UFC Winnipeg ‘Burns vs. Malott’ play-by-play, results & round scoring

Yannis opens up with a knee and another power right hook, shaking the Canadian up. Siraj collapses to his back in a bad way, and Yannis mounts his adversary and punishes him with ferocious elbows. Siraj might have been knocked out from the bombardment of elbows, and as he sits up, his eyes looking every direction but his opponent’s, Desautels waves the fight off as he must have seen something he did not like. Yannis climbs off his fallen foe to celebrate, while the defeated Canadian breaks down in tears. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one scene.

The Official Result

John Yannis def. Jamie Siraj R1 2:43 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

John Castaneda (139) vs. Mark Vologdin (138.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Castaneda (-120); Vologdin (+100)

Round 1

While initially booked as a bantamweight fight, someone in the Castaneda (21-8, 4-4 UFC) vs. Vologdin (12-4-1, 0-0 UFC) matchup appeared to be struggling to get down to 136 pounds and requested it be set for 139 pounds. The catchweight contest will have gold-standard referee Jason Herzog watching over the fighters, and they are glad to still be competing and show it with a shared clap of hands.

Castaneda says hello with his leg, firing off kicks high and low to make Vologdin nod at him in appreciation of his game. Castaneda even goes for an axe kick when Vologdin crowds him, and Vologdin settles to kick his foe back a few times. Castaneda bounces out of the way when the shorter Russian lunges at him, and he watches Vologdin miss on a body shot to stick him with a left cross and two low kicks. Vologdin returns fire with a kick that appears to frustrate his opponent, resulting in a clinch as the fans immediately start booing. It’s going to be one of those nights. “Sexi Mexi” breaks out of the tie-up and steps back to evade a knee, and the two have their legs entangled when throwing them at the same time. Castaneda bounces back up, and he is gifted a high-five when standing up. He lets fly a low kick to counter a jab that bangs square into the bottom of Vologdin’s cup, who stumbles around the cage in serious pain as Herzog calls time. Vologdin drops to his knees as he tries to shake out some of the discomfort, and he steels himself and is good to go after about 50 seconds of break. They both let fly kicks, and Castaneda follows one with a sharp right hand on the temple.

Vologdin has to blink out the impact of the blow and gets right back into the melee, flashing his jab to find his range. When Vologdin commits to big hooks, Castaneda slips them, counters and shoves his foe back. Vologdin bounces forward and has a low kick checked, and he stands in the pocket to trade but cannot pin “Sexi Mexi” down, even with a spinning wheel kick try. The jabs of Vologdin have bloodied up Castaneda’s nose, who pitches out a kick and shoots in for a level change. There is no takedown to be found from this, so Castaneda backs off and picks and pokes with body kick and long punches. Vologdin tries to pay him back with crisp pocket boxing, but he finds that he is beaten to the punch and kick by the speedster from Minnesota. Vologdin keeps marching forward to force Castaneda to fight off the back foot, but this plays at least partially into the game plan of Castaneda, who is potshotting him at range. Vologdin just misses with a rolling thunder kick, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda

Round 2

A fist bump opens the round, and Castaneda gets right going peppering with kicks. Vologdin throws three back in rapid succession to think about, but the volume is in favor of the American for now. Vologdin drives through a one-two, and Castaneda stands firm and jabs him in the nose to back him off. Vologdin loops two right hand that bang into the guard, but his left to the ribs does score. Castenada goes low to the body, and he sticks around and gets popped by three punches from the debuting fighter. Castaneda bounces in and out behind his jab, just dodging the worst flying his way in time but still eating some shots when engaging. Vologdin jabs and shoots in for a single-leg takedown, and Castaneda bounces off his knee and hops back to the cage wall to set up a guillotine choke. Vologdin elevates and dumps him, breaking out of the choke, but he does not have Castaneda down.

Castaneda is able to break out of the attempt and release his own submission grip to reset, where he stands in front of Vologdin and strings together quick combos. Vologdin winds up with a power left hand, and Castaneda shoulder-rolls it to take the sting out of it and gives back a heavy right up top. Castaneda leads off an exchange with a low kick that bangs into the groin, and he follows it with heavy punches as Vologdin turns away to recover from the foul. Herzog has to peel Castaneda away, as Castaneda claims he did not land the low strike, and Vologdin eats a few more before Herzog is in place. Vologdin sits down to get his wind back, and Herzog deducts one point from Castaneda for his second groin kick. After 75 seconds, the round resumes, and thank goodness rules are being enforced around here. They proceed to go right after one another, with Castaneda leading the dance with power and volume. Vologdin is comfortable to sit on his right hand and launch it when it feels right, and he gets caught in a clinch and takes a spinning back elbow on the noggin before separating. Castaneda slips and ducks his way in, constantly changing his target with weapons like a knee up the middle, two left hands and a right to the ribs. Vologdin is largely headhunting, and Castaneda is giving him a lot to think about as the second round concludes.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 9-9
Brian Knapp scores the round: 9-9
Tyler Treese scores the round: 9-9

Round 3

They are off to the races in the final round, sharing a fist bump before throwing hands and feet en masse. Castaneda puts it on Vologdin, who fires back and opens a cut on the forehead. Castaneda keeps pouring it on the Russian, who is reeling from taking shots but still ready to swing for the bleachers. Castaneda stays just out of boxing range from his opponent to measure his blows appropriately, and he punches his way into a clinch and is boxed out of it. Vologdin’s nose starts to leak from the oncoming fire, as Castaneda is turning on the jets while Vologdin appears to be fading. The reactions from Vologdin taking damage are starting to get more exaggerated, as he shoots in for a double-leg takedown that is easily sprawled. Castaneda lets his foe back up so he can put hands on him, and he lets rip low kick and high punches as Vologdin is now leaking from a cut on the bridge of his nose.

Castaneda lets rip a big flurry of punches, knocking Vologdin back and knocking him down. Vologdin muscles his way back upright, and Castaneda starts working the body to shut him down. Vologdin grits his teeth and throws everything he has back, but Castaneda sees it coming and tees off on him. Castaneda goes after a big right hand and a left high kick, and he slips back when Vologdin tries another rolling thunder kick. Vologdin holds his hand up awkwardly as if he were asking a question in class—he does have the youthful type of face where he looks like he was plucked from study hall—and Castaneda backs off. Castaneda motions to the center of the Octagon to initiate a brawl, and unlike many others who have offered this and bailed on it, they proceed to bust one another up. Castaneda gets the better of the exchanges but only by a small margin, and he stings Vologdin and gets taken down. The fun slugfest ends with Vologdin on top, and it may all come down to the scoring of the first round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-27 Castaneda)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-27 Castaneda)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-27 Castaneda)

The Official Result

John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin is Ruled a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Horth (-180); Aldrich (+150)

Round 1

Her sights set on a few women’s flyweight records including most appearances, Aldrich (14-7, 10-6 UFC) officially enters into her 13th match at the weight class—trailing co-leads Valentina Shevchenko, Katlyn Cerminara and Andrea Lee all by one apiece. She will be coming to blows with Canada’s own Horth (9-2, 4-2 UFC) as the prelims press on, where they will be joined by referee Herb Dean in the cage. There is no glove touch to start things off, as they want to get right after it.

Horth presses the action early, boxing her way into range. Aldrich counters with a quick left hand and resets to plant a one-two on the chin. After a lull while they try to find one another’s range, Aldrich breaks it with a couple more one-twos as Horth’s nose starts shining red. Aldrich sits down on a low kick and catches an advancing Horth with a right hand. The Canadian parries a combo of punches and uses her own leg to block one flying at her from Aldrich. Horth scores a high body kick and leans back to watch a one-two buzz past her. Aldrich doubles up on her jab and catches a body kick, and she spins with a wheel kick. Horth pushes through it and dings her up with a few blows before backing off.

Aldrich pecks out with her jab, staying to her preferred range while even Horth’s low kicks largely come up short. Aldrich shoots in during a quiet moment in pursuit of a single, backing the Canadian up to the wall but not grounding her outright. Aldrich stays tight to Horth, working a knee or two on the inside but largely holding pat. Horth twists and shakes out of it, and she has a high kick harmlessly bounce off the raised guard. Aldrich lunges with a one-two, and when she tries again, she is met with a body kick. Horth clips Aldrich with two hooks in likely the heaviest blows of the round, and she takes a low kick to fire off three more to get Aldrich’s attention. The sparring match of a round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth

Round 2

To start out the round, Aldrich peeks around her guard with her jab. Horth swings much heavier when pressing forward, but most of her early blows are either blocked or out of range. Aldrich backs her up with a solid right hand on the schnoz, and she tries to follow it with a head kick only to bang it off the gloves. Horth pays her back with a straight right hand down the pipe, and her long kicks are still largely unable to get through. They take turns engaging with one another, with Aldrich turning her hips into a low kick and dancing away from the anticipated counters. Aldrich steps in with an elbow that is inches off the mark, and she hops back from a head kick as well. Aldrich shadowboxes for a while, not landing anything of merit. Horth’s responses are almost all kicks, and they almost all miss completely.

Aldrich stands in the pocket to fire off a left hand, and she gets it through and lances out a right hand to preemptively counter a body kick. Aldrich goes after a one-two to force Horth to adjust or check her nose that is not leaking at this point. Aldrich leaves a body kick out too long, resulting in Horth catching her cleanly with her firsts upstairs. Aldrich drives her back with a right hand, and she steps through to put two more on the chin. Aldrich’s jab allows her to stay largely defensively sound, protecting her from head kicks but not when Horth gets in close. They crash together and trade strikes briefly, and they back off to get back to inaccurate, low-power kickboxing. Aldrich swarms forward with two punches, and then bails on her advancing effort when a knee is put up in her way. Horth threatens with a step-in knee, and the horn sounds to end the slow round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth

Round 3

The women rush at one another, and then resume their strategy of tit-for-tat strikes. Aldrich catches her foe at the end of a right hand, but it is one and done as Horth prods out with her foot. Aldrich breaks some silence with a one-two, and Horth drives her back with a body kick. Aldrich jabs through the guard and tries to follow with two sweeping left hooks. This brings Horth into the fight again, as the Canadian throws fire in her fists but peels back before fully committing. Head kicks from both lady appear feet away from their intended targets, and Aldrich tries to surprise her foe with a leaping right hook. Aldrich ducks a jab to shoot for a takedown, and the Canadian tosses her to the side with ease. Horth offers out a low kick and is jabbed back.

Blows from both sides largely bound off their respective raised guards, including a spinning back fist from the American. Accuracy rates for these two are likely quite low, as are the significant strike tallies. Horth slowly meanders forward behind her long foot, and she is knocked back several steps by Aldrich’s left hands. Aldrich kicks out the front leg and sways back as Horth tries to boot her in the face, still moving when Horth’s hands soar past her as well. Aldrich bounces her shin off the shoulder of her opponent, sticking her with a jab but nothing else. Aldrich catches a kick and fires back, but she too does not extend fully as if she was waiting for something or concerned to let go. Horth spams kicks from way out of the way, and she drills Aldrich with long punches as the two decide to start fighting with seconds left. They duke it out in a surprisingly powerful back-and-forth that only concludes when time expires, and they hug it out after 15 minutes of mostly sparring.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Horth (29-28 Horth)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Horth (30-27 Horth)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth (30-27 Horth)

The Official Result

J.J. Aldrich def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Melissa Croden (135.5) vs. Darya Zhelezniakova (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Croden (-160); Zheleznyakova (+130)

Round 1

With a 100% finish rate still in her pocket, Alberta native Croden (7-3, 1-1 UFC)—quick note to all those who watched the Shillan & Duffy preview show for this one and thought this fight card was going down in the province of Alberta: tonight’s action is in southern Manitoba, just north of the shared border of North Dakota and Minnesota, two provinces to the right of Alberta. Croden will still be the favored athlete in the building of the two, as she faces off Russian striker Zheleznyakova (10-2, 2-1 UFC). The two bantamweights come to blows with referee Jerin Valel calling the shots, and they touch ‘em up before engaging.

It is all about the jab in the early going for the two bantamweights, with the two standing relatively the same size and presenting a similar fist-first style. Jabs lead to follow-ups, which leads to an unexpected trading of leather in the first 30 seconds. Croden thinks twice about throwing caution to the wind to just brawl and resets to work her way forward at her own pace. Zheleznyakova chops at her foe’s leg with a hefty kick and circles away from the power from the Canadian, dodging a head kick and stepping in to strike. Croden drives her away with a quick one-two, and Zheleznyakova still manages to get in her face with a single fist. They crash together and end up clinched, trading knees until they decide against doing this any further. It is not a mirror match, but it is fairly close to that. One after the other, they slug one another in the chops. Croden throws a hard right hand, takes one right back, and is amped up and tries to force “Iron Lady” into a brawl. Zheleznyakova does not oblige her, instead strafing to either side.

Zheleznyakova kicks low to swing high, and she moves all the way around the cage to time her way in with a short flurry. Zheleznyakova gets a front kick through the guard, and when she engages further, Croden ties her up to grapple. Croden bullies the Russian to the fencing, looking perhaps for a body lock. Zheleznyakova keeps circling away to her right, away from Croden’s power, and this includes breaking out of a clinch. Zheleznyakova checks a kick to sling a one-two, and she lets a head kick fly past her harmlessly. Zheleznyakova steps forward to bloody Croden’s nose with a one-two, and her movement is flustering the Canadian. Zheleznyakova tries to engage again in a quick blitz, and Croden stonewalls her and shoves her back. The deliberately paced round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova

Round 2

Zheleznyakova races out of her corner to engage as the second round kicks off, and she does so right into the fists of her waiting adversary. Croden welcomes this so she can score effectively, forcing Zheleznyakova to retreat very soon after she starts trading. Croden whiffs on four fast punches because Zheleznyakova is already out of range, and she is stuck chasing while blood leaks from her nose. Zheleznyakova keeps moving, racking up plenty of steps while avoiding the worst of what flies her way time and again. Croden walks into the occasional jab from the Russian, who is largely playing an avoidance-first game that may not be the most aesthetically pleasing from a “just bleed” perspective. Nearly a minute goes by without a significant strike landing, and then they crash together and drill one another in the face with a heavy punch. Zheleznyakova tries to put three after it, and Croden has no answers while her face is starting to transform because of the impact of the shots she is absorbing.

Croden runs after the Russian, chasing her around the cage to try to punch her. She does not let Zheleznyakova off the hook, busting her nose open in the midst of her punch salvos. Zheleznyakova turns tail and runs away, forcing Croden to eventually slow Zheleznyakova down by tying her up. Croden looks for a body lock and a trip takedown, but Zheleznyakova is able to stay on her feet. Zheleznyakova breaks free, and she beans the Canadian with a right hand flush on the temple. Both beaks are leaking, and Croden pays it no mind as she rushes forward to attack. Croden nails her foe with two elbows, and Zheleznyakova tries to run away but is trapped. The Russian grabs the fence to prevent a takedown, with Valel screaming at her to knock that off. On her second effort, Croden throws her down and knees her in the face and thigh on the way back up. Croden leans on her opponent, sneaking in elbows. Zheleznyakova pushes her back with her fists, so Croden slaps her in the face with the instep of her foot as the round wraps.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Croden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Croden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Croden

Round 3

Croden greets her opponent with raised arms to hug her, and then the last round begins. Zheleznyakova pumps out a one-two that shakes Croden up and instantly re-bloodies her nose again, and she sits in the pocket to jack her in the jaw with a left before circling away. Zheleznyakova bounces her way forward behind her jab, slipping back to dodge every counter. Croden lumbers ahead slinging a left hook, and she shells up to block a one-two but is nailed with three more punches when she tries to clinch. Zheleznyakova breaks off and turns to run and reset on her own terms, but Croden catches up with her and clinches her. Croden stays tight until Zheleznyakova shoves her away and pins her down with a one-two. Zheleznyakova swipes out with subsequent hooks when Croden follows her recklessly, but it is a trap for the Canadian. Croden ducks down to surprise Zheleznyakova with a tackling takedown, and Zheleznyakova grabs the fence to improve her position and stand back up while Croden’s team bellows about the uncalled foul.

In the meantime, Croden starts to hook up a standing arm-triangle choke, and Zheleznyakova tugs with both hands on the fencing to take some of the leverage out of it. Croden topples over with the choke to put Zheleznyakova flat on her back, and she releases the sub to start beating the Russian down with left hands and a questionable knee while Zheleznyakova was standing. Valel calls for a replay due to the strike, and Croden continues pressuring the increasingly bloodied Zheleznyakova in a vicious clinch exchange. Croden frames off with elbows and occasionally slashes them out to damage her opponent, and Zheleznyakova breaks off. Croden runs towards her and tackles her to the floor, climbing directly in mount so she can bash Zheleznyakova with elbows. Zheleznyakova sits up to try to turn things around but only gives her back up. Croden unloads with a final barrage of elbows and fists, but time runs out before she can secure the stoppage she was seeking.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Croden (29-28 Croden)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Croden (29-28 Croden)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Croden (29-28 Croden)

The Official Result

Melissa Croden def. Darya Zheleznyakova via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tanner Boser (244.5) vs. Gokhan Saricam (244.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saricam (-160); Boser (+130)

Round 1

About as Canadian as it gets, majestically mulleted Boser (22-10-1, 5-5 UFC) is back on the roster after beating up Vinicius Moreira over in UAE Warriors last year. The Albertan—remember what we said above involving Croden—is aiming to reach a .500 record in the Octagon when he stands across the cage from Bellator expat Saricam (11-2, 0-0 UFC). The heavyweights 34 and 35, respectively, they come in as relative youngsters to a division that is begging for hot commodities. Referee Herb Dean stands firm, ready to take care of the big men no matter where the action leads them. Fists are nearly bumped before they are traded, with the two offering at different times that did not line up.

There is little from the two big men in the early seconds, and as if he heard something that angered him, Boser springs into action and busts Saricam in the face with a fast flurry. He tags Saricam again, and the Turkish athlete counters with a takedown shot. Boser shoves his man back, who trips and falls to his seat. Saricam bounces back up, and they proceed to pitch kicks at one another. Boser swings for the bleachers, and Saricam dips and pops him with a short right hand. Saricam shoots for a double way out of range, and Boser stops it but is backed to the fencing. Boser is warned for grabbing shorts while Saricam grabs the fence, offsetting penalties should result in a repeat first down but nothing ends up happening. They separate, and Boser scores but is dinged with fast counters.

Boser winds up and hurls two big right hands, backing off when a spinning back kick is aimed at his torso. Saricam comes up short winging punches, but his calf kick impacts on Boser’s lead leg coming in. Saricam kicks the same spot, and he blocks a head kick with his elbow. Saricam loops a right hand around the guard after doubling up on a jab, and Boser is quick to get his hands up to defend anything that comes after like a head kick. Saricam boots him in the face with another kick, and the Canadian does not flinch. Boser cracks Saricam, and Saricam fires right back and proceeds to bash the Canadian and knock him to the wall. Boser bounces back and nails Saricam, but Saricam keeps on him and stifles him. Boser turns him about before long, authoring knees to the thigh until he has to fight off a throw effort. Boser separates with seconds to spare, going for two elbows and a spinning back fist as the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saricam

Round 2

The heavyweights try to find their range early, with Boser getting it first as he slings four punches in rapid succession. Saricam fires off a big right hand to keep Boser honest, allowing Boser to kick him in the lead leg so he can launch two right back. Boser zips a right hand down the middle, and Saricam answers him immediately and effectively. Boser kicks the front leg and looks to initiate his power jab, looping a right hand and getting pushed off his feet when they smash chests together. Boser scrambles to get back to his feet with what was not a knockdown but was a disadvantageous position, and he is able to do so no worse for wear. They tie up in the center of the cage, with Boser staying busy with short elbows on the forehead. The Canadian stomps on his foe’s toes as he keeps things old school.

Boser clings on the Turkish fighter to take some of the steam out of his fists, and he frames off to catch Saricam with two punches before letting go. Saricam slowly works his way forward, ready and willing to bounce back when Boser hurls things at him. Boser keeps going forward with two more big punches, and he appears to hurt Saricam up close with short, strong elbows. Saricam has to blink out the attack and gather a head of steam to fire off three quick punches that force Boser to reevaluate his strategy. Boser throws so far, he nearly topples over, but he recovers and watches Saricam almost do the same. Saricam clips the Canadian behind the ear, sucking wind and advancing to set something big up. Saricam counters a low kick to release a tremendous right hand that smashes square into the Canadian’s jaw, sending the mulleted man crashing down to the canvas once and for all. To finish the job, Saricam rains down punishment with his fists until Dean has seen enough. Boser may have been knocked out in the exchange, as he cannot stand up on his own power after the stoppage. Dean and medical staff tend to the Canadian, who is ushered to his stool where he sits to learn what just happened. It is now official: Gokhan Saricam has as many wins (one) in the UFC as legendary kickboxer Gokhan Saki. Let that sink in.

The Official Result

Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser R2 4:43 via TKO (Punches)

Julien Leblanc (185.5) vs. Robert Valentin (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Valentin (-130); Leblanc (+110)

Round 1

At the tender age of 34, Canada’s Leblanc (10-2, 0-0 UFC) is getting a callup to the UFC. The newly signed middleweight will be greeted by Valentin (10-6, 1 NC; 0-3 UFC), who cannot seem to even buy a win in the Octagon thus far. Referee Chris Desautels will take care of the particulars, standing back as the two opt against touching gloves.

Valentin leads off with a chopping low kick, and he watches as a head kick buzzes the tower. Valentin sinks in a body kick, and Leblanc fires one back just as hard. Valentin beats down the front leg with three hard leg kicks, and he rocks the Canadian with an overhand right. Valentin bowls the local athlete over and climbs into full mount with ease, and he allows Leblanc to turn over so he can take his back and get his hooks in. Leblanc hand-fights to defend his neck, so Valentin smacks him with his right hand and a number of questionable elbows to open a choke up. Valentin grips hold of a face crank submission, crushing the newcomer’s jaw without even bothering to slide it under the chin. As Valentin squeezes, his forearm slowly works its way beneath the chin after all, and it is now a windpipe-destroying, carotid-crushing rear-naked choke. Leblanc knows he has nothing more to offer today and quickly surrenders, with the choke so tight that he might have otherwise gone out before long. It is a much-needed win for Valentin, who earns his first victory with the promotion in his fourth attempt. It is also a hugely emotional moment for Valentin, who celebrates with tears in his eyes as he embraces his team and vanquished opponent.

The Official Result

Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc R1 2:22 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Marcio Barbosa (145) vs. Dennis Buzukja (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Barbosa (-450); Buzukja (+350)

Round 1

The prelims wrap up with a featherweight affair pitting a struggling New Yorker in Buzukja (12-5, 1-3 UFC) against brick-fisted Brazilian Barbosa (17-2, 0-0 UFC) getting his sea legs on the largest stage possible. Before the fists fly, the featherweights are checked in by referee Herb Dean. There is a quick fist bump that precedes the action.

Buzukja moves directly to the center of the cage to apply light pressure, pawing out with a front kick and a jab. Buzukja smacks the front leg with a kick as he pushes forward, rifling off a one-two after it. Barbosa responds when taking a hard body kick with an overhand right. Buzukja no-sells it and jabs the head and body back. Buzukja chips at the front leg when it is available to him, doubling up on his jab to keep Barbosa on the back foot. As if Barbosa was just charging up the entire time without telling us, he walks forward confidently. Buzukja slings two punches at him, and he slips them and unloads with a consciousness-destroying left hand. Buzukja is out before his head clatters lifelessly off the canvas, and Barbosa walks off raising his arms in the air knowing his work here is done. Dean races in just in case Buzukja needs to be protected, but Barbosa is not about to do any unnecessary damage. Bukuja eventually comes to, and he has to be told what happened because his short-term memory and parts of his third-grade education have just been forcefully ejected from his skull. With 15 career knockouts to his credit, “Ticoto” has authored all 15 of them in the first round. He may only know one speed, but it is borderline ludicrous.

The Official Result

Marcio Barbosa def. Dennis Buzukja R1 1:20 via KO (Punch)

Thiago Moises (156) vs. Gauge Young (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Young (-130); Moises (+110)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result

Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs. Karine Silva (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jasudavicius (-300); Silva (+250)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result

Jai Herbert (155.5) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nallo (-180); Herbert (+150)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result

Charles Jourdain (136) vs. Kyler Phillips (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-140); Phillips (+110)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result

Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Mike Malott (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malott (-375); Burns (+275)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 4

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 5

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result