LONDON – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 208 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).
UFC Fight Night 208 takes place at The O2 in London. The card streams on ESPN+.
In the main event, Curtis Blaydes (16-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) takes on Tom Aspinall (12-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) at heavyweight. In the co-feature, short-notice replacement Chris Curtis (29-8 MMA, 3-0 UFC) meets Jack Hermansson (22-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC) at middleweight.
Plus, British fan favorites and rising stars Paddy Pimblett (18-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and Molly McCann (12-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) return against Jordan Leavitt (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Hannah Goldy (6-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC), respectively.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately noon ET for the prelims on ESPN+ and 3 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC Fight Night 208 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) and Abbey Subhan (@kammakaze) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
Nicolas Dalby vs. Claudio Silva
Round 1 – And they touch gloves and UFC Fight Night 208 is officially under day. Silva immediately shoots for a takedown and pins Dalby against the cage. He pulls Dalby away from the cage while locked up to a single leg takedown. After a good 30 seconds, Silva gets his takedown and immediately moves to mount. No ground-and-pound here. Silva just working to get a submission, looking to separate Dalby’s arm. Two minutes left. Dalby bumps and recovers half-guard. Dalby still unable to get back to his feet, but he’s avoiding getting submitted by the Brazilian. And Silva controls the action all the way to the final bell. Easy 10-9 round for Silva on MMA Junkie’s scorecard.
Round 2 – Dalby comes out firing and connects with a hard leg kick that buckles Silva. And almost immediately after, Dalby gets takedown. Now Silva gets Dalby’s back and locks up a body triangle. He’s got a rear-naked choke, but it’s across Dalby’s face. Dalby gets out and reverses the position. He’s now on top, inside Silva’s guard. Three minutes left. Dalby working some slight ground-and-pound. And Silva gets up, but gets hit with some hard shots. Dalby with some good combinations on the break but gets tied up against the cage. They’re back on the feel. Silva looks exhausted and Dalby is putting on the pressure, as he’s punishing him with strikes in the clinch. One minute left. Silva is getting battered by Dalby’s combinations. The Brazilian looks to takedown Dalby, but he’s unsuccessful. The bell ring and saves Silva from an ugly scene. That’s a 10-9 for Dalby.
Round 3 – Silva comes out looking a bit more fresh, but it’s clear Dalby is in a better situation physically. Silva pulls guard almost immediately into the third. He’s looking to tie up Dalby’s arms, but he’s eating elbows in the process. Dalby continuing the ground-and-pound on Silva, but at a slow pace. With two minutes left, Dalby gets back to his feet and calls Silva to get up. The referee stands up the bout. Dalby getting his way here with the striking. And Silva gets a takedown! Dalby looking more active locks up an omoplata. Silva is defending well, but still getting threatened. Silva gets out and gets side control. Dalby gets up in the last five second and the bell rings. MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dalby. Overall, 29-28, Dalby.
Result: Nicolas Dalby def. Claudio Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Photos: Nicolas Dalby def. Claudio Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Records: Nicolas Dalby (20-4-1 MMA, 4-3-1 UFC), Claudio Silva (14-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosaki
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby 29-28; Anders Ohlsson 29-27 (R2 – 10-8 Dalby)
Mandy Bohm vs. Victoria Leonardo
Round 1 – The fight is on. Leonardo presses Bohm against the cage and the crowd starts booing. About a minute in the clinch battle against the cage, Bohm reverses the position and does the pressing against the cage. Leonardo battles back and now presses Bohm. Halfway through, they break away and the fight resumes n the feet. Bohm having some success with the kicks, connecting to the body and head. Another good kick by Bohm. Leonardo gets a brief takedown, but Bohm gets back on her feet just to get pressed against the cage. Both fighters stay in the same position until the bell rings. Close round, but Leonardo gets the 10-9 nod on MMA Junkie’s scorecard.
Round 2 – Once again, Leonardo closes the distance and presses Bohm against the cage. She’s clearly the more physically strong fighter. Not a ton going on in the clinch. Halfway through the round and Bohm breaks free. Leonardo with a solid combination. Leonardo closes the distance again and presses Bohm against the cage. A minute left and the fight gets reset on the feet. Good jab by Leonardo. And Bohm appeared to connect hard on the body before getting pressed once again. The bell rings. MMA Junkie gives that round a 10-9 to Leonardo.
Round 3 – Bohm coming out with some hard leg kick. Leonardo immediately closes the distance and presses Bohm against the cage after getting tagged with the leg kicks. While getting pressed against the cage, Bohm attempts a guillotine, but it’s unsuccessful. And Leonardo gets reversed, and the fight resumes back in the center of the cage. Very little action from both fighters, the pace of the fight has dropped dramatically. Bohm getting the better of these exchanges. And again, they’re back against the cage with Leonardo doing the pressing. Takedown for Leonardo. The 10-second bell rings. And the fight is over. MMA Junkie scored that round 10-9 Leonardo. Overall, 30-27 Leonardo.
Result: Victoria Leonardo def. Mandy Bohm via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Victoria Leonardo def. Mandy Bohm via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Victoria Leonardo (9-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Mandy Bohm (7-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Vito Paolillo, Clemens Werner, Cezary Wojciechowski 30-27
Jai Herbert vs. Kyle Nelson
Round 1 – Both fighters sizing each other up. Nelson gets things started with three consecutive kicks that connect clean on the mid-section of Herbert. Nelson doing the pressing here. Another good leg kick by Nelson. Herbert goes for a kick of his own, but gets caught and pressed against the cage. Three minutes left. Nelson looking for the takedown against the cage, but Herbert is defending well. Two minutes left and Nelson still looking for a takedown. And Herbert reserves the position and now does the pressing. Good elbow by Herbert from the clinch. Very little action going on. Forty second left and Nelson break off from the clinch. Solid calf kick by Nelson. The bell rings. That’s a 10-9 Nelson.
Round 2 – Herbert a lot more mobile in the second, bouncing a lot more and using more movement. Good jab by Herbert. Nelson making good work with his leg kicks. They’re clearly hurting Herbert. Nelson closes the distance and pins Herbert against the cage. Not long aftert, Nelson get reversed and Herbert does the pressing. Herbert far more active with shots while pressing. Nelson looks to be slowing down a bit, while Herbert’s looks to be coming on. Nelson looks for a takedown to close out the round, but fails. The round ends with Nelson pressing Herbert against the cage. Very close round, but it felt like Herbert did most of the damage. 10-9 Herbert on MMA Junkie’s card.
Round 3 – Nelson goes for a takedown early, but Herbert defends and manages to set Nelson off balance and land on top. Big moment here in the fight. Herbert working from half guard, landing some ground-and-pound. It’s nothing major, but enough to avoid getting a stand up. We’re half way through the round. Nelson just getting out worked here on the ground. Sure’s he’s not getting battered, but he’s being completely controlled and unable to get back to his feet. A minute left. Nelson puts his back to the cage and gets on his feet. He reverses the position on Herbert and now finds himself pressing Herbert against the cage. Nelson holds the position until the final bell. That’s a clear 10-9 for Herbert. MMA Junkie scores the fight 29-28, Herbert.
Result: Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Records: Jai Herbert (12-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC), Kyle Nelson (13-5 MMA, 1-4 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Anders Ohlsson, Daryl Ransom 29-28.
Charles Johnson vs. Muhammad Mokaev
Round 1 – Well, it’s Muhammad Mokaev time. Easily the biggest prospect in the UFC’s flyweight division. He’s got a good test here with Charles Johnson. And no touch of gloves! Mokaev immediately pressing Johnson here and pushing the pace. Mokaev with a good left hook And Mokaev shoots for a takedown on Johnson and gets it. Very explosive. Johnson back up, but then gets slammed to the canvas. Johnson showing resilience here as he gets back up. Mokaev has him tied up, and they’re fighting for the takedown against the fence. Two minutes left. Mokaev relentless on his takedown attack, but unable to bring down Johnson. Mokaev briefly gets a takedown, but Johnson back up against the cage. This struggle continues until the bell. 10-9 Mokaev on MMA Junkie’s scorecard.
Round 2 – Johnson not backing up at the start of this round. He’s pressuring Mokaev. Mokaev closes the distance and shoots for a takedown. He’s unable to get it, and they’re back to where they were in Round 1. The struggle and clinch battle continues. With two minutes left, Mokaev gets a takedown, this time putting Johnson’s back on the canvas for the first time in the fight. They scramble a few times, but Mokaev still comes out on top. Not much damage from Mokaev, but he maintains top control until the end of the round. Another 10-9 round in the books for Mokaev on MMA Junkie’s scorecard.
Round 3 – Johnson comes out pressing and throwing kicks. He knows he’s down on the scorecards. But it doesn’t take long for Mokaev to close the distance and takedown Johnson by the fence. Not much action, just the battle of Johnson trying to get back up and Mokaev trying to keep him down. Johnson works his way back to the feet, where he’s pinned by Mokaev. Two minutes left. The battle for takedown continues. Johnson doing a great job at defending, but is unable to do more than just survive. Mokaev controls the action once again until the final bell. Dominant, but not a very exciting showing by Mokaev. MMA Junkie gives another round to Mokaev, overall scoring the fight 30-27.
Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Records: Muhammad Mokaev (7-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Charles Johnson (11-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Daryl Ransom, Clemens Werner, David Lethaby 30-27.
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Jonathan Pearce
Round 1 – And we’re off to a wild start. Amirkhani shoots for a takedown as expected. As he fights to get a single leg takedown, he takes like 20 short elbows to the temple that split him open. Amirkhani eventually gets the takedown and starts looking for submissions. Amirkhani goes for a guillotine choke, but later transitions to a D’arce. Pearce escapes with two minutes left in the round. Amirkhani, again, constantly looking to initiate the grappling. Pearce does a good job at defending and also delivering damage in the process. The round ends with Pearce on top after a failed takedown from Amirkhani. MMA Junkie scored the round 10-9 for Pearce.
Round 2 – Pearce seems to be having plenty of success grappling Amirkhani. He is the one now that initiates the grappling in the second and takes down Amirkhani. From half guard, Pearce is dropping serious ground-and-pound on Amirkhani. Amirkhani gets back on his feet against the cage and Pearce once again goes for the takedown and brings him back down to the mat. Two minutes left. Pearce is battering Amirkhani with ground-and-pound from the top. Amirkhani looks to be fading. The referee is watching the action closely, as Amirkhani is barely fighting to improve his position. And sure enough, the referee has seen enough and waives the fight off. Pearce logs the first stoppage for UFC Fight Night 208.
Result: Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan Amirkhani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:10
Recap: Jonathan Pearce batters Makwan Amirkhani for second-round TKO
Photos: Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan Amirkhani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:10
Records: Jonathan Pearce (13-4 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Makwan Amirkhani (17-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Charles Rosa vs. Nathaniel Wood
Round 1 – And the fight is underway. This promises to be a lot of fun on paper. Wood doing the walking down here connects with a couple of good shots. We’re very early into the round and the leg kicks are stating to add up already for Wood. Rosa staying busy too, but missing a lot of the shots. Wood on the other hand, can’t miss with the right hook. Wood looking fantastic here. He’s putting on a striking clinic. Oh, and there’s a low blow from Rosa’s part. The fight briefly comes to a halt and then continues. One and half minutes left. Another hard leg kicks by Wood. Rosa gets a takedown here with 30 seconds remaining. Immediately, Rosa locks up a bravo choke It’s tight. Wood’s face is turning purple. Wood gets out and Rosa sneaks one elbow before the bell rings. Fun round, but that’s a clear 10-9 for Wood.
Round 2 – Big right hand for Wood to get things started here. Rosa is now bleeding from his left bone cheek. Wood connecting often here on a tough Rosa. A good left hook by Rosa connects clean. Wood keeps sneaking in leg kicks in his combinations, and Rosa’s mobility is compromised. Rosa dropped by a leg kick. Good left hook by Rosa, which helps him counter some of Wood’s kicks. One minute left. Wood still getting the better of the exchanges. Respect to Rosa because he’s still looking to find a way to win in this fight, but Wood is clearly a step ahead. Another 10-9 for Wood.
Round 3 – Man, Wood is just punishing Rosa here with leg kicks. He keeps getting dropped every time he takes a leg kick. Rosa trying his luck with a spinning elbow, but nothing. Wood still doing most of the attacking, but he seems to be slowing down. His attacks are coming less often and with less power. Another chopping leg kick. Rosa’s stability is extremely compromised. Two minutes left. Rosa attempts a low single, but fails. Admirable performance by Rosa, who fought till the very end, but it was mainly a one way traffic for Wood. You can add another round to the bag for Wood. MMA Junkie scores the fight 30-27 for Wood.
Result: Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Photos: Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Records: Nathaniel Wood (18-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Charles Rosa (14-8 MMA, 5-8 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosaki
Judging: Daryl Ransom, David Lethaby 30-26. Clemens Werner 30-27.
Marc Diakiese vs. Damir Hadzovic
Round 1 – Diakiese muscles his way to a takedown in the first 30 seconds of the fight. He immediately moves to half guard, but Hadzovic pulls him back to guard. Almost two minutes of top control and very little, if any, ground-and-pound from Diakiese. Ok, Diakiese is now beginning to open up a little and land some shots from inside Hadzovic’s guard. Diakiese maintains control and does enough to avoid a stand up until the end of the round. Extremely dominant round by Diakiese. Easy, 10-9.
Round 2 – Hadzovic gets one leg kick in before getting pressed against the cage and then getting taken down with ease. Diakiese just far stronger and better wrestler than Hadzovic. Not many strong attempts from Hadzovic to get back to his feet or even create a scramble. Diakiese in complete control as he passes from guard to half guard. Diakiese very dominant in control, but no damage coming from his way. Two minutes left. Welp, one minute left and Diakiese still in control, but unable to generate any offense. Puzzled why Heb Dean is not standing up the fight. And a clash of head on the ground that causes a cut on Hadzovic talks the fight. The doctor steps in to give it a look and says it’s good to go. The fight resumes on the feet. Diakiese closes the distance, shoots for a takedown and this time fails. Both Hadzovic and Diakiese exchange shots in the last 15 seconds and Diakiese manages to connect well, but nothing that wobbled Hadzovic. Another 10-9 for Diakiese.
Round 3 – And again, Hadzovic gets takedown 30 second into the final round. Two minutes go by with not much happening but Diakiese controlling Hadzovic while mainly being in his guard. The fight remains the same: Diakiese on top with some light ground-and-pound and Hadzovic unable to get up. Diakiese get back on their feet and trade in the last 10 seconds, but nothing major lands. The final bell goes off, putting an ending to a very anti-climatic fight. No question here Diakiese gets a 30-27 nod on MMA Junkie’s scorecard.
Result: Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Photos: Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Records: Marc Diakiese (16-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC), Damir Hadzovic (14-7 MMA, 4-5 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging:
Mason Jones vs. Ludovit Klein
Round 1 – A lot of fainting and reading each other’s timing and distance. Jones with a good jab that snaps Klein’s head back. Jones pressing Klein with his striking and dictating the pace. Good right hand by Jones. He’s starting to mix up the clinch and dirty boxing on Klein. Two minutes left. Klein doing a good job at countering with the left hook. Oh! And nice head kick attempt by Klein. Jones continuing to pressure and landing some shots of his own. Very tough round to score. Both fighters had their moments, but Jones takes the 10-9 here on MMA Junkie’s books.
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Records: Mason Jones (11-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Ludovit Klein (18-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging:
Paul Craig vs. Volkan Oezdemir
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Records: Paul Craig (16-4-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC), Volkan Oezdemir (17-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
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Hannah Goldy vs. Molly McCann
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Records: Hannah Goldy (6-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Molly McCann (12-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
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Alexander Gustafsson vs. Nikita Krylov
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Records: Alexander Gustafsson (18-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), Nikita Krylov (27-9 MMA, 8-7 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
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Jordan Leavitt vs. Paddy Pimblett
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Records: Jordan Leavitt (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Paddy Pimblett (18-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
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Chris Curtis vs. Jack Hermansson
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Records: Chris Curtis (29-8 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Jack Hermansson (22-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
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Curtis Blaydes vs. Tom Aspinall
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Records: Curtis Blaydes (16-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC), Tom Aspinall (12-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
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