Tag: renan barao

UFC Fight Night 95 Brasilia live results: Cris Cyborg vs. Lina Lansberg

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 95: Cyborg vs. Lansberg, eminating from Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil.

The event is headlined by a five-round catchweight bout as one of the best womens’ fighters in the world, Cris Cyborg, steps inside the Octagon for the second time to take on newcomer Lina Lansberg at 140 pounds. In the co-main event, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao looks to get back in the win column against Phillipe Nover.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

Some additional coverage:
– UFC Fight Night 95 DFS Playbook

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

Commentary team for tonight is Dominick Cruz and Jon Anik. 

> Glaico Franca (13-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gregor Gillespie (7-0, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Gillespie is 4 years older, at 29. Franca has a 3 inch height and 6 inch reach advantage. Franca is the -145 betting favorite. Camila Albuquerque is the referee.

ROUND 1 – Crowd is really loud and reacting to every hard shot that lands from Franca and singing right out of the box. Gillespie cut under the left eye from strikes less than a minute in.

Gillespie takes it to the cage in a clinch battle and the crowd not liking that at all. Gillespie gets him down about 3:00 in and takes his back as well but not doing much damage.

Franca escapes and gets to his feet and the crowd explodes. Franca looking really tired and gets taken down again right before the end of the round. 10-9 Gillespie

ROUND 2 – Both guys landed hard shots early, including a flying knee from Franca but Gillespie took him down again 1:00 in. Franca up fairly quickly.

Crowd getting restless as Gillespie continously trying to get it to the ground and finally does again at 3:30. Gillespie quickly into side control and landing elbows to the head while maintaining control for the rest of the round. 10-9 Gillespie, 20-18

ROUND 3 – Even though Gillespie is clearly winning, you wouldn’t know it by looking at the faces of the two guys. Gillespie takes it right to the cage to start and gets a takedown 90 seconds in. 

Gillespie moves into mount fairly easily but not doing a a lot of damage with the position. Franca worked him back into guard at 3:00 but can’t get to his feet.

Gillespie gets mount back at 3:30 and landing more punches now. Franca gives up his back and eating a ton of punches as the round ends. 10-8 Gillespie, 30-26 overall

RESULT – GREGOR GILLESPIE (8-0) by unanimous decision (29-27 x 3)

HOT TAKE – Gillespie completely dominated Franca and will be in the UFC to stay. He did eat a lot of hard punches early and guys in the upper end of this division will hit harder and do more damage. He’s pretty small for lightweight and may have to drop a weight class. But his wrestling is very, very good. 

Gillespie put over the crowd iin his post-fight interview but didn’t do a call-out or really say much of anything. 

> Vicente Luque (9-5-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Hector Urbina (17-9-1, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Luque is 5 years younger and has a 2 inch reach advantage. Urbina looks like the Mexican Briscoe brother. Fernando Portella is the ref. 

ROUND 1– Urbina tried to take it to the mat early but Luque escaped. Luque all over Urbina with punches 1:00 in and Urbina crumples to the canvas as the place explodes. 

WINNER – VICENT LUQUE (10-5-1) by KO (punches) at 1:00

HOT TAKE – You have to be careful when dealing with two guys this inexperienced to say they’ll be contenders but Luque looked really good here. At just 25, he’s clearly got a bright future. Crowd loved him in his post-fight interview. He showed class in not following him to the mat and landing a couple extra shots when his opponent was clearly out. 

> Alan Patrick (13-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Stevie Ray (19-5, 3-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Patrick is the Brazilian here and the obvious crowd favorite. He’s also a +140 betting underdog.

Ray is 7 years younger and one inch shorter. Patrick has a 4 inch reach advantage. Mario Yamasaki is the referee.

ROUND 1 – Patrick rushes in for a takedown away but can’t hold him down. Crowd explodes for it though. He gets another one but Ray reverses into top position on the way down and transitions to an armbar.

Patrick to his feet but Ray still holding onto the armbar and he’s in a headstand position. Patrick escapes and the crowd explodes again. 

Patrick gets another takedown but can’t really do anything in Ray’s guard. He advances to half guard at 3:30 and trying to set up a head and arm choke. 

Tough round to score as Patrick was on top the whole round but did no damage and Ray at least had submission attempts. 10-9 Ray but could easily see Brazilian judges giving it to Patrick

ROUND 2 – Patrick gets a takedown 15 seconds in after a weak guillotine attempt from Ray. Patrick again just holding him down and not really trying to advance or do damage. 

Crowd actually not liking this fight even though the Brazilian is in a dominant position. He takes Ray’s back at 2:45 and that wakes them up. Ray works him back to guard quickly though.

Ref stands them up at 3:30 as nothing was happening. Ray gets a guillotine off a takedown attempt and ends up taking Patrick’s back on the ground. 

Ray with a full bodylock and landing punches to the head in the last minute. 10-9 Ray, 20-18 overall but another close round.

ROUND 3 – Ray is definitely the fresher guy coming out for this round. Ray has to know that with two close rounds he could actually be down with Brazilian judges. 

Patrick gets a takedown 30 seconds in and again just lays in his guard. Patrick slightly more active with striking from the top in this round. 

Ray working for a key lock from the bottom and with that, Patrick starts throwing even more punches. Patrick escapes and working for one of his own around the 3:30 mark.

Patrick transitions to kind of an armbar in the last 30 seconds and rides out the round on top. 10-9 Patrick. I’ve got 29-28 Ray overall but I’m pretty sure judges will give it to Patrick. 

RESULT – ALAN PATRICK (14-1) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 2; 30-27)

HOT TAKE – Patrick showed almost no finishing instinct and will get lit up by anyone with better takedown defence than Ray. But it was a good win. Ray had won 5 straight prior to this and isn’t going anywhere but he now has something to work on. 

Patrick put over his coach Jacare Souza and pleaded for a post-fight bonus award. It’s one thing when someone does that after a KO or sub….but there is no chance in hell he’s getting a bonus off this fight. 

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Erick Silva (18-7 1 NC, 6-6 UFC) vs. Luan Chagas (14-1-1, 0-0-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Both guys are from Brazil. Chagas is nine years younger, at 3 and has a one inch reach advantage. Osiris Maia is the referee. 

ROUND 1 – Pretty tentative start from both guys. Silva landing hard body kicks. Chagas drops Silva with a punch combo 2:00 in but he gets up quickly.

It’s notable that all of Silva’s UFC wins have been first round stoppages. Both guys starting to throw and land more in the second half of the round. 

Chagas’ midsection is reddened from the body kicks of Silva. Silva eating a lot of punishment himself though. Silva drops Chagas with a combo and all over hiim with punches with 15 seocnds left. 10-9 Silva as that last exchange stole it for him. 

ROUND 2 – Silva nailed with a low blow seconds into the round as Jon Anik points out again that Silva hasn’t won a fight that’s gone past the first round in UFC.

Silva defends a takedown attempt on the restart and ends up in top position. Silva scoring with punches and elbows from top position and then takes his back briefly but Chagas  escapes and to his feet. 

Chags drops Silva with a punch and goes into his guard. Silva seems okay but eating elbows from Chagas. Chagas takes his back 3:00 in. 

Silva works him back into guard but still eating punches and elbows. Chagas gains mount at 3:45 and goes for an armbar. Silva escapes and ends up in top position. 

Both guys are exhausted in the last minute. Silva takes his back with 15 seconds left and gets a choke but Chagas saved by the bell. 10-9 Chagas, 19-19 after 2

ROUND 3 – Silva had pretty much abandoned the body kicks halfway thru the first but lands a hard one early in this round. Chagas tried to take it to a cage clinch but the ref broke it up really quickly as he was clearly just stalling. 

Silva is clearly the fresher fighter and landing more through 2:00. Silva just picking him off with punches and lands a nice head kick at 2:30. 

Chagas just wandering around and eating jabs at will from Silva. Chagas missed a takedown badly and Silva quickly takes his back and secures a rear naked choke for the win.

RESULT- ERICK SILVA (19-7) by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:57 of Round 3

HOT TAKE – This was a very different Erick Silva. He was patient, measured and never tried to do too much. He badly needed this win after 2 straight losses and should get at least a couple more years of UFC fights after this performance. Chagas was clearly overmatched here but now is winless in 2 UFC fights. 

> Jussier Formiga (#3, 18-4, 4-3 UFC) vs. Dustin Ortiz (#12, 15-5, 4-3 UFC)
Flyweights

Formiga is the Brazilian here. He’s 4 years older, at 31 and has a 2 inch reach advantage. Camila Albuquerque is the ref.

ROUND 1 – Formiga gets a takedown right away and passes into side control 45 seconds in. Ortiz gets him back into guard and also lands a lot of punches from the bottom.

Formiga again gains side control at 1:45 but as of yet he hasn’t done much with the position. Ortiz still landing strikes from the bottom. 

Ortiz sweeps into top position at 2:15. Formiga actually more active from his back with a couple submission attempts. Crowd booing after the 4:00 mark as Ortiz just holding him down and not even trying to advance. 

Formiga to his feet as the round ends. Tough round to score as each guy had about equal control time and no real damage done by either. 10-9 Formiga but really close to a 10-10

ROUND 2 – Formiga again gets an early takedown. Ortiz again landing light strikes from the bottom while Formiga seems to be setting up a triangle choke. 

Formiga takes his back at 1:45 after briefly getting mount. Formiga with a full body lock and working for a rear naked choke, which he’s one 1/3 of his fights with. 

Formiga landing punches to the body while continuously working for the choke. Ortiz did a good job defending the choke for the round but not enough to escape a 10-8 Formiga round. 20-17 overall

ROUND 3 – Ortiz pretty fresh to start the third and much more active on his feet. Formiga takes his back standing at 2:00 though and takes him down. 

Formiga get the body lock quickly and it’s looking a lot like the second. Formiga patiently trying to set up the rear naked choke but Ortiz doing a good job defending. 

Ortiz actually reverses the position with 15 seconds left and ends the round on top. Enough to escape another 10-8 round but he’s lost this fight. 10-9 Formiga, 30-26 overall

RESULT – JUSSIER FORMIGA (19-4) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27 and 29-28)

HOT TAKE – First round was close so nothing wrong with any of those scores. Formiga earned a title shot off of this one as he’s highest ranked contender who’s never received one. Just not sure if or when he’ll get it. You don’t get the sense that he’d beat Mighty Mouse but his ground game is world class and he should at least get a chance. Ortiz is tough and will never contend for a title but deserves to be in the top 15.

> Rani Yahya (22-8 1 NC, 7-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Michinori Tanaka (11-1, 2-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

Yahya is the Brazilian native. Tanaka is 25 and 7 years younger. He’s also 1 inch shorter but with a slight reach advantage.  Fernando Portella is the ref.

ROUND 1 – Yahya with a takedown early and secures an arm triangle choke. Tanaka desparately trying to fight it off and Cruz explains why Tanaka will eventually just pass out due to the nature of the choke. 

Tanaka escapes at 2:45 but Yahya still on top. Yahya easily into side control but Tanaka escapes, gets to his feet and gets a quick takedown of his own. 

Yahya tying him up from the bottom and working for another triangle. Tanaka landing punches and knees to the body in the last minute. 10-9 Yahya

ROUND 2 – Nice grappling exchange 30 seconds in that ends up with Tanaka in top position but Yahya ends up taking his back. Tanaka gets to his feet quickly though.

Yahya dominated the grappling for the rest of the round, constantly taking him down, advancing position but Tanaka would always manage to briefly get up.

Tanaka ended the round on top but clear 10-9 Yahya and 20-18 overall

ROUND 3 – They go to the ground right away again and Tanaka ends up on top. Crowd booing heavily but Tanaka very active on top, landing a lot of punches to the head. Ref stands them up at 1:45, which was kind of bad.

Tanaka takes him down right away again and again landing a lot of punches to the head and body. Yahya working for submissions from the bottom but Tanaka easily defending. 

Tanaka gets him in a crucifix position and working for an armlock. Yahya reverses though and ends up on top and the crowd like that. 

Yahya takes the back with a minute left but Tanaka ges to his feet. Tanaka landing punches to the head as the round end but should be another 10-9 Yahya. 30-27 overall

RESULT – RANI YAHYA (23-8) by unanimous decison (29-28 x 3)

HOT TAKE – Not sure which round  Tanaka won there, maybe the third. Doesn’t matter as the right guy won. This was kind of a boring fight but Tanaka was 11-1 coming in and Yahya dominated him for his 5th straight win. He’s probably earned a spot in the top 15 with that or at least should get a fight with a top 15 guy next. 

> Gilbert Burns (12-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Michel Prazeres (20-2, 4-2 UFC)
Lightweights

In regards to the last round of the last fight, I almost definitely should’ve scored it for Tanaka. Osiris Maia is the ref for this one. 

ROUND 1 – Prazeres with an early knockdown but won’t follow Burns to the mat. Both guys landing a lot of punches in the first minute. 

Both guys really cautious but unloading punches in bursts. Prazeres does seem to be landing the harder strikes. Prazeres with a takedown at 4:00 but just stands up as he wants no part of Burns’ ground game. 10-9 Prazeres 

ROUND 2 – Burns with an inadvertent eye poke early in the 2nd. Burns misses a flying knee but then eats a flurry of punches. 

Prazeres catches a kick and Burns falls to the mat but again Prazeres stays on his feet. Burns lands a couple jumping knees but they don’t seem to faze Prazeres.

Burns stuffed on a couple of takedown attempts and eats a punch combo from Prazeres at 3:45. Prazeres landing more in the last minute. 10-9 Prazeres, 20-18

ROUND 3 – Prazeres knocks him down early with punches and folows Burns to the mat this time. Prazeres all over him with hard punches. 

Prazeres stands up and forces Burns to his feet. Burns doing nothing but retreating and eating punches.

Prazeres mixing in leg kicks along with the head strikes. Crowd really hating this as they’re both just keeping their distance. 

They exchange hard body kicks at 4:30 and then start throwing down. Pretty clear 10-9 Prazeres as he gets a late takedown to seal it. 30-27 overall

RESULT – MICHEL PRAZERES (21-2) by unanimous decision

HOT TAKE – This fight did neither guy any favors. First off, it was boring. Secondly, Prazeres missed weight so Burns has that buillt-in excuse. More importantly, Prazeres was clearly afraid to go to the ground with Burns and didn’t have much finishing instinct on his feet. Burns has been disappointing since coming into UFC with a lot of hype. He could get cut with another performance like this. 

FOX SPORTS 1 MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Godofredo Pepey (12-4, 4-4 UFC) vs. Mike de la Torre (14-5 1 NC, 2-2 1 NC UFC)
Featherweights

Pepey is the home country favorite. He’s also one year younger, at 29, and has a 2.5 inch reach advantage. De La Torre is 4 inches taller. Fight is a pick em by the oddsmakers. Mario Yamasaki is the referee.

ROUND 1 – Pepey staggers De La Torre with a spinning back early but De La Torre weathers it well and actually gets a takedown 30 seconds in. 

Both guys swinging wildly and landing a lot of them. De La Torre is rocked and barely on his feet. Crowd going nuts. 

Pepey takes his back standing and drags him down. Pepey with the body lock and working for a rear naked choke. 

Pepey gets the choke and the quick tap at 3:00

WINNER – GODOFREDO PEPEY (13-4) by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:03

HOT TAKE – That was a wild 3 minute fight and Pepey was just relentless. That’s 4 wins in 5 fights with the only loss coming to the very tough Darren Elkins and he should get a much higher ranked guy next. De La Torre looked completely out of it 1 minute in but managed to last another couple minutes on heart alone. 

> Thiago Santos (#15, 13-4, 5-3 UFC) vs. Eric Spicely (8-1, 0-1 UFC)
Middleweights

Santos is the local here. He’s 3 years older, at 32, and has a 3 inch reach advantage. Spicely is 1 inch taller. Santos is the biggest betting favorite on the card besides Cyborg. Big John is the ref.

ROUND 1 – Spicely with a couple early takedown attempts but Santos sprawls out on the second and ends up on top. Spicely with an armbar attempt from the bottom but Santos escapes and to his feet at 1:30.

Spicely gets a takedown. Spicely not doing a lot from top position but is trying to advantce. Spicely takes his back but Santos to his feet at 2:45. 

Spicely with a rear naked choke and takes it to the mat and gets the tap.

RESULTS – ERIC SPICELY (9-1) by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:58

HOT TAKE – Huge win for Spicely as he was on the verge of being cut. That’s 2 straight losses for Santos although the last was against top contender Gegard Mousasi so he isn’t going anywhere. Spicely looked very confident and his ground game has improved a lot since working with Tri-Star. Crowd was deathly quiet at the end of this. 

> Francisco Trinaldo (20-4, 10-3 UFC) vs. Paul Felder (12-2, 4-2 UFC)
Lightweights

Trinaldo is the Brazilian here. He’s 38 and 6 years older. Felder has a 2 inch height and half inch reach advantage. Trinaldo is the slight betting favorite at -135. Osiris Maia is the referee. 

ROUND 1 – They keep their distance for the first part of the fight, mainly just trading single kicks. Trinaldo starting to take over at the 2:00 mark, landing a lot of punches and backing Felder up to the cage.

They battle on the cage for a couple minutes with Trinaldo controlling things. They separate in the last minute and it’s pretty even on the feet. 10-9 Trinaldo

ROUND 2 – Trinaldo cut under the right eye from a Felder punch early in the round. Trinaldo gets a takedown 2:00 in.

An elbow from Trinaldo opens up a cut around Felder’s right eye and it’s bleeding pretty heavily. Trinaldo with a guillotine attempt but Felder fights him off.

Hard elbows to the head from Trinaldo as he’s trying to advance but Felder manages to get to his feet at 4:00. Trinaldo still controlling his back but Felder works around to front position with 15 seconds left. 10-9 Trinaldo, 20-18 overall

ROUND 3 – Felder is pretty fresh coming out for the round and more aggressive to start. First 2:00 pretty even with both guys landing single shots.

Trinaldo opens up the cut again with an elbow and hte ref stops the fight to check on the cut. The doctor stops it.

RESULT – FRANCISCO TRINALDO (21-4) by TKO (referee stoppage due to a cut) at 2:25

HOT TAKE – That’s seven straight wins for Trinaldo, who almost assuredly will move into the top 15. Felder’s a tough guy and wanted to continue despite the gruesome cut. He always delivers in his fights so he’ll stick around. 

> Roy Nelson (#11, 21-13, 8-9 UFC) vs. Antonio SIlva (#15, 19-9-1, 3-6 1 NC UFC)
Heavyweights

Nelson is the -450 betting favorite and looks fatter than ever. Silva with a 17 lb weight, 4 inch height and 8 inch reach advantage. At 37, he’s also 3 years younger. Big John McCarthy is the ref and for once may be the smallest guy in the Octagon. 

ROUND 1 – Silva throwing mostly kicks early. Nelson keeping his distance but throwing, and landing, occasional punches early. 

Silva doesn’t seem to be affected much by Nelson’s punches through 3:00. Silva continuing to land hard leg kicks and also getting off punch combos. 

Nelson stuffed on a takedown attempt and they end up in a cage clinch with not a lot happening. Close round, 10-9 Silva

ROUND 2 – Nelson a little more aggressive to start but Silva still landing kicks to the legs and body. One of them lands low at 2:00, forcing a break.

Silva rushes Nelson on the restart and tries for a takedown but Nelson defends it. Nelson lands a couple really hard punches to the head but Silva seems to be okay.

Nelson drops him at 4:00 with a punch and Big John stops it after a couple more punches on the ground. 

RESULT – ROY NELSON (22-13) by KO (punch) at 4:10 of the 2nd round

HOT TAKE – That last longer than anyone thought it would and Silva looked okay until he got tagged. That said, he’s beyond done as a fighter and should really never be fighting again. Nelson was angry with McCarthy as he thought it should’ve been stopped earlier. He’s really not all that much better but will be around as long as he wants to be. 

Nelson said he was maybe one fight away from a title shot. At least I think that’s what he was saying. He’s not, by the way. He did confirm that he thought it was a late stoppage and didn’t want to keep punching Bigfoot because they’re friends. He’s probably going to get fined as he laid his hands on McCarthy. 

> Renan Barao (33-4 1 NC, 8-3 UFC) vs. Phillipe Nover (11-6-1, 1-4 UFC)
Featherweights

Barao is 3 years younger, 3 inches shorter and Nover has a 2 inch reach advantage. Nover is a +350 betting underdog. Big John is the ref for the 2nd straight fight. 

ROUND 1 – Nover more active early, landing punches and body kicks. Barao gets caught by a counter punch when he goes in for his first combo and gets staggered a bit at 2:00.

Barao starting to pick up the pace halfway through the round. Barao mixing in punches and leg kicks. Really close round. 10-9 Barao

ROUND 2 – Barao comes out firing, mixing in punches and leg kicks. Barao with a flying knee and follows up with punches, which staggers Nover at 1:30.

Nover hanging in though and connecting with leg kicks of his own in the 2nd half of the round. Barao picking it up again in the last minute and gets a takedown with 15 seconds left. 10-9 Barao, 20-18

ROUND 3 – Barao gets a takedown at 1:15 after fairly even standup to start the round. Nover gets up fairly quickly. 

Nover more aggressive but also leaving himself open to getting hit more. Barao with a takedown attempt at 4:30 and completes it right before the round ends. 10-9 Barao, 30-27

RESULT – RENAN BARAO (34-4) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 2; 30-27) 

HOT TAKE –  Barao basically held serve there but he needed a more impressive win here to establish himself in a very tough division and after losing his first fight at 145 to Jeremy Stephens. Nover actually improved his stock in losing by going the distance with a former champion. 

> Cris Cyborg (16-1 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) vs. Lina Lansberg (6-1, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s 140-pound catchweight

Cyborg is 3 years younger, has a 1 inch heigh and 2.5 inch reach advantage. This isn’t on the tale of the tape but she’s probably a good 20 lbs heavier than Lansberg in the cage as well. Mario Yamaski will officiate this massacre.

ROUND 1- They tie up in a cage clinch early and Cyborg landing knees to the body. Lansberg doing a good job holding the arms of Cyborg for a little while at least.

Cyborg gets free and unloads with punches at 2:00 but Lansberg manages to tie her up again. Ref breaks up the clinch at 3:00. 

They clinch up again and go right back to the cage. Cyborg takes her down at 3:45. Cyborg into mount and unloading with punches. Lansberg manages to escape and get to her feet though at 4:15.

Cyborg unloading on her and Lansberg’s face is all busted up. She manages to last the round though. 10-9 Cyborg

ROUND 2 – Could’ve easily gone 10-8 in the first but this isn’t going the distance anyway. Cyborg all over her to start the round but Lansberg manages to clinch up again at 30 seconds.

Cyborg takes her down at 1:15 and right into side control. Cyborg throwing a lot of punches and gives up position to posture up. 

Cyborg with elbows and punches to the face and Lansberg barely covering up, not really defending at all. Ref finally stops it after way too many elbows and punches. 

RESULT – CRIS CYBORG (17-1) by TKO (punches and elbows) at 2:29 of the 2nd round

HOT TAKE – Cyborg seemed like she was having fun in there. Lansberg obviously lasted longer than anyone expected but the outcome was never in doubt. If this show does a good number, they can keep having her headline shows for a few more years. Lansberg will hopefully get a shot in UFC against someone in her actual weight class. 

Jon Anik asked Cyborg what’s next. She just wants to put on super fights for her fans and make them happy. No callout of Ronda or Holly. 

Lina Lansberg got some interview times as well. She said it was f—ing funny…not quite the reaction you’d expect after getting the crap beat out of her. Her eye was swollen up and she was covered in blood but smiling. Couldn’t help but like her after that. 

UFC Fight Night 88 Las Vegas live results: Thomas Almeida vs. Cody Garbrandt

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 88: Almeida vs. Garbrandt from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC’s annual Memorial Day Weekend event in Las Vegas is headlined by a bout between undefeated bantamweight prospects as 21-0 Thomas Almeida takes on 8-0 Cody Garbrandt. The co-main event features former UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao moving up to the featherweight division as he takes on Jeremy Stephens. Also on the card, in a pivotal bout on UFC Fight Pass, it will be undefeated Aljamain Sterling taking on Bryan Caraway in bantamweight action. 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.

UFC Fight Night 88 Observer Picks & Preview
UFC Fight Night 88 DFS Playbook

Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6 PM ET/3 PM PT)

HEAVYWEIGHTS- CHRIS DE LA ROCHA (4-1, 0-1 UFC) VS. ADAM MILSTEAD (7-1, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Milstead is making his UFC debut. They start swinging wildly to start. Milstead with a big right hand and de la Rocha pulls guard. They scramble up and Milstead lands a knee. They trade right hands. Milsread with another big right hand. de la Rocha lands one and then gets a takedown but they scramble up against the cage. Milstead with an elbow against the fence. Not much happening in the clinch. They break. de la Rocha is cut. They trade big punches and both are starting to tire early. Milstead with a big right hand and then two more. Milstead with a combo and a big right hand. Milstead landing punches and de la Rocha initiates a clinch against the fence. They break and Milstead with a solid left hand. de la Rocha scores a sloppy takedown but they get to their feet. Milstead with a big elbow in the clinch. They break. Milstead with a big left hook and a right hand and misses a head kick. 10-9 Milstead.

ROUND 2- They trade punches to start to second. Milstead with a big uppercut followed by a right hand. They trade punches in a scramble. de la Rocha with a right hand. They trade big punches. de la Rocha has a large cheering section in the arena. de la Rocha shoots for a takedown against the fence. He’s working for it but eats a big elbow from Milstead. They are broken up with not much going on in the clinch. de la Rocha goes for a kick but Milstead catches the leg and lands a big right hand. Milstead starting to tee off and has de la Rocha in trouble. de la Rocha is bleeding very badly. Milstead with two big right hands. Two more big right hands and another couple shots and the referee steps in and stops this fight. Milstead with a big TKO win in his UFC debut.

Official Result: Adam Milstead def. Chris de la Rocha by TKO (punches) at 4:01 of Round 2

BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#4) ALJAMAIN STERLING (13-0, 4-0 UFC) VS. (#8) BRYAN CARAWAY (20-7, 5-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- This is a big fight in the bantamweight division. Sterling with a quick front kick and another. They trade punches. Sterling with a jumping kick that misses but lands a spin kick. Sterling grabs a single leg but Caraway defends. They trade punches in the clinch. Sterling grabs the back and drags Caraway to the ground and has the hooks in and is looking for the choke. Sterling with punches from the back. Sterling has an arm over the neck. Caraway escapes but Sterling with big punches from the back and he tries to set up the choke again. Sterling still has the back and landing big punches from the back. Sterling has a modified choke in looking for the finish. Caraway survives. Big round for Sterling. 10-8 Sterling.

ROUND 2- Caraway looks to land a right hand quickly. Sterling shoots for a takedown but Caraway sprawls and has the neck of Sterling looking for a choke. Sterling escapes to his feet. Sterling with a body kick and then another. Sterling lands a big right hand and a big leg kick. Caraway lands a right hand. Sterling with a leg kick. They trade strikes and clinch against the fence. Not much happening but they break the clinch. Sterling just misses a spinning back fist. Caraway shoots for the takedown but Sterling defends against the cage. Caraway gets him down though. Caraway with punches from the top. Caraway looking for the back. Caraway transitions to the back and is landing punches. Caraway gets into half-guard. Caraway looking for a choke but the round ends. 10-9 Caraway, 19-18 Sterling.

ROUND 3- This round will decide it and its interesting how the judges scored the first. Sterling with a leg kick. Caraway looks the fresher of the two. They trade and Caraway misses a takedown. Sterling with a front kick followed by a right hand. Caraway gets a takedown but Sterling has the neck. Not much happening on the ground. They scramble to the feet but Caraway looking for another takedown. He gets it after Sterling lands a big knee. Caraway in the half-guard. Sterling has an inverted triangle locked in but Caraway escapes. Caraway not doing much and Sterling looking for the ref to stand them up. Caraway gets to the back of Sterling and looking for a choke. Sterling stands up and Caraway is on his back. Caraway with punches from the back. They go back to the mat and the fight ends. Real interesting decision coming up. 10-9 Caraway, 28-28.

Official Result: Bryan Caraway def. Aljamain Sterling by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- ERIK KOCH (14-4, 3-3 UFC) VS. SHANE CAMPBELL (12-4, 1-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- Campbell with two leg kicks to start and he slips on a third. Koch with a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Koch lands a left hand and then another. Koch with a head kick followed by a left hand. They trade punches. Koch with a head kick that stuns Campbell and they trade against the fence before a clinch. Koch with some knees in the tie-up. They trade knees. Both still battling in the clunch and landing knees and they finally break. Koch with a high kick. They trade and Campbell goes for a takedown but it is defended against the fence. Koch gets a takedown after eating an elbow. Koch takes the back and transitions to another takedown. Koch gets the back again. 10-9 Koch.

ROUND 2- Campbell lands a big punch and Koch immediately scores a takedown and is in the half-guard. Koch working to get into the mount but Campbell defending well on the bottom. Koch still working from the top and is setting up position but transitions to the back. Koch has the back and is looking to get the arm under the neck. Koch landing punches from the back and he locks a choke in and Campbell taps out! Big win for Koch in his first fight in over two years.

Official Result: Erik Koch def. Shane Campbell by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 2

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- JAKE COLLIER (9-3, 1-2 UFC) VS. ALBERTO UDA (9-0, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Uda makes his UFC debut. They clinch right away and Uda looks to land the knees. They break and Collier lands a left hook. They clinch again and trade knees and push the fight against the fence. Uda with a big knee as they break. Collier with a body kick. Uda with a big knee and a head kick and he has Collier in trouble. Uda grabs the back and lands punches and they go to the mat for a moment but scramble right back up. Uda has the body locked but misses a takedown and gives his back up to Collier.They clinch and land knees. They break and Collier with a spinning back fist. They clinch again. Each with a knee. They trade knees again. Collier scores a takedown. Collier in the full guard of Uda and lands a big left hand. Collier gets to his feet and it allows Uda to take his back and Uda looks for a choke. Uda ends on top landing punches as the round ends. 10-9 Uda.

ROUND 2- They come out punching and clinch right up. Collier grabs the body looking for a takedown but Uda is defending. Collier with some solid punches as they break. They trade body kicks and Collier seemed to hurt Uda with his. Collier with some big punches and a spin kick and Uda goes down and Collier finishes him off with a couple more punches from the top. Big win for Collier as he hands Uda his first career loss.

Official Result: Jake Collier def. Alberto Uda by TKO (strikes) at 1:06 of Round 2

LIGHTWEIGHTS- ABEL TRUJILLO (14-6 1 NC, 5-2 1 NC UFC) VS. JORDAN RINALDI (12-4, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Rinaldi is making his UFC debut on short notice against a tough opponent in Trujillo. Rinaldi with a leg kick. Trujillo lands a big right hand. Trujillo gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Rinaldi. Trujillo with a body punch from the top. Trujillo gets to his feet and Rinaldi stays on the mat until ordered up by Herb Dean. Trujillo with a big right hand and then stuffs a takedown attempt from Rinaldi. Rinaldi ducks under a left hand from Trujillo and they clinch against the fence. They trade punches and Trujillo lands big with a right hand. Left hook by Trujillo. Front kick by Trujillo. Trujillo lands a big right hand as they exchange punches. They trade left hands as the round ends. 10-9 Trujillo.

ROUND 2- Trujillo gets a takedown to start the second round. Rinaldi grabs the arm looking for the armbar but Trujillo defends it well. Trujillo now in the full guard of Rinaldi. Trujillo stands up and Rinaldi gets to his feet. They trade punches and Rinaldi grabs the back of Trujillo and scores a takedown along the fence. Rinaldi has the back and the hooks in and is looking for the choke. Rinaldi with punches from the back. Rinaldi has an arm under the neck. Trujillo escapes the attack and they start to each land punches on the mat. Rinaldi still working for the choke. He has Trujillo flattened out but no choke in. Trujillo staying out of the choke but eating punches from Rinaldi. Trujillo scrambes out to the top but the round ends before he is able to do anything. 10-9 Rinaldi, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Trujillo quickly goes for a takedown and lands a big right hand. They trade punches and each man connects. They scramble on the mat and to the feet and Rinaldi lands a knee. They trade and Trujillo defends a takedown and they clinch against the fence. They break. Rinaldi goes for a takedown but eats a knee from Trujillo. Trujillo with a big right hand. Rinaldi with a head kick. Trujillo with a right hand and he looks the fresher of the two with two minutes left. Trujillo throwing bombs at Rinaldi and some are landing. Trujillo with a left hook and another and he has Rinaldi rocked. Trujillo gets a takedown in what will probably guarantee him the win. Trujillo with punches from inside the guard. Neither man doing much on the mat. Rinaldi tries to scramble but eats a hammerfist from Trujillo, who gets to his feet. Herb Dean orders Rinaldi up. Trujillo with a left hook. 10-9 Trujillo, 29-28 Trujillo.

Official Result: Abel Trujillo def. Jordan Rinaldi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#6) SARA MCMANN (8-3, 2-3 UFC) VS. (#7) JESSICA EYE (11-4 1 NC, 1-3 1 NC UFC)

ROUND 1- Both women are in desperate need of a win here. Eye with a right hand. They trade and McMann goes for a takedown and they clinch against the fence. McMann with a couple of knees. McMann just holding on and not doing much. McMann with a knee. Another knee by McMann. They trade right hands. McMann misses a right hand. Eye lands a right hand. Both miss punche attempts. Eye with a missed body kick. Not much happened. 10-9 McMann.

ROUND 2- They trade punches. Eye with a right hand. McMann slips after getting hit by Eye. They trade punches and Eye lands as she circles away. McMann goes for a takedown but it is defended by Eye who lands a punch. They trade punches and McMann goes for a takedown and gets it. McMann with some hammerfists from the top. Eye throws up the leg to defend. McMann moves to side control and scrambles to the back. McMann with punches from the back and a knee to the body. 10-9 McMann, 20-18 McMann.

ROUND 3- McMann with a leg kick and Eye fires back with a combo and a leg kick. Eye with a leg kick and a right hand. McMann gets a takedown and is in side control. Eye looking to scramble out. McMann lands punches from the back. McMann has the back. Back elbow from Eye. McMann still has the back. McMann with punches from the back. Eye tries to scramble out but McMann still has the back and is landing punches. McMann looking for a north-south choke. She gets into the half-guard of Eye. McMann with some punches from the top and Eye starts to land from bottom but the fight ends. 10-9 McMann, 30-27 McMann.

Official Result: Sara McMann def. Jessica Eye by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 9 PM ET/6 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- JOSH BURKMAN (28-12 1 NC, 6-7 1 NC UFC) VS. PAUL FELDER (11-2, 3-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- Burkman going for side kicks. Each land leg kicks. Burkman with a head kick. Burkman with a leg kick. Felder with a head kick. Felder with a body kick. Burkman misses a right hand. They trade punches. Felder with a head kick. They trade punches and Burkman lands a right hand. Burkman with a leg kick. Each mand lands big and they are throwing bombs at each other. Burkman gets the takedown and is in side control. They get to the fence and Felder wall walks up. Burkman with a leg trip and they go down for a moment but get right back up. Burkman with a knee to the body. 10-9 Burkman.

ROUND 2- Burkman with a body kick and Felder fires back a leg kick. Burkman with a right hand. Felder with a leg kick. They trade punches. Felder with a leg kick.They trade and Felder lands a right hand. Felder with a combo. Burkman with a body kick. Felder with a hard both kick. They trade and then clinch. Burkman with a knee to the body and switches position. They break the clinch with just over a minute left in the round. Felder with a right hand. Felder rocks Burkman with a left and they trade against the fence. Felder clinches and lands a knee. Felder with an elbow. Felder gets the back of Burkman and lands a knee. 10-9 Felder, 19-19.

ROUND 3- They trade nice combinations to start the final round as this one likely decides it.Felder with a spin kick and slips for a moment. Felder with a big right hand. Felder lands a right hand. Burkman just misses a right hand. Felder with a leg kick and then another. Burkman with a knee kick and Felder counters with a leg kick. Felder just misses a head kick. Burkman with a left hand. They clinch and Felder lands a big knee as Burkman pushes the fight against the fence. Burkman has the body lock looking for a takedown and he gets it, Felder gets right back to his feet. They battle for position. They battle for underhooks. Burkman is bleeding pretty good right now. They are broken up from the clinch. Burkman with a late takedown as the fight ends. 10-9 Felder, 29-28 Felder.

Official Result: Paul Felder def. Josh Burkman by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

WELTERWEIGHTS- JORGE MASVIDAL (29-10, 6-3 UFC) VS. LORENZ LARKIN (16-5 1 NC, 3-5 UFC)

ROUND 1- Larkin with a left hand. They trade punches and Larkin lands a leg kick. Larkin with a big body kick. They trade punches and Larkin lands a leg kick and then a right hand. Masvidal lands a right hand following a leg kick. Larkin with the jab and then a leg kick. Masvidal with a leg kick. They each fire off punches at the other. They clinch against the fence. Each with some knees in the clinch. Larkin lands on the break and lands a leg kick. They trade punches and Larkin just misses an uppercut. Masvidal gets poked in the eye and is in a lot of pain. This could end the fight. Replay shows it was a bad eye poke and the doctor is checking on Masvidal. Masvidal is able to continue and lands a leg kick. 10-9 Larkin.

ROUND 2- Larkin with a huge leg kick in the opening minute of the round. Masvidal with a leg kick of his own. They trade leg kicks. Larkin just misses an uppercut. They trade punches and Larkin clinches with Masvidal against the fence. They battle for underhooks but break. Masvidal with a soft head kick. Larkin with a body punch. Larkin with a leg kick. Masvidal lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Larkin lands a big punch. They are firing away at each other. Masvidal with a leg kick but Larkin counters with a solid combo. They trade punches and Larkin with a knee. Larkin gets a late takedown at the end of the round. 10-9 Larkin, 20-18 Larkin.

ROUND 3- Larkin with a huge leg kick. Larkin with a big uppercut and they clinch. Both men throwing bombs at each other against the fence. Masvidal just misses a flying knee. Masvidal grabs the neck and pulls Larkin to the ground and they scramble back to their feet. Masvidal is deep on a takedown attempt against the fence. Masvidal gets a brief takedown as Larkin bounces right back to his feet. They thrown wild punches at each other and then clinch again. Larkin with some short punches as Masvidal is in on a takedown and then lets go. Masvidal going for another takedown but it is again defended. Larkin going for the takedown and lands a spinning elbow as the fight ends. 10-9 Larkin, 30-27 Larkin.

Official Result: Lorenz Larkin def. Jorge Masvidal by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- CHRIS CAMOZZI (23-10, 8-7 UFC) VS. VITOR MIRANDA (12-4, 3-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- Camozzi with a leg kick. Miranda with a body kick and Camozzi lands a leg kick. They trade kicks again. Miranda with a leg kick. Camozzi with a left hand. Miranda with a leg kick and then a body punch. Camozzi with a nice combo that backs Miranda against the fence. Camozzi with a leg kick. Miranda with a body kick. Camozzi goes for a head kick but Miranda grabs the leg and they scramble to the mat. They each land punches on the mat as they have their legs all tied up. Camozzi with some punches and Moranda isn’t doing much. 10-9 Camozzi.

ROUND 2- Camozzi with a nice combo to start off the second round. Miranda with a body punch. Miranda with a high kick. Miranda with a body kick. Camozzi catches the leg and gets a takedown and is in the guard of Miranda. Camozzi with some body punches from the top. Miranda tries to scramble out and it allows Camozzi to take his back. Camozzi looking to flatten Miranda out but Miranda is working to get to his feet. Camozzi in the half-guard and landing punches from the position. Other than that, not much action. Camozzi with some big elbows as the round ends. 10-9 Camozzi, 20-18 Camozzi.

ROUND 3- Miranda has a cut and it was checked on before the round. They trade punches and Camozzi scores the takedown and is looking to take the back. Camozzi is on top looking to improve position but not much action going on. Miranda scrambles to his feet. Miranda is bleeding pretty badly. Miranda lands a head kick but Camozzi comes back with a combo. They trade punches. They clinch and Camozzi lands a knee. Miranda with a high kick. Miranda lands a right hand. Miranda with a big high kick. Camozzi lands a left hand. Camozzi with a solid combo. Miranda misses a big left hand. Miranda with a leg kick. Camozzi with the short jab. Miranda lands a left uppercut. Camozzi should take this fight pretty easily. 10-9 Camozzi, 30-27 Camozzi.

Official Result: Chris Camozzi def. Vitor Miranda by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

WELTERWEIGHTS- (#10) TAREC SAFFIEDINE (16-4, 2-1 UFC) VS. (#11) RICK STORY (18-8, 11-6 UFC)

ROUND 1- Story with a leg kick to start. Story misses on some left hands. Saffiedine with a leg kick. They trade punches and clinch and Story pushes against the fence. They scramble on the mat for a moment but end up clinched back against the fence. Story with some body punches as Saffiedine has ahold of him. Neither man can separate from the other. Story with a right hand and they clinch against the fence again. Story with some big body punches at the close and Saffiedine lands a knee and a kick that was clearly after the bell. 10-9 Story.

ROUND 2- Saffiedine with a high kick and then a leg kick. Saffiedine with a front kick. Story slips after a leg kick and Saffiedine gets on top but they get right back to their feet. They clinch but notjing happens. Story with a leg kick and Saffiedine fires back with his own leg kick. Saffiedine shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Story pushes Saffiedine against the fence. They try to break but Story again pushes Saffiedine against the fence in a clinch. Story lands some punches against the fence and back to the clinch. They break for a moment and Saffiedine lands a punch and Story goes back in the clinch and lands some short knees. 10-9 Story, 20-18 Story.

ROUND 3- Saffiedine with a leg kick. Story with his own leg kick. Story with some big body punches as he gets in close range and they clinch. They break. Story with a leg kick but Saffiedine counters with a left hand. Story lands a left hand. They clinch again against the fence. Story with some body punches against the fence. They trade punches and Story again with the clinch against the fence. They each land punches as they break. This fight is on repeat with all the clinch, break and clinch again action. Story with a leg kick and Saffiedine fires back his own leg kick. They trade punches. They exchange again. Story with body punches. Story goes for a takedown but it is defended. 10-9 Story, 30-27 Story.

Official Result: Rick Story def. Tarec Saffiedine by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#2 BW) RENAN BARAO (33-3 1 NC, 8-2 UFC) VS. (#9) JEREMY STEPHENS (24-12, 11-11 UFC)

ROUND 1- Barao making his debut at 145 pounds. Barao with a quick leg kick. Barao with a body kick. Stephens with a leg kick. Barao lands a right hand. Stephens with a leg kick but Barao catches it and fires off a combo. Barao with a leg kick. Barao lands a right hand. Stephens with a body kick. Barao with a leg kick. Barao with a leg kick. Barao shoots for a takedown but it is defended against the fence. Barao with a couple of knees. They break the clinch. They trade punches. Barao with a body kick. They clinch and knee lands from Barao. Barao tries a trip and it breaks the clinch. They trade punches and Barao with a spinning back kick. Barao shoots for a takedown but it is defended. Barao has the back but the round ends. 10-9 Barao.

ROUND 2- Stephens lands a big right hand to start. Barao shoots for a takedown but it is stuffed. Stephens with a leg kick. They trade punches and Barao with a quick knee. Stephens with a left hand and then rocks Barao with an uppercut. Barao circling away and Stephens lands two more big uppercuts. Big right hand from Stephens and Barao lands a knee. Big punches from Stephens. Barao is slowing down and he goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Stephens with a knee to the body and then some foot stomps. They each land short punches in the clinch. They break. Barao with a spinning kick. Stephens with a body kick. Stephens lands a left hand. They trade punches. Barao with a late takedown but Stephens lands a big elbow and is able to get to his feet and reverse position. 10-9 Stephens, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Barao with a leg kick. Barao lands a left hand. Stephens lands a nice combo. Stephens with a left hand. Barao with a leg kick. Barao with a solid combo to the body. Stephens just misses a big left hook. Barao lands a left hand and goes for a takedown against the fence. Stephens with some knees to the legs of Barao. They trade punches. Both men landing big shots. Stephens lands a solid left hand after missing an uppercut. Barao goes for a takedown and gets it. Barao moves to the back of Stephens. They break. Barao just misses the spin kick to the face. Stephens lands a left hand. Stephens lands a big right hand. They trade body kicks. Stephens grabs the body but they break. Stephens lands a big left hand as the fight ends. Close deciding round. 10-9 Stephens, 29-28 Stephens.

Official Result: Jeremy Stephens def. Renan Barao by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#7) THOMAS ALMEIDA (21-0, 4-0 UFC) VS. CODY GARBRANDT (8-0, 3-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Someone is going to suffer their first career loss. Garbrandt tries a cartwheel kick to start. They trade leg kicks. Garbrandt with a combo and just misses a flying knee. They trade punches. Garbrandt with a right hand. Garbrandt lands some punches and a big right hand. Almeida just misses a right hand. Garbrandt with a leg kick and a combo. Garbrandt with a huge punch and Almeida is in trouble. Almeida fires back though. They trade punches as Almeida looks to have recovered. Both men land big punches. Garbrandt with a big right hand and Almeida is down and out! Garbrandt scores the big knockout win!

Official Result: Cody Garbrandt def. Thomas Almeida by knockout (punches) at 2:53 of Round 1