This weekend, the opponent for MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko’s next fight was announced.
Brazilian MMA media outlet Combate confirmed the news recently that Fedor Emelianenko will return to fight under the “Fight Nights” banner on June 17th, as he co…
This weekend, the opponent for MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko’s next fight was announced.
Brazilian MMA media outlet Combate confirmed the news recently that Fedor Emelianenko will return to fight under the “Fight Nights” banner on June 17th, as he collides with former UFC veteran Fabio Maldonado.
Emelianenko (35-4, 1 NC) last competed at the Rizin FF event on New Year’s Eve in Japan, defeating Jaideep Singh in just three minutes in his first MMA fight in years.
Meanwhile Maldonado (22-9), a fan favorite in the UFC for his ability to endure punishment, scored two quick knockouts in boxing matches. Prior to the Fedor fight on 6/17, Maldonado is scheduled to fight against Felipe Dantas in a light heavyweight bout on May 6th in Brazil.
(“Ok guys, I want a clean, fair fight…you know what, let’s just go with clean.”)
Former UFC light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado may be best known for his ability to absorb a punch (and then ten thousand punches after that), but in his victories, he’s shown a decent enough ability to throw one as well.
Having been one of eight fighters cut by the UFC back in December following consecutive losses to Rampage Jackson and Corey Anderson, Maldonado recently decided to return to his old stomping grounds inside the squared circle to see if he still had any spark left in those bungalows he likes to throw around. His first fight back in February played out in nearly perfect fashion, with Maldonado defeating Robson Bambu via first round knockout. Emerging from the fight completely unscathed, the Brazilian slugger was booked against 2-7 jobber Alessandro Bernardo in a quick turnaround match last week, and the results were almost identical.
(“Ok guys, I want a clean, fair fight…you know what, let’s just go with clean.”)
Former UFC light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado may be best known for his ability to absorb a punch (and then ten thousand punches after that), but in his victories, he’s shown a decent enough ability to throw one as well.
Having been one of eight fighters cut by the UFC back in December following consecutive losses to Rampage Jackson and Corey Anderson, Maldonado recently decided to return to his old stomping grounds inside the squared circle to see if he still had any spark left in those bungalows he likes to throw around. His first fight back in February played out in nearly perfect fashion, with Maldonado defeating Robson Bambu via first round knockout. Emerging from the fight completely unscathed, the Brazilian slugger was booked against 2-7 jobber Alessandro Bernardo in a quick turnaround match last week, and the results were almost identical.
Skip ahead to the 1:50 mark of the above video to check out the full fight, and if you’re really in a hurry, skip ahead another 10 seconds to see Maldonado knock his opponent dead with literally the first punch he throws: a Liddell-esque overhand right.
The win improves Maldonado’s boxing record to a perfect 24-0 with 23 knockouts, suggesting that maybe it’s time he started receiving a step up in competition. As for his MMA career, Maldonado was scheduled to take on Andrew Smith at an XFCI event on March 19th, but that event was later cancelled due to a number of sponsors pulling out. As it stands, Maldonado is expecting to return to MMA on May 6th at Primeiro Round against an opponent TBA.
Throughout the comparatively short history of mixed martial arts (MMA), there’ve expectedly been a host of fights that stand out as one-sided beatdowns from one man or woman to another. The bout’s referee stopped some of these fights mercifully, a participant’s corner stopped some, and some went to a decision, but ultimately they all featured
Throughout the comparatively short history of mixed martial arts (MMA), there’ve expectedly been a host of fights that stand out as one-sided beatdowns from one man or woman to another.
The bout’s referee stopped some of these fights mercifully, a participant’s corner stopped some, and some went to a decision, but ultimately they all featured one-sided results
To be clear, we aren’t talking about one-punch or kick knockouts; those are a defined subset of a different sort. These bouts are just the most devastatingly one-sided contests in MMA history regardless of if they ended with a single knockout blow or not, and the magnitude of the fight was taken into account for judging.
They also not surprisingly feature some of the greatest fighters who’ve truly helped shape thee polished MMA picture we enjoy today.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 worst beatdowns in MMA history.
Patrick Cote vs. Joe Riggs: Cote hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Stephen Thompson snapped his three-fight win streak back in September. Riggs will try to rebound from his unsuccessful UFC return at UFC on FOX 13 in December, when his neck immediately gave out on him during a fight against Ben Saunders.
Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. David Michaud: This is not an MMA fight, but the finals of Top Chef Montreal. Can Aubin-Mercier’s innovative molecular gastronomy defeat the impeccable French traditionalism of Michaud? (Ed. note: Okay fine, this is a lightweight fight between two guys without Wikipedia pages. Both are 1-1 in the UFC. Thanks, Sherdog.)
Jessica Rakoczy vs. Valerie Letourneau: Rakoczy was TKO’d by Julianna Pena at the TUF 18 Finale in November, and currently holds the worst professional record of any UFC fighter (1-4 with one no-contest). Letourneau was choked out by Roxanne Modafferi during her elimination fight to get into the TUF 18 house, but was given a UFC contract anyway and won a tough split-decision against Elizabeth Phillips last June.
(“Alright guys, kick some ass tomorrow night and give all these fans a great fuc-HOLY CRAP LOOK AT CONOR‘S CUFFLINKS.” / Photo via Getty)
Two years and nine months after their controversial first meeting, Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes are once again throwing down for the UFC featherweight title in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this time at the Maracanãzinho. But that’s only the main attraction at UFC 179 — tonight’s card will also feature Phil Davis vs. Glover Teixiera, and…well, not a whole lot else. It isn’t exactly a must-buy PPV, but that’s why you have us, right?
CagePotato liveblogger Alex Giardini will be posting live round-by-round results from the main card after the jump starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page for all the latest UFC 179 results, and hit us with your own thoughts in the comments section or on twitter @cagepotatomma. Thanks for stopping by.
(“Alright guys, kick some ass tomorrow night and give all these fans a great fuc-HOLY CRAP LOOK AT CONOR‘S CUFFLINKS.” / Photo via Getty)
Two years and nine months after their controversial first meeting, Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes are once again throwing down for the UFC featherweight title in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this time at the Maracanãzinho. But that’s only the main attraction at UFC 179 — tonight’s card will also feature Phil Davis vs. Glover Teixiera, and…well, not a whole lot else. It isn’t exactly a must-buy PPV, but that’s why you have us, right?
CagePotato liveblogger Alex Giardini will be posting live round-by-round results from the main card after the jump starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page for all the latest UFC 179 results, and hit us with your own thoughts in the comments section or on twitter @cagepotatomma. Thanks for stopping by.
UFC 179 PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS
– Neil Magny def. William Macario via TKO (punches) at 2:40 of round 3.
– Yan Cabral def. Naoyuki Kotani via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:06 of round 2.
– Wilson Reis def. Scott Jorgensen via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:28 of round 1.
– Andre Fili def. Felipe Arantes via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
– Gilbert Burns def. Christos Giagos via submission (armbar) at 4:57 of round 1.
– Tony Martin def. Fabricio Camoes via submission (kimura) at 4:16 of round 1.
Finishes galore on the under card … let’s hope the trend continues. Here we go, people.
Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Beneil Dariush
Round 1: Mario Yamasaki is our referee. Dariush backs the Brazilian up near the cage right from the get-go. Dariush sneaks in an uppercut and walks off. Dariush misses a head kick, but lands a right hand followed by a jab. Ferreira attacking with low kicks. Head kick lands from Dariush, while Ferreira tries to return the favor but fails. Ferreira pushes forward but can’t land clean. Powerful leg kick from Dariush. Ferreira tries landing a string of punches, followed by a head kick attempt. The Brazilian ties his foe up against the fence, battling for the takedown. Both fighters jostling up against the cage for position, and Dariush breaks off. Superkick attempt from Ferreira (yes, really), as he switches stances. Ferreira storms forward, landing some nice punches, yet his opponent landed a good counter, too. Takedown from Dariush, trying to pass. Dariush postures up, looking for some ground and pound, and Ferreira grabs a hold of his leg for the heel hook. He gives it up, and eats a punch at the end of the round.
Round 2: Spinning kick misses for Ferreira. Dariush pressuring, and goes for the takedown. Dariush scores, as he tries to take the back. Ferreira back on his feet, as his foe relentless on his back. Punches from Dariush, but Ferreira storms out with an uppercut. Switching stances, Ferreira gets hit with a hard kick to the right leg. Dariush gets a solid shot in on the body, and lands a heavy kick to the ribcage. Darisuh shoots and scores the takedown, working from half guard. Dariush lets go, circling around his downed opponent and lands in full guard after a punch. Dariush somewhat active with ground and pound, eventually making his way back up to his feet.
Round 3: Ferreira storming forward and lands his best punches of the fight. Dariush staying composed, as he clinches the Brazilian against the fence. Ferreira breaks the clinch, and gets back up from a quick takedown. Dariush locks up Ferreira’s legs, taking him down right next to the cage. Dariush looking for a dominant position, not really doing much damage. Dariush throws a few elbows, as his foe as no answer for him. Dariush posturing up, eventually finding himself in half guard. All Dariush on the mat, looking to take the back as well. Dariush controls Ferreira’s body against the fence until the final horn.
Beneil Dariush def. Carlos Diego Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
Darren Elkins vs. Lucas Martins
Round 1: Elkins working his jab, and shoots for the takedown early. Martins succumbs to the trip, and Elkins moves him to the fence. Martins is up, but Elkins going for the takedown again. Elkins lands a right hand, and moves away. Martins with a body kick. Leg kicks from Martins, while Elkins gets a takedown stuffed. Martins trying to find his range, while Elkins is the more active fighter. Elkins shoots for another takedown, softening up Martins with knees against the fence. Elkins changing levels often, going for a takedown every 20 seconds. Martins eats a big left hand, while he lands a knee to the body. Push kick from Elkins, who nails Martins with a combination. They tie up together before the horn.
Round 2: Elkins brings Martins towards the fence, and it’s basically looking like one of those fights now. Elkins seems like the better grappler at this point, exploiting his adversary’s weaknesses. Elkins goes to the body with punches, with his face busted up. Martins throwing kicks to the body, but he can’t put together a combination for the life of him. Another attempt from Elkins against the fence. Elkins breaks the clinch to throw, and goes back into it. The crowd is getting restless, and frankly, this pay-per-view sucks so far. Martins lands an uppercut off the break. Martines lands a head kick, coming back into this fight. He has Elkins against the fence, as the American shoots for the takedown as they break. Clinch work until the horn.
Round 3: Knee lands from Martins as his foe goes for the takedown. He clips him with another, but Elkins isn’t in trouble. Elkins shoots for another takedown against the fence. This fight stinks like hell, but you can’t blame the American. Martins escapes, and they’re back in the center. Elkins working the takedown again. You have to credit Martins’ defense, but he hasn’t been able to do anything apart from defend. They get broken up, and Elkins pushes him right back to the fence. Another break, and Elkins lands a left, followed by a right. Push kick from Martins, yet Elkins pits him back against the cage, and that’s basically the story of this fight. Dominant performance from Elkins.
Darren Elkins def. Lucas Martins via split decision (27-30, 30-27×2)
That split decision call is laughable at best. Anyhow, those two terrible fights are out of the way. Up next, someone’s face is going through a meat grinder, followed by the headlining fights.
Fabio Maldonado vs. Hans Stringer
Round 1: Stringer gets the takedown right away, and I’m pretty sure everyone in the audience just put their head down. Stringer staying busy in side control, softening up the Brazilian. Elbows from Stringer, while Maldonado isn’t really moving around much. Stringer’s size is prohibiting Maldonado from getting up. Stringer keeps ahold of Maldonado as the latter gets up, and they go right back down. Stringer dominates the whole round, basically in the same position.
Round 2: Stringer has Maldonado against the fence, but the Brazilian breaks free. Stringer lacing Maldonado with takedowns, and actively throwing an abundance of kicks. Takedown from Stringer, and the “birthplace of jiu-jitsu” lets out a comical sigh. Faldonado shrugs Stringer off, and starts to lace his opponent with some ground and pound. Maldonado in half guard, pounding him with some punches and that’s it. Maldonado gets the win, and jumps onto the fence. Anderson Silva joins him on top of the cage. Cute. Ok, PPV has started.
Fabio Maldonado def. Hans Stringer via TKO (punches) at 4:06 of round 2.
Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis
Round 1: The co-main event is underway. Davis circling, and shoots for the takedown (OMG). Teixeira stuffs it, and looks to land bombs. Overhead right misses for the Brazilian. Davis has him up against the fence, and they break free. Head kick just misses for Davis. Teixeira follows him around, but can’t land clean. Right hand misses from Teixeira. Davis staying in the pocket and lands a combo. Davis circles away from Glover’s punches, looking for the takedown. Knees to the gut from Glover. Front kick and jabs land for Davis. The American shoots for a single leg, with Teixeira against the fence. Glover gets taken down, and Davis is driving through. Strikes landing for Davis, keeping Teixeira down. Uppercuts landing for Davis. Teixeira back on his feet. Knees to the belly for Davis. He stays heavy in side control, and Teixeira’s been warned a few times about grabbing the fence.
Round 2: Left hook connects for Teixeira in the middle. Davis lands another takedown, but Teixeira reverses and grabs a hold of the American’s neck. Glover working a front choke, but lets it go. Another takedown from Davis, after Glover tried to go for a guillotine. Davis looking to take Glover’s back, but he’s content to ride Teixeira from the side and land some uppercuts. Teixeira trying to break free, yet Davis’ grip is pretty strong. Davis brings Glover against the fence. Cut on the right eye of Glover, and Davis’ striking is looking on point. Left hook misses for Glover. An eye poke to Glover halts the action momentarily. Davis with a stiff jab. Glover misses with the left, and can’t quite find his range. Uppercut misses for Glover, and Davis’ striking is looking pretty efficient. Davis scores another takedown, and goes for a rear naked choke. He can’t lock it up properly as time elapses.
Round 3: Left hook lands from Teixeira, as he fights off another takedown from Davis. The American breaks off his foe, back in the center. Davis looks tried now, and Glover gets taken down clean. Davis is smothering him now on the mat, as he movies into mount. Davis has his back, and locks in a cradle. Knees to the body from Davis, and Teixeira gets taken down after making his way back to his feet. Davis controlling Teixeira from his back, and Glover is running out of options here. Belly-to-back suplex attempt fails for Davis, but he’s still working another takedown. They’re back on their feet, and Glover is starting to go for broke. Still, Davis relentlessly searches for another takedown, and drags the Brazilian to the ground. Oh man. Davis completely dominated Glover, with arguably the best performance in the Octagon thus far.
Phil Davis def. Glover Teixeira via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
This is your classic WWE Attitude Era pay-per-view. It’s time for the main event, and thankfully, I can take this shotgun out of my pants.
Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes for the Featherweight Championship
Round 1: Mendes rushes forward, and lands an early leg kick. Pressure from Mendes. Aldo lands a combo, followed by a body shit. Mendes catches Aldo with a right, followed by a leg kick. They’re trading in the center, and Aldo gets dropped from a left hook. Aldo back up, and Mendes pressuring him. This is a fight, holy Jesus. Both are calculating their shots now. Mendes has Aldo back peddling a bit. Aldo goes to the body with a punch, followed by a hard body kick. They trade jabs with Mendes staying right in front of Aldo. Left hook from the Brazilian. Aldo gets countered with a left, followed by another. Big combo from Aldo, and he stings Mendes. Leg kick for Aldo. Left hook lands for Mendes as Aldo goes to the body. Mendes lands another serious punch. Uppercut misses for Aldo. Jab from Aldo, and the Brazilian gets eye poked by accident. We’re back from the break, and they both come out strong. Aldo laces Mendes with a huge knee, and gets taken down. Aldo back up in a second, and drops Mendes with a humongous left hook. Aldo in full mount, blasing Mendes with some punches and elbows. The American is back up, and he gets dropped by a punch thrown after the buzzer. Yikes. Holy mother of shit.
Round 2: Replay shows Aldo threw two punches after the horn, but it’s hard to say if it was purposely done. No point deduction or anything, and we’re back on. Mendes with a low kick, and tries to go to the body. Mendes goes for a takedown, and Aldo stuffs it. Accidental groin shot from Mendes. Switching stances from Mendes, and Aldo throws to the body. Aldo unable to throw a lot of leg kicks so far. Mendes gets tripped, and gets back up. Mendes with a kick to the thigh. Jab from Aldo, while Mendes trying to find openings. Aldo goes to the body, while Mendes kicks him on the body. Aldo counters a jab from Mendes with a right hook. Jab from Aldo, and he eats one, too. Stiff jab from Aldo, and he takes a kick to the body. Huge combo from Mendes, who gets a good right hand in. Big hook to the body from Aldo. Kicks from both, and Aldo surprises Mendes with a head kick. Left hands land for both at the buzzer.
Round 3: Mendes storms out of the gate, and Aldo comes out swinging. Anther eye poke from Mendes. Mendes comes out swinging on the break, and these dudes are throwing down. Mendes gets caught, and Aldo misses with another left hook. Mendes catches him with a right hand. Mendes with an overhead right. Big hook from Aldo. Aldo pressuring, landing some left hands. A jab from Aldo snaps Mendes’ head back, but the latter gets an uppercut in. Uppercut lands from Mendes, and he’s got Aldo hurt. Aldo then blasts Mendes with a bomb of a right followed by a knee. Both are rocked. Aldo nails Mendes with another hit, and stuffs a takedown. Mendes going for a single leg, and a massive takedown from Mendes after a left hook from the champ. This fight is unreal. Mendes has Aldo against the fence, with a bit of stalling here. Big left hook lands for Mendes on the break. With judges being a thing, this one is too close to call.
Round 4: Mendes storms out again, landing a kick to the body. Mendes looking for a way in on the inside. Front kick misses for Mendes, while Aldo a bit slower in this round. Uppercut lands for Mendes. Head kick misses for Mendes, and he’s got Aldo on his bike. Aldo a bit swollen around the eyes. Uppercut lands for Mendes, but Aldo is there with some straight punches. Aldo’s left eye pouring blood. Mendes the more active fighter here. Aldo gets a right hand in. Wild uppercut just misses for Mendes. Aldo with some right hands. Mendes winning the round, and he gets a big right hand in. Jab from Aldo, who isn’t really throwing much here. Mendes circling well, and the pace has been turned down a notch. Aldo with a stiff left hand, and just misses a flying double knee.
Round 5: Five minutes of doom right here, folks. Mendes catches Aldo with the left, and again. Aldo then lands a good right hand. Body kick for Mendes, who scores a takedown. Aldo looks up to the clock, and Mendes has him against the fence. Mendes has a hold of the champ’s legs, and gets a warning from Marc Goddard. Aldo with his back against the cage, and uses it to wall-walk. Aldo pushing forward, and stings Mendes with a combination, followed by a knee. Takedown stuffed from Aldo, and he hops on Mendes whose on all fours. Aldo now stalling as Mendes makes his way back up. Great punches from Aldo on the inside, and they’re trading punches now. Aldo turns the corner from a few punches, and both guys are pretty tired. Mendes gets a takedown, but gets back up and pushes Mendes away, complaining about a groin shot. They’re in front of each other in the center, and Aldo a little more active and ahead. Uppercut misses from Mendes, and Aldo being cautious now. Leg kick from Mendes, who eats a left hook. They swing, and Mendes lands a nice right hand. Aldo with some flying strikes that miss. That’s it, the buzzer sounds. Oh man, fight of the year.
Jose Aldo def. Chad Mendes via unanimous decision (49-46×3)
So, that’s that. Aldo deserves the win for sure, but the scorecards could be debatable. Stann asks Aldo who he wants next, and the champion says he’ll face anyone, but says he’s the king, Mendes the prince, and now, they have a “joker.” Unreal answer. Speaking about that joker, he’s nowhere to be seen. Wise move. Mendes says he’s still looking forward to whipping Conor McGregor’s ass. Man, that was fun.
It’s been a slice. Keep it locked to the Potato for some recapping tomorrow. Cheers, brothers and sisters.
Our buddy Matt Kaplan will be sticking round-by-round results from the FOX Sports 1 main card after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and follow us on twitter for additional deep thoughts.
(The winner will face Chael Sonnen for the UFC’s inaugural gangsterweight title. / Photo via MMAFighting)
Our buddy Matt Kaplan will be sticking round-by-round results from the FOX Sports 1 main card after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and follow us on twitter for additional deep thoughts.
TUF Brazil 3 Finale preliminary card
– Rashid Magomedov def. Rodrigo Damm via UD (30-27 x 3)
– Elias Silverio def. Ernest Chavez via Rd. 3 (4:21) RNC
– Gasan Umalatov def. Paulo Thiago via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
– Kevin Souza def. Mark Eddiva via Rd. 2 (4:51) TKO
– Ricardo Abreu def. Wagner Silva via Rd. 2 (1:06) RNC
– Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Richardson Moreira via Rd. 1 (:20) KO
– Pedro Munhoz def. Matt Hobar via Rd. 1 (2:47) TKO
Hey now. Mk here, and tonight should be interesting. Not only am I coming to you from my iPad mini because the monitor on my trusty ol’ lap top won’t come on, but my wife and mother-in-law are staying parked in the living room here. Apparently, I just interrupted their Sex Sent Me to the ER viewing, so I hope these fights are more compelling than the gigolo who got poison ivy on his junk or the interracial couple who lost the key to their handcuffs in the woman’s loins. God help me…
Rony Jason vs. Robbie Peralta
Rd. 1 – Peralta opens with a leg kick and two winging punches that Jason blocks. And Jason lands a jumping knee that excites the crowd for a moment. Peralta works Jason against the cage and lets the knees go. Jason trips Peralta, takes the back, but the Californian escapes. Jason lands a spinning elbow, but Peralta backs up and charges back with a wide right. You can tell that both guys are being a bit cautious while loading up for the home run. Jason trips Peralta, who gets up right away and eats a short right. Peralta lands a hard leg kick in the center of the cage. Both men fire spinning strikes, and the round ends with Peralta attacking the downed Brazilian.
Rd. 2 – Peralta opens with some inside leg kicks. Spinning back kick from Jason grazes Peralta, but Peralta charges in with looping hooks from both hands. Jason hits the takedown and lands in half guard. Peralta escapes as Jason moved to mount and is now in Jason’s guard. Jason wants the triangle, but Peralta explodes out. Jason is still on his back as Peralta kicks away. Mario Yamasaki stands Jason up. Peralta kicks to the body. Big punches from Peralta, and Jason eggs him on. Head kick from Jason just misses the mark. The overhand right from Jason just misses, and both guys fire away and land hard punches as the round ends.
Rd. 3 – A friendly high five, and we’re off. Jason kicks hard to the body, real nasty-like. Peralta side kicks to the body, and Jason answers with a spinning head kick that just misses. Uh-oh, Peralta catches a finger to the left eye. Peralta says he doesn’t want the doctor, so here we go. Peralta is kicking away at Jason’s mid-section. Jason is firing bombs: flying knees, heavy right hooks. Peralta presses Jason against the cage, but Jason reverses position. Peralta regains position, but Jason trips him. Peralta is up and kicks to keep Jason off. 1-2 from Jason backs up Peralta. Peralta lands a left. Jason shoots in, completes the double, and after a brief scramble, there’s the horn. Good action.
Robbie Peralta beats Rony Jason and his hockey mask in a split decision, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.
Demian Maia vs. Alexander Yakolev
Rd. 1 – Big Herb Dean is the man in the middle as Maia takes the center of the cage. Yakolev looks smooth though. Maia is chasing Yakolev around the perimeter of the cage and lets the fists fly a little. Yakolev jabs to the body and moves back out. Maia seems to be changing levels nicely in his striking, and there’s a big left from Maia that drops Yakolev. Maia is in the mount and starts putting elbows on Yakolev. Yakolev wants to tie up Maia, but Maia is tenderizing the Russian with patient ‘bows. Oh wow. Yakolev is hanging in there, trying to keep Maia close. Yakolev wants to kick off the cage, it seems, but Maia keeps the pressure on.
Rd. 2 – Maia jabs, and Yakolev kicks. Again Maia pursues Yakolev, who still looks fresh. Yakolev ducks a hook, avoids a takedown, but can’t escape the next one and again finds himself mounted. Here comes the assault from Maia, patient but steady as he has Yakolev on the floor and against the cage. Yakolev escapes, stands, and fights his way into Maia’s guard. Nicely done, Mr. Yakolev.
(My mother-in-law wants to know why they’re not wearing boots. I don’t even know what to do with that one…)
Rd. 3 – Yakolev kicks at Maia’s legs with some power. Yakolev lands a good left hook. Yakolev with the takedown, but Maia is back up in no time. Yakolev hits a four-punch combo that stings Maia. More kicks from Yakolev. And there’s the takedown from Maia who closed the distance and hit the trip. Crafty. Maia is in the mount and once more lets the fists and elbows loose — but no submission attempt. Maia pounds away at the right ear and checks with his corner. Yakolev shrimps into half guard, but Maia immediately regains mount. Maia wants an armbar now, but Yakolev slides out, and the fight ends with Yakolev landing a last-second kick to Maia’s ribs.
(So the wife has retired to bed, leaving me and my mother-in-law, who cannot believe this is on tv.)
Damian Maia wins it 30-27 across the board. No surprise there.
Warlley Alves vs. Marcio Alexandre (TUF Brazil 3 Middleweight Finals)
Rd. 1 – No tattoos in the cage; is this even MMA, bro? Big karate-style head kick early from Alexandre, but Alves blocks it and drops him with a right hand. Alves is in half guard. Alexandre gets back to his feet, but is pressed against the cage by the shorter Alves. Alexandre separates, but Alves kicks his way back inside and has Alexandre against the fence. Alves dumps Alexandre down with a double and is in side control working elbow pressure. Alexandre pops up, but Alves is all over him, negating the karate attack for the time being. Alves knees Alexandre up against the fence. Yamasaki separates the two, but Alves presses forward with body punches. Alexandre has space now and lets his feet go. Alves nails a takedown after a flurry. Again Alexandre is up with Alves right up in his business.
Rd. 2 – Alexandre has room, but Alves charges in, kicks high, and bullies Alexandre to the mat. Alves has side control, moves to Alexandre’s guard, gets to his feet and fires punches. Alves regains top position and pounds away. They’re up with Alves muscling Alexandre against the fence again. Alexandre is cut under his left eye and is breathing heavy. They’re separated once more. Alves catches a body kick from Alexandre and holds him on the cage. Alexandre goes for a trip, but to no avail. The clinch from Alves is too much. They separate, Alexandre lands a left, and Alves moves in to control the body as the round ends.
Rd. 3 – Alves blasts Alexandre with a hard counter right, sinks in a guillotine, and takes it to the floor. Wow. And that’s it. Alexandre is out! Nice win.
Warrley Alves wins the contract via Rd. 3 submission. Total domination.
(My mother-in-law just learned there’s women’s MMA. I think she might need oxygen. Why won’t she just go to bed?)
Vitor Miranda vs. Antonio Carlos Junior (TUF Brazil 3 Heavyweight Finals)
Rd. 1 – Miranda jabs early and Carlos answers with a big right hand that misses. Carlos Junior moves in with a flurry of fisticuffs and has Miranda against the cage. Woops. Miranda takes a big knee below the belt, so he needs a breather. Herb Dean issues the requisite warning. Carlos Junior presses with kicks. He fires punches, drops Miranda with a double, and has Miranda on the fence. Carlos Junior dumps Miranda down, but he’s back up to his feet. Nice elbow from Junior. Miranda kicks the inside lead leg. Carlos Junior fires a right and a left before kicking high. Miranda jabs to the body. Miranda is bleeding below his left eye. Miranda misses the head kick, and the round ends with Junior firing away.
Rd. 2 – Junior wanted a touch of gloves, so Miranda kicked his thigh. Junior lands a takedown and gets half guard. The crowd is into this fight. Junior gets mount. Miranda tries to buck him off. Nope. Junior goes to full side mount and then back into half guard. Junior goes for a heel hook, but Miranda defends and is back up. Junior wants him back down, but Miranda stays up and kicks at the downed Junior. Miranda moves into guard. Junior is stuffed against the fence, escapes a triangle, and works for back position, it seems. They’re up. Junior has Miranda on the fence. They separate, and Junior ends the round by punching in the center of the cage.
Rd. 3 – Miranda kicks low, and Junior punches high. Junior jabs and finishes the double leg to counter a Miranda leg kick. Junior has an overhook to Miranda’s left post arm. Miranda frees his arms, but Junior scoops and dumps Miranda. Half guard now for Junior. Miranda punches the body on top of him. Junior moves inside full guard and lands a hard right hand. Miranda tries to sit up, but is dumped back down, and Junior takes back control. Body lock for Junior, figure four style. Miranda spins out for a second, but Junior mounts him and moves to side control. Half guard for Junior, and that’s the round, kids.
Antonio Carlos Junior wins it, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.
Did the crowd just boo the mention of Wanderlei Silva? They did.
Stipe Miocic vs. Fabio Maldonado
Rd. 1 – Maldonado charges ahead with punches, but is rocked by a left. Big right from Miocic drops Maldonado. Miocic lands eight or so hammer fists, and that’s a wrap. Shit.
