Preliminary Card

Brady Hiestand vs. Danaa Batgerel

Result: Brady Hiestand def. Danaa Batgerel by TKO at 4:21 of round 3.

Division: Bantamweight

Referee: Jerin Valel

Both men begin the fight with a feeling-out process in the opening round. Batgerel lands some big shots to close out the first round and score him a 10-9.

In the opening seconds of round 2, Batgerel rushes in and lands a huge left hook that drops Hiestand; Hiestand jumps to his feet and rushes in for the takedown. Hiestand takes the back of Batgerel and controls the grappling for around 2 minutes until Batgerel fights for the top position and returns to his feet. Round 2 comes to a close after a close second round, the damage on the side of Batgerel, and the control on the side of Hiestand. Potentially Batgerel 10-9.

Round 3 starts a bit slow as Batgerel looks tired. However, Hiestand gets a big takedown with 1:25 left in the round and starts raining down the ground and pound with a clear sense of urgency. Hiestand doesn't hold back and lands countless successful blows, which force referee Jerin Valel to step in and stop the bout for an impressive comeback victory.

Francis Marshall vs. William Gomis

Result: William Gomis def. Francis Marshall by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29.)

Division: Featherweight

Referee: Keith Peterson

Marshall doesn't waste a second as he immediately steps in, throwing the jab. Then, Marshall lands a big overhand as Gomis throws a body kick, and both men connect. Round 1 is a technical showcase from both sides, as both men play feints. Gomis keeps on showing the uppercut feint as Marshall bounces in; however, Marshall times the approach perfectly and holds Gomis against the fence for the last few minutes of the round. Marshall takes round 1 with a 10-9.

As round 2 opens, Gomis looks much more active and urgent. Wrestling ensues against the fence 2 minutes into the round, with no clear fighter showing dominance. Both men are throwing bombs for the remainder of round 2, and to me, no fighter stands out as a clear winner for this round. Gomis is engaging more and managing distance well, so I will say 10-9 Gomis.

Round 3 begins, and both fighters look fresh and fast. The striking of Gomis and Marshall is impressive, considering they are both unranked Featherweights. Marshall lands a big takedown, and Gomis makes his way to his feet, only to be dragged to the floor every time. Marshall takes the back and locks in a deep rear naked choke; however, somehow, Gomis survives. Another choke attempt is put out by Marshall, this time a head and arm choke; it's close but unfortunately unsuccessful. Round 3 ends and seems to be a 10-9 to Marshall.

After a close fight, the judges give a split decision to Gomis, with 2 judges having it 29-28 Gomis and 1 judge having it 29-28 Marshall.

Mohammed Usman vs. Junior Tafa

Result: Mohammed Usman def. Junior Tafa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-8.)

Division: Heavyweight

Referee: Mark Smith

We are on with the Heavyweights, both men with brothers in the UFC. Round 1 starts, and they feel each other out for the opening minute until Usman engages the clinch against the fence. As soon as the clinch breaks, we get some excitement as Tafa throws a knee that misses, and Usman reengages the clinch. Tafa breaks the clinch and lands a powerful hook that stumbles Usman, the excitement starts flowing to close round 1, and both men are swinging. Tafa takes round 1 with a clear 10-9.

Round 2 starts, and Usman still looks a bit wobbled. Tafa lands another big left hook 1 minute into the round that forces Usman to wrestle. Usman gets the takedown with 3 minutes to work and potentially recover. A small amount of damage is created by Usman in the top position over 2 minutes; however, he finally starts unloading with 30 seconds remaining in the round. This round is close when you look at the damage versus control, but with 3 minutes of top control, Usman takes it 10-9.

Usman tries some takedowns in the opening seconds of round 3 and finally finds success, this time with 4 minutes to work. Usman holds Tafa down for 3 minutes but gives everything to make it to his feet with 1 minute remaining in the round. Tafa lands some bombs in the closing seconds, but probably not enough to win him the round. Usman takes round 3 with a 10-9 but looks defeated.

Usman takes the victory on the judge's scorecards in the toughest fight of his career.

Karol Rosa vs. Norma Dumont

Result: Norma Dumont def. Karol Rosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28.)

Division: Women's Featherweight

Referee: Chris Tognoni

Round 1 starts slow, with 3 strikes thrown in the first 2 minutes. Another minute of feeling out continues until Dumont engages in a clinch against the fence with 2 minutes remaining in round 1. Neither fighter advances position, so referee Chris Tognoni breaks them up and restarts the action in the center of the Octagon. Karol Rosa begins to let her hands go for the closing seconds. Round 1 is close, with no clear winner. Dumont potentially takes round 1 with a 10-9 based on control.

Round 2 starts, and they're finally swinging confidently; Dumont is landing clean with impressive hand speed and power. 1 strike opens up a cut on Rosa. Now, Rosa engages in a clinch and closes out the round in his position. Round 2 is close but could go to Rosa based on control. Round 2, potentially 10-9 Rosa, we are tied going into the final round.

Round 3 is another slow round that begins another clinch against the fence with Dumont in control, Dumont lands a beautiful throw that puts Rosa on the canvas momentarily, but she rushes to her feet and lands a huge right hand that drops Dumont who gets up immediately and is again wrestled against the fence by Rosa. They break and start swinging in an exciting closing minute of round 3. This round is close again, but based on the knockdown Rosa scored, she wins round 3 with a 10-9.

Dumont takes the unanimous decision after a close, uneventful fight.

Rani Yahya vs. Montel Jackson

Result: Montel Jackson def. Rani Yahya by KO at 3:42 of round 1.

Division: Bantamweight

Referee: Keith Peterson

They touch gloves at the beginning of the opening round. Jackson opens with some excellent striking at a distance until Yahya grinds out a single-leg takedown; however, Jackson defends it well and ends up on top. Yahya throws up some submissions from his back to no avail; Jackson takes his opportunity to stand back up to his feet and give up the top position. Jackson lands a head kick that is blocked, and he follows it up with a counter as Yahya enters with a 3-2; Yahya ends up on his back, and Jackson jumps in for the finish. Jackson lands some colossal ground and pound, ultimately stopping the fight and winning him his fourth in a row.

Montel Jackson wins the fight by knockout.

Ricky Glenn vs. Christos Giagos

Result: Ghristos Giagos def. Rick Glenn by KO at 1:35 of round 1.

Division: Lightweight

Referee: Jacob Montalvo

These men have no feeling out process, as both are swinging immediately. Then, Giagos lands a monstrous left hook that drops Glenn onto his face, and the referee immediately stops the fight for the round 1 knockout.

This was the first time Ricky Glenn had been knocked out as a professional.

A fantastic way to close out the prelim card in the featured bout.

Thus far, this is my pick for the Knockout of the Night award.

Main Card

Jeremiah Wells vs. Matthew Semelsberger

Result: Jeremiah Wells def. Matthew Semelsberger by split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29.)

Division: Welterweight

Referee: Mark Goddard

They are swinging immediately; Semelsberger lands some bombs in the opening minute, almost finishing the fight. They clinch, and Wells starts to get his witts back and throws Semelsberger to the floor. Wells is in the full guard with 3 minutes to work, landing some great ground and pound. It appears Wells has cleared the cobwebs and looks fresh again. Semelsberger kicks Wells off and returns to his feet, but Wells keeps the clinch on him. Wells throws a nice combo to set up the takedown and is successful. Wells holds the top position for a remarkable comeback and a potential 10-9 win for round 1. However, Semelsberger put out the damage, and the round could be his.

Semelsberger shows the same game plan for round 2; knockout Jeremiah Wells. Semelsberger lands some emphatic, heavy shots, forcing Wells to get a takedown. Wells keeps the top position for the remainder of round 2. Another close round passes, Semelsberger with the damage and Wells with the control. It could go either way.

Wells scores a big takedown after a flying knee in the third and final round. This round is more dominant for Wells, as he controls the grappling for the entire round. Round 3 comes to a close with Wells on top and should be scored 10-9 for Wells.

Iasmin Lucindo vs. Brogan Walker

Result: Iasmin Lucindo def. Brogan Walker by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27.)

Division: Flyweight

Referee: Chris Tognoni

Lucindo starts the fight landing big shots, all of which Walker is eating. Nevertheless, Lucindo controls the opening round decisively, and the Verdict community agrees on the global scorecard, giving Lucindo the 10-9 round.

Round 2 seems slightly more even, with Walker controlling some grappling against the fence. Again, Lucindo breaks and lands a big right hand, which, again, Walker eats. This round is closer, but it still seems to be Lucindo's. The Verdict community agrees.

Round 3 is slow, and the damage Lucindo has been putting out is piling up on the face of Walker. The fight comes to a close, and Walker's face is covered in blood, looking to be another Lucindo round for a 10-9 score, finally, with the Verdict community agreeing to a 30-27 score to Lucindo.

Bobby Green vs. Jared Gordon

Result: No contest due to accidental clash of heads at 4:35 of round 1.

Division: Lightweight

Referee: Keith Peterson

Green comes out with confidence, hands down, and waiting to counter. But, instead, Gordon is landing some impressive shots. At the end of the round, Bobby Green jumps in to strike but lands a clash of heads that drops Gordon, to which Green follows up with ground and pound that stops the fight.

Joe Martinez begins to announce the KO victory but is instructed to stop for the commission to talk it over, ultimately agreeing on a no-contest.

This fight sees no victor as an accidental clash of heads leads to the end of the fight.

Brad Tavares vs. Bruno Silva

Result: Bruno Silva def. Brad Tavares by KO at 3:35 of round 1.

Division: Middleweight

Referee: Mark Smith

They touch gloves to start. Tavares lands the first big shot of the fight. Silva lands a big shot, and Tavares returns with a bomb. They start brawling, but Silva gets the better of the exchanges and drops Tavares, to which the referee steps in to stop the bout.

Bruno Silva wins the fight by TKO and is back in the win column after a potential bonus-winning performance.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Curtis Blaydes

Result: Sergei Pavlovich def. Curtis Blaydes by KO at 3:08 of round 1.

Division: Heavyweight

Referee: Mark Goddard

The Heavyweights are on! They both open up with some big shots landing; Blaydes is landing some excellent short shots spinning Pavlovich's chin. Next, Pavlovich lands a big hook that floors Blaydes, but he quickly returns to his feet. Finally, Pavlovich shows Blaydes a fantastic blitz that leaves Blaydes on skates. Pavlovich follows it up with more amazing combinations that ultimately finish the fight.

Sergei Pavlovich continues his record-setting KO streak with a total of 6.

Stats for the card:

4 KO/TKOs.

0 Submissions.

5 Decisions.

1 No Contest.

3 first-round finishes.

Performance of the Night awards go to Sergei Pavlovich, Bruno Silva, Christos Giagos, and Montel Jackson, who all took home a $50,000 bonus.

Total fight time of 1:43:52s.

The biggest betting upset was William Gomis +175 ML.

Verdict user "Snail" wins the card with 6867xp.

The highest potential return on the Verdict card was Jeremiah Wells by decision at 1.72+6.65 for 5022xp with a 600xp play.

What was your favorite fight of the night? Let us know in the comments below.