LAS VEGAS — This is the UFC 143 live blog for all the preliminary bouts in support of tonight’s UFC pay-per-view at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
On the FX portion of the card are Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier, Jorge Lopez vs. Matt Riddle, Alex Caceres vs. Edwin Figueroa and Matt Brown vs. Chris Cope. Featured on Facebook are Rafael Natal vs. Michael Kuiper and Dan Stittgen vs. Stephen Thompson.
The live blog is below.
Dan Stittgen vs. Stephen Thompson
Round 1: Slow pace early. Thompson switching stances frequently and throwing out occasional kicks. Stittgen hasn’t done much in the first two minutes, trying to figure out Thompson. FInally, he bull-rushes forward but Thompson easily side-steps him. Thompson looks very comfortable in the standup, no surprise given his kickboxing pedigree. Stittgen is a deer in headlights. With 45 seconds left, Thompson lands a one-shot headkick knockout.The kick was the back end of a combination, preceded by a right hook, and Stittgen never saw it coming.
Winner: Stephen Thompson via knockout, Rd. 1 (4:13)
Rafael Natal vs. Michael Kuiper
Round 1: Natal takes Kuiper down quickly and into full mount. Kuiper scrambles free quickly, and they’re back to their feet. Kuiper tries to open up with his strikes, but Natal drives forward for another takedown. Kuiper wall walks back to his feet. Natal is determined to keep the fight down, though, and takes him down again. Natal isn’t able to do much with the position. These two are up and down repeatedly. Natal can’t hold him down, but Kuiper can’t stop the takedown, either. Natal tried an arm bar but Kuiper pulled out and ended up on top. Kuiper landed a couple elbows as the round expired. It’s Natal’s round, 10-9.
Round 2: Kuiper looks more confident to start the second round. He’s stalking Natal around. Kuiper lands a nice uppercut. Natal wants to take it to the ground but Kuiper’s on to his game. Natal looks to be tiring. Natal lands a hard right hand but Kuiper looks unphased. Natal clinches as we near midway through the round. Natal lands a spinning back fist. Kuiper just eats it. He certainly has a chin, as he continues to walk Natal down. Natal stays active, keeping Kuiper off him by firing first and often. Natal manages a takedown with :20 left. There’s little time to work, and the round expires. It’s Natal again, 10-9.
Round 3: Kuiper hurts Natal with a right hand early. Natal falls against the fence. Kuiper lands a pair of hammerfists. More heavy blows from the top as Natal tries to sweep. Kuiper with another smashing right from the top. Natal finally closes his guard, but there’s still lots of time to work. Natal works his way back up and slams Kuiper down with two minutes left. Natal quickly into side control. He tries to set up a crucifix. Kuiper defends but Natal lands some elbows, then takes full mount. He attacks with an arm triangle. Kuiper’s in some trouble but hangs on for the last 20 seconds. A roller coaster round. I’ll call it a 10-10 as both had dominant moments and it was very even.
Winner: Rafael Natal via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Matt Riddle vs. Henry Martinez
Round 1: Riddle has a big size advantage on Martinez, who opens with a hard left hand. Martinez is countering well, using a speed advantage to connect as Riddle moves forward. Martinez with a good right hook. Riddle may be a little surprised here, as Martinez is taking the fight on short notice. Riddle comes forward and Martinez again lands with the counter. Martinez is very comfortable in the pocket. He doesn’t give ground and fires off combinations. Riddle throws a rare kick, taking advantage of his size. Riddle just misses with a short knee as the round ends. Martinez’s activity takes the round, 10-9.
Round 2: Martinez is fearless in their, that’s for sure. No octagon jitters as he continues to take it to Riddle, who is content to slug it out with a fighter who is much quicker than him. Martinez clocks him with a lead left again. Riddle has never made any real adjustments to capitalize on his size advantages, which is quite puzzling. Riddle has a touch of blood coming from near his left eye. Martinez still not slowing down or backing off. Riddle lands his best shot of the fight with a left hand. Riddle flurries late and bloodies Martinez’s nose but it’s not enough. Martinez 10-9.
Round 3: Riddle starting to incorporate more kicks now. Martinez counters with a straight left hand. Riddle with a series of kicks, increasing the distance. A smart change for Riddle. Kicks are starting to add up. Martinez throws a kick and Riddle catches it, taking him down.
Alex Caceres vs. Edwin Figueroa
Round 1:
Matt Brown vs. Chris Cope
Round 1:
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway
Round 1: