411’s UFC 194 Aldo vs. McGregor Report 12.12.15

Hello and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 194. For the third night in a row I’m Robert Winfree relaying all of the information to you guys just as I see it. Tonight is the culmination of this entire week and 194 might be the single most stacked PPV main card the UFC has ever put together. Two highly competitive title fights that I personally can’t wait to see and three other good to great main card fights. The middleweight title fight is, on paper at least, the best middleweight title fight in a long time when undefeated champion Chris Weidman defends the belt against Luke Rockhold. Both men are huge for the weight class, both men are in their physical primes, both men are spectacular fighters, and that’s going to be a great fight. The main event has been some time in the making as featherweight champion Jose Aldo defends the belt against interim champion Conor McGregor. These two have been on a collision course for quite some time, Aldo hasn’t lost in over a decade and McGregor has been unstoppable in the UFC those two will collide in a main event with bad blood between them and the richest prize in the world on the line. There’s apparently a huge contingent of Irish fans here for this so expect a loud atmosphere because those guys are crazy in the best way possible. This event comes to you all from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with the longtime commentary duo of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan calling the action.

Marcio Alexandre is 0-2 in the UFC but was undefeated prior to making his UFC debut, tonight he desperately needs a win to avoid the dreaded three loss skid and without a single win inside the promotion that usually means getting your walking papers. Court McGee won TUF 11 and is 2-1 in his last three fights. He’s coming off of a loss to Ryan LaFlare and it’s been two days shy of a full two years since he last fought, he’s after an emphatic return to action here despite the long layoff.

Welterweight Bout: Marcio Alexandre (11-2, 171 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (16-4, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves, Alexandre fighting southpaw and they trade body kicks. Alexandre lands a straight left. McGee circling a lot, Alexandre lands a body kick. McGee pushes into the clinch on the fence. McGee with some knees to the thigh before Alexandre spins him, McGee spins him back to the fence. McGee lands a knee to the body as they separate. Alexandre lands a straight left after McGee lands a body kick. Alexandre lands a left and a right but took a groin kick when McGee was throwing a body kick and he’s got time to recover. Alexandre walks it off and we’re back to fighting. McGee lands a spinning back fist then shoots a double leg against the fence. Alexandre drops for a guillotine choke, he’s got a good squeeze going but McGee pulls his head out and lands some lefts and rights to the head to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alexandre but a competitive round

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. McGee lands a right hand after they clash on kicks. Alexandre lands a left to the body. Alexandre lands a body kick, McGee lands an inside leg kick. McGee lands a right then pushes into the clinch on the fence. McGee with some rights to the body before Alexandre pulls free. McGee lands a body kick. McGee starting to walk Alexandre down now, lands a body kick. Alexandre lands a knee to the body but McGee catches it and looks for a takedown against the fence. McGee bails on the takedown and starts working knees to the thigh and body. The ref separates them and we’re at distance again. McGee lands a right to the body then a left hook. McGee lands an inside leg kick, eats a bit of a straight left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McGee, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: McGee comes out quickly, just avoids a couple of lefts from Alexandre. McGee lands a right then shoots a double leg and gets Alexandre down. Alexandre trying to wall walk, McGee landing short rights as he does so. Alexandre to his feet now but still stuck against the fence by McGee. McGee lands a quick couple of punches as they break. McGee lands a straight right. McGee lands a left in close, Alexandre lands a body kick. McGee lands a right and a body kick. They clinch and McGee drives Alexandre into the cage. McGee with knees to the legs of Alexandre. McGee drops for a double leg but Alexandre avoids being taken down. McGee drops for it again and this time elevates and drops Alexandre. McGee with some right elbows to the head of Alexandre. McGee with body work as well as the elbows. McGee lands a couple of elbows. McGee lands some more hard elbows as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McGee, 29-28 McGee overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Court McGee via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Disagree with McGee getting round 1 but not bad for a two year layoff. Interview time for McGee. He says the win feels incredible and that he loves the sport and his life, thanks God for his sobriety so he can enjoy it. He says he’s a bit of a slow starter but he’ll figure out his opponents, then dedicates the win to his niece who’s 1 year old today, his little buddy Gavin, and thanks the crowd for coming out for his birthday which is apparently today.

John Makdessi is coming off of a loss to Donald Cerrone but is 3-2 in his last five fights and looking to rebound here with a win and move into the next year with some momentum. Yancy Medeiros is coming off of a loss to Dustin Poirier but had won two in a row before that and a win over Makdessi would set Medeiros up for bigger things in 2016.

Lightweight Bout: Yancy Medeiros (11-3 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs. John Makdessi (13-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Medeiros has two inches of height but seven and a half of reach on Makdessi. Touch of gloves to get us going. Makdessi lands an inside leg kick. Medeiros flashing the jab, Makdessi thinking about spinning. Medeiros lands an inside then an outside leg kick. Medeiros misses a high kick. Medeiros lands a leg kick. Makdessi lands a jab. Lots of probing offense from both men, they don’t want to make a big error this early. Medeiros lands a jab. Medeiros lands a leg kick. Makdessi lands a side kick to the body. Medeiros lands a long right. Makdessi lands a spinning back kick to the body. Medeiros lands a leg kick then a body kick to close the first round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Medeiros

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Really awkward fight so far, let’s see if this round plays differently. Medeiros lands a straight left, Makdessi lands an inside leg kick. Medeiros lands a left shovel punch. Makdessi lands a left hook but Medeiros lands a couple of rights to counter. Medeiros lands a left from the southpaw stance. Lots of feinting from both men but they’re overly cautious. Medeiros lands a right, Makdessi lands a jab. Medeiros might be finding the range with his punches here as his rear hand is starting to land more consistently. Makdessi lands a body kick, they clinch and Medeiros gets Makdessi on the fence. Medeiros can’t get a takedown and they trade lefts as they break. Medeiros lands a long left, Makdessi lands a leg kick. Makdessi blocks a body kick then lands a left. Medeiros lands a left. Makdessi lands a left after eating a body kick.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makdessi, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round, Medeiros misses a couple of punches. Makdessi avoids a punch and lands a counter left. Lots of jabbing, just an awkward fight still. Makdessi lands a body kick. Medeiros lands a right hand. Makdessi lands a jab then a leg kick. Medeiros lands a right hand, then a one two combination. Makdessi moving forward here, both guys missing a lot of punches. Medeiros lands a couple of jabs. Makdessi lands a right in close. Makdessi lands a couple of body kicks. Makdessi trying to pressure the last minute of the round and lands a stiff right. Makdessi lands a left hook, Medeiros lands a left in close. Makdessi lands a right but Medeiros lands a short left hook that drops Makdessi to his butt, they trade on their feet for the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Medeiros, 29-28 Medeiros overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yancy Medeiros via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

No interview for Medeiros, tough fight to score given how awkward the fight was.

Joe Proctor is 3-2 in his last five fights, he’s coming off of a win over Justin Edwards and looking to continue that momentum here over the highly touted Mustafaev. Magomed Mustafaev is on an eleven fight winning streak including a win in his UFC debut when he opened up a nasty cut on Piotr Hallmann that forced the fight to be stopped and tonight looks to extend that streak and set himself up for bigger things next year.

Lightweight Bout: Magomed Mustafaev (12-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Joe Proctor (11-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get us going. Proctor lands an inside leg kick. Mustafaev lands a leg kick. Proctor lands another inside leg kick. Mustafaev switches stance frequently, Proctor blocks a high kick. Proctor lands a left then a right. Mustafaev lands a right hand. They get close and Mustafaev lands a right again. Mustafaev lands a hard left kick to the body, then another one that buckles Proctor. Mustafaev lands some knees to the body and head from the Thai clinch, Proctor drops and Mustafaev smashes him on the mat until the ref stops this.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Mustafaev via TKO, knees and punches, at 1:54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Mustafaev for his contributions to the evening. Interview time for Mustafaev and his translator. He says the left kick to the body was an important part of his game plan and it worked out well for him tonight. Asked who he’d like next he says he wants to make his fans and family happy with his performance and just wants to keep his place in the UFC.

Kevin Lee only has one loss as a professional and that was to the talented Al Iaquinta in his UFC debut, but he brings a four fight winning streak into tonight’s fight and a win here would give him a 5-1 record in the UFC and likely move him up in competition for next year. Leonardo Santos is unbeaten in the UFC and coming off of wins over Efrain Escudero and Tony Martin as he looks to close out 2015 on a high note.

Lightweight Bout: Kevin Lee (11-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Leonardo Santos (14-3-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jabs working early for both men. Both men probing with low kicks. Lee lands a jab. Santos lands a jab of his own. Santos lands a leg kick. Santos lands another jab. Lee backing up Santos now. Santos ducks a right and hits a double leg takedown. Lee quickly back to his feet but Santos scrambles to his back and gets both hooks in but Lee breaks the hooks and gets Santos to break away from him. Lee lands a left in close, Santos lands a flush right that drops Lee, Santos keeps pounding on him while Lee struggles to his knees but the ref has to save him from the beating.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Leonardo Santos via TKO, punches, 3:26 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Santos for his contributions to the evening. Interview time for Santos who jokes that he’s not sure what’s going on after that win, he feels great. He says that he’s working hard to become a complete fighter and in his case that means working diligently on his striking. He jokes that when going for the finish he thought about the choke but decided to punch instead, then thanks the UFC brass for giving him the opportunity tonight.

Warlley Alves is unbeaten as professional with a three fight winning streak in the UFC and last submitted Nordine Taleb, now he’s after a fourth UFC win and hoping to close the year on a high note. Colby Covington is also unbeaten as a professional with three UFC wins, he’s also looking to close 2015 with a win and move up in competition next year.

Welterweight Bout: Colby Covington (8-0, 170 lbs.) vs. Warlley Alves (9-0, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Covington fighting southpaw and they touch gloves. Alves lands a hard body kick. Alves pushes to the clinch and lands a knee to the head but Covington gets a takedown because of it. Covington lands some rights as Alves fights to his knees. Alves back up, Covington keeping the clinch. Covington lands an elbow, Alves jumps guard for a guillotine and he’s got a wicked squeeze going, Covington tries to slam out of it but just tightens the grip and Covington has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Warlley Alves via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:26 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Alves for his contributions to the evening, and is sending out an intern to restock on gift baskets. Alves gets some mic time. He’s thankful to be fightin in the UFC, thanks his hometown then notes he’s been working on his transitions especially his guillotine since people are afraid of his kick boxing then says he hopes to fight in the States again.

Tecia Torres is unbeaten as a professional fighter with two wins in the UFC the most recent one being over Angela Hill. Torres has long been thought of as a top strawweight fighter and was one of the favorites to win the inaugural strawweight title and a win here could certainly set her up for possible title contention next year. She was supposed to fight Michelle Waterson tonight, but Waterson got injured and was replaced by Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger. Jones-Lybarger is riding a four fight winning streak coming into tonight, she took the fight on short notice but a win over the top ranked Torres would be a heck of a way to debut in the UFC.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger (6-1, 116 lbs.) vs. #5 Tecia Torres (6-0, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jones-Lybarger has seven inches of height and four of reach on Torres. Torres circling early, lands a bit of an inside leg kick. Jones-Lybarger trying to push forward, eats a counter right from Torres. Torres lands a right, her blitzes are working so far. Jones-Lybarger lands a bit of a left. Quick left and right land for Torres. Torres lands a counter right after Jones-Lybarger misses a combination. Torres lands another couple of rights. Jones-Lybarger pushes into the clinch, Torres spins her into the fence. Torres with some knees to the body. Torres looking for a takedown now, bails on it. Torres doing a good job controlling Jones-Lybarger here. Jones-Lybarger spins Torres to the fence, they jockey for position and Torres works some knees to the body and thigh as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres

ROUND TWO: Jones-Lybarger comes out jabbing, Torres lands a couple of punches in close. Jones-Lybarger lands a leg kick. Jones-Lybarger lands a stiff jab. Jones-Lybarger ducks a hook and gets the clinch. Torres trying to get off of the fence, Jones-Lybarger keeping her there. Torres spins Jones-Lybarger. Torres lands a couple of knees to the body. They break apart, Torres lands a right then Jones-Lybarger lands an uppercut. Jones-Lybarger pushes into the clinch again. Torres lands a knee to the body then spins Jones-Lybarger into the cage. Jones-Lybarger able to spin Torres then they break. Torres lands a left to the body then a right, they’re starting to trade then Torres reverses a takedown from Jones-Lybarger and lands in half guard. Torres with some hard elbows to the head of Jones-Lybarger. Torres lands some lefts as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres, 20-18 Torres overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves start the third round. Torres pushes into the clinch and gets Jones-Lybarger on the fence. They separate without incident. Torres lands a good right hand. And my cable stops working for a few minutes, thanks Comcast. I rejoin the fight with Torres still holding Jones-Lybarger on the fence. They break with a right from Torres. Jones-Lybarger’s left eye is swelling, they trade in close and Torres might have been wobbled so we get a great exchange as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres based on what I saw, 30-27 Torres overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tecia Torres via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Interview time for Torres. She says she’s been working on her grappling and clinching to round out her MMA game and compliment her striking skills. She was surprised at how much faster she was than Jones-Lybarger and credits her improved technique then thanks her coaches.

Frankie Saenz is riding a seven fight winning streak with the last three being in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win over Sirwan Kakai but tonight is easily the biggest fight of his career. If Saenz could knock off the former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber he’d vault from virtual unknown to top contender and set himself up for success in bigger fights for 2016. Urijah Faber is coming off of a loss at featherweight to Frankie Edgar but had won his two bantamweight fights before that, and with the bantamweight title on the line early next year a win tonight could set up the long time top contender for yet another title opportunity against either Dominick Cruz or TJ Dillashaw next year.

Bantamweight Bout: #13 Frankie Saenz (11-2, 135 lbs.) vs. #4 Urijah Faber (32-8, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saenz circling early, Faber lands a leg kick. Saenz lands an inside leg kick. Faber lands a knee to the body, Saenz lands a knee to the body as they clinch. Saenz gets Faber on the fence, Faber spins him then tries a trip but Saenz winds up on top with a front head lock while Faber is on his knees. Faber back up and they separate. Both men miss some punches, Faber moving forward though if you value that. Saenz lands an inside leg kick that drops Faber for a second. They clinch, trade knees to the body then Faber lands some elbows before they break. Saenz lands an inside leg kick. Faber lands a stepping knee to the head. Saenz lands another inside leg kick then avoids a takedown. Rights traded. Faber catches a kick but eats a left from Saenz and can’t get the takedown. Saenz lands a leg kick. Faber can’t get a single leg takedown then they trade elbows as they break. Faber lands a right to the body. Saenz lands a stepping knee and they fight in the clinch to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Faber but very competitive

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Saenz lands an inside leg kick. Faber lands a high kick that rocks Saenz, he tries to flurry with elbows against the fence, Saenz trying to fire back but Faber is swarming him. Faber with some more elbows and a knee to the body. Saenz lands a knee to the body, Faber trips him down and lands in the mounted crucifix but Saenz rolls him and winds up on top. Saenz lands an elbow from the guard, Faber to his knees then back up and Saenz has the rear waist lock. Faber might have punched himself out looking for that finish. Saenz working knees to the thigh. Faber lands an elbow but he’s visibly breathing hard, Saenz lands a knee to the body as they break. Saenz lands the inside leg kick again. Faber looks gassed, he’s buying time to recover. Saenz lands another inside leg kick, those are starting to add up. Saenz lands a right hand then an inside leg kick. Saenz lands a right hand. Saenz lands another couple of leg kicks, Faber catches the second one but can’t get a takedown and Saenz lands a knee to the body before they break the clinch. Saenz lands another inside leg kick then sprawls out of a double leg attempt from Faber. Saenz lands an uppercut then they stare the final seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Faber, 20-18 Faber overall

ROUND THREE: Saenz has been in this fight but likely needs a finish here. Saenz lands a leg kick. Saenz lands another leg kick. Saenz avoids a takedown. Body kick from Saenz. Saenz lands a knee to the body as they clinch. They separate without incident. Saenz kicks out the leg of Faber again, that inside leg kick from him has been working all night. Faber lands a right hand. They clinch then Saenz lands a left when they break. Saenz lands a hard leg kick then a right hand. Faber lands a couple of jabs, trying to keep Saenz at distance. Saenz lands the inside leg kick again. Faber gets a body lock and has a takedown but Saenz immediately to the fence and back to his knees. Faber trying to pull him away from the fence, Saenz back up while Faber has the clinch. Saenz lands a knee to the body. Saenz lands a knee as they break. Saenz lands a body kick, Faber reverses a takedown but Saenz tries for a heel hook just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saenz, 29-28 Faber overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Urijah Faber via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Frankie Saenz made that more competitive than anyone thought it would be. Interview time for Faber. He says Saenz is a warrior but he’s happy to win here and he says he wants to fight for the belt and that there’s a great story to be told with the good guy, himself, winning at the end.

That wraps up the prelims, it seems the UFC has temporarily retired the “Face the Pain” remix in favor of the original. Still awful though. Seriously UFC, find a composer and work out a nice instrumental piece to bring us into the main card, using music like that is seriously off putting.

Jeremy Stephens is coming off of a win over Dennis Bermudez and has a 4-2 record as a featherweight in the UFC, a win over the surging contender Max Holloway would move the UFC veteran up the ranks towards possible title contention. Max Holloway has won seven fights in a row and is coming off of a win over Charles Oliveira and finished Cub Swanson prior to that, a win over Stephens would move Holloway into prime position to potentially challenge for the title next year as eight wins in a row under the UFC banner planes him in elite company.

Featherweight Bout: #8 Jeremy Stephens (24-11, 145 lbs.) vs. #5 Max Holloway (14-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holloway has two inches of height on Stephens, Stephens has two inches of reach on Holloway. Touch of gloves to get us going, both men come out southpaw and Stephens lands a leg kick. Holloway will switch his stance often, stephens looks like he’ll be trying the same. Holloway lands a long couple of lefts. Holloway trying to get a feel for the rhythm, Stephens using low kicks to keep Holloway out of rhythm. Holloway jabs the body then lands a rear leg front kick to the body. Left kick to the body from Holloway lands. Stephens lands a leg kick. Holloway lands a left to the body then a right hook from the southpaw stance. Holloway lands a right hook, he seems to like the southpaw stance here. Holloway lands a body kick, Stephens gets the clinch off of it and has Holloway against the cage. Holloway lands a couple of knees to the body, Stephens knees the thigh. Stephens drops for a single leg, Holloway defending well and landing short body shots when he can then pulls out of the clinch. Holloway lands a left body kick, he’s enjoying the southpaw stance it seems as he hasn’t changed much lately. Stephens lands an inside leg kick. Holloway lands a left, Stephens gets the clinch and has Holloway against the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway

ROUND TWO: Holloway avoids an uppercut and lands a right. Stephens lands a right to the body. Holloway with a front kick to the body. Holloway lands a quick one two then a knee to the body and a right. Stephens seems to be waiting more this round. Holloway lands a counter right after Stephens threw an uppercut. Holloway lands a spinning back kick to the body then Stephens gets him on the fence looking for a takedown. Stephens can’t get Holloway down but he’s trying, then Holloway spins out of the clinch. Punches traded in close, both men landed. Holloway lands a left, Stephens pushes into the clinch again. Holloway lands some short lefts while defending the takedown against the fence. Holloway lands a right as he pulls out of the clinch. Stiff counter right from Holloway lands. Stephens reaches for a single leg, Holloway defends and they wind up clinched again. Holloway with some knees to the body before he escapes the clinch. Stephens lands a leg kick. They both miss as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway, 20-18 Holloway overall

ROUND THREE: Holloway circling early, Stephens lands a leg kick. Holloway lands a long left. Stephens lands a bit of a high kick. Holloway lands an uppercut to the body then takes Stephens down from the clinch. Holloway in half guard, lands some good lefts while Stephens tries to scoot to the fence. Holloway passes to full side control. Holloway lands a knee to the body, Stephens to his knees but Holloway slides around and gets the back. Holloway goes for the choke but Stephens rolls to his back and Holloway winds up in half guard again. Holloway lands some elbows then gets the back again when Stephens tries to move. Holloway has both hooks in, looking for the choke. Holloway using some punches to try and open up the choke, now some heel strikes to the abdomen as well. Stephens explodes to his feet and starts looking for a takedown, Holloway lands some body shots and Stephens settles for the clinch. Holloway spins out of the clinch. Holloway lands a straight left. Stephens lands a leg kick. Lefts traded. Stephens tries for a double leg, Holloway stalls it out on the fence. Holloway’s takedown defense is impressive, they trade punches as they break. Holloway lands a jumping knee to the body. Stephens lands a body kick and gets the clinch again. Stephens misses some wild hooks after the clinch, Holloway lands a short counter right. Holloway slips some hooks and sweetly lands counters as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway, 30-27 Holloway overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Max Holloway via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

Impressive stuff from Holloway, just keeps getting better. Holloway thanks God first and foremost, thanks his coaches and the UFC brass. He says there are only two possible fights for him next, either Aldo or McGregor as he’s won eight in a row and is happy to fight McGregor in Ireland or Aldo in Hawaii. He’s really worked up. He says this wasn’t the prettiest win, Rogan corrects him there, then asks about the takedown. Holloway says he felt he had to show more than just his striking and he wants to keep growing with the sport.

Demian Maia is riding a three fight winning streak and has fought for the middleweight title in the past, if he wants to make a similar run at welterweight he’ll need a win here against fellow grappling specialist Gunnar Nelson. Gunnar Nelson suffered his first career loss to Rick Story last year but rebounded with an impressive win over Brandon Thatch earlier this year and hopes to keep that momentum going here as a win over Maia would move Nelson closer to top ten status and eventual title contention.

Welterweight Bout: #12 Gunnar Nelson (14-1-1, 170 lbs.) vs. #6 Demian Maia (21-6, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves, Maia fighting southpaw. The Irish fans are vocally behind Nelson. Maia shoots into the clinch, Nelson gets a quick trip takedown, Maia back up rather quickly and they’re jockeying for position in the clinch. Maia tries a single leg, Nelson uses the threat of a guillotine to avoid being taken down. Maia tries a trip, Nelson reverses and lands on top in crosswise half guard. Nelson lands an elbow. Nelson moves to the other side to regular half guard. Maia uses a pass attempt to regain his feet and start looking for a takedown, Maia gets the back in transition. Nelson trying to shake Maia off, tries to roll through but Maia winds up in full mount. Maia lands some punches from mount. Nelson tries to buck him off, Maia has the back again and Nelson is trying to shake him off again. Maia with some more punches. Maia switches to a body triangle as they go back to the mat. Maia going for the choke, Nelson defending but Maia is controlling and dominating position. Maia with some elbows now. Maia switches to an armbar but loses it as he extends the arm and Nelson on top now. Nelson works to pass Maia’s half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia

ROUND TWO: Maia looks a little more tired than Nelson to start the second. Maia stalking forward, Nelson lands a right hand. Maia lands a left. Maia shoots a single leg and spins Nelson down, Nelson sweeps him immediately. Maia back up still looking for the single leg takedown. Maia trying to get the back standing, gets the rear waist lock. Maia has the back now while Nelson is on his knees. Nelson to his feet, Maia is a human backpack now. Maia landing some lefts to the body and head. Maia landing more lefts as Nelson goes to his knees. Nelson spins into Maia and winds up in Maia’s guard. Nelson to half guard, Maia trying to sweep and does, now on top in Nelson’s guard. Maia working some short hammer fists, Nelson tries to sit up but Maia pushes him back over. Well it’s clear now that Maia’s submission game is the better of these two, though there shouldn’t have been much doubt. Maia lands some elbows and passes to full mount again. Maia lands some more strikes as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia, borderline 10-8, 20-18 Maia overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Maia walking Nelson down, shoots a takedown but Nelson back up quickly and has a front head lock. Nelson drops for a guillotine, more to roll than choke but Maia gets his head free and moves to top position. Maia with some short elbows. Nelson tries to reach for a half guard sweep but Maia avoids it and starts looking to pass to mount. Maia now with some elbows. Maia lands some knees to the body, this is a blowout for Maia. Maia takes the back again and gets the body triangle. Maia looking for the choke, Nelson just defending. Maia still going for the choke, his arm isn’t under the chin though. Maia bails on the choke and lands some lefts to the body and head. Nelson spins into Maia’s guard with fifteen seconds left. Maia just holds on until time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia, 30-27 Maia overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Demian Maia via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25 x2)

Yeah, Maia could have had a 10-8 for rounds 2 or 3, his jiu-jitsu is absolutely amazing. Interview time for Maia. He says he came to grapple with Nelson, notes Nelson asked for the fight and that Maia now has four wins in a row and asks for a title shot next. Maia says he beat Neil Magny who just beat Kelvin Gastelum yet he’s somehow Gastelum went up in the rankings after the loss, kind of runs down the rankings a little. Maia thanks the Brazilians in the crowd, then thanks the Irish fans who he says have been very nice to him.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has won five in a row in the UFC with an eight fight winning streak overall, Souza has long been one of the top middleweights in the world and a win here makes him the undeniable number one contender for the belt next year. Yoel Romero won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics in freestyle wrestling and is coming off of a huge win when he knocked out Lyoto Machida in the second round, he’s won six in a row in the UFC and if he can beat Souza here he’ll also be guaranteed the next title shot.

Middleweight Bout: #3 Yoel Romero (10-1, 185 lbs.) vs. #2 Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (22-3 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Romero fighting southpaw, we touch gloves to get us going. Romero circling, Souza lands a bit of a body kick, Romero lands a better body kick. Souza lands a good straight right hand. Souza using good forward pressure, Romero circling. Souza lands a left to the body. Souza’s punching is on point thus far when he walks into range. Romero lands a bit of a left hand. Lefts traded in close. Souza’s forward pressure seems to be keeping Romero out of his rhythm. Romero lands a spinning back fist that drops Souza, Souza on his back asking Romero to come into his guard. Romero oblidges and starts landing some wild punches from his guard. Souza trying to set up an attack but Romero is just winging punches at his head. Romero lands a hard elbow. Souza throws up a lighting fast triangle attempt but Romero out of it quickly. Romero lands some more elbows, Souza tries an armbar but Romero avoids it and lands some punches from the ride position as Souza is on his knees to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Romero

ROUND TWO: Souza was wobbly between rounds, he’s moving forward to start this one but still looks unstead on his feet. Romero circling, looking for his opening. Romero lands a body kick. Souza dives on a takedown, stuffed easily by Romero and they separate. Not sure what Romero is waiting for here, Souza lands a bit of a right hook. Souza dives on a low single, Romero defends again then rolls Souza on the mat but Romero held the fence there. The ref stands them up because Romero grabbed the fence to get top position and warns Romero that next time he’ll take a point. Souza lands a left to the body. Romero lands a body kick. I wonder if Romero punched himself out at the end of the first round. Souza lands a right but fails on a takedown attempt. Souza lands a right to the body. Inside leg kicks traded. Hard inside leg kick from Romero lands. Romero misses a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Souza, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Romero looks very tired. Romero lands a body kick. Souza lands a front kick to the body and a leg kick. Romero lands a straight left hand. Romero lands an inside leg kick. Souza tries a single leg, easily avoided Romero. Romero lands an inside leg kick. Romero lands a left, Souza lands a left uppercut. Romero lands a couple of lefts. Souza tags Romero with a right and starts looking to tee off on the fence. Souza bails on strikes when Romero fires back and Souza gets a double leg takedown into half guard. Souza lands a couple of rights and tries to set up an arm triangle choke. Romero eats some elbows from Souza. Souza lands a knee to the body. Souza trying to pass, Romero keeping him down. Romero back to his feet in the clinch, lands a knee to the head of Souza and the fight ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Souza, 29-28 Souza overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yoel Romero via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-27)

I can see Romero getting a 10-8 first round but giving him either rounds 2 or 3 is very dubious, borderline Clucky. Interview time for Romero. He says he has tons of respect for Souza, he hit him very hard but Souza kept coming back at him. He says he trained for a war but had to start pacing himself after Souza kept coming after the first round. Romero says he wasn’t worried about the scores, because you know when you win or lose and he felt he won. Asked about an upcoming title shot he says he’s ready for that and ready for everyone.

Fun fact, this next title fight is the first UFC middleweight title fight to NOT feature a Brazilian fighter since Rich Franklin fought David Louiseau in March of 2006.

Luke Rockhold is riding a four fight winning streak and he’s finished all of those including Michael Bisping and Lyoto Machida and is a former middleweight champion in Strikeforce. Tonight Rockhold has a chance to become the new middleweight champion and extend his winning streak while adding the most prestigious title in the world to his list of accolades. Chris Weidman is unbeaten as a professional fighter with nine consecutive victories in the UFC, the longest active UFC winning streak and looks to have a fourth successful title defense tonight against Rockhold.

UFC Middleweight Title Bout: (c) Chris Weidman (13-0,185 lbs.) vs. #1 Luke Rockhold (14-2, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rockhold fighting southpaw. Weidman moving more early, has a middle kick blocked. Weidman moving forward, lands an inside leg kick. Rockhold lands an inside leg kick. Weidman ducks a right and gets the clinch. Wiedman climbs onto Rockhold’s back and lands a couple of lefts. Rockhold trying to get Weidman off his back, Weidman transitions to a kimura as he goes to his back then uses that to try and get the back again. Weidman can’t get the back and stands in the clinch with Rockhold. Weidman lands a knee to the body then an elbow and hits a double leg into side control. Rockhold to his knees, Weidman trying to take his back again, lands a knee to the head as Rockhold gets back up. Weidman controlling Rockhold against the fence. Wiedman working some knees to the body and a hard elbow. Rockhold tries to grab a guilloting as Weidman gets a takedown. Weidman is in side control on the safe side, Rockhold is using just his arms to try this choke. Weidman is pretty safe here though the cage is preventing Weidman from moving to full side control and the ref stands them up then Rockhold lands a hard body kick. Weidman goes for a takedown, Rockhold uses the threat of a guillotine to land in top position and the round ends with Weidman kicking Rockhold off of him.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Weidman

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Rockhold wobbles Weidman with a wild right, Weidman circles away from trouble. Rockhold lands a hard body kick. Weidman lands a body kick then gets the clinch, Rockhold uses a front head lock to spin out of the clinch. Weidman trying to walk Rockhold down now, lands a body kick. Rockhold lands a leg kick. Weidman gets the clinch, Rockhold defends possible takedowns and lands a body kick as they break. Rockhold is kicking hard here. Weidman punches into the clinch on the fence. Rockhold lands a knee to the body then spins out of the clinch. This round is all Rockhold so far. Rockhold lands a right hand. Weidman trying to walk Rockhold into the fence, Rockhold lands a right to the body. Weidman lands a body kick, Rockhold lands one of his own. Weidman misses a right, Rockhold lands a counter right. Rockhold misses a question mark kick. Weidman lands a body kick that hurt Rockhold for a moment. Rockhold recovers and lands a straight left. Rockhold lands a leg kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rockhold, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the third round. Weidman misses a high kick. Weidman still trying to walk down Rockhold. Weidman lands a body kick then an inside leg kick. Rockhold lands a body kick. Weidman lands a body kick, those are powerful. Weidman lands a left and pushes into the clinch. Weidman has Rockhold on the fence, Rockhold pushes away. Weidman lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Weidman lands a left and gets the clinch then trips Rockhold down. Rockhold sitting on the fence, Weidman trying to mount the legs. Weidman lands a couple of lefts. Rockhold back up but still in the clinch. Rockhold lands a couple of knees to the body then they break. Rockhold lands a straight left then a body kick. Weidman lands a body kick, Rockhold might be getting tired. Weidman lands another couple of body kicks. Weidman walks Rockhold to the fence, they trade punches then Weidman kicks the body again. Rockhold ducks a wheel kick then takes Weidman down, Rockhold has the back with both hooks in. Rockhold looking for the choke, uses it to transition to full mount. Rockhold with some short rights and elbows. Rockhold landing punches, Weidman is bleeding, Rockhold trying to finish it. More elbows from Rockhold, Weidman is praying for time to go faster here. More punches from Rockhold but the round saves Weidman.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Rockhold, 29-27 Weidman overall

ROUND FOUR: Weidman opens up with a body kick, amazing considering how close that was to being stopped at the end of round three. Rockhold lands a body kick then gets the clinch. Rockhold looking for a takedown, Weidman defends. Rockhold trying for a body lock takedown, takes a couple of attempts but he lifts Weidman and gets him down. Rockhold in half guard against the fence. Weidman gets to full guard. Rockhold stands and lands a couple of rights. Weidman trying to scoot, maybe set up a guillotine, Rockhold keeping him down. Rockhold stands and lands a right then a left elbow. Rockhold passes to side control. Weidman fights to half guard, Rockhold trying for mount. Rockhold postures up and tries to tee off, keeps landing punches and this time the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Middleweight Champion – Luke Rockhold via TKO, strikes, at 3:12 of Round 4

Amazing performance from Rockhold, capitalized on the smallest of openings when Weidman tried a wheel kick and becomes the champ because of it. Rockhold says the feeling is impossible to describe, he says he can’t believe this is real right now. Asked about the wheel kick attempt by Weidman he says he drilled defending that kick after the Belfort fight and he was never going to let that happen to him again. He says he beleives he can beat anyone in the world if he’s on top of them, says he’s disappointed he got tired so quickly but he was on anti-biotics to cure a staph infection and says he went through a lot this camp but kept going and believed in himself. He was hoping the ref would stop that fight at the end of the third because he didn’t want to go for a fourth but sucked it up and got his hand raised at the end.

Interview time for Weidman now, his face is a mess. He says this was Rockhold’s night, but he’s still got a family that loves him and fans that love him so he’ll be back. He says he remembers throwing the wheel kick which probably wasn’t the smartest decision but he’ll be working hard and keeping a positive attitude. Weidman’s dad takes the mic briefly, thanks the fans and says he’s still proud of his son.

Conor McGregor hasn’t lost in the UFC, he’s riding a fourteen fight winning streak overall and is coming off of a second round KO of Chad Mendes. Tonight McGregor has a chance to become the first Irish UFC champion and to unseat one of the best fighters in the world for the featherweight championship. Jose Aldo hasn’t lost a fight in over a decade and is universally considered the best or second best fighter in the world, tonight he faces possibly his biggest challenge as he goes for an eighth consecutive title defense and looks to remain the only UFC featherweight champion.

UFC Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Jose Aldo (25-1, 145 lbs.) vs. (ic) Conor McGregor (18-2, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: McGregor has two inches of height and four of reach on Aldo. McGregor fighting southpaw. Crowd is loudly in support of McGregor. McGregor comes out fast and lands a left. Aldo lands a left hook but McGregor lands a counter left and Aldo is OUT! One punch KO. Wow.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Featherweight Champion – Conor McGregor via KO, punch, at :13 of Round 1

McGregor gets some mic time. He says nobody can take his left, he gets it that Aldo is fast and powerful but precision and timing beat those and that’s what we saw. He says Aldo was was a phenomenal champion and maybe deserved to go longer but he felt he had precision and timing to beat him all night. He says that wasn’t power but precision and not speed but timing, and with four ounce gloves and his power that’s all he needs. He says yesterday at the weigh ins he just wanted to embrace it all and enjoying the moment. He closes with “Ireland baby! We did it!”

Aldo gets an interview with his translator now. He says he got caught but didn’t feel that was a real fight and wants to get back in the cage. He says the trash talk didn’t effect him at all but he plans on getting back in the cage soon. He closes by thanking everyone watching in Brazil for watching, apologizes for letting them down, then promises to be back.

Alright guys, that wraps up UFC 194. This event and all of the events from this week are going to be talked about tomorrow at 8 pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show. That show takes live callers at [phone] if you want to call in and get your opinions or questions on the air. I’ll be back next week for UFC on FOX when Rafael dos Anjos defends the lightweight belt against Donald Cerrone, hope you’ll all come back for that. Until then, that’s three days in a row for me and I’m going to bed. Stay safe out there and continue checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.