(That’s worth a little thumb ouchie. Photo courtesy of NBC Sports.)
- Thiago Alves proved himself worthy of a title shot with his victory over Josh Koscheck at UFC 90, but he didn’t get out unscathed. MMA Weekly reports that he suffered a dislocated thumb in the fight. It’s not a serious injury, and a spokesman from American Top Team said they expect him to be fine, but maybe it’s a good thing that he’ll be forced to wait out the GSP-B.J. Penn superfight before getting his shot at the welterweight strap.
- Patrick Cote, on the other hand, has a more serious injury situation. He suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee on Saturday and will have to undergo arthroscopic surgery next week. This will most likely sideline him for the next six to eight months, rendering prospects of a rematch with Anderson Silva just that much dimmer. By the time Cote is ready to fight again, Silva could have notched another two fights. Perhaps we’ll all be ready to put this one behind us by then.
- Finally, Fabricio Werdum says he was “surprised” by Junior Dos Santos, adding that it was the first time he had ever been knocked out and “it happened so fast.” Indeed it did. Werdum declined the chalk it up to a lucky punch, saying Dos Santos deserved it, and claimed the loss “won’t change anything” with regards to his pursuit of the UFC heavyweight title. Not sure how he means that, but he’s probably going to have to get back in there and notch another significant win if he wants a shot at the eventual heavyweight tournament winner.
What a bizarre night. If, like me, you can’t quite make sense of what you saw last night, the video above gives you another chance to sort through it all. What does it say when Bruce Buffer provides more intensity than the main event?
Bonus awards for UFC 90 were $65,000 a piece and it played out like this:
Fight of the Night: Sean Sherk and Tyson Griffin
Submission of the Night: Spencer Fisher
KO of the Night: Junior Dos Santos
Awarding bonuses this time around must have felt like a strange process. There were only two submissions (Thales Leites’ choke of McFedries was not impressive enough somehow) and one knockout, and picking a fight of the night had to be a lot like picking a favorite Arena League football team. Apparently 15,359 people showed up to be disappointed by the most unsatisfying UFC in recent memory, with a live gate totaling $2.85 million.
Dos Santos’ vicious knockout of Werdum is after the jump, along with the so-called fight of the night and more.
(As a Brazilian might say, Patrick is about to get haped. Photo courtesy of UFC.com.)
Last week, I sent a letter to Dana White asking if the UFC’s tired old gladiator intro could be replaced with this for tonight’s broadcast. So, fingers crossed. Anyway, we’re about to witness the beginning of the end of Anderson Silva’s career (and possibly Cote’s, depending on how badly he gets injured tonight), a potential fight-of-the-night between the Pitbull vs. the Koscheck, a heavyweight feature that shouldn’t have even been approved by the athletic commission, and a few guys who couldn’t finish a fight to save their balls. Join us, won’t you? Round-by-round updates and commentary await you after the jump; refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest.
Goddamnit, it’s the same gladiator bullshit intro. I WON’T BE IGNORED, DANA.
Where my Chicagoans at?! It seems that Rosemont has a large goth-chick contingent, and that’s cool with me. According to Joe Rogan, Patrick Cote has heart, balls, and power. Anderson Silva, unfortunately, has knees, elbows, fists, and feet.
Sean Sherk vs. Tyson Griffin
You guys psyched for the first decision of the main card? My money’s on Sherk for the unanimous D. Tyson comes out to “Eye of the Tiger,” possibly unironically. Can anybody explain Tyson’s back tattoo to me? It looks like a pen exploded on him. Buffer’s trademark 180-twist is seriously getting out of hand. Dr. David Smith is reffing. Don’t blow it, newbie. Round 1: Sherk bulls in after throwing a hook and takes Tyson down against the cage. Sherk takes Griffin’s back and Griffin carries him across the cage before tossing him off. Back on the feet, Grffin throws some punches and lands a leg kick. Sherk shoots and is stuffed, but he pushes Griffin against the cage and gets the double-leg. Sherk is bleeding onto Griffin. Tyson gets to his feet and throws a few punches into Sherk’s face. Tyson pushes Sherk off and lands a solid right, then a leg kick. Good left from Sherk, then a hard leg kick from Griffin. Sherk with his own leg kick. Sherk lands a punch combo and a leg kick. Griffin whiffs a head kick. Griffin shoots and Sherk sprawls. Sherk brilliantly transitions to Griffin’s back, but gives it up when Griffin starts carrying him again. Griffin lands an uppercut. Both men land bombs in a frantic exchange and the round ends.
Round 2: Sherk with a leg kick. Tough body kick by Griffin and Sherk shoots in, taking Griffin down against the cage. Griffin gets to his feet and takes a punch. Sherk kicks Griffin’s leg, and Griffin returns with a punch. Another leg kick from Sherk, whose striking is looking impressive in this fight. Body kick from Griffin. Sherk lands some hard punches. It’s a boxing match now, with both men throwing punches in bunches. Griffin throws a head kick then lights Sherk up with a punch combo. Griffin is counter-punching well, but Sherk slips in some shots, then lands another one backing up. Griffin weakly attempts a takedown; he’s looking very gassed now. He misses two wobbly leg kicks. And there’s the bell.
Round 3: Right hook from Griffin rocks Sherk, but he recovers and nails Griffin with one of his own. Wild punch exchange now. A straight right from Griffin gets through Sherk’s guard. Sherk hasn’t attempted a takedown in a long time, which could cost him the fight. Nice leg kick from Griffin, and Sherk responds with two leg kicks and a body kick. Two more Sherk leg kicks. Sharp punch combo from Sherk. Griffin gets an uppercut in, and Sherk responds with a 1-2 combo. Leg kick from Griffin. Left hooks from Sherk. Sherk lands more punches. Brutal leg kick from Griffin but Sherk keeps landing punches. And that’s the fight. From my angle, it looks like Sherk will take the decision. The judges say 30-27, and 29-28 twice, all for the Muscle Shark. Lotta boos for this guy.
Did you know there’s going to be a third Transporter movie? How bout that.
Patrick Cote, who wants to “shock the world,” intends to go toe-to-toe with the middleweight champ. We’ve heard it all before, dead man.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Junior Dos Santos
Big Nog is in Dos Santos’s corner. So at least somebody knows who this guy is. Cigano’s cornermen accidentally drop his sponsor banner over his face. No respect! This fight is brought to you by Xyience, by the way. I could have sworn they went out of business after robbing their shareholders, but they’re back now so deal with it. And Dan Severn’s in the house! Round 1: Dos Santos leaning forward with jabs to the body. Werdum bouncing out of the way. Werdum lands a leg kick and Dos Santos returns it. Werdum lands a leg kick. Dos Santos lands a mammoth uppercut and Werdum’s nose explodes as he goes down. He’s out before he hit the ground. Whoever bet money on Dos Santos is a rich motherfucker now. Dude gets the KO, 1:20 of round 1. Poor Werdum. Gonna have to wait for that title shot, buddy. I’d like to retract my prediction that Werdum gets the knockout bonus tonight. (What, too late?)
Rich Clementi vs. Gray Maynard
Gray comes out with Randy Couture and Jay Hieron, to the strains of “Ain’t Nothin’ But a Gangsta Party.” Add in four shots of tequila and you have the recipe for one confident motherfucker. Round 1: Clementi is cutting off the cage at first, but Maynard lands first, springing forward with punches. A right from Maynard lands. The crowd boos some inactivity on the feet. Leg kick Clementi. Maynard shoots and is stuffed. Maynard lands a nice right hook. Clementi misses with a garbage-ass kick. Maynard slips in another right. Maynard catches a Clemnti kick, lifts and slams him. Maynard throwing punches to Clementi’s ribs from the top. Clementi sits up, trying to sweep, and Maynard pushes him back down, landing more punches from the top. The round ends, and it probably goes to Maynard.
Round 2: Maynard pops the right. Maynard pushes Clementi against the cage, but Clementi knees out of it. Clementi tries for a head kick. Maynard shoots, and slams Clementi to the ground. Clementi gets to his feet but Maynard tries for a guillotine. The fighters go to the ground and Clementi almost finds an armbar off his back, but loses it. Clementi rolling trying to get to his feet, but Maynard sticks on top of him. Maynard ain’t doing much besides keeping Clementi on the ground. Maynard briefly gets Clementi’s back, but Clementi rolls. Maynard stays on top and the crowd boos heartily as the round ends.
Round 3: Maynard lands a punch combo. Another slam by Maynard, and the Bully works for a choke on the ground. The referee tells the fighters to do something, and Joe Rogan politely asks what he’d like them to do. Maynard in Clementi’s guard now, with Clementi throwing elbows from the bottom. Rogan is getting very pissed with the ref’s constant orders to “do somethin’.” Although really, they aren’t doing much. Clementi stands up briefly and is slammed right back down. Clementi reverses from the bottom, and gets up, but Maynard puts No Love down again. Maynard laying on him to end the round. Terrible fucking fight. Maynard wins it unanimously.
Thiago Alves vs. Josh Koscheck
Koscheck gets the Good Taste award for coming out to “Higher Ground” by the Chili Peppers. He skips mightly out to the cage. Alves lookin’ huge, as always. Round 1: Leg kick Alves. Hook from Alves as Kos dashes in. Kos slips while throwing a side kick and Alves almost pounces on him. Kos gets nailed with a right hand and goes down. Kos shoots for a leg to recover, but Alves pulls out then smashes him with a head kick when Kos gets up. Kos jabs after surviving the onslaught, then lands a punch combo. Alves with a stiff jab then a leg kick. A right hand from Koscheck rattles Alves. Nice leg kick from Alves. Good 1-2 from Kos, who then tries for a takedown against the cage. Alves defends it then throws a head kick, and two leg kicks. Inside leg kicks from Alves. There’s the horn. The round likely goes to Alves for putting Kos in serious trouble.
Round 2: Leg kick Kos, then some fierce punches. Leg kick/punch combo from Alves. Head kick from Kos. Hard leg kick from Alves. Koscheck misses a spinning back kick, but jumps forward and drives a nasty knee into Alves’s body. Kos pressing Alves against the cage, but Alves escapes. Leg kick from Alves. Good jabs from Kos. Alves returns with some serious kicks to the legs and body. Alves is punishing Kos’s legs, and lands a good hook to Kos’s head. Kos shoots but Alves defends again. Koscheck laying against Alves on the fence to end the round.
Round 3: Sharp punches and leg kicks from Alves. A knee from Alves sends Kos to the ground, but he manages to get to his feet and escape further damage. Kos clinches but can’t take Alves down. Alves pushes out of it. Kos calls a time out after getting poked in the eye, but returns to action quickly. Punches from Alves. Head kick Alves. Now Alves gets poked in the eye and takes a brief break. Hard leg kick Alves. And another one that buckles Koscheck. And two more. Koscheck trying to land punches where he can, but he can’t make much happen. Kos misses a side kick, Alves pops him with a punch, and the bell rings. Alves doesn’t hear it and scores a late takedown. Kos is not amused.
Alves shouts out Ay Chee Chee and Tapaauot. He gets the unanimous decision, obviously. Alves tells Dana White that he’s still a good boy, so please hook him up with a title shot.
And the 55 seconds we’ve all been waiting for…
Anderson Silva vs. Patrick Cote
I just noticed that Joe Rogan has a pretty serious black eye going on. Problems at last night’s Zanies set? Cote ees never scare’. World, are you ready to be shocked? Anderson Silva walks out in an Addidas track suit. All that’s missing is the shell-toes. He looks loose. Joe Rogan is obscenely marking out on Silva right now. Herb Dean is reffing this shit. Both fighters bow at the face-off. Round 1: Leg kick Cote. Cote misses an overhand right. Leg kick again from Cote. Crowd getting restless. Silva still hasn’t thrown. Leg kick Cote. Leg kick Silva. Cote misses a head kick. Front kick from Silva, and a body kick. Silva comes forward with some punches, but ain’t doing much overall. Body kick Silva, and both men exchange punches. Then a big knee and a head kick from Silva. Leg kick Cote. Silva has his hands down, baiting Cote. Hard leg kick Silva. Body kick Silva. And there’s the bell. What the fuck did I just witness?
Round 2: Cote bouncing now and throws a superman punch. Silva lands a hard left, then a switch kick, but Cote brushes him back with a spinning backfist. They clinch against the cage. Hard leg kick from Silva, then some punches and another kick. Body kick Silva. Cote rushes in, and Silva tosses him to the ground. Silva in Cote’s full guard. Silva gets up, taps Cote’s legs with kicks, then OFFERS HIS HAND to help Cote up. Crazy. Body kick Cote. Silva is doing some 52 Blocks type shit. WTF. Tappy leg kicks from Cote. He’s afraid to commit. The crowd boos. Cote catches a leg kick and bulls Silva into the cage. Elbow and knees from Silva to end the round. Cote becomes the first UFC fighter to take Anderson Silva to the third round.
Round 3: Cote goes down for no apparent reason! His knee blew out without Silva touching it. NO! NOOOO! Silva wins by TKO, 39 seconds into the third. Bullshit. Christ, what if Silva has to waste one of his last remaining fights to rematch cote? Silva tells the crowd not to boo Cote. If I was there, I’d be booing Silva for doing fuck-all in the first two rounds. He could have saved us from all of this.
I think it’s safe to say that Chicago did not get their money’s worth. My goodness.
Now they’re replaying the Thales Leites/Drew McFedries fight, which was the only quick stoppage from the undercard. McFedries rocks Leites early with some haymakers, but Leites takes him down and quickly takes McFedries’s back. Leites traps one of Drew’s arms with his leg and easily sinks in the RNC.
Now I guess Joe and Mike will have to kill time for 17 minutes because it doesn’t look like they’ll be showing another fight. Spencer Fisher actually gets submission of the night for his triangle choke of Shannon Gugerty. They cut to Silva backstage, who lays his belt on a folding chair and bows down to it. Who knows what he must be thinking right now. Joe Rogan explains that the beard is in honor of Evan Tanner. Rogan and Goldberg bump mics respectfully. And that’s it. Fuck. I’m going to watch Don Draper on SNL now. Peace.
(Luis Cane’s pimp-slap, straight left combo. No one ever expects it. Props, UG.)
- Apparently the hip new trend for youngsters on the internet is to film themselves making UFC predictions and then throw it up on YouTube. Fightlinker spotted the very enthusiastic WishKid12 doing her thing, and decided to see how her picks matched up against those made by professionals like us. We’re proud to report that both Bens (weirdly, we made the exact same picks) soundly defeated this precocious prognosticator. While she went 2-3 on the night, we went 4-1 (curse you Cane, and your bitch-slapping awesomeness). The only one in this impromptu contest to beat us was Fightlinker, with a perfect 5-0. So basically we’re smarter than a twelve-year-old girl but dumber than drunk Canadians. That’s still better than either of our families ever expected.
- Patrick Cote tells MMA Mania that the UFC did not have him sign a contract extension prior to his title fight against Anderson Silva at UFC 90 this Saturday night. That’s notable since he’s at or near the end of his current contract, and typically the UFC makes sure they have a guy locked up before they take a chance on him becoming a belt-holder. At least, that’s what they do when they think the challenger has a chance in hell of winning.
- In case you were wondering, Dana White says he will reward Josh Koscheck with a shot at the welterweight title if he beats Thiago Alves this weekend. We all know how much White loves guys who are willing to step in on short notice, and Koscheck has a chance to turn Diego Sanchez’s misfortune into a big break for himself. Not that anyone’s really clamoring for GSP-Koscheck II at this point.
- MMA Payout takes issue with the UFC’s insinuation that Brandon Vera voluntarily sat out a year and then returned a different fighter. They point out that Vera was an early victim of the “Zuffa Freeze Out” and that by running around comparing the old Vera to the new one, Dana White may be unwittingly calling the wrong kind of attention to his own negotiation practices. Damn revisionist history.
Three KJ Noons stories in one day? It feels like that episode of “The Twilight Zone” where everyone looked like pigs except for the one blonde girl, only instead of everyone looking like pigs they’re all talking about KJ Noons, which is even crazier. I don’t know who would be the blonde girl in this analogy, but you get the point.
Insane though it may be, this is too good not to report. You remember the deadline put forth by Jared Shaw? Where he said KJ Noons had until 5 pm today to agree to the bout with Nick Diaz, and if he didn’t he would face the dreaded “public opinion” as a consequence? Well, get your opinions ready, because according to Noons’ manager, Mark Dion, they aren’t concerned in the least with Shaw’s ultimatum:
“The update on [the deadline] is nothing is going to happen with it,” Dion said. “That’s what’s going to happen with that. I don’t care about how many threats [Shaw] wants to pull. We’ll be doing a press conference if EliteXC doesn’t see the light here pretty soon and if Shaw doesn’t stop talking [expletive].”
“As far as Nick Diaz, he’s not the No. 1 contender out there,” Dion said. “To [EliteXC] he is. He’s the number one (for getting) eyeballs to (watch) them. They’re pushing on eyeballs versus a career move for a champion like KJ. KJ is really not the one who gets anything out of the fight. Diaz does and so does ProElite.”
“We’ll do a press conference to discuss everything,” Dion said. “But there’s nothing in it for KJ unless [EliteXC] finally wakes up a little bit. That’s why we’ll have a press conference. I don’t like to talk and beat a company that’s already beat down. I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully they’ll see the light.”
Looks like the relationship between KJ Noons/Mark Dion and Elite XC/Jared Shaw just went from unfriendly to straight-up hostile. Dion just had to go and mention that Pro Elite is struggling. That’s like bringing someone’s mother into the argument. Now this thing is personal.
The point about Diaz not being a number one contender, but rather simply Elite XC’s number one contender is an interesting one. You could argue that Noons isn’t really a lightweight champ, but rather just Elite XC’s lightweight champ, though then you’d just be stating the obvious. So who does Dion think should get the shot?
“I would think Eddie Alvarez is the No. 1 contender,” Dion said. “He’s definitely ranked higher than Nick Diaz. KJ already beat Nick Diaz.”
When told that Alvarez was unavailable to fight because he’s taking time off to get married, Dion responded, “that’s not our problem…People get married in five or 10 minutes.”
Clearly, Mark Dion is not only a master negotiator, but also a totally sweet dude. People do get married in five or ten minutes. That’s a fact. So what now, Elite XC?
At this point, some of you are probably wondering, isn’t this brash Mark Dion character the same guy who was involved in the Brandon Vera-UFC contract debacle? The answer is yes, but don’t bring that up unless you’ve got a minute:
“Look at Brandon Vera,” Dion said. “He had a long layoff, but he’s making more money than the No. 1 ranked [expletive] fighter in the world, Anderson Silva — or the same amount.
“And now Anderson Silva is getting Bud Light sponsorships from (UFC President) Dana (White) handed down to him. He’s getting to fight at 205 (pounds). He’s kind of telling them what he wants to do. Why? Because you got people like Brandon Vera, who’s on a losing streak and not performing, making more money than the most valuable guy.
“Who do you think negotiated that [expletive] contract a year and a half ago? And if you look at my Post-it, the one I negotiated was a $7 million deal for four years. It’s nothing close to [$100,000] and [$100,000] (as a win bonus). As far as trying to bring in the Mark Dion negatives and stuff, good luck. Show me any negatives on it. And that’s just a pitch [EliteXC] can use. But hey, I know my [expletive]. I’ve been around this sport a long, long time.”
And so it goes. Your turn, Jared Shaw. Better make it count.
(One of these men fought Anderson Silva on Saturday — can you tell which one? Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle.)
Affliction’s next show will maybe be held on November 8th, maybe in Atlantic City, and Aleksander Emelianenko maybe doesn’t have hepatitis. (MMA Junkie)
Hello all and welcome to CagePotato’s live blog of “UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Irvin” from the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. As the incontestable Mr. Goldstein mentioned yesterday, my name is Chad Dundas and I am the editor-in-chief over at www.mma-america.com, the mixed martial arts blog for the discerning gentleman. For the next few hours I’ll be your humble scribe here as we slog through the UFC’s bid to endanger Anderson Silva’s career in a needless and petty attempt to sideswipe the competition. Should be a kick.
Why exactly you’re reading the live blog of a show that’s on free TV, I’ll never know. But hey, it is my first time here and I’m not going to judge you. We’ll save that for later. Right now, we’re about ready to roll … right after the first of many 30 minute commercial breaks. Live round-by-round results from the event are after the jump; refresh your browser every few minutes for all the latest.
For the last half hour, the UFC countered Affliction’s free prelim broadcast on Fox Sports with yet another replay of “Ultimate Knockouts 5,” ending with Anderson Silva KOing Chris Leben. The Fight Night broadcast opens with the usual pre-fight interviews, featuring James Irvin saying he thinks Silva is due to get caught. For his part, the Spider says he thinks they can have the fight of the year.
Mike Goldberg’s hair is recently frosted. Joe Rogan calls Silva “an artist,” while Irvin, a former heavyweight, is “a tank.” The play-by-play team makes sure to put over the middleweight champion during their introductory comments while continually reminding us that Irvin is a threat. Six live fights tonight, which seems like a lot.
Fight Night goes to its first break teasing CB Dollaway vs. Jesse Taylor as the opening bout.
Jesse Taylor vs. C.B. Dollaway (middleweight)
The slap-on-the-wrist nature of the punishment makes it clear that Taylor’s post-wrap dismissal from the Ultimate Fighter Season 7 was nothing more than an attempt to breathe some life into the flagging reality show. Good news: It sort of worked. Bad news: It might’ve cost JT Money (7-2) a significant chunk of change when he went from probable winner to outcast at the whim of Dana White’s petulant mood swings.
Before his tearful exit, Taylor showed a competent ground and pound offense, a willingness to pee his pants and the deviated septum of a guy who likes getting punched in the face. Dollaway (7-1), meanwhile, showed a competent ground and pound offense, a willingness to refer to himself in the third person and the curled upper lip of an unpleasant French nobleman. The show’s two preseason favorites finally meet. Who is TUF 7’s most badass wrestler? We’re about to find out.
Taylor’s bad behavior after TUF wound up is re-capped, as is Dollaway’s loss to Amir Sadollah in the finale. Dollaway says Taylor is boring. Taylor says Dollaway is just another name in his way. Both fighters are already in the ring after the promos.
Round One
Dollaway shucks off an early takedown attempt from Taylor. The two clinch against the fence before Taylor finally puts Dollaway on the mat. Dollaway works his way into top position and then clearly knees a downed Taylor to the head. Referee Yves Levigne stops the bout to issue a warning to Dollaway. After the restart, Dollaway stuffs another takedown attempt and then takes Taylor’s back. Taylor spins out and takes top position against the fence with about two minutes left. Taylor works some ground and pound, but Dollaway gets free and again takes Taylor’s back, where he quickly taps Taylor with a choke Rogan calls “the Peruvian Necktie,” the same submission he caught Coach Rampage with during the TUF tapings. It’s official: Now I’ve seen everything.
In the post-fight interview, Dollaway says he’s speechless, perhaps for the first time ever.
CB Dollaway def. Jesse Taylor via submission (choke), 3:58, round one.
After another commercial break, GSP vs. John Fitch as well as the return of Brock Lesnar are hyped at UFC 87. Goldy can’t wait. Luckily, they roll out the next fight fairly quickly.
Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns (welterweight)
A kickboxer with a solid wrestling background, Johnson (5-1) looked like a major league prospect during a 51-second knockout of Tommy Speer at Fight Night 13 on April 2. But who hasn’t looked good as of late against The Farm Boy? Burns (7-1) is making his second appearance in the octagon, after tapping Roan Carneiro with a triangle last month.
Round One
Burns lands a couple of nice right hands during the first flurry. After a minute of clinching, the two exchange and Burns seems to stun Johnson again with a right. Burns is really pushing the pace during the first two minutes. Then, as if on cue, the fight takes a timeout when Johnson accidentally kicks Burns low. After the restart, Johnson lands a big double leg takedown on Burns. With two minutes left, Johnson hasn’t mounted much offense from Burns’ guard. Ref Steve Mazzagatti calls for action and then stands the fighters up with 30 seconds left. Johnson landsa push kick and punch before the end of the round.
Johnson stumbles Burns with a knee-punch-knee combo early and the two press against the fence. Then a big right hook by Johnson on the break. Burns is still pressing forward, but Johnson lands a left hook. Rogan decries Burns’ lack of head movement. Johnson keeps acting like he’s getting poked in the eye. Mazzagatti warns Burns about “watching his fingers.” Burns lands a head kick. With 1:47 on the clock, Johnson gets another takedown. This time he manages to land some punches and cuts Burns just a bit at the corner of his right eye. Another stand up with 23 seconds left leads to another take down by Johnson as the horn sounds.
CAGE POTATO SCORE: 10-9 Johnson.
Round Three
I’ve got it tied up headed to the last round. Burns lands an uppercut and then the two trade leg kicks in the first minute. Johnson gets another double leg with just under four minutes left. This time Mazzagatti waits only one minute before standing them up. To no avail, as Johnson gets another takedown just seconds later. Johnson’s not mounting much offense on the ground. Another stand up with 1:39 left. Burns lands an uppercut and Johnson dives to the mat, crying out in pain. He says he’s been poked in the eye again. Replay shows that Burns may have in fact poked Johnson. We’re going to commercial with Johnson still on the mat, being attended to by doctors.
After the advertising break, another replay reveals Burns poked Johnson in the eye with a jab just prior to the uppercut. At first it looks like we’re going to the score cards, but instead Burns is awarded the TKO win at 3:35 in the final round.
In a post-fight interview Burns says he has to throw palm strikes instead of closed-fist punches due to multiple breaks to one hand during the last 16 months. Johnson urges the unhappy crowd to stop booing Burns, then plugs his own after party.
Kevin Burns def. Anthony Johnson via TKO (injury), 3:35, round three.
Another very odd outcome in the UFC, where it seems cheating is generally rewarded with a victory. After another break, the show moves straight into the next fight.
Cain Velasquez vs. Jake O’Brien (heavyweight)
A bruising matchup of two former collegiate wrestlers. The Arizona State alum Velasquez (3-0) takes on the Purdue product O’Brien (10-3) to see who will move another step up the two-rung mini step ladder that is the UFC heavyweight division.
Round One
After just one fight in the octagon, Velasquez is already being heralded as the next big thing in 265-pound class. O’Brien tries to clinch immediately, but Velasquez forces him down and gets top position, in side control against the fence. After a scramble, Velasquez gets a crucifix-style position and pounds away at O’Brien’s face. The barrage is extended and relentless and ref Mario Yamasaki has no choice but to stop the fight, as O’Brien can not defend himself.
Cain Velasquez def. Jake O’Brien via TKO (punches), 2:02, round one.
After an uneventful post-fight interview with Velasquez, new UFC light heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin is shown in attendance. Former champ Quinton Jackson is … not … in attendance. Fight Night then pulls a classic move, by returning only for the official announcement before going straight back to more commercials.
Following the break, welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre joins us via satellite. Goldberg opens with a softball question, “Right now, are you the best fighter you’ve ever been?” GSP says yes, he is, but wants to be even better in his next fight. Goldy guffaws, “As if that’s even possible!” Sigh. Some video feed problems during this segment. Goldberg continues to verbally fellate St. Pierre for a few more minutes before sending us back to commercial.
After mercifully returning from the ads, Fight Night airs some brief hype for Franca vs. Edgar. This fight has the potential to be the best of the night. Somehow, though, I don’t think anybody is really holding their breath for this one.
Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar (lightweight)
Franca (18-6) hasn’t fought since testing positive for the juice in the wake of his lightweight title fight with Sean Sherk last July. Nonetheless, he’ll be a huge test for Edgar (8-1). Many have called for the New Jersey native to drop to 145 after his loss to Gray Maynard in April, but Edgar remains defiant. This fight will tell us a lot about whether he also knows what’s best for himself.
Round One
Just prior to the bell, one of Edgar’s cornermen reassures him that “this is your house.” Edgar dumps Franca onto his back early, then follows into the Brazilian’s guard. Edgar lands some shots, with Franca just covering up. At 2:30 Franca rolls for a lightning-quick arm bar, but after a few seconds of danger, Edgar pulls out and goes back to pounding Franca with short shots. At 1:40, Franca is able to stand up. Franca throws a big right hand and Edgar ducks under for another double leg. Edgar continues to work competent GnP and Franca has a big welt under his left eye and one on his forehead as the round comes to a close.
CP SCORE: 10-9 Edgar.
Round Two
The two trade leg kicks, then another by Franca to open the frame. Thirty seconds in, Edgar slides in and executes a takedown. Edgar lands a series of successful strikes from inside Franca’s guard. Edgar stands and lands a hard kick to Franca’s thigh, then goes back down into Franca’s guard. Franca rolls to give up his back and Edgar gleefully holds the position, landing some more punches before Franca manages to get back to guard. With 45 seconds left Franca scrambles back to his feet. Edgar lands a high kick, then single legs Franca back down. Franca holds tight to Edgar until the bell.
CP SCORE: 10-9 Edgar.
Round Three
Franca swings for the fences early in the final stanza, landing a knee. Edgar lands a straight left and takes France down again with 4:15 on the clock. Edgar passes to the side, but Franca is able to stand up. Edgar lands a head kick on the break of a clinch, then uses a trip takedown to put Franca back on the mat. Franca threatens a triangle, but to no avail. They scramble up, Edgar drags Franca back down. Franca elevates Edgar to try a sweep, then a transition to an arm bar, but Edgar defends. Back on their feet, Franca lands a hook and big knee that busts Edgar open. Edgar manages to wrangle him back down as the fight ends.
CP SCORE: 10-9 Edgar. Should be unanimous for the kid from New Jersey …
… and it is. All three judges score it 30-27 for Edgar.
Frankie Edgar def. Hermes Franca via unanimous decision, 5:00, round three.
The audience gets a look inside Silva’s and Irvin’s a respective dressing rooms in a short respite between commercials. I just noticed the build up for UFC 87 calls Roger Huerta and Kenny Florian “two of the best in the world at 155-pounds.” No comment.
Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy (light heavyweight)
Ah, Vera. What to make of this guy? Young, talented, arrogant, but without the innate likability factor that makes Kanye West bearable. Now, after being unceremoniously run out of the heavyweight division, Vera (8-2) makes his debut at 205-pounds. Aside from having two first names (or is it two last names?) and a nickname that harkens back to a solid mid-80s private eye TV show, Reese “Riptide” Andy (7-1) is an IFL refugee with a four fight win-streak. Like Vera, he’s a tweener and has fought at heavy and light heavy. This is his UFC debut. Also, just as a matter of full disclosure, Andy went to high school in my home state of Montana. I will try not to let that color my commentary.
Round One
These guys get televised entrances. Andy comes out to LL Cool JJ, while Vera goes with Black Eyed Peas. Goldy sounds like he likes the BEPs. Typical. Vera immediately lands a head kick, but Andy musters a double leg against the fence. Vera stands up almost instantaneously. Vera looks way bigger than Andy. Vera knocks Andy down after a missed leg kick, but invites him back to his feet. Andy tries to suck up a couple take downs, but Vera defends easy. Vera trips Andy to the mat with 2:00 left and lands in side control. Andy fends him off and the pair stands. The round ends uneventfully, but Vera looks in control here.
CP SCORE: 10-9 Vera.
Round Two
Vera is switching stances. They clinch against the fence again, trading knees. Vera muscles Andy down again and takes his back. Andy rolls into half guard, then scrambles up. Vera wants to work the Muay Thai clinch. Andy lands a few soft-touch leg kicks. Andy lands a nice right hand at 2:12, but it doesn’t seem to bother Vera. The crowd starts to boo. Vera lands some knee and a head kick after some more clinching against the fence. And another head kick. The last two minutes are pretty slow, with Vera landing a leg kick just before the horn.
CP SCORE: 10-9 Vera. Yawn.
Round Three
Andy lands a jab, looking a bit more aggressive. Then back to more clinching against the fence. I just opened my first beer of the night, but should’ve started drinking a round and a half ago. Mazzagatti restarts the fight in the center. Andy works a double jab, Vera counters with an uppercut. Rogan is looking for answers for this lackluster performance in what he says is supposed to be Vera’s “explosion,” in the 205-pound division. Did the weight cut take it out of Vera? At 1:40 Vera lands a couple knees from the Muay Thai clinch. More clinching. Dr. Rogan has decided Vera is dehydrated. He says weight cutting is like another sport. The two clinch to the bell.
CP SCORE: 10-9 Vera. He wins it 30-27 in a snoozer. The judges concur, though one judge scores one round for Andy.
Brandon Vera def. Reese Andy via unanimous decision, 5:00, round three.
In his post-fight interview, Vera has some kind words for Rampage, who he says is “going through some hard times.” The main event is next. But not before a preview of the new “Far Cry” video game. And some commercials.
Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin (light heavyweight)
What happens when the best middleweight in the world (besides maybe Matt Lindland. Maybe.) fights an extremely mediocre light heavyweight? We’re about to do the math. Silva (22-4) has already said this a one-time move to 205, which makes you wonder: Is it really worth it? Nevertheless, Irvin (14-4-1) could get badly dominated if he tries to stand with the Spider.
Round One
Irvin walks to the cage to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” Imaginative. He disrobes to show his “Bad Boy,” tattoo, which should serve as a cautionary example to those of you thinking about getting some Warrior Wear ink. For SpikeTV, Silva eschews his normal weirdo Brazilian hip hop for the more traditional sounds of DMX. The Spider does some dancing, but otherwise looks like he’s here to do business.
After a couple of low kicks, Silva lands a 1-2 combo. Irvin tries a low kick, but Silva catches it and drops him with a straight punch. The Spider follows with a barrage of punches and the fight is over. That. Was. Fast. Irvin’s eye is bloodied.
Anderson Silva def. James Irvin via TKO (punches), 1:01, round one.
Maybe I am incompetent as a live blogger, but I actually don’t know what to say. It should feel like a dominating performance for Silva, but instead I feel like I just wasted three hours of my life that I’ll never get back.
In the post-fight interview, Silva (through a translator) says his main responsibility is to defend the 185-pound title, but just wants to fight in the biggest fights. The replay of the right hand he threw to drop Irvin is downright nasty. Silva thanks the fans and his mom in English.
Up next, Brodie Farber vs. Rory Markham from the under card.
Brodie Farber vs. Rory Markham (welterweight)
Markham (15-4) is another IFL veteran who (allegedly) has never gone to decision. Farber (13-3) says he’s here to make Markham look bad and make himself look good. In between interviews, that sound you hear is the quiet hum of millions of TVs all over American being switched off.
Round One
Both guys come out throwing hard punches. Markham lands a jab-cross combo. Farber lands a solid right. And another. Farber stuns Markham with a series of three punches, but as he steps in to capitalize Markham knocks him out stiff and cold with a right high kick.
Rory Markham def. Brodie Farber via KO (head kick), 1:37, round one.
Markham uses the word “arduous” in his post-fight interview and expresses excitement about being in the UFC and even about talking to Joe Rogan. He begs for the “KO of the Night,” bonus, at Rogan’s prompting.
That’s all she wrote, folks, wrapping up a fairly underwhelming night of fights at the UFC. Free fights, I guess. Thanks for sticking with me and thanks to the two Bens and Cage Potato for having me. I hope to be back soon. Check out www.mma-america.com, if you get the chance. Good night.
