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SUNRISE, Fla. – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 8 event, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT).

The event takes place at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., near Fort Lauderdale. The main card streams on ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN2.

In the main event, former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza (26-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC) takes on ex-Cage Warriors champ Jack Hermansson (19-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who took the fight on short notice when Yoel Romero pulled out with an injury. In the co-main event, former NFL standout Greg Hardy (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will try to rebound from his first MMA loss, which came by disqualification in January, when he takes on fellow heavyweight Dmitrii Smoliakov (9-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET for the ESPN2 prelims, 7 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN, and 9 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC on ESPN+ 8 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

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Current fight

Thomas Gifford vs. Roosevelt Roberts

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Thomas Gifford (17-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC)<. Roosevelt Roberts (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Results

Dhiego Lima vs. Court McGee

Round 1 – McGee takes the center and strikes a low stance, looking to pressure right from the start. Lima sliding laterally on the outside. Punches traded between the two. McGee cutting off the cage as they move, but Lima is having some success as he sticks and moves. McGee trying to get inside and into a clinch, but Lima moving well enough to stay away, and the counter left is finding a home. McGee is the one moving forward and pushing the pace, but he’s having trouble with the counters. Less than two minutes, and McGee is able to change levels and try for the takedown, but Lima able to push him away. McGee backs away but tries again shortly after. Not there, so Lima tries one of his own. Scramble, and a beautiful judo toss by McGee. He can’t keep Lima down though. They battle in the clinch. Stalemate as Lima defends. Referee Dan Miragliotta calls for action, and Lima gives him a look that suggests the slowdown isn’t his fault. Round ends there. MMA Junkie gives it to Lima, 10-9.

Round 2 – McGee out quickly again and trying to pressure. Lima still very light on his feet and moving well. McGee the aggressor, but it’s Lima’s counters doing the most work, and a stiff right hand finds the mark. McGee sticking with the jab and throwing a few low kicks, as well. Still, Lima’s counters are certainly the more powerful blows. Lima finding the mark. McGee changes levels once again, but it’s not there. Lima up to the challenge, and he’s stuffing McGee’s efforts. Still, McGee not backing down. He is having some success on the feet, but he’s getting tagged in the counters. Lima looks for a takedown. It’s a good effort, but McGee defending well. He wraps the neck against the fence, but time is up. MMA Junkie leans toward McGee in the second, 10-9.

Round 3 – No shock with McGee looking to push, but Lima tags him on a big shot right away. Lima looks relaxed on the feet, and he lands another right hand. McGee continues to hold the center. Lima lands a big left hand. McGee’s right eye showing some wear. Lima with a two-punch combination. He’s gaining some steam. McGee won’t take a single step backwards, but Lima is the one landing the bigger shots. Two minutes left, and McGee still pushing forward. Lima still moving well, and he lands a right hand over the top and then comes back with the big left. Lima very sharp on his feet, and he’s busier this round. One minute left, and McGee shoots inside, but Lima able to defend well, sprawling against the cage and then separating. Lima does take a deep breath, but he waves McGee forward. Of course, McGee obliges. One last takedown attempt fails. They start swinging in the final seconds, and McGee does drop Lima. Too late to do anything with it. Crazy finish. MMA Junkie leans slightly toward Lima, 10-9, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Dhiego Lima def. Court McGee via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: Dhiego Lima vs. Court McGee photos
Records: Dhiego Lima (14-7 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Court McGee (19-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN2
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Sal D’Amato (30-27), Richard Bertrand (28-29, giving McGee rounds 1 and 3), Christopher Lee (29-28, giving Lima rounds 2 and 3)

Jodie Esquibel vs. Angela Hill

Round 1 – Esquibel immediately out with punches. She’s got her chin tucked and rushing forward with strikes. Hill adjusts quickly and starts to move laterally to evade. Superman punch for Hill. Esquibel the busier fighter early. Hill dealing with it well, but she does eat a stiff right. Hill shrugs it off and lands a right of her own. Esquibel relentless with punches, but Hill is slipping most of them and countering well. Hill with a knee to the body and a nice right hand over the top. Esquibel lands a combination. She has a kick caught, and Hill takes her down, but they pop immediately back up. Busy pace late in the frame. Hill lands another knee to the body. Esquibel with a left hand over the top. She is not backing down or slowing. Esquibel changes levels in the final minute. She gets deep, but Hill able to recover her balance and land a knee in tight. Round ends, and MMA Junkie gives it to Hill, 10-9.

Round 2 – Esquibel still just as aggressive, and she’s throwing with power. Hill still moving well and offering her replies. Esquibel lands a right, and Hill’s nose is busted up and bleeding. Another right for Esquibel. She’s not giving Hill any time to think. Esquibel with a few hooks up top, but Hill with an uppercut inside. Knee for Hill lands clean. Another knee scores for Hill, as well as a right hand. Hill in a better rhythm now, managing the distance against a shorter fighter. Still, Esquibel just pushing forward and keeping the pressure high. Hill with a slick counter right. Knee inside for Hill and a big right hand. Esquibel moving forward but taking damage. After a slow start, Hill takes the round on the MMA Junkie card, 10-9.

Round 3 – No surprise, but Esquibel is pushing forward. Hill landing a few big knees inside, but Esquibel walking through it to attack. Esquibel cut near the left eye, and it’s leaking down her face. Hill kicks the legs and slips to the floor, but she’s able to pop back to her feet. The pace remains high for these two fighters. Hill with a right hand. Jab lands clean. Knee up the middle and a big right hand. Hill is on point. Jab snaps back her opponent’s head. Right hand lands clean. Esquibel isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket, but she’s taking more damage now. She rushes forward but is tagged by an uppercut. Hill’s constant movement and flow are perfect right now. Esquibel as tough as they come, but she’s getting outgunned. Esquibel thinks takedown, but it’s not there. Esquibel presses until the very end, but she’s taking damage. Leaping knee from Hill in the final seconds. Esquibel lands a right hand in a late flurry. Fun fight. MMA Junkie leans toward Hill again, 10-9, awarding her the fight 30-27.

Result: Angela Hill def. Jodie Esquibel via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Angela Hill vs. Jodie Esquibel photos
Records: Jodie Esquibel (6-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC), Angela Hill (9-6 MMA, 4-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Hill honorable mention
Broadcast: ESPN2
Referee: Alan Abeles
Judging: Barry Luxenberg (29-28, giving Hill rounds 2 and 3, Daniel Torres (30-27), Troy Wincapaw (30-27)

Jason Gonzalez vs. Jim Miller

Round 1 – Gonzalez moving quickly and throws out a few low kicks. Miller immediately finds a home for a stiff left hand. Gonzalez throwing everything with full power right now. Slapping low kicks landing, but Miller is finding some opportunities to counter. Miller drives forward and pushes his opponent all the way across the cage to get a takedown. Gonzalez turns immediately and tries to rise, but Miller is able to sneak around and take the back. Figure-four around the body. Miller has the right arm under the neck and is looking for the squeeze. It’s tight. Gonzalez doesn’t want to give it up, but he’s trapped. Miller continues the squeeze and earns the tap with his four children watching from cageside.

Result: Jim Miller def. Jason Gonzalez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:12
Recap: With kids cageside, Jim Miller submits Jason Gonzalez to set records
Photos: Jim Miller vs. Jason Gonzalez photos
Records: Jason Gonzalez (11-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Jim Miller (30-13 MMA, 19-12 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN2
Referee: Larry Downs Jr.

Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Davis

Round 1 – Burns gets to the center and kicks the body and the leg. Davis looks comfortable on the feet, and he’s moving well to start, firing out a few jabs. Burns changes levels for the takedown, but Davis able to defend it perfectly and land a knee as they push away. Burns resets, but another shot comes forward and is able to get Davis to the floor with a second effort. Davis in a seated position, but Burns steps over with one hook. The fights’ ride sides are against the fence, preventing the other hook from coming in. Davis patient and works his way back to the feet. Davis lands a right hand over a Burns kicks. That hurt Burns a bit. Burns recovers and kicks the leg. Big kick to the body, as well. Punches traded inside. Big right hand over the top for Burns. He kicks the leg again, too. Davis attacks the body but is tagged with a right hand in reply. Takedown for Burns. He finishes the round on top. MMA Junkie gives it to Burns, 10-9.

Round 2 – Burns out quickly with a takedown, and he slips immediately over to the back. Slick transition there, and he’s got a figure-four around the body. Hammerfists and elbows landing. Davis in a seated position but drops to the floor and is able to break the figure-four. Still, Burns is on his back and looking for the choke. Davis again just patiently works his way free from the choke, and he turns. Burns still on top. Davis still trying to scramble free. He gets to his knees, and Burns able to once again sneak on to his back. Left hand goes around the chin. Right hand slapping the body. Figure-four again in place. Davis in all kinds of trouble. He’s showing valiant defense, but he’s not able to offer anything in reply. Burns keeps hunting, and he gets the left arm in place. He’s under the chin. Davis tries to peel the arm away, but the squeeze is in place. Davis has no choice but to tap.

Result: Gilbert Burns def. Mike Davis via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:15
Photos: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Davis photos
Records: Gilbert Burns (15-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC), Mike Davis (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Keith Peterson

Carla Esparza vs. Virna Jandiroba

Round 1 – Esparza stays at distance to open, studying from range. An early Jandiroba kick sees Esparza rush forward and drive the action to the canvas. Big takedown but Jandiroba immediately looks to her corner and then goes to work from her back. Active guard underneath for Jandiroba, but Esparza doing a fine job of stuffing the efforts and controlling from the top. Jandiroba finally able to roll and sneak out the back, and we reset on the feet. Jandiroba initiates a clinch, but nothing there. Esparza drives forward and runs through for another takedown. Again Jandiroba working an open guard. She controls the left wrist but can’t get an earnest submission attempt. Jandiroba able to work back to her feet, and then she gets a takedown of her own, though she really doesn’t get it entirely to the floor. Esparza posting immediately and gets back to her feet. Jandiroba trying for a hip toss that doesn’t materialize. They trade punches to close, and MMA Junkie gives the first round to Esparza, 10-9.

Round 2 – Jandiroba looking to pressure, but Esparza responds well. Esparza shoots from range, but Jandiroba able to sprawl and stay upright. Both women looking to get a grappling advantage, and it’s Jandiroba who’s able to change levels and take the fight to the floor. She’s in top position and immediately locks down the right leg. As she tries to advance, though, Esparza able to explode through a sweep and turn to the top before escaping to the feet. After resetting, it’s Esparza who drives through for a takedown. She can’t keep the fight on the floor. Jandiroba recovers and lands a slick little throw of her own, but Esparza immediately back to her feet. Evenly matched in the grappling. Jandiroba grabs the neck and falls back. Guillotine is in, but Jandiroba isn’t in full guard. Esparza stacks to stay safe. Jandiroba turns over, but Esparza in half-guard and stays safe. Jandiroba bails on the choke but transitions to top position. Esparza with a sweep in the closing seconds. Fun stuff, but MMA Junkie leans toward Jandiroba, 10-9.

Round 3 – The two women looking for opportunities. Jandiroba drives forward, but she’s forced to fall back to guard. Jandiroba trying to work the right leg up in rubber guard, but Esparza stuffs it. Jandiroba trying to work her legs inside, but Esparza trying to keep everything tight. Jandiroba very active from her back, but Esparza snuffs out every move before it ever really starts. Esparza eventually backs away. She kicks at Jandiroba as she returns to the feet, as well. Esparza shoots, and Jandiroba defends well, but she gets kicked in the face as she’s a little careless on the break. Jandiroba dips down for a leg. Esparza tries to grab the neck, but there’s nothing there. Jandiroba now has top position though. Esparza knows she needs to move, and she does turn and get back to her feet. Jandiroba drops and tries to roll to the top. It takes a moment, but she does sweep right at the bell. Very, very close. MMA Junkie going to lean toward Esparza, 10-9, awarding her the fight 29-28. Would not be surprised to see it go the other way.

Result: Carla Esparza def. Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Ex-champ Carla Esparza hands debuting Virna Jandiroba first loss
Photos: Carla Esparza vs. Virna Jandiroba photos
Records: Carla Esparza (14-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Virna Jandiroba (14-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Rankings: Esparza No. 6, Jandiroba No. 13
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Alan Abeles
Judging: Barry Luxenberg (30-27), Derek Cleary (29-28, giving Esparza rounds 1 and 3), Sal D’Amato (29-28, giving Esparza rounds 1 and 3)

Andrei Arlovski vs. Augusto Sakai

Round 1 – Arlovski the first to fire with a big right hand. He rushes forward again shortly after before pulling out of range. Kick from Arlovski, and Sakai counters with a left, sending an off-balance Arlovski to the floor, but he pops right back to his feet. Arlovski having some success with the right hand. Left scores, as well. Two-punch combination for Arlovski, and he complains of his opponent’s eye poke. Warning from referee Dan Miragliotta. Sakai walking forward and kicks the leg. Arlovski does the same and then loads up a few right hands that miss. Sakai giving chase and walking into them. They don’t seem to be bothering him so far, but not a wise procedure. Arlovski misses a spinning back fist. Sakai punches his way into a clinch, but Arlovski spins off the fence. Sakai reverses again. Arlovski able to pull free and side kick the body before the bell. MMA Junkie gives the first to Arlovski, 10-9.

Round 2 – Arlovski opens with a quick jab. Sakai seems to be looking to turn up the aggression a bit, but Arlovski seems ready. Sakai does back Arlovski to the fence and unleash a combination that finds the mark. High kick lands partially for Arlovski, and he throws a jab right behind it. Arlovski switching stances a bit, and he’s still largely the first man to the punch. Sakai just a step behind on most of these exchanges. Arlovski respected the power that could come his way, but right now he’s not really seeing the volume. Sakai finally presses forward and is able to get to the clinch, but Arlovski deals with it well and breaks free, moving back to the center. Arlovski lands a kick to the groin, and Sakai takes a break. Arlovski apologizes on the restart, and we’ve got less than a minute. Sakai seems a little energized as he comes out, but it’s Arlovski who take the volume over again in quick fashion. Clinch at the bell, and MMA Junkie again leans toward Arlovski, 10-9.

Round 3 – Arlovski presses with a Superman punch that lands, and he moves into the clinch, pushing the action against the cage. Sakai able to battle out of the spot. Arlovski kicks the body and the lead leg. Right hands traded. Arlovski staying busy with kicks, but his mouth is wide open. May be tiring a little. Sakai can’t seem to really capitalize right now though. Three minutes left. Arlovski takes a look at the clock. Sakai inside briefly and lands a few knees. Arlovski scampers away and kicks the body. Sakai really needs to press. He is starting to find his range as Arlovski slows a bit. Arlovski kicks the body, and Sakai just misses a big right hand. Sakai changes levels and looks for a single-leg attempt, but it’s not there. Arlovski easily stays upright. Working in the clinch, and Sakai lands a few knees to the legs and body. Sakai has underhooks but not really doing anything with it. They finally move back to the center in the final minute. Arlovski bleeding from the nose a bit. Fight ends on the fee. MMA Junkie gives the final round to Sakai, 10-9, but awards the fight to Arlovski, 29-28.

Result: Augusto Sakai def. Andrei Arlovski via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Augusto Sakai takes controversial split decision from Andrei Arlovski
Photos: Augusto Sakai vs. Andrei Arlovski photos
Records: Andrei Arlovski (27-19 MMA, 16-13 UFC), Augusto Sakai (13-1-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Troy Wincapaw (29-28, giving Sakai rounds 2 and 3), Derek Cleary (28-29, giving Arlovski rounds 1 and 3), Chris Lee (29-28, giving Sakai rounds 2 and 3)

Takashi Sato vs. Ben Saunders

Round 1 – Saunders takes the center and lands a right hand over the top. Sato unaffected, and he’s looking to work from the pocket. Saunders works the leg a bit. He rushes forward for a takedown but comes up short. Sato misses a big elbow. Saunders grabs the clinch and lands a few knees inside before his opponent slips away. Right hand stuns Sato, but Saunders doesn’t rush in. Another punch lands clean, and Sato is staggered a bit. Still, he’s upright and looking to trade. He lands a quick left that gets Saunders’ attention. Saunders retreats and recovers. Two minutes left. Both men respectful of the other’s power. Saunders gets inside and lands a few more knees before Sato can pull free. Saunders gets quickly back to the clinch and controls from there until the bell. MMA Junkie gives it to Saunders, 10-9.

Round 2 – Sato gets jab to open, and a left hand lands from over the top, as well. Sato looks comfortable in the pocket right now, and he lands a left down the middle that sends Saunders to the floor. Sato rushes on top, and massive punches and elbows are coming forward. Saunders slices open, and blood starting to flow. Aggression on top, and he keeps pounding away until the fight is called. Saunders tries to stand but stumbles back to the floor. Brutal stuff.

Result: Takashi Sato def. Ben Saunders via TKO (punch and elbows) – Round 2, 1:18
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Takashi Sato (15-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Ben Saunders (22-12-2 MMA, 9-9 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Larry Downs Jr.

John Lineker vs. Cory Sandhagen

Round 1 –

Result:
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Records: John Lineker (31-8 MMA, 12-3 UFC), Cory Sandhagen (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Rankings: Lineker No. 6
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Ion Cutelaba vs. Glover Teixeira

Round 1 –

Result:
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Records: Ion Cutelaba (14-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Glover Teixeira (28-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Rankings: Teixeira No. 7
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Alex Oliveira vs. Mike Perry

Round 1 –

Result:
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Photos:
Records: Alex Oliveira (19-6-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Mike Perry (12-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Greg Hardy vs. Dmitrii Smoliakov

Round 1 –

Result:
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Records: Greg Hardy (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Dmitrii Smoliakov (9-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Ronaldo Souza vs. Jack Hermansson

Round 1 –

Result:
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Photos:
Records: Ronaldo Souza (26-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC), Jack Hermansson (19-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Rankings: Souza No. 6, Hermansson No. 15
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

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