Tag: Michael McDonald

UFC on FOX 9: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 — Live Results & Commentary


(It was then that Demetrious realized his own head was chilly, and the envy built up inside him, poisonous and overwhelming. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

The UFC is setting up shop at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento this evening, and while injuries have hacked this card down to a hobbling shell of its former self, we’ll still happily tune in to watch the Team Alpha Male crew defend its home turf on network television. On the docket for this evening: Joseph Benavidez takes another crack at reigning flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson, local legend Urijah Faber takes on 22-year-old bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald, and Chad Mendes looks for his fifth-straight KO/TKO in the featherweight division against Nik Lentz. Plus, Joe Lauzon and Mac Danzig kick off the broadcast in a battle between a guy who collects a lot of bonus money and a guy with no sponsors.

Handling our liveblog for this evening is Aaron Mandel, who will be banging out round-by-round results from the UFC on FOX 9 main card after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and let us know how you’re feeling in the comments section.


(It was then that Demetrious realized his own head was chilly, and the envy built up inside him, poisonous and overwhelming. / Photo via MMAJunkie)

The UFC is setting up shop at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento this evening, and while injuries have hacked this card down to a hobbling shell of its former self, we’ll still happily tune in to watch the Team Alpha Male crew defend its home turf on network television. On the docket for this evening: Joseph Benavidez takes another crack at reigning flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson, local legend Urijah Faber takes on 22-year-old bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald, and Chad Mendes looks for his fifth-straight KO/TKO in the featherweight division against Nik Lentz. Plus, Joe Lauzon and Mac Danzig kick off the broadcast in a battle between a guy who collects a lot of bonus money and a guy with no sponsors.

Handling our liveblog for this evening is Aaron Mandel, who will be banging out round-by-round results from the UFC on FOX 9 main card after the jump beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and let us know how you’re feeling in the comments section.

Preliminary card results
– Ryan LaFlare def. Court McGee via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Edson Barboza def. Danny Castillo via majority decision (29-28 x2, 28-28)
– Bobby Green def. Pat Healy via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Zach Makovsky def. Scott Jorgensen via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Sam Stout def. Cody McKenzie via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Abel Trujillo def. Roger Bowling via TKO, 1:35 of round 2
– Alptekin Ozkilic def. Darren Uyenoyama via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)

Main Card

We’ve got FOX robots, very small men and 3 guys trying to do it on home turf.  Refresh early and often for round-by-round action and leave your comments below.

Joe Lauzon vs. Mac Danzig

Both these lightweights are coming of losses so it’s an important fight for both of their UFC careers.

Round 1- Touch of the gloves to start.  Lauzon throwing a few strikes early.  Lauzon clinches Danzig and drags him to the ground into half guard.  Lauzon working some ground and pound from half guard.  Moves to mount and rains down strikes.  Lauzon rolls for armbar and goes belly down but Danzig escapes and lands on top in Lauzon’s guard.  Butterfly guard from Lauzon working for a sweep, Danzig not doing much.  Lauzon throws his legs up for an armbar that is not there but he switches to omoplata and then triangle, well defended by Danzig and they rise to the feet.  Good knees and elbows from Danzig in the Thai clinch.  Lauzon muscles Danzig down from the clinch and lands in guard.  Round ends with Lauzon on top and probably 10-9 Lauzon.

Round 2- Danzig winning the standup in the early going with punches and kicks.  They clinch and exchange strikes but not much action.  Good body shot and jab from Danzig.  Right hand lands for Danzig.  Danzig works strikes again from the clinch, some knees from Lauzon.  A trip attempt fails for Danzig and Lauzon ends up on top in guard.  Large cut on Danzig with blood getting in the eyes from a Lauzon elbow.  Lauzon working strikes from on top in guard, being patient.  Danzig’s face is entirely covered in blood.  Lauzon moves to half guard and works knees into Danzig’s body.  Danzig recovers butterfly guard and Lauzon postures up and rains down a large strike and falls into side control and then mount.  With ten seconds left he spins for an armbar but Danzig defends.  10-9 Lauzon.

Round 3- Danzig comes out with a flurry of strikes but nothing major lands.  Head collision briefly stops the fight, I did not realize that was a thing.  Danzig initiating clinches more than I’ve ever seen, they separate and throw strikes, Danzig throwing heavier and landing more.  Big elbow and knee from Lauzon and he trips Danzig to the ground.  Lauzon in full guard working ground and pound as he moves to half guard.  Side control for Lauzon with a crucifix on Danzig’s right arm.  Heavy strikes from Lauzon and Danzig is bleeding bad.  Elbows from Lauzon as he mounts.  Huge elbows from mount for Lauzon as he spins for an arm.  He pauses on the arm to rip elbows into Danzig’s body.  Lauzon spins too soon and Danzig ends up on top.  Lauzon turtles, stands and drives Danzig back down.  Lauzon moves to half guard and works knees into side control, some top level top game grappling from Lauzon with big elbows as the fight ends.  10-9 Lauzon and should be his fight.

Joe Lauzon defeats Mac Danzig via unanimous decision, 30-27 x 3

Nik Lentz vs. Chad Mendes

Big cheers for hometowner Mendes, apparently Lentz is huge at 145…

Round 1-  Lentz throws first but Mendes blocks.  Mendes cracks Lentz with a right that rocks Lentz but he survives the flurry and they get back to striking range.  Lentz may have hurt Mendes with a body kick.  Lentz gets wobbled again and his knows is bloodied.  Lentz whiffs on an uppercut and Mendes takes him down.  Lentz escapes back to the feet.  Speed of Mendes is apparent as he keeps landing.  Lentz comes forward with strikes but Mendes perfectly times a takedown.  Lentz successfully defending on the bottom and they are back on the feet.  Mendes with another takedown but he has not been able to work any ground and pound.  10-9 Mendes.

Round 2- A few leg kicks from Mendes and Lentz answers.  Good jab from Mendes.  Right hook and leg kick from Mendes.  Rogan thinks Mendes is tired or maybe hurt from round 1 body kick and he is only one strike at a time.  Takedown from Mendes again but it is short lived and Lentz works back to the feet.  Jab and hook land from Lentz.  Takedown from Mendes yet again but Mendes is not doing much much.  Lentz elevates and they are back to the feet.  Lentz stuffs a takedown but Mendes comes back and hits another one, back on top in guard doing nothing.  10-9 Mendes.

Round 3- Kicks from both fighters to start, nice to the body from Lentz.  Lentz clips Mendes and he either slipped or briefly goes down but back to the feet.  Mendes shoots in but is stuffed and momentum building for Lentz.  Headkick blocked from Mendes and Lentz flurries.  Eye poke on Lentz with only a brief pause in the action.  Good right hand from Lentz.  Mendes briefly gets a takedown but Lentz comes right back up and drills a kick into the body of Mendes.  Two more takedowns from Mendes but they are shortlived.  Left hand lands from Lentz.  Flying knee from Mendes clips Lentz and he goes down and Mendes dives in for a guillotine on top but Lentz is defending.  They rise to the feet and the round ends.  10-9 Lentz?

Chad Mendes defeats Nik Lentz via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)

Apparently Mendes had the cold/flu according to a Dana White tweet which might explain his slightly flat performance.  I wouldn’t take much away from Lentz though, he was a game opponent.

Michael McDonald vs. Urijah Faber

This is a good battle between a young stud in McDonald who has already had great early-career success and a fighter in Faber who is into the second half of his career.  It should prove a lot about where the bantamweight division is headed, if McDonald is ready for another climb to the top or whether Faber will make a final run.

Round 1- Crowd is seriously pumped for Faber and boos McDonald who has one punch power at 135. Touch of gloves to start.  Headkick from Faber into a takedown in first 15 seconds.  Faber working strikes while Rogan salivates over McDonald’s guard.  McDonald working rubber guard with Faber’s left arm stuck, Faber still working strikes.  Good shots from the top from Faber.  McDonald tying Faber up and searching for submissions with his legs.  Some body shots from Faber and Herb Dean stands them up.  Faber dancing around with kicks and shrugs of a clinch takedown from McDonald.  Head kick misses from Faber.  Big knee from McDonald to the body of Faber.  Faber misses with a big windmill right.  Good right hand from Faber lands as the round ends followed by a left.  10-9 Faber.

Round 2- Faber dances and fakes but can’t get an early takedown.  Left hooks land from both fighters.  Faber hits McDonald with a low blow and the action stops.  Restart and Faber nails McDonald with a right hand that has him wobbled.  McDonald fires back off a Faber head kick and hits Faber pretty hard which makes him reconsider his frenzy.  McDonald still unsteady but firing back and lands a good low kick.  Headkick grazes Faber but he cracks McDonald with a right and has him in trouble stumbling all over the Octagon.  Faber pursues like a wild hyena smelling blood and drops McDonald with more strikes, throws a guillotine on and McDonald taps out.  The crowd goes nuts, Rogan goes nuts and McDonald raises the hometown boy’s hand.

Urijah Faber defeats Michael McDonald via guillotine choke, round 2

Champion Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez

It’s time for the rematch of the first flyweight title fight in UFC history which Johnson eeked out in a decision.  Benavidez has been on a tear and is fighting at home, should be a great fight and a great test of my touch typing speed skills.

Round 1- Leg kick from Benavidez, and yep, they are both fast as shit!  Johnson goes down for a quick breakdancing move and then fails on a takedown attempt.  Punches and headkick miss from Benavidez who is more active early with punches and a high amount of kicks.  Johnson darting in and out quickly and loads up on a right hand that catches Benavidez flush and puts him out cold.  Johnson holds onto his title with his most dominant performance yet.

Champion Demetrious Johnson defeats Joseph Benavidez via KO, round 1

Good nights of fights, capped by the main and co-main events, as it should be.  Good night PotatoHeads.

Catch the ‘UFC on FOX 9: Johnson vs. Benavidez II’ Weigh-Ins Right Here Starting at 7 p.m. EST

In just a few minutes, the weigh-ins for UFC on FOX 9 kick off from the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. Funny, I didn’t know they named an arena after Francis Carmont, and in America no less (*lights fireworks and releases flock of doves*). If our past few posts about this event are any indication, three fighters will fail to make weight tonight, two fighters will injure themselves backstage, and the entire attending audience will be consumed in a wave of Godzilla’s all-cleansing fire. Seriously, have you guys seen the trailer for the Godzilla remake yet? It looks insane.

Anyway, Team Alpha Male will look to continue their run of dominance under Duane Ludwig (“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Bang Era!”), but they’ll be facing some stiff opposition in the forms of Edson Barboza, Nik Lentz, and Michael McDonald. So swing by CagePotato starting at 7 p.m. EST to catch the weigh-ins and swing by tomorrow at 8 p.m. for our liveblog of the event.

In just a few minutes, the weigh-ins for UFC on FOX 9 kick off from the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. Funny, I didn’t know they named an arena after Francis Carmont, and in America no less (*lights fireworks and releases flock of doves*). If our past few posts about this event are any indication, three fighters will fail to make weight tonight, two fighters will injure themselves backstage, and the entire attending audience will be consumed in a wave of Godzilla’s all-cleansing fire. Seriously, have you guys seen the trailer for the Godzilla remake yet? It looks insane.

Anyway, Team Alpha Male will look to continue their run of dominance under Duane Ludwig (“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Bang Era!”), but they’ll be facing some stiff opposition in the forms of Edson Barboza, Nik Lentz, and Michael McDonald. So swing by CagePotato starting at 7 p.m. EST to catch the weigh-ins and swing by tomorrow at 8 p.m. for our liveblog of the event.

Main card (FOX at 8 p.m. ET)
Demetrious Johnson (125) vs. Joseph Benavidez (125)
Urijah Faber (135) vs. Michael McDonald (135.25)
Chad Mendes (145) vs. Nik Lentz (145)
Joe Lauzon (155) vs. Mac Danzig (155)

Undercard (FOX Sports 1 at 5 p.m. ET)
Court McGee (169.5) vs. Ryan LaFlare (170)
Danny Castillo (155) vs. Edson Barboza (155)
Bobby Green (155) vs. Pat Healy (155)
Scott Jorgensen (124.5) vs. Zach Makovsky (125)
Sam Stout (154) vs. Cody McKenzie (155)
Abel Trujillo (155) vs. Roger Bowling (155)

Undercard (Facebook 4:30 p.m. ET)
Darren Uyenoyama (125) vs. Alptekin Ozkilic (125)

–J. Jones

UFC Hoping to Book Grant vs. Pettis & Browne vs. Miocic at UFC on FOX 9, Faber vs. “Mayday” Already a Go


(“So then Frodo was all like ‘Give me back the ring!’ and I was all like ‘No way, dude!’ Anyways, long story short, the sumbitch burned me. He burned me bad.” Photo via Getty.)

After unveiling that the next season of The Ultimate Fighter would feature a head-scratching, perhaps even nonsensical coaching matchup, the UFC Tonight gang actually hinted at and/or confirmed a few matchups that fans might actually give two shits about. It’s called progress, you guys. All three of these fights are being pegged for UFC on FOX 9, which goes down in Sacramento, California on December 14th, so let’s start with the only matchup to be confirmed last night.

Currently riding an impressive three-fight win streak, Urijah Faber will be facing an incredibly tough challenge in Michael “Mayday” McDonald at the aforementioned event. Both men are coming off wins over Yuri Alcantara and Brad Pickett, respectively, at Fight Night: Sonnen vs. Shogun. Fun fact: This four fight stretch marks the longest Faber has gone without receiving a title shot of some kind (or defending a title) since his first five fights as a professional. Dude’s like the Mick Jagger of MMA.

In other, more tentative fight booking news…


(“So then Frodo was all like ‘Give me back the ring!’ and I was all like ‘No way, dude!’ Anyways, long story short, the sumbitch burned me. He burned me bad.” Photo via Getty.)

After unveiling that the next season of The Ultimate Fighter would feature a head-scratching, perhaps even nonsensical coaching matchup, the UFC Tonight gang actually hinted at and/or confirmed a few matchups that fans might actually give two shits about. It’s called progress, you guys. All three of these fights are being pegged for UFC on FOX 9, which goes down in Sacramento, California on December 14th, so let’s start with the only matchup to be confirmed last night.

Currently riding an impressive three-fight win streak, Urijah Faber will be facing an incredibly tough challenge in Michael “Mayday” McDonald at the aforementioned event. Both men are coming off wins over Yuri Alcantara and Brad Pickett, respectively, at Fight Night: Sonnen vs. Shogun. Fun fact: This four fight stretch marks the longest Faber has gone without receiving a title shot of some kind (or defending a title) since his first five fights as a professional. Dude’s like the Mick Jagger of MMA.

In other, more tentative fight booking news…

UFC Tonight also hinted that the promotion is currently trying to book the lightweight title fight between Anthony Pettis and T.J. Grant for UFC on FOX 9 as well. The matchup hinders on whether or not Pettis’ knee will be healed up from the sprain he suffered in his title-winning effort over Ben Henderson at UFC 164 last month. All the signs seem to indicate that Pettis will be ready to go in a matter of weeks, so look forward to seeing this bout top what is already looking like another spectacular UFC on FOX card. The fight will also be Grant’s first since withdrawing from his fight with Bendo due to injury and being replaced by, you guessed it, Anthony Pettis. Let’s hope these two can stay healthy.

Additionally, a bout between Travis Browne and Stipe Miocic is also being put together for the December card. Browne is fresh off a come-from-behind KO victory over Alistair Overeem, also at Fight Night 26, whereas Miocic most recently bounced back from his first career loss with a three round beatdown of Roy Nelson at UFC 161. The only outside factor preventing this fight from being confirmed is that of the indefinite medical suspension Browne received after allegedly cutting his foot on Overeem’s glass chin (allegedly). Browne will need to be cleared for by an orthopedist and opthamologist before he can be given the go-ahead against Miocic.

Who do you like for this trio of sure-to-be-slugfests, Nation?

–J. Jones

UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen — Prelim Results & Commentary


(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…

That’s all for the prelims PotatoHeads, remember to open the main card live blog at http://www.cagepotato.com/ufc-fight-night-shogun-vs-sonnen-main-card-results-commentary/ and if you’re watching on TV, you don’t even have to change the channel!

UFC Booking Roundup: These UFC on Fox Sports 1 Cards Are Downright Stacked


(Stacked enough to mandate a *formal* paisley vest.)

If you somehow still aren’t excited about the UFC on Fox Sports 1 cards, then perhaps this new batch of fight booking announcements will be enough to change your mind. Let’s start off with what is reportedly the co-main event of UFC on Fox Sports 1: Condit vs. Kampmann (aka UFC on Fox Sports 1:2). It appears that top lightweights Donald Cerrone and Rafael dos Anjos have been booked for that honor.

After a rough start to his UFC career, dos Anjos will be riding a four fight win streak into this bout. His last fight was just over two weeks ago, where he edged out Evan Dunham in a very close fight at UFC on FX 8. Likewise, Cerrone last competed almost two weeks ago at UFC 160, where he absolutely dominated KJ Noons on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

This looks like a great fight that will have a direct impact on the UFC lightweight division. If you disagree, well, just realize that not every fight can be Fitch vs. Askren. Sometimes, people like to watch fights because they’ll be fun and entertaining.

Speaking of UFC on Fox Sports 1 booking updates…


(Stacked enough to mandate a *formal* paisley vest.)

If you somehow still aren’t excited about the UFC on Fox Sports 1 cards, then perhaps this new batch of fight booking announcements will be enough to change your mind. Let’s start off with what is reportedly the co-main event of UFC on Fox Sports 1: Condit vs. Kampmann (aka UFC on Fox Sports 1:2). It appears that top lightweights Donald Cerrone and Rafael dos Anjos have been booked for that honor.

After a rough start to his UFC career, dos Anjos will be riding a four fight win streak into this bout. His last fight was just over two weeks ago, where he edged out Evan Dunham in a very close fight at UFC on FX 8. Likewise, Cerrone last competed almost two weeks ago at UFC 160, where he absolutely dominated KJ Noons on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

This looks like a great fight that will have a direct impact on the UFC lightweight division. If you disagree, well, just realize that not every fight can be Fitch vs. Askren. Sometimes, people like to watch fights because they’ll be fun and entertaining.

Speaking of UFC on Fox Sports 1 booking updates…

– UFC on Fox Sports 1: Condit vs. Kampmann will have yet another top ten showdown on the card, as it has been announced that undefeated female bantamweight Sara McMann will take on former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman at the event. McMann won her UFC debut by first round TKO back at UFC 159, while Kaufman recently got back in the W column by picking up a split-decision over Leslie Smith at Invicta FC 5 this past April. I’d write that the winner is in line for a title shot, but with Cat Zingano getting the next title shot when she returns from her knee injury, who the hell knows for sure?

– As for UFC on Fox Sports 1: Shogun vs Sonnen (UFC on Fox Sports 1:1), bantamweight contests Brad Pickett vs Michael McDonald and also Urijah Faber vs. Yuri Alcantara have both been added to the already strong card. If you thought Dana White was just hyping up the launch of Fox Sports 1 when he promised us a “SICK card” to celebrate it, then this is his way of walking towards the coffee pot and declaring that he is not fucking with you.

Here’s a list of the announced bouts for UFC on Fox Sports 1: Shogun vs. Sonnen, which goes down on August 17th from the TD Garden in Boston:

Mauricio Rua vs. Chael Sonnen
Alistair Overeem vs. Travis Browne
Urijah Faber vs. Yuri Alcantara
Matt Brown vs. Thiago Alves
Uriah Hall vs. Nick Ring
Joe Lauzon vs. Michael Johnson
Brad Pickett vs. Michael McDonald
Mike Brown vs. Akira Corassani
Daniel Pineda vs. Diego Brandao
Andy Ogle vs. Conor McGregor
Cody Donovan vs. Ovince St. Preux
Ramsey Nijem vs. James Vick

The only questions that remain are, will Fox Sports 1:1 be as good as it looks on paper? And when both cards fill up, which card will have the better fights? Let us know in the comments section what you think.

@SethFalvo

‘UFC on FUEL 7? Aftermath — Barao Defends Interim Belt, Picks Up 20th Consecutive Win


(Interim UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao | Photo via MMA Weekly)

By Elias Cepeda

Interim Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao withstood some dangerous moments and an overall stiff challenge from Michael McDonald in the main event of the UFC on FUEL 7 card in England yesterday to retain his belt with a fourth round arm-triangle submission win. After three rounds of close action, that saw McDonald land some hard shots to the dome of the champion, Barao was able to drag the challenger to the mat, take his back and then quickly transition to a cross-side knee-on-belly position with a locked arm-triangle and force the tap.

Throughout the fight, Barao looked confident on his feet but clearly wanted to take McDonald to the ground where he’d be safe from the American’s nasty counter-punches and where he assumed he’d have a clearer advantage. McDonald survived being taken down early in the first round and stuffed many more takedown attempts up until the end.

Ultimately, the champion’s conditioning enabled him to continue to doggedly pursue McDonald and keep him on the mat. Barao earned an $50,000 with his Submission of The Night and urged injured regular bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz to come back as soon as possible, in his post-fight remarks. The win represented Barao’s 20th-straight victory, in a stunning streak that dates back to April 2008.


(Interim UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao | Photo via MMA Weekly)

By Elias Cepeda

Interim Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao withstood some dangerous moments and an overall stiff challenge from Michael McDonald in the main event of the UFC on FUEL 7 card in England yesterday to retain his belt with a fourth round arm-triangle submission win. After three rounds of close action, that saw McDonald land some hard shots to the dome of the champion, Barao was able to drag the challenger to the mat, take his back and then quickly transition to a cross-side knee-on-belly position with a locked arm-triangle and force the tap.

Throughout the fight, Barao looked confident on his feet but clearly wanted to take McDonald to the ground where he’d be safe from the American’s nasty counter-punches and where he assumed he’d have a clearer advantage. McDonald survived being taken down early in the first round and stuffed many more takedown attempts up until the end.

Ultimately, the champion’s conditioning enabled him to continue to doggedly pursue McDonald and keep him on the mat. Barao earned an $50,000 with his Submission of The Night and urged injured regular bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz to come back as soon as possible, in his post-fight remarks. The win represented Barao’s 20th-straight victory, in a stunning streak that dates back to April 2008.

Even if Cruz takes a while longer to heal and return, Barao should have his share of exciting fights ahead of him in the near future. For one, there’s McDonald again if the youngster can get another win or two notched. As Alex Giardini wrote in yesterday’s live blog of the event, it is easy to imagine this fight as the beginning of an compelling rivalry between Barao and McDonald.

Tom Watson and Stanislav Nedkov’s torrid back-and-forth middleweight battle earned both men Fight of The Night honors and $50,000 each extra in bonuses. In the first round, Nedkov looked to have Watson hurt from uppercuts and nearly finished but ‘Kong’ managed to survive into the second. It wasn’t long until Watson had turned the tide, damaged Nedkov and dropped him with a knee in the second. Some ground strikes later and the referee was forced to step in and stop the action.

Watson earned an additional $50,000 for Knock Out of The Night honors as well.

Jimi Manuwa earned a stoppage win over Cyrille Diabate after Diabate could not answer the horn to start the second round due to a leg injury. Welterweight grappling phenom Gunnar Nelson got a unanimous decision win over Jorge Santiago and Matt Riddle showed Britain who’s boss by beating Che Mills via split decision.

Cub Swanson continued his impressive rise back to title contention with a unanimous decision win over the tough and talented Dustin Poirier and James Te Huna got a unanimous decision nod from the judges over Ryan Jimmo.

UFC on Fuel 7 Prelim Results:

Renee Forte def. Terry Etim via unanimous decision

Danny Castillo def. Paul Sass via UD

Andy Ogle def. Josh Grispi via UD

Tom Watson def. Stanislav Nedkov via TKO, 4:42 of round 2

Vaughn Lee def. Motonobu Tezuka via UD

Phil Harris def. Ulysses Gomez via UD