UFC 297 ‘Strickland vs. Du Plessis’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gordon (-130), Flick (+110)

Round 1

Gordon goes right at Flick immediately, swinging with both hands and backing him into the fence. Flick tries a headlock throw but Gordon takes his back standing, hoisting him and dumping him to the canvas, where he sets up in Flick’s guards. Flick closes his guard as Gordon postures up and throws big punches, then sneaks his hips up for a triangle choke attempt. Gordon tries to defend while continuing to throw punches at the body. Two minutes in, the pace finally slows a bit as Gordon works to keep Flick from locking the choke up tight. Gordon extricates his head and arm from the triangle and throws more punches. Flick scoots to the fence and uses one butterfly hook to create some space, then sticks Gordon into half guard. Gordon responds with more punches from top position. Flick tries a hip escape, but Gordon floats and keeps the position. A minute left in the round and Gordon is still on top, throwing punches. Flick tries to stand and Gordon grabs a mounted guillotine. Gordon rolls to his back, and Flick wraps up a possible shoulder choke. He can’t finish, and the round ends in that position.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 GordonBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 GordonScottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Gordon

Round 2

Both men are in orthodox stance to open Round 2 and Gordon comes right forward again, clocking Flick with big hooks from both hands. He flurries, catching Flick with several more strikes, before Flick times a single-leg perfectly, dragging the Canadian to the canvas. Flick takes the back, then as Gordon twists, cinches up an arm-triangle choke. Flick takes top position, bears down on the choke, and the tap comes in seconds. Impressive ground work from Jimmy Flick.

The Official Result

Jimmy Flick def. Malcolm Gordon R2 1:17 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jasudavicius (-395), Cachoeira (+310)

Round 1

Jasudavicius will look to get the host country in the win column against Brazil’s Cachoeira, in a fight that was moved from 125 to 135 pounds apparently at Cachoeira's request. Referee Matt Rocca is the third person in the cage. The ersatz bantamweights set up in matching orthodox stances, and after a moment of cautious feeling-out, Cachoeira lands a sweeping hook. Jasudavicius steps in and takes Cachoeira down easily, dumping her onto her back near the fence. Jasudavicius sets up in the Brazilian’s half guard and rains down hammerfists from above. Cachoeira turns to the side and Jasudavicius takes the back with a single hook, then flattens her out with both hooks. Jasudavicius throws big punches to the head from back mount as the referee looks on closely. Cachoeira turns to her back, giving up full mount. Jasudavicius keeps throwing punches. Cachoeira manages to block a few with her arms, but most are getting through with varying degrees of impact. Ninety seconds left and Jasudavicius is in total control, thrashing the Brazilian with both hands. Cachoeira doesn’t even seem to be doing anything to escape the position, though she traps the left hand of Jasudavicius with her right arm, briefly slowing the assault. In the final 30 seconds, the pace slows, but Cachoeira remains flat on her back with Jasudavicius in full mount, throwing punches. The horn sounds on as one-sided a full round as you’ll see all year.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 JasudaviciusBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 JasudaviciusScottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Jasudavicius

Round 2

Cachoeira, apparently not having learned her lesson, charges straight at Jasudavicius to open Round 2. Cachoeira lands a low kick and gets countered over the top with a right hand that drops her in the middle of the Octagon. Jasudavicius dives into half guard and resumes raining down punches and elbows. Jasudavicius moves to side control, then to mount, while keeping Cachoeira on the defensive with a steady stream of ground-and-pound. Cachoeira locks her arms behind Jasudavicius’ back, trying to control her posture, and Jasudavicius slides to side control, then places a knee on the belly of Cachoeira. Halfway into the round, Jasudavicius locks up a brabo choke from top position. Cachoeira’s hand hovers, appearing on the point of tapping, but she survives. Jasudavicius adjusts her position and attacks with the choke again. It looks very tight, but there is no tap forthcoming. Sixty seconds to go and Jasudavicius releases the choke, takes mount and goes right back to dropping elbows. Cachoeira is in survival mode, weakly trying to block the offense coming from the pissed-off Canadian. The horn sounds and we have a “Beatdown of the Year” candidate in the works here, folks.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 JasudaviciusBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 JasudaviciusScottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Jasudavicius

Round 3

Cachoeira flicks out the jab once, twice. She changes stance and lands a left hand. Jasudavicius tries a double-leg takedown but Cachoeira manages to stay upright. Jasudavicius comes forward for another takedown and is met with a right hand that knocks her down off-balance. Cachoeira’s hands are at her waist, but she is landing punches and has thus far fought off both of Jasudavicius’ takedown attempts. Third time is the charm, however, as Jasudavicius hauls her down on her third try and moves instantly to side control, then to a mounted crucifix, there she begins dropping leather. Jasudavicius pivots to almost a north-south position, near to an inverted choke setup, but gives it up and goes back to dropping punches and elbows from top position. A minute left and Jasudavicius is basically sitting on Cachoeira’s head, knocking the cashews out of her with body punches. Out of nowhere, Jasudavicius slaps on a modified, mounted guillotine choke and cranks. The tap comes in seconds, capping off 14 minutes of one-way traffic. Wow.

The Official Result

Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Priscila Cachoeira R3 4:21 via Submission (Anaconda Choke)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lainesse (-155), Patterson (+130)

Round 1

Lainesse prepares to welcome ex-lightweight Patterson to the big boys’ table, with referee Brian Beauchamp set to oversee the proceedings. Both men are in orthodox stance to kick things off. Patterson, despite the move in weight, is the taller, rangier fighter. Patterson reaches out with a long jab, then throws it again. Lainesse is stepping in and countering over top of the Englishman’s jab, and landing with greater impact. Lainesse shoves Patterson to the fence and tries to change levels. Patterson uses a front headlock to control the position, and as they go to the canvas, he slides around to the back. Patterson wraps up Lainesse’s neck and cinches up the rear-naked choke. Lainesse grimaces, reddens and taps. Very slick grappling from the Brit, ending in a figurative mata leao. Hey! Tip your servers; we'll be here all night.

The Official Result

Sam Patterson def. Yohan Lainesse R1 2:03 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Robertson (-230), Viana (+190)

Round 1

Strawweight grapplers are up next, with Robertson trying to even things up at 2-2 for Team Canada against her Brazilian counterpart. The referee is Kevin Macdonald. Both women are in orthodox stance, and Viana is the first to land, sticking Robertson with a long jab. They exchange jabs and Viana punctuates with a body kick. Robertson times a nice single-leg and hauls Viana down with ease. Robertson is on top in Viana’s half guard, leaning across her body and elbowing the ribs. Viana locks down the left leg and Robertson works for a straight armlock on the far arm. Robertson gives up on the arm attack and goes heavy on top, working to pass her guard as she does. Robertson throws two elbow strikes and slides right into mount. A couple more elbow strikes and Viana turns to the side. Robertson applies an arm-triangle choke and tries to move out to the side to finish. Viana manages to regain guard, but gives up her back a moment later. A minute to go in the round and Robertson is in back mount. She goes supine, rolls Viana on top of her, and Viana gives up mount. Robertson peels off for an armbar. It’s locked in and close to danger territory, but Viana extricates her arm and escapes. They return to their feet at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 RobertsonBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 RobertsonScottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Robertson

Round 2

Viana lands a low kick and slips the counter coming back her way. Viana tags Robertson with a straight right, then another, both of which glance off the guard. Robertson steps in, grabs a single-leg and gets another effortless takedown. She moves quickly to mount and Viana turns her back. Robertson is on top, drops an elbow and is in position to look for a choke if the opportunity presents itself. Robertson throws several hard punches that bounce off the forearm but still rattle the Brazilian’s head. Robertson is all over Viana at the halfway point of the round, landing ground-and-pound. She keeps pouring it on and after 10 or more solid blows with no reaction from the turtled Viana, Macdonald steps in for the stoppage.

The Official Result

Gillian Robertson def. Polyana Viana R2 3:12 via TKO (Punches)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sidey (-185), Taveras (+154)

Round 1

This odd rematch of a “TUF” bout marred by an early stoppage took another turn when Taveras missed weight badly on Friday, but they plan to settle their unfinished business, nonetheless. Third man in the cage, charged with making sure things don’t get any weirder, is referee Todd Anderson. Taveras is southpaw, Sidey orthodox to kick things off. Taveras switches stances freely, however, and there are several awkward clashes in space where neither man lands solidly. Sidey walks Taveras to the fence and clinches, looking perhaps for a takedown, but they disengage. Sidey catches Taveras with a short left hook, then a nice right hand. Taveras tags Sidey with a right outside leg kick and Sidey responds with a right hand that has him stumbling back off balance. Sidey throws a straight kick up the middle, backing Taveras up, and Taveras nails him with a left to the body that drops him to his seat. He pops right back up. Two minutes left and Sidey marches forward. Taveras lands another hard left to the body. Sidey is coming forward constantly, but Taveras’ stance switches and lateral movement are giving him trouble. Sidey lands a big low kick that spins Taveras halfway around. Taveras springs forward with a three-punch combo that has Sidey backing off. Taveras rocks Sidey badly with a sweeping left hand right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 TaverasBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 TaverasScottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Taveras

Round 2

The two waste no time in getting back to work, and both men land hard shots in the opening seconds. Sidey changes levels for a takedown, and Taveras sprawls easily. Sidey marches down his foe and lands a big shot that sends him back to the fence. He tries to swarm with more punches, but Taveras is already recovered and sliding out the side. Taveras drops Sidey with a clean one-two. Sidey scrambles to his feet and backs away before Taveras can add more damage, but Sidey is suddenly a mess, blood all over his face and hair. His nose is smashed. Sidey nails Taveras with a right hand, but Taveras escapes the left. Sidey corrals Taveras against the fence with a kick and tags him with a body punch. Taveras escapes again. Sidey lands another body kick, then a punch upstairs that rings the American’s bell. Taveras careens back to the fence but recovers instantly. Taveras is using lateral movement to evade Sidey’s haymakers, as he throws everything into every shot. The horn sounds on a fantastic round of striking.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 SideyBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 SideyScottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Sidey

Round 3

It's still anyone’s fight, on our scorecards at least, and the fighters are fighting like it, as they once again get right to business. Sidey reaches out with the jab and right cross as Taveras looks to counter with hooks. Sidey throws a high kick that bounces off Taveras’ shoulder. Taveras comes back with a three-piece combination that lands cleanly. Taveras throws a crisp body kick to the open left side. Sidey fires off a head kick that just misses short. Sidey comes forward with a pair of punches and slips the delayed counter. Sidey once again backs Taveras up to the fence and once again lets him escape out the side. A hard jab from Taveras dislodges the mouthpiece of Sidey at the midpoint of the round. Sidey replaces his gear and lands a nice right body kick. Sidey backs Taveras into the fence and launches a flying knee that lands on the chin, though without too much force. Under a minute to go in the fight, and Sidey is still pressing forward, landing shots but never quite corralling the shorter man. The horn sounds on the best fight of the evening so far.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Sidey (29-28 Sidey)Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Sidey (29-28 Sidey)Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Sidey (29-28 Sidey)

The Official Result

Ramon Taveras def. Serhiy Sidey via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-190), Woodson (+145)

Round 1

It’s a likely firefight at featherweight as Jourdain and Woodson take to the cage, with Jerin Valel there to make sure things stay nice and clean. Jourdain immediately goes for a head kick, perhaps to give the tallest man in the division something to think about. Woodson switches stances constantly in the opening moments, sticking out a fast, long jab from both sides. A minute and a half in, neither man has committed to much in the way of full-speed power shots. Woodson catches Jourdain cleanly with a straight from each side. Jourdain comes in with a low stance, shoulder-rolling, but can’t get off any punches before he is forced to retreat. Jourdain lands a hard leg kick, then a solid punch upstairs. Woodson goes southpaw and snaps Jourdain’s head back with a right straight. Jourdain moves in and tries to corner Woodson against the fence, but Woodson puts his hands on his foe and pushes him aside as he slides out of the pocket. Jourdain steps in and runs right into an intercepting knee from Woodson. Jourdain lands a slapping spin kick at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 WoodsonBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 WoodsonScottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Woodson

Round 2

Jourdain wades forward behind a trio of punches but Woodson steps back, evades and lands a clean counter on the end of it. Jourdain comes in with another combo that clatters off the guard of the taller man. Woodson lands an outside leg kick. Jourdain responds with one of his own a second later. Two minutes in, Woodson is beginning to flow, waving his hands and switching stances before launching long single punches. Jourdain drops for a single-leg and gets it, but can’t finish the takedown even after running Woodson to the fence. They end up in a stalemate, with Jourdain trying to hoist the leg as Woodson counters with an overhook. They disengage and Jourdain lands a glancing spinning strike on the break. Jourdain is back to stalking, but continues to have trouble getting inside against the lanky boxer. Jourdain drops for another takedown attempt, getting onto Woodson’s hips and driving him into the fence. Woodson defends calmly, and Jourdain gives it up, launching another spin kick in an attempt to surprise Woodson on the break. Jourdain lands a head kick right before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 WoodsonBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 WoodsonScottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Woodson

Round 3

Woodson stands his ground as Jourdain advances, tagging him with a couple of glancing short punches, before circling out. Jourdain, looking perhaps to change things up, rushes forward with a flurry of hooks, then throws a spinning back elbow that comes up short. They collide and clinch, and it’s Woodson who ends up on Jourdain’s back standing against the fence. Jourdain hits him with a hard shot on the break, then immediately pursues and charges forward. He’s landing more, his relentless forward pressure clearly making Woodson uncomfortable. At the midpoint of the round, Woodson is back on the outside, and he counters a kick with a long uppercut to the body. Jourdain throws a spinning back kick, then another, but he’s out of range both times. He throws a third, with similar lack of success. Woodson hits his man with a body punch. Jourdain grabs a snatch single-leg, but cannot finish, and the takedown shutout by Woodson continues. With 45 seconds to go, Jourdain is throwing haymakers and spinning attacks, looking for a moment of fight-changing offense. Woodson goes for a reactive takedown and Jourdain grabs a guillotine, falling to his back and closing his guard as he does so. The choke is tight but time is short, but Woodson pops his head out at the 10-second clapper and is throwing punches from top position at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (30-27 Woodson)Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jourdain (29-28 Woodson)Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Woodson (30-27 Woodson)

The Official Result

Sean Woodson def. Charles Jourdain via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Katona (-198), Armfield (+164)

Round 1

The top prelim at UFC 297 has plenty to live up to, as the first six attractions of the evening have all been either eye-popping finishes or entertaining scraps. Katona and Armfield will look to cap off a very entertaining undercard, with Kevin Macdonald drawing the final referee assignment. Both men are in motion right away, bouncing and feinting in orthodox stance. Armfield throws a one-two, which Katona parries and counters with a right hand. Both fighters are heavily reliant on their basic boxing combinations in the early going, punctuated with the occasional body kick. One such kick strays low for Katona, glancing off of Armfield’s cup. Macdonald gives a quick warning without breaking the action. A moment later, Katona lands another low blow, this one ringing loudly in the Scotiabank Arena. Armfield doubles over in pain and Macdonald gives Katona the dreaded “hard warning.” Despite being advised that he has five minutes to recover, Armfield wants back into the action in 45 seconds, and they are right back to swinging in the phonebooth. Katona tries a body lock but can’t move Armfield. He meets Armfield’s next advance with a good knee up the middle. They clinch and Katona drives Armfield to the fence with a body lock, then takes his back standing. Armfield bends down and lets Katona slip over the top, but Katona stays stuck to him. They finish the round against the fence, Katona still on Armfield’s back.

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 KatonaBrian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 ArmfieldScottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Katona

Round 2

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

The Official Result

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Evloev (-180), Allen (+150)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

The Official Result

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Curtis (-175), Barriault (+145)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

The Official Result

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malott (-340), Magny (+270)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

The Official Result

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bueno Silva (-170), Pennington (+142)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 4

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 5

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

The Official Result

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Strickland (-135), du Plessis (+114)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 4

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

Round 5

Sherdog Scores

Ben Duffy scores the round:Brian Knapp scores the round:Scottie Smith scores the round:

The Official Result