MEXICO CITY – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 17 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT).

The event takes place at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. The card streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, Mexico’s own Yair Rodriguez (11-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) takes on Jeremy Stephens (28-16 MMA, 15-15 UFC) at featherweight. And in the co-feature, Mexico’s Alexa Grasso (11-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) meets Carla Esparza (14-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET for the ESPN+ prelims and 8 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC on ESPN+ 17 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Marcos Mariano vs. Claudio Puelles

Round 1 – Puelles shoots for the takedown right off the bat and gets it. Mariano has hit back up against the cage and Puelles is working to advance his position. Mariano tries to raise up to his feet, but Puelles attemps a guillotine and then switches to a kimura. Puelles grabs the arm and leans back. Mariano is on top of him and fights out of the submission. A quick standup from the referee and both men are back to their feet. Mariano throws a pair of kicks before Puelles clinches him once again against the cage. Puelles elevates Mariano over his head and slams the Brazilian to the mat. For the remainder of the round, Puelles tries to free himself from Mariano’s grasp to land strikes, but isn’t able to. 10-9, Puelles.

Round 2 – The second frame starts much like the first with Puelles getting Mariano down in the opening seconds. This time, however, Puelles transitions to mount. Mariano forces Puelles back to half guard. Now in full guard, Puelles lands short shots to the head and body of Mariano. Puelles continues to alternate left hands to the body and left elbows to the head. 10-8, Puelles.

Round 3 – To start the round, Mariano lands his first registered strike of the fight: a cracking body kick. To no one’s surprise, Puelles drags Mariano down to the ground with ease and lands in side control. Puelles steps over the head of Mariano and begins to yank the Brazilian’s arm behind his back in a kimura attack. Mariano has a death grip on his own shorts to prevent Puelles’ attempt. Mariano escapes the submission. Puelles transitions from half guard to full mount, back to half guard, and then back to full mount again. Puelles rains down shots on Mariano to end the round. MMA Junkie gives it to Puelles, 10-8, awarding him the fight 30-25. Complete and total domination.

Result: Claudio Puelles def. Marcos Mariano via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)
Photos: Claudio Puelles def. Marcos Mariano
Records: Marcos Mariano (6-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Claudio Puelles (9-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Salas Navarro
Judging: Derek Cleary, Brian Puccillo, Bladimir Puga 30-25 (10-8 R2, 10-8 R3)

Bethe Correia vs. Sijara Eubanks

Round 1 – Both women meet in the center to start the bout. Eubanks looks to throw power shots. Correia lands a right hand and Eubanks answers. Eubanks lands an outside leg kick before both women land a hook. After a few outside exchanges, Eubanks shoots for, and scores, a beautifully-timed double leg takedown. Eubanks is looking to advance from half guard. Eubanks locks Correia’s arm behind her back and lands big, clean shots on Correia’s face. Referee Herzog gives a warning, but Correia survies to see another round. It wouldn’t be surprising if judges score it more-lopsidedly, but MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 Eubanks.

Round 2 – Eubanks looks to utilize her jab early. Correia lands a nice punch to the delight of the crowd. Eubanks hammers Correia with a punch, but the Brazilian shakes it off. Eubanks tries to clinch against the cage, but Correira reverses and they break. Correia finding more success on the feet in round 2. Eubanks shoots for a takedown, but Correia stuffs and gets double underhooks against the cage. Correia is targeting the body, as Eubanks lands two good left hooks. Eubanks looks like she is getting tired. End round. 10-9 Correia.

Round 3 – Correia looks to utilize the jab early. After a lot of footwork and not much striking, Correia lands a nice combination to the body. Eubanks connects with a big shot of her own. Correia hits the eye of Eubanks (unsure if punch or poke). Eubanks is noticeably bothered by it. Correia squishes Eubanks up against the cage, but Eubanks fights her way to the center. Both women land in a wild exchange and Correia sticks her tongue out. Eubanks lands a right hand, left hook combination. The final buzzer sounds and an elated Correia runs around the cage, before rolling around on the ground. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Correia, giving her the fight 29-28.

Result: Bethe Correia def. Sijara Eubanks via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Bethe Correia snaps skid, upsets Sijara Eubanks by decision
Photos: Bethe Correia def. Sijara Eubanks
Records: Bethe Correia (11-4-1 MMA, 5-4-1 UFC), Sijara Eubanks (4-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Rankings: Eubanks honorable mention
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Doug Crosby, Junichiro Kamijo, Rick Winter 29-28 (R2, R3)

Paul Craig vs. Vinicius Moreira

Round 1 – Moreira is the aggressor from the opening bell. He lands a thudding outside legkick and ties Craig up. Moreira pulls guard and Craig is on top now. Moreira is creeping up in an attempt to isolate an arm, but Craig shuts that attempt down. Moreira grabs hold of an arm and rolls Craig over. The two fighters raise to their feet, but Craig tosses Moreira to the ground. Craig lands a huge knee. And another. Moreira is hurt. Craig landing big shots against the cage. Moreira gives up his back and Craig locks in the rear-naked choke. Moreira taps. It’s all over. What a versatile and exciting finish by Craig. That was fun.

Result: Paul Craig def. Vinicius Moreira via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:19
Photos: Paul Craig def. Vinicius Moreira
Records: Paul Craig (12-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Vinicius Moreira (9-4 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Tyson Nam vs. Sergio Pettis

Round 1 – A heavy feeling-out process to begin the opening round. Each man throwing single strikes, but nothing really landing. Pettis tries a stepping sidekick to the face, but Nam avoids. Pettis follows it up with a spinning wheelkick, which is blocked. While neither has landed anything significant, Pettis is doing a better job of utilizing his range. Nam trying to rush in, but never is able to get anything off. Pettis is continually switches stances. An uneventful round comes to an end. 10-9 Pettis.

Round 2 – Nam continues to push the pace to start round 2. Pettis trying to hide his straight right behind a left jab, but it’s not landing. Nam lands his best shot of the fight on the second half of a left hook to the body, right hook to the chin combination. Pettis’ jab is beginning to land. Pettis lands an explosive knee, by Nam doesn’t appear to be fazed. Pettis tries a superman punch, but eats a counter by Nam. Pettis grabs Nam and pushes him agains the cage, but the two fighters break. The boos of the Mexico City fans is broken up by a Pettis cartwheel kick attempt to end the round. Close round. 10-9 Pettis.

Round 3 – Pettis peppers Nam with jabs in the opening minute. Pettis connects with an elbow in the clinch, but Nam returns a punch to the head. Pettis still using a lot of movement, but is predominantly on the retreat. Pettis lands a big punch followed by a left high kick. Nam answers with a combination. A much more active round here in the third. Pettis cracks Nam with a beautiful uppercut, hook combination. Name tries to pin Pettis against the cage, but to no avail. Pettis lands a front kick to once again interrupt the fans’ jeers. The fight ends with Pettis and Nam clinched against the cage. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Pettis, awarding him the fight 30-27.

Result: Sergio Pettis def. Tyson Nam via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Sergio Pettis bests Tyson Nam to win another decision
Photos: Sergio Pettis def. Tyson Nam
Records: Tyson Nam (18-10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Sergio Pettis (18-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Doug Crosby, Sal D’Amato, Rick Winter 30-27

Ariane Carnelossi vs. Angela Hill

Round 1 – Carnelossi comes out aggressively and eats a big elbow from Hill. Carnelossi continues to charge Hill and attempts a takedown against the cage. Hill does a good job defending the attempt and pushes Carnelossi away. Both women throwing wild strikes, but more are missing than landing. Hill lands a sneaky inside hook and reverses a Carnelossi clinch attempt. Hill has Carnelossi pressed up against the cage and is landing big knees. Hill lands a hard knee up the middle, which connected on the forehead of Hill. A Hill elbow lands on the head of Carnelossi, who is throwing a lot, but not finding much success. The round ends. 10-9 Hill.

Round 2 – Hill is carrying over her striking success from the first round. Carnelossi moves forward and lands on Hill. The footwork and range from Hill is proving to be the difference. Carnelossi can’t seem to catch her. Carnelossi lands a body kick and Hill returns with a body punch. Carnelossi fires a right hand at Hill, which lands. A hard leg kick follows from Carnelossi. Hill lands two knees and an uppercut to end the round. A closer round, but 10-9 Hill.

Round 3 – Both women come out with a seemingly extra added sense of urgency. Each landing shots on the other. Carnelossi pushing the pace, but Hill still appears to be technically sound, though visibly tired. Hill lands a slicing elbow above the left eye of Carnelossi, who is split open. The referee quickly calls timeout and signals for the doctor. The physician didn’t waste much time in waiving it off. The fight is over. Nice, technical performance from Hill.

Result: Angela Hill def. Ariane Carnelossi via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 3, 1:56
Photos: Angela Hill def. Ariane Carnelossi
Records: Ariane Carnelossi (12-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Angela Hill (10-7 MMA, 5-7 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Salas Navarro

Kyle Nelson vs. Marco Polo Reyes

Round 1 – The crowd is loudly behind Reyes as the bout begins. Nelson secures double underhooks and sweeps Reyes’ leg. Reyes rises to his feet and the two exchange knees ins a 50/50 clinch. Nelson breaks the clinch with a huge elbow that stuns Reyes. A barrage of strikes follow. Reyes can’t defend and eats a number of big shots. Referee Herzog calls off the fight with Reyes standing gingerly against the cage. The crowd has been silenced. Fantastic finish from the Canadian.

Result: Kyle Nelson def. Marco Polo Reyes via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:36
Photos: Kyle Nelson def. Marco Polo Reyes
Records: Kyle Nelson (13-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Marco Polo Reyes (8-7 MMA, 4-4 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Carlos Huachin vs. Jose Quinonez

Round 1 – The two fighters touch gloves and begin the feeling-out process. In one of the opening exchanges, Quinonez lands an explosive right hand that drops Huachin, who recovers quickly and rises to his feet. Huachin doesn’t appear to be too worse for the wear, and both men go back to pointfighting. Huachin lands a left hand. Quinonez, utilizing his inside low kicks, is just a tad quicker. Huachin is pushing the action, but Quinonez is just out of range. Quinonez throws a big high kick which lands. Buzzer. End of round 1. Clear 10-9 Quinonez.

Round 2 – Huachin lands a couple of body punches to open the round. Quinonez returns to throwing leg kicks. Quinonez shoots for a takedown and lands it into half guard. Quinonez tries to work to advance his position, but actually lands in Huachin’s guard. Huachin elevates and returns the fight to the feet and the two separate. Leg kick from Quinonez, who appears to still have a lot in the gas tank. Round ends. Again, 10-9 Quinonez.

Round 3 – Huachin throws a sloppy knee to start off the final round and he pays for it. Quinonez catches it and plants his back to the canvas. Quinonez in Huachin’s guard. Huachin complains to referee Miragliotta to stand the fight up. Miragliotta tells Huachin to stay busy. Now in half guard, Quinonez lands a few short, hard elbows to the temple of Huachin. The two rise to their feet again. Huachin really pressuring Quinonez who is having none of it. Quinonez continuously on the retreat. Huachin complains of an eye poke, but Miragliotta didn’t see it. The fight concludes. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 Quinonez, earning him the victory 30-27.

Result: Jose Quinonez def. Carlos Huachin via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Jose Quinonez def. Carlos Huachin
Records: Carlos Huachin (10-5-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC) vs. Jose Quinonez (7-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Sal D’Amato, Junichiro Kamijo, Bladimir Puga 30-27

Martin Bravo vs. Steven Peterson

Round 1 – Both men trade kicks and punches seconds after the opening bell. Peterson targets the leg. Bravo throws a one-two and scores a takedown. Peters is back up to his feet and throws a huge overhand right that misses. Bravo lands a spinning back kick to the body, which Peterson attempts to mimic, but misses. Bravo lands a big shot when Peterson was off balance, which knocks the American to his back. Peterson gets up and is met with a Bravo punches. Bravo continues to pick him apart, as Peterson seems tired and off-balance. Peterson misses on a big kick and eats a Bravo right hand. Peterson begins swinging wildly and Bravo returns with similar shots. High paced, exciting first round. 10-9 Bravo

Round 2 – The two featherweights don’t skip a beat. They exchange before Bravo secures a takedown. Peterson gets up and eats some punches. Bravo throws a spinning back elbow, but misses. Peterson throws a spinning backfist at the same time. It lands flush. Bravo is out cold! What a knockout. That could be one for the year end awards.

Result: Steven Peterson def. Martin Bravo via knockout (spinning backfist) – Round 2, 1:31
Recap: Nearly simultaneous spinning backfists gave us a brutally spectacular KO at UFC on ESPN+ 17
Photos: Steven Peterson def. Martin Bravo
Records: Martin Bravo (11-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Steven Peterson (18-9 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Irene Aldana vs. Vanessa Melo

Round 1 – With the crowd behind her, Aldana begins the fight by circling Melo who is winging punches already. Aldana lands a heavy outside leg kick that nearly knocks Melo off balance. Melo lands a pair of punches, but is stuck with a jab by Aldana. A ripping body shot from Aldana cracks the stomach of Melo. Aldana using her kicks and jabs in an attempt to slow the charging Melo. Aldana connects with a one-two-two. Aldana lands another thudding leg kick followed by a series of strikes before the round comes to an end. 10-9 Aldana.

Round 2 – Aldana lands a hard jab. Melo is leery of the leg kick now. She’s picking up her leg before Aldana even throws. Melo still moving forward. Aldana still circling. Aldana lands a spinning back kick to the body. Melo shoots for a takedown, but Aldana effortlessly throws her aside and lands two punches. Aldana doubles up on her right hands, both of which whack her opponent. Melo lands a punch, but Aldana answers. With 20 seconds left in the round, both women land simultaneously. Round over. 10-9 Aldana.

Round 3 – Aldana lands a head kick, but Melo grabs a hold of her in the clinch. Aldana separates with a knee. Melo bull rushes Aldana, but is only able to land a couple short shots. Both ladies exchanging in the pocket. Aldana throws a spinning wheel kick to the delight of the crowd. Both women bite down on their mouth pieces and exchange a versatile barrage of strikes. The Mexico City faithful stand and applaud. 10-9 Aldana on MMA Junkie’s scorecard, which awards her the fight 30-27.

Result: Irene Aldana def. Vanessa Melo via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Recap: Irene Aldana’s volume overwhelms newcomer Vanessa Melo
Photos: Irene Aldana def. Vanessa Melo
Records: Irene Aldana (11-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Vanessa Melo (10-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Rankings: Aldana No. 14
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Salas Navarro
Judging: Doug Crosby, Junichiro Kamijo, Brian Puccillo 30-26 (10-8 R3)

Askar Askarov vs. Brandon Moreno

Round 1 – Askarov lands a snapping inside leg kick. Askarov picks up Moreno and drops him on the ground. The two fighters roll and Askarov lands in half guard against the cage. Moreno begins to creep up to his feet, but Askarov swings around and grabs his back with the body triangle locked. Askarov lands big shots and Moreno rolls. Askarov shoots for a triangle choke, but Moreno passes out of it. Askarov now in Moreno’s guard. Moreno rains down a handful of shots on Askarov who is trying to throw up kicks, to no avail. The two scramble to their feet and Moreno tags Askarov with a punch. Askarov stumbles backwards, but appears to recover. Askarov chases Moreno, but the Mexican escapes. Buzzer sounds. Close, fun, competitive opening round. 10-9 Moreno.

Round 2 – Moreno lands some punches to start the second round, but Askarov drags the fight to the mat. Moreno rises to the feet and hits a combination on Askarov. A nice uppercut by Moreno makes Askarov shoot again. Askarov tosses Moreno over and lands in side control. Once again, Moreno gets up. The two fighters return to the center. Askarov throws a spinning backfist that has no effect on Moreno. Askarov lands an uppercut and Moreno counters with three punches. Askarov ducks and Moreno hits him with a head kick. Askarov falls forward and Moreno ends up in an upside down inverse triangle position. The round ends with Moreno on Askarov’s back. 10-9 Moreno.

Round 3 – Askarov and Moreno embrace to start the final round as referee Miragliotta applauds. Moreno shoots for a takedown and gets it. Askarov briefly attempts an omaplata, but eats a left. Moreno stays active on top, looking to advance his position. Moreno dives in for a punch and the two fighters roll. Askarov gives up his back and Moreno gets in the hooks. Moreno attempts a rear-naked choke, but can’t quite lock it in. The buzzer sounds and the crowd applauds. That could your “Fight of the Night” right there ladies and gents. 10-9 Moreno in round three. MMA Junkie scores the fight 30-27 Moreno.

Result: Brandon Moreno vs. Askar Askrov ends in split draw (28-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Recap: Askar Askarov, Brandon Moreno battle to hard-fought draw
Photos: Askar Askarov vs. Brandon Moreno
Records: Askar Askarov (10-0-1 MMA, 0-0-1 UFC), Brandon Moreno (15-5-1 MMA, 3-2-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Rankings: Moreno No. 9
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Sal D’Amato 28-28 (Askarov R1-2; 10-8 Moreno R3); Junichiro Kamijo 29-28 Askarov (R1, R2); Bladimir Puga 30-27 Moreno

Carla Esparza vs. Alexa Grasso

Round 1 – Esparza and Grasso touch gloves to start the co-main event. Esparza throws a few off-balance punches which Grasso sidesteps. Esparza lands a heavy leg kick. Esparza looking for counters, Grasso using head movement. Esparza shoots for a takedown and Grasso almost reverses. However, Esparza powers through the reversal and lands in Grasso’s guard. Grasso pushes Esparza off and gets to her feet. The two point-fight until Esparza shoots for an unsuccessful takedown. In the clinch, Esparza pushes Grasso against the cage before scoring a head-and-arm throw. Grasso gets up and hits Esparza with a pair of punches and a knee. A close first round ends. 10-9 Esparza.

Round 2 – Esparza scores a takedown 40 seconds into the round and enters Grasso’s guard. Peppering Grasso’s body, Esparza tries to free her head from under Grasso’s arm. Neither fighter is being particularly active at this point. Grasso throwing some short shots from the bottom. Off her back, Grasso is attempting to cover Esparza’s mouth. The two scramble and Esparza tries to grab the back. Briefly, Grasso lands on top, but Esparza gets up. Grasso lands a big right cross that sends Esparza crashing into the fence. Moments later, Esparza answers with a big right of her own. Esparza scores another takedown. 10-9 Esparza.

Round 3 – A replay shows Grasso may have twisted her ankle in the second round, but she lands the first big shot of the round, a right cross. Grasso lands an uppercut counter. A one-two combination from Grasso stuns Esparza. Grasso chases Esparza and lands a couple more big shots, then slips. Surprisingly, Grasso takes her foot of the gas as Esparza is visibly stumbling. Grasso catches Esparza with a punch and transitions a takedown into an armbar submission attempt. Moments later, Esparza rolls into Grasso’s guard. Grasso goes back to the armbar and extends the arm in a gross position. Somehow, Esparza doesn’t tap and lands on top. Grasso shoots up again and lands big elbows from the bottom. An omoplata attempt is unsuccessful from Grasso. The two scramble to their feet and land big shots to the delight of the crowd. The buzzer sounds with both women exchanging. 10-9 Grasso. MMA Junkie scores the contest 29-28 for Esparza.

Result: Carla Esparza def. Alexa Grasso via majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Carla Esparza edges Alexa Grasso after armbar scare
Photos: Carla Esparza def. Alexa Grasso
Records: Carla Esparza (14-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Alexa Grasso (11-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Esparza No. 7, Grasso No. 12
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Doug Crosby, Rick Winter 29-28 (R1-2); Brian Puccillo 28-28 (R1-2 Esparza, R3 10-8 Grasso)

Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens

Round 1 – No touch of gloves to start the round. Rodriguez throws three straight leg kicks and then pokes Stephens in the eye. Dean calls timeout. Stephens is noticeably bothered. The crowd is all riled up. Referee Dean calls in the doctor. Dean is saying Stephens’ eye is spasming, but wants to give the eye more time to open. The five-minute timeout mark has been hit and the bout is waived off. The fans are booing. Stephens being shielded from trash being thrown in the cage. Herb Dean declares the bout a no contest.

Result: Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens ends in no contest (eye poke) – Round 1, 0:15
Recap:
Photos: Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens
Records: Yair Rodriguez (11-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC), Jeremy Stephens (28-16 MMA, 15-15 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Rankings: Stephens honorable mention
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean