UFC Fight Night Las Vegas Results: ‘Namajunas vs. VanZant’ Play-by-Play & Updates

Kailin Curran vs. Emily Kagan

Round 1

Kagan comes out swinging to close the distance and then shoves Curran against the fence with a bodylock. Curran gets tripped up but scrambles back to her feet immediately, only to be thrown back down again. The strawweights scramble up and Kagan reclaims her position in the clinch, using a clear strength advantage to bully Curran on the fence and always keeping her head underneath the Hawaiian’s chin. Kagan is dominating positionally but not doing much in the way of offense as the opening round hits the final 90 seconds. Suddenly, Curran breaks loose and tags Kagan with a couple good left hands. Kagan tries to clinch again, eats another left and a knee to the body before she’s able to get control of Curran. One more takedown for Kagan in the final 20 seconds finds Curran angling for a triangle choke at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Curran
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Curran

Round 2

Curran thwarts Kagan’s attempt to take outside position in the clinch as the second frame begins. Instead, it’s Curran reversing to put Kagan’s back against the cage and work some knees in the tie-up before separating. Kagan breaks out after a minute and, despite looking tired and bleeding from the nose, begins firing off almost nonstop kicks to keep Curran out of range. A few straight lefts get through for Kagan as she dips in and out of the pocket, then a front kick to the body pushes Curran backward. Curran closes the gap and tries to tie up, but Kagan puts her on the fence again. Curran reverses an inside leg trip and winds up atop Kagan, then tries to take her back as Kagan rolls to her knees. Curran is riding high on the back, in danger of being shaken off, but she still manages to get an arm around Kagan’s neck, squeeze down and get the submission. Curran gets up and bursts into tears immediately, having secured her first victory inside the Octagon on her third try.

The Official Result

Kailin Curran def. Emily Kagan via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 4:13

Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Phillipe Nover

Round 1

Nover slaps the chest of Tukhugov with a left high kick and circles left around the outside while the Russian works from the center. A few more high kicks keep Tukhugov out of range, though he’s looking to close the distance with some big right hands which come up short. Tukhugov steps inside and misses with a left hook but connects with the overhand right behind it. A high kick slaps Nover’s head, and the American retaliates with a running body kick but gets swept back out of the pocket by a quick Tukhugov flurry. Tukhugov catches a kick from Nover, sweeps the back leg and tries to corral him on the ground, but Nover scrambles back to his feet. The sequence repeats and again Nover jumps back up, then circles away from his opponent. Tukhugov backs up Nover to the fence and connects with a nice left hook before the veteran can circle out.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov

Round 2

Tukhugov opens the round with side kicks, moving Nover toward the fence. Nover circles out to meet in the center, lands a body kick but eats a stinging left hook counter. A straight right from Tukhugov appears to buckle Nover’s legs momentarily, but Nover bounces back up looking no worse for wear. Tukhugov misses with a right hand to the body, clips Nover’s face as he goes back upstairs with a left hook. Nover’s offense has dropped off as he’s gone back to moving around the outside. He steps in to land a body kick and has to sprint away before Tukhugov can snatch up the leg again. Tukhugov bounces a telegraphed spinning back kick off Nover’s shoulder, resets in the center and steps into the pocket to club Nover with an overhand right. Nover shoots for a desperate takedown, gets shoved to his back with Tukhugov standing over him. Nover rolls and stands but gets another hard punch dropped on his face in the process. Tukhugov is headhunting now, looking to tee up Nover near the fence and land a murderous overhand right. Nover lands a few body kicks in the last minute but gets cracked with another left hook on the cheek at the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov

Round 3

Nover flashes a couple of hard left high kicks, both blocked by Tukhugov, then tries one to the body and gets a counter left hook to the face. Tukhugov moves in and out of range, feinting and faking a little too much for referee Mark Smith, who calls for action from the featherweights. Tukhugov shoots low and gets a kick to the face, but he keeps driving and completes a takedown in the center of the cage. Nover is back on his feet with 3:20 on the clock and resumes his backward circling, while Tukhugov continues marching after him with right hand loaded. Not much action in the middle of the round, with the only offense coming from Nover’s sporadic body kicks. Tukhugov sprawls on a shot and instead gets pushed aganist the cage by Nover, who lands a knee to the gut before Tukhugov is able to break away. Tukhugov is still looking for the homerun shot but he pulls up short with another big overhand right. Nover lands another shot to the body, gets pushed backward by a three-piece combo from Tukhugov, who denies Nover’s attempt to clinch. Down to the final 30 seconds now, and Tukhugov turns the head of Nover with a right hook for the last hard strike before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov (30-27 Tukhugov)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tukhugov (30-27 Tukhugov)
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Nover (29-28 Tukhugov)

The Official Result

Zubaira Tukhugov def. Phillipe Nover via Split Decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29) R3 5:00

Danny Roberts vs. Nathan Coy

Round 1

Roberts spends the first minute kicking at Coy’s legs and body, keeping a few feet between himself and the wrestler. Coy lands a right hook, eats one from Roberts on the other side and tries to clinch, but Roberts tosses him to the ground. Back on their feet, the welterweights continue to circle, Roberts sticking with his leg kicks while Coy is starting to find his jab. Coy eats a hard kick to grab hold of Roberts’ leg and drive the Englishman to the ground. Roberts socks Coy with a couple hammerfists, then throws up a triangle-armbar as he’s pushed against the cage. Coy tries to stack up Roberts and pull free of the choke, but as he does, Roberts’ triangle puts him out cold. Referee Jason Herzog recognizes that Coy is asleep and steps in to call an end to the bout.

The Official Result

Danny Roberts def. Nathan Coy via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke) R1 2:46

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Andreas Stahl

Round 1

Stahl keeps a very high guard as he circles the outside, flicking out a few kicks at Ponzinibbio’s legs in the opening 30 seconds. The Swede shoots low and executes a fast takedown, but Ponzinibbio is back on his feet within seconds. Ponzinibbio turns it on now, landing jabs and kicks which back up Stahl to the fence. Once there, Ponzinibbio lights up Stahl with a heavy four-punch combo. Stahl’s face is reddened as he shoots for another takedown, again putting Ponzinibbio on the canvas but again allowing him to stand right away. Ponzinibbio’s jabs continue to land as they get back to striking. Stahl’s face is showing damage less than two minutes into the fight, a sizable cut and swelling beneath his right eye. Ponzinibbio mixes up his strikes, going to the head and then back down to the body when Stahl covers up. Stahl looks lost on the feet, just circling the outside with his back to the fence while Ponzinibbio walks him down with jabs and body shots. Ponzinibbio flicks out a left jab which misses and then comes down the center with a blistering right straight, which lands square on Stahl’s jaw and drops him to his seat at the base of the fence. Ponzinibbio adds one more punch to his downed opponent before referee Herb Dean steps in to rescue Stahl from further damage.

The Official Result

Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Andreas Stahl via TKO (Punches) R1 4:25

Aljamain Sterling vs. Johnny Eduardo

Round 1

Eduardo takes up a spot in the center of the cage, while Sterling cuts angles around the outside, switching between orthodox and southpaw stances. The bantamweights exchange leg kicks, then Sterling flicks out a few side kicks and fakes a takedown attempt. Sterling steps inside again, ducking low and then going upstairs with a high kick which Eduardo deflects. The Brazilian puts a loud kick on Sterling’s lead leg, which is constantly changing as the “Funkmaster” switches stances. Sterling shoots near the fence and hits a takedown with just over two minutes on the clock. Eduardo gets flattened out on his back and tries to hold Sterling in half guard as the American presses to advance. With few strikes being thrown on the mat, referee Marc Goddard calls for action. Sterling gets busy with a few short left hands and then drops a heavy right on Eduardo’s face, opening a small cut on the outside of his left eye. Eduardo works back to his feet in the closing seconds but is held in a headlock and cracked with a Sterling knee as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Sterling
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sterling
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Sterling

Round 2

Sterling continues to switch stances at the onset of the second stanza, this time doing a better job of avoiding Eduardo’s heavy leg kicks. There’s not much action through the first minute as Sterling circles the perimeter, steering clear of Eduardo altogether. Another minute passes with little offense of which to speak, save a few low kicks from Eduardo, answered by Sterling with a couple kicks to the body. Eduardo begins to let his hands go midway through the round, then sprawls on a shot and tries to catch Sterling in a guillotine. The submission attempt weakens Eduardo’s takedown defense and allows Sterling to complete the shot near the fence. Sterling gets busy with heavy ground-and-pound, landing a dozen or more right hands to Eduardo’s face. Eduardo sits up to try and stand, but Sterling immediately catches him in a guillotine and forces him back to the mat. Sterling steps over to full mount, squeezes the choke and elicits a tap.

The Official Result

Aljamain Sterling def. Johnny Eduardo via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 4:18

Kevin Casey vs. Antonio Carlos Jr.

Round 1

Carlos misses with a front kick and stretches out his left arm behind it to keep his distance for a right hand. However, the Brazilian’s outstretched left hand is open and rakes Casey’s face, poking him in one or possibly both eyes. Casey turns his back in pain as referee Mark Smith pauses the action. The doctor is called in, and he advises referee Smith to wave off the bout after Casey says he cannot see. The bout will be declared no-contest after only 11 seconds of fighting.

The Official Result

Kevin Casey vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. ruled No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) R1 0:11

Omari Akhmedov vs. Sergio Moraes

Round 1

Akhmedov lands an outside leg kick and has to pull back the leg quickly as Moraes tries to grab hold. A spinning backfist connects for Akhmedov, who’s landed the only significant strikes through the first minute. Moraes leaps into range with a flying knee and pulls down Akhmedov’s head to land on the face. Akhmedov misses with a left hand, Moraes ducks under and tries to hold underhooks, but the Russian pulls away. Moraes begins to find his range with a few punches midway through the round, but his strikes are few and far between. Akhmedov snaps off a loud left kick to the jiu-jitsu ace’s midsection. A counter right hook to the temple takes the legs out from under Moraes, but he drops to guard and circles his feet while Akhmedov stands over him, kicking at the Brazilian’s legs. Akhmedov finally allows Moraes to stand with 50 seconds on the clock. Moraes takes 20 seconds before shooting in for a high double-leg attempt; Akhmedov brushes him away and continues to press forward with punches. A plunging right hand tags Moraes, whose face is bloodied as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 2

Akhmedov continues to place hard kicks on the right side of Moraes’ body in the first minute, but Moraes strikes back with an overhand right which lands on the temple of Akhmedov and seems to put him on unsteady legs. The “Panther” doesn’t pounce, instead staying out of Akhmedov’s range for the better part of the next minute. Akhmedov tags Moraes with a left hook to break up a slow stretch, then the pace slows down to the midway point. Another leaping knee from Moraes is sidestepped by Akhmedov, who circles to his left around the edge and places a few more kicks on Moraes’ ribs. Down to the last minute of the round, Moraes is pressing forward but being picked off by Akhmedov’s counters. Akhmedov shoots and completes a takedown in the last 20 seconds, then takes a knee and buries his chin as Moraes tries desperately to finish a guillotine before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Akhmedov

Round 3

Moraes is slinging big right hands as the final round begins, closing in on Akhmedov near the fence. Akhmedov is sticking right-handed counters to beat Moraes’ wider shots. Moraes lands a leg kick, takes one in return to the body. The Brazilian is getting busier with his hands but not finding an easy target on the constantly moving Akhmedov. Midway through the round, Moraes corners Akhmedov near a cage post and drills him with a clean overhand right on the jaw. Akhmedov leans against the cage in a daze before a few more punches from Moraes send him slumping to the ground, forcing referee Jason Herzog into action.

The Official Result

Sergio Moraes def. Omari Akhmedov via TKO (Punches) R3 2:18

Tim Means vs. John Howard

Round 1

Howard eats a hard left hook from Means and wraps up “The Dirty Bird” around the waist, looking for a takedown. Means hooks an arm over the top of the cage to defend the trip, drawing a verbal warning from referee Herb Dean. The welterweights separate and Means walks after Howard to land some long right hands. Means has to back up as Howard wings some big overhand rights of his own. Howard chases after Means and runs into a counter left hook. Means tries to pull the Thai clinch and gets countered by two or three hard hooks before he releases. They hit the halfway point of an action-packed opening round, Means jabbing his way toward Howard, backing up the smaller man toward the fence. Means is staying long, flicking out quick jabs and leaving his arms outstretched to keep Howard out of range. Howard explodes into a takedown attempt, wraps up Means’ legs and yanks him off the fence to plant him on the mat. Means posts and stands but is tripped back to the ground in short order. Back up comes Means to land a hard knee up the center, then a few jabs to the face of Howard. A right high kick grazes Howard’s head, sending “Doomsday” into another takedown attempt which runs out of steam before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Means
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Means
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Means

Round 2

Howard tries to press forward, backing Means toward the fence, but he walks right into a murderous left hook. The punch takes out Howard’s legs immediately, and Means finishes the job with one more shot that puts “Doomdsday” out stiff on his back. Tim Means picks up a highlight-reel knockout early in the second round.

The Official Result

Tim Means def. John Howard via KO (Punches) R2 0:21

Elias Theodorou vs. Thiago Santos

Round 1

Theodorou rushes Santos with high kick after high kick in the opening minute, most of which are deflected but nonetheless serve to keep the Brazilian out of range. Santos retaliates with a few hard kicks to the inside of Theodorou’s lead leg. Theodorou checks an outside kick and steps forward to give Santos a low chop. Santos backs up Theodorou with a push kick to the chest, then angles off as the “Spartan” looks to kick off the fence for a Superman punch. Theodorou walks after Santos and connects with his next attempt at a lunging right hand. Theodorou remains the much busier fighter midway through the round, now landing hard kicks to Santos’ midsection. The kicks keep coming from Theodorou in the second half of the frame, constant shots aimed at Santos’ head and sides. A push kick knocks “Marreta” to the ground, though he bounces right back to his feet. Theodorou shoves Santos against the fence in the final 30 seconds and pops him with an uppercut as they disengage.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Theodorou
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Theodorou
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Theodorou

Round 2

Santos begins to stifle Theodorou’s kicks with counter combinations, including a slashing elbow in close quarters which sends the Canadian shooting for a takedown. Santos hits the deck but quickly works back to his feet, though Theodorou keeps hold of an underhook and presses him against the fence. Theodorou tries to change levels again and gets sprawled on, then elbowed in the side of the head as he works on Santos’ legs against the fence. Santos keeps his balance and drills Theodorou with a knee to the face, then one to the body. Theodorou won’t give up on the takedown, however, even when Santos cracks him with a hard body shot and three more elbows to the face. Referee Marc Goddard tells Theodorou to improve his position if he wants to keep Santos pressed against the cage. The ref separates the fighters with 2:00 on the clock and Santos walks Theodorou to the other side of the fence to land a left hook. Theodorou dives on Santos’ legs and takes more elbows to the side of the head as the Brazilian hops backward to defend the shot with his back on the cage. Referee Goddard calls for work and the fighters separate with one minute remaining in the round. Now it’s Santos’ turn to hold Theodorou on the fence, working for a trip takedown and completing it in the last 30 seconds. Theodorou gets to his knees and is drilled in the ribs by a knee from Santos. The “Spartan” stands before the round ends and drives Santos to the mat with a late takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Santos
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Santos
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Santos

Round 3

Santos runs across the cage to greet Theodorou with a high kick and a spinning kick, but Theodorou avoids damage to shoot for another takedown. Same as last round, Santos defends the shot with his back pressed against the cage, delivering elbows to the side of Theodorou’s head in the process. Theodorou won’t give up on the shot, and Santos fails in an attempt to overhook the Canadian’s arm and peel away. Referee Goddard resets the fighters 90 seconds into the round and Theodorou eats a couple punches, then a knee as he shoots for another takedown. The middleweights are broken up again, this time for the doctor to check a massive wound above Theodorou’s right eye. The gash is enormous, blood streaming directly into Theodorou’s eye, but the doctor clears him to continue without so much as touching the fighter. When action resumes, Santos begins tagging Theodorou with knees and punches as they fight along the fence. Theodorou somehow stays on his feet to shoot against the fence one more, this time working for a single-leg takedown. Santos denies the shot, reverses and drills Theodorou with a trio of hard knees to the gut. Theodorou is just hanging in there, staying glued to Santos as referee Goddard instructs the fighters to work. Theodorou takes a finger to the eye in an exchange but recovers quickly and comes back to shoot on Santos’ legs again. Santos is waiting with a knee, a straight left and then a kick to the body which has Theodorou doubling over. Santos digs an underhook and shoves Theodorou against the cage as the final horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Santos (29-28 Santos)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Santos (29-27 Santos)
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Santos (29-28 Santos)

The Official Result

Thiago Santos def. Elias Theodorou via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Sage Northcutt vs. Cody Pfister

Round 1

Pfister rushes across the cage and takes a few kicks to the midsection before running Northcutt to the canvas with a quick takedown. Northcutt shifts underneath with an open guard, overhooking Pfister’s arms to prevent the underdog from mounting any offense. “Super Sage” gets a knee inside but Pfister pushes it away and passes to half guard. Pfister gets in a few short forearm strikes, driving Northcutt’s face into the canvas. Northcutt reclaims full guard two minutes into the round, and referee Mark Smith tells Pfister to improve his position or risk a stand-up command. Pfister responds by passing to half guard again and dropping a couple left hands on Northcutt’s face. Again, Northcutt gets back to closed guard and tries to wrap up Pfister to slow the pace. The tactic works, as referee Smith stands up the fighters inside the final two minutes. Almost immediately, Northcutt drives forward and floors Pfister with a double-leg near the fence. Northcutt passes to half guard and puts a forearm across Pfister’s neck, then frames up an arm-triangle as steps over to full mount. Pfister saves himself by getting back to half guard, forcing Northcutt to release the choke. Nortcutt stands over his seated opponent and lands a couple punches as time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pfister
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pfister
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Pfister

Round 2

Northcutt gets another quick takedown and passes straight to full mount, but Pfister squirms out the back door. Now it’s Pfister driving forward for a takedown, but he runs straight into a guillotine as he drives Northcutt down at the base of the fence. Pfister resists for a moment and tries to posture up, but Northcutt has the choke locked in and pulls his elbow high to get the tap.

The Official Result

Sage Northcutt def. Cody Pfister via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 0:41

Jim Miller vs. Michael Chiesa

Round 1

Chiesa grazes with a left hook to the temple, but Miller tags him back with a straight left in the next exchange. Chiesa opts to tie up along the fence, grabs a bodylock and trips Miller to the ground with ease. Passing to half guard on Miller’s left side, Chiesa keeps tight as he works to advance, making things uncomfortable for Miller with grinding forearms along the way. Chiesa postures up and drops a right hand on Miller’s face, then stands over the New Jerseyan and comes back to the mat with an axe kick to the midsection. Miller gets hold of Chiesa’s leg and rolls for a kneebar, then uses the leg to sweep. Chiesa throws up a triangle from the bottom, can’t get it but manages to regain full guard. Chiesa tries to roll free but gets caught on his knees, and Miller wastes no time jumping on his opponent’s back. Miller secures back-mount with a body triangle as they hit the final 90 seconds of the opening round. Chiesa fends off Miller’s rear-naked choke attempts for the last minute, keeping his hands high even as Miller thumps his ribs with right hands.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Miller
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Miller
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Miller

Round 2

Chiesa misses with an overhand right and takes a left hook from Miller on the counter, then another a few seconds later. Miller connects with another pair of punches before Chiesa drops levels and plants the veteran on his back. Without much space to work in Miller’s closed guard, Chiesa tries to posture up but still can’t find any space. Miller, meanwhile, lands a slashing elbow from the bottom and then throws up his legs to threaten with a triangle. Chiesa shucks the legs and stands, then gets a warning for grabbing the fence as he tries to improve his position. “Maverick” comes back down to the ground and is greeted by a kneebar attempt from Miller, who switches to a heel hook as Chiesa rolls to the middle of the cage and loosens the grip. Miller is still clinging to the leg when Chiesa stuns him with a few right hands to Miller’s unprotected face. Chiesa yanks the leg free, hits Miller a few more times and then passes to full mount. Miller gives up his back and leaves his neck open for a rear-naked choke, which Chiesa locks up without haste to fore the submission.

The Official Result

Michael Chiesa def. Jim Miller via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 2:57

Rose Namajunas vs. Paige VanZant

Round 1

Referee Herb Dean will officiate tonight’s 115-pound main event, with judges Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato and Glenn Trowbridge scoring at cageside. Namajunas strikes first with a hard right hand down the center, moving VanZant around the edge of the cage. Another right hand scores for Namajunas, causing VanZant to try and clinch while “Thug Rose” is in the pocket. Instead, it’s Namajunas scoring a trip takedown from the tie-up, then passing to north-south position. Namajunas moves to knee-on-belly and drops three or four hard elbows on VanZant’s face, opening a bloody cut on the Nevadan’s right cheek. VanZant kicks off the cage and scrambles back to her feet, but Namajunas continues to find her mark in the standup department, stinging VanZant with long punches as they circle. VanZant tries a head-and-arm throw, defended well by Namajunas who winds up on VanZant’s back with 2:00 on the clock. Namajunas swarms with punches, hoping to open up VanZant’s neck for a rear-naked choke. Namajunas loses one hook, so she jumps off VanZant’s back and holds her against the fence as the strawweights scramble up. After only a few seconds, Namajunas trips VanZant back to the ground and then stands over her prone opponent with one minute remaining. Namajunas comes back to the ground with heavy punches, worsening VanZant’s already bloodied face. VanZant holds Namajunas in half guard as the last 30 seconds tick down, but Namajunas scores with more elbow strikes before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Namajunas
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Namajunas
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Namajunas

Round 2

VanZant gets tagged with a couple more long punches before going for another head-and-arm throw and again being completely blocked. She keeps hold of Namajunas’ head and arm, and VanZant pays the price on her next throw attempt, as Namajunas stuffs her to the mat. Namajunas jumps on VanZant’s back, can’t secure the position and winds up in half guard as VanZant turns over. VanZant rolls to her knees and then stands, but she’s held against the cage. Again, VanZant tries to throw Namajunas to the ground, and again Namajunas comes out on top. With two minutes remaining in the round, Namajunas tries to climb on her kneeling opponent’s back. VanZant blocks the hooks and gets back to her feet, and now the 115ers are back to striking with 90 seconds on the clock. Namajunas misses with a sweeping uppercut, gets wrapped up and stuffs another trip attempt to land atop VanZant in the center of the cage.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Namajunas
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Namajunas
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Namajunas

Round 3

Namajunas gets another takedown early in the round, nearly gets swept by VanZant but scrambles up before she can get on top. VanZant connects with a right hand but gets wrapped up to slow any momentum on the feet. Namajunas getsback to sticking long punches, denies another throw attempt and forces VanZant back to the mat, landing on top in half guard once again. The cut on VanZant’s right cheek is still bleeding but doesn’t seem to be causing her any distress. Namajunas passes to side control with 65 seconds on the clock and roughs up VanZant with short elbows and punches. VanZant rolls to her knees, then stands with Namajunas on her back. Namajunas slaps on a rear-naked choke and squeezes tight as they hit the ground. VanZant looks finished, trapped in a choke with blood leaking all over her face, but she won’t tap to the choke. Namajunas tries to adjust but cannot get the tap before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Namajunas
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Namajunas
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Namajunas

Round 4

It’s another fast takedown for Namajunas, and this time “Thug Rose” gets on an armbar attempt, bending VanZant’s right arm to a nasty angle before VanZant is able to relieve the pressure and escape. VanZant stays on her knees, allowing Namajunas to ride behind her and sock away with more punches. With no hooks keeping her down, VanZant gets back to her feet, Namajunas still wrapped around her waist from behind. VanZant tries to roll to the ground and break the bodylock, but Namajunas keeps control and comes out on top. Namajunas gets the armbar again and drops back, cranking the arm with all she has, but again VanZant is able to bend the limb and escape. VanZant is on her knees now, driving on the legs of Namajunas, who spins to take the back again and works more knees to VanZant’s body. Namajunas tries a no-hooks rear-naked choke, can’t get it and goes back to throwing punches from the back.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Namajunas
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Namajunas
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-8 Namajunas

Round 5

Namajunas continues her dominance in the early part of the final frame, quickly putting VanZant on the ground and roughing her up with short punches. VanZant gives up her back again, and this time Namajunas wraps her right arm tightly around VanZant’s exposed neck. Namajunas goes palm-to-palm with the choke and bears down, finally forcing VanZant to tap out.

The Official Result

Rose Namajunas def. Paige VanZant via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R5 2:25