Tag: liveblog

UFC 174 Results: Demetrious Johnson Retains Title, MacDonald Dominates Woodley


(“Dear God, please guide my hands in this fight, and protect me from this American baldness disease.” / Photo via MMAJunkie)

The UFC is in Vancouver tonight for UFC 174: Johnson vs. Bagautinov, featuring a crop of fights that all have the potential to end with the loser being carried out on a stretcher. (NOW LEMME GET A HELL YEAH!) In the main event, Demetrious Johnson — still the only flyweight champion in UFC history — will try to make his fourth belt-defense against a dangerous Dagestani named Ali Bagautinov. Plus: “The Canadian Psycho” Rory MacDonald faces Tyron Woodley in the co-main, Ryan Bader slugs it out with Rafael Cavalcante, Andrei Arlovski makes his long-awaited Octagon return against Brendan Schaub, and Ryan Jimmo will hopefully challenge Ovince St. Preux to a dance-off.

Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking 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, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.


(“Dear God, please guide my hands in this fight, and protect me from this American baldness disease.” / Photo via MMAJunkie)

The UFC is in Vancouver tonight for UFC 174: Johnson vs. Bagautinov, featuring a crop of fights that all have the potential to end with the loser being carried out on a stretcher. (NOW LEMME GET A HELL YEAH!) In the main event, Demetrious Johnson — still the only flyweight champion in UFC history — will try to make his fourth belt-defense against a dangerous Dagestani named Ali Bagautinov. Plus: “The Canadian Psycho” Rory MacDonald faces Tyron Woodley in the co-main, Ryan Bader slugs it out with Rafael Cavalcante, Andrei Arlovski makes his long-awaited Octagon return against Brendan Schaub, and Ryan Jimmo will hopefully challenge Ovince St. Preux to a dance-off.

Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking 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, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.

UFC 174 Preliminary Card Results
– Kiichi Kunimoto def. Daniel Sarafian via. Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:52 of round 1.
– Valerie Letourneau def. Elizabeth Phillips via. split decision (29-28 Letourneau x 2, 29-28 Phillips)
– Yves Jabouin def. Mike Easton via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Tae Hyun Bang def. Kajan Johnson via. KO (punch) at 2:01 of round 3
– Michinori Tanaka def. Roland Delorme via unanimous decision. (30-27 x 3)
– Jason Saggo def. Josh Shockley via. TKO (punches) at 4:57 of Round 1.

Please stand by…

Hey there Folks. Glad to be back in the saddle.
For those of you who are following UFC 174 and not watching the World Cup, I welcome you. For those of you who are here following UFC 174 WHILE watching the the World Cup, it’s time to turn it off and get your UFC on. Jamie Varner broke his ankle at UFC 173 and then the doctor stepped on it (!) and you didn’t see him screaming and rolling around… Just sayin’.

We have some big fights happening this evening. The Flyweight Belt is up for grabs. The winner of MacDonald vs. Woodley gets a title shot (Probably. Maybe. No, probably not), and “The PitBull” Andrei Arlovski is back in his cage. Stay tuned, this should be a good one.

First up:

Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince St. Preux

Ryan Jimmo (19-3 MMA) Fought on Season 8 of TUF.
Ovince St. Preux (15-5 MMA) Former Strikeforce competitor.

Round 1:
St. Preux with the 7 inch reach advantage. They touch gloves. Leg kick by Jimmo. Body kick by St. Preux. Big left by St. Preux. Jimmo is moving forward. St. Preux connects with a left. They clinch against the fence. Jimmo looking for the take down from the clinch against the fence. St. Preux gets the reversal against the fence. They break. Jimmo is bleeding from his nose. Head kick attempt by St. Preux. Jimmo answers with a high body kick. Leg kick from St. Preux. Inside leg kick from Jimmo. Body kick by Jimmo. St. Preux is really reaching with the jab. Nice left hand by St. Preux. St. Preux goes for the takedown and gets it against the fence just in time for the bell

Round 2:
Opens with a big right from Jimmo. Jimmo’s corner thinks St. Preux is getting tired. Jimmo attempts a body kick, caught by St. Preux who gets the takedown and gets full mount. St. Preux transitions to Jimmo’s back, St. Preux attempting a rear naked choke. Jimmo defending. St. Preux only has one hook. Jimmo taking some hammer fists to the head. St. Preux goes for a kimura. WOW! Jimmo says his arm is broken and the ref calls it.

Ovince St. Preux def. Ryan Jimmo via. verbal submission (Kimura) at 2:10 of round 2.

Up next…

Andrei Arlovski vs. Brendan Schaub

Andrei Arlovski (21-10-1 MMA) Arlovski is making his return to the octagon after a six year absence. Arlovski is the former UFC Heavyweight Champ and former UFC interim Light Heavyweight Champ. At 35 years of age, Arlovski is hoping to make one more run at the UFC belt before retiring. He is the only man to knock out Roy Nelson.

Brendan Schaub (10-3 MMA) Made the finals of TUF season 10 where he lost to Roy Nelson. Schaub won his last fight against Matt Mitrione via d’arce choke. The only fighter in UFC history to finish with that choke.

Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Schaub. Big John and Andrei in the cage together again…Heeeere we go. They touch gloves. They feel each other out. Andrei with the flurry and the clinch. Pins Schaub up against the fence and throws a few knees. Schaub spins out, throws a right and a left. Arlovski answers with an outside leg kick. They clinch and Arlovski pins Schaub against the fence and starts throwing knees. Big John tells them to get to work. Schaub pushes Arlovski off and they move to the middle of the octagon. Big overhand right from Schaub that just misses. Big swing and a miss from Arlovski. They clinch briefly. Schaub spins away. A big overhand from Schaub, Arlovski ducks underneath and clinches against the fence. Big spinning back kick from Arlovski to end the round.

Round 2:
They meet in the middle. Arlovski kicks Schaub in the groin. Schaub takes a minute but is back in business quickly. Arlovski clips Schaub with a left hook. Nothing huge, but opens Schaub up with a cut near his left eye. They clinch against the cage and Arlovski takes a break. They break and meet in the middle of the cage. They trade a few quick jabs. A headkick attempt by Schaub. Headkick attempt by Arlovski. Schaub fakes low and throws a overhand right that misses. Arlovski is watching for it. They clinch and now Schaub has Arlovski pinned against the cage. Schaub gets the take down but Arlovski get right back up. They break and meet in the middle. Schaub swinging for the fences but missing. Schaub connects with a left jab. Andrei shrugs it off. BIG uppercut from Schaub that rings Arlovski’s bell. A big swing and a miss from Schaub, answered by a big overhand from Arlovski to end the round.

Round 3:
Schaub opens the round with a swing and a miss overhand right. Another big overhand right from Schaub. Arlovski catches Schaub with a jab as he comes in. Big John warns them about headbutting. They clinch and Schaub gets the take down. Schaub works in Arlovski’s guard with punches and endows to the body. Arlovski answers with some elbows from the bottom. Hammer fists from Schaub. Schaub is making no attempt to transition to half guard. Arlovski keeps Schaub busy defending punches from the bottom. Schaub with some nasty hammerfists. Arlovski bucks Schaub off and regains his feet. They clinch and Arlovski pushes Schaub against the fence. Schaub escapes and they meet in the middle. They trade shots and there is the buzzer. Schaubs mouth and face has suddenly swelled up.

Arlovski says in his interview with Rogan that he was nervous and asks the crowd not to boo him.

Andrei Arlovski def. Brendan Schaub via. split decision (29-28 28-29 29-28)

Next up…

Ryan Bader vs. Rafael Cavalcante

Ryan Bader (16-4 MMA) Currently the #10 Light Heavyweight. Winner of Season 8 of TUF (Team Nog). His first loss was to fellow (at the time) up and comer Jon Jones. 3 of his four losses have been to former or future Light Heavyweight Champs (Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz). His fourth loss was to Glover Teixeira.

Rafael Cavalcante (12-4-1) Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ. Studied veterinary medicine before being recruited by Big Nog. Lost his Strikeforce Belt to Dan Henderson. This will be his third fight in the UFC.

Round 1:
No reach advantage for either fighter. They touch gloves. Cavalcante with an inside leg kick to start things off. Bader with a head kick attempt. A quick jab by Bader, followed by a running takedown of Cavalcante. Bader has his back standing, lifts Cavalcante up and gets the takedown but Cavalcante is up quickly with Bader still glued to his back punishing his thighs with knees. Really brutal knees to Cavalcante’s legs. Bader is destroying that leg. Cavalcante is up. They break and meet in the middle. HUGE haymaker attempt by Cavalcante which misses. Bader responds with a looping right hand. Cavalcante connects with a small right. They both catch each other with a jab. Bader gets a big takedown. They grappls at the fence as Bader slowly gets Cavalcante’s back. Cavalcante is absorbing a lot of punishment from the Bader. Some nasty body shots from Bader. HUGE knee too the body of Cavalcante at the buzzer.

Round 2:
Spinning back kick from cavalcante to start things off. Answered by a head kick attempt from Bader. They clinch and Bader pushes Cavalcante up against the fence. They break and Cavalcante moves forward while Bader waits for his opportunity, and there he gets the takedown. Nasty Elbow in Cavalcante’s face and Bader gets his back. Bader starts landing some nasty knee’s to Cavalcante’s butt and thighs. Cavalcante gains his feet, attempts another haymaker. There is a lot of movement from Bader. Another Haymaker attempt by Cavalcante. Bader darts in and peppers Cavalcante with punches. Cavalcante connects with a right. Connects with another right. Bader shakes it off and answers with a body shot and a takedown. Bader is on top and starts abusing the side of Cavalcante’s body. There goes the buzzer.

Round 3:
A big right from Cavalcante and a left that rung Bader’s bell. He connects with several looping hooks that hurt Bader, and gets the takedown. Cavalcante is on top, Bader goes for a leg and tries to reverse. Cavalcante hits Bader with some big elbows to the head. They break and Bader slips, Cavalcante follows him but can’t finish. They clinch against the fence. Nothing happens. The ref. breaks them apart and restarts them. Bader gets a takedown. He is on top abusing Cavalcante’s ribs with punches and dropping some big elbows on the ribcage. Cavalcante is not responding. Bader is inside Cavalcante’s guard, raining down elbows and punches to the body. Cavalcante has no answer for Bader. Cavalcante throws a few elbows, but Bader is connecting with everything. That’s it. It’s over.

Dominant performance by Ryan Bader. “If he loses this decision, They should burn this place down”- Joe Rogan

Ryan Bader def. Rafael Cavalcante via. unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

Next up…

Tyrone Woodley vs. Rory MacDonald

Rory MacDonald (16-2 MMA) The Canadian born fighter is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champ. MacDonald trains together with Georges St-Pierre at Tristar Gym. His only two losses were to Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler. MacDonald is currently the #2 ranked Welterweight.

Tyron Woodley (13-2 MMA) Former Strikeforce fighter. Woodley’s only two losses came from Nate Marquart and Jake Shields. Of his thirteen wins, four have come via knockout, five via submission and four via decision. Woodley is often criticized for being too muscular, which some critics (looking at you Dana White) saying that he will gas out if brought into championship rounds.

Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Rory.
Rory with a front kick early. A quick jab, Woodley with and overhand right. They clinch. Woodley with some knee’s to the body. Woodley pushes Rory up against the fence and starts punishing his legs with knees and foot stomps. Some big knee’s from Woodley. I don’t know how many of those Rory can take. Rory gets out and Rory connects with a question mark kick. Woodley responods with a attempted headkick. They trade head kick attempts. A big kick to the body of Woodley. Rory connecting with some big kicks. Woodley goes for the take down and absorbs a knee on the way in. They are clinched at the fence. Woodley connects with some punches to the face from the clinch. They seperate and Rory connects with a kick to the body. Woodley gets a takedown. Rory gets up and connects with a kick to the body and a short jab. Backs Woodley up against the fence and connects with some jabs and front kicks. Woodley seems unfazed. They square off and the buzzer sounds.

Round 2:
Rory with a few jabs. Woodley responds with an overhead right. Superman punch and an Ax kick from Rory. Rory goes for the takedown but is unsuccessful. Woodley connects with a solid leg kick. Rory has Woodley backed up against the fence. Peppering him with kicks. Woodley connects with a HARD leg kick. Rory connects with a body shot. Woodley attempts two right hand’s. Misses with bith. Rory with a quick flurry. Rory with a body kick. Woodley answers with some big punches. All misses. Rory pushes Woodley against the fence. Just constant pressure from Rory. Woodley connects with a brutal leg kick. Rory is just absorbing them. Rory connects with an body/head combo. Headkick from Rory. Woodley connects with a small jab. Rory with a right hand. Left jab and right overhand from Rory. Woodley is looking really uncomfortable. Rory catches two jabs in the face right before the buzzer.

Round 3:
Woodley tee’s off and flurries. Rory backs up and almost trips. Rory takes control of the center of the ring. Rory connects with a left jab. Woodley looks to be slowing down. Rory connects with a body kick. Woodley answers with a kick, but Rory brushes it aside and hits Woodley with a spinning back kick. Woodley acts like it hit his groin but Big John waves him off. Rory goes for and gets the takedown. Woodley has stuffed 32 of the last 34 takedown attempts. Woodley has control of Rory’s wrists. Woodley still hanging on. Big John will stand them up if nothing happens soon. Rory stands up and Woodley attacks with the up-kick from his back. Rory is looking for the opening, and connects with an elbow. Rory gets full mount but Woodley shrugs him off to side mount. Woodley starts absorbing big shots to his head. Rory is just teeing off from side guard, pounding Woodley’s face. There is the buzzer. Huge statement by Rory MacDonald. I never thought I would see Tyron Woodley absolutely dominated like that. Wow.

Rory MacDonald def. Tyron Woodley via. unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

Next up… The Main Event.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ali Bagautinov

Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1 MMA) The current (and until now only) Flyweight Champ. This will be his fourth title defense. Johnson moved down to Flyweight and won the four man Flyweight tournament after losing a unanimous decision to Dominick Cruz in a fight for the Bantamweight Belt. His only other loss was a UD loss to Brad Pickett

Ali Bagautinov (13-2 MMA) is a Dagestani born Russian fighter and former Fight Nights Flyweight Champ. He is currently ranked as the #4 Flyweight. He has a background in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as Russian Sambo. Bagautinov is a 2x Combat Sambo World Champion. He is currently on an 11 fight win streak.

Round 1:
They touch gloves. Johnson with an inside leg kick to get us started. Ali with very low hands and very flat feet. A few quick kicks from Johnson and Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson, answered by Ali with a left right combo and a big kick to the body. A few big left right combos that miss from Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Inside leg kick from Johnson. A lot of feinting happening here. Ali reaches and clips Johnson. They clinch, some knees from Ali, he has Johnson pushed up against the cage. Johnson has Ali’s neck in a Muay Thai clinch and throws a knee. Ali catches the knee and holds it. Ali lets it go and catches another leg and holds it. Ali trying for the takedown. Some big knees and punches from Ali, answered by a knee from Johnson. Johnson lands some hard knees to the body. Ali gets a takedown but Johnson bounces right back up for the buzzer.

Round 2:
Johnson switches to orthodox. Johnson connects with an inside leg kick followed quickly by an outside leg kick. Johnson goes for the takedown and they clinch. Johnson connects with some knees. Ali reverses and throws some punches which miss. Ali checks a leg kick from Johnson. Johnson backs him up and connect with an outside leg kick and a high head kick. Ali responds with some big punches thrown at nothing but the air where Johnson was a second ago. Johnson connects with another leg kick combo. Another inside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson connects with a big punch. Ali connects with a head kick, but Johnson shrugs it off. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence and starts connecting with knees to the body. Johnson answers with some knees of his own. Some big knees from Ali, but Johnson is dodging most of them. Ali with a takedown attempt. Johnson stuffs the attempt and punishes Ali with elbows to the head. They are still clinched and exchanging knees. They grapple and whip eachother around. There’s the buzzer.

Round 3:
Johnson with leg kicks to open the round. A swing and a miss for Ali answered by another leg kick. Leg kick. Straight kick from Johnson. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence. They start trading knees. Big knee to Ali’s ribs. Ali connects with a knee to the midsection. Johnson gets double underhooks but lets it go. Big body kick from Johnson. Ali kicks back. Ali tries for a head kick. Johnson darts in with some punches and some high/low head movement. Ali looks confused. Johnson looks fresh, Ali is breathing hard. Tries for a head kick. Ali gets Johnsons back and suplex! Johnson is right back up on his feet. Amazing… They clinch but quickly break apart. Leg kick from Johnson. Ali goes for a takedown and gets a knee. Takedown attempt quickly reversed by Johnson. Some knees and elbows from Johnson to end the round.

Round 4: Championship rounds.
Starts again with leg kicks from the champ. He is landing more and more of those kicks. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson goes for a takedown but Ali stuffs the attempt. Inside leg kick from Johnson. Ali’s hands are really low. Johnson connects with a right hand jab followed by a left hand jab. Huge right hand from Ali but it find nothing but air. NASTY leg kicks from Johnson. A nice body kick from Ali. A lot of movement but nithing happening. Johnson slips and Ali moves in but Johnson is up and out of range quickly. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the cage Some big knees to the midsection of Johnson. Johnson defends well. A over and around knee to Ali’s head. Johnson gets the reversal but Ali reverses again. Johnson gets Ali’s back and starts working for a RNC but the buzzer sounds. Ali is saved by the bell

Round 5: Final Round.
Ali motions to the crowd. Johnson and Ali embrace in the middle. Ali throws a big haymaker but misses. Johnson with a jab, finding his range. Connects with a short right jab. Johnson with the clinch and some hard knee’s to the head and midsection of Ali. Ali has Johnson’s leg, but loses it. They clinch against the cage and Ali starts throwing knees. Johnson pushes him back and answers with his own knees. Johnson reverses and starts throwing punches. Ali reverses again. Johnson yells out in pain as Ali pushes hard down on him. Johnson throws knees but is now only throwing with his left leg. Johnson tags Ali with a kick and attempts a spinning back kick to the head. Ali ducks under and goes for the takedown. Johnson tuffs the attempt. Johnson attacks with a head kick. They grapple at the cage, they clinch and Ali goes to work on Johnson’s midsection. Johnson answers with some knees. Ali’s sides and ribs are bruised and red. He has absorbed a lot of punishment. There is the buzzer it’s over.

Demetrious Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov via. unanimous decision (50-45)

That does it for me folks. It has been a a pleasure.

UFC Fight Night 42 Results: Benson Henderson Submits Rustam Khabilov, Diego Sanchez Wins B.S. Hometown Decision Against Ross Pearson


(“My God, that is the flattest nose I’ve ever seen. Rustam, would it be okay if I prayed for you?” / Photo via MMAFighting)

The UFC visits Albuquerque for the first time this evening with UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov, a fun little card focusing on Southwestern talent under 170 pounds. In the main event, former lightweight champion Benson Henderson will go for the finish like he always does (LOL!) against Dagestani suplex-monster Rustam Khabilov. Plus: Hometown hero Diego Sanchez takes on Ross Pearson, former flyweight title challengers John Dodson and John Moraga will bounce around the Octagon faster than the human eye can detect, and Bryan Caraway will be booed loudly against Mexican bantamweight Erik “Goyito” Perez.

Handling the liveblog for tonight’s FOX Sports 1 main card will be none other than Ryan Harkness, who will be typin’ out round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page for all the latest updates, and as always, follow us on twitter for additional deep thoughts.


(“My God, that is the flattest nose I’ve ever seen. Rustam, would it be okay if I prayed for you?” / Photo via MMAFighting)

The UFC visits Albuquerque for the first time this evening with UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov, a fun little card focusing on Southwestern talent under 170 pounds. In the main event, former lightweight champion Benson Henderson will go for the finish like he always does (LOL!) against Dagestani suplex-monster Rustam Khabilov. Plus: Hometown hero Diego Sanchez takes on Ross Pearson, former flyweight title challengers John Dodson and John Moraga will bounce around the Octagon faster than the human eye can detect, and Bryan Caraway will be booed loudly against Mexican bantamweight Erik “Goyito” Perez.

Handling the liveblog for tonight’s FOX Sports 1 main card will be none other than Ryan Harkness, who will be typin’ out round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page for all the latest updates, and as always, follow us on twitter for additional deep thoughts.

UFC Fight Night 42 preliminary card results
– Sergio Pettis def. Yaotzin Meza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
– Lance Benoist def. Bobby Voelker via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
– Scott Jorgensen def. Danny Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
– Jon Tuck def. Jake Lindsey via submission (heel kick to the liver — seriously), 2:47 of round 3
– Patrick Cummins def. Roger Narvaez via TKO, 2:28 of round 2

Hi I’m Ryan. With our other CagePotato writers recovering from the combat fatigue caused by last weekend’s doubleheader, Ben has called me in as reinforcement to break down the action for posterity and any poor souls working weekend nightshift that can’t follow along with fancy moving picture options. Check back after every round for my oh so qualified technical breakdown and all the fart jokes you’ve come to expect from this site.

Erik Perez vs Bryan Caraway

Round 1: Caraway goin for takedowns but being rejected. Perez pushes things into the cage but gives his neck up and Caraway goes for the guillotine, ending up on the bottom. It looks moderately dangerous as guillotines go but you see it ain’t coming so Caraway lets go and they end up back on the feet.

Caraway catches the leg and forces a takedown, grabbing Perez’s back in the scramble. Perez rolls to try and escape but Caraway holds on and works a choke. Perez manages to sip Caraway off his back and get into guard, but Caraway grabs Perez’s neck and uses it to get back to his feet.

The two face off and Perez starts to let go, hitting Caraway with a big knee. Caraway, sensing his chances shrinking the longer he doesn’t grapple, shoots in and tangles up with Perez along the cage. Perez throws a backward facing elbow as the round ends.

Round 2: Perez mixes things up by hitting a takedown but Caraway reverses things fast and ends up in side control. Caraway lulls Perez and then is suddenly in full mount, and then back control. And then back control with body lock! Perez lowers his hands like “What’s this biz around my waist” and faster than you can say “Hello, Japan” Caraway has his arms around his neck. He switches the choke to a gable grip and Perez holds on for about five seconds before tapping out.

Bryan Caraway dominates Erik Perez on the ground and secures the rear naked choke at 1:52 (Round 2)

Yves Edwards vs Piotr Hallman

Round 1: The two circle and feel each other out. Yves kicks while Piotr wings shots. Yves is light on the feet, bouncing and circling, endlessly circling. Piotr returns a kick but accidentally pokes Yves in the eye, which is impressive because his poking hand had nothing to do with the actual strike. Yves takes a minute and gets back to the action.

Two two trade exchanges and Hallman steps in for a halfhearted takedown attempt. Edwards rebuffs him and is starting to let go with some slick in/out combinations. Piotr goes in for another takedown, shoving Edwards against the cage and then swinging him to the ground with his leg. Yves springs back to his feet and engages, pushing Hallman against the cage and then disconnecting with a violent elbow.

They return to the center of the cage to trade combos and kicks. Yves catches a leg and pushes Edwards down, following into guard. Hallman moves to halfguard and is using the distance to throw better strikes. Edwards explodes to get up but Hallman’s got a grip on him and spins him back down. Edwards stands again, this time managing to slip around Hallman’s back. The two stagger to the cage and grasslehump for control as the horn sounds.

Round 2: Hallman comes in more aggressively with strikes, but his momentum is stopped as he eye pokes Edwards again, and again with an ‘inactive’ hand during a knee! The ref warns him again and they return to action. Hallman goes for a leg but Yves shucks him off. Piotr gets in real close and starts throwing combinations including what look like open handed slaps. The ref yells at him to close his damn hands, and a second later Yves throws an open handed Jon Jones special and pokes Hallman in the eye!

A minute later and another ‘What shall we do about eyepokes?’ conversation and we resume. Hallman shoots on Edwards and ends up with standing back control. Yves turns and breaks his grip, and throws a couple of combinations in response. He pushes Hallman against the cage and mixes between tying up and letting go to throw heavy body kicks and elbows. He starts to climb up onto Hallman’s back but ends up taken down and in guard.

Piotr really plants his base and lays heavy. He passes into half after a while and starts to unload, forcing Yves to roll over. He cuts Yves and hits him in the body with a big knee. Yves stumbles to his feet but Hallman drags him back down into half guard where he’s doing all that good ground and pound work. Yves gives up his back again but uses it to get to his feet. Hallman leans on Yves and works him over a bit as the round ends. Edwards is looking hella tired.

Round 3: Hallman controls the center of the octagon and pushes Yves into the cage. Edwards is not the light on his feet fighter we saw in round 1. Hallman uses his ‘spinning drag’ technique to pull Edwards down. Hallman slowly moves into his favorite position: half guard, and starts raining down strikes. Yves starts to do what he does every time he’s here and gives up his back. This time Hallman takes advantage and locks up the rear naked choke, squeezing a tap out of Yves.

Piotr Hallman via gastank, wrassling, and rear naked choke 2:32 (Round 3)

Jason High vs Rafael dos Anjos

Round 1: The two take the center of the Octagon, with Rafael faking and Jason throwing whoppers. Rafael starts to move and throws some high kicks. High grabs one and pushes Dos Anjos against the cage, getting a good grab around his waist, and dumpslamming him to the mat. Dos Anjos struggles to his feet and goes for High’s neck but High gets the same grip as before and slams Dos Anjos to the mat again.

Dos Anjos gets busy under High, grabbing for arms and creating space. High is staying out of bad positions but can’t get off any meaningful offense. He’s basically responding to Dos Anjos. Suddenly Dos Anjoys grabs a kimura and gets it behind High’s back! It looks pretty dangerous, but High rolls out of it, giving up position. They separate and return to the feet.

Dos Anjos is the aggressor on the feet, stepping in with solid combinations and hitting the body with kicks. He ties up with High against the cage and takes things to the ground. He immediately goes for the kimura, which High responds to by grabbing his shorts. “He’s grabbing his shorts!” Rafael yells to the ref. “He’s allowed” the ref responds. Life, it is unfair. Dos Anjos returns to the kimura but abandons it soon after. The round ends with Dos Anjos on top and High with that not so fresh look.

Round 2: High shows he’s still in it with a great head kick that lands well. Dos Anjos returns fire and clocks High with a good one, causing him to slip or stumble. High shakes his head but we all saw that. A second later things are stopped when Dos Anjos gets a thumb in High’s eye.

The ref barely gives High time to recover before starting the fight back up. And they go at it, throwing with some serious abandon. Rafael overextends himself with a leaping front kick and High pushes him back and down with a takedown. But Dos Anjos creates the space and gets back to his feet. They square off again. Dos Anjos is using simple head movement to keep High’s strikes off him and it’s working well. He’s just landing more than High, and those strikes are doing more.

Dos Anjos shoots in and takes High to the ground. He improves position to half and when High gets up, Dos Anjos catches him in some kinda sneaky choke setup. He jumps on it with abandon but High slips out. They work back up against the cage and struggle against each other before going back to rockem sockem action. High throws more of his patented violent hooks but they meet nothing but air. Dos Anjos threads a left hand up under High’s arm that catches him right on the chin. High goes down, and Dos Anjos swarms him. High comes to and grabs Dos Anjos, but Rafael is raining blows down with enough force that the referee steps in and stops it. High wasn’t goin nowhere.

Rafael Dos Anjos hits the button and takes Jason High out via TKO at 3:36 (Round 2)

John Dodson vs John Moraga

Round 1: John and John circle the center of the cage. John feints and John returns with a low kick. Dodson stays light on his feet, he’s dancing and throwing quick head kicks. Nothing landing but he’s got that elusive octagon control going. He steps in and chases Moraga with a hard right. Moraga returns with a headkick that goes too high. Moraga shoots a takedown and knees Dodson in the attempt. Dodson jogs a lap and starts running right back at Moraga to continue the fight – the ref has to stop him and properly reset the action. That wasn’t Dodson being dirty or angry, just the hyperactive weirdo he is. They return to trading combinations in the center of the cage.

Things slow down (relatively) as the two feint and fake for over a minute. Dodson shoots in and lands his strikes, Moraga shoots in and hits air. Moraga goes in for a takedown but they hit the cage and Dodson shucks him off. They slow down and circle before Dodson suddenly steps in and hits Moraga with a flurry. He lands a nice knee to the midsection when Moraga steps in to return fire. The round ends as Dodson slowly takes control on the feet.

Round 2: Dodson is starting to vibrate on the feet. He jumps in with a superman punch and somehow gets a jumping knee in too. Moraga seems to be stuck in a feinting pattern. The few times he tries to land on Dodson, Dodson is nowhere to be found. Dodson throws a kick that gets caught by Moraga, who uses the opportunity to actually punch Dodson in the face before powering him back against the cage. They go down in a tangle but it’s Dodson who ends up on top. They struggle before separating and returning to the center of the cage. Halfway point of the round.

Moraga catches Dodson with a body kick that has Dodson smiling – which as Joe Rogan likes to say, means it actually hurt. Moraga is using his kicks more effectively now and it’s Dodson who seems to be waiting and watching what Moraga does instead of the other way around. One minute left.

Is there something wrong with Dodson? He’s not doing much at all. Finally he explodes and unleashes a flurry that goes from surprising Moraga to hurting him. Dodson smashes Moraga in the face with a knee and Moraga crumbles up against the cage. Dodson starts works him over, going for the finish. Moraga’s face bloods up but he keeps calm and holds on, surviving the round.

Round 3 (almost): We return from commercials to the doctor looking Moraga over. The cut doesn’t seem too bad but whatever it is, the doctor ain’t letting things go. The ref waves his hands above his head. The fight is over and John Dodson hummingbirds around the cage in celebration.

John Dodson defeats John Moraga via knee rhinoplasty and doctor’s stoppage. It is ruled TKO (Injury) Round 2 (5:00)

Diego Sanches vs Ross Pearson

Round 1: The fighters meet over the big Bud Light and start sorting out their range. Diego throwing big, Pearson ducking and dodging and working counters. Pearson seems happy to wait for Diego to charge in so he can hit him with one precise power shot. Diego probably realizes that but what is he gonna do? Stop coming in? Pearson shows some offense and slams Diego with a kick to the body. Diego seems to be trying with all his might to not brawl and instead box – he’s not leaping in like he was before.

The two continue to circle, waiting to explode. Diego catches a kick and almost forces things to get ugly by pushing Pearson against the cage but Pearson swings out. As the round ends Diego once again pressures Pearson onto the fence and throws heavy leather as Ross tries to escape out the side. There’s a winning strategy in this, but I have a feeling we’re gonna end up slugging it out the middle.

Round 2: Diego grabs Pearson by the leg and works a halfhearted takedown attempt. Ross shakes him off and Diego laughs because Diego is Diego. The two trade kicks with Pearson landing the more effective of the two. Diego grins more and does that ‘Bring it on!’ thing with his hands. But Pearson has Diego slowly moving backwards. Pearson stalks forward, doing good work with a heavy right hook. Sanchez starts responding to Ross’s attacks with flurries of his own but Ross is covering up well and then stepping out of range. Diego isn’t doing badly but volume and effectiveness wise Ross Pearson is taking this fight over.

One minute left in the round and Pearson drops Diego with a heavy right to the temple. Diego springs up and goes into berserker mode, putting the pressure on Pearson and finishing up a flurry with a spinning back kick. Pearson gets out of range and tries to slow the pace of the fight back down to where he was winning, but Diego brawls things up again at the end, finishing the round with a generally ineffective but still judge-pleasing flurry.

Round 3: The two square off and Diego throws a couple of attacks that Ross dodges off. Pearson responds with some kicks and punches to the body. He seems content to keep things in a combo-reset-combo pattern. Diego goes for a flying knee. That pretty much sums up where we’re at here: Pearson piling on the points with effective striking while Sanchez is grasping at spinning shit in the hopes one will take his opponent out.

Diego misses a spinning back kick and Pearson drags him up against the cage. They separate and Diego starts headhunting, throwing hooks so wild they spin him off center. We’ve got 1 minute left and some of the crowd is booing as they seem to know which way this is going – Pearson via decision. Diego throws another picture perfect spinning kick that misses by a mile. Pearson seems content to dodge and counter whatever comes his way. He catches a knee and pushes Diego against the cage, and for the 3 remaining seconds they throw down like He-Man action figures, big dumb hooks flying as the horn sounds.

Ross Pearson defeats Diego Sanchez Diego Sanchez defeats Ross Pearson via incomprehensible split decision. (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)

“Those judges should be ashamed.” -Kenny Florian

Benson Henderson vs Rustam Khabilov

Round 1: Khabilov steps in with a big uppercut and then switches his grip to Throw Mode, tripthrowing Benson half to the ground. Benson escapes and separates, then pushes forward with a flurry that backs Khabilov into the cage. The two square off and start feinting. Benson throws pawing strikes, Khabilov responds with a spinning kick. Benson charges in with a flurry, but Khabilov grabs him as he bounces off the cage and starts working a slam. Rustam has him right around the waist and goes for lift off … but Benson weaves his leg around Rustam’s and avoids it.

They separate with a minute left. Benson stalks Rustam but seems tentative to attack … tentative for Benson Henderson anyways. He throws caution to the wind and goes for a jump kick that ends up so wrong Rustam catches him mid air and dumps him onto the ground. The round ends with Rustam on top working position for ground and pound.

Round 2: Rustam throws a spinning backfist that barely misses, and Benson responds with an effective right to the face. Henderson is getting good at firing off strikes and then locking up against the cage. When Khabilov wrestles his way to an advantage position Benson then releases and escapes.

Khabilov is throwing heavy but hitting a lot of air. Henderson is coming in effectively but this time Khabilov drags him down and works the ground and pound. Henderson uses the bottom position to hit Khabilov a couple times before creating space and getting back to his feet. The two lock up again and this time Benson wins in the scramble as they fall to the mat, catching Rustam’s back and locking up a body triangle.

Benson holds the position for thirty seconds, working a choke. Khabilov takes advantage of a Henderson heel to the liver to spin out of the back control and force things back to their feet. The two wrestle up against the cage. Khabilov hits a judo throw but Henderson manages to stumble out of it, post with a hand, and end up still on his feet.

The two square off, with Henderson in the center. As Bendo goes in for an attack Khabilov catches him with a big right to end the round.

Round 3: Khabilov comes out swinging, heavy hooks that deflect off Henderson’s arms and shoulders. Benson goes for a kick and Khabilov grabs it, immediately shooting forward to explode with a strike before dragging Benson down. Khabilov wins the scramble and gets Benson in a north-south headlock. They struggle in this position for a bit before Benson gets back up and pulls his shoulders out from Rustam’s grasp.

Benson shoots in and clinches, but Rustam breaks away and dings Benson with a right on the way out. Benson continues to control the movement, pushing Rustam back. He strikes again, driving Rustam against the cage and then catching a surprise guillotine that Khabilov has to spin desperately on the ground to escape out of. They separate and square off with a minute left.

Khabilov takes a break from moving backwards to shoot in and take Henderson down with a big double leg. But it’s Henderson who ends up on top after the scramble by using a neat wrestling switch. He getts comfortable in half guard and is pelting Rustam’s head with short strikes as the round ends.

Round 4: Benson quickly pressures Rustam out of the center of the octagon, throwing combos, chasing Khabilov into the cage and then initiating the clinch before separating and setting the whole series up again. And suddenly out of nowhere Benson’s latest push to the fence comes with a big uppercut / left hand combo that hurts Khabilov bad. Henderson smells the blood and takes Rustam’s back as the crumples to the mat. A rear naked choke is already cinched tight by the time Khabilov is on the floor and it looks like the ref stops the fight because he’s worried Khabilov is already out and unable to tap.

Benson Henderson goes for the finish and takes out Rustam Khabilov via rear naked choke 1:16 (Round 4). All things through Christ!

And that ends the night! Mercifully, we only had to see one fight on the main card go to the drooling moron squad assigned as judges. Here are my quick pick post-event awards:

  • The Shut Everyone Up Award goes to Benson Henderson for actually finishing a fight.
  • The Tank Abbott Award goes to Bryan Caraway for bringing the fish hook back.
  • The Nickname of the Night Award goes to Rafael Dos Anjos, who looked badass enough to deserve being called RDA.
  • The Judge of The Night Award goes to Jeff Collins for giving Diego Sanchez all three rounds against Ross Pearson.

Thanks for having me, Potato people! Feel free to get all social with my business and such, if that’s what you’re in to. And don’t forget to leave a comment on how bad Ross Pearson got f**ked.

TUF Brazil 3 Finale Results: Stipe Miocic TKOs Fabio Maldonado in 35 Seconds


(The winner will face Chael Sonnen for the UFC’s inaugural gangsterweight title. / Photo via MMAFighting)

The second leg of today’s international UFC double-header — the TUF Brazil 3 Finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil — features top heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic fighting iron-jawed Brazilian light-heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, in a matchup that might best be described as a weird, funky, freaky kind of cirque du soleil-esque type of fight. Plus: The heavyweight and middleweight finals of TUF Brazil 3, Demian Maia fighting an obscure Russian dude, and TUF Brazil 1 winner Rony Jason facing off against Robbie Peralta.

Our buddy Matt Kaplan will be sticking round-by-round results from the FOX Sports 1 main card after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and follow us on twitter for additional deep thoughts.


(The winner will face Chael Sonnen for the UFC’s inaugural gangsterweight title. / Photo via MMAFighting)

The second leg of today’s international UFC double-header — the TUF Brazil 3 Finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil — features top heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic fighting iron-jawed Brazilian light-heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, in a matchup that might best be described as a weird, funky, freaky kind of cirque du soleil-esque type of fight. Plus: The heavyweight and middleweight finals of TUF Brazil 3, Demian Maia fighting an obscure Russian dude, and TUF Brazil 1 winner Rony Jason facing off against Robbie Peralta.

Our buddy Matt Kaplan will be sticking round-by-round results from the FOX Sports 1 main card after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and follow us on twitter for additional deep thoughts.

TUF Brazil 3 Finale preliminary card
– Rashid Magomedov def. Rodrigo Damm via UD (30-27 x 3)
– Elias Silverio def. Ernest Chavez via Rd. 3 (4:21) RNC
– Gasan Umalatov def. Paulo Thiago via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
– Kevin Souza def. Mark Eddiva via Rd. 2 (4:51) TKO
– Ricardo Abreu def. Wagner Silva via Rd. 2 (1:06) RNC
– Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Richardson Moreira via Rd. 1 (:20) KO
– Pedro Munhoz def. Matt Hobar via Rd. 1 (2:47) TKO

Hey now. Mk here, and tonight should be interesting. Not only am I coming to you from my iPad mini because the monitor on my trusty ol’ lap top won’t come on, but my wife and mother-in-law are staying parked in the living room here. Apparently, I just interrupted their Sex Sent Me to the ER viewing, so I hope these fights are more compelling than the gigolo who got poison ivy on his junk or the interracial couple who lost the key to their handcuffs in the woman’s loins. God help me…

Rony Jason vs. Robbie Peralta

Rd. 1 – Peralta opens with a leg kick and two winging punches that Jason blocks. And Jason lands a jumping knee that excites the crowd for a moment. Peralta works Jason against the cage and lets the knees go. Jason trips Peralta, takes the back, but the Californian escapes. Jason lands a spinning elbow, but Peralta backs up and charges back with a wide right. You can tell that both guys are being a bit cautious while loading up for the home run. Jason trips Peralta, who gets up right away and eats a short right. Peralta lands a hard leg kick in the center of the cage. Both men fire spinning strikes, and the round ends with Peralta attacking the downed Brazilian.

Rd. 2 –  Peralta opens with some inside leg kicks. Spinning back kick from Jason grazes Peralta, but Peralta charges in with looping hooks from both hands. Jason hits the takedown and lands in half guard. Peralta escapes as Jason moved to mount and is now in Jason’s guard. Jason wants the triangle, but Peralta explodes out. Jason is still on his back as Peralta kicks away. Mario Yamasaki stands Jason up. Peralta kicks to the body. Big punches from Peralta, and Jason eggs him on. Head kick from Jason just misses the mark. The overhand right from Jason just misses, and both guys fire away and land hard punches as the round ends.

Rd. 3 – A friendly high five, and we’re off. Jason kicks hard to the body, real nasty-like. Peralta side kicks to the body, and Jason answers with a spinning head kick that just misses. Uh-oh, Peralta catches a finger to the left eye. Peralta says he doesn’t want the doctor, so here we go. Peralta is kicking away at Jason’s mid-section. Jason is firing bombs: flying knees, heavy right hooks. Peralta presses Jason against the cage, but Jason reverses position. Peralta regains position, but Jason trips him. Peralta is up and kicks to keep Jason off. 1-2 from Jason backs up Peralta. Peralta lands a left. Jason shoots in, completes the double, and after a brief scramble, there’s the horn. Good action.

Robbie Peralta beats Rony Jason and his hockey mask in a split decision, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.

Demian Maia vs. Alexander Yakolev

Rd. 1 – Big Herb Dean is the man in the middle as Maia takes the center of the cage. Yakolev looks smooth though. Maia is chasing Yakolev around the perimeter of the cage and lets the fists fly a little. Yakolev jabs to the body and moves back out. Maia seems to be changing levels nicely in his striking, and there’s a big left from Maia that drops Yakolev. Maia is in the mount and starts putting elbows on Yakolev. Yakolev wants to tie up Maia, but Maia is tenderizing the Russian with patient ‘bows. Oh wow. Yakolev is hanging in there, trying to keep Maia close. Yakolev wants to kick off the cage, it seems, but Maia keeps the pressure on. 

Rd. 2 – Maia jabs, and Yakolev kicks. Again Maia pursues Yakolev, who still looks fresh. Yakolev ducks a hook, avoids a takedown, but can’t escape the next one and again finds himself mounted. Here comes the assault from Maia, patient but steady as he has Yakolev on the floor and against the cage. Yakolev escapes, stands, and fights his way into Maia’s guard. Nicely done, Mr. Yakolev.

(My mother-in-law wants to know why they’re not wearing boots. I don’t even know what to do with that one…)

Rd. 3 – Yakolev kicks at Maia’s legs with some power. Yakolev lands a good left hook. Yakolev with the takedown, but Maia is back up in no time. Yakolev hits a four-punch combo that stings Maia. More kicks from Yakolev. And there’s the takedown from Maia who closed the distance and hit the trip. Crafty. Maia is in the mount and once more lets the fists and elbows loose — but no submission attempt. Maia pounds away at the right ear and checks with his corner. Yakolev shrimps into half guard, but Maia immediately regains mount. Maia wants an armbar now, but Yakolev slides out, and the fight ends with Yakolev landing a last-second kick to Maia’s ribs.  

(So the wife has retired to bed, leaving me and my mother-in-law, who cannot believe this is on tv.)

Damian Maia wins it 30-27 across the board. No surprise there.

 Warlley Alves vs. Marcio Alexandre (TUF Brazil 3 Middleweight Finals)

Rd. 1 – No tattoos in the cage; is this even MMA, bro? Big karate-style head kick early from Alexandre, but Alves blocks it and drops him with a right hand. Alves is in half guard. Alexandre gets back to his feet, but is pressed against the cage by the shorter Alves. Alexandre separates, but Alves kicks his way back inside and has Alexandre against the fence. Alves dumps Alexandre down with a double and is in side control working elbow pressure. Alexandre pops up, but Alves is all over him, negating the  karate attack for the time being. Alves knees Alexandre up against the fence. Yamasaki separates the two, but Alves presses forward with body punches. Alexandre has space now and lets his feet go. Alves nails a takedown after a flurry. Again Alexandre is up with Alves right up in his business. 

Rd. 2 – Alexandre has room, but Alves charges in, kicks high, and bullies Alexandre to the mat. Alves has side control, moves to Alexandre’s guard, gets to his feet and fires punches. Alves regains top position and pounds away. They’re up with Alves muscling Alexandre against the fence again. Alexandre is cut under his left eye and is breathing heavy. They’re separated once more. Alves catches a body kick from Alexandre and holds him on the cage. Alexandre goes for a trip, but to no avail. The clinch from Alves is too much. They separate, Alexandre lands a left, and Alves moves in to control the body as the round ends.

Rd. 3 – Alves blasts Alexandre with a hard counter right, sinks in a guillotine, and takes it to the floor. Wow. And that’s it. Alexandre is out! Nice win.

Warrley Alves wins the contract via Rd. 3 submission. Total domination.

(My mother-in-law just learned there’s women’s MMA. I think she might need oxygen. Why won’t she just go to bed?)

Vitor Miranda vs. Antonio Carlos Junior (TUF Brazil 3 Heavyweight Finals)

Rd. 1 – Miranda jabs early and Carlos answers with a big right hand that misses. Carlos Junior moves in with a flurry of fisticuffs and has Miranda against the cage. Woops. Miranda takes a big knee below the belt, so he needs a breather. Herb Dean issues the requisite warning. Carlos Junior presses with kicks. He fires punches, drops Miranda with a double, and has Miranda on the fence. Carlos Junior dumps Miranda down, but he’s back up to his feet. Nice elbow from Junior. Miranda kicks the inside lead leg. Carlos Junior fires a right and a left before kicking high. Miranda jabs to the body. Miranda is bleeding below his left eye. Miranda misses the head kick, and the round ends with Junior firing away.

Rd. 2 – Junior wanted a touch of gloves, so Miranda kicked his thigh. Junior lands a takedown and gets half guard. The crowd is into this fight. Junior gets mount. Miranda tries to buck him off. Nope. Junior goes to full side mount and then back into half guard. Junior goes for a heel hook, but Miranda defends and is back up. Junior wants him back down, but Miranda stays up and kicks at the downed Junior. Miranda moves into guard. Junior is stuffed against the fence, escapes a triangle, and works for back position, it seems. They’re up. Junior has Miranda on the fence. They separate, and Junior ends the round by punching in the center of the cage.

Rd. 3 – Miranda kicks low, and Junior punches high. Junior jabs and finishes the double leg to counter a Miranda leg kick. Junior has an overhook to Miranda’s left post arm. Miranda frees his arms, but Junior scoops and dumps Miranda. Half guard now for Junior. Miranda punches the body on top of him. Junior moves inside full guard and lands a hard right hand. Miranda tries to sit up, but is dumped back down, and Junior takes back control. Body lock for Junior, figure four style. Miranda spins out for a second, but Junior mounts him and moves to side control. Half guard for Junior, and that’s the round, kids.

Antonio Carlos Junior wins it, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.

Did the crowd just boo the mention of Wanderlei Silva? They did.

Stipe Miocic vs. Fabio Maldonado

Rd. 1 – Maldonado charges ahead with punches, but is rocked by a left. Big right from Miocic drops Maldonado. Miocic lands eight or so hammer fists, and that’s a wrap. Shit.

Stipe Miocic wins via Rd. 1 (:35 ) TKO. Smoked him.

Later. Mk.

 

UFC Fight Night 41 Results: Mousasi Dominates and Chokes Out Munoz


(Come on, Dana. It’s like you’re not even trying anymore. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

And so, the UFC’s terrifying “two events in one goddamned day” campaign is officially underway. Luckily, the promotion is starting out slow, with a Fight Pass card in Berlin featuring a decent middleweight matchup (Mark Munoz vs. Gegard Mousasi) and a bunch of supporting fights that you couldn’t possibly care about. If you want to skip this one and come back later for the TUF Brazil 3 Finale liveblog, that’s totally fine. And if you want to skip that card as well, we can’t really blame you. I mean, for God’s sake, it’s Saturday. Invite your friends over for a barbecue. Spend time with your family. Read a book. Seriously, when was the last time you read a book? Remember how nice that was?

Since very few of you will be watching, we’ve decided to break in a new liveblogger to see how he performs under low pressure. So please give a warm welcome to our brand-new CagePotato Fight Pass Correspondent Bear Siragusa, who will be plugging live results from the UFC Fight Night 41 main card after the jump, beginning at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please shoot us your thoughts in the comments section or on twitter.


(Come on, Dana. It’s like you’re not even trying anymore. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

And so, the UFC’s terrifying “two events in one goddamned day” campaign is officially underway. Luckily, the promotion is starting out slow, with a Fight Pass card in Berlin featuring a decent middleweight matchup (Mark Munoz vs. Gegard Mousasi) and a bunch of supporting fights that you couldn’t possibly care about. If you want to skip this one and come back later for the TUF Brazil 3 Finale liveblog, that’s totally fine. And if you want to skip that card as well, we can’t really blame you. I mean, for God’s sake, it’s Saturday. Invite your friends over for a barbecue. Spend time with your family. Read a book. Seriously, when was the last time you read a book? Remember how nice that was?

Since very few of you will be watching, we’ve decided to break in a new liveblogger to see how he performs under low pressure. So please give a warm welcome to our brand-new CagePotato Fight Pass Correspondent Bear Siragusa, who will be plugging live results from the UFC Fight Night 41 main card after the jump, beginning at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please shoot us your thoughts in the comments section or on twitter.

UFC Fight Night 41 preliminary card results
– Nick Hein def. Drew Dober via Split decision (30-27, 29-28 x 2)
– Magnus Cedenblad def. Krzysztof Jotko via submission (guillotine) at 4:59 of round 2.
– Iuri Alcantara def. Vaughan Lee via TKO at 00:25 of round 1
– Peter Sobotta def. Pawel Pawlak via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Maximo Blanco def. Andy Ogle via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Ruslan Magomedov def. Viktor Pesta via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

Please stand by…

Good afternoon, Guten tag, and Hyvää iltapäivää folks! Bear Siragusa here. After a few barn burners (Alcantara and his TKO of Lee = good candidate for POTN) it’s time for the Main Card. Some great fights ahead of us. Let’s do this.

First up.

Tom Niinimäki vs. Niklas Bäckström

Tom Niinimäki (27-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is a top Finnish featherweight. Defeated Rani Yahya via split decision in his UFC debut. Good stand up and submission skills. Former Cage featherweight Champ. Briefly retired from fighting in 2007 after a three fight losing streak. Returned in 2010 and has been undefeated in 11 fights since.

Niklas Bäckström is undefeated (7-0). Trains at Allstars Training center in Sweden together with Alexander Gustafsson. Bäckström is making his UFC debut. A striker, he has won three of his last four fights via TKO.

 Round 1:

Both men have entered the octagon. Backstrom has a 4 inch reach/height advantage over Niinimaki. Backstrom with the leg kick. Niinimaki instantly takes the fight to the ground. A bit of a stalemate once they are on the ground, but they start jockeying for position. Niinimaki nearly has Backstroms back. Now they are on their knees, and Backstrom manages to get back up on his feet at the cage. Backstrom defending well. Niinimaki almost tosses Backstrom but Backstrom defends beautifully and puts Niinimaki against the fence. Niinimaki with some knees to the body. Backstrom with a Jumping guillotine. That looked tight but Niinimaki escapes and gets to his feet. A huge knee from Backstrom and a Bull Dog Choke. Niinimaki taps! Wow! Backstrom wins in his UFC debut. I can’t remember ever seeing a tap to the Bull Dog Choke. With three brothers I guess Backstrom had some practice with that submission.

 Niklas Bäckström def. Tom Niinimaki via. submission (Bulldog Choke), at 4:14 of round 1.

Next up:

Luke Barnatt vs. Sean Strickland

Luke «Bigslow» Barnatt is undefeated. At 6′ 6” he is one of the tallest middeweight’s. Barnatt fought for Team Sonnen in TUF 17.

Sean Strickland is also undefeated (14-0). Strickland submitted Bubba McDaniel in his UFC debut at UFC 171. This will be his second fight in the UFC. At 23, he is the youngest fighter on the card.

This should be a great fight. Very different skill sets, but both undefeated. One fighter is going to walk away having made a big statement to the rest of the division, one will walk away disappointed.

Sean Strickland is tapping into his inner Fedor as he approaches the Octagon… He is looking extremely calm and collected.

Barnatt has a 1.5 inch reach advantage over Strickland but a five inch (!) height advantage.

Round 1:

They touch gloves and start to stalk each other. Not a lot of immediate action, feeling each other out. Barnatt starts jabbing, looking to find his range. Strickland is looking very relaxed, Barnatt is looking focused. The crowd starts to boo. The fighters respond and pick up the pace. Strickland starts peppering Barnatt with inside leg kicks. Strickland with a front kick. Strickland with a outside leg kick. Barnatt looking to change levels and find his range. Strickland with the outside leg kick on the left leg of Barnatt. That is going to start hurting if Barnatt can’t find an answer. Strickland teasing Barnatt with some lightning fast jabs. Strickland with another outside leg kick. Barnatt with a failed body kick. There is the buzzer and the crowd keeps booing

Round 2:

Open with a flurry and Strickland goes for the take down and gets Barnatt on his back. Goes for an Arm Bar, but Barnatt defends. Barnatt kicks Strickland off and stands up. They clinch but quickly separate. Now they are back on their feet. Strickland with a left hand jab. Strickland defends all of the strikes Barnatt throws. Strickland connects with a decent straight jab. Barnatt flurries and they clinch. Strickland defends and they are moving again. Barnatt connects with a straight right. Strickland felt that one. BIG right from Barnatt. Strickland absorbed and keeps moving. Barnatt seems to have found his range, Strickland seems to still be waiting for something. Strickland connects with a fast left. Buzzer and booing from the crowd.

Round 3:

They meet in the middle. Still feeling each other out. Barnatt expressed frustration between rounds that Strickland refuses to engage. Barnatt is stalking Strickland and Strickland is just backing up and defending with the occasional jab. Strickland is cut, from what I don’t think anyone knows. Barnatt absorbs a jab to the face. A big swing and a miss by Barnatt, he looks so frustrated. Barnatt connects and goes for the clinch, Strickland pushes him away. Strickland goes for Barnatts back but Barnatt bucks him off. Strickland goes for a leg submission and ends up in 50/50 guard. Barnatt escapes and gains his feet. Barnatt keeps stalking Strickland and has found his range with the right jab. Those jabs are not doing damage, but they will win him the decision. The final buzzer and the crowd boozes and Barnatt shakes his head. Strickland indicated after the buzzer that he had broken his thumb and was “fighting with one hand.”

Sean Strickland def. Luke Barnatt via split decision (29-28 Barnatt) (30-27, 29-28 Strickland)

Didn’t see that coming. It will be interesting to see if Strickland entered the cage witha broken hand or if he broke it during the fight. Winner via showing up.

Up Next:

Francis Carmont vs. C.B. Dollaway

Francis Carmont (22-8 MMA, 6-1 UFC) is ranked # 9 in official UFC middleweight rankings. Coming off a loss to Renaldo Souza. Fights out of Tristar Gym.

C.B. Dollaway (14-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) finalist in TUF 7. Defeated Jason «Mayhem» Miller in Millers last UFC appearance. Last loss was via decision to Tim Boetsch at UFC 166 after being deducted several points due to eye pokes.

Round 1:
They touch gloves. Dollaway is staying low. Carmont with VERY high hands. Very different energy this fight. Big leg kick from Dollaway. Carmont switches stances. Connects with a big body kick. Carmont connects with a solid right hand. Dollaway is still on the aggressive. They trade kicks. Carmont starts teasing Dollaway. Dollaway connects and knocks Carmont down! He is all over him but Carmont defends and is on his feet. They both raise their hands and taunt each other. Carmont slipping shots and there is a flurry. Carmot connects with a spinning elbow. They separate, Dollaway with the outside leg kick. Carmont goes for the take down. Get’s the take down up against the fence. Dollaway reverses and the buzzer sounds.

Round 2:
A lot of feinting. Carmont connects with a vicious body kick. Then a outside leg kick. Stuffs a takedown attempt and connects with a head kick. Dollaway is still attacking. Carmont misses with an Ax kick. Great inside leg kick from Dollaway. Carmont answers with a low kick of his own. Dollaway clinches and quickly gets the take down. Carmont has excellent take down defence, and Dollaway made that look easy. Dollaway works to get Carmonts back, but Carmont stands up. C.B. Dollaway drags him back to the ground. Carmont is really working for a kimura, but has to let it go They end up against the cage. Dollaway is on top. Carmont is really trying for the Kimura and gives up his back. Dollaway has one hook in. Carmont looks to his corner and there is the buzzer.

Round 3:
A slower start for Dollaway in round three, but Carmont connects quickly with the inside kick followed up by a side kick to the body of Dollaway. Carmont connects with a nice one/two jab. They clinch up against the face and breath for a moment. Dollaway explodes, takes Carmont down and gains his back with one hook in. Dollaway is looking to get his second hook in and is punishing the side of Carmonts head. Dollaway shifts and gets both his hooks in. Carmont twists and break Dollaways grip, spins to his feet and pins Dollaway up against the cage. Dollaway goes for the single leg and takes him down. He is in full mount and starts raining down elbows, Carmont gives Dollaway his back to avoid abuse. Dollaway has in one hook. Carmont twists out and almost gains his feet but Dollaway gets a leg and drags him back down. The buzzer sounds and both fighters raise their hands.
I honestly have no idea. Dollaway dominated the last round, but I think he lost the first.

C.B. Dollaway def. Francis Carmont via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

Now for the Main Event:

Mark Muñoz vs. Gegard Mousasi

Mark Munoz (13-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) is #7 in official UFC middleweight rankings. He has defeated the likes of Tim Boetsch, Chris Leben, Demian Maia, CB Dalloway and Kendall Grove. His last two losses came at the hands of Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida.

Gegard Mousasi (34-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) #11 in UFC middleweight rankings. Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ, former Cage Warriors middleweight champ, former DREAM middleweight AND light heavyweight champ. Mousasi Defeated Mark Hunt in an DREAM open-weight bout. He moved back down to middleweight after signing with the UFC.
Both men are coming off loses to Lyoto Machida. Both have title aspirations. Mousasi wants to prove that he deserves the title shot, while Munoz has said that he wants to prove that he deserves to be in title contention and prove the he is not a gate keeper. The results of this fight will mean a lot for the future of an insanely deep division.

Mousasi has a 5 inch reach advantage… That’s nutty.

Round 1:

The crowd is almost silent in anticipation.
Munoz goes immediately for the takedown. Mousasi is keeping low. Munoz goes for the leg, gets it and lifts Mousasi up and slams him down. Mousasi gets up and connects with a kick. Mousasi is keeping his hands really low, Monuz clips him with a left and goes for the clinch. Mousasi defends and answers with a quick flurry. Munoz goes for the legs, defended by Mousasi. Mousasi rolls Munoz and ends up on top. Mousasi in half guard. Mousasi is dropping some huge elbows on Munoz’s face. Mousasi gets a head crank and forces Monuz against the fence on his back. Munoz gives him his back and Mousasi sinks in his hooks gets under the chin and WOW! TAPS MUNOZ!

He handled Munoz like Cormier handled Hendo. That was a statement! With that performance Mousasi has definitely broken in to the top ten.

Mousasi says he wants the winners of Luke Rockhold’s and Tim Kennedy’s next fights.

Gegard Mousasi defeats Mark Munoz via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:07 of round 1.

UFC 173 Results: TJ Dillashaw Knocks Out Renan Barao in Masterful Performance, Daniel Cormier Puts Dan Henderson to Sleep


(Not bad, but it doesn’t quite stack up to the original. / Props: MMAFighting)

I’ll start with the good news: Tonight’s UFC 173: Barao vs. Dillashaw pay-per-view features two of the UFC’s greatest talents — bantamweight champion Renan Barao and undefeated light-heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier — and seeing those guys in action might be worth the PPV cost in itself. True, Barao and Cormier are both competing in lopsided odds-mismatches that are bordering on indefensible, but why focus on the negative?

In addition to “The Baron” defending his 135-pound title against Team Alpha Male standout TJ Dillashaw, and Cormier looking to earn a title shot with a win over legendary slugger Dan Henderson, tonight’s card will feature a high-level welterweight bout between Robbie Lawler and Jake Ellenberger (who are both coming off losses). Plus, Takeya “Teriyaki” Mizugaki and Francisco Rivera will attempt to build on their win streaks in the bantamweight division, and Jamie Varner kicks off the broadcast against fellow fan-friendly lightweight James Krause.

BG will be sticking round-by-round updates from the UFC 173 main card after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for the latest updates, and follow us on twitter for extra analysis and yuk-yuks. Thanks for coming.


(Not bad, but it doesn’t quite stack up to the original. / Props: MMAFighting)

I’ll start with the good news: Tonight’s UFC 173: Barao vs. Dillashaw pay-per-view features two of the UFC’s greatest talents — bantamweight champion Renan Barao and undefeated light-heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier — and seeing those guys in action might be worth the PPV cost in itself. True, Barao and Cormier are both competing in lopsided odds-mismatches that are bordering on indefensible, but why focus on the negative?

In addition to “The Baron” defending his 135-pound title against Team Alpha Male standout TJ Dillashaw, and Cormier looking to earn a title shot with a win over legendary slugger Dan Henderson, tonight’s card will feature a high-level welterweight bout between Robbie Lawler and Jake Ellenberger (who are both coming off losses). Plus, Takeya “Teriyaki” Mizugaki and Francisco Rivera will attempt to build on their win streaks in the bantamweight division, and Jamie Varner kicks off the broadcast against fellow fan-friendly lightweight James Krause.

BG will be sticking round-by-round updates from the UFC 173 main card after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for the latest updates, and follow us on twitter for extra analysis and yuk-yuks. Thanks for coming.

UFC 173 preliminary card results
– Michael Chiesa def. Francisco Trinaldo via unanimous decision (30-26 x 2, 30-27)
– Tony Ferguson def. Katsunori Kikuno via TKO, 4:06 of round 1
– Chris Holdsworth def. Chico Camus via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Mitch Clarke def Al Iaquinta via technical submission (D’arce choke), 0:57 of round 2
– Vinc Pichel def. Anthony Njokuani via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Sam Sicilia def. Aaron Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
– Li Jingliang def. David Michaud via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Joe Rogan throws his jacket on, signaling the transition from free prelims to fancy pay-per-view broadcast. Wait, did he just call Fedor Emelianenko “the greatest heavyweight ever” during a discussion about Dan Henderson? Does the UFC dock him 20% of his purse for that?

Jamie Varner vs. James Krause

Krause is a full six inches taller than Varner, and has a 3.5″ reach advantage. Varner is showing off his new hipster haircut tonight.

Round 1: Varner jabbing to Krause’s body. Krause using his long legs to tag Varner low. Krause lands a front kick to the face, followed by a pair of sharp punches. Varner falls to the mat after another striking exchange; there might be something wrong with his ankle, which appears swollen. He manages to get to his feet, and bounces around. Varner shoots in for a takedown and gets it, but Krause reverses him and gets on top. Now Varner reverses and lands shots from the top. He tries to take Krause’s back but Krause gets up and out. Krause kicks at Varner’s damaged ankle. He lands again and Varner drops to the mat and turtles. Krause lets him up and continues to attack the leg. Varner keeps swinging; gotta respect the heart of Varner. One more shot and Varner hits the mat again. Krause dives on as the round ends.

And it’s all over. Varner tells his corner that his ankle is broken and they call it off. The replays show that yep, Varner rolled his ankle in multiple disgusting ways. If I find a GIF of it, I’ll pass it along.

James Krause def. Jamie Varner via TKO (injury), 5:00 of round 1.

Takeya Mizugaki vs. Francisco Rivera

Round 1: Rivera lands a hard left hook right away. Then a straight right that lands. Rivera slipping punches well and returning fire. Both guys trading heavy shots. Mizugaki rocks Rivera during a striking exchange and Rivera falls to the mat. Mizugaki jumps on and tried to finish but Rivera keeps his wits about him and controls Mizugaki’s body, slowing his attack. Rivera gets to his feet and ends up with his back against the fence. Mizugaki with a knee to the body. Rivera trips Mizugaki to the mat. Mizugaki pops up and they separate. They clinch and move to the fence. Rivera with some knees in close, and a takedown, but Mizugaki escapes and swings wildly at Rivera as the round ends.

Round 2: Rivera opens with a leg kick. Rivera lands a question-mark kick upside Mizugaki’s head. Mizugaki shoots for a takedown and Rivera grabs a guillotine and drops to the mat. Mizugaki waits it out and escapes. Mizugaki lands a big punch from the top, as Rivera is stuck sitting against the fence. Another punch from Mizugaki, who then transitions to Rivera’s back. Mizugaki looking for the rear-naked, but isn’t working too hard for it. Mizugaki softening Rivera up with short punches to the body and head. The round ends.

Round 3: Body kick Rivera. Both guys land in boxing exchanges. Mizugaki doing well with counter punches. Mizugaki floors Rivera with a straight right as Rivera throws a kick, and Mizugaki gets on top. Mizugaki throwing some punches here and there; Rivera seems content to play defense. Joe Rogan wonders if Rivera came into the fight sick or injured; that’s how unimpressive he’s looking. The ref stands ‘em. Both guys swinging for the fences. Rivera eats a hard one. Last 30 seconds. Lots of haymakers, none landing cleanly. Both guys whip their arms around at the air until the last horn ends.

Takeya Mizugaki def. Francisco Rivera via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x 2)

Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Ellenberger

Ellenberger comes out to Coolio’s “Gangster’s Paradise.” (Seriously.) Robbie comes out to Weird Al’s “Amish Paradise.” Just kidding, but damn, that would be epic.

Round 1: Lawler lands a hard left head kick to start the fight…and another. Then one to the body. Another high kick. Ellenberger chases and Lawler sticks a left hand while retreating. Lawler throws the high kick again. Lawler lands a knee to the body. Ellenberger whiffs an uppercuts. He comes in with a hook, Lawler fires a high kick. Lawler lands some hard punches as Ellenberger moves in. Body shot from Ellenberger, Lawler fires the high kick, and one more at the horn. 10-9 Robbie.

Round 2: Ellenberger comes in and swings a big right hand, Lawler throws a kick, lands some punches. Lawler with a nice knee against the fence. Lawler stalking forward and stinging Ellenberger with punches. Ellenberger shoots in, grabs Lawler around the waist, and half-lands a head kick as Lawler shakes out. Lawler with a straight left. And another. Lawler battering Ellenberger with power punches. Ellenberger shoots and manages to get a takedown. Lawler smiles and reverses the position, just like that. Lawler firing punches at Ellenberger’s head. Lalwer lands a knee to Ellenberger’s face as Jake gets up. Ellenberger scores another takedown and fires down an elbow, but Lawler easily kicks out and gets up. Front kick and punches from Lawler. They clinch on the fence and the round ends. 10-9 Lawler again.

Round 3: Lawler with a perfectly timed knee as Ellenberger comes in. But then Ellenberger storms forward with a series of power punches that have Lawler on his heels. Lawler scores with a knee and a sharp jab that snaps Ellenberger’s head back. Ellenberger is nursing his right hand, which might have been injured during his barrage of punches. Ellenberger with a body kick. Lawler sticks the jab. Sharp 1-2 from Lawler. Another punch and Ellenberger winces, squints. He might have taken a shot straight to the eye. Lawler blasts in with a knee to Ellenberger’s face, hitting him in the same damn eye, and Ellenberger crumples to the mat. He’s done. Lawler fires punches down until the ref jumps in.

Robbie Lawler def. Jake Ellenberger via TKO, 3:06 of round 3

Dan Henderson vs. Daniel Cormier

Cormier runs out to the cage. He wants this bad.

Round 1: Cormier opens with a left high kick. Hendo returns one to Cormier’s leg. Hendo misses on an overhand right, Cormier grabs him and rag-dolls him to the mat. I mean, it’s scary how easy that was for him. Hendo working on a weird crucifix from the bottom, but DC pulls out of it. Cormier in side control, dropping shots to Henderson’s body. Cormier tries to work to mount, but Henderson defends. He tries again and gets it for a second, but Henderson shrimps out and establishes guard. Henderson tries to kick Cormier off, Cormier dives back on, smothering Henderson on the mat. Henderson looks for a leg lock before escaping. They’re back on their feet. Cormier with a front kick. Henderson almost trips Cormier to the mat. They clinch near the fence and the round ends. 10-9 Cormier.

Round 2: Henderson jabbing, trying to set up that power right hand. He throws it, but doesn’t land. He shoots in, Cormier defends and gets on top. Cormier in side control. He transitions to back mount, Henderson scrambles away. Cormier stays on him, throwing punches to the body, elbows to Hendo’s head. Cormier roughing Hendo up, but not coming close to a stoppage yet. Henderson covering up as Cornier continues to slug him in the head. Cormier with an elbow to the ribs. Cormier beating Hendo up from every position on the ground. He holds on until the horn. The crowd boos it.

Round 3: Cormier throwing out kicks high and low, then basically throws Henderson over his head like a goddamned pro wrestler (GIF PLEASE), and kicks out Hendo’s feet when he tries to get up. Cormier back on top, scoring points with his ground and pound…but not putting Henderson away, and getting booed as a result. Cormier gets bored beating Hendo against the fence, so he pulls him away from the fence and continues to beat him. Cormier sinks his hooks for a rear-naked choke attempt, and puts Henderson face down on the mat. Cormier squeezes, and Henderson goes out before he can tap. My goodness.

Daniel Cormier def. Dan Henderson via submission (rear-naked choke), 3:53 of round 3

Cormier grabs the stick during the post-fight interview and calls out light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones, telling the champ he can’t hide from him. (“Hurry up, because I’m getting better.”) Cormier vows to take Jones down over and over again. I’d watch that. Henderson says he might compete at middleweight going forward, which isn’t a bad idea. Retiring wouldn’t be a bad idea either, but I doubt that’s in the cards.

Renan Barao vs. TJ Dillashaw

Dillashaw is a “monkey style fighter,” I guess. Neither fighter has been taken down in their UFC careers.

Round 1: Dillashaw bouncing around in Dominick Cruz-esque fashion. He lands a quick low kick, and a nice counter punch as Barao advances. Dillashaw with a head kick. Barao returns a body kick. Low kick from Dillashaw, and a big uppercut. Dillashaw tags Barao with a left hand as Barao was loading up for a kick. Barao tries a spinning kick and lands hard with a right hand. Nice switch low kick from Dillashaw. Dillashaw ducks under a Barao punch and scores with a pair of punches. Inside leg kick Dillashaw. Barao lands an outside leg kick. Dillashaw lands a punch that FLOORS Barao. Dillashaw swarms and Barao threatens with a leg lock, but Dillashaw shakes out and jumps on Barao’s back, looking for a neck crank. Barao escapes and Dillashaw fires a head kick as the round ends. Wow. That was a 10-9 for Dillashaw (!?), close to a 10-8.

Round 2: Barao keeping Dillashaw at bay with front kicks. Barao lands a punch and a knee. Okay, he’s back in the fight. Dillashaw is cut near his right temple. Dillashaw lands a sharp right, and Barao gives two right back. Barao lands a nice counter as Dillashaw charges in. Dillashaw with a leg kick, and a high kick that’s caught. Good punches from Dillashaw. Barao misses a spinning back kick but lands a follow-up right hand. Dillashaw shoots, and almost gets Barao to the mat, but Barao springs up. Barao kicks Dillashaw directly in the cup, and Dillashaw needs a break. He’s back in after a minute. Dillashaw still throwing with speed and power. He drills Barao with a right straight. They trade kicks. Body kick Dillashaw. Inside leg kick Barao. Barao lands a series of head-punches. Dillashaw digs a hook to the body. Dillashaw fires punches to the head and body as the round ends. Another 10-9 for Dilly.

Round 3: Both guys still keeping a crazy fast pace in round three. Dillashaw dodges a front kick and reappears behind Barao to punish him with punches. They trade low kicks. Barao misses a high kick. Dillashaw with a body kick, but eats a counter punch. Dillashaw lands a punch, a head kick, another punch. Barao is getting bombed on. He fires a body kick, not out of it yet. Another body kick. Dillashaw with a switch kick to the leg, and a burst of punches behind it. Great head kick from Dillashaw. Dillashaw might have been kicked in the balls again, but he slaps fists with Barao and continues fighting. Dillashaw unloads on Barao against the fence. Barao looks shaky on his feet. Oddly, Dillashaw decides to clinch instead of firing more punches, and the round expires. 10-9 Dillashaw.

Round 4: Dillashaw goes for a single-leg right off the bat. He lands his reliable left head kick. Dillashaw attacking with punches and lands a hard body kick. Dillashaw with a nasty left hand and another kick. Barao misses a spinning back kick and Dillashaw makes him pay with counter punches. Barao lands a good punch in a striking exchange, but Dillashaw resets and goes back to his domination on the feet. They clinch against the fence. Barao rolls out, but slips during a firefight and Dillashaw gets on top of him. Barao tries to grab a leg when he gets a chance, but no dice. Elbows from the top from Dillashaw. There’s the horn. It’s 4-0 Dillashaw going into round 5. One more, and he’ll earn one of the most unexpected shutouts in UFC history.

Round 5: Both guys jabbing. Hook to the body from Barao, Dillashaw returns a kick to the body. Barao misses his spinning kick again, and Dillashaw pops him. Sharp leg kick from Dillashaw. More Cruz-esque footwork from TJ, and Barao is baffled. Dillashaw dodges a series of punches like a damn white Anderson Silva. He lands a head kick, follows it up with a storm of punches, and Barao is on his back after eating a point-blank left straight. Dillashaw jumps all over Barao, raining down right hands until the ref jumps in. Absolutely crazy. TJ Dillashaw is the new UFC bantamweight champion, and Renan Barao never had a chance.

TJ Dillashaw def. Renan Barao via TKO, 2:26 of round 5

Joe Rogan calls it the greatest performance he’s ever seen. Without a doubt, we just witnessed something special. Did anybody give TJ a chance here? Dillashaw came out of nowhere and became an elite-level world-beater in a single night. Good for him. He believed in himself even if few others did.

Bellator 120: Rampage Edges King Mo, Will Brooks Out-Points Michael Chandler

Tonight, Bellator will make its first foray into the PPV market after a botched attempt last year. Bellator 120 was originally scheduled to be main-evented by the rubber match between Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler, but Alvarez recently withdrew due to a concussion. Bellator matched up Chandler with Will Brooks, and bumped King Mo vs. Rampage Jackson into the card’s main event. We’ve also got Tito Ortiz vs. Alexander Shlemenko, Blagoi Ivanov vs. Alexander Volkov, and Michael Page vs. Ricky Rainey.

In this liveblog of Bellator’s first-ever PPV, CagePotato social media kosmonaut and weekend editor Matt Saccaro will be giving you the results for the PPV portion of the fight card, in case you’re too cheap to buy it or don’t have access to it for some reason. He’ll also be posting quick results from the rest of the event, as well as his typical analysis of commercials on the Spike TV portion of the broadcast.

The PPV begins at 10:00 pm EST. The Spike TV preliminaries start at 8:00 pm EST. We’ll start posting results after the jump shortly thereafter. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest.

Tonight, Bellator will make its first foray into the PPV market after a botched attempt last year. Bellator 120 was originally scheduled to be main-evented by the rubber match between Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler, but Alvarez recently withdrew due to a concussion. Bellator matched up Chandler with Will Brooks, and bumped King Mo vs. Rampage Jackson into the card’s main event. We’ve also got Tito Ortiz vs. Alexander Shlemenko, Blagoi Ivanov vs. Alexander Volkov, and Michael Page vs. Ricky Rainey.

In this liveblog of Bellator’s first-ever PPV, CagePotato social media kosmonaut and weekend editor Matt Saccaro will be giving you the results for the PPV portion of the fight card, in case you’re too cheap to buy it or don’t have access to it for some reason. He’ll also be posting quick results from the rest of the event, as well as his typical analysis of commercials on the Spike TV portion of the broadcast.

Here are the results for the prelims:

Spike TV Preliminary Card

Cheick Kongo def. Eric Smith via TKO (strikes), 4:35 of round 2
Marcin Held def. Nate Jolly submission (arm bar), 4:20 of round 1
Fabricio Guerreiro def. Shahbulat Shamhalaev via submission (kimura), 3:29 of round 1
Goiti Yamauchi def. Mike Richman unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Spike.com Preliminary Card

Austin Lyons def. Zach Underwood via technical decision (unanimous)
Mike Wessel def. Justin Frazier via TKO (punches), 4:28 of round 1
Ben Brewer def. Andy Uhrich via KO (strikes), 2:40 of round 2
Codie Shuffield def. Andy Lemon via submission (rear naked choke), 2:15 of round 2
Brian Hall def. Cortez Phelia via TKO (punches), 0:24 of round 3

And now, the liveblog for the main card:

Michael Page vs. Ricky Rainey

Round 1: Rainey sugers forwards and misses. Page uses his footwork to escape, riding his bicycle. Rainey lands a right but it didn’t have much power. Page has his hands at his waist. Page starts landing tons of shots, then throws Rainey to the mat. Rainey gets up. Page is looking in the opposite direction while fighting Rainey and landing. he’s turning his back on Rainey now. The showmanship is great but if he loses he’ll look like a twat. Rainey clinches Page and has him against the fence now. Page separates and they reset. Page lands a left and then a front kick. Rainey is already breathing heavy. Page is shaking his ass and dancing, no joke. Page lands a jab. Rainey clinches again, pressing Page against the cage. Rainey goes for a single but Page reverses and almost lands on top of Rainey before he scrambles to his feet and they reset. Page lands a flying knee and then a spinning backfist. Rainey can’t touch page in the striking. Page looks disinterested. He lands two jabs and an uppercut. Rainey runs forwards. Page lands a huge right that floors Rainey and the referee stops the fight. Page wins via KO.

Alexander Volkov vs. Blagoi Ivanov

Round 1: Early striking exchanges favor nobody. Ivaonov clinches and gets Volkov against the fence. he tries a single leg but abandons it. He goes back to the body lock, leaning on Volkov. They spend some time fighting for hand positioning. Not a ton of action against the fence. Ivanov attempts a double but fails. Back to the same over-under position they’ve been in. The referee warns them; he wants action. The two fighters exchange knees. Volkov hits a knee and then a body kick but Ivanov catches it and clinches. Volkov gets double underhooks briefly but separates and lands an uppercut. Ivanov lands a right hand and clinches. Volkov lands a nice knee to the chin. The two fighters do some dirty boxing before Volkov circles out. Ivanov hits a right hand, Volkov hits a left and then a knee. Volkov has the better combinations, hitting a jab, cross, round kick to the body combo. Ivanov lands a right hand as the round ends.

Round 2: Both men miss right hands. Ivanov tries a single leg and Volkov shrugs it off. A brief, wild slugfest ensues but nobody lands anything. Ivanov attempts a throw but botches it; Volkov takes his back and has him in a rear naked choke. Ivanov taps! That was unexpected.

Tito Ortiz vs. Alexander Shlemenko

Round 1: Ortiz misses with two rights and a head kick. He shoots and Shlemenko shrugs it off. Shlemenko starts peppering Ortiz as the crowd chants for Tito. Shlemenko lands two punches to the head but Ortiz counters with a knee. Ortiz presses Shlemenko against the fence, finally making use of his size advantage. He lands a couple of soft knees. Ortiz gets Shlemenko down and has his back. He flattens him out but winds up on top in side control. He’s going for an arm-triangle and he might have it. He has it. Shlemenko is out cold. Holy shit.

After the fight Ortiz cuts the worst promo of all time. He pretended to be Hulk Hogan and it was honestly the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in MMA.

Michael Chandler vs. Will Brooks

Round 1: Chandler lands a jab. Brooks misses a round kick. Chandler pressures Brooks to backing up against the cage. He shoots a double on Brooks and gets it. Chandler is having a bit of trouble escaping from Brooks’ guard. Brooks gets to his feet. Chandler misses an overhand right, Brooks lands a left and then a good knee. Chandler misses an upcrut. He attempts a double leg but Brooks sprawls. Still, Chandler shoves Brooks up against the cage and keeps him there. Chandler scores a takedown with about two minutes left in the round. The fight stalls out while Chandler is in Brooks’ guard. The round ends.

Round 2: Chandler shoots a single-leg and has Brooks stymied against the cage. Brooks stops the takedown, and now they’re fighting in the clinch. Brooks separates and they reset. Chandler lands a double-leg. The rest of the round will probably be Chandler sitting in Brooks’ guard. With a minute and a half left Brooks FINALLY gets up and even manages to take Chandler down and take his back! But Brooks loses the position and is now on top of Brooks again in guard. That’s where the round ends.

Round 3: Chandler hits a sweet left hook, then shoots a double. Brooks sprawls. He hits a knee on Chandler as they rise up to their feet. Chandler clinches again and bullies Brooks against the fence, but Brooks reverses. They clinch again and Brooks lands a knee and misses an uppercut. Another clinch, Chandler tries a guillotine but winds up getting taken down. Brooks has his back now. He’s got the body triangle locked up. Chandler rolls over into full mount. He’s cut and Brooks is landing ground and pound. It’s not looking good for Chandler. He’s landing some short elbows now, and now more punches. Chandler explodes out of mount and escapes. Wow. They’re standing now. Brooks shoots and fails. Chandler drops to all fours and Brooks tries to take his back again. Chandler gets up. he goes for a head kick that lands on the jaw. He lands another and as he has Chandler wobbled he takes him down and gets the back and body triangle. Only 20 seconds left. The round comes to a close before Brooks can capitalize.

Round 4: Brooks lands a body kick and misses a head kick. Brooks hits a jab; he looks like the fresher fighter. Chandler shoots from across the cage and misses by miles. Chandler lands a nice hook but Brooks BLASTS him off his feet with a power double. He’s got Chandler’s back again now, but Chandler reverses and winds up on top in guard. Not a ton of action. The ref stands them up with 1:30 to go. Brooks lands a good right hand. Chandler shoots underneath a right hand but Brooks sprawls and lands a knee. Chandler is slower than he was last round. Brooks lands an illegal knee (or at least the ref thought so) to Chandler while a hand was on the ground. The fight resumes. Brooks lands a head kick. He stops another shot from Chandler and takes his back AGAIN. He’s going for the RNC with 10 seconds left but he can’t get it.

Round 5: Chandler shoots. Brooks sprawls. They separate and reset. Brooks is looking very fresh still. Incredible cardio. Chandler attempts a single-leg and after a while finally gets it, but Brooks scrambles immediately and escapes. Chandler goes for an ugly double-leg and brooks punishes him with knees to the ribs. Chandler is getting aggressive now, too much so. Brooks gets his back and SUPLEX. He takes Chandler’s back but was too high and slipped off. Now Chandler’s on top of him in guard. With 1:00 left, Brooks escapes to his feet. Chandler gets hyper aggressive and nearly KOs books! he floored brooks. He’s going for an arm triangle now as the seconds are winding down. Brooks escapes, but is still mounted. That’s how the round and the fight ends, with Chandler on top in mount.

The judges gave Will Brooks the split decision. Crazy fight. Crazy card. Wow.

Quinton Jackson vs. Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal

Round 1: King Mo shoots right away and successfully lands a single leg. All Rampage can do is keep Mo in his guard. The fans are booing loudly. Mo passes into side control. Rampage manages to stand back up, but Mo retains a body lock. He has Rampage against the fence. Mo goes for a double now and gets it. With about 2:30 left Rampage gets back up but gets double-legged again. He’s got zero answer for Mo’s wrestling. Rampage gets to his feet again with 1:30 to go. Rampage FINALLY manages to separate. Jackson swings big with a left hook and misses. Mo misses a big right hand and Rampage counters with a left. Mo slips while defending against a flurry from Rampage. Rampage gets a little more aggressive as the round ends but can’t connect before the bell.

Round 2: Mo lands a body kick. Rampage lands a left hand that shook Mo a bit. Mo is petrified of Rampage’s striking, it seems. Rampage loads up on right hands and lands a left too. Mo is hurt but manages to clinch. Mo shoots but Rampage throws him off. Mo flies back whenever Rampage’s strikes make contact with him. Mo tries another double leg but Rampage blocks it. They’re against the fence now, with Mo putting his weight on Rampage. He level changes and tries yet another takedown, which fails. A single leg attempt from Mo gets nowhere. Rampage separates for a moment and throws a huge hook. Mo ducks it and clinches. After some inactivity, Rampage separates. King Mo hits a big left hook that hurts Rampage bad. Then he tries the worst flying knee I’ve ever seen, which predictably fails. Afterwards, King Mo brings Rampage to the mat with a double leg. Rampage explodes and gets back up, but it’s too little too late. The round is over.

Round 3: Rampage blocks a single leg attempt from King Mo and lands a flurry of punches. Both fighters breathing heavy. Rampage lands a left hook and Mo initiates a clinch. He bullies Rampage against the fence and pulls off a single-leg takedown. The crowd is booing. There’s three minutes left and King Mo is on top of Rampage in half guard. The fight will probably end here. Rampage gets back to guard. Big John McCarthy calls for action and threatens a stand-up. Rampage turtles up and Mo takes his back. Rampage gtes back to his feet with 2:00 to go. Rampage has his right hand so cocked and loaded it’s ridiculous. Mo shoots a double and has Rampage pressed on the fence. A minute left and they’re still clinched. McCarthy separates them. 30 seconds left. Rampage lands a good uppercut and Mo lands a jab. The fight is over.

Before the decision is announced Rampage and King Mo are still jaw-jacking. Mo is getting pretty animated. They get separated but Mo is still yelling from across the cage. Ugh.

The judges awarded Rampage Jackson with a unanimous decision win. We don’t really agree. They’re yelling at each other after the decision is announced. MMA is terrible sometimes. Rampage is calling for a rematch even though he won. Looks like they’re trying to book the next PPV already. Mo is going apeshit, calling Rampage a dick-rider. Wow.

That’s the event, Potato Nation. Was it worth $50? Probably not, but we certainly had fun watching it because there were quite a few surreal moments.