Tag: UFC 140

UFC 140 Results: Big Takeaways from Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida

Well, he did it again. At UFC 140, Jon Jones overcame what was probably the most (or only) in-cage adversity of his career to choke out Lyoto Machida late in the second round and retain his light heavyweight title.Here are some of the key takeaways fro…

Well, he did it again. At UFC 140, Jon Jones overcame what was probably the most (or only) in-cage adversity of his career to choke out Lyoto Machida late in the second round and retain his light heavyweight title.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the fight.

 

What we’ll remember about this fight

That Jones was tested like he has never been tested before, and passed with flying colors. In the first round, Machida found openings in Jones’ stand-up and charged through them forcefully. The Dragon appeared to win the round. 

Jones regrouped in the second round, scoring a takedown and opening Machida’s forehead with an elbow. Soon after, Jones locked in a standing guillotine choke. When he released the choke, Machida fell to the mat in a heap, and another one bit the dust.

 

What we learned about Lyoto Machida

He’s still very much a relevant fighter. Using his signature stick-and-move karate, Machida pushed Jones farther than Jones had ever been pushed before. In so doing, Machida scored a moral victory of sorts. Those don’t count in the record books, but perhaps it’s something Machida can build on.

 

What we learned about Jon Jones

That he can rally. He had never been hit hard in the cage, and with apologies to Matt Hamill had never cleanly lost a round. All the uncertainty about how he would fare in the proverbial deep water can be considered resolved. At least to the point such a resolution is possible given that he choked out his opponent in the second round. 

 

What’s next for Machida

It wouldn’t seem that a great deal of soul-searching is in order. He is what he is. Tonight, against the best light heavyweight in the world, it didn’t work well enough for him to win. As for Machida’s next opponent, he might make an interesting welcome-back gift for Thiago Silva this spring.

 

What’s next for Jones

If Rashad Evans can get past Phil Davis at UFC on Fox 2 next month, he should be next in line. Dana White has indicated as much. Evans just might be the man to beat Jones at light heavyweight, if such a man should exist. If Evans loses to Davis, the next shot would likely go to a Mr. Dan Henderson. 

 

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis. 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 140: What’s Next for the Main Card Winners?

The UFC returned to Toronto for tonight’s card, and it featured quality matchups with reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, former heavyweight champions Frank Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and former UFC light heavyweight champio…

The UFC returned to Toronto for tonight’s card, and it featured quality matchups with reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, former heavyweight champions Frank Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and former UFC light heavyweight champions Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz.

Jones got past one of his most important tests in Machida after submitting the former champion in the second round.

In the co-main event, Mir overcame adversity and got revenge in the form of a bone-breaking Kimura submission over Nogueira.

Ortiz hoped to come back and earn a much-needed victory against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, but it wouldn’t happen, as Ortiz was stopped in the very first round.

This is what’s next for the main card winners.

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UFC 140 Results: Jon Jones Chokes Lyoto Machida Unconscious; Retains UFC Belt

The night’s main event featured a light heavyweight title tile between champion Jon Jones and former champion Lyoto Machida. Jones earned the belt in March at UFC 128, where he stepped in for former teammate Rashad Evans.  He took the belt f…

The night’s main event featured a light heavyweight title tile between champion Jon Jones and former champion Lyoto Machida.

Jones earned the belt in March at UFC 128, where he stepped in for former teammate Rashad Evans.  He took the belt from Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, the man who defeated Machida to take the gold.  Jones defended his title against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in September at UFC 135.

The Brazilian Machida has always been one of the toughest tests in the 205-pound division.  The Karate practitioner has proved to be a stylistic nightmare for most fighters.  While just 1-2 over his last three contests, the former champion scored a highlight reel frontkick knockout over Randy Couture in Toronto at UFC 129.

Round One: Jones started the fight low to the ground.  Jones was the first to strike, but failed to connect.  A spinning back kick missed the mark from Jones.  Machida scored with a kick to the lead leg of Jones.  Jones answered with a kick of his own.  Machida looked to counter with a left hand but slipped.  Jones kicked and Machida flurried but missed with a number of strikes.  Machida landed with a kick to the body and followed with a left hand.  An overhand right from Jones missed and Machida pushed forward, clipping Jones with multiple shots to the head.  Machida landed a left kick to the body.  A head kick from Jones missed the mark at the end of the round.

Round Two: The two light heavyweights traded kicks to begin the round.  Both fighters fainted repeatedly, looking to solve one another.  Jones kicked to the body and Machida countered with two right hands.  The pair briefly clinched, but separated.  Jones landed a right hand, straight to the jawline of the Brazilian.  Jones scored with a huge takedown against the fence, quickly delivering a massive elbow to open a cut on Machida’s forehead.  Jones briefly looked for a choke attempt, but abandoned it.  The action was stopped to check the cut, but the doctor allowed the fight to continue.  A left hand from Jones sent Machida crashing toward the mat.  Jones pounced and applied a standing guillotine choke against the fence.  Machida refused to tap and John McCarthy was forced to intervene.  An unconscious Machida crashed to the mat.

“He didn’t have me hurt, but he wobbled me a bit.  He’s just smart and a very tough puzzle,” Jones said of his opponent. 

Official Result: Jon Jones def. Lyoto Machida by submission (guillotine choke). Round 2, 4:26 

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis. 

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.

Frank Mir ‘Wouldn’t Mind’ Replacing Alistair Overeem Against Brock Lesnar

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Frank MirTORONTO — Frank Mir would have us believe that he was never really out of it after getting rocked by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the first round of their heavyweight tilt at UFC 140. Instead, he was merely “wobbled,” he said. He’d also have us believe that was bound to get out of danger whether Nogueira had stopped hitting him and gone for a choke or not, even if UFC president Dana White was among those who simply wasn’t buying either claim.

It almost makes you wonder how seriously to take Mir’s other major statement on the night, this one regarding rumors that Alistair Overeem might have to withdraw from his UFC 141 fight with Brock Lesnar on December 30.

“If the rumors that you’re hearing are true, I wouldn’t mind having to step in for Overeem and taking on Brock,” said Mir. “I’m pretty healthy and three weeks isn’t bad turnaround.”

And why not? He may have come within one or two punches of being knocked completely out by Nogueira in a back-and-forth one-rounder, but Mir talked like a man who had hardly suffered any damage at all before getting the submission win in a wild affair.


As he explained: “I only fought a three-minute fight, so I’m feeling pretty good. My wife might not be happy about Christmas but, eh, she can deal with it.”

As for Nogueira, his holiday season is looking especially grim. White, who denied the Overeem withdrawal rumors, revealed after the press conference that he was planning to fly Nogueira back to Las Vegas with him on Sunday morning so he could have surgery on his injured right arm as soon as possible. He also said that he knew Nogueira was headed for trouble when Mir locked up the kimura, and nothing about the Brazilian’s history or posture suggested that he was ready to tap.

“Nogueira’s a jiu-jitsu black belt, probably the best submissions heavyweight of all time, you know when you get caught in that thing to tap,” White said. “You know to tap out to that. It’s what happens if you don’t.”

Mir said he knew what the likely outcome would be when he secured the kimura, and the only thing left to do was to go ahead and finish it.

“I had a strong inclination that he was not going to tap, so I took a deep breath and you guys saw what happened,” he said.

The injury drew pained groans from the crowd at the Air Canada Centre when it was replayed several times on the big screen. It’s the latest in a serious of injuries that have piled up on Nogueira of late, and though he hasn’t taken the knockouts that some of his contemporaries have, he might still have to sit down for a serious talk with the boss, White said.

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“You’ve got to look at a guy’s entire career, not just how it’s ending. Big Nog’s been in wars, man. I was at the Pride fight when he fought Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ [Filipovic], and ‘Cro Cop’ was just blasting him with kicks to the body and shots to the head, and then he ends up pulling off that submission win in the second round. He’s had a career where he’s been through wars.

“Big Nog is a nice guy and a guy who I respect, and I know they get pissed off at me when I say this stuff, but again, it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately — or fortunately — I’m the one that makes these decisions. I’m going to have to sit down and talk to him. I don’t want to see him get hurt, or anyone else.”

 

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Frank MirTORONTO — Frank Mir would have us believe that he was never really out of it after getting rocked by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the first round of their heavyweight tilt at UFC 140. Instead, he was merely “wobbled,” he said. He’d also have us believe that was bound to get out of danger whether Nogueira had stopped hitting him and gone for a choke or not, even if UFC president Dana White was among those who simply wasn’t buying either claim.

It almost makes you wonder how seriously to take Mir’s other major statement on the night, this one regarding rumors that Alistair Overeem might have to withdraw from his UFC 141 fight with Brock Lesnar on December 30.

“If the rumors that you’re hearing are true, I wouldn’t mind having to step in for Overeem and taking on Brock,” said Mir. “I’m pretty healthy and three weeks isn’t bad turnaround.”

And why not? He may have come within one or two punches of being knocked completely out by Nogueira in a back-and-forth one-rounder, but Mir talked like a man who had hardly suffered any damage at all before getting the submission win in a wild affair.


As he explained: “I only fought a three-minute fight, so I’m feeling pretty good. My wife might not be happy about Christmas but, eh, she can deal with it.”

As for Nogueira, his holiday season is looking especially grim. White, who denied the Overeem withdrawal rumors, revealed after the press conference that he was planning to fly Nogueira back to Las Vegas with him on Sunday morning so he could have surgery on his injured right arm as soon as possible. He also said that he knew Nogueira was headed for trouble when Mir locked up the kimura, and nothing about the Brazilian’s history or posture suggested that he was ready to tap.

“Nogueira’s a jiu-jitsu black belt, probably the best submissions heavyweight of all time, you know when you get caught in that thing to tap,” White said. “You know to tap out to that. It’s what happens if you don’t.”

Mir said he knew what the likely outcome would be when he secured the kimura, and the only thing left to do was to go ahead and finish it.

“I had a strong inclination that he was not going to tap, so I took a deep breath and you guys saw what happened,” he said.

The injury drew pained groans from the crowd at the Air Canada Centre when it was replayed several times on the big screen. It’s the latest in a serious of injuries that have piled up on Nogueira of late, and though he hasn’t taken the knockouts that some of his contemporaries have, he might still have to sit down for a serious talk with the boss, White said.

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“You’ve got to look at a guy’s entire career, not just how it’s ending. Big Nog’s been in wars, man. I was at the Pride fight when he fought Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ [Filipovic], and ‘Cro Cop’ was just blasting him with kicks to the body and shots to the head, and then he ends up pulling off that submission win in the second round. He’s had a career where he’s been through wars.

“Big Nog is a nice guy and a guy who I respect, and I know they get pissed off at me when I say this stuff, but again, it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately — or fortunately — I’m the one that makes these decisions. I’m going to have to sit down and talk to him. I don’t want to see him get hurt, or anyone else.”

 

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UFC 140 Quick Results: Canadians Go 2-for-7 in Shocking and Tough Night

It was a shocking and disappointing night for Canadian mixed martial artists at UFC 140 in the Air Canada Center of Toronto. Lightweight fan-favorite Mark Hominick suffered a shocking knockout loss seven seconds into the first round, and light heavywei…

It was a shocking and disappointing night for Canadian mixed martial artists at UFC 140 in the Air Canada Center of Toronto.

Lightweight fan-favorite Mark Hominick suffered a shocking knockout loss seven seconds into the first round, and light heavyweight Krzysztof Soszynski also got knocked out only 35 seconds into his fight to the shock and dismay of the crowd.

Canadians went 2-5 in the seven fights they were involved in, with Mark Bocek and Yves Jabouin both winning decisions. Below are the Canadians’ quick results.

 

Claude Patrick vs. Brian Ebersole

Brian Ebersole won a very thin split decision over Claude Patrick in a very tactical battle that went all over the cage. It was a very tough fight to call as neither fighter could do much damage. It seemed Patrick had Ebersole in more trouble in the third round but the decision went Ebersole’s way.

Patrick post-fight:

“The outcome was unfortunate.I tried to take the fight to the ground but he ended up on top. I attempted three different submissions towards the end and even threw some hard punches, but you know what happens when you leave it in the judges hands.

Ebersole wins via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)


Mark Hominick vs. Chan Sung Jung

The Korean Zombie slipped a wild, lunging left from Hominick right off the bell and landed a straight right to the button to drop the Canadian to the canvass. He then pounced on him and ended the fight by TKO at 0:07 of the 1st Round

Hominick post-fight:

“He came out aggressive. I needed to pace myself. I let my emotions get the best of me and didn’t follow my game plan. I got a little too hyped up.”

Chan Sung Jung wins via knockout at 0:07 of the 1st Round


Krzysztof Soszynski vs Igor Pokrajac

Krzysztof Soszynski was blitzed by Igor Pokrajac after taking a stiff shot to the jaw and suffered a devastating knock out loss at 0:35 of the 1st Round

Soszynski post-fight:

“I should have reacted differently when I got hit. Pokrajac was a good opponent and hit hard.”

Pokrajac wins via knockout at 0:35 of the 1st Round

 

John Makdessi vs Dennis Hallman

Dennis Hallman proved that experience still counts for something in fights as the veteran dominated Canadian John Makdessi on his way to a rear naked choke submission win. Hallman got dominant position right away on Makdessi and softened him up before securing the win.

Hallman wins via rear naked choke at 2:58 of 1st Round


Yves Jabouin vs. Walel Watson

 Yves Jabouin used activity, footwork and head movement to out score the much longer Walel Watson in a very entertaining fight that took place mostly on the feet. Watson’s reach was an early issue but Jabouin overcame, landed the better shots and got a couple takedowns to secure the victory.

Jabouin post-fight:

“This is an awesome feeling. I hustled and did struggle in the fight. There was a fire burning inside of me not to quit. I wasn’t going to give up I fed off the energy of the crowd. My game plan was to use momentum. strike and catch him off balance.”

Jabouin wins via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)


Mark Bocek vs. Nik Lentz

Woodbridge Ontario’s Mark Bocek put on a takedown and grappling clinic on Nik Lentz in his matchup tonight to win a solid but dull fight. Bocek needed the win badly and he delivered  the perfect game plan against Lentz to dominate position all night.

Bocek post-fight:

“Nik was a super tough opponent, we played it safe and it was a friendly fight but I needed the win more. I kept him guessing, played with my hands and then went for the takedown. I prepared for going all three rounds going into the fight. It was great to fight here. The fans are awesome.”

Bocek won via unanimous decision (30-27)

 

Mitch Clarke vs. John Cholish

John Cholish was just a bit bigger, stronger and better than Clarke in all areas and he ended up on Clarke’s back off a scramble and pounded him out for a TKO win at 4:36 of the second round.

Note: All quotes obtained via televised post-fight interviews.

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UFC 140 Results: Brian Ebersole Grinds out Decision Win over Claude Patrick

Originally slated to face rising Canadian welterweight prospect Rory MacDonald, grizzled veteran Brian Ebersole met MacDonald’s fellow countryman, Claude Patrick. Ebersole had resorted to the Australian MMA circuit for the past few years, but whe…

Originally slated to face rising Canadian welterweight prospect Rory MacDonald, grizzled veteran Brian Ebersole met MacDonald’s fellow countryman, Claude Patrick.

Ebersole had resorted to the Australian MMA circuit for the past few years, but when an injury left a void on the UFC 127 in February, the veteran jumped at the opportunity.  After two impressive wins over Chris Lytle and Dennis Hallman, the veteran looked to make it three straight in the promotion. 

Patrick also has been on a tear, winning 13 straight bouts, including the last three within the UFC.  The expert on the ground has scored submission wins in 9 of his 14 victories.

Round One: A brief feeling out process led to Ebersole shooting for a single leg takedown.  Patrick stuffed it and looked for a choke but quickly abandoned it.  Ebersole pushed the fight against the fence, but Patrick was able to reverse the position.  Patrick scored with knees to the body from the clinch position.  Ebersole got the takedown, but Patrick locked in a guillotine. Ebersole calmly escaped, but Patrick was able to stand.  Ebersole sent Patrick back into the fence with a combination.  Ebersole again looked to bring the fight to the ground, but Patrick was able to maintain his feet.  As the round came to a close, Patrick reversed the position and unloaded strikes.

Round Two: Ebersole connected with a jab to begin the second frame.  Patrick dove for a takedown, but Ebersole simply stepped aside.  From the clinch, Ebersole scored with elbows.  Ebersole looked for a takedown again, locking up a single leg, but Patrick prevented it yet again.  The pair continued to battle for position, drawing the ire of the crowd.  Patrick separated and unleashed a combination of punches that backed up Ebersole.  Ebersole missed with a kick and Patrick briefly moved to his back, but Ebersole spun into the clinch.  Patrick connected with a left hand late in the round that stunned Ebersole, but his takedown attempt was stuffed.

Round Three: Ebersole open the final round with a takedown.  Patrick sprawled, but eventually ended up on his back.  Ebersole could not pass the guard of the Canadian, and Patrick returned to his feet.  Ebersole slammed Patrick back to the mat.  Ebersole took Patrick’s back along the fence with one hook.  Patrick spun out and the pair again clinched.  Patrick looked to attack Ebersole’s right arm and gained the top position.  Patrick moved to a choke attempt, but Ebersole again escaped and the returned to standing.  Ebersole shot for final takedown and Patrick defended with a anaconda choke, but Ebersole escaped yet again as the fight ended.

“I was upset because I wasn’t able to do everything I wanted to do tonight,” Ebersole stated in his post-fight interview.

Official Result: Brian Ebersole def. Claude Patrick by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). 

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis. 

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.