What's new at Ludus Martial Arts

We’re so proud of our team! Find out how they’ve been doing, as well as what else has been going on at our gym lately.

UFC on ESPN+ 8 play-by-play and live results

SUNRISE, Fla. – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 8 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT).

The event takes place at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., near Fort Lauderdale. The main card streams on ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN2.

In the main event, former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza (26-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC) takes on ex-Cage Warriors champ Jack Hermansson (19-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who took the fight on short notice when Yoel Romero pulled out with an injury. In the co-main event, former NFL standout Greg Hardy (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will try to rebound from his first MMA loss, which came by disqualification in January, when he takes on fellow heavyweight Dmitrii Smoliakov (9-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET for the ESPN2 prelims, 7 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN, and 9 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC on ESPN+ 8 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.

* * * *

Current fight

Alex Oliveira vs. Mike Perry

Round 1 – Oliveira out quickly with a few spinning attacks. Leg kicks traded. Crowd chanting for Perry. He lands a crisp shot to the body. They clinch, and it’s a real battle for position. Dirty boxing inside before they back away and reset. Blood trickling from Perry’s nose. He moves inside, but it’s Oliveira that lifts his opponent and gets him off-balance enough to slip around to the back. Perry uses the cage to defend well and is able to get free. They reset to the center. Oliveira with a right hand from range. Spinning kick misses. Perry kicks the thigh. Oliveira with a few straight punches down the middle. Another spinning kick misses for Oliveira. Perry defending in the clinch and lands a nice elbow in tight. Oliveira slips back to the center. Perry’s cheek busted up now, as well. Right hands traded. Three-punch combination for Oliveira. Perry battling back and lands a big knee. Perry finishes the frame with a flurry against the cage. Both men have spent a lot of energy in this opening round. MMA Junkie gives it to Oliveira, 10-9.

Round 2 – Perry misses on a high kick as they start again with a quick pace. Oliveira lands an uppercut inside. He’s looking to strike from range. Front kick to the body for Oliveira, but as he moves froward, Perry tags him with a hook. Oliveira tumbles to the floor. Perry with an axe kick to the body, but he doesn’t want to go to the floor, so Oliveira crawls back up. Wild scramble as Perry throws Oliveira to the floor but wobbles off-balance. Oliveira rushes forward. Madness in the cage. Oliveira backs out to range again and paws a jab before firing a big right hand behind it. Oliveira drops his hands in a karate stance and side kicks the leg. Perry loads up and lands another big right hand. He pushes forward and drives Oliveira to the floor. Half-guard underneath, but Perry postures up and lands several big punches in the closing minute. Oliveira trying to control the wrist, but he can’t do so. Perry has him pinned and punches away. Oliveira has to move, and he does scramble to the feet. Oliveira looks down. Something is hurt on the right foot. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Perry, 10-9.

Round 3 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Alex Oliveira (19-6-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Mike Perry (12-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Larry Downs Jr.
Judging:

Results

Dhiego Lima vs. Court McGee

Round 1 – McGee takes the center and strikes a low stance, looking to pressure right from the start. Lima sliding laterally on the outside. Punches traded between the two. McGee cutting off the cage as they move, but Lima is having some success as he sticks and moves. McGee trying to get inside and into a clinch, but Lima moving well enough to stay away, and the counter left is finding a home. McGee is the one moving forward and pushing the pace, but he’s having trouble with the counters. Less than two minutes, and McGee is able to change levels and try for the takedown, but Lima able to push him away. McGee backs away but tries again shortly after. Not there, so Lima tries one of his own. Scramble, and a beautiful judo toss by McGee. He can’t keep Lima down though. They battle in the clinch. Stalemate as Lima defends. Referee Dan Miragliotta calls for action, and Lima gives him a look that suggests the slowdown isn’t his fault. Round ends there. MMA Junkie gives it to Lima, 10-9.

Round 2 – McGee out quickly again and trying to pressure. Lima still very light on his feet and moving well. McGee the aggressor, but it’s Lima’s counters doing the most work, and a stiff right hand finds the mark. McGee sticking with the jab and throwing a few low kicks, as well. Still, Lima’s counters are certainly the more powerful blows. Lima finding the mark. McGee changes levels once again, but it’s not there. Lima up to the challenge, and he’s stuffing McGee’s efforts. Still, McGee not backing down. He is having some success on the feet, but he’s getting tagged in the counters. Lima looks for a takedown. It’s a good effort, but McGee defending well. He wraps the neck against the fence, but time is up. MMA Junkie leans toward McGee in the second, 10-9.

Round 3 – No shock with McGee looking to push, but Lima tags him on a big shot right away. Lima looks relaxed on the feet, and he lands another right hand. McGee continues to hold the center. Lima lands a big left hand. McGee’s right eye showing some wear. Lima with a two-punch combination. He’s gaining some steam. McGee won’t take a single step backwards, but Lima is the one landing the bigger shots. Two minutes left, and McGee still pushing forward. Lima still moving well, and he lands a right hand over the top and then comes back with the big left. Lima very sharp on his feet, and he’s busier this round. One minute left, and McGee shoots inside, but Lima able to defend well, sprawling against the cage and then separating. Lima does take a deep breath, but he waves McGee forward. Of course, McGee obliges. One last takedown attempt fails. They start swinging in the final seconds, and McGee does drop Lima. Too late to do anything with it. Crazy finish. MMA Junkie leans slightly toward Lima, 10-9, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Dhiego Lima def. Court McGee via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: Dhiego Lima vs. Court McGee photos
Records: Dhiego Lima (14-7 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Court McGee (19-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN2
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Sal D’Amato (30-27), Richard Bertrand (28-29, giving McGee rounds 1 and 3), Christopher Lee (29-28, giving Lima rounds 2 and 3)

Jodie Esquibel vs. Angela Hill

Round 1 – Esquibel immediately out with punches. She’s got her chin tucked and rushing forward with strikes. Hill adjusts quickly and starts to move laterally to evade. Superman punch for Hill. Esquibel the busier fighter early. Hill dealing with it well, but she does eat a stiff right. Hill shrugs it off and lands a right of her own. Esquibel relentless with punches, but Hill is slipping most of them and countering well. Hill with a knee to the body and a nice right hand over the top. Esquibel lands a combination. She has a kick caught, and Hill takes her down, but they pop immediately back up. Busy pace late in the frame. Hill lands another knee to the body. Esquibel with a left hand over the top. She is not backing down or slowing. Esquibel changes levels in the final minute. She gets deep, but Hill able to recover her balance and land a knee in tight. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Hill, 10-9.

Round 2 – Esquibel still just as aggressive, and she’s throwing with power. Hill still moving well and offering her replies. Esquibel lands a right, and Hill’s nose is busted up and bleeding. Another right for Esquibel. She’s not giving Hill any time to think. Esquibel with a few hooks up top, but Hill with an uppercut inside. Knee for Hill lands clean. Another knee scores for Hill, as well as a right hand. Hill in a better rhythm now, managing the distance against a shorter fighter. Still, Esquibel just pushing forward and keeping the pressure high. Hill with a slick counter right. Knee inside for Hill and a big right hand. Esquibel moving forward but taking damage. After a slow start, Hill takes the round on the MMA Junkie card, 10-9.

Round 3 – No surprise, but Esquibel is pushing forward. Hill landing a few big knees inside, but Esquibel walking through it to attack. Esquibel cut near the left eye, and it’s leaking down her face. Hill kicks the legs and slips to the floor, but she’s able to pop back to her feet. The pace remains high for these two fighters. Hill with a right hand. Jab lands clean. Knee up the middle and a big right hand. Hill is on point. Jab snaps back her opponent’s head. Right hand lands clean. Esquibel isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket, but she’s taking more damage now. She rushes forward but is tagged by an uppercut. Hill’s constant movement and flow are perfect right now. Esquibel as tough as they come, but she’s getting outgunned. Esquibel thinks takedown, but it’s not there. Esquibel presses until the very end, but she’s taking damage. Leaping knee from Hill in the final seconds. Esquibel lands a right hand in a late flurry. Fun fight. MMA Junkie leans toward Hill again, 10-9, awarding her the fight 30-27.

Result: Angela Hill def. Jodie Esquibel via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Angela Hill vs. Jodie Esquibel photos
Records: Jodie Esquibel (6-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC), Angela Hill (9-6 MMA, 4-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Hill honorable mention
Broadcast: ESPN2
Referee: Alan Abeles
Judging: Barry Luxenberg (29-28, giving Hill rounds 2 and 3, Daniel Torres (30-27), Troy Wincapaw (30-27)

Jason Gonzalez vs. Jim Miller

Round 1 – Gonzalez moving quickly and throws out a few low kicks. Miller immediately finds a home for a stiff left hand. Gonzalez throwing everything with full power right now. Slapping low kicks landing, but Miller is finding some opportunities to counter. Miller drives forward and pushes his opponent all the way across the cage to get a takedown. Gonzalez turns immediately and tries to rise, but Miller is able to sneak around and take the back. Figure-four around the body. Miller has the right arm under the neck and is looking for the squeeze. It’s tight. Gonzalez doesn’t want to give it up, but he’s trapped. Miller continues the squeeze and earns the tap with his four children watching from cageside.

Result: Jim Miller def. Jason Gonzalez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:12
Recap: With kids cageside, Jim Miller submits Jason Gonzalez to set records
Photos: Jim Miller vs. Jason Gonzalez photos
Records: Jason Gonzalez (11-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Jim Miller (30-13 MMA, 19-12 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN2
Referee: Larry Downs Jr.

Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Davis

Round 1 – Burns gets to the center and kicks the body and the leg. Davis looks comfortable on the feet, and he’s moving well to start, firing out a few jabs. Burns changes levels for the takedown, but Davis able to defend it perfectly and land a knee as they push away. Burns resets, but another shot comes forward and is able to get Davis to the floor with a second effort. Davis in a seated position, but Burns steps over with one hook. The fights’ ride sides are against the fence, preventing the other hook from coming in. Davis patient and works his way back to the feet. Davis lands a right hand over a Burns kicks. That hurt Burns a bit. Burns recovers and kicks the leg. Big kick to the body, as well. Punches traded inside. Big right hand over the top for Burns. He kicks the leg again, too. Davis attacks the body but is tagged with a right hand in reply. Takedown for Burns. He finishes the round on top. MMA Junkie gives it to Burns, 10-9.

Round 2 – Burns out quickly with a takedown, and he slips immediately over to the back. Slick transition there, and he’s got a figure-four around the body. Hammerfists and elbows landing. Davis in a seated position but drops to the floor and is able to break the figure-four. Still, Burns is on his back and looking for the choke. Davis again just patiently works his way free from the choke, and he turns. Burns still on top. Davis still trying to scramble free. He gets to his knees, and Burns able to once again sneak on to his back. Left hand goes around the chin. Right hand slapping the body. Figure-four again in place. Davis in all kinds of trouble. He’s showing valiant defense, but he’s not able to offer anything in reply. Burns keeps hunting, and he gets the left arm in place. He’s under the chin. Davis tries to peel the arm away, but the squeeze is in place. Davis has no choice but to tap.

Result: Gilbert Burns def. Mike Davis via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:15
Photos: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Davis photos
Records: Gilbert Burns (15-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC), Mike Davis (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Keith Peterson

Carla Esparza vs. Virna Jandiroba

Round 1 – Esparza stays at distance to open, studying from range. An early Jandiroba kick sees Esparza rush forward and drive the action to the canvas. Big takedown but Jandiroba immediately looks to her corner and then goes to work from her back. Active guard underneath for Jandiroba, but Esparza doing a fine job of stuffing the efforts and controlling from the top. Jandiroba finally able to roll and sneak out the back, and we reset on the feet. Jandiroba initiates a clinch, but nothing there. Esparza drives forward and runs through for another takedown. Again Jandiroba working an open guard. She controls the left wrist but can’t get an earnest submission attempt. Jandiroba able to work back to her feet, and then she gets a takedown of her own, though she really doesn’t get it entirely to the floor. Esparza posting immediately and gets back to her feet. Jandiroba trying for a hip toss that doesn’t materialize. They trade punches to close, and MMA Junkie gives the first round to Esparza, 10-9.

Round 2 – Jandiroba looking to pressure, but Esparza responds well. Esparza shoots from range, but Jandiroba able to sprawl and stay upright. Both women looking to get a grappling advantage, and it’s Jandiroba who’s able to change levels and take the fight to the floor. She’s in top position and immediately locks down the right leg. As she tries to advance, though, Esparza able to explode through a sweep and turn to the top before escaping to the feet. After resetting, it’s Esparza who drives through for a takedown. She can’t keep the fight on the floor. Jandiroba recovers and lands a slick little throw of her own, but Esparza immediately back to her feet. Evenly matched in the grappling. Jandiroba grabs the neck and falls back. Guillotine is in, but Jandiroba isn’t in full guard. Esparza stacks to stay safe. Jandiroba turns over, but Esparza in half-guard and stays safe. Jandiroba bails on the choke but transitions to top position. Esparza with a sweep in the closing seconds. Fun stuff, but MMA Junkie leans toward Jandiroba, 10-9.

Round 3 – The two women looking for opportunities. Jandiroba drives forward, but she’s forced to fall back to guard. Jandiroba trying to work the right leg up in rubber guard, but Esparza stuffs it. Jandiroba trying to work her legs inside, but Esparza trying to keep everything tight. Jandiroba very active from her back, but Esparza snuffs out every move before it ever really starts. Esparza eventually backs away. She kicks at Jandiroba as she returns to the feet, as well. Esparza shoots, and Jandiroba defends well, but she gets kicked in the face as she’s a little careless on the break. Jandiroba dips down for a leg. Esparza tries to grab the neck, but there’s nothing there. Jandiroba now has top position though. Esparza knows she needs to move, and she does turn and get back to her feet. Jandiroba drops and tries to roll to the top. It takes a moment, but she does sweep right at the bell. Very, very close. MMA Junkie going to lean toward Esparza, 10-9, awarding her the fight 29-28. Would not be surprised to see it go the other way.

Result: Carla Esparza def. Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Ex-champ Carla Esparza hands debuting Virna Jandiroba first loss
Photos: Carla Esparza vs. Virna Jandiroba photos
Records: Carla Esparza (14-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Virna Jandiroba (14-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Esparza No. 6, Jandiroba No. 13
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Alan Abeles
Judging: Barry Luxenberg (30-27), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Esparza rounds 1 and 3), Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Esparza rounds 1 and 3)

Andrei Arlovski vs. Augusto Sakai

Round 1 – Arlovski the first to fire with a big right hand. He rushes forward again shortly after before pulling out of range. Kick from Arlovski, and Sakai counters with a left, sending an off-balance Arlovski to the floor, but he pops right back to his feet. Arlovski having some success with the right hand. Left scores, as well. Two-punch combination for Arlovski, and he complains of his opponent’s eye poke. Warning from referee Dan Miragliotta. Sakai walking forward and kicks the leg. Arlovski does the same and then loads up a few right hands that miss. Sakai giving chase and walking into them. They don’t seem to be bothering him so far, but not a wise procedure. Arlovski misses a spinning back fist. Sakai punches his way into a clinch, but Arlovski spins off the fence. Sakai reverses again. Arlovski able to pull free and side kick the body before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the first to Arlovski, 10-9.

Round 2 – Arlovski opens with a quick jab. Sakai seems to be looking to turn up the aggression a bit, but Arlovski seems ready. Sakai does back Arlovski to the fence and unleash a combination that finds the mark. High kick lands partially for Arlovski, and he throws a jab right behind it. Arlovski switching stances a bit, and he’s still largely the first man to the punch. Sakai just a step behind on most of these exchanges. Arlovski respected the power that could come his way, but right now he’s not really seeing the volume. Sakai finally presses forward and is able to get to the clinch, but Arlovski deals with it well and breaks free, moving back to the center. Arlovski lands a kick to the groin, and Sakai takes a break. Arlovski apologizes on the restart, and we’ve got less than a minute. Sakai seems a little energized as he comes out, but it’s Arlovski who take the volume over again in quick fashion. Clinch at the bell, and MMA Junkie again leans toward Arlovski, 10-9.

Round 3 – Arlovski presses with a Superman punch that lands, and he moves into the clinch, pushing the action against the cage. Sakai able to battle out of the spot. Arlovski kicks the body and the lead leg. Right hands traded. Arlovski staying busy with kicks, but his mouth is wide open. May be tiring a little. Sakai can’t seem to really capitalize right now though. Three minutes left. Arlovski takes a look at the clock. Sakai inside briefly and lands a few knees. Arlovski scampers away and kicks the body. Sakai really needs to press. He is starting to find his range as Arlovski slows a bit. Arlovski kicks the body, and Sakai just misses a big right hand. Sakai changes levels and looks for a single-leg attempt, but it’s not there. Arlovski easily stays upright. Working in the clinch, and Sakai lands a few knees to the legs and body. Sakai has underhooks but not really doing anything with it. They finally move back to the center in the final minute. Arlovski bleeding from the nose a bit. Fight ends on the fee. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Sakai, 10-9, but awards the fight to Arlovski, 29-28.

Result: Augusto Sakai def. Andrei Arlovski via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Augusto Sakai takes controversial split decision from Andrei Arlovski
Photos: Augusto Sakai vs. Andrei Arlovski photos
Records: Andrei Arlovski (27-19 MMA, 16-13 UFC), Augusto Sakai (13-1-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Troy Wincapaw (29-28, giving Sakai rounds 2 and 3), Derek Cleary (28-29, giving Arlovski rounds 1 and 3), Chris Lee (29-28, giving Sakai rounds 2 and 3)

Takashi Sato vs. Ben Saunders

Round 1 – Saunders takes the center and lands a right hand over the top. Sato unaffected, and he’s looking to work from the pocket. Saunders works the leg a bit. He rushes forward for a takedown but comes up short. Sato misses a big elbow. Saunders grabs the clinch and lands a few knees inside before his opponent slips away. Right hand stuns Sato, but Saunders doesn’t rush in. Another punch lands clean, and Sato is staggered a bit. Still, he’s upright and looking to trade. He lands a quick left that gets Saunders’ attention. Saunders retreats and recovers. Two minutes left. Both men respectful of the other’s power. Saunders gets inside and lands a few more knees before Sato can pull free. Saunders gets quickly back to the clinch and controls from there until the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Saunders, 10-9.

Round 2 – Sato gets jab to open, and a left hand lands from over the top, as well. Sato looks comfortable in the pocket right now, and he lands a left down the middle that sends Saunders to the floor. Sato rushes on top, and massive punches and elbows are coming forward. Saunders slices open, and blood starting to flow. Aggression on top, and he keeps pounding away until the fight is called. Saunders tries to stand but stumbles back to the floor. Brutal stuff.

Result: Takashi Sato def. Ben Saunders via TKO (punch and elbows) – Round 2, 1:18
Highlights: Newcomer Takashi Sato sends Ben Saunders absolutely reeling
Photos: Takashi Sato vs. Ben Saunders photos
Records: Takashi Sato (15-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Ben Saunders (22-12-2 MMA, 9-9 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Larry Downs Jr.

Thomas Gifford vs. Roosevelt Roberts

Round 1 – Roberts with a snapping low kick to start. He throws a right hand and moves into the clinch. Nothing there, so he backs away. Both men trading punches early. Two long, lean fighters matching up well to start. Roberts backs to the cage and then perfectly times a takedown. Gifford wants a guillotine, but Roberts slips out to side control to relive and pressure. Roberts trying to isolate the left arm, but nothing there. Gifford alert on his back and scrambling. He gets to full guard, though he’s inverted. Roberts able to break the guard and again slide out to side control, where he lands a few knees. Gifford making things awkward underneath, but Roberts definitely controlling the positioning. Gifford turns to attack the arm. Roberts has to wait through it, but he does finally pull his arm free and resume work from the dominant position. Hammerfists to close. MMA Junkie gives the round to Roberts, 10-9.

Round 2 – Both men active on the feet to start. Roberts getting the best of it. Three-punch combination lands for Roberts. Gifford shakes it off, but those landed clean. Roberts popping out the jab. Gifford trying to push through it and work in tight. Roberts retreating and landing from range. Stiff punches landing clean, but Gifford refuses to back down. They get tight, and Gifford jumps for the guillotine, pulling the action to the floor. Roberts calm in the hold and is able to pull his head free, taking top position on the canvas. Gifford trying to keep things tied up underneath. Roberts looking to strike. Gifford spins and looks for an inverted triangle, but there’s no real pressure. It is keeping Robert from punching him, though. Gifford trying to scramble. He does get hold of the right arm and tries to get some pressure on it in the final seconds. MMA Junkie gives it to Roberts, 10-9.

Round 3 – Roberts again popping the jab and chops the leg from the outside. Gifford tough as nails and keeps moving forward. Right hand lands clean for Roberts. He’s having success on the feet but moves into the clinch. Gifford able to counter and wrap the body, an he gets the fight to the floor for the first real offense of the night. Roberts trying to scramble free, but Gifford doing a good job of controlling from the top and pressing things back to the floor. Roberts eventually gets his legs inside and is able to kick Gifford away and escape to the feet. Roberts punches and changes levels, again looking for the takedown, but Gifford defends well against the fence. Gifford grabs the neck, but Roberts just lifts him and slams him to the floor, again shifting to side control to make sure the guillotine isn’t a threat. Roberts trying again to lock in a kimura on the left arm, but it’s not there. Gifford scrambles to guard in the final minute. Roberts in top position and looking to strike. He finishes on top. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Roberts, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-27.

Result: Roosevelt Roberts def. Thomas Gifford via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Roosevelt Roberts vs. Thomas Gifford photos
Records: Thomas Gifford (17-8 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Roosevelt Roberts (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging:

John Lineker vs. Cory Sandhagen

Round 1 – Sandhagen in the center and looking to press. Lineker circling on the outside and looking to throw with full power. Sandhagen trying to use his range, and he just misses a leaping knee. Lineker scores a clean left counter over the top. He’s attacking the body, as well. Sandhagen still keeping the pressure high. He fires in with the leaping knee again, but Lineker answers with a non-stop barrage of power hooks. Sandhagen thinks takedown, but it’s stuffed. Capoeira kick misses for Sandhagen. Lineker with a big left hand that lands clean. Two minutes left. Sandhagen not hesitating to mix it up, but Lineker’s counter hooks are finding their mark. Sandhagen having some success at range, but he pays the price when he gets too close. Sandhagen to the body, and he lands a right up top. Sandhagen the busier man late in the round, but MMA Junkie gives the first to Lineker, 10-9.

Round 2 – Sandhagen with an early low kick. Lineker answers with a kick to the body. Sandhagen kicking with success, and he lands a quick jab, as well. Lineker digs to the body. Sandhagen just misses another jumping knee. He rips the body. Front kick for Sandhagen. He’s staying busy. Lineker being patient and waiting to counter. Sandhagen leaps forward with a trip, but Lineker able to stay upright. Sandhagen stays with the effort and is able to slam Lineker to the floor, but he can’t keep it there. Sandhagen with a big kick to the body. Lineker says it’s low, and Sandhagen gives him a moment, but we fight on. Lineker drives forward and slips around to the back. Smooth move. He tries to crank on the neck, but Sandhagen able to slip free and back to the feet. One minute left. Sandhagen remaining the busier fighter. Lineker throwing with power and picks it up in the closing seconds. Still, MMA Junkie gives the round to Sandhagen, 10-9.

Round 3 – Quick start, and Lineker lands a low kick to the cup, and Sandhagen says he’s good. Lineker pressuring, but Sandhagen staying busy with his hands and keeping his shorter opponent away. Sandhagen using the long, straight jab to keep Lineker at range. Lineker trying to leap past it and land the big power shot. Right now, Sandhagen managing the range well, staying busy and preventing Lineker from getting the big shot he wants. Lineker starting to go for broke. He has to let it go. He’s coming up short for the most part. Sandhagen changes levels, but it’s not there. Lineker lands a left hand. He’s just not getting the big one to land. Still Lineker trying to push. Three punches land for Lineker, and Sandhagen thinks takedown. Lineker instead grabs the guillotine and falls to his back. He’s squeezing. Blood flowing from Sandhagen’s nose. Close round. MMA Junkie leans slightly toward Lineker on the late work, and awards him the fight 29-28. Going to be close.

Result: Cory Sandhagen def. John Lineker via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Cory Sandhagen survives late scare, beats John Lineker by split decision
Photos: Cory Sandhagen vs. John Lineker photos
Records: John Lineker (31-9 MMA, 12-4 UFC), Cory Sandhagen (11-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Rankings: Lineker No. 6
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Sandhagen rounds 2 and 3), Chris Lee (28-29, giving Lineker rounds 2 and 3), Barry Luxenberg (29-28, giving Sandhagen rounds 1 and 2)

Ion Cutelaba vs. Glover Teixeira

Round 1 – Cutelaba with a high kick that lands over the top. Front kick scores to the body. Punches traded, and Teixeira looks for the takedown. Not there. Cutelaba switching stances and looking to strike. Teixeira again drives forward for a takedown, but Cutelaba stuffs it in impressive fashion. Cutelaba grabs a clinch and drives in a knee to the body. Hook lands up top. Cutelaba the quicker man, and he’s aggressive. A few big punches land. Cutelaba does have a cut over his right eye, but the blood running off to the side. Spinning backfist lands for Cutelaba and stuns Teixeira. Cutelaba attacking as the fight hits the floor. Cutelaba just misses a big knee that would have been illegal. Teixeira somehow recovers, and as he gets to the feet, he grabs the neck. Briefly looks threatening, but Cutelaba pops his head out. They separate, and Cutelaba decides to rest a little bit on the outside. Teixeira briefly into the clinch, but nothing there. Both men firing heavy punches in the final seconds. MMA Junkie gives the round to Cutelaba, 10-9.

Round 2 – Teixeira lands with a right hand to start. He looks fresh. He’s pressing the pace. Teixeira changes levels but still can’t get the fight to the floor. Teixeira with a right that scores, but it’s countered by a clean left. Power punches coming from both men. Teixeira deep on a single. It misses, and Cutelaba fires a big kick that just misses a kneeling Teixeira. Another illegal strike that doesn’t land. More punches traded, and Teixeira with a nice uppercut up the middle. Teixeira lands two heavy punches. Cutelaba a little stunned. Teixeira shoves Cutelaba to the floor, and he jumps on top. Teixeira moves to side control and then mount. Cutelaba in trouble. He turns as the punches rain down. Teixeira immediately on the back. He locks in the choke. Cutelaba doesn’t even bother trying to pull the arms away. This is in deep, and Cutelaba taps.

Result: Glover Teixeira def. Ion Cutelaba via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:37
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Ion Cutelaba (14-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC), Glover Teixeira (29-7 MMA, 12-5 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Rankings: Teixeira No. 7
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:

Greg Hardy vs. Dmitrii Smoliakov

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Greg Hardy (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Dmitrii Smoliakov (9-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Ronaldo Souza vs. Jack Hermansson

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Ronaldo Souza (26-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC), Jack Hermansson (19-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Rankings: Souza No. 6, Hermansson No. 15
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Ben Rothwell hopes Mark Hunt signing with BKFC materializes, wants rematch that ‘brings eyes’

Ben Rothwell is focused on capturing the BKFC heavyweight championship, but sees some compelling potential fights on the horizon. If all goes perfectly for Rothwell, he will defeat Todd Duffee on Saturday at BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, then go on to challenge the winner...

Murad Ramazanov lauds Nurmagomedov training discipline for fast start in PFL debut

CHICAGO – After his first win in 28 months, Murad Ramazanov gave credit to the standout team he trains with in Russia. Dagestan’s Ramazanov (12-0) stayed unbeaten Friday when he submitted Laureano Staropoli (13-6) a little more than four minutes into their fight to open the 2024 PFL welterweight...

come and try a ludus mma class free!

We want to make sure that Ludus MMA is the right fit for you before asking you to commit to a membership.
That’s why we’d like to offer you a FREE ONE-DAY PASS to our gym.

With your FREE PASS, you can:

  • Try as many classes as you’d like,
  • Explore the facility
  • Talk to our coaches one-on-one about what you can expect as a member

© Copyright 2024 - Ludus Martial Arts - 730 Beach Blvd, Unit 105, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

(904) 374-4186 / ludusmartialarts@gmail.com