UFC on ESPN 22 results: Andrei Arlovski bests Chase Sherman for 20th UFC win

Andre Arlovski, at 42, is still claiming wins in the octagon.

[autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag] is not slowing down.

The former UFC heavyweight champion is still picking up victories even 22 years after his professional MMA debut. The 42-year-old Arlovski (31-20 MMA, 20-14 UFC) out-pointed [autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag] for a unanimous decision that read 29-28 across all three judges’ scorecards.

The heavyweight clash served as the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 22 event in Las Vegas. Jeremy Stephens vs. Drakkar Klose was originally scheduled as the co-main event of the card, but a same day cancellation promoted Arlovski vs. Sherman (15-7 MMA, 3-6 UFC) to the co-headlining act.

In the first round, both fighters started hot as they exchanged hard strikes that connected well. Sherman mainly walked down Arlovski, but both had similar levels of output. The fight was even until there was a minute remaining in the round. Sherman connected hard and wobbled Arlovski. He followed up with more punches further hurting the former champ, but not enough to put him away. Arlovski did a good job surviving and staying in the fight until the bell rang.

The second round was close, but Arlovski seemed to get the better of the exchanges. Both fighter landed plenty of shots, but Arlovski focused a lot more on leg kicks and battered Sherman badly throughout the round. There was significant redness and swelling on Sherman’s left leg.

Starting the final round, Sherman’s mobility was compromised. “The Vanilla Gorilla” was moving slow and chasing after Arlovski a lot less. Arlovski was able to bounce around Sherman, landing varied attacks to the body, head and legs. Arlovski connected well and often but wasn’t bale to put away Sherman, who also had some good moments.

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With this result, Arlovski picks up his 20th win in the UFC. He moves into tie for fourth on the all-time UFC wins list, tying Michael Bisping, Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre.

The American Top Team product is 3-1 in his past four trips to the octagon. He made his UFC debut in November 2000 and he was champion of the promotion back in 2006.

Meanwhile, Sherman saw a four-fight wining streak come to an end. He’s 1-1 since re-joining the UFC in 2020.

Below are the updated results for UFC on ESPN 22:

  • Andrei Arlovski def. Chase Sherman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  •  Jacob Malkoun def. Abdul Razak Alhassan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Tracy Cortez def. Justine Kish via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Tracy Cortez def. Justine Kish via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Alexandr Romanov def. Juan Espino via technical split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) – Round 3, 1:05
  • Jessica Penne def. Loopy Godinez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Gerald Meerschaert def. Bartosz Fabinski via technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:00
  • Austin Hubbard def. Dakota Bush via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Tony Gravely def. Anthony Birchak via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:31

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UFC on ESPN 22: Andrei Arlovski vs. Chase Sherman odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 22 fight between Andrei Arlovski and Chase Sherman, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Andrei Arlovski and Chase Sherman meet at UFC on ESPN 22 – also known as UFC Vegas 24 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, and the main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN 22 Arlovski vs. Sherman odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

UFC on ESPN 22 Arlovski vs. Sherman Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:29 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Arlovski -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Sherman +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -155 | Under +130)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -125 | No +105)

Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM Sportsbook. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

UFC on ESPN 22 Arlovski vs. Sherman: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Arlovski 30-20 | Sherman 15-6

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

The veteran ARLOVSKI (-115) is a warrior. The 42-year-old Belarusian is coming off a submission loss against Tom Aspinall last time out on Feb. 20.

Prior to that, he had a pair of unanimous-decision victories against Tanner Boser and Philipe Lins. He is a little long in the tooth, but he remains in tremendous shape, and can easily handle fighters much younger than himself.

Sherman (-105) returned to UFC with a second-round KO/TKO of Ike Villanueva last time out on May 13, 2020, but Arlovski represents a huge step up in competition.

He is 1-3 across his past four UFC fights, and just 3-5 since making his UFC debut on Aug. 6, 2016.

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Over/Under (O/U)

Four of Arlovski’s last six fights have ended up going the distance, while three of Sherman’s past four UFC fights, and each of his past five professional bouts, have resulted in stoppages.

ARLOVSKI BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (+290) is worth a roll of the dice for a chance to nearly triple up, although go lightly.

In addition, playing ARLOVSKI IN ROUND 1 (+650), ARLOVSKI IN ROUND 2 (+1000) and ARLOVSKI IN ROUND 3 (+1500) is worth a bet.

Yes, you will lose two of the rounds, even if he gets the finish, but you’ll still be well ahead, especially if it goes deeper than the first round.

In addition, I like NO (+105): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?, and UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (+130) is a pretty good value, too.

To watch the early prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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With Parker Porter out, Andrei Arlovski steps in to face Chase Sherman at UFC on ESPN 22

After losing his initial opponent, Chase Sherman has drawn a big opportunity in former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.

After losing his initial opponent, [autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag] has drawn an even bigger opportunity.

[autotag]Parker Porter[/autotag] has been forced out of UFC on ESPN 22 for undisclosed reasons, and [autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag] will step in on short notice to face Sherman on April 17.

Both fighters confirmed the booking on social media Wednesday following an initial report from Fight Bananas.

Former heavyweight champion Arlovski (30-20 MMA, 19-14 UFC) is still trucking at the age of 42 but will be looking to respond from a recent setback. After scoring back-to-back unanimous decision wins over Philipe Lins and Tanner Boser, Arlovski was submitted by Tom Aspinall at UFC Fight Night 185 in February.

Since rejoining the UFC roster in May, Sherman (15-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC) picked up a second-round TKO over Ike Villanueva at UFC Fight Night 171, for his fourth straight stoppage win.

With the change, the UFC on ESPN 22 lineup now includes:

  • Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum
  • Bartosz Fabinski vs. Gerald Meerschaert
  • Andrei Arlovski vs. Chase Sherman
  • Tracy Cortez vs. Justine Kish
  • Anthony Birchak vs. Tony Gravely
  • Austin Hubbard vs. Natan Levy
  • Drakkar Klose vs. Jeremy Stephens
  • Bill Algeo vs. Ricardo Ramos
  • Lupita Godinez vs. Jessica Penne
  • Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Jacob Malkoun
  • Zarah Fairn vs. Josiane Nunes
  • Juan Espino vs. Alexandr Romanov

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Chase Sherman vs. Parker Porter added to UFC Fight Night on April 17

A heavyweight matchup between Chase Sherman and Parker Porter is the latest addition to UFC Fight Night on April 17.

A heavyweight matchup is the latest addition to a UFC Fight Night event on April 17.

[autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC) will face [autotag]Parker Porter[/autotag] (11-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in an event which doesn’t yet have a publicly announced location or venue.

A person with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous, as the promotion has not yet made an official announcement. MMA Fighting was first to report the news.

Winner of his past four in a row, Sherman rejoined the UFC roster in May, picking up a second-round stoppage of Ike Villanueva. All but one of his 15 pro wins have come via finish.

After dropping his promotional debut to Chris Daukaus at UFC 252 in August, Porter rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Contender Series graduate Josh Parisian in November. The 35-year-old has won three of his past four.

With the addition, the April 17 UFC Fight Night lineup includes:

  • Paulo Costa vs. Robert Whittaker
  • Bartosz Fabinski vs. Gerald Meerschaert
  • Parker Porter vs. Chase Sherman

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UFC in 2020: A ridiculously robust look at the stats, streaks, skids, and records

Check out a full recap of 2020’s most significant footnotes and milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

Now that the year has come to a close, and with a major assist from UFC research analyst and live statistics producers Michael Carroll, here are some of 2020’s most significant milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

Callout Collection: Who UFC on ESPN 8 winners want next – and how likely they’ll get them

Claudia Gadelha and Dan Ige were among those who name-dropped their preferred next opponents at UFC on ESPN 8 in Jacksonville.

Earning wins in the UFC is certainly no easy task, but what comes next is often even more important: the post-fight callout.

So after Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 8 event in Jacksonville, Fla., who took advantage of their time on the mic? See below for this week’s Callout Collection – and just how realistic each one is.

* * * * *

Let’s take a look at the main card …

Rodrigo Nascimento

Wants to fight: [autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag]

The callout: “Yeah, there is a name I’d like: Chase Sherman. I saw him fight. He won; I won. Why don’t we do that fight?”

The reality: [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag] produced an impressive performance in his octagon debut to defeat Don’Tale Mayes, then issued a perfectly pitched callout against a fellow fighter looking to move his way up the heavyweight division.

Chase Sherman made a victorious return to the UFC as he kicked off his second stint with the promotion with a solid win over Ike Villanueva at UFC on ESPN+ 29 earlier in the week, and Nascimento reckons the pair should meet next.

It’s a callout that makes perfect sense. Both men are on the same timeline, both are coming off wins, and both appear to have some promise as rising heavyweight prospects. One of them can move their way up the ladder with a win, so why not book it?

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Next up: “The Trailblazer” fancies a drop to 170

UFC on ESPN+ 29 post-event facts: Glover Teixeira sets divisional finishes record

All the notable stats and figures to come out of UFC on ESPN+ 29, which saw Glover Teixeira beat Anthony Smith in the main event.

The middle event in the UFC’s three-card return from the coronavirus pandemic went down Wednesday with UFC on ESPN+ 29, which streamed on ESPN+ from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla.

In the main event, [autotag]Glover Teixeira[/autotag] (31-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) delivered a drubbing of [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag] (32-15 MMA, 8-5 UFC), battering him until a fifth-round TKO to take a step further up the UFC light heavyweight pecking order.

Teixeira has made quite a mark on the divisional record books over the years but had a particularly special accomplishment against Smith. For more on the numbers behind his fight and the rest of the card, check below for 45 post-event facts to come out of UFC on ESPN+ 29

* * * *

General

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The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payout for the event totaled $166,000.

Debuting fighters went 0-2 at the event.

Teixeira, [autotag]Drew Dober[/autotag], [autotag]Brian Kelleher[/autotag] and [autotag]Hunter Azure[/autotag] earned $50,000 UFC on ESPN+ 29 fight-night bonuses.

UFC on ESPN+ 29 drew an announced attendance of zero for a live gate of $0.

Betting favorites went 4-6 on the card.

Betting favorites fell to 5-5 in UFC headliners this year.

Total fight time for the 10-bout card was 2:05:23.

Main card

Glover Teixeira def. Anthony Smith

Teixeira’s four-fight UFC winning streak in light heavyweight competition is tied with Jon Jones, Ryan Spann and Magomed Ankalaev for the longest active streak in the division.

Teixeira became the second fighter in UFC history to earn a four-fight winning streak at 40 or older. Dan Henderson also accomplished the feat.

Teixeira’s 14 victories in UFC light heavyweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Jones (20) and Ryan Bader (15).

Teixeira’s 11 stoppage victories in UFC light heavyweight competition are most in divisional history.

Teixeira’s victory at 1:04 of Round 5 marked the second latest stoppage in a UFC light heavyweight bout behind Teixeira’s loss to Alexander Gustafsson (1:06 of Round 5) at UFC Fight Night 109.

Smith fell to 4-2 since he moved up to the UFC light-heavyweight division in June 2018.

Smith fell to 8-4 since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in February 2016.

Smith has suffered 13 of his 15 career losses by stoppage.

Ben Rothwell def. Anthony Smith

[autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag] (38-12 MMA, 8-6 UFC) improved to 2-2 since he returned to competition in March 2019 after a nearly three-year layoff.

Rothwell earned his first decision victory since June 12, 2010 – a span of 3,623 days (nearly 10 years) and 12 fights.

[autotag]Ovince Saint Preux[/autotag] (24-14 MMA, 12-9 UFC) was unsuccessful in his heavyweight debut.

Saint Preux fell to 2-4 in his past six fights dating back to February 2018.

Saint Preux has suffered nine of his 14 career losses by decision.

Dober (23-9 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has earned six of his nine UFC victories by stoppage.

[autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has suffered both of his UFC losses by knockout.

[autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) fell to 1-1 since he returned to the UFC flyweight division in February 2019. He fell to 6-4 in the weight class under the UFC banner.

Borg has suffered four of his five career losses by decision.

Andrei Arlovski def. Philipe Lins

[autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag] (29-19 MMA, 18-13 UFC) improved to 8-9 (with one no contest) since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in June 2014.

Arlovski’s 18 victories in UFC heavyweight competition are most in divisional history.

Arlovski’s total fight time of 4:48:42 in UFC heavyweight competition is the most in divisional history.

[autotag]Philipe Lins[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) suffered the first decision loss of his career.

[autotag]Thiago Moises[/autotag] (13-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) has earned nine of his 13 career victories by stoppage.

[autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag] (19-16 MMA, 11-12 UFC) fell to 0-2 since he returned to the lightweight division in October 2019. He hasn’t earned a victory in the weight class since September 2016.

Johnson fell to 3-8 in his past 11 fights dating back to August 2015.

Johnson suffered the ninth submission loss of his career. He’s been tapped out in all but one of his career stoppage losses.

Preliminary card

Sijara Eubanks def. Sarah Moras

[autotag]Sijara Eubanks[/autotag] (5-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC) improved to 1-2 since she moved up to the UFC women’s bantamweight division in May 2019.

Eubanks has earned all three of her UFC victories by decision.

[autotag]Sarah Moras[/autotag] (6-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC) fell to 2-5 in her past seven fights dating back to July 2015.

Moras has suffered five of her six career losses by decision.

[autotag]Omar Morales[/autotag] (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has earned both of his UFC victories by decision.

Kelleher (21-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) has earned 17 of his 21 career victories by stoppage.

Azure (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) had his eight-fight winning streak snapped for the first defeat of his career.

[autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag] (14-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC) was successful in his return to the UFC for a second stint. He earned his first victory with the promotion since July 2017.

Sherman has earned 13 of his 14 career victories by stoppage.

Sherman’s two knockout victories stemming from standing elbows in UFC competition are tied with Travis Browne and Alan Jouban for most in company history.

[autotag]Ike Villanueva[/autotag] (16-10 MMA, 0-1 UFC) has suffered nine of his 10 career losses by stoppage.

Villanueva suffered his first knockout loss since Sept. 16, 2011 – a span of 3,162 days (nearly nine years) and 14 fights.

UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.

UFC on ESPN+ 29 medical suspensions: Glover Teixeira could be out 6 months

Glover Teixeira and Anthony Smith are facing months-long medical suspensions as a result of their UFC on ESPN+ 29 headlining clash.

[autotag]Glover Teixeira[/autotag] and [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag] are facing months-long medical suspensions as a result of their UFC on ESPN+ 29 headlining clash.

Teixeira (31-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC), who defeated Smith by fifth-round TKO, will not fight for 180 days unless he’s cleared by a physician. He will be mandated to serve 45 days of that suspension regardless of doctor’s clearance.

The Florida State Boxing Commission, which oversaw the event, has suspended Smith (33-15 MMA, 8-5 UFC) a minimum of 60 days. MMA Junkie obtained a list of the UFC 249 athletes’ medical suspensions from the Florida Boxing Commission on Thursday.

Other fighters facing potential 180-day layoffs include [autotag]Ovince Saint Preux[/autotag], [autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag], [autotag]Ricky Simon[/autotag], [autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag], [autotag]Omar Morales[/autotag] and [autotag]Gabriel Benitez[/autotag].

UFC on ESPN+ 29 took place Wednesday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The complete list of UFC on ESPN+ 29 medical suspensions included:

  • Glover Teixeira: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 45 days.
  • Anthony Smith: Suspended minimum 60 days; additional suspension to be determined pending test results.
  • Ovince Saint Preux: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 30 days.
  • [autotag]Drew Dober[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days.
  • Alexander Hernandez: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 60 days.
  • Ricky Simon: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 30 days.
  • [autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days.
  • [autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days.
  • [autotag]Philipe Lins[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days.
  • Michael Johnson: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 30 days.
  • [autotag]Sarah Moras[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days.
  • Omar Morales: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 45 days.
  • Gabriel Benitez: Suspended 180 days unless cleared by physician; minimum suspension 45 days.
  • [autotag]Brian Kelleher[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days.
  • [autotag]Hunter Azure[/autotag]: Suspended 60 days.
  • [autotag]Ike Villanueva[/autotag]: Suspended 45 days.

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UFC on ESPN+ 29 salaries: Andrei Arlovski pockets biggest disclosed payday

Five fighters made north of six figures Wednesday at UFC on ESPN+ 29, not including several who earned post-fight bonuses.

Veteran fighters [autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag], [autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag] and [autotag]Glover Teixeira[/autotag] walked away from UFC on ESPN+ 29 having pocketed a solid chunk of change Wednesday.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Arlovski (29-9 MMA, 18-13 UFC) led all fighters with a disclosed payout of $325,000 for his win over [autotag]Philipe Lins[/autotag]. As a result of his split decision win over [autotag]Ovince Saint Preux[/autotag], Rothwell (38-12 MMA, 8-6 UFC) earned $260,000. For his fifth-round TKO win over [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag], Teixeira (31-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) earned $230,000.

Two other victorious fighters also took home six-figure disclosed paydays: including the aforementioned Smith, as well as UFC lightweight [autotag]Drew Dober[/autotag].

The disclosed UFC on ESPN+ 29 salaries from the Florida State Boxing Commission, which oversaw the event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., first were reported by MMA Fighting.

The full list of UFC on ESPN+ 29 salaries included:

  • Glover Teixeira: $230,000
    def. Anthony Smith: $130,000
  • Ben Rothwell: $260,000
    def. Ovince Saint Preux: $95,000
  • Drew Dober: $116,000
    def. [autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag]: $36,000
  • [autotag]Ricky Simon[/autotag]: $60,000
    def. [autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag]: $46,000
  • Andrei Arlovski: $325,000
    def. Philipe Lins: $80,000
  • [autotag]Thiago Moises[/autotag]: $24,000
    def. [autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag]: $83,000
  • [autotag]Sijara Eubanks[/autotag]: $66,000
    def. [autotag]Sarah Moras[/autotag]: $23,000
  • [autotag]Omar Morales[/autotag]: $24,000
    def. [autotag]Gabriel Benitez[/autotag]: $40,000
  • [autotag]Brian Kelleher[/autotag]: $60,000
    def. [autotag]Hunter Azure[/autotag]: $12,000
  • [autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag]: $28,000
    def. [autotag]Ike Villanueva[/autotag]: $12,000

The figures do not include deductions for items such as insurance, licenses and taxes. Additionally, the figures do not include money paid by sponsors, including the official UFC on ESPN+ 29 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay. They also do not include any other “locker room” or special discretionary bonuses the UFC sometimes pays. They also do not include pay-per-view cuts that some top-level fighters receive.

For example, UFC officials handed out additional $50,000 UFC 249 fight-night bonuses to Teixeira and Dober for “Performance of the Night,” and Azure and Kelleher for “Fight of the Night.”

In other words, the above figures are simply base salaries reported to the commission and do not reflect entire compensation packages for the event.

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Chase Sherman done being a ‘company man’ after big win in UFC return

Take a look inside Chase Sherman’s TKO of Ike Villanueva at UFC on ESPN+ 29 in Jacksonville, Fla.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – [autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag] beat Ike Villanueva with a second-round TKO Wednesday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 29 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Take a look inside the fight with Sherman, who returned to the UFC after three straight first-round knockouts outside the promotion.

Result: Chase Sherman def. Ike Villanueva via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:49
Updated records: Sherman (15-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Villanueva (16-10 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Sherman outstruck Villanueva 51-16 and spoiled his promotional debut.

Sherman on the fight’s key moment

“The first round was a little bit rusty – I got hit more than I’d like to. But I went out there, made the adjustments and got the win.”

Sherman on making improvements

“I’m very happy. (It’s) just another go at it, and more mature. I’ve grown as a fighter and grown as a man, and now it’s time to properly take the steps that I need.”

Sherman on what he wants next

“I’m not taking any more short-notice fights. I know I took this one, but that was just to get (back in the UFC). But I mean it this time. No more (expletive) short-notice fights. I’m going to buckle down and train like I need to. I’m going to get the opponents – I’m not going to worry about being a company man. I’m going to take care of myself.”

To hear more from Sherman, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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