Make no mistake, no matter how last night’s main event was going to end, it was going to be an important moment in UFC history. For the first time in the promotion’s history, two female athletes would be competing in the UFC. Squash match or not, the historical significance of the fight and the freshly minted UFC Women’s Bantamweight title were enough to bump the fight up to main event status.
I’ve seen dozens of writers today write about how “predictably” the main event ended, but I can’t help but feel that this does a severe injustice to the fight we were treated to. Yes, it ended in a first round armbar victory for Ronda Rousey, and no, literally nothing else about this fight was predictable.
This is in large part a credit to challenger Liz Carmouche. Few people gave Carmouche any sort of chance to win, as clearly reflected by the betting odds for the fight. Yet for the first time last night, Carmouche was able to expose holes in Rousey’s game, and make the women’s champion look beatable. She wasn’t Rousey’s slightly-resistant grappling dummy – she was a very worthy challenger who almost finished Rousey with a rear-naked choke, and has teeth marks on her arm to show for it. Let’s all stop and admit that none of us expected this from her.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Make no mistake, no matter how last night’s main event was going to end, it was going to be an important moment in UFC history. For the first time in the promotion’s history, two female athletes would be competing in the UFC. Squash match or not, the historical significance of the fight and the freshly minted UFC Women’s Bantamweight title were enough to bump the fight up to main event status.
I’ve seen dozens of writers today write about how “predictably” the main event ended, but I can’t help but feel that this does a severe injustice to the fight we were treated to. Yes, it ended in a first round armbar victory for Ronda Rousey, and no, literally nothing else about this fight was predictable.
This is in large part a credit to challenger Liz Carmouche. Few people gave Carmouche any sort of chance to win, as clearly reflected by the betting odds for the fight. Yet for the first time last night, Carmouche was able to expose holes in Rousey’s game, and make the women’s champion look beatable. She wasn’t Rousey’s slightly-resistant grappling dummy – she was a very worthy challenger who almost finished Rousey with a rear-naked choke, and has teeth marks on her arm to show for it. Let’s all stop and admit that none of us expected this from her.
Let’s make sure to give Ronda Rousey her proper dues as well. Rousey responded to the stiffest test of her career the only way she knows how to: by cranking an arm until something taps or snaps. She managed to score her seventh victory by way of first round armbar in just as many professional fights, living up to the hype that she had been justifiably receiving. It may not have been her prettiest victory, but she survived the challenge and kept calm under pressure.
Above all else though, Rousey and Carmouche deserve respect for shattering not only the ceiling for women in the UFC, but the glass ceilings that fans placed on female fighters. Say what you want about women not being as strong or fast as men, or that the talent pool isn’t as deep (as opposed to the stacked men’s flyweight division), or keep talking about the ability to dunk a basketball like it even remotely matters*. Just don’t say that women don’t belong at our sport’s highest level of competition. If you value the quality of the fights over the sexes of the athletes, you walked away from last night’s main event excited about future women’s matchups.
Elsewhere on the card:
– I’ll admit that before the event, I thought a case could be made that Henderson vs. Machida was the real main event. On paper, Rousey vs. Carmouche was little more than a squash match designed to give Rousey the title. Meanwhile, on paper, Machida vs. Henderson was a legitimate fight for light-heavyweight number one contendership. Unfortunately, anyone who sat through Machida vs. Henderson was reminded that things rarely play out in real time the way that they should play out on paper.
If Rousey vs. Carmouche was everything fans can look forward to from the UFC’s newest acquisitions, then Machida vs. Henderson was everything fans were already sick of. A “too elusive to be interesting” fighter more concerned with winning rounds than putting on a show? Check. An aging fighter on testosterone replacement therapy? Check. A judge ignoring the things he’s supposed to be looking for and picking the winner of the fight based on a vague notion of “Octagon Control?” *sigh* Check. “Forgettable” barely describes this one.
– Yes, Machida is next in line for a shot at the light-heavyweight title, although Dana White didn’t exactly sound thrilled to be announcing it. “It wasn’t a barnburner,” said White about Machida vs. Henderson. “It wasn’t the most exciting fight you’ve ever seen. You won’t be writing stories about this fight until the end of time. But Lyoto won the fight. He beat the number one contender.”
– Urijah Faber knew he needed to put on an extra special performance against Ivan Menjivar if he wanted job security, and did exactly that. You don’t see too many standing crucifix-to-rear-naked choke finishes, but then again, you don’t see too many fighters as creative and athletic as Urijah Faber. When he’s matched up against the Ivan Menjivars of the division, the end result is something special.
– Court McGee was a tough-as-nails middleweight, is now a tough-as-nails welterweight, and continued to look solid against lower-end competition with his victory over Josh Neer. I don’t see a Demian Maia-esque resurgence at welterweight in McGee’s future, but then again, I didn’t see one for Maia, either.
– If Robbie Lawler knocking out Josh Koscheck isn’t at least an honorable mention for “Most Satisfying Beatdown of 2013,” then a lot of heels are going to get their asses kicked by old-school warriors this year. However, I was surprised to see how many people thought that the fight was stopped too early. It’s one thing not to like a fighter, it’s another thing to want him dead.
– Lawler rightfully took home the $50k Knockout of the Night bonus for his performance. Meanwhile, Koscheck may very well find himself unemployed. I’m sure Dana White likes Koscheck, just as I’m sure he likes Jon Fitch, too. By the way, Fitch not only made less money than Koscheck does per fight, but he also had a higher “ranking” when he was released.
– Submission of the Night honors did not go to Ronda Rousey, but rather, Kenny Robertson for his first round kneebar submission over Brock Jardine.
– Fight of the Night went to the three round war that was Dennis Bermudez vs. Matt Grice. These two featherweightst absolutely stole the show with this fight. In the end, Bermudez won by decision.
Full Results:
Main Card:
Ronda Rousey def. Liz Carmouche via submission (armbar), 4:49 of Round 1
Lyoto Machida def. Dan Henderson via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
Urijah Faber def. Ivan Menjivar via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:43 of Round 1
Court McGee def. Josh Neer via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Robbie Lawler def. Josh Koscheck via TKO, 3:57 of Round 1
Preliminary Card:
Brendan Schaub def. Lavar Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Michael Chiesa def. Anton Kuivanen via submission (rear-naked choke), 2:29 of Round 2
Dennis Bermudez def. Matt Grice via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
Sam Stout def. Caros Fodor via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
Kenny Robertson def. Brock Jardine via submission (kneebar), 2:57 of Round 1
Neil Magny def. Jon Manley via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
Nah-Shon Burrell def. Yuri Villefort via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
* By the way, if dunking a basketball is the measuring stick of whether or not a person is a good athlete, then our sport’s most accomplished light-heavyweight is, well, you’ll see:
(I’m not exactly sure what Dana’s thinking right now, but if I had to guess, it’s probably something along the lines of “ohhhhhhh yeaaahhhhh [dooo-bo-bo].” / Photo via CombatLifestyle. Check out more pics from this set here.)
UFC 157 goes down tonight at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and let’s just say if you hear any noise it ain’t the boys, Potato Nation. Women’s MMA crossover star Ronda Rousey will be putting her new bantamweight belt on the line against challenger Liz Carmouche, in a historic fight that will either be remembered as the UFC’s first step toward gender quality, or the latest Great American Freak Show. We’re just hoping for an entertaining battle that doesn’t end with a gruesome compound fracture on live television.
But while the women might steal the show, “Rousey vs. Carmouche” is actually a solid card from top to bottom. We’ve got a possible #1 light-heavyweight contender’s match between Dan Henderson and Lyoto Machida, an old-school welterweight banger between Josh Koscheck and Robbie Lawler, and Urijah Faber’s must-win battle against dangerous veteran Ivan Menjivar. There’s also a fight between Court McGee and Josh Neer that really has no business being on a pay-per-view card at this point, but such is life.
Leading us through the UFC 157 main card will be actual fighterElias Cepeda, who will be slapping down 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, and please throw in your own insightful commentary in the comments section. Thanks for joining us.
(I’m not exactly sure what Dana’s thinking right now, but if I had to guess, it’s probably something along the lines of “ohhhhhhh yeaaahhhhh [dooo-bo-bo].” / Photo via CombatLifestyle. Check out more pics from this set here.)
UFC 157 goes down tonight at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and let’s just say if you hear any noise it ain’t the boys, Potato Nation. Women’s MMA crossover star Ronda Rousey will be putting her new bantamweight belt on the line against challenger Liz Carmouche, in a historic fight that will either be remembered as the UFC’s first step toward gender quality, or the latest Great American Freak Show. We’re just hoping for an entertaining battle that doesn’t end with a gruesome compound fracture on live television.
But while the women might steal the show, “Rousey vs. Carmouche” is actually a solid card from top to bottom. We’ve got a possible #1 light-heavyweight contender’s match between Dan Henderson and Lyoto Machida, an old-school welterweight banger between Josh Koscheck and Robbie Lawler, and Urijah Faber’s must-win battle against dangerous veteran Ivan Menjivar. There’s also a fight between Court McGee and Josh Neer that really has no business being on a pay-per-view card at this point, but such is life.
Leading us through the UFC 157 main card will be actual fighterElias Cepeda, who will be slapping down 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, and please throw in your own insightful commentary in the comments section. Thanks for joining us.
First up, Josh Koscheck against the returning Robbie Lawler. What do you say nation? Will Koscheck slug it out and give Lawler his best chance at winning or will Koscheck choose to give him a good Fitching and do the smart, grapple-domination thing?
We shall see. Round 1 is moments away.
Josh Koscheck vs. Robbie Lawler
Rd 1
The southpaw Lawler looking huge and aggressive, landing with a left hand and trying to go to the body. Koscheck shoots and lands a double leg take down. Lawler smiles, uses his butterfly guard and then wraps up a full guard. Lawler gets up and to his knees. Koscheck with a front arm and head control. Snaps Lawler down.
Both biding their time, Koscheck releases the head to grab Lawler’s right leg. Lawler up on his feet with his back against the cage, defending the take down. Koscheck drags him back down. Lawler working his right butterfly hook from a half guard to try and lift Koscheck up and off of him.
Kos tries to stand and take Robbie’s back but the cage stops him. He gets back in front of Lawler, in his butterfly guard, Lawler stands back up. Josh maintains his pressure against the cage, pressing Robbie against it.
Kos shoots first for another single, then around Lawler’s back and then again for the leg. Koscheck shoots in for a double but Lawler sprawls and defends. Lawler lands a left hook to the head of a turtled up Koscheck that stuns Koscheck and then turns the corner, puts Kos on his side and unloads nasty bombs that force the referee to stop the fight with about a minute left in the round.
Robbie Lawler beats Josh Koscheck by TKO (strikes on the ground), Rd1
Josh Neer vs. Court McGee
Old school Miletich Fighting Systems fighter night here at UFC 157, apparently. First Lawler and now, Neer. Man, from their records and their faces you’d think these guys were twice their young ages. Warriors.
Rd 1
McGee comes out pressing with punches and kicks. Neer looks relaxed and blocks and evades most of them. Lil dirty boxing from both before separation. Neer with his chin up, presses the action by stalking forward. McGee lands a one-two combo right to the chin of Neer. Then another! Another left from McGee. Neer is walking through them but they are stiff shots. McGee with another flush punch to NEer’s head.
McGee with two more right-left combos to the chin of Neer. Neer walking forward like a zombie, still taking his big sings. Another left from McGee. The TUF winner then goes to the body. Neer with a nice rear leg kick that knocks McGee’s leg almost out from under him.
McGee with another right. Most of his punches are coming while back tracking but boy are they landing flush. He lands another one-two. Neer with another well-placed leg kick. McGee goes to the body with a kick, then to the leg of Neer, then again to the body, this time with punches.
McGee with a right-left punch to the body combo, then more shots landed on Neer. Punches in bunches from McGee on the inside when Neer presses him. McGee continues the onslaught against the cage on Neer, going to the body and head, and landing. Neer turns his back, fals to the ground and McGee continues to land punches.
Less than thirty seconds left and Neer is in a defensive half guard, then sits up. McGee controls from a front head lock, then spins to the back and goes to a rear naked choke which looks to be sunk in but Neer is saved by the bell.
Rd 2
Neer still stalking, with his chin up. Pawing with the jab, swinging big and wide and missing. McGee sends Neer reeling backwards but he gets back up to his feet. McGee presses against the cage. Neer gets separation and lands a nasty uppercut and over hand right then goads McGee to give him some more.
McGee does indeed and lands four more punches to the tough dome of Neer. McGee with a mostly blocked head kick, then lands an inside leg kick. McGee attempts a take down, is stuffed.
Neer stalking McGee after taking his heat, taunting him more to bring it on. Neer lands two punches, McGee is sharp and lands back to the head with punches. Neer chases McGee and lands a big upper cut and over hand right. McGee fires back, shoots, Neer defends.
Neer goes to the body and then the head with punches. He presses McGee backwards against the fence and lands some more dirty work. McGee gets space and then lights up Neer some more with two punches. Neer presses again, lands a leg kick against the cage. They return to the center and trade shots now. Both landing to the head and body almost at will with uppercuts and hooks.
McGee lands a a one-two. Neer lands his own shot. McGee lands a straight cross and shoots, gets stuffed. Neer still goading McGee. Court lands a punch at the bell.
Rd 3
There’s no slowing down these two. McGee landing his two again. Neer coming forward and taking big over hand shots. Neer stuffs a shot and then goes to the body with a left hand. McGee shoots again, presses and lifts Neer up against the cage. Neer defends and lands a short elbow to the head. Neer attempts his own sweep.
Neer frees himself and gets back to the center of the ring. McGee ducks under and scores a take down. He has Neer up against the fence. Neer gets to his knees, tries to stand up. He does. McGee keeps him pressed against the cage, looking for another take down. Two minutes left.
McGee goes low and lifts Neer up and puts him down with a double leg take down. He’s in Neer’s full guard now. Neer working his over hooks and tries for arm bars. McGee stays out of danger and gets to half guard. Neer immediately uses the position to attempt leg locks. McGee defends and, when Neer turns and scrambles, takes his back. Less than a minute left.
McGee back on top of the downed Neer, who is facing upwards. Neer’s face is bloodied and his nose swollen as he defends strikes coming fown from above from McGee. The horn sounds and McGee gets in one last elbow.
Decision time coming up next!
Hard fought battle with both guys getting in their licks but the judges get it right and all three give all three rounds to McGee for a unanimous decision win over Josh Neer.
Urijah Faber vs. Ivan Menjivar
Rd 1
Faber out with hands low, per usual, jutting in and out. He works inside to go for a take down. Ivan tosses him! Menjivar’s base is obviously not there as Faber rolls and reverses Ivan, landing in side control.
Faber now in Ivan’s full guard. Ivan trying to control Faber’s posture by pulling down on his head. Faber lands a short elbow to the head. Ivan working a high guard, Faber shrugs it off. Back in the full guard. Faber lands a nasty looping elbow to the right side of Menjivar’s head. Faber now swinging big and aggressive with elbows, landing several more.
Faber letting loose with right and left elbows. Ivan tries to cut an angle and work for an arm. Doesn’t get anything as Faber stands up. Ivan lands an up kick to the chin of Urijah.
Faber back in full guard, throwing big elbows with abandon. Another right and then another left elbow from Faber. Ivan’s facial skin must be supple as all heck because he hasn’t cut.
Ivan stands up and Faber is on him like a monkey. Faber lands the first ever vertical Gary Goodridge beat down position I’ve ever seen as Ivan stands and Urijah tried to take his back. Faber keeps control and swings to the back completely. Ivan backs him up against the cage but Faber sinks in the arms deep under the neck and finishes the standing rear naked choke, forcing the tap.
Urijah Faber beats Ivan Menjivar via standing rear naked choke in the first round.
Dan Henderson vs. Lyoto Machida (aka. the “real” main event as it is known to all you woman-haters out there)
Rd 1
Both men keeping their distance until Henderson lands a lead outside leg kick to the southpaw Machida. Hendo then wades in with punches, Machida circles away. Machida throws a front kick to the body of Hendo that is blocked.
Machida with his chin up, like always, and switches stances back and forth. Hendo with another nice leg kick, this time using his rear leg to get after Lyoto’s lead. Henderson has the center of the cage, staring Machida down. He shuffles, feints and looks to wade in again but thinks better of it.
Machida with another front kick to the body of Hendo that is blocked. Machida with a body kick, punch combo that is mostly blocked. Machida fighting wide open, with his stance and hand position.Dan with his chin tucked and right hand cocked.
Henderson swings a big right hand wide and misses. He lands another leg kick and misses with another over hand right. Henderson throws two more over hand rights, both land!
Machida gets backed up by the punches but keeps his senses. Henderson gets around the waist of Henderson and works to take him down but Machida defends. Henderson gets an over-under clinch and works knees. Machida trips Henderson and immediately fires downward with nasty punches. The bell saves Henderson from taking more damage.
Rd 2
Henderson walking down Machida again. Henderson shoots fora single on Machida’s lead leg, rises up and is stuffed. Machida lands a body kick. Henderson wades in with big over hand rights, Machida backs and circles away to safety.
Machida with a quick straight left to the face of Hendo right as Hendo was loading up for another punch. Stops the American in his tracks but Hendo looks unfazed. Henderson goes for Machida’s rear leg but pops up and throws and lands a left hook.
Hendo with another inside leg kick. Machida misses with a front head kick. Machida throws a left body kick that is blocked. Henderson tries his own body kick and catches a short punch from Machida that knocks him off balance and to the mat.
Henderson is back up. Both men keeping their distance and looking to explode. Dan forces the clinch and then fires off a right and left that miss. Machida throws a hard left kick to the body that is blocked. Under a minute left. Henderson charges in with over hand rights and all miss.
Machida throws a spinning back kick that is blocked. Henderson lands a soft inside leg kick at the horn.
Rd 3
Henderson fakes a shot, throws an over hand right that misses and then a body kick that is blocked. Machida fires a body kick that is blocked and then a short lead punch that is not. Henderson gets Machida to the ground with just over three and a half minutes left.
Machida working an over hook and head control from inside his full guard. Henderson doing short work to the body with his right knee on the ground and his left foot on the mat. Machida effectively controlling Hendo’s posture from the bottom and preventing him from sitting up and landing big shots. Machida cutting an angle with his his to the left while controlling the top of Hendo’s head. Hendo landing short elbows to the body.
Machida gets up to his feet with just under two minutes left. Machida with an inside leg kick that hurts Dan. He throws another and Dan checks it. Machida playing around with his stance again. Henderson waiting to charge in again, perhaps, with uner a minute left. Machida stalking him now. Machida closes the distance and Henderson misses with an over hand right. Machida lands a front kick to the face and then a hard head kick. Machida throws another body kick-lead punch combo.
The horn sounds. Decision time coming up next!
Lyoto Machida wins a split decision. No idea why any judge would have given the fight to Henderson, though he fought gamely.
Main Event – Women’s UFC Bantamweight World Title
Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche
Rd 1
Ronda looking to close the distance early with the jab. Liz tries to circle away and fires off body-head combos but Ronda grabs a hold of her and takes her down. Ronda sticks around in the Judo scarf position too long, though and Liz stands and takes her back. Liz has both hooks in and is working the rear naked choke. Ronda is in a bad place but escapes and flips Liz to the ground. Ronda standing over Liz now, throws a body shot.
Ronda fires punches and Liz slips out from behind and tries to take her back but Ronda holds steady fora bit in the scarf position and begins throwing bully punches down with her left as her right arm holds the head lock.
Ronda peppering away and Liz trying to scoot towards her to take the back again. Ronda is too heavy this time around and now tries to trap the near arm for a shoulder lock. Liz now trying to come through the back door. Ronda has none of that and takes the mount with a triple attack position and goes right away for the straight arm bar with less than a minute left.
Less than thirty seconds and Liz has been fighting. Ronda still working on the arm and peels it away with ten seconds left and Liz taps out!
Ronda Rousey defends her UFC title for the first time and earns her seventh consecutive first round win by arm bar. Liz Carmouche provides the stiffest challenge to Rousey yet.
That’s it, taters. Thanks for being a part of history with us.
Full UFC 157 results…
Main Card:
– Ronda Rousey def. Liz Carmouche via submission (armbar), 4:49 of round 1
– Lyoto Machida def. Dan Henderson via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Urijah Faber def. Ivan Menjivar via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:43 of round 1
– Court McGee def. Josh Neer via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Robbie Lawler def. Josh Koscheck via TKO, 3:57 of round 1
Preliminary Card:
– Brendan Schaub def. Lavar Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Michael Chiesa def. Anton Kuivanen via submission (rear-naked choke), 2:29 of round 2
– Dennis Bermudez def. Matt Grice via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Sam Stout def. Caros Fodor via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Kenny Robertson def. Brock Jardine via submission (kneebar), 2:57 of round 1
– Neil Magny def. Jon Manley via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Nah-Shon Burrell def. Yuri Villefort via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
For the first time in UFC history, a card will not only feature but be headlined by a women’s title fight in the bantamweight division. We know what you’re thinking, “How are they going to fit an entire kitchen into the octagon?” but hear us out for a second. Pitting Olympic bronze medalist Ronda Rousey against Marine tuff Liz Carmouche, UFC 157 will look to break down the wall that has existed between men’s and women’s MMA for almosttwo years now. We kid, we kid, but will the UFC’s women’s division steal the show come Saturday night? And technically speaking, can you steal a show when you are the main event? These questions and others will be answered this Saturday night in Anaheim at the (R)Honda Center.
And with any big MMA event comes the opportunity to chip away at (or add to) those crippling debts we all are surely facing. So join us after the jump as we highlight some of the undercard and all the main card bouts for UFC 157 with the hopes of cashing in on some attractive betting lines, which come courtesy of BestFighOdds as always.
Currently, Chiesa is right around -225, but look for that line to close around -300 by fight night. Anton has been more of a threat on the mat than on his feet thus far in his UFC run, but giving up almost half a foot in height to the Alpha Male-affiliated Chiesa will do him no favors in either department. Chiesa should be able to control this fight with his size advantage and continue his Cinderella story in the UFC.
By Dan “Get Off Me” George
For the first time in UFC history, a card will not only feature but be headlined by a women’s title fight in the bantamweight division. We know what you’re thinking, “How are they going to fit an entire kitchen into the octagon?” but hear us out for a second. Pitting Olympic bronze medalist Ronda Rousey against Marine tuff Liz Carmouche, UFC 157 will look to break down the wall that has existed between men’s and women’s MMA for almosttwo years now. We kid, we kid, but will the UFC’s women’s division steal the show come Saturday night? And technically speaking, can you steal a show when you are the main event? These questions and others will be answered this Saturday night in Anaheim at the (R)Honda Center.
And with any big MMA event comes the opportunity to chip away at (or add to) those crippling debts we all are surely facing. So join us after the jump as we highlight some of the undercard and all the main card bouts for UFC 157 with the hopes of cashing in on some attractive betting lines, which come courtesy of BestFighOdds as always.
Currently, Chiesa is right around -225, but look for that line to close around -300 by fight night. Anton has been more of a threat on the mat than on his feet thus far in his UFC run, but giving up almost half a foot in height to the Alpha Male-affiliated Chiesa will do him no favors in either department. Chiesa should be able to control this fight with his size advantage and continue his Cinderella story in the UFC.
If there is one underdog to pick on this card, the argument for Lavar Johnson at +110 is strong. Lavar will enjoy a three inch reach advantage over his opponent, which has been a deciding factor in both of his UFC victories. Schaub surprised many against Cro Cop back at UFC 128 but has shown some significant holes in his stand up game (not to mention his chin) in the time since. Each unnecessary second Schaub stands with Johnson will be detrimental to both his UFC career and his ability to ingest food without wearing a bib, and being that Schaub has yet to submit an opponent in his career, we should assume for the time being that Johnson won’t become the first. Not because Johnson has an incredible ground game, but rather because he packs enough power in his hands to stop Schaub before it gets to that point, like Nog and Rothwell have in the past.
Court will be making his debut at 170lbs here and at -285 will be parlay bound against UFC veteran Josh Neer. Short of being robbed against Nick Ring, Court has only lost to Costa Phillipou (a top middleweight) and has never truly been dominated inside the Octagon. Neer might be able to cut Court with those vicious elbows, but McGee should have little trouble taking the fight to the ground when Neer eventually overcommits trying to close the distance. Neer is a former lightweight and McGee is a former middleweight; ultimately Court should be the stronger fighter and control this fight from start to finish.
Not much of a chance has been given to the returning Robbie Lawler here and perhaps rightfully so. Much like Paulo Thiago, Lawler is being given a puncher’s chance against Koscheck, which is a position Lawler could be dangerous in (see his fight against Melvin Manhoef). Koscheck may look for the takedown early and often, and Lawler’s ability to defend said takedown will determine this fight in and of itself. If there was a way to put money on the likelihood of Kos eye-poking Lawler in this fight I would recommend it outright, but the Koscheck by decision prop seems a little more reasonable.
A rematch 7 years in the making will be settled on Saturday night when Ivan Menjivar looks to avenge his controversial DQ loss to Urijah Faber that transpired in the now defunct TKO promotion. Urijah is approaching -400, but the speed and grappling advantage he will have against Menjivar justifies the price, especially when considering how easily Mike Easton was able to use those same skills to defeat Menjivar at UFC 148. Menjivar will not be able to catch up to Faber long enough to do any substantial damage, therefore justifying Faber’s place in our parlay.
Machida is the right favorite and may prove to be too elusive for Hendo’s right hand in this fight. Machida should play the matador role in this one and simply fight off his back foot until the opportunity arises to counter Henderson; the fact that Hendo is coming off a knee injury only solidifies the notion that he may be limited in his movement. The wrestling advantage may be with Hendo, but Machida has the skills to survive on the mat and Hendo doesn’t wrestle all that much in his fights. Looking back at Franklin/Henderson, Machida has all the tools to stay on the outside and outpoint Hendo for a decision victory.
Ronda Rousey is undefeated, perfection on the mat, and way, way overpriced in this fight. A 10-to-1 favorite is usually a pointless bet to make and Ronda is no exception here, as Liz Carmouche has to know what to expect in this fight (Ed note: Not that that has helped anyone before). Liz will have to get the better of Ronda in the stand up department because a win on the ground is simply not an option. Ronda has admitted that she is not taking Liz lightly in this bout and will most likely look to put the Marine on her back and go fishing for another arm to bring home. As always, the ladies should deliver an exciting fight and start the woman’s division off with a bang.
(Highlights from the Silva-Brenneman bout, courtesy of Fox Sports)
Six hours of free televised fights seems like a gift from Zod, unless of course the first three hours suck. A few plodding decisions, amateur officiating, a never-ending commercial loop, and the requisite botched score cards marred the prelim bouts on Fuel. It was enough to stifle what little hope some had for the rest of the evening.
But for those who flipped the channel to FX still harboring the post-prelim blues, undercard openers Scott Jorgensen and Eddie Wineland took little time to erase any ill will and set the stage for an exciting night of action. After settling into the bout, Wineland began finding a home for his hands, sitting “Young Guns” down with a sharp jab. He’d plant Jorgesen on his back briefly with a trip before landing several more blows to close out the first frame. Having had his fill of leather in round one, Jorgensen turned it on in the second frame, hustling for takedowns and opening up a hatchet wound over Wineland’s eye with a glancing knee. But the extra effort and billowing blood only brought out the fire in Wineland, who stuffed several shots while looking for the knockout. He’d find it at the end of a big right hand uncorked in the last minute of the second round. Jorgensen was stunned as he hit the floor, unable to defend himself from the final blows Wineland rained down as the ref stepped in to wave him off. Wineland’s win reversed a two fight skid against two top opponents; now Jorgensen has his own pair of losses to shake off. The extra cash from the “Fight of the Night” bonus should make that task a little easier.
(Highlights from the Silva-Brenneman bout, courtesy of Fox Sports)
Six hours of free televised fights seems like a gift from Zod, unless of course the first three hours suck. A few plodding decisions, amateur officiating, a never-ending commercial loop, and the requisite botched score cards marred the prelim bouts on Fuel. It was enough to stifle what little hope some had for the rest of the evening.
But for those who flipped the channel to FX still harboring the post-prelim blues, undercard openers Scott Jorgensen and Eddie Wineland took little time to erase any ill will and set the stage for an exciting night of action. After settling into the bout, Wineland began finding a home for his hands, sitting “Young Guns” down with a sharp jab. He’d plant Jorgesen on his back briefly with a trip before landing several more blows to close out the first frame. Having had his fill of leather in round one, Jorgensen turned it on in the second frame, hustling for takedowns and opening up a hatchet wound over Wineland’s eye with a glancing knee. But the extra effort and billowing blood only brought out the fire in Wineland, who stuffed several shots while looking for the knockout. He’d find it at the end of a big right hand uncorked in the last minute of the second round. Jorgensen was stunned as he hit the floor, unable to defend himself from the final blows Wineland rained down as the ref stepped in to wave him off. Wineland’s win reversed a two fight skid against two top opponents; now Jorgensen has his own pair of losses to shake off. The extra cash from the “Fight of the Night” bonus should make that task a little easier.
Mike Pyle opened his bout with Josh Neer with a double leg takedown; he closed it with a crisp right to the jaw. Pyle took “The Dentist” down in the opening moments of the fight and spent the next few minutes peppering him with shots from above as the pair jockeyed for position on the ground. Neer worked his way back up to his feet, and although his attempt to take Pyle down was thwarted, the exchange left “Quicksand” on wobbly legs. Just like that the tides turned as Neer mounted an assault built on body shots that had Pyle in trouble against the cage. As Neer poured it on and created enough space to head hunt, Pyle countered with a short right hand that faceplanted “The Dentist” with seconds left on the clock. The killshot netted Pyle “Knock Out of the Night” honors (and the $40 g’s that come with it).
After three bouts on the sport’s biggest stage, Erick Silva has yet to see the second round, and nothing’s proven able to stop him since late 2007—nothing but the rulebook, that is. Charlie Brenneman refused to join fans in admiring “Indio’s” dynamic standup, choosing the much wiser approach of working to get the dangerous striker onto his back. Whether the ref had late dinner reservations or a prescient awareness of “The Spaniard’s” fate, he did his best to curtail Brenneman’s relentless wrestling, but Charlie would not be denied. Brenneman’s successful takedowns would only give the Brazilian confidence in his ability to get back to his feet, while an unsuccessful one would give Silva the win. After stuffing a shot from his mop-topped foe, Silva gained back control, sunk in his hooks, and flattened Brenneman out with a rear naked choke, proving that his killer instinct isn’t limited to his scary standup. The tap-out victory earned Silva another step up in competition and the evening’s $40k “Submission of the Night” bonus.
Had we been able to carry over one dismal portion of the prelim action to the main event, it would have been the inept judging. After all, it was a mistallied scorecard that gifted us with a second bout between Ian McCall and Demetrius Johnson, and the prospect of another scoring error and yet another bout between these two would be a scandal that I would almost welcome. You could watch Johnson and McCall throw down on every UFC card and be entertained, and it’s a shame this wasn’t a five-round affair, but in the end it was a decisive win for “Mighty Mouse”. Johnson used his speed and improved grappling to outwork McCall in the first and third rounds. More importantly, he seems to have mastered the weight-cut problems that he blamed for his sluggish finish in the pair’s first meeting. There’s no need to wonder where Johnson goes from here—with the win he’ll face Joe Benavidez in the tournament final to crown the UFC’s first Flyweight Champion.
Main Card Bouts (on FX):
-Demetrious Johnson def. Ian McCall by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
-Erick Silva def. Charlie Brenneman by submission (rear naked choke) at 4:33, R1
-Mike Pyle def. Josh Neer by KO at 4:53, R1
-Eddie Wineland def. Scott Jorgensen by KO at 4:10, R2
Preliminary Bouts (on Fuel TV):
-Mike Pierce def. Carlos Eduardo Rocha by split decision (30-27, 30-27, 27-30)
-Seth Baczynski def. Lance Benoist by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
-Matt Grice def. Leonard Garcia by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
-Dustin Pague def. Jared Papazian by submission (rear naked choke) at3:21 , R1
-Tim Means def. Justin Salas by TKO at 1:06, R1
-Buddy Roberts def. Caio Magalhaes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Preliminary Bouts (on Facebook):
-Henry Martinez def. Bernardo Magalhaes by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
-Jake Hecht . Sean Pierson def. Jake Hecht by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Demetrious Johnson put an end to the controversy on Saturday night by clearly winning two of the three rounds in his rematch with Ian McCall to determine who will face Joseph Benavidez to become the.
Demetrious Johnson put an end to the controversy on Saturday night by clearly winning two of the three rounds in his rematch with Ian McCall to determine who will face Joseph Benavidez to become the first UFC flyweight champion. Johnson established the pace in the first round much in the same way he did in the first fight. Just like in the first fight, the most significant moment of the first round was a right hand. But this time, the punch dropped McCall instead of just wobbling him. Johnson also controlled the wrestling in the first round scoring an early takedown and stuffing all of McCall’s attempts to bring the fight to the mat. McCall came back strong in the second round managing to complete several takedowns. And although he was unable to keep Johnson down, just the threat of the takedown was enough to change the tone of the fight in the striking game and McCall was able to land more significant strikes. One of the judges awarded that round to Johnson for some reason but both of the other judges scored it for McCall, which was the proper scoring. Going into the third round, the fight was even but Johnson left no room for dispute as he clearly controlled the striking and scored the only takedown of the round. He landed several combinations and McCall became visibly frustrated as the round continued. By the end of the round, the outcome was obvious and Johnson clearly established himself as the fighter who deserves to compete against Benavidez for the title. The two battles between Johnson and McCall have set a high level of expectation for the title fight and if the five rounds between Benavidez and Johnson are anything like the six rounds between McCall and Johnson, the MMA community is certainly in for a treat. For McCall, this loss is a setback but he is still obviously one of the the best 125 pound fighters in the world and more than likely, he will get his chance to fight for the belt at some point.
Earlier in the night, Erick Silva made it clear that he has to be considered a factor in the welterweight division as he proved to be too big and too explosive for Charlie Brenneman. Silva landed a knee early as Brenneman shot in for a takedown. Brenneman realized immediately the type of power he was facing and from that point on, he was desperate to get the fight to the mat. He succeeded several times but was unable to keep Silva down and his efforts always seemed to be delaying the inevitable. Silva stayed patient and waited for the right opportunity to explode on Brenneman. After the referee restarted the fight out of a stalemate against the fence, Silva landed a spinning back kick to the gut and followed it with another body kick. The kicks hurt Brenneman and he attempted a sloppy shot that resulted in him being turtled with Silva on his back. Silva slipped in his hooks and locked his arm under Brenneman’s neck with little resistance and earned the submission victory via rear naked choke. Silva never landed cleanly to Brenneman’s head but just the glancing blows and kicks to the body were enough to break Brenneman’s will. Silva will definitely face a stiff step up in competition in his next appearance and he has earned it with three first round finishes in his UFC career thus far. The only part of his game that hasn’t been tested is his cardio and it would be interesting to see what would happen if a stronger fighter employed Brenneman’s strategy and was able to draw Silva deeper into the fight. For right now, Silva is a fighter with a high ceiling and with the depth in the UFC welterweight division, we’ll soon find out how high that ceiling is.
In the second fight on the main card, Mike Pyle earned the most surprising result of the night. The win itself wasn’t a surprise but you could have won some serious money betting that he would finish the exceptionally durable Josh Neer with a first round one punch knockout. Pyle opened the fight exactly the way one would expect by taking Neer to the mat and trying to control him on the ground. And Neer responded by doing exactly what he always does in that position staying active with his guard and cutting Pyle with an elbow from his back. Neer managed to stand up and got after Pyle with his classic attack style of body punches, dirty boxing and standing elbows. Pyle seemed to be significantly hurt to the body as Neer pushed him back against the cage and looked for an opportunity to finish. In the middle of that assault, Pyle landed a clinical overhand right directly the jaw of Neer and knocked him out. Neer fell face down on the mat and Pyle walked away with one of the more impressive victories of his career. Pyle, now age thirty six, has won five out of six fights and while he’ll never be a championship contender, the UFC should be able to find him several more interesting fights. Neer will need to win in his next fight or he may once again find himself on the way out of the UFC, which is unfortunate because his fights are always entertaining.
Eddie Wineland opened the card by announcing that he is back as a serious contender in the bantamweight division. The defensive wrestling he worked so hard to perfect for his fights against Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez is now fully incorporated into his arsenal and with that accomplished, he was able to let his strikes flow freely just as he did earlier in his career. He came out aggressive from the opening bell against Scott Jorgensen and didn’t slow down until he finished the fight. He dropped Jorgensen in the first round with a counter jab establishing that he still has some of the best power in the division. He repeatedly stuffed his opponent’s takedown attempts as well and kept the fight in a standing position. Jorgensen was more competitive in the second round landing several good strikes and cutting Wineland in two places including a huge gash over the left eye. Wineland seemed initially distracted by the blood flowing into his eye but quickly adjusted and began to once again take the advantage in the striking game. He even managed to take down the former PAC-10 wrestling champion. The fight seemed to be turning into a classic three round brawl where both fighters would trade combinations but Wineland’s power proved to be too much for Jorgensen as he dropped him with a right hand and pounced to finish with ground and pound. The 135 pound title is currently tied up in an interim fight between Faber and Renan Barao and the winner of that fight will likely immediately face champion Dominic Cruz to unify the title. Possible opponents for Wineland after this victory could include Brian Bowles, Michael McDonald or Barao if he loses to Faber. For Jorgensen, this outcome definitely represents another step back. One interesting matchup for him going forward would be with Miguel Torres as both would be trying to rebound from recent losses. Whatever happens, this was a huge statement by Eddie Wineland.
The main card of the UFC’s third card on FX is almost upon us, and we’re sure that you’re almost just as interested as we are. But don’t let the lack of big men and big names get you down- we still have some interesting fights on our hands. Eddie Wineland battles Scott Jorgensen for bantamweight relevance, Josh Neer looks to maintain his momentum in the welterweight division against Mike Pyle, Erick Silva looks to establish himself as The Next Next Big Thing against Charlie Brenneman and Ian McCall meets Demetrious Johnson in The Most Anticipated Rematch of the Night to determine who advances in the UFC’s Flyweight tournament.
Okay, so on paper it’s nothing to write home about. But it’s free fights on a Friday night, okay? Look, we know you don’t have plans or anything, so stop pretending to be Mr. Popular and join us after the jump for round-by-round results and commentary. Handling tonight’s action will be Seth Falvo, who promises that there will be no more obscure professional wrestling references this evening. Please stand by.
The main card of the UFC’s third card on FX is almost upon us, and we’re sure that you’re almost just as interested as we are. But don’t let the lack of big men and big names get you down- we still have some interesting fights on our hands. Eddie Wineland battles Scott Jorgensen for bantamweight relevance, Josh Neer looks to maintain his momentum in the welterweight division against Mike Pyle, Erick Silva looks to establish himself as The Next Next Big Thing against Charlie Brenneman and Ian McCall meets Demetrious Johnson in The Most Anticipated Rematch of the Night to determine who advances in the UFC’s Flyweight tournament.
Okay, so on paper it’s nothing to write home about. But it’s free fights on a Friday night, okay? Look, we know you don’t have plans or anything, so stop pretending to be Mr. Popular and join us after the jump for round-by-round results and commentary. Handling tonight’s action will be Seth Falvo, who promises that there will be no more obscure professional wrestling references this evening. Please stand by.
Remember when I used to have witty things to say? Me neither. Let’s get crackin’.
Eddie Wineland vs. Scott Jorgensen
Round One: No glove touch here, as Wineland looks to control the center of the cage early. Nice right hand by Wineland, but Jorgensen lands a stiff jab that stops Wineland from following up with anything. Jorgensen attempts to clinch, but Wineland gets away. Another nice right hand from Wineland. Leg kick Jorgensen. Wineland drops Jorgensen with a stiff jab, but Jorgensen clinches up and looks for a takedown. Nice trip though by Wineland, who ends up in Jorgensen’s guard. They’re back up, and Wineland is using his jab well to keep Jorgensen outside. They exchange punches, with both guys landing as this round comes to an end.
Round Two: Nice takedown by Jorgensen, although Wineland immediately gets back up. Jorgensen lands a knee as Wineland gets up. Leg kick Jorgensen. Wineland lands a nice straight right, and another. Both guys are bleeding, or maybe Jorgensen’s hair dye is just running (Wineland is definitely cut though from that knee). Jorgensen lands a takedown, but once again Wineland immediately gets back up. Nice jab by Jorgensen. Wineland is having a lot of success landing that right hand, even though Jorgensen isn’t getting rocked by any of them. Nice exchange here, but it’s interrupted as Wineland’s mouth guard almost falls out. We’re back on, and Wineland finally manages to drop Jorgensen with one of those right hands. Some follow-up ground and pound and that’s all she wrote. Yep, that definitely isn’t hair dye running down Jorgensen’s face now.
Eddie Wineland def. Scott Jorgensen by KO, 4:10 of Round Two
So these are some lovely commercials, huh guys? Oh man, another Adam Sandler movie? I can’t wait to watch that, said nobody ever.
Mike Pyle vs. Josh Neer
Round One: They come out swinging, although neither guy lands anything of significance. Nice takedown by Pyle, who ends up in Neer’s guard. Pyle tries to pass to side mount, but Neer uses his butterfly guard and attempts a knee bar. Pyle is now back in Neer’s guard, throwing some punches. Neer attempts a triangle, but Pyle is out and back in Neer’s guard. Both guys are back up now, and Neer is landing some nice knees in the clinch. Neer looks to have Pyle hurt, as he throws some punches to Pyle’s body and has Pyle backing up. Neer goes in for the kill, but out of nowhere Pyle lands a vicious, if not desperate right hand that knocks Neer out cold!
Ladies and gentlemen, I do believe the word I’m looking for is “dicknailed”. As in, that poor young man they call “The Dentist” just got dicknailed.
Mike Pyle def. Josh Neer via KO, 4:56 of Round One
Erick Silva vs. Charlie Brenneman
Round One: They touch gloves, as Brenneman looks for a takedown and gets kneed in the face for his effort. Silva looks for a spinning back kick, but Brenneman earns a takedown. Silva is back up, but Brenneman stays on him. Brenneman gets another takedown, but Silva is looking for some foot locks. Brenneman escapes, and pushes Silva against the cage looking for a takedown. He fails, and they’re free. Brenneman lands a nice cross, and earns another takedown. Once again, Silva is almost immediately up, although he is rewarded for his efforts by being pushed into the cage by Brenneman. Brenneman works his wall and stall, as the crowd boos loudly. They’re separated, and Silva throws another spinning back kick. Silva is showing little respect for Brenneman’s hands, as he’s holding his quite low and throwing a lot of spinning kicks. Silva gets Brenneman down, takes his back, sinks in the rear naked choke and earns the tap.
Textbook finish there by Silva. May we now dub him the Next Next Big Thing? We’ll discuss that more tomorrow.
Erick Silva def. Charlie Brenneman via submission (rear naked choke), 4:33 of Round One
If the rest of this card was any indication, we’re in for one hell of a main event. Great fights all around. And now, for the rematch we’ve been waiting for.
Demetrious Johnson vs. Ian McCall
Round One: They touch gloves, and we’re underway. Leg kick McCall. Head kick attempt from Johnson. They clinch, and Johnson ties up McCall against the cage, earning a double leg takedown. McCall is back up, and we’re back in the center of the cage. Leg kick Johnson, followed up by a 1-2. Head kick attempt by McCall. Johnson lands a huge right hand that drops McCall, and Johnson is in McCall’s guard. Johnson grabs McCall’s back as McCall gets back up, but “Uncle Creepy” avoids the takedown, lands a knee and we’re back in the center of the cage. McCall now has Johnson against the cage and looks for a takedown, but Johnson immediately escapes. Nice hook from McCall, as Johnson attempts a takedown. Great job by McCall reversing the takedown, as both guys get back to their feet. McCall lands a nice hook, and Johnson looks for a takedown as this round comes to an end. Good start to this fight.
Round Two: McCall blitzes Johnson at the start, and earns a takedown. Johnson is down momentarily, but McCall can’t keep him there. McCall wobbles Johnson with an uppercut, but he can’t capitalize. Johnson now has McCall against the cage and lands a few knees before McCall switches position. We’re back to the center of the cage, with Johnson attempting to blitz McCall, although nothing lands. We have a leg kick catch Johnson low, so now we have a break in the action. The break is short lived, and we have a glove touch as soon as we’re back on. McCall earns a takedown off the break, but once again, he can’t keep Johnson down. McCall attempts to take Johnson’s back, eventually getting it and scoring a suplex. Johnson gets up and catches McCall with a nice straight right, pinning McCall against the cage and throwing knees. Nice spinning elbow from McCall, and we’re back in the center of the cage. With forty five seconds left in this round, Johnson lands a nice uppercut and looks to clinch, but McCall escapes. Head kick attempt by McCall, who earns a nice throw as this round comes to an end.
Round Three: They trade punches, as McCall clinches up and lands a few knees. Head kick attempt by McCall, followed by a takedown attempt. Johnson lands a knee on McCall, but Uncle Creepy gets Johnson against the cage and looks for a takedown. Johnson is out, and now earns a takedown against the cage. He grabs McCall’s back, and almost lands a huge straight right as McCall escapes. Great knee there by McCall. Johnson catches a leg kick and lands a few punches. McCall now manages to get Johnson against the cage, and tries for another foot sweep. Jump knee by McCall. McCall has Johnson back against the cage, as the two exchange knees. Johnson escapes, and lands a straight right and a nice teep. McCall once again has Johnson against the cage, and lands a knee. With thirty seconds left, Johnson gets McCall against the cage and works for a takedown. McCall attempts another foot sweep as this round comes to an end.
It appears that there won’t be another round. Tough fight to score. This one could go either way.
Official Result: Demetrious Johnson def. Ian McCall via Unanimous Decision
Johnson calls McCall the toughest guy in the UFC, even tougher than the entire bantamweight division. We’re reminded to play Xbox 360, and Johnson is out. McCall says he’s sorry for the loss, we’re reminded that this won’t be the end of Uncle Creepy in the UFC (Wait, does that mean someone out there thought he’d get cut if he lost?!) and we’re all done here.
Enjoy your evenings, everyone. We’ll have plenty to discuss tomorrow.
