JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN+ 29 event.

The event takes place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, Anthony Smith (33-14 MMA, 8-4 UFC) meets fellow former light heavyweight title challenger Glover Teixeira (30-7 MMA, 13-5 UFC). In the co-feature, Ben Rothwell (37-12 MMA, 7-6 UFC) takes on Ovince Saint Preux (24-13 MMA, 12-8 UFC), who is moving up to heavyweight for the first time.

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 7 p.m. ET for the ESPN+ prelims and 9 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 249 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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Current fight

Drew Dober vs. Alexander Hernandez

Round 1 – Here we go. This fight could be a banger. Hernandez comes out with a push kick. Dober lands a leg kick. Countering his aggressive opponent, Dober lands a nice counter. Hernandez took a step back, but he’s coming forward again. Both guys are trying to dictate cage control right now. Neither guy wants to move back. Hernandez shoots on a single leg. He’s straining, he’s straining – and he finally gets Dober down. After a few moments on the ground, Dober slides back to the cage and gets up. Both fighters land on the break, but Dober’s punch appeared to be better. Dober fakes a takedown and connects with a punch – then, a follow-up. Hernandez circles out and refreshes. Hernandez lands a clean punch. Dober is definitely the aggressor now. Hernandez, who is now bleeding, is utilizing an in-and-out attack. Hernandez changes levels and goes for a takedown. Dober denies the attempt. The kicks are working for Hernandez, who is limiting Dober’s attempts to cut off the cage. Dober lands a beautiful combination which sends Hernandez backward. Another punch lands for Dober. The two fighters let their hands go in the final 10 seconds. With about two seconds left, Dober pokes Hernandez in the eye. Referee Herb Dean calls timeout, but the horn sounds. I guess Dean is just going to let the round end. Weird. Anyway, 10-9 Dober.

Round 2 – A replay shows a clear eye poke from Dober. He was trying to throw a punch, but his fingers were extended and dug into Hernandez’s eye. In the opening seconds, Dober is poked. Dean calls timeout. The fight resumes shortly thereafter. Hernandez lands a good punch, but Dober starts to regain his momentum. Dober connects on a good combination. Backing Hernandez up, Dober is landing the better combination. Hernandez has his moments, but they are much fewer and further between than Dober’s. Hernandez is using his feint very well. For all of the success Dober is having, Hernandez is doing a good job of keeping Dober from getting to close to him. Hernandez hits Dober with a two-punch combination. Dober rocks Hernandez with a straight left against the fence. Hernandez bounces off the cage and scoots out. Another big combination lands for Dober. Out of desperation, Hernandez shoots for a takedown and gets it. Dober gets up to his feet, however. On the way up, Dober almost eats a massive uppercut from Hernandez. That was close. Without wasting time, Dober is back on the attack. He’s unloading on Hernandez. Again and again, Dober tags Hernandez. He’s all sorts of hurt. Hernandez gets a takedown again, but Dober gets out even quicker this time. Back to dishing out punishment, Dober whacks Hernandez over and over. Referee Dean taking a look – and he stops it. The fight ends in a standing TKO from Dober. Hernandez wasn’t out per se, but he was stumbling all over the place and could not stop the onslaught. The Dober train keeps rolling.

Result: Drew Dober def. Alexander Hernandez via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:25
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Drew Dober (23-9 MMA, 9-5 UFC), Alexander Hernandez (11-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Results

Chase Sherman vs. Ike Villanueva

Round 1 – A touch of gloves and the second of three cards in eight days for the UFC is underway. Sherman throws a push kick to the stomach of Villanueva. The two fighters exchange and Sherman connects with a left hook. Villanueva tries a two-punch combination, which misses. Moments later, Villanueva connects with a punch coming in. He’s starting to get more comfortable. Sherman lands a leg kick. That’s turning into a noticeable weapon from him. Villanueva lands a combination, but eats another leg kick. Going back to the well, Sherman clunks another leg kick. Villanueva isn’t liking the kicks. They’re taking their toll. Both fighters exchange. Villanueva lands a nice left hand. Sherman is controlling the cage, stalking Villanueva. The two heavyweight enter a big exchange. Sherman landed some brutal punches followed by a big knee. Villanueva is displaying some durability. Before the round ends, Sherman lands a couple more hard punches. The round ends. Villanueva’s legs have noticeable welts on them. 10-9 Sherman.

Round 2 – Sherman opens with a leg kick, but Villanueva checks it. Opening up in a combination, Sherman lands multiple punches and a big knee. Villanueva didn’t like that and is backing up. Sherman is getting aggressive. Villanueva goes for broke and charges back. Sherman makes him pay with a counter. Villanueva’s head is cracked open. He’s backing up agains the cage and Sherman lands a big elbow. That’s it. The referee steps in – a successful UFC return for Chase Sherman.

Result: Chase Sherman def. Ike Villanueva via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:49
Recap: Chase Sherman shines in octagon return at UFC on ESPN+ 29
Photos: Chase Sherman def. Ike Villanueva
Records: Chase Sherman (15-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Ike Villanueva (16-10 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Michael Cardoso

Hunter Azure vs. Brian Kelleher

Round 1 – Bantamweights throwing down at featherweight? I’m here for it. Apparently, Azure is here for it, too. He comes out punishing the legs of Kelleher – a full-on attack with leg kicks. Azure is being very aggressive here early and Kelleher hasn’t been able to slow things down. The two fighters collide and there’s almost a clash of heads. They’ve got to be careful. Kelleher tries a multi-strike combination, but it’s blocked. Azure lands to the body with a left hook. Kelleher feints and Azure bites. Kelleher makes him pay with a punch. Spinning across the cage, Kelleher tumbles to the mat in a failed spinning backfist attempt. He gets back to his feet and goes for a takedown on Azure. Kelleher is pushing Azure against the cage. They separate and Azure lands a big left on the break. Kelleher answers with a left hand of his own. As the round winds down, Azure tries a big high kick but falls on his butt. The two fighters briefly exchange before the round ends. 10-9 Azure.

Round 2 – The two fighters exchange early and Kelleher lands a nice overhand. Azure reacted to that one. Unlike Round 1, Kelleher is the one pushing the action here in Round 2. Azure lands a leg kick. Kelleher misses on a right hand. Kelleher jabs, jabs, jabs, and follows it up with a hidden, straight right hand. Azure grabs double unerhooks in the clinch, but lets go. Kelleher looks like the fresher fighter. Kelleher lands a nice combination, but Azure fires back with a series of strikes. Azure ties up Kelleher and pushes him against the fence. On the break, Azure lands an elbow followed by a high kick attempt. Kelleher connects with a head kick. A massive left hook floors Azure. He’s out. Kelleher lands two hammerfists on his downed opponent. Good night. Wow, he totally turned the tides in that one.

Result: Brian Kelleher def. Hunter Azure via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 3:40
Photos: Brian Kelleher def. Hunter Azure
Records: Hunter Azure (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Brian Kelleher (20-11 MMA, 4-4 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Gabriel Benitez vs. Omar Morales

Round 1 – Benitez opens with a leg kick. A feeling out process ensues. There’s not much action here early. Benitez lands a leg kick. Morales lands a high kick, which was partially blocked. Benitez throws and Morales catches him with a counter. It took a little while, but they’re really opening up now. Morales walks into a knee from Benitez. I’m pretty sure Benitez was going for a head kick, but the knee connected. Morales checks a Benitez leg kick. Benitez’s nose is bleeding, but he’s not fazed as he lands a big combination on. Morales. The two fighters trade in the final seconds. Close round, but 10-9 Benitez.

Round 2 – Benitez opens with a leg kick, just like in Round 1. After an exchange, Benitez indicates he was poked in the eye. Referee Dan Miragliotta asks if he’s OK. Benitez indicates, ‘Yes,’ and the fight continues. Benitez tries a high kick, but it’s blocked. Morales rips a body kick and Benitez answers with one of his own. After landing a jab, Morales misses on a one-two. Morales needs to move his feet more. He’s essentially leaning to get away from punches and leaving himself wide open on some of these exchanges. Benitez lands a body kick and Morales smiles. Maybe Morales knew something we didn’t because he lands a massive punch that cracks Benitez. As Benitez moves backward, Morales cranks him with a body kick. That was perhaps Morales’ most solid offense of the fight. Morales tries a flying knee, which misses. Benitez’s left shin is leaking all over the place, but he’s still kicking. Both fighters try knees and Benitez catches a shot in the groin. At the same time, Benitez’s hair tie flies off. Miragliotta calls timeout to get the hair tie. Action resumes, but only briefly before the round ends. 19-19.

Round 3 – Jabs fly from both fighters, connecting simultaneously. Morales throws – and lands – a straight right hand. Benitez whiffs on a high kick, which Morales counters with another right hand. Both fighters are opening up, but missing on practically everything – fun action, nonetheless. Morales connects on a left hook and rips the body. He’s targeting Benitez’s body well here, as he rips another. Morales lands another body kick. Benitez digs Morales’ midsection with a hard hook. Morales and Benitez exchange combinations. This has turned into a very aggressive, yet controlled, striking matchup. It’s been a lot of fun to watch. Morales tries a flying knee, which misses. Benitez connects, but Morales keeps moving forward. An overhand right lands for Morales, who is leaking from both cheeks. Benitez throws a kick followed by a punch – both to the body. The round ends. That was fun. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Morales.

Result: Omar Morales def. Gabriel Benitez via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: UFC on ESPN+ 29 treated us to a horrifying look inside Omar Morales’s split shin
Photos: Omar Morales def. Gabriel Benitez
Records: Gabriel Benitez (21-8 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Omar Morales (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Howard Reichbach (30-27); Derek Cleary, Salvatore D’Amato (29-28, giving Round 1 to Benitez)

Sijara Eubanks vs. Sarah Moras

Round 1 – The lone women’s fight of the night is underway. Moras opens with a leg kick and a two-punch combination. Moments later, Eubanks connects on a solid punch. Moras walked right into that. Eubanks follows it up with a head kick, which was seemingly blocked. A lot of swinging and a lot of missing going on. Eubanks connects on a hard body shot, but Moras doesn’t show any sign of being fazed. Moras walks into a left hand from Eubanks. Again, Moras is caught coming in – this time, it’s a right hand. Moras has to be careful, she’s getting caught consistently upon entry. With every strike attempt, Moras is yelling, ‘Huh, huh, huh.’ It’s Holly Holm-esque. Both fighters let their hands go, but miss on everything. Moras lands a right hand. Eubanks is doing a good job with her range. For most of Moras’ punches, Eubanks is just out of reach. The round ends. 10-9 Eubanks.

Round 2 – Moras wings a massive overhand left, like she’s throwing a baseball. It misses by a mile. Eubanks ties Moras up and lands a couple of body shots in the clinch. After an unsuccessful leg sweep, Eubanks has Moras pushed against the fence. Moras reverses position and breaks. Moras lands a nice inside leg kick, followed by a jab. Eubanks throws a body kick, but before it lands, Moras connects with a stiff left jab-hook hybrid. There’s a small egg-like hematoma on Moras’ forehead above her right eye. Moras comes in aggressive again and lands a combination. In the clinch, Eubanks lands a knee. Moras answers with a knee of her own. Both women are fighting for dominant position in the clinch. Moraes lands a nice elbow and Eubanks answers with a knee. Moras drops for a takedown and Eubanks defends. That risk didn’t pay off for Moras. Turning the tables, Eubanks muscles Moras to the mat. Eubanks is in Moras’ guard. For a moment, Moras attempts an armbar, but Eubanks passes into half guard. As soon as Eubanks attempts ground-and-pound, Moras briefly gives her back before resorting back to half guard. Eubanks gains mount. Once again, Moras gives up her back. The bell sounds. 20-18 Eubanks.

Round 3 – Eubanks lands a beautifully-timed left jab. That’s the first big strikes from either fighter here in Round 3. A push kick to the midsection lands for Eubanks. Moras lands a head kick on Eubanks. That was a good one. Moments later, Eubanks ties up Moras – more cage-pushing. Moras circles out. She’s bleeding from her nose. Eubanks hammers Moras with a punch, which punishes the left side of the Canadian’s face. A few empty exchanges later, Eubanks dives in for a take down. She gets it. Eubanks is once again in Moras’ guard. Like the first time the fight hit the mat, Moras resorts to an armbar attempt. The empty arena is coming into play again. Eubanks and her corner are having a full-on conversation mid-submission attempt. Eubanks assures her corner she’s OK. Moments later, she proves as much. Eubanks escapes and lands in side control. Working for a crucifix, Eubanks whacks Moras with some big ground-and-pound. The bell sounds, but Eubanks doesn’t seem to be done. She gives Moras a little tap on the back, which Moras doesn’t appreciate. The referee makes sure things are deescalated. 30-27 Eubanks.

Result: Sijara Eubanks def. Sarah Moras via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Recap:
Photos: Sijara Eubanks def. Sarah Moras
Records: Sijara Eubanks (5-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Sarah Moras (6-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Michael Cardoso
Judging: Christopher Lee, David Tirelli (30-27); Barry Luyenberg (30-26, giving Eubanks a 10-8 in Round 3)

Michael Johnson vs. Thiago Moises

Round 1 – Both fighters come out quickly. No touch of gloves. Moises tries a high kick. It’s blocked. Johnson the pace-dictator thus far. He’s stalking Moises, who throws another (blocked) high kick. Johnson lands a straight left hand. Two more high kick attempts thrown by Moises. A slapping body kick lands for Johnson, who follows it up with a left hand. Johnson slipped and ripped – a body punch lands and he dodges a Moises punch. So far this fight has been mostly Johnson. A Moises high kick is blocked by Johnson, who lands a one-two moments after. Two left hands to the body land for Johnson. Moises is trying to circle away, but Johnson has complete cage control. Moises lands a right hand. Johnson answers with a left. In the final seconds of the round, Johnson ties Moises up against the cage. The end-of-round horn sounds. 10-9 Johnson.

Round 2 – Moises shoots for a single leg early. Pulling to his back, Moises grabs a hold of Johnson’s leg. Moises is working for a heel hook. Johnson tries to roll out – and there’s the tap. Wow. That was quick. What a submission from Moises. That was slick!

Result: Thiago Moises def. Michael Johnson via submission (heel hook) – Round 2, 0:25
Recap: Thiago Moises turns the tables, handles Michael Johnson third straight loss
Photos: Thiago Moises def. Michael Johnson
Records: Michael Johnson (19-16 MMA, 11-12 UFC), Thiago Moises (13-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Andrei Arlovski vs. Philipe Lins

Round 1 – Lins lands a leg kick to start off the fight. Arlovski switching stances already. Lins follows and makes an adjustment of his own. Lins throws a hard combination, but Arlovski esecapes out of danger. The two fighters tie up and Lins lands a fast combination in the clinch. They separate. A counter right hand lands for Lins. That one sent Arlovski backward. Ducking in, Arlovski eats a big-time right hand from Lins. In the next exchange, Lins lands again. This time, it was a left hand. A right-left combination from Lins batters Arlovski. If there were any questions about Arlovski’s seasoned chin, it’s holding up thus far. These punches don’t seem to be bothering him at all. Arlovski lands a spinning backfist. Lins connects with an outside leg kick. Arlovski throws a front kick. It misses. The round ends. 10-9 Lins.

Round 2 – Lins rips the left side of Arlovski’s body with a kick. Switching stances again, Arlovski pressures Lins and misses with a combination. An inside leg kick connects by Arlovski. Lins answers with a right hand. The heavyweights tie up in the center of the cage, then break. The pace has slowed a little bit here in Round 2. Lins lands a left hand. Lins throws a combination, but Arlovski plants his feet and counters with a big right. Leg kicks have become a go-to for Arlovski. Uh oh, a hard kick from Lins hits Arlovski square in the groin. Timeout is called and Arlovski screams out one word – twice. I’m assuming you can guess what word it was both times. It starts with an ‘F’. Anyway, referee Herb Dean warns Lins. Arlovski gives his consent and the fight resumes. Things are getting wild. Lins is biting down on his mouthpiece and chucking punches. Most, if not all, are missing. Lins lands a right hand. Arlovski answers with a body kick. The round ends. 19-19.

Round 3 – Arlovski rips a body kick. Lins plays copycat and throws the same kick. There’s much less volume this round. Arlovski lands a pair of front kicks to the stomach of Lins. A short left jab by Lins connects. Arlovski is circling around Lins, who is being the aggressor and stalking. Ducking in Arlovski pulls back a punch and grabs Lins in the clinch. They break, but not before Arlovski lands a punch. Lins connects on a combination. Two minutes are left in the fight. This one is close. Whoever does more in the final 120 seconds might just take this. They tie up again. Then, they break. Lins lands an inside leg kick. That was high up on the leg. Arlovski briefly finger-wagged Lins, signaling as if the kick was to the groin, but the action continues. A leg kick lands for Arlovski – then a body kick. Lins has some swelling under his left eye. The horn sounds and the fight is over. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Arlovski.

Result: Andrei Arlovski def. Phillipe Lins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: Andrei Arlovski def. Philipe Lins
Records: Andrei Arlovski (29-9 MMA, 18-13 UFC), Philipe Lins (14-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Salvatore D’Amato, Howard Reichbach (30-27); David Tirelli (29-28, giving Round 1 to Lins)

Ray Borg vs. Ricky Simon

Round 1 – Simon kicks the inside leg of Borg to start things off. Round and round Simon goes – around the inside perimeter of the cage. They exchange – and both seemingly connect. Simon drops down for a takedown and he gets it. Simon is in Borg’s half guard against the cage. Softening up the body with punches. Simon is working for an arm triangle. He lets go and is in Borg’s guard again. Simon tries to posture up and land ground and pound, but Borg uses the shift in position to get to his feet. Borg doesn’t escape Simon’s clutches, however. Standing against the cage, Simon still has ahold of him. Simon dumps Borg to the canvas again. Back to his feet again, Borg escapes and lands a combination. Borg throws a leg kick, but Simon checks. That was a loud check. Ouch. Exploding toward Simon, Borg rips the body with a punch. Borg is bleeding from his forehead. It’s nothing too serious-looking, but I’m not sure what caused it. Simon and Borg tie up against the cage. Simon dumps Borg, who touches the mat and bounces back up. Simon pulls Borg down again. Borg gets up again. Down again. Up again. Eventually, Simon gets a solid takedown and is on top of Borg in half guard. Once again, Simon is working for an arm triangle. Working his way to side control, Simon lets go of the choke and lands a thunderous knee. Borg shoots up for a submission attempt, but the round ends. 10-9 Simon.

Round 2 – The two fighters aren’t wasting any time. They exchange earlier. Borg throws a combination and flings himself at Simon in a wild takedown attempt. Simon grabs hold of Borg, turns him around, elevates him, and dumps him to the mat. Borg uses the cage to wall walk and separates from Simon. Back in the center, Simon utilizes his jab. As Simon comes in, Borg throws a speedy spinning back elbow counter. It connects, but Simon jokingly looks to his right pretending to be surprised – like, ‘Oh, what was that? Where did that come from?’ Borg doesn’t get distracted by Simon’s playful gibe. Now they’re talking. After verbal pleasantries, Simon tries a takedown – no dice. The two fighters exchange in the pocket. Simon shoots for a takedown and gets it. Borg tries to scramble out, but Simon is on him. Simon has Borg’s back. Borg is on his knees, though, and gets to his feet against the cage. Simon is pressuring Borg against the fence. Deep breaths coming from the mouth of Borg. Once again, the empty arena are magnifying the sounds, tonight. Borg lands a nice right hand. Simon once again fools around, shaking his knees, pretending to be hurt. Moments later, Borg lands a multi-level combination. That was a good one. The round ends. This is fun. Likely 20-18 Simon.

Round 3 – After a 30-second feeling out process, Borg lands a crisp jab. Borg rips Sion’s body and follows it up with a punch to the head. Back to the body Borg goes with another liver shot. Simon punches Borg in the sternum and Borg cranks him with a straight power right hand. Thus far in Round 3, Borg is noticeably faster than Simon. He appears to be the fresher fighter. Well, at least he appeared to while he was on the feet. Simon just took him down again. In the dead center of the cage, with no fence in sight, this time Simon is in side control. In a scramble, Borg ends up on top – but only briefly. They get back their feet and Simon elevates and dumps Borg on a single leg. Again, Borg rises up. Against the cage, Simon is leaning on Borg. After a brief takedown attempt from Simon, the two fighters separate. Borg smiles at Simon and lands a head kick. Borg tries another spinning elbow, but this one misses. Borg moves in and Simon shoots for a half-hearted takedown. He gives up on it moments later. They’re back to yapping. Borg lands a big right hand. An exciting final 10 seconds ends in a lot of big misses, some connections, and a handshake. The fight is over. MMA Junkie scores it 29-28 Simon.

Result: Ricky Simon def. Ray Borg via split decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Ricky Simon edges Ray Borg in talk-filled affair
Photos:
Records: Ray Borg (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Ricky Simon (15-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging:

Ben Rothwell vs. Ovince Saint Preux

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Ben Rothwell (37-12 MMA, 7-6 UFC), Ovince Saint Preux (24-13 MMA, 12-8 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Anthony Smith vs. Glover Teixeira

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Anthony Smith (33-14 MMA, 8-4 UFC), Glover Teixeira (30-7 MMA, 13-5 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging: