UFC Fight Night 241 ‘Barboza vs. Murphy’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Vanessa Demopoulos (116) vs. Emily Ducote (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ducote (-340), Demopoulos (+270)

Round 1

It’s Saturday again, and for MMA fans, that means it’s UFC day. While next weekend will be off from UFC coverage thanks to Memorial Day in the U.S., a dozen more fights in a major organization send fans off into that brief break. There may be no ranked fighters on the billing, but rankings don’t make fights, and plenty of action is sure to come over the next six hours. A few victors could get numbers next to their names should they prevail, while others will be staving off a looming pink slip with the next Dana White’s Contender Series season right around the corner. The fights begin in the lightest division the company offers: women’s strawweight. The roster slots of both Demopoulos (10-5, 4-2 UFC) and Ducote (13-8, 2-2 UFC) are likely safe for the time being, win or lose, while one of these two ladies will find themselves on a win streak in the next 15 minutes or less. Referee Chris Tognoni draws the assignment for the first match of the evening, and he clocks the fighters in as they decide not to bump fists. Demopoulos races ahead to attack immediately, hurling low kicks and punches to drive back Ducote right out of the gate. Demopoulos lashes out with leg kicks and punch combinations, and Ducote stands firm and counters. One particularly heavy calf kick from “Gordinha” draws a cheer from her corner. The two trade back-and-forth, taking turns to engage, until they crash together to strike at the same time. Ducote gets the better of a few exchanges courtesy of a straight right hand down the pipe, beating Demopoulos to the punch as Demopoulos is largely relying on winging hooks. Demopoulos pushes out straight punches of her own, and Ducote slides to the side and snipes her with a two-punch salvo. Demopoulos reaches her foe with a right hand after landing a low kick, and Ducote reddens up her nose with a solid right. Ducote leans on her right hand a few times when finding openings, and one particularly fierce one wobbles the legs of “Lil Monster.” Ducote does not take advantage of the damaging blow, instead measuring her strikes carefully as Demopoulos gets her sea legs back beneath her. Demopoulos lines up a long right hand, and she puts a one-two on the face to follow. Ducote walks into another right hand, and her own nose is showing some damage as well. Demopoulos sits down on a body kick, and by staying in the same spot after tossing it, Ducote is able to counter her cleanly. Demopoulos dogs a right to the body and left to the head, drawing blood from the nose of her adversary. Demopoulos unloads with a big right hand that is barely blocked in time, and Ducote answers with a body shot. Demopoulos tries another haymaker, and this one gets through. Ducote does not flinch, instead bopping Demopoulos square in the nose to knock her a few steps back and make her blink. The first round ends, and Demopoulos takes a seat on the floor in her corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Demopoulos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ducote

Round 2

Once again, Demopoulos comes out of her corner shot out of a cannon to start the round. This time around, Ducote is ready for the quick blitz, shifting away from the power right hand and prodding out sharp jabs to break up combos. Demopoulos chips away with her leg kicks during or at the beginning of exchanges to keep things interesting. Ducote ducks a punch and Demopoulos drives a knee into her chest, and Ducote scampers away and slaps her own leg kick low. Demopoulos bounces on her heels until she pounces, with a leg kick, a heavy right hand and a powerful head kick that cuts Ducote on the corner of her eye and sits on Ducote’s shoulder. Ducote literally shrugs the leg off of her and resets, and the two begin to settle in trading back-and-forth. Ducote lines up a straight right hand as Demopoulos wings punches, and she introduces her own shin to Demopoulos’s chin. Demopoulos tries to pay her back with another head kick, but Ducote blocks it in time and pops Demopoulos with several shots. “Lil Monster” attacks the body with a kick, and she attempts a second only for it to be guarded. Ducote digs a left to the liver and slides away from the counter, but another right hand over the top gets through. Ducote sees Demopoulos loading up and connects with straighter blows, not allowing Demopoulos to get off with big strikes. Demopoulos targets the cut with a number of jabs, and Ducote pushes her back with a stern front kick. Ducote slips and snaps out a right hand, and Demopoulos swarms her but cannot land much before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ducote
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ducote

Round 3

Rather than throwing hands to introduce herself starting the round, Demopoulos shoots in on the hips for a double-leg takedown. Ducote shucks her off, and she rifles out a right hand that snaps the head back. Demopoulos kicks the body and responds with her own right hand, and this catches Ducote flush. Demopoulos takes some of the arc away from her right, and it finds its home a few times. Ducote slides to the side and gets Demopoulos’ attention with right hands down the pipe. One particular right stuns “Lil Monster” momentarily, but Demopoulos collects herself and loads up on power hooks. Ducote doubles up on low kicks and goes high, and when Demopoulos blocks it, she retaliates with a head kick of her own. Demopoulos jabs out and cracks her for with a mean right hand, and Ducote has to take a quick count of her teeth as she retreats. Demopoulos gives chase and thwacks her again with a mighty overhand, and Ducote keeps backpedaling until she clears her head. When Ducote gets the fog out of her melon, she advances and starts putting hands on Demopoulos. Demopoulos fires, but Ducote’s counters are more accurate. One powerful right hand after she dodges a Demopoulos salvo knocks Demopoulos back, and momentum is swaying back and forth as these two women go at it. Just when Demopoulos lands a ferocious right hand, Ducote steels herself and blasts Demopoulos in the face with her own strong blow. Demopoulos shoots low for a takedown, and Ducote shuts her down and pushes the Factory X fighter over to her back. Ducote moves herself into half guard, and she puts Demopoulos flat on her back so that she can start landing. Demopoulos remains active and defensively sound enough to avoid most of the worst attacks, but two thumping elbows from “Gordinha” punctuate the bout right as the final horn blares. Scorecards could be close after this strikefest, where a 30-27 for one fighter and a 29-28 for the other would not be out of line.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ducote (30-27 Ducote)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ducote (29-28 Ducote)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ducote (30-27 Ducote)

The Official Result

Vanessa Demopoulos def. Emily Ducote via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Heili Alateng (136) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodrigues (-155), Alateng (+130)

Round 1

Moving right along to the bantamweights, China’s Alateng (16-9-2, 4-2-1 UFC) takes center stage against Team Nogueira’s Rodrigues (8-3, 1-2 UFC). Six of the seven previous Octagon outings for Alateng have heard the final bell, while his Brazilian counterpart posts a 75% finish rate, so something might have to give here. Whether the fight lasts less than a round or all three, referee Herb Dean will be here for it every step of the way. The combatants clap hands together, and Rodrigues backs away and prods out a front kick. Rodrigues tries a second, and this time, Alateng is in range to absorb it. “K.R.” lines up a hefty low kick, knocking Alateng clean off his feet with the very first strike to that target. Before Alateng can stand, Rodrigues wraps up the neck in pursuit of a guillotine choke. Alateng scrambles, wriggles out of the submission setup and turns the tables to take Rodrigues off his feet with a double. Rodrigues closes up his guard and takes a few elbows on the dome, with Alateng trying to stay active while Rodrigues awaits an opening to escape. Alateng remains tightly pressed to his opponent, keeping heavy chest pressure as Rodrigues appears irritated, looking towards his corner for advice. Rodrigues starts hacking off his back with elbows, and he boxes the ears with his palms. Alateng postures up to hammer down two solid elbows, stifling Rodrigues from any plans of getting up. Alateng shuts down any efforts for Rodrigues to fight his way back up, and Dean calls for more work. Right before the round ends, Rodrigues pushes his feet off Alateng’s chest.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alateng
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Alateng
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Alateng

Round 2

Kicking off Round 2, Rodrigues starts kicking. “K.R” spins with a back kick, flings a head kick, goes with another head kick with his other leg and even tries a hook kick. Rodrigues slips a punch and counters, and he spins to plant a back kick on the ribs. Alateng plods forward, walking through calf kicks and cocking back his right hand. Rodrigues cuts him off with a number of ruthless calf kicks, and Alateng’s front leg is transforming into a welted mess in a hurry. Rodrigues keeps chopping at the calf, and he ducks down and gets clipped with a left hook but is no worse for wear after a stumble. Alateng loads up on a right hand, and Rodrigues backs him off with a one-two, a jump knee and a flying kick. Alateng avoids the latter and tags “K.R.” with a right hand, dropping the Brazilian to a knee. Rodrigues recovers and eats another powerful blow, and he tries for a flying knee counter but is out of range. Alateng punches his way into a takedown entry, scooping up one leg and planting Rodrigues flat on his back. Alateng remains busy landing strikes, and he wraps his arm around Rodrigues’ head to lower him back down when Rodrigues sits up. Alateng drags Rodrigues away from the fence to thwart any wall-walking, and he smacks Rodrigues with an elbow or two. Alateng grinds out the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alateng
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Alateng
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Alateng

Round 3

Fists are bumped, and Rodrigues immediately surges into action. Rodrigues lashes out with a spinning back fist that lands flush on the temple, and he leaps at Alateng and dings him with a flying knee to follow. Instead of expressing concern, Alateng smiles, and he keeps his guard up to block another telegraphed spinning back fist. Rodrigues slaps a head kick off the raised guard of his foe, and Alateng walks him down fearlessly and wings a right hand at him. Rodrigues prods out a front kick and gets off a leg kick, but Alateng crowds him and puts hands on him. Alateng digs a left to the body and is driven back with a check left hook. Alateng presses the action with a one-two, and he leans back as haymakers from the Brazilian whiz past him. Rodrigues scores a spinning back kick on the abdomen, and the two sits down on punches in the pocket and land flush. Rodrigues goes after another spin kick, and he recovers and shoots in for a takedown. This is the worst thing he can do, as Alateng stands him up and lowers him to the floor courtesy of a body lock takedown. Alateng is comfortable being on top in the guard, methodically working “K.R.” over while taking the low-percentage dangerous strikes completely out of the equation. Rodrigues tries to maintain two-on-one wrist control, but this only allows Alateng free shots from his left hand. Rodrigues scoots towards the fence, and Alateng thwarts him by dragging him away from it. Dean asks for more action, and Alateng obliges him by dropping down short but effective hammerfists. The fight ends with Alateng on top, cruising to the scorecards.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Alateng (30-27 Alateng)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Alateng (30-27 Alateng)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Alateng (30-27 Alateng)

The Official Result

Heili Alateng def. Kleydson Rodrigues via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Piera Rodriguez (116) vs. Ariane Carnelossi (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rodriguez (-192), Carnelossi (+160)

Round 1

After over a year off, Venezuelan striker Rodriguez (9-1, 2-1 UFC) will be making her return to the cage hoping to rebound from her first career defeat. She meets Carnelossi (14-3, 2-2 UFC), whose layoff exceeds her own—“Sorriso” has not competed since May 2022. The two strawweights will look to shake off any rust while referee Mark Smith watches on. With plenty of respect for one another, they gladly touch ‘em up before throwing down. After some circling, the first strike comes from Carnelossi in the form of a low kick. Rodriguez plods forward letting her hands go in a short but effective spray, and Carnelossi backs her off with a counter. This same exchange happens again, with Rodriguez wading into combat and landing first but getting struck last. Both women land on the other in their punch flurries, and a little over a minute in and Carnelossi is already showing damage on her nose. Rodriguez changes levels, and Carnelossi shoves her away with her fists flying. Rodriguez sneaks in three punches before darting away to evade the counter, and she does this once more. Carnelossi allows Rodriguez to get to her so that she can counter, but Rodriguez is getting off her own shots. Carnelossi surges into action with a heavy right hand after Rodriguez cuts her open on the left cheek, and Rodriguez stays on her bike to get away from the worst of it. Carnelossi bullrushes her foe, driving Rodriguez back to the cage and stumbling her momentarily when letting her hands go. Rodriguez considers another level change, and she meets a stone wall that analyst Din Thomas remarks looks like Sean Sherk. Rodriguez sells out for a takedown, punching her way into the attempt, and she slings Carnelossi to the mat. When they land, their limbs are tangled in their equipment, and Smith makes sure to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions and lets them go. They proceed to slug it out from this horizontal position, with Carnelossi fearlessly throwing hands off her back and flailing her feet to get Rodriguez off of her. Rodriguez considers backing off for a standup, but she instead races ahead and hammers Carnelossi with ground-and-pound until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rodriguez

Round 2

The strawweights bump their fists together before getting back to it. Carnelossi is the one pressing forward, but she is met by a strong right hand and a knee up the middle. Rodriguez looks to capitalize on this by shooting on the hips, and Carnelossi pushes her back. Rodriguez switches to attack with another knee in the belly, and she spins her foe around and pushes her to the wall. Rodriguez drops down for a single-leg takedown, and Carnelossi hops around on her other foot to remain upright. The women trade elbows, and Rodriguez hammers her with a number of knees. Rodriguez pursues another takedown, this time going after a double as she tries to clasp her hands together around the backside. Carnelossi shuts this down and gains a little space, resulting in a brief brawl that allows her to escape. Rodriguez times a perfect front kick that blasts Carnelossi right in the face, and Carnelossi is on rubber legs and backs away. Rodriguez charges her and swings her fists until Carnelossi falls over, and Rodriguez leaps on top and headbutts Carnelossi as Smith tells them to watch their heads. “Sorriso” tries to defend herself as Rodriguez is pummeling her with strikes, and Rodriguez sits up and smacks Carnelossi with another headbutt. Smith calls time after the second egregious foul, and the review officials determine it was a clear headbutt. Carnelossi sits up after a couple minutes of recovery, but she is still seeing stars and compromised from both the legal and illegal blows. Carnelossi stands up after about three minutes and shakes her head, and she lowers herself back down on the fence. Carnelossi sits back down, looking upset as she tries to clear her head, and she keeps shaking her head. The doctor assesses her condition once more, and he advises Smith that the fight should not continue. The only question remaining is if the fight is ruled a no contest or a disqualification.

The Official Result

Ariane Carnelossi def. Piera Rodriguez R2 3:16 via Disqualification (Headbutts)

Abusupiyan Magomedov (185.5) vs. Warlley Alves (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gatto (-340), Vidal (+270)

Round 1

Two middleweights with finish rates over 70% collide in this next showing. The momentum is not particularly great for these two fighters, as Magomedov (25-6-1, 1-2 UFC) has dropped two in a row albeit to elite competition, while Alves (14-7, 8-7 UFC) is on a three-fight skid with his last victory in 2021. One man’s fortunes will turn around, barring something unusual, and referee Dan Miragliotta will be the first to know. There is a quick glove touch, and Magomedov walks forward, chambering his rear leg. Magomedov leans in, and Alves lets his hands fly and knocks Magomedov from one side of the cage to the other. Alves gives chase, and Magomedov drags him down to the floor. Alves stands up, and then lowers himself to a knee to prevent from taking knees to the dome. Alves powers his way back upright again, and Magomedov knees him in the side. Alves fights his way out of the tie-up, and he escapes a looping left hand. Alves surges into action, leaping at the Russian with a knee. Magomedov bounces off the cage wall and pushes out a front kick, and the two get sucked into a vicious brawl where Magomedov lands flush with two left hands that rock Alves. Alves backs off, and a jab from Magomedov hurts him a bit more. Alves scoots away, hopping on one foot to the other to shake out any cobwebs, and he throws so hard that he spins around. Magomedov takes advantage of this by dragging Alves down from behind, and he allows Alves to spin so he can climb into half guard and drop down an elbow. Alves bucks and kicks, sitting up and turning to his side. Magomedov pushes Alves back over and elbows him in the face, and he thumps up the side a few times with his fist for good measure. Alves works his way back to the wall, and Magomedov steps into three-quarter mount to pin Alves down and do some damage. Alves still manages to sit up, and Magomedov is on top of him smacking him with his free right hand. Alves muscles his way back up to his feet and goes after Magomedov, firing off a body kick and a right hand to the same target. Magomedov shoots for a takedown, and Alves immediately defends with a guillotine choke. Magomedov tosses the submission aside and assumes top position, but the Brazilian explodes to get into a better position. A scramble results in a north-south take for Magomedov, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov

Round 2

The middleweights clap hands to engage, and Magomedov is once more the aggressor as he flirts with a front kick. Alves kicks out his front leg and swarms with flailing fists, and he closes the distance and bullies Magomedov to the wall with a clinch. Magomedov works his way into a takedown effort, dragging Alves to the floor and setting up an arm-triangle choke in a hurry. Alves turns to the proper side and back to defend it, and Magomedov does not mind as he resides in half guard landing punches. Magomedov claims full mount with ease, flattening Alves out and smacking him from both sides of the head. Magomedov tries for another arm-triangle choke, and Alves explodes to break up the setup. Alves sits up, and he looks for a sweep but cannot get the Russian off of him. Magomedov returns to full mount as Alves bucks and twists, and he slashes Alves with an elbow that rips his cheek wide open. Blood pools in Alves’ eyes as he quickly transforms into a 1980s horror movie and Magomedov intentionally moves back to half guard to keep the Brazilian pinned. Alves tries to time bursts of energy to escape, sitting up and shifting in a certain way, even going after a guillotine, but Magomedov laughs it off and holds him down, bludgeoning the veteran to the bell. Alves paws at his face to assess the damage, and appears deflated at how that last round transpired.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov

Round 3

The cutperson did great work between rounds, as the inch-wide cut on Alves’ cheek is not leaking as the last round begins. Alves offers a glove touch and decides to go after a hug instead, and Magomedov reluctantly obliges him. When they start fighting, Magomedov sends Alves flying with a front kick. Alves recovers and surges into action, swinging his way into action and blasting Magomedov in the body. Magomedov bends over, possibly hurt from the shin to the liver, and he shoots for a takedown that he lands with relative ease. Magomedov takes the back, and he transitions into an arm-triangle choke. Alves escapes at the right moment to get up, only for Magomedov to hit a clean mat return with a double to put Alves back on his seat. Alves swings down an elbow to the side of the head, and he keeps his gaze trained on the big screen to assess his position and observe how much time is on the clock—it reads about 2:45 as he lingers on it, despite Magomedov striking him every so often. Magomedov climbs into mount again, and Alves bucks and rolls over, only to give up his back. Magomedov wraps one arm around the jaw of his opponent for a possible rear-naked choke or arm-triangle setup, and when Alves turns, he finds himself having to fight off a rear-naked choke after all. Magomedov lets it go when Alves shifts his hips, and he follows a fatiguing Alves around to remain on top and in mount. Magomedov sits up and drills the Brazilian with a merciless elbow, and Alves sits there for a moment to get his bearings after the concussive blow. Alves sits up and snatches up a desperation guillotine choke, and Magomedov is not remotely concerned about the choke. The Russian pops his head out, and fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magomedov (30-27 Magomedov)
Tristen Critchfield 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. Warlley Alves via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Tamires Vidal (134.5) vs. Melissa Gatto (134.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gatto (-340), Vidal (+270)

Round 1

Taking over the Octagon for the next 15 minutes will be a former featherweight in Vidal (7-2, 1-1 UFC) against a flyweight expat Gatto (8-2-2, 2-2 UFC). The Brazilian countrywomen meet in the middle at 135 pounds, and one of these two ladies will return to the win column when the dust settles. Referee Chris Tognoni will supervise this matchup, and it kicks off with a fist bump. Gatto puts on the pressure early, landing a few punches to surprise Vidal. Vidal returns fire with a flurry of punches, and Gatto times a takedown to put “Tratora” on her back. As soon as Vidal hits her back, she snatches up a guillotine choke, but Gatto is unconcerned. Vidal hangs on tight with the choke try, and Gatto’s demeanor is calm and composed as she works on Vidal’s body with her left hand. Gatto eventually gets out of the submission, and she presses her shoulder down tightly while in half guard to pin Vidal flat. Gatto does not rush as she slowly looks to pass to mount, and she works her way in. As soon as she claims it, she springs right into action, smashing down elbows and hammerfists. When strikes to the head are not open, Gatto elbows Vidal in the shoulders. Gatto keeps heavy chest pressure and postures up every so often to slash with elbows, and otherwise keeps Vidal totally flattened out. Strikes continue to mount for Gatto, who frames off with two final elbows before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gatto

Round 2

The bantamweights share a fist bump, and get right after it. Gatto lunges her way forward, targeting the body with rangy strikes. Vidal tries to counter, but she is out of range. Gatto dips down with a left to the body and comes up with a right to the head. Vidal lands a low kick with each leg, and she gets her bell rung with a one-two that makes her adjust her top. Gatto fakes and feints her way forward, walking through a low kick to connect with a right hand. Vidal swarms her, swinging with bad intentions, and she plods her way into the clinch and pushes Gatto to the wire. Gatto pushes off, only to absorb a flush right hand from her opponent. They jockey for position and trade knees, turning one another around in the tie-up. Gatto considers a trip, and she turns the other direction and smoothly throws Vidal down to the canvas. Vidal turns to her knees in an effort to escape, and Gatto gladly allows this so she can take her back and get the hooks in. Gatto rains down punches as Vidal turns to the side, with Gatto comfortable riding in this position until she practically falls into mount. Gatto smothers with top position and lands occasional strikes, both otherwise completely nullifies “Tratora.” Gatto sits up and snatches up an armbar with seconds to spare, and she falls to the side to lock it down. Only the clock saves Vidal from a potential tapout, as time expires before the submission results in a stoppage.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gatto

Round 3

The ladies touch gloves one last time, and Gatto is the aggressor in a hurry as she lands cleanly on her countrywoman. Vidal swings back recklessly, and she is well out of range and only hits air. Gatto reaches out with a jab to the chest, and Vidal clutches her breast and turns away. Gatto charges at her, fists flying, and Vidal drops down to a knee as Tognoni rushes in to wave the fight off. Vidal appears to ask if she should be given time to recover, but strikes to that target are completely legal. Her cries fall on deaf ears, as it is a legitimate stoppage and the fight is over.

The Official Result

Melissa Gatto def. Tamires Vidal R3 0:37 via TKO (Punch to the Body)

Oumar Sy (206) vs. George Tokkos (205.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: N/A

Round 1

A pair of UFC newcomers will collide in hopes of storming the light heavyweight division. Undefeated Frenchman Sy (9-0, 0-0 UFC) has earned the lion’s share of his pro wins via stoppage, and the same can be said about “Tuco” Tokkos (10-3, 0-0 UFC). Referee Dan Miragliotta will need to keep his head on a swivel for as long as it lasts. Before they come out guns blazing, they touch ‘em up. Tokkos prods out an early jab and two low kicks, and he tests his might with a high kick. Sy punches once and shoots in for a deep double, lifting Tokkos off his feet and depositing him to the mat effortlessly. Tokkos gets stuck in an awkward position on the corner of the fence and the floor, and he tries to use upkicks to push Sy away. Tokkos rolls over to his knees, and Sy clings to him from behind and steps over to get around and sneak his hooks in. With only one hook in, Sy elects to snatch up a rear-naked choke that is more of a face and neck crank, and Tokkos explodes out of the bad position and loudly says, “you’re heavier than me.” Sy does not acknowledge him, instead keeping tightly pressed to his back as Tokkos sits up. Tokkos says it again, and Sy is not listening, instead dragging Tokkos right down to the mat once more. Sy snakes his right arm around the head, but he lets it go and pulls Tokkos down from behind so he can lock up a body triangle. Tokkos once more remarks about the weight of his opponent, and Sy takes advantage of this “Hello, Japan” type moment and squeezes one arm around the chin and locks down the rear-naked choke grip. The face crank RNC is tight as a drum, and Sy’s clutch is not about to loosen. Sy leans back to make this submission academic, and Tokkos thinks about tapping out but waits a few seconds longer. Tokkos surrenders from the submission, and Sy remains unbeaten as a professional as he picks up his 10th pro victory.

The Official Result

Oumar Sy def. George Tokkos R1 3:43 via Submission (Face Crank)

Victor Martinez (156) vs. Tom Nolan (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nolan (-500), Martinez (+380)

Round 1

The prelims conclude with two lightweights that combine for 12 knockouts in their 19 pro wins, with zero submissions between them. Martinez (13-5, 0-1 UFC) and Nolan (6-1, 0-1 UFC) both came up short in their UFC debuts, with first-round knockout losses introducing them to the UFC brass. Taking charge of the cage will be referee Mark Smith, who checks the fighters in as they decide to touch gloves. Nolan says hello with a front kick, and when that misses, he releases a low kick and then another front kick that connects. Martinez crowds him with a one-two, and Nolan keeps kicking. The Aussie spins with a wheel kick, and Martinez scoots out of the way. The two men trade low kicks, and Nolan lands two more for good measure. When Nolan attacks, Martinez gets off his own leg kicks that disrupt the movement of the taller man. Nolan peppers the Texan with kicks to all targets, and he flicks out a jab before jumping forward with a knee that just misses. Martinez comes back with a one-two, and he eats a body kick when trying another. Nolan digs another kick to the ribs before chopping at the lead wheel, only to step in with a fierce knee. Martinez jabs and lands a leg kick, and Nolan does work with his kicks. Nolan gets off a left hand, and he is driven back by a one-two from “The Brick.” Nolan dodges a punch and fires back a right hand that lands cleanly, and he chews up his foe with all the kicks he can find. Nolan spins with a wheel kick, and when he lands, Martinez charges him and busts him in the chops with a shovel hook. Nolan stumbles back and falls over, and Martinez climbs on top of him in hopes of finishing the job. Nolan’s long legs allow him to tie Martinez up and even consider a triangle choke, and elbows off his back slash Martinez open. Nolan explodes back to his feet, and Martinez follows him up and races at his resetting foe. Nolan times a perfect knee to the liver, and “The Brick” crumbles to the floor in agony. Nolan finishes the job with a few left hands as Smith has seen enough, and he walks away with pride, pointing at his knee and going over to the commentary booth to tell them he called it. This is an important victory for the Aussie, who has now earned his last five wins via strikes.

The Official Result

Tom Nolan def. Victor Martinez R1 3:50 via TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches)

Luana Pinheiro (116) vs. Angela Hill (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hill (-135), Pinheiro (+114)

Round 1

It’s on with the main card. Two strawweights on the outside of the top 15 looking in—the UFC does have one of them ranked—will come to blows in hopes of making that next big step towards contention. Pinheiro (11-2, 3-1 UFC) will be looking to get back into the green after her last outing saw her nine-fight win streak snapped violently. On the other side of the equation, divisional staple Hill (16-13, 11-13 UFC) has won three of our last four and is on a solid run despite turning 39 in January. Referee Herb Dean is ready for the long haul, and the women are too as they get right to it with no consideration of a glove touch. Hill feints her way forward, flicking out a front kick to test the waters and find her range. Pinheiro circles to both directions, and Hill cuts her off and pitches out a high kick that is several feet away from her intended target. Hill leaps forward with two right hands, both still too distant. Hill closes in, but the first actual strike landing is a calf kick from the Brazilian. Both women throw and land simultaneous right hands, and Pinheiro keeps her left hand ready to release. Hill puts the ball of her foot on Pinheiro’s torso, and she continues to walk Pinheiro down winging a right hand. The two women stick out jabs, and Pinheiro shoots for a takedown but cannot get anywhere. Hill backs away from a right hand, and she meanders forward and tosses out a head kick that is inaccurate. Pinheiro stick out a jab that marks up Hill’s nose, and they rush towards one another and start trading. Pinheiro looks to mix things up and throw Hill to the floor, but “Overkill” keeps her balance and pushes Pinheiro back to the fencing. Pinheiro jumps guard with a guillotine choke, and Hill threatens back with a Von Preux shoulder choke all while looking to establish better top position. Pinheiro releases her choke so that she does not get countered, and Hill lands a solid right hand before getting pushed off by Pinheiro’s flailing legs. Pinheiro gets off an upkick or two, and Hill pounces and bops her in the noggin with a right hand. Hill gets backed off with upkicks, and she connects with two mean standing-to-ground punches. Pinheiro jumps back to her feet, and Hill hurls her back down and lands a few strikes before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 2

Pinheiro races out of her corner to engage, only for Hill to jab her back. Pinheiro loads upon on a power right hand, and when that misses, she leans back as one from Hill buzzes past her as well. Pinheiro splits the guard with a front kick, and Hill flirts with a single-leg takedown and comes over the top with a right. Pinheiro pirouettes with a back fist, and Hill’s guard is high enough to protect her. Pinheiro uses her jab effectively to score, and she times a right hand over the top. When Hill crowds her, Pinheiro lands hard again and grins to celebrate her handiwork. Pinheiro spins with a back fist, and Hill sees it coming and ducks it so she can throw Pinheiro to the ground. Pinheiro grabs the fence a few times to stay afloat, and Dean warns her for the fouls. The two fight for position in the clinch when Hill’s takedown comes up short, and Hill stifles a trip that Pinheiro offers back. Pinheiro escapes the clinch, and Hill gives chase with a front kick and a stabbing jab that snaps the head back. They both go after high kicks, and Hill tries a jumping switch kick and a high kick that both miss the mark. Hill misses with a head kick, and she knocks Pinheiro off her feet with a lunging jab. Pinheiro hops back up, and Hill is on her with pressure and strikes. Pinheiro shoots for a takedown, and Hill stops it and clings to a guillotine choke that she uses to knee the Brazilian in the head. Pinheiro escapes, and Hill runs at her and kicks her in the face. Pinheiro swings back and lands a left hand that cuts Hill’s eye, and Pinheiro shoots for a takedown. Hill snatches up the neck while stuffing the attempt, and she sits down with a guillotine choke. When they hit the ground, Hill sweeps to claim the mounted guillotine, and the choke is crushingly tight. Pinheiro, who holds most of her finishes by submission while never suffering a submission loss, taps out. Hill punts an 11-fight consecutive streak of fights going the distance with her tapout victory, and she is so excited when Dean intervenes that she does not know what to do with her hands. Hill figures it out and offers to help the defeated Pinheiro back to her feet, and she jumps into the arms of her corner to celebrate her first-ever submission win.

The Official Result

Angela Hill def. Luana Pinheiro R2 4:12 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Adrian Yanez (136) vs. Vinicius Salvador (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Yanez (-360), Salvador (+285)

Round 1

A pair of struggling fighters meet with hopes of one of the two turning things around. The strength of schedule has not remotely been the same for bantamweight Yanez (16-5, 5-2 UFC) compared to former flyweight Salvador (14-6, 0-2 UFC), but the latter is hoping the relocation up in weight will help him out. The Octagon ranger for this critical contest will be referee Chris Tognoni, and the fight kicks off as the two men touch gloves. Yanez probes with a front kick, and he releases a right hand that buzzes the hair of his opponent. Salvador’s eyes go wide as he dodged a bullet, and he decides to throw caution to the wind and unload his own hellacious haymaker. Yanez is out of harm’s way from it, and he takes a jab on the way out. The two clash together and swing wildly, and Salvador escapes to kick the body while Yanez turns his hips into a nasty leg kick. Salvador drops down to sweep the leg after landing a strike up top, and Yanez looks at him and tries to counterattack. Salvador gets off a kick to the body, and Yanez comes at him and smacks him in the nose while Salvador’s arms are dangerously low. Salvador comes out swinging, and Yanez slips the strikes and checks a leg kick that follows. Salvador unloads with a body kick, and Yanez times an overhand right hand and very nearly knocks the Brazilian’s block off. A similar exchange occurs again, with Salvador kicking him in the inner thigh instead of the midsection, and this time, Yanez sends him flying with a blistering right hand. The Brazilian falls to his back, and Yanez races after him and unloads a barrage of ferocious punches. Yanez switches to hammerfists as he pounds on the Brazilian, and Salvador’s arms fall to his side and his lights appear to briefly go out. Tognoni sees the potential loss of consciousness and moves between them to call off the fight, and Yanez strides away and goes to promise the UFC brass watching outside the cage that his losing year of 2023 will never happen again. Salvador is down for an extended and worrying amount of time, but he manages to eventually get back to his stool and is helped out of the Octagon.

The Official Result

Adrian Yanez def. Vinicius Salvador R1 2:47 via TKO (Punches)

Themba Gorimbo (170.5) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5)

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

Round 1

Full of emotion, Gorimbo (12-4, 2-1 UFC) takes to the cage today and fights with a heavy weight on his shoulders. Earlier in the week, his coach’s mother passed away, and the Zimbabwe native vowed that he would win for her. He faces submission specialist Brahimaj (10-4, 2-2 UFC), who holds a 100% sub rate as a pro but is coming off a nearly career-ending injury. This emotional welterweight clash will be officiated by referee Mark Smith, and the fighters do not bump fists. Gorimbo is the initial aggressor, walking Brahimaj around the cage while measuring his jab. Gorimbo gets off a front kick, and Brahimaj immediately closes in on him to change levels. Gorimbo turns him around and pushes him to the fence, and Brahimaj settles for this position by landing several knees to the belly. Brahimaj turns him about and drags Gorimbo down, bringing Gorimbo on top of him in a sacrifice throw. Brahimaj scoots his way to the wall and stands up without taking any damage, and he knees Gorimbo in the hand to break up his grip momentarily. Gorimbo lifts Brahimaj up in the air but sets him down when he cannot find the right angle to put him on the mat. The two fighters push one another in the clinch, and Brahimaj once more tries to take the fight down only to land on his back. Brahimaj turns to his side and tries to sneak around the back, but Gorimbo stops him from getting anywhere. Brahimaj climbs up with the fence behind him, and Gorimbo knees him a few times. Brahimaj spins him around and delivers a solid knee to the sternum, and Gorimbo answers with his own knee and an elbow for good measure. The grinding round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo

Round 2

Gorimbo reintroduces himself to his foe with a front kick and a low kick, and he tries another leg kick but is out of range. Brahimaj closes in, and Gorimbo nails him in the calf with a kick. Brahimaj regains his balance and practically runs forward to engage in a clinch. Gorimbo meets him and instantly turns him around, and it does not take long for Smith to ask for more action as they stall out. Brahimaj turns things around with one arm between Gorimbo’s legs, but Gorimbo manages to muscle his opponent down to the floor. Brahimaj considers a guillotine choke, but the leverage is wrong given that his right side is against the cage. Brahimaj sits up and puts his back to the wall, and he stands up. Gorimbo uses a body lock to hurl Brahimaj to the mat, and Brahimaj scrambles to fight his way back upright. Gorimbo leans heavily on his opponent, making life miserable for Brahimaj and the audience watching as he clings with zero offense offered. Brahimaj turns him about and takes a knee to the belly as Smith clasp for them to do something, anything. The wall-and-stall continues as Gorimbo pushes him back to the fence. Brahimaj slides around and attempts to take the back and get hold of a choke, but he falls off the back and goes down to his seat. Brahimaj scoots his way to the wire and stands, and Gorimbo knees him in the groin. Smith tells him to watch out, and they continue embracing the grind. Gorimbo gets off a few more knees and gains enough space to land and elbow, before tripping Brahimaj up and setting him down to the floor. Gorimbo, with one hook around the side, fishes for a one-armed choke. Smith sees there is nothing from this position and asks for more work. There is no more work from either man until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo

Round 3

The two have five minutes left to handle their business, and they come out of their corners in a labored pace. Gorimbo strikes first, with a few punches and a leg kick before shooting for a takedown. “The Answer” successfully pushes the submission artist against the wall, but they wind up in the same position they have spent the majority of the lackluster encounter. Brahimaj goes after a single, and Gorimbo gets away with a fence grab to keep himself on his feet. Brahimaj fails to get him down, and Gorimbo turns him around as the grueling tie-up continues. Gorimbo plants a few knees to the belly before he is spun around, and Smith warns someone for grabbing the cage. Nothing happens absent a few minor knees from Gorimbo, and time slowly ticks off the clock as the remain stuck together in the clinch. Brahimaj flirts with a takedown effort but is nowhere close to getting anything, and Smith asks for more work. Gorimbo grinds, grinds and grinds away as he spams short knees. Brahimaj goes after another trip, and for the third time this fight, he falls on his own back feebly. While he manages to get back up without taking any damage, it is because Gorimbo is not striking. Gorimbo wrenches him back down, and he apologizes to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby for the anti-“Fight of the Night” performance. The kind Shelby flashes him double thumbs-up signs, as he does not wish to kick anyone while they are down. The miserable matchup ends after 15 long minutes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)

The Official Result

Themba Gorimbo def. Ramiz Brahimaj via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kalinn Williams (170) vs. Carlston Harris (169.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Williams (-130), Harris (+110)

Round 1

Coming into the co-main event, two welterweights with the ability to procure especially violent and fascinating finishes will clash. Williams (14-3, 5-2 UFC) prefers to smash people in the face, while Harris (19-5, 4-1 UFC) can hit hard and is not afraid to go for a neck. Referee Dan Miragliotta may be needed when it’s all said and done. The two men tap their gloves together before the melee ensues, and Williams moves right to the center of the cage. Harris slaps out a low kick, and he leans to the side to evade a front kick aimed at his face. They both jab at one another, with Williams going to the body. Williams aims a body shot and follows with a right hand over the top. Harris stays on the outside with rangy punches to the head and midsection. They trade low kicks, and Harris prods out with a jab. Harris comes up short with a pair of overhand rights, and a third partially lands. Williams absorbs a clubbing right hand behind the ear when jabbing to the body, and he ducks down and unleashes a devastating right that completely demolishes “Mocambique.” Harris hits the ground on his side in a heap, totally wrecked, and Williams leaps down to finish the job with one unnecessary diving right hand. When Miragliotta gets between them, he walks off pounding his chest to celebrate a crushing knockout, having flattened a dangerous adversary in about 90 seconds.

The Official Result

Kalinn Williams def. Carlston Harris R1 1:30 via KO (Punch)

Edson Barboza (145.5) vs. Lerone Murphy (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murphy (-148), Barboza (+124)

Round 1

It’s time for the main attraction. Featherweights with a good amount up for grabs will battle it out for supremacy of this Fight Night event. Barboza (24-11, 18-11 UFC) showed last year even at the age of 38 he is still going strong. Britain’s Murphy (13-0-1, 5-0-1 UFC) will stand across the cage from him with his 14-fight unbeaten run on the line. The winner may still be several victories away from title contention 145-pound division, but this is a pivotal moment for both fighters. Referee Herb Dean will preside over this five-round affair, and he brings the two fighters together to the middle of the Octagon to bump fists. The first strike thrown comes from the Brit, with a head kick that is easily parried. They proceed to jab towards one another, and Murphy rushes forward to throw hands and walks into a low kick that hits his cup. Dean calls time, and Murphy takes a few seconds to recover. When they resume, Murphy sneaks a right hand behind the ear, and he sits down on a chopping low kick. Murphy comes out with a one-two, and a jab snaps Barboza’s head back. Barboza chambers and releases a vicious low kick that nearly buckles Murphy’s leg. Barboza steps back and attacks the inside of the same limb. Barboza jabs his way in to disrupt a combination, and Murphy fires back and opens a cut on the bridge of the Brazilian’s nose. Murphy walks through a leg kick and swings an overhand right, and Barboza allows this so that he can be in range to dig a left to the liver. Barboza shellacks the lead leg on both sides, and Murphy steels himself to drive a one-two through the guard. Murphy catches his foe at the end of a right hand, stumbling the veteran on the way out. Barboza regains his footing and is peppered with a jab. Murphy targets the body with a kick, and his one-two comes up just shy of the mark. Murphy checks a kick and lets his shin fly at the head, and Barboza narrowly avoids getting his chin checked. Murphy flicks out a jab and pursues another head kick. Barboza snaps out a pair of jabs, and Murphy settles down and gives them back. Barboza loops a right hand over the guard, and he jumps with a knee from up close and falls to his back. Murphy leans over to assume top control, only to get rocked with an upkick. The round ends as Murphy is shaking it off.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 2

Murphy appears recovered to begin the second round, as he opens up with a spinning back kick. Barboza gets out of the way from it and flashes his jab several times. Murphy gets off a one-two and kicks the body, and he leans back to dodge a high kick. Jabs come from both featherweights, and a follow-up right hand lands cleanly on the Brazilian. Murphy checks another leg kick, and he eats an overhand right without much issue. Murphy puts a one-two on the jaw, and his question mark kick gets blocked. Barboza chips away at the lead wheel with another calf kick, and Murphy crowds him but ends up eating another nasty kick. The second kick forces a stance switch, and Barboza gets on his bike to avoid a chasing Murphy, who tries to swarm him with punches. Barboza lands an inside leg kick when Murphy bears down on him, and he gets surprised with a double-leg takedown that puts him on his seat for a moment. Barboza springs back up and tugs on the chain links to pull himself to his feet. Murphy holds on from behind, kneeing him in the thigh until they split apart. Murphy winds up and wings an elbow that misses the mark, and he stings Barboza with an overhand right when Barboza targets the front leg. Murphy steps in with an elbow, finding his range this time, and Barboza wobbles and keeps his man somewhat honest with an overhand right. Barboza steps in with a knee, and Murphy blocks and keeps on pressuring the vet. Murphy slings another elbow, and Barboza spins and slips before he can get off a wheel kick. Murphy lets him up and clings to him from behind, landing multiple knees to the back of the thigh. Murphy stands his foe up with a few left hands from behind, and he rips two elbows before Barboza splits off and the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 3

Murphy greets his foe with a one-two, and he chains it together with a second when Barboza walks him down. Barboza pays him back, but the heavier blows are coming from the undefeated fighter. Murphy scores a front kick to the body, and a question mark kick whizzes past his head. Barboza chops at the front leg, causing a stance switch, and he sits up a body kick to follow. Murphy bullies the Brazilian back with punches, and Barboza does not take the strikes well as he wobbles after eating shots. Murphy connects with two hooks and shoots for a takedown, ultimately settling for a clinch where he leans on the elder statesman. Barboza squirms and escapes, and Murphy keeps his knee shield up to block a body kick. Murphy gets off a left hand and takes a body kick, and he lets fly a head kick. Barboza comes up just short with a knee, and Murphy lashes out with a knee and shoots for a takedown. Managing to lift Barboza up and drag him down, Murphy may not have fully completed the attempt as Barboza springs back up a seconds later. Barboza tries to escape, but Murphy gives chase and rings him up with heavy right hands. Murphy practically runs Barboza down throwing strikes, and he gets off a spinning back kick. Barboza wobbles and tries to tie his foe up, and Murphy shoves him back and lays into him with power strikes. The Brit smashes Barboza with an elbow, and Barboza’s knees buckle but stay beneath him. Barboza scoots away and lands a low kick, and Murphy charges him and shoots for a takedown from a distance. The Brazilian holds him down when stifling the effort, and both men work their way back upright and back to kickboxing range. Murphy checks a leg kick and he spins with a wheel kick, landing to let go with a left hand at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 4

There is a glove touch to begin the championship rounds, which Murphy has reached for the first time in his career. Murphy loads up on a right hand, and Barboza attacks his front leg and digs a left to the liver. Murphy prods out a few kicks to the knee, and he is warned for outstretched fingers. Murphy keeps working on the front leg, and Dean springs between them to again warn Murphy for pointing out his fingers at the target. Murphy lets his hands go, and Barboza retaliates with a heavy body kick. Murphy tosses out two punches, and Barboza meets him with a thudding body kick. Murphy snaps the head back with several jabs, and he absorbs a clean low kick and swats away a front kick. Murphy outjabs his foe and winds up another calf kick, and Barboza gives him one back that draws a stumble from his foe. Barboza kicks the front leg again, and Murphy has a bad reaction but rushes into punching range and knocks Barboza’s head around like a child’s play toy. Barboza may be on wobbled legs as he keeps circling about, but he is not going down. Murphy keeps his jab going when not unloading on power, and Barboza times a magnificent spinning back kick that slams into the midsection of his foe with a resounding noise. Murphy tanks it and eats a number of jabs, and his face has been smashed open as a result. Barboza releases a spinning wheel kick that grazes the chin, and Murphy takes it and walks Barboza down only to walk into another ferocious calf kick. Murphy jabs his way closer to let go with an elbow, but the elbow is short. Murphy continues advancing until he pushes Barboza up to the wall, where he knees Barboza in the backside. Barboza escapes with a few seconds left, and the round wraps.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murphy

Round 5

Barboza starts off the final frame jabbing, and Murphy times those to come up and around them. Murphy gets in a left hand and away from a high kick, and he lands several stomp kicks to the Brazilian’s knees. Murphy punches his way into a clinch, and Barboza turns and leans himself against the fence. Murphy blasts him with elbow before Barboza gets away, and he appears to stumble Barboza once more with a combination. Murphy chains punches into kicks, kicks into punches, and anything else he can muster. Barboza stands in front of him throwing punches, and Murphy puts up volume on him and staggers him with two left hooks. Barboza sits down on a left, and Murphy is unfazed as he continues to fight behind his sharp jab. Murphy fires off a head kick that bounces off the guard, and his jab to the head and body is on point. Murphy slips a punch and connects with a left hook, and he gets off a low kick but takes a glancing spinning kick to the liver that makes Murphy think twice. The Brit shoots and drags Barboza to the floor, and Barboza is warned twice for fence grabs when he tries to get back up. Murphy clings from behind when Barboza stands, and he is able to wrench the flashy striker down. Barboza stands again, defiant of the knees planted on his thigh. Murphy wraps up the contest with a few punches breaking away, and the 25-minute encounter draws to a close. There should be no question who the victor is, and the unbeaten fighter passed a massive test with flying colors. With that, a dozen fights have come and gone in the Apex this Saturday, and fans will have the following week off from UFC content. The promotion’s return on June 1 will be a big one, and we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murphy (50-45 Murphy)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murphy (50-45 Murphy)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murphy (50-45 Murphy)

The Official Result

Lerone Murphy def. Edson Barboza via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)