UFC 290 ‘Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Kamuela Kirk (155.5) vs. Esteban Ribovics (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ribovics (-140), Kirk (+120)

Round 1

The UFC has stacked the deck for International Fight Week, putting on UFC 290, an event that on paper has the goods. Getting right into the combat, the first fight of the night takes place in the lightweight division. With 22 finishes in their combined 23 victories, Kirk (12-5, 1-1 UFC) and Ribovics (11-1, 0-1 UFC) do not make a habit out of leaving things in the hands of the judges. While the judicial system may not be in play for this opener, referee Chris Tognoni might be. Ahead of the potentially thrilling action, the two men clap hands. Ribovics opens up with a sudden sweeping leg kick, and Kirk springs back in time. He cannot avoid a second one, but he does fire off a right hand counter to keep Ribovics honest. Kirk ducks an overhand right, and he succeeds in snatching up a double-leg takedown and easily depositing the Argentinian to the mat. Kirk lands in half guard, but he is active at attempting to pass the full mount. Ribovics hangs on tight, protecting himself from any ground strikes, until Kirk explodes over the top. Ribovics turns, but this allows Kirk to take his back and get a hook in. Kirk considers an armbar, but he elects to wrap up a rear-naked choke grip on the jaw. Ribovics turns and fights the hands, only for Kirk to wrap his legs around him for a body lock. Ribovics defends the choke, and he twists to break up the body triangle. “The Jawaiian” softens his man up with short punches, frustrating his opponent while trying to create openings for a submission. Kirk cannot get his arm in the proper place to set up a choke, as Ribovics is able to shut it down every time it gets relatively close. As Ribovics tries to turn in the position, he winds up on his knees. Kirk follows him and flattens him out for a second, before Ribovics turns back over, realizing he would have put himself in a worse spot. Ribovics moves to escape, and Kirk climbs straight into full mount. Kirk holds on with an arm-triangle choke position to ride out the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kirk
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kirk
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Kirk

Round 2

The lightweights tap their fists together to begin the second round, and Ribovics again strikes first with a high kick. Kirk replies with a jab, and he splits the guard with a one-two. Kirk plants the ball of his foot on Ribovics’ chin, and he gets backed off from a blitz starting with a head kick. Ribovics strings a series of punches together, but Kirk escapes off the cage and gets out. They re-engage, and Ribovics tags his man with an overhand right. Kirk shakes it off and pushes out a right hand to the body. Kirk manages to duck a head kick just in time to pursue a takedown, and Ribovics turns the tables and manages to dump Kirk to his back. When Kirk hits the ground, he keeps a high guard and threatens with an armbar. Ribovics backs off, and he lazily turns away, so Kirk follows him up and blasts him with a jump knee and a follow-up right hand. They both crash together at the same time, and they clack heads together. Ribovics gathers his thoughts and puts punches together, leading to a takedown effort from Kirk. “The Jawaiian” transitions from a double to a single-leg entry, and when that fails, he backs off and tries again. Ribovics backs away, and he pops Kirk with an elbow on the way out. They proceed to trade fists right in the middle of the cage, and Kirk’s hands sting his opponent. Ribovics steels himself and charges with a barrage, and these two go back and forth and end up high-fiving after their brief brawl. Ribovics leaps forward with three punches, and when Kirk tries to clinch to set up a knee, Ribovics tags him with a number of uppercuts. Ribovics misses with a looping uppercut when backing off, and he marches forward and stings Kirk with a string of powerful punches to bust up Kirk’s left eye. Ribovics continues hammering Kirk until he knocks the Arizonan off his feet, and he follows Kirk down and slugs him in the chops with punches and elbows. Instead of punching himself out, Ribovics elects to stand up and get back to striking range. Kirk thanks him for this by throwing a low kick and a few punches, but Ribovics knocks him to his seat with a crisp combination. Ribovics comes out firing, knocking Kirk into the fence, and he batters Kirk and ignores the counters that fly back. The two trade punches right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Ribovics
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics

Round 3

The two hug it out when meeting in the middle, and then get right back to business. Ribovics plods forward, slinging haymakers, and Kirk answers with a counter. Ribovics steps in with a low kick, and it slides up the leg and bumps into the cup. Tognoni calls the foul and gives Kirk time to recover, telling Kirk to take as much time as he needs. The two restart after a 40-second break, and they clap hands. Ribovics is fired up, stringing a few punches together and landing a low kick on the outside. Kirk throws back, but Ribovics is quicker in the draw and with higher volume. They touch gloves after an eye rake from Ribovics, and Kirk gets popped with a head kick as he backs off. Kirk, seeing that Ribovics is about to charge, times a perfect takedown to plant “El Gringo” on the floor. Kirk, getting his wits about him, smothers Ribovics and stops him from escaping a few times. Kirk considers an arm-triangle choke, and Ribovics scoots his way to the cage and wall-walks to stand up. Ribovics pushes off and reaches out with a left hand, and Kirk takes a step back and a deep breath. Ribovics lands a few punches and a front kick, and he rings Kirk’s bell with a right hand. Kirk circles away, and his subsequent takedown is stuffed. Ribovics rips the body after shutting down a takedown, and he launches a head kick that hurts Kirk badly. Kirk drops down, grabbing hold of a desperate double and throwing Ribovics down to the floor. Ribovics explodes right back to his feet without concern, and he rips an uppercut to intercept an advancing Kirk. Ribovics stops another takedown effort as he gets pushed to the wall, and he spins with a back fist that clatters off the guard, Ribovics connects with several body shots and a kick at the end of a combination, and he tags Kirk with a left hand as Kirk is shooting on him. Kirk drops to a knee, but he cannot complete the takedown he seeks. Ribovics cracks his foe with an uppercut, and he crashes through to go after his own takedown. When Kirk stands up, he eats a few more strikes, and the final bell sounds to the surprise of many, ending an exciting contest.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (29-28 Ribovics)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (29-27 Ribovics)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Ribovics (29-28 Ribovics)

The Official Result

Esteban Ribovics def. Kamuela Kirk via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jesus Santos Aguilar (126) vs. Shannon Ross (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aguilar (-140), Ross (+120)

Round 1

The first of five combatants from the Oceanic region of Australia and New Zealand sets foot in the cage next, as Ross (12-7, 0-1 UFC) hopes to make the most of a second chance for his first impression. Similarly, Mexico’s Aguilar (8-2, 0-1 UFC) is also hoping to prevail in the Octagon for the first time in his sophomore effort. Something’s gotta give, and referee Jason Herzog will try his best to keep up with these two flyweights. The two charge at one another instead of touching gloves, and Aguilar is the aggressor as he swings a low kick first. Ross responds with a body kick, and he backs up. Aguilar is on him like a dog chasing a hare, and he dips down, loops an enormous overhand right over the top, and completely short-circuits Ross. The back of the Aussie’s head clatters off the mat, and he is all the way gone. Aguilar stands over his fallen foe, not throwing an additional strike because he knows his work here is done. Herzog shoves him out of the way, and Aguilar runs around the cage to elicit cheers from the crowd. The Mexican fans in the building, and the rest of the audience as well, goes crazy for the highlight-reel destruction. Aguilar has picked the perfect time to register his first career knockout, posterizing Ross and sending a message to the rest of the flyweight division. What a shot!

The Official Result

Jesus Santos Aguilar def. Shannon Ross R1 0:17 via KO (Punch)

Terrence Mitchell (135) vs. Cameron Saaiman (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saaiman (-520), Mitchell (+380)

Round 1

In what could be a wild one for as long as it lasts, unbeaten South African Saaiman (8-0, 1-0 UFC) hopes to get on the board early tonight for his country, with a compatriot and teammate fighting later on the main card. The 22-year-old will meet Alaskan newcomer Mitchell (14-2, 0-0 UFC), who holds all 14 of his pro wins by stoppage. Referee Mark Smith is on high alert to keep tabs on these two bantamweights, although they do kick things off with a glove touch. Saaiman starts things off with a head kick, and Mitchell backs off and charges in pursuit of a takedown. Saaiman hits his back, and he snatches up a guillotine choke. Using the choke to stand back to his feet, he ends up in a wild scramble and is ultimately thrown back to the canvas. Mitchell postures up to wing an elbow and a few punches, and Saaiman maintains a butterfly guard and looks to set up a high guard for an armbar. Mitchell turns when it is snagged, and he survives the submission only to get turned over to his back. Mitchell fights his way back up, and Saaiman is able to push through and take the debutant down. When Saaiman stands up to find a better position, Mitchell pops him with an upkick that allows him to work his way up. Saaiman greets him on the way up with a few knees to the body, and he jams Mitchell up against the wire. Through sheer force of will, Saaiman is able to wrench Mitchell down to his seat. Saaiman sits on him in a three-quarter mount position before flattening Mitchell out, where he is eager to get his hands going. Saaiman unloads with powerful left hands, and he pummels Mitchell with a long series of unanswered blows. Saaiman continues to bludgeon “Terr-Bear” with his left fist, doing so until Smith has no choice but to call the fight. Now a perfect 9-0 with seven finishes on his ledger, Saaiman celebrates his handiwork by laughing with the commentary booth that no fouls occurred this time around.

The Official Result

Cameron Saaiman def. Terrence Mitchell R1 3:10 via TKO (Punches)

Vitor Petrino (206) vs. Marcin Prachnio (206)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petrino (-285), Prachnio (+240)

Round 1

A knockout may be on the menu for this early light heavyweight prelim headliner, when lead-fisted Petrino (8-0, 1-0 UFC) takes on thallium-enriched striker Prachnio (16-6, 3-4 UFC). Holding onto his hat will be referee Marc Goddard, even though the bout does commence with a sporting touch of gloves. Prachnio moves quickly to the center of the cage, but he circles away and uses a great deal of footwork on the outside. Petrino just walks towards him and pops him with a right hand, and Prachnio peppers him back with a few punches and a leg kick. Prachnio strikes the lead leg, and Petrino counters with a right hand. Prachnio sits down on a heavy right hand, leading to a clinch initiated by the Brazilian. Petrino holds on, pressing his weight on his man, but he cannot keep his foe there. Prachnio breaks off with a left hand, and he gets staggered with a right hand counter and three head kicks in a row. Prachnio settles down and tosses out a leg kick, only to be intercepted with a left hook. Brimming with confidence, Petrino strides forward and cracks Prachnio with a right hand. Unexpectedly, he shoots in for a double instead of letting his hands fly, and he lifts Prachnio all the way up in the air and slams him down. Prachnio closes up his guard, and he opens it to kick Petrino off of him. Prachnio bursts back upright and shoulders Petrino to the cage wall, only to be tossed aside by the stronger man. Petrino fires off a head kick, and Prachnio blocks it and responds with a low kick. They trade heavy leather, and when Prachnio hits him back, Petrino shrugs at him. Prachnio slips and moves, getting off a body shot, and Petrino lumbers towards him. Prachnio is lighter on his feet with fast strikes, and he circles away from a high kick. Petrino puts his hips into another leg kick, and he pushes forward to body lock tackle Prachnio to the mat. Petrino lands in half guard with 30 seconds left in the round, and he presses his shoulder down to trap Prachnio. Petrino gets off a few punches, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrino
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petrino
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Petrino

Round 2

The 205-pound sluggers begin the second round and bump fists. Prachnio is able to duck an early overhand right to sneak in a few punches, and when he throws a head kick, Petrino laughs it off. Prachnio advances, and Petrino scoops him up and tosses him to the floor like a bag of groceries. Climbing on top, Petrino begins to open up with punches, and Prachnio hangs on tight to protect himself from the worst of the blows. Petrino softens him up before slicing over to half guard, and his methodical striking approach allows him to sneakily wrench on an armlock. Petrino grips a kimura, and he cranks it to go after a straight armbar. Prachnio smacks him repeatedly on the side of the head until Petrino is irritated enough to let the arm grip go. Prachnio tries to explode, but he only ends up turning to his knees. This allows Petrino to start opening up with punches, all while he looks to flatten out the Polish fighter. Petrino slithers his right arm under the chin, and he secures a rear-naked choke that he sets up by putting his full body weight on his opponent. Prachnio grits it out somehow, and he turns over, but this only lends itself to Petrino smashing him with elbows. Petrino keeps his adversary pinned down with shoulder pressure in half guard, and he keeps the position until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Petrino
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petrino
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Petrino

Round 3

The last round kicks off with one last glove touch, and Prachnio knows a hook is coming at him so he ducks in to throw his own strike. Petrino blocks it, responds with a high kick, and shells up when a wheel kick spins towards his raised arms. Petrino plods forward, sticking Prachnio with a left hand, and Prachnio chops down his lead leg in response. Prachnio moves in to throw hands, and he gets a few off only to get popped with a short left on the way out. The Brazilian’s two-punch combination off the guard backs Prachnio off, with the sheer impact having an effect on Prachnio. Petrino checks a leg kick, and Prachnio stumbles back in pain. Petrino kicks the ribs, and he ignores a combination to jump at Prachnio with a knee. Petrino nods at his man and drops down for a double, getting through the defense like a hot knife through butter. Petrino talks to his corner the whole way, even nodding at them to follow their instructions. Petrino moves to nearly get to side control and isolates an arm for a keylock, but he abandons it to smother Prachnio and claim full mount. With two minutes left in the fight, Petrino lands a few punches and decides to change gears and grab hold of an arm-triangle choke. With his full body weight pressing down and the squeeze excruciating, it seems like only a matter of time at this point. Nothing left to offer, Prachnio has to tap out before getting put to sleep. The triumphant, still-undefeated Petrino has now notched his first career submission victory. Like Saaiman in the previous fight, he has performed seven finishes across his nine pro wins to date.

The Official Result

Vitor Petrino def. Marcin Prachnio R3 3:42 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Jimmy Crute (205) vs. Alonzo Menifield (205.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Crute (-120), Menifield (+100)

Round 1

Sticking to the light heavyweight division, albeit with a contest that has immediate implications on the rankings, the UFC will run back a fight that ended by contentious majority draw in February. Surviving an early onslaught and the benefactor of a point deduction, Crute (12-3-1, 4-3-1 UFC) hopes to get back in the win column for the first time since 2020. Standing in his way once again will be the powerful Menifield (13-3-1, 6-3-1 UFC), who is aching to put Crute away in his second try. Whether he does or not, referee Mark Smith will be here for it. There is no ill will between the two combatants, and they bump fists before engaging. The two are cautious to engage in the early going, with Crute looking for his range with a front kick and a punch. When Crute kicks low, Menifield pierces the guard with a straight right hand. Menifield sits down on a low kick of his own, and he rails Crute with a one-two that sends him reeling. Crute scampers back upright after spinning around from the power punches, and he fakes a level change and drops his hands to encourage Menifield to come at him. Menifield does not engage, instead allowing Crute to jab him in the face. Menifield looks to go after another overhand right when Crute kicks him in the calf, and he misses the mark by a matter of inches. Menifield catches Crute with a right hand, stops a takedown in its tracks, and pushes his foe against the wall. Crute looks to trip him down, and Menifield is warned for grabbing the fence. Crute lines up a slew of knees to the body as the two jockey for position, and Crute grips a standing guillotine but cannot rope it around the neck before Menifield pulls it free. Menifield looks for a left hand from up close, and he stands up Crute when Crute goes for another takedown. The guillotine choke again from Crute fails, and he puts two knees to the body before Menifield pushes off and blasts Crute in the face with a right hand. Menifield punches his way back into the clinch, and Crute tries with all his might to secure a takedown. Menifield thwarts a double and then a single that comes chained after it, and he eats an unexpected knee to the nose from up close. Menifield is warned to work, and is then warned for striking the back of the head when he throws a punch. Crute tries one more odd-angled guillotine, and they trade knees and position right to the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Menifield

Round 2

The two meet in the middle of the cage, and Menifield darts forward with a shovel left hook. Crute hops back and narrowly evades taking a right hook flush on the jaw. Crute pokes out a few jabs, and he draws out a huge haymaker from his opponent. Menifield swings for the fences, and he misses as Crute is lighter on his feet. Menifield blocks a high kick to ring a right hand on the cheek, and Crute shakes it off and gets his head snapped back from a jab. The two trade jabs, and they go strike for strike with one another. Menifield nails the Aussie with a big right hand, and Crute shoots in for a double that he completes. Menifield fights his way back to his feet, and he backs himself up against the wall. “The Brute” attacks a single-leg takedown, and Menifield snatches up a guillotine choke and turns the corner. Using the power submission to his advantage, Menifield pushes Crute to the mat and moves right into mount. The grip is vice-like and it is not only choking Crute but also cranking his neck, and Crute is shocked. After just a few seconds, Crute surrenders. When the fight is over, Crute shakes his head with frustration, and he frantically paws at the tape on his gloves. Getting them unwrapped, the 27-year-old puts them on the floor as if to signal his retirement. On the other hand, that marks 13 finishes across the 14 victories for the Texan, who self-censors himself on the post-fight interview with comical expressions like “Oh Snickers.”

The Official Result

Alonzo Menifield def. Jimmy Crute R2 1:55 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Denise Gomes (115.5) vs. Yazmin Jauregui (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jauregui (-390), Gomes (+295)

Round 1

The lone women’s match of the evening takes place in the talent-rich strawweight division, between two ladies on the outside of the top 15 looking in. In hopes of becoming yet another Mexican breakthrough star, Jauregui (10-0, 2-0 UFC) plans on keeping her undefeated record intact at the expense of Parana Vale Tudo product Gomes (7-2, 1-1 UFC). The two strikers bump their fists together before getting after it, with referee Jason Herzog on the officiating detail. Gomes steps in fearlessly to hammer the unbeaten woman with a pair of right hands, and Jauregui is in big trouble immediately. Jauregui falls to her back, and she scoots her way to a knee up against the fence, all while taking continued punishment from the Brazilian. Gomes is not about to let her downed opponent off the hook, and she slams her fists into Jauregui’s dome as the Mexican topples to her side. Gomes continues her bombardment of punches to knock Jauregui’s head around, and Herzog rushes between them to call a halt to the fight. Jauregui slumps to her back and tries to stand back up, where she protests the stoppage to Herzog, but she almost falls over while doing so. This is a massive statement for Gomes, who takes away the undefeated record from the Entram Gym trainee while likely recording the fastest finish in strawweight history.

The Official Result

Denise Gomes def. Yazmin Jauregui R1 0:20 via TKO (Punches)

Edgar Chairez (129) vs. Tatsuro Taira (130)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Taira (-950), Chairez (+650)

Round 1

Thanks in part to some late card rejiggering, highly regarded prospect Taira (13-0, 3-0 UFC) moves his way up the billing. Originally planning on meeting Kleydson Rodrigues, the Japanese prodigy now faces late replacement Chairez (10-4, 0-0 UFC) out of Mexico. The match will take place at a pre-planned 130-pound catchweight, and it will be overseen by referee Herb Dean. It begins with a half-hearted reach of a glove touch try from Chairez, and Taira ignores it so he can get offense going in the form of a chopping leg kick. Chairez gives it back, and chants of “Mexico” rain down in support of the debuting Chairez. Chairez comes up short on another attempt, and he is reached by the man from Japan. The action is largely muted other than occasional kicks from both fighters, with Taira working from both legs. Chairez steps in with a jab as Taira crashes towards him, and when Taira backs off, he continues bludgeoning the lead wheel of his opponent. Taira jabs to force Chairez to backpedal, and he gets kicked off his feet by the Mexican. Chairez gets off a body shot, and he tags Taira with a left hand. Taira wobbles to his seat, and he recovers and moves over to tackle Chairez over to gather himself. Chairez grips hold of a guillotine choke, and it is tight until Taira settles down and drives Chairez back to the corner between the floor and the wall. This allows Taira to threaten with a Von Preux choke, as he keeps Chairez stuck in a bad position. Chairez recognizes the danger, and he releases the grip. Taira slowly and methodically works to pass guard, and Chairez is warned for interlocking his toes in the cage to stifle the pass. Dean slaps and pulls Chairez’ toes out of the links, and he keeps warning Chairez for doing it repeatedly. This foul gets called a few times, but as he is focused on tugging on the links with his big toe, Taira sits on top of him and isolates his left arm to set up a crucifix. Taira elbows Chairez several times, and he is admonished for the angle he uses of the 12-to-6 variety. Taira looks up confusedly at Dean, and he changes his angle of attack until the close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Chairez

Round 2

The second round begins with the two combatants getting off kicks on one another. Taira changes levels and shoots in for a takedown, and Chairez jumps guard to grab hold of a guillotine choke. The Japanese fighter easily slides his neck out of the choke, where he moves right to half guard and even takes mount briefly before getting bucked back to guard. Chairez shifts his hips, and Taira times it perfectly to move right into mount. Taira smothers his foe when he willingly moves back to half guard, doing so to pin Chairez down. Taira elbows Chairez on the side of the head with light but effective blows, and he hooks his legs together in an effort to trap Chairez’ right arm. Taira continues working with elbows before transitioning to a straight armlock from the other side of the body. Taira, who steps back into mount, postures up to rain down punches and elbows. With 80 seconds to spare, he hammers Chairez with strikes until Chairez turns and almost gives up his back. Taira slashes down with elbows, hurting his opponent, and he calmly lands strikes from a dominant position. Taira considers an arm-triangle choke, and Chairez sits up and wraps his arms around Taira’s waist to hang on. Taira rolls to his back to lock down a triangle choke, and he elbows Chairez on the dome and tightens it up. Pulling the head down to cut off the blood flow to the brain and hopefully deprive his man of oxygen as well, Taira tries with all his might but cannot get the tap before the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Taira
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Taira

Round 3

The last frame kicks off with kicks. Taira wades his way into a striking exchange, and he gets backed off with a left hand. Taira checks a low kick and throws it back. A right hand from the Japanese fighter sneaks over the guard, and Chairez slings a few punches back his direction much to the delight of the crowd. The undefeated fighter pecks at Chairez with leg kicks, and he ducks a looping left hook in the nick of time. Chairez reaches out with a one-two and a subsequent jab, and he shrugs off a body kick. Taira shoots in for a double-leg takedown, and he plants Chairez on his back without Chairez hunting for a guillotine this time. Taira uses shoulder pressure while in half guard to keep Chairez flat on his back, and he elbows his foe on the ear. Taira grinds his elbow on the forehead and forearm on the throat, as he settles for control over offense as the clock keeps ticking. Fans grow restless as Taira clings to top position, even when he lands the occasional elbow. Taira threatens with a guillotine when Chairez sits up, and Chairez is able to fight it off and get back to his feet. Taira goes after a double, and Chairez pulls guard for a guillotine. Chairez locks his feet together and squeezes with every bit of energy he has left, and he rolls over to secure the mounted guillotine choke. Taira toughs it out, with no plan of tapping out no matter how bad it gets, and time expires before the submission puts him out. The scorecards could be all over the map for this one, depending on the potential assessment of a 10-8 in Round 2 and how the first stanza panned out.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Taira (30-27 Taira)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Chairez (29-28 Taira)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Taira (29-28 Taira)

The Official Result

Tatsuro Taira def. Edgar Chairez via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Robbie Lawler (170.5) vs. Niko Price (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Price (-265), Lawler (+225)

Round 1

Capping off the prelims is a bittersweet welterweight battle, as an icon of the sport in Lawler (29-16, 1 NC; 14-10 UFC) will likely be hanging up his gloves, win or lose. Standing across from him in this last ride will be a destructive yet wild force in the form of Price (15-6, 2 NC; 7-6, 2 NC UFC). Fists and feet are sure to fly for as long as the two can remain upright, and referee Marc Goddard will need to be on his guard as well. Gloves are tapped to officially open up the farewell fight, and Price paws a front kick out early. Lawler parries it and moves out of the way of a second. Lawler steps in to fire off three punches, and he leans back to land two more. Price enters the clinch and eats a left hand on the way in, and he leaves his chin exposed long enough for “Ruthless Robbie” to unload a pair of left hands that stun him. Lawler smashes Price in the jaw with an uppercut and a left hook from up close, and Price collapses lifelessly to the ground in a heap. Incredible! Lawler has done it, saying farewell in the perfect fashion with one last spectacular knockout. Goddard waves off the fight, but Lawler is already striding away, overcome with emotion in an uncharacteristic fashion. Lawler embraces Bruce Buffer and his team, with tears streaming down his typically stoic face. The crowd chants “Robbie” as they shower the legendary Lawler with love and admiration. If this is truly it for Lawler, it’s been a wonderful journey. The UFC is prepared with a post-fight video clip to show him, in a memorable and emotional “This Is Your Life” display of honor and respect. That is how you stick the landing.

The Official Result

Robbie Lawler def. Niko Price R1 0:38 via KO (Punches)

Bo Nickal (186) vs. Valentine Woodburn (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-2400), Woodburn (+1200)

Round 1

On quite short notice, this middleweight main card opener has changed. No longer squaring off with Tresean Gore, Nickal (4-0, 1-0 UFC) now will meet promotional newcomer and Combat Night staple Woodburn (7-0, 0-0 UFC). Someone’s 0 has got to go, but based on the incredible -1600 line (or higher) in favor of the Penn State wrestler, the consensus expectation is that Nickal will proceed unscathed. This sport is a wild one, and anything truly can happen. Whether it is a monumental upset or smooth sailing, referee Chris Tognoni will proceed over the whole kit and caboodle. The 185ers do not bother to touch gloves, and they work their way towards one another. Nickal feints and fakes takedowns, and Woodburn chambers a right hand. Woodburn whiffs on a huge right hand, and Nickal crashes forward but disengages before he eats a shot. Nickal connects with a right hand, and Woodburn’s bell is rung. Nickal does not think to change levels, and instead times a blistering left hand that catches Woodburn right on the chin. The wrestler unloads with an uppercut, knocking Woodburn clean off his feet. As Woodburn falls to the ground, Nickal considers hammering the nail but Tognoni is already rushing between them to wave the fight off. Even though Nickal was largely expected to blow through this challenge, he still managed to make a statement by dispatching Woodburn handily with strikes. At 5-0, Nickal is definitely one to watch in the middleweight category.

The Official Result

Bo Nickal def. Valentine Woodburn R1 0:38 via TKO (Punches)

Dan Hooker (155.5) vs. Jalin Turner (158)*

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Turner (-275), Hooker (+230)

Round 1

Officially the first fight between two ranked combatants tonight, this fight technically takes place out of a standard weight category as Turner (13-6, 6-3 UFC) came in two pounds over the lightweight cap. Despite the added heft and a lighter purse, he will try to keep his 100% finish rate intact when he throws down with the well-traveled Hooker (22-12, 12-8 UFC). The third man in the Octagon will be referee Mark Smith, who stands back as the two meet in the middle and touch gloves. Turner comes forward, gets his leg kicked, and swipes towards his opponent. Turner tries to stalk the Kiwi down, but Hooker is constantly moving one way or the other. Turner connects with a hard leg kick, and Hooker reaches down for it. Turner lets go with two punches, and Hooker shakes it off and fires off a low kick that slams into the cup. Smith calls it immediately, and Turner grimaces in pain. Smith tells Turner to take his time, and Turner doubles over from the discomfort. After pacing back and forth and getting his wind back, and a minute break, the two get back to it and touch gloves. Hooker prods out with a front kick, and he hops back from a right hand. Hooker again strikes the thigh with a kick, and Turner responds with two chopping kicks. Hooker aims a front kick to the kneecap, and he gets knocked back throwing a naked leg kick from a right hand counter. Turner goes over the top with a high kick, and he is pushed back by the ball of Hooker’s foot. Turner sticks out his toes with a kick, and he turns his hips into a second kick as Hooker appears surprised momentarily at the liver shot. Hooker absorbs a subsequent spinning kick to the body, and they crash together and swing with uppercuts. Hooker lands and backs out of it, and he eats a right hand to the ribcage when they blitz towards one another again. Turner swings with two hooks, missing the mark and forcing Hooker to reset. Hooker goes high with a kick, and he starts to work his jab but is out of range. One finds the target, and they trade growingly heavy leg kicks. Turner tosses out a switch kick to the side, and Hooker strafes away as Turner follows him with several more front kicks. Hooker swats out with a left hook, and they proceed to land front kicks to the midsection back and forth. Turner aims a right hand to counter the kick from his opponent, blowing Hooker’s hair back. Hooker grabs a kick and goes high with a kick, and they proceed to slug it out with damaging strikes. Hooker gathers his wits and stays moving laterally, and Turner tags him upside the head to make him stagger to the side. Turner works the body with another kick, and they come together and trade leather. Turner finishes the round with a combination, and Hooker lands with his own strikes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Turner
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Turner
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Turner

Round 2

The gloves are touched to start off the second round, and Hooker strikes first in the form of a calf kick. Turner gives chase, coming forward and eating a left hand that swoops around his guard. Turner lines a left hand down the pipe, and Hooker backs him away with a front kick. Turner greets Hooker coming in with an elbow, and he stalks after Hooker and digs his toes to the ribs. Turner lands a right hand, and Hooker replies with a pair of punches and an inside leg kick. Hooker winds up with a right to the body and kicks the calf, and Turner gives him a switch kick back. Turner plants the ball of his foot on the stomach again, and Hooker winces as his stomach is welted up with a lump above his belly button. Hooker reaches out with a body kick, and Turner returns fire with one that is much faster and heavier. Turner unloads a kick that smashes square into Hooker’s chin, and he has Hooker hurt badly. Hooker clinches up, and Turner tees off on him with short strikes. Hooker backpedals, still in the fight, and he throws back with counters. Turner absorbs several clean elbows that slice his forehead on the hairline up like Ginsu knives. Hooker meanders forward, blood leaking out of his face, and Turner snipes him with several flush strikes and gets out of the way of counters. Turner again belts Hooker in the melon with a kick, and Hooker shakes it out and keeps plodding ever forward. The toughness of “The Hangman” is fully on display, and Turner calms himself down to stick and move rather than pour it on. Hooker winds up with a left hand, stunning Turner suddenly. Hooker races forward, and he cracks Turner with several powerful punches. Turner fires back, and they blast one another in the face and body with everything they have. Turner drills a knee to the body, and he gets knocked over to his back with Hooker’s sheer momentum. Hooker sneaks around to take the back, and he sinks in a rear-naked choke. Before he can get a tap, the wild round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Turner
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Hooker
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Turner

Round 3

Coming out of his corner, Turner is still not back with it. Hooker takes advantage of this with a ferocious left hand, knocking “The Tarantula” back to the wall. Turner gathers his gumption and engages in a furious brawl, and he makes Hooker retreat. Hooker shoots in for a takedown, and Turner meets him with a knee that busts open a cut on the corner of his eye. Turner is pushed back to the wall as Hooker works a knee to the body, and he lines up a few shots as Turner is spent. Turner takes a deep breath, and he pushes through to take Hooker to the ground. Hooker is warned not to throw upkicks, and he pushes off the chest to force his way back to his feet. When they return to their feet, Hooker sprints forward, letting loose with everything he has. Hooker rushes through the punishment to bowl Turner over, and he follows his exhausted foe to the floor. Smith tells the two to work, as Turner wraps up his guard around the waist. Turner, defending himself from anything that flies at him, catches his breath and sneaks in a short elbow for good measure. Hooker works the body and head with strikes, and Turner brings his guard up to potentially set up a triangle choke. Turner leans his shoulders and neck against the cage as he tries to sit up, and Smith is imploring them to keep working. Hooker stands up and lords above Turner, bleeding all over Turner but not doing much damage. Turner explodes to his feet with 20 seconds to spare, and they trip one another down. Turner unloads with a body kick, and he paws out a front kick to the body as Hooker grimaces. Two more punches wrap up the thrilling matchup, and it could go either way here. Unfortunately for Turner, missing weight more than likely cost him a “Fight of the Night” check, but he gave fans plenty to celebrate as the two battled it out for 15 hard minutes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hooker (29-28 Turner)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Hooker (29-28 Hooker)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hooker (29-28 Turner)

The Official Result

Dan Hooker def. Jalin Turner via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Dricus Du Plessis (186) vs. Robert Whittaker (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Whittaker (-400), du Plessis (+300)

Round 1

Depending on the outcome of this fight, a title fight at 185 pounds may be the reward. Former champ Whittaker (24-6, 15-4 UFC) will try to hold the line and earn another crack at Israel Adesanya, while the surging Du Plessis (19-2, 5-0 UFC) is hoping to shock the masses. The two have up to 15 minutes to figure things out, and they will do so under the watchful eye of referee Marc Goddard. The gloves are touched, and Whittaker moves on the outside and tosses up a head kick. Du Plessis responds with a low kick, and he backpedals when Whittaker comes at him with a one-two. Du Plessis reaches with a kick to the midsection, and he walks into a leg kick and misses the mark on a counter. Whittaker chops at his lead leg and comes over the top with a right hand, and he splits the guard with a left. The former champ leans back from a head kick, and he evades a looping left hook that follows. Whittaker doubles up on the jab and intercepts a kick to crack the South African with a left hand. The jab from Whittaker disrupts the oncoming Du Plessis, and he checks a leg kick. Du Plessis has another kick checked, and he takes an awkward step back. Whittaker punches his way into a takedown attempt, and Du Plessis defends with a guillotine choke as he falls to his back. Whittaker steps to the left side to easily shake off the choke, and he looks to establish top position. Du Plessis fights his way back to his feet with the wall behind him, and he fires out a front kick that misses the mark. Whittaker reaches him with a right hand, and he gets surprised with a check right hook. Whittaker flicks out a few jabs, and he swings a left and a low kick. Du Plessis chains a few punches together to make Whittaker bounce off the cage wall, and Whittaker ricochets off of it to get his own strikes off. Du Plessis times a knee up the middle when Whittaker ducks down, and he kicks right into Whittaker’s shin. Whittaker connects with a few left hands to mark up Du Plessis’ nose, and he absorbs a flush calf kick. The two crash together, and Du Plessis grabs hold of the former champ with a head lock and throws Whittaker to the floor. Du Plessis threatens with a potential brabo choke, and he releases the grip to slash down with an elbow that rips open a cut on Whittaker’s temple. Du Plessis passes guard with 20 seconds to go, and he sets up another brabo choke with seconds to go. When that fails, Du Plessis postures up and lays into Whittaker with punches and elbows to put an exclamation point on the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Du Plessis

Round 2

The middleweights meet in the center to open up the second round with a glove touch, and Whittaker is ready to get his jab going early. When Du Plessis kicks low, Whittaker throws high with a left hand and a head kick. Whittaker snaps the head back with a jab, shutting down the offense mid-swing from Du Plessis. Whittaker blocks a pair of speedy punches, and he stomps down with a kick to the knee. The two come together and Whittaker raps his man on the chin with a right hand. Whittaker absorbs a jab and responds with two back, and he chains it into an overhand right. Du Plessis walks into a left hook, and he has one more leg kick checked. Whittaker reaches his man with a head kick, and he takes a body kick right back. Whittaker slings a left hook and a calf kick, and he leans back from the counters that buzz past his beard. Whittaker springs in with two lefts and gets away before a counter can find the target. Du Plessis reaches out with a straight right hand that frazzles the former champ, who drops down to his knees in rough shape. Du Plessis is surprised at his handiwork, and he does not capitalize immediately. When Whittaker wobbles back to his feet, Du Plessis is on him now. “Stillknocks” drills Whittaker with a long series of punches to the body and head, and it is a right to the body that puts Whittaker firmly in the danger zone. Whittaker collapses to a knee, and Du Plessis swarms him with a ferocious combination that pummels “Bobby Knuckles” and puts him away once and for good. This is an enormous upset, and a phenomenal performance for the immediate title challenger. The victory is so stunning that champ Adesanya approaches UFC President Dana White to request an in-cage challenge. The UFC strikes while the iron is hot, stating that Du Plessis will indeed challenge Adesanya for the belt in Sydney in a few months. When they come together in the cage, things do not go well, as Adesanya hurls racial epithets and tries to draw a reaction out of his prospective opponent and “African brother.” Adesanya shouts about Du Plessis’ African DNA, and commentator Joe Rogan is just along for the ride at this point. The fighters jaw at one another until the promotion decides to move on, and the two are separated. This awkward exchange does not, however, take away from the accomplishment of Du Plessis, who put an incredibly durable Whittaker away with style points.

The Official Result

Dricus Du Plessis def. Robert Whittaker R2 2:23 via TKO (Punches)

UFC Flyweight Title Fight:
Brandon Moreno (125) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Moreno (-190), Pantoja (+160)

Round 1

On two previous occasions, current flyweight beltholder Moreno (21-6-2, 9-3-2 UFC) has suffered a defeat to Pantoja (25-5, 9-3 UFC) – once in 2018, and earlier in 2016. A lot has happened since then, to be succinct, and these 125ers are different men than they used to be. Intensity is the name of the game here, and referee Jason Herzog will be keeping up with the two. The combatants come together and bump their fists together to seal the cage around them. Pantoja crashes forward coming out swinging, and Moreno responds by tying him up and looking for a level change. The Brazilian halts the body lock takedown, but he gets pushed against the cage wall to slow him down. Moreno knees the thigh a few times as he stalls out in this position, holding Pantoja tightly for the good part of a minute before attempting to trip Pantoja out. Pantoja remains on his feet and spins around, and he knees his foe on the break. Pantoja eats a solid left hook when he comes forward, and Moreno marks him up with a combination including a few more lefts. Pantoja races forward for his own takedown, and he trips to a knee as Moreno skirts away. Pantoja throw a right hand as Moreno hacks at him with a standing elbow, and he is beating Pantoja to the punch with his efforts. Moreno puts together a one-two from a safe range, and out of nowhere, Pantoja blasts Moreno with a left hand that sends him crashing to the mat. Pantoja leaps on top and considers a submission, but he elects to hack at the champ with an elbow. Moreno’s right eye is sliced open, and Pantoja lands more ground-and-pound on top. Moreno frantically scrambles and works his way back to his feet, and he flicks out a jab. Pantoja meets him in the middle and hammers him in the face with a left hand, and Moreno is stunned again. Pantoja chains several punches together, and he kicks the calf and knees up the middle. Moreno separates to gather his thoughts, and they swing for the fences. Moreno spins himself around throwing too hard, and he blocks a high kick that makes Pantoja fall over. Pantoja bursts back to his feet and lays into Moreno with a few punches and a knee on the damaged eye, and the round ends with Moreno trying to lash out with a one-two.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja

Round 2

The flyweights re-engaged in the middle of the cage, with Pantoja pushing forward and walking into a few jabs. Pantoja throws back with bad intentions, and he stuns Moreno again. Moreno slips and digs a left to the body, and he connects with a one-two that shakes Pantoja up. Pantoja throws back with a left hand, and the two throw everything they have into a brawl. Pantoja goes for a takedown and backs away, and he smacks Moreno with a standing back fist. Moreno keeps pushing out his jab, and Pantoja is all about power punches and lunges. Pantoja wings a right hand behind the ear, and Moreno replies with his own right hook. Pantoja blitzes forward, and Moreno ducks him and counters effectively. Moreno stings his foe with a jab, and he rushes past Pantoja and takes his back. Moreno lowers “The Cannibal” to the floor, and he gets both hooks in and starts threatening with a choke setup. Pantoja defends everything before it gets even slightly close, and he turns to a side and spins around to lay his back on the floor. Moreno sits on top of him and elbows him, in an awkward top position until Pantoja can burst back to his feet. Pantoja throws hammers but is beaten to the punch with a left to the body and one to the head, and Pantoja is stunned and slowing down. Moreno triples up on a jab, catching Pantoja flatfooted while Pantoja tries to recover. Moreno swats out with jabs, and he springs in with a left hook. Pantoja fires off a leg kick and aims his fists at the body, and Moreno appears less affected by these strikes than many earlier. Pantoja splits the guard with a front kick, and he puts three punches on his opponent. Pantoja pops out a few jabs, and Moreno sits down on a left hook to counter. Moreno racks Pantoja with a one-two, and they engage in a furious brawl where they kick and punch one another until Pantoja is thrown to his back. The round ends with Moreno standing above the challenger.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Moreno

Round 3

The energy is still high between the two, as they come out swinging. Throwing wild hooks at one another, this leads to a step-in knee from Pantoja. The knee tags the cup, and the champ takes 20 seconds before he is good to go again. Pantoja steps in on the restart with a solid elbow, shaking Moreno up. Pantoja races forward and takes Moreno’s back, and as they scramble, Pantoja takes his back on the ground and secures the body triangle. Moreno turns and hand-fights well to stop Pantoja from setting anything up, and Pantoja is bleeding as well from elbows that came when they swing ferociously. Pantoja looks for a potential arm-triangle choke, and Moreno times it perfectly to explode back to his feet. Pantoja slowly follows him to the feet, and he wipes at the cut on his forehead. Pantoja unloads with a few heavy hooks, and Moreno wears them well and throws back with two punches and a shin to the chin. Moreno snipes his adversary with distant punches, and he takes a flush body kick. Both men rock the other with a jab at the same time, and Pantoja is the one to surge forward in pursuit of a double. Moreno defends and pushes the challenger away, and Pantoja races in and slings punches to the body before tossing Moreno to the canvas. Moreno uses butterfly hooks and hunts for an unexpected armbar, and he uses it to sweep Moreno. When Moreno is over him, he absorbs a flush upkick and lowers himself to his knees. “The Cannibal” viciously hacks at the champ with elbows, and Moreno is still hurt from them. Pantoja pushes off and works his way up, and the two flyweights meet in the middle to throw. Pantoja digs an uppercut to the body, and they both score left hooks. Pantoja connects with a left hand and a leg kick, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Moreno
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Moreno

Round 4

The championship rounds have been reached, which is a new experience for the challenger. He does not seem concerned, as he leads off the fourth frame with a body kick. Moreno links together multiple jabs to get back to a calmer groove, and Pantoja responds with a few. They both belt one another with left hooks, and Pantoja leans back and knees Moreno in the forehead. Pantoja eats and ignores jabs on the way in, and he frames an elbow on the cheek and a leg kick that hurts Moreno. Pantoja goes on to rock Moreno with a left hook, and he chambers and fires an elbow that Pantoja does not like. Pantoja presses forward and takes the fight down, and he holds the champ down only for a few seconds before Moreno ambles back to his feet with the cage behind him. Pantoja holds on from behind, and he hunts for a mat return and gets it when he drags Moreno down from behind. Pantoja is quicker on the draw, and he moves to side control. Moreno turns over, and Pantoja grips his foe from over and around the back before taking the back. Moreno stands up, with Pantoja still on him, and he lets his leg grip go and presses his weight on his opponent. Moreno calmly hand-fights to try to spin around, but Pantoja readjusts his position to get one hook in as he catches his breath. Pantoja drags the champion back down again, and he moves to half guard while setting up an arm-triangle choke. Moreno smoothly hits a sweep and puts Pantoja on his back, and he admires his handiwork and takes an upkick on the chin. Moreno lowers himself down, but Pantoja kicks him off. Moreno lets him back up so they can slug it out. Pantoja ducks down for a single, and Moreno blocks it and unloads with a few punches and a punctuating elbow.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja

Round 5

This is a close one after 20 minutes of frenetic combat, and they have reached the fifth and final frame. They move to the center of the Octagon, but they are taking a few extra seconds to get their wind back. For the first 45 seconds of the round, Pantoja circles while Moreno shadowboxes. Moreno establishes a few jabs, only to get blasted with an overhand right. Moreno leans over and power himself into a counter. Pantoja fires back, and he keeps his guard up high when Moreno spams three left hooks at him. Pantoja races forward to nail the champ with a left hand, and he stands and fires two preemptive counters that miss Moreno by a matter of inches. Moreno snaps the head back with a sharp jab, and Pantoja jumps ahead with a left hook to pay him back. “The Cannibal” puts two jabs into a punch combination, and Moreno weathers the storm and hammers him right back. Pantoja eats everything Moreno throws at him, and he digs an uppercut to the body to make Moreno reset. Pantoja walks into a left hook and absorbs an elbow, and Pantoja charges him and tackles him to the mat. Moreno leans with his back to the wall, and he gets dragged away from it as Pantoja tries to climb on top of him. When Moreno gets to his knees and stands, Pantoja takes his back and fastens the body triangle around the waist. Pantoja starts fishing for the neck, and Moreno leans himself against the wall to take some of the weight off of him. Pantoja reaches punches around the side, smacking Moreno and softening him up for a potential choke approach. Pantoja looks for a choke and wraps one arm around the chin, and he fastens the rear-naked choke with a palm-to-palm grip on the jaw. Moreno toughs it out and breaks up the try, but he is stuck defending. Pantoja remains as a malicious backpack the remainder of this sensational flyweight championship rumble. The judges undoubtedly have their hands full with this knock down, drag out battle royale, as arguments could be made for multiple rounds for either man. No matter the result, one hopes that the UFC runs this instant “Fight of the Year” candidate back again somewhere down the line, even if Pantoja moves to 3-0 against Moreno when including the exhibition bout on "The Ultimate Fighter."

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja (49-46 Pantoja)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Moreno (48-47 Moreno)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Pantoja (48-47 Pantoja)

The Official Result

Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Moreno via Split Decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)

UFC Featherweight Title Fight:
Alexander Volkanovski (144.5) vs. Yair Rodriguez (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Volkanovski (-380), Rodriguez (+290)

Round 1

It’s time for the main attraction. A rarity in the sport, a champion will look to unify his belt against an interim titleholder. This comes at featherweight, as City Kickboxing’s Volkanovski (25-2, 12-1 UFC) has returned from a test at 155 pounds to continue his reign. While he was away, Rodriguez (15-3, 1 NC; 10-2, 1 NC UFC) claimed the silver medal in the interim strap against Josh Emmett to promise a title fight. Two dramatically different styles will collide before referee Herb Dean, and the champs initiate the headliner with fist bumps and stoic expressions. As a note, Volkanovski walked out with a slight cut on the top of his right cheek, which that bears watching as he likely will absorb a few shots to the face before it is all said and done. Volkanovski is the one to pressure first, with stutter-steps and stance switches to draw reactions out of his opponent. Rodriguez strafes to his left, and neither man commits to a strike for the first 55 seconds. It comes with a stomp kick to Volkanovski’s knee, and he backs away when Rodriguez suddenly lashes out with high kick. The champion kicks the lead leg a few times as he looks for his range, Rodrigues gives him a kick back to the ribs. That kick is one-and-done, as Volkanovski grabs hold of him and powers Rodriguez to the floor courtesy of a clean double. Volkanovski scoots Rodriguez towards the cage, instead of the man on the back moving to hope to wall-walk, so that Volkanovski can fight on front of his corner. Rodriguez keeps his guard around the waist, tightening it to shut down any noteworthy offense. Rodriguez looks to push off with a butterfly hook, but Volkanovski ignores it and slams down with an elbow. Rodriguez turns when he absorbs a few more blows, and he works his way to a knee and upright. Volkanovski looks for a mat return in the form of a single, and he trips Rodriguez out on the other side with his legs alone. Rodriguez fights his way back to his feet, only for Volkanovski to drag him down again. Volkanovski opens up with a series of punches from half guard, and Rodriguez shells up to defend himself. Volkanovski clamps down with an arm-triangle choke on the other side, and Rodriguez defends well enough to break it up. Rodriguez looks to hack off his back with elbows, and Volkanovski gives a few back and some more punches until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 2

The featherweights clap hands to start off, and a cut that opened up at the end of the last round was treated well by his corner. The two start loading up with leg kicks, and Rodriguez sprints into action with a few punches and a jumping head kick. Volkanovski darts out of the way and dodges most o the punches, and he presses forward calmly and methodically to make Rodriguez fight off his back foot. Rodriguez flip a roundhouse kick up high, and Volkanovski is able to guard it and parry a few punches. The leg kick that follows from “El Pantera” gets Volkanovski’s attention, and Volkanovski sits down on a right hand that surprises Rodriguez. Rodriguez counters with a right that stuns the champion, but Volkanovski intelligently goes for a level change to make sure any cobwebs have been shaken out. Rodriguez squirms upright again, but the mat return from Volkanovski is soon to follow as the champion shifts to half guard. Rodriguez throws his leg up high for a potential armbar, and his toes gets caught in Volkanovski’s shorts. Dean has to pull it out, and Volkanovski strikes on the reset and opens a cut on the corner of Rodriguez’ left eye. Rodriguez hand-fights by putting his fingers in Volkanovski’s gloves, and Dean warns him loudly for it. Volkanovski lowers himself down to engage in some hellacious ground-and-pound, jackhammering Rodriguez with elbows and short punches. Volkanovski opens up with left hands as Rodriguez turns to a side, and Rodriguez is able to kick off just enough to recover back to guard. Volkanovski stacks Rodriguez up and shrugs off a submission setup to drop back down into the guard. From there, Volkanovski slugs Rodriguez in the chops with a barrage of alternating punches, and the blood pools around Rodriguez’ eye as the cut opens up further. Volkanovski loads up on several right hands while holding onto Rodriguez with his other hand, and a desperate Rodriguez rolls but cannot get back up. Volkanovski holds him down and batters the interim titleholder until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Volkanovski

Round 3

Before the round begins, Dean sternly warns Rodriguez for a fence grab and for getting his fingers inside of Volkanovski’s gloves. Rodriguez nods and apologizes of sorts, and the third round begins. Rodriguez gets things going after a lull with two high kicks, and they both slap off the guard. Volkanovski kicks low and to the body, and he protects himself from a lunging head kick and counters with a right hand. Rodriguez peppers from range with his longer legs, and he tosses up a head kick that Volkanovski blocks. Rodriguez stomp kicks the lead knee and kicks it a few times while Volkanovski is measuring him, and he skirts away when Volkanovski goes after low kicks of his own. The two jab at the same time, and Volkanovski reaches his foe with a low kick from each leg. Rodriguez pushes out a front kick, and Volkanovski paws it away and absorbs part of a high kick. Rodriguez gets Volkanovski’s attention with a one-two and a spinning back kick to the midsection, and Volkanovski chambers and looses a thudding leg kick. Volkanovski walks his man down, kicking the lead wheel and dodging the swings of the interim beltholder. Rodriguez connects with a loud leg kick, and he puts one more on the same spot and follows with a front kick. Volkanovski sticks Rodriguez with a right hook, and he celebrates his work with an inside low kick. Volkanovski cuts Rodriguez off with a right hand, and as he paws out, he ducks down and drives his dome into Rodriguez’ chin. Rodriguez is stunned and Dean calls the foul, and he allows Rodriguez to recover. Volkanovski is warned and he is apologetic for it, and the two touch gloves with no ill will. Rodriguez sneaks his foot upside Volkanovski’s head on the restart, and Volkanovski shakes it off and looks at the clock. Rodriguez jumps with a switch kick, and the two exchange smiles. Rodriguez gets off a solid right hand, and he is waved on by the champion. Volkanovski steels himself and releases a thunderous right hand to counter a body kick, blasting into the jaw and shaking Rodriguez down to his core. Rodriguez stumbles back and smiles, and Volkanovski sees that he has Rodriguez on the ropes. Rodriguez puts his back to the cage, and Volkanovski unloads with a few body shots to drop the guard of his opponent. Instead of going over the top, Volkanovski drops down and elevates the interim beltholder to slam him down to the floor with mustard on it. Sensing the finish is around the corner, Volkanovski pours everything he has into a finishing sequence, unleashing a ferocious torrent of punches on the downed Rodriguez. Dean is watching closely, and Rodriguez turns to his side and shells up with hopes that Volkanovski somehow punches himself out. The end is nigh, and Volkanovski’s flurry of fists drums out Rodriguez until Dean has to intervene with Rodriguez no longer intelligently defending himself. This is a statement stoppage for Volkanovski, who comes back to his division to remind the masses that he is the king of the featherweight division and a top pound-for-pound talent. While the weight class seems devoid of contenders, there is one name that Volkanovski has to fight next: Ilia Topuria, who is coming off of a dominant win over Josh Emmett a few weeks ago. If that is the next step for the undisputed 145-pound king, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

The Official Result

Alexander Volkanovski def. Yair Rodriguez R3 4:19 via TKO (Punches)