UFC on ESPN 41 ‘Cruz vs. Vera’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Youssef Zalal (135.5) vs. Da'Mon Blackshear (134)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zalal (-120), Blackshear (+100)

Round 1

The Factory X-trained Zalal, who is in the midst of a three-bout skid, will welcome former Cage Fury Fighting Championship title holder Blackshear to the Octagon in this bantamweight scrap. Herb Dean will get the first referee assignment of the card. They touch gloves before trading low kicks. Blackshear is feinting with jumping front kicks while continuing to work the outside leg of his opponent. Blackshear continues to chip away at the legs before Zalal changes levels for a takedown. Blackshear attempts to post before Zalal forces his back down to the mat. Blackshear with a couple elbows to the head as Zalal attempts to navigate his guard. Blackshear walks his legs up and threatens with an armbar, but Zalal isn’t in trouble yet. Zalal stacks Blackshear near the cage and drops a short right hand. Zalal lands a few more short punches before Blackshear transitions to a leg lock. Blackshear clings to the leg and Zalal grabs a leg of his own. Shortly thereafter, Blackshear scrambles his way into a back take and he has both hooks in with 30 seconds remaining. Blackshear lands a couple right hands to the head and controls positioning until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 2

Blackshear with a jumping front kick and Zalal answers with a left jab. blackshear connects with a sharp right hand. The CFFC veteran shoots for a takedown against the fence and Zalal defends. Blackshear locks his hands, lifts and dumps his opponent on his seat. Zalal gets to a knee, which allows Blackshear to take the back. He’s too high, though, and Zalal slips off and assumes control, eventually working his way to his oppponent’s back. Zalal hunts for a rear-naked choke with a body traingle secured. Blackshear turns his head and fights the hands. Blackshear moves to his knees and then powers out of the predicament, dropping ground-and-pound from above in the process. Blackshear tries for a choke without back control and Zalal returns to his feet and shoots for a takedown against the fence. He gives up on the takedown and maintains a body lock. Blackshear reverses and turns his man to the fence as the grappling heavy affair continues. Blackshear drops low for a single leg. Zalal defends, but Blackshear spins around and jumps on his back. Zalal is carrying Blackshear like a backpack, leaning into the fence ot help carry the weight. Blackshear is attempting to slide his left arm under the chin in the waning moments of the round. It gets a little deeper but Zalal does a good job of keeping his chin down until the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Blackshear

Round 3

Zalal walks forward and flicks out a jab, and Blackshear answers with a right hand. Blackshear whiffs on a superman punch, and Zalal lands a straight right. Zalal denies a level change as the bantamweights nearly clash heads. Zalal follows a jab with a step-in knee that just misses. Another jab for Zalal gets through. A glancing high kick lands for Zalal, who is looking to strike this round. They trade low kicks and Zalal lands a straight right ot the body. Blackshear is slowing down and Zalal flurries with a combination near the fence. Blackshear circles away and Zalal keeps the pressure on. Blackshear dives low for a takedown and grabs hold of a leg. Zalal hops on one leg before freeing himself. Zalal pressures against the fence with a punching combination. Zalal keeps the heat on and throws a pair of elbows. They tie up and Blackshear eats an elbow. Zalal stalks his man and lands more punches. A counter left hook lands for Blackshear, but Zalal does damage with a kick and punch to the body. Zalal walks his man into the fence and drops Blackshear to a knee with another clean body shot. Zalal follows his man to the mat and drops elbows from above. He transitions to side control and is teeing off with punches and hammerfists. Dean is taking a close look as Zalal achieves full mount. Zalal tees off all the way until the horn, but Blackshear survives.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Zalal (28-28)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Zalal (28-28)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-8 Zalal (28-28)

The Official Result

Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Youssef Zalal is declared a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28) R3 5:00

Jason Witt (179.5) vs. Josh Quinlan (175)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Quinlan (-230), Witt (+195)

Round 1

Frank Trigg is the referee for this catchweight affair, which was rescheduled from last week’s event. It’s a slow start in the opening minute, with both men looking to find the range. Witt has a high kick blocked. A hard outside low kick connects for Quinlan. Witt ducks under a punch and changes levels for a takedown near the fence. Quinlan is up quickly and separates himself from a body lock to return to the center of the Octagon. Witt comes forward with a body kick and Quinlan catches him square on the chin with a counter left hook. Witt is already out cold as his head bounces off the canvas. Quinlan dives in but pulls back on the follow-up blow, as he realizes that victory is already his. Witt takes a few moments to return to his feet and remains on his stool as the official result is announced.

The Official Result

Josh Quinlan def. Jason Witt via KO (Punch) R1 2:09

Ode Osbourne (125) vs. Tyson Nam (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Osbourne (-230), Nam (+195)

Round 1

Dana White’s Contender Series alum Osbourne is coming off back-to-back wins, including a 61-second KO, while Nam will be making his first appearance since a January 2021 loss to Matt Schnell. Jason Herzog gets his first referee assignment of the night for the flyweight clash. Osbourne lands a couple front kicks to the midsection. Osbourne tags Nam with a right hand. Nam looks to close the distance and eats another right hand and grins as Osbourne sticks a front kick down the middle. A hard body kick lands for Osbourne. Both men miss the mark on heavy punches. Nam goes to the body with a right hand, then lands on inside leg kick. Nam counters a kick with a right hand. Osbourne with a left. Osbourne misses the mark on a leaping knee and Nam capitalizes by flooring him with a powerful right hand as soon as he lands. Osbourne falls to the canvas and rolls backward. As he sits up, Nam tees off with a couple more punches before Herzog steps in to intervene on Osbourne’s behalf. A major statement victory for Nam in his return from knee surgery.

The Official Result

Tyson Nam def. Ode Osbourne via KO (Punches) R1 2:59

Gabriel Benitez (155) vs. Charlie Ontiveros (155)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Benitez (-350), Ontiveros (+290)

Round 1

Benitez has fallen on rough times, losing four of his last five UFC starts. He’ll face Ontiveros, a Fury FC veteran who was finished in his first two Octagon appearances. Mike Beltran is the third man in the cage for the first time tonight. Benitez gets things started with a leg kick. Ontiveros is aggressive, throwing a punching combination and a high kick. Benitez ties up his opponent and shoves him into the fence. They trade heavy shots on the break. Ontiveros counters a leg kick with a sharp straight right. Ontiveros leaps in with a body kick. Then an axe kick draws a smile from “Moggly.” Ontiveros lands a counter right and angles off nicely. Another counter right hook for Ontiveros. A spinning high kick lands partially for Ontiveros and draws a gasp from the crow. Benitez ducks under an axe kick and clinches with his man against the fence. Benitez lands a knee and a short elbow in tight. Ontiveros appears to be bleeding near his left eye. Another knee from Benitez appears to land below the belt, and Beltran calls time to allow Ontiveros to recover. The action resumes after a little more than 30 seconds and Benitez staggers Ontiveros with a big left in short order. They brawl wildly near the fence before Benitez closes the distance and executes a powerful slam, discarding Ontiveros on the canvas. He moves to mount and rains down shots, including both punches and elbows. Ontiveros can do little more than cover up, and he turns to one side as more punches land. Finally, Beltran has seen enough and this one is over.

The Official Result

Gabriel Benitez def. Charlie Ontiveros via TKO (Punches) R1 3:35

Cynthia Calvillo (125.5) vs. Nina Nunes (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Calvillo (-155), Nunes (+135)

Round 1

Calvillo will make her first appearance of 2022 hoping to halt a three-bout skid, while Nunes is mired in a two-fight losing streak of her own. It is Nunes’ first UFC appearance at 125 pounds. Herb Dean will oversee the bout. Nunes lands a leg kick as both fighters enage in a feeling-out process. Another hard low kick lands for Nunes. A long right hand partially connects for Calvillo, and Nunes goes back to attacking the legs of her foe. Calvillo catches a Nunes low kick and dumps her on the canvas, but Nunes is right back up. Calvillo with a couple of leg kicks and she just misses catching a Nunes kick. Nunes is focusing on the legs, and another one takes its toll on Calvillo. The crowd is getting antsy as Nunes continues to chip away with low kicks. Calvillo catches a kick and transitions to a body lock, but Nunes separates quickly. Calvillo can’t find the range as the jeers continue from the audience. Not much offense outside of leg kicks from either side this round. A left partially lands late in the period for Calvillo.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nunes

Round 2

Nunes fires a front kick that misses the mark and Calvillo responds with a leg kick. Nunes lands a low kick of her own. Another leg kick for Nunes. Calvillo misses the mark on a combination. The majority of offense from both parties is not landing. Calvillo catches a kick and Nunes spins out of her grip. Nunes lands a leg kick and Calvillo capitalizes with a takedown. This one is successful and Calvillo is in the guard of her opponent. Nunes is utilizing a closed guard to limit Calvillo’s attacks. Nunes creates space with her legs and briefly pushes Calvillo away, but it’s fleeting as Calvillo dives right back into top position. Calvillo with a few short punches to head and body, but she mostly seems content to hold position. Calvillo stands and eats an upkick before Nunes scrambles to her feet with 40 seconds to go. Nunes shoots but is denied on her takedown try. A leg kick lands for Calvillo, who blocks a high kick by Nunes.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Calvillo
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Calvillo
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Calvillo

Round 3

Another low kick to begin the round for Nunes. This fight appears to be up for grabs in this final stanza. Calvillo lands a leg kick. Nunes ends an exchange with a hard outside leg kick. Calvillo fires off a right, then shoots for a single leg. Nunes defends nicely. More boos from the audience, and Nunes lands a left hook. Nunes follows up with a low kick. Calvillo gets a takedown, but Nunes scrambles up immediately and she defends an ensuing attempt against the fence. They separate and return to the center of the cage. Calvillo goes to the body with a right. A right lands for Nunes. Nunes finds the home for another low kick and Calvillo answers with an inside leg kick. A hard calf kick lands for Nunes and she denies an ensuing takedown shot. The flyweights trade glancing right hands. Nunes walks Calvillo down and follows a right hand with a high kick, but nothing lands clean. Nunes is still throwing more than her opponent. They pick up the pace in the waning seconds, with both fighters winging punches. Nothing of significance lands before the horn in what was largely a forgettable fight. Nunes leaves her gloves in the center of the Octagon and announces her retirement in a post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)

The Official Result

Nina Nunes def. Cynthia Calvillo via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00

Martin Buday (266) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (236.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Buday (-250), Brzeski (+210)

Round 1

Slovakia’s Buday carries a nine-fight professional winning streak into this matchup, while Poland’s Brzeski makes his promotional debut nearly a year after appearing on the Contender Series. Frank Trigg will be the third man in the cage. Brzeski is sticking is jab out early, but a powerful shot from Buday lands with impact. Buday wades forward behind heavy shots, but a clinch attempt is short lived. A long jab lands for Brzeski, who has superior hand speed. Budy walks forward and is denied again on the clinch. A stiff jab connects for the Pole. Buday rushes forward behind a left hook. A right to the body lands for Brzeski. An overhand right makes Buday stumble briefly. He backs his man into the fence but he stays patient, working the body and head with punches. Brzeski with a jab and a straight right. Brzeski steps in with a left hook. Another left hook snaps Buday’s head bck. Brzeski goes body-head again. Buday attempts to clinch, but Brzeski angles away. Buday with a nice jab-low kick combination. Another hhard low kick lands for Buday. Brzeski has a high kick blocked. The pace is slowing late in the round. An overhand right connects for Buday. Brzeski smiles and fires back with a combination and eats a leg kick from his foe. Buday ends the round with another hard low kick.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brzeski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brzeski
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Brzeski

Round 2

A hard right lands for Brzeski early. Buday sticks a jab and Brzeski answers with an outside low kick. Another hard low kick lands for Buday. Brzeski makes Buday stumble with a leg kick. A straight right connects for Brzeski. Brzeski sticks a right and circles away. Another hard low kick for Buday. Brzeski goes to the body. Brzeski lands a body-head combination, then sticks his jab. Other than the low kicks. Brzeski is a step ahead of Buday, landing quicker punches in greater volume. Brzeski mixes it up, working the head and body continously. Buday rushes in with a combination of heavy hooks, including a left on the end that landed clean. An outside leg kick lands for Buday and Brzeski answers with one of his own. Brzeski lands a combination, but Buday is unfazed and he bobs and weaves and taunts his foe. Buday lands a heavy right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brzeski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buday
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Buday

Round 3

They trade leg kicks, but Buday’s lands with more force. A right to the body connects for Brzeski. Buday lands a straight right. Buday with a lock kick and Brzeski answers with a straight ot the body. Buday sticks a couple jabs and just misses a head kick. Buday with a two-punch combination with big hooks. Brzeski answers with a quick combination. A left hook from Buday catches Brzeski coming in. A counter right hook lands clean for Buday. They slap hands halfway through the round and another low kick finds the mark for Buday. The pace slows somewhat as both heavyweights struggle to find the range. Buday with a straight right and blocks a follow-up from Brzeski. Big swings and misses from Brzeski and Buday lands an outside low kick. A solid left lands for Buday. Brzeski with a left hook of his own. Both mean whiff on big punches before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Brzeski)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Buday (29-28 Buday)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Brzeski (29-28 Brzeski)

The Official Result

Martin Buday def. Lukasz Brzeski via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00

Angela Hill (119.5) vs. Lupita Godinez (119)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Godinez (-340), Hill (+280)

Round 1

Hill, a former Invicta FC champ, has lost five of her last six UFC appearances. Godinez is trending in the opposite direction, with wins in three of her last four outings. Jason Herzog is the ref for this catchweight pairing, which will close out the preliminary draw. Godinez lands a solid left hook, then makes Hill stumble back with an overhand right. Another shot clips Hill, and the Mexican is finding a home for her overhand right repeatedly. Hill seems to have recovered relatively quickly. Godinez htrows a combination in close and shoves Hill away when they clinch. Hill misses a series of punches and Godinez counters with a combination, as her hands are looking quick early. Another right hand sends Hill back momentarily. Hill closes the distance, then lands a quick high kick as they separate. A right lands for Hill in an exchange. They trade in the pocket and it’s Hill who lands a right. Hill punctuates a combination with a high kick and then she rushes forward with a knee. Hill is doing much better after a rough start. Hill shoots for a takedown but Godinez denies it. Hill lands a glancing high kick as they break the clinch. Hill rushes inwith another flying knee and the impact is audible. They clinch briefly and Hill lands an elbow over the top on the break.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Godinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Godinez
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Godinez

Round 2

Hill takes the center of the cage and looks to pressure her foe. Godinez steps in with a right hand. An overhand right lands for HIll, and Godinez’s nose is bleeding. After another exchange, Godinez shoots and finds herself in a guillotine. Hill uses the choke attempt to sweep and return to her feet. They have another spirited exchange in the pocket, with both women landing shots. HIll enters on a single leg but Godinez defends it well. Godinez with a left uppercut. A counter left lands for Hill in an exchange. Hill presses forward and lands a combination. A left jab lands for Godinez and they trade in close quarters once again. Hill looks for a single but Godinez isn’t having it. A left jab lands for Godinez. Hill moves forward with a combination and eats a counter. Hill is controlling the tempo now, dodging many of her opponent’s punches while keeping the pressure on. Hill forces her way into the clinch, eating a punch in the process. Hill lands a knee and gets a takedown late. She takes the back in the waning moments of the round and falls off the top at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 3

Hill again takes the center of the cage. Godinez with a jab an dhill misses a right hand. Hill moves in with a body-head combination. Godinez with another jab. An uppercut-right hand connects for Hill, and that moves Godinez back briefly. Godinez lands a left hook at the end of an exchange and she follows up with a straight right. Hill lands a right and follows up with a knee beforre moving away. Godinez shoots for a takedown but Hill is right back up. Hill smacks a high kick off her foe’s forearms. A Godinez jab stops Hill’s forward movement. Hill can’t get a takedown, but she lands some offense on the break. WE’re down to a minute and this is a close round. Godinez blocks a high kick and presses forward with a combination. Hill responds with a step in knee. The action gets hot and heavy near the fence. Both fighters land in the exchange. The fighters look for an opening to make a final statement in the waning seconds, and it’s Hill who appears to make Godinez stumble with one final right hand.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Hill (29-28 Hill)

The Official Result

Angela Hill def. Lupita Godinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Bruno Silva (186) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-280), Meerschaert (+235)

Round 1

Silva returns to action after having a seven-bout professional winning streak snapped by current No. 1 contender Alex Pereira at UFC Fight Night 203. Meerschaert has won three of four but is also coming off a defeat in his last outing. They touch gloves and we’re underway. Meerschaert opens with a leg kick. Silva is walking forward and he lands a body kick. Meerscheart answers with one of his own. Another hard body kick for Silva. They trade punches in close, but nothing of consequence lands. Meerschaert dodges a left but Silva follows up with a low kick. Meerschaert with a leg kick in response. Meerschaert is slipping punches well so far, but he eats another leg kick. A long jab form Silva backs up his opponent. Meerschaert lands a body kick. The Roufusport product connects with a jab. Meerschaert with a left hook in an exchange. Silva lands a body kick followed by a glancing left hand. Meerschaert times a level change and plants Silva on his back. Silva is staying active from his back by trying to throw strikes. Meerschaert is heavy on top. Meerschaert postures up and lands a series of standing left and rights before diving back into top position before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert

Round 2

Meerschaert fires off a body kick and Silva answers with a leg kick. Silva just misses a big right hand. Silva pressures and absorbs a front kick. They clinch briefly but Silva shoves his opponent away. Another nice body kick for Meerschaert and Silva swings and misses wildly. Silva counters a kick with a right hand and an off balance Meerschaert stumbles. Another body kick lands for Meerschaert and he follows up with a leg kick. Silva looks for a takedown and is momentarily trapped in a choke but he quickly escpaes. A stiff counter right lands for Silva. Meerschaert has a takedown entry denied. Meerschaert lands a standing side kick, then ducks under a winging punch. Meerschaert connects with a glancing head kick. Another level change is denied by Silva, but Meerschaert follows up with a body kick. Silva pressures with punches and Meerschaert runs away with the Brazilian in pursuit. An inside low kick lands for Meerschaert and Silva buckles to a knee. Another leg kick makes Silva stumble. Meerschaert jabs forward and Silva answers with a jab . Silva whiffs and falls forward on a massive punch just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Meerschaert

Round 3

Meerschaert goes back to the body kick that has given him so much success. Then he lands a leg kick. Silva denies a takedown attempt. Meerschaert avoids punches from an onrushing Silva, then counters with a combination. Silva shrugs off the takedown attempt, however. Meerschaert changes levels and lands a knee in close. He drops “Blindado” with a massive left hook after they separate and follows him to the canvas. Meerschaert lands a few alternating lefts and rights before locking in the guillotine. Silva tries to escape, but Meerschaert maintains the hold and the Brazilian has no choice but to tap out. That makes 27 career submission wins for “GM3.”

The Official Result

Gerald Meerschaert def. Bruno Silva via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R3 1:39

Priscila Cachoeira (135) vs. Ariane Lipski (135.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lipski (-195), Cachoeira (+165)

Round 1

This is another rescheduled fight from last week’s event, with both women moving up a division to keep the bout intact. After a rough start to her UFC tenure, Brazil’s Cachoeira is building momentum with three wins in her last four outings. A former KSW champ, Lipski has been up and down since signing with the Las Vegas-based promotion. Herb Dean is in charge of the contest. Lipski catches Cachoeira with a counter right. Cachoeira lands a right of her own. “Zombie Girl” moves forward to force the brawl she desires and Lipski obliges. That turns out to be the wrong decision, as a left hook from Cachoeira backs up “The Violence Queen.” Cachoeira forces the issue, landing more shots. Lipski is firing back but leaving herself exposed, and eventually the onslaught from Cachoeira drops her opponent — puncutated by a right to the chin. Cachoeira smells blood, and a barrage of punches and hammerfists on the canvas on a defenseless Lipski brings the show to a close.

The Official Result

Priscila Cachoeira def. Ariane Lipski via TKO (Punches) R1 1:05

Devin Clark (205) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (204)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murzakanov (-165), Clark (+140)

Round 1

Russia’s Murzakanov will attempt to keep his undefeated record intact against the experienced Clark, who snapped a two-bout skid in his last appearance. Frank Trigg is the third man in the cage for the light heavyweight affair. Calrk lands a low kick to the lead leg of his foe. Another leg kick for Clark. Murzakanov catches Clark with a counter left and the American jogs it off. Another big left over the top finds Clark’s chin. Clark throws a low kick and immediately transitions to a standing high kick that misses the mark. Murzakanov is applying pressure, looking for openings with his striking. A “USA” chant breaks out and Murzakanov tags Clark with another hard left. Another left draws a reaction from Clark. Murzakanov counters a kick with a left, but Clark eats it without issue. Clark lands a solid leg kick. Murzakanov flicks out his jab. Clark times a high kick perfectly and Murzakanov stumbles into a takedown attempt. He clinches with Clark, attempting to regain his bearings. He clings to Clark and lands a knee to the midsection. Another knee for Murzakanov. The round will end in this position with a few more knees form Murzakanov.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov

Round 2

Murzakanov is moving forward again and he enters the pocket with another overhand left. He misses that one, but moments later he hurts Clark with an overhand left. For some reason, Murzakanov decides to clinch rather than attack and they separate after a brief period. Clark seems OK, but Murzakanov is on the attack, and he tees off with uppercuts in close. Clark is backed into the fence and Murzakanov gets a body lock. Clark looks to break the grip but Murzakanov holds on tight and lands some knees to the thighs. They break and Murzakanov instantly lands a straight left. Clark is reeling and losing his balance. He falls to the canvas and Murzakanov takes half guard, where he digs to the body with punches. Murzakanov continues to tenderize the ribs from top position. Clark kicks Murzakanov away and the Russian stands. Clark avoids a knee as he returns to his feet. Murzakanov feints to the body and Clark circles away. Murzakanov backs Clark into the fence and lands a left. Clark clinches and shoves his man into the fence. Clark separates and wings punches before the horn, but nothing connects.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Murzakanov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Murzakanov
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Murzakanov

Round 3

Murzakanov lands a jab early. The Russian sticks a left to the body and Clark answers with a standing side kick. Murzakanov follows a right jab with a nasty left to the body. Clark crumbles to the canvas instantly. Murzakanov moves in and tees off with standing to ground punches. Clark rolls over to a turtled position and Murzakanov continues to unload on his defenseless adversary. Trigg gives Clark a pretty long leash to recover, but finally he steps in and waves off the contest.

The Official Result

Azamat Murzakanov def. Devin Clark via TKO (Punches) R3 1:18

Yazmin Jauregui (114.5) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (116)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jauregui (-210), Lacindo (+180)

Round 1

It’s a matchup of strawweight prospects making their promoitional debuts, and Jason Herzog will officiate the bout. They meet in the center and Jauregui gets the better of an exchange. They trade again, with both athletes landing solid shots. Jauregui with an outside leg kick and she avoids a combination from Lucindo. Lucindo blocks a head kick. Jauregui lands a leg kick and Lucindo presses forward with punches. Jauregui lands a multi-punch combination to the head, but Lucindo fires back and lands punches of her own. Jauregui backs up and resets after eating a few heavy shots. Lucindo with a solid leg kick. The crowd is firmly behind Mexico’s Jauregui. Lucindo wings big hooks as Jauregui comes forward. Lucindo lands a right. Another rapid fire exchange and then Jauregui lands a solid leg kick. Jauregui with a glancing high kick, and she follows up with a spinning back fist after Lucindo lets go of her leg. They tie up and Lucindo turns her opponent into the cage. They trade knees and Lucindo lands a spinning kick before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jauregui
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jauregui
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jauregui

Round 2

Jauregui lands a leg kick. Another exchange, and Jauregui lands a combination. Lucindo eats it without issue. Jauregui counters a kick with a left hook, and then she lands an inside leg kick. Jauregui hurts Lucindo with a left hook, and the Brazilian forces a clinch. Jauregui reverses position and turns Lucindo into the fence. They break and Jauregui misses a high kick. Jauregui is landing quick combinations and avoiding the looping power punches of her opponent. Another explosive exchanges and Jauregui moves away. Jauregui dodges a punch and lands an inside leg kick. A body kick lands for Lucindo. Lucindo with a leg kick but misses a combination. Jauregui moves in and lands a right as she slides away. Jauregui catches Lucindo with a left hook as her opponent tries to walk her down. Jauregui counters nicely again and angles out. Late in the round, both fighters throw caution to the wind to bite down on their mouthguards and trade heavy shots until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jauregui
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jauregui
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jauregui

Round 3

The combatants hug in a sign of mutual respect at the start of the round. Lucindo misses a flurry of power shots. Jauregui with a crisp two punch combo before moving out of range. Lucindo lands a couple shots in a flurry. A spinning back kick lands to the midsection for Lucindo. Lucindo gets the better of an exchange with a left hook. Jauregui with a front kick down the middle, but Lucindo pressures forward with power punches. A nice left hook finishes off a combination for Jauregui. Another exchanges sees both strawweights land. A low kick connects for Lucindo and they trade in close again. A counter right finds the mark for Lucindo and Jauregui ends a combination with a left. Jauregui lands a couple punches in an exhange. Lucindo fires back wth a big right hand. Lucindo blocks a spinning back kick. Jauregui with a two-punch combination and she dodges Lucindo’s counter offering. The combatants can’t find the mark in the waning seconds, and they hug again when the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Lucindo (29-28 Jauregui)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Lucindo (29-28 Jauregui)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lucindo (29-28 Jauregui)

The Official Result

Yazmin Juaregui def. Iasmin Lucindo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Nate Landwehr (145.5) vs. David Onama (145)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Onama (-210), Landwehr (+180)

Round 1

Former M-1 Global champion Landwehr has split four UFC appearances, while Glory MMA & Fitness representative Onama has finished back-to-back fights in the Octagon in 2022. Things already got tense during the in-cage introductions, so this one should be interesting. Mike Beltran will oversee the co-main event. Onama lands a jab early. A leg kick lands for Landwehr. Another low kick lands for Landwehtr. Onama is still figuring out the range as he lands a body kick. They trade in close and both land and Onama sticks a stiff jab shortly thereafter. Onama lands a couple right hooks as they trade again. A straight right finds a home for Onama. LOnama is throwing his right repeatedly, keeping Landwehr on the defensive. A right hook lands for Onama and Lanwehr slips. He’s up quickly, but he has swelling below his left eye. Onama feints and drops Landwehr with a two punch combinatiion. Ensuing ground-and-pound seems to wake Landwehr up and Onama has full mount. Landwehr gives up his back, but he is able to spin into top position. He drops a couple heavy elbows inside Onama’s guard. They scamble back up, and Onama pushes forward with a combination. They clinch and Landwehr lands uppercuts in close. Landwehr defends a takedown and they separate. Landwehr marches forward, and Onama sticks and jab before backing his man up with a right. Landwehr lands a pair of knees to the body and an elbow before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Onama

Round 2

Landwehr lands a leg kick early. Landwehr is connecting with some solid shots, and Onama might be a little tired. Landwehr backs Onama up with more punches. Onama tries for a takedown to slow the momentum. Landwehr lands some knees in the clinch and takes Onama down. Onama is up but can’t escape the clinch. Landwehr with a couple knees to the head. Landwehr locks up an anaconda choke but Onama slips free. Nonetheless, Landwehr is in half guard, and he moves to take the back. He can’t slide his arm under the chin. Landwehr falls off the top and they stand. Landwehr is relentless and he marches forward with punches. A right a left and a knee land for Landwehr before taking his man to the canvas from a body lock. With Onama on all fours, Landwehr tries again for the anaconda, but Onama pops his head free. Landwehr takes full mount, and he drops a big elbow that looked like it may have been 12 to 6. He continues to land short shots as Onama gives up his back. Landwehr attempts an ill advised choke and Onama slips out and drops punches. They’re back up and Landwehr continues his assault. Onama is reeling, and he goes to all fours. Landwehr takes the back, but he wants the choke. He gives it up in favor of more punches. He’s got 15 seconds to end it. Landwehr gets full mount, but he doesn’t have the energy to unload with enough to get the stoppage before the horn. Landwehr plays to the crowd at the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Landwehr
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Landwehr
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Landwehr

Round 3

Landwehr lands a right. Onama shows signs of life and lands some shots. Landwehr answers with a big right near the fence. Now Landwehr is unloading near the fence. Onama falls to the mat and Landwehr orders him up. Landwehrclinches and lands a pair of knees to the body. Onama falls to all fours and Landwehr backs up and lets his foe stand. A straight right form Onama puts Landwehr on his heels and Onama is digging deep. He throws heavy punches but seems to run out of gas quickly. Onama covers up against the fence and eats some knees to the head. They’re back at range and Onama lands a right hand. Onama catches Landwehr with a right, but Landwehr is undeterred as he clinches his foe. Onama drops for a takedown but is denied as Landwehr turns and lands a knee followed by a high kick. Onama flexes and lands a 1-2. Another right puts Landwehr on retreat. However, Landwehr is able to get Onama to the mat in the final minute. Landwehr is in side control, but he stands up and plays to the crowd again. Landwehr with a leg kick. Onama misses a right. There’s time for one furious exchange in the waning moments, and Onama unloads, knocking Landwehr off balance. He returns to his feet and they keep swinging until the horn. What a fight!

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr (29-27 Landwehr)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr (29-27 Landwehr)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Landwehr (29-27 Landwehr)

The Official Result

Nate Landwehr def. David Onama via Majority Decision Decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27) R3 5:00

Marlon Vera (135.5) vs. Dominick Cruz (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vera (-210), Cruz (+180)

Round 1

It’s main event time, with former champion Cruz looking to make one last run at the title in front of the home folks. In his way is Vera, who’s won three straight and has title aspirations of his own. Herb Dean will be the third man in the cage for the evening’s featured bout. Cruz comes out aggressive iwth a high kick followd by a combination. Cruz with a head kick followed by a straight right hand. Cruz kicks to the body as Vera remains calm. A hard low kick for Cruz finds the mark. Vera throws a front kick and Cruz catches it and throws him on the canvas. Vera is right back up. Vera counters a low kick with a left hand and drops Cruz. the former champ pops right back to his feet. Cruz pressures with a combination, then has a head kick blocked. Cruz is forcing the issue with combinations. Cruz feints a takedown and misses with an overhand. Vera misses a front kick and Cruz pressures with punches. Cruz lands a low kick. A front kick down the middle lands for Vera. Cruz again pushes forward with a combination followed by a head kick. Again, Cruz blitzes forward with punches. With less than a minute to go, Cruz executes a nicely-timed takedown. Cruz is in full guard, looking to create space for ground-and-pound. Vera threatens with a triangle and Cruz stands. The round ends with Cruz kicking at his opponent’s legs.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cruz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cruz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cruz

Round 2

Vera opens with a high kick but Cruz blocks it. Cruz with another blitz of punches and he follows up with a low kick. Cruz with a low kick followed by a right hand. Cruz chips at the legs and then rushes forward with punches. Cruz stays busy with kicks and then counters as Vera moves in. Vera avoids another flurry of punches, but Cruz lands a nice right to the body. Cruz is mixing things up nicely, keeping Vera off balance. Cruz lands a leg kick, but Vera avoids the follow up combination. Another low kick lands for Cruz, but he can’t find the range on the ensuing flurry of punches. Cruz with a right to the body. He goes body-head and lands both. Vera finds the mark on a right hook. Cruz with a straight right, then a front kick down the middle and another right hand. Cruz shoots with 30 seconds, but Vera sprawls. Cruz lands a jab and Vera just misses a head kick before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cruz
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cruz
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cruz

Round 3

Cruz kicks the leg and follows up with a punching combination. Another heavy leg kick draws a reaction from Vera. Cruz flurries and a counter from Vera backs him up. Cruz slips and lands a punch even while moving awkwardly. Vera moves forward and follows a double jab with a powerful right that drops Cruz. The ex champ is right back up, though. Cruz feints a takedown and eats a left hook for his efforts. Cruz’s movement may have slowed ever so slightly. Cruz shoots and Vera sprawls on it and tags Cruz with a left. Cruz lands a jab and moves forward with punches. Vera jabs in response. Cruz’s volume isn’t quite what it was in earlier rounds. He lands a left and Vera answers with a body kick. Vera stuffs a takedown against the fence and lands some elbows to the side of the head. Cruz gives up and they’re back at range. Vera lans a jab before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Vera
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Vera

Round 4

Vera eludes Cruz’s punches and the stuffs a takedown. A right from Cruz makes Vera stumble back but it’s more of a slip than anything. Cruz with a right to the body. A stiff left jab catches Cruz coming forward and sits him down. Cruz is up in a hurry but it’s the third knockdown of the night for Vera. Once again, Cruz isn’t landing with the volume he did early. Cruz darts in and then dips his head off to the side. Vera is waiting for it, and he catches Cruz with a perfectly-timed head kick on the chin. Cruz faceplants into the canvas as a result of the blow. Vera follows up with three mostly unnecessary ground shots before Dean dives in to save Cruz, who looks like his nose is badly damaged. That’s four in a row for Vera, whose power was on display throughout the fight.

The Official Result

Marlon Vera def. Dominick Cruz via KO (Head Kick and Punches) R4 2:17