Tag: Conor McGregor

UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen — Prelim Results & Commentary


(Daht royt dere iz wun fookin’ eksaited yong mahn. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)

Irish up-and-comer Conor McGregor may be the poster-boy for tonight’s undercard, but the UFC Fight Night 26 prelims will also feature a sure-to-entertain bantamweight brawl between Michael McDonald and Brad Pickett, as well as separate fights featuring former WEC 145-pound champ Mike Brown and TUF‘s first featherweight trophy-winner Diego Brandao. It’ll be a fast ‘n’ furious appetizer to tonight’s main card, so DON’T BLINK. (SERIOUSLY, BLINKING IS FOR PUSSIES.)

Handling the play-by-play for the FOX Sports 1 prelim broadcast is Aaron Mandel, who will be stackin’ up live results after the jump beginning at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please voice your opinions in the super easy-to-use Facebook commenting system at the end of the post.


(Daht royt dere iz wun fookin’ eksaited yong mahn. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)

Irish up-and-comer Conor McGregor may be the poster-boy for tonight’s undercard, but the UFC Fight Night 26 prelims will also feature a sure-to-entertain bantamweight brawl between Michael McDonald and Brad Pickett, as well as separate fights featuring former WEC 145-pound champ Mike Brown and TUF‘s first featherweight trophy-winner Diego Brandao. It’ll be a fast ‘n’ furious appetizer to tonight’s main card, so DON’T BLINK. (SERIOUSLY, BLINKING IS FOR PUSSIES.)

Handling the play-by-play for the FOX Sports 1 prelim broadcast is Aaron Mandel, who will be stackin’ up live results after the jump beginning at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please voice your opinions in the super easy-to-use Facebook commenting system at the end of the post.

Facebook prelim results
– Manny Gamburyan def. Cole Miller by unanimous decision
– Ovince St. Preux def. Cody Donovan via KO, 2:07 of round 1
– James Vick def. Ramsey Nijem via submission (guillotine choke), 0:58 of round 1

Alright it’s time for the prelims of an incredibly stacked card!

Diego Brandao vs. Daniel Pineda

Getting us started is TUF winner Brandao who is looking to move up in the featherweight division with his fourth victory in five fights against Pineda who probably needs to win to keep his job.

Round 1- Big leg kick from Brandao to start.  Pineda shoots but Brandao shrugs him off.  Brandao changing stances and wings a big right.  Big kick to the body from Brandao.  Brandao catches Pineda and rocks him with a punch.  Brandao goes after Pineda with everything and hits him with some big kicks and punches but Pineda survives and seems to have his bearings back.  Big body punch from Brandao who might have blown a lot of gas trying for the finish.  Three punches hit Pineda clean and Brandao dives in as Pineda falls but they are back to the feet.  Flying knee from Brandao and now Brandao goes for a takedown and scores a trip against the cage.  Brandao in half guard, Pineda escapes up the cage and they are back to standing with a minute left. Good elbow from Pineda followed by a body punch.  Round ends a clear 10-9 for Brandao, but how much gas did he burn?

Round 2- Haymakers from both fighters to start the round.  Takedown from Brandao who lands in full guard.  Pineda throws his legs up for a submission but Brandao shrugs off and works into half guard.  Pineda recovers and throws on a nice looking triangle and transitions for an omoplata but Brandao pops out and they go back to standing.  Pineda fakes being hurt from a body shot and throws a punch while offering a shit eating grin.  Brandao with another takedown and working in Pineda’s full guard.  Pineda hits a beautiful sweep and is mounted on Brandao, raining down strikes.  Huge elbows and punches from Pineda and Brandao is getting tagged and can’t get out from under the mount.  Pineda windmilling strikes from full mount into Brandao’s temples.  Ref takes a close look but Brandao rolls and puts Pineda into half and full guard.  Brandao spins for a heel hook but Pineda pops out into guard on top of Brandao again.  Pineda lands some good ground and pound as the round ends.  10-9 Pineda and it all comes down to the third round.

Round 3- Touch of the gloves to start and Pineda looks to be the fresher fighter.  Brandao shoots for a takedown and drives Pineda to the mat.  Brandao working strikes from the top and then stands up for no apparent reason and they’re back on the feet. Brandao throws a right hook, slips a punch and lands another takedown.  Pineda stands up against the cage and escapes.  Good right from Brandao, Pineda shoots but misses on a takedown.  Brandao with his third takedown of the round and working elbows.  Rogan clowns on Brandao’s conditioning but he’s winning this round so far.  Brandao takes Pineda’s back standing but Pineda fires elbows.  Brandao drags him down but Pineda rolls and is back to the feet.  Good right superman punch from Pineda.  Brandao with another takedown and is on top in half guard working for an arm triangle.  Quick stand up from Mario Yamasaki and there’s one minute left.  They are comically tired as Pineda throws two wheel kicks, wtf?! Pineda lands a few punches and shoots for a takedown, Brandao sprawls against the cage and they clinch it up and throw a few punches and kicks as it ends.  10-9 Brandao, I think he takes it.  Judges decision coming up…

Diego Brandao wins 29-28 on all cards for a unanimous decision victory.

Brandao gives an interview where he says his conditioning is fine in between gasps of air.

Mike Brown vs. Steven Siler

37 year-old Mike Brown enters the Octagon on a two fight win streak but having not fought in over a year after considering retirement.  His opponent, Steven Siler is 11 years younger and has won four of his five UFC fights.

Round 1- Leg kicks from both fighters to start.  Brown gets clipped with a short right hand and Siler jumps in and lands some vicious shots that puts Brown out quickly and violently.

Steven Siler wins by KO, 0:50 of round 1.

Max Holloway vs. Conor McGregor

McGregor comes into this fight with a remarkable amount of hype for a guy with less than 90 seconds of UFC experience.  Holloway is one of the youngest guys in the UFC but already has much more Octagon experience than McGregor and has proven himself to be a well rounded fighter.

They show the full walk-outs for both fighters, Boston goes nuts for the Irish McGregor.

Round 1- Lots of kicks from McGregor to start, high and low.  Straight left from McGregor lands.  Leg kick from Holloway and McGregor gives the “Diaz hands” to taunt Holloway.  Leg kicks continue from Holloway.  Jumping switch kick and heel kicks from McGregor to go along with wild punches but Holloway is taking it well.  Remarkable amount of kicks from both fighters, but especially McGregor so far, who is taunting Holloway in between his strikes.  Crescent kick and wheel kick to legs from McGregor.  Spinning high kick almost hits for Holloway, who is landing a few punches here and there but getting outworked by McGregor in general so far.  McGregor somersaults into a takedown attempt as the round ends.  10-9 McGregor, a pretty round but no major damage either way.

Round 2- Good straight left by McGregor and more kicks.  Apparently his weakness is on the ground but Holloway is showing no interest in taking it there.  McGregor looks very relaxed and is measuring distance well.  Pretty even exchanges between the two in the middle of the round, slightly higher work rate and harder punches from McGregor.  Holloway catches McGregor with a left as McGregor hops in for a kick.  McGregor catches a Holloway kick and cracks him with a left and simultaneously takes him down.  McGregor on top in Holloway’s full guard.  Holloway holds tight to McGregor but he postures up and tries to rain down strikes.  Holloway clamps down again from the bottom.  McGregor postures up and lands a good strike diving in and moves to side control.  10-9 McGregor.

Round 3- Side kick from McGregor and Holloway lands a good clean right hand.  McGregor shoots for a takedown and Holloway is down against the fence, holding McGregor in full guard.  McGregor with a nice pass to side control and briefly into mount before going back to side control.  McGregor goes for the mount again but Holloway escapes only to be dragged down again with McGregor on top in half guard, McGregor moves into mount.  McGregor open hand claps both of Holloway’s ears.  Holloway rolls and gives up his back, McGregor rains down some big shots as he maintains mount and back mount as Holloway squirms.  Holloway escapes as McGregor got too high on his back.  Head kick from Holloway as he tries to go for broke, only to be taken down again by McGregor.  Rounds ends with McGregor on top and in control. 10-9 McGregor and he should take the fight comfortably on the judges scorecards and give an interview in his awesome Irish accent.

Conor McGregor wins 30-27 x2 and 30-26 for a unanimous decision victory

McGregor says his knee popped out midway in the second round which is why he took it to the ground.  He’s mad about not standing and getting the finish but he wraps Rogan in an Ireland flag and is all smiles.

Michael McDonald vs. Brad Pickett

Our last prelim of the night is bantamweight action with Michael McDonald making his return after losing a title fight earlier this year and going against Brad Pickett who is looking to string together some high level wins and get a title shot of his own.

McDonald is only 22! Lots of experience (and already that one title shot) for such a young guy.  Pickett is 34.

Round 1- Good body punch from Pickett early.  Body kick from McDonald.  Left hand catches Pickett and an insane 3am style bar brawl ensues with McDonald throwing everything at Pickett trying to finish him but Pickett fires back, gets dropped multiple times, wobbled but somehow survives.  McDonald lays off and they reset, wow, incredible survival instincts by Pickett and McDonald may have exhausted himself and probably has no idea how the fight isn’t already over.  A kick and a punch thud into Pickett’s head and he drops.  McDonald gets on top and Pickett holds onto him and tries again to clear the cobwebs.  McDonald backs off and stands Pickett up.  McDonald is noticeably bigger and faster than Pickett.  Pickett loading up on huge bombs but nothing landing clean.  Fast flurry as the round ends with McDonald getting the better of it, great round of action.  10-9 McDonald.

Round 2- Even standup for the first minute of the round between the two fighters.  Pickett shoots for a takedown and gets it, Pickett on top in full guard.  Pickett trying to soften McDonald up with body shots but McDonald controlling well from the bottom.  Good elbow from Pickett as he temporarily separates.  McDonald lightly searching for submissions on the bottom as Pickett continues to strike the body.  McDonald throws his legs up and tightens up a triangle/armbar position.  McDonald works the arm and as Pickett defends, McDonald switches 100% to the triangle and gets the tap!  Beautiful bottom game patience and killer instinct from McDonald.

Michael McDonald wins via triangle choke, 3:43 of round 2.

Pickett’s nose is all kinds of broken, probably from the assault in the first round.  McDonald bounces back like a champion-caliber fighter should from his recent defeat and pumps the crowd up by name dropping the American Revolution over the British, maybe 200 years too late, but hey, he got some cheers…

That’s all for the prelims PotatoHeads, remember to open the main card live blog at http://www.cagepotato.com/ufc-fight-night-shogun-vs-sonnen-main-card-results-commentary/ and if you’re watching on TV, you don’t even have to change the channel!

VIDEO: UFC Fight Night 26 Press Conference Dominated by Chael Sonnen’s Mic-Skills, Conor McGregor’s Sunglasses

(Props: YouTube.com/UFC)

The UFC held a media press conference for UFC Fight Night 26 today in Boston, featuring eight of the main card fighters as well as Irish featherweight Conor McGregor and his opponent Max Hollaway, who will be facing off on the prelims. You want to talk about hype? The press conference began with the unveiling of a fan-made Conor McGregor poster, for God’s sake. Hollaway was asked how he felt about all the attention that McGregor has been receiving lately, but really, that question would be better answered by main card fighters Matt Brown, Mike Pyle, Uriah Hall, and John Howard, who didn’t get a spot at the table thanks to the King of Dublin.

Some highlights from the presser…

– 1:08: The first question comes from Kevin Iole, who asks Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to explain why he hasn’t been able to string together any victories lately. So we’re off to a pretty good start.

– 8:29: Chael Sonnen think that MMA judges do a fine job overall, although “when people are judging people, it’s never fair. It’s not fair in rodeo, it’s not fair in gymnastics, and we’ve got problems in this sport.”

– 10:35: “Dere’s two tings I really like dadiew, and that’s whoop ass and look good, and I’m doin’ wunnadem right now, and Saturday night I’m gonna do deeudda.” – McGregor


(Props: YouTube.com/UFC)

The UFC held a media press conference for UFC Fight Night 26 today in Boston, featuring eight of the main card fighters as well as Irish featherweight Conor McGregor and his opponent Max Hollaway, who will be facing off on the prelims. You want to talk about hype? The press conference began with the unveiling of a fan-made Conor McGregor poster, for God’s sake. Hollaway was asked how he felt about all the attention that McGregor has been receiving lately, but really, that question would be better answered by main card fighters Matt Brown, Mike Pyle, Uriah Hall, and John Howard, who didn’t get a spot at the table thanks to the King of Dublin.

Some highlights from the presser…

– 1:08: The first question comes from Kevin Iole, who asks Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to explain why he hasn’t been able to string together any victories lately. So we’re off to a pretty good start.

– 8:29: Chael Sonnen think that MMA judges do a fine job overall, although “when people are judging people, it’s never fair. It’s not fair in rodeo, it’s not fair in gymnastics, and we’ve got problems in this sport.”

– 10:35: “Dere’s two tings I really like dadiew, and that’s whoop ass and look good, and I’m doin’ wunnadem right now, and Saturday night I’m gonna do deeudda.” – McGregor

– 11:52: Ariel Helwani asks Chael why fans should watch the fights on Saturday. Hilarity ensues. Chael then gets serious and cuts a rather impressive promo about how UFC Fight Night 26 could be the most-viewed combat sports event in TV history.

– 14:09: Michael Johnson mentions World Series of Fighting, immediately regrets it.

– 18:04: ”I’ve got a moral obligation to beat up a lot of guys that I haven’t got to yet, and I will go to whatever weight I need to.” – Sonnen

– 27:15: Dana White blows off some steam about the Culinary Union’s continuous trolling of this event since it was announced.

– 29:25: Dana’s old Boston accent begins to leak through as he pronounces “hockey” as “hawkey.”

– 30:36: Ariel asks Alistair Overeem about the relative lack of attention he’s getting on this event. “Ariel had to have his dick moment today,” Dana says. “There you go, he got it in. Good job, Ariel.”

– 33:32: Sonnen adds another monologue to his trash-talk highlight reel, blasting “Little Nerd” for pulling out of his scheduled fight against Rua. Best part: “Every time Lil’ Nog or Vitor Belfort signs a contract, I go into training camp, because I know an opportunity is going to open up.”

MMA vs. Boxing, Chapter CXVII: In Which Conor McGregor and Adrien Broner Challenge Our Perceptions of What is Baller

(We may give DW a lot of shit around here but, damn, this sure beats the hell out of casual Friday.)

Although closed-minded enthusiasts on both sides of the fence would scoff at the idea of being compared to the other, there’s no denying the sibling rivalry that exists between Boxing and MMA. Like brothers, we bicker, we call each other “homos,” we even butt heads a time or two. But at the end of the day, we look at each other with a mutual sense of respect, if not admiration…for the most part. Still, that blood feud friendly sense of competition is ever-present.

With that in mind, we come to yet another crossroads in the Boxing vs. MMA debate: “Which sport’s athletes know how to celebrate in style MORE BETTER?”

The only reason we ask is because former welfare recipient turned UFC star and 50’s Ice Cream Shoppe owner, Conor McGregor, recently posted the above video depicting himself and UFC President Dana White touring the streets of Vegas in The Baldfather’s Ferrari. According to a tweet sent out by DW, the duo were celebrating McGregor’s birthday and looked to be having a smashing good time (*fires up trumpet, shimmies off stage*). Considering McGregor’s humble beginnings, it’s great to see the kid racking up KOTN bonuses in the UFC worth more than my annual salary. It just…sooo…great.

And while there’s no denying how baller custom tailored suits and Ferraris are, do they match up with, say, the antics of WBA welterweight champion Adrien Broner? Join us after the jump to see what we mean.


(We may give DW a lot of shit around here but, damn, this sure beats the hell out of casual Friday.)

Although closed-minded enthusiasts on both sides of the fence would scoff at the idea of being compared to the other, there’s no denying the sibling rivalry that exists between Boxing and MMA. Like brothers, we bicker, we call each other “homos,” we even butt heads a time or two. But at the end of the day, we look at each other with a mutual sense of respect, if not admiration…for the most part. Still, that blood feud friendly sense of competition is ever-present.

With that in mind, we come to yet another crossroads in the Boxing vs. MMA debate: “Which sport’s athletes know how to celebrate in style MORE BETTER?”

The only reason we ask is because former welfare recipient turned UFC star and 50′s Ice Cream Shoppe owner, Conor McGregor, recently posted the above video depicting himself and UFC President Dana White touring the streets of Vegas in The Baldfather’s Ferrari. According to a tweet sent out by DW, the duo were celebrating McGregor’s birthday and looked to be having a smashing good time (*fires up trumpet, shimmies off stage*). Considering McGregor’s humble beginnings, it’s great to see the kid racking up KOTN bonuses in the UFC worth more than my annual salary. It just…sooo…great.

And while there’s no denying how baller custom tailored suits and Ferraris are, do they match up with, say, the antics of WBA welterweight champion Adrien Broner? Join us after the jump to see what we mean.


(Skip to the 1:20 mark for the punchline.) 

Speaking of fighters living large, here is the eloquently titled, “Adrien Broner takes a shit in Popeyes.” Uploaded by none other than Broner himself, the video depicts Adrien Broner…taking a shit in a Popeyes. I know, not exactly baller, right? Well, at least not until Broner turns the eye of his camera around to show us what we would expect to be a fiery, Bayou Buffalo-fueled shit. However, in a moment rivaling any M. Night Shyamalan movie before he simply gave up, Broner informs us that he is so rich, he literally defecates upwards of $80 every time he sits down. And rather than collect that butt money, he chooses to flush it down the toilet. Pretty classy, but true ballers let their dookie twinkle, baby.

To see if McGregor can score another one of those end-of-the-night bonuses that the UFC is definitely not eliminating (our shocked face can be seen here), make sure to check out his fight with Max Holloway on the preliminary card portion of UFC on FOX Sports 1.

–J. Jones

[UPDATED] Booking Alert: McGregor Faces Ogle in Boston, Gonzaga Fills in Against Herman at UFC 162, Brown Un-retires to fight Corassani


(A throwback, Conor McGregor got all dressed up for the announcement)

The UFC made a couple fight booking announcements late this week. In a featherweight contest, brash KO Irish artist Conor McGregor will face Brit Andy Ogle in Boston on the UFC on Fox Sports 1 card, August 17th. Gabriel Gonzaga is replacing the injured Shane Del Rosario against Dave Herman on the UFC 162 card, July 6th in Las Vegas.

McGregor recently made a stunning UFC debut, knocking Marcus Brimage out at UFC on Fuel TV 9 and earning KO of the night honors. “The Little Axe” Ogle is coming off of his biggest career win to date – a unanimous decision win over Josh Grispi in February.

Gonzaga and Herman’s clash is a particularly pressure-packed situation for both heavyweights. Gonzaga was knocked out cold this past April by Travis Browne and Herman has lost three fights in a row, all by either knockout or submission. Herman is also coming off of a marijuana-related suspension and rehab stint.

*Update*The UFC has also just announced that former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown has un-retired and will face Akira Corassani on the UFC on Fox Sports 1 card in Boston. Brown last fought and won a year ago at UFC 146, against Daniel Pineda. He won the WEC featherweight title by beating Urijah Faber and lost it to Jose Aldo in 2009.

Corassani has won his first two UFC bouts, against Ogle and Robbie Peralta.

– Elias Cepeda


(A throwback, Conor McGregor got all dressed up for the announcement)

The UFC made a couple fight booking announcements late this week. In a featherweight contest, brash KO Irish artist Conor McGregor will face Brit Andy Ogle in Boston on the UFC on Fox Sports 1 card, August 17th. Gabriel Gonzaga is replacing the injured Shane Del Rosario against Dave Herman on the UFC 162 card, July 6th in Las Vegas.

McGregor recently made a stunning UFC debut, knocking Marcus Brimage out at UFC on Fuel TV 9 and earning KO of the night honors. “The Little Axe” Ogle is coming off of his biggest career win to date – a unanimous decision win over Josh Grispi in February.

Gonzaga and Herman’s clash is a particularly pressure-packed situation for both heavyweights. Gonzaga was knocked out cold this past April by Travis Browne and Herman has lost three fights in a row, all by either knockout or submission. Herman is also coming off of a marijuana-related suspension and rehab stint.

*Update*The UFC has also just announced that former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown has un-retired and will face Akira Corassani on the UFC on Fox Sports 1 card in Boston. Brown last fought and won a year ago at UFC 146, against Daniel Pineda. He won the WEC featherweight title by beating Urijah Faber and lost it to Jose Aldo in 2009.

Corassani has won his first two UFC bouts, against Ogle and Robbie Peralta.

– Elias Cepeda

Quote of the Day: Conor McGregor Was Collecting Welfare Before 60k “Knockout of the Night” Bonus


(I can’t tell you what my strategy was going in, nor can I tell you who the UFC would like me to face next. All I can tell you is that I’m just a man looking for the bastard children who took me Lucky Charms.) 

There was something incredibly familiar about Conor McGregor from the moment he started mean-mugging Marcus Brimage at the UFC on FUEL 9 weigh-ins. His brash arrogance, his complete lack of respect for his opponent’s game, hell, even his body type was positively…Diazian. And although his actual respect for Brimage in his post-fight interview and snappy attire at the post-fight press conference were anything but, we couldn’t help but be reminded of Nick Diaz while McGregor was explaining how dire his financial situation was before earning a $60,000 “Knockout of the Night” bonus last weekend:

I’m just happy I won $60K. I’m just thinking on what I’m going to spend it on. I’ll buy myself a car anyway. A nice car, may be some suits or something. Custom made suits, I don’t know.

Just last week I was collecting the social welfare, you know what I mean? I was in there saying to them like, ‘I don’t know what going to happen. I’m signed to the UFC. I don’t know what….blah, blah, blah. But now I supposed I’m gonna have to tell them to f— off!

I didn’t have money before this… I was collecting 188 Euro ($245) a week off the social welfare. And now here I am, with like 60gs bonus and then my own pay. I don’t know what the f—s going on to be honest, right? 

Granted, it’s not exactly “I didn’t go to school for buying a house” levels of silliness, but you’ve got to…respect is the wrong word here…appreciate (?) the guy who openly admits to being on welfare literally seconds before sharing his plans to purchase custom tailored suits. Like Old Dirty Bastard before him, Conor McGregor will be an OG until the day he dies.

A full video of the UFC on FUEL 9 press conference is after the jump. 


(I can’t tell you what my strategy was going in, nor can I tell you who the UFC would like me to face next. All I can tell you is that I’m just a man looking for the bastard children who took me Lucky Charms.) 

There was something incredibly familiar about Conor McGregor from the moment he started mean-mugging Marcus Brimage at the UFC on FUEL 9 weigh-ins. His brash arrogance, his complete lack of respect for his opponent’s game, hell, even his body type was positively…Diazian. And although his actual respect for Brimage in his post-fight interview and snappy attire at the post-fight press conference were anything but, we couldn’t help but be reminded of Nick Diaz while McGregor was explaining how dire his financial situation was before earning a $60,000 “Knockout of the Night” bonus last weekend:

I’m just happy I won $60K. I’m just thinking on what I’m going to spend it on. I’ll buy myself a car anyway. A nice car, may be some suits or something. Custom made suits, I don’t know.

Just last week I was collecting the social welfare, you know what I mean? I was in there saying to them like, ‘I don’t know what going to happen. I’m signed to the UFC. I don’t know what….blah, blah, blah. But now I supposed I’m gonna have to tell them to f— off!

I didn’t have money before this… I was collecting 188 Euro ($245) a week off the social welfare. And now here I am, with like 60gs bonus and then my own pay. I don’t know what the f—s going on to be honest, right? 

Granted, it’s not exactly “I didn’t go to school for buying a house” levels of silliness, but you’ve got to…respect is the wrong word here…appreciate (?) the guy who openly admits to being on welfare literally seconds before sharing his plans to purchase custom tailored suits. Like Old Dirty Bastard before him, Conor McGregor will be an OG until the day he dies.

A full video of the UFC on FUEL 9 press conference is below.

–J. Jones

‘UFC on FUEL 9: Mousasi vs. Latifi’ Aftermath — Hype Trains and Hipbones


Eh, still more exciting than the Rocky musical. Photo courtesy of Josh Hedges/Getty Images.

Let’s start off by stating the obvious: The last-minute main event of yesterday’s UFC on Fuel TV 9 was an anti-climactic ending to an otherwise gratifying afternoon of sanctioned violence. As hard as we tried to convince ourselves that Swedish prospect Ilir Latifi could be an interesting opponent for highly-regarded Strikeforce import Gegard Mousasi, the actual fight was completely unspectacular. This isn’t to say that either fighter deserves criticism for his performance, but rather, that this sort of thing will happen when a guy who earned a UFC contract by virtue of being willing to replace his injured training partner headlines an event on four days’ notice.

Despite walking out to the Rocky theme, it immediately became clear that a Balboa-esque upset – or even a Wepnerian display of resilience – was not in store for Latifi (though the cuts on his face were vintage Chuck Wepner). Latifi was completely incapable of avoiding Mousasi’s jab, which prevented him from getting close enough to The Dreamcatcher to actually put his wrestling prowess to use. As carefree as Mousasi looked – did he even blink during those rare occasions when Latifi landed punches? – he was in complete control throughout the bout, jabbing his way to a unanimous decision victory.


Eh, still more exciting than the Rocky musical. Photo courtesy of Josh Hedges/Getty Images.

Let’s start off by stating the obvious: The last-minute main event of yesterday’s UFC on Fuel TV 9 was an anti-climactic ending to an otherwise gratifying afternoon of sanctioned violence. As hard as we tried to convince ourselves that Swedish prospect Ilir Latifi could be an interesting opponent for highly-regarded Strikeforce import Gegard Mousasi, the actual fight was completely unspectacular. This isn’t to say that either fighter deserves criticism for his performance, but rather, that this sort of thing will happen when a guy who earned a UFC contract by virtue of being willing to replace his injured training partner headlines an event on four days’ notice.

Despite walking out to the Rocky theme, it immediately became clear that a Balboa-esque upset – or even a Wepnerian display of resilience – was not in store for Latifi (though the cuts on his face were vintage Chuck Wepner). Latifi was completely incapable of avoiding Mousasi’s jab, which prevented him from getting close enough to The Dreamcatcher to actually put his wrestling prowess to use. As carefree as Mousasi looked – did he even blink during those rare occasions when Latifi landed punches? – he was in complete control throughout the bout, jabbing his way to a unanimous decision victory.

Mousasi’s “standing lay-and-pray” (his words, not mine) may not have made for the most exciting fight, but his strategy was undeniably effective. A boring fight probably won’t advance Mousasi in the UFC’s official rankings as far as a devastating finish would have, but a loss to an unknown nobody would have certainly done irreparable damage to his credibility. It’s better to take an ugly victory than get reckless looking for a quick finish – especially against a wrestler you’ve only had a few days to prepare for.

One last thing before we move on to the rest of the card. For his performance against Mousasi, Ilir Latifi will be given another shot in the UFC. Considering he saved the main event from cancellation, this comes as a surprise to absolutely no one.

Elsewhere on the card…

– Despite winning the first round by utilizing an effective clinch, Ryan Couture was simply no match for the far more experienced Ross Pearson. Couture was ineffective outside of the clinch, and he was unable to take Pearson down. Once Pearson found his rhythm against the inexperienced Couture, he patiently waited for the right opportunity, and capitalized on it while Ryan Couture was getting back to his feet after a trip. With the victory, Pearson improves to 15-6 in his career. Not bad at all for a guy who fought on a broken foot. [Update: Turns out it wasn’t actually broken, just jacked up…]

The comparisons of Ryan to Randy – especially after what has only been Ryan’s eighth professional bout – aren’t exactly fair, but even Peyton Manning started off as “Archie’s boy.” Besides, when Natural Light (who is not actually called this, fortunately) landed a spot in the co-main event for his UFC debut, it was probably inevitable that fans would attribute this to his last name and his father’s career rather than the strength of his Strikeforce resume. This isn’t to say that Ryan Couture won’t develop into an outstanding fighter, but rather, that he isn’t quite there yet. It’ll be interesting to see how he rebounds from this loss.

– For all intents and purposes, Matt Mitrione vs. Philip De Fries appeared to be a classic loser leaves town match. The fact that it ended in less time than Bucky Boyd vs. The Tree seems to confirm this notion. And regardless of how much job security guys who stand and bang and make less than $50,000 to show typically have, knocking yourself out by running into your opponent’s hipbone just has to earn you a pink slip…right?

Look on the bright side, Philip: There’s a strong possibility that you’ll take home an award during this year’s Potato Awards. Granted, MMA Fail of the Year isn’t our most coveted award, but at least it’s something.

– Fight of the Night honors went to Brad Pickett and Mike Easton, who took part in a highly entertaining three round scrap. Pickett managed to take the fight by being the busier fighter, out-striking Mike Easton throughout the contest. Still, Easton managed to keep things close by taking Pickett down in the second round, and even managed to win the bout on one judge’s scorecard. I don’t see how one judge could give Easton the fight, but in the end, the right call was made.

– Diego Brandao looked more impressive last night than he has at any other point during his UFC career. Granted, that isn’t saying too much, but he looked like he has figured out how to pace himself while choking out Pablo Garza. Also from the main card, Swedish featherweight Akira Corassani kicked things off with a unanimous decision upset over Robbie Peralta.

– Knockout of the Night went to Irish phenom Conor McGregor, who absolutely crushed Marcus Brimage in his UFC debut, demonstrating he’s more than capable of living up to his hype. McGregor has already been given a spot on the UFC’s Fox Sports 1 debut in Boston this August. The bonus money couldn’t have possibly come at a better time for McGregor, who revealed during the post-event press conference that he had been receiving welfare leading up to the fight.

– Submission of the night went to Swedish lightweight Reza Madadi, who finished Michael Johnson via third round d’arce choke. Madadi improves his UFC record to 2-1, and his overall record to 13-3 with the victory.

– All end of the night bonuses were worth $60,000.

Full Results:

Main Card:
Gegard Mousasi def. Ilir Latifi via Unanimous Decision
Ross Pearson def. Ryan Couture via TKO (punches), 3:45 of Round Two
Matt Mitrione def. Phil De Fries via KO (punches), 0:19 of Round One
Brad Pickett def. Mike Easton via Split Decision
Diego Brandao def. Pablo Garza via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke), 3:27 of Round One
Akira Corassani def. Robbie Peralta via Unanimous Decision

Preliminary card:
Reza Madadi def. Michael Johnson via Submission (D’arce Choke), 1:33 of Round Three
Tor Troéng def. Adam Cella via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), 3:11 of Round One
Adlan Amagov def. Chris Spång via Unanimous Decision
Conor McGregor def. Marcus Brimage via TKO (Punches), 1:07 of Round One
Ryan LaFlare def. Ben Alloway via Unanimous Decision
Tom Lawlor def. Michael Kuiper via Submission (Guillotine Choke), 1:05 of Round Two
Papy Abedi def. Besam Yousef via Split Decision

@SethFalvo