MEXICO CITY – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC Fight Night 98 event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).
The card, which features lightweight contenders Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson, takes place at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. It airs on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET for the UFC Fight Pass prelims, 8 p.m. ET for the FS1 prelims, and 10 p.m. ET for the FS1 main card.
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC Fight Night 98 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) and Fernanda Prates (@NandaPrates_) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
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Enrique Barzola vs. Chris Avila
Round 1 – Avila gets to the center and misses a big right hand. Barzola with a few kicks tot he legs as he moves on the outside. Left hand scores, followed by a knee for Barzola. He gets a quick single-leg, but Avila scrambles back to his feet. Avila jabs, but Barzola chops at his legs. Avila catches a low kick but can’t get the takedown. He fires a few big right hands. Barzola drives in for the takedown. He tosses Avila to the floor but eats a nasty upkick. Barzola looking to pass the legs, but Avila is active on his back and keeps himself safe before moving to the feet. Barzola misses a huge right hand. Less than two minutes remain. They trade jabs and right hands. Barzola again for the takedown, and he drags Avila to the floor. Short left hands from Barzola. Avila gets to his feet and is warned for grabbing the cage. Shits traded inside before they break away from the fence. Sharp low kick for Barzola. Avila walking forward, but he’s not active enough. Punches traded to close. MMAjunkie gives it to Barzola, 10-9.
Round 2 – Quick start again, but Barzola gets the best of it, including an early takedown. Avila turns to his knees, and Barzola tries to take his back, but Avila prevents that. With good defense, Avila creates the space he needs to climb to the feet. Still, it’s Barzola pressing the action with punches and into a takedown attempt. Avila shrugs it off. Barzola with a big right to the body. It’s all forward movement for Barzola. Avila weathering the storm, but he’s not countering. Barzola gets in tight, and he drives the action to the floor. Less than two minutes. Avila again to his knees and looking to rise. Barzola punching away and trying to secure the back. Avila scoots to the cage and rises, but Barzola scores a knee and immediately wraps his hands around the body. Avila pushes him away, but Barzola rattles off big shots. They trade until the bell, and MMAjunkie gives it again to Barzola, 10-9.
Round 3 – Avila needs to get busy. Barzola still looking for the takedown and chopping the legs, as well. Novelli tries to load up on a few right hands, but Barzola happily slips under a big punch and drives his opponent to the floor. Avila quickly to his knees and looking to rise, but Barzola pressures him and keeps him tight to the cage. They battle there, and Barzola backs away, landing a kick to the body. He kicks the legs, as well. Barzola with a leg kick and a right hand. Avila trying to battle back, but there’s just not enough volume to change the momentum. Low kick buckles Avila’s legs. He’s been beaten up there. Avila tries to throw a haymaker, but Barzola happily underneath and drives the action to the floor yet again. Avila again to his knees and quickly looking to get back to the feet. He gets there in the final 30 seconds, but he’s just got nothing. Another nasty leg kick sends Avila to the floor. Fight ends there. MMAjunkie gives the round to Barzola, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-27.
Result: Enrique Barzola def. Chris Avila via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Recap: Enrique Barzola uses takedowns to cruise past Chris Avila
Photos: Enrique Barzola vs. Chris Avila photos
Records: Barzola (12-3-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Avila (5-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Miguel Jimenez
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-26, giving Barzola a 10-8 in round 2), Sal D’Amato Derek Cleary (30-26, giving Barzola a 10-8 in round 2), Chris Lee Derek Cleary (30-26, giving Barzola a 10-8 in round 2)
Marco Polo Reyes vs. Jason Novelli
Round 1 – Novelli short on a jab to start, and the crowd chants for Reyes. Novelli with a low kick. Both men moving well to start. Low kick again from Novelli. Reyes looking to attack, but it’s Novelli who’s moving well and countering right now. Low kick again from Novelli. Reyes with a big right hand over the top that just misses. Novelli with non-stop movement, and Reyes struggling to find him right now. Novelli steps in with a quick trip, but Reyes climbs immediately back to his feet. Reyes with a right to the body, but Novelli comes back over the top. Novelli in and out of range. Shots traded on the feet, but Reyes complains of an eye poke, and we get a quick break. Novelli apologizes, and we carry on. Reyes aggressive on the restart. Novelli with a side kick to the body. Pace picks up. Low kicks traded. Reyes with a low kick. He kicks to the body, as well. Strong finish for Reyes, but MMAjunkie leans toward Novelli, 10-9.
Round 2 – Reyes keeping the pressure that he used to close the first. Novelli still looking to retreat and counter. Novelli moving well and chopping the leg. Reyes with punches over the top as he pushes forward. Reyes start to let his hands go a bit. Novelli countering well. Both men finding their distance right now. Reyes the one moving forward. Novelli looks for a takedown, but Reyes with a smooth reversal and takes top position as they tumble to the floor. Guard for Novelli. He briefly works rubber guard, but Reyes pushes the leg away and punches in spots. Novelli with a figure-four, then lets it go. He’s looking for options from his back, but Reyes stays compact and enjoys top position. Novelli active underneath, but nothing really threatens. Reyes with short punches to the body. He finishes on top. MMAjunkie gives it to Reyes, 10-9.
Round 3 – Reyes still walking forward, and he just slips under a spinning kick to the head. Reyes seems to have the power right now, but Novelli still moving well as he fires a combination to the body. Both men know this fight is on the line. Novelli seems to have more in the tank, and he scores with a stiff jab. Reyes’ movement slowing a bit, and he’s more of a stationary target. Still, he’s firing big punches, and he lands a glancing high kick. Reyes punch knocks out Novelli’s mouthpiece. Referee Mario Yamasaki waits a moment and then calls for time to replace it. Right hand for Reyes on the restart. Kick to the body. Reyes has the momentum, but Novelli still moving well. Still, when Reyes lands, he lands hard. Novelli with a snapping front kick as he retreats. One minute left. Novelli shoots inside and gets a takedown. He advances to mount, but Reyes first looks for a leg and then tries to rise. Not there. Novelli moves again to mount. Punches and elbows coming in . Reyes turns and exposes the back. Novelli looks for the choke and punches away. Big final minute for Novelli. MMAjunkie thinks he stole the round, awarding it to Novelli, 10-9, and giving him the fight 29-28. It’s very, very close.
Result: Marco Polo Reyes def. Jason Novelli via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Marco Polo Reyes takes split call from Jason Novelli
Photos: Marco Polo Reyes vs. Jason Novelli photos
Records: Reyes (7-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Novelli (11-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Judging: Brian Puccillo (29-28, giving Reyes rounds 1 and 2), Marcos Rosales (28-29, giving Novelli rounds 1 and 3), Jeff Mullen (29-28, giving Reyes rounds 1 and 2)
Sam Alvey vs. Alex Nicholson
Round 1 – Nicholson walks to the opposite side of the cage, where Alvey waits. Nicholson with a front kick that misses. He kicks the leg, as well. High kick just short. Alvey studying for now. He drives a left to the body and follows with big right hand that just misses. Leaping kick for Nicholson blocked. Left high kick for Nicholson just misses. Alvey patient for now, picking his spots. He kicks the leg and just misses a short right over the top. Nicholson the aggressor for now, and he lands a right hand. Nicholson chopping the legs a bit. Two minutes left. Nicholson lands to the groin, and Alvey takes a break. Nicholson apologizes on the restart. Nicholson has a high kick blocked, and he throws a side kick to the body. Alvey looking for that lead right. He lands it, and Nicholson counters with a left and a big kick to the body. Nicholson the more active fighter. Alvey defending well and using the right as a nice counter. Still, Nicholson is the one moving forward. Left for Nicholson at the bell. MMAjunkie gives the first to Nicholson, 10-9.
Round 2 – Alvey with an immediate low kick. Nicholson with a front kick to the body and a kick to the ribs. Alvey moves forward, and Nicholson with a side kick. Alvey complains it’s low, but Nicholson isn’t buying it. Referee Herb Dean talks it over with Nicholson, and we continue. Left hand for Nicholson. High kick blocked. Alvey rushes forward wth the right. He looks a little unsteady. Nicholson keeping the volume high. Alvey dealing with it well, but he’s on defense. Alvey shoots in for the takedown. Nicholson defends against the cage and lands an elbow or two before Alvey backs away. Short right for Alvey, but Nicholson answers with three shots of his own and asks for more. Nicholson continues to utilize kicks from range. Alvey content to stay back and trade shots when available. Still, Alvey looks a little uneasy. He does land a big left hand. One minute left. Left hand again for Alvey. Knee inside for Alvey. Nicholson with a right. Alvey with left. Another lands, and Nicholson is hurt. Nicholson’s hands are low, and he looks tired as they swing. MMAjunkie likes the late work from Alvey and gives him the frame, 10-9.
Round 3 – Nicholson moving forward, but Alvey is landing the counter left to start. Nicholson with a side kick to the body. Nicholson moving forward, but Alvey has found his rhythm. Left hand for Alvey and a low kick. Alvey content to fight on his back foot and then unleash the big left. He’s adding low kicks every time, as well. Jab for Nicholson. Crowd wants some action halfway through the final round. Nicholson with a kick to the body. He’s tiring. Alvey still loading up on the counter left when Nicholson moves forward. Nicholson misses a high kick. Ninety seconds left. Uppercut for Alvey. He misses a spinning kick. Nicholson walkign froward but now throwing. Alvey moving way and picking his spots. Left hand for Nicholson. Alvey with the volume, even as he retreats. Another left hand. Final seconds, and Nicholson misses a leaping knee. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Alvey, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.
Result: Sam Alvey def. Alex Nicholson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Sam Alvey smiles way – mostly – to unanimous decision over Alex Nicholson
Photos: Sam Alvey vs. Alex Nicholson photos
Records: Alvey (29-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC), Nicholson (7-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Alvey rounds 2 and 3), Chris Lee (29-28, giving Alvey rounds 2 and 3), Brian Puccillo (29-28, giving Alvey rounds 2 and 3)
Henry Briones vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade
Round 1 – Both men look light on their feet to open, studying from range. Silva de Andrade with a big right hands that misses. He chops the lead leg. Briones rushes forward with strikes but misses. Silva de Andrade again to the leg. Uppercut from Silva de Andrade, followed by a straight. His hands look sharp to open. Briones with a big right, but he catches return fire. Left hand from Silva de Andrade. Briones wants to attack, but Silva de Andrade is creative with his angles right now. Left hand lands for Silva de Andrade, but Briones answers to the body. Spinning kick to the body for Silva de Andrade. Crisp. Briones moving forward but struggling to find any real openings. He does land a crisp right, and Silva de Andrade looks hurt. Briones rushes, but Silva de Andrade firs back. Both men slugging it out. Spinning backfist from Silva de Andrade. Great flurries from both men in the final minute. Round ends on the feet. MMAjunkie gives it to Silva de Andrade, 10-9.
Round 2 – Crowd cheering for Briones, and both men look to strike again at the start. Briones walks into a left hand. Silva de Andrade still looks very sharp with his hands. Briones answers to the body. Briones letting his hands go. Silva de Andrade with another nice spinning kick to the body. Back and forth on the feet. Briones working well to the body. He lands a big right hand, but Silva de Andrade answers with his own, and Briones topples to the floor. He gets right back to his feet. Both men striking well. Briones again to the body. Silva de Andrade misses a spinning backfist. Big shot from Silva de Andrade sends Briones to a knee. Silva de Andrade firing punches. Briones slips to the floor on a flying knee. He crawls up and lands a big strike as Silva de Andrade rushes forward. Briones bleeding from the nose. Silva de Andrade with a takedown in the final seconds. Fun round. MMAjunkie gives it to Silva de Andrade, 10-9.
Round 3 – Crowd electric to start the third round. Fight likely hangs in the balance. Low kick for Briones, but Silva de Andrade counters over the top. Silva de Andrade with a few low kicks. Briones looking to brawl. Silva de Andrade a bit more compact with his strikes. Briones with a big shot to the body. Two crisp punches for Silva de Andrade land flush. Big right hand scores. Silva de Andrade gaining steam. Still, Briones is standing in the pocket and trading back. Right hand for Briones lands. Trading shots. Silva de Andrade lands flush. Spinning backfist, and Briones hits the floor. Referee Keith Peterson with the immediate stop, despite the crowd’s objection. Big finish.
Result: Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Henry Briones via TKO (spinning backfist) – Round 3, 2:33
Recap: Douglas Silva de Andrade ends Henry Briones slugfest with spinning backfist
Photos: Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Henry Briones photos
Records: Briones (16-6-1 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Silva de Andrade (24-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Keith Peterson
Erick Montano vs. Max Griffin
Round 1 – Montano with a jab that misses. He lands a right hand. Griffin light on his feet on the outside. He looks ready to strike, but he’s not throwing yet. He finally does land a right hand, and Montano is wobbled. Griffin sees his chance and follows. Barrage of strikes sees Montano crash to the floor. He covers, but Griffin just unloads shot after shot after shot. Referee Jerin Valel lets Montano know he needs to recover. He tries to defend, but the punches are relentless, and this fight is over.
Result: Max Griffin def. Erick Montano via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:54
Recap: Max Griffin brings the ‘Pain,’ takes out Erick Montano in 54 seconds
Photos: Max Griffin vs. Erick Montano photos
Records: Montano (7-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Griffin (13-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Jerin Valel
Marco Beltran vs. Joe Soto
Round 1 – Beltran with a high kick that’s blocked. He’s looking to pressure early. He just misses a high kick over the top. Beltran slips on a low kick. He steps up, and Soto with a low kick before shooting inside. He gets the takedown, but Beltran looks to reverse the position. It’s a scramble for position, and Soto turns to the leg. He’s isolated it, and he turns for the heel hook. He cranks it and gets the immediate tap. Huge win for Soto, who stepped in on incredibly short notice.
Result: Joe Soto def. Marco Beltran via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:37
Recap: Joe Soto takes out Marco Beltran in 97 seconds with masterful heel hook
Photos: Joe Soto vs. Marco Beltran photos
Records: Beltran (8-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Soto (17-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Division: 140-pound catchweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Miguel Jimenez
Erik Perez vs. Felipe Arantes
Round 1 – Arantes makes his way across the cage. Perez bouncing, looking to strike. Arantes short on a few jabs. Crowd chants for Perez. Arantes pushes froward with a right hand, and Perez answers in the pocket. Arantes the aggressor right now despite his hard weight cut. Arantes scores to the leg. Arantes kicks the legs two times. Another kick lands clean to the leg. Perez punches the body. He grabs a leg and trips Arantes to the floor. Half-guard for Arantes underneath. Perez presses down and drives punches to the body. Arantes turns back for the heel hook. Perez grimaces a bit but survives. However, it allows Arantes to to move up to top position. Perez hooks the arm and rolls off for the submission. Nice idea, but Perez yanks the limb free and now has top position. Perez with punches from the top. Elbows and forearms come forward in the final seconds. Perez finishes on top. Fun round, but MMAjunkie gives it to Perez, 10-9.
Round 2 – Quick start again, and Arantes comes out firing kicks and a leaps with a knee. Perez looks shaky on his right leg. He fires a spinning backfist and misses, falling to the floor. He pops back up and is able to bring the fight to the floor in a scramble. He moves to mount and looks to punch. Arantes with a beautiful sweep to get out the back door and move to the back. He immediately looks for the choke, but Perez pulls the arm away. Still, Arantes has the legs locked around the body. He goes again to the choke. Perez pulls the arm away and reaches down to break the leg lock. He’s successful and spins inside. Perez in top position now. He moves out to side control. Fantastic grappling. Arantes’s left side against the cage, preventing a pass, but Perez happy to keep side control and grind away. He punches away at the bell. Another fun round, but MMAjunkie gives it to Perez, 10-9.
Round 3 – Show of respect to start the third. Perez shoots inside, but Arantes easily pushes him away. Quick jabs from Arantes. Perez misses a big right hand. Both men miss spinning backfists, but Perez ducks under his opponent’s and takes the fight to the floor. Side control for Perez, though this time it’s in the middle of the cage. Arantes doing a good job of bucking up to create a scramble, but Perez just heavy enough to stay on top. He scores with a few short elbows and punches. Time winding down, and Perez happy to ride it out. Arantes bucks again, and this time he creates the space and gets to his feet. Two minutes left. Arantes needs to make something happen. Perez’s right leg really doesn’t seem good, but Arantes can’t capitalize. Arantes head kick scores. Perez retreating and looking to ride out the clock. Arantes with a leaping knee. He lands a jab. Perez is trying to survive. Arantes pouring it on. Perez trying to answer back before retreating. He punches and just falls down with the right leg buckling. Arantes gets to mount and immediately locks in an arm-triangle choke. It’s there, but Perez seems content to ride it out until the bell. He survives. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Arantes, 10-9, but awards the fight to Perez, 29-28.
Result: Erik Perez def. Felipe Arantes via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Erik Perez survives submission attempt, takes split from Felipe Arantes
Photos: Erik Perez vs. Felipe Arantes photos
Records: Perez (17-6 MMA, 7-2 UFC), Arantes (18-8-1 MMA, 5-4-1 UFC)
Division: 138-pound catchweight (Arantes missed weight)
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Judging: Rosales (29-29, giving Arantes rounds 2 and 3), Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Perez rounds 1 and 2), Jeff Mullen (29-28, giving Perez rounds 1 and 2)
Alexa Grasso vs. Heather Jo Clark
Round 1 – Clark gets to the center. She’s first to attack. Crowd chanting “Mexico” in support of Grasso. Clark punches her way into the clinch. She presses the action to the cage, but Grasso slips away. Grasso feeling out the distance. She covers as Clark flurries. Grasso a little hesitant to open. She kicks the leg, but Clark does the same. Clark fires a big overhand. She’s the busier fighter to start. Clark shoots, and Grasso tags her with a perfectly timed kick. Clark crawl hits the floor and tries to work to her feet but Grasso unleashes a flurry of punches. Kick to the body. Clark covering against the cage. Grasso with punches inside. Less than two minutes. Clark has slowed things down. Grasso with a knee inside, but Clark spins off the cage. Knees traded inside. Grasso spins and backs away. Clark’s face is a mess. She misses a high kick. Punches fly from Grasso. Jab scores. Right hand behind it. Round ends on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it to Grasso, 10-9.
Round 2 – Clark seemed to be complaining of her vision between rounds, but we fight on. Clark opens with a series of punches from range, trying to turn the tide. She misses a switch kick and has a high kick blocked. Grasso just patiently walking forward. Clark catches a kick but can’t get the fight to the floor. Grasso circles off the cage, and they work in the clinch. Clark tries to reach up and grab a guillotine. She can’t fully wrap the neck. Grasso eventually is able to pull away, and we rest. Grasso moving and looking for angles. Clark bloodied but moving forward. They move into the clinch. Grasso looks for an armbar as they hit the floor, but it’s not there. She tries to tee off on the feet when Clark crawls up, but the bell ends. MMAjunkie leans slightly toward Grasso, 10-9, but that was better for Clark.
Round 3 – Grasso with a high kick, but Clark rushes forward. Grasso lands a right hand on the way in, but Clark gets to the clinch. They battle for position agains the cage. Grasso gets to the outside, but Clark keeps the body wrapped. Clark tries to pull the action to the floor, but Grasso pulls free and moves back to the feet. Clark moving forward, looking to make something happen. Grasso is comfortable, but she’s letting off the gas a bit. Two minutes left. Blood pouring down from Clark’s nose. Still, she’s moving forward. She misses a big right, and Grasso counters. Grasso starting to turn it up a bit. Clark wants to brawl, and she again moves to the clinch. Grasso spins away. She picks Clark up and throws her to the floor, landing a few punches at the end. Fight ends with Clark crawling back up. MMAjunkie gives the round to Grasso, 10-9, and awards her the fight 30-27.
Result: Alexa Grasso def. Heather Jo Clark via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap: Heavy favorite Alexa Grasso bloodies up Heather Jo Clark in UFC debut
Photos: Alexa Grasso vs. Heather Jo Clark photos
Records: Grasso (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Clark (7-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Strawweight
Rankings: Grasso No. 6
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Chris Lee (30-27), Brian Puccillo (29-28, giving Grasso rounds 1 and 3)
Beneil Dariush vs. Rashid Magomedov
Round 1 – Dariush with a quick high kick that’s blocked. Kicks to the body traded. Dariush misses a high kick. Magomedov slips on a low kick but gets back to his feet. Dariush aggressive to start, and he gets to the Thai clinch. Magomedov with a few uppercuts inside as he blocks the knees. Dariush wants the trip, but Magomedov reverses. Still, Dariush climbs to his feet before Magomedov can capitalize. Clinch, and Dariush complains of a low knee. Referee Herb Dean steps in to call time. Dariush aggressive with the kicks on the restart. Magomedov looking to stick and move on the outside. Dariush slick on the feet, and he’s firing shots from all angles. Big kick to the body scores. Magomedov tries to get inside for a takedown, but Dariush again to the Thai clinch. Magomedov grinds away and scores a takedown in the final seconds. Still, MMAjunkie leans toward Dariush, 10-9. Very close.
Round 2 – Dariush out quickly and misses on a high kick. Left hands traded. Low kicks traded, but Magomedov stumbles a bit when he’s hit. Dariush pressuring, and he fires in an overhand left. Big kick to the body for Magomedov. Kicks traded again. Magomedov countering well, but Dariush still the aggressor right now. Dariush with a kick to the body. Thai clinch again for Dariush. Magomedov uppercuts while Dariush looks for knees. Dariush pushes the action to the cage. They battle in the clinch. Grinding away against the cage, Dariush holds the outside position. One minute left. Dariush controlling the positioning, but crowd wants more action. Magomedov finally gets away and looks to strike. They quickly clinch and trade knees. Round ends in the clinchm and MMAjunkie gives it to Dariush, 10-9.
Round 3 – Dariush again comes out firing big kicks. Magomedov answers, and they trade shots in the center. Right hand lands for Magomedov. Dariush again closes the distance and moves inside. Magomedov circles out, but Dariush maintains the thai clinch. Back and forth they battle before Magomedov pulls away. It doesn’t take long until they clinch again. Just a grueling fight. Crowd wants action. Referee Herb Dean brings them to the center, and they start again. Magomedov with a left hand that scores. He needs to make something happen. Final minute. Magomedov’s translator leaves his corner position to come coach his fighter in the neutral corner. They grind until the end. Crowd doesn’t like it. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Dariush, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27. Closer than score would indicate.
Result: Beneil Dariush def. Rashid Magomedov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap: Beneil Dariush gets unanimous nod to hand Rashid Magomedov first UFC loss
Photos: Beneil Dariush vs. Rashid Magomedov photos
Records: Dariush (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC), Magomedov (19-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Rankings: Dariush No. 10, Magomedov honorable mention
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Sal D’Amato (30-27), Chris Lee (29-28, giving Dariush rounds 1 and 2)
Martin Bravo vs. Claudio Puelles
Round 1 – Low kick from Puelles to start. He’s coming out swinging. Puelles circles on the outside and scores with a low kick. Left hand fro Puelles, and he drops down for a leg. Not there. Punches traded inside. Quick pace to start. Puelles fakes a takedown but misses a punch. Spinning strike misses for Puelles. Puelles continues to tease the takedown, slowing Bravo a bit as he tries to attack. Bravo with a right hand that scores. Puelles with a nice left, but Bravo continues to press. They trade punches in the pocket. Puelles on a single leg. He can’t get the takedown, but he gets his opponent off-balance. Still, he can’t capitalize. Puelles relentless with his takedowns, and he finally gets one. He tries to get the back, but Bravo uses the cage to peel him off as he rises. Spinning kick for Puelles. Two punches score from Bravo. Puelles’ nose bleeding. He kicks to the body. Bravo taunts his opponent a bit and starts punching. Big right hand from Bravo in the closing seconds. Puelles short on a takedown. MMAjunkie gives the first to Bravo, 10-9
Round 2 – Puelles the bigger man, but Bravo moving inside with no issue. Puelles catches a kick and wants the takedown but can’t get the fight to the floor. Bravo just stalking. Puelles firing back, but not with near the same zip. Puelles catches a leg and tires to seep the action to the floor, but it’s not there. Bravo continues to tee off from range. He drills the body, and Puelles crashes to the floor. Bravo jumps on top and finishes the fight with a few more shots.
Result: Martin Bravo def. Claudio Puelles via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:55
Recap: Martin Bravo stops Claudio Puelles to win ‘TUF 3: Latin America’ final
Photos: Martin Bravo vs. Claudio Puelles photos
Records: Bravo (11-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Puelles (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight (“TUF 3: Latin America” tournament final)
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Keith Peterson
Ricardo Lamas vs. Charles Oliveira
Round 1 – Lamas with a low kick to start. He tries again, but Oliveira counters with a right hand. Lamas quick, but Oliveira has a ton of reach. They clinch up and it’s Lamas who tosses the action to the floor, falling into Oliveira’s half-guard. Lamas tries to advance and punch, but Oliveira grabs his leg. Lamas rolls free and gets back to his feet, but Oliveira follows and slips around to the back. Lamas turns in, but Oliveira picks him up and slams him to the floor. Lamas able to scramble up, but Oliveira attacks the neck. He nearly has a D’Arce choke in place, but Lamas pulls free after a tense moment. Still, Oliveira now in top position. Less than two minutes as Lamas works guard from the bottom. Oliveira postures and misses a big punch. He looks to pass the legs, eventually sneaking around to the back when Lamas rolls. Oliveira wants the choke. He’s on the chin, but Lamas pushes the arm away. Lamas kneeling, and Oliveira tags him with an elbow. Oliveira on the choke in the finale seconds, but Lamas survives. Still, MMAjunkie gives it to Oliveira, 10-9.
Round 2 – Low kick from Lamas. He wants to strike. He leaps in with a knee but eats a counter right. Left hand for Lamas. He fires a right, but Oliveira immediately shoots and scores a takedown. Lamas rolls to top position, and Oliveira holds underneath looking to sweep again. He scrambles, and Lamas grabs a guillotine and falls to guard. Risky, but he squeezes. Referee Jerin Valel pulls his foot off the fence, but Lamas keeps squeezing, and Oliveira taps.
Result: Ricardo Lamas def. Charles Oliveira via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:13
Recap: Ricardo Lamas chokes out Brazilian choke specialist Charles Oliveira
Photos: Ricardo Lamas vs. Charles Oliveira photos
Records: Lamas (17-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC), Oliveira (21-7 MMA, 9-7 UFC)
Division: 155-pound catchweight (Oliveira missed weight)
Rankings: Lamas No. 6, Oliveira No. 11
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Jerin Valel
Diego Sanchez vs. Marcin Held
Round 1 – Held leaps forward with a left hand that catches the temple. Sanchez compact and kicks the body. Held rifles off a few punches that land, but Sanchez still looking to trade. Short left from Held, followed by a knee. He’s having success early. Leaping kick from Sanchez misses. Held shoots inside, and Sanchez sprawls against the cage. Held backs away but scores with a left hand. Held having success on the feet. Sanchez kicks the body. He scores a right hand over the top. Held lands a straight right. Sweeping left lands. Sanchez still coming forward, but he’s taking some damage. Acrobatic cartwheel kick from Held scores. Held not even worried about the takedown right now. Sanchez shoots inside and presses the action to the cage. Held grabs the neck and lifts Sanchez in the air with the guillotine but can’t get the finish as Sanchez walks the cage to escape. Sanchez pulls away and looks ready to brawl. Big right hands from Sanchez. Round ends on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it to Held, 10-9.
Round 2 – Sanchez gritting and looking to brawl. Low kick. Held rolls into a leg lock. Slick moves, but Sanchez spins with it. Held continues to isolate the right leg and pressure the joints, but Sanchez stays on top and punches. Held spins again and looks for a new angle. Sanchez’s right leg is bent awkwardly, but he drives through it and pushes until he settles into Held’s guard. Sanchez looking to grind from the top. Short punches and elbows as Held looks for options. Held backs up to the fence and tries to get to a seated position. Sanchez pulls him away from the cage and keeps top position. Sanchez not scoring a ton, but he’s grinding and dominating the position. Held with a roll and nearly gets his legs up on the shoulder. Instead, he has to settle for guard. Sanchez takes the back in the closing seconds, and MMAjunkie gives him the round, 10-9.
Round 3 – Held misses a big spinning strike to start. Sanchez throws a bomb, and Held shoots underneath it. Sanchez sprawls. He catches a knee on the way up. Held pushes forward for a takedown. Sanchez again sprawls. Held secures the right arm, but Sanchez patiently works it free and takes the stop position. Held switches over to attack the right leg, but it’s not there. Sanchez drives forward and settles into his opponent’s guard. Elbow from Sanchez. Forearm. He’s grinding away. Held gets the left arm and then the leg, but Sanchez is game and turns through it all. Excellent defensive grappling, and Sanchez is back on top. Held with weak punches from his back. Sanchez with a few big shots from the top. Held tries again to roll fro something. He nearly gets an arm, but Sanchez pulls free and strikes. Held not going to give up. He tries again, but Sanchez isn’t going to be caught. Big punches to close from Sanchez. MMAjunkie gives him the round, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.
Result: Diego Sanchez def. Marcin Held via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Recap: Marcin Held can’t get submission game going, falls to Diego Sanchez
Photos: Diego Sanchez vs. Marcin Held photos
Records: Sanchez (27-9 MMA, 16-9 UFC), Held (22-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Judging: Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Sanchez rounds 2 and 3), Brian Puccillo (29-28, giving Sanchez rounds 2 and 3), Chris Lee (29-27, (29-28, giving Sanchez rounds 2 and 3, with a 10-8 in round 3)
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson
Round 1 – Both men look ready to explode as the fight gets underway. Ferguson with some fancy footwork, and he drives in a right hand. Low kicks exchanged. Snapping low kick from dos Anjos. Ferguson has a kick to the body blocked. Ferguson flashes out an elbow, but dos Anjos lands a right hand. Takedown from dos Anjos, but Ferguson sprawls free. Ferguson to the body, but dos Anjos counters with two punches up top. Low kick from Ferguson, but dos Anjos with a big left hand over the top. Uppercut from Ferguson. Power shots coming from dos Anjos. Short elbow from dos Anjos. Firefight, but dos Anjos with the big hook. Body kick from dos Anjos. Crisp lefts from dos Anjos every time Ferguson kicks low. High kick from Ferguson, but dos Anjos sweeps him to the floor. Immediately, dos Anjos jumps on top. He wants the choke, but Ferguson pulls free and jumps to his feet. Ferguson works the jab. Sharp low kick from dos Anjos. Ferguson answers. Ferguson with the shot elbow. Everything from dos Anjos is power. Ferguson staying with the low kicks. Ends on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it to dos Anjos, 10-9.
Round 2 – Ferguson moving forward to start, and he lands a nice right hand. Another scores. Ferguson aggressive. Return shots from dos Anjos, but Ferguson seems confident he can walk through them. Odd moment as dos Anjos claims of a poke. Ferguson doesn’t attack, but he also doesn’t buy it. Still, referee Herb Dena does step in and ask for doctors to take a look. Ferguson seems upset by the claim, but we fight on. Power shots coming from dos Anjos. He shoots, but it’s not there. Ferguson starting to get a little wild with his strikes, and dos Anjos continues to stay traditional and compact. Ferguson’s hands are low as he kicks the legs. Ferguson trying to use his range, and both men are kicking the legs. Ferguson switching stances and chopping at the legs. He seems unconcerned with dos Anjos’ power at this point. Crisp jabs landing for Ferguson. Still, dos Anjos isn’t backing down. He lands tow goos hots, butFerguson scores with a right hand. It wobbles dos Anjos. Ferguson pressing. He continues to work the body. Superman off the fence for Ferguson. Crowd chanting his name. Ferguson continues to work the legs. Two punches for Ferguson to close. MMAjunkie gives it to Ferguson, 10-9.
Round 3 – Leaping left from Ferguson. He rattles off a combination. Low kick sees dos Anjos shoot, but Ferguson just rolls with it and gets back to the feet. Crisp shot to the body from dos Anjos and then a right up top. Good reminder of his power. Ferguson lands a few spinning elbows and smiles at his opponent. Blood trickling down from dos Anjos’ right eye. Ferguson shuffling his feet and striking. He lands a left hand. Ferguson continues to switch stances and strike. Ferguson moving forward. Still, dos Anjos is throwing heavy leather. Ferguson points to his chin, and dos Anjos delivers with the left hand. Low kicks traded. Ferguson digs to the body. Right hand does the same from dos Anjos. Ferguson just completely unconcerned with dos Anjos’s strikes. Big left hand from dos Anjos. But the volume coming from Ferguson. Combinations as he walks forward. Spinning shot from dos Anjos to close. MMAjunkie gives it again to Ferguson, 10-9, despite a strong close from dos Anjos.
Round 4 – Ferguson bouncing on his feet, but it was dos Anjos who seemed to come alive late in the third. Big kick to the body from dos Anjos. Ferguson doing well with his jab, though he continues to switch stances and fire from all angles. Ferguson keeps flashing out the elbow. He rolls forward for a shot that doesn’t land, but he gets back to his feet before dos Anjos can get on top. Back on the feet, and it’s Ferguson staying busy, but dos Anjos countering with power when he can. Both men teeing off on the feet. Big punches from Ferguson. Brief clinch from dos Anjos, but Ferguson pulls away. Blood trickling down dos Anjos’s face. He lands a huge right over the top, but Ferguson keeps moving forward. Big body kick from dos Anjos, but Ferguson answers with the same. Ferguson with combinations that score, but dos Anjos taking them and scoring big left hands in return. Left hand from Ferguson snaps his opponent’s head back. Ferguson with a wild roll to close. MMAjunkie gives it to Ferguson, 10-9.
Round 5 – Possible this fight is event going into the final round. Ferguson presses to start. He looks fresh enough, and he scores with a few left hands. Huge left hand from dos Anjos. Ferguson keeps pressing. Ferguson the aggressor, but dos Anjos picking his spots to stop and deliver a big left. Ferguson digs to the body before pulling back to the center. Ferguson having a little fun, dancing in the center. Blood streaming down from dos Anjos’s right eye. Low kick from dos Anjos, but Ferguson counters with a flurry of punches. Less than two minutes. Ferguson still walking forward, but dos Anjos hasn’t stopped firing power shots. Both men trade big punches. Low kick from dos Anjos, but Ferguson counters over the top. More shuffling from Ferguson as he walks forward. Ferguson just non-stop in his aggression, and dos Anjos’s big strikes haven’t seemed to bother him. More dancing from Ferguson to close. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Ferguson, and awards him the fight 49-46.
Result: Tony Fergsuon def. Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Recap: Tony Ferguson tops ex-champ Rafael dos Anjos for 9th straight win
Photos: Tony Fergsuon vs. Rafael dos Anjos photos
Records: dos Anjos (25-9 MMA, 14-7 UFC), Ferguson (22-3 MMA, 12-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Rankings: dos Anjos No. 3, Ferguson No. 4
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Derek Cleary (giving Ferguson rounds 2, 4 and 5), Chris Lee (giving Ferguson rounds 2, 4 and 5), Marcos Rosales (giving Ferguson rounds 2, 4 and 5)
