Tag: ufc orlando

UFC on ESPN 42 live results: Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN 42: Thompson vs. Holland, emanating from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

The UFC kicks off three straight weeks of events to close out their 2022 schedule as the Octagon returns to Orlando for the first time since February 2018 with an exciting welterweight main event and a deep card overall.

Former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson returns from nearly a year-long layoff looking to end a losing skid as he takes on Kevin Holland in the five-round headline bout. Thompson has lost his last two, but a win here would keep him right in the title mix. Holland enters his third UFC main event looking to rebound from a loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 in September.

The rest of the main card is filled with exciting match-ups. Bryan Barberena takes on former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos in the welterweight co-main event. Flyweight contenders Matheus Nicolau and Matt Schnell square off, as do heavyweight sluggers Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich, while middleweight contender Jack Hermansson battles surging contender Roman Dolidze. The prelims are filled with lots of notable fighters, including Clay Guida, Darren Elkins, Niko Price, Michael Johnson and Angela Hill.

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.

ESPN PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- Yazmin Jauregui (9-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Istela Nunes (6-3 1 NC, 0-2 UFC)

Jauregui lands a right hand and is pressuring. Nunes drops Jauregui with a big right hand and tries to get on top but Jauregui stands and they clinch before breaking. Nunes slips after trying a kick. Jauregui lands a nice left hand after Nunes landed a right hand. Nunes with a knee to the body after they clinch. Jauregui gets a brief takedown and Nunes just misses a head kick as they got right to their feet. They trade and Nunes lands a counter left hand. Jauregui lands a solid right hand and lands another. Nunes with a knee to the body. Jauregui lands a left at the end. 10-9 Nunes.

Jauregui lands a right hand. She lands a leg kick. Jauregui lands a nice combo and drops Nunes with a right hand. Nunes gets up but is hurt bad and they clinch. Jauregui lands a couple of nice elbows as they break. Jauregui drops Nunes again with a right hand and is landing from the top. Jauregui in the guard of Nunes and lands some more right hands. Jauregui landing big hammerfists. Jauregui landing a lot of punches and Nunes is bleeding and hurting. More punches and Keith Peterson stops it. What a showing from Jauregui!

Official Result- Yazmin Jauregui def. Istela Nunes by TKO (punches) at 4:06 of Round 2

> Featherweights- Marcelo Rojo (16-8, 0-2 UFC) vs. Francis Marshall (6-0, 0-0 UFC)

Marshall lands a jab and Rojo lands a right hand and a leg kick. Rojo lands a left hook. He lands a leg kick and Marshall comes forward with a combo. Rojo lands a right hand. Rojo with a leg kick. Marshall tries a takedown but Rojo lands an elbow then Marshall lands a combo and drops Rojo with a right hand. They stand and are tied up against the fence. Marshall tries a takedown but Rojo grabs the fence. He then did it again but the referee isn’t taking points away. Marshall gets the takedown. Marshall is in side control. Marshall lands some elbows to the body. Rojo with some back elbows late. 10-9 Marshall.

They’re trading solid punches to start the second and Rojo lands a leg kick. We have a timeout for a groin strike on Marshall. They get back to action and are trading punches and Marshall drops Rojo with a right hand and Rojo is out cold as Marshall jumps on top and lands a few more shots. What a finish and debut from Marshall!

Official Result- Francis Marshall def. Marcelo Rojo by knockout (punches) at 1:14 of Round 2

> Lightweights- Natan Levy (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Genaro Valdez (10-1, 0-1 UFC)

Levy barely misses a head kick. Levy with a leg kick. Valdez with a couple of leg kicks. Levy with a leg kick. Levy with a body kick after Valdez lands a right hand. Valdez lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Levy rocks Valdez with a right hand and follows it up with some shots but Valdez seems to recover. Levy lands a head kick that briefly puts Valdez down. Levy with a body kick that hurts Valdez badly. Valdez lands a left hand. Levy with another body kick but the referee calls it a low blow. It was close. They get back but the round ends. 10-9 Levy.

Valdez pressing forward and lands a leg kick. Levy with a body kick. Valdez lands a combo. Valdez lands a body kick. Valdez lands a combo and has Levy in trouble as he gets Levy against the fence but Levy escapes. Levy with a body kick. Levy with a glancing head kick. Levy looks for a takedown as he has the back. Levy gets the takedown. Valdez works to the fence and lands an elbow as Levy is trying to get better posture. They get to their feet late and Levy lands a body kick. 10-9 Levy, 20-18 Levy.

The doctor checks the right foot of Valdez, which is very swollen. Levy with some low kicks. They clinch and Valdez lands a short elbow before they break. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action. Levy with a body kick. Valdez lands a nice combo. Levy lands a front kick to the face. Levy lands a solid combination. Levy tries a takedown but Valdez escapes. Levy gets the takedown. They get to their feet at the fence. Levy drags it back down. They get to the fence and Levy has back control as they get to their feet. Valdez grabs the fence yet again, this time very badly but Levy gets a late suplex as the fight ends. 10-9 Levy, 30-27 Levy.

Official Result- Natan Levy def. Genaro Valdez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Darren Elkins (27-10, 17-9 UFC) vs. Jonathan Pearce (13-4, 4-1 UFC)

Pearce with some front kicks to the face and Elkins goes for the takedown and gets it. They scramble to their feet and Elkins has the back and drags it back down. They scramble up and Pearce has the neck. They break and Elkins is already bleeding. Elkins with a combo. Pearce with more front kicks. Pearce lands a big right hand and just misses a flying knee. Elkins slips as he misses a right hand but lands one after he stands. They trade punches. Pearce doing lots of damage here. Pearce gets a takedown. Pearce gets into the guard of Elkins late. 10-9 Pearce.

Elkins tries for a takedown to start the second. Elkins lands a right hand as they break. Pearce with a front kick and Elkins lands a right hand. Elkins lands a combo. Pearce lands a jab. They trade inside the pocket. Pearce slips and Elkins grabs the body and tries a takedown but Pearce grabbed the fence. They are still scrambling and Pearce lands some elbows and ends up on top. Pearce with a big elbow then a ton of short punches. Pearce with lots of punches from the top. Pearce working in the guard of Elkins and lands a massive elbow. He lands more and Elkins is bleeding badly. Pearce with left hands from the top. Pearce with more big shots from the top. 10-8 Pearce, 20-17 Pearce.

They both land to start the third. Elkins with a right hand as Pearce lands a leg kick. Pearce gets a takedown and Elkins has a bad cut open from an elbow and we have a timeout to check the cut. They let it go as Elkins says he can see and he gets a big reaction from the crowd. Pearce lands a right hand. Pearce with a front kick. Elkins is a bloody mess. They trade punches. They trade in close range. Elkins lands a right hand. Pearce lands a big elbow and gets a late takedown. Great showing from Pearce. 10-9 Pearce, 30-26 Pearce.

Official Result- Jonathan Pearce def. Darren Elkins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

> Lightweights- Michael Johnson (20-18, 12-14 UFC) vs. Marc Diakiese (16-5, 7-5 UFC)

Diakiese tried a flying knee that missed. Diakiese with a leg kick. Diakiese shoots for a takedown but Johnson defends. Diakiese with two leg kicks. Diakiese with a body kick. Diakiese lands a calf kick. Diakiese with a spin kick to the body. Diakiese with a leg kick. Diakiese lands another leg kick and Johnson lands a combo. Diakiese lands a combo. Diakiese lands the jab. Diakiese lands a leg kick and slips to the mat and Johnson jumps into the guard and Diakiese looked for a triangle choke but they scramble up. They trade punches. 10-9 Diakiese.

Diakiese with a body kick. They trade and we have a timeout for an eye poke but they get back to action. Diakiese tried a cartwheel kick and Johnson grabbed the back but they separated. Diakiese with some leg kicks. Johnson lands a left to the body and then a leg kick. Johnson lands a solid right hand. Johnson lands a nice combination. They trade late. 10-9 Johnson, 19-19.

Johnson with some body shots as they clinch. They trade knees before breaking. Diakiese with a leg kick. Diakiese shoots for a takedown but Johnson sprawls. Diakiese with a leg kick. Johnson with a left hand to the body. Johnson lands a nice right hand as they both connect. Johnson lands a jab. Johnson lands a left hand. Diakiese misses a flying knee and Johnson lands a combo. Johnson lands a nice jab. Diakiese tried a rolling front kick and Johnson lands a punch. He tried it again and Johnson gets a late slam takedown. 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Johnson.

Official Result- Michael Johnson def. Marc Diakiese by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Clay Guida (37-22, 17-16 UFC) vs. Scott Holtzman (14-5, 7-5 UFC)

Holtzman with a leg kick. He lands another heavy one. They trade left hands. Guida with a combo. Holtzman with a leg kick. They trade punches. Guida with a leg kick. Holtzman lands a head kick. Holtzman with a body kick. Holtzman lands a right hand. Guida lands a combo. They trade punches. Guida lands a big right hand late. Close round. 10-9 Holtzman.

Guida gets an early takedown but they scramble up and Guida has the back against the fence. Holtzman lands an elbow as they stand and break. Both throw wildly inside the pocket. Guida tries for a takedown as he pushes it against the fence. Guida gets a big slam takedown. They get to their feet and Holtzman lands an elbow. They trade right hands. Guida shoots for a takedown but Holtzman sprawls away. Guida with a left hand followed by a body kick. They both land combos. Holtzman with a right hand and Guida lands a left hand. Guida grabs the back and is looking for the takedown. Holtzman grabbed the fence a couple of times as Guida went for a takedown. 10-9 Guida, 19-19.

They’re trading to start the second. Holtzman lands a flurry of right hands. They’re both landing as they’re looking to empty the gas tank. Guida with two right hands. Holtzman lands a right hand. Guida with a combo. Holtzman lands a combo. Guida grabs the back and is looking for the takedown. Guida with some knees to the thighs of Holtzman. They’re scrambling as Guida is trying for the takedown. Guida gets the big slam takedown. Guida in the guard of Holtzman. Guida moves to side control and lands a knee to the body. They scramble up. They break and Guida gets another takedown. Guida has the back as they stand but Guida gets it back down as Holtzman grabs the fence. Guida has the back as they stand. Good fight. 10-9 Guida, 29-28 Guida.

Official Result- Clay Guida def. Scott Holtzman by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #12 Angela Hill (14-12, 9-12 UFC) vs. #13 Emily Ducote (12-6, 1-0 UFC)

Hill with a leg kick. Ducote with a combo. Hill with a high kick. They trade in close range. Hill with a combo and a body kick. Hill with a high kick. Hill the one pressuring. They trade right hands. Hill with a combo ending with a nice right hand. Hill with a body kick. Hill lands a leg kick and follows with a right hand to the body. Ducote lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Hill with a combination. 10-9 Hill.

Ducote lands a right hand. Hill lands a combo and they clinch with Hill landing a knee before they break. Hill with a leg kick. She then lands a combo. Hill with some knees to the body as they tie up. They exchange in close range. Ducote went for a takedown but Hill defends and lands some knees. Hill with a solid combo. Hill with a couple of knees and an elbow. Hill with a body kick. 10-9 Hill, 20-18 Hill.

They trade in close range to start the third. Hill with a leg kick. Hill lands a combination. Ducote lands a right hand. She lands another and Hill lands a leg kick. They trade to the body. Hill with a combo ending with a high kick. Hill with some combos inside the pocket as she pressures Ducote. They clinch and Hill with some knees to the body. Ducote with a leg kick. Hill with another combo and more knees in the clinch. Hill with some body shots. They continue to trade as the crowd is doing the wave. Ducote lands a right hand. They trade elbows and knees late. 10-9 Hill, 30-27 Hill.

Official Result- Angela Hill def. Emily Ducote by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

ESPN MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Welterweights*- Niko Price (15-5 2 NC, 7-5 2 NC UFC) vs. Phil Rowe (9-3, 2-1 UFC)

*Rowe missed weight by 2.5 pounds

They trade leg kicks. Price with a right hand. Price with a flurry of punches. Rowe with the jab after landing a flying knee. Price lands a right hand. Price with a flurry against the fence. Rowe lands a right hand. Rowe rocks Price with a right hand. They exchange kicks. Rowe with the jab. They trade right hands. Price lands a right hand. Rowe with a left hand and follows it with a right hand. 10-9 Rowe.

We have a brief timeout early for a groin strike. Price goes on the attack as they get back to action landing a leg kick and pressing forward. They clinch for a moment but break and Rowe lands a right hand. Price gets a brief takedown but they get right up. Rowe lands a big right hand. Rowe with the jab as Price lands a leg kick. Price tries for a takedown but Rowe easily stuffs it. Rowe with a combo. They trade jabs and Price with a right hand. Rowe grabs the neck but Price rolls out of trouble. Rowe gets the back on the mat and has the body triangle locked in. Rowe looking for a choke. Price fights it off. They get to their feet. They trade right hands. 10-9 Rowe, 20-18 Rowe.

Price coming forward to start the third. Price with a combo. Price lands some shots that hurt Rowe. Price with a knee and then some punches and Rowe is retreating. Price lands and Rowe goes to the mat. Price lands from the top. Price in the half-guard and landing. He lands a big elbow. They get to their feet. Price with a combo and a body kick. Rowe lands a right hand. Rowe lands a jab and then some right hands hurt Price. Rowe with a big knee and Price goes to the mat. Rowe with a big flurry and Price is in trouble and it is stopped! What a finish by Rowe in a great ending to the fight.

Official Result- Phil Rowe def. Niko Price by TKO (punches) at 3:26 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Eryk Anders (14-7 1 NC, 6-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Kyle Daukaus (11-3 1 NC, 2-3 1 NC UFC)

Daukaus with a leg kick. Daukaus with a jab. They trade punches. Anders with some left hands and Daukaus lands a knee. Daukaus lands a nice jab. Daukaus tries a high kick and Anders grabs the leg and gets it to the mat. Daukaus gets up. Anders with a leg kick and then another. Anders drops Daukaus with a left hand and Anders lands from the top but Daukaus is trying to get up. They both land in close range. Daukaus with a combo. Anders lands a left hand. Daukaus with a body kick. Anders with a combo to the body. Anders with a combo. Clash of heads and Daukaus goes down and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Anders hurts Daukaus late. 10-9 Anders.

They come out trading to start the second and Daukaus shoots for a takedown. Daukaus trying hard for it but Anders is defending and landing to the body. Anders with some hammerfists as he’s defending and he gets away. Daukaus lays on his back and Anders is standing. Anders with some punches from the top as he lands to the body then the head. Daukaus is ordered up. Daukaus with a leg kick. Anders rocks Daukaus and Daukaus goes for a takedown and Anders is landing from the top. Anders with lots of shots from the top and it is stopped. Big finish from Anders.

Official Result- Eryk Anders def. Kyle Daukaus by TKO (punches) at 2:45 of Round 2

> Middleweights- #8 Jack Hermansson (23-7, 10-5 UFC) vs. Roman Dolidze (11-1, 5-1 UFC)

Hermansson with some quick leg kicks. Hermansson with a high kick then back to leg kicks. Dolidze lands a left hand. Hermansson connects with a left hand. He goes back to the leg kick. Hermansson gets a takedown and Dolidze has the neck looking for a guillotine choke. Hermansson pops out and is in the guard of Dolidze. Dolidze sweeps to the top but they get to their feet. Hermansson working for a takedown against the fence. They break. Hermansson with a couple of kicks. Hermansson lands a right hand then a body kick. Hermansson with a leg kick. 10-9 Hermansson.

They’re trading to start the second. Hermansson lands a right hand. Hermansson with a leg kick. Dolidze with a left hand to the body. Hermansson with a body kick. He lands another. Dolidze with very low output here in the first half of the fight. Hermansson with a right hand to the body. Hermansson scores a takedown. Dolidze looking to sweep and for the armbar. Dolidze now working for a reverse triangle choke but Hermansson escapes. Dolidze now gets the back and has a calf slicer in and is landing punches from the back. Dolidze gets the finish! Wow, what a reversal to get the finish.

Official Result- Roman Dolidze def. Jack Hermansson by TKO (punches) at 4:06 of Round 2

> Heavyweights- #4 Tai Tuivasa (15-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. #5 Sergei Pavlovich (16-1, 4-1 UFC)

Pavlovich with a big combo to start and Tuivasa returns fire. Pavlovich drops Tuivasa with a punch and Tuivasa gets back up. Pavlovich drops him again but Tuivasa gets up. Pavlovich with big punches and Tuivasa goes back down and it is over. Pavlovich with the big finish and Tuivasa is cut open badly. Big win for Pavlovich.

Official Result- Sergei Pavlovich def. Tai Tuivasa by knockout (punches) at :54 of Round 1

> Flyweights- #6 Matheus Nicolau (18-2-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. #7 Matt Schnell (16-7 1 NC, 6-4 1 NC UFC)

Both are looking for openings. Schnell lands a right hand after Nicolau lands. Nicolau with a leg kick. Schnell lands a left hand. Schnell with a body kick. Nicolau with a low kick. They trade jabs. Nicolau drops Schnell with a left hand and lands some big elbows before they get to their feet. Nicolau lands a combo. Nicolau with a leg kick. 10-9 Nicolau.

Schnell pressing forward as he lands a right hand. Schnell lands another. Nicolau lands a punch and forces Schnell down to the mat. Nicolau gets into the guard of Schnell. They stand. Nicolau rocks Schnell with a left hand. Nicolau drops Schnell with a right hand and some follow-up shots end it all. Big finish for Nicolau.

Official Result- Matheus Nicolau def. Matt Schnell by knockout (punches) at 1:44 of Round 2

> Welterweights- Bryan Barberena (18-8, 9-6 UFC) vs. #7 LW Rafael Dos Anjos (31-14, 20-12 UFC)

Barberena pressuring with kicks to start. Barberena still throwing kicks and Dos Anjos grabs the leg and pushes it against the fence looking to get it down as they’re clinched. Dos Anjos gets it down. Dos Anjos looking for the arm-triangle choke as he’s trying to get his leg out on the other side but the fence is blocking him. He lets go but is in mount and lands some punches. Dos Anjos with big body shots from the top. Barberena with short shots from the bottom as Dos Anjos retains the mount. Barberena trying to work his way up but Dos Anjos is dominating from the top. Dos Anjos finishes the round on top. 10-9 Dos Anjos.

Barberena with some kicks and they clinch against the fence. Dos Anjos gets the body lock and is working for the takedown. Dos Anjos working hard to get it down but Barberena has been able to keep it or get back to his feet. Dos Anjos gets the full takedown and is in the half-guard. Dos Anjos with some body shots from the top. Dos Anjos gets the back and is working for a choke but it’s on the chin. He has it locked in and Barberena taps! Big finish for Dos Anjos in his return to welterweight.

Official Result- Rafael Dos Anjos def. Bryan Barberena by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:20 of Round 2

> Welterweights- #6 Stephen Thompson (16-6-1, 11-6-1 UFC) vs. Kevin Holland (23-8 1 NC, 10-5 1 NC UFC)

They both throw kicks. Thompson lands a left hand as they tie up against the fence. They break. Holland with a leg kick. Thompson with a leg kick then Holland throws one. They tie up and Holland with a few left hands before breaking. Thompson with a big left hand. Holland with a leg kick. They trade punches. Holland rocks Thompson with a punch and lands a knee. Thompson lands a left hand. Holland rocks Thompson with a big right hand. Thompson lands a left and just misses a head kick. They tie up and trade knees and Holland lands big elbows before they break. Thompson with a head kick. They trade punches. Thompson lands a big right hand. Holland with some kicks. Holland lands some kicks. Fun round. 10-9 Holland.

They trade leg kicks to start the second. Thompson with a big head kick. Thompson with a flurry of punches. Holland lands some leg kicks. Holland lands a right hand. Thompson with another head kick and Holland is barely blocking them. Thompson with a flurry against the fence and Holland lands a knee. They trade kicks. Thompson lands a left hand. Holland briefly gets it down but stands and wants Thompson up. Thompson with a body kick. Thompson lands a left hand. Thompson seemingly landing better in this round. Thompson with a body kick. Holland lands a shot and Thompson slips and now Thompson lands a flurry. Thompson with a high kick and lands a big flurry that has Holland hurts. Holland lands a right hand. 10-9 Thompson, 19-19.

They trade kicks. Holland with a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Thompson with a jumping switch kick. Thompson with a left hand and then another. They briefly scramble to the mat after tangling together but get right to their feet. Thompson with a combo. Holland with a leg kick. Thompson lands a left hand. Both land some shots before they clinch up. They break. Thompson lands a nice right hand. Thompson lands a combo against the fence. They clinch but break. Holland just misses then Thompson lands a big combination against the fence. Thompson with a body kick. Thompson lands a right hand. Thompson with a spin kick. 10-9 Thompson, 29-28 Thompson.

Thompson with a side kick then an axe kick. They clinch against the fence for a moment and don’t do anything as they clashed heads. They break and clinch back up after both land kicks. They break. Thompson with a body kick then a left hand. Holland with a leg kick and Thompson with a big body kick. He lands another then a combination and Holland tries for a takedown. The fight is suddenly stopped while they’re clinched and everyone thinks it’s a finish but it’s actually a timeout for a groin strike. This got weird but they get back to action. Thompson with a body kick. Thompson with a wheel kick to the head. Thompson with a big combo. Thompson landing lots of big punches. Thompson with a side kick. Thompson with some leg kicks. They trade big punches. Thompson lands a big combo and Holland goes down. Thompson is on top landing big shots as the round ends. 10-8 Thompson, 39-36 Thompson.

Holland’s corner calls off the fight after the fourth round due to Holland suffering a hand injury during the fight. Excellent call by the corner. Big win for Thompson and this was an absolutely tremendous fight.

Official Result- Stephen Thompson def. Kevin Holland by TKO (corner stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 4

Our questions about UFC Fight Night Orlando

Posted on by Josh Nason

Another weekend means another UFC card, this time emanating from Orlando, FL’s Amway Arena for another go-round on big Fox. This show has undergone some changes, but still has some promise throughout the card.

Helping me examine this show a bit more closely for you fine readers are my Observer writing cohorts “Pretty” Paul Fontaine and “Rugged” Ryan Frederick.

First, The Card

  • Jeremy Stephens vs. Josh Emmett
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Tecia Torres
  • Ovince Saint Preux vs. Ilir Latifi
  • Mike Perry vs. Max Griffin
  • Renan Barao vs. Brian Kelleher
  • Sara McMann vs. Marion Reneau
  • Angela Hill vs. Maryna Moroz
  • Ben Saunders vs. Alan Jouban
  • Sam Alvey vs. Marcin Prachinio
  • Rani Yahya vs. Russell Doane
  • Eric Shelton vs. Alex Perez
  • Albert Morales vs. Manny Bermudez

What fight(s) are you most looking forward to?

Josh: I’m really into the co-main event between Andrade and Torres. It’s two different styles and there are legit title shot stakes on the line here, so no complaints here. I’m also intrigued by the OSP-Latifi fight because in my heart of hearts, I really want the light heavyweight division to be fun again.

Ryan: I am actually looking forward to the headliner between Emmett and Stephens. It’s not a headline fight for a Fox calber card (and I know I’m not alone in thinking this), but it is a good, quality fight. Stephens is an exciting fighter and I see Emmett as a true top-20 talent, but I think Stephens will be too much for him. But, Emmett has a chance like he did against Ricardo Lamas, and it worked out well for him there.

I also like the co-headliner between Andrade and Torres. Andrade has fought for the title before and would love another crack at it, while Torres wants her first title shot. She has to get through a tough matchup as Andrade is always one to press forward. This is a really solid fight.

Paul: I’m a big fan of women’s MMA so I’ll be really interested in all three women’s fights. Ryan and Josh already talked about Torres-Andrade so obviously that’s the most important. Sara McMann vs. Marion Reneau is very intriguing as both are older fighters and probably have one more run toward a title shot in them. Angela Hill vs Maryna Moroz are two fighters with names MMA fans know who are also capable of good fights.

Any dark horse fights?

Ryan: I enjoy it when Mike Perry is on a fight card because you know what you’re going to get: an exciting brawl and Griffin is certainly an opponent who will bring that out of him. This fight was set up for a knockout and I’m sure we will see one. I also see the show opener between Manny Bermudez and Albert Morales as a fight to watch. Bermudez was arguably the most-talented 135-pound fighter outside of the UFC, and now he debuts inside the Octagon. Morales is a game opponent who has had some fun fights, and I expect an early contender for Fight Of The Night to kick things off.

Josh: I love me some Mike Perry so I’m in lockstep with Ryan on that one. Don’t sleep on that Ben Saunders-Alan Jouban tilt either.

Paul: Renan Barao vs. Brian Kelleher in the featured prelim has me interested. Between the two of them, they’ve picked up post show bonus awards in exactly 50% of their fights so the odds of one or both them producing something worth watching is pretty good. Smilin’ Sam Alvey should have a good promo if he wins in the featured Fight Pass prelim, but his fights usually suck.

Any fights a bit overrated?

Ryan: I’m not sure about overrated, but McMann vs. Reneau doesn’t scream excitement. I think McMann has peaked and I don’t see any upward trajectory for Reneau at her age. It’s just a fight that doesn’t have any real meaning when it comes to contender status, and is just there. I’m also not sure about fights involving Barao or Alvey. I expect at least one of those two to win, but I don’t see them as being as good as they once were in their careers.

Paul: The fact that OSP and Latifi are both title contenders says more about the state of the 205-pound division than it does about either guy. Saint Preux is capable of exciting fights but he’s also capable of laying an egg. Latifi looks like a shorter version of the fat heavyweights that usually have boring fights in UFC and that’s pretty much what I think of when I see his name on the card. It’s almost impossible for me to get excited about one of his fights.

Josh: Yeah, I could see McMann-Reneau being a dud. Honestly, there’s not a lot of featured fights on this show that I’m down on. (Yep, that’s a shock to me too!)

Does this show matter?

Josh: You get one and possibly two title contenders with the Torres-Andrade fight and OSP-Latifi if the former gets another impressive win, so I say yes. A big KO win by Perry also puts him in the ‘interesting fight’ category against any number of guys. He may never be a champion, but I think he’s the next big fan favorite if he’s smart about his career.

Ryan: In the grand scheme of things, probably not so much. You are getting a likely title challenger in the Andrade-Torres fight, and Ovince Saint Preux could put himself in the mix whenever the light heavyweight title gets defended next. It’s not a major show, but like the Austin event last weekend, it has potential to deliver good action inside the Octagon. If your focus is on the ratings and business side of the UFC, this show is likely to fall well below expectations (unless they are low already). If your sole purpose of enjoying the UFC is the in-cage action, this has the chance to get you excited.

Paul: Not really, but there are name fighters 10 fights deep on this show and you can’t ask for much more than that on a free TV card. It’s definitely not top-heavy as Stephens vs. Emmett is not exactly the type of marquee main event UFC fans are used to on Fox (although lately it’s been more like this than not). But you’ve got former champs and title challengers on the prelims which speaks to depth and the top three fights on the card all could have title implications relatively soon.

Who wins?

Jeremy Stephens vs. Josh Emmett

  • Stephens: Nason, Ryan
  • Emmett: Paul

Jessica Andrade vs. Tecia Torres

  • Torres: Nason, Paul
  • Andrade: Ryan

OSP vs. Ilir Latifi

  • OSP: Paul, Ryan, Nason

Renan Barao vs. Brian Kelleher

  • Barao: Paul, Ryan
  • Kelleher: Nason

JNPO: A look at UFC’s history and return to Orlando

Posted on by Josh Nason

On a new Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, we look at the history of UFC in Orlando, FL, and preview this Saturday’s show with Orlando Sentinel writer Jay Reddick.

On the topic board:

– We discuss how Jay began covering MMA and pro wrestling news for the Sentinel.

– We talk about WWE’s influence in the city with the WrestleMania process as well as how the Performance Center is seen in the community.

– We look through the history of UFC in the city including the reception by the fans and the local media. We examine the first two shows, the interesting fights on those shows, and the two future heavyweight standouts who opened those shows.

– We wrap up by taking a deep dive into Saturday’s Fox show and how it’s more interesting than meets the (not Jessica) eye. 

Get all that and more on the latest JNPO now:

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UFC on Fox 17 and late NXT feedback

Posted on by F4W Staff

Dave,

Great free UFC show. I ordered the PPV last weekend since I only pay for Weidman cards at home these days. The free show card overall was much better, but the top two fights last weekend were worth the purchase. It’s interesting to see that the next PPV is followed by a Fight Night and Fox show that both have way more depth and appeal. They should rethink how they book these shows.

Anyway, thumbs up for the show. 
Best fight: I would probably go Diaz vs Johnson followed by McCroy vs Samman.
Worst Fight: Jury vs Olivera.

Thanks,
Matt Wright

Gave the show a thumbs up.  Especially since it was free.

Best Fight: Nate Diaz vs Michael Johnson

Worst Fight: Alistair Overeem vs Junior Dos Santos on main card, Sarah Kaufman vs Valentina Shevchenko on undercard

Best Performances; Rafael Dos Anjos, Nate Diaz, Charles Oliveira

Really loved the first round of Nick Lentz vs Danny Castillo. Some great mat work by both.

Thought Nate Marquardt KO’ing CB Dollaway was a huge upset. Nothing against Marquardt but I can’t see him hanging with the top middleweights at this point of his career.

I really loved Karolina Kowalkiewicz in her fight vs Randa Markos. She had some great movement the whole fight and never tired. She could be someone to watch out for in the future if she keeps progressing. Markos was not a pushover opponent for her but I question her strategy of trying to stand with her and not trying to get her to the ground earlier.

Nate Diaz vs Michael Johnson was a great fight. Nothing like those Diaz bad boys to keep your interest in a fight. Diaz looked great and his posturing during the fight was fun to watch. Too bad they bleeped out his whole promo. I would love to see the build up for a Diaz vs McGregor fight! Could you imagine the shenanigans that would ensure with that one! Make that fight happen!

Dos Santos vs Overeem was a huge let down and didn’t really make either look great or want to make you see either in title contention. They were both fighting not to lose. Winning a boring fight doesn’t make you want to put money into a PPV buy to see you in a title fight. The heavyweight division is in trouble. After Velasquez vs Werdum who do you want to see fight?

Disappointing that Cowboy couldn’t get out of the gates against Dos Anjos. Big fan of Cowboy. Dos Anjos looked great though.

Everyone up and down the card wants the big payday against McGregor.

Grant Zwarych

Thumbs up. Good card to end the year. Some changing of the guard evident.

Best fight: McCrory vs. Samman

Worst fight: Miller vs. Alers (for a ‘contest’, Overeem vs. JDS until the KO)

Best performance: RDA, Oliveira

Worst performance: Johnson

KO: Marquardt

Sub: Oliveira

Scary debut for 6’4″, 254, 83″ reach, action figure looking HW Francis Ngannou, outcardioing 23-y-o skilled wrestler Luiz Henrique and knocking him silly with a left shovel hook in the 2nd. Vincente Luque avenges a debatable SD loss from TUF, rocking Haydar Hassan and putting him out with a Rolling Anaconda that has him doing the chicken on the mat and with no clue what happened when he wakes up. Kamaru Usman survives some early headsup work from Leon Edwards and wears him out for a UD.

Cole Miller vs. Jim Alers off to a decent start when Alers sinks a finger deep into Miller’s eye in the 2nd and it’s a NC. Nik Lentz coming up in weight takes a SD over Danny Castillo (3rd straight SD loss) in a fight that starts out great but both gas quickly. Lentz sounds seriously physically ill on his promo. Tamdan McCrory and Josh Samman stage a rare entertaining 99%-grappling match that’s back and forth for a round and a half then McCrory gets on top and stays there until Samman reverses him late in the 3rd which just allows McCrory to snag and constrict a triangle till Samman is forced to tap. McCrory then leaps the fence to high five Rogan. Muay Thai fighter Valentina Shevchenko comes in as a 1 week sub and completely dominates a much more MMA-experienced Sarah Kaufman at all ranges for 2 rounds until fading in the 3rd (with a 1 week camp this is not puzzling) and takes a ridiculously split decision. ‘Punchcount’, apparently based on Bizarro World planet along with the one judge, comes up with a 162-65 strike advantage for Kaufman. After a shaky 1st, Nate Marquardt saves his career catching CB Dollaway coming with a 1 punch right hand KO at the beginning of the 2nd. Note to Rogan and whoever else, it’s not a ‘counter’ unless the other guy punches first. Miles Jury drops a division (and looks emaciated) and changes camps but Charles Oliveira despite missing weight by 5lb manhandles him down, takes his back when Jury misses an arm bar, and sinks jumping standing Guillotine the instant Jury regains his feet, and it’s over.

UFC-debuting Karolina Kowalkiewicz is either better than she looks technically or Randa Markos has gone way backward training with Farah Salami. Close first, Markos edges the 2nd, and KK wins the 3rd way big, maybe 10-8. 29-28 either way, 28-28, or 29-27 Kowalkiewicz all possible decisions. But Markos’ worst performance IMO. 29-28 x 2, 30-27 Kowalkiewicz. We’re starting to see the level rise in the women’s divisions.

Nate Diaz shows up in actually suspiciously muscular good shape and feeling like fighting for a change and paintjobs Michael Johnson, who fights an increasingly stupid fight, for a 29-28 UD. MJ was effective with low kicks in the 1st then abandoned them, and left his footwork in the dressing room.

Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem stage an almost action-free display until Overeem, looking by far the smaller of the two, catches him with an awkward left hook in the 2nd that sends him crashing to mat and finishes with 3 hammerfists. Reem trained with some cold weather guru for his S&C. Junior went to ATT but apparently too late. He’s done. Really both looked awful till the KO but Reem is suddenly in pole position for first shot at the Werdum-Cain 2 winner.

Rafael Dos Anjos wastes no time repeating his previous win over Donald (maybe his nickname should be ‘Chokeboy’ instesd of ‘Cowboy’) Cerrone, this time ripping into him with knees and kicks to the body from the bell, a barrage of punches, stuffing a desperation TD and pounding him out. Cerrone once again chokes in the big fight but it may not have mattered, as RDA has somewhat obscurely developed into a top 5 P4P fighter and him vs. Conor suddenly looks like a superfight.

Crimson Mask

Thumbs up show

Best Fight: Rafael dos Anjos vs  Donald Cerrone

Worst Fight: Alistair Overeem vs Junior dos Santos

Even though everyone said dos Anjos looked smaller because he could be off the PEDs I think he probably came in lighter for camp due to the IV ban.

I guess they could pair up Overeem vs Rothwell and maybe dos Santos vs Travis Browne. If they did dos Santos vs Gonzaga, then Dave is right, no one is doing him any favours.

Thanks,

Eric Poon

Thumbs in the middle due to overall fight quality,

The only moments that stand out are the Diaz promo, Overeem’s KO after a dull fight vs. JDS, and RDA thrashing Cerrone in record time for a 155 title fight. The prelims were dull with no stakes making them completely forgettable.

Best fight: RDA over Cerrone as it created another very clear next potential opponent for McGregor who looked very strong while beating Cerrone.

Worst fight: Markos/Kowalkiewicz, bad selection to open the FOX card after almost an hour break between fights. Not a fan of strawweight fights as openers as finish rates are low and an opener needs to be more action oriented.

Thanks,

Urooj Islam

Good evening (early morning here in Ireland).

Tonight’s UFC on Fox was an excellent end to an excellent year of fights, particularly the second half of the year which provided some incredible matchups including Lawler V McDonald 2, McGregor V Mendes, McGregor V Aldo and Weidman V Rockhold. From the fights tonight, it was amazing to see a motivated and prepared Nate Diaz. He was a 4/1 underdog due to one fight in two years (not to mention a stinking attitude at times) but he displayed everything that makes fans love the Diaz brothers. I, myself, am not a fan of his persona but his fighting abilities cannot be denied and he entertains like very few fighters.

The co main event started out in the fashion of the Gonzaga fight from last weekend but once JDS and Overeem woke up, it improved immeasurably. JDS needs to retire. The damage he has taken from the fights with Cain and Stipe have left him very vulnerable and considering he is a very affable man, it would be really disappointing to see him continue and for his mental well being (as well as his physical) to diminish.

It is very interesting to see how the UFC proceed with Overeem, however, given his big win and his contract being expired. For the first time, the UFC could potentially be on the back foot with some of their fighters. McGregor is negotiating ludicrous contracts and fighters like Overeem and Benson Henderson are surely too good and important to their respective divisions to allow them to fight elsewhere.

The main event was a massive disappointment simply because, like most fans of MMA, I love Cowboy. To see him completely dominated and pummelled viciously was difficult to watch, although it is testament to the ever improving talents of RDA. His finish tonight could have potentially set up a monster fight with Conor with the angle available of RDA seeking vengeance for his fellow countryman. Whereas for Conor, it is an opportunity to solidify his belief that he is the greatest MMA fighter on the planet.

Hopefully some of these musings help.

Kind Regards,

David.Walker

UFC on FOX
Thumbs up
Best: Diaz vs Thompson
Worst: Overeem vs Dos Santos

NXT Takeover London
Thumbs up
Best: Emma vs Asuka
Worst: Corbin vs Crews

I think Asuka could have a match of the year level match with Seth Rollins.  She’s unbelievable.  Tough to not give Balor/Joe the nod for match of the night, but I was more entertained by the opener so that was the tiebreaker for me.  Plus the main event is always expected to reach a certain level, so when an unexpected match delivers so well, I feel it gets the benefit of the doubt.  Corbin has become a better worker, but I’m just not into his matches.  Same problem now with Crews.  He needs to take the next step before he can be in the main event picture.  I was surprised Dawson and Wilder retained the tag belts, but it may just be so they can drop it to the white hot Jordan/Gable combo. It still boggles my mind that WWE needed 3 hours of gimmicks on Sunday to have great matches, while NXT continues to do it in a normal, one on one match all the time.  And when there are stips in NXT, it means something — in WWE, it’s just December so that’s what they do.

– Chris