UFC 225 Results: A New Interim Welterweight Champ Is Crowned, Whittaker & Romero Put On A Classic, Plus CM Punk Competes
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Main Card (10pm EST., Pay-Per-View)
Robert Whittaker def. #1 Yoel Romero by split decision (48-47, 47-48. 48-47)
UFC Interim Welterweight Title Decision Fight
#4 Colby Covington def. #1 Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) to win the title
#1 (WBW) Holly Holm def. Megan Anderson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
#12 Tai Tuivasa def. #9 Andrei Arlovski by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mike Jackson def. CM Punk by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Preliminary Card (8pm EST., Fox Sports 1)
#4 Curtis Blaydes def. #2 Alistair Overeem by TKO via elbow strikes (2:56, R3)
#3 Claudia Gadelha def. #6 Carla Esparza by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
#11 Mirsad Bektic def. #7 Ricardo Lamas by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Chris De La Rocha def. Rashad Coulter by TKO via strikes (3:53, R2)
Preliminary Card (6:15pm EST., UFC Fight Pass)
Anthony Smith def. Rashad Evans by KO via knee strike (0:53, R1)
#5 Sergio Pettis def. #1 Joseph Benavidez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Charles Oliveira def. Clay Guida by submission via guillotine choke (2:18, R1)
Dan Ige def. Mike Santiago by TKO via strikes (0:50, R1)
Mike Santiago vs. Dan Ige
Round One: The round begins with Ige scoring a takedown on Santiago after landing a punching combination, Ige transitions to back control. Ige attacks Santiago with a lot of ground and pound until the referee jumps in.
Official Result: Dan Ige def. Mike Santiago by TKO via strikes (0:50, R1)
Clay Guida vs. Charles Oliveira
Round One: The round begins with Oliveira attacking Guida with a few kicks, Guida pops a swinging Oliveira with a counter left. Oliveira starts catching Guida with some leg kicks, Guida then cracks a kicking Oliveira with a counter right. Guida starts nailing Oliveira with some leg kicks of his own, Oliveira catches Guida with a few lefts. Oliveira nails Guida with a punching combination before catching him in a guillotine choke to force a tap out.
Official Result: Charles Oliveira def. Clay Guida by submission via guillotine choke (2:18, R1)
#1 Joseph Benavidez vs. #5 Sergio Pettis
Round One: The round begins with Benavidez attacking Pettis with some leg kicks, Pettis cracks a kicking Benavidez with a counter right. Pettis rocks a swinging Benavidez with a counter right followed by an uppercut, Benavidez eats a right before scoring a takedown on Pettis. Pettis scrambles to his feet and Benavidez holds him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Benavidez swings away at Pettis. The fighters also get into a few striking exchanges, Pettis then cracks Benavidez with a right before blocking a head kick. Pettis continues nailing a swinging Benavidez with counter strikes, Pettis barely connects with a head kick against Benavidez. Benavidez nails Pettis with a flurry of strikes as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Pettis
Round Two: The round begins with Benavidez attacking Pettis with a few kicks, Benavidez also attacks Pettis with a punching combination. Benavidez grabs Pettis and he gets him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Benavidez looks for some superman punches. Pettis attacks Benavidez with a right followed by a high kick, Benavidez continues catching Pettis with leg kicks. Benavidez gets Pettis against the cage wall again while looking for a takedown, the fighters separate and the fighters exchange high kicks. Pettis catches a swinging Benavidez with a short right hook, Benavidez again gets Pettis against the cage wall. The fighters break away from each other and swing away at each other, Benavidez goes for the takedown as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Benavidez (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)
Round Three: The round begins with Benavidez attacking Pettis with a multiple strike combination, Benavidez catches a swinging Pettis with a spinning back fist. Benavidez grabs Pettis and he gets him up against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Pettis catches Benavidez with some rights. Pettis catches a charging Benavidez with a counter right, Benavidez comes forward and he swings away at Pettis. Pettis briefly goes for a standing guillotine choke against Benavidez, Pettis catches Benavidez with a knee strike to the midsection to avoid a takedown. Pettis also goes for a jumping head kick against Benavidez, Benavidez continues attacking Pettis with punching combinations. Benavidez catches Pettis with a kick to the midsection, Benavidez scores a takedown on Pettis and Pettis gets right back up. The fighters swing away at each other as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Benavidez (Final Score: 29-28 for Benavidez)
Official Result: #5 Sergio Pettis def. #1 Joseph Benavidez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Rashad Evans vs. Anthony Smith
Round One: The round begins with Smith attacking Evans with some leg kicks, Smith avoids an Evans takedown attempt before Evans gets him against the cage wall. Smith destroys Evans with a knee strike to the head and Evans goes out cold.
Official Result: Anthony Smith def. Rashad Evans by KO via knee strike (0:53, R1)
Rashad Coulter vs. Chris De La Rocha
Round One: The round begins with De La Rocha popping Coulter with a few jabs, De La Rocha grabs a swinging Coulter and he gets him against the cage wall. Coulter nails De La Rocha with a knee strike to the midsection before separating, Coulter then stuns De La Rocha with a left. De La Rocha scores a takedown on Coulter and he gets full mount while attempting a guillotine choke, De La Rocha gains back control against Coulter. Coulter scrambles to get the fight standing again, Coulter rocks De La Rocha with a multiple punch combination. Coulter cracks De La Rocha with some two punch combinations, De La Rocha gets Coulter against the cage wall while landing a striking combo of his own. Coulter backs up De La Rocha with an overhand right to the head, Coulter then cracks De La Rocha with a few power rights. De La Rocha grabs Coulter and he gets him against the cage wall before scoring another takedown as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for De La Rocha
Round Two: The round begins with De La Rocha cracking Coulter with some rights, Coulter responds by landing a right of his own. De La Rocha scores a takedown on Coulter and he gets the full mount, De La Rocha transitions to back control on Coulter while landing strikes. De La Rocha attacks Coulter with a ton of ground and pound, De La Rocha gains the full mount while landing more strikes until the referee jumps in.
Official Result: Chris De La Rocha def. Rashad Coulter by TKO via strikes (3:53, R2)
#7 Ricardo Lamas vs. #11 Mirsad Bektic
Round One: The round begins with Lamas attempting a high kick against Bektic, Bektic starts attempting punching combinations against Lamas. Lamas scores a takedown and Bektic gets right back up, Lamas grabs Bektic and he holds him against the cage wall. Lamas catches Bektic with a few knee strikes to the midsection, Bektic spins Lamas into the cage wall while landing knee strikes of his own. The fighters separate and Bektic then nails Lamas with a kick to the midsection, Bektic causes a kicking Lamas to trip after throwing a right. Bektic gets Lamas against the cage wall while landing some knee strikes, Bektic scores a takedown on Lamas and he gets him in the seated position. Lamas gets up and Bektic gets him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and the round ends to an end.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Bektic
Round Two: The round begins with Bektic attacking Lamas with a punching combination, Lamas goes after Bektic by landing some leg kicks. Bektic then connects with an overhand right against an incoming Lamas, Bektic gets Lamas against the cage wall while exchanging knee strikes. Bektic cracks Lamas with an elbow strike to the face before separating, Lamas nails Bektic with a spinning elbow strike after a failed takedown attempt. Bektic grabs Lamas and holds him against the cage wall until they separate, the referee separates the fighters for inactivity and Lamas lands a handstand head kick as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Bektic (Overall Score: 20-18 for Bektic)
Round Three: The round begins with Lamas backing up Bektic with a high kick attempt, Bektic catches Lamas with a three punch combination. Bektic grabs Lamas and he gets him up against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Bektic scores a takedown on a kicking Lamas. Lamas sweeps Bektic during an arm triangle choke attempt to get top position, Bektic quickly sweeps him to regain top position. Lamas goes for a guillotine choke and Bektic escapes to maintain top position, Lamas gets up and Bektic gets him against the cage wall. Lamas catches Bektic in an arm in guillotine choke and he releases it to land some strikes, Lamas goes for a second guillotine choke and Bektic escapes to get top position on the ground as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Bektic (Final Score: 30-27 for Bektic)
Official Result: #11 Mirsad Bektic def. #7 Ricardo Lamas by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
#3 Claudia Gadelha vs. #6 Carla Esparza
Round One: The round begins with Esparza attacking Gadelha with some leg kicks, the fighters have a brief punching exchange. Gadelha drops a kicking Esparza with a pair of rights, Esparza gets back up and Gadelha drags her back to the ground while controlling her head. Esparza gets to her feet to get the fight standing again, Gadelha continues attacking Esparza with rights. Gadelha again cracks a swinging Esparza with a counter right hook, Esparza rocks Gadelha with a punching combination before scoring a takedown. Gadelha rolls for a knee bar in order to gain top control, Gadelha starts attacking Esparza with some ground and pound. Esparza causes a scramble to get the fight standing again, Gadelha scores another takedown on Esparza and she gets side control. Gadelha attacks Esparza with ground and pound, Gadelha rolls for a guillotine choke as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Gadelha
Round Two: The round begins with the fighters having a wild striking exchange, Esparza charges forward and she swings away at Gadelha. Gadelha starts attempting some power rights against Esparza, Esparza grabs Gadelha and she gets her against the cage wall. The fighters exchange some strikes while in the clinch, Esparza also starts attacking Gadelha with some knee strikes. Gadelha scores a takedown on Esparza and she gets the half guard, Gadelha starts attacking Esparza with some ground and pound. Esparza catches Gadelha in her full guard while eating more strikes, Esparza scrambles to her feet and Gadelha gets her against the cage wall. Gadelha scores another takedown on Esparza and she gets the half guard, Esparza sweeps Gadelha and gets top position as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Gadelha (Overall Score: 20-18 for Gadelha)
Round Three: The round begins with Esparza attacking Gadelha with a punching combination, Esparza catches Gadelha with a front kick to the face. Esparza follows that up by catching Gadelha with a superman punch, Esparza and Gadelha have a striking exchange in the middle of the Octagon. Esparza comes forward and she cracks Gadelha with a short right, Gadelha grabs Esparza and she gets her against the cage wall. Gadelha scores a takedown on Esparza and she gets side control, Gadelha transitions to the half guard against Esparza. The fighters exchange some blows while on the ground, Esparza gets to her feet before scoring a takedown on Gadelha. Esparza attacks Gadelha with a lot of ground and pound as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Esparza (Final Score: 29-28 for Gadelha)
Official Result: #3 Claudia Gadelha def. #6 Carla Esparza by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
#2 Alistair Overeem vs. #4 Curtis Blaydes
Round One: The round begins with Blaydes taking a few swings at Overeem, Blaydes attempts a head kick against Overeem and he misses. Blaydes scores a takedown on Overeem and he gets the half guard, Blaydes starts attacking Overeem with a few strikes. Overeem sets up for a heel hook as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Blaydes
Round Two: The round begins with Overeem cracking Blaydes with some knee strikes and a right, Overeem drops for a guillotine choke and Blaydes escapes to get top position on the ground. Overeem rolls for a heel hook and Blaydes escapes to get back control, Overeem scrambles to his feet to get the fight standing again. Blaydes comes forward and he swings away at Overeem, Blaydes scores a takedown on Overeem after eating a knee strike. Blaydes starts attacking Overeem with ground and pound until the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Blaydes (Overall Score: 20-18 for Blaydes)
Round Three: The round begins with Blaydes nailing Overeem with a knee strike followed by a right, Overeem attacks Blaydes with a few kicks to the midsection. Blaydes rocks Overeem with a punching combination before scoring a takedown, Blaydes attacks Overeem with ground and pound. Blaydes mixes in some elbow strikes in his attack against a downed Overeem, Overeem gets Blaydes in his full guard after a failed heel hook attempt. Blaydes destroys Overeem with elbow strikes and the referee jumps in.
Official Result: #4 Curtis Blaydes def. #2 Alistair Overeem by TKO via elbow strikes (2:56, R3)
CM Punk vs. Mike Jackson
Round One: The round begins with Punk attacking Jackson with some leg kicks, Jackson responds by catching Punk with a right. Punk cracks Jackson with a right before grappling near the cage wall, Punk gets Jackson against the cage wall while landing some knee strikes. The fighters separate and Punk pops Jackson with a right, Punk charges at Jackson while eating a trio of rights. Punk again gets Jackson up against the cage wall, Punk attacks Jackson with a few knee strikes to the midsection. The fighters separate and they swing away at each other, Jackson gets Punk against the cage wall after stuffing a takedown. The fighters separate and Punk scores a takedown on a swinging Jackson and he gets the half guard, Jackson scrambles to his feet and the fighters clinch as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Punk
Round Two: The round begins with Punk swinging away at Jackson, Jackson swings away at Punk while landing some jabs. Punk grabs Jackson and he gets him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and have a brief striking exchange. Jackson rocks Punk with a right and Punk jumps for a guillotine choke to get the fight to the ground, Jackson starts attacking Punk with ground and pound. Punk tries rolling for some submissions while eating more strikes, Jackson remains in the top position as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Jackson (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)
Round Three: The round begins with Punk taking some swings at Jackson, Punk grabs Jackson and he gets him against the cage wall. Jackson spins Punk into the cage wall while landing some strikes, the fighters briefly separate and Jackson nails Punk with a right. Punk looks for a takedown and Jackson pops him with a left to drop him, Jackson allows Punk to stand back up and Punk swings away at Jackson. Punk attacks Jackson with a knee strike before getting him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Jackson assaults Punk with rights. Punk drops for a knee bar and Jackson escapes to get top position, Jackson starts attacking Punk with ground and pound. Jackson transitions to side control against Punk before getting back control, Jackson pops Punk with a few more strikes as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Jackson (Final Score: 29-28 for Jackson)
Official Result: Mike Jackson def. CM Punk by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
#9 Andrei Arlovski vs. #12 Tai Tuivasa
Round One: The round begins with Tuivasa popping Arlovski with an uppercut, Arlovski briefly drops a kicking Tuivasa with a counter right. Tuivasa starts attacking Arlovski with some leg kicks, Arlovski attacks Tuivasa with some kicks of his own. Tuivasa scores a takedown on Arlovski after landing a right and he gets full mount, Arlovski scrambles at the right time to get the fight standing again. Tuivasa drops Arlovski with a right and he allows him to stand up, Arlovski gets Tuivasa against the cage wall before landing a knee strike. The fighters separate and Tuivasa pops Arlovski with a two punch combination, Tuivasa then nails Arlovski with a multiple strike combination. Arlovski blocks a head kick before nailing Tuivasa with a right as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Tuivasa
Round Two: The round begins with Arlovski nailing Tuivasa with a front kick to the midsection, Arlovski also attacks Tuivasa with some leg kicks. Tuivasa comes forward and he swings wildly at Arlovski, Arlovski nails a swinging Tuivasa with a few rights. Arlovski continues cracking Tuivasa with punching combinations, Tuivasa grabs Arlovski and he gets him against the cage wall. The fighters separate and Arlovski eats a left hook from Tuivasa, Tuivasa charges forward and he swings away at Arlovski. Arlovski attacks Tuivasa with a spinning back fist followed by a high kick, Arlovski gets Tuivasa against the cage wall while landing a few strikes. Arlovski scores a takedown and Tuivasa gets right back up, Tuivasa accidentally pokes Arlovski in the eye and the fight is halted. The fight resumes with Tuivasa cracking a swinging Arlovski with a counter left, Arlovski goes for a spinning back fist as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Arlovski (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)
Round Three: The round begins with Tuivasa attacking Arlovski with some leg kicks, Tuivasa also catches Arlovski with a short right. Arlovski responds by catching Tuivasa with his own counter right, Arlovski charges forward to hit Tuivasa with a punching combination. Tuivasa backs up Arlovski by landing a two punch combination, Arlovski goes for a high kick and Tuivasa gets out of the way. Tuivasa cracks a swinging Arlovski with a counter left hook, Tuivasa rocks Arlovski with a standing elbow strike followed by a combination. Arlovski catches a backing Tuivasa with a straight right, Tuivasa then cracks Arlovski with a two punch combo as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Tuivasa (Final Score: 29-28 for Tuivasa)
Official Result: #12 Tai Tuivasa def. #9 Andrei Arlovski by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
#1 (WBW) Holly Holm vs. Megan Anderson
Round One: The round begins with both fighters exchanging combinations, Anderson rocks Holm with a knee strike before landing a punching combination. Holm grabs Anderson and she gets her against the cage wall, Holm pops Anderson with a few strikes while in the clinch. Holm starts attacking Anderson with a series of knee strikes to the midsection, the fighters separate and Anderson swings away at Holm. Holm nails Anderson with a front kick to the face, Holm scores a takedown and she gets side control, Holm transitions to the half guard against Anderson as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Holm
Round Two: The round begins with Holm attacking Anderson with a punching combo, Holm then hits Anderson with a right hook. Anderson nails Holm with a knee strike to the midsection as Holm gets her against the cage wall, Holm attacks Anderson with strikes while holding her against the cage wall. The fighters separate and Anderson catches Holm with a few rights, Anderson nails a kicking Holm with a counter left. Holm scores a takedown on Anderson and she gets the half guard, Holm transitions to the side control position against Anderson. Holm starts attacking Anderson with some ground and pound, Holm gains full mount while landing some strikes. Holm lands more strikes against Anderson as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Holm (Overall Score: 20-18 for Holm)
Round Three: The round begins with Holm kicking Anderson in the midsection, Holm then nails Anderson with a multiple punch combination. Holm grabs Anderson and she gets her against the cage wall, Holm scores a takedown on Anderson and she gets the half guard. Holm transitions to the full mount against Anderson, Holm starts attacking Anderson with ground and pound. Holm stands up and she allows Anderson to get up as well, Holm goes for a high kick against Anderson. Holm also catches Anderson with some front kick to the midsection, Holm scores another takedown on Anderson and she gets the half guard. Holm gains side control while nailing Anderson with strikes, Holm then moves to the full mount against Anderson. Holm attacks Anderson with ground and pound, Holm goes for a guillotine choke as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Holm (Final Score: 30-27 for Holm)
Official Result: #1 (WBW) Holly Holm def. Megan Anderson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
UFC Interim Welterweight Title Decision Fight: #1 Rafael Dos Anjos vs. #4 Colby Covington
Round One: The round begins with Covington scoring a takedown after a brief striking exchange, Dos Anjos gets back up and Covington drags him back to the ground. Dos Anjos gets up and Covington holds him against the cage wall, Covington starts attacking Dos Anjos with some strikes before separating. Dos Anjos nails an incoming Covington with a two punch combination, Dos Anjos defends against the takedown while landing knee strikes. The fighters separate and exchange some kicks, Dos Anjos nails Covington with a right to the midsection followed by a knee strike. Dos Anjos cracks Covington with knee strikes and elbow strikes, Dos Anjos connects with another knee strike to the midsection. Covington starts attacking Dos Anjos with leg kicks, Dos Anjos then hits Covington with a kick to the midsection. Covington holds Dos Anjos against the cage wall as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Dos Anjos
Round Two: The round begins with Covington attacking Dos Anjos with a high kick, Covington grabs Dos Anjos and he gets him against the cage wall. Covington then hits Dos Anjos with a standing elbow strike to the head, the fighters separate and Dos Anjos kicks Covington in the midsection. Covington again hunts for the takedown against Dos Anjos, Covington starts nailing Dos Anjos with leg kicks. Dos Anjos cracks Covington with a right to the midsection, Covington again gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall before separating. Covington charges forward and he swings away at Dos Anjos, Dos Anjos goes back to attacking the midsection of Covington. Covington pops Dos Anjos with an uppercut before getting him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Covington scores a takedown on Dos Anjos. Covington transitions to back control against Dos Anjos, Dos Anjos gets to his feet as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Covington (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)
Round Three: The round begins with the fighters taking a few swings at each other, Covington gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall before separating. Covington attacks a backing Dos Anjos with some leg kicks, Covington and Dos Anjos attack each other with knee strikes to the midsection. Covington cracks Dos Anjos with a kick to the midsection, Covington again gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall. The fighters separate and Covington accidentally kicks Dos Anjos low and the fight is halted, the fight resumes with Covington swinging away at Dos Anjos. Covington gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall before eating a knee strike, the fighters separate and Covington pops Dos Anjos with a punching combination. Covington and Dos Anjos have a striking exchange until Covington looks for the takedown, the fighters separate and Covington goes back to holding Dos Anjos against the cage wall until the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Covington (Overall Score: 29-28 for Covington)
Round Four: The round begins with Dos Anjos immediately cracking Covington with a left, Dos Anjos then nails Covington with two shots to the midsection. Covington gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall, Dos Anjos scores a takedown on Covington and he gets side control. Dos Anjos gets head control on a scrambling Covington, Covington gets up and he gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall. Dos Anjos scores another takedown on Covington and he gets side control, Covington scrambles to his feet and Dos Anjos holds him against the cage wall. Dos Anjos gets Covington to a knee while landing some knee strikes, the fighters separate and Covington swings at Dos Anjos before getting him against the cage wall. Dos Anjos goes for another takedown and Covington gets him against the cage wall again, the fighters separate and the fighters swing away at each other. Covington catches Dos Anjos with another punching combination, Covington scores a takedown on Dos Anjos as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Dos Anjos (Overall Score: 38-38 for Draw)
Round Five: The round begins with Covington swinging at Dos Anjos before getting him against the cage wall, Covington lands a combo as the fighters separate. Dos Anjos barely catches Covington with a knee strike before getting taken down, Dos Anjos gets up and separates from Covington. Dos Anjos then nails Covington with a kick to the midsection, Covington again gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall. The fighters separate and Covington nails Dos Anjos with a punching combination, Covington and Dos Anjos exchange some kicks. Dos Anjos rocks a swinging Covington with a counter left hook, Covington gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall while looking for a takedown. Dos Anjos drops for a kimura and both fighters scramble to their feet, the fighters have a wild striking exchange before Covington gets Dos Anjos against the cage wall. The fighters swing away at each other as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Covington (Final Score: 47-46 for Covington)
Official Result: #4 Colby Covington def. #1 Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) to win the title
Robert Whittaker vs. #1 Yoel Romero
Round One: The round begins with Whittaker attacking Romero with a lot of leg kicks, Whittaker also attacks Romero with some punching combinations. Romero catches an incoming Whittaker with a left hook, Whittaker peppers Romero with a plethora of jabs. Whittaker backs up Romero by attacking him with a bunch of rights, Whittaker attempts a high kick against Romero. Whittaker also catches Romero with a kick to the midsection, Whittaker catches an incoming Romero with an elbow strike. Romero catches Whittaker with some leg kicks of his own, Whittaker lands a few shots to the midsection as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker
Round Two: The round begins with Whittaker attacking Romero with a plethora of leg kicks, Romero starts swinging away at Whittaker. Whittaker also nails Romero with some kicks to the midsection, Whittaker then attacks Romero with an overhand right. Whittaker keeps Romero at bay by throwing a bunch of jabs, Whittaker keeps the distance by attacking Romero with a plethora of kicks. Romero catches the midsection of Whittaker with a kick, Whittaker nails a kicking Romero with a counter left. Whittaker rocks a backing Romero with a high kick attempt, Romero then hits Whittaker with a straight left. Romero goes for a high kick and Whittaker blocks it, Whittaker jabs away at Romero as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker (Overall Score: 20-18 for Whittaker)
Round Three: The round begins with Romero immediately swinging away at Whittaker, Whittaker responds by attacking Romero with some kicks. Romero rocks Whittaker with a powerful right, Romero gets Whittaker to the ground while landing elbow strikes. Whittaker gets up and Romero looks for another takedown, Romero then lands a punching combination. Whittaker recovers and he cracks Romero with a standing elbow strike, Whittaker eats a few strikes before landing another elbow strike. Romero holds Whittaker against the cage wall and they eventually separate after a failed takedown attempt from Romero, Romero cracks Whittaker with a few lefts to the face. Romero cracks a backing Whittaker with a huge punching combination, Whittaker responds by nailing Romero with a head kick. Whittaker briefly hits the ground as Romero lands a few more strikes, Whittaker holds Romero against the cage wall as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Romero (Overall Score: 29-28 for Whittaker)
Round Four: The round begins with Whittaker backing up Romero with a punching combo, Whittaker also attacks Romero with a variety of kicks. Whittaker starts attacking Romero with some head kicks, Whittaker catches Romero with some side kicks to the leg. Whittaker accidentally kicks Romero low and the fight is halted, the fight resumes with Whittaker kicking away at Romero. Whittaker backs up Romero with a plethora of jabs, Whittaker catches a charging Romero with a front kick to the midsection. Romero comes forward and he swings away at Whittaker, Whittaker nails a swinging Romero with a counter left. Whittaker continues picking apart Romero with strikes, Romero catches a swinging Whittaker with a counter strike combination. Romero comes forward and he stuns Whittaker with some punches as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker (Overall Score: 39-37 for Whittaker)
Round Five: The round begins with Romero catching Whittaker with a left, Romero nails a kicking Whittaker with a two punch combination. Romero backs up Whittaker with a spinning back kick attempt, Whittaker goes back to attacking Romero with jabs. Whittaker goes back to attacking Romero with leg kicks, Romero drops Whittaker with a left hook and he pounces on him with more strikes. Whittaker recovers and he gets Romero against the cage wall for a short time, Romero drags Whittaker back to the ground while landing some strikes. Whittaker gets up and Romero attacks him with a plethora of strikes, Romero scores another takedown and Whittaker gets to a knee. Whittaker gets up as Romero attacks him with knee strikes, the referee eventually separates the fighters for inactivity. The action resumes with Whittaker kicking a swinging Romero as the round ends.
Fightful scores the round 10-8 for Romero (Final Score: 47-47 for Draw)
Official Result: Robert Whittaker def. #1 Yoel Romero by split decision (48-47, 47-48. 48-47)
