Tag: michelle waterson

UFC on ESPN 24 live results: Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN 24: Rodriguez vs. Waterson, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Octagon remains in Las Vegas for the second event in the month of May, featuring a main event put together on short notice after the original main event fell apart.

Michelle Waterson and Marina Rodriguez step up on short notice to headline the card in a five-round main event in the flyweight division. It replaces a scheduled main event between Cory Sandhagen and TJ Dillashaw, which was cancelled due to a cut suffered by Dillashaw. Waterson and Rodriguez were planned to fight during the summer, but the opportunity to headline a card was too good to pass up, as both look to score their second straight win and break into the title picture.

In the co-main event, long-time UFC veteran Donald Cerrone fights for the first time in 2021 when he takes on short-notice replacement Alex Morono. Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between ranked fighters Neil Magny and Geoff Neal, a lightweight battle as Diego Ferreira and Gregor Gillespie square off, and Phil Hawes meets Kyle Daukaus in a middleweight bout.

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.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Christian Aguilera (14-7, 1-1 UFC) vs. Carlston Harris (15-4, 0-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Aguilera throws and Harris ducks under and grabs the body lock and is working for a takedown right away. He has the back of Aguilera against the fence and trying to trip him down. They break. Harris with a couple of kicks and they trade punches. Aguilera with a nice uppercut. They clinch against the fence but break. Harris lands a nice left hook. He lands a right hand. Aguilera goes for a takedown but Harris gets an anaconda choke locked in and Aguilera goes out cold. Harris with the impressive showing in his UFC debut. 

Official Result- Carlston Harris def. Christian Aguilera by submission (anaconda choke) at 2:52 of Round 1

> Jun Yong Park (12-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Tafon Nchukwi (5-0, 1-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Nchukwi with a left to the body. Park with a combo. They trade punches. Nchukwi with a right hand and then a leg kick. They trade punches. They trade jabs. Nchukwi with a combo. Nchukwi with a left hook to the body. They continue to trade and Park lands the jab. Nchukwi with a jab followed by a right hand and then Park does the same. Nchukwi with a leg kick and Park lands a counter left. Park with a leg kick. Park with a left hook. Nchukwi lands a few punches. Nchukwi throws a combo and then lands a kick right to the groin of Park and we have a timeout. They get back to action and both land jabs. Nchukwi with a couple of leg kicks and Park throws a leg kick and then Nchukwi lands two body kicks. 10-9 Park.

Nchukwi with some leg kicks to start the second. Park with a leg kick and Nchukwi counters with a body punch. Nchukwi lands a combo as he pushes to the fence and they trade in close range before breaking. Nchukwi with a body kick then a leg kick. Nchukwi tries a kick but Park grabs the leg and almost gets a takedown but switches to control standing as he has the neck. Park still has the neck and Nchukwi throws a knee that lands right to the groin of Park again and Park goes down in pain. Nchukwi gets a point taken away after that. They trade jabs after getting back to action. Nchukwi with an inside leg kick after they trade jabs. Nchukwi with a body kick and then lands a right hand. Park with the jab. Park tries a takedown and briefly gets it but Nchukwi sweeps to the top. They get to their feet. Park lands the jab. Nchukwi with a hard leg kick. Park lands a jab. Nchukwi gets a takedown but Park has a guillotine locked in but time runs out on the round. 10-8 Park after the point deduction, 20-17 Park.

They trade to start the third and Park landing the jab. Nchukwi lands a right hand. Nchukwi with a glancing body kick. Park lands the double jab. Nchukwi with a left to the body followed by a leg kick. Park lands a combo. Nchukwi with the jab. Park gets a takedown. Park still working from the top but they aren’t doing much. They get to their feet. Park gets the fight back down to the mat. Park trying to get the back and is looking for a rear-naked choke but lets go and lands some punches. Park still landing as he’s trying to get the mount. Park with some sharp elbows from the top. Nchukwi is busted open. Park with some big elbows at the end. Dominant third round from Park. 10-8 Park, 30-25 Park.

Official Result- Jun Yong Park def. Tafon Nchukwi by majority decision (30-25, 29-26, 28-28)

> Ludovit Klein (17-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Michael Trizano (8-1, 2-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Klein landing better to start the fight as he lands the jab and left hand. Trizano lands a right hand. Klein with a left hand. He lands another left hand. Trizano with a left hook. Klein with a body kick. Trizano pressuring as Klein is circling around. Klein with a body kick. Klein with a high kick. Klein with the jab and Trizano lands a body kick. Klein with a takedown. He lands from the top and they get to their feet. They break and Klein with a body kick. Good round. 10-9 Klein.

Trizano with a leg kick. Klein with a body kick and then a right hand to the body. Trizano with a leg kick. Trizano with a combo. They trade kicks. Klein lands a left hand. They tie up against the fence and Klein has control and lands some body shots and looks to drop down for a takedown. They break. Trizano with a leg kick. He lands another. Klein with a combo and then lands a nice left hand. Trizano lands the jab. They are both throwing and Klein with a leg kick. Klein with a combo and then ends with a body kick. Klein with a high kick and then gets a takedown. Trizano landing some body punches as Klein tries to get him flattened on the mat. 10-9 Klein, 20-18 Klein.

Trizano lands a nice right hand and Klein is rocked and goes for a takedown but Trizano scrambles out. They trade left hands. Trizano lands a leg kick and slips to the mat but gets right up. Trizano lands another nice right hand. Klein with a leg kick. Klein with a body kick. They trade punches and Klein with a body kick. Trizano with the jab. They trade kicks and Klein lands a left hand. Trizano with a combo and lands to the body. Trizano with the jab. He lands another. He lands a jab and then a right hand to the body and then a body kick. Klein gets a brief takedown but Trizano sprawls to his knees. Klein gets him back down. They get to their feet and break. Klein with a body kick. Trizano with a right hand and Klein gets a takedown and Trizano has the neck. He has a guillotine locked in but Klein fighting it. It is in tight but Klein survives to the end. What a fight. 10-9 Trizano, 29-28 Klein.

Official Result- Michael Trizano def. Ludovit Klein by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

ESPN MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Phil Hawes (10-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Kyle Daukaus (10-1, 1-1 UFC)
Middleweights

Hawes lands the jab. Hawes with a low kick. They trade in close range. Daukaus with a left hand. Hawes with a body kick. Hawes with a big takedown and is into the half-guard. Daukaus looks for the guillotine and uses it to sweep to the top and is working in the half-guard and looking to set up an arm-triangle choke. Daukaus stands and lands and moves to the back of Hawes but they stand and break. Daukaus now trying for a takedown. Hawes lands some knees in the clinch and Daukaus with some body shots. They continue to battle in the clinch. Hawes with a knee. They break near the end. 10-9 Hawes.

They trade early. Daukaus goes for a head kick but Hawes ducks and eats a spinning back fist from Daukaus and is hurt. Daukaus tries to take advantage but they clinch and Hawes with a knee as he has the body lock. They separate. Daukaus landing some punches. Daukaus landing more but Hawkes lands some punches. Hawes lands a right hand that stuns Daukaus. Hawes tries to land another but Daukaus ducks and they clinch against the fence. They trade in dirty boxing before breaking. Daukaus with a step-in knee. Hawes with a body kick. Hawes with a left hand to the body and then lands a low blow and we have a timeout. They get back to action and are trading. Hawes lands some good punches. Hawes with a body kick followed by a right hand. 10-9 Hawes, 20-18 Hawes.

They trade in close range and Hawes with a body kick. Hawes gets a takedown and is working in the guard. Daukaus looking for the triangle but Hawes defends and maintains control in the guard and landing body punches. Hawes landing punches from the top and relentless with the ground strikes as Daukaus is trying to scramble out. Hawes gets back on top and is landing punches and elbows. Hawes still landing from the top. Hawes maintaining top control as Daukaus is looking tired and beat up on the ground. Hawes with a dominant final round. 10-8 Hawes, 30-26 Hawes.

Official Result- Phil Hawes def. Kyle Daukaus by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)

> Diego Ferreira (#12, 17-3, 8-3 UFC) vs. Gregor Gillespie (#14, 13-1, 6-1 UFC)
Lightweights* (Ferreira missed weight by 4.5 pounds)

Gillespie is returning from having his head kicked to the nosebleeds in Madison Square Garden in November 2019. Gillespie landing early on. Gillespie gets a takedown and they scramble to their feet. Ferreira lands a left ad Gillespie has a cut open on his nose. Gillespie trying for a takedown. Gillespie gets him down, but they get up, and they go back down. Gillespie gets Ferreira fully down and is in the guard and looking to switch. Ferreira did land some good punches. They scramble and get to their feet. Gillespie gets another takedown. Ferreira scrambles to the back and is looking for a choke. Ferreira with some big elbows from the back as the round ends. 10-9 Ferreira.

They trade to start the second. Ferreira with a combo. Gillespie goes for a takedown but Ferreira defends. Gillespie still working for the takedowns. He gets Ferreira down. They get up and Gillespie gets Ferreira back down. Ferreira looks for the back but Gillespie scrambles back to the top. Gillespie still working from the top and they scramble and Gillespie has the back as they stand. Gillespie with a knee to the body and they get back to the mat as Gillespie still has the back. Gillespie now on top and lands an elbow and then gets the back again. Gillespie now trying to set up a rear-naked choke. Gillespie landing big punches from the back of Ferreira and he’s landing lots of punches and Ferreira being told to fight back and he isn’t and the fight is stopped. What a comeback and win for Gillespie.

Official Result- Gregor Gillespie def. Diego Ferreira by TKO (punches) at 4:51 of Round 2

> Maurice Greene (9-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (17-7-1, 6-5 UFC)
Heavyweights

Greene lands a left hand. de Lima with a right hand. They are both throwing big bombs. They are clinched and both looking for underhooks. de Lima gets Greene to the mat and is in the guard. de Lima landing from the top. de Lima still landing from the top as Greene is just holding him down. de Lima still on top. Greene can’t get out from the bottom as de Lima ends the round on top. 10-9 de Lima.

Greene swings and de Lima ducks, gets the body lock and takes Greene down to the ground. de Lima landing lots of strikes on the ground from the top. de Lima landing harder shots as the round goes on. Greene is just stuck on the bottom and not doing much to even try and get out from there. de Lima ends the second just pounding away from the top as Greene is doing nothing from the bottom. 10-9 de Lima, 20-18 de Lima.

Greene with a body kick. de Lima gets a body lock and drags Greene to the mat. de Lima flattens Greene out from the top. de Lima still landing from the top as Greene continues to do nothing from the bottom. de Lima still landing and on top but there really is not much happening and this fight is awful. de Lima ends the fight on top. 10-9 de Lima, 30-27 de Lima.

Official Result- Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Maurice Greene by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

> Neil Magny (#9, 24-8, 17-7 UFC) vs. Geoff Neal (#10, 13-3, 5-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Neal landed a left hand that hurt Magny before they clinched. Magny with a knee. They remain clinched up and Neal lands some head strikes as they continue to battle for the best position against the fence. Magny with a knee. Magny is the one wanting to keep this clinched. They break. Neal lands a left hand. They clinch again and Neal lands an elbow on the break. Magny tries for a takedown but Neal defends and Magny lands some knees. They clinch and Neal lands some good punches before the end of the round. 10-9 Neal.

They come out trading and Neal getting the better of the punches to start the second. Magny with a body kick. Magny with some short punches. Neal lands a left hand. Magny lands a left hand. Neal gets a takedown. Magny tries a takedown but Neal defends and lands a punch while Magny is on the ground. They stand and Neal has control against the fence. They break and Magny lands some good punches. Neal coming forward more. They clinch against the fence but break. Neal lands a short left. Neal with a big elbow. 10-9 Magny, 19-19.

They’re trading to start the third and Neal landing better early. Magny with a body kick. Magny with a combo in close range. Magny lands the jab. Neal with a left hand and they clinch against the fence. They break and Neal ducks under some Magny punches. They trade in close range. Neal with a left hand. Magny gets a takedown. Magny with some punches from the top and they get to their feet. Magny with some knees. They break. They clinch and Magny with a couple more knees. Neal lands a big left hand. He lands another. They trade late. 10-9 Magny, 29-28 Magny.

Official Result- Neil Magny def. Geoff Neal by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Donald Cerrone (#15 LW, 36-15 2 NC, 23-12 1 NC UFC) vs. Alex Morono (18-7 1 NC, 7-4 1 NC UFC)
Welterweights

Cerrone immediately clinches and they battle against the fence. Morono with an uppercut as they break. They trade and Morono with a high kick. Cerrone with a body kick. Cerrone with the jab. They trade punches. Cerrone with a leg kick and then another. Cerrone with a body kick. Morono lands a right hand. Cerrone with another body kick. Cerrone goes for a takedown and Morono defends and throws him down but lets him up. They trade right hands. Cerrone with a body kick. Morono with a right hand. Morono with the jab and then a right hand. Morono with a right hand that stuns Cerrone. Morono teeing off with big punches and lands some knees and Cerrone is eating them. Morono still landing and Cerrone is hurt and Morono landing and it is stopped. Morono gets the finish of Cerrone. Biggest win for Morono in his career.

Official Result- Alex Morono def. Donald Cerrone by TKO (punches) at 4:40 of Round 1

> Marina Rodriguez (#6, 14-1-2, 3-1-2 UFC) vs. Michelle Waterson (#9, 18-8, 6-4 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Waterson with a leg kick and Rodriguez lands a right hand. They trade body kicks and Rodriguez lands a combo. Rodriguez lands a combo. Waterson lands a left hand and Rodriguez lands a counter punch. Rodriguez with a body kick and they trade punches. Rodriguez with a high kick and Waterson just misses a spinning back fist. Waterson with a body kick. Rodriguez with a combo and a body kick. Waterson with a side kick then a left hand. Rodriguez with a couple of knees and then a combo at the end. 10-9 Rodriguez.

Rodriguez with a front kick to the body and then a leg kick. Waterson with a side kick and then Rodriguez with a body kick. Rodriguez landing punches. Waterson goes for a takedown but Rodriguez defends and lands a right hand. They clinch but break. They clinch again and Rodriguez with some knees. Waterson with the side kick. Rodriguez with a right hand and then Waterson lands a nice body kick. Rodriguez with some nice punches. Waterson with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Waterson with a side kick. Rodriguez with a combo and then lands some knees. They trade in the clinch late. 10-9 Rodriguez, 20-18 Rodriguez.

Waterson slips on a kick. Rodriguez with a head kick. Rodriguez with a knee to the body and they clinch. Waterson has body control. Waterson with a knee as they break. Rodriguez with a big body punch and then some punches against the fence and Herb Dean warns Waterson to fight back and she escapes. Waterson with a side kick and Rodriguez slips to the mat and Waterson runs up and lands a huge leg kick. Waterson with another leg kick. Rodriguez with a right hand. Waterson with the side kick. Rodriguez lands a right hand. They continue to trade. Rodriguez with a big right hand. Rodriguez with a body kick and a right hand. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Rodriguez with some elbows and Waterson lands a nice uppercut. Rodriguez with an elbow and Waterson with a right hand. Waterson with a body kick. 10-9 Rodriguez, 30-27 Rodriguez.

Rodriguez with some short leg kicks and then they trade punches. Rodriguez with a body kick. They clinch and both land right hands. Rodriguez with a high body kick. Rodriguez with some high kicks. Waterson gets a takedown and is into the guard of Rodriguez. Waterson steps over and is trying to get to the mount. Waterson with an elbow. Waterson remaining on top and landing some good punches and elbows as she was in control on top for the last two minutes. 10-9 Waterson, 39-37 Rodriguez.

Waterson with the left hand. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Waterson with a body kick. Waterson with a body kick. Rodriguez just misses a head kick. Waterson with a leg kick then a head kick that connected. Waterson with a back kick to the body. She lands an uppercut. Waterson with a body kick and Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Waterson with a leg kick. Waterson with a right hand. Waterson with a body kick. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Waterson with a high kick that is blocked. They trade in close range. Waterson with a side kick. Rodriguez with a right hand. Rodriguez lands a head kick. They trade late and Rodriguez with a late body kick. 10-9 Rodriguez, 49-46 Rodriguez.

Official Result- Marina Rodriguez def. Michelle Waterson by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

Daily Update: UFC & Bellator weigh-ins, WWE stock, UFC notes

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: September 14, 2020 Observer Newsletter: AEW All Out reviewed, more

A look at recent concussion and head trauma issues in wrestling as it relates to Matt Hardy and other recent situations in other companies is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.  We go through Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara, how it was handled, Reby Hardy’s reactions, AEW’s releases, as well as look at many other high profile situations in the last few years in New Japan and WWE, including Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar and how that match pretty much tells you that there will always be exceptions to concussion protocol.

Also in this issue:

Other risks taken in AEW of late, along with complete coverage of All Out, with business notes inculding PPV numbers, poll results,match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

WWE’s new policy on third party bookings, with WWE clarifying many issues, talent reactions, how things seemed to change during the week, as well as reaction from others in wrestling along with Andrew Yang.

G-1 Climax tournament including the blocks and favorites.

Appellate court ruling that threw out a series of lawsuits against WWE on different grounds.  We look at the legal technicalities regarding why these cases had little chance from the start, the one aspect still open and reactions from both lawyers.

Latest firings by WWE, who was involved , why they were done now, plus a look at the career of Gerald Brisco.

Finn Balor vs. Adam Cole, Clash of Champions card, PPV schedule change, NXT UK TV show note, Styles talks retirement, AOP firing notes, Canadian ratings, Where WWE ranks in sports ratings, Cena new TV show, Lawler talks why WWE announcing has changed, WWE star nominated for an award, next week’s TV, WWE current market value as well as the most watched shows for the week on the WWE Network.

Complete coverage of this past Saturday’s UFC show.

The formation of a new pro wrestling group by a major corporation and how it differs from any group in the world as far as its main platform.

Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Garrett Gonzalez and I will be doing a show tonight and Bryan and I will be doing our weekend show on Saturday night after the UFC show.

Smackdown tonight on FOX at 8 P.M. has Jeff Hardy vs. A.J. Styles for the IC title plus an interview with Bayley. 205 Live has announced Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde.

The first NFL game last night on NBC did 19.3 million viewers on television and 970,000 streaming, so a 95.3/4.7 percent split. It was down 10.6 percent from last year but up 5.2 percent from two years ago.  It was the largest audience for a television show since the Academy Awards on 2/9.  It led to all sports being down last night with the Lakers-Rockets doing 2.5 million viewers and the U.S. Open doing 1.5 million, plus NHL did 790,000. The NFL decline was generally considered due to the NBA competition and that the game was a blowout 

UFC has a full ESPN+ show tomorrow starting at 5 p.m. Eastern:

  • Sabina Mazo (125.5) vs. Justine Kish (125.5)
  • Bryan Barbarena (170) vs. Anthony Ivy (169.5)
  • Brok Weaver (164) vs. Jailn Turner (163.5)
  • Alexander Romanov (261) vs. Roque Martinez (258.5)
  • Roosevelt Roberts (155.5) vs. Kevin Croom (154.5)
  • Julia Avila (135) vs. Sijara Eubanks (135)
  • Kyle Nelson (145.5) vs. Billy Quarantillo (145.5)
  • Bobby Green (156) vs. Alan Patrick (156)
  • Ed Herman (205.5) vs. Mike Rodriguez (205.5)
  • Roxanna Modaferri (125) vs. Andrea Lee (125.5)
  • Khama Worthy (155.5) vs. Ottman Azaitar (156)
  • Angela Hill (115.5) vs. Michelle Waterson (115)

Croom is a late replacement for Matt Frevola, who was injured.  Weaver vs,. Turner was a 165 pound fight by agreement due to Turner taking the fight just a few days ago.  The fight with Matt Schnell vs. Tyson Nam is off when Schnell had health issues trying to make weight today.

Bellator tonight from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT at 10 p.m. Eastern on DAZN and Paramount:

  • Phil Davis (205.7) vs. Lyoto Machida (205.3)
  • Cat Zingano (145.9) vs. Gabby Holloway (150.7)
  • Ed Ruth (185.1) vs. Taylor Johnson (185.7)
  • Raymond Daniels (169.7) vs. Peter Stanonik (166.6)

Prelims are at 8:15 p.m. on the Bellator YouTubs channel:

  • Rafael Carvalho (205.8) vs. Alex Polizzi (203.6)
  • Tyrell Fortune (251.1) vs. Jack May (259.8)
  • Leslie Smith (145.7) vs.; Amanda Bell (149)
  • Keith Lee (140.7) vs. Vinicius Zani (143.2)

Bell missed weight by 3 pounds and Holloway missed weight by 4.7 pounds.

Bellator’s final show on Paramount is Saturday at 10 p.m. Eastern with YouTube fights starting at 8:45 p.m.:

  • Juan Archuleta (134.6) vs. Patchy Mix (135) for the vacant bantamweight title – A lot of people think this is the big fight of the weekend
  • Jon Fitch (170.5) vs. Neiman Gracie (170.8)
  • Liz Carmouche (125.5) vs. DeAnna Bennett (131.7)
  • Derek Campos (154) vs. Kenni Diggs (157)

Bennett missed weight by 5.7 pounds and Diggs by 1 pound.

New Japan Strong at 10 p.m..Eastern on New Japan World:

  • TJP & ACH vs. Adrian Quest & Logan Riegel
  • Rocky Romero vs. Danny Limelight
  • Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. PJ Black & David Finlay
  • KENTA vs. Jeff Cobb for U.S. title challenger briefcase

 WWE

  • Wells Fargo has downgraded WWE stock to a projected $37 per share earlier today.  The reasons included the added expense of running at the Thunderdome and running weekly will cut profit margins.
  • A story on Adam Cole visiting a children’s hospital. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

UFC

  • A fight with Elizeu Zaleski vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov has been added to the 10/24 PPV show in Abu Dhabi
  • Austin Springer announced his retirement today after being cut yesterday by UFC.  He missed weight for his 8/29 fight and said that he told his family that if he ever got to UFC that would be the last place he would fight.  He also lost via first round submission in that fight with Alex Caceres.

MISCELLANEOUS 

  • The Huffington Post has a Mick Foley politics story (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)
  • Kevin Eck’s ROH news and notes column.
  • CWE announced notes on its next tour. Right now their tour throughout Canada for 10/17 to 11/9 is on, but obviously there are many things out of their control.  Vampiro has pulled out of the tour telling promoters he is shooting a movie internationally.  They still don’t know whether U.S. talent will be allowed in.  Shane Douglas, Vincent and Jimmy Jacobs are booked for the tour but they say they have enough talent to do the tour with all Canadian talent.  Robin Lekime and Lory are also off the tour due to issues with traveling and quarantining from Europe.  Norman Harass may be on the tour because his dates start later but it will be unlikely.  Manitoba and Alberta dates are on.  As far as Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario, they don’t allow indoor gatherings of more than 50 people in some places, 30 in others and ten in others so without changes, those shows can’t take place.  But things can change.
  • Western Pro Wrestling in Australia announced it was closing. That was expected by those in the know in Australia. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • Aron Stevens is the new booker for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. He’s also helping book the weekly PPV shows that the NWA and CWFH are doing starting 9/15.
  • Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has a ten bout show tonight starting at 9 p.m. Eastern in Daytona Beach, FL. It will air exclusively on the Bare Knuckle TV streaming service with Thiago Alves vs. Julian Lane, Hector Lombard vs. Kendall Grove and Abdiel Velazquez vs. Reggie Barnett Jr. as the top fights. They also announced a 10/10 show from Salina, KS with Joey Beltran vs. Marcel Stamps and 2016 Olympic bronze medal winning boxer Nico Hernandez vs. Chacney Wilson.  Plus former Bellator star Dave Rickels will be on that show.
  • LFA runs tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern on UFC Fight Pass with Chidi Njokuani  (18-7) vs. Cristian Torres (15-10) in a middleweight main event.
  • The PFL has announced a multi-year television deal with Eurosport in India.
  • AIW returns to Indianapolis on 10/9 at the Marion County Fairgrounds with Matt Justice vs Joshua Bishop in a no rope barbed wire match for the absolute title as part of The Collective series of shows that weekend in that building.
  • Eddie Kingston’s Grindhouse show on 9/26 on club WWN will feature Lenny Leonard back as announcer. 
  • Superkick’d returns on 10/1 on their YouTube channel.
  • IWTW presents ICW No Holds Barred tonight at 9 p.m. on IWTV.Live with Eric Ryan vs. AKIRA .
  • Pro Wrestling EVE will live stream a classic event that includes Riho, Emi Sakura, Shanna, Kay Lee Ray, Viper Piper Niven and Nina Samuels tomorrow at 7 p.m. Eastern on its YouTube channel. The show will not be archived and can only be watched live. 
  • A video on TV shows with pro wrestling storylines. (thanks to Chris Cruise)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: AJ Styles wins his first WWE World title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Saturday’s UFC Tampa main event in jeopardy

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Update —

 Jedrzejczyk has indicated that she’s still trying to make weight for the fight.

**********

The UFC’s return to Tampa on Saturday is currently in danger of losing its main event.

The main event is scheduled to be a strawweight bout between former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Michelle Waterson. However, Jedrzejczyk informed the UFC over a week ago that she will be unable to make the strawweight limit of 116 pounds, and now the fight is in jeopardy of being called off.

Combate was the first to report the news. It’s also been confirmed by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.

There have been several options discussed in an attempt to fix the situation. One of those options included the fight being made a 120-pound catchweight, but Waterson’s camp has turned that down so far. Waterson is already a small strawweight, so giving up extra weight would be even more of a disadvantage for her.

Negotiations are still going on to try to save the fight, as Waterson has also been presented with an offer to face Jessica Andrade at UFC 244 on November 2 if the fight with Jedrzejczyk falls apart. Waterson’s camp also reportedly turned down facing either Mackenzie Dern or Amanda Ribas in a replacement main event.

Another option discussed has included Angela Hill replacing Waterson in the main event and facing Jedrzejczyk if Waterson chooses to fight Andrade instead. One last option has included taking both Jedrzejczyk and Waterson off the card altogether and moving the semi-main event between featherweights Cub Swanson and Kron Gracie to the main event.

This story will be updated as more news becomes available.

UFC on FOX 24 live results: Demetrious Johnson vs. Wilson Reis

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 24: Johnson vs. Reis, emanating from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event is headlined by UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson looking to make history as he defends the championship for the tenth time, this time against Wilson Reis. Johnson is looking to tie Anderson Silva for most consecutive successful title defenses and hold onto his spot as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Reis gets a title shot on the heels of three straight wins, and wins in five of his last six fights.

In the co-main event, it will be a battle between high-ranked womens’ strawweights as Rose Namajunas takes on Michelle Waterson, with a potential title shot waiting in the wings for the winner. Also on the main card is a pivotal bout in the middleweight division as Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, on the last fight of his current UFC contract, takes on Robert Whittaker, winner of six straight fights.

A fighter to keep an eye on during the preliminary card is Tom Duquesnoy, who is making his UFC debut. He comes in with a 14-1 record, unbeaten in his last eleven, and is perhaps the most exciting prospect in the sport, and has the potential to be a future title challenger at 135 pounds.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. ET with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Ashlee Evans-Smith (#13, 5-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Ketlen Vieira (7-0, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

They were trading early and Vieira was lighting Evans-Smith up and getting the better of the exchanges. They clinched and each were landing knees to the body and Vieira landed an elbow on the break. Vieira was landing her combinations but was slowing down as the round progressed. She still hurt Evans-Smith quite a few times, but Evans-Smith would fire back with leg kicks and some knees to the body. Vieira pushing the pace and landing with more volume got here the round. 10-9 Vieira.

They clinched early as Evans-Smith didn’t wanna give Vieira the distance to land her punches. Vieira got a takedown and took the back and was landing but Evans-Smith was able to get back to her feet and landed a knee to break the clinch. However, as they got back to striking range, Vieira was landing more of her combinations. The volume of her striking has been the big factor in this fight and she is landing harder shots. Vieira landed a big right hand in the closing minute of the round and had Evans-Smith in a whole lot of trouble. 10-9 Vieira, 20-18 Vieira.

Evans-Smith was after Vieira early as she likely needs a finish. Evans-Smith pushed Vieira to the mat at one point and then cracked her with a big right hand but Vieira was able to grab the back against the fence. Vieira was landing foot stomps but not much else and they were broken up. Vieira was getting the better of the stand-up again, landing with much more volume being thrown, but Evans-Smith would knock her back with leg kicks, and landed a spinning back fist. Close final round, 10-9 Evans-Smith. 29-28 Vieira.

All three judges had it for Vieira, with two giving her two rounds, and the third giving her all three rounds.

Official Result- Ketlen Vieira def. Ashlee Evans-Smith by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Zak Cummings (20-5, 5-2 UFC) vs. Nathan Coy (15-6, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

They were trading early and Cummings was landing the harder punches, taking advantage of his reach advantage. Cummings stunned Coy with a left hand that connected right on the jaw. Cummings was landing more and Coy went for a takedown but Cummings sprawled and was landing punches and then locked in a guillotine and choked Coy out cold. It was on a little too long before the referee stepped in. Big submission win for Cummings.

Official Result- Zak Cummings def. Nathan Coy by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:21 of Round 1

> Anthony Smith (26-12, 2-2 UFC) vs. Andrew Sanchez (9-2, 2-0 UFC)
Middleweights

They were trading and Sanchez got a takedown and was in side control looking to grab an arm. Smith was able to reverse position and was in the half-guard of Sanchez. He wasn’t doing much so the referee stood them up. Smith was getting the better of the striking but Sanchez was able to land a well-timed spinning back fist. Smith landed a combo late. Close round. 10-9 Sanchez.

They were trading and Sanchez got a takedown and was landing punches from the back on the mat. Sanchez got to the top and was landing more and rode out the round on the top. Not much to this round. 10-9 Sanchez, 20-18 Sanchez.

Sanchez was eager to find a takedown but was landing some punches and had Smith hurt. Sanchez was still working for the takedown to keep from getting hit by Smith. Smith dropped Sanchez with a head kick followed by a big right hand and after a few punches it was stopped! Smith with a big comeback victory as he finishes Sanchez late in the third round.

Official Result- Anthony Smith def. Andrew Sanchez by knockout (head kick & punches) at 3:52 of Round 3

> Devin Clark (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jake Collier (10-3, 2-2 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Collier was going for an early takedown but Clark was defending. Collier landed a head kick. Clark got a takedown and was in the half-guard. Clark was landing knees and landed an illegal one that got missed. He had Collier in a lot of trouble but Collier got to his feet. Collier landed some good punches towards the end. 10-9 Clark.

They were both landing sloppy punches and Clark initiated a clinch. A low blow by Clark caused a brief timeout. Collier landed a spinning back fist.  Collier missed a sloppy punch and Clark got a takedown. They broke and Clark got another takedown. Not much to this round. 10-9 Clark, 20-18 Clark.

Clark got another takedown to start the third. Clark was on top in the mount and landing punches. Collier gave up his back and Clark was landing more and more as he looked to finish. Clark almost had a choke in a few times but couldn’t get it in but made Collier pay with punches and knees. Clark got another takedown late. Dominant closing round by Clark. 10-8 Clark, 30-26 Clark.

Official Result- Devin Clark def. Jake Collier by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

> Aljamain Sterling (#8, 12-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Augusto Mendes (6-1, 1-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

They were trading and Sterling got a takedown. Mendes was working from the bottom and looked for a leg lock but Sterling escaped. Mendes rocked Sterling with a right hand and looked for an armbar but Sterling was able to escape. They scrambled on the mat and Sterling ended up on top. Sterling landed from the top at the end of the round. Close round. 10-9 Sterling.

They were trading again and they clinched. Sterling pushed Mendes against the fence and was landing knees and foot stomps. Mendes was able to reverse position and was looking for a takedown but not doing much to actually get it. They broke and Sterling was on the attack with punches. Sterling landed a head kick and got a takedown against the fence. Sterling was landing hammerfists from the top. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling.

Sterling was coming out with his strikes early on, landing punches and kicks. Sterling tried for a takedown but Mendes had the neck but they were eventually separated by the referee. Mendes went right back into the clinch and had Sterling pressed against the fence but was doing nothing. Sterling reversed and scored a brief takedown but they scrambled up and separated. Sterling landed some big punches at the end that rocked Mendes. 10-9 Sterling, 30-27 Sterling.

Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Augusto Mendes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

FOX PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Louis Smolka (#12, 11-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Tim Elliott (#9, 13-7-1, 2-5 UFC)
Flyweights

Elliott got a quick takedown and was working in the half-guard of Smolka. They got to their feet and Elliott rocked Smolka with some hard strikes. Elliott got another takedown but Smolka had him by the neck. Elliott got to the top and was landing from the top. Big round for Elliott. 10-9 Elliott.

Smolka got a brief takedown but Elliott got a takedown of his own. They got up and broke. Elliott took the fight to the mat and had the back and was looking for a choke. Smolka escaped but Elliott ended on top. Smolka grabbed a leg and was looking for a heel hook. Elliott was on top and had a mounted quillotine locked in. Smolka was hanging on. He managed to survive. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.

Elliott scored a takedown early in the third and was working to take the back. They got to their feet and broke. Smolka was landing some short punches as Elliott baited him in and scored a takedown. Elliott got into the mount and was landing from the top. Crowd was chanting loudly for Elliott. Smolka was looking to lock in a D’Arce choke but Elliott escaped. Smolka got a takedown. Smolka had the back and was landing but Elliott reversed the position. They scrambled to their feet. Elliott got a takedown. Elliott got another takedown at the end. Fantastic fight. 10-9 Elliott, 30-27 Elliott.

Official Result- Tim Elliott def. Louis Smolka by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bobby Green  (23-7, 4-2 UFC) vs. Rashid Magomedov (19-2, 4-1 UFC)
Lightweights

They traded kicks to start. Green landed a left hand and some knees to the body in a clinch. Magomedov landed a low blow and we have a break. Magomedov landed a kick but Green grabbed the leg and kicked him back. They traded kicks. Green landed a left hand and some knees in the clinch. Green had the back and was working hard for a takedown. Close round. 10-9 Green.

They were trading early. Magomedov poked Green in the eye and we have another break. Green is cut over the eye but fights on. Green working hard to score a takedown as he has Magomedov clinched against the fence. Magomedov got a trip takedown but Green got back to his feet. Magomedov landed a left hand. 10-9 Magomedov in the second, 19-19 after two.

Magomedov landed a big body kick. Green landed a flying knee and is talking trash inside the Octagon. They were trading and Green kicked Magomedov in the family jewels and we had a timeout. This fight is a slow-paced affair to say the least. Magomedov landed a combo and then a right hand. Green got a clinch and was kneeing the thighs of Magomedov. Close round. 10-9 Magomedov, 29-28 Magomedov.

Official Result- Rashid Magomedov def. Bobby Green by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Patrick Williams (8-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Tom Duquesnoy (14-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Williams was in control with his wrestling in the first, but Duquesnoy had him in trouble as the round progressed. Duquesnoy clearly had some Octagon jitters for his debut, but he took over in the last thirty seconds and dropped Williams right at the end of the first round. 10-9 Duquesnoy.

It didn’t last long in the second as Duquesnoy dropped Williams with an elbow and finished him off with punches on the ground. Impressive debut.

Official Result- Tom Duquesnoy def. Patrick Williams by TKO (strikes) at :26 of Round 2

> Alexander Volkov (#11, 27-6, 1-0 UFC) vs. Roy Nelson (22-13, 9-9 UFC)
Heavyweights

Nelson was searching for that big right hand early. Volkov tried to clinch to avoid it. Volkov was using leg kicks to keep Nelson out of range. They clinched as Nelson was looking for a takedown. Nelson got a takedown. Nelson was keeping Volkov pinned to the mat and landing short punches but not doing a lot of damage. They got to their feet and Volkov started teeing off on Nelson landing punches and knees to the body. Volkov had Nelson in a lot of trouble and close to being finished but Nelson landed a big right hand at the bell and survived. Close round as Volkov came on late. 10-9 Nelson.

Volkov landed some at the start of the second. Nelson clinched up against the fence. Volkov broke free and landed a soft combo. Nelson rocked Volkov with a right hand as Volkov was running away. They traded big punches. It feels like a knockout may be coming. Volkov started to pick Nelson apart at range as the round ended. A much better round for Volkov. 10-9 Volkov, 19-19 after two.

This round could decide it. Nelson went for a takedown but it was stuffed by Volkov, who landed a big knee in return. Volkov landed a big kick but Nelson countered with an uppercut. Nelson is still hunting for that right hand. Nelson went for a takedown but ate a big knee from Volkov. Volkov was keeping Nelson away with the jab and front kicks and was running away and had the fans booing. This one goes the distance. 10-9 Volkov, 29-28 Volkov.

Official Result- Alexander Volkov def. Roy Nelson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Jeremy Stephens (#5, 25-13, 12-12 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (10-0-1, 2-0 UFC)
Featherweights

They traded kicks early and Moicano landed a nice combination. Moicano with a stiff leg kick. Stephens looks to be trying to set up the right hand, and he is a knockout guy. Stephens landed a hard right hand. He landed another against the fence after Moicano missed a leg kick. Moicano got a takedown and went into the full guard of Stephens. Moicano went to half-guard and rode the round out there. 10-9 Moicano.

Stephens is being more aggressive to start the second round, but he is also headhunting. He had a takedown stuffed but landed a right hand to the body of Moicano. Stephens then went on the attack with combos and Moicano spent more time circling away than he did defending and attacking. Stephens landed a kick and missed a right hand as Moicano was running away. Moicano was landing some soft punches but Stephens was lighting him up with hard, stiff punches. Moicano missed a spin kick. Moicano did more running away at the end of the second and the crowd hates him for that. 10-9 Stephens, 19-19 after two.

This could decide it. Both came out swinging and Moicano got a body lock and scored a takedown. Not much happened on the mat and Stephens got back to his feet. Stephens landed a body kick and then a leg kick and then a stiff jab. They traded leg kicks. Moicano was running away again as he was trying to avoid the Stephens attack. Moicano landed a leg kick. Stephens countered with a right hand to the body and a leg kick. Moicano was running again as the crowd booed and the fight ended. Close final round. 10-9 Stephens, 29-28 Stephens.

Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Jeremy Stephens by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Ronaldo Souza (#3, 24-4 1 NC, 7-1 UFC) vs. Robert Whittaker (#6, 17-4, 8-2 UFC)
Middleweights

Whittaker landed an early left hand. Whittaker side-stepped a takedown attempt from Souza. Whittaker landed a stiff jab. They tied up and Souza landed some to the body and tried a takedown but Whittaker scrambled up. Souza got a takedown and took the back. Whittaker stood up and Souza slipped off. Whittaker tagged Souza and Souza tripped to the mat for a moment. Souza landed a right hand and then another. Whittaker landed a left hook at the end. Close round. 10-9 Souza.

Whittaker dropped Souza with a right hand and went into the guard and landed a couple more before rushing to his feet. Souza wanted him to come back down but Whittaker isn’t playing that game. Whittaker tagged Souza again a couple times after he got up. Both men landed some good punches. Whittaker rocked Souza with a head kick and then dropped him with a right hand. Whittaker went to the mat and was landing a ton of punches. Punch after punch and this fight was stopped. Huge win by Whittaker! Seven straight wins for him.

Official Result- Robert Whittaker def. Ronaldo Souza by TKO (punches) at 3:28 of Round 2

> Rose Namajunas (#4, 5-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. Michelle Waterson (#6, 14-4, 2-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They trade some kicks early. Waterson landed a side kick right to the face and scored a headlock takedown. Namajunas was able to scramble out and took the back of Waterson. She then scrambled to the guard of Waterson. Namajunas landed a stiff elbow from the top. Waterson is working for a triangle but Namjunas is landing some ground-and-pound. Waterson now moves to looking for an arm. They get to their feet and break. Waterson with some side oblique kicks. Waterson grabbed Namajunas and dropped down to guard. 10-9 Namajunas.

They traded kicks early in the second. Namajunas dropped Waterson with a head kick and went right to the top looking to finish but Waterson grabbed on for dear life to her. Namajunas with a ton of punches from the top as she looks for a stoppage. It could have been stopped there. Waterson gets to her feet and Namajunas grabs the back and locks in a choke. Waterson fighting on but she taps! Namajunas with the big submission win! She looked excellent in this fight.

Official Result- Rose Namajunas def. Michelle Waterson by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:47 of Round 2

> Demetrious Johnson (C, 25-2-1, 13-1-1 UFC) vs. Wilson Reis (#3, 22-6, 6-2 UFC)
UFC Flyweight Championship

Johnson started out with a heavy leg kick. Both men slipped on some punches and Johnson landed a head kick. They traded body kicks. Johnson was landing combos and a kick and Reis got a quick takedown but Johnson was right back up. Johnson hurt Reis with a front kick to the body. Johnson landed a right hand and a head kick. Reis missing most of his punches. Johnson with a heavy leg kick then a solid combination. Johnson is so fast in there it is unreal. Reis went for a takedown but it was stuffed and Johnson landed a knee to the body. 10-9 Johnson.

Johnson’s speed and footwork was on pure display in the second round. He was landing kicks and punches in close range and then getting right out of range. Reis’ big chance was scoring a takedown but even that wasn’t working as Johnson was stuffing them. Johnson landed a big body kick. Johnson landed a big left hand with under a minute to go in the round. Reis was having trouble landing anything. Johnson with a leg kick. Johnson dropped Reis to the mat with a knee to the liver and was landing punches looking to finish and landed a big one right at the bell. 10-8 Johnson, 20-17 Johnson.

Johnson is just cruising inside of the Octagon. He is landing punches and kicks at will and scored a takedown and was landing on the mat before letting the fight get back to the feet. Reis was throwing, but not landing, and Johnson just took him to the mat with ease. Johnson landed a hammerfist on the mat. Johnson on top landing punches and elbows to the body and head. Johnson got to mount and switched to armbar and Reis taps! Clinical, systematic and dominant performance from the best in the sport as Johnson ties Anderson Silva’s record for most consecutive title defenses.

Official Result- Demetrious Johnson def. Wilson Reis by submission (armbar) at 4:49 of Round 3 – Johnson retains UFC Flyweight Championship

UFC Kansas City Observer Panel Picks: Demetrious Johnson goes for history

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

UFC returns to “big” Fox tonight featuring a champion trying to make history.

In the Octagon’s debut in Kansas City, MO, flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will attempt to match Anderson Silva’s UFC record of 10 straight title defenses as he puts his title up against Wilson Reis. While this is Reis’ ninth fight in the UFC, it’s the first time the Brazilian will have ever fought on a main card.

In the co-main event, former title challenger Rose Namajunas takes on the former Invicta atomweight champion Michelle “Karate Hottie” Waterson while we also get a key middleweight tilt with overdue title challenger Jacare Souza vs. rising start Robert Whittaker, who comes in on a six-fight win streak.

For our other panel picks, we’re looking at a couple key prelim fights that will also air on Fox instead of FS1. Popular heavyweight Roy Nelson will attempt to hand former Bellator champion Alexander Volkov his first UFC loss as they square off, and in what could be a show-stealer, flyweights Tim Elliott and Louis Smolka go to battle. Elliott was last seen taking Johnson to the limit after he won his season of TUF.

If you’re new here, our panel picks are listed below and listed alongside the fighter’s names are their worldwide FightMatrix rankings, as well as BestFightOdds.com betting odds. The panelist’s 2017 records is in parentheses, and we also have panel consensus picks in addition to how the betting favorites did:

  • Dave Meltzer (19-9; .679) — Wrestling Observer publisher
  • Consensus Picks (19-9; .679)
  • Favorites (19-9; .679)
  • John Pollock (19-9; .679) — Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
  • Mike Sawyer (19-9; .679) — Tough Talk MMA publisher
  • David Bixenspan (18-10; .643) – Deadspin pro wrestling columnist; Between the Sheets podcast host
  • Steve Juon (18-10; .643) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
  • Mike Sempervive (17-11; .607) — Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
  • Ryan Frederick (16-12; .571) — WrestlingObserver.com UFC writer
  • Josh Nason (15-13; .536) — Host of Josh Nason’s Punch Out, WrestlingObserver.com assistant editor
  • Paul Fontaine (13-15; .464) — MMADraws.com publisher, WrestlingObserver.com writer
  • Front Row Brian (13-15; .464) — MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host

We are still waiting on picks from Dave Meltzer.

> UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson (25-2-1) vs Wilson Reis (22-6)

Johnson is the first and only flyweight champion in UFC history and he’s run through all the top contenders, some more than once. Reis, on a relatively modest three-fight win streak over the lower end of the division, is the latest to try and topple him from his throne.

Johnson already seems to be looking past this fight as he’s made some overtures toward challenging UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt which honestly might be the best challenge for Johnson at this point. His last loss was to former 135-pound champ Dominick Cruz and he’s not only won 11 straight fights, but he’s looked completely dominant in doing so.

Johnson is the biggest favorite on the card and there’s not much doubt what the outcome will be here, either with the betting public or from our panel.

  • Johnson #1; -700 betting favorite: Juon, FRB, Frederick, Sawyer, Pollock, Fontaine, Bix, Sempervive, Nason, Meltzer

> Rose Namajunas (5-3) vs Michelle Waterson (14-4)
STRAWWEIGHTS

One again, two of the most popular fighters in the 115-pound division get a featured fight on Fox. “Thug” Rose is coming off a tough split decision loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz, who went on to put up a tough fight against division queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk. If not for one judge’s scorecard, she’d be on a four fight win streak.

Waterson, meanwhile, destroyed Paige VanZant in the biggest and most high profile fight of her career in the main event of a highly rated show on Fox. She’s now 2-0 in UFC and if she gets past Namajunas, she’ll likely earn a title shot.

  • Namajunas #7; -122 betting favorite: Sawyer, Pollock, Fontaine, Nason, Meltzer
  • Waterson #11; +114 betting underdog: Juon, FRB, Frederick, Bix, Sempervive

> Jacare Souza (22-4) vs Robert Whittaker (17-4)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS

There is a lot of intrigue in this fight. Souza is the most feared submission expert in the division and if not for a controversial loss to Yoel Romero at UFC 194, he’d be on an 11-fight win streak. Division champion Michael Bisping has publicly stated on more than one occasion that he has no intention of defending against Souza who just re-upped for eight fights with the company Friday.

Whittaker comes in with six straight wins and the New Zealander may be that country’s best hope for a UFC world title as Mark Hunt’s career nears the end. If he should pull off the upset, he may be the next top challenger that Bisping spends time ducking.

Whichever guys comes out of this fight with a win will certainly earn a title shot. Whether he gets it is a completely different story.

  • Souza #5; -165 betting favorite: Juon, FRB, Frederick, Sawyer, Pollock, Fontaine, Sempervive, Meltzer
  • Whittaker #7; +180 betting underdog: Bix

> Roy Nelson (22-13) vs Alexander Volkov (27-6)
HEAVYWEIGHTS

This will be an interesting spectacle. Nelson is the most unlikely of heavyweight contenders with his terrible physique but he’s managed to carve out a successful career in UFC. Volkov looks like he’s built to be a champion but has lost some key fights in his career and did not look good at all in his UFC debut despite squeaking out a win over Timothy Johnson.

Nelson is on a mini career resurgence with two wins in his last three with the lone loss by split decision to rising contender Derrick Lewis. Volkov has won three straight, but two of those fights were in Russia against weaker opponents and his split decision win over Johnson in his UFC debut was generous at best. Prior to this win streak, he’s lost his last two fights in Bellator.

  • Nelson #12; +131 betting underdog: Frederick, Sawyer, Fontaine
  • Volkov #19; -140 betting favorite: Juon, FRB, Pollock, Bix, Sempervive, Nason, Meltzer

> Louis Smolka (11-3) vs Tim Elliott (13-7-1)
FLYWEIGHTS

In that title loss to Johnson, there were moments in the first round where it seemed Elliott could pull off the biggest upset in divison history. He ended up losing a one-sided decision but his stock rose in return to the UFC despite the loss.

At one point, Smolka seemed to be on the verge of a title shot but with two straight losses, he could be fighting for his job here. The Hawaiian is one of the best finishers in the division with three stoppages in his five UFC wins. In a division where the champion has mowed through most of the top contenders, he could be just a couple wins away from that elusive title shot. At just 25 years old, there’s still a lot of time for him to get his career back on track.

  • Elliott #10; -235 betting favorite: Juon, Frederick, Sawyer, Pollock, Fontaine, Bix, Nason, Meltzer
  • Smolka #17; +225 betting underdog: FRB, Sempervive

**********

The rest of the card:

> Jeremy Stephens (25-13) vs Renato Carneiro (10-0-1)
FEATHERWEIGHTS

  • Stephens #7; -167 betting favorite
  • Carneiro #48; +160 betting underdog

> Tom Duquesnoy (14-1) vs Patrick Williams (8-1)
BANTAMWEIGHTS

  • Duquesnoy #19; -700 betting favorite
  • Williams NR; +660 betting underdog

> Rashid Magomedov (19-2) vs Bobby Green (23-7)
LIGHTWEIGHTS

  • Magomedov #29; -330 betting favorite
  • Green #61; +300 betting underdog

> Devin Clark (7-1) vs Jake Collier (10-3)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

  • Clark #66; -137 betting favorite
  • Collier #70 at middleweight; +130 betting underdog

> Anthony Smith (26-12) vs Andrew Sanchez (9-2)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

  • Smith #40; +309 betting underdog
  • Sanchez #33; -303 betting favorite

> Aljamain Sterling (12-2) vs Augusto Mendes (6-1)
BANTAMWEIGHTS

  • Sterling #17; -400 betting favorite
  • Mendes #40; +365 betting underdog

> Nathan Coy (15-6) vs Zak Cummings (20-5)
WELTERWEIGHTS

  • Coy #76; +420 betting underdog
  • Cummings #34; -400 betting favorite

> Ketlen Vieira (7-0) vs Ashlee Evans-Smith (5-1)
WOMENS BANTAMWEIGHTS

  • Vieira NR; +185 betting underdog
  • Evans-Smith #16; -199 betting favorite

Action begins with the Fight Pass prelims at 4 PM EST and moves over to Fox at 6 PM EST. The main card continues on Fox at 8 PM EST, covered by our Ryan Frederick, who will be live at cageside.

– UFC Kansas City preview with Josh Nason & Sean Wheelock

– UFC Kansas City discussion on the Boardincluding Ryan Frederick’s extensive preview of the card and fighter notes

UFC on FOX 22 live results: Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 22: VanZant vs. Waterson, eminating from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the women’s strawweight division as rising contender Paige VanZant looks to score another win inside the Octagon as she takes on Michelle Waterson. VanZant is looking to score her second straight win and continue the rise in her growing popularity. Waterson fights for the first time since July 2015, and she has won seven of her last eight fights.

The co-main event sees a pair of welterweights looking to continue their breakout careers in 2016 as Sage Northcutt takes on Mickey Gall. Gall is coming off a big win over C.M. Punk in Punk’s MMA debut in September, and he called out Northcutt for this fight. Northcutt has become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC since his debut just over a year ago.

This event will also mark the final fight in the illustrious career of Urijah Faber, as he fights one last time in his hometown. Faber is a former WEC Featherweight Champion, but he was never able to capture gold in the UFC. Despite that, he remains one of the more popular fighters in the sport, and brings his potential hall of fame career to an end in his 45th career fight. He will be taking on Brad Pickett on the main card.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 3:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

Some additional coverage:
– UFC On FOX 22 Observer Panel Predictions
– UFC On FOX 22 Betting & Fantasy Playbook

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT

> Bojan Velickovic (14-3-1, 1-0-1 UFC) vs. Sultan Aliev (13-2, 0-1 UFC)
Welterweights

The first round was standing early with Velickovic having an edge before Aliev decided to take the fight to the mat. Both men did solid work on the mat before getting to the feet with seconds remaining. It was close but I had Aliev winning the first round, 10-9.

Velickovic was winning the standing in the second round, but Aliev scored two takedowns and did some good work from the top position. He had nothing for Velickovic standing. Aliev’s round in the second, 10-9, and up 20-18.

Aliev got another takedown in the third. Velickovic worked for submissions but Aliev just grinded from the top. He didn’t do a whole lot in the fight whether standing or on top as Velickovic was more active all around. However, I think the judges will see him as the winner. I do as I had round three also 10-9 for Aliev, and him winning 30-27.

Aliev took the decision but only got the fight on two scorecards. Both of those scorecards were 30-27 for him. The third judge had it 29-28 for Velickovic, and I really don’t know how. I could see the first going to him, but neither the second or third. This was a very boring fight.

Official Result: Sultan Aliev def. Bojan Velickovic by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)

> Hector Sandoval (12-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Fredy Serrano (3-1, 2-1 UFC)
Flyweights

Sandoval was the pressure fighter in the first and landed more strikes and a takedown. Serrano couldn’t adjust during the round. Round one was 10-9 for Sandoval.

Sandoval dropped Serrano and almost finished him with a choke early in the second. Serrano was having trouble landing his strikes and Sandoval was picking him apart on the feet. It was another 10-9 round for Sandoval, and him up 20-18.

Sandoval got another takedown in the third and was winning the fight on the feet, tagging Serrano with a lot of punches. He was the better fighter in this one. I had round three 10-9 for Sandoval, and him winning the fight 30-27.

All three judges had it for Sandoval, with him winning all three rounds on two cards and 29-28 on the third. I’m not sure Serrano won a round there but at least it didn’t end up mattering. This was a solid fight.

Official Result: Hector Sandoval def. Fredy Serrano by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

> Eddie Wineland (#13, 22-11-1, 4-5 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (#14, 21-10-2, 8-5 UFC)
Bantamweights

They were trading punches back-and-forth. Mizugaki was getting the better of it Wineland then dropped Mizugaki with one punch, Mizugaki got up and then got dropped again and finished off by Wineland. Big knockout win by Wineland in the opening round. Mizugaki’s chin just can’t handle much of a punch anymore. Wineland dedicated the win to his kids and mentioned how he fights without handwraps on his hands.

Official Result: Eddie Wineland def. Takeya Mizugaki by TKO (punches) at 3:04 of Round 1

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> Leslie Smith (8-7-1, 2-3 UFC) vs. Irene Aldana (7-2, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Smith was tagging Aldana early and dropped her and nearly finished the fight. Aldana was able to survive the swarm and they were trading back and forth as a great opening round ended. Smith took the first 10-9.

Smith was really pressuring Aldana in the second and was landing some very good combinations, but Aldana was landing as well and was brutalizing the leg of Smith with kicks. Aldana then tagged Smith and had her rocked late in the round. It’ll be interesting to see how the judges scored this one as Aldana was backing up as Smith was pressuring, but Aldana landed the harder punches. I had it 10-9 for Aldana, and it tied up 19-19 after two. There is lots of action in this fight.

Smith was really pressuring Aldana and pushing her against the fence and landing more in the third. Aldana would circle away every time she was in trouble but was only really striking when it was returning. Smith landed more punches but Aldana’s seemed to have more power behind them. Aldana got a late takedown in looking to steal the fight but Smith charged with strikes late. A close third round that I had 10-9 for Smith, and I had her winning 29-28 overall.

Smith won on all three scorecards, two 29-28s and one 30-27. This is an early contender for fight of the night. Smith looked the best she has in the UFC so far.

Official Result: Leslie Smith def. Irene Aldana by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Josh Emmett (10-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Scott Holtzman (9-1, 2-1 UFC)
Lightweights

This was a good first round with both men landing solid strikes, and Emmett changed things up with two takedowns. Holtzman was able to get up both times and ended up scoring a takedown of his own late in the round. Holtzman was landing from the top late and was landing late and I think he stole the round at the end. I had it 10-9 for Holtzman.

Emmett landed a huge flurry in the opening minute and had Holtzman in a lot of trouble. Emmett tried to finish the fight but it looked to gas him out as Holtzman scored an easy takedown. Emmett reversed it though but Holtzman reversed that. Holtzman was landing knees and punches late as Emmett was breating heavy. Emmett rocked Holtzman late with a flying knee. A close round but I had it 10-9 for Emmett and it tied up 19-19 after two.

They were trading and then Emmett dropped Holtzman and swarmed on looking to take advantage. Both men were very tired. Holtzman was able to take the fight down despite a blatant fence grab by Emmett. It was really a grappling battle as each man was trying to do something to ensure they won the last round in a close fight. They traded shots late with both trying to close the fight strong. I had the last round 10-9 for Emmett and him winning 29-28. This is going to be close on the scorecards.

All three judges had it 29-28 for Emmett. He got a big reaction. This was a great fight and also in contention for fight of the night. Emmett thought he broke his hand.

Official Result: Josh Emmett def. Scott Holtzman by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> James Moontasri (9-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Alex Morono (12-3, 1-0 UFC)
Welterweights

They spent the first round on the feet. Moontasri hurt Morono with a left hand at one point and was trying all sorts of spin kicks throughout the round. He was showing good hand speed and good movement on the feet and Morono wasn’t able to do much outside of landing a couple of leg kicks. It was good action but far from the best round tonight. I had it 10-9 Moontasri.

They were trading on the feet in the second round. Moontasri was continuing with spinning stuff but was landing more. Morono was showing it on his body with it changing colors. Morono finally started timing the kicks and adjusted well and was landing some punches late. Morono cut Moontasri open with an elbow. Each man landed a spinning attack at the end. Another good action round between the two. I had it 10-9 for Morono and it tied 19-19.

Morono rocked Moontasri with a big right hand and was going for the finish with lots of big punches. Morono was tagging Moontasri at will as Moontasri had his hands low. Both men were breathing heavy but it was the pressure and punches of Morono that was making the difference. Both men were able to make it to the end, which was surprising. The third round was the most clear round as I had it 10-9 Morono. I had Morono winning 29-28 but the scores for the first two could go either way.

All three judges had it 29-28 for Morono. No post-fight interview for him. Solid fight but both men were very tired in the last round.

Official Result: Alex Morono def. James Moontasri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bryan Barberena (12-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Colby Covington (10-1, 5-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Covington got a couple of takedowns but wasn’t able to do much with them. Barberena was stronger on the feet but Covington was landing some good counters. Covington was relying primarily on his takedowns though. It likely got him the round, and I had it 10-9 for him.

Barberena was getting the better of Covington on the feet, so Covington decided to go back to the takedown game, punching his way there. He was having a much easier time taking Barberena down in the second, not that it was that difficult for him in the first. Barberena landed solid punches on the feet but this was Covington’s round again, 10-9, and I had him up 20-18. Covington has scored eight takedowns through two rounds.

It was more of the same in the third round. Barberena was slightly better on the feet but Covington was countering well and would switch everything up into takedowns. Barberena had no takedown defense in this fight. Covington ended the fight on top. Covington got three more takedowns in the third, making it eleven in all. Dominating performance for him. 10-9 Covington in the third, 30-27 overall for him. The crowd booed this fight.

All three judges had it 30-27 for Covington. No post-fight interview but a strong performance by Covington in this fight.

Official Result: Colby Covington def. Bryan Barberena by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Cole Miller (21-10 1 NC, 10-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Mizuto Hirota (17-7-2, 0-2-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Miller hurt Hirota early with a punch and went for a choke but couldn’t get it. Hirota ended up getting two takedowns and was controlling Miller from the top. Hirota ended the round on top with landing punches, but otherwise not a lot of action. Miller came out strong but Hirota came on as the round went on. A 10-9 round for Hirota.

Miller got taken down but grabbed a foot and used it to reverse. He wasn’t doing much on the feet despite being the taller fighter. That’s pretty much the story of every Cole Miller fight. Hirota reversed positions and was working on the top. There is not a lot going on in this fight. Hirota landed on top to end the round, a very boring round. 10-9 for Hirota in the second, with him up 20-18.

Miller looked absolutely awful in the last round. He was throwing slow punches and just gave up an easy takedown to Hirota, and then wasn’t doing anything on the bottom. It was almost like he just quit on the fight. Hirota was staying busy so he could keep this fight on the mat. This was one bad fight. An easy 10-9 round for Hirota, and I had him winning 30-27.

All three judges had all three rounds for Hirota, and he got one 10-8 round on one scorecard. There was really no other score. This fight was bad.

Official Result: Mizuto Hirota def. Cole Miller by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

> Henrique da Silva (12-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (8-0, 0-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Craig bloodied da Silva up before taking him down and working from the top. da Silva got up but Craig had a guillotine in but it wasn’t tight as he was in bad position against the fence on the bottom. da Silva got out and is gushing blood. They got to their feet and da Silva tried a lazy takedown and, well, it didn’t work out for him. 10-9 Craig in the first round.

da Silva didn’t look good in the opening moments of the second round but Craig looked just as tired. Craig pulled guard and was working for an armbar, got it, and da Silva tapped instantly. It was like da Silva just decided to give up and found the spot to tap out. A pretty bad showing for da Silva and Craig remains undefeated.

Official Result: Paul Craig def. Henrique da Silva by submission (armbar) at 1:59 of Round 2

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> Alan Jouban (14-4, 5-2 UFC) vs. Mike Perry (9-0, 2-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Jouban rocked Perry early but Perry was coming on strong with his kicks. Jouban got a takedown against the fence and Perry was looking uncomfortable on the ground but able to get up. Jouban landed a left hand but ate a head kick that rocked him. Perry was keeping his hands low and was eating some punches from Jouban. Good opening round but I have it 10-9 for Jouban.

Perry was starting to open up more but Jouban was landing more when he struck. Jouban rocked Perry with a left hand and a head kick. Jouban was landing body kicks and Perry was keeping his hands low. Perry would try and attack but he wasn’t landing on a lot of his attacks, and his head movement was pretty much non-existant. Jouban rocked and dropped Perry late with a left hand and that likely got him the round. It did in my eyes. 10-9 for Jouban, 20-18 Jouban after two.

Jouban was really aggressive in this round. He would fake a body kick and Perry would flinch like he was afraid to take it. It allowed Jouban to attack the legs of Perry with kicks. Perry was really slow this round and was just looking for the one punch. Jouban was teeing off on Perry. Perry was keeping his hands low, had no head movement and wasn’t working his feints or fakes in the third, and he looked tired. A real strong third round for Jouban as I had it 10-9 for him. I have the fight 30-27 for Jouban.

Jouban got the decision on all the scorecards. It was a really smart and disciplined fight from Jouban, and it exposed that Perry isn’t ready for that level of competition just yet.

Official Result: Alan Jouban def. Mike Perry by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

> Urijah Faber (#7, 33-10, 9-6 UFC) vs. Brad Pickett (25-12, 5-7 UFC)
Bantamweights

Faber was getting in-and-out of the pocket early and landed a big right hand on Pickett. They went to grapple and Pickett got a takedown. They got to their feet and Faber dropped Pickett with a big left hand and the crowd came unglued. Faber was landing punches and took the back and was landing punch after punch and this fight could’ve been stopped. Faber went for a rear-naked choke but switched to mount and was landing elbows. He went back to the back and Pickett is cut open pretty big. Pickett somehow survived the round but a huge 10-8 round for Faber.

Huge chants for Faber from the crowd. They were trading on the feet and Faber scored a takedown. Faber was working for the top and went for a guillotine choke but Pickett escaped to his feet. Faber got a late takedown. Another good round showing from Faber. 10-9 Faber in the second and him up 20-17.

Faber got an early takedown and was working in the guard of Pickett. They got to their feet and Faber scored another takedown. Faber went for another guillotine but Pickett blocked it and Faber ended in side control. They got to their feet and Pickett dropped Faber with a punch but Faber got right back up. It was actually a punch to the shoulder. Faber landed a knee to the body of Pickett. The crowd got loud for the last twenty seconds and exploded at the end of the fight. A great showing from Faber in his last fight. 10-9 Faber in the third, 30-26 Faber overall.

All three judges had it the same for Faber. He gave a speech and thanked everyone for supporting him on his amazing career and said he was ready to move forward.

Official Result: Urijah Faber def. Brad Pickett by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Sage Northcutt (8-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Mickey Gall (3-0, 2-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Gall got an early takedown. Neither was doing much on the ground and Northcutt tried to explode out from the bottom but Gall had a guillotine locked in. Northcutt was able to escape and had the top position. Northcutt landed a big hammerfist and they started talking trash to each other as Gall wanted him on the ground and Northcutt wanted him standing. Gall got another takedown. Northcutt is a really bad MMA wrestler. Gall’s takedowns got him the round 10-9.

Northcutt knocked Gall down with a left hand in the opening moments of round two. Gall is bleeding but he dropped Northcutt with a big right hand. Gall took the back and was looking for the choke. He got it locked in and Northcutt tapped out! Gall wins by submission with a rear-naked choke and improves to 4-0 in his career.

Gall said post-fight that he is dropping to 155 pounds and called out Dan Hardy for a fight if Hardy decides to return to fighting.

Official Result: Mickey Gall def. Sage Northcutt by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:40 of Round 2

> Paige VanZant (#7, 7-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Michelle Waterson (#11, 13-4, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They were each landing side kicks and some winging punches before going to a clinch. Waterson got a head-and-arm throw takedown and took the back of VanZant. Waterson has a rear-naked choke locked in and is looking to finish. VanZant is fighting it very hard but it is in very deep. VanZant goes out! Waterson submits VanZant in the opening round, VanZant went out cold and didn’t tap out.

Official Result: Michelle Waterson def. Paige VanZant by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:21 of Round 1

UFC On FOX 22 Betting & Fantasy Playbook

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Here’s some advice for your gambling and fantasy needs for Saturday’s UFC On FOX 22 event in Sacramento, California, headlined by Paige VanZant taking on Michelle Waterson in a five-round women’s strawweight bout on FOX.

MAIN CARD

Paige VanZant (7-2) vs. Michelle Waterson (13-4)

Betting Odds: VanZant (-115), Waterson (-105)
DraftKings Salaries: VanZant- $8,300, Waterson- $7,900
Key Statistic: Waterson hasn’t fought since July 2015
Analysis: VanZant and Waterson square off in the main event in what should be a very competitive bout. Waterson steps back into the Octagon for the first time in 17 months, so there will likely be some ring rust to shake off. VanZant showed more aggression in her last fight, and she should be looking to do the same against an opponent coming off the long layoff. Waterson has fought most of her career at 105 pounds, and she moved up in weight to get in the UFC, so she will be giving up a little bit of size. However, she has noticeably gotten a little bigger heading into this fight. VanZant’s striking was also much more improved in her last fight with Bec Rawlings, and she got a spectacular finish. Waterson is a better fighter than Rawlings, and she has some good striking and a good ground game. I feel like this fight will go 25 minutes. The betting odds are a pick ’em, and I favor VanZant in this fight. Both women would be solid fantasy plays, but I see more upside in VanZant. The extra ten minutes should give more scoring opportunities, and I feel she is a safe play.

Sage Northcutt (8-1) vs. Mickey Gall (3-0)

Betting Odds: Northcutt (-105), Gall (-115)
DraftKings Salaries: Northcutt- $8,000, Gall- $8,200
Key Statistic: Gall has never fought an opponent with UFC experience
Analysis: This one will be interesting as it is two marketable young fighters in a prime spot, but neither one is close to being ready for tough competition. Northcutt has actually beaten opponents who have won in the UFC. Gall has just three fights, all wins, but none against a true UFC fighter. Northcutt already has the edge there. Gall may actually be a better prospect in the future, but he is still unexperienced. Northcutt is not without his flaws, but his athleticism is great, and he is fast and powerful. He is moving back up to welterweight, and while he got his only career loss in that weight class, his growing size is more suitable for the division. Gall is going to have to pressure Northcutt and drag him down quickly, because Northcutt has shown to be lost most of the time on the mat. Northcutt will have the big edge on the feet. I’m surprised the betting odds and fantasy salaries are so close, and I think Northcutt is the easy play in this fight. He is definitely worth putting on your fantasy line-up, and I expect him to have a high draft percentage.

Urijah Faber (33-10) vs. Brad Pickett (25-12)

Betting Odds: Faber (-440), Pickett (+350)
DraftKings Salaries: Faber- $9,600, Pickett- $6,000
Key Statistic: Faber’s final career fight
Analysis: A future hall-of-famer and a bonafide legend of the smaller weight classes, Faber will walk to the Octagon for the final time in his career for his final fight. Pickett is also near the end of the road as a fighter, and this could be it for him as well. We could be treated to a special fight. Neither man is near their best, but Faber is still better at this stage. Pickett is coming off a bad loss, and Faber has been at least competitive in his recent fights. Pickett still packs some pop in his hands, but Faber is still more crafty on his feet. Faber is still the king of scrambles, and he has 19 wins by submission in his career. Pickett has been submitted five times in his career. This fight is better suited for Faber to end his career on a high note. Pickett is a big underdog, but he isn’t worth placing a bet on. Faber has the highest salary on the card, and you have to hope he gets a finish. He definitely has a big chance, but that is far from a guarantee. I would only roster him if you can afford to, though I do expect him in a high percentage of fantasy line-ups.

Alan Jouban (14-4) vs. Mike Perry (9-0)

Betting Odds: Jouban (+110), Perry (-130)
DraftKings Salaries: Jouban- $7,700, Perry- $8,500
Key Statistic: Each man has nine wins by knockout
Analysis: This one should be a slugfest and is a great bit of matchmaking. Both men are powerful strikers. Perry has won all of his professional fights by knockout. I don’t expect it to go to the ground, much, or even at all. Jouban has a more diverse arsenal, with some good wrestling and he is good in the clinch. Perry is more powerful, but his defense on the feet isn’t the greatest. He tends to leave his chin out there too much, and Jouban packs enough in his punches to make him pay. Jouban is also physically big, and that might be too much for Perry to bully around in a clinch. Jouban will also switch up his striking while Perry just looks to punch. With all of that being said, Perry has yet to lose, and Jouban has. Perry is the favorite here, and I favor him, but Jouban is a real live underdog play. When it comes to fantasy plays, both men are solid plays. It just depends on how you wanna fill your line-up. I feel this goes to a finish, and it’ll be a back-and-forth fight.

PRELIMS

Henrique da Silva (12-0) vs. Paul Craig (8-0)

Betting Odds: da Silva (-225), Craig (+185)
DraftKings Salaries: da Silva- $9,000, Craig- $7,200
Key Statistic: Each man has won all of their fights by finish
Analysis: Two undefeated prospects at 205 pounds highlight the prelims on Saturday. This should bring plenty of fireworks as both men have finished all of their opponents. Da Silva has had to come from behind in both of his fights in the UFC, but he has that Octagon experience while Craig is making his debut. Craig is tall for the division at six-foot-four, and he has some good submissions. Da Silva is powerful on his feet and is very aggressive in looking for the knockout. Da Silva is a big favorite due to his UFC experience, and that makes Craig a live underdog. This is a pick ’em fight in my view, and the winner is going to finish the loser. Craig is a great underdog play in fantasy.

Cole Miller (21-10 1 NC) vs. Mizuto Hirota (17-7-2)

Betting Odds: Miller (-105), Hirota (-115)
DraftKings Salaries: Miller- $8,100, Hirota- $8,100
Key Statistic: Miller has 15 wins by submission
Analysis: A very vocal and unhappy Miller steps back into the Octagon for perhaps the last time as he takes on Hirota at 145 pounds. Hirota is still in search of his first UFC win in his fourth appearance, and this may be his best chance thus far. Miller is long for the division and he uses his jab well, and he has an excellent ground game with 15 career submissions. Hirota is a good wrestler but he may not wanna play in the guard of Miller for very long. This is essentially a pick ’em fight in the betting odds and in fantasy. I like Miller as the better play here due to his knack for getting submissions. He has a very good chance of finishing Hirota and is a solid pick at $8,100.

Bryan Barberena (12-3) vs. Colby Covington (10-1)

Betting Odds: Barberena (+300), Covington (-360)
DraftKings Salaries: Barberena- $7,300, Covington- $8,900
Key Statistic: Both men each have one career submission loss
Analysis: Barberena and Covington will each be looking to score their third straight win when they square off on Saturday. Covington is the better prospect of the two, but Barberena has scored some upset victories in his last two fights. Barberena is the better fighter on the feet with more aggression, but Covington makes up for that in his huge takedowns and strong top game. He is very powerful and Barberena is going to be giving up some size. Barberena has been known to spring on an upset, so a bet on him wouldn’t be a bad option, though he is the underdog for good reason. I’m not sure I would play either one in fantasy as I expect it to go the distance. If I were to play one, it would be Barberena as an upset play.

James Moontasri (9-4) vs. Alex Morono (12-3)

Betting Odds: Moontasri (-110), Morono (-110)
DraftKings Salaries: Moontasri- $7,800, Morono- $8,400
Key Statistic: Neither man has scored a takedown in UFC competition
Analysis: Morono is going to be in his second UFC bout, and while he won his first, it was controversial and he wasn’t all that impressive. He’s not overly great at anything, and is the definition of low-level UFC fighter. Moontasri has struggled inside the Octagon, but he really should be the favorite in this fight, which he is not. He has flashy striking and knockout power, and we aren’t sure if Morono can take a punch. Morono isn’t a great wrestler either, and that is what Moontasri has struggled against in the past. Moontasri is a great underdog play, and he has a nice path to a knockout finish. He is worth a look for fantasy line-ups.

Josh Emmett (10-0) vs. Scott Holtzman (9-1)

Betting Odds: Emmett (-170), Holtzman (+150)
DraftKings Salaries: Emmett- $8,700, Holtzman- $7,500
Key Statistic: Holtzman lands on over 52% of his strikes
Analysis: Emmett is undefeated and from the Team Alpha Male camp, so he will have the crowd behind him in Sacramento. Holtzman is the better looking athlete and he’s good in every aspect of the fight. Emmett is a strong wrestler with some good power in his combinations. Holtzman is probably the better grappler, but Emmett is also good on the ground, and should be considering his training camp. It’s a close fight on paper, but Emmett is a decent-sized favorite, which makes Holtzman a good underdog bet. I would lean away from putting either of these two in your fantasy line-ups, though, as I expect a decision and not a lot of scoring opportunities.

Leslie Smith (8-7-1) vs. Irene Aldana (7-2)

Betting Odds: Smith (+255), Aldana (-310)
DraftKings Salaries: Smith- $7,100, Aldana- $9,100
Key Statistic: Aldana has never been the distance in her career
Analysis: Aldana is making her UFC debut coming over from Invicta, and she gets a good match-up against the veteran in Smith. Smith is just 2-3 inside the Octagon and has struggled to put together a good run. She is a brawler at heart, but she will lose a brawl against Aldana, who is very technical on her feet and has a lot of power. The only issue with Aldana is she lacks head movement at times. I don’t see this one going to the ground at all. Smith has been knocked out by opponents, and with Aldana’s power and crisp boxing, she should be the overwhelming favorite, which she is. Aldana is also a good fantasy play, and I would avoid Smith completely.

Eddie Wineland (22-11-1) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (21-10-2)

Betting Odds: Wineland (-225), Mizugaki (+185)
DraftKings Salaries: Wineland- $8,800, Mizugaki- $7,400
Key Statistic: Mizugaki has scored 15 of his 21 wins by decision
Analysis: Wineland looked like he was headed to the end of his career, but looked fresh in his knockout win over Frankie Saenz in July. Mizugaki has lost three of his last four, and he has been getting knocked out in those. That spells trouble here. Wineland is a strong striker with a lot of power, and he has great head movement and good counters. Mizugaki likes to grapple and push the pace, but Wineland has good defense and will be looking to exploit the chin early. Wineland is going to find a way to keep this standing. This is Wineland’s fight to lose. He is a great betting option, and his fantasy value is very good despite a high salary.

Hector Sandoval (12-3) vs. Fredy Serrano (3-1)

Betting Odds: Sandoval (-130), Serrano (+110)
DraftKings Salaries: Sandoval- $8,100, Serrano- $8,100
Key Statistic: Serrano competed in the Olympics in wrestling
Analysis: Both fighters need a win in this one, and Sandoval will have the crowd behind him in Sacramento. Serrano is an Olympic wrestler, but he’s getting into MMA late. He has shown good power against weaker competition, and struggled against Ryan Benoit in his last fight. Serrano is a better athlete but Sandoval is the better overall fighter with crisper combinations. They are even in fantasy salaries, but I really wouldn’t recommend having either in your line-up.

Bojan Velickovic (14-3-1) vs. Sultan Aliev (13-2)

Betting Odds: Velickovic (-160), Aliev (+140)
DraftKings Salaries: Velickovic- $8,600, Aliev- $7,600
Key Statistic: Aliev hasn’t fought since January 2015
Analysis: Aliev is coming in off of an almost two-year long layoff while Velickovic is looking to remain unbeaten in the UFC. If this fight stays on the feet, it will belong to Velickovic as he is the better striker and comes from a southpaw stance. Aliev is a sambo specialist and has a strong takedown game and is powerful from the top. Each man has a clear path for victory and I give Velickovic a slight edge in this one due to being more active. I wouldn’t play either in fantasy line-ups though Aliev would be the more tempting play with the lower salary.