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Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with tons to talk about in our interview with Urijah Faber! This Friday he’ll be facing Kazushi Sakuraba in a grappling battle for the Quintet promotion in Las Vegas. Tons of notes on training, the match and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
In pro wrestling this past year, one of the biggest stories behind-the-scenes has been what people have called the golden age of independent wrestling.
With the advent of Internet streaming, there are talented wrestlers who have been able to make a decent, and in some cases very good living being world travelers, most of which are affiliated with New Japan, ROH or Lucha Underground, and led to the advent of Flo Slam, which has made some deals paying significant rights fees for live content.
WWE is also aggressively making moves, whether it be signing talent that just a few years ago they’d have dismissed based on size and/or look, expanding content for the network and aggressively pursuing women wrestlers, with the idea of creating more and more content.
The WWE’s press conference on 12/15 to announce a two-night tournament next month to create a United Kingdom champion appears to be the first step in a goal of doing small-time independent style promotions in both Europe and Asia.
The final numbers are in for Saturday’s UFC on FOX 22 broadcast, headlined by Michelle Waterson’s first round submission win over Paige VanZant and also featuring Sage Northcutt and Urijah Faber on the undercard.
The show did 3,178,000 viewers for the four-fight main card, which was the best number since 3.2 million tuned in to UFC on FOX 10 in January 2014.
It’s notable that this was the second straight televised fight for Northcutt on a show that did impressive TV ratings. His UFC 200 prelim fight with Enrique Marin set a record for viewership on FS2 with 582,000 viewers.
The only other two times that a VanZant fight has aired on television have both been FOX shows and the ratings for those fights were nothing out of the ordinary. In fact the last fight, with Bec Rawlings, was on one of only two UFC on FOX shows that failed to break two million viewers.
Faber’s final fight of his career may have helped Saturday’s rating as well, although none of his recent televised fights have done numbers that were particularly notable. Outside of Conor McGregor, he has consistently been the biggest draw in UFC of anyone below 155 lbs since debuting in 2012, though.
The prelims for Saturday’s show, which aired on FS1, did 679,000 viewers. The last time the prelims for a FOX show aired on FS1, they did 702,000 but the average over the last three years has been about 648,000.
*****
In other MMA ratings news, Friday’s Bellator 169 on Spike TV did 643,000 viewers, their best number since September. This was for a taped show from Dublin with no star power outside of the main event of King Mo vs. Satoshi Ishii.
There has been virtually no ratings difference when Bellator runs either live or on tape delay with the international shows they’ve run of late.
Last night’s UFC on FOX show told a marketing lesson that can’t be ignored.
A show headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson and Mickey Gall vs. Sage Northcutt did 2.69 million viewers on the fast nationals.
The number is 17 to 20 percent above what the December shows have done the past three years with championship fights headlining in 2013 and 2015 and a top heavyweight fight of Junior Dos Santos vs. Stipe Miocic as the 2014 main event.
Urijah Faber’s retirement fight may have also played heavily into the number. In the arena, it was clearly the real main event at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
The fast nationals measure the first two hours of the show everywhere but the West Coast, which is not figured in because it measures 8-10 p.m. Pacific, and the show aired from 5-7:15 p.m.
That means the VanZant vs. Waterson fight, which started after 10 p.m. is not figured into the average, and with Faber and VanZant being West Coast fighters, that should help the growth when that is figured in.
A card promoted around VanZant vs. Waterson doing so well, coming on the heels of Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko doing the best summer numbers in years, shows that audiences for women’s main events are strong on FOX.
The UFC show was the least-watched show on the four networks last night, but in the 18-49 demo, which is what FOX gears the show toward, it was second only to SNL Christmas on NBC.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 22: VanZant vs. Waterson, eminating from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the women’s strawweight division as rising contender Paige VanZant looks to score another win inside the Octagon as she takes on Michelle Waterson. VanZant is looking to score her second straight win and continue the rise in her growing popularity. Waterson fights for the first time since July 2015, and she has won seven of her last eight fights.
The co-main event sees a pair of welterweights looking to continue their breakout careers in 2016 as Sage Northcutt takes on Mickey Gall. Gall is coming off a big win over C.M. Punk in Punk’s MMA debut in September, and he called out Northcutt for this fight. Northcutt has become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC since his debut just over a year ago.
This event will also mark the final fight in the illustrious career of Urijah Faber, as he fights one last time in his hometown. Faber is a former WEC Featherweight Champion, but he was never able to capture gold in the UFC. Despite that, he remains one of the more popular fighters in the sport, and brings his potential hall of fame career to an end in his 45th career fight. He will be taking on Brad Pickett on the main card.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 3:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
Some additional coverage:
– UFC On FOX 22 Observer Panel Predictions
– UFC On FOX 22 Betting & Fantasy Playbook
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT
> Bojan Velickovic (14-3-1, 1-0-1 UFC) vs. Sultan Aliev (13-2, 0-1 UFC)
Welterweights
The first round was standing early with Velickovic having an edge before Aliev decided to take the fight to the mat. Both men did solid work on the mat before getting to the feet with seconds remaining. It was close but I had Aliev winning the first round, 10-9.
Velickovic was winning the standing in the second round, but Aliev scored two takedowns and did some good work from the top position. He had nothing for Velickovic standing. Aliev’s round in the second, 10-9, and up 20-18.
Aliev got another takedown in the third. Velickovic worked for submissions but Aliev just grinded from the top. He didn’t do a whole lot in the fight whether standing or on top as Velickovic was more active all around. However, I think the judges will see him as the winner. I do as I had round three also 10-9 for Aliev, and him winning 30-27.
Aliev took the decision but only got the fight on two scorecards. Both of those scorecards were 30-27 for him. The third judge had it 29-28 for Velickovic, and I really don’t know how. I could see the first going to him, but neither the second or third. This was a very boring fight.
Official Result: Sultan Aliev def. Bojan Velickovic by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
> Hector Sandoval (12-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Fredy Serrano (3-1, 2-1 UFC)
Flyweights
Sandoval was the pressure fighter in the first and landed more strikes and a takedown. Serrano couldn’t adjust during the round. Round one was 10-9 for Sandoval.
Sandoval dropped Serrano and almost finished him with a choke early in the second. Serrano was having trouble landing his strikes and Sandoval was picking him apart on the feet. It was another 10-9 round for Sandoval, and him up 20-18.
Sandoval got another takedown in the third and was winning the fight on the feet, tagging Serrano with a lot of punches. He was the better fighter in this one. I had round three 10-9 for Sandoval, and him winning the fight 30-27.
All three judges had it for Sandoval, with him winning all three rounds on two cards and 29-28 on the third. I’m not sure Serrano won a round there but at least it didn’t end up mattering. This was a solid fight.
Official Result: Hector Sandoval def. Fredy Serrano by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
> Eddie Wineland (#13, 22-11-1, 4-5 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (#14, 21-10-2, 8-5 UFC)
Bantamweights
They were trading punches back-and-forth. Mizugaki was getting the better of it Wineland then dropped Mizugaki with one punch, Mizugaki got up and then got dropped again and finished off by Wineland. Big knockout win by Wineland in the opening round. Mizugaki’s chin just can’t handle much of a punch anymore. Wineland dedicated the win to his kids and mentioned how he fights without handwraps on his hands.
Official Result: Eddie Wineland def. Takeya Mizugaki by TKO (punches) at 3:04 of Round 1
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT
> Leslie Smith (8-7-1, 2-3 UFC) vs. Irene Aldana (7-2, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights
Smith was tagging Aldana early and dropped her and nearly finished the fight. Aldana was able to survive the swarm and they were trading back and forth as a great opening round ended. Smith took the first 10-9.
Smith was really pressuring Aldana in the second and was landing some very good combinations, but Aldana was landing as well and was brutalizing the leg of Smith with kicks. Aldana then tagged Smith and had her rocked late in the round. It’ll be interesting to see how the judges scored this one as Aldana was backing up as Smith was pressuring, but Aldana landed the harder punches. I had it 10-9 for Aldana, and it tied up 19-19 after two. There is lots of action in this fight.
Smith was really pressuring Aldana and pushing her against the fence and landing more in the third. Aldana would circle away every time she was in trouble but was only really striking when it was returning. Smith landed more punches but Aldana’s seemed to have more power behind them. Aldana got a late takedown in looking to steal the fight but Smith charged with strikes late. A close third round that I had 10-9 for Smith, and I had her winning 29-28 overall.
Smith won on all three scorecards, two 29-28s and one 30-27. This is an early contender for fight of the night. Smith looked the best she has in the UFC so far.
Official Result: Leslie Smith def. Irene Aldana by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
> Josh Emmett (10-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Scott Holtzman (9-1, 2-1 UFC)
Lightweights
This was a good first round with both men landing solid strikes, and Emmett changed things up with two takedowns. Holtzman was able to get up both times and ended up scoring a takedown of his own late in the round. Holtzman was landing from the top late and was landing late and I think he stole the round at the end. I had it 10-9 for Holtzman.
Emmett landed a huge flurry in the opening minute and had Holtzman in a lot of trouble. Emmett tried to finish the fight but it looked to gas him out as Holtzman scored an easy takedown. Emmett reversed it though but Holtzman reversed that. Holtzman was landing knees and punches late as Emmett was breating heavy. Emmett rocked Holtzman late with a flying knee. A close round but I had it 10-9 for Emmett and it tied up 19-19 after two.
They were trading and then Emmett dropped Holtzman and swarmed on looking to take advantage. Both men were very tired. Holtzman was able to take the fight down despite a blatant fence grab by Emmett. It was really a grappling battle as each man was trying to do something to ensure they won the last round in a close fight. They traded shots late with both trying to close the fight strong. I had the last round 10-9 for Emmett and him winning 29-28. This is going to be close on the scorecards.
All three judges had it 29-28 for Emmett. He got a big reaction. This was a great fight and also in contention for fight of the night. Emmett thought he broke his hand.
Official Result: Josh Emmett def. Scott Holtzman by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> James Moontasri (9-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Alex Morono (12-3, 1-0 UFC)
Welterweights
They spent the first round on the feet. Moontasri hurt Morono with a left hand at one point and was trying all sorts of spin kicks throughout the round. He was showing good hand speed and good movement on the feet and Morono wasn’t able to do much outside of landing a couple of leg kicks. It was good action but far from the best round tonight. I had it 10-9 Moontasri.
They were trading on the feet in the second round. Moontasri was continuing with spinning stuff but was landing more. Morono was showing it on his body with it changing colors. Morono finally started timing the kicks and adjusted well and was landing some punches late. Morono cut Moontasri open with an elbow. Each man landed a spinning attack at the end. Another good action round between the two. I had it 10-9 for Morono and it tied 19-19.
Morono rocked Moontasri with a big right hand and was going for the finish with lots of big punches. Morono was tagging Moontasri at will as Moontasri had his hands low. Both men were breathing heavy but it was the pressure and punches of Morono that was making the difference. Both men were able to make it to the end, which was surprising. The third round was the most clear round as I had it 10-9 Morono. I had Morono winning 29-28 but the scores for the first two could go either way.
All three judges had it 29-28 for Morono. No post-fight interview for him. Solid fight but both men were very tired in the last round.
Official Result: Alex Morono def. James Moontasri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Bryan Barberena (12-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Colby Covington (10-1, 5-1 UFC)
Welterweights
Covington got a couple of takedowns but wasn’t able to do much with them. Barberena was stronger on the feet but Covington was landing some good counters. Covington was relying primarily on his takedowns though. It likely got him the round, and I had it 10-9 for him.
Barberena was getting the better of Covington on the feet, so Covington decided to go back to the takedown game, punching his way there. He was having a much easier time taking Barberena down in the second, not that it was that difficult for him in the first. Barberena landed solid punches on the feet but this was Covington’s round again, 10-9, and I had him up 20-18. Covington has scored eight takedowns through two rounds.
It was more of the same in the third round. Barberena was slightly better on the feet but Covington was countering well and would switch everything up into takedowns. Barberena had no takedown defense in this fight. Covington ended the fight on top. Covington got three more takedowns in the third, making it eleven in all. Dominating performance for him. 10-9 Covington in the third, 30-27 overall for him. The crowd booed this fight.
All three judges had it 30-27 for Covington. No post-fight interview but a strong performance by Covington in this fight.
Official Result: Colby Covington def. Bryan Barberena by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Cole Miller (21-10 1 NC, 10-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Mizuto Hirota (17-7-2, 0-2-1 UFC)
Featherweights
Miller hurt Hirota early with a punch and went for a choke but couldn’t get it. Hirota ended up getting two takedowns and was controlling Miller from the top. Hirota ended the round on top with landing punches, but otherwise not a lot of action. Miller came out strong but Hirota came on as the round went on. A 10-9 round for Hirota.
Miller got taken down but grabbed a foot and used it to reverse. He wasn’t doing much on the feet despite being the taller fighter. That’s pretty much the story of every Cole Miller fight. Hirota reversed positions and was working on the top. There is not a lot going on in this fight. Hirota landed on top to end the round, a very boring round. 10-9 for Hirota in the second, with him up 20-18.
Miller looked absolutely awful in the last round. He was throwing slow punches and just gave up an easy takedown to Hirota, and then wasn’t doing anything on the bottom. It was almost like he just quit on the fight. Hirota was staying busy so he could keep this fight on the mat. This was one bad fight. An easy 10-9 round for Hirota, and I had him winning 30-27.
All three judges had all three rounds for Hirota, and he got one 10-8 round on one scorecard. There was really no other score. This fight was bad.
Official Result: Mizuto Hirota def. Cole Miller by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
> Henrique da Silva (12-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (8-0, 0-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights
Craig bloodied da Silva up before taking him down and working from the top. da Silva got up but Craig had a guillotine in but it wasn’t tight as he was in bad position against the fence on the bottom. da Silva got out and is gushing blood. They got to their feet and da Silva tried a lazy takedown and, well, it didn’t work out for him. 10-9 Craig in the first round.
da Silva didn’t look good in the opening moments of the second round but Craig looked just as tired. Craig pulled guard and was working for an armbar, got it, and da Silva tapped instantly. It was like da Silva just decided to give up and found the spot to tap out. A pretty bad showing for da Silva and Craig remains undefeated.
Official Result: Paul Craig def. Henrique da Silva by submission (armbar) at 1:59 of Round 2
FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Alan Jouban (14-4, 5-2 UFC) vs. Mike Perry (9-0, 2-0 UFC)
Welterweights
Jouban rocked Perry early but Perry was coming on strong with his kicks. Jouban got a takedown against the fence and Perry was looking uncomfortable on the ground but able to get up. Jouban landed a left hand but ate a head kick that rocked him. Perry was keeping his hands low and was eating some punches from Jouban. Good opening round but I have it 10-9 for Jouban.
Perry was starting to open up more but Jouban was landing more when he struck. Jouban rocked Perry with a left hand and a head kick. Jouban was landing body kicks and Perry was keeping his hands low. Perry would try and attack but he wasn’t landing on a lot of his attacks, and his head movement was pretty much non-existant. Jouban rocked and dropped Perry late with a left hand and that likely got him the round. It did in my eyes. 10-9 for Jouban, 20-18 Jouban after two.
Jouban was really aggressive in this round. He would fake a body kick and Perry would flinch like he was afraid to take it. It allowed Jouban to attack the legs of Perry with kicks. Perry was really slow this round and was just looking for the one punch. Jouban was teeing off on Perry. Perry was keeping his hands low, had no head movement and wasn’t working his feints or fakes in the third, and he looked tired. A real strong third round for Jouban as I had it 10-9 for him. I have the fight 30-27 for Jouban.
Jouban got the decision on all the scorecards. It was a really smart and disciplined fight from Jouban, and it exposed that Perry isn’t ready for that level of competition just yet.
Official Result: Alan Jouban def. Mike Perry by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
> Urijah Faber (#7, 33-10, 9-6 UFC) vs. Brad Pickett (25-12, 5-7 UFC)
Bantamweights
Faber was getting in-and-out of the pocket early and landed a big right hand on Pickett. They went to grapple and Pickett got a takedown. They got to their feet and Faber dropped Pickett with a big left hand and the crowd came unglued. Faber was landing punches and took the back and was landing punch after punch and this fight could’ve been stopped. Faber went for a rear-naked choke but switched to mount and was landing elbows. He went back to the back and Pickett is cut open pretty big. Pickett somehow survived the round but a huge 10-8 round for Faber.
Huge chants for Faber from the crowd. They were trading on the feet and Faber scored a takedown. Faber was working for the top and went for a guillotine choke but Pickett escaped to his feet. Faber got a late takedown. Another good round showing from Faber. 10-9 Faber in the second and him up 20-17.
Faber got an early takedown and was working in the guard of Pickett. They got to their feet and Faber scored another takedown. Faber went for another guillotine but Pickett blocked it and Faber ended in side control. They got to their feet and Pickett dropped Faber with a punch but Faber got right back up. It was actually a punch to the shoulder. Faber landed a knee to the body of Pickett. The crowd got loud for the last twenty seconds and exploded at the end of the fight. A great showing from Faber in his last fight. 10-9 Faber in the third, 30-26 Faber overall.
All three judges had it the same for Faber. He gave a speech and thanked everyone for supporting him on his amazing career and said he was ready to move forward.
Official Result: Urijah Faber def. Brad Pickett by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Sage Northcutt (8-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Mickey Gall (3-0, 2-0 UFC)
Welterweights
Gall got an early takedown. Neither was doing much on the ground and Northcutt tried to explode out from the bottom but Gall had a guillotine locked in. Northcutt was able to escape and had the top position. Northcutt landed a big hammerfist and they started talking trash to each other as Gall wanted him on the ground and Northcutt wanted him standing. Gall got another takedown. Northcutt is a really bad MMA wrestler. Gall’s takedowns got him the round 10-9.
Northcutt knocked Gall down with a left hand in the opening moments of round two. Gall is bleeding but he dropped Northcutt with a big right hand. Gall took the back and was looking for the choke. He got it locked in and Northcutt tapped out! Gall wins by submission with a rear-naked choke and improves to 4-0 in his career.
Gall said post-fight that he is dropping to 155 pounds and called out Dan Hardy for a fight if Hardy decides to return to fighting.
Official Result: Mickey Gall def. Sage Northcutt by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:40 of Round 2
> Paige VanZant (#7, 7-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Michelle Waterson (#11, 13-4, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights
They were each landing side kicks and some winging punches before going to a clinch. Waterson got a head-and-arm throw takedown and took the back of VanZant. Waterson has a rear-naked choke locked in and is looking to finish. VanZant is fighting it very hard but it is in very deep. VanZant goes out! Waterson submits VanZant in the opening round, VanZant went out cold and didn’t tap out.
Official Result: Michelle Waterson def. Paige VanZant by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:21 of Round 1
Here’s some advice for your gambling and fantasy needs for Saturday’s UFC On FOX 22 event in Sacramento, California, headlined by Paige VanZant taking on Michelle Waterson in a five-round women’s strawweight bout on FOX.
MAIN CARD
Paige VanZant (7-2) vs. Michelle Waterson (13-4)
Betting Odds: VanZant (-115), Waterson (-105)
DraftKings Salaries: VanZant- $8,300, Waterson- $7,900
Key Statistic: Waterson hasn’t fought since July 2015
Analysis: VanZant and Waterson square off in the main event in what should be a very competitive bout. Waterson steps back into the Octagon for the first time in 17 months, so there will likely be some ring rust to shake off. VanZant showed more aggression in her last fight, and she should be looking to do the same against an opponent coming off the long layoff. Waterson has fought most of her career at 105 pounds, and she moved up in weight to get in the UFC, so she will be giving up a little bit of size. However, she has noticeably gotten a little bigger heading into this fight. VanZant’s striking was also much more improved in her last fight with Bec Rawlings, and she got a spectacular finish. Waterson is a better fighter than Rawlings, and she has some good striking and a good ground game. I feel like this fight will go 25 minutes. The betting odds are a pick ’em, and I favor VanZant in this fight. Both women would be solid fantasy plays, but I see more upside in VanZant. The extra ten minutes should give more scoring opportunities, and I feel she is a safe play.
Sage Northcutt (8-1) vs. Mickey Gall (3-0)
Betting Odds: Northcutt (-105), Gall (-115)
DraftKings Salaries: Northcutt- $8,000, Gall- $8,200
Key Statistic: Gall has never fought an opponent with UFC experience
Analysis: This one will be interesting as it is two marketable young fighters in a prime spot, but neither one is close to being ready for tough competition. Northcutt has actually beaten opponents who have won in the UFC. Gall has just three fights, all wins, but none against a true UFC fighter. Northcutt already has the edge there. Gall may actually be a better prospect in the future, but he is still unexperienced. Northcutt is not without his flaws, but his athleticism is great, and he is fast and powerful. He is moving back up to welterweight, and while he got his only career loss in that weight class, his growing size is more suitable for the division. Gall is going to have to pressure Northcutt and drag him down quickly, because Northcutt has shown to be lost most of the time on the mat. Northcutt will have the big edge on the feet. I’m surprised the betting odds and fantasy salaries are so close, and I think Northcutt is the easy play in this fight. He is definitely worth putting on your fantasy line-up, and I expect him to have a high draft percentage.
Urijah Faber (33-10) vs. Brad Pickett (25-12)
Betting Odds: Faber (-440), Pickett (+350)
DraftKings Salaries: Faber- $9,600, Pickett- $6,000
Key Statistic: Faber’s final career fight
Analysis: A future hall-of-famer and a bonafide legend of the smaller weight classes, Faber will walk to the Octagon for the final time in his career for his final fight. Pickett is also near the end of the road as a fighter, and this could be it for him as well. We could be treated to a special fight. Neither man is near their best, but Faber is still better at this stage. Pickett is coming off a bad loss, and Faber has been at least competitive in his recent fights. Pickett still packs some pop in his hands, but Faber is still more crafty on his feet. Faber is still the king of scrambles, and he has 19 wins by submission in his career. Pickett has been submitted five times in his career. This fight is better suited for Faber to end his career on a high note. Pickett is a big underdog, but he isn’t worth placing a bet on. Faber has the highest salary on the card, and you have to hope he gets a finish. He definitely has a big chance, but that is far from a guarantee. I would only roster him if you can afford to, though I do expect him in a high percentage of fantasy line-ups.
Alan Jouban (14-4) vs. Mike Perry (9-0)
Betting Odds: Jouban (+110), Perry (-130)
DraftKings Salaries: Jouban- $7,700, Perry- $8,500
Key Statistic: Each man has nine wins by knockout
Analysis: This one should be a slugfest and is a great bit of matchmaking. Both men are powerful strikers. Perry has won all of his professional fights by knockout. I don’t expect it to go to the ground, much, or even at all. Jouban has a more diverse arsenal, with some good wrestling and he is good in the clinch. Perry is more powerful, but his defense on the feet isn’t the greatest. He tends to leave his chin out there too much, and Jouban packs enough in his punches to make him pay. Jouban is also physically big, and that might be too much for Perry to bully around in a clinch. Jouban will also switch up his striking while Perry just looks to punch. With all of that being said, Perry has yet to lose, and Jouban has. Perry is the favorite here, and I favor him, but Jouban is a real live underdog play. When it comes to fantasy plays, both men are solid plays. It just depends on how you wanna fill your line-up. I feel this goes to a finish, and it’ll be a back-and-forth fight.
PRELIMS
Henrique da Silva (12-0) vs. Paul Craig (8-0)
Betting Odds: da Silva (-225), Craig (+185)
DraftKings Salaries: da Silva- $9,000, Craig- $7,200
Key Statistic: Each man has won all of their fights by finish
Analysis: Two undefeated prospects at 205 pounds highlight the prelims on Saturday. This should bring plenty of fireworks as both men have finished all of their opponents. Da Silva has had to come from behind in both of his fights in the UFC, but he has that Octagon experience while Craig is making his debut. Craig is tall for the division at six-foot-four, and he has some good submissions. Da Silva is powerful on his feet and is very aggressive in looking for the knockout. Da Silva is a big favorite due to his UFC experience, and that makes Craig a live underdog. This is a pick ’em fight in my view, and the winner is going to finish the loser. Craig is a great underdog play in fantasy.
Cole Miller (21-10 1 NC) vs. Mizuto Hirota (17-7-2)
Betting Odds: Miller (-105), Hirota (-115)
DraftKings Salaries: Miller- $8,100, Hirota- $8,100
Key Statistic: Miller has 15 wins by submission
Analysis: A very vocal and unhappy Miller steps back into the Octagon for perhaps the last time as he takes on Hirota at 145 pounds. Hirota is still in search of his first UFC win in his fourth appearance, and this may be his best chance thus far. Miller is long for the division and he uses his jab well, and he has an excellent ground game with 15 career submissions. Hirota is a good wrestler but he may not wanna play in the guard of Miller for very long. This is essentially a pick ’em fight in the betting odds and in fantasy. I like Miller as the better play here due to his knack for getting submissions. He has a very good chance of finishing Hirota and is a solid pick at $8,100.
Bryan Barberena (12-3) vs. Colby Covington (10-1)
Betting Odds: Barberena (+300), Covington (-360)
DraftKings Salaries: Barberena- $7,300, Covington- $8,900
Key Statistic: Both men each have one career submission loss
Analysis: Barberena and Covington will each be looking to score their third straight win when they square off on Saturday. Covington is the better prospect of the two, but Barberena has scored some upset victories in his last two fights. Barberena is the better fighter on the feet with more aggression, but Covington makes up for that in his huge takedowns and strong top game. He is very powerful and Barberena is going to be giving up some size. Barberena has been known to spring on an upset, so a bet on him wouldn’t be a bad option, though he is the underdog for good reason. I’m not sure I would play either one in fantasy as I expect it to go the distance. If I were to play one, it would be Barberena as an upset play.
James Moontasri (9-4) vs. Alex Morono (12-3)
Betting Odds: Moontasri (-110), Morono (-110)
DraftKings Salaries: Moontasri- $7,800, Morono- $8,400
Key Statistic: Neither man has scored a takedown in UFC competition
Analysis: Morono is going to be in his second UFC bout, and while he won his first, it was controversial and he wasn’t all that impressive. He’s not overly great at anything, and is the definition of low-level UFC fighter. Moontasri has struggled inside the Octagon, but he really should be the favorite in this fight, which he is not. He has flashy striking and knockout power, and we aren’t sure if Morono can take a punch. Morono isn’t a great wrestler either, and that is what Moontasri has struggled against in the past. Moontasri is a great underdog play, and he has a nice path to a knockout finish. He is worth a look for fantasy line-ups.
Josh Emmett (10-0) vs. Scott Holtzman (9-1)
Betting Odds: Emmett (-170), Holtzman (+150)
DraftKings Salaries: Emmett- $8,700, Holtzman- $7,500
Key Statistic: Holtzman lands on over 52% of his strikes
Analysis: Emmett is undefeated and from the Team Alpha Male camp, so he will have the crowd behind him in Sacramento. Holtzman is the better looking athlete and he’s good in every aspect of the fight. Emmett is a strong wrestler with some good power in his combinations. Holtzman is probably the better grappler, but Emmett is also good on the ground, and should be considering his training camp. It’s a close fight on paper, but Emmett is a decent-sized favorite, which makes Holtzman a good underdog bet. I would lean away from putting either of these two in your fantasy line-ups, though, as I expect a decision and not a lot of scoring opportunities.
Leslie Smith (8-7-1) vs. Irene Aldana (7-2)
Betting Odds: Smith (+255), Aldana (-310)
DraftKings Salaries: Smith- $7,100, Aldana- $9,100
Key Statistic: Aldana has never been the distance in her career
Analysis: Aldana is making her UFC debut coming over from Invicta, and she gets a good match-up against the veteran in Smith. Smith is just 2-3 inside the Octagon and has struggled to put together a good run. She is a brawler at heart, but she will lose a brawl against Aldana, who is very technical on her feet and has a lot of power. The only issue with Aldana is she lacks head movement at times. I don’t see this one going to the ground at all. Smith has been knocked out by opponents, and with Aldana’s power and crisp boxing, she should be the overwhelming favorite, which she is. Aldana is also a good fantasy play, and I would avoid Smith completely.
Eddie Wineland (22-11-1) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (21-10-2)
Betting Odds: Wineland (-225), Mizugaki (+185)
DraftKings Salaries: Wineland- $8,800, Mizugaki- $7,400
Key Statistic: Mizugaki has scored 15 of his 21 wins by decision
Analysis: Wineland looked like he was headed to the end of his career, but looked fresh in his knockout win over Frankie Saenz in July. Mizugaki has lost three of his last four, and he has been getting knocked out in those. That spells trouble here. Wineland is a strong striker with a lot of power, and he has great head movement and good counters. Mizugaki likes to grapple and push the pace, but Wineland has good defense and will be looking to exploit the chin early. Wineland is going to find a way to keep this standing. This is Wineland’s fight to lose. He is a great betting option, and his fantasy value is very good despite a high salary.
Hector Sandoval (12-3) vs. Fredy Serrano (3-1)
Betting Odds: Sandoval (-130), Serrano (+110)
DraftKings Salaries: Sandoval- $8,100, Serrano- $8,100
Key Statistic: Serrano competed in the Olympics in wrestling
Analysis: Both fighters need a win in this one, and Sandoval will have the crowd behind him in Sacramento. Serrano is an Olympic wrestler, but he’s getting into MMA late. He has shown good power against weaker competition, and struggled against Ryan Benoit in his last fight. Serrano is a better athlete but Sandoval is the better overall fighter with crisper combinations. They are even in fantasy salaries, but I really wouldn’t recommend having either in your line-up.
Bojan Velickovic (14-3-1) vs. Sultan Aliev (13-2)
Betting Odds: Velickovic (-160), Aliev (+140)
DraftKings Salaries: Velickovic- $8,600, Aliev- $7,600
Key Statistic: Aliev hasn’t fought since January 2015
Analysis: Aliev is coming in off of an almost two-year long layoff while Velickovic is looking to remain unbeaten in the UFC. If this fight stays on the feet, it will belong to Velickovic as he is the better striker and comes from a southpaw stance. Aliev is a sambo specialist and has a strong takedown game and is powerful from the top. Each man has a clear path for victory and I give Velickovic a slight edge in this one due to being more active. I wouldn’t play either in fantasy line-ups though Aliev would be the more tempting play with the lower salary.
Urijah Faber, one of the most historically pivotal fighters in U.S. MMA history, announced that he would be retiring after his December 17th fight with Brad Pickett at UFC on FOX 22. The fight will take place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Faber’s home town.
Faber made the announcement today on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.
Faber, 37, was pushed to be the top star of World Extreme Cage fighting when UFC purchased the company in 2007 to have a separate property to put on NBC Sports Network. Due to UFC having exclusivity with Spike, and NBC Sports Network wanting to pay for a regular MMA product, UFC purchased an existing company.
Faber, as WEC featherweight champion, immediately became a major favorite, and after a 2008 fight with Jens Pulver drew tremendous television ratings, the idea that fighters under 155 pounds couldn’t draw in MMA was dead for good. Faber remained a major star, and the PPV success of his losing challenge to Jose Aldo in 2010 led to UFC closing down WEC and bringing the lighter weight divisions to the company starting at the end of 2010.
Faber’s WEC title run was from March 17th, 2006, when he defeated Cole Escovedo, and he then retained the title five times before losing to Mike Brown on November 5, 2008. From there, Faber lost six straight title matches in challenging for either the featherweight or bantamweight titles.
He had struggled the past two years, losing three of his last four fights, including a decision to Jimmie Rivera and a far more one-sided title loss to Dominick Cruz than in their second meeting years earlier.
He also had recruited a number of fighters, including Chad Mendes and T.J. Dillashaw, and his Team Alpha Male in Sacramento was considered the top camp in the U.S. for smaller fighters.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem, eminating from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
We’re looking for your thoughts on this show, as well as tomorrow’s Backlash show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worest match to [email protected]
The event is headlined by UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic making his first title defense against challenger, Alistair Overeem. In the co-main event, it is a heavyweight battle as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum meets Travis Browne in a rematch of their April 2014 bout won by Werdum. Also on the card is the MMA debut of former professional wrestler C.M. Punk, who makes his much-hyped Octagon debut against Mickey Gall.
First round: Medeiros with a body kick. Low kick by Spencer. Medeiros with a body punch. Left by Spencer. Spencer with a nice right. Body kick by Medeiros. Low kick by Spencer. Low kick by Spencer. Body kick by Medeiros. Left by Spencer. Medeiros with a body kick which knocked Spencer to one knee. Body kick by Spencer. Lots of Whoo chants which often happen s at UFC shows. Very close round. 10-9 Medeiros.
Second round: Medeiros landed a left kick to the head which knocked Spencer down. Medeiros grabbed a guillotine, but then let it go and got behind him and grabbed a choke and had it in deep for the submission.
First round: Gonzalez hurt him with a punch. Dober kicked him low. Dober was given a warning. Dober landing a flurry of punches. He’s landing a lot of punches and the ref stopped it as Gonzalez went down. The sequence was a right to the jaw, left to the jaw, a few punches missed or grazed, then a huge right, then a left and another right and it was over. 1:45
First round: McBride missed weight by two pounds. Lentz landed some punches. He landed a knee to the head but McBride spun out of a choke attempt. Lentz got behind him and took him down into back control. Lentz with a knee to the body and another trip takedown. McBride back up. Lentz got him down again. McBride trying for a leg lock. Lentz throwing punches from back position. Lentz tried a guillotine again but McBride out. Lentz throwing punches. Lentz throwing some punches and elbows from back control. 10-9 Lentz.
Second round: McBride landing punches. Lentz landing punches. McBride seems real tired but put Lentz down and has his back. Lentz is back up. McBride with punches and took him down again. Lentz is trying for a guillotine. Lentz got his back. Lentz working for a head and arm choke. Lentz landing a lot of punches from back position. McBride put his thumb up like he was okay but the ref stopped it.
First round: Magalhaes with a body kick. Magalhaes got the takedown. Tavares back up. Tavares pushing Magalhaes up against the cage. Not much happened this round. Both trading knees at short range. Magalhaes 10-9.
Second round: Body kick by Magalhaes. Body kick by Magalhaes Good right by Tavares. Front kick by Tavares. Low kick by Magalhaes. Magalhaes got a takedown but Tavares right back up. Another close round, could go either way. 19-19
Third round: Tavares pushed him into the fence. Magalhaes working for a guillotine. He let it go. Tavares landed punches. Low kick by Tavares. Both traded. Body kick by Tavares. Right by Tavares. Body kick by Tavares. Magalhaes with a left hook. Right by Tavares and a high kick. Magalhaes in with some punches. Tavares with a knee. Tavares definitely took this round, so I’ve got 29-28 but the first two rounds were close.
Scores: 29-28 Magalhaes 30-27 Tavares 29-28 Tavares
First round: Eye is from Cleveland and is the big crowd favorite here. Eye landed a right. Nice right by Correia. Right by Eye. Eye took her down but Correia was let back up. Eye landing more punches. Eye 10-9.
Second round: Eye landing punches. Both were landing punches. Both were bleeding at this point. Eye 20-18.
Third round: Eye landing body kick. Correia landed. Both traded. Eye landed a left. Correia landed a left. Correia landing more punches. Both in a clinch and landing punches. Correia’s round so 29-28 Eye.
Scores: 29-28 Correia 29-28 Eye 29-28 Correia. The crowd is really upset. Fact is this fight could have gone either way.
First round: Andrade took her down. Andrade cut over the left eye from an elbow. Andrade with a high takedown into side control. The cut look s nasty. Andrade landing punches. Short power bomb by Andrade. Andrade landing punches. Andrade with good punches. Andrade back in side control. Calderwood got half guard back. Andrade working for a guillo0tine. Calderwood tapped. This was a strong one-sided win for Andrade.
First round: Front kick by Faber. Nice right by Rivera. Low kick by Rivera. Very little happening. Both are moving. A quick trade. Very hard to score because so little happened. Faber may have a right hand injury because he’s not throwing the right. Rivera 10-9.
Second round: Low kick by Rivera. Accidental low blow kick by Faber. Rivera landed a few punches. Low kick by Rivera put Faber down. Right by Rivera. Another low kick by Rivera. Another low kick by Rivera. Another low kick by Rivera. Faber’s left knee looks swollen. Another low kick by Rivera. Hard low kick by Rivera. Another low kick by Rivera. They traded punches. Rivera’s round I’ve got it 20-18. Boring fight.
Third round: Both swinging. Body kick by Faber. Faber tried for a takedown but didn’t get it. Right and left by Rivera. Rivera dropped down for the takedown. Low kick by Rivera. There was an accidental eye poke by Faber. Rivera back with punchds. Rivera landed more late. Rivera said he couldn’t see out of his right eye from that eye poke as soon as the match ended. Rivera 30-27. Boring fight.
Scores: All three had it 30-27 for Rivera. It’s sad to see Faber in this position.
Rivera was almost in tears about fighting Faber saying he grew up watching him. He said he couldn’t see out of his right eye the last three minutes of the fight. He told the doctor he wanted to finish the fight. He kind of apologized for not finishing. Rivera said he knew Faber doesn’t check kicks so he took advantage of that.
First round: Mickey Gall came out to “Hey Mickey” after all the controversy so Dana gave in on that. Punk came out to “Cult of Personality.” Punk looked so happy coming out and just being in the cage. It’s so weird how this is the real main event. Punk got a big reaction. Gall took him right down. Gall landing big shots from the top. Gall working for a guillotine. Gall go this back and working for a choke. Gall gave it up and punching and again working for a choke. Gall landing lots of punches. Gall is landing a lot of punches and again working for a choke. Punk escaped. Gall got it again and Punk tapped. This was a one-sided slaughter. This is just reality. 2:14
Gall said this has been crazy, it was a great opportunity, said people hate too much, he hated all the things people have said with Punk. We’ll all be dead in 100 years fuck the hate. He said this was a great opportunity for me, he said people may say you’re a gimmicky fight but I’m no gimmick. He challenged Super Sage Northcutt next. That’s exactly who he should have called out. Exactly.
Punk’s right ear looks like hell. Punk said this was a hell of a mountain to climb. He said this doesn’t mean he’s going to stop believe it or not. Said Mickey was a hell of a fighter. Said this was the second best night of my life other than getting married. Life’s about falling down and getting up and said to believe in yourself. Sometimes the outcome won’t always be what you desire it to be but the true failure is not trying at all, This was the time of my life.
First round: Werdum came out with a flying side kick that landed to the chin which was one of the best moves of the fight. Wedrum went for takedown. Werdum tried a Jushin Liger koppo kick but that missed as well. Werdum looks so slow. Browne suffered a dislocated finger and popped it back in. The dislocation came from a punch. The referee went to stop the fight as an injury time out which makes no sense. The fight should have been stopped. They all argued about whether to allow the fight to continue and they let it continue. Werdum with a body kick. Werdum is now landing. Werdum landing all kinds of punches. Browne actually landed some punches. Werdum with a spin kick to the body. Browne landed a left. Another left by Browne. Low kick by Werdum. Brown landed a right. Front kick by Werdum. Browne threw him down. Werdum with low kick. Werdum dropped him with a right. Werdum landing punches on the ground. Werdum got his back. Werdum working for a choke. Werdum landing lots of punches from back position until the round ended. 10-8 Werdum.
Second round: Spin kick by Werdum. Werdum landing punches. Werdum with a body kick. Fans are booing as nothing is happening. Browne with a front kick. Werdum with a right to the chin. Uppercut by Werdum. Left by Browne landed. Werdum is so slow. Brown with a left hook to the body. Crowd booing now. Browne with a left. Low kick by Browne. Werdum tried another Liger kick that missed. Werdum 20-17.
Third round: Browne with low kick and another. Werdum with a low kick. Werdum tried a takedown but Brown easily blocked it. Side kick by Werdum. Werdum landing punches. Werdum landing more pucnhes and knees. Browne with high kicks. Right by Browne. Browne landed a right. Werdum dropped down for a takedown that didn’t come close. Werdum landed a right. Left by Werdum. The crowd is booing this like crazy. It’s really bad fight with both looking slow and doing little aside from Werdum having him in trouble late. Werdum 30-26
Wedum started mocking the fans booing. Werdum threw a kick at Edmond Tarverdyan (Browne’s trainer) when Tarverdayn started mouthing off to him. There’s going to be trouble for that. It was broken up quickly. Bruce Buffer went to calm Werdum down. Werdum’s corner was hot as well.
Scores: 29-28, 29-27 and 30-27 for Werdum.
The crowd is booing Werdum heavily in his interview. Werdum said it was a good fight blamed the booing on this being Stipe Miocic’s house.
First round: Loud Stipe chant. Overeem moving backwards. Body kick by Oveeeem. Overeem just running away. Overeem deked him with a left and put on a guillotine but Miocic is out of it. That was insane. Miocic landed a left but Overeem with a body kick and a left. Miocic landed a right. Miocic with good punches. Miocic landed a good right. Miocic landing good punches. Miocic landed punches and Overeem is running away. Overeem with a body kick. Overeem with an uppecut and knee to the body. Loud “Stipe” chants. Body kick by Miocic. Left by Overeem and a body kick. Body kick by Miocic. Miocic landing several punches. Miocic took him down and is pounding on him. Miocic finished him with punches on the ground. Overeem was out after a series of punches on the ground. That was a hell of a round. This is one of the biggest celebration pops in UFC history. Overeem was out cold. They tried to get him on the stool and he fell back down. 4:27
Miocic interview. Said Overeem kicked harder than he thought. Said he kicked hard as f***.
Overeem said Stipe was the better man today, he’s a great athlete and he came to fight. Overeem said that Miocic tapped from the guillotine and the ref didn’t see it. He said it’s a bummer. He said he’s the better fighter but he wasn’t the better fighter.They showed the replay and no tap and the fans booed the hell out of it. Now theyr’e going to look at it again. There was no tap. Overeem looked like the kid who lied and got caught red handed.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2 from The Forum in Inglewood, California, just outside of Los Angeles. The event is headlined by two title fights involving two heated rivalries. UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold makes his first title defense against Michael Bisping, who gets his first title shot after almost ten years of fighting for the UFC after he replaced Chris Weidman in the bout. In the co-main event, it is UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz making his first defense since regaining the championship when he defends against long-time rival Urijah Faber, who looks to finally capture UFC gold. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:15 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
UFC 199 Observer Picks & Preview
UFC 199 DFS Playbook
This weekend we’ll be doing polls on this show, as well as Monday and Tuesday’s New Japan show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle and best and worst match to [email protected]
Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:15 PM ET/3:15 PM PT)
LIGHTWEIGHTS- POLO REYES (5-2, 1-0 UFC) VS. DONG HYUN “MAESTRO” KIM (13-7-3, 0-1 UFC)
First round: The place is pretty empty starting out the show. I wonder what the odds are of having two Dong Hyun Kim’s in the same promotion. Both coming out swinging. Kim hurt him. Both landing big shots. Kim now working for a takedown. Torres powered Kim down and now punching on the ground. Hard knee by Torres and he’s landing big punches. Kim up and landed a left. Head kick by Reyes. Reyes dropped him with a left. Mexico chants. Knee by Reyes. Knee by Reyes. Trading punches some more. Knee by Kim. Another knee by Kim. Left by Reyes. Spin kick by Reyes. Kim got a takedown into side control. Reyes back up. Kim with punches and knees. Reyes back. 10-9 Reyes. This was a round of the year candidate. Just incedible.
Second round: Kim landing jabs. Reyes in with punches. Spin kick by Reyes missed. Both back swinging. Both are continuing to land solid shots. Head kick by Reyes. Kim hurt him with a left. Reyes with knees. Both landing big shots. Knee and left by Kim. Reyes landed solid shots. Defense does not exist in this world. Hard left by Kim. Reyes with a big right. Reyes now has him hurt. Kim trying for a takedown and got him down. Kim got his back. Reyes back up. Knee by Reyes. Kim bleeding from the nose and mouth. Reyes bleeding as well. Kim tried for a takedown and pretty much went down almost due to exhaustion and Reyes ended on top. Reyes 20-18.
Third round: The doctor is checking on Kim. Elbow by Reyes. Reyes dropped him and ref Mike Beltran stopped the fight. A right staggered him and a second right as Kim was falling finished it. Beltran jumped in after one more punch on the ground.
Joe Rogan just called this one of the most entertaining fights he’s ever seen in his life. It was incredible.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- KEVIN CASEY (9-4 2 NC, 1-1 2 NC UFC) VS. ELVIS MUTAPCIC (15-4, 0-1 UFC)
First round: Casey’s father-in-law was Muhammad Ali. Body kick by Casey. Mutapcic landing body kicks. Casey with an uppercut. Casey with a body kick. Casey took him down. Casey landing body shots from the top. Casey with more body punches from the top. Casey moved to side control. Casey got behind him in a scramble. Mutapcic back to his feet. Mutapcic with a flying knee. Casey 10-9
Second round: Casey winged a few punches. Hard body kick by Mutapcic. Casey with a takedown but Mutapcic right back up and landed punches and knees. Casey with another takedown into full mount. Elbows by Casey. Mutapcic rolled out of it and back to his feet. Mutapcic throwing elbows. Hard knees by Mutapcic. Mutapcic with a lot of knees. Mutapcic landing knees and threw an elbow late. Close round. 10-9 Casey
Third round: Head kick by Mutapcic and jumping knee and more elbows. Casey with a right. Casey poked him in the eye. Mutapcic kicked him in the jaw. Mutapcic kicked to the body. Knee by Mutapcic. Casey went for a takedown but Mutapcic landed on top in the mount. Mutapcic landing a lot of elbows at the end. Almost a 10-8 round but I’d go 10-9 Mutapcic so 29-28 Casey. But the second round could easily go to Mutapcic and he could take it, or you could go 10-8 and have it a draw.
Scores: 29-28 Mutapcic 29-28 Casey 28-28 draw. You can’t fault the judges on any of those scores.
Mutapcic said he wanted to dedicate the fight to Ali. Casey kind of said the same thing.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- JONATHAN WILSON (7-0, 1-0 UFC) VS. LUIS HENRIQUE DA SILVA (10-0, 0-0 UFC)
First round: Low kick by Da Silva. Wilson with uppercuts. Trading kicks. Hard body kick by Da Siva. Both landing. Hard knee by Da Silva. Da Silva with an uppercut and a knee. Another uppercut by Da Silva. Body shot by Wilson. Wilson with a left. Another body kick by Da Silva. Elbow by Wilson and a right . Wilson landing hard shots. Wilson now landing hard shots. Knees by Da Silva. Da Silva 10-9
Second round: Da Silva landing knees. Da Silva with knees and a lot punches. Takedown by Wilson. Wilson landing lard lefts and rights and dropped Da Silva with a left. Wilson is on top. Wilson with lefts on the ground. Da Silva reversed to the top into full mount. Da Silva landing hard punches and elbows. Da Silva with a lot of punches. He kept landing punches until ref Mike Beltran waved it off. This was a really good fight.
WELTERWEIGHTS- SEAN STRICKLAND (17-1, 4-1) VS. TOM BREESE (10-0)
First round: Hard body kick by Breese. Another body kick by Breese. They are trading low kicks. Some booing because it’s starting slow. Breese moving forward and landed a left. Body kick by Strickland. Breese with more body kicks. 10-9 Breese
Second round: Body kick by Strickland. Nice right by Strickland. Breese coming back. Low kick by Strickland. Crowd booing and restless. Strickland landing punches. Body kick by Strickland. Strickland’s round 19-19. Crowd booed both guys when the round was over
Third round: Nothing much to this fight. Fans booing loudly now. Takedown by Breese with one minute left but Strickland right back up. He tried another takedown but Strickland blocked it. Strickland got a takedown and landed punches when it was over. I Gave it to Strickland so he won 29-28. Crowd booed this finish heavily.
Scores: 29-28 Breese 29-28 Strickland 29-28 Strickland. Crowd heavily booed the decision but . Strickland apologized for the fight and said Breese kept backing up.
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)
FEATHERWEIGHTS- COLE MILLER (21-9 1 NC, 10-7 1 NC UFC) VS. ALEX CACERES (11-8 1 NC, 6-6 1 NC UFC)
First round: Caceres dropped him with a left right away. Miller right back up. Miller hip tossed him down. Miller dragged him down a second time. Caceres reversed to the top. Caceres let him back up. Body kick by Caceres. Head kick by Caceres. Caceres with punches. Spinning backfist by Caceres. Caceres landed a hard left. Caceres took him down. Caceres let him up. Body kick by Caceres. Punches and a head kick by Caceres. Miller tried a takedown, Caceres ended up on top and let him up. 10-9 Caceres.
Second round: Jumping kick by Caceres. Caceres landing several punches. Miller with a head kick. Caceres hurt him with a left and landed several more punches. Caceres threw him down. Caceres threw him down a second time. Miller back up. Body kick by Caceres. Caceres landing a lot of punches. Caceres threw him down a third time. Caceres continuing to land. He landed a left and a high kick and then a right. Good right by Miller. Caceres 20-18.
Third round: Caceres did a marital arts pose to stat the round which popped the crowd. Cesares back landing punches. Left and a takedown by Caceres. Head kick by Caceres. Miller with a takedown. Miller working for an armbar. Caceres out into side control. Great sequence. Crowd went bananas as he escaped. Leroy chants. Caceres threw him down again. Miller with a left. Knee by Miller. Caceres with punches and took him down again. Miller reversed to the top. Miller now working for a choke with 25 seconds left. Miller punching from back position but Miller needed a finish and didn’t get it. Miller’s round 29-28 Caceres overall.
Scores: 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 Caceres. Not sure about that 30-27 because Miller won that third round.
WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- (#6) JESSICA PENNE (12-3, 1-1 UFC) VS. JESSICA ANDRADE (13-5, 4-3 UFC)
First round: Andade came out strong landing a ton of punches. Andarde in with another flurry. Andrade firing away again. Andade in with another flurry. Adnrade landing a ton of punches and Penne is in a lot of trouble. Penne went down from punches just as the round ended. 10-8 Andrade for sure.
Second round: Andrade landed a ton of punches and Penne went down and Andrade let her back up. Andrade killing her with punches. It’s really time to stop this one. Jason Herzog stopped it.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- (#10) BENEIL DARIUSH (12-2, 6-2 UFC) VS. JAMES VICK (9-0, 5-0 UFC)
First round: Dariush got poked in the right eye. Vick poked him in the right eye again. Hard body kick by Dariush . Dariush decked him and his pounding him on the ground. Dariush with hard elbows on the ground. Dariush with hard punches but Vick up. Dariush with a right. Vick with a body kick. Dariush landed a right and Vick lost his legs. Dariush with punches and dropped him with a left and it’s over. The place came unglued with that finish.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#12) BRIAN ORTEGA (10-0 1 NC, 2-0 1 NC UFC) VS. CLAY GUIDA (32-16, 12-10 UFC)
First round: Guida dropped him with a left. Guida chants even though Ortega is from Los Angeles. Guida connected with a right. Guida moving forward. Loud Guida chants. Guida landing lefts in a clinch. Both trading now. Guida landing a number of punches. Guida even tried a head kick. Body kick by Ortega. 10-9 Guida.
Second round: Guida went for a takedown but Ortega sprawled. Body kick by Ortega. Left by Ortega. Guida tried a takedown but Ortega blocked it again. Ortega with a right. Spin kick by Ortega. Ortega’s round so 19-19 after two.
Third round: Ortega with a jab. Guida with a right. Ortega landed some. Spin kick by Ortega. Guida can’t get inside to land. Knee by Ortega and another knee. Guida with left. Ortega dropped him with a knee and it’s over.
MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)
LIGHTWEIGHTS- (#11) DUSTIN POIRIER (19-4, 11-3 UFC) VS. (#13) BOBBY GREEN (23-6, 4-1 UFC)
First round: Poirier with some low kicks. Green landed some punches and Poirier came back and decked Green. Body kick by Poirier. Left by Poirier. Poirier landing big punches. Another left landed by Poirier. Poirier with another left. Poirier decked him again with a left and after a few punches on the ground referee Jason Herzog stopped it.
They just aired a wonderful tribute to Muhammad Ali narrated by Dana White. One of the best videos they’ve done, particuarly on such short notice.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#15) DAN HENDERSON (31-14, 8-8 UFC) VS. (#14 WW) HECTOR L
First round: This place will come unglued if Henderson wins. Super loud Hendo chants. Henderson clocked him and Lombard clocked him back and took Henderson down into side control. Lombard went for a straight armbar. Henderson out. Henderson back to his feet and the place exploded. They were trading big shots and Lombard decked him. Lombard is all over him and Henderson back up. This fight is insane. Lombard took him down again and held him there until the end of the round. Lombard 10-9.
Second round: Body kick by Lombard. Both landed big shots. Lombard landed a right after Henderson missed. Crowd chanting for Henderson. Henderson landed a head kick and a hard side elbow and Lombard went down hard. After two more elbows on the ground it was over. This place is going insane. This was one of the loudest pops you’ll ever hear. Lombard is still down. 1:27
Lombard is now sitting up. Henderson thanked the fans for their reaction. The place is going so nuts for Henderson it isn’t funny. All of his kids were at ringside for the first time. He said he’s not sure what’s going to happen but that may have been the last fight of his career.
Henderson’s kids were all in the ring with him after along with other family members.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#4) MAX HOLLOWAY (15-3, 11-3 UFC) VS. (#5) RICARDO LAMAS (16-4, 7-2 UFC)
First round: Holloway landing some early. Spin kick by Lamas landed short. Holloway landed some punches. Hollloway all over him with punches and a knee. Lamas went for the takedown and Holloway blocked it. Lamas short on a spin kick. Body kick. Lamas fighting for the takedown and couldn’t get it. Holloway landed several punches and a spin kick. Holloway 10-9.
Second round: Lamas threw a kick that was blocked. Lamas with a low kick. Both landing a lot of punches but Holloway getting the better of it. Lamas now back with hard punches. Lamas went for a takedown. Holloway blocked and on top. Holloway for a split second had a dragon sleeper. Holloway with a body kick as Lamas got up. Lamas shot in and Holloway got a choke. He didn’t have it fully in and let go. Holloway threw punches from back position as the round ended. Holloway 20-18
Third round: Holloway landing punches. Lamas back with a kick. Head kick by Lamas. Holloway landing punches and kicks. Spinning elbow by Lamas. Both threw for all they were worth in the last ten seconds to elicit a standing ovation. 30-27 Holloway although the third round was closer than the first two.
Scores: All three had it 30-27 for Holloway.
Holloway asked for a $50,000 check for best fight. He’s not getting it. He also asked for a title shot.
UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (C) DOMINICK CRUZ (21-1, 4-0 UFC) VS. (#2) URIJAH FABER (33-8, 9-4 UFC)
They just showed the UFC 200 commercial. They spent huge on it. Brock Lesnar was in the tail end of the commercial.
UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: (C) DOMINICK CRUZ (21-1, 4-0 UFC) VS. (#2) URIJAH FABER (33-8, 9-4 UFC)
First round: Cruz booed a lot. Analysts are not getting over with this audience. Faber chants. Faber threw a knee and Cruz took him down. Faber scrambled but Cruz up and got behind him. Cruz took him down and Faber scrambled. As he got up, Cruz hit him. Body kick by Cruz. Faber moved in and slammed Cruz but Cruz reversed to the top immediately. Faber out and landed a left. Faber landed a right. Cruz with a low kick. Cruz went for a takedown and didn’t get it. Cruz landed few shots Cruz 10-9.
Second round: Cruz dropped him with a left. Faber back up. Cruz missed a kick and Faber is in trouble. Knee by Cruz. Cruz landing jabs. The crowd is turning toward Cruz. Cruz with a low kick. Another low kick by Cruz. Back to chants for Faber. Cruz landed a left. Cruz with a left. Low kick by Cruz. Faber missed a big shot. Faber with a right. Head kick by Cruz. Cruz landed a body shot. Cruz 20-18.
Third round: Cruz with a low kick. Cruz slipped and Faber landed a punch but Cruz hurt him with a counter. Cruz landed a good left. Cruz landed more shots. Low kick by Cruz. Left by Cruz. Cruz went for a takedown and didn’t get it. Cruz went for another takedown and didn’t get it. Cruz missing a lot but Faber couldn’t land. Cruz said something to him after the round and Faber shoved him. Cruz 30-27.
Fourth round: Faber missed on punches. Cruz with a left. Faber clipped him with a punch. Cruz with a left. Both are missing a lot now. Cruz dropped him with a left and landed a head kick. Faber back up. Cruz with a right. Now crowd chanting for Cruz. Faber with a right. Both missing more. Cruz 40-36.
Fifth round: Cruz landed two head kicks. Cruz landed punches as Faber moved in. Cruz with lefts. Cruz took him down as Faber went for a big shot. Body kick by Cruz as Faber got up. Cruz with another takedown. He moved into side control. Faber back up. Faber tried the guillotine but he’s not getting that tonight. Cruz 50-45.
They did have a short sorta hug after.
Scores: 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46 Cruz
Cruz again said ring rust wasn’t real.
Faber was booed after and said he can’t say anything other then pushing that Cruz had power but nothing like Cody Garbrandt. He priased Cruz’s wrestling. By the time Faber was done fans wer cheering him. He said he wants to be at the top, he wasn’t at the top tonight and talked about supporting Gardbrandt and his guys.
WWE has already starting promoting Lesnar at UFC 200.
UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (C) LUKE ROCKHOLD (15-2, 5-1 UFC) VS. (#4) MICHAEL BISPING (28-7, 18-7 UFC)
First round: Bisping got a mixed reaction. He doesn’t have that veteran sympathy thing going for him. Rockhold also got a mixed reaction. And he’s from California. Both were mouthing off before it started. Rockhold with a push kick. Bisping landed a punch to the face. Bisping with a low kick. USA chant. Rockhold with a left and Bisping back. Body kick by Rockhold. Bisping with a body kick. Bisping landing more. Low kick by Roickhold. Rockhold landing body kicks now. Bisping dropped him with a left and dropped him a second time with a left and landed two punches on the ground and it was stopped. This was very much like the GSP vs. Serra fight. 3:36
Bisping’s family is in the ring celebrating with him. Bisping said I have to be humble, thanked everyone for being here. I stated fighting when I came out of my mother. Priased his wife and parents. I’m an average guy this is my dream, two weeks notice, two hours two minutes I’ll fight anyone. Thanked people in the UK.
Rockhold was booed. Congratulations to Michael, he caught me. I took it for granted. Admitted he was overconfident. I didn’t fight my fight. He’s a tough guy and he’s a warrior.
By Steve Juon, WrestlingObserver.com
It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.
Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! We’ll also spice things up with some predictions for week two about who could go all the way this season – two “Fighters to Watch” for each recap.
The Notorious Quote of the Week: “Man Urijah is an absolute p—y. Stop being a p—y. Man up and make the fight (with Dillashaw). You’ve got nothing else left.”
Last week U.S. fighter Ryan Hall beat European fighter Frantz Siloa to retain control for Team Faber. This week’s fight is Sascha Sharma (Team Europe) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (Team U.S.). Here we go!
Martin Svensson is sporting a black eye at the same time he’s saying the training is going really well. I’ve got him on my “Fighter to Watch” list this week because of the amount of energy he expends in the workout sessions.
Apparently the Team McGregor strategy is to have a light workout in the morning without their coach, then an intense session with technical instruction including McGregor in the evening. Dana White says he acts like he doesn’t give a f— when the truth is that he really does.
Chris Gruetzemacher says his dad was shot and murdered when he was only five. It’s part of what made him focused and convinced him to be a fighter, and make the most of his athletic ability while he still has the time to. He’s my other “Fighter to Watch” this week.
Sascha Sharma talks about how his dad emigrated from India to Germany decades ago, and how he had an infection in childhood that left him paralyzed for a time. He had to train to walk, he had to train martial arts to feel better, and after that he couldn’t give it up.
Faber comes over to the TUF house to watch the T.J. Dillashaw fight where he finished Renan Barao standing, beating Barao for the second time (July 25, 2015). Afterward Sharma is 155 and Gruetzemacher is 154.5 on the scale. Dana thinks Gruetzemacher has it in the bag because he trains with Benson Henderson.
* Lightweight: Chris Gruetzemacher (USA) vs. Sascha Sharma (Europe)
Sharma is in the gray trunks and “Gritz” as Faber calls him is in the blue. Sharma pushes Gritz into the fence as McGregor calls for him to throw knees and to be patient in the fight. Gritz takes him to the ground and Sharma goes for a triangle submission – but Gritz breaks it and lands a couple of hard and heavy rights on the ground. Sharma gets up and pushes Gritz into the fence again. Sharma single legs him to the ground but can’t keep him down. 2:30 gone. These two are going really hard for what looks to be a long fight with a half hour of TV time left. Sharma pulls guard at 3:15 then tries to land upkicks but Gritz talks the half guard to land elbows. Gritz is passing furiously and Sharma is scrambling furiously – an intense amount of energy is being expended on both sides. Gritz ends up on top in guard and Sharma tries to get a triangle or armbar again but can’t. On to R2!
Sharma lands a right hand and shoots immediately to open R2, but when he can’t get it he flops to his back hoping to suck Gritz in. Gritz is more than happy to get on top and throw some elbows, then take a full mount at 51 seconds, but Sharma is able to escape it – not without getting bloodied. McGregor loses his cool when he goes to his back again and starts screaming “Stay on your f—ing feet!” Sharma rolls and Gritz nearly gets an armbar out of it. McGregor is screaming at Sharma to “end up on top out of it” and he does. Sharma gets swept though and Gritz is in side control. McGregor: “You need to find your patience in there. A patient man always prevails.” Sharma manages to hold on and go for some upkicks when Gritz repositions, but Gritz gets big damage late and a mount too.
Dana White announces a sudden victory third round and McGregor screams at him to stay on his feet before we go to commercial.
Sharma ignores McGregor’s advice and goes to the ground immediately, causing an exasperated McGregor to scream “WHAT THE F—?!” Gritz spins to take the back while throwing rights, but Sharma tries to trap his head for a choke. He’s too exhausted to lock it on though and Gritz gets on his back again throwing rights at his head. It’s a war of attrition and Gritz is winning. He passes to side and takes the back again. McGregor screams “up on your feet” but he’s too whipped to even try. Gritz pushes him back down into half guard. McGregor realizes they’ve lost the fight even with two minutes left. Faber: “Don’t do anything too crazy just keep eating him up.” INDEED. Sharma spins on top with just over a minute left. Gritz motions like he’ll stand up but sweeps with a half minute left. McGregor: “Very very poor. My God.” Sharma is a bloody mess.
McGregor: “When he shot from the bell in the t’ird round and then pulled guard, there’s nothing more you can do. There’s nothing more you can do for the kid. There’s only so much words can do.” He accuses Sharma of “crumbling under the pressure.” All three judges score the third 10-9 for Gritz which makes Team U.S. 2-0 so far. Faber: “For not being emotionally invested you sure got emotionally invested.” Faber announces Tom Gallicchio (USA) vs. Marcin Wrzosek (Europe). Join us next week!
