LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC 239 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).

The event takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (24-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) puts his title on the line against challenger Thiago Santos (21-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC). In the co-feature, dual women’s champ Amanda Nunes (17-4 MMA, 10-1 UFC) defends her bantamweight belt against former titleholder Holly Holm (12-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET for the UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+ prelims, 8 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN, and 10 p.m. ET for the main card on pay-per-view.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 239 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn), Simon Head (@simonhead) and Ken Hathaway (@kenshathaway) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Results

Julia Avila vs. Pannie Kianzad

Round 1 – Kianzad out to the center, and they waste little time before trading hands. Kianzad pushes into the clinch and drives the action to the cage. Avila battles well in the position and switches off the fence. Kianzad sneaks a knee up high and turns the position again. Grinding battle against the fence. Short elbows and knees inside. Avila gets to the outside and drives in a few particularly sharp elbows. She punches the body, as well, then backs away a little less than halfway into the round. Kianzad lands a right hand and then throws out a high kick before returning to the clinch. She’s busier with her hands this time and then changes levels. Avila defends well, so Kianzad backs away and again looks to strike. Avila short on a few punches. She keeps throwing though and flurries her way into another clinch. Kianzad circles out. They trade at the end. Close round, but MMA Junkie leans toward Avila, 10-9.

Round 2 – Kianzad again out quickly and into the clinch, but it’s again a stalemate. Avila able to defend and spin off before backing to the center. Strikes traded, and Kianzad catches a kick and dumps her opponent to the floor. Avila won’t stay there, though, quickly scrambling back to the feet. Kianzad does land a nice kick to the body on the way up, though. Kianzad is light on her feet and moving well, but Avila seems to be finding the best strikes when they exchange. Halfway through the frame. Kianzad lands a nice right hand. Avila drives forward with big right hands and moves to the clinch. She backs away quickly. Kianzad calls for more strikes. Avila is cut by her right eye, but she rushes forward with big punches and stuns Kianzad. Avila tries to keep the striking going, but Kianzad ties her up and looks to gather herself. Avila pulls free in the final minute. She blocks a spinning backfist. Kianzad changes levels at the end, but Avila sprawls well and briefly gets to the back before the bell. MMA Junkie gives it again to Avila, 10-9.

Round 3 – Kianzad comes out swinging in the third. Avila does, too, though she pauses when briefly stunned by her opponent. She doesn’t take long to resume the attack, though, and her punches see Kianzad cover and retreat to the cage. Kianzad’s nose busted up a bit now. Avila lands a big right hand and Kianzad drops falls slowly to the canvas. Avila jumps on top to try and finish. Kianzad tries to hold tight but has to turn and turtle when her opponent postures. Avila working on the back. Kianzad rolls but can’t get free. Avila on the back and hunting the neck. Kianzad showing some grit in refusing to go away easy, but she’s still in a bad spot. Avila doing her best to the choke in place, but Kianzad proves durable enough to thwart off the attempts. Time winding down. Avila still transitioning to the very end, but Kianzad survives. Still, MMA Junkie gives the round to Avila, 10-9, and awards her the fight 30-27.

Result: Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Photos: Julia Avila vs. Pannie Kianzad photos

Records: Julia Avila (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Pannie Kianzad (11-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)

Division: Women’s bantamweight

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+

Referee: Chris Tognoni

Judging: Junichiro Kamijo (30-27), Derek Cleary (30-26, giving Avila a 10-8 in round 3), Patricia Morse-Jarman (30-26, giving Avila a 10-8 in round 3)



Ismail Naurdiev vs. Chance Rencountre

Round 1 – Naurdiev gets to the center and looks to press the pace. Rencountre trying to retreat and work at range, and throws several big punches that miss. Naurdiev counters with big kicks. Rencountre catches one but can’t get the action to the floor. Naurdiev with a nice slam to the floor. Rencountre pops immediately back up, but Naurdiev kicks hard to the body. They clinch again, and Naurdiev able to power his way through to the top spot as they hit the floor. Rencountre crawls back up, but he’s under assault. Naurdiev with big kicks to the body, and he’s punching the head whenever possible, as well. Rencountre able to grab hold and grind his way to the floor, pushing Naurdiev, who’s in a seated position, against the cage. Naurdiev controls the neck and tries to stand, but Rencountre drags him away back down to the floor. Rencountre finally able to pull him off the fence, and he’s in top position. He’s not doing much with it though. Naurdiev holding tight while he looks to work to his feet. Rencountre staying very heavy. He starts to punch a little more in the end. Naurdiev was more effective on the feet, but Rencountre was on top for an awful ling time. MMA Junkie awards it to Rencountre, 10-9.

Round 2 – Rencountre comes out firing. Naurdiev off-balance briefly, and Rencountre able to slip around to his back. Naurdiev tries to tripod and shake him off, but Rencountre is settled in and falls to his side, keeping the position. Both hooks are in. Naurdiev on his belly and trying to use his arms to cover his head as Rencountre punches away. Naurdiev turns to face him. Rencountre in half-mount. Naurdiev trying to buck free, but Rencountre is heavy on top. Rencountre landing the occasional elbow and forearm, but he’s certainly most focused on keeping his position. Time winding down. Rencountre just dominating the positioning. Naurdiev not working hard enough to get to his feet, and Rencountre is able to keep him pinned to the canvas. He’ll finish the round on top. MMA Junkie awards it to Rencountre, 10-9.

Round 3 – Naurdiev has got to stay on his feet. He comes out looking to throw, pulling back on a spinning technique when Rencountre pressed toward him. Rencountre changes levels and shoots, but it’s not there. He shoots again and is nearly flattened by a knee. They battle for a potential takedown, but Naurdiev able to push away. Naurdiev nearly lands another leaping knee, but Rencountre is persistent and is able to get inside and drive the action to the clinch. Naurdiev’s mouth is wide open, but he defends a takedown, hopping on one foot. Rencountre eventually backs away, but he immediately reshoots. This time he’s able to slip around to the back. An exhausted Naurdiev can’t continue his defense, and he’s brought to the floor. Naurdiev turns and faces his opponent, but Rencountre is again in top position. Less than two minutes remain. Naurdiev running out of time. He scrambles to a seated position, but Rencountre is just relentless in his grind. Referee Mark Smith calling for action, and Rencountre adjusting enough to keep the position. Naurdiev stands in the final minute. The clinch is a stalemate, and Smith breaks them apart with about 20 seconds left. Naurdiev is too tired to really capitalize, and he shoots forward for a takedown in the closing seconds. He ends the fight on top, but MMA Junkie gives the final round to Rencountre, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-27.

Result: Chance Rencountre def. Ismail Naurdiev via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Photos: Chance Rencountre vs. Ismail Naurdiev photos

Records: Ismail Naurdiev (18-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Chance Rencountre (14-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC)

Division: Welterweight

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+

Referee: Mark Smith

Judging: Sal D’Amato (29-27, giving Recountre rounds 2 and 3 with a 10-8 in round 2), Dave Hagen (29-28, giving Recountre rounds 2 and 3), Tony Weeks (30-27)



Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Jack Marshman

Round 1 – Shahbazyan takes the center and starts with a kick to the leg. Shahbazyan reaches forward and lands a sneaky right hand. Marshman looking to throw back. Quick firefight, and Shahbazyan elects to change levels and bring the fight to the floor. Takedown comes with relative ease. From there, big punches come from the top. Marshman turns and exposes his back. Shahbazyan happily takes the position. As Marshman tries to post, Shahbazyan gets the choke in place and squeezes, bringing a quick tap.

Result: Edmen Shahbazyan def. Jack Marshman via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:12

Recap: Ronda Rousey client Edmen Shahbazyan steamrolls at UFC 239

Photos: Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Jack Marshman photos

Records: Jack Marshman (23-9 MMA, 3-4 UFC), Edmen Shahbazyan (10-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC)

Division: Middleweight

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+

Referee: Marc Goddard



Alejandro Perez vs. Song Yadong

Round 1 – Perez swaying back and forth and delivers a crisp right. Yadong moving well and slips and delivers a big right of his own. A nice left follows. Yadong the more mobile fighter early, but Perez is cocked and ready to fire. Both men are throwing heavy leather early. Yadong high kick block. He follows immediately with a low kick. Perez looking to push the pace now with a low kick, but Yadong delivers a huge right hand over the top, and Perez is out before he hits the canvas. Another right hand is delivered to the chin, but the damage was done. Brutal knockout by Yadong.

Result: Song Yadong def. Alejandro Perez via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:04

Recap: Song Yadong smashes Alejandro Perez in short time on UFC 239 prelims

Photos: Song Yadong vs. Alejandro Perez photos

Records: Alejandro Perez (21-8-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC), Song Yadong (15-4 MMA, 4-0 UFC)

Division: Bantamweight

Broadcast: ESPN

Referee: Herb Dean



Claudia Gadelha vs. Randa Markos

Round 1 – Gadelha moves forward with a low stance, and Markos matches her level. Gadelha holding the center. She fires a right hand. Markos moving laterally on the outside. They trade punches in the pocket, and both women land a few crisp hooks before resetting. Markos paws out a few jabs, but Gadelha answers back with a nice three-punch combination. Markos kicks the lead leg, but Gadelha returns fire with more punches. Patient work from Gadelha, but she’s getting the best of these exchanges. Crowd getting a little restless, but Gadelha is staying measured. She kicks low and then high. Markos briefly tries to rush forward with punches, but Gadelha answers with her own and sends her back to the fence. They meet in a collar tie and trade a few punches in rapid fashion. Nice right hand lands for Gadelha. Markos with a crisp jab just before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the first to Gadelha, 10-9.

Round 2 – Gadelha again moves out in a crouched stance and takes the center. She kicks to the body. Markos moves forward with strikes, and they briefly clinch, but Markos pulls away. Left hand scores for Gadelha. Markos again rushes forward but misses and retreats. Another combination from Gadelha finds the mark, but she’s not keeping any sustained stretches. She lands another left. Markos moves out to the center, but Gadelha quickly walks her back toward the fence. Markos trying to get loose on the feet, but Gadelha is countering well and often leading the exchanges as well. Thai clinch and punches exchanged, though Markos lands a knee on the exit. Stiff shot for Gadelha, and Markos flurries in reply. Markos isn’t doing bad, but just she’s just a touch behind her opponent. Gadelha cutting off the cage well. She shoots inside in the closing seconds, but Markos defends it. MMA Junkie gives it again to Gadelha, 10-9.

Round 3 – Familiar start to the third. Markos has to let her hands go. Gadelha just controlling the pacing right now and seems to be landing the more effective blows. Right hand scores for Gadelha. Markos trying to move laterally, but Gadelha cutting off the cage. Gadelha’s approach is measured, but it’s not letting Markos get much going. Crowd restless halfway through the third. They want to see these two get after it. Markos does rush forward with punches, but only briefly. Punches exchanged shortly after. Gadelha is keeping a safe distance and measuring her moves. Markos again drives forward with punches and then slips away. She kicks the leg, but Gadelha answers over the top. Gadelha kicks to the body and lets a right hand go before slipping the counter. Gadelha misses a big right over the top. Crowd boos at the final bell. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Gadelha, 10-9, and awards her the fight 30-27.

Result: Claudia Gadelha def. Randa Markos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Recap: Claudia Gadelha outstrikes Randa Markos in lackluster affair

Photos: Claudia Gadelha vs. Randa Markos photos

Records: Claudia Gadelha (17-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC), Randa Markos(9-7-1 MMA, 5-6-1 UFC)

Division: Women’s strawweight

Rankings: Gadelha No. 5, honorable mention pound-for-pound; Markos honorable mention

Broadcast: ESPN

Referee: Jason Herzog

Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Derek Cleary (30-27), Ron McCarthy (30-27)



Marlon Vera vs. Nohelin Hernandez

Round 1 – Vera out to the center and immediately switching stances. Hernandez with a low kick. Vera answers with one of his own. Hernandez goes to the body, and Vera just misses a sharp counter inside. Hernandez throwing big punches early. Vera looks comfortable, but there are definitely dangerous blows coming his way. Vera catches a kick and looks for the takedown. It’s not there, but Vera shows an impressive transition, slipping around to the back and grabbing the neck before getting a triangle around the body and dragging the action to the canvas. Impressive. Hernandez defending the choke, so Vera turns to punches. Hernandez trying to spin free, but Vera’s triangle is tight. Vera turns his attention to the right arm and steps over with the leg to submission in place. Perfect defense from Hernandez, and once he gets his arm free, he starts looking to punch from top position. Big shots from Hernandez. He tries to set up a choke in the closing seconds but can’t get the squeeze. Great finish from Hernandez, but MMA Junkie gives it to Vera, 10-9.

Round 2 – Hernandez loose on the feet and looking to strike. High kick just touches the chin, but Vera shakes it off. Hernandez changes course and shoots inside, getting the takedown. Vera sets up in guard. Hernandez staying compact for now, but he does try and posture. Vera controls the wrists, slowing Hernandez down. Hernandez is up on a knee, but Vera controlling both wrists. Elbow from Hernandez. He postures and punches again before standing up and kicking the legs a bit. Vera scrambles up, as well. He gets aggressive, and a knee lands and turns into a takedown. Hernandez is hurt, and Vera moves to his back. This time he gets the choke quickly under the chin and earns the tap. Impressive turn of events for “Chito.”

Result: Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:25

Photos: Marlon Vera vs. Nohelin Hernandez photos

Records: Nohelin Hernandez (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Marlon Vera (16-5-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC)

Division: Bantamweight

Broadcast: ESPN

Referee: Chris Tognoni



Gilbert Melendez vs. Arnold Allen

Round 1 – Allen walks across the cage and fires a high kick that’s blocked. He kicks low and then punches at the body. Melendez just misses a counter. Allen kicks the leg again. He’s working that early, but Melendez answers with the same. Melendez pushing forward, and both men are throwing at full force. Allen lands s tiff left hand. He slips on a big punch shortly after but recovers. Allen continues working the leg. He catches a kick and pulls Melendez to the floor, but he can’t keep him there. Allen holding the center. Melendez lands a big right to the body. Allen scores a huge left, as well. Allen really firing everything at full speed. A few more high kicks are blocked. Melendez dives for a takedown, but Allen sprawls well. Big Allen left seems to stagger Melendez briefly. Allen moves into the clinch. Nothing there, so he backs away. Allen lands a nasty uppercut. He’s punishing the body. A couple of them are sneaking through the guard, as well. Heavy power from Allen, but Melendez is battling through it. MMA Junkie gives the first to Allen, 10-9.

Round 2 – Allen quickly out to the center. Melendez pawing a jab from the outside. Allen throws a high kick over the top. Melendez trying to swing back, but Allen getting the best of the striking. He’s patient in his approach, looking to pick the right shots. Melendez returning fire in the pocket, but he’s on the back foot. Allen lands two crisp punches. Halfway through the round. Allen holding the center and leading the exchanges. He’s targeting the body frequently. Melendez doing his best to stick and move in reply. Melendez lands a nice left up top. Another scores. He’s showing heart and trying to make something happen, but Allen is the one getting the better offense in play. Round ends on the feet. MMA Junkie gives it to Allen, 10-9.

Round 3 – Melendez not afraid to move, and he comes out swinging. He tries to grab hold of Allen but winds up being pressed to the cage. Allen changes levels and wraps the legs, scoring a clean takedown, but he backs away rather quickly and returns to the feet. Allen continues chopping at the legs in addition to punching up top. Allen just in control of the action right now. Melendez has some blood running down his forehead, but he’s still trying his best to make it a fight. He does a right hand, but Allen just walks through it. Allen is aware of his opponent’s attacks but seems completely unconcerned. Big Allen left stuns Melendez briefly. Allen tries to follow, but Melendez recovers quickly and slips away. Into the final minute. Allen has a high kick blocked. He’s still hunting the finish. They dig in and trade punches to close. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Allen, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27.

Result: Arnold Allen def. Gilbert Melendez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Recap: Arnold Allen rolls past rusty Gilbert Melendez

Photos: Arnold Allen vs. Gilbert Melendez photos

Records: Arnold Allen (15-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC), Gilbert Melendez (22-8 MMA, 1-6 UFC)

Division: Featherweight

Broadcast: ESPN

Referee: Marc Goddard

Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Sal D’Amato (30-27), Ron McCarthy (30-27)



Diego Sanchez vs. Michael Chiesa

Round 1 – Sanchez runs forward to the center, but Chiesa circles left to avoid the charge. Sanchez shoots in immediately and get the takedown, but Chiesa is able to shove him down and switch out, trying for the armbar. It misses, so Sanchez is on top, but Chiesa stands up to reset. Takedown, but Sanchez pops back up quickly. Chiesa maintains pressure, and they work from the clinch. Sanchez able to spin off to the outside and he keeps a bodylock. Chiesa able to power him over and to the floor. He tries to takes the back. Sanchez tries to pop out the back door, but Chiesa adjusts. Triangle around the body for Chiesa. Sanchez tries to tripod, but Chiesa underhooks and hangs on. Chiesa hunting the choke. Sanchez defending well, but he’s in an a bad spot. An alert scramble changes that, but Chiesa reverses again. Top position for Chiesa, and he’s kneeling and looking to punch. Sanchez works butterfly guard and lifts Chiesa into the air, but Chiesa quickly settles back on top of him. Chiesa advances to the back in the closing seconds. MMA Junkie gives the first to Chiesa, 10-9.

Round 2 – Chiesa walks forward, and Sanchez tries to surprise him with a few quick punches. Chiesa walks through them and drives the action to the floor. Scramble for position, and Chiesa is able to sneak around to the back of a kneeling Sanchez. Punches coming in from behind. Sanchez works his way to the feet and turns in to face his opponent. Chiesa lands a few big punches against the cage, including a nasty uppercut. He then changes levels and drags the cation to the canvas. Sanchez working from his back. He’s got guard, but it’s wide open, and Chiesa has him stacked and is landing punches. Sanchez trying to spin underneath, and he latches on to the left leg, but Chiesa easily spins through it and takes the back. He flattens out Chiesa and starts to punches. Sanchez gets to a knee. He’s defending. Chiesa tries for a choke, but it’s not there. Sanchez scrambles to his feet, bringing the crowd to life. They’re chanting his name, and Sanchez changes levels and looks for the takedown. Chiesa easily spins away from the danger and nearly takes the back in a beautiful transition. He’s got the left arm isolated, but Sanchez defends it perfectly. Still, Chiesa moves over and nearly takes the back at the close. MMA Junkie gives the second to Chiesa, 10-8.

Round 3 – Sanchez looking to strike, but Chiesa reaches down and grabs a single-leg, lifting it high in the air and sending Sanchez to the floor. Chiesa tries to sneak around to the back. Sanchez is scrambling well and defending perfectly, but there’s very little offense. He gets back to his feet, and Chiesa just throws two punches and then grabs the legs, dragging Sanchez to the floor with relative ease. Chiesa again slips to the back. Sanchez scrambles well, and Chiesa has to adjust. It’s alert work from Sanchez, but he’s not countering with anything at all. He’s just defending well and preventing a finish. He’s not able to offer anything at all in reply. Chiesa dominating the positioning, and he gets full latched on the back once again with the triangle in place. Sanchez keeps his chin tucked until the end, elbowing the leg. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Chiesa, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-26.

Result: Michael Chiesa def. Diego Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Recap: Michael Chiesa cruises past Diego Sanchez in rout

Photos: Michael Chiesa vs. Diego Sanchez photos

Records: Michael Chiesa (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Diego Sanchez (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC)

Division: Welterweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Mark Smith

Judging: Derek Cleary (30-26, giving Chiesa a 10-8 in round 2), Patricia Morse-Jarman (30-26, giving Chiesa a 10-8 in round 2), Junichiro Kamijo (30-26, giving Chiesa a 10-8 in round 2)



Jan Blachowicz vs. Luke Rockhold

Round 1 – Rockhold with an immediate high kick that’s blocked. Blachowicz returns fire, but Rockhold continues with the kicks to all levels before driving forward and looking for a takedown. Blachowicz defends well against the cage. Rockhold hooks the leg and tries to sweep it out, but Blachowicz continues to defend well. Rockhold drags Blachowicz to the floor, but he does a good job of using his hand to post and stay kneeling. Blachowicz battles back to his feet, but Rockhold is staying in tight. Kamaru Usman is shouting instructions to Rockhold as he works from the clinch. Crowd getting a little restless. Rockhold continues to control from the outside, but Blachowicz is staying upright. Blachowicz works in his right arm and pushes away. Rockhold backs away with his hands down and shakes his head. Rockhold misses on a few high kicks, and Blachowicz tries to counter with heavy punches that miss. Blachowicz lands a hard low kick. Rockhold still working kicks to the body. Left hand for Rockhold, and high kick misses behind it. Blachowicz throwing big punches but coming up mostly short. A left hand at the bell does land for Blachowicz, and Rockhold staggers to the floor at the bell. High kick just grazes over the top, as well. MMA Junkie gives the round to Blachowicz, 10-9, on the near finish.

Round 2 – Rockhold rushes out quickly, but Blachowicz is there to meet him with big punches and a punishing low kick. Blachowicz chops at the leg again. Rockhold fires out a high kick, but he didn’t set it up, and it’s easily blocked. Rockhold shoots inside, but again he’s only able to get to the clinch. Battle for position, and Blachowicz lands a knee inside. Rockhold tries to spin him to the floor, but Blachowicz stays upright and counters with a few punches that seem grazing but get Rockhold off-balance. He rushes back and lands a huge left hand. Rockhold is out, but Blachowicz follows with another big shot on the floor. Brutal. Afterward, Blachowicz points to his feet, a reference to their media day staredown.

Result: Jan Blachowicz def. Luke Rockhold via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:39

Recap: Jan Blachowicz drops hammer on Luke Rockhold in second

Photos: Jan Blachowicz vs. Luke Rockhold photos

Records: Jan Blachowicz (24-8 MMA, 7-5 UFC), Luke Rockhold (16-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC)

Division: Light heavyweight

Rankings: Blachowicz honorable mention, Rockhold No. 5 middleweight

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Herb Dean



Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren

Round 1 – Masvidal rushes forward to start and fires a flying knee. It land clean, and Askren crashes to the canvas. A few punches follow, but this thing was over before it started. Vicious.

Result: Jorge Masvidal def. Ben Askren via knockout (flying knee) – Round 1, 0:05

Recap: Jorge Masvidal flattens Ben Askren in five seconds

Photos: Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren photos

Records: Ben Askren (19-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Jorge Masvidal (34-13 MMA, 11-6 UFC)

Division: Welterweight

Rankings: Askren No. 4, Masvidal No. 14

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Jason Herzog



Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm

Round 1 – Holm gets to the center, and Nunes sets up on the outside. Low kicks traded. Both women patient to start but look ready to unleash. Nunes briefly knocked off-balance, but she recovers. Nunes with a low kick and then one up high. Neither woman wanted to overreach right now. Holm stomps at the lead leg. She kicks to the body, as well. Holm charges forward, and Nunes just misses a big shot. Into the clinch, and Nunes with a few knees to the body. She scores with a trip, but Holm pops right back to her feet. Holm continues to work the lead leg a bit. Nunes with a crisp two-punch combination. Nunes smiles a bit and then kicks the body. She seems to have settled into a rhythm. She fires a high kick that lands clean and sits Holm on the canvas. Nunes then delivers the pinpoint finishing punches on the floor, and this fight is over. Vicious finish.

Result: Amanda Nunes def. Holly Holm via TKO (high kick, punches) – Round 1, 4:10 – to defend women’s bantamweight title

Recap: Amanda Nunes uses Holly Holm’s head kick for first-round TKO

Photos: Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm photos

Records: Amanda Nunes (18-4 MMA, 11-1 UFC), Holly Holm (12-5 MMA, 5-5 UFC)

Division: Women’s bantamweight

Rankings: Nunes No. 1, No. 1 pound-for-pound; Holm No. 8

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Marc Goddard



Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos

Round 1 – Jones starts kneeling and then crawls slowly to the center to stand. Santos on the outside, patient right now. Jones with a few probing low kicks. Santos moving side to side and fires a big low kick that briefly sweeps Jones off-balance, though he remains standing. Santos electing to wait for now, and he blocks a Jones kick to the body. Santos changing directions as he moves laterally. He chops the legs a bit. Jones catches a kick to the body and tries to clinch, then just misses on a spinning elbow as he disengages. Patience from both men. Jones kicks to the body and continues to control from the center. Santos pushes forward with punches briefly, but they miss. Santos left hand clips Jones’ face and knocks the mouthpiece out. He smiles and apologizes when time is called to replace it. Low kick from Jones met with a flurry of punches on the restart. He slips most of them. Santos does a land a clean punch up top, but Jones able to shake it off. One minute left. Jones with a nice spinning kick to the body. He kicks the lead leg, as well. Santos remaining calm. Jones just misses a spinning kick at the bell. Close round, but MMA Junkie gives the first to Jones, 10-9.

Round 2 – Jones walks forward and kicks at the legs. Santos appears a little hobbled after a low kick. Seems the foot, perhaps? He fires off several big punches that are scary, but Jones able to slip the big shots. Jones still controlling the center, and he’s very aware of his opponent’s power, so he’s showing respect. Jones blocks a high kick. He’s staying controlled in the center. He pulls back on a leaping knee and then kicks the leg again. Santos getting a little more frantic with his movement. Jones fires a high kick that lands and sends Santos reeling. Santos recovers and resets, but his leg is bothering him. Santos lands a left to the body. He’s trying to rush forward, and he fires several heavy punches that Jones slips. High kick from Santos partially lands. Jones slips another power shot and kicks the body. Santos misses a spinning heel kick upstairs. He rushes forward with a punch that misses again. Jones misses a pair of spinning kicks at the bell. MMA Junkie gives it again to Jones, 10-9.

Round 3 – Jones is calms as he walks forward and sets up in front of his opponent. A Santos high kicks just misses. Santos loading up on the power shots, but he’s not finding the mark. Santos walks into an elbow that sends him to the floor. Jones getting loose now. He’s moving his hands about and looking for something to finish this fight. Flying knee misses over the top, and Jones slips to the floor. Scary moment against the fence, but he’s able to scramble away. Low kick from Santos buckles Jones’ leg, and a big left just misses behind it. Jones is stalking. He lands with an elbow, and Santos is cut near the left temple. Jones with a high kick and then one to the body. Santos is starting to fade. Crowd senses it and comes to life. Jones misses a side kick, but he’s closing distance in the final minute. Santos misses a few big punches and then stumbles a bit. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Jones, 10-9.

Round 4 – Jones out to the center to start. Santos lands a kick to the lead leg, and he comes out with heavy punches. Jones gets caught by one but slips the rest, turning and bailing out of the pocket before resetting. Jones with a spinning kick to the body. He’s still very methodical in his approach, but he is opening up a bit, faking a takedown and then missing on a spinning high kick. Santos stumbles a bit as he retreats. He’s definitely having issues with his leg. He’s still dangerous, and Jones isn’t overcommitting. Jones kicks the right leg, and Santos again stumbles a bit. Crowd wanting Jones to finish, and they’re getting a little impatient. Jones is advancing, but it’s clear he doesn’t want to expose himself to his opponent’s power. Santos is trying to come out of his shell a little, but he struggles to stand when he puts forward pressure. Final minute, and Santos lands a low kick with the right leg and nearly falls over when he sets it back down. Santos pulls back on a capoeira kick at the bell. MMA Junkie gives it again to Jones, 10-9.

Round 5 – Santos is going to need something special. He seems to be aware as he opens, firing a big kick to the body. He wings a few big punches, as well, but Jones slips them well. Jones still walking forward, and he fires a high kick that misses. Santos just misses a big left and a high kick. He’s still dangerous at this point in the fight, and Jones is cautious because of it. Jones with a side kick to the body. Santos tries to kick, but his leg buckles. The right leg is clearly injured. Again he nearly falls over on a low kick. Santos isn’t letting the injury completely halt him, but it’s definitely hindering him. Crowd is booing in the final two minutes. Jones refusing to just open the arsenal, for obvious reasons. Santos rushes forward with a series of desperate punches, but Jones covers up and escapes. We’re in the final minute. Crowd cheering and trying to will a finish. Santos briefly catches a leg but can’t capitalize. Santos falls to the floor on a kick, his leg giving out. He pops up, and the crowd cheering again. The two men embrace at the final bell. MMA Junkie gives the final round, another close one, to Jones, 10-9, awarding him the fight 50-45.

Result: Jon Jones def. Thiago Santos via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)

Recap: Jon Jones narrowly averts upset by game Thiago Santos

Photos: Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos

Records: Jon Jones (25-1 MMA, 19-1 UFC), Thiago Santos (21-7 MMA, 13-6 UFC)

Division: Light heavyweight

Rankings: Jones No. 1, No. 3 pound-for-pound; Santos No. 11

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Referee: Herb Dean

Judging: Junichiro Kamijo (47-48, giving Santos rounds 1, 2 and 4), Mike Bell (48-47, giving Jones rounds 2, 3 and 4), Derek Cleary (48-47, giving Jones rounds 2, 3 and 5)