UFC Heavyweight Champ Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva
Round 1:
Cain comes out highly aggressive, goes for the single and Silva escapes. Cain is coming out looking to push a hard pace, like he did against Dos Santos. Another takedown attempt goes nowhere. Bigfoot is looking for the counter but Cain is fast enough to get out of the way so far. Cain catches him with a big right and Bigfoot goes DOWN! Cain pours it on and we've got a stoppage at 1:19 of the first.
Official Result: Cain Velasquez retains via TKO at 1:19 of the first.
Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt
Round 1:
JDS a bit tentative to start but that's not all that surprising; Junior's not going to get into a full on brawl with someone like Hunt. Both guys are throwing but nothing more than a single punch or two. Hunt is looking for that left hook. Junior with a MASSIVE RIGHT HAND and Hunt goes down. It's JDS's kill shot, his signature, and Hunt's right back up, though. Any other human being is out but Hunt's doing alright. Both guys really tentative; neither guy is going full on aggressive so far. Hunt is looking for one big shot and Junior is looking for it as well. Hunt is walking JDS down but both guys are looking for the setup more than anything else. Junior's cut but he's clearly faster, footwork wise. JDS with a big right as well that wobbles Hunt slightly.
Score: JDS 10-9
Round 2:
Hunt with a big right early and Junior responds with a nice left. Hunt's bleeding from his ear so far. JDS is throwing to the body, looking to touch that chin with a follow up, and Hunt is doing the same with a leg kick/hook combination. Both guys are throwing really hard but neither is getting hurt. It's kind of remarkable in a way. Hunt with a nice left hook followed by a body shot; Hunt is eating some shots from JDS as he's clearly faster but not using it effectively enough. He's standing right in front, thus Hunt is connecting way more than he should. Hunt with some nice right of his own to the body; he's starting to figure out JDS's timing as well. JDS tagged by Hunt, flush, and walks through it as well. Junior with a sloppy takedown and moves into side control quickly. JDS with some nice elbows to start from half guard as he's looking to grind the round out. JDS moves to the mounted crucifix but can't do much with it, Hunt scrambles out as the round ends.
Score: JDS 10-9, but part of me thinks one judge gave it to Hunt.
Round 3:
Hunt's a little more desperate to start. He knows he's down two rounds, or thinks he is at least, and is looking for that walkaway knockout. JDS is faster and is starting to use it more with angles and feints. Hunt with a big left and Junior is doing his best to stay on the outside, content to pick him apart. JDS goes for that wild right again and misses; Hunt isn't pushing it like you think he would at this point. Hunt with a body kick that Junior catches partially; JDS is fighting comfortably right now as Junior is using distance beautifully right now. Couple of big left hooks from JDS and Hunt is staggered; both guys are starting to swing for the fences now. Spinning Wheel Kick from Junior Dos Santos and Hunt is OUT COLD. Whoa.
Official Result: Junior Dos Santos wins by KO at 4:18 of the third round
Glover Teixeira vs. James Te Huna
Both guys come out swinging and Glover goes for a single, big right hand to follow. Te Huna walks through it as the crowd starts chanting "You're going to die" in Portuguese. Brazil is representing for Glover tonight. Both guys are throwing early and often so far; Glover grabs a single and gets him to the ground. Te Huna's in half guard, angling for a stand up. Glover is looking to move to side control and Te Huna is doing a great job at keeping him in guard. Glover is landing some big shots, though, as Te Huna looks to shrimp his way to his feet. Glover grabs a guillotine and pulls guard, Te Huna taps
Official Result: Teixeira wins via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:37 of the first round.
Gray Maynard vs. T.J. Grant
Round 1:
Both guys a little tentative to come out. Grant is using footwork to keep away, as Maynard wants to get in close and get the takedown. Some big shots from Maynard; everything he's landing you can audibly hear. These guys are throwing down; nice right from Grant and Maynard was hurt for a bit. Grant with a big right and Maynard is rocked, Grant pouring it on and Maynard is down turtling up. Grant uncorks and the ref steps in at 2:08 of the first round.
Official Result: TJ Grant wins via TKO at 2:08 of the first round
Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone vs. K.J. Noons
Round 1:
No glove touch as both guys come out throwing leg kicks. Cerrone with the takedown attempt, can't finish, but lands a big knee to the head as Noons gets away. Interesting to see Noons throw kicks so early; usually he's much more of a boxer than anything else. Cerrone with a nice head kick as they trade jabs. Not a lot of action as they trade light stuff back and forth; Noons is being more aggressive in octagon control but neither guy is throwing more than one or two strikes in a row. Cerrone gets the takedown, can't keep him down but Cerrone with a nice uppercut as he gets away. Cerrone with some nice kicks to the back of the leg; Noons is holding his own but Cerrone is landing better right now. So far we've got a technical brawl; some really nice strikes but not a lot of combinations. Cerrone with a nice two punch combo to set up a head kick which connects. Spinning back kick from Noons as the round ends.
Score: Cerrone 10-9
Round 2:
Cerrone gets the takedown early and Cerrone grabs back, scramble and Noons back to his feet. Lands a big knee to the head for his effort, though. It's a really nice mixture from Cerrone tonight; he looks significantly better than he did in Chicago against Anthony Pettis. Noons is working the angles really well, though, and landing some nice strikes. Cerrone is landing some nice ones of his own. Not a lot on Noons punches, though, as Cerrone is landing much better shots right now. Some exchanges and Cerrone goes for the takedown, can't finish but lands a nice knee out of it. He's definitely looking to counter now, timing an attempt at a flying knee into a double and Noons is on his back. Cerrone with the ground and pound now, moving into half guard as he eyes side control. He works some top control now, grinding the round out as he lands some punches to the face and knees to the body.
Score: Cerrone 10-9, 20-18 Cerrone
Round 3:
Both men come out throwing, Cerrone much more active this round. Noons looks gassed right now as Cerrone is moving more and landing more. A nice combination lands but nothing on them. Cerrone with a quick level change, grabs the takedown and Noons is on his back. Full guard and Cerrone is working the top position game, mainly using elbows to the head. Noons tries to scramble up but Cerrone is on top and not letting him up. Noons is a bloody mess and Cerrone is landing some big shots on him. Noons goes for the scramble and Cerrone gets him down again, this time in half guard. Cerrone has lit him up on the ground so far, looking to advance position. Passes into side control, looking for the mounted crucifix as he lands some strikes. Round ends with Cerrone grinding him out.
Score: 10-9 Cerrone, 30-27 Cerrone
Official Decision: Cerrone wins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Mike Pyle vs. Rick Story
Round 1:
Story gets him to the floor quickly and Pyle pulls full guard on him. Pyle's working for an armbar, switches to a shoulder lock, and Story works his way out and back into full guard. He's got top position and is grinding him right now; Pyle elevates Story and goes for an armbar, nearly catches it but Story defends well and works back into full guard. Pretty simple round so far: Pyle working his way into something off his back and story landing some slight ground and pound as he grinds him down. Pyle back up and eats a big right for his efforts. Story is throwing some bombs on Pyle, swinging wild and with everything he has. Big left to the head following a body shot from Story and Pyle is down and Story is going donkey kong on him, tries to roll out of it and Story is landing some massive shots. Pyle manages to work into full guard, body locks him as the round ends.
Score: Story 10-9
Round 2:
Pyle is cautious coming in but Story lands a nice body shot early. Story goes for body lock and Pyle defends, Story switches to the single and grabs the takedown. Pyle grabs a kimura and Story is defending well. He's got guard on Story is out. Back to Story's top position grind game as Pyle is looking to hip scoot out. Not a lot of action as Pyle is looking to set up an arm lock while Story is grinding him out with to position control. Shocked there hasn't been a standup as the round ends with not a lot of action.
Score: Pyle 10-9, 19-19 even
Round 3:
Not a lot of action to start as Pyle is staying away, goes for a knee in the clinch but Story goes for a single leg but can't get it. Story's slower this round; goes for a takedown and can't finish, opts for the stand up. Pyle goes for the thai clinch, Story goes for the takedown and can't finish. Body lock and they're against the cage. Pyle lands some nice elbows and Story is back to going for takedown against the cage. Story gets him down, Pyle back up and Story has back control on him. Not a lot of action as Story is kneeing the body and Pyle is throwing short elbows. Story lands some nice body shots as Pyle turns into him; Pyle has bloodied him up and is landing some nice shots right now. Story turns the tide with a double and Pyle is on his back. Pyle rolls for an armbar and can't finish, grabs the back and has a body triangle. Landing some strikes, looking for the choke. Rolls into an armbar but can't finish as the round ends.
Score: 10-9 Pyle, 29-28 Pyle
Official decision: Pyle wins via split decision (29-28 Pyle, 29-28 Pyle, 29-28 Story)
Dennis Bermudez vs. Max Holloway
Round 1:
Bermudez uses his strikes early to set up a deep single, can't finish though. Holloway is using his length to keep Bermudez on the outside, using jabs and movement. Bermudez is coming straight forward and throwing, though, and landing pretty consistently. Holloway's reach is an advantage but Bermudez is looking for a takedown attempt; can't finish a single but gets the clinch against the cage for a moment. Bermudez is throwing some leg kicks and Holloway lands a spinning back kick to the face and Holloway is pouring it on. Bermudez is in survival mode now in the clinch, eating a knee to the face beforehand. Another one to the body and Bermudez walks through it this time. Spinning back kick and Bermudez is knocked down, but up quickly, as the round ends.
Score: 10-9 Holloway
Round 2:
Bermudez goes for the takedown early and Holloway grabs his back on the scramble. Bermudez stands up and back off, Holloway with a nice head kick as he exits. Bermudez is getting leery of moving inside against Holloway; been eating too much as he walks in. Holloway is using his jab and kicks to keep Bermudez at bay. Holloway is landing some nice combinations on Bermudez, who's wading in but eating some punishment for his efforts. Leg kick by Bermudez wobbles Holloway for a moment. Bermudez with another takedown attempt that goes nowhere; Holloway is landing some nice elbows with his back against the cage. Bermudez is looking for that takedown try but is hesitating when he moves closer. Holloway's keeping him at bay, using that distance to keep Bermudez away. Bermudez with a high altitude slam and Holloway locks up his arms as soon as he's on his back.
Score: Holloway 10-9, 20-18 Holloway
Round 3:
Bermudez comes out significantly more aggressive this round. Gets in close and gets the takedown but Holloway is active off his back. Holloway back up quickly, though, and we're back to the middle of the cage. Bermudez is really pushing the pace this round; he's fighting like he's down, which he probably is. Some striking and Bermudez goes for another, gets it but Holloway is back up quickly. His ability to wall walk is impressive. Holloway is looking to counter as Bermudez is throwing wild, failed takedown from Holloway as Bermudez finally grabs a takedown off the clinch, landing in half guard. Switches to full guard as Bermudez starts uncorking some elbows, Holloway holding on. Holloway is a bit bloody now as Bermudez is landing some big elbows with under a minute to go. Bermudez tries to sneak into mount and Holloway defends it well; he's holding on for dear life right now. Round ends as Bermudez is landing some big elbows.
Score: 10-9 Bermudez, 29-28 Holloway. Very close decision, wouldn't be shocked to see it go to a split decision.
Official decision: Bermudez wins via split decision (29-28 Holloway, 29-28 Bermudez, 29-28 Bermudez)
Colton Smith vs. Robert Whittaker
Interesting note: this is the first time in UFC history that two fighters who've won seasons of "The Ultimate Fighter" have faced off one another in their first fights in the UFC following the TUF Finale they won. Whitaker on "TUF: The Smashes" while Smith won Season 16 of TUF. It's the seventh meeting, overall, between fighters who've won the show.
Round 1:
Whitaker looks to stay away from Smith, as Smith is looking to throw and then level change. Whitaker stops the takedown early; he's staying away, moving back whenever Smith is getting close and is showing some good movement to stay away from the cage. Smith is eating some stiff jabs as he gets close; Whitaker's game plan is excellent so far and he's sticking to it. Smith is desperately trying to use his footwork to get him close to the cage and Whitaker is landing, then moving back to the center as soon as he can. Smith isn't throwing anything powerful; he's looking to throw something quick and go for a takedown but can't finish the second part of that equation. Nice superman punch to close the gap but Whitaker gets out quickly but a big right, followed by a nice left hook, and Whitaker grabs a double to clear the cobwebs. Smith nearly lands a kimura but the scramble leads to Whitaker getting out of it.
Score: 10-9 Smith
Round 2:
Big left by Whitaker early and Colton's rocked. Whitaker is landing some nice shots as he goes for a desperation takedown, can't complete it and eats some shots. Clears the cobwebs, though, and Smith's face shows some damage. Whitaker is landing some big shots on the counter; his style is giving Smith some fits. Whitaker's hands look stellar so far; another takedown attempt and Whitaker's defense is beautiful against Smith's takedowns. HIs timing in the fight is giving Smith fits; he found his range early and Colton hits him in his Brits with a knee. Time to take a break, a quick one though. Smith's turning this into a boxing match when he should throwing more kicks; Whitaker's legs are screaming "kick me" and he's looking for the takedown and nothing else. Whitaker tags him with that left hook and lands some nice follow ups as well. Whitaker with some nice uppercuts as he's getting busted up.
Score: Whitaker 10-9, 19-19 even
Round 3:
Smith is coming out throwing but Whitaker is eating some big volleys on the counter. Big right and Whitaker swarms him. Ref steps in at :41.
Official Result: Robert Whitaker wins via TKO at :41 of Round 3.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo
Round 1:
Feeling out process to start and Trujillo throws a big right that misses. Looked impressive, though. KN is looking for a shot but doesn't want to get into a firefight, either. Trujillo throws wild and then bowls him over for the takedown, landing in full guard. KN rolls for an omaplata and winds up grabbing an armbar. Brilliant defense from Trujillo and KN scrambles up and grabs back control, smooth flowing movements to him. Trujillo eats a suplex for his efforts to get up, and then tripped back down again. KN is tight on the back as they work against the cage and Trujillo is thrown down again. Suplex attempt is stopped and KN gets him to the ground again. This is beautiful throwing technique by him; as soon as he gets up he's being ragdolled around. KN isn't looking for backmount; he's getting tossed around. Trujillo catches him and scramble leads KN in guard. He grabs a triangle and locks it in. Takes it to mount and looks to move to an armbar. Has it in DEEEEP but Trujillo survives.
Score: 10-8 KN
Round 2:
Abel comes out looking to work from a distance; after getting slammed so much in the first he wants nothing to do with it. KN, though, bull rushes him and spins behind for back control. Trujillo swims out of a trip attempt and lands some nice hands in the scramble back to the feet. Some wild striking and KN just spins behind him, trip to the ground. His ability to move so quickly in tight spaces is remarkable. Trujillo back up and KN is looking for the slam again and Trujillo goes for the spin again. KN catches him, though, and gets back control. Body triangle from back but he can't do much, let's it go and Trujillo back to his feet. KN drags him back to the ground and grabs back control again. This is a back control clinic right now. Roll out and Trujillo spins his way back to his feet, KN doesn't let him go far and drags him back down. He's clinging to his back and working from there in spectacular fashion. Trujillo back to his feet but dragged down again. Some striking from back control and KN rides him out to end the round.
Score: 10-9 KN, 20-17 KN
Round 3:
Trujillo comes out more aggressive but a slip leads to KN dragging him down to the ground again. He's back up but KN is glued to his back again. He goes for the rolling scramble to get some space and KN has wised up to it, getting nothing. He's up for a moment and dragged down again. He works some knees to the body and it's becoming a routine; Abel manages to find a way up and then dragged down to the ground again. KN is just manhandling him right now as it's repetitive. He winds up in full guard and back up but right back down again. This is almost a mugging right now; Trujillo has the look of a man who has no clue what to do and how to stop it. Round ends with a beautiful throw by KN as Trujillo gets back up.
Score: KN 10-9, 30-26 KN
Official decision: KN wins via uninamous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Stephen Thompson vs. Nah-Shon Burrell
Round 1:
Thompson comes out in the horse stance and lands a couple side-kicks and then promptly gets clipped by Burrell, who charges him into the cage. Thompson's looking for the takedown but Burrell is doing a good job keeping him from hitting that level change. Burrell gets out and we're back to the middle. Thompson with a beautiful kick and Burrell charges in, only to get taken down. Burrell back up quickly, though, and up against the cage some more. Both guys are landing knees as we work the clinch game. Thompson back out and some slight brawling until Burrell gets him back against the cage again. Thompson works his way off and we're in the clinch, the two trading knees. Thompson backs out and we're back to the middle. Thompson is landing some big body shots with his kicks and Burrell goes for a lateral drop and ends up landing with Thompson in back mount. He's up quickly, and out, though. Back to the cage and Burrell uncorks some beautiful kicks that don't land to end the round.
Score: 10-9 Thompson
Round 2:
Thompson lands a nice front kick to the body to early and then lands some big shots that Burrell wades through ... Burrell closes the distance and tries to work against the cage. Thompson gets away quickly and Thompson is back out. He's looking to counter and work at distance, Burrell is looking to press him against the cage. Thompson is landing in volume when he gets the distance but Burrell isn't letting him stay there for long. Burrell is just going for the clinch and working that off the cage; Burrell wants this close but Thompson isn't letting him land anything when he gets close to him. Thompson goes for a double on a nice level change but can't finish it; Burrell is muscling his way out of danger but can't do anything more. Thompson gets away and is landing some nice kicks; Burrell is closing the distance, though, and preventing Thompson from landing in volume. Spinning wheel kick doesn't connect but is beautifully thrown. Burrell is closing the distance well but can't land anything of note.
Score: Thompson 10-9, 20-18 Thompson
Round 3:
Burrell comes out charging again as Thompson is looking for the counter; more clinch work, though, and we're back against the cage quickly. Thompson gets away and now we're starting to throw down a bit more. Burrell wants to get close and Thompson is looking to keep him at distance, look for the counter. Burell gets close again and we're back to the clinch against the cage. Burrell with some urgency and Thompson lands some big shots, including a head kick. Burrell is tough, I'll give him that, as he knows he's down on the cards right now. He's landing some big shots as well and Thompson with a nice double leg. Thompson gets him down but Burrell is up right away; some clinch work and Burell backs off. Thompson is a bit gassed right now as he's obviously breathing hard. He goes for another double and Burrell just pushes him away. Burrell goes for a flying knee and Thompson grabs back control off it, both standing against the cage. Some knees out of the clinch from both men end the round.
Score: 10-9 Thompson, 30-27 Thompson
Official Decision: Thompson by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Brian Bowles vs. George Roop
Round 1:
Roop is more aggressive early, using his length to keep Bowles at bay. Good front kick early, as well, from the 6'1 bantamweight. Bowles is more content to work the body now when he wades in. Roop is throwing more but Bowles' defense is good. Couple of nice rights from Bowles and Roop is wobbled. Bowles is on the aggressive path for moment but Roop recovers. Roop is doing a nice job of keeping Bowles at bay with his kicking game; Bowles is hesitant to wade as Bowles is throwing high kicks and Bowles is coming in to counter. Bowles is looking to work the body with his hands in response to Roop's leg kicks going up high. Bowles with some nice shots and Roop is hurt; Bowles dives on him and grabs a guillotine, pulling guard. Roop looks to roll out of it and rolls Bowles into mounting him. He gets out but he's still in Bowles' mount as he's looking to posture up to land something. Roop is doing a good job of keeping him down, though.
Score: Bowles 10-9
Round 2:
Roop comes out more aggressive as Bowles is looking to counter, again. Roop is using his length a little better, landing a nice front kick and a nice jab. Bowles is slowing down and Roop is keeping him away and lands a big jab, swarming him. Big shots and Roop swarms him, landing some big shots. Herb Dean stops it.
Official Result: Roop wins via TKO at 1:43 of the second round.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan
Round 1:
Both guys are aggressive early as Payan is more active but Stephens is the aggressor. Low leg kick and we got our first leg kick landing where it shouldn't of the night 30 seconds in. Stephens goes for a double against the leg and is being the clear aggressor here; Payan is looking to counter and a big right wobbles Stephens.Stephens gets a double and Payan grabs a guillotine, Stephens separates and we're into full guard. Payan is looking to roll for an armbar off his back with the way he's posting and Stephens is moving accordingly on top to counter. Stephens stands and eats an up kick, dives back into Payan's guard and he nearly completes a triangle on him. Transition to an armbar and Stephens steps out, back to our feet and Stephens pushes him against the cage. Payan with a guillotine and he's busted up, loses it and Stephens takes him down. Payan back up and eats some shots for his efforts. Both guys are content to trade leg kicks right now; Stephens with a big right and Payan is wobbly for a moment. Payan is throwing more wildly as the round ends; he's trying to find his range and can't. Stephens is doing a good job with his footwork. Round ends in a flurry as Stephens lands a big right followed by a flying knee.
Score: Stephens 10-9
Round 2:
Stephens opens with a big right; Payan is more active but Stephens is landing more and better right now. Stephens is looking for the combination but Payan is moving enough away whenever he feels it. Power single from Stephens and Payan has his back against the cage. He wall walks up and Stephens is holding onto the single, eventually leg dragging him down and into full guard. Payan is bleeding a lot right now; Stephens has a lot on him. Stephens is looking to throw elbows from full guard as Payan is having problems seeing. He rolls for an armbar Stephens sees easy, back in full guard. Stephens postures out and dives into side control. Payan rolls to his stomach and Payan gives up his back; face crank doesn't work as Payan is bleeding substantially now. Stephens has both hooks, working for the rear naked choke, as we're playing hand fighting now. Stephens is going for the face crank some more and Payan is using good wrist control. Scramble late and Payan escapes late.
Score: Stephens 10-9, 20-18 Stephens
Round 3:
Some light striking to start as Payan is fighting with more desperation now. Stephens with a beautiful head kick 50 seconds in; his striking looks really on tonight. His movement overall is very smooth. Stephens grabs a takedown, takes back and drags Payan to the ground with back control. Payan is trying to get up and Stephens is doing a good job keeping him down with strikes. Payan back to his feet and facing Stephens as the pace has slowed considerably this round. Stephens is clinging to him, trying to drag him to the ground, as we play the cage game for a while. Payan is just gushing blood at this point as Stephens doubles him down to the mat one more time. BIg elbows from Stephens as he’s looking to grab mount. Fight ends as Stephens grind him down.
Score: 10-9 Stephens, 30-27 Stephens
Official decision: 30-26, 30-26, 30-27 Stephens
Main Card (PPV)
Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva
Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt
Glover Teixeira vs. James Te Huna
Gray Maynard vs. T.J. Grant
Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone vs. K.J. Noons
FX Prelims
Mike Pyle vs. Rick Story
Dennis Bermudez vs. Max Holloway
Colton Smith vs. Robert Whittaker
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo
Online Prelims
Stephen Thompson vs. Nah-Shon Burrell
Brian Bowles vs. George Roop
Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan
