UFC 242 prelims results and highlights: Calderwood upsets Lee, Azaitar faceplant KOs Packalen

The UFC 242 televised preliminary card is in the books, and fans inside an absolutely sweltering arena in Abu Dhabi witnessed a sensational KO by Ottman Azaitar, a dominant TKO win for Sarah Moras, an entertaining draw between Zubaira Tukhugov, and Joanne Calderwood pulled off an upset over fellow flyweight contender Andrea Lee. Here’s how the fights played out.

Joanne Calderwood def. Andrea Lee by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28) - Women’s Flyweights

It was a fast-paced opening round with plenty of strikes thrown by both women. Lee’s jabs bloodied Calderwood early on, and she found success going to the body with combination punching and knees. Calderwood landed her share of leg kicks and power shots, then scored the fight’s first takedown. Lee got up immediately but was cracked with an elbow. “KGB” then took Calderwood down off a caught high kick and landed some ground-and-pound from side control.

Lee had another takedown in round two and controlled Calderwood on the mat for a good period of time. Calderwood got back to her feet and spun out of Andrea’s back control, and she landed another hard elbow along the way. The striking was quite competitive, and Calderwood closed the round strongly with another elbow and a late takedown.

Calderwood was getting the better of Lee in the striking in the final round, scoring with leg kicks and body kicks. She connected on a few front kicks upstairs. Lee appeared to be fading in the final few minutes, getting one takedown but losing control quickly. Calderwood thudded several knees in the clinch before the fight ended.

Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Lerone Murphy ends in a split draw (29-28, 28-29, 28-28) - Featherweights

Tukhugov clocked Murphy with a hard left hook not even two minutes into the bout, scoring a knockdown. He worked hard to get the finish by throwing and landing a series of head shots, but Murphy survived the barrage. Tukhugov took Murphy down and absorbed more punishment, and the Englishman spent virtually the rest of a lopsided round one on the mat and in survival mode. A late kimura attempt was thwarted by Tukhugov.

Murphy caught Tukhugov with a right hand early in round two but Zubaira was able to complete the takedown. Twice did Murphy go for a guillotine choke, and Tukhugov fought his way out of both. When the fight returned to the feet, Murphy connected on a left hand that captured the Russian’s attention. Tukhugov closed out the round with another takedown, but Murphy was very much back in the fight.

Tukhugov pressed hard for a double leg takedown in the final round but couldn’t get it. No worries for him, as he did get another takedown shortly thereafter and took Murphy’s back. Murphy tried rolling his way out of danger and was at least able to get it into guard. Tukhugov wasn’t generating much offense on the ground, and Murphy was able to get back to his feet. Tukhugov still had a hold of him and again looked to get Murphy on his back, but Murphy defended well and landed a big knee before the fight drew to a close.

Sarah Moras def. Liana Jojua by TKO (strikes) at 2:26 of round 3 - Women’s Bantamweights

Not a whole lot happened in round one, and much of it was initiated by “Cheesecake,” whose nickname is a bit unfortunate considering she missed weight. Moras was the aggressor, landing the better strikes, and controlling position in the clinch (albeit with scant offense from this position).

In round two, Moras continued to push forward and then things stalled out in the clinch, but Jojua was able to take Moras down after Moras went for a standing back take. The Canadian attacked wiith elbows from her back, as well as an armbar. Jojua fought out of that but gave up top position and Moras spent the rest of the round in her guard.

Jojua started round three with a takedown, but she let Moras get back up and that proved to be the beginning of the end. Another Jojua takedown was stuffed, and Moras quickly took the back before transitioning to full mount. Moras rained down ground-and-pound and Jojua had no response, so Marc Goddard’s response was to stop the fight.

Ottman Azaitar def. Teemu Packalen by KO (punch) at 3:33 of round 1 - Lightweights

Aazaitar was aggressive and throwing big shots early, repeatedly jarring Packalen with hard right hands. Packalen did well to land his own shots and some knees in the clinch, but Azaitar was the one who was just far more dangerous offensively, and the last right hand he landed led to a faceplant KO. Packalen stiffened up and his legs were trembling, which was a scary sight. He did eventually get up, but “The Bulldozer” bulldozed his opponent with ease.