UFC Vegas 97: Matt Schnell vs. Cody Durden: Live round-by-round updates
Ranked UFC flyweight contenders Matt Schnell and Cody Durden will face off in a crucial matchup on the main card of the UFC Vegas 97 event that will go down on Sept. 7 at the Apex facility in Las Vegas.
Schnell has encountered a string of setbacks in recent encounters, collecting one win in five promotional outings. He returns to action for the first time since getting knocked out by former title challenger Steve Erceg in March. That being said, Schnell retains his status as an exciting competitor, having collected three post-fight bonuses in the UFC.
Meanwhile, Durden has recorded a 2-2 run in his last four UFC appearances, with his recent victory coming via knockout against Bruno Silva.
Fight fans can catch the coverage of UFC Vegas 97 on ESPN+. The prelims will begin at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live updates and play-by-play coverage of the Matt Schnell vs. Cody Durden clash.
Round 1
Schnell immediately counters with the overhand right three times as soon as Durden moves in range to take down his opponent. The flyweights have already dictated a high-octane pace with a little over a minute into the round. They swing it out in reckless, unguarded exchanges and Durden manages to stifle his opponent with an overhand right. The output from both fighters has been relentless and they are 23-23 in significant strikes with a little over a minute left. Durden manages to close distance only to be countered by sharper punches from Schnell. A quick fiery exchange on the feet concludes the thrilling opening round.
Our Score: 10-9 Schnell
Round 2
Schnell tried to open the round with an early takedown but Durden managed to turn it against his rival with a ninja choke. Schnell tries to circle out of the submission attempt but a beautiful adjustment from Durden to transition from the arm in guillotine to the ninja choke forces a tap.
Official Result
Cody Durden defeats Matt Schnell via submission (ninja choke) at 0:29 of Round 2.