MMA Gradebook: Rating Every Fight From UFC 237

If you’re like us and watch an absurd amount of mixed martial arts each week, you probably wish there were some sort of rating system so you’re not forced to sit through a boring fight waiting for something to happen. In order to help, we rate the fights on major cards for your convenience. If you happen to miss an event, check back here for ratings so you can pick and choose which bouts to watch and which to skip.

Fights are ranked on the scale shown below, based on competitiveness, the skill and technique on display, excitement, and the story and drama of the contest. Wherever possible, the fights are described without spoiling the outcomes. Here's the MMA Gradebook for UFC 237: Namajunas vs. Andrade.

Talita Bernardo vs. Viviane Araujo

No. 15-ranked Bernardo steps inside the Octagon for the fourth time to take on the debuting Araujo. The fight started off one-sided but ended up being closely contested until the finish. This was by far one of the greatest knockouts in women’s bantamweight history but there was nothing special happening before the finish so it’s best to give this one the GIF treatment. [3.0]

Raoni Barcelos vs. Carlos Huachin

Raoni Barcelos comes into this fight as the biggest favorite on the card at -1100 over the young and debuting Carlos Huachin. The fight was much closer than odds suggested but an early stoppage prevents this one from earning a high score. [2.0]

Warlley Alves vs. Sergio Moraes

I expected more action from both men but the two UFC vets still put on a great fight in front of their home crowd. The winner was dominant throughout and the spectacular knockout earns this fight 3 stars.

Luana Carolina vs. Priscila Cachoeira

Wild affair with lots of sloppy striking, but this was still one of the better fights of the night. If you’re a fan of high-level technique this one is not for you, but if you like to see two women bite down on their mouthpieces and swing for the fences then this is a can't-miss. [3.0]

B.J. Penn vs. Clay Guida

Nothing makes me sadder than seeing Penn fighting in 2019 but this was a decent fight nonetheless. Guida looked OK and Penn looked washed up as expected, but his jab is still oddly effective. Hopefully both men call it quits after this one, but we know they probably won’t. [1.5]

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Ryan Spann

42-year-old “Lil’ Nog” stepped inside the Octagon for his 32nd professional fight to take on a fighter 15 years his junior in Ryan Spann. The fight ended with a quick knockout as expected, but nothing special enough to deserve a high rating. [2.5]

Irene Aldana vs. Bethe Correia

The women in the UFC haven’t put on the best fights so far this year, but tonight that changes. Aldana lost her first two UFC fights and Correia has lost three of her last four, so both women were looking to prove a point. High pace, back-and-forth action on the feet and on the ground -- and a finish to top it off -- earn this one 3.5 stars.

Thiago Alves vs. Laureano Staropoli

Brazilian legend and longtime UFC veteran Thiago Alves returned to the Octagon for the second time this year to take on the rising prospect Laureano Staropoli. Both men put on a high pace but the number of strikes landed was disappointing. It was a rather close fight but nothing more than average. [2.0]

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Jose Aldo

This fight was a major disappointment and would probably get under 2 stars if it wasn’t for the winner’s immense improvement and showcase of technique. If you’re a hardcore fan you’ll want to watch this one for the story behind it but overall this was a very average fight. [2.0]

Anderson Silva vs. Jared Cannonier

NOTE: Spoiler ahead. Unfortunately, this fight was equally disappointing. The 44-year-old Silva was looking better than ever, but with just 15 seconds left in the first round, Cannonier landed a perfect kick to the thigh, Silva dropped to the ground with an apparently injured knee and the ref called it. Everyone wanted to see this end more spectacularly and hopefully, our last memory of Silva in the Octagon isn’t an injury. Props to Cannonier for the big win but he didn’t handle the boos very well in the post-fight interview. [2.0]

Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade

Although this wasn’t the most exciting card, our trend of amazing main events continues! Rose was looking to defend her title for the second time and Andrade didn’t want to waste her second opportunity at the belt so both women came out looking better than ever. The finish was amazing as was the rounds before it so this gets 4 stars and is our highest rated fight of the night.