American’s cheek. Blackshear spins with a back fist that Alateng ignores, and he takes a leg kick that makes him briefly change stances. Blackshear goes for punches around the guard and kicks the body, and Alateng points to the floor to incite a brawl. Blackshear laughs at him and chews up with kicks to the head, body and legs. Blackshear rolls with the big right hand coming his way, and he lets Alateng close in so he can knee him and then launch a subsequent body kick. Alateng kicks his man in the front leg, only to eat a number of jabs that seemingly come on a conveyor belt. Alateng lets loose with power, and Blackshear’s head movement is able to keep him safe. Blackshear darts in to surprise his foe, and he times a solid knee to the torso before zipping away. Alateng checks a low kick and pushes forward, swinging for the bleachers but unable to find his target cleanly. Blackshear has a flying knee ready to intercept his advancing adversary, who rushes at him with his fists flying. Alateng marches forward throwing hands, swinging everything he has into his big lefts and rights. Blackshear counters him with a pair of knees to the sternum, and he raises his arm and walks away when time expires. We go the distance for the first time tonight, and it should be little surprise as to who gets their hand raised.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear (30-27 Blackshear)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear (30-27 Blackshear)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear (30-27 Blackshear)

The Official Result

Da'Mon Blackshear def. Heili Alateng via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

John Castaneda (146) vs. Chris Gutierrez (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gutierrez (-130), Castaneda (+110)

Round 1

Both fighters normally bantamweights, the short-notice nature of this rescheduled tilt shifted it up 10 pounds to featherweight. It was originally scheduled for UFC 313, only to fall through on Fight Night when Castaneda (21-7, 4-3 UFC) suffered a fight-scratching illness. Ready to finally get in there, Gutierrez (21-6-2, 9-3-1 UFC) as his shins sharpened and ready for combat. Joining the two fighters in the cage will be referee Keith Peterson, who reaches the cage after bouncing nonsense from the premises. They clap hands, and Gutierrez comes out throwing kicks from both legs. Castaneda backs off all the way to the fence, moving side to side to not present a stationary target. Castaneda attempts his own low kick, aiming a second on the inside when the first succeeds. Gutierrez rips the inner thigh back with a kick, and Castaneda switches stances briefly. Gutierrez slips a punch and works the front calf, and he parries three of four punches but gets caught with the fourth on the nose. Gutierrez’ kicks keep Castaneda moving, who is constantly trying not to get nailed with a head kick, a spin kick or something else fired his way. Gutierrez steps in, tosses a kick to the ribs and trips. Castaneda’s eyes light up, as he jumps down to claim top position uncontested. Castanada steps into half guard, flattening Gutierrez out while exerting his body weight down. The audience does not love the relative inaction with the wrestling, audibly letting the fighters know of this. Gutierrez gets some space using butterfly hooks to push off the hips, and he grabs one of Castaneda’s ankles while searching for upkicks. Gutierrez decides to just stand up, and Castaneda seemingly lets him back up without issue. Gutierrez thanks him for this with a straight right hand down the pipe, sending “Sexi Mexi” to the ground in a heap. As Castaneda lays on his side defending himself, time expires before Gutierrez can get the finish he was seeking.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to re-engage, and Castaneda swings with everything he has into a reintroductory right hand. Gutierrez needs a moment to recover, and he gathers his thoughts and lets loose with a spinning wheel kick that misses the mark. Gutierrez kicks his foe so hard in the front leg, he puts Castaneda on his seat. Castaneda climbs back up, directly into a crippling low kick that makes him limp almost immediately. Gutierrez sells out for a big punch, and Castaneda meets him with his own at the same time. Castaneda strikes the body and head, circling away before Gutierrez can get to him. Castaneda goes wide with a wheel kick, and when he lands, he reaches out with a long left hand. Castaneda chips at the front leg with a kick, and Gutierrez actually shoves him away rather than striking him. Gutierrez pump-fakes a spin, and he checks a kick and has his guard up to prevent Castaneda from getting off on him. Gutierrez sneaks out a left hand, and he again fakes a spin. Castaneda does not bite and instead loads up on a right hand, and Gutierrez frowns at him. Castaneda gives chase, walking through kicks to his lead leg and a few punches. The two proceed to trade it out from close range, and Gutierrez slams his shin on the inside of his foe’s lead leg to give him brief pause. Gutierrez kicks the outside of the leg, and Castaneda responds in kind. Gutierrez probes out with a jab and a step-in knee, and Castaneda has to shake out the cobwebs but is forced to deal with jabs and leg kicks when doing so. They both land straight punches at the same time, and Gutierrez shoots for a single-leg takedown suddenly. Castaneda grins at him and hammers him with two heavy hooks, and Gutierrez is quick to abandon the shot. Castaneda goes high with two kicks that are blocked, and Gutierrez bloodies his nose up with a right hand at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gutierrez

Round 3

The fighters are so amped up to get going again, Peterson has to tell them to back off before he says go. When he does, they do not hang back, and instead engage with one another in close range. Both men land cleanly on one another, and Gutierrez has to back off and disengage rather than keep letting hands fly. Castaneda’s wheel kick effort bounces harmless off the guard, but when he plants his leg, he is able to score three low kicks in rapid succession. Gutierrez flicks out a few jabs, and Castaneda kicks him once more. Gutierrez punches his way into a clinch, and he abandons the level change when the leverage is not right. Castaneda slings a kick to the body, and Gutierrez comes out swinging and misses the mark. This allows Castaneda to grip hold of his foe and push him against the fencing, all while looking for a trip. Castaneda elects to lift Gutierrez all the way in the air, slamming him down on his back hard. Castaneda smothers his foe on top, moving to side control to not let Gutierrez go anywhere. Gutierrez tries to scramble, and Castaneda responds with a guillotine choke with one arm while using his body weight to press on him. Castaneda lets it go and lands a few punches, and Gutierrez drags him back to the closed guard. As Gutierrez fights off the grappling and pushes off, Castaneda kicks him in the legs a few times when his foe stands. The horn sounds, and the fight is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-28 Gutierrez)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-28 Castaneda)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-28 Gutierrez)

The Official Result

Chris Gutierrez def. John Castaneda via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Evan Elder (156) vs. Gauge Young (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Elder (-258), Young (+210)

Round 1

A pair of Missouri-based lightweights will share the Octagon with local bragging lights on the line. Elder (9-2, 2-2 UFC) will try to hold the line against newcomer Young (9-2, 0-0 UFC), and the 9-2 records of the two fighters will change in the next 15 minutes or less. It is Elder who is the elder, while Young is the younger of the two in this pairing. Drawing the assignment for this preliminary tilt will be referee Nick Berens, who is well-prepared if this one goes to the judges. The fighters and former teammates tap gloves first, and then get down to business. Young takes the center of the cage, and Elder uses his space to land strikes on the outside. When Young responds with a body kick, Elder clips him with an overhand right. Young staggers back, and Elder gives chase and tosses out a head kick before pursuing a takedown. Young stops the takedown by lifting Elder and hurling him to the side like a dad wrestling with his kid, and he backs Elder up and punches him in the face. Young stays busy with single strikes, potshotting the relative veteran with blows to all targets. Berens tells the fighters to keep their hands closed, and Young does not listen and pokes Elder in the eye when Elder was swinging for a right hand. During the 30-second break, Young is harshly warned for his infraction, and Elder responds, “it happens.” Elder fires off three body kicks one after the other, and his kick is the weapon that keeps Young away from him. Elder goes to the body with a kick, and Young grunts and has to quickly stuff a takedown entry. They trade punches, and Elder’s guard is up to block a high kick that follows. Elder hammers the side and lead leg with constant kicks, and he hears his corner calling for a hook kick and answers them with a spinning hook kick that slams Young in the side of the dome. Young tries to throw back, but he is out of range and is caught with another spin kick. Young is warned for outstretched fingers once more, and Elder further inflicts damage with his kicking arsenal. Elder fakes two takedowns, and then blasts the body with three kicks and aims a low kick right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder

Round 2

Elder runs out of his corner to touch gloves, and Young stands firm in front of him and makes Elder back away. This does not prove to be a problem for Elder, who kicks and kicks and kicks. Young reaches him with an overhand right, and he clips Elder with a second. Elder shakes his head and recommits to kicking aplenty, with his body kick arguably his most effective weapon. He pushes Young away when Young advances, and Young jabs his way back towards him. Elder’s body kick finds its home again, and he pounds the front leg with his shin. Elder dips a jab to come over the top with a right hand, and he drills the side with a vicious kick. Young prods his jabs forward, but it is Elder who is the one swinging with bad intentions. Elder gets off a left hand and strafes to the side to not stay in front of jabs. Elder shoots for a takedown from a distance, and Young’s sprawl puts Elder on his back. Elder keeps moving, and he slithers back to his feet and blocks a kick aimed his way. Young’s overhand right is answered by a body kick, and he is turned around with a painful leg kick. Elder sits down on a trio of punches, with the exclamation point a body kick. Young flirts with a high kick that is way out of range, and he backs Elder to the fence but cannot capitalize on the position. Young walks his foe down but is missing with most of his strikes, while Elder is putting him through a slow-motion wood chipper with his kicks. Elder goes to the body and opens up with a right hand over the top, and Young responds with a stomp kick to the knee. Elder deposits a hearty low kick on the lead leg, and a body kick from his other limb concludes the second stanza.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder

Round 3

The two Missourians hug it out to start off the final round, and they proceed to lovingly punch one another square in the face. Young steps back first, and he is chased with a jump knee that misses that mark. When Elder lands, he goes to the body on either side with his shins. Young offers a few awkward low kicks, and Elder ignores them and fires off a straight right hand down the pipe. Elder fakes a takedown to come up high, and Young chases after him but is not able to catch him. Elder flings a pair of high kicks that work the guard, and his low kick and body shot get Young’s attention. Young is tough, and he shows welting and redness everywhere but is not flinching much. Elder dips and lands a right hand, and when he dips a second time, Young picks up on it and tags him with a left hook. Elder opens up with kick after unanswered kick, with Young having to work through them to strike back with jabs to the midsection. Elder slams his shin on the side of Young’s liver, and Young is tough as a two-dollar steak and keeps pushing ever forward. Elder styles on his opponent with longer punches and kicks, and Young corners him against the fence but only manages to land once before getting pushed away. Elder goes high and then low with the same leg, and he snaps the head back with a left hand and connects on the front leg with his right shin. Young tries to time Elder’s ducks and movements with punches, and he catches Elder with a clean left hand that is one-and-done. Elder continues feed Young a steady diet of body kicks, and he slaps Young in the face with an open-handed left. Young rubs his face and has to block a head kick aimed at the same spot, and he pushes through to make Elder bounce off the wire. Elder walks directly into a knee, and Young pours it on with punches and a front kick as he has bloodied his foe’s nose up in the waning seconds. They give it all they have until time expires, and then embrace after 15 minutes of combat.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)

The Official Result

Evan Elder def. Gauge Young via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jimmy Flick (126) vs. Matt Schnell (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Schnell (-285), Flick (+230)

Round 1

An interesting matchup between flyweight finishers concludes the long prelims. This is a pivotal one for both men, as they are both struggling as of late. Schnell (16-9, 1 NC; 6-7, 1 NC UFC) fell below .500 in the UFC while riding a three-fight skid, with the third of those nearly forcing him into retirement. Like Schnell, Flick (17-8, 2-3 UFC) also offered a retirement that did not stick a few years ago, but with one win in his last four outings, it’s make or break for him. Referee Dan Miragliotta may be needed for the bout’s entire duration, but the judges might be able to kick back and relax when the two 125ers engage. Before searching for the stoppage that may soon come, the fighters cordially touch ‘em up first. Schnell is light on his feet as he ramps up his offense, not letting Flick get off much of his own as he peppers his foe with strikes. Flick walks into a right hand and ducks away to reset, and Schnell splits the guard with a jab. Flick surges into action with three swiping left hands, and he uses the surprise offense to shoot in for a single. Schnell remains on his feet, and Flick chases after him and bullies him to the wall. Flick pursues the takedown, tripping out Schnell’s right leg to place him on his seat. As Schnell scrambles, Flick jumps over to half guard and then the side, where he looks for an arm-triangle choke. Schnell walks off the face, pushing Flick off of him and setting up a potential triangle choke. Schnell loops his left leg around the shoulder, and Flick powers his weight down to stifle the triangle. Schnell drags Flick back to half guard, and he wraps punches around the head and lands a few to the back of the dome as well. Schnell re-closes his guard, and Flick takes advantage of this opportunity by hacking down with elbows. Schnell’s possible triangle setup comes up short as Flick no-sells it, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Flick
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Flick
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Flick

Round 2

Schnell comes out of his corner looking for kicks, and his first is a calf kick. Flick comes up top with a right hand, and he shoots in for a takedown. Schnell defends with a guillotine choke, but the impact of the two hitting the canvas breaks the grip. Flick lands in half guard and pressures down with his shoulder for the first step of an arm-triangle choke, and he wraps his hands together to further go after it. Flick keeps staying after the arm-triangle, and he allows Schnell to turn to his side so he can slither around and take the back. Flick adjusts his grip and searches for a side-naked choke, but Schnell’s arm is in to give him enough space to survive. Schnell turns using his feet on the wall to fight out of the sub, and Flick is subsequently returned to full guard. “The Brick” imposes his body weight down, and Schnell defends by hooking his leg around Flick’s shoulder for an omoplata. Flick sits up, and he jumps guard for a guillotine choke. Schnell tosses the arm grip aside and starts mounting offense, hammering the submission specialist with punches until Flick uses butterfly hooks to gain some space. When Schnell stands upright, Flick beans him with an upkick. Schnell shakes it off and keeps Flick on the ground by striking him. Flick again postures up and jumps for a guillotine and it is much tighter. “Danger” remains composed and is not concerned of the danger of the sub, and he wriggles his neck free and lashes out with nasty ground-and-pound that splits Flick’s forehead open. Schnell defends with a hard elbow and jumps guard for a guillotine, and Miragliotta thinks the 10-second clapper is the bell again and touches the fighters. Schnell releases the grip, expecting the round is over, and Flick is arguably saved by this mistake as the power guillotine was frighteningly tight. As Schnell rolls Flick over, the horn does sound.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Schnell
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Schnell
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Schnell

Round 3

The third round opens with Schnell willing to engage in the striking, and Flick does the same for a brief spell until he grabs hold of Schnell’s leg for a single. Schnell hits his back and wraps his leg up for a possible triangle, and when that fails, he kicks Flick off of him. Flick appears dazed as blood streams down his face, and Schnell is the fresher of the two and jumps to his feet first. Flick follows him, and he shoots for a double. Schnell defends with a 10-finger guillotine, and Flick appears to tap a single time as he was pushing on Schnell’s leg to thwart the submission. Flick breaks out of the sub and lowers himself to his back, and he turns to his side and sits up to try to put Schnell on his back. Schnell leans against the wall, and Flick still tries to wrap him up with a guillotine choke. Flick stands up with the choke, and he knees Schnell in the chest. Schnell stands so he does not take another knee, and Flick shoots for a double. When Flick transitions to a single, Schnell grips a guillotine and drags Flick to the canvas. “Danger” uses the maneuver to roll over into top position with 85 seconds to spare, and he is quick to take advantage of the position change by elbowing Flick in the cut. Flick scrambles and gives up his back, and Schnell gets both hooks in and instantly fastens a rear-naked choke. Flick fights the top hand to keep breathing, and Schnell briefly considers a neck crank but is more intent on maintaining a body lock than getting the tap. Schnell concludes the matchup with some ground strikes, and the two men hear the final bell and raise their arms in the air.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Schnell (29-28 Schnell)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Schnell (29-28 Schnell)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Schnell (29-28 Schnell)

The Official Result

Matt Schnell def. Jimmy Flick via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ikram Aliskerov (185.5) vs. Andre Muniz (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aliskerov (-650), Muniz (+470)

Round 1

At long last, the main card is here for six matchups that hopefully promise violence for the packed arena. We kick things off in it with middleweight pairing that could get quite middleweighty when it is all said and done. Dagestan native Aliskerov (15-2, 2-1 UFC) hit a clear ceiling when Robert Whittaker pasted him last year, and he gets a bounce-back opportunity against armbar aficionado Muniz (24-6, 6-2 UFC). The Brazilian will present danger on the feet or the mat, so the KHK MMA fighter will need to be on his best behavior. Referee Jason Herzog will take charge of the proceedings, and the combatants bop gloves together. Aliskerov immediately assumes the center of the cage, where he says hello with a low kick. The two hand-fight in their alternating stances, even clasping their fingers together a few times. Aliskerov’s kicks land with thuds and not slaps, and Muniz eventually responds with one. Aliskerov kicks him to the side, and them midsection. Muniz answers with the latter, only to be bounced back with a straight right to the ribs. Muniz gets some space by offering out a right hand, and the two try to find their respective range. Aliskerov gets through with a clubbing right hand, and Muniz rebounds off the fence and tells Herzog that Aliskerov is about to poke him in the eye with his outstretched fingers. Aliskerov aims to the body with punches and a side kick, and he reaches Muniz with a right hand and gets caught in a clinch. Aliskerov elects to remain tied up, pushing the Brazilian to the wall and leaning on him heavily when not ramming knees into his gut. Aliskerov pushes out, and Muniz shoots for a single. Aliskerov pitches him to the side and fires off a head kick, and Muniz is out of the way. Muniz reaches with a low kick and a pair of punches, and Aliskerov skips his left hand over the guard and pushes a front kick down the middle. Aliskerov goes to the body with a heavier right hand, and he does the same a second time and ducks the counter that he sees coming. Muniz reaches his target with a left upstairs, and he jabs the body with a kick. Aliskerov connects with a long left hand, and Muniz appears to need a second to register that his legs have buckled and awkwardly collapses to his back. Aliskerov pounces, hammering “Sergipano” with Donkey Kong-esque hammerfists and clobbering punches. The Russian continues dropping down bombs, hearing the 10-second clapper and not slowing down. Herzog is cognizant of the time remaining in the round, but it does not matter, as he has seen enough with Aliskerov pounding on the wounded Muniz. Herzog gave the Brazilian every chance he could to survive, but the damage continued to accumulate and crossed the threshold for a good stoppage. In a daze, Muniz lays on his back for a time, but he eventually recovers and returns to his feet much to the delight of his team and the crowd.

The Official Result

Ikram Aliskerov def. Andre Muniz R1 4:54 via TKO (Punches)

Randy Brown (171) vs. Nicolas Dalby (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brown (-238), Dalby (+195)

Round 1

A clash of well-traveled welterweights keeps the main card pushing. Looking to get back in the win column, Brown (19-6, 13-6 UFC) will have to outlast the ultra-durable Dane Dalby (23-5-1, 2 NC; 7-4-1, 1 NC UFC) as the latter has never been finished. Referee Keith Peterson is prepped and ready should this go the full duration, and he commences the nonsense-free bout as Brown sprints at his opponent without a glove touch in sight. Brown pulls back before crashing into his opponent, and he repositions himself to his preferred distant striking range with significant reach in his favor on the hands and legs. He uses those long arms to set up jabs and stay away from Dalby’s reaching left hook, but the slapping kick from Dalby is effective on the front leg. He goes for it two more times before having to reset and absorb a right hand on the chin. Dalby gets off with another kick, and Brown freezes him with a clubbing right hook. The Dane gathers himself and slings back, but the only one that lands is his low kick on the calf. Brown leaves himself wide open and is skipped with a left hand on the temple. Frustrated by the strike, “Rude Boy” puts everything he has into a left and a vicious right hand, not only staggering Brown but completely shattering his nose like Marsha and the football. Eternally tough, Dalby manages to bounce off the fencing and swing back, but he is compromised from a damage and breathing perspective. Brown does not go for broke, instead picking his shots carefully, and he inflicts further harm and swells up Dalby’s left eye. Dalby complains about an eye poke, and Peterson tells Brown to not leave his fingers outstretched. Brown acknowledges this and wings a right hand, only to get belted with a massive hook that knocks him off his feet. Dalby pounces, blood pouring from his destroyed nose, and he works Brown over with short ground strikes. Dalby uses his arm to control Brown, and he drops down one more elbow before the bell. The doctors are quick to assess Dalby’s condition, and they appear to partially reset his beak while tending to it. It probably will not stay that way for long when getting punched again in the next round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brown
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brown

Round 2

Dalby is good to go, giving Peterson a thumbs-up even as his left eye is nearly closed. He is fired up, rushing after “Rude Boy” with swarming punches and swinging kicks. Brown flicks out jabs and front kicks, allowing Dalby to buzz past him, and he punctuates a combo with a hard body kick. Dalby strikes the front leg and comes up short with an overhand right, and Brown continues to pepper the face with jabs and a mean-spirited front kick. Brown’s jab keeps Dalby at bay until Dalby has had enough of taking them, walking through a knee to the body and launching a huge right hand. Brown bounces off the fence, in trouble but still in the fight, and he separates and backpedals. Dalby continues crashing towards his opponent, launching big right hands that force Brown to take desperate measures to stay out of danger. Brown grabs hold of Dalby in a brief clinch to turn him around and his back to the wall, and he measures his target with a step-in knee and a short but sweet right hand directly on the jaw that buckles Dalby’s knees. Dalby recognizes this and bounces on them to try to shake it off, and Brown uncorks a nasty right hand on the jaw that hurts “Danish Dynamite” badly. Dalby uses the fence behind him to stay upright, and Brown waits for Dalby to stand straight up and smashes him in the face with a ferocious overhand right and a speedy left to follow. Dalby not only takes them on the chin but fires back with his own short salvo, catching Brown but taking some punishment on the way in. The 40-year-old has to take a second to step back and assess his condition, and he evades a massive uppercut by a matter of millimeters. Brown keeps swinging, ignoring anything coming back his direction and unloading a nuclear missile of a right hand that explodes on the temple and puts Dalby down once and for all. Brown walks away, saluting his fallen adversary, while Peterson rushes in along with a doctor to check on Dalby who is crumpled in a heap. “Knockout of the Year,” you have a new contender as Dalby had never been finished as a professional and he is laying down face-first in a pool of his own blood. What an incredible knockout, concluding a titanic brawl that will remain on highlight reels for years to come. Dalby comes to, and he is able to applaud Brown for his handiwork.

The Official Result

Randy Brown def. Nicolas Dalby R2 1:39 via KO (Punch)

Abusupiyan Magomedov (185.5) vs. Michel Pereira (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pereira (-155), Magomedov (+130)

Round 1

This next middleweight affair could shape up to be a wild one before the dust settles. While he has scaled back on some of the antics that cost him wins in the past, Pereira (31-12, 2 NC; 9-3 UFC) is still unafraid to hit a back flip mid-fight even if landing on opponent with stomping feet is illegal. Who needs rules in a sport like this. Russian-born German knockout artist Magomedov (27-6-1, 3-2 UFC) is the much more composed of the two, but is no less dangerous. Referee Nick Berens will need to be on high alert until the conclusion of the bout, one that kicks off with a glove touch. Magomedov stabs out with a long kick to start things off, and Berens warns both fighters for outstretched fingers…and they don’t listen. Magomedov pitches out a front kick that goes wide, and Pereira swipes at his foe’s midsection only to be out of range. Pereira does get in with a left hand, and he is out of range before a counter finds him. Pereira jabs the body with a kick and has his guard raised to block an overhand right, and Magomedov puts on heavy pressure while leading with his front kick. Magomedov kicks the side with the same foot, and he lunges in behind two right hands that brush the Brazilian’s beard. Magomedov nails Pereira with a left hand, who stumbles and needs a second to gather his thoughts. Magomedov is not giving him that second, instead blasting “Demolidor” with a head kick. Pereira takes it somehow and rebounds to jab the body, but his legs might not be fully beneath him yet. Pereira gets backed to the fence, and he ducks an overhand right but falls to his back when Magomedov easily takes him down. Magomedov unloads with left hands and an elbow, and Pereira explodes to his feet. Magomedov hangs on from behind like an angry seatbelt, smacking Pereira upside the head until he climbs on the back and wraps his hooks around the waist. Magomedov releases the grip when he cannot locate the body triangle, and Pereira recognizes this is his moment to move and he moves with a spinning back elbow. Magomedov ignores it and loads up with two overhand rights, unconcerned about anything aimed his direction. Pereira stays on his bike, avoiding exchanges when he can while not committing to much on his own side. He gets off one front kick, and Magomedov strikes back with a right hand and a head kick to end the tepid round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov

Round 2

The middleweights bump fists to get going again, and Pereira does land first this time in the form of a low kick. He gets right back on his bike, entirely uncharacteristic for him as he typically presents far more aggressively. Pereira pulls back when thinking about throwing punches, and he is stuck in first gear while Magomedov can do anything. Magomedov jabs the body with his foot—it is not that Magomedov is putting a beating on Pereira, but he is nullifying the Brazilian to a surprising degree. Magomedov eats a knee coming in when shooting for a takedown, and Pereira tosses him aside and strikes with a single front kick. Magomedov gets back to chasing Pereira around, wrapping a right hand around the guard and ignoring a jab to the body coming his way. Pereira’s two punches land harmlessly on the chin, and he barely manages to avoid a booming uppercut and ties Magomedov up in a clinch. When Magomedov is going to use it against him, Pereira releases his grip and backs away. Pereira uses alternating front kicks to stay away, mixing in a few jabs. The crowd is not overly amused by the lack of engagement from the two, with Magomedov winning but not blowing him out of the water. The pace is slow and non-threatening, with Pereira fighting like someone afraid to run out of gas. Unfortunately for him, fighting while backing away is tiring as well. Pereira jabs a few times, and when he gets pushed back with a front kick, he meets Magomedov with the same strike. Pereira sticks out punches, and his front kick lands on the body. Even with volume now on his side, power is minimal and the lack of effective offense disappoints those in attendance and watching live. The less-than-stellar round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov

Round 3

The two men hug to start the last round, and the crowd showers them in boos. They answer the call with a simultaneous punch, and Magomedov recovers first and goes to the head and body with a few more punches. Pereira picks things up a little, swinging harder and actually putting some mustard in his fists. Pereira rips a left to the body, and Magomedov kicks his front leg in response. Pereira goes to the body again, and the long jab from Magomedov connects cleanly. Pereira tosses out a high kick that lightly bumps into the shoulder, and his left hooks are out of range. The fans, so frustrated with the match thus far, start taking out their phones and light up their screens while waving them around. Little changes inside the Octagon when they do this, other than a hard right hand and a knee to the body from Pereira. Magomedov drops down for a level change, and Pereira times a knee on the chin that is questionably legal as to whether a knee was down. It is ultimately immaterial, and the chanting made famous from Atlanta Braves fans and coopted by the Kansas City Chiefs faithful serenades everyone listening. Magomedov is irritated by the body work that Pereira has done this round, and he wings a pair of right hands that shake Pereira up. Pereira takes time to recover, and Magomedov allows him to do this as he appears to not have enough in the tank to do more. When Pereira jams a knee to his midsection, Magomedov suddenly looks totally out of steam. Magomedov’s kicks and punches are labored, with Pereira’s much heavier. Magomedov shoots from afar for a takedown with a minute to go, and Pereira pulls him back to his feet so he can score a knee. The Russian nails Pereira with a left hook, and Pereira wobbles but does not go down. Magomedov smacks Pereira upside the head with clean left hands, and Pereira is knocked around but throws back. With seconds to go, Pereira ramps things up, but it is far too late for anything to come from it. The huge bummer of a 15-minute slog is now in the books, and it is time to move on to the next fight.

Sherdog Scores

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

The Official Result

Abusupiyan Magomedov def. Michel Pereira via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Giga Chikadze (147: Missed Weight) vs. David Onama (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Onama (-180), Chikadze (+150)

Round 1

One fight tonight takes place outside of normal weight divisions, and it does so because Chikadze (15-4, 8-2 UFC) clocked in a pound heavy. The Georgian gives 20% of his purse to local fellow striker Onama (13-2, 5-2 UFC), and this one should be a whole lot of fun. Before an all-out brawl ensues, referee Keith Peterson takes charge of the cage. The fighters meet in the middle without a glove touch or any nonsense. Chikadze works from a range with a long punch, three kicks and one more punch upstairs. Chikadze chambers and fires a body kick, and Onama walks him down and reaches him with two kicks. Chikadze beats Onama to the punch with a one-two, and after a lull in the action, he quickly releases two head kicks that bang into the guard. Chikadze swings a right and then a left into the guard, with Onama shelling up just in time. Chikadze hand-fights to prevent Onama from firing anything of note, and he puts together a combination of punches ending with a kick. Onama parries a kick but has a left hand wrapped around his guard. Chikadze spins with a wheel kick that is blocked, and he lands and sneaks in a left hand. The Georgian hammers the front leg with a kick, and he aims one to the other leg before Onama can get to him. Onama reaches his target with a sharp right hand, snapping the head back and stunning the former kickboxer. Chikadze gathers a full head of steam and lashes out with a flurry of feet and fists, and Onama is able to stay right in front of him lunging with his powerful right hand. Chikadze steps in with a knee that clatters off the guard, and Onama’s long left gets in. Onama walks through a low kick to put punches on his opponent, and Chikadze is quick to reply with a step-in knee. Chikadze cracks Onama with a straight right hand, and Onama is on baby deer legs trying to stay upright. As Chikadze moves in for the kill, Onama wraps him up and gets behind him, lowering “Ninja” to the floor and taking most of his weapons away. Onama lands in half guard, with Chikadze actively attacking off his back with punches. Chikadze wraps up the guard, and he hacks with elbows until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze

Round 2

The strikers resume in the second round, with Onama walking Chikadze down pecking at his lead leg with kicks. The low kicks are in part to set up a left hand for “Silent Assassin,” and Chikadze recognizes this and plants his fist on Onama’s face. Onama chips at the front leg and blocks a spinning back elbow, with his guard raised to defend a subsequent left hook. Onama gives Chikadze chase, catching him with an uppercut in the midst of a combination. Chikadze nails the front leg with a kick, and Onama shoots in for a double that he easily lands. Chikadze lands an elbow to the back of the head, and Onama hooks his legs between Chikadze’s to shut down his escape attempt. Onama steps over to the side, and Chikadze uses his feet to push off the wall and try to find a better position. Onama smothers until the Atlanta Braves’ chant is sung again from the crowd. Chikadze is desperate to stand, and Onama stops his efforts even if he does not otherwise attack with anything. Chikadze thinks about a guillotine choke, and when he moves and sits up, Onama bowls him over to his back. Onama in half guard loops his right arm behind Chikadze’s head for an arm-triangle setup, letting it go to drop down two harsh elbows. “Silent Assassin” quietly nullifies Chikadze with his top control, getting off the occasional strike until the clapper sounds with 10 seconds left. Onama lets Chikadze back up so he can measure a body kick, and backs off until the horn. He then raises his arms in the air to pump up the crowd, as they did not have a lot to cheer about in that last round otherwise.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Onama

Round 3

Onama again tries to pump up the audience to start the final frame, but when Peterson clocks them in, they do not do much for the first 30 seconds. Onama slowly works up his pace, landing punches and kicks until Chikadze retaliates. The Georgian responds with multiple head kicks, and his short left hook is out of reach. Onama knocks him back with two punches, and Chikadze stands in the pocket and bangs back. Chikadze lets fly a body kick, and he strikes the same spot with a left hand. When Onama lands, Chikadze gives him back a flurry of punches to think about and an axe kick for good measure. Chikadze is quicker than Onama at leading into exchanges, and he does not bite on the feints. Chikadze sneaks in a right hand just before Onama can get him, and Onama shoots in for a takedown and crashes straight into Chikadze’s dome with a loud clacking sound. Onama successfully tackles his man to the mat, foul not assessed as Chikadze was lowering himself down to defend the entry. Onama controls his man until Chikadze bursts his way to his feet. In the process, Chikadze gives up his back, and Onama leaps on it and uses it to wrangle Chikadze down to the ground again. Onama starts getting busy with his free left hand and arm, punching until an elbow presents itself. When Onama postures up, Chikadze times him with butterfly hooks to momentarily push him off. Onama gets back on top and lashes out with elbows, and Chikadze responds with a few of his own. Onama punches until time expires, with this final round likely the swing that determines the victor.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Onama (29-28 Onama)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Onama (29-28 Onama)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Onama (29-28 Onama)

The Official Result

David Onama def. Giga Chikadze via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mingyang Zhang (206) vs. Anthony Smith (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zhang (-500), Smith (+380)

Round 1

The purported last dance for storied veteran Smith (38-21, 13-11 UFC) has arrived, as he plans on calling it quits at the conclusion of his 60th pro outing, win or lose. Getting the honor of facing Smith on the way out, Zhang (18-6, 2-0 UFC) is a massive betting favorite having won his last 11 bouts by first-round stoppage. If that is soon to become 12, or if Smith can pull one more rabbit out of the hat, referee Jason Herzog will be the first to know. The emotional Smith does not touch gloves before getting down to it, and everyone in the building sharply inhales ahead of what’s about to come. Zhang attempts to strike first, with a high kick that is blocked and a low kick that is not. Zhang kicks the lead leg two more times, and a third flusters Smith and forces him to engage. Smith wings punches that do not land cleanly, and Zhang kicks his front leg again. The low kicks have already done some damage, as he is preemptively lifting his leg up to defend against them. Zhang has a few punches pound into the guard, and Smith ties him up. Zhang scores short knees on the inside, and Smith leans his weight on his opponent and frames off for an elbow that never comes. Zhang escapes, and Smith follows him and walks through low kicks and elbows. Zhang wraps a stern right hand around the guard, and his leg kicks continue scoring. Smith gets off an elbow through the guard, and he is quickly answered by a low kick. Smith jams another elbow on the dome, and Zhang gives him one back and slashes open a cut on the top of his head. Blood flows fast down his head, and he shakes his head to get it out of his eyes. Smith wipes his eyes out as Zhang keeps striking, and the nasty elbows from Zhang find their home on his cheek again and again. Smith says enough is enough when it comes to those strikes, and he shoots in for a naked takedown from afar. Zhang lands a strike to the back of the head, and Smith pulls guard to drag him into the grappling world. Smith sits up, and Herzog tells Zhang he is down and not to kick or knee him in the head. Smith takes some shots, and he sits up and gets bowled over with punches and elbows that continue battering him. Herzog tells Smith to move, eventually raising his voice to scream that he needs to do something. Giving Smith way more time than most would be, Herzog allows Zhang to beat Smith down and spray blood all over the mat. Smith shells up on his side, the damage suddenly a bit too much for him. Smith falls to his back, and Zhang clobbers him until Herzog has seen enough. Smith sits up and calls for a bucket, and he stands up and gives a middle finger to someone in the audience. “Lionheart” marches to the cage wall and shouts down someone in the crowd, and everyone looks around confusedly while Zhang tries to calm his opponent down. Smith shakes out of it, and he raises Zhang’s arm in the air to congratulate him for crushing his final moment to shine. MMA is a cruel sport at times, but as Smith fades away, it is possible—however unlikely—that China has a new star on its hands in the form of “Mountain Tiger” and his 100% finish rate. Zhang is now a ranked fighter, while Smith takes his gloves off to complete his retirement ceremony. Whether this is his final fight or not, the choice remains in the hands of the 36-year-old former title challenger.

The Official Result

Mingyang Zhang def. Anthony Smith R1 4:03 via TKO (Elbows) 

Ian Garry (171) vs. Carlos Prates (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garry (-135), Prates (+114)

Round 1

All eyes are on the main event here, possibly a one-sided title eliminator depending on how the rest of the division shakes out. Garry (15-1, 8-1 UFC) may need to get another one or two before vying for gold, but if Prates (21-6, 4-0 UFC) gets another knockout, the Brazilian might jump the line. All he will have to do is punch out a heavy-handed Irishman who has never before been finished as a pro. With nothing left but the particulars, referee Dan Miragliotta brings them together to issue the final instructions. They are intense but still touch gloves. It’s on with the show. In alternating stances with Prates in southpaw while Garry is on orthodox, the two test one another’s range with hand-fighting early. This proceeds for about 30 seconds, when Prates punctuates the inactivity with a low kick. Garry slowly responds with a high kick that is easily blocked, and Prates chips at the calf a second time. Prates whiffs on another low kick, and Garry nearly makes him pay with a head kick that is blocked in the nick of time. Prates grabs his foe’s glove and slings a left hand around it, brushing past his intended target. Prates lifts his lead leg up anticipatorily to defend against a leg kick, and he leans back to let a right hand soar past him. Garry floats up a high kick that is blocked, and he shoots in for takedown that Prates stuffs aggressively. Garry stands up and grins, and he lets fly a left hand and a kick. He then attacks the lead leg with another kick, while Prates is stuck in the proverbial mud. Prates hammers a kick to the ribs, intercepting two punches upstairs from the Irishman. Garry keeps firing off his head kick at the end of a combination, and he shoots for a takedown that Prates easily tosses aside. The Brazilian marches forward, looping a left hand around the guard but out of reach. Garry lunges forward with three punches that bounce off the raised guard, and he lets Prates clinch him so he can push off and kick up high. Prates blocks it, and Garry kicks him in the side with the same limb. Garry fakes a jump knee, and Prates pushes him away. The two crash together, and Prates falls to his back. Garry unloads with a handful of powerful standing-to-ground punches, and he avoids an upkick as the round ends. The Irishman helps his foe get back to his feet.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 2

The fighters clap hands to get going, and Garry is quick to wrap a left hand up and over the guard to land. He chambers and fires a body kick to follow, and is well out of range when Prates looks to kick him back. Garry probes out with his jab, staying cognizant of his range and footing while not staying in the same spot as when he threw. Garry punches his way into a takedown effort, and the Brazilian squirrels out of it. When he stands back up, Garry high-fives him. “The Future” then gets back to business, kicking the front leg and jabbing a couple times. As Prates kicks low, Garry goes high. Prates surprises his opponent with a step-in elbow, and Garry retaliates with a push kick that bangs into the cup. Prates waves him and Miragliotta off, as he would prefer to keep doing what he’s doing. Garry obliges him by continuing to jab and peck at his foe, all the while looking to find the head kick he has been seeking for a round and a half. Prates uses head movement to avoid a punch and comes back firing, with two punches leading into a clinch. Prates disengages, and his guard is high enough to defend the inevitable head kick. Garry slaps a kick on the inside of his foe’s lead leg, and he works the body after with his shin. Garry tries to check a kick, and he meets Prates with an elbow when Prates crashes towards him. Prates leans back, and when nothing more flies at him, he reaches Garry with a single left hand. Garry bounces and strafes, allowing Prates to throw so he can shoot. Prates stifles it, and Garry again congratulates him for not getting grounded. Prates gets off one single elbow before they tie up again, and Garry splits off and peppers the lead leg with a kick and launches a head kick. After those two kicks, he scores a few punches, differing his normal pattern of the head kick ending the combo. Garry’s spinning wheel kick is a foot away from his intended target, and he drops down and connects with a spin kick to the lead leg by taking a page out of the Andy Hug playbook. The round ends with the two high-fiving after those spinning strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 3

Highs are fived to start off the third round, and Prates has listened to his corner as he strikes first with a hard body kick. It is one-and-done, however, as Garry backs him away only using a jab and a leg kick. He goes high, and Prates answers with his own leg up top. Garry leaps forward, pulling back before unleashing the knee so he can let Prates’ kick bang into his blocking arms. Garry comes up short with a one-two, but he does push Prates back a step when his head kick slams into the raised guard. Garry does not slow when attacking that kick, and he shoots for a takedown that Prates shucks off. Garry breaks a lull in the action by lashing out at the Brazilian, connecting with heavy punches that knock Prates’ head around. Garry backs off and rushes in to put more punches together, and as soon as Prates fights back, Garry hits a clean double and puts him on his back. Prates calmly works his way to the wall, where he gets to a knee and is upright without taking much in the way of damage. Garry gets in a single knee on the inside when Prates is returning upright, and they split apart. Prates jabs and looks for a left hand, but Garry is more composed and accurate, also more active when it comes to head movement and sleek footwork. Prates cannot get anything going, and he swings too hard with a left hand and ends up on his back when Garry takes him down easily. Prates again crawls to the fencing and fights his way back up, and Garry thinks about lifting him up and slamming him down but does not waste the energy as the round is over.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 4

Fists are bumped as the two reach the championship rounds, and Garry is quick to lead the dance with a pair of punches and a body kick. He changes levels for a takedown, and Prates sees it coming and practically ignores it. Walking Garry down, he scores a loud body kick, but Garry gets in his face with a few punches and his own kick. A naked Garry shot fails, and he gives it up to Prates again for stopping it. Garry hand-fights and uses his rear leg to go up high, and when Prates blocks it, he grapples the Brazilian. When Prates hits the mat, he immediately scrambles to a knee. Garry imposes his weight so thoroughly on his opponent, he actively stands on Prates’ calf until Prates stands back up. Garry hits an easy mat return, and Prates returns upright and tosses Garry aside. Garry dances away to reset, and he slings a head kick that is blocked. A Garry front kick bounces into the cup, and Prates again signals he is ok. He runs forward, landing a single right hand, but there is nothing after it. Garry is the one stringing punches and kicks together, while Prates is looking for one—and they are not of the knockout variety, largely. Prates lands a left hand upstairs, and then goes to the body. His head kick zips past Garry’s face, who sways back to avoid it. Prates left hand bloodies Garry’s nose, and he smells the blood and starts loading up on power punches. Prates cracks his foe with a left hand, whose knees wobble and he grins mischievously. Garry gets a takedown for a second to disrupt the advancing Prates, and when they stand up, the horn sounds a few seconds earlier than the five-minute mark.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Prates
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Prates
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Prates

Round 5

Prates amps the crowd up as they reach the last round, hugging it out before they engage for five more violent minutes. Garry hand-fights immediately to not allow Prates to find his jab, and he kicks the side. Prates kicks him in the same spot, and he gives chase to the Irishman who is circling to the left and right intermittently. Prates just misses with a left hand, launching a knee up high that smashes into Garry’s face. Garry shoots instinctively for a takedown, and Prates shucks it aside. Garry fires off a big right hand, bouncing off the guard. Prates kicks his foe in the ribs, and Garry catches the leg while pursuing a single. The crowd erupts in anger for this strategy, and showers Prates with love when Prates breaks free. Prates winds up with a left hand, and he works his way forward until he can toss up a head kick. Garry’s takedown in response is stopped in its tracks, and he flails his fists when Prates bears down on him. Garry snipes his foe with a check left hook, and the crowd does not love Garry and informs of this with a foul-mouthed chant of “F--- Ian Garry.” Garry takes their cheers and makes them even angrier by pursuing a takedown, dipping beneath a Prates haymaker. Garry goes after the single, and Prates retains his balance but is forced to deal with a salvo of punches. After resetting, Prates heaves and weaves his way in, whiffing with a head kick and chasing after Garry. When Garry shoots, Prates decides he will instead spin him around and wind up on top, where he drops down heavy punches. The hammerfists from Prates make Garry panic, who crawls to the wall to survive. Prates pulls his leg out when Garry dives after a takedown, and he bowls Garry over again and drops down a hard standing-to-ground punch that makes Garry turn over. Garry leans on the fencing, moving his head to not take shots, and Prates lets him up so he can slug it out. Prates walks after his foe with his hands down, way too tired to throw anything. With one final moment to do something, Prates fails miserably, and he will more than likely lose a decision. It may be a moral victory for the Brazilian that he made it five rounds while likely ending the fight as the fresher man—other than the final few seconds—but it firmly snaps his knockout streak and breaks the cherrypicked, ultimately incorrect stat claimed time and again that fighters from the Fighting Nerds are undefeated in the UFC. The triumphant Garry declares that he plans on attending UFC 315 to officially serve as the backup for the championship bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. When that event happens, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Prates (48-47 Garry)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Prates (48-47 Garry)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Prates (48-47 Garry)

The Official Result

Ian Garry def. Carlos Prates via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)