Tag: liveblog

UFC 158: St-Pierre vs. Diaz — Live Results and Commentary


(I don’t always get so excited about a fight that I quote Tito Ortiz, but when I do, I say July 4th…has come early. Photo courtesy of MMAMania)

GSP. Diaz. The Bell Centre in Montreal. That’s right, Potato Nation, it’s finally time for UFC 158. If I need to say literally anything else to get you excited about this card, there is no hope for you at this point. Please show yourself out quietly, and no, we don’t care how exciting you think spring league baseball nonsense is.

But Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz isn’t the only great welterweight fight we have to look forward to tonight. Elsewhere on the card, Johny Hendricks battles Carlos Condit, and Jake Ellenberger welcomes Nate Marquardt back to the big leagues. Plus: A middleweight tilt between Nick Ring and Chris Camozzi, as well as a lightweight bout between TUF finalists Mike Ricci and Colin Fletcher, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Handling tonight’s liveblog will be none other than Aaron Mandel, who will diligently record every punch, kick, and Stockton Heybuddy thrown in the cage after the jump, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own observations into the comments section. Let’s do it…


(I don’t always get so excited about a fight that I quote Tito Ortiz, but when I do, I say July 4th…has come early. Photo courtesy of MMAMania)

GSP. Diaz. The Bell Centre in Montreal. That’s right, Potato Nation, it’s finally time for UFC 158. If I need to say literally anything else to get you excited about this card, there is no hope for you at this point. Please show yourself out quietly, and no, we don’t care how exciting you think spring league baseball nonsense is.

But Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz isn’t the only great welterweight fight we have to look forward to tonight. Elsewhere on the card, Johny Hendricks battles Carlos Condit, and Jake Ellenberger welcomes Nate Marquardt back to the big leagues. Plus: A middleweight tilt between Nick Ring and Chris Camozzi, as well as a lightweight bout between TUF finalists Mike Ricci and Colin Fletcher, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Handling tonight’s liveblog will be none other than Aaron Mandel, who will diligently record every punch, kick, and Stockton Heybuddy thrown in the cage after the jump, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own observations into the comments section. Let’s do it…

Good evening PotatoHeads, if you like cage fights or just 170 pound men in general, tonight is your night!  We’ve got your live play by play action so refresh early and often as we bring you all the action from UFC 158.

Mike Ricci vs. Colin Fletcher

Recent TUF runner-ups clash in this battle with hometown pretty boy Ricci against horror movie extra Fletcher.

Round 1- Fighters feeling it out on the feet to start.  Fletcher uses his long legs to throw some rangy kicks, Ricci firing back with hooks and straights.  First 90 seconds pass by rather uneventfully, Fletcher working kicks with Ricci showing a more varied arsenal.  Rogan calls Fletcher “the whitest human being he’s ever seen” and Goldberg wholeheartedly agrees which is indicative of the lack of action to call so far.  An exchange of kicks and punches.  Ricci throwing slow kicks and looking a bit stiff on the feet, Fletcher is flowing a little better but hasn’t landed yet, except to Ricci’s groin which Rogan calls “the best strike of the fight so far”, possibly true.  Ricci recovers and the round ends uneventfully.  10-9 Ricci, because, pride?

Round 2- Quicker pace to start, Ricci landing and then takes Fletcher down and works from Fletcher’s full guard.  Ricci postures up and lands some ground and pound, moves to side control along the cage as Fletcher goes for something Rogan calls “donkey guard”.  Ricci works around to back side mount along the cage and Fletcher works back to the feet and clinches Ricci against the cage now.  Fletcher is busted up, which gives his complexion a bit more variety.  They separate and strike from the center of the cage.  Body kick from Fletcher followed by a straight left from Ricci.  Fletcher throws a strong leg kick.  Ricci seems to be just barely getting the better of the striking but Fletcher is keeping a high volume of kicks coming.  Round ends and another snoozer, 10-9 Ricci, again, maybe?

Round 3- Fletcher’s eye is damaged in a way that makes him look even more terrifying and there is ice in the Octagon which of course Rogan flips out about (youtube “Rogan ice in the Octagaon” if you don’t get this reference).  Fletcher works for a takedown but Ricci defends and reverses as they pirouette around the cage.  Action is lacking and the crowd voices its displeasure as Fletcher tries hopelessly to clinch and drag Ricci down.  They separate and strike from the center.  Fletcher throws a spinning back first that misses badly and he is auditioning for a role in the next Evil Dead movie as the damage mounts from Ricci’s jabs.  Ricci drags Fletcher down against the cage with one minute left.  Ricci works to half guard as Fletcher seeks for submissions amid a flurry of ground and pound.  Ricci outscrambles Fletcher and takes his back with hooks in and searches for a choke that doesn’t quite get under the chin.  Ricci switches to an armbar and the fight ends.  10-9 Ricci, meh.

Mike Ricci defeats Colin Fletcher by unanimous decision

Nick Ring vs. Chris Camozzi

Camozzi rocking a mustache that can be described as questionable, at best, while Ring makes some statements in the promo like “I hope to beat this guy” that threaten to turn the field of philosophy on its head.

Round 1- Leg kicks from both fighters to start.  Good left from Camozzi.  Lots of leg and body kicks from both fighters in the first minute here.  Ring with a good left hook.  Cartoon uppercut misses from Camozzi.  Ring has his hands very low but hasn’t paid yet.  Overhand left from Camozzi lands.  Good exchange on the feet with both fighters getting some good shots in.  Rings gets clipped, tries to shoot for a takedown and is shrugged off.  Good right from Camozzi and Ring has a mouse forming under his right eye.  Lots of leg kicks from Ring.  A good flurry and combo from Ring as the round ends.  Close, I’d say 10-9 Camozzi.

Round 2- More kicks from both fighters to start round 2.  I wonder if there is a betting line now in Vegas on whether this card will see any more donkey guard?  Both fighters throwing punches, nothing major landing as the round nears the halfway point.  Good knee to the body from Camozzi followed by a good right hand.  Camozzi rushes in and tries for a standing guillotine but it’s not there and they separate back to striking range.  Camozzi seems to be at a sizeable speed disadvantage against Ring, perhaps he is tiring.  Good straight right and double jab from Camozzi.  Good knee from the clinch by Camozzi.  Ring throwing more punches but nothing significant is landing.  Rogan is convinced Ring is dominating but I disagree.  Right hand from Camozzi briefly staggers Ring.  Round ends and I’d say 10-9 Camozzi but Rogan feels differently.

Round 3- Final round begins on what so far has been a lackluster first two fights of the pay per view card.  Leg kicks from Ring rip into Camozzi.  Two lefts from Camozzi get through.  Camozzi throwing bombs that aren’t landing and ends up clinching Ring from behind and trying to drag it to the mat.  Ring works against the cage and separates.  More leg kicks from Ring, Camozzi is going to have trouble walking tomorrow.  Body shot from Ring and Camozzi is firing back.  Rogan and I are watching different fights I think, Camozzi seems to be winning in my book.   Ring is very tired and Camozzi is trying to pick him apart.  Thirty seconds left and Ring is badly gassed.  Camozzi can’t find a home for any of his bombs and the fight ends.  10-9 Camozzi, but we’ll see.  The crowd is booing, two snoozers so far.

Chris Camozzi defeats Nick Ring by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt

Marquardt makes his return after a few years away and this is his first fight at welterweight in the UFC.  He’s facing a tough test in Ellenberger and it will be interesting to see if the Marquardt who wrecked Tyron Woodley shows up or the one who dogged his way through a title loss to Tarec Saffedine.  Winner of this is possibly in position for a title eliminator in the near future.

Round 1- Leg kicks back and forth to start but almost no action in the first minute.  Marquardt flurries hard on Ellenberger but Jake escapes and nails Marquardt with a good shot.  Marquardt trying to exorcise some demons with a bunch of leg kicks.  Ellenberger rocks Marquardt with a right hook and drops him!  Marquardt crawls around on the ground searching for a takedown but Ellenberger knocks him out face first into the canvas!

Jake Ellenberger defeats Nate Marquardt by KO in round 1

Nate was complaining about the stoppage which is about as comical as anyone saying either of the first two fights were exciting.  Big win for Ellenberger, wouldn’t be surprised to see him get Condit if he wins or Hendricks if he loses next.

Carlos Condit vs. Johny Hendricks

Huge test for Hendricks here, he’ll get a title shot if he wins (or probably have it taken away again).  For Condit, this is a chance to play spoiler and vault himself right back into contention.

Round 1- Seven inch reach advantage for Condit, I never realized how small Hendricks is, but shit he packs the power. Touch of gloves to start, leg  kick from Condit and Hendricks throws the left hand bomb but Condit survives. Hendricks lands again but Condit knees back.  Hendricks slams Condit and then walks away.  Incredible first minute.  Flying knee and superman punch from Condit.  Hendricks fires back like a cannon and then takes Condit down.  Holy shit finally a breather as Hendricks lays on top of Condit against the cage.  Condit back to his feet but Hendricks drags him back down.  Condit slick off his back searching for an armbar/triangle.  Hendricks in full guard but Condit tying him up off his back and threatening with submissions.  Hendricks lets Condit back up as he was being outworked on the ground.  Hendricks picks Condit up again to slam but Condit lands out of it.  Hendricks back on top of Condit on the ground but Condit is rolling well.  Top control for Hendricks and they are again back to the feet!  Flying knee from Condit and huge lefts from Hendricks but Condit grabs and arm amidst the flurry and rolls for a Kimura.  Hendricks is turtled up on the ground and Condit takes his back as Hendricks stands back up.  Hendricks is free and they are both throwing bombs at each other.  Round ends with Condit pulling guard and threatening another sub.  Holy fuck best round of the year so far.  10-9 Hendricks and I need a new pair of pants.

Round 2- Incredible chin from Condit in that first round and unbelievable warrior spirit to throw back.  Second round starts with a Condit headkick being blocked.  Condit trying to take advantage of his reach.  Condit with another flying knee and Hendricks winging bombs as he tries to put Condit against the cage and nullify his range.  Hendricks using the left hook to the body now too and throws Condit into the cage and takes him down.  Condit threatens with a Kimura but Hendricks is free in top full guard.  Condit works back to the feet and nails Hendricks with a straight right.  Left hooks from Hendricks being met with another flying knee from Condit.  Hendricks shoots a double leg against the cage and gets Condit down.  Condit back to the feet again.  Hendricks can get him down but Condit can outmaneuver him when it’s there.  Hendricks tiring but times a flying knee from Condit and powers him down to the mat.  Hendricks on top in half guard and dropping elbows.  Condit calm and composed working off his back and again works back to the feet.  Condit tags Hendricks with a right hand.  Wild exchange and Hendricks dumps Condit on his back.  Round ends with Condit chasing Hendricks around the cage.  THIS IS A FUCKING FIGHT@!!!!! 10-9 Hendricks

Round 3- Condit looks insane as the third round starts, bleeding and exhorting the crowd.  Apparently Hendricks hurt his left hand but he’s still winging it.  Hendricks grabs a single leg and takes Condit down.  Condit working hard off his back but Hendricks holds him down well.  Hendricks raining the right hand now as Condit tries to reverse off the cage.  Condit is blasting Hendricks with punches and elbows from his back.  Condit searches for a kimura and rises to his feet.  Hendricks blasts Condit with a left hand.  Hendricks ducks under a head kick and drags Condit down.  Condit doing more damage from the bottom than Johny.  They are back to the feet with 90 seconds left and Condit absolutely rocks Hendricks, eyes roll back in his head but he clinches up and hangs on for dear life.  Condit separates but Hendricks powers him down again.  Condit back up and moving forward like a boss nailing Hendricks right and left.  Hendricks dumps him down though but Condit up again and fires forward as the fight ends.  Holy fuck.  10-9 Condit.  What a fight, these guys came to scrap.

Johny Hendricks defeats Carlos Condit by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

That was maybe the fight of the year! I think the decision was fair, first two rounds to Hendricks, third to Condit, but it’s hard to say there was a real loser here.  With Hendricks takedown skills I think a match against GSP would be really interesting.  Not sure we’ve seen the kind of chin or warrior spirit from GSP that Condit just showed.

Champ Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz

It’s main event time! The buildup and talk is about to end (except for Diaz continuing to talk shit in the cage) and the fight is on.  GSP holds most of the advantages here but if Diaz can be slick off his back and take GSP into the championship rounds with lots of volume punches to the body it could get interesting.  Get your mean mug ready! Diaz walks out in jeans to a chorus of boos, GSP gets the usual deafening ovation from the hometown crowd in his heavily sponsored gi.

Round 1- I AM WAY TOO PUMPED RIGHT NOW! No touch of the gloves and Montreal is realllly loud.  Leg kick from GSP and less than 30 seconds GSP takes Diaz down.  GSP on top working some strikes to the body.  Diaz throws his legs up looking for something but it’s not there.  GSP working a lot from the top throwing punches.  Diaz rolls to the turtled position but GSP is stuck to him throwing continual strikes.  GSP hops over Diaz to the other side, Diaz sprawls and tries to take GSP down but to no avail.  GSP back on top and working all around Diaz throwing strikes and transitioning quickly.  Huge elbows from GSP as he postures up.  Diaz trying to roll through but GSP is right with him and has maintained a dominant position throughout.  Diaz tries to work up the cage but GSP drags him back down.  Diaz with a blatant fence grab to get up but GSP muscles him down with ease.  GSP on his back with one hook in.  Diaz works up the cage again but GSP is smothering him.  Diaz working a standing kimura against the cage but GSP absolutely smashes him down to the mat.  10-9 or maybe even 10-8 GSP.

Round 2- Diaz looks super concussed, GSP ready to go as the round starts.  GSP with some kicks to start and 40 seconds in GSP dumps Diaz with a double leg.  Diaz working his legs around in full guard but GSP raining down some heavy strikes again.  Diaz tries to create space and roll for a leg but GSP defends and throws a huge knee to the body.  GSP manhandling Diaz around the cage.  A brief scramble ends with GSP on top in Diaz’s guard again.  Diaz grabs a wrist and tries to roll but GSP stays on top.  Diaz back to the feet finally and his face is a swollen mess.  Diaz finally does some taunting on the feet, GSP responds with a superman punch.  Round ends with Diaz talking shit and Yves Lavigne dragging him back to his corner. 10-9 GSP

“win or lose, he’s a bitch” – Nick Diaz in his corner between rounds.

Round 3- Diaz talking to GSP as they stand.  Diaz stuffs a GSP takedown!  GSP tries again and gets the fight to the ground.  Diaz literally crawls to the cage and gets back to the feet.  Nice body shot from Diaz, maybe the first real strike he’s landed this fight.  They stand but no real offense from Diaz, GSP mixing in the kicks with punches.  GSP tags Diaz with a punch and shoots for a takedown but Diaz shrugs him off against the cage.  Diaz starts to finally open with the strikes and seems to clip GSP behind the ear.  Volume striking begins but GSP dumps him to the canvas and starts unloading more ground and pound.  Round ends with GSP on top. 10-9 GSP but the most life we’ve seen from Diaz.

Diaz took a swing at GSP after the bell, gets a warning from Yves Lavigne.

Round 4- GSP’s corner does not want it on the feet.  Championship rounds begin and GSP working a stiff jab repeatedly.  Diaz stuffs a GSP takedown and blocks a GSP headkick.  Diaz shrugs off another takedown and is firing some big strikes, but none have landed flush.  GSP is starting to look busted up and Diaz throws him off on another takedown attempt.  They clinch against the cage with Diaz working some uppercuts and knees to the body.  Diaz strolling around the cage with his hands down.  GSP lands his first takedown of the round and lands in Diaz’s guard.  Diaz again crawls to the cage and works back up but Diaz sticks to his back and slams him brutally.  Diaz working for a kimura but GSP spins and takes his back.  GSP leaning Diaz into the cage.  Diaz drops down and works for a kimura again unsuccessfully.  Diaz tries to roll under for a leg, GSP on top again as the round ends.  10-9 GSP, closest round so far.

Round 5- Diaz throws a headkick that is blocked.  Straight left from Diaz and a good jab from GSP.  Nick stuffs a takedown and they are clinched.  Knees from the clinch from both fighters.  They separate and GSP works the jab over and over.  Diaz tries a headkick and slips, GSP is right on top of him and trying to take his back.  Diaz trying for a kimura.  GSP dominating the positions on the ground and throwing punches from the top.  Diaz does some weird gumby shit and he’s somehow out with 90 seconds left they’re standing.  Clinch between the two, Diaz working the body, they separate and GSP tries a headkick and then takes Diaz down.  Time running out as Diaz hunts for a submission and GSP continues striking.  Time expires, Diaz hugs GSP and raises his hand, classy.  10-9 GSP

Champ Georges St. Pierre defeats Nick Diaz by unanimous decision

GSP compliments Diaz’s jiu jitsu and boxing styles and exhorts the crowd to give respect to Diaz.  Diaz surprisingly coherent and classy in his post-fight interview and maybe, kinda sorta retires and then starts speaking in incomplete sentences and sort of more definitively retires.  He apologizes to Stockton and enters his fourth or fifth minute of talking before introducing Joe Rogan and walking off.  Diaz gonna Diaz.

Well that’s all folks, thanks for hanging out!

 

‘UFC on FUEL TV 8: Silva vs. Stann’ — Live Results and Commentary


(I don’t know, man. It’s just not the same without Joe Rogan creeping into your personal space. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

Wanderlei Silva, Mark Hunt, Takanori Gomi, the Saitama Super Arena — if you squint your eyes, maybe you can convince yourself that PRIDE, in fact, neva die. The UFC is back in Japan today with a crowd-pleasing lineup of battle-scarred legends, rising stars, and whatever you’d call Diego Sanchez and Brian Stann at this point. (“Reliable bangers”? Yeah, I guess that works.)

Taking us through the action is George Shunick, who will be stacking live results from the FUEL TV 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, and share your own feelings in the comments section.


(I don’t know, man. It’s just not the same without Joe Rogan creeping into your personal space. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

Wanderlei Silva, Mark Hunt, Takanori Gomi, the Saitama Super Arena — if you squint your eyes, maybe you can convince yourself that PRIDE, in fact, neva die. The UFC is back in Japan today with a crowd-pleasing lineup of battle-scarred legends, rising stars, and whatever you’d call Diego Sanchez and Brian Stann at this point. (“Reliable bangers”? Yeah, I guess that works.)

Taking us through the action is George Shunick, who will be stacking live results from the FUEL TV 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, and share your own feelings in the comments section.

Welcome, fightphiles. As the certainly competitive, generally entertaining, mildly controversial and split-decision ridden undercard comes to a close, I invite you to grab a nice cold beer excessively large bottle of freshly distilled moonshine, grab your remotes and put Fuel TV on before the main card starts. But, since no one actually has Fuel, you’ll have to make due with my verbose editorializing. See, this is why I told you to grab the moonshine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Potato Nation.

So, obviously we have Wanderlei Silva headlining tonight, and while PRIDE-era Wanderlei is the one we all remember, I can think of no more appropriate time to remind everyone of this video again. Why this is not a staple of Silva’s highlight reel is something I will never understand.

Some last minute predictions; Siyar by TKO/KO, Hirota by decision, Lombard by TKO/KO, Hunt by TKO/KO, and Stann by TKO/KO. Yeah, I’m predicting a violent night. I’ll probably be wrong, particularly about Hunt, but it’s cool because I can just go back and edit everything so it’ll look like I was right. Editing power corrupts even the most noble writers, after all. (Edit: Somehow, I missed Sanchez-Gomi as well. So, um, Sanchez by decision.)

Am I the only one who’s really enjoying that the UFC is using the Prometheus trailer music to promote GSP-Diaz? Because that trailer was awesome. (The movie… less so.)

Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Dong Hyun Kim

I’m not typing Bahadurzada over and over again. Deal.

Round 1

No touch of gloves. Kim’s high kick is blocked. Siyar looking for a counter hook. Feeling each other out, Kim trying to pressure Siyar into the fence. He succeeds, btu Siyar escapes. Back to the center. Siyar blocks a hard high kick. Head kick lands for Kim, but Siyar eats it. Big right hand from Siyar. Kim has a huge mouse over his right eye, no idea where it came from. Nice left hand from Kim, who takes Siyar down. Kim gets mount quickly. Working short ground and pound, as Siyar is not allowing him to posture up. Now working elbows. Herb Dean threatens a standup, which is unheard of from mount. BIG elbow from Kim. Siyar stands but Kim has his back. Siyar tries to escape, but Kim is on him. 10-9 Kim as the horn sounds.

Round 2

Siyar opening with some kicks now, then rushes in wildly but lands nothing. Kim throws a kick as Siyar punches. Neither lands clean. Siyar sprawls, but Kim is relentless. He takes Siyar down, and it doesn’t appear that Siyar has an answer off his back. Siyar is holding on, but Kim slowly breaks his grip and begins working short punches. The crowd boos at the relative lack of action, Siyar rolls, but ends up turtling. Kim gets mount, and resumes his short punches. Siyar tries and fails to bridge. Herb says keep working as Kim throws approximately 62 punches in succession. I don’t know what Herb Dean is expecting. Kim lets Siyar hit him after Siyar presumably complains about his predicament. Then Kim returns the favor with elbows. Siyar has presumably learned not to complain about being mounted. Another 10-9 for Kim.

Round 3

Big right hand from Siyar, but he’s swinging wildly. Kim with a fast double leg from rather far away, and despite Siyar’s sprawl, he lands it. Kim briefly achieves a crucifix before switching to mount. Kim working for an arm triangle from mount. Siyar  is defending, but Kim is slowly switching to side control. Now throwing knees. Kim has the choke, but Siyar is defending by “answering the phone”. Kim resumes the choke after a brief break. Now he mounts Siyar, while maintaining his grip. Now punching to Siyar’s body. The crrowd boos, because  complete dominance is apparently boring. Now Kim throws huge elbows, followed by heavy punches. Big hammerfists, but Siyar defends as best he can. Kim lets Siyar hit him again, before following with hammerfists which don’t actually land. Siyar tries to escape, but Kim ends up on top in north south position. 10-9, maybe even 10-8 Kim.

30-27 on all cards for Dong Hyun Kim. Duh.

Rani Yahya vs. Mizuto Hirota

Sweet, a fight! That means no commercials with Pitbull for a full five minutes!

Round 1

Big right from Yahya. Hirota stalking, but is taken down briefly by a Yahya single. Yahya almost takes his back, but slips. He grabs an arm, but Hirota escapes, and gets half guard. Now half butterfly. Hirota tries to escape, but Yahya holds on to his leg and sweeps him. Yahya trying to pass to half guard and he succeeds. Yahya now working short punches and elbows, though nothing of significance. Hirota escapes, but Yahya grabs a single and tosses Hirota to the mat. Yahya lands some short shots in Hirota’s guard, and passes to half guard again. Yahya now settling down and landing more short punches. Looking for a kimura now, Hirota is grbabing his own shorts. Yahya uses the kimura ot pass guard and takes Hirota’s back. Round over, 10-9 Yahya.

Round 2

Hirota pushes Yahya into the fence and gets double udnerhooks. Takes a big swing, then some more, but Yahya drops and grabs a single. He lands it and works for mount as Hirota tries to shoulder walk against the cage. Yahya gets mount. Yahya grabs an arm triangle from mount! It looks tight! Hirota is still conscious, but Yahya adjusts. Hirota escapes, though, and gains half butterfly guard. Now full guard, but he’s taking shots from Yahya. Yahya passes to half guard and lands more shots to Hirota’s dome. Hirota manages to regain guard, but he’s breathing heavy. He’s got to be worn down from surviving that choke. 10-9, maybe 10-8 from the submission attempt, for Yahya.

Round 3

Hirota moving forward, as Yahya dives for a single. Hirota sprawls and defends. Yahya lands a short right, then has another takedown stuffed. Hirota sprawls again. He seems fresher than Yahya. They stand and Hirota stuffs another takedown. But persistence pays off for Yahya, as he lands a single. But Hirota sweeps and gets an arm! Now going for a double armbar, but Yahya manages to survive. Yahya tries to take Hirota’s back, and slowly gets a hook in. They’re against the fence, so Yahya can’t complete the transition. Hirota escapes and lands a double leg. He passes to half guard. Now Yaya turtles and Hirota lands hammerfists. They stand, and Hirota comes forward with a flying knee! Yahya goes to the floor, possibly out of exhaustion, but he gets up. Hirota can’t catch him as he flurries at the end, and despite winning the third round 10-9, Yahya should take this.

29-28 across the board for Yahya. Fans boo. When did Japanese fans start booing? I’m fairly certain this is a new phenomenon. We need the world’s brightest scientists to get to the bottom of this.

Yushin Okami vs. Hector Lombard

Hector Lombard scares me. For that matter, most Olympic-level judo practitioners with knockout power and serious anger issues scare me. I feel like I’m not alone in this sentiment. Also, as our own Mr. Misanthropy pointed out, this is a fight between Yushin “Thunder” Okami and Hector “Lightning” Lombard, which makes this Joe Silva’s favorite matchup since he booked Dennis “Superman” Hallman against John “Doomsday” Howard. (If you don’t get that reference, you’ve failed in your responsibilities as a citizen of the world.)

Round 1

Lombard stalking Okami. They exchange, and Lombard is throwing heat. Nothing lands so far. Inside leg kick Okami. Big kick from Lombard, but Okami catches it and finishes the takedown. But Lombard grabs an underhook and stands. Both land. Yushin keeps circling away from Lombard left hand. Smart. Throws a body kick which lands. Nice counter jab from Okami. Knee lands from Okami. Lombard barely misses a big hook. Both land as Lombard comes in, but Lombard lands cleaner. He over-commits on a hook, though, and Okami ducks under and land a takedown.  Working inside Lombard’s half-butterfly guard,  Okami lands a few shots. Now in half guard. Okami landing shots to the side of Lombard’s head. Lombard gets underhooks, though. and stands. Okami pushes him into the fence where they exchange knees. Hector reverses position, but Okami is still landing knees. Round ends, 10-9 Okami.

Round 2

Lombard slowly stalking Okami again. Nice knee from Okami. Lombard is having trouble getting inside on the bigger fighter. Okami landing nice jabs and lands a hard punch. Lombard misses a hook and eats a jab. Nice inside leg kick from Lombard. Okami succesfully using footwork and his jab to fluster Lombard. Nice cross from Okami. He misses a high kick. Nice cross from Okami. Lombard hits a body shot. Okami shoots hard for a single, and after a scramble he lands it. He immediately passes to half guard. Lombard works Okami’s body from the bottom, but it’s for naught. Okami is smothering him, and lands shots to the side of his head. He’s flattened Lombard’s hips out, so Lombard is incapable of returning to his feet. Okami is trying to pass and moves to mount. He postures up and throws a big elbow that misses. Now working smaller shots to Lombard’s temple. 10-9 Okami.

Round 3

Lombard coming out strong. Lands a number of hard strikes. He’s hurt Okami!! Okami is on wobbly feet. Lombard swarming with jabs, uppercuts, hooks and crosses. Okami returns fire with a knee. Okami shoots, but Lombard sprawls and Okami’s on his back. Lombard is in half guard, but he’s not working. He misses an elbow, and Okami grabs an underhook. He uses it to grab a single leg, but Lombard sprawls. He lands with hammerfists, but he can’t create the separation he needs. Now he escapes, and enters Okami’s guard. Not sure why he didn’t stand and let Okami trade with him on the feet. Okami stands. Lombard works for a single, but it goes nowhere. Lombard sprawls on Yushin’s shot and… enters guard. Now he passes to half guard. Poor strategy by Lombard, who is doing nothing on the ground. Yushin uses underhooks to improve his posture and regain guard. Lombard tries to posture up, but is too tired. 10-9 Lombard, but terrible strategy at the end costs him the fight.

Somehow this was a split-decision. Unreal. Yushin Okami wins 29-28 on two cards, while Lombard takes a completely undeserved 29-28 on one. How you score either of the first two rounds for Lombard is so utterly beyond my comprehension, I’m incapable of describing the sheer incompetence involved within the limitations of the English language.

Takanori Gomi vs. Diego Sanchez

It’s always unfortunate when you don’t get to see Diego Sanchez’ latest entrance histrionics. Oh well, nothing topping the cross walkout anyway.

Round 1

Sanchez takes the center of the Octagon. Gomi moves forward and lands a right. Lands another to the body as Sanchez kicks to his body. Gomi flashing a jab, but it’s more of a distraction than anything. Lands another right hand as Sanchez fakes a kick. Sanchez lands a jab. Gomi lands another right. He lands another, but as he does Diego lands a low blow. The fight resumes, and Sanchez lands a right and gets a takedown. But Gomi immediately grabs underhooks and stands. Inside leg kick Sanchez as the crowd chants “Gomi!” Jab lands from Sanchez. Nice body shot from Sanchez, followed by a kick. Jab from Gomi. And another. Nice body kick from Sanchez. Gomi lands a knee, but Sanchez lands a takedown. He works for a kneebar, but Gomi escapes and stands. Jab from Gomi then a big shot to the body. Then a jab from Gomi. Big right from Gomi to the top of Diego’s skull. They exchange kicks. Big body kick from Gomi which Sanchez catches as the round ends. 10-9 Gomi.

Round 2

Jab lands for Gomi. Sanchez lands a combination, but Gomi retorts with a body shot. Big jab from Gomi. Sanchez lands another combo. Gomi stuffs Diego’s shot. Jab misses for Gomi. Another big shot to the body by Gomi. Diego’s headkick is blocked. Sanchez lands another low blow and is warned by Marc Goddard. Gomi pressuring Sanchez, and lands a big left hook. Sanchez lands a low kick. They exchange jabs. Gomi lands another. The body shots seem to have worn on Diego, who lands another low kick. Nice jab from Sanchez, though. Big body kick from Sanchez. Inside leg kick from Gomi. Sanchez lands another kick. Diego lands a right hook, and is using a lot of feints now. Gomi lands a right as Diego tries for a takedown but fails. Body kick from Gomi. Big body kick from Sanchez. Another, but it’s caught. Gomi rushes and flurries, but Sanchez throws a nice counter. They exchange as the bell ends. Very close round.

Round 3

The crowd is up for this last round. Diego literally runs out to the center of the Octagon. Digeo lands a low kick. Gomi swinging and missing. Low kick Gomi. The pace has slowed considerably. Jab from Sanchez. Nice kick as well. Then a counter hook. Diego is beginning to take control. Nice jab from Gomi. Switch front kick misses from Sanchez. Nice jab from Gomi. Jab from Gomi blocked. Another body kick from Sanchez. Jab from Gomi. Big body kick from Sanchez again. Diego shoots, but Gomi sprawls. Nice counter jab from Gomi. Gomi counters a Diego kick and almost takes him down. Body shot from Gomi. Inside leg kick from Sanchez, but a counter hook from Gomi. Sanchez tries a body lock, but Gomi escapes. Nice kick from Sanchez, but it’s caught. Gomi lands a solid kick. Sanchez landed towards the end. The bell sounds. Close round, again. Not sure who takes this.

Aaaaaand… it’s a split-decision for the winner, Diego Sanchez. 29-28 on two cards, and an understandable decision, even if the most dominant round of the fight was Gomi winning the first. Clarification: if the fight was scored in totality, Gomi clearly won. But on a round by round basis, with his kicks to the body and Gomi’s waning production, it’s understandable how Sanchez managed to get that decision.

Mark Hunt vs. Stefan Struve

If these next two fights don’t end in finishes, I won’t know what to believe in any more.

Round 1

Head kick misses from Struve. Hunt bullies him into the fence, then backs off. Struve eats a leg kick. Body shot from Hunt. Another leg kick from Hunt. Hunt misses a hook, but lands a body shot. They exchange jabs. Hunt lands a hook, but Struve clinches and pulls guard. Sturve has half butterfly guard. Struve sweeps Hunt to mount. Hunt gets half guard. (!?!?) Struve looking for an arm triangle, but Hunt defends. Struve passes to mount. Big shots from Hunt who turns over. Struve going for an armbar from the back. Hunt escapes and is in Struve’s butterfly guard. Big right from Hunt. Struve working for a triangle. Hunt escapes, but chooses to throw leather in Struve’s guard. Hunt almost passes Struve’s guard and then he does! (WTF AM I WATCHING!?!?!) Round ends, 10-9 Mark Hunt.

Round 2

Big left hook from Hunt! Hunt backs out, though. He lands another, but he’s wary of closing the distance. Nice jabs from Struve. Big body shot from Hunt. More shots from Hunt. Jab from Hunt. Followed by big shots. Left hook followed by a right cross. Body kick from Struve. Double jab and cross from Hunt. Hooks to the head and body from Hunt. Left hook from Hunt. Hunt lands a footsweep, but why? Struve working for a triangle. Hunt stands, but Struve grabs a leg lock. Struve almost takes his back, but Hunt ends up in Struve’s guard. Hunt landing punches from Struve’s guard and then gets side control. I don’t know what’s going on. Struve stands, and is taken down and is mounted. Struve’s ground and pound isn’t really landing, though. Now it is, but Struve is tired. He goes for an armbar, but Hunt escapes and gets in Struve’s guard. Another 10-9 for Hunt.

Round 3

They shake hands. Struve looking for uppercuts. Hunt goes body-head-body. Huge hook from Hunt! Inside leg kick from Struve. Nice jab from Hunt. Another hook from Mark Hunt. More punishment follows. Struve lands a head kick. Both men are tired. Big right and left from Hunt. Struve is hurt and Hunt is landing. He floors Struve with the left hook and it’s over!!! Hunt is officially the savior of UFC on Fuel 8.

Well, that was fun. Stefan Struve needs to learn that he isn’t wearing 8 ounce gloves and can’t just keep his head still and cover up. Also, that his guard isn’t as good as most people think it is. Mark Hunt is now officially a contender. Heavyweights, ladies and gentlemen. [UPDATE: for those questioning the stoppage, Herb Dean urged Struve to continue, but Struve’s jaw was broken. Hence the stoppage.]

Wanderlei Silva vs. Brian Stann

Among Wanderlei Silva’s keys to victory; “feints.” Wanderlei Silva does not know what this”feints” you speak of is, but if it means something other than “maul,” he will not suffer your cowardly suggestions. And now, the only time “Sandstorm” is tolerable to listen to, Wanderlei’s entrance.

Round 1

Intense staredown. They touch gloves. Stann rushes in, they exchange wildly, but Silva now has the Thai clinch. They exchange wild uppercuts and Silva goes down!, He recovers and they clinch. Silva lands a knee and they break. Big exchange there. Wanderlei waves him on and they exchange wildly again. Silva is dropped, but gets up. This is old school, wild MMA. They exchange on the edge of the Octagon. They do so again, but Silva takes a kick to the balls. Wanderlei gets a pause, and both men catch their breath. Stann’s nose is probably broken. They resume. Jab from Silva. And another. Stann lands a low kick, but Silva lands a counter. Stann pressing forward. The action has lulled as both men slowly get their wind back. Low kick Stann. HUGE EXCHANGE!! They both go down, and Stann ends up in Silva guard. Stann is gushing blood. This fight – this round – has compensated for the relative lack of violence on this entire card. 10-9 Stann.

Round 2

They exchange again, both men land. And again. There really isn’t a word to describe what happens when these two clash. It’s just loads of haymakers and blood. Silva’s hook is blocked. Jab to the body from Silva. Low kick from Stann. Another jab from Silva. Silva misses a wild right. He lands a jab, but Silva gets kicked in the balls again. Brian gets warned by Marc Goddard. The fight resumes. Low kick from Stann lands. Silva backs him up with a right. Big right from Stann. Head kick lands from Wanderlei. Hard low kick from Stann. Body kick from Silva. Right from Stann. HUGE RIGHT FROM SILVA, FOLLOWED BY A LEFT THAT DROPS STANN! Silva leaps on him and separates Stann from consciousness with ground and pound. Wanderlei Silva wins one of the most exciting fights in recent memory, and his homecoming to Japan, in emphatic fashion. Wow. What a fight.

Well, there went Mark Hunt’s KO of the Night bonus. Stann is still on his stool. Silva is jubilant. Unreal. The replay shows just how hard Silva’s punch was; he leaped into the right straight that started things. Stann is classy in defeat, even though he’s clearly heartbroken. Frankly, both men deserve thanks. Before the last two fights, the memory of this event would probably be some unruly amalgamation of astronauts, Pitbull, split-decisions and “WHERE YOU AT, GEORGES!?” Now? Violent, violent knockouts. These made the entire event worthwhile. Until next time, Potato Nation.

UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche — Main Card Results & Commentary


(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 fighter Elias 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 fighter Elias 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)

UFC on FUEL 7: Barao vs. McDonald — Main Card Results & Commentary


(It’s kind of offensive that the UFC promos keep referring to Barao as a “monster.” He’s a human being, okay? An aggressive, scary human being whose mother just happens to be half-cthulhu / Photo via MMAJunkie.)

Today at the Wembley Arena in London, UFC interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao and 22-year-old phenom Michael McDonald will do battle to determine who’s truly the greatest 135-pound fighter in the world, at least until Dominick Cruz finally heals up and puts an end to this ridiculous charade. Alright, so an interim title might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still a damn good fight, and the rest of the card features a crowd-pleasing assortment of slugfests and future stars.

Leading us through today’s UFC on FUEL 7 liveblog is Alex Giardini, who will be laying down round-by-round results from the main card broadcast after the jump beginning at 3 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please share your own thoughts in the comments section.


(It’s kind of offensive that the UFC promos keep referring to Barao as a “monster.” He’s a human being, okay? An aggressive, scary human being whose mother just happens to be half-cthulhu / Photo via MMAJunkie.)

Today at the Wembley Arena in London, UFC interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao and 22-year-old phenom Michael McDonald will do battle to determine who’s truly the greatest 135-pound fighter in the world, at least until Dominick Cruz finally heals up and puts an end to this ridiculous charade. Alright, so an interim title might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still a damn good fight, and the rest of the card features a crowd-pleasing assortment of slugfests and future stars.

Leading us through today’s UFC on FUEL 7 liveblog is Alex Giardini, who will be laying down round-by-round results from the main card broadcast after the jump beginning at 3 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please share your own thoughts in the comments section.

Cheerio, my lovely Po-ta-toes…glad to be sharing this sunny afternoon with you all and I am hopeful for a couple of hours filled with ultra-violence. A lot of questions will be answered today live from Wembley Arena – will Renan Barao enter the pool of “Brazilian champions that clean out their entire division” for years to come? Will Michael McDonald prove he isn’t the only up-and-coming star McDonald even if the other MacDonald spells his name MacDonald? Will Dustin Poirier and Cub Swanson provide us with an early fight of the year nomination? Will Jorge Santiago continue the curse of “Big in Japan, small in UFC”? Will Matt Riddle get spit on again? Don’t touch the remote/mouse/track pad (or finger if you’re using an iPad/iPhone or something but who in the blue hell watches fights on those?)

Intro video begins….McDonald says he is not here to make predictions but win fights…Barao says it is his belt, and nobody will take it away….bring on the afternoon.

Anik and Florian get us going…they mention this is the first title fight in the UK since 2008 and both main event competitors have not yet lost in the Octagon.

Che Mills vs. Matt Riddle

Round 1: Riddle has got me wondering if that hairstyle is new. Riddle taunts the crowds a bit; giving England the Bret Hart pose. Guest Octagon girl Carly Baker gets the up-and-down and the main card is underway. Both touch gloves…both trying to establish the jab. Riddle goes for a single-leg. He pushes Mills against the fence. He lets go, and both men clinch. Mills trying to break loose but Riddle grinds him further. Riddle throwing some knees, none of them too hurtful. Riddle going for the single again. Riddle scores the takedown. Mills successfully gets up. Both clinched against the fence once more. Riddle working the wrist. Mills separate, and both men on their feet. Front-left kick by Mills. Riddle scores another single-leg takedown. Mills gets up and both men now at the centre. Inside leg-kick by Mills. Nice hook by Riddle. Riddle clinches Mills once more against the fence. Mills gets in a nice knee. Riddle looking for a double-takedown…gets his hips up…and gets it. Riddle on top of Mills. Mills has got Riddle’s right leg trapped and Riddle works on top of him, closing the round with a short elbow. 10-9 Riddle.

Round 2: Riddle catches Mills with a nice right after the glove touch. Riddle scores a big takedown after a crazy Che Mills kick. Riddle gets a North-South choke. Working on it…but Mills isn’t in trouble yet. Riddle trying to clench his hands together. Riddle bails on it, goes into side control. Riddle throwing some knees to the ribs.  Riddle trying to mount. Riddle gets an underhook, giving Mills some shots to the dome. Working with his knees and fists, Riddle still in side control. Nice shot by Riddle as he is almost mounted. Riddle in half-guard. Riddle trying to bridge and now he gets mount. Mills give him his back. Mills switches but Riddle stays on the back and tries for a rear-naked. Both are against the cage and Riddle transitions to mount. The round closes with not much damage to Mills. 10-9 Riddle.

Round 3: Both men hug instead of glove-touching. Nice jab by Mills. He goes for a head-kick, Riddle blocks. Riddle missing most of his jabs. Riddle working a single-leg once again. Crowd boos (obviously). Mills won’t go down. Riddle sends him back to the clinch. Mills sprawls against the cage trying to prevent the takedown. Riddle goes for a takedown and Mills ends up on top of Riddle’s back but Riddle is back up. Riddle scores another takedown. Riddle in Mills’ guard, with some light punches to the ear. Solid elbow from Riddle. Riddle moves into half-guard. Mills has the right-leg trapped. Mills reverses, and is on top. He needs to do something huge. He gets up and rains down some punches. Riddle is on the floor asking him to come down. Mills stays up, and the referee stands them up. Riddle works the single-leg yet again as the round closes. 10-9 Riddle.

Riddle should get the nod.  Very effective takedowns. Scorecards in a minute…

Matthew Riddle def. Che Mills by Split Decision (29-28 Riddle, 29-28 Mills, 30-27 Riddle)

Nick The Tooth is sitting where the girls sit tonight?! With that babe Baker?! Hey, is that Bloodstain Lane fight still happening?

Anyhow….yeaaaah, don’t think this one is going to a decision.

James Te Huna vs. Ryan Jimmo 

Round 1: Leon Roberts gets them going…. Te Huna locks Jimmo up against the fence with double-underhooks…Te Huna trying to throw some knees in there…referee warns them, wants more action. They get separated. Jimmo with a crazy headkick and drops Te Huna! Jimmo raining down elbows and fists but Te Huna is surviving. Jimmo in the guard, Te Huna is split open. Hard to see if its coming from the eyes or the forehead. Cut is around the right eye. Both men on their feet. Te Huna tries a choke but to no avail. Jimmo now trying to secure a choke. Jimmo trying to get some punches on the inside. Te Huna raining down some twelve-to-six elbows to the cranium. Nothing is putting Jimmo in trouble yet. Nice elbows by Te Huna. Still working the elbows but now gets warned by Roberts is Te Huna. Jimmon ends the round in the guard. 10-9 Jimmo.

Round 2: Replay of that menacing flush kick. Both men bouncing around, no strikes yet. Jimmo switches stance, goes for the kick again but misses. Te Huna trying for inside leg-kicks but gets nothing. Te Huna looking for a single-leg up against the cage. Both men clinched against the fence, another warning for not doing much. Big swiping, side takedown by Te Huna, now in side control. Throwing some elbows to Jimmo’s face. Still in side control, chipping away with punches. Jimmo squirming. Te Huna now in full mount. Te Huna trying to get his right leg loose, which is trapped. Nice short elbows by Te Huna. Some big ground and pound by Te Huna. Nice big rights by Te Huna. Hammerfists raining down, Jimmo surviving. Te Huna continues with some short elbows, and Te Huna gets up as the round closes.  All square. 10-9 Te Huna.

Round 3: Both men touch’em. One round a piece. Jimmo misses a kick. Jimmo escapes a takedown attempt. Jimmo works Te Huna up against the fence. Jimmo pressuring and working a takedown. Te Huna still postured up. Roberts getting impatient again. Te Huna will a knee and a big elbow. Both at the centre of the Octagon now. Te Huna pits Jimmo up against the cage. Jimmo reverses, now has control. Back and forth fight. Te Huna gets another takedown from the bodylock and has Jimmo against the cage on his back. Te Huna working the hammerfists and elbows. Jimmo looks to be cut, hard to tell where the blood is coming from. It is in fact Te Huna’s cut. A minute to go, more elbows from Te Huna. Jimmo’s corner yelling at the fighter to get back to his feet. Jimmo in butterfly guard underneath Te Huna. Jimmo and Te Huna seem to be talking to each other. Te Huna on his feet, trying to make it rain but the round closes. Big comeback from Te Huna. 10-9 Te Huna.

Well, this liveblogger should shut it with his predictions. Was Round 1 a 10-8 for Jimmo? You never know with these crazy judges…

James Te Huna def. Ryan Jimmo by Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Big win by Te Huna…great composure in Round 1, he was in a boatload of trouble.

They show a little clip from UFC Primetime: Rousey vs. Carmouche…you may think this is a squash fight for the ages but the past two episodes have been quite good.

Gunnar Nelson vs. Jorge Santiago

Round 1: Both welterweights touch gloves. Nelson with his awkwardly-funny karate stance.  Santiago throwing some wild rights, nothing landing. Big knee by Santiago.  Nice switch-kick by Nelson. Nelson tries a side-kick to the body, lands. Nelson switching stances often. Big headkick by Santiago, doesn’t fully connect. Front-kick by Nelson. Santiago blocks a body-kick. Double-leg by Nelson, in half-guard. Nelson on his feet…splits open Santiago’s legs and eats a punch. Both back to their feet. Jab-catches by Nelson as Santiago tries to find a home for them. Not much action from both men back on their feet thus far. Kick to the body by Nelson, keeps Santiago on the outside. Santiago rushing in, catches Nelson with a good punch. Nelson looking for a takedown, doesn’t get it…back to the center, and the round closes. Close one. 10-9 Nelson.

Round 2: Santiago misses a headkick. Nice strikes by Nelson, good left hand. Santiago throwing some wild ones, none landing. Nelson catches him with a big right hand, and goes for the takedown. Level-change and a double from Nelson. Gunnar in side control. Good short elbows by Gunnar. Nelson trying to get a significant position.  Nelson now in the closed guard. Nelson trying to slam for a second, but lets it go. Nelson controlling the posture. Big elbow from Nelson to Santiago’s face. Another elbow by Nelson. Nelson gets up, tries to move around and gets right back down. Nelson passes guard, in side control now. Nelson mounted. Nelson continues to throw elbows. 10-9 Nelson.

Round 3: Santiago trying to land a combo. Nelson’s feet planted. Nelson goes for a sidekick. Santiago fights off the takedown attempt. Santiago lands a right hand. Headkick blocked by Santiago. Right hand by Nelson, catches Santiago off-guard. Santiago now has Nelson against the fence. Elbow and knees by Santiago. Another right by Santiago who is throwing some wild ones. Nice straight right by Nelson. Both men shuffling around the cage. Nice right by Santiago. Good uppercut by Santiago. Another uppercut from Nelson and immediate right hand by Santiago who looks pretty wobbly. Knee by Nelson, clinched up against the fence. Big uppercut from Nelson once more. Goes for a takedown, Santiago fights it off. Santiago with a hook but misses…Nelson catches him with a right hand. Santiago misses an uppercut and Santiago pouring it on…Santiago with a nasty right at the end of the fight. Saved by the bell? 10-9 Nelson

Gunnar Nelson def. Jorge Santiago by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Decision heavy but good fights thus far…this one’s is a sleeper…

Jimi Manuwa vs. Cyrille Diabate

Round 1: Both touch gloves…. Manuwa with a tight stance. Diabate misses a combo. Manuwa with a good lowkick.  Manuwa pushes Diabate against the fence, reversal. Manuwa gets superior position and gets the takedown. Manuwa in side control. Manuwa trying to work. Back on their feet. Diabate eats a stiff, short elbow. Manuwa grinding Diabate against the fence. Highkick from Manuwa. Stiff right from Manuwa and takes him down again. Manuwa lets him up. Right hook by Manuwa. Misses a left hook, Manuwa. Side kick by Manuwa. Both men in the clinch, delivering short elbows. Diabate hits him with a knee and Manuwa follows immediately with a left-hook. Big knee to the midsection by Diabate. Manuwa takes him down again.  Manuwa stands up and the round closes. 10-9 Manuwa.

Fight is over?! Diabate is unable to continue. Something’s up with his leg….

Yep, that’s it…looks like Diabate’s calf muscle is messed up. Disappointing.

Jimi Manuwa def. Cyrille Diabate by TKO (Corner Stoppage), Round 1, 5:00. 

I guess that’s the stoppage we *weren’t* looking for…but it did put an end to those decisions. “Party Up” by DMX blazing through the arena and that is fitting because our co-main event should be one hell of a barnburner.

Anik announces that the fighter rankings with be updated thirty-six hours after UFC events. They also show up next to the fighter’s names on fight intros and upcoming cards…whatever.

Cub Swanson vs. Dustin Poirier

Round 1: Both men exchanging glares. They touch gloves. Both men block each others’ lowkicks. Swanson with a wild right, misses. Poirier with a nice lowkick. Swanson pouring it on, with two hooks followed by a body shot. Swanson with a right hand. Poirier tries to take him down but unsuccessful. Swanson leading in with a lowkick then a right hook, misses. Big right by Poirier followed by another lowkick. Swanson with a hook then body shot. Counter-right from Poirier. Swanson with a lowkick. Poirier continues with the lowkicks. Swanson keeps charging in. Highkick checked by Poirier. Poirier clinches Swanson against the cage. Both men break out. Body shot by Swanson. Big uppercut rocks Poirier. Both exchange and Swanson is throwing them wildly. Swanson pouring it on but Poirier catches his heel and takes him down. Poirier in the guard. Tries to rain down some elbows but Swanson covers up effectively. Flying knee from Swanson misses. So does a frontkick by Poirier. 10-9 Swanson.

Round 2: Swanson tries to work a jab. Poirier working with those lowkicks. Body shot by Swanson. Left hook misses by Swanson. Nice combo from Poirier. Nice shot to Swanson’s body by Poirier. Poirier with another kick to the leg. Right misses from Poirier. Big kick to the body by Swanson. Poirier goes for the takedown. Clinches Swanson against the fence. Swanson escapes. Front-kick misses by Poirier. Kick checked by Swanson but he lands a big right hand. Big double-leg takedown by Poirier. Swanson going for the arm. Poirier stands with a shoulder lock on Swanson but Swanson breaks free. Swanson eats a good three-hit combo by Poirier. Poirier looking for a takedown as he has Swanson against the fence. Both men back at the center. Poirier with a good right hand. Another lowkick by Poirier. Good technical fight thus far. 10-9 Poirier.

Round 3: Swanson hits him with a left hook. Poirier pushing him against the fence. Tries a double. Poirier cannot secure the hips just yet. Instead he clinches with Swanson and throws some big shots towards Swanson. Left hand connects. Huge left hand by Poirier as they get back to the center. Another left by Poirier. Nice jab from Poirier backs up Cub. Swanson gets a big takedown and is in Poirier’s guard. Poirier going for some elbows but Swanson returns the favor with some hammerfists too. Swanson gets his back. Gets the hooks in. Goes for the choke but nothing secured yet. Swanson still working the back. Poirier trying to stand up. Swanson has the back still. Poirier tries to stand up, may look for a slam while Cub is on his back. Swanson gets mount as Poirier tries to shuffle. Swanson on his feet pouring it on. Both men on their feet. Poirier gets a short elbow in. Swanson sweeps and throws Poirier down. Swanson has an arm trapped and works the back once more. Both fighters talking to each other. Swanson looking for an armbar. Poirier is out and rains down but the fight finishes in Swanson’s guard. 10-9 Swanson.

We needed that…hope the judges get this one right…

Cub Swanson def. Dustin Poirier by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Judges get it right…Swanson looks like a fighter reborn – not the same dude that got slaughtered by Aldo. Main event time, brothers and sisters.

Renan Barao (c) vs. Michael McDonald 

McDonald comes out to some indie Barenaked Ladies stuff…you know, the kind of song that would take the world by storm if it was on The OC last night. Barao comes out to a reggaeton banger. I’ll have to Shazam this when I rewatch…

Round 1: They touch gloves and were underway. Both start with the feeling out process. McDonald misses with the right, Barao misses with a highkick. Both grapple and Barao gets a takedown early. In side control now is Barao. He hops into McDonald’s guard. McDonald looks to setup a triangle. Barao keeping him locked. Both men back on their feet. Both guys have their hands up high, lots of respect thus far. McDonald with a nice left hand that finds its way through. Barao and McDonald exchange wild rights, nothing too harmful. Barao with a nice left hand. Barao with a nice lowkick. Barao goes for the takedown, stuffed. Barao catches him with a right in a short exchange. McDonald pouring it on, big right hand! Barao is hurt, and gets a body-lock. He hits McDonald with some nice rights against the cage. Barao gets a takedown and looks fully recovered. Barao in the guard as the round closes. 10-9 Barao.

Round 2: Both guys hesitant at first. Barao with a right that slips through in an exchange. McDonald with a good left hand. McDonald with an uppercut. Barao goes for a spinning axe-kick, misses though. McDonald with left. Both men keeping it cool on their feet, looking for an opening. McDonald gets a right in, Barao goes for the takedown and stuffed. Barao gets another takedown, secures it and McDonald gets back up by delivering an upkick from his back. Barao unable to land a combo. McDonald misses with a left and right. Referee steps in as Barao accidently pokes the challenger. McDonald rocks Barao back with a good combo, but McDonald took some hits too. Uppercut by McDonald misses and Barao swings a wild right. Both men trying to capitalize as they get on the inside. Big front-kick to the face by Barao. Counter-right by McDonald, Barao pushes back.  Barao lands a nice right in an exchange but has a cut over his right eye. Tries for a spinning kick as the round ends. 10-9 Barao.

Round 3: Both men are shuffling again at the beginning. Barao catches McDonald with a good combination. Barao goes for a kick, doesn’t throw it. Barao blitzes in with a combination into a body lock and has McDonald against the cage. Takes him down, Barao now in side control. McDonald escapes. McDonald lands a right hand. Barao goes for the front-kick again. McDonald with an uppercut, doesn’t quite catch Barao. Barao with a left hook followed by a solid right hand. McDonald looking for that uppercut quite often. Barao keeping tight. McDonald connects with an uppercut. Both men starting to tire but just a bit. Barao catches him with a spinning kick to the chin, McDonald not in too much trouble. Another front-kick by Barao but doesn’t make it through. Championship rounds, a first for the challenger. 10-9 Barao.

Round 4: Both men circling again. Some smiles back and forth from both dudes. Left hand by Barao. McDonald gets a right in. McDonald stuffs the takedown. Barao with a wild right, misses. Barao throwing a headkick and flying knee but doesn’t catch McDonald. Challenger is bleeding from the nose. McDonald stays upright against the fence, doesn’t allow Barao to follow-up on a takedown. Very technical fight so far. Barao gets another spinning kick to connect with McDonald’s face. Barao misses with a jab. McDonald keeping his head moving. Barao gets McDonald down and has an arm triangle in. McDonald gives the thumbs up. Barao trying to sink it in. Barao keeps position. McDonald trying to stay alive. McDonald in trouble….the challenger taps.

A bloody Barao dances and McDonald congratulates the champion. Good fight; something tells me these two will have a great rivalry in the near future.

Renan Barao def. Michael McDonald by Submission (Arm Triangle), Round 4, 3:57.

So…Barao says “Dominick Cruz, I am waiting for you…come back quick”. Triple threat match, with these three, I’m down. It was a decent afternoon of fights. Poirier-Swanson may not have been the fight of the year (unless 2013 utterly sucks), although it was the best one on the main card alongside the main event.  Jimi Manuwa *finishes* Diabate, Te Huna scores an impressive comeback victory, Riddle stays clear of saliva, Nelson wins over Santiago (he lost five straight during three separate UFC stints) and this guest Octagon girl is saucy as hell.  That’s it for me, Potato Nation…until next time.

UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar — Main Card Results & Commentary


(“The name’s Frankie. I fight dudes twice.” Photo via MMAFighting)

Tonight at UFC 156 in Las Vegas, Jose Aldo goes for his fourth-consecutive UFC featherweight title defense, while former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar attempts to become the third fighter in UFC history to pick up a belt in two different weight classes. And that’s just the cherry on top of a stacked Super Bowl Eve card, which is loaded with big names and high stakes from start to finish.

Also on the menu: Alistair Overeem returns from suspension to clinch his heavyweight title shot with a win over Antonio Silva, while a victory for Rashad Evans over Lil’ Nog could set him up for a middleweight title fight against Anderson Silva for some reason. Plus, Jon Fitch and Demian Maia look to continue their recent surges in the welterweight division, while Joseph Benavidez and Ian McCall square off at flyweight because honestly, who else are those guys going to fight?

Round-by-round results from the Aldo vs. Edgar pay-per-view card will be stacking up after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, courtesy of George “Bigfoot” Shunick. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please toss your own thoughts into the comments section.


(“The name’s Frankie. I fight dudes twice.” Photo via MMAFighting)

Tonight at UFC 156 in Las Vegas, Jose Aldo goes for his fourth-consecutive UFC featherweight title defense, while former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar attempts to become the third fighter in UFC history to pick up a belt in two different weight classes. And that’s just the cherry on top of a stacked Super Bowl Eve card, which is loaded with big names and high stakes from start to finish.

Also on the menu: Alistair Overeem returns from suspension to clinch his heavyweight title shot with a win over Antonio Silva, while a victory for Rashad Evans over Lil’ Nog could set him up for a middleweight title fight against Anderson Silva for some reason. Plus, Jon Fitch and Demian Maia look to continue their recent surges in the welterweight division, while Joseph Benavidez and Ian McCall square off at flyweight because honestly, who else are those guys going to fight?

Round-by-round results from the Aldo vs. Edgar pay-per-view card will be stacking up after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, courtesy of George “Bigfoot” Shunick. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please toss your own thoughts into the comments section.

OK, Potato Nation, welcome to the live chat. I’m not sure who came up with my nickname, but rest assured, I am more eloquent than cro-magnum Brazilians with gigantism. We’ve seen some impressive action thus far, but it should pale for what is about to come. (Side note: have we seen impressive fights so far? I’ve been on a road trip to North Carolina for most of the day, so I haven’t actually seen any of the fights. I’ll just assume they went well.) Fitch-Maia. Silva-’Reem. Evans-Lil Nog. Edgar-Aldo. Let me repeat that one. Edgar-Aldo. This is a legitimate super fight, folks. Hopefully my shitty Hilton internet service holds up so I can deliver to you, dear reader, a play by play worthy of the magnitude tonight holds.

OK, checked the results. The fights seem like they’ve been pretty good. I feel better about my baseless assumption now. Also, some predictions: Benavidez over McCall by decision, Fitch over Maia by decision or (gasp) late TKO, Overeem over Bigfoot by TKO, Evans by decision over Nogueira, and… Edgar over Aldo by decision. I think Jose will wear down over the course of the fight, and Edgar will take the last three rounds. Of course, being a Frankie Edgar fight with historically poor officials, there’s no guarantee the decision rendered will be just. We’ll see.

RIPPING IT INTO PIECES. UFC 156 has begun. Also, I hate Stemm. It comes with the territory, I guess. And by “it,” I mean shitty nu metal.

Ian McCall vs. Joseph Benavidez

If facial hair had any impact on the outcome of the fight, not only would Ian McCall absolutely destroy Joe Benavidez tonight but he would sit atop any pound-for-pound list this sport has. (Tiki Ghosn would be ranked dead last.) Unfortunately for him, that’s not how things work. Still, he’s an excellent fighter. I think Benavidez is better, but this – like all the flyweight fights – should be a barn-burner.

Round 1

Mazzagatti reffing this. Gets booed. Fighters touch gloves… aaaaaaaand my (PAID FOR) stream craps out. Well, this sucks. The action picks up with 3:30 left in the fight. McCall lands a hard combo, but Benavidez hurts him with a counter! High kick from Joe blocked. McCall getting his feet under him. Accidental low blow by Benavidez. Fight resumes, Benavidez still in control. Nice left right hook by McCall, who is slowly finding his range. Low kick Benavidez. McCall tags Benavidez with a right. Benavidez is cut. Lands a strong body kick. Round ends, 10-9 Benavidez, as far as I can tell.

Round 2

Apparently a headbutt was what caused Beanvidez’ cut. Second round begins, Benavidez takes the center. McCall tries to catch a kick but doesn’t get it. Jab by Benavidez, then a body shot. High kick from McCall blocked. They exchange with nothing of significance landing. Benavidez missing overhand rights. Body kick by McCall. Benavidez really looking for the overhand right, but so far hasn’t hit anything with it. Ducks under a big hook from McCall, takes the center of the Octagon. Uppercut by Benavidez, now working against the fence. They break. Beanvidez is throwing hard punches but not really landing anything. McCall, however, hasn’t landed much either. Benavidez counters a low kick. Nice right jab by McCall. Benavidez goes to the body. Benavidez slips, McCall tries to take his back, but Benavidez gets half-guard. Now McCall has his back! Benavidez scrambles, but McCall still maintains control, working ground and pound now. Benavidez stands, McCall lands a knee from a body clinch. Round ends, 10-9 McCall.

Round 3

McCall’s corner tells him that Benavidez has nothing off his back. They touch gloves. Big right hand by Benavidez! Doesn’t knock McCall down, but he felt it. Benavidez stuffs McCall’s shot, and lands an elbow. They separate. Body kick from Benavidez. Leg kick drops McCall, who was going for a kick of his own. McCall back up, Benavidez looks for a superman punch and misses. Nice right hook from McCall. Benavidez getting sloppy again, but lands a short right. Nice body kick by Benavidez, followed by a left. McCall perfectly times a takedown and almost passes to side control, but Benavidez stands up. Big body kick from Benavidez. They exchange low kicks. McCall lands another kick, but Benavidez returns fire with a combination. Low kick from Benavidez, followed by a combination. McCall lands a right, but misses a takedown. They exchange in the center of the octagon. Another body kick from Benavidez, who stuffs another takedown. The round ends, 10-9 Benavidez. Time to go to the judges…

Aaaaaand, it’s unanimous. 29-28 on all three scorecards for Benavidez. The right call. McCall collapses in despair, and Benavidez reaffirms his title intentions to the crowd. Goldberg mentions that the “stars” are in attendance tonight, and then proceeds to mention the tight end of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Most people in Jacksonville don’t know who the Jaguars tight end is. Just saying.

Jon Fitch vs. Demian Maia

Stoked for this fight. Hoping for a ground war. Better not get a stand up farce. Either’s in the cards. Speaking emphatically. Deal. I like Demian Maia, but coming out to Linkin Park? -100, sir. Conversely, Jon Fitch coming out to Johnny Cash? +100. Also, Fitch’s walkout shirt of a man fighting a bear? +100. Jon Fitch is winning the points game, people. Dominating it. Time to step your games up.

Round 1

Maia immediately shoots. He gets it. Transitions to the back. Fitch stands, and Maia is playing the role of backpack. Maia punching, now going for an RNC. Works the body, goes back for a choke. Fitch defending, elbows Maia’s thigh. Maia going for the choke, but Fitch slowly but surely defends himself. Maia leaves the back, tries to drag Fitch to the ground. He does, but Fitch stands again. They’re clinching against the fence, and Fitch grabs the fence to stop a takedown. He goes down, and Maia throws knees to Fitch’s thigh. Maia throwing strikes from the back as Fitch is kneeling. Maia works the body as the round ends. 10-9, arguably 10-8, Maia.

Round 2

Fitch lands a kick. Then a low kick. Then another. Maia with a right. Fitch returns fire. Maia gets a single, and tries to pass to side control. Fitch stands, however. Counter right by Fitch, but Maia clinches and takes Fitch down. He has one hook on Fitch’s back. Maia gets the other hook in. Maia working for a choke, but Fitch is still defending. Maia working ground and pound. Maia’s got the choke! Fitch somehow survives. Maia still working ground and pound. Dominant performance on the ground from Maia thus far. He’s been utilizing the body triangle to remain on Fitch’s back since he took him down. Fitch continues to defend, but he has no answer for Maia’s positional control. Round ends, again, 10-9 or 10-8 Maia.

Round 3

Crazy Bob Cook tells Fitch, in no uncertain terms, he needs to finish Maia on the feet. Fitch throws a kick, Maia clinches and pushes Fitch into the fence. Fitch defending the takedown as best he can. Now they’re clinched against the fence. Fitch goes down to one knee, and Maia takes his back almost instantly. Fitch finally gets out, but Maia immediately shoots. Fitch can’t get Maia off him, but Fitch goes for a guillotine. Maia drops to half guard, Fitch with a big elbow. Fitch works the body, but Maia stands and pushes Fitch into the fence. Fitch escapes, but Maia is relentless. He gets another takedown. This is exceptional. Maia ends the round in mount. His round and a clean sweep. Did not see this one coming. Maia looks absolutely dominant at 170.

Maia wins 30-27 on all scorecards. Some people in the crowd boo, because some people in the crowd are xenophobic douchebags.

Alistair Overeem vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva

Two things can happen here; Overeem will knockout Bigfoot, or Bigfoot will drag The Reem down and batter him into oblivion. The former is much more likely, but let’s not forget that Overeem is historically a bit of a front-runner. Still, much of that was before “horse meat” entered his life. Should be violent.

Round 1

Props to Joe Rogan to mentioning Overeem’s physique change has “[raised] a lot of eyebrows.” Goldberg immediately changes the subject. Overeem looks pretty confident standing across the ring. Fight starts, no glove touch. (Duh.) Silva misses a low kick. Jab by Overeem. Left to the body, and they clinch against the cage. They break. Jab by Overeem. Left to the body by Overeem and they clinch again. Overeem measuring Bigfoot for a knee. Another right hand from Overeem followed by a knee. Bigfoot works some short body punches from the fence. Silva misses a kick, tries to clinch, but Overeem turns him around effortlessly. Overeem working some knees, but none are seriously hurting Bigfoot. Big knee from Overeem following a right. Overeem’s hands are at his waist. Big low kick from Overeem. Silva returns fire. Overeem tosses Silva around in the clinch. Now working knees to the thighs. Knee to the body from Overeem. Overeem slips and counters with an uppercut. Round ends, 10-9 Reem.

Round 2

Bigfoot’s coaches sound way too optimistic heading into the second. Nice leg kick from Silva, but good counter jab from Overeem. They trade rights and Overeem tosses Silva to the ground. Herb Dean implores them to work 10 seconds after Overeem lands a takedown. Patience, Herb. Bigfoot lands serious elbows from the bottom in side control. Overeem now in Bigfoot’s open guard. Overeem punishing Silva now. Serious shots from the top that echo throughout the octagon. Bigfoot’s guard fails to threaten Overeem, who continues to land big shots to the body. More big shots, now Overeem passes to half guard. Back to full, Overeem stands. Herb Dean stands them up. Overeem misses an overhand. Big right by Silva! Overeem is undeterred. They trade hard jabs at the end. 10-9 Overeem.

Round 3

Big knee from Overeem. Bigfoot LANDS! He’s swarming him!!! Overeem is HURT! HE’S OUT!!!! OVEREEM IS OUT!! WOW!!!!!!!

Bigfoot ran up to a downed Overeem and shouted something at him. It all started from a right hand when Overeem tried to slip. Bigfoot followed with a head kick, then a big uppercut, then unloaded with a monster combination. Wow. Frontrunner for comeback of the year. Wow.

Wow. So, if we’ve learned anything, I guess it’s this; you can put on all the muscle you want, but if you’ve got the chin of a light-heavyweight, well, you’re stuck with that. Wonder what’s going to happen to the heavyweight title picture if Daniel Cormier gets past Frank Mir and refuses to fight Cain.

Rashad Evans vs. Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira

Um, yeah, so this fight is happening. Not really a lot to say about this; it’s designed to put Evans over for either another shot at Jones or a shot at Anderson Silva. He’ll probably look pretty good, because he’s better in all facets of MMA – save jiu-jitsu – than Nogueira. And, frankly, Lil Nog isn’t as good on the ground as his big brother. Unless he manages to hurt Evans and quickly follow up on the ground, I don’t see him taking this.

Round 1

Evans with a very wide stance. Lands a body kick. Staying just out of range of Nogueira. Faking shots. There’s little action and the croud is getting impatient. Evans throws a high kick that’s blocked. Nog lands a jab. Another jab. Then a straight left. Nogueira seems to be the superior boxer thus far. Another strong jab from Nog. Now a left. Rashad lands a big right hand. Staggers Nogueira, but nothing more. Evans lands a takedown, and punches Nogueira as the latter stands. They break. They exchange glancing crosses. Rashad lands a right. Goes for a head kick, to no avail. Close round. 10-9 Rashad, but I wouldn’t complain about a 10-10.

Round 2

Jab from Nogueira. A left misses. Rashad lands a solid inside leg kick. Lands a right after a level change. Nogueira rushes in and lands a couple shots. Then a left. Rashad lands a right. Now an inside leg kick. Nogueira lands a straight left and avoids Evans’ rush. Denies Evans a takedown. Nogueira lands another combination. Now a left to the body. Another. Nogueira is beginning to take control, although it’s not overt. He’s clearly the aggressor though. Lands another left. Rashad lands a combination, punctuated by a strong right. Nogueira lands a body kick, and then a jab. Another jab, but Evans almost takes Nogueira down. Nog escapes and lands a combination. Rashad lands a big uppercut. Body kick from Nog, followed by a combination as Evans circles. Evans misses a cross. Evans goes for a high kick, but it’s blocked. Round ends, 10-9 Nogueira.

Round 3

Right to body by Evans. Nogueira throws a combination. Evans returns. Neither lands much. Jab from Nog. Lunging right from Evans lands. But thus far, not a terribly eventful fight. Jab from Nogueira again. It seems to be the only consistent offense in this fight. Nogueira accidentally takes a finger to the eye and the fight is halted. Yves Lavigne calls for the doctor. The doctor asks him if he can continue, Nog obviously says yes. Great job, doc. Fight resumes, Nog lands a solid left. Rashad just seems bewildered right now. He shoots for a takedown, but it’s telegraphed. Nogueira lands another jab. Nogueira lands more lefts. Rashad lands a jab, but Nogueira responds. Evans can’t land a takedown because he can’t get close enough to Nogueira before he shoots. Nogueira still landing more than Rashad. Evans lands a solid right, and they trade from the clinch until the bell. 10-9 Nogueira, but really, no one won this one.

29-28 across the board for Nogueira. The right call, which at least makes this fight slightly less unbearable. OK, let’s get to Edgar-Aldo already…

Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo

This fight is actually happening, Potato Nation. I’m not going to say anything else. Just enjoy the moment.

Round 1

Jose Aldo is 26. That never ceases to astound me. FIGHT TIME. They touch gloves. Edgar with a low kick. Edgar moving well. Aldo lands a body kick, but Edgar was circling away. Edgar circling towards Aldo’s right leg though. Edgar lands an inside leg kick. Aldo having trouble finding Edgar, but his defense is solid as well. Uppercut from Aldo, but Edgar returns fire. Nice jab from Aldo. Another one. Very strong. Aldo is beginning to find his timing. He coutners a low kick with a cross. Another one. Aldo is taking charge. Jab glances Edgar. Edgar misses a low kick. Another jab from Aldo. Nice right from Edgar. Another jab from Aldo. Edgar having trouble closing the distance. Edgar lands a right backing up. They exchange jabs. Edgar’s nose is bloodied. Another jab from Aldo. More punches as he moves backwards. BIG leg kick from Aldo. Edgar lands a cross. Another leg kick. Jesus those sound painful. Round ends, 10-9 Aldo.

Round 2

Edgar lands, but his leg is already swollen. Nice right from Aldo, thena  jab. Frankie returns fire with a right. Jab from Aldo misses. Edgar is beginning to adjust to Aldo’s jab. Frankie lands a leg kick. Shoots for a half hearted single. Body kick Edgar. They exchange in the center. Nice jab from Aldo, who stuffs another takedown. BIG leg kick staggers Edgar. Edgar fires back with a right. Another leg kick, which takes out Edgar’s leg. Both fighters land. Another leg kick. Aldo has figured out a weakness and he’s exploiting it. Nice right from Edgar. Edgar lands a combination and avoids a flying knee, pushing Aldo into the fence. They separate. Aldo lands a kick, but Edgar catches it, lands a right and takes him down. Aldo stands up though. Edgar lands a jab. Aldo is beginning to tire. Frankie keeps up the pressure and lands a right. Two jabs from Aldo. Aldo misses a spinning kick and Edgar lands a hook. Round ends, 10-9 Aldo, but Edgar has the momentum.

Round 3

Edgar eats a kick, takes Aldo down, but Aldo pops right back up. Edgar with a low kick. Nice right by Aldo. Edgar backing Aldo up though. Misses an overhand right. A right from Aldo is blocked. They exchange. Front kick from Aldo barely misses knocking Edgar out. Edgar’s nose may be broken, though. Aldo lands a counter hook. They size each other up, and Edgar lands a kick to the body. Aldo with a jab. Aldo using his circling to avoid Edgar’s rushes. Leg kick from Edgar. Another. Another. Left hook from Aldo. Nice combo from Edgar, who catches a kick and answers with his own. Nice uppercut from Edgar. Big right hand from Edgar. Leg kick from Aldo misses. Aldo tosses Edgar’s takedown attempt off. Nice right hand from Frankie. Inside leg kick from Edgar. Nice kick from Edgar. Round ends… 10-9 Edgar?

Round 4

Can Edgar maintain this momentum? Nice right from Edgar. Inside leg kick from Edgar. Nice right. Another leg kick from Edgar. Inside leg kick from Edgar. Spinning back kick from Aldo lands. Aldo lands a leg kick, but eats a couple punches. High kick from Edgar is blocked. Edgar backing Aldo down. Edgar misses a spinning back kick of his own. Edgar’s movemnt is flustering Aldo. Goes for a takedown, fails, but lands punches on the separation. Edgar lands an uppercut. Aldo lands a jab. Left hook from both fighters. Leg kick from Edgar. Combination from Edgar. Edgar SLAMS Aldo down, but Aldo stands. Now they clinch against the fence, Edgar kneeing Aldo, who is trying to break Edgar’s grip. They break. Leg kick Edgar. Combination from Edgar. Fakes a takedown and throw s a combination. Lands a cross. Round ends, 10-9 Edgar.

Round 5

Round starts. Both circle. Edgar backs him up with jabs, but none land. Low kick Edgar. Both land as Edgar jumps in. Aldo barely misses a flying knee. Lands a jab though. Another nice jab. Nice right hand from Edgar. Spinning back kick is blocked by Aldo. Nice jab from Edgar, but Aldo lands a counter left. Edgar doesn’t get a takedown, but lands a knee. Both men miss. Left hook from Edgar. Low kick Edgar. Another one. Nice right from Aldo. Frankie pressuring now, lands a nice knee. Lands a good combination. A jab. Throws a high kick. Another inside leg kick. They exchange crosses. Left hook Edgar. Good combo from Edgar. Edgar with ANOTHER combo. Nice hook. Almost lands a headkick. Both men exchange crosses. Aldo lands a crazy superman punch off the fence, but it’s too little too late for the round. 10-9 Edgar.

Oh great, another Frankie Edgar title fight, another close decision. I had Aldo winning the first two, Edgar winning the last two, and the third round is… close. I gave it to Frankie, but I don’t feel confident in it. Anyway, we go to the judges…

49-46, 49-46, 48-47, all for Aldo. I can see the 48-47. But 49-46? God, I hate MMA judges. Anyway, Jose Aldo says stuff, including that he’s not moving to lightweight just yet. Edgar says other stuff, and congratulates Aldo. Alright, that’s the end of things. Overall, a good, and surprising, night of fights. Thanks for joining, Potato Nation.

Preliminary card results:
– Evan Dunham def. Gleison Tibau via split-decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Tyron Woodley def. Jay Hieron via KO, 0:36 of round 1
– Bobby Green def. Jacob Volkmann via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:25 of round 3
– Isaac Vallie-Flagg def. Yves Edwards via split-decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Dustin Kimura def. Chico Camus via submission (rear-naked choke), 1:50 of round 3
– Francisco Rivera def. Edwin Figueroa via TKO, 4:20 of round 2

UFC on FOX 6: Johnson vs. Dodson — Main Card Results and Commentary


(Now there’s two guys you definitely wouldn’t want to trip over in a dark alley. / Photo via CombatLifestyle. For more photos from this set, click here.)

The UFC returns to FOX tonight, and the stakes are high: Can John Dodson become the fourth Ultimate Fighter winner to win a UFC championship? Will Rampage Jackson‘s final appearance in the UFC end in triumph or humiliation? Can Erik Koch regain his place as the #1 featherweight contender with a win over Ricardo Lamas, and will Anthony Pettis secure his own spot atop the lightweight contender ladder with a victory against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone?

But hey, enough damn questions — it’s time for some answers. CagePotato liveblogger Aaron Mandel will be providing round-by-round results from the UFC on FOX 6: Johnson vs. Dodson main card after the jump, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and share your own feelings in the comments section.


(Now there’s two guys you definitely wouldn’t want to trip over in a dark alley. / Photo via CombatLifestyle. For more photos from this set, click here.)

The UFC returns to FOX tonight, and the stakes are high: Can John Dodson become the fourth Ultimate Fighter winner to win a UFC championship? Will Rampage Jackson‘s final appearance in the UFC end in triumph or humiliation? Can Erik Koch regain his place as the #1 featherweight contender with a win over Ricardo Lamas, and will Anthony Pettis secure his own spot atop the lightweight contender ladder with a victory against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone?

But hey, enough damn questions — it’s time for some answers. CagePotato liveblogger Aaron Mandel will be providing round-by-round results from the UFC on FOX 6: Johnson vs. Dodson main card after the jump, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and share your own feelings in the comments section.

Good evening PotatoHeads, we’re a few minutes away from grappling robots which will signal the start of main card action on FOX.  Congrats to Alex for his marathon, six fight live blog cherry popping with the prelims.  We’ve got some great free fights tonight include a championship bout, a possible number one contender fight and some crowd pleasers.  Stay tuned!

And the broadcast is off to a weird start with lots of technical difficulties and sound mishaps, fortunately there is a Bud Light commercial to cut to, this is the best sport on earth, people! Goldberg back to save us with functioning microphones and his best friend ever, Joe Rogan and the broadcast intro has begun.

Koch has a pretty intense fake tan that apparently he was sponsored to get, Lamas is the hometown fighter.  Big John in charge of this one.

Erik Koch vs. Ricardo Lamas

Round 1- Fighters feelings each other out at the start in the center of the cage.  Lamas tries a huge windmill kick that misses.  Koch with a head kick of his own that is blocked.  Punches and kicks from Koch are dodged and blocked by Lamas as they continue to feel each other out.  Lamas shoots for a takedown and pins Koch to the cage.  Koch sprawling and defending the takedown well.  Lamas drags him down for a split second but Koch pops up and sprawls with his back against the cage again.  Lamas continuing to hold Koch against the cage, jockeying for position.  Koch continuing to defend in the clinch against the cage.  They separate and return to striking distance.  Lamas looking crafty with his kicks but they aren’t landing.  Lamas lands a combo and clinches Koch against the cage again.  Lamas gets a takedown but it doesn’t last more than five seconds, Koch is up and the round is over.  I’d give it to Lamas on octagon control, not a lot of damage either way so far.

Round 2- Koch opens with a left.  A few legs kicks from Lamas and now Koch puts Lamas against the cage.  Lamas slips on a leg kick, Koch pounces but Lamas scrambles and ends up on top in guard.  Lamas posturing and throwing down strikes.  Lamas stacking Koch and dropping bombs, Koch bleeding badly as Lamas keeps pounding and Big John calls the fight.

Ricardo Lamas defeats Erik Koch via TKO, Round 2

Koch was cut terribly from only a few elbows and Lamas makes a case for himself at the top of the featherweight division.  He thanks the hometown crowd and dedicates the win to his late grandparents.

Dana White gets on the mic with Rogan to hype Aldo vs. Edgar on PPV next week.  A lightweight barn burner looms as Cowboy Cerrone and Showtime Pettis get ready to meet in the cage.

Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis

Round 1- Pettis lands first with a big right.  They exchange in a flurry and Cerrone gets him back.  Cerrone lands with a knee as Pettis tries a cartwheel kick.  Pettis in with a right and out quickly and opening up with strikes, seeming a bit more comfortable striking early.  Pettis with some body kicks and a “Showtime knee” that seem to hurt Cerrone.  Pettis crushes Cerrone with a left kick to the body, Cerrone drops and it is over, brutal liver kick finish, somewhere Bas Rutten is smiling.

Anthony Pettis defeats Donald Cerrone via TKO (body kick), Round 1

Pettis gets the Milwaukee fans in attendance pumped and makes it clear he’s not afraid to fight anyone.  It turns out it’s his birthday and he asks for a title shot and a KOTN bonus from Uncle Dana as a present.

Next up we’ve got the potential UFC swan song of former light heavyweight champion Rampage Jackson who is taking on rising contender Glover Teixeira.  Can Rampage rediscover his old knockout power and slam-based grappling or is the hungrier Teixeira going to be too much for him?  Will Rampage get his wish for a stand-up battle?  We’ll have answers to these burning questions of our time in a few minutes.

Quinton Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira

Round 1- Damn, I’m pumped for this, don’t know why but I am!  Teixeira misses with an uppercut.  Rampage slugs back but it’s blocked.  Rampage moving his head well.  Glover shoots in and takes him down and has Rampage’s back with hooks in, yikes.  Glover is going for the arm triangle and switches back to the back mount.  Rampage is up and firing away!  Rampage ducks a strike and answers with a left hook, a glancing blow though.  Head kick from Glover doesn’t land flush.  Rampage with a combo of power strikes that Glover blocks.  Huge strikes from both fighters that just miss.  Rampage moving his head well and swaying out of the way.  Glover lands a hook and Rampage answers back, he is throwing the left hook.  Glover lands another hook and Rampage runs across the cage, maybe hurt a little.  Glover wobbles Rampage and stalks him toward the cage.  Rampage gets dropped as Glover pounces but can’t finish.  Rampage back up but on wobbly legs as the round ends. 10-9 for Teixeira.

Round 2- Rampage seems to have cleared the cobwebs as Glover shoots and takes Rampage down to start the round.  Glover in half guard as Rampage tries to hit a switch and fails.  Glover passes to side control and drops some big elbows.  Rampage back to his feet.  Rampage throws a few big uppercuts as Glover answers back with a hook.  The fighters briefly clinch and then back to striking distance.  Glover is having success with the left hook.  Body shot from Rampage.  Uppercuts from Glover as Rampage defends with head movement.  Rampage seems to be tiring.  Rampage shoots for a takedown (ha!) that fails.  Glover working some kicks.  Fighters exchange some taunts and swing at each other.  Big body shots from Glover as he keeps clubbing Rampage.  Another 10-9 round for Glover.

Round 3- Touch of the gloves to start the final round.  Glover lands another left hook and Rampage back with a stiff jab.  Rampage putting together some combos.  Teixeira shoots for a takedown and has it, pushing Rampage against the cage and working to mount from half guard.  Teixeira dropping elbows and searching for an arm triangle.  Rampage uses the cage to get up and they exchange again.  Rampage swinging wildly and falls into a clinch.  Glover with another left hook that finds its mark.  Two minutes to go and Glover seems fresher.  Teixeira gets a takedown with ease but Rampage pops back up.  Rampage looks gassed as he absorbs some body shots.  Rampage has his mouth wide open gasping for air as he throws wild strikes.  Another takedown for Teixeira as he mounts and rains down strikes as time expires.  Teixeira should take this one easily.

Glover Teixeira defeats Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision

Interesting, no interview for Glover or Rampage, maybe the UFC was worried about what Rampage would say.

And now it’s time for some gravity defying things done by 125 pound men.  Dodson’s walk in proves that he absolutely won’t be testing positive for ADD meds.  Johnson is an athletic little guy too, it’s hard to say who will have the advantage here, I can’t imagine either one gassing or slowing down, even if it goes the full 25 minutes.  Here we go!

Champ Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson 

Round 1- Let’s see if my touch typing skills can keep up with all of this action.  John McCarthy looks like he could eat either of these guys, he is the ref, by the way.  Dodson with a body kick to start and a left straight.  Johnson with a leg kick.  Overhand right from Johnson.  Kick from Johnson but Dodson meets him with a left and briefly drops Johnson.  Head kick from Johnson is caught and Dodson slams him down.  Johnson pops up and they return to striking.  Johnson is missing with a lot of strikes, Dodson is damn fast.  Body kick from Dodson and a big left to follow as Johnson rushed in.  Johnson looks for a takedown and slams Dodson down to the mat.  Dodson works back to the feet and they clinch on the cage with Dodson in control now.  Fighters separate and re-clinch as the round ends.  I have no idea who won that round, Johnson got a takedown but Dodson made him miss on the feet and briefly dropped Johnson.  This is why I’m a liveblogger and not a judge.

Round 2- Dodson with some strikes to open the round.  Johnson shoots for a takedown and they clinch on the cage.  Johnson get Dodson down against the cage but Dodson works back up and they separate.  Leg kick from Johnson and he’s controlling the center of the cage.  Good jab from Johnson but Dodson comes back with a left that drops Johnson again, he pops right back up.  Another left from Dodson floors Johnson but he gets up again, Johnson is hurt and shoots in but Dodson defends.  Dodson’s power advantage is evident at this point but can he keep it up?  Another shot knocks Johnson down but it may have been more of a slip.  Dodson is winning the striking exchanges and Johnson seems a bit fuzzed still.  Dodson catches a kick and cracks Johnson in the face.  Johnson seems to be recovering as the round ends, 10-9 Dodson in this one.

Round 3- Jumping karate kick from Dodson looks cool but doesn’t land.  Leg kicks from Johnson.  Dodson catches Johnson with a left and Johnson keeps kicking away at his legs.  Johnson shoots for a takedown and eats a knee as Dodson defends the takedown well.  Dodson takes a big knee to the groin and Rogan gleefully asks to see a replay.  Dodson is ready to go and they restart as Rogan rants about mother nature’s designing of the male body.  Flying knee by Dodson goes OVER Johnson’s head.  Straight left catches Johnson but he seems to be taking it well, obviously in excellent shape.  Leg kicks from both fighters as haymakers from Dodson miss.  Body kick from Dodson hurts Johnson.  Johnson eats a punch but gets a takedown.  Dodson with a loose butterfly guard and scoots to the wall to walk back to his feet.  Johnson keeps his down and throws him back to the center of the cage.  Johnson working some ground and pound to try to slow Dodson.  They are back to the feet with Johnson throwing knees and punches and putting Dodson against the cage again. 10-9 Johnson in this round.  It’s time for the championship rounds and Johnson seems the tiniest bit more fresh, we’ll see how the next rounds play out.

Round 4- Leg kicks from Dodson.  Johnson has not slowed at all while Dodson is looking to hit a home run.  Takedown by Johnson, but Dodson pops right back up.  Johnson knees Dodson while he is down and Big John stops the fight, checks out Dodson and asks him to look at him with his bad eye that got kneed.  ”Am I ugly?” McCarthy asks Dodson!  No point deduction and they restart.  Dodson is fired up and throwing with bad intentions but Johnson is relentless, shooting in again for a takedown and pushing the pace.  They are against the cage with Johnson working for a takedown.  Back to the center and Johnson pushes for another takedown.  Dodson is playing cat and mouse with his hand up and down as Johnson chooses to knee the body instead.  Johnson is like a robot kneeing Dodson over and over to the body and head from the clinch.  Dodson is cut and Johnson is taking over.  Big elbow from Johnson as they separate and Dodson seems to be wilting, Johnson is as fresh as he was at the start.  10-9 Johnson here but it might be two rounds each going into the fifth.

Round 5- This round could be the decider and they hug in the center of the cage to start.  Johnson gets a clinch again and takes Dodson down this time.  Johnson striking as Dodson works back to the feet.  Johnson has his back against the cage and climbs up on Dodson to rain strikes down!  Dodson initiates a clinch again as Rogan notes how incompetent the judges might be as he prepares for a controversial decision.  Dodson now working for a takedown but Johnson is defending well.  Dodson does get the takedown but Johnson is like a whack-a-mole and pops up yet again.  Johnson keeping up a furious pace on Dodson and he has Dodson hurt against the cage.  Johnson trying to unload but Dodson ties him up.  Thai plum for Johnson and he knees the face.  Dodson breaks away and smiles, honestly.  More knees from Johnson and Dodson is bleeding from the nose.  The fight ends with Johnson kneeing Dodson in the face and I think Johnson will take this on the judges scorecards due to his unbreakable cardio and strong performance in the later rounds.

Demetrious Johnson defeats John Dodson via unanimous decision

Mighty Mouse remains the only UFC Flyweight champ so far.  I predict that these guys will meet again, maybe many more times.  Johnson will win most of the time but I can see Dodson getting a (T)KO at some point down the road.  Great night of fights, two finishes, two exciting decisions.  Thanks for hanging out.