TUF 20 Finale results: Charles Oliveira wins decision over Jeremy Stephens

The co-headlining attraction at tonight's (Fri., Dec. 12, 2014) The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 20 Finale: "A Champion Will Be Crowned" event at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada featured the talented but troubled Charles Oliveira taking on the always dangerous Jeremy Stephens.

Even if "Do Bronx" came in heavy after missing weight.

Right away, Oliveira initiated a clinch and pulled guard. When he did so, he locked in an armbar that Stephens first attempted to break out of with a straight up powerbomb. Attempt one failed. He twisted and turned, gathering strength to try again. Still, no success.

Finally, after almost three minutes in a submission attempt, Stephens broke free and found himself on top. He even got back to his feet for a few exchanges before the opening round came to a close.

The second played out largely like the first, though this time Oliveira spent more time setting up a submission than trying to complete one. He took Stephens' back, opened him up, transitioned to an armbar, and appeared to be on the cusp of a finish when he got the arm fully extended.

Somehow, Stephens found his way out and got back to his feet.

Still, Oliveira was relentless in his attack, throwing even more submissions at his opponent. To his credit, "Lil Heathen" found his way out every time.

Heading into the third and final frame it was clear Stephens would need a finish. The only way he would get one is if he could find success standing while avoiding the furious submission attempts he spent the first two rounds defending. His corner told him to stop backing up and that was the only reason he was in the position he was in so late in the fight.

After so much grappling, Stephens was tired. Oliveira, to his credit, never stopped wrestling. With just over two minutes remaining, he earned another takedown and went to work up against the fence. When Stephens popped out, "Do Bronx" employed the butt scoot strategy, inviting his opponent back down into his guard.

He didn't bite and they went back to work standing. It didn't take long for Oliveira to jump guard from the clinch. Stephens did his best to come down with hard punches and elbows but he ran out of time.

He may not have earned a finish, but Oliveira spent most of this fight taking Stephens to school.

Judges scores: 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28, all in favor of Oliveira.

For complete TUF 20 Finale results and coverage of all the night's action click here.