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UFC 264 play-by-play and live results

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC 264 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).

UFC 264 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

In the lightweight main event, Dustin Poirier (27-6 MMA, 19-5 UFC) takes on former lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) in a trilogy rubber match. Each fighter has a win over the other by knockout. In the co-feature, Gilbert Burns (19-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) meets Stephen Thompson (16-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) at welterweight.

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET for the early prelims on ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN, and 10 p.m. ET for the main card on pay-per-view.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 264 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) and Ken Hathaway (@kenshathaway) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

Place legal, online bets on today’s fights in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV at BetMGM Sportsbook. New customer offer: Risk-free first bet. Bet now! Please gamble responsibly.

Jerome Rivera vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov

Round 1 – Rivera opens with a front kick, then chops the leg shortly after. Zhumagulov happy to engage with punches, but Rivera is answering and sticking with the kicks, as well. The longer Rivera is trying to keep range and use straight punches, but Zhumagulov is picking his spots to rush forward and flurry. Against the cage, and both throw. Rivera’s legs buckle, and Zhumagulov adjusts quickly as his opponent changes levels. He grabs the neck just as Rivera tries to stand. Guillotine choke is in. Rivera twisting and trying to slip free, but he’s trapped and has to tap. Quick win for Zhumagulov.

BetMGM Odds: Zhumagulov -350, Rivera +260
Result: Zhalgas Zhumagulov def. Jerome Rivera via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:02
Recap: UFC 264 video: Zhalgas Zhumagulov taps Jerome Rivera with nasty guillotine choke
Photos: Zhalgas Zhumagulov def. Jerome Rivera at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Jerome Rivera (10-6 MMA, 0-4 UFC), Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Omari Akhmedov vs. Brad Tavares

Round 1 – They meet in the center and are patient to start. Tavares leaps with a jab, and Akhmedov swings a big counter right. Tavares the one starting the action early, but Akhmedov is ready to counter with powerful shots each time. Tavares throws a low kick, but Tavares counters over the top. Tavares scores with a right hand. It’s a very moderate pace, but Tavares is staying technical. Akhmedov drops levels and drives through, wrapping the legs and scoring the takedown. Tavares stands right back to his feet. He battles against he fence and is able to break free. Akhmedov tags him on the restart with a left, and Tavares stumbles to the cage and to his butt. He stands back up quickly, but Akhmedov wraps him up and holds the bodylock. Knees drive in, and one lands low, so we take a break. Warning for Akhmedov, and he apologizes. Tavares turns up the heat on the restart, firing a flurry of punches. Akhmedov answers again. Tavares high kick just misses over the top. Tavares with a few more punches before the bell. Fun end to the round, and MMA Junkie leans toward Akhmedov, 10-9.

Round 2 – Damage under Tavares’s right eye, but he comes out swinging. Akhmedov swings back with powerful strikes before changing levels and scoring a takedown. Tavares again quickly back to his fee and battles his way off the fence. Back in the center, and Tavares starts working the jab. Tavares lans with a low kick and another right after. Tavares continues to attacks the leg but is wary of Tavares’s counters. Tavares quicker, but Akhmedov very powerful. Akhmedov catches a kick and gets Tavares off-balance, igniting a flurry. Tavares slips back to the center and returns to the jab. Low kick lands, but Tavares scores with a right hand. Tavares in tight and lands a knee before backing away for a low kick. One minute left. Akhmedov drops down for a takedown, but it’s not there. Tavares patient in the center, controlling the pace and popping the jab at the bell. MMA Junkie gives the second to Tavares, 10-9.

Round 3 – Tavares out quickly. He certainly seems to be the fresher man. He lands a low kick, and it trips Akhmedov to the canvas. Tavares kicks the left leg again as Akhmedov jumps back to his feet. They reset, and Tavares working the jab and tagging the lead leg. Akhmedov misses a huge right over the top. Tavares moving well and staying technical. He’s popping the jab and doing well to avoid the counters. Tavares’s big right hand is still dangerous. He’s tiring through. Akhmedov shoots and gets stuffed, and he sits down briefly. Tavares thinks low kick but pulls it back and moves away. Akhmedov stands. Tavares jab pops out his mouthpiece. We take a break to put it back in. One minute left. Akhmedov trying to turn up the heat, but Tavares is there to counter. Tavares lands a flurry. Akhmedov is hurt. Nose busted up. Tavares trying to finish. Crowd comes alive as he pours it on at the end. Bell sounds, and MMA Junkie gives the final round to Tavares, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Tavares -165, Akhmedov +140
Result: Brad Tavares def. Omari Akhmedov via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC 264: Best photos from Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor 3 in Las Vegas
Records: Omari Akhmedov (21-6-1 MMA, 9-5-1 UFC), Brad Tavares (19-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ron McCarthy (28-29, giving Akhmedov rounds 1 and 2), Eric Colon (29-28, giving Tavares rounds 1 and 3), Mike Bell (29-28, giving Tavares rounds 2 and 3)

Jessica Eye vs. Jennifer Maia

Round 1 – Eye in the center and looking to press. She’s pumping the jab and looking to stay active. Maia moving laterally on the outside. She’s swinging back with wide hooks but just not quite as quick as Eye early on. Eye catches a kick and trips Maia to the floor but doesn’t follow. Maia stands, and back on the feet they settle into a similar routine. Maia does score with a flurry, and Eye smiles and resumes her attack. Eye still setting the pace with the jab, but Maia finding the mark a bit more often. Maia flashes out a high kick. Flurry against the cage, and both women landing inside. Eye slips a right hand and digs to the body. She’s working the jab to the head and the torso. Maia with a low kick, and Eye punches over the top. One minute left. Eye smiling as she shows good head movement and presses with jabs. Maia sneaks in a front kick, but Eye lands a big left. Right hand scores after. Maia tries to press inside, but Eye actually turns her to the canvas. She ends the round on top. MMA Junkie gives the first to Eye, 10-9.

Round 2 – Eye again pressing forward quickly and establishing the jab. Maia does counter with a right to the body and one up top. Maia again on the outside, shifting laterally on the outside. Maia finding a home for that right hand much more frequently. She throws a low kick and slips to the floor, but Eye not engaging there. Maia moves back to the feet. Eye still pressing forward, but Maia cracks her with a right hand. Eye starting to show some damage on the left cheek. Maia trying to fight on the front foot a little now and scores another right hand. Eye staying busy with the jab, but Maia much more successful now on the feet. One minute left. Eye cut on the forehead, and she feels it immediately. Clash of heads the culprit. She wipes away, but it starts pumping out blood shortly after. Eye’s face covered in blood. She moves inside at the bell, where the round ends. Cut looks deep. MMA Junkie gives second to Maia, 10-9.

Round 3 – Eye again walking forward with determination. Maia content to circle and counter. Both women still moving well to start. Eye with more bounce in her step, but Maia tags her with a right hand. Eye walks through it. She’s working punches to the body and head. Eye keeping her volume high. She kicks the lead leg. She seems to have a better rhythm now. Another low kick scores for Eye. She slips a right and lands a counter. Eye does press forward and lands a nice right hand, but Eye walks through it. Cut has stayed clean to now. Eye pressing and lands a nice uppercut. Right hand to the body. Maia swinging back, and finally with a little more than a minute, the cut opens up. Eye pressing and drives inside. Nothing there, so she backs away. Eye absolutely covered in blood, but it’s not in her eyes. She lands a right hand. Crisp left, as well. Fun scrap until the end. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Eye, 10-9, and awards her the fight 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Maia -200, Eye +165
Result: Jennifer Maia def. Jessica Eye via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: Jennifer Maia cracks Jessica Eye’s forehead open, musters up decision win
Photos: Jennifer Maia def. Jessica Eye at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Jessica Eye (15-10 MMA, 5-9 UFC), Jennifer Maia (19-7-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Adalaide Byrd (29-28, giving Maia rounds 1 and 2), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Maia rounds 1 and 2), Sal D’Amato (30-27)

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Trevin Giles

Round 1 – Du Plessis quick to the center and fires a high kick that’s blocked. He throws a low kick shortly after. Du Plessis with a lot of stance switching early. Giles has his hands low and his moving well to start. Du Plessis using a lot of kicks to start. Giles answers with one that is blocked. Leaping switch kick from Du Plessis as he keeps his movement high. Giles moves forward and lands a right hand. Du Plessis answers with a left that misses. Du Plessis continues to work the legs. High kick blocked. Jabs traded. Du Plessis dialing back the aggression a little bit and settling into the pace. He changes levels and is able to wrap the body and scores the takedown. Giles works quickly back to his feet and tries to grab the guillotine and drop to guard, but he slips off. Du Plessis in side control and steps over to mount. Giles turns and exposes his back. Du Plessis is too high and slips off the side.Crazy scramble for position sees both men hunting submission opportunities, but ultimately it’s Du Plessis who gets back on top and into mount. Giles scrambles, and Du Plessis grabs a top-side guillotine in the final seconds but can’t get the tap. MMA Junkie gives the first to Du Plessis, 10-9.

Round 2 – Giles a little more aggressive here top open, pumping the jab and leaping with a knee. Du Plessis tries again to change levels, but Giles slips away. Du Plessis walks forward but is caught with a left hand. Giles with another check hook shortly after. Giles finding his range. Straight lands, but Du Plessis answers with a right to the chin, and Giles drops. Massive shot there, and Du Plessis jumps on top and finishes with punches on the floor. Just when it started to go right for Giles, it went very wrong. Big finish for Du Plessis.

BetMGM Odds: Du Plessis -120, Giles +100
Result: Dricus Du Plessis def. Trevin Giles via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:41
Recap:
Photos: Dricus Du Plessis def. Trevin Giles at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Dricus Du Plessis (16-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Trevin Giles (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria

Round 1 – Hall circling on the outside with his hands low and in a wide stance. He fakes a couple of entries, but Topuria backs away and stays at range in the center. Topuria with a spinning kick that’s blocked and then an Imanari roll. Topuria stuffs it and kicks the leg. Hall back to the feet again and tries to clinch, but Topuria stuffs it. Another roll from Hall gets him to Topuria’s wrist, but he can’t keep it there. Hall gets inside and rolls again . Hall alertly pulling free. Back on the feet, Topuria lands a left hand. Hall sticks with his approach. He continues to roll to engage, but Topuria dealing with it well eight now. Crowd starting to get restless. Topuria wise to not engage on the floor, but it’s making for some rather awkward exchanges right now. Hall throws a kick to the body. He continues to stay on the outside with his hands down. Hall does land a sneaky high kick. He slips on a hook kick, and Topuria sees his chance. He drives forward with punches on the canvas. They land clean. Topuria going for it. Vicious barrage comes in, and Hall is out cold. Impressive from Topuria.

BetMGM Odds: Topuria -225, Hall +185
Result: Ilia Topuria def. Ryan Hall via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:47
Recap: Ilia Topuria hands Ryan Hall his first UFC loss in dominant KO win
Photos: Ilia Topuria def. Ryan Hall at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Ryan Hall (8-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Ilia Topuria (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Michel Pereira vs. Niko Price

Round 1 – Price takes the center, and Pereira bounces lightly on the outside. Early complaint of an eyepoke from Pereira, and we take a break. Price apologizes on the restart. Prices catches a low kick and them drives forward, looking for a takedown. Pereira defends well against the cage, staying upright and eventually turning away. Price slips on a kick that’s caught, but Pereira doesn’t want to go to the canvas. Price continues to hold the center, looking to press, but Pereira with plenty of lateral movement and stance switching to make it a tough read. Price gets inside but again can’t get the takedown, so he backs away. Pereira slips out to the center and lands a stiff left hand. He goes to the body and then back up top. Pereira finding his mark now. He catches a kick and trip Price but against doesn’t follow to the floor. Price pressing on the restart, but Pereira getting the best of the exchanges now. He looks a little quicker and a little more powerful. Price’s nose busted up a bit. They move back to the center, and. a Pereira high kick is blocked. Rolling kick from Pereira to close, and Price lands a counter shot as he scrambles back to the feet. Still, MMA Junkie sees the first for Pereira, 10-9.

Round 2 – Price pressing, but Pereira with a powerful right had counter. Pereira with a few powerful low kicks, as well. He’s turning up the heat a bit. Price with a few low kicks. Pereira pulls Price to the floor and then does a leaping flip past the guard. Incredible. He’s quickly in mount. Pereira attacks the right arm and nearly has the keylock in place. As Price pulls it free, Pereira teases the arm-triangle. Not quite there.Pereira turns to punches, and Price has to roll. Pereira wants the choke, but Price able to turn inside again. Pereira dominating at the moment, but Price refuses to sit still and slips out and to the feet. Great heart. He drops for the leg and briefly has a kneebar in place. Pereira able to spin out of it, and both move back to the feet. Pereira takes a few deep breaths. Price is walking forward now. Big punches scores as he advances. Pereira clearly tired. Price trying to dominate in the clinch. Pereira slips away in the final minute. Price staying right in front of him. They trade punches at the end. Heck of a round. MMA Junkie gives it to Pereira, 10-9.

Round 3 – Price out quickly and immediately punching and scoring. He drives the action to the cage. Pereira defends well and moves back to the center. Price pressing and cutting off the cage. Price kicks low, but Pereira counters with a right hand. Pereira low kick scores to the cup, and Price is clearly hurt as he drops to a knee. He shakes it off quickly though, and we resume. Price again very aggressive on the restart. Pereira misses with a leaping knee in front of his advancing opponent. Price the aggressor now, and Pereira is moving laterally and looking to counter. Price left hand buckles his opponent’s knees a bit. Pereira kicks the body. Price just relentless with his aggression. Pereira in survival mode but throwing back with big single shots here and there. Crowd chanting “Niko!” as he tries to drive forward. He moves to the clinch and they trade knees. About 90 seconds left, and Price continues to walks forward. Pereira changes levels, but Price counters with a kimura. He doesn’t get it, but it rolls him back to the feet. Price pouring it on late. Pereira staggers a bit here and there as he rolls and ducks and tries to make a moving target. Pereira changes levels.Price stuffs it ad punches the body. Price swinging until the very end. Pereira exhausted and trying to swing back. Heck of a fight. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Price, 10-9, but awards the fight to Pereira, 29-28. Crowd probably not going to like this result.

BetMGM Odds: Pereira -185, Price +150
Result: Michel Pereira def. Niko Price via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Michel Pereira def. Niko Price at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Michel Pereira (26-11 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Niko Price (14-5 MMA, 6-5 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Junichiro Kamijo (29-28, giving Pereira rounds 1 and 2), Adalaide Byrd (29-28, giving Pereira rounds 1 and 2), Mike Bell (29-28, giving Pereira rounds 1 and 2)

Carlos Condit vs. Max Griffin

Round 1 – Griffin out very quickly and kicks low. He’s high-pressure to start, but Condit backs away and keeps him at range. Condit kicks to the body, but Griffin blocks it and answers to the leg. They exchange punches in tight before Griffin works the legs again. Condit looks comfortable in the picket, but Griffin continues to chop at the legs, spinning his opponent around a couple of times. Condit kicks from range and tries to walk forward but eats a right hand. Condit fires a big right that misses. Condit’s right leg is very red. He walks forward and lands a kick to the body of his own. Condit walking forward, but a stiff left rocks him. Griffin sees it, and he rushes forward with a few extra punches that send Condit to the floor. Griffin hops on top with more shots, but Condit covers and rolls and gets to his feet. Condit flying knee blocked in the final minute. Griffin still working the leg. They finish on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives it to Griffin, 10-9.

Round 2 – Griffin immediately attacking the legs again. Condit a little more stationary but trying to get inside and attack. He does land a right hand over the top. Condit trying to turn up the pressure, but Griffin moving well and avoiding any big attacks. Still, he keeps walking forward, and Condit does land a couple of punches inside. His persistence is paying off. Griffin remaining technical and smart. Condit with a spinning kick that’s largely blocked. Left hand for Griffin. His volume has dropped a little. Right hand for Condit scores. Acrobatic kick doesn’t, but Griffin doesn’t follow him to the floor when he needs to stand and recover. Griffin moving well and lands a stiff jab as Condit moves forward. Condit with a big kick to the body. They trade punches and kicks until the end. Close round, but MMA Junkie leans toward Condit, 10-9.

Round 3 – Griffin out quickly with a jab. Condit with one of his own and a high kick that’s blocked. Griffin staying in his face and pressing. He flurries and lands a few as Condit tries to cover agains the cage. They’re trading in the center, though Griffin seems to be getting the best of it. Griffin los kicks buckles Condit’s leg, but he stays upright. Left for Griffin. Right scores clean. He’s gaining momentum, but Condit not going anywhere and swinging back with big shots. Two minutes left. Condit the one in the center and moving forward, but Griffin moving well and countering perfectly. Condit ducks inside and thinks takedown, but Griffin deals with it well and stays upright. Griffin punching away, and he lands again. Condit stunned. Griffin rushes forward with more strikes and then drags him to the canvas. Condit battles his way back to the feet, but he’s defending against he cage. he tries to grab the neck in the closing seconds. Not there. He rolls for an arm, but Griffin keeps it safe. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Griffin, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Griffin -190, Condit +155
Result: Max Griffin def. Carlos Condit via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: Max Griffin edges veteran Carlos Condit in a hard-fought unanimous decision
Photos: Max Griffin def. Carlos Condit at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Carlos Condit (32-14 MMA, 9-10 UFC), Max Griffin (18-8 MMA, 6-6 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ron McCarthy (29-28, giving Griffin rounds 1 and 3), Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Griffin rounds 1 and 3), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Griffin rounds 1 and 3)

Kris Moutinho vs. Sean O'Malley

Round 1 – Moutinho charges out and looks to strike, but O’Malley retreats and slips free. Front kick to the body for O’Malley. He’s got his hands low and shuffling his feet. Moutinho trying to stay right in his face. O’Malley moving well and stopping only briefly to throw quick punches. Moutinho staying aggressive. He kicks the lead leg. O’Malley with a big kick to the body. Quick hands up top. He’s landing straight punches, but Moutinho continues to walk through them. O’Malley jab is on point. Right hand scores. O’Malley hurt. O’Malley with crisp punches. Spinning kick as he wanted the viral knockout. Jab just landing at will. Right hand coming behind it. Moutinho showing a heck of a chin. His face is busted up, but he’s not quitting. Moutinho continues to walk forward and pressure. O’Malley with a jab to the body. Moutinho lands a left hand. He smiles as he walks forward and lands a low kick. Moutinho with a left hand. Moutinho is tough as nails. O’Malley just lacing together combinations. Punches landing at will. Moutinho rushes into a right hand. Another right lands. right hand drops Moutinho with seconds left. O’Malley grabs the neck as he falls, but the bell sounds. MMA Junkie gives the round to O’Malley, 10-8.

Round 2 – Moutinho aggressive but eats a spinning kick to the body. O’Malley back to the quick jab. His hands are low, and he’s just too fast for Moutinho. Another spinning kick scores to the body. He’s popping Moutinho’s head back at will with the jab. To his credit, Moutinho will not stop walking forward. He’s right in O’Malley’s face, but he’s getting cracked over and over. O’Malley with a right to the body. Two punches scores up top, and Moutinho staggers. Two big left hands for O’Malley, but Moutinho still walking forward. O’Malley too slick on the feet. He’s dodging almost everything. Still, Moutinho is relentless. Two punches land clean for O’Malley. Another behind it. He’s landing over and over, but Moutinho refuses to go away. Big right hand for O’Malley. Front kick lands to the cup, but Moutinho keeps walking forward. O’Malley continues to retreat and bob and weave and punch. Moutinho lands a left hand and knocks O’Malley’s mouthpiece out. Brief restart, but Moutinho is right in his face. Credit to the toughness. Moutinho’s face showing the wear, but there’s no quit in him. He lands a knee at the end. MMA Junkie gives it to O’Malley, 10-9.

Round 3 – Moutinho continues to press. O’Malley moving well and lands to the body. O’Malley rifles out five jabs in succession. Moutinho will not stop walking forward. O’Malley chops his leg and drives to the body. He’s switching stances and landing clean. None of it slows down the aggression. O’Malley with a big right hand. High kick partially lands. He scores at will, but Moutinho won’t stop. Big right hand for O’Malley. Moutinho is sneaking one in every now and then, and he’s chopping the legs a bit, too. He lands a right hand. Two minutes left. Moutinho is just as tough as you can be. Three punches score from O’Malley. Knee scores. More punches. Moutinho still walks forward. The man is a terminator. O’Malley is teeing off him and wants to close the show. Moutinho bloodied but point to fingers at O’Malley. The gesture is returned, and O’Malley keeps punching. O’Malley turns it up in the final minute, and he’s landing clean. Moutinho swinging back, but O’Malley teeing off, and referee Herb Dean decides to call it off. Moutinho doesn’t like it, especially so close to the end, even if the result was all but sealed.

BetMGM Odds: O’Malley -900, Moutinho +500
Result: Sean O’Malley def. Kris Moutinho via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:33
Recap: Sean O’Malley batters granite-chinned Kris Moutinho before debated stoppage
Photos: Sean O’Malley def. Kris Moutinho at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Kris Moutinho (9-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Sean O’Malley (14-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean

Irene Aldana vs. Yana Kunitskaya

Round 1 – Kunitskaya with an early low kick. She’s pushing the pace to start. Aldana pumps out the jab. Kunitskaya with an axe kick that misses but follows it by chopping the leg. She presses forward and grabs a collar ties and throws a big punch. Kunitskaya presses inside and ties things up. Aldana desperately trying to battle off the cage. Kunitskaya keeps pressing and circling. Aldana finally able to slip away. She lands clean with jab and moves. Kunitskaya’s nose busted up and bleeding. Still, she is incredible aggressive. Spinning backfist from Kunitskaya. She grabs the clinch and drives in a knee. Kunitskaya with a left hook that drops Kunitskaya. Aldana follows to the floor and wants to finish it. Kunitskaya delivering well and using he legs to create space. Aldana dives past the legs with a big right hand. Kunitskaya gets her legs inside once again. One minute left. Aldana trying to control the legs and move past them. She slips past one and into half and stars punching away. Kunitskaya trying to cover, but Aldana continues punching, and referee Jason Herzog has seen enough.

BetMGM Odds: Aldana -115, Kunitskaya -105
Result: Irene Aldana def. Yana Kunitskaya via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:35
Recap: Irene Aldana batters Yana Kunitskaya in first-round TKO stoppage
Photos: Irene Aldana def. Yana Kunitskaya at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Irene Aldana (13-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC), Yana Kunitskaya (14-6 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Jason Herzog

Greg Hardy vs. Tai Tuivasa

Round 1 – Hardy with an early jab, and Tuivasa kicks low. Hardy continues to pump out the jab, and Tuivasa remains aggressive on the legs. They’re standing in close range, as promised. Big right hand for Hardy. Tuivasa staggers. Hardy sees it and is ready to unleash. He rushes forward, but Tuivasa uncorks a big left hand. It lands clean, and Hardy hits the deck. Tuivasa follows with a few big shots on the floor, and this is over. Madness and a big finish. Shooey follows.

BetMGM Odds: Tuivasa -135, Hardy +110
Result: Tai Tuivasa def. Greg Hardy via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:07
Recap: Stunned Tai Tuivasa knocks out charging Greg Hardy, does shooey atop the cage
Photos:
Records: Greg Hardy (7-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Tai Tuivasa (13-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Mark Smith

Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson

Round 1 – Thompson with his traditional wide stance, and Burns stays at range to start. Both men with a few feints, looking to figure out the openings. Thompson starts with a low kick. Burns trying to close the distance and get tight. He shoots from range and gets deep on a single. Thompson hops to the cage and gets his stance wide while he pushes down on the head. Burns controlling the right writ now and has his right arm wrapped around the body. Burns fires a few short knees inside. Crowd restless, but Burns wants to keep the right here. Referee Marc Goddard calls for action, and Burns is able to pull Thompson off the fence and drag him to the floor. Thompson in half-guard, and Burns locks down on the left leg. Burns very heavy on top but does find some room to punch. Thompson trying to sit up and gets his back to the cage. He turns to a knee. Thompson with a few short left hands inside. Burns answers with a few right hands as he holds tight. Thompson stands, and Burns has the body wrapped and keeps the action against the fence. Thompson pulls free just at the close, and Burns stumbles as he tries to shoot again. Round ends there, and MMA Junkie gives it to Burns, 10-9.

Round 2 – Thompson with an early low kick. Burns fakes a few entries and then whiffs on a big high kick. Thompson spinning kick comes up short. Thompson high kick lands to the chest. Side ick lands to the body for Thompson. Burns trying to cut angles and get close. Thompson switching stances and avoids a big bull rush. Two minutes gone. Crowd getting restless now. Thompson high kick blocked. Thompson spinning kick lands. Burns walks forward with a big right hand that lands. Thompson moves away and lands a crisp jab. Burns kicks to the leg. Burns a little too hesitant. Thompson not fully committing either. Burns shoots, but Thompson able to pull free. One minute left. Low kick scores from Burns. He throws a right over the top. Burns inside on a takedown with 30 seconds left. He gets it to the floor. Short left hands from Burns. Thompson gets to his knees. Clapper sounds, and both men just start trading punches inside. Close round, but MMA Junkie leans toward Burns’ late work, 10-9.

Round 3 – Thompson out quickly. Fight could be even here, but Thompson can’t risk that. He’s pushing forward. Burns covers up well and blocks two strikes from Thompson. Thompson spinning kick lands, and Burns drops to a knee. He pops right back up and fires a big right hand. That hurt Burns, and he changes levels and shoots inside. Thompson there to meet it, but Burns keeps moving forward and presses him to the fence. He stays right to the body and keeps working for a big takedown, dragging Thompson to the canvas. Burns able to move pas the legs and into side control. Crowd boos the effort, but obviously this is his path to victory. Burns with a few short punches, but he’s focused on keeping Thompson on his back. Final minute. Thompson able to get his back against the cage, but his legs aren’t fully underneath him. Burns thought about the guillotine but settles back on top. Big flurry of punches to close for Burns. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Burns, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27.

BetMGM Odds: Thompson -160, Burns +135
Result: Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Gilbert Burns outwrestles Stephen Thompson in unanimous decision win
Photos: Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Gilbert Burns (20-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC), Stephen Thompson (16-5-1 MMA, 11-5-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ron McCarthy (29-28, giving Burns rounds 1 and 3), Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Burns rounds 1 and 3), Mike Bell (29-28, giving Burns rounds 1 and 3)

Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor

Round 1 – No touch of gloves in the pre-fight instructions, and none to start the fight, either. McGregor walks forward and throws two spinning back kicks, the second of which lands. He lashes out several front kicks to start, as well. Poirier moving on the outside. He slips a huge left hand. Leg kicks traded. Poirier throws a big right that whistles by. McGregor holding the the center and throws. bi g left. Poirier does too and lands. Poirier scored clean there, and he presses forward and looks for the takedown. McGregor grabs the neck. He drops for the guillotine. THey’re against the cage, so Poirier elevates but can’t quite clear the legs. Still, he’s OK, and he patiently waits and pulls his head out and then looks to pound away from the top. Elbow lands. McGregor in guard underneath and delivers several lateral elbows. Poirier postures up and answers with more of his own. Poirier stand and delivers a big right hand. McGregor upkick just misses. Poirier pounding away with strikes. McGregor cut and bloodied. Still, he fires upkick that are dangerous. Poirier has to settle on top. McGregor sits up on the guillotine again. Not there. Poirier backs away in the final seconds. McGregor follows. Poirier lands a big shot that drops him. More punches, but referee Herb Dean lets it go to the bell. Big round for Poirier. It doesn’t matter. McGregor’s leg is injured, and this fight is waved off. Replays show the left leg turned terribly and snapped.

BetMGM Odds: Poirier -135, McGregor +110
Result: Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor via TKO (leg injury) – Round 1, 5:00
Recap: Conor McGregor suffers nasty leg injury; Dustin Poirier wins via doctor stoppage
Photos: Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor at UFC 264: Best photos
Records: Dustin Poirier (28-6 MMA, 20-5 UFC), Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean

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