UFC 213 Results: A New Interim Middleweight Champion Is Crowned & Overeem/Werdum III

MMA

Welcome to Fightful.com's live coverage & discussion for UFC 213. We'll be bringing you full, round by round coverage of every bout on the card. You can also send in your feedback on our Disqus boards below! 

Main Card (10pm EST., Pay-Per-View)

Colby Covington Explains How Fight With Joaquin Buckley Came About

#3 Robert Whittaker def. #1 Yoel Romero by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) to win the UFC Interim Middleweight Title

Curtis Blaydes def. #15 Daniel Omielanczuk by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

#3 Alistair Overeem def. #1 Fabricio Werdum by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)

#6 (FW) Anthony Pettis def. Jim Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

#15 Rob Font def. Douglas Silva De Andrade by submission via guillotine choke (4:36, R2)

Preliminary Card (8pm EST., Fox Sports 1)

#14 Aleksei Oleinik def. #9 Travis Browne by submission via rear naked choke (3:44, R2)

Chad Laprise def. Brian Camozzi by TKO via strikes (1:27, R3)

Thiago Santos def. Gerald Meerschaert by TKO via strikes (2:04, R2)

Belal Muhammad def. Jordan Mein by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Preliminary Card (7pm EST., UFC Fight Pass)

Cody Stamann def. Terrion Ware by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Trevin Giles def. James Bochnovic by KO via strikes (2:54, R2)


Round By Round Recap

Trevin Giles vs. James Bochnovic

Round One: The round begins with Giles attacking Bochnovic with some leg kicks, both fighters attack each other with front kicks. Bochnovic then nails Giles with a few kicks to the midsection, Bochnovic grabs Giles and he holds him against the cage wall. Giles winds up scoring the takedown on Bochnovic and he gets the full guard, Bochnovic rolls for a triangle choke and Giles escapes to land a few strikes. Giles gets side control as he attacks Bochnovic with knee strikes, Giles transitions to back control on a moving Bochnovic. Giles attacks Bochnovic with some more ground and pound, Bochnovic tries getting up and Giles drags him back to the ground. Bochnovic scrambles to his feet and Giles drags him back to the ground, Giles immediately attacks Bochnovic with more strikes. Giles crushes Bochnovic with elbow strikes as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Giles

Round Two: The round begins with Bochnovic keeping Giles at bay by throwing a front kick, Giles comes forward while landing a four punch combination. Giles nails Bochnovic with a body shot to avoid a takedown, Giles drags Bochnovic to the ground and he gets side control. Giles gains back control on Bochnovic while landing ground and pound, Bochnovic scrambles to his feet and Giles drags him back to the ground. Giles regains back control on Bochnovic, Giles attacks Bochnovic with ground and pound until Bochnovic goes out cold.

Official Result: Trevin Giles def. James Bochnovic by KO via strikes (2:54, R2)

Cody Stamann vs. Terrion Ware

Round One: The round begins with Stamann quickly nailing Ware with a right hook, Ware attacks Stamann with some leg kicks. Stamann catches a kicking Ware with a counter left hook, Ware backs up Stamann by landing a two punch combination. Stamann scores a takedown on Ware and he gets the full guard, Ware scrambles to his feet and he swings away at Stamann. Ware backs Stamann into the cage wall by landing a punching combination, Ware accidentally nails Stamann low and the fight is halted. The fight resumes with Stamann cracking Ware with a short right, the fighters also exchange a few kicks. Ware comes forward and he attacks Stamann with punching combos, Stamann scores another takedown on Ware and he gets the full guard. Stamann briefly postures up and he attacks Ware with a few strikes, Stamann transitions to the half guard against Ware. Stamann attacks Ware with some more strikes as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Stamann

Round Two: The round begins with Stamann attacking Ware with a few kicks, the fighters have a brief exchange near the cage wall. Stamann cracks a swinging ware with a knee strike and Ware responds by landing a right, Stamann scores a takedown on Ware and he gets the open guard. Ware scrambles back to his feet and Stamann attacks him with a few strikes, Ware responds by crushing Stamann with a knee strike to the midsection. Stamann backs up Ware with a head kick attempt, Stamann then pops Ware with an overhand right. Ware backs Stamann into the cage wall while throwing a combination, Stamann scores another takedown on Ware and he gets the full guard. Ware scrambles to his feet as Stamann swings away at him, Ware charges forward and swings away at Stamann. Stamann scores another takedown on Ware and he gets the half guard, Stamann nails Ware with a few strikes as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Stamann (Overall Score: 20-18 for Stamann)

Round Three: The round begins with Stamann cracking Ware with a short left hook, Ware comes forward while just swinging at Stamann. Stamann catches Ware with a front kick to the face, Ware attacks a kicking Stamann with a two punch combination. Stamann responds by cracking Ware with a multiple punch combination, Ware follows Stamann around the cage while throwing punches. Stamann scores a takedown on Ware and he gets the half guard, Stamann attacks Ware with some ground and pound. Ware scrambles to his feet and Stamann drags him back to the ground, Stamann transitions to the full mount against Ware. Stamann attacks Ware with some more ground and pound, Ware eventually traps Stamann in his half guard again. Stamann attacks Ware with more strikes as he scrambles to his feet, Stamann holds Ware against the cage wall. Stamann scores a takedown on a swinging Ware as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Stamann (Final Score: 30-27 for Stamann)

Official Result: Cody Stamann def. Terrion Ware by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Jordan Mein vs. Belal Muhammad

Round One: The round begins with Mein attacking Muhammad with some leg kicks, Muhammad hunts for the takedown against Mein. Mein starts attacking Muhammad with a variety of kicks, Muhammad cracks Mein with a straight right. Mein scores a takedown and Muhammad pops right back up to his feet, Muhammad catches Mein with a kick to the midsection. Muhammad comes forward while swinging away against Mein, the fighters also exchange some lefts. Muhammad punches away at a kicking Mein, Muhammad nails Mein with a head kick after a takedown attempt. Muhammad comes forward to crack Mein with a multiple strike combination, Mein continues attacking the legs of Muhammad. Muhammad grabs Mein and he holds him against the cage wall, Muhammad attacks Mein with some knee strikes and elbow strikes as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad

Round Two: The round begins with Mein going right back to his leg kick attack against Muhammad, Muhammad cracks a swinging Mein with a head kick. Muhammad grabs Mein and he holds him against the cage wall, Muhammad attacks Mein with strikes while in the clinch. Muhammad scores a takedown and Mein pops right back up to his feet, Mein catches a swinging Muhammad with a counter right. Muhammad then cracks Mein with a three strike combination, Muhammad comes forward while punching away at Mein. Mein starts hunting for the takedown against Muhammad as well, Muhammad grabs Mein again and he holds him against the cage wall. Muhammad scores a takedown on Mein and he gets the butterfly guard, Muhammad gains the half guard on Mein as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad (Overall Score: 20-18 for Muhammad)

Round Three: The round begins with Mein taking a few swings against Muhammad, Muhammad holds Mein against the cage wall while looking for a takedown. Muhammad scores a takedown on Mein and he gets the half guard, Mein uses a kimura attempt to get the fight standing and Muhammad drags him back to the ground. Muhammad transitions to the back control position against Mein, Muhammad starts attacking Mein with some short range strikes. Mein shakes Muhammad off of him and he gets back to his feet, Muhammad again holds Mein against the cage wall. Muhammad attacks Mein with some knee strikes to the head, Mein drops for a kimura and Muhammad defends it, Mein scores a takedown on Muhammad and Muhammad gets right back up. Mein holds Muhammad against the cage wall as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad (Final Score: 30-27 for Muhammad)

Official Result: Belal Muhammad def. Jordan Mein by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

More action on Page Two...

Thiago Santos vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Round One: The round begins with Meerschaert taking a few swings at Santos, Santos nails Meerschaert with a leg kick as Meerschaert scores a takedown on him. Santos scrambles to his feet before nailing Meerschaert with a right, Meerschaert grabs Santos and he holds him against the cage wall. Meerschaert scores a takedown on Santos and Santos gets right back up, Meerschaert holds Santos against the cage wall while landing a few strikes. Santos drops Meerschaert with a combination and then he pounces on him with a plethora of strikes, Santos gets up and he makes Meerschaert stand up as well. Santos pokes Meerschaert in the eye and the fight is halted, the fight resumes with Meerschaert nailing Santos with a left. Santos cracks Meerschaert with a few punches before landing a knee strike, Meerschaert hunts for the takedown against Santos. Santos starts attacking Meerschaert with some high kicks as well, Santos charges at Meerschaert while throwing punches. Santos then cracks Meerschaert with a kick to the midsection, Santos goes for a flying knee strike as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Santos

Round Two: The round begins with Meerschaert quickly hunting for the takedown against Santos, Meerschaert goes for a takedown and Santos pounces on him with a plethora of strikes. Santos gets back control on a downed Meerschaert, Santos attacks Meerschaert with more ground and pound. Meerschaert scrambles to his feet and he eats a knee strike from Santos, Meerschaert looks for a takedown again and Santos assaults him with more strikes when he hits the ground. Santos assaults Meerschaert with more strikes and the referee jumps in.

Official Result: Thiago Santos def. Gerald Meerschaert by TKO via strikes (2:04, R2)

Chad Laprise vs. Brian Camozzi

Round One: The round begins with the fighters jabbing away at each other, Camozzi starts attacking Laprise with leg kicks. Laprise then cracks Camozzi with an overhand right, Laprise starts attacking Camozzi with some leg kicks of his own. Camozzi responds by catching Laprise with a kick to the midsection, Laprise catches a kicking Camozzi with a three punch combination. Laprise comes forward and he catches Camozzi with a few more rights, Camozzi continues to take some swings against Laprise. Camozzi backs up Laprise with a high kick attempt, Laprise nails Camozzi with a spinning heel kick to the midsection. Laprise scores a takedown on Camozzi and he gets the full guard as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Laprise

Round Two: The round begins with Laprise attacks Camozzi with a high kick, Camozzi responds by attempting a high kick of his own. Camozzi comes forward and he attacks Laprise with a step in knee strike, Laprise catches Camozzi with a right to the midsection. Camozzi continues attacking Laprise with a variety of kicks, Camozzi catches a swinging Laprise with a combination of his own. Camozzi continues coming forward and attacks Laprise with striking combinations, Camozzi then cracks Laprise with a kick to the midsection. The fighters also starts exchanging some leg kicks, Laprise attempts a spinning back fist as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Camozzi (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)

Round Three: The round begins with Camozzi peppering Laprise with jabs to keep him at bay, Camozzi just comes forward and he swings away at Laprise. Laprise starts to just swing wildly against Camozzi, Laprise rocks a swinging Camozzi with a two punch combination. Laprise drops Camozzi with a multiple strike combination, Laprise pounces on a downed Camozzi until the referee jumps in.

Official Result: Chad Laprise def. Brian Camozzi by TKO via strikes (1:27, R3)

#9 Travis Browne vs. #14 Aleksei Oleinik

Round One: The round begins with Oleinik popping a kicking Browne with a right, Oleinik attacks Browne with punching combinations. Browne starts attacking Oleinik with a variety of kicks, Browne catches a swinging Oleinik with a knee strike. Oleinik grabs Browne and he holds him against the cage wall, Browne breaks free and he attacks Oleinik with knee strikes. Browne rocks a swinging Oleinik with a counter left hook, Browne eventually drops Oleinik with a punching combination. Browne gets up and he allows Oleinik to stand up as well, Oleinik starts swinging wildly against Browne. Oleinik drops a swinging Browne with a counter right hook, Browne gets u and Oleinik drags him to the ground. Browne scrambles to his feet and Oleinik nails him with strikes to the midsection, Oleinik traps Browne against the cage wall while landing more punches. Browne catches a swinging Oleinik with a knee strike to the midsection, Oleinik scores a takedown on Browne and he gets side control. Oleinik transitions to back control against Browne, Oleinik cracnks the face of Browne as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Oleinik

Round Two: The round begins with Oleinik immediately nailing Browne with an overhand right, Browne eats a bunch of rights before nailing Oleinik with a knee strike. Browne then catches Oleinik with a head kick, Oleinik charges at Browne while throwing a combination. Browne eats a bunch of strikes to the midsection as he clobbers Oleinik with knee strikes, Browne scores a takedown on Oleinik and he gets the full guard. Oleinik attacks Browne with a ton of strikes while on his back, Browne transitions to the side control position against Oleinik. Oleinik scrambles to his feet and he drags Browne to the ground, Oleinik gains back control on Browne and he attacks him with a plethora of strikes. Oleinik locks in the rear naked choke and a tap out follows.

Official Result: #14 Aleksei Oleinik def. #9 Travis Browne by submission via rear naked choke (3:44, R2)

The action moves to Page Three...

#15 Rob Font vs. Douglas Silva De Andrade

Round One: The round begins with De Andrade attacking Font with some leg kicks, Font starts attempting some front kicks against De Andrade. De Andrade starts taking some wild swings against Font, Font scores a takedown on De Andrade and De Andrade gets right back up. Font drags De Andrade back to the ground and he gets the half guard, De Andrade traps Font back in the full guard while eating some strikes. De Andrade scrambles to his feet and Font catches him in a standing guillotine choke for a short time, Font catches a swinging De Andrade with a counter right. Font nails De Andrade with a two punch combo followed by a knee strike to the head, Font accidentally pokes De Andrade in the eye and the fight is halted. The fight resumes with the fighters kicking away at each other, De Andrade clobbers Font with a kick to the midsection. De Andrade comes forward and he catches Font with a left, Font comes forward and he swings away at De Andrade. De Andrade eats a knee strike after cracking Font with a left hook, Font attacks De Andrade with a few rights. Font catches De Andrade in another guillotine choke as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Font

Round Two: The round begins with De Andrade popping Font with a left, Font starts attacking De Andrade with some leg kicks. Font comes forward and catches a swinging De Andrade with a right uppercut, Font then cracks a swinging De Andrade with a counter right. Font then backs up De Andrade by nailing him with a looping left, De Andrade eats a few strikes before nailing Font with an uppercut. De Andrade pops Font with a straight right after attempting a few kicks, Font then connects with a knee strike followed by a right. Font grabs De Andrade and assaults him with a few knee strikes, Font rocks De Andrade with an overhand right. Font then attacks De Andrade with a plethora of strikes before scoring a takedown, Font catches De Andrade in a guillotine choke and a tap out follows.

Official Result: #15 Rob Font def. Douglas Silva De Andrade by submission via guillotine choke (4:36, R2)

#6 (FW) Anthony Pettis vs. Jim Miller

Round One: The round begins with Miller attacking Pettis with leg kicks, Miller then cracks a swinging Pettis with a counter left. Pettis responds by nailing Miller with a right, Pettis continues trying to catch a kicking Miller with counter punches. Miller continues kicking away at the legs of Pettis, Pettis responds by kicking Miller in the midsection. Pettis then cracks a backing Miller with a short right, Pettis starts attacking Miller with a variety of kicks. Pettis rocks Miller with a flying knee strike and a follow up punching combination, Pettis rocks Miller again with a two punch combination. Pettis then cracks Miller with a spinning back fist, Pettis follows that up by catching Miller with a switch kick. Pettis continues landing kicks to the midsection of Miller, Miller nails a kicking Pettis with a counter left as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Pettis

Round Two: The round begins with Miller nailing Pettis with a left, Miller charges at Pettis while throwing some strikes. Miller scores a takedown on Pettis after eating a head kick, Pettis starts hunting for submissions while on his back. Miller starts attacking Pettis with some ground and pound, Miller transitions to back control against Pettis. Pettis stands up after shaking Miller off of him, Pettis settles in top position on a downed Miller while throwing strikes. Pettis briefly postures up and he attacks Miller with a few strikes, Pettis transitions to the side control position against Miller. Pettis then advances to back control on Miller, Miller scrambles to his feet and Pettis drags him back to the ground as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Pettis (Overall Score: 20-18 for Pettis)

Round Three: The round begins with Pettis quickly attacking Miller with a variety of kicks, Miller starts catching Pettis with some kicks of his own. Miller charges at Pettis while throwing a punching combination, Miller looks to nail Pettis with counter strikes. Pettis nails Miller with a front kick to the face, Miller continues coming forward while swinging away at Pettis. Miller catches Pettis with a lot of leg kicks, Pettis grabs a charging Miller and he puts him up against the cage wall. Miller catches a clinching Pettis with a standing elbow strike to the head, Pettis separates from Miller and both attempt cartwheel kicks. Miller and Pettis assault each other with kicks as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Miller (Final Score: 29-28 for Pettis)

Official Result: #6 (FW) Anthony Pettis def. Jim Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

#15 Daniel Omielanczuk vs. Curtis Blaydes

Round One: The round begins with Omielanczuk nailing Blaydes with a left, Blaydes grabs v and he holds him against the cage wall. Blaydes accidentally nails Omielanczuk with an illegal knee strike to the balls and the fight is halted, the fight resumes with Blaydes kicking Omielanczuk in the midsection. Blaydes grabs Omielanczuk and he holds him against the cage wall, Blaydes nails Omielanczuk with a few strikes while in the clinch. The fighters swing away at each other as they separate, Omielanczuk then nails Blaydes with a kick to the midsection. Blaydes grabs Omielanczuk again and he holds him against the cage wall, Blaydes then catches Omielanczuk with some knee strikes before separating. Blaydes grabs Omielanczuk again and he holds him against the cage wall again, the fighters briefly separate and Omielanczuk nails Blaydes with a kick to the midsection as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Blaydes

Round Two: The round begins with Omielanczuk nailing Blaydes with a kick to the midsection, Blaydes catches Omielanczuk with a knee strike followed by a right. Blaydes puts Omielanczuk against the cage wall while looking for a takedown, the fighters separate and Blaydes peppers Omielanczuk with some jabs. Blaydes also starts attacking Omielanczuk with some leg kicks, Omielanczuk nails a charging Blaydes with a knee strike to the face. Omielanczuk comes forward to crack Blaydes with a two punch combination. Blaydes grabs Omielanczuk and he holds him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and exchange lefts. Omielanczuk nails a swinging Balydes with a counter left, Omielanczuk also catches Blaydes with a kick to the midsection. Blaydes accidentally kicks Omielanczuk low and the fight is halted, the fight resumes with Blaydes putting Omielanczuk against the cage wall until the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Omielanczuk (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)

Round Three: The round begins with Omielanczuk swinging wildly against Blaydes, Omielanczuk then attacks Balydes with a high kick. Blaydes tries keeping Omielanczuk at a distance by jabbing away at him, Blaydes grabs Omielanczuk and he holds him against the cage wall. Blaydes nails Omielanczuk with a right as they separate, Omielanczuk cracks a swinging Balydes with a counter left. Omielanczuk eats a few strikes before nailing Balydes with a counter left, Blaydes attacks Omielanczuk with some two punch combinations. Omielanczuk eats a right as he kicks Blaydes in the midsection, Blaydes eats a left after nailing Omielanczuk with a right. Omielanczuk goes for a takedown and Blaydes gets back control on him, Blaydes attacks a downed Omielanczuk with elbow strikes. Omielanczuk scrambles to his feet and he attacks Blaydes with a knee strike, Omielanczuk goes for a spinning wheel kick as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Blaydes (Final Score: 29-28 for Blaydes)

Official Result: Curtis Blaydes def. #15 Daniel Omielanczuk by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Final fights are on Page Four...

#1 Fabricio Werdum vs. #3 Alistair Overeem

Round One: The round begins with Werdum attempting a flying knee strike against Overeem, Werdum also starts attacking Overeem with leg kicks. Overeem attempts a head kick against Werdum, Overeem grabs a swinging Werdum and he holds him against the cage wall for a short time. Werdum charges at Overeem while throwing a combination, Werdum slips on a kick attempt against Overeem. Overeem nails a swinging Werdum with a counter right hook, Werdum continues attacking Werdum with a variety of kicks. Werdum then catches Overeem with a kick to the midsection, Werdum hits Overeem with a front kick to the midsection. Overeem then cracks Werdum with a two punch combination, Werdum attempts a rolling kick as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Werdum

Round Two: The round begins with Werdum attempting a flying side kick against Overeem, Werdum eats a left as he attacks Overeem with more kicks. Overeem then lands a kick to the midsection of Werdum, Werdum pulls guard on Overeem to get the fight to the ground. Overeem gets back up and he allows Werdum to stand up as well, Overeem catches Werdum with another kick to the midsection. Overeem rocks Werdum with a left followed by some knee strike, Werdum again pulls guard of Overeem to get the fight back to the ground. Overeem stands up and he allows Werdum to stand again, Overeem rocks Werdum again with a three strike combination. Werdum comes forward while nailing Overeem with a two punch combination, Werdum peppers Overeem with a few jabs as well. Overeem again clobbers Werdum with a left as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Overeem (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)

Round Three: The round begins with Overeem taking some wild swings at Werdum, Werdum catches a swinging Overeem with a counter right. Werdum charges forward and he swings wildly at Overeem, Werdum then pops Overeem with a knee strike. Werdum drops Overeem with a knee strike to the head, Werdum drops for a guillotine choke and Overeem escapes to get the fight standing. Werdum comes forward and he rocks Overeem with a plethora of strikes, Werdum scores a takedown on Overeem and he gets the open guard. Werdum starts attacking Overeem with some ground and pound, Werdum transitions to the half guard on Overeem as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Werdum (Final Score: 29-28 for Werdum)

Official Result: #3 Alistair Overeem def. #1 Fabricio Werdum by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC Interim Middleweight Title Decision Fight: #1 Yoel Romero vs. #3 Robert Whittaker

Round One: The round begins with Whittaker attacking Romero with a front kick and high kick, Romero also throws a few kicks of his own. Whittaker takes a few wild swings against Romero, Romero trips up a swinging Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker catches Romero with a front kick to the midsection, Whittaker also starts peppering Romero with some jabs. Romero scores a takedown and Whittaker pops right back up to his feet, Romero goes for a flying knee strike before holding Whittaker against the cage wall. The fighters separate and Whittaker takes a few swings at Romero, Whittaker then catches Romero with a push kick. Romero grabs Whittaker and he holds him against the cage wall, the fighters separate and Whittaker nails Romero with a head kick as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker

Round Two: The round begins with Whittaker attacking Romero with some high kicks, Romero leaps at Whittaker while throwing strikes. Whittaker also catches Romero with a push kick,Romero scores a takedown on Whittaker and he gets the full guard. Romero starts peppering Whittaker with some short range strikes, Romero transitions to back control and Whittaker scrambles to his feet. Romero holds Whittaker against the cage wall while landing a few strikes, Romero scores another takedown and Whittaker pops right back up to his feet. The fighters exchange knee strikes while in the clinch, the referee separates the fighters for inactivity. The action resumes with Romero putting Whittaker against the cage wall until and scores a takedown as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Romero (Overall Score: 19-19 for Draw)

Round Three: The round begins with Whittaker attacking Romero with a few kick attempts, Whittaker then cracks an incoming Romero with a right. Whittaker rocks a swinging Romero with a front kick to the face, Whittaker rocks Romero again by landing a three punch combination. Romero tries backing up Whittaker by attempting a head kick against him, Whittaker again nails Romero with a front kick to the midsection. The fighters also exchange a few lefts as well, Romero starts hunting for the takedowns against Whittaker. Whittaker then catches Romero with a step in knee strike to the midsection, Whittaker follows that up by catching Romero with a side kick to the midsection. Whittaker catches Romero with a left as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker (Overall Score: 29-28 for Whittaker)

Round Four: The round begins with Whittaker immediately attacking Romero with push kicks, Whittaker crushes a swinging Romero with a kick to the midsection. Romero goes for a takedown and he winds up pushing Whittaker against the cage wall, Romero attacks Whittaker with knee strikes while looking for a takedown. The fighters separate as Whittaker catches Romero with a knee strike, Romero misses a flying knee strike attempt against Whittaker. Whittaker comes forward and swings away against Romero, Whittaker then stuns Romero with a left followed by a few front kicks. Whittaker then catches a swinging Romero with a counter right hook, Whittaker defends the takedown attempts from Romero. Whittaker cracks a backing Romero with a left uppercut, Whittaker nails a ducking Romero with a head kick as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker (Overall Score: 39-37 for Whittaker)

Round Five: The round begins with Whittaker catching Romero with a left followed by front kicks, Whittaker catches Romero with a few more lefts as well. Whittaker then cracks Romero with a step in knee strike, Romero comes forward and swings away at Whittaker. Whittaker then cracks a swinging Romero with a two punch combination, Romero backs up Whittaker with a high kick attempt. Whittaker continues attacking Romero with a plethora of front kicks, Romero catches a swinging Whittaker with a counter left. The fighters just come forward and swing away at each other, Whittaker trips up a kicking Romero and he gets top position on the ground. Whittaker starts attacking Romero with some short range strikes, Whittaker transitions to the half guard position on Romero. Whittaker attacks Romero with some elbow strikes as the round ends.

Fightful scores the round 10-9 for Whittaker (Final Score: 49-46 for Whittaker)

Official Result: #3 Robert Whittaker def. #1 Yoel Romero by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) to win the UFC Interim Middleweight Title

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