Round 1 – Jones lands a few leg kicks. Bautista throws a push kick to the midsection. Jones catches it and tosses it to the side. Bautista tries to repeat the kick but misses. Closing the distance, Bautista throws an exchange. Jones dodges the blows and grabs under-hooks on Bautista. Jones attempts a trip but the end result is spinning Bautista in a circle to the exact same position they started – Jones pushing Bautista against the cage. There’s a lot of pushing against the fence but not a lot of action. Finally, Bautista reverses Jones in the clinch and separates. Jones lands a knee on the break. Bautista whiffs on a high kick. Jabbing the body, Jones absorbs a knee to the body and returns fire with a boxing combination. Jones lands a punch and a leg kick. The two fighters sling leather and Bautista gets the best of the exchange. Jones connects on a looping left hand into a takedown attempt. The round ends with Jones pushing Bautista against the fence. Close round but MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 Jones.

Round 2 – Bautista opens with an aggressive, hard punching combination but gets reckless. Jones cracks him with a hard left hand that floors Bautista over backward. Jones pounces and lands vicious ground-and-pound. Bautista is hurt badly and referee Chris Tognoni steps in. Jones finishes his second straight fight with strikes (despite the first being overturned due to marijuana).

Result: Trevin Jones def. Mario Bautista via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:40
Recap: Trevin Jones opens card with nasty TKO of Mario Bautista
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Mario Bautista (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Trevin Jones (13-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Round 1 – No touch of gloves. Cruz comes out flying with a front kick that hits nothing. Medic circles around and then moves straight forward with a kicking combination of his own. Cruz rushes in and Medic tags him with a right hook. Semi-stunned, Cruz shoots for a takedown. Medic stuns him again and comes charging across the cage with a flying knee. Medic drops Cruz again and pummels his downed opponent. Medic unloads a series of punches but Cruz is doing just enough to survive. Over and over again, Medic whacks Cruz, who somehow gets to his feet. He is swiftly met with another fierce combination from Medic that floors him. Medic once again lands a series of ground-and-pound punches. This time, referee Mark Smith waives it off.

Result: Uros Medic def. Aalon Cruz via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:40
Recap: Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier criticize referee in Uros Medic’s drawn-out TKO at UFC 259
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Aalon Cruz (8-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Uros Medic (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Round 1 – Patient start from both as they look for angles. Lemos able to establish the center and back Souza to the cage. Couple of range-finding strikes thrown out from both. Lemos with a crisp jab. Two punches follow, then a low kick. Lemos looking sharp with her strikes. The one-two lands again. Right hand lands to the chin, and Souza drops to the canvas. She seems to recover quickly, and Lemos tries to grab the neck. Not there. She wants to take top position. Souza scrambling and turns to grab the left leg. Lemos spins with it and unleashes a few big punches that force Souza to scramble, and she’s able to work back to the feet. Lemos back to work, and the jab lands clean and sets Lemos down again. She follows with a few punches to a stunned opponent, and referee Jason. Herzog has seen enough.

Result: Amanda Lemos def. Livinha Souza via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:39
Recap: Stiff jab caps off Amanda Lemos striking clinic in UFC 259 TKO win over Livinha Souza
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Amanda Lemos (9-1-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Livinha Souza (14-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Round 1 – Early low kick from Brady as he sets up on the outside. Hands high, and blocks a few punches before kicking low again. Matthews looking to press and strike, but Brady covering well to start. Brady continues to work the lead leg. Matthews often the first to punch, but he’s not finding the mark just yet. Brady moving well and looking to attack the legs. Matthews keeps punching, and he catches a kick and lands a clean right over the top, sending Brady to the floor. As Matthews follows, Brady scrambles and is able to get to top position and immediately into side control. Matthews has the left leg high to prevent the step to mount. Brady looking to press down with the left arm and drive in a few short elbows and forearms. He’s controlling the head and keeping the shoulder pressure as Matthews is bale to gain half-guard. Short punches from Brady, and he slips his right arm around the neck. He wants tot he top-side guillotine. Can’t get the squeeze, so he lets go and punches until the bell. MMA Junkie gives the first to Brady, 10-9.

Round 2 – Quick pace to start. Matthews still seems to be the one setting the tone. He scores with a right. Brady’s left eye is busted up a bit. Still, he’s swinging back and having some success with his hands while also continuing to chop at the legs. Brady decides to change levels, and he drives through for a powerful takedown 90 seconds in. He looks to advance, and Matthews is able to to sit up and gets his back to the fence. Brady able to stay on top of the legs, and he wraps his right arm around the neck and looks for the guillotine again. Not there, but it forces Matthews to settle back on the floor. Brady on top again, and he continues to keep the neck wrapped. Still not there, so he punches a bit, keeping himself in top position with pressure on the neck and a few short punches here and there. Matthews trying to move bu just can’t get free. Brady postures and starts punching, forcing Matthews to expose the back, but there’s no time for Brady to get in the choke. Few more punches to close. MMA Junkie gives it again to Brady, 10-9.

Round 3 – Matthews again pressing with punches. Brady moving well on the outside and still working the legs. Matthews fighting like a guy down on the cards. Brady circles off the cage and lands a clean left that drops Matthews to a knee. Matthews pops back up, but Brady doesn’t swarm. Matthews recovers well and fires a big right. Brady fakes a shot that gets Matthews off-balance. Brady moves immediately forward and tries to grab the neck as they kneel. Not there, but he spins around to the back. Matthews turtles, and Brady happy to take control. He gets a hook in and looks to start striking. Brady with wrist control and just keeping the pressure up and Matthews stuck on the floor. Short punches landing. Brady sets up the arm-triangle perfectly. He’s close to the cage, but he sinks it in and squeezes anyway, dismounting and wedging himself in against the fence. It’s right, and Matthews has to tap.

Result: Sean Brady def. Jake Matthews via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 3:28
Recap: Sean Brady dominates Jake Matthews, sinks in third-round choke submission
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Sean Brady (14-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Jake Matthews (17-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Round 1 – Ulberg kicks the legs and lays out a front kick, as well. He’s on the outside but very busy early. High kicks grazes the temple. Nzechukwu dazed but battling. Ulberg picking his shots well. He goes to the body. Knees inside. Nzechukwu keeps his guard high. Dangerous moments, but Nzechukwu survives. They move back to the center. It’s all Ulberg in terms of offense. He’s flashing out punches and kicks in rapid fashion. Nzechukwu defending well but has been unable to much in terms of offense. Ulberg mixing up the attacks and going to all levels. He looks incredibly comfortable on the feet. Nzechukwu finally starting to open up a little, but Ulberg is the one with volume. Nzechukwu does land two punches. A left hand lands clean. Nzechukwu having some moments now. Left hand lands again. Ulberg a little stunned. Ulberg grabs the wrists, but Nzechukwu pulls free. Ulberg’s hands a little low now. Nzechukwu the one talking froward. He gets stunned with a left. Ulberg swarming again. Nasty shots to the body. Nzechukwu is hurt, but he’s covering again against the fence. He lands a straight in reply. Uppercut scores. These guys are absolutely banging it out. Crazy action. Now it’s Nzechukwu’s time to be on the attack. He scores with a high lick. Ulberg slips on a kick just before the bell. Unbelievable opening round, and MMA Junkie gives it to Ulberg, 10-9.

Round 2 – Ulberg chopping at the legs to start, and then he targets the body. Left lands up top, but Nzechukwu pressing forward. Ulberg continues to try and control the wrists and pick his shots. Nzechukwu breaking his hands free each time with a little more sense of urgency. Ulberg spinning backfist partially lands. Nzechukwu with his guard high. Ulberg still finding the body. Nzechukwu absorbing it all and mounting his own offense. The left hands finds a home. Ulberg with a few nasty kicks to the body. Nzechukwu complains of an eye poke. Referee Herb Dean says to fight on. A second complaint shortly after does get a timeout. Nzechukwu’s corner yells for him to press on the restart. Ulberg with precise uppercuts. Nzechukwu is absorbing it all and firing back with left hands that keep finding the mark. Back and forth on the feet. Nzechukwu lands a clean right hand to the chin, and Ulberg drops to the canvas. Nzechukwu jumps on top with punches, and this is over. What a damn fight.

Result: Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Carlos Ulberg via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:19
Recap: Kennedy Nzechukwu ends insane UFC 259 fight with violent KO of Carlos Ulberg
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Kennedy Nzechukwu (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Carlos Ulberg (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1 – Plenty of movement early, as Elliott shows his patented movement and wild entries. Espinosa finds him with a jab, but Elliott is able to work himself into a clinch against the cage shortly after. They jockey for position, but Espinosa able to deal with it and stay upright, so Elliott backs away. As they reset, it’s Elliott pressing forward, but Espinosa having some success with his hands at range. Elliott pushes back inside and drives the action to the fence, but he’s unable to capitalize. Elliott complains to referee Mark Smith as they break, asking him to check between rounds. For grease? On the restart, Elliott able to get under a kick to get Espinosa off-balance, and he rushes forward as his opponent trips to the canvas. Elliott trying to get the neck. Espinosa on his hips, but Elliott has the leg triangled. Wrist control for Elliott. He turns to the neck again. Espinosa has to rotate to prevent the choke. He gets to a seated position. Espinosa tries to tease the kimura as he sits against the cage, but Elliott turns to relieve the pressure and punches the body a bit. Round ends there, and MMA Junkie gives it to Elliott, 10-9.

Round 2 – Espinosa rushes forward, but Elliott responds and pushes forward aggressively. Espinosa again with a high kick, and Elliott slips under and gets another takedown. This time, he’s not able to keep the action on the canvas. Still, as they reset after a scramble, Elliott is able to reach down for a single and take it back to the floor. Half-guard for Espinosa. Elliott looking to post and press the forearm across the neck. Espinosa trying to look for transition opportunities, but Elliott’s pressure high, and he’s controlling the positioning. Espinosa scoots to the fence and works to a knee. Elliott tries to secure the back and the choke. Espinosa preventing the full back control, but he’s stuck on defense again. He bucks and is able to turn inside, but now he’s on his back again. Elliott punches, and Espinosa turns inside. Elliott again on the back. Espinosa secures the right arm to slow things down, but he can’t reverse the position. Elliott continues to grind until the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to him again, 10-9.

Round 3 – Elliott again pushes out quickly. Espinosa with a right hand, but Elliott back inside with a flurry of shots to the body and then grabs a knee ad trips the action to the canvas. He’s got the dominant position already and is looking to capitalize. Espinosa trying to tie things up underneath, and he’s in full guard. Elliott continuing to land strikes from top position, and Espinosa is cut. Blood streaming down his face. Elliott working in shots and keeping the pressure high. Espinosa turns to an armbar, and it’s tense for a moment, but Elliott able to get the limb free and settle back on top. Short punches and elbows landing from Elliot, and he’s just grnding from the top. Elliott postures with big strikes to close. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Elliott, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27.

Result: Tim Elliott def. Jordan Espinosa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)
Recap: Both sides respond to Tim Elliott and Jordan Espinosa’s ‘woman beater’ argument in UFC 259 fight
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Tim Elliott (17-11-1 MMA, 6-9 UFC), Jordan Espinosa (15-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Sal D’Amato (30-27), Chris Lee (30-25, giving a 10-8 in rounds 2 and 3)

Round 1 – Both men moving well to start. Kara-France sneaks in a low kick and then fires a big right hand over the top that just misses. He kicks the leg again. Bontorin lands a nice right hand to the body. He lands a left and rushes inside, wrapping the body and lifting Kara-France and slamming him to the floor. Bontorin sneaks immediately around to the back, and he has a triangle around the body. Kara-France defending the hands well. Bontorin cranks the neck before his hand is peeled away. He’s working for the choke. Kara-France alert in defense, but Bontorin is constantly adjusting and looking for a new angle. Kara-France rolls to his knees and then his feet, but Bontorin is still on the acl. He locks his hands and squeezes. Kara-France refusing to quit. They go to the canvas. Bontorin working the squeeze, but Kara-France able to create just enough space to survive. Kara-France scrambles again to his feet, but Bontorin will not give up the back. Short punches as he continue to look for the choke. Kara-France finally able to shake free with 30 seconds left, and he starts firing bombs. Right hand lands. He’s still swinging. Another right scores, and Bontorin is hurt. Referee Herb Dean calls it off. Bontorin tries to rise by stumbles. Kara-France rushes back in to throw more punches since he’s unsure if it’s over. Dean stops him, and an angered Bontorin throws his mouthpiece. Wild finish.

Result: Kai Kara-France def. Rogerio Bontorin via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:55
Recap: Kai Kara-France’s walk-off KO of Rogerio Bontorin leads to confusion
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Rogerio Bontorin (16-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Kai Kara-France (22-9 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1 – Askarov with an early front kick to the body. Benavidez moving well and answers with his own. Both men patient as they start. Benavidez leading with punches but kicking to the body, as well. Benavidez kicks to the legs. He fires an overhand left. Benavidez switching stances and setting the pace right now. He does eat a counter right. Benavidez continues to switch stances and looks to strike. Left hand scores. Askarov moving well and answering. He throws a big right and continues to kicks the leg and body. Benavidez leaps with a hook. Askarov wants a collar tie, but Benavidez pushes him away. Good back and forth right now. One minute left. Askarov with a jab and into a takedown attempt. Benavidez defends well, but Askarov slips around to his back. Benavidez with a forward roll and turns inside. Askarov lifts him up and slams him to the canvas. Askarov on the back and wants the choke. Benavidez pulls the arm away. Askarov finishes on the back with the bodylock, and MMA Junkie gives him the round, 10-9.

Round 2 – Benavidez takes the center and looks to strike. High kick blocked. Benavidez with a low kick and a right hand. Askarov answers with a big right of his own. Benavidez a little staggered, but he pulls away and tries to start swinging back. Askarov presses and drives inside, lifting his opponent and slamming him to the canvas. Askarov slips to the back but Benavidez works to his feet. Askarov stays on it, lifting Benavidez and slammigm him to the floor. Benavidez’s left eye busted up pretty bad. Askarov not giving him any room to breathe. Another takedown. Benavidez works to a knee, and Askarov is hunting for a choke. He can’t get it, but he’s firm on the back and has the bodylock in place. Benavidez scrambles again to his knees and then stands. He still can’t free from Askarov, who drives him forward and to the floor again. Benavidez scrambling and tries to attack a leg in a transition, but Askarov turns and maintains his dominant position. Short punches score, and Askarov laces the legs to keep things on the floor. Benavidez constantly moving and looking to get free, but Askarov’s pressure is just absolutely relentless. Askarov lets Benavidez stand in the closing seconds but only so he can tee off with a flurry. MMA Junkie gives it to Askarov, 10-8.

Round 3 – Doctor comes in to take a look at Benavidez’s eye before we start, but he’s cleared. Benavidez needs to get something going. He throws a big overhand left. Askarov answers back with a high kick. Benavidez’s corner calling for pressure. Askarov very relaxed on the feet and lands a big left hand. Askarov with a jab that scores clean. He knows Benavidez has to press, so he’s just waiting and timing the entries. Benavidez with a right hand, but Askarov counters immediately. Benavidez is throwing hard, but he’s not quite finding the mark. Askarov with a high kick that scores. Right hand lands. Benavidez switching stances and kicks to the body. Benavidez lands a clean right hand. He’s battling until the end. He kicks to the body. Benavidez is the more aggressive fighter, but Askarov seems comfortable countering. Askarov complains of a kick to the groin, but we carry on. Benavidez pushes until the end, but Askarov is unfazed and does a little Ali shuffle to close. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Askarov, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-26.

Result: Askar Askarov def. Joseph Benavidez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Askar Askarov (14-0-1 MMA, 3-0-1 UFC), Joseph Benavidez (28-8 MMA, 15-6 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Tony Weeks (30-27), Sal D’Amato (30-26, giving a 10-8 in round 2)

Round 1 – Quick start with a few Phillips punches and a spinning kick that misses. Both men light on the feet and looking to engage. Phillips just a little quicker on the trigger right now. Phillips pressing and lands clean with a jab. Kick to the body echoes through the building. Phillips wants to sward, but Yadong swinging right back, as well. High pace. Phillips with another jab as he moves laterally. Yadong holding the center and trying to engage, but that Phillips jab is on point. Yadong with a flying knee, but Phillips blocks it. Phillips sticking and moving very well. Right hands traded. Phillips sucks in on a low kick and takes the fight to the floor, but Yadong gets his legs inside and pushes away, creating space and gettin to the feet. More punches traded in the pocket. Both me land clean but just walk right through it. Low kick from Phillips countered over the top from Yadong. Brief clinch, but they back away to trade in the final seconds. Fun first round, and MMA Junkie gives it to Phillips, 10-9.

Round 2 – High pace to open the round again. Both men trading. Yadong gets a high kick to land and follows it with punches. Phillips wants a takedown but can’t quite get it. He kicks the body and pulls away. Both men just teeing off. Left hand for Yadong. Phillips rips a kick to the leg. Yadong pressing and lands a big right. He’s turning up the pressure. Phillips still moving well. Hook kick just misses. Brief clinch, but they move back to the center. Yadong walks into a jab that sends him stumbling. He recovers quickly and is back on the attack. Yadong slips a left and lands an uppercut. Phillips ducks down and drives through for a takedown. Half-guard for Yadong. He’s able to roll and slip out the backdoor, and we move back to the feet. ≈ lands a jab. He’s chasing and having some success, but both men are continuing to swing. Good round. Close, but MMA Junkie leans toward Phillips, 10-9.

Round 3 – Pace high as both men look to engage. Traded shots right from the start. Takedown from Phillips, but we go right back to the feet. Combinations fired, and Phillips lands to the lead leg, as well. Yadong kicks the legs a bit, as well, and then they both rip off pinches. Just nonstop action here between these two. Both men having some success scoring but not showing the wear at all. Phillips slipping and returning fire. He changes levels and gets inside for the well-timed takedown. Yadong able to scoot to a seated position and eventually sweep over to the top. Yadong’s corner wants him on the feet. Phillips with a few elbows from his back. Phillips turns for an arm to close. It’s not really close, so he turns for the legs. Not there either, and the bell sounds. Great fight from both men. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Yadong, 10-9, but awards the fight to Phillips, 29-28.

Result: Kyler Phillips def. Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Kyler Phillips (9-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Song Yadong (16-5-1 MMA, 5-1-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Eric Colon (29-28, giving Phillips rounds 1 and 2), Chris Lee (29-28, giving Phillips rounds 1 and 2), Ron McCarthy (29-28, giving Phillips rounds 1 and 2)

Round 1 – Kenney rushes across the cage. Cruz wastes no time in changing levels and shooting. Kenney sprawls and then controls from the front for a bit before Cruz can stand and pull free. Cruz sets up on the outside. Kenney pressing, and Cruz tries to grab a ick but can’t hold it. Cruz lands a sneaky high kick. Cruz thinks takedown again, but it’s not there. Cruz moving well and chops at the legs. Kenney tracking him down and getting the timing. Cruz mobile, but it’s not constant. Cruz does rush in with a right hand that scores clean. Cruz seems like he’s really finding his rhythm now.He fires a big overhand and then digs to the body. Lead uppercut scores. Kenney’s corner begging him to go to the body. Both men having moments, but Cruz is the busier fighter, it seems. Kenney does lands hard to the leg. They trade punches in the pocket. Cruz sticking and moving well, but Kenney giving it back to him. Good round. MMA Junkie leans toward Cruz, 10-9.

Round 2 – Kenney pressuring right away, but Cruz deals well, slipping and ripping and scoring with the right hand. Kenney walking forward and staying in the face, but Cruz is making it tough. Stiff jab for Kenney. Cruz wants to change levels, but he’s stuffed. Kenney walking through punches now to deliver his own. Cruz with a high kick. Kenney with a left hand. He’s finding the mark again. Cruz continues to stick and move. Kenney chopping the legs. Both men keeping the volume high. Cruz lands a big left hand over the top. Kenney swings back. Cruz teasing takedown again but can’t get it. Both men working the legs, as well. Cruz seeming to get the best of the punching exchanges. Kenney lands a crisp combination, but Cruz right back at him. Big left for Kenney. He grabs the neck and squeezes at the end, but the bells sounds. MMA Junkie leans toward Kenney in a close one, 10-9.

Round 3 – Pace high to start the third. Cruz deep on a single but can’t convert. He punches as they break and then shoots again. Kenney grabs the neck and squeezes as he finally falls. Cruz in side control on the opposite side. Kenney keeping the squeeze, but Cruz steps over tho half-guard. Kenney finally lets it go and scrambles up to the feet. Kenney with a low kick as they reset. Cruz leaps in with a sharp right hand. Cruz moving well, but Kenney lands a clean left. Two punches score for Kenney< but Cruz answers back immediately. Kenney changes levels, but Cruz defends it and backs him away. Kenney with a big left as they swing. Cruz answers right back with a right hands. Both men finding the mark. Crazy stuff, back and forth.Kenney finding the mark, but Cruz answering back. Both men tiring but not stopping. One minute left. Cruz able to change levels and drive his legs through for a takedown. Kenney able to scoot to guard. Cruz punches and keeps control as Kenney tries to escape. Another good round. MMA Junkie leans toward Cruz, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.

Result: Dominick Cruz def. Casey Kenney via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: Dominick Cruz outpoints Casey Kenney for first win since 2016
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Dominick Cruz (23-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC), Casey Kenney (16-3-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Mike Bell (28-29, giving Kenney rounds 1 and 2), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Cruz rounds 1 and 3), Sal D’Amato (30-27)

Round 1 – Rakic in the center and striking a wide stance. Santos slips on an early low kick but catches his balance. Santos tries to press forward but Rakic counters. Rakic being very patient to start, clearly waiting to counter Santos’ big attacks. Rakic changing levels and fires a high kick that is blocked. Santos circling on the outside. Low kicks traded. Santos with a right hand. Rakic circles off the fence and back to the center. Santos slips under a high kick. Rakic staying disciplined. One minute left. Low kick from Santos scores. Another low kick from Santos. Rakic scores to the body and then lands a short left hand. Tactical, tense first round. MMA Junkie gives it to Rakic, 10-9.

Round 2 – Rakic again takes the center and kicks low. Santos trying to get something going but is clearly wary of the return fire. Santos bouncing and changing levels, keeping his head moving as he walks forward. Rakic kicks the leg. Santos keeping his hands high. Rakic smiling a bit as he teases a grab of the legs. Santos misses a big left hand. He jabs and pushes his way forward, but Rakic grabs him and spins him to the fence. Short punches from Rakic. Knees inside from Santos. Rakic’s corner wants him to keep the action against the cage. Foot stomps from Rakic. Punches traded inside. Knees from Santos before he’s able to pull free and reset. Low kicks traded. Santos rushes forward but misses, and Rakic lands a left counter. Flying knee from Rakic to close. Not a ton of action, but MMA Junkie gives it again to Rakic, 10-9.

Round 3 –

Result: Aleksandar Rakic def. Thiago Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: Aleksandar Rakic hands Thiago Santos third straight loss in ‘uneventful’ affair
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Aleksandar Rakic (14-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Thiago Santos (21-9 MMA, 13-8 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Eric Colon (29-28, giving Rakic rounds 1 and 2), Dave Hagen (29-28, giving Rakic rounds 1 and 2), Ron McCarthy (30-27)

Round 1 – Dober with an early low kick as the two men feel out the range to start. Dober scores with a jab. Makhachev changes levels and is in deep on a single with real quickness. He trips the action to the floor. Half-guard underneath for Dober. Makhachev patient from the top, keeping his hips heavy and controlling the action. Makhachev with a few short left hands. Dober trying to frae and create some space. Makhachev able to step over to mount. Dober able to slip back to half-guard while also pulling his arm free from his opponent’s clasp. Makhachev slips out to side control. He steps over to mount. Dober tries to roll at that time, but Makhachev super quick to the back. That forces Dober to turn again. Dober rolling, but Makhachev with him and is able to turn to an armbar. It’s tight, but Dober game and spins and rolls and stacks until he’s finally safe and the bell sounds. Tense final moments. MMA Junkie gives the first to Makhachev, 10-9.

Round 2 – Dober out with a jab and trying to capitalize on his time on the feet. Makhachev dives at the legs from range and comes up short on the takedown but keeps working on it from the clinch and gets the action to the canvas. Half-guard for Dober after the quick takedown. Makhachev trying to posture and strike, but he’s also sure to keep his opponent on the floor. Dober gets to a seated position against the fence. Makhachev trying to get the triangle on the legs, and he is able to step over and secure the position. Dober scrambles and is able to break that hold but settles on his back and works to guard. Makhachev just not allowing any room to work at all. It’s heavy pressure and short punches and elbows when possible. Dober doing his best to tie things up, but Makhachev scoring enough short punches to hod the position. Dober’s corner trying to suggest the action isn’t enough to stay here, but referee Chris Tognoni happy to let them work. Makhachev stay on top until the end, and MMA Junkie gives it to him, 10-9.

Round 3 – Dober trying to work on the feet, but in less than 30 seconds, Makhachev is in on the clinch and scores the inside trip to take the action to the floor. Closed guard for Dober. Corner tells him he’s got to take some chances. Dober turns to his right and is trying to lock in a kimura. Makhachev pulls his arm free and ducks his head under the arm. Squeeze comes in. Even with his arm pressing down, Dober has to tap. Wow. Makhachev finished despite being in half-guard.

Result: Islam Makhachev def. Drew Dober via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 1:37
Recap: Islam Makhachev crushes Drew Dober with third-round arm-triangle
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Drew Dober (23-10 MMA, 9-6 UFC), Islam Makhachev (19-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Round 1 – Sterling out quickly and kicks the body. He’s moving laterally to open. Pressure early from Sterling. He kicks the legs and is keeping his movement high. Yan covering well and staying calm to open. Sterling with punches, and a knee that seems to land up top. He chops at the legs. Yan covering and moving well. Sterling staying right in front of him. Punches up top, kicks to the legs. Yan catches a kick and trips his opponent to the floor but declines to follow. They reset, and it’s more pressure from Sterling. He punches his way inside and drags the action to the canvas. As he postures to advance, Yan scrambles to his feet. He slips around to the back, and Sterling has to patiently work his way inside and then pull away. On the restart, Yan lands clean with a right and drops Sterling, who scrambles right back up Sterling shakes it off and starts attacking again. Scramble to the floor, and Sterling wants the triangle. bot there, but he punishes the body a bit before the y get up. Clinch on the feet. Yan circles to the back. Sterling thinking forward roll, but Yan dumps him to the floor. Sterling scrambles up and they trade at the end. Fun round, and MMA Junkie leans Sterling, 10-9.

Round 2 – Sterling out quickly again. He tries to press inside, but Yan pushes him away. Sterling back with the pressure, He punches up top and kicks to the body. Sterling slips on a kick and moves away from a huge punch. Yan backs away. He misses a big axe kick but then kicks the legs. Sterling invites Yan to the floor and is flipped off in return. Referee Mark Smith calls for the restart. Sterling punches his way into a takedown attempt. Yan with excellent defense and sprawls. Sterling keeps his head tucked and stays inside. Sterling switching from single to double. He gets his hands locked behind and finally gets Yan off-balance but can’t keep him down. As they scramble back to the center, Sterling continues with the relentless pressure. He punches into a single attempt. Yan defends well against the fence and lands a few short punches. Sterling stomps the feet. He simply can’t get Yan off his feet. Sterling backs away with 45 seconds. Yan comes out looking to strike, but Sterling quickly has him covering with several punch and elbow attempts. Yan briefly slips to the back and gets Sterling off-balance but can’t capitalize before the bell. MMA Junkie gives it again to Sterling, 10-9. Very close.

Round 3 – Sterling out quick again, though Yan lands. nice right hand. Sterling changes levels, but Yan holds him up and lands a knee. Yan misses on a big right hand. Sterling lands a front kick to the cup, but Yan says he’s OK, and we fight on. Yan starting to grab some momentum here. Sterling’s pace has been relentless, but he’s slowing just enough to allow Yan to go first. Yan with a slick trip, but he doesn’t bother to follow. Sterling pressing, but Yan is showing excellent takedown defense and getting his back to the cage to prevents him getting to the back. Sterling wants to disengage, but Yan lands a kick as they separate. Another slick trip from Yan. He kicks the legs once and then backs away. SterlingX hunting the takedown but just can’t get inside. He’s lost a little but of the explosiveness. Sterling kicks the legs. That’s still working for him. Yan slips to the back and scores a late takedown at the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Yan, 10-9.

Round 4 – Sterling flashes out a high kick. He goes to the body, and Yan trips him to the canvas. Yan kicks the legs but doesn’t really engage. Sterling crawls up. Yan with a punch to the body and up top, as well. Nice shots there. Sterling pushes through it. Sterling looks for the trip, but it’s not there. Yan with a nice left hand. Sterling ducks for a leg and eats a kick. Sterling just doesn’t have quite the pop he had earlier. Yan knows it and is keeping his guard high to fend off strikes and then answering with shots of his own. Sterling’s corner wants him to stay on the kicks. Left hand for Yan. Knee misses, but Yan scores a right. Right scores again. Big left hand lands. Yan is gaining steam. He lands a knee. Sterling ducks in for a takedown, but it’s not there. Yan with another knee inside. Right hand. He’s grooving now. High kick for Sterling blocked. He shoots, but Yan stuffs it. Sterling grounded, and yet Yan just blasts him with a knee anyway. Sterling falls back to the canvas after the obvious foul. Sterling is flat on his back. As he tries to rise, he stumbles a little bit. Doctor comes in to take a look. Sterling struggling to get to his feet. He lays flat on his back again. Doctor giving him another inspection. Fight is waved off.

Result: Aljamain Sterling def. Petr Yan via disqualification (illegal knee) – Round 4, 4:29 – to win bantamweight tile
Recap: Petr Yan disqualified for illegal knee, loses title to Aljamain Sterling
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Petr Yan (15-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC), Aljamain Sterling (20-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Mark Smith

Round 1 – Nunes on the outside. Anderson with a wide stance. She wants to use that size to her advantage. Nunes studying, and she unleashes a big right hand. Anderson is stunned. Another right. Big leg kick. Anderson shoots, but Nunes just shoves her to the floor. She strikes and then looks to take the back. Anderson protects the neck, but Nunes turns her attention to the arm. Inverted triangle is in, but it’s the arm she wants. It’s extended, and she tucks it under the armpit, and Anderson has to tap. Dominant win.

Result: Amanda Nunes def. Megan Anderson via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 2:03 – to defend women’s featherweight title
Recap: Amanda Nunes runs through Megan Anderson, retains featherweight title
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Amanda Nunes (21-4 MMA, 14-1 UFC), Megan Anderson (10-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s featherweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Jason Herzog

Round 1 – Blachowicz to the center, and Adesanya switches stances and lands a low kick. Both men patient to start, studying the other. Low kicks from both. Blachowicz rushes forward with a left that misses. Adesanya pops out a jab that scores. Adesanya reaching forward with the right hand. He flashes out a high kick that’s blocked. Blachowicz with the jab, and he fires a low kick behind it. Big high kick from Blachowicz scores to the body. Adesanya with a nice straight left. He continues to switch stances and feint, looking for the right moment. Right hand comes over the top but just misses. Front kick to the body for Adesanya. Step-in knee just misses. Blachowicz fires a big right that Adesanya slips. Blachowicz with a kick to the body. He rattles off a combination that Adesanya slips. Low kick from Adesanya. Tactical round from both. MMA Junkie leans toward Adesanya, 10-9.

Round 2 – Adesanya out a little quicker this time and seems to want to press. Left scores. Blachowicz rushing forward, as well, but he struggles to find the mark. Adesanya with the jab, but Adesanya answers back. Adesanya inching closer. He kicks low and then throws a left hand. Adesanya popping the jab and then slips the return. Low kick from Blachowicz. Adesanya slips to the floor but pops right back up. He goes to kicking the leg. Blachowicz briefly wraps the body and throws a knee up the middle but can’t quite hang on. They break, and Blachowicz complains of an eyepoke. Adesanya apologizes after a very short break. Adesanya kicks to the body. He’s just patiently scoring and picking things apart. Adesanya kicks to the groin, and again it’s only a brief timeout. Adesanya quick with the jab. Blachowicz briefly rushes forward but can’t connect. Blachowicz with a flying knee, but Adesanya laughs as he evades. Blachowicz with a kick to the body and a left hand. Blachowicz certainly not outclassed here, but he’s a step behind at times. MMA Junkie gives it to Adesanya, 10-9.

Round 3 – Blachowicz with a kick to the body. He throws a left hand, as well. Blachowicz is getting busier, and he punches his way into a takedown. Adesanya scrambles his way up, exposing his back but pulling away and then lands a nice left hand. Adesanya kicks the body and throws a straight right that Blachowicz slips under. Adesanya slips two punches but eats the third. Adesanya answers back with a kick to the body. Blachowicz back into the clinch. Adesanya defending against the cage. He spins off and lands a knee as he pulls away. Straight left scores from Adesanya. They trade left hands. Adesanya drops his hands and taunts a bit, making it clear he’s not concerned of his opponent’s strikes. Right hand scores for Adesanya, and he slips the counter. Adesanya flashes a high kick up top that misses. He follows with a straight left. Blachowicz inside and drives it to the fence again. Adesanya able to dig inside and create some space. Left for Adesanya, followed by a crisp right. MMA Junkie gives it again to Adesanya, 10-9.

Round 4 – Blachowicz likely needs to press. He walks forward, and Adesanya chops the legs. Blachowicz drives inside and pushes the action to the fence. Adesanya sprawl well and then slips back to the center. Left hands traded. Adesanya with the straight punches down the middle, and Blachowicz looping shots over the top. Blachowicz with a left, but Adesanya strings together three punches. Another two score, but Blachowicz is able to change levels and drive the action to the canvas. Blachowicz immediately passes on leg. Adesanya trying to turn and buck, but Blachowicz staying heavy. He postures up and lands a little bit, but he’s focused more on holding the position right now. Adesanya tries to sit up, but Blachowicz presses him back to the floor. Blachowicz with a few short strikes, but nothing too serious. He does advance to side control. Elbows from Blachowicz, and a few punches, too. Adesanya trying to frame but can’t get any space. Time winding down, and Blachowicz lands a few more short elbows and punches before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the round to Blachowicz, 10-9.

Round 5 – Blachowicz with a low kick. Jabs traded. Adesanya with a knee that misses but a right that follows. Blachowicz with a low kick and a few punches up top. Punches traded. Both me moving well. Adesanya walks through a jab and lands a right hand. He kicks low. Blachowicz with a jab and blocks a high kick. He fakes a takedown. Adesanya high kick blocked. Blachowicz with a crisp right. Blachowicz changes levels and drives through again for a powerful takedown a little before the halfway mark. Full guard for Adesanya. Blachowicz with the heavy pressure on the top, looking to keep things on the floor. He punches a little here and there. Adesanya again trying to frame and create space. Blachowicz not allowing that. Shoulder pressure and punches from the top as time winds down. Adesanya in half-guard and looking to get off his back, but Blachowicz is preventing that. Adesanya tries to buck free, but it’s just too difficult. Big hammerfists to close as Blachowicz moves to mount. Strong finish from Blachowicz. MMA Junkie gives him the final round, 10-9, but awards the fight to Adesanya, 48-47. Did Blachowicz get an early round?

Result: Jan Blachowicz def. Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-45, 49-45)
Recap: Jan Blachowicz denies Israel Adesanya’s double champion quest, retains title
Photos: UFC 259: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Jan Blachowicz (28-8 MMA, 11-5 UFC), Israel Adesanya (20-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Sal D’Amato (49-46, giving Adesanya round 3), Derek Cleary (49-46, giving Adesanya round 3 and giving Blachowicz a 10-8 in round 5), Junichiro Kamijo (49-46, giving Adesanya round 3 and giving Blachowicz a 10-8 in round 5)