Tag: Tyron Woodley

UFC 214 live results: Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones 2

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 214: Cormier vs. Jones 2, emanating from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

It is the biggest UFC event of 2017 so far as three title fights headline the most stacked card of the year, with the biggest fight of the year headlining the show.

UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier defends his title against his top rival, former champion Jon Jones, as each man looks for vengeance against the other. Cormier is looking to get an elusive win over Jones after Jones defeated him at UFC 182 in January 2015, while Jones is looking to reclaim his throne as the man to beat at 205 pounds.

In the co-main event, UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley looks to make it 365 days as champion at 170 pounds, but he gets a tough test in the form of challenger Demian Maia, the most gifted ground fighter in the sport and winner of seven straight fights. Woodley won the championship from Robbie Lawler on July 30th, 2016, and this will be his third title defense.

In the third title fight on the card, the vacant UFC women’s featherweight championship is up for grabs as the most dominant female fighter in history, Cris “Cyborg” Justino looks to finally wrap UFC gold around her waist when she battles Tonya Evinger. Justino hasn’t lost since her pro debut in May 2005, while Evinger makes her UFC debut on the heels of an 11-fight unbeaten streak.

Also on the main card is a fight that could be a potential “Fight of the Year” candidate as welterweight sluggers Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone square off, and a light heavyweight fight that could determine the next challenger opens the main card as Jimi Manuwa takes on Volkan Oezdemir.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on the show, so send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and worst fight to Dave at [email protected].

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

> Josh Burkman (28-15 1 NC, 6-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Drew Dober (17-8 1 NC, 3-4 1 NC UFC)
Lightweights

Fairly even standup early with Dober trying takedowns and Burkman defending pretty well. Burkman seemed to be hurting Dober with leg kicks but Dober landed a left hook out of nowhere and knocked Burkman out cold. 

RESULT – DREW DOBER (18-8) by KO (punch) at 3:04

Dober put over Burkman in his post-fight promo and said it was an honor to fight him. He wants to be ranked and he may not be but he should get a top 15 fight after laying out a vet like Burkman in that fashion. Crowd gave him a nice hand on his way out of the cage. 

> Eric Shelton (10-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Jarrod Brooks (12-0, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights

Interesting round as Shelton vastly outstruck Brooks with the stats at one pointing having him ahead 46-12. But Brooks got at least 3 takedowns and controlled him most of the round, including a couple of submission attempts. Brooks got a front headlock with about 15 seconds and moved into mount and the buzzer may have saved Shelton. 10-9 Brooks

Really slow start to the round with almost nothing happening for the first couple minutes other than a stuffed takedown attempt by Brooks. Shelton got a takedown at 4:00 and controlled Brooks for about 30 seconds. After Brooks got to his feet, he got a takedown but Shelton got up right before the buzzer. 10-9 Shelton, all tied up after 2 although that round was real close

Crowd really turned on this fight midway through the round as not much was happening. Shelton landed a nice shot that nearly knocked down Brooks about 2 minutes in. With about 15 seconds left, Shelton landed a flying knee. Brooks got a takedown after it but Shelton secured a guillotine as the clock ran out. 10-9 Shelton, 29-28 on my scorecard

RESULT – JARRED BROOKS (13-0) by split decision (29-28 x 2; 28-29)

Brooks said the result was f***ing bulls*** and said he looked terrible. But then when Joe Rogan asked him if he thought he should’ve lost, he said no. He said he’s coming for the f***ing belt….he was just all over the place. Put over Joe Rogan, saying he’s been watching him since Fear Factor. Just a profanity laced promo that went nowhere. 

> Kailin Curran (4-4, 1-4 UFC) vs. Alexandra Albu (2-0, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Best round of the night so far. Albu was landing all kind of strikes from everywhere and even pulled guard at one point. Curran was landing a lot as well but it seemed as if Albu’s were landing harder and affecting Curran more. She also had a couple of submission attempts. Curran was controlling the clinch game on the feet though. 10-9 Albu after 1

Antoher really good round. Albu was more active with a wide variety of strikes and got a couple of really nice headlock takedowns. She didn’t do much on the ground and Curran was able to get up fairly easily. They showed the strike stats at one point and it was 66-63 for Curran but Albu was definitely landing the harder shots. 10-9 Albu, 20-18

Great third round from Curran. Probably not enough to take the fight or even get a draw but she looked awesome. She had her best punch combo of the fight about a minute in. 2 minutes in, Albu got a headlock takedown but Curran scrambled into top position and controlled most of the rest of the round on the ground, doing a lot of damage. Albu got to her feet and got a late takedown but Curran was up quickly and got another of her own. 

RESULT – ALEKSANDRA ALBU (3-0) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

According to Dave Meltzer, who’s live at cageside, the crowd gave the fight a standing ovation at the end but did boo the decision as you could hear on TV. 

FXX PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Andre Fili (16-4, 4-3 UFC) vs. Calvin Kattar (16-2, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Kattar took this fight on short notice and looked pretty good. Round was fairly even on the feet with Fili controlling the pace but Kattar slightly more active and it was looking to be a tossup round until Kattar got a late takedown and landed a ton of punches in the last 15 seconds to steal the round. 10-9 Kattar

Similar round in the sense it was fairly even almost the whole way. It felt like Fili was maybe winning the round slightly but Kattar landed the best punch combo of the fight with out about 15 seconds and really seemed to hurt Fili 10-9 Kattar, 20-18 overall

Fili came out more aggressive and was winning the round until Kattar got a takedown with about 45 seconds left. He did some ground and pound but Fili got up quickly. You could make a case for Fili taking the third but I’ve got it 30-27 Kattar. Great debut either way

RESULT – CALVIN KATTAR (17-2) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

> Renato Moicano (#9, 11-0-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Brian Ortega (#8, 11-0 1 NC, 3-0 1 NC UFC)
Featherweights

Close first round fought entirely on the feet. Every time Ortega would land a combo, Moicano would answer back with one of his own. Moicano also landed a couple of unanswered combos and had a kick combo as well. Ortega landed a flying knee at the end of the round but didn’t really do any damage. 10-9 Moicano but really close

Almost entirely on the feet again this round and Moicano started to take over. He was ahead 26-7 in strikes landed about 3 minutes in and it didn’t even seem as close as that. He seemed headed for a 10-8 round but Ortega picked it up a bit in the last minute. Moicano scored a late takedown to remove any doubt. 10-9 Moicano, 20-18 overall.

Ortega came out stronger in this round but Moicano picked up the pace about 2 minutes in and seemed to be cruising to another round win and the fight. He made the critical mistake of taking Ortega down and Ortega secured a guillotine on the way down and Moicano tapped quickly.

RESULT – BRIAN ORTEGA (12-0) by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:59 of the 3rd round

In his post-fight promo, Ortega brought up that he and Moicano were the only unbeaten fighters in the Top 10 and said if someone’s going to beat him, he’d like to see how. He fell short of calling anyone out though. 

> Aljamain Sterling (#8, 13-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Renan Barao (#13 FW, 34-4 1 NC, 9-3 UFC)
140-pound Catchweights

Fast start to the round with both guys throwing a lot of kicks and punches. Barao got a takedown just over a minute in and controlled Sterling on the ground for the rest of the round. Sterling had a couple of submission attempts from his back but Barao outstruck him badly…..total strikes were 30-10 at one point. 10-9 Barao, almost a 10-8

Second round was the exact opposite of the first with the fast start and then a takedown by Sterling at about 1:30. Sterling dominated the rest of the way and did way more damage than Barao did in the first round and I thought he did enough to get the 10-8. Barao did have a brief arm triangle submission attempt but Sterling closed strong, opening up a cut with elbows. 10-8 Sterling, 19-18 Sterling after 2

Closer third round. Sterling was definitely more active and Barao was really getting tired toward the end. There were a couple long cage clinches with Sterling controlling but neither guy did much and the ref had to break them both up. With about 30 seconds left, Barao took him down and while Sterling was trying to get up, Barao spiked him to the ground head first. It was almost enough to steal the round but not quite. 10-9 Sterling, 29-27 overall

RESULT – ALJAMIAIN STERLING (14-2) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27 and 30-26)

> Ricardo Lamas (#3, 17-5, 8-3 UFC) vs. Jason Knight (#15, 17-2, 4-1 UFC)
Featherweights

This was awesome. Lamas got an early takedown but Knight was very active from his back with several submission attempts and he had Lamas tied up to where he couldn’t do anything. When Lamas finally got to his feet, he lit up Knight with punches on the feet. Knight was rocked badly and just wouldn’t go down, despite eating a ton of punches. Knight shot for a takedown but ended up on his back and Lamas finished him with hard ground and pound. Knight protested the stoppage but could barely stand and was clearly out of it.

RESULT – RICARDO LAMAS (18-5) by TKO at 4:34

On the studio show, both Michael Bisping and Kenny Florian picked Cormier and Woodley to retain their titles in the top 2 matches on the PPV. 

PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Jimi Manuwa (#3, 17-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (#5, 14-1, 2-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

They clinched up early and Manuwa worked him to the cage. Oezdemir punched out of it and rocked him with punches from the clinch. As Manuwa was backing up, Oezdemir knocked him out. Scary performance as that’s two straight KOs in less than 30 seconds. He may get a title shot off of this

RESULT – VOLKAN OEZDEMIR (15-1) by KO (punch) at 22 seconds

Oezdemir said “I don’t know what’s going on but I have dynamite in my hands”. He went on to call out the winner of the main event. This guy went from a nobody to beating a top 3 contender in less than a year and could be fighting for the title. 

> Robbie Lawler (#3, 27-11 1 NC, 12-5 UFC) vs. Donald Cerrone (#6, 32-8 1 NC, 19-5 UFC)
Welterweights

Lawler opened strong, clinching up in the center with Cerrone and landing a ton of punches and elbows. He had 23 strikes in the first minute. It got a little more even after that and then Cerrone kind of took over late, getting a takedown and landing a nice knee/head kick combo. Great opening round. 10-9 Lawler

Cerrone fought much smarter in round 2. He kept his distance, not letting Lawler clinch with him and landed strikes while also controlling the pace. By the end of the round, he had gained the lead in strikes landed and took the round easily. 10-9 Cerrone, 19-19 heading into the third

Close final round. Lawler was much more active than he’d been in the 2nd and seemed to be landing the harder shots but striking stats showed them basically even, with Cerrone holding a 30-29 advantage. Cerrone also had several takedown attempts, all of which were defended by Lawler. Both guys were bloody at the end and the crowd gave this a standing ovation in the last minute. 10-9 Lawler but could go either way.

RESULT – ROBBIE LAWLER (28-11) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

Heavy boos from the crowd after the decision. Lawler said almost exactly what I did. “I won the first, he won the second and the third was up in the air”. He dedicated the fight to Matt Hughes, who’s still recovering from his accident. Lawler said he’s not worried about the title and he wants to visit Hughes. 

> Cris “Cyborg” Justino (17-1 1 NC, 2-0 UFC) vs. Tonya Evinger (19-5 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)
UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship

Measured performance by Cyborg. She never seemed close to finishing Evinger but dominated every second of the round. Evinger actually had a couple flash takedowns but Cyborg was up immediately and did damage on the way up. 10-8 Cyborg

Not quite as dominant a round for Cyborg here and she seemed to be slowing down just a bit at the end of the round. Cyborg landed a lot of punch combos but Evinger was starting to evade strikes at the end of it and even landed some of her own in the last minute. Cyborg did do a lot of damage with leg kicks. 10-9 Cyborg, 20-17

Cyborg dropped Evinger with a punch combo early but refused to go to the ground with her. After the ref stood Evinger up, Cyborg initiated a cage clinch and then finished her with knees standing. 

RESULT – CRIS CYBORG (18-1) by TKO (knees) at 1:56 of Round 3 NEW FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION

In her post-fight promo, Cyborg said that she feels like she’s the best fighter she’s ever been. She says she is just now learning how to “fight” and was just relying on her abilities before this. No call-out since there are no other fighters in the division. 

> Tyron Woodley (C, 17-3-1, 7-2-1 UFC) vs. Demian Maia (#1, 25-6, 19-6 UFC)
UFC Welterweight Championship

Maia had at least 8 takedown attempts and Woodley blocked every one. Woodley only landed occasional punches standing but messed up Maia’s eye somehow during one of the early takedown attempts. It wasn’t much, but enough to take the round 10-9

Crowd hating this feet. Several more takedown attempts by Maia, all blocked. Seemed like Woodley landed a few more punches than in the first. Total strikes were 15-5 at the end of the second and that was total in the whole fight. 10-9 Woodley, 20-18

Same story in the third. More failed takedown attempts by Woodley. Punches by Woodley and he mixed in leg kicks as well. Maia bleeding from a cut on his nose, swollen on both eyes and his knees are cut up from all the missed takedowns, 13 in total. 10-9 Woodley, 30-27

Maia now 0/16 on takedown attempts but he did land a few more strikes this round and Woodley did almost nothing but avoid takedowns. He did land the hardest punch of the round though and may have taken it. 10-9 Woodley, 40-36. Crowd loudly booing this fight

I think they may have said that Woodley had 26 takedown attempts in total, stuffed on every one. They also broke the record for fewest strikes landed in a welterweight title fight over 5 rounds. By a lot. This round was exactly the same as the rest. Woodley with a 45-23 advantage in significant strikes landed. Crowd chanted BORING and did the Bray Wyatt cell phone gimmick during the round and booed the hell out of it at the end. 

RESULT – TYRON WOODLEY (18-3-1) by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46 x 2)

Crowd booed the decision and every word of Woodley’s promo. He challenged GSP for November 4 in MSG. That fight will be terrible but should do business.

Rogan announced to the crowd about the breaking the fewest strikes record and crowd booed that too. 

> Daniel Cormier (C, 19-1, 8-1 UFC) vs. Jon Jones (#1, 22-1, 16-1 UFC)
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

Jones outstruck Cormier in the round by almost a 2 to 1 margin but Cormier came on strong in the last 30 seconds, including a couple of combos that rocked Jones and he may have stolen the round 10-9. Great atmosphere with loud crowd both pro and negative for Cormier. Loud reactions whenever he landed anything in particular. 

Cormier was actually starting to find his rhythm and land more strikes, closing the gap in strikes landed. Then Jones landed a head kick that rocked him and he never recovered. Jones then knocked him down with punches and finished him on the ground with punches and elbows to the head. John McCarthy gave Cormier a lot of time to recover, maybe too much time but finally stopped it. 

RESULT – JON JONES (23-1) by TKO (punches and elbows) at 3:01 of Round 3 NEW LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

Cormier refused to stand for the winner’s announcement, which drew loud boos. This was the first stoppage loss of his career. 

Jones had an emotional promo. He said that for everyone that’s every let themselves down, this is what you can do. He said he had to do a lot of right things in his life to get to this point and he thanked all of his fans and also thanked the haters, who motivated him to prove them wrong. 

Jones thanked Daniel Cormier for being his biggest rival and biggest motivator. Said he has been a model champion, a model father and a model person. Said he is a true champion for the rest of his life. He went over to embrace him. 

Camera panned to Cormier, who was crying like crazy and the crowd booed him a little bit. 

Rogan interviewed Cormier, who was still crying. Says the fight was going well and he didn’t know what happened. 

Jones called out Brock Lesnar. “IF you want to find out what it’s like to get your ass kicked by someone 40 lbs lighter than you, get your ass back to the Octagon”. Announcers completely no sold this. 

UFC 214 Observer Panel Picks: Three title fights, Lawler vs. Cerrone

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

It’s the biggest UFC show of the year so far as Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier step into the Octagon in Anaheim to renew their rivalry. Jones won the first time out to retain the light heavyweight title, but his antics outside the cage cost him his belt.

DC picked up the slack in the meantime, and he looks to defend his belt for the third time against his biggest rival. In the co-main event slot, Demian Maia gets his long-deserved shot at the welterweight title and division kingpin Tyron Woodley.

Invicta FC bantamweight champion Tonya Evinger debuts for the company as she faces former Invicta and Strikeforce featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino. The winner claims the UFC women’s featherweight title, which was vacated by Germaine de Randamie.

Despite the other title fights, the second most anticipated bout on the card may very well be former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler taking on Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. This was originally scheduled as one of the featured bouts for UFC 213 during International Fight Week but was pushed back to this show due to injury.

Rounding out the main card, and likely kicking off the pay-per-view, is a fight that could determine the next challenger for the winner of the main event. 205 pounders Jimi Manuwa and Volkan Oezdemir will throw down in a war that promises to be quick and violent.

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 panelists’ 2017 records are in parentheses, and we also have panel consensus picks along with a line where we show how the betting favorites did:

  • John Pollock (39-17; .696) — Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
  • Favorites (37-19; .661)
  • Dave Meltzer (37-19; .661) — Wrestling Observer publisher
  • Consensus Picks (35-20; .636)
  • David Bixenspan (35-21; .625) — Deadspin pro wrestling columnist, Between the Sheets podcast host
  • Mike Sempervive (33-23; .589) — Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
  • Steve Juon (33-23; .589) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
  • Josh Nason (33-23; .589) — Host of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, WrestlingObserver.com assistant editor
  • Mike Sawyer (32-24; .571) — Tough Talk MMA publisher
  • Ryan Frederick (31-25; .554) — WrestlingObserver.com UFC writer
  • Paul Fontaine (30-26; .536) — MMADraws.com publisher, WrestlingObserver.com writer
  • Tom Lawlor (10-9; .526) — Filthy Four Daily co-host, pro wrestling undercard fighter, UFC enhancement talent currently suspended due to wellness violation
  • Front Row Brian (27-29; .482) — MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host

Main event for the UFC light heavyweight title — Champion Daniel Cormier (19-1) vs. Jon Jones (22-1)

These two may hate each other more than any two fighters in MMA. Cormier needs this win to prove that he’s the real champ. Jones wants to regain the belt that he never really lost. It’s a simple story.

One of the compelling things about this fight is what’s next. Jones pretty much cleaned out the division during his title run, and Cormier hasn’t had much trouble with anyone besides Jones. There are heavy rumors that Jones might move up to heavyweight after this fight, with Brock Lesnar as his most speculated on first opponent in that division.

  • Jones NR; -260 betting favorite — Frederick, FRB, Juon, Meltzer, Lawlor, Sawyer, Nason, Pollock, Fontaine, Bixenspan, Sempervive

For the UFC welterweight title — Champion Tyron Woodley (17-3-1) vs. Demian Maia (22-6)

Maia won seven straight to earn this shot, most in dominating fashion. Woodley knocked out Robbie Lawler to win the title but escaped by the skin of his teeth after two fights with number one contender Steven “Wonderboy” Thompson that really didn’t settle anything.

What’s interesting here is that all three people who’ve beaten Woodley in his career have also beaten Maia — and by the exact same method. Rory McDonald and Jake Shields hold decision wins over both and Nate Marquardt has knocked them both out. Woodley is four years younger, which could end up being the deciding factor here.

  • Woodley #1; -193 betting favorite — FRB, Juon, Meltzer, Lawlor, Sawyer, Nason, Pollock, Fontaine, Sempervive
  • Maia #3; +180 betting underdog — Frederick, Bixenspan

For the vacant UFC women’s featherweight title — Cris “Cyborg” Justino (17-1) vs. Tonya Evinger (19-6)

Cyborg has already fought twice in the UFC, winning both of her fights via KO. She has not lost since her pro debut 12 years ago. Evinger’s run has been impressive as well, with 10 straight wins that took her to the Invicta bantamweight title (which she vacated in order to get the UFC shot).

Much has been made of the fact that Evinger wasn’t “good enough” for the UFC bantamweight division, but two of the women she successfully defended against were signed by the UFC after their fights.

Cyborg has rarely faced anyone the caliber of Evinger. Aside from Marloes Coenen and Leslie Smith, none of her opponents have done much of anything in MMA since facing her.

  • Cyborg #1; -940 betting favorite — Frederick, FRB, Juon, Meltzer, Lawlor, Sawyer, Nason, Pollock, Bixenspan, Sempervive
  • Evinger #7 at women’s bantamweight; +971 betting underdog — Fontaine

Robbie Lawler (27-11) vs. Donald Cerrone (32-8) (welterweights)

When Lawler was fighting for the middleweight title in Strikeforce and Cerrone was competing for the lightweight title in WEC, who’d have thought this fight was possible? Now they find themselves in the same weight class in UFC and it’s possibly the best fight on the card on one of the biggest shows of the year.

Cerrone hasn’t fought since January, which is like a decade by his schedule. Lawler is one year removed from losing his title to Tyron Woodley, with this being his first fight since. The winner here is probably one win away from a shot at the Woodley-Maia winner.

  • Lawler #4; -145 betting favorite — Frederick, FRB, Juon, Meltzer, Lawlor, Sawyer, Nason, Pollock, Fontaine, Bixenspan, Sempervive

Jimi Manuwa (17-2) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (14-1) (light heavyweights)

These may be the two best light heavyweights in UFC who have never faced either Cormier or Jones, and this very well could be a number one contender’s fight. Manuwa has won two straight, both by KO, since being knocked out by former title contender Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.

Oezdemir thrust himself into title talk by stunning Misha Cirkunov and knocking him out in under 30 seconds. Both men also hold wins over top contender Ovince Saint Preux and a win here, especially if it’s impressive, is probably a ticket to the biggest fight in either man’s career.

  • Manuwa #6; -176 betting favorite — Frederick, FRB, Juon, Meltzer, Sawyer, Nason, Pollock, Bixenspan, Sempervive
  • Oezdemir #10; +161 betting underdog — Lawlor, Fontaine

**********

The rest of the card —

Ricardo Lamas (17-5) vs. Jason Knight (18-2) (featherweights)

  • Lamas #4; +110 betting underdog
  • Knight #14; -112 betting favorite

Renan Barao (34-4) vs. Aljamain Sterling (13-2) (140 lb catchweight)

  • Barao #17 featherweight; +115 betting underdog
  • Sterling #11 bantamweight; -115 betting favorite

Bryan Ortega (11-0) vs. Renato Carneiro (11-0-1) (featherweights)

  • Ortega #11; +143 betting underdog
  • Carneiro #8; -149 betting favorite

Andre Fili (16-4) vs. Calvin Kattar (16-2) (featherweights)

  • Fili #38; -350 betting favorite
  • Kattar #130; +336 betting underdog

Jarred Brooks (12-0) vs. Eric Shelton (10-3) (flyweights)

  • Brooks #29; -141 betting favorite
  • Shelton #36; +130 betting underdog

Kailin Curran (4-4) vs. Aleksandra Albu (2-0) (strawweights)

  • Curran NR; +138 betting underdog
  • Albu NR; -151 betting favorite

Josh Burkman (28-15) vs. Drew Dober (17-8) (lightweights)

  • Burkman #82; +269 betting underdog
  • Dober #98; -300 betting favorite

Action begins with the Fight Pass prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET and moves over to FXX at 8 p.m. ET. The main card airs on PPV at 10 p.m. ET, and our own Dave Meltzer will be cageside covering the show. Check out the links below for more coverage:

UFC 209 live results: Woodley vs. Thompson 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 209: Woodley vs. Thompson 2, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The event is headlined by a rematch for the UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley defends the championship for the second time against challenger Stephen Thompson.

The two met in one of the best fights of 2016 at UFC 205 in November, and after five back-and-forth rounds and some moments that saw the fight close to being over, the men saw it end in a majority draw with Woodley retaining. They run it back for rounds six through ten as both look to leave Sin City with gold around their waist.

The co-main event was scheduled to be a battle for the Interim Lightweight Championship between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. On Friday, prior to the weigh-ins, Nurmagomedov was taken to the hospital due to complications surrounding his weight cut. He wasn’t cleared to fight, and the bout was canceled, leaving a huge hole in the card.

Also on the main card is the middleweight debut of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans as he takes on Daniel Kelly, winner of three straight. Lightweight prospect Lando Vannata returns from his highlight-reel knockout win when he takes on David Teymur, and heavyweight sluggers Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt meet in the opener of the main card.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so send a thumbs up, thumbs in the middle, or a thumbs down along with a best fight and worst fight to Dave here,

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Albert Morales (6-1-1, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (11-3, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

The first round was on the feet. Morales was more aggressive and landing more, and was mixing his strikes more by landing the jab, straight right hands, left hooks and leg kicks. Soukhamthath was primarily in punch mode and looked tentative on the feet, though he started to open up more in the latter stages of the round, even landing a big uppercut. Morales had great timing and was getting the better of the range. Soukhamthath landed better at the end, but Morales was the higher-volume striker. 10-9 opening round for Morales.

Soukhamthath was landing better in the opening stages of the second round but Morales still had good volume. Morales then decided to change it up and went to the grappling and took Soukhamthath down but was reversed. Soukhamthath landed some punches from the back before getting into the guard of Morales, but he wasn’t doing much from the top. Soukhamthath was able to get out from the guard and landed some punches at the end before they got to their feet at the end. A closer round, and I had it 10-9 for Soukhamthath, and it 19-19 after two.

Soukhamthath was landing much better punches at the beginning of the third round. The left hook was his punch of choice but he was mixing it all well. They were swinging away and Soukhamthath took the back of Morales. They broke and were trading and showing signs of being tired. Soukhamthath went for a takedown but let Morales take his back and Morales was landing punches from the back and looking for the choke. He looked to have it in for a moment but let up as both men were clearly gassed. They rode the round out in that position with neither doing much until late. Soukhamthath gave that round away by looking for the takedown as he was winning on the feet. 10-9 Morales in the third, and 29-28 Morales overall.

The judges had it 29-28 twice for Morales and 29-28 once for Soukhamthath. No bad scores in that one.

Official Result- Albert Morales def. Andre Soukhamthath by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Tyson Pedro (5-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (9-0, 1-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Craig was landing the switch head kick early before Pedro landed a big knee that slowed Craig down. Craig got a brief takedown before they split and Pedro dropped Craig with a straight right hand. Craig got up but ate another right hand and then a big knee from Pedro. Pedro got to side control and was landing big ground-and-pound elbows and Marc Goddard stepped in and stopped the fight. Big finish by Pedro in the first round! Pedro has a lot of promise at 205 pounds.

Official Result- Tyson Pedro def. Paul Craig by TKO (elbows) at 4:10 of Round 1

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

> Mark Godbeer (11-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Daniel Spitz (5-0, 0-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

They were trading early and Godbeer was landing with good kicks and right hands. Godbeer was telegraphing his strikes but was still landing them as he was landing the leg kicks, and even dropped Spitz for a moment with a leg kick. Spitz wasn’t doing much to check the kicks and wasn’t showing much defense. Spitz was landing the jab but Godbeer was attacking in return and landed a big left hook at the end of the round. 10-9 round for Godbeer.

They were trading again with Godbeer landing with more volume. Spitz scored a takedown but that was the most of his offense. They got up but Godbeer was teeing off on Spitz with uppercuts and Spitz looked exhausted. Godbeer was landing body shots but Spitz survived the round, though it was a clear 10-9 for Godbeer. I had it 20-18 Godbeer after two.

Both men were tired but Godbeer had a little more in his gas tank. He was landing more but neither man had the other in trouble at any point. Godbeer was landing and Spitz wasn’t doing much in return. It was only one punch at a time. Godbeer was urging Spitz to fight but it wasn’t like Godbeer was doing much to engage though he was landing more. Godbeer then landed a big right hand and had Spitz in a whole ton of trouble. Spitz was able to make it to the end. This was a very sloppy fight. 10-9 Godbeer in the third, 30-27 Godbeer overall.

All three judges had it 30-27 for Godbeer, which was the clear score. No post-fight interview for him, not surprising.

Official Result- Mark Godbeer def. Daniel Spitz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Iuri Alcantara (#15, 34-7 1 NC, 8-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Luke Sanders (11-0, 1-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

WWE’s Becky Lynch was shown in attendance as Sanders is her boyfriend. Alcantara immediately scrambled to the ground looking to get it down but Sanders avoided it. They both landed left hands. Sanders caught an Alcantara kick and took him down and Sanders was teeing off on Alcantara with punches from the back. Sanders was landing a lot of shots and Alcantara wasn’t doing anything to defend it. This could be stopped. Sanders then kneed Alcantara illegally just when it looked like a finish, and he got a point taken away from him and the fight back to standing, and they went to the end of the round. It would’ve been a 10-8 round for Sanders, but a rare 9-8 round on my card now.

Sanders was getting the better of the striking at the start of the second round. Alcantara tried to start a grappling battle but Sanders blocked it. Sanders dropped Alcantara with a knee and was looking for the finish but Alcantara was able to survive. Sanders was landing punches from the back but Alcantara grabbed a leg and rolled for a kneebar. Alcantara had it locked in and Sanders tapped out! Wow, what a comeback from Alcantara! He was close to being finished several times but pulled the submission out of nowhere.

Official Result- Iuri Alcantara def. Luke Sanders by submission (kneebar) at 3:13 of Round 2

> Mirsad Bektic (#13, 11-0, 4-0 UFC) vs. Darren Elkins (#14, 21-5, 11-4 UFC)
Featherweights

Elkins has the worst tattoo in the history of the sport on his chest, and that is saying a lot. Bektic landed a right hand at the start and quickly took the fight down. He opened a huge cut over the eye of Elkins. Bektic had the crucifix position and was landing lots of punches and elbows on Elkins. Elkins is an absolute bloody mess and this is getting close to being stopped. Bektic just relentless with his ground-and-pound and Elkins is holding on to Bektic. Elkins survived but a huge round for Bektic. 10-8 round.

Bektic scored an easy takedown at the start of the second. Bektic was landing some punches but Elkins was looking for a guillotine. Bektic defended and they were scrambling on the mat and Bektic ended up back on top. It was all Bektic from the top in this round as he had Elkins in trouble but didn’t appear close to finishing it, or as close as he did in the first. 10-9 Bektic in the second, 20-17 after two for Bektic.

Elkins landed a low kick and we had a quick break. Bektic got the fight to the mat and was controlling from the ground. Elkins went for a heel hook but didn’t have it in all the way and Bektic escaped. They scrambled to the feet and Elkins had the back and was landing punches and knees to the body. WOW! Elkins landed a head kick that knocked Bektic out on the scramble. An amazing comeback! It was actually a punch that got Bektic but an amazing comeback from Elkins as he hands Bektic his first career loss.

Official Result- Darren Elkins def. Mirsad Bektic by TKO (strikes) at 3:19 of Round 3

BREAKING FIGHT NEWS: UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson will defend against Wilson Reis in the main event of UFC On FOX 24 on April 15 in Kansas City, the UFC’s debut in the city. Also on the card will be a middleweight bout between Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza and Robert Whittaker.

> Marcin Tybura (14-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Luis Henrique (10-2 1 NC, 2-1 UFC)
Heavyweights

They clinched early and were up against the fence but not a lot of action so they were separated. Tybura landed a kick but Henrique got the back against the fence. Tybura got a takedown and was in side control against the fence. They got to their feet and Henrique scored a takedown. Nothing happened and they got to their feet. Not much of a round. 10-9 Tybura due to doing more with his takedown.

Henrique got a takedown but they got up and were clinched against the fence. They were broken up but immediately clinched back up. This is real boring. They kept getting clinched back up every time they were separated by Herb Dean. The crowd booing loudly. They traded weak punches and back to the clinch. A really boring round. 10-9 Henrique, 19-19 after two.

Tybura landed a quick right hand and they decided to clinch against the fence again. This is repetitive and awful. Tybura started landing punches as they scrambled to the mat and Tybura was in full mount and landing. Tybura landing tons of punches and Henrique is cut open and hurting and Herb Dean stopped the fight. Boring fight but Tybura got the finish with a big flurry in the third.

Official Result- Marcin Tybura def. Luis Henrique by TKO (punches) at 3:46 of Round 3

PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

They announced a return to New Zealand for an event on June 10 at the opening of the card.

> Alistair Overeem (#3, 41-15 1 NC, 6-4 UFC) vs. Mark Hunt (#8, 12-10-1 1 NC, 7-4-1 1 NC UFC)
Heavyweights

They traded kicks. Overeem landed a leg kick and Hunt started gushing blookd from his leg. Hunt landed a big body kick on Overeem. Hunt landed another big leg kick and then Overeem got off balance from a leg kick. Hunt landed another body kick and he’s looking like he’s loading up the right hand. Overeem landed a knee in the clinch. Overeem started running away as Hunt was getting close to landing some right hands. 10-9 close opening round for Hunt, could be either way really.

Overeem with a spin kick but Hunt fired back with a body kick. Hunt is bleeding from his nose now. Overeem hurt Hunt with a couple of knees. Overeem with a steady diet of knees and kicks to the body. Hunt then had Overeem hurt with some punches and elbows and he was looking to swarm for a finish. Overeem was able to get the underhooks and clinched Hunt against the fence. Hunt hurt Overeem again with an elbow but Overeem landed a knee to stop the momentum. Close round again but I had it 10-9 for Overeem and 19-19 after two.

They were clinched up and Hunt was about to land some punches but Overeem ducked and ran away and the crowd booed him big time for that. In the clinch Overeem landed an elbow that opened Hunt up for a big knee from Overeem. Another knee from Overeem and Hunt is out cold and face plants to the mat. Huge knockout win from Overeem!

Official Result- Alistair Overeem def. Mark Hunt by knockout (elbows & knees) at 1:44 of Round 3

> Amanda Cooper (2-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (3-0, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They were trading early. Cooper threw a kick and Calvillo reversed it into a takedown. They had a wild scramble with Calvillo grabbing the neck, but she lost position, and they scrambled again and Calvillo took the back of Cooper. Calvillo had the rear-naked choke locked in deep and Cooper taps! Big submission win for Calvillo in her UFC debut.

Official Result- Cynthia Calvillo def. Amanda Cooper by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:19 of Round 1

> Rashad Evans (19-5-1, 14-5-1 UFC) vs. Daniel Kelly (12-1, 5-1 UFC)
Middleweights

Evans looks real lean making his middleweight debut. They were trading and Kelly landed a nice left hand. Kelly landed two more nice left hands that stunned Evans. Evans landed a right hand and transitioned to a takedown but it was defended. Evans landed an uppercut. Kelly is landing the left hand and Evans isn’t doing much to defend it. Evans landed a big body kick with a lot of power. Close round, but Evans landed the bigger strike. 10-9 Evans.

Kelly is landing with some close short punches in close range. Kelly landed a left hand. Evans goes for a takedown but it is defended. Kelly went to the mat for a moment but got up and ate a big knee from Evans. Finger poke from Evans and we have a break. They get back to action and Evans lands another big body kick. Kelly is landing the left hand but not with a lot of power right now. Evans scores a takedown and has the back as Kelly gets to his feet. Evans went for a head kick but Kelly grabbed the leg, let go and they traded punches. Evans with another body kick towards the end of the round. 10-9 round for Kelly, but close. I have it 19-19.

This fight could be a mess to score. Evans landed a couple of right hands. Evans landing cleaner now but Kelly tripped Evans for a second. Evans with a body kick. Kelly is a tough dude. Evans is finding his range but Kelly keeps moving forward. Kelly landed a short uppercut and was landing some dirty boxing. Evans with an inside leg kick. Evans landed another uppercut. He doesn’t seem to have the same kind of pop he had in the past. They traded in the clinch. Evans got warned for grabbing the shorts inside a clinch. They threw lots of punches at the end. Close fight. I have round three 10-9 for Evans, and Evans winning 29-28.

The judges had it 29-28 Kelly, 28-29 Evans and 29-28 Kelly. Evans looked dejected but his best days are behind him. Kelly with the biggest win of his career.

Official Result- Daniel Kelly def. Rashad Evans by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Lando Vannata (9-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. David Teymur (5-1, 2-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Vannata has star potential. Vannata was closing the distance early and landing some good kicks. They traded in close range. Vannata went for a cartwheel kick and it landed! Vannata then tagged Teymur with some punches but Teymur fired back with some punches. Teymur tagged Vannata and Vannata lost his mouthpiece. Vannata missed a spinning head kick. Teymur with a big body kick. Vannata got a big takedown but they scrambled to their feet. Teymur landed a good combination inside. Vannata missed another cartwheel kick. Close round. 10-9 Teymur.

They traded body kicks. They traded punches and Vannata missed a spin kick. Teymur landed a series of knees to the body. Vannata landed a spin kick to the upper body. Both men landed punches. Teymur landed a Superman punch. Teymur scored a brief takedown. They traded and Teymur landed a left hand, then some knees to the body and a flush left hand. Another fun round. 10-9 Teymur, 20-18 Teymur after two.

These two are hitting each other very hard. Teymur is going after the legs with kicks. Teymur with more knees to the body. Teymur with another brief takedown. Teymur got another one. Both men are landing on the feet. Vannata landed a big right hand. Teymur with knees to the body in the clinch. Teymur landed a nice combination and then another takedown. Vannata trying to set something up late but Teymur almost got another takedown. They beat the hell out of each other. 10-9 Teymur in the third, 30-27 Teymur overall.

All three judges had it 30-27 for Teymur.

Official Result- David Teymur def. Lando Vannata by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Tyron Woodley (C, 16-3-1, 6-2-1 UFC) vs. Stephen Thompson (#1, 13-1-1, 8-1-1 UFC)
UFC Welterweight Championship

Thompson with a side kick and then another to start off the fight. Thompson with a head kick. Woodley hasn’t done anything two minutes into the fight. Woodley misses a right hand. Thompson lands a combination. Not a lot of action and the crowd is letting them know it. Woodley has done virtually nothing. Thompson with a leg kick. 10-9 opening round for Thompson.

Thompson threw a combination. Woodley misses a right hand. Woodley landed a right hand. The crowd is booing the lack of action loudly. Thompson is just using feints looking to counter but landed a roundhouse kick. Thompson with a body kick. Not much happened again. 10-9 Thompson, 20-18 Thompson.

Woodley went right after a takedown at the start of the third and got it. He was landing some ground and pound but Thompson was able to get to his feet. Woodley landed a big right hand late but didn’t do much afterwards. 10-9 Woodley, 29-28 Thompson.

Another round of not much happening. Thompson is landing a couple of left hands and landed a high kick. Woodley is doing nothing. This is one of the worst title fights in company history. Another round of just nothing happening. 10-9 Thompson, 39-37 Thompson.

They were staying at far range. Woodley partially landed a right hand. This is a struggle to get through. Woodley dropped Thompson late with less than thirty seconds to go. He was working for the finish but Thompson got back to his feet and survived the end. A strong finish to a very boring fight. 10-9 Woodley, 48-47 Thompson.

The judges had it 48-47, 47-47 and 48-47, with the two winning cards both for Woodley. It was a close and boring fight and either guy really could have won.

Official Result- Tyron Woodley def. Stephen Thompson by majority decision (48-47, 47-47, 48-47), Woodley remains UFC Welterweight Champion

UFC 205 live results: Eddie Alvarez vs. Conor McGregor

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Preew by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor, eminating from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

This is the much anticipated debut of the UFC in New York, and they are bringing the most stacked card in company history for the Octagon’s first visit to famed Madison Square Garden, capping off a night of action with the biggest draw in company history looking to make history.

In the main event, UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor looks to become the first fighter to hold championships in two divisions at the same time as he challenges Eddie Alvarez for the UFC Lightweight Championship. McGregor is coming off two high-profile fights with Nate Diaz while Alvarez makes his first title defense after knocking out Rafael Dos Anjos in July.

In addition, there are two other championship bouts. UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley makes his first title defense against top contender, Stephen Thompson, winner of seven straight fights. Woodley knocked out Robbie Lawler to win the title at UFC 201 in July, while Thompson is getting his title shot on the heels of a dominant win over Rory MacDonald.

UFC Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk makes her fourth title defense against fellow Polish strawweight, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, in the third title fight on the card. Jedrzejczyk last fought in July, successfully defending against Claudia Gadelha, while Kowalkiewicz is coming off a decision win over Rose Namajunas in July. Both women are undefeated in their professional careers, but Jedrzejczyk holds a win over Kowalkiewicz in an amateur bout.

The main card also has a middleweight bout as former champion Chris Weidman takes on Yoel Romero, and Miesha Tate battles Raquel Pennington in women’s bantamweight action. The most stacked prelims of all-time includes featherweights Frankie Edgar and Jeremy Stephens doing battle as well as top lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov taking on Michael Johnson.

We’re looking for your thoughts on the show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbe in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on the event so leave your thumbs up, thumbs in the middle, or thumbs down along with a best and worst fight to [email protected].

Some additional coverage:
– UFC 205 Observer Panel Picks & Preview
– UFC 205 DFS Playbook

By Dave Meltzer

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Liz Carmouche (#9, 10-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Katlyn Chookagian (#14, 8-0, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

The place is fairly empty at this point.  More than a Las Vegas crowd but not like a lot of first-time markets.  Carmouche is ripped, more than most of the guys.     

First round:  Carmouche with low kicks.  Chookagian landed a right., Carmouche back with a right.  Carmouche with a low kick and a right and a takedown.  Carmouche is in side control  Chookagian back up with minimal damage.  Carmouche trying for another takedown.  Carmouche has her against the fence.  High slam by Carmouche with 1:05 left.  Carmouche is just holding her down.  Fans chanting Ole for no reason.  Carmouche with some short elbows.  Carmouche 10-9

Second round:    Carmouche has her and trying to throw her.  Both landed knees.  Chookagian broke the clinch.  Chookagian with a low kick.  Carmouche took her down with a back suplex.  She moved to side control.  Carmouche with short elbows.  Chookagian regained guard and wants a triangle.  Carmouche with some short punches.  The crowd is starting to boo them.  Carmouche is staying busy but they could stand them up.   Chookagaian up.  Knee by Chookagian.  Left by Chookagian.  Chookagian whiffed on a combo.  Right by Chookagian landed.  Low kick by  Chookagian.  Carmouche’s round 20-18.

Third round:  Chookagian dropped her with a great head kick.  Carmouche back up.  The crowd exploded.  Knee by Chookagian.  Carmouche going for a takedown.  Chookagian momentarily got behind her but Carmouche turned her into the fence.  Knee by Carmouche.  Chookagian landed a combo.  Big right by Chokagian.  Chookagian landed solid punches now.  Carmouche is bleeding from the nose.  Carmouche took her down which drew a groan from the crowd.  Carmouche is holding her down.  Chookagian up and Carmouche threw a knee.  Chookagian broke free.  Head kick by Chookagian.  Low kick by Carmouche. Chookagian in with punches.  Low kick by Carmouche.  Good right by Chookagian.  Carmouche shot for a takedown but doesn’t have it.  But she’s taking seconds off the clock.  Chookagian’s round but Carmouche should win 29-28.

Scores:  29-28 Chookagian 29-28 Carmouche 29-28 Carmouche.   

> Jim Miller (27-8 1 NC, 16-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Thiago Alves (21-10, 13-6 UFC)

Catch weight of 162.5

Alves missed weight by 6.5 pounds. 

First round:  Knee by Alves.  Miller with a left.  Miller in with an uppercut.   Miller landed a punch and took Alves down off a kick.  Miller is working to get his back.  Alves scrambled up.  Left kick to the body by Miller.  Both landing now with Alves landing a good knee.  Right by  Alves and head kick by  Alves.  Alves came on strong at the end but 10-9 Miller.

Second round:  Body kick by Alves.  Body kick by Alves.  He tried another and Miller tried to take him down off it.  Alves defended the takedown.  Miller with a blast double leg takedown.  Miller cradled him on the ground.  Miller is keeping him down.  There was a USA chant.  Miller landed a few punches as Alves got up.  Miller with a left.  Alves with a right.  Body kick by Alves.  Punch and knee by Alves.  Alves missed a spinning backfist.  Alves landed the backfist.  Miller is bleeding.  Close round. 20-18 Miller.

Third round:  Body kick by Alves.  Mller slipped.  Alves landing punches and a body kick.  Both swinging.  Miller hit the blast double again.  That could clinch him the fight.  Alves back up.  Alves with a body kcik.  Miller got another takedown.  Miller got his back.  Alves almost got up but Miller wrestled him back down.  Miller tried a guillotine and Alves slipped out and on top.  Alves landed some elbows and punches from the top as the round ended.  Another close round.  Miller 30-27.

Scores:   30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 for Miller    

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

> Vicente Luque (10-5-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Belal Muhammad (10-1, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

First round:  Luque dropped him with a left hook and landed a few brutal shots on the ground before it was stopped.   1:19′

Luque said he dropped 30 pounds for the fight.

> Rafael Natal (#14, 21-7-1, 9-5-1 UFC) vs. Tim Boetsch (19-10, 10-9 UFC)
Middleweights

First round:  Boetsch landed a right as Natal went for a takedown.   Boetsch is the one moving forward.  Natal missed a spinning backfist.  Trading punches and Boetsch got the better of it.  Body kick by Natal.  Boetsch dropped him with a right hook  that knocked Natal flying and finished him on the ground.  It was weird.  It was like Natal wasn’t himself at all.  3:22

Boetsch credited the win to the Irish Hand Grenade Marcus Davis for the win.  Joe Rogan and Boetch said the first punch early shook up Natal and he was tentative from there.

> Khabib Nurmagomedov (#2, 23-0, 7-0 UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (#6, 17-10, 9-6 UFC)
Lightweights

First round:   Johnson throwing early.  He landed a nice left.  He’s landing good punches on Khabib.  He’s got Khabib hurt now.  Johnson landed a hard left.  Johnson blocked the takedown attempt.  But Khabib powered him down into side control   USA chants  Khabib with lefts.  Now he’s dropping elbows  and throwing hard punches on the ground.  Khabib dropping more elbows.  Big punches by Khabib.  He’s got his back and throwing more punches.  Khabib 10-9.  The crowd went nuts giving both a standing ovation after the round.   

Second round:  Johnson landed a left.  Left to the body by Johnson.  Khabib landing punches now and tied him up.  Johnson got away from the takedown attempt.  Johnson blocked another takedown,.  Knee and punch and Johnson sprawled.  Johnson going for a guillotine but Khabib popped out and is on top.  Khabib immediately passed to side control and throwing punches.  He’s got a crucifox position on Johnson and punching.  More punches by Khabib.  Khabib with hard lefts from the top.  Now Khabib has back position and is throwing a ton of punches.  More punches from side position.  Now he’s throwing hard rights.  10-8 Khabib’s round so 20-17 after two.

Third round:  USA chant to start the round.  Both throwing punches.  Khabib took him down again.  The crowd booed.  Khabib is landing punches again from that position.  Khabib is trying for a finish with punches but Johnson can take his shots.  Johnson tried to kick off the cage to reverse.  Now Khabib is working for a Kimura and got the tap.  Very interesting because his win was more dominant than Ferguson but Ferguson is a more entertaining fighter  2:31

Khabib said I want to stay humble but I have to talk.  I show the crazy power the UFC PR is.  He cut a promo on Conor and the crowd stared to boo him.  He wanted to face the Irish chicken, said
Irish only six million, Russia 150 million.  He then talked Russian.  He got great heat.  The crowd hated him.  He said Joe Rogan knows MMA for 20 years and asked Rogan if he desreved a title shot.  Rogan said he deserved it which the crowd didh’t like.

> Frankie Edgar (#2, 20-5-1, 14-5-1 UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (#7, 25-12, 12-11 UFC)
Featherweights

First round:  Edgar got the biggest pop so far.  The place is pretty packed now, I’d say 90-95%.  Stephens looks 15 pounds heavier in the cage.  Edgar tried a takedown and Stephens sprawled.  Low kick by Stephens.  Edgar moved in for a takedown but Stephens disengaged.  Body kick by Edgar.  Knee by  Stephens.  Low kick by Stephens.  Edgar with a two punch combo.  Let’s Go Frankie chant pretty loud.  Edgar with a front headlock and throwing knees.  He’s working for the takedown and not getting it.  Edgar slammed him  but Stephens right baacck up.    Edgar slammed him again but Stephens up.  Stephens poked Edgar in the eye and a time out was called.  Stephens with punches.  Edgar 10-9 but closer than you’d think.

Second round:  Stephens complained of a low blow.  Edgar with a right.  Jumping kick by Stephens.  Body kick by Edgar.  Low kick by Edgar.  Edgar got a momentary takedown .  He got a back slam takedown.  Stephens right back up again.  Edgar in with punches.  Good right by Edgar.  Edgar with punches.  Stephens with a great kick to the chin and  Edgar went down.  Edgar is hurt.  Stephens with a right.  Stephens going for the finish.  Another right by Stephens.   Stephens with a left.  Hard left by Stephens.  Let’s go Frankie chants.  Stephens with a right.  Edgar back with a combo, and got the takedown and got a guillotine.  Stephens out of it.  What a great round.  Edgar on top.  Loud Frankie chants.  He’s going for the guillotine again.  Edgar landed punches from the top late.  10-9 Stephens for 19-19 after two.  Standing ovation for the round.

Third round:  Let’s go Frankie chants.  Stephens threw a kick and Edgar used it to take him down.  Stephens working for a  Kimura but Edgar out of trouble.  Edgar elbowing the ribs.  Edgar staying on top.  Edgar trying to work for a choke.  Edgar with a back suplex slam.  Edgar is behind him working for a choke again.  Stephens up with 2:13 left.  Big right by Stephens.  Edgar went for a takedown and couldn’t get it.  Edgar with a left.  Edgar with a right.  Uppercut by Stephens.  Both throwing and Stephens landed some good shots and Edgar back as the fight ended.  Edgar 29-28.  The crowd gave them a standing ovation again.

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

Edgar said he wants to be on the Brooklyn show.

PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Miesha Tate (#1, 18-6, 5-3 UFC) vs. Raquel Pennington (#8, 8-5, 5-2 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

First round:  Tate didn’t get nearly the reaction she usually gets.  Tate with a right.  Pennnington landing jabs.  Pennington hurting her with punches.  Rocky chant.  Tate landing punches to the body and head and working for a takedown.  Pennington lifted Tate up with a guollotone.  It was crazy.  Tate tried to kick off the cage.  Tate finally go the takedown.  Pennington back up.  Pennington looks like she wants to do the old pump handle move.  That’s a pro wrestling joke.  Nothing much happening and crowd starting to get restless.  Tate had her back.  Tate did control the positioning but Pennington did more damage.  Hard to score, 10-9 Pennington.

Second round:   Pennington with a nice right.  Left by Pennington.  Anohter left by Pennington.  Penningotn landed solid shots.  Tate with lefts.  Knee by Tate from the clinch.  Tate trying for the takedown.  Knee by Tate.  Both throwing punches.  Pennington got behind Tate.  Tate throwing elbows.  Crowd is bored by this fight.  Pennington landing punches from the clinch.  Tate with knees and Pennington with body shots as they’re in the clinch.  Body shots by Pennington.  Both landed punches as the round ended.  Pennington 20-18.

Third round:  Both the rounds were close so it’s anyone’s fight.  Tate tried to pull guard to get it to the ground.  She almost got an armbar.  Pennington landing punches from the top.  Tate again working for an armbar.  Pennington landing punches from the top.  Tate now trying for a triangle but doesn’t have it.  Tate now going for a leglock.  She tried a heel hook but didn’t get it.  They’re in a clinch and Pennington is landing some short punches.   Pennington took her down and is throwing more punches.  Rare boring fight from Tate.  Pennington landing a lot of punches late.  Pennington 30-27.

Scores:   29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 Pennington.  Bad time for a loss for Tate.

Tate announced her retirement after.  She said it’s not her time anymore and she’s been around for a long time and she couldn’t pull it off.  

> Chris Weidman (#2, 13-1, 9-1 UFC) vs. Yoel Romero (#4, 12-1, 7-0 UFC)
Middleweights

First round:  This is a really big fight because a strong Weidman win can make him a New York superstar.  Not to mention he’ll probably get a title match with a win.  Romero is a freak athlete, but he’s also 39 years old.  They showed Bisping watching the fight.  USA chant to start.  Hard body kick by Romero.  Weidman tried a takedown but not hard, more diversion.  Body kick by Weidman.  Ole chants.  Weidman took him down once but Romero back up.  Body kick by Weidman.  Body kicks by Weidman. Another takedown by  Weidman and Romero back up.  Low kick by Weidman.  Left by Romero.  Romero with lefts.  Body kick by Romnero.  Weidman took him down and got his back.  Weidman 10-9.

Second round:  The referee wiped Vaseline off Romero’s back at the start of the round.  Left by Romero.  Left by Romero.  Body kick by Weidman.  Knee by  Weidman.  Romero claimed an eye poke after the knee.  Weidman in on the single but gave it up to land a head kick.  Romero took Weidman down and got his back after Weidman got up.  Romero with another takedown.  Weidman escaped and Romero took him down again.  Romero has his back on the ground.  Romero’s round so 19-19.

Third round:  Boyd kick  by Weidman.  Romero killed him with a flying knee that nailed Weidman in the left eye and and pounded on him and finished him.  That’s not a good thing for UFC.  Romero is strutting around the ring like he’s a foreign military soldier saluting the crowd.  The crowd didn’t even boo him.  They were just stunned.  The two hugged.  :24  The crowd was eerily quiet when this ended.

Romero said he wanted the belt.  Joe Rogan said that Romero will be challenging for the title next.  Michael Bisping said he wouldn’t face Romero.  Bisping gave Romero the thumbs down and then flipped him off with both hands.  Romero kept saying “I love you Mike, see you soon, boy.”  Romero said you see now the real champion.

> Joanna Jedrzejczyk (C, 12-0, 6-0 UFC) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (#2, 10-0, 3-0 UFC)
UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

First round:  Joanna with low kicks.  Ole chants.  Joanna with a combo.  Both landing.  Nice combo by Joanna.  Karolina landed some punches.  The Irish are singing to entertain themselves.  Joanna with another combo.  Joanna 10-9

Second round:   Karloline pushed her against the fence and went for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Joanna with a flurry.  Karolina working for a takedown.   Joanna has her against the fence and threw a knee.  Front kick by Joanna.  Spijnning backfist by Joanna.  Joanna 20-18.

Third round:  Joanna with a knee and punches.  Joanna outlandig her.  Arolian landed a right.  The crowd is so quiet for this fight except a few chants having nothing to do with the fight.  It’s like this is Raw from last Monday.  Body kick by Karolina.  Karolina with a floury.  Joannan back  and landed a body kick and knee.  Elbow and punches by Joanna.  Trading punches.  Joanna 30-27.   Some boos at the end.   I can’t tell you how little the people care about this fight.

Fourth round:    Joanna with a few kicks and they are back against the fence.  Karolina with elbows.  Spinning backfist by Karolina.  Karolina hurt her bad with a right to the nose.  Both are trading.  Both trading some more.  Karolina landed a big right.  Karolina is landing big rights.  Joanna took her down but Karolina back up.  Joanna looking at the clock.  Karolina with more punches from close range.  Joanna landed aan elbow.  Karolina landed a good right.  Trading punches.  Joanna seems recovered now.  Backfist by Karolina.  Joanna tried the same.  Joanna with a combo.  Both traded punches.  Hard knee by Joanna.  Joanna got good shots In late in the round.  The crowd completely turned and gave both a huge ovation.  Karolina’s round 39-37 Joanna.

Fifth round:  Good combo by Joanna.  Karolina with punches and Joanna with an elbow.   Joanna using her kicks to keep Karolina at a distance by Karolina got in and landed a punch.  Front kick by Joanna.  Joanna landing more punches.  Joanna with a left.  Karolina back with punches.  Joanna with solid punches now.  The crowd came alive.  Karolina with a spinning punch and Joanna back with punches.  Joanna landed punches and elbows.  Knee by Joanna.  Body kick by Joanna.  Joanna 49-46.  After all that, the whole place is standing.  The fourth round turned the crowd around.

Scores:  All three had it 49-46 for Joanna.

Joanna was charming, said she wasn’t hurt in the fourth round.  The crowd cheered Karolina a lot after the fight.  Karolina said Joanna was the best in the world.  She said she’s proud she gave a good fight and the crowd cheered big. 

> Tyron Woodley (C, 16-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Stephen Thompson (#2, 13-1, 8-1 UFC)
UFC Welterweight Championship

First round:  Body kick by Thonpson.  Thompson threw a kick, Woodley countered with a right and took him down.  Woodley with body shots.  Woodley  with a lot of short punches on the ground to smother him .  He land hard body shots late, bloodied him with elbows and landed a hard shot at the horn.  10-9  Woodley, almost a 10-8.

Second round:  Thompson landed some punches and Woodley tied him up.  Thompson turned him around and then Woodley turned him back around.  Spin kick to the body by Thompson.  Left by Thompson.  Right by Thompson.  Thompson with punches.  Thompson landing more.  Woodley with a nice right.  Body shot by Thompson.  Another body shot by Thompson.  Woodley with a nice right.  Thompson’s round so 19-19 after two.

Third round:  Side kick by Thompson.  Woodley moved forward with punches.  Woodley moved forward and landed again.  Ole chants.  Head kick by Woodley.   Low kick by Thompson. Thompson moved in with punches. Good right by Thompson.  Left by Woodley.  Left by Thompson and landed more punches.  Woodley moved in but didn’t connect.  Thompson landed a few.  Woodley  with two nice rights late in the round.  Close round.  Thompson’s so 29-28 Thompson after three.

Fourth round:  Thompson in with a few punches.  Woodley dropped him with hard right.  Woodley throwing punches.  Woodley dropped him again with a right and throwing punches on the ground.  Thompson is in trouble.  Woodley is landing shot after shot.  Knees by Woodley and punches.  Woodley going for a guillotine.  Thompson out of it but he’s hurt.  Woodley went for a guillotine again and it’s tight.  Thompson is surviving so far.  Thompson punching back.  The crowd went nuts seeing  Thompson punch back.  He popped out for the biggest pop so far this show.  Wonderboy chants.  Thompson landing big punches late.  This place is now really alive.  10-8 but that comeback could keep it 10-9, but I’ve got 38-37 Woodley after four.  This is going to be very interesting how it’s judged.

Fifth round:    Jumping kick by Thompson.  Body kick by Thompson.  Low kick by Thompson.  Loud Wonderboy chants.  Right and a head kick by Thompson.  Body kick by Thompson.  Spin kick to the head by Thompson.  Left and right by Thompson.  Right by Thompson.  Left and right by Thompson.  Body kick by  Woodley.  Left by Thompson.  Low kick by Thompson.  Woodley landed a right.  Body shot by Thompson.  Left and right by Thompson. Thompson with a left.   Two lefts by Thompson.  Thompson with a good right.  Thompson’s round, I’ve got it 47-47 all.  This could go either way depending on a 10-8 in the first or fourth rounds. 

Scores:  Derek Cleary scored it  47-47, Doug Crosby scored it 47-47, Glenn Trowbridge 48-47 Woodley.  That’s a screw-up, as that’s a majority draw but Woodley would still retain on the draw.  Bruce Buffer later corrected himself a majority draw.  The problem is Trowbridge looks to have given 3 rounds to Woodley and Thompson won three rounds and it came down to 10-8s in round one or four.  Either way, Woodley retains on the draw.

> Eddie Alvarez (C, 28-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Conor McGregor (C FW, 20-3, 8-1 UFC)
UFC Lightweight Championship

This crowd is now totally electric.  They’re booing the hell out of Alvarez.  Not the number of Irish flags as Vegas but a totally pro-McGregor crowd.  Alvarez is called The Underground King.  I wonder if he knows Sami  Zayn.

First round:  McGregor landed and stumbled.  Low kick by Alvarez.  Body kick by McGregor.  McGregor dropped him with a left and Alvarez back up.  Head kick by Alvarez.  The crowd is really loud.  Alvarez shot for a takedown.  McGregor with a body kick.  Alvarez landed punches and then slipped.  Head kick by McGregor.  McGregor dropped him with a left .  McGregor with punches on the ground.  Now he’s dropping elbows on him.  Alvarez back up.  Loud Conor chants.  Alvarez shot in and McGregor evaded and landed an elbow.  McGregor with a left.   Body kick by McGregor.  Right by McGregor.  Alvarez with body shots.  Alvarez with a body kick.  Alvarez landed a good left.  Body kick by  Alvarez.  McGregor 10-8.

Second round:  Big left by McGregor hurt him.  Alvarez shot for a takedown and it was easily stuffed.  McGregor put his arms behind his back and dared Alvarez a free shot.  Alvarez didn’t do anything.  Body kick by McGregor.  Right and left by McGregor.  Alvarez with a right.  He missed a left and McGregor put him down with a left.  Alvarez working for a takedown.   Alvarez pushing hard and couldn’t get the takedown.  Push kick by Alvarez.  McGregor with a series of punches put Alvarez down and ref John McCarthy waved it off.  McGregor is the first two division champion in UFC history.  It was a left hook, a right, a left and another right that put Alvarez down.  A great combo, all four shots landed hard and McCarthy waved it after two punches on the ground.  3:04 

McGregor wanted his second belt.   McGregor said they’re not on my level,  you need size and reach to beat him.   He kept saying he wants that second belt.  He I’ve ridiculed everyone on the roster, and I’d like to apologize to absolutely nobody.  The place erupted on that one.  Then he had both belts.  He made no big announcement or anything. 

UFC 205 DFS Playbook: Who to target & who to avoid

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Here’s some advice for who to pick in your DraftKings lineup for Saturday’s UFC 205 event in New York City, New York, headlined by UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez defending against Conor McGregor on pay-per-view.

Top Target: Joanna Jedrzejczyk ($9,300)

Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the biggest betting favorite on the UFC 205 card as she defends the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship against Karolina Kowalkiewicz. She also has the highest salary of all the fighters on the card, but that still makes her our top target for your fantasy line-ups at UFC 205. Jedrzejczyk is the most polished striker, not only out of all womens fighters, but perhaps in the entire sport.

She racks up a lot of points with significant strikes, so that is where she will excel in getting fantasy players points. She is also a finisher, and if she finds an opening, there is no doubt she will be going for the kill. The biggest key for Kowalkiewicz is to get ahead early. Jedrzejczyk can start off slow, but she has shown to have a never-ending gas tank, and she gets much stronger the later the fight goes. Kowalkiewicz fights at a fast pace, but Jedrzejczyk can match it, and her counterstriking will slow Kowalkiewicz down.

A key to the standing battle is that Jedrzejczyk has a punishing jab, and her technique on the feet is unmatched. Jedrzejczyk also trained for this camp with American Top Team, which will be her new home, so she won’t have to adjust due to traveling from overseas. It shouldn’t affect her power or speed.

This is a bad match-up for Kowalkiewicz, but anyone going against Jedrzejczyk is going to be a bad match-up for the opponent, as Joanna is the best in the world at 115 pounds. I expect her to score a lot of points and to get a finish late, and she is definitely the top play on this fight card.

Value Target: Eddie Alvarez ($7,600)

Eddie Alvarez is the underdog as he defends the UFC Lightweight Championship against the biggest star in the sport, Conor McGregor, in the main event of UFC 205. McGregor is looking to make history in becoming the first fighter to hold titles in two weight classes at the same time, and Alvarez is looking to play the spoiler. Alvarez is going to be giving up some length and reach to McGregor, and that is going to come into play.

McGregor likes to keep his opponents on the outside where he can set up leg kicks, spinning kicks and set up his straight left hand. Alvarez fights better inside the pocket where he can start a brawl, so he is going to have to navigate himself inside that five inches of reach that McGregor has the advantage of. Alvarez has talked of how this is an easy fight, and I hope he truly doesn’t believe that, because he’s in for a rude awakening if he does. It’s easy to knock McGregor, but he may truly be the best fighter that Alvarez has fought, and that spans a lot of high-level territory. Alvarez is very quick on his feet and with his hands, and he has solid takedowns.

He may utilize a wrestling-based attack, and takedowns score a lot of fantasy points. He could end up getting into a brawl with McGregor on the feet, and both can take a lot of punishment and dish it out. We’ve never seen McGregor knocked out, nor have we Alvarez, but Alvarez has been in a lot of trouble. I expect to see McGregor use a strategy similar to the one Donald Cerrone had against Alvarez, and that would spell trouble for Alvarez.

However, this is a very winnable fight for Alvarez, and for fantasy reasons, his salary is very valuable. It really is a tough fight to pick, but if you’re looking for someone to use on your roster, Alvarez is a solid selection.

Target To Avoid: Miesha Tate ($9,100)

Miesha Tate returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200 in July. Tate fights an opponent she has some familiarity with in Raquel Pennington, who she coached on The Ultimate Fighter. When you look at this fight, from an outside perspective, this looks like a rebound fight for Tate. Pennington is only 8-5 in her career. However, don’t let that record fool you.

She has won three straight fights and four of her last five, and the improvement has been very clear. She also has a style that could give Tate a lot of trouble. Pennington has some solid striking, but she tends to fight without a clear gameplan. She’s only lost to top-level opponents, and Tate is a top-level opponent. Tate is better all around, but it remains to be seen if she is over losing the championship. She is also coming back sooner than she anticipated as she was expecting to return in December.

Tate will be best served to make this a battle on the mat as her wrestling and ground game is light years ahead of Pennington. Where Pennington could give Tate fits is inside the clinch. She makes good use of dirty boxing and her elbows, and she is good at finding openings. Tate is a big favorite when it comes to fantasy value, but this fight is a lot closer on the betting odds than their salaries show. I do expect Tate to win, but Pennington is going to make her work for it.

I don’t see Tate finishing Pennington, so that takes her value down a little. With Tate having the third-highest salary on the card, without the sure thing of her getting a finish, it’s tough to justify having her on your roster. I’m saying avoid her just because of her salary, but I do think she will win this fight, but it won’t be easy.

Underdog Target: Tyron Woodley ($7,400)

Tyron Woodley is making his first defense of the UFC Welterweight Championship as he defends against Stephen Thompson on Saturday night. If you look at the betting odds and the fantasy salaries for this fight, Woodley is clearly getting no respect as it seems everyone is expecting him to lose the championship. It wouldn’t be a surprise as Woodley’s only fight in 19 months was hist first-round knockout over Robbie Lawler to win the title.

In that same time frame, Thompson has won three fights, and he has won seven straight overall to earn his title opportunity. Woodley and Thompson have completely different styles, and it makes for an interesting match-up. Woodley is a strong wrestler with heavy hands, and Thompson employs a unique karate-style striking attack. Thompson is crafty on his feet and knows how to keep a distance, and Woodley fights badly from the outside. Woodley also has a questionable gas tank, while Thompson can go a full 25 minutes.

Everything being said favors Thompson, so why should Woodley be considered an underdog target? It is because of that knockout power. Thompson is very hard to hit, and we haven’t seen his chin tested yet, but if Woodley can land that right hand, it could be lights out. Woodley also will test the wrestling of Thompson, who has improved his takedown defense, but he hasn’t been put to the test in recent fights. Woodley is also strong in the clinch, but Thompson isn’t easy to keep there.

You have to have underdogs on your roster, and honestly, the pickings are slim on this card. Woodley is going to have a tough time getting a win, but he has that equalizing right hand. He’s the best underdog target bet.

Our Line-Ups

Ryan Frederick: Joanna Jedrzejczyk ($9,300), Stephen Thompson ($8,800), Conor McGregor ($8,600), Chris Weidman ($8,500), Jim Miller ($7,800), Jeremy Stephens ($7,000)

I have Joanna Jedrzejczyk on my roster for all of the reasons she is my top target, and I am confident that she will finish Karolina Kowalkiewicz. I have Eddie Alvarez and Tyron Woodley as targets above, but I have their opponents, Stephen Thompson and Conor McGregor, in my line-up. I just have more confidence in them getting the win and am not taking the risks and am going for the win. I have Chris Weidman, Jim Miller and Jeremy Stephens rounding out my roster.

Finally fighting in New York will give Weidman some added confidence, and he wants an impressive showing to get that title shot. He’s going to bring a fight to Yoel Romero. Miller gets Thiago Alves debuting at lightweight, and it is a tough fight. I need underdogs on my roster, and Miller has a good chance. Stephens is the best that is left with what I have, and if he can connect on Frankie Edgar, he can finish him. I’m hoping so for fantasy sake.

Paul Fontaine: Joanna Jedrzejczyk ($9,300), Donald Cerrone ($8,900), Chris Weidman ($8,500), Belal Muhammad ($8,300), Eddie Alvarez ($7,600), Tyron Woodley ($7,400)

My top pick is the strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. I believe that she is far and away the best in her division and should handle her challenger with ease, either scoring a quick KO or an extended beatdown. Either is good for a lot of points. Donald Cerrone is next up for me. I see this fight going similar to the Joanna fight in the sense that Cerrone is very prolific on his feet. If it goes to the ground he has an underrated submission game. I think that age is finally going to catch up to Yoel Romero when he gets into the Octagon with former world champion Chris Weidman, allowing the All American to score a KO win.

I’m going with Belal Muhammad as one of my picks as I think he’s one of the better guys in the division and under a lot of people’s radar. His opponent, Luque, has shown to be vulnerable to submissions in the past and Muhammad should take advantage of that. My last two picks are the other two title holders on the card, Eddie Alvarez and Tyron Woodley. Alvarez hits harder, in my opinion, than anyone Conor McGregor has faced to date and the featherweight champion has shown in the past that he’ll eat a lot of punches. Woodley just needs to catch Thompson one time and I think he can do it. I’m glad I can get the two champions in under budget and really like my team here. 

Peach Machine: Joanna Jedrzejczyk ($9,300), Frankie Edgar ($9,200), Miesha Tate ($9,100), Eddie Alvarez ($7,600), Tyron Woodley ($7,400), Kelvin Gastelum ($7,300)

I love Eddie in this match up. He’s too fast AND he can take a monster beatin’. T-Wood will simply outclass Thompson. He may be an awesome kick boxer, but he’s never wrestled a Mizzou Tiger. Joanna Champion is my current favorite fighter since Hendo retired. I just named my newest dog, Miesha, so I’m going with her. Gastelum could win this match with wrestling. I think he’ll decide to do that, since getting kneed in the mouth by Cerrone is bad for business. Frankie is gonna stomp Stephens, and he’d better, since he’s being screwed on title contention.

Tyron Woodley vs. ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson set for UFC 205

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

On the weigh-in special for tomorrow’s UFC Fight Night show from Hidalgo, TX, Tyron Woodley announced that he would be defending his welterweight title against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 205 on November 12th at Madison Square Garden.

Woodley won the title by knocking out former champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 201. He had been vocal about wanting to face Nate Diaz or Georges St-Pierre in his first title defense, but Dana White had been insistent that it would be against Thompson.

Thompson has won seven fights in a row and is the number one contender for the 170 lb crown. 

Their fight is not expected to be the main event for the show, as rumors have Conor McGregor either defending his featherweight title or challenging for the lightweight title as the headliner.

UFC 205 will mark the company’s return to New York as mixed martial arts was regulated in the state earlier this year.

UFC 201 Atlanta live results: Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 201: Lawler vs. Woodley from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

This event is headlined by a UFC Welterweight Championship bout as UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler makes his third title defense, this time against challenger Tyron Woodley. In the co-main event, it is a potential title eliminator bout in the women’s strawweight division as Rose Namajunas takes on undefeated Karolina Kowalkiewicz.

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

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

– UFC 201 DFS Playbook

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS
CESAR ARZAMENDIA (7-2, 0-1 UFC) VS. DAMIEN BROWN (15-9, 0-1 UFC)

First round:  Arzamendia with jumping knees.  Right by Arzamendia.  Brown dropped him with a hard right to the jaw and is pounding on him on the ground.  Brown dropped an elbow.  Arzamendia smooth move into a heel hook.  Brown escaped.  Arzamendia landed punches standing.  Arzamendia landed a left.  Brown landed a left and two rights, the first almost put him down and second did and Brown landed punches on the ground until it was stopped by ref Marc Goddard 2:27

They just announced Neil Magny vs.  Lorenz Larkin as the Fight Pass main event for 8/20’s UFC 202.  That’s a legit potential great match where the winner can advance significantly.

WELTERWEIGHTS
MICHAEL GRAVES (6-0, 2-0 UFC) VS. BOJAN VELICKOVIC (14-3, 1-0 UFC)

First round:  USA chants for Graves.  Low kick landed by Velickovic.  Body kick back by Graves.  Low kick by Velickovic.  These two have trained together in the past.  Body kick by Graves.  Velickovic  with a few low kicks.  Crowd is booing.  Little happening.  10-9 Velickovic.

Second round:  Graves working for a takedown and got it.   Graves has his back.  Graves  is trying to get a choke.  Velickovic  is trying to stand up.  Velickovic tried to get up and now Graves is on top of him in guard.  Graves has his back again.  Graves is again going for a choke.  Graves with a 10-8 round up 19-18 after two.

Third round:  Velickovic with low kicks.  Velickovic trying for a takedown.  .  HJe took Graves down and got his back.  Graves back up and took Velickovic down.  Velickovic escapedand back to his feet.  Body kick by Velickovic.  Graves working for a takedown.  Velickovic landing some.  Graves pushed him around.   Velickovic working for a takedown late but doesn’t have it.  Close third round, I’ve got it Velickovic 10-9 here so a 28-28 draw.  Obviously could go either way.

Scores:  30-27, 28-28, 28-28 a majority, not sure who got the 30-27 but would have to be Graves.

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 2- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

FLYWEIGHTS
(#7) WILSON REIS (20-6, 4-2 UFC) VS. HECTOR SANDOVAL (12-2, 0-0 UFC)

First round:  Low kick by Sandoval.  Hard right by Sandoval.  Both swinging.  Reis with a takedown and got his back.  Nice takedown by Reis.  Sandoval reversed to the top.  Reis with a takedown and got his back again.  Sandoval tapped out.

They just announced  a 9/24 show on FS 1 from Brasilia, Brazil.

HEAVYWEIGHTS

ANTONY HAMILTON (14-5, 2-3 UFC) VS. DAMIAN GRABOWSKI (20-3, 0-1 UFC)

First round:  Hamilton landing all kinds of shots and it’s already over.  Hamilton just got the jump on him and kept firing until it was over.   There were several right uppercuts as Grabowski was falling down.  :14

This was the second fastest heavyweight knockout in history, only Todd Duffee’s seven second win over Tim Hague seven second knockout in 2009 at UFC 102.

WELTERWEIGHTS

ROSS PEARSON (19-11 1 NC, 11-8 1 NC UFC) VS. JORGE MASVIDAL (29-11, 6-4 UFC)

First round:  Masvidal with a high kick.  High kick and knee by Masvidal.  Masvidal threw a kick and Pearson took him down off it.  Pearson got his back but Masvidal back up and away.  Masvidal with knees and elbows.   Low kick by Pearson.  Spin kick by Masvidal.  Masvidal 10-9.

Second round:  Pearson throwing low kicks.  Masvidal dropped him  with a left and pounding him on the ground.  Masvidal landing a lot of punches on the ground. Pearson is in a lot of trouble.  Masvidal suplexed him into the cage and throwing all kinds of shots.  Pearson up and escaped.  Trading low kicks.  Masvidal landing punches.  Masvidal with a low kick taking Pearson down.  Masivadal threw a kick but Pearson took him down off it, but Masvidal back up.  Spin kick to the body by Masvidal.  Masvidal with a  left.  Pearons with a low kick.  Masvidal 10-8 so 20-17 after  two rounds.

Third round:  Pearson landing low kicks and some punches.  Masvidal’s right leg is a mess.  Pearson landed a left. Jumping knee and body kick by Masvidal.  Pearson with a left.  Body kick by Masvidal and Pearson with a body kick.  Close round, could go to Pearson actually.  Masvidal 29-27.

Scores:    29-28, 29-28, 30-27 Masvidal.  Not one judge gave round two a 10-8.  The scoring is so inconsistent. 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
(#11) NIKITA KRYLOV (20-4, 5-2 UFC) VS. ED HERMAN (23-11 1 NC, 10-7 1 NC UFC)

First round:   Krylov landed a  few punches and a kick to the body.  Now they’re in a clinch.  Body kick by Krylov.  Herman back with punches.  Krylov with body kicks.  Krylov with a body kick and Herman with left.  Herman with two more punches.  Herman dropped him with a punch.  Krylov back up  and landed a high kick and knee and both throwing punches.  Herman with a knee.  Herman with a kick.  Krylov landing kicks and punches again.  Herman bleeding.  Krylov landing more punches.  Herman cut under the left eye.  Another head kick by Krylov.  Both trading.  Krylov 10-9,

Second round:  Spinning backfirst  by Krylov but Herman back with two punches and a knee to the head.  Krylov in an exchange landed a perfect high kick to the neck for the knockout.  :40

MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

FLYWEIGHTS
RYAN BENOIT (8-4, 1-2 UFC) VS. FREDY SERRANO (3-0, 2-0 UFC)

First round:  Serrano is a high level wrestler but just starting out at 36 years old.  Both threw low kicks is at the same time.  Serrano nailed him with a roundhouse right.  Body kick by Serrano .  High slam by Serrano into side control.  Benoit back up.  Benoit dropped him with  a punch and Benoit had a guillotine.  Serrano took him down into side control.  Benoit back up.  Benoit with a right.  Both swinging wildly.  Right by Serrano.  Body kick by Benoit.  Ax kick by Serrano.  Body kick and punches by Benoit.  10-9 Benoit.

Second round:  Ax kick by Serrano.  Serrano with a sidewalk slam and now on top.  Benoit back up.  Serrano bleeding now.  Serrano tried a takedown but Benoit moved away.  Serrano took him down into side control.  Serrano  dropping his hip on Benoit’s face with is legal.  Benoit back up just as the round ended.  Serrano’s round so 19-19 after two.

Third round:  Serrano took him down right away.   Crowd starting to boo.  The ref stood them up as Serrano wasn’t doing a lot at the top.  Serrano went for a takedown and got a knee to the face by Benoit who is now on top.  Serrano back up.  Serrano did a somersault Lucha roll.  Serrano tried a takedown but  Benoit escaped.  Body kick by Serrano.  Serrano crawled under his legs, so weird.  Benoit jumped over him.  Benoit with a body kick.  Benoit landed a right.  Benoit 29-28.

Scores:  29-28 Serrano 29-28 Benoit 29-28 Benoit

BANTAMWEIGHTS
FRANCISCO RIVERA (11-6 1 NC, 4-5 1 NC UFC) VS. ERIK PEREZ (15-6, 5-2 UFC)

First round:  Rivera landed punches.  Left by Rivera.  Perez with low kick and body kick.  Rivera threw a kick but Perez caught the leg and threw a few punches.  Both trade d punches.  Perez took him down but Rivera back up  Rivera landed  a good punch and Perez with a low kick and body kick.  Good left by Rivera.  Close round 10-9 Rivera.

Second round:  Both dancing around.  Perez with a spinning backfist.  Both missing.  Body kick by Perez.  Perez went for a takedown and didn’t get it.  Rivera is bleeding from the right side of the head from a spinning elbow.  Body kick by Perez.  Perez tried a takedown.  Rivera landed punches.  Rivera landed a punch.  Low kick by Perez.  Right by Rivera.  Perez got the takedown.  Perez’s round so 19-19 after two.

Third round:    Both came out swinging .  Rivera is getting the better of it.  Perez dropped him.  This was unreal.  Rivera  threw a punch and was so exhausted he went down.  Perez took him down.  Perez with an elbow.  Perez landing a lot of body punches on the ground.  Perez landing a lot of body punches.  The fans are booing and wanting a standup.  Perez landing more body punches.  Perez landing more body shots.  Rivera up but he’s exhausted.  You could go 10-8 Perez 29-27.  Perez has to win the decision.

Scores:  30-26, 30-26 and 29-28 Perez

WELTERWEIGHTS
(#9) MATT BROWN (20-14, 13-8 UFC) VS. JAKE ELLENBERGER (30-11, 9-7 UFC)

First round:  Jake decked him right away with a right and is pounding him on the ground.  Ellenberger landing good shots.  Brown is up and threw him.  Ellenberger hurt him bad with a liver kick and he’s pounding on Brown and it’s over.  1:46

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS
(#3) ROSE NAMAJUNAS (5-2, 3-1 UFC) VS. (#5) KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ (9-0, 2-0 UFC)

First round:  Right by Namajunas.  Not much happening.  Nice left by Namajunas.  Karolina landing some punches as well.  Front kick by Karolina.  Head kick by Karolina.  Namajunas landed a nice punch.  Karolina landing knees.  Namajuans went for a hip toss and is on top  Close round.  10-9 Namajunas.

Second round:  Knees and elbows by Karolina.  Karolina with a knee from the clinch.  Both in fighting.  Karolina landing elbows.  Both trading punches now.  Namajunas landed a good shot.  Karolina back with low kicks.  Both landing punches.  Front kick by Namajunas put her down.  Karolina landed good punches.  Karolina with a clinch and knees.  Karolina with another rknee.  Karolina so 19-19 after two.

Third round:  Karolina landing punches from the clinch and hurt Namajunas with a right that put her down.   Namajunas tried for an armbar.  Karolina with punches from the top.  She spun to escape a leglock attempt and landed more punches.  Namajunas with two up kicks.  Namajunas tried a triangle but doesn’t have it.  Karolina with more punches.  Both trading punches as the match ended.  Karolina’s round for sure 29-28.

Scores:   29-28 Namajunas 29-28 Kowalkiewicz 29-28 Kowalkiewicz

Kowalkiewicz will get a shot at Joanna for the title.  She said she knows Joanna and respects her very much and said Joanna was the best but she would beat the best.

UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(C) ROBBIE LAWLER (27-10 1 NC, 12-4 UFC) VS. (#4) TYRON WOODLEY (15-3, 5-2 UFC)

First round:   Robbie chants.  Woodley threw big punches.  Woodley pressed him into the fence.  DanMiragliotta broke them up.  Body kick by Lawler.  Woodley landed a right to th jaw and finished him on the ground immediately.  2:12