UFC 304 ‘Edwards vs. Muhammad 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Alice Ardelean (116) vs. Shauna Bannon (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bannon (-185), Ardelean (+155)

Round 1

For the first time in what seems like ages, the UFC is taking to a city in the United Kingdom other than London. Packing the Co-op Live, a building that recently finished construction with a capacity of over 20,000 seats, the promotion is doing its best to make sure fans get their money’s worth. Of the marathon 14-fight billing, all 14 bouts feature at least one fighter out of the U.K. or Ireland, or at the very least fight out of there in the case of Modestas Bukauskas. The first international contest comes in a classic battle between the Emerald Isle and the Land of Dracula at 115 pounds. “Mama B” Bannon (5-1, 0-1 UFC) will try to make the most of her second chance for a first impression, and she welcomes OnlyFans-famous Ardelean (9-5, 0-0 UFC) to the Octagon. The ladies will be joined in the cage by referee Mike Beltran, and they decide not to touch ‘em up to commence the curtain jerker. The crowd is lathered up, with the local time of 11 p.m., and the ladies are just as energized. Bannon leads off with a side kick, and the two ladies throw hands wildly at one another. The two come together a few times swinging their hands recklessly, smacking one another in the chops early and often. A few right hands from the Romanian redden Bannon’s nose, and commentator Daniel Cormier short-circuits momentarily on the broadcast as he repeats Ardelean’s name again and again awkwardly. Cormier recovers thanks perhaps due to tech support, and Ardelean pushes forward to change levels and slow Bannon down. Bannon grabs the fence to stop a takedown, and Ardelean redoubles her effort to put her on her back as Bannon pulls on the links once again. Beltran shouts warnings at the Irishwoman, who pays him no mind as she tugs her toes on the fencing to improve her position after getting dumped on her back. Bannon shifts to her side to pursue an armbar, and Ardelean shrugs it off and lowers herself into the closed guard of her adversary. Ardelean opens up with ground-and-pound, and Bannon once more uses her digits to pull herself around, and she snags hold of an armbar again. Ardelean stands up, but Bannon rolls her over and nearly locks the maneuver down. Ardelean keeps turning all the way through the submission to put Bannon flat again, and she breaks out of the move. Bannon uses a high guard to threaten with a triangle choke, and she hacks with elbows from off her back to stay busier than the woman on top of her. Ardelean keeps heavy pressure until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bannon
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Ardelean
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bannon

Round 2

Between rounds, Bannon’s corner, ex-UFC fighter Paddy Holohan, bangs his face into the camera, as the cameraman is hovering very close to them. When they resume, Bannon sports a wry grin, and she springs into action with combinations of punches. As she succeeds in landing, her right hand lumps up Ardelean’s nose, and she times a knee when Ardelean ducks down right on the forehead. Ardelean smiles and meanders forward, but she backs off to reset momentarily before surging back into action. Bannon slips back and slaps Ardelean in the face with the top of her foot, and she marches forward and grabs hold of her foe to attempt to hip toss her down. Ardelean fights her way out of the grip, and Bannon walks her down and rings her up with four straight punches. As Bannon blitzes a second time, Ardelean ducks around it to grab the Irishwoman from behind. Ardelean pushes her foe to the wall, and although she cannot get Bannon down, she grinds her and plants knees on her belly repeatedly. They continue to dirty box, with Bannon offering short right hands around the guard while Ardelean offers light lefts back at her. Bannon uses a knee shield to try to stop knees from landing on her midsection, and when she looks for a throw, Ardelean counters her and chucks Bannon to the canvas like a side of beef. Ardelean lands in side control, and she grabs hold of a scarf hold headlock. Bannon uses the position to try to take Ardelean’s back, and the two scramble and end up on their sides with neither in a good position. Ardelean decides to stand back up, and Bannon follows her with a few punches before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ardelean
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Ardelean
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Ardelean

Round 3

The ladies rush to the center of the cage to engage, and when Bannon kicks, Ardelean counters with a right hand over the top. Bannon retreats and then sprints forward, landing a few punches but getting driven back by counters. Bannon kicks the body three times with the side of her foot, and she uses the side kick to keep Ardelean at bay. When Bannon surges forward, Ardelean stuns her with a left and a big right, and she grapples Bannon but abandons the takedown effort and breaks out of the clinch. Ardelean lands but gets caught with a right hand and a knee, and she smiles from ear to ear after getting punched in the face. Bannon spins with a strike that misses, and Ardelean bears down on her with a pair of hooks. Bannon chains a few punches together into a high kick, and Ardelean laughs it off quite literally and swings back with bad intentions. Bannon comes up short with another head kick, and Ardelean sees the timing and waits for her openings to engage. Bannon races forward and connects with a pair of hooks, and she backs off before eating anything in response. Bannon strafes from side to side, and she side kicks Ardelean in the ribs a few times as Ardelean nods at her. Bannon stays at her preferred range until wading into close proximity, and Ardelean clips her with a one-two. Bannon darts in and out with attacks, catching Ardelean flat-footed and escaping quickly. Ardelean is unable to land first in most of the exchanges, but she does manage to connect at least once during their in-and-out flurries. Bannon zooms at her opponent and dings her with two punches and a kick, and Beltran calls time to cut a piece of tape off of Ardelean’s glove. They get right back to it when time is called in, with Bannon kicking Ardelean in the face and drawing immediate blood. Ardelean is smiling but getting busted up, and she chases after Bannon but cannot reach her. Bannon spins with a wheel kick that misses the mark, and Ardelean busts her in the chops with a left hand that wobbles the Irishwoman’s legs. Bannon decides to attempt one final takedown, and they both wind up landing on their respective heads before the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bannon (29-28 Bannon)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Bannon (29-28 Ardelean)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bannon (29-28 Bannon)

The Official Result

Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Lukasz Brzeski (235) vs. Michael Parkin (264)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Parkin (-245), Brzeski (+200)

Round 1

The fights surge on, with 90 minutes to get four in before the UFC turns to ESPN. Heavyweights grace the cage on the early prelims, with the unbeaten Parkin (9-0, 3-0 UFC) looking for a win that would catapult him into a top-15 affair. Coming in nearly 30 pounds heavier, he meets Polish striker Brzeski (9-4-1, 1 NC; 1-3 UFC), in a matchup between two men with knockout rates of exactly 56%. Before the punches fly, referee Marc Goddard clocks them in. The big men clap hands, and Parkin moves right to the middle of the cage and gets his leg kicked. Brzeski lands another kick on the other side of Parkin’s lead wheel, and he chips away at it as he jabs his way in. Parkin sticks him with a left, and Brzeski trades and gets caught with a hook. The two hook up with single collar ties and blast one another with uppercuts and heavy punches briefly reminiscent of Frye vs. Takayama, and they split up realizing they do not want their faces smashed in just yet. Brzeski stays on the outside, looking for kicks, and Parkin gives him a low kick back and counters a lunging punch with a right hook. Parkin prods with another light leg kick, using it more as a setup than an isolated move. Brzeski loops a right hand over the guard, and they drill one another with punches after Parkin fails to check a kick. Parkin has a right hand bounce off the shoulder, and he pounds the front calf with a kick. The Polish fighter gives him back a head kick, and Parkin completely no-sells it so he can tag Brzeski with a pair of powerful punches. Brzeski gets back to chopping with low kicks, and Parkin responds in kind while keeping his guard up to defend the worst of the blows. They take turns tagging one another until Parkin clips Brzeski with a right hand in the midst of a combination. Brzeski’s legs slip back as his balance betrays him, and he barely manages to keep himself on his feet as he retreats. “Mick” sees this as the opening he has been searching for, in hopes of getting his first UFC finish, and he charges swinging his mighty fists. Parkin clocks his foe with three looping hooks, snapping Brzeski’s head back with an uppercut and then measuring him with a stern right hand. Brzeski leans forward after getting blasted, and Parkin connects with one final left hand to separate Brzeski from his senses and put him on the ground. As Goddard is rushing in to stop the fight, Parkin racks his man up with three more punctuating right hands, putting a stamp on the match and setting the crowd ablaze. This is a huge victory for the Brit as fans go wild, landing his first stoppage in the Octagon and setting himself up for a big next fight at heavyweight.

The Official Result

Michael Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski R1 3:23 via KO (Punches)

Kiefer Crosbie (171) vs. Sam Patterson (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Patterson (-360), Crosbie (+285)

Round 1

With no time to spare, the cage is populated by two welterweights, in a rare fight tonight between two competitors from the British Isles. Patterson (11-2-1, 1-1 UFC) hails a few hours south of Manchester, while Crosbie (10-4, 0-1 UFC) needed to traverse the Irish Sea to get to the arena tonight. Both men could use a win, and referee Lukasz Bosacki will know first who that is. They do not bump fists, as Crosbie instead wants to get right down to business. He lands a low kick on the outside, and he leans back as a front kick buzzes past him. Crosbie goes after another leg kick again, and Patterson intercepts him with a few punches but does not discourage the Irishman from chopping at his front leg. Crosbie doubles up on a jab, and Patterson meets him in the middle to trade hands. Crosbie fires back, knocking Patterson’s head around after landing a good left to the body. Crosbie pushes off with a kick that slides down into the cup, and Patterson takes a few seconds to recover when Bosacki calls time. Crosbie advances, and Patterson times him with a clean combination that includes an uppercut that stings “BDK.” Crosbie tries to tie him up to clear his head, but this only results in Patterson easily taking him down. “The Future” lands practically in full mount, and he is quick to set up an arm-triangle choke. Patterson jumps to the side to lock the submission down, and Crosbie thinks about surrendering but instead fights the grip to save himself. Patterson leaps back to mount, and then readjusts to slide over much further to the side to complete the maneuver. This time, there is nothing the Irishman can do. After just a couple seconds, Crosbie taps out, and Patterson releases the grip, stands up and bows to his opponent before leaping on the cage to celebrate with the fans. This was largely one-way traffic for the tall man who has now finished his opponent in 11 of his 12 wins.

The Official Result

Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie R1 2:50 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Modestas Bukauskas (204) vs. Marcin Prachnio (205)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bukauskas (-155), Prachnio (+130)

Round 1

When the dust settles between these light heavyweights, one of them will reach the .500 mark on their UFC ledger while the other will fall two wins beneath it. Bukauskas (15-6, 3-4 UFC) is trying to build up his resume on his second stint with the promotion, while Prachnio (17-7, 4-5 UFC) wants to disappoint home fans by beating the fighter training in England. With similar finish rates of 73% and 71%, respectively, they might need to involve referee Marc Goddard before the final horn. The 205ers touch ‘em up, and Prachnio introduces himself with a trio of leg kicks. Bukauskas swings back with a looping right hand, but his foe is out of range. Prachnio sweeps the leg, or at least tries to, but his second kick nearly buckles Bukauskas’ knee on the inside. Bukauskas times a hard left hand when Prachnio sells out on a low kick, and he leans back to watch a side kick to the face come up short. Prachnio continues working the front leg no matter the stance, and he pushes off to disallow Bukauskas from reaching him with two hooks. Bukauskas sits down on a left hand, getting Prachnio’s attention, and Prachnio gathers himself and keeps on chopping down the tree. Bukauskas loops a left around the guard, and he kicks a ducking Prachnio in the face. They clash together, and Prachnio stumbles before recovering. Prachnio tries to land a spinning wheel kick that ends up bouncing off the guard, and he peppers the front leg and thigh with kicks. Prachnio winds up and drills Bukauskas with a massive right hand, and Bukauskas eats it like a bowl of kugelis. Prachnio races forward throwing a kick, and Bukauskas grabs hold of him and turns him to the fencing. On the break, the Lithuanian dings Prachnio with a spinning elbow, but Prachnio appears unconcerned. Bukauskas races forward throwing hands, and a right hand careens off the temple and wobbles Prachnio. Bukauskas unleashes a salvo of vicious punches, but Prachnio is able to rebound off the fenced and get his footing. Prachnio chips at the front leg, and he lumbers forward throwing inaccurate punches. Bukauskas switches stances frequently, and he beans Prachnio with a huge right hand. Prachnio goes after another spinning wheel kick that is a long way away, and Bukauskas stays composed until he throws a bit too hard, and gets caught with a counter on the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas

Round 2

The two touch gloves and go right into a brawl, winging power hooks with no concern of defense. They backpedal momentarily, and Prachnio scores a leg kick and connects with an overhand right. Prachnio kicks low a few times before going high, and Bukauskas blocks the head kick but eats a body kick that follows. Prachnio gets into range and is met with a pair of hooks, and he takes a few steps back to kick the front leg. Prachnio lunges and gets countered, but he ends with a body kick. The low kicks of the Polish fighter are starting to compromise Bukauskas, but Prachnio decides to throw caution to the wind and whiff with a comical windmilling right hand that is feet off the mark. Prachnio takes a moment to stop fighting so recklessly, and Bukauskas uses the moment to belt Prachnio with a handful of punches that rock Prachnio. In the ensuing melee, Bukauskas absorbs a flush head kick in close range and gets his bell rung, and he has no choice but to back off as he was in trouble too. Both fighters wobbled and hurt, they end up clinching, with Bukauskas pressing Prachnio against the wire. Bukauskas drops to his knees for a takedown, and Prachnio stands him up and knees him in the gut to break. Prachnio doubles up on the knee when he gets in close, and Bukauskas backs off and smacks him with a left hand. A body lock takedown from Bukauskas succeeds in planting Prachnio on his back, and Prachnio grabs hold of the fence for several seconds and does not let it go as Goddard watches on without saying anything. Bukauskas moves to half guard, and Prachnio lets go so he can block his face but ultimately takes several elbows off the dome. Bukauskas walks right into side control and threatens briefly with a kimura, but lets it go so he can knee Prachnio in the side and elbow him as well. Prachnio briefly drags Bukauskas back to his guard, but Bukauskas easily gest back to half guard. Prachnio wall-walks to get back up, and they dirty box in the clinch until the violent round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Prachnio
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas

Round 3

Gloves are touched, and fists immediately fly. Prachnio elects to go out swinging, and he pummels the Lithuanian with a flurry of fierce punches that knock him back to the fencing. Bukauskas takes advantage of Prachnio’s momentum and hits a body lock trip to redeposit Prachnio flat on his back. Bukauskas moves to half guard to control his opponent, and he lands short shots to stay busy. Goddard warns Prachnio for punches that wrap around to the back of the head, and Bukauskas ignores them while maintaining controlling posture. Goddard asks for more work, and Bukauskas keeps on slowly working from above while not attempting many fight-ending strikes. Bukauskas sits up to drive two elbows home before leaning down with an arm-triangle choke position. Bukauskas lowers himself flat to smother his opponent while clutching the submission grip tight, and he is on the wrong side but does not seem to care. Bukauskas remains flat and crushes down on his adversary, and even out of position he squeezes with all his might. Prachnio cannot hang on any longer, and he taps out. Prachnio thinks about standing up after the fight's conclusion, but he does not have the energy to do it. Meanwhile, the victorious Lithuanian hits a back flip to show he still has something left in the tank.

The Official Result

Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio R3 3:12 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Oban Elliott (170) vs. Preston Parsons (169)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Parsons (-155), Elliott (+130)

Round 1

Capping off the early prelims is now a welterweight clash between Welshman Elliott (10-2, 1-0 UFC) and submission specialist Parsons (11-4, 2-2 UFC). The Floridian will try to become the first man to tap out Elliott and spoil his six-fight win streak, while aiming to go on his own run for the first time since 2021. Referee Dan Movahedi draws the charge for this stylistic clash, and it kicks off with a spirited clap of hands. Elliott tries to strike first with a spinning wheel kick, and Parsons walks past it slinging hands. “Pressure” pressures his opponent right to the wall, and Elliott spins him around and nails him with an elbow. The two jockey for position against the wire, peppering one another with elbows until Parsons decides to disengage and try another way in. As he circles, he lands a low kick, and his head kick that follows goes wide. Elliott spins with a back kick that lands right above the cup, and Parsons shows no concern and goes right at his man kicking the upper thigh twice. As Elliott parries punches, he is forced to deal with a spin kick to the ribs. Elliott gives him a strike back immediately in the form of a spinning wheel kick, and the two take turns punching one another. Elliott marches forward but his leg is kicked out, and Parsons tries to take advantage but is shoved to the fencing. Elliott flirts with a takedown, and Parsons meets him low with a guillotine setup to thwart it. Parsons fights out of the tie-up and walks forward swinging for the fences. Elliott meets him in the middle, gunslinging right back, and he allows Parsons to leap at him with a Superman punch to tag him with a right hand in response. Elliott shuts down a takedown effort from Parsons and squeezes him against the wall until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott

Round 2

The two hurry out of their corners so promptly that they forget they want to touch gloves and are too close to one another to offer. They elect to throw hands, and Parsons ducks down to time a single-leg entry that Elliott successfully and comfortable defends. Elliott manages to turn Parsons around and push him against the cage, and he releases the grip and dodges or parries most of the kicks that fly at him. Parsons gets off an effective calf kick and has his head snapped back with a jab, and he comes up just short of a counter left hook. Parsons reaches his man with a left hand, swaying to dodge the counter, and he ducks a trio of punches to shoot on the hips. Elliott perfectly defends the double-leg takedown and sprawls away, managing to circle around and take the back standing in the process. Elliott drags Parsons to a knee for a moment, and he releases his hands clasped around the waist and backs away to reset. Parsons surges after him swinging with a big right hand, and Elliott effectively counters him and ducks a punch to try to take Parsons down. Parsons stays on his feet while Elliott’s hands wrap around his waist, and Parsons grabs the fence but is still taken down. Parsons powers back to his feet and frees himself from the grip, but Elliott is right there in front of him to box him up. Elliott slips back to avoid the counter and escapes, and Parsons gives chase and connects at the end of a right hand. Elliott steps in with a knee to the body and sticks out a jab, and the pressure of “Pressure” continues as he doggedly pursues a takedown he cannot find. The Welshman defends flawlessly and uses a kimura to roll Parsons over, sweeping his man and jumping back up before Parsons can get hold of him to initiate more ground fighting. Elliott pushes his man on the links until the conclusion of Round 2.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott

Round 3

When the round begins, Parsons is the initial aggressor until he walks face-first into a one-two, and he thinks twice about this approach. Elliott beats him to the punch repeatedly, splitting the guard to frustrate Parsons further. Parsons hunts for a takedown in open cage, and Elliott scrambles quickly to defend it. Parsons jumps after a submission, and Elliott wrenches his limb out and shuts down Parsons’ subsequent double that does not work. Parsons stands up labored when Elliott backs off, and he allows Parsons to meander forward so he can counter him with a solid combination. A one-two from Elliott gets Parsons’ attention, who loads up on strikes and gets popped with another one-two before getting bullied to the wall. Elliott disengages so he can keep working Parsons over from boxing range, and he ignores a low kick while fighting behind his jab. Parsons comes up well short with a head kick and eats a jab, and he overswings but manages to connect with a left hook. Elliott pushes “Pressure” to the wall again and sneaks in a left hand on the way, stifling a takedown as well. Elliott elbows on the break, and he ducks a right hook to flash out a jab. Elliott meets a diving takedown and gets pushed back to the chain links, and Parsons manages to scoop his man up and toss him down but falls directly into an armbar setup. The Welshman holds tight on the submission while Parsons holds his knee down on the face, and Elliott continues hanging on with the maneuver and has his toes interlocked in the fence. Parsons shucks it off and turns the corner, but both men get back to their feet in the clinch. Parsons works the body with knees and a few punches, and the fight comes to a conclusion.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott (30-27 Elliott)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (29-28 Elliott)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott (30-27 Elliott)

The Official Result

Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Manel Kape (125.5) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Mokaev (-130), Kape (+110)

Round 1

Sparks are soon to fly as the prelims—on ESPNews for the time being—will treat fans to a grudge match. Initially booked against one another a few months ago, Kape (19-6, 4-2 UFC) failed to make weight and the flyweight scrap against Mokaev (12-0, 1 NC; 6-0 UFC) fell through. Bad blood brewed as the two jawed at one another constantly and may have even come to blows at least once before settling it in the cage. They get to handle their business once and for all, and referee Mike Beltran and added security in the cage make sure that things do not get out of hand. Unsurprisingly, the flyweights have no interest in touching gloves as the battle begins. Mokaev sprints at his opponent, and Kape is ready to wing a right hand and stumbles after throwing it so hard. Mokaev nods at him and lets loose with a high kick that skims off the shoulder, and he tosses out a low kick that partially lands. Kape parries a front kick as the crowd releases “ole ole ole” chants, and the pace is surprisingly calm given the intensity of the pre-fight antics. Kape walks his man down but does not commit to any strikes of note, and Mokaev gets away with slapping the lead leg with a kick. The audience is quick to grow restless after the fever pitch of anticipation leading up to it, as the two flyweights do practically nothing. Mokaev prods with kicks while Kape just stands and measures him. When Kape lands a strike, he sends Mokaev staggering back, and he does not follow him and stays calm. Mokaev splits the guard with a front kick off the abdomen, and Mokaev is warned for outstretched fingers as he keeps his hand pointed out. Mokaev misses on two low kicks, and the fans hammer the fighters with boos while Beltran calls for action. Kape lunges with a straight left hand, and he slips when stepping back. Mokaev lands a push kick to the groin, and Kape waves him off and lets Mokaev land another body kick. Mokaev keeps slapping with low kicks, and he spins with a sudden wheel kick that grazes off Kape’s head. Kape darts forward with fists outstretched, and Mokaev defends against them. Kape crowds him again and gets off a left to the body, and he resets and eats a low kick. Kape throws one back, and he gets jabbed and kicked in response. Mokaev kicks up high, and Kape walks through a left hook and another groin kick before leaping at Kape with a knee. Mokaev drops down and goes for a takedown, and Kape stops it and cracks him with a few punches. Kape opens up with a left hand that hurts Mokaev, who shoots for a takedown that is easily thwarted. The disappointing round ends with Kape bouncing back.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kape
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev

Round 2

Mokaev does not take a seat between rounds, staring his opponent down the whole time. The second round begins and the two meet in the middle, and they pump-fake with hips but do not throw anything. Kape hops around switching stances, and he blocks a jump knee. Mokaev pushes out a front kick to the sternum, and Kape is warned for outstretched fingers. Mokaev tags him with a right hand, and he blocks a kick that breaks his toe. Kape goes to adjust his busted toe, and Mokaev runs at him attempting a knee but does not get to him. Kape continues to shake out his right foot, and he is ginger on it. Kape stops a takedown in the open cage, but a scramble results in Mokaev on top. Mokaev yanks on Kape’s shorts several times, nearly pulling them off, and Beltran calls time and angrily shouts at Mokaev for the egregious foul. Beltran takes away the position—a point should be taken but is not for some reason—and tells Mokaev it is his final warning. Kape appears better, and Mokaev reaches out and pokes him in the eye. Kape turns around, and Beltran notes the foul but does not call time, instead telling Kape to fight on. Kape suddenly turns around and stops a takedown, and he is irritated but gathers his thoughts and manages to get off a short left hand. Mokaev gets off a body kick, and Kape adjusts his shorts a few times. Kape smiles, and he times a counter left hand when Mokaev overextends. Kape walks through a punch and starts talking the Dagestani fighter down, landing two punches and eating a knee on the way as well. Mokaev gets enough space to push out a few kicks, and Kape throws a low kick and dips his way in but elects not to strike. Kape jumps at his man with two hooks, and he lands at the end of a left hand. Kape powers off another left hand, and Mokaev responds with a body kick. The horn sounds, and scorecards could be all over the map already.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev

Round 3

Before the last round opens, Beltran brings in the doctor to examine Kape’s toe, and he is cleared to continue although Beltran says he will keep an eye on it. They begin the final frame, and Kape stands in the center of the Octagon pawing out jabs. Mokaev slaps him in the face with a high kick, who races at him and misses on punches. Mokaev threatens back with a single, and Kape stonewalls him and leaps forward with a left hook that comes up short. Kape lets go with three punches, but only one partially connects. Mokaev jabs to intercept the advancing Kape, and he has a head kick disrupt him as well. Mokaev jumps after a takedown and is stopped in his tracks, and he gets to his feet and hops away from the lunging Angolan. Kape plants a one-two on the jaw, and he is met with a quick head kick that slaps him upside the head. Mokaev reaches with a low kick to the rear leg, and he retreats around the outer edge of the cage to not let Kape land on him. Mokaev beats his man to the punch, but he eats a left hand as his head is leaning against the wall. Mokaev goes after a single, and Kape defends with a guillotine choke as soon as he hits his back. Mokaev signals that he is not concerned, and he tries to yank his head out of danger and eventually succeeds. Kape goes wild from his back, spamming hacking elbows that stun Mokaev. Kape continues elbowing his man on the top of the head, and Mokaev gets busy with a few punches to the body. Kape pushes off the hips and rolls for a kneebar, and he lets it go to stand back up and push Mokaev away with 40 seconds left. Mokaev points to the floor to signal that they brawl, and Kape does not bite and fall victim to a takedown. Kape shoots for a low single, and Mokaev stops it and punches him in the face. Kape dings him back, and he gets dragged to his seat as he complains about an eye poke. Mokaev holds him down, and the audience boos them heartily. The flyweights immediately bury the hatchet, hugging it out as security watches closely. It’s anyone’s guess how this fight will be scored, but neither man put forth an effort worthy of a title fight in their next outing.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kape (29-28 Kape)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev (30-27 Mokaev)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Mokaev (30-27 Mokaev)

The Official Result

Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Jake Hadley (137: Missed Weight) vs. Caolan Loughran (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Loughran (-195), Hadley (+155)

Round 1

For this next fight, the two combatants celebrate a combined 15 finishes in their 19 wins. Former flyweight Hadley (10-3, 2-3 UFC) had a tough time moving up to bantamweight, missing the limit by a pound and subsequently donating 20% of his purse to Loughran (9-1, 1-1 UFC). Keeping his head on a swivel to watch out for these hard-charging gentlemen will be referee Lukasz Bosacki, although it begins with a glove touch. Loughran is the initial aggressor, walking forward, chin tucked. Hadley kicks the front leg and hops away from the jabs, going for another kick and sitting down on a left hand. Loughran fires back but wears it well, and he absorbs a few leg kicks shortly thereafter. Hadley gets in another left hand, and his one-two is dangerously close and already has Loughran’s face marked up. Hadley stays at the end of his own punches, not letting Loughran crowd him, and backing him off with a solid left hook that cuts the Irishman. Loughran plods forward fearlessly, walking through punches but getting outstruck at the outset. Loughran tosses out a high kick and a right hand that misses, and Hadley beats him to the punch with a sharp combination and whips a kick to the ribs. Hadley uses his range effectively to not let Loughran get to him, and he dips a counter right aimed at his dome. Hadley lands two and dodges the reply, chipping at the front leg of the man standing directly in front of him. Hadley connects with short combinations and a leg kick, and Loughran cannot reach him quite cleanly. Hadley goes to the body and blocks an overhand right, and Loughran hits air with most of his responses. The Irishman does gets off a body kick, but Hadley sticks him with a few punches. Loughran lands a right hand and raises his hand in the air to celebrate his handiwork, and he finds it again as he walks “White Kong” down. Hadley lands a few more punches and a kick to settle the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hadley
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Hadley
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hadley

Round 2

Loughran picks up right where he left off, staying right in front of Hadley, eating punches. Loughran fakes going after a single, and Hadley catches him with a left hand over the top. Loughran gets beaten to the punch again, and Hadley once more stings him with a left hook. Loughran shoots for a single, and Hadley stops it in its tracks and knees his man repeatedly before disengaging. Hadley flicks out fast punches, with Loughran loading up more and largely using arcing shots that Hadley can dodge or parry. Loughran opens up with a right hand that gets the former flyweight’s attention, and Hadley’s expression changes. “White Kong” jabs the body and eats a right hand to the ribs right back, and he pokes with several jabs. Loughran gets him with a right hook, poking with low kicks and staying active and accurate. Loughran stands his man up with a power right hand, and Hadley acknowledges it and drills him right back with left. Loughran kicks an inside low kick that slams square into the cup, and Hadley connects cleanly with a left hand and doubles over from the foul. Bosacki calls time, and Hadley digs deep in his shorts to adjust his cup. Hadley grimaces and takes deep breaths to get his wind back, needing just about 90 seconds to resume. Loughran is so excited to fight again that Bosacki has to back him off, and they restart in a similar fashion to which they left off. Hadley is quicker and snappier, and Loughran swings harder and more reckless. Loughran misses with his wider strikes, and Hadley gets him with a one-two. Loughran digs a right to the ribs, and he shoots for a single and walks through an uppercut to get there. Hadley stops the first attempt, and Loughran lifts up a leg to dump Hadley to the canvas on his second effort. Hadley jumps back up and thanks Loughran for his handiwork by nailing him with a left hand, and he ducks a big strike to threaten with his own takedown. Loughran takes advantage of this situation by circling around to push Hadley to his knees, and he succeeds in placing “White Kong” flat on his back. Loughran starts working with open left hands from above, and Hadley controls his wrist until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hadley
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Hadley
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hadley

Round 3

The last round commences in a brief exchange of fists, with Hadley landing, Loughran responding and Hadley getting the better of it at the end. Hadley chips at him with kicks, and Loughran shoots for a takedown and grabs the fence to pull Hadley to his knees. Hadley fights off the uncalled foul—there have been far too many ignored fence grabs tonight—and turns the corner to grab Loughran from behind. Loughran spins out, and the two reset and get back to the striking range in which most of the fight has taken place. Hadley eats a right hand but lands several back, and he takes a groin kick and motions to Bosacki, who tells him to fight on. Hadley digs strikes to the body and eats a right over the top, and he watches Loughran duck several times until the Irishman sells out on a takedown. Hadley defends it and leans himself against the fence to defend it, eventually blasting Hadley with an elbow on the break. Hadley lands a low kick and blocks a head kick, and he parries two jabs to come over the top with a left. A foot bounces into the cup, and Bosacki tells them to keep it clean. Loughran winds up and finds his target with his right fist, and Hadley strafes to the side to avoid any others from catching him flush. Loughran loads up more heavily than his opponent, missing with practically all of them while Hadley cruises from a distance. Loughran catches him with another right hand, but it is one-and-done as Hadley shifts out of reach. Hadley puts a straight left hand on the chin, drawing an “oomph” from the Irishman. Loughran shakes his head and lands a low kick, and when Hadley kicks him back, he shrugs at him. Loughran has head kicks bounce off the guard, and Hadley jabs him and keeps his left hand high to protect himself from the inevitable strok.es Hadley comes over the top with a glancing left, and he snaps the head back with a left before jogging away as the bell rings.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hadley (30-27 Hadley)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Hadley (30-27 Hadley)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Hadley (30-27 Hadley)

The Official Result

Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Bruna Brasil (116) vs. Molly McCann (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: McCann (-310), Brasil (+250)

Round 1

Fan-favorite McCann (14-6, 7-5 UFC) takes center stage to battle an opponent in which she is a significant betting favorite around -350. She draws Brasil (9-4-1, 1-2 UFC), who fights out of the surging Fighting Nerds team and would love nothing more than to play spoiler and silence the partisan crowd. The strawweights run at one another without touching gloves as the crowd roars its excitement, and referee Dan Movahedi is ready for what comes next. McCann swings for the fences early and often, winging her right hand as Brasil would prefer to work the body and stay on the outside. Brasil reaches her target with a front kick and sneaks in a right hand, and she prods out a pair of calf kicks that already mark up McCann’s lead leg. McCann goes hellbent for leather throwing big punches, and Brasil pushes off with a front kick and accidentally punts McCann in the groin when McCann is kicking at the same time. While Movahedi calls time, a huge mouse swells over McCann’s left eye. McCann takes the necessary time to recover, and on the restart, she strides forward and walks square into a knee. McCann absorbs another flush knee to the ribs, and Brasil spins with a wheel kick that bounces off the Brit’s head. Brasil is able to keep the rushing “Meatball” at bay with kicks and distant strikes. Brasil’s strikes have reddened up McCann’s midsection as well, who appears unfazed and still swings with big punches. Brasil fires off a head kick that is blocked, and she drives a knee to the body that puts McCann on her seat. McCann rolls to her back in pain, and Brasil decides against chasing her and makes her stand back up. Brasil belts her in the busted body with another kick, and McCann doubles over and takes several gasps for air. Brasil walks her down with a stream of punches and blasts the ribs with knees that hurt the Liverpudlian again and again. Brasil lays into McCann with knees that take the wind out of her foe’s sails, and McCann ties her up against the fence and looks to drag the fight down. Brasil allows her to do this so she can spin around and wrench McCann to the mat, where she has her glove grabbed and gets her wind back before Brasil lets her back up. Brasil retreats, and McCann lunges and gets hold of Brasil’s left hand to eventually take her to the floor. Brasil scoots her way to the wall to get back up, and she knees the body and puts McCann on her back before the one-sided round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Brasil
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Brasil
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Brasil

Round 2

The second round begins with McCann ready to come out swinging, and she does just that, chasing after Brasil with looping punches. Brasil pushes her back with a single front kick, but McCann is on her with a left hook. Brasil meets her with an elbow, and she lands a second when McCann is in close enough range. McCann wants to keep it close so her body stops taking shots, and she ends up tying the Brazilian up but fails on her initial takedown efforts. Brasil meets her with a few knees, and McCann grits her teeth and elevates Brasil to slam her to the mat. Brasil kicks off and easily stands back to her feet, and McCann adjusts her shorts instead of pouncing. McCann plods forward and gets kicked in the side, and she hops away from a head kick. McCann reaches her foe with a left and a right over the top, and Brasil turns her around and pushes her to the fencing while tying up one of McCann’s legs. McCann attempts singles, and Brasil defends them as her toes get stomped. Movahedi asks for more action, and Brasil slaps McCann in the forehead and ear before she chucks “Meatball” to the floor. McCann ties her foe up and stops her from landing anything of note, even popping her with an upkick when Brasil stands up to find another way in. Brasil backs off to allow McCann back up, and McCann spins with a wheel kick and gets blasted with a right hand that sends her crashing to the floor. The close round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brasil
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Brasil
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Brasil

Round 3

Sensing she might be down on the scorecards, McCann races out of her corner loaded for bear. McCann throws hard, and ultimately the Brazilian is able to use that against her and trip her to the floor. Brasil takes her from behind and establishes top position, where she calmly moves to half guard and flattens “Meatball” into a patty on her back. Brasil is unable to get much ground-and-pound off from this spot, getting dragged back to the guard and pushed back up with McCann’s butterfly looks. McCann works to her feet and unloads with power punches until she pushes Brasil to the wall. McCann breaks away and spins with an elbow, and she gives everything she has in a left hand that stings her opponent but does not hurt her enough to change the course of the fight. Brasil grabs hold of a single and fairly easily puts the local favorite down on the ground, and she uses a rubber guard to protect herself and make Brasil stand back up. McCann rolls over, and Brasil follows her and takes her back to get both hooks in. Brasil stays seated with her back against the cage, and Movahedi has to slap some hands to prevent fingers from grabbing gloves. Brasil stands up, and McCann pounces at the exact right moment to not only slide out but get on Brasil’s back. McCann wrenches on anything she can get hold of, but Brasil tosses her to the mat and silences the briefly re-energized crowd. Brasil is warned for grabbing McCann’s hair, and she takes the back standing until McCann spins her off. McCann lands in an awkward position, and the horn blares. The two women embrace on their seat, and barring a miscarriage of justice, local fighters against international foes will suffer their first loss tonight.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brasil (30-26 Brasil)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Brasil (30-27 Brasil)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Brasil (30-27 Brasil)

The Official Result

Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Daniel Pineda (146) vs. Nathaniel Wood (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Wood (-500), Pineda (+380)

Round 1

The long preliminary portion of the event finally comes to an end with two 145ers with decidedly different approaches to the sport. While England’s own Wood (19-6, 7-3 UFC) has gone to decision six fights in a row, Pineda (28-15, 3 NC; 5-6, 1 NC UFC) preposterously holds a 100% finish rate with 28 wins in a career that began in 2007. Whether explosive or nullifying, referee Mike Beltran will be ready to keep tabs on the lightweights. They bump fists respectfully, and Wood is quick to say hello with two leg kicks and a front kick. Pineda crowds him and pursues a takedown, and the Brit stifles the first attempt and fights off the second, a trip. Wood breaks free and ducks a punch, and he nails the front leg before stabbing the torso with his toes extended. Pineda throws calf kicks right back, intercepted only by a single jab. Pineda lets a right hand fly as it skims the temple of his opponent, and a jab and a follow-up left gets his attention. Wood batters the front leg and makes Pineda stumble, and a front kick from the Brit crumples “The Pit.” Wood decides to crash towards him and advance to the guard instead of backing off to finish the job, and Pineda is able to get his wind back as he closes the guard and hangs on tight. Pineda lashes out with an elbow off his back, and he stays active attacking while Wood prefers to control him. Pineda hunts for a kimura sweep, locking Wood down until he succeeds in flipping “The Prospect” all the way over. Pineda claims top position and grinds his elbow on Wood’s face before wrapping his head around the neck for some setup that does not materialize. Pineda jams down a few elbows, and any time Wood sits up, he flirts with a guillotine. Wood answers back with a couple elbows, and Pineda drills him with a few shots before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Wood
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Wood
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Wood

Round 2

There is a quick touch of gloves to get going, and Pineda reintroduces himself courtesy of a looping right hand. Wood spins him all the way around with a low kick, and he connects with a few punches including a left hand that hurts Pineda and makes him struggle to see. Pineda backs off and leans against the fence while rubbing his eye, and when Wood tries to finish the job, he is met with booming shots from “The Pit.” Pineda keeps him honest, even while taking another left to the eye socket that flusters him further. Pineda spins with a back kick, and Wood takes advantage of the situation by landing left hands to draw a tiny bit of blood above the eyebrow. Wood pounds the front calf to stop Pineda from coming towards him for a moment, and he jabs out two front kicks where at least one bumps into the cup and draws a time-out. Beltran calls time, and he has a replay official check to make sure it was a groin shot. After one minute, Pineda is ready to rock, and he leads off with a head kick that gets blocked. Pineda slams his shin on the lead calf of his foe, and Wood answers him back and drops Pineda. Wood jabs out with a front kick that hits the cup, and he snaps out a jab that sends Pineda flying. Pineda recovers and backs off to block body shots, and he jogs to the side to get his footing back. “The Pit” spins with a back elbow that is labored, and Wood nails his front leg to further compromise it. Wood lands a few leg kicks while Pineda is on his back, and Pineda climbs back up and shoots for a double. Wood stops it and spins him around, and he breaks off and aims another kick at the damaged front wheel. Both men load up and miss with big punches, and Pineda checks a kick and digs a left to the body. Wood blasts his man with a few punches, and when Pineda wobbles, Wood cracks his chin with a left hook that sends the Texan down to the mat. Wood climbs on top rather than forcing him up to keep striking, and Pineda wipes at his eye that is swelling up and hurt badly. Pineda hangs on tight to survive and ride out the remainder of the round, with Pineda landing two elbows before it ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Wood
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Wood
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Wood

Round 3

The doctor comes in to check on Pineda’s damaged right eye, which is swollen but not shut. Pineda passes the test to keep fighting, and the crowd thanks him with cheers. The two clap both hands to begin, and Pineda throws the first strike with a spinning elbow. Pineda swings for the fences and shoots in low for a double, and he winds up in guillotine choke danger that allows Wood to turn him over and briefly wind up on top. Pineda fights to his feet and wipes his eye, and he misses on a calf kick. Wood chips at the front leg and doubles up on his jab, and he strings a few of those together and fights off a Pineda trip. Pineda gets his head snapped back with a jab and he wings a telegraphed right hand, and Wood is the much faster and more accurate of the two. Pineda attacks for a takedown, and Wood turns around and holds his back, but the Brit eats a ferocious back-elbow while hanging on. This allows Pineda to turn the other direction, who steps into half guard as his face leaks all over. Pineda slides over to the side, isolating Wood’s right arm with a kimura as Wood bucks and kicks. Pineda keeps a two-on-one wrist lock until Wood is able to wrench it back to his side, so Pineda switches to half guard with short right hands. “The Pit” briefly claims mount, and he slashes down with an elbow on the forehead. Wood turns to his side, ignores a few more elbows and is stuck on his back. Pineda uses shoulder pressure and a guillotine threat to stop Wood from turning the wrong direction, but time is his enemy as 30 seconds remain on the clock and he will almost certainly need a finish. Pineda misses a big elbow and sits up to smack his opponent with meaningless strikes, and the fight comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pineda (29-27 Wood)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Pineda (29-28 Wood)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Pineda (29-27 Wood)

The Official Result

Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)

Arnold Allen (145) vs. Giga Chikadze (146)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Allen (-250), Chikadze (+205)

Round 1

A relevant featherweight encounter kicks off the main card of UFC 304, with Britain’s Allen (19-3, 10-2 UFC) trying to snap a two-fight skid at the expense of Georgian striker Chikadze (15-3, 8-1 UFC). The fans have picked their side on this one, and it is safe to say they are not rooting for the man who calls himself “Ninja.” Referee Marc Goddard will observe the proceedings for the next 15 minutes or less, and he sits back as the combatants opt not to touch gloves. Chikadze tests the waters early with a head kick, and he fires it a second time as Allen has his guard up for both of them. Chikadze kicks the side and then the front leg, only to go up high. Allen catches a body kick and tries to take Chikadze for a ride, but Chikadze bounces away and lands a kick on the way out. Allen walks him down, dinging Chikadze with a left hook as Chikadze continues to spam kicks to all three targets. Chikadze jabs and settles down, aiming a second to the chest and staying light on his feet. Allen cannot find his way in, hand-fighting and taking a body kick when trying. Chikadze sits down on a straight right hand when Allen bears down on him, and Allen takes it like a champ and gives back a high kick that hits the shoulder. Chikadze’s head kicks are all blocked, but the front forearm of his foe is reddening after absorbing the quick blows. Allen sticks a jab and ducks down to work the body before Chikadze can get away, and Chikadze gives him a body kick back to think about. A spinning wheel kick from Chikadze goes wide, and his high kick pounds into the glove of his foe. Allen responds with a single body kick, and Chikadze splits the guard with a straight right hand and follows with two speedy body kicks. Chikadze scores a check left hook and is met with a counter left hand, and Allen walks after him tossing out a kick easily blocked. Allen walks into a punch and a kick, and Chikadze pecks at him with a front kick as he constantly mixes up his attacks. Allen connects at the end of a right hand, shaking Chikadze up for a moment, but Chikadze does not back himself into a corner and instead reaches with his own right. Allen tries to wind up with leaping shots, and Chikadze is evasive and hard to get hands on. Allen ducks right into a knee, and he wobbles to the side and punts Chikadze in the face with the ball of his foot. As the Brit raises his arms in the air, the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze

Round 2

Allen rushes out of his corner to attack, landing a right hand out of the gate. Chikadze hand-fights to block anything else aimed his way, and he slides away from two left hooks. Chikadze zings a high kick that brushes his foe’s hair, and Allen aims a body shot in response. Allen scores a solid calf kick and powers out with a left hand, only to be met with three piston-like jabs. Allen chops at the front calf, and Chikadze gives him one right back and jabs him to boot. Allen scores two punches, and he just avoids getting blasted with a step-in knee. Allen rings Chikadze’s bell with a straight left hand, and Chikadze has to take a quick count of his teeth. Chikadze’s speed gives Allen issues, but Allen is ignoring the strikes he absorbs and coming back with venom. Allen blocks a high kick and reaches out with a left to the sternum, and his hands are high to defend against another head kick. Chikadze shakes Allen up with a head kick, and Allen knocks him back with a left hand. Chikadze shakes it off and strafes to the side, constantly moving to not remain a stationary target. Chikadze has an uppercut come up short, and Allen nearly cuts him off with a one-two. Chikadze lands, Allen gives him one back, and Chikadze is away and spamming kicks. Allen beans “Ninja” with a solid left hand, drawing blood from both nostrils. Allen has his leg kicked out on the way in, but he still manages to get off a wide left hand. Allen chambers and fires left hands, and Chikadze prods his front leg with a kick and slips the overhand left. Allen catches him with another left, and he shoves away a leaping Chikadze and kicks high. Chikadze responds with a body kick, and the back-and-forth round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen

Round 3

The Brit chases Chikadze around the cage as soon as the last round begins, and he manages to get his hands on Chikadze with a left hand or two. Allen walks the Georgian down, and he dodges two punches and reaches with a single shot that smears blood on Chikadze’s forehead. Chikadze comes back firing with a left over the top, and he has a body kick reach before Allen can get to him. Allen front kicks his man and elbows his way in, and Chikadze escapes as fast as he can. Allen rips a body shot and Chikadze is still ready to sling back high kicks, but they have far less sting on them than before. Allen gets off a left, takes two body kicks and continues pressuring his man around the Octagon. Chikadze steps in with a right hand and responds with a heavy left, and he follows him along with another hard left. Allen’s left hand is again accurate, and Chikadze springs into action with a body kick and a punch. Allen goes to the body and then kicks on the other side, and his left hand is hurled at Chikadze’s pectoral. Allen tosses a front kick aside and catches his foe with a left hook, and Chikadze spins but does not release anything. Allen eats a body kick without flinching so he can unload punches, and he puts a one-two down the pipe and chases Chikadze with a right. Allen ends the fight with a jump knee, and the two share an embrace and have a conversation after 15 minutes of striking.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Allen)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Allen)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Allen)

The Official Result

Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Christian Leroy Duncan (185) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Duncan (-130), Rodrigues (+110)

Round 1

The UFC chose violence by putting this 185-pound slobberknocker together, in a fight previously positioned on the prelims but later bumped to the main card. Duncan (10-1, 3-1 UFC) will represent the home nation while sporting a 90% stoppage rate, while Brazilian bruiser Rodrigues (15-5, 6-2 UFC) and his opposing 87% rate will try to put the hurt on him. Donning his figurative hard hat, referee Dan Movahedi needs to make sure not to get hit by any flying feet or fists in what could turn into an Andy Capp-style brawl. The fighters touch gloves before swinging them, and Duncan is quick to zip in and out with a jab. On his way out, Rodrigues gives him a body kick to think about. Duncan reaches out with a left hand and a front kick, and he is warned for outstretched fingers. Rodrigues catches the Brit with a power left hand, and then a monster left and right knock Duncan’s head around. Duncan appears no worse for wear, and he slides to the side and leaps in the air to miss with a flying knee. Rodrigues has a right hand skim the side of the head while Duncan is moving, and he pushes off the face with his fingers only to rush in to thump the Brazilian with an elbow. Duncan rushes out of the way to the side and fires back with a right hand, only for “Robocop” to snatch up a single and put Duncan down easily and comfortably. Rodrigues steps into half guard and starts doing work with elbows. Duncan pushes his feet off the hips, and Rodrigues stays heavy and elbows him again. As the elbows land, a mouse develops almost instantly above his left eyebrow, and it turns into a golf ball in a hurry. Rodrigues smothers his man and methodically attacks with elbows, using the lump as a bullseye. Duncan explodes to his knees, and Rodrigues tries a few times to take the back but Duncan keeps himself from surrendering this position until he stands back up. Duncan tries to sit down and push through to find a better position, but Rodrigues holds him down. Duncan attempts a single, and the round ends before he can get it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues

Round 2

The middleweights tap hands to get going, with Duncan leading the dance with a low kick. Duncan nearly splits the guard with a front kick but is just a little out of range, and he gets knocked back hard with a fierce right hand. “Robocop” punches Duncan in the face several times until Duncan has to tie his man up to stop getting busted up further. Duncan lands a knee, and Rodrigues responds with a trip attempt that nearly gets the Brit down. Rodrigues jams a knee to the ribcage as Movahedi asks for more activity, and Duncan’s trip comes up short. Rodrigues sets up a Thai clinch, but when that falls off, he starts slugging. The two 185ers let loose with power shots, stinging the other, and Duncan spins with an elbow that Rodrigues eats like a bowl of acai. Duncan grabs the fence to defend a takedown, and Movahedi warns him for it. Rodrigues hangs on from behind in hopes of taking him down, and he transitions briefly to a single but back to the back. Duncan tries for his own takedown, and Rodrigues stifles him and turns him around, and Movahedi gets involved to split them up suddenly. Rodrigues meets him in the middle and lands several uppercuts, and Duncan replies with shoulder strikes, elbows and maybe even a headbutt. Rodrigues turns around and whips an elbow that slashes Duncan open, and he winds up with three right hands that hurt “CLD” badly. Duncan, cutting the Brazilian on the corner of his left eye, gets taken for a ride when Rodrigues tackles him to the floor. A few punches including at least one to the back of the head from Rodrigues end the bloody round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues

Round 3

When the third round begins, ESPN suffers technical difficulties that break the broadcast. It comes back 40 seconds in the round, with Rodrigues in the driver’s seat chasing Duncan around. Duncan spams two spinning back elbows, and Rodrigues is more composed and busts him up with uppercuts and short punches. Rodrigues lifts his man up and throws him down to the floor like a bag of groceries, and when Duncan stands, he turns him towards the fence and smacks him with shoulder strikes. Duncan goes for a desperation flipping kick, and it breezes past Rodrigues as Rodrigues pushes him back towards the fence in search of a single. Duncan keeps his balance on the first try, but Rodrigues wrenches him down to a knee and bleeds on him. Rodrigues gets one hook in and imposes his body weight on top to slowly lower Duncan down, and Duncan is warned for grabbing the gloves in furtherance that rules mean nothing if referees issue countless warnings and choose not to enforce them. Movahedi calls for more action, while Rodrigues has his foe from behind while working him with left hands or searching for a one-arm rear-naked choke. Blood from the Brazilian streams down on his opponent’s face, and Rodrigues hunts for a rear-naked choke and briefly grabs a face crank but releases it to hack down with a single elbow. Duncan gets to his knees, and Rodrigues maintains controlling posture on the back as he slugs Duncan in the chops with his free left hand. When Duncan stands and lands a back elbow, the fight surprisingly reaches the final bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues (30-27 Rodrigues)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues (30-27 Rodrigues)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Rodrigues (30-27 Rodrigues)

The Official Result

Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bobby Green (154.5) vs. Paddy Pimblett (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Green (-120), Pimblett (+100)

Round 1

While the last two fights are championship affairs with a Brit defending their throne, fans might be here for the people’s main event that is the “featured fight of the night.” No matter his new first name, for play-by-play purposes this Strikeforce veteran will be called by his surname, Green (32-15-1, 1 NC; 13-10-1, 1 NC UFC). He will try to take all the wind out of the sails of the raucous Manchester crowd, which is going bananas for Pimblett (21-3, 5-0 UFC). Referee Lukasz Bosacki can scarcely hear himself think, but he knows it is time and starts the fight between the beloved lightweights. Even having said earlier this week it is all business, the two choose not to touch gloves before slugging it out. Green’s hands are low as always, and he pokes at the front leg with a kick. Pimblett winds up with a much heavier kick on the inside, and he lands a second with emphasis. Pimblett sticks out a jab and checks a kick, and he sits down on an especially powerful calf kick. Green marches forward and starts talking trash, and Pimblett catches him with a counter as he backs off. Green brushes his shoulder when Pimblett lands on him, and the Brit lands a low kick as well. Green connects with a pair of stomping kicks to the knee, and he reaches a left hand to the midsection. Green kicks the front leg and is tripped up, and he acknowledges the strike and kicks at him. Green points at his adversary as he walks him down, and he tells Pimblett to hit him. Pimblett elects to kick the calf instead, and Green kicks him in the ribs in response. Green keeps jabbing with his front leg, and he shoots for a takedown and falls straight into a guillotine choke attempt. Green slips out of it, and Pimblett adjusts and locks down a triangle choke. Green rolls to the side but is still dangerously caught in the submission, and Pimblett starts celebrating as he leans back. Green struggles and gets rolled to his back, and he wrenches on the arm while crushing on Green’s carotid artery. Life leaves Green’s eyes as the submission deprives him completely of his consciousness, and Bosacki recognizes this and rescues the snoozing Green from further harm. Pimblett immediately lets go and leaps to the top of the cage as the audience explodes to celebrate the stoppage win for their star. He jumps out of the Octagon to high-five UFC chief Hunter Campbell, and the crowd is absolutely deafening. “The Baddy” passed the biggest test of his career with flying colors, putting the dangerous Green to sleep and becoming the first fighter to submit Green since 2009.

The Official Result

Paddy Pimblett def. Bobby Green R1 3:22 via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke)

UFC Heavyweight Interim Title Fight:
Tom Aspinall (251) vs. Curtis Blaydes (256)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aspinall (-380), Blaydes (+300)

Round 1

Back in 2022, Blaydes (18-4, 1 NC; 13-4, 1 NC UFC) encountered Aspinall (14-3, 7-1 UFC) in the main attraction of their Fight Night show in London. Before anything came of the match, Aspinall blew his knee out in 15 seconds, and no one seemed satisfied, including Blaydes. Aspinall went on to win two fights in the first round and pick up the interim heavyweight strap, while Blaydes lost his next fight and went on to punch out Jailton Almeida in March. For interim gold, referee Marc Goddard has drawn the charge, and he brings the two together to share a sporting glove touch. It might not take long for a winner to be decided. They bounce towards one another, and Blaydes lunges out with a one-two and reaches his target on the second. Blaydes stabs out a jab, and he clips Aspinall with a right hand, forcing Aspinall to rush at him and clinch. Blaydes pushes him off before something comes of it, and he cracks Aspinall with a one-two. “The Honey Badger” don’t give a…and he fires off a laser-like jab and wings a massive right hand skimming the temple that knocks Blaydes senseless. Blaydes hits his seat, stunned by the concussive blow, and Aspinall sprints at him to finish the job. Jumping on Blaydes’ back, Aspinall lets loose with powerful left and right hands, flattening Blaydes all the way out. As punches rain down, Blaydes has no way out, and Goddard waves the fight off so that Blaydes can live to fight another day. Sweet revenge has been earned by the Greater Manchester native, who avenges the loss to his opponent as Blaydes sits up to protest the stoppage. It does not matter any longer, as the fight is over—in about a minute, at that—and Aspinall has defended his interim throne. Earlier in the week, UFC head Dana White claimed that the winner of this fight would face the winner of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, if that fight actually happens. Respectfully, Aspinall calls out Jon Jones, saying that he has nothing against him but believes he is simply better than Jones. It is the only fight to make at the top of heavyweight now.

The Official Result

Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes R1 1:00 via KO (Punches)

UFC Welterweight Title Fight:
Leon Edwards (170) vs. Belal Muhammad (169)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Edwards (-205), Muhammad (+170)

Round 1

After a very long night of combat, the main event is here. Running back a fight from UFC Fight Night 187, when Edwards (22-3, 1 NC; 14-2, 1 NC UFC) poked Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC; 14-3, 1 NC UFC) in the eye to force a no contest, the two will now vie for the undisputed welterweight crown. The unbeaten streaks of these two men are gargantuan, with “Rocky” not having lost in his last 13 appearances while the challenger has not tasted defeat in 10 straight encounters on his own ledger. Something’s gotta give, and referee Mike Beltran will be sure to keep things as clean as they can be. The two are not fans of one another, and there is no touch of gloves. Beltran clocks in the main attraction, and away we go. Muhammad moves right to the center of the cage, and Edwards prods out a few jabs while Muhammad pressures forward. Muhammad shoots in for a double, lifting the champion in the air and slamming him down with relative ease. Edwards keeps an open guard when he hits his back, staying tight to Muhammad to prevent him from doing much. Muhammad opens up with a number of short left hands, landing without much impact. Edwards fights his way back to his feet, and Muhammad jams him against the wall and knees him once before getting spin around. Muhammad drives a few knees to the solar plexus, and Edwards drops to his knees for a takedown before abandoning it. Edwards scores an elbow on the break, and Muhammad tosses out a body kick on the way out. Muhammad adjusts and lands a body kick in response, and although he reaches his opponent, Edwards slams his knee in the breadbasket so hard he lifts Muhammad off the ground. They both trade shots, and Edwards catches the challenger with a solid uppercut and a body kick. Muhammad gives him a right hand back to think about, and he presses forward reaching a left over the guard. Edwards rifles a left down the middle and lands a knee, and Edwards slides to the side and eats a heavy left hand that stings him. Edwards tries to get away, and Muhammad attacks a double and dumps the champion on the ground. “Remember the Name” makes Edwards remember his ground-and-pound, punctuating the round with one crisp elbow.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 2

Muhammad immediately puts the pressure on the champ when the round begins, walking Edwards down and landing a few punches. Edwards retaliates with a body kick, and Muhammad beats him to the punch with a short swarm of punches. Muhammad scores a pair of jabs to back Edwards up, and Edwards gives him a single one back. Edwards gets an uppercut in, but Muhammad punches his way into a takedown effort. Muhammad fails to secure a takedown, even when clasping his hands together around the waist, as Edwards keeps his balance. Muhammad doggedly pursues the takedown, tripping Edwards up by the knee and dropping him down to his knees. Muhammad jumps on his back, hanging on without hooks in and imposing his weight and will. Edwards is warned for a fence grab, and Muhammad scoops him up and dumps him on his head. Edwards appears no worse for wear, and Muhammad takes his back and gets hooks in. Edwards fights the hands and legs, managing to turn out and get back to his feet, but not before eating a heavy knee on the chin. Muhammad wrenches the champ back to a knee, and Edwards powers back upright only to get chucked on his face. Muhammad ragdolls the betting favorite, clinging to his back and making his life miserable. When Edwards stands, Muhammad drags him down, and he completely shuts down any offense from the champ. Edwards manages to get upright and turn Muhammad towards the fencing, and he knees Muhammad in the gut and drags him to the mat in a surprising turn of events. Muhammad works his way to his seat against the fencing, and he knees Muhammad in the chest from this advantageous position. Edwards hangs on from behind until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 3

Muhammad walks out of his corner to start the fight even before Beltran says go, and he pushes the pace like before. Edwards swats at him with punches, and Muhammad catches him with a right hand and a head kick from up close. Muhammad lifts Edwards in the air and deposits him ever-so-gingerly to the canvas, but Edwards scrambles quickly to take Muhammad’s back and get a hook in as they lean against the cage. Edwards rips Muhammad’s feet out from beneath him, and both hooks are in as he squeezes his left arm around the mouth. Muhammad hand-fights to defend any submission from getting anywhere close, but Edwards is firmly in control while he sets up the body triangle. Edwards adjusts the body lock to his other leg when Muhammad twists, and Muhammad protests about glove grabs. Edwards slips an arm around the jaw again, but there is no second arm to lock it down. Muhammad grabs the fence to try to turn, and Beltran admonishes him for it. As Muhammad sits up, Edwards follows him and smothers his mouth before briefly gripping a face crank. Muhammad breaks the grip but is otherwise totally nullified, wide-eyed and perhaps surprised that Edwards has bullied the bully this round. Edwards loops a punch or two around the guard, and Muhammad no-look elbows back at him until the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Edwards
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Edwards

Round 4

The championship rounds have arrived, and Muhammad is almost to the middle of the cage as Beltran claps in the round. The pressure from Muhammad is constant, and Edwards jabs him back and sneaks a head kick up that crashes into the shoulder. Muhammad throws a few punches back, and he eats a big left hand that wobbles him for a second. Muhammad slips a left over the top, and he jabs behind it. Edwards keeps his guard up to block jabs, and Muhammad sees this and delivers an uppercut to fluster him. Muhammad reaches his man with a one-two, and a few right hands find their home shortly thereafter. Muhammad sells out for a double, and Edwards gets ripped to a knee while Muhammad slips around to take his back with one hook in. Edwards stays on both knees, and as Muhammad gets the other hook around the back, he elbows the champ on the side of the head. Muhammad hacks down with an elbow or two until Edwards leans and lowers himself to his back, and now Muhammad has the body triangle in place. Muhammad softens Edwards up with short, irritating punches on the side of the head while maintaining complete control, and no matter how hard Edwards fights, Muhammad has him on lock. Edwards sits up and breaks the triangle around his waist, but Muhammad drags him back down and resets the leg grip. Beltran tells Muhammad to work as the two lay there in this position, and Muhammad stays busy enough to land punches to the side of the head. With 30 seconds left, Edwards bursts into action and spins Muhammad over. As Muhammad, Edwards follows him to a knee, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad

Round 5

Muhammad does not alter his game plan, and Edwards does as the round begins. Edwards starts throwing heavy punches, and Muhammad answers him right back and quickly blocks a high kick. Edwards loads up on his shots, and he stuffs a takedown and pushes Muhammad to the side. As Muhammad stands, he greets Edwards with a few stern punches, and he jabs Edwards back to the fencing. Muhammad lines a right hand down Broadway before chasing a takedown, and Edwards leans himself against the cage and stops the attempt from completing. Edwards grabs the fence to stop the takedown from succeeding, and Beltran yells at him. Muhammad does what he did in the previous round, getting back control and dragging Edwards down while completing the body triangle. The crowd is cooked, booing the challenger heartily and even leaving the building, expecting the champ will lose his crown. Muhammad tries to get hold of a neck crank, and Edwards fights it out but it is a moral victory as he is still down on the scorecards with little way of coming back. Time is the worst enemy of “Rocky,” and Muhammad has successfully embraced the grind for coming up on 20 minutes. It might not be the most thrilling performance, as the fans in the building are borderline silent, but it is effective. With 45 seconds to spare, Edwards does everything he can to spin around and attack. Edwards lashes out with two blistering elbows, slashing Muhammad all the way open on the nose as blood sprays on the canvas. Edwards lands one more vicious elbow, and blood pools on Muhammad’s cheek. Edwards unleashes one final flurry of elbows, but it is likely too little, too late. The audience does not like it, but Muhammad did it, putting a performance on Edwards that few others have done. Vengeance is sweet for “Remember the Name,” and he ignores the jeers of the disappointed crowd because he has successfully climbed the mountain. The welterweight title now goes through Muhammad. If the UFC decides to run that one back, if Muhammad faces a hungry challenger like Shavkat Rakhmonov or something else happens, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (48-47 Muhammad)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (48-47 Muhammad)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Edwards (48-47 Muhammad)

The Official Result

Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)