LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 188 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT).

UFC Fight Night 188 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) takes on Rob Font (18-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC). In the co-feature, former women’s strawweight champ Carla Esparza (17-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) meets Yan Xiaonan (13-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 4 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN+ and 7 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC Fight Night 188 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.

Rafael Alves vs. Damir Ismagulov

Round 1 – They waste not time engaging, and a flurry of punches sees Ismagulov topple to the canvas. Alves follows quickly, and after a scramble, he grabs the guillotine choke and falls to his back. Ismagulov seems comfortable on his knees, so Ismagulov has to let go and start working from his back. Alves turns to his hips and tries to shrimp out, but Ismagulov controlling the legs for the moment to prevent the pass. Ismagulov with a few right hands to the ribs. Alves doesn’t move, so Ismagulov unloads more right hands to the body, peppering the ribs. Ismagulov backs away to the feet to try and pass the guard. Alves keeping the legs in front, but Alves kicks the legs and drives punches to the body, as well. Alves tries to scramble, but Ismagulov settles back on top and into his opponent’s guard. Alves’ head against the cage. Ismagulov with more punches to the body and a few to the head, as well. Time winding down. Alves looking for opportunities on his back, but Ismagulov stays compact and punches the ribs a few more times before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the first to Ismagulov, 10-9.

Round 2 – They work quickly on the feet once again. Ismagulov has a nice jab. Alves with a front kick to the body. They trade spinning kicks that both miss. Alves with a nice right hand. He’s moving well and looking to attack at off-beat moments. Ismagulov just keeping his forward pressure high and punching straight down the middle. Ismagulov with a low kick, as well. Big right hands traded. Ismagulov lands a left that drops Alves, though he pops right back to his feet. Ismagulov blinking his right eye a bit, but it’s not slowing him down. He’s driving forward and throwing crisp jabs. Alves swinging back and lands a nice left. Big shots. Alves tries to change levels, but Ismagulov was thinking the same and meets him there and presses back and to the canvas. Alves has guard in the final minute. Ismagulov finishes on top with a few short punches to the body. MMA Junkie goes again to Ismagulov, 10-9.

Round 3 – Alves asks the non-existent crowd for some volume before the start of the round. He moves out quickly and looks to engage. Low kick from Alves. Ismagulov still working the jab. Alves with a nice right hand over the top. They trade punches, and Alves again grabs the guillotine and falls to his back. Not there, and Ismagulov pops his head out. Ismagulov stands shortly after. Alves rolls to move, and Ismagulov takes the back. Alves trying to battle the hands. He spins acrobatically and his able to get back to his feet. Alves needs to get something going on the feet, but Ismagulov keeps the left hand in his face. Alves pumping the jab and kicks the body. Alves with a knee to the body. He’s the one stalking now. Two minutes left. Ismagulov continues to bling that right eye. They’re trading strikes, and Ismagulov changes levels. Alves defends and backs to the cage. Alves overhook on the right side. He grabs the neck with the left. Not there, but Ismagulov defending allows him to pull free. Alves with a spinning kick. He puts his hands behind his back, and his coaches let him know now is not the time. Alves rushes with punches, but he fades into the clinch, and Ismagulov holds there. Round ends. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Alves, 10-9, but gives the fight to Ismagulov, 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Ismagulov -600, Alves +425
Result: Damir Ismagulov def. Rafael Alves via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Rafael Alves (19-10 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Damir Ismagulov (23-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28, giving Ismagulov rounds 1 and 2), Dave Hagen (29-28, giving Ismagulov rounds 1 and 2), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28, giving Ismagulov rounds 1 and 2)

David Dvorak vs. Juancamilo Ronderos

Round 1 – Ronderos in the center early as Dvorak moves left on the outside. Dvorak unleashes a few flurries that are powerful but wild and miss. Ronderos the smaller fighter and trying to move in and out of range. He changes levels and drives for a takedown, but he can’t get the leverage. Both men trading low kicks. Ronderos lands a little low, but Dvorak says he’s fine, and we continue. Dvorak lands a nice right hand, and Ronderos is hurt. He tries to back up and cover. He wants a takedown, but not there. Dvorak able to scramble to his back. Rear-naked choke is in, with just the left arm. Ronderos is trapped. He wants to turn, but the position is sound and the choke is secure, even without the second hand linked, and Ronderos has to tap.

Result: David Dvorak def. Juancamilo Ronderos via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:18
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: David Dvorak (20-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Juancamilo Ronderos (4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight (Ronderos missed weight by 2.5 pounds)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Josh Culibao vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke

Round 1 – Culibao with an early calk kick. He lands a second, and Nuerdanbieke rushes forward with punches in a counter. The action moves to the cage. Nuerdanbieke able to wrap the body from the outside, and he lifts Culibao but is unable to get him off-balance. Culibao tries to turn off the fence, but Nuerdanbieke stays with him and drags him to the canvas. Culibao trying to stand, but Nuerdanbieke stays with the bodylock and is able to slip to the back in a seated position. Culibao able to spin and stand, but he still can’t shake free. Nuerdanbieke on the outside as they grind against the cage. He’s refusing to break the grip. Two minute left. Nuerdanbieke again slips to the back. This time he’s able to lift and slam his opponent to the floor. Culibao pops right back to his feet once again. Nuerdanbieke finally lets go with one minute left. Culibao wants to tee off on the feet. Nuerdanbieke at a reach disadvantage, so he ducks in and out of range. Another couple of low kicks from Culibao at the end. Still, MMA Junkie gives the first to Nuerdanbieke, 10-9.

Round 2 – Culibao with the lead hand out and circling He kicks low. Two punches land clean. Culibao seems very confident on his feet. He’s working the jab and kicks the leg again. Nuerdanbieke holding the center, but Culibao is circling left and landing the jab and damaging the lead leg, as well. Nuerdanbieke rushes forward with punches and presses the action to the fence once again. Culibao defends well agains the fence, sneaking in a few elbows and punches before slipping off the fence and back to the center. Culibao switching stances and landing from range. Nuerdanbieke tries to move inside, but Culibao pushes him away. Two minutes left. Nuerdanbieke trying to strike back, but the range is an issue. Culibao with a nice right hand. Clean counter left scores. Another right finds the mark. Culibao warned for holding his fingers out. Nuerdanbieke dives for a takedown from distance, but Culibao sprawls well against the fence. He defends there in the final few seconds and actually slips to the back just before the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Culibao, 10-9.

Round 3 – Culibao still light on his feet, and he pops the jab and kicks the leg. Nuerdanbieke trying to press but walks into a right. Another scores. Culibao high kick blocked. Nuerdanbieke willing to engage, but Culibao’s range is proving an issue. Culibao delivers another straight right on the money. Nuerdanbieke showing a chin. Culibao jab scores. He kicks the leg again. Nuerdanbieke still moving forward and trying to get something going. Culibao feeling it, rolling his hands and then popping out the jab. Nuerdanbieke has some blood coming from the nose. He gets inside, though, and holds tight on a single. Culibao backs up to the cage and stays upright. He’s balancing, but Nuerdanbieke does trip him to the canvas. Culibao right back to his feet. He tries to hit a switch, but it’s not there. Nuerdanbieke controlling from the back. Culibao trying to turn inside. He finally does, and he grabs the neck. Not there at first, but Culibao stays on it and pulls Nuerdanbieke to the floor. Choke not there, but it lets Culibao pull free and back to the feet. Culibao cruising in the final minute. He pops the jab out. Nuerdanbieke shoots inside one last time in the final seconds. Culibao defends and pulls free before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Culibao, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Culibao -250, Nuerdanbieke +200
Result: Josh Culibao def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Josh Culibao (9-1-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (19-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Culibao rounds 2 and 3), Dave Hagen (29-28, giving Culibao rounds 2 and 3), Bryan Miner (29-28, giving Culibao rounds 2 and 3)

Victor Rodriguez vs. Bruno Silva

Round 1 – Both men pawing a few jabs early, taking a look at the other. Silva with a slapping low kick. Patience early. Eventually, Silva leaps forward with a big right that seems to partially land. Quick clinch and a knee to the body. Rodriguez pulls away. On the reset, Silva lands a right hand down the middle. Flush, and Rodriguez crashes to the canvas. Silva follows with additional punches, and this is over. Quick work from Silva.

BetMGM Odds: Silva -350, Rodriguez +260
Result: Bruno Silva def. Victor Rodriguez via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00
Recap: Bruno Silva floors Victor Rodriguez with mean straight right
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Victor Rodriguez (7-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Bruno Silva (12-5-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Court McGee vs. Claudio Silva

Round 1 – Silva looking to push the pace and throws a high kick that misses. Another comes in that partially lands. He’s pressing, but McGee lands a counter that forces Silva to reset. Silva kicks to the legs and then the body. Lot of kicks early from Silva. McGee looking to counter with punches, and he’s having some success. They collide in the center, and Silva pulls guard and goes to his back. He’s holding the right arm close, but as he turns for an armbar, McGee gets back to his feet. Silva shoots in quickly for a single, but McGee defends it well. On the reset, McGee lands another right down the middle. He goes to the body, as well. Silva tries to punch his way into a clinch, but McGee pushes him away. Silva looks a little frustrated early, and he rushes in for a takedown from distance. He presses the action to the fence. McGee defends it well against the fence. Silva with a few short knees inside. Silva tries to drop back and pull guard but misses. He takes a deep breath as they reset. McGee misses a leaping kick. Silva does land a nice left hand late. Bell sounds. MMA Junkie gives the first to McGee, 10-9.

Round 2 – Silva pushing and again leads with a kick. McGee moving well and keeping distance. He lands a right hand as they trade punches. Silva changes levels and gets deep on a double. McGee initially defends well, but Silva’s second effort gets him to the floor. McGee won’t stay there and scrambles up and starts looking to strike. McGee seems the fresher fighter by quite a margin. Silva desperate to get the fight to the floor. He dives in but has to settle on his back. McGee working from his guard and seems confident there. Short punches and elbows from the top. Silva looking for options from his back, opening the guard and turning to his hips. He works to a knee and tries to grab a leg and sweep. McGee able to stay on top, but Silva secures the left leg and wants the heel hook. McGee spins with it. He settles on top and starts to punch. Silva has to move, and he scrambles to a knee. McGee moves with him and is able to step over to mount. McGee locks in the arm-triangle choke. Fence is keeping him from fully dismounting. McGee holds the squeeze until the bell. MMA Junkie gives it again to McGee, this time 10-8.

Round 3 – Silva needs to make something happen, and he comes out like he knows it. Big kicks and punches. He lands a big left. Another scores. McGee on the back foot but lands a counter right. Silva tired, but he’s throwing bombs. He lands an overhand right and moves into the clinch, pressing McGee to the fence. Silva tries to drop and grab the leg, but it’s not there. McGee counters by pressing forward, and Silva falls very willingly to his back. Silva’s right eye is busted up, and he is clearly tired. Half-guard for Silva. McGee engages but does stand. Silva trying to keep the bodylock wrapped. McGee presses down on the head, breaking the grip. Two minutes left. They move to the feet. Silva misses a huge right. McGee hits a takedown, and Silva tries to hold on to an arm as he falls. Silva flat on his back, and he lets go of the limb. They’re trading punches on the floor. Silva with a few elbows, as well, but the heavier shots coming from the top. Silva just exhausted. McGee grinding away. Silva tries to kick his legs high on the shoulder in the closing seconds, but McGee defends well and finishes the round on top. MMA Junkie gives the final round to McGee, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-26.

BetMGM Odds: McGee -110, Silva -110
Result: Court McGee def. Claudio Silva via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Court McGee (20-10 MMA, 9-9 UFC), Claudio Silva (14-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-26, giving McGee a 10-8 in round 2), Adalaide Byrd (30-26, giving McGee a 10-8 in round 2), Mike Bell (29-28, giving McGree rounds 1 and 2, with a 10-8 in round 2)

Chris Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell

Round 1 – Barnett kicks the thigh and moves. Massive reach discrepancy, and he’s going to have to move. Rothwell stalking. Inside leg kick from Barnett. He flurries with punches and moves. Rothwell respecting the power as he looks to use his size advantage. Rothwell with two big shots to the body. Barnett is winging punches but coming up short. Clean right from Rothwell down the middle. Low kick from Rothwell. He lands an uppercut. Straight right lands clean. Barnett is trying to make his interesting, but the range is a real issue. Barnett tries to move inside, but Rothwell stuffs that and drives his opponent to the canvas. Barnett trying to hold tight underneath. Rothwell trying to frame and create space for strikes. Half-guard for Barnett, but he can’t hold it. Rothwell steps over to mount. One minute left. Barnett turns to his knees, but Rothwell gets the right arm around the neck. He wants the choke, but Barnett turns with it and is able to pull free. Back on. the feet. Barnett swinging, but Rothwell with a knee up the middle. Thai clinch at the end. Rothwell with a few shots before the bell, and MMA Junkie gives him the round, 10-9.

Round 2 – Rothwell moves forward with confidence but necessary caution. Barnett is doing everything he can to surprise his opponent, but Rothwell is just walking forward and landing straight shots and uppercut. Barnett with a heck of a chin, but he’s turning to escape, and referee Mark Smith is letting him know that won’t be acceptable. Barnett swinging but is just too far away. He shoots inside, but Rothwell stuffs it and grabs the neck for his favorite hold. Rothwell looking to finish it here. He grabs the squeeze. Barnett tries to spin out, but the grip is secure, and he’s forced to tap. Courageous from Barnett, but Rothwell was just too much.

BetMGM Odds: Rothwell -300, Barnett +250
Result: Ben Rothwell def. Chris Barnett via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:07
Recap:
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Chris Barnett (21-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Ben Rothwell (39-13 MMA, 9-7 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Jack Hermansson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

Round 1 – Hermansson with his hands high, but Shahbazyan pushes a jab through the middle. Hermansson with a low kick, but it’s answered by another stiff jab. Shahbazyan sharp early, and he lands an uppercut, as well. Hermansson scores one of his own. Shahbazyan patient early, very calm. Hermansson misses with a low kick. Hermansson keeping his guard tight, but Shahbazyan continues to score with that jab. Hermansson changes levels, but Shahbazyan sprawls well and resets on the feet. Shahbazyan seems very comfortable early. He scores with a couple of rights to the body. Everything behind the jab. Right hand over the top, and Shahbazyan starting to turn it up a bit. Hermansson punches his way into the clinch, but again he can’t get the takedown. Hermansson covering well and avoiding anything devastating, but Shahbazyan is flowing. Hermansson kicks the legs a bit in the final minute. He slips a jab and tries to flurry. Hermansson might need to make this a brawl. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Shahbazyan, 10-9.

Round 2 – Hermansson aggressive early and punches his way into a clinch early. Shahbazyan defending agains the fence. Hermansson drops for a single. Elbows from Shahbazyan, and Hermansson turns it to a double and gets the action to the floor. Shahbazyan pulls guard. His head is agains the fence. Hermansson slides through with the right leg. He steps to mount with the left, but Shahbazyan turns and slips out the back. Hermansson secures the neck as they stand, but it’s a very high angle. Hermansson tries to drop the weight but can’t, so he has to let go. They scramble off the cage, and Hermansson changes levels again. Shahbazyan tries to grab the guillotine. He does secure the neck as they fall, but Hermansson elevates and passes the guard, and Shahbazyan has to let it go. Hermansson now on top and striking. Two minutes left. Shahbazyan trying to hold half-guard. Hermansson wants the neck. He think guillotine, but Shahbazyan scrambles. He nearly gives up the back but scrambles again and slips to the top. One minute left, and Hermansson pushes up to a neutral position. Shahbazyan presses him back down to his back. He lands a short punch and tries to take the neck. Hermansson tries to move up at the end. Shahbazyan punches away. Solid finish from Shahbazyan, but MMA Junkie gives it to Hermansson, 10-9. Close.

Round 3 – Hermansson with an early left hand. Shahbazyan back to the jab. Uppercut from Shahbazyan. That jab remains sharp. Shahbazyan shiftin laterally. Hermansson changes levels and gets inside. Shahbazyan defending well, but Hermansson relentless in his effort and gets his opponent to the canvas. Half-guard for Shahbazyan. Hermansson staying heavy on top, keeping things tight as he works in short punches. Shahbazyan trying to move, but Hermansson keeping the chest pressed down and landing short hammerfists right the right hand. Shahbazyan does his best to turn and shrimp, but Hermansson keeping things much tighter this round, preventing any space to work. Blood now covers Shahbazyan’s face. Hermansson has absolutely stifled him on the canvas. Big elbows from the top now with time winding down. Hammerfists rattle in over and over. One minute. Referee Herb Dena watching closely. Hermansson landing big shots. Forearm crashes in. Hermansson moves out to north-south and then switches to side control and the crucifix. Mount for Hermansson. Heck of a round. MMA Junkie scores the final round for Hermansson, 10-8, and awards hie the fight, 29-27. Will come down to round 2, and could potentially be a draw if Shahbazyan awarded the late action.

BetMGM Odds: Hermansson -160, Shahbazyan +135
Result: Jack Hermansson def. Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Recap: Jack Hermansson finishes strong, beats Edmen Shahbazyan
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Jack Hermansson (22-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Edmen Shahbazyan (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Hermansson rounds 2 and 3), Adalaide Byrd (29-28, giving Hermansson rounds 2 and 3), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28, giving Hermansson rounds 2 and 3)

Bill Algeo vs. Ricardo Ramos

Round 1 – Algeo with the wide stance on the outside. Ramos trying to explode forward, but Algeo’s movement tricky. Ramos does work his way to the clinch and slips to the back. Algeo defends well, and Ramos lets go. He resets quickly though. Still, Algeo unfazed and patiently works his way free as they reset. High kick from Algeo, and he slips. Ramos lands an uppercut as he moves back to the feet. Algeo with a nice jab as he starts again. More jabs land clean. Ramos wanting to counter, but Algeo moving well again. Two punches miss, but Algeo scores with a kick to the body. Algeo kicks to the leg. Ramos lands a left over the top. Ramos now with a nice jab. He catches a kick but can’t capitalize. Ramos shoots inside again. No takedown, but he moves to the back. Algeo turns inside, and Ramos does get the takedown. Scramble from Algeo, but Ramos moves around to the back and gets one hook in on a kneeling opponent. Algeo using the fence to prevent the second hook. Ramos aggressive but slips off over the top. Algeo tries to strike in the moment, but Ramos recovers well. MMA Junkie gives it to Ramos, 10-9.

Round 2 – Algeo high kick just misses. Ramos with a Superman and a big left that miss. Both men moving well and showing creativity. Algeo to the lead leg. His jab scores. Ramos high kick short. He lands a straight right. Low kick from Algeo, and Ramos grabs the leg and drives the action to the cage but can’t keep it there. Algeo with a leaping knee, but Ramos grabs him and sores the trip to the canvas. Algeo scrambles up off his back, but Ramos wrap up his neck. Algeo has to fight his way out of it and reset as he stands and pulls away. Ramos with a nice low kick. Algeo back to the jab. Ramos with a nice counter left. Big punches traded, and they collide, so Ramos wraps the body. He tries to spin to the back, but Algeo pushes him away. Punches traded inside. Algeo with a spinning elbow. Ramos inside and scores a takedown with seconds remaining. MMA Junkie gives it again to Ramos, 10-9.

Round 3 – Algeo trying to get aggressive early. Ramos clinches and wants the inside trip, but it’s not there. He tries to grab the neck, but Algeo pulls away. Algeo works the legs a bit. Algeo trying to press, but Ramos dealing well and throwing counters that are earning respect. Ramos tries for the clinch but can’t get it, but he lands a right hand as they disengage. Algeo counters with a few nice left hands. Algeo moving well and trying to make something happen, but Ramos has a read on it. They each miss on big elbows. Nice elbow from Algeo scores as Ramos moves forward. Ramos gets the clinch but can’t control. Algeo pulls away, but Ramos back inside and has the takedown. Algeo scrambles, and Ramos slips to the back. Algeo defends well and escapes back to his feet. They end on the feet, with Ramos catching a kick and tripping Algeo off-balance. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Ramos, and awards him the fight 30-27.

BetMGM Odds: Algeo -125, Ramos +105
Result: Ricardo Ramos def. Bill Algeo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Bill Algeo (14-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Ricardo Ramos (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell (30-27), Eric Colon (30-27), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Ramos rounds 1 and 3)

Norma Dumont vs. Felicia Spencer

Round 1 – Spencer switching stances early as they each stay at range. Spencer with a few feints with the legs. She’s tweaking the hips and studying. Dumont fires out a jab and misses a big right. Dumont seems to be throwing the harder strikes, but she’s missing the mark.She does land clean to the leg, though. Spencer trying to walk forward, but she’s just a little slow to pull the trigger, and that’s allowing Dumont to land the low kicks, which is her best attack so far. They trade left hands. Spencer tries to move inside but eats a left hand. She has to regroup to get to the clinch, but Dumont lands a knee inside and pulls away. Dumont with a front kick to the body. She kicks the leg again. Dumont blocks a high kick but misses the big return shot. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Dumont, 10-9.

Round 2 – Dumont light on her feet. Spencer with a side kick to the body. She lands a counter right hand and then a sneaky hook kick. Spencer tries to advance, but Dumont shoves her aside as she slips away. Punches traded in tight, but it’s a Dumont left that scores clean. Spencer staggers a little and then tries to move forward again. As she walks forward, she eats two counter punches down the middle. Dumont’s kicks remain effective, and she’s the more powerful puncher, as well. It’s making it tough for Spencer to really engage, because she pays for it in the exchanges. Dumont with a big left to the body and then one up top, as well. Spencer does land a nice right hand, but Dumont shows no effect. Spencer drives inside with a minute left. She pushes the action to the fence. Dumont grabs a Thai clinch and works back to the center. Spencer firing, but Dumont returning every time. Round ends on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives it to Dumont, 10-9.

Round 3 – Spencer with a quick front kick. She circles on the outside. She misses a few hook kicks but lands to the body. Dumont changes levels and drives through to the canvas with perfect timing. Spencer able to snag half-guard as they land, and she circles to guard fairly quickly. Dumont counter sand steps pas ta leg, but she eventually decides to move back to the feet. Three minutes left. Spencer the one walking forward. She kicks to the body. Dumont catches one and again sweeps her to the floor but can’t keep her there. Spencer presses the action to the fence. Two minutes left. She lands a few knees inside. Elbows traded in the clinch. THey move off the fence, and Dumont with the trip, but Spencer with the whizzer and the quick recovery, and she takes top position. Dumont tries to bring her legs high on the shoulders, but Spencer able to prevent that. Dumont trying to hold tight. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Spencer, 10-9, but awards the fight to Dumont, 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Spencer -165, Dumont +140
Result: Norma Dumont def. Felicia Spencer via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Norma Dumont (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Felicia Spencer (8-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging:

Justin Tafa vs. Jared Vanderaa

Round 1 – Vanderaa with an early low kick. Tafa holding the center and keeping his hands high. He walks forward and fires a big left. Vanderaa working the legs early. Tafa with a nice left to the body. He walks into a stiff jab and has to reset. Low kicks traded. Vanderaa moving and working the legs. Tafa punches his way into a clinch but eats a knee as he exits. Tafa trying to press, but Vanderaa countering well right now. Still, the Tafa left is dangerous and finding moments, as well. Both men not overcommitting but also firing with huge shots when they let go. Vanderaa with a nice kick to the body. He goes to the leg again. Vanderaa staying bust with kicks. He lands a nice one to the body. Vanderaa working the jab, as well, and staying away from the big left. Left hands traded before the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Vanderaa, 10-9.

Round 2 – Vanderaa checks a low kick. Tafa trying to land the big left, but Vanderaa moving well and lands a huge kick to the body. Vanderaa high kick just blocked. Vanderaa continues to mix in kicks with his punches and use long strikes to keep Tafa away. Tafa ducks his head and does land a nice overhand. Vanderaa answers back with big kicks to the body and up top. They start trading big punches in the pocket. Both men land big shots, and Vanderaa moves into the clinch. Vanderaa cut on the left side of his head, and blood streaming down his face. It’s rubbed on Tafa’s face, as well, as they back up and move to the center. More punches traded as both men throw heavy. Tafa starting to add in some low kicks. Vanderaa’s chest absolutely covered with blood. Tafa with a straight to the body. Another low kick from Tafa. Overhand left from Tafa. He’s pressing with punches, and Vanderaa stumbles back a bit. Another big left from Tafa in the closing seconds. Good finish from Tafa, and MMA Junkie gives him the round, 10-9.

Round 3 – Left traded right away. Tafa follows with another. He seems dialed in on the timing now. Tafa punches the body and blocks a kick to the body. Vanderaa kicks to the leg, and that continues to score at will. Big punches traded, and somehow they’re both upright. Overhand left from Tafa, but Vanderaa counters with an uppercut. Tafa’s left hand is scoring, but Vanderaa talking through it somehow. Vanderaa with a nice kick to the body. He lands a right hand, as well. They traded hooks in the pocket. Both are having moments and firing with power. Vanderaa with a few right hands that scores. He lands when he goes first. Tafa briefly wraps the body. Vanderaa circles off the cage. He breaks away, and they start trading. Big shots back and forth. Tough to believe they’re both upright. One minute left. Fight probably on the line. Big left hands from Tafa scores. Cut open again on Vanderaa’s forehead, and it’s streaming down. Vanderaa lands a low knee, and we get a timeout. Tafa takes a little more than a minute, and we restart. Both men pressing at the end. Vanderaa with a nice kick to the body. Punches traded. Kicks land for Vanderaa. They swing until the end. Close fight. MMA Junkie leans toward Vanderaa in the final round, 10-9, and awards the fight to him, 29-28.

BetMGM Odds: Tafa -185, Vanderaa +155
Result: Jared Vanderaa def. Justin Tafa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Justin Tafa (4-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Jared Vanderaa (12-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging:

Carla Esparza vs. Yan Xiaonan

Round 1 – Xiaonan comes out swinging but allows Esparza to slip underneath a big right and take her immediately to the floor. Xiaonan tries to scramble up, but Esparza is on top and looking to strike. Esparza slips out to side control. Firm control of the body as she stays there. Xiaonan pressing down with the head with her left elbows and lands a few with the right to the body. Xiaonan trying to frame and create space. She tries to hook the head with the legs but can’t do it. She turns and is able to recover to guard. Esparza postures and moves past the legs and into side control once again. Esparza keeping heavy pressure from the top. Xiaonan trying to strike from her back. Esparza punching away from the top. Xiaonan looking to hip escape or scramble, but Esparza just methodical on top and keeping her flat on her back. Esparza tries to isolate the arm in the final minute. She can’t quite get it, so she just punches away from the top. Elbows land, as well, and Xiaonan is cut on the forehead. Round ends there, and MMA Junkie gives it to Esparza, 10-8.

Round 2 – Xiaonan more patient this time. She flashes out a high kick that just misses the face. She lands a straight behind it. Esparza able to duck in, grab a single and run the pipe, getting Xiaonan on her back again. Xiaonan frames and makes some space. She fires an upkick as Esparza postures. Esparza moves past it and settles on top again. Xiaonan active from her back, but she’s cut open again, and Esparza moves easily to side control. More punches and elbows from the top. Esparza into the crucifix. She has the right arm isolated and thinks submission but instead just drives down punches and elbows. Xiaonan’s face covered in blood, and she simply can’t get off her back. Esparza just keeps throwing, and referee Keith Peterson calls a halt to the one-sided bout.

BetMGM Odds: Xiaonan -135, Esparza +110
Result: Carla Esparza def. Yan Xiaonan via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:58
Recap:
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Carla Esparza (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Yan Xiaonan (13-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Rob Font vs. Cody Garbrandt

Round 1 – Font moving side to side to start. Garbrandt pulls back on a low kick. Garbrandt in the center and pumps a jab. He lands a low kick. Font moving his head, looking for angles. Garbrandt high kick blocked. He kicks low. Font switching stances. Garbrandt fakes the low reach for the big overhand. Font with a big right that seems to wobble Garbrandt just a bit. he retreats and looks to recover. Font chases but misses an uppercut. They throw big rights at the same time. Scramble ensures, and Garbrandt fires a high kick. Font overhand and then seems to land a knee as Garbrandt ducks. Font follows forward but winds up on bottom. He gets up shortly after. Font with the jab and another nice right hand. Garbrandt a little stunned again, but he ducks under and scores a takedown with relative ease. Font scoots back to his feet. They trade strikes sat the end. Font’s jab sharp. Good round, but MMA Junkie gives it to Font, 10-9.

Round 2 – Font to the center and kicks the body. Garbrandt wastes little time changing levels and is able to get Font to the canvas in the center of the cage. Font trying to control the wrists, and he works to butterfly and creates a scramble. Garbrandt adjusts and stays on top. Font in half-guard and isolates the right arm. Kimura attempt not tight, but it creates a scramble back to the feet. They reset, and Garbrandt shoots inside. Font stops this one. He lands a nice jab shortly after. Font’s jab working. He’s trying to keep distance and avoid the takedown as he advances. Garbrandt fakes a level change. They exchange punches. Font the one walking forward, but but Garbrandt dangerous with his counters. They clinch, but Font knees him and backs away. Font with two crisp punches. He’s switching stances. Font with the jab and the right behind it. Garbrandt backing to the fence. Font refuses to set up there. Round ends on the feet, and MMA Junkie gives it narrowly to Font, 10-9.

Round 3 – Font out quickly and lands a right. Garbrandt answers with a few crisp jabs. Font certainly the one moving forward, but Garbrandt lands a nice low kick and slips a right hand. Font with a low kick just as Garbrandt seemed to want to change levels. Font working the jab. Garbrandt moving well, but he’s against the cage. Font with a nice right hand. Garbrandt rushes forward to grab him, but Font able to easily slip around to his back. Garbrandt turns inside, but Font is controlling the body and landing a few punches. Garbrandt answers back with strikes. Takedown from Font, but Garbrandt rolls and kicks, and Font has to reset back on the feet. Back tot he jab for Font. Garbrandt changes levels and shoots, but Font sprawls well. Stalemate on the floor, so Font moves up and back to the center. Jab for Font. Right to the body. Garbrandt drops his hands and wants a brawl. Font backs away and resets. He wants to keep it technical. Nice head movement from Garbrandt as he slips a few punches, but he’s not able to really land anything in reply. MMA Junkie gives it again to Font, 10-9.

Round 4 –

BetMGM Odds: Font -120, Garbrandt +100
Result:
Recap:
Photos: Photos: Best of UFC Fight Night 188
Records: Rob Font (18-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC), Cody Garbrandt (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: