Dominick Cruz (@thedomin8r) vs. Demetrious Johnson (@mightymouseUFC)In the most anticipated bout of the evening, UFC Bantamweight champion, Cruz will look to defend his title against the UFC’s smallest fighter, Johnson.Both Cruz and Johnson have won…
In the most anticipated bout of the evening, UFC Bantamweight champion, Cruz will look to defend his title against the UFC’s smallest fighter, Johnson.
Both Cruz and Johnson have won 9 of their last ten fights and each fighter has lost just one time in their professional careers.
Prior to the fight Joe Rogan stated this fight had potential to be the fastest paced bout in UFC history.
As action began, Cruz and “Mighty Mouse” Johnson proved Rogan’s words to be true as they showed off their quickness and speed early.
Johnson was the aggressor early making Cruz back peddle away, something he’s not familiar with.
“Mighty Mouse” went in for an early take down only to be stuffed by Cruz.
When both fighters returned to their feet Cruz through Johnson to the ground and gained side control.
In a terrible position, Johnson managed to work his way into butterfly control and eventually back to his feet.
Johnson once again pressured Cruz. While Johnson was the aggressor, Cruz proved his strength in stuffing nearly every take down attempt.
As the second round began, Johnson attacked Cruz with kicks only to be taken down for a third time in just two rounds.
Johnson escaped getting back to his feet and the two were once again circling the center of the Octagon.
Johnson’s take down attempts were once again unsuccessful as Cruz proves to the Washington, D.C. crowd why he is the best fighter in the 135 weight class.
As round two came near a close, Johnson escaped side control and action was back to the stand up.
Despite a minor upper cut and attempted flying knee, Cruz controlled round two with his take downs.
The third round began as the fast paced fight continue.
Both fighters circled the center of the Octagon but neither engaged in on the other attempting to feel one another out.
Cruz finally engages in on Johnson and suplex slammed him over his back gaining back control.
Johnson appeared to be at the end of his road when Cruz connected on a tight Rear Naked Choke.
But, the Mighty Mouse escaped giving life to the D.C. crowd.
Johnson began swinging for the fences as he couldn’t defend against the champion’s exceptional take downs.
The championship rounds began as the fighters appeared to have slowed down a bit but still higher temped than your average fighters.
The first two minutes of round four remained in the stand up until Cruz once again took Johnson down. Johnson escaped only to be taken down again.
The theme of the night continued as Cruz took Mighty Mouse down only for him to escape and get back to their feet.
The fifth and final round began as Johnson was desperate for the one-punch knockout.
Cruz took control when putting Johnson up against the cage. Seconds later, Cruz connected on his second suplex slam taking side control as time ticked away in the championship bout.
Johnson returned to his feet with just two minutes remaining. Cruz proved to be the better fighter when he took Johnson down for the final time of the bout.
The bell sounded when Cruz remained the UFC Bantamweight champion of the world.
Result: Dominick Cruz defeats Demetrious Johnson via R5 Unanimous Decision
The UFC’s venture into the nation’s capital on Oct. 1 featured four fights on Versus and eight fights streamed on Facebook. The event, which took place from the Verizon Center, was highlighted by a bantamweight title bout between cha…
The UFC’s venture into the nation’s capital on Oct. 1 featured four fights on Versus and eight fights streamed on Facebook. The event, which took place from the Verizon Center, was highlighted by a bantamweight title bout between champion Dominick Cruz and Demetrious Johnson.
Cruz used his size and strength advantage to control his faster opponent. Johnson appeared to puzzle and frustrate the champion on the feet, but Cruz used his wrestling to overwhelm his opponent. Cruz threatened to end the fight on multiple occasions with a choke, but Johnson survived to the scorecards. All of the judges scored the fight for the champion, who retains his UFC belt.
Stefan Struve and Pat Barry battled in the co-main event. The two heavyweights had the largest height differential in the division, as the 6-foot-11 Struve towered over the 5-foot-11 Barry. A slow first round was quickly forgotten after the pair opened up in the second round. Struve looked for a choke while standing, which brought the fight to the mat. Struve transitioned to a triangle choke, which Barry tried to escape with a slam, but was ultimately forced to tap.
Anthony Johnson showed off superior striking against wrestling stalwart Charlie Brenneman. Brenneman was desperate to get the fight to the mat, but Johnson stuffed his takedown attempts and delivered punches. A head kick wobbled Brenneman and he staggered to his feet, eating a second kick that sent him crashing to the mat. The referee stepped in before further damage would occur.
Lightweights Matt Wiman and Mac Danzig went to war in a continuation of their controversial UFC 115 fight. Wiman used a furious pace to push Danzig from the opening bell. The pair traded elbow and uppercuts from inside the clinch, with Wiman delivering the most damage. All three judges gave the nod to Wiman.
On the event’s preliminary card, Yves Edwards scored a TKO win over Rafaello Oliveira after unloading on the Brazilian. Paul Sass submitted TUF alum Michael Johnson with a heel hook in the first round. Canadian TJ Grant picked up an armbar win over Shane Roller in the final round of their lightweight contest. Josh Neer put on a clinic of clinch elbows, forcing a doctor’s stoppage against Keith Wisniewski. Finally, Walel Watson scored an opening round TKO of fellow newcomer Joseph Sandoval.
Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.
One of the most compelling heavyweight fights in recent memory was tabbed as the co-main event for UFC on Versus 6. Pat Barry is the division’s shortest fighter at 5-foot-11, while Stefan Struve is the tallest at 6-foot-11. Barry fought at …
One of the most compelling heavyweight fights in recent memory was tabbed as the co-main event for UFC on Versus 6. Pat Barry is the division’s shortest fighter at 5-foot-11, while Stefan Struve is the tallest at 6-foot-11.
Barry fought at the last Versus event, where he nearly finished Cheick Kongo, before getting knocked out in one of the most exciting finishes this year.
Struve’s last Octagon appearance also ended in a knockout loss, as Travis Browne finished him at UFC 130.
Barry stalked early, but neither fighter looked comfortable with the height differential at first. Inside leg kicks connected from Barry. The first exchange didn’t come until near the midway point of the round. Struve tried to establish his range with his jab and teep. Struve looked to clinch, but Barry escaped. The fighters both looked to attack the head with leg strikes as the round ended, but the crowd voiced their disapproval of the slow-paced open stanza.
Body shot from Barry landed to start the second round. Struve threw a kick to the head that was blocked and Barry got inside to land a right hand. The fighters exchanged combos and began to open up. Struve again looked for a clinch, but Barry avoided any damage. Struve looked for a knee, but Barry landed a hook. Struve locked in a standing D’arce and brought the fight down to the ground. Struve transitioned to a triangle choke. Barry tried to slam Struve, but did not break the hold. Barry was forced to tap.
Struve rebounded from his loss to Browne with the submission win. “I’m thrilled with the result,” the Dutchman proclaimed in his post-fight interview.
For Barry, the loss is his second straight.
Official result: Stefan Struve def. Pat Barry by submission (triangle choke). 3:22, Round 2
Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.
A rematch of a controversial UFC 115 lightweight fight kicked off the Versus main card in Washington, D.C. Matt Wiman was awarded victory in the original meeting after locking in a guillotine choke. Referee Yves Lavinge stopped the fight, …
A rematch of a controversial UFC 115 lightweight fight kicked off the Versus main card in Washington, D.C. Matt Wiman was awarded victory in the original meeting after locking in a guillotine choke. Referee Yves Lavinge stopped the fight, thinking Mac Danzig was unconscious.
Wiman dropped a razor-thin decision to Dennis Siver in July and is looking to put that and the prior Danzig fight to bed.
Danzig bounced back from the loss to Wiman to knockout Joe Stevenson at UFC 124 last December.
Wiman started with a combo that missed. Danzig connected with uppercuts from inside the clinch. Danzig pushed the fight against the fence. Wiman caught a headkick and dumped Danzig to the ground. Danzig regained his footing, but Wiman continued to work for a single leg. Danzig briefly locked in a guillotine, but Wiman easily defended. A flurry from Wiman backed Danzig against the fence. The pair traded elbows from the clinch. A knee from Wiman sent Danzig reeling. The fighters continued to trade big shots and Wiman looked for a takedown as the round came to a close.
The middle frame started with Wiman again pressing forward. Danzig initiated the clinch against the cage, but Wiman pushed away. Danzig scored with a trip takedown and landed in the half guard. Wiman regained full guard. Wiman looked for a triangle and then transitioned for an armbar from his back. Danzig escaped and delivered shots from the top. Wiman looked for a kimura on Danzig’s left arm, but Danzig again defended. The fighters returned to their feet and continued to trade strikes. The round finished with more clinch work against the cage.
Much like the first two rounds, Wiman pressed forward. Wiman landed a big right hand when Danzig had his back to the fence. The pair traded elbows and Wiman opened a cut under Danzig’s left eye. The fighters exchanged more in the clinch. Wiman looked a takedown, but Danzig landed on top. Danzig moved to Wiman’s back against the fence. Danzig slide off and Wiman landed on top in the half guard. Wiman unloaded elbows from the top. Danzig regained his full guard along the fence, but Wiman remained in control. Danzig stood with 30 seconds remaining. Wiman dropped for a final takedown, but Danzig looked for a guillotine as the fight ended.
All three judges gave the fight to Matt Wiman. Wiman expressed his happiness in winning the decision.
Official result: Matt Wiman def. Mac Danzig by unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.
Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (@RafaelloTractor)Both Edwards and Oliveira enter the Octagon with hopes of rebounding from their previous defeats to Sam Stout and Gleison Tibau.Action began as both fighters came out swinging away…
Both Edwards and Oliveira enter the Octagon with hopes of rebounding from their previous defeats to Sam Stout and Gleison Tibau.
Action began as both fighters came out swinging away looking to put an end to eachother’s night early.
Oliveira moved in on Edwards and eventually pinned him up against the cage. From the clinch, Oliveira began to land knees to the mid section of Edwards.
Finally, Edwards broke free taking the fight back to the center of the Octagon.
Oliveira appeared more explosive than ever landing combo strikes on Edwards causing him to bleed from his right eye.
Edwards had no answer for Oliveira as he rapidly began to charge.
At mid way through the 1st round of action, Edwards bounced back by landing minor combos and leg kicks.
Oliveira moved in and attempted to take Edwards down but it was stuffed as both fighters remained on their feet.
Edwards stole the momentum landing an uppercut that pushed Oliveira back for the first time in the fight.
Edwards and Oliveira began swinging away as the 1st round came to a close.
While it was nearly an even first round, the early advantage went to Oliveira due to being the aggressor and frequent combos.
When action picked back up in the second frame, both fighters continue to swing for the fences.
For a brief moment the fight went to the ground before being back on their feet just seconds later.
At the two minute point of the round, Edwards landed a right hock that sent Oliveira to the ground. It appeared as if his night was over.
But, Oliveira recovered getting back to his feet.
Edwards then connected on a vicious head kick that would keep Oliveira down for good.
Edwards began pounding away on a hurt Oliveira as the bout was called at 2:44 of the 2nd round.
You ever get really lazy while liveblogging and decide to just use a picture of the fighters in the main event and offer nothing clever in the caption? Yeah, me neither. Props: Pennyjomma.net
You know why you’re here. You know what to expect. Let’s just jump right into this. Also, weekend editor Seth Falvo is handling tonight’s liveblog duties, so please direct all of your hateful comments at him. And hit “refresh” early and often.
You ever get really lazy while liveblogging and decide to just use a picture of the fighters in the main event and offer nothing clever in the caption? Yeah, me neither. Props: Pennyjomma.net
You know why you’re here. You know what to expect. Let’s just jump right into this. Also, weekend editor Seth Falvo is handling tonight’s liveblog duties, so please direct all of your hateful comments at him. And hit “refresh” early and often.
We have the obligatory pre-fight hype for tonight’s main event. Yushin Okami was hyped as “the strongest opponent that Anderson Silva has ever faced”, while Demetrious Johnson is being hyped as “the fastest opponent that Dominick Cruz has ever faced”. Foreshadowing much? You tell me, comments section. Here we go…right into a commercial break.
Matt Wiman vs. Mac Danzig
Mac Danzig cut his hair, and arguably packed on mass. Okay, maybe not. I just wanted to make a Mac from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia reference, and wanted to get it out of the way as early as possible. This one begins after we return from commercials.
Round One:
Leg kick Wiman. They clinch in the center of the cage, with Danzig landing some nice elbows and knees. Danzig goes for a head kick, and gets taken down by Wiman. Danzig looking for a guillotine, but can’t get his arm under Wiman’s neck. They stand, with Danzig landing some good shots before clinching again. Wiman lands an elbow from the clinch. Wiman lands another leg kick. More clinching, as they exchange elbows and hooks. They separate, with Wiman pushing the pace. Wiman lands another elbow, and Danzig’s nose is bleeding. Nice body kick by Danzig. Wiman is landing some nice elbows and knees from the clinch. Wiman goes for a takedown, but Danzig stuffs it as the first round ends.
Round Two:
Leg kick Wiman. And another. Danzig pushes Wiman into the cage, but Matt Wiman lands some elbows from the clinch. They separate, and now Wiman has Danzig against the cage. More elbows, before they separate and Danzig gets the takedown. Danzig attempts to pass guard, but Wiman stuff it. Wiman works for a triangle, but it doesn’t work. He transitions into an armbar, but Danzig manages to stack him up. Wiman attempts a kimura, but Danzig defends. They stand and exchange punches, with Danzig getting the better of the exchange. Another leg kick by Wiman. He shoots for a takedown, but Danzig avoids it. They exchange, with neither guy landing anything, as this round ends.
Round Three:
Wiman comes out swinging, but not really landing anything. Wiman lands a straight right before pushing Danzig into the cage. Another elbow from Wiman. And another. Danzig’s nose is a mess, but he counters and manages to escape. Failed takedown attempt from Wiman, and he looks gassed. They exchange, with Danzig getting the better of the exchanges. Wiman goes for a takedown, then pulls guard. Danzig gets control of Wiman’s back and throws punches before going for a rear naked choke. Wiman defends, and transitions to side control. Wiman begins raining down elbows. Danzig manages to stand up, and eats more elbows from the clinch. Wiman works for a takedown against the cage…but Danzig manages to catch him in a guillotine! Can Wiman hold out until the end of the round? Yes, yes he can. This one will go to the judges.
Great show from both fighters, but the judges give this one to Matt Wiman, 29-28 on all cards. The crowd is not impressed. Fight of the Night? We’ll see.
Some obligatory shots of the Washington Monument and the White House before a three way interview with Joe Rogan, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Both fighters chose to give incredibly safe answers. Seriously, think of the safest thing you could say about if you were either of them about their last fight and predictions for their next fight, and you’ll probably come up with their responses verbatim. Not that anyone should be surprised by this.
Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman
Anthony Johnson violates our ban about “bringing your old self back”. He promises a knockout by either head kick or a straight right. Hmm…when have we heard him say that before?
Round One:
Nice knee by Johnson. Brenneman shoots for a takedown, but Rumble sprawls. Some punches from Johnson while Brenneman turtles up. Nice knees to the body by Johnson. Brenneman needs to do something quickly. Brenneman manages to pull half guard and attempts a guillotine. Johnson moves into side control and stands up. Johnson grazes Brenneman with a head kick, but Brenneman manages to fall back to his knees. The second head kick from Johnson lands as Brenneman stands up, and this one is waved off, with Brenneman sitting up arguing about the stoppage. Premature stoppage? I’ll leave that for the comments section to discuss.
Rumble tells Joe Rogan that after everything that people were saying after the Dan Hardy fight, he knew he’d have to make a statement. He then says that Charlie Brenneman was the first fighter he’s faced that actually had him nervous. He then asks the crowd to give it up for Brenneman, because “he’s a beast”. I honestly can’t tell if he’s being facetious or not.
Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve
Before the fight, Pat Barry sums it up by saying “This is a Dutch kickboxer versus an American kickboxer. We’re going to punch and kick each other until one of us gives up.” Struve hints at possibly using his jiu jitsu, but I’m inclined to believe that Barry’s pre-fight prediction will be more accurate. We’ll see.
Round One:
They feel each other out before Struve lands a body kick against Barry. Leg kick Barry. And another. Not a lot of action, as they feel each other out while the crowd begins to boo. Leg kick Barry, as Struve answers with a teep. Leg kick Barry, as Struve jabs. The crowd begins booing louder. Head kick attempt from Barry, but Struve avoids it. Struve utilizes a few teeps before throwing a leg kick. Barry is doing a good job ducking under Struve’s punches, but he isn’t landing any opf his counter punches. Leg kick Barry before completely missing a Crane Kick as the round ends. Okay, so it wasn’t a Crane kick so much as a jumping kick that completely misses, but I need SOMETHING to entertain me.
Round Two:
Barry with a nice uppercut to start the round. Barry throws another head kick, but Struve blocks it. Leg kick Struve. barry checks a kick before answering with a leg kick of his own. Barry lands another leg kick. And another. Struve attempts to clinch, but Barry escapes. Struve attempts a knee, but Barry answers with a hook. Struve attempts a standing guillotine, and then takes the action to the matt. Struve transitions to guard and locks in a triangle. Barry with an impressive slam, but Struve hangs on. Barry taps. Very interesting ending to an otherwise forgettable fight.
Tough break, Pat. Struve calls Barry “one of the coolest dudes in MMA” and says he couldn’t have done it without him. Submission of the Night honors, or does Paul Sass deserve it more for his heel hook over Michael Johnson? And to think that you thought I wasn’t watching the prelims.
Bantamweight Championship: Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson
More talk about how Demetrious Johnson may be the fastest man in MMA before we’re reminded by Mike Goldberg that there is ANOTHER title on the line tonight in…Cruz vs. Johnson? Did I miss the first title fight, or am I just misinterpreting that one? We’re also reminded that both men are 9-1 in their last ten fights, with only one loss in their careers.
Cruz walks out to Hell’s Bells, but is wearing headphones. Joe Rogan wonders out loud what Cruz can possibly be listening to, and Goldberg speculates that he’s listening to AC/DC. I’m officially lost, so let’s just jump into this.
Round One:
Johnson comes out swinging, but doesn’t land much of anything. He shoots for a takedown, but Cruz stuffs in nicely before getting Johnson down and working for the mount. The crowd begins booing immediately, apparently still angry with the lack of action in the last fight. Cruz transitions to side control. Johnson escapes and eventually stands up. He pushes the action again, but is taken down while attempting a head kick. Cruz transitions to side control before briefly taking Johnson’s back. Johnson escapes, and manages to take down Cruz. Cruz gets back to his feet, but Johnson keeps him against the cage. Cruz escapes, but Johnson is really pressing the action. We’re once again reminded that Johnson is, in fact, the fastest guy that Cruz has faced as the round ends. Interesting start.
Round Two:
Johnson comes out swinging again, but Cruz takes him down against the cage. Some knees to the body by Cruz, but Johnson escapes. Johnson rushes in with jabs and crosses, and attempts a takedown. Cruz stuffs it, and pins Johnson against the cage. Some knees to the body from Cruz before attempting a takedown. Johnson stuffs it and reverses position. Cruz is breathing heavy now. Huge knee by Cruz, but Johnson narrowly manages to escape. Leg kick Johnson. Flying knee attempt from Johnson as he continues to press the action. Johnson attempts a takedown, but Cruz answers with a takedown of his own. Cruz in top position as this round comes to an end.
Round Three:
Johnson continues to come out swinging, but doesn’t land anything. Cruz works his jab while the crowd begins to boo. A brief scramble sees Cruz taking Johnson’s back and suplexing him. He attempts a rear naked choke, but Johnson escapes. Another choke attempt by Cruz, but Johnson gets back to his feet and presses Cruz against the cage. Cruz reverses, and manages to take Johnson down. Cruz appears gassed as Johnson attempts to stand back up. Johnson gets up and clinches with Cruz. They exchange knees against the cage as this round comes to an end.
Round Four:
Nice leg kick by Johnson. They feel each other out for a bit, with Cruz landing a few jabs. Cruz trips, but recovers with a jab. Johnson rushes the champion, but doesn’t land anything. Cruz pushes Johnson against the cage, and eventually gets a takedown. Cruz mounts Johnson, but Johnson escapes and tries to stand. He eventually succeeds. They feel each other out some more, but Cruz manages to push Johnson against the cage and work for a takedown. He succeeds, but can’t keep Johnson down for long. Johnson rushes in with a kick, but it’s caught by Cruz as this round comes to an end.
Round Five:
They touch gloves, and then Johnson presses the action. He throws a head kick, but Cruz escapes. Cruz manages a takedown in the center of the cage, and ends up in side control. Johnson gets Cruz in full guard, with Cruz throwing elbows to Johnson’s head. The ref warns them to “get busy”. Johnson scoots towards the cage and attempts to stand up. He succeeds, but Cruz keeps him against the cage. Johnson eventually escapes and lands an uppercut. He misses a head kick as Cruz circles away. Johnson pushes Cruz against the cage, but Cruz gets a takedown. He can’t keep Johnson down though, and he uses his jab to keep Johnson away. Cruz slips a punch and gets a takedown with one minute left. Cruz mounts Johnson, but Johnson turns over to escape. Johnson catches Cruz with a cross, but Cruz recovers and works for a takedown as this fight comes to an end.
I’d like to emphasize while we wait for the official decision that this was one of the most fast paced fights I’ve ever seen. The ref told these two to “get busy” when the fight slowed down to a slightly more normal pace. The judges see this one for Dominick Cruz, 50-45 (x2), 49-46.
They plug the return of the NHL, and we’re done for the evening. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow, but for now, have at it in the comments section.
