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UFC 213 ‘Romero vs. Whittaker’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring


Sherdog.com's live coverage of UFC 213 “Nunes vs. Shevchenko 2” kicks off Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and predictions below.

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James Bochnovic vs. Trevin Giles

Round 1

Bochnovic takes the Octagon's center, pumping his jab, while Giles circles the outside leg kicking. Bochnovic returns fire with the leggs, landing two hard left body kicks to the ribs. Giles clinches with a rushing Bochnovic and gets over-unders, then trips his foe to the mat. Bochnovic has active hips from full guard, looking for armbars, but eats some heavy rights hands and Giles passes into side control. Bochnovic scrambles to his knees and turtles and Giles starts laying in heavy shots, riding him and rifling him with right hands, then sucking him back to the canvas flat, into side once more. Bochnovic gets up again, then gets belly-to-back suplexed right back to the mat. Giles keeps punching and elbowing away, standing in Bochnovic's guard until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Giles
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Giles
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Giles

Round 2

The right side of Bochnovic's face is significantly reddened and Giles attacks with hard hooks, then cracks him with a body shot that prompts a lazy double attempt. Giles forces him to turtle again, then cradles him over into side control again. He moves to north-south position on a fatiguing Bochnovic and looks for a north-south choke, but can't find it. Bochnovic goes belly-down and eats punches, gets to his knees and absorbs knees to the ribs. He manages to stand, but “The Problem” suplexes him again. Bochnovic is surviving but that's it. He concedes back mount and Giles dings him to both ears, cuffing him with both hands. Bochnovic turns over and gives up full mount, then eats a crushing series of left hands that remove him from consciousness, prompting referee Mark Smith to intervene.

The Official Result

Trevin Giles def. James Bochnovic via TKO (Punches) R1 2:54

Cody Stamann vs. Terrion Ware

Round 1

Casual forward movement from Ware, slowly creeping toward Stamann. Stamann lands a lead, countering left hand on Ware and backs him up. Moments later, after a rush of punches, Stamann ducks under and scoops Ware off his feet, slamming him to the mat. Stamann lands some brief ground-and-pound, but Ware kicks him away, pops up and lands a hook on the exit. Ware presses, landing a right and shooting in, but is stuffed and sucked into a clinch. Ware lands a knee to the cup and referee Marc Goddard steps in to give Stamann his break. Fortunately, Stamann doesn't need much time, Ware gets only a casual admonishment for the accidental blow and we're off again. Ware keeps coming forward, Stamann lands a jab-lead hook, but Ware responds with a lead left on his own. Ware closes in on “The Spartan,” who lands another lead hook, shoots and puts him on the mat. Stamann looking for and landing elbows from full guard. Ware tries to kick Stamann away with butterfly hooks, but Stamann swings a right hand at him that forces “Flash” back to his back. Left hands land for Stamann before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Stamann
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Stamann
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Stamann

Round 2

Ware keeps pressuring Stamann, who lands a nifty left hook-clinch knee, then buys another takedown. Ware is able to scramble up quickly and avoid much damage, then lands a hard right of his own. More open punching exchanges now, but Stamann using a better jab and his head movement to set up two-punch bursts. “Flash” is still the one coming forward, but Stamann landing the better shots, then the Michigan native gets another takedown, plopping Ware on the mat. Stamann stands in guard again, allowing Ware to kick him away with butterfly hooks and stand. Stamann shoots a quick single but gets denied and Ware dings him with a right. Ware charges in at him again, but Stamann lands a left hook and then runs his man to the mat again with less than a minute to go. Flurries of left hands and hammerfists from Stamann to close the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Stamann
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Stamann
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Stamann

Round 3

Ware swinging as he keeps pressing forward, but Stamann's jab and counter jab are landing. “The Spartan” times Ware with another knee as he keeping stalking, likely knowing he needs a finish. Body kick by Stamann is caught and Ware lands a clean right. Stamann appears more fatigued, but continues to economically pick his shots and land better shots. He circles away from Ware, then launches into an overhand right that lands. Ware won't stop coming forward, though, so Stamann is forced to shoot another double which is successful. Stamann sets up in half guard with half of the round to go. Easy pass into full mount for Stamann, who lands short punches while briefly angling for an arm-triangle choke. Ware shrimps away and gets half guard back, but with just over 30 seconds to go, Stamann smashes him with a bevy of lefts, prompting action from Ware. He slides up the fence, but Stamann remains glued to him in the clinch. When the two hear the 10-second clapper, they wing away with both hands, Stamann landing with wild hooks, then landing another double and smashing on Ware's head until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Stamann (30-27 Stamann)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Stamann (30-27 Stamann)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Stamann (30-27 Stamann)

The Official Result

Cody Stamann def. Terrion Ware via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Jordan Mein vs. Belal Muhammad

Round 1

Muhammad is the aggressor from the outset, lobbing hooks at Mein. They both settle into the center of the cage, tightening the pocket and looking to exchange. Muhammad lands a hard, lunging right, but Mein quickly sweeps him to the mat, though he lets his foe stand. Both welterweights exchanging leg kicks as Mein takes the lead now. Mein depositing quality lead leg kicks now, but Muhammad snaps his head back with a clean jab. Nice right-hand feint from Muhammad, but his double-leg attempt behind it is sloppy and easily stopped by Mein. Muhammad really pumping the jab, working body kicks in around it, but Mein stays steady with the leg kicks. Muhammad kicks to the body, but Mein expertly catches it, then smashes his plant leg with a low kick. Muhammad runs Mein into the cage, clutching his waist. Muhammad explodes with a spinning back elbow that Mein partially blocks, then gets an over-under clinch around the neck and lands knees to the body in tight. Two hard elbows from Muhammad.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mein
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Muhammad
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mein

Round 2

Muhammad is more aggressive starting the second stanza, pressing with his jab, forcing “Young Gun” to the fence and drilling him with knees to the body. Mein has a vertical cut on the inside edge of his left eyebrow, but it's not flowing too badly, at least not yet. Muhammad cinches his hands and dumps the Canadian to the canvas, but Mein is right back up once more and moves to distance. Both welterweights standing in a close pocket, exchange body and leg kicks. Muhammad turning up his punch output, stunning Mein with two hard jabs, then Mein responds with a right hook to the body. “Remember the Name” is alternating his lead hand now, switching from left jab to lead hook and landing consistently on a less active Mein. With less than two minutes left in the round, Mein shoots and is denied. Feint and a shot from Muhammad, but Mein denies him leading to a clinch along the cage. Foot stomps and re-shots from Muhammad, but he can't get Mein down. Muhammad adjusts his hands, locks them and finally dumps Mein with 35 seconds to go and he actually keeps him down. Mein goes to butterfly guard, looking to elevate the top man off of him, but Muhammad passes into side control. Mein tries to regain guard but eats punches and elbows until the round expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Muhammad
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Muhammad
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Muhammad

Round 3

Muhammad feigns an interest in boxing, then shoots another double, but Mein is able to hit a switch to get off his knees. We're back to over-unders along the fence, with Muhammad staying busy, idly chipping away with short punches and knees to the body. It's not pretty, but Muhammad's clinches along the cage have taken Mein's gas away and slowed him. From the clinch, Mein locks up a kimura and tries to roll on it, but Muhammad escapes and actually gains position, forcing Mein to his back momentarily. “Young Gun” tries to slide up the fence, but Muhammad pulls him back down and sinks in both hooks from the turtle position, taking the Canadian's back, then sinking a body triangle. Muhammad smothers Mein with his left arm, trying for the rear-naked choke. Punches to the ribs for Muhammad as Mein just tries to fight his choking hand, now purely defensive. Mein bucks to his knees, eating punches, but finally frees himself and stands up with 80 seconds left in the fight. Muhammad controls him with a half nelson, kneeing Mein to the head and face. Muhammad pushes for another takedown, another kimura attempt from Mein, but it's half-hearted. In the scramble, Mein tackles Muhammad down, but Muhammad gets to his knees and clocks Mein in the head as he pushes for a pointless late takedown.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Muhammad (29-28 Muhammad)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Muhammad (30-27 Muhammad)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Muhammad (29-28 Muhammad)

The Official Result

Belal Muhammad def. Jordan Mein via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Thiago Santos

Round 1

Meerschaert cautiously closes the distance on Santos, trying to time a takedown with no interest in striking. Santos unloads a heavy low cut kick, but Meerschaert absorbs it and briefly tackles him to the mat, but Santos shrimps back to the fence and stands. Meerschaert goes body-to-body again with a clinch, easily getting double unders and tripping the Brazilian. Santos quickly slides up the fence, but the American flurries on him with short lefts, then a right elbow. Meerschaert reshoots but he's far too close and Santos easily sprawls and pushes his hips down. As they stand, in a heartbeat, Santos unloads a battery of punches that force Meerschaert to shoot then turtle. The Wisconsonite goes to southpaw when they stand. Perhaps the stance switch throws Santos off, as the Brazilian accidentally pokes a charging Meerschaert in the eye and referee Marc Goddard calls for a brief break in the action. Santos is also bleeding from a horizontal cut low on his right hairline, but the blood isn't streaming into his eyes. Meerschaert eats a charging left cross, then a body kick and Santos sprawls on a double. Meerschaert tries a body kick while standing and eats another left. “Marreta” now goes southpaw and glances with a jumping roundhouse, then makes clean contact with a left cross. Another punch rush for Santos lands and puts Meerschaert on his heels. The American isn't backing down, but he's eating heavy artillery as Santos picks his shots.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Santos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Santos
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Santos

Round 2

Santos remains southpaw and the minute Meerschaert gets close, he shoots. Sprawled on. Shoots again, sprawled on and “Marreta” starts playing Whack-a-Mole on his head with hammerfists. Heavy leather landing as the American rolls around, with Marc Goddard warning him to defend. He manages to get to half guard, then to turtle, but Santos is all over him with punches and hammerfists from different angles, audible thumps resounding with each strike. Meerschaert stands, shoots again, then just flops to his back. He turtles again and the Brazilian is just flailing him now. Meerschaert turns away and goes fetal, just covering his head while Santos keeps landing monkey punches all over his opponent. Marc Goddard shows mercy and rescues an exhausted and beaten Gerald Meerschaert.

The Official Result

Thiago Santos def. Gerald Meerschaert via TKO (Punches) R2 2:04

Brian Camozzi vs. Chad Laprise

Round 1

Active leg kicking from both welterweights to begin this contest. Laprise cracks his 6-foot-2 foe with a beautiful overhand right, but Camozzi gladly eats it and keeps pressuring. Camozzi is moving forward, but Laprise circling him deftly, landing inside leg kicks and countering with punch combos. Camozzi lands a right, Laprise dings him with a one-two. Another two-piece lands for the Canadian, who keeps circling, right then left then right again, looking for spots to drop in leg kicks and counter combinations. Another Chuck Liddell-esque overhand right lands for Laprise. Camozzi is undaunted and is still pressuring, but isn't getting anywhere offensively. Counter three-punch combo from Laprise, then a spinning back kick glances to punctuate it. Camozzi tries to respond with a body kick but gets dumped on the mat. Laprise sits in guard until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Laprise
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Laprise
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Laprise

Round 2

Camozzi throws one-two-leg kick, but Laprise defends all of it. Laprise patient through the first minute, really looking for clean counter shots now, but the spindly Camozzi dives into a lead knee that lands the chin. Left body kick from “The Mantis” is countered by a Laprise right hook. Clean pair of hooks for the Canadian follow. Laprise circling back and forth, crouching low and trying to burst into counters, but he's become more inactive, so Camozzi is landing more idle strikes from range now. Beautiful parry and a left hook by Laprise, but he eats a left kick to the body. Laprise continues parrying the rangy Camozzi's lead hand. Clean jab for Laprise, clean outside low kick for Camozzi. Overhand right from Laprise hits the bicep, then he whiffs on a spinning back kick. Clean jab, then he just strokes Camozzi with another right overhand at the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Laprise
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Camozzi
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Camozzi

Round 3

Duelling jabs from both men to start the last round. Camozzi remains more active, but when Laprise lands clean, it's darn clean. Laprise with a sharp one-two, the right hook driving into Camozzi's liver on the opposite side. It stumbles the Coloradan backwards and though Camozzi tries to act tough in the face of adversity, Laprise knows his man is hurt. The Canadian darts across the cage and knowing that Camozzi is hurt to the body, rips him with a left hook to the body. Laprise unloads with both hands, battering Camozzi to the canvas and activating referee Herb Dean. Beautiful stoppage set up by body shots by Chad Laprise.

The Official Result

Chad Laprise def. Brian Camozzi via TKO (Punches) R3 1:27

Travis Browne vs. Alexey Oleynik

Round 1

Browne circles the outside of the cage, touching Oleynik with kicks to the ribs but not fully committing. Oleynik keeps a high guard, winging right-handed heaters trying to close the distance. He touches Browne a bit, but “Hapa” keeps dropping the kicks into his body and legs. Oleynik gets to the clinch, but Browne moves to the collar tie and rips him with knees. They separate and the Hawaiian stumbles Oleynik with a right cross and dives on him. He drops the Russian to the mat, but Oleynik gets his wits about him fairly quickly and stands again, just dodging an insane right uppercut from Browne. It's the same template: Oleynik is stalking while Browne kicks, but finally, “The Boa Constrictor” turns into a striking animal, ripping Browne with an overhand right that drops him. Oleynik rushes on top, but Browne avoids major damage and stands back up into a clinch. They separate and a jab-overhand right rocks Browne. “Hapa” already looks tired, but he keeps kicking, then drills an advancing Oleynik with a lead knee to the ribs. Oleynik keeps on pressing, right into an easy double-leg takedown. Oleynik gets into side control, forces Browne to roll and turtle, then he takes the back. The 40-year-old stretches Browne out with both hooks, fighting for the rear-naked choke until the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Oleynik
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Oleynik
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Oleynik

Round 2

Jab to the gut and an overhand right from Oleynik, but his punching is labored now. Browne circling away, switching stances. He walks into a clinch, grabbing a collar tie and landing a clean knee. Left head kick by Browne clatters through Oleynik's guard, but he barely dodges the Russian's follow-up attack. Another collar tie, more knees from “Hapa,” but Oleynik keeps dropping right hands to the ribs. From over-unders, Oleynik looks for a harai goshi, but Browne blocks it, grabs double unders and slams him to the canvas. Browne sets up in Oleynik's full guard, punching away and eventually passing to side control. Browne can't get much going from side, Oleynik scrambles up and completes a counter takedown of his own. The Russian instantly moves into turtle position, taking Browne's back with both hooks once more. “The Boa Constrictor,” true to form, doesn't even need to fully sink his choking arm: Oleynik smothers Browne and crossfaces him ruggedly, prompting the tap.

The Official Result

Alexey Oleynik def. Travis Browne via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 3:44

Rob Font vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade

Round 1

Font pops his jab on Andrade, who is tightly coiled and seems keen to explode on the counter. Smart jabs and well-placed low kicks from Font until the Brazilian takes a swing, then Font shoots a double and dumps him on the mat. Andrade fights to walk up the cage, but Font sucks him back down and gets busy pounding away from half guard. Andrade slides up the fence and regains his feet, but eats an overhand right from Font. At the halfway point of the round, we're in the middle of the cage, Font working his jab from behind a high guard. Left hook-right hook-right knee lands beautifully for Font, but as he pushes his foe away from the clinch after the knee, his index finger goes into Andrade's left eye. Referee Mark Smith calls for a pause, but Andrade is good to resume quickly. Jumping head kick from Font shows some ambition, but Andrade blocks it. The Brazilian returns with a hard body shot, but seems unsure of how to pass Font's jab and head movement. Font runs into a clinch behind a volley of punches and punctuates it with clean knees. Next time Andrade rushes him, he grabs another collar tie and dings him with a knee on the exit. Font is not only more aggressive and active than Andrade now, he's touching the Brazilian with punches and stepping knees on nearly every exchange. With time ticking down, Andrade shoots and Font snatches a guillotine, squeezing it until the horn blows.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Font
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Font
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Font

Round 2

Andrade is the aggressor to start the middle frame, but as he throws winging rights and elbows, Font counters with clean jabs and right crosses, eyeing larger counters off the exchange. The Mark Dellagrotte prospect keeps the workrate up, even as Andrade comes on strong, countering the Brazilian's running hooks with clean straights, hooks and knees to the body. The pair clash stiff jabs and Andrade tries to push beyond with a wild uppercut, but Font tags him a clean right. Andrade won't stop attacking, but he also can't stop getting countered. This time, Font drills him with a right to stand him up, then a salvo of clinch knees and right hands along the fence. Incredibly, Andrade doesn't go down, regaining his feet and surviving. Font starts looking for a standing guillotine, adjusting his grip while Andrade works on a high-crotch lift. As Andrade elevates him, Font sinks his grip in even deeper and though he lands on the bottom in half guard from the slam, he's got deep arm position and his outside hip is high. We've got a Urijah Faber-style half guard guillotine and it's good for the submission win.

The Official Result

Rob Font def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 4:36

Jim Miller vs. Anthony Pettis

Round 1

Miller strikes first and hard, landing a left cross over a Pettis low kick, rocking the former UFC lightweight champ to his heels. Pettis advances and leaps into Miller's ribs with a knee, but it doesn't go further than that. Both men are southpaw less than 60 seconds into the bout. Head kick from Pettis is blocked, but he returns with a jab-right body kick from orthodox stance that lands clean. Inside low kick from Miller stumbles Pettis a bit, though “Showtime” mostly blocks it, then returns with a body kick. Pettis is the party moving forward, but he's pensive and upright, gently feinting, trying to make Miller expose himself. Another right head kick from Pettis is partially blocked, but a lancing right hand puts Miller back to the cage. Pettis unloads with both hands, trying to sneak straights and hooks around the New Jersey native's guard. Less than two minutes to go, but Pettis is starting to land and land hard. Two more clean right body kicks land on a retreating Miller, then Miller walks into a spinning back fist, eating Pettis' elbow stepping in. Pettis shuffling forward, hands down, playing with his shorts and taunting Miller a bit. Right-hand counter registers for Pettis, but Miller does return fire a right hook downstairs, then to the chin. It's Miller who closes the round on a high note, clocking Pettis with an overhand left.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pettis

Round 2

Miller is chasing Pettis, who naturally, is all to happy to counter. Pettis keeps his kicking output up, and cracks Miller with a nice right roundhouse kick to the forehead that appears to slash Miller open. Next time “Showtime” kicks low, Miller catches it and kicks his plant leg out, landing on top and looking to pound. Miller is definitely bleeding heavy from the forehead cut though, keeping his head down as he ground-and-pounds Pettis, pouring blood onto his chest. When Miller looks to stand and swing down on Pettis, Pettis scrambles to his knees, but Miller is all over him, taking his back. Unfortunately for Miller, Pettis' torso is lathered and lubricated in his own blood, allowing him to spin into top control with just over two minutes to go in the round. Pettis dilligently pounds away and when Miller looks for a triangle attempt, he passes underneath and goes to side control. Miller gets sick of playing bottom and tries to explode up, but nearly gives his back up in the process. Miller stands, but before the horn, the Milwaukee native smoothly hooks his inside leg from the clinch and reaps him down to the mat

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pettis

Round 3

Patient aggression from Pettis in the final round, slowly shuffling toward Miller, using his jab defensively and his right body kick to do damage. Left hook-right head kick-right hook touches Miller, then a moment later, another clean right head kick. Miller throws a one-two-low kick but Pettis thwarts the punch with a counter jab, then a right body kick. “Showtime” runs Miller into the fence, looking for a half-hearted double, but mostly looking to slow the fight down and take a breather. Miller frees himself, touching Pettis with an overhand on the break. The 10-second clapper sounds, instigating Miller to rush Pettis, who lands a banana kick, eats a left from Miller, then ends the bout with a flying head kick which is mostly blocked.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis (30-27 Pettis)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Pettis (30-27 Pettis)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Pettis (30-27 Pettis)

The Official Result

Anthony Pettis def. Jim Miller via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Curtis Blaydes vs. Daniel Omielanczuk

Round 1

Blaydes leads behind his jab, walking Omielanczuk back to the cage and grabbing double underhooks. Blaydes lands two quick knees to the cup and referee Marc Goddard breaks them up. The Polish fighter is fine and good to resume, but Goddard tells Blaydes he is restarting them from distance, taking the position from Blaydes for his carelessness. On the restart, Blaydes encroaches again but Omielanczuk invites him, grabbing a headlock on the pressing wrestler and allowing him to clinch. Omielanczuk does a good job stopping the takedown, but eats some leather on the separation. The southpaw Omielanczuk is patient, circling away, choosing counterpunching and body kicking opportunities wisely. Just past the halfway point of the round, Blaydes charges into a takedown but is stuffed along the cage once more. “Razor” lands a knee to the body and narrowly avoids a big left from Omielanczuk while moving out. Again, Blaydes allows space, then casually walks forward into another weak double. Omielanczuk stands him up, holding onto over-unders along the cage. Omielanczuk puts some soft knees into Blaydes' body, then Blaydes drills him with a right hand. The American shoots right after, but again, there's no real set-up and Omielanczuk easily stuffs it.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Omielanczuk
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Blaydes

Round 2

Right hook-left overhand lands for Omielanczuk, but Blaydes is freer with his hands now, responding with a stiff right hand, then running into a clinch. The southpaw Omielanczuk keeps putting his left shin on Blaydes' body, though the American has become a bit craftier at countering it with punches. Omielanczuk taking some deep breaths now as he waits for Blaydes to lead. “Razor” ducks under the left, lands his jab and tries to parlay it into a double, but once again, he's not even close. Blaydes doesn't waste much time pushing Omielanczuk into the cage, preferring to land a right elbow then step back. Right hook-left cross sneaks through for a tired Omielanczuk, who is using his energy economically to counter. Again, a surprisingly weak double attempt by Blaydes and Omielanczuk sees it coming a mile away. The Polish fighter tries to attack, but Blaydes staves him off with a nifty step-back, fading jab. Blaydes throws a right kick to the body, Omielanczuk dings him with a jab. Blaydes throws a careless inside low kick that hits the groin and Marc Goddard pauses the action briefly. Blaydes is compliant with Goddard's insistence to “think about [his] target,” but upon resumption, he is aimless in his attack once more.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blaydes
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Blaydes

Round 3

Both heavyweights are tired as the final frame begins, but each are loading up on their punches harder than ever. First, Blaydes tags Omielanczuk with an overhand right, then the Pole sneaks a left cross in. “Razor” lands another right, then it's another ugly double leading to a clinch. Blaydes can't land his jab in close, but his right hand behind it smacks his opponent clean in the jaw. The hand speed of both men suffering with just over two minutes to go, but Blaydes is still working his jab and finally landing cleaner punches behind it. Omielanczuk finally brings back the left body kick, but his output has dropped off massively. Omelianczuk steps in and eats a beautiful right uppercut. Moments later, he shoots a dreadful low single; Blaydes just bends his knee, bases on his free leg and rains down punishment with his right arm. Blaydes gets greedy and tries to roll behind into a back crucifix, but just lets his foe scramble to stand. Just before the 10-second clapper, a drained Omielanczuk unloads a spinning hook kick, stumbling and putting himself on his seat. Nonetheless, he pops back up and lands a clean hook to end the bout.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Blaydes (29-28 Blaydes)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blaydes (30-27 Blaydes)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Blaydes (30-27 Blaydes)

The Official Result

Curtis Blaydes def. Daniel Omielanczuk via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00

Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum

Round 1

Akin to his rematch with Travis Browne, Werdum begins with a running, flying side kick that is nowhere nearly as successful as the aforementioned attempt. Overeem begins the bout southpaw, his hands characteristically low as he crouches and feints. Right head kick from Overeem glances Werdum and when the Brazilian steps inside, Overeem controls his body, turns him into the fence and casually steps away. “The Demolition Man” switches to his more conventional orthodox look, but his hands remain between his waist and ribs. Werdum throws a one-two-head kick that doesn't miss by much. Next time Werdum loads up, Overeem goes with a low cut kick that drops Werdum to his back for a moment. Counter jab-right hook lands clean for Overeem on a low-kicking Werdum. Left body kick for Werdum smacks Overeem's ribs, then when the Dutchman tries to rush in after, Werdum cleverly catches him with a follow-up jab. Overeem is now pressing, perhaps frustrated by his foe, then stuffs an ugly double try from the Brazilian. Another jab-right cross from Overeem. With the first round dying, Werdum tries a somersault kick that's not even in the same zip code as “The Reem.”

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Overeem
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-10
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Werdum

Round 2

Werdum is pressing Overeem standing now, starting with another jumping side kick, forcing the Dutchman to move and use his jab. As he approaches, Overeem drills him with a loud, thudding left kick to the body. Werdum tries to kick in response and Overeem tackles him to the mat, hanging out in his legendary guard for just a moment before standing up and letting his foe join him. Another left body kick for a southpaw Overeem, then he steps into a left overhand to close the distance and a left knee to the liver. Werdum is stunned and instinctively pulls guard, but Overeem only hangs out for another brief second before taking his feet again. Two minutes left in the second round. Switch-step left hook lands for “The Reem” while moving backwards, then grazes “Vai Cavalo” with a right to follow. Werdum is bleeding between his eyes now. The grappling ace keeps rushing Overeem, who continues to stick and move with low hands, surprising his target with stance switches and counters. Casting overhand left from Overeem tags Werdum, then he narrowly avoids a big knee from the Brazilian in response.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Overeem
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Overeem
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Overeem

Round 3

It's the same dynamic as the second frame, with a countering Overeem patiently sizing up a charging Werdum. “Vai Cavalo” lands a nice running left and moves Overeem back to the cage, but eats a knee. He does it again moments later, but this time, Werdum gets the collar tie and hits Overeem in the mush with his kneecap. A lead left hook registers for Overeem, but when he tries to attack, he walks into a right hand then a clinch knee that stumbles Overeem, who careens on his heels then sits on the floor. Overeem recovers quickly and regains guard, so Werdum lets him stand, then begins dinging him with a series of unblocked right hands that prompt a desperate shot from Overeem. Werdum gets a headlock, jumps on a guillotine and pulls guard but Overeem pops his head out. Still, the Dutchman is just using top position to clear his head. Werdum sweeps to top position with just over 90 seconds to go in a fight that may well be up for grabs on the official scorecards. Overeem is tired and trying to snake his back up the fence, but Werdum controls him and grinds with elbows and punches to the ribs until the horn ends their rubber match.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum (29-28 Overeem)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Werdum (29-29 Draw)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Werdum (29-27 Werdum)

The Official Result

Alistair Overeem def. Fabricio Werdum via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28) R3 5:00

UFC Interim Middleweight Championship:
Yoel Romero vs. Robert Whittaker

Round 1

Romero takes his southpaw stance and willingly moves to the perimeter of the Octagon, jumping away from a Whittaker teep. The Kiwi isn't afraid to engage early, stepping in behind a jab and whipping a nasty right. Next time “The Reaper” tries to load up, Romero feints and kicks his lead leg at the ankle, knocking Whittaker to his knees for a second. Romero looks for a left kick to the body and lands, but Whittaker smashes him with a jab. The minute Whittaker starts getting comfortable and tries to flex on the feet, Romero changes levels and explodes into a double, transitioning a knee tap that briefly dumps Whittaker. The Kiwi gets to his feet, then Romero lands his trademark jumping knee and incredibly, as he lands, he crouches into a double-leg attempt – unreal. Crazier than that, Whittaker expertly sprawls on it after eating the knee, defends and separates. It may be chess match so far, but both men are attacking with vicious intent. Left hook-right uppercut for Whittaker just misses as Romero gets to his waist and spins him out of the pocket. Front kick for Whittaker scores to the body as he continues walking Romero down. Whittaker steps in with another two-punch combo, right into a Romero double, but again, Whittaker with beautiful takedown defense. Romero lands a kick, so Whittaker goes upstairs with a right head kick that bounces off the top of his foe's skull before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Romero
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Romero

Round 2

Wide circling movement from Whittaker to start the next five minutes, but with no punch set-up, he steps into a right head kick that stands Romero up. The Cuban is undeterred; just 20 seconds later, he goes vertical as if he's going for the jumping knee, but cracks Whittaker with a bizarre yet effective left Superman punch instead. As Whittaker continues stalking Romero, the Olympic silver medalist is initiating explosive, awkward exchanges by simply leaping at his opponent with his fists and knees. “The Reaper” continues his forward march, so Romero ducks off his back foot and hits a beautiful double-leg attempt, into a knee pick to put Whittaker on the mat. On bottom, Whittaker is no nonsense, clearly wanting a stand-up from referee “Big” John McCarthy, closing his guard and tying up Romero's arms. He winds up scrambling to his feet on his own, running Whittaker to the cage with over-unders. Romero gets a brief takedown but Whittaker is back up in a flash, but still stuck to the fence. With just under 60 seconds left in the round, John McCarthy splits the middleweights up. Inside low kick-overhand left touches Whittaker and we've got another over-under clinch. In the round's dying moments, Romero steps back then charges into a brilliant inside leg trip, but the round expires then.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Romero
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Romero
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Romero

Round 3

Whittaker has center cage, thrusting into teeps to back Romero off. Just 40 seconds into the round, referee John McCartthy briefly calls for time to cut loose tape from Romero's glove, just pausing the bout for 10 seconds or so. Whittaker continues pressuring with the same attack and as he throws another teep to the chest, Romero ducks into it face first. “The Reaper” keeps pushing the Cuban to the outside, leading with front kicks and launching punch combos behind them. He smacks Romero with a right hook that forces the Olympic silver medalist to jog off its impact. Perhaps 30 seconds later, Whittaker throws a teep that crashes straight into Romero's liver; outstanding work being done by Whittaker with his front kick in the third round. Lead left hook touches Romero while he's circling, so despite the contact, Whittaker can't follow. Two Romero double attempts are easily pancaked on by Whittaker, who is now sticking his jab into the American Top Teamer's face. “The Soldier of God” is much more stationary now, flat-footed and not even loading up on counters as Whittaker attacks. The round is almost over and Romero is retreating, gathering his breath. Whittaker lunges in with a left hand and side kick that make contact.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Whittaker

Round 4

Whittaker is on his toes, using in-out movement to bait Romero and when the Cuban begins to advance, Whittaker drills him with a clean right head kick. Hard, low double attempt by Romero; despite how fine his shot is, Whittaker spins off his knees, stands and fights for an underhook. The Kiwi is able to ward off the takedown, but Romero shoots again and gets to his waist, fighting for another takedown along the cage. Whittaker finally gets free and lands a hook on the clinch break. Again, Romero catches an incoming Whittaker flat-footed with a level change but still can't get him down clean. Truly outstanding takedown defense by the New Zealand native here. A Romero flying knee is telegraphed and blocked, then he eats a right cross, then a jab as he lazily trots away. Right head kick, then Whittaker doubles his left hook. Romero eats them and isn't rocked, but the Cuban is clearly tiring and on reserve energy at this point with 90 seconds to go in the round. Lunging right cross for Whittaker scores on Romero who is looking for a knee tap, then when Romero looks for another double, Whittaker limp-legs out, smashes him with a right hand and now “The Soldier of God” is desperate. He literally sits on his knees in front of Whittaker, unsure about standing and when he does, Whittaker rakes him with a right hand and a flurry. Another quality shot from an exhausted Romero but again Whittaker sprawls effortlessly. “The Reaper” closes the first championship round with another right head kick, then doubling his left hook. Whittaker is now firmly in control entering the fifth and final round.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Whittaker
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Whittaker

Round 5

Whittaker is still aggressive as the final round begins, landing jab-cross and crowding Romero, who is just ducking inside for takedowns on nearly every Whittaker advance. “The Reaper” takes advantage, timing “The Soldier of God” with a lead knee. Romero lands a hard left hook at the same time Whittaker tags him with a right head kick. Both men are breathing with their mouths open, but it's still Whittaker, bloodied nose, pushing forward with front kicks, lead rights and one-twos. As Whittaker continues to swing, though he's landing, Romero is sneaking left hands in. Left teep-right cross for Whittaker lands as Romero begins his own advance in the final two minutes. Romero jumps into the pocket, but leaps right into a low cut kick that stumbles him to the mat. Whittaker dives on top, setting up in full guard with 80 seconds to go in the bout. Romero tries to strike from his back, while the Kiwi controls the head and drops short elbows in to stay busy. Romero tries to buck away to stand and Whittaker nearly takes his back in the scramble, but forces him back to guard. Massive right elbow from Whittaker dribbles Romero's head off the mat. Romero punches with both hands off of his back as the final horn sounds, to no avail.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Whittaker (49-46 Whittaker)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Whittaker (48-47 Whittaker)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Whittaker (48-47 Whittaker)

The Official Result

Robert Whittaker def. Yoel Romero via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) R5 5:00
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