Wednesday, July 7, 2010
In an earlier post I picked two fights which I thought would be th emost entertaining and made predictions. I learned two things. One, thank baby jesus I don't gamble and two, I have to stop making predictions. The two fights selected were Satiropolous Vs. Pellegrino and of course, the main event, Lesnar Vs. Carwin. To review, I picked the Human Gyro Satiropolous to beat Batman Pellegrino by submission and in the main event, I selected Carwin to win via submission. Here's the breakdown of both of those fights.
George Satiropoulos Vs. Kurt Pellegrino
This was a tough fight to pick, and that's why I selected to predict this one. I enjoy watching both of these fighters and just knew it would be a barn burner no matter what the outcome. I'm really hoping that George uses the nickname I made up for him...The Human Gyro, well, because its hysterical, and who the hell doesn't like gyros??? The fight was close throughout but George won all three rounds in my book. However, had that last round go 10 seconds more, I think Kurt would have TKO'd the Greek as he landed a clean knee to the face of Satiropoulos which sent him to the mat as time expired. Great fight and we will be hearing from both of these fighters sooner rather than later. I'm thinking Satiropoulos is in title contention after his next fight.
Brock Lesnar Vs. Shane Carwin
The main event. The bar I watched the fight at was clearly behind Babyface Penischest (aka Brock Lesnar). And, no I would not say that to his face. Being that I was the underdog I was felling really good about my predictio of Carwin submitting Lesnar via choke. I relish the underdog role and usually get behind any fighter who is the underdog. Going into the fight, Carwin was the underdog and I estimated that really pissed the guy off. Having something to prove, Carwin opened up the first round with a bang and it looked like Carwin was going to win via TKO after landing a solid uppercut which weakened Brock in the knees and dropped him to the mat. Carwin, smelling blood, went after the wounded beast and rained down punch after punch after punch. Sounds great right? Wrong. Brock weathered the storm of punches and was saved by the bell. My personal opinion is if that were anyone other than Brock Lesnar the fight would have been stopped and Carwin's hand would have been raised in victory. That's just my opinion though.
The second round started and Brock shot on Carwin and easily took down the challenger. It was clear Carwin had punched himself out while trying to score the TKO and he had zero gas left in the tank. After wrestling on the mat a while he succumbed to an arm triangle and was choked into submission. I picked the right ending to the fight, just the wrong fighter. I walked away thinking two things. Carwin has insane punching power. He is the only one to hurt Lesnar, and say what you will, he was hurt. His face swelled up like a blowfish. The only way to recognize the guy was by that god awful dick tattooed on his chest! That being said howevere, what does it say for Lesnar that not only did he survive Carwin's attack, but he managed to win via submission! With only six professional fights under his belt the sky really is the limit for this guy and I do not see anyone defeating him anytime soon.
Here are the results for the rest of the fights:
Chris Leben defeats Yoshiro Akiyama via Submission (choke)
Chris Lytle defeats Matt Brown via Submission (arm lock)
Stephan Bonner defeats Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO
Brendan Shaub defeats Chris Tuchscherer via TKO
Ricardo Romero defeats Seth Petruzelli via Submission (arm lock)
Kendall Grove defeats Goran Reljic via Split Decision
Gerald Harris defeats Dave Branch via KO
Daniel Roberts defeats Forrest Petz via Split Decision
Jon Madsen defeats Karlos Vemola via Unanimous Decision
NOTES
*Kudos to Chris Leban on his victory over Akiyama. Chris took the fight on short notice replacing an injured Wanderlei Silva. This was one of the more entertaining fights of the night.
*How about Stephan Bonner win??? The “old man” put it on Krzysztof Soszynski in impressive fashion. I heard the loser had to drop a few “Z's” from his name.
*Brendan Shaub continues to impress scoring another knockout win. The heavyweight division has quickly went from something of an afterthought to the most entertaining division within the UFC.
-Gdevil
Labels: UFC/MMA
Thursday, July 1, 2010 The last few UFC PPV events have been so-so. With the exception of Penn vs Edgar, fight fans really haven't had anything to brag about lately in my opinion. But hold on to your hats folks, the heavyweights are coming! The heavyweights are coming!!! The UFC is billing this fight as "the biggest fight in UFC history." If that's not a ballsy statement I don't know what is. Obviously the main event is what everyone is paying for but the rest of the card looks to be pretty entertaining as well. So below I'll make predictions are the two fights that I think will be the best of the night.
LESNAR VS. CARWIN
"The biggest fight in UFC history." That says a lot for these two behemoths. Not taking anything away from Carwin, but I think this statement is geared towards Brock "Penischest" Lesnar. No other fighter in UFC history brings as much excitement to the table as he does. He's a beast of a fighter. Speed, agility and strength have made him the focal point of the UFC in only five fights! You factor in his recent health issues and there is a great storyline for a comeback. But hold the phone... There's a shadow waiting for Lesnar by the name of Shane Carwin. Yes that light at the end of the tunnel could very well be a speeding train bearing down on 'ol Penischest! Carwin is undefeated and has scored a knockout in 12 straight fights, with nothing going past the first round? That, my friends, is the definition of impressive.
PREDICTION
Going into the fight, Carwin is viewed as the underdog by many. That to me is unheard of. The guy is going to be pissed. The only thing he's done is knockout 12 guys in under 4 minutes and he's STILL an under-fucking-dog?? Meanwhile, Brock hasn't fought in over a year due to an intestinal disease that nearly killed him. Carwin has a lot more to gain here and its called respect. In my opinion he'll be the hungrier fighter so I'm going with Shane by... wait for it... SUBMISSION. Yes folks, I'm a moron. Two guys with tremendous knockout abilities and I'm going for the submission. Why? Because Carwin has a purple belt in BJJ while studying underneath submission specialist Nate Marquardt. This will be key if the fight ever gets to the ground and will nullify Brock's strength sans Frank Mir in their first fight...not their second where Frank's face ended up looking like a pizza.
GEORGE SATIROPOULOS VS. KURT PELLIGRINO
The Human Gyro versus The NJ Batman!!! Yes I'm calling this the fight of the night and I'm extremely excited to see these two lightweights go at it. The winner of this fight will be in title contention so you know both fighters will bring their A game. This one can really go either way.
PREDICTION
Pass the tzatziki sauce we're having gyros tonight! Although Batman is an extremely gifted wrestler, and a sort of hometown favorite (that is I live right across the bridge in NY), I'm going Greek (no jokes wiseasses). After watching some of his previous fights I think the Greek guy is the more complete fighter and I see him ending the fight via submission. Satiropoulos is to Pelligrino what the Joker was to Batman.
Labels: UFC/MMA
Friday, June 18, 2010
KINGDOM OF SORROWBehind the Blackest Tears (Deluxe Edition)
Relapse Records
I don't know why, but when KoS debuted their first album, I was less than excited to hear it. “Eh, another so called “super group”, I thought. I have yet to this day have heard anything from their first release. So why did I give their sophomore album, Behind the Blackest Tears a try? Two reasons. One, I always like an underdog story and two, any album that ditches the sophomore slump stigma deserves a good review. For those who don't know, KOS is a band made up of Jamie Jasta of Hatebreed and Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and Down fame. The twocombine for a southern metal symphony with just a hint of hardcore. Git er done!
TOP TRACKS: “God's Law in The Devil's Land” is hands down the best track on the album. “Envision The Divide”, “With Barely A Breath”, “Sleeping Beast” showcases the band's hardcore side. The deluxe edition available on Itunes has two cover songs which are worth the price of admission. “Soldiers Of Hell” is a Running Wild cover done to perfection and “No Class” makes Kirk Windstein a Lemmy doppleganger, and who wouldn't want to look and sound like Lemmy???
VERDICT: Not only is Behind the Blackest Tears a solid album, but I also think KoS may have started yet a new genre in heavy music... Southern Hardcore? No matter what category you lump it intoone thing is for sure. This is beyond any doubt in my mind, the best Southern Anything album since Down's first album.
RATING: 5/5
The Powerless Rise
Metal Blade Records
Many metal aficionados are torn when it comes to the San Diego metalcore band, As I Lay Dying. Frankly, I don't see why. I'll go out and say it. AILD is one of the most talented bands out there right now and maybe that way for years to come. They just do everything right. Vocals, riffs, blastbeats. Musically they are unstoppable. Many state that their Christian faith influences their music too much to be labeled“metal”. Bullshit. Lead singer, Tim Lambesis stated it best when asked about this subject in their FAQ section of the AILD website, “I'm not sure what the difference is between five Christians playing in a band and a Christian band. If you truly believe something then it should affect every area of your life. All five of us are Christians. I believe that change should start with me first, and as a result, our lyrics do not come across very 'preachy.' Many of our songs are about life, struggles, mistakes, relationships and other issues that don't fit entirely in the spiritual category. However, all of these topics are written about through my perspective as a Christian.” Well, if Tim decides this whle metal career isn't for him one day, I'm sure he'll find a job in politics. But enough jesus-talk. The Powerless Rise is a rebellion of sound from start to finish. They turned it up a notch since An Ocean Between Us in my opinion. Not taking anything away from Ocean (which is probably one of my top played on the 'ol Ipod) but Powerless is just heavier in my opinion.
TOP TRACKS: “Anondyne Sea” is a brilliant, aggressive way to open up the album. “Parallels”, “Anger And Apathy”, “Condemned” is a personal favorite and “Vacancy” is a nice dark ditty.
FINAL VERDICT: If I had the energy to list every song on the album I would. Lucky for me, you can all read obviously, so go grab the album and list them yourselves.
RATING: 5/5
WINNER LOSER METHOD RD TIME
Rich Franklin Chuck Liddell Knock Out 1 4:55
Mirko Cro Cop Pat Barry Submission (Choke) 3 4:30
Martin Kampmann Paulo Thiago Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Ben Rothwell Gilbert Yvel Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Carlos Condit Rory MacDonald Technical Knock Out 3 4:53
Evan Dunham Tyson Griffin Split Decision 3 5:00
Matt Wiman Mac Danzig Submission (Choke) 1 1:45
Mario Miranda David Loiseau Technical Knock Out 2 4:07
James Wilks Peter Sobotta Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Claude Patrick Ricardo Funch Submission (Choke) 2 1:48
Mike Pyle Jesse Lennox Submission (Choke) 3 4:44
Labels: UFC/MMA
Monday, May 31, 2010 I'm on the mend nursing a separated shoulder and torn rotator cuff so I didn't get to order the pay per view event. Looking at the lineup however only one fight really peaked my interest and that was the long awaited matchup between Rampage and Evans. So here are the results from all the matches from UFC 114. If you want some of the best analysis I've read on the internet (besides this website of course) go to WWW.MMAFIGHTING.COM.
UFC 114: RAMPAGE vs. EVANS
WINNER LOSER METHOD ROUND TIME
Rashad Evans Quinton Jackson Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Micahel Bisping Dan Miller Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Mike Russow Todd Duffee Knockout 3 2:35
Antonio Noguiera Jason Brilz Split Decision 3 5:00
John Hathaway Diego Sanchez Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Dong Hyun Kim Amir Sadollah Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Efrain Escadero Dan Lauzon Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Melvin Guillard Waylon Lowe Knockout 1 3:28
Cyrille Diabate Luiz Cane TKO 1 2:13
Aaaron Riley Joe Brammer Unanimous Decision 3 5:00
Ryan Jenson Jesse Forbes Submission (Choke) 1 1:06
Labels: UFC/MMA
Monday, May 10, 2010
Jason MacDonald vs. John Salter
Round One
Early measuring. Salter catches Maconald. They clinch up. MacDnald against the fence. Nominal knees to the legs by Salter. They break off. Clinching again, but Miragliotta separates them. Macdonald catches Salter with a knee. Salter goes for a takedown. Macdonald falls awkwardly, and injures his foot. The fight is stopped.
The bout is called officially at 2:42 of round one. John Salter wins by TKO due to injury.
MacDonald is unable to walk by himself and is helped off with a brace on his leg.
Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Mike Guymon
Round One
Yoshida eats a knee and they clinch up. Guymon against the cage. Yoshida tries a throw but winds up in bottom half guard. Yoshida works a guillotine, but it doesn't look close. Guymon works to pass. Guymon passes to side control against the fence. Yoshida gets back to his feet, but now guymon is trying a standing guillotine of his own. Yoshida gets out, and more clinching against the fence. Guymon backs Yoshida up and lands a staight right. Another exchange with Guymon landing. Guymon on top in half guard landing elbows and punches. Prety easy to score this round 10-9 for Guymon.
Round Two
Guymon backs Yoshida up with punches. Then Yoshida goes forward with punches of his own. Yoshida tries to pull off a guillotine attempt but winds up mounted. He pushed off the fence with his feet to escape. Yoshida tries a guillotine again, but again it only results in him winding up on bottom. Guymon takes Yoshida's back in a scramble. Yoshida is mounted and gives up his back. Guymon sinks in the choke, but Yoshida escapes and winds up in Guymon's guard. Yoshida escapes an armbar attempt and moves to mount and then side control. Less than a minute left in the round. Guymon gets to his knees and then regains half-butterfly guard at the end of the round. This was a closer round but it's still Guymon's 10-9.
Round Three
Guymon packs up Yoshida and lands body kicks. Guymon lands a 1-2. They're teeing off against the fence. Guymon wins the exchanges. Yoshida gets a takedown and is in half-guard. Yoshida tries to take Guymon's back but loses the scramble and eats hammer fists on the bottom. They get back to their feet. Back on the ground again with Guymon mounting Yoshida, and then taking his back. Guymon moves to the mount again. Yoshida uses the fence to try to escape. Yoshida eating back elbows as he's pinned awkwardly against the fence. Guymon on top in half-guard. Yoshida is eating small shots on the bottom. 10-9 for Guymon, arguably 10-8.
Yoshida is slow to get to his feet.
All three judges score the bout 30-27 for Mike Guymon.
Tim Hague vs. Joey Beltran
Tim Hague getting a nice ovation from the crowd. The Canadians are certainly supporting their own. I can only imagine how loud it'll get by the time Patrick Cote comes out.
Yamisaki gets lightly booed for some reason.
Round One
Hague moves forward and they clinch against the fence. They break off. Hague goes for a single leg and tries to change to a double against the fence. They break off again. Belrtan measures with his jab. Hague lands an overhand right but he eats a few short punches in reprisal. Beltran connects moving forward. Hague misses with a big overhand right. Beltran is flurrying and lands a few punches. Hague isn't doing well when he's backing up. Beltran marches forward again with wide punches. Hague lands a big leg kick and a few punches. Hague lands a nice hook of his own and then a few more punches. Hague's nose is bleeding. Beltran lands a nice uppercut. A wild exchange ends the round, but it looks like Beltran got the better of it. 10-9 Beltran.
Round Two
Hague lands two punches moving forward and flurries on Beltran against the fence, but Beltran escapes. Now Beltran moves forward with combinations. Hague connects with a hook and flurries against the fence again. This is a much better round for Hague, and the crowd gets excited. Uppercut lands for Beltran. They circle in the middle. Beltran moves forward but gets countered. Hague is circling better this round which is heling him. Beltran measuring with the jab. Hague lands a wild hook. They echange wild punches. Tough round to score. Beltran gets the better of more exchanges I think, but I might give it to Hague on the back of those flurries. 10-9 Hague.
Round Three
Hague moves forward with punches and gets a takedown, but Beltran escapes. Hague eats hooks, uppercuts, and then now leg kicks. Hague moves forward with punches and then gets a takedown. Hague stands in Beltran's guard and Beltran escapes as Hague attempts a pass Hague lands an overhand right. Beltran lands an uppercut. Hague looks really tired now. Beltran lands a right. Overhand right by Hague has Beltran rocked. Inside upperut by Beltran. Hague gets another takedown. Hague passes to half guard and then mounts Beltran. Hague lands big punches. Hague falls back for an armbar and winds up on bottom. He eats a few punches. Beltran stands up and they're back on their feet. 10-9 Hague. This could easily be a split decision though, based on the second round.
The judges give it 30-27, 20-26, and 29-28 for Beltran.
TJ Grant vs. Johny Hendricks
Round One
Hook by Hendricks. Head kick by Grant. Grant gets a takedown and Grant loks for a kimura and then a guillotine. He tries to pull guard, and escapes to his feet. Grant lands a right hand. Body kick by Grant. Grant lands a knee to the head and pushes off Hendricks' clinch attempts. Right lands for Grant. Uppercut for Hendricks misses. Grant connects to the groin on a kick. The referee calls a timeout.
Hendricks lands a few straight rights, but eats clinch knees from Grant. Grant amazingly stays on his feet after a slam attempt by Hendricks. Right lands for Grant. Clinch knees by grant. Left hook, right straight by Grant. Hendricks grabs a double leg. and gets Grant down but Grant is up almost immediately. Grant comes forward with big punches. Hendricks lands a punch after the bell, but apologizes.
Round Two
Hendricks misses a hook. Leg kick by hendricks is checked. Straight right lands forhendricks, but it's answered. Sright uppercut gets through for Hendricks. Grant tries a kneee but the knee is caught and he gets taken down. Hendricks struggles to pass Grant's guard. Grant is back up. Right hand followed by a knee lands for Grant. Two rights land for Grant. Grant is doing very nicely with his thai clinch whenever he gets it. This is a very impressive fight for Grant so far and the crowd responds. Another knee to the head for Grant, but Hendricks gets a big takedown. Grant uses his legs well to maintain guard. Butterfly guard for Grant. They get up to the feet and Grant lands a head kick. Grant stuffs Hendricks takedown attempts and works his thai plum for a few knees.
Round Three
Inside leg kicks for Hendricks. Grant fires back with his own, but connects to the groin. A point is deducted from Grant. Outside leg kick by Hendricks. Head kick misses for Grant. Body kick by Grant, but Hendricks picks him up Matt Hughes style and slams him on his butt. Hendricks can't do much from Grant's guard. Hendricks lets Grant up. Grant works his thai clinch but Hendricks escapes and lands a few punches. Grant works his thai clinch again, but gets taken down against the fence. So far there are two stories to this fight. 1) Grant's thai clinch, 2) Hendricks can't do much from Grant's guard. Just as I say that Hendricks lands some punches from the guard, but lets Grant up again. Grant connects with some punches but is taken down again. Hendricks passes to half guard and lands some light hammerfists. The hammerfists get heavier, but Grant is punching back from the bottom as the round ends. Tough round to score. Hendricks pulled out the round at the end with the takedown and hammer fists.
The judges score the fight 29-27, 29-27 and 28-28 for Johny Hendricks by majority decision.
Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet
Round One
Goulet misses a head kick by feet. Head kick lands for Goulet. Goulet gets a takedown, but they're up quickly. Punches land for Davis and Goulet is rocked. Goulet recovers after a clinch. Goulet clinches and works for a single leg but Davis sits for a guillotine. Goulet is posturing. Goulet escapes and takes top position with Davis sitting against the fence. Davis gets to his feet. Goulet gets another takedown. They're back up again. They separate. Goulet catches Davis's kick and gets a takedown in the middle of the matt this time. Goulet lands a few punches from top position. Davis scrambles and regains his feet, but he's taken down against the fence. Goulet lands punches against the fence. This round was a wrestling clinic by Goulet.
Round Two
Davis lands a three punch combination and Goulet is down. Davis lands solid punches from on top and passes to half guard. As Davis tries to pass, Goulet gets to his knees and then back to his feet, but he's bleeding. Davis connects with a right hook and then a big left hand and Goulet goes down. It's over.
Marcus Davis wins by TKO at 1:23 of round two.
Tom Lawlor vs. Joe Doerksen
Round One
Body kick by Doerksen. They're both swinging, but nothing is landing. Punches land for Lawler but Doerksen fires back with clinch knees. Hook by Lawlor. Head kick by Doerksen. Hook lands for Lawler. A big left drops Doerksen but he recovers to his feet. Doerksen is getting beaten up by 1-2 lefty combinations now. Doerksen recovers and they're brawling from inside. Straight right lands for Doerksen, but Lawler still getting the better of the exchanges. Lawlor's straight left is bad news for Doerksen. Doerksen lands an uppercut and moves forward. Clinch elbows by Lawlor. Lawlor goes for a takedown. Doerksen almost pulls off a switch.
Round Two
Head kick blocked by Lawler. Body Kick by Doerksen. Lawler lands a hook. More kicks from Doerksen and he comes forward with a nice right hand. Right hand for Doerksen. Hook by Lawlor. Hook followed by a big right straight fo Doerksen. Lawlor gets Doerksen down but Doerksen scrambles and sinks in a rear-naked choke.
Doerksen wins by rear-naked choke at 2:10 of round two.
Patrick Cote vs. Alan Belcher
Round One
Body kicks by Belcher. Cote is trying to close the distance. Belcher lands a groin kick and charges in before the ref separates them. The fight restarts. Cote lands a combination from inside. Cote gets inside and lands a nice straight. Belcher continues with his kicks from the southaw stance. Cote is winning from the inside, but is getting picked apart from the outside. Cote gets Belcher down. Cote passes to half guard and works for a kimura. Cote steps over belchers head. Scamble ensues and Belcher ends up on top in half guard. Belcher passes to side control. Cote gets to his knees, but is forced back to the mat.
Round Two
Cote connects with hands. Hook lands for Cote. Right lands for Cote. Cote moves forward with punches. Belcher is covering up. Belcher clinches and pushes Cote to the fence. Belcher has double underhooks and works some short knees, but nothing serious. Belcher gets out and lands right hands. Cote eats a knee but he gets a takedown. Belcher scoots to the fence. Cote tries to drag Belcher back down to the ground. Belcher slams down Cote as Cote goes for a double leg. Belcher takes Cote's back and gets the rear-naked choke.
Belcher wins by submission at 3:25 of round two.
Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione
Round One
Mitrione misses a head kick. Kimbo lands a right hand and gets a takedown but is reversed. High energy slams going on. You need to watch the replay of this thing! It's not too technical but it's pretty fun. Kimbo winds up in a triangle but escapes to side control. The crowd is going nuts.
Mitrione regains half guard with a far side underhook. Mitrione regains his feet and lands a knee. Kimbo grabs a single leg and gets another takedown. Kimbo fights off a tringale attempt and lets Mitrione back up. Right lands for Kimbo. Mitrione missed a head kick. Kimbo moves forward with punches. Body punches by Kimbo and a knee by Mitrione. Kimbo drops from a kick to the leg. Kimbo fights off an anaconda choke. The round ends with Mitrione in side control.
Round Two
Straight left lands by Mitrione. Kimbo goes for a body lock but needs to fight off a guillotine. Big right by Kimbo misses. Kicks start piling up for Mitrione. Kimbo looks really tired now. Punches by Mitrione. Kimbo struggles to try to get a takedown. Mitrione sprawls and takes Kimbos side before trying an anaconda choke again. Knees to the body land for Mitrione. The ref is watching closely. Kimbo is mounted. Mitrione lands punches. Kimbo looks close to being finished, but Mitrione drops and attempts a keylock. The punching resumes. Miragliotta finally steps in and saves Kimbo.
Sam Stout vs. Jeremy Stephens
Round One
The first meaningful punches are landed by Stephens. Stephens catches a kick and takes Stout down with a punch. Stou quickly gets back to his feet. Stout gets caught with a big right hand that forces him to back up. Big leg kick by Stout. Nice body punches by Stout who moves in and out. Stout is dropped by a right hand. Stout gets back to his feet but eats a knee. Stephens lands more right hands. Stout's combinations look pretty but he's getting beaten up so far.
Nice inside combination to the body by Stout. Stout moves across with a nice leg kick. If Stout is going to win this, it's going to be by taking away Stephens' movement, because he doesn't have the power to trade with Stephens, it seems.
Round Two
A body kick by Stout gets countered with two nice punches by Stephens. Stephens is really landing with his right hand. Stephens catches Stout with a kick and drops him with a right hand again. Stout works for a kimura, but it looks more like a trick to get back to his feet. He gets back up. Stout lands with a few nice jab straight combinations. Hook by Stout. Stout starting to land. Stephens is starting to check kicks. Stephens tries to catch another leg kick but misses. Stephens lands punches. Stout stuffs a takedown. Stepphens' leg is starting to lose a bit of mobility. Stephens misses a spinning back kick. Stout follows suit.
Round Three
Kick to the groin begins round three. The bout restarts after a brief pause. Stout moves forward. Stephens lands a a nice right hand and is now mixing in some kicks of his own. Stout defends another takedown. Flying knee attempt by Stephens. Jab, jab, switch kick by Stout. Exchange in the pocket. Stout ducks a big right hand. Stiff jab by Stephens. Knee by Stephens. Stephens is hurt. Stout gets on top and is landing punches. Elbows by Stout from inside the guard. Stout has less than two minutes to really make a mark on this fight. He' ahead inthis round, but I don't think that's enough.
Stephens movement is hampered, but he still moves forward.Stephens is bleeding underneath his right eye. Stephens is walking Stout down. Stephens gets a takedown against the fence but Stout is back up immediately. A close round, but Stout might get it from when he had Stephens hurt.
The judges score it 30-27, 29-28, and 28-29 as a split decision for Jeremy Stephens.
.
Co-Main Event: Welterweight Title Eliminator Bout
Josh Koscheck vs. Paul Daley
Round One
Daley misses a flying knee. Koscheck changing levels like he's going to shoot for a takedown. Smart. Feeling out process going on as Daley fears the takedown. Datedown by Koscheck. Daley briefly gets up to his feet against the fence but is slammed back down. Side control for Koscheck.
Koscheck looks to mount but winds up in half guard. Small body shots are delivered by Koscheck, but daley avoids damage. Daley's guard looks slightly better than excpected. Koscheck takes Daley's back, but has no hooks in. Daley runs the fence to avoid the hooks. Daley hangs on to koscheck's arm to avoid the choke. Koshcheck cinches the choke, Daley escapes. Daley misses on a knee to a grounded opponent, but Koscheck goes down as if he's hurt. The bout is paused.
After the officials see the video, the bout is restarted. The video shows Daley completely missing the knee. The crowd is 100% behind Daley now. Round one ends. Koscheck is a fag for faking an injury.
Round Two
Daley stalks Koscheck and lands a left, but he's taken down again. The expected chants of GSP come as Daley defends from his back. Koscheck nearly mounts. Koscheck passes to side control, but Daley regains half-guard. Daley is defending well, but he can't get up.
Back control for Koscheck, who lands big punches. Not too much damage done, but this round was all Koscheck.
Round Three
Uppercut by Daley. Hook by Daley barely misses. Hook by Daley and a knee, but Koshcekc gets a hold on Daley's legs. Daley is down again. Koscheck in half-guard. My Twitter is going nuts with vitriolic rage directed at Koscheck. Koscheck passes to side control and then to mount. Daley tries to hip escape, but is unsuccessful. Daley gives up his back to regain half guard.
Daley punches Koscheck after the fight is over and Miragliotta tries to tear Daley's head off. The post-fight punch is probably suspension-worthy, but some people are going to say that Koscheck deserved it..
All three judges score the bout 30-27 for Koscheck.
Main Event: UFC Light-Heavyweight Title Bout
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Rua
It's often said that people will only remember the main event. Given what happened in the last fight, let's hope that's the case here and that Machida and Rua put on a good show to finish the night.
Mixed applause for Machida, but generally a pretty polite welcome for the champ.
Round One
Machida still backing up to the left. Machida switches to his orthodox stance after a minute. Machida switching stances frequently. Shogun scoring with weak punches. Leg kick by Rua. Machida gets the takedown and is in half-guard. Shogun works and underhook and gets to his feet.
Knees to the legs by Shogun. Machida bows forward. Another takedown by Machida who is in half-guard again. Machida lands a few elbows. Shogun works te same underhook and gets to his feet again. Elbow by Shogun. Machida in his orthodox stance.
Shogun knocks Machida down with a big right hand and gets to mount. Rua punches Machida out from the mount position.
Winner by KO at 3:45 Mauricio Rua, who is the new light-heavyweight champion of the UFC.