UFC Fight Night 175 ‘Smith vs. Rakic’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Mallory Martin (115.5) vs. Hannah Cifers (117: Missed Weight)

Round 1

Opening up the 10-bout fight card tonight is a women’s catchweight affair, as Martin (6-3, 0-1 UFC) tries to hand the heavy Cifers (10-6, 2-4 UFC) her fourth consecutive defeat. The referee will be Chris Tognoni, and despite the weight miss, two women respectfully touch gloves to start off the shortened evening. Cifers jabs from the outside as she looks for her distance, while Martin stands in the center of the cage and gets off a right hand. She lands another, and avoids a quick counter that whizzes by her head. Martin blocks several punches that fly her way, and they clash together and start swinging. Both land with a few strikes and separate, only to come together and trade fast. The two are like crashing waves, swelling back and forth with quick flurries. Cifers slaps her with a low kick, and Martin responds with a one-two to back her off. Cifers digs to the body, and does again while Martin raises her arms in the air to shrug at her. “Shockwave” loads up on a few big right hands, and gets clipped with a right hand on the way in. She follows that with two-punch combination, and Cifers clocks her with a booming right hand and drops Martin to the canvas. Martin throws her legs up quickly to tie her up, and the powerful Cifers lifts her in the air and slams her way out. Martin walks her way up to survive, and Cifers is on her in a blistering assault. She lands a barrage of punches, knees and elbows as she batters Martin across the cage. Tognoni warns Martin to defend herself, and she just stays active enough to keep in the fight, before shooting in for a takedown. Cifers stuffs it and makes her pay with several more punches, and keeps it up before slamming Martin down to the ground. In guard, Cifers keeps her furious pace and powers out of a potential submission attempt to slam fist after fist into Martin’s face. Martin ties her up with a high guard, and Cifers stands up to get out of it. Martin jumps back up and backs her way against the wall, and there is a huge mouse under her left eye but she makes it to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Cifers
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Cifers
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Cifers

Round 2

The two women slug it out right out of the gate, and Martin tries to tie things up and appears to bang her head off Cifers’ nose to open up a small cut. Martin mashes her against the fence, and drags her down to start delivering ground-and-pound from half guard. As Martin works her over from on top with punches and elbows, she steps over into mount with ease and smashes Cifers in the face to open up another cut. Cifers rolls to her stomach to try to get out of danger, but in doing so, she leaves her neck exposed and Martin latches on like an Alabama tick. She snatches up the neck in an instant, cinching the rear-naked choke and eliciting the tap in seconds. Likely way down on the scorecards, when Tognoni stops the fight because of the tapout, Martin unleashes every bit of emotion she has with several guttural, yet celebratory, shrieks. What a spectacular comeback!

The Official Result

Mallory Martin def. Hannah Cifers R2 1:33 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Emily Whitmire (115.5) vs. Polyana Viana (116)

Round 1

Remaining at what should be the strawweight division for another tilt is TUF 26 vet Whitmire (4-3, 2-2 UFC) against “Dama de Ferro” – or Iron Lady -- Viana (10-4, 1-3 UFC). Drawing the assignment for this match between a woman whose losses are all by finish (Whitmire) and a woman whose wins are all by stoppage (Viana) is referee Jason Herzog. The glove touch precedes what comes shortly after in the form of a leg kick from Viana, and Whitmire fires back. Viana slings another kick, and Whitmire throws several punches that land flush. Both women trade leg kicks, and Viana has already switched stances. They come together and land right hands at the same time, but a right hand from Viana forces Whitmire to shoot in and take the Brazilian down. Viana tries to trip her, but Whitmire counters to take top position. “Spitfire” lands in side control and hangs on to two-on-one wrist control until Viana shucks her off and gets her back to full guard. Viana slams several elbows in the side of her opponent’s head, and looks to set up an armbar off her back but Whitmire sees it coming and adjusts. Viana repositions and snags the arm, and Whitmire falls to her back but is still trapped. She screeches as she taps out in obvious pain, and “Dama de Ferro” racks up another finish. All 11 of Viana’s career wins have come inside the distance, with 10 now in the first round.

The Official Result

Polyana Viana def. Emily Whitmire R1 1:53 via Submission (Armbar)

Christian Aguilera (170) vs. Sean Brady (170.5)

Round 1

Taking a trip to the welterweight division, Aguilera (14-6, 1-0 UFC) will attempt to become the first man to defeat Philly’s own Brady (12-0, 2-0 UFC). Serving as the referee is Herb Dean, and a touch of gloves checks the two men in. Brady begins with an inside leg kick, and slaps out a left hand. Aguilera responds with his own kick to the leg, prompting Brady to fire one back with a vengeance. Aguilera returns fire with one, and takes a body kick for good measure. Brady sticks him with a left hand and a hard leg kick, and backs away to avoid the looping counter. Aguilera stings him with a pair of leg kicks, and not to be outdone, Brady replies in kind. Brady targets the lead leg again, and jabs Aguilera on the way in to stop the offense. “The Beast” walks through it to land a pair of punches, and a counter from Brady opens up the eyebrow. Blood starts to trickle down the right side of Aguilera’s face, and Brady targets that exact spot with a few more jabs and hooks. Brady keeps the diverse striking attack going with a few heavy leg kicks on the inside and out, and Aguilera tries to pay him back with a few. They both connect at the same time with kicks, and Brady sticks out his left hand to get Aguilera to back off. The unbeaten fighter keeps working the leg kick, and Aguilera comes over the top with a hard right hand that makes Brady’s knees week for a moment. Brady backs off and kicks the leg, but Aguilera sits down with a much harder one, and then aims the kick at the calf. Brady charges in, not a fan of that particular kick, and hits a double leg takedown with relative ease. Brady steps over and starts working the body, and drops down several thudding hammerfists as he presses a seated Aguilera into to the fence. The horn sounds while Brady lands a few more shots.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Brady
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brady

Round 2

They clap hands to start off the second, and both land some flush hooks at the same time. Aguilera steps in with a left hand, and gets countered with his opponent’s left. When Aguilera tries to wing a punch, Brady shoots for double and gets it. Brady, already in half guard, tries to posture up to rain down elbows. Aguilera keeps him from passing but he takes several elbows in the face and Brady slides his leg out to take full mount. Brady instantly ties up a guillotine choke while in the mount position, and he squeezes with all his might while putting his full body weight on the choke attempt. Aguilera flails and twists and turns, nearly rolling Brady over, but Brady keeps the choke locked on as he gets himself back to mount. A few more wriggles and unnatural twitches from Aguilera suddenly cease when “The Beast” goes limp, and Dean leaps in when discovering that Aguilera is in dreamland. There was no genie in any bottle that could help Aguilera get out of that submission, and Brady remains undefeated with an emphatic win.

The Official Result

Sean Brady def. Christian Aguilera R2 1:47 via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke)

Alex Caceres (145) vs. Austin Springer (151: Missed Weight)

Round 1

In the second of two catchweight affairs tonight, “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres (16-12, 1 NC; 11-10, 1 NC UFC) welcomes short-notice newcomer Springer (12-3, 0-0 UFC) to the Octagon. As Springer took the fight on just a few days’ notice, he missed weight by five pounds and was fined 30 percent of his purse instead of the promotion re-scheduling the fight as a 150-pound catchweight. The Octagon ranger is referee Chris Tognoni, and they still show a sign of respect by touching gloves before getting down to it. Springer kicks the leg early, and Caceres misses with his response. The two come up short with big kicks, and a head kick from Caceres glances off Springer’s head and wobbles his legs. Caceres keeps his distance and avoids a potential trap, and the two go back to trading single strikes in the center of the cage. Springer sits down on a few hard low kicks to get his opponent’s attention, and “Bruce Leeroy” barely misses a head kick. Springer tries to spin with a wheel kick, and when he misses, he continues his momentum with a back kick that Caceres is also able to dodge. Springer goes up top with a head kick that slaps off his opponent’s guard, and Caceres dings him with a left hand. Springer charges in with a few looping shots, and each miss while a few get countered. The newcomer lands a couple more leg kicks, and Caceres gets him back and goes to the body too. One kick from Caceres gets caught, but Springer cannot take advantage of it and instead he sets the leg down and lands a pair of hard leg kicks. Springer whiffs with a right hand as he marches forward, and Caceres counters with a quick check hook. Caceres jabs and lands ferociously to the body, forcing Springer to shoot in for a takedown. “Bruce Leeroy” stuffs it and quickly spins around to take Springer’s back. The veteran sinks in a rear-naked choke without even getting his hooks in, and as he sets up the body lock, the choke is tight as can be. Springer surrenders as there is no way out, and Tognoni halts the match to give Caceres his first submission since 2014 and his third consecutive win for the first time in his UFC career.

The Official Result

Alex Caceres def. Austin Springer R1 3:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Zak Cummings (185) vs. Alessio Di Chirico (184)

Round 1

Moving along to middleweight, Cummings (23-7, 8-4 UFC) will look to keep his unusual streak of winning two only to lose the third against proud Italian Di Chirico (12-4, 3-4 UFC). The third man inside the cage is referee Mark Smith, and the two touch ‘em up to commence their mutual violence. Di Chirico is well shy of his intended target with a one-two, but a leg kick clatters off the lead leg. He sits down on another, and Cummings grins and points at him. The American steps forward with a looping left hand that ricochets off Di Chirico’s head, and the two back off to reset. They both sling hooks at the same time, but neither land of note. Di Chirico goes up high with a head kick, and Cummings thumps the lead leg back. Cummings stalks him down and fires off a head kick that gets blocked, and Di Chirico instantly greets him with a heavy leg kick that may have hurt Cummings. Di Chirico shoots in from a distance with a single, and as Cummings hops around, he gets out of it and separates. He walks forward to engage, and Di Chirico greets him with a powerful right hand. As Di Chirico winds up with something else, Cummings stings him with a quick right hook. As Di Chirico looks over to Smith for some reason, Cummings plants a kick right on Di Chirico’s knee. They both come together and swing again, and like the previous collision, neither land anything particularly impactful. Di Chirico gets off another stiff leg kick, and he ducks out of the way when Cummings tries to wing a left hook. Di Chirico fakes for a takedown and misses with a punch, but he wings a left and hurts Cummings. The American wobbles back to the fence, and backpedals as Di Chirico loads up to try to finish the job. “Manzo” lets fly a few more punches, but Cummings is able to deflect them and make it to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Di Chirico
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Di Chirico
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Di Chirico

Round 2

The first fighter to engage in the second round is the Italian, who swings and misses with a head kick. Cummings bum rushes him with a looping hook, and he hits nothing but air as Di Chirico dances out of the way. Cummings delivers a heavy lead leg kick, and Di Chirico nearly times a counter right. Cummings changes it up to go to the inside leg, and his head movement saves him from getting cracked by any counter. The action stalls out as both men paw at one another, and Di Chirico tries to break up the inaction with a head kick that gets blocked. When they come together in a flurry, Cummings lands to make Di Chirico back away. Cummings is able to set up a left hand that makes Di Chirico take a back step, but the action is largely one-and-done as Cummings swings for the fences and is feet away from his mark. Di Chirico sticks out his jab a few times but the range has been an issue for the two, leading Smith to call for the two men to engage. Di Chirico tries to step him with a left hook, and Cummings blocks it and does not respond. In an exchange of over 10 strikes, Di Chirico may have landed one and Cummins partially connected with one of his own. Cummings gets off a left and sticks out his front foot to just reach the torso. Di Chirico leaps forward with a few punches, and Cummins catches the Italian with a knee. Cummings chops down the lead leg and makes Di Chirico stumble, and the two trade to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cummings
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cummings
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cummings

Round 3

Smith chides the two fighters to actually fight before the round begins, and Cummings obliges with a solid left hook. Di Chirico flicks out a trio of leg kicks, and Cummings digs to the body with a left hand. Di Chirico decides to target the body, and then goes up top with a left hand. They both bite down on their mouthpieces, and Cummings stings Di Chirico coming in but does not dissuade the Italian. Di Chirico tries to fling a body kick that breezes by the midsection, and the two go back to pawing at each other with half-hearted left hands and jabs. Cummings pushes him away with a front kick, and lands a leg kick to prompt a big response from the Italian. Cummings lands a one-two, but Di Chirico does not let him off the hook and nails him with a counter right. Di Chirico scores a leg kick as Cummings jabs his way in, and it slows but does not halt the offense coming his way. Cummings connects with a body kick, and a tomahawk chop lands from the American as he laughs. Both men jab at one another, and Cummings clacks a body kick that lands south to the cup. Commentator Paul Felder is elated that the first groin strike lands, and Smith again pleads the two men to realize that they are in a fight. Di Chirico charges in after the action resumes and gets popped with a stern left hand that stuns him. Di Chirico backs away, and gathers a full head of steam and attacks with a looping series of punches. Cummings blasts his leg and trips his opponent up, and when Di Chirico gathers his balance, they start slugging. When the Italian goes after a left hook, Cummings punts him in the head at the bell and sends him crashing to the canvas as Cummings lifts his hands in the air. It is unclear whether Smith waves the fight off, or if time expired to signal the end of the bout, and Di Chirico tries to get back to his feet but falls across the cage back to his corner. It appears this one will go the judges, but it very easily could have been declared a head kick knockout at the five-minute mark of the match.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cummings (29-28 Cummings)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Cummings (29-27 Cummings)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cummings (29-28 Cummings)

The Official Result

Zak Cummings def. Alessio Di Chirico via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Maki Pitolo (184.5) vs. Impa Kasanganay (185.5)

Round 1

Headlining the prelims is another middleweight tilt, as Pitolo (13-6, 1-2 UFC) bounces back from a defeat earlier this month to try to land his patented “Coconut Bombz” against unbeaten debutant Kasanganay (7-0, 0-0 UFC). Referee Jason Herzog will oversee this 185-pound battle, and there is a mutual respect as they touch gloves. Kasanganay kicks the leg early, and takes a front kick and a trio of bombs right on the chin. He shakes them off and keeps walking towards the Hawaiian, but ends up in the clinch. Pitolo lifts up a knee and tries to sting him, but Kasanganay pushes him off and slaps the calf with a kick. As the newcomer stalks down his opponent, Pitolo counters him with a few punches and a front kick to the body. Pitolo claps a right hand off the ear and returns fire with a few punches. Pitolo whips a leg kick to Kasanganay’s thick thigh, and just misses with a right hand. Kasanganay is content to walk him down, and they come together to land heavy punches. When Pitolo connects with a solid left, Kasanganay crashes in to the clinch to push Pitolo against the fence. The Hawaiian gets free, grabs on to the wrist and fires up a head kick that is barely blocked. A groin shot does not pause the action, and Kasanganay ducks down to fire off a huge right hand. He follows it with another, and Pitolo barely moves his head out of the way in time. Pitolo cracks him with a head kick that is barely blocked but the impact pushes him back, and Kasanganay goes after the leg again. A few uppercuts land for Pitolo, and Kasanganay hurts him in the clinch when he returns fire. Kasanganay opens up a cut on the eye, and he starts to sling heavy leather sensing that Pitolo might be hurt. Pitolo defends himself well and frees himself from the fence, only to eat another heavy right hand. An uppercut from Kasanganay makes Pitolo turn away in a daze, but the Hawaiian gathers himself and gets kicked on the chest. The round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Pitolo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay

Round 2

The two men touch gloves to open the second, and Kasanganay takes the center of the cage and kicks low. Pitolo whiffs on a booming right hand that blows the mohawk back, and Kasanganay comes back at him with a big overhand right. He swings it again and Pitolo rolls with it, and the Hawaiian spins but Kasanganay closes the distance before he can get it off. Pitolo hacks at the leg but does not deter “Tshilobo,” and the two punch each other at the same time to stagger them both. Kasanganay stings him with another right hand, and he kicks to the chest and gets his leg caught. Pitolo throws his leg down but does not give him chase, and instead sits down on a left hand that just misses. Kasanganay ducks a lethal left hook and jabs several times. Pitolo backs off and catches him with a left hook. Kasanganay loads up on a right and follows that into a combination. Pitolo times when Kasanganay ducks down before he about to throw the right, and clips Kasanganay twice in the setup. The newcomer presses him to the fence, and Pitolo is quick to turn him about and connects with an elbow to force a separation. The two trade left hooks, and Pitolo gets off a few punches but gets clipped to bust open the cut on the corner of his eye again. Kasanganay dips down and this time blasts his opponent with a left hook, but Pitolo eats it like a sandwich and the two start slugging. Both land flush and clinch up, and Kasanganay smashes him in the face with an elbow on the break. He follows that with a few punches, and hurts Pitolo for a moment. The Hawaiian unleashes a few huge strikes that are mostly blocked, and the round ends right before Kasanganay is about to fire off one of his looping right hooks.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay

Round 3

The two men embrace to begin the round, and they start trading viciously. Pitolo stings him with a left hand to stop the advancing newcomer, and Kasanganay slings back at him. The tape on Pitolo’s ear is about to fall off, and Kasanganay targets that spot with a left hand after landing a hard right to the body. Pitolo spins with a wheel kick, and Herzog pulls off the tape from the ear and tosses it out of the cage into the darkness. Kasanganay jabs his way in when they start fighting again, and he wades his way in and fires a few monstrous punches that clank off Pitolo’s hard head. The Hawaiian is unfazed as he absorbs all these powerful strikes, and instead looks to give a few back but whiffs. “Tshilobo” hops in with a left hook, only to follow it with a one-two that makes Pitolo back off. Kasanganay unleashes a fury of a right hand that could knock out a rampaging Ngannou, and Pitolo just gets out of the way from danger. Kasanganay bears down on him with a few more, and his winging shots are doing damage but not hurting Pitolo. The Hawaiian lobs a few “Coconut Bombz” to end the round, and the two celebrate their hard-fought battle.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay (30-27 Kasanganay)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay (29-28 Kasanganay)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kasanganay (30-27 Kasanganay)

The Official Result

Impa Kasanganay def. Maki Pitolo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Magomed Ankalaev (205) vs. Ion Cutelaba (205.5)

Round 1

The bout was canceled Saturday afternoon after Cutelaba tested positive for COVID-19, and it will be rescheduled for a later date, per the UFC.

Ricardo Lamas (145) vs. Bill Algeo (146)

Round 1

Looking to make the most of his short-notice opportunity against a top-tier name is Algeo (13-4, 0-0 UFC), who takes on former title challenger Lamas (19-8, 10-6 UFC) at featherweight. Presiding over the main card opener is referee Mark Smith, and Lamas is thankful for his opponent stepping up on short notice but does not oblige in a glove touch. Algeo opens up wit ha leg kick, and Lamas strides forward with a punch combination. Algeo kicks the body, and knees Lamas in the body but leans over and gives up his neck. Lamas snatches up a guillotine choke, and the newcomer twists and turns to yank his neck free. When Algeo kicks at him, Lamas responds with a spinning back kick that comes up short. Algeo taunts him, and Lamas kicks him in the body after the spin. They both trade blows, and jab one another at the same time. Algeo presses in to clinch up and push the former WEC fighter against the cage, but “The Bully” bullies him and turns him back before searching for a single. Algeo reverses the position and they separate. Lamas kicks him in the gut, and when Algeo tries to jab him back, Lamas boots him in the head. The Pennsylvania eats it and tries to throw back, but Lamas does not relent and kicks him high and low. Algeo steps in and scores a leg kick, and as he pushes forward, they clack heads. Lamas darts his way in and gets kicked in the chest, and the two land punches at the same time. Algeo tries to duck down anticipating a head kick, and he walks into an uppercut. Algeo absorbs it and keeps attacking, and Lamas counters him and kicks him low. Lamas sits down on a few punches and stings Algeo, and a leg kick forces Algeo to switch stances. Both land kicks, and Algeo stumbles on the way in from one of the kicks. Lamas kicks to the body and leg, and Algeo crashes in with a stream of punches and punctuates the combination with a head kick. Algeo comes in and scores a knee, and Lamas attacks the calf a few more times to great effect. Algeo pours it on to end the round emphatically, landing a few punches and bullying “The Bully.”

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lamas
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lamas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lamas

Round 2

The second frame begins with head kicks from both men. They then go strike for strike, with body kicks, reaching punches and head kicks. The ex-title challenger shoots in from a distance, and pushes Algeo against the cage wall and drags the newcomer down. Algeo muscles his way back to his feet without taking much damage, and he pushes Lamas back. Lamas tags him a few times with his back against the cage, and Algeo rocks him back. A one-two from Algeo ends with a head kick that knocks Lamas back, but the veteran changes levels to pursue another takedown. Algeo tries to defend it with some elbows to the side of the head, and Lamas has started leaking. Lamas gets reversed and takes a knee in the face before transitioning back to a double leg takedown. Algeo cracks him in the side of the head with more elbows to stave off the takedown, and times a spinning back elbow on the break. Lamas fires off a head kick from both legs, and Algeo shakes his head at him. Algeo smashes Lamas in the face with a high knee, and Lamas is hurt badly as he falls back to the cage. Algeo runs in to attack, and as he races forward, Lamas greets him with a knee in the face. The two both scramble when the fight falls to the ground, and they both walk up the fence as Lamas pursues a double again. Algeo lets him have it when they separate with a few more kicks, and Lamas works the calf and then the body. Not to be outdone, Lamas replies with a similar combination. Both men start to showboat as they score unanswered strikes, and they laugh and clap hands as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Algeo

Round 3

Lamas comes out of his corner like he was shot out of a cannon, letting fly a few head kicks. Algeo is ready for them and slings body kicks and big punches, only to take a jumping front kick to the midsection. Algeo kicks him to the chest and then to the calf, and Lamas swings and misses a head kick. “The Bully” turns with a back kick that misses as well, and then the two start jabbing at one another. Lamas shoots for a double and gets stuffed, so he knees Algeo to the gut and tries again for a takedown. While Algeo attempts to land strikes with his back to the fence, Lamas trips him down and starts slashing at him with elbows. Algeo returns fire while grounded, but Lamas gets the better of these attacks. Algeo rolls out to get back to his knees, and Lamas lands a heavy elbow that may have landed to the back of the head. Lamas adjust his angle and gets a few more off to the ear, forcing Algeo to scramble wildly. Lamas maintains his position and fights off a single in the process as the two jockey for position on the ground. Lamas thinks about taking his back, but bails on it to start punching Algeo in the side of the head. Algeo turns about and powers back up, but Lamas wrestles him back down and goes to take his back. Although “The Bully” gets in a hook, he abandons this track to maintain control as Algeo stands up. Lamas lifts him up and slams him back down, where he takes Algeo’s back. Lamas pulls for an arm-in arm-triangle choke as Algeo turns to try to fight it off. Lamas is palm-to-palm with his grip and wrenches with all his might, and Algeo spins out to his stomach and gets flattened out. The newcomer twists and is now on his back as Lamas takes full mount, where the former title challenger starts laying into him with brutal elbows. This final assault goes right until the final bell, and this thriller is now complete as the two men celebrate their handiwork.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Lamas (29-27 Lamas)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Lamas (29-27 Lamas)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Lamas (29-27 Lamas)

The Official Result

Ricardo Lamas def. Bill Algeo via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Alexa Grasso (126) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (126)

Round 1

The final women’s bout of the evening takes place at flyweight, as Grasso (11-3, 3-3 UFC) moves to 125 pounds after repeat offenses of missing weight at strawweight. Her opponent, “Fire Fist” Kim (9-2-2, 3-2 UFC), has her own issues with making weight, although the South Korean fighter hit her proper marks much to the appreciation of the company and referee Chris Tognoni. The glove touch is the first strike of many to come in the early going, as Grasso kicks to the leg first as many fighters have started their nights out. Kim fires off a trip of punches and Grasso sneaks in a right hand. Kim stings the Mexican fighter with a “Fire Fist” of a left straight, and Grasso backs off to get a quick count of her teeth. Grasso shakes it out and comes forward with a few jabs, landing some while avoiding the counters. Kim is ready with an uppercut, but Grasso reaches her with a long left. When Grasso commits to a leg kick, Kim replies over the top with a right. The two paw out jabs and come together to trade, with Grasso scoring a leg kick as they back off. Jabs from the two lead into a brief slugfest, with both women landing square. Grasso scores with a right hand, but Kim is quick to respond with a short, powerful uppercut that knocks the head back. A right hand counters the naked leg kick from Grasso, knocking the fighter from Mexico backwards and marking up the face. The two women start trading heavy shots as they stand in front of each other, and Kim is the first to take a step back. Grasso lets fly a pair of kicks with each leg, and a jab pops Kim on the chops. Kim jabs back at her and connects with a short combination while Grasso walks forward. Kim takes a body kick while she tries to check a kick, and both crack each other at the same time. Grasso stings her in the body with a kick, and as Kim fires back, Grasso sees an opening and lands a right and a left. One last low calf kick from Grasso scores to end the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 2

The two flyweights clap hands to open the second, and Kim reaches out with a left and gets kicked in the torso. Grasso stings her with another low kick and catches an advancing Kim coming in. Kim responds in kind with a stiff right hand, and Grasso rocks her with a straight left and a right hook. The South Korean fighter gathers her bearings and plods forward, only to dart away from a leg kick that zips by. Grasso reaches with jabs, and catches an uppercut on the jaw for her effort. When Grasso reaches with a few punches, Kim decides to start chopping at the lead leg a few times. Grasso digs to the body with a right hand and follows this with a left to the head, and Kim wears it well and stands still when Grasso gives up on a spinning back kick halfway through. Grasso hacks at the leg again, and Kim starts favoring the leg that has taken some damage. Grasso lands hard, forcing Kim to reach at her nose to check to see if it bleeding. “Fire Fist” marches forward and gets stung with a few punches as Grasso circles away, and Kim’s nose has started to leak crimson. Kim rushes in to attack, and Grasso not only avoids the attack but nails Kim with a superman punch. She gets off the same punch again, and Kim takes it right on the jaw and marches forward unconcerned. Grasso clips her with a right hook, staggering Kim and forcing the South Korean to clinch. Grasso pushes her away and scores a right hook, but Kim gives her three back. The second round ends as both land.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 3

The gloves are touched one last time to clock in the third, and Grasso works the lead leg early as Kim fires back at her. Grasso walks forward with a punch, and Kim delivers a trio of punches to her Mexican adversary. They trade jabs, and Grasso connects flush with a right hook on an advancing Kim. A one-two from Grasso forces Kim to try to respond with the same strikes, allowing Grasso to rush in for a body lock takedown. Kim stands her up and pushes her away, where she takes a leg kick and a short combination. Kim ignores them and sits down to score with some punches, but Grasso lands the harder shots to stop the aggression. Kim chases after her and is cutting off the cage as she strings together several punches, and ducks a few from Grasso to clinch up. Grasso turns her about and takes a few knees to the body, and the two women turn each other around a few times as they try to gain dominant position. They lift up a few short knees in the clinch as they twist about, with Kim landing a few knees as Grasso punches her in the side and thigh. Grasso ties up the leg and trips Kim down, where she lands in half guard with 60 seconds to go. The Mexican tries to set up a crucifix by putting her knee on Kim’s left arm, but settles for riding out the clock while landing a few punches from on top. Kim is trapped on her back as she takes some fierce elbows, and a few more punches and elbows from Grasso connect until the final horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (30-27 Grasso)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (30-27 Grasso)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (30-27 Grasso)

The Official Result

Alexa Grasso def. Ji Yeon Kim via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Robbie Lawler (171) vs. Neil Magny (171)

Round 1

In a fight many hailed as worthy of a main event slot, former champ and fan-favorite Lawler (28-14, 1 NC; 13-8 UFC) comes to blows with welterweight mainstay Magny (23-7, 16-6 UFC) in what should be a fun one. Referee Jason Herzog will keep a lid on the proceedings, and there is no glove touch as these two men are more interested in throwing down. Magny reaches out a few times to slap Lawler’s hand away, and kicks the legs a few times. Lawler walks forward with his own leg kicks, and he takes a foot to the torso. Lawler scores a punch to the body to back Magny off, and the two clinch up as Lawler lands a few punches. The former champ shoots in low for a takedown, and Magny stuffs it and gets off a few punches to the body. Magny fights it off as he fishes for a brabo choke, and Lawler gives Herzog a thumbs-up that he is fine. Lawler calmly pulls his neck free, and Lawler is still going after a single as he leaves his neck exposed. Magny circles around and takes his back as Lawler stands to his feet, while Magny gets one hook in. Lawler tries to hop out of the position, and Magny lets go of his hook and sets up a standing rear-naked choke as Lawler turns about. Magny takes the other side to get Lawler’s back again, but Lawler breaks the posture only to get dragged down. Lawler falls down and spins around, where he reverses Magny and pushes the taller fighter on to his back. Magny works his way up to a knee while Lawler delivers a few stiff punches, and “The Haitian Sensation” decides he will take the fight down after absorbing a few elbows to the side of the head. Lawler manages to get back to his knees in a scramble with his neck out again, and like before, Magny is wrapping up a brabo choke. Lawler ignores it as he pursues his own takedown, so Magny just hits him in the side of the head and body. With Lawler’s head between his legs, Magny keeps pounding on the body until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magny
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magny
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magny

Round 2

The second round begins with Lawler stalking Magny down, but Magny kicks him in the leg on the way in. Lawler leaves his right hand outstretched while he chambers a left hook, and Magny boots him in the body until changing levels to go for a single. As soon as Lawler tries for an elbow to the side of the head, Magny rips his legs out beneath him and plants the former champ on his back. In half guard for a moment, Magny easily slices over into full mount for a second before Lawler twists. Magny snatches up his back and fishes for a rear-naked choke, but Lawler defends it well although Magny is softening him up with a few punches. Lawler tries to turn and winds up face-down to try to kick Magny off, but he surrenders his back once more and falls into back control again. Magny considers the rear-naked choke but as Lawler turns, he considers setting up a twister. Lawler elbows him in the head repeatedly without looking, forcing Magny to readjust, and they scramble until Lawler works his way to the fence. Lawler gets to his knees but Magny is smothering him, and he pulls on a brute force palm-to-palm choke that Lawler shrugs off. Lawler walks back up but Magny is tight on him, and in the clinch Magny drills him with a few elbows and knees. The separation sees Lawler take a few jabs and punches from a distance, and Lawler is attempting to uncork bombs but is well short of the target. Lawler gets jabbed as he approaches, and Magny keeps him away until the second round concludes.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magny
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magny
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magny

Round 3

They touch ‘em up for the last round to begin, and Magny greets him with a kick to the leg. Magny throws two front kicks to get Lawler to back off, and Lawler marches forward with a few punches until Magny pulls guard and drags the former champ to the ground on top of him. Lawler in full guard is tied up while on top, and Herzog warns the two to fight and quickly stands them up. Lawler kicks the leg, and even though it gets checked, Lawler is out with a vengeance. He unloads a series of powerful punches as Magny turtles up, including a knee, but Magny pushes the pace and back him up to the other side of the cage. Magny lifts Lawler’s leg high in the air and sets Lawler down, and while Lawler scrambles, Magny takes his back again. Lawler powers his way back up to his feet, and Magny mashes him in the fence and knees him a few times. Lawler tries to fight his way out and gets kneed, but he gains the separation he so desires. Lawler swings wildly and Magny rolls with the punches, only for “The Haitian Sensation” to kick Lawler several times to back him off. Two punches from Magny keep Lawler at bay, and Magny steps forward to crack Lawler with a knee. The former champ is stuck eating punches as he marches forward, like a snake coiled to strike – although he doesn’t. Lawler gets off three punches, and Magny instantly ties him up to land a few knees and bust up Lawler’s nose. Magny squeezes him tightly and lands a few elbows as he works Lawler against the cage. Lawler takes punches and still fires off a head kick that the taller fighter blocks. Lawler rips him with an uppercut and Magny smartly ties him up, even if he takes one or two from Lawler. “Ruthless” gets boxed up with several jabs that keep him from landing a deadly strike, while Magny avoids a trio of head kicks to ride out the round in style.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Magny (30-27 Magny)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Magny (30-27 Magny)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Magny (30-27 Magny)

The Official Result

Neil Magny def. Robbie Lawler via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Anthony Smith (205) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (205.5)

Round 1

We have reached the headliner a little earlier than expected thanks to the coronavirus, and this late-notice marquee matchup is scheduled for just three rounds at the light heavyweight division. Former title challenger Smith (33-15, 8-5 UFC) tries to put “Rocket” Rakic (12-2, 4-1 UFC) on his first career losing streak, and referee Herb Dean will be holding on tight for what could be an all-action fight – these two have only gone the distance seven times in 62 combined fights. They touch gloves, and it’s on! Like so many fights earlier tonight, the first strike of the bout is a leg kick – from Rakic. Smith replies in kind. Rakic loads up with one that lands with a resounding slap. Rakic takes one back, but he delivers a body kick to Smith’s midsection. They keep trading leg kicks early, and both men are putting everything they have into these thudding kicks. Rakic goes up high with a kick this time, and the two start trading with punches now. They kick legs at the same time, and Rakic cracks the lead leg and makes Smith’s knee buckle. Two more take Smith’s legs out from beneath him, and Rakic climbs on top to start pounding on Smith’s body. Smith pushes his way up and tries to take take the Austrian down, but as Smith ties him up, Rakic stands up. Smith leaps on to his back to serve as a backpack, but Rakic shucks him off and uses a guillotine choke to frame up. He bowls Smith over and hops on top, where he gets off a couple of punches as Smith clings to him to tie him up. Smith uses a butterfly guard to try to kick Rakic off, but opts to use a rubber guard and flirts with an omoplata before Rakic stands up out of it. The Austrian comes back down as Smith keeps a high guard, and Smith lifts his left leg up but abandons it when there is nothing doing. Smith looks to Dean for a standup, but it does not come as Rakic shoulder checks him a couple times. Smith swings hard with a left hand while is trapped against the cage, and Rakic smiles and lands a few punches until the horn blares. Any concerns about Smith’s leg health are instantly abated as he strides back to his corner.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rakic
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rakic
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rakic

Round 2

They touch gloves and Rakic instantly fires at that leg. Smith closes in and gets kneed in the face to back off. Rakic bestows to him a few body kicks, although Smith stings him back with a few punches. Smith crashes forward to pursue a body lock takedown, and Rakic reverses the position to throw Smith down and land on top in guard. “Rocket” stays busy on top with punches, and fights off a triangle choke attempt from Smith. Although the former title challenger attempts a few elbows while he has his back flat on the floor, Rakic’s strikes are more frequent and likely more impactful. Rakic keeps grinding him and is well out submission danger as precious seconds tick off the clock for Smith. “Lionheart” tries to push away with his toes in the fence, and Dean admonishes him for it, halting Smith from using the technique to turn around or attempt a submission. Smith manages to sit up as Rakic pounds on him, and there is no way up to his feet for Smith until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rakic
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rakic
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rakic

Round 3

Rakic re-introduces himself in the round with a devastating leg kick, and Smith is already compromised. Rakic cracks him with a head kick and a few punches, and Smith is wobbling around the cage on baby deer legs. “Rocket” blasts in and knees him in the face, battering Smith against the fence. Smith tries to tie him up and take him down, and Rakic muscles him over and plants Smith on his back again. Dean asks for Rakic to work, as Rakic is just occasionally landing left hands on top while Smith is trapped in an odd position against the wall and ground. Rakic lands a heavy punch when Smith gets to his knees, and he knees Smith in the body a couple times. The Austrian keeps his full body weight pressed on Smith as he traps the former title challenger in a grounded position. Dean reminds Rakic that he needs to work, so Rakic obliges with a slow but steady diet of knees to the thigh to keep from standing them up. Smith powers up to a crouch, but Rakic tosses him back down with minimal effort. For the umpteenth time, Dean recommends that Rakic keep working, and he lands a few short punches and knees to little effect. Smith kicks him off with 10 seconds to go, and Rakic walks away while the clock is still ticking left with his hands in the air; unfortunately for Smith, he is too fatigued to do anything about it. Rakic turns back to him, and shrugs him off as he knows Smith cannot reach him before the disappointing round – and fight – ends. If it's any consolation, there is another UFC card next week.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rakic (30-27 Rakic)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rakic (30-27 Rakic)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rakic (30-27 Rakic)

The Official Result

Aleksandar Rakic def. Anthony Smith via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)