UFC 219 ‘Cyborg vs. Holm’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Tim Elliott vs. Mark Delarosa

Round 1

Elliott moves forward throwing multiple low kicks before shooting for a takedown. Delarosa grabs a hold of the neck, but Elliott moves to side control and Delarosa has to let it go. Now Elliott is inside his opponent’s guard, and Delarosa is attempting to frame an armbar from his back. Elliott stands and slams Delarosa down, but the newcomer maintains his grip. Elliott slams him again and breaks free. Elliott lands some short punches as he rides him. Elliott returns t top position following a scramble. Elliott lands a series of right hands to the ribs as we approach the 2:00 mark. Delarosa tries to push off the cage and Elliott drops a solid hammerfist. Elliott continues to smother his foe from top position. Elliott looks to frame a brabo choke before switching to an arm-in guillotine. He drops back and squeezes before rolling into mount. He stays attached to Delarosa’s back as his foe rolls. Elliott ends the round landing a couple short elbows.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Elliott
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Elliott
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Elliott

Round 2

Elliott immediately drops for a guillotine and then switches to an anaconda choke. The bantamweights scramble and Elliott is on top in half guard. Delarosa recovers full guard as Elliott attempts to create space to land ground-and-pound. Delarosa tries to escape in another scramble, but Elliott is able to transition to an anaconda choke. He cinches in the hold and turns clockwise, increasing the squeeze. Delarosa’s face reddens, and he is forced to tap out in a matter of moments.

The Official Result

Tim Elliott def. Mark Delarosa via Submission (Anaconda Choke) R2 1:41

Louis Smolka vs. Matheus Nicolau Pereira

Round 1

Smolka lands a body kick in an early exchange, and Nicola jabs to the body. A big left hook connects for Nicolau. The Brazilian tags Smolka with a right hand behind the ear. Nicolau lands a right hand and slips a punch. Nicolau is doing a good job mixing up his offense to the head and body in the pocket during exchanges. A left hook by Nicolau drops Smolka and the Brazilian follows his foe to the ground. Nicolau is landing ground-and-pound, but Smolka seems to have recovered quickly. Nicolau stands and Smolka somersaults back to his feet. A two punch combo for Nicolau drops Smolka again. Nicolau follows his man to the ground, drops some punches and then transitions to an arm-triangle choke. Nicolau continues to turn in order to apply pressure. Smolka hangs on, however, and Nicolau lets it go. They stand again and trade kicks at range. Nicolau continues to land to the body. A left hook puts Smolka on wobbly legs and the Hawaain stumbles back to the cage. A two-three combination sends Smolka down again, but he can’t get the finish before the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-7 Nicolau
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-8 Nicolau
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Nicolau

Round 2

Smolka is bleeding from his forehead as the round begins. A jab from Nicolau makes the bleeding more pronounced. Nicolau is finding the range again for his left hook in the pocket. Nicolau lands a couple jabs to the body as Smolka tries to attack with kicks. Smolka’s kicks have slowed Nicolau’s offense somewhat from the opening stanza. They trade in the pocket, and both flyweights connect. Smolka lands a kick to the body which Nicolau catches but lets go. The Brazilian lans a cross-hook combo upstairs. Another left hook lands for Nicolau as Smolka closes the distance. A left to the head and the body land for Nicolau, who is again mixing things up nicely. Nicolau slips a punch and lands a pair of hooks to Smolka’s head. Smolka kicks the body and moves forward with punches. Nicolau counters and makes his foe pause. The round ends with both men still standing.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nicolau
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Nicolau
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Nicolau

Round 3

Smolka presses forward and absorbs another left hook. Smolka is using kicks liberally, and he seems to be picking up the pace. Nicolau trips his foe to the canvas and lands a couple kicks to the legs before Smolka stands. Nicolau jabs the body and follows up with a kick to the midsection. Smolka closes the distance and Nicolau times it perfectly, slamming his opponent to the canvas. The Brazilian sets up in half guard with about 2:30 to go. Nicolau stands and allows Smolka to do the same. Nicolau lands a nice uppercut to the body and then follows that with a jab . Another two-three combination connects for Nicolau. Smolka presses forward and lands a kick to the body. Nicolau trips Smolka to the canvas and sets up in top position after briefly framing a brabo choke. Nicolau takes Smolka’s back in a scramble with less than a minute remaining. Nicolau slides his right arm under Smolka’s chin, but the Hawaiian is able to scramble out of danger and survive until the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nicolau (30-25 Nicolau)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Nicolau (30-26 Nicolau)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Nicolau (30-26 Nicolau)

The Official Result

Matheus Nicolau Pereira def. Louis Smolka via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25) R3 5:00

Marvin Vettori vs. Omari Akhmedov

Round 1

Akhmedov opens with a hard leg kick. Akhmedov keeps tying for low kicks, but Vettori dodges the next two offerings. Akhmedov lands a hard kick to the body, and Vettori answers with one of his own. A knee lands high for Vettori. Vettori moves backward and gets clipped by an Akhmeov combination. Akhmedov turns it up and is winging heavy punches. Vettori has his back to the cage, with Akhmedov applying heavy pressure with his punches. Akhmedov gives chase and wings more wide punches at Vettori, who lands a nice knee. Akhmedov smiles at his opponent, but the Italian keeps the range by landing a couple crisp jabs. Akhmedov shoots and pushes Vettori into the fence. Vettori shrugs off the attempt and they’re back to trading. The pace slows somewhat as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 2

Akhmedov lands a pair strong inside leg kicks and follows that with a big right hand. Akhmedov clips Vettori with a big right hand as he continues to put ill intent behind virtually every punch. Vettori closes the distance and drops for an armbar. The Italian transitions to a triangle from his back, and it looks to be in tight. Akhmedov is able to free himself eventually, but Vettori threatens for a single leg and returns to his feet. An uppercut to the body lands for Akhmedov. A spinning back fist from Akhmedov glances off the side of Vettori’s head. They trade in close before Vettori forces the clinch. They separate after briefly battling for position. A left hook connects for Akhmedov. Akhmedov drops his hands briefly, but Vettori doesn’t take the bait. Akhmedov is having plenty of success with his left hook this frame. Vettori looks for a takedown and presses his foe into the fence. They separate and Vettori misses an elbow.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 3

Vettori starts off with a kick to the body. A right hand from Vettori lands and Akhmedov whiffs on a couple power punches. Vettori pressures Akhmedov with a flurry of punches and the Russian backs into the fence. Akhmedov smiles and urges his opponent on. They clinch, but neither man gains an advantage. Vettori looks fresher on the break, and he lands a brief flurry of punches. Vettori is finding the range consistently, and he knocks Akhmedov’s mouthpiece out. Action is halted briefly and Akhmedov lands a spinning back fist flush when the fight resumes. The middleweights trade again before tying up. A couple left jabs land for Vettori. A high kick stuns Akhmedov and Vettori follows with a straight left. They separate and return to the center of the Octagon. A right hand lands for Akhmedov and Vettori sticks out his tongue. A knee to the body lands on a retreating Akhmedov. Akhmedov goes for a takedown but falls to his back and Vettori attacks with punches and hammerfists from above. Akhmedov appears gassed as time winds down. Vettori ends the frame landing moderate ground-and-pound from above.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Akhmedov)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Akhmedov)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Akhmedov)

The Official Result

Omari Akhmedov vs. Marvin Vettori ends in a Majority Draw (28-28, 29-28, 28-28) R3 5:00

Myles Jury vs. Rick Glenn

Round 1

Glenn and Jury trade kicks to the body, but Jury’s is cleaner. They tie up and Jury lands an uppercut in close before driving his foe to the fence. The featherweights battle for position and then separate. Jury lands a right kick to the body at range. Jury clips Glenn with a counter left hand as his foe rushes forward. Jury is consistently using that right kick to the body. Glenn catches a kick for a takedown, but Jury is able to sweep into top position at the midpoint of the period. Jury is in his foe’s full guard. Jury stands and Glenn follows him to the feet. Glenn goes high with a kick but it’s blocked. A two-punch combination lands for Jury. Glenn catches a kick, but can’t do anything with it. Jury fakes a right kick and follows by landing a flying knee that lands. Glenn forces the clinch with 10 seconds to go, and the round ends with the WSOF veteran pressing his foe into the fence.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Jury
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Jury
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Jury

Round 2

Glenn moves forward immediately and Jury is able to counter with a left hook. Glenn forces the clinch. Jury lands a knee and they break. Jury counters with a two-punch combination. Glenn catches a leg and looks for a takedown, but Jury is up quickly and he lands a counter on Glenn once again. They clinch and Jury attempts to work his way to Glenn’s back from a standing position. Jury has a right hook in, but Glenn breaks free and drops for a takedown. Glenn drags Jury to the canvas, but can’t keep him there. Jury is eventually able to trip Glenn to the mat, and he moves into full mount. The Alliance MMA product is hunting for an arm-triangle choke, so Glenn gives up his back. Jury only has one hook in as they scramble, and eventually “Fury” ends up on top in his opponent’s guard. Jury creates space and lands some punches. Glenn is trying to stay active with elbows and hammerfists from his back. The round ends with Jury on top.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Jury
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Jury
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Jury

Round 3

Glenn throws a body kick and tries to punch his way into range, but Jury avoids him. Glenn marches forward and eats a counter right hook for his troubles. Glenn clinches with Jury near the fence. Jury is able to separate and just misses on a big uppercut. Jury circles on the outside and sticks Glenn with a left hand. Glenn wades into the clinch again and lands a right elbow. Jury breaks free and blocks a kick to the body. Glenn continues to try and force tieups, but he can’t do much when he does. A left hook lands for Jury but Glenn answers with a body kick .Jury lands a knee to the gut in close quarters. A slow Glenn high kick is countered by a Jury right hand. Jury catches a kick and lands a knee up the middle. Jury is denied on a takedown but is able to land a knee to the body in the clinch. Glenn pushes Jury to the fence but they separate quickly. With less than a minute to go, Jury changes levels as Glenn presses forward and lands a takedown. Jury ends the round landing ground-and-pound on top.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Jury (30-27 Jury)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Jury (30-27 Jury)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Jury (30-27 Jury)

The Official Result

Myles Jury def. Rick Glenn via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Khalil Rountree vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Round 1

Rountree kicks the body and throws a combination upstairs. Rountree lands a kick to the body and low kick. The American is throwing everything with power in the early going. Rountree lands a leg kick and Oleksiejczuk tries to counter. They trade in close quarters and Rountree lands a glancing hook. Oleksiejczuk catches a kick and pushes Rountree into the fence. Oleksiejczuk lands a takedown, but Rountree clings to his foe’s neck. Rountree doesn’t have the choke secure, though. He is eventually able to stand, and Rountree connects his arms and squeezes the choke from a standing position. They break and Rountree is winging heavy punches, looking for a finish. Rountree backs up and takes a deep breath. Oleksiejczuk is taking a lot of punches, but he’s still coming. Oleksiejczuk is landing some punches of his own as Rountree’s movement has slowed. Rountree lands a kick to the body. A two punch combination lands clean upstairs for Oleksiejczuk. A front kick follows for the Pole, who is starting to find a rhythm against his tiring foe. Oleksiejczuk is mixing up his attacks well. Oleksiejczuk lands a kee to the cut and follow up with an uppercut to the body.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Rountree
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 2

Rountree begins throwing low kicks and he marches forward with a combination. An overhand left for Rountree lands and a right hand sends Oleksiejczuk backward for a moment. Oleksiejczuk is stalking his foe, keeping his composure. He kicks to the body and ducks a Rountree spinning backfist. A left hand over the top lands for Oleksiejczuk. A counter left uppercut sneaks in for Oleksiejczuk. Again, Rountree has slowed significantly at the halfway point of the round. A straight left for Oleksiejczuk lands and then the Pole lands an uppercut to the body followed by a low kick. Oleksiejczuk is attacking the legs while staying out of Rountree’s range. Another uppercut to the body lands in close quarters for Oleksiejczuk. Rountree connects with an uppercut to the chin and Oleksiejczuk backs up for a moment. They get into close quarters and Rountree lands a knee down the middle. Oleksiejczuk goes to the body with an uppercut and a knee before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

Round 3

Oleksiejczuk lands an outside leg kick early. Rountree fires off a hard uppercut in close. Oleksiejczuk drops for a single leg and puts Rountree on his back. The Pole is in his opponent’s full guard about one minute into the period. Oleksiejczuk lands a short elbow and follows with punches to the ribs. Oleksiejczuk is still on top, staying just busy enough with his ground-and-pound. Oleksiejczuk passes to side control at about the 2:00 mark. Rountree isn’t doing much to escape. The American gives up his back in an attempt to return to his feet. Oleksiejczuk gives up on the rear-naked choke but he’s back in side control. John McCarthy urges the fighters to work, but he isn’t calling for the standup. Now in half guard, Oleksiejczuk is landing moderate punches near the fence, with Rountree looking basically helpless. That’s where the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (30-27 Oleksiejczuk)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (29-28 Oleksiejczuk)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleksiejczuk (30-27 Oleksiejczuk)

The Official Result

Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Khalil Rountree via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Carlos Condit vs. Neil Magny

Round 1

Condit lands an outside leg kick and checks Magny’s return offering. Magny catches a Condit leg kick and shoves Condit to the canvas. Condit grabs a leg to threaten for a submission, but eventually the Coloradoan is able to dive into Condi’ts guard. “The Natural Born Killer” stands but Magny is all over him. Magny has a body lock and he’s trying to drag his foe to the canvas. Condit turns his opponent and they trade knees in close. They break about halfway through the round. Magny catches another kick and counters with a couple straight punches. Condit appears to be bleeding slightly from his nose. Condit throws a low kick and Magny fires back with a counter. Magny keeps Condit at bay with a front kick. Not a ton of output from either man thus far, but Magny has been the aggressor overall. Magny catches a kick and they tie up again. Condit misses an elbow on the break. A straight right lands for Condit and then he follows up with a left to the body and a leg kick before the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Magny
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Condit
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Magny

Round 2

Magny catches another Condit kick but lets it go. Magny is switching stances, advancing and pressuring. Magny lands a kick to the body. Condit throws a low kick that’s caught, and the welterweight tie up, with Magny pushing his man to the cage. Magny has a body lock now, and he’s trying to get Condit to the canvas. Magny finally picks his foe up and slams him down. Condit rolls for a leg lock near the fence. Magny is defending, and he’s able to move into his opponent’s guard. Condit is looking for a kimura from his back, while Magny lands some short punches to the ribs. Condit works his way back up, but Magny is still attached to him. Condit turns and lands an elbow on the break. Condit ups his aggression and fires an elbow with Magny against the fence. Magny fires back a combination to create some space. Condit flurries and backs Magny into the fence, landing a right. Condit has an underhook, but he loses it and Magny puts him back into the fence. They battle for position and Magny briefly slams Condit down. The Jackson-Wink product is up, but Magny dumps him right back down. Condit hunts for a leg lock from his back and Magny lands some ground-and-pound in return.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Magny
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Magny
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Magny

Round 3

Condit attacking with punches early but comes up short. Magny lands a kick to the body. Condit with a liver kick that his foe can’t quite grab. Condit pursues his man to the fence and lands a body kick. Condit pressures again but misses punch combo and knee. Magny shoots for a takedown and ends up with a rear body lock. They separate with about 2:30 to go. Magny throws a long combination and sticks a right hand. A left hook for Condit finds a home. Condit flurries with punches and elbows against the fence. Magny blocks most of it, but some lands. Condit tries a superman punch off the fence. Magny lands a long right hand and an outside leg kick moments later. Magny catches a kick and lands a right hand. A right hand lands for Condit, who pursues Magny and hits an uppercut to the body. They clinch against the fence, and Magny gets a takedown with 30 seconds to go. Condit is active from his back, but Magny scrambles to his foe’s back. They stand and Condit can’t track down Magny before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Magny (30-27 Magny)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Magny (29-28 Magny)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Condit (29-28 Magny)

The Official Result

Neil Magny def. Carlos Condit via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Cynthia Calvillo vs. Carla Esparza

Round 1

Calvillo lands a straight right in an early exchange. They trade in close and Calvillo lands her right a couple more times. Esparza moves forward and lands an outside leg kick. Calvillo ducks under a punch and takes Esparza down. Calvillo sets up in half guard, staying heavy on top. Esparza is flat on her back, landing short punches, but Calvillo is still in control. Esparza recovers full guard and Calvillo lands a short elbow. Esparza sets up an armbar from her back. Calvillo is fighting not to let Esparza extend the hold. It looks dangerous for a moment, but Esparza loses it. Now Calvillo is in side control. Calvillo lands a knee to the body and some short elbows to the face. Calvillo continues to stay busy with elbows. Esparza attempts to use the fence to escape, but Calvillo maintains the top pressure and rains down punches. Calvillo picks up the intensity, landing punches from mount. Esparza finally escapes during a scramble but this was Calvillo’s round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Calvillo
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Calvillo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Calvillo

Round 2

A right hand lands flush for Esparza in an initial exchange. The former champ follows up with an inside leg kick. Calvillo lands a counter overhand right. An outside leg kick again connects for Esparza, and she circles away. A right hand lands clean for Esparza, but Calvillo returns fire and connects with a right of her own. They tie up, and Calvillo lands on the break. Esparza tries for a takedown, but Calvillo defends and lands a knee before shoving her foe away. A counter right lands for Esparza in an exchange. Esparza lands a right, but Calvillo answers with one of her own. Esparza drops for a single leg and briefly puts Calvillo on her back. Esparza gets another single leg, but Calvillo spends virtually no time on the ground. Esparza shoots as the round ends but Calvillo shoves her away.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Esparza
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Esparza
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Esparza

Round 3

They trade again, and Calvillo lands a right. Esparza answers with a leg kick. Both strawweights land in an exchange, but Calvillo connects with more authority. Esparza changes levels, but Calvillo defends the takedown and pushes Esparza into the cage. Calvillo lands a short right on the break. Esparza continues to attack the legs of her opponent. Esparza follows a superman punch with a right hand. Another leg kick lands for Esparza. They exchange, and both fighters land right hands. Calvillo shoots for a takedown against the fence. Esparza grabs the neck and then lands a left on the break. Esparza connects with a multi-punch combination. Esparza gets a single leg and trips Calvillo down. The Team Alpha Male product scrambles up immediately. Esparza attacks with punches as time winds down, landing a few more in a wild final exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Esparza (29-28 Esparza)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Esparza (29-28 Esparza)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Esparza (29-28 Esparza)

The Official Result

Carla Esparza def. Cynthia Calvillo via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Dan Hooker vs. Marc Diakiese

Round 1

Hooker throws a push kick that Diakiese catches. Both fighters are feeling each other out over the course of the opening minute. Diakiese tries a jumping spin kick, but it misses. Hooker spins Diakiese around with a low kick. Boos are raining down as two minutes have passed without much offense. Another jumping spin kick from Diakiese partially lands, and Hooker catches the foot. A stiff jab lands for Hooker. Still very limited action. Diakiese lands a switch kick to the body. Diakiese catches a Hooker kick, but the New Zealand native keeps his balance and “Bonecrusher” lets him go. Diakiese catches another kick and they clinch. Hooker gets a takedown near the fence with 15 seconds to go. Diakiese stands as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Hooker
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Hooker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10

Round 2

Diakiese pressures and lands a leg kick after catching a Hooker kick. An overhand left connects for Diakiese. Hooker continues to use front kicks to try to control range. Diakiese lands an uppercut in close. A straight right for Hooker lands clean, and Diakiese tries for a takedown. Hooker pushes his foe into the fence as he has an underhook. They eventually separate with neither man gaining an edge. Diakiese lands a knee to the body. Hooker gets a takedown behind a right hand. He moves to Diakiese’s back and makes his opponent carry his weight. Hooker secures a body triangle with full back control. Diakiese isn’t in danger of being choked out, but he isn’t close to escaping either. Diakiese tries to attack Hooker’s calf with some heel strikes, but they aren’t effective. Diakiese lands some punches before spinning into top position with less than 20 seconds to go. The round ends with Diakiese on top.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Hooker
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Hooker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Hooker

Round 3

Diakiese comes forward and lands an overhand right. He follows that with a kick to the body. Hooker fires back with a low calf kick. Diakiese is pressuring with heavy punches and he lands a left hook. Diakiese suddenly changes levels for an ill-advised takedown and Hooker snatches his neck. Hooker locks up a power guillotine, moves to mount and then falls back. Diakiese taps out in a matter of seconds.

The Official Result

Dan Hooker def. Marc Diakiese via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 0:42

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Edson Barboza

Round 1

Barboza goes to the well immediately with a hard inside leg kick. Nurmagomedov is doing his best to apply pressure as Barboza chops away. Barboza sidesteps a shot. Nurmagomedov changes levels behind a punch and he presses Barboza against the fence. Barboza is able to escape and land an uppercut in space. The Brazilian follows up with a body kick. Nurmagomedov pressures with punches and executes a trip takedown. Nurmagomedov loads up and drops several big elbows. He stands and lands several heavy left hands. Barboza is using his guard to try and create space, but the Dagestani grappler keeps the pressure on. More big shots land for Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov passes to side control and postures up for another big punch. He moves to mount and crosses his legs. Barboza has swelling near his eye from the punishment. Barboza sits near the fence, where he eats more heavy punches. The American Kickboxing Academy product pulls Barboza’s legs away from the fence and continues his assault. More punches drop from Nurmagomedov, and Barboza looks overwhelmed. Barboza sits near the fence and absorbs more brutal blows.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

Barboza’s face is wearing the damage as he comes out for the second frame. Nurmagomedov lands a leg kick to begin the period. He moves forward, attacking with kicks. Barboza lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov sticks a couple jabs. The Dagestani is just moving forward relentlessly, teeing off with punches and kicks. “The Eagle” presses Barboza into the fence, and he lands a series of left hands. Barboza frees himself and falls on a spinning kick. Nurmagomedov blocks it, though. A body kick lands for Barboza. Nurmagomedov lands several punches before changing levels. He gets Barboza down and flattens him out near the fence. Nurmagomedov assumes full mount and lands a series of left hands. Nurmagomdeov is just imposing his will now with less than a minute to go. Nurmagomedov continues to land short punches and drags Barboza back down with less than 20 seconds remaining. Several more hard standing-to-ground punches conclude the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Nurmagomedov

Round 3

Barboza feints a jumping kick switch kick and follows up with a punch. Barboza lands a low kick, but Nurmagomedov is unfazed. Nurmagomedov pressures with punches, and Barboza retreats. Nurmagomedov changes levels in search of a takedown. Barboza posts an arm near the fence, but “The Eagle” stays on him, landing a few short left hands. Barboza defends the takedown, but Nurmagomedov keeps the pressure on. Barboza sprawls and separates. A spinning high kick lands to Nurmagomedov’s head, but it doesn’t have much of an effect. Nurmagomedov marches forward and secures another takedown with less than 2:00 to go. Barboza is sitting up against the fence, as Nurmagomedov grapevines one of his legs while landing a constant stream of punches. Barboza escapes with less than 30 seconds to go and tries a flying knee. It doesn’t land, and Nurmagomedov continues to walk him down as the fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov (30-25 Nurmagomedov)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov (30-25 Nurmagomedov)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Nurmagomedov (30-25 Nurmagomedov)

The Official Result

Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Edson Barboza via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-24) R3 5:00

UFC Women's Featherweight Title Fight:
Cristiane Justino vs. Holly Holm

Round 1

A chant of “Holly” resonates throughout the arena early. Holm catches a kick and shoves Justino down. The Brazilian pops up and the clinch. Holm presses Cyborg into the fence with double underhooks. Justino shoves her foe away and they’re back in the center of the cage. A counter left lands for Holm, but Cyborg’s right hand that follows is even harder, and Holm circles away. Cyborg is using leg kicks as she moves forward. Holm throws a combo as Justino attempts to cut off the cage. Holm lands a left and Justino grins. Justino lands an inside leg kick and then follows up with a combination upstairs. Holm lands a combination and htey tie up. Holm pushes her foe into the fence and Cyborg lands a knee. they separate and Holm backs up. Cyborg times a counter right off a Holm combination. Holm forces a clinch briefly. Holm has a high kick blocked in the waning seconds of the round and Cyborg launches a superman punch as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Justino
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Justino
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Justino

Round 2

Holm has swelling on the bridge of her nose as the round begins. Cyborg is bleeding from her nose. A left lands for Holm, but Justino counters again. Cyborg lands a kick to the body and then moves away. Holm tries a side kick to the body. Cyborg blocks a high kick. A left connects for Holm. A right hook lands for Holm and they clinch. Holm gets double underhooks and presses Cyborg into the fence. They separate and are back in the center of the cage. So far, it’s mostly Holm initiating and Cyborg countering. Holm clinches again and lands a right on the break. Holm is finding the range on her left a little more consistently. Holm forces the clinch in another exchange and controls position again with an underhook. Cyborg turns and lands a couple knees. Cyborg lands a high kick and then a right hand. Holm circles away and then Justino lands a body kick. They clinch once more as the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Justino
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Justino
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Justino

Round 3

A high kick from Cyborg is blocked to begin the round. Holm moves forward with punches but it’s Cyborg that gets underhooks and pushes her foe to the fence. Cyborg lands a knee on the break. Holm dodges a big Cyborg right hand. Cyborg stalks Holm and tags her with a right hand and follows up with a knee to the body. A high kick from Holm is blocked, but “the Preacher’s Daughter” lands a counter hook. A left lands for Holm in an exchange. Another quick left finds a home for Holm. Cyborg times a knee to the body. Holm ends a combination and lands a leg kick, but a Cyborg right hand stings her opponent. Cyborg catches a kick and pushes Holm into the fence. Holm gets off the cage and gets to the center. A kick to the body lands for Cyborg. A counter right from Cyborg stuns Holm and the Brazilian briefly swarms as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Justino
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Justino
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Justino

Round 4

Cyborg eats a left hand and Holm steps off out of danger. Another Cyborg counter right hand lands heavy during an exchange. Justino comes back with a kick to the body. Another hard right from Cyborg rocks Holm and the Brazilian follows up with a head kick that nearly landed cleanly. Justino again lands a right hand in an exchange. A push kick from Cyborg lands. The champ continues to hunt for the head kick. They clinch and Cyborg lands a knee. Holm turns her foe into the cage and they separate. Cyborg goes right back to pressuring. Holm lands a left but has her head snapped back by a jab moments later. For the most part, Cyborg is avoiding most of Holm’s combinations, including the high kick at the end of each offering.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Justino
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Justino
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Justino

Round 5

Holm opens with a kick to the body as Cyborg enters a fifth round for the first time in her career. Holm comes up short on a kick and a punching combination. Cyborg attacks with an inside leg kick. Holm just misses an elbow as they clinch. Holm turns her opponent again, and Cyborg just misses a right as they separate. Cyborg with a hard kick to the body. A counter right tags Holm as the American throws a hook. Cyborg goes hard with another body kick. A counter right lands clean for Cyborg. Holm is still throwing, but not much is landing. They clinch, but only briefly, and Cyborg snaps Holm’s head back with a punch. Holm tries a hook kick. It lands but not much is behind it. The featherweights are trading willingly. But Holm’s punches don’t have the same impact as Cyborg’s, and that’s been the difference. A couple lefts land for Holm, and Cyborg is bleeding from her nose again. They clinch, and Cyborg lands a couple knees before they break. They trade punches one more time before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Justino (50-45 Justino)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Justino (50-45 Justino)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Justino (50-45 Justino)

The Official Result

Cristiane Justino def. Holly Holm via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) R3 5:00