Following a brutal back-and-forth fight that will be among the finalists for the year’s best, Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title by fifth round TKO over Tony Ferguson at Saturday’s UFC 249.
The end came when Gaethje landed a powerful left jab that made Ferguson stumble, the culmination of nearly 25 minutes of absorbing damage. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight seconds later after another Gaethje punch.
Both men gave as good as they got with Ferguson standing out for taking Gaethje’s near-legendary punches repeatedly and still walking him down.
Gaethje threw off the title afterward, saying he wanted the real one. That is owned by current divisional kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) who Gaethje is expected to fight by year’s end.
The 31-year-old Gaethje (22-2) came into the fight riding a three-fight win streak with consecutive first round knockout finishes over James Vick, Edson Barboza, and Donald Cerrone.
The 36-year-old Ferguson (25-4) was riding a 12-fight win streak dating back to October 2013 which included one interim lightweight title win in 2017 over Kevin Lee.
The event was held in front of an empty arena in Jacksonville, Florida, due to the pandemic. It was originally slated to take place in April in Brooklyn, NY, with Ferguson facing Nurmagomedov in a fight that was attempted to be put together five times.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje, emanating from the Vystar Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
The UFC returns to action after nearly two months off during the COVID-19 pandemic, returning with a stacked card that features two title fights and lots of former champions and title challengers sprinkled throughout the deep lineup.
In the main event, the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship is on the line as Tony Ferguson looks to become a two-time interim champion when he takes on Justin Gaethje. Ferguson was originally going to have his long-awaited fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, but when Nurmagomedov returned to Russia during the pandemic, in stepped Gaethje to get a title shot he’s been chasing since signing with the UFC. Ferguson has won his last twelve fights while Gaethje is on a three-fight win streak, with all of those wins coming by first-round knockout.
In the co-main event, UFC Bantamweight Champion Henry Cejudo defends the title for the first time against former champion Dominick Cruz, who returns from being out of action for over three years due to various injuries. Cruz is considered the best bantamweight of all-time, a title that Cejudo would like to take from him, and Cruz is looking to become the first fighter to be a three-time champion at 135 pounds.
Also on the main card is a heavyweight top contender fight as sluggers Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik collide. Exciting featherweights Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar will do battle, and the main card opens with another heavyweight bout as Greg Hardy takes on Yorgan De Castro.
A stacked preliminary card is topped off with Donald Cerrone taking on former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis in a rematch of a 2013 bout won by Pettis. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum returns from a two-year suspension layoff to take on Aleksei Oleinik. The first-ever UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza will battle Michelle Waterson, as well as a welterweight bout between Vicente Luque and Niko Price.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
ESPN PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT
> Ryan Spann (17-5, 3-0 UFC) vs. Sam Alvey (33-13 1 NC, 10-8 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Alvey was acknowledging the non-existent crowd. Spann gets an early takedown. Alvey works to his feet but Spann has a standing arm-triangle locked in. Alvey with some body punches. It is in deep and Alvey is turning red. Spann lets go and then lands a knee. They are trading and Alvey lands the right hook. Spann lands a right hand and a knee and is looking for a takedown. Alvey with a knee to the body. 10-9 Spann.
Spann with a head kick to start the second. Spann with a combo as he shoots in for a takedown. They break. Alvey lands a right hook and Spann counters with a right hand. Spann lands a right hand. Spann pressing the action and lands a body kick. Alvey lands a left hand followed by a right hand. Spann with a right hand. Alvey with some low kicks. Spann lands a left hand. 10-9 Spann, 20-18 Spann.
They quickly clinch as Spann pishes Alvey against the fence. They break and Spann lands a high kick and starts unloading punches on Alvey but Alvey is able to circle away. Alvey lands a short uppercut that stuns Spann. Spann lands a combo and then a hard right hand. Spann with a right hand and Alvey counters with a right hook. Alvey with a high kick. Alvey stuns Spann with a right hook and Spann tries for a takedown. Alvey grabs the neck and is looking for a choke but doesn’t have it in. Spann gets to his feet and they are clinched. They break and Spann is exhausted. Alvey with a left hand and then a right hand and hurts Spann again. Alvey with a strong end to the fight. 10-9 Alvey, 29-28 Spann.
Official Result- Ryan Spann def. Sam Alvey by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Bryce Mitchell (12-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Charles Rosa (12-3, 3-3 UFC) Featherweights
Mitchell gets an early takedown against the fence. Mitchell gets the back and now gets on top and has an arm-triangle locked in deep. Rosa is breathing heavy. Rosa escapes and Mitchell has the back. Mitchell landing from the back and he is now going for another twister. He has it locked in but not in good position and lets go and moves to full mount. Mitchell landing big punches and now gets another arm-triangle choke locked in deep. Rosa gets out and has Mitchell in his guard. Rosa survives the round. Dominant from Mitchell. 10-8 Mitchell.
Mitchell gets another takedown to start the second and is working for another arm-triangle choke. He has full mount and is still working hard to find chokes. Mitchell has the mount and lands a big elbow and now some punches from the mount. Mitchell trying to transition as Rosa is grabbing a leg and Mitchell now going for the arm-triangle again. He has it in pretty good here. Mitchell with some body punches. Mitchell going for the twister again and lands some big elbows to the body. He had it but the round ended. 10-8 Mitchell, 20-16 Mitchell.
Mitchell gets a quick takedown to start the third and is going for the twister again. Rosa escapes and Mitchell moves to side control. Rosa tries to get to his feet but Mitchell retains side control. Mitchell now gets the back and moves to the mount. Mitchell working for the arm-triangle again. Mitchell scrambling every time Rosa tries to defend the position. Mitchell with an elbow. Rosa told him to stand and Mitchell stood for a split-second and got back on top. Mitchell with the crucifix position. They stand late. 10-8 Mitchell, 30-24 Mitchell.
Official Result- Bryce Mitchell def. Charles Rosa by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-24)
> Vicente Luque (#13, 17-7-1, 10-3 UFC) vs. Niko Price (14-3 1 NC, 6-3 1 NC UFC) Welterweights
They trade early and Luque landing some leg kicks. Luque with a leg kick and Price lands a right hand. They trade punches. They trade combos. Luque with some punches and body kicks. Price with a leg kick and follows with a right hand. Luque with a right hand. They trade kicks and Luque with a right hand. They trade right hands. Price with a hook to the body. Luque with a right hand and Price counters with a right. Luque with a combo. Price with a front kick and follows it with a right hand. Price throwing some big punches and then gets a takedown. Price goes for a D’arce choke but Luque escapes to his feet. Luque with a left hook and ends with a hard right hand. Wild round. 10-9 Luque.
Price with a leg kick and Luque lands a leg kick. Price with a right hand. We have a low blow and a timeout. Back to action and Luque lands a hard combo. They trade leg kicks. Price with a crescent kick and Luque counters with a right hand. They trade kicks and punches. Price with a combo and elbow against the fence and a knee to the body. Price swinging wildly and then Luque drops him to his knees with a punch. Price gets up and they separate and Price is wobbly. They clinch against the fence. They break and Luque with a snapping jab. Price with a front kick to the body and they trade punches. Price with a right hand and Luque returns a hard leg kick. They trade at the end. 10-9 Luque, 20-18 Luque.
Luque with some big leg kicks as the third starts. Price is throwing leg kicks as well. Luque lands some good punches and Price lands some counters. Price’s face is a mess. They are trading in the pocket. Luque landing some hard punches. Luque with an uppercut and Price fires back with a right hand. Luque with a big left hand and Price falls to the ground. Luque goes down into his guard. Price tries for a triangle and lands some elbows. They stand. A timeout is called to check on the cuts on Price’s face and the fight is stopped. This was a great fight.
Official Result- Vicente Luque def. Niko Price by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 3:37 of Round 3
A lot of feeling out each other in the first minute. Waterson with some leg kicks and Esparza isn’t doing much in the way of offense. Waterson with a leg kick. Esparza tries to rush in and close the distance but Waterson escapes. Esparza with a right hand. Waterson with a leg kick. Waterson with a body kick. Waterson with a leg kick followed by a quick round kick. Esparza having trouble closing the distance. Esparza able to get a takedown. Waterson showing good defense on the ground. 10-9 Waterson.
They are feeling each other out to start the second. Waterson with some body kicks. They trade punches and Esparza not doing a lot of offense. Waterson with a leg kick. Esparza goes for a takedown but Waterson defends and they break and Waterson with a knee to the body. Esparza shoots in again but Waterson defends and lands another knee to the body. Waterson with a leg kick. Esparza lands a combo as Waterson circles away. Waterson with a high kick. 10-9 Waterson, 20-18 Waterson.
Waterson with a high kick to start the third. Esparza tries a takedown but Waterson easily defends. Esparza with a right hand but doesn’t follow up on it. Waterson with a leg kick. Esparza lands a leg kick. Esparza attempts a takedown but Waterson changes levels and defends but Esparza lands a few knees to the body. Waterson with some leg kicks. Waterson with a leg kick and Esparza grabs it and tries a takedown against the fence but Waterson defends. Waterson with a body kick as Esparza rushes in. Big right hand from Esparza. Esparza tries a takedown but Waterson defends with a knee to the body. Esparza rushes in with a combo. Waterson with a roundhouse kick and Esparza tees off with a combo but separates. 10-9 Waterson, 30-27 Waterson.
Official Result- Carla Esparza def. Michelle Waterson by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 30-27)
> Aleksei Oleinik (#12, 58-13-1, 7-4 UFC) vs. Fabricio Werdum (23-8-1, 11-5 UFC) Heavyweights
Werdum returns from a USADA suspension. Oleinik with a right hand. Werdum lands a right hand. Oleinik throws a combo but Werdum is covering up. Werdum with a step-in knee to the body. Oleinik with a right hand. Oleinik is just teeing off on Werdum. Oleinik with some hard right hands that are hurting Werdum. Werdum with a right hand and a knee. They are tied up and trading. Oleinik with a jab. They are tied up and Oleinik is landing body shots. They break. Oleinik with some body punches. Oleinik with a left hand. Oleinik with an overhand right. Oleinik grabs the back at the end. 10-9 Oleinik.
Oleinik with a right hand and they clinch. Werdum grabs the neck and looking for a standing guillotine. They break. They trade and both land some punches. Werdum with some knees to the body. They trade right hands. Werdum with a leg kick. Oleinik with a right hand. Werdum with a head kick that lands. Oleinik breathing heavy. Werdum gets a takedown and is in side control. Werdum lands from side control and then takes the back but was high and Oleinik got out from under and they stand. They both throw winging punches and Werdum lands a knee. Oleinik lands a right hand. 10-9 Werdum, 19-19.
Werdum with a leg kick. Werdum gets a sloppy takedown and is in the half-guard. Oleinik is able to sweep to the top and is in the closed guard of Werdum. Werdum looking for the arm trying to find the kimura from the bottom. He pops the arm out and rolls to the top and Werdum had a straight armbar but lets that go. Werdum is now in full mount and looks to take the back. Werdum looks for an armbar. He lets go but goes back to mount. They slip to their feet. They quickly clinch. Werdum with a knee to the body. Oleinik lands some good punches. Werdum with a big knee. Werdum gets a late takedown. Oleinik has a cut open and Werdum goes for a late guillotine but time runs out. 10-9 Werdum, 29-28 Werdum.
Official Result- Aleksei Oleinik def. Fabricio Werdum by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Donald Cerrone (#6 LW, 36-14 1 NC, 23-11 UFC) vs. Anthony Pettis (#15, 22-10, 9-9 UFC) Welterweights
Cerrone with a front kick to the body. Cerrone lands a left hand. Pettis with a right hand to the body. Cerrone with a right hand and then a leg kick. Cerrone with a right hand and then grabs the back standing. Pettis with a right hand. Cerrone with a combo. Pettis with a jump kick and Cerrone turns it into a takedown and is in side control. They get to their feet. Cerrone with a good combo and Pettis lands a left hand. Cerrone with a combo and Pettis lands a cracking right hand counter. Cerrone with a left hand. 10-9 Cerrone.
Pettis with a right hand to start the second. Pettis with a leg kick. They both throw kicks as the same time. Cerrone with a left hand. Pettis stuns Cerrone with a left hand. Cerrone with a leg kick and Pettis almost caught him with a spinning back fist. Cerrone with a leg kick. Pettis with a jumping switch kick. Pettis with a good combo ending with a left hand. They trade in close range. They trade and Cerrone scores a takedown. Pettis with short punches from the bottom and they stand and Cerrone lands a knee to the body. Cerrone with a body kick. 10-9 Pettis, 19-19.
Cerrone with a body kick. Pettis lands a left hand. Cerrone with a high kick and then lands a nice combo. Cerrone with a body kick. Cerrone grabs the leg but lets go. Cerrone with a combo ending with a body kick. Pettis with a big body kick and Cerrone grabs it and they clinch against the fence. Cerrone lands a knee to the body on the break. Pettis with a high kick. Cerrone with a low kick. They trade and Cerrone complains he got poked in the eye but the ref says it was a punch and Pettis teed off for a moment. Pettis just barely misses a high kick. Cerrone with a big high kick that lands clean and Pettis somehow takes it. Pettis with a left hand. Pettis with a big body kick. A wild exchange to end the fight. Close fight. 10-9 Cerrone, 29-28 Cerrone.
Official Result- Anthony Pettis def. Donald Cerrone by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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> Greg Hardy (5-2 1 NC, 2-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Yorgan De Castro (6-0, 1-0 UFC) Heavyweights
De Castro coming out firing. He lands a low kick. De Castro with a left hook. Hardy with a left hand. De Castro with a combo. Hardy with a high kick. De Castro landing when Hardy comes in close. Hardy with a leg kick. De Castro stuns Hardy with a right hand. De Castro with a leg kick. They trade kicks and punches in close range and both stun the other. Hardy with a high kick as De Castro is backed up against the fence. 10-9 De Castro.
De Castro with a leg kick. Hardy lands a leg kick of his own. De Castro rushes in with a nice combo. De Castro with more leg kicks. De Castro lands another leg kick and Hardy checks it and De Castro may have hurt his foot. Hardy with a leg kick followed by a jab. Hardy with another leg kick. De Castro is doing nothing. 10-9 Hardy, 19-19.
Hardy with a big right hand to start the third. De Castro with a body kick. Hardy with an inside leg kick. Hardy with a hard leg kick. Hardy is landing more as not much is going on and De Castro has slowed down considerably. This fight wasn’t good. 10-9 Hardy, 29-28 Hardy.
Official Result- Greg Hardy def. Yorgan De Castro by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Jeremy Stephens (#7, 28-17 1 NC, 15-16 1 NC UFC) vs. Calvin Kattar (#9, 20-4, 4-2 UFC) Featherweights* (Stephens missed weight by 4.5 pounds)
Stephens with a quick combo and a body kick. Stephens with some leg kicks. Stephens with a body punch followed by a leg kick. Kattar with a body punch. Kattar with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Stephens with a body kick followed by a leg kick. Kattar with a leg kick. Stephens with some leg kicks. Stephens with a quick combo and is still attacking with leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Stephens with a right hand. Stephens with a couple of body kicks. Stephens with a hard leg kick and Kattar’s leg is hurting. Stephens with a jab and Kattar fires back with a massive right hand. They trade late. Stephens with a hard body punch. 10-9 Stephens.
Stephens with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Kattar lands a right hand and then lands a low kick. Stephens with a body kick. They trade punches in close range. Stephens with a right hand. They are trading in close range. Kattar with a good combo. Kattar pouring it on. Kattar lands another combo and Stephens tries for a takedown and lands an elbow as they break. Kattar then lands a huge elbow that knocks Stephens down and then Kattar lands a huge elbow on the ground that cuts Stephens open and the fight is stopped. What a finish by Kattar and a huge win.
Official Result- Calvin Kattar def. Jeremy Stephens by knockout (elbows) at 2:42 of Round 2
> Francis Ngannou (#2, 14-3, 9-2 UFC) vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (#6, 10-0, 4-0 UFC) Heavyweights
Rozenstruik with an early inside leg kick. Ngannou then throws a combo and lands a left hook that knocks Rozenstruik out cold. It went less than twenty seconds. Ngannou is ridiculous.
Official Result- Francis Ngannou def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik by knockout (punches) at :20 of Round 1
> Henry Cejudo (C, 15-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. Dominick Cruz (22-2, 5-1 UFC) UFC Bantamweight Championship
Cejudo with a heavy leg kick. Cejudo with another. Cejudo lands another. Cruz using his movement but Cejudo is landing the leg kicks. Cejudo lands another and they scramble for a moment. Cruz with a knee and Cejudo gets a takedown but they get right back up. Cejudo with another leg kick. Cruz with a short uppercut to the body. Cejudo lands a combo. Cejudo with more leg kicks. Cruz lands a nice shot at the end. 10-9 Cejudo.
Cejudo with more leg kicks to start the second. Cruz lands a leg kick. Cejudo with another leg kick. They exchange punches in close range. Cejudo with another leg kick. Cruz lands a nice right hand. Cruz lands a nice combo in close. They trade in close range. Cejudo lands a nice right hand. Cejudo with a body kick and follows it with a right hand. Cruz with a nice inside kick that caught Cejudo’s attention. There was a clash of heads and a cut is open on Cejudo’s head. We have a timeout. We get back to action. Cejudo then lands a knee right to the jaw and Cruz stumbles to the mat and Cejudo starts to land punches and was landing a lot and it is stopped as Cruz was working to his feet. It was a close, questionable stoppage but Cejudo gets the win and remains the champion.
Official Result- Henry Cejudo def. Dominick Cruz by TKO (strikes) at 4:58 of Round 2 to retain the UFC Bantamweight Championship
> Tony Ferguson (#1, 25-3, 15-1 UFC) vs. Justin Gaethje (#4, 21-2, 4-2 UFC) Interim UFC Lightweight Championship
Gaethje with a leg kick. Ferguson lands a kick followed by a punch. Ferguson with a combo. They trade punches. Ferguson lands a leg kick as Gaethje lands a left hand. Ferguson with a leg kick after Gaethje lands some punches. Gaethje with a leg kick. Ferguson with a high kick followed by a jab. They trade punches but neither one really landed. Gaethje lands a combo. Gaethje lands a right hand as Ferguson was coming in. They both land left hooks at the same time. Gaethje lands another left hook. 10-9 Gaethje.
Gaethje with a right hand to start the second. They both throw and Gaethje lands the left hook. Gaethje lands a left hand. Ferguson’s chin is something else. Gaethje with a couple of leg kicks. Gaethje landing way more right now. Ferguson lands a right hand. Gaethje lands a right hand. Gaethje with a left hook. Ferguson not getting a lot of offense. Ferguson lands a high kick. Gaethje lands some more hard punches and Ferguson is just eating them. Ferguson lands a few leg kicks. Gaethje missing more punches right now but then lands a left hook. Ferguson lands a combo. Ferguson lands an uppercut that drops Gaethje right at the end. 10-9 Gaethje, 20-18 Gaethje.
Ferguson coming out strong to start the third. Gaethje lands a right hand. Ferguson lands a combo but Gaethje land a left hook. Ferguson is cut around both of his eyes. Ferguson with a short uppercut. Gaethje stuns him with a right hand. Ferguson lands a right hand and then a left hook. Gaethje with another right hand and then lands a hard combo. Gaethje keeps spitting blood onto the Octagon mat. Ferguson’s face is a mess. Ferguson with a sweeping leg kick. They trade in close range. 10-9 Gaethje, 30-27 Gaethje.
They trade leg kicks to start the third. Gaethje lands a right hand. Gaethje lands a left hook. Gaethje lands some good shots in close. Ferguson with a leg kick and Gaethje lands a counter left hand. They trade in close range. Gaethje hurts Ferguson with a right hand. Gaethje lands a hard right hand. A groin strike from Ferguson and we have a timeout. Ferguson with a jab and then a left hook. Gaethje with a leg kick. They trade in close range. They trade high kicks at the end. 10-9 Gaethje, 40-36 Gaethje.
Gaethje lands a right hand and then lands a combination. Gaethje with a leg kick. Ferguson is limping. Gaethje lands the jab and then a huge left hook that hurts Ferguson. Gaethje with the jab. Ferguson with a leg kick. They trade and Gaethje lands some huge punches. Gaethje with the jab that sends Ferguson to one knee for a brief second. Gaethje with a big combo. Gaethje lands a punch that hurts Ferguson and he is hurt standing and Herb Dean stops the fight. An unreal showing from Gaethje as he ends Ferguson’s win streak and wins UFC gold.
Official Result- Justin Gaethje def. Tony Ferguson by TKO (strikes) at 3:39 of Round 5 to win the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship
Dana White announced Monday afternoon that former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson will face former World Series of Fighting lightweight champion Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 249 on Saturday, April 18th.
The location for the fight? “Somewhere on EARTH!!!!!”, White said in his tweet. A location on tribal ground somewhere in/around the West Coast is reportedly where the company will aim to run shows for the forseable future, according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
It’s assumed the event will be in front of an empty arena and is still scheduled for pay per view on ESPN.
The original main event was scheduled to be Ferguson challenging current champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, but Nurmagomedov is stuck in Dagestan, Russia, due to the coronavirus related travel bans around the world. He said UFC had told him the fight was going to be in Abu Dhabi, but those plans changed after his arrival there.
The 31-year-old Gaethje has won three straight, all by first round finish while the 36-year-old Ferguson has won twelve straight dating back to October 2013.
On Sunday, White said he was going to announce the full card for the event on Monday, which is expected to feature only those fighters who live in the United States due to the travel ban. He and the Endeavor-owned UFC have come under scrutiny for continuing to push on having events despite the global pandemic and without a documented plan on testing fighters, staffers, and arena personnel for COVID-19.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 135: Gaethje vs. Vick, emanating from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Octagon debuts in Lincoln with a headliner that should produce fireworks featuring one of the most exciting fighters in the sport taking on a rising contender.
Lightweight slugger Justin Gaethje headlines his third UFC event in his fourth UFC fight looking to end a two-fight losing skid as he takes on James Vick, in his first UFC main event, who comes in having won his last four fights. Gaethje remains in the title picture, but is in desperate to score a win after back-to-back losses to Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier. Vick’s win streak has come against unranked competition and Gaethje represents his biggest opponent to date.
Also on the card, Michael Johnson looks to avoid his fourth straight loss as he takes on Andre Fili in the co-main event, women’s strawweights Cortney Casey and Angela Hill do battle, and welterweight Jake Ellenberger looks to end a three-fight losing skid and keep retirement away just a bit longer as he goes against Bryan Barberena.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT
> Rani Yahya (25-9 1 NC, 10-3 1 NC UFC) vs. Luke Sanders (12-2, 2-2 UFC) Bantamweights
Yahya goes right for a takedown but pulls guard though Sanders avoids the trap. Yahya lands a right hand that stuns Sanders. Yahya gets a heel hook but Sanders escapes. Yahya still looking for it and gets it locked in and Sanders taps! Solid finish by Yahya as he makes quick work of Sanders.
Official Result- Rani Yahya def. Luke Sanders by submission (heel hook) at 1:31 of Round 1
> Drew Dober (19-8 1 NC, 5-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Jon Tuck (10-4, 4-4 UFC) Lightweights
Tuck starts with a leg kick but eats a left hand from Dober. They trade kicks. Dober with a body kick. Another body kick from Dober. Tuck lands a right hand. Tuck with a front kick to the body. Dober with a head kick but Tuck barely blocks it. They trade punches and Tuck lands a body kick. Dober fires back with a leg kick. Dober stumbles Tuck with a combo. They tie up and Dober has position against the fence. They break. They trade in close range. Dober with a solid combo. Dober with a body kick. He’s in control right now. Dober with a leg kick. Dober lands another good combination. Dober with more combos. 10-9 Dober.
Dober with a leg kick but Tuck fires back with a body kick. Dober with a kick to Tuck’s knee and Dober’s foot was hurt after. He is switching his stances and now Tuck is landing some punches. Dober with a counter right hook. Tuck shoots for a takedown but Dober defends it. Dober may have a broken foot. Dober gets a takedown but Tuck has the neck and is looking for a guillotine choke. Dober escapes and gets into the full guard of Tuck. Dober with some punches from the top and he’s keeping busy. Dober looking to set up an arm-triangle but insteads continues to land from the top. Dober with more big punches from the top. 10-9 Dober, 20-18 Dober.
They trade to start the third round. Dober lands some big left hands against the fence as Tuck is unable to get his back off the cage. Dober gets a big takedown. Tuck briefly has the neck but lets go. Tuck is bleeding and his eye is swelling shut. Dober with an elbow from the top. Dober with some more ground-and-pound from the top. Dober with more punches from the top and Tuck looks like he is conceding this fight. Dober gets the mount from a second but continues to land to the body and head. Dober should cruise to the win. 10-9 Dober, 30-27 Dober.
Official Result- Drew Dober def. Jon Tuck by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Faria gets an immediate takedown and is in side control of Calderwood. Calderwood scrambles out for a moment but Faria gets right back on top in the half-guard. Faria gets back into full guard. Calderwood is landing to the body from the bottom. Faria with some punches and elbows from the top. Calderwood lands an elbow from the bottom but Faria remains on top in controlling position. Calderwood has no answer from getting off of the ground. Calderwood throws up the legs looking for a triangle and she has it locked in. It is in tight. Faria fighting it. Calderwood pulling the head trying to get the finish. She lands some elbows. Calderwood has the armbar and Faria taps! Wow. What a finish by Calderwood.
Official Result- Joanne Calderwood def. Kalindra Faria by submission (armbar) at 4:57 of Round 1
FOX SPORTS 2 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Mickey Gall (4-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. George Sullivan (17-6 1 NC, 3-3 UFC) Welterweights
Gall starts with a high kick. Gall gets a takedown and grabs the back of Sullivan and is looking for a choke as he locks the body triangle in. Sullivan landing back punches. Gall has the arm under Sullivan’s neck and has the choke locked in. It is deep and Gall gets Sullivan to tap out. Wow. That was absolute domination by Mickey Gall in winning in just around 90 seconds into the fight.
Official Result- Mickey Gall def. George Sullivan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:09 of Round 1
> Andrew Sanchez (9-4, 2-2 UFC) vs. Markus Perez (10-1, 1-1 UFC) Middleweights
Perez with a high kick to start. Sanchez with a body kick. Sanchez lands a right hand. Perez with a big body kick and then another. Perez lands another. Perez with a high kick. Sanchez lands a left as he initiates a clinch. Sanchez gets the back and is trying for a takedown. Perez defends well and reverses but Sanchez reverses back and has Perez against the fence. Sanchez lands a combo as they break the clinch and move to the center. They clinch for a moment again. Perez with a late spin kick. 10-9 Sanchez.
Perez lands a left hand. Sanchez with a leg kick. Perez with a big body kick followed by a left hand. Sanchez is backing up. Perez with some more body kicks and then a right hand to the body. Sanchez is now coming forward and looking to land. Perez with a left hand. Sanchez lands a right hand and then grabs the back against the fence. He turns and lands a knee and they break. Perez with a knee to the body followed by a left elbow. Sanchez lands a good combo before starting a clinch. Perez drops down trying to pull guard but the round ends. 10-9 Perez, 19-19.
They trade to start the round. Perez lands a left hand. They trade punches and Perez lands a big left hand. Sanchez lands a solid combination. Sanchez with a stiff jab. Perez with a series of punches and kicks. Perez with a spinning back elbow and then a left hand and a body kick. Perez misses a left hand and they clinch for a moment before breaking. Sanchez now lands some punches. They clinch for a moment but break. They clinch again and Sanchez looking for a takedown but it is defended. Sanchez with a right hand. Perez with a spinning elbow but Sanchez counters with an uppercut. Close fight. 10-9 Sanchez, 29-28 Sanchez.
Official Result- Andrew Sanchez def. Markus Perez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Alcantara has Sandhagen in trouble early as he has him back against the fence after some punches. Alcantara gets a takedown and has a deep armbar locked in and somehow Sandhagen is holding on. Alcantara is landing punches and that elbow is bent all weird directions. It is in deep but somehow Sandhagen escapes. Sandhagen lands punches from the top and has Alcantara in trouble now. Big elbows from the top by Sandhagen. Sandhagen with more punches from the top and he is looking for a finish. Alcantara looks done here and he loses his mouth piece. More big punches from Sandhagen and this fight somehow makes it to the end of the round. This could have been stopped several times. 10-8 Sandhagen.
Sandhagen rocks Alcantara early. Alcantara tries an elbow but falls to the ground and is covering up as Sandhagen is landing lots of punches. The fight should be stopped but we have bad officiating going on here. Sandhagen landing punches with no response. This fight should be stopped. Super late stoppage as the referee finally stops it. Sandhagen gets the win in a crazy fight.
Official Result- Cory Sandhagen def. Iuri Alcantara by TKO (punches) at 1:01 of Round 2
> James Krause (25-7, 6-3 UFC) vs. Warlley Alves (12-2, 6-2 UFC) Welterweights
Krause tries a head kick but Alves gets him on the mat and on top for a moment. They get to their feet and Alves has Krause against the fence in the clinch. They battle for underhooks as each reverse position. They break. Krause with a right hand to the body. Krause goes for a jumping kick but Alves catches him and throws him to the mat. Krause gets up. Krause lands some punches in close and they clinch for a moment but break. Alves with a body kick. Alves with a body kick. They trade punches. Krause landing the jab well. Close round. 10-9 Krause.
They come out swinging especially Alves. Alves clips Krause with a right hand but Krause quickly recovers. Alves swinging for the fences. Krause then lands a big knee that rocks Alves. Alves is in trouble. Krause landing lots of punches against the fence and Alves is out on his feet as the referee stops it! Big win for James Krause after he lands the huge knee and he finishes Alves.
Official Result- James Krause def. Warlley Alves by knockout (knee, punches) at 2:28 of Round 2
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> Eryk Anders (10-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Tim Williams (15-4, 0-1 UFC) Middleweights
WIlliams with a body kick. Anders with a left hand. Williams with a head kick followed by a combination. They clinch and Anders with a knee to the body. Williams pushes Anders against the fence and lands some knees before they break. They trade in another clinch before breaking again. Williams with a high kick and Anders counters with a left hand. Williams with an inside leg kick. Williams lands a right hand. Anders continues to press forward and lands a body kick. Williams gets a takedown against the fence. Williams gets the back and has a hook in but the round ends. 10-9 Williams.
Anders lands a left hand to start the second round. Williams with a high kick. Anders rushes in and Williams gets a clinch. Williams drops down and gets a big takedown. Anders gets to his feet but Williams grabs the back against the cage. They break and Anders lands a left hand. Anders lands a combination and a knee in the clinch. Williams is cut open under his left eye. Anders starting to land more. Anders with a left hand and Williams counters with a takedown attempt but Anders stuffs it. Anders with a brief mount but they get to their feet. Anders lands big in an exchange and they clinch. They break. Anders with an uppercut followed by a left hand and elbow. Anders lands a couple of left hands late. 10-9 Anders, 19-19.
Anders drops Williams with a left hand as Williams was attempting a leg kick. Williams is let back up by Anders. Williams with a couple of leg kicks. Williams lands a right hand. Williams with a body kick but Anders counters with a straight left hand. They trade. Williams shoots for a takedown but Anders stuffs it and lands a kick as Williams gets to his feet. Anders lands some more left hands. Williams lands a spinning back fist. Anders with a head kick and then knocks Williams out cold as he lands a head kick as Williams was getting back to his feet. Vicious knockout by Anders and it was clean.
Official Result- Eryk Anders def. Tim Williams by knockout (head kick) at 4:42 of Round 3
> John Moraga (#6, 19-6, 8-5 UFC) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (#14, 14-0, 3-0 UFC) Flyweights
Moraga with a leg kick. He lands another. Figueiredo with a right hand and he chases Moraga around the Octagon. Moraga lands a right hand and they clinch and Moraga gets a brief takedown. Figueiredo gets a trip takedown against the fence. Figueiredo with some punches from the top. Moraga gets two warnings for his toes being in the fence. Moraga trying to spin out from the bottom but Figueiredo keeps him on the mat. Figueiredo with more punches from the top to end the round. 10-9 Figueiredo.
Moraga with a body kick but Figueiredo counters with his own body kick. They trade punches. Figueiredo with a takedown and in the half-guard. Figueiredo with a short elbow from the top. Figueiredo opens up a big cut on Moraga. Figueiredo with big punches from the top as he’s looking to get into mount position. Figueiredo drops Moraga with a right hand but Moraga is able to get to his feet and lands a big right hand. They clinch and Figueiredo drops Moraga with a body punch and then lands some punches on top and the referee rushes in and stops the fight. Big finish by Figueiredo as he remains undefeated.
Official Result- Deiveson Figueiredo def. John Moraga by TKO (punches) at of 3:08 Round 2
Ellenberger lands a combo to start things off. They clinch and Ellenberger lands a right hand on the break. Ellenberger with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches. Ellenberger with a leg kick and then a body kick. Barberena rocks Ellenberger with a right hand. Ellenberger slips to the mat and is in trouble. Ellenberger throws a right hand but eats a right hand and goes back to the mat and Barberena finishes him off with a few more punches on the mat. Ellenberger has to be done as that is four straight losses by knockout.
Official Result- Bryan Barberena def. Jake Ellenberger by TKO (punches) at 2:26 of Round 1
BREAKING: Ellenberger announces his retirement inside the Octagon following the bout. He ends his career with a 31-15 record, and a 10-11 UFC record. He had a rough end to his career, going 2-9 in his final eleven fights, but there was a time where Ellenberger was among the top six welterweights in the world.
> Cortney Casey (#11, 7-6, 3-5 UFC) vs. Angela Hill (#14, 8-4, 3-4 UFC) Women’s Strawweights
Hill with a leg kick after Casey misses some punches. Casey goes to the mat for a brief second but gets right back up. Hill with a leg kick. They trade right hands and leg kicks. Casey with a couple of punches and a step-in knee. They clinch and Hill with a knee to the body as they break. Casey lands a left hand and an uppercut. Hill with a right hand. Hill with another. They clinch and Casey gets a takedown and works in full guard. Hill grabs an arm and is working for an armbar. Casey slams her way out of danger and is on top. They get to their feet and Hill lands a knee followed by an elbow on the break. They trade kicks and Hill lands some punches. Hill with a big right hand at the end. Close round. 10-9 Hill.
Hill lands some jabs. Casey with a couple of right hands that rock Hill. Casey goes in for a takedown and they clinch. They break. Casey with a combo. They trade kicks. They exchange combos and Casey lands a big right hand. Hill with a body kick. Hill with an inside leg kick. They trade and Casey with an uppercut. Casey with a combination. Hill with a left hook. They trade and Hill stuns Casey with a left hook. Hill starting to land more as we wind the round down. Casey lands a combo. Casey with a body kick. Hill with a body kick after a left hand. They exchange late. 10-9 Casey, 19-19.
They trade punches and Casey lands a nice right hand. Casey with a body kick. They trade some more. This is a close fight. Casey with a right hand followed by a body kick. Hill with a body kick. Casey attempts a takedown but Hill defends it. Hill lands some punches. They trade punches. Hill with a body punch. Neither woman is doing something to ensure they win the round. Hill with a body kick. They are pretty even on the stries here. They trade jabs. Hill with a combo. Hill lands an overhand right. Casey with a knee to the body. Hill with a combo and a knee and uppercut. Super close fight. 10-9 Hill, 29-28 Hill.
Official Result- Cortney Casey def. Angela Hill by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
> Michael Johnson (17-13, 9-9 UFC) vs. Andre Fili (18-5, 6-4 UFC) Featherweights
Johnson lands the left hand. Fili just misses a head kick. Johnson with another left hand. Johnson with some leg kicks. Fili being aggressive. Fili lands a kick but Johnson counters with a left hand. Johnson with a body kick. Fili with a head kick. Johnson lands a right hand then follows with a left hand and then another. Fili’s head snapped back on that last one. Johnson with a combo followed by a body kick. Fili with a body kick but Johnson counters with a left hand. Fili lands a right hand. Johnson with a straight left and then another. They trade kicks. Close round. 10-9 Johnson.
They come out trading. Johnson lands a low kick right to the groin of Fili and we have a timeout. We get back to action and Johnson starting to apply pressure. They trade and Fili scores a takedown and takes the back of Johnson. Johnson stands with Fili on his back. Fili trying to find an opening for a rear-naked choke. Fili gets it locked in and they go to the mat and it is in deep. Johnson trying to survive and fights it off. Wow. Johnson gets out of danger but Fili still has the back. Johnson is stalling the fight on the mat as he recovers. Johnson spins out of trouble and gets into the guard of Fili. Johnson with some elbows from the top. Fili looks for a triangle choke. Johnson gets out and finishes with some more elbows on top. 10-9 Fili, 19-19.
Fili with a head kick to start the third round. They trade punches. Johnson lands a left hand. Fili misses a spin kick. Fili gets the back and scores a takedown and Fili has the back against the fence. They get to their feet and break. Fili with a head kick. He lands a body kick afterwards. Johnson with a leg kick and a left hand to the body. Fili goes for a takedown but it is defended easily by Johnson. Fili with another head kick but it is blocked by Johnson. Johnson goes for a takedown against the fence but Fili defends it. Fili sprawls a takedown and they break. Johnson with a left hand at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Fili, 29-28 Fili.
Official Result- Michael Johnson def. Andre Fili by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
> Justin Gaethje (#7, 18-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. James Vick (#10, 13-1, 9-1 UFC) Lightweights
Vick with a side kick. Vick with a front kick. He lands a leg kick. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje closes the distance with a combo and then they break. Vick with a couple of body kicks. Gaethje then lands a massive overhand right that puts Vick out to sleep cold. Wow. A vicious knockout by Justin Gaethje as he halts Vick’s win streak.
Official Result- Justin Gaethje def. James Vick by knockout (punch) at 1:27 of Round 1
The promise of a potential fight of the year did not lead to strong ratings last night for UFC.
Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje, on paper, was as close to a sure thing for an outstanding fight as UFC has presented since, well, the last time Gaethje fought. The fight delivered, making Gaethje three-for-three in match of the year contenders, but only 1-2 as far as his UFC record goes, since Poirier won via fourth round stoppage.
Based on the fast nationals, which wouldn’t have included most of the main event, the show did 1,780,000 viewers. That would be the fourth lowest in the nearly seven year history of the series. FOX also would have finished fourth among the four networks last night, although it did finish second to the Toronto vs. Boston NHL playoff game in the key demos, 18-34 and 18-49. The NHL game did 2,180,000 on the fast nationals.
The final number, which comes out Tuesday, will be higher, probably by a good margin. The fast nationals only measures FOX stations from 8-10 p.m.. Eastern, 7-9 p.m. Central, 6-8 p.m. Mountain, and 8-10 p.m. Pacific. So for the West Coast, which the show aired from 5-7:30 p.m., it counted local programming and not the show.
In addition, the four round main event started at 10 p.m. Eastern, meaning that none of the main event figured into the rating, and the match going four rounds, and being such an exciting fight, meant it had a lot of time to build the number.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 29: Poirier vs. Gaethje, emanating from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The Octagon heads to Glendale with an exciting main event that has the potential to live up to the hype as an early contender for fight of the year.
Lightweights Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje will square off in the five-round headline bout. Poirier is looking to score his second straight win and cement himself as next in line at 155 pounds while Gaethje is looking to rebound from his first career loss. Both men have reputations as being two of the most exciting fighters in the sport.
In the co-main event, former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit looks to end a three-fight losing skid as he takes on Alex Oliveira in another bout that has fireworks written on it. Also on the main card is exciting undefeated middleweight prospect Israel Adesayna, who fights Marvin Vettori, and women’s strawweights Michelle Waterson and Cortney Casey open the main show.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT
> Luke Sanders (11-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Patrick Williams (8-5, 1-2 UFC) Bantamweights
Becky Lynch was front row ringside and identified by Daniel Cormer as a former champion wrestler who was there to root on her boyfriend. Dolph Ziggler was also there and mentioned by Cormier, calling both of them “two of the biggest stars in WWE”
Sanders looked really good on the feet in round 1, landing a lot of nice punch combos and even some nasty elbows that opened a cut on Williams’ forehead. Williams got a couple of flash takedowns but couldn’t keep Sanders down. Sanders was clinching up a lot at the end of the round. Easy 10-9 Sanders
Williams looked very tired coming out for the 2nd but never stopped fighting. Sanders again had the advantage in the striking through most of the round but Williams did land some nice shots and opened up a huge cut under Sanders’ left eye. Williams landed a huge overhand right that rocked Sanders with about 30 seconds left and got a takedown at the end the round. 10-9 Williams, 19-19 overall
Close final round. Sanders pressed the action the whole way but barely even threw a strike for the first half of the round. Williams was landing leg kicks and the occasional punch but nothing sustained. Sanders got off a nice punch combo halfway through the round and picked up the striking a bit after that. 10-9 Sanders, 29-28 overall
Official result – Luke Sanders (12-2) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)
Dolph Ziggler was at ringside with Becky after the fight, cheering on Sanders.
> Matthew Lopez (10-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Alejandro Perez (19-6-1, 5-1-1 UFC) Bantamweights
Perez landing a lot of leg kicks early, which could have more of an effect later in the fight. Lopez got a couple takedowns and was able to take the back. On the first, he secured a rear naked choke that looked tight but Perez punched out of it and eventually reversed position. On the second, Lopez was able to again take the back and held Perez down for over a minute to end the round. 10-9 Lopez
Perez looked very off coming out for the second. Perez was landing occasional shots and Lopez was pushing the action but not even throwing strikes, let alone landing them. He went for a takedown that Perez stuffed and then Perez landed some knees to the body that hurt him. Perez all over him with punches and Lopez just basically stopped fighting back. Ref stepped in and stopped it before Lopez even went down.
Official result – Alejandro Perez (20-6-1) by TKO (punches) at 3:42 of the 2nd round
> Arjan Bhullar (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Adam Wieczorek (9-1, 1-0 UFC) Heavyweights
Bhullar got a takedown almost immediately. He wasn’t terribly active on the ground but did land some punches to the head and body. Wieczorek threw some futile elbows from his back. Ref stood them up with about 45 seconds left without even warning, probably because the crowd was booing. Easy 10-9 for Bhullar
Bhullar rocked Wieczorek with punches early and then got a takedown. He was looking to do the same as the first when, from out of nowhere, Wieczorek was able to reverse and secure an Oma Plata for the submission, just the second time in UFC that someone won with that move.
Official result – Adam Wieczorek (10-1) by submission (Oma Plata) at 1:59 of the 2nd round
> Dhiego Lima (12-6, 1-4 UFC) vs. Yushin Okami (34-11, 13-6 UFC) Welterweights
Okami got an early takedown and basically held Lima down for the rest of the round.Okami did just enough to avoid a standup…maybe not enough honestly as a lot of refs would’ve stood this up but this was a relatively new official named Nic Jones. 10-9 Okami
It took a little longer for Okami to get him down this round but once he did, he basically held Lima there. Lima did get up at one point but Okami maintained control of his body and eventually took the back standing. Another 10-9 Okami, and 20-18 overall
Okami took him down 30 seconds in and, while Lima was able to briefly get up a few times, he basically held him down the entire round. Okami was a little more active this round, especially toward the end, and probably did enough to get a 10-8 and 30-26 overall
Official result – Yushin Okami (35-11) by decision (30-26 x 3)
First round entirely on the feet. Mueller was more active and seemed to do more damage as well although Dobson did land a lot of nice shots. Dobson was stuffed on the only takedown attempt of the round. Mueller did have some swelling around her nose as the round ended. 10-9 Mueller
Another round that was exclusively on the feet. Mueller pressed the action the whole way but Dobson was landing far more strikes. Mueller did come on at the end of the round to make it closer but not enough to steal the round. 10-9 Dobson, 19-19 overall
Mueller did some damage with punches early and Dobson landed a takedown in desparation. She wasn’t able to do much on the ground and Mueller was able to get to her feet. Mueller got a knockdown and spent some time in guard but didn’t do a lot. Dobson got back up and Mueller got a takedown after that. Dobson was up quickly and hurt Mueller with shots to the body in the last minute. Very close but I gave the third round to Mueller 10-9 and 29-28 overall for Mueller
Official result – Lauren Mueller (5-0) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
> Gilbert Burns (13-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Dan Moret (13-3, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Burns was throwing a lot of power shots early but Moret was more effective iwth combinations. With about 2 minutes left, Moret had Burns in trouble with a flurry of punches and Burns got a desparation takedown. He gathered his wits and held Moret down for most of the rest of the round and did a lot of ground and pound late to cinch it. 10-9 Burns
Burns hurt Moret with a punch combo that backed him up and just did let up. A beautiful uppercut/straight cross combo dropped Moret as his legs buckled underneath him and Burns just stopped punching before the ref even stepped in.
Official result – Gilbert Burns (14-2) by KO (punches) at 59 seconds of the 2nd round
FOX PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Krzysztof Jotko (#13, 19-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. Brad Tavares (#15, 16-4, 11-4 UFC) Middleweights
Kind of a boring first round. Neither guy threw much of anything for the first 90 seconds. Tavares was more active after that but with about 2 minutes left, Jotko started to find his range. Each tried a takedown and Tavares did get one with about 15 seconds left but Jotko got right up. You could almost flip a coin. 10-9 Jotko although you could easily say 10-10
Tavares landed a flying knee followed by a punch combo early that rocked Jotko. After that they were clinched up on the cage for most of the round doing nothing and the ref never even threatend to break them up. They finally separated on their own in the last minute. Tavares landing another nice knee but that was pretty much it. Boring fight. 10-9 Tavares, 19-19
Jotko was looking better in the third, landing a couple of high kicks. Then Tavares dropped him with a punch out of nowhere and then pounced on him with a flurry of punches on the ground to get the stoppage.
Official result – Brad Tavares (17-4) by TKO (punches) at 2:16 of the 3rd round
That was the first stoppage win for Tavares since Phil Baroni in 2011. He should go into the top 10 with his 4th straight win and he called out Michael Bisping at UFC 226, which is on July 7th, so the same card as the previous callout. Seems awfully conveninent. I can’t see Bisping taking that fight for a variety of reasons.
> Wilson Reis (#6, 22-8, 6-4 UFC) vs. John Moraga (#10, 18-6, 7-5 UFC) Flyweights
Fun first round. Moraga had the better striking early. Reis missed a couple of takedown attempts and on the third, Moraga grabbed a front choke. Reis ended up completing it but Moraga held onto the choke. By the time he let it go, Reis was in side control. They eventually got back to the feet and then Reis got another takedown. Moraga reversed into top position, Reis worked to his feet and then got another takedown, finishing the round in mount. 10-9 Reis
Reis got an early takedown but didn’t do much with it. Moraga landed a flying knee and followed up with a punch combo but Reis took him down again. Reis wasn’t doing a ton on the ground but was working for a submission in the last minute. Moraga reversed into top position and ended the round on top, landing punches. 10-9 Reis, 20-18 overall but round 2 was close
Third round was all Reis. He took Moraga down at least 3 times and did more damage on the ground than he had in either of the first two round. He was working submissions in the last minutes in addition to landing punches to the head. Round 2 was close but he should take the fight easily. 10-9 Reis, 30-27 overall
Offical result – John Moraga (19-6) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
> Muslim Salikhov (12-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Ricky Rainey (13-4, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
Close first round that was entirely standup. Salikhov was trying all kinds of spinning moves and did land a couple but didn’t do a ton of damage. Both had takedown attempts. Rainey landed the best punch of the fight but didn’t follow up on it. 10-9 Salikhov but very close
Rainey was looking a little better, pressing the action for the whole round. He wasn’t landing much though. Then Salikhov dropped him face first with what looked like a glancing blow and finished him with two hard shots right to the face on the ground. It looked like an early stoppage on first viewing but on the replay you could see he was clearly out and not defending.
Official result – Muslim Salikhov (13-2) by KO (punch) at 4:12 of the 2nd round
> Tim Boetsch (21-11, 12-10 UFC) vs. Antonio Carlos Junior (9-2 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) Middleweights
Carlos Junior looked great here. He was landing all kinds of shots on the feet and then took down the All-American wrestler Boetsch. He wasted no time in taking the back and landing some punches to the head to set up a rear naked choke. Once he secured it, Boetsch tapped quickly and Carlos Junior picked up his fifth straight win.
Official result – Antonio Carlos Junior (10-2) by submission (rear naked choke) at 4:28
Junior should get a top 10 opponent next and can’t be more than 1 or 2 wins away from a title shot. This was, by far, the biggest win of his career and Boetsch came in having won 3 of his last 4 so he’s no pushover.
Casey was getting the better of the standup, landing several really nice combinations. Waterson’s main weapon was leg kicks but she didn’t land enough of them. Waterson managed a takedown with a minute left but Casey was active from her back, getting close on a triangle attempt. Waterson did some ground and pound but not enough to steal the round. 10-9 Casey
Waterson got the takedown much earlier and held Casey down almost the entire round. Casey was going for submission and at one point had both a triangle and an armbar but Waterson escaped everything. They won’t close enough to make up for the fact that Casey spend so much time on her back though. Waterson stood up on her own with 30 seconds left and Casey followed her. Waterson dropped her with a front kick right before the bell. 10-9 Waterson, 19-19 after 2
Great round and a great fight. Waterson got a takedown 2 minutes in. Casey was again going for submissions, getting real close a couple of times. Waterson stood up on her own and Waterson followed. Both were landing good shots on the feet. Casey stuffed a takedown with a minute left and ended up taking the back. She got close with a rear naked choke and then secured a tight armbar just before the fight ended. 15 seconds more and Waterson probably has to tap. 10-9 Casey, 29-28 overall
Official result – Michelle Waterson (15-6) by split decision (29-28 x 2; 28-29)
> Israel Adesanya (12-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Marvin Vettori (12-3-1, 2-1-1 UFC) Middleweights
Vettori was advancing most of the round and did land a lot of shots but he missed even more. Adesanya was very measured, maybe too much so, as he seemed to be willing to take shots just to figure out the timing of Vettori. It was close but I thought Vettori did more and took the round. 10-9 Vettori
Adesanya landed a lot more in the 2nd round and Vettori looked very confused at times. A body punch combo really seemed to hurt Vettori at one point but he stayed in there. Adesanya seemed to enjoy just making Vettori miss him and seemed to be showboating at times but easily took the second. 10-9 Adesanya, 19-19 overall
Vettori managed an early takedown and held Adesanya down the majority of the round. He did some ground and pound but not a lot. Ref Herb Dean warned them to work at least 5 times but never separated them until after Adesanya had stood them up and they were clinched on the cage. Standup was fairly even after that as Vettori never stopped throwing, even though he was clearly dog-tired. 10-9 Vettori, 29-28 overall
Official result – Israel Adesanya (13-0) by split decision (29-28 x 2; 28-29)
Adesanya has a definite hole in his game that he needs to patch up. He said he wasn’t happy with the win in his post-fight promo. He asked for another fight soon and he promised to be better next time.
> Carlos Condit (#12, 30-11, 7-7 UFC) vs. Alex Oliveira (18-4-1 2 NC, 7-3 1 NC UFC) Welterweights
Oliveira was getting the better of the standup and then he got a takedown midway through the round. He didn’t do a lot on the ground although he was trying to advance. Condit got to his feet and got a takedown of his own with a minute left. Condit took the back and was working for a rear naked choke, getting very close to a finish. Oliveira fought it off and Condit was landing punches as the round ended. 10-9 Condit
Oliveira gets a takedown 15 seconds in. Oliveira stands up at 45 seconds and eats some upkicks from Condit before backing off and letting him up. Oliveira takes him down again at 1:00. Condit trying to get to his feet and eating elbows but he makes it and then takes Oliveira right down. Condit bleeding badly from the elbows . Condit landing elbows and punches but Oliveira tying him up with a body lock. Condit stands up at 2:30 but Oliveira stays on his back. Oliveira to his feet and grabs a standing guillotine at 2:45. Oliveira drags him down to the canvas at 3:00 and Condit eventually taps.
Official result – ALEX OLIVEIRA (19-5-1) by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:17 of the 2nd round
Outstanding first round. Both guys throwing at an incredible pace. Poirier landed all kinds of combo, mixing in body punches with head strikes and Gaethje threw a ton of leg kicks that were really bothering Poirier. Gaethje had a cut under his left eye bleeding pretty badly and Poirier was cut on his right temple. 10-9 Poirier
Not quite the pace of the first but not far off. At one point the significant strikes count was 121-61 for Poirier and he’d landed 65% of his strikes thrown. He had to switch stances because of the legs kick landed and between rounds, the leg was hurting a lot. Gaethje closed the round with a crazy wheelbarrow kick and the crowd was loving every second of this. 10-9 Poirier, 20-18 overall
Gaethje come out stronger for round 3. The standup was more even except for the leg kicks, which Gaethje was landing at will, up to 37 by the end of the round. The big story of the round was that Gaethje was deducted a point for an eye poke, his 2nd of the fight. Poirier had an eye poke of his own at the end of hte round. 9-9 with the poiont deduction and 29-27 Poirier after 3
Poirier came out firing and was all over Gaethje. Gaethje was not even defending but wouldn’t go down. Poirier wouldn’t let up, landing all kinds of shots and eventually Gaethje dropped. Herb Dean let it go on as long as he could and it was a perfect stoppage.
Official result – Dustin Poirier (23-5) by TKO (punches) at 33 seconds of the 4th round
Poirier asks the crowd to cheer him and Gaethje even though they were booing him the whole fight and they obliged. Poirier asks for a title shot with Khabib Nurmagomedov and he’s never had one and has definitely earned one with his 10th stoppage win since 2011, tied for 2nd in any weight class.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale: Johnson vs. Gaethje, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The first fight card of International Fight Week in Las Vegas sees an explosive lightweight five-round main event as Michael Johnson takes on Justin Gaethje, who will be making his UFC debut.
While Johnson has been hanging on to his top-five status, he has struggled recently in the Octagon, losing three of his last four fights. Meanwhile, Gaethje enters the UFC undefeated in his career, with 17 wins, and he is one of the most explosive and exciting fighters at 155 pounds, with 14 wins by knockout.
The co-main event is the finals of this season of The Ultimate Fighter, which featured a “Redemption” theme with former TUF competitors. The finals pits Dhiego Lima, marking the second time he has been a TUF finalist, against Jesse Taylor, who had a prolific turn of events on season seven of TUF, with the winner receiving a $250,000 prize.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
BREAKING: A scheduled women’s bantamweight bout between Jessica Eye and Aspen Ladd was pulled from the event about an hour before the event was scheduled to start. Ladd was forced to the hospital due to an illness, and was subsequently pulled from the bout. It is unclear if the bout will be rescheduled for a later date. The event will now begin at 6:30 p.m. eastern time.
Maynard got a quick takedown and pushed Ishihara against the fence. Ishihara briefly got to his feet before Maynard got him down again. Maynard held him down for a bit before Ishihara got up. Ishihara flew a flying knee but Maynard countered into another takedown. Maynard held him down for a bit before they got back to their feet. Ishihara landed a nice body kick. Maynard got another takedown with 30 seconds to go in the round and landed some late punches. 10-9 Maynard.
Maynard got another early takedown and was working to take the back. He moved to the back but it allowed Ishihara to get up but Maynard took him right back down. Maynard was landing punches and holding Ishihara on the mat with relative ease. Ishihara got to his feet and landed a knee but Maynard took him right back down. Maynard score one more takedown at the end of the round. 10-9 Maynard, 20-18 Maynard.
Maynard got yet another takedown right at the start of the round. Ishihara needs to get up and get a finish here. Maynard grabbed an arm and was working for a kimura but let go. Ishihara landed an upkick. Maynard got a guillotine choke locked in but Ishihara was next to the fence which helped him escape. Ishihara landed an illegal upkick and we had a timeout. Back to action and Maynard held Ishihara down for a bit, Ishihara got up but was taken back down. Story of the fight. Dominant showing by Maynard. There may be some 10-8 scores in there. 10-9 Maynard, 30-27 Maynard.
Official Result- Gray Maynard def. Teruto Ishihara by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
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> Tecia Torres (#5, 8-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Juliana Lima (9-3, 3-2 UFC) Women’s Strawweights
Lima caught a kick and got an early takedown. Torres got to her feet and grabbed the neck of Lima and almost got a takedown. They were battling for underhooks against the fence. Torres almost got a takedown but Lima grabbed the fence to stop it and got a warning for it. They are broken up by the referee for no action and Torres landed some strikes before clinching and getting a brief takedown. Torres worked for the takedown but ran out of time. Uneventful round. 10-9 Torres.
Torres landed some punches and then got to the back of Lima in a scramble and had a rear-naked choke locked in. Lima tapped out! Submission win for Torres and it is her first career stoppage win. She is also the first to ever defeat Lima by stoppage. Torres called for a fight with Michelle Waterson in her post-fight interview.
Official Result- Tecia Torres def. Juliana Lima by submission (rear-naked choke) at :53 of Round 2
> Ed Herman (23-12 1 NC, 10-8 1 NC UFC) vs. CB Dollaway (15-8, 9-8 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Herman landed a big right hand to start off that rocked Dollaway. Dollaway recovered and scored a takedown. Dollaway got into the full guard and was landing some punches and elbows. Herman got up for a moment but Dollaway took him right back down. Herman got to his feet. Dollaway got another takedown and was landing punches from the back. Dollaway looked for a kimura but Herman got out. Dollaway landed from the top at the end. 10-9 Dollaway.
Herman dropped Dollaway with a right hand but Dollaway was able to get back up. They both landed big right hands. Herman knocked Dollaway again with a right hand. Herman went to the mat and Dollaway almost had a heel hook locked in but Herman was able to scramble out to the top. Herman was landing punches and elbows from the top. Dollaway scrambled to the top but didn’t have time to do much. 10-9 Herman, 19-19.
Dollaway landed a slow but big right hand and then got a takedown. Kimura attempt from Herman on the bottom but Dollaway escaped and then started going for a kimura himself. Dollaway let go and went into the guard and was landing punches. Dollaway started to land elbows and was in control from the top. They scrambled and Herman was going for a kneebar but it didn’t work and Dollaway landed punches to end the fight. 10-9 Dollaway, 29-28 Dollaway.
Official Result- CB Dollway def. Ed Herman by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
> James Krause (23-7, 4-3 UFC) vs. Tom Gallicchio (19-9, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
Krause landed a front kick and Gallicchio grabbed it and took Krause to the mat. Krause got up but gave up his back and Gallicchio looked for the choke. They got to their feet and separated. Krause landed a head kick. Krause landed a couple of punches. Krause is landing at will as Gallicchio has shown no head movement. Krause defended a takedown attempt. Krause landed another head kick. Krause landed two more right hands at the end. 10-9 Krause.
Krause landed another right hand. Gallicchio landed a right hand and was starting to use head movement. They were trading and Krause landed the better punches. Both landed left hooks. Krause with some right hands. Gallicchio is throwing but missing. Krause landed a left hand late. Not much to the round. 10-9 Krause, 20-18 Krause.
Gallicchio was throwing but missing. Krause was landing everytime Gallicchio was coming in. Gallicchio landed a leg kick. Krause keeping him at distance with the jab. They were trading. Krause stuffed a takedown attempt from Gallicchio. Gallicchio did land a right hand. Krause landed a head kick that rocked Gallicchio. Gallicchio went for a takedown but it was stuffed and Krause was landing punches. Krause with a big knee at the end. 10-9 Krause, 30-27 Krause.
Official Result- James Krause def. Tom Gallicchio by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Angela Hill (6-3, 1-3 UFC) vs. Ashley Yoder (5-2, 0-1 UFC) Women’s Strawweights
Yoder landed a high kick. Hill lands a right hand and Yoder gets a takedown. Hill got to her feet and they were clinched against the fence. Hill landed a kick. Hill with a right hand but Yoder came back with a body kick. Hill lands a couple of leg kicks. Hill landed a couple of nice combinations. Hill lands some more and then lands a head kick. Hill landed more at the end. 10-9 Hill.
Yoder got a takedown right at the start of the round and was landing some from the top. Yoder remained on top as Hill was having trouble getting from the bottom. Yoder stood up and Hill got up quickly. Yoder jumped right on the back but Hill was able to wiggle into the guard of Yoder. They got back to their feet. Yoder landed a left hand but Hill landed a head kick. Hill with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Yoder, 19-19.
Hill landed a big right hand and Yoder scored a takedown. Hill was able to scramble to the back of Yoder but spun back. Yoder got another takedown. They got back to their feet. Hill got a takedown and was working in the guard of Yoder. They got to their feet. Hill with some leg kicks and lands some solid punches at the end. 10-9 Hill, 29-28 Hill.
Official Result- Angela Hill def. Ashley Yoder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Jordan Johnson (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Marcel Fortuna (9-1, 1-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Johnson with a quick takedown and he lands some big right hands before Fortuna gets back to his feet. Not much was happening until Johnson grabbed the body lock. Johnson picked Fortuna up to slam him but Fortuna grabbed the top of the fence to block the takedown. That really should be a point deduction. Fortuna landed a solid uppercut. They traded at the end. 10-9 Johnson.
They came out trading and Fortuna landed a big right hand that stunned Johnson, but he recovered. Fortuna landed a couple of left hooks that stunned Johnson. Johnson faked a takedown and landed a right hand. Fortuna with a head kick and then an uppercut. Fortuna with a leg kick. Johnson went for a takedown but there was another fence grab by Fortuna. Johnson got it anyways but Fortuna got back up and landed some punches at the end. 10-9 Fortuna, 19-19.
They came out throwing. Fortuna looked to have more power in his punches. They were both throwing sloppy punches and missing on takedowns. Neither man has been busy this round but Johnson has been working more this round and controlling the Octagon. Fortuna with a couple of body kicks late. Johnson landed a right hand to the body. 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Johnson.
Official Result- Jordan Johnson def. Marcel Fortuna by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Brad Tavares (14-4, 9-4 UFC) vs. Elias Theodorou (13-1, 5-1 UFC) Middleweights
They went to the mat early and Tavares took the back but they scrambled back to their feet. Theodorou with a front kick and then a leg kick. They clinched and Theodorou landed some body punches. Tavares landed a right hand. Tavares with a combo and a head kick. Theodorou with a high kick. Tavares lands a nice right hand at the end. Close round. 10-9 Tavares.
Theodorou quickly clinched up and Tavares reversed and scored a quick takedown. Theodorou landed a knee in the clinch and just barely landed an uppercut. They traded right hands in the clinch and Tavares had more power behind his. They clinched and Theodorou landed some knees but Tavares landed a combo on the break. Tavares landed a knee in close as Theodorou shot for a takedown. Tavares with a head kick. Close round. 10-9 Theodorou, 19-19.
Theodorou got a big takedown in the first thirty seconds of the round. Tavares was able to hit a switch and get to his feet but Theodorou had Tavares pressed against the fence. Theodorou got another brief takedown but they got up and Tavares took the body lock. They were both working to get each other on the mat. Tavares got the back and was looking for the choke. Tavares got top but Theodorou switched and then Tavares switched back to the top before they scrambled to their feet. Tavares with a head kick. Close fight, good fight. 10-9 Tavares, 29-28 Tavares.
Official Result- Brad Tavares def. Elias Theodorou by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Jared Cannonier (9-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Nick Roehrick (7-0, 0-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Roehrick took this fight on three days’ notice. He came out throwing hands as Cannonier was coming forward. Cannonier landed a right hand. Roehrick landed a right hand. Cannonier landed some big punches that Roehrick ate. Cannonier with a huge head kick. Cannonier landed a combo against the fence but Roehrick landed a right hand of his own in return. Cannonier landed a right hand and an uppercut. Roehrick looked for a takedown but couldn’t get it. 10-9 Cannonier.
They were still trading with both men landing some solid punches. Cannonier landed a big right hand and then took Roehrick down and was landing some big punches. Cannonier was close to finishing it but Roehrick got up and scrambled away after eating more big punches. Roehrick landed some nice right hands but was bleeding pretty good. Cannonier with a body kick late. 10-9 Cannonier, 20-18 Cannonier.
Cannonier looks to have slowed at the start of the third. Roehrick was landing the jab and landing more of his punches early on. Cannonier landed a left hook. Cannonier landed a body kick and then a left hand and a knee and Cannonier took the fight to the mat and was landing massive elbows and the fight was stopped by John McCarthy. A big beatdown by Jared Cannonier. Roehrick looked tough but that was a beating he took.
Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. Nick Roehrick by TKO (elbows) at 2:08 of Round 3
> Marc Diakiese (12-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Drakkar Klose (7-0-1, 1-0 UFC) Lightweights
Klose starts off with some leg kicks. Klose ducked under a punch and got a takedown against the fence. Klose with some foot stomps against the fence. Diakiese got a takedown. They got up and Diakiese with another takedown but they got back to their feet. Diakiese with a slam but they scrambled back to their feet. Diakiese was landing some punches and then Klose dropped Diakiese with a leg kick and Klose started pounding away from the top. Diakiese went for a heel hook but ended up scrambling to the guard. Fun round. 10-9 Klose.
Diakiese was looking to land a big punch and landed some but they clinched for a bit before breaking. Klose with a leg kick and then another. Diakiese went for a spin kick but Klose was able to turn it into a takedown but they got back up. They clinched and Diakiese landed a low knee and we have a timeout. They clinched and Klose landed a body kick on the break. Diakiese with a knee. Diakiese slipped on a spin kick and Klose took advantage and stayed busy. Klose dropped Diakiese with another leg kick and Klose ended the round on top. 10-9 Klose, 20-18 Klose.
Diakiese with a jumping switch kick that landed right in the jaw. Diakiese with a body kick. Klose fires back a combo. Klose gets a takedown but Diakiese is able to reverse and they get up. Klose with some back elbows as Diakiese has his back. Diakiese working for a takedown and lands a high kick on the break. Diakiese with a spinning kick to the body. Klose with a leg kick and he goes for a takedown but Diakiese grabs the neck and goes for a guillotine. Klose landed a right hand late. 10-9 Diakiese, 29-28 Klose.
Official Result- Drakkar Klose def. Marc Diakiese by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Dhiego Lima (12-5, 1-3 UFC) vs. Jesse Taylor (30-15, 0-1 UFC) The Ultimate Fighter 25 Welterweight Finals
Taylor got a takedown right away and took the back as Lima was scrambling to his feet. Taylor got another takedown even though Lima tried to grab the fence. Taylor is in the full guard. Taylor with more punches from the top and then moves to the back and was looking for the choke but Lima had some good defense and escaped. Taylor looking for the back again and has it and is under the chin but Lima rotated out of it. Taylor with elbows and still working for the choke. Taylor with more punches from the top and he nearly finished it at the end. Complete domination by Taylor. 10-8 Taylor.
Lima dropped Taylor with a counter left hook at the start but Taylor was quick to reverse to the back. Taylor had the hooks locked in and had the rear-naked choke locked in and Lima tapped. What a comeback and redemption for Jesse Taylor after all of these years.
Official Result- Jesse Taylor def. Dhiego Lima by submission (rear-naked choke) at :43 of Round 2
> Michael Johnson (#5, 17-11, 9-7 UFC) vs. Justin Gaethje (17-0, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Johnson rocked Gaethje quick with a left hand. Gaethje looked recovered. Gaethje then landed a big right hand followed by a knee. They are brawling early. Gaethje landing some leg kicks. He has Johnson’s back against the fence as Johnson circles around. Johnson lands a left hand. Gaethje with more leg kicks. Gaethje landing more punches now but Johnson is landing as well. Gaethje lands a big right hand. They are throwing punch after punch and knee after knee. Johnson rocked Gaethje big time with a right hand and got a takedown. Johnson is firing away and close to a finish but Gaethje makes it to the end of the round. Fantastic round. 10-9 Johnson.
They are firing back-and-forth once again. Gaethje landing the leg kicks and Johnson isn’t doing anything to check them. Johnson rocks Gaethje with a right hand and he’s in a lot of trouble again. Gaethje with some elbows and a knee and he might be recovered. Johnson with a combo to the body. Both men looking tired already. Gaethje with a right hand. Both men landing punches. Gaethje rocks Johnson with an uppercut and now he is looking for a finish as Johnson is stumbling around. Big elbows from Gaethje and Johnson crashes to the mat and John McCarthy tells Johnson to get up. Gaethje with a leg kick and he’s having trouble staying on his feet. Gaethje with a flying knee and he finishes Johnson! What an incredible fight! Gaethje from the brink of defeat to finish Johnson.
Official Result- Justin Gaethje def. Michael Johnson by TKO (strikes) at 4:48 of Round 2
