MIAMI – UFC 299 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live play-by-play and official results.
In the main event, bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) defended his title in a rematch against Marlon Vera (21-9-1 MMA, 15-8 UFC), the only man who holds a win over him. In the co-feature, former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) knocked out Benoit Saint-Denis (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC). Plus, former Bellator star Michael Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) defeated Kevin Holland (25-11 MMA, 12-8 UFC) in his highly anticipated UFC debut at welterweight.
Below, you can check out the play-byplay and results of the event.
Maryna Moroz vs. Joanne Wood
Round 1 – Early take down for Moroz. Wood with a couple of hard elbows from the guard. Good ground-and-pound here by Moroz, keeping busy. Moroz now moves to half guard. Two minutes left. Wood scrambles and attempts a leg lock, but Moroz escapes and ends back on top. Good control here by Moroz. One minute left. Good shots from top by Moroz. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Moroz.
Round 2 – Good kicks by Wood here. Moroz clinches here and eats a couple of knees to the body. Moroz presses Wood against the cage. Knees to the legs by Moroz. Moroz in complete control here, but little damage being done. Three minutes left. Wood breaks free. Good uppercut by Wood. Oh! Moroz with a few good combos. Front kick to the body by Wood. Oh! These two are throwing down. Wood making up for some lost ground. This is heating up. The two brawl it out until the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood.
Round 3 – Good kick to the body by Moroz. Moroz closes the distance, briefly presses Wood against the cage, but Wood breaks free. Wood catches a kick and Moroz falls to the ground. Wood lets Moroz back up. Hard right hand by Moroz. Good elbow by Moroz. Big right connects for Moroz. Oh! Huge spinning back fist connects for Wood! Moroz is hurt bad. She’s wobbled! Wood putting the pressure on her. Oh! More shots from Wood. Wood backs up Moroz until the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood. Overall 29-28, Wood.
Result: Joanne Wood def. Maryna Moroz via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Joanne Wood hangs up her gloves at UFC 299 after rallying to defeat Maryna Moroz
Photos: Joanne Wood def. Maryna Moroz at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Wood (17-8 MMA, 9-8 UFC), Moroz (11-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Jason Grenier 28-29. Eliseo Rodriguez, Christopher Lee 29-28.
Asu Almabaev vs. CJ Vergara
Round 1 – Big leg kick by Almabaev. Vergara has his hands down and is pressuring Vergara. Almabaev tries to take down Vergara, he comes up short, but presses Vergara against the cage. Almabaev lands a takedown. Vergara back up, but still being presses against the cage. Three minutes left. Good control here by Almabaev. Very little damage from Almabaev, but he’s in complete control. Almabaev relentlessly looking for the takedown, but Vergara defending well against the cage. Vergara breaks free. One minute left. Oh! Left hook by Vergara. Almabaev shoots and gets the takedown. Some shots from top by Almabaev. Good control by Almabaev. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Almabaev.
Round 2 – Vergara comes out pressing Almabaev. Good right hand by Vergara. It doesn’t take long for Almabaev to shoot and get the takedown. Some shots land from top by Almabaev. Three minutes left. Almabaev tries to set up an arm triangle, but Vergara sees it coming. They scramble and Almabaev takes the back. Vergara gets out, but Almabaev still on top. Good shots by Almabaev. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Almabaev.
Round 3 – Good right hand by Vergara to start the round. He almost lands a knee as Almabaev shot for a takedown. Leg kicks by Almabaev. Almabaev shoots for the takedown and gets it. Vergara scrambles to his feet. Almabaev shoots, fails, but lands a kick as they break. Good shot by Vergara! Almabaev gets a takedown. Vergara gets back up, but still tied up by Almabaev. Almabaev controlling Vergara against the cage. Vergara breaks free. Vergara pressuring Almabaev here. He gets takedown. Almabaev going for a rear-naked choke. Vergara gets out, but still being controlled. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Almabaev. Overall 30-27.
Result: Asu Almabaev def. CJ Vergara via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Asu Almabaev def. CJ Vergara at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Almabaev (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Vergara (12-5-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: David Tirelli, Michael Tate, Sal D’Amato 30-27.
Robelis Despaigne vs. Josh Parisian
Round 1 – Despaigne comes out head-hunting. Oh! Huge shot by Despaigne! Parisian drops! It’s over! Incredible debut.
Result: Robelis Despaigne def. Josh Parisian via KO (punch) – Round 1, 0:18
Recap: Robelis Despaigne blasts Josh Parisian with counter right for 18-second debut KO
Photos: Robelis Despaigne def. Josh Parisian at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Despaigne (5-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Parisian (15-8 MMA, 2-5 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Andrew Glenn
Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Michel Pereira
Round 1 – Big left hook lands for Oleksiejczuk. Oh! Pereira with a couple of hard body kicks. Oh! Huge body shot by Pereira. Oleksiejczuk is hurt! Pereira closes the distance, gets the back, sinks in a rear-naked choke! It’s over! Oleksiejczuk went to sleep.
Result: Michel Pereira def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:01
Recap: Michel Pereira choreographs dance party walkout, puts Michal Oleksiejczuk to sleep
Photos: Michel Pereira def. Michal Oleksiejczuk at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Pereira (30-11 MMA, 8-2 UFC), Oleksiejczuk (19-7 MMA, 7-5-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Ion Cutelaba vs. Philipe Lins
Round 1 – Leg kick byt Lins. Another one. Cutelaba staying on the outside while Line presses. Hard leg kick by Lins. Again, Lins keeps attacking with leg kicks. Now Cutelaba is pressing him. Oh! Big swing by Cutelaba but he misses. Another leg kick by Lins. Two minutes left. Right hand then leg kick by Lins. Lins closes the distance and tries to take down Cutelaba, but comes up short. Back to striking. Good combo by Lins. They’re swinging wild now. Lins closes the distance and presses Cutelaba against the cage. They break free. The bell rings shortly after.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lins.
Round 2 – Cutelaba’s leg looks bruised up. Another leg kick by Lins. You can tell Cutelaba’s mobility is compromised. Another leg kick. Another one. Cutelaba putting on the pressure here. Cutelaba’s left leg is all lumped up. It looks bad. Three minutes left. Lins closes the distance and presses Cutelaba against the cage. Lins gets a takedown. He’s working from half guard. Just control, not much damage from Lins. Lins now standing over Cutelaba. Big shots from Lins as Cutelaba got back up. Lins presses Cutelaba against the cage. Cutelaba breaks free. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lins.
Round 3 – Another leg kick by Lins. Left hand for Lins. Cutelaba pressing here, knowing he’s likely down on the scorecards. Lins shoots and gets a takedown. He moves to mount. Now Lins gets the back. They scramble, Cutelaba gets a kimura and uses it to get back up. Cutelaba is being pressed against the cage now. Cutelaba breaks free. Cutelaba walking down Lins. Lins shoots, fails, and presses Cutelaba against the cage. An illegal elbow from Cutelaba halts the action for a few seconds. Action resumes. Cutelaba going for the kill. Lins looks tired. Lins presses Cutelaba against the cage. The crowd boos. Lins controlling, but no damage being done. The referee breaks the clinch due to inactivity. Cutelaba head-hunting. Big left by Lins. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lins. Overall 30-27, Lins.
Result: Philipe Lins def. Ion Cutelaba via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Philipe Lins def. Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Lins (18-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Cutelaba (17-10-1 MMA, 6-9-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Christopher Lee, Sal D’Amato, David Tirelli 29-28.
Pedro Munhoz vs. Kyler Phillips
Round 1 – These two come out firing! Big one, two for Phillips. Munhoz pressing here. Good right hand for Munhoz. Phillips falls after throwing a kick and Munhoz takes top position. Ground-and-pound by Munhoz. Phillips scrambles to his feet. Jab by Munhoz. Another one. They both trade leg kicks. Phillips stuffs one of Munhoz’s takedowns. Two minutes left. Oh! Nasty combo by Phillips. One minute left. An eye poke from Phillips stops the action. This was the second one. After a few seconds, the fight resumes. Big left lands for Phillips. Munhoz is bleeding from his left eye. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Phillips.
Round 2 – Fun fight. Munhoz comes out pressuring. They trade leg kicks. Very high-paced fight here. Both fighters landing many leg kicks here. Nasty combo by Phillips. Two minutes left. Both throwing a ton, but neither is landing clean. Oh! Sharp jab by Munhoz. Body shot, left hook by Phillips. More leg kicks from both. Phillips ends the round with a good combo.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Phillips.
Round 3 – Fun fight here. Munhoz back to putting on the pressure. Hard leg kick by Munhoz. Munhoz seems to be slowing down. Hard leg kick by Phillips. Phillips seems to be comfortable countering Munhoz here. Two minutes left. Good defense from both. Munhoz is having a tough time connecting. Leg kick by Phillips. One minute left. Good left by Phillips. Munhoz with a couple of hooks to close the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Phillips. Overall 30-27, Phillips.
Result: Kyler Phillips def. Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Kyler Phillips def. Pedro Munhoz at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Phillips (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Munhoz (20-9 MMA, 10-9 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPNews/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: David Tirelli, Sal D’Amato, Eliseo Rodriguez 30-27.
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Mateusz Gamrot
Round 1 – Gamrot takes the center of the octagon. Oh! Huge knee to the head lands for dos Anjos! Gamrot is hurt bad! Gamrot closes the distance and presses dos Anjos against the cage. Dos Anjos breaks free. Gamrot shoots, but dos Anjos stuffs the takedown. Oh! Big right hand by dos Anjos. Kick to the body by dos Anjos. Dos Anjos is walking down Gamrot. Gamrot shoots and takes down dos Anjos. Gamrot working from guard. Two minutes left. Good control by Gamrot, but not much damage. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, dos Anjos.
Round 2 – Gamrot shoots early, briefly takes down dos Anjos, but now presses him against the cage. Dos Anjos is tied up, but he’s defending well the takedowns against the cage.Gamrot in control here against the cage, but unable to takedown dos Anjos. Dos Anjos is bleeding from his nose. Two minutes left. Dos Anjos breaks free. Dos Anjos goes in with a big hook, Gamrot ducks under and takes him down. Dos Anjos back up, but being presses against the cage. One minute left. Dos Anjos breaks free and begins to walk down Gamrot. Good combo by dos Anjos to end the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gamrot.
Round 3 – Close fight. Big right hand connects for Gamrot, likely his best shot of the fight. Gamrot takes down dos Anjos. He scrambles back to his feet almost immediately. One, two lands for dos Anjos. Gamrot presses dos Anjos against the cage. Dos Anjos doing a good jab at defending the takedown, but being controlled against the cage. Dos Anjos breaks free. Leg kick by dos Anjos. Two minutes left. Gamrot closes the distance and presses dos Anjos against the cage. Dos Anjos breaks free. Gamrot again ducks under one of dos Anjos’ shots and briefly takes him down. Dos Anjos gets up, goes to the fence, and then breaks free from the clinch. The bell rings shortly after.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gamrot. Overall 29-28, Gamrot.
Result: Mateusz Gamrot def. Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: Mateusz Gamrot survives early knockdown, grinds out Rafael dos Anjos
Photos: Mateusz Gamrot def. Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Gamrot (24-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC), Dos Anjos (32-16 MMA, 21-14 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPNews/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Eric Colon 30-27. Jason Grenier, Christopher Lee 29-28.
Maycee Barber vs. Katlyn Cerminara
Round 1 – Hard hooks connect for Barber in the clinch. Cerminara closes the distance and presses Barber against the cage. They keep battling for position against the cage. Cerminara gets a brief takedown, but Barber got right back up. Cerminara pressing Barber against the cage. They switch positions. A lot of dirty boxing from the clinch. They break free. Cerminara shoots and gets stuffed by Barber. Barber now presses Cerminara against the cage. Cerminara reverses the position. Two minutes left. Barber reverses the position. Nasty elbows by Barber. They break free. Cerminara tries a takedown, but comes up short. They’re back against the cage, fighting for position. Cerminara is bleeding from her nose. Close quarter fighting here. They break free and bell rings shortly after.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Barber.
Round 2 – Oh! Big one two connects early here for Cerminara. Shen then follows with a front kick. Leg kick by Barber. Cerminara is starting to find her range. Jab by Cerminara. Not much clinching this round. Nice left from Cerminara. Barber closes the distance and presses Cerminara against the cage. Two minutes left. Barber gets the takedown, but Cerminara immediately back up. Barber still controlling Cerminara against the cage. She’s working hard for the takedown. Good elbow by Barber. Dirty boxing from Barber. Barger gets a takedown in the final seconds, but Cerminara right back up.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Barber.
Round 3 – Cerminara is now the one that closes the distance to start. They break from the clinch. Cerminara backing up Barber here, while keeping her range. Oh! Big right connects for Barber. Oh! Nasty combo bby Barber. They clinch and Barber presses Cerminara against the cage. They keep switching positions. Barber gets the takedown, but Cerminara scrambles back to her feet. It’s now Cerminara who presses Barber against the cage. Nice elbow by Barber. They’re back to striking. Leg kick by Cerminara. Oh! Clean right by Barber. They’re going toe to toe. They brawl it out in the end! Fun fight.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Barber. Overall 30-27, Barber.
Result: Maycee Barber def. Katlyn Cerminara via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap: Maycee Barber extends winning streak to six with decision over Katlyn Cerminara
Photos: Maycee Barber def. Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC), Cerminara (18-6 MMA, 11-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPNews/ESPN+
Referee: Andrew Glenn
Judging: Michael Tate, Sal D’Amato 30-27. Christopher Lee 29-28.
Jailton Almeida vs. Curtis Blaydes
Round 1 – Almeida wastes no time shooting. He immediately takes Blaydes to the canvas, along the cage. Blaydes works up to a knee and Almeida elevates and tosses him. That’s not something you see every day. Again, Blaydes works up. Almeida just rag-dolling Blaydes but not doing anything significant damage-wise. Blaydes almost immediately pops up each time. Up and down they go. Eventually, Almeida somewhat breaks the monotony as he climbs Blaydes’ back. No rear-naked choke is there, however, and he eventually pops back down. The crowd boos as the round ends. 10-9 Almeida.
Round 2 – Almeida shoots for another early takedown. Blaydes defends and begins pummeling away. Almeida is eating a lot of shots. Oh, it looks like Almeida is hurt. Blaydes swarming with hammerfists. Almeida is hurt and turtles. Referee Mike Beltran dives in. It’s over and Blaydes lets out a roar. Wow!
Result: Curtis Blaydes def. Jailton Almeida via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:36
Recap: Curtis Blaydes smashes Jailton Almeida with hammerfists, calls for Tom Aspinall rematch
Photos: Curtis Blaydes def. Jailton Almeida at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Almeida (20-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Blaydes (18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPNews/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Yadong Song vs. Petr Yan
Round 1 – Quick hook connects for Song early. Big leg kick by Yan, but Song counters with a left. Both fighters being very measured. Three minutes left. Good body shot by Yan. Jab by Yan. Two minutes left. Yan blocks a couple of big hooks. Song is pressing the action here. Song catches a kick from Yan and takes him down to the ground. Yan scrambles, but Song all over him. Nice scrambles between the two, but Song still on top. Yan gets back up with 30 seconds left. Yan shoots for a takedown, but fails. Bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Song.
Round 2 – Song immediately closes the distance and presses Yan against the cage. Yan breaks free shortly after. Good uppercuts by Yan. Yan is starting to up the pressure. Song closes the distance and presses Yan against the cage. They break and Song connects with a short elbow. The fight is briefly stopped, Yan had his wrapping come apart a bit, and it was cut off by an official. Good combo here by Yan. Song shoots and comes up short. Good kick to the body by Yan. Jab by Yan. One minute left. Two nasty uppercuts by Yan! Oh! Both land clean! And Yan with a takedown! Yan maintains top control untill the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Yan.
Round 3 – It looks like it’s a one-round fight now. These two are swinging. Yan shoots, he fails, they get into a crazy scramble, and they’re back to striking. Spinning wheel kick by Yan. Good hooks for Song. Song is upping the pressure here. Good output by Song. Left hook by Yan. One, two by Yan. Song is bleeding from both his eyes. Jab by Yan. Clean takedown by Yan. One minute left. Yan keeps top control until the bell. Solid fight.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Yan. Overall 29-28, Yan.
Result: Petr Yan def. Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Petr Yan snaps three-fight losing streak, outlasts Yadong Song
Photos: Petr Yan def. Yadong Song at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Yan (17-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Song (21-8-1 MMA, 10-3-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: David Tirelli, Christopher Lee, Michael Tate 29-28.
Gilbert Burns vs. Jack Della Maddalena
Round 1 – Big leg kicks by Burns.Della Maddalena tentative so far. And a big takedown by Burns! Burns takes the back briefly, but Della Maddalena gets back up., Burns now presses Della Maddalena against the cage. Della Maddalena hits a sweep and lands a knee as Burns gets back up. They’re back to striking. Jab by Della Maddalena. Big left from Della Maddalena stuns Burns. It seems he’s recovered. The two land big in a quick exhcange. Della Maddalena pressing Burns. Big right hook by Burns followed by a leg kick. Burns shoots for a takedown and gets it with 10 seconds remaining. He lands some shots before the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Burns.
Round 2 – Burns gets a takedown early here. Good control by Burns, but little damage. Della Maddalena gets back up, but is being controlled against the cage. Della Maddalena breaks free. Good combo by Della Maddalena. Three minutes left. Della Maddalena is backing uop Burns here and outstriking him. A couple of good shots land for Della Maddalena. Burns is not throwing much. Oh! Huge right connects for Burns! Burns shoots for the takedown and scores it. They scramble and now Burns controlls Della Maddalena from headlock position. Burns briefly gets the mount. Now he has the back of Della Maddalena with the body triangle. He controls the position until the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Burns.
Round 3 – Della Maddalena walking down Burns here. Burns doinga godo job with movement. Good striking by Della Maddalena. Burns closes the distance and presses Della Maddalena against the cage. Good control here by Burns but little damage. Burns gets a takedown! Burns on top here. Oh! Scrambles out and dishes out a brutal knee to the head to Burns! Burns is wobbled! Della Maddalena jumps on him. Non-stop ground-and-pound! It’s over!
Result: Jack Della Maddalena def. Gilbert Burns via KO (punches) – Round 3, 3:43
Recap: Jack Della Maddalena KOs Gilbert Burns after vicious knee, calls out Shavkat Rakhmonov
Photos: Jack Della Maddalena def. Gilbert Burns at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Della Maddalena (17-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC), Burns (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page
Round 1 – Both fighters with tons of movement. A couple of leg kicks land for Holland. Page staying on the outside, Holland moving forward. More leg kicks by Holland. Holland closes the distance and presses Page against the cage. Shoulder strikes by Holland. Page breaks free with three minutes remaining. Stiff jab by Page. Body kick, then a one, two by Page. Big left for Holland. Page pins Holland against the cage. One minute left. Page lets him loose. Leg kick by Holland. One, two by Page lands half way. Big spinning elbow by Page to close out the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Page.
Round 2 – Same dynamic. Holland chases, while Page stays mobile and looking to set up a counter. Two big rights connect for Page. Holland takes down Page! He’s on top landing ground-and-pound! Holland working from half guard. Good control here by Holland. Two minutes left. Page scrambles his way back up! Big leg kick by Holland. Holland closes the distance and presses Page briefly before going back to striking. Big right by Page! Another right by Page. Oh! Huge spinning elbow connects for Page in the final seconds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Page.
Round 3 – Holland gets caught off balance and falls to the ground. Page kicks his legs and then lets him back up. Holland ties up Page and presses him against the cage. Page breaks free. Big right for Page. He’s taunting Holland and the crowd is loving it. Spinning elbow by Page! He’s styling on Holland. Page presses Holland against the cage. Two minutes left. Big right by Page. Holland closes the distance and presses him against the cage. Page breaks free a few seconds after. Big right hand by Page! What a chin on Holland. Big leg kick by Holland. Holland presses Page against the cage. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Page. Overall 30-27, Page.
Result: Michael Page def. Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Michael Page frustrates Kevin Holland to win octagon debut by decision
Photos: Michael Page def. Kevin Holland at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Holland (25-11 MMA, 12-8 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Rick Glenn
Judging: Eric Colon, David Tirelli, Christopher Lee 29-28.
Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint Denis
Round 1 – Saint Denis shoots for a takedown early, Poirier goes for the guillotine, but Saint Denis gets out. Poirier back to his feet., but being pressed against the cage. They’re dirty boxing by the cage. After a few scrambles, they’re back to striking. Nasty elbows from the clinch by Saint Denis. Dirty boxing by the cage. Saint Denis is battering Poirier with elbows. Saint Denis looks for the takedown. Poirier threatens with the guillotine but loses it. Saint Denis working from top. He takes the back of Poirier. Good control here by Saint Denis. He locks in the body triangle. Saint Denis goes for an armbar in the final seconds! The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Saint Denis.
Round 2 – Saint Denis comes out pressuring. Oh! Poirier rocks him with an uppercut! He goes for the guillotine! Saint Denis gets out. Saint Denis now takes his back! Crazy sequence. Saint Denis threatening with a rear-naked choke! Poirier gets out. Back to striking. Big left by Poirier! Brutal combo by Poirier! Oh! Massive shot by Poirier! Saint Denis is out cold! It’s over!
Result: Dustin Poirier def. Benoit Saint-Denis via KO (punch) – Round 2, 2:32
Recap: Dustin Poirier violently KOs Benoit Saint Denis in Round 2, ties lightweight record
Photos: Dustin Poirier def. Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299: Best photos
Records: Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC), Saint Denis (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Mike Beltran
Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera
Round 1 – Vera takes the center of the octagon. O’Malley with a couple of leg kicks. Slow pace so far. More leg kicks by O’Malley. O’Malley using a lot of movement. Good left by O’Malley. Vera with a hard leg kick. Less than two minutes remaining. Leg kick by Vera. Body shot by O’Malley. Left connects for Vera. A lot of faints from both fighters. The bell rings. Close round.
MMA Junkie scores it 10-9, O’Malley.
Round 2 – Spinning wheel kick connects halfway for O’Malley. Body kick by O’Malley, then a right hand. Both fighters being very cautious. Not a ton of action. Solid jab by O’Malley. Leg kick by Vera. Three minutes left. A clean combo connects for O’Malley. Vera’s chin holding up so far. One, two by O’Malley. O’Malley is turning up the pressure here. Two minutes left. Big knee from O’Malley! Vera is backing up now! The right side of Vera’s face is busted up. More shots by O’Malley. Vera is in trouble. Big right connects for Vera! Oh! O’Malley stuns Vera! The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, O’Malley.
Round 3 – O’Malley is picking up steam. He’s starting to get comfortable, and he’s landing more than Vera. Vera is still in this, but O’Malley is clearly up. Jabs by the champion. Vera is bleeding from his nose. More shots by O’Malley. Vera is slowly getting picked apart. One, two by O’Malley. Huge left by O’Malley! One minute left. Vera ups the pressure and lands a few shots! The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, O’Malley.
Round 4 – Vera comes out aggressive! Big knee by Vera. Good jabs by O’Malley. Knee connects for Vera, as he backs up O’Malley against the cage. Big left from O’Malley. Uppercut by Vera. O’Malley is bleeding by his nose. Body shot by O’Malley. This is likely the most competitive round. One, two by Vera. Body shot by O’Malley. Leg kick by Vera. Quick combo lands for Vera. Jabs by O’Malley. One minute left. Hard leg kick by Vera. Another hard leg kick by Vera. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, O’Malley.
Round 5 – Hard jab by O’Malley. Big right by O’Malley! Vera looks hurt. Vera is backing up. O’Malley all over him. O’Malley is picking his shots now. O’Malley is walking down Vera now. Vera is not throwing much. Three minutes left. Nasty combo by Vera. Good combo by Vera. Jab by Vera. Nice combo by O’Malley. Body shot by O’Malley. O’Malley is having his way here. Big knee from Vera connects! These two are throwing down! The bell rings. Fun fight.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, O’Malley. Overall 50-45, O’Malley.
Result: Sean O’Malley def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) – to defend bantamweight title
Recap: Sean O’Malley batters durable Marlon Vera to retain title, calls out Ilia Topuria
Photos:
Records: O’Malley (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC), Vera (21-9-1 MMA, 15-8 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Eric Colon, Christopher Lee 50-45. Sal D’Amato 50-44.
