UFC 247 - Controversial decision in championship main event, Title fight ends in brutal knockout

UFC 247.
UFC 247.

UFC rolled into the Toyota Center in Houston for a stacked card that was headlined by two huge title fights.

Valentina Shevchenko put the Flyweight Championship on the line against Kaitlyn Chookagian in the co-main event of the evening.

The main event saw Jon Jones face one of his trickiest challengers in recent memory as he defended the LHW strap against the undefeated Dominick Reyes.

Derrick Lewis opened the main card by welcoming former Light Heavyweight prospect Ilir Latifi to the Heavyweight division. Two other rising Heavyweights from the division - Juan Adams and Justin Tafa -squared off inside the Octagon in what was expected to be a power-packed clash between two knockout artists.

The card also featured a solid Featherweight scrap between Mirsad Bektic and Dan Ige, which went under the radar in the build-up to the event.

Here are the results and highlights of UFC 247:


UFC 247 - Prelims


Trevin Giles def. James Krause via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Lauren Murphy def. Andrea Lee via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Kalinn Williams def. Alex Morono via TKO (punches) (0:27, Round 1)

Mario Bautista def. Miles Johns via TKO (flying knee and punches) (1:41, Round 1)

Journey Newson def. Domingo Pilarte via TKO (punches) (0:38, Round 1)

Andre Ewell def. Jonathan Martinez via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Youssef Zalal def. Austin Lingo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)


UFC 247 Results - Main Card


#1 Ilir Latifi vs. Derrick Lewis (Heavyweight)

Lewis vs. Latifi
Lewis vs. Latifi

After fighting at Light Heavyweight for a majority of his career, Ilir Latifi finally made the move up to the Heavyweight division in the UFC and his first fight was against one of the heaviest hitters of the division, the extremely popular, Derrick Lewis.

The Black Beast snapped a two-fight losing streak by winning in his last Octagon outing against Blagoy Ivanov. Latifi lost both of his last two fights at LHW and was looking for a fresh start amongst the Heavyweights.

Round 1: They touched gloves and the fight got underway. Latifi circled cautiously and Lewis was the one who tried to close the distance. Lewis drew first blood with a lunging hook. They clinched with Latifi's back against the cage.

Lewis connected with an incredible jumping knee. Latifi caught the feet and turned it into a clinch against the cage. Latifi got the single leg and attempted a takedown, however, Lewis was just too strong and firm on his feet.

Latifi landed a few body punches in the clinch but the referee broke them up due to the lack of action. Lewis cracked Latifi with a punch. He followed it with a big high kick to the body. Latifi was in a spot of bother and he clinched with a minute left on the clock. Lewis stuffed another takedown. Latifi attempted a big left on the break but Lewis got his guard up on time.

10-9 Lewis

Round 2: Lewis used the new move in his arsenal - the high left switch kick - to good effect early in the second. He reached in for a lead right but Latifi moved back. Lewis kept shooting left-leg kicks to the body and upper body. He went for another flying knee. Latifi caught it and we had ourselves another clinch. The fans booed as it was a relatively inactive clinch. Lewis flipped positions, went for a big knee, however, he lost balance and Latifi tripped him down to the mat.

Latifi was in half guard and threw punches to the side of Lewis' body. Latifi wasn't passing guard and the referee stood them up, much to the pleasure of the fans.

Back on their feet, Lewis went for another high kick to the face. Latifi blocked it with his guard. Latifi got the fight to the mat again and jumped into Lewis' guard. He landed a few shots as the round came to a close.

10-9 Latifi

Round 3: Lewis went for a big left hook. Latif replied with a right of his own. The Black Beast stalked his opponent and went for another big strike. Latifi clinched and got Lewis down to the mat yet again. The former LHW fighter assumed half guard position and landed punches to the body. Latifi was not advancing his position and that was not the smartest of moves from him. Lewis got back up on his feet and he went in straight for the kill with massive punches. The fans popped for the urgency but an ensuing clinch turned it into boos. The crowd rallied behind Lewis as Latifi landed another takedown.

Back on their feet, Lewis connected with a massive head kick. Latifi was stunned as Lewis looked to finish him off. Latifi frantically clinched. Lewis starched him with elbows to the side of the head. They broke up and Lewis landed some big punches as he emptied his gas tank in search for a big finish. Latifi absorbed the incoming strikes and somehow managed to survive until the final hooter. That was close!

10-9 Lewis

Result: Derrick Lewis def. Ilir Latifi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

It was a fair decision as Lewis showed more intent and looked more threatening throughout the fight. Latifi had his moments on the ground but he never did enough to build upon the good positions he found himself in on the mat. The final flurry from Lewis may have done it for the Black Beast on home turf.

#2 Mirsad Bektic vs. Dan Ige (Featherweight)

Bektic vs. Ige
Bektic vs. Ige

Dan Ige was on a four-fight win streak, having won his last fight via unanimous decision against Kevin Aguilar. Mirsad Bektic was coming off a TKO loss against Josh Emmett, which happened in July 2019.

Round 1: The high-stakes Featherweight showdown kicked off with both men reading each other's early movements. Ige landed a big left hook. Bektic looked more light and jumpy on his feet, however, Ige clinched and got Bektic down to the mat for a few seconds.

Back on the feet, Ige pressed forward and landed a kick to the thigh. Ige landed a left as Becktic came in. He followed it up with an extensive combination as Bektic moved backwards. Ige came in again with two jabs and a straight left to the body. Ige landed a huge body punch as he broke away from the clinch. Becktic went for a short punch but Ige ducked.

Ige landed with a spinning kick to the body. Bektic went for a spinning elbow himself but missed and Ige got his back. The round, however, came to an end.

10-9 Ige

Round 2: Bektic gets in a left. Ige fired back with a combination. Bektic shot for the double leg takedown but Ige stuffed it.

Ige got Bektic's head for a Guiltonie but he went down on his back and Bektic took side control. He attempted to pass into half guard but Ige got up to his feet. They got back down again and Ige attempted to put Bektic in a Banana Split submission. Inventive.

Ige was on his back again as Bektic passed from half guard to mount and locked in the head and arm choke. He squeezed hard as Ige looked to be in a considerable amount of trouble. Bektic used his shoulder to cut off the oxygen but he let go of the choke. Ige looked for a kimura at the dying stages of the round but he lost it and settled for the guard.

10-9 Bektic

Round 3: Ige pushed in for a right-hand body shot. He landed a quick-fire straight right. They exchanged shots in the pocket. Bektic changed levels and tried to get the single leg takedown. Ige's defence held up as he had his back against the cage.

Mirsad was relentless though as he worked hard towards securing the takedown. The referee separated them, which was odd. Ige landed a clean right on the break. He went for another right punch that hit Bektic's guard. Ige continued to clip Mirsad with right-hand shots.

Mirsad got Ige on his knees and tried to wrestle him to the mat, however, Ige swept. Mirsad tried to maintain the control and briefly flattened Ige on the mat. Another sweep and Bektic now had Ige's back. The round ended with Bektic attempting a leg lock.

10-9 Ige

Result: Dan Ige def Mirsad Bektic via split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28

It was a very close fight that could have gone either way on the scorecards. In the end, Ige got the nod as he had the bigger moments on the feet and held his ground in the wrestling exchanges.

#3 Juan Adams vs. Justin Tafa (Heavyweight)

Adams vs. Tafa
Adams vs. Tafa

Juan Adams' undefeated streak ended in 2019 when he was beaten by Arjan Bhullar in May. He lost his second fight in 2019 against the controversial Greg Hardy. Adams needed a big win to get his career back on track and standing in his way was New Zealander Justin Tafa.

'The Bad Man' made his Octagon debut at UFC 243 and lost Yorgan De Castro, which was also his first professional MMA loss.

The second Heavyweight clash on the main card was important for the careers of both men and it promised to be a hard-hitting fight, with an early possible finish.

Round 1: Adams went for a low kick as Tafa looked to get his range in place in the southpaw stance.

Adams blocked a low kick and landed two lefts. Tafa finally connected with a clean leg kick. Adams went straight to the body with a kick. Adams came in for a big left but Tafa moved out of the way and landed a right hook. Juan was hurt by the impact of the right hook and Tafa kept up the pressure with two close-range left hooks.

They created some separation and Tafa isolated Adams near the cage. The Bad Man then rocked Adams with a right hook followed by a clinical right uppercut. Adams' knees gave up and the referee jumped in to stop the fight.

Result: Justin Tafa def. Juan Adams via TKO (1:59, Round 1)

There's nothing more satisfying for a heavyweight fighter than a first-round knockout finish and Tafa did exactly that en route to his first UFC win.

#4 Valentina Shevchenko (C) vs. Kaitlyn Chookagian (Women's Flyweight Championship)

Shevchenko vs. Chookagian.
Shevchenko vs. Chookagian.

Valentina Shevchenko is inarguably one of the best fighters in the world today and she is also quite possibly the most well-rounded mixed martial artist in the UFC, who hasn't lost in her last four fights. She defends the Flyweight title against a tricky opponent in Kaitlyn Chookagian.

The #1 contender has only two losses on her resume and despite being the underdog heading into the co-main event, and the former Golden Gloves Boxing Champion does possess the striking tools needed to pull off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. However, did 'The Blonde Fighter' actually make it happen? Only one way to find out.

Round 1: Chookagian attempted a few leg kicks in the early stages of the fight. The champ was patient as she got her range in place and pressured her opponent without engaging.

Chookagian went for a right, missed and Shevchenko countered with a left. Chookagian went for a left hook, Shevchenko ducked and attempted a blink-and-you-miss right.

The champion went in for a three-piece sequence that ended with a leg kick. She replicated the combo as the leg kicks looked crisp and impactful. Chookagian attempted a question mark kick. Shevchenko landed a heavy right-hand jab. Valentina waited for Chookagian to commit before countering with strikes.

Shevchenko landed a takedown and settled into full guard. Chookagian's long legs meant that she had a high guard on her back. The challenger used her leg dexterity, closed the distance and landed short punches. Shevchenko, though sliced Chookagian open with a vicious elbow as the round ended.

10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2: Chookagian began with a good leg kick. Shevchenko landed a solid body kick. The spinning kick to the body came out from the champ's corner and it looked beautiful.

Chookagian's mobility took a hit as her left leg was peppered with leg kicks. Shevchenko was comfortable as she waited for Chookagian to engage before landing the counter strikes.

Bullet connected with an epic wheel kick to the head. It was flawless but Chookagian didn't even blink an eye. Shevchenko landed another takedown with a minute left on the clock.

Shevchenko got into half guard and attempted to get in the head and arm choke. She gave up on the choke and got back to full guard until the end of the round.

10-9 Shevchenko

Round 3: Both women went for front kicks to the body. Chookagian went for the knee but Shevchenko caught the leg and took the challenger down. She got into side mount before trapping Chookagian in the crucifix position.

Kaitlyn had no way out as Shevchenko unleashed a barrage of brutal punches. Chookagian couldn't defend as her hands were trapped in the crucifix. The referee put Chookagian out of her misery and stopped the fight.

Result: Valentina Shevchenko def. Kaitlyn Chookagian via TKO (1:03, Round 3)

That was one of the most one-sided title fights you'd ever see. The Flyweight Queen was quite frankly different level as she dominated another yet another challenger. Which makes us wonder, just how good is Valentina?

#5 Jon Jones (C) vs. Dominick Reyes (Light Heavyweight Championship)

Jones vs. Reyes
Jones vs. Reyes

The main event of the evening doesn't need any introduction. How can you not be excited for a clash between the greatest LHW Champion of all-time and a dangerous undefeated finisher? Let's get right to it...

Round 1: Reyes came in hot with a big left. Jones changed levels and went for the takedown. Reyes wasn't giving up on the left but Jones tried to keep him away with the oblique kicks. They both went for kicks and clashed shins. The shin clashes were getting frequent as Jones was warned about his extended fingers. Reyes looked comfortable in the biggest fight of his life against the champ.

Reyes dropped Jones with a punch and he kept it going with a combination of lefts. He pushed Jones back as the Champ looked to be in trouble. Reyes landed a high kick and a follow-up body kick. Jones was yet to get into the groove as Reyes was all over Jones in the first round. Jones landed a clean high kick to the face. He landed another high kick. Reyes slowed down a bit as he extinguished a bulk of his energy early.

10-9 Reyes

Round 2: Reyes got right down to business with a left to the body. He got in a kick to the body. He swung hard with a big left.

Jones answered with a good kick to the body. Reyes kept up the pressure by following Jones. He attempted many shots but not a lot of them landed. Reyes got in a nasty low kick. Jones got a solid left counter.

Reyes kept it going with the body shots. Jones got a front kick to the body. Jones got in a snappy jab. Dominick started to slow down as Jones' defence held up the early onslaught. The kicks started to land for Jones. Reyes landed a solid counter left. Jones pushed him back with a kick. Reyes landed a left and a disguised follow-up left.

Reyes had landed more significant strikes in opening rounds and as firmly on top heading into the third.

10-9 Reyes

Round 3: Jones began with the inside leg kick. Reyes countered with a big high kick. Reyes got in another hard kick to the body.

Jones connected with a nice right. Reyes followed him but Jones did just enough to stay away.

Jones controlled the centre of the Octagon. He attempted a spinning attack to the body. Reyes went for a wild left but missed. Reyes landed a solid uppercut in the pocket. Jones went for a high kick but it got blocked. Jones engaged in the clinch and went for a takedown. Reyes stuffed it. Jones landed a good left and pushed Reyes back. Reyes went for a high kick but Jones' guard absorbed it.

The Champion checked the leg kick. Reyes got the body shot before lunging in for the uppercut but Jones wasn't home. Jones went for the takedown as the round came to a close.

10-9 Jones

Round 4: Championship rounds! Reyes landed two good rights and followed up with a solid combination.

Jones got the back, transitioned and landed a takedown. The champ settled for the clinch with Reyes' back against the cage. Jones got a big knee to the body. Jones landed a beautiful low kick. Jones shot for the double leg takedown. Reyes defended it well. Reyes looked laboured as Jones continued to press. Reyes landed a good right. Jones countered with a nice body shot. Jones evaded a Reyes strike and landed an elbow, followed a body shot.

Jones landed a right high kick. He followed it with a right jab. Reyes came in with an uppercut and a left. Jones landed a beautiful left hook as the round ended.

10-9 Jones

Round 5: Jones' corner told him to give Reyes five minutes of hell. Reyes started with a solid straight left. Reyes got in a body punch.

Jones shot for the double leg and got the back of Reyes. Reyes had his back against the cage as Jones clinched and landed a few knees. Jones got in a body punch and a nice elbow.

Jones wasn't taking his foot off the pedal as he kept the pressure going. The champ's cardio was top notch as he landed a body kick. Jones connected with an outside leg kick as we entered the final three minutes. Reyes went for the big left but there was no pop behind the strikes.

Jones with a solid spinning back kick. Jones looked the fresher fighter and it's the fifth round! Bones got in the front kick to the body. Reyes landed a few good left jabs. The challenger kept moving despite being laboured. Jones got in the inside leg kick followed by a high kick.

The fans got louder as we approached the final ten seconds. Jones went for a spinning back fist as both men went the 25 minutes. Now, that was a great fight but incredibly close.

Result: Jon Jones def. Dominick Reyes via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-27, 49-46)

That was surely a controversial decision. Reyes may have done enough to even win the fight but the judges saw otherwise. The judge who scored the fight 49-46 was watching something else.

Nonetheless, Jones marches on but kudos to The Devastator for bringing the fight to Bones.

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Edited by Kingshuk Kusari