LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 32 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 the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, former heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis (23-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) takes on Aleksei Oleinik (59-13-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC). In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman (14-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) tries to stop his slump when he meets Omari Akhmedov (20-4-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC).

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+ 32 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) and Ken Hathaway (@kenshathaway)on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Current fight

Derrick Lewis vs. Aleksei Oleinik

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Derrick Lewis (23-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC), Aleksei Oleinik (59-13-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Results

Ali Alqaisi vs. Irwin Rivera

Round 1 – Rivera in southpaw and leads with an uppercut but winds up in the clinch. He wraps the body and scores a slick outside trip, falling immediately to side control. Alqaisi scrambling on the bottom, and he creates enough space to return back to the feet. Alqaisi with a kick to the body. He lands a nice right hand in an exchange. Alqaisi high kick blocked. Rivera holding the center, and he lands a nice kick to the body, but Alqaisi catches it and dumps him to the floor. Rivera scrambles back up and tries to grab the neck as he falls to the canvas. Not there, and Alqaisi now has top position. Rivera works quickly to his knees, but Alqaisi is controlling the neck. No choke in place, but he’s holding the position. Rivera continues working and gets back to the feet. He misses a flying knee. One minute left. Rivera gain with a nice lead uppercut, but Alqaisi grabs hold in the clinch and scores another trip takedown. He finishes the round on top. MMA Junkie gives it to Alqaisi, 10-9.

Round 2 – Rivera misses a front kick to start. Lead hook lands. Both men moving well, looking for angles. Rivera misses on a low kick. Alqaisi counters over the top. Rivera high kick blocked. Alqaisi throws a few, as well. Rivera gain with the lead hook that lands. Straight left follows. He’s having success on the feet when he can keep space. Alqaisi with a right to the body. He moves in but eats a left from Rivera. Alqaisi kicks the legs a bit. He tries to grab a kick but can’t hold it. Alqaisi changes levels and grabs a single and lands an inside trip. But Rivera punches him on the floor and forces a move, earning him a return to the feet. Superman punch lands for Rivera. Alqaisi swinging back and lands a nice left. One minute left. Rivera has found his range. Alqaisi swinging back, as well. Rivera changes levels and drives it to the cage. Knee inside. Alqaisi with a late takedown attempt. Another close round, but MMA Junkie leans toward Rivera, 10-9.

Round 3 – Rivera opens with a few jabs, and his corner implores him to get the hands go. Alqaisi swinging back, as well. Alqaisi ducks down for a single and gets the action down, but Rivera refuses to stay there and scrambles immediately back to his feet. Both men still moving well. Rivera with a low kick that sweeps Alqaisi to a knee, but he recovers quickly. Rivera with that nice lead uppercut again, but he falls into the clinch. Rivera with a knee to the groin. Alqaisi yells out in pain and gets a pause. Rivera says it’s “bullsh-t,” and Alqaisi yells right back at him as he takes his timeout. Halfway through the round on the restart. Alqaisi catches a kick again, but can’t get the takedown. Alqaisi with an inside low kick. Rivera with a superman punch again. Alqaisi chopping the legs. Rivera with a nice body shot, but Alqaisi immediately returns fire. Blood trickling down Alqaisi’s nose. Final minute, and Rivera with a perfectly timed takedown. Alqaisi is back to his feet almost immediately. High kick lands for Rivera. Alqaisi swinging back and moves into the clinch. Very close round again, but MMA Junkie leans toward Rivera, 10-9, awarding him the fight 29-28.

Result: Irwin Rivera def. Ali Alqaisi via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Records: Ali Alqaisi (8-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Irwin Rivera (10-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon (29-28, giving Rivera rounds 2 and 3), Dave Hagen (28-29, giving Alqaisi rounds 1 and 2), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28, giving Rivera rounds 2 and 3)

Peter Barrett vs. Youssef Zalal

Round 1 – Barrett catches a front kick to open but lets it go. He’s got the center. Zalal moving on the outside and lands a huge spinning back kick to the face. Barrett hits the deck. Zalal rushes to try and finish with punches, but Barrett crawls back to his feet. He creates some space and seems to be OK but gets caught with a flying knee. Zalal with a right hands that lands. Rough start for Barrett. Zalal moving well and lands clean with a straight. Barrett a step behind right now, but he’s upright. Zalal picking his shots and landing frequently. Barrett does land a straight left and moves into the clinch. Short knees inside as he presses against the cage. Barrett slips to the back and is looking for a takedown, but he can’t get his opponent elevated. Zalal uses a kimura grip to switch positions and work free. Zalal light on his feet, but Zalal now has his under him and lands a high kick. Zalal staggers a little but wags his fingers to dismiss it. They smile at each other in the final seconds. Crazy start, and MMA Junkie gives it to Zalal, 10-9.

Round 2 – Quick start as the two exchange punches. Barrett in the center again. Zalal quick on the outside. He lands a straight to the body and kicks the leg before moving forward on a takedown. No dice, and Barrett clinches and spins his opponent to the cage. Stalemate, so he backs away. Barrett with a nice low kick. Zalal with a smooth hip toss, and as Barrett tries to scramble back to his feet, he exposes his back. Zalal takes it, but he’s very high on back as Barrett tripods. Barrett trying to shake him off, but Zalal stays right, and Barrett goes to his knees. Zalal with short punches from the back as he looks for the choke. Barrett to a seated position, but Zalal is firm on the back. He locks in a squeeze, but he’s on the chin. Eventually, he lets it go. Two minutes left. Barrett battling well in defense, but Zalal has the hooks in and continues hunting the choke. Barrett turns to his knees and then stands again. Zalal is very high on the back, but he’s somehow staying in position. He flattens Barrett again. Left arm goes under the neck. This time he may have it. Zalal working hard for the squeeze. Barrett survives and stands again, but he’s stuck until the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Zalal, 10-8.

Round 3 – Barrett smiling despite the two rounds of trouble. He comes out with a few front kicks. Zalal with a high kick as moves laterally on the outside. Nice left hand from Zalal. Barrett works to a clinch and is looking for a takedown. Zalal goes to a knee but then is able to pull away and reset. Barrett showing his durability and still looking to attack, but it’s Zalal who is landing the shots on the feet. Zalal ducks for a single. Barrett grabs the neck as he falls. Zalal jumps to the opposite side to eliminate the threat. Barrett works to his feet. Zalal controls the head briefly but lets it go. Barrett is walking forward, but Zalal is picking him apart. Another takedown for Zalal, and this time he falls into the guard and is in top position. Barrett sits up and briefly turns to his knees but settles back down when Zalal threatens the back. Barrett scrambles again, and Zalal is on the back in the final minute and again looking to finish. Right arm gets under the chin, but he’s a little off to the side. Zalal bails on the choke and trues to punch. He falls to the floor looking for the armbar, then lands a nice upkick from his back before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Zalal, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-26.

Result: Youssef Zalal def. Peter Barrett via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Records: Peter Barrett (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Youssef Zalal (10-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell (30-26, giving Zalal a 10-8 in round 2), Ron McCarthy (30-26, giving Zalal a 10-8 in round 2), Tony Weeks (30-27)

Justin Jaynes vs. Gavin Tucker

Round 1 – Jaynes sets up in the center. He fires a couple big punches. Tucker moving well and throws a big left of his own that’s blocked. Jaynes the one moving forward, but Tucker is retreating well and looking to counter. Tucker with a big left that’s blocked, as well as a high kick. He’s the one throwing first right now. Tucker with a nice front kick to the body. He lands a combination. Jaynes misses on a heavy counter. He’s just a touch behind right now. Jaynes with a jab and a big follow. Tucker with a nice kick to the body. Front kick to the body scores, as well. Tucker mixing up his levels with punches. Jaynes with a big uppercut, and Tucker falls to the canvas. Jaynes follows with punches, but Jaynes crawls to his feet. Jaynes picking his punches well right now. Tucker isn’t fully recovered. Jaynes grabs the neck and has a guillotine as he rolls to mount. Tucker kicks out and reverses course. Immediately he’s in an arm-triangle choke. It looks right with time winding down, but Jaynes refuses to tap. He lasts until the bell. Crazy end to the round, but MMA Junkie leans toward Jaynes, 10-9.

Round 2 – Tucker with a high kick that’s blocked. He fires another. Big left from Tucker, as well. He seems energized. Knee lands. Tucker rattling off punches. Jaynes covering well, but he looks to be tiring, as well. Tucker continues to pick his punches well. Jaynes covering up but facing some adversity. Jaynes lands an uppercut. Tucker with a slick elbow up top. He’s flowing with his strikes. Jaynes throwing back on occasion, but it’s clearly labored. Tucker high kick blocked but still seems to do some damage. Uppercut from Tucker. Hook over the top. Jaynes with a nice right hand over the top. Tucker moving well and flowing with his strikes. High kick, and Jaynes catches it but can’t hold on. Combinations rattling off from Tucker. his in control of the flow and adding up points. Jaynes trying to set up one big shot when he can, but his volume gas completely dropped. Jaynes frustrated as the horn sounds. It’s all Tucker, and MMA Junkie gives it to him, 10-9.

Round 3 – Jaynes pressing forward again. He’s firing the uppercut. Tucker ducks for a single, but Jaynes defends well and punches. Tucker pressing and lands a knee. Jaynes is hurt and staggers. He shoots, and Tucker is able to sprawl and take top position. Jaynes turns, and Tucker gets to his back. Figure-four is in, and Tucker looking for the choke. Jaynes in a bad spot but battling. Jaynes keeps adjusting and squeezing, and he gets it in. Jaynes has to tap.

Result: Gavin Tucker def. Justin Jaynes via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:43
Recap: For Gavin Tucker, getting caught with his pants down was a good thing
Records: Justin Jaynes (16-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Gavin Tucker (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Andrew Sanchez vs. Wellington Turman

Round 1 – Turman with a leaping kick to start. They move quickly to the clinch. Sanchez presses the action to the cage and lands short punches from the outside. Turman looking for a trip, but Sanchez stays upright. Turman with a few knees inside. Sanchez returns the favor as they grind in the clinch. Turman finally slips away and they reset in the center. Big left for Turman. He lands a stiff jab, but Sanchez takes it well and fires back. Big shots being thrown right now. Sanchez scores with a right hand. Turman with a nice left. Sanchez with another nice right hand. They’re firing heavy leather and testing each other’s chin. Sanchez in the center and scores with a couple of nice right hand. He misses on a spinning backfist. Nice two-punch combination from Turman. Sanchez goes to the body and then the head. One minute left. Both men having success on the feet. Sanchez with a big right hand, and Turman is hurt. Sanchez sees it and moves forward. Another big right, and Turman crashes to the canvas. Sanchez with the hammerfists, but this was already done. Vicious.

Result: Andrew Sanchez def. Wellington Turman via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:14
Recap: Video: Watch Andrew Sanchez’s nasty knockout at UFC on ESPN+ 32
Records: Andrew Sanchez (12-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Wellington Turman (16-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Alexander Munoz

Round 1 – Munoz with a big left hand to open. He changes levels and drives through for a powerful double leg. Haqparast works to a seated position and quickly stands. Munoz with a few knees as he presses in from the outside. Knee scores to the groin. Haqparast yells out, and we take a break. Referee Chris Tognoni offers Haqparast’s corner a few warnings for trying to coach during the timeout, and we get back to action quickly. Munoz with again with the big left to start. Haqparast swings back with power. Haqparast lands a crisp jab. Haqparast now the one pressing forward. Munoz wants a takedown, but Haqparast stuffs it and punishes him with punches. Haqparast has found his rhythm now. Munoz wants the takedown, but he’s not setting it up, and Haqparast is making him pay. Haqparast rifling off combinations. He’s comfortable on his feet, and Munoz starting to hesitate a bit on his advances. Munoz misses another takedown. He does land a knee in in the scramble. Haqparast starting to load up on his punches. Round ends on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives it to Haqparast, 10-9.

Round 2 – Munoz walks right into a Haqparast left hand. He’s trying to make something happen, but Haqparast seems dialed in right now. Munoz trying to strike from range and dive out of the way of return fire, but Haqparast doing a good job of stringing punches together. Munoz still looking for the takedown, but it’s not there. Munoz’s corner asking him to pressure. Haqparast working from the center. He fires off another combination, and the big left wobbles Munoz. Haqparast pushes forward to finish, but Munoz scrambles back to his feet. Referee Chris Tognoni takes a stumble, and he’s out of position for a brief moment as Haqparast complains of what seems to be an eye poke as they move back to the feet. Haqparast lands a right hand, and Munoz calls him in for more. Munoz’s face is busted up, but he’s swinging back. Haqparast has a cut near his left eye. Haqparast definitely getting the best of it, but Munoz not going away. Overhand left for Haqparast. He’s mixing in the uppercuts, as well. Munoz fakes a takedown but doesn’t follow when Haqparast bites. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Haqparast, 10-9.

Round 3 – Munoz comes out swinging, but Haqparast happy to return fire. Munoz swinging hard and finding the target but then misses on a bullrush takedown. Haqparast is holding the center and landing combinations, and he wobbles Munoz again, but Munoz is tough as nails and recovers quickly, nearly taking the back in a scramble. Haqparast still picking his shots well. Munoz lands back with a big right hand. Back and forth on the feet. Munoz landing some of his best strikes of the fight, but he’s still taking damage, as well. Munoz’s face bettered but he continues to call for more from his opponent. Non-stop action. Munoz trying to get inside, trying to land something big, but Haqparast answers with a flurry every single time. Elbows from Haqparast. He’s landed everything but can’t get Munoz to wilt. Fight ends on the feet. MMA Junkie gives the round to Haqparast, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27.

Result: Nasrat Haqparast def. Alex Munoz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Nasrat Haqparast (12-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Alexander Munoz (6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Dave Hagen (30-27), Chris Lee (30-27)

Joaquin Buckley vs. Kevin Holland

Round 1 – Buckley not interested in a glove touch. Holland doesn’t like it and rushes forward into a takedown. Buckley underneath but pops right back to his feet, and they rest. The taller Holland looking to keep range. He kicks low, and an overhand punches from Buckley sends Holland to the floor. He gets right back up. Buckley firing big punches and lands low, but Holland not interested in a lengthy stop. On the restart, Buckley is throwing heavy shots. Holland relaxed and grabs the Thai clinch landing a knee. Buckley shakes it off. Everything Buckley throws is hard. Holland staying relaxed and looking to counter, but the danger is real. Holland works the legs a bit. Buckley breathing heavy already, halfway through the first. Holland smiling and talking to him, as you’d expect. Buckley lands another to the groin, and we take a timeout. Holland says, “I just want one more kid.” Referee Mark Smith quiets Holland down a bit, and we restart. Holland switching stances and misses a high kick over the top. Straight right hand scores, and Buckley hits the deck. Holland follows, but Buckley recovers quickly. Final minute. Holland talking and throws a side kick. He’s definitely comfortable. Flying knee at the end from Holland misses, but he follows with a few punches and a big one at the bell. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Holland, 10-9.

Round 2 – Buckley again loading up on every punch. Holland evading well and countering. Buckley grabs the body and tosses him to the floor, but Holland right back to his feet. Holland incredibly calm under the heavy fire. He lands a slapping kick to the leg. Buckley fires everything at full power. He catches a kick but can’t do anything with it. Buckley with the rush of aggression, but Holland slips and lands the straight right. Another knocks Buckley’s mouthpiece out, and Smith calls time to get it replaced. Buckley with aggression on the restart, and he punches his way into the clinch. Holland with a few slaps to the ear, and he pushes his opponent away. Holland with the long jab and a knee. Front kicks from Holland. Side kick to the body. Holland so calm, and Buckley breathing very heavy, but he’s pushing forward. Crazy scramble in the clinch to close, but Holland exits with a shot. MMA Junkie gives a closer one to Holland, 10-9.

Round 3 – Holland sticking and moving well. Buckley still pressing with power, but Holland lands the big right hand. Buckley crashes to the floor. Holland wants the walk-off. Referee Mark Smith watches the eyes and studies, but he decides to call it before anything else lands.

Result: Kevin Holland def. Joaquin Buckley via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 0:32
Recap: Kevin Holland snipes Joaquin Buckley with one-punch TKO
Photos:
Records: Joaquin Buckley (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Kevin Holland (18-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Tim Means vs. Laureano Staropoli

Round 1 – Staropoli tries to push forward to start, but Means happy to swing back. Staropoli wants to strike, but Means grabs him and tosses him to the floor. Staropoli back to his feet quickly, but Means works into the clinch again right away. Means breaks and lands a left hand before backing away. Staropoli with a nice two-punch combination. He’s throwing hard to start. Nice low kick, as well, but Means answers with two punches of his own. Means looks unfazed right now, but Staropoli clearly throwing the harder shots to start. Still, Means working well and finding his moments. Two minutes left. Staropoli with a crisp punch, and Means answers with a big kick to the body. Means keeping him honest, but Staropoli is finding the mark. Means with another kick to the body. He moves into the clinch. Nothing there, and Means backs away. Staropoli complains of an eye poke, and we call for time. Staropoli aggressive on the restart, but Means lands a counter right. Means trying to make it scrappy. They exchange big punches to close. MMA Junkie gives it to Staropoli, 10-9.

Round 2 – Staropoli again aggressive to start. He lands a spinning back elbow, but Means clinches. He can’t get anything from there. Staropoli pulls away and keeps throwing heavy leather. Means is countering and unafraid to exchange, but he’s taking damage to give it. Staropoli breathing heavy. Means tags him with a perfectly timed high kick. Staropoli crashes to the floor, but he battles his way back up as Means trues to swarm. Staropoli doesn’t look completely recovered, but he is standing again and throwing big punches. Means with a nice left hand. Punches exchanged, and now Means is getting the best of these. The left hand is landing clean for Means. Staropoli still loading up on his shots, but Means is evading well. The left counter lands again for Means. Staropoli with a heavy low kick. Means clinches and then delivers another big left before the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Means, 10-9.

Round 3 – Staropoli bouncing lightly at the start of the third. He comes out with powerful blows again, but Means gets into the clinch. He drives the action to the cage. Spinning elbow from Means as he breaks away. They return to the center and trade punches. Staropoli still seems to have the most pop, but Means absorbing it with no issue. Staropoli with a head-and-arm throw from the clinch, but Means immediately back to his feet. Staropoli eventually pulls free from the clinch. Means keeps the pressure high. He’s not giving Staropoli much room to work. Two minutes left. Short punches inside. Not much there, though, and referee Jason Herzog calls for a restart. Staropoli lands a big right as they get going again. Means slips another and lands a nice left. Means looking for a takedown with a minute left. Staropoli sprawls well against the cage. Means continues to press forward. He breaks briefly to throw a knee, then a few short punches inside. Time winding down. Means content to work from here. Short punches exchanged to close. MMA Junkie gives a close final round to Means, 10-9, awarding him the fight 29-28.

Result: Tim Means def. Laureano Staropoli via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Tim Means (30-12-1 MMA, 12-9 UFC), Laureano Staropoli (9-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Means 2 and 3), Ron McCarthy (29-28, giving Means 2 and 3), Junichiro Kamijo (30-27)

Beneil Dariush vs. Scott Holtzman

Round 1 – Holtzman misses a big right, and Dariush answers with a kick to the body. Dariush moves forward with punches, but he’s caught with an eye poke and takes a quick break. Holtzman with a low kick. Dariush lands a kick to the groin, but he says he’s fine, and we fight on. Another exchange, and Dariush complains of another poke. Holtzman proclaims innocence, but Dariush tells him to check the tape. Brief stop, and we get back to work. Dariush drives forward and wants the takedown. Holtzman defending against the cage. They battle for position in the clinch, but Holtzman still upright. Dariush relentless in his efforts, but Holtzman gets feee. They start throwing on the restart, and Dariush lands a big knee. Holtzman is hurt, but he stays on his feet. Dariush trying to get the finish. Big punches landing. Holtzman shoots, but Dariush sprawls well. Dariush tries to sneak to the back, but Holtzman is able to get to his knees and then his feet. Amazing that he lasted that exchange. Dariush with another knee in the clinch. Holtzman lands a nice right hand as Dariush drops his guard. Dariush bleeding from the left eye. Dariush with a crisp left that lands. Another scores. Holtzman still standing somehow. Dariush swarming, and Holtzman trying to battle back. Spinning backfist from Dariush on the button. Forearm landed. Holtzman crashes to the floor, and this is over.

Result: Beneil Dariush def. Scott Holtzman via TKO (spinning backfist) – Round 1, 4:38
Recap: Beneil Dariush finishes Scott Holtzman with spinning back fist
Photos:
Records: Beneil Dariush (19-4-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC), Scott Holtzman (14-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Yana Kunitskaya vs. Julija Stoliarenko

Round 1 – Stoliarenko tries to duck her way inside and is able to get to a clinch. Kunitskaya with underhooks and drives a few knees inside. Kunitskaya with shoulder strikes as she pushes the action to the fence. Stoliarenko switches off, but but Kunitskaya turns is back quickly and continues with shoulder strikes and knees as she holds underhooks. Stoliarenko tries to work her arms inside and frame, but she’s being overpowered right now. She thinks of jumping to guillotine, but lets it go. Stoliarenko just stuck right now. Kunitskaya not doing a ton of damage, but she’s staying busy enough with short strikes to keep the position. Stoliarenko again jumps up and tries to get a guillotine in place. Kunitskaya pushes her away. Stoliarenko falls and tries to attack the leg, but Kunitskaya pulls away. Stoliarenko trying to make something happen, but Kunitskaya just stifling her in the clinch. Short knees continue to land to the body. They break free and strike a bit to close. MMA Junkie gives the first to Kunitskaya, 10-9.

Round 2 – Stoliarenko tries a kick to start. Kunitskaya catches it and scores a big slam and then backs away and kicks the legs a bit. Stoliarenko up quickly and trying to attack, but Kunitskaya is quickly into the clinch again, holding underhooks and just stifling her opponent. Shoulders and short knees again as she keeps Stoliarenko from any sort of offense. Kunitskaya with a few punches inside, as well, but it’s mostly knee. Stoliarenko tries to get inside for a hip toss, but it’s not there. She slips to the floor, but Kunitskaya punches and kicks her before backing away. She’s not interested in fighting on the ground at all. As Stoliarenko rises, Kunitskaya is back to the clinch, wrapping the body and just pummeling away with short strikes. Stoliarenko’s nose bleeding. Kunitskaya with more knees to the body and then punching whenever she can. It’s just an absolute grind from Kunitskaya. Nothing big, but the short strikes are nonstop. Stoliarenko jumps ip to pull guard. She’s got control of the right wrist and drags Kunitskaya to the floor. Stoliarenko turns for the arm. SHe’s got control, and she gets the legs in place. It’s threatening, but Kunitskaya keeps her arms locked. She’s in danger, but she keeps the limb safe until she can pull free in the final seconds. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it again to Kunitskaya, 10-9.

Round 3 – Stoliarenko wants to attack, but Kunitskaya immediately clinches and gets underhooks and drives to the cage. Stoliarenko again tries to leap to guard. It takes some effort, but she is able to get Kunitskaya to the floor. Rubber guard underneath. Kunitskaya trying to posture in the right spots, but she’s clearly aware of the danger underneath. Stoliarenko hunting for options underneath, working the rubber guard. Kunitskaya staying compact. Not a lot doing, and referee Mark Smith calls for the restart. Kunitskaya immediaely rushes forward and grabs the underhooks and drives it to the cage. Maybe not the most exciting work, but she’s staying true to her gameplan and disciplined in the approach. It’s a familiar sight, and Kunitskaya works from the clinch. Stoliarenko tries again to pull guard, but Kunitskaya pulls free and then punches a few times from her feet before Stoliarenko crawls back up. Stoliarenko’s frustration clear. Kunitskaya pulls way in the final minute, and they look to strike in the end. Kunitskaya back to the clinch briefly before pulling away. She lands a kick at the end. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Kunitskaya, 10-9, and awards her the fight 30-27.

Result: Yana Kunitskaya def. Julija Stoliarenko via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Yana Kunitskaya grinds out Julija Stoliarenko to decision win
Photos:
Records: Yana Kunitskaya (13-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Julija Stoliarenko (9-4-1 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging:

Maki Pitolo vs. Darren Stewart

Round 1 – Pitolo moving laterally on the outside. Rapid movement on the outside. Stewart patient in the center. He fires a right hand that’s blocked. Nice low kick from Stewart. He’s chasing Pitolo early. Stewart with a clean jab. He lets his hands go a bit and then slips the return fire. Briefly clinch. Stewart with a right hand on the restart. Pitolo throws back with his own and lands. Stewart blocks a high kick. He’s the one moving forward, but he’s not cutting off the cage, so Pitolo continues to circle. Punches exchanged, and Stewart’s corner wants him to keep the volume. Pitolo wants a takedown, but Stewart grabs the guillotine and falls to his back. The squeeze is in. Stewart adjusts the grip. Pitolo stuck, and has to tap.

Result: Darren Stewart def. Maki Pitolo via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:41
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Maki Pitolo (13-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Darren Stewart (12-5 MMA, 5-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging:

Omari Akhmedov vs. Chris Weidman

Round 1 – Weidman in the center to start, using a wide stance before changing levels and looking for a takedown. He’s short, and he slips away from a big Akhmedov punch. Weidman gets in deep on a takedown attempt shortly after, but Akhmedov able to stay upright. Weidman relentless in his plan. He shoots again and gets inside on a single. Akhmedov defending and scoring a few short punches. Weidman lets go of the leg and then backs away from the clinch. They trade punches. Weidman fakes a takedown. Akhmedov digs to the body. He scores a nice jab, as well. Weidman switches stances. High kick for Weidman. Akhmedov shoots, but Weidman sprawls and grabs front control. Nothing there, so he backs away. Akhmedov with a jab. Weidman again inside. This time he sweeps the leg and gets Akhmedov to the floor. Akhmedov turns quickly to his knees and stands. Weidman tries to grab the neck but can’t. Weidman stays on the legs, and he gets Akhmedov to a seated position again. Akhmedov with a few short punches inside. Weidman has the bodylock and drags him away from the fence to his back. Weidman advances to half-guard. He gets in a few short punches at the end. MMA Junkie gives the first to Weidman, 10-9.

Round 2 – Weidman with a right hand. He throws a knee up the middle and narrowly slips the counter. Weidman hanging his hands, and Akhmedov pushes forward and into the clinch. He drags Weidman to the canvas. Weidman gets to his knees and stands. He tries to grab a guillotine there. Akhmedov trapped briefly but pulls away. Akhmedov shoots again, but Weidman stuffs it. He tries to turn it into a takedown of his own, but it’s not there. Akhmedov works the jab on the feet. Weidman changes levels and gets inside. He’s deep on a single and lifts Akhmedov’s right leg high, but he can’t get him off balance. Wide punches from Akhmedov, and Weidman able to avoid. Akhmedov digs to the body. Weidman looks to be tiring a bit. Akhmedov drives forward and this time gets Weidman to the canvas. Weidman gets his legs inside and tries to create some space. An upkick lands, and Akhmedov backs away. Akhmedov having success with the jab. Lead hook lands. Weidman pressing forward and throws a knee but slips to the floor. Akhmedov doesn’t follow. Weidman stands up, and Akhmedov gets him off-balance on a single. Akhmedov again doesn’t follow. Weidman forced to stand. They trade punches until the bell. MMA Junkie gives the second to Akhmedov, 10-9.

Round 3 – Akhmedov with the jab. Weidman reaches down to grab the leg. Akhmedov able to push him away. Weidman shoots again with a double. He gets Akhmedov to the knees. Akhmedov stands, and Weidman slips around to the back. He’s got the body wrapped, and he drags his opponent down. Weidman slips to the back. He’s high on the back, but he reaches down to grab the leg. Slick submission attempt on the banana split, but Akhmedov patiently waits through it. Akhmedov trying to escape, and Weidman rolls with him. He locks in an arm-triangle but stays in mount. Akhmedov flat on his back. He’s trying to push away and create space. Weidman content to hold the position right now. He postures up and lands a short elbow. Not a ton of offense right now, but Weidman controlling the position and is happy to keep it here as the clock winds down. Weidman trying to set up the arm-triangle again. It’s not there, but referee Jason Herzog is patient as he continues inching his way in that direction. He finally bails on it with 30 seconds left. Weidman postures and lands a few short elbows. Akhmedov exposes his back, and Weidman finishes there. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Weidman, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.

Result: Chris Weidman def. Omari Akhmedov via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Omari Akhmedov (20-5-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC), Chris Weidman (15-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: