UFC on ESPN+ 20 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 5 a.m. ET (2 a.m. PT).

The event takes place at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The card streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, former welterweight and middleweight title challenger Demian Maia (27-9 MMA, 21-9 UFC) takes on former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren (19-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), who is coming off a 5-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal.

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 5 a.m. ET for the ESPN+ prelims and 8 a.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC on ESPN+ 20 discussion thread.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Jeff Hughes vs. Raphael Pessoa

Round 1 – We kick things off with the heavyweights as Hughes and Pessoa touch gloves and get things started. Pessoa opens with a low leg kick. Hughes looking to throw feints and draw Pessoa into an early mistake. Big overhand right from Pessoa falls short, as does a low kick. Pessoa pushing the pace, misses with a spinning back kick, but Hughes steps in and unloads hooks. Pessoa returns in kind. Pessoa the aggressor but Hughes looks very calm and composed. Another low calf kick lands for Pessoa. The Brazilian bullrushes Hughes and backs him against the cage, but the American fires back with a solid right hand. Big knee to the body from Pessoa. Hughes clips Pessoa’s chin with a big right hand, but the Brazilian comes storming back again with shots of his own. Solid inside leg kick from Pessoa. Hughes sporting a swollen right eye already. Pessoa wings more big hooks as the clapper sounds. His striking was wild and unrefined, but Pessoa landed more frequently and as a result takes Round 1 on our scorecard, 10-9.

Round 2 – Hughes’ right eye is swelling badly as we start Round 2. Pessoa opens up with jabs, then goes back to his hooks once again. Hughes with a tentative outside calf kick. Solid leg kicks from Pessoa land and Hughes feels them both. Pessoa winging more hooks as he forces Hughes back against the fence. Hughes attempts to answer with a spinning backfist, but misses by a yard. Hughes comes charging in with straight punches and Pessoa smartly steps to the side to evade the bigger shots. Spinning back kick to the body lands. Pessoa drops Hughes with an overhand right. Hughes bounces straight back up and looks OK. The pair trade hooks before Hughes ducks under and looks for a takedown. Pessoa neutralizes it and they end up in the clinch against the cage. Hughes attempts a tornado kick, then transitions into a takedown as he drags Pessoa to the mat. Hughes ends the round on top landing ground strikes, but the knockdown earlier in the round proved decisive. Another 10-9 round to Pessoa – 20-18 Pessoa overall.

Round 3 – We’re into the final round and Pessoa attempts a wheel kick which misses and Hughes starts to push forward. Pessoa with a possible eye poke on Hughes, who rubs it out and carries on without complaint. Spinning back kick to the body from Pessoa. Hughes with a solid jab to the body, then a low leg kick. Pessoa bursts forward and lands a solid straight right, but doesn’t follow it up. Decent straight right from Hughes, but Pessoa seems unruffled by it. Hughes is starting to let his hands go a little more now. Nice counter left hook from Hughes, whose right eye now looks almost completely shut. Pessoa comes forward with big punches, but backs off rather than following up. Hughes, struggling to get inside range, tries a jumping knee to close the distance and Pessoa counters with big shots on the break. Nice low leg kick from Hughes, while Pessoa smiles. The fight goes the distance. Much more competitive round, but Pessoa still edges it on our card. 10-9 Pessoa – 30-27 Pessoa overall.

Result: Raphael Pessoa def. Jeff Hughes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos:
Records: Jeff Hughes (10-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Raphael Pessoa (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan
Judging: Evan Field, Howard Hughes, Takeo Kobayashi

Alexandra Albu vs. Loma Lookboonmee

Round 1 – Lookboonmee strikes first and the pair go toe to toe landing close-range shots. Albu closes the distance and initiates the clinch, and Lookboonmee locks up and connects with knees and a crisp elbow. Lookboonmee absolutely bossing the clinch. Referee Movahedi pauses the action for multiple grabs of the shirt by Albu and warns he will deduct a point for another grab. Albu comes back swinging and connects with a head kick, which Lookboonmee takes well. Solid teep from Lookboonmee. The Thai slides away from a big Albu right hand. Albu attempts a head and arm throw, but Lookboonmee stops it at source, then dumps Albu, Muay Thai-style to the mat. Teep to the face from Lookboonmee. Albu relentlessly pursuing the takedown and grabs hold of the Thai’s shorts, but the ref doesn’t see it. Albu continuing to push forward, but Lookboonme is dominating the striking exchanges and fighting beautifully off the back foot. The pair clinch and Lookboonmee connects with short elbows. Thumping knee to the body from Lookboonmee. Clear opening round for the Thai, but not quite enough for a 10-8. 10-9 Lookboonmee.

Round 2 – Lookboonmee has removed her vest for the second round to prevent more shirt grabs by Albu. Albu opens up with a nice left to the chin and goes to the mat with Lookboonmee, trying to lock up an ankle, but the Thai swiftly escapes. Big body kick from Lookboonmee. Albu steps in and gets hit with two big elbows in the clinch. Lookboonmee on another level with her striking, and Albu is struggling to find a way in. Overhand right from Lookboonmee lands, followed by a powerful right leg kick. Albu steps forward and initiates the clinch, but Lookboonmee dumps her to the floor again. Albu starting to slow down, but connects with a crisp right hand that briefly stuns Lookboonmee. The pair clinch against the fence. Lookboonmee takes Albu back to the mat again, but allows the action to return to the feet. Another breathless round goes to Lookboonmee, whose striking is just too good for Albu at this point. 10-9 Lookboonmee – 20-18 Lookboonmee overall.

Round 3 – Albu comes out for the final round after seemingly having had her thumb reset in the corner. Lookboonmee still looking fresh and throwing crisp, sharp strikes. Albu clinches up looking to initiate a takedown, but the Thai shrugs her off with ease. Another clinch and more solid knees, followed by a slicing elbow on the break by Lookboonmee. Albu with another bodylock, but she’s punished yet again in the clinch with elbows. Albu throws hooks and clinches again. Lookboonmee reverses on the fence, lands knees and separates again. Albu’s playing checkers in the clinch while Lookboonmee is playing chess – they’re levels apart. Albu gamely pushing forward, but another elbow from the Thai finds its mark. The pair trade knees in the clinch. Albu breathing heavily from the shots to the body. Flying scissor sweep from Albu takes Lookboonmee to the mat and Albu lands on top just before the 10-second clapper sounds. The fight goes to the scorecards, but this one should be a formality. We score Round 3 the same as Rounds 1 and 2, 10-9 Lookboonmee for an overall score of 30-27 to the Thai debutant.

Result: Loma Lookboonmee def. Alexandra Albu via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 20-27)
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Records: Alexandra Albu (3-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Loma Lookboonmee (4-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Daniel Movahedi
Judging: Mark Collett, Barry Foley, Pawel Harasim

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Maurice Greene

Round 1 – Two huge men get things off and underway with Greene throwing an array of kicks to set the distance. Big overhand right from Pavlovich gets Greene’s attention. Another overhand right from the Russian finds its mark, and a third eventually sends Green sprawling to the floor, off balance. Lead left hook lands for Pavlovich and a big jab connects clean. Pavlovich hurts Greene with a big overhand right hand and swarms his man with heavy shots, as Green collapses against the fence. The American tries to work his way out, but Pavlovich continues his striking assault and forces referee Herb Dean to step in and prevent “The Crochet Boss” from taking any more punishment. That was a mightily impressive performance from Pavlovich, who claims his 11th knockout in 14 career wins. All 11 of those KOs have come in the first round.

Result: Sergei Pavlovich def. Maurice Green via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:11
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Records: Sergei Pavlovich (14-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Maurice Greene (8-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Enrique Barzola vs. Movsar Evloev

Round 1 – The two touch gloves and we’re off and underway. Evloev stalking Barzola . Barzola connects with a big leg kick, but Evloev answers with a big right hand. The Russian wrestler is looking to strike early on here. Solid left jab stops Barzola in his tracks. Barzola resets and comes back with kicks, but Evloev’s punches look strong and accurate. Both men sporting cuts under their eyes early on here. Evloev switches from striking to wrestling and takes the Peruvian to the mat, manoeuvers him towards the cage and takes his back. Evloev attempts to grab a choke, but Barzola escapes. They return to the center and trade big shots, with neither man taking a backward step. Evloev goes back to wrestling and forces Barzola against the cage. back to the center, Evloev lands more solid punches – he looks much-improved on the feet. Barzola doggedly hanging in there, planting his feet and unloading big shots of his own. Barzola beginning to get a foothold in the fight with his strikes, but just as the Peruvian gets comfortable on his feet, Evloev takes him to the mat once again. Strong first round for the Russian. 10-9 Evloev.

Round 2 – Evloev pushes the pace early and gets caught off balance by a Barzola counter. The Russian recovers and turns his stumble into a takedown. Both men trading solid left hands. Evloev backs Barzola against the fence and double-legs him, but the Peruvian bounces back up. Barzola looking to impose his will on Evloev as he strides forward, landing strikes. Nice uppercut from Evloev. Barzola is pushing the pace and having success with his shots. Nice right hook, left jab combo from Barzola forces Evloev to back up. Once again, Evloev looks to wrestle against the cage, but Barzola stays upright this time. Eveloev is being forced to fight on his back foot and doesn’t look as comfortable. Barzola scoops up Evloev, holds him for a moment, then slams him powerfully into the mat. Barzola on top landing nasty short elbows as the klaxon sounds. Good recovery round from Barzola, who draws things level on our scorecard. 10-9 Barzola – 19-19 EVEN overall.

Round 3 – The pair touch gloves to start the final round. Evloev looking to dominate the center of the cage and push forward, throwing strikes. Nice uppercut, right cross combination from Evloev, who then follows with a takedown attempt, which is reversed superbly by Barzola. Spinning back kick lands for Evloev, but Barzola pushes forward again and connects with a solid right hand. Evloev’s strikes aren’t as accurate as earlier in the fight, and Barzola clips the Russian with a good left hand. Both men throw knees at the same time, with the Peruvians knee straying low. Referee Leon Roberts pauses the action as replays show Barzola’s shin connecting with Evloev’s cup – an accidental foul. After a short rest, the action continues with both men throwing big shots. Barzola stuffs an Evloev takedown attempt and continues to pour forward. Barzola stuffs an ankle pick. Evloev connects with a pair of uppercuts, but Barzola keeps on pushing forward, connecting with body kicks and punches. That’s a super-tough round to score, but Barzola seemed to land more and nullified Evloev’s takedowns for much of the round, so he shades it on our card. 10-9 Barzola – 29-28 Barzola overall.

Result: Movsar Evloev def. Enrique Barzola via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Photos:
Records: Enrique Barzola (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC), Movsar Evloev (12-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Leon Roberts
Judging: Mark Collett, Pawel Harosim, Howard Hughes

Rafael Fiziev vs. Alex White

Round 1 – Fiziev kicks off with a kick and stings the inside of White’s lower leg. White staying mobile on the outside as Fiziev looks to close the distance. The Kazhakh connects with two big hooks and a body kick. White circles away, but is clipped HARD by a two-punch combination from Fiziev. White staggers backward, but takes the shots very well. Fiziev holds White against the fence, locks up the head and throws jumping knees that connect flush. Remarkably, White shakes them off and, remarkably, isn’t cut. Now it’s White’s turn to land some offense and he connects with a slick one-two combination, then a double jab. Fiziev connects with an elbow on the exit from a Muay Thai clinch and continues to stalk White around the cage. White grabs a single leg, but is countered by a guillotine from Fiziev, who connects with some nasty knees that leave White cut above his right eye. Head kick, followed by a left-right combination from Fiziev. The Tiger Muay Thai coach gives a quick glance at the damage his handiwork caused to White’s face as they separate at the end of the round. 10-9 Fiziev.

Round 2 – Fiziev starts aggressively and connects with powerful punches after backing his man against the cage. White looks for a takedown, but Fiziev defends well with his back against the cage. The pair trade knees in the clinch before they eventually separate and return to the center. Fiziev catches a kick and lands a crushing shot to the body, then gives White double thumbs-up after the end of the exchange, possibly after a shot strayed close to the belt. Stiff right hand from Fiziev finds its mark before the Kazakh athlete stuffs another White takedown attempt. Fiziev’s Matrix-style lean away from a White high kick gets appreciative gasps from the Singapore crowd. Another good round for “Ataman”. 10-9 Fiziev – 20-18 overall.

Round 3 – The pair high-five before getting the final round off and underway, and White immediately looks to push forward with strikes. White looking a little slicker with his strikes early on this round, but is taken to the mat by a surprise double-leg by Fiziev. Fiziev hangs around in White’s guard for a bit, then opts to back out and return to his feet. White starting to push the pace, and connects with a solid left hook. White is now cut over both eyes. Fiziev lands two hard leg kicks, then goes high with a third. Nice sneaky straight left from White connects on Fiziev, who is looking to push forward in the second half of the round. Double right hooks from Fiziev, who then stuffs a White takedown attempt with ease. White attempts a bodylock and is punished with a slicing elbow from Fiziev, who is back in charge again. Fiziev unleashes a war cry and pours forward with his hands down. White attempts a final takedown, but Fiziev stuffs it and finishes the fight with another roar. Much closer round, but Fiziev takes it on our card. 10-9 Fiziev – 30-27 Fiziev overall.

Result: Rafael Fiziev def. Alex White via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos:
Records: Rafael Fiziev (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Alex White (13-6 MMA, 4-6 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kevin Sataki
Judging: Barry Foley, Pawel Harasim, Takeo Kobayashi

Randa Markos vs. Ashley Yoder

Round 1 – They move straight to the outside and trade kicks before Markos closes the distance and initiates the clinch. Yoder hip-tosses Markos to the mat and lands on top. Yoder lands some ground strikes on Markos, who then attempts to move her legs around and lock up a reverse triangle from the bottom. Yoder moves her head to safety and remains on top. Yoder lands body shots, then looks for an armbar, but there’s no room to complete the hold. Markos escapes the bottom and eventually they return to their feet and throw heavy leather as the round comes to a close. Yoder dominated on the mat for a clear 10-9 round.

Round 2 – Markos opens up throwing strikes, but Yoder closes the distance and clinches up against the cage. Both women fighting for supremacy in the clinch and eventually they separate. Markos throwing big punches, with two big rights rocking back Yoder’s head. Markos comes marauding forward throwing straight punches and Yoder counters by taking “Quiet Storm” to the mat and landing on top once again. Yoder in half-guard, but still managing to connect with some solid elbows. Upkick from Markos catches Yoder as Randa moves on top of the dazed Californian. Yoder trying to score with some strikes from her back, but Markos landing some solid ground and pound to finish the round. They high-five before returning to their corners after a very competitive round. Markos’ striking edged that stanza and we have the fight all even. Markos 10-9 – 19-19 EVEN overall.

Round 3 – Yoder opens up looking to land straight punches, but they look more labored now. Markos’s shots appear to have more pep in them, and she connects with a solid straight right. Markos strikes her way into the clinch, but they quickly separate. Nice uppercut from Yoder briefly stops Markos’ forward pressure, but she soon comes back with a three-punch combination, with each strike finding their mark. Yoder gets a takedown and immediately takes Markos’ back. “The Spider Monkey” has both books in and is looking for a rear-naked choke. Markos fights the hands and Yoder switches position, looking for an arm-triangle choke. Markos scrambles back to her feet and connects with a solid uppercut on the break. Markos pushes forward and lands a host of shots, including a solid left hand that snaps back Yoder’s head. They pair stand toe toe toe and throw hands in a final flurry as the klaxon sounds. Markos’ striking over the course of the round outweighed Yoder’s superior grappling, so we give her the 10-9 to score the fight 29-28 to Markos overall.

Result: Randa Markos def. Ashley Yoder via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos:
Records: Randa Markos (10-7-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC), Ashley Yoder (7-5 MMA, 2-4 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Daniel Movahedi
Judging: Mark Collett, Evan Field, Howard Hughes

Muslim Salikhov vs. Laureano Staropoli

Round 1 – Salikhov opens with a right hand but Staropoli evades and counters with a spinning back fist which narrowly misses. A spectacular spinning heel kick glances Staropoli as huge gasps fill the arena. Body kick from Salikhov. Staropoli throws a two-punch combination but is instantly countered. Big high kick from Salikhov. Overhand right, followed by spinning back kick from the Russian. Staropoli struggling to get into striking range as most of his punches fall short. A left high kick, however, doesn’t. Spinning elbow attempt from Staropoli, but Salikhov ducks under it. Lightning-fast spinning heel kick from Salikhov brushes the top of a ducking Staropoli. Another spinning kick, this time to the body, from Salikhov puts the cap on a solid opening round. Salikhov 10-9.

Round 2 – Huge spinning kick from Salkhov is blocked by Staropoli in the opening seconds as the Russian makes a spectacular start to the round. A solid question mark kick from Staropoli shows he has some tricks in his bag, too. Salikhov catches a kick and throws Staropoli to the mat, but the action returns to the feet straight away. Staropoli looking much more comfortable in this round and attempts a spinning kick, which Salikhov easily evades. Salikhov catches another kick and decks Staropoli with a stiff right hand. The Russian follows up with two powerful body kicks, then a big uppercut that clearly hurts the Argentinian. Salikhov moves in for the finish and unloads a barrage of strikes, but Staropoli covers up well and survives the onslaught. Big Salikhov right hand connects as Staropoli looks to change levels for a takedown. Big round for the Russian, but not quite enough to earn a 10-8. 10-9 Salikhov – 20-18 Salikhov overall.

Round 3 – Staropoli comes out of his corner with a swollen right eye and a chip on his shoulder as he surges towards Salikhov and connects with a big left hook. Overhand right from Staropoli lands, but Salikhov counters immediately with a short left hook. Salikhov dominating the center of the octagon and looking to counter. The Russian lands a super-fast right hand the connects with a head kick that Staropoli takes well. Spinning backfist from Staropoli lands flush in the face of Salikhov. Two big left hooks to the body from Staropoli are answered by a big body kick by Salikhov. Switch kick to the body lands for Staropoli, but Salikhov is unconcerned with it. Big left hook lands clean on the side of Salikhov’s head, while a spinning heel kick narrowly misses. Staropoli pushes the pace all the way to the final buzzer to take the final round, but it’s not enough to win the fight on our card. 10-9 Staropoli – 29-28 Salikhov overall.

Result: Muslim Salikhov def. Laureano Staropoli via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Muslim Salikhov (16-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Laureano Staropoli (9-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan
Judging: Evan Field, Howard Hughes, Takeo Kobayashi

Ciryl Gane vs. Don’Tale Mayes

Round 1 – Two huge, powerful heavyweights set for action here. Mayes rangefinding with a couple of leg kicks, while Gane misses with an overhand right. Big high kick from Gane, but Mayes responds with some big hooks. Big body kick from Gane and a solid left jab, which grazes the chin of the American. Mayes attempts to counter with a big right hand, but his punches don’t seem to have the same snap as Gane’s. Gane pushes Mayes back and throws some big shots. HUGE body kick from Gane echoes around the arena and a front push kick lands flush in Mayes’ face. Another body kick from Gane connects hard as the Frenchman starts to relax into his rhythm. Gane throws a lovely uppercut, right cross combination and later connects with another body kick . Big left hand hurts Mayes’ right eye as the American covers up against the fence. Gane moves in, lands a spectacular flying knee that drops Mayes, then proceeds to batter his man with strikes until the klaxon sounds. Somehow Mayes survives the round, but it’s a clear 10-8 for Gane.

Round 2 – Gane ducks under a big Mayes right hook at the start of the round, then sets to work again. A Gane kick lands in the cup, forcing a quick injury time-out. Hilariously Gane claims there wasn’t any power in the kick. Yeah, right. The action restarts and Mayes lands a big body shot, but he can’t stop Gane from moving forward. A lovely Gane front kick to the knee chops Mayes’ right leg out from underneath him, and another body kick lands, drawing yet more gasps from the Singapore crowd. Mayes tries to close the distance and land an overhand left, but Game easly evades it. Left hook from Gane clips Mayes and a big uppercut narrowly misses as the Frenchman looks to load up on the inside. Gane then switches things up, as he ducks under a winging Mayes right hand and takes his man to the canvas. Gane passes to North-South, the transitions to the back, but Mayes does well to get back to his feet. Gane finally drags Mayes back to the mat as the buzzer sounds. Another clear round to Gane. 10-9 Gane – 20-17 overall.

Round 3 – Incredibly, we’re into the third and final round. Mayes’ punches are labored and slow at this point, while Gane’s strikes still carry plenty of snap. Front kick to the body cleary hurt Mayes. Gane moves in looking to follow a double jab with a big right, but smothered his own work a little. Mayes fires back with a two-punch combination, but Gane looks unconcerned. Gane lands a solid leg kick, then connects with a stiff uppercut that Mayes takes well. Mayes throws a spinning backfist and is countered with a short, sharp right hand by Gane. Gane is picking his shots and isn’t missing too many at this point. A big body kick from Gane finally folds up Mayes, who ships powerful knees to the body, then the head. The Frenchman then takes his man down to the mat and, rather than going for some late ground and pound, leans back and applies a heel hook that forces the tap with just seconds left on the clock. Incredible stuff.

Result: Ciryl Gane def. Don’Tale Mayes via submission (heel hook) – Round 3, 4:46
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Ciryl Gane (5-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Don’Tale Mayes (7-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Frank Camacho vs. Beneil Dariush

Round 1 – Camacho comes out pushing the pace, as he loves to do, but Dariush lands the first meaningful strikes of the round, with a couple of leg kicks and a solid Superman punch. Dariush’s striking looks sharp early on and he clips Camacho on the break with a lovely left hook, then lands a body kick. Dariush changes levels, takes Camacho to the mat, takes his back, locks up a body triangle and applies a rear-naked choke. Camacho is trying to fight the hands, but he has no chance. Dariush’s squeeze is just too much and he finishes his man clinically and cleanly with a tight rear-naked choke to claim a hugely impressive first-round submission finish. That’s three wins in a row for Dariush, who is back in form after a tricky three-fight winless run in 2017 and 2018.

Result: Beneil Dariush def. Frank Camacho via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:02
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Frank Camacho (22-8 MMA, 2-4 UFC), Beneil Dariush (17-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kevin Sataki

Michael Johnson vs. Stevie Ray

Round 1 – Ray opens up with a leg kick while Johnson looked to establish his boxing. Ray shoots in for an early takedown, but a spectacular sprawl by Johnson denies him. Ray clearly investing in the later rounds by landing big leg kicks early on. Ray finds a home for his hands, too, with a straight left and a big right hook finding their mark. Johnson staying on the outside and moving in to throw single shots, but Ray is controlling the range well. Lovely two-punch combination moves Johnson’s head one way, then the other as Ray connects clean. Johnson flashing out a double jab and following up with a straight left as he works his fast hands. Johnson lands a decent low kick to Ray’s right calf. Big left from Ray is instantly countered by a two-punch combination from Johnson. Both men landing shots late on, with Ray landing cleanly with single shots and Johnson moving in and out with two-punch combinations. Very close opening round, but Ray’s faster start and success with his leg kicks, as well as his punches, may just have shaded it. 10-9 Ray.

Round 2 – Johnson comes out looking slicker and faster on the feet in Round 2. The American works the double jab well and follows up with straight lefts. Big overhand left counter from Ray finds its mark. Nice combination from Ray sees two punches followed by a slashing leg kick. Johnson counters a low kick with a superb straight left. He’s getting Ray’s timing when he kicks now. Ray steps in with two punches and is punished on the exit by a big right hand. Ray stepping up to the pocket and landing big single shots, but Johnson is replying with two-punch replies. Ray looks up to check the clock, his face bloodied up by Johnson’s fast hands. Big two-punch combo from Johnson lands clean and a spectacular spinning back kick connects just under Ray’s chin. Undoubtedly Michael Johnson’s round after some superb counter-striking as he draws level on our (very unofficial) scorecard. 10-9 Johnson – 19-19 EVEN overall.

Round 3 – Johnson starts the round with a glove touch and says “Let’s go!” He’s clearly up for a big third round, and he looks fluid and loose as he unloads more rapid-fire strikes into Ray’s face. Ray continues to move forward and throw big shots, but Johnson isn’t letting him get a free shot as he clips him on the way out with slick two-punch counters. Johnson dancing around the outside and making Ray chase. But Ray shoots in and gets the takedown. Johnson is trapped against the face, with Ray unloading big punches to the grounded American. Johnson tries to improve his position and Ray takes his back, rolls toward the fence and works for a rear-naked choke. Johnson fights the hands as Gilbert Burns hollers instructions at his Hard Knocks 365 teammate from across the cage. But Ray keeps the pressure on, postures up and unloads more ground strikes on Johnson, who takes a lot of punishment before eventually switching position. Ray stays on top and lands heavy ground strikes all the way to the final klaxon. A clear 10-8 round to Ray, and it will all depend on how that super-close first round is scored. We have it 29-27 to Ray.

Result: Stevie Ray def. Michael Johnson via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Michael Johnson (19-14 MMA, 11-10 UFC), Stevie Ray (22-9 MMA, 6-4 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Leon Roberts
Judging: Evan Field, Barry Foley, Pawel Harasim

Demian Maia vs. Ben Askren

Round 1 – Maia comes out striking and connects with a straight left hand. Askren looking to close the distance with a leg kick and punches, but Maia stays away from a possible takedown attempt. Fight still standing, with Maia happy to work his strikes as Askren moves in looking to clinch and take the fight to the mat. Brief clash of heads as Askren rushes in, but both men seem to be OK. Askren throws an uppercut and attempts to lock up a front choke but Maia backs out of it. Straight right lands for Askren, but once again Maia is dominating the clinch and disengages when he sees fit. Maia connects with strikes and Askren briefly looks on unsteady legs. Uppercuts on the inside from Askren. Askren continuing to push forward but walks into a big body kick from Maia. Askren gets the takedown and lands in Maia’s guard. Maia threatens with a heel hook, but Askren smartly moves out of danger. Very close round, but Askren just about shaded it on our card. 10-9 Askren.

Round 2 – Body kick from Askren opens up Round 2 as Maia looks to work behind his punches once again. He’s finding a home for his straight lefts on a regular basis, with Askren offering little in the way of head movement. Both men throw at the same time and Askren lands cleaner with a big uppercut. Maia denies Askren in the clinch and clips him with strikes on the break. Four successive jabs land on Maia’s face as Askren starts to push the pace on the Brazilian. Maia’s strikes from boxing range look much sharper and cleaner, but just as the Brazilian completes a nice combination Askren takes him down. Maia threatens with an armbar, stands up with an omaplata and finishes on top of Askren as he uses his elite-level BJJ to turn the tables. Maia looks to take Askren’s back, then grabs a Kimura, but at every turn Askren manages to counter and evade a potential submission. The crowd cheer in appreciation for the grappling scrambles as the klaxon sounds to end the round. We give that round to Maia 10-9 to level things up at 19-19 through two rounds.

Round 3 – Askren gets exactly what he wanted at the start of Round 3 as he locks his hands together around Maia and tosses him to the mat. But, once again, Maia has all the answers on the mat as he works his way back to the feet. A spinning backfist from Askren misses its target and both men are beginning to show signs of fatigue now. Maia lands with some stiff right jabs, and lands a knee to the midsection as they break again. The fight goes to the mat again via an Askren single-leg, and Maia brilliantly reverses position using a heel hook, takes Askren’s back, locks up the rear-naked choke and puts on the squeeze. Askren does his best to withstand the pressure, but is eventually choked out by the BJJ ace. The battle of the UFC’s top welterweight grapplers goes to Maia via third-round submission.

Result: Demian Maia def. Ben Askren via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:54
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Demian Maia (28-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC), Ben Askren (19-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Rankings: Askren No. 6, Maia No. 13
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean