UFC Results: Bloodied But Not Beaten, Markos Defeats Former Champion Esparza In Front Of Hometown Crowd


The UFC returns to the Great White North for a special Sunday UFC Fight Night event in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

In the main event, heavyweight prospect Derrick Lewis will fight his toughest opponent to date when he fights longtime contender Travis Browne.

Before the main card starts, the UFC has produced an undercard full of intriguing matchups. Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza returns to the UFC, during the FOX Sports 1 prelims, to fight Randa Markos.

Both fighters were hesitant to start the action in the first round. Markos through punches but was too far out of range due to her trying to avoid Esparza’s takedown. Esparza eventually closed the distance and landed some punches, but she also absorbed some as well. In the last 90 seconds of the round, Esparza landed a takedown and secured top position. Markos managed to get on top for a brief second before Esparza got back on top. Markos landed numerous unanswered shots from the bottom by trapping Esparza’s arms. At the end of the round, Esparza got her arms free and landed ground-and-pound to finish the opening round.

Esparza came out more aggressive in the second round. However, Markos had no issues trading with the former champion. Every time Esparza landed a clean shot, Markos would land shots of her own. Markos briefly got Esparza up against the cage and landed a few unanswered shots. At the end of the round, Esparza landed another takedown. She secured top position and attempted a head and arm choke. Markos fought hard enough to survive until the round finished.

Markos went for a takedown to start the final round but failed to get the fight to the ground. Both fighters landed punches on the other. Esparza went for a takedown, but Markos stuffed it. Esparza landed a takedown towards the end of the round. Markos quickly got up by ate a knee to her right eye. Esparza went for another takedown but Markos pushed it off. In the last 10 seconds, Esparza landed one last takedown to end the fight.

Official result:

Randa Markos def. Carla Esparza by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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