UFC 202 ‘Diaz vs. McGregor 2’ Results: Play-by-Play & Updates

Alberto Emiliano Pereira vs. Marvin Vettori

Round 1

The middleweights clinch on the fence in the opening minute, with Vettori holding outside position. Pereira reverses and trips the Italian to the floor, but Vettori sweeps to the top only seconds later. Vettori tries to work some ground-and-pound as he scoots “Uda” toward the fence, but the newcomer’s posture is hindered by Pereira’s body triangle from the bottom. Pereira kicks his legs up to threaten a submission as they near the fence; Vettori stacks him up and then catches Pereira as he rolls to his knees. Vettori snares Pereira’s head with his left arm, sits down and throws a leg over the Brazilian’s back as he cranks the arm-in guillotine. “Uda” resists for a moment, then taps out to the choke.

The Official Result

Marvin Vettori def. Alberto Emiliano Pereira via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 4:30

Colby Covington vs. Max Griffin

Round 1

Griffin tries to step inside early and runs into a right hand from Covington, who looks to change levels behind the punch but can’t get in on Griffin’s legs. The next effort from Covington yields a takedown, and now the wrestler shoves Griffin from the center toward the fence. Griffin snatches a kimura from the bottom and uses it to sweep, but he can’t get to his feet before Covington sits up and drives on his legs again. Covington keeps Griffin trapped against the wall with a waistlock until he’s able to flatten out “Max Pain” again. With two minutes left in the round, Covington takes full mount, but Griffin forces him back to half guard. Covington moves to side control as the welterweights roll away from the fence and back toward the center. Covington gets full mount again in the closing seconds and drops a couple solid elbows on Griffin before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Covington
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Covington
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Covington

Round 2

Covington wastes little time getting inside and grabbing hold of Griffin’s legs for another takedown near the fence. Griffin turns his back and tries to escape from his knees, but Covington wraps him up from behind and feeds him right hands over the shoulder. Covington attaches himself with one hook, begins looking for a rear-naked choke and then opts for more punches instead. Griffin nearly gets to his feet, only to be pulled back down, flattened out and mounted. There’s a significant cut on the right side of Griffin’s forehead, leaking blood across his face, and Covington is trying to add to the damage with more ground-and-pound. With two minutes on the clock, Covington puts Griffin on his side and connects with several solid left hands. Griffin powers back to his feet, but only for a moment, as Covington rips him straight back to the mat. Covington gets a hook established and resumes his punching, while Griffin tries to cover up, still leaking blood all over the canvas. Covington jumps off Griffin’s back and allows him to stand for the final 15 seconds of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Covington
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Covington
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-8 Covington

Round 3

Covington shoots an early single, but Griffin spins with the wrestler and fends off the shot. Seconds later, another single-leg attempt from Covington brings the fight to the ground. Griffin gets to one knee and tries to stand up against the wall, but Covington hops on his back to land some quick left hands. Griffin is slowly flattened out on his stomach as he continues to absorb left hands to the head. A few dozen shots have gone unanswered now, and referee Mark Smith is starting to move toward the fighters. Smith takes a close look while Griffin eats more left hands, then finally steps in for the stoppage.

The Official Result

Colby Covington def. Max Griffin via TKO (Punches) R3 2:18

Neil Magny vs. Lorenz Larkin

Round 1

Larkin backs up Magny with a straight right hand, then appears to hurt the taller man with a kick to the body. Magny covers up well and gets back to bouncing on his toes after Larkin’s brief assault subsides. Larkin sends Magny to his backside with a push-kick to the body, then runs him against the fence. Magny takes a hard elbow to the face as the welterweights break their clinch; he shoots sloppily from the outside and gets tripped to the floor before Larkin strolls away. Larkin is landing some nasty kicks to Magny’s lead leg, and they’re starting to take a toll, as Magny hops backward to lean against the fence. Larkin stuffs another shot, spins Magny around with another kick to the lead leg. The fighters clinch with two minutes remaining, Larkin on the outside until he shoves Magny to the canvas. Magny gets back up, only to be hobbled by three more leg kicks. Magny tries to pull Larkin into his guard but can’t hold him there for more than a few seconds. Larkin sprawls on another shot and clubs Magny with hammerfists to the side of the head. They’re hard shots, and referee Dan Miragliotta leans in to check on the slumping Magny before getting between the fighters to stop the bout. Lorenz Larkin earns an impressive first-round stoppage, becoming the first man to (officially) knock out Neil Magny.

The Official Result

Lorenz Larkin def. Neil Magny via TKO (Punches) R1 4:08

Cortney Casey vs. Randa Markos

Round 1

Both strawweights swing and miss with punches as they try to find their range in the opening minute. Markos tries to come inside and gets Thai clinched, then pulled to the ground near the fence. The Canadian springs back to her feet and trips Casey to the floor in the center of the cage. Markos wraps up Casey’s head and right arm, then drops short left hands while “Cast Iron” squirms and tries to escape. Casey is eating punches, but they don’t look to be fight-ending strikes, and she’s slowly slipping around to try and loop in a hook. Casey gets a leg between Markos’ legs and pulls her backward, and suddenly it’s Casey sweeping to top position. Markos flattens herself out to prevent Casey from taking her back, then slowly twists herself around and forces Casey to her back again. Casey swings her legs around to threaten with a triangle, then switches to an armbar and goes belly-down, forcing Markos to submit in a hurry.

The Official Result

Cortney Casey def. Randa Markos via Submission (Armbar) R1 4:34

Artem Lobov vs. Chris Avila

Round 1

Lobov takes the center of the cage and begins stalking Avila around the outside, momentarily pushing him against the fence before backing off to deliver a body shot. A leg kick lands for the Russian southpaw, and now his punches have Avila reacting, flinching in anticipation. Avila tries to clinch and gets shoved away by Lobov, who switches to orthodox stance midway through the round. Lobov slams Avila’s lead leg with a few hard kicks, goes back to southpaw and sends a hard left straight down the center. Lobov continues to control the center of the cage, flicking out punches and kicks as he moves Avila around the edge. Avila swings reactive punches but hasn’t really connected with any meaningful counters so far. Lobov finishes the round with a couple body kicks before shoving Avila against the wall.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lobov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lobov
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lobov

Round 2

Lobov opens the second frame with a kick to Avila’s left knee, which is already bearing some redness from damage sustained in round one. Again, it’s Lobov working from the middle while Avila moves cautiously around the outside. Avila steps off to try a clinch and winds up getting spun against the fence. The featherweights separate and Lobov connects with a left hand to Avila’s ribs. Lobov’s hands are by his waist, showing little respect for Avila as he stands in the pocket. Avila is trying to mount some offense, firing jabs at Lobov’s head and body, but most of the punches continue to pull up short. Two minutes remain in the round, and now Lobov shuts down a double-leg attempt from the American. Avila bounces an overhand right off Lobov’s face; the Russian reacts by walking forward with his arms raised, trying to taunt Avila into an exchange. Avila keeps his distance down the stretch, but he absorbs a few more kicks to his bruised left leg.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lobov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lobov
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lobov

Round 3

Lobov gets back to work on Avila’s left leg, hurling hard kicks at the damaged limb in the first moments of the final round. Avila backs up to the fence and has to cover up as Lobov attacks the body with punches. A clash of heads has opened a cut between Lobov’s eyes, and referee Mark Smith wants the doctor to have a look. Lobov is cleared to continue and picks up where he left off, following Avila around the edge of the cage. Avila finds an opportunity with 90 seconds left when Lobov slips to the ground on a punch, but “The Russian Hammer” threatens with a heel hook and forces the UFC newcomer to stand. Lobov continues to walk down Avila in the closing seconds, seemingly comfortable with a likely win on the judges’ scorecards.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Lobov (30-27 Lobov)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lobov (30-27 Lobov)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Lobov (30-27 Lobov)

The Official Result

Artem Lobov def. Chris Avila via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Raquel Pennington vs. Elizabeth Phillips

Round 1

Pennington fires a few kicks at the body of Phillips as the bantamweights circle in the opening minute. Phillips opts for a clinch and muscles Pennington against the wall with over-unders. Pennington reverses but is still wrapped up, and Phillips is able to turn her around again with some effort. They fight off the fence, still tangled, still working for position as they stagger to the opposite wall. Pennington finally breaks free with about 70 seconds on the clock, and she marches straight at Phillips. “Rocky” shoots a double-leg and, after a cage grab from Phillips, completes the takedown at the fence. Phillips grabs a guillotine from the bottom and keeps hold of Pennington’s neck as she stands. Pennington shakes her off just before the round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pennington
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Pennington

Round 2

Phillips comes looking for an early clinch, then drops for a single-leg takedown attempt, but Pennington catches her in a headlock as they fall to the ground. Phillips, who’s on top in Pennington’s half guard, has to work her way out of the bad spot before she can take advantage of top position. Phillips frees herself with just over three minutes left in the round, but Pennington is able to power back to her feet in the same instant. Phillips keeps her trapped on the fence, and now the bantamweights fight for position in the tie-up. Pennington tries a clinch knee, tries to spin Phillips around, but she can’t create any space. Phillips’ takedown attempt doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, but she won’t let go of Pennington’s legs. Pennington stands her up and hurls Phillips to the ground in the final seconds, dropping short punches and elbows just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pennington
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pennington
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Pennington

Round 3

Pennington instigates a clinch and wrestles Phillips to the ground in the first 90 seconds of the final round. Phillips goes to her knees, allowing Pennington to climb on her back and establish both hooks. “Rocky” begins working for a rear-naked choke, slowly moving her right arm across Phillips’ neck. Phillips blocks the choke and rolls to her back, leaving Pennington in full mount. Pennington drops a few punches before Phillips rolls again; this time, when Pennington tries to take her back, Phillips keeps rolling and claims top position. Phillips shoves Pennington against the base of the fence but can’t hold her there, and Pennington is back on her feet with 30 seconds on the clock. Pennington tries one finaly takedown but can’t put Phillips on the mat, and they finish the fight clinching on the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pennington (30-27 Pennington)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pennington (30-28 Pennington)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Pennington (30-27 Pennington)

The Official Result

Raquel Pennington def. Elizabeth Phillips via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Cody Garbrandt vs. Takeya Mizugaki

Round 1

Garbrandt tries some flashy attacks early on, lobbing a side kick at Mizugaki and then dropping to one knee to have a kick at the Japanese fighter’s legs. The Team Alpha Male fighter presses forward and clubs Mizugaki with a massive right cross on the jaw. Mizugaki’s legs give out, and Garbrandt polishes him off with heavy ground-and-pound, forcing referee John McCarthy into action for the stoppage.

The Official Result

Cody Garbrandt def. Takeya Mizugaki via TKO (Punches) R1 0:48

Tim Means vs. Sabah Homasi

Round 1

Homasi circles to his left around the edge of the cage, out of range of the taller southpaw Means, who steps forward with a range-finding jab and scores with a left hand follow-up. Homasi comes shooting for a takedown, gets denied on the first attempt but manages to drive Means to the floor with his second effort. Means stands and separates, then presses forward again, this time catching Homasi in a bodylock and pushing him to the fence. Homasi escapes quickly and catches Means with a good left hook as he backs up. Homasi scores another powerful takedown but again can’t keep Means on the floor. The “Dirty Bird” jumps back to his feet and slices Homasi open with a standing elbow strike to the forehead. Blood is leaking all over Homasi’s face as Means tries to trap him against the fence and do damage with rangy punches. Homasi looks to be fading as the final 20 seconds tick down, and Means gives him no breathing room, attacking until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Means
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Means
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Means

Round 2

Means gets straight back to work, trying to back up Homasi against the fence with long punches and kicks. Homasi’s cut was closed up between rounds, but it’s only a minute before blood is streaming down his face again. Means gets Homasi on the run with some knees to the body and hard, hooking punches. Homasi looks exhausted, swinging at air and leaping at Means with knees that come up well short. Means is slap-boxing him now, in between powerful right hands. A piston-like jab pushes Homasi backward to the fence, where Means closes in to deliver another powerful left, then a right hand over the top. Homasi is a bloody mess, absorbing more punches now, and referee Herb Dean steps between the fighters to stop the beating.

The Official Result

Tim Means def. Sabah Homasi via TKO (Punches) R2 2:56

Hyun Gyu Lim vs. Mike Perry

Round 1

Perry rushes out to meet Lim, who circles off to avoid an immediate exchange. Lim pumps his jab as he presses forward on Perry, who’s giving up about six inches in height to the Korean veteran. Perry reaches high and sticks a jab on Lim’s face as the American tries to come back to the center of the cage. Lim takes a body kick to land a straight right down the center; he has an uppercut blocked, and Perry sticks out his tongue to antagonize him. Lim goes to throw another uppercut and gets picked off by Perry’s counter right hook. Lim hits the deck in the center of the cage, and Perry immediately pounces, trying to mount. Perry has to settle for side control, where he secures crucifix position and tries to pound out Lim with right hands. The much larger Lim is able to power back to his feet, but as he jabs his way forward, Perry floors him with a big right hand. Lim is covering up well enough to stay in the fight, but referee John McCarthy is taking a close look as Perry continues his ground-and-pound attack. Lim recovers enough to stand up with 90 seconds on the clock, only to be felled by Perry’s left hand again. This time, referee McCarthy only lets Lim take one or two follow-up punches before stepping in to stop the fight.

The Official Result

Mike Perry def. Hyun Gyu Lim via TKO (Punches) R1 3:38

Donald Cerrone vs. Rick Story

Round 1

Cerrone shoots for and completes an early takedown, planting Story on the mat in the center of the cage inside the opening minute. Story sits up and drives forward, both men standing up as they run up against the fence. Now it’s Story fishing for Cerrone’s legs, executing a takedown of his own about 90 seconds into the fight. Cerrone throws up a triangle as soon as his back touches the ground, but Story slips loose and shucks the legs to pass to side control. Cerrone rolls to his knees and Story moves to ride position, mashing “Cowboy” with heavy right hands and knees to the body. Cerrone bursts back to his feet with two minutes left in the opening round; Story touches him with a body kick and a straight left on the chin. Story is switching between stances as he and Cerrone circle one another in the center of the cage. Cerrone closes out the round with a few leg kicks and one to the body, denying a late takedown attempt from Story as well.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Cerrone
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cerrone
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Cerrone

Round 2

Cerrone flashes jabs and works the legs of Story with kicks as the welterweights circle early in round two. Story continues to switch stances as he stands in front of Cerrone, but “The Horror” isn’t attacking much from orthodox or southpaw. More jabs and leg kicks get Story moving backward, then leaning over, and Cerrone catches him with a body shot-head kick combination. A wobbly Story turns his back to try and escape, but he runs up against the fence. Cerrone catches up and drops Story to his knees with more punches, and after a couple more unanswered strikes, referee Herb Dean steps in for the stoppage.

The Official Result

Donald Cerrone def. Rick Story via TKO (Punches) R2 2:02

Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira

Round 1

Johnson comes out swinging murderous right hands, but he takes a short left on the chin as he circles. The next punch from “Rumble,” a right-handed uppercut, finds the button and flattens Teixeira in an instant. Johnson follows up with a pair of hammerfists before referee Dan Miragliotta can get between the fighters, then jumps on the cage to celebrate as a half-conscious Teixeira tries to grapple with the ref.

The Official Result

Anthony Johnson def. Glover Teixeira via KO (Punch) R1 0:13

Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz

Round 1

Veteran referee John McCarthy is the third man in the cage for tonight’s welterweight headliner, with judges Derek Cleary, Jeff Mullen and Glenn Trowbridge scoring the bout. The fighters are kept feet apart during final instructions, and there is no touch of gloves before or after the opening bell. McGregor opens with a pair of outside leg kicks as he pushes out from the center, moving Diaz backward toward the fence. Two more kicks connect on Diaz’s lead right leg, then another after he tries to step toward the middle. Diaz checks the next kick and gives McGregor one of his own. McGregor steps forward and connects with a left hand over the top. Diaz seems to recover quickly, then gets sent to the floor with a straight left. McGregor allows the jiu-jitsu specialist to stand as the enter the third minute of the opening round. Another slapping leg kick connects for McGregor, who shakes his head after dodging a two-piece Diaz combo. McGregor finds his straight left again as he catches Diaz leaning. The American’s face is marked up already, and he seems increasingly concerned with checking McGregor’s low kicks. Diaz takes another leg kick and walks into a left hand. The next kick from McGregor catches Diaz planting to throw a punch, and it looks like the hardest shot so far. Diaz is starting to talk to McGregor, throwing up his hands and walking forward on the Irishman. McGregor closes the round with a straight left and right hook, and Diaz is still trying to talk to him after the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 McGregor

Round 2

Diaz checks the first leg kick from McGregor, but the second one lands with authority. McGregor catches the American with another left hand, putting Diaz on his seat again. McGregor tells him to stand, then sends him right back to the floor with another combination. Diaz is bloodied now, leaking fluid from his nose as he staggers around the outside. Diaz grabs for McGregor’s legs, can’t get there, and now McGregor pushes forward with more leg kicks. Diaz tries to answer in kind, but there’s not much behind his kicks at this point. Three minutes remain in the second round, and McGregor is firmly in control of the bout. The leg kicks and left hands keep coming; though Diaz is trying to get back in the fight, the openings are simply not there. McGregor stands in front of Diaz but keeps his distance, diving inside to deliver more kicks and snappy punches. Suddenly, with 90 seconds left, Diaz starts to gain some steam. The Stockton native’s slapping punches are finding a home, and McGregor is being forced to his back foot. McGregor stumbles as he moves backward and eats a hard right as he finds his footing. Diaz swarms him against the fence, teeing off with both hands while McGregor tries to hold on and slow the pace. A looping right hand, now a body shot score for Diaz as the final seconds tick down.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 McGregor

Round 3

The welterweights have traded positions at the start of round three, with Diaz pushing out from the center and McGregor circling around the perimeter. Diaz steps out with a two-piece, pushes McGregor against the fence and looks for a trip takedown, but McGregor blocks it and reverses. Diaz spins him around again, now 80 seconds into the round. McGregor slaps with palm strikes to the sides of Diaz’s head as he fights off the clinch and trip. McGregor separates and pops Diaz with an elbow on the way out, then follows him to land a leg kick. Now it’s McGregor back in the middle and Diaz taking a breather, jawing at “The Notorious” between exchanges. McGregor throws a kick, but it’s snatched up by Diaz and used to run the Irish champ against the fence. Diaz scores with some short left hands, drops levels and tries a double-leg, but it’s blocked by McGregor. Halfway through the round, McGregor spins to take the outside position in the clinch. Diaz walks him along the fence, maybe looking for a trip, then reverses and lands body-head on the split. McGregor is jogging away as Diaz walks him down, drawing a mocking finger-point and more words from Diaz. A leg kick lands for McGregor, then a sweeping right hand for Diaz. They tie up away from the fence with 60 seconds left, then Diaz pops McGregor with a one-two on the break. Diaz shoves McGregor against the wall and begins teeing off with punches, rocking McGregor’s head from side to side. McGregor eats an uppercut, a right hook, but he’s still standing up against the fence. Final 20 seconds now, and Diaz is still at it, hurting McGregor with a body blow and a knee to the face. McGregor is purely defensive here, but he’ll survive to see the fourth round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Diaz
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Diaz

Round 4

Diaz opens the fourth round with a body shot; McGregor gets him back with a few hard leg kicks. Diaz is pawing at the blood running down his face, some of it into his right eye. It’s Diaz pressing forward, but McGregor is doing better work jabbing off his back foot in this frame. McGregor steps forward to land another stiff jab, now a leg kick that seems to sting Diaz, who hops away. Diaz shoots for a takedown at the fence, but McGregor stuffs it and peels away the American’s hands. Diaz switches to body shots, peppering both sides of McGregor’s ribcage with short punches. McGregor lands a short elbow in the clinch; Diaz gives him one in return and then goes back to holding McGregor against the wall. McGregor spins him around inside the final two minutes, then breaks away with a punching combo. A left hand from Diaz appears to wobble McGregor, but the featherweight ace responds with a punch of his own just seconds later. Body-head combination scores for McGregor, and Diaz looks to be fading here as rivers of blood continue to cover his face.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 McGregor
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 McGregor

Round 5

Diaz walks forward and gets roughed up by a leaping knee, but he catches hold of McGregor and shoves him against the fence. McGregor reverses after 20 seconds and breaks away from the clinch, leaving Diaz with another punch to his grisly face. McGregor strolls away with his back turned, hands on his hips, and Diaz follows him to bring on another clinch. Diaz drops for yet another double-leg attempt, but McGregor blocks this one, too. Diaz switches to body shots, then slaps McGregor with a right hand. McGregor walks away with his hands on his hips again; Diaz walks after him and sticks out a middle finger. Diaz gets McGregor moving backward and leaning over, then tags him with a right hand. Now it’s a clinch from Diaz, pulling down McGregor’s head to tee him up for a knee which doesn’t materialize. Diaz scores with a knee to the body, tries another takedown and gets blocked by McGregor, who takes a look up at the clock and sees 90 seconds remaining. Diaz is doing good work in the clinch but he whiffs on a slashing elbow and allows McGregor to spin him around. McGregor hits a trip takedown, but Diaz is back on his feet seconds later. Down to the final half minute, Diaz continues to pepper with short punches in the tie-up. He finally trips McGregor to the ground with only moments to go, and Diaz closes out the fight with some ground-and-pound.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 McGregor)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Diaz (47-47 Draw)
Mike Sloan scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 McGregor)

The Official Result

Conor McGregor def. Nate Diaz via Majority Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-47) R5 5:00