UFC Fight Night 210 ‘Sandhagen vs. Song’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Nikolas Motta (155) vs. Cameron VanCamp (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Motta (-205), VanCamp (+175)

Round 1

The UFC is having a bit of a comedown from the last week’s ridiculous pay-per-view mess, trotting out a low-key Fight Night with one single ranked matchup that sits atop the event – to top it off, a plurality of the competitors came straight off or are one fight in from Dana White’s Contender Series matches. This includes the first fight on the card, where 2020 signee Motta (12-4, 0-1 UFC) had the misfortune of drawing motivated Jim Miller in his UFC debut earlier this year. Motta was not the only man to get a tough first out, as VanCamp (15-6-1, 1 NC; 0-1 UFC) squared off against power-punching welterweight Andre Fialho a few months ago only to get punched out. Both of these two lightweights will try to right the ship on this opening bout on the card, in search of their elusive first victory inside the Octagon. Referee Chris Tognoni will do the honors of officiating this contest, which begins without a touch of gloves. VanCamp strikes first with a low kick, and he pushes Motta back with a front kick up the middle. After a lull in the action, VanCamp pushes out another such kick, and Motta comes up short with a counter left hand. VanCamp chips away at his foe’s lead leg a few times, while Motta shadowboxes from afar. A half-hearted front kick from VanCamp hits nothing but air, and Motta suddenly springs into action and swarms with a few punches and ending it with a left hook. VanCamp blinks it out while leaning back and staying tall, and Motta bears down on him again to pop him with a pair of power punches. Motta lines up with big clubbing punches, and VanCamp turns his shoulder just enough to block the blows from connecting cleanly. VanCamp plays the matador briefly as Motta swings wild, and he gets off a body shot and a low kick. Motta marches through it to wing a left hook, and he dodges a flying knee so that he can let off some steam with another big left. VanCamp gathers himself and looks to get back in his rhythm of front kicks and low kicks. Motta responds with an overhand right, and it rings VanCamp’s bell and staggers him back. VanCamp wobbles back to the wall, smiles and nods, but his legs are not totally beneath him. Motta does not “Jumpman” get his bearings back, as he loads up on a massive left hook and knocks VanCamp down to his seat. VanCamp moves to get to his knees, possibly for a desperation takedown, and Motta is on him with jackhammering right hands to seal the deal. The force “Iron Motta” generates with his fist adds up fast, and VanCamp’s consciousness starts to fade as Tognoni smartly steps in to save VanCamp from going all the way out. That’s one heck of a way to start out the night.

The Official Result

Nikolas Motta def. Cameron VanCamp R1 3:49 via TKO (Punches)

Javid Basharat (135.5) vs. Tony Gravely (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Basharat (-165), Gravely (+140)

Round 1

Unlike the previous match, both of these two competitors in this bantamweight contest celebrate winning records in the UFC so far. A grizzled vet compared to his foe, Gravely (23-7, 4-2 UFC) will try to become the first man to defeat “The Snow Leopard” Basharat (12-0, 1-0 UFC). Whether he does or not, referee Keith Peterson will be the first to know, just as soon as he issues the eviction notice on all nonsense in the UFC Apex. The two men rush out to the middle of the cage without touching gloves, and Basharat fires off a heavy low kick. Gravely swings back wildly and comes up short, with Basharat aiming another leg kick to the same spot, only for it to get checked. Gravely gives him one back, and he darts forward with a swiping left hook. The hard calf kicks come from both fighters, and Basharat mixes things up with a kick to the body. Gravely ties up with his man and they clack heads together, one that opens an immediate cut on the left eyebrow of “The Snow Leopard.” Basharat dodges a knee, and Gravely chases after him looking for a takedown. When Gravely gets his man to a knee, he doubles up his effort and slams the undefeated fighter down. Basharat springs back up and slashes out with an elbow, and Peterson pauses the fight to call in the doctor to check on the cut, which is leaking down into Basharat’s eye. Peterson acknowledges that it was due to a headbutt and not from a legal strike, and Basharat is cleared to continue. When they resume, Basharat frantically leaps in the air with a knee, and Gravely steps back and shoots for a takedown. Basharat stuffs it and gets kneed on the way up, but he pays it no mind. Basharat strings a few kicks together to the lead leg and midsection, and they both crack one another with power strikes. Basharat stings his opponent with a knee to the body, and Gravely takes a second to reset before surging forward to lock. Basharat snipes his foe a few times with jabs, and Gravely steps through them to nail his foe on the cheek. Basharat, after absorbing some heavy shots, shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Gravely defends it with a guillotine choke, and he works his way back to his feet by threatening with it. As he stands, Basharat is busy with elbow strikes, but Gravely ignores them before powering forward with several thudding leg kicks. Basharat spins with a back kick to the body, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 2

The bantamweights meet in the middle of the cage once more, and Gravely lets his legs go with a leg kick and a head kick. Basharat pushes out a long straight punch to slow down the kicks, and he gets off a kick to the crook of the knee to force a Gravely shot. The double-leg entry from Gravely succeeds, and when Basharat powers his way back up, the mat return from a body lock comes shortly thereafter. The undefeated fighter stands, and he bowls Gravely over and pushes him off to rip a kick to the body. Basharat targets the same spot on the midsection with a few punches, and he tackles Gravely over to land in half guard. “The Snow Leopard” pounces to take side control from the other side, and he keeps Gravely pinned down even when Gravely drags him back to half guard. Basharat hacks down with an elbow, and sensing its success, he doubles up on it. Basharat flirts with an arm-triangle choke as he exerts heavy shoulder pressure, and he sits up every so often to drop down another elbow. Gravely explodes back to his knees, and he finds himself in a guillotine choke setup immediately. When Gravely stands, Basharat greets him with a knee on the chin, and this forces Gravely to shift back down to his knees. Basharat threatens with a brabo choke when this occurs, so Gravely uses all his energy to stand back up and break the grip of the arms. Basharat keeps the American pressed tightly to the wall, but Gravely’s sheer power allows him to push and swing his way out of the clinch. Basharat spins with a back kick to the ribcage, and he lets go with his left shin towards the liver. Gravely lands one single kick, and Basharat digs several punches to the body. The body work from Basharat is drawing pauses from Gravely, as he kicks and punches it with reckless abandon. Gravely shoots in recklessly, and he gets kneed in the gut while standing. Basharat whiffs on a spinning wheel kick right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat

Round 3

Gravely is the initial aggressor to start off the final round, likely expecting he is down on the scorecards. Basharat keeps his distance with side kicks, and Gravely slows him briefly with a trio of heavy inside low kicks. Gravely charges, but Basharat is out of the way before he gets reached. Gravely tries to aim another heavy kick, and Basharat is light on his feet, dodging the blow and coming in with a four-punch salvo. Basharat snaps out several jabs to disrupt the advancing Gravely, and Gravely answers with multiple chopping calf kicks. Basharat’s jabs allow him to slip the power punches from his opponent, as Gravely is loading up on his strikes. A few of his winging punches manage to catch Basharat before he can get away, but “The Snow Leopard” defends a subsequent takedown attempt by putting Gravely down on his face. Basharat tries to turn the tables with a takedown effort, but the scramble from Gravely is quick enough to get up. Constantly moving forward, Gravely walks through speedy jabs while loading up heavily. When Basharat sits down on his own strikes, Gravely can catch him, and the leg kicks still continue connecting. Basharat gives several back, all while peppering the American with jab after unanswered jab. Gravely ties his foe up so that he can club him with short strikes, but Basharat pushes off before absorbing anything of note. Gravely kicks the body on the split, and Basharat throws a series of punches punctuated by a high kick. Basharat fakes a spin so that he can wing an elbow, and Gravely responds with a failed takedown try. Basharat pops Gravely several times with distance strikes, keeping his volume high and using front kicks to slow Gravely. Basharat looks for a knee up the middle when missing with a spin kick, and they both trade big right hands. A few more accurate punches from the undefeated fighter, and time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Basharat (30-27 Basharat)

The Official Result

Javid Basharat def. Tony Gravely via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mariya Agapova (125.5) vs. Gillian Robertson (125)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Robertson (-145), Agapova (+125)

Round 1

Two women that used to train under the same roof of American Top Team now find themselves standing across from one another in the cage. Agapova (10-3, 2-2 UFC) remains with ATT Sunrise, while Robertson (10-7, 7-5 UFC) has since moved on to the Goat Shed in Miami. Which Florida-based team will pick up the win in this one? We, along with referee Mark Smith, wait with bated breath until this women’s flyweight clash commences. When the bell rings, the former training partners do not touch gloves. Robertson is the one who comes out striking first, and she blocks a few punches so that she can shoot in for a takedown. Dry as a bone, Agapova snatches up a guillotine choke from her back, and it is tight in an instant. “The Savage” stays calm and composed, and she slowly squirms her neck out of danger without panicking. When she pulls herself out of the choke, she goes after a single-leg takedown. The approach of Robertson works against her, as Agapova leans with her back to the wall and elbows Robertson on the ear over a dozen times to hurt Robertson. The Canadian falls to her back to accept a ground fight, and she scrambles well enough so that she partially takes the back of her opponent. Robertson follows her foe back to her knees, and she keeps the back control. Robertson maintains her full weight on her opponent to tire out a woman with notorious cardio issues, and when Agapova stands, Robertson keeps her hands around Agapova’s waist standing. Agapova powers out of the clinch to get back to her striking, and she lands a few punches to get Robertson’s attention. A Superman punch from “Demonslayer” rocks Robertson, and when she starts to get the upper hand, Robertson shoots in for a low single. Agapova raps the side of Robertson’s head with elbows, and a few may have landed illegally, which forces her to change her attack. Even as Robertson is glommed on to her opponent, Agapova keeps slamming her fists on Robertson’s face. Agapova falls over from the takedown, and Robertson jumps on top and wraps up an arm-triangle choke. She holds this position right to the bell, unable to elicit a tap.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Agapova
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Agapova
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Agapova

Round 2

Before the round begins, Robertson is warned to protect herself while pursuing takedowns, as she has some serious damage and swelling on the left side of her face. Robertson nods, and they continue. She plods forward, pushing out a front kick, and she is quick to put up her guard to block a spinning back fist. Agapova stays on her bike, quickly popping her opponent with single strikes, but Robertson plows through them all to hit a takedown. When Agapova scoots to the wall, Robertson drags her away from it and moves to three-quarter mount. Robertson steps over to mount and starts fishing for an arm-triangle choke, and Agapova surrenders her back when trying to escape. Robertson hops on the back and latches on to a rear-naked choke, and she squeezes the submission with all her might. Agapova does not fight the hands, and she instead struggles with all her might to turn from one side to the other. Agapova, gasping for air, chomps down on her tongue and is still not defending the submission, as the forearm slides under her chin. Blood is soon cut off from the brain, and Agapova goes out as her arms fall limp to the side. Smith notices immediately that “Demonslayer” has been slain, and he breaks up the submission. Agapova lays lifelessly on her belly when the choke is released, and she comes to as Smith is explaining to her the fight is over. That is one more finish for Robertson, who extends her record for the most in UFC women’s flyweight divisional history.

The Official Result

Gillian Robertson def. Mariya Agapova R2 2:19 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Trey Ogden (156) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zellhuber (-285), Ogden (+240)

Round 1

Like the Gravely-Basharat matchup from earlier, a fighter with at least 20 pro bouts will try to make a 12-0 fighter’s 0 go. In this instance, it is Glory MMA & Fitness’ Ogden (15-5, 0-1 UFC), who only finishes fights by submission, against unbeaten Mexican striker Zellhuber (12-0, 0-0 UFC). The third man in the cage for this lightweight tilt will be referee Herb Dean, and he sits back to observe a touch of gloves. There is a stalemate when the fight begins, with no strikes thrown for the first 20 seconds or so. Ogden punctuates the silence with a slapping kick to the outside of the newcomer’s leg, and he eventually tosses out one on the inside. The lightweights are exceedingly patient to engage, with the only strikes in a full minute three leg kicks. Zellhuber pitches a front kick up the middle that is swatted away, and Ogden use another low kick to find his range and do something at all. Ogden shoots from afar, and Zellhuber sees it coming and easily tosses him out of the way. Ogden gathers himself and uses a low kick, and he reaches out with a left hook. Zellhuber comes up short with a jab, and he is similarly inaccurate in several other strikes to differing targets. Ogden goes up high with a kick that slaps off the shoulder, and he peppers the lead leg with several kicks. Zellhuber comes out throwing hands, and Ogden is faster and intercepts him with a left hook. Zellhuber misses the chin by a matter of inches with a quick kick, and it slaps into the chest with emphasis. They both score single jabs, and Ogden stays active with leg kicks to both sides of the lead wheel of “Golden Boy.” Ogden pushes out multiple jabs, and the kicks from both fighters get blocked. Ogden chips and chops with low kicks, and the snoozer of a round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ogden

Round 2

The tentative second round starts just like the first ended, albeit without a glove touch, with neither man willing to engage with much of note. Ogden keeps using low kicks as his preferred weapon, and he snaps the head back with a counter hook when Zellhuber closes in on him. As Zellhuber advances again to walk through kicks, he gets poked in the eye. Dean gives him time to recover, but Zellhuber wants to keep going and pick things up. Ogden is the one fired up after the brief break, with a few quick combinations to string together. Zellhuber answers with his own short barrage of punches, but it is the leg kick he throws at its conclusion that has the greater effect. Zellhuber swings with a left hook, and Ogden times a takedown perfectly but cannot get in on the hips to ground the newcomer. Zellhuber thanks him for this attempt with a head kick, but it misses the mark by a great deal. Zellhuber sits down on a pair of punches, but they largely collide with the guard of “Samurai Ghost.” Zellhuber stretches out with a front kick to the body, but it is one and done as Ogden resets. Zellhuber pokes out a jab, and he gets his own body kicked along with three to his lead leg. Ogden swipes with a left hook, and they hand-fight in the center of the cage. Simultaneous jabs allow Zellhuber to reach first, and he chains the jab into a front kick. “Golden Boy” swings and misses, due to the level change and successful takedown landed by Ogden. Zellhuber pops back up, and Ogden takes his back standing. Ogden holds the position until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zellhuber
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ogden

Round 3

Fists are bumped to start off the last round, and the fighters decide to pick up the pace a little by actually punching each other in succession. They trade straight punches before switching to kicks to the body, and one after the other they exchange blows. This slows when Zellhuber backs away and tries to use his range, but he cannot find it as his punches and kicks continually miss the mark. Ogden snipes him and closes the distance to land, only to scoot away before the counter. Zellhuber eats a left hook and tries to pay his man back, but Ogden slips it and shoots in for a double. Zellhuber stuffs it and winds up with a high kick, but it helplessly slaps off the blocking hand, a great distance from Ogden’s mug. Ogden sticks out several jabs, and Zellhuber’s pace falls to single strikes. Ogden has a shin skim off the liver, and he works the lead leg and ducks back as Zellhuber swings wildly. “Golden Boy” leaps in the air with a knee, and Ogden slides away and smacks Zellhuber with a left hand. Zellhuber walks into jabs and throws high-risk, low-reward strikes like a spinning kick, only to hit air. Ogden continues his effective jab to disrupt the brief charges of his opponent, and he sneaks a head kick up that is just blocked in time. “Samurai Ghost” punches the body and evades, and he doubles up on his effective jab to give Zellhuber fits. Zellhuber steps in with an elbow that misses where he aims it, and a second to follow is blocked. Ogden shoots for another takedown, and it is similarly stuffed. Zellhuber swings and misses with a flying knee, and a few punches and kicks from both men lead to an end in this de facto sparring match.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ogden (30-27 Ogden)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Ogden (29-28 Ogden)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ogden (30-27 Ogden)

The Official Result

Trey Ogden def. Daniel Zellhuber via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Denise Gomes (115) vs. Konklak Suphisara (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Suphisara (-225), Gomes (+190)

Round 1

For the entirety of her young career, Thailand’s Suphisara (6-3, 4-2 UFC) has won two fights and then lost a third, but always bounced back from that defeat with two more victories. This pattern has continued into this strawweight scrap against UFC newcomer and Parana Vale Tudo – the training camp of women like Jessica Andrade and Karol Rosa – prospect Gomes (6-1, 0-0 UFC), and a win for the Thai would keep it intact. This likely fast-paced fight will receive oversight from referee Keith Peterson, and a touch of gloves comes before his nonsense-free eyes. Suphisara fires off a front kick, and the Brazilian answers immediately with a slapping leg kick. Suphisara responds in kind, and they mirror one another with their strikes. Suphisara counters with a clean elbow that opens a cut on the top of Gomes’ forehead, and her teep kick sends Gomes sprawling to the mat. Gomes climbs back up, and she spins with a wheel kick but is too close. With Suphisara closing in on her, she scores a right hand, and Gomes catches a subsequent kick. The Brazilian spins her opponent around and jams her into the fence. “Loma Lookboonmee” reverses position and takes her opponent down, where she climbs into mount in a hurry. The Thai slams down several vicious elbows until Gomes gives up her back, and Suphisara is hanging on in search of a choke of some sort. Suphisara flattens Gomes out, but Gomes is holding on tight with wrist control to stop anything from coming together. Gomes slithers out the back door, and Suphisara clings to a kimura until the Brazilian pops her head out. Gomes, in half guard, fishes for an arm-triangle choke in the blink of an eye. Gomes squeezes with her full body weight down, but she is not in the position that can get a tap. Suphisara answers the proverbial telephone to defend it, and as she does, Gomes jumps over to the side to lock it down. Gomes gives up on it to moves into mount, and she sets up an armbar and rolls to her back. Gomes throws her legs up with a triangle setup when the armbar is not there, and Suphisara slashes her with several elbows when the Thai gets space. Suphisara batters her opponent with elbows until the bell breaks them up.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara

Round 2

The ladies calmly saunter towards one another to start off Round 2, and Gomes throws first with an inaccurate head kick. Suphisara answers with a chopping leg kick, and her leg flies up high to the shoulder in a subsequent blow. Suphisara aims for a takedown, and she settles to topple over and put Gomes on her back, where she is already nearly in mount. Gomes drags her back to half guard and grips onto a kimura, and she succeeds in nullifying any additional strikes from the Thai. The sweep attempt fails, as Suphisara steps over into mount and pounds her with several elbows. Suphisara looks to take the back, but abandons it, sits up and returns to her feet. Gomes follows, and Suphisara greets her with a pair of kicks. Both women lead with fierce elbows, and Gomes crashes in to clinch before dropping to her knees for a single. “Loma Lookboonmee” defends it and works her adversary over in the clinch with knees and elbows. Gomes responds with one, and she falls to her back courtesy of a head lock throw. Suphisara, landing in half guard, starts to deliver some elbows to the dome. Gomes manages to pull Suphisara back to her guard, and she tries for a triangle choke of sorts. Suphisara stands and walks away, but she does not pay attention and thinks that Peterson is standing Gomes up. Peterson does nothing of the sort, and Gomes dives in for an unexpected takedown. Protect yourself at all times. Suphisara turns herself around to stay on her feet, and she frames off to peg Gomes with punches and kicks until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Suphisara

Round 3

The final frame begins frantically, as Gomes goes on the offensive immediately. Pushing forward, she drives Suphisara to the wall and lands a few solid punches. As Suphisara defends, Gomes spins with an elbow and blasts the Thai in the face. Gomes changes levels in search of a takedown, and the two hit the mat. Gomes tries to isolate a leg in search of a leglock, and Suphisara awkwardly slides her leg out of it but does not get up. Gomes jumps on to take her back, and she hooks the body triangle on her toes. Gomes starts setting up a rear-naked choke, and it is more of a neck crank as she cannot get a grip under the chin. Gomes keeps searching for chokes, but none are to be found as Suphisara defends her neck well. Suphisara explodes out of the position and right into armbar danger, but she shucks the legs out of the way and gets on top. Gomes turns and nearly gives up her own back, but Suphisara does not take it and decides to stand up. The Brazilian follows her to the feet, but “Loma Lookboonmee” immediately trips her out and lands on top. Suphisara belts her opponent with elbows as the blood flows freely from the UFC newcomer’s face, and Gomes can do little else but defend her head as she is jammed between the corner of the cage and the mat. Suphisara rains down several punches, and the final bell puts an end to this strange 115-pound pairing.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gomes (29-28 Suphisara)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Gomes (29-28 Suphisara)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gomes (29-28 Suphisara)

The Official Result

Konklak Suphisara def. Denise Gomes via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Louis Cosce (170.5) vs. Trevin Giles (170)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Giles (-205), Cosce (+175)

Round 1

After suffering his first career defeat, in the form of a knockout to Sasha Palatnikov, Cosce (7-1, 0-1 UFC) ended up taking nearly two years off from the sport. In that stretch of inactive time for Cosce, his upcoming foe Giles (14-4, 5-4 UFC) has been fairly active, taking three fights in two different weight classes. “The Problem” does find himself with a bit of a problem, as he has lost two straight, but he intends on making Cosce the one on a two-fight skid when the dust settles. One man’s unsuccessful stretch will continue at night’s end, and referee Chris Tognoni is here for whatever happens. The welterweights touch hands, and Giles takes the center of the cage and slowly stalks the younger fighter down. “The Problem” fakes for a takedown to draw out a reaction, and Cosce tosses out a single outside leg kick. Both fighters are extremely cautious to start off this fight, with one or two total strikes landed in the first 90 seconds. Giles pops out a single jab, but he does not follow it with anything and just measures his man. The Texan fires off several low kicks, and Cosce has no answer. A failed takedown from Giles leads to nothing, and they stare at one another for another extended stretch. Cosce comes up short with a high kick, and Giles plants a kick on the lead leg when he turns about. Cosce goes low with a shot and throws high, and a right hand partially lands. Cosce explodes forward with a few chasing punches, but “The Problem” causes problems by being too elusive to get hit. Giles sneaks in a right hand and measures up a low kick, and Giles misses the mark with a few jabs. Giles ducks back after tossing a light leg kick, avoiding the punches from his opponent. Giles has a kick blocked, and the horn sounds. It is not an exaggeration that Cosce may have cleanly landed just one single strike in the five-minute period.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Giles

Round 2

Hands are clapped, and Giles starts off the round with a leg kick. Several pawing jabs from Cosce lead to a single left hand, and Giles comes at him with three responsive blows. Cosce nearly falls over when Giles tosses him aside after an exchange, and the commentary booth has drifted off – for the second time this fight – into a conversation about shorts and pants. The fighters trade low kicks, and Giles whips one up high that pounds into the guard. Single kicks are exchanged, and Cosce’s head coach of John Wood is practically begging his fighter to do anything. Cosce is spurred into action momentarily, but Giles catches him with an overhand right to slow his pace again. Giles swings a low kick and strafes to the left and right, and he guards a head kick. Giles scores a right hand, and Cosce responds in kind. Giles wings up with a low kick hard enough to make Cosce do a pirouette, and Giles chains that strike into a second when Cosce plants again. This second strike, one that bends the knee, prompts a stance switch. Cosce’s corner starts shouting at him to fight, and he swings a telegraphed right hand that allows Giles to change levels and grab hold of his waist. “The Problem” looks for a trip or some way to drag the fight down to the ground, and he stomps on the toes for good measure. Cosce grabs the fence when trying to keep himself upright, and he gets warned for it. Giles exerts his full body weight on the back, and he lands knees until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Giles
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-10
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Giles

Round 3

The fighters high-five, and Cosce gathers a full head of steam and shoots in for a takedown. Cosce easily lands it, and Giles hangs on with a guillotine choke off his back. As he does, Cosce holds on with his shoulder in a partial effort to secure a Von Preux choke, and Giles scrambles and wriggles to get his neck free from the sudden submission danger. Cosce takes half guard, and he prefers position over other submission or any strikes, hanging on while Giles bucks and kicks. Giles locks him down until Cosce breaks the grip and moves to a possible arm-triangle choke position. Cosce tangles his toes in the fence in order to get better leverage, and he is warned for this multiple times. Giles protects himself from harm, and Cosce lays on top. As this actionless stalemate continues, the commentary team begins to discuss U.S. presidents. Giles bursts out of this position unexpectedly, and Cosce holds on with a bulldog choke until he cannot keep Giles down no longer. Giles turns the tables and drags “The Monster” down to the ground, but he cannot successfully complete the takedown. Cosce works from his knees back up to his feet from the wire, and Giles is clinging to his foe like Saran wrap. Cosce grabs the fence to prevent himself from going down, and Giles slams Cosce on his face one second before the final horn mercifully concludes this miserable match.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cosce (29-28 Giles)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cosce (29-29)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cosce (29-28 Giles)

The Official Result

Trevin Giles def. Louis Cosce via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Damon Jackson (145.5) vs. Pat Sabatini (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sabatini (-180), Jackson (+155)

Round 1

A pair of surging featherweights are on deck to provide what should be a scintillating clash of grappling styles. With 25 combined submissions between the two, any ground exchanges should be worth watching. Responsible for 15 of those tapouts/chokeouts is “The Leech” Jackson (21-4-1, 1 NC; 4-2-1, 1 NC UFC), while Renzo Gracie Philly rep Sabatini (17-3, 4-0 UFC) posts the other 10. This will be an emotional affair, as Jackson's brother passed away earlier this week. Referee Keith Peterson is ready to step in at a moment’s notice should nonsense materialize out of thin air, and there is no need of a glove touch as these two want to get after it. The first 30 seconds lead to nothing, and out of nowhere, Jackson fires off a front kick to the chin that stuns Sabatini. Sabatini lunges forward, and Jackson turns him about and throws him on his back. Jackson begins to pound on him with his fists, and Sabatini is in a bad way. Jackson allows Sabatini to give up his back so that he can climb aboard and drop hammers. Sabatini shells up, flattened out on his stomach, and Jackson continues to bombard him with unanswered punches to the side of the head. The blows are fierce and furious, and Jackson does not slow down until Sabatini cries out and Peterson steps in to call a halt to the match. Jackson climbs off his fallen foe, and he goes over to his corner and collapses to his knees and breaks down in tears. It is an emotional moment for Jackson and his family in the crowd, as he fights to honor his fallen brother.

The Official Result

Damon Jackson def. Pat Sabatini R1 1:09 via TKO (Submission to Punches)

Marc-Andre Barriault (185) vs. Anthony Hernandez (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Hernandez (-175), Barriault (+150)

Round 1

The main card kicks off with a classic stylistic matchup said time and time again on many broadcasts. Submission artist Hernandez (9-2, 1 NC; 3-2 UFC) will aim to land the first one on the power-punching Barriault (14-5, 1 NC; 3-4, 1 NC UFC), and the judges might be able to take this fight off. Referee Herb Dean, however, will not likely be as lucky, as he might be needed to step in suddenly. The gloves are sportingly touched by the 185-pounders, and Hernandez blitzes forward almost immediately. Hernandez punches his way into a clinch, catching the Canadian with a strike or two, and Barriault spins him around and works uppercuts from up close. Hernandez breaks free, and he scores a short elbow, backs off, and drives a one-two through the guard. Barriault winds up with two overhand rights, backing Hernandez from one side of the cage to the other. Hernandez changes levels in pursuit of a takedown, and Barriault sneakily scrambles to climb on the back of “Fluffy.” Hernandez manages to shake him off and put Barriault down on the mat, and he starts drilling his opponent with powerful right hands. Barriault works his way up, only to get dragged right back down. Hernandez introduces his left hand his foe’s face, and when Barriault tries to post off his arm and stand, Hernandez lifts him up and slams him down. Barriault will not remain on the ground, as he explodes back up. Hernandez allows this so that he can string together a solid one-two, and Barriault springs into action with a few quick counterpunches. Hernandez rips an elbow up high, a knee to the body, and a level change for a scooping takedown that plants the Canadian on the ground. Barriault defends with a guillotine choke when he hits the mat, and Hernandez easily wiggles his neck out and starts threatening with one of his own. Barriault stands up, but he finds himself in close-range danger. Hernandez drills him with three vicious elbows, and he digs several punches to bend Barriault over. As Barriault looks to respond, Hernandez rips his legs out and takes him to the floor. When nothing comes from the guard, Hernandez stands up in it and smashes down several standing-to-ground punches until the horn blares.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez

Round 2

Barriault starts off aggressively, pushing the pace and driving Hernandez back to the wall while letting his hands go. When they clinch up, Hernandez makes him pay with several short shots, and he spins around and snatches up a single that allows him to dump Barriault to the ground. Hernandez shifts over to half guard as Barriault kicks and bucks, and he postures up and drops down elbows. Hernandez moves to a three-quarter mount position and continues his elbow blows until Barriault springs to his knees. Hernandez drags him to his seat from behind and pounds on him with unanswered left hands, and he mixes in the occasional elbow and makes Barriault get desperate to stand up. “Fluffy” hacks with elbows but cannot keep Barriault grounded, and he slips out of the way from a power punch so that he can shoot in for a single. The takedowns are getting easier for Hernandez, who grounds Barriault and starts up again with ruthless elbow blows from above. Barriault scrambles to his knees, and Hernandez allows him to do this so that he can wind up with several knees to the possibly damaged ribs. Hernandez gets a hook in and takes the Canadian’s back, and he threatens with an unsuccessful rear-naked choke. When Barriault moves and turns, Hernandez follows him all the way to claim full mount. Hernandez beats on Barriault with elbows until Barriault sits up with his back to the wall, and “Power Bar” still has enough energy to get up. When standing and split up again, Barriault lands several jabs and follows them with heavy punches. The strikes draw a smile out of Hernandez, and he scores right back with a huge right hand to stagger Barriault. Hernandez does not follow it up, and instead allows time to elapse and the round to end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Hernandez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Hernandez

Round 3

Knowing he is likely down on the scorecards, Barriault lumbers forward and swings hard. Hernandez sticks him and shoots for a takedown, where he puts Barriault down. As soon as Barriault climbs back up, Hernandez lifts him up in the air and slams him down right on his head. The Canadian is eternally tough, fighting out of this position and getting back up once more. “Fluffy” drags him back down shortly after he stands, and Hernandez moves to half guard and locks down an arm-triangle choke. The full weight of Hernandez is pressed down on his shoulder, where he crushes down and puts Barriault straight in the danger zone. As soon as Hernandez steps over to the side, Barriault’s defending arm goes limp, and Dean promptly recognizes this and calls it a night. That is two technical submissions tonight, with UFC Fight Night 210 reaching a feat that has only occurred in a dozen past UFC cards.

The Official Result

Anthony Hernandez def. Marc-Andre Barriault R3 1:53 via Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

Tanner Boser (229) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (261)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Boser (-165), Nascimento (+140)

Round 1

Heavyweights take center stage for the only time tonight, with two mid-range competitors in the division that are a couple wins away from a number next to their name. Boser (20-8-1, 4-3 UFC) recently ended a skid by punching out Ovince St. Preux, while Nascimento (8-1, 1 NC; 1-1, 1 NC UFC) thought he was going to do the same against Alan Baudot, only to get flagged for Ritalin. Octagon ranger Mark Smith may get a workout trying to dodge the punches and kicks from these fighters, who have no plan in touching gloves. Nascimento works his way in, and he walks right into a right hand from the Canadian. Nascimento fires back with a clubbing left hand, and he follows it with another that knocks his opponent back. “Yogi Bear” shoots for a takedown, and he elects to lift Boser up in the air and deposit him to the mat not-so-gingerly. Nascimento lands in half guard, and he isolates the left wrist with a two-on-one wrist control in an attempt to pass. Boser does not fall for it, and he recovers his guard, so Nascimento thanks him with several heavy punches on the side. Boser smacks Nascimento a few times from his back to keep him honest, and he is hanging on tight in hopes of a referee standup. Boser has his hands clasped around the waist, and this prohibits Nascimento from getting any significant leverage to drop down noteworthy ground-and-pound. Boser explodes in hopes of bucking the larger man off his hips, but when that does not succeed, he sucks Nascimento back into his guard. Smith asks the Brazilian to keep working or he will lose the position, and Boser attempts multiple times to scramble. The Canadian works his way towards the wall, and he spins through a back take attempt to drill Nascimento with a few left hands. Nascimento stands up with his back to the wire, and he gets uppercutted before Boser pushes off. Boser sticks and moves with jabs and a leg kick, but one overhand right from Nascimento shakes Boser up. Boser decides to clinch up again to stop these strikes from landing, and he presses forward with his shoulder on the chest to keep Nascimento pinned. Boser sneaks an elbow up to break, and he kicks the body when they separate. Nascimento fires off a high kick that misses the mark, and he counters a leg kick with a pair of swatting hooks. Boser rings Nascimento’s bell with a right hand, and the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento

Round 2

Nascimento is the immediate aggressor as he marches forward to engage, and it is Boser who lands first with two looping punches. Boser fires off a leg kick, Nascimento does the same, and the power of Nascimento is giving Boser some issues. Boser is the sharper striker, with jabs and straighter punches, but the looping strikes from Nascimento are knocking the Canadian back even when guarded. Boser sticks the jab and wings a hook, and Nascimento answers him with the same blow. Boser snaps out several more jabs, and he has a kick checked. Boser punches the body and remains mobile, and he staggers Nascimento with a left hand. Boser loads up on several more punches that careen off the guard, and he backs Nascimento up with his barrage. Boser does not burn himself up or empty the gas tank searching for a finish, and he goes back to his rhythm that includes stance switches and active movement. “Yogi Bear” lumbers forward, lobbing picnic baskets that are his massive fists, and Boser takes a few on the chin but avoids the others. The forward momentum from Nascimento allows him to dump Boser down to the ground, and he falls forward and into a back take opportunity. Boser defends his neck, but he sits up and punches behind his head. As he does this, Nascimento snakes the arm around and ties up the rear-naked choke. Boser signals to Smith that he is fine, and he spins around to his back to escape the choke. Nascimento attempts to move from half guard to the mount position, and Boser stops him from doing so and spams short punches. Nascimento lands a pair of blows as he rides out the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Boser
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Boser

Round 3

The Brazilian starts out in an effort to stalk Boser down and possibly close the distance for a takedown, but Boser is on his bike. Nascimento is slower but still lands a few punches, while Boser slips and jabs him. Boser gets caught with a short hook as he tries to get in his groove, and Nascimento changes levels to secure a tackling takedown. Boser hooks his arm over the fence and is not called on it, but it does not prevent him from getting put on his back. Nascimento smothers from on top, with Boser’s guard closed, and Nascimento occasionally gets some strikes going from on top. The Brazilian shifts to half guard, and Smith tells him to start working. Nascimento hangs out on top and scores a few punches before grabbing Boser’s left leg and holding it up strangely. Boser tries to burst out of the posture, but he does not have the energy or power to get the man 30-something pounds heavier off of him. Nascimento lands a single right hand in hopes of staving Smith off, and Boser recovers his guard. The Brazilian stays pinned to Boser like a cheap suit, occasionally smacking him with a closed fist, but doing little in the way of damaging ground strikes. Smith is watching closely, and he intervenes to stand them up with 35 seconds left in the fight. Boser climbs to his feet and starts throwing bombs, and he drills Nascimento with an uppercut when Nascimento shoots for a takedown. Boser hurts the Brazilian with a combination, and he tries to follow it with a head kick. Nascimento responds with a knee to the body, and Boser chases him down and swings everything he has with several punches until the grueling matchup comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (29-28 Nascimento)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (29-28 Nascimento)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nascimento (29-28 Nascimento)

The Official Result

Rodrigo Nascimento def. Tanner Boser via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Alen Amedovski (185.5) vs. Joseph Pyfer (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Pyfer (-425), Amedovski (+340)

Round 1

The betting line for this middleweight brawl ending inside the distance sits at a massive -535, with bettors almost certain a finish will come before too long. Riding high on the momentum of a dramatic win on the first episode of this year’s Contender Series, Pyfer (9-2, 0-0 UFC) wants to keep it moving against the struggling striker Amedovski (8-3, 0-3 UFC). Needing to be on his A-game will be referee Chris Tognoni, who clocks them in prior to a glove touch. Amedovski sweeps out with a kick that is a foot away from the lead leg of his opponent, and Pyfer starts walking his foe down. Amedovski kicks the body, and Pyfer responds with a left to the body and a right to the head. Amedovski slips when trying to throw a kick, but Pyfer does not take advantage of the situation. Pyfer pushes out a jab but little more, and Amedovski keeps his guard high and reaches out with a kick. Pyfer sneaks a right hand around the guard, and another lands flush to follow as Amedovski backs up to the fence. “Bodybagz” again rips a left to the body-right up top combo, and Amedovski counters effectively. Amedovski tries to back off the advancing Pyfer with kicks, but they do little to slow the forward movement of the American. Pyfer rings two punches up and backs off to evade the counter, and he swings so hard with a right hand that he nearly falls over. Amedovski chops at the lead calf on both sides, and he switches things up with a head kick that skims off the side of the guard and head. Amedovski jabs to the body as he backs up to the wall, and they trade powerful punches. Pyfer stings Amedovski with a left hand, and Amedovski responds with his own that forces Pyfer to take a quick count of his teeth. Pyfer tosses out a left uppercut, and he follows it with a blistering right hand that pounds into the temple of his opponent and sends him crashing to the ground. Amedovski sits on his seat in a daze, looking up at Pyfer with his hands by his side, and “Bodybagz” finishes the job with a lancing right hand that might not have been necessary but forces Tognoni to dive in and protect the Macedonian from any further harm. The mantra of this man had been “Be Joe Pyfer,” and he was exactly that, blasting a knockout artist and announcing himself to the UFC in a big way on his birthday of all days.

The Official Result

Joseph Pyfer def. Alen Amedovski R1 3:55 via TKO (Punches)

Bill Algeo (146) vs. Andre Fili (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fili (-130), Algeo (+110)

Round 1

Two blood-and-guts featherweights meet in the middle of the Octagon next, when longtime vet Fili (21-9, 1 NC; 9-8, 1 NC UFC) tries to keep his UFC record above .500. He will do so while attempting to force Algeo’s (16-6, 3-2 UFC) own win-loss tally to even. Drawing the charge for what should be an entertaining scrap will be nonsense-averse referee Keith Peterson, who observes the fists getting bumped ahead of the melee. Fili is the fast starter, coming out with several hands in Algeo’s face. Fili fires off kicks from both legs, and one gets the attention of Algeo and draws a smile and glove touch from him. Fili is intense while Algeo is loose and having fun, and he gets a kick checked and changes stances. They trade punches from the outside, and Fili checks another kick and connects cleanly with a pair of punches. Algeo leaves his hands by his waist as he goads Fili to come at him, and he brings up a side kick that collides off the guard. Fili changes the expression of the Pennsylvanian with a pair of right hands, but Algeo does not let the blows go unanswered as he chains a front kick into a few big swings. Fili absorbs a leg kick and comes forward with a few punches, and Algeo slips most of them but takes one on the jaw. Fili wraps his foot around the head and drops Algeo to his knees, and Fili follows him there with a guillotine choke. Algeo shakes out of it and gathers his thoughts, and one more leg kick is checked. Fili punches his way into a head kick, and the impact rips open a cut on Algeo’s forehead. Algeo attempts to pay him back with his own high kick, and he falls over when it gets blocked. Algeo climbs back upright and bumps fists, and the two featherweights start slugging it out. Fili fakes going high with a kick and marks up the body, and he then chains it into huge head kick as his shin impacts the chin. Algeo scores a side kick, so Fili decides to answer him with an identical strike to draw a grin out of “Senor Perfecto.” Fili powers his way forward into a clinch, and Algeo breaks free as blood trickles into his eye. Algeo reaches with a kick to the pectorals, and Fili keeps checking his kicks when they go low. “Touchy” Fili touches Algeo with a few punches, and he blocks a comeback kick with his elbow and points at it. The horn sounds to end the fun round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Fili

Round 2

The fists get bumped to start off the second round, and Algeo keeps an advancing Fili at bay with multiple side kicks. Fili does check a leg kick, and it does not appear to dissuade Algeo from throwing them. Fili sticks out a few jabs, and part of his glove comes untaped, which causes Peterson to pause the fight and get it cut off. The action resumes with Fili marching forward, where he lands a right hand behind the ear. Fili continues to connect on his blows, and he starts to motion and showboat a little like Algeo did in the previous round. Fili punches, and he swings his leg up and over Algeo’s head, as Algeo ducks just in time. A stutter-step approach from Algeo allows him to advance and get in on Fili, where he cracks him with a punch and a high kick. Fili grabs hold of him to get his wits about him, and they separate shortly afterwards. Algeo appears more confident in finding his rhythm and he strings together several punches, and Fili meets him with many in response. A loud body kick from “Touchy” collides with the side, and Algeo wears it well. Algeo stings Fili with a left hand, and Fili slips back. They trade blows until they both start to start sucking wind, and Algeo goes wild with a spinning kick to the ribcage. Algeo goes up high with a spinning wheel kick, and it slams into the side of Fili’s head. Fili catches Algeo coming in with a sharp right hand, and he intercepts a kick with a left that stuns Algeo for a moment. Fili comes forward and looses a low kick, and he doubles up a jab to frustrate “Senor Perfecto.” Fili sits down on a body kick that lands with an audible thud, and he scores a right and ducks away while Algeo’s fist whizzes by his head. Algeo clinches up, and when that does not materialize, he spams punches, a knee and a spinning kick to the body. The close round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Algeo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Algeo

Round 3

There is a brief touch of gloves before the final frame opens, and they started getting after it. Both men throw head kicks, and Algeo turns to fire off multiple side kicks. Fili has a head kick skim off his dome, and he comes forward and misses by a matter of millimeters with his own swinging kick. Fili comes out swinging, and he gets knocked back from a quick hook from “Touchy.” Fili jabs and catches his man on the way in, and he blocks a head kick that zooms at him. Fili darts forward, disrupting the movement and securing a takedown in the center of the cage. Fili lands right in half guard, and Algeo explodes to get up but inadvertently gives up his back. Algeo turns back over as Fili snatches up an arm-triangle choke, and Fili secures back control during a subsequent scramble. Fili gets the hooks in and turns it into a body triangle, and he measures and secures a rear-naked choke. The forearm is under the chin, but Algeo is fighting the grip with all his might to break up the choke. Algeo, surviving the submission attempts, starts landing a long series of left hands behind his own head. Algeo starts talking trash when these punches land, and he is getting busted up from these unblocked and surprisingly powerful punches. The cut from the first round on Algeo’s head is bleeding down the back of his head and right into Fili’s eyes, obscuring his vision and making him struggle. Algeo keeps punching without seeing his target, and Fili sneaks the arm around throat again. Algeo is not surrendering from any submission, and he is pounding on Fili relentlessly but awkwardly, and may have bloodied up Fili's nose. The horn sounds, and scorecards could be all over the map after this spirited scrap comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fili (29-28 Fili)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Fili (29-28 Fili)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Fili (29-28 Fili)

The Official Result

Andre Fili def. Bill Algeo via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Chidi Njokuani (185.5) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Njokuani (-125), Rodrigues (+105)

Round 1

Strap in, because this new co-main event is one that could end in a flash. Dueling strikers Njokuani (22-7, 1 NC; 2-0 UFC) and Rodrigues (12-4, 3-1 UFC) throw with bad intentions, and these middleweights have the power to back it up. Referee Mark Smith has his hands full for as long as this lasts, although the sluggers show ample respect for one another in the form of a glove touch. Njokuani paws out with a front kick, and he follows with three more. These kicks act like jabs, and Rodrigues commits to a serious low kick that draws a funny reaction out of Njokuani. “Robocop” jabs to the body, and he charges to attack and runs straight into a brutal knee. Rodrigues keeps on coming and throws hands even while busted up, and Njokuani greets him with a few more powerful blows to further damage the likely broken nose. Rodrigues pursues a takedown, and they get back up without either man going to their back. Njokuani stands him up in the clinch, and he starts hammering Rodrigues with nasty strikes. Rodrigues goes after another takedown, and that too results in them both scrambling up. Njokuani lays into Rodrigues with an elbow that cuts him and several more punches, and they separate. They throw front kicks at the same time, and Njokuani reaches the mark first and takes the sting out of the one coming at him. “Chidi Chidi Bang Bang” stalks forward and blasts Rodrigues with a right hand, and Rodrigues takes an awkward step and stays on his feet. Njokuani pours it on, and Rodrigues answers him with a plethora of devastating uppercut and elbows that wobble Njokuani. Of the two, Njokuani is now hurt more, who winds up as far back as he can to deliver an elbow on the jaw. Both fighters are shaken up but still on the feet, and they clinch up to both get their wind and balance back. Njokuani digs several knees to the body while up close, and they continue to catch their respective breaths. Rodrigues lands a few knees to the body of his own, and they trade single punches until the horn blares. The doctor may have his work cut out for him between rounds, as there is a massive cut across the entire bridge of his nose.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Njokuani
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-10
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-10

Round 2

Smith calls in the doctor to check on the ridiculous cut, who informs Smith that he can still fight but not for long. The second round shockingly begins, and they are more tense but still willing to engage to start off. Njokuani fires off straight punches and kicks, while Rodrigues is throwing caution to the wind with power strikes. Njokuani gets clinched, and he knees up the middle as Smith is watching the cut very closely. Njokuani scores a body shot and one up top, and Rodrigues returns fire with heavy blows before tripping “Chidi Chidi Bang Bang” out. Rodrigues moves to side control, and he starts raining down right hands. Njokuani shells up with his hands protecting his head, but he is absorbing shot after damaging shot. The strikes continue to pound into Njokuani one after the other, and Smith gives Njokuani every opportunity to get out and save himself. There is no escape for Njokuani, as “Robocop” has announced that “dead or alive, you’re coming with me.” Smith stops the fight, and Rodrigues has just scored a massive comeback after absorbing horrific punishment and receiving a cut that will require who knows how many stitches. What a fight!

The Official Result

Gregory Rodrigues def. Chidi Njokuani R2 1:27 via TKO (Punches)

Cory Sandhagen (135.5) vs. Yadong Song (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sandhagen (-195), Song (+165)

Round 1

with top-five ramifications, serves as the only match between ranked competitors on this 13-fight billing. Sandhagen (14-4, 7-3 UFC) took nearly a year off after his failed bid for the interim 135-pound strap, while Song (19-6-1, 1 NC; 8-1-1 UFC) is a younger man on the rise at 24 years of age. Receiving the honor of reffing the final fracas of the night is Herb Dean, who laces up his running shoes to keep up with these two fist-first fighters. Before throwing down, the two slap hands and bump fists with the intention of keeping things on the up-and-up. Sandhagen starts out switching stances multiple times in the opening seconds, and he punches his way into a takedown attempt. He bowls Song into the wall, but there is no takedown to come from it. Song defends with a few knees up the middle, and one bumps into the cup. Sandhagen tells Dean he is good to go and does not want to lose position, and they do not break. Song pushes off with a pair of hooks, and gets backed with a jab to the body. Sandhagen spins with a wheel kick that bounces off the guard, and he falls to the mat. Song does not follow him, and he lets Sandhagen stand up so that he can drill him with a left hand. They clinch up, and Song elbows once to force a separation. Sandhagen bullies his way into a takedown effort, and Song bowls him over and puts Sandhagen on his back. Sandhagen plays guard off his back, setting up a possible submission, and then bailing on it all to stand up. “Kung Fu Kid” remains on his back, and he grabs hold of a rear-naked choke to force Sandhagen to lower himself to the ground. Sandhagen gets out of the sticky situation by wriggling out, and they tie up against the wire. Sandhagen elbows hard, and he ducks back right before two big punches reach him. Sandhagen winds up with a loud liver kick, and Song takes it flush without batting an eye. They trade jabs, and a fake takedown try forces a sprawl that makes Song fall to his knees. Sandhagen lets him up and starts piercing the guard with jabs, and he blocks the follow-up counters that fly his way. Another fake takedown draws an exaggerated defensive reaction from his opponent, and Sandhagen lets him up to jab his way to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Song
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Song
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Song

Round 2

The fighters are amped up to get back to it, and Dean clocks them in and has to step back fast. Song advances straight ahead, and Sandhagen is moving side to side while jabbing. Sandhagen leaps in the air with a knee that misses, and he gets struck with a straight right hand down the pipe. Sandhagen scores a low kick and keeps his jab in Song’s face, and Song jumps through it with a power left hand. Sandhagen snaps the head back with a jab, and Song sits down on a left hand that makes Sandhagen stagger back to the wall. Sandhagen gathers his thoughts and goes after another flying knee, but it is not there for him. He does throw to the head and body to mix things up as he gets his wits about him, and he changes levels to take Song down. Song scrambles ahis way upright again and makes his man pay with a short right hand, and they clank heads when coming together. Song grins with delight as an elbow from Sandhagen tears open a cut on the corner of his eye, and blood leaks down a little but does not seem to bother him. Sandhagen pushes in for a takedown, and crimson liquid starts flowing into the eye. Sandhagen rails his man with an elbow before breaking from the clinch, and Song’s eye is a busted mess. Sandhagen backs away and unloads with a liver kick, and he keeps jabbing until Song plods forward with a three-punch salvo. Song throws with fire, and Sandhagen just barely rolls through it and lands a pair of low kicks. “Sandman” dips and ducks the power punches that come at him, and he even lets a flying knee soar past him. Sandhagen plants a front kick on the chin and chains a leg kick into it, and Song smiles but does not connect with anything in response. Three punches from Song come up short, with his depth perception possibly struggling due to the plasma coating his eye. A clinch leads to an explosion from Song, who loads up on several big punches one after the other. Sandhagen responds with his own combination, and the knee pops Song in the chops right before the horn blares. The cut on Song’s eye could be a fight-ender, so it remains to be seen how the doctor evaluates it.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

Round 3

The doctor tells Dean to keep an eye on the cut, but he is letting the fight continue into the third round. Song walks right into a body kick, and he replies in kind but it has less impact. Sandhagen kicks the lead leg and escapes out the side when Song sits down on a counter, and both men block high kicks. Sandhagen remains active with low kicks, and he ducks a massive haymaker of a right hand and shoots in on a takedown. Song stuffs it and clubs him with a left hand, and Sandhagen grits his teeth and retreats. Their heads clash together as Sandhagen attempts another takedown, and Song stops it in its tracks and makes Sandhagen pay with a trio of powerful punches. Sandhagen answers him with a step-in knee, and Song eats it like Szechuan beef and keeps on forging ahead. Song swings and misses with a salvo, and Sandhagen slides back and jabs a few times to cause the cut to start bleeding again. Song punches his way forward, but Sandhagen is the one who tags him with a few jabs. Sandhagen takes for a takedown to get a reaction, and then actually attempts one. Song gets shoved back to the wall, and scarlet fluid covers his face and turns it a brilliant shade. Song stings Sandhagen with a left hand, only for Sandhagen to nail him with an elbow. A takedown try from “Sandman” is staved off, and he brushes off a striking array that zooms at him. Sandhagen has a kick pound into the guard, and he snaps out a jab that causes Song to spit blood out. Sandhagen skirts on the outer edge of the cage as Song tries to cut him off, and it allows him to stay at his preferred range. Song bowls forward throwing hammers, and Sandhagen slips them and pokes him back with a few jabs. Song is prepared for a takedown entry from his opponent, but he absorbs a few jabs that chain into a left to the body. Sandhagen gets a flying knee through the guard, and blood is positively streaming down Song’s face. Once again, the doctor will have to make a tough call.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

Round 4

Dean is informed by the doctor that should any more damage come around the eye, he needs to call the fight to protect Song from permanent damage. Song is thankful to keep going, and he loads up on several power strikes including a body kick and several strikes to the body. A response of a body kick from Sandhagen and two punches open it again, and Dean is watching it very closely. Sandhagen goes up high with a kick, and Song blocks and counters. Sandhagen marches forward with jabs from both arms as he switches stances, and he kicks the body. Song catches it and powers through it to trip “Sandman” up and take him to the mat. Plasma flows freely on Sandhagen’s face and into his mouth, and he explodes back to his feet and gets pushed back to the wire. Sandhagen spins him around and trips Song out. Song climbs back up, but he takes a head kick when he does. Song wings haymakers and catches Sandhagen, but Sandhagen is quick and accurate with jabs and straight punches. Sandhagen targets the wrecked eye with impunity, and Song gives chase and barely registers that his eyebrow is nearly hanging off his head. Sandhagen mixes up jabs and kicks, and Song’s power punches are telegraphed and largely hitting air. Song smiles when he takes punishment, and even though he dodges a few punches, Sandhagen goes the body and head. A single from Sandhagen succeeds in getting Song down to his seat, and he grinds his elbow on the cut. Blood streams from Song’s face, covering the mat with a dark red pool beneath his head. Sandhagen postures up with a few elbows, and Song practically laughs at him, giving his best “you don’t know where I’ve been, Lou” impression while on his back, drenched in hemoglobin. The horn sounds, and he cannot see out of his eye when he stands up. The cutman tries to tend to the gash, but it is beginning to swell and it appears to be the type that even the most “just bleed” physician could not allow to continue. The doctor, who cleared Song to fight in Rounds 3 and 4, informs Dean that he does not like what he is seeing from the massacred eye of the 24-year-old. Dean does not hesitate, and he waves the fight off after hearing this, to save the youngster from long-lasting harm that could develop further with five more minutes of brutality. This is a gruesome but fitting end to a violent and sanguine evening, one that comes with a week off to process all that transpired over the last few weeks. The UFC will return in October, and when it does, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores

Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sandhagen

The Official Result

Cory Sandhagen def. Yadong Song R4 5:00 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)