UFC on ESPN+ 31: Chris Gutierrez vs. Cody Durden Play-by-Play

Kicking off the UFC show on Saturday was a bantamweight bout between Chris Gutierrez and Cody Durden. Here’s how the fight went.

Bout 1: Chris Gutierrez (15-3-1) vs. Cody Durden (11-2) (Bantamweight)

The fighters traded leg kicks to start the first round. Durden got a single leg takedown in the first minute, getting full guard on top after. He got on the back of Gutierrez moments after, trying for a rear naked choke eventually. Durden let go of the choke, throwing punches to Gutierrez from behind. He stayed on his back until the round ended.

Durden shot for another takedown in the first minute of the second round, although Gutierres was able to back up to the cage and stay in a clinch. Another attempt was stopped in the second minute of the round. A pause came when they separated as Durden was hit in the groin. They resumed after a few minutes of a break. Gutierrez had strong striking on the feet, connecting with leg kicks and jabs. After many attempts, Durden was able to get a takedown in the final minute of the round. Gutierrez tried for an armbar from the bottom, holding the attempt until the round concluded.

Another pause came in the second minute of the third round when Gutierrez was kicked in the groin. Gutierrez was quick to opt for the fight to resume. Gutierrez saw the similar success on the feet that he had in the round before, landing with a wide array of strikes. Durden tried for a takedown in the fourth minute, although Gutierrez was quick to stock and separate. While Durden held one of Gutierrez’s legs, Gutierrez threw a hook that dropped him. With 30 seconds left, Gutierrez landed a knee to the head which dropped Durden. Durden stayed on his back for the final moments of the round. The fight went to a draw after three rounds (28-28, 28-28 & 28-28).

RESULT: Chris Gutierrez vs. Cody Durden via Decision, Draw

My Scorecard:

Live coverage of the entire show can be viewed here.