Round 1 – Estevam closes the distance on Johnson and presses him against the cage. Johnson doing a good job at defending the takedown so far. Judo throw by Estevam! Estevam working from guard. Three minutes left. Johnson is scrambling like crazy, but Estevam all over him. Johnson gets up! He now controls Estevam against the cage. Knees to the legs by Johnson. Estevam hits Johnson with a judo throw and takes his back. Estevam gets mount. Good ground-and-pound by Estevam. One minute left. Johsnon escapes mount, but Estevam gets his back. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Estevam.
Round 2 – Again, Estevam closes the distance and presses Johnson against the cage. There’s the takedown. Estevam gets the back while standing. He’s looking for a rear-naked choke. They fall to the ground and Estevam still maintains back control.Complete control here by Estevam. Johnson so far without answers to the back control of Estevam. Johnson breaks the back control and gets up! One minute left. Estevam shoots for the takedown and presses Johnson against the cage. Johnson gets free and begins to unload on Estevam. Not too much power, but he’s landing shots. Estevam closes the distance and the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Estevam.
Round 3 – Johnson comes out agressive with strikes. Estevam covers and looks to grapple. Johnson stuffs a takedown. He’s pressing Estevam with striking. Estevam eats a knee while going for a takedown! He eats it well and continues to grapple. Estevam is pressing Johnson against the cage. Good control here by Estevam, but nothing else. Three minutes left. Johnson breaks free and begins to press and walk down Estevam. Estevam looks exhausted. Good body shots by Johnson. One minute left. Johnson is trying to finish. Estevam is just defending, zero offense at this point. Good left hook by Estevam. Estevam gets a takedown late, Johnson attempts a heel hook and the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Johnson. Overall 29-28, Estevam.
Result: Rafael Estevam def. Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 232: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Estevam (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Johnson (13-6 MMA, 2-4 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato, Chris Flores 29-28.
