Results 252
UFC 252 will be remembered as the night Miocic ended Cormier’s legendary career. It is far easier to retire after a loss, though there were extenuating circumstances in play with the eye poke.
LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie was on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC 252 event.
The event took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and streamed on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
The headline act at UFC 252 in Las Vegas promised chaos, and provided it, with Miocic earning a unanimous decision win (49-46 x 2, 48-47) to decide the heavyweight trilogy. UFC 252 Results. Fight results from UFC 252: Miocic vs Cormier 3. Live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. 5 months 2 weeks ago. UFC 252 Embedded: Episode 6. John Locher/Associated Press Stipe Miocic closed out UFC 252 with a unanimous-decision victory over Daniel Cormier to retain his belt and take the lead in his series with DC 2-1. UFC 252's main card will exclusively be available as a pay-per-view on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. Prior to that, preliminary action will begin on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass at 7 p.m. ET, and continues on.
In the main event, heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (20-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) picked up a hard-fought decision win over former heavyweight and light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier (22-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) in a trilogy rematch in the main event. In addition, Sean O’Malley (12-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) suffered his first career loss at the hands of Marlon Vera (18-6-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in a key bantamweight bout, and former heavyweight champ Junior Dos Santos (21-7 MMA, 15-6 UFC).
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 252 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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Round 1 – Touch of gloves to start the night, and the two go straight to work after. Punches traded in rapid fashion to open. Kelley adding in some kicks, as well, but Kamaka answering over the top. Quick pace in the early going. They finally settle a bit after the opening minute. Kamaka with a quick clinch, but he separates quickly. Kamaka getting the best of the exchanges right now, and he mixes in a knee. He scores with a stiff jab. Kelley on the back foot right now. Kamaka lands a right up top and then fires another to the body. Kelley rushes forward, but Kamaka moves away with solid footwork. Kamaka shoots inside. They fo to the floor, but Kelley controls the neck. Kamaka backs up to the feet and continues teeing off. Kelley engaging, but Kamaka has the volume. Another takedown from Kamaka. Kelley stands up but takes some punches to the body before the end of the round. MMA Junkie gives it to Kamaka, 10-9.
Round 2 – Kamaka gets to the center right away and resumes his attack. Kelley on the outside and throwing when he can, but the volume remains on the other side. Kamaka with another rip to the body and then a few punches up top right behind. Kelley with a brief slip, but he pops back up. Kamaka continues to stick the body, and it’s clearly having an effect. Kelley lands one punch but eats three. Still, he’s not going away. Kelley’s nose bloodied, but he’s still pressing. Kamaka changes levels and drags him to the floor. Kelley gets to a seated position against the fence. He works up to a kneeling position as Kamaka tries to control. Kelley stands, but Kamaka staying in tight right now. Kamaka changes levels and drags his opponent down once again. Kelley stands though and gets off the fence. They’re trading in the final minute. Kelley gets a Thai clinch and scores with a few knees. Kamaka may be fading a bit. Still, MMA Junkie gives him the round, 10-9.
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Round 3 – Kelley pushing like a man behind on the cards. He’s striking and having some success. Kelley tries to grab a guillotine and drop to guard. He misses it, and his corner immediately yells for him to get up. Kamaka working inside his opponent’s guard and happy to be there. He punches from the top. Kelley scoots his way to the fence and gets his back against it in a seated position. Kamaka pulls him away, so Kelley turns and stands. They’re back in the center and teeing off on each other. Kamaka continues to go to the body with success, but Kelley is definitely landing. Kamaka tries again to change levels, but Kelley sprawls against the fence and stays upright. He pushes away and creates space, and they go back to trading. Kelley lands a knee to the groin, and we get a stop. Could be valuable rest for Kamaka, but the shot certainly did land clean to the cup. About 90 seconds left on the restart. Kelley doesn’t immediately press. They trade punches, and Kelley lands a knee inside, as well. Now he turns up the volume. Hell of a start to the night. Both men busting each other up. Kamaka continues to beat up the body. They end on the feet. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Kelley, 10-9, but gives the fight to Kamaka, 29-28.
Result: Kai Kamaka III def. Tony Kelley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Kai Kamaka III (8-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Tony Kelley (5-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28, giving Kamaka III rounds 1 and 3), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Kamaka III rounds 1 and 2), Tony Weeks (29-28, giving Kamaka III rounds 1 and 3)
Round 1 – Porter with an early low kick to start. Daukaus tries for a brief clinch but can’t get hold. Porter holding the center, and Daukaus moving laterally. He moves in for a collar tie, and they trade punches inside. Daukaus pushes the action to the cage. Porter defends well, so Daukaus throws a few punches and resets in the center. Daukaus with a crisp combination that scores clean. Porter shakes it off. They’re trading stiff shots in the center. Daukaus getting the best of it for now, but Porter handling it all well and seems to be moving well. Porter slips a combination and throws back a right hand. He flashes out a front kick. Daukaus with a big shot that sees Porter wobble to the floor. Referee Herb Dean lets him fight out of it, and he gets back to the feet. Porter with a spinning backfist. He seems to be recovered. Daukaus patient and finds the mark with a series of straight punches. Porter hurt. Daukaus with a knee that scores as he’s falling. Porter to the ground. Daukaus with another punch, and this is over.
Result: Chris Daukaus def. Parker Porter via TKO (punches, knee) – Round 1, 4:28
Records: Chris Daukaus (9-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Parker Porter (10-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Round 1 – Souza takes the center, and she strikes a low stance. Yoder with a low kick and then tries to jump the back in a scramble. Souza shakes her off and is able to settle into her guard. Big elbow from Souza as she works from the dominant spot. Gamble from Yoder early backfired, and now she’s got some work to do. Yoder tries to work her legs high. Souza stands and moves past the legs and delivers a huge right hand, but Yoder scrambles after and gets back to her feet. Souza just misses a big right hand on the restart. Yoder does land a front kick to the body, but she’s having some trouble really getting going. Yoder’s corner calling for volume. Souza presses into a clinch. Yoder stuffs it and controls the neck. Yoder pulls herself free from any choke attempt. Yoder controlling in the clinch, but she can’t really attack. Souza with a big right hand and then a takedown in the closing seconds. Yoder stuffs it and spins to the back, but there’s no time to capitalize. MMA Junkie gives the first to Souza, 10-9.
Round 2 – Yoder holds the center and is looking to be busier, but Souza’s big right hand certainly has her respect. Yoder kicks to the body, and Souza answers to the leg. Low kick from Yoder, but Souza counters over the top with the right that lands clean. Yoder moves quickly into the clinch. Yoder with a few short punches and a knee inside. Souza staying upright, but Yoder keeping her pinned to the cage. Finally, Souza able to push off and create space. Back in the center, Souza lands with another big right. Yoder shakes it off and lands a front kick to the body before punching her way into a clinch once again. Yoder trying to change levels as time winds down, but Souza staying upright. Souza pulls way with a little more than a minute left and moves to the center. Kicks traded. Souza misses a big right, and Yoder clinches and again tries to dive to the back. It’s not there, and she slips off. Yoder tries to grab the arm, but Souza pulls free. She pops up and controls the head and snaps Souza to the floor. She controls from the front until the end. MMA Junkie gives the second to Yoder, 10-9.
Round 3 – Souza kicks the legs to start. Yoder trying to press, but Souza delivers the big right down the middle. Yoder pushes forward again, but that counter right keeps her honest. Yoder presses into the clinch, but Souza switches off the fence. Souza has the body wrapped, and she’s looking for the takedown. Yoder defends well, and she even tries to counter with a trip, but Souza pulls free and delivers the big right. On the reset, Yoder lands a nice kick to the body. Big strike for her. Souza lands to the groin, and we take a quick break. Yoder trying to be aggressive on the restart, but Souza is ready to counter with the one big shot each time. Yoder strings a few punches together. Her corner asking for more of the same. Souza answering well, but this is a good finish for Yoder. Final minute. They clinch in a key exchange. Souza wants the trip, while Yoder trying to slip to the back. She can’t quite turn the corner. That lets Souza set up in a bit of a scarf hold, and she finishes there. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Souza, 10-9, and awards her the fight 29-28.
Result: Livinha Souza def. Ashley Yoder via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Records: Livinha Souza (14-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Ashley Yoder (7-6 MMA, 2-5 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28, giving Souza rounds 1 and 2), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28, giving Souza rounds 1 and 2), Dave Hagen (30-27)
Round 1 – Chavez with a wide stance to start. Brown scores to the lead leg, and Chavez answers back. Chavez misses a spinning high kick and then goes back to the leg. Quick exchange of punches, and Chavez lands clean, but Brown scores with a reply, as well. Both men very quick when they attack. Chavez blocks a high kick as he controls from the center. Chavez tries to move forward but catches a few punches on the way in. Chavez still going aft the legs, and he nearly sweeps Chavez to the floor. Brown the one moving forward, but Chavez doing a great job of timing counters. Low kick from Chavez sends Brown to the canvas, though he’s up quickly. On the restart, Brown lands a nice left hand. He’s trying to press, but Chavez moving well and again attacks the leg. Brown holding the center and scores with a big left. He kicks hard to the body, as well. He’s having some moments. He wants a takedown, but Chavez pulls free in the final minute. They finish on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives it to Chavez, 10-9.
Round 2 – Chavez goes immediately to the leg again. Brown with his hands high and looking to press. He’s working from the center. Chavez patient early. He lands to the leg, and Brown hops a bit on one foot. Damage to the leg is adding up. Brown still moving forward, and he fires a leaping knee. Chavez clinches briefly before pulling away. Brown does land a clean left hand. Chavez kicks to the body, but the left scores again for Chavez. Chavez with a straight right, and Brown’s legs buckle. Chavez pounces with punches, and Brown hits the deck. Chavez on top, but Brown tries to roll for an arm, so Chavez has to pull free from that. He does, and he briefly enjoys top position. Brown scrambles back to his feet with a little more than a minute. Brown looks to have recovered, and he’s trying to attack. Corner wants him to rely on the boxing. Chavez answering back on every exchange. They clinch to close, and MMA Junkie gives it to Chavez, 10-9.
Round 3 – Brown again the man walking forward to start He punches into a clinch and wants a takedown. Not there, but he moves to the leg in a scramble. Chavez turns and pulls free, and we reset. Chavez with a nice right hand to the body. Both men look fresh enough here in the final round. Brown thinks takedown, but it’s not there. Brown continues pressing forward, and they just unleash crazy barrages of strikes in the pocket. It’s grueling stuff. Brown again thinks takedown, but it’s not there. As they move to the center, Brown lands a big right. He’s making this a fight to the end. They trade low kicks. Brown with the right hand again. He dives for the body and wants a takedown, but it’s not there. Brown turns it to a Thai clinch and lands a knee. Final two minutes, and pace starting to wear on them a bit. Brown not losing his aggression. Chavez seems to be fading a bit. Brown inside with short elbows that score. Chavez changes levels and drags the action down. Brown scrambles up, but Chavez stays tight to him and brings him back down. Brown stands and hits a toll to pull free, but Chavez drags him down. He rinses and repeats a few throws, though he never really gets the position. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Brown, 10-9, but gives the fight to Chavez, 29-28.
Result: Danny Chavez def. TJ Brown via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: TJ Brown (14-8 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Danny Chavez (11-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Eric Colon (29-28, giving Chavez rounds 1 and 2), Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Chavez rounds 1 and 2), Junchiro Kamijo (29-28, giving Chavez rounds 1 and 2)
Round 1 – Herrig with an early low kick, but Jandiroba wastes no time in changing levels and driving immediately forward into a takedown. He steamrolls into Herrig’s half-guard. Herrig scrambles a bit when Jandiroba rises to pass, but she can’t get off the floor. Herrig trying to post and get to her feet. Jandiroba adjusts and keeps her on the floor. As Herrig tries to rise, Jandiroba slips across to mount. Herrig in a bad spot. Jandiroba switches to the armbar and turns out for the finish. She briefly loses it but adjusts her grip and attacks again, and this time time Herrig is forced to tap.
Result: Virna Jandiroba def. Felice Herrig via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 1:44
Recap: Virna Jandiroba spoils Felice Herrig’s return with quick submission
Records: Felice Herrig (14-9 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Virna Jandiroba (16-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Round 1 – Miller flicks out the jab a little bit as he looks to stay away from the range of his taller opponent. Miller able to grab the head quickly and deliver a knee. Pichel holding the center and looking to deliver big punches down the middle. Miller holding the center, and Pichel moving on the outside. Miller with a big kick across the legs, but Pichel winces a bit and indicates it landed low. We take a brief timeout. Pichel with a nice knee on the restart. He throws a few heavy punches, and Miller clinches and drives him to the fence. Pichel defending and stays upright. They trade a few knees before Pichel moves out to the center. Punches traded there. Miller staying busy with kicks to all levels. He lands a left hand and then is able to grab a Pichel kick and get him off balance and to the floor. Pichel tries to get back to his feet, and Miller is able to slip to the back. One minute left. Pichel tries to turn inside. Miller wants the neck, but it’s not really there. Pichel turns, and Miller looks for the guillotine, but it’s not really there. Miller attacks the legs in the closing seconds but can’t get the finish before the end. Still, MMA Junkie gives it to him, 10-9.
Round 2 – Pichel with an early high kick, but Miller closes the distance and gets him off-balance and to the floor. Miller settles into Pichel’s guard on a scramble. Elbows from the back for Pichel. Miller postures and passes a leg, but Pichel gets his legs in and kicks him away, creating space to stand. On the feet, Miller wants a guillotine, and he falls to guard. Pichel immediately passes a leg, but Miller lets go and works back to guard. Rubber guard follows, but Pichel is able to break it and moves past the legs and nearly to side control. Miller looking for options, and he turns to attack the left leg. Pichel spins through it and delivers a few punches and forearms from the top. Pichel enjoying top control. Elbows land from the top. He postures and punches. Miller active underneath, but he can’t get anything going. Pichel stays on top until the end and lands a few big punches at the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Pichel, 10-9.
Round 3 – Pichel aggressive at the start, and he walks forward with strikes and moves into a takedown. Miller tries to defend, but Pichel reaches down and drags him to the floor. Miller trying to scramble, but Pichel able to slip out to side control. Miller spins his legs to the fence but can’t press free. He teases an attack on the legs, but it’s not there. Miller turns to his knees. Pichel moves to the back and gets his hooks in. Miller peels them away and stands. He lands a knee to the body then controls the head and tries to sneak to the back. Not there, but Miller looks for the guillotine. Pichel defends it perfectly, but Miller rolls with it and is abe to slip to the back. Pichel now defending. Miller tries to control and fall back, but Pichel spins on top. Miller immediately scrambles free, and they move up to the feet. Ninety seconds left. Right hand from Pichel. He ducks down again for the takedown. Miller defends it. Knees traded. Miller pushing in form the outside. Pichel spins. Miller grabs the neck and falls to his back in the final minute. He cranks on the guillotine. Pichel pulls free with 30 seconds left. Miller on his back and trying to to control the wrists. Pichel with a few punches to the end. MMA Junkie gives the very close final round to Pichel, 10-9, awarding him the fight 29-28.
Result: Vinc Pichel def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Recap: Vinc Pichel outworks Jim Miller for unanimous decision
Records: Jim Miller (32-15 MMA, 21-14 UFC), Vinc Pichel (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Pichel rounds 2 and 3), Dave Hagen (29-28, giving Pichel rounds 2 and 3), Eric Colon (29-28, giving Pichel rounds 2 and 3, with a 10-8 in round 2)
Round 1 – Dodson gets the center, and Dvalishvili moves laterally on the outside. Lots of movement from both, but each patient to start. Couple of quick punches traded but end up short. Dvalishvili trying to cut things off, but Dodson moving very well and slipping back to the center. Dvalishvili punches his way into a takedown attempt. He gets Dodson to a knee. Dodson tries to move up and scramble, but Dvalishvili is able to clasp the body and hold him there. Dvalishvili with knees to the legs as he keeps hold of the body. Dvalishvili on the back, and he drives in knees to the thigh. He tries to sweep the leg, but Dodson is staying upright. Dvalishvili kicks the calf from the back, then back to the knees. Dvalishvili’s corner lets him know to be content right there, where h’s clearly in control. Dodson finally pulls away with a little less than a minute, eating a left hand as they break. Front kick from Dvalishvili, and he kicks the legs, as well. Dvalishvili slips a Dodson combo. They end on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives it to Dvalishvili, 10-9.
Round 2 – Both men light on their feet. Dodson goes with a left to the body. Dvalishvili punches his way into a takedown but pulls back and lands a slick little punch up top. Dvalishvili fakes another entry, but Dodson slips out to the side and back to the center. Dvalishvili lifts Dodson high in the air and drops him to the canvas but doesn’t go with him. He tries to grab hold of the back when Dodson pops up, but he can’t get him, so we reset. Punches traded on the feet. Dvalishvili inside for a takedown, but Dodson is able to bounce off the cage and push him away. Dvalishvili shoots again shortly after and pin Dodson to the cage. Short punches inside for Dvalishvili. He lifts Dodson and drops him to the canvas, but Dodson is immediately back to his feet and scampers away. Right hand lands for Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili misses on a few takedown entries, and Dodson slips back to the center. Into the final minute, Dodson moving well. Dvalishvili pressing but can’t cut the cage with Dodson’s quickness. Left hand for Dvalishvili. Dodson with a flurry, and then he defends the takedown. At the bell, Dvalishvili drives over a knee for the takedown. MMA Junkie gives it again to Dvalishvili, 10-9.
Round 3 – Quick show of respect from both men to start the third before they each yell at the top of their lungs. Dvalishvili with a big punch to open, but Dodson moving well and looking to counter. Dodson slips a clinch attempt and lands a combination. Dvalishvili drives in with a right but eats a left hand in reply. Dodson is dealing with the advances very well, but he’s forced to let Dvalishvili set the tone. Dvalishvili lands a right and then drives inside. He locks the legs and lifts Dodson high in the air. When he sets him down, Dodson pushes the head and turns and escapes beautifully. Dvalishvili the aggressor. He drives forward again, but Dodson stuffs him and slips away. Dodson just not getting many chances to really get something going. He does land a left hand, but he can’t really follow it up. Dvalishvili continues looking to punch his way into the takedown, but Dodson is up to the challenge. Dodson retreating and finding moments. Final minute, and Dvalishvili deep on a takedown. As soon as he scores it, Dodson is back on his feet. Dvalishvili stays right on the clinch and works the legs a little. Knees and foot stomps. Dodson breaks free at the end, and he tries to swing, but it’s not there. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Dvalishvili, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27.
Result: Merab Dvalishvili def. John Dodson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Merab Dvalishvili outworks John Dodson for fifth straight win
Records: John Dodson (21-12 MMA, 10-7 UFC), Merab Dvalishvili (12-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Sal D’Amato (30-27), Rick Winter (30-27)
Round 1 – They waste little time engaging and trading punches. Burns shoots forward and is tagged with a right hand. H goes forward again shortly after and does get Pineda to the floor but can’t keep him there. Pineda scrambles and reverses, though he finds himself in Burns’ closed guard. Burns’s head against the cage, and Pineda with a few short punches from the top. He postures and lands a few bigger punches before passing to half-guard. Pineda finally postures and looks to pass, standing and then diving back in with a punch. Burns rolls his hops and tries to get into an armbar position. It’s not there, and Pineda comfortable on top, delivering punches from a dominant position. Burns stuck in the position, and his corner calls for a sweep. Pineda stands and then drives with a punch once again. He’s having real success on top. Burns trying to get his legs in position for a submission, but Pineda pushing them aside with ease. We end there, and MMA Junkie gives it to Pineda, 10-9.
Round 2 – They trade punches again to open, but this time Burns shoots quickly and gets the fight to the floor. Pineda scrambles well and gets to his feet, but Burns stays tight to him and has the leg grapevined, and he’s able to drag things back to the floor. Pineda defends on the floor and elbows the legs several times, Burns is patient and meticulously steps over to mount and then locks the triangle grip around his opponent’s legs. Pineda scrambles and makes a move, but Burns gets to this back. Pineda turns again, and with some effort, he’s now in top position. Burns’ corner calling for him to move as he works from his back and has his head again against the fence. Pineda able to transition to a crucifix, and he delivers a few punches as he looks to isolate the arm. Burns stuck on his back, and Pineda tags him a few elbows. Burns trying to turn his hips, but Pineda is heavy in the crucifix. Referee Mark Smith watches closely. Pineda continues to pour it on, and this fight is called off.
Result: Daniel Pineda def. Herbert Burns via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 4:37
Records: Herbert Burns (11-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Daniel Pineda (27-13 MMA, 4-4 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Mark Smith
Round 1 – Rozenstruik in the center, and Dos Santos moving side to side. Both men patient to start. Rozenstruik with a kick to the legs. Dos Santos with a right to the body, and Rozenstruik kicks the leg again. Jab from Dos Santos, instant kick from Rozenstruik. Clear he wants to chop those down. Dos Santos with a front kick that catches the cup, but we fight on. Dos Santos kicks high, but it’s blocked. Dos Santos with an overhand right, and he just gets out of the way of the return fire. Overhand right from Dos Santos, followed by a slick left. He’s the one pressing the action, but he’s careful of the counters. Inside low kick from Rozenstruik. Dos Santos with a right to the body. Dos Santos jabs to the body. Rozenstruik’s corner wants him to be the one throwing first. Not happening yet. Rozenstruik sticking with the attacks on the legs. He catches a kick and tries to launch a missile as he holds, but Dos Santos just evades. Bug overhand from Dos Santos, then a jab to the body. Dos Santos misses on a spinning kick. Rozenstruik low kicks catches the groin, and we take a break. It’s brief, and there are just seconds remaining on the restart. We end on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives the first to Dos Santos, 10-9.
Round 2 – Inside low kick from Rozenstruik. He looks a little more lively in his bounce. He rushes forward, but Dos Santos catches him with a left and moves away. Rozenstruik’s kicks to the legs gaining power, but Dos Santos staying away from the power of the hands so far. Dos Santos works to the body. He blocks a high kick. Clean right from Dos Santos. Rozenstruik does counter with a low kick. Rozenstruik’s corner continues to ask him to be first, but he’s not doing it thus far. Dos Santos moving well, not letting himself be a stationary target. Halfway through. Dos Santos again with a clean right down the pipe. Dos Santos with a jab and a lead hook. He’s moving well and just picking his spots. Low kick from Rozenstruik. Dos Santos off-balance for a moment, and he scampers away to reset. He’s keeping himself away as best he can. Finally, Rozenstruik is able to corner him to the fence. Dos Santos looking for an escape, but he’s clipped with a right and drops. He tries to scamper up, but Rozenstruik senses his opportunity and pounces with punches. Dos Santos struggling to regain his wits, but Rozenstruik won’t allow it. Punches coming, and this fight is waved off
Result: Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Junior Dos Santos via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:47
Recap: Jairzinho Rozenstruik knocks out Junior Dos Santos for rebound win
Records: Junior Dos Santos (21-8 MMA, 15-7 UFC), Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Ufc Results 252 Play By Play
Round 1 – Vera with a low kick to open. O’Malley does the same. O’Malley switches stances and teases advances, while Vera studies a bit. O’Malley with another sharp low kick. Vera switching stances, as well. O’Malley again with a stinging low kick. He kicks to the body, and Vera can’t quite catch the leg. Both men patient to open. O’Malley against the fence, and he drops his hands, tempting Vera to move forward. O’Malley takes an interesting step. His right leg seems to be bothering him, perhaps? Vera senses it, too. O’Malley with a big right hand that’s blocked. O’Malley seems to be moving OK as he shuffles outside. Still, something seems to be wrong with the right leg. O’Malley attacks, but he falls back as he tries to plant that right leg. Vera follows to top, and and he’s driving bug shots while in top position. Elbows land clean, and punches score, as well. Referee Herb Dean calls it, and O’Malley immediately grabs that right ankle area.
Result: Marlon Vera def. Sean O’Malley via TKO (elbows, punches) – Round 1, 4:40
Recap: Marlon Vera, card’s biggest underdog, hands Sean O’Malley first loss with TKO
Records: Sean O’Malley (12-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Marlon Vera (18-6-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
Round 1 – They circle in the center, and Miocic starts with a low kick. Cormier with his hands high. Miocic kicks the lead leg again. He’s circling on the outside, and they trade jabs. Miocic with a hard kick to the lead leg and then a right hand. Cormier ins deep on a single. He gets Miocic to the floor but can’t keep him there. Miocic to his feet, but Cormier stays on the head against the cage. Miocic patient and then pulls way to reset. Miocic’s corner calling for constant movement. He’s moving laterally against the cage. He pushes out to the center and throws a right to the body. Cormier with a low kick that nearly sweeps his opponent off-balance. Two minutes left. Cormier slips in a nice right hand. Miocic pressing a bit, and Cormier catches him with a an eye poke. Miocic winces, and we take a break. Doctor comes in to check it, but we fight on. Cormier warned and apologizes as they begin again. Low kicks traded, and Miocic again jabs to the body. Cormier tries to clinch, but he’s short. Miocic with a right that scores. Another follows. Best punches so far. Cormier trying to duck inside, but Miocic pushes him away. They trade at the end, and Cormier lands clean up top. Close round, but MMA Junkie leans Cormier, 10-9, just slightly.
Ufc Results 252 Today
Round 2 – Miocic with a low kick to start. He goes to the body but catches the cup, and we take a very brief break but carry on. Miocic rushes forward on the restart. He lands an uppercut, but Cormier covers and pulls back. Miocic fakes a takedown, and they trade leg kicks. He ducks in again, and Cormier pops him with a few right hands. Left follows. Nice series for Cormier. He follows to the body and then comes up top. Miocic moving well, though. He pops out a nice right. Corner wants Miocic to keep moving. He lands a low kick. Miocic to the body, but Cormier answers immediately. Nice lead hook for Miocic. Cormier answers again to the body. Under two minutes. Cormier finding some success when he throws quick combinations. Miocic thinks takedown, but it’s not there. Cormier with a few crisp jabs and a right hand. Miocic answers back. Cormier with an overhand that lands clean. Cormier triples up the jab and throws a right hand. He kicks the calf and slips away. Miocic pursing late and lands a clean right. Cormier is hurt. Miocic continues to tag him with punches. Cormier to the canvas. Miocic gets on top and punches away with Cormier holding tight until the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Miocic, 10-9.
Round 3 – Cormier seems OK to start, but he was clearly in some trouble. Miocic starting quickly. Two-punch combo lands. Cormier swinging back and scores, but Miocic is turning up the aggression a little. He’s pressuring and lands to the body. Miocic scores with a big right hand. Miocic clearly has the momentum right now. Jab scores. Knee to the body. Cormier trying to swing back. He wants to push inside for the takedown, but Miocic spins him to the fence and presses him there. Miocic controls the right wrist and lands a knee inside. He lets go and lands a spinning backfist before moving to the center. Miocic pursuing and lands two punches before pressing the action to the fence again. Miocic holding the right wrist again and landing a few shoulders inside. Time winding down. Miocic seems content to just control right now, perhaps taking a little active rest. He backs away with a little more than a minute. Low kick for Miocic. Cormier answers. Cormier now trying press a little. Miocic stays mobile and makes it tough to track him. Clinch in the center. Miocic breaks free and lands clean. Cormier swings back and lands. Cormier complains of an eye poke, but referee Marc Goddard tells him to fight on. Miocic doesn’t attack as the final few seconds tick off the clock. MMA Junkie gives it to Miocic, 10-9.
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Round 4 – Cormier’s corner wants him to be the aggressor. He lands a jab. Cormier with a low kick, but Miocic answers. Miocic presses into the clinch. Cormier tries to frame and lands a few short punches inside. He gets his arms inside, and Miocic moves away. Cormier moving forward, but Miocic scores with a right hand. Cormier digging to the body and kicks the leg. He scores with a right. Miocic lands to the body. Cormier over the top. They’re trading, and both men are landing. Miocic again to the clinch, but nothing there. Cormier pulls away and lands a lead uppercut. Cormier again finding success when he moves well and is creative with the angles. He scores with a right over the top. Miocic drives him into the cage once again. Knees traded inside, and Miocic backs away. He lands a lead eft. Cormier answers with a combination. Neither man really controlling the flow right now. Clinch from Miocic, but he backs away in the final minute. Cormier ducks his head and throws a few hooks that scores. MMA Junkie gives it to Cormier, 10-9.
Round 5 – Quick show of respect to start the final round of the trilogy. Miocic the one walking forward. He kicks the leg. Cormier’s corner asking for aggression. Miocic with a right hand that lands. He scores with a jab. Cormier moves inside and wraps the body, but Miocic turns off the cage and reverses position. Miocic now has the body wrapped. Not a lot happening there, but Goddard lets them work. Cormier’s corner asking him to escape, and he does get away a little before the halfway mark. Cormier swinging on the restart. Cormier works inside but can’t get a takedown. He lets go and lands a right before pushing inside again. Miocic again spins to the outside and holds it there. Cormier’s corner begging him to get off the fence. Miocic finally backs away and lands a combination. Cormier walks forward and looks to strike, but Miocic answering back. Miocic thinks takedown, but it’s not there. Right hand for Cormier as they break. Collar tie from Cormier, and he lands a few short punches. Miocic drives it to the cage again. Not a lot of offense here in the position in the final minute. Short knees inside from Miocic. he seems content to stay there. They finish by breaking apart with seconds left. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Miocic, 10-9, giving him the fight 48-47.
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Result: Stipe Miocic def. Daniel Cormier via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) – to defend heavyweight title
Recap: Stipe Miocic takes trilogy from retiring Daniel Cormier with hard-fought decision
Records: Stipe Miocic (20-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC), Daniel Cormier (22-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Derek Cleary (49-46, giving Miocic rounds 2, 3, 4 and 5), Sal D’Amato (49-46, giving Miocic rounds 1, 2, 3 and 5), Junichiro Kamijo (48-47, giving Miocic rounds 2, 3 and 5)