UFC is back in Las Vegas for UFC 216 tonight and after the horrific tragedy earlier this week, hopefully a show headlined by two title fights can help clear fans’ minds, even if for just a few hours.
Lightweights Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee will each main event a PPV for the very first time as they meet for the interim lightweight title in both guys’ first tiel opportunity. Ferguson in particular has a penchant for picking up post show bonus awards and both would love a big money fight with divisional kingpin Conor McGregor, should he return to the sport.
The other title bout sees Demetrious Johnson attempt to defend his flyweight title for a record 11th straight time as he goes up against Ray Borg. This fight was originally scheduled for last month in Edmonton but Borg had health issues just a couple days before the fight and it was scrapped.
Former heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum will attempt to rebound from a tough loss against Derrick Lewis, also coming off a loss. The winner will remain in title contention while the loser will probably drop to the role of divisional gatekeeper.
Longtime lightweight vet Evan Dunham will attempt to continue his late career renaissance with a fifth straight win as he goes up against the very tough Beneil Dariush in another main card fight. Rounding out our panel picks is a middleweight clash on the Fight Pass portion of the show as veterans Brad Tavares and Thales Leites meet for the first time.
If you’re new here, our panel picks are listed below and listed alongside the fighter’s names are their worldwide FightMatrix rankings, as well as BestFightOdds.com betting odds. The panelist’s 2017 records is in parentheses, and we also have panel consensus picks as well as a line where we show how the betting favorites did:
Dave Meltzer (45-21; .682) — Wrestling Observer publisher
John Pollock (44-22; .667) — Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
Favorites (44-22; .667)
Consensus Picks (41-24; .631)
Tom Lawlor (18-11; .621) – Co-host Filthy Four Daily; pro wrestling undercard fighter; UFC enhancement talent currently suspended due to wellness violation
David Bixenspan (41-25; .621) – Deadspin pro wrestling columnist; Between the Sheets podcast host
Mike Sempervive (40-26; .606) — Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
Steve Juon (40-26; .606) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
Mike Sawyer (40-26; .606) — Tough Talk MMA publisher
Ryan Frederick (36-30; .545) — WrestlingObserver.com UFC writer
Paul Fontaine (35-31; .530) — MMADraws.com publisher, WrestlingObserver.com writer
Front Row Brian (34-32; .515) — MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host
> UFC interim lightweight championship: Tony Ferguson (22-3) vs Kevin Lee (16-2)
Ferguson is on one of the most impressive runs in the entire company since dropping a decision to Michael Johnson in May 2012. Since that loss, he’s won nine straight, including six by stoppage. Perhaps even more impressive, he’s picked up six post show bonus awards in that stretch. Lee has won five straight with the last four coming via stoppage. He’s also coming off a very impressive performance in his first main event, a first round submission over Michael Chiesa.
While these guys might not be big names to casual fans, hardcores have been waiting for this one since the day it was announced. It’s hard to imagine this fight being any less than excellent.
> UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson (27-2-1) vs Ray Borg (11-2)
Speaking of great runs, flyweight king Demetrious Johnson has not lost in almost six years since challenging Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title. He’s the only champion in the division’s history and has pretty much run through all the contenders, including some more than once. Borg has a modest two fight win streak but is the remaining top contender DJ hasn’t baten yet. He made weight with a half pound to spare and vows to win the title and then defend against Johnson in a “historic rematch”.
Many feel that if Johnson retains his title and breaks the record, he’ll move back to bantamweight for potential big fights with names like Cody Garbrandt or TJ Dillishaw.
> Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1) vs Derrick Lewis (18-5) HEAVYWEIGHTS
When we last saw Lewis, he lost a tough fight against Mark Hunt after which he “retired” in a post-fight interview. That didn’t last long as he’s back here against former champion Werdum in what is the biggest fight of his career to this point. Werdum desperately needs a win after a tough loss to Alistair Overeem. A second straight loss after the age of 40 could signal the end is near for the former champion, but a win over a rising contender could get him in the title mix of a thin division. He’s lost two of his last three.
One thing is almost for sure. This one shouldn’t take long.
Lewis #10; +221 betting underdog: Frederick, Fontaine
> Evan Dunham (18-6) vs Beneil Dariush (14-3) LIGHTWEIGHTS
Dunham looked to be nearly done in UFC following his third straight loss in July 2014. Since that time, he’s racked up four straight wins including the fight of the night in his last bout over Rick Glenn. He’s on the verge of a top 10 ranking. Dariush came into UFC with a blaze of glory but has been finished in two of his last four. Once thought to be a future title contender, he’s a long way from that now in a stacked division. He badly needs a win here to stay relevant at 155.
> Brad Tavares (15-4) vs Thales Leites (27-7) MIDDLEWEIGHTS
With 32 UFC fights between them, it’s hard to believe these two veterans have never met in the Octagon. Tavares was last beaten by the current interim champion Robert Whittaker. He’s won two straight and three of his last four and another win would be really big for the Hawaiian.
Leites has won two of his last three and has not been finished in a fight in over seven years. The longtime contender is coming off a win over Sam Alvey in which he made him look average. A victory over Tavares would be one of the biggest in his long career.
> Maria Romero Borella (11-4) vs Kalindra Faria (18-5-1) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Borella #17; +190 betting underdog
Faria NR; -195 betting favorite
> Tom Duqesnoy (15-1) vs Cody Stamman (15-1) BANTAMWEIGHTS
Duquesnoy #20; -150 betting favorite
Stamman #43; +148 betting underdog
> Lando Vannata (9-2) Vs Bobby Green (23-8)LIGHTWEIGHTS
Vannata #117; -199 betting favorite
Green #106; +190 betting underdog
> Pearl Gonzalez (6-2) vs Poliana Botelho (5-1) STRAWWEIGHTS
Gonzalez NR; +128 betting underdog
Botelho NR; -135 betting favorite
> Walt Harris (10-5) vs Mark Godbeer (12-3) HEAVYWEIGHTS
Harris #47; -302 betting favorite
Godbeer #72; +279 betting underdog
> Magomed Bibulatov (14-0) vs John Moraga (17-6) FLYWEIGHTS
Bibulatov #8; -500 betting favorite
Moraga #28; +472 betting underdog
Matt Schnell (10-4) vs Marco Antonio Beltran (8-5) FLYWEIGHTS
Schnell #85; -112 betting favorite
Beltran +126; +110 betting underdog
Action begins with the Fight Pass prelims at 6:30 PM EST and moves over to FX at 8 PM EST. The main card airs on PPV at 10 PM EST, and our own Ryan Frederick will be cageside covering the show.
The Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson fight scheduled for tomorrow night in Las Vegas, one of the most anticipated fights of the early part of 2017, is off due to weight cutting issues with Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov was hospitalized in Las Vegas while cutting weight and had until 11 a.m. local time to get on the scales and weigh-in. Doctors wouldn’t allow him to fight and he failed to weigh-in. Given the procedure of putting someone on fluids when issues are with dehydration, it makes it almost impossible in those situations for the fighter to be able to make weight.
All other fights on the show are official. At this moment, it is not clear which undercard fight will be moved to the PPV.
Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson was scheduled as a five-round fight for the interim lightweight title, with a shot at Conor McGregor at least in theory going to the winner. It was the number two bout for UFC 209, behind the Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson main event for the welterweight title.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 98: Dos Anjos vs. Ferguson, eminating from Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
After having no action for the last three weeks, the UFC is returning with a stretch that will see nine events take place inside the Octagon over the final ten weeks of 2016.
The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the lightweight division as former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos, fighting for the first time since losing the championship, takes on top contender Tony Ferguson, winner of eight straight fights. Dos Anjos lost the title to Eddie Alvarez in July, and after going through some training camp changes, he looks to get back to title contention and derail the win streak of Ferguson. Ferguson is a former TUF winner who has won eleven of his twelve UFC bouts, and he’s stopped six of his last eight opponents during his win streak. Dos Anjos comes into the fight as a slight favorite according to the oddsmakers.
The co-main event is a lightweight bout between original TUF winner Diego Sanchez and debuting Marcin Held. Sanchez looks to rebound from a knockout loss to Joe Lauzon at UFC 200 in July while Held moves over from Bellator, where he once fought for their lightweight championship. Also on the main card is a bout between Ricardo Lamas and Charles Oliveira. Lamas was originally scheduled to fight BJ Penn at UFC Fight Night 97, but with Penn withdrawing due to injury and that event being cancelled, he was moved to a fight with Oliveira on this card. Oliveira took the fight on short notice and came in missing weight badly, weighing at 155 pounds for a featherweight bout, where the limit is 146 pounds.
Making her UFC debut on the card is Alexa Grasso as she takes on Heather Jo Clark. Grasso is undefeated in her eight-fight career and was one of the top stars in Invicta, and she has all of the makings to be a top star in the UFC with her looks and fighting ability. Clark is a veteran of the sport, but she has lost four of her last seven fights, and she looks to play the spoiler as she comes in as the biggest underdog on the card.
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.
> Enrique Barzola (11-3-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Chris Avila (5-3, 0-1 UFC) Featherweights
The first round belonged all to Enrique Barzola. He was landing leg kicks, which weren’t being checked by Chris Avila. That haindered Avila in his last fight with Artem Lobov and it did in this round. Barzola scored a couple of takedowns and had ground control, but Avila was able to get up both times. Barzola went back to landing some leg kicks and was on the attack more. Avila did land some nice punches but nothing that had Barzola in trouble. It was a clear 10-9 round for Barzola.
The second round again was controlled by Barzola. He scored more takedowns and was controlling on the mat. He also was landing leg kicks at will on the feet and getting the better of the offensive striking. Avila has alright technique on his feet but the volume just isn’t there, and Barzola was capitalizing on the openings. On the mat, Avila had no defense for the pressure of Barzola, and while he was in no danger of being finished, he was being outclassed everywhere. It was another 10-9 round for Barzola and I had him up 20-18 going into the final round, and he was well on his way to a win.
Avila was needing a finish in the third to win, but he looked the more tired of the two heading out for the last round. Unfortunately for him, it was more of the same in the last round. Barzola was getting the better of the striking battle, and he had the takedowns and ground control to go with it. Avila didn’t have much of an offensive attack other than landing some slow punches, but takedowns and clinch work wasn’t there for him. Avila was constantly over-reaching on his right hand and Barzola would counter with takedowns. It was another clear 10-9 round for Barzola, and I had him winning it 30-27 as it went to the judges.
All three judges had the fight 30-26 for Barzola. All three rounds were definitely won by him, and while he didn’t come close to stopping Avila, he controlled the fight. He looked solid in this fight, but it was against a very unworthy opponent in Avila. It is going to be hard to gauge where he really stands as any opponent is a tougher one. He looked good in this fight though. Avila is likely on his way out of the UFC, and he really isn’t ready to be there. He is now just 5-4 in his career, and he hasn’t looked good at all in either UFC fight.
Enrique Barzola def. Chris Avila by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Polo Reyes (6-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jason Novelli (11-2-1, 0-1 UFC) Lightweights
Polo Reyes was looking for that knockout in the first round as he was loading up on his punches. Jason Novelli was landing a punch every once-in-a-while but wasn’t following up on it. He did score a takedown and a big right hand but Reyes was able to get back to his feet. Novelli’s footwork kept him on the outside and away from the power of Reyes, but he didn’t do much. He did land a couple of kicks but he was doing his best to stay away from the power right hand of Reyes, and he was able to. It was a close round and Novelli landing some clean punches gave him a 10-9 round on my scorecard.
Reyes came out stronger on the offensive in the second round, landing a lot of punches and kicks. Novelli was constantly circling away and unable to get anything going and had a takedown reversed with Reyes getting on top on the mat. Reyes was landing from the top as Novelli was using bad strategy from the bottom against the fence. This round should go 10-9 to Reyes and I had it tied up 19-19 heading into the third.
The altitude slowed both men down in the third, and that will be a recurring theme on this evening. Reyes was the more aggressive fighter in the third but both were landing. Reyes was landing the bigger strikes, but Novelli did land some clean punches. Reyes had the betting Octagon control in this round, and in the fight overall. Novelli mounted a late comeback with a takedown and some elbows, but not enough in my view to get the round. They went the full distance and I had the final round 10-9 for Reyes, and the fight 29-28 for Reyes overall.
The judges had it a split decision, with two judges giving it to Reyes 29-28 and one giving it 29-28 to Novelli. All scores are justifiable as it should be Novelli winning the first and Reyes winning the second, and Novelli did enough late in the third to steal the round. It was a good fight and Reyes was definitely not as strong as in his past two. Novelli is 37-years-old and now 0-2 in the UFC, and while I think he should get another shot, he may not.
Polo Reyes def. Jason Novelli by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Sam Alvey (28-8 1 NC, 5-3 UFC) vs. Alex Nicholson (7-2, 1-1 UFC) Middleweights
It was a slow opening round as Nicholson was landing some glazing head kicks and Alvey was looking to counter, where he excels. Nicholson was able to stay on the outside and avoid the counters of Alvey, and neither man had the other in too much trouble. I had this round 10-9 for Nicholson.
Nicholson was getting the better of the action on the feet and Alvey started going for takedowns. They both started landing on the feet but Alvey wasn’t doing a good job of following up his strikes that landed. Alvey rocked Nicholson late and it may have been enough to steal him the round. I gave it 10-9 to Alvey and had it 19-19 after two.
The pace was slow in the third. Alvey was landing more and following up better on his first punch, but neither man fought with desperation. Alvey was spending his time working on the outside and trying to lure Nicholson in for a firefight. Nicholson really didn’t do much when he had the chance as he faded. Alvey having more output with his strikes scored the round for him on my scorecard. A 10-9 round for Alvey and I had him winning 29-28.
The judges’ cards all read 29-28 for Alvey. No post-fight promo for Alvey, which are always a treat. Alvey now has three straight wins while Nicholson is 1-2 in the UFC. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nicholson is cut as he has been under recent fire for domestic abuse allegations, though he was cleared after an investigation. Alvey will probably fight again next month.
Sam Alvey def. Alex Nicholson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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> Henry Briones (16-5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (23-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) Bantamweights
They were going back-and-forth on the feet in the first with neither man getting a clear advantage. They came on late with Briones rocking Silva late. Briones was pouring it on late and Silva looked stunned, though he fired back. It was close until the end and I gave the round 10-9 to Briones.
The second round was on the feet and much like the first. Silva was rocking Briones and had him rocked with a right hook. They were trading back again and Silva almost finished Briones with a big punch. Briones then did a crazy jumping kick and got dropped again. Silva got a late takedown and I had this fight tied up after two. 10-9 round for Silva and 19-19 after two.
The third round was controlled by Silva but Briones was eating punches well and surviving. Silva was landing big punches and kicks but Briones has a heck of a chin on him. Silva then landed a big spinning back fist that knocked Briones out and the fight was stopped as we got our first finish on the night. A heck of a fight there. Silva is now 24-1 in his career and has a good shot of climbing the rankings. Briones has back-to-back losses, but to two fighters with a combined one loss in their careers. I hope he gets another shot inside the Octagon.
Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Henry Briones by TKO (strikes) at 2:33 of Round 3
> Erick Montano (7-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Max Griffin (12-3, 0-1 UFC) Welterweights
Max Griffin hurt Erick Montano early and then landed a lot of punches on the mat and this fight was stopped quickly. I didn’t expect this as Montano has a good chin but Griffin landed a big punch and capitalized with a barrage to the point it had to be stopped or he was going to gas himself out. A big first UFC win for Griffin.
Max Griffin def. Erick Montano by TKO (punches) at :54 of Round 1
> Marco Beltran (8-3, 3-0 UFC) vs. Joe Soto (16-5, 1-3 UFC) 140-pound Catchweight
They were trading early and went to the mat and Joe Soto grabbed the leg, locked a heel hook in and Marco Beltran tapped out. Soto took the fight earlier this week and this is an impressive showing for him with no training camp.
Joe Soto def. Marco Beltran by submission (heel hook) at 1:37 of Round 1
> Erik Perez (16-6, 6-2 UFC) vs. Felipe Arantes (18-7-1 2 NC, 5-3-1 UFC) 138-pound Catchweight (Arantes missed weight at 138 pounds)
Erik Perez was controlling the Octagon during the first round and scored a takedown. He went to attacking the body and Arantes countered with a heel hook but Perez slipped out and let Arantes on top. Perez was able to escape and was looking for the finish on the top but ran out of time. It was a 10-9 opening round for Perez.
In the second round, Perez was having trouble staying on his feet as his right leg and knee were hurting from the heel hook attempt by Arantes. He ended up taking Arantes to the mount and was dominating there, ending up in the mount. They scrambled and it ended up with Arantes looking for a choke from the back. Perez slipped out and ended back on top and in dominant position to end the round. I gave that round 10-9 to Perez and had him up 20-18 heading to the final round.
A fun moment to start the third round saw both men miss on spinning back fists within seconds of each other, but Perez countered in taking Arantes down. Perez was controlling on the mat but they ended up getting back to their feet and both men were landing solid punches. Perez was still having trouble standing and it caused him to be dropped late. Arantes had a late arm-triangle choke locked in but Perez was saved by the end of the round. Close final round that I gave to Perez, 10-9, and I had him winning the fight 30-27.
The judges had a split decision, with Perez winning on two scorecards with 29-28 scores, and Arantes having a 28-29 on the other. The fight could have gone either way as rounds one and three were close, though I did give both to Perez. It is a solid win for Perez and he fought off a much-bigger opponent. He is popular in front of the Mexican crowd and he has a solid 7-2 record in the UFC. Arantes has struggled but he is solid enough to stick around from prelim fights, especially in Brazil.
Erik Perez def. Felipe Arantes by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
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> Alexa Grasso (8-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Heather Jo Clark (7-5, 1-1 UFC) Women’s Strawweights
Clark was on the attack early but got hurt by Grasso and Grasso swarmed on looking for the finish. Grasso landed beautiful combinations in looking for the finish and had Clark pinned against the fence. The crowd was very loud for Grasso. Grasso remained really calm and had Clark bloodied up a little. Grasso ended the round with some more hard punches and kicks. Clark survived but the first round definitely belonged to Grasso, who took it 10-9 on my scorecard.
Clark was saying she was having trouble seeing during the minute in the corner. Clark was controlling the center and pushed Grasso against the fence but Grasso was able to take over from there. Grasso slowed down her output as Clark was pressuring more, but once they clinched, it was all Grasso even when she was pinched against the fence. They went to the mat but scrambled up and Grasso landed a nice combo on the scramble up. I gave it 10-9 to Grasso and had her up 20-18 after two.
Grasso got the early advantage in a clinch but Clark was giving her a fight. Clark was trying to land her strikes but Grasso’s footwork kept her out of range. They traded combos as Grasso has slowed her attack just a little on the feet. Clark is a bloodied mess. Grasso got a big slam late and it showed her overall attack. I gave the third round to Grasso 10-9 and the fight 10-9 overall for Grasso.
The judges agreed and gave Grasso all three rounds, with two 30-27 scores and one 29-28. Grasso showed why everyone is excited for her and that she has a chance to be a real player in the division for years to come. It was a showcase fight for her and you can see this and get excited for her inevitably fighting Joanna Jedrzejczyk down the road. She has star potential unlike many in the UFC. Clark gave her a good test but she was overmatched from the get-go, but put in a good opposing showing, something many haven’t been able to do against Grasso.
Alexa Grasso def. Heather Jo Clark by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
This is a high-level lightweight bout and it showed early as neither man could get the advantage of the other. They traded takedown scrambles before a break due to a groin strike. Dariush was the fighter who was on the attack more and the more engaging of the two. He also landed some solid kicks and knees. Magomedov went into clinch mode and got a late takedown but Dariush’s striking was the difference in the opening round. I gave it 10-9 to Dariush.
In the second round, Dariush was landing leg kicks and had more of a sense of urgency between the two. Magomedov was defending the takedowns from Dariush but was stuck in the clinch and Dariush had control. The crowd was booing as this fight hasn’t been much action. They broke and each man landing strikes but Dariush pushed him back against the fence. Two rounds down and both were tough to score but I gave the second to 10-9 to Dariush as well, putting him up 20-18 after two.
The third round started with them exchanging big body kicks before the clinch battle started again. They were trading a little but enough to where it prompted the crowd to do the wave. It was a very uneventful final round with a lot of clinch work. Both men landed at the end. The crowd booed at the signal of the end of the fight. Close final round that I gave 10-9 to Magomedov, but I had the fight 29-28 Dariush overall.
All three judges gave the fight to Dariush, with two 30-27 scores and one 29-28. It was a very uneventful fight and not one worth going back to watch. Dariush now has wins in seven of his last eight fights and he is a title contender. It was only Magomedov’s second career loss in 21 fights, and it ended his 12-fight win streak. He has been good but now will find himself out of the rankings and back down the ladder.
> Martin Bravo (10-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Claudio Puelles (7-1, 0-0 UFC) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Lightweight Finale
They were trading solid strikes and Bravo was controlling the center of the Octagon. Bravo busted up Puelles’ nose with punches. Puelles got a brief takedown but they got to their feet. Bravo landed better on the feet and was advancing more but Puelles kept him in check with body kicks. Bravo landed a big combo at the end and it got him the round as I gave it 10-9 to him.
They were trading and Puelles got a quick takedown before getting back up. Bravo was getting the better on the feet and landed a big body shot that dropped Puelles and he finished him off with a couple more punches on the mat to become the latest TUF winner.
Martin Bravo def. Claudio Puelles by TKO (punches) at 1:55 of Round 2
> Ricardo Lamas (#4, 16-5, 7-3 UFC) vs. Charles Oliveira (#8, 21-6 1 NC, 9-6 1 NC UFC) 155-pound Catchweight (Oliveira missed weight at 155 pounds)
Oliveira had to be no more than 165 pounds when arriving at the arena, and he was, so the fight did go on. Lamas got an early big takedown and was controlling from the top. They got up and Oliveira got a takedown. Lamas survived a choke from Oliveira. Oliveira got the back and was looking for the choke again. He had it locked in tight late but Lamas survived to the bell. That round had to be 10-9 Oliveira.
Lamas got a takedown and was controlling in side control and had a guillotine locked in. Oliveira tapped out! Lamas gets the submission in the second after surviving a tough first round. I’m sure Oliveira will be forced to move up to lightweight again now, if they don’t decide to cut him after this weight cut issue.
Ricardo Lamas def. Charles Oliveira by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:13 of Round 2
> Diego Sanchez (26-9, 15-9 UFC) vs. Marcin Held (22-4, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Held came over from Bellator and is looking to have an impressive debut but he was having trouble early with Sanchez. Held landed a big right hand. Held did a cartwheel kick that landed. They traded and Sanchez went for a takedown but Held held him upright. Held got a choke but Sanchez ran up the fence to escape and just threw Held off. Close round but I gave it 10-9 to Held.
They went to the mat and Held went for a heel hook but it allowed Sanchez to get on top and land punches. Sanchez with a lot of dominant position on the top. More suffocating top control from Sanchez and he has been doing a great job of keeping Held pinned on the bottom. Held gave up his back and Sanchez landed to end the round. A very clear 10-9 round for Sanchez, and I had it 19-19 heading to the final round.
Held looked very tired going into the third and Sanchez was very fresh. Held landed a huge knee and dropped Sanchez for a second. Held went for an armbar but Sanchez rolled out onto the top. Sanchez was strong on top but Held was continuing to go for leg locks. Sanchez still on top and controlling this fight. Sanchez with big punches from the top as the fight ends and this round belonged to him, 10-9. I had the fight 29-28 for Sanchez.
The judges had it all for Sanchez, with him winning two of the three rounds on all scorecards. This is a huge win for Sanchez as Held is a legitimate great fighter coming from Bellator, and was thought to be another fresh contender at 155 pounds. Sanchez looked fresh throughout the fight and he was never in trouble, and he looked like he’s not ready to wind down his career. Held tried too many crafty things, and he ultimately gave the fight away by trying to do things that ended up with him at a disadvantage. He is much better than this performance showed.
Diego Sanchez def. Marcin Held by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
> Rafael Dos Anjos (#2, 25-8, 14-6 UFC) vs. Tony Ferguson (#3, 21-3, 11-1 UFC) Lightweights
They traded some big shots. Dos Anjos landed a huge left hand at one point. They were trading a lot of punches and kicks but Dos Anjos was landing the harder punches. Dos Anjos tripped up Ferguson and ended up on top on the ground. Both men landed spinning back fists. Dos Anjos got the better of the round but Ferguson was finding his range late and I think he’s set up to take over starting in the second round. But that round was 10-9 Dos Anjos.
Both guys looking sharp in the second round. Dos Anjos showing a little blood. They are trading. Ferguson does better when he’s just boxing but when he starts mixing everything Dos Anjos is able to fluidly counter and rock him. They are both landing but Ferguson is pushing the pace and landing harder. Straight left hand from Ferguson had Dos Anjos in a whole heap of trouble. Ferguson landed big and blew a kiss to Dos Anjos. That round went to Ferguson, 10-9, and I had it 19-19 after two.
Ferguson continued to have Dos Anjos in trouble as he is the fresher of the two and he is pushing the pace more. Dos Anjos did land a huge head kick. Dos Anjos was having some good timing on his shots and was landing punches and kicks. They were trading hard shots. Ferguson started going after the body of Dos Anjos but Dos Anjos was pressing forward. Dos Anjos has slowed the momentum of Ferguson. Close round there but I gave it 10-9 to Dos Anjos and have him up 29-28 after three.
Dos Anjos has a swollen right eye and Ferguson rocked him with a big knee. Ferguson was getting the edge on the feet in the first half of this round. Dos Anjos would land a kick but then eat a couple punches from Ferguson in return over and over. Ferguson landed a big left hand that rocked Dos Anjos. Ferguson had him in trouble late. I gave round four 10-9 to Ferguson and had it tied up at 38-38 going into the final round.
Dos Anjos hasn’t gone for any takedowns, but that has been because he’s had his back to the fence, and he excels at using the fence for takedowns. Ferguson applied the pressure in the final round and was landing as he had Dos Anjos’ back against the fence. Dos Anjos is bleeding heavily. Ferguson on the agressive attack landing hard combinations. This fight went the full distance and Ferguson had a strong fifth round, winning it 10-9. That gave Ferguson the fight on my scorecard with a 48-47.
The judges had it all 48-47 for Ferguson. That is now nine straight wins for Ferguson. He has earned his title shot and he absolutely deserves it, regardless of whatever happens. He didn’t say much at all after the fight to stamp himself as the next challenger, but he should be.
Tony Ferguson def. Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Here’s some advice for who to pick in your DraftKings lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 98 event in Mexico City, Mexico, headlined by a five-round lightweight bout between Rafael Dos Anjos and Tony Ferguson on FOX Sports 1.
Top Target: Sam Alvey ($9,100)
Sam Alvey is looking to close out a busy 2016 when he steps into the Octagon for possibly the final time this year, though who knows with him as he could fight again next month. He is fighting for the fourth time in five months as he takes on Alex Nicholson in the UFC Fight Pass Featured Prelim of UFC Fight Night 98. Alvey is 2-1 this year, but he has won two straight, both wins coming by stoppage. With 37 career bouts under his belt, he has a huge experience advantage over his opponent on Saturday, Alex Nicholson.
Nicholson fights for the third time inside the Octagon, and he is looking to score his second straight win after a knockout win over Devin Clark in June. Alvey comes into this fight as the big favorite, and for very good reason. 21 of his 28 career wins have come by stoppage, with an impressive 18 coming by knockout. All five of his UFC wins have come by stoppage, and he has only been finished twice in his career.
Alvey has a huge advantage in this fight in that he is an excellent counterpuncher, and he suckers his opponents into striking battles and picks them apart in return. He isn’t aggressive, but that will come into play as Nicholson is an aggressive fighter. Nicholson will likely be on the offensive, and that is going to spell trouble for him. With Nicholson’s wild style, it is going to leave him open for a counter, and Alvey will find that opening. Alvey is also solid in the clinch and Nicholson has nothing other than his hard hitting.
This is Alvey’s fight to lose, and he is on a solid roll right now. I expect a finish of Nicholson, and Alvey only has the third-highest salary on the card. He is my top play on this card.
Value Target: Tony Ferguson ($7,900)
Tony Ferguson has won a very impressive eight straight fights, and he is one win away from fighting for a title. He gets his first main event slot when he takes on former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos in the five-round headline bout on Saturday night. Dos Anjos is fighting for the first time since being knocked out by Eddie Alvarez in losing his lightweight title in July. Dos Anjos is the slight favorite in this fight, which is surprising given the recent success for Ferguson.
There are a lot of factors that could hinder Dos Anjos. He has left his long-time training camp to start his own camp with new coaches, and that hasn’t resulted in a lot of success for other fighters who have done that in the past. He also didn’t look all that sharp against Alvarez, and Ferguson is a much more versatile fighter. Ferguson is very unorthodox on his feet, and he is flashy and mixes everything well. He also has good takedowns and a very strong submission game. He is improving as a fighter, while at the same time, Dos Anjos looks to be regressing from his peak as a fighter.
Dos Anjos is still capable of being dangerous, but I’m not convinced he should be the favorite in this fight. That makes Ferguson have great value from a fantasy perspective in this fight. If you couple it with the fact this is a 25-minute fight, and it has every chance of going the full distance, there are more scoring opportunities. I don’t believe it will go the full distance, but I sense it going three rounds before Ferguson finds a win by submission.
The biggest key is whether Ferguson’s aggression and his tendency to get sloppy gives Dos Anjos an opening to capitalize. I like Ferguson a lot in this fight and he will be on my roster, and his salary makes him extremely valuable.
Target To Avoid: Max Griffin ($8,800)
Max Griffin is fighting for the second time inside the Octagon and he is looking to rebound from a loss in his debut when he takes on Erick Montano on Saturday night. Griffin was stopped in the third round of his UFC debut by Colby Covington, who is an excellent prospect, and he gets a less-tougher opponent in Montano. Montano did win season two of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America, but he was stopped in his first fight following the show when he was submitted by Randy Brown in September.
Both men have quick turnarounds in this fight, and that may favor Montano in the high altitude of Mexico as he trains there. Griffin is the better fighter of the two as he has solid wrestling and some good striking, but Montano is a flashy opponent who is solid at everything, but unspectacular at everything as well. Griffin will have the size advantage, but he also isn’t a good defensive wrestler, and Montano is good at takedowns.
Griffin is a big favorite in this fight and has a very high salary, and I don’t see why. Perhaps it is because he is big, strong and athletic, but he is going to have a tough time in this one. I don’t see him finishing Montano, and that should be an almost-given with a fighter that has a high salary. He may get a lackluster decision win, but that isn’t going to get you a lot of fantasy points.
There are better options at similar salaries, and with 26 fighters on this card, there is going to be fighters you have to avoid. Griffin is one of those at his price range.
Underdog Target: Beneil Dariush ($7,800)
Beneil Dariush is an interesting fighter to watch on Saturday. He has won six of his last seven fights and is currently ranked ninth in the UFC’s lightweight rankings. Yet, he finds himself as the underdog when he takes on Rashid Magomedov in a main card bout at UFC Fight Night 98. Magomedov is 19-1 in his career and the winner of twelve straight fights, including the last four inside the Octagon. He hasn’t fought in a year due to a knee injury, and cage rust is a real thing.
Magomedov has also become a more controlled fighter as he only has one finish in his last seven wins. Dariush has beaten the much-tougher competition of the two in the UFC. Magomedov is good and technical on his feet, but Dariush has more power on his feet. He is also more aggressive and is very strong in the clinch. Dariush does have good takedowns, but Magomedov is strong in defending the takedown. Magomedov was able to stay on the feet against Gilbert Burns, who is world-class at getting opponents to the mat. Dariush has been a part of Rafael Dos Anjos’ new training team, stepping away from his comfort zone at Kings MMA. I don’t think that will affect him as much as it will Dos Anjos, but it is an underlying factor.
Magomedov is a solid counterstriker, but he tends to wait until his opponent begins to engage to do anything. He has to be more aggressive against Dariush. Dariush is a crafty grappler. This is an interesting battle and a toss-up when breaking it down. Magomedov is the favorite and has the higher salary of the two, but whoever had the lower salary would have found himself as my underdog target.
If I were making a prediction, I actually think Dariush is going to win this fight, and I think he has a sneaky chance of getting a submission. At his salary, I see him as a strong underdog target to roll with.
Our Line-Ups
Ryan Frederick: Sam Alvey ($9,100), Polo Reyes ($8,900), Ricardo Lamas ($8,100), Tony Ferguson ($7,900), Beneil Dariush ($7,800), Marco Beltran ($7,700)
I’m going with Sam Alvey, Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush based on everything said above, and I really like all of their chances to score not just wins, but finishes, in their fights on Saturday night. I’m rounding out my team with Polo Reyes, Ricardo Lamas and Marco Beltran. Reyes has scored two big knockout wins in his two UFC bouts, and all six of his career wins have come by stoppage. He has been stopped in his three losses, but Jason Novelli isn’t a big finisher, and Novelli was finished in his lone UFC bout. I like Reyes’ chances to score another knockout win.
Lamas takes on Charles Oliveira in a very exciting featherweight match-up. Oliveira is taking the fight on short notice as Lamas was preparing for five rounds against BJ Penn. That will affect Oliveira, and that’s not to mention the fact he fades late. I see Lamas weathering an early attack and wearing Oliveira out for a third-round stoppage. Beltran is taking on a super late notice replacement in Joe Soto, and they’re doing a catchweight bout. Not having to cut that extra weight will be beneficial for Beltran, and while Soto is a tough out, I like his chances to win due to the short notice.
Paul Fontaine: Sam Alvey ($9,100), Marcin Held ($9,000), Rafael Dos Anjos ($8,300), Martin Bravo ($8,200), Beneil Dariush ($7,800), Felipe Arantes ($7,500)
Alvey’s M.O. is going into other countries and scoring KO wins and cutting a promo that makes him a bigger babyface than the local guy. Well he’s fighting an American here in Mexico but everything else should stay the same. Held is one of the best submission guys in all of MMA and making his UFC debut. He may have to break Diego Sanchez’ arm but he’ll make him tap. I really like Tony Ferguson …. A LOT.. but I feel he’s a bit overmatched against the former champion in Rafael Dos Anjos, who will probably score a 1st round KO.
Martin Bravo is the more accomplished of the two TUF finalists that are fighting here and should score a win. Beneil Dariush is slick and I’m thinking that he ends the UFC unbeaten record of Rashid Magomedov. My last pick is Felipe Arantes who has scored stoppages in 3 of his 5 UFC wins. He should do the same against local hero Erik Perez in Mexico City.
Peach Machine: Sam Alvey ($9,100), Marcin Held ($9,000), Rafael Dos Anjos ($8,300), Ricardo Lamas ($8,100), Beneil Dariush ($7,800), Marco Beltran ($7,700)
RDA is going to rebound and Ferguson is going to fall. Held should be able to dispatch with Sanchez, who took a MONSTER beating at UFC 200. Lamas is going to have a war here and I like him to win by finish. Smilin’ Sam just keeps on fighting, and I keep on loving it. Dariush is a real tough guy, and is underrated. Beltran put me right at 50,000. So I took him.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 91: McDonald vs. Lineker from the Danny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This event marks the first time the Octagon has traveled to the state of South Dakota.
The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the bantamweight division as former title challenger Michael McDonald takes on heavy-handed John Lineker, winner of four straight fights.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS DEVIN CLARK (6-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. ALEX NICHOLSON (6-2, 0-1 UFC) (Bobby Wombacher – ref)
Joe Martinez is doing the ring announcing after 3 shows in 3 days for Michael Buffer last week. It’s a nice change. I like Buffer but Martinez is really good as well. Clark gets a huge hometown pop as he’s from Sioux Falls. Crowd is sparse and people were getting their tickets upgraded without being asked.
Clark with the first punch combo 30 seconds in after they trade leg kicks. Nicholson controlling the Octagon early. Clark with a takedown at 1:00. Clark trying to advance while Nicholson works for a sub from the bottom. Clark with an arm triangle at 2:15. Nicholson uses the cage to escape and then gets to his feet at 2:45. Nicholson with a low blow that the crowd does not like. Clark drops Nicholson with one punch on the restart but he weathers it and gets to his feet. Clark takes his back standing at 3:30. Nicholson works him to the front but Clark still in control of the clinch on the cage. Punch combo from Clark at 4:15 as they separate. Nicholson drops Clark with a punch with less than 10 seconds left and the ref steps in to stop it quickly. Not a bad stoppage but he didn’t seem in any more trouble than Clark was earlier in the round when he got dropped. Crowd went deathly silent with the stoppage
WINNER – ALEX NICHOLSON (7-2) by KO (punch) at 4:57
BANTAMWEIGHTS RANI YAHYA (21-8 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) VS. MATTHEW LOPEZ (8-0, 0-0 UFC) (Bobby Wombacher – ref)
Lopes is off of Dana White’s “Lookin for a fight” series. A couple of great punch exchanges early until Yahya initiates a cage clinch 45 seconds in. Lopes takes control and ends up on top when Yahya goes for a takedown. Lopez stands up, obviously fearful of the Brazilian’s ground game. Yahya with a nice punch combo at 2:45 and almost drops him with a leg kick. Lopez drops Yahya with a punch and immediately follows him to the ground, going for an armbar. Yahya escapes and quickly gains top position and then side control at 3:45. Yahya with hard elbows to the head. Lopez escapes and reverses into top position but Yahya with a kneebar attempt and then an Oma Plata. Lopez escapes that and to his feet. Yahya tries to take him down again but Lopez ends up on top. Great grappling exchanges. 10-9 Lopez
Lopez with a takedown 45 seconds in. Yahya working for an armbar from the bottom. Lopez with an inverted triangle though after escaping. It looks tight but Yahya gives the thumbs up to the ref and then escapes at 1:30 and ends up in top position. Yahya quickly into side control. Lopez works him back into half guard but Yahya landing punches to the head and body. Yahya landing hard elbows to the head as well. Total strikes are 57-20 for Yahya. Yahya landing hard punches to the head and Lopez barely defending but manages to get to his feet. Yahya tries to take him down but but Lopez stuffs it. Yahya staggers Lopez with a punch and then gets a takedown. Lopez with a guillotine attempt on the way down but Yahya escapes easily and moves right into side control. Yahya into mount with 30 seconds left and secures an armbar. Lopez fighting it off desparately. Crowd really into this. Bell saves Lopez and the crowd gives an ovation. 10-8 Yahya, 19-18 Yahya
Yahya with an early takedown attempt but Lopez ends up on top. Lopez stands up quickly to avoid the ground game of Yahya. Yahya gets a takedown again at 1:00 but Lopez working for a choke, which Yahya quickly escapes from. Total strikes are 87-23 now for Yahya. Yahya landing punches to the body and head as he’s got Lopez trapped by the cage. Yahya lifts Lopez up and slams him back to the canvas before landing more head strikes. Lopez manages to get to his feet briefly but Yahya takes his back and drags him down again. Lopez sweeps and briefly gains top position but again Yahya gets top control. Yahya with a hard and arm choke and gets a quick tap. Great performance from Yahya
WINNER – RANI YAHYA (22-8-1) by submission (arm triangle) at 4:19 of the third round
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)
LIGHTWEIGHTS SCOTT HOLTZMAN (8-1, 1-1 UFC) VS. CODY PFISTER (12-5-1, 1-2 UFC) (Kevin MacDonald – ref)
They trade single shots for the first minute with Holtzman landing the harder shots. Holtzman with a flying knee that drops Pfister to his knees but Holtzman stays up. Pfister stuns Holtzman with a punch that cuts him and then clinches up on the cage. Pfister with a takedown attempt but stuffed by Holtzman. Holtzman with a nice punch/head kick combo at 2:15. Another cage clinch at 3:00 with Holtzman in control. Holtzman landing knees to the body. Holtzman with a trip takedown at 3:30. Pfister to his feet quickly after a guillotine attempt from Holtzman. Pfister already looking gassed. Total strikes are 30-13 for Holtzman. Pfister with a weak takedown attempt stuffed by Holtzman. Holtzman lands several knees to the head before the round ends. 10-9 Holtzman
Holtzman drops Pfister with a head kick 30 seconds in and immediately follows him to the ground. Pfister was almost out there. Holtzman into mount at 1:00. Holtzman with a head and arm choke attempt but Pfister escapes, just like he did against Sage Northcutt in December and ends up in top position. Holtzman to his feet but Pfister in control of a cage clinch at 2:15. Holtzman landing punches to the head as Holtzman trying to take him down and then Holtzman scores a takedown of his own at 2:45. Holtzman landing a ton of punches to the head and body. Holtzman into mount at 3:45 and landing more punches to the head and body. Again Pfister reverses and ends up on top at 4:15. Holtzman working for a triangle from the bottom. Pfister not doing much at all from the top. 10-9 Holtzman
Total strikes through two rounds are 83-34 for Holtzman. Despite this, Pfister’s corner told him that he may have won the first round. Holtzman sprawls out of a takedown attempt at 1:00 and then gets one of his own. Holtzman again landing punches to the head and body from the top. Pfister connects with an illegal upkick and gets a warning. Holtzman stands up at 2:30 but Pfister stays on his back briefly and then goes to his feet. Pfister with a takedown attempt and Holtzman secures a guillotine and brings him down. Pfister escapes easily and ends up in top position. Holtzman reverses into top position at 3:45. Significant strikes are 47-22 for Holtzman. Holtzman with punches and elbows to the head. 10-9 Holtzman, 30-27 overall. Can’t imagine any other score unless someone gives a 10-8
WINNER – SCOTT HOLTZMAN (9-1) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)
Great punch exchange to start. Casey with a takedown at 1:00 and moves right into mount after eating a couple body kicks. Casey lands a couple hard elbows to the head. Stanciu works her back into half guard at 1:45 and Casey stands up. Stanciu follows. Casey with another taekdown at 2:30 and right into mount again and then finishes her off with hard elbows to the head to get the quick stoppage.
WINNER – CORTNEY CASEY (5-3) by TKO (elbows) at 2:36
MIDDLEWEIGHTS ERIC SPICELY (8-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. SAM ALVEY (26-8 1 NC, 3-3 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)
John McCarthy gets the pop of the night from the Sioux Falls crowd so far. And gets introduced as “Big John”, something Bruce Buffer has stated he will not do. Spicely shoots for a takedown early and they end up in a cage clinch. Separation at 1:00 after not much happens. They trade hard head punches at 1:15. Alvey staggers Spicely with a punch combo at 1:30 but he stays on his feet. Spicely slips after a kick attempt and tries for a takedown but Alvey defends it well. Alvey in control of a cage clinch at 2:00. Alvey with a standing guillotine and gets the quick tap.
WINNER – SAM ALVEY (27-8) by submission (guillotine) at 2:43
Alvey cut an amazing promo after the fight. He called out Holy War Angel and challenged the whole continent of Europe for a fight in Manchester. He predicted Dan Henderson would win the middleweight title, defend it more times than anyone in history and then lose it to himself. He reminded everyone that his baby is due in ten days and maybe he’s due for some sort of bonus. If you see nothing else on this card, seek out this promo.
Murphy controlling the Octagon early but Chookagian landing single shots from distance. Murphy initiates a cage clinch at 1:30. Chookagian gets control and then separates at 2:00. Nice punch exchange at 2:15. Murphy continuing to advance and starting to land more strikes, mostly to the head. Total strikes are 24-13 for Chookagian. Chookagian starting to land leg kicks in addition to the head strikes at the end of the round. Very close. 10-9 Chookagian
Second round starts the same, only that this time Murphy gets the takedown at 1:30. Murphy not doing anything but holding her down though. She lands a couple light punches to the head after being warned for lack of action. Murphy works her to the fence and lands a few more elbows and punches to the head and a series of body punches as well. Murphy postures up and lands some hard head strikes at 4:30. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19 after 2
Murphy advancing to start again. Chookagian landing strikes while backing up again, as she did in the first round through the first 90 seconds. Murphy with a nice punch combo at 1:45. Punch combo from Chookagian at 2:15. Chookagian mixing in leg kicks as well as Murphy is getting frustrated, even throwing her hands down at 3:00. Murphy bleeding from under the left eye and her face is all busted up from the striking of Chookagian. Chookagian with a hard knee to the body as Murphy shoots for a takedown at 4:15. Murphy clinches up on the cage for the rest of the round while Chookagian defends the takedown. 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 overall. Round 1 will decide it.
WINNER – KATLYN CHOOKAGIAN (8-0) by unanimous decision on scores of 29-28 x 3
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 9 PM ET/6 PM PT)
FLYWEIGHTS (#12) LOUIS SMOLKA (10-1, 4-1 UFC) VS. BEN NGUYEN (16-5, 2-0 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)
Herb Dean gets almost as big a pop as Big John got earlier and both of them have gotten bigger reactions than anyof the rights. Nguyen chasing Smolka around the cage to start and Smolka tries for a takedown but Nguyen ends up in top position. He’s a local product. Smolka works to his feet and then gets a takedown of his own at 45 seconds. Smolka quickly into side control but Nguyen works him back into guard. Nguyen manages to take Smolka’s back and working for a rear naked choke. He transitions into mount and working for an arm triangle. Only 1:45 in and this is a crazy fight already. Smolka escapes and ends up in top position. Amazing grappling exchanges. Smolka landing a series of punches and elbows from guard at 3:15. Smolka with a triangle choke at 3:30. 10-9 Smolka
Round very easily could’ve been a 10-8 and many on Twitter have it scored that way. Total strikes were 55-7 for Smolka. Smolka gets a takedown 15 seconds in. Nguyen bleeding from his nose. Nguyen tries to get to his feet and Smolka secures a guillotine. Ngueyn escapes but Smolka all over him. Smolka landing elbows to the head and punches to the body. Smolka just relentless with the punches and elbows and then goes for a footlock, which Nguyen escapes from. Smolka still in top position and landing a ton of punches. Both to their feet at 2:30 but Smolka takes him right back down. Smolka stands up and delivering punches and knees to the body. Smolka lets him up but still peppering him with punches. Smolka drags him down with another guillotine attempt. Nguyen escapes but Smolka with a triangle attempt. Nguyen escapes that and Smolka with a front choke. Smolka lets it go and moves into mount. Smolka takes the back and gets the rear naked choke at 4:00. Nguyen doesn’t give up. Smolka all over him with punches from mount though. Elbows to the head from Smolka. Dean stops it. That would’ve been a 10-7 round if Dean hadn’t stopped it. Nguyen’s corner actually threw in the towel at the same time Dean was stopping it.
WINNER – LOUIS SMOLKA (11-1) by TKO (elbows and punches) at 4:41 of Round 2
Smolka challenged Wilson Reis to face him for the interim flyweight title since Demetrious Johnson is injured.
WELTERWEIGHTS KYLE NOKE (22-8-1, 6-4 UFC) VS. KEITA NAKAMURA (31-7-2 1 NC, 2-4 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)
Noke stuns Nakamura with a couple early punches but he weathers it. Nakamura pushing the pace but running into single jabs from Noke. Nakamura with a punch combo at 2:30 and then a head kick. Another punch combo for Nakamura at 2:45. Noke with a takedown at 3:00 but Nakamura right back up. Significant strikes are 18-13 for Noke. Nice punch exchange at 4:00. The difference may be that Noke is landing kicks to the body. Nakamura with a punch combo right before the bell. 10-9 Noke
Nakamura advancing to start again. Nakamura with a takedown attempt but Noke stuffs him 30 seconds in. Noke continuing to land jabs from distance while Nakamura advances. Nakamura stuffed on another takedown attempt at 1:45. Significant strikes now 37-30 for Noke. Nakamura stuns Noke with a punch combo at 3:00. Noke with a takedown at 3:15. Noke pulls him up but stays in control of his back, landing knees to the legs. Noke separates but not after landing a hard head strike and Nakamura now bleeding from the nose. Nakamura backs Noke up with a punch combo. Noke down and Nakamura all over him with punches. Nakamura into mount at 4:45. Nakamura with a rear naked choke and taps right before the buzzer.
WINNER – KEITA NAKAMURA (32-7-2) by submission at 4:59 of the second round
HEAVYWEIGHTS ALEXEY OLEINIK (50-9-1, 2-0 UFC) VS. DANIEL OMIELANCZUK (18-5-1 1 NC, 3-2 UFC) (Kevin MacDonald – ref)
I’ve seen several different spellings for Oleinik’s name so I’m going with this one. Alexey lands a punch combo early and shoots for a takedown but stuffed by Daniel. Alexey ends up getting the takedown 45 seconds in from the clinch. Daniel seated with his back to the cage. Alexey not doing much damage but just trying to advance. Alexey into mount and working for an arm triangle at 2:00. Daniel works him back into guard but Alexey again working for the choke. Alexey with hard elbows to the head. Daniel to his feet at 3:30 but Alexey still controlling him. Alexey with another takedown at 4:15. Alexey takes his back at 4:45 and gets the body triangle but not enough time to do anything. 10-9 Alexey
Daniel ops with a punch combo and gets Alexey to the ground. Alexey busted open. Daniel on top and landing punches and elbows to the head. Alexey working for a kneebar and then a heel hook. Daniel escapes but Alexey into top position and gets a head and arm choke. Daniel works back into top position at 1:30. Daniel landing more elbows and punches to the head. Daniel now covered in Alexey’s blood. Ground strikes are 30-29 for Daniel. Alexey trying to get to his feet and ends up in top position as Daniel has his back to the cage. Both guys up at 3:00. Daniel with a nice punch combo that rocks Alexey. Alexey initates a cage clinch at 3:30. Alexey with a takedown. Alexey working for an Ezekiel choke. Alexy with an armbar attempt at 4:00. Daniel escapes and gets top position. Alexey with a triangle attempt at 4:15. Daniel landing hammer fists to the head. 10-9 Daniel, 19-19
Alexey immediately shoots for a takedown but defended by Daniel. Daniel landing punches to the head as Alexey holds on. Alexey pulls guard at 45 seconds. Alexey’s face is a bloody mess. Alexey continuing to look for submissions from the bottom but eating a lot of punches. Ref stands them up at 2:00. Alexey can barely stand. Alexey advancing for a takedown on the standup and initiates a cage clinch. Alexey gets the takedown at 3:00 and then takes the back. Alexey working for a rear naked choke. Daniel landing punches from behind. Alexey working for a choke but Daniel reverses into top position. Alexey landing light punches to the head from the bottom. Daniel just holding him down. Ref stands them up at 4:30. Alexey doesn’t want to get up. Alexey can barelly stand. Daniel with a takedown right before the bell. 10-9 Daniel, 29-28 overall. Sloppy third round
WINNER – DANIEL OMIELANCZUK (19-5-1) by majority decision on scores of 28-28, 29-28 x 2
MIDDLEWEIGHTS TIM BOETSCH (18-10, 9-9 UFC) VS. JOSH SAMMAN (12-3, 3-1 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)
Samman with an early takedown attempt and they end up in a cage clinch. Boetsch landing punches to the body from behind and then gets a takedown at 1:00. Boetsch landing punches to the body from top position. Samman to his feet at 2:15. Samman with a punch combo at 2:45 and then goes right back to the clinch. He takes Boetsch’s back standing at 3:00 but Boetsch quickly fights him off. Total strikes are 36-10 for Boetsch. Samman still controlling the clinch. Separation at 4:00. Nice punch exchange at 4:15 and then Samman rocks Boetsch with a head kick but then goes right back to the cage clinch. Quick separation. Samman stalking Boetsch as the round ends. 10-9 Boetsch
Boetsch backs up Samman with a punch combo early. Head kick from Samman followed by a punch combo and Boetsch answers with a takedown. Boetsch postures up and lands elbows to the head. Boetsch with hard elbows to the body. Boetsch with an armbar attempt at 2:00. Boetsch all over him with punches and elbows at 3:15. Boetsch with full back mount and not letting up. Samman barely defending. Ref finally stops it.
WINNER – TIM BOETSCH (19-10) by TKO (punches) at 3:49 of the 2nd round
LIGHTWEIGHTS (#3) TONY FERGUSON (20-3, 10-1 UFC) VS. LANDON VANNATA (8-0, 0-0 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)
Vannata catches a kick early and lands a punch combo. Ferguson landing kicks from distance. Vannata tags Ferguson with a punch and then a low blow. Ferguson advancing. Vannata with another punch combo at 1:15. Ferguson stuns Vannata with a jab. Spinning backfist by Vannata rocks Ferugson at 1:30. Ferguson with a standing guillotine but Vannata escapes easily. Vannata with another punch combo, Ferguson in trouble. Ferguson comes back with a combo of his own. Vannata landing all kicks of spinning offence. Ferguson with leg kicks. Ferguson rocks Vannata with a series of jabs at 2:45. Vannata cut on the nose. Ferguson with a punch combo at 3:30. Vannata with a takedown attempt but Ferguson sprawls out. Vannata drops Ferguson with a punch. Ferguson is out on his feet. Vannata all over him. Ferguson weathers it. McCarthy easily could’ve stopped it. Ferguson with an inside heel hook attempt. Vannata escapes and in top position. Ferguson with an armbar attempt as the round ends. 10-8 Vannata
Vannata advancing to start and landing punches. Total strikes in round 1 were 50-42 for Ferguson. Vannata bleeding from cuts on the nose. Ferguson landing a lot more but Vannata doesn’t seem affected. Ferguson with hard body kicks. Ferguson with a Superman punch. Vannata eating hard shots now. Ferguson chasing him around the Octagon. Ferguson with a standing guillotine and drags Vannata to the ground and Ferguson transitions to a D’Arce choke. Vannata fights it off for awhile but eventually taps. Insane fight.
WINNER – TONY FERGUSON (21-3) by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:22 of Round 2
Ferguson with a great promo after the fight. Puts over the crowd and says he hopes to come back. Says he missed getting hit in the face. Calls out Eddie Alvarez, saying that he knows that he doesn’t want to fight him. Says that if he wants an easy fight, he should fight Conor but if he wants a real fight, he should take on him. That could work for a fight with either guy.
BANTAMWEIGHTS (#5) MICHAEL MCDONALD (17-3, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#8) JOHN LINEKER (27-7, 8-2 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)
They trade kicks while feeling each other out in the first minute. Lineker starting to establish Octagon control. McDonald with a punch combo at 1:30. Lineker stuns McDonald with a punch and all over him. McDonald down and Lineker pounces on him. McDonald somehow gets to his feet. Lineker chases him across the cage but McDonald firing punches back. McDonald with a punch combo of his own. Both guys throwing bombs at 2:30. Lineker drops McDonald with a punch. Florian calls it a KO and Lineker landed at least 7 hard punches after that point while McDonald was out cold. Bit of a late stoppage but Lineker was so fast it’s hard to blame the ref.
WINNER – JOHN LINEKER (28-7) by KO (punch) at 2:43
This was really one of the best cards of the year and worth going out of your way to see. Lineker did his whole promo with a translater but then called out Dominick Cruz in English. Hell of a promo and great way to cap off the card.
