Bellator 276 ‘Borics vs. Burnell’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Jordan Howard (135.8) vs. Trevor Ward (136)

Round 1

Zach Teiberis will officiate the opening professional bout of the night. Both Howard and Ward will be competing in MMA for the first time since 2018. The rangy 6-foot-1 Ward looks to control the range with leg kicks and front kicks on the outside. It’s a tentative beginning, with both men throwing leg kicks as their primary means of offense. Howard blocks a high kick from Ward, who just misses with an overhand right. Howard sticks a jab but misses the straight left. More leg kicks coming from Ward. Ward steps in and eats short counter left. Ward remains committed to attacking the lead leg of his opponent, but he’s not doing much else. But it’s still more than Howard, who for the most part is feinting without pulling the trigger. Howard stuffs a takedown and shoves Ward to the mat in the final 20 seconds. Howard orders his man back up, but Ward is content to remain on his back until the bell as Howard kicks at his legs.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ward
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Ward
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Ward

Round 2

Howard has a head kick blocked at the outset of the round. A leg kick connects for Howard. Ward shoots for a takedown and clings to a leg as Howard unloads with left hands. Howard defends nicely and powers into half guard near the fence, driving his forearm into his foe’s chin. Howard jams several short elbows into the face of Ward. Ward is content to try and hold Howard close to limit his adversary’s offense. More short elbows land for Howard. Howard creates some space and picks up the intensity of his attack, dropping more elbows at a faster rate. After about six unanswered shots, Teiberis has seen enough and halts the bantamweight clash.

The Official Result

Jordan Howard def. Trevor Ward via TKO (Elbows) R2 3:24

Roman Faraldo (171) vs. Kelvin Rayford (171)

Round 1

Mike England will be the third man in the cage for this contest. American Top Team’s Faraldo enters the matchup having finished all six of his pro wins by knockout or technical knockout. Faraldo probes with a left hook and Rayford fires off a leg kick. Shortly thereafter, Faraldo puts Rayford on his seat with a crisp jab to the chin and the 36-year-old is stunned enough that his arms flail behind his back as he falls to the canvas. Faraldo moves in to attack with standing-to-ground punches, alternating between punches and hammerfists on his defenseless adversary until the bout is waved off. Make it seven straight KO/TKO finishes for Faraldo.

The Official Result

Roman Faraldo def. Kelvin Rayford via TKO (Punches) R1 0:44

Cody Law (145.6) vs. James Adcock (145.4)

Round 1

Mike England will oversee this featherweight bout. Law is feinting early and often in hopes of putting Adock on the defensive. A counter right catches Adcock coming in. Law just misses a big right hand, as Adock angles out. The actions heats up in short order, as Adcock is clipped in an exchange and Law follows up with a head kick. Adcock is reeling now, and Law smells blood in the water. The former NCAA Division II national champion wrester drops Adcock to a knee with a left hook. Adcock pops back up but doesn’t protect his chin, and Law puts him to sleep with a follow-up right hand to the chin. A few days shy of his 27th birthday, Law improves his professional mark to 6-0 in impressive fashion. He now owns the second-longest active winning streak in the Bellator featherweight division behind only reigning champ A.J. McKee.

The Official Result

Cody Law def. James Adcock via KO (Punch) R1 1:17

Diana Avsaragova (125.8) vs. Kyra Batara (124.6)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley gets his first assignment of the night. There is a notable height discrepancy in this one, as Avsaragova checks in at 5-7, while the diminutive Batara is 4-11. Batara charges forward at the opening bell, winging punches with aggression. Avsaragova does her best to counter, but the flyweights tie up. Batara drops for a takedown near the fence, and Avsaragova defends nicely. Avsaragova creates separation by limp-legging out of a another takedown try, and then she tags Batara with a combination. Batara punches her way into the clinch and shoves the Russian into the cage. Avsaragova defends the initial try, but Batara resets. It’s to no avail and the combatants separate and head back into the center of the cage. Avsaragova with a push kick down the middle, and she counters an onrushing Batara with punches. Batara connects with a jab. Another forward rush results in a left hook landing for Batara, but she also eats a counter for her efforts. A counter right from Avsaragova stalls Batara. Another straight right sticks in the mug of Batara, who is starting to slow as the round ends. Avsaragova stuns Batara with a counter right as the Combate Americas veteran attempts an ill-advised superman punch. Avsaragova ends the round landing more combinations.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova

Round 2

Batara charges ahead and Avsaragova answers with a combination. Another stiff one-two counters the onrushing Batara. An Avsaragova right hand briefly backs up Batara, who is undeterred and eventually forces her way into the clinch. She drops for a takedown against the fence but Avsaragova defends and counters a lateral drop attempt. Batara hunts for a foot lock in an ensuing scramble before Avsaragova hustles to her feet. The flyweights separate from the clinch and return to the center of the cage. Batara swings mightily in response to an Avsaragova low kick, but she misses the mark. Avsaragova sticks another counter right hand to stop her foe’s forward movement momentarily. A right lands for Batara, but Avsaragova answers and backs her foe up into the cage with a follow-up right of her own. Another Batara bullrush results in her eating more punches before Avsaragova angles out of danger. Batara lands a 1-2 late in the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova

Round 3

Batara charges forward and lands a right hand. Another rush is countered by Avsaragova. Batara doesn’t seem willing to alter her game plan, but Avsaragova counters nicely yet again and then shoves Batara off as she attempts to force a tie-up. Batara is persistent, and she shoots for a takedown near the fence, with Avsaragova sprawling well before separating. Batara looks fatigued from that effort as she stands at range. That leads to a lull in the action as Batara catches her breath. Avsaragova, meanwhile, is content to wait for more countering opportunities. Batara doesn’t come close with her next combination, as the tactical Russian simply circles away. Batara still won’t change her approach, and Avsaragova counters and angles out yet again. A leg kick lands for Batara. She can’t find the range on her next salvo of punches. Avsaragova lands more counter combinations before sprawling on a takedown in the waning seconds. Batara tries to drag Avsaragova to the mat from the body lock position, but she simply pulls the Russian on top of her at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova (30-27 Avsaragova)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova (30-27 Avsaragova)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Avsaragova (30-27 Avsaragova)

The Official Result

Diana Avsaragova def. Kyra Batara via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Romero Cotton (185.2) vs. Freddy Sandoval (185.2)

Round 1

Jason Herzog will oversee this middleweight clash. Cotton, a three-time Division II national champion in wrestling, gets a short-notice matchup in Sandoval, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2009 but does have a notable upset win over UFC veteran Drew Fickett on his resume. They touch gloves and we’re underway. Sandoval misses the mark with an overhand left. Sandoval again moves forward behind an overhand, and then he ties up with Cotton against the fence. Cotton has underhooks, and Sandoval elects to breaks free and return to the center of the cage. Sandoval changes levels for a takedown and Cotton just misses on a knee that glances off his opponent's shoulder. Sandoval has his bearings and rolls for a heel hook, which turns out to be a bad move. Cotton defends without issue, settles into top position and unloads with a brutal onslaught of ground-and-pound. Sandoval can do nothing but shell up as Cotton continues to rain down heavy punches before Herzog intervenes to stop the fight. Replays show that Sandoval appeared to tap to the barrage before the referee stoppage.

The Official Result

Romero Cotton def. Freddy Sandoval via TKO (Punches) R1 1:39

Alex Polizzi (204.4) vs. Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros (206)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley will serve as the third man in the cage for this featured preliminary bout. Augusto is in action for the first time since a second-round KO loss to Anthony Johnson at Bellator 258 last May, a bout where he briefly threw a scare into “Rumble.” A nice 1-2 from the Brazilian cracks Polizzi at the outset. Polizzi changes levels for a takedown. Augusto sprawls and lands some shots to the side of the head. Polizzi resets, lifts Augusto and slams his man down. Polizzi winds up in side control following that sequence. Polizzi isn’t having much luck creating space to land ground-and-pound early on. Polizzi goes knee on belly into full mount, only to be swept by Augusto, who scrambles up to his feet. From the Thai clinch, Augusto delivers a slashing elbow across the face. Polizzi drops low for a takedown and plants Augusto on his seat near the fence. Polizzi works his way into mount, where he lands some short punches. Polizzi postures up and drops some heavier blows before Augusto pulls him close. Polizzi alternates between heavy top pressure and ground-and-pound. Augusto gives up his back. Polizzi flattens him out and Augusto rolls over. Polizzi drops more ground-and-pound from top position. Augusto recovers guard in the waning moments, and the Brazilian will survive despite a difficult start.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Polizzi
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-8 Polizzi
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-8 Polizzi

Round 2

Augusto opens up with a body kick, then goes upstairs. Polizzi blocks it, but he eats the full force of a jumping knee from the Brazilian moments later. Polizzi is hurt bad, and he’s clinging to a takedown out of desperation. The strategy works, as Polizzi eventually moves into top position. Polizzi is gushing blood as Augusto reverses into top position. He drops some heavy shots, but Polizzi again scrambles back on top. Augusto threatens with an armbar from his back. He extends the limb as Polizzi furiously does his best to defend. It looks deep, but Polizzi somehow escapes and scrambles to take Augusto’s back. Polizzi steps into mount with Augusto seated against the cage. Augusto recovers his guard, but Polizzi is getting valuable recovery time here. Polizzi goes from half guard to mount, where he drops alternating punches. Augusto is covering up, and Hatley is taking a close look. Polizzi switches to side control and drops some elbows and punches to the ribs. Polizzi ends the round pounding away in an incredible turn of events.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-10
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-10
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Augusto

Round 3

Augusto opens with a high kick that just misses the mark. Both men appear to be drained after a spectacular Round 2. Augusto sprawls on a Polizzi takedown, but the American quickly transitions to his opponent’s back. In a matter of seconds, Polizzi locks in rear-naked choke and secures both hooks. An already spent Augusto taps out almost immediately, giving Polizzi his third consecutive triumph under the Bellator banner. Augusto, meanwhile, loses for the second consecutive time after having his opponent reeling earlier in the bout. In his post-fight interview, Polizzi claims to not even remember the knee that hurt him in the second round.

The Official Result

Alex Polizzi def. Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 0:49

Jay-Jay Wilson (156) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (155.8)

Round 1

Jason Herzog will officiate this showdown between lightweight contenders. Wilson is making his lightweight debut after troubles on the scales at featherweight. Wilson fires off a couple of high kicks and Rabadanov stings him with a left hand. Rabadanov kicks the lead leg of his foe. Another counter left stings Wilson, who attempts to return fire. Radadanov goes back to kicking the leg of Wilson. A stiff jab connects for the Eagle FC veteran. Wilson responds with a calf kick. Rabadanov lands a leg kick and avoids a big right from Wilson. Rabadanov lands a solid jab to the body. Wilson kicks the legs out from under Rabadanov, who pops right back up. A spinning back fist from Wilson is blocked, and he shakes out his right hand after the attack. A counter combination lands nicely for Wilson after Rabadanov connects with a right. Wilson goes back to the spinning back fist, which doesn’t land clean. Rabadanov blocks a body kick. Rabadanov with a late rush before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Wilson

Round 2

Rabadanov opens up with a low kick. Wilson checks another leg kick, and Wilson lands a solid calf kick of his own. Wilson is checking more and more kicks, and he closes the distance and tries to slam Rabadanov down from the waist-lock position. Rabadanov remains upright thanks to a fence grab. Wilson is diligent in pursuit of the takedown, but Rabadanov is able to turn Wilson into the fence. They separate and Wilson lands a right on the exit. A left uppercut finds the mark for Wilson, who is finding a rhythm. A body kick scores for Wilson. A counter right backs up Rabadanov, who circles away. Rabadanov goes with a lead left hook but absorbs a counter right from his opponent. Rabadanov moves forward and wrestles Wilson down in the center of the cage. Wilson operates from a closed guard, looking to control Rabadanov. Rabadanov works the body with short punches. Wilson is active from his back, attempting to get his leg up for a triangle. Rabadanov finds an opening to land some clean ground-and-pound, but only briefly. Wilson fires off a few punches from his back before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Wilson
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov

Round 3

A right hand and high kick miss the mark for Wilson, but he does land a body kick under the armpit. Wilson is initiating the attacks early. Rabadanov times a level change nicely behind a jab and slams Wilson to the mat. Rabadanov moves to the back and gets both hooks in. Wilson stands and Rabadnov slides off his back. A combination lands for Wilson. Rabadanov with a leg kick, then another. Wilson presses forward with a 1-2 as Rabadanov circles away. Wilson checks a calf kick. Rabdanov plants Wilson on his back for the second time this round. He’s inside Wilson’s guard with a little less than 2:00 to go. Rabadanov postures up and lands an elbow. Wilson creates space and throws an upkick. Rabadanov clears the legs and secures a body lock with Wilson on all fours after a scramble. Wilson rolls through, but Rabadanov escapes a triangle and works to his foe’s back again. Wilson is quite active from his back, but Rabadanov is doing a good job transitioning and moving out of danger. Rabadanov lands a few short body shots as time winds down. The lightweights trade punches with Rabadanov on top right up until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov (29-28 Rabadanov)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov (30-27 Rabadanov)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Rabadanov (29-28 Rabadanov)

The Official Result

Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Jay-Jay Wilson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

John Salter (185.8) vs. Johnny Eblen (185.8)

Round 1

Salter returns to action for the first time since coming up short in a title fight against Gegard Mousasi last August against the undefeated Eblen, who is facing the stiffest test of his burgeoning career. Mike England will oversee this pivotal middleweight tilt. Salter probes with an inside low kick and avoids a combination from Eblen. Eblen resets and lands a solid right. Eblen lands a couple leg kicks. Eblen pressures forward and presses Salter into the fence before scooping out his legs and dumping him on the mat. Salter holds Eblen close while operating from full guard. Eblen tries to sit up and Salter frames a triangle. Salter transitions to an armbar as Eblen attempts to power his way out of the predicament. Eblen slips out and drops a punch before returning to his opponent’s full guard. Eblen postures up and lands a right. Eblen is content to maintain position now. He sits up briefly then drops right back on top of Salter. Eblen is doing his best to land periodic punches but thus far nothing is too damaging. Eblen has his arm across the jaw of Salter, who also has a small cut over his left eye. Eblen will ride out the round on top, as he drops an elbow before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Eblen

Round 2

Salter and Eblen trade low kicks. Eblen moves forward behind a 1-2. Salter eats a jab and circles away. Salter checks an inside low kick. Eblen lands a nice body kick as he works his way into range. A right hand follows for Eblen, then another. A jab lands for Eblen, who is keeing Salter off balance with his varied offense. Eblen shoots and puts Salter on his butt against the cage. Eblen laces up one leg as he attempts to land short shots to the body with both men seated. Eblen drops an elbow and secures a headlock while Salter grabs a leg. Eblen keeps his base, but has to escape a leg lock before the middleweights scramble back up. Eblen moves forward and whips a body kick into Salter. Eblen pressures and lands a jab. Another body kick for Eblen, who stuffs an ensuing takedown try by Salter. A knee on the break from Salter goes low and time is called with 11 seconds left in the round. A replay shows that both men appeared to land low blows, but Eblen appears to be the one who is affected most. Action resumes and Eblen has a head kick blocked before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Eblen
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Eblen

Round 3

Eblen lands a nice front kick down the middle followed by a high kick. Salter responds with a left hand that finds the mark. Eblen moves Satler backward with a right, but Salter responds with a left. Salter digs a right hook to the body. Eblen moves in and lands a right to the body but is countered by Salter with a left. A body kick lands for Salter. Eblen moves well and sticks a right hand. Eblen is feeling it as he lands more punches and waves his hand in front of his face to taunt his opponent. A short hook catches Salter moving in. Eblen feints a jab and lands a right body kick. Salter forces a tieup but Eblen reverses it into a takedown try against the fence. He grabs a single leg while Salter attempts to balance. Eventually, Eblen puts him on his back with about 1:00 to go. Eblen sets up in half guard and drops a heavy elbow. Elben lands some short left hands to the head. Salter can’t make anything happen from his back. Eblen stands and dives in with more ground-and-pound, most of which Salter avoids, before the final bell. This should be a clean sweep on the scorecards for the American Top Team product.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Eblen (30-27 Eblen)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Eblen (30-27 Eblen)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Eblen (30-27 Eblen)

The Official Result

Johnny Eblen def. John Salter via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Phil Davis (206) vs. Julius Anglickas (206)

Round 1

Kerry Hatley will oversee this showdown between a former Bellator champ in Davis and Anglickas, the most recent light heavyweight title challenger. Anglickas takes the center of the cage right away. It’s a tentative beginning as both men are feeling each other out at range. Davis has a low kick checked. “Mr. Wonderful” flicks out a jab and goes back to the low kicks. They tie up but neither man can gain an advantage as they go to the floor. They break up and are back at range. Davis feints a takedown and moves away. Davis sticks another jab, then has a high kick blocked. Anglickas with a jab of his own. A leg kick lands for Davis, followed by a straight right. Anglickas counters with a left. Both light heavyweights trade jabs, and then Anglickas fires a 1-2. Davis shoots behind an overhand right and runs Anglickas into the fence. Davis pulls him off the cage and puts him on his back. The UFC veteran lands in side control with a little more than 1:00 left. Davis drops an elbow, spins to the other side and hunts for a kimura. Anglickas defends it but Davis goes knee on belly and drops some right hands. Davis thinks about an armbar but Anglickas slips free. Davis ends the frame with another fruitless search for a kimura.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Davis
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Davis
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Davis

Round 2

Anglickas is back in the center of the cage to start. Anglickas misses a 1-2. Davis backs him up with a kick to the body and the combatants trade leg kicks. Anglickas lands a jab and Davis comes back with a 1-2. A solid leg kick lands for Davis, who then follows with a sharp jab. Davis drops for a takedown, then knees the body. They separate and touch gloves. Anglickas blocks a high kick. A counter right finds the mark for Anglickas in an exchange. Davis shoots for a takedown, secures a body lock and muscles Anglickas to the canvas. Davis is back in side control with more than 2:00 to go in the round. He hunts for the kimura, then floats over Anglickas before settling into his foe’s half guard. The UFC vet lands a couple short elbows, then a right to the body. Davis works to pass and lands ground-and-pound in the process. Davis alternates punches to the head and body as he controls Anglickas. Davis frees his leg and spins to north-south position. He rides out the round in control.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Davis
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Davis
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Davis

Round 3

Anglickas needs something big to avoid his second straight defeat. He moves forward and lands a straight right. The fighters trade right hands in a brief exchange. Davis shoots and Anglickas lands a knee. Anglickas scrambles out of danger, only to see Davis shoot again, lift him off the floor and slam him down. There’s 3:30 left, and Davis is comfortably in half guard. He tries to frame the kimura again, but Anglickas frees his arm. Davis is still heavy on top. He’s back to hunting for the farside kimura, but he can’t quite pass to the proper position. Anglickas shows impressive strength to defend the submissions, but he isn’t close to standing up. Davis is determined to get the kimura, or possibly a straight armlock. Davis briefly takes mount before Anglickas scrambles up. Davis drags him right back down from a body lock. Anglickas stands again, but he can’t shake “Mr. Wonderful.” Anglickas attempts to separate the hands of his foe, but Davis is muscling him all over the cage. Davis ends the fight with one more powerful slam from the rear waistlock position to punctuate a dominant victory.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Davis (30-27 Davis)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Davis (30-27 Davis)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Davis (30-27 Davis)

The Official Result

Phil Davis def. Julius Anglickas via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Adam Borics (145.8) vs. Mads Burnell (145.6)

Round 1

This has been billed as the No. 1 contender bout at 145 pounds after A.J. McKee and Patricio Freire have their title rematch on April 12. Jason Herzog will oversee the contest. Borics throws a double jab. A lleft gets through Burnell’s guard. Borics launches a jumping knee within 30 seconds, but Burnell eats it. Burnell moves forward and absorbs a leg kick. Borics slips a right uppercut through, but they trade and both men land. Burnell shoots behind a solid left hand. Burnell presses Borics into the fence but they separate. Another uppercut for Borics, who goes back to the flying knee. Borics looks very relaxed touching Burnell with combos. Burnell with a wicked left hook to the body. Brocis snaps a leg kick, then tries another jumping knee. Burnell keeps wading forward, eating punches in bunches. Two left hooks land for Burnell, both to the body and head. Borics stuffs a takedown and Burnell presses him into the cage. They separate and Borics lands another combination. Burnell answer, with some solid body work. They trade willingly in the pocket before Borics lands a hard low kick and a knee. Borics with a knee and an elbow in close quarters. Burnell is showcasing an impressive chin, and he is having success with left hooks to the body. A two-punch combination lands for Burnell. Borics responds with a jab. Burnell with an uppercut and Borics answers with a head kick. They continue to trade right until the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borics
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Burnell

Round 2

Borics with a crisp 1-2 at the outset. Another two-piece connects for Borics. Burnell thwarts the jumping knee, then attacks with a left hook to the body. Borics jabs before Burnell forces the clinch. Borics lands a knee in close. He lands another hard knee on the break. Burnell with a nice multi-punch combination that includes a couple body shots. Borics catches a calf kick and dumps Burnell on his back. Burnell scrambles to his feet and Borics lands a short elbow. Burnell digs to the body yet again. Borics stuffs a takedown and lands an elbow over the top. They trade in the pocket, with Burnell finding success with an uppercut. Borics jabs and Burnell attacks the body. Burnell closes the distance and shoves his man into the fence. Borics circles off and they trade in close, with Burnell landing a hard body hook. A jab-low kick combo lands for Borics. A left hook to the body backs up Borics. Burnell wades forward and sticks a right hand. Borics responds with a spinning elbow. Burnell eats it and attacks the body again. Burnell backs his man up and lands a combination, punctuated with another body shot. A right hand drops Burnell in the last 10 seconds. He dives into top position and a scramble ensues before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borics
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Borics
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Borics

Round 3

Borics with an inside leg kick. He counters Burnell with a one-two. Burnell goes with a left hook upstairs. A two-punch combo lands for Borics and Burnell fires back. Borics puts together another combination and then has a takedown stuffed. A jab connects for Burnell. They clinch and Borics lands a knee to the gut, but Burnell responds with a left hook to the body. Borics finds the range on a combo. They trade and a body shot appears to briefly stun Borics. Burnell lands another right to the body. A heavy left hook upstairs scores for Burnell. Burnell presses the action and eats a leg kick. Burnell with a right uppercut to the body and then grabs a single leg. They break and Burnell thuds a calf kick. Borics circles away and fires off a 1-2. Burnell with a nasty two-punch combination. Borics with a flying knee but Burnell defends well. Borics with a couple hooks to the head. Burnell marches foward with another low kick. Borics sticks a 1-2, moves away and jabs at Burnell. Borics is staying busy and he knees Burnell in the clinch. Borics misses a spinning kick before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Burnell
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Burnell

Round 4

Borics with a couple jabs right away. Borics catches a kick and Burnell spins away. A spinning back kick partially lands for Borics. Burnell stalks his foe, but Borics is staying busy. Borics lands a solid leg kick. A nice right uppercut connects for Burnell. Borics with another combination, then goes up the middle with a knee to the jaw. Burnell answers with an uppercut in close. A right uppercut tags Burnell. Burnell presses forward with a 1-2. Borics lands a knee up the middle, and Burnell responds with a left hook to the body. A big right lands for Burnell. Borics catches a kick up the middle and knocks Burnell off balance. A left hook-right uppercut combination lands for Borics. They tie up and Borics lands an elbow on the break. Burnell with a left hook and then a slashing elbow. His volume is superior to Burnell’s this round. Borics sticks more straight punches, but Burnell wades forward. Borics fires off more straight shots, then has a head kick blocked . Another 1-2 for Borics, which prompts some showboating from Burnell, who is bleeding from the nose. Borics is landing more blows and both men are having fun as the period winds down. Borics grabs a leg and trips Burnell to the mat before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borics
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Borics
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Borics

Round 5

The featherweights exchange a brief hug at the outset of the round in a show of mutual respect. Borics lands a three-punch combination. Borics is more active early, touching Burnell with multiple punches. Burnell continues to move forward but he’s eating plenty of peppering strikes for his efforts. Borics isn’t throwing with full power, but the volume is racking up points. Borics catches a kick and shoves Burnell away. Burnell moves in and lands some solid hooks. Borics slips, moves and lands a right hand. A nice right uppercut lands clean for Burnell. Borics circles away. A jab lands for Burnell, who keeps moving forward. Burnell with a body shot before forcing the clinch. Burnell digs an uppercut before they separate. Borics goes back to the 1-2 after circling away. Burnell lands a leg kick. A counter right lands for Burnell after a combination by Borics. A left hook to the body lands for Burnell, but Borics responds with an uppercut. They tie up and Borics turns his man into the fence. Burnell reverses position and drops for a single leg. Borics breaks free and lands a final 1-2 before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Borics (49-46 Borics)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Borics (48-47 Borics)
Lev Pisarsky scores the round: 10-9 Borics (48-47 Borics)

The Official Result

Adam Borics def. Mads Burnell via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 49-46) R5 5:00