Cannonier vs. Rodrigues updates of every fight

UFC Fight Night 251 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT). UFC Fight Night 251 (ESPN+) takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier (17-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) headlines against Gregory Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC). In the co-feature, Calvin Kattar (23-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) meets the surging Youssef Zalal (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3-1 UFC) at featherweight.

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+.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC Fight Night 251 lineup

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

• Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues
• Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal
• Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dylan Budka via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:35
• Nazim Sadykhov def. Ismael Bonfim via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
• Andre Petroski def. Rodolfo Vieira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)

• Jose Delgado def. Connor Matthews via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:58
• Angela Hill def. Ketlen Souza via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Rafael Estevam def. Jesus Aguilar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Gabriel Bonfim def. Khaos Williams via technical submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 2, 4:58
• Elijah Smith def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Valter Walker def. Don’Tale Mayes via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:17
• Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Julia Avila via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal

Round 1 – They touch ’em up, and Zalal gets the action started with punches and leg kicks. Kattar stays defensive early, and finally lands a punch after about 80 seconds in. Zalal continues to lead the activity with a varitety of quick strickes as Kattar stalks forward. Zalal’s jab is snappy and very accurate as he darts in and out. Kattar gives chase around the cage, looking to land as Zalal bounces around on the outside.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Zalal.

Round 2 – Zalal comes out firing fast punches, and threatens a takedown. Zalal gets back to his elusive movement on the outside as he adds a few speedy jabs. Kattar continues to struggle to land his offense as Zalal essentially dances around the cage. Zalal digs in a body kick. Kattar finds home for a front kick. Zalal rips a couple of punches, but Kattar lands a right as well. Zalal gets back to his movement to evade Kattar’s offense.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Zalal.

Round 3 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Kattar (23-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC), Zalal (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging:

Dylan Budka vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

Round 1 – Shahbazyan takes control of the center and begins working behind a left jab. Budka fires off a combination. Shahbazyan lands a cracking kick to the body. They reset. BANG! Shahbazyan cracks Budka with a huge right hand! Budka stumbles to the canvas. Shahbazyan rushes in for a few follow-up punches and the referee stops it. What a finish for Shahbazyan!

Result: Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dylan Budka via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:35
Recap:
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Budka (7-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC), Shahbazyan (14-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov

Round 1 – Sadykhov opens the action with a nice combination. He continues to fire first with kicks and punches. Bonfim puts together a fast 1-2. Sadykhov keeps his guard tight. They both throw at the same time, but Bonfim gets the better of it. Another nice connection for Bonfim with a right hand. The right is there again a moment later. Sadykhov lands a punch, prompting Bonfim to charge foward with a combination. Sadykhov times a beautiful head kick and Bonfim is wobbled! Sadykhov swarms. An uppercut gets through! Bonfim is saved by a clinch and we see he’s busted open underneath his eye. Sadykhov gets in a couple of short punches before the round ends.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sadykhov.

Between rounds, the cageside doctor checked on Bonfim’s eye. Bonfim said he couldn’t see and the fight is called off.

Result: Nazim Sadykhov def. Ismael Bonfim via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Bonfim (20-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Sadykhov (10-1-1 MMA, 3-0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Andre Petroski vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin the feeling out process. Single strikes offered from both. Vieira controls the center. He closes in and gets clipped with a nice check hook from Petroski. A few moments later, Vieira changes levels, but Petroski is able to escape the takedown attempt. Another double leg attempt from Vieira is denied. Petroski charges foward with punches, but doesn’t connect. Just over a minute to go, and Vieira is in on the hips, but again, can’t complete a takedown. Petroski lands a leg kick, but eats a few punches in return. Petroski shoots in an gets Vieira to the mat, but doesn’t keep him there.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Petroski.

Round 2 – Petroski lands a leg kick as Vieira connects with a right hand. Vieira shoots in but gets stuffed. Vieira lands a nice couple of punches. He threatens another takedown, but abandons it. Vieira finds home for a nice inside leg kick. Vieira shoots in again. He controls the back while standing for a moment, but lets it go. Vieira puts together a solid combo. A solid left jab lands a moment later. The inside leg kick is there again, and a right hand. Petroski digs in a pair of calf kicks.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Vieira.

Round 3 – Vieira comes out with a punch as Petroski attempted to touch gloves. Vieira apologized, and then they get back to the action. A nice step-in left hand lands for Vieira. He then looks for a single leg, but it’s not there. Petroski starts to open up more offensively with punches and leg kicks. Vieira gets in on the hips for a clinch, but lets it go. Vieira lands a leg kick and a left hand. Petroski offers a 1-2 with a calf kick. Vieira lands a nice 1-2 of his own a moment later. Petroski lands a kick to the body. They take turns offering strikes. A telegraphed takedown isn’t there for Vieira. Petroski comes in for the takedown and gets him down momentarily. One more exchange before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Petroski, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Andre Petroski def. Rodolfo Vieira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Petroski (13-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC), Vieira (10-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato, Bryan Miner

Jose Delgado vs. Connor Matthews

Round 1 – Both come out offering hard punches, but neither fighter connect. Delgado resets, circling on the outside. Matthews comes foward and finds a takedown. Delgado calmly works to his feet, but Matthews dumps him back to the ground. Matthews punches from the back. Delgado scrambles back to his feet and returns to hte center. A big spinning back elbow connects for Delgado. Somehow Matthews just eats it. Delgado lands a sharp 1-2. Blood begins to trickle from Matthews’ right eye. Delgado remains light on his feet. He darts in with a vicious right hand! Down goes Matthews! Delgado swarms with follow-up strikes. That’s it! Matthews is out!

Result: Jose Delgado def. Connor Matthews via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:58
Recap: UFC Fight Night 251 video: Jose Delgado smashes Connor Matthews for knockout
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Delgado (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Matthews (7-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza

Round 1 – Hill presses forward immediately, working behind a left jab. Souza looks for a spinning kick, and then attempts to clinch. Hill is wise to it and gets control. Hill digs in knees to the body along the fence. They separate, and Souza comes foward with strikes. Hill keeps the action going with punches and a head kick. Hill fires a sharp punch to the body, then grabs a clinch. She looks for more knees to the body. Souza gets free, and they exchange punches in the center. Hill charges forward for a takedown and gets it. As Souza turtles up, Hill lands a few nice knees to the body. Hill gets a hook in and punches to the head. Souza explodes to her feet just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hill.

Round 2 – Hill comes out leading the action with punches upstairs. Souza looks to answer with jabs and hooks. Hill eats a clean one, but circles away and lands a nice hook of her own a moment later. Hill changes levels, but this time, it’s not there. Hill resets and comes forward with a series of punches. Souza lands a solid jab. A spinning back kick to the body is not far behind it. They both land short strikes in a clinch. Back in space again, Souza comes forward with strikes. A solid right hand lands for Souza. Hill answers with a punch and a kick to the body. Souza looks for a spinning heel kick, but Hill blocks it. Hill spins a kick to the body. Souza lands another clean punch after evading Hill. They’re both going for it now, spinning frequently as the action stays high.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Souza.

Round 3 – Souza looks to pick right back up where they left off with strikes, but then Hill changes levels to complete a takedown. Hill scores some top control time, but nothing else occurs on the mat before Souza gets back to her feet. Back in the center now, the striking exchanges ramp up again momentarily. Souza lands a pair of right hands. An uppercut follows. Hill keeps coming forward, but Souza continues to connect. Hill looks for the takedown, but can’t get it. One minute to go. Hill lands a left in an exchange. She looks for a kick, but Souza catches it and whips Hill to the ground. Hill gets back up quickly and they exchange until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Souza, giving her the fight 29-28.

Result: Angela Hill def. Ketlen Souza via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Hill (18-14 MMA, 13-14 UFC), Souza (15-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28), Derek Cleary (28-29), Sal D’Amato (29-28)

Jesus Aguilar vs. Rafael Estevam

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and get right into it as Aguilar offers strikes, then charges forward for the clinch. Estevam gets underhooks and scores the takedown in the center of the cage. Aguilar throws up an omoplata attempt, but Estevam gets out of danger. They scramble for position, and Aguilar gets back to his feet. Estevam quickly brings the fight back to the ground. Estevam laces the legs from the top and lands punches. Aguilar gets his legs free, and jumps on a guillotine attempt. It looks tight, but Estevam calmly gets out and keeps top control. Aguilar scrambles to his feet, just to get taken down again.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Estevam.

Round 2 – Aguilar comes out fast with punches and a leaping knee. He takes himself off balance with the knee, though, allowing Estevam to rush in for a takedown. He quickly gets the legs laced again and punches from the top while maintaining control. Aguilar finds space to get to his feet, but gets wrestled down again. Estevam gets too high on the back once again, allowing Aguilar to get free. It’s short-lived though, as Estevam closes right back in for a takedown. Aguilar gets to his feet and then dragged down. Twice. Now Estevam has control from half guard. He looks for the arm triangle choke, but it’s not there.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Estevam.

Round 3 – Aguilar once again comes foward with strikes right out of the gate. He closes in to clinch, but abandons it. Aguilar punches again, this time looking for a double leg. He quickly gives up on it again. Now Aguilar is putting together nice combinations! Estevam covers up along the fence! Aguilar is feeling it. This fight is changing quickly. More punches for Aguilar. Estevam gets his back off the fence and starts circling. Aguilar keeps coming forward with punches. Aguilar gets a takedown, but doesn’t keep the fight on the ground. Now Estevam changes levels. He can’t get the takedown. Aguilar looks for a choke, but he gets too high on the back and slides off. Now Estevam gets control. They continue to wrestle until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Aguilar, but the fight goes to Estevam, 29-28.

Result: Rafael Estevam def. Jesus Aguilar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Aguilar (11-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Estevam (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Mike Bell, Eric Colon, Sal D’Amato

Gabriel Bonfim vs. Khaos Williams

Round 1 – Range finding leg kicks are offered from both to start the feel-out process. Williams charges foward swining big punches, but doesn’t connect. Bonfim stays light on his feet, bouncing around on the outside along the fence, landing leg kicks. Williams closes distance with strikes, and Bonfim changes levels. Bonfim doesn’t rush it, but he eventually lifts and dumps Williams to the mat. He quickly takes the back and starts working for a choke. Williams quickly explodes back to his feet. Action slows to single strike offerings as Williams stalks foward. Bonfim finds an opening for a takedown, and looks for a Von Flue just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bonfim.

Round 2 – Bonfim looks for leg kicks as he circles on the outside. Williams comes foward with hooks as Bonfim evades. Bonfirm now fires snappy jabs. Williams lands a hook, but gets a leg kick checked a moment after. Bonfim jabs again and lands another leg kick. The exchanges continue at a steady pace in the center of the cage. Bonfim’s ability to evade is really shining now and his calf kicks are adding up. A nice 1-2 gets home for Bonfim. Williams rushes foward with looping hooks, but can’t find the target. Another blitz foward for Williams, but Bonfim gets the takedown and slaps on a D’Arce choke. It’s very tight! Not much time on the clock, but the ref is right there. Williams out cold. Wow! What a finish for Bonfim!

Result: Gabriel Bonfim def. Khaos Williams via technical submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 2, 4:58
Recap: UFC Fight Night 251 video: Gabriel Bonfim chokes Khaos Williams out cold before buzzer
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Bonfim (17-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Williams (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Vince Morales vs. Elijah Smith

Round 1 – Morales quickly takes control from the center, prompting Smith to circle on the outside. Morales offers punches first, which Smith is able to evade. Now Smith fires his initial strikes. Smith connects beautifully with an uppercut, popping Morales’ head up. Morales continues to press forward with a combo of punches, adding a kick that lands flush to the junk. Smith folds over in pain as the referee pauses the fight. It’s a bad one, and Smith takes his time as the Apex falls completely silent. The on-screen timer shows 2:48 elapsed before the restart. Smith lets his hands go, landing nicely. Morales stays in close range. Smith paws his hand out and pokes Morales in the eye, causing another pause in the action. This time, the break is less than a minute. Smith doubles up the jab. A heated exchange of punches sees both fighters land clean. Morales stays forward, landing nice punches. Smith goes to leg kicks. Smith shoots in for a takedown and gets it with just a few seconds remaining.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Smith.

Round 2 – Morales gets back to heavy foward pressure, and lands an early quick combo. Morales charges in again with punches, but this time Smith gets a hold of him, lifts, carries him across the cage, and slams him to the mat. Smith takes the back and slaps on a rear naked choke. It’s tight, but he’s slipping off the side and he loses it. They scramble, with Morales coming up on a single leg. Morales gets the takedown and slaps on a D’arce choke. Morales has it tight, but Smith remains calm as he works through it. He’s finally out. They scramble for position again, and Morales ends up with another D’arce. It’s not there. A Japanese necktie for Morales! Smith powers out. More scrambles. Morales takes control momentarily. Smith gets back in control right at the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Morales.

Round 3 – Punching exchanges begin the action in the final round. Both appear slightly fatigued from the wild scrambles of the previous round. Smith gets control in a clinch, disengages, and busts open Morales with an uppercut. Smith immediately changes levels for a takedown. He gets Morales down momentarily, but they return to the feet. Smith connects with punches. Morales comes forward, Smith changes levels, but gets caught in a front headlock. Smith gets back up to his feet, narrowly evading an elbow on the exit. Smith unloads a series of punches. Morales is badly bloodied, but he’s still coming foward. Smith stays light on his feet, evading punches, even throwing up a finger wag. Morales rushes foward and jumps on the back, slapping on a choke! It’s under the neck and looks deep! Smith punches Morales in the head and there’s the horn. Woah. What a fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Smith, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Elijah Smith def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Morales (16-9 MMA, 3-7 UFC), Smith (8-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell, Sal D’Amato, Junichiro Kamijo

Don’Tale Mayes vs. Valter Walker

Round 1 – Walker gets the action started with a leg kick. A moment later, he rushes in for a big takedown, completeing it without much resistance. Short strikes are offered from the top, but now Walker rolls for a heel hook! He secures it and gets the tap! Woah!

Result: Valter Walker def. Don’Tale Mayes via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:17
Recap: UFC Fight Night 251 video: Valter Walker pulls off quick heavyweight heel hook – again
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Mayes (11-7 MMA, 4-5 UFC), Walker (13-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Julia Avila vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Avila opens the action with a pair of leg kicks. Cavalcanti fires off a fast punching combo as the feel out process continues. More kicks from Avila, and other combination from Cavalcanti. They remain in striking range, but stay patient with their offerings. Cavalcanti turns up the volume with her punches, keeping Avila on the back foot near the fence. Avila finds a home for a solid counter right, but it doesn’t get Cavalcanti to back off. Two big hooks land for Cavalcanti. Avila answers with a punch. Cavalcanti continues to fire solid punches, winning the final exchanges of the round.

MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 for Cavalcanti.

Round 2 – Cavalcanti gets right back into striking range. Avila offers strikes quickly, but Cavalcanti steps back to evade. Avila charges forward but eats a hard right hand counter. Cavalcanti continues to dictate the pace of the fight by leading the exchanges with effective punches and well-timed kicks. Avila’s corner says, “No more backing up.” Cavalcanti gets a hold of a kick, and the right hand sends Avila down. Avila scrambles to get a hold of Cavalcanti to get a takedown. Avila controls from the top, but she’s busted open somewhere, somehow – perhaps from the punch. Cavalcanti holds on well to prevent damage until the round concludes.

MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 for Cavalcanti.

Round 3 – Once gain, Cavalcanti gets to her spot. Avila’s corner is very vocal right now about turning up the aggression. Avila offers a combination, but isn’t able to keep her forward momentum. Cavalcanti regains control and puts together 1-2 combos behind feints. Avila remains on the outside near the fence, offering intermittent right hands. A takedown attempt from Avila isn’t there. One minute to go now. Cavalcanti backs slightly out of range of Avila’s offerings while landing her own strikes. Avila closes in to clinch, and there’s one more exchange before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores it 10-9 for Cavalcanti, giving her the fight 30-27.

Result: Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Julia Avila via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 251: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Avila (9-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC), Cavalcanti (9-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Derek Cleary, Eric Colon, Sal D’Amato

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.