liveblog | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

UFC 170: Rousey vs. McMann Results — Rousey and Cormier Both Win by First-Round TKO, MacDonald Takes Decision Over Maia

(Judo and wrestling = sports. Curling and ice dancing = not sports. Just wanted to clear that up. / Photo via the UFC 170 weigh-ins gallery on CombatLifestyle.com)

UFC 170: Rousey vs. McMann is underway in Las Vegas, and if you’re a fan of closely-matched MMA competition…well, you definitely came to the wrong place tonight. Ronda Rousey is over a 4-1 favorite against challenger Sara McMann, and the betting line in Daniel Cormier‘s light-heavyweight debut against late replacement Patrick Cummins can best be described with an Al Bundy GIF. Then again, Rory MacDonald vs. Demian Maia seems like a competitive welterweight scrap, even if it’s not exactly what you’d call a barnburner.

Round-by-round results from the UFC 170 main card will be after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and shoot us your own thoughts in the comments section.

(Judo and wrestling = sports. Curling and ice dancing = not sports. Just wanted to clear that up. / Photo via the UFC 170 weigh-ins gallery on CombatLifestyle.com)

Preliminary Card Results
– Alexis Davis def. Jessica Eye via split-decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Raphael Assuncao def. Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Aljamain Sterling def. Cody Gibson via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Zach Makovsky def. Josh Sampo via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Erik Koch def. Rafaello Oliveira via TKO, 1:24 of round 1
– Ernest Chavez def. Yosdenis Cedeno via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Robert Whittaker vs. Stephen Thompson

Naturally, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson comes out to “Wonderboy” by Tenacious D. Whittaker shows love to Australia by walking out to AC/DC’s “Hells Bells.”

Round 1: Thompson opens with a side kick. Whittaker sticks the jab. Whittaker throws a high kick. Thompson marches forward with punches, then lands a leg kick. Body kick then a leg kick from Thompson. He tries an outside axe kick that scores him style points if nothing else. Great head movement and counters from Thompson. Truly, he is the white Machida. A hook kick from Thompson lands. Whittaker pops the jab. Thompson drops Whittaker with a dead-on right straight, then swarms as Whittaker tries to get to his feet. Thompson clinches, fires in some knees, and clubs Whittaker down to the mat again. Thompson with a frenzy of ground and pound until Mario Yamasaki calls a stop to it. Impressive, violent finish from Wonderboy. Stephen Thompson def. Robert Whittaker via TKO, 3:43 of round 1.

Mike Pyle vs. TJ Waldburger

And now Waldburger is coming out to “TNT” by AC/DC. What the hell. He’s not even Australian. And Mike Pyle is rocking the mullet tonight. Waldburger is already dead.

Round 1: Waldburger lands first with a leg kick. Pyle lands a kick but almost eats a big overhand left in return. Pyle fires a pair of leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Pyle dashed forward with punches. Pyle grabs a clinch and Waldburger pushes him against the fence. Pyle escapes with ease. Waldburger slips while throwing a kick and Pyle chases him when he gets up but can’t capitalize. Waldburger lands a right, then a left, then a leg kick. Pyle tries a front kick to the body, Waldburger grabs him, Pyle sweeps him to the mat and gets on top. Then, Pyle transitions into side control. Very slick work by Pyle tonight. But then Waldburger powers up to his feet and escapes. They clinch against the fence. Knees to the body then to the head from Pyle. Waldburger throws a pair of knees to Pyle’s leg as the round expires. 10-9 Pyle.

Round 2: Uh…I think my dog just erased everything I wrote for this round when he ran across my laptop. WTF. Short version: It was a much closer frame…Waldburger may have had a slight edge in the striking total, but Pyle had some good grappling moments and bloodied Waldburger’s face with knees.

Round 3: Hard right hand from Pyle and he smells blood. They clinch, Pyle shoulder-checks im in the face then lands a hard left hook. And then a spinning back elbow. Pyle is on fire. He lands two nasty elbows in the clinch then fires punches until Waldburger stumbles to the mat. Pyle almost gets a guillotine but Waldburger pulls out. Pyle bears the ever-loving fuck out of Waldburger with punches and elbows from the top. Joe Rogan asks Herb Dean why he’s not stopping the fight. This beating…it just keeps going. Okay, now Herb stopped the fight. Mike Pyle def. TJ Waldburger via TKO, 4:03 of round 3.

Rory MacDonald vs. Demian Maia

Round 1: They meet in the center of the cage and trade haymakers. Demian Maia shoots once, MacDonald defends. He tries it again and single-legs MacDonald to the mat. Maia trying to pass guard. He throws down an elbow. And boom, Maia scores mount. Maia softening MacDonald up with punches to the head and body. MacDonald tries to shrimp out and almost does it. Maia in half-guard now. MacDonald uses double-butterfly guard, trying to prevent the mount again. MacDonald kicks him off and gets up. Maia shoots and Rory defends. The two fighters start brawling and Maia lands the harder shots. MacDonald is bloodied. The round ends, and it’s an easy 10-9 for Maia.

Round 2: Maia landing some serious power punches, but MacDonald comes back with a series of head kicks that have Maia hurt. Maia shoots and fails. McDonald with a hard body kick and Maia shoots in desperation. MacDonald is having a lot of success with his kicks right now, which are landing at all levels. MacDonald lands a head kick as Maia is shooting in. MacDonald has Maia rocked with punches and kicks. MacDonald using his range really well, landing long jabs and straights. Overhand left from Maia, kicks to the body and leg from MacDonald. MacDonald with a kick to the body, a kick to the head. He tries a superman punch. MacDonald measure up Maia and stings him with a cross. He lands another body kick as the round ends. That round was all MacDonald, 10-9. We’re even heading into round 3, but Rory has the momentum.

Round 3: MacDonald with more long punches. Maia lands a left straight. MacDonald with more kicks to the body and head. MacDonald with another clean right hand. Maia shoots, unsuccessfully once again. MacDonald punches him in the face for it. MacDonald thoroughly outboxing Maia. Maia shoots for a single. Then he grabs both legs and slams MacDonald to the mat. Maia on top, MacDonald pushes him off and scrambles away. MacDonald fends off another takedown attempt. And another. MacDonald with a body punch before stuffing another takedown. MacDonald with a front kick to the body. MacDonald stuffs a takedown and makes Maia pay, landing a nice uppercut. MacDonald with jabs and another big uppercut. And a right straight. MacDonald stuffs one last takedown before the bell. Pretty clear 10-9 for Rory as far as I’m concerned. After a couple of back-to-back stinkers, that was a fantastic performance from Rory MacDonald. Hey look, all the judges got it right! Rory MacDonald def. Demian Maia via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3). “The animal is back,” MacDonald says. “I’m ready to kick some ass, I’m ready to kill…I want that belt.”

Ladies and gentlemen, we have now entered the “squash match” portion of the evening…

Daniel Cormier vs. Patrick Cummins

Round 1: Cormier takes the center of the cage. Cummins lands a sharp leg kick. He shoots, Cormier defends. Cummins with a nice body kick. Cormier lands a hard uppercut. Some hockey-fighting from the clinch. Cummins literally turns his back and runs away. Cormier follows him and throws bombs. An uppercut from Cormier glances off the side of Cummins’s head, and Cummins hits the mat. Cormier starts throwing down bombs. Cummins rolls and turtles. More big, nasty shots from Cormier and it’s all over. Cummins tries to get to his feet. He looks disappointed with the stoppage, but come on bro, you were gonna get killed out there. Daniel Cormier def. Patrick Cummins via TKO, 1:19 of round 1.

Ronda Rousey vs. Sara McMann

Round 1: Rousey storms to the center of the Octagon, and McMann lands multiple punches to Ronda’s dome as she’s coming in. They clinch against the fence and Rousey lands a hard knee to the body and a sharp elbow. They trade knees. Rousey lands another knee to the liver and McMann drops to the mat and covers up. Herb Dean steps in…just as McMann grabs a leg and tries to recover. The crowd boos the stoppage as premature. But what are you gonna do, McMann dropped like a corpse. Ronda Rousey def. Sara McMann via TKO, 1:06 of round 1. So that’s what it looks like to see Ronda win by something other than an armbar…interesting.

Well damn, the main card is over in two hours, and it doesn’t look like they’re going to replay any of the prelims. Are Goldberg and Rogan going to have to kill time for a full hour? I want no part of this. Good night, all.

UFC Fight Night 36 Results: Machida Outpoints Mousasi, Jacare Edges Carmont

(If you squint and look at Machida’s torso, you will see the face of the old wizard who taught his dad karate. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

I’m a glutton for punishment. After being stranded in North Carolina for most of this week due to snowstorms, I finally got back to Michigan yesterday, exhausted and displaying possible flu-like symptoms. I feel jet-lagged even though I never left the Eastern time-zone. That’s what four straight meals at a Marriott bar will do to you.

So it’s Saturday night and I figured, instead of catching up on sleep, why don’t I liveblog a low-level international UFC show with a main card that could drag on well past 1 a.m. ET? I don’t know, man. In another time, I’d probably be self-flagellating.

At least the headliner is a good one; we’ve got Lyoto Machida fighting for a possible middleweight title shot against Gegard Mousasi. Also on the card: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Erick Silva, and Charles Oliveira, all fighting guys you probably don’t care much about. Plus, a fight between Viscardi Andrade and Nicholas Musoke that I won’t even be liveblogging because seriously, who the hell are those guys?

I, BG, will be putting live results from the FOX Sports 1 main card after the jump beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and shoot us your own thoughts in the comments section or via twitter.

(If you squint and look at Machida’s torso, you will see the face of the old wizard who taught his dad karate. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

Preliminary card results:
– Joe Proctor def. Cristiano Marcello via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
– Rodrigo Damm def. Ivan Jorge via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Francisco Trinaldo def. Jesse Ronson via split-decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
– Yuri Alcantara def. Wilson Reis via split-decision (30-27 x 2, 28-29)
– Felipe Arantes def. Maximo Blanco via unanimous decision (29-27 x 3. Blanco was docked a point in round 3 for a groin-kick)
– Ildemar Alcantara def. Albert Tumenov via split-decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
– Zubaira Tukhugov def. Douglas Silva De Andrade via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)

I’m praying for a night of first-round knockouts. There’s no way I’ll last to the end, if the broadcast is loaded with video game commercials and the main event goes five rounds. I’m giving myself a hard out at 1:30 a.m. Seriously, even if we’re in the middle of the last round of Machida/Mousasi, I’m going to bed.

Fun fact: The last 14 UFC prelim matches have gone to decision.

Charles Oliveira vs. Andy Ogle

Oliveira is a -650 favorite in this fight? Thank God, we might actually see a stoppage here.

Round 1: Ogle marches forward throwing punches right away. Oliveira clinches and stuffs a knee into Ogle’s ribs, stopping his momentum. Oliveira scores a takedown without much difficulty. Oliveira looks for a head-and-arm choke, but can’t get it. Oliveira takes Ogle’s back. Ogle stands up while backpacked. Oliveira secures a body triangle and works hard for the rear-naked choke. Ogle flips backwards and they’re back on the mat. Oliveira with some punches to Ogle’s temple. Ogle sits up, trying to twist out of the position. Oliveira is undeterred. Oliveira stays active looking for the choke. Ogle has had to play defense for the majority of this round. Ogle tries to escape, Oliveira drags him right back down. Oliveira with an elbow to Ogle’s ribs as the round ends. Easy 10-9 for Oliveira.

Round 2: Ogle strikes first once again, the crowd boos because it seems like Oliveira was trying to touch gloves. Oliveira shoots and misses, shoots again and Ogle winds up in top position after a reversal. Oliveira stands up and gets punched on the way out. Oliveira dashes in and takes Ogle down as the Brit tries to throw leather. Now Ogle stands up. Ogle defends a takedown but Oliveira snatches a guillotine and drops to the mat. Ogle gets out and briefly threatens with a guillotine of his own before Oliveira gets to his feet. The crowd boos a brief stalemate against the cage. Ogle responds by body-slamming Oliveira. Ogle gets on top and fires down an elbow. Oliveira looking for a triangle off his back. Ogle moves to side control, Oliveira stands up, fires a knee to Ogle’s head and takes his back, falling to the mat. There’s the bell. Much closer round. I don’t know, 10-10? Maybe a slight edge to Ogle?

Round 3: Ogle comes in swinging as usual, but Oliveira is ready this time, knocking Ogle down with a punch and following him down to try to finish with a choke. Ogle gets up, and takes Oliveira down from a clinch. Oliveira gets up and they trade punches. Ogle scores with a solid leg kick. Oliveira tries for a takedown but botches it and Ogle gets on top. Oliveira throws some upkicks that seem rather illegal, but there’s no call. Then, he snatches a triangle with Ogle’s arm trapped and Ogle taps immediately. Boom. The no-finish streak is over.

Charles Oliveira def. Andy Ogle via submission (triangle choke), 2:40 of round 3. No time for a post-fight interview — we have a Cormier vs. Cummins hype-segment to get through.

Viscardi Andrade vs. Nicholas “Nico” Musoke

Yeah, this is the fight I’m not liveblogging. I will post the result as soon as it’s over, and if there’s a finish, I’ll link to the GIF or something.

It’s actually not a bad fight. Andrade dropped Musoke in round one, then tried to walk off in a boneheaded display of premature celebration. Musoke almost caught him in a submission like ten seconds later. Oh man, if Musoke pulled it off, the 2014 Fail of the Year Potato Award would have gone to Andrade, guaranteed. The fight had decent moments of brawliness in rounds 2 and 3, but obviously, it went to decision.

Niko Musoke def. Viscardi Andrade via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3).

Erick Silva vs. Takenori Sato

Round 1: Silva apparently has the shortest active fight time among active UFC fighters. Silva lands a hard body kick right away that makes Sato wince. Sato shoots and grabs Silva’s leg in apparent desperation/agony, and Silva slugs him in the head, then jumps up and kicks Sato behind his back with his heel, like a soccer ball. It’s hard to explain, hopefully I’ll find a GIF. Anyway, Sato drags him down, but Silva gets up and jackhammers Sato in the head with punches until Sato goes limp. Silva’s shortest-fight stat is definitely intact.

Erick Silva def. Takenori Sato via KO, 0:52 of round 1.

Oh, and here’s the GIF of Silva’s “hackey-sack” heel-kicks.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Francis Carmont

Round 1: Carmont throws out a very fast front-leg roundhouse. He tries it again and whiffs. Jacare trying hard to get inside. He fires a big overhand right, then lands a spinning back kick. Jacare storms forward and takes Carmont down, then takes his back. Jacare sinks the body-triangle. Jacare working to set up the rear-naked choke, but Carmont defends well. Jacare whips his left arm under Carmont’s neck. Carmont is in huge trouble but he grits it out and escapes. Jacare tries to isolate a wrist. Carmont fires punches behind his head, Jacare’s double-slaps Carmont in the ears. The round ends, 10-9 Souza.

Round 2: Carmont tries a low kick. Souza returns one, then fires a kick high and shoots to clinch. Carmont defends. Jacare slugging now, landing hard to the body and head, and he follows it up with a another spinning heel-kick. Jacare fires his big overhand right. Carmont returns fire and Jacare slips to the mat but pops back up. Carmont with a front kick to the body. Jacare shoots from long range, Carmont defends. They trade punches. Carmont lands a punch combo. Jacare misses a high kick. Carmont lands a jab, a follow-up straight, another jab. Souza lands twice to the body. Carmont throws his arms up, Diaz style.They clinch, Souza gets in a knee and a hook, Carmont lands on the way out. There’s the bell.

Round 3: Nice leg kick from Carmont. Switch kick to the body from Carmont. Jacare fires a right and a left to the body. Carmont swings, Jacare slips under and takes him down. Jacare takes his back and fires down some shots to the side of Carmont’s head. Jacare threatens with a choke, Carmont rolls away. Jacare is smothering Carmont against the fence. Jacare looks for the choke again, can’t find it. Carmont fires punches behind him at Jacare. Jacare is on Carmont’s back and he isn’t going anywhere. Jacare trying once again to finish with a choke, but Carmont defends. They scramble to a sitting position. Carmont still throwing those punches behind his head. Jacare stays on his back to the bell.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza def. Francis Carmont via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)

Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi

Round 1: Mousasi makes first contact with an outside leg kick. Machida gives an inside leg kick back. Machida tries it again and whiffs. Machida lands a solid body kick as Mousasi stalks toward him. Mousasi lands a leg kick, Machida fires some punches in return but doesn’t land. Mousasi tags the leg again. Machida sticks and moves with a left straight. Mousasi dashes in to land a leg kick. Machida nails a counter-punch. Machida throws punches that don’t hand but scores with a body kick. The bell rings. As with most Machida fights, there wasn’t a ton of action in round 1 and it was kind of hard to score.

Round 2: Machida throws a reverse kick. Mousasi with a leg kick. Sharp inside leg kick from Machida. Mousasi with a leg kick. Body kick from Machida. They both fire punches in close. Outside leg kick from Mousasi. Head kick Machida, but Mousasi shrugs it off. Both guys land in a flurry. Mousasi swings and misses. Mousasi lands a body kick. Machida with a quick turning side kick. Mousasi lands a very solid right during a striking exchange. Leg kick Mousasi. Inside leg kick Machida. Mousasi with one more leg kick at the bell.

Round 3: Mousasi lands a left hook. Mousasi shoots, Machida defends and they clinch. Mousasi with a knee to the body. Machida lands a big left straight, and follows it up with a front kick to the body. Machida with that turning side kick again. Machida throws the high left kick again with Mousasi takes on his glove. Machida lands it again. Machida finding his momentum here. Step-in knee from Machida. Mousasi fires punches that mostly miss. Counterpunch from Machida. Machida tries a right elbow. He tries a takedown and is rebuffed. There’s the bell. 10-9 Machida…the clearest round of the fight, so far.

Round 4: Mousasi ducks under a front kick from Machida and takes him down. Machida pops back up immediately. Machida pops in a left hand and dodges the big counter from Mousasi. Machida tries a foot-sweep. Machida trips Mousasi to the mat with authority. Mousasi on top in side control but Mousasi works back into full guard. Mousasi sweeps, and winds up on top in Machida’s guard. Machida tries to set up an omoplata, Mousasi shakes out and fires down an elbow. Machida stands up and Mousasi throws some upkicks, the second of which lands while Machida clearly had his knee down. Mario Yamasaki lets Mousasi off with a warning. The round ends.

Round 5: Inside leg kick Mousasi. Machida storms forward with jabs and a left high kick. Mousasi pops Machida in the face but Machida does a little handstand Capoeira kick that lands to the body. Hard step-in knee from Machida. Mousasi walking forward and swinging. Machida tries a foot-sweep while Mousasi shoots, Machida defends the shot and wins up on top. Machida in guard. Machida jumps to Mousasi’s back. Mousasi rolls out and Machida jumps to his feet then slugs Mousasi in the grill as the round ends.

Lyoto Machida def. Gegard Mousasi via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45 x 2)

By the way, that’s two UFC events in a row featuring 10 decisions.

Machida didn’t have enough time to find the kill shot tonight, but he could find himself with the next middleweight title shot anyway. Do you like his chances against the winner of Weidman vs. Belfort?

G’night Potato Nation, we’ll talk tomorrow…

UFC 169 Results: Barao TKOs Faber, Aldo Decisions Lamas

(I’ll eat my own foot if the word “bro” wasn’t uttered at least once. / Photo via Esther Lin/MMAFighting)

Legacies will be defined, belts may or may not change hands, and “Bagautinov” will be pronounced at least three different ways — welcome, ladies and gents, to CagePotato’s liveblog of UFC 169: Barao vs. Faber. On tap for this evening: Renan Barao attempts to defend his unified bantamweight title for the first time against Urijah Faber, and Jose Aldo goes for his sixth UFC featherweight title defense against hard-charging contender Ricardo Lamas. Plus: a heavyweight battle between Alistair Overeem and Frank Mir that’s totally awesome if you don’t think about it too hard.

Handling play-by-play for the UFC 169 pay-per-view broadcast is Aaron Mandel, who will be putting live results from the main card after the jump, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and shoot your own thoughts into the comments section. Thanks for coming.

(I’ll eat my own foot if the word “bro” wasn’t uttered at least once. / Photo via Esther Lin/MMAFighting)

Preliminary card results
– Alan Patrick def. John Makdessi via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
– Chris Cariaso def. Danny Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Nick Catone def. Tom Watson via split-decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
– Al Iaquinta def. Kevin Lee via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 28-27)
– Clint Hester def. Andy Enz via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 30-26)
– Rashid Magomedov def. Tony Martin via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Neil Magny def. Gasan Umalatov via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)

Alright everyone, we are live for the UFC 169 PPV card! The first seven (7!) fights all went to decision so if you’re just tuning in now congrats on not wasting your life, we must be due for something good.

Abel Trujillo vs. Jamie Varner

Varner took this on slightly short notice as an injury replacement for Bobby Green and he’ll be looking to keep his career resurgence going against the the up and comer Trujillo.

Round 1- Left hook lands for Varner. Good one-two from Trujillo. Right hand lands from Varner. Two big shots just miss from Trujillo. Varner hits a right hand and Trujillo answers. Good even exchanges so far. Ducking left hook for Varner. Trujillo clinches and tries for a takedown but Varner reverses and has Trujillo’s back. Varner rolls with him and stays on the back looking to sink in hooks. They scramble and Varner is in north south working a choke. The attempt looks deep but Trujillo gives the classic thumbs up. Varner tightens the choke but releases and tries to transition to mount but looses position and they return to the feet. A wild exchange ensues and both fighters are clipped but seem okay. Good straight left lands from Trujillo followed by a knee, great round. 10-9 Varner.

Round 2- Trujillo comes out firing but mostly missing. Front kick from Varner. Left hook tags Trujillo and tries to pounce but Trujillo fires back and clips Varner who shoots in on the legs. They are both standing and Varner clips Trujillo who goes against the fence and then slumps forward for a takedown. Varner sprawls and works strikes. Varner swivels to the back as Trujillo rises against the cage. They go rock em sock em robots against the cage and Trujillo is taking the worst of it but is still in the fight, but he is seriously wobbled. Out of nowhere Trujillo unloads a right hand that puts Varner out cold!!! Wild fight, holy shit.

Abel Trujillo defeats Jamie Varner via KO, 2:32 of round 2

Trujillo admits in the post-fight interview he was seriously hurt before getting the KO, love the honesty and the warrior spirit! This will be hard to top for FOTN and maybe KOTN.

Ali Bagautinov vs. John Lineker

Lineker has more UFC experience and top level KO power for 125 lbs. but Bagautinov can bring it and has shown it up to this point. Lineker struggled to make weight (again) yesterday so we’ll see if his gas tank can last if it needs to. Winner of this might get a Flyweight title shot in this new, emerging division.

At the check-in point they clip Lineker’s fingernail as Rogan starts with the mani/pedi jokes. NJ commission is world-class and Lineker cannot seem to keep his shit together.

Round 1- Lineker stalking and rips a right but Ali times it well and hits a takedown, looking to pass from full guard. Lineker working elbows from the bottom and man, he really does hit hard. Ali postures up and looks to rain down strikes. Ali trying to pass but Lineker doing a good job maintaining full guard. Lineker spins for a leg lock agains the sambo master as Rogan clowns on him. Ali switches to a heel hook of his own and sits back on it, looked good but Lineker spins out and they stand. Lineker taunts Ali to stand and strike. Lineker stalking again as Ali moves around the edge of the Octagon. Lineker throws a right body kick with Ali catches and uses to take Lineker down where he is on top in half guard throwing punches. Lineker trying for a kimura from the bottom as round ends. 10-9 Bagautinov.

Round 2- Low kicks from both men to start. Ali dives in on the legs for a takedown but it’s from way too far out and they end up against the fence. Ali flurries with strikes and they tie up in the clinch. They split, left hooks from Ali as he moves constantly to avoid Lineker’s power. Huge body shot right punch from Lineker and two more, ouch, these look good. Ali dives for a takedown which fails and those body shots hurt him. Lineker opening up and starting to tag Ali and the momentum is shifting. Ali dives under a punch for a takedown. Lineker sprawls and throws elbows to the body as he rises against the fence. They separate and Ali hits some good punches to the head of Lineker, kick is blocked and Ali goes for a takedown which fails. Round ends with a flurry, Lineker landing some heavy shots. 10-9 Lineker.

Round 3- By my unofficial scoring it will come down to this round. Ali wades in through strikes and get a takedown from a clinch trip but Lineker gets back to his feet. Ali throws Lineker back down from the body lock. Ali working to full mount as Lineker works a kimura and recovers half guard. Lineker uses the fence to get back up but gets hit with a left and then taken back down by Ali. Half guard with Ali on top and Rogan makes the good point that Lineker’s cardio remarkably seems okay as we’re halfway through the third round. They are clinched against the cage with Ali working knees. They separate, one minute left. Ali dives in on a leg and gets it, even from quite far out. Ali working strikes on top as Lineker goes for a leg lock and eats some strikes to pay for it. The fight ends with Lineker working a leg lock as Bagautinov stands up flexing and playing to the crowd. 10-9 Bagautinov.

Ali Bagautinov defeats John Lineker via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Frank Mir vs. Alistair Overeem

Time for the big boys to throw down. Both have been on the wrong end of KO’s as of late and the loser could be out of the UFC.

Round 1- BIG DUDES! Touch of the gloves and some feeling out. High kick by Mir, body punch from Overeem. Low kick by Overeem and a right hand from Mir. Mir comes in with strikes and clinches but Overeem reverses and throws some knees. They split, leg kick from Overeem and he lands a short left hand on Mir. Left hook behind the ear of Mir. Thai clinch from Overeem and a knee to the body makes Mir spit. Overeem drops Mir with a knee to the head from the clinch and he is hanging on for dear life on the ground as Overeem pours it on. Overeem is pinning Mir’s hand behind his head big brother style. Mir eats a knee to the body but rises to his feet! Did Overeem gas again@!!?!? They split and back on the feet. Overeem looks fresh still, that cardio training has paid off. Mir comes in with a kick and a punch that are slow and miss. They clinch and Mir drops for a leglock but ends up on the bottom in half guard. Overeem drops two hammerfists and an elbow to the midsection. Round ends with Overeem on top but Mir survives. 10-9 Overeem.

Round 2- Straight left from Overeem snaps Mir’s head back. Leg kick from Mir and then another which is checked. Overeem catches a leg and throws Mir like a small child to the mat but backs off. Mir comes in with strikes that are slow again and miss. Overeem clinches and throws knees to the body against the fence. Ref separates them and back to the center. Overeem throws three big strikes which land. Mir runs in and scores a bumrush takedown. Overeem sitting up against the cage with Mir trying to stay on top. Mir briefly threatens with a guillotine but loses it and finds himself on the bottom with Overeem throwing strikes again. Overeem continues to work strikes on top in half guard. Mir is bloodied around his right eye in multiple places. Big left elbow from Overeem and Mir is getting beaten up. Mir gets full guard from the bottom and tries to use the cage to roll and reverse. Overeem stands up while Mir lays in guard. Ref stands them up and the round ends. 10-9 Overeem.

Round 3- Two high kicks miss from Mir. Mir tries for a takedown, runs into the brick wall of Overeem’s body and then pulls guard. Overeem does not want to play on the ground and stands up. Mir shoots for another takedown but again has to pull guard and ends up on the bottom in half guard eating some punches from Overeem. Two big left hands land from Overeem on top and Mir ties him up. Overeem working strikes to the head and body from guard. Overeem is laying a methodical beating on Mir and he stands up to force Mir to rise. Big straight right rocks Mir who looks longingly at the clock. Overeem begs Mir to swing at him but Mir just flails a weak kick and eats two more big strikes from Overeem as the right ends. 10-9 Overeem.

Alistair Overeem defeats Frank Mir via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Champ Jose Aldo vs. Ricardo Lamas

For some reason the heavier fight is not the headliner. Lamas is rocking a great mohawk mullet, may it give him the strength he needs because Aldo is the clear favorite and maybe the pound for pound best.

Round 1- Leg kick from Lamas and another. Head kick misses from Lamas. Aldo throwing lots of fakes and feeling Lamas out. Two minutes in and Aldo has thrown three strikes. More leg kicks from Lamas which Aldo is mostly checking. Two strikes and a kick from Aldo. Spinning kick to the body from Aldo. Jumping head kick from Lamas is blocked. Body kick from Lamas and he slips and Aldo pounces throwing head and body shots but no major damage. Lamas working more kicks, high and low, none landing. Right hand from Aldo to the head and rips another to the body. Two spinning kicks miss from Aldo. First round ends with Aldo throwing flying knee and punches. More missed than landed in that round, fortunately we’ve got four more if we need them! 10-9 Lamas.

Round 2- Aldo checks a leg kick and blocks a high kick. Lamas throws a slow wheel kick which also doesn’t land. Punch and low kick from Aldo, that hurt. Straight right from Aldo. Leg kick from Lamas doesn’t land fully, body punch from Aldo and two more. Good leg kick from Aldo, his are way more successful than Lamas’. Aldo clips Lamas with a left hand. Good leg kick from Aldo. Jabs and a leg kick from Aldo, he’s starting to turn it up. Another leg kick bends Lamas around. Wheel kick misses from Lamas. Lamas’ leg is starting to give out on the kicks. Wheel kick again from Lamas that is blocked followed by another that totally misses. 10-9 Aldo.

Round 3- Lamas comes out with a front kick and then a body kick. Leg kick from Aldo. Punch and a leg kick from Aldo. Aldo blocks a head kick and throws a leg kick. Aldo with more leg kicks and punches. Lamas tries for a single leg takedown but Aldo shrugs it off. Lamas with a head kick that was close, leg kick from Aldo, obviously. Front push kick frmo Lamas and Aldo drills him with a leg kick. Uppercut from Lamas and an overhand right from Aldo. Two jabs and a straight right from Aldo. Lamas misses with two headkicks. Body punch from Aldo and another leg kick. Lamas is still in the fight though, he’s taking it and pushing on, throwing strong strikes of his own. Right hand and leg kick from Lamas. Lamas got Aldo with a right. 10-9 Aldo.

Round 4- Aldo has tended to fade in the championship rounds, we’ll see how this goes. Lamas goes for a single leg takedown which Aldo defends as he backs against the cage. Lamas lifts Aldo into the air against the cage and Aldo just chills there in midair for awhile. Aldo reverses and puts Lamas against the cage. Aldo trips Lamas and takes him to the mat. Aldo on top in side control looking for an arm triangle. Aldo now in half guard. Lamas with butterfly guard and Aldo jumps over them and lands in mount. Lamas rolls and gives up his back. Aldo goes for a choke but can’t get it under the chin. Lamas gets to his feet and now shoots in on Aldo who has his back against the cage defending against Lamas. 10-9 Aldo.

Round 5- I think Lamas has to finish here to win. Lamas comes out aggressive with a flurry of body kicks. Lamas swings for the fences but misses and Aldo presses him against the cage. Aldo drags Lamas down against the cage and is in full guard. Aldo moves to side control and then mount. Lamas throws his hips and reverses Aldo. Lamas now on top in full guard. Lamas diving down with strikes but Aldo defending. Big elbow from Lamas and he wants it but Aldo is doing a good job of somewhat desperately tying him up. Lamas’ corner is screaming that he needs to finish and Lamas is pouring it on. Aldo ties him back up in full guard and is hanging on tight. A few final punches and elbows from Lamas as the round ends. 10-9 Lamas and I think Aldo will take it three rounds to two, but who am I?

Jose Aldo defeats Ricardo Lamas via unanimous decision (49-46 x3)

Aldo gives Lamas credit in his postfight interview as the humble champ retains the belt.

Champ Renan Barao vs. Urijah Faber

Faber has been on an absolute tear since his previous loss to Barao and he steps up on short notice for another crack at a title that has eluded him since earlier in his WEC days. Barao has been on a run of his own, dude hasn’t lost since 2005 in his first fight. Faber has lost his last 5 title fights and won everything else, he is still evolving and improving but you have to wonder at age 34 if he’ll get another shot if he loses tonight. My heart wants Faber, my head says Barao, it’s tough out here.

Round 1- Kicks and punches from both to start, nothing landing. Faber catches a leg and lands a left on Barao. Lots of kicks from Barao, nothing really landing so far. Body shot by Faber, he slips and briefly turtles up as Barao strikes. Faber stands up with a spinning back fist and he smiles at Barao. Body shot head shot combo from Faber and his striking looks good, thanks Duane Ludwig. Head kick blocked from Barao. Good leg kick by Barao. Barao floors Faber with a punch and dives in. Faber covering up for his life but he gets back to his feet! Barao hits Faber some more and he tries for a leg desperately. Barao drops Faber again and Faber goes flat on the canvas for a second before grabbing Barao’s leg again. Barao raining down punches as Faber covers up. Referee Herb Dean jumps in and stops the fight. Faber holds on in disbelief to Barao’s leg and tells Dean that he was fine and giving a thumbs up. It’s to no avail and the champ retains his belt.

Renan Barao defeats Urijah Faber via tko, round 1

From where I sit, on my couch, that was a bad stoppage. No one except Herb Dean is in the cage making those calls officially but we’re all entitled to our opinions. My opinion is that Faber should have been given every opportunity to stay in that fight and he was robbed of that. I bet Eddie Wineland agrees.

Faber stays classy in his interview but agrees the stoppage was early, obviously, and suggests that “a limp body” would be a better indicator to stop the fight. Rogan suggests that Chad Mendes, Faber’s teammate should get the next shot, Faber reminds Rogan that Mendes is a weight class above. ”I’m retarded,” muses Rogan, outsmarted by a guy who was on the verge of consciousness a minute ago. And on that note, have a good night.

UFC on FOX 10 Results: Henderson Wins Questionable Decision Over Thomson

(Luckily, Josh is no stranger to awkwardly intimate encounters. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

The UFC is back on network television tonight with a four-fight FOX broadcast, live from Chicago’s United Center. In the main event, former lightweight champion Benson Henderson attempts to rebound against Josh Thomson, who may earn a title shot with a win here. Plus, heavyweights Gabriel Gonzaga and Stipe Miocic throw bombs until one of them needs to sit down for a while, Donald Cerrone fights some guy he’s never heard of, and Darren Elkins and Jeremy Stephens face off for the right be taken seriously in the featherweight division.

Handling our liveblog of the UFC on FOX 10 main card broadcast is Aaron Mandel, who will be tossing round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and be sure to tell us how you feelin’ in the comments section. Thanks for coming.

(Luckily, Josh is no stranger to awkwardly intimate encounters. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

Preliminary Card Results
– Alex Caceres def. Sergio Pettis via submission, 4:39 of round 3 (rear-naked choke)
– Eddie Wineland def. Yves Jabouin via TKO, 4:16 of round 2
– Chico Camus def. Yaotzin Meza via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x 2)
– Hugo Viana def. Ramiro Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Daron Cruickshank def. Mike Rio via TKO, 4:56 of round 2
– George Sullivan def. Mike Rhodes via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Nikita Krylov def. Walt Harris via TKO, 0:25 of round 1

Alright PotatoHeads, it’s time for the main card, refresh early and often for round by round commentary and results, and if you were lucky enough to hear it on the prelims, perhaps Joe Rogan will repeat his hilarious critiques of the FOX robot.

Jeremy Stephens vs. Darren Elkins

Round 1- Low kick lands from Stephens. Body kick from Stephens. Shot by Elkins easily stuffed, which does not bode well for the wrestler. Uppercut lands from Stephens. Low kick from Stephens. Two huge punches miss from Stephens. Takedown from Elkins misses badly. Elkins slips and Stephens lands on top and hits an elbow as he works to half guard. Stephens stands up to put it back to striking. Good right-left from Stephens. Single from Elkins and Stephens fights it off by jumping three feet in the air trying to knee him while Elkins holds him aloft. They push against the cage and Stephens is able to fight Elkins off and separate back to striking range. Uppercut and a left from Stephens. Left from Elkins grazes Stephens who just took a deep breath. Huge punches from Stephens but not landing clean and he is putting everything behind them. Right lands for Stephens as does a knee. Good body kick by Stephens. Elkins comes forward with two strikes but they don’t land and the round ends, all Stephens. 10-9 Stephens.

Round 2- Elkins lands a right but Stephens cracks him right back and Elkins seems a little wobbled. Left high kick grazes Elkins. Takedown easily stuffed by Stephens. Right lands from Stephens. A left tags Stephens and Elkins shoots for a takedown against the cage, Stephens fighting it off. Stephens separates and starts winging punches again. Low kick by Stephens as Elkins shoots and it looked painful, although MMA in general looks painful to a wimp like me. Front kick partially lands by Elkins and he follows it with a left. Right kick by Elkins and Stephens cracks a right uppercut. Elkins shoots for a single leg takedown, stuffed again by Stephens. Head kick by Elkins partially blocked. Body kick by Elkins. Body kick by Stephens now. Left hand lands from Stephens and Elkins is cut under his right eye. 10-9 Stephens.

Round 3- Stephens is in control here, let’s see if he coasts or looks to finish. Low kick by Stephens. Body kick by Elkins is caught by Stephens who takes him down but lands in a guillotine. Stephens works out of the guillotine but it was close and Elkins rolls for the guillotine again, has it for a moment but Stephens rolls out and smartly stands up. Kick from Stephens caught and Elkins tries to take him down but Stephens throws him off. Right to the body, left to the head by Stephens. Another takedown stuffed by Stephens and his sprawl and brawl is really working. Headkicks miss by both fighters. Left hook lands from Stephens. Elkins may have clipped Stephens, he ran back and seemed tentative, Elkins charges in swinging and Stephens takes Elkins down, Elkins immediately goes for another guillotine and it is tight but the horn sounds and we are done, wow that was almost a last second hail mary but should be a comfortable decision for Stephens.

Jeremy Stephens defeats Darren Elkins by unanimous decison (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Donald Cerrone vs. Adriano Martins

Martins is sponsored by a sushi delivery company and an oil company, this guy has nothing to lose!

Round 1- Body kick by Martins and it may have hurt Cerrone ala his Pettis fight. Cerrone recovering and throwing kicks of his own. Good leg kick by Cerrone. Head kick misses by Cerrone who follows with a front kick and leg kick. Martins landing some shots in a good exchange. Another leg kick by Cerrone whose corner is urging him not to wait. Martins lands a good shot and Cerrone shoots for a takedown, goes right into full mount but Martins bounces back to the feet all in about 15 seconds. Body kick by Cerrone. Right jab lands for Cerrone along with another body kick. Right head kick lands on the button from Cerrone and Martins falls forward and is out. Good sportsmanship from Cerrone who avoids any unnecessary strikes.

Cerrone was looking rather pedestrian until the kick, but BOOM, that was all it took. It was well set up with the steady diet of body kicks and this could be KOTN and yet another bonus for Cerrone.

Donald Cerrone defeats Adriano Martins via KO, 4:40 round 1

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Stipe Miocic

This should be an interesting style matchup, Gonzaga is clearly more accomplished on the ground but can tend to fall in love with his striking, where Miocic has had his success. The winner of this will jump near the top 5 at heavyweight.

Round 1- Leg kick by Gonzaga thuds into Miocic to start and Miocic sends one of his own back. Right hand lands for Gonzaga but Miocic takes it and fires back. Another leg kick from each fighter and they are hard ones. Left jab by Gonzaga. Overhand right by Gonzaga and another low kick. Overhand right again by Gonzaga but Miocic is blocking and absorbing and firing back. Miocic slips on a kick and Gonzaga closes the distance and tries for a takedown but Miocic spins away. Big right hands lands from Gonzaga but Miocic seems fine. Gonzaga catches a Miocic leg kick and fires a few clean punches back. Gonzaga shoots a double leg and brings Miocic down but Miocic pops back up. Gonzaga breathing heavily now after that mostly failed takedown and it could be a factor as Miocic looks fresh despite eating lots of kicks and punches. 10-9 Gonzaga.

Round 2- Leg kick to start by Gonzaga. Stiff jab by Miocic and an inside leg kick. Gonzaga looks for a takedown but Miocic sprawls and defends, blocking a Gonzaga high kick on the way out. Left hook by Gonzaga and pawing jabs and a straight by Miocic. Gonzaga appears to be fading a bit with three minutes left. Miocic is picking his volume up. Gonzaga has thrown nothing in the last minute. Left head kick from Gonzaga blocked and he sends one low before going back into a largely defensive shell. Gonzaga falls forward for a takedown but it isn’t pretty and Miocic sprawls out with ease. Miocic has been teeing off for the last three minutes, Gonzaga blocked most of it but he just stopped throwing early in the round, this could get ugly in the third round. 10-9 Miocic.

Round 3- Leg kick from Gonzaga and a punch, he needs to finish in the early going here because he looks faded. Miocic working a high rate of punches but nothing landing clean. Leg kick by Miocic. Gonzaga shoots for a takedown which fails. Gonzaga tries some kicks and punches but nothing lands, Miocic keeping up a good work rate. Gonzaga slips and falls back to guard. Miocic stands over him landing punches. Gonzaga gets up but slips again and lays back in guard with Miocic standing over him. Gonzaga seems content to lay down and rest which is also my plan tonight. Miocic finally dives in with hammer fists sitting up in half guard. Gonzaga ties up from the bottom but he’s gassed. Miocic postures up and lands some big strikes. Gonzaga gets up with twenty seconds left and throws a few desperate strikes as the round ends. The Gonzaga from round 1 and round 3 don’t even seem like the same person, fatigue is a powerful beast. 10-9 Miocic.

Stipe Miocic defeats Gabriel Gonzaga via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

And as predicted at the beginning, Joe Rogan clowns on the FOX robot, “they should throw that thing in the garbage.”

Benson Henderson vs. Josh Thomson

They check Henderson for a toothpick at the prep point and it’s main event time! Winner of this may get a title shot and settle all of those WEC/Strikeforce debates that no one had, ever.

Round 1- Something tells me I might be furiously touch typing for 5 rounds here…and we’re set, touch of the gloves and high kick from Henderson to open but it’s blocked. Punches from Henderson as he flurries in on Thomson who ties up Henderson and throws him to the ground! Thomson takes Henderson’s back with a body triangle locked in. Henderson turtles up and Thomson flattens him out. Henderson rolls and Thomson still has his back but is pressed against the fence. Thomson wrenches the shoulder joint looking for an armbar or a choke. Henderson staying calm but not in a good place. Henderson stands up with Thomson still attached to his back. Henderson leans against the fence giving Thomson a free ride on his back. Henderson maneuvers out out into a clinch with over/under. Henderson puts Thomson against the cage in the clinch but Thomson reverses. Henderson works knees and then takes Thomson down. Thomson stands back up but Henderson applies a standing arm triangle! Henderson cranks it and then falls to his back with the arm triangle locked in. Thomson frees himself, stands back up and then picks up Henderson and slams him down as the round ends. Wild round, great grappling! 10-9 Thomson.

Round 2- Body punch from Henderson to start and then another. Stepping knee lands to the body for Henderson, Thomson catches the leg and tries to work a takedown but cannot. Henderson clinches again and looks for the standing arm triangle but it’s not there. They clinch along the fence trading knees and kicks. Big John McCarthy splits them up and Henderson comes in with a knee, they clinch and Thomson picks him up and slams Henderson down, takes his back again and puts on the body triangle! Henderson stands up with Thomson on his back, Thomson releases his hold and they separate. Running body punch from Henderson. Thomson seems content to wait for Henderson to come in and then try to grapple. The action heats up with an exchange and Henderson runs in with another body punch and kick to the left side of Thomson’s body. Thomson catches the kick and tries for a takedown but Henderson shows great balance and stays up. Close round, 10-9 Henderson?

Round 3- Henderson comes out flying with a superman punch and strikes and drives Thomson to the mat. Henderson on top in full guard but Thomson works back to the feet. Henderson takes Thomson’s back standing and Rogan thinks Thomson broke his right hand last round which might explain his lack of striking engagement. They separate back to the feet and Henderson works another strong right hook to the body, he’s thrown a lot of those and they appear to be landing effectively. They clinch along the cage and then spin out to the middle of the cage. Thomson throws a right elbow. Henderson with a body kick that Thomson tries to catch but can’t. Thomson goes for a takedown but cannot complete it and they clinch along the cage. Henderson cracks Thomson with an elbow. Good knee from Henderson, Thomson tries for a takedown but can’t get it. Thomson slips on a kick and Henderson lands on top in side control. North-south for Henderson and Josh spins out, grimacing noticeably as he pushes off the ground with his presumably broken hand. Thomson throws a cartwheel kick that misses and he is slowing down, maybe due to the hand. 10-9 Henderson.

Round 4- Powerful body kick by Henderson which Thomson catches. Another kick from Henderson. Low kick from Henderson. Thomson closes the distance and hits a trip takedown on Henderson, on top in half guard. Henderson uses rubber guard from the bottom and works strikes from the bottom as well as elbowing the shoulder of Thomson who is stuck. Thomson pulls his head out, briefly stands, dives back in with punches and rolls for top control. Henderson powers up and hits a takedown and elbows of his own. Henderson on top with Thomson against the cage. Thomson climbs to his feet as Henderson knees his thighs. Henderson front kicking Thomson’s calves against the cage, weird! They separate and Thomson clinches and gets another takedown and the body triangle. Never seen Henderson taken down this much. Henderson stands again, fixes his hair, and oh yea Thomson is still attached to his back. Thomson hypes the crowd from Henderson’s back and then falls back down to the mat, wild! 10-9 Henderson.

Round 5- By my very amateur scorecard it’s 3-1 in rounds for Henderson going into the 5th, Ariel Helwani has it exact opposite, 3-1 Thomson. Henderson misses with a right hook and lands one to the body. Another huge knee to the body for Henderson. Leg kick from Henderson. Thomson cracks Henderson with his right hand! Leg kick by Thomson drops Henderson but he pops right up. Three high kicks in a row from Henderson followed by a low kick and you know it’s hurting Thomson to block these. Rogan thinks Thomson is down and needs to go for broke, thanks for having my back! Josh catches Hendo’s kick and throws him violently to the ground, takes his back but Henderson stands. Thomson on Henderson’s back against the cage. Josh desperately trying to spin Henderson to the ground as they clinch with one minute left. Clinch grappling all the way here. They split with 20 seconds left and the horn sounds. 10-9 Henderson. I think it will be 49-46 Henderson but shit, who knows? The closest the fight came to being finished was in round 1 by Thomson but there were never any real fight changing moments, just a solid back and forth war.

Benson Henderson defeats Josh Thomson via split decision (49-46, 48-47, 47-48)

And instead of an interview with either fighter we get a UFC 169 promo, wtf?

And that’s all folks!

UFC Fight Night 35: Rockhold vs. Philippou — Main Card Results & Commentary

(Luke and Costa face off in front of the wax replica of Dana White that the UFC has been sending to non-essential events. No offense, guys. At least you’re not on Fight Pass. / Photo via Getty)

Look, what can we tell you about UFC Fight Night 35 that we haven’t already expressed via dog GIFs? Luke Rockhold and Costa Philippou are a pair of highly-regarded middleweights who are trying to avoid a two-fight losing streak. Supporting their main event is a worthwhile list of TUF vets (Brad Tavares, TJ Dillashaw, Cole Miller, Sam Sicilia), a former flyweight title challenger (John Moraga), and a fast-rising knockout artist named Yoel Romero. It’s on cable TV, and early enough to watch while you’re eating your salisbury steak. Take it or leave it.

Handling our liveblog of the “Rockhold vs. Philippou” FOX Sports 1 main card is Matt Kaplan, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and if you’re watching along with us, join the conversation in the comments section.

(Luke and Costa face off in front of the wax replica of Dana White that the UFC has been sending to non-essential events. No offense, guys. At least you’re not on Fight Pass. / Photo via Getty)

Preliminary card results:
– Ramsey Nijem def. Justin Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x 2)
– Elias Silverio def. Isaac Vallie-Flagg via unanimous decision (29-27 x 3)*
– Trevor Smith def. Brian Houston via split-decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Louis Smolka def. Alptekin Ozkilic via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Vinc Pichel def. Garett Whiteley via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Beneil Dariush def. Charlie Brenneman via submission (rear-naked choke), 1:45 of round 1

* Silverio had a point deducted for an illegal knee.

Just a few minutes of intro stuff we already know, and here comes the first bout of the noche. Fight Night 35 is shaping up to be a Tic Tac-and-a-rubber type of gal: nothing fancy, just right to bidness.

Cole Miller vs. Sam Sicilia

Rd. 1 – Sicilia takes the center of the cage and puts his jab to work a little. The much taller Miller is getting it going after a slow opening minute, but neither man is getting too nasty with it just yet. Sicilia wades in, looking for a hook, but Miller is patient and sidesteps the inside hooks. Miller is testing out the head kick, it seems. Sicilia nails Miller with a tough right hand to the mid-section. Again Miller brings the kick upstairs. Sicilia is throwing his hooks hard now, but Miller is still patient and fighting behind his jab. He’s committed to that head kick, but isn’t throwing it too hard, and Sicilia keeps coming in with wide, hard shots. Decent opening round.

Rd. 2 – Miller opens with a high kick, and Sicilia answers with hooks. Miller employs the front kick. A left hook-right cross combo seems to hurt Sicilia, and you can see the damage under his left eye. Nice body shot from Sicilia. BIG right staggers and drops Sicilia. Miller pounces and slaps on a guillotine from half guard. Oh boy. Now he’s got his back…Sicilia is flattened out on his stomach…rear naked…tappy tap.

Cole Miller wins via Rd. 2 rear naked choke (and then calls out Cowboy Cerrone).

John Moraga vs. Dustin Ortiz

Rd. 1 – Big overhand right from the very energetic Ortiz just 20 seconds in, but Moraga takes it. He shoots on Ortiz…nah. Ortiz shoots now, scrambles behind Moraga, and presses him against the cage. Moraga is throwing short punches and knees from off the fence as Ortiz presses and works for position. Knees from Ortiz now, and there’s the takedown. Ortiz is in Moraga’s guard and dropping punches. Moraga can’t get up, it seems. Moraga is against the cage with Ortiz all over him. Ortiz is in half guard now and stays active from top position. MOraga going for the triangle? Looks like it. Yup. Ortiz is really throwing hard now. Bye bye, triangle attempt. Dominant round for Ortiz.

Rd. 2 – Moraga is kicking early as Ortiz bounces around the center of the cage. Nice leg kick from Moraga. Good short right hand from Moraga. Big ol’ left hook from Moraga staggers Ortiz. That was some power right there. Ortiz recovers, but Moraga has him against the cage now. They’re off the fence. Ortiz slips as Moraga feints, and Moraga is all over him. Ortiz has a hold of his leg, but he’s throwing some hard elbows. Moraga takes Ortiz’s back now. Here we go. Uh-oh, Ortiz escapes and is in side control. They scramble and are back on the feet. A hard right-left combo from Moraga connects. Ortiz shoots and has Moraga’s back with seconds left. Much better round for Moraga.

Rd. 3 – Moraga misses a big overhand right that could have been all she wrote. Moraga stuffs an Ortiz shoot and is the much more poised stand-up fighter so far. Nice right from Ortiz over the top, right on cue. Both men are throwing combos with limited success, and there’s a takedown from Ortiz. Ortiz is moving into half guard and dropping forearms. Moraga wants the kimura but can’t get it. Moraga pops up, tries for Ortiz’s back, but Ortiz reverses and has Moraga on the fence. Knees from Ortiz. Ortiz nails one last takedown. Moraga wants the guillotine, as Ortiz pounds the body. Close fight.

John Moraga wins via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Hey, there’s Ric Flair cageside, looking like death warmed over. Whooo!

Yoel Romero vs. Derek Brunson

Rd. 1- Big early left hand from Brunson. Bigger left and flying knee from Romero. Brunson gets a takedown, but Romero is back up like it aint no thang. Brunson fires a 1-2. Nice left hand to the body from Romero, but GOD DAMN did Brunson just land a monster kick to the ear of the burly Cuban gent. Wow. I’d be dead. Brunson stuffs a takedown and kicks at the lead leg. The head kick misses for Brunson. Romero with the trip takedown, but Brunson gets up and slams down Romero after a busy scramble. The round ends with both guys locked up in the center of the cage.

Rd. 2 – Brunson misses the 1-2, but hits with the right hook. Romero punches the body, but the shot is deflected to the nether regions of Brunson. Time out briefly, and we’re back. Romero is loading up for a big uppercut or hook, but Brunson lands a hard elbow in the meantime. Romero misses with wide, wild shots. Romero connects with the lead left and the right to the body. Brunson nails the takedown and is in half guard with 2 min. left. And now Brunson has the mount. Romero isn’t doing much from the botton but is avoiding any real punishment. Brunson is back in half guard, and they’re up. Romero is throwing for the KO uppercut but misses the mark. Romero misses a few takedowns, and that’s the bell.

Rd. 3 – Brunson circles away as Romero wades in for the close-quarters assault. Brunson’s half-assed takedown is stuffed with one hand. The pace has slowed markedly. Each man flicks a kick at the opponent’s lead leg. Big right from Romero drops Brunson to a knee, but he’s back up. Knee from Brunson now. Romero is loading up that uppercut. Big left from Romero. And another…Brunson is down! Romero is on him. Brunson is down and bloodied, and Romero is elbowing the shit out of his right ribs. That’s it.

Yoel Romero wins via Rd. 3 TKO (elbows).

TJ Dillashaw vs. Mike Easton

Rd. 1 – Easton fires a side kick immediately. Both men are throwing hard and moving forward early on. Dillashaw slips and lands a right. Dillashaw kicks the body. Easton returns the favor and drops Dillashaw for a second. Dillashaw grabs Easton’s knees and had his down against the cage. Easton has Dillashaw in his guard, pushes Dillashaw away with his legs, and is back up to his feet. Dillashaw clinches and takes some knees from Easton. They separate. Dillashaw lands some good short fists as he comes forward. Left uppercut-right cross combo hits for Dillashaw. Nice one. Dillashaw switches to south[paw and lands a knee to the chin. Dillashaw nails Easton with two big rights, and Easton circles away from the power. Good action.

Rd. 2 – Dillashaw is definitely landing the harder, more crisp punches, but Easton isn’t going anywhere. Easton misses the takedown, Dillashaw takes his back, and Easton finds himself fighting off a very aggressive Dillashaw from half guard. Easton’s left eye is cut. Dillashaw pounds away with the left hand. Easton is up, but takes a knee from Dillashaw. Oooh. Easton misses two spinning kicks and is again smothered by Dillashaw. Easton is down on a knee with his back to the fence and with Dillashaw in his half guard once again. Easton is up, but Dillashaw is on his back, looking to get both hooks in. Dillashaw knees Easton’s legs. Easton can’t shake Dillashaw off his back. More knees from Dillashaw. Easton wants the straight elbow, but Dillashaw slips away.

Rd. 3 – Dillashaw connects with a short uppercut in the center of the cage. Easton looks frustrated offensively and eats a right hook from Dillashaw. Big left kick to the body from Dillashaw, who seems to be in complete control of the striking exchanges. Dillashaw connects with a front kick that keeps Easton back. Easton is coming in, looking for something, but Dillashaw lands shots before Easton can make up his mind. Dillashaw is pulling away, it seems. Easton wants to clinch; Dillashaw punches his face, so no more clinch. Dillashaw is landing his combination punches seemingly at will. Easton is throwing punches in isolation, and Dillashaw is kneeing and punching as the bell sounds. Easton was dominated.

TJ Dillashaw wins via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3).

Brad Tavares vs. Lorenz Larkin

Rd. 1 – Tavares opens with an inside leg kick. Tavares connects with a left hook. Larkin ust misses with the Super Man punch, and Tavares counters with the left-right combo. Larkin’s uppercut is just off the mark. Larkin brings a hard kick upstairs that Tavares blocks. Tavares throws a high klick of his own now. Tavares again kicks at the lead leg. Larkin reciprocates with the same kick. Larkin lands a punch combo from close range. Larkin kicks the lead leg, but Tavares counters with a straight punch. Larkin misses a wild kick and Tavares takes his back. Tavares drags him to a knee and has his back. Horn.

Rd. 2 – Again Tavares targets the lead leg with kicks, and he follows up with a left-right. Larkin just misses with the uppercut – looked good, but nothing. Tavares keeps kicking and follows with two punches to the facial. Tavares is keeping it simple and is winning this fight, kids. Larkin misses another uppercut and eats a counter right from Tavares. Tavares works the body, and both men are kicking one another’s lead thighs. Tavares goes for a single, gets the takedown, and has Larkin’s back. Both hooks are in and he wants the RNC. Tavares with the hammer heels to Larkin’s right leg. Larkin escapes and is in Tavares’s guard for the final seconds of the frame.

Rd. 3 – Tavares comes out hot: punching, kicking, charging forward. The Larkin offense has been confined to missed uppercuts and some successful kicks to Tavares’s left thigh, but nothing so far from the right hand. Larkin just landed a pretty good elbow, but Tavares answers with the right hand. Larkin kicks to the body, but Tavares catches the kick and goes for the takedown. Larkin grabs the head for a guillotine, but Tavares sprawls out. Tavares lands a cracking right hand, shoots in on Larkin, and presses him against the fence. Larkin lands some vicious elbows to the ear. Those look horrible. Tavares snatches a single, but Larkin stays up and lands a good uppercut, finally. Tavares again wants the single, but Larkin avoids it. Horn.

Brad Tavares wins via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3).

Costas Philippou vs Luke Rockhold

Rd. 1 – Philippou opens things up with a shot to the body. Rockhold answers with a body kick. Philippou is circling and Rockhold connects with a right hook that drops the Long Islander. Philippou is right up and lands a big right of his own. Rockhold lands a hard kick to the head. Philippou is bleeding but still connects with another right. WHOA! Rockhold threw a left kick to the body, punched upstairs, and then kicked the body again and dropped Philippou. Herb Dean rushed in and waved it off.

Luke Rockhold wins via Rd. 1 TKO (body kick).

That’ll do ‘er.

UFC 168 Results: Weidman Defeats Silva Via Brutal, Corey Hill-like Leg Injury

(Buffer’s got that look in his eyes again. / Photos via MMAFighting)

With two marquee titles on the line, UFC 168 can certainly claim to be the “biggest” and “best” UFC offering of 2013 — although we still reserve the right to wonder what the hell Fabricio Camoes is doing on the main card. Anyway, Las Vegas is Rematch City tonight, with MMA G.O.A.T. Anderson Silva looking for revenge against Chris Weidman, and women’s bantamweight superstar Ronda Rousey trying to make it 2-0 against her arch-nemesis Miesha Tate. Plus: Josh Barnett and Travis Browne face off in a sure-to-entertain heavyweight battle, and Dustin Poirier will attempt to punish Diego Brandao for coming in way, way overweight yesterday.

Handling our liveblog for the “Weidman vs. Silva 2” pay-per-view broadcast is Aaron Mandel, 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, and shoot us your own thoughts in the comments section or on twitter. (We’re @cagepotatomma. Hi there.)

(Buffer’s got that look in his eyes again. / Photos via MMAFighting)

Handling our liveblog for the “Weidman vs. Silva 2″ pay-per-view broadcast is Aaron Mandel, 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, and shoot us your own thoughts in the comments section or on twitter. (We’re @cagepotatomma. Hi there.)

Preliminary card results
– Uriah Hall def. Chris Leben via TKO (doctor stoppage*), 5:00 of round 1
– Michael Johnson def. Gleison Tibau via KO, 1:32 of round 2
– Dennis Siver def. Manny Gamburyan via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– John Howard def. Siyar Bahadurzada via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– William Macario def. Bobby Voelker via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Robbie Peralta def. Estevan Payan via KO, 0:12 of round 3

* Or “retirement,” basically. Leben verbally quit the fight after being dominated through the first round.

Hi PotatoHeads and welcome to the last card of 2013. If you were too cheap to throw down the extra $5 for the PPV, fear not, we’ve got all your results here, I’m in the best liveblogging shape of my life, refresh early and often!

Diego Brandao vs. Dustin Poirier

Round 1- Body kick to start from Poirier with a head kick from Brandao that is blocked. Good body punch from Brandao. Wild windmill from Brandao who slips but is landing some early with punches and kicks to the body. Spinning backfist lands from Poirier. Some good wild exchanges early. Overhand right drops Poirier but he’s back up. Brandao tries a clinch throw but Poirier uses an effective whizzer and stands up. Brandao completes a takedown on Poirier, who had been landing. Poirier up and unloads on Brandao with strikes, wobbling him. Brandao goes down and Poirier follows with strikes until the ref jumps in and stops it, good win for Poirier.

Dustin Poirier defeats Diego Brandao via TKO, round 1

Poirier pumped up in the post fight interview and clearly from Louisiana.

Jim Miller vs. Fabricio Camoes

Miller is looking to right the ship after alternating wins and losses lately. Camoes has to be excited to be on the main card of the end of year PPV, he’s definitely the least known fighter outside of hardcore fans but has the no-lose thing going for him here with a win or strong show.

Round 1- Leg kick from Camoes. Clinch on the fence as Camoes tries for a takedown that fails and they separate back to the feet. Two short strikes land from Camoes. Head kick blocked by Miller. Camoes cracks Miller with a left hook. Camoes continues to land, backing Miller up. Head kick caught by Miller who takes him down and lands some ground and pound. Camoes back to the feet and now gets Miller down and lands in full guard. Miller doing a good job of tying up from the bottom and threatening with submissions. Miller tightens up an armbar, Camoes defends patiently but Miller stays on it and works it tighter until Camoes is forced to tap!

Jim Miller defeats Fabricio Camoes via armbar, round 1

Miller references Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in his interview, losing the beer soaked KO crazy crowd, but impressing all the nerds out there (hey o!)

We are now treated to the undercard fight between Gleison Tibau and Michael Johnson.

Josh Barnett vs. Travis Browne

Round 1- Browne lands first with a left hook. Barnett puts Browne against the cage where he wants to work his catch wrestling but Browne moves away and lands a few strong hooks. Barnett shoots for a takedown against the cage and Browne starts unloading elbows just like he did against Gonzaga and Barnett goes limp, he’s out and Lavigne stops the fight! Impressive KO for Browne who is rocketing to the top of the HW division.

Travis Browne defeats Josh Barnett via KO, round 1

And with three quick finishes so far we return to the undercard for Leben-Hall.

Champ Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate

Round 1- Tate comes out swinging furiously but wildly. Rousey clinches up and takes Tate down but she is right back up but eating shots from Rousey as she gets put against the fence and eats more shots. Headkick from Rousey is blocked but Tate is on her back and Rousey is working strikes. Tate gets up and gets Rousey down! Shockingly Rousey throws on an armbar but it’s loose. Rousey locks on a triangle and peppers Tate from the bottom with strikes. The triangle looks tight but Tate gets out and they strike until Rousey clinches again and goes into mount, working on an arm. Tate slips out on top into guard but Rousey pulls out and they get back up. Another huge judo throw from Rousey who is on top again. Tate back to the feet and lands a nice strike. Rousey clinches and works strikes against Tate on the fence. The round ends and this is the first round 2 for Rousey in her career. 10-9 Rousey.

Round 2- Good right from Rousey and trips Tate easily. Tate hits Rousey with some good upkicks and Rousey’s mouth is open and she backs off! Tate gets up but Rousey hits another judo throw but quickly backs off. Tate having some luck with a left hook but Rousey gets her down and works for her back but Tate works back up against the cage with Rousey throwing strikes. Strong clinch works ends in a violent judo throw from Rousey who is in side control. Tate throws her legs up and around and grabs Rousey head but Rousey works out and grabs Tate’s arm. She torques it brutally and Tate’s arm is fully stretched but she doesn’t tap and somehow gets out. Tate is now caught in an inverted triangle but is defending with Rousey all over her. Round ends and saves Tate. 10-9 Rousey.

Round 3- Rousey muscles Tate into the cage and works clinch positioning. Tate lands on top out of a throw but her arm is in danger and this time Rousey cranks it at the right angle and Tate taps.

Tate tries to initiate a hand shake but Rousey is having none of it.

Ronda Rousey defeats Miesha Tate via armbar, round 3.

The crowd roundly boos Rousey who compliments Tate but says she insulted her family and cannot shake her hand. Tate gets a huge ovation from the crowd and admits Rousey was the better fighter.

Champ Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva

Silva on his way into the cage crouches and remains motionless on two separate occasions. It’s a 10 minute walk in. He is a unique legend. Weidman is all business and my girlfriend just referred to him as a “thoroughbred”.

Round 1- Touch of the gloves. Weidman shoots in and finishes on a single leg. Silva works his way up on the cage and they are clinched. Weidman cracks Silva and he staggers back. Weidman landing HUGE bombs on the ground but Silva SOMEHOW survives and ties Weidman up in full guard. Weidman is loading up on some huge shots, some of which are landing. It is hard to tell how hurt Silva is but he is still in the fight. Big elbow from Weidman and he postures up and hits him more as Silva throws upkicks and creates separation. Weidman dives in with a strike and Silva ties him up as round ends. 10-9 Weidman.

Round 2- Good low kick from Silva. Weidman wades in with strikes. Head kick from Weidman blocked. Good body kick from Weidman and Silva snaps a leg kick low on Weidman OH FUCK Silva snapped his leg. He falls back in pain and his leg fractured on the shin right above the foot on the shinbone. Fight is over.

Chris Weidman defeats Anderson Silva via TKO, round 2, doctor/ref stoppage.

Weidman classy in victory giving props to Silva as the greatest of all time. Silva is not in the cage, presumably getting medical treatment or already on the way to the hospital. My own editorializing: It sucks for Silva, of course, this could be career ending. It also sucks for Weidman who dominated the first round for the second time before winning on a crazy, unpredictable moment. He will still have to face questions about if he was for real, which he CLEARLY is. Crazy ending, great night of fights, no judges involved on the main card! Goodnight for now, thanks for reading along.