Chris Weidman has stunned Anderson Silva with a second-round knockout in the main event at UFC 162. Get the news story here and check out the blow-by-blow with our live blog below.
Main Card:
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman
Round 1:
Herb Dean gets the main event of the evening. Silva looks to defend and improve his UFC record to 17-0 while Weidman looks to shock the world and become the new champion. Silva refuses to touch gloves but bows to Weidman in the staredown. The Brazilians start a huge chant. Weidman goes for the takedown and gets it after Silva can't stuff it. Weidman lands a big right hand and is looking to move into side control. Weidman lands some punches. Weidman lands more punches but Silva is defending. Weidman to his feet and Silva on the mat. Weidman lands more punches. Weidman spins into Silva's guard and is looking for a kneebar but Silva defends. Silva gets back to the feet and the crowd cheers. Weidman misses a left hand. Silva begins to toy with Weidman. Weidman goes for a takedown but can't get it. Silva with his hands on his hips. Weidman misses a punch and Silva is taunting him to strike. Silva goes on the attack with kicks. Silva taunts Weidman again. Weidman taunts him back. Silva lands some kicks and misses a knee. Weidman backs away from some punches as the round ends. Lots of toying around. Silva had the edge easily standing but Weidman may have gotten the round. 10-9 Weidman.
Round 2:
The crowd is going crazy at the start of round two. Silva lands some leg kicks. Weidman misses on a kick. Weidman goes for the takedown but Silva defends it. Silva with a leg kick. Weidman misses a head kick and Silva misses a front kick.And Chris Weidman just knocked Anderson Silva out. Wow! Weidman is the new UFC Middleweight Champion. A left hand as Silva was backing up dropped him and Weidman knocked him out cold with three punches on the ground.
Official Verdict: Chris Weidman def. Anderson Silva by KO (punches) at 1:18 of Round 2
Frankie Edgar vs. Charles Oliveira
Round 1:
Yves Lavigne gets the assignment for the night's co-main event. Edgar looks to rebound from three straight loss, all of which came in championship fights. In fact, this is his first three-round fight since December 2009. They come out strong. Oliveira goes for a kick but Edgar grabs his leg. They split. Edgar goes after Oliveira with punches. Oliveira goes for a takedown but Edgar stuffs it and is on top. Edgar scrambles to his feet but Oliveira gets him down for a moment. They get back to the feet and Oliveira lands a knee. Big chants for Frankie and Oliveira. Oliviera goes for a tie-up but Edgar picks him up and slams him to the mat. Edgar in the guard of Oliveira. Oliveira trying to land elbows as the Brazilians begin to chant again. Edgar with some punches on the ground. Oliveira looks to grab an arm but Edgar blocks it and they get to their feet. Oliveira with a front kick. Edgar lands a combination. Oliviera lands a kick but Edgar counters with a combination. Oliveira tries to land but Edgar is using sound movement. Oliveira briefly goes to the mat but gets back up. Edgar lands to the body and follows through with a left to the jaw. They tie-up and go to the mat and Edgar is in the advantage but they get back up. Edgar lands a quick combination. Edgar lands a punch, gets away from Oliveira trying to punch him and gets a takedown with around ten seconds to go. Both attack on the ground to end the round. 10-9 Edgar.
Round 2:
Both quickly take the center of the Octagon to start round two. Chants for Edgar begin. Oliveira lands a body kick and Edgar grabs the leg but lets go. Edgar looks for a takedown on a tie-up but lets go as both land punches. Oliveira with a big leg kick heard throughout the arena. Edgar blocks a leg kick and sends Oliveira down to the mat. Oliveira invites him down but Edgar lands a few leg kicks and backs up. Edgar with a right hand. Oliviera looks for a tie-up but Edgar counters it by taking Oliveira down to the mat. Edgar lands some punches from the top as Oliveira lands an elbow. Edgar with some hammerfists from the top but Oliveira is attacking well from the bottom. They get back to the feet and Edgar lands some punches on the way up. Oliveira misses a jumping kick. Edgar looks for a takedown but it isn't there. Oliveira misses a head kick. Oliveira looks for a leg kick but Edgar sees it and grabs the leg and Oliveira stumbles back. Oliveira lands a right hand and Edgar counters but Oliveira fires back. They clinch against the cage and Edgar looks for the takedown. Huge slam by Edgar with ten seconds left. Oliveira had Edgar's neck as the horn sounds to end the round. 10-9 Edgar. 20-18 Edgar.
Round 3:
Oliveira lands a left jab to start the final round. Big Frankie chants in the crowd. Edgar with a leg kick but Oliveira lands aleft hand. Edgar fires back with a combination that has Oliveira in a little bit of trouble. Edgar with a takedown of Oliveira. Oliveira on his back and Edgar on his feet. Edgar with a leg kick as Oliveira is on the ground. Lavigne gets the fight back to the feet. Edgar lands a left hook. Oliveira backs Edgar up with some nice punches. Edgar grabs Oliveira's leg and lands punches but can't get the takedown. Edgar with a body punch. Edgar with a quick takedown but they are back up. Edgar lands a combo. Oliveira counters with his own and Edgar backs up. Edgar has been bleeding, but it isn't a Frankie Edgar fight without him bleeding. Edgar goes down for a moment but gets back up. Oliveira looks to come on but Edgar lands a left hand. Both are landing as the crowd goes wild. Edgar lands some hands and a flying knee. Edgar with another big right hand but Oliveira is surviving. Huge "USA" chants. Edgar gets the takedown and is on top. The Brazilians in the crowd chant as well. Edgar with punches from the top with under a minute left. Oliveira with elbows from the bottom. Edgar with some more punches and he lands a big right hand as he falls back into guard. Loud Frankie chants as the fight ends. The men hug after the fight as we head to the scorecards. 10-9 Edgar. 30-27 Edgar.
Official Verdict: Frankie Edgar def. Charles Oliveira by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Tim Kennedy vs. Roger Gracie
Round 1:
Kim Winslow is in charge of this bout between former Strikeforce fighters making their UFC debuts. The Brazilians in the crowd begin to chant as the fight gets underway. Gracie gets the fight to the ground but Kennedy stays composed and is trying to get it back up. Gracie has the back of Kennedy but Kennedy gets it back up and has Gracie against the cage. Kennedy with a foot stomp. Kennedy looks for the takedown but the separate. Kennedy misses on a lunging left hand. Kennedy lands a leg kick but Gracie isn't fazed. Gracie gets a thai clinch but Kennedy forces him against the cage. Gracie looks for the takedown and gets it but Kennedy fights to get back up. Gracie gets the back of Kennedy and is looking to get a rear-naked choke as he has the hooks in. Kennedy is defending well but the Brazilian chants get louder. Kennedy looks to break the body triangle but that will be tough against Gracie. Kennedy is still defending the choke well as he tries to cause separation. Gracie continues to work for the choke but can't get close to getting it. Kennedy switches and ends up on top of Gracie. Kennedy ends the round in side control which has to give him confidence. 10-9 Gracie.
Round 2:
Kennedy with a front kick to start. Kennedy is gonna need to win the fight on the feet. Kennedy backs Gracie up with a combination. Gracie looks to tie up and they do but Kennedy has control against the cage. Kennedy takes Gracie down and is unloading with punches from the back. Gracie tries to sweep but Kennedy sees it. Gracie lands an upkick but Kennedy again takes his back and is landing punches. Gracie goes for a sweep but Kennedy switches and they get back to the feet. Kennedy has Gracie against the cage. Kennedy with a knee to the body of Gracie. The Brazilians begin to chant but the American fans try to get louder. Kennedy controls the tie-up against the cage while the action in the crowd gets going. Gracie looks for the takedown but Kennedy blocks it. The Brazilian crowd boos the chants of "USA". Kennedy gets the fight to the ground and is in the half-guard of Gracie. Kennedy is in the guard of Gracie, who begins to look like he is fatiguing. Kennedy with a short punch to Gracie and Winslow orders a standup. Kennedy with front kicks to the legs of Gracie. Kennedy misses on a big left hand and they then tie-up. Kennedy forces Gracie against the cage and looks to land knees to the body. The round ends with them against the cage. 10-9 Kennedy. 19-19.
Round 3:
Touch of gloves to start the deciding round. Kennedy with a front kick to the jaw of Gracie. Kennedy attacks with front kicks to the thighs of Gracie once again. Gracie is having trouble unloading his punches. Kennedy looks to be the fresher fighter. Kennedy backs Gracie up with a left hand. Kennedy with two kicks- one to the body followed by one to the leg. Kennedy with a leg kick and then he grabs Gracie's back. Kennedy looks for a takedown. Kennedy lets go and is willing to strike again. Gracie misses a right hand which may have been the first punch he threw this round. Gracie goes for the takedown but Kennedy defends well. Gracie drops down and briefly trips Kennedy but they are back up. Kennedy puts Gracie against the cage. Kennedy moves Gracie around the cage as the crowd begins the wave. Winslow orders Kennedy and Gracie to break as the wave continues. Kennedy lands a nice combination that backs Gracie up. Kennedy with a nice combination and Gracie looks like he can't defend it at this point in the fight. Kennedy has Gracie against the cage and lands some dirty boxing as the fight ends to some boos. 10-9 Kennedy. 29-28 Kennedy.
Official Verdict: Tim Kennedy def. Roger Gracie by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Mark Munoz vs. Tim Boetsch
Round 1:
Steve Mazzagatti presides over this middleweight bout as Munoz and Boetsch look to rebound from losses in their last bouts. Boestch quickly looks for the takedown to start and gets it but Munoz reverses and ends on top. They get back to the feet quickly and Boetsch has Munoz against the cage. Boestch lands a big takedown but they get back up. Boestch has the back of Munoz. Boetsch looking for another takedown but Munoz defends and causes separation. Boetsch backs Munoz up with a combination and has him against the cage. Munoz goes for a takedown and gets it. Munoz tries to flatten Boetsch out but Boetsch gets back to his feet. Munoz misses a knee to the head. Munoz looks for a trip takedown but can't get it. They roll down on the mat and Munoz is looking for the takedown against the cage, which he gets. Boetsch has the neck of Munoz. Not much going on and Boetsch had a brief guillotine but Munoz escapes and is on bottom. They wrestle on the ground before they get up and separate. Both swing wildly and Munoz lands a big right hand. Munoz pushes Boetsch against the cage and looks for the takedown. Munoz with punches to the thighs of Boetsch. They are battling in a tie-up before they break. Munoz misses a big right hand and goes for a takedown but can't get it as the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Munoz.
Round 2:
They touch gloves to start the second round. Munoz lands a big kick to the body and misses on a flying knee. They exchange before Munoz initiates a tie-up and pushes Boestch against the cage. Munoz with a knee to the body of Boetsch. Boetsch forces a switch and he now has Munoz against the cage. They split up. Boetsch backs up Munoz with some punches. They clinch back up and Munoz scores a takedown and is on top. Boetsch tries to escape but Munoz is now trying to take his back. Munoz is dangerous with ground-and-pound from this position. Munoz tries to take the back of Boestch but Boestch has a grasp of his arm. Munoz attakcs with huge body punches on the ground and Boetsch gets to his feet. Boetsch looks for a takedown but Munoz scores the takedown instead. Munoz with some big hands as Boetsch covers up. Munoz with more big punches to the body of Boetsch. Boetsch gets the fight back to the feet and has Munoz against the cage. Boetsch is back down and Munoz is attacking his body yet again. Munoz with shots to the kidney region of Boetsch. Munoz now switches and lands to the head. Munoz with a big knee to the body of Boetsch and is pounding away at him but the round ends. Big finish for Munoz. 10-9 Munoz. 20-18 Munoz.
Round 3:
Munoz looks to be the fresher fighter of the two as we head to the final five minutes. Munoz backs Boetsch up with punches and gets a takedown but Boestch forces a roll to where he is on top. Munoz switches positions, though, and is on top. Boestch has a choke opportunity but Munoz gets out and they get back to the feet. They battle on the ground and Boetsch tries to get an arm of Munoz. Not a lot of action is going on as the fans begin to boo and ask for a standup. Munoz gets out and grabs the back and begins to land punches to the head of Boetsch. Boetsch survives but needs to get out if he wants to get the win. Munoz with more punches to the head of Boetsch. Boetsch looks very tired and isn't doing much to get up. Munoz gets to his feet but Boetsch is covering up. Munoz is on top and throwing down punches. Munoz has Boetsch's arm and is looking for a kimura but the cage may get in the way. Boetsch escapes but Munoz is in side control. Munoz lands some more ground-and-pound. Boetsch tries to scramble out but is having no success. Munoz gets Boetsch's back and locks in a rear-naked choke but Boestch escapes. Munoz transitions to the top and lands some more ground-and-pound. Boetsch is struggling to hang on. Boetsch tries to sweep to get a leg. Munoz stands up and flies into Boetsch's guard with a huge punch and another one to end the round. The crowd goes wild for Munoz. 10-9 Munoz. 30-27 Munoz.
Official Verdict: Mark Munoz def. Tim Boetsch by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
Cub Swanson vs. Dennis Siver
Round 1:
Herb Dean oversees this fight as we kick off the main card with featherweights looking to secure a title shot. They touch gloves as both take the center of the Octagon. Siver lands a body kick after Swanson backs him up with a kick. Siver looking for those leg kicks early. Siver misses a head kick and Swanson punches him in the jaw. Siver misses on a leg kick. Swanson looked for something tricky but Siver saw it coming. Both exchange wildly and Siver ends it with a head kick. Siver misses on a leg kick. Swanson lands a big right hand. Swanson misses on a spinning head kick and Siver grabs him and scores a takedown. Siver works into side control and is looking to set up an arm-triangle. Siver is in half-guard as he looks to move back into side control. Siver with a punch to the head of Swanson. Siver has Swanson's head but Swanson escapes. Siver is in side control. Siver with an elbow and some punches. Swanson tries to sweep but Siver blocks it and remains in side control. Siver lands some more elbows. Swanson tries for a scramble but Siver blocks it and remains in control of the battle on the ground. Swanson looks to get another scramble but Siver is using his strength to keep Swanson planted on the mat. Swanson gets a guillotine choke in and uses it to get the fight back to the feet as Siver won't be submitted. Swanson backs Siver up with a leg kick and Siver counters as the round concludes. 10-9 Siver.
Round 2:
Both take the center quickly. Siver starts with a leg kick. Siver is missing on his jabs as Swanson looks to land a big right hand. Both men are missing with their striking attacks. Swanson with a leg kick. Siver lands a spinning back kick that he is known for. Both men exchange right hands. Swanson misses a leg kick. Siver lands a loud leg kick. Swanson checks a head kick from Siver. Swanson goes for a combination but just barely lands. Siver with a kicking attack that backs Swanson up. Swanson goes for a cartwheel kick that misses but gets the crowd going. Both men land with punches. Siver with a leg kick after punches missed. Siver with a head kick and Swanson misses a spinning head kick. Swanson lands and Siver grabs him and lands as well. They trade leg kicks. They then trade punches. Swanson attacks the body while Siver kicks the leg. Swanson misses with a big right hand but lands a body kick. Swanson shows good head movement as Siver misses punches. Siver goes for a takedown but Swanson uses a judo throw to plant Siver on his back and Swanson is now in mount. Swanson throws down some punches as Siver tries to escape. Swanson in full mount and throwing down punches. Siver is defending and trying to create something as they scramble for position. Siver wins up on top looking for a choke but the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Swanson. 19-19.
Round 3:
They come out and Siver grabs Swanson but can't get the takedown. Siver tries to land but is missing. Swanson is landing more meaningful shots, which may make the difference. Siver misses a head kick and Swanson lands a big right hand. Both land and Swanson lands a right hand followed by a kick. Swanson misses a right hand but lands a combination. Swanson with a big right hand that staggers Siver and both are swinging for the fences. Siver goes down and Swanson is landing big right hands. Swanson is landing and Siver is hurt. Swanson has Siver hurt bad and looks at Herb Dean to stop the fight. Dean stops it and Swanson scores the huge TKO win as the crowd goes wild! Big win for Swanson, who has now won five straight fights.
Official Verdict: Cub Swanson def. Dennis Siver by TKO (punches) at 2:24 of Round 3
Prelims:
Chris Leben vs. Andrew Craig
Round 1:
Yves Lavigne gets the assignment for the final preliminary bout as both men are looking to rebound from losses. Craig starts with a leg kick as Leben misses a left hand. They are going after it early as Leben pushes Craig against the cage and looks for the takedown. Leben with a foot stomp and some dirty boxing. Craig lands a knee. Leben looking for the takedown but Craig stuffs it. Leben with a knee to the leg and a foot stomp. They split up and both look to land big hands. Leben pushes Craig against the cage again and is looking for that takedown, which he does get. They get back to the feet and are battling in the clinch. Craig lands a knee to cause separation. Craig lands a kick and Leben lands a left hand that puts Craig against the cage and they clinch back up. Leben with some body punches. Craig lands a right hand as Leben comes forward and they are clinched back up. Both land knees and Craig goes for a right hand on the break. Craig misses a head kick as Leben blocks it. They battle back against the cage and Craig has Leben against it until they break. Leben with a left hand and then he literally pushes Craig against the cage. They go to the mat for a moment and Leben has Craig against the cage. Leben with some left hands to the body as they split up. They get clinched again and Leben is attacking the body with left hands before they separate again. Craig shoots for a big takedown but Leben defends it perfectly. The horn sounds as they battle against the cage. 10-9 Leben.
Round 2:
Leben presses forward to start the round as Craig comes out a bit tentative. Leben misses on a big left hand. They trade before Leben pushes Craig against the fence. Leben looking for the takedown but Craig is defending it well. Leben attacks with left hands to the body and Craig lands a big knee as they break. Craig lands a left hand but Leben shakes it off. Leben pushes him against the cage and is looking for another takedown but Craig blocks it. They are in the clinch again and both are landing. They break. Both are throwing some hard punches but hardly any are landing. Leben blocks a body kick from Craig. Leben runs forward after Craig and pushes him against the cage once again. Craig lands a knee on the break. Both land leg kicks. Both then trade punches. Leben misses a leg kick and Craig catches him with a leg kick. They tie back up and Craig pushes Leben against the cage. They switch and Leben has Craig against the cage and goes after the body with punches. Craig misses a combination. Leben keeps applying pressure as Craig circles which may get him the round. Back against the cage and the crowd is starting to boo just a little bit. Craig lands a knee on the break. As the round ends both land some punches that don't do much damage. Close round. 10-9 Leben. 20-18 Leben.
Round 3:
Both look to land big as they come out strong for the final round. This fight could be either way and they start to fight like it. Both men are swinging hard. Craig knocks Leben down with a big right hand and is looking to end the fight from the top. Leben is in survival mode but gets back to the feet and the crowd goes wild. Leben survived a hectic flurry from Craig there and both men look exhausted. The crowd starts chanting for Leben. They both land at close range. Craig forces Leben against the cage as they look to get the advantage. Leben has Craig against the cage and is landing to the body before they break. Craig knocks Leben back down and gets on top. Leben looking to make something happen from his back. Leben looks to throw his legs up for a triangle but Craig blocks it. They scramble back to the feet and the crowd cheers. Leben with a leg kick as he tries to make a comeback in the round with 90 seconds left. Leben pushes Craig against the cage but they quickly break. Craig shoots in and scores a big takedown. Leben again looking to make something happen from his back. Craig tries to improve by pushing Leben more against the cage. Both men get back to the feet and they separate. Craig gets another takedown which will secure him the round as there is ten seconds left. It will be a matter of how the judges see this round. Very close fight between Leben and Craig. 10-9 Craig. 29-29 Leben.
Official Verdict: Andrew Craig def. Chris Leben by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Norman Parke vs. Kazuki Tokudome
Round 1:
They take the center and Parke lands a big left hand to start. Both then land leg kicks. Parke misses on a big left hand but attacks the body of Tokudome. Tokudome lands a leg kick. Parke with another big left hand that lands. Parke misses on a front kick to the face. Parke lands another left hand that gets the crowd into it. Tokudome with a leg kick as Parke was looking to attack the body. Parke with another leg kick. Parke again lands that left hand and Tokudome is having trouble blocking it. Parke with a big leg kick again. Tokudome changes levels for a takedown but Parke stuffs it and they move against the cage. Parke looking for the takedown against the cage but Tokudome doesn't go down. Parke gets him down though but they get right back up. Parke has the back of Tokudome and they go down to the ground. Tokudome ends up on top and is in the guard of Parke. Parke looks to sweep. Parke lands an elbow from bottom as he tries to create a scramble. Tokudome is holding him down from top but not doing much. Parke looks to transition to the back of Tokudome but can't. Parke pushes Tokudome away with his forearm and they switch and Parke ends on top. Parke moves Tokudome against the cage but won't have much time to work. The horn sounds and the round ends. 10-9 Parke
Round 2:
Touch of gloves to start the second round. Parke lands that left hand ten seconds into the round. Parke with a check kick to the front of Tokduome's leg. They trade in close quarters and Parke gets the better of the exchange. Parke lands a left hand and Tokudome is stunned. Tokudome goes for a takedown to recover and stays up. Parke makes him pay with some more left hands. Parke taking over at the moment. Parke lands the left hand and Tokudome staggers back to recover. Tokduome misses a takedown and Parke makes him pay with multiple left hands. Tokudome is in trouble. Parke lands a right jab. Parke lands the left hand again. He lands it again. Tokudome is having trouble keeping his hands up as he begins to fatigue. Parke scores a takedown and moves Tokudome up against the cage. Neither man is doing much on the ground at the moment. They get back to the feet. They separate and both land punches and Parke quickly takes the fight back down to the ground. Parke is in mount and Tokudome moves to his back and they scramble to a front headlock by Parke. Parke looking to lock in the guillotine choke. Tokudome has Parke's leg and blocks any movement as they scramble back to the feet. Parke lands another big left hand and the round ends. 10-9 Parke. 20-18 Parke.
Round 3:
They shake hands and bow to start the final round. Both land punches in close quarters. Parke switches up with a body punch. Parke grabs a leg of Tokudome and forces him up against the cage. Tokudome briefly lands a takedown but Parke ends up in the advantage position. Parke looks for a guillotine choke but Tokudome is defending. They battle for position on the feet and are clinched against the cage. Both land short elbows. Both men are starting to show signs of fatigue. Parke briefly gets a takedown but Tokudome rolls into the guard of Parke. Parke looking to create a scramble and get it back up, which he does. Parke misses on a left hand. Tokudome lands a head kick and Parke fires back with one of his own. Tokudome lands a head kick and is going on the attack. Tokudome scores a big takedown as he looks to steal the round. They get back to the feet though and Tokudome has Parke pressed against the cage. They split and get back to the center of the Octagon. Tokduome lands to the body of Parke. Tokudome misses on a combination. Parke grabs a leg and pushes Tokudome against the cage. Parke looking for the takedown with 20 seconds to go. Parke with the takedown with just under ten seconds. The horn sounds for the end of the fight. Close final round. 10-9 Tokudome. 29-28 Parke.
Official Verdict: Norman Parke def. Kazuki Tokudome by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Dave Herman
Round 1:
Kim Winslow is in charge of this heavyweight bout. Herman coming in with three straight losses. Herman pushes Gonzaga off with a teet kick to start the fight. Gonzaga lands a big right hand that sends Herman down and with a few punches Herman is finished as Winslow steps in to stop the fight. Big, quick knockout win by Gonzaga as the Brazilian fans in the crowd go nuts and begin to chant.
Official Verdict: Gabriel Gonzaga def. Dave Herman by KO (punches) at :17 of Round 1
Edson Barboza vs. Rafaello Oliveira
Round 1:
Herb Dean makes an appearance this evening. Both men rush to the center of the Octagon and Barboza looks to unload with some right hands. Barboza with a leg kick and they get in close quarters for a moment. Barboza lands a huge leg kick that gets the crowd going. Oliveira shoots for a takedown but Barboza defends it with perfection and lands another big leg kick. Oliveira misses on a combination and Barboza misses a leg kick. Barboza has Oliveira working on his striking defense. Oliveira misses on another takedown attempt. Barboza with another leg kick. Oliveria misses another takedown as Barboza stuffs it with ease. Barboza with another leg kick that lands and then a punch to the face. Barboza attacks the legs again with more kicks. Oliveria misses on a winging left hand. Oliveria misses again on another takedown attempt. Barboza sees them coming a mile away. Barboza with a body kick and another leg kick. Oliveira misses a right hand. Oliveira grabs Barboza but Barboza pushes him off quickly. Oliveira misses a left hand. Barboza barely connects on another leg kick. Barboza then lands a big kick to the thigh of Oliveira. Barboza with another two leg iicks. Oliveira is having trouble checking them. Barboza with a big leg kick at the end of the round. Both men stumble at the end. The crowd roars at the end. 10-9 Barboza.
Round 2:
They touch gloves to start round 2. Barboza lands a big body kick. Barboza sends Oliveira down with a punch. Oliveira stays down to try to get Barboza to come to the ground but can't do it. Oliveira briefly knocks Barboza down but Barboza gets back up. Barboza just barely connects on a leg kick. Barboza attacks the lead leg of Oliveira again and he is starting to show some pain in that leg. Barboza knocks Oliveira down again with another leg kick. Barboza is going after that leg and again knocks Oliveira down with a leg kick. Herb Dean steps in to stop the fight as Oliveira has taken a lot of damage to that leg. Barboza with the TKO win!
Official Verdict: Edson Barboza def. Rafaello Oliveira by TKO (leg kicks) at 1:44 of Round 2
Brian Melancon vs Seth Baczynski
Round 1:
Yves Lavigne gets the assignment on this bout. Touch of gloves to start and Baczynski immediately lands a leg kick. Melancon fires back with a big left hand. Melancon lands a left to the body followed by a leg kick to the body. Baczynski with a teet kick to the body that backs Melancon up. Baczynski misses on a right hand. Melancon with another left to the body but misses on an overhand right. Melancon with another two left hands that stagger Baczynski. Baczynski fires back and they briefly tie up. Both land solid punches. Baczynski lands a head kick but Melancon responds with a leg kick. Bacyznski misses on a combination and Melancon drops him with a right hand. Baczynski goes down and Melancon gets on top and is firing down punches. Baczynski is surviving and attacking from the bottom. They get back to the feet and the crowd approves. Baczynski lands a left hand to the chest of Melancon. Baczynski misses on a jumping kick and goes down to look for the takedown. Baczynski has Melancon against the cage with 90 seconds left in the round. They separate. Melancon grabs a leg and takes Baczynski to the ground. They fight back to the feet as Melancon lands some right hands and drags it back down. Melancon is on the top and looking to improve his position into mount. Half-guard is where Melancon is hanging out at as he looks to now move to side control. Melancon stands up with ten seconds left. Baczynski misses an upkick and Melancon knocks him out at the end of the round. Baczynski is out cold and Melancon wins the fight as Lavigne stops it. Big knockout win for Melancon!
Official Verdict: Brian Melancon def. Seth Baczynski by KO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1
Mike Pierce vs David Mitchell
Round 1:
Both men come out tentative and Pierce drives him up against the cage with a double. Pierce is looking to grab a double and bring Mitchell to the ground and Mitchell is defending well. This is Pierce's game and Mitchell prepped really well for it; he's using his hands well on the underhooks to make it difficult. Not a lot of action as they're exchanging short elbows/punches while against the cage. MItchell gets off the cage but Pierce presses him right back to it. Mitchell gets away and Pierce is back, embracing the grind once more as Mitchell finds himself back against the cage again. Mitchel off and lands some nice strikes and we're back against the clinch against the cage. Pierce is winning position but he's not doing anything with it; Mitchell is outlanding him in the clinch as Pierce is holding on against Mitchell, who's finding space to land. 90 seconds left and Pierce is content to ride out the ride out the round. He's going all in to level change on the single and Mitchell manages to get out. Some striking exchanges and Pierce back to the clinch game against the cage. He rides the round out this way. 10-9 Mitchell
Round 2:
Pierce comes out and embraces the clinch again, Mitchell against the cage, as he looks to work a level change one more time. Mitchell's defense is still excellent; he's doing lots of good things with his hands to keep Pierce upright and away from his legs. Pierce is a bit more active this round, landing some strikes but Mitchell is clearly more active. We get a brief respite where some hands are thrown but Pierce goes for the clinch against the cage again. He still can't get MItchell down, though, and Mitchell circles out. Some nice uppercuts from Mitchell and he goes to the clinch, looking for a takedown. Pierce reverses position and Mitchell is back against the cage. Pierce lands a BIG LEFT HOOK and Mitchell goes down, Pierce with the swarm and it's over.
Official Result: Mike Pierce def. David Mitchell by TKO (punches) at 2:53 of the 2nd round.
