The UFC returns tonight for the first of two August shows, headlined by two rematches in lighter weight divisions struggling to get attention.
Yes, welcome back to the “Demetrious Johnson isn’t a star/is an underpromoted star” show, even though he’s not headlining tonight’s event….even though he is continuing to attempt to set records with flyweight title defenses. (See? Now I’m doing it!)
The card:
Bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw vs. Cody Garbrandt II
Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo II
Ryan: The main event. Yeah, it is quick to give Garbrandt an immediate rematch seeing as he never even defended the bantamweight title before losing it to Dillashaw, but the only other viable contender in the division, Dominick Cruz, has been on the injured list until just recently. The rivalry is there, and I don’t expect it to endthere. I’m also looking forward to the Johnson-Cejudo rematch, but just because I appreciate how great Johnson is, and I wanna see if Cejudo has anything for him this time.
Paul: Garbrandt has been one of my favorite fighters for a couple of years now. Longtime readers may recall me picking him as a future fighter to watch before he even won the title from Cruz. He’s still very young and winning the title back could cement him as one of the greatest 135’ers in history.
Josh: Not much. This card isn’t doing it for me at all and while the two top fights are high on skill, I’m not into anything happening tonight. Dillashaw and Garbrandt basically disappeared for a year, outside Dillashaw and Johnson flirting with a fight that seemingly will never happen. Johnson is what he is and while Cejudo has shown marked improvement since they last fought, we’ve seen this movie before.
Anything being slept on?
Paul: Brett Johns vs. Pedro Munhoz, two of the most underrated fighters in their division, anchors the FX prelims. A high profile win here could put either guy one or two fights awa from a title shot. Johns, in particular, has been a champion in other organizations and has a bit of a star aura about him.
Ryan: I’m not sure if it’s being slept on as it’s getting some attention, but the Fight Pass headliner between Shorty Torres and Alex Perez is one of the best fights on the card. Torres had full preparation for this fight, and it’s a good fight for him as Perez is tough and solid. Johnson did mention Torres as a future challenger, so he knows where his competition is going to be coming from. IAnother intriguing prelim is the bantamweight battle between Ricardo Ramos and Kyung Ho Kang.
Josh: Nah.
Anything not doing it for you?
Josh: As mentioned before, it’s the whole show for me. Maybe it’s because of the Red Sox-Yankees slugfest, but I can’t muster up the interest. I think part of that is the lack of a fun contender queue for the champion. If Garbrandt wins, I don’t want to wait a year to see this a third time. If Cejudo pulls off the upset, we’re getting that fight a third time. So…yeah.
Ryan: It’s not a deep show by any means. It’s not the weakest pay-per-view line-up this year, but injuries did take their toll on the card with cancelled bouts. There isn’t anything not doing it for me, but there isn’t a lot of overall interest outside of the top two fights.
Paul: Honestly, anyone but the most hardcore of hardcore fans would have to struggle to find anything on this show worth caring about outside of the two main events. The whole undercard is kinda “meh”, but the Danielle Taylor fight on the Fight Pass prelims is the one that will probably suck the most. If I didn’t have to watch it, I wouldn’t because the next good Danielle Taylor fight I see will be the first.
What’s the intrigue with the show?
Ryan: The intrigue is in the main event and if Cejudo can score a different outcome in his second shot at dethroning Johnson. Outside of that, the show is really only for the hardcores. There was more intrigue for the press conference on Friday.
Paul: If Johnson can cement his legacy as the greatest pound for pound fighter in history by successfully defending his title yet again. People are talking right now that this is a foregone conclusion, and it probably is, but I have a funny feeling things may not go according to plan.
Josh: If Johnson can retain yet again. If he does, I agree with the sentiment Chuck Mindenhall had on this week’s ‘MMA Beat’ that eventually, Johnson will need to go outside his comfort zone and go up a weight class or fight Dillashaw or else risk complete fan apathy.
What will be people talking about most after the show is done?
Ryan: It will be that Johnson remains the top pound-for-pound top fighter in the sport, and if it is finally time for the superfight between him and the winner of the main event. I personally think that Garbrandt is going to win this time over Dillashaw, and that it’ll probably lead to an immediate third fight which would be a mistake for now. Give it some breathing room if that happens as these two have tied up the 135-pound title for close to two years now. It’s time to get these divisions moving.
Paul: I’m going out on a limb and predicting that people will be talking about the fact that for the first time in history, someone other than Demetrious Johnson is the UFC flyweight champion. Outside of that, and what Ryan mentioned, it will be just whether or not this show can set the modern era record for the least purchased PPV.
Josh: That Johnson and Dillashaw were both victorious and that they really need to make that fight happen.
Cejudo was a guest at former NFL player Ronnie Lott’s celebrity golf tournament and was staying at the Fountaingrove Inn in Santa Rosa, California yesterday when it was affected by the fires. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote that Cejudo broke his ankle jumping from a second-story balcony trying to escape the hotel, but Cejudo clarified that he only suffered burns on his foot.
The Olympic Gold Medal that Cejudo won in 2008 was lost in the fire.
Cejudo is scheduled to face Sergio Pettis at UFC 218 in Detroit, Michigan on December 2nd. Ariel Helwani noted that it was unclear if that would go on as planned, though Yahoo’s Kevin Iole tweeted that Cejudo is heading to Brazil to start his training camp.
Thirteen people have died and roughly 150 have been reported missing in the wildfires. All of us send our thoughts to everyone in Northern California who has been affected by them.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale: Johnson vs. Elliott, eminating from The Pearl at The Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The event is headlined by the number-one ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world, UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson, making his ninth title defense as he defends against the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 24 flyweight tournament, Tim Elliott.
Elliott outlasted 15 of the top flyweight champions from promotions around the world during this season of the reality show, and he looks to do what no opponent has been able to do, and that is defeat Johnson.
In the co-main event, it will be the battle of the coaches from this season as former flyweight title challengers Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo square off as they both look to get back into the title picture. Also on the main card is a welterweight showdown between Jake Ellenberger and Jorge Masvidal, and former title challengers in the women’s bantamweight division meet as Sara McMann takes on Alexis Davis.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. ET with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
> Josh Stansbury (8-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Devin Clark (6-1, 0-1 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Clark got the early edge in the clinch but Stansbury landed a big right hand. Clark got a takedown and was landing from the top. Stansbury scrambled up and Clark landed a big shot against the fence. Stansbury locked in a choke late but time ran out. Clark got the first round 10-9. Clark was landing punches in the second round and got the better of an early clinch. Stansbury then got a clinch and landed some big punches. Clark later landed big punches and had Stansbury planted against the fence but couldn’t land a late takedown. Close second round but I had it 10-9 for Clark, and had him up 20-18 after two. Stansbury had Clark pressed against the fence and was landing and defended a takedown for the early part of the third round. Clark started countering but was keeping his hands low. Both men landed some solid shots. Clark went for a takedown late and they scrambled to the mat. Not an exciting fight. I had the third round 10-9 for Stansbury. I had the fight 29-28 overall for Clark.
Official Result- Devin Clark def. Josh Stansbury by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Elvis Mutapcic (15-4-1, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Anthony Smith (25-12, 1-2 UFC) Middleweights
Mutapcic got a takedown early and was landing from the top. Smith went for an armbar but got spiked. Mutapcic remained on top and was continuing to land a lot of punches. Smith was unable to mount anything from the bottom. Mutapcic continued to land as the round ended. The first round was a clear 10-9 for Mutapcic. Smith landed a big knee in the second round and was landing some good punches and kicks. Smith was teeing off on Mutapcic and opened a big cut on the left side of his head. Mutapcic was doing his best to recover but Smith landed a big elbow that dropped Mutapcic and he finished it off with some punches on the ground. A big knockout win by Anthony Smith.
Official Result- Anthony Smith def. Elvis Mutapcic by TKO (strikes) at 3:27 of Round 2
Moyle got an early takedown. Curran was able to get back up and landed some punches and had a choke briefly locked in. Both ladies were landing on their feet and Moyle pushed Curran against the fence. Both landed as the round ended. It was a close round, but I gave it to 10-9 to Moyle. Moyle kept looking for the takedown at the start of the second but Curran was landing elbows.Curran bloodied up Moyle in the second round but Moyle likely stole the round with a big slam I had her up 20-18 after two. Moyle was bleeding more in the third but got a takedown. Curran landed an illegal knee which caused a timeout. They got back to action and Curran was landing but Moyle got a late takedown and ended the round strong. I had the fight 30-27 for Moyle.
Official Result- Jamie Moyle def. Kailin Curran by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Dong Hyun “Maestro” Kim (13-8-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Brendan O’Reilly (6-2 1 NC, 1-2 UFC) Lightweights
Kim was getting the edge early by pushing O’Reilly against the fence and scoring a takedown. Kim landed an illegal knee but the fight wasn’t stopped at all. Kim took the back and drug the fight to the mat. Kim got into mount and was landing. Kim with some big ground punches to end the round, which he took 10-9. Kim got an early takedown in the second round. Kim went for a choke but O’Reilly was able to escape. O’Reilly was going for a kimura and was able to get to his feet and came on strong late, but it was still Kim’s round. I had Kim up 20-18 after two. Kim had O’Reilly pressured against the fence in the third. O’Reilly landed a big elbow but was unable to separate from the clinch at all in the third. Both men looked tired and it was a slow round. Kim got a trip takedown and took the back. O’Reilly was able to get up but neither could do much as the fight ended. I had the fight 30-27 for Kim.
Official Result- Dong Hyun “Maestro” Kim def. Brendan O’Reilly by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Rob Font (12-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Matt Schnell (10-2, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Font got an early takedown and was on top. Font took the back and was looking for the kimura. They got to their feet and Font rocked Schnell with a front kick but he survived. Font dropped Schnell with a huge knee and he was going for the finish. Font took the back and started landing a lot of punches and the fight was stopped. Font with a big TKO win in the first round.
Official Result- Rob Font def. Matt Schnell by TKO (knee & punches) at 3:47 of Round 1
> Gray Maynard (12-5-1 1 NC, 10-5-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Ryan Hall (5-1, 1-0 UFC) Featherweights
Hall went rolling for leg locks early and often and had Maynard on the mat for a moment. Hall did land a nice head kick at one point but spent more time rolling for leg locks than attacking. Maynard landed a nice right hand. Hall clearly doesn’t wanna strike with him, but he got the first round on my card. 10-9 Hall after one. Hall landed a big head kick and was keeping Maynard at a distance, but he just kept rolling for leg locks, which frustrated both Maynard and the fans in attendance. Hall landed some more kicks and he clearly had Maynard off of his attack. Every time Maynard got in close, Hall would drop to the mat, and Maynard would be unable to output his offense. I had round two for Hall as well and him up 20-18. Hall was landing more kicks in the third and dropping for leg locks, frustrating Maynard to the point where Maynard gave him a one-finger salute. Maynard did land an illegal kick. Hall was landing more with his kicks but throwing almost no punches. Maynard is clearly frustrated. This fight was something else and not one that is going to earn Hall a lot of fans. I had Hall winning the fight 30-27. This was an incredibly difficult fight to watch.
Official Result- Ryan Hall def. Gray Maynard by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
FOX SPORTS 1 MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Brandon Moreno (#12, 12-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ryan Benoit (9-4, 2-2 UFC) Flyweights
They traded strikes early and Moreno got a takedown. Moreno took the back of Benoit against the fence and had good pressure on. They were wildly trading and Benoit landed a big body kick. Moreno clipped him with a left hand. Close opening round, but I had it for Moreno. They were trading early in the second round. Moreno was more flashy on his feet going for spin kicks. Benoit dropped Moreno with a left hook but Moreno survived. Benoit was getting his timing down but Moreno switched up and landed a big takedown. Moreno had Benoit planted on the bottom for the rest of the round and was landing from top. Close round but I had it for Moreno. Benoit landed a nice right hand in the opening moments of the third but Moreno went into grind mode by grabbing a single leg and pressuring Benoit against the fence. Moreno broke the clinch and missed a flying knee but came back on strong just outlanding Benoit in the last round. Benoit was landing some solid punches but Moreno had a response for everything. They traded some nice punches late. I had this a clean sweep for Moreno and him winning 30-27.
Official Result- Brandon Moreno def. Ryan Benoit by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Sara McMann (#7, 9-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Alexis Davis (17-6, 4-1 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
Davis hasn’t fought since April 2015 and is coming off a pregnancy layoff. They were trading early and McMann scored a takedown. Davis was landing elbows from the bottom, which cut open McMann. McMann didn’t do much from the top and Davis came on strong late with more elbows from the bottom. Even though she was on the bottom for the majority of the round, I had round one for Davis. McMann got a big takedown in the opening minute of round two. Neither ladu was doing much on the ground until McMann had an arm-triangle locked in. She got it in tighter and Davis tapped! McMann with the submission win over Davis in a hard-fought win.
Official Result- Sara McMann def. Alexis Davis by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:52 of Round 2
> Ion Cutelaba (12-2 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jared Cannonier (8-1, 1-1 UFC) Light Heavyweights
They were trading big strikes early. Cutelaba got a judo throw takedown. Cutelaba was landing from the top but Cannonier was able to sweep to his feet. Cutelaba got another takedown and he ended the round on top. The first round was for Cutelaba. Cutelaba got a takedown and was controlling from the top in the second. They got to their feet and Cannonier rocked Cutelaba pretty good with some hard punches, but Cutelaba got a takedown and was able to recover. They got up and Cannonier was able to end up on top of Cutelaba. Cutelaba looked very tired at the end of the second. I had the fight even after two rounds. Cutelaba got a brief takedown in the third but they got up and Cannonier was landing some solid punches. Cannonier was controlling the Octagon and landing some big shots but Cutelaba was firing back. They scrambled in a clinch against the fence as Cutelaba was the more tired fighter. Cannonier landed some big punches on the break. Cannonier was just walking forward with his hands down and letting Cutelaba hit him without even showing a flinch in a great moment. A very entertaining fight. I had Cannonier winning the last round, and had the fight 29-28 for Cannonier.
Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. Ion Cutelaba by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
They were trading early on. Masvidal was teeing off on Ellenberger with lots of punches and knees to the body. He had Ellenberger in a lot of trouble and was close to stopping it but Ellenberger was able to survive. They got back to the center and Ellenberger went on the attack but Masvidal was countering. Both men landed big punches. A weird spot where Ellenberger got his toes stuck in the cage fence and Masvidal started landing punches. Herb Dean stopped the fight and called a timeout but found out he was going to have to call off the fight. A weird finish to this fight.
Official Result- Jorge Masvidal def. Jake Ellenberger by TKO (punches) at 4:05 of Round 1
> Joseph Benavidez (#1, 24-4, 11-2 UFC) vs. Henry Cejudo (#2, 10-1, 4-1 UFC) Flyweights
They traded early and Cejudo dropped Benavidez with a punch. Cejudo kicked Benavidez in the cup and we had a timeout. They got back to action and traded and another kick to the cup from Cejudo. Cejudo got deducted a point as he was warned earlier. Benavidez defended a takedown attempt from Cejudo. They were trading at a very fast pace. Benavidez landed a head kick but Cejudo got a brief takedown. Fast-paced opening round. I had it for Cejudo, but an even round due to the point deduction.
They came out fast-paced to start the second round. Cejudo got in a big knee to the body. Benavidez landed a flush right hand. Both men were throwing punches and kicks but not a lot landing solidly. They traded body kicks. They traded body kicks again. They both landed at the close of the round. A close second round I had for Benavidez as he landed more.
Benavidez landed a solid combo to start the third round. Cejudo got a brief takedown but they got up and Benavidez escaped. They are both landing but Cejudo is landing with more intensity. Cejudo is starting to miss more but when he lands, it is with a lot of power. Cejudo landed a body kick. Cejudo with a jumping knee to the body. Benavidez landed an uppercut. Both men landed big punches as they are going back-and-forth. A wild exchange in the last ten seconds. An absolutely great fight. I had the last round for Cejudo, but with the point deduction in the first round, my scorecard says a 28-28 DRAW.
Official Result- Joseph Benavidez def. Henry Cejudo by split decision (27-29, 30-26, 29-27)
> Demetrious Johnson (C, 24-2-1, 12-1-1 UFC) vs. Tim Elliott (13-6-1, 2-4 UFC) UFC Flyweight Championship
Johnson got an early takedown but Elliott was able to scramble to half-guard. Elliott had a tight guillotine choke locked in and Johnson was trying to scramble out. Elliott moved to a D’arce choke and Johnson still in some trouble. Johnson somehow escaped and ended up on top and started to work on a choke of his own. They scrambled up. Elliott already tired early. Elliott with a flurry to the body and then he dropped Johnson with a left hook. Elliott almost landed an illegal kick. Elliott scored a takedown. 10-9 Elliott in the first round.
Johnson landed some leg kicks and a right hand to start the second round. Johnson got a takedown and Elliott has the neck looking for a choke. Johnson scrambles to the back of Elliott and has a choke locked in for a brief second. Johnson working in side control and looked for a kimura but Elliott escaped to half-guard. Johnson got the crucifix and was looking for the kimura. Elliott working from the bottom. They scrambled to their feet and Johnson rolled for a leg lock but Elliott ended up on top. 10-9 round for Johnson, 19-19 after two.
Johnson landed some leg kicks and a right hand and they scrambled to the mat. Johnson had the back of Elliott. They scramble and Johnson has the neck looking for the choke. Elliott escaped and edned up on top. They scramble and Elliott was landing some punches, some may have been to the back of the head, but Johnson got it back down and into side control. Elliott looked for a triangle attempt but Johnson escaped and ended back in the full guard. Johnson in side control and landing some elbows. Elliott looking for something from the bottom but Johnson keeps slipping out. Johnson ends the round on top. 10-9 round for Johnson, 29-28 Johnson after three.
Elliott with some whacky attacks on his feet but Johnson evaded them and scored a takedown into the half-guard. Johnson transitioning on the ground and constantly passing guard. Johnson gets the back and threatens a choke but retains back control after scrambling. Johnson has a rear-naked choke locked in. Elliott fighting hard to survive and relaxed his breathing. Johnson let go and passed to side control. Johnson in the crucifix and landing some punches. He’s landing a lot of punches as both of Elliott’s arms were trapped. Elliott got his arms free and was landing from the bottom. Johnson had a straight armbar but turned it into a kimura. Elliott was able to scramble out and they got to their feet. A very entertaining fight thru four rounds. 10-9 Johnson, 39-37 Johnson.
Elliott got a big takedown early in the final round. Johnson scrambled to the top and took the back and transitioned to north-south control and then to side control. Johnson with fluid guard passes throughout this fight. Johnson back into the full guard. Elliott scrambling and Johnson rolling with him and ends up in the half-guard. Elliott doing nothing to get up from the bottom. They start scrambling and Elliott looking for an arm. Johnson reverses and looks for an armbar but they are slippery. Johnson ends up back in the full guard. Johnson with a late kimura attack but the horn sounds and the fight ends. Final round is 10-9 for Johnson and I had it 49-46 Johnson.
Official Result- Demetrious Johnson def. Tim Elliott by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45), Johnson remains the UFC Flyweight Champion
FINAL THOUGHTS:
-An impressive win by Demetrious Johnson after being in a lot of trouble in the first round. He solidified himself being the pound-for-pound top fighter in the world. Tim Elliott gave him a great challenge and almost pulled off the upset early, but the in-fight adjustments Johnson made to counter the style of Elliott showed why he is the best. Elliott earned himself a roster spot for the foreseeable future.
-I don’t know what to make of the scorecards in the fight between Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo. I think Benavidez winning is justifiable, even though I had it a draw myself, but I don’t see any way he won all three rounds like he did on one scorecard. I’m also not sure I want to see him fight Johnson again as I don’t think he would have a great shot based on this performance.
-A tough way to lose for Jake Ellenberger. He should appeal the decision to the commission to see it getting overturned. Jorge Masvidal was lighting him up, though.
-Jared Cannonier showed a lot of power at 205 pounds. He could be scary if he decides to drop to 185 pounds.
-Sara McMann had her best showing in the UFC so far. With two straight wins, she could be two wins away from fighting for the title again.
-Brandon Moreno has a lot of potential and it’s exciting to see a young flyweight improving so fast in just two UFC fights in just over two months.
-Ryan Hall needs a lot of work on his striking and to learn to not constantly flop to the mat. It’s going to cost him against better fighters as Gray Maynard is done as a top-tier fighter. That fight was awful.
Here’s some advice for your gambling and fantasy needs for Saturday’s The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale event in Las Vegas, Nevada, headlined by UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson defending against Tim Elliott on FOX Sports 1.
MAIN CARD
UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson (24-2-1) vs. Tim Elliott (13-6-1)
Betting Odds: Johnson (-1100), Elliott (+700) DraftKings Salaries: Johnson- $10,200, Elliott- $5,400 Key Statistic: Johnson has scored finishes in five of his last seven fights Analysis: The pound-for-pound best fighter in the world makes his ninth title defense when Johnson defends against Elliott, the TUF 24 winner. Johnson is the biggest betting favorite and has the highest fantasy salary on the card, which shows just how dominant he has been. He hasn’t been touched by anyone at 125 pounds, and it would be a monumental upset if Elliott were able to pull the win off. Elliott is solid on his feet, but Johnson represents a different kind of pace to the fight. Johnson is a fighter that excels in every aspect of the fight game, and he can knock opponents out, and submit them if he finds an opening. Elliott has been in the UFC before, and he’s only been finished once, but Johnson is by far the best opponent he has ever faced. A dirty and quick-paced fight gives Elliott a shot, but I see Johnson scoring a finish. Johnson is the clear bet in this fight. I expect him to have the highest draft rate in DraftKings line-ups, but with his high salary, he is an excellent choice, and would be my top target.
Joseph Benavidez (24-4) vs. Henry Cejudo (10-1)
Betting Odds: Benavidez (-200), Cejudo (+170) DraftKings Salaries: Benavidez- $9,000, Cejudo- $7,200 Key Statistic: Cejudo has never been taken down in his career Analysis: The co-main event of this card is the battle of the TUF 24 coaches, as the top flyweights behind Johnson, Benaviez and Cejudo, meet in the Octagon. Both men have only seen defeats at the hands of Johnson in their flyweight careers. Benavidez has won five straight fights entering this bout, and Cejudo is coming off his first career loss. Benavidez was taken down four times in his last fight by Zach Makovsky, and if that happens at the hands of Cejudo, it may be a long night for Benavidez. Benavidez is good at getting to his fight, but Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist, and he will be able to keep Benavidez planted. Benavidez is the better striker of the two, but Cejudo has power in his hands. No matter how bad Johnson made him look, Cejudo is better than that April performance. If you are looking for an underdog to bet on, Cejudo could squeak out a gritty decision. At his fantasy salary, he is definitely worth a hard look as he’s one of the cheapest options on the card. It’ll be a close fight, and there is money to be made on Cejudo in this fight.
Jake Ellenberger (31-11) vs. Jorge Masvidal (30-11)
Betting Odds: Ellenberger (+220), Masvidal (-260) DraftKings Salaries: Ellenberger- $7,400, Masvidal- $8,800 Key Statistic: Ellenberger is 2-5 in his last seven fights Analysis: This should be a barnburner in the welterweight division. You have a heavy-handed striker with good wrestling in Ellenberger, and a crisp and technical boxer in Masvidal. This fight depends on which version of both men show up, and both have a tendency of not fully showing up in fights. Ellenberger was on rocky ground in his career, but his power was back on full display when he knocked out Matt Brown in his last fight. Masvidal hasn’t been a big finisher lately in fights, but he pushes a quick pace, and his size is good for a welterweight. Ellenberger may look to wrestle if he is smart, but he tends to stand and trade with his foes. Masvidal has a quick jab and that may be tough for Ellenberger to get inside of. Both men have a lot of fight mileage on them, but Masvidal is more durable. Masvidal is a sizeable favorite on the betting odds, and he is the better bet of the two. They have a big discrepency in fantasy salaries, and Ellenberger’s power is hard to look past. Masvidal is tough to finish. Ellenberger may be the better fantasy play. He is worth looking at with his $7,400 salary.
Ion Cutelaba (12-2 1 NC) vs. Jared Cannonier (8-1)
Betting Odds: Cutelaba (-230), Cannonier (+190) DraftKings Salaries: Cutelaba- $8,900, Cannonier- $7,300 Key Statistic: Cannonier’s first fight at light heavyweight after fighting at heavyweight Analysis: Cutelaba and Cannonier don’t have big names in the UFC as they both have fought just twice for the organization. Both men are 1-1 in their UFC careers. However, many are expecting this to be a slugfest as we have two strong punchers with penchants for finishing fights. Cannonier has been fighting as a heavyweight his entire career and makes the move down to 205 pounds for the first time. He was a big heavyweight and that power should carry over. Cutelaba is an aggressive and heavy puncher, though, and he will go toe-to-toe with the bigger Cannonier. I really like Cannonier’s chances in this fight, and I think he is a good fighter to look at when making bets and setting fantasy line-ups. His $7,300 salary on DraftKings is very valuable, and you will need some underdogs in your line-up.
Sara McMann (9-3) vs. Alexis Davis (17-6)
Betting Odds: McMann (-170), Davis (+150) DraftKings Salaries: McMann- $8,400, Davis- $7,800 Key Statistic: This is Davis’ first fight since UFC 186 on April 25, 2015 Analysis: McMann is gunning for her second straight win, while Davis returns to action for the first time in almost 18 months following a pregnancy and time away. That may be a disadvantage for Davis, but she is a high-level grappler who has had solid success inside the Octagon. McMann has been disappointing in her UFC run as she hasn’t lit the world on fire, and many of her wins in her career have been lackluster. She has to use her wrestling here, but also has to remember that Davis is a black belt in jiu-jitsu. McMann is very tentative on her feet and likes to keep distance while Davis is aggressive and looks to work in the clinch. Davis has a real good shot at scoring an upset on the oddsmakers’ cards, but I wouldn’t even call it an upset. She is a good betting option. I would keep away from McMann in your fantasy games as I don’t see her racking up very many points, and I don’t see a finish for her. Davis is a good value play, and I expect her to have a very solid draft rate in contests.
Brandon Moreno (12-3) vs. Ryan Benoit (9-4)
Betting Odds: Moreno (-135), Benoit (+115) DraftKings Salaries: Moreno- $8,500, Benoit- $7,700 Key Statistic: Moreno has nine wins by submission Analysis: Moreno shocked the world by coming in on short notice and submitting Louis Smolka in his UFC debut in October. He has a lot of momentum coming into this fight. Benoit has rotated wins-and-losses in his last seven fights, and hasn’t been able to find any consistency. History says Benoit is due for a loss, and Moreno is a tough match-up for him. Moreno has the size edge, and he is just more crafty in his overall attack. Moreno can be hit, but Benoit just doesn’t possess the knockout shot he will need. Moreno strings together his punches better, and his submission game is top-notch, having scored 75% of his career wins by submission. Moreno is the sure-fire bet in this fight, and he is a good option both when making straight bets and when picking fighters for fantasy line-ups. I think he will submit Benoit and maximize his potential for fantasy scoring.
PRELIMS
Gray Maynard (12-5-1 1 NC) vs. Ryan Hall (5-1)
Betting Odds: Maynard (-110), Hall (-110) DraftKings Salaries: Maynard- $8,100, Hall- $8,100 Key Statistic: Hall’s first fight in 357 days Analysis: If I’m making a bet on this fight, I would strongly consider Hall. If I’m setting a fantasy line-up, I’d strong advise against taking Hall. That is a weird position. He can’t strike real good at all, but he is a strong grappler. Maynard is a power wrestler with a powerful right hand, but his best days are strongly behind him. He may keep it standing, but Hall may be able to get it down. I don’t see Hall submitting Maynard, but keeping him pinned on the mat and doing enough to win rounds. Maynard’s chin is gone, but I can’t see Hall knocking him out. I could see Maynard knocking him out if he can connect. I don’t like playing either man in fantasy contests, but I think Hall wins this fight.
Rob Font (12-2) vs. Matt Schnell (10-2)
Betting Odds: Font (-270), Schnell (+230) DraftKings Salaries: Font- $8,700, Schnell- $7,500 Key Statistic: Schnell taking fight on short notice & moving up a weight class Analysis: Schnell is stepping in on short notice to face the tough Font, and he is moving up to 135 pounds to make his UFC debut. Font has eight wins by finish in his career, and he has never been finished. Schnell has won seven straight fights and has eight wins by finish in his career. Despite fighting at 125 pounds, Schnell is the same size as Font and has a longer reach. Both men are technical on their feet and are talented. Font is primarily a striker while Schnell has a dangerous submission game. The short notice puts Schnell down in both the betting odds and fantasy salaries. He is a steal on both, and I strongly suggest utilizing his value.
Dong Hyun “Maestro” Kim (13-8-3) vs. Brendan O’Reilly (6-2 1 NC)
Betting Odds: Kim (-135), O’Reilly (+115) DraftKings Salaries: Kim- $8,300, O’Reilly- $7,900 Key Statistic: Kim landing 4.57 significant strikes per minute Analysis: This is an important fight for both as the loser could be cut from the roster. Kim has been in two exciting fights, but has lost both. He lands a lot of punches, though, and he is a brawler. O’Reilly likes to brawl, but that style got him knocked out by Alan Jouban. He is moving down a weight class, and lightweight suits him better. O’Reilly will be looking to shoot for the takedown as a brawl will favor Kim, but Kim has sneaky takedown defense. Kim will crack O’Reilly’s jaw and I see a stoppage with punches. Kim is really a value steal at his fantasy salary, and I’m surprised he isn’t a bigger betting favorite. He should get the win here.
Kailin Curran (4-3) vs. Jamie Moyle (3-1)
Betting Odds: Curran (-135), Moyle (+115) DraftKings Salaries: Curran- $8,600, Moyle- $7,600 Key Statistic: Moyle last fought 447 days ago Analysis: Curran finds herself in a must-win situation as she is just 1-3 in the UFC, while Moyle makes her UFC debut following a long layoff. Moyle is small at 5’1″ and Curran will look to exploit the small length advantage she will have. Curran likes to battle on the feet and she unloads with a lot of volume. I don’t see either woman finishing the other, which makes it hard to pick one for your fantasy line-ups. Curran is the better straight bet and I think she wins a close decision.
Elvis Mutapcic (15-4-1) vs. Anthony Smith (25-12)
Betting Odds: Mutapcic (-105), Smith (-115) DraftKings Salaries: Mutapcic- $8,100, Smith- $8,100 Key Statistic: They were scheduled to fight earlier this year before late cancellation Analysis: They were supposed to fight earlier this year outside of the UFC, and now they fight for their roster survival. Mutapcic is searching for his first UFC win and he desperately needs it. Smith is a big finisher, having won 22 fights by finish. However, eleven of his twelve losses have seen him finished, and Mutapcic is a finisher who has never been stopped. Smith has a size advantage, but Mutapcic has a power advantage. I like Mutapcic’s power to stop Smith, and while it is close in both odds and fantasy salaries, Mutapcic is the better play in this fight.
Josh Stansbury (8-2) vs. Devin Clark (6-1)
Betting Odds: Stansbury (-110), Clark (-110) DraftKings Salaries: Stansbury- $8,000, Clark- $8,200 Key Statistic: Both men have been finished in all of their losses Analysis: Both men are fighting a weight class above their natural weight class, and this is a must-win for Clark. Clark is the better athlete of the two, and he is more explosive on the feet and has a better wrestling game. Stansbury is a more patient fighter but that will likely get him in trouble here. Clark can make mistakes and pay for it, and he did in his last fight. I do like him better in this fight. It’s a pick ’em on the betting odds, and Clark is the better play. I do like him at his $8,200 salary in fantasy line-ups as I think he gets a knockout win.
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]
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.
