UFC Fight Night 127 ‘Werdum vs. Volkov’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Mark Godbeer vs. Dmitriy Sosnovskiy

On his debut! Dmitriy Sosnovskiy gets the submission at #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/97f4W2s5dP

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 17, 2018

The Official Result

Dmitriy Sosnovskiy def. Mark Godbeer via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 4:29

Kajan Johnson vs. Stevie Ray

Round 1

Ray takes the center of the cage in the tense opening minute, while Johnson hops around the outside, firing a few kicks at the Scot’s legs and midsection. Ray answers with a spinning kick to the body, now one to the leg. It’s not a particularly action-packed fight through the first half of round one, with both men testing the range, and Johnson constantly switching angles and stances in front of the southpaw. Kicks continue to be the main weapon for both men down the stretch, with neither fighter really letting go of his hands.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

Johnson lands a plunging right hand that backs up Ray to the fence, and the Canadian tries to capitalize with a quick double-leg takedown. Ray catches Johnson's neck with his right arm as they hit the ground, and now "Braveheart" looks to cinch the headlock for a closed-guard guillotine. The choke doesn't materialize, but it does allow Ray to escape from the bottom. Johnson negates the advantage almost immediately by scrambling to take Ray's back on the feet, as they lean against the fence. Johnson hits a trip takedown, now halfway through the round and the bout. Ray posts and stands, so Johnson tries another takedown, but Ray thwarts this one with a whizzer. The lightweights come back to the center, where Ray whiffs on a big right hand over the top. The fighters tie up again near the fence, both men looking for a takedown. They tumble to the mat, where Johnson rolls underneath, looking to grab hold of a submission at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Johnson

Round 3

Ray finds a home for a hard one-two as he stalks Johnson around the outside. Johnson, who looks to be having some trouble putting weight on his legs, plays it safe by trying to tie up and slow the Scottish fighter's attack. Ray grabs for a heel hook as they tumble to the ground, but he soon abandons the sub attempt and winds up on the bottom with Johnson in his butterfly guard. Halfway through the final round, it's Johnson playing a heavy top game while Ray uses rubber guard to try and make something happen -- or rather, tries to make nothing happen, to force a stand-up order from referee Leon Roberts. Ray gets his wish at the 80-second mark, and the lightweights are called back to their feet. Ray leaps forward with a Superman punch, changes levels and takes down Johnson at the fence with 45 seconds on the clock. Ray ties up Johnson's left arm behind his back and lands a few punches to the face before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ray (29-28 Johnson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ray (29-29 Draw)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Ray (29-28 Johnson)

The Official Result

Kajan Johnson def. Stevie Ray via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Paul Craig

Round 1

The southpaw Ankalaev tries to catch Craig's first body kick, but the "Bearjew" pulls back his leg and fires another shot toward Ankalaev's head. Ankalaev lands a clean body kick that puts Craig on his back foot. When the Russian comes in to follow up, however, Craig clinches and delivers a knee to the groin that halts the action. Referee Marc Goddard gives Ankalaev a moment to recover, and the fight resumes with 3:20 on the clock. Craig pushes Ankalaev against the fence and is quickly reversed, then wobbled by a short left hand from the Russian. Craig keeps his wits about him as he drops to his knees, then drives forward to complete a takedown. Ankalaev shrimps underneath, sits up against the fence, then sweeps Craig underneath. Ankalaev gets busy just before the horn, mounting and slamming Craig with some vicious punches from top position.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ankalaev
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ankalaev
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Ankalaev

Round 2

Ankalaev connects with a pair of punches in the first 40 seconds of the round, but Craig eats them and comes forward. Another heavy left hand turns Craig's head, and now Ankalaev hustles the Scotsman against the fence with an underhook. Ankalaev releases and blasts Craig with a three-piece combination; Craig eats it well and circles back to the middle of the cage. Craig changes levels and completes a takedown with two minutes on the clock. Less than 30 seconds later, Ankalaev has reversed to top position, now leans right to left across Craig's body in side control. Ankalaev spends the last minute roughing up Craig from side control with short, grinding punches and elbows.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ankalaev
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ankalaev
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Ankalaev

Round 3

Ankalaev puts Craig in trouble early with a head kick. Craig hits the deck as he tries to scramble away, but Ankalaev wants him back on his feet. Ankalaev is stalking from the center, sizing up Craig for a big strike. Craig shoots low, dodging a left hand from the Russian as he grabs for Ankalaev's legs. Ankalaev easily stuffs the shot, feeds Craig a few left hands, then holds the "Bearjew" against the fence as they stand. Craig looks dazed as he whiffs on a spinning backfist and tumbles to the ground. Ankalaev comes down to control Craig from top position, grinding away with more short punches and elbows. Craig is trying to shift underneath with an open guard, but Ankalaev is heavy on top, not letting his prone opponent go anywhere.

It looks to be a done deal for Ankalaev -- until the final 10 seconds, when Craig throws up a last-ditch triangle choke. Ankalaev is trapped, trying to withstand the choke for the last few seconds, but the Russian is forced to tap a split-second before the final horn. Wow. Paul Craig stages one of the most stunning comebacks you'll see in 2018, submitting previously unbeaten Magomed Ankalaev with one second left on the clock.

The Official Result

Paul Craig def. Magomed Ankalaev via Submission (Triangle Choke) R3 4:59

Hakeem Dawodu vs. Danny Henry

Round 1

Henry stuns Dawodu with a massive right hand, then jumps on his downed opponent to try a guillotine choke. Dawodu rolls free, then escapes a second attempt. Henry stands up and tries the choke again, this time using a high-elbow guillotine from which Dawodu is unable to roll free. Dawodu looks like he's about to tap when he goes limp, and referee Rich Mitchell steps in to rescue the unconscious fighter.

The Official Result

Danny Henry def. Hakeem Dawodu via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 0:39

Oliver Enkamp vs. Danny Roberts

Round 1

Roberts lines up southpaw against orthodox Enkamp, who circles slowly in a long karate stance. Both welterweights throw out early high kicks, but it's a left hand from Roberts that lands as the first significant strike of the bout. Enkamp clinches up immediately, pushing Roberts to the fence and dropping to try a double-leg takedown. Roberts defends well and escapes to the center, where he waits for Enkamp to come back and strike. Enkamp is already looking flustered when he comes forward to throw an awkward side kick-left hand. Roberts reads it all the way and lands a picture-perfect left hand counter that sends Enkamp crashing to the canvas. Referee Leon Roberts rushes in to halt the fight and save the dazed Swede from further punishment.

The Official Result

Danny Roberts def. Oliver Enkamp via KO (Punch) R1 2:12

Charles Byrd vs. John Phillips

Round 1

Byrd shoots and completes a takedown within ten seconds, and he's got Phillips mounted within 20. The American lands a few short punches and elbows as he works to establish the position at the base of the fence. Byrd hooks his feet underneath Phillips' legs to keep him in place, then starts coming over the top of Phillips' outstretched arms with some hard elbow strikes. Right hands land for Byrd now, as Phillips bucks and rolls, trying to escape. Phillips finally succeeds in knocking Byrd out of mount around the two-minute mark. Byrd works from half guard until Phillips tries to stand, then jumps up and tries to take the Welshman's back. Phillips gets Byrd off his back but has to drop to the ground again, and now it's Byrd in side control with 90 seconds left. Byrd goes knee-on-belly and fires up the right hands again. Phillips gets to one knee, Byrd inserts himself between Phillips' back and the fence, and the American slaps on a face crank, working for a rear-naked choke. Byrd gets his under Phillips' chin, goes palm-to-palm and rolls him away from the fence, forcing a tap late in the opening round.

The Official Result

Charles Byrd def. John Phillips via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 3:58

Leon Edwards vs. Peter Sobotta

Round 1

Both welterweights come out southpaw, with Sobotta pressing forward on Edwards in the opening moments, moving the Englishman backward toward the fence. Edwards' first right hand lands clean and sends Sobotta crashing to the canvas in the center of the cage. When Edwards tries to come down and capitalize, however, Sobotta throws up an armbar, forcing "Rocky" to slow down and stack up in order to free his arm. Sobotta keeps a tight guard, constantly pulling at Edwards' arms and body, shifting on the bottom with an overhook and a knee slicing inside. As a result, Edwards isn't opening up much, staying chest-to-chest with the German grappler through the middle of the round. The fighters come back to their feet for the final minute, and Sobotta flashes a nice lead jab in the face of Edwards, then another. Edwards appears to do some damage with a late body kick, but this one will go to round two.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Edwards
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Edwards
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Edwards

Round 2

Edwards rushes forward to throw a body kick and winds up landing an accidental low blow as Sobotta steps off to an awkward angle. Sobotta takes a minute to recover, and referee Rich Mitchell gets the fight back underway. Sobotta lands a hard inside leg kick but can't find the mark with his hands. Edwards steps inside, pushes Sobotta against the fence with an underhook and trips him straight to the floor. Edwards stays heavy atop Sobotta in half guard, but the German creates space by threatening with a kimura. Edwards turns his back as he tries to escape, and Sobotta immediately throws a leg over the Englishman to try and establish back-mount. Edwards slips free and out the back door, leaving Sobotta belly-down, latched on to an armbar which isn't happening. Edwards flattens out Sobotta on the ground again, still in the center of the cage. There's not enough action happening on the ground for referee Mitchell, who brings the 170-pounders back to their feet with 45 seconds left. There's not much more action to be had on the feet, and the round ends without further incident.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Edwards
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sobotta
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Sobotta

Round 3

Edwards comes forward to land a lead left hand, forcing Sobotta to shoot a takedown which is easily stuffed by "Rocky." The welterweights wind up clinching on the fence for a moment, then they separate and Edwards plunks Sobotta with a nice uppercut. Sobotta gets in deep on a high double-leg, which he completes despite a good attempt at a sprawl from Edwards. The fighters stand up with Sobotta hanging all over Edwards, looking to take the back. Edwards turns the tables with another takedown, planting Sobotta at the base of the fence with just over two minutes remaining. Edwards steps over to half guard and slams Sobotta's face with a three or four short, stapling elbows. Sobotta is opened up from the strikes, and now goes belly-down as Edwards tees off with left hands. Referee Mitchell is asking for a response from Sobotta, who rolls to his knees and covers up, but Edwards keeps on punching. A moment before the final horn, referee Rich Mitchell steps in and waves off the fight, giving Leon Edwards the literal last-second stoppage.

The Official Result

Leon Edwards def. Peter Sobotta via TKO (Punches) R3 4:59

Tom Duquesnoy vs. Terrion Ware

Round 1

Ware presses forward in the opening moments and walks into stiff jabs and snappy low kicks from the "Fire Kid." Duquesnoy ties up and throws a knee to the body, then releases and chops at Ware's lead leg again. Ware continues to try and close the gap on Duquesnoy, whose awkward, wobbly stance seems to be giving the American problems. Ware snaps off a couple jabs; Duquesnoy lands a heavy leg kick but knocks himself to the ground in the process. Duquesnoy jumps back to his feet at the halfway point of round one, now takes a body shot from Ware. A head kick from Duquesnoy finds the mark, but Ware just shakes it off and keeps coming forward. Duquesnoy gets Ware in a standing rear waistlock, but Ware separates himself after defending a takedown attempt. Duquesnoy connects with a clean one-two that leaves Ware blinking, but seemingly unfazed. Duquesnoy blocks a right high kick and then gives Ware two hard leg kicks in quick succession. Ware scores with a body shot, eats a left hand in return, then comes in for a takedown. Duquesnoy rolls to his back and absorbs a few ground strikes from Ware before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Duquesnoy
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Duquesnoy
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Duquesnoy

Round 2

Duquesnoy opens with another inside leg kick, then lands one to the rib cage of Ware, who just keeps coming forward no matter what the "Fire Kid" throws at him. Ware touches Duquesnoy with some pawing jabs, takes a short left hand in return. Both bantamweights swing and miss with punches, then Duquesnoy backs up Ware a few steps with a chopping outside leg kick. Duquesnoy counters a lazy low kick with a blistering right hand over the top. Ware just eats it and presses on to touch Duquesnoy with a nifty three-piece combo. Duquesnoy keeps pouring on the leg kicks through the middle part of the round. The action is paused after Duquesnoy receives an inadvertant knee to the groin, but soon referee Grant Waterman resumes the action. Ware lands a leg kick, now a knee to the body as he denies Duquesnoy's attempt to clinch. Now it's Duquesnoy's turn to stuff a shot, but Ware keeps going, turns the corner and nearly takes the French prospect's back. Duquesnoy rolls onto his back, leaving Ware on top in open guard with just under 60 seconds on the clock. Ware clips Duquesnoy on the jaw with a pair of elbows, then finishes the round with a few to the body.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Duquesnoy
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Ware
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Duquesnoy

Round 3

Duquesnoy starts the final frame with yet another leg kick, and yet it's Ware pressing forward in the ensuing minute, mixing up his jabs and body kicks as he backs up Duquesnoy to the wall. Ware shoots for a takedown, but Duquesnoy soon breaks loose and narrowly misses with a clinch knee aimed at Ware's face. Duquesnoy continues to feed Ware a steady diet of leg kicks, while "Flash" keeps on with his boxing-heavy attack. Ware digs into the body of Duquesnoy with a lovely right hand to the rips. Duquesnoy circles away and takes a deep breath as Ware continues to pressure him all over the cage. Ware shoots a double, gets stuffed and quickly stands back up. Down to the final 60 seconds in a round which could still be up for grabs. Ware continues to come forward, absorbs another leg kick but scores a quick takedown. Duquesnoy is instantly back on his feet, but it's Ware pressing the action in the last 20 seconds, touching Duquesnoy with jabs and a partially blocked head kick.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ware (29-28 Duquesnoy)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-10 (29-29 Draw)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Ware (29-28 Duquesnoy)

The Official Result

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

Jan Blachowicz vs. Jimi Manuwa

Round 1

Manuwa presses the action in the opening minute, closing the gap on Blachowicz and backing the Polish big man up against the fence with probing punches. Blachowicz is biting on feints from Manuwa, and seems to be letting the "Poster Boy" play his game here in the first few minutes. Manuwa blasts Blachowicz's midsection with a kick; Blachowicz tries to do the same, but Manuwa slides out of range. Halfway through the round, Blachowicz turns the tides with an uppercut-right hand, and a barrage of follow-up punches. Manuwa hits the deck on his knees, Blachowicz tries to take the back but Manuwa powers back to his feet. Manuwa seems to have recovered quickly, but his nose is flowing with bloody after Blachowicz's thunderous combination. Blachowicz blitzes Manuwa and tries to take the back standing, but the Englishman turns his own back to the fence to prevent it. Blachowicz leans on Manuwa for a few seconds, but Manuwa breaks loose in the final 30 seconds. Manuwa tries to corner Blachowicz at the fence and throw punches, but it's Blachowicz landing the better shots with his counters.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz

Round 2

Manuwa waves his hands for Blachowicz to come forward and engage in a striking exchange early in round two. Blachowicz wants to stay on the outside, however, and snap off jabs in the Englishman's face. Blachowicz eats a hard shot, changes levels and scores a takedown, but Manuwa elevates the Pole and springs back to his feet within seconds. Manuwa is closing in on Blachowicz at the fence once again, and Blachowicz is waiting to sting the "Poster Boy" with another heavy counter combination. Blachowicz tags Manuwa with a left hook-uppercut, then changes levels as Manuwa comes forward to respond. Blachowicz traps Manuwa on the fence with an underhook, but Manuwa breaks loose and finds a home for a left hook. Blachowicz clinches up and puts Manuwa back on the fence, now with 90 seconds left in round two. Manuwa breaks loose and snaps back Blachowicz's head with a stiff double-jab. Manuwa sticks another hard jab, then swings a right high kick that doesn't quite catch Blachowicz cleanly.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Manuwa
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Manuwa
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz

Round 3

Manuwa marches forward on Blachowicz, who's waiting with his left-hook counter once again. This time, Manuwa lands a left, too, and the 205ers are swinging for the fences momentarily. Manuwa continues to be the man pressing the action, constantly moving forward and walking Blachowicz around the edge of the cage. Blachowicz touches Manuwa with a jab, a straight left, then takes a kick to the body in return. Blachowicz doubles up on his jab, then sidesteps to avoid Manuwa's counter. Blachowicz thumps Manuwa with a jab-cross as the Polish fighter continues to take control of the final frame with just under two minutes left to fight. Manuwa keeps pressing forward, but now he's walking into jabs and uppercuts, blood streaming down his face and chest. Blachowicz backs up the Londoner with a body kick, follows with a left hook. Thirty seconds left now, and Blachowicz may have just sealed the deal with a powerful double-leg takedown in the center of the cage. Manuwa looks exhausted, not even trying to get back to his feet as the final moments of the fight tick away.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz (29-28 Blachowicz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz (29-28 Blachowicz)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Blachowicz (30-27 Blachowicz)

The Official Result

Jan Blachowicz def. Jimi Manuwa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Fabricio Werdum vs. Alexander Volkov

Round 1

English referee Marc Goddard will oversee tonight's heavyweight main event, scheduled for five rounds. Straight out of the gate, Werdum comes flying at Volkov with a jumping side-kick that doesn't even come close and leaves the Russian shrugging. Werdum soon changes levels, however, and it's only a matter of seconds before Volkov finds himself on the canvas at the base of the fence. Werdum makes things uncomfortable for "Drago" with a can opener, then releases to land a couple right hands as he works from Volkov's closed guard. Volkov opens his guard to try and stand, but Werdum keeps him under control on the ground. Werdum stands to get some more leverage on his punches, slamming Volkov with three or four solid right hands before kneeling again. Volkov gets his left arm up to block Werdum's next wave of ground-and-pound, now with two minutes remaining in round one. Volkov jumps back to his feet with 90 seconds left, and he immediately punishes Werdum with an uppercut, now a clinch knee, now punches to the body. Werdum eats the strikes well, then catches Volkov coming forward with a straight left hand. Volkov trips Werdum to the floor but doesn't want to come down and play in the BJJ wiz's guard. Werdum throws a jumping knee and drops to his back, trying to lure Volkov to the ground. Instead, referee Goddard orders Werdum back to his feet, and "Vai Cavalo" simply trips Volkov to the ground instead.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Werdum

Round 2

Volkov blocks a takedown attempt from Werdum and pushes the Brazilian against the fence, landing an uppercut to the body of the former champion. Werdum reverses to the outside but can't hold the massive Russian in place, and now the big men come back to the middle of the cage. Werdum grabs for a single-leg but gets underhooked and pushed away by the rangy Volkov. "Drago" catches a kick and chops out Werdum's lead leg, then tells him to stand back up. Werdum gets up and is met by a short left hand, but his next single-leg attempt yields an easy takedown. Now it's Werdum working from Volkov's closed guard with two minutes on the clock. Again, Werdum uses a can opener to tee up Volkov's head for some ground-and-pound. Werdum comes over the top with a couple good elbows, but Volkov is doing well to tie up and negate the space. Werdum gets to half guard and leans across Volkov's body to try a kimura, but he can't get it before the horn. One of Werdum's elbows has opened up a nasty cut on the forehead of Volkov, who returns to his corner at the end of the round with his forehead covered in blood.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Werdum

Round 3

Volkov stings Werdum with a plunging right hand, forcing the Brazilian to shoot for a takedown. Volkov stuffs the shot and comes out on top, but "Vai Cavalo" reverses immediately and takes top position. Volkov works back to his feet quickly, then has to fend off Werdum as the ex-champ tries to pull guard. Referee Goddard appears to issue a warning to Volkov for grabbing the inside of Werdum's gloves. Werdum is sporting a significant cut and mouse underneath his right eye, and Volkov is only making things worse with his punches. Two minutes remain in round two as Werdum shoots, then pulls guard. Volkov tries to sit on top of Werdum and possibly try and armbar, but Werdum slickly slips out and tries to take the Russian's back. Volkov peels Werdum off before he can establish back-mount, and the big men come back to their feet. Volkov looks to be taking charge of this fight, particularly on the feet, where's marching Werdum around the cage with jabs and kicks.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Volkov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkov
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Volkov

Round 4

Werdum pulls guard and tries to take Volkov's back in the ensuing scramble. Instead, Volkov sets up in Werdum's closed guard, where Werdum grabs hold of the Russian's wrists. "Drago" pulls his hands back and socks Werdum in the face as referee Goddard calls for action on the ground. With 3:40 on the clock, Volkov stands and asks Werdum to do the same. Werdum gets up and starts swinging wildly; Volkov makes him pay with a few well-placed uppercuts that put the Brazilian on rubber legs. Werdum hits the ground near the fence, dazed, and Volkov finishes the job with a pair of punches that put "Vai Cavalo" out cold. After dropping the first few rounds, Alexander Volkov storms back to knock out former UFC heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum in the fourth round.

The Official Result

Alexander Volkov def. Fabricio Werdum via KO (Punches) R4 1:38