UFC: As Real As It Gets?

Chris2K · December 18, 2013

UFC 2013 - As Real As It Gets?

http://www.sportsposterwarehouse.com/catImages/ufcflagwi-1.jpg

The UFC is in the middle of what could be described as a recession. The days of Brock Lesnar drawing over a million PPV buys every time he fights are long gone as he's busy losing to young up-and-comers like Triple H and John Cena in the WWE, and the more recognisable names from the boom period of MMA such as Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz have either retired or are at loggerheads with the UFC management. Right now the only two fighters who have been proven to be a viable PPV draw are Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva, with fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Chael Sonnen able to bring in a strong TV viewership. A new breed of talent has started to come through as the first era of fighters who have specifically trained to be MMA fighters has begun, new champions have been crowned such as Jon Jones, Cain Velasquez, Ben Henderson and Jose Aldo but despite constantly defending their titles against worthy challengers they have not been able to translate their success into the money that fighters such as Lesnar and Couture were able to bring in.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/793368/UFC_on_FOX-Dana_White_large.jpg

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/2643013/image001__2__large.png

However perhaps It would be harsh to blame these fighters. It's possible the reason is more to do with how the company has been run since it became so popular. The MMA business grew to such huge levels up to 2009 that UFC 100 may be looked back on as a peak that may never be reached again. All the stars aligned in the right places and delivered a show that may never be able to be beaten in terms of both public interest and financial success. Some have said that over-saturation of the UFC product in recent years is to blame. In the course of one month there may be a new fight card every week, and if you throw in the various country-specific Ultimate Fighter shows then you're looking at 2 shows every week. To meet the demand of such a high level of output there have been new weight classes added, both male and female, and an abundance of fighters that are unknown to the casual observer, some aren't even known by hardcore MMA fans. The once sacred position of being in a main event has become watered down to a huge extent, nowadays the idea of a title fight main eventing a show is rare, and there's no guarantee that casual fans will even know who the champion is when a title fight does happen. Often the smaller television shows are headlined by fighters where the winner is still not likely to be even in contention for a title shot.

http://wpmedia.o.canada.com/2012/08/the-ultimate-fighter-tuf.jpg

The Ultimate Fighter proved a massive success in its first few series with major stars being made in Forrest Griffin, Steffan Bonnar, Rashad Evans, Diego Sanchez, Josh Koscheck, Nate Diaz, Gray Maynard and Michael Bisping to name just a few. But as the years have gone on there hasn't been the talent pool available for the UFC to bring in fighters for TUF that have the necessary skills to ride the momentum of the TV show and immediately compete at a high level in the UFC. Ryan Bader is perhaps the last man to have won TUF and been able to compete at that level, but even he was knocked out by Tito Ortiz. Recent winner John Dodson has received a title shot, but that is due to the lack of depth in the brand new Flyweight division. The concept of Ultimate Fighter has been outsourced to countries such as the UK, Australia and most successfully Brazil, but with the shows being seen by very few people in the USA the winners of these competitions are just as well-known as a local fighter being brought in to make his debut.

http://www.mmabay.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/tuf-brazil.jpg

With domestic buyrates and interest in the US declining the UFC have gone about trying to expand the company on a more international scale. Part of the reason for the drastic increase in shows is down to the UFC wanting to expand their horizons, more shows are being held internationally in addition to the aforementioned country-specific Ultimate Fighter shows. After an attempt to break into the mainstream in the UK failed due to a lack of broadcasting opportunities (the UFC is only live on a pay-subscription channel which has been that way since 2006, just on various different channels) the company shifted their attentions to Brazil. So far this has been a much more successful due to a much stronger television deal which has brought in huge ratings despite some unfavourable viewing times. As a result the UFC have had almost tunnel vision in trying to grow the Brazilian market, Brazilian fighters are being brought in almost as much as American ones and the number of live events taking place in Brazil has grown a huge amount. Another target is Asia, China in particular, but thus far the level of talent from this area has not been anywhere close to the necessary level to compete for titles in the UFC.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02195/danawhite_13835095_2195503b.jpg

There is one other thing that has caused the UFC problems, and some might suggest it's been caused by their own generosity. The decision to implement full health insurance for all their contracted fighters is a wonderful gesture and has no doubt helped out many of their fighters who may struggle to pay medical bills when they have to pull out of fights through injuries. However it's a double-edged sword, there's always the possibility of a fighter accepting a fight even when they know that they're injured, waiting for a month and then pulling out of the fight to get the UFC to cover their medical expenses. It's a cynical viewpoint, however the number of fights that have to change on every card is perhaps evidence that the drive to compete knowing that they need to do so in order to pay their bills is not necessarily there any more. Fight cards that start out looking very promising often end up being chopped and changed beyond all recognition, main events frequently get changed with top names having to pull out, and as a result the consumer gets confused and often frustrated that they're not seeing what was originally advertised.

To (finally) bring this into a diary scenario it is the last paragraph that I'm going to focus on. WMMA does not realistically simulate the huge number of injuries that modern day MMA produces (the game is set in the 90s when this was rarely an issue), so I'm intending to encompass this into my diary in the best way possible.

For every fight card I produce (normally between 10-12 fights) I am going to roll a 12-sided dice. The number that comes up on that dice will be the number of (fictional) injuries that occur on the card. A second dice will then be used to determine which fighters are affected by these injuries. When the number is rolled a coin will be tossed, heads will mean that it is from the first six fights, tails means it will be the second four to six fights.

Heads

MAIN EVENT = Fighter 1 & Fighter 2

CO MAIN EVENT = Fighter 3 & Fighter 4

3RD FIGHT = Fighter 5 & Fighter 6

4TH FIGHT = Fighter 7 & Fighter 8

Tails

7TH FIGHT = Fighter 1 & Fighter 2

8TH FIGHT = Fighter 3 & Fighter 4

9TH FIGHT = Fighter 5 & Fighter 6

10TH FIGHT = Fighter 7 & Fighter 8

Well you get the idea with that. Once every injury has been decided then the card will need to be restructured with new fighters replacing the ones who are injured. When it comes to title fights then if the champion is injured the challenger will either fight someone else or wait for a title opportunity on a case-by-case basis. Fighters who are stricken by the injury curse will not be permitted to be booked on a new card until one month after the injury, which will often be three or four cards after the show they were originally booked for.

Whilst the injuries will be the main focus the number of cards is also going to be addressed. There will only be one numbered event (i.e. PPV) every month, and only TV shows when there are viable main events to headline them. I will try to run Ultimate Fighter shows in order to create new stars, however a UFC veteran competition (i.e. Season 4) may be easier to run with the WMMA game world limitations.

The diary will actually start in May 2013 as opposed to present day, mainly because this was when the last batch of real world data was released for WMMA 3. Cards will be booked as accurately as possible up to the present day, with some allowances made for differing results and of course the injury factor. The first show will be UFC 160 where Cain Velasquez defends his UFC Heavyweight title against Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva... unless the injury curse stops that from happening.

NEXT UP: Champions and Top 10 rankings of what feels like all 429 UFC weight classes.

Chris2K · December 19, 2013

<span style="font-size:14px;">HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://media.ufc.tv/160/cain-155.JPG</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Cain Velasquez (11-1)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Junior dos Santos (15-2)</p><p>

3. Antonio Silva (18-4)</p><p>

4. Daniel Cormier (12-0)</p><p>

5. Fabricio Werdum (16-5-1)</p><p>

6. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (34-7-1-1 NC)</p><p>

7. Alistair Overeem (36-12)</p><p>

8. Mark Hunt (9-7)</p><p>

9. Roy Nelson (19-7) </p><p>

10. Frank Mir (16-7)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Travis Browne (#12, 14-1-1), Stefan Struve (#14, 25-6), Brendan Schaub (#15 9-3)</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://www.sportrichlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Jon-Jones-UFC-Championship-Title.jpg</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Jon Jones (18-1)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Dan Henderson (29-9)</p><p>

3. Lyoto Machida (19-3)</p><p>

4. Phil Davis (11-1-1 NC)</p><p>

5. Alexander Gustafsson (15-1)</p><p>

6. Glover Teixeira (20-2)</p><p>

7. Mauricio Rua (21-7)</p><p>

8. Rashad Evans (17-3-1)</p><p>

9. Antinio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5)</p><p>

10. Ryan Bader (15-3)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Forrest Griffin (#11, 19-7), Chael Sonnen (#12, 27-13-1), Gegard Mousasi (#14, 34-3-2)</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://a4d69b0be31a71a4ce13-693158ff2c1c99d0e4a41d57d491843d.r93.cf1.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Anderson-Silva-UFC-126-Post.jpg</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Anderson Silva (33-4)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Chris Weidman (9-0)</p><p>

3. Yushin Okami (29-7)</p><p>

4. Michael Bisping (24-5)</p><p>

5. Vitor Belfort (23-10)</p><p>

6. Rich Franklin (29-6-1 NC)</p><p>

7. Mark Munoz (12-3)</p><p>

8. Tim Boetsch (16-5)</p><p>

9. Ronaldo Souza (18-3-1 NC)</p><p>

10. Ronny Markes (14-1)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Wanderlai Silva (#11, 35-12-1-1 NC), Luke Rockhold (#12 10-2), Hector Lombard (#16, 32-4-1-1 NC)</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://mmanytt.se/wp-content/uploads/GSP_belt_00012.jpg</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Georges St. Pierre (24-2)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Johny Hendricks (15-1)</p><p>

3. Jake Shields (27-6-1-1 NC)</p><p>

4. Rick Story (15-6)</p><p>

5. Jake Ellenberger (29-6)</p><p>

6. Mike Pierce (16-5)</p><p>

7. Demian Maia (18-4)</p><p>

8. Dan Hardy (25-10)</p><p>

9. Martin Kampmann (20-6)</p><p>

10. Tarec Saffiedine (14-3)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Rory MacDonald (#13, 14-1), BJ Penn (#18, 16-9-2), Carlos Condit (#20, 28-7), Nick Diaz (#22, 26-9), Erick Silva (Unranked, 14-3-1 NC)</p><p> </p><p>

No, I don't understand those rankings either.</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://www2.cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20130428105933_IMG_9047.JPG</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Benson Henderson (19-2)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Gray Maynard (11-1-1-1 NC)</p><p>

3. Anthony Pettis (16-2)</p><p>

4. Gilbert Melendez (21-3)</p><p>

5. Diego Sanchez (24-5)</p><p>

6. T.J. Grant (20-5)</p><p>

7. Jim Miller (22-5)</p><p>

8. Rafael dos Anjos (19-6)</p><p>

9. Josh Thomson (20-5-1 NC)</p><p>

10. Brian Ebersole (50-15-1-1 NC)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Donald Cerrone (#13, 19-5), Nate Diaz (#14, 16-9), Joe Lauzon (#18, 22-8)</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20111214021231_press__jose_aldo.JPG</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Jose Aldo (22-1)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Chad Mendes (14-1)</p><p>

3. Chan Sung Jung (13-3)</p><p>

4. Rani Yahya (18-7)</p><p>

5. Clay Guida (30-13)</p><p>

6. Dennis Siver (21-8)</p><p>

7. Frankie Edgar (15-4-1)</p><p>

8. Mike Brown (26-8)</p><p>

9. Erik Koch (12-2)</p><p>

10. Dustin Poirier (13-3)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Cole Miller (#16, 19-7), Hatsu Hioki (#17, 26-6-2), Nam Phan (#24, 18-11)</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://www.superlutas.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Dominick-Cruz-Renan-Bar%C3%A3o.jpg</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion (Injured): Dominick Cruz (18-1)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;">

Interim Champion: Renan Barao (30-1-1)</span></p><p> </p><p>

3. Urijah Faber (28-6)</p><p>

4. Brian Bowles (10-2)</p><p>

5. Takeya Mizugaki (17-7-2)</p><p>

6. Michael McDonald (15-2) </p><p>

7. Brad Pickett (23-7)</p><p>

8. Eddie Wineland (20-8-1)</p><p>

9. Scott Jorgensen (14-7)</p><p>

10. Hugo Viana (7-1)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Raphael Assuncao (#11, 19-4), Bryan Caraway (#14, 17-6), Erik Perez (#24, 13-4)</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">FLYWEIGHT DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://media.heavy.com/media/2012/10/Screen-Shot-2012-10-02-at-11.38.42-PM.png</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Demetrious Johnson (17-2-1)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Joseph Benavidez (18-3)</p><p>

3. John Moraga (13-1)</p><p>

4. Jussier da Silva (13-2)</p><p>

5. Ian McCall (11-4-1)</p><p>

6. John Lineker (21-6)</p><p>

7. John Dodson (14-6)</p><p>

8. Darren Uyenoyama (8-4) </p><p>

9. Tim Elliot (9-3-1)</p><p>

10. Chris Cariaso (14-5)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: ... None. We may need some more Flyweights.</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p>

<span style="font-size:14px;">WOMEN'S (BANTAMWEIGHT) DIVISION</span></p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://dreysports.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/rondarouseyestherlinmmafighting_crop_exact1_crop_exact.jpg</span></p><p>

<span style="font-size:12px;">Champion: Ronda Rousey (7-0)</span></p><p> </p><p>

2. Dr. Rosi Sexton (13-2)</p><p>

3. Alexis Davis (13-5)</p><p>

4. Miesha Tate (13-4)</p><p>

5. Sarah Kaufman (15-2)</p><p>

6. Sheila Gaff (10-5-1)</p><p>

7. Amanda Nunes (7-3)</p><p>

8. Sara McMann (7-0)</p><p>

9. Julie Kedzie (16-10)</p><p>

10. Liz Carmouche (8-3)</p><p> </p><p>

Other notables: Cat Zingano (#11, 7-0)</p><p> </p><p>

More on the way again.</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>HIRINGS</strong></p><p> </p><p>

To try and make up for those low numbers in the Flyweight and Women's division I've been going on a hiring spree. I've also brought in some Russian Heavyweights and a well known Lightweight.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Women's Bantamweight</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Carina Damm</p><p>

Kyra Gracie</p><p>

Roxanne Modafferi</p><p>

Shayna Baszler</p><p>

Jessica Eye</p><p>

Jessica Radkowsky</p><p>

Jessica Penne</p><p>

Hanna Sillen</p><p>

Lena Ovchynnikova</p><p>

Taylor Stratford</p><p>

Tara LaRosa</p><p>

Marlos Coenen</p><p>

Zoila Gurgel</p><p>

Kerry Vera</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Flyweight</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexandre Pantoja</p><p>

Danny Martinez</p><p>

Pat Runez</p><p>

Rafael de Freitas</p><p>

Claudir Dutkevis</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Heavyweight</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Sergei Kharitonov</p><p>

Shamil Abdurahimov</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Lightweight</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Gesias Calvancante</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

NEXT UP: Let's get started with UFC 160...</p></div><p></p><p></p>

Chris2K · December 21, 2013

UFC 160: VELASQUEZ vs. BIGFOOT II

ORIGINAL CARD

MAIN CARD

UFC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

Cain Velasquez © vs. Antono Silva

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Junior Dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Glover Teixeira vs. James Te Huna

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

T.J. Grant vs. Gray Maynard

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Donald Cerrone vs. K.J. Noons

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Mike Pyle vs. Rick Story

PRELIMS

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION

Dennis Bermudez vs. Max Holloway

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Robert Whittaker vs. Colton Smith

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Stephen Thompson vs. Gunnar Nelson

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Brian Bowles vs. George Roop

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION

Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan

Time to roll the dice... and it's a 5. That could have been a lot worse.

And here come the injuries...

Gray Maynard has been ruled out of UFC 160 through injury. His opponent, T.J. Grant, will now fight former UFC Lightweight champion Sean Sherk, who himself has just come back from a career-threatening multitude of injuries that have kept him out of the Octagon since September 2010.

K.J. Noons has suffered an injury to his hand, and seeing as all Noons can do is strike his camp have decided to pull him out of his fight against Donald Cerrone at UFC 160. His replacement is world class grappler Mark Bocek, and it would be hard to find a fighter more different in style to Noons than Bocek. Will the Cowbody be able to overcome this late change?

Max Holloway, one of the youngest fighters on the UFC roster at 21, has pulled out of his fight with Dennis Bermudez at UFC 160. His replacement will be Venezuelan Featherweight Maximo Blanco. Sources suggest that Blanco was chosen because his first name is very similar to Holloway's and was therefore next on Joe Silva's contact list.

The Lightweight fighters continue to drop out of UFC 160 like flies, this time it's Khabib Nurmagomedov who is pulling out through injury. The undefeated Russian prospect has been replaced by Vinc Pichel to create a fight with Abel Trujillo that is now interesting nobody outside of Pichel's trainer Big John McCarthy. It will however please MMA journalists who now won't have to worry about writing Nurmagomedov's name accurately during the event.

No, wait, to correct the earlier story, now Abel Trujillo has gone down with injury as well. The doomed contest will now be Vinc Pichel against Jeremy Larsen who is coming off a KO loss to Lucas Martins in his last fight. Yes, Lucas Martins.

So thankfully the three top fights weren't affected, however there are some annoyances from who we did lose. Gray Maynard is the biggest name to drop out, so I replaced him with another former Lightweight champion in Sean Sherk. Sherk may have retired in real life but there's no reason for me not to use him here. Donald Cerrone now probably has a tougher test against Mark Bocek than he would have had against KJ Noons, but more annoyingly was losing Khabib Nurmagomedov who has the talent to be a fresh contender in the Lightweight division. The other prelim changes don't really make much of a difference, although I did find it funny that the perpetual injury machine Gunnar Nelson managed to survive the injury plague here.

AMENDED CARD AND PREVIEW

MAIN CARD

UFC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

Cain Velasquez (11-1) © vs. Antonio Silva (18-4)

-260 ----- +200

Cain Velasquez was seen as the new Heavyweight figurehead when he beat Brock Lesnar to win the Heavyweight title, but he lost to Junior dos Santos in his first defence, a match he entered with a torn ACL and a torn rotator cuff. The last time these two clashed it was Velasquez giving Silva one of the most one-sided beatings in UFC Heavyweight division history. Since then Velasquez has regained the UFC Heavyweight title by defeating Junior dos Santos, and here looks to make his first successful defence. Silva has scored a victory over Travis Browne and a huge win over Alistair Overeem to earn this championship match, but Velasquez is a heavy favourite among experts thanks to the brutal victory in their previous encounter.

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Junior Dos Santos (15-2) vs. Mark Hunt (9-7)

-200 ----- +150

The former Heavyweight champion is desperately seeking a chance to get his championship back, and a win here could be all he needs to get a third fight with Cain Velasquez. Dos Santos is well known for his boxing prowess, but his opponent is just as famous for being unstoppable. Mark Hunt wasn't even wanted by the UFC but got a chance due to his PRIDE contract not being honoured, despite losing his first match he has gone on a tear with four straight victories including a brutal KO of Stefan Struve which broke the German's jaw. A win here may make Hunt the unlikeliest Heavyweight title contender since Zuffa bought the company.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Glover Teixeira (20-2) vs. James Te Huna (16-5)

-230 ----- +180

Many see Glover Teixeira as being a worthy challenger for Jon Jones, perhaps even his toughest challenge thus far, but he has to get past James Te Huna first. Texeira spent the majority of his career in Brazil due to visa issues, but eventually made it to the UFC and has won all three of his fights, the last one being against former champion Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. New Zealander James Te Huna is a fighter following a similar path to Mark Hunt, generally considered as someone without the skill to be successful, but the expansion of the UFC to Australia gave him a chance to become a national hero and he has scored four wins in a row, albeit against what could be called inferior opponents.

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

T.J. Grant (20-5) vs. Sean Sherk (36-4-1)

-200 ----- +150

TJ Grant is a highly decorated Canadian wrestler (as highly decorated as a Canadian wrestler can be) and has trained to become a well-rounded fighter. After a tough start to his UFC career where any win he had was snuffed out with a loss, Grant moved down to Lightweight and has scored three wins in a row including a vicious KO of Matt Wiman. Sean Sherk is a former UFC Lightweight champion who was stripped of the title after a failed steroid test, an allegation Sherk has denied constantly. Sherk hasn't been able to make it back to the same level due to a constant array of injuries, and at 39 this may be Sherk's last chance to make an impression.

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Donald Cerrone (19-5) vs. Mark Bocek (11-5)

-370 ----- +290

Former WEC Lightweight title contender Donald Cerrone may be someone who has never quite lived up to his potential, whenever he has reached the outskirts of the elite he has always lost an important match, be it his controversial Lightweight title defeat to Jamie Varner, being mentally psyched out by Nate Diaz, or getting his guts kicked in by Anthony Pettis. Bocek is a UFC veteran with 12 fights inside the Octagon, he has lost to names such as Ben Henderson and Frankie Edgar but his 7 wins don't have any big scalps among them. Bocek is perhaps more famous for being Dana White's jiu-jitsu instructor.

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Mike Pyle (24-8-1) vs. Rick Story (15-6)

+150 ----- -190

Veteran Mike Pyle has never really made much of an impact during his time in the UFC despite having a 7-3 record inside the Octagon. He is currently riding a three fight win streak and has won six out of his last seven fights, the only defeat coming against the MMA wunderkid Rory MacDonald. Rick Story was on a road to a Welterweight title shot after victories over Johny Hendricks and Thiago Alves, but a huge upset loss to late replacement Charlie Brenneman destroyed any momentum he had. Defeats to Martin Kampmann and Demian Maia since then have left Story a long way from a title match, but he at least managed a win over Quinn Mulhern last time out.

PRELIMS

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION

Dennis Bermudez (10-3) vs. Maximo Blanco (9-4-1-1 NC)

-440 ----- +350

After losing the Ultimate Fighter Season 14 finale to Diego Brandao, Dennis Bermudez has been on a three fight winning streak. Blanco has only fought twice in the UFC after coming over from Strikeforce, he beat Sam Sicilia in his last fight which means very little.

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Robert Whittaker (8-1) vs. Colton Smith (3-1)

-300 ----- +230

Whittaker won The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes! Smith won The Ultimate Fighter US Season 16! Now, mainly because they have nothing better to do and aren't good enough to fight above this level, nor does anyone know who they are. I'm not great at promoting these prelim fights.

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Vince Pichel (7-1) vs. Jeremy Larsen (8-4-1 NC)

-500 ----- +390

It's the battle of people who weren't even booked to compete. Again, struggling with my advertising here. Pichel was suplexed into oblivion by Rustam Khabilov last time out, Jeremy Larsen was knocked out by Lucas Martins. Loser gets fired probably.

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Stephen Thompson (6-1) vs. Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1)

+280 ----- -360

This battle actually has some interest to it, Thompson is a kickboxing prodigy with several amateur and professional titles before moving into MMA. Matt Brown handed Thompson his first MMA defeat, and he may not have time on his side at the age of 30. Gunnar Nelson is undefeated and is Iceland's major force in MMA. Nelson is a karate practicioner, but also placed second in his weight class at the World Jiu Jitsu championships at just 20.

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Brian Bowles (10-2) vs. George Roop (13-9-1)

-690 ----- +550

This is another prelim which interests me more than some of the main card, mainly because we have a former WEC Bantamweight champion against the world's tallest Bantamweight. Bowles was considered the best Bantamweight in the world before he lost to Dominick Cruz, and a quick defeat to Urijah Faber has put him back into the also-rans. George Roop was likely on his way out of the UFC before agreeing to fight at 135 despite being 6'1", and as such he towers over most of his opponents.

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION

Jeremy Stephens (20-9) vs. Estevan Payan (13-3-1 NC)

-290 ----- +230

Stephens has fought 15 times in the UFC and he's only 27, however he has a 7-8 record in the UFC and has lost his last three fights. Estevan Payan has won his last 7 fights, except only one of those victories was against an opponent who had a Wikipedia page. Make of that what you will.

Chris2K · December 29, 2013

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">UFC 160: Velasquez vs. Bigfoot II</span></strong></p><p><strong>

Date: Saturday, Week 3 of May 2013</strong></p><p><strong>

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/964368/mma_fighting.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Welcome to MMAFighting.com's Live Text coverage of UFC 160. Later on tonight we're going to see two of the most hotly anticipated Heavyweight matches of the year so far including the UFC Heavyweight title being defended in the main event, plus we may have a Light Heavyweight title contender crowned if Glover Teixeira can get past James Te Huna.</p><p> </p><p>

But first we have the preliminary fights!</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preliminary Card</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight #1</strong></p><p><strong>

Featherweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JeremyStephens_zps29b563a3.jpg</span><strong> - Jeremy Stephens (20-9) vs. - Estevan Payan (13-3-1 NC) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/EstevanPayan_zps2d9a4340.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Stephens tries to get a takedown almost immediately but Payan does a good job of keeping the fight standing, Rest of the round is a complete dud, neither fighter seems to want to engage in striking and even the sparse crowd that are in the arena are getting on their backs already. Towards the end of the round Stephens shoots in for another takedown but Payan again defends it. I’d love to score this round 0-0, but if someone has to win it then I suppose it goes to Payan 10-9 due to the control he was able to maintain by stopping the takedowns. </p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Surely this round has to be better? Stephens actually connects with his first meaningful strike of the fight with a right hook to the body, however Payan makes sure to keep Stephens away with a straight left. When Stephens does finally close the distance Payan is able to get out of an attempted slam and moves away again. Once again the fight ends up turning into a stalemate with neither fighter wanting to make the first move, the concept of striking becomes non-existent and again it's nearly impossible to say who wins such an uninspiring round.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Who knows who won that last round so it's all to play for here. Thankfully both fighters seem a bit more interested in actually fighting this time, however neither one is able to land a telling strike on the feet. Stephens tries for another takedown but Payan avoids him, and a second takedown attempt from Stephens is also stuffed by Payan. The Venezuelan is doing a fine job defensively but his lack of attack could cost him. Stephens gets another clinch late in the round and again Payan slips out of harm's way. How do you judge this? Stephens was the one making all the takedown attempts, Payan controlled the fight by defending them. Looks like the judges don't really know either as we have a split decision, 29-28 Stephens, 29-28 Payan and 29-28 to... Payan. That's four losses in a row for Stephens, fighters don't normally survive those kind of losing streaks in the UFC.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Estevan Payan (14-3-1 NC) via Split Decision</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Very Poor</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preliminary Card</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight #2</strong></p><p><strong>

Bantamweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/BrianBowles_zps6a158618.jpg</span><strong> - Brian Bowles (10-2) vs. George Roop (13-9-1) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/GeorgeRoop_zpsa4a76616.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Bowles immediately shows his class after connecting with a leg kick then setting up a takedown which successfully gets Roop down to the ground. There's no height advantage for Roop when he's on his back. Bowles doesn't seem able to do much against Roop on the ground and only lands a few strikes in the time before the referee stands them up. Just a minute left in the round now, but Bowles gets another takedown immediately to close out the round in control. 10-9 Bowles.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Roop finally gets going in the fight with a good left hand, he really should have the advantage in the striking but hasn't taken the initiative. Bowles uses a combination to set up a takedown and gets it, his third of the fight. Bowles ends up in half guard and Roop defends well every time Bowles tries to advance his position. Bowles gives up trying to advance and ends up just trying an arm triangle from half guard but Roop is never in any trouble. Bowles tries another arm triangle towards the end of the round, and if nothing else that activity keeps the referee from standing them up. Bowles' round again easily.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Roop has to need a finish here, and he starts well with a crisp left hand, Bowles is happy to just sit back and wait for Roop to attack and just keeps backing off. Bowles connects with a nice leg kick after dodging a jab but is lucky not to get caught by an uppercut from Roop. For someone who needs a finish to win this Roop really hasn't had the urgency in the second half of this round, there's no swinging for the fences or even pressuring a relaxed Bowles. The fight ends, scores are in: 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28 to Bowles for a unanimous decision. Can't argue with that result as Bowles dominated the first two rounds, but the fight was terrible.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Brian Bowles (11-2) via Unanimous Decision</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Awful</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preliminary Card</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight #3</strong></p><p><strong>

Welterweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/StephenThompson_zps0417821f.jpg</span><strong> - Stephen Thompson (6-1) vs. Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/GunnarNelson_zps2ec1b45c.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

After two rubbish fights to start with let's hope this one is a bit different. If you believe the rumours the UFC are really behind Nelson as a potential superstar. Let's pray that doesn't mean they'll try and expand to Iceland next. Holy crap, what the hell just happened? Nelson came in with a combination looking for a takedown but Thompson counters with some kind of flying side kick! It's KNOCKED NELSON OUT COLD! That is an incredible kick right there, expect this one to be shown on the main card if there's time for it. If enough people see this Thompson's going to be remembered for a while. Looks like the UFC backed the wrong horse with Nelson.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Stephen Thompson (7-1) via KO (Kick) - 0:24 of Round 1</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Good</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preliminary Card</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight #4</strong></p><p><strong>

Lightweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/VincPichel_zps9b73b114.jpg</span><strong> - Vinc Pichel (7-1) vs. Jeremy Larsen (8-4-1 NC) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JeremyLarsen_zps6394cdf7.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

With the best will in the world I don't know how anyone can be too excited for this one, and both fighters only found out they were fighting a week ago. Pichel grabs a clinch to start with and gets Larsen against the cage, and Pichel controls the action with some punches to the body of Larsen. Larsen eventually gets away and soon both fighters are throwing punches, Pichel manages to avoid a left from Larsen and hits a nice combination. Larsen dodges a jab and nails a hard body kick right at the end of the round, but Pichel's control of the first half will probably win the round for him.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Pichel avoids a body kick and connects with some nice punches, but soon Larsen avoids a jab and lands a roundhouse kick to the ribs. The strikes keep landing as Pichel lands a nice jab, but Larsen avoids a combination and connects with a left hand. Pichel takes control with two nice combinations which keeps Larsen from getting too close, Pichel swings a big right hand but Larsen ducks it and hits a right hand of his own. Larsen seems to know he's not winning the striking battle and backs away from Pichel for the remainder of the round. Another round to Pichel, and this round had more action than the first two fights combined.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Larsen needs a comeback here and starts off with a leg kick, Pichel wants to take the fight to the ground to try and consolidate his lead but Larsen sprawls to block the takedown. Larsen throws out a body kick which Pichel avoids and hits a few quick punches, but Larsen then ducks a jab and nails a really good left hand. Larsen is attacking more but Pichel's counter striking is superb, he just keeps dodging Larsen's punches and connecting with combinations. Larsen throws a body kick but Pichel moves and lands a HUGE right hand! Pichel follows up with some punches on the ground but I think Larsen was out before he hit the mat, Pichel gets the victory! He would have almost certainly won the decision but a finish is far more gratifying for Pichel.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Vince Pichel (8-1) via KO (Punch) - 3:58 of Round 3</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Fantastic</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preliminary Card</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight #5</strong></p><p><strong>

Welterweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RobertWhittaker_zps9febe072.jpg</span><strong> - Robert Whittaker (8-1) vs. Colton Smith (3-1) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ColtonSmith_zps290337b1.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

It's time for two Ultimate Fighter winners to fight, and just to show how famous these two are after winning their respective competitions they get a barely mentioned fight in the prelims. Whittaker is a fearsome striker so there's no surprise that Smith takes him down at his first opportunity. Smith stays in half guard. He's still in half guard. Still in half guard. Smith is at least trying to improve his position but Whittaker's not letting him get anywhere. The referee should have stood this up a long time ago but instead finishing the round with them still on the ground. The round has to go to Smith, his takedown was literally the only action we saw.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Well this round can't be any worse than the last one. Whittaker is imposing himself with the striking game a bit more this time and Smith is looking a bit fearful of getting into range. Smith keeps moving back to avoid jabs from Whittaker, but Smith eventually throws out a jab which Whittaker avoids and drops Smith with a vicious right hook to the jaw! Whittaker follows up with a few more shots before the referee steps in, and the Australian TUF winner takes home a victory!</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Brad Whittaker (9-1) via KO (Punch) - 3:58 of Round 3</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Average</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preliminary Card</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight #6</strong></p><p><strong>

Featherweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/DennisBermudez_zps42c4baa5.jpg</span><strong> - Dennis Bermudez (10-3) vs. Maximo Blanco (9-4-1-1 NC) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MaximoBlanco_zps6951e3c1.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

This is your last free fight, if you want any more you gotta pay. Blanco is one of surely not many with every possible fight outcome in his record after only 15 fights. Bermudez is attacking a lot to start, first with punches and then a takedown attempt, but the punches don't land and the takedown doesn't work. Blanc gets the fight into a clinch and sweeps Bermudez's legs to get the fight to the ground, but only ends up in guard. Blanco lands some innocuous strikes from the guard, Bermudez tries to push him away but ends up just giving Blanco the room he needs to get into side control. Poor work from Bermudez there and it's going to cost him, Blanco is quickly through into mount and is firing away with punches! Bermudez is trying to defend but there are several hard shots getting through, the referee has seen enough and stops the fight! Bermudez complains because there were only eight seconds in the round and he feels he could have survived, but maybe he shouldn't have handed Blanco side control on a plate to begin with.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Maximo Blanco (10-4-1-1 NC) via TKO (Strikes) - 4:52 of Round 1</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Great</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

Fight #7</strong></p><p><strong>

Welterweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MikePyle_zps0c6d810a.jpg</span><strong> - Mike Pyle (24-8-1) vs. Rick Story (15-6) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RickStory_zpsaac7148a.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

A lot of fans are worried this could be a borefest, I have to say I agree with them. In the first minute of the fight both men try to grapple, Story ends up leaving himself open though and gets taken down by Pyle which is a real surprise. For the next two minutes we're stuck in a stalemate with Pyle unable to pass the guard of Story with Story preventing Pyle from doing anything. Thankfully they're stood up for the final minute, but Story is quick to shoot in for a takedown of his own and he gets it. So now we're at one takedown a piece. The only way I can separate them is that Story nearly got a guillotine on Pyle's takedown, so 10-9 Story. Not a great start to this fight, that's for sure.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Story comes out looking to throw his left hand some more although Pyle is able to avoid them, Pyle on the other hand is more interested in waiting to counter. Story is definitely the more aggressive of the two, but it's Pyle who goes for the first takedown of this round which Story is able to defend. Pyle is left covering up to deflect several combinations from Story, he may be defending himself against damage but Story is looking the far superior fighter at the moment. Pyle tries another takedown but once again can't get through the takedown defence of Story, and the final minute of the round is just Story almost chasing Pyle around the Octagon. Without question this is Story's round 10-9, Pyle really needs to step up his game.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

The fight moves into a clinch almost immediately which Story is able to get control of, however his attempts to wrestle Pyle down to the ground aren't successful. Pyle ends up controlling the grapple but the exact same thing happens, Pyle fails the takedown, Story gets control, and eventually Story breaks the clinch. Pyle is starting to move forward a bit more and connects with a nice counter jab, but Pyle is looking tired and when Story shoots in for a takedown it doesn't seem like Pyle has the energy to stop him completing it. Story gets into half guard and is more than happy to just control the action, he goes for an arm triangle near the end of the round but that may just be to remain active enough. The fight's over and it's going to a decision that can surely only go one way. And it does, although all three judges give it 29-28 to Story instead of the 30-27 it deserved. At least the right guy one.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Rick Story (16-6) via Unanimous Decision</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Poor</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

Fight #8</strong></p><p><strong>

Lightweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/DonaldCerrone_zpsd6ef1f01.jpg</span><strong> - Donald Cerrone (19-5) vs. Mark Bocek (11-5) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MarkBocek_zps95ea364a.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Both fighters are coming into this unprepared, Cerrone was readying himself to face striker KJ Noons whilst Bocek only recently got offered the fight. Cerrone is at least in better fighting shape which may explain how he's just landed a vicious combination and has rocked Bocek already! Bocek is staggering backwards but doesn't go down, his instincts kick in to try and go for a takedown, but Cerrone steps back to avoid it. That at least gives Bocek time to recover, and moments later the Canadian is trying another takedown which is more successful, although he's helped by Cerrone leaving himself open after a body kick. Bocek starts trying to work through the guard of Cerrone, but in doing so he leaves his head open and Cerrone grabs a guillotine! Surely a cowboy can't tap out a Gracie student and BJJ black belt? Yes he can! Put it down to Bocek not having time to get ready for this fight if you want, but it's still an impressive victory for Cerrone.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Donald Cerrone (20-5) via Submission (Guillotine) - 3:16 of Round 1</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Great</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

Fight #9</strong></p><p><strong>

Lightweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/TJGrant_zps4ac53d04.jpg</span><strong> - T.J. Grant (20-5) vs. Sean Sherk (36-4-1) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/SeanSherk_zps62a1f0bd.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Here's a huge test to see whether Sherk is fit to be competing or not. Sherk gets off to a good start with a nice left hand and a good combination, but his attempt at a takedown is resisted by Grant. A left hand from Sherk misses and Grant counters with a nice jab, Grant really seems to be finding his feet now as he hits another jab and a third one shortly afterwards. Sherk connects with a clean left hand and then another one shortly afterwards, the Muscle Shark then brings the fight into the clinch. Sherk is able to control Grant against the cage for the remainder of the round and that should be enough for Sherk to be given the round as far as I've concerned.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Sherk starts off really impressively as Grant comes out to attack, Sherk simply counters him each time though and lands some good jabs. Grant isn't going to back off though and keeps coming forward, apparently unconcerned with Sherk's striking skills, and Grant gets the reward for his persistence when he catches Sherk with two hard right hands which puts Sherk down to the mat! Sherk isn't out but Grant is able to get straight into mount and begins hammering down punches, but Sherk has recovered his senses and is able to deal with the onslaught. Sherk tries to sweep Grant out of the top position but Grant keeps his mount, he just doesn't seem to be anywhere nearer to finishing Sherk. In the end Sherk survives the round, the only question now is whether this is a 10-9 or a 10-8 round to Grant?</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

You know what's a better nickname than "Muscle Shark"? "Iron". As in "Iron Sherk". Anyway, Grant comes out with the same intensity as the previous round, but this time he throws a body kick which Sherk catches and Iron Sherk takes him down and makes him humble. Maybe. Sherk remains inside Grant's guard for a while as he looks to keep control of the fight, Grant is a little more desperate and goes to try and grab an arm for a submission, but Sherk ends up utilising the opportunity to get through into side control. Now Sherk goes for an arm triangle which looks like it gets locked in pretty tight, Grant somehow gets free but Sherk remains firmly in control. Sherk tries to get into the mount but Grant keeps him at side control, and that's how the fight ends. So here come the scores... and it's 29-28 across the board to Sherk! I had it as a 28-28 draw but you know what these judges are like and how difficult it is to get anything other than a 10-9 with this scoring system.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Sean Sherk (37-4-1) via Unanimous Decision</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Good</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

Fight #10</strong></p><p><strong>

Light Heavyweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/GloverTeixeira_zps506f39da.jpg</span><strong> - Glover Teixeira (20-2) vs. James Te Huna (16-5) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JamesTeHuna_zps81944409.jpg</span><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Glover is well known for being a vicious striker and it looks like he intends to prove it, Te Huna may start with a nice combination but his second attempt results in Teixeira countering with a big right hand which knocks Te Huna down! Te Huna regains his senses pretty quickly though, however Teixeira still manages to take side control. Teixeira lands a hard knee, but Te Huna takes an opportunity to escape, only for Teixeira to stop him in a turtle position. Teixeira pounds away with punches to the side of Te Huna's head and body, Te Huna struggles to deal with them but eventually gets himself enough space to get free and back to his feet. With both of them now standing again it's still Teixeira in control with a hard jab, Te Huna still moves forward without the fear he probably should have, and the last action in the round is Teixeira connecting with another hard left hand. A one-sided beating from Teixeira but these judges will probably still call it 10-9. One will probably even give it to Te Huna.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

What can Te Huna do to not just be a punching bag this time? The New Zealander still comes out aggressively but a body kick misses and Teixeira lands a hard jab. Both fighters end up moving forward and are happy to start swinging punches, but that sort of striking battle naturally favours Teixeira who connects with another huge right hook and knocks Te Huna clean out! It's a brutal finish, but one that always seemed to be coming. A performance like this should be enough to get Teixeira a title shot.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Glover Teixeira (21-2) via KO (Punch) - 1:29 of Round 2</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Great</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

Co-Main Event</strong></p><p><strong>

Heavyweight Division</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JuniorDosSantos_zps261909f2.jpg</span><strong> - Junior dos Santos (15-2) vs. Mark Hunt (9-7) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MarkHunt_zpsc94cf233.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

I'd imagine the only question people are wondering here is not if Dos Santos will win, but whether he will be able to finish the tough Hunt off. As you'd expect both men just come out brawling like maniacs, and it's Hunt that gets the better of the first exchange with a hard right hand to the jaw. Dos Santos avoids a punch from Hunt and lands a right hook to the body, he then lands a few quick punches and a sequence of jabs. Dos Santos is just simply quicker than Hunt, every time the Samoan throws a punch dos Santos is able to avoid it and counter with his own. Eventually Hunt swings one too many times and dos Santos catches him with a counter right that knocks Hunt down! Dos Santos pounces and begins pounding on Hunt, but the Samoan is still conscious, albeit with dos Santos in side control. The former Heavyweight champion remains in the dominant position for the rest of the round, but Hunt somehow survives. The only way this isn't a 10-8 round is if it's called a 10-7 round.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Things keep on going the same way here as dos Santos continues to strike much quicker and cleaner than Hunt, JDS just lands combination after combination whilst Hunt, perhaps still dazed from the first round, keeps trying to swing for the fences. Dos Santos lands a couple of hard shots to the body before slamming a vicious jab to the nose of Hunt, it's bleeding and most likely broken. Despite this Hunt is still standing, and in a kind gesture JDS gives him a hard kick to the ribs to give his face a break from the punishment. Hunt keeps coming forward though, but he hasn't been able to land a meaningful strike during this round. Hunt's gas tank is nearly empty, his face is broken and he's a long way behind on the scorecards. Other than that everything's fiiiiine.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

From what he said to his corner it might be more than just his nose that's broken. Hunt's spirit remains intact though as he still moves forward, but JDS is just picking him apart now with jabs and straight punches to make sure that Hunt can't get close enough to get lucky with a big punch. Hunt is exhausted and battered, JDS still seems relatively fresh but hasn't had the same zip in his punches as the first two rounds. Dos Santos connects with another hard body kick and then a second kick moments later, but in some good news for Hunt he is able to avoid a combination. Both fighters are tired now so the last few minutes of the fight aren't much to watch. Hunt survives the fight but has taken significant damage in the process. We go to the judges for a decision who all give it to Dos Santos, amazingly it's just 30-27 across the board when 30-24 would have been a fairer, and more accurate score. Dos Santos should have his title re-match booked up with that performance.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner: Junior Dos Santos (16-2) via Unanimous Decision</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Good</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

MAIN EVENT</strong></p><p><strong>

UFC Heavyweight Title Match</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/CainVelasquez_zps87f61b6d.jpg</span><strong> - Cain Velasquez © (11-1) vs. Antonio Silva (18-4) - </strong><span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/AntonioSilva_zpsdff0f9f8.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Let's see if Bigfoot can do better than his last fight with Velasquez, although it would be hard to do any worse. Silva comes out looking to close the distance on Velasquez and throw some bombs, but he ends up just walking straight into a right hook from Velasquez and he's down already! Velasquez goes straight through into mount and begins dropping hard punches to the head, Silva's large cranium is taking a pounding here. Surely it's just a matter of time... and the referee steps in to stop the fight! Incredible stuff from Velasquez, he defends his title so it looks like we're going to get Velasquez/Dos Santos III later in the year if they don't get injured between now and then. And hey, I was wrong, Silva did manage to do worse than last time. I have to say, five of the six main card fights on this show were tremendous, if you didn't buy the show I'd suggest getting the replay to see them. </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Winner, and still UFC Heavyweight Champion: Cain Velasquez (12-1) via TKO (Strikes) - 0:42 of Round 1</strong></p><p><strong>

Fight Rating: Good</strong></p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>POST SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Here's some notes from what was said at the press conference.</p><p> </p><p>

- Dana asked the journalists what we thought about the show, and as critics we deemed it a good show. Commercially we considered it Decent as outside of the top two fights there wasn't much depth to the card.</p><p> </p><p>

- Fight of the Night went to Vinc Pichel and Jeremy Larsen who will get $30,000 bonuses each. It also seems like Larsen's going to keep his job despite losing due to how good the fight was.</p><p> </p><p>

- KO of the Night went to Glover Teixeira. Dana said it was close between Teixeira and Stephen Thompson but they were so impressed with Teixeira throughout the fight as a whole that they wanted to reward him. If I were Thompson I would be seriously pissed about that.</p><p> </p><p>

- Submission of the Night is a no-brainer, Donald Cerrone was the only one to win by submission. Dana chose to avoid my question about whether he'll be replacing Mark Bocek has his BJJ instructor after tapping out here.</p><p> </p><p>

- Apparently the UFC now have the technology to get attendance figures, buyrates and financial information straight away. The attendance was 17,333 bringing in $2,599,950, and the PPV buys worldwide were 925,965 for takings of $5,555,790. That's a really successful show, perhaps Velasquez is a bigger draw than we thought?</p><p> </p><p>

- If all goes to plan it will be Velasquez vs. Dos Santos III in October or November, most likely in Nevada. Dana is hoping that between now and then another Heavyweight will step up to be a title challenger.</p><p> </p><p>

- Glover Teixeira will get a future title shot but Alexander Gustafsson has the next shot against Jon Jones in September. Dana will speak to Glover to see if he wants to fight between now and his title shot which will likely be in early 2014.</p><p> </p><p>

- I asked about whether some of the rounds were underscored tonight and that JDS deserved some 10-8 rounds, Dana agreed but said the chances of the judges ever changing their 10-9 philosophy is unlikely.</p><p> </p><p>

- No news on a new series of Ultimate Fighter yet, but when it does come back we've been told to expect some format changes, perhaps even some kind of league format with several fights on one show instead of the tournament with one fight per week.</p><p> </p><p>

- Wouldn't be the UFC without injuries. Dennis Bermudez won't be available for 1-2 months due to injuring his back during his fight with Maximo Blanco which may explain why he got his ass kicked so badly. Dana also had no problem with the stoppage with 8 seconds left in the round, he would much rather see a fighter get protected than get seriously hurt in those 8 seconds.</p><p> </p><p>

- Mark Hunt apparently had his jaw broken by Junior Dos Santos in addition to having a broken nose and some bruised ribs from the body kicks. Dana said that if the medical staff had known about his jaw the fight would have been stopped, but Hunt is just too much of a warrior to tell anyone. He'll be out for a bit whilst he heals up.</p><p> </p><p>

- Dana was very thankful to Sean Sherk for stepping in at late notice and going on to win his fight, Sherk has apparently asked for some time off to deal with some personal issues and Dana is in no position to say no after Sherk helped him out on this card, although he would have liked Sherk to be around as a potential title contender.</p><p> </p><p>

- Jeremy Stephens is the only cut being made after losing four in a row. Dana said it was a shame as Stephens is a UFC veteran but his fight game has gone downhill significantly. Stephens will always be considered to return if he gets some wins under his belt.</p><p> </p><p>

---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p> </p><p>

NEXT UP: UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Nogueira!</p></div><p></p><p></p>

Chris2K · January 5, 2014

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:36px;"><strong>UFC FIGHT NIGHT: NOGUEIRA vs. WERDUM</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>ORIGINAL CARD</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">MAIN CARD</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum</p><p> </p><p> LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Thiago Silva vs. Rafael Calvancante</p><p> </p><p> WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Erick Silva vs. John Hathaway</p><p> </p><p> MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Daniel Sarafian vs. Ronny Markes</p><p> </p><p> FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Rony 'Jason' Mariano Bezerra vs. Mike Wilkinson</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">PRELIMS</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"> </span></strong></p><p> WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Ildemar Alcantara vs. Jason High</p><p> </p><p> FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Mizuto Hirota vs. Rodrigo Damm</p><p> </p><p> BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Raphael Assuncao vs. Vaughan Lee</p><p> </p><p> FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Godofredo Castro vs. Felipe Arantes</p><p> </p><p> MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION</p><p> Karlos Vemola vs. Caio Magalhaes</p><p> </p><p> Time to roll the dice, as there's only 10 fights the maximum injury number is 10 as well.</p><p> </p><p> This time it's... a <span style="font-size:24px;">4</span>. I'm dodging bullets here.</p><p> </p><p> Injury time!</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37299" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Ronny Markes </span></strong>has pulled out of UFC's next Fight Night card from Brazil which is likely to annoy the Brazilian fans he has. No word on what the injury is yet, but his replacement against Daniel Sarafian is <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Michael Kuiper</span></strong>. Markes is on a seven fight winning streak and we were told he was looking forward to fighting in front of his home fans.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37299" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>More annoyances for the UFC as one of the fighters in the Co-Main event of their Brazilian Fight Night show is out, <strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Rafael Cavalcante</span></strong> has hurt his knee and has been replaced by undefeated <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Eddie Mendez</span></strong>. As nobody knows who Mendez is Thiago Silva has been pushed down the card, the new Co-Main Event is Erick Silva v John Hathaway.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37299" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Vaughan Lee</span></strong> is out of his fight with Raphael Assuncao at UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Werdum. It's not a fight anyone particularly wants as Assuncao is a strong fighter at Bantamweight, but <strong><span style="color:#008000;">Johnny Bedford</span></strong> has answered the call and will be Lee's replacement on the long flight to Brazil.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37299" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>UFC are in real problems for their next Fight Night card as now <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>John Hathaway </strong></span>has pulled out of what is already a re-arranged co-Main Event against Erick Silva. <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Jason High</strong></span> is moving up from the prelims to fight Erick Silva, <span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Marcelo Guimaraes</strong></span></span> replaces High against Ildemar Alcantara, and Thiago Silva vs. Eddie Mendez moves back to the co-Main Event slot.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It may have only been four injuries but its messed up my main card pretty badly. Thank God the main event didn't get affected because at this point it's the only fight that people are going to care about. The two Silvas, Thiago and Erick, now have fights against weaker opponents with a lot of risk and very little reward, and we now have a guy making his UFC debut in the Co-Main Event. Hathaway actually pulled out in real life so I just did the exact changes the UFC did with Jason High. I'm not looking forward to seeing the Commercial rating for this show. </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:18px;">AMENDED CARD AND PREVIEW</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:14px;">MAIN CARD</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (34-7-1-1 NC) vs. Fabricio Werdum (16-5-1)</strong></p><p> </p><p> If there was ever a one fight show this is it, and here is that one fight. A former PRIDE and UFC (interim) Heavyweight champion, Nogueira is a legend of the sport after a career where he has fought the very best the Heavyweight division has to offer. Many thought he was on the decline after losses to Cain Velasquez and Frank Mir, but he has proven himself to still be dangerous after knocking out Brendan Schaub and submitting Dave Herman. Fabricio Werdum was surprisingly cut from the UFC in 2008, but responded by going to Strikeforce and becoming the first man to finish the legendary Fedor Emelianenko. Despite losing to Alistair Overeem in a boring fight Werdum was brought back to the UFC and has since won against Roy Nelson and Mike Russow. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Thiago Silva (14-3-2 NC) vs. Eddie Mendez (7-0-1-1 NC)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Well hopefully you've heard of Thiago Silva, a tough Light Heavyweight who has been on the fringes of a title shot but losses to Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Alexander Gustafsson put an end to that idea. More frustratingly Silva has failed drugs tests in two of his last three fights costing him over 18 months of his career during his prime years. As such it's doubtful the UFC will be willing to get behind him when he could fail another drug test in an important fight. Mendez is almost completely unknown unless you watched the prelims of a Strikeforce card in December 2011. Let's just assume you didn't. Sherdog actually has a loss on his record that WMMA doesn't have, but for the sake of this card let's just go with saying he's undefeated.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Erick Silva (14-3-1 NC) vs. Jason High (16-3)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Erick Silva was coming through as the latest Brazilian prospect until his momentum was de-railed, first by a controversial disqualification loss to Carlo Prater for punches to the back of the head, and then a more standard loss by decision to the now cut Jon Fitch. Silva is still young enough to learn from his defeats and become stronger because of them, and this can be his first step on the way back to fulfilling his potential. I doubt anyone thought Jason High would be a UFC fighter for long after losing to Charle Brenneman in March 2010, but a run of seven straight wins in both the USA and Japan, including his last three in Strikeforce, have earned High the opportunity to come back to the UFC and compete at the highest level.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Daniel Sarafian (8-3) vs. Michael Kuiper (12-2)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Sarafian is only on the main card due to being a finalist on the first series of Ultimate Fighter Brazil, a final he never actually got to compete in after getting injured in training. Sarifian finally got to make his UFC debut against C.B. Dolloway, but ended up losing via split decision in a very entertaining fight. Michael Kuiper is a late replacement who originially entered the UFC undefeated, but in the Octagon he has gone 1-2 with a win over Jared Hamman but losses to Rafael Natal and Tom Lawlor.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Rony 'Jason' Mariano Bezerra (12-3) vs. Mike Wilkinson (8-0)</strong></p><p> </p><p> I'm adding Jason to his name as Rony Jason is how he's usually known. Both of these men are TUF alumni, however Jason won the Featherweight tournament to become Brazil's first ever Ultimate Fighter, whereas Wilkinson won his first fight but had to pull out of the series through injury. Since their respective series ended Wilkinson has defeated Brendan Loughnane on the Finale show, whilst Jason scored a TKO victory over Sam Sicilia in his last fight.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:12px;">PRELIMS</span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Ildemar Alcantara (18-5) vs. Marcelo Guimaraes (8-1-1)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Alcantara is one of the many Brazilians that the UFC have stolen from Jungle Fight, and he was successful in his UFC debut in January with a submission victory over Wagner Prado. Guimaraes is another of the many Brazilians that the UFC have stolen from Jungle Fight, and he was successful in his UFC debut with a split decision win over Dan Stittgen, however Lim Hyun-Gyu knocked him out in his last fight.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Mizuto Hirota (14-5-1) vs. Rodrigo Damm (10-6)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Hirota is former Sengoku Lightweight champion who once faced Shinya Aoki on New Year's Eve and got his arm broken when he refused to submit to a hammerlock. His time in the USA hasn't been great, he lost to Pat Healy in Strikeforce and then lost his UFC debut to Rani Yahya in March. Rodrigo Damm had fought all around the world before fighting in the first season of TUF Brazil, he didn't win the tournament after pulling out through injury but he did win his first UFC fight against Anistavio Medeiros.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Raphael Assuncao (19-4) vs. Johnny Bedford (19-10-1)</strong></p><p> </p><p> If Assuncao had a better opponent he might be on the main card, but he doesn't, so he isn't. Assuncao is a ranked Bantamweight on the back of a three fight win streak in the UFC, and is unbeaten at Bantamweight after dropping down a division. Bedford is a former TUF competitor who was knocked out by John Dodson, but since then he has won fights over Louis Gaudinot and Marcos Vinicius, only to have his winning streak ended by slimebag Bryan Caraway.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Godofredo Castro (9-1) vs. Felipe Arantes (14-4-1-2 NC)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Castro made it all the way to the final of the Featherweight season of TUF Brazil, but ended up losing in the finale to Rony Jason. Castro still got his chance in the UFC though and made the most of it with a split decision victory over Milton Vieira in January. Arantes was one of the first batch of new Featherweights brought in by the UFC when they opened the division, and has gone an even 1-1-1 since that time with his last fight also against Milton Vieira which was a draw.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong> Karlos Vemola (9-3) vs. Caio Magalhaes (5-1)</strong></p><p> </p><p> For those keeping track this does mean all 10 fights include at least one Brazilian fighter. Vemola has fought at both Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight and is now down to Middleweight, he looks like a beast but has a tendancy to lose fights he shouldn't, such as defeats to Ronny Markes and Francis Carmont. Magalhaes has only fought once in the UFC which was exactly one year ago, he lost a unanimous decision to Buddy Roberts and has been out with injury ever since.</p></div><p></p><p></p>

Chris2K · January 6, 2014

<div><span style="font-size:36px;"><strong>UFC FIGHT NIGHT: NOGUEIRA vs. WERDUM</strong></span></div></p><p>

<div><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Date: Saturday, Week 1 of June 2013</strong></span></div></p><p>

<div><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Location: Fortaleza, Brazil</strong></span></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="mma_fighting.jpg" src="<a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/964368/mma_fighting.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/964368/mma_fighting.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Bem-vindo ao MMAFighting.com's Live Text coverage of UFC Fight Night. Look at that, we're multi-lingual now. I'm down in Brazil cage-side for what is expected to be a card of exciting fights being fought by people that nobody in the US has heard of. That is except the main event where two of the sports' best Heavyweights will collide in Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Fabricio Werdum. We'll also see TUF Brazil winners and finalists, Erick Silva and the recently unsuspended Thiago Silva.</div></p><p>

<div>But before all that we have the preliminary fights!</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Preliminary Card</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #1</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Middleweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="KarlosVemola_zps8b950bea.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/KarlosVemola_zps8b950bea.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/KarlosVemola_zps8b950bea.jpg"</a> /> - Karlos Vemola (9-3) vs. Caio Magalhaes (5-1) - <img alt="CaioMagalhaes_zps84b4c9cb.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/CaioMagalhaes_zps84b4c9cb.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/CaioMagalhaes_zps84b4c9cb.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Vemola is immediately trying to close the distance, he's the bigger of the two by some margin so it's no surprise he's trying to wrestle. Vemola tries to back Magalhaes against the cage but instead Magalhaes trips Vemola and they end up in the ground with Magalhaes in side control. Magalhaes is by far the superior ground fighter so this could be a bit one-sided, Vemola can't stop the Brazilian taking his back almost immediately and gets the hooks in to establish control, this one's not going to last much longer unless Vemola pulls off a miracle. OK, the only thing Vemola is trying to pull off is Magalhaes' arm from around his throat, Magalheas has the rear naked choke locked in and Vemola isn't getting out. Vemola taps out and Magalhaes gets the submission victory. Vemola looked terrible out there, not to take anything away from Magalhaes' performance of course.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Caio Magalhaes (6-1) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - 2:35 of Round 1</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Great</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Preliminary Card</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #2</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Featherweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="GodofredoCastro_zpsf4885c53.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/GodofredoCastro_zpsf4885c53.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/GodofredoCastro_zpsf4885c53.jpg"</a> /> - Godofredo 'Pepey' Castro (9-1) vs. Felipe Arantes (14-4-1-2 NC) - <img alt="FelipeArantes_zps7d3e4d94.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/FelipeArantes_zps7d3e4d94.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/FelipeArantes_zps7d3e4d94.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>My Brazilian counterparts are telling me to refer to Castro as Pepey, I suppose Castro's not the most fan-friendly of names. Arantes lands a nice leg kick but shows his real plan straight away by shooting in for a takedown, he gets Pepey down but only for a few moments before Pepey is back up. Pepey then tries for a single leg takedown of his own but Arantes defends and takes the fight into a clinch and backs Pepey agaisnt the cage. Arantes uses dirty boxing and striking on the inside to maintain control, and eventually it's Arantes that breaks the clinch as well. The round ends with both fighters keeping their distance, but Arantes should take the round.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Pepey lands a decent jab to start the round but Arantes is soon diving in for another takedown, this time though Pepey is able to avoid it. Arantes steps in to take the fight into a clinch again, it worked last time so why not try it again, and this time Arantes uses the clinch as a way to get Pepey down to the ground. Arantes is starting to look tired and Pepey tries to take advantage by grabbing an arm and looking for a triangle, but Arantes is alert enough to prevent it. Arantes doesn't seem to have the energy to advance his position which doesn't make for very entertaining ground work, and in the end it's Pepey kicking him away out of his guard shortly before the end of the round. As tired as Arantes is he's probably up two rounds now.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round3.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Pepey comes out looking to strike but his first punch misses and Arantes connects with a hard leg kick, that one echoed around the arena. Arantes seems happy to just keep countering, Pepey is looking a bit ragged and Arantes just dodges the punches and slams more leg kicks in. Pepey is standing in the pocket and trying his best, but Arantes continues to show great head movement to avoid the strikes, and every kick he lands to the leg of Pepey is another heavy blow. Pepey does manage to land a combination and some jabs but he's limping badly, Arantes lands the last strike of the fight with a kick to the ribs, and we're heading to the judges after a fairly unremarkable fight. The judges actually recognise the leg kicks in that final round which doesn't always happen, and the scores are 30-27 across the board for Felipe Arantes.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Felipe Arantes via Unanimous Decision</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Average</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Preliminary Card</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #3</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Bantamweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="RaphaelAssuncao_zps889a75c2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RaphaelAssuncao_zps889a75c2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RaphaelAssuncao_zps889a75c2.jpg"</a> /> - Raphael Assuncao (19-4) vs. Johnny Bedford (19-10-1) - <img alt="JohnnyBedford_zpsfb202381.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JohnnyBedford_zpsfb202381.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JohnnyBedford_zpsfb202381.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Assuncao comes out kicking in this fight although Bedford manages to avoid the first one, but the second slams into his front leg. Bedford keeps moving forward and connects with a nice jab, he then shows some more striking skills by avoiding a jab and hitting a right hand, then hitting another jab. Bedford is really impressing with his striking here, Assuncao can't lay a glove of him and Bedford is taking every opportunity to strike with punches when there's an opening. Bedford continues to utilise his jab mainly by avoiding Assuncao's, Assuncao eventually hits a combination which Bedford has to absorb. Assuncao manages to score with a left hook to the body just before the round ends, but it's a round that has to go to Bedford.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Bedford will no doubt want more of the same here and is happy to stand in the centre of the cage and trade strikes. Bedford is even more aggressive than before as he tries to connect with a series of big punches, but Assuncao avoids the strikes and NAILS Bedford with a brutal straight right! Bedford goes down like a tree falling in the forest and Assuncao is your winner by knockout in spectacular fashion, and all of Bedford's hard work in Round 1 goes to waste.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Raphael Assuncao (20-4) via KO (Punch) - 0:42 of Round 2</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Fantastic</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Preliminary Card</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #4</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Featherweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="MizutoHirota_zps32c32de6.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MizutoHirota_zps32c32de6.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MizutoHirota_zps32c32de6.jpg"</a> /> - Mizuto Hirota (14-5-1) vs. Rodrigo Damm (10-6) - <img alt="RodrigoDamm_zpsececaf77.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RodrigoDamm_zpsececaf77.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RodrigoDamm_zpsececaf77.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Both fighters tentatively strike to begin with but the stalemate is broken by Damm diving in for a takedown, however Hirota avoids it quite easily, Damm doesn't let this bother him though and he's the one who lands the first meaningful strike with a kick to the thigh of Hirota. Hirota counters a jab with a jab of his own then lands a terrific combination of punches, nothing that Damm isn't able to deal with though. Damm avoids another combination, but perhaps that combination has played with Damm's confidence as he seems to back away for the remainder of the round. There wasn't much action so that combination from Hirota is probably enough to win the round.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Damm starts out with a terrible leg kick which leaves himself wide open for a nice couple of shots to the body from Hirota. Damm really doesn't seem to want to strike with Hirota and shoots in for another takedown, but Hirota sprawls on it and forces Damm to turtle up on his knees. Hirota pretty much has the rear mount and pounds away with hard shots to the side of Damm's head, Damm almost looks like he's given up now as Hirota continues to land strikes, the referee tells Damm to do something but he just lies there. Hirota doesn't bother looking for a choke, he just keeps punching until the referee pulls him away. That really was a dismal showing from Damm, props still to Hirota though.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Mizuto Hirota (15-5-1) via TKO (Strikes) - 1:57 of Round 2</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Decent</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Preliminary Card</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #5</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Welterweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="RobertWhittaker_zps9febe072.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RobertWhittaker_zps9febe072.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RobertWhittaker_zps9febe072.jpg"</a> /> - Ildemar 'Marajo' Alcantara (18-5) vs. Marcelo 'Magrao' Guimaraes (8-1-1) - <img alt="ColtonSmith_zps290337b1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ColtonSmith_zps290337b1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ColtonSmith_zps290337b1.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>If you're going to have nicknames you could at least choose ones that aren't identical to your opponent. I'm using surnames this time. Alcantara shows some flamboyance with a spinning back fist almost straight away, it's nowhere close to landing but it looked nice. Guimaraes tries for a takedown but Alcantara avoids it, Guimaraes keeps moving forward though and tries another takedown which Alcantara cannot stop, although he does manage to get himself seated with his back on the cage. Unfortunately this is where the fight remains for the rest of the round as Guimaraes can't get into a decent position and Alcantara can't get Guimaraes off him. The crowd boos at the end of the round and you can hardly blame them, there was barely any action whatsoever.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Both fighters at least try to strike at the start of the second round but nobody actually lands anything decent, Alcantara eventually connects with a jab after Guimaraes misses with a kick, but soon the two fighters are in a clinch. Guimaraes manage to get control of the clinch and tries to slam Alcantara, but Alcantara slips away and out of the clinch. Alcantara throws out a jab but Guimaraes avoids it, Guimaraes then tries to get the fight back into a clinch but Alcantara stays out of reach. The two fighters really aren't putting on much of a show here, they spend over a minute without even throwing a strike before Alcantara lands a jab, and that's the last action of another dull round.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round3.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>I have this scored at 1-1 in rounds, but I'd happy listen to arguments for 0-0. The fight ends up in a clinch almost immediately which causes the crowd to boo, they've seen this before and it wasn't fun. Guimaraes again goes for the slam, again Alcantara avoids it, and thankfully we're out of the clinch. Alcantara connects with a nice jab after avoiding a right from Guimaraes, but Guimaraes lands his first meaningful strike in what feels like forever with a kick to the ribs. Guimaraes still wants that takedown but his latest attempt fails again, Alcantara doesn't take advantage though and we're left with another stalemate. This is such a close fight and I have no idea why neither fighter wants to impose themselves in the final moments. We're going to the judges for a decision, unfortunately someone has to win. It's a split decision, 29-28 Guimaraes, 29-28 Alcantara and 29-28 to... Guimaraes. Plenty of boos, probably not at the result, just at the fight.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Marcelo 'Magrao' Guimaraes via Split Decision</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Very Poor</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #6</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Featherweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="RonyMarianoBezerra_zps64cc813d.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RonyMarianoBezerra_zps64cc813d.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/RonyMarianoBezerra_zps64cc813d.jpg"</a> /> - Rony 'Jason' Mariano Bezerra (12-3) vs. Mike Wilkinson (8-0) - <img alt="MikeWilkinson_zps68a8176a.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MikeWilkinson_zps68a8176a.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MikeWilkinson_zps68a8176a.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Jason avoids a jab from Wilkinson and lands a nice combination of a left hook to the body and a big right cross. Wilkinson doesn't fancy any more of that and shoots in for a takedown, but Jason sprawls well and pushes Wilkinson face-first into the mat. Jason lands some hard right hands to the side of the head, but Wilkinson manages to get back to his feet. Jason counters a jab with a quick series of punches, Wilkinson shoots in for another takedown but Jason catches him with a hard right hand as he moves in and it leaves Wilkinson rocked! Jason lands a jab but a harder right hand misses and Wilkinson recovers his senses. Jason works a jab to stop Wilkinson from closing in and grappling, Wilkinson takes a step back to reconsider his options, but apparently trying to strike is not one of them. Jason moves forward now as he looks to try and connect with some more punches, Wilkinson sees him coming and drops down to go for a takedown, but Jason uses his sprawl again to pull Wilkinson down to the ground with a front facelock. Jason keeps Wilkinson on his knees to negate his wrestling until the time expires in the first round.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Wilkinson tries to land a jab but Jason dodges it and counters with some big right hands. Jason continues to move forward and tries to land another combination, but Wilkinson covers up well and avoids taking much damage from them. Jason manages to dodge another jab from Wilkinson and unleashes a huge right cross that catches Wilkinson right on the jaw! Wilkinson goes down and he's out cold and tasting defeat for the first time, Jason is celebrating in front of a crowd who certainly love him. That was a great way to kick off the televised part of this show.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Rony 'Jason' Mariano Bezerra (13-3) via KO (Punch) - 0:55 of Round 2</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Fantastic</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #7</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Middleweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="DanielSarafian_zps09cb8bd6.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/DanielSarafian_zps09cb8bd6.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/DanielSarafian_zps09cb8bd6.jpg"</a> /> - Daniel Sarafian (8-3) vs. Michael Kuiper (12-2) - <img alt="MichaelKuiper_zps6df34ff0.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MichaelKuiper_zps6df34ff0.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/MichaelKuiper_zps6df34ff0.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>The Brazilian fans like Sarafian which must make up for the fact that nobody in North America knows who he is. Kuiper lands the first good strikes with a quick combination, Kuiper seems happy to stand in front of Sarafian but that may be because he's eyeing a takedown, Sarafian defends the attempt though. Sarafian tries to connect with some big right hands but Kuiper does well to avoid them, Kuiper then hits a solid left hand and follows up with a second takedown attempt but Sarafian defends it again. Sarafian avoids a combination and hits a left hand, but that's the last action of the round as neither fighter feels the need to pressure the other. Hard to call who wins that round, maybe Sarafian for defending the takedowns, maybe Kuiper for at least trying to control the fight.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>The second round starts off in the same vein as the first with Kuiper landing a quick combination, but a more wreckless combination misses and Sarafian tags him with a jab. Sarafian is much more aggressive now but his big punches aren't finding a home. Sarafian is a different fighter in this round, he's closing Kuiper down and constantly threatening, he just isn't landing any big shots. That's partly due to Kuiper almost shutting down and defending, either with head movement or just covering up to protect himself. If Sarafian is getting frustrated he isn't showing it, he eventually manages to land a jab and then another decent jab just before the end of the round. Sarafian has outstruck Kuiper throughout this round and deservingly gets it 10-9.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round3.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>The crowd are getting restless again, apparently Sarafian just trying to land big shots isn't enough for them. They get their wish straight away as Sarafian connects with some hard right hands at the start of the final round, but Kuiper neutralises the situation by taking the fight into a clinch. Kuiper finally gets the chance to try his judo skills but he can't get the trip takedown he wants, but when they break the clinch Kuiper manages to land a few decent shots. Sarafian circles for a while waiting for Kuiper to attack, when Kuiper does Sarafian ducks it a punch and connects with a huge right hand that knocks Kuiper down! The Dutchman recovers quickly though and gets back up before Sarafian can pounce. Kuiper initiates another clinch and tries a judo throw again, but Sarafian keeps his balance and doesn't go down, remaining in the clinch until the fight comes to an end. That knockdown should be enough to seal it for Sarifian, and it is; the judges score it 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Daniel Sarifian (9-3) via Unanimous Decision</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Very Poor</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight #8</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Welterweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="ErickSilva_zpse3ca1d58.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ErickSilva_zpse3ca1d58.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ErickSilva_zpse3ca1d58.jpg"</a> /> - Erick Silva (14-3-1 NC) vs. Jason High (16-3) - <img alt="JasonHigh_zpsb3566597.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JasonHigh_zpsb3566597.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/JasonHigh_zpsb3566597.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Silva is the most popular Brazilian so far, I'm not sure if any of the fans know who High is. Silva lands the first strikes of the fight with some stinging rights and lefts, Silva goes for a heavier combination but High moves out of harm's way. High moves in and gets Silva into a clinch, from there he manages to catch Silva with an elbow and pushes Silva back against the fence. High keeps Silva stuck there fore the remainder of the round although it's not quite as boring as it sounds, High remains busy landing shots on the inside and even tries to get the underhooks to take Silva down, but Silva maintains his balance to keep his feet. Silva himself tries to get out of his predicament but he can't break free of the clinch, apart from the strikes at the beginning of the round Silva has not been able to get anything going.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Silva scores with a beautiful kick to the ribs and wants to stay in the pocket to strike, but High is more interested in a takedown and he gets it fairly easily to end up in Silva's guard. High just lies on top of Silva smothering him against the ground for over half the round, the fans aren't happy although that could be because their compatriot is getting mauled. High doesn't even try to advance his position, the closest thing we get to anything interesting is when Silva grabs an arm in an attempt to lock in a triangle choke, but High is far too savvy to get caught by that. High eventually tries to pass the guard but doesn't go anywhere, and the round soon ends without anything else happening. I have no idea why the referee did nothing to stop High's lay and pray tactic.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round3.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Silva needs to come out fast here and does so with a flurry of punches, High maintains his distance though so Silva's punches just hit thin air. Silva does connect with a left hand and remains in the pocket to strike some more, however High remains content to just stay away and not engage. Silva is looking pretty tired which is surprising considering how little he did in the second round, High perhaps picks up on this as he moves in to connect with a crisp jab. Silva manages to connect with a combination of good punches, but High ducks under a right hand and scores with a massive uppercut which knocks Silva down! High is quick to pounce and immediately mounts Silva, but instead of going for a finish with punches High decides to try for an armbar. That gives Silva time to recover and he is not only able to block the armbar but also stacks High up to take side control himself. Silva is perhaps still a bit woozy from the knockdown and doesn't do anything despite his strong position, and the punches he does throw lack power. The fight comes to an end and we're going to a decision again, this one's fairly simple though as High gets the unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27. Not sure how that judge gave Silva a round.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Jason High (17-3) via Unanimous Decision</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Poor</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Co-Main Event</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Light Heavyweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="ThiagoSilva_zps54bb7ad9.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ThiagoSilva_zps54bb7ad9.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/ThiagoSilva_zps54bb7ad9.jpg"</a> /> - Thiago Silva (14-3-2 NC) vs. Eddie Mendez (7-0-1-1 NC) - <img alt="EddieMendez_zps08f5b73d.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/EddieMendez_zps08f5b73d.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/EddieMendez_zps08f5b73d.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>The fans here really need Silva to deliver a big win to make up for the poor fights and Brazilian defeats we've had so far. If you don't know who Eddie Mendez don't feel bad, nobody here does either. I literally have no idea how he's co-main eventing this card. Silva lands a decent jab and surprisingly shoots in for an early takedown but Sanchez does well to avoid it. Now it's Mendez that's going for a takedown but Silva blocks it. Silva seems to want to clinch and that's exactly what happens, Silva is far more adept at Muay Thai it seems as he lands some hard elbows and a knee before Mendez can get out of the clinch. Silva seems to think that the clinch is going to be his best option and spends the remainder of the round trying to grapple with Mendez again, but Mendez stays out of Silva's reach. It's not the most agressive or fan pleasing of tactics, but it stops Mendez taking any more elbows to the face. Silva's round, 10-9.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Silva starts Round 2 with a hard kick to the thigh of Mendez, he then ducks a jab from Mendez and connects with a series of quick punches. Mendez gets a bit desperate with a spinning back fist which Silva easily avoids, and Silva takes the opportunity to get Mendez into another clinch. Silva pushes Mendez back until he's trapped against the cage, Silva just smothers Mendez against the cage for a while and it really looks like he's struggling for energy. We're really not that far into the fight. Silva finally does something and trips Mendez to get him down to the ground, Silva immediately gets into side control and locks in a very tight arm triangle, and it looks pretty deep! Mendez doesn't tap out though so maybe it wasn't locked in all that tight. Silva remains in side control for the remainder of another round which he has comfortably won, but his lack of energy is a concern.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round3.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Silva has dominated on the feet, dominated in the clinch and dominated on the ground yet still this fight continues. Silva still looks tired and Mendez is able to land some jabs and a nice combination. Mendez keeps moving forward but walks straight into a takedown from Silva to put an end to any momentum he had. Mendez pulls guard so Silva just smothers him against the ground witrhout trying to improve his position. Mendez knows that he has try something and goes for a triangle from the bottom, but Silva defends that and ends up getting through into side control after a brief struggle. Silva far outclasses Mendez on the ground and has no problem rolling Mendez over to take his back, from there Silva tries to lock in an armbar and looks to finish, the armbar is finally fully extended but the round comes to an end before Mendez taps. I'm not sure how Mendez managed to survive that, a few more seconds and this was over. Anyway, another 10-9 to Silva and the judges agree with me when they all give him the 30-27 score for a unanimous decision victory.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Thiago Silva (15-3-2) via Unanimous Decision</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Average</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>MAIN EVENT</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Heavyweight Division</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong><img alt="AntonioRodrigoNogueira_zps260658f1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/AntonioRodrigoNogueira_zps260658f1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/AntonioRodrigoNogueira_zps260658f1.jpg"</a> /> - Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (34-7-1-1 NC) vs. Fabricio Werdum (16-5-1) - <img alt="FabricioWerdum_zpsb9d6fb41.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/FabricioWerdum_zpsb9d6fb41.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/UFC2/FabricioWerdum_zpsb9d6fb41.jpg"</a> /></strong></div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round1.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round1.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Finally the crowd come alive, and who can blame them when this is literally the only fight on the card worth caring about. Big pop for the staredown between the two Brazilians, but the crowd seem more behind Nogueira than Werdum. Nogueira lands a nice jab to start but Werdum is able to avoid another jab and connects with a nice leg kick. Nogueira is the more active with feints and movement, and the tactic works as Werdum misses with a body kick allowing Nogueira to slam in some hard punches. Nogueria is definitely in control here with a couple of jabs, Werdum isn't just standing there though and he connects with a series of quick jabs to keep Nogueira at a distance. Werdum connects with a hard kick to the body and moves in to try and clinch with Nogueira, however Big Nog is able to keep his jab going and stops Werdum from closing the distance. It's been an entertaining first round, Nogueira landed the bigger strikes with those heavy right hands and that might be enough to win him the round, but it was a close one.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round2.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round2.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Werdum is really looking to target the legs of Nogueira early in the second round with some good leg kicks that may bother Nogueira, however Nogueira eventually avoids one and connects with a jab. Nogueira is happy to stand in the pocket and strike but Werdum keeps moving around to prevent Nogueira from getting a clean shot. Nogueira ends up chasing Werdum down but that just results in Werdum getting close enough for a takedown attempt, perhaps it catches Nogueira by surprise as Werdum is successful. Werdum is in half guard and attempts to try and lock in a kimura, Nogueira defends that and tries to isolate an arm of Werdum which may make Werdum think twice about trying anything dangerous. Werdum throws a few strikes to the body of Nogueira before trying to get that kimura locked in again, Nogueira defends it once again and takes the opportunity to get back into full guard. That's where the round ends, this one has to go to Werdum as he landed the most strikes and also controlled the fight on the ground.</div></p><p>

<div><img alt="Round3.jpg" src="<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg" rel="external nofollow">http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/BCF/Round3.jpg"</a> /></div></p><p>

<div>Nogueira comes out with a purpose here as he quickly takes control by avoiding a low kick and nailing a barrage of right hands that make Werdum back up, Nogueira follows in but runs straight into a big double leg takedown from Werdum and once again Nogueira finds himself on his back. Nogueira pulls guard on the way down and makes sure that Werdum doesn't get through into a better position, Nogueira tries to grab an arm from the bottom again but a jiu jitsu practicioner like Werdum isn't likely to get caught by that. Werdum smothers Nogueria against the ground for a while to make sure he keeps control of the fight, this is probably going to a decision at this point so the more Werdum can do to "impress" the judges at this point is going to help him. Nogueira isn't giving up on this but his attempts to go for submissions from the bottom aren't likely to work at this stage. Werdum remains on top until the fight comes to an end, and for what feels like the 100th time tonight we're going to the judges. All three score the contest 30-27 to Werdum to give him the unanimous decision victory, obviously they didn't think the same as me about the first round.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>Winner: Fabricio Werdum (17-5-1) via Unanimous Decision</strong></div></p><p>

<div><strong>Fight Rating: Good</strong></div></p><p>

<div><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>POST SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE</strong></span></div></p><p>

<div>Here's some notes from what was said at the press conference.</div></p><p>

<div>- Dana asked the journalists what we thought about the show again, and we called it Decent considering the Assuncao/Bedford and Jason/Wilkinson fights were so good. I tried to voice my opinion that Commercially this show wasn't up to par but I got shouted down by the Brazilian journalists who knew everyone much better than I did and called it Decent as well. There were more of them so I didn't stand a chance.</div></p><p>

<div>- Fight of the Night went to Ronny Jason vs. Mike Wilkinson, personally I would have chosen Assuncao v Bedford as that was a bit more a see-saw battle, but Jason's extra popularity probably helped. Plus it helped liven up what was a fairly dull TV show until the main event.</div></p><p>

<div>- KO of the Night went to Raphael Assuncao, so at least Assuncao got a bit of extra money after all. You know what, I take it back, best fight to Jason/Wilkinson and giving Assuncao makes the most sense. </div></p><p>

<div>- Submission of the Night is once again a no brainer as Caio Magalhaes was the only one to win by submission on the card. Not sure why there have been so few submissions in the last two events.</div></p><p>

<div>- The UFC have their super technology thing to give us instant figures. The attendance was 4,994 bringing in $983,842, it's only a 5,000 seat arena so that's probably as close to a sell-out as they can get. No news on the TV ratings other than brief notes from Fuel TV where it did an average of 1,700,000 viewers.</div></p><p>

<div>- Werdum's victory means he will likely get a shot at the winner of Velasquez/dos Santos III if he's willing to wait that long, if he's not then Dana isn't sure who can face Werdum in a potential top contenders match.</div></p><p>

<div>- Dana was really disappointed with Thiago Silva for being so exhausted so early on in his fight, he credited Eddie Mendez for putting up a good effort but thought Silva should have made light work of him. Dana then said that if Silva wants to fight at 205 he had better watch how big he gets before cutting weight.</div></p><p>

<div>- The UFC will be back in Brazil in August for Aldo vs. Korean Zombie for the Featherweight title. As of this moment there are no confirmed cards for anywhere outside of North and South America which must really please fans in Europe.</div></p><p>

<div>- A couple of injuries to report, Michael Kuiper looks to have suffered a fractured orbital bone during his fight with Daniel Sarafian, not sure how the doctors missed that one between rounds. He's likely to be out for 2 to 6 months.</div></p><p>

<div>- Apparently Werdum came into the fight with damaged ribs, obviously Nogueira didn't notice as he didn't target the body at any time during the fight. Werdum has plenty of time to rest up though if he chooses to wait for the JDS/Cain 3 winner.</div></p><p>

<div>- There's a couple of cuts being reported, Karlos Vemula is out after losing consistently at every weight class he has fought in, and Rodrigo Damm impressed nobody with his performance and I can't argue with the decision to release him.</div></p><p>

<div><strong>NEXT UP: UFC 161: Evans vs. Henderson!</strong></div></p><p>

</div></p><p>

Chris2K · January 10, 2014

UFC 161: EVANS vs. HENDERSON

ORIGINAL CARD

MAIN CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Stipe Miocic vs. Roy Nelson

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac

WOMEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley

PRELIMS

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Shawn Jordan vs. Pat Barry

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Sean Pierson vs. Kenny Robertson

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Roland Delorme vs. Edwin Figueroa

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Mitch Clarke vs. John Maguire

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Dustin Pague vs. Yves Jabouin

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

James Krause vs. Sam Stout

Time to roll the dice, 11 fights this time so the maximum injury number is 11 as well.

This time it's... an 8. This could be painful. Here's who's out! And what a great start...

Rashad Evans is out of UFC 161 and so there goes half the main event for the show. Evans was scheduled to face Dan Henderson in the headliner of the show, but now Henderson will be facing Ultimate Fighter winner and one of the most popular fighters in UFC history Forrest Griffin. That's probably a much easier challenge for Henderson as Griffin is as good as retired after several high profile defeats.

Hot on the heels of Rashad Evans pulling out of the show another big name has fallen from the card. Oh wait, no, it's James Krause. He pulls out of his Lightweight match with Sam Stout and he's replaced by Brazilian Lucas Martins which might mean for an entertaining striking battle.

Roland Delorme has had to drop out of his fight with Edwin Figueroa at UFC 161 after suffering a foot injury in training. He has been replaced in the Bantamweight fight by Canadian Mitch Gagnon who gets the opportunity to fight in his home country.

Another Bantamweight has dropped out of UFC 161 as Dustin Pague has suffered a concussion, he has been replaced by Mike Easton. UFC are running out of Bantamweights at this moment in time so if another one goes down then they're going to be in trouble.

And another Bantamweight is out of UFC 161! Although this time it's from the Women's Bantamweight division, but that means a main card match has to be changed. Alexis Davis is out so she won't get to fight in Canada, but replacing her is former Olympian Sara McMann. I'm not sure Rosi Sexton will be best pleased with that change.

Fans of exciting fights, insane striking battles, or fighters with no idea of their own well-being are going to be disappointed. Pat Barry has dropped out of his fight with Shawn Jordan and he has been replaced by another fans' favourite in Matt Mitrione so we should still get an exciting contest.

At this rate every fight on the bill for UFC 161 is going to have an injury that changes the match. Next up on the casualty list is Mitch Clarke who drops out of his Lightweight division fight with John Maguire. Canadian Mike Ricci is his replacement to keep the Canadian theme running through the show

.

Hey look, another UFC 161 fight has to be changed, and this time it's the co-main event which is suffering. Roy Nelson, probably the third most recognisable fighter on the show, has injured his shoulder and has been replaced by Ben Rothwell. Rothwell is from Wisconsin so at least a few of his fans might head north to Canada for the show.

Last, but not least, Sean Pierson has had to drop out of his Welterweight fight with Kenny Robertson at UFC 161 which is bad news for the Toronto native. T.J. Waldburger is his replacement but Pierson is something of a Canadian folk hero so the fans aren't likely to be as excited for this fight.

Eight injuries was always going to create havoc and I guess it was about time I had a main event go down. Forrest Griffin probably should be retired in the game but as he's not I can pretend that he's still active. It was completely accidental that eight individual fights got changed instead of a fight being changed more than once, as a result I've ended up having to change three of the main card fights including the top two fights. Thankfully Jake Shields and Dan Henderson survived the injury curse otherwise this show might not have anyone recognisable on it.

AMENDED CARD AND PREVIEW

UFC 161: GRIFFIN vs. HENDERSON

MAIN CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Forrest Griffin (19-7) vs. Dan Henderson (29-9)

Two of the most popular Light Heavyweights of all time will collide in this contest after Griffin comes in at the last moment to replace Rashad Evans. Griffin's popularity came as a result of him winning the Light Heavyweight tournament of the very first Ultimate Fighter defeating Stephan Bonnar in the finale in one of the greatest MMA fights in history. Griffin also went on to win the Light Heavyweight title but never actually successfully defended the title, losing to the man he replaced here, Rashad Evans. Dan Henderson is a former PRIDE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight champion but has never held UFC gold, losing his sole title match to Anderson Silva. A surprise loss to Jake Shields has been avenged with a TKO win over the legendary Fedor Emelianenko and a win over Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua in another one of the greatest MMA fights in history.

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Stipe Miocic (9-1) vs. Ben Rothwell (32-9)

Two relatively unknown Heavyweights collide in an underwhelming Co-Main Event, both lost their last fights but both are still ranked among the top 25 Heavyweights in the world. Miocic is an American of Croatian descent who wears a trunk design identical to his hero Mirko Cro Cop, however Miocic is less of a striker and more of a wrestler, an NCAA Division 1 wrestler to be exact. Miocic suffered his first defeat when Stefan Struve knocked him out, an another heavy hitter like Rothwell might fancy his chances. That said, Rothwell has been very incosistent in the UFC going 2-3, but he has knocked out Brendan Schaub and one of those losses happened to be to Cain Velasquez. The UFC are probably hoping Miocic is going to win this.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Ryan Jimmo (16-2) vs. Igor Pokrajac (25-10)

The big names keep on coming. Jimmo is on the main card because he's Canadian and the show's in Canada, at least that makes the most sense. His 16-2 record looks very impressive but he has only recently joined the UFC, that said his UFC debut was a 7 second knockout victory over Anthony Perosh. He then then lost by decision to James Te Huna. Another Cro Cop reference here as Pokrajac was one of his training partners, Pokrajac has been in the UFC since 2009 but has only been able to get a 4-5 record during that time. He has also lost his last two fights to Vinny Magalhaes and Joey Beltran who have hardly set the world on fire. A loss here could see Pokrajac out of the company.

WOMEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Sara McMann (7-0) vs. Rosi Sexton (13-2)

Time for an Olympic Silver medalist to step into the Octagon when Sara McMann, runner up in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Olympics, has her second fight in the UFC against Rosi Sexton. McMann's Olympic pedigree and subsequent move into MMA have made her a potential poster girl for Women's MMA, and her undefeated record is proof of her talent. Sexton is another female fighter breaking boundaries, she's chosen a career in MMA despite holding a PHD in Theoretical Computer Science after getting a first class degree in Maths from Cambridge University. Sexton holds a win over veteran Roxanne Modafferi, and lost her first fight to Gina Carano.

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Jake Shields (27-6-1-1 NC) vs. Tyron Woodley (11-1)

This is perhaps the second most intriguing fight on the card, but both fighters' tendancy for boring fights has taken away the chance of it being the co-Main Event. Jake Shields is the former Strikeforce Middleweight champion with a win over Dan Henderson and a former UFC Welterweight title contender where he was out-grappled by GSP. Shields is very much at home on the ground, his striking game has always been a glaring weakness for opponents to target. Woodley was considered a top prospect in Strikeforce but despite scoring wins over impressive opponents he struggled to finish them. Being knocked out by Nate Marquardt upset his momentum, but in his UFC debut he took just 36 seconds to knock Jay Hieron out.

PRELIMS

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Shawn Jordan (14-4) vs. Matt Mitrione (6-2)

It's a battle of big men, and certainly not a fight where you can expect to see much technical skill involved. Jordan was more of a football player with an interest in MMA at the start of his career, but a move to Jackson's MMA focused his training and he became a much better fighter and has a 2-1 UFC record. Matt Mitrione came out of TUF 10 as almost a joke, but he proved himself after the show ended by winning his first five UFC fights, four by KO or TKO. His personality has earned him many fans and made him one of the most popular undercard fighter on the roster.

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

T.J. Waldburger (16-7) vs. Kenny Robertson (12-2)

This is a fight where neither competitor is particularly well known, maybe they can get some notoriety by having a great fight? Waldburger has had 23 fights despite being only 24 and has been in the UFC since the age of 21. He holds a 4-2 record in the UFC with one of those defeats coming to Johny Hendrocks. Kenny Robertson has had three runs in the UFC and only won a fight on his third attempt when he submitted Brock Jardine with a straight kneebar, one of the more unique submissions in UFC history.

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Mitch Gagnon (8-2) vs. Edwin Figueroa (9-2)

Mitch Gagnon is a Canadian Bantamweight who fought only in Quebec before joining the UFC, his debut in the Octagon didn't go too well when Bryan Caraway choked him out, but in his second fight he did the same thing to Walel Watson. A powerful striker, Edwin Figueroa came in as part of the UFC's expansion into a Bantamweight division and lost straight away to talented youngster Michael McDonald. Wins over Jason Reinhardt and Alex Cacares got him on the right track, but a TKO loss to Francisco Rivera ended his winning run.

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Mike Ricci (8-3) vs. John Maguire (18-5)

Ricci is yet another Canadian fighter on the card, and despite his Italian sounding name he's from the French province of Quebec. Ricci was a competitor in the 16th Season of The Ultimate Fighter and finished runner-up to Coltorn Smith, Ricci then most likely kept his place in the UFC with a decision victory over TUF Smashes runner-up Colin Fletcher. Maguire has fought for all the major UK promotions and was the UCMMA champion before signing with the UFC, and he entered the UFC with two victories as well. Two losses have since followed which is a worrying record to have as a UFC undercard fighter.

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION

Mike Easton (12-3) vs. Yves Jabouin (18-8)

Two of the oldest Bantamweights in the company square off here, Easton was an early stand-out of the UFC Bantamweight division when it first started by scoring wins in his thirst three UFC fights, however consecutive defeats to Raphael Assuncao and Brad Pickett have de-railed him. Jabouin is another Canadian, albeit one originally from Haiti, and has fought in both the WEC and UFC. It's been a mixed time for him in the UFC with a 3-2 record and also lost to Brad Pickett in his last fight.

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

Lucas Martins (13-1) vs. Sam Stout (19-8-1)

There's a shock, another Canadian fighter. That Canadian isn't Lucas Martins, he's Brazilian and is coming off a superb knockout victory over Jeremy Larsen, Martins combines some good striking skills with a solid BJJ game. Sam Stout is one of the more well-known Canadian fighters and is always likely to provide an entertaining fight. He has fought 15 times in the UFC without losing by KO or TKO, and holds an 8-7 record inside the Octagon.

Scotland · January 10, 2014

<p><strong>Shawn Jordan (14-4) </strong>vs. Matt Mitrione (6-2)</p><p> </p><p>

T.J. Waldburger (16-7) vs. <strong>Kenny Robertson (12-2)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Mitch Gagnon (8-2)</strong> vs. Edwin Figueroa (9-2)</p><p> </p><p>

Mike Ricci (8-3) vs. <strong>John Maguire (18-5)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Mike Easton (12-3)</strong> vs. Yves Jabouin (18-8)</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Lucas Martins (13-1)</strong> vs. Sam Stout (19-8-1)</p>

Judoku1819 · January 25, 2014

<p>Forrest Griffin (19-7) vs. <strong>Dan Henderson (29-9)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Stipe Miocic (9-1)</strong> vs. Ben Rothwell (32-9)</p><p>

<strong>Ryan Jimmo (16-2)</strong> vs. Igor Pokrajac (25-10)</p><p>

<strong>Sara McMann (7-0)</strong> vs. Rosi Sexton (13-2)</p><p>

Jake Shields (27-6-1-1 NC) vs. <strong>Tyron Woodley (11-1)</strong></p><p>

Shawn Jordan (14-4) vs. <strong>Matt Mitrione (6-2)</strong></p><p>

T.J. Waldburger (16-7) vs. <strong>Kenny Robertson (12-2)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Mitch Gagnon (8-2)</strong> vs. Edwin Figueroa (9-2)</p><p>

Mike Ricci (8-3) vs. <strong>John Maguire (18-5)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Mike Easton (12-3)</strong> vs. Yves Jabouin (18-8)</p><p>

Lucas Martins (13-1) vs. <strong>Sam Stout (19-8-1)</strong></p>

mmaaddict · January 25, 2014

<p>Forrest Griffin (19-7) vs. <strong>Dan Henderson (29-9)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Stipe Miocic (9-1)</strong> vs. Ben Rothwell (32-9)</p><p>

<strong>Ryan Jimmo (16-2) </strong>vs. Igor Pokrajac (25-10)</p><p>

<strong>Sara McMann (7-0)</strong> vs. Rosi Sexton (13-2)</p><p>

Jake Shields (27-6-1-1 NC) vs. <strong>Tyron Woodley (11-1)</strong></p><p>

Shawn Jordan (14-4) vs. <strong>Matt Mitrione (6-2)</strong></p><p>

<strong>T.J. Waldburger (16-7)</strong> vs. Kenny Robertson (12-2)</p><p>

Mitch Gagnon (8-2) vs. <strong>Edwin Figueroa (9-2)</strong></p><p>

<strong>Mike Ricci (8-3)</strong> vs. John Maguire (18-5)</p><p>

<strong>Mike Easton (12-3)</strong> vs. Yves Jabouin (18-8)</p><p>

<strong>Lucas Martins (13-1)</strong> vs. Sam Stout (19-8-1)</p>

CageRage · January 25, 2014

Forrest Griffin (19-7) vs. Dan Henderson (29-9)

Stipe Miocic (9-1) vs. Ben Rothwell (32-9)

Ryan Jimmo (16-2) vs. Igor Pokrajac (25-10)

Sara McMann (7-0) vs. Rosi Sexton (13-2)

Jake Shields (27-6-1-1 NC) vs. Tyron Woodley (11-1)

Shawn Jordan (14-4) vs. Matt Mitrione (6-2)

T.J. Waldburger (16-7) vs. Kenny Robertson (12-2)

Mitch Gagnon (8-2) vs. Edwin Figueroa (9-2)

Mike Ricci (8-3) vs. John Maguire (18-5)

Mike Easton (12-3) vs. Yves Jabouin (18-8)

Lucas Martins (13-1) vs. Sam Stout (19-8-1)

Sign In

UFC: As Real As It Gets?

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Archived