Two years removed from his last fight in the UFC, popular lightweight Nate Diaz will make his long-awaited return to face Dustin Poirier in the co-main event of November’s UFC 230 from New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The fight was first announced by the LA Times’ Lance Pugmire, but has not officially been announced yet. It’s expected the two will be part of Friday’s UFC press conference that will feature a slew of fighters and fight announcements for the promotion’s final months of 2018.
Poirier is coming off a second round TKO of Eddie Alvarez this past Saturday at UFC Calgary while Diaz was last seen losing a unanimous decision to Conor McGregor at UFC 202 in August 2016.
For Poirier, he gets another big name after calling out UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov who is expected fo face McGregor this year if the two sides can come to an agreement. For Diaz, he gets back into the mix against a higher-profile opponent after a long absence and wanting more money to return. Even with a loss, a trilogy fight against McGregor seems inevitable while a win could also mean McGregor or even Nurmagomedov if he was to beat the Irishman.
Last night’s UFC show on FOX on paper promised great action, and largely delivered.
But the promise of great fights didn’t resonate with the audience.
The show, headlined by Dustin Poirier’s second-round stoppage of Eddie Alvarez, did 1,461,000 viewers on the fast nationals, the lowest in the seven year-history of UFC on the network. While FOX did win the night in the key demos, overall 18-49 (0.6 rating) and 18-34 (0.4), as well as dominated in men’s demos, the other three major networks had rerun programming on and still beat FOX for overall viewers.
The fast nationals measure FOX from 8-10 p.m., Eastern, 7-9 p.m. Central, and 6-8 p.m. Mountain time, but also measures 8-10 p.m. Pacific time because networks stagger prime time for more West Coast viewing.
However, for a live sports event, the Pacific time zone would be measured based on what programming the local stations aired from 8-10 p.m.
In addition, the main event ended at about 10:10 p.m., meaning most of the match was not measured. Still, no UFC on FOX has ever done less than the 1,593,000 fast nationals number for the Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Derek Brunson show in January, and this show was considered far stronger, although July is a much tougher month to draw.
There were three big matches on the main show, with Jose Aldo’s first-round win over Jeremy Stephens and Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s decision win over Tecia Torres. The number has to be a huge disappointment for a card that featured Alvarez, with a long history of great fights and being a former champion in both UFC and Bellator, Aldo, one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, and Jedrzejczyk, who was considered a superstar as the longtime strawweight champion.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 30: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2, emanating from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Octagon heads back to Calgary for the first time in six years bringing an exciting main card that should have fans in the city excited for some fun fights.
The main event is a rematch in the lightweight division as former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez takes on Dustin Poirier in what could end up being one of the best fights of 2018. Alvarez and Poirier look to finish their unfinished business from UFC 211 in May 2017, when their bout ended in a no contest after Alvarez landed illegal knees. Alvarez has a win over Justin Gaethje since then, while Poirier has scored wins over Gaethje and Anthony Pettis since.
In the co-main event, former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo fights in his first-ever non-title UFC bout as he takes on Jeremy Stephens, who is looking to get a title shot as he goes for his fourth straight win.
Also on the main card, former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk fights in her first non-title UFC bout in over three years as she takes on Tecia Torres. In lightweight action to open the main card, Alexander Hernandez goes for his eighth straight win as he battles Olivier Aubin-Mercier, winner of four straight fights.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
The Saddledome was roughly 30% full as the first fight hit the Octagon. Both guys were swinging early to try to find their striking range. Herrera wriggled out of takedown attempt along the wall and knocked down Powell with a left punch to the body. Powell kept his distance to avoid any more punches from Herrera, then countered with a pair of stiff left kicks to Herrera’s body and finished him with punches on the ground.
Official Result: Devin Powell def. Alvaro Herrara by knockout (punches) at 1:52 of the first round
The crowd was behind Markos, as she was announced as fighting out of Canada. Ansaroff tried to use leg kicks early, but Markos caught one and took her to the ground after briefly working on a clinch along the cage. She got Ansaroff’s back and tried to get a choke, but Ansaroff defended well and managed to get Markos off her back, then eventually battled from the bottom back to her feet. The pair traded standing strikes briefly before the round ended. 10-9 Markos.
Both fighters attempted to establish their striking in the second round. Markos attempted a takedown by going for a leg but Ansaroff managed to dodge it. Midway through the round the tentative striking from both fighters became more effective, with Markos getting the better of a few exchanges on the feet. Ansaroff avoided a second takedown late in the round, this time along the fence. Tough round to score, narrowly 10-9 Markos due to her doing a bit more damage with her strikes. 20-18 Markos through two rounds.
Markos got the better of a striking exchange early in the third round, but wasn’t able to capitalize while clinching against the fence. Ansaroff avoided a pair of takedown attempts from Markos, but wasn’t able to execute any counters standing. She ended up on top of Markos on a third takedown attempt, but wasn’t able to do much damage from that position. Narrowly 10-9 Markos by virtue of initiating more takedowns and getting the better of the striking exchanges. 30-27 Markos, but the second and third rounds could go either way due to Ansaroff defending well.
Official Result: Nina Ansaroff def. Randa Markos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
All three judges gave Ansaroff the second and third rounds.
This bout was full of frenetic energy, with both fighters constantly moving and altering their footwork. Nicolau knocked Ortiz down with a leg kick that swept his leg out from under him, but Ortiz popped back up. They had a series of quick striking exchanges with Nicolau slightly getting the better of them until Ortiz dropped Nicolau with a right head-kick, then finished him with punches on the ground.
Official Result: Dustin Ortiz def. Matheus Nicolau by knockout (punches) at 3:49 of the first round
The crowd was decidedly on Davis’ side, as she’s from Canada. The entire round was spent on their feet, with five minutes of fairly even striking exchanges. Chookagian consistently intiated the exchanges and did more damage, but Davis mixed up her striking, used leg kicks more effectively, and had Chookagian backing up for much of the round. Narrowly 10-9 Chookagian.
The second round was very much a continuation of the first. The leg kicks by Davis kept landing during their standing exchanges, though Chookagian managed to block a couple as the round wore on. Davis seemed content to keep standing in Chookagian’s striking range and eat punches in order to land leg kicks. Another very close round, narrowly leaning 10-9 Davis. 19-19 through two rounds.
Chookagian got the better of a couple early striking exchanges, landing quickly. Davis caught a leg but wasn’t able to take Chookagian down. Davis kept Chookagian backing up, but Chookagian kept doing more damage in their exchanges and was able to avoid Davis’ kicks. Davis got Chookagian down via a clinch late in the round, but wasn’t able to do any damage on the ground. 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 Chookagian. Davis had a clear positional advantage, but Chookagian did much more damage striking.
Official Result: Katlyn Chookagian def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
> John Makdessi (15-6, 8-6 UFC) vs. Ross Pearson (20-14 1 NC, 12-11 1 NC UFC) Lightweights
The opening round was spent entirely on their feet. They had a series of quick striking exchanges that were fairly even. Pearson used levels well with his kicks, particularly with a few leg kicks on Makdessi’s lead leg. Pearson may have gotten the better of the exchanges, slightly, for a very narrow 10-9 edge. But Makdessi getting the round wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.
The next round was also entirely standing striking exchanges. Each man was able to get the better of a couple exchanges. On the whole, Makdessi spent the majority of the round backing up and making Pearson come to him, but also did more damage with inside punches and counters. 10-9 Makdessi.
Pearson visibly tired and slowed down in the third round, as Makdessi continued with his tactical striking and was content to pepper away at him with inside jabs and uppercuts. Makdessi caught Pearson low with a kick and the referee gave him a timeout to recover. Pearson shoved Makdessi to the fence and clinched, but couldn’t take him down. Things opened up more as the round wore on, with Pearson throwing bigger and bigger punches. Makdessi caught Pearson a couple times with nice crosses and jabs to the face, and dropped him briefly with a jab that countered a Pearson counter. Makdessi missed a spinkick late and Pearson took him down, but Makdessi ended up on top of him as the horn went. 10-9 Makdessi. Fight should be 30-27 or 29-28 Makdessi based on damage alone.
Official Result: John Makdessi def. Ross Pearson by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)
Two out of three judges gave Pearson the first round. All three judges gave Makdessi the second and third rounds, with two judges (Derek Cleary and Chris Lee) giving him the third by 10-8 margins.
FOX PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Gadzhimurad Antigulov (#15, 20-4, 2-0 UFC) vs. Ion Cutelaba (13-3 1 NC, 2-2 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Antigulov got a takedown right away. Cutelaba eventually shoved him off with a kick, but Antigulov went right back at him and got his back briefly before Cutelaba wriggled free of that position. Antigulov kept pressuring, but Cutelaba countered with some knees to Antigulov’s face. Cutelaba got some solid punches in on Antigulov along the fence. Antigulov briefly responded with a few of his own, but Cutelaba continued with punches and elbow to a standing (but fairly non-responsive) Antigulov before the referee jumped in to end it.
Official Result: Ion Cutelaba def. Gadzhimurad Antigulov by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:25 of the first round
> Kajan Johnson (23-12-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Islam Makhachev (15-1, 4-1 UFC) Lightweights
As you’d expect, the crowd was firmly in Johnson’s corner (as he’s another Canadian). The standing portion early on involved Makhachev stalking Johnson, and Johnson occasionally creating separation with some weak leg kicks to get breathing room. For his part, Makhachev seemed to respect Johnson’s striking and didn’t get too close. Makhachev eventually got a takedown along the cage and worked for position, throwing punches and elbows on the ground. Faced with taking punishment or trying to escape, Johnson tried to use his legs to grab Makhachev and pull him away. But Makhachev anticipated that and used the brief window to grab Johnson’s arm and slap on an armbar. Johnson quickly submitted.
Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Kajan Johnson by submission (armbar) at 4:43 of the first round
In his post-fight interview, Makhachev said he should fight somebody in the top 15, and joked or he would like to fight Brock Lesnar.
Dawodu is from Calgary and was a big hometown favourite, with frequent cheers and “Hakeem” chants during the fight. Lots of circling early. Dawodu connected with some early leg kicks and wriggled free from an Arnett takedown attempt. Another Arnett attempt was stopped when Dawodu got some strikes off as he shot in on him. Arnett was open for a big strike after whiffing on a big kick, but Dawodu opted for a conservative stance and didn’t engage. 10-9 Dawodu.
Dawodu continued to get the better of striking exchanges in the second round. He mixed up his strikes and his levels, and continued to utilize kicks well – he threw leg kicks less often, but threw some head-kicks and back kicks effectively. Arnett moved forward and tried to initiate striking, but was out-classed by Dawodu. 10-9 Dawodu, 20-18 Dawodu through two rounds.
The third round was a repeat of the first two. Dawodu easily got the better of the striking exchanges, repeatedly throwing combos. Arnett tried a takedown, but Dawodu stuffed it calmly. He turned a second Arnett attempted into a clinch on the cage. Arnett seemed to have no answer for Dawodu’s speed and movement, though he never seemed overly hurt by his striking. 10-9 Dawodu, 30-27 Dawodu.
Official Result: Hakeem Dawodu def. Austin Arnett by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Jordan Mein (30-12, 4-4 UFC) vs. Alex Morono (14-4 1 NC, 3-1 1 NC UFC) Welterweights
Mein is from nearby Lethbridge, Alberta, and was a big crowd favourite. Morono nearly caught Mein flat-footed with some attempted strikes as the round began, then Mein returned the favour with a flurry a few seconds later. Mein caught Morono with a kick to the chest, then was countered into a brief clinch on the cage, which was then countered again with a slick hiptoss takedown from Mein. Morono defended well from the bottom and tied up Mein, to the point where the referee stood them up. After a brief exchange on the feet, Mein took down Morono again and worked into side control, but Morono again defended well for the remainder of the round. 10-9 Mein.
Morono missed a spinning back fist. Mein caught a Morono leg kick attempt, then took him down again. This time Mein managed to lock on a head-and-arm choke but Morono broke it with some punches to Mein’s ribs. They continued to jockey for position on the ground, with Mein briefly able to post up a couple times to deliver some strikes while in Morono’s guard. 10-9 Mein, 20-18 Mein through two rounds.
Mein landed an overhand right in a striking exchange. Morono hit a spinning backfist later on that was loud but didn’t seem to do much damage. Morono cornered Mein by the cage and Mein attempted to duck under a strike, but ended up getting clipped and dropped to the mat. Morono tried to get position on top of Mein, and eventually got hold of his head with a modified guilloitine choke but Mein rolled on top of him to eventually escape. Mein worked for position on Morono and nearly grabbed a guillotine of his own, but the clock ran out on the round as the two grappled on the ground. Morono 10-9, 29-28 Mein overall.
Official Result: Jordan Mein def. Alex Morono by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
All three judges gave Mein rounds one and two, and Morono round three.
FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Alexander Hernandez (#13, 9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (11-2, 7-2 UFC) Lightweights
The opening round alternated between brief clinches along the cage and brief striking exchanges. Hernandez was aggressive throughout the round, closing the distance frequently and pressing Aubin-Mercier. Neither fighter did a ton on their feet, though, other than a handful of quick knees from either man. Hernandez took down Aubin-Mercier late in the round, but couldn’t gain much position. Hernandez 10-9.
Once again Hernandez was the aggressor, taking down Aubin-Mercier immediately along the cage. Aubin-Mercier fought back to his feet and stuffed another takedown, following up by taking down Hernandez with a flying armbar attempt. Hernandez fought from below, almost caught Aubin-Mercier with an armbar of his own but he broke free. They jockeyed for position with Hernandez ending up on top. The referee stood them up after a few slow moments on the mat. Hernandez tried another takedown, but Aubin-Mercier was able to stay on his feet. More clinching initiated by Hernandez. Hernandez couldn’t take him down, threw light punches and knees until the round ended. 10-9 Hernandez. 20-18 Hernandez.
Right after the round began Aubin-Mercier was hit below the belt with a knee and was given a time out from the referee. After the time out, Hernandez took him down again. The ref stood them up again due to inactivity. Hernandez took him down again, but Aubin-Mercier gained position and battled to his feet. Aubin-Mercier took Hernandez down along the cage after some clinching. Hernandez gained position and got Aubin-Mercier’s back, but couldn’t take advantage before the round ended. 10-9 Hernandez, 30-27 Hernandez.
Official Result: Alexander Hernandez def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Two of three judges gave Hernandez the first round. Two of three judges gave Hernandez the second round. All three judges gave Hernandez the third round.
Jedrzejczyk circled and threw a lot of quick strikes early. Torres closed the distance and threw some of her own, which led to some grappling along the fence. Jedrzejczyk threw some knees with her back against the cage. They continued to grapple along the cage and jockey for position, with both fighter connecting with some knees. Jedrzejczyk threw several short-distance knees to Torres’ thighs while grappling on the fence. Torres tried to take Jedrzejczyk down, but she prevented it. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk.
Jedrzejczyk threw some leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk got the better of a few striking exchanges. Torres shot for a takedown on the fence, but Jedrzejczyk stayed upright. Torres continued to be the aggressor in the fight, initiating takedown attempts and offensive exchanges, but Jedrzejczyk continued to get the better of their grappling on the fence and their striking exchanges. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 20-18 Jedrzejczyk.
Striking exchange. Jedrzejczyk got the better of a few counter-punch flurries, including an overhand right that knocked Torres back on her heels. Torres dodged a Jedrzejczyk kick and took her to the fence, but couldn’t get a takedown and she ate a couple Jedrzejczyk while grappling along the fence. Torres got a single leg takedown, but Jedrzejczyk popped back up. They continued to grapple along the fence for the remainder of the round. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 30-27 Jedrzejczyk.
Official Result: Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Tecia Torres by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Torres stormed out of the cage after the decision was read.
> Jose Aldo (#2, 26-4, 8-3 UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (#4, 28-14, 15-13 UFC) Featherweights
Both fighters traded kicks and strikes early to try to find their range. Aldo landed a couple quick combos and the fight opened up. Stephens got the better of a few wild exchanges, including cornering Aldo along the fence and wildly swinging and throwing knees at him. Aldo escaped, though, and landed a body shot that dropped Stephens. Aldo followed him to the ground with punches. Initially Stephens was able to avoid a stoppage, but Aldo’s flurries were too ferocious and the referee jumped in for the stoppage.
Official Result: Jose Aldo def. Jeremy Stephens by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:19 of the first round
The opening minutes were tentative as both fighters felt each other out with some quick striking exchanges. Poirier checked a loud kick to the body from Alvarez. A leg kick from Poirier almost knocked Alvarez down, as he tried to dodge it and lost his balance. Poirier foiled an Alvarez takedown attempt. Poirer got the better of a pair of brief striking exchanges, but Alvarez followed up with a nice combination and some jabs as the round ended. Very close, 10-9 Poirier based on effective striking.
Alvarez knocked down an off-balance Poirier with a jab early, but Poirier recovered and grabbed Alvarez in a guillotine choke takedown but Alvarez was able to use the cage to avoid going all the way down and escaped. Poirier grabbed another guillotine takedown attempt, but Alvarez managed to wriggle free. Alvarez got Poirier’s back but Poirier was able to protect against an attempted rear-naked choke due to his body positioning, ending up resisting what amounted to a neck crank. Alvarez ended up on top of Poirier along the fence and landed an illegal 12-6 elbow and the referee gave Poirier a timeout to recover. Back on their feet, Poirier got the better of a striking exchange and battered Alvarez with left jabs and knees to the face. Alvarez finally went down with a left hook and the referee stopped the bout.
Official Result: Dustin Poirier def. Eddie Alvarez by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:05 of the second round.
After a card decimated by terrible luck, a promise to do better, and years of absence, the UFC finally returns to Calgary….Alberta, Canada, for a fun Fox show headlined by a rematch fight fans have wanted to see since their first tangle ended in a lackluster finish.
(Apologies for this going up after the show started. We had a major thunderstorm that knocked out Internet.)
The Show
Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier 2
Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Tecia Torres
Alexander Hernandez vs. Olivier Aubin Mercier
Jordan Mein vs. Alex Morono
Kajan Johnson vs. Islam Makhachev
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Austin Arnet
Gadzhimurad Antigulov vs. Ion Cutelaba
John Makdessi vs. Ross Pearson
Alexis Davis vs. Katlyn Chookagian
Dustin Ortiz vs. Matheu Nicolau
Randa Markos vs. Nina Ansaroff
Devin Powell vs. Alvaro Herrera
What are you most looking forward to?
Ryan: The entire main card is fantastic, especially for a free fight card. The main event between Alvarez and Poirier has history, some bad blood, and unresolved business, and could end up being one of the best fights of the year. The co-main event between Aldo and Stephens is great matchmaking. We haven’t seen Aldo in a three-round fight, or a non-title fight for that matter, since his WEC days, and he’s a classic quick starter. It’s a good chance to see if he has anything left, or if his best days have truly passed him.
Jedrzejczyk and Torres is another great fight, and they have a history being former teammates at American Top Team. It’s a chance to see if Jedrzejczyk can get another crack at champion Rose Namajunas, who coincidentally (or not) trained with Torres for this fight. And the opener between Hernandez and OAB is a great battle of lightweight youngsters eager to move up the rankings.
Paul: Obviously, the main event. We were robbed of a three round war last year when these two fought the first time and an inadvertent foul ended things early. Now we potentially and hopefull get five founds of fun violence. Both of these guys go balls to the wall every time out and have produced some of the most memorable fights in MMA history. Best case scenario, we have a fight of the year candidate while Fight of the Night is almost a guarantee.
Josh: Without a doubt, the main event and the co-main event as a distant second. I can’t say much more than has been said about the Alvarez-Poirier rematch, but this: a dud of a fight would be a heartbreaker. While you might think it’s not possible, can I remind you about Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis?
Anything being overlooked?
Josh: In a sense, the Jedrzejczyk-Torres fight as the former and once dominant champion really needs to pick up a win here in order to stay relevant in the division. Imagine saying that two years ago. Torres has a real shot to beat her and a win here puts her in title contention talk where a loss probably sees Jedrzejczyk moving up a weight class. Also, I think that more people should be looking at how one of the best featherweights of all time (and possibly the best) finds himself in such a strange place in his career at such a young age.
Ryan: A fight that deserves to be much higher on the card Ortiz vs. Nicolau at flyweight. Ortiz has won two straight and is gaining momentum, while Nicolau has scored six straight and seems to be getting better each time he steps into the Octagon. The winner could be very close in securing a title shot at 125 pounds. The fight is buried in the middle of the Fight Pass prelims, but deserves to be in the televised prelims portion. It’s definitely overlooked.
Paul: I would have gone with the flyweight fight as well so I’ll pick another flyweight fight but in the women’s division with Alexis Davis vs. Katlyn Chookagian. Davis is a former title challenger at bantamweight and holds a win over the current champion in that division, while Chookagian has lost only once in her entire career. Davis has an impressive 6-2 record in UFC including wins over Sarah Kaufman, Valerie Letourneau and the aforementioned Amanda Nunes. FightMatrix.com lists these two as the #3 and #4 fighters at flyweight in the worldwide rankings.
Anything not doing it for you?
Paul: Aside from the two aforementioned flyweight bouts, the entire undercard is kinda “just fights”. For the most part, it’s Canadian-based fighters who you usually only see on these cards north of the 49 against fighters from the rest of the world. At the end of the day, they exist just to fill time and won’t really have any lasting impact in terms of rankings or future big fights. I was really hoping that local product Jesse Arnett, one of the top non-affiliated fighters in any weight class out there, would get a shot on this card, but there are still a few more cards in Canada this year for the Big Cat to make his UFC debut.
Ryan: The only fight that I really don’t care for is Davis vs. Chookagian because it has the chance to be very boring. Both women, especially Chookagian, have shown themselves to be patient, point fighters, and the styles could make for a boring fight. It is the most skippable fight on the card.
Josh: Everything seems to be slotted where it should be. It’s a Fox show in the middle of a busy stretch so talent is stretched thin.
Any intrigue with this show?
Ryan: The main card and whether the three former champions can show they still belong in the title discussion, or if it is time for new contenders to emerge and work their way towards title shots. The main card is such great matchmaking that this is really a can’t-miss event for UFC fans.
Paul: If you add a title fight, almost any title fight really, to the main card, those five fights would be talked about as one of the best PPVs of the year. That’s how good this main card is. To me, the most intriguing thing is the fact that it’s been a combined 19 fights and near 14 years since we have seen either Aldo or Jedrzejczyk in a non-title fight. It will be interesting to see if either of the former long-time champions in their respective divisions adjust their game plans to reflect the fact that they’re only fighting for 15 minutes instead of the usual 25.
Josh: As Ryan and Paul mentioned, it’s the main event and the performances of Aldo and Jedrzejczyk that are the most intriguing and important. Everything else is shifting among the lower undercard. However, if Alexander Hernandez has another impressive performance at lightweight, that’s a great win for a young prospect. I’m also interested in Devin Powell’s performance as he lives and has a school about 15 minutes away from me.
What will be people talking about most after the show is done?
Ryan: I see people being interested if performances earned fighters title shots. The winner of the main event is definitely in the discussion for a title shot, especially if Conor McGregor doesn’t come to a new deal to fight. I think people will see that the former #1 fighter in the world, Jose Aldo, is past his prime, and that Joanna Jedrzejczyk is destined to be Joanna Champion once again, but maybe not necessarily at 115 pounds.
Paul: Having just seen the fight of the year, whether Eddie Alvarez re-signs with UFC for a potential title shot (if he wins) or if Bellator offers him big money to return to the organization where a trilogy fight with Michael Chandler could be one of the biggest potential fights for 2019. Also whether or not Jose Aldo is done, should he lose for a third straight time.
Josh: That Aldo and Jedrzejczyk will find themselves searching for answers after losses, that Alvarez has a ton of leverage as a free agent, and that it was a fun night of fights.
Months after he threw a metal dolly through a bus window injuring several UFC fighters that were later removed from the card, Conor McGregor’s legal troubles stemming from that incident came to a close Thursday in a New York courtroom.
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion agreed to a plea deal that will see him serve no jail time, nor a criminal record.
In a deal to have all felonies dismissed, he pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct and will have to commit five days of community service, between one to three days of anger management evaluations, and will have to pay restitiution damages for the bus he threw the dolly through.
Three orders of protection, including ones by UFC fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg, will still stand through July 2020.
McGregor’s visa is unaffected by the agreement, meaning there are no legal restrictions preventing him from fighting in the UFC.
McGregor’s teammate Cian Cowley, who was part of the April 4th melee along with a large entourage, also pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct and will have to do five days of community service.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 134: Shogun vs. Smith, emanating from the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany.
The Octagon returns to Germany for a Sunday afternoon broadcast featuring a former champion at 205 pounds looking to return to a title fight against a surging new contender.
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua returns to action for the first time in 16 months looking for his fourth straight win as he takes on Anthony Smith in the night’s headline bout.
Rua could be next in line to face UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier if he were to get the victory on the heels of wins in his last three fights. Meanwhile, Smith is looking to make it two-for-two since moving up to 205 pounds in the UFC after defeating another former champion in Rashad Evans last month at UFC 225. Smith did take this fight on short notice as a replacement for Volkan Oezdemir, who was moved to another fight.
Also on the card, former light heavyweight title challenger Glover Teixeira takes on Corey Anderson, heavyweights Marcin Tybura and Stefan Struve do battle, and lightweight prospect Marc Diakiese looks to get back in the win column against Nasrat Haqparast.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 10:30 AM ET/7:30 AM PT
> Damian Stasiak (10-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Liu Pingyuan (13-4, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Stasiak starts with a leg kick. Pingyuan lands an elbow against the fence before they clinch. Stasiak lands a leg kick but goes to the ground after a right hand from Pingyuan. Stasiak with a spinning back kick. Stasiak ducks under a punch and looks for a takedown. He finishes it off to the center of the Octagon. They trade on the ground and Stasiak lands a big elbow. They scramble around but Stasiak maintains top position. They get to their feet and Stasiak has the neck and jumped up looking for a guillotine against the fence. Time ran out. 10-9 Stasiak.
Stasiak with a leg kick. Pingyuan misses on his punches. They trade against the fence and Pingyuan lands a quick knee in the clinch. Pingyuan lands a spinning back fist and Stasiak is rocked. He gets a brief takedown but Pingyuan gets up and scrambles away. Stasiak now working for another takedown against the fence. They continue to scramble against the fence and Pingyuan gets the neck and has a guillotine locked in but Stasiak spins out of trouble. Pingyuan with a spin kick on the feet. Stasiak works for a takedown but ends up in another guillotine but escapes. Stasiak working in the guard of Pingyuan. They scramble and Stasiak remains on top as he rides out the round there. 10-9 Pingyuan, 19-19.
Pingyuan misses a spinning back fist and Stasiak is able to get the body lock and scores the takedown. Pingyuan able to reverse and ends on top and lands some big elbows. They get to their feet. Pingyuan lands a left hand and Stasiak looks to get the takedown. They stay upright and battle for underhooks. Pingyuan lands a right hand as they break. They trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Pingyuan lands a right hand. Stasiak lands an uppercut. Pingyuan stuffs a takedown attempt from Stasiak. They clinch late. Close fight. 10-9 Pingyuan, 29-28 Pingyuan.
Official Result- Liu Pingyuan def. Damian Stasiak by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> Jeremy Kimball (15-7, 1-2 UFC) vs. Darko Stosic (12-1, 0-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Kimball lands a right hand. Stosic with an inside leg kick. Kimball with a leg kick. Kimball misses a right hand. They aren’t doing much so far in this fight. Stosic lands a right hand. Kimball shot for a takedown but Stosic reversed and ended up on top. Stosic lands a big elbow followed by another elbow and then a barrage of punches and gets the finish of Kimball in the first. Big stoppage and impressive by Stosic.
Official Result- Darko Stosic def. Jeremy Kimball by TKO (strikes) at 3:13 of Round 1
> Davey Grant (10-3, 1-2 UFC) vs. Manny Bermudez (12-0, 1-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Grant with a leg kick and Bermudez counters with a right hand. Bermudez drops Grant with a right hand and he gets right into mount and Bermudez has a choke locked in. Grant trying to fight and Bermudez has a triangle choke locked in tight. Grant trying to escape but he goes out cold. Bermudez with a great showing as he remains undefeated in getting the quick submission win.
Official Result- Manny Bermudez def. Davey Grant by submission (triangle choke) at :59 of Round 1
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT
> Justin Ledet (9-0 1 NC, 3-0 UFC) vs. Aleksander Rakic (9-1, 1-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Rakic with a couple of leg kicks. They trade punches. Rakic with a couple more big inside leg kicks. Ledet goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Rakic gets a takedown and is in the guard. Rakic landing from the top. Rakic with some hard right hands as he keeps Ledet on the mat. Ledet trying hard to get out from the bottom. Rakic with some left hands from the top as he keeps Ledet down. Rakic with some hard elbows and ground and pound to close out the round. 10-8 Rakic.
They come out trading and Rakic rocks Ledet. They are trading in close range. Rakic with a big leg kick. Rakic landing big punches and he drops Ledet with a leg kick. Rakic gets into the guard of Ledet and lands some body punches. Rakic with more punches from the top and Ledet can’t do a thing to get out from the bottom. Ledet covering up and Rakic is landing big punches and is looking for the stoppage. Ledet was able to turn to grab a leg but Rakic escapes and remains back on top. Rakic landing elbows, hammerfists and punches. Rakic with more punches. He is just dominating Ledet here. Ledet survives but ate a lot of punches. 10-8 Rakic, 20-16 Rakic.
Ledet lands a couple of jabs. Rakic goes for a takedown but Ledet defends it but eats a right hand that drops him. Ledet gets up but Rakic gets the takedown and is in the guard. Rakic still landing from the top and he is in cruise control. Ledet can’t get up when he is on the bottom. Rakic landing more punches and elbows. Ledet trying to escape but Rakic firmly has him planted on the mat. Rakic with a right hand and then some body punches. More punches from Rakic on the top. Ledet gives up his back and they get up and Rakic takes him back down before they get up. Big punches from Rakic at the end. Complete domination by Rakic. 10-9 Rakic, 30-25 Rakic.
Official Result- Aleksander Rakic def. Justin Ledet by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-24)
> Khalid Taha (12-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Nad Narimani (10-2, 0-0 UFC) Featherweights
They trade leg kicks. Narimani with a body kick. Taha lands a right hand and they clinch. Narimani trying hard for a takedown and gets it and has the back of Taha. Narimani with some punches from the back and they get to their feet. Narimani lands a knee. Taha reverses position and lands a big elbow. They break. Brief timeout for an eye poke. Taha with a leg kick. Narimani with a spin kick. Taha lands a right hand followed by a combo. Narimani gets a takedown. Narimani landing punches from the top. 10-9 Narimani.
They trade punches to start the second. Narimani lands a right hand but misses a head kick. They trade combos. Narimani gets a takedown on a kick attempt from Taha. Narimani in side control and dropping punches. Narimani grabs the neck. Narimani bleeding from the nose but lands some hammerfists. Narimani with some elbows. Narimani with more ground and pound as Taha is stuck on the bottom. Taha gets to his feet and eats a knee from Narimani. Narimani shoots for a long takedown but it is stuffed. Taha with a flying knee. They clinch against the fence. Narimani with a late combo. 10-9 Narimani, 20-18 Narimani.
Narimani lands a couple punches to start the final round. Taha lands a right hand. Narimani grabs a leg and gets the takedown. Narimani in the guard of Taha. Narimani gets the back and is landing punches. They stand up but Narimani still has the back and drags Taha back down. Narimani is working for a choke but Taha is defending. Taha is able to escape and reverse position. Taha with some punches from the top. They get to their feet and Narimani looks for a takedown. They scramble as Narimani worked for a late takedown. 10-9 Narimani, 30-27 Narimani.
Official Result- Nad Narimani def. Khalid Taha by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Emil Meek (9-3-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (13-2, 2-0 UFC) Welterweights
Meek tries a flying knee to start the fight but Fabinski gets an immediate takedown to start the fight and is working with punches from the top. Fabinski has the body lock as they stand up and he lands some knees before taking Meek back down. They get to their feet but Fabinski gets the fight back down to the mat. Fabinski has done a good job of keeping Meek on the mat and lands more punches. 10-9 Fabinski.
Meek lands a couple of punches to start the second but Fabinski picks him up and slams him down to the mat. Fabinski keeping Meek on the mat as Meek is trying to use the cage to get himself to the feet. Meek lands some punches. They get to their feet. Meek lands some punches and Fabinski is looking tired. They clinch and Fabinski gets a warning for holding Meek’s shorts. Fabinski has the body lock and gets a takedown. Fabinski holding him down. Meek gets to his feet but Fabinski with another big takedown. Fabinski with some knees from side control. 10-9 Fabinski, 20-18 Fabinski.
Meek lands a right hand that hurts Fabinski and Fabinski goes right in for another takedown. Meek is able to defend it and they break. Meek with another right hand and he’s chasing Fabinski around the Octagon. Fabinski is in retreat mode as Meek is landing punches. Meek with a big combo against the fence and Fabinski runs away. Fabinski level changes and goes for a takedown but it is defended. Meek has the neck and looks for a choke but Fabinski escapes. They are broken by the ref. Fabinski goes right back for the takedown and gets it. Meek has the arm looking for a kimura. Fabinski in the half-guard. He moves to guard and is in control on the mat. Crowd not happy. 10-9 Fabinski, 30-27 Fabinski.
Official Result- Bartosz Fabinski def. Emil Meek by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> Nick Hein (14-3 1 NC, 4-2 UFC) vs. Damir Hadzovic (11-4, 1-2 UFC) Lightweights
They trade some punches to start the fight. Hein with a right hand. Hein lands a left hand. Hadzovic with a leg kick. They are basically just sparring with neither landing anything significant and not a lot of things happening. They trade jabs and Hein lands a right hand. Hadzovic with a right hand and is landing the jab. Hein lands a combo. 10-9 Hadzovic.
They trade punches and Hadzovic lands a right hand. Hein with a combo. Hadzovic lands the jab. Hein with a leg kick. Hein with a combo and rocks Hadzovic with a left hook. Hadzovic with a leg kick. Hein with a combo. Hadzovic lands a right hand that stuns Hein for a moment. Hein lands a jab and then a right hand. Hein with the double jab. Hein lands an uppercut. Hein with the left hook. Hein with a right to the body followed by a left hook. They trade punches. Hein with a late combo. 10-9 Hein, 19-19.
They trade punches and Hein lands the left hand. Hadzovic lands a knee and a crescent kick. Hein not doing much other than some short combos. Hein does land some punches. Hein showing a lot of damage on his face. Hadzovic lands a left hand. Hadzovic with a body kick. Hadzovic drops Hein with a right hand and then hurts him with another punch. Hein gets up but is still rocked. Hadzovic lands a right hand. Hadzovic lands a hard jab. Hein isn’t doing much to get this round. Hadzovic lands a left hand. Hadzovic with a combo. Hein lands a leg kick followed by a combo. They trade late. 10-9 Hadzovic, 29-28 Hadzovic.
Official Result- Damir Hadzovic def. Nick Hein by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
FOX SPORTS 1 MAIN CARD | 2 PM ET/11 AM PT
> Nasrat Haqparast (8-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Marc Diakiese (12-2, 3-2 UFC) Lightweights
Haqparast with a leg kick. Diakiese with a front kick. Diakiese with a body kick. They trade and Diakiese lands a hard punch. Diakiese with the double jab. Haqparast lands a nice combination. Diakiese with a right hand. He lands another. Haqparast lands some big punches and rocks Diakiese and then lands some knees to the body. Diakiese with a stepping knee. Haqparast lands more punches. Haqparast lands an elbow in a brief clinch. Haqparast with some punches and uppercuts. Diakiese is keeping his back to the fence too much but lands a left hook counter. 10-9 Haqparast.
They trade early and we have an accidential eye poke. They get back to action and Haqparast with a left hand. Diakiese with a body punch followed by a body kick. Diakiese keeping in retreat mode. Haqparast with a left hand followed by another. They continue to trade. Diakiese lands a right hand but Haqparast counters with a left. Diakiese with a body kick. Diakiese with a nice combo. Haqparast with a Superman punch. Haqparast with a combo. Haqparast with a left hand. Haqparast with a nice combo. Diakiese with a combo but Haqparast comes back with his own punches. Haqparast with a hard left hand. Haqparast drops Diakiese late and ends with punches on top. 10-9 Haqparast, 20-18 Haqparast.
They trade early. Haqparast tries for a takedown but Diakiese was saved by the fence being there and they break away. Diakiese with an uppercut and Haqparast loses his mouthpiece. Haqparast with a takedown and is landing a lot of punches. Diakiese covering up and isn’t moving. They get to their feet and break. Haqparast with a hard left hand. Diakiese misses a head kick. Haqparast with a left hand. Haqparast is controlling the Octagon well. Haqparast with a leg kick as he blocks punches from Diakiese. Haqparast with a left hand. Haqparast with a nice combo. Diakiese lands some punches. Haqparast with a combo. 10-9 Haqparast, 30-27 Haqparast.
Official Result- Nasrat Haqparast def. Marc Diakiese by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
> Danny Roberts (15-3, 4-2 UFC) vs. David Zawada (16-3, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
They trade leg kicks. Zawada has a head kick attempt blocked. Roberts with a left hand to the body. They clinch and Zawada tries a takedown but Roberts grabs the neck. Roberts with a knee to the body. They are clinched against the fence and both land short punches before they break. Zawada with a left hand. Roberts lands a right hand. Zawada with a heavy leg kick. They scramble to the mat and Roberts is on top. Roberts with some punches from the top. Roberts with an elbow. Zawada looking for a triangle but Roberts able to get out. Roberts with some more elbows from the top. Zawada went for an armbar late but time ran out. 10-9 Roberts.
Roberts with a head kick. They trade punches and both men are landing and missing before they clinch. Zawada with a takedown against the fence. They get to their feet and Roberts works for a takedown and gets it but Zawada has the neck. Roberts gets out and lands some short elbows against the fence. Zawada trying to grab an arm and set something up from the bottom but uses it to sweep to the top. Zawada with some punches from the top as he has wrist control. Zawada going for the guillotine. Roberts pops his head out. Zawada has the back and lands some punches. 10-9 Zawada, 19-19.
They trade and Roberts goes for a takedown but Zawada grabs the neck and is looking for a D’Arce choke. Roberts is in a lot of trouble but manages to escape. That was very close. Roberts gets to the top but Zawada still has the neck. Roberts gets away and gets on top and starts landing elbows. They continue to scramble and Roberts with some illegal elbows and gets a warning. Roberts into the half-guard of Zawada. Roberts with some left hands. Roberts with several big punches. Roberts with more punches and elbows from the top. Zawada gives up his back but is able to roll to the top. Roberts escapes and they get to their feet. Zawada with some knees and lands a punch. Zawada tries a takedown but Roberts defends and lands punches to end the fight. Close round and close fight. 10-9 Roberts, 29-28 Roberts.
Official Result- Danny Roberts def. David Zawada by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
> Marcin Tybura (#9, 16-4, 3-3 UFC) vs. Stefan Struve (#13, 28-10, 12-8 UFC) Heavyweights
They trade leg kicks. Struve with a heavy leg kick. Struve with a head kick. Struve with the jab. Tybura gets a takedown. Nothing much happening on the mat. Tybura with some hammerfists from the guard. Struve with a hammerfist from the bottom. They are trading hammerfists on the mat. They are stood up. Struve with a leg kick. Tybura with a combo. Struve with a couple of jabs. Struve with some leg kicks. Tybura with an uppercut. Tybura with a late takedown. 10-9 Tybura.
Struve with the jab. Tybura lands a right hand. Struve with a high kick blocked by Tybura. Tybura gets a takedown against the fence. Struve has no takedown defense. Struve working for a triangle from the bottom but gets a warning from the referee for having his toes in the fence. Tybura gets back to side control and lands some knees to the body. Tybura with a big elbow from the top. Tybura with an elbow before they get up. Struve with a front kick to the face that hurts Tybura. Struve with a knee against the fence and then a right hand. Tybura is rocked and tries a takedown but it is defended. Tybura picks Struve up and slams him to the mat and has side control where he lands a knee and some punches. 10-9 Tybura, 20-18 Tybura.
Struve with a front kick. Struve with a body kick. They trade punches. Tybura with a right hand. Struve with a couple of kicks. Struve with a right hand. Tybura with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks and Struve lands a combo. Tybura tries a takedown but it is defended. Tybura goes for another one and has the body lock against the fence. He finishes the takedown against the fence. Tybura working in the guard and lands some elbows. Struve is active from the bottom with punches but Tybura is blocking them. Tybura with some punches and elbows from the top. 10-9 Tybura, 30-27 Tybura.
Official Result- Marcin Tybura def. Stefan Struve by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Vitor Miranda (12-6, 3-3 UFC) vs. Abu Azaitar (13-2-1, 0-0 UFC) Middleweights
They come out swinging. Azaitar with a body punch followed by a leg kick. They keep trading and both are looking to land something big. Azaitar with a right hand and then punches to the body. Miranda with a leg kick. Azaitar with a combo to the body. Azaitar with an overhand right. Miranda counters a leg kick into a takedown and is in the guard of Azaitar. Miranda with some elbows from the top. Miranda with punches from the top and they scramble to their feet. Azaitar with a big flurry of punches late that wobbles Miranda. Close round. 10-9 Azaitar.
Azaitar with a combo to start the second. They trade punches. Azaitar lands a left hand. Miranda with some knees in close range. Azaitar lands a straight right hand. They trade in close range. Miranda goes for a takedown but it is defended. Miranda gets the fight to the mat and gets into the mount. Miranda looking for an arm triangle but Azaitar is able to escape. They get to their feet. Azaitar with a combo. Miranda gets another takedown off a low single. Azaitar is able to escape and sweeps to the top and is in the guard of Miranda. They don’t do much and are stood up. They trade. Miranda goes for a takedown but it is stuffed and Azaitar lands some big punches. We go to the third. 10-9 Azaitar, 20-18 Azaitar.
Azaitar scores a takedown right at the start of the third round. Azaitar lands from the top but Miranda is able to sweep and grabs the arm and is working for an armbar. He is close on it. Azaitar is holding on. Azaitar is able to escape but Miranda is on top. Miranda is in side control and landing short elbows. Not much is happening but enough is happening to keep it from being stood up. Miranda has 90 seconds left to finish as I think he’s down on the scorecards. Miranda tries to get mount but Azaitar rolls him over and starts landing punches from the top. Azaitar with a big right hand from the top. Azaitar gets the back and lands some big punches. Miranda scrambles to the top at the end. 10-9 Azaitar, 30-27 Azaitar.
Official Result- Abu Azaitar def. Vitor Miranda by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Glover Teixeira (#3, 27-6, 10-4 UFC) vs. Corey Anderson (#9, 10-4, 7-4 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Anderson coming out quickly looking to land but eats a right hand from Teixeira. Teixeira lands a left hook and they trade dirty boxing. Anderson lands a right hand and goes for a takedown against the fence. It can’t be completed and they break. Anderson with a body kick. Anderson attempts a takedown again but it is defended. Teixeira ducks away from an uppercut from Anderson and then lands one. Anderson with a head kick. Anderson with the double jab followed by a right hand and then gets a takedown. Teixeira gets to his feet and they break. Anderson lands the uppercut. They trade right hands and Anderson lands a left hand. Anderson tries a takedown but Teixeira has a guillotine locked in tight but he runs out of time. 10-9 Anderson.
They trade punches to start the second. Teixeira lands a left hook. Anderson with a takedown but Teixeira gets right back to his feet. They are clinched and Anderson with a knee followed by an elbow. They break. Anderson with the jab. Teixeira fakes a takedown. Anderson with a left hook after a sprawl. They trade right hands. Anderson rocked Teixeira with the right hand. Anderson gets a takedown and lands some punches before getting to side control. Anderson gets to the mount and Teixeira gives up his back. Anderson with punches from the back. They get to their feet. Anderson with another takedown against the fence. Anderson with some punches and elbows from the top. Anderson with ground and pound at the end. 10-9 Anderson, 20-18 Anderson.
Anderson with a couple of body kicks and then backs Teixeira up against the fence. Anderson with the jab followed by a right hand. Anderson drops down for a takedown but is unable to complete it. Teixeira with a left hook. Anderson goes for another takedown but Teixiera defends by grabbing the neck. Anderson gets a takedown and has the back but Teixeira stands up and shakes him off. Anderson gets a takedown again and is on top but Teixeira scrambles out and they break. They scramble on the mat. Anderson ducks an uppercut from Teixeira. They clinch against the fence and Anderson with a spinning elbow and then a late takedown but Teixeira reverses to top and lands some punches but time runs out. 10-9 Anderson, 30-27 Anderson.
Official Result- Corey Anderson def. Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Mauricio Rua (#8, 25-10, 9-8 UFC) vs. Anthony Smith (29-13, 5-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Rua with a right hand to start off. Smith lands a left hand. Smith with a combo and hurts Rua with a front kick to the face. Smith with a right hand that rocks Rua. Smith with big right hands and elbows and he knocks Rua out cold with a hard right hand. Wow. Rua was out cold on his feet and has a big gash on the side of his head. Impressive showing by Smith and it was vicious.
Official Result- Anthony Smith def. Mauricio Rua by knockout (strikes) at 1:29 of Round 1
One of the best mixed martial artists of all-time is looking to return this fall after the results of a failed drug test were confirmed to be caused by contaminated supplements.
Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva accepted a one-year suspension from USADA retroactively beginning in November 2017 after the drug testing organization found that the supplements Silva received from a Brazilian pharmacy were tainted.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
According to a USADA press release, Silva will be eligible to return as early as November 10 and in a statement to Helwani via his team, he intends to keep fighting.
The 43-year-old tested positive for an anabolic steroid while preparing for a fight against Kelvin Gastelum in November. He was suspended for a year in 2015 after testing positive for several banned substances following his fight with Nick Diaz.
He last competed in February 2017, picking up a decision win over Derek Brunson. After a run of dominance that saw him become a major star in the sport, he went winless in his last five (Chris Weidman twice, Diaz, Daniel Cormier).
Fans of those fighting in cages have not one, not two, but three shows to satiate their bloodsport palletes — all of which are on free TV.
Action kicks off Friday with the first of two Bellator shows (yep, you read that right) and continues through Saturday with a pretty fun looking UFC show in Boise, Idaho, and Bellator running a hybrid MMA/kickboxing show overseas.
We’re still waking up from the intended return of Brock Lesnar and the events of UFC 226, but I threw cold water in the faces of Paul Fontaine and Ryan Frederick, propped them up, and asked them some questions about the weekend.
Some of the best of Bellator Friday & Saturday on Paramount
– Women’s Featherweight Champion Julia Budd vs. Talita Nogueira
– Eduardo Dantas vs. Michael McDonald
– Men’s Featherweight Champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. Daniel Weichel
– Andrey Koreshkov vs. Vaso Bakocevic
UFC Boise on Fox Sports One
– Junior dos Santos vs. Blagoy Ivanov
– Sage Northcutt vs. Zak Ottow
– Dennis Bermudez vs. Rick Glenn
– Randy Brown vs. Niko Price
– Myles Jury vs. Chad Mendes
– Cat Zingano vs. Marion Reneau
– Eddie Wineland vs. Alejandro Pérez
– Darren Elkins vs. Alexander Volkanovski
– Justin Scoggins vs. Said Nurmagomedov
– Kurt Holobaugh vs. Raoni Barcelos
– Liz Carmouche vs. Jennifer Maia
– Mark De La Rosa vs. Elias Garcia
– Jessica Aguilar vs. Jodie Esquibel
What are you most looking forward to this weekend?
Ryan: Nothing screams “must-see” for me as it’s just a simple weekend with a lot of fights. I am interested in seeing how well Junior Dos Santos and Chad Mendes perform coming off of USADA suspensions. By all accounts, Dos Santos was innocent and got a reduced suspension while Mendes admitted to using banned substances and took a two-year suspension. I also look forward to always seeing Cat Zingano compete as she has one of the best stories in the sport and it is impossible to root against her
Paul: Saturday’s show is really deep, so I’m just looking forward to a great night of fights. This probably sounds odd considering my stance on last weekend’s show (and especially given how everything turned out) but this show, aside from the main event, is far bigger on paper. Four former PPV main eventers are on the card as well as five former world champions from other organizations. The one that really intrigues me, aside from the one Freddy already mentioned, is the Zingano/Marion Reneau fight. Reneau may be the most underrated female fighter on the roster and Zingano has looked really good in her fights, despite losing three straight. She’s also one of the few people to have ever beaten Amanda Nunes in the UFC.
Josh: As a whole, the Saturday UFC show is aces for something on FS1. Lots of names, lots of litmus test fights, and intrigue up and down the card, at least to hardcores anyway. However, I am finding myself really into the Eduardo Dantas-Michael McDonald fight on Friday’s Bellator show. These are two talented bantamweights and a nod toward some of the gradual depth that the promotion is starting to slowly add.
Anything being overlooked?
Paul: “Super” Sage Northcutt! He’s got one of the longest winning streaks at lightweight in the company but keeps stepping up to welterweight where he usually loses. He’s been around for years so it’s hard to remember (until you see him) that he’s one of the youngest fighters on the roster at 22 and the youngest fighter on this card. But with increased training from Team Alpha Male, there is plenty of time for him to put it all together and justify all the hype that surrounded him early in his career. I’ve always got a sliver of hope that he could be one of those few fighters that break through as mainstream stars and he just needs to win the big fights.
Ryan: The Friday night Bellator card has a good co-main event between Dantas and McDonald. I still firmly believe the UFC made a mistake with letting McDonald go as he’s fun and action-oriented fighter. On the UFC side, I totally think the Elkins-Volkanovski fight is being overlooked. Elkins has a six-fight win streak while Volkanovski has won 14 straight. It’s buried down on the prelims, and I understand why since both have been shown to produce less than exciting fights, but it is a legitimate bout that has divisional ramifications.
Josh: Other than McDonald-Dantas, it’s hard not to look at Mendes-Jury and get excited. Before he left, Mendes was a top featherweight who famously got KO’d by Conor McGregor. Jury is one of the sport’s enigmas: talented yet quiet. He seems to disappear so it’s easy to forget about him, but with a more regular fight schedule, I think he’d be on more radars. The lighter weight classes are really coming to play this weekend.
Anything not doing it for you?
Josh: I don’t understand why Bellator is doing two shows on two days instead of combining them into a more desirable event. Seriously, drop the kickboxing league, focus on MMA, and give us five solid fights once a month. That’s all we need. Also, the Bellator titles need a bit of an importance boost, don’t they?
Ryan: I don’t hate the fight and I get why he is in the spot, but Northcutt should not be in a co-main event slot at this point, especially since there is some good depth on this UFC show. (Jury vs. Mendes should have got that honor.) Northcutt has made some good decisions in joining a legitimate training camp and there has been improvement, but he has a dangerous fight against Ottow. It should be opening the main card, though, because there are just better options there.
Paul: Ryan is nuts…Sage should be headlining! That said, I’ll go with another co-main event: Alessio Sakara vs someone named Jamie Sloan for Bellator Saturday on a national network in a promotion that likes to think of itself as major league. I think that’s pretty sad. But when you look at the rest of the card, you can see why. I watch everything and I will watch this show but I have no idea when. Or why, for that matter.
Any intrigue with these shows?
Paul: Rick Glenn, Jessica Aguilar, Blagoi Ivanov, Eddie Wineland and Jennifer Maia are all former world champions in other organizations and all fighting on Saturday’s show. That’s the intrigue for me: how will these champions in other companies stack up against some of the best in UFC and they all have tough matchups. Obviously, Wineland has been around forever and Glenn and Aguilar have had a few UFC fights, but Ivanov and Maia are complete unknowns unless you watch other MMA groups. Maia is the second rated women’s flyweight in the world according to FightMatrix.com and Ivanov has only lost to Alexander Volkov in his career and he’s a top five guy in UFC right now. There’s so much on this show!
Ryan: It’s how the former title challengers compete on the UFC show. Dos Santos could be close to getting back into contention now that Stipe Miocic has lost the championship. Mendes has fought for the 145-pound title three times, and he’s only lost to Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, and Frankie Edgar in his career. He was a top four featherweight at the time of his suspension, and if he comes back in top form, he provides a good and fresh challenge in a division that has changed in the 31 months since he last fought.
Zingano has a win over the current champion, but has lost two straight. She’s fighting for the second time this year, though, something she’s never done in the UFC, and the four months since her last fight is the shortest time between fights for her since joining the UFC. I’m interested is seeing if she can get back towards the rematch with Nunes.
Josh: The guys covered it fairly well above. If you’re into MMA, there’s something for you without too much barrier to entry. There are plenty of litmus test fights and yes, all of it’s on basic cable. Huzzah!
What will be people talking about most after the show is done?
Ryan: Perhaps it will be one of those aforementioned former title challengers if they get good wins. I just see it as a weekend of fights with nothing particular worth rushing to the television to watch. While there are two title fights for Bellator, they aren’t high profile. It should be a good weekend of fights.
Paul: If Zingano wins, it could be about whether she could earn a title shot and a rematch with Nunes with one more win. If Nunes is indeed going to fight Cyborg in December, it would make sense to give Zingano a fight on that show as well and have her there as a stand-by title challenger in case either of them fall out of the fight. As the reigning Invicta FC champion, Maia could step into the top three of the UFC rankings if she wins her debut fight. And if JDS loses in the main event, people could be talking about whether or not he will retire. Of course, he won’t, but it won’t stop people from bringing it up.
Josh: That Marion Reneau has earned herself a title shot, that JDS has a little more left in the tank, and Myles Jury is ready for a big name at featherweight.
Who wins?
– Ryan: Budd, McDonald and Pitbull in Bellator; Dos Santos, Mendes, Zingano, Bermudez and Sage at UFC Boise
– Paul: Budd, Dantas, Pitbull; Rusev….er…Ivanov, Jury, Zingano, Glenn, and Super Sage.
After his appearance at UFC 226 on Saturday, USADA has provided some clarity on when Brock Lesnar will be able to make his return to the Octagon.
USADA issued a statement today confirming that Lesnar has been re-entered into their testing pool and will be eligible to fight again on January 8, 2019 if all goes well: “After receiving notice of his intent to compete in the UFC, Brock Lesnar re-entered the testing pool on July 3. With six months and four days remaining on his period of ineligibility, Lesnar will be able to compete on or after January 8, 2019, should he remain in compliance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.”
Lesnar had received a one-year suspension in 2016 for drug test failures that surrounded his UFC 200 fight against Mark Hunt. That suspension was then frozen when Lesnar retired from mixed martial arts.
Dana White has confirmed that the UFC will be making heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier vs. Lesnar when Lesnar is able to fight again. Cormier, who is currently a two-division champion, may defend his light heavyweight title before then. On Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show today, Cormier mentioned Shogun Rua as a potential opponent in that weight class.
After Daniel Cormier’s knockout victory over Stipe Miocic to win the UFC heavyweight title and to become the company’s second-ever two concurrent division champion, he called out Brock Lesnar who was sitting at cageside.
What followed was right out of the pro wrestling and combat sports playbook: a face-to-face confrontation that got physical and featured plenty of verbal jabs as well:
We don’t know when the Cormier-Lesnar duel will happen due to Lesnar’s standing with USADA and when/if he is back in the testing pool. At the post-event press conference, Dana White discussed Lesnar’s current situation:
On the post-event Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that Lesnar has one more match on his WWE deal and that his deal runs out in August.
White said that Lesnar reached out to him this week and said he wanted to come to the event this weekend. White said they started “the process” with USADA last week, but wasn’t sure where everything stood. Meltzer said that they wanted a Lesnar return for December which would line up with the timeframe, but that would mean the possibility of the fight happening at Madison Square Garden would be out.
At UFC 226 Saturday, light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier became just the second simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history after knocking out former champion Stipe Miocic in the first round.
After winning the belt, Cormier challenged former heavyweight champion and current WWE Universal champion Brock Lesnar to face him and come into the Octagon. Lesnar had walked out to cageside before the main event, fueling speculation that he is indeed returning to the UFC.
Lesnar walked in and shoved Cormier, eventually getting the microphone. He cut an expletive-ridden promo calling Miocic and Francis Ngannou “pieces of sh*t” and said that he would beat Cormier before throwing the mic in the camera and shoving it. Cormier got the microphone again and said that Lesnar was from “the stone age” and that 2010 is a long time ago. He told Lesnar to get out of the cage as he had pictures to take. Dana White eventually escorted a heated Lesnar out of the cage.
The fight is rumored to be taking place at Madison Square Garden in November in what will serve as the unofficial UFC 25th anniversary show and celebration.
Cormer started his career at heavyweight and won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix prior to entering UFC, amassing a 13-0 record in that weight class before moving to 205. His teammate Cain Velasquez was the champion at that time and Cormier was adamant that he didn’t want to fight him.
Cormier is still the promotion’s light heavyweight champion, but speculation could increase that he will vacate that belt as he has stated that he will not fight beyond his 40th birthday, which is in March of 2019. Prior to the Cormier loss, Miocic had established himself as the most dominant UFC heavyweight champion in history, being the only fighter to successfully defend that belt three times.
Earlier on Saturday, rumors started swirling that WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar was in Las Vegas, NV, and had entered the USADA pool at some point, hidden from public view.
At UFC 226, Lesnar seemingly made his intentions a bit more clear as he walked out to cageside right before the main event of UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic vs. light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
As he did, commentator Joe Rogan noted that Lesnar motioned toward the cage as if to insinuate he is returning to fighting. Then, Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter tweeted that Lesnar will fight the winner of the Miocic-Cormier fight at Madison Square Garden this November.
In order for Lesnar to return, he would have indeed have had to enter the USADA testing pool in secret due to the timeframe needed in order to fight in November. MMA Fighting’s Mike Chiappetta tweeted that he asked USADA about Lesnar’s status and was told, “USADA does not reveal the active status of athletes in the testing pool as we respect that it’s the athletes’ decision on whether or not they want to make their active or retired status public.”
Lesnar hasn’t fought since UFC 200 in July 2016 in a decison win over Mark Hunt that was overturned as he later tested positive for PEDs.
Lesnar hasn’t appeared on WWE television since the Greatest Royal Rumble in April. A multi-man match to decide his next challenger was originally announced for Extreme Rules, but that was canceled due to a storyline where negotiations for his next title defense fell through.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 226: Miocic vs. Cormier, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It is the second of two UFC events this weekend for the annual International Fight Week in Las Vegas, this one being the big event of the weekend with one of the biggest title fights in UFC history, being billed as the “Superfight”.
UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic looks to remain the top heavyweight in the world as he defends the title against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier, who is looking to become the second ever UFC fighter to hold championships in two weight classes at the same time.
Cormier returns to the heavyweight division, where he is a perfect 13-0, and has never even lost a round as a heavyweight. This is Miocic’s fourth title defense and he looks to stamp his place in the record books even further as the best UFC heavyweight of all-time.
Despite the card taking a hit with the loss of the Max Holloway-Brian Ortega title fight, it is still an overall deep card. The rest of the main card sees heavyweight sluggers Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis do battle, Paul Felder moves up to the welterweight division to face Mike Perry, Michael Chiesa takes on former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, and kickboxing legend Gokhan Saki goes up against Khalil Rountree.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
Whitmire comes out throwing strikes but not connecting. They trade in close range. Whitmire lands a couple of punches. They trade in the pocket. Whitmire lands a left. Moyle with a left hook followed by a leg kick. Whitmire counters well. They trade punches. They trade kicks. Whitmire lands a solid combination. All standing so far through the first. Lots of feeling out. Whitmire with a leg kick. Whitmire with a high kick. Whitmire staying more active and is landing more. 10-9 Whitmire.
Whitmire lands some punches to start the second. Moyle lands a solid left hook and a leg kick. Whitmire with a head kick. Moyle lands a one-two combo. They exchange leg kicks. Moyle looks to shoot for a takedown but misses wide. Moyle starting to land more in this round. Moyle drops down for a takedown but Whitmire has good defense and defends it and lands a knee to the body. Whitmire now shoots but Moyle scrambles and gets the back of Whitmire before they stand and break. They trade punches. Whitmire grabs a body lock and they battle against the fence. Moyle lands an uppercut as they break. Moyle with body punches against the fence. They trade and Moyle lands against the fence. 10-9 Moyle, 19-19.
They trade kicks early on in the third. Whitmire gets a big takedown and is on top. She’s in control landing punches from the top. Moyle unable to scramble from the bottom. Whitmire working in half-guard. Whitmire continuing to control landing punches from the top in half-guard. Moyle is not doing much from the bottom except throwing some strikes. Whitmire with elbows to the body from the top. Whitmire stands and lands some punches. She gets back into the guard against the fence. Whitmire finishes it with more shots from the top. Easy round for Whitmire. 10-9 Whitmire, 29-28 Whitmire.
Official Result- Emily Whitmire def. Jamie Moyle by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Dan Hooker (16-7, 6-3 UFC) vs. Gilbert Burns (14-2, 6-2 UFC) Lightweights
They trade kicks early. Burns with a spinning back kick to the body. Hooker with a leg kick and Burns counters with a huge right hand. Hooker with two leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Hooker lands a combo. Hooker trips Burns to the mat with an inside leg kick. Hooker had a brief choke on the ground but they got to their feet. Hooker with a straight knee. Hooker then drops Burns with a big left hand and then finishes him off with one more punch on the ground. Big finish for Hooker, who looked very impressive.
Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Gilbert Burns by knockout (punches) at 2:28 of Round 1
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Curtis Millender (15-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Max Griffin (14-4, 2-2 UFC) Welterweights
Griffin with a left hand. They trade front kicks. Millender with a flying knee. Millender with another knee. Griffin lands a right hand. Millender with a leg kick. Griffin lands a left hand. Millender with a head kick. Griffin lands a right hand and scores a takedown. Griffin firmly on top and landing some short punches as he tries to pass guard. Griffin with an elbow followed by some punches. Griffin with another elbow. Millender can’t do anything on the bottom. Griffin with more elbows from the top followed by punches. Big end to the round for Griffin. 10-9 Griffin.
They trade punches to start the second. Griffin with a leg kick. Millender with a body combo and a flying knee. Millender lands a high body kick. Griffin lands a huge right hand but Millender counters with a knee to the body. Millender with a hard right hand. He lands another then grabs a neck standing but Griffin escapes. Griffin lands a left hand. Millender with a leg kick. Griffin just misses a right hand. Millender with a high kick. Griffin lands a left hand. They trade kicks. Millender lands a left hand and Griffin is hurt. Millender with a late takedown that should seal the round for him. 10-9 Millender, 19-19.
They trade to start the third as well. Millender with a leg kick. Millender with a knee to the body of Griffin. Griffin shoots for a takedown but Millender defends it. Griffin has Millender pressed against the fence. Millender with some elbows from against the fence. Griffin with a knee to the body. They break and go back to the center of the Octagon. They trade right hands. Griffin lands a right hand. Millender lands a right hand and has Griffin pushed against the fence. Griffin in trouble late. Millender with some knees to the body and a huge flurry on Griffin against the fence. Griffin with a late head kick. 10-9 Millender, 29-28 Millender.
Official Result- Curtis Millender def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Lando Vannata (9-2-1, 1-2-1 UFC) vs. Drakkar Klose (8-1-1, 2-1 UFC) Lightweights
Klose pins Vannata up against the fence and lands some shots and a spinning back elbow. Vannata able to grab the back and gets a brief takedown but they get up and break. Klose tries a slam but Vannata defends and gives up his back. Vannata with a combo as they break. Klose with a body kick. Vannata lands a combo after they break a clinch. They trade body kicks. Klose with a leg kick followed by a right hand. They trade kicks. Klose with a calf kick. Vannata with a head kick and a spinning back elbow. They tie up against the fence. They battle for underhooks against the fence. Klose lands a left on the break. 10-9 Klose.
They trade and Vannata lands a good right hand. They clinch and trade knees before breaking. They trade and Klose pushes Vannata against the fence and they battle for underhooks. Klose with a big elbow and he gets a brief takedown but Vannata scrambles to his feet. Vannata cut around his right eye. Vannata lands a right hand and a spinning back fist while Klose lands a right hand. Klose with the jab. Vannata with a spin kick to the body. Vannata with a combo. Vannata lands a right hand and then a spin kick to the body. Klose with a leg kick. Two close rounds. 10-9 Klose, 20-18 Klose.
Vannata with a leg kick. They trade punches and Vannata with a spin kick. Vannata with a body kick. Vannata with a switch kick and lands a right hand. Vannata with a side kick. They clinch against the fence and Klose has Vannata pinned against the cage. Klose working on a single-leg. They continue to battle for underhooks but the referee splits them up. Vannata with a leg kick. Vannata gets a takedown and takes the back of Klose. Vannata has the hooks in. Vannata lands some punches from the back. Vannata lets go and they get to their feet. Klose lands the jab. Klose tries a takedown and gets it for a moment. 10-9 Vannata, 29-28 Klose.
Official Result- Drakkar Klose def. Lando Vannata by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Raphael Assuncao (#3, 26-5, 10-2 UFC) vs. Rob Font (#11, 15-3, 5-2 UFC) Bantamweights
They both miss early strike attempts. Assuncao lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks at the same time. Assuncao with a leg kick. Font with the jab. Assuncao with a leg kick. Font just misses a head kick. Assuncao with a body kick and then a leg kick. Font with a left hook to the body. Font just misses a right hand. Assuncao lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Assuncao with a right hand. Assuncao drops Font for a moment with a right hand. Assuncao with a spinning wheel kick. Font with a flying knee. 10-9 Assuncao.
Assuncao with a quick takedown and he lands some punches from the top. Font rolls and Assuncao takes his back. Assuncao now working in the half-guard. Assuncao keeping Font firmly planted on the bottom but Font is able to scramble to his feet. They trade punches. Assuncao with a front kick. Font with a body punch. Assuncao lands a right hand followed by a quick left. Font with the jab. Assuncao with a leg kick. Font with the jab. Assuncao lands a right hand. 10-9 Assuncao, 20-18 Assuncao.
Font lands a right hand. Assuncao with a body punch and then lands a left hand. Font with a body kick and Assuncao returns his own body kick. Assuncao with a leg kick that trips Font up. Assuncao with a spinning head kick. Assuncao with an inside leg kick. We have an eye poke on Font and a timeout. Assuncao lands some left hands. They trade in close range. Left hand from Font. Assuncao gets a takedown and into the guard of Font. Assuncao with some body punches. Assuncao with punches from the top and he’s keeping Font on the mat easily. Font tried to find an armbar. Assuncao with some short elbows. Assuncao cruising to a win here. 10-9 Assuncao, 30-27 Assuncao.
Official Result- Raphael Assuncao def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Uriah Hall (#9, 13-8, 6-6 UFC) vs. Paulo Costa (#10, 11-0, 3-0 UFC) Middleweights
Costa with a body kick. Hall with a leg kick. Costa with a body kick. Hall misses a spinning kick. Costa with another body kick. They are trading. Hall is using the jab well. Costa with a body kick and then a hard right hand. Costa with another body kick. Costa with a front kick right to the groin of Hall. Back to action and Hall with a spin kick to the body. They trade and Costa lands some big punches to the body and a body kick. Costa with a knee to the body and then some big punches against the fence. They are trading as Hall moves away. Costa with a right hand but Hall with a front kick to the body. Costa with a body kick. Costa with an overhand right. Another groin strike from Costa. They trade and trade body kicks at the end. 10-9 Costa.
They trade kicks early in the second. Costa with the jab and then a right hand and then a high kick. Big right hand from Costa. Hall with a body kick. Hall with a takedown but they get right back to their feet. Costa with a body kick. They trade right hands. Costa with an uppercut. They trade left hands. Costa with a combo and Hall counters with a right hand that hurts Costa. Costa with a body kick. Costa with an uppercut to the body. Costa with a big combination and a jab hurts Hall badly. Costa then drops Hall face first with a right hand and this fight is stopped. What a violent finish by Costa as he remains undefeated.
Official Result- Paulo Costa def. Uriah Hall by TKO (punches) at 3:38 of Round 2
Saki with a leg kick. Saki with a head kick. They trade punches. Saki with a right hand but Rountree counters with a left. Saki with a leg kick. Rountree knocks Saki down with a left hand and then finishes him with more punches on the ground. Big win for Rountree as he knocks out the kickboxing legend.
Official Result- Khalil Rountree def. Gokhan Saki by knockout (punches) at 1:36 of Round 1
> Michael Chiesa (#9, 14-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. Anthony Pettis (#12, 20-7, 7-6 UFC) Lightweights* (Chiesa missed weight by 1.5 pounds)
Chiesa quickly shoots for a takedown and he gets it. Chiesa on top and is landing big punches. Pettis gets out from the bottom and quickly grabs the back and they stand. They break and Chiesa with a high kick. Chiesa tries for a takedown but misses it badly. Pettis has Chiesa held against the fence. They break and Chiesa lands a left hand and goes back hunting for the takedown and gets it. Pettis looking for a triangle but Chiesa escapes as he lands from the top. They get to their feet and Pettis lands a big kick. Pettis with a leg kick. He just misses a spin kick. Pettis with a right hand. Chiesa tries to pull guard but Pettis is on top and lands some punches. Pettis just misses a spin kick. 10-9 Chiesa.
Pettis with a body kick and then a right hand and then follows up with a knee as Cheisa goes to the ground. Pettis goes for a guillotine but doesn’t have it and now he is on bottom. Pettis now going for a triangle. He has it locked in and Chiesa taps! Wow. Pettis found an opening and capitalized and gets the win.
Official Result- Anthony Pettis def. Michael Chiesa by submission (triangle choke) at :52 of Round 2
> Paul Felder (#14 LW, 15-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. Mike Perry (11-3, 4-3 UFC) Welterweights
Felder right away with a leg kick and then throw punches. Felder already cut open. They clinch and Felder with a knee to the body. Perry also cut open. Felder with an elbow. Perry with an elbow as well. They break and Perry with some front kicks. Felder with a hard right hand. Felder with a leg kick. Perry lands a right hand and then an elbow. Felder with a spinning back elbow. They trade punches. Felder with a step-in knee. Felder with a right hand then a front kick to the body. Felder with a head kick. Felder with the double jab. Felder with some more leg kicks and then a spin kick. Perry with a body punch but eats a spinning back fist from Felder. 10-9 Felder.
Felder with a high kick. Felder lands a right hand. They trade and then Perry picks Felder up and slams him to the mat. Felder scrambles to his feet. Perry with an elbow in the clinch and they break. Felder with a spin kick to the body. Felder just misses a head kick. Felder with a leg kick after an exchange. Felder with two leg kicks back-to-back. Perry lands a left hook and Felder has a huge cut over his right eye. We have a timeout to check the cut and this fight might be stopped. Nope, the fight continues. Perry gets a takedown after grabbing Felder’s back. They get to their feet and Perry lands some punches. They exchange elbows in the clinch. Felder’s face is blood red. 10-9 Perry, 19-19.
They trade early on in the third. Felder has a broken arm as he has told his corner. Perry lands a left hook. Felder with a leg kick. Perry misses an uppercut and eats a counter elbow from Felder. Felder then with a spin kick to the liver of Perry. Felder with a knee to the body. Perry with a high kick then a front kick to the body. Felder misses the spin kick. Felder lands a combo with the broken arm. Felder with a body kick. Perry goes for a takedown but can’t get it though he gets the back of Felder. Perry with some knees but Felder throws some backward elbows. They break and trade punches. Perry with a right hand but Felder counters with a straight knee. They trade until the end. Great fight. 10-9 Perry, 29-28 Perry.
Official Result- Mike Perry def. Paul Felder by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Francis Ngannou (#1, 11-2, 6-1 UFC) vs. Derrick Lewis (#5, 19-5 1 NC, 10-3 UFC) Heavyweights
They size each other up in the first minute. Lewis with a body kick. Lewis tries a switch kick but Ngannou blocks it. Lewis with another body kick. Lewis misses a right hand. Ngannou has yet to throw a punch it seems. Lewis with a body kick and the briefly clinch. Ngannou lands the jab. Lewis with a leg kick. Lewis lands a right hand. Lewis with a switch kick. Not a lot of action from Ngannou this round and the crowd boos. 10-9 Lewis.
Ngannou fighting very cautiously. Lewis with a high kick. Lewis lands a right hand and they clinch for a moment but break. Lewis misses a right hand. Lewis with a switch kick. Ngannou is not engaging at all. This fight is bad. Both men are timid. Herb Dean just warned them for not fighting. Ngannou lands a jab. Lewis with a body kick. They fought more at the ceremonial weigh-ins. They didn’t do much after. 10-9 Lewis, 20-18 Lewis.
They still aren’t doung anything. This fight is truly awful. Neither man is throwing punches. Lewis claims to be having back spasms and Ngannou isn’t engaging at all. After all of this hype, this is one of the worst fights ever in the UFC. They finally trade a couple of punches with less than two minutes left. This is like watching the worst kind of sparring at your local gym. I’m done with this fight recap. 10-9 Ngannou, 29-28 Lewis.
Official Result- Derrick Lewis def. Francis Ngannou by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Miocic lands some punches against the fence. Cormier with a leg kick. Cormier lands an uppercut. They clinch against the fence. They go to the mat for a second. Miocic lands some left hands in the clinch. Miocic lands a knee on the break. Cormier lands a right hand followed by a jab. Miocic lands a right hand. Miocic with a knee to the body. Cormier lands a left hand followed by a leg kick. Cormier with a leg kick. Miocic lands a left hook and then rocks Cormier with a combo. Cormier stunned by a jab from Miocic. Cormier now hurts Miocic with a combo. Miocic gets poked in the eye and we have a timeout. They get back to action. Cormier then drops Miocic with a huge right hand and then finishes him on the ground. Wow. Daniel Cormier has finished Stipe Miocic and is now a two-division champion.
Official Result- Daniel Cormier def. Stipe Miocic by knockout (punches) at 4:33 of Round 1 to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship
In what will likely wind up being the final season of The Ultimate Fighter, the 28th edition of the show has found their coaches.
UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum will serve as the coaches for the fall season, leading to a championship fight following the conclusion of the show, likely in December. The official announcement was made during tonight’s broadcast of The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale in Las Vegas.
The Ultimate Fighter 28 will feature the heavyweight and women’s featherweight divisions. Filming is scheduled to begin shortly with the season set to debut in September on FS1.
While not formally announced, Whittaker and Gastelum are expected to meet at UFC 231 on December 8, which will take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, which was also announced on Friday night during an appearance by Dana White on TSN’s Sportcentre.
Whittaker and Gastelum are both former TUF winners, marking the first time two former winners of the show will coach against each other. Whittaker won an international edition of the show, winning TUF: The Smashes in 2012, while Gastelum was the winner of the 17th season of the show in April 2013. Both have had great success at 185 after mixed results at 170 pounds. Whittaker has gone on to become the middleweight champion and is undefeated at the weight class. Gastelum has won two straight and earned this opportunity after scoring a win over Jacare Souza at UFC 224 in May.
Whittaker is coming off a Fight Of The Year candidate in a narrow split decision win over Yoel Romero at UFC 225 in June, which ended up being a non-title fight after Romero missed weight. Should both men make weight when they fight, Whittaker’s first official title defense will come against Gastelum.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale: Tavares vs. Adesanya, emanating from the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The event kicks off the annual UFC International Fight Week held in Las Vegas, the first of back-to-back fight cards on Friday and Saturday, and a weekend full of UFC activities.
The event will be headlined by a five-round bout in the middleweight division as Brad Tavares goes for his fifth straight win as he looks to hand Israel Adesanya his first career loss. Adesanya has come into the UFC with a lot of hype, and he gets his first main event in just his third UFC bout. Tavares will also be in his first UFC main event in his 17th Octagon appearance.
The finals of this season of The Ultimate Fighter, the 27th US version, sees undefeated fighters taking on each other in the two divisions. For the lightweight division finals, Mike Trizano takes on Joe Giannetti, while Jay Cucciniello takes on Brad Katona in the featherweight division finals.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT
> Gerald Meerschaert (27-9, 3-1 UFC) vs. Oskar Piechota (11-0-1, 2-0 UFC) Middleweights
Piechota right away with a body punch and they then trade kicks. Meerschaert with a body kick. They clinch and trade body shots. Piechota gets a trip takedown into full mount but steps into half-guard. Piechota in control on the ground and gets back into mount. Meerschaert trying to scramble out. Piechota has the neck. Piechota gets back in top control. They are stood up by the referee. Meerschaert lands a left hand but Piechota lands a counter right hand followed by a body kick. Piechota scores a knockdown with a right hand and gets into full mount. Meerschaert gives up his back and is eating punches. Piechota grabs the neck and is looking for the choke but Meerschaert escapes. Solid round for Piechota. 10-9 Piechota.
Meerschaert with a high kick. They trade punches. Big right hand from Piechota. Piechota lands a punch that slips up Meerschaert. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches. Meerschaert goes in for a takedown but they scramble and Piechota grabs the neck while Meerschaert is on top in half-guard. They get to their feet and Meerschaert grabs the neck and has a deep choke locked in as they go back to the mat. Piechota able to escape but is on bottom and eating punches from Meerschaert. They get to their feet but Meerschaert continues to land punches and has Piechota in trouble. Meerschaert with a big left hand and starts landing knees. Elbows now from Meerschaert. Piechota may be out on his feet. Meerschaert with more elbows and knees and even more elbows and punches. I don’t know how Piechota is still standing. Meerschaert gets a takedown and is landing punches. Meerschaert locks in a rear-naked choke and he chokes Piechota out cold with just seconds left in the round.
Official Result- Gerald Meerschaert def. Oskar Piechota by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:55 of Round 2
> Matt Bessette (22-8 1 NC, 0-1 UFC) vs. Steven Peterson (16-7, 0-1 UFC) Featherweights
Peterson immediately tries for a flying knee but misses and they clinch against the fence. Peterson grabs the neck and pulls guard and has a choke locked in. Bessette is fighting it off and escapes out and is on top. They get to their feet. They clinch and battle for underhooks and positioning against the fence. They break and Bessette lands an uppercut. Bessette lands a right hand as he has his leg kicked from under him by Peterson. He gets up and they trade punches. They continue to trade and Peterson lands a big leg kick. Bessette with an uppercut as he presses forward as the round ends. 10-9 Bessette.
They both come out swinging and quickly clinch against the fence. Peterson gets the advantage but they break. Peterson bleeding from his nose. Peterson with a leg kick. They trade punches. Bessette with a big head kick and then he lands another. Peterson shook it off like it was nothing. Peterson with a combo but eats an uppercut from Bessette. They trade leg kicks. Bessette with another head kick. They continue to trade and Bessette landing kicks. Peterson initiates a clinch and is working for a takedown against the fence. He gets it and grabs the back. Peterson on the high back and is working for a choke but landing from the back. Peterson with some more punches and elbows from the back. It might have stolen the round for him. 10-9 Peterson, 19-19.
They clinch right away and both working for position. Peterson pushes Bessette up against the fence and is working for a takedown. They break. Peterson lands a right hand before changing levels. Peterson gets a trip takedown and takes the back but Bessette is able to shake him off and now grabs the back of Peterson. Bessette falls off and now Peterson grabs the back of Bessette. Peterson landing punches from the back of Bessette. Peterson has the body triangle. He is working for a choke from the back. Peterson rides out the round holding the back of Bessette and he may have gotten the win due to the takedowns in the last two rounds. 10-9 Peterson, 29-28 Peterson.
Official Result- Steven Peterson def. Matt Bessette by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Mitchell with some side kicks. Mitchell lands a left hand. Diamond with a head kick. They trade knees after Mitchell misses a flying kick. They clinch against the fence but break away. Diamond gets a takedown. Mitchell sweeps and is able to get to his feet. Diamond has the neck but Mitchell is able to get a big takedown. They scramble as Diamond still has the neck but Mitchell escapes to his feet. We have a brief timeout due to a low blow but back to action. They trade punches and Mitchell gets a takedown. They get back to their feet and trade body shots in the clinch. 10-9 Mitchell.
They trade kicks and Mitchell gets a takedown but Diamond grabs the neck and scrambles around. They scramble to their feet. They clinch against the fence. Mitchell looking to level change and get a takedown. He gets it but Diamond scrambles out to his feet. Diamond is on top but Mitchell looking for a triangle choke. He has it locked it and is landing a couple of elbows. Big elbows from Mitchell raining down and Diamond is being warned to protect himself. Diamond is able to get out of it after being in it for a bit and ends up in side control. Diamond working for a choke but Mitchell turns his back to escape. Diamond lands some punches from the back. Diamond with a knee to the body. Diamond with another and we are going to a third round. 10-9 Mitchell, 20-18 Mitchell.
They come out trading and Mitchell gets the body lock and a brief takedown but Diamond right back to his feet. Diamond gets a big takedown and has control on the top. Mitchell turns his back and Diamond now has back control. Diamond takes the back and has time to work but they get to their feet. Diamond gets a big takedown. Diamond in side control but he probably needs a finish so he needs to get to work here. Diamond just moving around and landing few short punches but not really doing much work. Diamond with a knee to the body. Diamond now landing some punches from the back. Diamond with more punches from the back as the fight ends. This is going to be close on the scorecards. 10-9 Diamond, 29-28 Mitchell.
Official Result- Bryce Mitchell def. Tyler Diamond by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
> John Gunther (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Allan Zuniga (13-0, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Gunther going right for a takedown against the fence. He completes the takedown and is looking to plant Zuniga on his back. They get to their feet but Gunther still has the body lock and gets a brief takedown. They get up but Gunther gets it right back down but they get up again. Gunther gets the fight back down and he has Zuniga fully on his back. They get up but go down again and get up and go back down again. Zuniga has had no offense while Gunther has been on a takedown offensive attack. Gunther with a spinning back elbow as they break and they trade leg kicks. 10-9 Gunther.
Gunther goes right back to the clinch working for the takedown against the fence to start the second. Gunther gets another takedown. Zuniga tried to grab the cage to block but couldn’t and ends up getting a warning. They get to their feet but Gunther has the back. Gunther trying to take it down again but they are broken up. Gunther with a hard right hand. Zuniga lands a body punch and a leg kick. Gunther with a right hand. Gunther gets back into the clinch. Gunther gets another takedown but they get up and they do the same routine as Gunther gets another takedown, but he finishes the round on top. An ugly fight. 10-9 Gunther, 20-18 Gunther.
Zuniga with a couple of leg kicks. Zuniga lands a couple of punches. Zuniga with a combo as Gunther is searching for a takedown opening. Gunther gets a trip takedown. They get to their feet and Gunther back to working for a takedown. He doesn’t get it and they are separated. Gunther goes back to working for the takedown. They break and they exchange punches. Zuniga with a body kick. Zuniga lands some punches as Gunther moves in and looks for a takedown. Zuniga with some left hands. Zuniga with some big punches at the end and he lands a head kick. Good final round for Zuniga but it might not be enough. 10-9 Zuniga, 29-28 Gunther.
Official Result- John Gunther def. Allan Zuniga by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
> Luis Pena (4-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Richie Smullen (3-0-1, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Smullen with a body kick but Ross lands a big knee. Smullen turns it into a takedown but they get up and Smullen takes him right back down. Smullen in side control. Smullen gets into the full guard of Pena and lands some punches. Pena escapes and gets his own takedown. Smullen grabs the neck but has a bad position. Pena escapes to his feet and Smullen follows. Pena with a big combo and then he drops Smullen with a punch. Smullen grabs a leg of Pena as he’s on the mat and Pena is forced to go to the mat. Pena grabs the neck and is working for a guillotine and has a mounted guillotine. Ross has it in and Smullen taps out! Pena gets the first-round submission win and he has some solid star potential.
Official Result- Luis Pena def. Richie Smullen by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:32 of Round 1
> Montana De La Rosa (8-4, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rachael Ostovich(4-3, 1-0 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
Both looking to establish the jab. They trade leg kicks. Ostovich lands a right hand. Ostovich with a body punch but De La Rosa counters with a right hand. They trade punches. De La Rosa rocks her with a right hand. De La Rosa with a big left hand. De La Rosa with a combo. Ostovich unable to unload any offense. Ostovich then lands a couple of right hands. De La Rosa with a stiff jab. De La Rosa with a leg kick as Ostovich lands a right hand. 10-9 De La Rosa.
De La Rosa with a front kick as both looking to find their range in this round. They scramble to the mat for a moment but De La Rosa has the body lock. De La Rosa unable to get the takedown and lets go of Ostovich. They trade big right hands and Ostovich gets the better of it. Ostovich with a body kick. They tie up again and Ostovich blocks the takedown attempt. De La Rosa looking for the jab but Ostovich is landing combinations this round. De La Rosa lands a left hand but eats a right hand. Ostovich just misses a big right hand but with a body kick. Close round. 10-9 Ostovich, 19-19.
Ostovich goes for the right hand but De La Rosa grabs the body and goes for a takedown but it is defended. Ostovich lands a right hand. Ostovich lands a combo and then with a body kick and De La Rosa gets the body lock against the fence. De La Rosa bleeding from her nose. Ostovich scrambles out of the body lock and gets the back. They go to the ground and Ostovich is working for an arm. Ostovich almost had the armbar but De La Rosa escapes and lands a hammerfist as she goes into the guard. De La Rosa gets the back and is landing elbows and punches from the back. Ostovich in a lot of trouble. De La Rosa grabs the neck and is working for a choke. De La Rosa has the choke locked in and Ostovich taps. Big win for De La Rosa.
Official Result- Montana De La Rosa def. Rachael Ostovich by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:21 of Round 3
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> Alessio Di Chirico (11-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Julian Marquez (7-1, 1-0 UFC) Middleweights* (Marquez missed weight by 4 pounds)
Di Chirico lands a left hand and then lands another followed by a body kick. Marquez lands a big right hand as he stalks Di Chirico around the Octagon. Di Chirico with a big body kick. They trade punches and they wobble each other. Marquez with a high kick followed by a combo. Di Chirico with a body kick. They trade punches and Marquez still coming forward and he lands a big left hand. Di Chirico with a body kick. Marquez with a leg kick. Di Chirico with a leg kick but Marquez counters with some punches. Di Chirico gets a takedown but Marquez grabs the neck looking for a guillotine. Di Chirico escapes and they scramble to their feet. Marquez with a body kick. Fun round. 10-9 Marquez.
They trade kicks. Marquez with a high kick and then a leg kick. Marquez with a spin kick. Di Chirico has a high kick blocked. Marquez with a short uppercut. They trade body kicks and Marquez with a combo but misses a spinning attempt. Di Chirico grabs the body. Marquez grabs the neck and has a deep guillotine locked in. Di Chiricio defending well and pops out. They break the clinch. Marquez with a head kick. They tie up for a moment but break and Marquez lands a couple of right hands. Di Chirico then scores a takedown. Marquez had a kimura locked in on the bottom but used it to scramble to the top. Fun fight we have going on here. 10-9 Marquez, 20-18 Marquez.
Marquez with a leg kick. Di Chiricio with a body kick. He has been attacking the body with regularity. They trade punches. Di Chiricio with a side elbow. Di Chirico lands a leg kick and then goes high with one. Di Chirico with a body kick. Marquez lands a short right hand. The pace has slowed a bit here in the third. Marquez with a spinning attempt. Di Chirico lands a left hand. Marquez with a head kick that Di Chirico eats. Marquez with a right hand and Di Chirico counters with a takedown. They get to their feet and Marquez lands a couple of knees to the head of Di Chirico. Di Chirico gets a takedown for a second but they scramble and break. Marquez lands a right hand. Di Chirico with a body kick. They trade low kicks and Di Chirico with a spin kick. Fun fight. 10-9 Di Chirico, 29-28 Marquez.
Official Result- Alessio Di Chirico def. Julian Marquez by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
They trade punches early. Honchak lands a right hand. They trade again. Honchak landing more of her combos early on as it has been all punching. They clinch for a brief moment. Honchak lands a left hand. They trade combos that both land. Modafferi gets a takedown into the half-guard. Modafferi working to pass guard. Honchak able to keep the half-guard. Modafferi doing a great job of keeping Honchak on the ground as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Modafferi.
They come out trading to start the second. They continue to trade and Honchak grabs the body lock and gets a trip takedown. Modafferi is able to counter as they hit the mat and she gets into the mount position and begins to reign down with punches and elbows from the mount position. Modafferi continues to land punches to the head and body of Honchak. Modafferi gets back into the mount position and she continues to land big punches and elbows. Modafferi with big elbows from the top and she’s looking for a finish. Honchak is covering up and Marc Goddard stops the fight. Huge win by Modafferi in an impressive showing.
Official Result- Roxanne Modafferi def. Barb Honchak by TKO (elbows) at 3:32 of Round 2
> Alex Caceres (13-11 1 NC, 8-9 1 NC UFC) vs. Martin Bravo (11-1, 1-1 UFC) Featherweights
Caceres coming forward. Caceres lands a big kick but slips. He gets to his feet but Bravo pushes him against the fence. They break. Caceres with a side kick. Caceres lands a solid combo. Bravo with a body kick. They clinch and Bravo grabs the back and is looking for a takedown. Caceres warned to not grab the fence. Caceres reverses and escapes to the center. Caceres lands a left hand and then a body kick. Bravo grabs the leg and gets a single-leg takedown but Caceres has the neck. He lets go and Bravo scrambles to side and into the guard of Caceres. Bravo lands some punches from the top and gets to his feet. Caceres with a side kick to the body from the ground as he gets to his feet. Bravo lands a right hand. They trade punches. Bravo lands a right hand. Caceres with a head kick and then lands a left hand to the body. 10-9 Caceres.
Bravo grabs the leg of Caceres but Caceres gets free after tagging him with some punches. Caceres with the body punch. Caceres hurts Bravo badly with an elbow and Caceres jumps to his back trying for a choke but Bravo escapes. They go to the mat with Caceres having the top. Bravo able to scramble to his feet. Bravo coming forward and grabs the body. They break and Caceres lands a left hand. Caceres rocks Bravo with another left hand. Bravo is bleeding from his nose. Bravo with a high kick. Caceres with a high kick. Caceres with more punches but Bravo is surviving. Caceres with a big body kick. Big round for Caceres. 10-9 Caceres, 20-18 Caceres.
Caceres trying to tag Bravo early but Bravo grabs Caceres and gets the takedown. Bravo unable to do much on top as they get to their feet. They are trading on the feet and Bravo is landing some solid combos of punches. They are trading and Bravo is landing more this round but he likely still needs to score a finish. Bravo with some knees in the clinch. Neither man able to score a takedown as they are both tired. High kick from Caceres but Bravo counters with a body kick. Bravo with some elbows in close range. Caceres with a spin kick. Caceres lands a right hand. Caceres lands a solid combination. They trade late in the round. Close final round. 10-9 Bravo, 29-28 Caceres.
Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Martin Bravo by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Jay Cucciniello (8-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Brad Katona (6-0, 0-0 UFC) TUF 27 Featherweight Finals
Katona with a body kick. He follows with a leg kick. Katona with another body kick. Katona with another inside leg kick. They trade punches. Katona with a body kick. Cucciniello is the one pressing forward. Cucciniello with a body kick and Katona fires back with a leg kick. Katona fakes a takedown to change levels. Cucciniello with a solid combo. Katona with a straight right hand. Katona with a body kick. Katona with some punches. Cucciniello with not a lot of output so far. Katona drops Cucciniello with a left hand but he gets right back up. They trade punches. Cucciniello with a head kick. 10-9 Katona.
They trade kicks and Katona drops Cucciniello again with a left hand. Cucciniello pops right back up. Katona starts back on the attack and gets a big takedown a minute into the round. Katona working from the top and landing punches to the head and body but not really doing much to improve his position. Katona doing enough to keep the fight on the mat and away from being stood up. Cucciniello unable to do anything from the bottom. Katona with an elbow. Katona with a hammerfist from the top as he tries to scramble to a better position. Katona rides the round out on top. 10-9 Katona, 20-18 Katona.
Katona with a left hand. They trade punches. Katona shoots for the takedown and has Cucciniello pinned against the fence. Cucciniello is defending and Katona is not doing much to continue the work for the takedown. He is warned by Herb Dean and then gets a takedown and is in the half-guard. Katona with some elbows and punches from the top. Cucciniello needs to get up from the bottom if he has any chance to win but he just can’t. Katona stands up and Cucciniello tries to scramble but Katona immediately grabs the back and keeps the fight on the mat. Katona dropping punches from the back and Cucciniello is in a lot of trouble. Katona finishes the fight on the top and should cruise to the win. 10-9 Katona, 30-27 Katona.
Official Result- Brad Katona def. Jay Cucciniello by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Mike Trizano (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Joe Giannetti (6-0, 0-0 UFC) TUF 27 Lightweight Finals
Giannetti with a head kick to start. They trade leg kicks. Giannetti takes the back of Trizano and has him pressed against the fence. They go to the mat for a brief second but back to their feet and Giannetti still has the back. Trizano drops to his knees to block the hooks being locked in. They get to their feet and Giannetti with some knees to the head. They go to the mat and Giannetti has an inverted heel hook but lets go. Trizano with an elbow from the top. Trizano now goes for the heel hook but Giannetti pops out and gets into the full guard. Giannetti stands up and lands some punches but goes into the guard and falls into a triangle choke from Trizano but time runs out. 10-9 Giannetti.
They trade and Trizano scores a takedown. Trizano in the half-guard of Giannetti. Both men landing short punches to the body of one another. Trizano moves into side control. Trizano looking to set up a submission by grabbing an arm. Giannetti gets away and grabs a leg of Trizano and looking for a toe hold. Trizano with some elbows to the lower area of Giannetti as they’re in a weird position. They are both elbowing each other on the butt and that is how the round ends. No good. 10-9 Trizano, 19-19.
We now have an immediate low blow and a timeout to start the third round. We are back to action and they both land kicks. Giannetti with a body kick. Trizano with a leg kick in return. They trade punches and kicks. Giannetti with a high kick. Neither fighter seems like they wanna do something to win this fight. Trizano with a leg kick. They trade punches. Trizano with a leg kick followed by a left hand. Trizano coming forward. Giannetti gave this fight away. Not a good fight. 10-9 Trizano, 29-28 Trizano.
Official Result- Mike Trizano def. Joe Giannetti by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Brad Tavares (#8, 17-4, 12-4 UFC) vs. Israel Adesanya (13-0, 2-0 UFC) Middleweights
Adesanya with a leg kick. Tavares lands a couple of right hands and they clinch against the fence. They quickly break the clinch. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with another leg kick. Tavares lands a right hand and they trade kicks. Adesanya with a couple of kicks, one to the leg and one to the body. Adesanya lands a left hand. Tavares with a right hand. Tavares with a leg kick. They trade strikes. Tavares shoots for a takedown but Adesanya gets away. Adesanya with a high kick. He lands a left hand but Tavares fires back with a right hand. Adesanya rolls for a leg lock but almost got himself in trouble as Tavares landed from the top. 10-9 Adesanya.
Tavares with a right hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a straight knee high. Adesanya lands the jab followed by a leg kick. Adesanya with a head kick and Tavares wobbles ever so slightly. Tavares shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Adesanya switches positions in the clinch. Tavares lands a left hand. Tavares with a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. They trade punches. Adesanya gets a stern warning from Herb Dean about fingers in the face. Adesanya hurts Tavares with a big body kick. Adesanya with the jab. They trade punches at the end. 10-9 Adesanya, 20-18 Adesanya.
They trade punches and kicks. Adesanya with a high knee and it almost his the chin of Tavares. They trade stiff jabs. Adesanya with a high kick. Adesanya lands a big knee in close range and it connected. Adesanya with a low kick. They clinch and Adesanya trips and tosses Tavares down. Tavares gets up and eats a knee and huge body kick from Adesanya. Tavares goes for a takedown but it is defended perfectly by Adesanya. They clinch and Adesanya scrambles away. Adesanya lands a spinning elbow. Adesanya lands a big right hand followed by a huge knee and Tavares is stunned. Adesanya with a combo and then a head kick. Impressive end of the round by Adesanya. 10-9 Adesanya, 30-27 Adesanya.
Tavares pushes Adesanya up against the fence as he looks to wear him down and avoid being hit on the feet. Tavares gets a takedown and is in the guard of Adesanya. Tavares gets the back of Adesanya and looks to land. Kimura attempt from Tavares but Adesanya gets out and takes the back for a moment before they get to their feet. Adesanya with an inside elbow. The doctors check the cut on Tavares but let him continue on. Adesanya with a knee to the body. They trade punches. Tavares attempts a takedown but it is defended. Adesanya lands a combo. They continue to trade. Adesanya with a couple of knees to the body and then one up high. Tavares’ eye is a mess. 10-9 Adesanya, 40-36 Adesanya.
Tavares looks for a takedown but they just clinch and Adesanya tosses him away. Adesanya with a front kick on Tavares. Adesanya just lighting Tavares up on the feet. Tavares shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Adesanya lands a big knee to the body as they get back to their feet. Adesanya defends another takedown and lands a kick as they get up. Tavares unable to land his punches. Adesanya has been making this look easy, which has been extremely impressive since Tavares is a top-ten fighter and Adesanya is in his third UFC fight. Adesanya stuffs another takedown. Great showing from Adesanya. 10-9 Adesanya, 50-45 Adesanya.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Brad Tavares by unanimous decision (40-46, 50-45, 50-45)
