Tonight’s event is headlined by UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker facing Yoel Romero. The fight will be a non-title bout after Romero failed to make weight. Also on the card is a UFC Interim Welterweight Championship bout between former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington, while CM Punk will return to the Octagon to face fellow 0-1 fighter Mike Jackson.
Preliminary card
– Dan Ige def. Mike Santiago via TKO (punches) at 0:50 of Round 1
– Charles Oliveira def. Clay Guida via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:18 of Round 1
*Oliveira’s 10th submission win ties Royce Gracie’s UFC record.
*The UFC announces Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson will defend his title in a rematch against Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 on August 4. Johnson defeated Cejudo via first-round TKO in their first meeting.
– Sergio Pettis def. Joseph Benavidez via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
– Anthony Smith def. Rashad Evans via KO (knee) at 0:32 of Round 1
– Chris de la Rocha def. Rashad Coulter via TKO (strikes) at 3:53 of Round 2
– Mirsad Bektic def Ricardo Lamas via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
– Claudia Gadelha def. Carla Esparza via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
– Curtis Blaydes def. Alistair Overeem via TKO at 2:56 of Round 3
*In his post-fight interview, Blaydes said he thinks he’s next in line for a shot at the heavyweight title.
Main Card
CM Punk vs. Mike Jackson
First time I’ve ever seen the first fight on the main card get the pre-fight intro treatment. It will never (AND THE ROCK MEANS NEVER!) not be awesome to see CM Punk walk out to “Cult Of Personality.” Huge ovation in his hometown of Chicago.
Round 1: Huge “CM Punk” chant before the fight starts. Punk looks more comfortable on his feet and lands a leg kick. Jackson lands a right hand but Punk returns one of his own and forces the clinch. Jackson separates and Punk misses with a leg kick. Jackson lands a punch to the body as Punk gets a bit sloppy with his striking. The clinch again and Punk shoots for a takedown, but Jackson defends. This fight has already lasted longer than both their UFC debuts. Jackson catches Punk with a couple shots that busts him up and Punk lands a takedown! But Jackson gets up and lands a hard punch to the body. Punk’s nose is bloody and he looks visibly exhausted.
Round 2: They touch gloves to start the round. Jackson starts to get loose with his hands and Punk shoots for a takedown but doesn’t get it. They separate and Jackson stuns Punk with a huge right hand! Punk goes for a guillotine but isn’t close at all and Jackson drops him to the ground. Jackson maintains top position and Punk is even more busted up. Punk throws his legs up for a triangle but Jackson easily gets out of it. Punk is too tired to get to his feet and Jackson looks to be toying with him at this point. Jackson stayed on top to end the round.
Round 3: Jackson looks relaxed and Punk looks drained. Punk initiates the clinch early but Jackson takes back control against the fence. Jackson lands a right hand and Punk stumbles. Punk goes for a takedown and Jackson lands a left hand that puts Punk on his back but Jackson lets him back to the feet. Punk is still throwing and not giving up. Jackson could end this fight anytime he wants. He’s landing shots and Punk isn’t giving up, but Jackson looks content to toy with him. Punk rolls for a kneebar but Jackson easily gets out of it and takes top position. Punk still hasn’t given up and throws some shots from the bottom. Jackson looks to be enjoying the moment and the crowd is booing. Punk drives and gets a takedown at the end of the round. Jackson says something to Punk as they shake hands.
Official result: Mike Jackson def CM Punk via unanimous decision (30-26 x3).
Punk didn’t stick around for a post-fight interview.
*The UFC announces Ronda Rousey will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Tai Tuivasa
Tuivasa comes out to “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (the Titanic song).
Round 1: Arlovski clips Tuivasa early but he recovers quickly. Arlovski looks to have a speed advantage and lands a leg kick and stiff jab. Tuivasa clinches and Arlovski goes for a throw, but Tuivasa lands on top of him in full mount. Arlovski is locking up Tuivasa’s arms and Tuivasa isn’t able to do any damage before Arlovkski gets back to his feet. Tuivasa is bleeding badly from something, but manages to drop Arlovski with a punch! He gets back up, but Tuivasa lands some stiff strikes towards the end of the round.
Round 2: Arlovski throws a head kick that misses. Both fighters look a bit more tentative to start the round. Arlovski lands a big right hand. He follows up with a nice 1-2 but Tuivasa eats it. Tuivasa is bleeding heavily from his nose and forces the clinch but Arlovski gets out of it. Tuivasa forces some striking exchanges but Arlovski is more technical with his punches. Spinning back fist attempted by Arlovski. Arlovski complains about an eye-poke and the referee calls for time. The fight starts back up and Tuivasa lands a nice counter left hook. Another spinning back fist attempt by Arlovski towards the end of the round but Tuivasa isn’t able to capitalize.
Round 3: High kick by Arlovski misses. He lands a short left hand and later follows up with a combination. Tuivasa throws winging shots that miss the mark. He manages to land an elbow and Arlovski is bloodied a bit. Arlovski missed another head kick attempt. Tuivasa lands a big left hook but Arlovski eats it. Tuivasa pous it on and stuns Arlovski with another left hand! Arlovski retreats and recovers to throw a nice combination. He lands another stiff jab and Tuivasa’s face is a mess. Arlovski jogs away and celebrates early. It was a close fight that can go either way.
Official result: Tai Tuivasa def. Andrei Arlovski via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
Huge win for Tuivasa! Really could’ve gone either way, not surprised he got the nod.
Holly Holm vs. Megan Anderson
Really intriguing fight here. Megan Anderson is the former Invicta FC Featherweight Champion. Holm still believes her home is at bantamweight, but she gave UFC Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg her toughest fight in the octagon.
Round 1: At six-feet tall, Anderson has a huge height advantage over Holm. Anderson lands a huge knee on Holm and walks he down against the cage. Holm forces the clinch and takes time to recover. She lands a nice elbow but it doesn’t seem to phase Anderson. Holm fighting hard to keep Anderson on the fence and lands some short strikes. Anderson circles off the fence and takes the center of the octagon. Anderson landed a short left hand but Holm followed up with a front kick. Holm got a takedown and got to side control, but Anderson defended and didn’t take much damage. Tough round to score.
Round 2: Holm goes for an early takedown but Anderson defends well. Anderson walks her down but Holm is able to land some pot-shots from the outside. Anderson throws a knee but Holm catches it and takes her down. Holm get to side control and lands some shots from the top. Holm beautifully transitions to full mount and lands some hard shots! She postures up and lands some huge punches and elbows. Anderson doesn’t have much defense besides holding onto Holm. Holm lands some huge elbows to end the round.
Round 3: Holm opens the round with a body kick. Anderson lands a straight punch from the outside and Holm shoots for a takedown. Anderson defends and Holm presses her against the cage. After a few minutes of inaction, Holm dumps Anderson to the ground and gets to full mount again. Anderson bumps her off and Holm willingly lets her up. Holm lands two front kicks to the body and secures another big takedown. Holm gets to side control and seamlessly passes to full mount again. She raises up and lands some hard ground-and-pound. Anderson tries to reverse position and Holm goes for a guillotine to end the round. Dominant performance by Holm.
Official result: Holly Holm def. Megan Anderson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2).
After the fight, Holm said she wants her 135-pound belt back. But at the same time, she said she wants the challenge of fighting Cyborg. She says she wants to do both, but the bantamweight title calls out to her a little more.
UFC Interim Welterweight Championship: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington
The crowd boos hard as Covington makes his walk to the cage. Dos Anjos gets the babyface reception and sprints to the octagon.
Round 1: No touch of the gloves as they face off. Covington comes out ultra-aggressive and throws wild punch and gets the takedown. Dos Anjos gets up but Covington stays all over him, both of them are expending a lot of energy. Nice leg kick by dos Anjos and he follows with a left hand. Covington forces the clinch again and dos Anhos lands a knee to the body before circling off the fence. Dos Anhos lands a nice punch to the body and Covington tries to clinch again. Covington maintains the forward pressure and dos Anjos lands another knee to the body. Covington returns with a couple leg kicks. Both fighters land some shots towards the end of the round.
Round 2: Covington gets an early takedown but dos Anjos gets up quickly. Covington continues to force the clinch and a “Colby sucks” chant breaks out. Dos Anjos continues to remain calm and lands some shots from the outside. Covington clips dos Anjos with a left uppercut and forces the clinch. Dos Anjos gets off the cage but Covington gets another takedown and this time he maintains top position for a bit before dos Anjos gets back up. Covington is bloodied at the end of the round.
Round 3: Covington maintains the forward pressure and gets the clinch against the fence. Covington landa counter right hand that backs up dos Anjos. Dos Anjos looks to be slowing down while Covington continues to maintain the forward pressure. Covington gets a takedown but dos Anjos gets back up. Covington lands a low blow and time stops. The fight starts back up and Covington is all over dos Anjos again. He maintains the clinch against the fence and is just making it an ugly fight. Dos Anjos landed some punches but Covington just ate them and continued to move forward, getting the clinch against the fence again. Covington continues to smother dos Anjos and the crowd gets restless. Covington talks trash to him at the end of the round.
Round 4: Big left hand by dos Anjos to open the round but Covington eats it! Covington forces the clinch and then dos Anjos gets a takedown! Covington gets back up and dos Anjos quickly taks him back down. Covington takes a big deep breath and looks tired as he gets back to his feet. Dos Anjos maintains the clinch but Covington gets free. Covington gets the clinch but dos Anjos shoots for another takedown and gets stuffed. Covington pressures again and throws wingining punches before forcing the clinch. Covington turns up the volume and gets a takedown of his own to end the round!
Round 5: Covington gets the clinch early. Dos Anjos tries a flying knee that just grazes Covington. Covington gets the takedown but dos Anjos works back up to the feet. More pressure by Covington and he is taking over the fight. Dos Anjos lands a body kick but Covington throws a combination and forces a clinch again. Dos Anjos lands a nice punch but doesn’t follow up and Covington gets back to the pressure. Dos Anjos drops down for a kimura but Covington defends well. They get back up and start swinging with both fighters landing shots before the end of the round.
Official result: Colby Covington def. Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).
After the fight, Covington says he has the real championship belt and he’s gonna bring it to President Donald Trump. The crowd boos him. He calls out Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley.
5-round main event: UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker vs Yoel Romero
It sucks that this fight won’t be for the title, but if their first meeting was any indication, this should be a very entertaining fight. This is Whittaker’s first fight since July.
Round 1: They touch gloves to start. Whittaker attacking Romero’s front leg early. Romero really just standing there with his hands high while Whittaker hits him from the outside. Romero finally opens up with a soft high kick that gets blocked. Whittaker lands another low kick but Romero looks to counter with a huge left hook. He looks for it again and barely misses. Whittaker slips as he attacks the leg. Whittaker opens up with the punches more and lands a few shots. Romero throws a spinning back fist that misses. Romero blitzes forward and lands a nice leg kick. As the horn sounds, Romero threw a huge spinning back fist but Whittaker ducked under it.
Round 2: Romero opens up a bit more to start the round. He lands a side kick to Whittaker’s front leg and it buckles. Whittaker hides it well and continues throwing shots. Whittaker lands a few jabs and Romero’s right eye swells up badly. Whittaker looks for a high kick but Romero defends. Surprisingly, Romero hasn’t looked for a takedown up to this point. Whittaker lands another punch and Romero goes for an inside trip, but doesn’t get it before the round ends.
Round 3: Whittaker lands a nice leg kick to open the round. Romero land a huge right hand and Whittaker stumbles backwards! Romero stays aggressive and goes for the takedown but Whittaker defends. They clinch, and Romero starts pouring it on but Whittaker lands a huge elbow! They continue to clinch as Whittaker looks to recover and Romero slows down. Spinning elbow by Whittaker!They break the clinch and Whittaker gets bloodied somehow. Romero pours on the pressure and lands some punches forcing Whittaker to retreat. Huge head kick by Whittaker stuns Romero! Romero forces the clinch but Whittaker reverses position. Nice ovation from the crowd. What a round!!!
Round 4: They touch gloves to start the round. Side kick to the leg by Whittaker. He follows up with a kick to the body then another one to the head. Romero just eats them and he looks tired. Nice jab by Whittaker and then another nice side kick to the front leg and Romero buckles. Romero gets hit with a low blow and time stops. Romero takes almost the entire five minutes to recover. Whittaker looks for another high kick but Romero defends. Whittaker turns up the pressure with three jabs then a high kick, but Romero continues to just eat these shots. Whittaker no longer throwing his right hand, it’s likely broken. He catches Romero coming in with a counter left hand. Romero goes for a superman punch that misses. He manages to land a couple jabs but still hasn’t gone for a takedown. Romero hurt Whittaker with a right hand towards the end of the round.
Round 5: Again, it’s unfortunate the title isn’t on the line in this fifth round. Romero lands a 1-2 that stumbles Whittaker. He goes for a spinning back kick that misses. Double jab by Whittaker. Romero backs him up with a left hook. Romero drops Whittaker! Whittaker tries to avoid the shots on the ground and goes for a takedown of his own. Huge knee by Romero as they stand up! He kicks out Whittaker’s legs to get him to the ground. They clinch for a while and Whittaker gets back to his feet. Whittaker is just trying to survive at this point. The referee separates them with about 30 seconds left in the fight. Romero goes for a spin attempt, but Whittaker stops him with a front kick. They both raise their hands as the fight ends. Great fight!
Official result: Robert Whittaker def. Yoel Romero via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47).
In his post-fight interview, Whittaker said he broke his hand in the first round. He doesn’t call out anyone and says he’s gonna let his body heal. Romero said in his humble opinion, he won the fight.
