(Also see UFC 231 Fight Pass prelims here.)

TORONTO – UFC 231 is taking place Saturday at Scotiabank Arena, with a main card on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass. Below is a recap of the four bouts that comprised the prelims on FS1.

Ansaroff wins fourth straight with decision over Gadelha

Nina Ansaroff’s (10-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) brilliant career turnaround reached a new high when she upset former UFC title challenger Claudia Gadelha (16-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC) by unanimous decision in the featured preliminary bout.

Ansaroff, who once again had fiancee and UFC bantamweight champ Amanda Nunes in her corner, used a strong striking arsenal built around her jab to interrupt Gadelha’s offensive consistency. It was a competitive fight, but all three judges saw it 29-28 for Ansaroff, who is now tied for the longest active winning streak in the 115-pound division.

“I feel great. I honestly thought I’d be defending a lot more takedowns,” Ansaroff said. “I slipped on the second one and couldn’t keep myself up, but I was good after that. The rest of the fight was what I strategized. Keeping my range, finding her and fighting my fight. She’s the No. 3 strawweight right now, so the victory means a lot, but I don’t need to mention any names. Give me someone else who is supposed to be better than me.”

Eye edges Chookagian, calls for flyweight title shot

Jessica Eye (14-6 MMA, 4-5 UFC) got the split-decision win over Katlyn Chookagian (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC), but it wasn’t exactly a performance that will have fans screaming for her to get the next title shot in the women’s flyweight division. Although the fight was competitive, it contained minimal action and even less memorable moments.

Eye was the aggressor throughout, but Chookagian stayed on the outside and played the counter-striking game. Ultimately the judges rewarded Eye’s approaching, giving her the nod by scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28. Afterward, “Evil” called for a crack at 125-pound gold.

“Somehow all of my fights end up being split decisions, but I knew I had done enough to win,” Eye said. “All she was really landing was that sidekick, and I knew I had done much more. I attribute my success this year to finally being at my natural weight class. I know I am strong and fast, but being at the right weight has helped a ton. My coaches have taught me patience also. I’m a big girl now, and I have to listen to what they say and listening has been paying off. Title shot is next – or, it better be next! Joanna, Valentina, I’m coming!”

Theodorou digs deep for split-decision win over Anders

Elias Theodorou (16-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was forced to dig deep against Eryk Anders (11-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) and ultimately was rewarded with a split-decision victory. Anders is an offensive powerhouse, and it seemed like his tenacity would cause major problems for Theodorou. At multiple points he had the Canadian hurt, but Theodorou displayed tremendous durability in continuing to push forward. His output and activity were more heavily rewarded than Anders’ power strikes, and Theodorou earned his third consecutive victory by scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28.

“I knew it was a close fight, so you always wonder how the judges scored it when you hear a split decision, but I felt like I had done enough to win,” Theodorou said. “I knew he won the second round, but I felt like I’d done enough in the third to get the victory. Like Joe Rogan said, I am a very tough fighter to plan for. I attribute that to being an amateur skateboarder in my youth and the balance and ability to shift direction comes from that, too.

“Overall, I still look at myself as a very young fighter, so I always just want to push myself and find ways to develop. What I want next is to continue that journey and learn more about myself as a fighter – and stay true to that.”

Burns dominates Aubin-Mercier after near early finish

Gilbert Burns (14-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was simply too much for Olivier Aubin-Mercier (11-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) in virtually every area, and because of that he was able to leave the octagon with a lopsided unanimous-decision victory. Burns nearly finished the fight in the first round when he dropped Aubin-Mercier and then attacked with submissions.

The Canadian refused to give in, though, and made it to the final bell despite Burns’ relentless striking and grappling attacks. There was zero doubt who was superior, and the scorecards proved it with Burns winning 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

“I knew this was a good matchup for me when I called for the fight, and everything went according to plan,” Burns said. “I am stronger, I have more power in my hands, I’m more dangerous on the ground. I wanted a chance to show what I can do because I truly believe I am the best in the world at this weight. I was surprised by his durability. I had him in a choke and then transitioned to the armbar, but he hung in there. He’s a really tough guy, and I have a lot of respect for him. It feels good to be back in the win column.”

UFC 231 prelims results include:

• Nina Ansaroff def. Claudia Gadelha via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Gilbert Burns def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Jessica Eye def. Katlyn Chookagian via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Elias Theodorou def. Eryk Anders via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Brad Katona def. Matthew Lopez via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Dhiego Lima def. Chad Laprise via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:37
• Diego Ferreira def. Kyle Nelson via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:23
• Aleksandar Rakic def. Devin Clark via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:05

For complete coverage of UFC 231, visit the UFC Events section of the site.