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

The event takes place at Target Center in Minneapolis. The card airs on ESPN.

In the main event, former heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou (13-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) takes on ex-champion Junior Dos Santos (21-5 MMA, 15-4 UFC) in a likely heavyweight title eliminator. In the co-feature, Joseph Benavidez (27-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) meets Jussier Formiga (23-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in what could be a flyweight title eliminator.

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6 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 on ESPN 3 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Current Fight

Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier Formiga

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
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Records: Joseph Benavidez (27-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC), Jussier Formiga (23-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Rankings: Benavidez No. 3, Formiga No. 5
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee:
Judging:

Results

Demian Maia vs. Anthony Rocco Martin

Round 1 – Martin with a low stance active with straight punches as Maia inches forward. Maia paws with his lead hand as Martin stays on his bike. Martin puts a right hand on target, and Maia lands his own shot at the same time. First shot of the night, and Maia has a leg against the fence. Martin pushing the body, and Maia drags the leg to put Martin down. Maia stands against the fence briefly, holding Martin’s legs. Maia locking down the legs as Martin tries to right himself. Punches from the top, and Maia locks down both legs with Martin seated against the fence. Martin trying to stop the punches coming at his face. Maia punching the body now as Martin tries to figure out what the heck to do. He gets a leg free, then two, and he’s up. Pummeling, and Martin turns Maia. Knees to the legs for Martin. Maia turns him off, and we’re back at open range with short time. Martin fires some punches and a kick, and he ends the frame in pursuit. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Maia.

Round 2 – Same stances from both. Martin goes up the middle with a front kick. Maia ducks under and gets stuffed. Martin looking for his straight right, and a head kick bounces off Maia’s head. Maia drops for the takedown and is stuffed. Martin resets and nails the right. Maia shoots and gets reversed, and Maia redoubles his efforts to put Martin back where he was in round one. Again, Martin has to choose between getting away and protecting from mount. Martin wraps the head briefly, and Maia powers through it. He leaves a little space, and Martin gets up, only to be taken down again. Another trap of the legs, and Maia beats the body. Audience losing its patience, and Martin implores the ref to take him out of this position. Maia with short shots forces Martin to his back briefly, and he steps over to lock the legs in a mount of sorts against the fence. Punches to the head and body, and less than one minute to go. Martin just miserable as his body acts as a heavy bag. The referee intervenes and stands them up. Maia instantly shoots, and Martin wraps the guillotine and ends up in mount. He almost takes the back and tries the choke, but Maia spins and ends the frame in guard. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Maia, who’s up 20-18.

Round 3 – Same stance for both, and Martin tries the front kick again. Jabs for Martin, and another head kick. Punches are short so far. Maia patient. Martin backing up Maia for the first time. At most, two punches at a time from Martin. A head kick is blocked. And again. Maia resets. Martin’s frequency increasing, but combos are still in short supply. Maia taking punches here and there, and he resets. Nice right from Martin. Head kick blocked. Maia shoots, and Martin’s sprawl is good. Another shot is short. Martin goes to the body. Less than one minute to go, and Martin chases with a two-piece. A nice right slams Maia, and Martin is on the offense. Maia gets taggeed and pulls guard. Reverse early, and Martin accepts the guard. He’s on top and starts to work ground and pound, only to run out of time. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Martin, and Maia gets the 29-28 call.

Result: Demian Maia def. Anthony Rocco Martin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap:
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Records: Demian Maia (27-9 MMA, 21-9 UFC), Anthony Rocco Martin (16-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Rankings: Maia No. 12
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Vance Swerdan
Judging:

Vinc Pichel vs. Roosevelt Roberts

Round 1 – Pichel goes to the body and attacks low with a kick. Roberts responds with his own low attack, and Pichel probes for opportunities. Roberts active with a jab and backs off as Pichel tries a reply. Roberts catches Richel inside as he advances, forcing Pichel to reset. Pichel short on a punch, and he ducks under as Roberts approaches. Pushing Roberts against the fence, Pichel doesn’t have much time to work before he gets turned. Roberts pushes him off and lands punches at distance. Pichel’s counters are all short. Roberts catches Pichel with a flying knee as he advances. He pushes Pichel against the fence to contain him before backing off. More sharp jabs for Roberts. Pichel isn’t done and closes in to stuff Roberts against the fence. Two minutes left, and they trade knees in close. Roberts turns and goes for the single-leg. Pichel sprawls out and resists the trip before Roberts gives up. Pichel chops the leg, and Roberts advances with a nice right. Pichel lands a nice counter, and Roberts ducks under for a huge takedown. Pichel works to stand, and Roberts hops on his back. Hooks aren’t in, and Pichel stands. Roberts lets him have it against the fence, but most of the shots miss. Pichel is walking his foe doewn to get one back, and he ends pursuit in the clinch against the cage. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Roberts.

Round 2 – Pichel attacks the legs early and pushes Roberts back. More low kicks, and Roberts comes back for his own. Straight punches touch Pichel, who goes back to the legs and jabbing the body. Running leg kick from Pichel, and he gets out before Roberts returns. Pichel gets Roberts to the mat and locks down the legs. Roberts seated against the fence, and Pichel misses on the scoop of the legs. Roberts up and pushes Pichel against the fence. He drops for the takedown, then backs off to try his luck striking. Pichel gets out of there, and they’re back in open range. Pichel takes a hard knee to the body, and Roberts drives for the takedown. He backs off, and Pichel goes back to the leg and body. Roberts hunting for the clean shot, and he lands a a few straights. A leaping knee gets the crowd’s attention, but Pichel is still there. He attacks the kimura as Roberts drives for the takedown. A sweep attempt fails for Pichel as Roberts takes the back briefly, then loses position as Pichel moves into half-guard. Brief ground and pound ends the frame, and Pichel advances to mount as the round ends. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Pichel, and it’s even at 19-19.

Round 3 – Pichel presses forward and lands a right hand. He attacks the legs again. They trade power punches, but Roberts comes back with an additional shot. Pichel drives in for the takedown and gets it against the fence. He flattens out Roberts, who turns to his side and takes an elbow. Pichel stands overhead and avoids Roberts’ legs. Roberts walks the cage and still can’t get up, and Pichel uses a seat belt to keep him down as he pitches to his hands and knees. Pichel has arm trapped and beats the side of the head as Roberts tries to get up. Roberts finally does, and Pichel jumps for the guillotine. A few tense moments as Roberts waits it out. Roberts survives, and Pichel comes right after him, landing a spinning elbow before driving Roberts to the fence and getting the takedown. Roberts gives up his back in transition, and he tries to hang on. Pichel takes mount so Roberts can’t spin out, and he goes to work with punches before trying an arm-triangle. Short time, and Pichel again takes the back. Roberts out the back door, and he escapes just at the bell. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Pichel, who gets the 29-28 call.

Result: Vinc Pichel def. Roosevelt Roberts via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Vinc Pichel (12-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Roosevelt Roberts (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Travis Metteer
Judging:

Drew Dober vs. Marco Polo Reyes

Round 1 – Dober tries a combo early and attacks low with a kick. He catches Reyes with a combo of punches, and Reyes grabs for the leg. Dober won’t go down, so Reyes is forced to stand. Dober really putting heat on his punches, and he slames Reyes again with a combo punctuated by a left hand that gets the knockout. Impressive finish for Dober.

Result: Drew Dober def. Marco Polo Reyes via KO (punch) – Round 1, 1:07
Recap:
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Records: Drew Dober (21-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC), Marco Polo Reyes (8-6 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Jason Herzog

Paul Craig vs. Alonzo Menifield

Round 1 – Menifield comes in hot with heavy punches, and he pushes Craig to the fence. Craig repies with knees in close, and Menifield tries an inside elbow. Menifield following Craig as he steps to his right, and he frames as Craig pulls guard. Craig gives up on guard, and Menifield backs up. Craig ducks under on the approch, and Menifield’s sprawl is good despite a powerful drive. Craig drops again as Menifield approaches, and this time, Menifield backs off. A pair of hooks are just short for Menifield, and Craig goes high with a pair of kicks. Menifield gets wrapped up on the next approach and sprawls again as Craig grabs a leg. Menifield jumps free as Craig tries to drag him down. Nice jab from Craig. Wheel kick slams into Menifield’s guard. Craig tries it again, and Menifield greets him with a punch. As Craig hits his back, Menifield catches Craig’s chin and puts him out. A few more punches land clean, and the fight is over in a flash. Crazy finish.

Result: Alonzo Menifield def. Paul Craig via KO (punch) – Round 1, 3:19
Recap:
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Records: Paul Craig (11-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC), Alonzo Menifield (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Herb Dean

Journey Newson vs. Ricardo Ramos

Round 1 – Ramos pushes early with kicks, and a spin draws a straight response from Newson. Ramos appears to have a speed advantage early, and he’s the more active fighter. Closing in, he tries a straight right and nails the leg. Newson gets his own hard leg kick. Nice jab from Ramos, who continues to rip the lead leg of Newson. A lunging combo from the newcomer, who spins with a kick that’s low. Ramos appears to be taking full advantage of Newson’s tenativeness. They clash with kicks, and Ramos nails the leg. Newson charges and fires his own kick. Leaping roundhouse misses from Ramos, who’s also getting closer with his punches. Newson punches into a takedown, and Ramos turns it into mount position. Newson quickly gives up his back, and Ramos sets up for the choke. Ramos leaves space and Newson quickly scrambles up. Newson goes for a guillotine and doesn’t have the position. Von Flue opportunity missed for Ramos, and they get ack to their feet. Ramos again in the driver’s seat with his striking, and he tags Newson coming in with a spinning elbow. Newson pushes into the clinch, and time runs out. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Ramos.

Round 2 – Ramos goes back to the legs, and Newson wings a combo and resets. Newson attacks the legs and hints at a spin. Ramos presses forward and puts a right on target. He leaps with a knee. Newson lunging with his shots, just a little off target, though a low kick produces a slight limp in Ramos’ leg. Newson tries to fire back as Ramos bullies him to the cage, and he’s just a bit off. Ramos tries a couple of lead elbows, then goes back to his straight right. Newson landing low kicks, but his punches are still off. Reverse elbow attempt from Ramos, who’s able to keep Newson on the end of his punches. Newson takes a side kick and tries his own. A charge from Newson nearly nets a spinning elbow from Ramos. Wheel kick comes close for Newson, and they both leap with knees as the round ends. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Ramos, who’s up 20-18.

Round 3 – Newson goes low with his kick and follows up with a lnging right hand. His kicks are still the best thing about his attack, though he manages to put a winging left hook on target. More urgency from Newson tihs round, and Ramos goes for a takedown. Newson slaps on a guillotine and goes for broke. Tense few seconds, and Ramos waits it out to take top position. Newson scrambles to his feet quickly, and Ramos dumps him from a body lock. Newson almost lands fully on his head, then gets pushed into guard as Ramos advances position. Newson wraps guard and looks for an arm as Ramos pounds the body. Ramos gives Newson space in transition, and the newcomer pops up. Ramos biding his time, then spins with a wheel kick and back kick. Newson lands a right hand in there. Spinning backfist blocked by Ramos, and Ramos comes back with a spinningelbow that knocked down Newson. A follow up right lands hard, and Newson is on wobbly legs. But only for a minute. A right hand cracks him again, and he circles off, obviously hurt. Ramos throws a kick and backs off, his left leg obviously injured. Newson doesn’t seem to recognize it, and Ramos wings one last head kick that misses as time expires. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Ramos, who gets the 30-27 decision.

Result: Ricardo Ramos def. Journey Newson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Journey Newson (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Ricardo Ramos (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Travis Metteer
Judging:

Eryk Anders vs. Vinicius Moreira

Round 1 – Moreira takesa a left hand off a low kick, and they’re off to the races. Another left hand triggers a shot from Moreira, and it backfires as Anders falls into the mount. Undeterred, Moreira scrambles to his feet and pushes Anders to the fence, trying to another takedown. Single-leg and trip briefly grounds Anders, who pops up and shocks Moreira with a left hand. Anders follows it with a trio of shots that completely remove Moreira from consciousness. Yet Moreira takes a few more unneccessary shots before Swerdan stops it.

Result: Eryk Anders def. Vinicius Moreira via KO (punches) – Round 1, 1:18
Recap:
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Records: Eryk Anders (12-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Vinicius Moreira (9-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Vance Swerdan

Jared Gordon vs. Dan Moret

Round 1 – Moret puts punches on target early, and Gordon comes back with his own right after pushing his opponent back. Moret explodes in and draws a duck from Gordon. Left hook still good for Moret, and Gordon lands a right hand after a push. Hooks crack Moret as he grabs for the clinch. Gordon starting to find his range and Gordon eats a head kick to get a takedown. In half-guard, Gordon goes to work with ground and pound. Moret wraps the head as Gordon knees the body in half-guard. Midway through the round, and Gordon continues to pound as they edge to the cage. Moret explodes up, and Gordon grabs the bodylock. Takedown isn’t enough and Moret pops up to beat the body with knees in the clinch. Moret all over Gordon in close, and Gordon is on the retreat. They fight into the clinch, and Gordon tries a trip. Moret has the body lock and elevates and trips Gordon. Gordon almost gives up his back, and Moret sinks a leg in as they stand against the cage. Stalemate as Gordon hangs on to an arm, and Moret has to give up his position. They two trade wild punches, and Moret misses high with a kick as the frame ends. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Moret.

Round 2 – Gordon grabs for a leg early and presses in with kicks and short punches. Moret fires low with the leg kick and lunges with a knee as Gordon goes for the takedown. Moret stuffs it and tosses Gordon to the mat in transition. He takes the back and slaps on the body triangle to prevent the escape. Gordon rolls, and Moret tries to secure the rear-naked choke. Angle isn’t quite there, and Gordon walks into an arm triangle as he spins into guard. Not enough squeeze, and Gordon ground and pounds against the fence. Moret gets warned for posting toes on the fence, and Gordon pounds. Another armbar attempt, and this time it’s a triangle. Gordon doesn’t care and continues to pound with punches. Finally, Moret tries to secure the head. Gordon is just thumping his head unanswered. Only his wing stops the onslaught. Moret tries to stand up, and Gordon pushes him back. All Gordon in the second half of the frame. Moret bleeding from the nose. Less than one minute, and Gordon gets a second wind to resume his punching from the top. Moret trying short elbows from the bottom, and there’s not much leverage there. He hikes his legs up and bicyles, and Gordon finishes the frame with more shots. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gordon, and it’s 19-19.

Round 3 – Gordon on the offense and slips on a kick. As he gets up, Moret slaps on the guillotine. Position not there, and Gordon content to beat the body in half-guard. Moret won’t let go of the head until he has to, and now he’s on the bottom again. Gordon’s fight to lose. Dean warns for action. Gordon goes to work with punches. Moret tries to bridge. Gordon stands and nearly gets caught in a triangle on the way down. He muscles through and continues to ground and pound. Dean warns for another toe-grab of the fence, and Moret powers up to his feet. Gordon drags him down and stays at the back. Moret walks away and tries to break the grip, and Gordon won’t let go. Gordon takes the back and loses position, but Moret simply won’t be denied and gets back to his feet. In another scramble, Moret almost takes the back, but Gordon spins into guard with one minute to go. Gordon back on top, and he’s back to the strategy that’s worked best this fight. Moret doesn’t have the juice to escape, and time runs out. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Gordon, and he gets the 29-28 call.

Result: Jared Gordon def. Dan Moret via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Jared Gordon (15-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Dan Moret (13-6 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging:

Dalcha Lungiambula vs. Dequan Townsend

Round 1 – Cautious start for both, then Townsend fires a heavy jab. Lungiambula goes to the body. Heavy kicks from Townsend. Big hook glances Townsend as Lungiambula lunges. Ref warns for open hands. Both fighters are moving slowly, then exploding . Lungiambula charges and lands a shot, taking one as he pushes to the cage. Townsend gets tossed to the mat with an old-school judo toss, and he quickly rights himself before getting pushed to the fence. Townsend frames with his elbow and knees the body. Lungiambula trips Townsend to the mat and sets up from half-guard. Townsend posts an elbow and a knee, slowly, as Lungiambula hesitates on making hi next move. Townsend gets up, and Lungiambula explodes with a takedown. Townsend recovers to guard, and Lungiambula deliberate with single shots up top. Townsend angles for an arm, and Lungiambula adjusts and punches. Heavy left hands from Lungiambula. Short time. Lungiambula postures up and runs out of time before firing shots. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Lungiambula.

Round 2 – Townsend wings wide shots and Lungiambula explodes into another takedown off a leg kick. Lungiambula’s speed is something else. Townsend is again trapped against the fence, and Lungiambula grabs the body as he tries to get up. Lungiambula throws a questionable knee and drags Townsend down when he rights himself. Lungiambula flattens Townsend in half-guard and again uses punches sparingly. Townsend recovers guard and takes right hands. He thinks about pushing off the cage with his leg, and Lungiambula lets him know with a few shots. Townsend again angles for an armbar, but the leverage isn’t there. Lungiambula really taking his time. Many refs would’ve stood the action up by now, but Lungiambula has time to work with a few punches, break, and a few more punches. Townsend tries to kick off his foe and can’t shake Lungiambula. Short time, and the ref finally stands them up. Ten seconds, and Townsend misses a flying knee and a hook before time runs out. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lungiambula, and he’s up 20-18.

Round 3 – Townsend presses with his jab, and Lungiambula nails him with a left hand as he charges in counter. Lungiambula advances to mount and pounds away with punches and elbows. Ref steps in to stop it, and that’s all she wrote.

Result: Dalcha Lungiambula def. Dequan Townsend via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 0:42
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Dalcha Lungiambula (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Dequan Townsend (21-9 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Travis Metteer

Amanda Ribas vs. Emily Whitmire

Round 1 – Whitmire goes high with a head kick early and nearly connects. Ribas goes on the hunt and puts hands on her opponent before tying up against the fence. She drags Whitmire down, but doesn’t get her back to the mat. Whitmire pops up, and Ribas uses the bodylock to get her back to the mat. She hops on the back against the cage and goes for the choke. Whitmire fights hands as Ribas punches and switches hands. Face crank makes things uncomfortable for Whitmire, who bends forward as if to dumb her foe. Instead, she stands up and waits it out. Choke threat is neutralizaed with control of one hand. Ribas can’t get it under the neck, but Whitmire falls to the mat, helping things with gravity. Body triangle keeping Whitmire in place with less than two minutes to go. Whitmire spins out and stands overhead against the fence. She throws down punches before moving into guard. She postures up and tries to pound, but Ribas is controlling the head well. Same routine: Whitmire postures up and contends with elbows from Ribas as round one ends. MMA Junkie scores the frame 10-9 for Ribas.

Round 2 – Whitmire comes out attacking with punches and kicks, and she circles off. Ribas waits for the counter and then stings Whitmire with a pair of punches. A shot to the body brings a wince from Whitmire, and Ribas moves into the clinch against the fence. Ribas working short shots, and Whitmire trying to circle off to no avail. Whitmire’s elbows don’t have the space, and Ribas again puts her on the mat and takes the back. Ribas advances to mount and pounds quickly, forcing Whitmire to give her back. Ribas secures her arms for the choke position as Whitmire pitches back, and the rear-naked is on. Whitmire taps, and that’s it.

Result: Amanda Ribas def. Emily Whitmire via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:10
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Amanda Ribas (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Emily Whitmire (4-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Vance Swerdan

Junior Albini vs. Maurice Greene

Round 1 – Greene cracks Albini early, active with low kicks and punches. Albini walking through them and firing back with punches. Herzog warns for oustretched fingers. Albini taking low kicks and pops the body, pushing Greene to the cage. Herzog warns for a cage grab. Greene working knees, and Albini gets warned again for grabbing. He backs up and pops the legs and body as Greene flails. Greene still on the legs as Albini presses in with hooks. Big shots miss, and Albini continues to press. Greene’s combos aren’t having the effect he intends. They trade body kicks, and Albini gets caught with a shot that puts him on his knees. Another punch puts him down, and Greene is in side control, working elbows. Albini gets to his feet, and Greene is all over him. Albini catches him with a punch that sends him backward, and he retakes control. Greene elbows in the clinch to back off his opponent, and Albini resets. Close in fighting, and Greene gets caught again with a right hook that puts him down. This time, there is no recovering. Fight is called.

Result: Maurice Greene def. Junior Albini via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:38
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Junior Albini (14-6 MMA, 1-4 UFC), Maurice Greene (8-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Jason Herzog

Francis Ngannou vs. Junior Dos Santos

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Francis Ngannou (13-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC), Junior Dos Santos (21-5 MMA, 15-4 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Rankings: Dos Santos No. 3, Ngannou No. 6
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee:
Judging: