TAMPA, Fla. – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 19 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 Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The card streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, former women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) takes on Michelle Waterson (17-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC). In the co-feature, Kron Gracie (5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) met Cub Swanson (26-11 MMA, 11-7 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+ 19 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Mike Bohn (@mikebohnmma) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Current fight

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Michelle Waterson

Round 1 – Both women looked extremely confident in the walkouts and staredowns. After a brief feeling out process, Waterson goes for a takedown. Jedrzejczyk defends and reverses Waterson agains the cage. Waterson muscles back to her original position, pushing Jedrzejczyk agains the cage. The two break the clinch, but not before an elbow lands for Waterson. Jedrzejczyk has started to utilize her kicking game; throwing a front kick to the body and a whipping leg kick. Waterson shoots for another takedown. She’s pressing Jedrzejczyk against the cage again. Jedrzejczyk reverses position. Jedrzejczyk lands a knee and an elbow in the clinch. Jedrzejczyk seemingly the stronger fighter, she’s controlling a large percentage of the clinch game. Jedrzejczyk keeps sneaking in short shorts – elbows, punches, and knees. One at a time. Every time Waterson reverses, Jedrzejczyk regains control in seconds. Jedrzejczyk has Waterson’s back standing against the cage. The first round horn sounds. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk.

Round 2 – A very kick-heavy attack from Jedrzejczyk to begin the second – leg kick after leg kick. With every strike she throws, Jedrzejczyk lets out a audible grunt. Waterson is bleeding, but I can’t tell where from. It might be coming out of her nose. Waterson takes a big breath as Jedrzejczyk lands a one-two. Waterson gets an under-hook and pivots Jedrzejczyk to the fence. Much like the first round, Jedrzejczyk digs double under hooks and reverses position. Strength is the X-factor thus far for Jedrzejczyk. The fighters separate and return to center stage. A head kick from Jedrzejczyk gets a big pop out of the fans – and a smile from Waterson. Buzzer. 20-18 Jedrzejczyk.

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC), Michelle Waterson (17-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Jedrzejczyk No. 5, No. 8 pound-for-pound; Waterson No. 10
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging:

Results

J.J. Aldrich vs. Lauren Mueller

Round 1 – The contest commences with Mueller pushing the action. Mueller uses a front kick to the body multiple times in the opening seconds. Aldrich lands a combination and Mueller lands goes back to the body kick. Aldrick is finding her range in the boxing department. It’s essentially been Aldrich’s punches against Mueller’s kicks through the first half of the round. Aldrich has really found her timing and range for her overhand left hand. It’s connecting often. Aldrich gets a hold of Mueller and clinches her up against the cage with one under-hook and one over-hook. Aldrich throws Mueller to the ground who perches up agains the cage and gets to her feet. Aldrich, still with the same grip, throws a knee which Mueller catches. Mueller plants Aldrich on her back, but the two rise to their feet and are greeted with the end-of-round horn. Pretty clear 10-9 Aldrich, nonetheless.

Round 2 – The two fighters meet in the center. They exchange punches and connect simultaneously. Another straight left from Aldrich cracks Mueller. That punch has been the most effect strike on either side. Mueller charges in, but Aldrich grabs double underhooks and pushes her against the cage. Mueller turns her around and separates. Mueller turning it on here. She lands a series of solid punches and a head kick. There is blood coming out of the nose of Aldrich. Looks like the striking for both fighters is opening up. Aldrich lands a spinning kick to the body followed by another cracking left punch. A nice combination from Aldrich bounces off the face of Mueller, who answers with a hard right. Mueller confident now, posturing with her hands. Aldrich sticks her tongue out in response. Mueller has been pressing the action this whole fight, but she’s really turning it up in the final minute of this round. Right at the buzzer, a hard front kick from Aldrich connects on the chin of Mueller. Close, but 10-9 Mueller and 19-19 overall.

Round 3 – Aldrich comes out guns a-blazing in the final round. She lands a big two-punch combination and follows it up with a stunning left. Mueller staggers but recovers. Left after left, Mueller connects. Clockwork. Mueller eats a hard counter jab. Mueller is slowing. Aldrich is out-throwing and out-landing her. Mueller lands consecutive right hands as the round hits the four-minute mark. You’ve got to imagine she needs a finish here if she wants her win bonus. Both women land a series of punches in the final twenty seconds. Aldrich throws a spinning backfist that whiffs. The round is over and so is the fight. Solid effort from both UFC Tampa curtain jerkers. MMA Junkie gives Aldrich the round 10-9. Overall, Aldrich should get the nod 29-28.

Result: J.J. Aldrich def. Lauren Mueller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: J.J. Aldrich def. Lauren Mueller
Records: J.J. Aldrich (8-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Lauren Mueller (5-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Kevin MacDonald
Judging: Tony Weeks (30-27); Christopher Lee and Michelle Olney (29-28, giving Aldrich rounds 1 and 3)

Andrew Sanchez vs. Marvin Vettori

Round 1 – After Herb Dean gets the biggest cheer of the night from the Tampa Bay faithful, the fighters meet in the middle of the cage. Vettori lands a one-two. The Italian follows it up with a combination. A straight right connects from Vettori. He’s going for it. Sanchez isn’t electing to counter Vettori’s aggression, but instead is covering up. Sanchez eats a big knee. Vettori looks like the much bigger man in there, which poises the question: how long can he keep this pace up for? Vettori lands a multi-faceted striking combination. Sanchez hasn’t been able to get much of anything going. He needs to change this around. Vettori lands upwards of five punches and a knee. Sanchez still not countering. Sanchez lands a stiff jab. Vettori practically throwing himself at Sanchez and lands a combination which pushes Sanchez backwards. Sanchez shrugs off the attack. Moments later, Sanchez shoots for a takedown. Vettori shoves him off. 10-9 Vettori after one.

Round 2 – After a few non-effective exchanges, Vettori leaps in and grabs a hold of Sanchez in the clinch. The two separate. Sanchez pushing the action for the first time in the fight, but Vettori lands a stiff elbow for his troubles. Sanchez lands a hook. Vettori noticeably slower. It’s quite possible Sanchez was waiting for the Italian to tire himself out. Vettori lands a hard left straight. Sanchez still backing Vettori up. Much better cage control from the American in this round. Sanchez lands another jab and Vettori returns with a straight. Vettori lands a combo after a tired Sanchez takedown attempt. Sanchez lands a right kick to the body – he’s bleeding from his nose. Much closer action, but still Vettori’s round. MMA Junkie has the fight 20-18 Vettori.

Round 3 – Sanchez extends for a touch of gloves, but Vettori is not interested. Sanchez continues to stalk Vettori and lands a spinning backfist to the chin of the Italian. Sanchez throws a kick, but it’s caught by Vettori who spins to the back of Sanchez. The two fighters walk to the cage, where Sanchez breaks Vettori’s clasp. Sanchez lands another perfectly-timed spinning backfist/back elbow counter when Vettori charges in. Vettori changes levels and hammers the head, then body of Sanchez. Both men are visibly tired as the clock winds down. The fight ends after a brief flurry from Sanchez. Much respect to Sanchez for his toughness in that one, but MMA Junkie scores the fight 30-27 Vettori.

Result: Marvin Vettori def. Andrew Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Marvin Vettori def. Andrew Sanchez
Records: Andrew Sanchez (11-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Marvin Vettori (14-3-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Daniel Torres, Dave Tirelli, Derek Cleary

Hector Aldana vs. Miguel Baeza

Round 1 – Feeling out process lasts about forty seconds before Baeza throws a looping right that misses. A bit of a staring contest thus far and as a result, the crowd is letting their restless be known. Baeza with a very kick heavy offense – two low, one high. Aldana charges in, but is unable to connect. Another outside low kick from Baeza whacks the leg of Aldana. The two welterweights trade leg kick for leg kick. Aldana begins chasing down Baeza, who calms the situation by circling back to the center. This round is close, but Baeza foot speed is making a small, but important difference. At the sound of the 10 second warning, Baeza shoots for a takedown. He gets it, but the round expires. 10-9 Baeza.

Round 2 – Aldana lands a leg kick. Baeza answers with one of his own. Baeza tries to sneak between Aldana’s guard with a high front kick to the face. Baeza hits a speedy one-two combination. Baeza lands a hard leg kick – and another. It crumples Aldana. He’s hurt and covering up. Baeza landing punches and elbows. That’s it! A successful debut for the “Dana White’s Contender Series” signee Baeza. A nice technical display, which leaves room for improvement.

Result: Miguel Baeza def. Hector Aldana via TKO (leg kicks and punches) – Round 2, 2:32
Photos: Miguel Baeza def. Hector Aldana
Records: Hector Aldana (4-3 MMA, 0-3 UFC), Miguel Baeza (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Michael Cardoso

Andre Ewell vs. Marlon Vera

Round 1 – The fight begins and there’s a strong Ecuadorian presence in the arena. Ewell rushes in and goes for a half-hearted takedown. Vera throws him off and Ewell circles out. A hard inside leg kick lands for Vera, but Ewell answers with a hard right-left combination. Ewell throws a wild overhand punch which misses and lands right in the grasp off a Vera arm triangle attempt. Vera lands on his back, but still has the submission tight. Ewell is straining to escape. He’s struggling – and he escapes. Now Ewell finds himself in the guard of Vera. Despite being on the bottom, Vera is landing more strikes. Ewell isn’t able to do much of anything and it appears the back of his head is bleeding. The referee warns Ewell to increase his activity. Vera tries to work for an armbar, but Ewell stands up and waives Vera up. The two fighters are back on the feet. A few misses from both fighters closes out the round. That was fun. 10-9 Vera.

Round 2 – Ewell lands a stiff jab and Vera hits him back with another inside leg kick. Both men whiff, whiff, and whiff again. Ewell is loading everything into these punches, but they’re missing. A wild scramble ensues, but still no one connects. Ewell lands a one-two and counters a Vera kick attempt with a punch. Vera throws a looping upper cut attempt. Ewell dodges, but finds himself nearly in the same standing arm triangle position we saw in round 1. Vera has Ewell pushed up against the cage. Ewell breaks. Vera lands a beautiful teep kick to the midsection and follows it up with some punches. Ewell might be hurt. Vera looking to unload, but Ewell fires back. Both men trade. The round ends and the crowd applauds. A frenetic ending to round 2. 20-18 Vera.

Round 3 – Vera comes out aggressive and gets the thai clinch. Vera lands a series of knees of Ewell, but Ewell counters with punches which connect to the head of Vera. A had Vera leg kick cracks the outside leg of Ewell, who throws a one-two. Vera lands a hard body kick which changes Ewell’s demeanor. Vera is teeing off on Ewell against the cage. Ewell displays his toughness and doesn’t seem too phased – but he’s tired. Ewell ducks in and Vera grabs his neck. He’s looking for a standing guillotine. The two fighters crumple to the cage and Vera lets go. Now he’s raining big shots down on the grounded Ewell. The referee is inching closer. Ewell is trying to dodge, but it’s not working. Elbows and punches are crashing down on Ewell. The referee steps in. That’s all she wrote. Dominant performance by “Chito.”

Result: Marlon Vera def. Andre Ewell via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 3:17
Photos: Marlon Vera def. Andre Ewell
Records: Andre Ewell (15-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Marlon Vera (17-5-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Referee: Andrew Glenn

Tim Elliott vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Round 1 – Flyweight time. Elliot comes out in his vintage funky stance – sporting a funky mullet as well. In one of the first punches he throws, Figueiredo cracks Elliott. The two clinch – Elliott rapid fire punches the head and body of the Brazilian. Figueiredo separates the clinch with a bang – a hard elbow to the head of Elliott. The American is constantly switching stances. Elliott shoots for a takedown and Figueiredo locks in a guillotine. Elliott looks to be in trouble. There’s the tap. Elliott appears to be unhappy with how long Figueiredo held the choke, or maybe just the loss in general. It’s hard to tell.

Result: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Tim Elliott via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:08
Recap: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Tim Elliott
Photos:
Records: Tim Elliott (15-9-1 MMA, 4-7 UFC), Deiveson Figueiredo (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kevin MacDonald

Max Griffin vs. Alex Morono

Round 1 – Both men aggressive, yet gun-shy in the opening minute. Griffin connects with a hard counter right. A lot of footwork being utilized from both men. Griffin lands a hard leg kick. Both men showing they possess a lot of power. Griffin goes back to the leg kick. Morono wings a huge overhand which misses. Morono lands a spinning back kick to the body, but Griffin doesn’t appear fazed. Griffin lands an overhand right and Morono grabs his face. It may have hit him the eye. He continues fighting, nonetheless. There’s a little bit of swelling under the left eye of Griffin. Super close first round, but 10-9 Griffin on MMA Junkie’s scorecard.

Round 2 – Morono swinging for the fences earlier in the second frame. Griffin finding his range, dipping in and out of the pocket. Griffin lands a three punch combination on Morono. That hurt. Griffin charges, but goes for a takedown. Morono threatens a guillotine, so Griffin bails. They’re back in the center. You’ve got to think if that’s a missed opportunity for Griffin. “Pain” lands another right on Morono, who answers with one of his own. Morono lands a huge head kick which flattens Griffin. He’s really hurt, but gets back to his feet. Morono isn’t letting his foot off the gas pedal. Knee after knee lands for Morono. What is Griffin’s face made of? He’s absorbing huge shots here. In the fray, Morono lands a huge spinning backfist. Despite the madness, Griffin throws one of his own. Morono is tagging Griffin, but the round ends. What a sequence. A 10-8 Morono round gives him the edge now, 19-18.

Round 3 – It’s crazy how unaffected Griffin is at the start of the final round. He lands a few good shots on Morono, who is on the counter attack. Griffin attempts a flying knee and Morono bashes him on the side of the head with a left hand. Griffin lands a left of his own. Griffin flings himself at Morono and gets a double leg takedown. Griffin in Morono’s guard. Morono scrambles to his feet, but he’s being pushed against the cage by Griffin. A huge takedown-slam hybrid from Griffin plants Morono again. The Texas elevates, but is still getting pressed against the fence by Griffin. A failed takedown attempt results in a reversal of position. Griffin pulls a reversal of his own and gets a third takedown. Morono up, but falls back down. Morono gets up again and now is pressing Griffin gets back down. Morono attempts a sweep with a armbar attempt, but Griffin blocks. There’s the final buzzer. Yeesh, that was fun. MMA Junkie scores the contest 28-28 – a draw.

Result: Alex Morono def. Max Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
Photos: Alex Morono def. Max Griffin
Records: Max Griffin (15-7 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Alex Morono (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Dave Tirelli, Tony Weeks (29-27, giving Morono 10-9 round 1 and 10-8 round 2); Michelle Olney (29-28, giving Morono 10-9 rounds 1 and 2)

Mike Davis vs. Thomas Gifford

Round 1 – It doesn’t take long for Davis’ fist to find Gifford’s face. A big punch puts Gifford on the retreat. Davis looks calm. Gifford eats a series of knees and punches from Davis, but unfazed, lands a big punch of his own. Gifford’s chin has iron strong thus far, but it’s unlikely he can keep taking such big shots. Both men just standing in the pocket, bit the speed and accuracy difference is becoming evident. Davis is much sharper. Gifford eats an uppercut and hook, but eats it like it’s nothing. Davis goes airborne and lands a flying knee. A heavy right hand put Gifford on his back foot. Davis is unloading. This is getting gruesome. He lands about every strike in the book, but Gifford won’t go down. Davis pushes Gifford to the ground, who shoots up for a submission. With Davis standing above him landing shots, Gifford’s head is bouncing off the canvas. But he’s doing just enough to survive. Defying the odds, a bloody Gifford makes it to the end of the round. That was brutal. 10-8 Davis.

Round 2 – Gifford lands a punch, but it doesn’t have much zip on it. Davis spins Gifford around with an outside leg kick. Gifford attempts an imanari roll, but Davis escapes with ease. Gifford kicks Davis in the cup, but he denies an option for a timeout. Davis attempts another jumping knee, but as we’ve already learned, Gifford is a zombie. A high kick from Gifford is blocked. Davis lands another two-punch combination. In need of a change, Gifford shoots for a takedown. Davis makes him pay with some big punches. Gifford gets up, but Davis takes him down. Gifford is bloody, swollen, and visibly tired. This is pretty brutal to watch. An overhand right snaps Gifford’s head back. Just prior to the bell, Davis lands a lengthy combination – probably over a dozen consecutive strikes. Another 10-8 round puts Davis up 20-16.

Round 3 – According to the broadcast, Gifford has taken almost 120 strikes through two. If this continues, we could (should) see a towel thrown in. Davis lands a two-punch combination to the midsection of Gifford. With whatever energy he has left, Gifford lands a few short shots. Gifford shoots for a takedown and almost lands on the back of Davis, who scoots out. Gifford pulls guard and is attempting to grab the leg of Davis. The two lightweights are back on their feet, but not for long. A thunderous outside leg kick drops Gifford on his back. He gets back up and is dropped by a left. Someone should stop this. Right on cue, Davis does. He lands a right hand that faceplants Gifford unconscious. That fight could go up for beatdown of the year.

Result: Mike Davis def. Thomas Gifford via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 4:45
Photos: Mike Davis def. Thomas Gifford
Records: Mike Davis (8-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Thomas Gifford (17-9 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Andrew Glenn

Devin Clark vs. Ryan Spann

Round 1 – Spann stalking early – he’s a big man. Clark shoots for a takedown and gets it, but Spann is attempting a guillotine from guard. Clark escapes and now Spann is shooting for a takedown against the cage. Clark breaks the clinch with a knee. After a minute of inactivity on the feet, Clark shoots for another takedown. He gets it, but Spann is back up. Spann has Clark pushed against the cage, but they separate again. Clark lands a slapping inside low kick. In a potential attempt at drawing Clark into an exchange, Spann backs to the center of the cage. Spann rushes Clark, but isn’t able to get anything off. Not the most active round in UFC history. 10-9 Clark.

Round 2 – Spann lands a jab. Clark shoots for a takedown, but Spann scrambles out. Clark wings a two-punch combination, which Spann dodges. A big left from Spann lands. Clark runs away with Spann in pursuit. Clark dodges a series of punches from Spann and lands a hard counter. When he attempts to duck out of the way of a Spann punch, Clark sticks his neck out. Spann gladly accepts and locks in a standing guillotine. Clark taps and that’s all she wrote.

Result: Ryan Spann def. Devin Clark by submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:01
Photos: Ryan Spann def. Devin Clark
Records: Devin Clark (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Ryan Spann (17-5 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Michael Cardoso

Eryk Anders vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Round 1 – Anders introduces himself to Meerschaert with a left punch. Meerschaert dodges Anders’ next attempt and counters with a left of his own. The left is clearly the the weapon of choice for Anders. He’s putting everything into his strikes. He lands a combination on Meerschaert, who hits the mat. The fall may have been more of his own doing though, he wants this fight on the ground. Meerschaert dodges an Anders bomb and shoots for a takedown. Anders throws him aside. Meerschaert looks generally flustered by the puzzle Anders is presenting. Meerschaert is upping his output. Slowly but surely, it’s working. Just as he started to find success, Meerschaert is tagged by an Anders right hand. As he retreats, the buzzer sounds. 10-9 Anders.

Round 2 – Forty seconds into the round, Anders shoves Meerschaert to the mat following an unsuccessful exchange. Anders lands a solid right hand. Meerschaert fighting more reserved than we’ve seen in this bout. He’s really choosing his strikes wisely and is having some success. Anders is throwing single strikes, mostly targeting the legs of Meerschaert. The former University of Alabama linebacker appears to be tiring, while Meerschaert is keeping a slow, steady pace. Anders runs in with his guard down and Meerschaert makes him pay with a combination. Aggressive, Anders charges again. Meerschaert hits him with another hard shot. Anders answers. 19-19.

Round 3 – Anders is visibly slowed. Not sure if it’s an injury or general fatigue, but Meerschaert is taking advantage of it. Meerschaert lands a combination and Anders counters. Roufusport’s Meerschaert dodges a haymaker by Anders. A left from Anders sends Meerschaert backwards. Meerschaert lands a heavy body kick which halts Anders’ forward movement. Anders lands a left straight. Meerschaert is throwing multi-punch combinations, whereas Anders is only throwing single strikes. Meerschaert pushing the action. Anders misses, but Meerschaert counters. Anders is staggered. He’s retreating. Meerschaert can’t catch up to him before Anders recovers. Bell sounds. MMA Junkie has it 29-28 Meerschaert.

Result: Eryk Anders def. Gerald Meerschaert via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Eryk Anders def. Gerald Meerschaert
Records: Eryk Anders (12-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Gerald Meerschaert (30-11 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kevin MacDonald
Judging: Michelle Olney (29-28 Anders, giving Meerschaert round 3); Tony Weeks (29-28, giving Meerschaert round 2); Derek Cleary (28-29, giving Anders round 1)

Matt Frevola vs. Luis Pena

Round 1 – To the thrill of the hometown crowd, Tampa’s Frevola comes charging straight at Pena. After the initial surge, he’s calmed down. Pena is calm, keeping a good range as the longer fighter. Frevola is attempting to get inside, but Pena isn’t leting him. Frevola pressures Pena until “Violent Bob Ross’” back is against the fence. Frevola shoots for a double leg and gets the takedown. Pena gets right up, but meets the same fate. Frevola slams him to the mat. Twisting around, Pena has a strange grip of Frevola’s neck. A modified arm-in guillotine from rubber guard? Let’s roll with that. Pena uses it to get to the feet. The adrenaline might have gotten the besg of Frevola. He has slowed greatly. Pena lands a series of calculated combinations and with that, he steals the round. 10-9 Pena.

Round 2 – Frevola eats a shot from Pena and is now bleeding from his left cheek. A huge knee hurts Frevola. He’s on the retreat again. After landing some more shots, Pena attempts to grab a wrist and pull guard for a kimura. Frevola breaks out. They’re back on their feet, but Frevola still doesn’t seem right. Both men exchange hard rights. Referee Dean steps in to allow Frevola a chance reset his mouth piece which was lost somewhere in the fray. Once they reset, Frevola lands a superman punch. Frevola’s cut is getting progressively worst. Pena lands a head kick, but falls on his back. Frevola rushes in, but Pena gets back up. Frevola tries to grab a hold of Pena, who attempts a kimura. He lets go and Frevola is now in guard. Pena attempts another kimura as a ploy to set up a triangle. He shoots his legs up, but isn’t able to lock anything in on Frevola. Pena tries to get up, but Frevola slams him back down. Pena threatens a guillotine. The two fighters roll and Pena lands in mount. The buzzer saves Frevola, before Pena can attempt ground-and-pound. 20-18 Pena.

Round 3 – A much slower start to the third frame. Frevola seems to have rebounded his gas tank. He’s being slightly more aggressive. Pena lands a left high kick which sends Frevola sideways, relatively unfazed. Frevola bullrushes Pena and lands a pair of big overhand rights. Frevola lands another right, which topples Pena over backwards. It looked like he was knocked off balance more than stunned. Pena is back up, attempting to fend off a Frevola takedown attempt against the cage. They break. Pena is stalking Frevola and lands an uppercut. Frevola dodges a Pena right and connects with a counter of his own. as the clock winds down, Pena’s urgency has been upped. He lands a combination, before Frevola shoots for an unsuccessful takedown. Time’s up. That might be the best fight we’ve seen tonight, which is saying something. In a close fight that could go either way, MMA Junkie has it 29-28 Pena.

Result: Matt Frevola def. Luis Pena via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Matt Frevola def. Luis Pena
Records: Matt Frevola (8-1-1 MMA, 2-1-1 UFC), Luis Pena (7-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Tony Weeks, Daniel Torres (29-28 Frevola, giving Pena round 2); Christopher Lee (29-28 Pena, giving Frevola round 3)

Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas

Round 1 – In the opening thirty seconds, Ribas knocks an off-balance Dern backwards. Dern stumbles and puts a hand down, but doesn’t hit the mat. Ribas dodges a two-punch combo from Dern, and lands a straight punch flush to the American’s face. Ribas’s striking is looking sharp. After connecting with another combination, she just knocked Dern off balance with a mid-combo leg kick. Dern looking uncomfortable and awkward in the exchanges. Looking to switch things up, Dern attempts a takedown. Ribas swiftly escapes and lands a spinning back kick to the body. Ribas is doing a nice job of level-changing. Ribas lands again. She is throwing absolute heat. If one of these lands, Dern could go out. The Brazilian overswings and Dern clinches. Ribas musters Dern to the ground and is in her guard. The buzzer sounds. 10-9 Ribas.

Round 2 – That didn’t take long. Just moments into the round, Dern shoots. Ribas successfully defends. Dern wildly throws a combination at Ribas, who quickly dodges and lands two or three solid punches. Dern lands a hard right and Ribas answers. Yet another Dern takedown attempt is stuffed by Ribas. That’s a huge storyline in this fight. We’re past the midway point of this contest and both women are still throwing at a good clip. Ribas lands a stiff jab. The two fighters scramble to the mat, but quickly get back up. In the final exchange of the round, Ribas lands an uppercut-overhand combo which connects on Dern. 20-18 Ribas.

Round 3 – In the opening exchange, Dern stumbles to the mat. Ribas elects against following her there and calls Dern up to the feet. Dern attempts a high kick, but eats a hook from Ribas. Dern tries to muster Ribas to the ground, but once again the Brazilian escapes. We’re almost halfway through the third round and Ribas’ is still operating at a high pace. Ribas shoves Dern aside and lands a hard straight right. The effort is there, but Dern really needs a finish here if she wants to win. Ribas’ jab is dictating this fight. It’s consistent, sharp, and most of all annoying. Despite likely being up on the scorecard, Ribas comes charging, screaming at Dern. She’s frantically seeking a knockout, but the buzzer sounds. An A+ performance from Ribas, in my book. That’s a big win. 30-27 Ribas.

Result: Amanda Ribas def. Mackenzie Dern via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Amanda Ribas shuts down Mackenzie Dern for decision win
Photos: Amanda Ribas def. Mackenzie Dern
Records: Mackenzie Dern (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Amanda Ribas (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Michael Cardoso
Judging: Tony Weeks, Troy Wincapaw, Michelle Olney

Niko Price vs. James Vick

Round 1 – With the crowd firmly behind him, Price is the first to let his hands fly. He connected with Vick, who is already bleeding his nose. Price catches an errant kick from Vick and pushes him to the mat. Price tries to land ground-and-pound, but Vick avoids. Vick threatens with a guillotine and eventually gets to his feet. Vick musters Price to the mat. Vick lands some solid strikes from the standing position. Price throws an upkick. It lands flush. Oh my goodness, Vick is out. Woah. Price lands a few follow up shots, but Vick was unconscious. That was absolutely wild. Add that one to the highlight reel.

Result: Niko Price def. James Vick via knockout (upkick and punches) – Round 1, 1:44
Recap: Niko Price knocks James Vick out cold with devastating upkick
Photos: Niko Price def. James Vick
Records: Niko Price (14-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) vs. James Vick (13-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Kron Gracie vs. Cub Swanson

Round 1 – No touch of gloves and we’re underway. Swanson is keeping his hands lower than usual, anticipating the takedown. A lot of lateral movement from the former UFC title challenger. Swanson lands a nice punch which connects on Gracie. Leg kick lands for Swanson. Pushing the action, Gracie hasn’t attempted a takedown yet. He may want to think about it, as Swanson lands a hard, loud body kick. Swanson follows it up with a hard combination. Gracie appears unfazed; stoic as he moves forward. Another big body shot from Gracie. Now when Swanson throws, Gracie is compensating by trying to protect his body. Gracie attempts to grab a hold of Swanson, who jogs his way out. It’s the matador versus the bull. Swanson playing a little “ole” as he sidesteps Gracie again. The bell sounds, but not before another cracking body shot from Swanson. MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 Swanson.

Round 2 – Swanson is a little less protective to star the second round. In the defensive department, Swanson is a step ahead. Gracie is barely enough able to touch him. Swanson lands a beautiful combination, but Gracie wipes his face off and continues moving forward. In a glimpse of hope, Gracie briefly grabs a hold of Swanson. The position doesn’t last long, as Swanson gets out again. Swanson is putting his full wind up on his body punches. Twice, with a windup as if he’s throwing a baseball, Swanson rips the body. According to the broadcast, this is now the longest fight of Gracie’s career. The two fighters enter a dirty boxing exchange. Swanson is blasting Gracie. He can’t grab a substantial hold on Swanson. This fight has not been close up until the point. Swanson is cut open next to his right eye. End of the round. 20-18 Swanson.

Round 3 – Gracie lands a combination to start the round. He’ll need to do a lot more than that if he wants to win here. He’s clearly behind. Both men connect in a hard exchange. Gracie grabs a hold of Swanson’s arm in the clinch, but Swanson shoves him aside. Swanson lets his hands go and lands a variety of punches. Gracie pulls guard, but Swanson doesn’t go down with him. Gracie lands a one-one-two combination. Gracie attempts a throw, but Swanson shows tremendous balance and fights off the attempt. He tries again – same result. Swanson goes back to ripping the body, but Gracie keeps coming forward. This is Gracie’s best round offensively, but he still can’t take control of this fight. Swanson looks tired. Fatigue is obvious, but Swanson rips the body; then the head. This is really turning up. As tired as they are, they are landing at will. With 45 seconds left in the fight, Gracie shoots for a takedown. Swanson in Gracie’s guard. 25 seconds. Gracie attempts to grab a neck, but Swanson is back to his feet. With ten seconds left, Swanson lands perhaps his best body shot of the night. The buzzer sounds. Another good fight turned in. These Tampa fans are getting spoiled tonight. High action. 30-27 Swanson.

Result: Cub Swanson def. Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Cub Swanson schools Kron Gracie in thrilling throwdown
Photos:
Records: Kron Gracie (5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Cub Swanson (26-11 MMA, 11-7 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kevin MacDonald
Judging: