Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Anthony Rumble Johnson, Steve Austin perhaps returning to WrestleMania, injury updates, AEW and NXT previews, ratings, Billy Corgan, RAW report from Monday night, mailbag and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passes away
10:32: Stone Cold Steve Austin interested in returning for another match
17:00: Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, Abadon injury updates
18:39: NXT and AEW Dynamite previews
25:07: Billy Corgan on appealing to casual fans, Tyrus
*Full coverage of WWE Crown Jewel & New Japan Autumn Attack, business notes on both shows, how successful Crown Jewel was on Peacock, PPV, public interest and business notes on Autumn Attack, plus poll results and more. *What’s next for WWE and New Japan *Cain Velasquez granted bond, Daniel Cormier talks, and a look back at the situation *A look back at the 60s and 70s tag team of Kurt & Karl Von Steiger, including unique political moves, the night they won the AWA tag titles and why the team split up *Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show, including the probe on the suspicious gambling patterns on one of the fights *Dragon Gate’s Gate of Destiny coverage *PWG’s show on Sunday honoring Alan Denkenson and featuring one of the best trios matches of the year and in PWG history *The most complete look at the TV ratings for the past week *Streaming numbers *AEW has great success in one international market, not in another *Next Stardom PPV show *Update on the New Japan Tokyo Dome show *Crazy story of a plot to steal the NWA title by one of the biggest stars of all-time *More on Andre the Giant carer losses *A very important note on streaming ratings and what it says for viability of WWE & AEW next deals *The Nick Aldis-Billy Corgan split *The story behind former wrestling sponsor winning $75 million and getting national publicity *Politician wants to honor former national hero wrestler who has been forgotten about since his heyday was 40 yeas ago *Notes on the Teddy Hart documentary *A look at the veracity of stories on the Hawaiian episode of Tales from the Territories *Taryn Terrell career noes *Wrestler and promoter arrested *Movie on Baron Von Raschke *Full Gear notes as well as matches to be added *Notes on MJF’s first major Hollywood role *A look at AEW ratings in 2021 vs. 2022, what is up, what is down *Bandido contract notes *AEW woman star filming a movie *More on skirmish backstage at Anderson Silva vs. Jake Paul fight *Upcoming Raw and Smackdown notes *Sasha Banks training with former WCW star *WWE injury updates *Ticket sales for upcoming AEW and WWE events.
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Sunday News Update
We have two weekend shows up with Garrett Gonzales. The first show covers the news of the week, answering questions, Hall of Fame talk and notes from the new Observer. Last night’s show has the latest wrestling news plus we talk UFC, Smackdown and Rampage. Bryan and I will be back tomorrow talking Raw and the latest news.
Very said to report on the death of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at the age of 38. Johnson was known for having amazing punching power. He really had the talent and power to be world champion, but when he was younger he was killing himself cutting from 210 to 170 and he was actually more successful at light heavyweight, but while a very good wrestler, wasn’t able to stop Daniel Cormier on the ground when he got his light heavyweight title shot. Johnson had been seriously ill since September 2021 and while he had some good news back in May, he had taken a turn for the worst last month. Johnson had his issues outside the ring, including arrests. He had quit fighting after losing to Cormier in 2017, and then came back in Bellator for their light heavyweight Grand Prix. He was to face Vadim Nemkov last year for the Bellator light heavyweight title when he was diagnosed with a very serious illness and had been battling it ever since.
The main event for Survivor Series as it stands right now is confirmed to be Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn & Usos & Solo Sikoa in a War Games match with Sheamus & Drew McIntyre & Ridge Holland & Butch and a wrestler who will likely be named over the next week.
Rey Mysterio was scheduled for the World Cup but he had either a foot or an ankle injury and was replaced by Mustafa Ali. He was in Indianapolis backstage with a walking boot on. He’s not expected to be out more than a few weeks but wasn’t going to be able to do the tournament.
The Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Jun Akiyama & Konosuke Takeshita match which will take place Friday in Newark, NJ, for Rampage, is something of a dream match for Kingston. Kingston is a huge fan of the Misawa, Kawada, Kobashi era of All Japan Pro Wrestling and Akiyama started there in the 90s and was another of the top stars. Months ago Kingston had mentioned wanting to wrestle Akiyama, who is 53. Akiyama said he was up for it and it was put together in conjunction with Takeshita returning.
For Google searches, the UFC show yesterday did 1.35 million searches which is much lower than one would expect for a show headlined by Israel Adesanya. It was the most searched subject on Google yesterday. They don’t break out the main eventers but of non-main events, the highest were Dustin Poirier at No. 12 with 200,000. Carla Esparza was No. 14 with 100,000 and Frankie Edgar, who retired after his loss to Chris Gutierrez, was No. 19 with 50,000. Anthony Johnson had 100,000 searches today. Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji had 100,000 for their boxing exhibition which Mayweather won via sixth round stoppage. Sammy Guevara announced the show and went to Dubai with Tay Melo. Bobby Fish scored a second round TKO in his boxing debut on the undercard.
We’re looking for reports on these shows: *WWE house show last night in Peoria, IL *NXT last night in Orlando, FL *WWE tonight in Madison WI. We’re looking for results, finishes, highlights and other notes to [email protected]
We’re also looking for your thoughts on UFC 281, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Last night was a very noteworthy show with two title changes. Dana White indicated running back with Israel Adesanya getting a shot at new champion Alex Pereira next. All three judges gave Adesanya rounds one, three and four and he was up 39-37 going into the final round, meaning Pereira basically needed a finish to win the title, which he got. He is the only person to ever knock out Adesanya in any form of fighting, and he’s done it twice. Adesanya complained of an early stoppage, but it was anything but.
In the Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler fight, all three judges had it 19-19 going into the third round. So nobody gave a 10-8 for Chandler in round two. Judges are pretty much told not to do 10-8s unless the damage is ridiculous, so I’m not surprised, but rounds like that should be 10-8 .
The UFC show last night in Madison Square Garden did more than $11 million at the gate. It was one of the biggest gates in UFC history and was the second biggest for any event ever in MSG, behind only the UFC show headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez.
Yesterday was 29 years since UFC debuted on a show promoted by then-WWF promoter Zane Bresloff in Denver, which was famously an eight-man one-night tournament won by Royce Gracie.
This weekend is also the 17th anniversary of the death of Eddy Guerrero, who was one of the smoothest and best in-ring wrestlers of that generation, who flawlessly blended American, Japanese and Lucha Libre styles.
The 11/25 Rampage show will be airing on TNT at 4 p.m. Eastern time. It will be called a Black Friday special. I don’t know this but presume TNT has major sports that night. (thanks to David Wolf)
Tonight’s WWE show in Madison WI, is advertising a Drew McIntyre vs. Killer Kross street fight as the main event plus New Day & Braun Strowman vs. Usos & Solo Sikoa.
There was an altercation at the show in Peoria, IL last night during the McIntyre vs. Kross match. Scarlett interfered and a female fan threw a drink. Scarlett said it was cheap alcohol but others at ringside said it was water. The woman and the man with her were both kicked out of the building.
Other Notes
International ticket sales are available for the 1/1 NOAH show at Budokan Hall with Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Great Muta and Kaito Kiyomiya vs. Kenoh for the GHC title.
Kevin Kelly has gotten a financial stake in the local American Excellence Wrestling promotion that will be running next on 1/7 at the Hamburg, PA Fieldhouse, the same building that WWF taped television from in the 70s and early 8s. The promotion has been running at the building for a few years but not drawing much in the way of crowds. Kelly wants to concentrate on local marketing and grassroots appeal, working with local charities and civic groups. Brutal Bob Evans and Bob Keller are going to be involved. The first how using the American Excellence Wrestling name will be the 1/7 show and they have events booked regularly into building through 2024.
United Wrestling Coalition as its 26th annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive show on 11/26 at the Bordentown Elks Lodge in Boredentown, NJ. Admission for the 7 pm. show is free if you donate a new unwrapped toy with a suggested minimum value of $15. Toys collected will be distributed by members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves within Burlington County. There will also be a raffle for prizes.
Pro Wrestling Eve from today in London: Yuu retained the Pure J title and beat Eve International champion Laura Di Matteo with both belts at stake, Rin Kadokura b Maria, Rhia O’Reilly & Skye Smitson b Hyper Misao & Session Moth Martina, Miyu Yamashita b Mille McKenzie in a top contender for the Eve title match, Alex Windsor b Jetta to win the Eve title, Emerson Jayne b Charlie Morgan in a lights out match.
Eve had two shows, the the second show results were: Hyper Misao b Nightshade, McKenzie won five-way over Martina, Afire Reed, Di Matteo and Jayne, Kasey drew Rhio over 15:00, Rhio pinned Kasey in 1:00 when both asked for five more minutes and Rhio asked for an EVe title shot, Yuu b Kadokura to keep the Eve International title, Maria b Rane Leverkusen, Lizzy Evo b Nina Samuels using the ropes, Miyu Yamashita b Windsor to win the Eve title. They seemed to set up Yamashita defending against McKenzie in Japan as McKenzie noted her recent win over Yamashita in Spain., Smitson & Nightshade b Morgan & Jetta to keep the Eve tag titles. Promoter Dan Read announced the next show will be 1/7 and it will be the company’s’ 100th show. Chigusa Nagayo was at the show and mentioned Takumi Iroha broke her collarbone as she was scheduled for both shows. She will be back in action in February. Nagayo said she would be wrestling on 12/8 at Korakuen Hall. They noted Kadokura just got married and postponed her honeymoon to work these shows in place of Iroha. (thanks to Shannon Walsh and No Prima Donna)
Former UFC and Bellator MMA title contender Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has passed away at 38 years old.
The reason for his death is unknown other than that he was battling an illness “for quite some time” according to Ariel Helwani.
Johnson last fought for Bellator MMA in May 2021, knocking out Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros in the second round of their light heavyweight Grand Prix. He had to withdraw due to illness.
Johnson was mainly known for two UFC runs, the last of which ended in an unsuccessful challenge of then-light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in April 2017.
Career-wise, Johnson began his UFC run early in his career, winning by knockout in just his fourth career bout. Fighting as a welterweight, Johnson had considerable issues with weight cuts that caused several of them to be catchweight fights instead.
After a loss to Vitor Belfort in January 2012, he was cut and fought for World Series of Fighting, Titan FC and another promotion before returning in April 2014.
After three straight wins, he was unsuccessful in defeating Cormier for the vacant light heavyweight title in their first meeting. A three fight, three knockout win streak earned him the second Cormier fight.
After that, he retired for several years before returning for the aforementioned Bellator fight.
In 2014, Johnson was briefly suspended due to an investigation regarding suspected domestic abuse against the mother of his two children. He was reinstated after just two months after a civil case against him was dropped.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Looking at SmackDown’s move to FOX Joseph Currier looks ahead to SmackDown’s FOX premiere and what the move will mean. Plus, Bryan Rose’s Japan notes and Vinny V’s TV reviews.
While much of the focus has been on the AEW vs. NXT Wednesday Night War, WWE main roster television materially changes this week with SmackDown’s FOX premiere.
The magnitude of WWE airing live on network television every week has been apparent since news of the FOX move broke, but it didn’t fully set in until FOX started promoting the show. WWE personalities have been featured on FOX’s most valuable sports properties, with them appearing on NFL, college football, and MLB coverage. The promotion WWE would get on FOX was said to be one of the selling points of the deal, and FOX has already been as great of a partner as WWE could have hoped for. The promotional opportunities that FOX affords have the potential to make a real difference for WWE. Not every appearance will go perfectly (FOX’s Mark Schlereth saying Rey Mysterio was “like Nacho Libre” was pretty lame), but wrestlers being positioned as on the same level as other professional sports stars in FOX’s portfolio is gigantic for WWE.
WWE is also officially being given its own studio show on FS1. Renee Young and Booker T will host WWE Backstage, which premieres at 11 p.m. Eastern time/8 p.m. Pacific on Tuesday, November 5. There will also be a preview show after game three of Major League Baseball’s American League Championship Series on October 15. Young and Booker T will “weigh in on the biggest stories in WWE, and are joined by a rotating cast of guests and personalities, including current and former WWE Superstars.” The show is a FOX production, and it was reported last week that CM Punk has tried out for it.
WWE and FOX have worked in unison to make SmackDown’s FOX premiere as big as it could possibly be. Brock Lesnar will have his first match on either Raw or SmackDown since 2004 as he challenges for Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will also make his first televised WWE appearance in over three years.
The Wednesday night war has started, and there’s no more detailed rundown than in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.
We’ve got every aspect of the business covered, including:
How every match on both shows did when it comes to viewers, head-to-head, and how different demos fared.
What things WWE tried that worked, what didn’t work, and what failed.
The money demo, baseball competition, analyze where NXT gained and lost and what it says about AEW and competition, who had the advantage when it came to replays, was it a TNT nostalgia wrestling rating, average age for WWE and AEW shows, what audiences AEW beats WWE shows in, what AEW’s success under 35 showed, comments from key people about the ratings, and we also look at Canada ratings, the UK deal and what time slot is actually the key one for AEW in the UK.
Also:
Different tricks both companies took, who did the best job of hype, what comes next week and the non-wrestling aspects of the show.
Match-by-match coverage for both shows with star ratings.
Turmoil in CMLL, the departure of Rush and Dragon Lee, how Lee found out, the future of Mistico, Rush talks his future, as does Dragon Lee, the changes in CMLL that led to this, and all kinds of new policies that changes the world’s oldest wrestling promotion.
C.M. Punk, noting his lawsuit with Colt Cabana being settled, his screen test for a new WWE show, the latest on if he will wrestle, while Cody talks his thoughts about Punk in AEW.
Cain Velasquez in pro wrestling. We look at the Forum card being postponed, WWE’s meeting with him, what angles on Raw this week related to him, update on who has signed the most key guys of late and why Velasquez’s situation is so unique.
Smackdown premier on FOX and ticket interest, Hell in a Cell, the next Saudi Arabia show, Steve Austin, Ric Flair’s title reigns, update on a WWE Hall of Famer who may get cleared, Fourth generation McMahon may become a wrestler, how much Cena affected business, Dana White exchanges words with Matt Riddle, Braun Strowman’s new deal, Upcoming Evolve bouts with WWE stars, WWE market value declines and why, most-watched shows on the WWE Network plus a look at all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week with results, highlights and business notes.
Coverage of CMLL’s biggest show of the year, the anniversary card, with match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
Coverage of ROH Death Before Dishonor, with match-by-match coverage, business notes, star ratings PPV numbers and more on Matt Taven’s new landmark ROH deal.
Coverage on this past weekend’s UFC show in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The death of Rick Bogner, look at his days as Big Tytan in Japan, the story behind the fake Razor Ramon in WWF, why his career ended, who got him into WWF but some of the guys he started out with talk about him.
Coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week, in-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos for the WWE shows and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
Additional notes by Joseph Currier
WWE
TMZ notes that in Jeff Hardy’s police report for DWI it stated that he appeared to have dried blood under his nose and that he told police he and his wife got into a fight. He was also uncooperative when asked for a breathalyzer test or blood sample. Hardy is scheduled to be in court on November 7.
Hulk Hogan told the LA Times that he hopes he can have one final match in WWE after undergoing back surgery: “I talked to Vince, and I said I really don’t know if I could live with myself knowing my last match was with TNA [Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]. If I can get fixed, I pray I can have one more match. I told Vince, ‘When I get through this back surgery, I’m going to get in the best shape of my life and we’re going to talk about me having one last retirement match.’“
Hogan also said that he’d want his retirement match to be against Vince McMahon if it could happen: “I’d love for it to be against Vince. I had such a great time with him in the ring at WrestleMania 19. I had no idea what to expect from him, but he’s a great bad guy. His timing is great. I loved wrestling him, but everything he does hurts. When you’re in the ring with someone and they’re hurting you, you kind of pinch them on the wrist, and the whole match I was doing that to Vince. I was like, ‘Vince, take it easy!’ Everything he does hurts, but I’d like to get in the ring with him one more time for my last match. That would be perfect.”
An arrest warrant was issued for Zachary Madsen, the man who attacked Bret Hart during the Hall of Fame ceremony earlier this year. According to PWInsider, he did not appear in court as he was scheduled to on September 9 and was later arrested. He appeared in court on September 24 and is scheduled for another hearing on November 12. However, he is not currently listed as being in custody.
This Week in WWE will now air on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m starting this Thursday. It had originally aired on Fridays but it is now moving due to SmackDown’s new time slot.
WWE ring announcer Mike Rome turns 38 today, while The Miz turns 39.
Pro Wrestling
Kylie Rae will challenge for the Zelo Pro Wrestling Women’s Championship on Impact Wrestling’s All Glory Twitch special on October 19. The match will be Laynie Luck defending her title against Rae and Shotzi Blackheart in a triple threat. All Glory is taking place in Merrionette Park, Illinois. It will feature matches from local Chicago indie promotions, and “all the Stars and Knockouts of IMPACT Wrestling will be there to sign autographs and take photos.”
The NWA posted a video showing a behind-the-scenes look at NWA Powerrr, their new weekly television show that debuted tonight. You can watch the first episode here.
Dragon Gate announced that Toryumon, Ultimo Dragon’s promotion that ran from 1997 to 2004, will have a reunion show on January 31.
Jon Jones dismissed the idea of facing Israel Adesanya anytime soon, saying on Twitter: “By the time this kid gets his confidence together I’ll probably already be in the heavyweight division. I don’t need to wait till 2021 to start believing in myself.”
Anthony Johnson says he is targeting an April return to the UFC.
Hector Lombard has signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Justin Gaethje is calling out Conor McGregor, saying fight him or go away.
Francis Ngannou seemed unhappy with the UFC in a tweet, saying he wants to fight in December in Las Vegas while saying he could fight anywhere.
A brother vs. brother match will be one of the key pieces of All Elite Wrestling’s Double or Nothing card.
After weeks of teases, Dustin Rhodes was confirmed as his brother Cody’s opponent for Double or Nothing at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, May 25. Dustin issued a statement about his status with WWE after the announcement was made, revealing that he had requested his release from WWE and was granted it. Dustin also posted a video where he said goodbye to his Goldust character.
One of the biggest news issues of the year, a double issue, leads off with a basic state of the industry right now. Read about how WWE business fell in the first quarter, what is and isn’t the long-term prognostication, usage of fake stats in business that history shows are meaningless to growth, WWE injuries, WWE getting behind new talent, changes in October, and more.
Read a lot more on Brock Lesnar staying with WWE and not returning to WWE, such as how the ESPN deal has changed things for top stars in UFC, when Lesnar can command so much money, what has happened over the last year with Lesnar, UFC and WWE and more.
Read the update on Money in the Bank and Double or Nothing and the ticket demand for both.
Look at the front runner for 2021 WrestleMania, notes on 2020 WrestleMania plans including what match is off the books, Dean Ambrose becomes Jon Moxley and what that means, update on situation with Luke Harper, The Revival, Gallows & Anderson and others.
Read rundowns on the UFC and Bellator shows this past week, with business notes, how much the fighters got paid and match-by-match rundowns of both events.
Read more on the Japanese legacy of The Destroyer, listing all of his championship matches in Japan, as well as his biggest wins and his infrequent losses in All Japan in the 70s and 80s.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
SmackDown tonight is at the KFC YUM! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Shane McMahon is set to crown new SmackDown tag team champions after The Hardy Boyz vacated the titles last week. Also set for tonight is Ali vs. Andrade and a six woman tag team match pitting Bayley, Ember Moon and Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
205 Live tonight has Akira Tozawa facing Mike Kanellis.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Rhyno said that WWE offered to double his current downside, but turned it down. His last day for the WWE will be on July 17. He plans on working in the independent scene once his contract expires, and in the interview said he does not have a no-compete period.
Peyton Royce and Billie Kay mocked Cincinnati for having bee problems in a segment not aired on Raw.
Former WWE/Impact star Matt Morgan has been named the new mayor of Longwood, Florida after a vote by Longwood City commissioners.
NWA has released a Ten Pounds of Gold episode recapping the Crockett Cup.
Viceland announced that they will be premiering The Wrestlers documentary series starting on May 22 at 10 p.m. ET. Extended cuts of the Dark Side of the Ring series featuring new footage will air an hour before The Wrestlers at 9 p.m. ET.
UFC/MMA
TMZ is reporting than Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was arrested Monday night for domestic violence after his girlfriend said that he “put her in a football hold” and carried her to another room during an arguement. Johnson was previously been arrested for domestic violence back in 2009 and later pled no contest to the charges.
Monster Energy has parted ways with TJ Dillashaw, according to Ariel Helwani. Dillashaw is serving a two year suspension after testing positive for EPO.
Ed in San Antonio presents PODER~! at the FSW arena on Friday 5/24 – Showtime is at noon – Main event: Bryan Alvarez vs. Logan Stunt
Empire dinner on Friday 5/24 at 8:30 p.m. at Texas de Brazil – Price is $82 – All you can eat meat and salad, sodas, tea, and coffee, plus dessert included
Empire suite party on Friday 5/24 for those who were not able to get the Q&A package – Price is $25
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson II, emanating from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
The event is headlined by a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship as champion Daniel Cormier defends against challenger Anthony Johnson. They have met before, when the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship was vacant and up for grabs, at UFC 187 in May 2015.
After surviving an early onslaught from Johnson, Cormier was able to take over with his wrestling and ultimately submitted Johnson in the third round to win the championship. Cormier has since successfully defended the title against Alexander Gustafsson and scored a win over Anderson Silva, while Johnson has scored three straight vicious knockout wins over Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader, and Glover Teixeira to set these two on a collision course for a rematch.
In the co-main event, Chris Weidman looks to get back into the win column after losing two straight as he takes on Gegard Mousasi, winner of four straight fights. Weidman finds himself in what he considers a must-win situation if he wants to regain the UFC Middleweight Championship, while Mousasi is looking to get one step closer in securing his first chance at winning UFC gold.
Also on the main card is a bout in the women’s strawweight division as Cynthia Calvillo appears for the second straight time on a pay-per-view main card against Pearl Gonzalez, a welterweight clash between former title challengers Thiago Alves and Patrick Cote, and a lightweight encounter between Will Brooks and Charles Oliveira opens up the main card.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on the show, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down, or a thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:15 PM ET/3:15 PM PT
> Jenel Lausa (7-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Magomed Bibulatov (13-0, 0-0 UFC) Flyweights
Bibulatov was threatening with the takedowns early on, as well as spinning attacks, but Lausa was defending. Lausa was being way tentative in this round, but Bibulatov wasn’t doing much to get on the offensive, though he was throwing punches and kicks. The crowd started booing early. Bibulatov landed a spinning back fist and was then attacking the legs with kicks, but did knee Lausa below the belt to cause a stop in the action. Bibulatov got a late knee to the body, maybe after the horn. Bibulatov got the round, 10-9.
Bibulatov landed a big knee and an uppercut and went for a throw but Lausa defended. Bibulatov landed another low blow, this time a big kick, and we had a long break in action. Bibulatov got a point deducted from him by John McCarthy since it was a second low blow. Back to action, Bibulatov landed a takedown and was working from the top. Lausa was defending from the bottom but Bibulatov was smothering from the top. This was clearly Bibulatov’s round, but he was deducted the point, so it’s a 9-9 round. I have Bibulatov up 19-18.
Bibulatov scored a big takedown early and Lausa had no defense for them. Bibulatov was smothering from the top but wasn’t really working for a finish and seemed content to ride out a victory. He was landing some punches and elbows and it wasn’t being defended well, but they weren’t fight-ending strikes. Bibulatov then transitioned to the mount but Lausa got him back into the guard. Bibulatov landed more but Lausa survived the round. 10-9 round for Bibulatov and I had him winning 29-27. All three judges had it 29-26, so Bibulatov had a 10-8 round in there from all the judges, likely the third.
Official Result- Magomed Bibulatov def. Jenel Lausa by unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
They exchanged in the pocket early and Aldana was starting to time the jab of Chookagian. Chookagian was landing her kicks but Aldana was returning kicks. Chookagian landed a solid combo towards the end. It was a real back-and-forth round with both landing quite a bit. Chookagian got a late takedown but Aldana got right back up. Close round with Aldana landing cleaner but Chookagian landing with more volume. I go 10-9 Chookagian.
Aldand was turning up the pressure early and even landed a spinning back fist. Chookagian was getting warned a lot for leading with her fingers out, which is a foul. Aldand was getting the better of the exchanges as she was the last to land. Aldana landed a big right hand but then slipped and Chookagian jumped on the attack. Chookagian went for a takedown but it was defended. Another close round but Aldana was landing better the majority of the round. I had it 10-9 for Aldana, and it tied 19-19 after two.
They were trading with lots of volume but neither was landing anything clean. Chookagian landed some inside leg kicks but Aldana was firing back with punches. Chookagian is being very aggressive but Aldana is landing harder, and this one is going to be very tough to score. Chookagian landed some leg kicks and has landed a lot of body kicks. Aldana started to turn up the volume late but it may be too late. Chookagian controlled the round before Aldana came on late. 10-9 Chookagian in the third, and I have it 29-28 Chookagian.
The judges were split but Chookagian pulled out the decision. Not a bad scorecard from any judge as all rounds were close. Solid fight.
Official Result- Katlyn Chookagian def. Irene Aldana by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Josh Emmett (11-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Desmond Green (19-5, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Green is making his UFC debut in his 25th career fight. Green landed a solid combination early. Emmett landed a solid right hand. Emmett landed a big low blow with a kick and we have a break in the action. Emmett was landing some solid combos but Green landed a big left hand that stumbled Emmett. Green landed some good punches in the last minute of the round. Close round and Green came on strong in the last minute. 10-9 Green.
Emmett was landing the overhand right but Green was executing with his jab early and stuffed a takedown from Emmett. Green was landing much more and more cleaner in this round. Green was finding his range and his timing and his footwork was looking real crisp in this round. He was making Emmett miss and he would land counter punches. Green kept pressuring Emmett late in this round and he was landing his left hand almost at will. Strong round for Green. 10-9 Green, and 20-18 Green.
Green got a takedown at the start of the third and was working from the top. Emmett got back to his feet but gave up a lot of momentum on the ground. Green landed an uppercut and a chant for Green started from the crowd. Emmett was throwing punches as Green was starting to get conservative. Emmett was cut open on the side of his head. Green started to show signs of fatigue. Emmett has thrown a lot of volume and it could sway the judges. Close final round but I had it 10-9 for Green and it 30-27 for Green overall.
This was another split as one judge had gave Emmett two rounds, but the other two had Green winning two rounds and Green winning all three rounds. No bad scorecards in there as they were all close and Emmett was throwing with a lot of volume that had a clear impact on scoring. A solid fight and Emmett is now no longer undefeated.
Official Results- Desmond Green def. Josh Emmett by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
> Gregor Gillespie (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Andrew Holbrook (12-1, 2-1 UFC) Lightweights
This didn’t last long at all. Gillespie landed a left hook that dropped Holbrook and after a few more punches Dan Miragliotta stepped in and stopped the fight. 21 seconds is all it took. Gillespie looked very good here. Gillespie called himself the best fisherman in the UFC in his post-fight interview.
Official Result- Gregor Gillespie def. Andrew Holbrook by knockout (punches) at :21 of Round 1
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> Patrick Cummins (#12, 8-4, 4-4 UFC) vs. Jan Blachowicz (#12, 19-6, 2-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Blachowicz dropped Cummins with a big uppercut and was starting to tee off but Cummins got to his feet. Blachowicz slipped as he was punching and Cummins went after him and grabbed the neck and was looking for a choke. Blachowicz escaped and landed a big body kick. Cummins is bleeding over his right eye. Cummins is still wobbly on his feet. Blachowicz rocked Cummins again with a punch. Cummins got a takedown and was working in the guard of Blachowicz. Blachowicz was able to get to his feet at the end of the round. 10-9 Blachowicz.
They were exchanging and Cummins got a takedown and into the guard of Blachowicz. Cummins has strong wrestling but has horrible defense on his feet and he is cut heavily on his head. Blachowicz was looking for a kimura but Cummins got out and was landing some big punches from the top. They got back to their feet. Blachowicz got a takedown but they got right back up. Both men are exhausted and Blachowicz put his hands on his knees. Cummins stuffed a takedown from Blachowicz and Cummins landed to the body. 10-9 Cummins, 19-19 after two.
They were trading early on in the third as both are tired. Cummins got a takedown that looked very bad defensively from Blachowicz. Cummins working in the guard of Blachowicz. Blachowicz was able to scramble out from the bottom. Blachowicz landed some body kicks. Cummins landed a series of knees to the head of Blachowicz. He stopped as he was warned by John McCarthy about the placement of the knees. Cummins got the fight to the mat and was landing in the guard as the fight ended. 10-8 Cummins, 29-27 Cummins.
Cummins got the decision, winning two rounds to one on two scorecards, with no 10-8 rounds. We are under the new scoring criteria. The third scorecard was a 28-28, which seems to be Blachowicz getting a 10-8 round one, and Cummins getting rounds two and three. If that judge didn’t have Cummins 10-8 for round three, then I don’t know what the hell they were watching.
Official Result- Patrick Cummins def. Jan Blachowicz by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
> Shane Burgos (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Charles Rosa (11-2, 2-2 UFC) Featherweights
Rosa came out kicking the legs of Burgos as Burgos has a huge reach advantage. Burgos rocked Rosa with a punch early. Rosa was looking to land spin kicks as Burgos was just chasing him around the Octagon. They were trading punches and Rosa was chopping at the leg of Burgos. Rosa landed a spin kick to the head but not with a lot of power. A low blow by Rosa gives a pause in the action. Burgos came back strong by landing punches and took the fight down for a moment. Burgos started to check the leg kicks. Rosa went for a takedown but it was stuffed. Rosa landed a right hand late. Close round. 10-9 Burgos.
Rosa got an early takedown but Burgos got back to this feet. Rosa went back on the attack with leg kicks. Burgos was landing his punches but Rosa was being more active. Burgos landed a big left hand on a counter of a leg kick. Rosa has been very accurate with the leg kicks and they have kept Burgos from going fully on the offensive. Rosa landed a right hand and then came back with a body kick. Rosa landed a spinning back fist. Rosa got this round as he was more active and was landing a lot. 10-9 Rosa, 19-19 after two.
Rosa went for a takedown and had the leg but Burgos was landing big hammerfists and Rosa let go of the leg. Burgos dropped Rosa with a nice combo and then started to tee off. Burgos landed a flying knee and was teeing off on Rosa but Rosa was standing. Rosa was rocked and Burgos landed a big combo against the fence and the referee stepped in and stopped it! Rosa was disputing the stoppage but he looked out on his feet and it was a good stoppage. Big win for Burgos as he remains undefeated. Real good fight.
Official Result- Shane Burgos def. Charles Rosa by TKO (punches) at 1:59 of Round 3
> Kamaru Usman (#11, 9-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Sean Strickland (18-1, 5-1 UFC) Welterweights
Usman got a quick takedown and was landing some knees as Strickland had only one hand down, which are now legal. Strickland tried to protest but was told they were legal so I guess he forgot. Usman was landing more knees against the fence as he had the back of Strickland. Usman got a full takedown and was on the top. Usman landing a barrage of punches and he was in complete control of the round. 10-8 Usman.
Strickland can’t see out of his left eye. Usman tagged Strickland and is clearly the better fighter in there tonight. Usman dropped Strickland with a big left hand and was pounding away looking for a finish from the top. Usman has been non-stop with his pressure tonight. Usman landing from the top as Strickland was looking to scramble out. They got back to their feet. Usman landed a combo as Strickland had his back against the fence. Another strong round for Usman. 10-8 Usman, 20-16 Usman after two.
The doctor checked on Strickland’s eye but let him continue on. Usman was landing on his feet with no return from Strickland. Usman scored the takedown and was landing from the top. Strickland is way out of his league in this fight and Usman is making it look easy. Usman was even punching Strickland in the butt. They got back up and Usman landed a flurry and Strickland had to back away. Strickland doing absolutely nothing. Usman cracked Strickland with a right hand. This is an easy win for Usman. 10-9 Usman, 30-25 Usman.
Usman got the decision and won all three scorecards easily, but one judge did not give a 10-8 round. There was at least one clear 10-8 round under the new scoring criteria, and if a judge isn’t going by it, there needs to be more education on it. Usman called out Neil Magny after the fight.
Official Result- Kamaru Usman def. Sean Strickland by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
> Myles Jury (15-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Mike de la Torre (14-6 1 NC, 2-3 1 NC UFC) Featherweights
Jury with a very quick takedown and he lands a right hand from the top. Jury takes the back and is looking for a choke. de la Torre in a lot of trouble. He was defending but eating some punches from the back from Jury. Jury flattens de la Torre out and is landing punches from the back. This is close to being stopped. de la Torre has a big cut opened up. Big elbows from Jury. This should be stopped. It finally is and Jury gets the win. Complete domination by Jury.
Official Result- Myles Jury def. Mike de la Torre by TKO (punches) at 3:30 of Round 1
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> Will Brooks (19-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Charles Oliveira (#9 FW, 21-7 1 NC, 9-7 1 NC UFC) Lightweights
They traded kicks and Oliveira scored a takedown. Brooks used the fence to get back to his feet but Oliveira got another takedown and took the back. Brooks stood up but Oliveira is on the back and has a standing rear-naked choke locked in and Brooks is in trouble. Brooks taps out! Oliveira with a big submission win as he jumps over the cage to celebrate and Brooks is visibly upset.
Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Will Brooks by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:30 of Round 1
Urijah Faber was announced as the first inductee of the 2017 UFC Hall Of Fame class. He will be the inducted into the Modern Era wing.
> Thiago Alves (21-11, 13-7 UFC) vs. Patrick Cote (23-10, 10-10 UFC) Welterweights
They were throwing early. Alves clipped Cote with a knee and Cote was backing up. They exchanged leg kicks. They were trading against the fence and Alves landed a nice combo that backed Cote back up. They traded leg kicks again. Alves dropped Cote with a left hand and Alves swarmed on top looking to finish. Alves with punches and elbows from the top. He gets into half-guard and lands some punches to the body. Alves gets to side control and lands some elbows and more punches as the round ends. 10-9 Alves.
Alves looking outstanding in the first minute of the second round. He rocked Cote with a combo and some leg kicks and had him in trouble against the fence. Alves landed a big leg kick but Cote landed a combo in return. Cote is being more aggressive in this round but Alves is keeping him at a distance with leg kicks. Cote landed some punches but then got dropped again by Alves. Alves landed a knee to the body as Cote got up and Cote did land a right hand. Cote’s lead leg is as red as his shorts. They traded punches and kicks at the end of the round. 10-9 Alves, 20-18 Alves.
Alves landed a groin strike at the start and we have a quick timeout. Cote landed some good punches to the body against the fence. Cote went for a takedown but it was defended against the fence by Alves. Alves got a trip takedown into the guard of Cote. Alves landed some elbows and Cote is cut open big. Cote was able to push Alves off and they got to their feet. Alves with a big body kick but Cote countered with an uppercut. Cote was winding up his right hand up to a big reaction. He did land it on Alves. Alves landed a flying knee to cap off the fight. Excellent performance from Alves.
Alves took the fight on all three scorecards. After the fight, Cote announced his retirement at the age of 37.
Official Result- Thiago Alves def. Patrick Cote by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Cynthia Calvillo (4-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (6-1, 0-0 UFC) Women’s Strawweights
This is the fight that got a lot of attention yesterday. They were trading early. Calvillo is landing punches but they are just hitting the arms of Gonzalez. Gonzalez is pressuring Calvillo around the Octagon. Calvillo landed a combo but it was mostly hitting Gonzalez’ arms. Gonzalez initiated a clinch but Calvillo landed some uppercuts that busted Gonzalez up a bit. Gonzalez got a takedown but Calvillo transitioned to the back and was looking for a triangle. Not enough time left in the round as it ends with Gonzalez in the triangle. 10-9 Calvillo.
Calvillo was landing but Gonzalez got a big takedown. Gonzalez was looking for an armbar but she was in a bad angle for it. She lost it and Calvillo ended up in side control. Calvillo took the back of Gonzalez and was looking for the choke but Gonzalez was defending it well. Calvillo kept working for it and had it across the face. Gonzalez was landing back punches. Calvillo scrambled into the mount and then transitioned back to Gonzalez’ back. Great round for Calvillo. 10-9 Calvillo, 20-18 Calvillo.
Gonzalez came out with a strong leg kick. They were trading and Calvillo got a trip takedown and is in the half-guard of Gonzalez. Calvillo looking to set up an arm-triangle. Calvillo got into the mount and then transitioned to the back of Gonzalez. Calvillo has the choke locked in but Gonzalez slipped out. Calvillo got it locked in again and Gonzalez taps out. Big submission win by Calvillo, her second UFC win in just over a month.
Official Result- Cynthia Calvillo def. Pearl Gonzalez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:45 of Round 3
> Chris Weidman (#4, 13-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. Gegard Mousasi (#5, 41-6-2, 8-3 UFC) Middleweights
Mousasi landed a stiff jab that caught Weidman. Weidman landed a body kick. Weidman with a big takedown early. Weidman has a guillotine locked in but Mousasi defended well and escaped. Weidman with a leg kick. Weidman scored another takedown. Mousasi got back up. Weidman working for another takedown against the fence and he let go. Weidman rocked Mousasi with a right hand but Mousasi rocked him back with a jab. Mousasi slipped to the mat and Weidman ended on top. 10-9 Weidman.
Mousasi hurt Weidman early with a jab and an uppercut and Weidman was retreating. Mousasi went for a takedown but Weidman defended against the fence and they held each other until the referee broke them up. Weidman scored an immediate takedown and is in the guard. Weidman got into the mount on Mousasi. Mousasi rolled over and gave up his back. Weidman working for the choke. They scrambled around and got back to their feet. Mousasi landed a knee. Weidman looking tired. Weidman had both hands down and Mousasi landed a knee. It was close but there is no instant replay. We had a break and no points deducted. The knee was legal. They stopped the fight after mass confusion. Everyone is livid. The doctors called the fight off because they didn’t know the rule.
Official Result- Gegard Mousasi def. Chris Weidman by TKO (knee) at 3:13 of Round 2
> Daniel Cormier (C, 18-1, 7-1 UFC) vs. Anthony Johnson (#1, 22-5, 13-5 UFC) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Cormier threw a big right hand that backed Johnson up. Johnson looking for a takedown against the fence but Cormier defending. Cormier with elbows as Johnson got a quick second takedown. They stayed clinched and the fans were booing. Cormier had the front headlock and was landing knees. They broke and Johnson was trying some wild strikes and Cormier got them back in the clinch. They were broke after John McCarthy said Cormier was holding the fence. Johnson landed a big head kick that hurt Cormier. Johnson went for another takedown but Cormier defended and Johnson was just holding on not doing anything. Perplexing strategy by Johnson this round. 10-9 Johnson.
Cormier has a broken nose. They went back into a clinch battle with Cormier having Johnson against the fence. Johnson got a quick takedown but Cormier got back up. Cormier got a takedown and took the back of Johnson. Cormier with punches from the back and he is working for a choke. Cormier landing punches from the back. Cormier has a rear-naked choke locked in and Johnson taps out! Cormier remains the champion.
Anthony Johnson retired inside the Octagon after the fight. That is a huge shocker. He said he gave his commitment to another job outside of MMA. Cormier talked about Jimi Manuwa wanting a title shot and threw him under the bus, and then talked about Jon Jones, telling him to get his shit together.
Official Result- Daniel Cormier def. Anthony Johnson by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:37 of Round 2- Cormier remains the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
While appearing on UFC Tonight on Wednesday, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier announced that he would be defending his belt against number one contender Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at UFC 210 in Buffalo, New York on April 8th.
Cormier had been scheduled to defend his title against Johnson in the main event of UFC 206 in Toronto last December before having to pull out of the fight due to injury.
Their bout at UFC 210 will be a rematch of a May 2015 fight, which Cormier won via a third-round submission to capture the title. Cormier was nearly stopped in the first round of that fight but came back to win. He’s since defended against Alexander Gustafsson and beat Anderson Silva in a non-title matchup at UFC 200.
Johnson has scored three straight wins by knockout since the loss to Cormier, which was his only setback since January 2012, a span of 13 fights. The winner of Cormier vs. Johnson would be expected to defend against former champion Jon Jones, who is currently serving a suspension but is eligible to return in July.
A top middleweight contender’s fight between Chris Weidman and Gegard Mousasi is the only other fight announced for UFC’s return to Buffalo. UFC 210 will be the company’s first show in the city in over 20 years.
Despite Dana White publicly pining for Jon Jones vs. Anthony Johnson to determine Daniel Cormier’s next title challenger, the UFC light heavyweight champion will instead rematch Johnson in what’s expected to be the main event of December’s UFC 206 in Toronto, Canada.
Cormier made the announcement on Wednesday’s UFC Tonight.
Cormier (18-1) will be looking for the second successful defense of the title he first won by defeating Johnson via third round submission at UFC 187 in May 2015. Since that night, he earned a October 2015 split decision over Alexander Gustafsson, and defeated Anderson Silva by unanimous decision at this past July’s UFC 200.
The Silva fight was a short notice affair as original opponent Jones was scrapped during fight week due to a positive drug test. Despite making rumblings that he could return sooner than later, Jones’ status is still in a period of statis as everyone awaits any new USADA findings and/or what the Nevada Athletic Commission has to say about the matter.
Since the DC loss, Johnson (22-5) has won three in a row by KO in putting Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader, and Glover Teixeira to sleep, the latter in just 13 seconds in August.
The Toronto show is set for Saturday, December 10th, and could also feature the return of MMA legend Georges St. Pierre as has been rumored for some time.
We’ll have more on this story on Wrestling Observer Radio later tonight.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 18: Johnson vs. Bader from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event is headlined by a title elminator bout in the UFC’s light heavyweight division as former title challenger Anthony Johnson takes on Ryan Bader, winner of five straight fights. In the co-main event, it will be former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett taking on Ben Rothwell. Also on the main card is the FOX network debut of rising lightweight star Sage Northcutt. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 3:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so send whether you think the show was a thumbs up, a thumbs down, or a thumb in the middle as well as a best fight and a worst fight to [email protected]”>Dave Meltzer.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- TONY MARTIN (9-3, 1-3 UFC) VS. FELIPE OLIVIERI (14-4 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- Olivieri starts off with a leg kick. Another big kicks from Olivieri drops Martin for a second. Big leg kick from Olivieri and Martin clinches them up against the fence. Martin lifts him up and takes him down but Olivieri back to his feet. Martin takes him back down. Olivieri gets to the fence and wall walks up to his feet. Olivieri with an elbow as Martin looks for another takedown. Olivieri defends and lands another elbow and a couple more. They are broken up by the ref. Olivieri lands a leg kick that hurts Martin and Martin grabs the leg. Olivieri with some hard elbows. Martin working for the takedown against the fence. Olivieri with some knees to the body. Olivieri with another series of leg kicks. Back fist from Olivieri. 10-9 Olivieri.
ROUND 2- Olivieri with another leg kick to start. Olivieri with an overhand right and a high kick. More leg kicks from Olivieri and Martin isn’t checking them. Martin lands a leg kick of his own. Leg kicks from Olivieri but Martin lands a straight right hand. Martin lands a combo. Olivieri lands another leg kick. Martin lands a right. They trade punches and Olivieri lands a high kick. Martin lands a nice combo. They trade right hands. They trade punches and Martin stuns him with a right hand. Martin with a nice combo that hurts Olivieri. Olivieri looks for a desperate takedown but Martin defends as the round ends. 10-9 Martin, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Olivieri lands a combo and ends with a leg kick. Martin with a nice combo. Olivieri lands a right hand. Olivieri lands a body kick. Martin shoots for a takedown and pushes Olivieri against the fence. Martin gets a trip and takes Olivieri down to the mat. Martin looking for control on the ground. Olivieri gives up his back and Martin looks to get the hooks in. Martin looking for the choke and has it locked in. Olivieri is out cold and Martin wins by submission!
Official Result- Tony Martin def. Felipe Olivieri by technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 3
FEATHERWEIGHTS- DAMON JACKSON (9-1 1 NC, 0-1 1 NC UFC) VS. LEVAN MAKASHVILI (7-2, 1-1 UFC)
ROUND 1- Jackson comes out swinging. Jackson lands a right hand. Makashvili lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. They battle for position. They trade knees against the fence. They are broken up by the referee. Makashvili lands a nice combo. Jackson shoots for a takedown but it is defended. They battle for underhooks against the fence. Jackson is cut. Makashvili with some left hands in the clinch. Jackson works hard for the takedown. It is defended. 10-9 Makashvili.
ROUND 2- Jackson with the jab. They trade strikes. Jackson lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Makashvili lands a left hook. They trade punches. Jackson lands a combo. Jackson lands a knee but eats some punches in the clinch. They clinch and Makashvili lands a knee. They battle in the clinch against the fence. They are broken up by the ref. They trade punches. Makashvili grabs the right leg off a kick and lands some punches. Jackson goes back for a takedown. They clinch against the fence again. Jackson lands an elbow on the break and they clinch up again. 10-9 Makashvili, 20-18 Makashvili.
ROUND 3- Jackson comes out swinging. Jackson with a knee to the body. Makashvili goes for a takedown but Jackson reverses the clinch against the fence. They trade knees against the fence. They are broken up again by the ref. Makashvili with a head kick and gets a takedown. Jackson grabs the neck looking for a choke. They scramble to their feet. Makashvili with a high kick. They clinch against the fence. Makashvili gets a takedown. Jackson looks to scramble out. They get to their feet and Makashvili lands an illegal knee and we have a timeout. Back to action with no point taken away. No we have an eye poke by Makashvili and another timeout. Makashvili has a point taken away due to the two fouls in five seconds. That could play a big difference in the outcome. Jackson misses a head kick as we get back to action. Both come out swinging as the fight ends. 9-9 Makashvili with the deduction, 29-27 Makashvili.
Official Result- Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili declared a majority draw (29-27 Jackson, 28-28, 28-28)
WELTERWEIGHTS- MATT DWYER (8-3, 1-2 UFC) VS. RANDY BROWN (6-0, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- Brown is from Dana White’s new television show. Dwyer with a leg kick. Brown lands a left hand. Dwyer with a leg kick. Dwyer with another. Dwyer lands a big right hand. Brown with a high body kick. Dwyer lands another right hand. Brown with a front side kick. Brown with a front body kick. Dwyer lands a punch but eats a jab from Brown. Brown misses a spinning kick. Dwyer with a leg kick. Brown with a leg kick. 10-9 Dwyer.
ROUND 2- Dwyer with two leg kicks. They clinch and switch around. Not much happens and they are broken up. Brown with a right hand. Dwyer lands a right hand. They each land right hands. Brown with a big throw takedown and he is looking for a choke. Brown had it deep but lets go and they get to their feet. Dwyer pushing for a takedown. Brown defends but Dwyer is able to score the takedown. They get back to their feet and Brown lands a series of big elbows. Brown with a knee. 10-9 Brown, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Brown may have poked the eye but he is landing punches as Dwyer is backing up. The fight goes down and Dwyer takes the back of Brown and they get to their feet. Brown transitions and takes the back of Dwyer. Brown with an elbow and Dwyer lands a right hand. They are trading and Brown lands a low knee and we have a break in action. They go back to the mat and Brown has the neck but lets go. They get to their feet and Dwyer looking for another takedown. Dwyer tries to drag it down but Brown ends on top and they scramble to their feet. Brown with some elbows and a knee. Close fight. 10-9 Brown, 29-28 Brown.
Official Result- Randy Brown def. Matt Dwyer by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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FEATHERWEIGHTS- ALEX CACERES (10-8 1 NC, 5-6 1 NC UFC) VS. MASIO FULLEN (10-5, 1-1 UFC)
ROUND 1- They trade kicks. Caceres with a leg kick and then one to the body. Fullen lands a short right hand. Caceres with a jumping head kick and misses a spin kick. They trade punches. Caceres with a head kick and then lands a left hand. They trade punches and Caceres lands a 360 roundhouse kick. Fullen is rocked and Caceres clinches them up against the fence and lands a knee. They battle for position and Caceres trips Fullen to the mat. They get back up. Caceres with a high knee. Knee to the body on the break by Caceres. Fullen with a right hand. 10-9 Caceres.
ROUND 2- Caceres with some kicks but Fullen lands a right hand. Fullen with a spin kick to the body of Caceres and then lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Caceres lands a left hand. Each lands a combo and Caceres lands a nice body kick. Caceres with a leg kick and then one to the head and then another. Caceres keeps going high then low then back high again. They each land a punch. Caceres with a flying knee. Some nice combos landed by Caceres. 10-9 Caceres, 20-18 Caceres.
ROUND 3- Fullen may need a finish and he comes out swinging. Each lands a leg kick. Short uppercut by Caceres and then a left hand. Fullen with a side kick to the body. Caceres with some more combos. Fullen with a leg kick. Fullen lands a left hand as Caceres lands a leg kick. Caceres with a leg kick. Caceres with a left hand and a knee to the body and then a high kick. Caceres looks good with his footwork and combos. Caceres with two left hands but Fullen catches him with a left hook. Caceres tags Fullen with an uppercut and lands some punches. Caceres goes to the body and back to the head. Fullen with a spin kick. Caceres with a combo to end. 10-9 Caceres, 30-27 Caceres.
Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Masio Fullen by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
WELTERWEIGHTS- GEORGE SULLIVAN (17-4 1 NC, 3-1 UFC) VS. ALEXANDER YAKOVLEV (22-6-1, 1-2 UFC)
ROUND 1- Sullivan starts off with a couple of leg kicks. Yakovlev comes back with some leg kicks of his own and then scores a takedown. Sullivan gets back to his feet. Sullivan with a leg kick and Yakovlev is able to counter with a takedown. Yakovlev gets full mount and Sullivan gives up his back. Sullivan gets to his feet but Yakovlev still has the back and lands a knee to the head. Sullivan with a body kick. They trade kicks. Yakovlev drops Sullivan with a right hand and three more punches on the ground and the fight is stopped. Yakovlev with the big knockout.
Official Result- Alexander Yakovlev def. George Sullivan by knockout (punch) at 3:59 of Round 1
FLYWEIGHTS- (#9) DUSTIN ORTIZ (15-4, 4-2 UFC) VS. (#12) WILSON REIS (19-6, 3-2 UFC)
ROUND 1- They trade some punches. Ortiz lands a right hand. Reis with an inside leg kick and Ortiz counters with a combo. They clinch up and each lands a punch on the break. They trade punches. Reis with a leg kick. Reis goes for a takedown and they go to the mat but Ortiz lands some elbows. Reis still has the body locked and gets Ortiz down and takes the back. Ortiz shakes him off and they get to their feet and Reis lands a right hand. Reis lands a solid left hand. Reis with a body kick and Ortiz returns a head kick. Ortiz with a knee to the body as he defends a takedown. Reis has Ortiz pushed against the fence. Reis defends a takedown attempt from Ortiz and grabs the back. Ortiz was a back elbow. Ortiz with a right hand and Reis gets a takedown as the round ends. 10-9 Reis.
ROUND 2- They exchange and Reis lands a left hand. Ortiz with a body kick. Ortiz goes for a takedown but Reis scrambles. Ortiz with a Superman Punch and Reis counters with a right hand. Reis shoots for a takedown and has Ortiz against the cage. They break and Ortiz lands a body kick. They trade kicks. Reis with a leg kick. Ortiz lands a solid right hand. Ortiz goes for a takedown but it is defended. Reis with a brief takedown. Ortiz with a deep shot but Reis sprawls. Reis lands a left hand after they break a clinch. Reis gets a takedown and takes the back and has full back mount. Reis looks for a choke but Ortiz is defending. Reis looks to switch to an armbar and works for it but the round ends. 10-9 Reis, 20-18 Reis.
ROUND 3- Ortiz with a head kick attempt but Reis checks it. They trade punches and Reis goes for a takedown but it is defended. Reis gets the fight down and takes the back of Ortiz. They get to their feet and Reis gets a trip takedown. Reis gets the back and looks for the choke. They get back to their feet. They trade punches. Ortiz lands a left hand. Reis grabs the body and looks for the back. Reis trips Ortiz down and has the back. Ortiz with a back elbow. They get up and Reis with a solid takedown. Reis with some knees to the body. Ortiz gets a quick takedown but they get up. Ortiz with a short elbow and some punches but Reis is able to get a takedown and goes into full mount. Reis is landing big punches from the back as Ortiz tries to scramble up. They get to their feet. Reis has the back and lands some punches. 10-9 Reis, 30-27 Reis.
Official Result- Wilson Reis def. Dustin Ortiz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#15) RAFAEL NATAL (20-6-1, 8-4-1 UFC) VS. KEVIN CASEY (9-3 2 NC, 1-1 2 NC UFC)
ROUND 1- They trade punches and Casey lands a head kick. Natal with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence as both battle for underhooks. Natal lands a punch on the break. Natal with a right hand. Casey with a left hand and uppercut. Natal gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Casey. Natal with some punches from the top. They scramble to their feet. Natal goes for a takedown but Casey reverses and grabs the back. They get to their feet. Casey lands a left hand on the break. Casey lands a good combo and Natal drops Casey right as the round ends. 10-9 Casey.
ROUND 2- Natal with a kick that hits the groin and we have a timeout. We get back to action. Natal lands a big right hand and then gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Casey. Natal with some punches from the top. Natal goes into the half-guard and lands some hard punches. They get to their feet but Natal grabs the body and lands a knee. Natal with some hard knees to the body against the fence. They break and Natal lands a big leg kick. Natal ducks under a punch and gets a takedown into the guard of Casey. Natal with a big hammerfist. More hammerfists from Natal. Natal with more control and punches from the top. Natal with big hammerfists as he looks to finish the fight late. Casey able to sweep Natal away as the round ends. 10-9 Natal, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Natal with a big leg kick and lands a hard right hand. Natal with a leg kick. Natal with the jab. Casey lands a right hand but Natal comes back with a takedown. Natal passes to half-guard. Natal with punches from the top. Natal looking to set up a choke as Natal moves to full mount. Natal has an arm-triangle attempt but lost it. Natal just smothering. Natal landing big punches from the top and Casey is bleeding. This fight is close to being finished and it is. TKO win by Natal.
Official Result- Rafael Natal def. Kevin Casey by TKO (punches) at 3:37 of Round 3
LIGHTWEIGHTS- OLIVIER AUBIN-MERCIER (7-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. CARLOS DIEGO FERREIRA (11-2, 2-2 UFC)
ROUND 1- Ferreira had to shave his head to make weight. Aubin-Mercier with two nice body kicks. Ferreira with a right hand. They trade punches. They trade kicks. Aubin-Mercier with a head kick but Ferreira tags him with a big punch. Ferreira with a kick and Aubin-Mercier catches it and lands some punches and then a body kick. Aubin-Mercier with a head kick. They clinch and move up against the fence. Ferreira lands a punch on the break. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick. Ferreira just misses a head kick. 10-9 Ferreira.
ROUND 2- Ferreira with a body kick. They trade punches and Aubin-Mercier lands an uppercut. Aubin-Mercier with a high kick and Ferreira pushes him down but they get back to their feet. Aubin-Mercier pins him against the fence but they break and Ferreira sprints away. Aubin-Mercier with a solid combo. They trade punches and Ferreira lands a flush head kick. They clinch for a moment but break. Ferreira with a body kick. They trade some solid punches. Aubin-Mercier with a short uppercut. Ferreira with a quick takedown and lands a knee on the way up. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick and then a head kick. Short uppercut lands by Aubin-Mercier and then a body kick and then a head kick. Ferreira with a head kick. 10-9 Aubin-Mercier, 19-19.
ROUND 3-Ferreira with an inside leg kick. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick followed by a head kick and lands an uppercut. They scramble to the mat but get right back up. Aubin-Mercier gets a takedown but Ferreira scrambles to the top in the half-guard. Ferreira transitions and takes the back and has the hooks in. Ferreira with some punches from the back. Ferreira looking for the choke. Ferreira had it over the chin but Aubin-Mercier escapes and scrambles to half-guard. Ferreira with some elbows. Ferreira has the back again and looking for the choke. Ferreira with big punches and elbows from the back. Aubin-Mercier survives but clear round for Ferreira. 10-9 Ferreira, 29-28 Ferreira.
Official Result- Carlos Diego Ferreira def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
ROUND 1- Saffiedine with a leg kick. Ellenberger with some dirty boxing. They trade leg kicks. Ellenberger connects with some punches. Saffiedine with a front kick to the face. Saffiedine with a leg kick and then a high kick. Ellenberger lands a big right hand that stuns Saffiedine. Saffiedine recovered and missed a head kick. Saffiedine with a high kick. Saffiedine with a high kick again and then lands a left hand. 10-9 Ellenberger.
ROUND 2- They trade punches as both look for the slightest opening. Both miss on punches. Saffiedine with a high kick. Ellenberger lands a left hand. Saffiedine with a high kick and then lands a leg kick. Saffiedine looks for a takedown but Ellenberger defends. Saffiedine lands a knee to the groin and we have a timeout. Saffiedine with two high kicks that land to the forearms of Ellenberger. Saffiedine lands a left jab. Ellenberger lands a late takedown but Saffiedine gets right back up. 10-9 Saffiedine, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Saffiedine with a high kick. He lands another but hits the forearms. Ellenberger clinches up against the fence. They break. Neither are initiating that much and the crowd is booing. Saffiedine lands a right hand and a leg kick. Ellenberger misses a big right hand. Saffiedine lands two leg kicks. Saffiedine lands another left hand and Ellenberger is bleeding. They clinch and Saffiedine with a knee to the body. Saffiedine lands another and Ellenberger lands one as well. Ellenberger goes for a desperate takedown and Saffiedine grabs the back and looks for the choke. Ellenberger defending and is out. They get up in the final seconds. Ellenberger lands a combo as the fight ends. Not much of a fight. 10-9 Saffiedine, 29-28 Saffiedine.
Official Result- Tarec Saffiedine def. Jake Ellenberger by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ROUND 1- Northcutt with some right hands and clinches but they break. They kick each other at the same time and Barberena slips. Northcutt drops Barberena with a right but they get right back up and clinch. Northcutt with a takedown and takes the back. Barberena on his feet but Northcutt on his back. Northcutt lets go and they clinch along the cage. They trade punches on the break. Northcutt with some big right hands and Barberena nailed him with a right. Northcutt with a takedown and looks for the back. Barberena is cut. Northcutt with a body kick. Barberena gets a takedown and is on top. They get up. They trade. Barberena lands a nice right hand. They trade again. 10-9 Northcutt.
ROUND 2- Northcutt with a leg kick. Northcutt misses a punch and Barberena is able to get in his guard on the ground. Barberena with some punches and elbows from the top. Barberena steps over looking to go to side control from half-guard. Barberena with short elbows and still looking to pass to side control and lands another hard elbow. Barberena looking for an arm-triangle. Northcutt taps out! It didn’t even look that deep but Barberena taps Northcutt out with the arm-triangle from half-guard.
Official Result- Bryan Barberena def. Sage Northcutt by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:06 of Round 2
ROUND 1- Rivera has won 17 straight fights and is another good prospect at 135 pounds. They come out swinging. Alcantara with a knee to the body. Rivera counters with a right hand. Big chants for Rivera, who is from New Jersey. Alcantara lands a left hand and Rivera counters with a big right hand. Rivera with a nice combo on Alcantara up against the fence. Rivera lands to the body and goes to the head. Alcantara looking to counter and lands a body kick and left hand. Alcantara pokes Rivera in the eye and quick timeout. Back to action. They trade punches. Rivera gets a big takedown slam right at the end of the round. 10-9 Rivera.
ROUND 2- Alcantara with a body kick and Rivera lands a crisp combination. Alcantara faked a jumping knee and Rivera tagged him with a left hand. Alcantara with a body kick. Rivera with a right hand. Rivera with a side kick. Rivera with a combo and initates a clinch against the fence. Rivera with a knee to the body and then to the legs. Rivera with some short left hands. They break. Alcantara lands a body kick and stuffs a takedown attempt from Rivera. Alcantara with a straight left and Rivera goes down for a moment. Rivera gets up and scores a takedown. Rivera takes the back but they get up. 10-9 Rivera, 20-18 Rivera.
ROUND 3- Alcantara comes out with a head kick. They trade punches. Alcantara with a leg kick and then a body kick. Rivera gets Alcantara down to the mat for a moment but they get right back up. Alcantara with a body kick and Rivera fires back a body kick. Alcantara with a leg kick and then a front kick to the body. Rivera with a big leg kick. Alcantara lands a left hand and Rivera drops for a moment. Rivera gets up and lands a takedown but they get right back up. Alcantara with a front kick to the body. Rivera grabs the leg and pushes up against the fence. They trade punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Rivera, 30-27 Rivera.
Official Result- Jimmie Rivera def. Iuri Alcantara by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#8) JOSH BARNETT (34-7, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#7) BEN ROTHWELL (35-9, 5-3 UFC)
ROUND 1- Rothwell with a low kick. Barnett with a right hand. Rothwell with a leg kick. Barnett with a leg kick and then a punch to the body. Rothwell with a leg kick. Barnett lands a stiff jab. Barnett with a short elbow. They clinch and Rothwell pushes against the fence but they break. Rothwell bleeding from the nose. Barnett connects with a left hand. Barnett with a stiff jab. Rothwell lands a right hand. Barnett with a punch and elbow and Rothwell counters with a leg kick. Barnett with a straight left hand. 10-9 Barnett.
ROUND 2- They clinch against the fence. Rothwell lands some uppercuts. They break. Rothwell with an uppercut. They trade punches. Not a lot of action going on. Rothwell misses a head kick. Barnett with a body kick. They trade punches. Barnett looking for a takedown. Rothwell has the neck as he drops to the mat. Rothwell has the guillotine choke and Barnett taps! That was a completely unexpected result.
Official Result- Ben Rothwell def. Josh Barnett by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:48 of Round 2
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#2) ANTHONY JOHNSON (20-5, 11-5 UFC) VS. (#4) RYAN BADER (20-4, 13-4 UFC)
ROUND 1- Bader goes for a quick takedown but Johnson stuffs and takes the back. Bader looking for a kimura from the bottom. Johnson is able to mount Bader. Bader lets go of the arm and is stuck against the cage. Johnson dropping punches from the top and it is already over! Johnson knocked Bader out cold from the back mount.
Official Result- Anthony Johnson def. Ryan Bader by knockout (punches) at 1:26 of Round 1
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of the UFC On FOX 18: Johnson vs. Bader weigh-ins from the Prudential Center at the MGM Grand in Newark, New Jersey. The fighters will hit the scale at 4 PM eastern time. The card airs on Saturday with the main card on FOX at 8 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off at 3:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass before heading over to FOX Sports 1 at 5 PM eastern time with additional preliminary bouts. This will be the Octagon’s seventh visit to Newark.
The event is headlined by a title eliminator bout in the UFC’s light heavyweight division as #2 ranked Anthony “Rumble” Johnson takes on #4 ranked Ryan Bader, winner of five straight fights. In the co-main event, it will be a pivotal bout in the heavyweight division as former UFC Heavyweight Champion and #8 ranked Josh Barnett takes on #7 ranked Ben Rothwell. Also on the main card is the FOX network debut of rising 19-year-old prospect Sage Northcutt, who meets Bryan Barberena in a welterweight bout.
MAIN CARD (FOX- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT): Anthony Johnson (205.25) vs. Ryan Bader (205) Josh Barnett (241) vs. Ben Rothwell (265) Iuri Alcantara (135.25) vs. Jimmie Rivera (135) Sage Northcutt (170) vs. Bryan Barberena (170)
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 5 PM ET/2 PM PT): Tarec Saffiedine (169.75) vs. Jake Ellenberger (170) Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155) vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira (156) Rafael Natal (185) vs. Kevin Casey (185.25) Dustin Ortiz (125) vs. Wilson Reis (126) George Sullivan (171) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (171) Alex Caceres (145) vs. Masio Fullen (145)
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT): Matt Dwyer (169) vs. Randy Brown (171) Damon Jackson (145) vs. Levan Makashvili (145) Tony Martin (155) vs. Felipe Olivieri (155)
