UFC 276 ‘Adesanya vs. Cannonier’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Jessica-Rose Clark (135.5) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Clark (-155), Stoliarenko (+135)

Round 1

At long last, UFC 276 is upon us. This one on paper could be one for the ages, and fight fans inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and those watching on their various screens around the world should brace themselves for what’s to come. An impressive number of ranked fighters and ultra-relevant matchups will take center stage throughout the night, although we begin in the bantamweight division between two ladies that might be a ways away from a ranked spot. Looking to get on the board early for Australia will be Clark (11-7, 1 NC; 4-3 UFC), who will try to make Stoliarenko (9-6-2, 0-4 UFC) the first woman in UFC history to go 0-5 in five appearances. Whether this unfortunate historic instance occurs or not, referee Chris Tognoni is geared up and good to go. The ladies do not touch gloves to get things started, and we are underway! Clark leads off with a leg kick, and she launches a right hand to follow that clips Stoliarenko and drops her to a knee. Stoliarenko gathers herself and comes forward, and she charges forward to pursue a takedown. The Lithuanian plants her opponent on the mat, and as soon as it hits the ground, she shifts to take side control in a hurry. The armbar specialist immediately goes for her best weapon, and she steps over to the other side to lock it in. Clark scrambles, with her arm still trapped, although she manages to roll to her knees. This is the worst thing she can possibly do, as Stoliarenko cranks on the armbar with all her might. The sheer torque of the submission flips Clark over, and it is so crushingly strong that Clark’s elbow bends and pops the wrong direction. In excruciating pain, Clark taps out frantically, and Tognoni recognizes this simultaneous tap and snap to stop the fight. Clark yelps in agony as the fight is over, with her elbow completely bent the wrong direction, and her team tends to her injury that hopes to be a dislocation and not a clean break. If that intense result is any indication of what’s to come, strap in.

The Official Result

Julija Stoliarenko def. Jessica-Rose Clark R1 0:42 via Submission (Armbar)

Maycee Barber (126) vs. Jessica Eye (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Barber (-240), Eye (+200)

Round 1

This next prelim with top-10 relevance in the women’s flyweight division may be a bit of a torch-passing matchup. Soon to be 36 and on a three-fight skid, Eye (15-10, 1 NC; 5-9, 1 NC UFC) is in dire need of a win. On the other hand, “The Future” Barber (10-2, 5-2 UFC) comes into their pairing on a win streak. Drawing the charge for this 125-pound contest is referee Jason Herzog, and the women do not bother to touch ‘em up before throwing down. Eye comes out swiping with right hands, but it is Barber that lands first with one before moving into a clinch. Barber begins to spam knees up the middle until Eye turns her around and pushes her all the way to the wall. Barber drives a solid knee to the sternum, but it does not get Eye off of her. Eye grinds hard on the younger woman, looking for the occasional low trip before letting off a knee of her own. Barber answers with a few of her own, and Eye grunts after absorbing one. “Evil Eye” keeps on pushing, but she finds herself fighting off a counter trip that Barber sets up. From close proximity, Barber frames off with her elbow and blasts Eye in the face, and it gives her enough space to push off and score a solid knee. Barber turns Eye around to push her back against the wall, and she nails her with another elbow. Barber hunts for her own takedown, but she gives up on it to throw elbows. Eye answers her back with a couple short shots on the inside, but Barber’s elbow is the far more effective strike of the bunch. “The Future” slams her elbows into Eye’s face, producing some large swelling on her right eyebrow from the repeated unblocked blows. Barber does not let her off the hook with short, vicious elbows, and she targets the growing mouse above Eye’s eye fearlessly. Eye jockeys her for position but Barber is the one landing strikes, with her knees and elbows stifling Eye on most fronts. Barber pushes off with seconds to spare, and Eye retreats as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barber
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Barber
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Barber

Round 2

The flyweights are somewhat cautious to engage to start the second round, until Barber steps in with an overhand right to get Eye’s attention. Eye gathers her wits and attempts to tie Barber up, and Barber finds herself fighting off a double-leg takedown entry. The younger woman keeps herself upright despite fence grabs and trip attempts from Eye, and Eye is holding on but not striking. Eye fails to hit a trip, and Barber twists her around and fires off a high knee. Eye cannot set up a trip when her back is to the wall, all while she takes oncoming fire from Barber. Barber scores an elbow and a knee to break off, and Eye changes levels to crash forward and try to catch Barber coming towards her. When she does, the crowd boos Eye heartily, as it is not thrilled by Eye’s lack of offense. Eye gets backed off from numerous elbows on the inside, and they return to kickboxing range in the center of the cage. “Evil Eye” ducks down at the wrong time and gets drilled with a head kick, but instead of going down, she powers forward into a takedown entry. The off-balance Barber gets dragged to the ground for the first time, and Eye immediately steps into half guard to keep the younger woman down. Eye grinds her own elbow on Barber’s face when on top, and she gets off sporadic strikes to stay busy enough to not get stood up. Barber scoots her back to the wall, and Eye is clinging to her and looking to step over or pull Barber off of it. The veteran succeeds in moving from side control to half guard as she wrenches Barber’s back away from the cage, and she starts elbowing the side repeatedly. The round ends in this position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Eye
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Eye
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eye

Round 3

The flyweights meet in the middle to engage, and Eye wings a right hand as she gets kicked square in the face. Eye shakes it off and blocks a subsequent head kick, and she walks through a low kick when trying to close the distance. Barber hunts for the head kick, and she slips away when Eye chases after her with a short punch combination. Eye scores a single right hand in an exchange, and Barber slips a strike to launch a head kick that pounds into Eye’s skull. Barber follows it with an overhand right, and a stunned Eye needs to take a moment to recover. Eye times a swinging Barber, who wings a left hand at her, to shoot for a takedown. Barber stands her up and backs her off, but Eye scores a solid right on the break. Barber aims the head kick at her opponent again, and when that gets blocked, Barber mixes things up with one from her other leg. “Evil Eye” charges for takedown pursuit, and Barber answers this advancement with a blistering elbow that snaps Eye’s head back. Eye is forced to reset after the strike, and she comes out swinging and catches Barber. The youngster is not fazed, and she scores a right and then follows it with a front kick and a lead leg high kick that slaps into Eye’s face. Eye pushes out jabs to keep Barber honest, but Barber splits the guard with two clean front kicks. Eye shrugs them off to swing a right at her foe, and Barber circles away and directly into a right hand. Eye crashes forward and may have clashed heads with her opponent, and Barber blinks it out and knees Eye in the face. Eye gathers her thoughts and blasts forward into the clinch, where she keeps Barber pinned to the wall for a few seconds but cannot keep her there. Barber lets loose with a right hand that tags Eye flush and hurts her left eye, and Eye goes after a desperation takedown. Barber stuffs it and punishes Eye for it on her knees with a bevy of hammerfists, until Eye bursts to her feet and pushes Barber up against the wall. The crowd chants “Maycee” as Barber lets loose with short elbows on the inside, and she connects with a few more until the final bell resounds in the arena. The flyweights embrace after their 15 minutes of battle. When it all comes to a close, Eye pulls the tape off her gloves and puts them on the floor of the Octagon. In her post-fight interview, Eye implores commentator Joe Rogan to bring her on his podcast, and she officially calls an end to her career.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barber (29-28 Barber)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Barber (29-28 Barber)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Barber (29-28 Barber)

The Official Result

Maycee Barber def. Jessica Eye via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Uriah Hall (186) vs. Andre Muniz (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hall (-280), Muniz (+235)

Round 1

A fascinating stylistic clash – perhaps the cleanest example of a striker vs. a grappler – concludes the early preliminary portion of the card, with a bout that on any other card would at least be on the main card if not on the marque itself. “The Ultimate Fighter” sensation Hall (17-10, 10-8 UFC) will look to put his hands and feet to good use against master submission artist Muniz (22-4, 4-0 UFC), with the latter riding the momentum of three straight armbars. Can the Brazilian tie the UFC record of four, held by Demetrious Johnson? Like referee Herb Dean, we will find out very soon. The middleweights, like the previous combatants tonight, do not touch gloves to start the match. Muniz begins with a high kick, and Hall slaps out of the air dismissively. Muniz attacks with one to the body, and Hall cannot guard against this one as quickly. Muniz looks to hand-fight to disrupt Hall’s movement, and he tosses out a low kick for good measure. Hall ducks back from an overhand left, and his counter right comes up short as he backs away. Muniz winds up with another body kick, and it slams square into Hall’s liver. Hall takes it like a champ and does not reply, with little offense on his end in the first two minutes. Muniz chops at the lead leg with a fast kick, and he leans back when Hall wings a head kick at him. Muniz crashes forward with two punches, and he drops down for a single that elevates Hall and plants him down on the mat. The Brazilian lands in half guard, and he postures up to isolate the left arm or look to set something up. This allows him to slide over to side control, but Hall fights his way back to his own full guard to close it around Muniz’s waist. Muniz is fine with this, as he sits up to start pummeling Hall with punches before passing to half guard. Muniz traps the arm in pursuit of a crucifix, and when Hall sits up, Muniz hunts for a brabo choke briefly. Hall defends and leans to his side, and Muniz slithers through to full mount. When Muniz sets up a mounted triangle, Hall explodes with all his might, and he gets back to his feet emphatically. Muniz does not let him off the hook, as he follows Hall up and drags him down from behind. Muniz takes the back, and instead of getting a hook in, he hunts for an armbar setup from the back. Hall leans to a side to trap the leg beneath him, and he rides out the round in this safe position.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muniz
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Muniz
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muniz

Round 2

The middleweights meet in the middle, and Muniz strikes first with a high kick that is barely blocked in time. Hall responds in kind, and Muniz blocks it as well. Muniz marches forward with a salvo of punches, and he lines up a body kick to make Hall bounce off the fence. Muniz sells out for a single-leg takedown, and Hall squirts free and scampers off to reset. Muniz constantly pressures him, even going for a half-hearted spinning wheel kick, and he punches his way into a single-leg entry. Hall keeps his right leg up in the air and starts slugging Muniz in the head, and he hops around to keep his balance and make Muniz think twice. “Sergipano” redoubles his effort for a takedown, tripping Hall’s legs out beneath him and dragging him to the mat. Hall closes his guard to protect himself from a submission setup, but this allows Muniz to punch him in the face repeatedly. Like a hot knife through butter, Muniz slices over all the way to full mount, and he rails Hall with an elbow. Hall looks to buck Muniz off, but the Brazilian holds tight and isolates Hall’s left arm momentarily. “Primetime” wriggles his arm out and turns over to his knees, but this gives his back up. Muniz, once more, does not settle for a body triangle or lock, and he gets his hooks in temporarily while looking to set something up from behind. Hall is not concerned with his opponent on his back, and Muniz softens him up ever so slightly with light punches. Muniz switches over to a body triangle, and Hall turns in an effort to spin all the way through and take top position. As soon as Hall does this, Muniz sets up an armbar. Hall bursts out of the posture and flips Muniz to his back, where he rains down hellacious ground-and-pound until the horn sounds and Dean pulls him off of Muniz.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muniz
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Muniz
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muniz

Round 3

Muniz claims the center of the cage to start the last round, and he pounds his shin into Hall’s. Hall swings and misses with a labored counter, appearing fatigued after the 10 minutes of combat thus far, and he steps back when a head kick slaps into his high guard. Muniz steps in with a left hook, and Hall cannot do anything but roll with it. The Brazilian scores a right hand before changing levels for a double, and the crowd lets Muniz have it for his takedown try. Muniz switches to a single, and surprisingly, the crowd cheers for the takedown when it succeeds. “Sergipano” moves to half guard and drops down a few left hands, while keeping heavy top pressure and not letting Hall get in a solid breath. Muniz steps straight through to side control, and Hall flips around to his knees. Hall gives up his back in the process, and Muniz does not take the back like most fighters would, and instead moves high on the back and looks to set up something on either exposed upper limb. Hall turns his back to the wall, leaning on Muniz behind him, and shutting down that submission try. Muniz comfortably holds on from behind with his hooks in, and he smacks Hall upside the head with a series of middling right hands. Hall defends his neck and the side of his head, and Dean calls for the fighters to keep working as this is more of a stalemate. Hall looks to slide his back down to come out the back door, and he decides to simply stand up with Muniz on his back. Muniz clings to him from behind, and Hall jumps and attempts to piledrive Muniz on his head on the ground. Muniz ignores this and does not falter with his back control, and precious seconds tick off the clock for Hall. With 15 seconds to spare, Hall turns his body around and winds up on top, and Muniz clings to him to not let him posture up and blast him in the face. The Brazilian hangs on right to the final bell, putting an end to what should be a clear-cut victorious performance for him.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muniz (30-27 Muniz)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Muniz (30-27 Muniz)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Muniz (30-27 Muniz)

The Official Result

Andre Muniz def. Uriah Hall via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Dricus Du Plessis (185) vs. Brad Tavares (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: du Plessis (-125), Tavares (+105)

Round 1

For this big event, it is only prudent that the UFC stage the main prelims on a noteworthy network. In addition to ESPN, these next four bouts will be airing on ABC, primetime on Saturday night. The first of four comes at middleweight, when UFC mainstay Tavares (19-6, 14-6 UFC) tests himself against Du Plessis (16-2, 2-0 UFC) and his 100% finish rate. The Hawaii native will look to psyche up fellow Hawaiian Max Holloway backstage for his fight later tonight, but he has his hands full with the South African. There is no bad blood between the two looking to crack into the top 10 – although the previous fight was the same situation – and they do touch gloves as referee Mark Smith watches on. The first strike of the bout comes from Du Plessis, who lets loose with a body kick where his toes graze the side of his opponent. Du Plessis pump-fakes several kicks to draw reactions out of the Hawaiian, and he blitzes forward and gets clipped with a short left hand that drops him down to his knees. Du Plessis attempts to keep a poker face by pursuing a takedown, and Tavares stands him up and gets pushed back to the wall. Du Plessis looks to throw his opponent down, and Tavares reverses him and falls forward to slam “Stillknocks” down to the mat with an oomph. Tavares gets his way to half guard as Du Plessis flails off his back, and Tavares elbows him on top to slow his wild aggression off his back. The South African scoots his way to the wall, only to get dragged back out with the longtime vet on top of him working him over. Du Plessis explodes back to his feet, and he clasps his hands around Tavares’ waist and sells out for a trip. Du Plessis falls straight forward and does not pull Tavares off-balance, and Tavares backs up to the wall. Du Plessis breaks off and spins with a back fist, and when that misses, he tosses out a low kick. Tavares walks him down with a head kick, and Du Plessis rushes out and attacks with a swarm of punches. Tavares counters him with a crisp knee on the chin, rocking “Stillknocks,” and Du Plessis recovers well enough to drop down for a double. The Hawaiian once more stuffs him and stands him up, leading to Du Plessis kneeing him in the thigh before getting turned around. Tavares works the body with a knee before Du Plessis bursts out, and Du Plessis spins with a back fist that cracks Tavares. Tavares reset and plants the ball of his foot on Tavares’ face, and Du Plessis is rocked but still on his feet. The round ends before anything more comes of it, and Du Plessis grins to the camera as the crowd shouts its approval.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Tavares
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tavares

Round 2

The gloves get touched to check in the second round, and Du Plessis lunges forward with a right hand but gets countered with a front kick. Du Plessis comes forward firing, and Tavares is composed, lifting up a knee and stinging him. Du Plessis winds up with bombs and nails Tavares, and now the Hawaiian is hurt. Du Plessis whips a high kick that slaps into the face, and blood splatters from Tavares’ now red face. Tavares’ mug suddenly transforms to a crimson mask after a few blows, and Du Plessis reaches out and inadvertently pokes Tavares in the eye. Du Plessis offers an apology, and they fight on. When Tavares advances, Du Plessis greets him with a spinning back fist. Du Plessis darts forward with a string of punches, knocking Tavares back into the fencing. When Tavares bounces off to come back, Du Plessis does the same lunging salvo that smacks into Tavares’ bloodied face. Tavares just avoids a high kick, and he counters Du Plessis with a clean right hand. Du Plessis is right there to throw with him, swinging for the fences and getting Tavares’ attention with a left hand. Du Plessis changes things up with a takedown try, and Tavares stuffs him and knees him in the jaw. Du Plessis backpedals to take several deep breaths, and he surges out only to get countered with two punches. Tavares gets off a kick to the body, and Du Plessis charges with a clean right hand right on the scarlet nose of his opponent. Du Plessis blitzes with an elbow, and the two appear to clack heads. Tavares times the charge a la Bald Bull from Punch Out and times a solid left hand, and Du Plessis shakes it out and gathers steam for another barrage. Du Plessis digs a left to the body and a right to the head, and Tavares is bloodied but not beaten as he plows a front kick into the chin of his adversary. Du Plessis darts in with a straight right, but the left that follows comes up short. Du Plessis settles down on a low kick, and he swings for the fences with a surge of blows. Tavares tags him on the way in, but this does not slow “Stillknocks” who blasts him and drops Tavares to a knee. Tavares recovers to stand back up, and Du Plessis gives chase to slug it out with him until the bell saves Tavares from the onslaught.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis

Round 3

There is a final glove touch between the two, who are putting on a show in the first 10 minutes. Tavares strikes first, but Du Plessis lands cleaner, with multiple right hands that rock him back. Tavares fires back, but “Stillknocks” is swinging harder. The two trade leg kicks, and Du Plessis sits down on a left hand that stuns Tavares after Tavares gets off a body kick. Du Plessis pierces the guard with a straight left hand, and he absorbs a head kick without batting an eye. Tavares then chains a kick to the body, and he steps back from a high kick that whizzes past his head. Du Plessis belts Tavares in the face, and blood sprays as Tavares’ nose appears to be flattened from the punishment. Du Plessis surges ahead with short punch combos, blasting Tavares on the beak again and again. Du Plessis scores a resounding kick to the body to slow Tavares, and the Hawaiian replies with a low kick and a jab. Du Plessis lets go with a head kick that slams into the guard, and he is positively swinging with everything he has as Tavares gets his head knocked around. Du Plessis stabs his toes into the liver, and he walks through a pair of jabs to score a one-two down the pipe. Tavares shrugs off a front kick to plant a right hand on the jaw, and he cracks Tavares with two right hands. Tavares steels himself and throws back, and he backs Du Plessis off with a jab and follow-up right hands. They jab one another at the same time to snap both of their heads back, and Du Plessis recovers faster with a body kick. Du Plessis intercepts a kick to drill Tavares with a straight left hand, and he bloodies Tavares even worse with a long string of punches. Du Plessis hurts Tavares and bends him over, but the Hawaiian embraces his “just scrap” mentality and throws back with reckless abandon. Du Plessis unleashes a fury of fists, knocking Tavares back to the wall, but Tavares is ready for everything that comes at him. Du Plessis lands a right hand about as cleanly as one could, and Tavares still stays upright and his toughness cannot be overstated. Du Plessis smashes his knee on Tavares’ wrecked nose twice, and he lays into Tavares with winging punches straight to the final bell. What a battle!

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis (29-28 Du Plessis)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis (29-28 Du Plessis)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis (29-28 Du Plessis)

The Official Result

Dricus Du Plessis def. Brad Tavares via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ian Garry (171) vs. Gabriel Green (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Garry (-165), Green (+140)

Round 1

Another talented youngster nicknamed “The Future” is entering the Octagon now, as unbeaten Irishman Garry (9-0, 2-0 UFC) battles the perfect alliteration of “Gifted” Gabriel Green (11-3, 2-1 UFC) at 170 pounds. Presiding over this affair will be referee Chris Tognoni, and the sporting glove touch is offered and accepted to start things out. Green claims the center of the cage and walks the taller man down, and he slings an eventual right hand to make Garry back off into the wall. Garry steps in with a knee up the middle, and Green ignores it to keep pressing the Irishman back. Garry whips high a head kick, and Green blocks it and stalks his man down. Garry stays light on his feet, circling along the outside, and he slips a big right hand that wings at his face. Green takes a low kick and absorbs one back, and the two welterweights trade solid left hands. Garry pokes at him with a low kick, leading Green to shrug at him. Green continues plodding forward, missing by inches with a huge left hand, but also blocking one that comes back. Garry gets stung with a superman punch, and he knocks Green back with a few punches of his own to put them back in the middle of the cage. Garry snipes his foe with a left hand over the top, and Green brings up a knee as Garry does to clash them together. Green connects with a calf kick and a straight left to the body, and Garry attempts another step-in knee that does not find its target. Green shocks his opponent with a punch to the body, and Garry replies with a crisp right hand that stuns Green. Garry does not get reckless, pinning one-twos on the cheek until blood starts to flow from beneath Green’s left eye. Garry blocks a flying knee and swipes out with a left, and Green chops at the calf twice in response. The two hand-fight until Garry pushes out a jab, and Green sits down on a left hand that brushes past the jaw. Green walks forward to engage, and he scores a thudding left and a pair of low kicks to force Garry to circle all the way out. Garry strings several punches together and punctuates it with a head kick, and they trade jabs until the bell. They high five at the end of the tense and close round, clearly having a lot of fun out there so far.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 2

The 170ers meet in the middle with a glove touch, and Green jabs out several times to initiate the offense. Green changes levels for a sudden takedown after a leg kick, and Green continues to walk Garry down but cannot corner him. Garry sticks out long punches and mixes in a body kick, and he follows with a head kick that is properly defended. Green ducks down and barely avoids a head kick, and Garry strings several punches until his fingers jut out and jam into Green’s eye. Green takes 30 seconds to recover from the pause from Tognoni, and they both know it was accidental and not intentional. Green restarts with multiple low kicks, and Garry answers with a slapping kick in the face. Green’s aggression leads to a clinch, and he nearly trips the Irishman over but cannot quite get the leverage he seeks. “The Future” turns his foe around as they jockey for position, and Green hangs on tight while spamming knees to the thigh and short punches to the ribs. The dance continues until Green pulls Garry down to take him down, only for him to fall to his back. Garry falls straight into full mount, and Green turns around and nearly gives up his back. Green explodes out of the position to stand up, and he takes Garry from behind with his hands clasped to lift Garry up. Garry grabs the fence to keep himself upright, and Tognoni admonishes him loudly. On the second attempt, Green does lift Garry up and slam him down, but he cannot keep him there for more than a few seconds. Green loses the position, and Garry cracks his man with a knee up the middle. Several follow-up punches from Garry sting Green, and Green simply puts his hands up and says “is that all you got?” Green lands on response, backing Garry up, but Garry’s long knees find the target a few times. “Gifted” gives Garry a few gifts in the form of heavy fists, and his knuckles appear to go into Garry’s eye, obscuring his vision. Green bears down on him, as it did not appear to be a foul, and he starts slugging it out with the Irishman. Garry sneaks out the side and pops him with a left hand, and he lands a body kick and a few punches. Green completely ignores all of this to advance, and he throws two punches and three calf kicks in rapid succession. Green sits down on a right and a left, and the left staggers “The Future.” The bell sounds as Garry’s back hits the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Garry
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Garry

Round 3

The final round gets clocked in as the two men bump gloves, and Garry strikes first with a low kick. Green bites down on his mouthpiece, hoping to capitalize on what he achieved at the end of the round, but Garry is faster and catches him on the way in. A barrage of punches stuns and drops Green, who looks around surprised at the blows, and he powers back to his feet and ties Garry up. They both try to take one another down, and Green succeeds in circling around to get his hands around Garry’s body. Green looks to hop on the back, but he cannot scale the taller Irishman. Garry turns him around and smites him with a knee, and Green blinks and chomps down on his gumshield to throw heavy leather. Garry is lighter on his feet, popping a one-two down the middle as Green swings recklessly at him. Green leans into a body kick, and he spins with an elbow that clonks into Garry’s jaw. Garry steps out to the side and sticks out several jabs and one-twos, reaching Green before Green can get to him. Green gets popped with a few more punches, and he lets out a yell of rage as he plods forward. Green scores a series of low kicks one after the other as he lines up punches, and Garry avoids the brunt of the damage but cannot stop the leg kicks. Garry splits the guard right down the middle with a straight punch, and Green slips an uppercut. Green has to absorb a low kick and powers straight at his opponent, and Garry keeps his jab utilized to catch Green multiple times. Green connects with a few low kicks, and the wide punches do go wide. Garry remains composed and uses his boxing to slow Green, but Green continues to come at him. The fists fly but miss the mark for Green as the final horn concludes this fun back-and-forth striking match. After it concludes, they hug it out and celebrate 15 minutes of work together.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-27 Garry)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-27 Garry)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Garry (30-27 Garry)

The Official Result

Ian Garry def. Gabriel Green via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Donald Cerrone (170.5) vs. Jim Miller (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Miller (-200), Cerrone (+170)

Round 1

A rematch nearly eight years in the making rears its head in the welterweight division, as two beloved names in the sport in Cerrone (36-16, 2 NC; 23-13, 1 NC UFC) and Miller (34-16, 1 NC; 23-15, 1 NC UFC) run it back. Their first fight in 2014 resulted in a knockout for Cerrone, but momentum is firmly on the side of Miller, who celebrates a win streak compared to Cerrone’s six-bout winless stretch. The victor in this tilt will claim the highest win total in UFC history, as both men are tied for the top spot with 23. Referee Mark Smith is quietly amped up for what could be a fun battle for as long as it lasts, and these two fighters very much enjoy one another’s company but are intense and quickly touch gloves to begin the fight. Cerrone reaches out with jabs, and he chains one with a right hand over the top. “Cowboy” quickly kicks at the lead leg, and he looses a front kick at the body with his toes stretched out. Miller responds with a low kick, and Miller blitzes him with three punches that collide with the guard. Cerrone kicks the calf hard, and a front kick to follow gets swatted down. Miller reaches out with a right hand that brushes the beard, and his left hand follow-up misses the mark. Cerrone whiffs on a low kick, and Miller lifts his leg up and reaches out to tag Cerrone with a couple punches. Miller sits down on a body kick, and Cerrone answers him with one immediately thereafter. Cerrone continues his work on the leg, and he answers a Miller blitz to aim a high knee up the middle. Miller kicks the body, and Cerrone intercepts him coming forward with a knee and a straight right. The veterans measure one another until Miller reaches out with a front kick, and Cerrone unloads a body kick that gets caught. Cerrone falls to his back, and he starts to set up an armbar. Miller wriggles himself free to claim top position, and Cerrone tightens his guard around Miller’s waist. Miller lands a few punches and a slashing elbow, and he doubles up on the elbow to decent effect. Cerrone keeps a very high guard to either throw up a submission off his back or kick Miller off, and Miller leaps over to mount. Cerrone spins him all the way over to his back, and he deftly fights off a triangle setup from “A-10” to get comfortable on top. Miller wings an elbow off his back as he hangs on to Cerrone, and he reaches his legs up but there is no triangle to be found. “Cowboy” falls into an armbar trap, but he quickly pulls his limb out. Cerrone hits his back, and he snatches up an ankle and twists it. Miller shakes his head, indicating that Cerrone does not have it, and the horn sounds to end the fun round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cerrone
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Cerrone
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Miller

Round 2

The second round begins with tense exchanges from both men, as they cannot find their ranges and they work their ways forward and clock one another with solid right hands. Neither man appears compromised from the exchange, and they score leg kicks one after the other. Cerrone comes up short with a front kick, and he whips a head kick that slams straight into Miller’s dome. As the kick lands, Miller crashes forward to plow Cerrone over, and he changes things up to snatch up Cerrone’s neck and snags a guillotine choke. When Miller pulls guard to complete it, Cerrone turns and twists with all his might, and his head turns a bright shade of red as he is not getting out of it. “Cowboy” considers going out on his shield, but with his fingertips, he taps out on Miller’s glove. Smith is paying close attention and he sees the tapout and steps in. Miller has exacted revenge on his foe, and in his post-fight interview, he tells commentator Joe Rogan that Cerrone has some business to attend to. Rogan asks “are we doing this, Donald” and Cerrone nods. Stripping the tape off his gloves, placing his hat in the center of the Octagon and his gloves in the hat, he signals his retirement from the sport. This spells the end to a legendary career, one that spans nearly thrilling 15 years in the WEC and UFC alone. In victory, Miller is now the winningest fighter in UFC history, and he still has his sights set on an appearance at UFC 300 in a few years.

The Official Result

Jim Miller def. Donald Cerrone R2 1:32 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Brad Riddell (155.5) vs. Jalin Turner (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Turner (-135), Riddell (+115)

Round 1

Many fights littered throughout this card are obvious contenders for “Fight of the Night” potential, and this preliminary headliner is no different. At lightweight, City Kickboxing’s Riddell (10-2, 4-1 UFC) aims to get his team pumped up for their upcoming fights later on the card, but he will have to tangle with Turner (12-5, 5-2 UFC). “The Tarantula” has finished his foe in all 12 of his wins, including each of his five in the UFC, and none has come any later than 4:20 of the second round. Hanging on to his hat will be referee Marc Goddard, who steps back as the future lightweight contenders touch gloves. Turner uses his long reach to strike from a safe range with kicks, and he catches Riddell coming in with a powerful right hand on the ear. Stung from the blow, Riddell wings two punches and ducks down possibly to pursue a takedown. Turner ropes his arm around the neck to set up a guillotine choke, and he bowls Riddell over to move right into mount position. “The Tarantula” weaves his other arm beneath his body to grip the choke tight, and he wrenches on the Kiwi’s neck and squeezes with everything he has. Riddell panics but cannot break the grip as Turner's mount is going nowhere, and he surrenders with repeated taps. Goddard intervenes, and Turner has successfully made a statement in his division by putting away a top-level opponent in under a minute. Turner remains exceedingly dangerous in his career, now sporting 13 stoppages across his 13 victories.

The Official Result

Jalin Turner def. Brad Riddell R1 0:45 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Pedro Munhoz (135.5) vs. Sean O'Malley (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: O’Malley (-300), Munhoz (+250)

Round 1

Kicking off the main card is another fight that could have served as the main event of a Fight Night offering recently, as established veteran Munhoz (19-7, 1 NC; 9-7, 1 NC UFC) looks to shut down the “Sugar Show” of O’Malley (15-1, 7-1 UFC) at bantamweight. Feet and fists are sure to fly fervently, but not before referee Jason Herzog checks them in. The gloves are expectedly not touched given O’Malley’s chatter ahead of the fight, and they land leg kicks at the same time to start things off. O’Malley keeps a wide berth from afar, with a distance where even he cannot land with his significant reach advantage. They are cautious to engage, and O’Malley tosses out a few front kicks while Munhoz goes to the calf repeatedly. O’Malley loads up on an overhand right, and he checks a calf kick that zooms at him. Munhoz checks one in response, and he sweeps low with his rear leg. O’Malley pierces the guard with a jab, and Munhoz circles away and lands a solid leg kick as O’Malley switches stances. The American pokes out a few jabs but little else, and he leaps back as the low kick comes towards him. “Sugar Sean” spins with a back kick, and Munhoz is out of harm’s way in time. Munhoz hammers the leg multiples times, and O’Malley steps forward with a front kick and a straight right hand down the pipe. O’Malley slaps a front kick out, and it bangs into the cup. Herzog spots it immediately, and the crowd boos him despite that the foul lands cleanly. Munhoz takes less than a minute to get back to action, and O’Malley comes out throwing hands. Munhoz answers him with a barrage of leg kicks from both legs, and he appears fired up and walking O’Malley down. They continue to pepper the lead legs of one another with kicks, and Munhoz fires off a high kick that gets blocked in time. Munhoz bears down on him with a chopping kick, and they add up as O’Malley tries to push him back with jabs. The pink-haired fighter spin with a back kick to the midsection, and Munhoz answers him as he plants down with a thudding kick. Munhoz whiffs on a spin kick, and O’Malley mocks him with a pirouette as the crowd guffaws. The tentative round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 O’Malley

Round 2

The second frame opens as Munhoz comes out running forward, and he switches stances every single time O’Malley does to mirror his stance and allow him to have effective leg kicks come out. Munhoz misses on a head kick, and a front kick as well as he pulls his leg back and lands awkwardly. O’Malley pokes out a few jabs to little effect, and Munhoz retreats and gets popped with a one-two. O’Malley spins with a wheel kick that just brushes past Munhoz’ hair, and one inch to the right could have spelled problems for the Brazilian. Munhoz kicks the midsection on his way in, and he swipes low with a kick. O’Malley absorbs a kick with an audible thud, and he loads up with a right hand that collides with the guard. O’Malley dings Munhoz with a straight right, and the Brazilian loads up on a low kick in response. Practically all of the strikes landed by “The Young Punisher” are leg kicks, and they are rarely more than single strikes. They continue to connect, and O’Malley, irritated from them, pops out a jab. Munhoz lands a punch, and O’Malley reaches out with his fingers outstretched to jab Munhoz in the eye. Munhoz turns away and tries to clear his vision. Herzog allows him to recover and calls in a doctor to give him more time, Munhoz seems to tell the doctor he cannot see out of his right eye. The doctor helps him wipe his eye, and Munhoz claims that all he sees is black from one eye. With that answer, Herzog and the physician properly call the fight off, as Munhoz cannot continue. This poke ruled an unintentional foul, it will go down as a no contest. This is an unfortunate ending to a competitive and intriguing bout, and hopefully the promotion can run it back in the near future.

The Official Result

Sean O’Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz is ruled a No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) R2 3:09

Bryan Barberena (170.5) vs. Robbie Lawler (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lawler (-120), Barberena (+100)

Round 1

Violence is the top dish for this sure-fire welterweight brawl, when former champ Lawler (29-15, 1 NC; 14-9 UFC) dances with “Bam Bam” Barberena (17-8, 8-6 UFC). Referee Mark Smith may have to watch his head from errant strikes that are sure to come every which way, and the two men are excited to throw down and bump fists first. Barberena lands the first blows in the form of a low kick and a right hand over the top, and he does this same series of strikes a second time. Barberena punches, and his fingers stretch out as he does, and Smith is quick to warn him so we do not have a repeat of the last fight. Barberena loads up on a calf kick, and Lawler walks through it to fire off two punches to the midsection. Lawler wings out a left hand, and he strikes to the body. Lawler catches Barberena with a right hand, and Barberena throws back with reckless abandon but misses the mark. Barberena makes an investment with a low kick, and they trade heavy leather in a subsequent exchange. Barberena ends his series of blows with a leg kick, and Lawler stalks him down and gets ready to unleash heavy shots. The brawl begins, and they blast one another with nasty strikes. Lawler goes to the body, and Barberena responds with similar strikes. Lawler walks him down, and Barberena throws a long string of hands. Lawler rocks “Bam Bam” with a crisp uppercut, and he does not get reckless and instead measures a left hand that snaps into the beard. Lawler stands fearlessly in front of Barberena, throwing hammers at him, and Barberena catches him with several strikes to the ribs and an elbow over the top. Lawler absorbs a few clean left hands, and they blast one another at the same time. Lawler lands, Barberena responds, and they proceed to trade with little defense. Barberena throws several strikes in rapid succession, and Lawler aims a big body shot. Barberena doubles up on body shots, and Lawler goes to the midsection and rings a right hand home over the top. Barberena scores several punches and an elbow, and his volume is sky-high as Lawler is right in front of him. Barberena steps in with a vertical elbow, and his elbows are reaching the target. Lawler cracks Barberena with an uppercut, and they proceed to trade viciously. Barberena gets off another elbow up the middle, and Lawler smiles at him and walks forward. A powerful one-two knocks Barberena back, and Barberena answers with high volume and catches Lawler with a right hand. Barberena misses on a head kick at the end of a combination, and this high-intensity round wraps up after five fast minutes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lawler
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Lawler
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lawler

Round 2

The high five opens the round, and Barberena swipes out with a left that goes between the guard. Lawler looks for a counter, and Barberena steps in with a leg kick and pushes out several touching punches. Barberena is not putting much into any individual strike, but his volume is constant. Lawler marches him down and smashes him in the face with two big fists, and he stings Barberena with a right. Barberena tries to throw back, only to get rocked with another straight right hand to bust Barberena’s nose open. Lawler targets it with several more right down Broadway, but Barberena is right there to keep him honest every step of the way. Barberena tosses out a few kicks to keep a distance and find his own range, and he sneaks up an uppercut. Lawler bites down on his mouthpiece to tag “Bam Bam” with a trio of strikes, and Barberena rolls with them and throws right back. Lawler blocks a right hand and a step-in elbow, and a left hand from the former champ busts Barberena’s nose up even more. The jab for Lawler has proved successful, and he follows a few with left hooks. Barberena gets caught coming in with two looping hooks, and he sits down on a left square on the jaw. Barberena starts throwing with more intensity as they begin to trade, and one after the other, they reintroduce their fists into one another’s faces. Lawler’s power is still the difference maker, but Barberena is never backing down. Barberena unloads a vicious right hand that hurts Lawler, and he backs him up with a long string of punches and elbows. Barberena mixes his salvos up with body shots, and Lawler, on the ropes, wings a huge right hand. Barberena blasts Lawler with a ferocious left hook, and Lawler is still hurt and trying to get his wits about him. Barberena lays into him with nasty elbows, and he stands firm and plows ahead to give Lawler everything he can handle. Sensing that “Ruthless” is in the danger zone, Barberena unleashes a brilliant barrage of alternating hooks to knock Lawler back into the fencing, and Lawler is barely on his feet. The punches never stop for “Bam Bam,” and he batters Lawler as Lawler might be out while still standing up. As Barberena keeps on swinging, Smith steps in to stop the fight, putting an end to an absolutely wild scrap. In his victorious post-fight encounter with Joe Rogan, Barberena calls for the UFC to double the bonus amount. After that performance, he earned it.

The Official Result

Bryan Barberena def. Robbie Lawler R2 4:47 via TKO (Punches)

Alex Pereira (184.5) vs. Sean Strickland (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Strickland (-110), Pereira (-110)

Round 1

A title shot may be on the line, barring a strange result in the main event, and the brash Strickland (25-3, 12-3 UFC) will do anything in his power to make sure he gets it and not Pereira (5-1, 2-0 UFC). The latter has been fast-tracked through the division after just two wins, thanks to a pair of head-to-head victories in kickboxing against defending and headlining champ Israel Adesanya. While he very much would like to square off with Adesanya at night’s end, he has a tough ask in front of him, and referee Jason Herzog is there to keep things on the up and up. If you bet that these fighters would not touch gloves, throw your ticket in the trash, because they did touch gloves. Pereira backs away early, reaching out with multiple kicks. Strickland plods forward without concern, and he flicks out a jab early to put Pereira on notice. The crowd begins to chant “USA,” but after a few seconds of inaction, they give up on it. Strickland calmly walks forward after his opponent, and he blocks a head kick while keeping Pereira fighting off his back foot. Strickland mixes in a low kick, and he blocks a looping left hand. Strickland pushes out with a front kick to the body, and he checks a kick and absorbs three punches to the body. Pereira throws out several jabs to answer Strickland’s, and Strickland peppers some back. Strickland never slows down in his constant pace, even after eating a big right hand, and he shakes it off and checks a body kick that zips at him. Strickland checks another kick after throwing a jab, and “Poatan” winds up on a left hook that collides flush on the chin of Strickland. The American drops to the mat, barely still with it, and Pereira lines up a straight right hand that knocks Strickland all the way over. As Strickland’s legs disintegrate and his consciousness dissipates, Pereira jumps over the fallen Strickland, and he does not have to do anything else tonight. Pereira comfortably strides away, expecting that he punched his ticket for a championship opportunity. When Strickland gets back to his feet, he protests at Herzog for the stoppage. As he does, he very nearly falls across the cage, justifying that stoppage. With Pereira’s crisp knockout over a talented striker in Strickland, and his history with Adesanya, it might be coming depending on the result in an hour or so.

The Official Result

Alex Pereira def. Sean Strickland R1 2:36 via KO (Punches)

UFC Featherweight Title Fight:
Alexander Volkanovski (144.5) vs. Max Holloway (144.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Volkanovski (-195), Holloway (+165)

Round 1

Many call this next fight the true main event of UFC 276. While it serves in the co-headlining spot, it is likely that this trilogy match holds more pound-for-pound and legacy relevance for the competitors and the UFC as a whole. Up two fights against his opponent already, Volkanovski (24-1, 11-0 UFC) will look to shut out Holloway (23-6, 19-6 UFC) and cement his place as the greatest featherweight of all time. The rematch in 2020 was extremely close, and some gave it to “Blessed,” so a third victory for the Aussie is far from a foregone conclusion here. The best seat in the house goes to referee Marc Goddard, who receives the honor of officiating what hopes to be a terrific battle. Holloway is fired up in a way that is unusual for him, but he still touches gloves with his foe to seal the cage around them. Buckle up. Holloway is the initial aggressor, backing Volkanovski off and reaching him with a front kick. Holloway lands kicks from both legs, and he steps back when Volkanovski tries to respond. They trade low kicks, and Holloway dips down to jab the body. A “This is Sparta” kick from Holloway comes up short, as does a high kick, and when he sets his leg down, he checks a leg kick. Holloway pokes the lead leg a few times with kicks, and Volkanovski times an uppercut when Holloway aims a punch to the body. Holloway nods that the strike landed, and they trade high kicks shortly thereafter. Volkanovski loads up with a right hand, and Holloway eats it like pineapple and rolls with a few more punches. Volkanovski connects at the end of another solid right hand, and Holloway comes out throwing a body kick but gets his calf smacked on his way in. The leg kicks from both men continue one after the other, and Volkanovski wings two punches that brush past Holloway’s hair. Volkanovski just misses with two looping shots, and Holloway’s head movement is keeping him safe. “The Great” scores a great right hand down the middle, and he scores a few more punches and starts talking to Holloway. Holloway kicks him in the head with a response, but the block is there in time. Volkanovski claims he is too fast for the challenger, and they crash together to throw hard strikes. Volkanovski connects with the heavier blows on the inside, and Holloway cannot find his range or get Volkanovski’s respect. Volkanovski staggers Holloway with a left, and he follows it with a clean right hand to the body. Holloway does not appear flustered, but he is taking damage and not paying the champ back. Holloway ties Volkanovski up and knees him once, and Volkanovski splits off and swipes out a left hand that cuts Holloway’s right eyebrow. Volkanovski begins to brawl, and Holloway obliges him, scoring with a long combination and ending it with a blistering elbow. Volkanovski chops at his leg, and Holloway spins with an elbow that pops Volkanovski upside the head. Volkanovski tells Holloway it was a good one as the horn rounds to end the competitive first round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 2

The gloves are touched to start off the second round, and Holloway begins the leg kick assault with one. Volkanovski responds similarly, so Holloway pumps another out to stay busy. Holloway unloads with a right hand, and Volkanovski fires right back to catch Holloway right in front of him. Volkanovski gets off a thudding leg kick, and Holloway is marching through them and looking to trade. Volkanovski counters him on the way forward, with his hands low but left hook ready to go. Holloway misses the mark with a high kick, but a step-in right hand bounces off the champ’s shaved head. They both clip one another with solid right hands, and Volkanovski connects slightly heavier to make Holloway take a step before coming back at him. Holloway lifts his leg up to check a kick emphatically, and he presses forward and walks Volkanovski down. Holloway absorbs a right hand so that he can sling an elbow, and Volkanovski gives him one right back and mashes the former champ against the fence. Holloway fights off takedown attempts, but Volkanovski smashes him in the face with an elbow on the break. Holloway reaches the champion with a right hand, and he takes a few jabs and walks face-first into a right hand. The right hand tears open a cut on the inner eyebrow of Holloway, and blood leaks down in his eye in a very bad place. Volkanovski targets it with several quick strikes, with jabs and follow-up right hands marking it up further. Holloway continues to press ahead with body strikes and the occasional kick to the head or body, and Volkanovski is able to block them but cannot counter. Volkanovski does score an effective low kick to intercept Holloway coming in, and he drills Holloway in the solar plexus with a right. Holloway is not fazed, with his chin holding up well, and his pressure is constant but the volume is lacking. Holloway sneaks in a left and a right, and Volkanovski lets loose with a low kick that makes Holloway stumble. “Blessed” blesses the body with a jumping kick, and he throws a jab and gets tagged with three punches. Volkanovski spins with a kick to the body, and the exciting round ends. The cutman may have his work cut out for him between rounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 3

The fight does continue, and the cut is not bleeding – for now. Holloway wades forward to start off the round after a glove touch, and he resumes his forward-heavy approach. Volkanovski pops him with a right hand as Holloway advances, and Volkanovski’s jab finds a home as well. Holloway reaches out with several punches, and a high kick rolls off the champ’s shoulder. Volkanovski beats him to the punch with a few jabs, and the leg kicks come from both men. Holloway nearly corners his opponent, landing a few strikes but missing with the rest, as Volkanovski is rarely in the same spot for long. Holloway reaches him with a left, and he dings him with a shovel uppercut. As Volkanovski targets the body with a straight left, Holloway counters with a head kick. Volkanovski nails Holloway with a right hand, and then another, as Holloway’s eye begins to bleed again. Both eyes are showing damage, as Volkanovski is doing work. Holloway snaps the head back with a left hand, but it is one-and-done as Volkanovski resets. Volkanovski sits down on a four-punch salvo that cleanly lands, and Holloway tries to wing a left hand only for it to go over the head. Holloway steps in with a knee, and Volkanovski ties him up to pursue a body lock and a takedown. The Hawaiian staves it off, and they jockey for position while trading short strikes up close. On the break, Volkanovski spins with an elbow that pounds into the side of Holloway’s head, and Holloway grunts when taking it. Volkanovski keeps loose and light on his feet, jabbing out and following it with a brutal right hand that shakes Holloway up. Volkanovski gets off two punches before Holloway can even connect with one, and he snipes the former champ with a right hand when Holloway kicks the body. Holloway steps in to engage, and while one single right hand catches Volkanovski on the chin, Volkanovski blast him with two in response after they clinch up briefly. Volkanovski tattoos his fists on Holloway’s face while Holloway marches forward, and Holloway zings a high kick that is defended. “Blessed” cracks Volkanovski with a single right hand, and the bell sounds, as Volkanovski looks impressed by the blow.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 4

The bleeding cannot be stopped between rounds, but Goddard clears them to continue. The championship rounds draw a big pop from the crowd, and they touch hands before engaging. Holloway swings and misses on his way in, and Volkanovski answers him with several looping punches before pushing the Hawaiian up to the fencing. As they break apart, Volkanovski punches the gut and puts a right hand on the cut spot. Holloway clears his vision to stride forward with a knee on the chin and a right hand to follow, but Volkanovski does not even flinch. Volkanovski catches a body kick and looks for a takedown, but “Blessed” hops back before anything comes from it. Holloway fakes a kick and spins with another, and it brushes past Volkanovski’s shoulder to little effect. Holloway lines up another spinning back kick, and this one lands square on the midsection with its full impact. Volkanovski backs away and takes a front kick up the middle, and Holloway times a left hook. Volkanovski peppers the face with a jab, and Holloway kicks his ribcage once more. Volkanovski cannot catch it, so he settles for loading up on a left and a right hook. Holloway springs forward with a front kick, and Volkanovski darts in for an elbow. Holloway sees this coming and times it perfectly to spin around and take the Aussie’s back, but he cannot ground Volkanovski. Volkanovski keeps himself upright and moves back, where he starts to let his hands go again. The winging punches occasionally connect on Holloway, and now both eyes for the Hawaiian are showing serious damage. Holloway spins with a kick to the torso, and he comes in to throw hammers. Volkanovski is there to answer with every single blow, and his power is the stunning kind while Holloway does not appear to have connected with a staggering blow yet. Holloway releases four wild punches, and even when Volkanovski takes them on the side of the head, he does not budge. Holloway ducks a punch to spin with a kick to the liver, and Volkanovski keeps jabbing him to damage the eye further. Holloway spins multiple times with inaccurate kicks, and the horn blares to conclude the round. They meet in the middle to congratulate one another after 20 minutes of violence, and one more round remains.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 5

The last round, and what very well could be the concrete conclusion to the trilogy, commences with a touch of gloves. Holloway is ready to attack, and he wades forward with punches before setting up a single-leg takedown entry. Volkanovski easily stuffs it and turns Holloway around, where he looks for a body lock but settles to knee the former champ in the chest. Volkanovski winds up with a heavy leg kick that makes Holloway partially turn, and he connects with a kick to the body. Volkanovski suddenly goes up high with a kick, and even Holloway is surprised by the quick strike. Volkanovski scores a pair of low kicks that draws a limp from Holloway, and Holloway is walking forward while his offense dwindles. Volkanovski jabs several times to intercept Holloway on the way in, and Holloway comes up short when whipping a head kick over the top. Holloway ducks a right hook to go after a takedown, and “The Great” comfortably stops him and turns him around. Volkanovski breaks away so that he can slug Holloway in the face with two rights, and Holloway has opened a small cut on the corner of Volkanovski’s left eye for the slightest of moral victories. Holloway comes up hitting air when Holloway lunges with jabs and kicks. Volkanovski takes a solid kick to the body, and he prods “Blessed” with frustrating jabs. Holloway wipes his eyes every so often, with the blood clearly obstructing his vision, and Volkanovski uses this opportunity to punch Holloway cleanly several times. Holloway blindly lets go with a high kick, and Volkanovski is easily out of the way and able to counter with a chopping leg kick. Holloway tries to duck a punch, but he inadvertently ducks right into it. Holloway takes two jabs on the chin to let go with a looping left hand, and with seconds to spare, Holloway calls for a brawl. Volkanovski obliges him, lands more effectively, and dances out of the way until the final horn sounds throughout the T-Mobile Arena. Barring something completely absurd, Volkanovski has done the incredible and completely shut Holloway down. The conversation for the greatest featherweight of all time may now be wide open, after a master class from “The Great.” Volkanovski then announces his intentions to move up to lightweight to vie for simultaneous double-champ status. The Aussie claims he is willing to stay busy and keep both divisions active, and he calls for a fight with Charles Oliveira or anyone that is vying for the vacant title.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski (50-45 Volkanovski)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski (50-45 Volkanovski)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski (50-45 Volkanovski)

The Official Result

Alexander Volkanovski def. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

UFC Middleweight Title Fight:
Israel Adesanya (183.5) vs. Jared Cannonier (184.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Adesanya (-435), Cannonier (+350)

Round 1

The last in a dozen solid fights comes with gold on the line at 185 pounds. In this main event, Adesanya (22-1, 11-1 UFC) will look to close the distance between Anderson Silva for the great middleweight ever, and his next challenger is the dangerous ex-heavyweight Cannonier (15-5, 8-5 UFC). Before the fight begins, Adesanya walks out to the theme song from The Undertaker, with easily one of the best walkouts in UFC history as he wears the real black hat and carries an urn with Cannonier’s name on it. Two excellent strikers will toe the line, but not before referee Herb Dean brings them to the center to issue their instructions and call for a glove touch. They do not oblige, and the match is set. It’s on with the show. Adesanya measures an oblique kick for the first attempted strike of the fight, and Cannonier attempts to reach a low kick back at him. Adesanya picks at the challenger with low kicks, and he hops back when Cannonier advances with a left hand. Adesanya ducks a swinging right hand so that he can continue chipping away at “The Killa Gorilla,” and the two trade low kicks. Adesanya takes one and switches stances, and he gets warned for outstretched fingers. Cannonier leaves the toes out with a front kick to stab the midsection, and Adesanya goes over the top with a straight right hand. Cannonier checks a leg kick and marches the champion down, and he blocks a high kick that soars at him. Cannonier comes up short with an uppercut, but he does get off a few low kicks. Adesanya lunges forward with two punches to the chest, and he chews up Cannonier with kicks high, low and to the breadbasket. Cannonier has his right hand cocked back, but he cannot release it, as Adesanya snaps out the jab several times. Adesanya calmly works the calf with his shin, and he pierces the guard with a straight right down the pipe. “The Last Stylebender” comes out with a shovel uppercut and a low kick, and Cannonier replies in kind with the kick. Adesanya works the calf on both legs and intercepts the challenger with a left hand, and he keeps Cannonier at bay with his effective jab. Cannonier’s main target is Adesanya’s lead leg, and he ducks a head kick that nearly takes out Dean as well. A kick from Adesanya to the calf lands with a thud, and not a slap, as he turns his hips into it. Adesanya pokes out a jab, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 2

Cannonier centers himself in his corner between rounds, and he comes out ready for the second round. Adesanya starts up with an effective jab as a range-finder, and it serves a double duty as a way to break up Cannonier’s offense. An awkward moment comes when Cannonier claims a foul occurred – possibly for an eye poke or outstretched fingers – but Dean tells them to keep going. Adesanya targets the body with a kick and a right hand, and he kicks at the same time as his opponent to drop Cannonier to a knee. A calf kick from Adesanya stumbles Cannonier, but the challenger gets up and gives chase. Adesanya lets go with a front kick that collide with the cup, and Cannonier tells Dean he can fight on, leading to no break. Cannonier comes out throwing two punches to the body, and he wings a high kick to follow it up. Adesanya responds with a right hand that knocks Cannonier back, and Adesanya begins to move his arms around and fluster Cannonier. Adesanya chains two one-twos down the middle, and Cannonier gets irritated with this and loads up with a bomb of a right hand. The punch brushes past the hair, and Cannonier’s forward movement turns into a possible takedown setup. Adesanya keeps his stance to prevent it, and he ducks a huge right hand. Adesanya puts his hand in Cannonier’s face repeatedly, and his head kick glances off the shoulder. The champ backs off Cannonier with a right hand, and he pushes of with his left hand that goes right into Cannonier’s eye. Cannonier asks Dean to bring in a towel to wipe out his eye, and he blows his nose. After less than a minute, Cannonier is good to go, and Dean gives the champion a stern warning for his fingers. When they resume, Adesanya lets go with low kicks, and he scores and shakes Cannonier up. Cannonier escapes on the outside, blocking a high kick and letting go with a right hand. As the horn sounds, Adesanya shakes his finger at the challenger.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 3

The third round opens as Adesanya spams leg kicks from each leg. Adesanya lets his legs go early, kicking to all targets indiscriminately as Cannonier cannot answer him with anything. Cannonier loads up on a left hand and stings Adesanya in what might be his cleanest strike of the fight, and Cannonier is putting everything into his punches now. Adesanya is content to poke and jab with strikes, and Cannonier crashes the pocket for a takedown setup of some kind. The champ easily stops it from succeeding and tosses Cannonier aside, and he snaps the head back with a sharp jab. Adesanya keeps feeding Cannonier a steady diet of leg kicks, and his head movement allows him to dodge haymakers by the slightest amount. Cannonier bull-rushes forward to drill Adesanya with two punches as he clinches up, and he picks up Adesanya’s left leg for a possible single. Cannonier starts slugging away to Adesanya’s head and body, and Adesanya frantically pulls his leg back down and separates. The champion whips a high kick, and a right hand connects right on the button. Cannonier whiffs by at least a foot when he spins with a back fist, and as he motions to pursue a takedown, Adesanya starts showboating. Cannonier reaches the champion at the end of his punches, and Adesanya gets back on his bike and circles away. “The Last Stylebender” scores a solid kick to the ribs, and Cannonier marches forward with a winging right hand that glances off the side of Adesanya’s head. Cannonier pushes Adesanya against the wall and looks for a takedown, but Adesanya stays balanced without concern. Cannonier, pinning Adesanya to the wall, drives several knees into the thighs. Adesanya settles for slapping punches on either side of the head, and Cannonier traps Adesanya against the fence until the closing seconds of the round. Adesanya separates with a high kick, and Cannonier blocks it as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cannonier
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 4

The gloves get inadvertently touched to open the championship rounds, and Cannonier appears to have a fire lit under his belly. Adesanya absorbs a few punches and settles back to nail Cannonier with several jabs, and he keeps his range and works the lead leg of Cannonier as well. Cannonier plods forward, but Adesanya scores multiple unanswered strikes on the way out. Cannonier targets the body, and Adesanya replies with a loud kick to the ribcage. Cannonier absorbs several jabs as he resets, and he throws so hard that Adesanya nearly pushes him over. The challenger gathers himself and loads up on a right hand, and he swings for the fences as Adesanya is well out of the way. Adesanya picks and pokes with jabs and kicks to the body, and Cannonier sits down with a kick to the side in response. Cannonier powers forward into a clinch, and Adesanya easily skirts out before absorbing any powerful strikes. Adesanya chops at the calf and comes out with a jab, and Cannonier marches after Adesanya like a Terminator, ready to throw overhand rights and lefts. Cannonier is unable to land effectively, scoring a single low kick but none of the punches to follow. The crowd grows restless at the relative lack of action in this main event, and Cannonier answers the call by bullying the champion into the fence. The audience is not thrilled by this, as it turns into a stalemate where they are mashed together. Cannonier sneaks an elbow over the top, and he hammers the thigs with knees. Adesanya tries with his back against the wall to throw hands, and Cannonier winds up with another elbow that partially connects. Adesanya breaks, and he dips back as Cannonier wings inaccurate punches. The fourth round ends, and the fans are bored.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya

Round 5

Cannonier comes out swinging to start off the final frame, and Adesanya slips and rips with low kicks as he moves out of the way. Cannonier is ready to unleash a fury, but he goes for a kick to the pectoral muscle instead of another strike. Adesanya measures a head kick with a jab, and it pounds off the guard and still has impact even though it gets blocked. Adesanya starts feeling himself, sticking out jabs and toying with a standing elbow strike to solid effect. Cannonier darts forward with a left, and when it lands, he does not throw anything else. This allows Adesanya to escape and chop down his leg with a kick, and Cannonier hops away. Cannonier struggles to find his range and reach the champion, while Adesanya dances laterally to circle and poke at Cannonier with light strikes. Cannonier looks for a body lock takedown when he simply marches Adesanya down and ignores anything coming at him, and Adesanya remains pinned to the wall but not taking damage. The fans rain down boos as they stay stuck in the clinch, and Cannonier drops down for a single but cannot get it off. Adesanya threatens the neck with a choke, forcing Cannonier to set the leg down. Adesanya cleanly lands with a few jabs, and Cannonier gives chase and wings power punches that surprise the champ. Rather than back off to land more, he clinches up for a few seconds, until Adesanya is the one to disengage. Adesanya whips a spin kick that misses the mark, and he jabs repeatedly. Adesanya coasts on the outside until time expires, putting an end to a lackluster fight and wrapping up a card that looked far better on paper than it delivered at night’s end. When the decision is read, the boo birds rain down – not because of the decision, but because of the subpar 25-minute excursion. “The Last Stylebender” predictably calls out the man that beat him twice in the ring, Alex Pereira, and claims that he will knock the Brazilian out when they fight in the cage while referencing the film “Frozen.” With that, UFC 276 is in the books. The UFC does not take any time to breathe and savor this card, as it will be putting on consecutive fight weekends all the way to the end of August. We will be here for it every step of the way, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya (49-46 Adesanya)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya (50-45 Adesanya)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Adesanya (50-45 Adesanya)

The Official Result

Israel Adesanya def. Jared Cannonier via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)