Tag: Mickey Gall

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

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> 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

FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> 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.

CM Punk takes home (at least) $500,000 for UFC 203 fight

Posted on by Josh Nason

If people were angry at CM Punk for even getting a UFC opportunity, imagine the reaction at the revelation of Punk’s fight purse for his MMA debut.

MMAFighting.com’s Shaun Al-Shatti reported Monday afternoon that Punk will get $500,000 for his outing against Mickey Gall at Saturday’s UFC 203, according to numbers released by the Ohio Athletic Commission.

The 37-year-old was soundly beaten and submitted by Gall, who took home $30,000 ($15k show/$15k win) for the winning effort. Punk earned a flat fee, meaning there was no win bonus on the line.

As most who follow the sport know, that amount doesn’t include any non-disclosed bonuses or PPV points, so it’s fair to say that Punk — a former WWE star that is no stranger to PPV — may be getting even more for his debut effort.

Despite the performance, Punk said he will fight again. However, Dana White told Fight Network’s John Pollock that if he does fight it again, it probably won’t be in the UFC which raises some interesting options should TV-ratings hungry Bellator MMA take an interest. UFC 203 estimated PPV buyrates likely won’t be available for a few weeks, which may tell a bigger story about where Punk fights next.

Other large take-homes include UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic ($600k flat), Alistair Overeem ($800k flat), Fabricio Werdum ($375k which included win bonus), Travis Browne ($120k flat), and Urijah Faber ($160k flat).

CM Punk gets submitted in UFC debut, vows to fight again

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The evolution of CM Punk from professional wrestler to mixed martial arts fighter was completed at UFC 203 on Saturday night, but Punk was never really competitive in his UFC debut.

Mickey Gall immediately took Punk down. He started hitting Punk with shots and looked to get a choke. Punk valiantly avoided being finished for a bit, but Gall locked in a rear naked choke and Punk was forced to tap out just minutes into the first round.

In the post-fight interview, an emotional Punk said that in life you go big or you go home. He said the loss doesn’t mean that he’s going to quit or he’s going to stop. He vowed to fight again, and called it the second best night of his life behind marrying his wife.

After getting the win, Gall called out Sage Northcutt for his next fight.

Punk’s transition from the squared circle to the Octagon was a bumpy one, and many questioned whether this night would ever come. After leaving WWE in January of 2014, Punk announced later that year on the UFC 181 pay-per-view broadcast that he had signed with the UFC and would begin training for his debut.

Shortly after, Punk started training at Roufusport in Milwaukee, WI. But the road to his UFC debut was longer than expected. Punk suffered a shoulder injury in training in 2015 that delayed his progress. And just days after Gall defeated Mike Jackson at UFC Fight Night 82 to earn the spot as Punk’s opponent in his debut fight, Punk announced that he would have to undergo surgery for a herniated disc in his back.

UFC 203 live results: CM Punk vs. Mickey Gall; Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem, eminating from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

We’re looking for your thoughts on this show, as well as tomorrow’s Backlash show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worest match to [email protected]

The event is headlined by UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic making his first title defense against challenger, Alistair Overeem. In the co-main event, it is a heavyweight battle as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum meets Travis Browne in a rematch of their April 2014 bout won by Werdum. Also on the card is the MMA debut of former professional wrestler C.M. Punk, who makes his much-hyped Octagon debut against Mickey Gall.

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YANCY MEDEIROS (12-4 1 NC, 3-4 1 NC UFC) VS. SEAN SPENCER (12-5, 3-4 UFC)

First round:  Medeiros with a body kick.  Low kick by  Spencer.  Medeiros with a body punch.  Left by Spencer.  Spencer with a nice right.  Body kick by Medeiros.  Low kick by  Spencer.  Low kick by Spencer.  Body kick by Medeiros.  Left by Spencer.  Medeiros with a body kick which knocked Spencer to one knee.  Body kick by Spencer.  Lots of Whoo chants which often happen s at UFC shows.  Very close round.  10-9 Medeiros.

Second round:    Medeiros landed a left kick to the head which knocked Spencer down.  Medeiros grabbed a guillotine, but then let it go and got behind him and grabbed a choke and had it in deep for the submission.

DREW DOBER (16-7 1 NC, 2-3 1 NC UFC) VS. JASON GONZALEZ (10-2, 0-0 UFC)

First round:  Gonzalez hurt him with a punch.  Dober kicked him low.  Dober was given a warning.  Dober landing a flurry of punches.  He’s landing a lot of punches and the ref stopped it as Gonzalez went down.   The sequence was a right to the jaw, left to the jaw, a few punches missed or grazed, then a huge right, then a left and another right and it was over.  1:45

NIK LENTZ (26-7-2 1 NC, 10-4-1 1 NC UFC) VS. MICHAEL MCBRIDE (8-1, 0-0 UFC)

First round:  McBride missed weight by two pounds.  Lentz landed some punches.  He landed a knee to the head but McBride spun out of a choke attempt.  Lentz got behind him and took him down into back control.  Lentz with a knee to the body and another trip takedown.  McBride back up.  Lentz  got him down again.  McBride trying for a leg lock.  Lentz throwing punches from back position.  Lentz tried a guillotine again but McBride out.  Lentz throwing punches.  Lentz throwing some punches and elbows from back control.  10-9 Lentz.

Second round:  McBride landing punches.  Lentz landing  punches.  McBride seems real tired  but put Lentz down and has his back.  Lentz is back up. McBride with punches and took him down again.  Lentz is trying for a guillotine.  Lentz got his back.  Lentz working for a head and arm choke.  Lentz landing a lot of punches from back position.  McBride put his thumb up like he was okay but the ref stopped it.

BRAD TAVARES (13-4, 8-4 UFC) VS. CAIO MAGALHAES (9-2, 4-2 UFC)

First round:  Magalhaes with a body kick.  Magalhaes got the takedown.  Tavares back up.  Tavares pushing Magalhaes up against the cage.  Not much happened this round.  Both trading knees at short range.  Magalhaes 10-9.

Second round:  Body kick by Magalhaes.  Body kick by Magalhaes  Good right by  Tavares.  Front kick by Tavares.  Low kick by Magalhaes.  Magalhaes got  a takedown but Tavares right back up.  Another close round, could go either way.  19-19

Third round:  Tavares pushed him into the fence.  Magalhaes working for a guillotine.  He let it go.  Tavares  landed punches.  Low kick by Tavares.  Both traded.   Body kick by Tavares.  Right by Tavares.  Body kick by Tavares.  Magalhaes with a left hook.  Right by Tavares and a high kick.  Magalhaes in with some punches.  Tavares with a knee.  Tavares definitely took this round, so I’ve got 29-28 but the first two rounds were close.

Scores:  29-28 Magalhaes 30-27 Tavares 29-28 Tavares

(#10) JESSICA EYE (11-5 1 NC, 1-4 1 NC UFC) VS. (#11) BETHE CORREIA (9-2, 3-2 UFC)

First round:  Eye is from Cleveland and is the big crowd favorite here.  Eye landed a right.  Nice right by  Correia.  Right by Eye.  Eye took her down but Correia was let back up.  Eye landing more punches.  Eye 10-9.

Second round:  Eye landing punches.  Both were landing punches.  Both were bleeding at this point.  Eye 20-18.

Third round:  Eye landing body kick.  Correia landed.  Both traded.  Eye landed  a left.  Correia landed  a left.  Correia landing more punches.  Both in a clinch and landing punches.  Correia’s round so 29-28 Eye.

Scores:  29-28 Correia 29-28 Eye 29-28 Correia.  The crowd is really upset.  Fact is this fight could have gone either way.

(#6) JESSICA ANDRADE (14-5, 5-3 UFC) VS. (#7) JOANNE CALDERWOOD (11-1, 3-1 UFC)

First round:  Andrade took her down.  Andrade cut over the left eye from an elbow.  Andrade with a high takedown into side control.  The cut look s nasty.  Andrade landing punches.  Short power bomb by Andrade.   Andrade landing punches.  Andrade with good punches.  Andrade back in side control.  Calderwood got half guard back.  Andrade working for a guillo0tine.  Calderwood tapped.  This was a strong one-sided win for Andrade. 

Jimmie Rivera (19-1) vs. Urijah Faber (33-9)

First round:  Front kick by Faber.  Nice right by Rivera.  Low kick by Rivera.  Very little happening.  Both are moving.  A quick trade.  Very hard to score because so little happened.  Faber may have a right hand injury because he’s not throwing the right.  Rivera 10-9.

Second round:  Low kick by Rivera.  Accidental low blow kick by Faber.  Rivera landed a few punches.  Low kick by Rivera put Faber down.  Right by Rivera.  Another low kick by Rivera.  Another low kick by Rivera.  Another low kick by Rivera.  Faber’s left knee looks swollen.  Another low kick by Rivera.  Hard low kick by Rivera.  Another low kick by  Rivera.  They traded punches.  Rivera’s round I’ve got it 20-18.  Boring fight.

Third round:   Both swinging.  Body kick by Faber.  Faber tried for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Right and left by Rivera.  Rivera dropped down for the takedown.  Low kick by  Rivera.  There was an accidental eye poke by  Faber.  Rivera back with punchds.  Rivera landed more late.  Rivera said he couldn’t see out of his right eye from that eye poke as soon as the match ended.  Rivera 30-27.  Boring fight.

Scores:   All three had it 30-27 for Rivera.  It’s sad to see Faber in this position.

Rivera was almost in tears about fighting Faber saying he grew up watching him.  He said he couldn’t see out of his right eye the last three minutes of the fight.  He told the doctor he wanted to finish the fight.  He kind of apologized for not finishing.  Rivera said he knew Faber doesn’t check kicks so he took advantage of that.

C.M. PUNK (0-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. MICKEY GALL (2-0, 1-0 UFC)

First round:  Mickey Gall came out to “Hey Mickey” after all the controversy so Dana gave in on that.  Punk came out to “Cult of Personality.”  Punk looked so happy coming out and just being in the cage.  It’s so weird how this is the real main event.  Punk got a big reaction.  Gall took him right down.  Gall landing big shots from the top.  Gall working for a guillotine.  Gall go this back and working for a choke.  Gall gave it up and punching and again working for a choke.  Gall landing lots of punches.  Gall is landing a lot of punches and again working for a choke.  Punk escaped.  Gall got it again and Punk tapped.  This was a one-sided slaughter.   This is just reality.  2:14

Gall said this has been crazy, it was a great opportunity, said people hate too much, he hated all the things people have said with Punk.  We’ll all be dead in 100 years fuck the hate.  He said this was a great opportunity for me, he said people may say you’re a gimmicky fight but I’m no gimmick.  He challenged Super Sage Northcutt next.  That’s exactly who he should have called out.  Exactly.

Punk’s right ear looks like hell.  Punk said this was a hell of a mountain to climb.  He said this doesn’t mean he’s going to stop believe it or not.  Said Mickey was a hell of a fighter.  Said this was the second best night of my life other than getting married.  Life’s about falling down and getting up and said to believe in yourself.  Sometimes the outcome won’t always be what you desire it to be but the true failure is not trying at all, This was the time of my life.

(#1) FABRICIO WERDUM (20-6-1, 8-3 UFC) VS. (#7) TRAVIS BROWNE (18-4-1, 9-4-1 UFC)

First round:  Werdum came out with a flying side kick that landed to the chin which was one of the best moves of the fight.  Wedrum went for  takedown.  Werdum tried a Jushin Liger koppo kick but that missed as well.  Werdum looks so slow.   Browne suffered a dislocated finger and popped it back in.  The dislocation came from a punch.  The referee went to stop the fight as an injury time out which makes no sense.  The fight should have been stopped.  They all argued about whether to allow the fight to continue and they let it continue.  Werdum with a body kick.  Werdum is now landing.  Werdum landing all kinds of punches.  Browne actually landed some punches.  Werdum with a spin kick to the body.  Browne landed a left.  Another left by Browne.  Low kick by Werdum. Brown landed a right.  Front kick by Werdum.  Browne threw him down.  Werdum with low kick.  Werdum dropped him with a right.  Werdum landing punches on the ground.  Werdum got his back.  Werdum working for a choke.  Werdum landing lots of punches from back position until the round ended.  10-8 Werdum.

Second round:   Spin kick by Werdum.  Werdum landing punches.  Werdum with a body kick.   Fans are booing as nothing is happening.  Browne with a front kick.  Werdum with a right to the chin.  Uppercut by Werdum.  Left by Browne landed.  Werdum is so slow.  Brown with a left hook to the body.  Crowd booing now.  Browne with a left.  Low kick by Browne.  Werdum tried another Liger kick that missed.  Werdum 20-17.

Third round:    Browne with low kick and another.   Werdum with a low kick.  Werdum tried a takedown but Brown easily blocked it.  Side kick by Werdum. Werdum landing punches.  Werdum landing more pucnhes and knees.  Browne  with high kicks.  Right by Browne.  Browne landed a right.  Werdum dropped down for a takedown that didn’t come close. Werdum landed a right.  Left by Werdum.  The crowd is booing this like crazy.  It’s really bad fight with both looking slow and doing little aside from Werdum having him in trouble late.  Werdum 30-26

Wedum started mocking the fans booing.  Werdum threw a kick at Edmond Tarverdyan (Browne’s trainer) when Tarverdayn started mouthing off to him.  There’s going to be trouble for that.  It was broken up quickly.  Bruce Buffer went to calm Werdum down.  Werdum’s corner was hot as well.

Scores: 29-28, 29-27 and 30-27 for Werdum. 

The crowd is booing Werdum heavily in his interview.  Werdum said it was a good fight blamed the booing on this being Stipe Miocic’s house.

UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION STIPE MIOCIC (15-2, 9-2 UFC) VS. (#3) ALISTAIR OVEREEM (41-14 1 NC, 6-3 UFC)

First round:   Loud Stipe chant.  Overeem moving backwards.  Body kick by Oveeeem.  Overeem just running away.  Overeem deked him with a left and put on a guillotine but Miocic is out of it.  That was insane.  Miocic landed a left but Overeem with a body kick and a left.  Miocic landed a right.  Miocic with good punches.  Miocic landed a good right.  Miocic landing good punches. Miocic landed punches and Overeem is running away.  Overeem with a body kick.  Overeem with an uppecut and knee to the body.  Loud “Stipe” chants.  Body kick by Miocic.  Left by Overeem and a body kick.  Body kick by Miocic.  Miocic landing several punches.  Miocic took him down and is pounding on him. Miocic finished him with punches on the ground.  Overeem was out after a series of punches on the ground.  That was a hell of a round.  This is one of the biggest celebration pops in UFC history.  Overeem was out cold.  They tried to get him on the stool and he fell back down.  4:27

Miocic interview.  Said Overeem kicked harder than he thought.  Said he kicked hard as f***.

Overeem said Stipe was the better man today, he’s a great athlete and he came to fight. Overeem said that Miocic tapped from the guillotine and the ref didn’t see it. He said it’s a bummer. He said he’s the better fighter but he wasn’t the better fighter.They showed the replay and no tap and the fans booed the hell out of it.  Now theyr’e going to look at it again. There was no tap. Overeem looked like the kid who lied and got caught red handed.      

The Day In Punk: CM Punk declines a handshake, prepares for UFC 203 battle

Posted on by Josh Nason

After 21 months, all that stands between CM Punk and his UFC debut is time.

As expected, Punk made weight Friday morning, hitting 170 on the nose. So much for all that weight cutting talk, eh?

Then, Punk got to the public weigh-ins with Mickey Gall and didn’t care about shaking his opponent’s hand. Gall started talking to him, but got nothing by a stoic look back. As Gall left, Punk let out some emotion and seemed genuinely excited about what’s to come.

So why didn’t Punk shake Gall’s hand? Let Mr. Brooks tell you.

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The UFC Embedded series has been a little slow to come out, but here’s episode 4. 

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Punk did a post for the Players Tribune that got released Friday where he talked about his decision to fight. It’s a good read, but your tl;dr version is that he’s happier now pursuing something he wants to be great at rather than stay in something he was good at. He’s saying all the right things that makes one believe win or lose Saturday, he’s going to be back. Otherwise, what’s all of this been for?

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If you missed any of our #PunkWeek coverage, here’s your catch-up:

– JNPO: John Pollock on CM Punk’s big week

– CM Punk’s bravery already makes him a winner

– A look at other pro wrestlers who have fought professionally

– How CM Punk can win Saturday

– Day In Punk (Tuesday): The fight license twist

– Day In Punk (Wednesday): Media day, 2-minute workout & hack journalists

– Day In Punk (Thursday): Weight cut issues, Mick Foley, a return to wrestling?

The Day In Punk: CM’s media day & 2-minute open workout, ‘hack journalists’

Posted on by Josh Nason

As part of the lead-in to UFC 203, several fighters held “open workouts” which are typically short and light workout sessions designed for fans and media to get a few pictures and soundbites.

CM Punk’s first workout even tested the definition of the word “light”. Try just over two minutes. I don’t know if this means anything, but the crowd seemed awfully light. 

Afterward, Punk answered questions for about nine minutes, most of which were the garden variety scrum stuff. He was asked about the mini-controvery that arose Tuesday about wheher his license should have even been issued by Ohio.

Punk said he really didn’t know anything about it and pondered why people are that concerned about it. When someone said they were worried about his well being, Punk shot back, “No, they’re not. They’re hack journalists trying to stir up sh*t.” 

Overall, he seems jovial for someone that is known for being a bit prickly.

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All four parts of the Punk mini-doc ‘Evolution of Punk’ are available on YouTube. It’ll take you about an hour and twenty minutes to get through them.

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The latest episode of Embedded was released featuring Punk in a cryo-chamber and leaving Sweet Home Chicago for Cleveland. Also, Stipe Miocic gets a new suit, Jessica Eye gets ready for a first pitch, Alistair Overeem’s sunglasses are still on fleek, and Mickey Gall arrives.

On a side note, Dana White kiboshed Gall’s original choice for entrance music. 

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In case you missed it, Paul Fontaine took a look at past pro wrestlers who went into MMA. From Bart to Brock to Batista, this is well-worth the read.

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Ariel Helwani tweeted that he was able to do his annual sitdown interview with Punk that should drop Thursday night.

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Kevin Iole did a column/feature on Punk. You can also see a Doug Gottlieb interview with Punk embedded there as well.

#PunkWeek: How CM Punk can win at UFC 203

Posted on by Dan Velten

Editor’s Note: As part of our #PunkWeek coverage leading up to former WWE champion CM Punk’s UFC/MMA debut Saturday at UFC 203, we enlisted someone that has been in the cage before to outline how the underdog can win in his debut. 

I know how CM Punk can win. I know his strategy, because I am basically CM Punk.

Given our similar histories, here’s how we both stack up physically and how I would fight Gall if it was my first professional fight.

Tale Of The Tape

– Phil “CM Punk” Brooks: 37, 6’2″, 185, 0-0 record, BJJ rank unknown (but at least a blue)

– Dan “PeachMachine” Velten: 38, 6’1″, 177.5, 5-2 amateur MMA record, BJJ rank purple belt

While our age is nearly the same, our size is remarkably similar as well. I’ve fought every match at welterweight (170), and the most I’ve ever needed to cut to get there was about 15 pounds. Punk would have the slight size edge on me as he does on the 5’11” welterweight-sized Gall, but I don’t think it will mean much.

Punk has never had an official “anything real” match, but don’t buy that “untested” nonsense. He rolls hard in BJJ practice. He spars hard doing stand up. He’s been hit. He’s been a fan of MMA since the beginning, done private lessons with Rener Gracie, and has spent time learning striking, even while in the world of professional wrestling. He’s a rookie in the cage, but not to the sport. 

Other Similarities:

– We have both suffered a number of concussions. I once was able to recall 14. That was some time ago, but I’ll go with that. Punk once said the number 20, but who knows? We’ve both had some brain damage; that we can agree upon.

– In BJJ, I have a purple belt while Punk had previously refused to be belted (although he was seen getting a stripe on his white belt on an episode of his FS1 documentary). That said, I have no idea how good he actually is in the sport of BJJ. Lucky for him, that doesn’t matter much in the cage. I’m nowhere near an amazing grappler as anyone who saw the Grappling Battle of the Empire knows that.

However, I was usually able to make my BJJ work for me in the cage. I’ve talked to people who have rolled (sparred) with him and I’m fairly certain he’s better than he’s letting on.

– We have both had various injuries. We’ve both broken bones, noses, and knees. We both have permanent back issues. A life as a professional wrestler, takes its toll. Not all of that tape is for show.

– Punk has performed in front of thousands of fans. I certainly have not done that. Still, it’s a lot different when that man across the cage from you really wants to hurt you. I’ve never done media or pressers. In fact, the closest I’ve been to fame is when I won a free Metallica T-shirt for calling into a radio station.  

How I Would Fight Mickey Gall

Gall has one key advantage: his youth. Gall is only 22. When Punk was 22 not drinking at parties and getting down to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre”, Gall was in the first grade sounding out Cuh-Aht. Cuhat. Cat. YAY!

In the fight game, youth is king. Think about how much fight you had when you were 22. When Punk was around 22, he was known for having a bit of a temper. You may recall an incident at a TNA PPV from Nashville at the White Trash Cafe involving Punk and Teddy Hart.

We all had a lot more gusto at that age which equates to energy production. Gall is going to start fast and put the pressure on Punk. If Punk lets that happen by going straight in or straight back, he’ll be on his butt before he even knows what happened. Punk can’t let himself get dragged into a fight by just swinging wildly.

Here is what I expect from Punk:

He will try and stand for about 30 seconds. I’m sure he’ll want to show off his hands before getting it to the ground, which is probably where he thinks he can win. I agree. He’s got the most experience on the ground, and we know Gall is willing to go there. I do expect Gall to take him down because he probably thinks he can get another fast submission which he absolutely should go for. Unfortunately, that plays into Punk’s one potential strength: the ground.

Punk needs to get ready to pull guard. He’s too slow to evade for very long so he needs to try and catch Gall with hands on his way in for a takedown and then grab a hold and drag it to the mat. Punk’s first objective should be to make it a ground fight because that’s how he can win: submission.

The only area where youth can hurt you may be on the ground. Often, we see guys get too aggressive trying to force a submission and they lose position. Gall is susceptible to this. I expect a grappling battle, and I expect Punk to catch him.

Punk wouldn’t be fighting if he didn’t think he could win which makes him dangerous. Punk needs to play defense on his feet, get it to the ground, be patient and work. I’m literally betting he’s better than we all expect, or else, he wouldn’t have signed the contract. 

Check out WrestlingObserver.com daily this week as we have more content dedicated to CM Punk’s debut at UFC 203.

CM Punk: ‘I’m not trying to talk anybody into the building on this one’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ahead of his first mixed martial arts fight against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 on September 10th, CM Punk spoke with the MMA media on a conference call on Thursday afternoon.

Punk has been more subdued than in his professional wrestling career when building the fight, and our Josh Nason asked him if the wrestling promos that he was famous for are something that he has left in his past.

“I don’t see the need for it, you know? People either love me or hate me already. I’m not trying to talk anybody into the building on this one. I think the allure is just the fact that it’s happening, you know what I mean? And the story writes itself, so it’s not a fabricated thing where I need to, kind of create some drama between me and Mickey.” Punk said.

“We’re going to fight. That’s the beauty of it, you know? It doesn’t need to be a weird verbal p*ssing contest. I think some of these guys, while it is entertainment and it’s the sh*t talk business, I just don’t see it, I don’t see it happening this time.”

Punk later said that it was nice not having to carry a company on his shoulders and claimed he wasn’t worried about how many pay-per-view buys the show would do.

And when asked by Nason who was going to be in his corner for the fight, Punk jokingly said they wouldn’t allow Bret Hart to accompany him.

The full conference call is available to listen to here.

UFC 203: CM Punk & Mickey Gall conference call audio

Posted on by Josh Nason

The promotional hype for CM Punk’s Octagon debut at UFC 203 is now in full swing with his documentary series airing on FS1 and his first media day in Milwaukee now a wrap.

Mr. Brooks and opponent Mickey Gall will chat with the national media on a conference call Thursday afternoon which you can listen to live below starting at 4 PM EST.

Punk is making his long-awaited MMA debut at the Cleveland, OH, show against the 24-year-old Gall, a 2-0 fighter who made his UFC debut by running through Mike Jackson in February. 

The 37-year-old Punk announced his new career intentions in December 2014 without a weight class or training school picked out. Settling on Milwaukee-based RoufuSport, Punk began his journey which has had stops and restarts due to injury. 

The show is headlined by heavyweight champion and Cleveland native Stipe Miocic defending his title for the first time against Alistair Overeem with former champion Fabricio Werdum taking on injury replacement Travis Browne. 

We’ll have full coverage of Punk’s fight week in the week ahead.

UFC Fight Night 82: Hendricks vs. Thompson weigh-in results and live video

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of the UFC Fight Night 82: Hendricks vs. Thompson weigh-ins from the Grand Ballroom at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fighters will hit the scale at 7 PM eastern time. The card airs on Saturday with the main card on FOX Sports 1 at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off at 7 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass before heading over to FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary bouts. This event was originally scheduled to be UFC 196 headlined by a UFC Heavyweight Championship bout, but was moved to a free card on FOX Sports 1 after both Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez pulled out of the main event due to injuries. This will be the UFC’s first Super Bowl Weekend card to be featured on free television.

The event is now headlined by a five-round bout in the UFC’s welterweight division as former UFC Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks looks to get back into a title fight as he takes on rising contender Stephen Thompson, winner of five straight bouts. In the co-main event on the evening, it will be former TUF winner and fan favorite Roy Nelson looking to end a three-fight losing skid as he takes on Jared Rosholt, winner of three straight fights. In an interesting bout headlining the preliminary portion on UFC Fight Pass, it will be Mickey Gall taking on Mike Jackson in a bout where Gall, if he wins, means he will take on C.M. Punk in Punk’s UFC debut later this year.

MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
Johny Hendricks (170) vs. Stephen Thompson (170)
Roy Nelson (258) vs. Jared Rosholt (245)
Ovince Saint Preux (206) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (205)
Joseph Benavidez (125) vs. Zach Makovsky (125)
Misha Cirkunov (206) vs. Alex Nicholson (201)
Mike Pyle (170) vs. Sean Spencer (170)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT):
Josh Burkman (156) vs. K.J. Noons (156)
Derrick Lewis (263) vs. Damian Grabowski (235)
Ray Borg (125) vs. Justin Scoggins (125)
Noad Lahat (145) vs. Diego Rivas (144)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT):
Mickey Gall (170) vs. Mike Jackson (170)
Artem Lobov (145) vs. Alex White (145)

Dana White confirms potential opponent for CM Punk debut

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Over a year after officially signing with the UFC, it appears as if CM Punk may finally have a date, location and potential opponent for his first professional MMA fight: July 9th in Las Vegas at UFC 200.

The potential opponent is Mickey Gall, a 1-0 welterweight from New Jersey who is currently ranked at #63 on the list of northeastern United States welterweights on Tapology.com. At 5-11 and 23 years old, he will make his UFC debut at February 6th’s UFC 196 against Michael Jackson, who will be making his professional debut on the show. This clearly looks like a showcase fight for Gall, who has been told that should he win the fight, he’ll get the Punk match at UFC 200 in July.

Dana White appeared on TSN’s Off the Record with Michael Landsberg and confirmed all of this. He also confirmed that Ronda Rousey will not be fighting at UFC 200 but did speculate on who he’d like to see on the card. Landsberg brought up the possibility of GSP-Lawler and White said that would be awesome and also speculated that Anderson Silva could be a possible opponent for GSP, should he return.

The Gall-Jackson fight will be on the Fight Pass prelims of UFC 196. White also confirmed that Punk will be in attendance at the fight. 

Gall has been speculated as Punk’s potential opponent for the last week or so after being featured on Dana White’s Looking for a Fight YouTube series. He trains with the Gracie New Jersey Academy and fought in front of White at a regional show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia (the former ECW Arena in another pro wrestling tie-in).