That’s some hit, man. (I’m so sorry.) PicProps: Esther Lin / MMAFighting
So BG is gone this week, I assume to yet another wedding, because once he bought the tuxedo he was determined to get the mileage out of it. Seriously, he’s got the whole bit: natty little straight cane with the white tips, monocle, top hat, the whole nine. It’s dashing, but apparently it’s expensive as hell. That or he’s running some kind of scheme where he collects disposable cameras and plastic champagne flutes? What the fuck are you building in there, Goldstein?
So anyway, I’m poking around his office here at CP headquarters, kick over a box of CagePotato Hall of Fame t-shirts, and damn if i didn’t stumble over the ol’ arbitrariest of MMA supercomputers: the Potato Index.
Turns out it’s been hooked up this whole time, so I decided to pull up the numbers on UFC’s Fight Night 27, just for old times’ sake.
The Octagon Girls +16
The new Octagon Girls are lovely. Chrissy Blair is the archetypal California Girl; think Christie Brinkley in a Ferrari, but blonder. And the new brunette one getting tattoos exactly like Brittney Palmer’s was a nice touch.
Kansas City fighters + 42 Zak Cummings [+19] and Jason High [+23] both picked up their first UFC wins with good-looking performances. Jason High had previously lost to Erick Silva in June and Charlie Brennamen back in 2010, mostly because Joe Silva likes to call High on short notice for not-easy fights. The Kansas City Bandit gets a big bump with a quick win.
Abel Trujillo +11
Trujillo picks up the best kind of No Contest: the kind that comes from a foul that is both uber-agressive and debatable. Attacking grounded fighters with knees will always stir the passions; if Trujillo were a savvy marketer, he would start coming to the cage in a Hannibal mask and a straight jacket. A straight jacket covered in sponsor patches. Dana White would get a visible boner.
Roger Bowling -5
Unfortunately, according to (arbitrary) opinion, it’s better to take the loss in the cage and get the NC declared later. But enjoy your short-term memory and normal brain function. (Pussy.)
That’s some hit, man. (I’m so sorry.) PicProps: Esther Lin / MMAFighting
So BG is gone this week, I assume to yet another wedding, because once he bought the tuxedo he was determined to get the mileage out of it. Seriously, he’s got the whole bit: natty little straight cane with the white tips, monocle, top hat, the whole nine. It’s dashing, but apparently it’s expensive as hell. That or he’s running some kind of scheme where he collects disposable cameras and plastic champagne flutes? What the fuck are you building in there, Goldstein?
So anyway, I’m poking around his office here at CP headquarters, kick over a box of CagePotato Hall of Fame t-shirts, and damn if i didn’t stumble over the ol’ arbitrariest of MMA supercomputers: the Potato Index.
Turns out it’s been hooked up this whole time, so I decided to pull up the numbers on UFC’s Fight Night 27, just for old times’ sake.
The Octagon Girls +16
The new Octagon Girls are lovely. Chrissy Blair is the archetypal California Girl; think Christie Brinkley in a Ferrari, but blonder. And the new brunette one getting tattoos exactly like Brittney Palmer’s was a nice touch.
Kansas City fighters + 42 Zak Cummings [+19] and Jason High [+23] both picked up their first UFC wins with good-looking performances. Jason High had previously lost to Erick Silva in June and Charlie Brennamen back in 2010, mostly because Joe Silva likes to call High on short notice for not-easy fights. The Kansas City Bandit gets a big bump with a quick win.
Abel Trujillo +11
Trujillo picks up the best kind of No Contest: the kind that comes from a foul that is both uber-agressive and debatable. Attacking grounded fighters with knees will always stir the passions; if Trujillo were a savvy marketer, he would start coming to the cage in a Hannibal mask and a straight jacket. A straight jacket covered in sponsor patches. Dana White would get a visible boner.
Roger Bowling -5
Unfortunately, according to (arbitrary) opinion, it’s better to take the loss in the cage and get the NC declared later. But enjoy your short-term memory and normal brain function. (Pussy.)
Darren Elkins +14
Elkins survived a vicious body attack in the first and a dangerous grappling attack in the second and third. “Surviving” does not tend to lead to big gains in esteem, as witnessed by Elkins being bounced to the prelims despite a 7-2 UFC record, and minimal gains here.
Hatsu Hioki -27
Attacking Hatsu Hioki on the ground, with a leg lock, should be like picking a fight with Iron Man while wearing your own home-made power armor. But that’s exactly what happened, after Hioki had failed to put away a visibly hurt Elkins in the first round. Hioki is now 0-3 in the UFC, so don’t expect to see him before the organization returns to Japan.
Brandon Thatch +38
There’s a first appearance, and then there’s a debut. One you need to look up, and one just stands out. In 1 minute and 23 seconds of full-blown Tekken button-mashing mode, Thatch introduced himself to a whole bunch of new people.
Justin Edwards: -23
Poor Justin Edwards. Where previously he was always being mentally associated with this guy, now people are always going to mentally associate him with 82 seconds of gloriously violent interpretive dance. Expect Edwards to get another chance to redeem himself, but that’s a harsh beating to take.
TUF 18: Rousey vs Tate: +8
The latest incarnation of the Ultimate Fighter competition show continues to draw buzz with its first female inclusion, while Cat Zingano [-4] has been effectively forgotten. At least the UFC has a legitimate challenger after Tate suffers her second disarticulation loss.
Dylan Andrews: +18
Andrews looked to be losing a grappling match until he uncorked an economy three-pack of Aussie brand Uppercut that tucked Papy into Abedi in the third round. [Ed. note: The computer is unable -or unwilling – to apologize for this.] Carrying that kind of power late into the fight, even when injured, makes Andrews a scary opponent. Andrews lost points for calling his uppercut his “money shot”, because human fluids are disgusting.
Papy Abedi -11
Abedi kept his grappling attack entertaining, with some slick trips and a high-amplitude slam. His chin looks to be suspect, but that shouldn’t stop him from getting a call again, particularly when friend Alexander Gustafssen is on the card, or the UFC is visiting Europe.
Brad Tavares +17
Tavares showcased some powerful strikes without going complete Manhoef, possibly pacing himself for a tough fight. It was a good performance in that it showed potential, but it was outshone by a card packed with stoppages.
Bubba McDaniel -19
If your name is Robert, but everyone calls you “Bubba”, you have to be a tough SOB and you have fight to scare people [See also: “Tank”, “Barbie”]. McDaniel is not living up to expectations – late rally notwithstanding – and he’s only a couple of wins away from being “Rob”. If he taps to strikes he goes straight to “Bobby”.
Takeya Mizugaki +17
Mizugaki gets a bigger bump than the judges would indicate, with an intelligent performance that affirms his place in the bantamweight elite.
Erik Perez -6
No shame in a loss to Mizugaki, but it will slow the hype train. Perez stayed predictable enough for Mizugaki to counter sharply, and this should be an excellent learning opportunity for the 23 year old Perez.
Court McGee +5
Reports of McGee’s demise are greatly exaggerated. He is still very much alive and active, and earned a slim split decision in a very close fight. This fight is notable in that scores vary wildly from all sources, including the official judges, who scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 27-30. The notable aspect is that none of these official scores are indefensible. It is a curious, aberrational result that indicates a different scoring protocol should be investigated.
Robert Whittaker -5
Whittaker was on the losing end of a curious, aberrational result that indicates a different scoring protocol should be investigated, so now would be an opportune time for someone to approach him with a petition. The close result would seem to make the two interchangeable in the rankings for the near future.
Kevin Gastelum +36
Gastelum steps out at welterweight for the first time, and steps up on the Index with a convincing showing of boxing offense to augment his touted wrestling base.
Brian Melancon -21
Melancon was a late replacement for Paulo Thiago, which is enough to by him enough goodwill for another fight. That said, anybody at 170 pounds (always a packed division) that came from Strikeforce is on thin ice to begin with.
Rafael dos Anjos +34
Any winner over Cerrone puts the division on notice. A matchup against a convalescing T.J. Grant has been suggested, and seems entirely appropriate later this fall.
Donald Cerrone -16
Donald Cerrone has solidified his role the gate keeper at 155, which is not terrible by any stretch. He’s solidly in the Top 10, and he’s 584% more entertaining than a “You must be this _______ tall to fight the champ” sign.
Carlos Condit +37
A convincing win that completely erases any previous loss, Condit is riding high. Future Twitter fights or a well-phrased YouTube video could cause another slide on the Index, however. Like Cerrone, Condit is a perfectly-placed yardstick at 170 pounds — there doesn’t appear to be anyone not named St. Pierre* better than Condit.
Martin Kampmann -21
Look at Kampmann’s face when Dean waves the fight off. He’s not arguing, he’s bewildered – Kampmann’s just hoping someone got the license plate of that low-flying gang of ninja monkeys that just attacked him. (His face after the fight wasn’t much better.) Expect the Danish Hitman to come back with a vicious win after this, possibly rocking a different look going forward.
*Or Hendricks, as reader Scott Johnson rightly points out. Clearly, the Potato Index Super Computer IS BUGGY AFTER NOT BEING USED FOR SO LONG GAH. Asshole.
Handling the play-by-play for the FOX Sports 1 main card is George Shunick, who will be providing live results after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own thoughts into our comments section. Thanks for coming.
Handling the play-by-play for the FOX Sports 1 main card is George Shunick, who will be providing live results after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own thoughts into our comments section. Thanks for coming.
Welcome to the live-blog, Potato Nation. We’ve got a solid card for your viewing (err, reading) pleasure tonight, headlined by a rematch between Martin Kampmann and “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit. Both fighters are strong offensively, both on the feet and on the ground. Condit’s probably got better striking defense while Kampmann has the edge in wrestling. The last fight was pretty close, and while the potential for a finish is rather high, this one should be equally well-contested. In addition, we have Donald Cerrone taking on Rafael Dos Anjos, and TUF 17 champion Kelvin Gastelum sees his first action at 170. Suffice it to say, this card shouldn’t lack on action.
Brad Tavares vs. Bubba McDaniel
For all the crap McDaniel – perhaps justifiably – got for his personality on TUF 17, he’s still a decent fighter. He’s not nearly the underdog he’s been made out to be in this fight. Doesn’t mean I think he’ll win. But hey, don’t be surprised if he does. As for Brad Tavares… well, the man has the best takedown defense in UFC middleweight history, so that counts for something.
Round 1
Fighters touch gloves. Low kick from Tavares. And another. They’re in opposite stances. Tavares goes high, then goes for an inside leg kick. McDaniel circles and Tavares lands yet another outside leg kick. 1-2 from McDaniel who clinches Tavares against the fence. But Tavares maintains his excellent takedown defense and escapes from the clinch. McDaniel lands a cross as he backs Tavares up. Tavares lands another low kick, McDaniel attempts to counter with a cross as Tavares throws another kick, and McDaniel briefly ends up on his back. Tavares lets him up. They exchange and both land. Tavares almost takes McDaniel down but McDaniel grabs a double leg and gets tavares against the fence. McDaniel lands an accidental low blow and they are separated by Dan Miragliotta. McDaniel’s leg is looking red and rather tender. Tavares slips a cross and clinches McDaniel against the fence. Tavares gets underhooks but can’t do much with them. They separate. Tavares lands a nice body kick before the bell. 10-9 Tavares.
Round 2
Another low kick from Tavares to McDaniel’s lead leg to start. Tavares lands a nice hook to the body after a jab-cross combo. A hook drops McDaniel, but mostly because he was off-balance. He stands and eats another kick to his lead leg. Tavares with a cross counter that lands. McDaniel seems befuddled, but he lands a takedown as Tavares rushes in with sloppy punches. Tavares has butterfly guard and uses it to stand. McDaniel has a front headlock but loses it quickly. They separate. Low kick Tavares. Counter jab drops McDaniel as he was kicking. He stands. More kicks from Tavares. McDaniel simply isn’t doing anything to deter Tavares from abusing his legs. McDaniel lands a left hand lead and almost lands a takedown but Tavares reverses. Tavares stands and kicks McDaniel’s legs as he stands. McDaniel is stood up. Round ends, 10-9 Tavares.
Round 3
Turns out McDaniel’s lone knockdown in the last round came from a headbutt. It’s that kind of night for him. But he tags Tavares with a left that wobbles him! However, he immediately clinches and Tavares quickly has him pinned against the cage. Not terribly smart. They break. McDaniel eats a shot to the groin and goes down. They pause the action but soon resume. McDaniel beginning to push forward now. He finally manages to land a double in the middle of the ring. McDaniel passes to half guard almost immediately. Tavares works from the open half guard and regains half-butterfly guard. McDaniel passes back to half-guard as Tavares half-heartedly pursues a kimura from the bottom. There’s a scramble, and Tavares ultimately regains guard. Tavares looks for a triangle to no avail. McDaniel passes to half-guard, and he needs a submission quickly. He’s not looking for one, though. He passes to side control, but he’s put back in half guard. McDaniel simply can’t get separation as the round ends. 10-9 for McDaniel, but it comes too late to save him. Should be 29-28 Tavares.
The judges concur. Brad Tavares is your victor by way of unanimous decision. No surprises there.
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Erik Perez
Mizugaki is coming off a justly deserved split-decision over Bryan Caraway. (Just savor that for a moment, will you?) Perez is coming off a victory of Byron Bloodworth, who has unfortunately never managed to quite live up to how epic his name is. Who wins this fight? In a year, I’d definitely say “Goyito.” Right now? Who can say. Mizugaki is a legitimately tough human. It’s a sizeable step up for the Mexican prospect. Should be interesting to see how he responds.
Round 1
They touch gloves. Both men land hard shots in the center of the ring. Big left hook from Perez following a leaping Mizugaki cross. These guys are throwing heat, if not necessarily connecting most of the time. Big right from Mizugaki lands. Flying knee from Perez. His nose is already bleeding. Counter hook from Perez lands. Big right from Mizugaki as Perez goes from a flying knee. After an exchange, Perez runs through Mizugaki with a takedown. Mizugaki tries to wall-walk with his shoulders against the cage, but Perez is keeping him down. Goyito lands a knee to the body as Mizugaki stands. Perez quickly lands another takedown and they’re in the same position. Mizugaki stands again and reverses position. Perez catches a low kick and pushes Mizugaki back into the fence. He’s able to land a takedown, again in the same position. Again Mizugaki stands. Big double leg from Mizugaki, who finds himself in side control. Goyito looks to stand, but Mizugaki sinks one hook in and looks to take Perez’ back. Now he lets him up against the cage, and Perez reverses position. He lands a knee and works for a single. Mizugaki goes to a knee, then stands as the round ends. 10-9 Perez in an excellent round.
Round 2
Mizugaki counters a kick with a cross. Then a flying knee with a hook. He lands a cross-hook ombo on Perez. Another hook lands. Perez misses a spinning back kick. Mizugaki misses a big overhand, but he lands a counter right off a kick attempt from Perez. Mizugaki stuffs a double leg attempt. Mizugaki lands a knee as Perez shoots for another. Mizugaki escapes and they reset. Perez is beginning to slow. Mizugaki lands two counter left hooks in quick succession. He shoots for a double, but lands a shot as he returns to his feet after being stuffed. Perez returns with an overhand of his own. Big counter left hooks from Mizugaki. That’s been his money punch this round. He stuffs another Perez takedown against the fence. Mizugaki is down to his knees, but he’s still not down. Perez lands a nice knee to the body as Mizugaki stands. Big counter cross to Perez’ teep. Uppercut from Mizugaki as Perez shoots. Mizugaki sprawls as the round ends. 10-9 Mizugaki, who’s beginning to take over this fight.
Round 3
Low kick from Perez. Mizugaki lands a counter overhand. He’s dominating these exchanges. Perez lands a teep. Mizugaki slips a Perez cross and lands a big counter hook. He uses the momentum to land a takedown, before they stand again. Perez goes for a takedown, but Mizugaki quickly stands. Perez grabs a guillotine, Mizugaki drops to the ground before returning to his feet. They alternate positions on the fence before Mizugaki lands a takedown off double underhooks. He tries to pass, but only ends up in half-butterfly guard. Mizugaki looks to take Perez’ back after Perez tries to stand. Mizugaki looks to secure an RNC, but Goyito somehow manages to position himself out of harm’s way. They exchange as Perez stands, and then attempts a takedown of his own. Mizugaki is trapped on the fence, and manages to stand again. Mizugaki achieves the dominant position on the fence. They swing to the bell. Close round, but I’d go 10-9 Mizugaki.
Split decision, all 29-28′s, for Takeya Mizugaki. He deserved it. Perez has plenty of time to improve, though. And if both men keep fighting like this, they won’t have to worry about their jobs any time soon.
Court McGee vs. Robert Whittaker
Court “Matt Brown 2.0″ McGee (don’t worry Matt Brown fans; Matt Brown is something like “Matt Brown 7.0″ right now) looks to get some momentum going after ending a losing streak in his last fight. That said, I’m too impressed with Whittaker’s recent finish of Colton Smith to think that’s gonna be the case. I’ve got Whittaker by decision.
Round 1
McGee comes out firing kicks. He lands a low kick and shoots for a clinch. Whittaker separates. McGee clearly looking to push the pace early. McGee lands a right and then a body kick. McGee lands two hard leg kicks. Counter jab from Whittaker lands. Then a lead jab lands. Lead right lands. Whittaker beginning to loosen up. He lands a short counter left hook. McGee lands a cross, thena low kick. Whittaker lands a lead right. Whittaker drops McGee with a counter left hook as McGee shoots for a takedown! But McGee quickly recovers. But Whittaker really beginning to land his jab. McGee answering with kicks, most of which are blocked. McGee lands a takedown, but Whittaker easily stands and separates. McGee is cut on the side of his head. Whittaker with a teep. Whittaker lands an over the top elbow as McGee enters to land a combination. Whittaker with a coutner left hook. McGee’s shot is stuffed, but he lands a nice body kick. 10-9 Whittaker, who landed the cleaner shots.
Round 2
McGee again sets the pace. He looks for a spinning backfist, but it’s blocked. Whittaker goes down from a McGee counter, but it’s just a slip. BUT NOT THE SECOND TIME! McGee lands a straight right that drops Whittaker. Whittaker stands, but McGee is constantly pressuring him and lands a nice uppercut. Now McGee clinches and lands a nice upward elbow as they separate. McGee lands a takedown and goes to take Whittaker’s back. Whittaker escapes. He lands a nice elbow in an exchange. Jab from McGee. Inside elbow from Whittaker. McGee shoots for another takedown, but its stuffed on the fence. McGee lands some uppercuts as they separate. Whittaker is slowing. Nice counter left from Whittaker. Now a counter elbow. Then a counter hook. Whittaker’s lead hand is his best weapon. Whittaker doubles up on his elbow. Whittaker making up for lost ground in this round. They exchange jabs. Whittaker checks a low kick and follows up with a cross-jab combo. They exchange. 10-9 McGee for the knockdown, but Whittaker closed in the end of the round.
Round 3
Right-left from Whittaker. He lands a jab. Doubles up on the right with an elbow then a backhand. McGee lands a nice hook. Spinning back kick to the body from McGee. A jab stuns Whittaker as the latter rushes in. Cross lands from McGee. Both men land jabs. Whittaker lands another one, more forcefully. Whittaker rushes in with hooks and crosses that land. But by and large, the pace has slowed. McGee’s takedown attempt is stuffed. Whittaker lands a hook and uppercut. Both men are throwing, but not landing as much. Whittaker lands two solid counter hooks, though.Both men throw inside elbows. McGee really bringing the pressure, but he’s not landing much. Whittaker lands a nice inside elbow. Low kick and jab from McGee. Another elbow from Whittaker. Cross lands for McGee. Big exchange by both men at the end. Much like the fight, Whittaker seemed to land the cleaner strikes, at the expense of McGee’s sheer output. I favor the former. 10-9 Whittaker.
30-27, 29-28, and 27-30 (ugh), for the winner, Court McGee. I disagree, but not with any significant amount of vehemence. Let’s move on…
Brian Melancon can strike! Kelvin Gastelum can wrestle! Which will win?! If I had to hazard a guess… I’m going with Gastelum here. But Melancon’s Fedor-esque finish of Seth Baczynski should be fresh in Gastelum’s mind here.
Round 1
Touch of gloves. Melancon flashes leather. He lands a cross as Gastelum enters his personal space. But the second time, Gastelum lands the takedown. Melancon uses the fences to stand. He escapes. Cross to the body from Melancon. Gastelum lands a double leg, but Melancon stands immediately. Right hook lands for Kelvin. Left hook misses for Melancon. Knee to the body from gastelum. BIG COMBO from Gastelum! He drops Melancon, takes his back and gets the RNC. Takes about one second for Melancon to tap. It’s over. Gastelum rushes him with straights before dropping a dazed Melancon with a left uppercut. He smelled blood and finished instantly. An impressive performance from Kelvin Gastelum.
Oh look, it’s a Matt Brown – aka Matt Brown 7.0 – sighting! Clearly, he was unimpressed with Court McGee’s performance.
Donald Cerrone vs. Rafael Dos Anjos
This one should be “Cowboy” Cerrone’s to lose. He’s got the advantage in striking, wrestling, and quite possibly submissions as well. Rafael Dos Anjos has a shot if he gets on top and passes Cerrone’s guard. That’s no easy feat. Frankly, I think Cerrone manages to either garner a finish or a dominant decision. Either way, Dos Anjos’ face won’t look too pretty in the morning.
Round 1
NO GLOVE TOUCH! Low kick from Cerrone. He goes high but Dos Anjos evades. Dos Anjos returns with one of his own, which is blocked. Cerrone misses a knee. nice jab from Dos Anjos. Body kick from Anjos, then an overhand. Cerrone with a knee. Front kick from Cerrone. Then a teep. (Yes, there’s a difference.) Body kick from Dos Anjos. Knee from Cerrone. Dos Anjos with a hookk as they break. Cerrone catches a kick and returns with a low one. Body-head combo from Dos Anjos. Dos Anjos’ kick is blocked. Teep from Cerrone. BIG HOOK DROPS CERRONE! Dos Anjos lands a takedown. Cerrone goes for a triangle, but Dos Anjos escapes, scrambles, and ends up in half-guard. Cerrone regains guard and works for submissions. Dos Anjos tries to pass, but ends up in guard. He lands some nice elbows from the top. Now he works some punches. BIG ELBOW to the head. He is tooling Cerrone with those. Round, 10-9 Dos Anjos.
Round 2
Low kick checked by Dos Anjos. he lands a body kick. Another body kick. Cerrone lands a leg kick. Then a jab. Dos Anjos barely misses a right hook. He lands a low kick. Cerrone returns with one of his own. Knee lands from Dos Anjos. Then another body kick. He’s working those. Thena nother. Front kick to the body from Cerrone. Cerrone shoots for a takedown! He lands it and sets up in half-guard. Dos Anjos controls his posture though, and looks to sweep. Cerrone survives the scramble, however, but Dos Anjos manages to stand. Now Dos Anjos shoots for a double. Cerrone defends against the cage, and they exchange knees as they break. Jab lands from Cerrone. Body kick from Dos Anjos is blocked. Elbow from Dos Anjos. Dos Anjos lands a double off the fence. Cerrone has butterfly guard, now full guard. Dos Anjos doesn’t land the same type of ground and pound as he did at the end of the last round, but he still takes this one. 10-9 Dos Anjos.
Round 3
They touch gloves. Dos Anjos kick sails over Cerrone’s head. A leg kick drops Dos Anjos. That sounded hard. He stands. Cerrone’s takedown attempt is stuffed. He misses a knee as Dos Anjos looks to counter with that right hook. Cerrone with a straight to the body. Front kick to the body again. Body kick from Cerrone. Another one lands, but Dos Anjos catches it and looks to land a double. Cerrone defends, however, and is positioned against the cage. He escapes. Cerrone has two minutes to finish. He lands a low kick, but subsequently eats a right hook. Low kick from Cerrone. Then a switch head kick that lands. Dos Anjos looks for a single but nothing comes of it. Cerrone lands a knee to the body. Cerrone mocing forward. He lands a straight to the body. Another low kick lands. Dos Anjos lands a big right hook. Dos Anjos circles away as the round ends. 10-9 Cerrone, but it won’t be enough. Rafael Dos Anjos should take this fight.
Well, I look stupid. Dos Anjos took advantage of Cerrone’s upright posture and capitalized by hitting Cerrone with body kicks and turning the stand up into boxing exchanges when possible. The judges concur that Dos Anjos was the superior fighter, awarding him an unanimous decision with 29-28′s across the board. Alright; time for the main event.
Martin Kampmann vs. Carlos Condit
There’s no way this fight will suck. No way. I don’t care that I just jinxed it. It’s jinx-proof. I’ve got Condit here. Dude’s improved in the years since he’s faced Kampmann. Kampmann hasn’t. That said, I’m wary of Kampmann’s takedowns and submission ability. Condit’s got great submissions and submission defense, but Kampmann’s guillotine is a weapon that Condit doesn’t really have a comparable answer for. Condit survived a few of those in the first fight, but it only takes one. That said, I think Condit will be able to wear Kampmann down and finish him late, in the fourth or fifth round.
Round 1
Kampmann immediately shoots for a double. Condit resists, but Kampmann lands a trip. Condit working high guard, looking for submissions. Now he’s going for a leglock. Kampmann escapes. We’re back in Condit’s guard. Kampmann stands and lands some middling ground and pound. Condit’s guard is dictating the action, though. Condit attempts to stand, but gets tossed back to the ground. Kampmann looking for Kampmann’s back. But Condit escapes and ends up in Kampmann’s half-guard. Kampmann stands but eats an elbow. Kampmann turns him around and pushes Condit into the fence. He lands yet another takedown and Condit immediately works for a kimura. Condit working from open guard, but there’s not much going on. Kampmann considered a leglock, but Condit uses this opportunity to stand. He lands a few elbows and they separate. Condit misses a spinning back kick, but lands a left hook. Kampmann answers with a single leg, however. Condit works for a triangle as the round ends. 10-9 Kampmann.
Round 2
Jab from Kampmann lands. High kick from Condit is blocked. Kampmann misses a single leg, and Condit misses a spinning back kick. Both land jabs. Jab from Kampmann. The jab is landing for him consistently. Condit can’t close the distance. Condit lands some punches, but Kampmann clinches and looks for the takedown. It’s unsuccessful, but he lands some shots as they separate. Condit lands a 1-2-3 however. Now Condit clinches and tries to take Kampmann down. It doesn’t work. Still, he’s beginning to find his range. He lands a hook and an uppercut. Kampmann lands a hook of his own. Then a cross. Kampmann is bloodied. Wading in, Kampmann eats a big right. Jab from Condit. Then a cross lands. He’s taking angles, while Kampmann is fighting strictly linearly. A high kick is barely blocked by Kampmann. Kampmann lands a cross. Then another. Spinning back fist from Condit. Kampmann shoots for a double. He can’t get it, and Condit almost takes his back. They separate. Low-high kick combo from Condit. Condit stuffs a takedown and lands a knee. Bell sounds, 10-9 Condit.
Round 3
Jab from Kampmann. Front kick to the face from Condit, but it doesn’t faze Kampmann. Kampmann wades forward with strikes, clinches, but Condit escapes and lands a right. High kick from Condit blocked. Kampmann shooting for a single and he gets it. Condit immediately postures up from bottom, though. He uses the cage to stand. Condit with a flurry as they separate. Switch low-high kick combo. Condit tees off on Kampmann against the fence. He stuffs a Kampmann takedown. Jab lands for Condit. Low kick Condit. Then a jab-cross combo. Condit is taking over. Left hook lands on the bloody Kampmann. Jab lands. Uppercut. Kampmann misses a high kick. 1-2 from Condit. Condit’s brining the pressure. He’s landing at will. Kampmann is beginning to wobble. Flying knee lands from Condit. Kampmann clinches and looks for the takedown. Condit almost has a front headlock choke! But Kampmann somehow spins out! But Condit takes his back and sinks in an RNC! But Kampmann escapes! Condit maintains position, though. Now he mounts him. He lights Kampmann up as they stand. 10-9, perhaps even 10-8 for Condit even without a knockdown.
Round 4
Kampmann lands a brief takedown, but Condit immediately stands and escapes. Left hook rocks Kampmann! Condit unloads on him against the fence! The muay thai clinch spells Kampmann’s doom, as knees drop him and Herb Dean steps in. Carlos Condit takes his revenge in brutal fashion.
Carlos Condit proves he’s still just short of the best in the welterweight division. He’ll get another title shot eventually. On a more personal note, I’d just like to thank him for finishing Kampmann when I predicted, saving my fragile ego from my previous terrible prediction. Anyway, that’s that for tonight. Fox Sports 1 gets another excellent card, the fans get another excellent card, Martin Kampmann gets another migraine. Enjoy your Wedesday nights, Potato Nation.
Preliminary card results:
– Dylan Andrews def. Papy Abedi via KO, 1:32 of round 3
– Brandon Thatch def. Justin Edwards via TKO, 1:24 of round 1
– Darren Elkins def. Hatsu Hioki via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Jason High def. James Head via submission (guillotine choke), 1:41 of round 1
– Zak Cummings def. Ben Alloway via submission (D’Arce choke), 4:19 of round 1
– Roger Bowling vs. Abel Trujillo ended in a no-contest at 4:59 of round 2. Trujillo landed an illegal knee and Bowling was unable to continue.
(Personally, I’d stay away from any mortgage service that advertises on Chael Sonnen’s butt-cheeks, but hey, that’s just me. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)
Handling the main card play-by-play for the UFC’s return to Boston is our man Oliver Chan (aka “O Chan”), who will be hand-delivering “UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen” live results after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and keep the conversation poppin’ in the comments section. Thanks for being here.
(Personally, I’d stay away from any mortgage service that advertises on Chael Sonnen’s butt-cheeks, but hey, that’s just me. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)
Handling the main card play-by-play for the UFC’s return to Boston is our man Oliver Chan (aka “O Chan”), who will be hand-delivering “UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen” live results after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and keep the conversation poppin’ in the comments section. Thanks for being here.
Please stand by…
Ladies and Gentlemen, Worcester Mass’s very own Oliver “Double Bacon Cheese” Chan returns to his hometown for FS1′s UFC Debut. And by return home, I mean on my buddy’s couch watching it in Brooklyn. But I digress… Already we’ve seen some great fights on the prelims, some sick camera angles, Vegas odds, new real-time fight stats, and a :50 second knockout that made me feel dizzy… I don’t know about you, but I’m giddy.
Here’s what we’ve seen thus far:
James Vick def. Ramsey Njem (guillotine, Rd 1 at 0:58)
Ovince St. Preux def. Cody Donovan (KO, Rd 1 at 2:07)
Manvel Gamburyan def. Cole Miller (UD, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Diego Brandao def. Daniel Pineda (UD, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Steven Siler def. Mike Brown (KO, Rd 1 0:50)
Conor McGregor def. Max Holloway (UD, 30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Michael McDonald def. Brad Pickett (Triangle Choke, Rd 2 3:43)
Now let’s get to the good stuff shall we? Leading off the main card is Joe Lauzon (who has a striking resemblance to Nick Stahl from Sin City) taking on TUF alumnus, Michael Johnson.
My prediction: Lauzon 3rd round submission arm-bar
My buddy’s: Lauzon 2rd round submission Rear-Naked
Joe Lauzon vs. Michael Johnson
Rd. 1
Johnson and Lauzon square off trading jabs and low kicks. Both guys circle around the enter of the Octagon.
Johnson lands a hard left to Lauzon. He goes down, but gets up. He’s still dazed, a bit wobbly and looking to take Johnson to the ground. Johnson is aggressive with his follow-up, but Lauzon recovers. Stat tracker shows Lauzon is just being picked apart by Johnson on the striking department.
Johnson’s combos is just too much for Lauzon. Johnson knocks Lauzon down again! Lauzon wants Johnson in the guard, but Johnson doesn’t want that. Johnson continues to t-off on Lauzon knocking him down again and J-Lau is saved by the bell.
My call: 10-9 Johnson
Rd. 2 More circling and squaring off. J-Lau works Johnson against the cage. Johnson gets away and the two continue circling. J-Lau controls the center of the Octagon. J-Lau looks to have Johnson on the run, but Johnson quickly counters with some tight combinations. Johnson gets J-Lau against the cage and grinds it out. J-Lau pushes it off. Johnson is starting to look a bit gassed out. The two trade a few more on the center of the ring. MJ takes down J-Lau and gets some GnP against the cage. He might have sealed up that round with the take-down.
My call: 10-9 Johnson
Rd. 3 Third round starts with MJ circling around J-Lau in the center of the cage. Johnson throws some combos and leg-kicks. MJ is starting to pick apart J-Lau with the combos. Failed take-down attempt by J-Lau. MJ is just picking J-Lau apart with quick jabs. J-Lau really needs to step it and get the finish if he wants the win. Johnson has almost doubled J-Lau’s strikes. With 30 seconds left, Johnson gets J-Lau on his back and gets some more GnP from J-Lau’s guard.
My call: MJ 10-9
Official Decision coming up…
Official Decision
30-27, 30-27 and 30-25 in favor of Michael Johnson
Buddy’s quote of the night: “Howard is so hood, you got to wonder how he started Muay-Thai? He got no tooth!!”
John Howard vs. Uriah Hall
Howard has an excellent beard. I want one. Well, I want the ability to grow a beard, but I want that too. Our ref is Mario Yamasaki
My call: Doomsday by UD
My buddy’s: Hall First Round KO
Rd. 1
Uriah hall immediately goes for the take-down. Interesting move from a fight we thought would be stand-up. Uriah hall lets Howard stand. Hall is noticeably taller than Howard. Howard throws a nice leg-kick. Hall answers with some tight jabs. Uriah with a spinning round-house that Howard ducks. Howard tries to get inside, but Hall holds pushes him back.
The two square off a bit more and circle each other. Howard gets Hall with a nice shot and pins Hall against the cage. Hall reverses and goes for a take-down. Doomsday throws some punches while against the cage. The two engage in some dirty boxing.
They separate and Doomsday throws another powerful leg-kick and Hall answers with a knee. Hall goes for a take-down, Howard defends and goes for a single. Hall is pinned against the cage. Hall throws a knee and escapes. Hall goes for a spinning heel-kick and wiffs. Round ends.
Hall 10-9, but it was close.
Rd. 2
They touch gloves and we’re on. Hall throws some nice left-kick combos. Hall is doing a great job managing the distance. Hall goes for the take-down and Doomsday gets Hall in a guillotine. Hall gets out and Howard throws a nice combo. Doomsday has taken control of the pace and now has Hall pinned against the cage and works the take-down.
Hall reverses and now has Doomsday against the cage. Mario separates them and they square away. Doomsday catches Hall’s knee and works the single leg with Hall against the cage.
Hall goes for the Kimura and is the two scramble up. Hall has control of Doomsday’s back. Howard is now looking for the kimura and now Doomsday has Hall on the run. Howard gets the take-down away from the cage and starts work some rabbit punches and now strong body-shots. Howard looks to pass the guard and really lands some hard shots.
Round ends, Howard took that one 10-9.
Rd. 3 The two touch gloves and here we go! Hall goes for a take-down, but Doomsday shrugs it of. Howard wifs on a leg-kick and Hall goes for a fancy spinning kick, but doesn’t really connect. Doomsday goes for the overhand left, but Hall blocks. Doomsday goes for a take-down, but Hall shrugs it of. Hall connects with a nice knee. Hall goes for a take-down and has Doomsday against the cage. Doomsday throws some light punches against Hall while against the cage. Mario separates them.
They touch gloves and square off again. Head-kicked blocked by Doomsday. Hall gets taken down and has Doomsday in the halfguard. Hall gets to his knees. They get to the feet, Doomsday has control of Howard’s back. He’s got the right hook in, but Hall gets Doomsday against the cage and takes him down. Doomday gets up and Hall has his back. They separate and Doomsday starts riling up the crowd and now they both agree to just stand-up (I’m guessing). Hall gets for some weird spin kicking thing, Doomsday does that Hendo diving punch on Bisping thing… and now the two start bro-ing out.
Another close round, I’m going with my home-town guy, 10-9, but I’m thinking either way, we’re looking at a split-decision.
Official Decision 30-27 Howard, 29-28 Hall, 29-28 Howard
I called it. Welcome back Doomsday.
Next up, we got a guy with a mullet and a guy who will F-you up if you screw with his dip. We got Mike Pyle vs. Matt Brown. This is so red-neck I feel the need for some Skoal, Skynard, and ‘Shine… Moonshine.
Quick observation, this “World’s End Movie”… Is this the same thing as “Shaun of the Dead”, but with aliens instead of zombies.
Brown chases Pyle with some strong strikes and knocks Pyle down. He gets one shot in and Pyle is OUT. A few extra shots and it’s all over. Hell of a KO by Brown.
Well then, hope you didn’t blink.
Official Decision Matt Brown, 1st Round KO at 0:29. And Brown says Pyle is better tan GSP… Interesting. Rogan doesn’t buy it. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but you don’t knock a dude out in :30 and say he’s better than the current Welterweight champ… That’s just my opinion.
And there’s Shawn Thorton. He’s a Boston Bruin. He’s awesome.
Shameless plug by Oscar De La Hoya where I think he’s really trying hard to think boxing and cardio-boxing can co-exist.
My prediction Yuri by 3rd Rd RNC
Buddy’s Prediction: Faber by UD
Rd. 1
They touch gloves and we’re on. Faber charges and Yuri counters with a nice judo toss. Gets the mount and works the arm-bar . Faber loos for the leg-lock Yuri takes Faber’s back, both hooks in and throwing some nice effective strikes. Faber canot escape the back. Yuri is just working Faber. Faber throwing punches while watching himself on the screen (Patrick Batemen reference). Faber cannot escape from the back control. Yuri tries to attack Fabers arm.
Faber gets up and slams Yuri down. Yuri working the triangle. Faber passes tinto the third guard. Staples Yuri’s right leg and works some GnP. Yuri tries to sweep, but Faber maintains the position and drops bombs. Yuri recovers the full-guard. More GnP by Faber. Here is the U-S-A Chants… Yep, it’s Boston. I got nothing.
Yuri looks to control Faber from the guard, but Faber is still able to land some strong shots.
Faber stole that round in the end, 10-9
Rd. 2
The two go right at it. Interesting back-roll by Faber, he recovers and Faber is able to take down Yuri and is in Yuri’s guard against the cage.
Faber looks to pass the guard. Yuri eats a knee to the chest. Faber in the half-guard looks for the guillotine. Yuri replaces the guard. Faber grinding into Yuri. Faber gets some elbows in. This is text-book ground and pound, folks. Faber stands up and passes the guard. He starts working guillotine again. Thus far Faber has out-strucken (is that a word) Yuri 37-1.
While in the half-guard Faber is throwing some strong elbows and stronger punches. Yuri gets up, but Faber is looking for a Judo takedown. Faber has Yuri against the cage, they move away, Faber takes him down. Faber in the guard and continues with the GnP.
If this isn’t a 10-8 round Faber, then we need new judges.
Rd. 3 Faber fakes (?) a take down. He fakes another take-down and lands an overhand right. Little scramble, the two continue to square off. Faber doing some very Guida-esque dancing. He charges in but Yuri is able to defend. Yuri with a high kick and Faber blocks. Faber shoots for the take-down and Yuri sprawls out. The two continue to circle around.
Faber takes down Yuri. Yuri sweeps, but Faber maintains control and grinds Yuri against the cage while in the guard. Faber continues his GnP assault on Yuri. Yuri looks to control Faber’s left arm. Faber is able to stand up in Yuri’s open guard. Faber back in Yuri’s closed guard and continues to grind it out.
Yuri looking for the Oomaplata and Faber defends. Yuri transitions to the triangle and is back into the oomaplata hold. Faber steps over and butter-flies Yuri’s arms, he is able to escape and takes control of Yuri’s back and holds him down to end the round.
Solid attempt by Yuri to score a late-minute submission, but Faber has this one 10-9.
Official Decision Faber gets the UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Faber says he might have some jaw damage. But I’m sure the ladies still love him.
There’s Bob Kraft… Bob, let’s get another Super Bowl, it’s been a while.
My prediction: Overeem by 2 RD KO
Buddy’s prediction: Overeem by way of “horse-meat”
If Overeem loses, specifically gets KO’d, I think it’s safe to say we’ll probably see him fighting Anthony “Welterweight” Johnson at the WSOF
Rd. 1 Touch gloves and here we go. Overeem stalks and gets Brown against the cage with some knees to the body. Overeem controls Brown, but Brown is able to get Overeem back to the center.
Flying knee by Browne. Overeem goes for a guillotine attempt. Overem is getting some hard shots to Browne against the cage. Strong knee to the Browne. It looks like Overem got a knee to the the head with Browne’s knee down. They are both on the feet and Overeem works from the clinch getting solid knees to the body. Travis Brown is taking some devastating blows by Overeem.
Overeem gets a pretty sloppy take-down but Brown gets up. Browne goes for a couple front-kicks to the face. Overeem takes control of Browne against the cage. Another front-head kick by Browne. Browne goes for the spinning round-house, but misses. Browne has Overeem in the clinch, but is against the cage … Another front-kick and Overeem goes DOWN. Browne gets a couple shots in from the guard, but it is all over!!!!
For those of you who not watching… It looked like this. For those of you not with me right now, here’s our reaction.
Official Decision
Travis Brown 1st Round KO (4:08)
Browne shows much love to Boston.
So is this the last we’ll see of Overeem?
Ladies and gents, we’re coming up to our main-event of the evening.
My Prediction: Shogun 2nd round TKO
Buddy’s Prediction: Shogun 2nd round mounted guillotine
Chael Sonnen has a pink-ribbon on his shirt. If you Google Chael Sonnen and Cancer, you get a lot of articles about Lance Armstrong. Just a random fact I’ll put there.
Buffer is on FIRE tonight.
RD. 1 Herb Dean is our ref for the main-event.
No touch of gloves, Chael goes for the take-down and gets in Shogun’s half-guard. Shogun gets to the feet and gets Chael down and is in Chael’s butterfly guard. Chael has one butter fly-hook in and Shogun transitions into the half-guard. Chael goes for the guillotine. Shogun gets to his feet and the two clinch up.
Chael gets the take-down and works the GnP from the half-guard. Shogun is looking to sweep from the half. Chael flattens out Shoguns shoulders. Shogun works to get on his side. Chael continues to work some strikes. Shogun gets the butterfly hooks in. The Boo-birds are coming out… As always let’s see you guys do this.
Chael stands up Shogun goes for an upkick. Chael back in the half-guard and working the strikes. Chael continues to smother Shogun. Shogun works to his feet and Chael has a DEEP GUILLOTINE. Shogun is working the escape… HE TAPS!!! SHOGUN THE BJJ BLACKBELT TAPS!!!!!
Shogun is devastated that he tapped.
Quick observation, Chael has a Mortgage lender website as a sponsor… Do they really know who they are pairing their brand with?
Official Decision
Chael Sonnen wins by tapout via Guillotine (4:46)
Chael shows support for those fighting cancer (since Chael won via BJJ I only feel it appropriate to plug Nick Newell’s favorite charity TapCancerOut)… Shows some of his poetry skills… And as classic Chael does, calls out Wanderlie Silva in his classic fashion.
Despite what Deadspin says, this was a great night of fights. You go to Boston, you’re guaranteed a good show. My picks were pretty bad, but I still had fun doing this and hope you all did too.
Don’t forget to check back here for Condit vs. Kampman.
(Daht royt dere iz wun fookin’ eksaited yong mahn. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)
Irish up-and-comer Conor McGregor may be the poster-boy for tonight’s undercard, but the UFC Fight Night 26 prelims will also feature a sure-to-entertain bantamweight brawl between Michael McDonald and Brad Pickett, as well as separate fights featuring former WEC 145-pound champ Mike Brown and TUF‘s first featherweight trophy-winner Diego Brandao. It’ll be a fast ‘n’ furious appetizer to tonight’s main card, so DON’T BLINK. (SERIOUSLY, BLINKING IS FOR PUSSIES.)
Handling the play-by-play for the FOX Sports 1 prelim broadcast is Aaron Mandel, who will be stackin’ up live results after the jump beginning at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please voice your opinions in the super easy-to-use Facebook commenting system at the end of the post.
(Daht royt dere iz wun fookin’ eksaited yong mahn. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)
Irish up-and-comer Conor McGregor may be the poster-boy for tonight’s undercard, but the UFC Fight Night 26 prelims will also feature a sure-to-entertain bantamweight brawl between Michael McDonald and Brad Pickett, as well as separate fights featuring former WEC 145-pound champ Mike Brown and TUF‘s first featherweight trophy-winner Diego Brandao. It’ll be a fast ‘n’ furious appetizer to tonight’s main card, so DON’T BLINK. (SERIOUSLY, BLINKING IS FOR PUSSIES.)
Handling the play-by-play for the FOX Sports 1 prelim broadcast is Aaron Mandel, who will be stackin’ up live results after the jump beginning at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please voice your opinions in the super easy-to-use Facebook commenting system at the end of the post.
Facebook prelim results
– Manny Gamburyan def. Cole Miller by unanimous decision
– Ovince St. Preux def. Cody Donovan via KO, 2:07 of round 1
– James Vick def. Ramsey Nijem via submission (guillotine choke), 0:58 of round 1
Alright it’s time for the prelims of an incredibly stacked card!
Diego Brandao vs. Daniel Pineda
Getting us started is TUF winner Brandao who is looking to move up in the featherweight division with his fourth victory in five fights against Pineda who probably needs to win to keep his job.
Round 1- Big leg kick from Brandao to start. Pineda shoots but Brandao shrugs him off. Brandao changing stances and wings a big right. Big kick to the body from Brandao. Brandao catches Pineda and rocks him with a punch. Brandao goes after Pineda with everything and hits him with some big kicks and punches but Pineda survives and seems to have his bearings back. Big body punch from Brandao who might have blown a lot of gas trying for the finish. Three punches hit Pineda clean and Brandao dives in as Pineda falls but they are back to the feet. Flying knee from Brandao and now Brandao goes for a takedown and scores a trip against the cage. Brandao in half guard, Pineda escapes up the cage and they are back to standing with a minute left. Good elbow from Pineda followed by a body punch. Round ends a clear 10-9 for Brandao, but how much gas did he burn?
Round 2- Haymakers from both fighters to start the round. Takedown from Brandao who lands in full guard. Pineda throws his legs up for a submission but Brandao shrugs off and works into half guard. Pineda recovers and throws on a nice looking triangle and transitions for an omoplata but Brandao pops out and they go back to standing. Pineda fakes being hurt from a body shot and throws a punch while offering a shit eating grin. Brandao with another takedown and working in Pineda’s full guard. Pineda hits a beautiful sweep and is mounted on Brandao, raining down strikes. Huge elbows and punches from Pineda and Brandao is getting tagged and can’t get out from under the mount. Pineda windmilling strikes from full mount into Brandao’s temples. Ref takes a close look but Brandao rolls and puts Pineda into half and full guard. Brandao spins for a heel hook but Pineda pops out into guard on top of Brandao again. Pineda lands some good ground and pound as the round ends. 10-9 Pineda and it all comes down to the third round.
Round 3- Touch of the gloves to start and Pineda looks to be the fresher fighter. Brandao shoots for a takedown and drives Pineda to the mat. Brandao working strikes from the top and then stands up for no apparent reason and they’re back on the feet. Brandao throws a right hook, slips a punch and lands another takedown. Pineda stands up against the cage and escapes. Good right from Brandao, Pineda shoots but misses on a takedown. Brandao with his third takedown of the round and working elbows. Rogan clowns on Brandao’s conditioning but he’s winning this round so far. Brandao takes Pineda’s back standing but Pineda fires elbows. Brandao drags him down but Pineda rolls and is back to the feet. Good right superman punch from Pineda. Brandao with another takedown and is on top in half guard working for an arm triangle. Quick stand up from Mario Yamasaki and there’s one minute left. They are comically tired as Pineda throws two wheel kicks, wtf?! Pineda lands a few punches and shoots for a takedown, Brandao sprawls against the cage and they clinch it up and throw a few punches and kicks as it ends. 10-9 Brandao, I think he takes it. Judges decision coming up…
Diego Brandao wins 29-28 on all cards for a unanimous decision victory.
Brandao gives an interview where he says his conditioning is fine in between gasps of air.
Mike Brown vs. Steven Siler
37 year-old Mike Brown enters the Octagon on a two fight win streak but having not fought in over a year after considering retirement. His opponent, Steven Siler is 11 years younger and has won four of his five UFC fights.
Round 1- Leg kicks from both fighters to start. Brown gets clipped with a short right hand and Siler jumps in and lands some vicious shots that puts Brown out quickly and violently.
Steven Siler wins by KO, 0:50 of round 1.
Max Holloway vs. Conor McGregor
McGregor comes into this fight with a remarkable amount of hype for a guy with less than 90 seconds of UFC experience. Holloway is one of the youngest guys in the UFC but already has much more Octagon experience than McGregor and has proven himself to be a well rounded fighter.
They show the full walk-outs for both fighters, Boston goes nuts for the Irish McGregor.
Round 1- Lots of kicks from McGregor to start, high and low. Straight left from McGregor lands. Leg kick from Holloway and McGregor gives the “Diaz hands” to taunt Holloway. Leg kicks continue from Holloway. Jumping switch kick and heel kicks from McGregor to go along with wild punches but Holloway is taking it well. Remarkable amount of kicks from both fighters, but especially McGregor so far, who is taunting Holloway in between his strikes. Crescent kick and wheel kick to legs from McGregor. Spinning high kick almost hits for Holloway, who is landing a few punches here and there but getting outworked by McGregor in general so far. McGregor somersaults into a takedown attempt as the round ends. 10-9 McGregor, a pretty round but no major damage either way.
Round 2- Good straight left by McGregor and more kicks. Apparently his weakness is on the ground but Holloway is showing no interest in taking it there. McGregor looks very relaxed and is measuring distance well. Pretty even exchanges between the two in the middle of the round, slightly higher work rate and harder punches from McGregor. Holloway catches McGregor with a left as McGregor hops in for a kick. McGregor catches a Holloway kick and cracks him with a left and simultaneously takes him down. McGregor on top in Holloway’s full guard. Holloway holds tight to McGregor but he postures up and tries to rain down strikes. Holloway clamps down again from the bottom. McGregor postures up and lands a good strike diving in and moves to side control. 10-9 McGregor.
Round 3- Side kick from McGregor and Holloway lands a good clean right hand. McGregor shoots for a takedown and Holloway is down against the fence, holding McGregor in full guard. McGregor with a nice pass to side control and briefly into mount before going back to side control. McGregor goes for the mount again but Holloway escapes only to be dragged down again with McGregor on top in half guard, McGregor moves into mount. McGregor open hand claps both of Holloway’s ears. Holloway rolls and gives up his back, McGregor rains down some big shots as he maintains mount and back mount as Holloway squirms. Holloway escapes as McGregor got too high on his back. Head kick from Holloway as he tries to go for broke, only to be taken down again by McGregor. Rounds ends with McGregor on top and in control. 10-9 McGregor and he should take the fight comfortably on the judges scorecards and give an interview in his awesome Irish accent.
Conor McGregor wins 30-27 x2 and 30-26 for a unanimous decision victory
McGregor says his knee popped out midway in the second round which is why he took it to the ground. He’s mad about not standing and getting the finish but he wraps Rogan in an Ireland flag and is all smiles.
Michael McDonald vs. Brad Pickett
Our last prelim of the night is bantamweight action with Michael McDonald making his return after losing a title fight earlier this year and going against Brad Pickett who is looking to string together some high level wins and get a title shot of his own.
McDonald is only 22! Lots of experience (and already that one title shot) for such a young guy. Pickett is 34.
Round 1- Good body punch from Pickett early. Body kick from McDonald. Left hand catches Pickett and an insane 3am style bar brawl ensues with McDonald throwing everything at Pickett trying to finish him but Pickett fires back, gets dropped multiple times, wobbled but somehow survives. McDonald lays off and they reset, wow, incredible survival instincts by Pickett and McDonald may have exhausted himself and probably has no idea how the fight isn’t already over. A kick and a punch thud into Pickett’s head and he drops. McDonald gets on top and Pickett holds onto him and tries again to clear the cobwebs. McDonald backs off and stands Pickett up. McDonald is noticeably bigger and faster than Pickett. Pickett loading up on huge bombs but nothing landing clean. Fast flurry as the round ends with McDonald getting the better of it, great round of action. 10-9 McDonald.
Round 2- Even standup for the first minute of the round between the two fighters. Pickett shoots for a takedown and gets it, Pickett on top in full guard. Pickett trying to soften McDonald up with body shots but McDonald controlling well from the bottom. Good elbow from Pickett as he temporarily separates. McDonald lightly searching for submissions on the bottom as Pickett continues to strike the body. McDonald throws his legs up and tightens up a triangle/armbar position. McDonald works the arm and as Pickett defends, McDonald switches 100% to the triangle and gets the tap! Beautiful bottom game patience and killer instinct from McDonald.
Michael McDonald wins via triangle choke, 3:43 of round 2.
Pickett’s nose is all kinds of broken, probably from the assault in the first round. McDonald bounces back like a champion-caliber fighter should from his recent defeat and pumps the crowd up by name dropping the American Revolution over the British, maybe 200 years too late, but hey, he got some cheers…
(Zombies don’t make eye-contact. It’s, like, way too intimate. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)
Tonight, UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo returns to his homeland to take on South Korean crowd-pleaser Chan Sung Jung — a name that has become synonymous with fast-paced brawls and insane finishes. Will Aldo end the night embraced in the sweaty arms of his countrymen, or will the Korean Zombie put a gruesome end to the champ’s 15-fight win streak?
CagePotato liveblogger supreme Anthony Gannon will be firing off round-by-round results from the “Aldo vs. Korean Zombie” main card after the jump, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please drop your own thoughts in the comments section.
(Zombies don’t make eye-contact. It’s, like, way too intimate. / Photo via MMAFighting.com)
Tonight, UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo returns to his homeland to take on South Korean crowd-pleaser Chan Sung Jung — a name that has become synonymous with fast-paced brawls and insane finishes. Will Aldo end the night embraced in the sweaty arms of his countrymen, or will the Korean Zombie put a gruesome end to the champ’s 15-fight win streak?
CagePotato liveblogger supreme Anthony Gannon will be firing off round-by-round results from the “Aldo vs. Korean Zombie” main card after the jump, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please drop your own thoughts in the comments section.
UFC 163 Preliminary Card Results
– Anthony Perosh def. Vinny Magalahes via KO, 0:14 of round 1
– Amanda Nunes def. Sheila Gaff via TKO (elbows), 2:08 of round 1
– Sergio Moraes def. Neil Magny via submission (triangle choke), 3:13 of round 1
– Ian McCall def. Iliarde Santos via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Rani Yahya def. Josh Clopton via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Francimar Barroso def. Ednaldo Oliveira via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Viscardi Andrade def. Bristol Marunde via TKO, 1:36 of round 1
Greetings, Potato Nation, and welcome to the latest installment of Brazil vs The World. And I’m telling you right now, the Brazilians are kicking the shit out of the world. Since the UFCs glorious return to the land of terrifying ass-kickers, the figures are grim. In fights where a Brazilian fought a foreigner, it’s 33-8 in favor of the home team (not counting UFC 147 seeing as it served as the TUF: Brazil Finale), or about 80%. Now, some of you more cynical bastards have accused the UFC of building mismatched cards to appeal to the fierce nationalism of the Brazilian people. It’s simple logic, really – when Brazilians win their fans go batshit insane. They fall in love with the UFC and become loyal fans with octagon patios like this brilliant psycho.
It’s not an argument without merit. The UFC has made no secret of its uncut hard-on for Brazil. It’s an emerging economy with an expanding middle class that has a few extra ducats to piss away on entertainment. So long as the cards are packed with local talent and they continue to get the better of the world – or as in the case of the Nog/Werdum Fuel event, produce eight freakin’ submission wins – then the sport will continue to grow in Brazil. Certainly nothing wrong with stacking the deck a little.
Okay, now that the divisive hyperbole is out of the way, who’s excited to pay $55 for this one fight card? Anyone? Bueller? Just don’t be judging these fights before they happen, a’ight. Dana White hates that shit, and thinks you’re fucking stupid for it. Never mind that making judgments is how consumers base their decisions on whether or not to purchase products. That’s just an irrelevant detail. If you’re a fight fan, how can you not want to watch Jose Aldo? It matters not that the co-main event is the antithesis of a barn-burner (an ineffective shit-house air freshener, perhaps?), and the rest of the supporting cast is – how do I put this delicately – unknown. But oh, Thales Leites is making his return. So there’s that.
It’s important to realize it’s not about how good the fights turn out to be. This may very well end up being a phenomenal event. But if no one buys the PPV then it doesn’t really matter much. I know the $54 ribeye at The Borgata is heaven on a plate, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to buy it every time I’m there. Because once you account for the bullshit a la carte $16 potato and $23 creamed spinach, your dinner runs north of $100. Maybe I’m in the mood to enrich the casino owners instead, or the independent businesswomen who exercise the ultimate form of supply and demand. Those are the basic choices we make in the world of commerce.
Here we go. The recently retired Brian Stann is filling for Joe Rogan tonight while Joe is off questioning some shit.
John Lineker and Jose Maria Tome
Lineker is a highly touted flyweight prospect. But he has problems making weight. Last night he missed the 126 lb limit by a very substantial three pounds. He also missed weight in his lone UFC loss to Louis Gaudinot, for whatever that’s worth. Lineker opted to pay the 20% fine on his purse rather than desiccate himself in the sauna in a futile attempt to make the weight. Wise choice.
Aside from just a serious record of 33-3, not much is known about Maria. He’s rockin’ an orange Mohawk, and comes in to some bad club music. Let’s see what he’s got.
Round 1: Maria opens with a lot of movement. Lineker goes for an overhand right to start off. Inside leg kick by Maria skims the pills. Lineker is okay. He blasts Maria with a huge overhand right, drops Maria, but he’s up. Maria shoots, kind of a half ass attempt, comes nowhere close. Oh, Marai with a nice spinning backfist, and he’s stumbling, Maria lands another few nice shots. Lineker is wobbly. Maria is letting him off the hook. Lineker kicks to the body, Maria takes him down, moves to half guard. Lineker is up. Now they’re clinched, and Maria knees Lineker in the nuts. The ref stops it, but the tape shows it going to the stomach. Here we go again. Maria throws a spinning back kick, it’s blocked. He shoots on lineker, it’s stuffed. The trade knees in the clinch. Overhand right by Lineker. Maria gets taken down to end the round. 10-9 Maria
Round 2: High kick by Maria, blocked. Lineker with a knee to the body. Maria shoots, misses. They’re up. Linekr lands a big shot that rocks Maria, he’s down and Lineker is pounding away. And it’s over. The ref steps in and calls it. It was a buckled knee, it appears, that dropped Maria, and Lineker swarmed.
Lineker wins via TKO at 1:03 of round 2.
Thales Leites vs Tom Watson is up
Unless you follow the local Brazilian and Swedish MMA circuits you probably haven’t seen Leites in a quite a while. He was cut by the UFC in 2009 following back-to-back losses to Anderson Silva and Alessio Sakara. Much like the horrible lays of your life, it’s impossible to forget a really bad fight, and both of those fights were pretty disgusting. The horribleness of the Silva fight is well documented, but the Sakara fight was pretty awful too. It was so bad actually that the judges gave Sakara a decision that by normal MMA judging standards he shouldn’t have gotten – because, presumably, they blamed Leites for the visual carnage that is seared into our souls like a vicious case of the crabs.
That being said, Leites is 6-1 since then, with four submission wins. And, ya know, the past being the past and all that jazz, the man deserves another shot.
Watson is 1-1 in the UFC, and in his last fight against Stanislav Nedkov, he won both the Fight and Knockout of the Night bonuses to put a cool 100 large in his pocket. And aint shit bad about that.
The only way to scientifically break down this fight: The Mongo factor.
Both of these guys have fought Jesse “Mongo” Taylor, and much like the statistical methodology of having a Wikipedia page, the Mongo factor is infallible. Both fights took place under the MFC banner in 2010, in Alberta, Canada. Watson lost by unanimous decision, Leites won by first round triangle choke. By the power of MMA math that means that Leites should win by flying armbar in the second round as Mongo jerks off in the ballroom to nude photos of Miss Scarlett with a rope around his neck like David Carradine.
See how that works, simple mathematics.
Watson rolls out to The Backstreet Boys wearing a gorilla mask.
Round 1: Leiteds wants to touch, Watson is having none of it. Leites rushes forward with a combo, initiates the clinch. He’s working for Watson’s back, and drags him to the mat. He’s got a hook in, working for the second. He’s got it. Ah shit. Leites looking to lock Watson’s arm down and choke him. Watson defending well. Lot of time left though. Leites has that arm trapped. He’s bashing Watson in the side of the head too. Sucky position for Watson. He’s got his arm free, and they’re battling for wrist control. Nice shots from the back from Leites, good power generated from that position. Watson tries to explode to his feet, aint happening. Leites is glued to his back. Now he’s on top, and Watson escapes, delivers a knee in the clinch. They trade leg kicks. Watson with another. And another. And again. Left hook by Watson, answered by Leites. Head kick by Watson as the round ends. 10-9 Leites
Round 2: Watson opens with a leg kick. Leites punches into the clinch, can’t tie him up. Watson grabs Leites’ neck, and Leites takes him down. He’s in half guard delivering some short shots from the top. Leites is looking for an arm triangle, Watson escapes. Watson gets up, Leites takes him down again. He’s got Watson’s back with hooks in again. Leites is high on Watson’s back, now working for an arm. He’s got it, but Watson is defending well, has Leites stacked up against the cage. Watson is free, and they’re up. Leites with a nice jab, Watson answers with a couple knees. They trade jabs, and Watson’s has more pop on it. They clinch, and Leites with a knee. And another. Watson lands a left hook, Leites responds with a decent combination. Watson lands a knee and an elbow. Close round. 10-9 Leites
Round 3: Leites lands a big left, and Watson’s eye is a bloody mess. Leites clinches, and his back is covered with blood. Leites going for a takedown, not happening. But he’s controlling the fight by pushing Watson up against the cage. Leites has Watson’s back again, looking to take this down. Watson is free, and lands a good elbow. Leites lands a jab, then sticks a takedown. Leites is mounted. Watson rolls to his side, Leites taks his back. Watson stands up, gets dragged back down. Leites with back control again, delivering some punishment to the side of the head. Leites looking for the arm triangle, he’s just got to jump to side control. Watson is a hard dude to choke. Leites can’t get it, but dominates the round. That’s that.
The official decision is in, and it’s Thales Leites by unanimous decision, 30-27 across the board.
Sergio Moraes and Neil Magny are on from the undercard. I aint calling this shit, we already told you what happened.
Cezar Ferreira vs Thiago Santos is next up.
Cezar is the middleweight TUF: Brazil winner. He hasn’t fought in over a year due to injuries, and the only thing I remember about him is that he throws a shitload of kicks.
Santos is a natural welterweight making his UFC debut at middleweight. He sports a 8-1 record with five finishes, but he doesn’t have a Wikipedia page, which means there’s no way in hell he can win this fight. However, Cezar is a Blackzillian, which evens the odds considerably.
And there’s always someone. Santos comes out to the Rocky theme.
Vitor Belfort smacks the hell out of Cezar to fire him up.
Round 1: Cezar opens with a low kick, misses. Cezar lands a good shot, then goes to the body. Santos is hurt, and Cezar gets the guillotine. Wow, very quick and impressive.
It was a huge left that rocked Santos, Cezar saw it and locked on the choke.
Cezar Ferreira gets the sweet submission at only the 0:47 mark of the first round.
Amanda Nunes and Sheila Gaff get some PPV time.
Lyoto Machida and Phil Davis are up.
If Rogan were around for this event, he would surely describe this as an “interesting fight.” That’s kind of what you say when you’re not quite certain how to sell it. You can’t rightly say,” Hmm, Davis has about a 1% chance to win this thing, and oh yeah, there’s like a 98% chance it’s going to be a suck-ass fight.” So, “interesting” it is.
The two pertinent questions: Can Davis take Machida down? And with two promised title shots already yanked out from underneath him, will Lyoto stick to his tried-and-true formula of waiting until the final round to actually get his piss-drinking ass into the fight?
On the first question, it’s doubtful. Machida had ridiculous takedown defense. Sure, Davis is a great wrestler, and even though Machida is a BJJ blackbelt, I believe Davis is the better all-around grappler. But I cannot see him penetrating Machida’s base consistently enough to earn a victory in that manner.
As for the second question, who the hell knows. When Machida’s aggressive, he’s downright nasty. But he’s rarely aggressive. He should take this fight regardless, but to make a compelling case for another shot at Jon Jones he needs to have like another Rashad type win.
Davis rocking his customary hot pink tights, young as hell too.
Machida had the crowd fired up by coming out to a song everyone seems to know. Must be like the Brazilian version of “Sweet Caroline.”
Round 1: Davis kicks to the body to start things off. Tries again, Machida avoids. Davis goes with the low kick, Machida responds with one of his own. Machida drops his hands, perhaps goading Davis into a stand up exchange. Davis checks a leg kick, goes for the Superman punch, misses. Machida with a front kick to the body, skims Davis. Machida with a high kick, Davis blocks. Machida lands a straight left. Front kick to Davis’ body again. Davis kicks to the body. Machida exploded with a nice combination, ends it with a knee. Davis shoots, sticks a takedown. He’s in side control, and if he can do some damage he can steal this round. Machida gets him to half guard, and the round ends with a few shots to the body. He didn’t do enough to win the round. 10-9 Machida
Round 2: They trade front kicks. Machida kicks to the body, Davis blocks. Machida goes high this time, it’s deflected but still looks like it stung. Davis with the head kick, Machida backs away. Superman punch by Davis, lands on Machida’s chest. Davis clinches, Machida shrugs him off. Machida with a hook, Davis misses a wild overhand right. Davis lands an overhand right. Machida kicks the body. Low kick by Machida. Davis shoots, Machida defends. He shoots again, stuffed again. Front kick misses by Davis. Machida with a straight left. Then a nice right, but Davis scores a takedown. A couple knees to the body. Not much damage, but closer round. 10-9 Machida
Round 3: Davis misses a right to starts off the round. Davis with a kick, Machida with a jab. Two Superman punches by Davis, misses badly on both. Machida blocks a front kick. Davis being more aggressive this round. A shot by Davis I shrugged off. Front kick lands by Machida. Knee to the body by Machida, he ends up on top. Davis stands up with Machida on his back, escapes. Good kick by Davis, Machida responds with a big right. Davis is shrugged off yet again. Machida tries for a knee on the separation, misses. Machida lands a straight right, Davis answers with a nice kick to the body. Davis clinches, shoots, can’t stick the takedown. Machida lands a right to the grill, then a low kick. Davis shoots again, misses. Machida didn’t do much, but he did enough. Machida 10-9.
The decision is in, and it’s 29-28 across the board for Phil Davis. Wow.
The fans are not happy. It wasn’t a terrible decision. Shit, Machida just doesn’t do much.
The main event is next, Jose Aldo vs Chan Sung Jung
The Korean Zombie is on a roll. He’s finished his last three opponents, picked up four fight night bonuses in that time, and won himself a legion of fans in the process. But, he’s facing one of the Top 3 nastiest fighters in the world. Jose Aldo is just operating on a different level than anyone else at 145. A perfectly placed shot to the mandible can end anyone’s night, but unfortunately for the Zombie that’s probably not how this will play out. More than likely this will end in a loss and an unimaginable amount of pain in the legs tomorrow morning.
But ya gotta give the Zombie credit for one thing, he sure can talk some shit. His quote from the weigh-ins, “People may think Aldo is the favorite, but I think differently.” Damn, he went there.
Zombie comes out to “Zombie” from the Cranberries. Makes sense.
Some dickhole steals Aldo’s hat on his way to the cage. The champion looks focused and terrifying.
Round 1: Herb Dean is in charge, and the shit is on. Jung throws the first leg kick, misses. Aldo misses a jab. Jung charges forward, misses. Also lands an overhand right. Then a jab to the chest. Jung with a left to the dome. Aldo sticks a jab, misses the following right. Jung with a high kick, too high, goes right over Aldo’s head. Aldo with a leg kick, skims. Aldo with a left hook, finishes with a leg kick. Jung with a low kick of his own. Jung comes up short on a jab. Jung fakes a takedown, comes over the top with a right. Aldo takes Jung down, but he spring right back up in the scramble. Damn, spinning wheel kick from Aldo to end the round. Close round. 10-9 Aldo
Round 2: Jung is stalking Aldo, moving forward. Lands a front kick. Jung charges in, Aldo lands two shots to the chops. The champ misses an uppercut, sticks a jab. Jung hooks, Aldo ducks and lands a couple to the body. Goes to the body again, then a hook to the face. Aldo sticks another stiff jab. Jung with a kick to the thigh, then misses an overhand. Another jab from Aldo. Jung ducks under an overhand right. Another jab by Aldo, stuns Jung. Oh, and jung lands a nice overhand right that knocks the champ back. Aldo shoots and takes Jung down. He’s in side control. Jung gets to half guard, now full guard. The round ends with no damage from the top. 10-9 Aldo
Round 3: Left hook by Aldo. Jung jumps in with a knee, Aldo catches Jung and slams his ass down. Jung trying to wall walk back to his feet, Aldo keeping him in place. Jung with a few shots to the ear, and he’s up. Aldo has him against the cage, looking for another takedown. Gets it, but Jung is back to his knees, working to get back up. Aldo working really hard for these takedowns. They’re stalled, and Herb stands them up. Oof, Jung with a nice combination. Aldo going for another takedown. Jung defending very well. Jung tries to lock on a choke, can’t get under the chin. Jung with some decent elbows to the temple. Aldo is glued to him here. Herb separates them again. Flying knee again from Jung, misses, they both go down. Not sure how to score that one. I’ll guess 10-9 Aldo
Round 4: Jab from Jung. Aldo answers in kind. Aldo misses a big hook. Jung lands a left, misses a right. Three kicks in a row to the shoulder from Aldo, and it appears that Jung’s shoulder separated. Yuck. Aldo takes him down, gets the finish, and Jung is lying there in agony. His shoulder is fucked.
The replay shows the separation, and it’s pretty nasty. Aldo saw it and commenced to kick the shit out of it. That was gnarly.
The official decision is a TKO at 2:00 of round 4 for Jose Aldo. That’s that. I got to roll. Been holding in a deuce since Leites/Watson. Thanks for chillin’, we’ll be back tomorrow to analyze this shit.
The main card for UFC on FOX 8: Johnson vs. Moraga kicks off at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, and our man George Shunick will be hooking us up with round-by-round results, after the jump. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own thoughts, predictions, and one-liners into the comments section. Thanks for being here.
The main card for UFC on FOX 8: Johnson vs. Moraga kicks off at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, and our man George Shunick will be hooking us up with round-by-round results, after the jump. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own thoughts, predictions, and one-liners into the comments section. Thanks for being here.
Welcome to the liveblog, Potato Nation. Tonight’s fights have been… interesting to say the least. With another split-decision, UFC on FOX 8 will break the record for most split-decisions on a single card. Not exactly the most prestigious record. Moreover, two of those decisions have had 30-27/27-30 splits. I guess what I’m saying is hopefully the judging incompetence has been pre-emptively exorcised tonight before the title fight between John Moraga and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. With that said, judging aside, tonight’s card should be excellence. My picks? Johnson, Patrick Bateman Rory MacDonald, Robbie Lawler and Liz Carmouche. OK, not the most exciting picks out there. (BUT WE’LL SEE WHO HAS THE LAST LAUGH WHEN THEY WIN.) Now let’s get to the fights…
Liz Carmouche vs. Jessica Andrade
Yeah, I know next to nothing about Andrade. Unprofessional, I know. Still, gotta go with Carmouche here simply by virtue of her experience. You hang as well as she did with Ronda Rousey, you’re gonna be the favorite.
Round 1
Carmouche refuses to touch gloves to begin. Andrade catches a kick, but Carmouche muscles her against the fence. Carmouche slames her with a double leg and gets side control. Andrade turtles, but Carmouche stays on her as she works short punches. Andrade gets to her feet, but is pushed into the fence again. Andrade briefly reverses position, but not for long. Carmouche works short strikes along the fence. Carmouche lands a takedown and ends up in half-guard. Andrade goes for a sweep, fails, and gives up side control. Andrade tries to use the cage to escape, to no avail. Andrade escapes, stands and SLAMS Carmouche down. Now she grabs a gullotine as Carmouche tries to go for a takedown. It’s tight, but Carmouche is fighting it. Andrade alternates between an intense grip and a lighter one, pacing herself. As the round end, Andrade cranks but Carmouche survives. Close round with the submission attempt at the end.
Round 2
Carmouche looks for front kicks, but doesn’t connect. Andrade runs full speed at Carmouche and Carmouche easily changes levels and lands a takedown. Carmouche lands strikes from halg-guard and passes to side control. Then mount. Serious ground and pound from Carmouche. Andrade rolls over and flattens out. Carmouche with vicious strikes to the side of Andrade’s head. Now working for an RNC. Andrade is managing to survive and escape. Now she’s eating shots from mount, though. Again she rolls to her back, and again she’s flattened out. Elbows to the side of Andrade’s head thud on the mat. More elbows and punches from mount. Carmouche with a solid minute of unanswered shots and Herb Dean is close to stopping it. And he does. Andrade never gave up, but she had no answer for Carmouche’s ground and pound.
There was a moment in that fight where Carmouche was elbowing Andrade’s head as it was trapped against the mat, and the thud was sickeningly audible. Andrade is tough and wasn’t going to give in, but that’s why you’ve got refs.
Robbie Lawler vs. Bobby Voelker
The battle to decide who has the better nickname for “Robert” begins!
Round 1
Voelker lands a short right. Lots of circling in the first minute. Jab from Voelker. Low kick from Voelker answered by a body kick from Lawler. Lawler grabs Voelker and simply tosses him down. Lawler lands a knee to the midsection as Voelker stands. Now against the cage, Lawler lands another knee to the body, then one to the head. Voelker is cut on the bridge of his nose. Big uppercut from Lawler. Headkick form Voelker is blocked. Lawler checks a kick. Head kick from Lawler barely misses. Voelker has trouble closing the distance in this fight. Lawler with a flying knee that lands! Voelker remains unfazed, but ineffective. Elbow from Lawler. Body kick from Voelker. Nice jab from Lawler. BIG kick to the body from Lawler, then another flying knee. They exchange in the center of the Octagon until the bell rings. 10-9 Lawler.
Round 2
Lawler lands a headkick to Voelker forehead and Voelker is out. He sits down, unconscious, and Lawler adds a punch to accentuate his point. Robbie Lawler surpassed expectations, which is impressive considering we expected him to do something like this.
I’ve got Rory here. Ellenberger’s definitely got more power, but he tends to gas after about a round and a half. He can get the knockout, but I doubt he’ll win a decision. And I don’t see him getting close enough to knock out MacDonald. Still, if it’s any consolation, I think he’s got the best of Rory in their twitter exchanges.
Round 1
They don’t touch gloves. Duh. Jab from Rory lands. Ellenberger blocks a kick. Ellenberger lunches for a cross, but can’t land it. Not a lot of action thus far. Both men are sizing each other up. Jab from Rory again. More jabs land, but nothing substantive. The crowd is beginning to grow restless. Ellenberger lands a jab of his own. Neither is commiting to entering into striking range. MacDonald tries a high kick, but it’s blocked. Ellenberger rushes in with a flurry and lands a knee. Ellenberger misses with a left-right combination. MacDonald blocks a headkick and evades a hook. Ellenberger slips a double jab. He reaches for a hook and it doesn’t connect. Rory lands a jab. They clinch but nothing comes of it. Round ends, 10-9 MacDonald or 10-10.
Round 2
Front kick lands from Rory. 30 seconds in and the crowd is already booing. Ellenberger simply can’t close the distance. He lands a hook, but MacDonald quickly lands a jab. Rory barely misses a front kick. Ellenberger shoots, but Rory stuffs it. Ellenberger lands an uppercut, though. More jabs from MacDonald. Rogan’s harping on MacDonald’s jab, but it’s rarely landed flush. Rory shoots for a takedown and is stuffed. There’s a brief flurry and they separate. Head kick from MacDonald misses. Ellenberger begins lunging with hooks, but he’s just hitting air. Ellenberger rushes, but still can’t catch MacDonald who angles out. The crowd is full on booing as the round ends. 10-9 MacDonald.
Round 3
Rory throwing front kicks, keeping Ellenberger at bay. More jabs from MacDonald. Ellenberger thinks about a spinning backfist, but Rory’s gone when he turns around. Another jab. Ellenberger tries to use a takedown attempt to set up some strikes, but it doesn’t work. He lands a jab, though. Then a right hand. Ellenberger needs to push forwarrd if he has any hope winning. MacDonald slips, but immediately returns to his feet. Ellenberger doesn’t capitalize, merely landing a left hook. Front kick from Rory again backs up Ellenberger. A jab stops him in his tracks. Ellenberger lands a right hand and then a takedown. With less than a minute to work, MacDonald has Ellenberger in butterfly guard. MacDonald attempts a sweep, then uses the threat of a triangle to neutralize Ellenberger. The round ends as they scramble. 10-9 MacDonald? I guess he takes this 30-28.
30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 for Rory MacDonald. No post-fight interview as the crowd boos heavily. I wouldn’t go as far as to call this a technical showcase by MacDonald, but he did manage to neutralize Ellenberger. But this fight definitely failed to meet expectations.
Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga
But this fight won’t! Seriously, name a boring flyweight fight. Just one. I’m not going to hold my breath. Demetrious Johnson is perhaps the most technically and strategically sound fighter in the UFC. And he probably has the best cardio as well. There’s no way this one’s a snoozer.
Round 1
Johnson lands a low kick. Mighty Mouse switching stances. Moraga goes to the body. Body kick from Moraga. Moraga’s having trouble catching Johnson though. He lands a right after a DJ takedown attempt. Hard low kicks from Moraga. Right hand from Johnson who tries for a Thai clinch. Moraga pushes him into the fence, but Johnson reverses position. They exchange weak knees. Johnson grabs a double leg and gets side control. Moraga hangs on to a headlock, but Johnson gets out and looks for a kimura. he gives up on it and looks for a mounted crucifix. Moraga regains half guard, though. Johnson lands some decent ground and pound. Moraga uses a leglock attempt to try to sweep, but ends up in a front headlock. he turtles, and Johnson attempts a buzzer beating guillotine, but the round ends. 10-9 Johnson.
Round 2
Low kick from Moraga. Johnson returns with his own. Big takedown from Johnson as Moraga rushed in. Johnson passes to side control like it was nothing. Johnson attempts the crucifix again, but quickly goes back to side control. Johnson works short strikes from the top. Moraga scrambles and looks for a reverse triangle, but it’s for naught. Johnson’s in side control again. Johnson looks for a kimura, and uses this to try to get to north-south. However, Moraga turns his back and tries to stand. He eats a slam for his troubles. Moraga manges to stand, eats a knee, and tries to get a takedown on the fence. Johnson escapes and lands a hard low kick. Nice counter jab from Moraga, but Johnson lands a big double leg. Moraga tries to work for a choke despite being on the bottom in side control. He regains half-guard, though. Johnson works for the kimura again, but settles for some ground and pound instead. Round over, 10-9 Johnson.
Round 3
Low kick Johnson, and another after a faked takedown. Moraga is slowing down a little. Body kick from Johnson. Moraga misses a kick and follow up punches. Another double leg for Johnson. He’s in full guard as Moraga works short elbows from the bottom. But DJ quickly passes to side control. Once again, he works for a kimura, but Moraga turtles. Johnson gets a hook in but not the second. They stand. A knee and elbow land for Moraga, and he pushes Johnson into the fence. He tries to take Johnson down, only to have Johnson spin him around. Johnson is in half-guard, and again works for that kimura. He’s got the grip and the arm isolated! He takes his time, but loses it and has his back to the fence, sitting down. Johnson stands against the fence, and they exchange knees. Moraga lands a takedown, but as soon as he does, Johnson sits up and they stand. Moraga falls down as he misses a spinning back kick. 10-9 Johnson.
Round 4
Moraga misses a combination. Johnson lands a body kick, but Moraga answers with one of his own. Then he’s immediately taken down. I imagine he must be a little frustrated by now. Johnson has a front headlock as Moraga is turtled. He spins and tries to take Moraga’s back. Moraga stands and eats a body kick as he does. Low kick Mighty Mouse. Another body kick. head kick from Johnson misses. Johnson delivers a knee from the Thai clinch, separates and lands a takedown. He’s in full guard, Moraga pushes him off and stands. Now Johnson grabs the Thai clinch. He lands a knee and pushes him into the fence. Johnson lands a knee to Moraga’s face as Moraga’s hand just touches the floor, but nothing is called. Johnson has a front headlock and knees the body. He unleashes a combination, but Moraga stands and tries for a single. Nope. Standing, Mighty Mouse misses a headkick. Moraga lands a BIG shot with thirty seconds left, rushes after the injured Johnson… and gets taken down. Johnson is bleeding, but that doesn’t stop him from passing to side control as the round ends. 10-9 Johnson.
Round 5
They touch gloves. Low kick from Johnson. Another one. Johnson slips a left and lands his tenth takedown. He passes to side control. Moraga hip escapes, stands, and is immediately taken down. And Johnson passes to side control. Some deja vu here. Johnson grabs a front headlock as Moraga turtles. Johnson works short knees to the shoulders. Moraga stands, tries for a toss, but gets taken down. Johnson in side control. (Obviously.) Works short knees to Moraga’s ribs. Mighty Mouse looking to isolate Moraga’s arm for a kimura. He goes for an armbar and he gets it!! That’s how a champion does it; clearly ahead on the scorecards, Johnson never let up or stopped looking for a finish. Exceptional performance from Mighty Mouse in an excellent, if one-sided main event.
Johnson gets the record for the latest stoppage in UFC history with only 1:17 left in the first round. I believe that tops Anderson Silva’s submission of Chael Sonnen at UFC 117. That about wraps it up for tonight, folks. Enjoy your evening, Potato Nation!
UFC on FOX 8 Preliminary Card Results:
– Jorge Masvidal def. Michael Chiesa via submission (d’arce choke), 4:59 of round 2
– Danny Castillo def. Tim Means via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Melvin Guillard def. Mac Danzig via KO, 2:47 of round 2
– Daron Cruickshank def. Yves Edwards via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
– Ed Herman def. Trevor Smith via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
– Germaine de Randamie def. Julie Kedzie via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
– Justin Salas def. Aaron Riley via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Yaotzin Meza def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke), 2:49 of round 2
