UFC Fight Night 231 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided play-by-play throughout the event.
UFC Fight Night 231 took place at Ginasio Do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo. The event streamed on ESPN+.
In the main event, Brazil’s Jailton Almeida (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) took on two-time heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis (27-12 MMA, 18-10 UFC). In the co-feature, Gabriel Bonfim (15-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) met Nicolas Dalby (23-4-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC) at welterweight.
Check out the round-by-round coverage and official results below.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
Marc Diakiese vs. Kaue Fernandes
Round 1 – No glove touch to start, and they begin pawing out lead hands to find the range. They both look for kicks, but don’t find the target. Fernandes connect with a calf kick, then goes high with the next. Both step in at the same time looking to strike, resulting in a clinch. Fernandes gets Diakiese’s back against the fence. After wrestling for position for a moment, Diakiese hits a nice throw to take top position on the ground. Fernandes stays calm and nearly finds an omoplata, but he uses it to get back to his feet. They stay clinched for a moment, but return to the center and get back to striking. Fernandes with a hard calf kick. Diakiese looks for a spinning kick, but Fernandes steps in and clinches before the contact. They scramble for position, and Diakiese ends up on top on the mat. Diakiese focuses on maintaining control while landing a few punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Diakiese.
Round 2 – Fernandes starts off working a left jab and finds home for a calf kick. Diakiese misses with a big left hand. Fernandes lands a hard kick to the body. Diakiese loads up on another left and misses. A moment later, Diakiese offers another left, but follows up with a well-timed takedown attempt. However, Fernandes keeps his feet under him, and they battle for position against the cage. They separate with just over three minutes to go. Fernandes lands another kick to the body. Diakiese connects with the left hand this time. Fernandes digs in with another calf kick that gets a reaction from Diakiese. Another takedown attempt from Diakiese and he gets the fight to the mat again. Solid control from the top for Diakiese as time ticks away, but is unable to land punches on Fernandes who keeps his arms controlled well.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Diakiese.
Round 3 – Fernandes lands a few kicks to the calf to start the final round. Diakiese fakes the takedown and comes up over the top with a big left hand that stumbles Fernandes. Diakiese looks for the takedown as Fernandes gets back to his feet, but it’s not there. A solid right hand from Diakiese connects. Diakiese closes the distance and gets a body lock trip takedown. Back to top control with three minutes to go. Fernandes slaps with short punches from his back as Diakiese does just enough with punches to the body and works his arms around the defense of Fernandes to keep the referee from standing the fight up. Diakiese steps over to half guard, but Fernandes gets back to guard. Diakiese looks for short punches from the top. Fernandes gets back to his feet with just a few seconds remaining, and they trade punches one last time before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Marc Diakiese def. Kaue Fernandes via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Photos: Marc Diakiese def. Kaue Fernandes at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Diakiese (17-7 MMA, 8-7 UFC), Fernandes (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Fabio Alves (29-28 Diakiese), Hallison Pontes (30-27 Diakiese), Dave Tirelli (28-29 Fernandes)
Montserrat Conejo vs. Eduarda Moura
Round 1 – Conejo looks to land a few punches to start but is out of the range of Moura, who gets a takedown and secures top position. Conejo tries to lock up the arms to prevent strikes, but Moura works her limbs free and begins landing short punches and elbows. A cut is opened over the right eye of Conejo. Moura gets to full mount and begins landing harder strikes, but Conejo quickly tries to scramble to a better position. She gets to half guard and ties up Moura’s arms, but once again Moura gets back to punching after stepping over to side control. Conejo turns and nearly gives up her back. She turns again and nearly gets mounted again. Conejo keeps moving and finds space to get back to her feet momentarily, but Moura gets the fight back to the mat, and continues to land punches until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Moura.
Round 2 – Conejo comes out punching, but Moura unloads punches of her own, and connects with more power. Conejo has a kick caught, and Moura takes the fight back to the ground. Punching from guard, the referee steps in closer. Moura keeps pouring on the offense as Conejo attempts slow down the attack. Moura transitions to full mount and rains down more punches. The referee is right there and stops the fight for the TKO finish.
Result: Eduarda Moura def. Montserrat Conejo via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:14
Recap: UFC Fight Night 231 video: Eduarda Moura batters Montserrat Conejo for TKO after big weight miss
Photos: Eduarda Moura def. Montserrat Conejo at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Conejo (10-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Moura (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Joao Claudio Soares
Denise Gomes vs. Angela Hill
Round 1 – Gomes opens with a leg kick followed by a high kick. Hill pushes Gomes off balance and follows her to the ground. Gomes quickly gets back to her feet, and they wrestle against the cage. Hill gets Gomes back to the ground, and takes the back. Gomes escapes and gets the fight back to standing. Hill lands a nice front kick to the body. Hill steps in for a clinch, but Gomes gets a trip takedown. They get back to their feet quickly and let punches fly in an intense exchange. Hill takes control, pushing Gomes against the fence. She gets a couple of nice knees to the body in, and lands a punch on the exit. Gomes lands a kick to the body, Hill lands an overhand right. Gomes lands a solid right hand and then gets a trip takedown. Hill tries to scramble, but Gomes finds an armbar threat. Hill keeps her arm secured, prompting Gomes to punch to the head. Hill explodes to escape and takes top position, where she lands a few short strikes before they stand right at the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gomes.
Round 2 – They trade punches to start the round. Hill looks for a clinch, but Gomes brushes it away. Gomes connects with a pair of kicks in the next exchange. Hill responds with a nice combination of punches. Gomes stalks forward and just misses with a big right hand. They continue to trade, and Gomes lands a nice uppercut. Hill forces a clinch against the cage. Gomes gets free and they return to the middle. Hill goes for a spinning backfist that is partially blocked. Hill shoots for a takedown and nearly gets caught in a guillotine. She escapes the submission, but keeps the clinch for a moment. Back in the middle, they exchange punches and kicks. Both fighters land, but Gomes begins to build momentum as she charges forward. Hill gets a Thai clinch and lands a knee to the body. Gomes gets free, but finds herself in another clinch from Hill, and nearly gets taken down. The round ends in the clinch.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hill.
Round 3 – Gomes comes out on fire, blitching with a flurry of punches. Hill defends well and then answers with a nice flurry of her own. Hill then gets a body lock and takes the fight to the ground. Hill has top back side control, and lands a few punches to the head as Gomes gets back to her feet. Hill doesn’t give up on the clinch though, and gets Gomes back to the mat. Hill gets in a couple more short strikes as Gomes rises back to her feet again. Sticking with the body control, Hill keeps Gomes against the cage and lands a few knees. Hill lands a nice right elbow on the exit. Gomes charges forward with punches, but can’t find the target. Hill gets a single leg and we’re back to the ground again, this time in the center of the cage. Hill works from half guard and lands strikes before taking Gomes’ back. Hill has Gomes flattened out, but can’t get her arms free to land strikes. Gomes scrambles to her feet with 15 seconds left. Hill offers a few jumping kicks to keep Gomes away before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hill, giving her the fight 29-28.
Result: Angela Hill def. Denise Gomes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Angela Hill def. Denise Gomes at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Gomes (8-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Hill (16-13 MMA, 11-13 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Portella
Judging: Sal D’Amato (30-27), Dave Tirelli (29-28), Alessandro Vieira (29-28)
Modestas Bukauskas vs. Vitor Petrino
Round 1 – They touch gloves and begin figuring out the range. Bukauskas fires off a calf kick to start. A harder kick to the body follows. Bukauskas kicks to the head, then the calf, just out of range for both. Petrino fires off a high kick of his own that is partially blocked. Petrino offers a left jab, then another high kick. Petrino goes to the body with a front kick. Another high kick from Petrino is blocked. Petrino then darts forward with a left jab and then shoots for a takedown. Bukauskas stops the initial attempt, but Petrino adjusts, and lifts Bukauskas high for a big slam to the canvas. Petrino works from top position, but the referee calls for action as Bukauskas does well to prevent transitions and strikes.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Petrino.
Round 2 – The round begins, but is paused as Bukauskas’ corner forgets to give their fighter his mouthpiece. Back to action, Bukauskas lands a left hook. Out of nowhere, Petrino unleashes a powerful left hook that completely flattens Bukauskas. The referee immediately rushes in to prevent any more follow-up punches. Wow, what a finish for Petrino!
Result: Vitor Petrino def. Modestas Bukauskas via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 1:03
Recap: UFC Sao Paulo video: Vitor Petrino one-hit quits Modestas Bukauskas for brutal KO win
Photos: Vitor Petrino def. Modestas Bukauskas at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Bukauskas (15-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC), Petrino (10-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Round 1 – They touch gloves and Fakhretdinov quickly stars with a combination of a kick and a punch. He doesn’t give Zaleski dos Santos much room to counter. Fakhretdinov sits Zaleski dos Santos down with a hard punch and swarms to take top position. Zaleski dos Santos is on survival mode, trying to grab a hold of Fakhretdinov. Zaleski dos Santos weathers the storm and attempts to get back up, but Fakhretdinov tries to take the back against the fence. Fakhretdinov slaps on a choke from the side, but it’s not there. Zaleski dos Santos gets back to his feet after eating a couple of hard knees to the legs on the way up. Back on the feet, Fakhretdinov keeps the pressure high with big punches. Zaleski dos Santos misses with a couple of big overhand rights of his own. They start swinging, but neither fighter connects. Zaleski dos Santos misses with a spinning kick seconds before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fakhretdinov.
Round 2 – Fakhretdinov opens up the second round with a combination and a takedown attempt. Zaleski dos Santos keeps it standing and fires back with a punch. Fakhretdinov lands an inside leg kick, but misses the big overhand right behind it. They smile at each other after both miss with big punches. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Zaleski dos Santos knocks Fakhretdinov off balance with a well-timed leg kick. Fakhretdinov kicks to the body. A moment later, he charges forward with a punching combo. A nice inside leg kick followed by a pair of punches that land for Zaleski dos Santos. They trade punches on the feet, but Fakhretdinov shoots in and completes a takedown with 90 seconds to go. Zaleski dos Santos works back to his feet, but Fakhretdinov is still attached to his hips. Eventually, they separate and return to the center for the final seconds of the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fakhretdinov.
Round 3 – They hug to begin the final round. Zaleski dos Santos starts with a leg kick, and Fakhretdinov responds with punches. The action quickly ramps up as they trade punches and kicks. A takedown attempt by Fakhretdinov is defended well. They exchange punches again, and Fakhretdinov once again is denied a takedown. Fakhretdinov keeps the pressure high, offering punches before looking for another takedown. He’s unable to get it again, and now Zaleski dos Santos begins to unload strikes. Fakhretdinov resets before getting right back into range trade. Zaleski dos Santos connects with kicks to the body, but Fakhretdinov keeps coming forward. Two minutes to go now, and Fakhretdinov swings with a big right hand. Another kick to the body for Zaleski dos Santos. Fakhretdinov keeps coming forward, though. Another kick to the body from Zaleski dos Santos really hurts this time. Fakhretdinov backs away in clear pain as he holds his midsection. Zaleski dos Santos swarms with punches. Fakhretdinov covers up on the ground and gives up his back. The finish seems near! Zaleski dos Santos locks on a rear naked choke, and it’s deep. Fakhretdinov gets out, and back to his feet. They trade a few more punches until the horn. Wow, what an ending.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Zaleski dos Santos, seeing the fight a draw at 28-28.
Result: Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos ruled a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Photos: Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos’ majority draw at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Fakhretdinov (22-2-1 MMA, 3-0-1 UFC), Zaleski dos Santos (24-7-1 MMA, 10-3-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Portella
Judging: Fabio Alves (29-28 Zaleski dos Santos), Hallison Pontes (28-28), Sal D’Amato (28-28)
Armen Petrosyan vs. Rodolfo Vieira
Result: Minutes before walkout, UFC Sao Paulo loses third bout in less than 36 hours
Records: Petrosyan (8-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Vieira (9-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Elves Brener vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky
Round 1 – They touch gloves and begin sizing each other up. Kruschewsky goes first with a left jab and Brener responds with an inside leg kick. Brener then goes to an outside leg kick. Kruschewsky looks for a left hand but it met with a kick and a right hook from Brener. Kruschewsky lands a nice left as he stalks forward. They exchange hard punches in the center of the cage, with Brener ending the sequence with a leg kick. Kruschewsky misses with a front kick, but Brener lands a nice left hand. A few moments later, Brener connects with a pair of kicks. Kruschewsky counters with a punch as Brener jumps for a kick. Brener charges forward with a right hand, and puts a powerful overhand left behind it. That one connects flush and instantly sleeps Kruschewsky! He’s out cold face-down on the canvas! WOW!
Result: Elves Brener def. Kaynan Kruschewsky via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 4:01
Recap: UFC Fight Night 231 video: Elves Brener faceplant KOs short-notice opponent, calls for top-15 fight
Photos: Elves Brener def. Kaynan Kruschewsky at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Brener (16-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Kruschewsky (15-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: 165-pound contract weight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Osiris Maia
Caio Borralho vs. Abus Magomedov
Round 1 – The middleweights touch gloves and get to finding the range. Borralho kicks to the inside leg, and Magomedov responds by looking for a left hand. Borralho goes for a head kick, but it’s blocked. Both are light on their feet as they bounce around the cage. Magomedov controls the center of the cage. Borralho offers a pair of outside leg kicks. A big right hand from Magomedov just misses the target as Borralho evades. Magomedov darts in with a punch and Borralho looks for a short elbow to counter. Magomedov kicks to the body. Borralho shoots for a takedown and easily gets stuffed. Magomedov misses with a big kick aimed at Borralho’s head as he tried to get back to his feet. A quick two-punch combo is fired off by Borralho, and Magomedov pokes the eyes as he comes in. The doctor is brought in to check on Borralho. After just over a minute, the fight resumes. Magomedov looks for a big head kick but misses, and with short time on the clock, the round ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Magomedov.
Round 2 – Borralho looks for a body kick to start. Magomedov defends and takes control of the center. He presses forward with a combo of punches against the fence. Borralho lands a nice right hand. They circle around the cage, and Borralho finds a home for another right hand. Borralho complains to the referee about another eye poke, but the fight continues on. Magomedov continues to press forward, threatening with feints. Borralho punches to the body. An overhand right from Magomedov connects, but is partially blocked. Both offer single strikes at a time in the center, neither landing fully. Magomedov misses with a spinning backfist. Borralho jumps with a knee to the body, followed by a nice punch.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Borralho.
Round 3 – They hug it out in the center of the cage to start the final round. Magomedov kicks to the body before they nearly clash heads as they both dart forward at the same time. Borralho jabs with the right and goes high with a left kick. Borralho feints a takedown and then offers a kick to the body. A head kick from Magomedov is blocked. Borralho lands a right. Borralho continues to work behind the right jab. A nice elbow from Borralho connects and Magomedov backs away. Borrahlo closes the distance to follow up. A jumping knee lands. Magomedov falls to the canvas. Borralho takes top position with just over two minutes to go. Magomedov attempts to stand, but Borralho gets a hook in and takes his back. He threatens a choke while working to secure a body triangle, but the finish isn’t there before the horn sounds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Borralho, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Caio Borralho def. Abus Magomedov via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Caio Borralho def. Abus Magomedov at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Borralho (15-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC), Magomedov (25-6-1 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Sal D’Amato (29-28), Dave Tirelli (29-28), Fabio Alves (30-27)
Don'Tale Mayes vs. Rodrigo Nascimento
Round 1 – No glove touch in this one. Mayes goes for a leg kick and Nascimento counters with a hard right hand. They exchange punches with Nascimento getting the better of Mayes as he covers up against the fence. Mayes circles away to reset. Mayes lands a nice jab, but Nascimento moves forward with a combination. Nascimento tries to get a Thai clinch, just missing with a knee as Mayes backs out. A step-in elbow from Mayes just misses the target. They trade more punches, with Nascimento getting the better of it again. Nascimento lands nicely with an uppercut in the clinch. They separate, but Nascimento stays in close, and lands more clean punches. Mayes looks to be in some trouble, and is now bleeding from his nose. Nascimento pours on the pressure with more punches. Mayes is able to weather the storm and stop a takedown attempt. Mayes lands a right hook to the body. They trade again, and Mayes connects with another punch before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nascimento.
Round 2 – The round begins with an exchange of punches as Nascimento presses forward. Nascimento connects with a head kick, prompting another intense exchange along the fence. Nascimento changes things up with a takedown attempt, but Mayes keeps the fight on the feet, and they stay clenched against the cage. Nascimento lands a nice short elbow as he keeps Mayes’ back on the fence. They return to the middle, and the pace begins to slow down. Nascimento continues to fire first as Mayes looks to counter. Fans break out lights on their cell phones to keep themselves entertained while the pace of the fight continues to slow down.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nascimento.
Round 3 – They touch gloves to start the final round. Mayes kicks to the body and misses with an overhand right. Nascimento charges ahead with a double left jab, but misses with the right. Nascimento looks for the clinch, but Mayes backs out. Mayes attempts to counter with a left as Nascimento darts in with a punch. A head kick from Nascimento is quick, but doesn’t connect. Fans begin showing more displeasure with the slow pace of the round. Nascimento lands a solid punch on the exit of a clinch. Mayes looks for a takedown, but Nascimento easily stuffs it. With 90 seconds to go, Nascimento evades looping punches from Mayes. Fans boo more as the time ticks away. Mayes charges ahead with punches, landing a solid left hand. With 30 seconds, they trade punches in close before a clinch. A spinning attack from Mayes misses, and the final horn sounds.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nascimento, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Rodrigo Nascimento def. Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Rodrigo Nascimento def. Don’Tale Mayes at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Mayes (10-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC), Nascimento (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Osiris Maia
Judging: Hallison Pontes (30-27), Fabio Alves (29-28), Dave Tirelli (29-28)
Gabriel Bonfim vs. Nicolas Dalby
Round 1 – They meet in the middle and immediately begin trading punches. The action is fast early. Bonfim gets the better of the initial exchanges. They reset, and Bonfim charges forward with another combo. Dalby changes it up with a takedown attempt, but it’s not there as Bonfim defends it well. Dalby keeps pressing forward with offense. Bonfim circles on the outside and waits for his moment. He then unleashes a fast combination. Dalby fires back with a combination ending in a head kick. Dalby kicks again, but Bonfim steps in for the body lock and gets the takedown. Landing in half guard, Bonfim looks to pass to side control. Bonfim looks to isolate an arm while staying heavy on top. He then takes full mount, and quickly back to side control. Now Bonfim starts raining down elbows and then hammerfists before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bonfim.
Round 2 – Dalby comes out pressing the action early with combinations. Bonfim defends, and changes levels for a very nice takedown. Dalby nearly gets back to his feet, but Bonfim adjusts and gets him back to the ground. A Von Flue choke is nearly locked in for Bonfim, but Dalby gets his arm out of the bad position. Dalby scrambles to his knees, but Bonfim floats and threatens a D’Arce choke. Dalby scrambles again, this time successfully getting back to his feet while keeping a body lock. They separate on the feet and trade heavy punches. Dalby clinches again. Bonfim looks for the takedown, but Dalby stops it this time. Dalby begins to unload punches. Bonfim seems to be folding from the pressure. Dalby keeps unloading punches and knees. Another takedown stopped by Dalby. Bonfim is in trouble against the cage. Dalby with more clean punches. A knee lands and Bonfim goes down! Dalby follows up with punches and the ref stops it! What a finish for Dalby!
Result: Nicolas Dalby def. Gabriel Bonfim via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:33
Recap: UFC Fight Night 231 video: Nicolas Dalby upsets unbeaten Gabriel Bonfim with violent flurry
Photos: Nicolas Dalby def. Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Bonfim (15-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Dalby (23-4-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Jailton Almeida vs. Derrick Lewis
Round 1 – They touch gloves in the center and get to the action with Almeida offering a front kick. Almeida then goes for a head kick, changes levels, and charges through to get the takedown. Almeida takes full mount. Lewis gives up his back, and as he turns, Almeida locks in an arm triangle. Lewis stays calm and gets out of the submission, but Almeida takes full mount again. Almeida lands a couple of punches before Lewis turns and gives up the back again. Lewis scrambles and nearly gets to his feet, but Almeida grabs a single leg and takes the fight back to the ground, ending up in full mount again. Almeida isolates an arm, and opts to look for another arm triangle. The attempt appeared tight, but Lewis slipped out. Back in full mount, Almeida lands a big punch and a couple of short elbows.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Almeida.
Round 2 – Lewis feints a couple of uppercuts to start and offers a jumping switch kick. Almeida feints a takedown, with Lewis feinting another uppercut. A couple of seconds later, Almeida shoots and easily gets the takedown. He takes Lewis’ back, and nearly has another arm triangle as Lewis turns to get his back on the canvas. Almeida takes full mount and looks for punches. Lewis tries to scramble out of the position, but Almeida ends up on his back looking for a rear-naked choke. Lewis stays calm and prevents the submission. Almeida adjusts and tries the choke with the other arm, but can’t still can’t lock it in. Almeida gets frustrated with Lewis controlling his wrist, and begins punching to the body and head until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Almeida.
Round 3 – They touch gloves to start the third, and Lewis explodes with punches and a jumping kick. Almeida changes levels for the takedown but doesn’t get it. Lewis unloads heavy punches to the body. Almeida adjusts and then gets Lewis down and fully mounted. The referee calls for action while Almeida sits in full mount. Almeida lands a solid elbow and a few punches. Almeida gets too high and Lewis slips out the back. Almeida stays on the mat and Lewis rushes in with punches. Almeida tries to sweep Lewis and gets it, ending up in full mount again. After another call for action, Almeida lands an elbow. Hammerfists prompt Lewis to turn to give up his back. Almeida keeps punching as Lewis attempts to escape. In side control now, Almeida starts unloading punches. Lewis gets to his feet while eating punches before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Almeida.
Round 4 – They touch gloves again to start the fourth. Almeida opens with a pair of kicks. Almeida shoots for a takedown and Lewis connects with an uppercut on the way in. Regardless, Almeida completes the takedown and takes full mount again. Lewis attempts to scramble, but Almeida floats over to side control. Almeida ends up in full mount again momentarily, but Lewis scrambles and gives up his back. Almeida attempts a choke, but can’t lock it in. Lewis gets his back to half guard, but Almeida takes full mount. Back to side control and Almeida begins punching as Lewis attempts to stand up.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Almeida.
Round 5 – They touch gloves and hug before the final round. Lewis looks for a big uppercut. Almeida changes levels for the takedown, but Lewis keeps his feet under him and lands a few nice elbows to the side of the head. Almeida doesn’t give up on the takedown though. Lewis keeps himself upright for the next few seconds, but on the third try, Almeida gets the fight to the ground and takes full mount. Almeida holds the position, prompting the referee to call for action. Not much action follows, but Almeida maintains full mount. Two minutes to go, and the referee calls for more action. Almeida steps off to side control. Almeida throws a couple of punches to the body. Lewis scrambles to his feet with a minute to go, but Almeida quickly dumps him back to the ground. Time ticks away. Lewis stands up with five seconds to go, but Almeida drags him back down once more before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Almeida, giving him the fight 50-44.
Result: Jailton Almeida def. Derrick Lewis via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-45)
Recap: UFC Fight Night 231 results: Jailton Almeida top-controls Derrick Lewis for 21 of 25 minutes
Photos: Jailton Almeida def. Derrick Lewis at UFC Fight Night 231: Best photos
Records: Almeida (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC), Lewis (27-12 MMA, 18-10 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Fabio Alves (50-44), Sal D’Amato (50-44), Dave Tirelli (50-45)
