It’s safe to say that anyone who’s been around MMA since before 2012 or so (RIP TUF: Live, you were too beautiful for this world) was pretty happy to have Andrei Arlovski back in the Octagon.
It had been an astounding six years since the former champio…
It’s safe to say that anyone who’s been around MMA since before 2012 or so (RIP TUF: Live, you were too beautiful for this world) was pretty happy to have Andrei Arlovski back in the Octagon.
It had been an astounding six years since the former champion competed on the biggest stage in the game, and he was once something of a big deal.
Granted he was at the top of the heap when the best heavyweights in the world were fighting in Japan, and there were only so many times you could watch him fight Tim Sylvia, he still had a certain charm.
He was exciting. He was charismatic. He was just fun to have around.
Sure, he left the UFC to get paid, but when your career of choice is 15 years of exchanging traumatic head strikes with human giants, it’s hard to blame a guy for being inspired by the bank a little.
Saturday night at UFC 174 though, it all came full circle. He was back where he belongs against Brendan Schaub, a weirdly perfect opponent for his return. Schaub is pretty good but not great, a reasonable threat standing but not wildly dangerous and alright on the ground though not a lock to get the fight there.
The ideal non-threatening threat.
If the UFC didn’t know what they had when they brought Arlovski back, Schaub was a wonderful candidate to flesh it out. A mistake or two and he’d likely capitalize, no mistakes and Arlovski could easily end up a winner.
And no mistakes was essentially what you got.
In a fight most were expecting to end with someone chasing imaginary butterflies, Arlovski and Schaub entered into a glorified staring contest where one man would occasionally windmill his arms in an attempt to get the other to blink.
There was precisely one seriously notable strike in the fight, an uppercut from Schaub that landed flush and temporarily backed the Belarusian off.
The rest of the night was two guys fighting not to lose, showing excessive respect for one another’s power and trying incredibly hard to make the judges decide who lost the least as opposed to who actually won.
In terms of scoring, the only clear round was the third. Schaub spent most of that stanza sitting in Arlovski’s guard (which, for what it’s worth, he couldn’t pass) and wailing on him with punches that did just enough to prevent a standup.
In fact, in watching the exchanges from that position, there’s an argument that Arlovski might have done more damage punching up from the bottom than Schaub did from the top.
Still, all things equal in this game, the guy on top usually curries favor with those scoring and this time was really no different.
The other two rounds though? They were pretty much a wash.
The first was a nothing round that you’d probably have to give to Arlovski based on his ability to control positioning and pacing of the fight.
The second was similar, save for that one major punch Schaub landed. Even that did no measurable damage, so it’s hard to quantify its value.
What resulted was a mild controversy that everyone other than Schaub himself will have forgotten by Wednesday. The bout was forgettable in every way, something that will deservedly be little more than a Wikipedia footnote in the careers of both men.
At the end of the day though, this is no great shame of a decision. It came down to what a judge was looking for in scoring the fight, and two of the three decided they’d favor control and imposition of a game plan over a solid punch and a solid round.
Save your outrage, folks. If anything, MMA has shown us that there will be no shortage of bad decisions to go around.
UFC 174 was a let down, and that could very well be an understatement.
The undercard of the event never looked stellar, but it did exceed its expectations and included three finishes.
Jason Saggo TKO’d Josh Shockley on the UFC Fight Pass prelimina…
UFC 174 was a let down, and that could very well be an understatement.
The undercard of the event never looked stellar, but it did exceed its expectations and included three finishes.
Jason SaggoTKO’d Josh Shockley on the UFC Fight Pass preliminary card, TaeHyun Bang stopped Kajan Johnson in the opening FX preliminary bout and KiichiKunimoto capped off the prelims with an upset submission over Daniel Sarafian.
However, folks had already turned their attention to a main card that looked like it could deliver on paper.
Ovince St. Preux vs. Ryan Jimmo would set the winner on the path towards a top 10 fight in the light heavyweight division. A lot was at stake, but an injury marred the bout. Jimmo broke his arm at some point and was forced to verbally submit.
Next on the docket was the return of Andrei Arlovski to the UFC. He would take on Brendan Schaub in a sure-fire thrill ride in the heavyweight division.
False.
Arlovski and Schaub failed to deliver much action at all. It was a painful 15 minutes.
Schaub was looking for one specific combination to end the fight, and that made it easy for Arlovski to avoid. The former UFC champion was not very active in the bout at all. It was a tentative bout with low output. A disappointment to say the least.
Ryan Bader and Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante was up next. Another high-stakes light heavyweight tilt—another disappointment.
Bader looked very good. He executed a game plan that ensured him a victory. Feijao‘s ineptitude during the fight brought down the excitement, and Bader‘s inability to do much damage was equally as draining for the fans. It was just another 15 minutes of waiting for something special to happen.
Surely the co-main event would deliver? Partially.
Rory MacDonald was the fan-favorite. The hometown kid put on one of his best career performances. However, he failed to truly hurt Woodley and put a stamp on the performance. Instead, it was 15 minutes of domination. After the first five, we got the gist of the fight.
Watching MacDonald was entertaining, but the fight itself was not due to how one-sided it was.
The same can be said for the main event between Demetrious Johnson and Ali Bagautinov.
The fans in the arena were heading for the doors after the fourth round. It looked like Miami Heat fans heading for the exit during a blowout. Everyone knew Johnson had it in the bag, and no one expected a finish at this point. There wasn’t any reason to stick to the edge of your seat. It was time to beat the traffic.
UFC 174 ended without much to talk about. No one put themselves on the map.
UFC President Dana White did not even show up at the post-fight press conference. It was that kind of night. Everyone was frustrated by how the event came off.
We cannot expect every single event to be a winner, but even with the lackluster offerings we hope to come away feeling we spent our time well. UFC 174 was not time well spent. The winners were fans who couldn’t catch the show and had to read the results. They saved time.
UFC 174 was forgettable. Now that it is over, we will all turn our attention towards bigger fights down the pipeline and hope that future UFC events provide us with a better slate of action.
UFC 174 saw the return of former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski. Unfortunately for “The Pitbull,” there aren’t a lot of fans that are too happy that he’s back following UFC 174.
Arlovski fought Brendan Schaub for the full three rounds in what ca…
UFC 174 saw the return of former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski. Unfortunately for “The Pitbull,” there aren’t a lot of fans that are too happy that he’s back following UFC 174.
Arlovski fought Brendan Schaub for the full three rounds in what can only be politely called a lackluster fight. Even worse, for some fans the fact Arlovski won was as bad as Diego Sanchez beating Ross Pearson by split decision.
Still, the bottom line says Arlovski won which means he’s likely to get another shot in the Octagon. With a thin division, there aren’t a lot of viable options for a heavyweight who is struggling to stay relevant.
It seems like yesterday that Andrei Arlovski was the UFC heavyweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
However, the Belarusian lost the title against Tim Sylvia over eight years ago now, and he has been an MMA journey…
It seems like yesterday that Andrei Arlovski was the UFC heavyweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
However, the Belarusian lost the title against Tim Sylvia over eight years ago now, and he has been an MMA journeyman ever since.
Post his disastrous 0-3 stint in Strikeforce, Arlovski has amassed six wins out of his last seven fights, prompting the UFC to re-sign him after a six-year absence from the Octagon.
On Saturday night, at UFC 174, at a sold-out venue in Vancouver, Canada, he went up against Brendan Schaub. On paper, it was a successful return as Arlovski beat Schaub via split decision.
Nerves and anxiety plagued the “Pitbull” in his UFC return as he offered little offense on the feet and allowed Schaub to take him to the ground.
Luckily, in Schaub he had an opponent who offered little by way of attacks during the fight, resulting in a less-than-crowd-pleasing contest.
Arlovski may have had his hands raised, however, few if anyone would say he is the same Arlovski fans know and love. Put simply, Arlovski has gotten a little older.
Some may say that he’s only 35, the same age as Daniel Cormier, who has had an impressive MMA and UFC career to date.
The thing is Arlovski has been fighting professional MMA at the top level for over 14 years. He’s fought fighters like Ricco Rodriguez (back when he was one of the top heavyweights), Fabricio Werdum, Sylvia (four times), FedorEmelianenko and Antonio Silva, among others.
To come in after all of that and be competitive against a mid-level UFC fighter like Schaub is an accomplishment in itself. While his chances of fighting for the belt are slim, there are still some good fights for Arlovski in the UFC.
Firstly, the UFC could take the “old school, once were dominant veterans” route and pit Arlovski against either Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira or Josh Barnett.
Minotauro and Barnett are both former MMA phenoms; Minotauro is a former Pride heavyweight champion and interim UFC heavyweight champion, while Barnett is a former UFC heavyweight champion.
A match between Minotauro/Barnett and Arlovski would likely attract the hardcore MMA fanbase and would be a good main card opener.
The UFC could also go the “potential entertaining rematch” route and give Arlovski a fight against either Roy Nelson or Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
Arlovski beat Nelson via knockout in October 2008, but he did so in controversial circumstances after the fighters were stood up while Nelson was in a dominant ground position. Bigfoot beat Arlovski via unanimous decisionin May 2010.
Both Nelson and Silva may be too far up the rankings for an immediate fight against Arlovski, but a fight against either fighter would make a good co-main event on a UFC Fight Night card.
Brendan Schaub and Andrei Arlovski met at UFC 164 in a pivotal bout for their careers. Each man sought a victory to make a run up the heavyweight rankings, and a loss would have been detrimental to their hopes.
The fight did not get off to a great star…
Brendan Schaub and Andrei Arlovski met at UFC 164 in a pivotal bout for their careers. Each man sought a victory to make a run up the heavyweight rankings, and a loss would have been detrimental to their hopes.
The fight did not get off to a great start. The two heavy-handed strikers were hesitant on the feet. A good portion of the action was spent stalling in the clinch. Schaub was telegraphing his one combination, and Arlovski was not offering any more than one punch in return.
Schaub got a takedown in the third round and spent a lot of time throwing errant shots at Arlovski. It took awhile, but Arlovski was finally able to get back to his feet. Unfortunately, he was unable to do anything once there.
All three rounds were close, but they were only close because both men failed to do anything to warrant a clear-cut win.
Arlovski picked up a split-decision victory.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
Nothing. It was terrible.
What We Learned About Schaub
Schaub wanted the knockout, but he wanted it with the same telegraphed combination. Other than that, he played it safe. Too safe. Following the fight, his jaw was very swollen.
If there is a plus, he didn’t get knocked out.
What We Learned About Arlovski
Perhaps it was nerves, but perhaps it was not. We learned Arlovski needs to rediscover his aggressiveness. He was very passive in this fight. When he had a good position in the clinch, he chose to rest instead of improve.
If there is a plus, he didn’t get knocked out.
What’s Next for Schaub
The decision could have gone either way, so a loss shouldn’t hurt him too badly. The UFC could put him against the winner of the Soa Palelei vs. Jared Rosholt contest later this month.
What’s Next for Arlovski
Well, as unimpressive as it was, he won. Looking down the pipe, he has limited options. He didn’t show anything in the cage that was worthy of a Top 10-level fight, and many heavyweights are booked or injured.
UFC 175 features the return of No. 12-ranked contender Stefan Struve against Matt Mitrione. Arlovski could fight the winner of that battle. It’s about the only fight that makes any sense, unless an injury occurs to an already scheduled fight.
Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.
(“Dear God, please guide my hands in this fight, and protect me from this American baldness disease.” / Photo via MMAJunkie)
Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.
UFC 174 Preliminary Card Results
– Kiichi Kunimoto def. Daniel Sarafian via. Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:52 of round 1.
– Valerie Letourneau def. Elizabeth Phillips via. split decision (29-28 Letourneau x 2, 29-28 Phillips)
– Yves Jabouin def. Mike Easton via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Tae Hyun Bang def. Kajan Johnson via. KO (punch) at 2:01 of round 3
– Michinori Tanaka def. Roland Delorme via unanimous decision. (30-27 x 3)
– Jason Saggo def. Josh Shockley via. TKO (punches) at 4:57 of Round 1.
Please stand by…
Hey there Folks. Glad to be back in the saddle.
For those of you who are following UFC 174 and not watching the World Cup, I welcome you. For those of you who are here following UFC 174 WHILE watching the the World Cup, it’s time to turn it off and get your UFC on. Jamie Varner broke his ankle at UFC 173 and then the doctor stepped on it (!) and you didn’t see him screaming and rolling around… Just sayin’.
We have some big fights happening this evening. The Flyweight Belt is up for grabs. The winner of MacDonald vs. Woodley gets a title shot (Probably. Maybe. No, probably not), and “The PitBull” Andrei Arlovski is back in his cage. Stay tuned, this should be a good one.
First up:
Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince St. Preux
Ryan Jimmo (19-3 MMA) Fought on Season 8 of TUF.
Ovince St. Preux (15-5 MMA) Former Strikeforce competitor.
Round 1:
St. Preux with the 7 inch reach advantage. They touch gloves. Leg kick by Jimmo. Body kick by St. Preux. Big left by St. Preux. Jimmo is moving forward. St. Preux connects with a left. They clinch against the fence. Jimmo looking for the take down from the clinch against the fence. St. Preux gets the reversal against the fence. They break. Jimmo is bleeding from his nose. Head kick attempt by St. Preux. Jimmo answers with a high body kick. Leg kick from St. Preux. Inside leg kick from Jimmo. Body kick by Jimmo. St. Preux is really reaching with the jab. Nice left hand by St. Preux. St. Preux goes for the takedown and gets it against the fence just in time for the bell
Round 2:
Opens with a big right from Jimmo. Jimmo’s corner thinks St. Preux is getting tired. Jimmo attempts a body kick, caught by St. Preux who gets the takedown and gets full mount. St. Preux transitions to Jimmo’s back, St. Preux attempting a rear naked choke. Jimmo defending. St. Preux only has one hook. Jimmo taking some hammer fists to the head. St. Preux goes for a kimura. WOW! Jimmo says his arm is broken and the ref calls it.
Ovince St. Preux def. Ryan Jimmo via. verbal submission (Kimura) at 2:10 of round 2.
Up next…
Andrei Arlovski vs. Brendan Schaub
Andrei Arlovski (21-10-1 MMA) Arlovski is making his return to the octagon after a six year absence. Arlovski is the former UFC Heavyweight Champ and former UFC interim Light Heavyweight Champ. At 35 years of age, Arlovski is hoping to make one more run at the UFC belt before retiring. He is the only man to knock out Roy Nelson.
Brendan Schaub (10-3 MMA) Made the finals of TUF season 10 where he lost to Roy Nelson. Schaub won his last fight against Matt Mitrione via d’arce choke. The only fighter in UFC history to finish with that choke.
Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Schaub. Big John and Andrei in the cage together again…Heeeere we go. They touch gloves. They feel each other out. Andrei with the flurry and the clinch. Pins Schaub up against the fence and throws a few knees. Schaub spins out, throws a right and a left. Arlovski answers with an outside leg kick. They clinch and Arlovski pins Schaub against the fence and starts throwing knees. Big John tells them to get to work. Schaub pushes Arlovski off and they move to the middle of the octagon. Big overhand right from Schaub that just misses. Big swing and a miss from Arlovski. They clinch briefly. Schaub spins away. A big overhand from Schaub, Arlovski ducks underneath and clinches against the fence. Big spinning back kick from Arlovski to end the round.
Round 2:
They meet in the middle. Arlovski kicks Schaub in the groin. Schaub takes a minute but is back in business quickly. Arlovski clips Schaub with a left hook. Nothing huge, but opens Schaub up with a cut near his left eye. They clinch against the cage and Arlovski takes a break. They break and meet in the middle of the cage. They trade a few quick jabs. A headkick attempt by Schaub. Headkick attempt by Arlovski. Schaub fakes low and throws a overhand right that misses. Arlovski is watching for it. They clinch and now Schaub has Arlovski pinned against the cage. Schaub gets the take down but Arlovski get right back up. They break and meet in the middle. Schaub swinging for the fences but missing. Schaub connects with a left jab. Andrei shrugs it off. BIG uppercut from Schaub that rings Arlovski’s bell. A big swing and a miss from Schaub, answered by a big overhand from Arlovski to end the round.
Round 3:
Schaub opens the round with a swing and a miss overhand right. Another big overhand right from Schaub. Arlovski catches Schaub with a jab as he comes in. Big John warns them about headbutting. They clinch and Schaub gets the take down. Schaub works in Arlovski’s guard with punches and endows to the body. Arlovski answers with some elbows from the bottom. Hammer fists from Schaub. Schaub is making no attempt to transition to half guard. Arlovski keeps Schaub busy defending punches from the bottom. Schaub with some nasty hammerfists. Arlovski bucks Schaub off and regains his feet. They clinch and Arlovski pushes Schaub against the fence. Schaub escapes and they meet in the middle. They trade shots and there is the buzzer. Schaubs mouth and face has suddenly swelled up.
Arlovski says in his interview with Rogan that he was nervous and asks the crowd not to boo him.
Ryan Bader (16-4 MMA) Currently the #10 Light Heavyweight. Winner of Season 8 of TUF (Team Nog). His first loss was to fellow (at the time) up and comer Jon Jones. 3 of his four losses have been to former or future Light Heavyweight Champs (Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz). His fourth loss was to Glover Teixeira.
Rafael Cavalcante (12-4-1) Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ. Studied veterinary medicine before being recruited by Big Nog. Lost his Strikeforce Belt to Dan Henderson. This will be his third fight in the UFC.
Round 1:
No reach advantage for either fighter. They touch gloves. Cavalcante with an inside leg kick to start things off. Bader with a head kick attempt. A quick jab by Bader, followed by a running takedown of Cavalcante. Bader has his back standing, lifts Cavalcante up and gets the takedown but Cavalcante is up quickly with Bader still glued to his back punishing his thighs with knees. Really brutal knees to Cavalcante’s legs. Bader is destroying that leg. Cavalcante is up. They break and meet in the middle. HUGE haymaker attempt by Cavalcante which misses. Bader responds with a looping right hand. Cavalcante connects with a small right. They both catch each other with a jab. Bader gets a big takedown. They grappls at the fence as Bader slowly gets Cavalcante’s back. Cavalcante is absorbing a lot of punishment from the Bader. Some nasty body shots from Bader. HUGE knee too the body of Cavalcante at the buzzer.
Round 2:
Spinning back kick from cavalcante to start things off. Answered by a head kick attempt from Bader. They clinch and Bader pushes Cavalcante up against the fence. They break and Cavalcante moves forward while Bader waits for his opportunity, and there he gets the takedown. Nasty Elbow in Cavalcante’s face and Bader gets his back. Bader starts landing some nasty knee’s to Cavalcante’s butt and thighs. Cavalcante gains his feet, attempts another haymaker. There is a lot of movement from Bader. Another Haymaker attempt by Cavalcante. Bader darts in and peppers Cavalcante with punches. Cavalcante connects with a right. Connects with another right. Bader shakes it off and answers with a body shot and a takedown. Bader is on top and starts abusing the side of Cavalcante’s body. There goes the buzzer.
Round 3:
A big right from Cavalcante and a left that rung Bader’s bell. He connects with several looping hooks that hurt Bader, and gets the takedown. Cavalcante is on top, Bader goes for a leg and tries to reverse. Cavalcante hits Bader with some big elbows to the head. They break and Bader slips, Cavalcante follows him but can’t finish. They clinch against the fence. Nothing happens. The ref. breaks them apart and restarts them. Bader gets a takedown. He is on top abusing Cavalcante’s ribs with punches and dropping some big elbows on the ribcage. Cavalcante is not responding. Bader is inside Cavalcante’s guard, raining down elbows and punches to the body. Cavalcante has no answer for Bader. Cavalcante throws a few elbows, but Bader is connecting with everything. That’s it. It’s over.
Dominant performance by Ryan Bader. “If he loses this decision, They should burn this place down”- Joe Rogan
Ryan Bader def. Rafael Cavalcante via. unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Next up…
Tyrone Woodley vs. Rory MacDonald
Rory MacDonald (16-2 MMA) The Canadian born fighter is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champ. MacDonald trains together with Georges St-Pierre at Tristar Gym. His only two losses were to Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler. MacDonald is currently the #2 ranked Welterweight.
Tyron Woodley (13-2 MMA) Former Strikeforce fighter. Woodley’s only two losses came from Nate Marquart and Jake Shields. Of his thirteen wins, four have come via knockout, five via submission and four via decision. Woodley is often criticized for being too muscular, which some critics (looking at you Dana White) saying that he will gas out if brought into championship rounds.
Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Rory.
Rory with a front kick early. A quick jab, Woodley with and overhand right. They clinch. Woodley with some knee’s to the body. Woodley pushes Rory up against the fence and starts punishing his legs with knees and foot stomps. Some big knee’s from Woodley. I don’t know how many of those Rory can take. Rory gets out and Rory connects with a question mark kick. Woodley responods with a attempted headkick. They trade head kick attempts. A big kick to the body of Woodley. Rory connecting with some big kicks. Woodley goes for the take down and absorbs a knee on the way in. They are clinched at the fence. Woodley connects with some punches to the face from the clinch. They seperate and Rory connects with a kick to the body. Woodley gets a takedown. Rory gets up and connects with a kick to the body and a short jab. Backs Woodley up against the fence and connects with some jabs and front kicks. Woodley seems unfazed. They square off and the buzzer sounds.
Round 2:
Rory with a few jabs. Woodley responds with an overhead right. Superman punch and an Ax kick from Rory. Rory goes for the takedown but is unsuccessful. Woodley connects with a solid leg kick. Rory has Woodley backed up against the fence. Peppering him with kicks. Woodley connects with a HARD leg kick. Rory connects with a body shot. Woodley attempts two right hand’s. Misses with bith. Rory with a quick flurry. Rory with a body kick. Woodley answers with some big punches. All misses. Rory pushes Woodley against the fence. Just constant pressure from Rory. Woodley connects with a brutal leg kick. Rory is just absorbing them. Rory connects with an body/head combo. Headkick from Rory. Woodley connects with a small jab. Rory with a right hand. Left jab and right overhand from Rory. Woodley is looking really uncomfortable. Rory catches two jabs in the face right before the buzzer.
Round 3:
Woodley tee’s off and flurries. Rory backs up and almost trips. Rory takes control of the center of the ring. Rory connects with a left jab. Woodley looks to be slowing down. Rory connects with a body kick. Woodley answers with a kick, but Rory brushes it aside and hits Woodley with a spinning back kick. Woodley acts like it hit his groin but Big John waves him off. Rory goes for and gets the takedown. Woodley has stuffed 32 of the last 34 takedown attempts. Woodley has control of Rory’s wrists. Woodley still hanging on. Big John will stand them up if nothing happens soon. Rory stands up and Woodley attacks with the up-kick from his back. Rory is looking for the opening, and connects with an elbow. Rory gets full mount but Woodley shrugs him off to side mount. Woodley starts absorbing big shots to his head. Rory is just teeing off from side guard, pounding Woodley’s face. There is the buzzer. Huge statement by Rory MacDonald. I never thought I would see Tyron Woodley absolutely dominated like that. Wow.
Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1 MMA) The current (and until now only) Flyweight Champ. This will be his fourth title defense. Johnson moved down to Flyweight and won the four man Flyweight tournament after losing a unanimous decision to Dominick Cruz in a fight for the Bantamweight Belt. His only other loss was a UD loss to Brad Pickett
Ali Bagautinov (13-2 MMA) is a Dagestani born Russian fighter and former Fight Nights Flyweight Champ. He is currently ranked as the #4 Flyweight. He has a background in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as Russian Sambo. Bagautinov is a 2x Combat Sambo World Champion. He is currently on an 11 fight win streak.
Round 1:
They touch gloves. Johnson with an inside leg kick to get us started. Ali with very low hands and very flat feet. A few quick kicks from Johnson and Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson, answered by Ali with a left right combo and a big kick to the body. A few big left right combos that miss from Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Inside leg kick from Johnson. A lot of feinting happening here. Ali reaches and clips Johnson. They clinch, some knees from Ali, he has Johnson pushed up against the cage. Johnson has Ali’s neck in a Muay Thai clinch and throws a knee. Ali catches the knee and holds it. Ali lets it go and catches another leg and holds it. Ali trying for the takedown. Some big knees and punches from Ali, answered by a knee from Johnson. Johnson lands some hard knees to the body. Ali gets a takedown but Johnson bounces right back up for the buzzer.
Round 2:
Johnson switches to orthodox. Johnson connects with an inside leg kick followed quickly by an outside leg kick. Johnson goes for the takedown and they clinch. Johnson connects with some knees. Ali reverses and throws some punches which miss. Ali checks a leg kick from Johnson. Johnson backs him up and connect with an outside leg kick and a high head kick. Ali responds with some big punches thrown at nothing but the air where Johnson was a second ago. Johnson connects with another leg kick combo. Another inside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson connects with a big punch. Ali connects with a head kick, but Johnson shrugs it off. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence and starts connecting with knees to the body. Johnson answers with some knees of his own. Some big knees from Ali, but Johnson is dodging most of them. Ali with a takedown attempt. Johnson stuffs the attempt and punishes Ali with elbows to the head. They are still clinched and exchanging knees. They grapple and whip eachother around. There’s the buzzer.
Round 3:
Johnson with leg kicks to open the round. A swing and a miss for Ali answered by another leg kick. Leg kick. Straight kick from Johnson. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence. They start trading knees. Big knee to Ali’s ribs. Ali connects with a knee to the midsection. Johnson gets double underhooks but lets it go. Big body kick from Johnson. Ali kicks back. Ali tries for a head kick. Johnson darts in with some punches and some high/low head movement. Ali looks confused. Johnson looks fresh, Ali is breathing hard. Tries for a head kick. Ali gets Johnsons back and suplex! Johnson is right back up on his feet. Amazing… They clinch but quickly break apart. Leg kick from Johnson. Ali goes for a takedown and gets a knee. Takedown attempt quickly reversed by Johnson. Some knees and elbows from Johnson to end the round.
Round 4: Championship rounds.
Starts again with leg kicks from the champ. He is landing more and more of those kicks. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson goes for a takedown but Ali stuffs the attempt. Inside leg kick from Johnson. Ali’s hands are really low. Johnson connects with a right hand jab followed by a left hand jab. Huge right hand from Ali but it find nothing but air. NASTY leg kicks from Johnson. A nice body kick from Ali. A lot of movement but nithing happening. Johnson slips and Ali moves in but Johnson is up and out of range quickly. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the cage Some big knees to the midsection of Johnson. Johnson defends well. A over and around knee to Ali’s head. Johnson gets the reversal but Ali reverses again. Johnson gets Ali’s back and starts working for a RNC but the buzzer sounds. Ali is saved by the bell
Round 5: Final Round.
Ali motions to the crowd. Johnson and Ali embrace in the middle. Ali throws a big haymaker but misses. Johnson with a jab, finding his range. Connects with a short right jab. Johnson with the clinch and some hard knee’s to the head and midsection of Ali. Ali has Johnson’s leg, but loses it. They clinch against the cage and Ali starts throwing knees. Johnson pushes him back and answers with his own knees. Johnson reverses and starts throwing punches. Ali reverses again. Johnson yells out in pain as Ali pushes hard down on him. Johnson throws knees but is now only throwing with his left leg. Johnson tags Ali with a kick and attempts a spinning back kick to the head. Ali ducks under and goes for the takedown. Johnson tuffs the attempt. Johnson attacks with a head kick. They grapple at the cage, they clinch and Ali goes to work on Johnson’s midsection. Johnson answers with some knees. Ali’s sides and ribs are bruised and red. He has absorbed a lot of punishment. There is the buzzer it’s over.
Demetrious Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov via. unanimous decision (50-45)
That does it for me folks. It has been a a pleasure.
It’s safe to say that anyone who’s been around MMA since before 2012 or so (RIP TUF: Live, you were too beautiful for this world) was pretty happy to have Andrei Arlovski back in the Octagon.
