The octagon returns to Mexico City, Mexico, this time for UFC Fight Night 159. The main event will feature a featherweight clash between a crafty striker and a heavy hitting striker. Coming off a come from behind, last second knockout over Chan Sung Jung, Yair Rodriguez returns in his home country of Mexico. He will be taking on the heavy hitting knockout artist, Jeremy Stephens. Stephens enters the contest coming off a unanimous decision loss to Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC 235. As Rodriguez attempts to extend his win streak to two, Stephens will be looking to snap a two fight losing streak.
In the co-main event, another one of Mexico’s own returns to the cage. Coming off an impressive victory over former strawweight title challenger, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Alexa Grasso returns to face another tough opponent. Her opponent, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Virna Jandiroba, will be former UFC strawweight champion, Carla Esparza.
Kicking off the main card will be a fight in the featherweight division as Martin Bravo takes on Steven Peterson. Both men enter the contest on two fight losing skids as they look to pick up a win. Next up is a match up in the women’s bantamweight division. Coming off a loss to former title challenger Raquel Pennington, Irene Aldana looks to rebound from the loss as she takes on Vanessa Melo. Finally, before the co-main event, TUF alum, Brandon Moreno returns to the cage to face UFC newcomer, Askar Askarov. Moreno will be looking for a second straight victory after a brief stint outside the UFC. As for Askarov, he looks to stay undefeated as he enters the fight with a record of 10-0.
UFC Fight Night 159 Results
Follow along with MMASucka as we provide you with the results throughout UFC Fight Night 159.
MAIN CARD (ESPN+ – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)
Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens deemed a No Contest (Eye Poke) at 0:15 of Round One
Carla Esparza def. Alexa Grasso via Majority Decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brandon Moreno vs. Askar Askarov ends in a Split Draw (28-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Irene Aldana def. Vanessa Melo* via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Steven Peterson def. Martin Bravo via Knockout (Spinning Backfist) at 1:31 of Round Two
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+ – 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT)
Jose Quinonez def. Carlos Huachin via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Kyle Nelson def. Marco Polo Reyes via Knockout (Punches) at 1:36 of Round One
Angela Hill def. Ariane Carnelossi via TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage) at 1:56 of Round Three
Sergio Pettis def. Tyson Nam via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Paul Craig def. Vinicius Moreira via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:19 of Round One
Bethe Correia def. Sijara Eubanks via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Claudio Puelles def. Marcos Mariano via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)
*Melo missed weight at 140 lbs., fined 20 percent of her purse
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