UFC 255

The flyweight title took centerstage at UFC 255 with both the men’s and women’s belts being defended.

And both reigning champions secured successful defenses, as Deiveson Figueiredo and Valentina Shevchenko were victorious.

Figueiredo needed just a couple of minutes and one opening to submit Alex Perez in the headline bout from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Perez became the first alum of Dana White’s Contender Series to compete for UFC gold.

But he was no match for the champion on this night. Figueiredo locked up a guillotine for his first title defense.

In the co-main event, Shevchenko earned her fourth consecutive title defense, besting Jennifer Maia. Shevchenko, the reigning women’s flyweight champion, controlled much of the fight outside of the second round.

With the win, she is second only to Amanda Nunes for consecutive title defenses. Nunes has defended her bantamweight belt five straight times.

After missing weight, Mike Perry struggled with Tim Means, dropping a decision. Means used his effective striking to secure the win, improving to 31-12-1 including two straight victories. 

Underdog Katlyn Chookagian dominated Cynthia Calvillo over three rounds, picking up a convincing decision. Chookagian, who has gone 4-2 over her last six, fought for the title earlier this year against Shevchenko. 

Paul Craig opened the main card with a second round TKO over former UFC champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The bout was a rematch of a 2019 draw between the two, as Craig remained unbeaten over his last four fights. 

Flyweights were also featured on the ESPN2/ESPN+ prelims. In the main bout, Brandon Moreno finished Brandon Royval to secure his standing as the No. 1 contender.

Moreno dominated, earning the stoppage with one second left in the first round. Royval showed his toughness, as his shoulder popped out and had to be put back in by his coach.

Antonina Shevchenko, the sister of Valentina Shevchenko, earned a second round TKO over Ariane Lipski in the women’s flyweight ranks. 

Joaquin Buckley finished Jordan Wright in 18 seconds in the second round and Nicolas Dalby topped Daniel Rodriguez via decision.

On the early prelims, Alan Jouban, Kyle Daukaus and Sasha Palatnikov all earned victories. Palatnikov finished betting favorite Louis Cosce in the third round of a crazy back-and-forth welterweight battle.

UFC 255: Figueiredo Vs. Perez Results

Deiveson Figueiredo def. Alex Perez via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:57 of Round 1 to remain UFC flyweight champion

Valentina Shevchenko def. Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to remain UFC female flyweight champion

Tim Means def. Mike Perry via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Katlyn Chookagian def. Cynthia Calvillo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Paul Craig def. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via TKO (strikes) at 3:36 of Round 2

Brandon Moreno def. Brandon Royval via TKO (strikes) at 4:59 of Round 1

Joaquin Buckley def. Jordan Wright via KO (strike) at :18 of Round 2

Antonina Shevchenko def. Ariane Lipski via TKO (strikes) at 4:33 of Round 2

Nicolas Dalby def. Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Alan Jouban def. Jared Gooden via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kyle Daukaus def. Dustin Stoltzfus via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Sasha Palatnikov def. Louis Cosce via TKO (strikes) at 2:27 of Round 3

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