Tag: liveblog

‘Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine’ — Live Results + Commentary


(Worst. Charity bachelor auction. Ever. / Photo via Strikeforce)

Okay, let’s go through this one more time: Luke Rockhold is Strikeforce’s middleweight champion. Keith Jardine is the former UFC light-heavyweight contender who Rousey’d his way into a title shot at 185. They’ll be fighting in the main event of tonight’s Strikeforce card on Showtime. Also, King Mo returns against Lorenz “The Monsoon” Larkin, Robbie Lawler faces off against Russkie McFancykicks, and Jordan Mein will try to snap Tyron Woodley’s undefeated record with those bionic elbows of his.

I fully expect tonight’s liveblog turnout to be more of an “intimate” affair, but that doesn’t mean we won’t do our best to give you a good show. Round-by-round results from the “Rockhold vs. Jardine” main card broadcast will be piling up after the jump starting at 10 p.m. ET, courtesy of CagePotato liveblog up-and-comer Steve Silverman. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for coming, guys.


(Worst. Charity bachelor auction. Ever. / Photo via Strikeforce)

Okay, let’s go through this one more time: Luke Rockhold is Strikeforce’s middleweight champion. Keith Jardine is the former UFC light-heavyweight contender who Rousey’d his way into a title shot at 185. They’ll be fighting in the main event of tonight’s Strikeforce card on Showtime. Also, King Mo returns against Lorenz “The Monsoon” Larkin, Robbie Lawler faces off against Russkie McFancykicks, and Jordan Mein will try to snap Tyron Woodley’s undefeated record with those bionic elbows of his.

I fully expect tonight’s liveblog turnout to be more of an “intimate” affair, but that doesn’t mean we won’t do our best to give you a good show. Round-by-round results from the “Rockhold vs. Jardine” main card broadcast will be piling up after the jump starting at 10 p.m. ET, courtesy of CagePotato liveblog up-and-comer Steve Silverman. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for coming, guys.

Our main event tonight is Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine for the middleweight championship. We’ll start our coverage with Tyler Stinson vs. Tarec Saffiedine coming up right around the top of the hour.

Stinson has a 23-7 record while Saffiedine is 11-3 as these two welterweights hope to move up the ladder tonight. Let’s hope these guys go after it and don’t dance for three rounds. Good action and aggressiveness is a must. Round 1 upcoming.

Is there anyone who’s more of a jive-ass than Showtime announcer Mauro Ranallo? What a mope….

Stinson vs. Saffiedine

Round 1: Stinson with the hippy samurai hair do…Looks like he’d rather be in the club. Saffiedine is much more conventional looking and is a solid wrestler. ….  Stinson with a straight left early. Stinson more aggressive early, Saffiedine wants to counter…Saffiedine pretty quick with his kicks. Good combination by Saffiedine. Good right roundhouse by Saffiedine followed by a straight right kick. Stinson connects with an elbow and almost puts Saffiedine down. Saffiedine cut around the right eye and it looks serious. Good left by Stinson and he’s looking for the nockout. Stinson is n charge. He’s getting hit hard. Stinson takes charge with a big finish.

Round 2: Stinson looking for power shots at the start of the round. He sees the blood and he wants to finish the round. Saffiedine is very defensive and looks to protect himself. Right kick by Stinson. Good 1-2 by Saffiedine and he registers a takedown with a solid shoulder drive to the midsection. Saffiedine trying to ground and pound and he is delivering shots — mostly to the ribs. Saffiedine is not doing a lot of damage but he has changed the momentum right now. Saffiedine trying to dig elbows to Stinson’s face and Stinson is bleeding. Big round for Saffiedine.

Round 3: Stinson hit below the belt to start off the round and is given time to recover. It was a right foot to the nuts. …

Saffiedine with another takedown. Very aggressive and wants to take control. More rib shots by Saffiedine. Maintains control and he is putting the pressure on Stinson. Elbows from Saffiedine are causing problems. Stinson can’t get up at this point. Stinson just ducks a big shot to the head. Blood all over Stinson’s body, some of it is from Saffiedine’s head cuts. Fighters standup in the final minute and it’s a bloodbath. Knee by Saffiedine hurts Stinson. Stinson coming on with combinations. Saffiedine out of gas at the horn. It looks like Saffiediene will hold on.

The decision goes to: Saffiedine…it’s a 2-1 split decision….

Next bout Tyron Woodley vs. Jordan Mein…another 3-rounder….

Woodley brings a 9-0 overall record into this bout, while Mein is 23-7.

Round 1: Woodley opens with a left roundhouse kick. Mein trying to measure Woodley against the cage. Woodley grabs hold and trying to get the takedown. Mein is avoiding the takedwon by using his length to gain leverage. Referee breaks them up and back to striking. Mein with and uppercut and Woodley takes him down. Woodley delivering punches. Mein tries to scramble away but Woodley is too quick and balanced to let him get away. Woodley looks comfortable on top but he has to start striking. Big elbow by Woodley but no follow up. Mein gets up. Knee from Woodley in final seconds. Not a lot of action, but it is Woodley’s round.

Round 2: Woodley is stronger and more powerful and he is looking confident at the start of the round. He gets in a solid right hand punch. Woodley takes down Mein once again.  Solid right elbow by Woodley. Mein looks frustrated because he really can’t attack. Mein tries to throw elbows and they are landing to top of Woodley’s head.  Mein trying to throw elbows and he is starting to be more effective. Woodley in control but he is not doing much damage. Woodley tapping Mein’s ribs. Mein tries guillotine but Woodley gets out of it. Even round even though Woodley was on top.

Round 3: Woodley ducks under a knee and registers another takedown. Mein uses the cage and pushes the match into the center of the cage. Left hook from the bottom by Mein and more left hand punches and elbows. Woodly finally throws a right hand and then a right elbow. Mein is resting even though his corner is imploring him to stay busy with two minutes to go. The fans want actin and they are booing. While Woodley is not throwing a lot, he doe maintain control. Ref stand them up and they start grappling. Woodley has his arms locked around the midsection. Not enough action. Woodley is the stronger man. He is in control as the fight ends. Poor fight but you have to give it to Woodley.

Decision: Woodley wins split decision. It should have been unanimous.

Next fight: King Mo Lawal (8-1) vs. Lorenz Larkin (12-0)

Larkin is a big striker but he will have his hands filled with the superior wrestling of King Mo…

Round 1: King Mo grabs Larkin’s leg and throws him down. King Mo trying to ground and pound. Very powerful and balanced. Larkin tries to scramble out but King Mo maintains control. Big right hands and elbows by King Mo. Larkin trying to sit out and he does deliver a right elbow. King Mo with some lefts in addition to the rights. Square shot to Larkin’s nose. Rib shots delivered by King Mo. He is punishing Larkin. Referee stands them up for no reason since King Mo was in control. Larking misses with wild left. Neither fighter does much in last 30 seconds. Give the round to King Mo.

Round 2: King Mo starts with an overhand right and grabs right leg. He takes Larkin down. King Mo delivering rights to body and head. He has power and is punishing Larkin. Larkin in huge trouble. He finishes King Mo with a sensational series of rights and Larkin is left defenseless.

King Mo wins big.

His hard right-hand punches were making a loud thump everytime he made contact with Larkin’s head. It could have been stopped 10 seconds earlier. Larkin could have been hurt badly.

TKO winner: King Mo Lawal

Next bout: Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov

Lawler is 18-8 while Amagov brings a 9-1-1 record into this fight.

Lawler is a big-time striker and he wants to reverse trend that has seen him lose 3 of 4. Amagov is a rough customer, a strong wrestler and a big hitter.

Round 1: Lawler charge but Amagov goes for the takedown. Amagov going for the guillotine and then delivers an illegal knee since Lawler was grounded. Lawler is getting a chance to recover. Amagov will lose a point for that illegal blow. Lawler finds his opening, delivers a knee and unloads on Amagov and stops him. The fight is over.

Lawler wins big!!!

Lawler needed just one flying knee to stun his opponent and then deliver hard punches. Great killer instinct. Referee had no choice but to stop fight because Amagov went limp.

The fight is stopped at 1:48 of the first round and goes into the books as a TKO for Lawler.

The feature bout between middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and challenger Keith Jardine is next. This is a 5-round bout. Jardine wants to turn this into a brawl, while Rockhold wants to use all his skills to defend his title.

Rockhold is 28 and brings an 8-1 record into the fight, while the veteran Jardine is 37 and has a 17-9-2 record.

Jardine does not respect Rockhold, calling him a “pretty fighter.” Rockhold has a lot of skills and seems quite confident.

Round 1: Rockhold with a solid left r0undhous kick to start. Jardine cut 19 pounds prior to the start of the fight to make weight. They are wrestling at the side of the cage and Rockhold delivering a few kicks. Right elbow from Rockhold. Jardine hit with a spinning back kick. Rockhold with a combination, Jardine with a left hand. Jardine looks slow and ponderous with roundhouse punches. Right hand by Rockhold drops Jardine, but he gets up right away. Another right by Rochkhold and Jardine goes down. He then launches a series of punches and Jardine can’t defend himself. Rockhold wins big.

Jardine could not compete. He was not quick enough with his hands and he could not defend himself. Rockhold showed he can be a devastating finisher.

Jardine looked tired and slow throughout. He was out of his element tonight.

The official time is 4:21 and Rockhold retains his middleweight title.

Rockhold was very confident going in and he used his speed and skills to get an edge. He overpowered his opponent tonight and he appears to be getting better every time he fights.

That will do it. See you next time.

 

 


‘UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem’ — Live Results + Commentary


(Upon encountering the crazed polar bear, Alistair stretches his arms out, hoping to make himself appear larger. / Photos courtesy of CombatLifestyle.com. For more from this set, click here.)

529 pounds of mean son-of-a-bitch will be colliding tonight in Las Vegas as former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar takes on Strikeforce/DREAM/K-1 champion Alistair Overeem in the main event of UFC 141. Plus, Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone settle their beef in the lightweight division, and Jon Fitch goes for his tenth-straight decision against Johny Hendricks. But first, the final Spike TV prelims broadcast ever, featuring a TUF winner and a pair of WEC standouts. Not a bad way to kick off New Year’s weekend.

Round-by-round results from UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem will be piling up after the jump beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT; refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest. And while you’re waiting, feel free to share your New Year’s resolutions in the comments section.


(Upon encountering the crazed polar bear, Alistair stretches his arms out, hoping to make himself appear larger. / Photos courtesy of CombatLifestyle.com. For more from this set, click here.)

529 pounds of mean son-of-a-bitch will be colliding tonight in Las Vegas as former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar takes on Strikeforce/DREAM/K-1 champion Alistair Overeem in the main event of UFC 141. Plus, Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone settle their beef in the lightweight division, and Jon Fitch goes for his tenth-straight decision against Johny Hendricks. But first, the final Spike TV prelims broadcast ever, featuring a TUF winner and a pair of WEC standouts. Not a bad way to kick off New Year’s weekend.

Round-by-round results from UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem will be piling up after the jump beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT; refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest. And while you’re waiting, feel free to share your New Year’s resolutions in the comments section.

Facebook prelim results:

– Diego Nunes def. Manny Gamburyan via unanimous decision (29–28 x 3)

– Matt Riddle vs. Luis Ramos was cancelled hours before the event due to Riddle being too ill to fight.

– Jacob Volkmann def. Efrain Escudero via unanimous decision (29–28 x 3)

– Dong Hyun Kim def. Sean Pierson via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

Anthony Njokuani vs. Danny Castillo

This fight is brought to you by Gina Carano’s breasts. Uh, I mean Haywire, directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Round 1: Njokuani throwing to the head and body. Castillo looks for a takedown but is rebuffed. Njokuani doing a good job early of keeping him at bay. But inevitably, Castillo grabs Njokuani’s waist and drags him down. Njokuani gets to his feet and is slammed back down. He gets up again but Castillo is on his back throwing knees to his legs. Njokuani tries to spin out and escape, but Castillo takes him down again. Njokuani’s back is against the fence. Njokuani gets up, and gets slammed. He gets up again, Castillo returns to back control. He tries slamming Njokuani and nearly finds a choke in a scramble. But Njokuani reverses and tries a guillotine choke of his own. Castillo slams out of it and they’re up and clinched again. They separate and Njokuani misses some punches before the bell. 10-9 Castillo.

Round 2: Njokuani opens with a front kick to the face that misses. He sticks a jab. A body kick misses. He fires a punch combo. Castillo just biding his time until the takedown, it seems. He shoots, Njokuani sprawls. Njokuani rushes forward and fires a flying knee. Castillo grabs him but can’t hold him. Njokuani lands a hook to the ribs. Castillo misses a leg kick. Castillo shoots and Njokuani grabs a thai clinch and punishes Castillo with knees and an elbow before separating. Njokuani staggers Castillo with a right hand. Castillo clinches up and takes Njokuani down, giving himself some time to clear the cobwebs. Short punches to the body from Castillo. Castillo trying to get some distance but Njokuani is holding him down. But then he explodes out and they’re against the fence again. Castillo gets the fight to the mat once more before the bell. You might give that round to Njokuani 10-9 for the significant strikes he landed before Castillo took the fight back into his world.

Round 3: Castillo ducks under Njokuani’s punches to shoot, but Njokuani defends. Njokuani lands a straight right. Castillo shoots from a mile away and eats a knee to the ribs on the way up. But he stays on Njokuani and slams him down against the cage. Njokuani sitting against the fence, Castillo hugging his waist tightly, but not doing much else. Boooo. Njokuani stands. Castillo with some wall-and-stall. Castillo moves to the back and Njokuani rolls for a leglock to free himself. He gets up and they separate. Njokuani looking for the thai clinch. Njokuani throws a front kick and Castillo snatches him up, returning him to his familiar position against the fence. Njokuani stands. Castillo hanging off his back. Njokuani shakes out and throws steady punches in the last 30 seconds. He lands a leg kick and some punches, and fires a flying knee at the bell. “Very good fight,” Joe Rogan says. “Meh,” I say. They’ll probably give it to Castillo for the ground control, but he really didn’t do any damage.

Castillo def. Njokuani via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29). The crowd boos it pretty hard. “Was that close to you?” Castillo asks, genuinely surprised. Castillo explains that he took three of his four fights this year on less than four weeks’ notice and tries to get some respect from the fans, which they give, begrudgingly. He walks off in a bad mood.

Ross Pearson vs. Junior Assuncao

Round 1: Pearson stalking, Assuncao staying elusive. Assuncao grabs Pearson as he’s throwing a big right hand and takes him to the mat. Assuncao works to Pearson’s back. Pearson breaks out, lands a knee and throws a pair of left hooks to brush Assuncao back. Swing and a miss from Assuncao. He throws a head kick. Assuncao goes for a telegraphed TD attempt and Pearson defends it and lands another knee. Assuncao clinches up and lands a left elbow on the exit. Pearson rushes forward with a left hook. Body kick Pearson, Assuncao returns some punches. Pearson lands a knee on a takedown attempt from Assuncao. Assuncao touches Pearson up with a crisp punching combo. Leg kick Pearson. Body kick Assuncao. Pearson tries a superman punch. The round ends. Close, though Pearson was certainly the aggressor.

Round 2: Body kick Assuncao. Pearson punching, Assuncao dodging. Assuncao scores a takedown. Pearson gets to his feet and escapes. Leg kick Pearson. Assuncao goes for a single leg. Pearson defends. Assuncao tries it again, Pearson defends again. Assuncao clinches as Pearson comes forward. Pearson sets up the thai clinch and Assuncao gets the eff out of dodge. Pearson lands a nice body shot then stumbles Assuncao with a jab. He pours on the abuse, landing a knee, more body shots. Assuncao clinches to make it stop. Knee to the body from Pearson. Assuncao escapes and Pearson chases. Assuncao goes for the single-leg. Pearson defends and tosses Assuncao to the mat with a judo trip. Assuncao gets up and returns the favor. Assuncao in Pearson’s guard. Pearson escapes and Assuncao fires heavy punches in the closing seconds.

Round 3: Pearson steps forward with a leg kick. Pearson eats a jab and Assuncao takes him down. Assuncao looks for a rear-naked choke on the mat. Pearson escapes and gets to his feet. They clinch against the fence, then separate. Assuncao scores a takedown, but Pearson is up within a second. Knee to the dome from Assuncao. Pearson separates but eats a punch. Assuncao stays on him, tenaciously. Pearson gets some space, throws a knee, lands a leg kick. Asssuncao grabs on, Pearson turns him around against the fence. Dirty boxing from both sides. Pearson fires a head kick and follows it up with a solid knee to Assuncao’s head. Pearson lands in close. He smells blood and presses forward with punches. Assuncao grabs his leg and the horn sounds. Pearson might have this one wrapped up.

Pearson def. Assuncao via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27). No time for an interview. And so, the prelims end with five straight decisions and a withdrawal due to illness. Let’s hope things pick up during the main card. Speaking of which, hit that “next page” link to continue to our UFC 141 pay-per-view coverage…

‘Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal’ — Live Results and Commentary


(Oh man. This is not going to end well. / Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle.com. For more photos from this set, click here.)

Can you believe it’s been over three months since Strikeforce put on a legit non-Challengers card? The promotion finally gets back to business tonight with two title fights — Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal in the lightweight division and Cris Cyborg vs. Hiroko Yamanaka at women’s featherweight — plus a light-heavyweight bout between Gegard Mousasi and Ovince St. Preux that could produce a contender to the vacant belt.

Round-by-round results from the “Melendez vs. Masvidal” main card broadcast on Showtime will be collecting after the jump beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET, courtesy of CagePotato liveblog rookie Steve Silverman; please do your best to make him feel welcome. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest.


(Oh man. This is not going to end well. / Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle.com. For more photos from this set, click here.)

Can you believe it’s been over three months since Strikeforce put on a legit non-Challengers card? The promotion finally gets back to business tonight with two title fights — Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal in the lightweight division and Cris Cyborg vs. Hiroko Yamanaka at women’s featherweight — plus a light-heavyweight bout between Gegard Mousasi and Ovince St. Preux that could produce a contender to the vacant belt.

Round-by-round results from the “Melendez vs. Masvidal” main card broadcast on Showtime will be collecting after the jump beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET, courtesy of CagePotato liveblog rookie Steve Silverman; please do your best to make him feel welcome. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest.

Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal card coming up …

KJ Noons vs. Billy Evangelista in the first bout ….

Noons has lost two in a row while Evangelista lost his last bout. Noons is the striker, while Evangelista is more of a grappler.

R1: Both fighters start off cautiously and then Evangelista misses with a wild right. Noons surprises with a takedown. Evangelista easily gets out of it  and then takes down Noons, who escapes. Evangelista is more aggressive, lookingto take Noons down and going after him with knee strikes. Noons is very defense. Noons looks to find the range and can’t fnd it. Evangelista closes wiht a hard elbow and wins the close round.

R2: Both fighters are much busier in the second round, although Evangelista is more aggressive. He starts off with successive punches that appear to bother Noons, but not hurt him. Evangelista does not appear to respect Noons. Noons throws a straight right and Evangelista comes up with a quick knee. Evangelista dicatates the pace and may come out with the close rounds.

R3: Noons with big uppercut to start the round. He looks much more aggressive in this round. Evangelista can’t hit him with any punches or take control. Finally, Evangelista tries to get him in guillotine choke and he appears to have Noons, but he escapes. Noon throws a great left hook. Both fighters are tired heading into the last minute. Then a series of hard punches and Noon has the advantage. Noon wins this round but is it enough to secure the win?

Decision: KJ Noons wins the unanimous hometown decision over Evangelista, 29-28.

Next Bout: Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux

St. Preux, a former defensive end and linebacker from Tennessee, has won his last eight fights at the light heavyweight level. He’s all ground and pound. Mousasi, a former light-heavyweight champion, struggles as a wrestler. He wants to control the pace and keep St. Preux from fighting at a high speed and throwing significant bombs early.

R1: OSP with reach advantage and speed in early moments, but he looks awkward kicking and fails to deliver any serious blows or kicks. Mousasi with a kick and and a flurry. He then deflects OSP’s kick and throws him to the ground. Mousasi delivers ground and pound attack. He delivers vicious elbows and punches. He controls the round and while OSP gets a reverse, Mousasi regains control before the end of the round and dominates round 1.

R2: Mousasi gains control at the start of the round and there’s more ground and pound. OSP can’t do anything and Mousasi is very content to throw left forearms, punches and elbows. Eventurally they stand up at referee’s direction and OSP finally gains the advantage. He is trying to deliver lefts and rights himself, but is not as effective as Mousasi. With 30 seconds to go, both men stand up and round ends with Mousasi remaining in control. He wins round 2.

R3:Quick left foot by Mousasi to start the round. Mousasi with standing control, but OSP drives him to ground and gains side control. Starts to ground and pound and is fairly effective, but not as strong as when Mousasi had control. Mousasi drives OSP across the right and then regains control. In final minute OSP knows he needs a knockout and is looking for the big punch. Mousasi in protection mode and makes it through the round and should win the fight.

Decision: Mousasi wins unanimous decision, 29-28

Next bout: Cris Cyborg vs. Hiroko Yamanaka

Cyborg is a relentless fighter and a huge favorite in this bout. She is furious and powerful. Yamanaka is going to have to prove she has the speed and quickness to avoid those powerful punches.

Cyborg and Yamanaka for the Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Title

R1: In a matter of seconds, Cyborg wins the fight. She delivers a hard right hand and knocks down Yamanaka. She was badly hurt and got up and Cyborg delivered several more hard blows and went down again. The referee immediately stopped the fight. Cyborg defends her title.

Cyborg wins fight by KO at the 16 second mark.

The stats showed that Cyborg landed 15 of 21 punches and they were all power punches. Yamanaka was completely overwhelmed by the strength of her opponent and had no chance to compete. Cyborg dominated with her intensity and power and is a major force.

Final Strikeforce fight of the night: Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal coming up.

Lightweight title bout, with Melendez defending his title.

Melendez should bring the pain against a very game opponent. He is simply too skilled for Masvidal.

R1: Slow start and then a 1-2 combination by Melendez. Melendez is using his boxing skills to set the pace. Masvidal throwing a few jabs, but very slow to compete. Melendez wiht a hard right power punch. Melendez with a right kick and then Mavidal with a jumping kick. Masvidal with a kick to the left heel drops Melendez but champion jumps right up. Melendez catches kick and tries to punish with  guillotine choke. Melendez throws a straight right hand and Masvidal closes with a right kick. Melendez busier and more effective throughout the round, but Masvidal started to get warmed up as round progressed.

R2: Masvidal is very upright and appears to be an easy target. Kick by Masvidal followed by hard right by Melendez. Melendez shuts down Masvidal right kick. A series 1-2 combinations by Melendez. Straight left by Masvidal, but Melendez is much more aggressive at this point. Good knee by Masvidal. That knee has given Masvidal more confidence. Action slows in the final minute and Melendez appears to have edge in this round as well.

R3: Melendez using boxing skills to set pace a the start of the third round. Masvidal is just hoping that Melendez makes a mistake so he can deliver a hard kick or punch. However, Masvidal does not look capable of throwing combinations. Jumping knee by Masvidal is effective. Melendez seems to be growing more comfortable and then Masvidal finally delivers a combination. Melendez is starting to get a mouse under his right eye. Melendez throws a sloppy kick. Busy final minute for both fighters and Melendez back to throwing combinations. This round is virtually even.

R4: Melendez with a few jabs and then a charging combination. He does not appear to be hurting Masvidal, but he is the aggressor. This Strikeforce fight is all about boxing skills. Melendez appears to be very happy with a boxing match and he is using his jab effectively and following up with his right. Masivdal throws a solid right jab and catches Melendez and backs him up for a second. Melendez wants to throw a big right and he is coming closer to delivering it as the round moves along. Big right by Melendez as his right eye closes. This could make a difference in the final round. Melendez blocks a knee from Masvidal in the final seconds. Slight edge in this round to Melendez.

R5: Masvidal needs to stop Melendez but he doesn’t show the quickness to throw combinations. Melendez is still aggressive and is getting in more rights as the round progresses. Great combination by Melendez. He circles to his left and throws combos. Masvidal throws a jab and it’s effective but there are no combinations. Melendez throwing punches, remaining busy and appears to be tireless. Jumping kick by Masvidal and Melendez follows with punch combination. Where is Masvidal’s urgency. Final minute of the fight and he acts like he’s sparring in the gym. Final minute and both men are throwing big punches. Close round but give it to the champion. He has to win this decision.

Decision: Melendez win unanimous decision. Two judges have it 50-45, the other has it 49-46. Melendez had the edge in power punches by better than 4 to 1.

Both Cyborg and Melendez were heavy favorites and both were big winners. Cyborg with a spectacular knockout while Melendez with boxing superiority.

Good night.

UFC 140: The Cold War in Hogtown


(“What you lookin’ at piss breath?”)

Well, here we are at the UFC’s second Toronto card of 2011 and I’m stuck at home an hour-and-a-half away live-blogging on my couch with my wife and my dog.

I got a call from a buddy a few hours ago telling me he had a free ticket for me, but I told him I had to keep you guys abreast of the action, so I took a raincheck. Don’t say I never do anything for you.

The prelims are already in the books. Check out the results after the jump and let’s get this thing going.


(“What you lookin’ at piss breath?”)

Well, here we are at the UFC’s second Toronto card of 2011 and I’m stuck at home an hour-and-a-half away live-blogging on my couch with my wife and my dog.

I got a call from a buddy a few hours ago telling me he had a free ticket for me, but I told him I had to keep you guys abreast of the action, so I took a raincheck. Don’t say I never do anything for you.

The UFC 140 prelims are already in the books. Check out the results after the jump and let’s get this thing going.

The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale — Live Results & Commentary


(“You maaaad, you maaaaad, you maaaaad!” Photo via MMAMania)

Tonight, TUF as we know it comes to an end. Before us lies a shadowy, uncertain world of live fights aired on F/X on Friday nights and international spin-offs. But no matter what comes next, you can feel secure in the fact that we’ll still be complaining about the show just as much as we always have, because we know no other way to live.

Welcome, friends, to our liveblog of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller Finale. On the menu this evening — Diego Brandao and Dennis Bermudez battle to decide the first featherweight TUF winner in UFC history, while John Dodson and TJ Dillashaw do the same for the bantamweights. Plus, heavy-handed TUF 13 winner Tony Ferguson steps up against seasoned vet Yves Edwards, and in the main event, Michael Bisping looks to remove the smirk off the face of his latest rival, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, who will be making his first Octagon appearance in over six years.

Round-by-round results from the TUF 14 Finale main card on Spike TV will be piling up after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest.


(“You maaaad, you maaaaad, you maaaaad!” Photo via MMAMania)

Tonight, TUF as we know it comes to an end. Before us lies a shadowy, uncertain world of live fights aired on F/X on Friday nights and international spin-offs. But no matter what comes next, you can feel secure in the fact that we’ll still be complaining about the show just as much as we always have, because we know no other way to live.

Welcome, friends, to our liveblog of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller Finale. On the menu this evening — Diego Brandao and Dennis Bermudez battle to decide the first featherweight TUF winner in UFC history, while John Dodson and TJ Dillashaw do the same for the bantamweights. Plus, heavy-handed TUF 13 winner Tony Ferguson steps up against seasoned vet Yves Edwards, and in the main event, Michael Bisping looks to remove the smirk off the face of his latest rival, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, who will be making his first Octagon appearance in over six years.

Round-by-round results from the TUF 14 Finale main card on Spike TV will be piling up after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest.

Preliminary card results:

– Marcus Brimage def. Stephen Bass via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)

– John Albert def. Dustin Pague via TKO, 1:09 of round 1

– Roland Delorme def. Josh Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke), 0:22 of round 3

– Steven Siler def. Josh Clopton via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

– Bryan Caraway def. Dustin Neace via submission (rear-naked choke), 3:38 of round 2

We open the Spike broadcast with the traditional pan through the Las Vegas crowd. A fat guy with a thick red beard screaming his lungs out will surely be the subject of an animated GIF tomorrow. We’re reminded that later on the show they’ll be announcing the Fight of the Season, Knockout of the Season, and Submission of the Season awards from TUF 14, each one worth $25,000 to a hungry castmember.

Louis Gaudinot vs. Johnny Bedford

Bedford got a haircut, and Gaudinot’s green mop is even more insane tonight. He’s like a bantamweight Clay Guida/Kermit the Frog hybrid. Bedford is seven inches taller and has an eight-inch reach advantage. Gaudinot is basically just killing time until the UFC opens up a flyweight division.

Round 1: Gaudinot misses a leg kick and gets tagged with one in return. Bedford with a long right straight and a takedown. Elbow from the top from Bedford. Gaudinot rolls to stand and Bedford grabs a headlock. Gaudinot stands and Bedford lands a knee, then a punch in the clinch. Another knee from Bedford and they separate. Bedford with another takedown and he moves quickly to mount. Punches from the top, and Gaudinot can’t do much except cover up. He bucks, but it doesn’t work. Bedford tying up Gaudinot’s arms. Gaudinot rolls to his knees and Bedford takes his back. Gaudinot trying to get to his feet, but Bedford stretches him back out on the mat. Gaudinot returns to his back, establishes half-guard. Bedford gets some space and throws down a punch. Gaudinot scrambles to a knee and eats a pair of punches. Gaudinot gets up, Bedford knees him in the gut and strolls off at the bell. 10-8 Bedford; Gaudinot did zero offensively in that round.

Round 2: Leg kick Gaudinot. Gaudinot gets in with a punch and kick, and exits. Bedford returns fire. He misses a spinning backfist but scores with a takedown. Gaudinot gets up, but Bedford is landing on him. Bedford goes for the ankle pick and gets it after some struggle. Bedford on top of Gaudinot in half guard. Bedford with punches to the body. A solid elbow. Bedford briefly gets mount again, but Gaudinot escapes. Bedford throws down a barrage of punches, and again, Gaudinot can’t do much except minimize damage. Gaudinot twists his body around and Bedford goes to north/south. Mount again. Bedford smashes Gaudinot with elbows. Bedford grabs an arm and tries for a straight armbar, but Gaudinot defends it on sheer muscle. There’s the bell. Either 10-9 or 10-8 for Bedford. I guess it doesn’t matter at this point; Gaudinot is going to need a miracle stoppage in round three.

Round 3: Bedford clinches up, throws a pair of knees. Gaudinot tries a leg kick. Another clinch/knee series from Bedford. Gaudinot fakes low and lands a backfist. Bedford makes him pay, swarming with strikes and dropping Gaudinot with a body shot and knee. He follows it up with a soccer-kick to the ribs, and slugs him with punches and knees from the top. Referee Steve Mazzagatti has finally seen enough.

Johnny Bedford def. Louis Gaudinot via TKO, 1:58 of round 3. “That’s fun to watch right there,” Bedford says, admiring the replay of his body shots. A good debut for Bedford, though beating up Louis Gaudinot doesn’t guarantee that he’ll be a force at 135 in the UFC.

Hey, an ad for Gina Carano’s Haywire! OPENING DAY, SON.

Tony Ferguson vs. Yves Edwards

Round 1: Leg kick Ferg. Another. Edwards throws back a jab, and Ferguson lands three leg kicks in quick succession. Edwards scores with a stright left to the grilland one to the body. Ferguson tries a teep to the body. Ferguson with a leg kick that’s checked, then throws two jabs. Edwards lands a punch then a head kick. Edwards lands a left in a firefight. Punch/leg kick from Edwards that spins Ferguson around. Leg kick again from Ferguson. Another. Edwards lands a punch but gets countered hard. Ferguson pushing forward with punches. Ferguson lands uppercut, then blitzes forward with punches. Edwards is hurt and covering up as Ferguson bombs out on him. Edwards returns a head kick then shoots in. Ferguson defends with an omoplata and gets to his feet. Awesome finish to the round. You gotta give it to Ferguson 10-9 for putting Edwards in trouble.

Round 2: Ferguson with a lead uppercut. He goes inside with the leg kick. Edwards lands a great right hand counter, then a head kick and a leg kick that stumbles Ferguson. Edwards fires a flying knee and one more in a clinch. Leg kick Ferguson. Ferguson switches to southpaw, jabs, and goes back to orthodox. Ferguson fires a hard right hook, then an uppercut that makes solid contact. Ferg misses a jab and Edwards lands in return. Ferguson lands the better punches in a boxing exchange. Edwards tries the head kick again. Edwards shoots, gets stuffed. Ferguson shoots and gets his takedown but the round ends before he can do anything with it.

Round 3: Ferguson touches Edwards with his jab. Edwards lands a great leg kick at the end of a punch combo, but slips and has to retreat. Body kick Ferguson. Ferguson kicks high. Edwards lands another leg kick that puts Ferguson off balance. Ferguson lands a left. They trade low kicks. Edwards with a straight left. Ferguson with a superman jab. Edwards responds with a leg kick. Edwards with another head kick that rolls off Ferguson’s shoulder. Leg kick Edwards. Side push kick from Ferguson. Head kick from Edwards. Edwards shoots, gets stuffed. Ferguson trying to land some punches, but missing. That’s the end. Tough one to call.

Tony Ferguson def. Yves Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Damn, Ferguson is sponsored by Jimmy John’s? I want to be sponsored by Jimmy John’s.

On the next page: The TUF 14 winners are decided.

‘TUF 14 Finale’ Video: Michael Bisping Not Such a Bad Guy, Claims Michael Bisping

(Props: MMAFighting)

Despite Jason Miller‘s basic-cable cred, Michael Bisping will be the biggest UFC star to compete at the TUF 14 Finale on Saturday night. He’s also one of the biggest villains on the UFC roster — a fighter who fans love to hate. To some extent, you can blame that on reality show editing, which Bisping in fact does, starting at the 10:18 mark of this video interview. But he’s also been responsible for some real-life behavior that’s just nasty and wrong. Like Josh Koscheck, the villain persona that has been hoisted on Bisping seems to be an exaggerated version of what’s already there.

In this 20-minute pre-fight chat, Ariel Helwani gets the Count’s thoughts on his fight with Mayhem Miller, and attempts to reconcile Michael Bisping the bully character with Michael Bisping the human being. Here’s a cheat sheet…


(Props: MMAFighting)

Despite Jason Miller‘s basic-cable cred, Michael Bisping will be the biggest UFC star to compete at the TUF 14 Finale on Saturday night. He’s also one of the biggest villains on the UFC roster — a fighter who fans love to hate. To some extent, you can blame that on reality show editing, which Bisping in fact does, starting at the 10:18 mark of this video interview. But he’s also been responsible for some real-life behavior that’s just nasty and wrong. Like Josh Koscheck, the villain persona that has been hoisted on Bisping seems to be an exaggerated version of what’s already there.

In this 20-minute pre-fight chat, Ariel Helwani gets the Count’s thoughts on his fight with Mayhem Miller, and attempts to reconcile Michael Bisping the bully character with Michael Bisping the human being. Here’s a cheat sheet…

— The smaller scale of the TUF 14 Finale doesn’t feel any different to him than his bigger fights, though it’s a bit of a disappointment not to be on a big PPV card.

— Six of Bisping’s last seven opponents have gone to the hospital afterwards, and Mayhem will be heading there as well.

— He doesn’t like being considered a “bad boy,” and has done nothing to purposefully play up that image. He’s often said things out of emotion that he regrets later.

— Haters hate on the Internet. In person, they show love.

— He’s happy as a pig in shit, most of the time.

— The footage of Bisping acting like a nice person in this episode was left on the cutting room floor, which annoyed him.

— “Mutual respect” is probably the wrong way to describe the relationship between Bisping and Miller.

— Bisping would be happy to meet Chael Sonnen in his next fight. He’s never ducked anybody in his career, unlike Nate Marquardt, who Bisping claims ducked him twice.

— Steroids are “a massive problem” in MMA, and he knows that a lot of fighters use them. He also questions the idea that alpha-male MMA fighters would need testosterone therapy. (At 16:15, he thinks of something funny related to sex-changes, but doesn’t say it. Good man, you’re learning.) Of course, the two things are linked: “When you abuse steroids, that does affect your natural production of testosterone, hence, therefore, if you need testosterone replacement therapy…I would say that the people taking that have been abusing steroids in the past and therefore have low testosterone.”

— Bisping knows for a fact that his camp didn’t leak any information to Miller, but he couldn’t care less even if they had. Mayhem could watch Bisping’s training himself and it wouldn’t make a difference in their fight.

— Bisping’s prediction for the fight: “I’m going to beat him in all areas.”