DETROIT – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC 218 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET (3:15 p.m. PT).
The event takes place at the new Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit – the first event in Michigan since 2010 – and the main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.
In the main event, featherweight champion Max Holloway (18-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) takes on the man he took the belt from, Jose Aldo (26-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC). In the co-feature, Francis Ngannou (10-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) and Alistair Overeem (43-15 MMA, 8-4 UFC) meet to determine the next heavyweight title challenger.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET for the UFC Fight Pass prelims, 8 p.m. ET for the FS1 prelims, and 10 p.m. ET for the pay-per-view main card.
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 218 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) and Mike Bohn (@mikebohnmma) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
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Justin Willis vs. Allen Crowder
Round 1 – Crowder with an early low kick, but Willis counters over the top. Crowder sticks with the low kicks, which is just fine with Willis, who catches it and fires back with punches that score up top. Crowder turns up the heat a little, but when they get to the clinch, it’s Willis who gets the best of the exchanges. Crowder backs to the fence, and Willis lands clean with a few big punches that buckle his opponent’s knees. Willis patient in his attacks, measured in is approach, but he’s scoring with his hands. Crowder putting himself in the pocket, but he’s getting caught. Willis lands with a big left, and Crowder is wobbled. Willis sees it and presses forward. He misses a bit to start, but he keeps pushing. Another big left, and Crowder crashes to the floor. Big finish to start the night.
Result: Justin Willis def. Allen Crowder via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:33
Recap: Justin Willis levels Allen Crowder for first-round knockout
Photos: Justin Willis vs. Allen Crowder photos
Records: Justin Willis (6-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Allen Crowder (7-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: DanMiragliotta
Jeremy Kimball vs. Dominick Reyes
Round 1 – Reyes with a few low kicks to open. Kimball pushing forward and catches a kick to the body but lets it go. Kimball rushes forward with punches. Reyes covers up and tries to grab the neck, but there’s nothing there. Quick scramble, but we end up with Kimball working the clinch from the outside. Reyes defending against the cage. He gets tripped to a knee and eats a clean punch. Reyes quickly reverses off the cage and surprises with a takedown, settling into top position. Few punches from the top as he adjusts position. Kimball turns to scramble up, and Reyes slips around to his back. Figure-four on the body, and Reyes starts lacing in elbows from the back. Vicious shots as Kimball tries to defend the choke. As the elbows flow, the opening comes in, and Reyes slips his arm under the neck. Choke is in, and Kimball has no choice but to tap. Nice win for the undefeated light heavyweight.
Result: Dominick Reyes def. Jeremy Kimball via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:39
Recap: No fancy KO this time, but Dominick Reyes submits Jeremy Kimball in first
Photos: Dominick Reyes vs. Jeremy Kimball photos
Records: Jeremy Kimball (15-7 MMA 1-2 UFC), Dominick Reyes (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Bobby Wombacher
Sabah Homasi vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan
Round 1 – Alhassan misses on an early low kick. Homasi lands one of his own and fires a big right hand, as well. Big jab scores from Homasi, and a right scores behind it. Alhassan scores with a powerful right hand, and he’s loading up on everything he throws. Alhassan with another big right. Homasi shoots but can’t get the takedown. More big right hands from Alhassan. Nothing but power shots. They move into the clinch. Battle there, but nothing doing between the two. They break apart, and Homasi with a big punch on the feet. Alhassan wobbles a bit and gets thrown to the floor. Big elbows from Homasi, who now has the momentum. Huge shots from the top, and Alhassan presses up to get back to his feet. Into the clinch and a scramble, and Alhassan briefly has the back, but Homasi turns easily away. Furious pace so far. Into the clinch, and Homasi with a knee inside, but Alhassan uses it for a takedown. Homasi right back to his feet, and they continue to battle in the clinch. THey break apart, and both men are swinging. Toe-to-toe madness. Both men throwing haymakers. Absolute battle. Homasi falls awkwardly, but it doesn’t seem to be directly from a strike, and he looks for a takedown. Referee Herb Dean steps in and waves it off, and Homasi instantly protests. Controversial, to say the least, but that call has been made.
Result: Abdul Razak Alhassan def. Sabah Homasi via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:21
Recap: Abdul Razak Alhassan TKOs Sabah Homasi in first, despite wide protests of stoppage
Photos: Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Sabah Homasi photos
Records: Sabah Homasi (11-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Abdul Razak Alhassan (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Herb Dean
Amanda Cooper vs. Angela Magana
Round 1 – Magana gets to the center and moves left on the outside. Magana with a few low kicks to start. Cooper switching stances and looking to punch from the center. Cooper catches a kick and creates a scramble on the feet. She works for the takedown. Magana with a clear grab of the cage, which receives a warning. Cooper gets the takedown anyway, but Magana is right back to her feet. They stay in the clinch. Magana wants a takedown, but Cooper reverses and gets quickly to mount. Magana spinning and turning to escape. Cooper loses control of one leg, and Magana then moves again to get guard. Good recovery from Magana, but Cooper still in control. Brief timeout for a Magana wardrobe malfunction. They restart in the same position. Cooper in complete control, landing punches in spots. Short elbows and forearms, as well. Magana scrambles free, but Cooper follows and gets to the back. Magana turns, but Cooper in mount. Another turn, and Cooper looking for the choke. Clock winding down, and she can’t quite get it. Domination, and MMAjunkie gives it to Cooper, 10-8.
Round 2 – Cooper aggressive again to start the second, and she lands a few kicks on the feet before immediately taking the fight to the floor. Cooper again controlling from the top, advancing position and landing punches and elbows when she can. Magana has to turn, and Cooper is on the back with hooks in place. Arm under the neck, and Magana guts out a choke that appeared to be under the chin. Magana trying to move, but Cooper controlling well and maintaining the dominant position. More choke attempts from Cooper, but Magana just refuses to give up. Cooper punching instead after missing the submission. Just one-way traffic here. Cooper in complete control. Magana showing heart, but she’s absorbing a ton of shots. Referee Keith Peterson issues a few warnings, but Magana is just turtling, and this fight is waved off.
Result: Amanda Cooper def. Angela Magana via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:34
Recap: Amanda Cooper puts on show for home fans, dominates Angela Magana for TKO
Photos: Amanda Cooper vs. Angela Magana photos
Records: Amanda Cooper (3-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. Angela Magana (11-9 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Keith Peterson
Felice Herrig vs. Cortney Casey
Round 1 – Casey on the outside, but Herrig quickly pushes forward and looks to engage with strikes. Punches traded on the feet, and Casey answers by adding in a low kick. Casey trying to user her range early, but Herrig getting in tight and looking to throw with power. Casey countering well to start. More exchanges, and Herrig lands a nice left hand. Casey looks very calm and relaxed, while Herrig looking very intense with her work. Herrig gets inside and wraps the body. They battle in the clinch, but Herrig has the body tied up, and she’s able to get the takedown. Herrig heavy on top, but Casey doing a fine job of tying her up and preventing any offense. Casey eventually looks for the kimura. Not there, but it does result in a sweep, and they scramble back to the feet. Nice finish in the striking department. Very close round, but MMAjunkie leans toward Casey, 10-9, with the cleaner striking.
Round 2 – They start quickly on the feet. Again, Casey seems to be landing the better shots, but Herrig is threatening with power shots, including a big left hook that scores. Casey throws a kick that’s caught, but she pulls it back in time. Casey again relaxed and calm as she works from range. Herrig darting in and out of range, keeping the action close. Herrig with an overhand right. Casey doing well, but Herrig getting work, as well. It’s back and forth on the feet. Casey with a low kick, but Herrig with a nice left hand in reply. Herrig being patient and countering very well. Big flurry to close. Another close round, but MMAjunkie likes Herrig, 10-9.
Round 3 – Both women seem content to strike. Casey working well from range, but she’s getting countered by Herrig. The pattern on the fight is set, and both women are settling into that rhythm. Both are having their moments, but it really does seem that Herrig is landing the cleaner shots when she counters. Herrig is pushing forward, but then she resets to the center after each exchange. Casey not having much success in this frame. Herrig just seems to have the timing. Final minute, and both women are unhappy and flipping each other off. Casey’s nose bleeding. She throws a high kick. Mad scramble, and a few big blows from Casey, but seems a little too late. MMAjunkie leans toward Herrig, 10-9, and awards her the fight 29-28. Fight was very close.
Result: Felice Herrig def. Cortney Casey via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Felice Herrig takes split decision from Cortney Casey in close fight
Photos: Felice Herrig vs. Cortney Casey photos
Records: Felice Herrig (14-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), Cortney Casey (7-5 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Casey honorable mention
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Bobby Wombacher
Judging: Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Herrig rounds 1 and 2), Roy Silbert (28-29, giving Casey rounds 1 and 2), Brian Miner (29-28, giving Herrig rounds 2 and 3)
David Teymur vs. Drakkar Klose
Round 1 – Klose taking the center early. Teymur moving and looking to create angles, but Klose refuses to chase him and taunts him a bit to come back to the center. Klose lands a right hand but again refuses to overcommit. Teymur moving at range, and Klose just drops his hands. Teymur has quick kicks, so Klose has to be careful, but he continues to drop his hands and taunt Teymur. Referee Herb Dean actually stops the action to warn Teymur that he’s got too many backsteps. Interesting. Teymur a little more aggressive on the restart. They engage a bit more. It’s not a bad fight, but Klose’s taunting makes it seem Teymur isn’t engaging. Teymur actually turns to complain to Dean, and Klose chases after him, though they quickly reset to the center. Klose drives in for a textbook takedown, but Teymur does a great job of quickly scooting to the cage and getting back to his feet. Round ends, and MMAjunkie leans slightly toward Teymur, 10-9. Very close.
Round 2 – Klose again to the center. Teymur wants to work on the outside, but Klose not willing to chase. As Teymur drifts toward the cage, Klose drops his hands and pulls away. Nice leg kick from Teymur. Klose with a nice kick to the body and sneaks in a few punches in a bit of a wild attack. Teymur staying technical and committed to his gameplan. Klose again raises his hands to taunt. Teymur with a low kick, then he goes high and partially lands. Teymur’s kicks are very effective. Teymur actually considers a takedown, but it’s not there. Klose tries one but can’t get it. Teymur with a low kick, and Klose looks disgusted. Odd reaction. Klose’s corner asking for him to pick up the volume. He gets a little wild, and Teymur catches him with an inside trip. Teymur finishes the round in top position, and MMAjunkie gives him the round, 10-9.
Round 3 – Klose knows he has to get busy. Teymur fine with that and pops him with a high kick. Klose trying to press forward. He’s really opening up, but that allows Teymur to counter, just as he hoped. Action picks up. Teymur pokes the eye, and Klose complains. Dean admits he didn’t see it but does end up calling time. Teymur not happy and ends up taunting Klose during the break. Klose wild on the restart. He needs to press. He gets inside and can’t get hold but does land a kick to the body. Spinning back kick for Klose. He’s definitely having is most success now that he’s pressing. It’s not always pretty, but he’s getting touches. Teymur still content on the outside, moving away and hoping to counter. Takedown from Klose, but Teymur just refuses to stay on the floor and powers his way back to his feet. Teymur wants a takedown, but it’s not there. Bell sounds. Close final round, but MMAjunkie leans Klose, 10-9, but awards the fight to Teymur, 29-28.
Result: David Teymur def. Drakkar Klose via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap: David Teymur outworks Drakkar Klose for unanimous decision
Photos: David Teymur vs. Drakkar Klose photos
Records: David Teymur (7-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Drakkar Klose (8-1-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Chris Lee (30-27), Eric Colon (29-28, giving Teymur rounds 1 and 2)
Alex Oliveira vs. Yancy Medeiros
Round 1 – Both men trade kicks to start and then big punches follow. Medeiros lands a huge left hand up the middle, and Oliveira wobbles to the floor. He pops back up, and Medeiros wants a choke. Not there, so he lets it go. Oliveira bleeding badly from the nose, but he’s grinding in the clinch and pushing Medeiros to the cage. Low knee from Oliveira, and we’ve got a quick break. Oliveira’s nose is a mess, but he lands a huge right on the restart, and Medeiros hits the deck, though he pops quickly back to his feet. Oliveira with a few knees inside. They break apart, and Oliveira firing the right hand. Medeiros answering. Oliveira scores again. Flurry of shots wobbles Medeiros, who shows and incredible chin. He’s getting pummeled in tight. Knees to the body from Oliveira, but Medeiros won’t go away. Now Medeiros firing back and landing punches and elbows inside. Incredible back and forth. Another combination scores for Oliveira, and Medeiros is again in trouble. This is an absolute war. Oliveira’s blood is all over the cage, but he’s winning. Insane. Round ends, and MMAjunkie gives it to Oliveira, 10-9.
Round 2 – Good pace to start after an amazing opening round. Oliveira pushing the pace and serving as the aggressor, though Medeiros happy to retreat and counter, landing a few big left hands that do some damage. Medeiros recovers quickly and keeps the forward movement working. He’s got the volume of strikes, but Medeiros is happy to pick his shots. Medeiros to the body. Oliveira thinks about a takedown, but Medeiros defends well. Oliveira starts rifling off kicks. Medeiros blocks a few, but they connect to the body, as well. Both men visibly tiring but not taking long breaks. Oliveira inside and wants a takedown but Medeiros reverses a trip and takes mount in the final minute. Elbows from the top position. Big shots, and Oliveira has to move. He scrambles up, and the bell sounds shortly after. MMAjunkie gives it to Medeiros, 10-9.
Round 3 – Medeiros out quickly but is countered. Oliveira with a big combination that scores. He moves inside and throws Medeiros to the floor. They scramble, and Oliveira briefly has the back and is looking for the choke, but Medeiros spins inside in a beautiful reversal and now has top position. Oliveira scrambles back to the feet, but something is wrong. Medeiros sees it, and he circles in for the kill. Patiently picks his shots as Oliveira cowers against the cage. Oliveira finally can’t take anymore and hits the deck. A few quick punches, and this is over. Brutal, crazy fight.
Result: Yancy Medeiros def. Alex Oliveira via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 2:02
Recap: Yancy Medeiros TKOs Alex Oliveira after comeback in ridiculous bloody scrap
Photos: Yancy Medeiros vs. Alex Oliveira photos
Records: Alex Oliveira (17-5-1 MMA, 7-3 UFC), Yancy Medeiros (15-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Bobby Wombacher
Charles Oliveira vs. Paul Felder
Round 1 – Felder takes the center and looks to press, but Oliveira with a nice low kick on the outside before wrapping the body and taking the action quickly to the floor. Felder works quickly back to his feet, but Oliveira slips to the back. Felder turns, and Oliveira controlling from the front, looking to set up a D’arce. Felder is trying to get space, rolling and turning, but Oliveira not relenting control of the neck. Oliveira trying to cinch things up, but Felder surviving somehow. Knee from Oliveira looks potentially illegal, but we fight on. Oliveira finally has to let go, and Felder crawls to his feet. Oliveira briefly on the back, but Felder able to pull away. Shockingly, he moves right on top Oliveira< looking to punch. Oliveira trying to grab hold and pull him down. Felder actually comfortable on top. Oliveira briefly teases an attack on the legs, but Felder easily escapes. Nice punches from Felder as he enjoys some control Round ends there. MMAjunkie leans toward Oliveira, 10-9.
Round 2 – Oliveira with an early low kick before shooting inside. Felder defends well against the fence, but he doesn’t want to spend too much time here. Felder does circle off the cage. Elbows inside, and Oliveira looks to be hurt as he drops down. Felder happy to get on top and looks for a finish, but Oliveira recovers and ties things up from underneath. Felder finally backs away and moves to his feet. He kicks the legs a bit before Oliveira attacks from his back. Felder defends well but settles back on top. Oliveira to the right leg and briefly has hit in danger. Felder spins through some tense moments and is now on top again, firing elbows. Huge shots coming from the top. Oliveira is dazed and covers. More strikes coming with massive power, and Oliveira actually taps the shoulder, but Felder lands several more clean shots before referee Dan Miragliotta steps in to wave it off.
Result: Paul Felder def. Charles Oliveira via knockout (elbows) – Round 2, 4:06
Recap: Paul Felder survives Charles Oliveira’s ground game, gets second-round KO
Photos: Paul Felder vs. Charles Oliveira
Records: Charles Oliveira (22-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC), Paul Felder (15-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: FS1
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Tecia Torres vs. Michelle Waterson
Round 1 – Waterson with an early high kick, and Torres presses through with punches. Quick start for both fighters. Waterson with a nice outside trip, and she moves to Torres’ back as she rises. Waterson able to shake her off and then works hard to break the grip and pull free. Punches traded in tight. Torres firing some big punches, but Waterson answering back and adding in high kicks, as well. Solid pace to start. Cut on Torres’ right cheek. She moves inside and lands a few nice knees to the body and short knees up top. Torres grinding away from the outside. Waterson answering back, but Torres does seem to have the momentum right now, using her strength to her advantage. Waterson looking to scrap, and she’s using kicks as her best weapon. Round finishes on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it to Torres, 10-9.
Round 2 – Torres pushing the pace to start. Waterson answering back and is sneaking in the occasional counter, including a nice knee inside. Waterson inside and gets the head-and-arm throw. Torres tries to roll with it and nearly sneaks around to the back, but Waterson continues to shift and adjust until her opponent can only settle for guard. Waterson passes one leg. Torres tries to attack the arm, but there’s nothing there. Waterson keeps her position on top. Torres does adjust and get back to full guard. Torres threatens with a triangle, but it’s not there. Torres trying to be active, but Waterson is controlling the top. Torres finally gets free at the very end, but there’s not much time. MMAjunkie gives it to Waterson, 10-9.
Round 3 – Torres still looks light on her feet, and she’s throwing the more powerful blows, but Waterson does land a nice right hand and then grab the body. Torres pushes the action to the fence but does seem willing to engage in the clinch. She finally does back away and land a right hand. Waterson’s left eye busted up and swelling. Waterson times a front elbow as Torres attacks. Torres trying to dart in and out of range. Waterson countering with smart timing. Punches traded back and forth. Waterson slips back, and Torres happy to grab her on the scramble. Torres on the back, but she’s very, very high as Waterson posts. Torres dangerously close to slipping off but is able to adjust her grip and flatten Waterson out. Barrage of punches coming in, and Waterson has to move. She does and barely survives that onslaught. Waterson scrambles up at the end, but there’s no time. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Torres, 10-9, awarding her the fight 29-28.
Result: Tecia Torres def. Michelle Waterson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Cardio pays dividends for Tecia Torres in decision win over Michelle Waterson
Photos: Tecia Torres vs. Michelle Waterson photos
Records: Tecia Torres (10-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Michelle Waterson (14-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Torres No. 7
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Brian Miner (30-27), Eric Colon (29-28, giving Torres rounds 1 and 3), Roy Silbert (29-28, giving Torres rounds 1 and 3)
Eddie Alvarez vs. Justin Gaethje
Round 1 – Gaethje with a low kick right away. He continues with those, and Alvarez answers in kind, as well as with a right hand. More leg kicks from Gaethje. Alvarez legs getting pummeled already. Alvarez firing a few low kicks, as well. Alvarez with a few nice uppercuts that land. He looks comfortable in the pocket. Gaethje low kick buckles Alvarez a bit. Gaethje is stalking and covering well when his opponent throws. Alvarez content to move on the outside and seek the counter. Gaethje just tearing apart the lead leg. He catches a low kick and trips Gaethje but can’t keep him on the floor. Alvarez with a nice body shot. Another scores. He’s doing well there. Gaethje is cut by the left eye. Alvarez starting to dial in his punches. More body shots doing nice work for Alvarez. Blood streaming down Gaethje’s face, as well. Gaethje definitely slowing a bit. Alvarez with a rolling kick at the end just for fun. MMAjunkie gives the first to Alvarez, 10-9.
Round 2 – Back to the low kick for Gaethje. Alvarez showing great movement, punching and getting out of the way. Alvarez showboating a bit as he just lets his hands fly. Gaethje’s leg kicks still effective, but Alvarez is moving well and firing crisp punches. Gaethje covering well, but Alvarez is finding spaces through the guard. Blood covering Gaethje’s face, but he’s moving forward. Alvarez’s uppercut is getting through the guard, he’s slipping punches very well. Gaethje breathing hard and loading up on big punches that are largely missing. More bodywork from Alvarez. Gaethje is feeling those. Gaethje goes back to the legs. Non-stop action from both men. Alvarez has some off swelling on his face. Big punches from both men. Gaethje slips and rolls back and eats a big kick as he rises. Gaethje with a flying knee, and the round ends. MMAjunkie gives it to Alvarez, 10-9.
Round 3 – Alvarez’s face is a mess with swelling. Gaethje low kick causing issues. Alvarez switching stances. He tries to pull guard. Alvarez leg is done, and he’s standing southpaw now. He switches to orthodox. Big uppercut from Gaethje. Alvarez with a knee. It’s just blood and guts right now. More leg kicks from Gaethje. Alvarez missis a spinning attack. Alvarez gets a takedown, but Gaethje crawls back up and bangs the lead leg again. Two minutes left, and these two fighters are just laying it all on the line. Alvarez trying to get inside and slow things down. Gaethje trying to push him away and strike. Both men on fumes. Big knee from Alvarez, and Gaethje hits the deck. He’s out. Alvarez gets a few more punches to ensure it, but it was over. Brutal. Alvarez looked amazing.
Result: Eddie Alvarez def. Justin Gaethje via TKO (knee, punches) – Round 3, 3:59
Recap: Eddie Alvarez first to stop Justin Gaethje with sick knee in all-time classic
Photos: Eddie Alvarez vs. Justin Gaethje photos
Records: Eddie Alvarez (29-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Justin Gaethje (18-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Rankings: Gaethje No. 3, Alvarez No. 5
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
Henry Cejudo vs. Sergio Pettis
Round 1 – Cejudo takes a wide, karate stance with his left arm extended. He gets to the center, and Pettis moves well on the outside, looking to get in and out of range. Pettis kicks the lead leg. Cejudo changes levels and gets a quick little takedown, moving immediately into side control. Pettis bucks and rolls to escape, but Cejudo is able to spin around and take the back. Pettis sitting up and looking to move, but Cejudo pops him with some knees and keeps him from escaping. Pettis tries to get to his feet, but Cejudo doing an incredible job of just controlling his opponent and keeping him pinned. Pettis finally turns to guard. Cejudo stands briefly but then moves back down to top position. Pettis not getting in any real damage, but he’s also not able to mount any offense at all. Cejudo unleashes big punches in the final seconds. MMAjunkie gives it to Cejudo, 10-9.
Round 2 – Pettis opens up with a few solid kicks to the body as Cejudo tries to get inside. Cejudo moving forward, and they trade punches on the feet. Pettis looks sharp with his strikes. They clash, and an off-balance Pettis hits the deck. Cejudo happily rushes forward to take top position. Once again, he’s heavy on top. Pettis trying to hold tight underneath, but Cejudo not allowing him to control things. Pettis grabs an arm and is looking for a submission, but Cejudo able to slip past the hold. Pettis turns to his knees and is able to get the his feet. Cejudo still on his back, but Pettis spins in and pulls free. Even on the feet until the bell, and MMAjunkie again gives it to Cejudo, 10-9.
Round 3 – Pettis knows he needs a finish, and he comes out looking to trade hands. Cejudo confident there as well, and they trade punches in tight. Cejudo dips down and grabs a single-leg and just drives him to the floor. Pettis dangerous from his back, but Cejudo is on a different level with his wrestling. Cejudo just dominating the positioning. Cejudo with a diving guard pass. Pettis scrambles to his knees, but that’s as far as he can get it. Time winding down, and Pettis has to get up. He goes for broke and does get to his feet, finally turning inside and pulling away. Only about a minute. He’s trying to push, but Cejudo is comfortable on the feet. They exchange strikes. Cejudo sprawls on a takedown. Bell sounds, and MMAjunkie gives it to Cejudo, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-27.
Result: Henry Cejudo def. Sergio Pettis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Henry Cejudo outwrestles Sergio Pettis for scorecard sweep
Photos: Henry Cejudo vs. Sergio Pettis photos
Records: Henry Cejudo (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), Sergio Pettis (16-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Rankings: Cejudo No. 3, Pettis No. 6
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27), Sal D’Amato (30-27), Roy Silbert (30-27)
Alistair Overeem vs. Francis Ngannou
Round 1 – Overeem rushes with a big left to start but misses. He takes the center and shoots inside. Ngannou defends, and we work in the clinch. Ngannou circles off the cage and battles in the clinch. Referee Dan Miragliotta calls for action. No action, and he calls for a restart. Back in the center. Jab lands for Ngannou. Overeem throws, and Ngannou scores a massive counter left uppercut. Brutal, and Overeem is out. Ngannou jumps on top with a hammerfist just to seal the deal, but that was done. Scary knockout. Ngannou will be fighting for the title.
Result: Francis Ngannou def. Alistair Overeem via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:42
Recap: Francis Ngannou locks up title shot with sickening KO of Alistair Overeem
Photos: Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem photos
Records: Alistair Overeem (43-16 MMA, 8-5 UFC), Francis Ngannou (11-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Rankings: Overeem No. 2, Ngannou No. 9
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Max Holloway vs. Jose Aldo
Round 1 – Aldo in the center to start, and Holloway circles left on the outside. Aldo patient to start, keeping his range and studying the distance as he slips a few probing Holloway punches. Holloway gets inside, and Aldo wings wild punches in a flurry. Holloway busy with his jab, and Aldo does rip a few leg kicks. Aldo’s punches that are coming are wild power hooks, but Holloway covering well and slipping when possible. Aldo flashes some head movement, and Holloway stops and finger wags him before popping a jab that scores. Aldo sneaks in a right hand over the top. Holloway’s jab still the best weapon so far, and he’s reddening Aldo’s right eye. Aldo still now throwing many leg kicks, much like their first fight. Holloway high kick blocked. They strike from range until the end. Holloway a little frustrated with the patience and drops his hands, and it costs him with an uppercut from Aldo. Best shot of the round for Aldo right before the bell. MMAjunkie leans toward Holloway, 10-9.
Round 2 – Holloway the aggressor now, moving forward at the start. Aldo’s right eye does have some increasing damage. Nice leg kick from Aldo. Holloway with a nice combination, but Aldo comes back with two punches of his own. Aldo still really loading up on his punches, and they look dangerous, but Holloway avoiding well for now. Body shots traded. Nice leg kick from Aldo. He comes back with another. Holloway comes forward with a right hand and eats another low kick. Aldo finally using the signature weapon. Holloway still with the wide stance, looking to move in and out of range. Aldo scores a counter right. He’s found his range, for sure, but will his cardio keep up. Aldo’s mouth open as he attacks. Big punches from Aldo. Holloway seems unaffected. Flying knee from Holloway misses. They flurry at the bell. MMAjunkie leans toward Aldo, 10-9.
Round 3 – Holloway looks the fresher man, but Aldo certainly dangerous. Leg kick from Aldo. So crisp. Holloway pushing forward, and Aldo misses a right over the top. They clinch briefly, and Aldo lands a nice elbow as they break. Holloway drops his hands and ask Aldo to open up. Aldo does land a few, but Holloway slips most of them. Everything Aldo throws is with power, but Holloway doesn’t seem affected at all. Holloway with a shot to the body. Holloway digging in to trade shots. Aldo lands a big right hand, but he’s tiring. Elbow from Holloway. Pace picking up. Holloway wants to brawl. Aldo looks exhausted, but he’s digging in and exchanging. Aldo’s face busted up. Blood everywhere, and Holloway is teeing off. Aldo shoots in, and Holloway shoves him to the ground. Holloway adjusting and gets to a dominant spot. Punches flying. Aldo gets to his knees. Final seconds, and referee Herb Dean warns him to fight back. Holloway just punching away. He bounces Aldo’s head off the canvas, and his fight is over with seconds remaining in the third. Another dominant win for Holloway. Amazing.
Result: Max Holloway def. Jose Aldo via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:51 – to defend featherweight title
Recap: Max Holloway retains belt, stops Jose Aldo again in third round
Photos: Max Holloway vs. Jose Aldo photos
Records: Max Holloway (19-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC), Jose Aldo (26-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Rankings: Holloway No. 1 (No. 6 pound-for-pound), Aldo No. 2 (No. 13 pound-for-pound)
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
