Tag: carla esparza

UFC 281 live results: Adesanya vs. Pereira, Esparza vs. Weili

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira, emanating from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

The Octagon is back in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City, with arguably the card of the year taking place, highlighted by two title fights and one of the most exciting match-ups of the year.

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya looks to remain at the top of the division as he defends against Alex Pereira in the main event. The two have a storied history as they fought twice while both were competing in kickboxing, with Pereira winning both fights and being the only man to ever knock Adesanya out. Adesanya will be making his sixth title defense while Pereira looks to shock the world and extend his six-fight win streak.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza defends the title for the first time since winning it for the second time as former champion Zhang Weili looks to regain the championship gold. Esparza won the title from Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 in May, her sixth straight win. Weili lost the title to Namajunas in April 2021, and got herself another opportunity at gaining it back after scoring a second-round knockout of Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 275 in June.

Also on the main card is arguably the most exciting match-up of 2022 as perennial lightweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler go to battle. Also on the main card is Frankie Edgar, who will be fighting for the final time of his Hall Of Fame career, as he takes on Chris Gutierrez, and a lightweight battle between Dan Hooker and Claudio Puelles kicks off the main card. A loaded slate of prelims also takes place, highlighted by a lightweight match-up between Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano, and a light heavyweight battle pitting Dominick Reyes against Ryan Spann.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 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].

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> Light Heavyweights- Carlos Ulberg (6-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Nicolae Negumereanu (13-1, 4-1 UFC)

Negumereanu lands a leg kick. Ulberg with a leg kick. He lands a hard leg kick. Ulberg lands a hard jab. Ulberg with a hard leg kick. Ulberg ducks under a Negumereanu right hand. Negumereanu tried a knee but slipped to the mat as his lead leg is damaged from Ulberg’s leg kicks. Ulberg lands a right hand. Ulberg drops Negumereanu to his knees with a left hook and finishes it off with another shot on the ground. What a finish.

Official Result- Carlos Ulberg def. Nicolae Negumereanu by knockout (punches) at 3:44 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Julio Arce (18-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Montel Jackson (11-2, 5-2 UFC)

Jackson goes for a takedown and pushes it against the fence right away. Jackson trying to get it down. Jackson with some punches as he has Arce pushed against the fence. Jackson lands a knee but still working to get Arce to the mat. They are broken up by Marc Goddard. Arce lands a body kick. Jackson lands a left hand. Arce with a combo to the body. They trade jabs. Arce lands a left and both land in close range. Jackson with a leg kick. Arce grabs Jackson and pushes him against the fence but is able to complete the late takedown. 10-9 Arce.

They’re both looking to land in close range to start the second. Arce is pressuring. Jackson lands a leg kick but Arce still coming forward and lands some punches. Jackson lands a nice jab. Arce still pressing forward. Jackson lands a right hand. Jackson with a combo. They trade in close range. Jackson shoots for a takedown and presses it against the fence. Jackson has body control and lands some short shots at the end of the round. 10-9 Jackson, 19-19.

Jackson landing the jab. Jackson lands a jab that hurts Arce and Arce falls to the mat and Jackson gets on top and is landing punches. Arce throwing up his legs looking for a triangle choke. Jackson goes to his knees looking to get inside the guard of Arce. Arce almost got the triangle choke locked in. They get to their feet. Jackson lands a right hand. Arce lands a left hand. Jackson lands a nice jab. They clinch against the fence. The quickly break. Jackson with a combo and Arce just misses a left hand late. 10-9 Jackson, 29-28 Jackson.

Official Result- Montel Jackson def. Julio Arce by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Featherweights*- Michael Trizano (9-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Seungwoo Choi (10-5, 3-4 UFC)

*Trizano missed weight by 1.6 pounds

We have a double knockdown to start things out. Crazy. They get up and are trading. Trizano with a right hand. Choi with a left hand and Trizano lands a left hand. Choi with a leg kick. Trizano drops Choi with a left hand and lands from the top but Choi gets up and lands some knees. Choi with a leg kick. Choi lands a left hand. Trizano lands the jab. He lands another and follows it with a combo. Choi rocks Trizano with a left hand and they are swinging for the fences looking to connect. They trade jabs. Choi lands a left hook. Trizano with a leg kick. Trizano lands a right hand. Trizano drops Choi with a left hand and finishes it off. What a finish by Trizano.

Official Result- Michael Trizano def. Seungwoo Choi by knockout (punches) at 4:51 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Karolina Kowalkiewicz (13-7, 6-7 UFC) vs. Silvana Gomez Juarez (11-4, 1-2 UFC)

Both throwing jabs to start off. Juarez misses a couple of right hands. Juarez lands a right hand and leg kicks and Kowalkiewicz gets a takedown. Kowalkiewicz grabs the back and gets the hooks in. Kowalkiewicz has the body triangle locked on. Juarez trying to escape but Kowalkiewicz maintains back control. Kowalkiewicz with some right hands from the back. Kowalkiewicz working for the rear-naked choke but lets go. Kowalkiewicz with more right hands from the back. They break on their feet. Kowalkiewicz with the jab. Juarez lands a combo. 10-9 Kowalkiewicz.

Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. They’re both landing in close range. Juarez with a left hand. Juarez lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz with a right hand. Juarez with the jab. Juarez lands a combo. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Juarez lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands the jab. They trade inside the pocket and Kowalkiewicz lands a knee while they briefly clinch. Juarez with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Juarez, 19-19.

They’re trading to start the third and both are landing. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands the jab. Juarez with a combo. Both are landing and Kowalkiewicz is landing the jab quite often. Juarez lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands a couple of right hands. Juarez with a right hand. She lands another. They trade inside the pocket. Kowalkiewicz lands a nice knee to the body. Kowalkiewicz gets the takedown. She looks to get the back as Juarez gets to her feet but they battle for underhooks inside the clinch. They break. Kowalkiewicz with a combo and lands a few knees. Juarez with a combo. Good fight. 10-9 Kowalkiewicz, 29-28 Kowalkiewicz.

There were some weird things going on with the scorecards after the fight, including an official coming in and writing new scores on Bruce Buffer’s sheet and some general just confusion. Hopefully, we’ll find out what was going on.

Official Result- Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Matt Frevola (9-3-1, 3-3-1 UFC) vs. Ottman Azaitar (13-0, 0-0 UFC)

Frevola lands a body kick after they feel each other out. Frevola lands some punches. Azaitar lands a left hand. Frevola with a right hand. Azaitar lands a left hook. Frevola with a stiff jab. Frevola drops Azaitar with a left hand as they trade inside the pocket and Azaitar is out cold.

Official Result- Matt Frevola def. Ottman Azaitar by knockout (punches) at 2:30 of Round 1

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> Middleweights- Andre Petroski (8-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Wellington Turman (18-5, 3-3 UFC)

Turman lands a right hand and they trade inside the pocket. Turman with a leg kick. Petroski lands a leg kick. Turman with a body kick and they trade shots. Turman with a hard body kick. Petroski lands a right hand. Turman with a left hand. Turman with a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Petroski lands a left hand. Petroski shoots for the single leg and pushes it against the fence to complete the takedown. They get to their feet and Petroski has the back. They break. Petroski lands a left hand. They trade punches. Petroski lands a left hand. Turman with a body kick. They trade left hands. Petroski grabs the single leg and pushes it against the fence. Petroski gets it back down but Turman lands some elbows. 10-9 Turman.

Petroski lands a left hand. Petroski with a body kick. Turman lands a leg kick. Petroski looks to drop for a takedown but Turman has the neck and locks in a guillotine choke as they go to the mat but Petroski gets out and has the neck of Turman in side control. Petroski gets the back and looked for a choke but Turman squirmed out and Petroski now on top. They scramble and Turman ends up in the guard of Petroski. They get to their feet. Turman gets it down but they pop right up. Petroski gets it down and is in the mount. He moves to the half-guard. Petroski lands some elbows late. 10-9 Petroski, 19-19.

They trade leg kicks to start the third. Petroski shoots for the takedown against the fence and gets the back to complete it. Petroski grabs the neck and looks for the guillotine choke and mounts him but lets go. Petroski lands some right hands. Petroski gets on top and lands. Petroski gets into Turman’s guard and is looking to improve as Turman throws from the bottom. Petroski gets the back of Turman. They get to their feet and Petroski slams Turman back to the mat. They get up but Petroski ends up getting it back down as he has back control. Petroski ends the fight with back control. 10-9 Petroski, 29-28 Petroski.

Official Result- Andre Petroski def. Wellington Turman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #12 Erin Blanchfield (9-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. #15 Molly McCann (13-4, 6-3 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. McCann lands a right hand. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Blanchfield with a leg kick then a right hand and scores a takedown. Blanchfield in side control. Blanchfield gets the crucifix position and is landing punches and elbows. McCann trying to fight out of it. Blanchfield with lots of left hands. Blanchfield now landing elbows. Blanchfield now looking for a kimura. She has it locked in. McCann gets out but Blanchfield retains the crucifix position. Blanchfield gets the kimura locked in and McCann taps. Just absolute domination from Blanchfield.

Official Result- Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann by submission (kimura) at 3:37 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights*- #7 Dominick Reyes (12-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. #12 Ryan Spann (20-7, 6-2 UFC)

*Spann missed weight by .6 pounds

Reyes with a body kick. Spann clips Reyes with a right hand and then hurts Reyes again with a punch. Spann grabs the neck but lets go. Reyes with a body kick. Spann lands a combo. Spann drops Reyes with a jab and Reyes is out cold. What a brutal knockout by Spann.

Official Result- Ryan Spann def. Dominick Cruz by knockout (punch) at 1:20 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Brad Riddell (10-3, 4-2 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (16-5-1, 8-5 UFC)

Moicano pressing forward and Riddell lands a jab. Moicano lands a knee. Moicano lands a combo ending with a head kick and they trade in the pocket. Riddell with a leg kick. Moicano lands the jab. Riddell with a body kick after Moicano lands a jab. They trade jabs. They clinch and go to the mat and Moicano jumps on the back. Moicano looking for the rear-naked choke and has it locked in. Riddell taps! Big submission win for Moicano.

Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Brad Riddell by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:20 of Round 1

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> Lightweights- #12 Dan Hooker (21-12, 11-8 UFC) vs. Claudio Puelles (12-2, 5-1 UFC)

Hooker with a leg kick. He lands a couple more. Hooker continues to land leg kicks. Puelles goes for the Imanari roll and looks to lock in a kneebar. Hooker is defending and lands a right hand. Puelles now looking for a heel hook. Hooker lands some body shots as he gets his knee out of bad position. Hooker escapes and is on top but gets to his feet and Puelles is ordered up. Puelles tries to roll again but Hooker is aware to it. Hooker lands a right hand. 10-9 Hooker.

Hooker lands to the body. They trade body kicks. Hooker lands a right hand and Puelles looks to grab the leg but Hooker slips away. Hooker lands a left hand. Hooker lands the jab and then a left hook. Puelles is able to grab the leg and pushes it against the fence. Hooker grabbed the neck and Puelles let go. Hooker with an inside leg kick. Puelles shoots for the takedown but Hooker gets away. Puelles looks for the takedown but Hooker sprawls and lands some punches to the body. Hooker with a body kick that hurts Puelles. Hooker lands a body kick and Puelles goes down and it is stopped. What a weird ending.

Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Claudio Puelles by TKO (kick) at 4:06 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #12 Frankie Edgar (24-10-1, 18-10-1 UFC) vs. Chris Gutierrez (18-3-2, 6-1-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. Gutierrez lands a spinning back fist. Gutierrez with a leg kick followed by a jab. Edgar with a leg kick. Edgar with a body kick. Gutierrez lands a big knee that knocks Edgar out cold. Bittersweet end to the career of Edgar as Gutierrez gets the big knockout win.

Official Result- Chris Gutierrez def. Frankie Edgar by knockout (knee) at 2:01 of Round 1

> Lightweights- #2 Dustin Poirier (28-7 1 NC, 20-6 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Michael Chandler (23-7, 2-2 UFC)

Chandler lands a right hand. Poirier lands a left hand. Chandler with some body kicks. Chandler with a leg kick but it got checked. Chandler with a body kick followed by a quick flurry. Chandler lands some right hands and is landing to the body against the fence. Poirier with a left hand. Chandler with the leg kick. Chandler lands a big left. Poirier lands a right hook. Chandler lands some right hands and is landing a flurry on Poirier against the fence. Chandler gets a takedown. Chandler gets the back but they stand. Chandler lands a German Suplex but they stand. Poirier lands a combo and Chandler lands a big right hand. Poirier lands a shot that drops Chandler to his knees and Chandler is backing up and Poirier landing a big flurry against the fence and has Chandler in trouble at the end. What a round. 10-9 Poirier.

Chandler with a combo and pushes Poirier against the fence and scores a takedown. Chandler bleeding onto Poirier as he’s landing. Poirier looking for a triangle choke but lands an elbow. Poirier loses it and Chandler gets the back. Chandler trying to find a choke. He’s still working for it but he has a bad position. Chandler now on top and Poirier lands short punches. Chandler lands some right hands from the top. Chandler with hammerfists but some are behind the back of the head. Chandler now landing big right hands and Poirier had a hand trapped. Poirier gives up full guard. Chandler ends the round on top. 10-9 Chandler, 19-19.

Poirier with a leg kick. Poirier with a high kick. Chandler looks for a takedown but Poirier backs up. Chandler grabs the single leg and picks Poirier up and gets him down and had the back but Poirier ends up on top and is landing. Poirier now takes the back of Chandler. Poirier gets the rear-naked choke locked in and Chandler taps! What a win for Poirier in an excellent fight.

Official Result- Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:00 of Round 3

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Carla Esparza (19-6, 10-4 UFC) vs. #2 Zhang Weili (22-3, 6-2 UFC)

Weili with a leg kick. Weili with the pressure. Weili landing more leg kicks early. Weili with a high kick. Weili with a right hand to the body. Weili with a leg kick. Weili with a right hand and then two body kicks. Esparza grabs the leg and gets the takedown but Weili has the back. Weili with some elbows and has the reverse crucifix but they scramble. Weili has the back and is looking for a choke. They scramble and Esparza ends up on top. Esparza with some elbows. Esparza stands and Weili gets up and lands a right hand. Weili with a body kick but Esparza grabs the leg and gets the brief takedown. Weili gets to side control. Weili with some right hands and elbows from the top. They stand at the end. 10-9 Weili.

Weili with a leg kick. Weili lands a right hand then a high kick. Esparza shoots and almost gets the takedown but Weili is able to get the back. Weili has the crucifix in and has neck control. Weili has the choke locked in and Esparza taps! Weili gets the title back with the submission win.

Official Result- Zhang Weili def. Carla Esparza by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:05 of Round 2 to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Israel Adesanya (23-1, 12-1 UFC) vs. #4 Alex Pereira (6-1, 3-0 UFC)

Pereira comes out with a flying kick that misses. Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands another. Pereira with a pair of leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Pereira with some leg kicks. Adesanya lands a jab. They trade body kicks. Adesanya lands a right hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a body kick. Pereira with a body kick and Adesanya returns fire with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick followed by a left hand. They clinch and Pereira with some body shots and a knee. Adesanya rocked Pereira badly at the end of the first and Pereira may have been saved by the bell there. 10-9 Adesanya.

Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands another. Adesanya with a knee and Pereira with a left to the body. They trade jabs. Adesanya with an inside leg kick then a high kick. Pereira lands a jab. Pereira with a right to the body then a knee. Adesanya lands a big right hand. Pereira lands a left hand and lands a couple more. They clinch against the fence. They break away. Adesanya lands to the body. Pereira gets a late takedown. 10-9 Pereira, 19-19.

Adesanya with a couple of kicks. Adesanya with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Pereira with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick but Adesanya gets a takedown and gets the back of Pereira. Adesanya landing punches from the back. He lands some more. Adesanya keeping back control. They get to their feet but Adesanya puts it back down again. Adesanya ends up in the guard of Pereira and lands some shots from the top. Adesanya stands and lands an axe kick to the body and a big right hand at the end. 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 Adesanya.

They trade leg kicks. Adesanya with a leg kick after Pereira barely landed a left hook. Adesanya with a jab. Adesanya lands a right hand. Adesanya with a jab then a right hand then a leg kick. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a right hand then a leg kick. Pereira looks gassed out. Adesanya grabs the body lock against the fence. Pereira with some body shots. They break and Adesanya with a right hand. Pereira lands a right hand. They clinch and Pereira with a knee to the body. Adesanya looking for a takedown. They break. Pereira with a left hand. 10-9 Adesanya, 39-37 Adesanya.

Adesanya with a body kick. Pereira lands a left to the body. Pereira lands a right hand. Pereira lands a leg kick that Adesanya checks and it hurt Adesanya’s leg and Adesanya rolled back. Adesanya with a leg kick and a right hand. Pereira with a right hand and hurts Adesanya with a left and then a right and is landing a flurry as Adesanya slips down and Pereira continues to land big shots and it is stopped! Pereira pulls the win out of nowhere with a huge flurry at the end to get the standing stoppage.

Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya by TKO (punches) at 2:01 of Round 5 to win the UFC Middleweight Championship

UFC 274 live results: Oliveira vs. Gaethje, Namajunas vs. Esparza 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje, emanating from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Octagon returns to Arizona with a stacked fight card featuring two title fights, one of them one of the most anticipated fights of 2022, and a main card full of long-time veteran and household names.

UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira was supposed to make his second title defense against Justin Gaethje in the main event. It is a fight fans have been anticipating for a while as it promises to be one of the most exciting fights that 2022 has to offer. However, Oliveira missed weight by a half-pound and was stripped of the championship. The fight remains on, but Oliveira is ineligible to win the title, meaning if he wins, the title is officially vacant. A win by Gaethje would make him the new UFC Lightweight Champion.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion makes the second title defense of her second reign as champion as she defends against Carla Esparza. These two have history as they fought in the first-ever strawweight title fight in December 2014, which was won by Esparza. Namajunas comes in having won three straight fights, while Esparza is riding a five-fight win streak.

Also on the main card is an exciting lightweight battle between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, a light heavyweight rematch between former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and Ovince Saint Preux, and long-time veteran lightweights Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon square off in the main card opener.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru 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].

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> Bantamweights- Journey Newson (9-3 1 NC, 0-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Fernie Garcia (10-1, 0-0 UFC)

Garcia is making his debut. Newson with a body kick. Newson lands a side kick. Both are landing and Newson scores a takedown. They get right back to their feet and Newson had the back but Garcia escapes. Garcia lands a nice right hand. He’s landing slightly more in the round. Newson with a side kick. They clinch up at the end. 10-9 Garcia.

Garcia lands a right hand and Newson lands a nice calf kick. Garcia lands a calf kick. Newson with another leg kick. Newson lands a big combination and rocks Garcia with a left hook. Newson with a couple of kicks. Newson with a side kick. They trade punches. Newson with a right hand. Newson with a leg kick. Garcia lands a right hand. Newson with a late flurry. Garcia with a high kick. 10-9 Newson, 19-19.

Garcia with a leg kick. Newson lands a leg kick. Newson gets a takedown. He gets the back and has one hook in. They scramble to their feet. Newson with a side kick. Garcia with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Garcia with a leg kick. Newson lands a nice right hand and follows it with a left hook. He lands a jab and is being busier during this round. Newson lands a spinning back fist that backs Garcia up late. 10-9 Newson, 29-28 Newson.

Official Result- Journey Newson def. Fernie Garcia by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

*It was just announced that the fight between Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon, scheduled for the main card, has been scratched due to an illness for Cerrone.

> Women’s Strawweights- Ariane Carnelossi (14-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Lupita Godinez (7-2, 2-2 UFC)

They trade to start and Godinez gets a takedown. They scramble up but Godinez gets another takedown. Godinez has the neck and is looking for something from the side as they scramble around. They get to their feet and Godinez has the back and they roll to the mat and Godinez is on top. Godinez landing from the top as Carnelossi is pinned against the fence. She ends the first landing punches. 10-9 Godinez.

Godinez with a body kick. Godinez rocks Carnelossi with a right hand and lands a flurry before getting a big takedown. Godinez with some big elbows from the top. Godinez transitions to the back and has the hooks in. Godinez tries to find a choke but lets the hooks go and lands punches. She moves to the top and tries for an arm-triangle choke but Carnelossi survives until the end. 10-9 Godinez, 20-18 Godinez.

Godinez gets a big takedown to start the third and takes the back. She’s landing punches from the back as she pushes Carnelossi against the fence. They trade punches against the fence. They get to their feet and Godinez with an uppercut in the clinch and she gets a big takedown. Godinez staying active from the top landing punches and nasty elbows. Godinez still dominating. She lands big punches as they get to their feet. She lands a big combo against the fence and gets a big takedown and closes out the fight with big punches. Great showing from Godinez. 10-8 Godinez, 30-26 Godinez.

Official Result- Lupita Godinez def. Ariane Carnelossi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

> Flyweights- Kleydson Rodrigues (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. CJ Vergara (9-3-1, 0-1 UFC)

Vergara is making his debut. Rodrigues lands some body kicks. Vergara with a body kick. Rodrigues just misses a flying knee. They trade in close range. Rodrigues with a quick uppercut. Rodrigues gets a takedown. They scramble up and Rodrigues has the back. Rodrigues with some short knees and Vergara with some short punches. Rodrigues with a left hand and elbow as they break. Rodrigues with a big body kick. Vergara with a left hook. Rodrigues with some teet kicks to the body. Rodrigues lands a right hand. Rodrigues lands a combo. Rodrigues with a leg kick. Vergara lands a solid left hook. Rodrigues with a leg kick. They trade big punches inside the pocket. 10-9 Rodrigues.

Vergara with a body kick. Rodrigues goes for a takedown but Vergara reverses and had the full mount but moves to the back. They scramble and Vergara is back in the guard of Rodrigues. Vergara working from the top and landing punches and elbows. Vergara with some body punches from the top. Vergara with an elbow from the top. Vergara with more punches from the top. Vergara gets the mount and is landing big punches from the top. Rodrigues gives up his back and is able to sweep to the top and lands an elbow. They get to their feet. Rodrigues with a body kick. He lands a spinning back fist. Vergara with some leg kicks. They trade at the end. 10-9 Vergara, 19-19.

They trade to start and Rodrigues misses a spinning back fist. Vergara lands a couple of jabs. Rodrigues with a nice combination. Vergara with a leg kick. Vergara with a nice combination. Vergara lands a knee to the body and they go to the mat with Rodrigues on bottom. Rodrigues is looking to set up a calf slicer. He now switches to looking for a choke. Vergara tries to scramble out and does and moves to side control. Rodrigues transitions to the guard of Vergara. Vergara did grab the fence a couple of times. They get to their feet and Rodrigues has the back and gets it down but they stand. Rodrigues gets it down briefly again but they stand and separate. They trade in close range. Rodrigues gets a takedown but they get to their feet. Rodrigues with a left hook and body kick. Close fight and real fun fight. 10-9 Rodrigues, 29-28 Rodrigues.

Official Result- CJ Vergara def. Kleydson Rodrigues by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- Tracy Cortez (9-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Melissa Gatto (8-0-2, 2-0 UFC)

Cortez with some calf kicks and she scores a takedown. She lands some shots from the top as Gatto is looking for the arm. Cortez slams Gatto to get her arm free and remains in the guard of Gatto. They get to their feet. Cortez with a leg kick. They trade in close range before clinching. Gatto gets the back standing and drags it down as she has the back. Cortez trying to roll to the top and does. Cortez with an elbow. Cortez landing from the top and keeping Gatto from being able to do anything from the bottom. Cortez stands and lands a leg kick. 10-9 Cortez.

Cortez with some kicks as Gatto is throwing combos but barely missing. Gatto rushes forward with a flurry that mostly misses. Gatto pressuring and shoots for a takedown against the fence. They break and Gatto lands a left hook. Gatto gets a takedown but Cortez gets it up. Gatto has the back and drags the fight down. Gatto has the hooks in. Gatto with some punches from the back. Gatto looking for the arm and an armbar. Cortez stands ad gets out and is on top now. Cortez with a hammerfist. Cortez landing from the top late and they stand late. 10-9 Gatto, 19-19.

Cortez shoots for a takedown and lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Gatto lands a right hand. Cortez gets a takedown. Cortez working from the top as Gatto is stuck on the bottom. Cortez lands and moves to the back and lands some right hands. Cortez lands more and Gatto looking for a kneebar but they scramble up. Gatto has the back and drags it down against the fence. Cortez gets to the top and is looking for an arm-triangle choke. Cortez lets go and ends the fight on top. 10-9 Cortez, 29-28 Cortez.

Official Result- Tracy Cortez def. Melissa Gatto by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Andre Fialho (15-4 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Cameron VanCamp (15-5-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)

VanCamp with a leg kick. He lands another. Fialho with a right hand. Fialho with a leg kick. VanCamp lands a right hand that hurts Fialho. Fialho lands a big counter. Fialho then lands a big left hook that drops VanCamp and a big punch on the mat ends it. What a finish by Fialho!

Official Result- Andre Fialho def. Cameron VanCamp by knockout (punch) at 2:35 of Round 1

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> Heavyweights- #15 Blagoy Ivanov (18-4 1 NC, 2-3 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (19-7-1, 8-5 UFC)

de Lima with a body kick. He lands another. de Lima with a groin kick and we have a timeout. They get back to action and de Lima with a leg kick. They throw in close range but neither really lands. de Lima with a high body kick. de Lima lands a left hook. Ivanov tries a takedown but de Lima defends. de Lima with a body punch. They trade in close range. They trade again. They clinch against the fence. They break and de Lima with a leg kick. They trade left hands late. 10-9 de Lima.

Ivanov pressing forward and they both land as they clinch against the fence. They break to the center. They trade in close range and de Lima lands slightly more. Ivanov tags de Lima with a left hand and they clinch against the fence. They break and Ivanov is tagging de Lima with punches. Ivanov with more left hands. He lands a massive left hand against the fence. They break as Ivanov lands to the body. de Lima with a right hand. Ivanov with a left hand. He lands another. They clinch against the fence and both land solid punches. 10-9 Ivanov, 19-19.

de Lima with the jab. They trade in close range. Ivanov with a left hand. de Lima tries for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They’re just holding each other against the fence. Marc Goddard breaks it up. Ivanov lands a left hand. He lands another. They tie back up against the fence. They trade in the clinch but not a whole lot is happening. Ivanov lands to the body as they break. de Lima with a right hand. Ivanov with a left hand and they clinch against the fence. They break to the center. de Lima with a body kick. Ivanov lands a combo. de Lima shoots for the takedown and he picks Ivanov up and Ivanov wraps his arm around the top of the cage to block but de Lima still gets it at the end. 10-9 de Lima, 29-28 de Lima.

Official Result- Blagoy Ivanov def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #6 Brandon Royval (13-6, 3-2 UFC) vs. #9 Matt Schnell (15-5 1 NC, 5-3 1 NC UFC)

They’re trading right away. Royval with a high kick. Royval landing the right hand but Schnell is landing nice combos. Schnell drops Royval with a shot and Royval grabs the leg ad Schnell goes to the mat and tries to get the back but ends up in the guard of Royval. Royval looking for the leg but Schnell grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine but Royval ends on top. Royval grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke and Schnell taps! What a sequence on the ground to lead to the finish!

Official Result- Brandon Royval def. Matt Schnell by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:14 of Round 1

> Women’s Featherweights*- #11 (WBW) Macy Chiasson (7-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. #15 (WBW) Norma Dumont (7-1, 3-1 UFC)

*Dumont missed weight by .5 pounds

Chiasson with a body kick. Dumont lands a left hand. Both land some punches. Dumont with a left hand. Chiasson with a high kick that Dumont blocks. Chiasson lands a left hand. Chiasson with a leg kick. Dumont lands a combo. Chiasson lands a right hand. They trade late and Chiasson ends the round with a takedown. Close round. 10-9 Chiasson.

Chiasson with a high kick. They trade in close range. Dumont with a leg kick. Chiasson with a left hand followed by a right hand. They clinch against the fence. They trade knees against the fence. Chiasson gets the takedown and has the back and almost had the choke but they stood and Dumont shook her off. They scramble back up and Chiasson has the advantage against the fence. They’re still tied up as Chiasson is pinning Dumont against the fence. They trade knees and Chiasson dragged it down for a moment but still has body control as they stand. 10-9 Chiasson, 20-18 Chiasson.

They trade to start and Dumont lands a right hand and Chiasson gets a takedown. They scramble up and Chiasson has control against the fence. They remain tied up against the fence and trade knees. They break and both land and Dumont lands a good combo. Chiasson gets a takedown and has the body lock as they stand. Chiasson is holding Dumont against the fence. Chiasson tries a trip takedown but Dumont ends up on top, then Chiasson sweeps to the top and they stand. They break and Dumont lands a right hand and rocks Chiasson. They tie up and Chiasson is tired. Chiasson pushing it against the fence. They end the fight against the fence. 10-9 Dumont, 29-28 Chiasson.

Official Result- Macy Chiasson def. Norma Dumont by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Francisco Trinaldo (27-8, 17-7 UFC) vs. Danny Roberts (18-5, 7-4 UFC)

Roberts with a leg kick. Trinaldo lands a left hand after Roberts slips on a punch attempt. They clinch and Trinaldo lands an uppercut. They break. Roberts with a body kick. Roberts with a leg kick. Roberts with a left hand. Roberts with a body kick. They trade in close range. They trade left hands. Trinaldo lands a combo. Roberts with a leg kick. They’re trading punches as the crowd is distracted by something. They continue to both land and each lands a left hand and Trinaldo with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Roberts.

Trinaldo rocks Roberts with some big shots and they push against the fence and Trinaldo with some knees. Trinaldo looks for a takedown but they remain tied up. They break. Trinaldo lands a big left hand. Trinaldo with a left hand to the body and lands an uppercut and elbow. Trinaldo grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine but loses it as they go to the mat. Trinaldo gets to the half-guard of Roberts. Trinaldo controlling from the top. Trinaldo passes to side control. They scramble and Trinaldo takes the back. They get to their feet. They trade in close range and both land big shots. Roberts with an elbow. 10-9 Trinaldo, 19-19.

Roberts with a leg kick. They trade big punches in close range before clinching up. They break to the center. Roberts with a left hand. Trinaldo with a left hand. Trinaldo rocks Roberts with some punches and clinches again with him but they break. Trinaldo with another left hand and lands a couple of snap jabs. Roberts rocks Trinaldo with a punch but eats an uppercut from Trinaldo rushing in. They’re tied up and Trinaldo tries a late takedown. 10-9 Trinaldo, 29-28 Trinaldo.

Official Result- Francisco Trinaldo def. Danny Roberts by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)

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> Welterweights- Randy Brown (14-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. Khaos Williams (13-2, 4-1 UFC)

They trade kicks and punches early. They clinch against the fence but break. Williams rocks Brown with a right hand and Brown retreats. Brown looks for a takedown but Williams is sprawling. They get to their feet and separate. Williams with a combination ending with a leg kick. Brown just misses a flying knee. Brown lands some uppercuts. Brown shoots for a takedown but Williams defends. Brown grabs the neck at the end. 10-9 Williams.

Brown with the double jab and lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Brown with a body kick. Williams with a body punch. Brown with the double jab. Brown continuing to land the jab and Williams is having trouble with it. They clinch but end up breaking. Brown with a combo. Brown pressing forward and landing more. They tie up against the fence. They break and Williams with a leg kick. Williams with a leg kick. Williams landing leg kicks while Brown is landing jabs. Brown with a right hand. Brown lands a right hand as Williams was coming in for a takedown attempt. 10-9 Brown, 19-19.

Brown with a front kick that lands to the face. Williams with a quick combo. Brown lands a combination. Brown is pressuring and backing Williams up as he’s landing short shots. Williams lands a right hand and Brown falls to the mat and Williams gets on top. They get to their feet. Brown lands a right hand. They both land solid punches. Brown shoots for a takedown and lands a knee to the jaw of Williams. Brown swings and misses and Williams takes advantage and lands some punches. Brown with some elbows to the head of Williams as they’re tied up. They break. Brown lands a nice elbow. Williams shoots for a takedown but Brown defends and lands some big knees as they break. Close fight. 10-9 Brown, 29-28 Brown.

Official Result- Randy Brown def. Khaos Williams by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Mauricio Rua (27-12-1, 11-10-1 UFC) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (25-16, 13-11 UFC)

Rua with a leg kick. Rua with a body kick. Saint Preux with a body kick and Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a leg kick. Rua with a leg kick. Rua with a left hook. Saint Preux with a body kick. Saint Preux lands a left as Rua was trying to rush in. Rua with a right hand. They trade kicks. Rua with a leg kick. Rua with another leg kick. Uneventful round. 10-9 Rua.

Saint Preux with a couple of high kicks. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with more high kicks and Rua blocks one. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a left hand. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a body kick. Rua with a leg kick. Rua with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a left hand and a leg kick. They trade kicks. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a high kick but Rua blocks it. Rua with a leg kick. Another uneventful round. 10-9 Saint Preux , 19-19.

They clinch and nothing happens and they break. Saint Preux with a body kick. Rua with two leg kicks. Rua lands a left hand. Rua with a body kick. Saint Preux with a body kick. He lands another. Rua lands a left hand. Saint Preux with a left hand. Saint Preux with a body kick. Saint Preux with a combination. Rua with a leg kick. Boring fight. 10-9 Saint Preux, 29-28 Saint Preux.

Official Result- Ovince Saint Preux def. Mauricio Rua by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

> Lightweights- #5 Michael Chandler (22-7, 1-2 UFC) vs. #7 Tony Ferguson (25-6, 15-4 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Ferguson checks the kick. Ferguson drops Chandler with a left hand but Chandler gets right up and Ferguson lands a jab. They’re trading in close range. Ferguson with a leg kick. Ferguson with a body kick. Ferguson with a right hand and Chandler lands a left hook. They trade punches. Ferguson with a leg kick. Chandler with a leg kick. Chandler gets a big takedown. Ferguson throwing elbows from the bottom and Chandler is cut open. Chandler trying to land big punches from the top. Chandler in the guard of Ferguson and lands some punches. Chandler with some more big punches from the top. Ferguson trying hard to get to his feet. Chandler with a right hand and Ferguson is cut open as well. Close round. 10-9 Chandler.

Chandler lands a front kick to the face of Ferguson and Ferguson drops face first to the mat out cold. What a finish! Absolutely insane.

Official Result- Michael Chandler def. Tony Ferguson by knockout (front kick) at :17 of Round 2

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Rose Namajunas (11-4, 9-3 UFC) vs. #2 Carla Esparza (18-6, 9-4 UFC)

Neither has landed in the first minute as they’re feeling each other out. Esparza lands the first punch half-way through the first round. Namajunas with the double jab. Esparza with a leg kick. They aren’t doing anything. They landed a grand total of six strikes in the round. Horrible. A real 10-10 round but 10-9 Namajunas I guess.

Namajunas lands the first punch one minute into the fight. Esparza tries a takedown and gets Namajunas to her butt but they get up. They still aren’t doing anything. Namajunas lands a jab. Esparza with a leg kick. Esparza lands some more. They landed a combined six strikes again in the round. 10-9 Esparza, 19-19.

Esparza lands a jab. Namajunas with a leg kick. Esparza gets a takedown but they get right back up. Esparza starting to land more as the round goes on. Namajunas lands a left hand. They’re more active here but still not a lot happening. Namajunas lands a few punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Esparza, 29-28 Esparza.

Esparza with a leg kick. Namajunas lands a right hand. Esparza gets a takedown and tries to get the back but Namajunas escapes to her feet. They still aren’t doing much. Neither woman deserves to win this fight. Namajunas lands a right hand. Esparza shoots for a takedown and completes it and has the back but Namajunas spins out to her feet and lands a right hand. 10-9 Namajunas, 38-38.

Esparza shoots for a takedown but Namajunas defends. Namajunas with a right hand. Esparza with a left hand. Namajunas with a left hand to the body. Namajunas with a body kick. Namajunas with a right hand. Namajunas landing slightly more as the round goes on. Namajunas gets a late takedown. This is one of the worst fights in UFC history, absolutely horrible. 10-9 Namajunas, 48-47 Namajunas.

Official Result- Carla Esparza def. Rose Namajunas by split decision (47-48, 49-46, 48-47) to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Lightweight Championship*- Charles Oliveira (32-8 1 NC, 20-8 1 NC UFC) vs. #1 Justin Gaethje (23-3, 6-3 UFC)

*Oliveira missed weight by .5 pounds. He’s been stripped of the title and is ineligible to win it.

Gaethje with a leg kick and Oliveira with a right hand. Gaethje lands some right hands. Oliveira with a leg kick. Gaethje with a leg kick. Oliveira hurts Gaethje with a punch then Gaethje drops Oliveira with an uppercut. Gaethje with a big right hand and then a left hook and Oliveira falls down but has to get up. Gaethje with a leg kick. Oliveira with a jumping knee. Oliveira with a leg kick. Gaethje with a left hand. Oliveira grabs Gaethje and pulls guard but Gaethje stands right up. Oliveira with a right hand. Oliveira with an uppercut. They trade in close range and Oliveira drops Gaethje with a right hand and grabs the back. Oliveira working for the arm. Oliveira has the back and a rear-naked choke locked in and Gaethje taps! Oliveira wins but now we have no champion. He is the best lightweight in the world and will now be the number one contender, though.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Justin Gaethje by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:22 of Round 1, UFC Lightweight Championship is now vacant

UFC 197 Las Vegas live results: Jon Jones vs. Ovince Saint Preux

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is headlined by a bout for the UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship as former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his anticipated return to action to take on Ovince Saint Preux, who replaced an injured Daniel Cormier in what was originally supposed to be a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship held by Cormier and previously held by Jones. In the co-main event, it is another title fight as UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson looks to make another title defense as he welcomes challenger and former Olympic medalist Henry Cejudo, who puts his undefeated record on the line. Also on the card is former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis as he takes on Edson Barboza. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

We’re looking for your thoughts on the show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle and a best and worst match to [email protected]

UFC 197 DFS Playbook
UFC 197 Observer Picks & Preview

Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- EFRAIN ESCUDERO (24-10, 5-6 UFC) VS. KEVIN LEE (11-2, 5-2 UFC)

First round:  Right and left by Lee and body kick.  Lee  with a left.  Lee continues to land.  Escudero got behind him and tried for a takedown.  Lee up and tried a takedown  and now Lee tried a suplex but Escudero blocked.  Lee got a momentary takedown.  Lee let him go.  Lee with a body kick.  Escudero coming backs with punches late in the round.  Escudero got a takedown.  Lee 10-9.

Second round:  Lee with a right.  Lee has him against the fence.  Escudero got a single leg but couldn’t get the takedown.  Lee with a knee to the body.  Body kick by Lee.  Both landed.  Escudero has him against the fence.  Escudero with a right.  Left by Escudero.  Lee 20-18, but this round was closer.

Third round:  Lee throwing front kicks.  Escudero with an accidental low kick.  Lee in with a body kick.  Escudero with a left.  Escudedro with knees to the thigh.  Lee got underneath and slammed him down.  Lee landing lefts.  Lee grabbed a guillotine but Escudero escaped.  Lee landing punches on the ground.   Lee with body punches and elbows from the top.    Should be Lee 30-27 or maybe 29-28.

Scores:  All three have it 29-28 for Lee.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- MARCOS ROGERIO DE LIMA (13-3-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. CLINT HESTER (11-5, 4-2 UFC)

 First round:  De Lima throwing kicks.  De Lima knocked him down with a right hook counter to the ear.  He’s on top with punches to the side of the head.  De Lima with more punches.   De Lima remains on top in guard.  Nothing happening and  boring.  Now de Lima  broke fee and is landing a lot of hard punches.  He pummeling Hester from the top and got the submission with a head and arm choke.

HEAVYWEIGHTS- WALT HARRIS (7-4, 0-3 UFC) VS. CODY EAST (12-1, 0-0 UFC)

 First round:  East landed a nice right. Harris missed a high kick and East hit a body kick.  Body kick by Harris.  East landing punches.  East landing a lot.  Kick by East landed like it was an  Arena Mexico finish.   Harris with a body kick.  Both swing like rock em sock em robots and the crowd picked up big.  Body kick by Harris.  Good pace and good movement for big guys here.  East with two rights and Harris countered and dropped him with a counter left to the jaw.  Harris landing big punches on the ground. Now he’s landing elbows.  More big punches by Harris and it was stopped. East took a real beating from a big hard hitting guy here.  4:18

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- GLAICO FRANCA (13-3, 1-0 UFC) VS. JAMES VICK (8-0, 4-0 UFC)

 First round:   Franca with low kicks and took Vick down.  Second takedown by Franca.  Franca staying on top.  Vick up and landed a body kick.  Franca pushed him against the fence.  Vick with a spin kick to the body.  Viick landing all kinds of shots but Franca took him down again.   Close round Franca 10-9.

Second round:  Between rounds they are checking Franca’s right eye but they let him continue.  It’s not bleeding but it was poked.  Vick taking him apart with punches at 6-foot 2 and a lightweight.  Franca tagged him back.  Spinning backfist by Franca landed.  Franca took him down with a hip toss.  Vick  back up.  High kick and knee by Vick. Vick has the big edge standing with his reach and accuracy.  Franca fired back with a hard right.  Front kick by Vick.  Spin kick to the body by  Vick.  Vick’s round so 19-19.

Third round:  Vick landing lefts.  Vick with lefts and rights.  Vick continuing to land lefts.  Jumping knee by Vick.  Franca landed a hard right.  Vick continues to jab.  Low kick by Franca.  Vick is dancing away a lot now which could hurt him but he’s clearly superior standing.  Great front kick to the head by Vick.  Good fight.  Crowd liked it 29-28 Vick.

Scores:   29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 Vick

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- (#2) CARLA ESPARZA (10-3, 1-1 UFC) VS. (#14) JULIANA LIMA (8-2, 2-1 UFC)

First round:  Slow start as in nothing happening.  Esparza with punches and Lima going for a takedown.  Lima with punches and Esparza took her down.  Esparza gave her a short power bomb off an armbar attempt.  Lima tried for another armbar and Esparza out.  Lima tried for it again and Esparza with another short power bomb.  Nice up kick by Lima and another.  Esparza with punches from the top but doing no damage.  Lima with another up kick. Esparza cradled her and punched her a few times.  Esparza 10-9.

Second round:   Lima swinging wildly.  Lima with a kick and Esparza slammed her down after grabbing the leg.  That kick was a bad idea.  Esparza with a lot of punches but again no real damaging blows.  Esparza again with a short power bomb.  Lima up with 30 seconds left and took Esparza down but Esparza right back up.  Lima working for a takedown late but didn’t get it.  Esparza 20-18.

Third round:  Esparza took her down to start the third round.  Another up kick by Lima.  Lima back up with 3:00 left.  Esparza took her down right away.  Lima up.  Esparza took her down again.   Esparza with a few punches.  Lima reversed with 1:17 left.  Lima is in side control.  Esparza regained guard.  Boring fight.  Esparza 30-27.

Scores:  All three have it 30-27 for Esparza.     

WELTERWEIGHTS- DANNY ROBERTS (12-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. DOMINIQUE STEELE (14-6, 1-1 UFC)

First round:  Steele dropped him with a right early.  Roberts worked for a triangle but didn’t get it.  Roberts up with 2:50 left in the round.  Body kick by Roberts.  Another body kick by Roberts.  Big left by Roberts.  Steele went for the takedown off a missed punch but couldn’t get it.  They traded knees.  Steele 10-9.

Second round:  Knee to the body by Roberts.  Roberts with a body kick and punches.  Roberts landing more punches.  Steele with a knee to the body.  Roberts with a knee.  Roberts with an elbow.  Roberts with more punches. Front kick by Roberts.  Roberts landing several punches.  Roberts with a head kick.  Steele spun and got behind Roberts.  Roberts’s round so 19-19 after two.

Third round:   Steele with a high takedown.  Roberts landed elbows.  Steele went for a takedown but Roberts is defending well  Steele now got him down.  Roberts throwing elbows from the bottom.  Herb Dean ordered a standup.  Steele landed a knee to the head and now both are swinging wildly and Steele took him down again.  Steele 29-28.
Scores:  All three have it 29-28 for Roberts.  The crowd is booing like crazy.  Steele is in disbelief as is the crowd.    

FLYWEIGHTS- (#14) SERGIO PETTIS (13-2, 4-2 UFC) VS. CHRIS KELADES (9-2, 2-1 UFC)

First round:   Pettis seemed to land more and be more technical.  He got a takedown with  a trip late.  Pettis 10-9.

Second round:   Kelades put Pettis down  and Pettis threatened with a triangle.  Pettis reversed to the top.  Both landing.  Nice head kick by Pettis.  Body kick by Pettis. Pettis 20-18.

Third round:  Pettis with a takedown.  Pettis landing punches.  Kelades back with punches.  Pettis went for a takedown and didn’t get it.  Pettis with a front headlock.  Pettis shooting for a takedown.  Kelades went for a choke at the horn.  Pettis 30-27.

Scores:  All three scored it 30-27 for Pettis.  You’ve never seen such a rushed decision announcement in your life. 

MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- YAIR RODRIGUEZ (6-1, 3-0 UFC) VS. ANDRE FILI (15-3, 3-2 UFC)

First round:   Rodriguez threw a crazy kick that missed.  Takedown by Rodriguez off a kick.  Rodriguez landing hard elbows.  Rodriguez now holding him down.  Rodriguez in side control.  Fili back up with 45 seconds left. Nice sweeping low kick took Fili off his feet.  Fili dropped him with a left jab.  Hard low kick by Rodriguez.  Body kick by Fili and a takedown by Fili.  Rodriguez  back up.  Great round.  10-9  Rodriguez..

Second round:  Fili tripped Rodriguez down on a kick but let him back up.  Rodriguez with a takedown.  Rodriguez knocked him cold with a knockout of the year jumping kick.  This will be in the all-time highlight reel.  It was a jumping left switch kick to the head.  Fili is okay but he went out immediately.  2:15

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#7) ROBERT WHITTAKER (15-4, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#13) RAFAEL NATAL (21-6-1, 9-4-1 UFC)

First round:   Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie chants for Whittaker.  Body kick by Whittaker.  Body kick by Natal.  Low kick by Whittaker.  Low kick by Natal.  Both swinging hard.  Left by  Whitaker.  Natal got behind him but Whittaker escaped.  Natal with a low kick.  Whittaker hurt him with punches and Natal went down.  Natal got back up.  Left by Whittaker.  Whittaker landed another left.  Whittaker 10-9.

Second round:  Natal with a low kick.  Both throwing punches.  Whittaker’s left leg is all bruised up. Low kick by Natal.  Whittaker missed on a punch. Natal landed a counter.  Whittaker bleeding from the nose.  Natal taking over this round.  Natal knocked him off his feet, more a trip than a knockdown. Now Whittaker landing.  Nice left by Whittaker.  Low kick by Whittaker.  Jumping kick by Whittaker.   Could go either way, I’ve got it 19-19 with it going to Natal.

Third round:  Whittaker threw a kick that landed low and the bout was stopped for a time out.  Whittaker with a body kick.  Whittaker’s left leg is so beat up.  Whittaker now with low kicks.  Left by Whittaker.  Front kick and low kick by Whittaker and followed with a right.  Hard left by Whttaker.  Natal with low kicks.  Left by Whittaker.  High kick by Whittaker knocked him down and Natal up and both swinging wildly as the fight ended.  Crowd liked the fight.  29-28 Whittaker.

Scores:   29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 Whittaker      

Whittaker said he injured his right hand early so was mostly throwing lefts.  He said he got tired in the second round and Natal was really tough.

LIGHTWEIGHTS- (#3) ANTHONY PETTIS (18-4, 5-3 UFC) VS. (#8) EDSON BARBOZA (16-4, 10-4 UFC)

First round:  Body kick by Barboza.  Low kick by Barboza.  Pettis with a counter off a kick by Barboza.  Good left by Barboza.  Low kick by Barboza.  Low kick by Barboza.  Big right by Barboza.  Another right by Barboza.  Spin kick to the body by Barboza.  Pettis tried a takedown and couldn’t get it.  Spin kick to the head by Barboza.  Pettis tried a flying kick that missed.  10-9 Barboza.  Good round.

Second round:   Barboza with a body kick as Pettis tried for takedown.  Pettis landed a right. Pettis in with punches.  Pettis with a body kick.  Big right by Barboza.  Barboza with  a nice combo.  Pettis tried a takedown and didn’t get it.  Hard body kick by Barboza.  Trading punches.  Pettis tried a cartwheel kick that missed.  Barboza 20-18.

Third round:  Pettis with a cartwheel kick that didn’t land solid.  Barboza put him down with a low kick.  Low kick by Barboza.  Barboza kicked him in the groin.  Brief time out and back in action.  Big low kick and another by Barboza.  The two kicks sounded like a shotgun going off.   Two more low kicks by Barboza.  Left by Barboza.  Another low kick by Barboza.  Left and low kick by Barboza.  Another low kick.  Barboza really taking over now. Pettis tried for a takedown and didn’t come close.  Spin kick by Barboza.  Pettis missed a spin kick.  Barboza 30-27

Scores:    29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 Barboza. 

UFC FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (C) DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON (23-2-1, 11-1-1 UFC) VS. (#2) HENRY CEJUDO (10-0, 4-0 UFC)

First round:  They are shooting Joseph Benavidez at ringside.  Cejudo definitely got the bigger reaction.  Some boos, but not many for Johnson.  Low kick by Cehjudo.  They are in a clinch.  Both trading knees.  Johnson landed a right.  High kick by Johnson blocked.  Back to a clinch.  Takedown by Cejudo.  Place went nuts for this.  This is the most intense I’ve ever seen a crowd at a Johnson fight.  Johnson back up.  Back to a clinch.  Knee by Johnson.  Johnson landing a lot of knees.  An elbow and knees hurt Cejudo and and knee to the body put him down and a few punches later it was over.   2:49

UFC INTERIM LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (#1) JON JONES (21-1, 15-1 UFC) VS. (#6) OVINCE SAINT PREUX (19-7, 7-2 UFC)

First round:   Spin kick to the body by Johes.  Johes kicked the knee.  Jones missed a front kick.  OSP missed a punch.  Another kick to the knee by Jones.  Kick to the body by Jones.  Jones caught a  kick by OSP.  Side kick by Jones.  Jones throwing kicks to the knee.  OSP kicked the knee.  Body kick by Jones.  Spin kick by Jones.   Left  by OSP.  Jones with  a knee to the body.  Jones 10-9.

Second round:   Jones tried for a single leg but gave it up when OSP landed punches.  Body kick by Jones.  Body kick by Jones.  OSP chant.  Left to the body by Jones.  Knee by OSP.  Real loud OSP chants.  Jones firing elbows and knees now.  Jones with elbows.  OSP hurt him with a punch.  He missed another one.  Jones with a high kick but didn’t connect with any damage.  Spin kick to the body by Jones.  Big right by OSP.  Left by OSP.  Spin kick to the head by Jones.  Crowd really buzzing because OSP did land some shots.  Still Jones 20-18.

Third round:   Jones with all kinds of kicks to the knee.  Jones with a left.  OSP landed some punches.  Jones with another kick to the knee.  Spinning punch by Jones.  Left by Jones.  Left  to the body by Jones.  Body kick by OSP.  Left by Jones.  Left by OSP.  Fans booing because it’s not that great of a fight.  Jones with a  high kick.  Left and right by OSP.  Body kick by Jones.  Another body kick by Jones.  Left and right by OSP.  Jones back to attacking the knee.  OSP missed big punches.  He’s too slow and telegraphing them.  Jones 30-27.

Fourth round:  Crowd booing a lot.  Body kick by OSP.  Body kick by Jones.  Jones working for a takedown.  He picked him up and slammed him and OSP back up.  Jones landed a knee.  Crowd booing again.  Elbows by Jones.  Left to the body by Jones.  Jones took him down again.  He’s in side control.  Elbow by Jones.  OSP nearly escaped.  Jones has his back with 33 seconds left.  Jones with punches,  a kick to the body and an elbow and a stomp.  Jones had him nearly beat at the end of the round.  10-8 round Jones 40-35.

Fifth round:   Jones with a body kick.  Jones with a left.  Spin kick to the body by Jones. Uppercut by Jones.  Another uppercut by Jones.  Jones with a high sidewalk slam into side control.  Kick to the body by Jones and OSP back up.  Jones  missed a  high kick.  Trading punches  as Jones had OSP backed into the fence.  OSP just too tired to do anything as time ran out.  Jones 50-44.

Scores:  50-44, 50-45 and 50-45 for Jones

Jones said this isn’t the real belt.  Said it took him a while to pull the trigger.  Fans booed him when it was over.  I was watching and anticipating and imagining but I wasn’t going for it, watching instead of reacting.  Said he physically felt amazing, mentally said he felt he was sucking.  Said his problems didn’t play into the fight.  Said he really needed that fight.  Said he needed a fight like that before the title match.  Really excited to fight Daniel Cormier.  I’ll be back in practice Tuesday and Wednesday.  Then said he loved the fans.  Lukewarm at best reaction.

OSP interivew.  Said Jon was the best pound for pound and said he only had three weeks to get ready so he thought he did a good job.  Said his arm his killing him from blocking a high kick.  Said he’s consistent and tactical.