Less than a week before the show, UFC 219 has lost one of its main card matchups.
MMA Fighting first reported today that John Lineker won’t be able to fight at the pay-per-view due to a tooth infection. Lineker will have emergency surgery and is expected to return to training in approximately three weeks.
Lineker was scheduled to face Jimmie Rivera in what was the third biggest fight on the card. The UFC hasn’t confirmed whether Rivera will still fight at the PPV, though MMA Fighting noted that they’re looking for a replacement opponent. Lineker himself was an injury replacement in the bout after Dominick Cruz was forced out of it when he broke his arm.
UFC 219 is the company’s last show of the year and will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night. With the UFC yet to announce Rivera’s updated plans for the show, here’s the current main card lineup with Lineker out:
UFC women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg defending against Holly Holm
Last Saturday UFC show on FS1 saw a 37% viewership drop from the previous weekend, bringing in an average of 652,000 viewers for the four fight main card, headlined by John Lineker’s split decision win over John Dodson in a bantamweight contender’s tilt.
This was the second lowest non-daytime rating of the year for an FS 1 main card, trailing only the July 13th show’s 609,000. The week prior was a ratings bonanza for all involved with a Brazilian show headlined by Cyborg Justino.
The show’s 11 PM EST start time was later than usual, but with only four fights, it ended around the usual time that traditional Fight Nights on the network do.
The prelims aired on FS 2 and averaged just 294,000, down 20% from the last time Fight Night prelims aired on the secondary network. It was the 3rd highest number for a Fight Night prelims show on FS 2 since the UFC’s move to the Fox family.
The UFC will look to rebound for this Saturday’s UFC 204 prelims airing at 8 PM EST on FS1, part of a big day of sports programming on the network.
> Kelly Faszholz (3-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Ketlen Vieira (6-0, 0-0 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
R1- They clinched early and both were landing. Faszholz rocked Vieira with a right hand and forced her up against the fence. Vieira got a judo takedown into the full guard. Vieira was in control in the full guard as Faszholz was trying to sweep from the bottom. She landed from the top as the round ended with Vieira on top. 10-9 Vieira.
R2- Vieira got an early takedown into the full guard of Faszholz. Vieira was landing from the top and Faszholz was unable to do anything to get up. There was a questionable standup by Dan Miragliotta. Vieira scored another takedown off a body kick attempt from Faszholz. They were stood back up quickly after little action. They traded to end the round. 10-9 Vieria, 20-18 Vieira.
R3- Faszholz came out strong landing a lot of punches as it is clear she is down two rounds. Faszholz landed some hard punches and got in the clinch. Faszholz landed more punches after they broke the clinch. Faszholz is landing at will and Vieira doesn’t have much in response. Both women are tired. Vieira then got a big slam and tried to go into guard but Faszholz was landing from the bottom. Vieira was working for a submission but let it go to land some punches. Vieria didn’t do much and was just holding on. 10-9 Faszholz, 29-28 Vieira.
Official Result- Ketlen Vieira def. Kelly Faszholz by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Instant Analysis- The scorecard for Kelly Faszholz is a bad one. Both women clearly need more seasonsing. Ketlen Vieira got some big takedowns in the first two rounds but really slowed down in the third round. She did enough to get the win and keep her undefeated record. Faszholz didn’t do much in the first two rounds but came on strong in the third. That’s the second straight fight she’s done that and it has cost her both times. She only has five career fights, but she likely finds herself back in regional action for her next bout.
> Cody East (12-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Curtis Blaydes (5-1, 0-1 UFC) Heavyweights
R1- They came out swinging early. East got a brief takedown. Blaydes got a takedown and landed some big punches. They got to their feet and traded some big punches but Blaydes got a takedown and was landing from the top. They got up and East with a takedown for a moment but they got to their feet. Blaydes got a real sloppy takedown. Blaydes was landing from the top and a very bad stand-up was ordered. That was awful. East rocked Blaydes late and scored a takedown. 10-9 East.
R2- They traded big right hands. Blaydes got a huge takedown after rocking East. Blaydes was landing elbows and cut East open. Big elbows from Blaydes and the referee waves the fight off. Big TKO win for Blaydes.
Official Result- Curtis Blaydes def. Cody East by TKO (elbows) at 2:02 of Round 2
Instant Analysis- This was your typical sloppy heavyweight fight, but it had some action to it. Curtis Blaydes landed the bigger punches and was more dominant in the fight despite Cody East arguably winning the first round. Blaydes came out strong in the second and it showed with the finish. He is low-level but has had two fun fights in the UFC. Cody East is another fighter from “Lookin For A Fight” and he is now a disappointing 0-2 in the UFC. He hasn’t shown he is ready for the UFC and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is cut from the roster.
> Jonathan Wilson (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ion Cutelaba (11-2 1 NC, 0-1 UFC) Light Heavyweights
R1- They traded punches and Cutelaba had Wilson in trouble. Wilson slowed the pace with a clinch. Cutelaba landed some big punches and elbows. Wilson landed a left hand. They were both landing big punches with Cutelaba landing harder. Wilson landed his left hand. Cutelaba landed some more hard punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Cutelaba.
R2- Cutelaba landed a big kick low right at the start. Wilson took the entire five minutes to get ready to fight but he continued on. Cutelaba landed some kicks. They trade punches. Cutelaba with a lot of offense but Wilson was taking those shots. Cutelaba is bleeding from the nose. They are both landing hard punches. Cutelaba landing the cleaner punches but he is slowing down. Wilson defended a takedown. Wilson came on strong in the end. 10-9 Cutelaba, 20-18 Cutelaba.
R3- Wilson appears to be the fresher fighter at the start of the third. Wilson is stalking Cutelaba down but Cutelaba landed a solid punch. Wilson landed a solid head kick. Cutelaba poked Wilson in the eye and Cutelaba took advantage as Herb Dean missed it. Cutelaba lands some punches. Wilson with another high kick. Cutelaba pressing forward more and both are landing. Cutelaba lands and Wilson runs out of trouble. Cutelaba lands more at the end. Fun fight. 10-9 Cutelaba, 30-27 Cutelaba.
Official Result- Ion Cutelaba def. Jonathan Wilson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Instant Analysis- This was a fun fight between low-level 205-pound fighters. Ion Cutelaba showed a lot of promise, and he is a young prospect at 22-years-old. With help from a bigger camp, he has a real shot at becoming a name in the division. Jonathan Wilson is now 1-2 in the UFC but had a decent showing in a loss. He should get another chance in the UFC as he is an entertaining fighter.
R1- They were trading early. Neither was able to land except for Marquardt landing some leg kicks. Marquardt landed a takedown into the full guard. McCrory was looking for a choke from the bottom but Marquardt was defending from the top. Marquardt with elbows from the top. 10-9 Marquardt.
R2- They were trading on the feet as the pace has slowed. Marquardt with a body kick. He is landing the jab both to the head and body. McCrory landed a big combo ending with a body kick. Marquardt scored a takedown. Marquardt in the guard but McCrory controlling his posture well. Marquardt unable to do much from the top. McCrory looking to throw his legs up. They are stood up by the referee. Marquardt lands a big head kick and McCrory goes down and the fight is over! Knockout win by Marquardt.
Official Result- Nate Marquardt def. Tamdan McCrory by knockout (head kick) at 4:44 of Round 2
Instant Analysis- This was a slow but methodical fight by both men. Nate Marquardt got the win with a beautiful combo ending with a head kick in a close fight. He has had his ups-and-downs lately, but this is a big win for him and he will continue his UFC career. Tamdan McCrory has now lost two straight fights by knockout, but he is still a solid middleweight. He will likely get another fight in this UFC stint, but his back will be against the wall. He is an excellent ground fighter and held Marquardt down but his stand-up didn’t pan out this fight.
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> Keita Nakamura (32-7-2 1 NC, 3-4 UFC) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (15-5, 1-1 UFC) Welterweights
R1- Dos Santos with a head kick right away and Nakamura gets a takedown. Dos Santos got to his feet as he had wrist control. Nakamura takes the back of Dos Santos. Nakamura working for the choke but Dos Santos escapes but Nakamura retained control on the ground. Nakamura is very crafty on the mat and constantly hunting for chokes. They get to their feet and Dos Santos escapes and starts landing strikes. They trade punches and Dos Santos with some late kicks and a big right hand. 10-9 Nakamura.
R2- Dos Santos comes out firing punches and kicks. They trade punches and Dos Santos lands a nice right hand. Dos Santos with a heavy leg kick but misses a big right hand. Nakamura gets a takedown and has the back of Dos Santos looking for the choke. Dos Santos escapes but Nakamura still has the back. They get to their feet and Dos Santos lands on the break. Dos Santos is hurting Nakamura with punches. Nakamura lands some jabs. 10-9 Nakamura, 20-18 Nakamura.
R3- Dos Santos lands some solid punches. Dos Santos is getting the better of the striking battle. They trade body kicks. Nakamura gets a takedown into half-guard. Nakamura transitions to mount but Dos Santos scrambles out and lands a big suplex and is looking for the arm-triangle. Nakamura in trouble but he rolls out and gives up his back. Nakamura scrambles but Dos Santos looking for a Peruvian necktie. Nakamura scrambles out and grabs the back and is looking for a choke against the fence. Dos Santos survives the position and scrambles out and lands big punches to end the round. Fun fight. 10-9 Dos Santos, 29-28 Nakamura.
Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Keita Nakamura by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Instant Analysis- A very good fight, and a very close one. Keita Nakamura showed his skill on the mat with his takedowns and transitions and looks for chokes, but he was unable to get them locked in. He didn’t have the striking to match Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Dos Santos showed excellent striking and some good ground work, and he is a very good up-and-coming fighter. This is a good fight to see if you missed this card. While I had it for Nakamura, the second round was close and easily could have gone for either fighter. The decision was not bad at all.
> Shamil Abdurakhimov (16-3, 1-1 UFC) vs. Walt Harris (8-4, 1-3 UFC) Heavyweights
R1- Abdurakhimov got a takedown off a kick from Harris and into side control. They get up. Harris with a front kick. Harris with a knee in the clinch. Harris with a big knee to the face on the break of a clinch. They trade kicks and Harris goes for a high kick. Abdurakhimov lands a flush right hand. They trade punches. Abdurakhimov is cut on the back of his head but lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Abdurakhimov.
R2- Neither man can find an opening. Abdurakhimov slips on a spinning back fist attempt and Harris gets into side control looking for a choke. He escapes and they scramble up and Harris lands a knee right as they got up. They trade punches but neither landing with power. Abdurakhimov lands the spinning back fist. Harris with a leg kick and lands a left hand. Harris with a body kick. 10-9 Harris, 19-19.
R3- Harris with a high kick. Harris lands a jab. They trade punches. Abdurakhimov lands a right hand. This has become a very boring fight. Not much is happening. Harris stuffs a takedown. They keep trading punches but neither landing with power. This is an even fight. Crowd booing. They clinch. Harris with a big knee. Thankfully this fight is over. Close. 10-9 Harris, 29-28 Harris.
Official Result- Shamil Abdurakhimov def. Walt Harris by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Instant Analysis- This fight was terrible. Not much more can be said. Neither man did anything to definitively win the fight. It could’ve gone either way so not a bad decision. I think Walt Harris should be cut after this loss. I’m not spending any more time on this fight.
> Hacran Dias (#12, 23-4-1, 3-3 UFC) vs. Andre Fili (15-4, 3-3 UFC) Featherweights
R1- Dias missed weight for this fight. Fili lands a left hand. Fili lands some left hands. Dias goes for a takedown but it is defended. Fili knocks Dias down with a left hand and is swarming for the finish. Lots of punches from Fili but Dias survives. Dias goes for a takedown and has Fili pinned against the fence. Fili almost had the fight finished. Dias gets a takedown and is in side control. Fili escapes from the bottom. Fili lands a left hand again. Dias unable to land his punches. Fili with the clinch and lands a knee. 10-9 Fili.
R2- Dias lands some punches. Dias with the body lock looking for the takedown and he gets it. Dias looking to advance as he is in half-guard. Dias looking to set up an arm-triangle. Fili scrambles out and they get to their feet. Fili gets a takedown. Dias looking for an armbar but Fili defends it by slamming Dias on his head. Fili with leg kicks while Dias is on the mat. Dias doing nothing to get up. They both get up and are swinging. Dias lands a right hand. They both land. Fili with a late judo throw. Fun round. 10-9 Fili, 20-18 Fili.
R3- Dias goes for a takedown but it is defended. Fili lands a left hand. Dias lands a right hand. Dias with an inside trip and he is in the guard of Fili. Dias not doing much as he almost escapes but goes back into the full guard. Fili scrambles to the top and lands some big elbows and big punches to end the round. Close round. 10-9 Dias, 29-28 Fili.
Official Result- Andre Fili def. Hacran Dias by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Instant Analysis- This was a great performance from Andre Fili. He came in on short notice but showed no ill-effects of that and controlled Hacran Dias on the feet. Both men got takedowns but Fili did more with his and was more crafty on the mat. Hacran Dias missed weight and it’s hard to say what effect it had on him. He looked good but was unable to counter anything from Fili, and he didn’t do much with the advantages on the mat. The biggest win of Fili’s career.
> Henrique da Silva (11-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Joachim Christensen (13-3, 0-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
R1- da Silva with some big leg kicks and a big right hand. They are clinched and da Silva with a big uppercut. Christensen eats a body kick from da Silva. da Silva drops Christensen and lands a leg kick on the ground before Christensen ordered up. da Silva with some big knees and kicks to the body. Christensen pins da Silva against the fence. 10-9 da Silva.
R2- Christensen comes out with some punches and has da Silva in trouble. da Silva comes back with his own flurry. Christensen drops da Silva with a knee and is in the guard looking to finish. Both men look very tired. Christensen looking to set up a choke while landing short punches. da Silva reverses and is in side control and looking to move to the mount. da Silva with big punches and Christensen gives up his back. da Silva gets the armbar and Christensen taps! da Silva with the submission win.
Official Result- Henrique da Silva def. Joachim Christensen by submission (armbar) at 4:43 of Round 2
Instant Analysis- Solid win for Henrique da Silva. He was in bad trouble in the second round but weathered the storm and made a quick transition to the armbar and submitted a jiu-jitsu black belt. He remains undefeated and at 22-years-old, he is a really bright prospect at 205 pounds. It was Joachim Christensen’s UFC debut and he displayed good heart and came close to finishing, but didn’t have that true killer instinct. He is going to need to step it up in his next UFC bout and show more conditioning, avoid making mistakes and that finishing ability.
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> Louis Smolka (#9, 11-1, 5-1 UFC) vs. Brandon Moreno (11-3, 0-0 UFC) Flyweights
R1- Moreno came out firing to the body of Smolka. Smolka with a body kick and Moreno gets a takedown. Smolka landing from the bottom. Smolka rolls out from the bottom and gets a takedown. Moreno locks in a guillotine and it is tight. Wow! Smolka taps out! Moreno with the huge upset victory.
Official Result- Brandon Moreno def. Louis Smolka by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:23 of Round 1
Instant Analysis- This is a huge upset as Brandon Moreno took the fight on short notice. He is on the current season of TUF, ranked as the #16 flyweight in the house, and lost in the first round. Now he has submitted the #9 ranked flyweight and the holder of a four-fight win streak. It is a big night for Moreno who has now made his name in one night. Louis Smolka was on the cusp of a title shot, but with this upset loss, it’s going to be a while before he’s back in contention. He got caught and paid for it.
R1- Ottow took this fight on short notice. Ottow with some leg kicks. Ottow with a combo ending with a leg kick. Burkman with a body kick. Ottow with a low kick that hit below the belt and we have a break. Ottow lands a right hand. Neither man able to get the better of the other. Two more right hands from Ottow. Ottow lands a right hand followed by an elbow. Ottow with a leg kick. 10-9 Ottow.
R2- Ottow attacking with kicks. They trade with leg kicks. Neither man doing much to the other. Burkman with a body kick and a right hand. Ottow just misses a high kick. Ottow with a body kick. Burkman lands some punches but Ottow with a leg kick. Ottow lands a nice combo but Burkman lands a counter right hand. Burkman with a body kick. Another close round. 10-9 Ottow, 20-18 Ottow.
R3- The pace is very slow. Both men are just winging punches that aren’t landing and seem content to just land leg kicks. The fans are booing. Ottow lands a combo. Ottow stuns Burkman with a right hand. Ottow is landing short punches. Burkman with a clinch and some soft knees. Burkman gets a takedown with just over a minute left. Ottow slides out from the bottom and they get to their feet. Burkman with a left hand. They trade strikes. Ottow with a late takedown and gets the neck late but the fight ends. 10-9 Burkman, 29-28 Ottow.
Official Result- Zak Ottow def. Josh Burkman by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Instant Analysis- This was a very boring fight. Both men seemed tentative and neither man could get much offense going. All rounds were close which made any score a justifiable one. Josh Burkman has been very disappointing in this UFC stint, and it’s clear he has lost a step. It’s very likely he will be cut after this performance. Zak Ottow had a workmanlike performance on short notice, but nothing overly impressive. While he got the win, he’ll need to have a much better showing in his next fight if he’s going to sustain a UFC future.
> Will Brooks (#11, 19-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Alex Oliveira (15-3-1 1 NC, 4-2 UFC) Lightweights
R1- Oliveira missed weight by 5.5 pounds. Both men with leg kicks. They trade knees in the clinch. Oliveira working hard for a takedown. Brooks defending the takedown attempts against the fence. Brooks with a knee to the body. Brooks scores a big takedown against the fence. They get to their feet. Oliveira still working hard for a takedown. Brooks gets a quick one and lands a knee. They are clinched again. Big elbows from Oliveira and Brooks gets a takedown. Oliveira has a choke but not enough time. 10-9 Brooks.
R2- Oliveira with a front kick. Brooks gets a takedown and goes right into mount. Brooks with some ground-and-pound. Oliveira gives up the back and Brooks is looking for a standing choke. They stand and Oliveira with some knees. Oliveira with a takedown. Brooks gets right back up. Oliveira with a takedown and lands some elbows. Brooks rolls out back to his feet. Brooks with a throw and now has the back of Oliveira again. Brooks looking for the standing rear-naked choke. Oliveira shakes him off. Oliveira with some elbows. 10-9 Brooks, 20-18 Brooks.
R3- Brooks with some leg kicks. Oliveira lands a right hand and Brooks stumbles down and they clinch back up. They fall to the mat and Oliveira in the half-guard. Brooks popped a rib in the first round and he is in a lot of pain. Oliveira with a couple of knees. Oliveira gets a takedown. Oliveira with some elbows from the top and punches to the body. Oliveira looking for the finish and he gets it with a lot of punches as Herb Dean steps in.
Official Result- Alex Oliveira def. Will Brooks by TKO (punches) at 3:30 of Round 3
Instant Analysis- There will be an asterisk by this win for Alex Oliveira. He missed weight by a huge amount so he had the size advantage. Will Brooks was clearly hurt after the first round and that altered his strategy. He had a good second round but the rib injury altered his strategy. Alex Oliveira’s actions towards Brooks after the fight were very unneeded. Oliveira will likely be headed to the welterweight division as the weight cut is too much for him. Brooks was looking to make a run to the UFC title and this loss will hurt him greatly. A very bad night for him.
> John Lineker (#3, 28-7, 9-2 UFC) vs. John Dodson (#10, 18-7, 7-2 UFC) Bantamweights
R1- Lineker missed weight by 1/2 a pound. Both men trade leg kicks. They trade leg kicks again. Dodson with a body kick. Dodson just misses a left hand. Lineker lands a right hand. Dodson with a head kick. Lineker with a body kick and a left hook. Dodson with a quick trip takedown but Lineker back up. Dodson with a front kick. Lineker with a flying knee followed by a right hand. 10-9 Dodson.
R2- Lineker with some leg kicks. Dodson doing a great job of circling out of danger. Dodson lands a couple of left hands. Dodson lands a straight left hand. Lineker with some taunting about Dodson running around the Octagon. Lineker lands some punches. Dodson knees Lineker low and he is in a lot of pain. They get back to action and both men land punches. They are throwing now and Lineker lands a hard left hand. They trade again and Lineker lands a big left hook. Dodson still running around the Octagon. 10-9 Lineker, 19-19.
R3- They trade. Lineker misses a big left hand. They exchange a huge flurry. That was amazing. Lineker with a combo to the body. Dodson still running around the Octagon. Lineker with a head kick. Lineker stuns Dodson with a right hand. Lineker eats a head kick from Dodson. Lineker presses forward with some punches. Dodson circles away. Lineker lands a right hand. Lineker thinks about a choke. Dodson with a head kick. 10-9 Lineker, 29-28 Lineker.
R4- They are throwing and both men stun the other. Dodson lands a left hand. He lands another. Lineker lands a left hook. Crowd starting to boo mainly because of Dodson running around the Octagon. They are throwing punches. Lineker hurts Dodson and Dodson starts to run away and the fans are booing Dodson something fierce. Lineker with punches to the body and Dodson is hurt. Dodson with a body kick but Lineker counters with body punches. 10-9 Lineker, 39-37 Lineker.
R5- Dodson lands a left hand. Superman punch from Dodson. Lineker lands a right hand followed by a knee. Dodson lands a left hand. Lineker lands a left hand. Dodson with a high kick. They trade front kicks to the body. Dodson lands a left hand. They trade punches. Lineker lands a couple of left hooks. Dodson circles out of trouble. Dodson lands a left hand. Dodson stuns Lineker with a punch. Dodson with a front kick and an uppercut. They trade punches. Dodson gets a takedown and takes the back. Lineker walks to the fence. Dodson lets go of position. Dodson with a head kick. Lineker to the body late. 10-9 Dodson, 48-47 Lineker.
Official Result- John Lineker def. John Dodson by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Instant Analysis- This was a great fight with a lot of fireworks. John Dodson had a clear strategy and he used it, but it may have also cost him the fight as he was constantly running around the Octagon. It was a smart strategy as John Lineker was lighting him up whenever they engaged. It cost him the fight, though. Lineker remains undefeated since moving up in weight classes, but missing weight for this fight likely cost him a chance at fighting for the title. If he doesn’t get a title shot next, a fight with T.J. Dillashaw to determine the next contender, assuming Dominick Cruz is fighting Cody Garbrandt, would be an excellent next move for him. For Dodson, it is his first UFC loss to someone not named Demetrious Johnson. He can still be a contender at 135 pounds, but he may have to tweak his style as the constant running around the Octagon won’t benefit him as much at 135 pounds.
Here’s some advice for who to pick in your DraftKings lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight 96 in Portland, Oregon, headlined by John Lineker vs. John Dodson on FOX Sports 1.
Before we get into it, though, DraftKings made some changes to Fantasy MMA this week that come into effect on this card. Line-ups will now consist of six fighters instead of five. Line-ups will still have a salary cap of $50,000, so overall salaries will be lower.
A new points system was introduced as well, with significant strikes getting 0.5 points, advances on the mat getting 3 points, takedowns getting 5 points, guard reversals and sweeps getting 5 points, and knockdowns getting 10 points.
Wins inside the first round are now worth 90 points, inside the second round worth 70 points, inside the third round worth 45 points, inside the fourth and fifth rounds worth 40 points, and decision wins now worth 30 points.
Top Target: Louis Smolka ($9,400)
Louis Smolka comes into UFC Fight Night 96 riding an impressive four-fight win streak with three finishes in that span. He is 5-1 overall in the UFC, and he is on the brink of breaking into the title picture with another win. He was scheduled to fight Sergio Pettis, but Pettis pulled out due to injury, and Smolka now fights late replacement Brendan Moreno, who is on the current season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Moreno has already been defeated on the show, but still gets a UFC shot at just 22-years-old. Moreno is a tall flyweight, but he is still raw and needs a lot of seasoning, and a debut against Smolka on short notice is a tough task. Smolka has grown into a more complete fighter since coming into the UFC, and he is an aggressive, yet smart, fighter. He has good striking and excellent submissions. He will be looking to take Moreno down, and he has excellent ground-and-pound. At a $9,400 salary, Smolka has the highest salary on the card, but with the changes in the scoring system, he is the top play on the card.
I expect him to finish Moreno in the first round, but even if that doesn’t happen, I don’t see it lasting much longer than that. Roll with Smolka as your top play.
Value Target: John Lineker ($8,100)
John Lineker is in his second straight main event as he takes on John Dodson. Both men have the same salary at $8,100, but I like Lineker’s value more there. He is one of the hardest hitting fighters at 135 pounds, and we have all seen his finishing abilities. He also has excellent overall skills and is a threat to anyone in the division. Dodson has the speed edge over Lineker, but if Lineker can connect, even Dodson will go down.
Dodson is a range fighter as he uses his speed to keep a distance, but he isn’t a particularly great striker. He can finish opponents when he has them in trouble, but Lineker has a chin. Dodson would be best served keeping Lineker out of the pocket and looking to land the perfect punch, but Dodson’s speed starts to play with his cardio, and he has been known to gas out in fights. The betting odds favor Dodson, and this is a perfect set-up for Lineker. This is a tough fight to predict on how it will go, whether it goes the distance or someone scores a finish. The odds of a finish are higher for Lineker, and he does have good takedowns should Dodson pressure him in the clinch. Dodson won’t wanna go strike-for-strike with Lineker.
I like Lineker to win this fight and I think his value is excellent at his salary.
Target To Avoid: Alex Oliveira ($7,200)
With the new line-up rules of six fighters on your roster, it is hard to wanna avoid some lower-level salaried fighters. If you are looking to pass up one fighter on this card, I recommend that being Alex Oliveira. Oliveira is a skilled fighter, without question, and he has a good 4-2 record in the UFC. He has bounced between the lightweight and welterweight divisions, and after fighting at 170 pounds for his last two fights, he is going back down to 155 pounds for Saturday.
He has a tough task in front of him in the form of Will Brooks, the former Bellator Lightweight Champion making his second Octagon appearance. Brooks won a decision over Ross Pearson in his first UFC fight, a bout he took on short notice. Brooks now has had a full training camp to prepare for this fight, and he has shown to be one of the best 155-pound fighters in the world. Brooks likes to take his opponents down, but he is a quality striker as well. Oliviera has some talent, but Brooks’ skill should be the difference in this fight.
I don’t like Oliveira to score the win, and with this new scoring system, a win is very valuable. I recommend avoiding Oliveira, especially after him missing weight.
Underdog Target: Jonathan Wilson ($7,500)
Even with the new six-fighter system, you still need some underdogs to come through and score wins if you wanna place in the money in these contests. I like Jonathan Wilson as an underdog with the potential for a finish victory. Wilson will be taking on Ion Cutelaba on Saturday as both look to bounce back from knockout losses in their last fights.
It was the first loss for Wilson, ending his perfect 7-0 record. In those seven wins, six have come by knockout for Wilson, and many of those have come inside the first round. He is a powerful striker with good speed and good takedown defense, but he has shown to be a one-round fighter for most of his career. He got tired quickly in the second round before being finished in his last fight. However, for that one round, he is very dangerous, especially at range with his left hand.
I like Wilson at his salary as Cutelaba may be overmatched in this one.
Our Line-Ups
Ryan Frederick: Louis Smolka ($9,400), Will Brooks ($9,000), John Lineker ($8,100), Nate Marquardt ($8,000), Andre Fili ($7,700), Jonathan Wilson ($7,500)
I have Louis Smolka, John Lineker and Jonathan Wilson on my roster with my reasons stated above as I like all three to get wins. Rounding out my team is Will Brooks, Nate Marquardt and Andre Fili. Brooks is going to win his fight against Alex Oliveira, and there is extra motivation there for Brooks as he was visibly upset about Oliveira missing weight. I think it motivates him to a finish.
Nate Marquardt was on the first UFC card in Portland, and he knocked out Demian Maia in less than a minute. It is a perfect spot for him to bounce back against Tamdan McCrory. Andre Fili is taking a tough fight against Hacran Dias on short notice, but it is his chance to break out with a solid performance. Dias missed weight and Fili is a sneaky pick to get a win.
Paul Fontaine: Louis Smolka ($9,400), Walt Harris ($8,800), John Lineker ($8,100), Nate Marquardt ($8,000), Cody East ($7,900), Jonathan Wilson ($7,500)
Smolka is terribly underrated. Dude is 11-1 with the only loss coming by split decision He’s also got KO power at flyweight. Jump on this dude. “The Big Ticket” Walt Harris can KO anyone with one punch and he’s going to turn Shamil’s lights out when the big Russian goes in for a takedown. I’ve gotta go with Lineker in the main event. That fight could end early or they could go balls to the wall for five rounds. Either way, lot of points unless Dodson finishes him early which I don’t think will happen.
Nate The Great’s best days are behind him but he still can knock people out, as evidenced by his finish win over CB Dollaway. McCrory is vulnerable to getting hit by that kind of shot that floored CB and we’re getting a good price. Cody East is like Walt Harris in that he usually wins by finish and it’s usually early. This time he’s up against Curtis Blaydes, a wrestler. If he catches him early, it’s over and that’s what I think will happen. Lastly, I’m going with Jonathan Wilson, who lost to unbeaten Luis Henrique da Silva in his last fight. He should rebound here with his first UFC win and send Ion Cutelaba back to Moldova to fight in regionals.
Peach Machine: Louis Smolka ($9,400), Will Brooks ($9,000), Curtis Blaydes ($8,300), John Dodson ($8,100), Andre Fili ($7,700), Zak Ottow ($7,300)
Dodson is too fast, and Lineker is slow. The Magician will win and probably drag it out for 5 rounds. POINTS! Brooks is awesome and Oliveira is on his way out. Fili is a sleeper pick. Same with Ottow. I love Smolka, as in, I want to marry him. He’s also an excellent fighter. Blaydes is a pick against East. I think he gets the KO.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 91: McDonald vs. Lineker from the Danny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This event marks the first time the Octagon has traveled to the state of South Dakota.
The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the bantamweight division as former title challenger Michael McDonald takes on heavy-handed John Lineker, winner of four straight fights.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS DEVIN CLARK (6-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. ALEX NICHOLSON (6-2, 0-1 UFC) (Bobby Wombacher – ref)
Joe Martinez is doing the ring announcing after 3 shows in 3 days for Michael Buffer last week. It’s a nice change. I like Buffer but Martinez is really good as well. Clark gets a huge hometown pop as he’s from Sioux Falls. Crowd is sparse and people were getting their tickets upgraded without being asked.
Clark with the first punch combo 30 seconds in after they trade leg kicks. Nicholson controlling the Octagon early. Clark with a takedown at 1:00. Clark trying to advance while Nicholson works for a sub from the bottom. Clark with an arm triangle at 2:15. Nicholson uses the cage to escape and then gets to his feet at 2:45. Nicholson with a low blow that the crowd does not like. Clark drops Nicholson with one punch on the restart but he weathers it and gets to his feet. Clark takes his back standing at 3:30. Nicholson works him to the front but Clark still in control of the clinch on the cage. Punch combo from Clark at 4:15 as they separate. Nicholson drops Clark with a punch with less than 10 seconds left and the ref steps in to stop it quickly. Not a bad stoppage but he didn’t seem in any more trouble than Clark was earlier in the round when he got dropped. Crowd went deathly silent with the stoppage
WINNER – ALEX NICHOLSON (7-2) by KO (punch) at 4:57
BANTAMWEIGHTS RANI YAHYA (21-8 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) VS. MATTHEW LOPEZ (8-0, 0-0 UFC) (Bobby Wombacher – ref)
Lopes is off of Dana White’s “Lookin for a fight” series. A couple of great punch exchanges early until Yahya initiates a cage clinch 45 seconds in. Lopes takes control and ends up on top when Yahya goes for a takedown. Lopez stands up, obviously fearful of the Brazilian’s ground game. Yahya with a nice punch combo at 2:45 and almost drops him with a leg kick. Lopez drops Yahya with a punch and immediately follows him to the ground, going for an armbar. Yahya escapes and quickly gains top position and then side control at 3:45. Yahya with hard elbows to the head. Lopez escapes and reverses into top position but Yahya with a kneebar attempt and then an Oma Plata. Lopez escapes that and to his feet. Yahya tries to take him down again but Lopez ends up on top. Great grappling exchanges. 10-9 Lopez
Lopez with a takedown 45 seconds in. Yahya working for an armbar from the bottom. Lopez with an inverted triangle though after escaping. It looks tight but Yahya gives the thumbs up to the ref and then escapes at 1:30 and ends up in top position. Yahya quickly into side control. Lopez works him back into half guard but Yahya landing punches to the head and body. Yahya landing hard elbows to the head as well. Total strikes are 57-20 for Yahya. Yahya landing hard punches to the head and Lopez barely defending but manages to get to his feet. Yahya tries to take him down but but Lopez stuffs it. Yahya staggers Lopez with a punch and then gets a takedown. Lopez with a guillotine attempt on the way down but Yahya escapes easily and moves right into side control. Yahya into mount with 30 seconds left and secures an armbar. Lopez fighting it off desparately. Crowd really into this. Bell saves Lopez and the crowd gives an ovation. 10-8 Yahya, 19-18 Yahya
Yahya with an early takedown attempt but Lopez ends up on top. Lopez stands up quickly to avoid the ground game of Yahya. Yahya gets a takedown again at 1:00 but Lopez working for a choke, which Yahya quickly escapes from. Total strikes are 87-23 now for Yahya. Yahya landing punches to the body and head as he’s got Lopez trapped by the cage. Yahya lifts Lopez up and slams him back to the canvas before landing more head strikes. Lopez manages to get to his feet briefly but Yahya takes his back and drags him down again. Lopez sweeps and briefly gains top position but again Yahya gets top control. Yahya with a hard and arm choke and gets a quick tap. Great performance from Yahya
WINNER – RANI YAHYA (22-8-1) by submission (arm triangle) at 4:19 of the third round
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)
LIGHTWEIGHTS SCOTT HOLTZMAN (8-1, 1-1 UFC) VS. CODY PFISTER (12-5-1, 1-2 UFC) (Kevin MacDonald – ref)
They trade single shots for the first minute with Holtzman landing the harder shots. Holtzman with a flying knee that drops Pfister to his knees but Holtzman stays up. Pfister stuns Holtzman with a punch that cuts him and then clinches up on the cage. Pfister with a takedown attempt but stuffed by Holtzman. Holtzman with a nice punch/head kick combo at 2:15. Another cage clinch at 3:00 with Holtzman in control. Holtzman landing knees to the body. Holtzman with a trip takedown at 3:30. Pfister to his feet quickly after a guillotine attempt from Holtzman. Pfister already looking gassed. Total strikes are 30-13 for Holtzman. Pfister with a weak takedown attempt stuffed by Holtzman. Holtzman lands several knees to the head before the round ends. 10-9 Holtzman
Holtzman drops Pfister with a head kick 30 seconds in and immediately follows him to the ground. Pfister was almost out there. Holtzman into mount at 1:00. Holtzman with a head and arm choke attempt but Pfister escapes, just like he did against Sage Northcutt in December and ends up in top position. Holtzman to his feet but Pfister in control of a cage clinch at 2:15. Holtzman landing punches to the head as Holtzman trying to take him down and then Holtzman scores a takedown of his own at 2:45. Holtzman landing a ton of punches to the head and body. Holtzman into mount at 3:45 and landing more punches to the head and body. Again Pfister reverses and ends up on top at 4:15. Holtzman working for a triangle from the bottom. Pfister not doing much at all from the top. 10-9 Holtzman
Total strikes through two rounds are 83-34 for Holtzman. Despite this, Pfister’s corner told him that he may have won the first round. Holtzman sprawls out of a takedown attempt at 1:00 and then gets one of his own. Holtzman again landing punches to the head and body from the top. Pfister connects with an illegal upkick and gets a warning. Holtzman stands up at 2:30 but Pfister stays on his back briefly and then goes to his feet. Pfister with a takedown attempt and Holtzman secures a guillotine and brings him down. Pfister escapes easily and ends up in top position. Holtzman reverses into top position at 3:45. Significant strikes are 47-22 for Holtzman. Holtzman with punches and elbows to the head. 10-9 Holtzman, 30-27 overall. Can’t imagine any other score unless someone gives a 10-8
WINNER – SCOTT HOLTZMAN (9-1) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)
Great punch exchange to start. Casey with a takedown at 1:00 and moves right into mount after eating a couple body kicks. Casey lands a couple hard elbows to the head. Stanciu works her back into half guard at 1:45 and Casey stands up. Stanciu follows. Casey with another taekdown at 2:30 and right into mount again and then finishes her off with hard elbows to the head to get the quick stoppage.
WINNER – CORTNEY CASEY (5-3) by TKO (elbows) at 2:36
MIDDLEWEIGHTS ERIC SPICELY (8-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. SAM ALVEY (26-8 1 NC, 3-3 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)
John McCarthy gets the pop of the night from the Sioux Falls crowd so far. And gets introduced as “Big John”, something Bruce Buffer has stated he will not do. Spicely shoots for a takedown early and they end up in a cage clinch. Separation at 1:00 after not much happens. They trade hard head punches at 1:15. Alvey staggers Spicely with a punch combo at 1:30 but he stays on his feet. Spicely slips after a kick attempt and tries for a takedown but Alvey defends it well. Alvey in control of a cage clinch at 2:00. Alvey with a standing guillotine and gets the quick tap.
WINNER – SAM ALVEY (27-8) by submission (guillotine) at 2:43
Alvey cut an amazing promo after the fight. He called out Holy War Angel and challenged the whole continent of Europe for a fight in Manchester. He predicted Dan Henderson would win the middleweight title, defend it more times than anyone in history and then lose it to himself. He reminded everyone that his baby is due in ten days and maybe he’s due for some sort of bonus. If you see nothing else on this card, seek out this promo.
Murphy controlling the Octagon early but Chookagian landing single shots from distance. Murphy initiates a cage clinch at 1:30. Chookagian gets control and then separates at 2:00. Nice punch exchange at 2:15. Murphy continuing to advance and starting to land more strikes, mostly to the head. Total strikes are 24-13 for Chookagian. Chookagian starting to land leg kicks in addition to the head strikes at the end of the round. Very close. 10-9 Chookagian
Second round starts the same, only that this time Murphy gets the takedown at 1:30. Murphy not doing anything but holding her down though. She lands a couple light punches to the head after being warned for lack of action. Murphy works her to the fence and lands a few more elbows and punches to the head and a series of body punches as well. Murphy postures up and lands some hard head strikes at 4:30. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19 after 2
Murphy advancing to start again. Chookagian landing strikes while backing up again, as she did in the first round through the first 90 seconds. Murphy with a nice punch combo at 1:45. Punch combo from Chookagian at 2:15. Chookagian mixing in leg kicks as well as Murphy is getting frustrated, even throwing her hands down at 3:00. Murphy bleeding from under the left eye and her face is all busted up from the striking of Chookagian. Chookagian with a hard knee to the body as Murphy shoots for a takedown at 4:15. Murphy clinches up on the cage for the rest of the round while Chookagian defends the takedown. 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 overall. Round 1 will decide it.
WINNER – KATLYN CHOOKAGIAN (8-0) by unanimous decision on scores of 29-28 x 3
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 9 PM ET/6 PM PT)
FLYWEIGHTS (#12) LOUIS SMOLKA (10-1, 4-1 UFC) VS. BEN NGUYEN (16-5, 2-0 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)
Herb Dean gets almost as big a pop as Big John got earlier and both of them have gotten bigger reactions than anyof the rights. Nguyen chasing Smolka around the cage to start and Smolka tries for a takedown but Nguyen ends up in top position. He’s a local product. Smolka works to his feet and then gets a takedown of his own at 45 seconds. Smolka quickly into side control but Nguyen works him back into guard. Nguyen manages to take Smolka’s back and working for a rear naked choke. He transitions into mount and working for an arm triangle. Only 1:45 in and this is a crazy fight already. Smolka escapes and ends up in top position. Amazing grappling exchanges. Smolka landing a series of punches and elbows from guard at 3:15. Smolka with a triangle choke at 3:30. 10-9 Smolka
Round very easily could’ve been a 10-8 and many on Twitter have it scored that way. Total strikes were 55-7 for Smolka. Smolka gets a takedown 15 seconds in. Nguyen bleeding from his nose. Nguyen tries to get to his feet and Smolka secures a guillotine. Ngueyn escapes but Smolka all over him. Smolka landing elbows to the head and punches to the body. Smolka just relentless with the punches and elbows and then goes for a footlock, which Nguyen escapes from. Smolka still in top position and landing a ton of punches. Both to their feet at 2:30 but Smolka takes him right back down. Smolka stands up and delivering punches and knees to the body. Smolka lets him up but still peppering him with punches. Smolka drags him down with another guillotine attempt. Nguyen escapes but Smolka with a triangle attempt. Nguyen escapes that and Smolka with a front choke. Smolka lets it go and moves into mount. Smolka takes the back and gets the rear naked choke at 4:00. Nguyen doesn’t give up. Smolka all over him with punches from mount though. Elbows to the head from Smolka. Dean stops it. That would’ve been a 10-7 round if Dean hadn’t stopped it. Nguyen’s corner actually threw in the towel at the same time Dean was stopping it.
WINNER – LOUIS SMOLKA (11-1) by TKO (elbows and punches) at 4:41 of Round 2
Smolka challenged Wilson Reis to face him for the interim flyweight title since Demetrious Johnson is injured.
WELTERWEIGHTS KYLE NOKE (22-8-1, 6-4 UFC) VS. KEITA NAKAMURA (31-7-2 1 NC, 2-4 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)
Noke stuns Nakamura with a couple early punches but he weathers it. Nakamura pushing the pace but running into single jabs from Noke. Nakamura with a punch combo at 2:30 and then a head kick. Another punch combo for Nakamura at 2:45. Noke with a takedown at 3:00 but Nakamura right back up. Significant strikes are 18-13 for Noke. Nice punch exchange at 4:00. The difference may be that Noke is landing kicks to the body. Nakamura with a punch combo right before the bell. 10-9 Noke
Nakamura advancing to start again. Nakamura with a takedown attempt but Noke stuffs him 30 seconds in. Noke continuing to land jabs from distance while Nakamura advances. Nakamura stuffed on another takedown attempt at 1:45. Significant strikes now 37-30 for Noke. Nakamura stuns Noke with a punch combo at 3:00. Noke with a takedown at 3:15. Noke pulls him up but stays in control of his back, landing knees to the legs. Noke separates but not after landing a hard head strike and Nakamura now bleeding from the nose. Nakamura backs Noke up with a punch combo. Noke down and Nakamura all over him with punches. Nakamura into mount at 4:45. Nakamura with a rear naked choke and taps right before the buzzer.
WINNER – KEITA NAKAMURA (32-7-2) by submission at 4:59 of the second round
HEAVYWEIGHTS ALEXEY OLEINIK (50-9-1, 2-0 UFC) VS. DANIEL OMIELANCZUK (18-5-1 1 NC, 3-2 UFC) (Kevin MacDonald – ref)
I’ve seen several different spellings for Oleinik’s name so I’m going with this one. Alexey lands a punch combo early and shoots for a takedown but stuffed by Daniel. Alexey ends up getting the takedown 45 seconds in from the clinch. Daniel seated with his back to the cage. Alexey not doing much damage but just trying to advance. Alexey into mount and working for an arm triangle at 2:00. Daniel works him back into guard but Alexey again working for the choke. Alexey with hard elbows to the head. Daniel to his feet at 3:30 but Alexey still controlling him. Alexey with another takedown at 4:15. Alexey takes his back at 4:45 and gets the body triangle but not enough time to do anything. 10-9 Alexey
Daniel ops with a punch combo and gets Alexey to the ground. Alexey busted open. Daniel on top and landing punches and elbows to the head. Alexey working for a kneebar and then a heel hook. Daniel escapes but Alexey into top position and gets a head and arm choke. Daniel works back into top position at 1:30. Daniel landing more elbows and punches to the head. Daniel now covered in Alexey’s blood. Ground strikes are 30-29 for Daniel. Alexey trying to get to his feet and ends up in top position as Daniel has his back to the cage. Both guys up at 3:00. Daniel with a nice punch combo that rocks Alexey. Alexey initates a cage clinch at 3:30. Alexey with a takedown. Alexey working for an Ezekiel choke. Alexy with an armbar attempt at 4:00. Daniel escapes and gets top position. Alexey with a triangle attempt at 4:15. Daniel landing hammer fists to the head. 10-9 Daniel, 19-19
Alexey immediately shoots for a takedown but defended by Daniel. Daniel landing punches to the head as Alexey holds on. Alexey pulls guard at 45 seconds. Alexey’s face is a bloody mess. Alexey continuing to look for submissions from the bottom but eating a lot of punches. Ref stands them up at 2:00. Alexey can barely stand. Alexey advancing for a takedown on the standup and initiates a cage clinch. Alexey gets the takedown at 3:00 and then takes the back. Alexey working for a rear naked choke. Daniel landing punches from behind. Alexey working for a choke but Daniel reverses into top position. Alexey landing light punches to the head from the bottom. Daniel just holding him down. Ref stands them up at 4:30. Alexey doesn’t want to get up. Alexey can barelly stand. Daniel with a takedown right before the bell. 10-9 Daniel, 29-28 overall. Sloppy third round
WINNER – DANIEL OMIELANCZUK (19-5-1) by majority decision on scores of 28-28, 29-28 x 2
MIDDLEWEIGHTS TIM BOETSCH (18-10, 9-9 UFC) VS. JOSH SAMMAN (12-3, 3-1 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)
Samman with an early takedown attempt and they end up in a cage clinch. Boetsch landing punches to the body from behind and then gets a takedown at 1:00. Boetsch landing punches to the body from top position. Samman to his feet at 2:15. Samman with a punch combo at 2:45 and then goes right back to the clinch. He takes Boetsch’s back standing at 3:00 but Boetsch quickly fights him off. Total strikes are 36-10 for Boetsch. Samman still controlling the clinch. Separation at 4:00. Nice punch exchange at 4:15 and then Samman rocks Boetsch with a head kick but then goes right back to the cage clinch. Quick separation. Samman stalking Boetsch as the round ends. 10-9 Boetsch
Boetsch backs up Samman with a punch combo early. Head kick from Samman followed by a punch combo and Boetsch answers with a takedown. Boetsch postures up and lands elbows to the head. Boetsch with hard elbows to the body. Boetsch with an armbar attempt at 2:00. Boetsch all over him with punches and elbows at 3:15. Boetsch with full back mount and not letting up. Samman barely defending. Ref finally stops it.
WINNER – TIM BOETSCH (19-10) by TKO (punches) at 3:49 of the 2nd round
LIGHTWEIGHTS (#3) TONY FERGUSON (20-3, 10-1 UFC) VS. LANDON VANNATA (8-0, 0-0 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)
Vannata catches a kick early and lands a punch combo. Ferguson landing kicks from distance. Vannata tags Ferguson with a punch and then a low blow. Ferguson advancing. Vannata with another punch combo at 1:15. Ferguson stuns Vannata with a jab. Spinning backfist by Vannata rocks Ferugson at 1:30. Ferguson with a standing guillotine but Vannata escapes easily. Vannata with another punch combo, Ferguson in trouble. Ferguson comes back with a combo of his own. Vannata landing all kicks of spinning offence. Ferguson with leg kicks. Ferguson rocks Vannata with a series of jabs at 2:45. Vannata cut on the nose. Ferguson with a punch combo at 3:30. Vannata with a takedown attempt but Ferguson sprawls out. Vannata drops Ferguson with a punch. Ferguson is out on his feet. Vannata all over him. Ferguson weathers it. McCarthy easily could’ve stopped it. Ferguson with an inside heel hook attempt. Vannata escapes and in top position. Ferguson with an armbar attempt as the round ends. 10-8 Vannata
Vannata advancing to start and landing punches. Total strikes in round 1 were 50-42 for Ferguson. Vannata bleeding from cuts on the nose. Ferguson landing a lot more but Vannata doesn’t seem affected. Ferguson with hard body kicks. Ferguson with a Superman punch. Vannata eating hard shots now. Ferguson chasing him around the Octagon. Ferguson with a standing guillotine and drags Vannata to the ground and Ferguson transitions to a D’Arce choke. Vannata fights it off for awhile but eventually taps. Insane fight.
WINNER – TONY FERGUSON (21-3) by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:22 of Round 2
Ferguson with a great promo after the fight. Puts over the crowd and says he hopes to come back. Says he missed getting hit in the face. Calls out Eddie Alvarez, saying that he knows that he doesn’t want to fight him. Says that if he wants an easy fight, he should fight Conor but if he wants a real fight, he should take on him. That could work for a fight with either guy.
BANTAMWEIGHTS (#5) MICHAEL MCDONALD (17-3, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#8) JOHN LINEKER (27-7, 8-2 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)
They trade kicks while feeling each other out in the first minute. Lineker starting to establish Octagon control. McDonald with a punch combo at 1:30. Lineker stuns McDonald with a punch and all over him. McDonald down and Lineker pounces on him. McDonald somehow gets to his feet. Lineker chases him across the cage but McDonald firing punches back. McDonald with a punch combo of his own. Both guys throwing bombs at 2:30. Lineker drops McDonald with a punch. Florian calls it a KO and Lineker landed at least 7 hard punches after that point while McDonald was out cold. Bit of a late stoppage but Lineker was so fast it’s hard to blame the ref.
WINNER – JOHN LINEKER (28-7) by KO (punch) at 2:43
This was really one of the best cards of the year and worth going out of your way to see. Lineker did his whole promo with a translater but then called out Dominick Cruz in English. Hell of a promo and great way to cap off the card.
