LAS VEGAS – UFC Fight Night 221 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 3 p.m. ET (noon PT).
UFC Fight Night 221 takes place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The card streams on ESPN+.
In the main event, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan (16-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) takes on Merab Dvalishvili (15-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in a matchup that has become increasingly heated. In the co-feature, Alexandr Romanov (16-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) meets Alexander Volkov (35-10 MMA, 9-4 UFC) at heavyweight.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 3 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN+ and 6 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC Fight Night 221 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Ken Hathaway (@kenshathaway ) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
Jared Gooden vs. Carlston Harris
Round 1 – No touch of gloves here as the fighters begin to slowly circle around each other. Gooden opens with single strikes including a punch to the body and a leg kick. Another hard leg kick from Gooden is checked, and Harris offers a punch. Harris throws another two wild punches, resulting in a brief clinch, but they separate a moment later. In the center of the cage, they exchange more punches. A left from Gooden lands and Harris fires back on the nose. A combination from Harris follows, getting Gooden’s attention. The overhand right is landing on Gooden at will now. Gooden, with his hands at his hips, welcomes the exchanges, and they’re just trading now. Gooden mixes in a leg kick before they go back to punches. Another brief clinch slows the action, but Harris separates and presses forward. Another clinch, but this time Harris sneaks in a hard short elbow. Harris hurts Gooden with the punches that follow. The round ends with a flurry from Harris as the crowd appreciates the ending sequence. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Harris.
Round 2 – Gooden opens with punches and a leg kick, which Harris tries to catch and uses to clinch. Pushing Gooden into the cage, Harris works for the takedown, trying an outside trip. After changing levels, Harris is able to complete a takedown and begins working from half guard. With the position secure, Harris punches the head and body, while Gooden gets a lockdown on the legs, preventing the position from getting worse. Harris eventually gets his leg free from the lockdown and scrambles to a choke attempt. Gooden gets free, but remains on his back as Harris takes full mount at the horn. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Harris.
Round 3 – Almost immediately, Harris is in on a front headlock after stuffing a takedown from Gooden. Harris then takes the back as they go to the ground. Gooden rolls and nearly gets caught in an arm triangle, but it’s not there. However, Harris ends up in full mount, raining down hard elbows. Gooden covers up and quickly scurries to get his back to the cage. Harris sticks with him as Gooden works his way back to his feet. Eventually, Gooden gets the fight back to standing position, but Harris immediately gets another takedown. Gooden gets back up again, just to get dumped again. Harris is just relentless with the takedowns and Gooden can’t do anything about it. The fight ends with Harris on top looking for punches. MMA Junkie scores the third 10-9 for Harris, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Carlston Harris def. Jared Gooden via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Carlston Harris def. Jared Gooden at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Jared Gooden (22-9 MMA, 1-4 UFC), Carlston Harris (18-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27), Junichiro Kamijo (30-27), Bryan Miner (30-27)
Tyson Nam vs. Bruno Silva
Round 1 – The second fight of the night begins without a glove touch. Silva gets the action started with a quick leg kick as Nam stalks forward, controlling the center. A quick two-punch combo from Nam is fired off. Silva kicks to the body. Silva dips and offers a fast 1-2 combo of his own. A spinning backfist from Silva connects and Nam smiles. Silva kicks to the body a moment later, and Nam counters with a nice right hand. They exchange leg kicks. Silva fires off a sharp right hand. A few more punches follow a moment later. Silva goes for the spinning backfist again, this time catching only air. Nam then responds with a fast combination of punches. They move all over the cage with Nam pressing forward, and trade strikes in the middle. A left hand from Silva is answered with a right from Nam. Both fighters paw out their lead hands as they move around the cage. Nam lands a nice kick to the body after a right hand. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Silva.
Round 2 – As they begin to get back into the pawing out lead hands game, Silva crushes Nam with a hard front kick to the jaw that drops Nam to the canvas. Silva swarms, taking top position while unleashing a flurry of punches. Somehow, Nam is still in it and gets a hold of Silva. As he tries to scramble to his feet, Silva smoothly takes the back and slaps on a rear naked choke. It’s very tight. Nam falls back to the mat as Silva gets a hook in with his right leg. Nam is fighting the hands, but the squeeze gets tighter. He’s still trying to fight the hands, but he goes out! What a finish by Silva!
Result: Bruno Silva def. Tyson Nam via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:23
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 video: Bruno Silva punts Tyson Nam in jaw, then chokes out remaining consciousness
Photos: Bruno Silva def. Tyson Nam at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Tyson Nam (21-13-1 MMA, 3-4 UFC), Bruno Silva (13-5-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon, Sal D’Amato, Rick Winter
JJ Aldrich vs. Ariane Lipski
Round 1 – The fighters meet in the middle and begin sizing either other up. Lipski feints before firing off a quick combination. Aldrich blocks a head kick and fires off a sharp right hand to the jaw. A moment later, Lipski lands another nice combo. Aldrich looks for the clinch, but is met with knees to the body from Lipski, causing Aldrich to abort the attempt. Lipski keeps pressing forward, pawing out her lead hand. Aldrich changes levels and times a good entry for a takedown, but is unable to get the fight to the ground. Aldrich closes the distance again, but Lipski gets a Thai clinch and offers a couple of knees to the body, causing Aldrich to break away again. A moment later, Aldrich tries for another takedown, but Lipski easily stuffs it. Aldrich looks to punch, but Lipski counters nicely, and blitzes with a few sharp punches before the horn as Aldrich retreats. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lipski.
Round 2 – Lipski pushes forward with a punch to the body, but Lipski answers with a pair of punches. Lipski swings a few hooks as Aldrich closes in. Lipski slaps with a leg kick. Aldrich fires a right hand and Lipski responds with two punches. A head kick attempt from Lipski just misses the mark. A few moments later, a nice right hand from Aldrich finds the jaw. Lipski goes to a front kick to the body, prompting an exchanges of punches. They clinch for a moment and trade more punches. Lipski keeps pressing forward and lands a nice body kick. They continue to exchange, with Lipski adding kicks. Lipski gets the Thai clinch again when in close, and lands a solid knee to the body. Lipski keeps control of the center and ends the round with a quick kick upstairs. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lipski.
Round 3 – Aldrich comes out with more aggression, controlling the center and offering punches early. Lipski circles outside, looking to counter. A sharp combo of punches pops Aldrich’s head back. Lipski fires off another series of punches. Aldrich is there to answer, but her strikes don’t have the same power behind them. A telegraphed takedown attempt is stuffed by Lipski, who then offers another combo of punches upstairs. Another attempt to clinch by Aldrich is easily brushed aside, and Lipski fires off more fast punches. Aldrich times a takedown well, gets Lipski’s knees to the ground for a second, but she immediately pops back up into a clinch against the cage. Lipski reverses the position, putting Aldrich’s back against the cage for a moment before they separate. Lipski works behind a left jab, and Aldrich responds with a few punches of her own, but the fight comes to an end after a big hip toss from Lipski. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lipski, giving her the fight 30-27.
Result: Ariane Lipski def. JJ Aldrich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Ariane Lipski def. JJ Aldrich at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: JJ Aldrich (11-6 MMA, 7-5 UFC), Ariane Lipski (15-8 MMA, 4-5 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Adalaide Byrd (30-27), Junichiro Kamijo (30-27)
Tony Gravely vs. Victor Henry
Round 1 – They touch gloves, and Gravely opens with a kick to the body. Henry responds with punches. They exchange kicks at the same time, but Henry gets swept off his feet. He quickly pops up and fires off punches. Gravely continues to focus on the leg kicks. They trade in close, Gravely gets a clinch and knee to the body. Henry stuffs a takedown attempt a moment after. Another fast exchange of punches and kicks in the center of the cage. Gravely is able to close distance and get the clinch this time. Pushing Henry into the cage, Gravely knees to the body before they break apart. They return to the middle and keep trading. Both fighters land strikes as they move around. Gravely gets in for a takedown attempt, but Henry refuses to go down. Gravely gets the back, lifts and dumps his opponent, but Henry lands on his knees and pops up. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gravely.
Round 2 – Henry opens up with more intensity, landing nice kicks. Gravely looks for a takedown but Henry stuffs it. Henry keeps the pressure high. Gravely shoots in again, but is sprawled nicely. Henry kicks to the body as Gravely gets back up. The intensity from Henry remains high, punching and kicking Gravely. They clinch against the cage momentarily, but Henry gets free and continues to offer punches. Henry’s corner continues to call for heavy pressure, but Gravely is able to find an opening for a takedown. He gets the back for a few seconds, but Henry scrambles his way back to the feet. Henry keeps his foot on the gas pedal. Punches, kicks, elbows – everything being offered from Henry right now as Gravely covers up and tries to find his space to counter. Gravely gets a clinch to slow the action, but Hendry lands a series of elbows to the side of the head. Gravely adjusts his position for a takedown attempt, gets Henry to his knees, but only for a split-second before Henry gets back to striking. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Henry.
Round 3 – Henry gets right back to here he left off, pushing forward with punches and kicks, forcing Gravely to look for a takedown. Henry stuffs it and they get back to trading in the center. Another takedown is stopped by Henry. Gravely lands a nice punch to the body with a crisp left hook upstairs not far behind it. Henry then lands a nice series of punches to the body and head. Gravely answers back and adds a calf kick. Another takedown attempt is easily stuffed by Henry. Gravely pushes forward now and they’re trading in close. Punches are exchanged, with Henry getting the better of this sequence, highlighted by a sharp right hand. Gravely answers back a moment later with a nice combo ending with a head kick. Another takedown attempt from Gravely, but this time Henry drops down on a kneebar attempt. Gravely defends and punches to the body. A wild scramble results in Gravely in an arm triangle position, but Henry adjusts, scrambles, and they end up on the feet. MMA Junkie scores the third round 10-9 for Henry, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Victor Henry def. Tony Gravely via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: Victor Henry def. Tony Gravely at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Tony Gravely (23-9 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Victor Henry (23-6 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27 Henry), Sal D’Amato (29-28 Henry), Rick Winter (28-29 Gravely)
Sedriques Dumas vs. Josh Fremd
Round 1 – Dumas starts with a pair of leg kicks as Fremd paws out a left hand. Dumas goes a for a big punch followed by a pair of leg kicks. Fremd lands a nice punch upstairs, and finds a hard leg kick to put behind it. Dumas responds with puches of his own. A left hand lands for Fremd as Dumas lands a kick. A counter punch catches Dumas on the chin and Fremd rushes in to get a big takedown. Dumas gets back to full guard, looking to set up a triangle choke. Fremd stays in good position and lands a hard elbow to the head. Dumas tries to get back up and gets caught in a guillotine. Fremd tightens it, but Dumas slips out and they’re back to the feet trading strikes. Fremd’s left hand catches Dumas cleanly, causing him to look for a takedown. Fremd reverses the clinch position to put Dumas’ back against the cage. Dumas lands a nice knee, but Fremd answers with one of his own, in addition to a nice combo of short strikes before the horn. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fremd.
Round 2 – Dumas starts the round again with an outside leg kick. He then charges forward with punches, but Fremd was able to evade. Fremd wobbles Dumas with a hard right hand, and then hits a big hip toss to get the fight to the ground. Fremd stays heavy on top, but Dumas gets back to full guard. Fremd looked for a keylock, but it wasn’t there. Dumas scrambled, found his way to Fremd’s back and nearly locked in a choke, but he got too high. Fremd flowed with the moment, and found his way into a guillotine attempt. After adjusting, he was able to sinch it up tighter to force the tap. A solid finish by Fremd to get the submission victory.
Result: Josh Fremd def. Sedriques Dumas via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:00
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 video: Josh Fremd spoils Sedriques Dumas’ debut with guillotine choke
Photos: Josh Fremd def. Sedriques Dumas at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Sedriques Dumas (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Josh Fremd (10-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Mike Bell, Junichiro Kamijo, Bryan Miner
Raphael Assuncao vs. Davey Grant
Round 1 – They touch gloves and exchange leg kicks as the first strikes of the fight. Grant offers a front kick to the body and Assuncao responds with another sharp leg kick. A front kick from Grant is caught by Assuncao, who uses it to get a takedown and take top position in guard. Grant throws up a triangle attempt, but it’s shaken off easily by Assuncao. Grant tries to scramble to his feet, but Assuncao sticks to him and takes the back against the fence. Grant works his way free and they return to standing. Keeping the fight in close, Grant lands a hard right followed by a kick. Assuncao answers with a clean right hook as Grant presses forward. Grant looks for a combo, but Assuncao clinches as he avoids contact. They separate and Grant attempts to land one last combination before the round ends. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Assuncao.
Round 2 – Grant looks for a leg kick, but Assuncao checks it. A hard right hand from Grant makes contact, but just misses landing cleanly. Assuncao dips under a punch and looks for a single leg takedown. Grant keeps the fight standing and separates. Assuncao evades a head kick. Grant goes for an inside leg kick, but eats a clean right counter. A leg kick to spinning backfist combination from Grant, but Assuncao covered up well. Grant tries a pair of kick from a side stance. A moment later, a spinning kick misses the mark. Assuncao looks to land a hook on a counter as Grant steps in with strikes. Assuncao evades another big hook from Grant, clinches, and takes the fight to the ground. Grant powers his way back to standing, but Assuncao brings him down again, this time taking the back. The round comes to an end in this position close to the fence. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Assuncao.
Round 3 – A final glove touch to start the round. Grant pressuring hard early, working behind a left hand. Assuncao circles on the outside and looks for a clinch after evading a Grant punch, but it’s not there. They trade punches, with Grant winning the exchange. Grant then wobbles Assuncao with a sharp punch. Assuncao retreats quickly as Grant charges forward looking to finish the fight. Assuncao changes levels for a takedown to stop the attack. Assuncao gets Grant to the ground and punches from full guard. Grant gets back to his feet, landing a nice uppercut on the exit. More hard punches find the mark for Grant as Assuncao looks for another single leg. Grant grabs the fence to prevent the takedown, which prompts the ref to pause the fight and take a point away from Grant. The action resumes on the feet and Grant presses forward with heavy punches. A spinning backfist drops Assuncao. Grant tries to get the finish but Assuncao is on a low single. Grant jumps over and slaps on an inverted triangle. It’s super tight. The referee steps in to check on Assuncao. He’s out! What a crazy round and an even crazier finishing sequence!
Result: Davey Grant def. Raphael Assuncao via technical submission (inverted triangle) – Round 3, 4:43
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 video: Davey Grant sleeps Raphael Assuncao with rare reverse triangle
Photos: Davey Grant def. Raphael Assuncao at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Raphael Assuncao (27-10 MMA, 12-7 UFC), Davey Grant (13-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Mike Bell, Sal D’Amato, Jacob Montalvo
Lukasz Brzeski vs. Karl Williams
Round 1 – Williams jabs and kicks up the middle, but Brzeski catches it. Williams then goes to an outside leg kick, followed by charging forward through a blast double to get the fight to the ground. Brzeski gets back up, tries to hip toss Williams, but doesn’t get it. Williams stays with the clinch against the cage and eventually completes a single leg takedown. Brzeski nearly gives up his back as he stands back up, but he’s able to separate without trouble. Back in the center, they exchange big punches. Brzeski connects with a right hand. Williams kicks to the body and puts power behind a right hand. A moment later, Williams just misses with a huge right elbow. Brzeski lands a nice punch, and Williams responds by charging forward, pushing Brzeski into the fence with a takedown attempt. The fight stays standing and they trade punches once more before the round ends. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Williams.
Round 2 – Brzeski starts it off with a leg kick. Just a couple of seconds later they begin trading furious punches and Williams clips Brzeski, sending him to the mat. Williams rushes in as Brzeski stands back up, and lifts him for a huge slam back to the canvas. Brzeski attempts to roll out of the clinch as he works his way back up, but Williams sticks to him and lands a big punch. Brzeski up to a knee, eats a couple of punches as he gets back to standing. On the exit, Brzeski misses a spinning backfist. Williams appears winded, but jabs with the left, and then gets another takedown. Brzeski powers back up, but Williams stays on his hips and brings him back down again. Williams gets in a few short punches before Brzeski gets back up. Williams tries for a head kick, but takes himself off balance and falls to his back. Brzeski takes the top position just before the horn sounds. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Williams.
Round 3 – Brzeski kicks to the legs, and then trades punches upstairs with Williams. They reset and Williams gets to the clinch, and completes a takedown. Williams punches to the body from guard. Brzeski uses the fence to help get back up, but Williams stays heavy and lands a few short punches to the head. Brzeski is back to his knees, but Williams still controls the position well by staying heavy. Brzeski tries to turn to change the position, but Williams floats and keeps the top position until the horn. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Williams, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Karl Williams def. Lukasz Brzeski via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Photos: Karl Williams def. Lukasz Brzeski at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Lukasz Brzeski (8-3-1 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Karl Williams (8-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Adalaide Byrd (30-26), Sal D’Amato (30-26)
Vitor Petrino vs. Anton Turkalj
Round 1 – The light heavyweights touch gloves and begin circling around one another. Turkalj kicks to the body just as Petrino looked for a punch. In the next exchange, Petrino got the clinch and secured an easy takedown. Turkalj worked his way back up quickly, but Petrino suck with the body lock. They wrestled for position with Turkalj getting his back off the fence, but Petrino spun him back around. Turkalj then hit a trip takedown. Petrino got back up quickly, but this time Turkalj kept with the clinch, pushing Petrino into the cage. Petrino reversed and the action slowed, prompting the referee to call for action. They decided to separate and get back to trading in the center. A head kick from Petrino partially lands. Turkalj clinches and lands a low knee, pausing the action. After about a minute of recovery, the fight restarted. Turkalj charges forward with a punch, but is countered nicely by Petrino. After a clinch, Petrino starts unloading with heavy punches. Turkalj’s head is popped back and he’s wobbled. Petrino storms forward for a finish. He drops Turkalj. Petrino closes in for a ground attack but an upkick from Turkalj lands flush. Petrino still takes top position, but the upkick hurt him, slowing his momentum. The round ends with Petrino on top. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Petrino.
Round 2 – Turkalj kicks to the body for the first strike of the round. A leg kick follows. Turkalj shoots in but is stuffed. Petrino lands a hard combination, getting Turkalj’s attention. Petrino lands more big punches and gets a takedown. Turkalj gets back up in the clinch, and works his way to the back of Petrino. Just when he began looking for a rear-naked choke, Petrino slipped out and ends up on top in guard. Turkalj explodes up, but this time Petrino takes the back momentarily. Turkalj keeps wrestling and finds his way to the back again. Once on the mat, Petrino turned and reversed the position, leading to the fight going back to standing position. Petrino jabs, but Turkalj unloads a hard combination. They clinch again against the cage. On the exit, Turkalj unleashes a spinning back elbow, which connects. He tries one more as the horn sounds, but pulls it to prevent a foul. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Turkalj.
Round 3 – Petrino looks for a head kick but Turkalj blocks it. Turkalj fires a combo before getting a takedown. He then slaps on a body triangle and a rear-naked choke. Petrino gets out and spins into full guard. A second later he transitions into full mount. Turkalj fence walks, but gets caught in a rear-naked choke. It looks tight for a moment, but Turkalj gets free and scrambles his way to top position. Petrino turns and gives up his back. Turkalj gets reversed again and Petrino takes top half guard. Turkalj turns and Petrino takes the back. Turkalj stands but gets dumped back to the mat. They get back to the feet a moment later, and return to trading big punches. Turkalj clinches, gets to the back for a moment. Petrino reverses and lifts Turkalj up for a huge slam. A few punches right before the horn from Petrino land. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Petrino, giving him the edge in a close 29-28.
Result: Vitor Petrino def. Anton Turkalj via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Vitor Petrino def. Anton Turkalji at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Vitor Petrino (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Anton Turkalj (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27), Jacob Montalvo (30-27), Bryan Miner (30-26)
Mario Bautista vs. Guido Cannetti
Round 1 – They touch gloves and immediately get to the action with wild kicks. Cannetti offers a spinning kick and Bautista answers with a leg kick. Bautista darts forward to close the distance and quickly gets a takedown. Bautista works to half guard, and Cannetti scrambles back to his feet, narrowly avoiding a guillotine choke. Cannetti gets a nice takedown, but Bautista scrambles, finds his way to the back while Cannetti stands. Bautista gets the body triangle and tries to get a standing choke. He ops to let it go, gets a nice suplex slam, takes the back, and slaps on a rear-naked choke. This time it’s really deep and Cannetti taps! Fantastic work by Bautista for the first-round sub!
Result: Mario Bautista def. Guido Cannetti via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:18
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 video: Mario Bautista taps Guido Cannetti, calls out ex-champ Cody Garbrandt
Photos: Mario Bautista def. Guido Cannetti at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Mario Bautista (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), Guido Cannetti (10-7 MMA, 4-6 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon, Junichiro Kamijo, Bryan Miner
Jonathan Martinez vs. Said Nurmagomedov
Round 1 – A touch of gloves and they’re off trading leg kicks. Nurmagomedov goes with a high kick followed by a spinning back fist. Martinez defends the attacks well as he moves forward. Another similar sequence of strikes is offered by Nurmagomedov, but he adds a kick to the body, which gets through. Nurmagomedov blitzes forward with punches and uses the forward momentum to get a takedown. Once on the mat, he quickly slaps on a rear-naked choke, which seems like it’s deep. Martinez remains calm and gets free, but Nurmagomedov adjusts his position and tries for it again. Martinez gets free again and they return to the feet, but stay in the clinch against the cage. They break free and unload wild strikes. Nurmagomedov spins and lands. Martinez seemed stunned, but moved forward with strikes. They clinch, and blood begins to trickle from Nurmagomedov’s nose. Nurmagomedov tries for a toss, but Marintez rolls with it and they’re right back to the feet before the horn. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nurmagomedov.
Round 2 – Nurmagomedov kicks to the leg and then the body. He adds a side kick a moment later. Martinez kicks to the leg and covers up as Nurmagomedov fires off punches in return. Nurmagomedov spins again with a backfist. He then gets a takedown and begins working in guard. As Nurmagomedov attempted to pass, Martinez lifted him up and scrambled back to his feet. Another spinning attack from Nurmagomedov lands, and goes right back into another takedown attempt. Martinez defends it well and gets in a couple of short elbows as Nurmagomedov works back up from his knees. In the clinch, Martinez keeps Nurmagomedov’s back against the fence as they both land a few short strikes. After they separate, Martinez goes for a high kick, and Nurmagomedov goes to a spinning backfist. Martinez then shows a spinning kick to the body. They continue to exchange. Martinez lands a nice calf kick before the round ends. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nurmagomedov.
Round 3 – Martinez presses forward early, leading with leg kicks. Nurmagomedov ready with a spinning back fist. Martinez goes to the leg kick one too many times, and gets one caught. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown and takes guard. Martinez throws up a triangle armbar out of nowhere. It looks nasty! Somehow Nurmagomedov remains calm despite his arm being extended and gets free. Nurmagomedov doesn’t rest and scrambles to take the back. A rear-naked choke is in now. Martinez gets free and they return to the feet, but stay in the clinch. Martinez knees to the thighs, but the referee asks for more action. Martinez gets a nice punch in as Nurmagomedov turns. At the 10-second marker, they break free and just unload punches until the final horn. MMA Junkie scores the third 10-9 for Martinez, but the fight goes to Nurmagomedov 29-28.
Result: Jonathan Martinez def. Said Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Jonathan Martinez def. Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Jonathan Martinez (18-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC), Said Nurmagomedov (17-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28), Adalaide Byrd (29-28), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28)
Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann
Round 1 – They touch gloves and Spann opens with a hard two-punch combo just as Krylov kicks to the body. Another heated exchange results in a clinch. Spann rolls over the top of the takedown attempt, but Krylov grabs a single leg to prevent the back take. The scramble for position continues, and Spann slaps on a D’arce choke. Krylov eventually works free from the danger. Spann gets his back taken now. Spann stands up, but Krylov gets him back to the mat. Krylov slaps on a guillotine choke, but Spann gets free and scrambles out the back side. They continue to roll around, scrambling for positioning. Krylov takes the back, gets too high, and slides off the top. Spann takes guard, but Krylov is ready with a triangle choke. He gets in locked in. Spann is stuck and he taps out! What a wild first round, and an impressive finish for Krylov.
Result: Nikita Krylov def. Ryan Spann via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:38
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 results: Nikita Krylov traps Ryan Spann for triangle submission
Photos: Nikita Krylov def. Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Nikita Krylov (30-9 MMA, 11-7 UFC), Ryan Spann (21-8 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Eric Colon, Sal D’Amato, Junichiro Kamijo
Alexandr Romanov vs. Alexander Volkov
Round 1 – The big boys touch gloves and Volkov stalks forward. Romanov changes levels and begins working for a takedown. Romanov is on a single leg and pulls Volkov away from the cage. Volkov is warned for grabbing the fence, but the fight continues and they separate. Volkov presses ahead and lands a few sharp punches. Romanov dips down for the takedown, but is easily stuffed. Volkov takes the back and starts raining down punches. The referee calls for Romanov to move and he does just as he steps in. Volkov ensures the position is secured, and rains down more punches. The referee warns again, but this time Romanov gets flattened out and doesn’t move. This one is over!
Result: Alexander Volkov def. Alexandr Romanov via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:16
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 results: Alexander Volkov pounds out Alexandr Romanov for TKO
Photos: Alexander Volkov def. Alexandr Romanov at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Alexandr Romanov (16-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Alexander Volkov (36-10 MMA, 10-4 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell, Eric Colon, Sal D’Amato
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Round 1 – No glove touch here, and Yan presses forward early. Dvalishvili shoots for a takedown, getting Yan down to his knees, but is unable to keep him there. A moment later, Dvalishvili shoots in again, this time Yan defends it better. Dvalishvili kicks to the legs and goes up high with a head kick. Yan is warned by the referee to watch his fingers. They continue, exchanging single strikes. Dvalishvili gets a takedown stuffed. Dvalishvili gets a single leg, lifts it high, but somehow Yan doesn’t go down. Dvalishvili lets it go and Yan gets back to working in space, where he lands nicely with a calf kick. Dvalishvili gets in on a front headlock. Yan lands a nice elbow on the exit. The referee pauses the fight a second time to warn Yan about his fingers. Yan shoots for a takedown but is reversed by Dvalishvili. Yan gets back to his feet, but Dvalishvili keeps the front headlock, where he lands a couple of knees to the body before the horn. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dvalishvili.
Round 2 – Dvalishvili opens with a leg kick. Yan presses ahead with punches, but Dvalishvili shoots for a takedown. Yan gets right back up. Dvalishvili lands a short elbow and they return to the middle. A shot attempt is brushed to the side by Yan. Dvalishvili keeps the pressure high, landing punches and calf kicks. Yan favors his right leg after a kick lands. Dvalishvili keeps moving forward behind a left hand. Yan answers with a nice left hand. Dvalishvili gets a solid double leg takedown in the center of the cage. Yan gets back to his feet quickly, though. Dvalishvili tries for another single leg, but Yan defends. A series of headkicks from Dvalishvili. Yan catches a kick attempt and uses it for a takedown. Dvalishvili works back up quickly and gets back to moving forward. Yan lands a hard combination, but again, it’s Dvalishvili with another takedown. Yan is back to his feet, and they return to the middle with seconds left. Dvalishvili attempts a throw, but Yan ends up on top before the horn. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dvalishvili.
Round 3 – Dvalishvili kicks to the body and Yan answers with a kick to the legs. They exchange punches and a Dvalishvili takedown is stopped. Dvalishvili charges forward with punches. Yan prevents another takedown. Dvalishvili kicks high again before changing levels. They clinch against the cage, but Yan is able to reverse position to force Dvalishvili to defend. He gives up on it and returns to the middle, but Dvalishvili is right back on a single leg. It’s stopped. Dvalishvili is back in again on the hips. Just a wild pace of takedown attempts here. Yan gets down, pops up, and separates. They get back to the middle and yes, Dvalishvili is there for another single leg. Yan defends it. Dvalishvili again with a single leg. Yan keeps it standing again. They exchange before the horn. Whew. MMA Junkie scores the third 10-9 for Dvalishvili.
Round 4 – Dvalishvili darts across with punches to start the round. They trade body kicks. Yan lands a nice left hand. Dvalishvili fires off a combination of punches. Yan throws a left and Dvalishvili dips under for the takedown. Yan gets down to a knee for a moment and gets up to push Dvalishvili against the cage. Back to the center now. Dvalishvili goes first with punches. Yan answers with a leg kick. Dvalishvili punches and kicks to the body. A calf kick soon follows. Another takedown threat from Dvalishvili, but Yan escapes. Dvalishvili gets a hold of another single leg, but Yan keeps it on the feet. Dvalishvili continues to punch. Yan answers with a left. Dvalishvili charges forward again. Yan kicks to the calf and Dvalishvili gets on the hips again, leading to a front headlock. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dvalishvili.
Round 5 – Dvalishvili kicks the calf to start. Yan shoots in this time, but Dvalishvili gets the headlock. They get back to the center and exchange strikes. Yan’s right eye is badly swollen at this point. Dvalishvili attempts another takedown. He gets Yan down for a second, but they pop right back up. Dvalishvili kicks the leg out, but Yan pops back up again. They separate for a moment, and Dvalishvili gets another double leg. Yan gets up quickly, but Dvalishvili still leans on him. Back in the center now, Yan looks for punches, but Dvalishvili steps just out of range. Yan gets in a hard body kick. Dvalishvili responds with, you guessed it, another takedown. Yan is back up just to get taken down again. Yan gets up and Dvalishvili gets back to landing punches just long enough to time his next takedown attempt. Yan defends, but another takedown is right behind it. Yan rolls through. They trade strikes in the final few seconds. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dvalishvili, giving him a clean sweep of 50-45.
Result: Merab Dvalishvili def. Petr Yan via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Recap: UFC Fight Night 221 results: Merab Dvalishvili shuts out Petr Yan with smothering cardio display
Photos: Merab Dvalishvili def. Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night 221: Best photos
Records: Petr Yan (16-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC), Merab Dvalishvili (16-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Mike Bell (50-45), Sal D’Amato (50-45), Junichiro Kamijo (50-45)
