UFC 257: Brad Tavares vs. Antonio Carlos Junior play-by-play and results
The Body Lock is here to bring you live UFC 257 results and highlights for Brad Tavares vs. Antonio Carlos Junior and all other fights happening tonight at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Brad Tavares vs. Antonio Carlos Junior is the second fight at UFC 257. We’ll be sharing live updates and play-by-play comments as the fight happens down below.
The UFC 257 main card is only on pay-per-view and that means the fights can only be watched live on the ESPN+ streaming service.
Here’s what you need to watch the UFC 257 PPV event:
- An active ESPN+ subscription
- Purchased the UFC 257 pay-per-view event
- A supported device to watch the fights live or post-event replay (e.g. TV, mobile device, computer)
Read our full UFC 257 fight results here.
UFC 257 Fight Companion
Join us on YouTube as we provide alternate commentary, analysis, and discussion during every fight at UFC 257, including Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier, Dan Hooker vs. Michael Chandler, and more.
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Our live UFC 257 Fight Companion starts at 7 pm (ET) with the early prelims and will continue all the way through the prelims, main card, and the main event of the night.
Brad Tavares vs. Antonio Carlos Junior play-by-play
Round One
“Shoeface” working behind his jab to start. He comes forward with two jabs and a right hand after it. Doesn’t land but makes Tavares back up and respect the forward blitz. Tavares leg kicks are there so far.
Left, right, and a right body kick for “Shoeface” as he moves forward. He’s now got a single-leg as Tavares rests against the cage and pushes down on the head to maintain his balance. Tavares avoids being taken down and launches another leg kick. Both guys throwing but it just allows “Shoeface” to shoot in. Tavares with insane takedown defense and he keeps standing against the cage. Tavares stays upright again. Carlos Junior with the leg kick. Tavares falls short with a 1-2 but then lands two heavy leg kicks. Carlos Junior checks a leg kick and they start throwing.
Another takedown attempt now from Carlos Junior. But mostly just resting against Tavares on the cage now as he can’t drag him to the mat.
Nutshot! Now a break for Tavares who desperately needs that after being kicked in the groin.
Carlos Junior 10-9
Round two
Big start for Tavares. He lands two big punches before “Shoeface” tries another takedown. But how is Tavares back to his feet already? It’s amazing takedown defense from Tavares in this fight. Tavares’ leg kicks are having a big impact — Carlos Junior’s leg is starting to show signs of redness. Tavares’ strikes mostly falling short. Carlos Junior managing the distance very well so far. Right hand for Tavares. Tavares lands big with a right hand and Carlos Junior falls. But Tavares strikes Carlos Junior in the groin and “Shoeface” gets a break and time to recover.
They restart with about 20 seconds remaining. Tavares coming after “Shoeface” to end the round.
Tavares 10-9 (19-19)
Round three
Tavares coming after “Shoeface” again. Carlos Junior on the back foot. Tavares lands a jab. Both guys exchange jabs that barely miss. Carlos Junior now shooting on Tavares. Great double-leg takedown attempt but Tavares looks incredibly strong and maintains great posture to defend the takedown attempt. Referee Marc Goddard breaks up the clinch but he really didn’t need to. They’ve separated now. “Shoeface” comes forward again and attempts another takedown. Tavares just won’t go down.
Tavares 10-9 (29-28)
Official Decision: Brad Tavares def. Antonio Carlos Junior (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)