Ufc 246 Live Play By Play

UFC 246 PLAY-BY-PLAY: 170 lbs.: Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone Round 1: The two tie up right away. Shoulder strikes from McGregor appear to bust up Cerrone’s nose. McGregor follows up with a head kick that badly rattles Cerrone, then punishes him with left hands until Herb Dean steps. UFC 246 card and results. Conor McGregor def. Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone via first-round TKO (punches) Holly Holm def. Raquel Pennington via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – MMA Junkie was on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC 249 event.

The event takes place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

In the main event, Tony Ferguson (25-4 MMA, 15-2 UFC) took on Justin Gaethje (22-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) for the interim lightweight title. In the co-feature, bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo (16-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) put his title on the line against former champ Dominick Cruz (22-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC).

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Results

Fights! – For the first time since March 14, the UFC is back. Sam Alvey is the first to walk to the cage. Despite the lack of crowd, Alvey slaps hands with the air as he makes his way out from the locker room. Masks are present on everyone – except the fighters, referees, announcers, Brittney Palmer, and of course, Bruce Buffer. Cutmen, cornermen, commission officials, production team members and UFC staff are all wearing face coverings. Not unexpected, but this is so strange.

Round 1 – Spann comes out aggressive and hits Alvey with a pair of punches. Spann goes for a takedown and gets it against the cage. Alvey is straining to get back to his feet – and he almost does. As they rise to their feet, Spann grabs a hold of a standing arm triangle. Alvey looks OK and is peppering Spann’s body with short punches. Turning red, Alvey looks like he’s fading. This is tight. Referee Miragliotta asks Alvey if he’s OK. Alvey smiles in response and manages to break Spann’s grip. The two fighters are back in the center. Alvey lands a short punch. Spann charges in, throws a big punch, whiffs, and stumbles to the side. Alvey lands a leg kick. Spann lands a combination, but Alvey counters with a counter righthand. Moments later, Alvey lands the same variation of punch. Spann has to be careful of that. Spann lands a straight right hand. Alvey sneaks in another counter right. Spann lands a right hand of his own and dives in for another takedown. Spann briefly elevates Alvey, but is unable to drag the fight to the mat. The round ends against the fence. 10-9 Spann.

Round 2 – The broadcast team says Spann complained to his corner in between rounds about his left calf. Alvey’s leg kicks seemingly took their toll. Alvey lands a combination as Spann moves forward. Spann goes for a takedown against the fence. No dice. Back toward the middle, Alvey lands a leg kick. Here’s something we wouldn’t see in a full arena. Spann and Fortis MMA head coach Sayif Saud are conversing as the fight goes on. Spann lands a pair of push kicks to the midsection. Alvey lands back-to-back right hands. That punch has been money. Alvey lands a hard left, followed by a right hand. Spann answers with another body kick – and another. Alvey hesitates on a leg kick and Spann makes him pay with a hard punch. Alvey goes back to the leg kick. A big left hand lands for Spann. Alvey shakes out the cobwebs and moves forward. Spann lands a big one-two in the next exchange. Alvey lands a left hand. Spann counters with a left. Spann misses on a flying knee. They return to the center and the round ends. Closer round, but 20-18 Spann.

Round 3 – Spann is the aggressor early in Round 3. He pushes Alvey against the cage, but only momentarily. Both guys look much more tired this round. Spann lands a head kick and a barrage of punches. Alvey bobbing and weaving, throwing bombs all the way to his exit from the pocket. Alvey circles out, sucking wind through his mouth. Alvey lands a hard combination – and another. Can’t tell if Spann is hurt or tired. Alvey lands a hard punch. Alvey rocks Spann. Spann is shoots for a half-there takedown. Alvey tries to grab hold of a front choke. Spann gets up and Alvey rocks him again. Spann is on rubber legs, but Alvey is running out of time. Alvey lands a combination, but the round – and the fight – ends. That was definitely Alvey’s round, but it might be too little too late. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Spann.

Result: Ryan Spann def. Sam Alvey via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Recap: Ryan Spann survives late scare, edges Sam Alvey

Photos: Ryan Spann def. Sam Alvey

Records: Sam Alvey (33-14 MMA, 10-9 UFC), Ryan Spann (18-5 MMA, 4-0 UFC)

Division: Light heavyweight

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Judging: Barry Luxenberg, Troy Wincapaw (30-25, scoring Round 1 and Round 3 10-8); Derek Cleary (30-24, scoring each round 10-8)

Round 1 – One of the most underrated fights of the night in the eyes of many, Bryce Mitchell and Charles Rosa is underway. Mitchell comes out the aggressor and gets a takedown. Mitchell flips to the back and grabs Rosa’s next. Switching back to the front, Mitchell attempts an arm triangle. Rosa is turning red and looks like he might tap – but he’s still fighting. Rosa breaks out and scrambles. Rosa is back-on-the-canvas, working for a reverse triangle of sorts. Mitchell escapes minimal danger. The two featherweights are tangled in an awkward position. Oh my. Mitchell is going for the twister. The legs are in the correct position, but the grip on the neck isn’t. Mitchell might have it now – he’s cranking the neck. Rosa’s body is twisted, but he breaks out. Now Mitchell is going back for the arm triangle. Rosa is as red as ever. This is tight. Once again, Rosa breaks out. Rosa goes for a kimura briefly, but lets go. The round ends with Mitchell on top. Dominant. MMA Junkie scores it 10-8 Mitchell.

Round 2 – Rosa comes out firing kicks. Mitchell blocks and shoots in on takedown. Rosa tries to defend with a guillotine, but Mitchell lands in half guard. He’s not in trouble. Now, Mitchell is resorting back to the arm triangle. Mitchell uses the submission to get back to mount. Mitchell lets go of the choke, but is still in mount. Rosa is panting hard. Mitchell postures up and lands a hard elbow. Rosa is pushing off the cage, trying to buck Mitchell off. Mitchell briefly isolates an arm, presumably for an armbar attempt. Mitchell lets go of the arm. Rosa sees an opening and tries to isolate Mitchell’s leg. Mitchell escapes any potential danger. Mitchell is in side control and moves back to mount. Revisiting the arm triangle, Mitchell has his knee planted on Rosa’s stomach. Rosa is turning red – again – but escapes. Mitchell hops to the other side. Rosa rolls and Mitchell takes his back with one hook in. Twister attempt No. 2. Mitchell lands hard elbows to the body and head. The clock is winding down. Mitchell locks the twister, but time expires. That’s another dominant round turned in by Arkansas’ own. 20-16 Mitchell.

Round 3 – Rosa comes out aggressive – too aggressive. Mitchell takes him down and lands right into the twister position. Mitchell is twisting Rosa’s arm. Rosa rolls out and Mitchell is in his guard. Rosa hops to side control – and back to mount. This is a clinic. Rosa is a BJJ blackbelt and Mitchell is dominating him. Deja vu – Mitchell is trying yet another triangle choke. You have to give props to Rosa for surviving. Rosa and Mitchell are talking to one another. Rosa criticizes Mitchell for laying on top of him. Perhaps that’s a last-ditch effort. Mitchell transitions to the crucifix. Rosa slides out and gets to his feet. The fight ends with Mitchell pushing Rosa against the cage. MMA Junkie scores the fight 30-25 Mitchell.

Result: Bryce Mitchell def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-24)

Recap: Bryce Mitchell puts on grappling clinic, dominates Charles Rosa

Photos: Bryce Mitchell def. Charles Rosa

Records: Bryce Mitchell (13-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Charles Rosa (12-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC)

Division: Featherweight

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Referee: Keith Peterson

Judging: Salvatore D’Amato, David Tirelli (29-28 Spann, giving Alvey Round 3); Chris Lee (29-28 Alvey, giving Spann Round 1)

Ufc 246 Live Play By Play

Round 1 – The first of two rematches on the card is underway. The two exchange, but nothing lands. Luque lands a thudding leg kick. Price lands a punch. Luque answers and Price lands a body kick moments later. Luque lands a hard one-two punch combination. Luque goes back to the leg kick. Ouch. Luque lands a left book. Price answers with a leg kick. Luque is bleeding from his nose. These shots that are landing are noticeably audible. Both men are landing. This is a pace-efficient slug fest. Price lands a hard front kick and Luque is backing up. Price is charging in, firing shots. Price slips, but gets back up. Price takes Luque down against the cage. Look at this. Price is working on a d’arce choke. That’s how he lost his first fight to Luque. Imagine if he can pull this off? As cool as that would have been, Price lets go. The two fighters get back to their feet. Luque rocks Price with an overhand right just as the horn sounds. Price didn’t go down, but he was definitely hurt. That was close, but MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 Price.

Round 2 – Price lands an outside leg kick to Luque’s right leg. Price lands a stiff jab. Luque answers with a two-punch combination. His boxing is particularly crisp tonight. The fight is stopped momentarily when Luque hits Price in the groin. Referee Herzog gives a talking to Luque, then the fight resumes. Price and Luque trade leg kicks. Price tries a crescent kick, but Luque blocks it. Price lands a jab. Luque fires back with another hard leg kick. Price is leaking from his left cheek. Price lands a hard combination. Pressing Luque against the cage, Price is unloading elbows and knees. Luque drops him with a punch. Price goes for a takedown, likely in an effort to regain himself. Luque shoves him off. The two fighters return to the center of the cage. Price lands a hard overhand right. Price shoves Luque against the fence. Eventually, the fight returns to the center again. Price tries the front kick, but this time it misses. The two fighters exchange for the final minute, with both men landing their fair share of shots. That’s another close round. MMA Junkie scores it 19-19 going into the final round.

Round 3 – Price comes out as aggressively as we’ve seen him in this fight. Luque tries slowing him down by landing hard leg kicks. Both men’s faces are busted and bruised. Simultaneous jabs land, snapping both fighters’ heads back. This is a dogfight. Price dives for a tired takedown. Luque threatens with a guillotine. The fighters separate. Luque lands a thudding combination. The right side of Price’s face is a mess. Price connects with a combination. Luque lands a looping left and Price is frozen. I’m not sure he knows where he is. Price falls backward and Luque pounces. Price regains his conscience. Luque gets out of Price’s guard and stands up. Price stands up and referee Herzog calls timeout. Price’s eye is swollen shut. The doctor is taking a close look. That’s it. Price’s eye won’t open. The doctor and referee Herzog waive it off. Luque wins again.

Result: Vicente Luque def. Niko Price via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 3,

Recap: Vicente Luque shuts Niko Price’s eye to force stoppage

Photos: Vicente Luque def. Niko Price

Records: Vicente Luque (18-7-1 MMA, 11-3 UFC), Niko Price (14-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC)

Division: Welterweight

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Referee: Jason Herzog

Judging:

Round 1 – A slow start for both Carla Esparza and Michelle Waterson. A staring contest ensues in the opening minute. This is a change of pace from the last fight. Both women are feeling each other out. Waterson lands a kick. Esparza is trying to dive in and out. Waterson lands a pair of kicks, as she rotates around Waterson. Esparza catches a kick and drags Waterson to the canvas. Time is winding down, though. I’m not sure she’ll have much time to pull anything off significant here. The round ends. That was very close, but MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 Waterson.

Round 2 – Esparza continuing her calm-to-explosive attack. Waterson is doing a good job of staying out of Esparza’s range, even when Esparza explodes. Continually switching stances, Waterson is giving Esparza multiple looks. Esparza dives in for a takedown. Waterson neutralizes Esparza’s momentum and denies her attempt. The two fighters circle back to the center. Esparza tries another blitz, but Waterson plants a knee in her opponent’s stomach. That was a nicely-timed counter. Waterson tries a high kick and Esparza grabs a hold of her. Despite a last-second takedown attempt by Esparza, Waterson remains standing. The horn sounds. 20-18 Waterson.

Round 3 – Esparza rushes in again. Waterson throws a hard knee which just whizzes by Esparza’s face. There’s a lot of movement from both women here, but neither is throwing much volume. Waterson throws a leg kick, which slaps Esparza’s thigh. Esparza does another one of her dashes toward Waterson, and lands a pair of hard knees to the body. Two minutes are left in the fight. Waterson lands a loud body kick, but Esparza catches her leg. After a brief attempt to drag Waterson to the ground, Esparza loses her grip. Back in the center, both fighters throw kicks. Esparza lands a hard right hand. She’s finding some success with that weapon. Waterson tries a pair of kicks from the outside. They miss. Esparza runs at Waterson again. Waterson dodges, but Esparza lands. The two fighters exchange wildly as the clock hits zero. 29-28 Waterson.

Result: Carla def. Michelle Waterson via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 30-27)

Recap: Carla Esparza edges Michelle Waterson in split decision

Photos: Carla Esparza def. Michelle Waterson

Records: Carla Esparza (16-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Michelle Waterson (17-8 MMA, 5-4 UFC)

Ufc 246 Live Play By Play Results

Division: Women’s strawweight

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Judging: Howard Reichbach (30-27 Esparza); Salvatore D’Amato (29-28 Esparza, giving Waterson Round 2), David Tirelli (30-27 Waterson)

Round 1 – Fabricio Werdum is back. His first fight since completing his suspension. Oleinik comes out with a pair of wild overhands. Oleinik throws an overhand and Werdum dives out of the way. Werdum covers up as Oleinik throws a barrage of punches. Werdum fires back with a counter. Oleinik grabs hold of Werdum against the fence. Werdum has his back against the cage, but grabs hold of the plum clinch to escape. Oleinik gets close to Werdum and fires a pair of uppercuts which connect. Werdum looks lost. Oleinik is lighting him up. The Russian heavyweight lands a barrage of punches. Werdum’s only point of attack is the clinch, but he’s unable to muster up much offense. Oleinik pushes Werdum against the fence. Werdum briefly threatens a guillotine. The two fighters separate and Werdum whiffs on a head kick. Oleinik backs Werdum down again and lands a hard left hand. Werdum grabs hold, but only briefly. Oleinik lands a hard overhand right that buckles Werdum. Oleinik is back pushing Werdum against the fence. The round ends. That was domination. 10-9 Oleinik.

Round 2 – Oleinik lands a spinning backfist to counter a Werdum kick. Werdum lands a nice inside leg kick. Werdum grabs hold of Oleinik’s neck and threatens a choke. Werdum is able to turn Oleinik around and is pushing him agains the cage. Werdum tries to sweep the leg, but is unable to. Oleinik separates. Werdum keeps messing with his glove. Not sure what the issue is. Oleinik lands a jab. Oleinik pressuring Werdum. After a brief clinch, Werdum lands a shot that knocks Oleinik’s mouthguard out. Oleinik pops his mouthguard back in. Werdum shoots for a takedown and gets it. Werdum is in Oleinik’s half guard. Oleinik rolls and Werdum moves to the Russian’s back. Werdum gets both hooks in – he’s trying to flatten Oleinik out. Oleinik pops out the back door and the two fighters are back to the feet. Oleinik lands a two-punch combination. Werdum backpedals, but he looks more tired than hurt. Oleinik clinches Werdum, trying to drag the fight to the ground. They separate and Oleinik lands a straight righthand. Oleinik grabs Werdum as the round ends. An argument can be made the fight is even, but MMA Junkie goes with 20-18 Oleinik.

Round 3 – Werdum gets a takedown in the opening seconds. He getds it. Within moments, Werdum gets Oleinik’s back. Werdum creeps up on the back and tries to slide into an armbar. Oleinik senses it and escapes. Oleinik ends up on top of Werdum, in the Brazilian’s guard. Werdum is threatening a kimura from the bottom. Werdum uses the attempt to roll Oleinik. Werdum is in mount and transitions to the back. Werdum is seeking the armbar again. Oleinik defends and Werdum moves back to mount. Now, Werdum is looking for the armbar again. Oleinik rolls and slips out the back door again. The two fighters are back on the feet. Oleinik presses Werdum agains the fence. Oleinik lands three straight punches. Werdum seems tired or hurt. That was weird. Though he paused for a second, but Werdum gets another takedown. Werdum threatens a guillotine as the horn sounds. It’s going to be 29-28 someone. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Oleinik.

Result: Aleksei Oleinik def. Fabricio Werdum via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Recap: Aleksei Oleinik surprises Fabricio Werdum, wins with striking

Photos: Aleksei Oleinik def. Fabricio Werdum

Records: Aleksei Oleinik (59-13-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC), Fabricio Werdum (23-7-1 MMA, 11-6 UFC)

Division: Heavyweight

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Referee: Herb Dean

Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Oleinik Round 1); Barry Luxenberg, Chris Lee (giving Werdum Round 3)

Round 1 – A touch of gloves and the second of two rematches has begun. Cerrone scowls, as he lands a body kick. Pettis lands a stiff jab to the nose of Cerrone, who was rushing in. Pettis kicks Cerrone’s leg. Pettis punches Cerrone in the body. Pettis is circling around Cerrone, who is largely staying stationary in the center. Cerrone briefly ties up Pettis against the cage, but the former UFC lightweight champ circles out. Pettis tries a vintage, flashy “Showtime” strike and Cerrone makes him pay by taking him to the canvas. Cerrone gets up to his feet, but Pettis is still on the canvas. Pettis gets back to his feet. Cerrone lands a combination and Pettis counters. Cerrone lands to the head and then the body, but Pettis counters. That one hurt Cerrone, who was buckled for a minute. There’s some swelling on the face of Cerrone. The horn sounds. 10-9 Pettis.

Round 2 – The two fighters meet in the middle and Pettis lands a jumping punch that lands flush. Both fighters land simultaneous kicks and exchange a high five. Cerrone misses and backs up. Pettis sees an opening and lands a hard left. He really stepped into that one. Pettis throws a wild spinning backfist, but it misses. Cerrone misses on a combination. Cerrone briefly goes for a takedown, but bails. Pettis tries a jumping punch. He’s been increasingly flashy this round, though his substance has had more success than his flash thus far. Pettis lands a hard leg kick, right after Cerrone hits him with one. Cerrone is getting more aggressive. I know it’s not necessarily a high marker, but looks way more confident than he did at UFC 246. Cerrone charges in and gets Pettis down. Cerrone is in Pettis’ guard. Scooting to the cage, Pettis wall-walks up to his feet. The two fighters stumble down and Cerrone tries a hard high kick. The kick misses and the two fighters return to the center. Cerrone lands an inside leg kick. Pettis attempts a spinning back kick, which misses. Pettis is bleeding from his nose. The round ends. Another close round. 19-19 entering Round 3.

Round 3 – An energetic Cerrone opens Round 3 with a hard kick to the body. Cerrone is staying aggressive here, but he eats a hard punch from Pettis because of it. Cerrone lands a combination. Pettis throws a looping shot and Cerrone tries a takedown. No dice. Pettis backs out. Cerrone tries a high kick. Also, no dice. Cerrone dives into a takedown attempt, eating a kick to the body in the process. Though he’s unable to get the takedown, Cerrone lands a loud knee to Pettis’ body. Pettis tries a left high kick – blocked. Pettis tries another high kick. It misses. Cerrone lands a leg kick. Pettis whacks Cerrone, who complains of an eye poke. Cerrone covers up, but Keith Peterson tells him to keep fighting. Pettis glances a high kick off Cerrone’s head. Cerrone lands a high kick and the two begin trading in the middle of the cage. That was a brief exchange – but maybe the best of the fight. That high kick was maybe Cerrone’s best shot of the fight. Pettis punches Cerrone in the chest. There’s 20 seconds left. Cerrone begins chasing Pettis down, winging punches all the way. Pettis is dodging out of danger. The horn sounds. Close, close fight, but MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Cerrone.

Result: Anthony Pettis def. Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Recap: Anthony Pettis edges Donald Cerrone in grueling battle

Photos: Anthony Pettis def. Donald Cerrone

Records: Donald Cerrone (36-15 MMA, 23-12 UFC), Anthony Pettis (23-10 MMA, 10-9 UFC)

Division: Welterweight

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Referee: Keith Peterson

Ufc 246 Live Play By Play Sherdog

Judging: David Tirelli, Troy Wincapaw (giving Cerrone Round 1); Salvatore D’Amato (giving Cerrone Round 3)

Round 1 – Hardy opens with a leg kick and De Castro fires an overhand right. De Castro throws a hard leg kick – and another. De Castro throws an overhand left, which just misses. The underdog De Castro is looking much quicker thus far. De Castro is winding up bombs. Hardy is doing a good job of staying just out of range. De Castro lands a thudding leg kick. That couldn’t have felt good. De Castro misses on a combination. Hardy winds up and blasts a leg kick. Hardy dives in and eats a hard right hand from De Castro. Two more leg kicks land for De Castro. Both fighters exchange wildly. Hardy utilizes head movement to dodge De Castro’s blows and lands a hard counter. Things calm down and Hardy relaxes. Hardy’s left leg is reddening. Hardy tries a head kick, but it’s blocked. The round ends. 10-9 De Castro.

Round 2 – De Castro opens up with a leg kick. Hardy answers with one of his own. Guess what? Surprise, surprise. De Castro throws another leg kick. De Castro lies at Hardy, who backs up and circles to the center. Hardy lands a straight right hand. Hardy lands a leg kick. De Castro lands a leg kick. Back and forth they go. De Castro whiffs on an overhand left. Understandably so, Hardy is having a tough time moving around. His front leg has been battered. De Castro has noticeably slowed. Hardy lands a body kick. De Castro hasn’t thrown a strike in what has seemed like ages. Hardy whiffs on an overhand right. The round ends. 19-19.

Round 3 – A replay in between rounds shows De Castro potentially hurting his foot on a kick. That could explain why he’s slowed. Hardy doesn’t waste any time. He lands a big punch on De Castro, who looks to have gained some energy back on the stool in between rounds. Hardy lands a hard leg kick. De Castro winces. Feint after feint, Hardy is doing a great job of keeping De Castro thinking about the takedown. De Castro finally lands a leg kick. Hardy lands. a leg kick. De Castro slips and lands on his back. From a standing position, Hardy begins punching De Castro’s leg. Now Hardy is kicking his leg. I’m surprised referee Herb Dean hasn’t stepped in to stand De Castro’s up. There he is. Dean stands up De Castro. Hardy stalks De Castro. The fight ends. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Hardy.

Result: Greg Hardy def. Yorgan De Castro via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Recap: Greg Hardy earns sixth career win, outpoints Yorgan De Castro

Photos: Greg Hardy def. Yorgan De Castro

Records: Yorgan De Castro (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Greg Hardy (6-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)

Division: Heavyweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Herb Dean

Judging:

Round 1 – Stephens comes out and leaps toward Kattar, who circles out. Stephens lands a kick, which looked low. Kattar signals such, but Herzog doesn’t step in. Stephens is stalking Kattar. Stephens throws a combination, but Kattar blocks and circles out. Stephens lands a body shot followed by a leg kick. Stephens throws a heavy two-punch combination, but both strikes miss. Kattar hits Stephens with a leg kick. Stephens lands an overhand left, then a leg kick. Both fighters whiff on haymakers. Kattar clashes Stephens with an outside leg kick. Stephens cranks Stephens with a left hand. Stephens answers with a body punch. In his best combination of the fight, Kattar goes head-head-body. Kattar lands a hard straight right and Stephens retreats. Stephens lands a counter which bashes Kattar square in the face. Stephens rips the body again. 10-9 Stephens.

Round 2 – Kattar comes out targeting the leg. In the opening minute, he lands a half dozen kicks and a solid counter punch. In response, Stephens switches stances. Stephens throws a straight right down the pipe. Kattar throws a wicked uppercut which snaps Stephens’ head back. The New England Cartel member follows up with a pair of combinations as Stephens backs up. After circling back, Kattar connects with a standing elbow that floors Stephens. Kattar dives in and lands a series of brutal shots. Stephens is covering up, That’s it. Second-round TKO for Kattar. They’re both leaking. Especially Stephens who is gushing everywhere. Kattar’s nose is crooked. What an exchange. What a finish.

Result: Calvin Kattar def. Jeremy Stephens via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:42

Recap: Calvin Kattar’s perfect elbow flattens Jeremy Stephens

Photos: Calvin Kattar def. Jeremy Stephens

Records: Calvin Kattar (21-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Jeremy Stephens (28-18 MMA, 15-18 UFC)

Division: Featherweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Jason Herzog

Round 1 – Rozenstruik lands an inside leg kick. Ngannou blitzes Rozenstruik and lands a series of bombs. Rozenstruik is hurt. Ngannou just flattens him. Rozenstruik is out cold. That’s it. It was a right hand that started it and a left hand that finished it. Wow, that was explosive.

Result: Francis Ngannou def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:20

Recap: Francis Ngannou scores highlight-reel KO, floors Jairzinho Rozenstruik in 20 seconds

Photos: Francis Ngannou def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Records: Francis Ngannou (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC), Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC)

Division: Heavyweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Round 1 – Cruz comes out with a ton of footwork. He’s dancing around Cejudo. Cruz misses on a leg kick. Cejudo lands a leg kick – and another. Cruz still moving around in his classic unorthodox movements. Cejudo makes him pay with a few more leg kicks. The two scrambles to the mat after getting tied up – but only momentarily. Back up, Cruz lands a knee. Cejudo grabs a hold of Cruz and dumps him to the canvas. Cruz escapes and they’re back in the center. Cruz tries a takedown, but Cejudo stuffs. Cruz tries an uppercut while Cejudo attempts an overhand. Both miss. Cejudo lands a combination. Cejudo targets the legs again, landing another series of leg kicks. Cruz lands a punch. Cruz fakes a takedown and Cejudo bites, sprawling hard. The round ends. 10-9 Cejudo.

Round 2 – Cruz lands a jab to kick off Round 2. Inside leg kick lands for Cejudo. The champion follows it up with a body kick. Another hard leg kick lands for Cejudo. Those are taking their toll. That one in particular got Cruz’s attention. In terms of footwork, Cruz is still moving at his usual pace – going around and around Cejudo who remains relative to the center. Cejudo lands an overhand left. Cruz answers with a right hand. The two fighters clinch against the cage and exchange in the pocket. Cruz lands a nice shot, but Cejudo answers with a punch of his own shortly after the break. Cejudo and Cruz exchange leg kicks. For a brief moment, Cejudo attempts a takedown. He gives up on it. A left hand lands for Cruz after a feint. In an exchange, the fighters collide heads. Immediately, Cejudo is sliced open. The doctor examines, but the cut appears to be small and on the hairline. There is a lot of blood. The doctor gives her OK and the action resumes. Moments later, Cejudo drops Cruz with a hard counter knee. Cejudo pounces and lands a series of hard follow up shots. Cruz is face down, trying to get up, but he’s getting whacked. Referee Keith Peterson dives in. That’s it. Cruz protests the stoppage, but there were a lot of unanswered shots. Regardless, that’s the fight. Cejudo retains.

After the fight, Cejudo announces his retirement from mixed martial arts.

Result: Henry Cejudo def. Dominick Cruz via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:58 – to retain bantamweight title

Recap: Henry Cejudo def. Dominick Cruz

Photos: Henry Cejudo finishes Dominick Cruz, the retires

Records: Henry Cejudo (16-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC), Dominick Cruz (22-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC)

Division: Bantamweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Keith Peterson

Round 1 – A touch of gloves and we’re underway. Gaethje misses on a leg kick. Both men are tentative early. Ferguson lands a body kick followed by a punch to the face. Ferguson dancing around. He turns his back to Gaethje and shuffles backward. Gaethje shoots for a takedown but Ferguson avoids. Ferguson hits Gaethje with an uppercut to the body. Gaethje throws a combination that appeared to miss. Gaethje is briefly knocked off balance by a Ferguson leg kick. Ferguson whiffs and Gaethje counters with a punch. Ferguson lands a front kick to the stomach. Both fighters whiff on haymakers. If either of those landed, somebody would’ve been sleeping. Ferguson lands a kick, followed by a hidden jab. Ferguson stumbles off balance, tumbles backward, and regains his balance. More haymakers miss from both guys. Gaethje lands an elbow. Ferguson smiles. Savage. Ferguson lands a leg kick. Diving in, Ferguson misses on a combination and Gaethje makes him pay with a counter. Gaethje lands a right hand. Dual jabs connect. Both men land hard. Gaethje is bleeding out of his mouth. Ferguson has a welt on his forehead. The round ends. 10-9 Gaethje.

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Round 2 – Ferguson comes out flying. Gaethje lands the first big shot of the round – a straight left hand. Gaethje counters with a hard left hand. That landed flush and Ferguson just ate it. He was not even fazed. Another solid punch lands for Gaethje – this time, a right. Gaethje targeting the legs now with kicks. A right-left-right combination lands for Gaethje. A lot of power being thrown into each shot. Ferguson lands an outside leg kick. Gaethje batters Ferguson with a pair of punches. Ferguson’s left eye is swelling. There’s a small cut on the bridge of his cheek. Two leg kicks land for Ferguson. Body-head combination lands for Gaethje. Ferguson lands a one-two. Gaethje answers with the same combination. Gaethje whiffs on a punch like he was throwing a baseball from the outfield to home plate. He misses. Moments later, Ferguson drops Gaethje with an uppercut. Gaethje scrambles up just as the round ends. 20-18 Gaethje.

Round 3 – Ferguson throws a high kick, but it’s blocked. Gaethje rips the body, then the head. Ferguson answers with a combination of his own. Ferguson walks into a clean left hand from Gaethje. He ate it, but the damage is showing. Ferguson’s left eye is swelling badly. Gaethje stuns Ferguson with a massive right hand. Gaethje comes in and eats a hard Ferguson punch. This fight is living up to the hype, ladies and gents. A Gaethje-bomb cranks Ferguson in the face – and another one lands. Ferguson acts like nothing happened. His chin is insane. Ferguson drops to one knee and sweeps Gaethje’s leg with a kick. Gaethje catches himself on the way down. Gaethje lands two hard shots. Ferguson is still coming forward. The round ends. 30-27 Gaethje.

Round 4 – Ferguson lands a leg kick early. Gaethje answers. Ferguson tries punching the knee of Gaethje. A stiff jab stops Ferguson in his tracks. Gaethje connects on yet another left hand – and another. A Gaethje leg kick almost knocks Ferguson off balance. He stumbled but didn’t go down. Ferguson tries a crane kick to the stomach, but Gaethje was backing up, so it didn’t land flush. Ferguson and Gaethje both connect in an exchange. Ferguson eats another punch from Gaethje. He’s on roller skates – all sorts of wobbled. Ferguson recovers and is back to whacky spinning movements. Ferguson throws a front kick, which hits the cup. A brief timeout is called, but referee Herb Dean resumes the actions seconds later. A low kick from Gaethje knocks Ferguson halfway across the cage. Gaethje tries a head kick. It doesn’t connect flush. Ferguson rips the body, right as the end-of-round horn sounds. 40-36 Gaethje.

Round 5 – Gaethje lands a leg kick. In a follow-up exchange, Gaethje lands multiple punches to the head of Ferguson. Gaethje spins him around with another leg kick. Ferguson answers with a leg kick of his own. Gaethje lands a jab. Again, Gaethje rocks Ferguson. Three or four straight punches have Ferguson wobbled. Exchange after exchange, Gaethje is tagging Ferguson. He’s getting battered, but hanging tough. I’m not sure what the UFC record is for most amount of cuts on the face during a fight, but Ferguson is leaking from wherever. Again and again, Gaethje is cranking Ferguson. Herb Dean is taking a closer look. Ferguson gets whacked again – and that’s it. Mercy stoppage. Death by a thousand papercuts. Standing TKO for Gaethje.

Result: Justin Gaethje def. Tony Ferguson via TKO (punches) – Round 5, 3:39 – to win interim lightweight title

Recap:

Photos:

Records: Tony Ferguson (25-4 MMA, 15-2 UFC), Justin Gaethje (22-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC)

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Division: Lightweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Herb Dean

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