mma / Reports

411’s UFC 210 Report 4.08.17

April 9, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 210. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, calling the action just as I see it. Hopefully more accurately than in the past. I’ve enjoyed having a couple of weeks off, apart from that Bellator card that I wont be discussing, and while UFC 210 is a bit top heavy there are a few other fights worth looking forward too. This is the UFC’s first event in the city of Buffalo since UFC 7 way back in 1995, 2/3 of my siblings hadn’t even been born at that point. Now I feel old. This event suffered a bit of controversy yesterday when a main card fight between Cynthia Calvillo and Peral Gonzalez was thought to be called off as Gonzalez has breast implants and there’s a rule in New York keeping women (though I assume it would apply to men as well) with breast implants from boxing given concerns over ruptures. The UFC bribed bullied used reasoned discourse and a wording loophole to convince the NYSAC to allow the fight to continue as the language only references boxing, MMA wasn’t legal in the state when that rule was written, and the fight remained on the main card. There was also some controversy around Daniel Cormier’s weigh in as he rested his hands on a towel during his second attempt after missing weight by about a pound the first time, but there’s been no official word on that whole thing and as of this writing the fight remains on. The main event is a rematch between light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson, the two fought previously at UFC 187 for the vacant light heavyweight belt and Cormier scored a third round submission win, Johnson has finished three top light heavyweights since then and gets his second crack at the title tonight. The co-main event is a really important middleweight fight as former champion Chris Weidman tries to break a two fight losing streak against the surging contender Gegard Mousasi, Weidman could see any hopes of reclaiming the title dashed tonight while Mousasi could lay claim to a title shot. Also on the main card Thiago Alves and Patrick Cote battle for divisional relevance and Will Brooks welcomes Charles Oliveira back to the lightweight division. This event comes to us from the aforementioned Buffalo, New York, USA with the commentary trio of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Dominick Cruz. They also bring up that New York has accepted the changed rules for MMA, so the new definition of a downed fighter, guidelines for extending a hand with fingers extended, and language for a 10-8 round are all in play tonight.

Jenel Lausa has a five fight winning streak going including a successful UFC debut when he defeated Yao Zhikui, tonight he’s trying to keep that streak alive while proving himself a top shelf flyweight. Unfortunately he’s drawn a nasty opponent. Magomed Bibulatov is undefeated as a professional and has been considered one of the best flyweights in the world and likely the best outside of the UFC, he’s a former WSOF flyweight champion, and will be looking to make a big impact in his UFC debut. Given the nature of flyweight with the dominant champion, a big debut plus a couple of follow up wins could have him leapfrogging towards a title shot. Bibulatov is a prohibitive favorite at a massive -550 while Lausa’s upset is set at -+375.

Flyweight Bout: Magomed Bibulatov (13-0, 126 lbs.) vs. Jenel Lausa (7-2, 124.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Lausa has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Bibulatov is pressing forward, misses a wheel kick. Bibulatov just misses a spinning back kick to the face. Lausa has a right blocked. Bibulatov lands a jab and tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Bibulatov lands a couple of knees as Lausa disengages. Bibulatov is the more active fighter, he misses a couple of punches and lands a left to the body. Lausa just misses a left hook. Bibulatov lands an inside leg kick. Lausa misses a right. Bibulatov lands a bit of a side kick to the body. Bibulatov lands a spinning back fist. A bit of a leg kick from Bibulatov, Lausa returns it. Bibulatov lands a right as he backs Lausa into the fence, they clinch and trade knees but Lausa got hit low so we’ve got time for him to recover. The crowd is already a bit restless, could make things interesting as the night goes on. Lausa is good to continue, and just blocks a spinning back kick to the face. Bibulatov just misses a combination, he’s spinning a lot and it seems to be keeping Lausa off balance. Bibulatov tries a single leg, they spin and he lands a knee to the body as Lausa was on a knee a little after the ref called the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bibulatov

ROUND TWO: Bibulatov comes out working the jab and lead leg. Lausa has a couple of lunging hooks blocked. Bibulatov misses a spinning back kick to the body. Lausa has more urgency this round, and Bibulatov lands a spinning back kick to the body after kicking off of the fence for a superman punch. Bibulatov lands a lovely uppercut then a knee to the body and they clinch up. Lausa gets Bibulatov on the fence and they start jockeying for position. They break without incident, Bibulatov misses a wheel kick but Lausa can’t capitalize on that. Bibulatov tries another inside leg kick that Lausa moves into causing a groin strike. Lausa gets time to recover as the replay confirms the foot went right into the cup. Dominick Cruz and Joe Rogan debate the merit of steel cups in MMA while Lausa recovers. They get the translator for Lausa over so the ref can talk with him and make sure they can communicate. And the ref takes a point from Bibulatov on the restart. Bibulatov lands a left then misses a leg kick. Bibulatov tries a double leg, gets Lausa down and mounts the legs. Lausa tries to roll him over, Bibulatov into side control and Lausa gets full guard now. Bibulatov lands a couple of punches. Bibulatov passes to half guard and lands a right before Lausa gets guard back. Lausa trying to work elbows from the bottom, Bibulatov lands a couple of short elbows of his own. Bibulatov to half guard and lands another elbow. Bibulatov passes to half guard again. Bibulatov lands a few elbows before Lausa gets guard back. More elbows and punches from Bibulatov land. And the round ends in that spot with another elbow from Bibulatov.

SCORECARD: 9-9 after the point deduction, 19-18 Bibulatov overall

ROUND THREE: Bibulatov back to pressuring Lausa, lands a bit of a side kick to the head then has a wheel kick blocked. Bibulatov into the clinch and lands a knee the hits a bit elevated double leg landing in side control. Bibulatov towards the mounted crucifix, he can’t secure it but lands some hard elbows before Lausa gets half guard. Lausa closes full guard and Bibulatov lands another elbow. Lausa really struggling to do much on his back, Bibulatov is passing towards half guard again. Lausa retains guard and Bibulatov lands some rights to the body and head. Lausa is still stuck and Bibulatov is controlling and patiently punishing him. Bibulatov into full mount now and he lands some rights. Lausa is able to get half guard but Bibulatov is posturing and hammering him now. Lausa has full guard and Bibulatov doesn’t care, he’s just content to control and smash. Bibulatov passes to half guard and lands more rights and lefts. Bibulatov to half guard again, this whole round has been incredibly one sided. Bibulatov lands some blows to the body and head then passes to half guard again. Bibulatov just tees off for the last ten seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Bibulatov as Lausa did essentially nothing all round, 29-26 Bibulatov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Bibulatov via unanimous decision (29-26 x3)

Solid debut for Bibulatov, who doesn’t get an interview. That should be too surprising, this is a thirteen fight card and we’ll be pushing through these fights unless they end very quickly.

Katlyn Chookagian is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off of her first loss, she needs to rebound here to avoid a two fight losing streak and prove she’s still a relevant fighter in the division. Irene Aldana is in a similar position as she dropped her UFC debut after a solid run with Invicta, if she wants to prove she can compete at the UFC level successfully she must win here. Chookagian is the favorite at -155 while Aldana will pay out at +125 with a win.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Irene Aldana (7-3, 135.6 lbs.) vs. Katlyn Chookagian (8-1, 134.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Aldana has half an inch of reach on Chookagian. They touch gloves for the first round and Chookagian misses a leg kick. Aldana is circling early while Chookagian tries to cut her off and falls short with her offense. Aldana lands an inside leg kick, Chookagian tries a single leg takedown and Aldana slips free. They trade a few jabs while circling and looking for angles. Aldana lands a leg kick to the rear leg of Chookagian. They trade lefts and Chookagian lands a body kick. Aldana slips a jab and lands a right. Chookagian lands a body kick. Aldana is starting to go forward now, she has a bit of Chookagian’s range and timing. Chookagian jabs to keep distance, Aldana lands a front kick to the body then a leg kick. Chookagian falls short with more offense, I don’t know if she’s expecting Aldana to move forward more or if she’s just keeping distance. Aldana lands a leg kick. Chookagian lands a few body kicks. Aldana lands a bit of a combination then a leg kick. Chookagian lands a body kick, at kicking distance she’s having success but in close Aldana is the better fighter. They trade some leg kicks, Chookagian can’t finish a takedown and they trade along the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldana but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Chookagian lands a bit of a left then an inside leg kick. Chookagian’s left leg has been effective thus far. They clinch and Aldana lands a knee to the body before they break. Some long range strikes going back and forth, Aldana lands a spinning back fist and Chookagian returns with a combination. Aldana lands a right then a left. Another right from Aldana lands. Aldana lands a leg kick then they split jabs. Chookagian lands a leg kick but eats a counter right. Chookagian is the one generally moving forward now. Chookagian fails on a double leg attempt. Aldana lands a slapping head kick. They’re trading some lead hand work. Aldana lands a jab and a bit of a right. Aldana lands a leg kick. Chookagian lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a front kick to the hip then misses an ugly wheel kick. Aldana lands a right, Chookagian lands a right in close and Aldana slips for a second. Chookagian tries another takedown that stalls out and they trade in the clinch before breaking. Aldana lands a right to counter a leg kick. They trade a few more kicks before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldana but again could see arguments for Chookagian, 20-18 Aldana overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Aldana lands a jab and Chookagian lands a body kick. Chookagian jabs Aldana back and lands a glancing head kick. Aldana lands a straight right. Chookagian lands an inside leg kick. Aldana lands a leg kick. Aldana lands another inside leg kick after hitting a right. Aldana is starting to crowd Chookagian a bit, lands a couple of rights. Chookagian lands a couple of inside leg kicks and Aldana lands a right. Aldana blocks a double leg and they both land then break. Aldana lands a left hook. Another left lands for Aldana then a right. Chookagian lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a bit of a left but Chookagian is using front kicks to keep distance. They clinch then break with a right from Aldana. Aldana lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a right, Chookagian is struggling to get meaningful offense going. Aldana lands another leg kick. They both dodge a few punches then Aldana lands a left hook followed by a right to the body. They trade leg kicks. They trade rights, Aldana lands another right. Aldana lands an uppercut. They get close, Chookagian misses another takedown and they trade a bit as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldana, the clearest round I felt but who knows, 30-27 Aldana overall

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

I can see any of those being accurate, a very evenly matched affair. Aldana might be on her way back to Invicta.

Josh Emmett is undefeated as a professional including two UFC wins. Emmett is trying to make that three in a row in the UFC and prove he’s ready for a step up in competition next time out. Desmond Green is making his UFC debut here, he brings a four fight winning streak with him as well as experience in Bellator and Titan FC. Green could make an immediate impact by handing Emmett his first professional loss. Emmett’s UFC experience has him as a favorite at -210 against +170 for Green.

Lightweight Bout: Josh Emmett (11-0, 155.6 lbs.) vs. Desmond Green (19-5, 154.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Green has four inches of height and three of reach on Emmett. Green comes out southpaw. Circling to start, Emmett misses a couple of rights. Emmett lands a leg kick. Green eats a bit of a right and lands a couple of counters. Green trying to back Emmett into the fence but Emmett is doing a good job of keeping his back off of the fence. Green lands a left then a right, Emmett lands a leg kick. Emmett lands a right. Emmett lands another glancing right. Green lands a leg kick. Green struggling to cut off the cage when Emmett starts moving. Emmett lands a right to the body then throws an attempted inside leg kick that loudly hits the cup of Green. Green gets time to recover, he walks it off quickly but that one sounded pretty bad. Emmett shuffling forward, Green lands a body kick then a leg kick. Emmett lands a left but eats a counter combination. Emmett is doing a good job of bull rushing into his right and Green is backing up in a line rather than circling upon intial contact. Green lands a combination that stuns Emmett. Emmett backing up trying to recover, Green lands a body kick. Green lands another right hook into a straight left. Emmett misses a wheel kick, Green lands a body kick as the round ends. That was a solid body kick.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green

ROUND TWO: Emmett lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Green lands a couple of jabs. Emmett lands a left to the body then a bit of a right. Green lands a bit of a combination as Emmett circles away from the cage. Emmett lands a right and eats a bit of a counter. Green lands a body kick. Green blocks a combination. Green’s offense looks sharper but he hasn’t displayed the kind of power that Emmett has. Green lands a counter right hook. Emmett tries a double leg, sprawled and turned by Green. Emmett is becoming a bit to linear with his offense, he moves forward in a straight line swinging the right. Emmett lands a leg kick. Green lands a body kick and a right. Green sneaks a left through, Green is finding the range and is using his length quite well. Green lands a right after taking one. Green lands a long left as Emmett circles along the fence. Green is starting to pull away a bit in terms of pressure and offense. Green lands a couple of jabs. Green lands a body kick. Green avoids a few punches then misses a leg kick to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Emmett tries to rush, Green takes him down and gets on top landing a right. Emmett has guard, Green passes and lands some lefts. Emmett sitting up, gets full guard, eats a few punches but gets up and separates. Green reaches for a single leg, nothing doing. Emmett is stalking forward. They clinch up and Green rocks Emmett with an uppercut as they break. Emmett lands a leg kick. Green lands a couple of jabs. Green avoids some hooks from Emmett and lands a left. Emmett misses some more punches, he’s struggling with finding the target on those rushes. Emmett lands a couple of leg kicks. Green lands a bit of a left. Emmett lands a bit of a right. Green catches a leg kick but can’t convert into a takedown. Green trying to work the jab now. Emmett lands a bit of a right, misses a jumping attack and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green but that one could go to Emmett, 30-27 Green overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Desmond Green via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

I don’t agree with 29-28 for Emmett but thankfully it doesn’t wind up mattering. No interview, and the UFC is praying this next one doesn’t go the distance.

Gregor Gillespie is another undefeated fighter on this card and is coming off of a successful UFC debut, he’s trying to build on that momentum and add another impressive performance to his resume. Andrew Holbrook is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of the biggest win of his career when he upset Jake Matthews, he’s trying to build on that success tonight and keep moving up the rankings. Gillespie is the favorite at -260 while the +200 payout on Holbrook is a tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Gregor Gillespie (8-0, 154.8 lbs.) vs. Andrew Holbrook (12-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holbrook is two inches taller but Gillespie has an inch of reach on him. Holbrook fighting southpaw. They trade some probing offense. Gillespie lands a left, lands another left and Holbrook is down, Gillespie follows up on the mat and punches Holbrook into unconsciousness. Well the UFC got their wish as we wont run over into the start of the Fox Sports 1 prelims.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gergor Gillespie via KO, punches, at :21 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gillespie for his work this evening. Also BOOM! Lightweights baby. Because of the quick finish Gillespie does get some mic time. He says he loves this place, he’s from the Rochester area I think, and thanks the fans for coming out. He puts over his coaches for getting him ready and is a little in awe that he got his first knockout. He closes by saying he’s the best fisherman in MMA and plans on fishing for the rest of the week, then says to follow him on instagram for more evidence of his fishing prowess.

Here’s the first finish of the evening while we kill the last nine minutes or so before the FS1 prelims start. Really nice range management by Gillespie to land that counter when Holbrook threw from too far away.

Patrick Cummins is just 1-3 in his last four fights, brings a two fight losing streak into this bout and to further put his back against a wall he was finished in both of those fights by Glover Teixeira and Rogerio Nogueira. Cummins is in a must win situation as another loss could easily see him cut from the UFC. Jan Blachowicz is in a similar position, 1-3 in his last four though he’s coming off of just one loss, a somewhat understandable defeat at the hands of top contender Alexander Gustafsson, but if he drops to 1-4 in his last five while hitting a two fight losing streak, plus the UFC’s decreased priority in Europe and even the very thin nature light heavyweight division might not keep his job safe. The odds here at even at -115 for each man.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #12 Jan Blachowicz (19-6, 204.2 lbs.) vs. #12 Patrick Cummins (8-4, 205.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height and Blachowicz has an inch and a half of reach on Cummins. Touch of gloves and we’re going. They both miss some lead hand techniques. Blachowicz lands a left uppercut that stuns Cummins, Blachowicz drops him with some follow up offense, Blachowicz pounds on him while Cummins gets up, they’re in close and Cummins pushes Blachowicz over as he’s off balance and Cummins tries to transition to an anaconda choke from a head lock, can’t complete it and they break with a hard body kick from Blachowicz. Crazy pace there for these guys. Blachowicz lands another uppercut then a knee to the body. Blachowicz lands a body kick. Blachowicz lands another uppercut then a couple of follow up blows. Cummins is wobbled again, Blachowciz tags him again and they tie up. Blachowicz has Cummins on the fence and avoids an inside trip. Blachowicz lands some body shots then they trade as they break. Blachowicz blocks a double leg, lands an uppercut again. Cummins is still a little wobbly. Blachowicz lands another left hook in close and a combination then they clinch again. Cummins is just holding on while they jockey for position. Cummins is able to transition from a front head lock to an inside trip and finally gets Blachowicz down landing in his guard. Cummins lands a few short blows and gets Blachowicz to the fence. Blachowicz tries for an armbar, uses that to roll and regains his feet though they’re still clinched. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Blachowicz

ROUND TWO: Cummins’ face is already a mess. They both miss some lead hand punches then trade rights. Blachowicz lands a couple of uppercuts then a body kick and a left. Cummins pushes for a double leg that stalls out on the fence. They jockey for position along the fence but Blachowicz is able to spin free then land a jab. Blachowicz lands a bit of a right. Cummins lands a right. Blachowicz lands a short uppercut but Cummins is in close and gets a running double leg to land in half guard. Blachowicz to full guard quickly. Cummins is also bleeding from the top of his head now, not sure what caused it but there’s blood flowing. Blachowicz tries for a triangle and Cummins has to stand to avoid it then come into half guard. Blachowicz is after a kimura now, spins around and tries for an armbar but Cummins reads it and lands some hammer fists before Blachowicz gets to guard again. Cummins lands a short elbow. Blachowicz kicks Cummins off and we’re standing. Cummins pushes close again but Blachowicz drops for a double leg. Blachowicz gets the takedown but Cummins is back up and Blachowicz is holding the rear waist lock. Cummins turns in and we’re jockeying in the clinch then they break and Blachowicz misses a left high kick. Blachowicz lands an uppercut then a weak head kick. Blachowicz lands a glancing uppercut. Cummins lands a body kick, Blachowicz might be gassed now, tries a double leg that Cummins sprawls on then he lands some body shots from the sprawl position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cummins, 19-18 Blachowicz overall

ROUND THREE: Blachowicz is sucking some serious wind and they touch gloves. Circling to start, Blachowicz lands a leg kick then a jab. Cummins pushes close and they trade power punches then they clinch. Blachowicz spins free. Cummins hits a spinning double leg and lands in the guard of Blachowicz. Cummins using a can opener to set up for elbows. Blachowicz tries for an armbar, he gets pretty far along in the process before Cummins gets his arm free. Cummins lands some lefts. Blachowicz is trying to roll again, he gets Cummins off and reaches for a double leg that Cummins sprawls on. Cummins can’t hold him down though and Blachowicz is back up. Blachowicz misses a flying knee but lands a hard left body kick then one to the head. They clinch again, Cummins lands some knees to the head, Blachowicz bends at the waist and a few of those go into the back of the head. Cummins pushes him over and lands in guard again. Cummins missing some offense now. Cummins lands an elbow. Cummins lands a few more blows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Cummins, 28-27 Cummins overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Patrick Cummins via majority decision (28-28, 29-28 x2)

Not giving Blachowicz a 10-8 first round under the new language seems wrong, though I might have been a tad liberal with Cummins getting one in the last round. No interview for the winner.

Charles Rosa has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC, though I thought he won the Yair Rodriguez fight, and is coming off of a win. Rosa is looking to break that pattern and get his first UFC winning streak going tonight at the expense of his opponent. Shane Burgos is coming off of a successful UFC debut when he defeated Thiago Trator, tonight he’s looking to remain unbeaten and continue moving up the rankings. Burgos’ undefeated record and solid performance against Trator have him at the favored status of -225 to the +175 on Rosa.

Featherweight Bout: Shane Burgos (8-0, 146 lbs.) vs. Charles Rosa (11-2, 145.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burgos has two inches of height and a significant six and a half inches of reach on Rosa. Rosa is switching his stance, lands a couple of leg kicks, he’s trying to stick and move early. Burgos is walking him down and lands a bit of a right. Burgos lands an uppercut in close, Rosa landing leg kicks but he’s struggling with distance. Burgos lands a right. Burgos lands a right and left in close, Rosa lands a counter left. Burgos is unconcerned with the offense of Rosa, just walking forward and looking to engage. Burgos lands a short right. Rosa misses a couple of wheel kicks. Burgos lands a combination after a lazy kick from Rosa. Burgos lands a short right, Rosa again with kicks to the leg. Burgos lands a counter right. Burgos lands another counter right after getting kicked but those kicks are going to start adding up. Rosa lands a groin kick and we’ve got time for Burgos to recover. Replay confirms the low blow, Burgos walks it off and we’re back to fighting. Rosa lands a leg kick but eats a long combination counter. Burgos smothers a wheel kick then lets Rosa stand back up. Rosa lands another leg kick. Burgos avoids a double leg attempt. Rosa lands a right. Burgos is stopping in kicking rage now, he needs to get closer to smother those. Burgos lands a left to the body in combination. Rosa lands a body kick. Burgos lands an inside leg kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosa but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Rosa misses a spinning kick then lands a low leg kick. Burgos lands a leg kick. They trade lefts in close. Rosa misses a few kicks. Burgos lands a few lefts, Rosa lands a leg kick. Rosa tries a double leg, it stalls out on the fence. Rosa looks for and hits a trip but Burgos is back up instantly and Rosa is still hugging the waist. Rosa trying for a takedown but Burgos is blocking that, they trade knees to the body and separate. Rosa misses a right then lands a spinning back kick to the body. Burgos lands a left then eats a leg kick. Burgos takes another leg kick and lands a couple of counters. Rosa lands a right. Rosa lands a right and darts out, Burgos sprawls out of a double leg attempt. Burgos lands a right. Rosa lands another low leg kick, Burgos lands a leg kick. Rosa lands a straight left. Burgos lands a left to the body after eating a leg kick. Burgos is starting to close the distance now, lands a bit of a right as Rosa circles away. Rosa is moving a lot to compensate for the pressure of Burgos. Rosa lands a right then a low leg kick that sweeps the leg for a moment. Rosa misses a wheel kick. Burgos lands a right. Jab from Burgos, Rosa lands a spinning back fist but didn’t have much on it. Burgos lands a few punches and a knee in close. Burgos closes with a left to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosa, a little clearer for him based on efficacy, 20-18 Rosa overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Rosa circling, Burgos trying to use a push kick to mess with the distance. Burgos lands a right and checks a leg kick. Rosa tries for a single leg, Burgos lands elbows and sprawls out of it. Burgos lands a right and a left. Rosa tries another wheel kick that kind of lands. Rosa lands a right. Burgos lands a right then a left hook that drops Rosa. Rosa up and Burgos lands a few follow ups including a flying knee. Burgos lands a right then a left that wobbles Rosa and the ref has seen enough of Rosa off balanced to wave this off as Rosa leans on the fence. Rosa protest immediately, might have been a tad early but hardly criminal.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shane Burgos via TKO, punches, at 1:59 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Burgos for his work this evening, and would like to ask the First Round Finish Club representative to stop throwing popcorn. Burgos on the mic now, he’s from the general area and the crowd are with him. He says his leg hurts more now than it did during the fight but he trains with Jimmie Rivera who uses a lot of those so he was ready for them. He talks us through the finish and says he worked that combination specifically for this fight. He thanks his family then asks for a friend of his to get a shot in the UFC and asks for a bonus.

Kamaru Usman hasn’t lost since 2013 and is on an eight fight winning streak including being 4-0 in the UFC, he’s looking to defend his top ranking and prove he’s deserving of a top ranked opponent next as he keeps going for his first title shot. Sean Strickland is 5-1 in the UFC and on a three fight winning streak of his own, he’s looking to upset his ranked opponent and prove he’s deserving of a top ranking as well. The odds heavily favor Usman at -355 while Strickland sits at a tempting +245.

Welterweight Bout: Sean Strickland (18-1, 170 lbs.) vs. #11 Kamaru Usman (9-1, 170.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Strickland is an inch taller but their reach is identical. Strickland throwing some jabs early, Usman misses a right. Usman misses a left and a right, both men still range finding. Strickland lands an inside leg kick, Usman complains that it was low but the ref tells them to keep fighting. Usman in on a double leg and has Strickland to a knee against the fence. Usman with knees to the butt and thigh while he holds a rear waist lock. Usman lands a knee to the head, legal under the new rules as Strikland only had one hand down. Commentary tells me the kick from Strickland earlier was perfectly legal, so good on the ref. Usman is holding that position and now has one hook in. Strickland tries to break the grip, Usman trips him, Strickland tries for a leg lock in transition but Usman moves into top position and is standing while Strickland has half guard. Usman lands a couple of punches as he stands over Strickland. Usman still standing and postured, lands a few punches, Strickland kicks him off but can’t get up and Usman is back on him. Strickland has a cut around the left eye from one of those punches. Strickland after an armbar, Usman kind of muscles out of it and lands a couple of rights. Strickland is trying to get his legs in play but Usman is smothering him, Strickland kicks him off and rolls free as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, was one sided enough for a 10-8 argument but the lack of consistent offense keeps me from going there

ROUND TWO: That cut isn’t too bad on Strickland. Usman is out quickly, he’s fighting southpaw. Usman lands a body kick and he’s pushing Strickland towards the fence. Usman switching his stance, and they split jabs. Usman lands a jab, Strickland is having problems with his left eye, not sure if it got hit again or if it’s blood related. Usman still pushing forward. Usman grabs a single, switches to a double as they hit the fence. Nothing comes of the clinch and they break. Strickland avoids a combination from Usman. Usman misses again and can’t finish a double leg but lands a wicked right as they separate that drops Strickland. Strickland up but Usman is on him and now he’s on top and landing body shots. Usman grabs for a kimura, Strickland tries to get a leg lock, Usman rolls out easily and is in the ride position now. Strickland trying to roll, Usman smothers him and lands an elbow from cross wise half guard, I can’t remember the technical name for that position. Strickland rolls to his knees but Usman is holding a front head lock and lands some knees to the shoulders. Strickland back up and they separate. Usman lands a bit of a right. Usman lands a leg kick. Strickland trying to get his jab working now. Usman lands an inside leg kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Usman, 20-17 Usman overall

ROUND THREE: Strickland has some cuts under the left eye and one that seems just around the eyebrow. The doctor is in to check on Strickland’s eye, he says he can continue but tells the ref to keep an eye on it. Strickland throwing out the jab early. Usman lands a left to the body. Usman lands a right then a left and a bit of an uppercut. Usman is playing now, throwing double punches and whatnot. Usman lands a leg kick. Usman lands another leg kick. Usman hits a double leg and has Strickland up against the fence again. Usman lands some hammer fists. Usman has Strickland smothered on the cage and is picking his offense intelligently. This is almost comically lopsided at this point. Usman passes, Strickland looking to wall walk from his knees and Usman is holding the front head lock. Strickland back up, Usman lands a body shot as they break. Strickland seems like he’s just trying to run out the clock and not get finished. Usman lands a right, Strickland can’t really see out of his left eye. Usman lands a couple of punches. Strickland just avoids a right. Usman lands a leg kick. Strickland lands a right, and Usman responds with a short combination. Usman misses a wild right. Strickland lands a left but ate a hard body shot. Usman lands a jab, eats a counter right. Strickland lands a right, Usman avoids a few blows and time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, 30-26 Usman overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)

Not giving Usman 10-8 round 2 is wrong, he nearly finished Strickland. Usman on the mic now. He says he didn’t feel too good tonight and puts over Strickland as keeping him honest and being a tough fighter but beating him shows he’s on another level. Usman says he wants Dong Hyun Kim but Kim is booked apparently so he throws out Neil Magny as someone he can easily walk all over. He puts over his coaches and says he’s only getting better. He thanks his fans and family and speaks some of his native language, I don’t know what they speak in Nigeria, to close out the interview.

Myles Jury is in an odd spot, he was thought of as a top prospect when he first debuted in the UFC but he’s currently on a two fight losing streak and hasn’t fought since he was choked out by Charles Oliveira in December of 2015. Jury needs to avoid the dreaded three fight losing streak and remind people why they were ever excited about his potential. Mike De La Torre has been trading wins and losses, along with one No Contest, during his UFC tenure. He’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid the first official losing streak of his UFC career and prove he’s worth keeping on the roster. Jury is a significant -450 favorite while De La Torre’s middling run has his underdog status set to +325.

Featherweight Bout: Mike De La Torre (14-6 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Myles Jury (15-2, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Torre has an inch of height on Jury but Jury has two inches of reach on him. Both men probing early. Torre lands a bit of a right. Jury misses an ugly wheel kick. Jury ducks and hits a single leg takedown into half guard. Jury lands a couple of rights, Torre tries to roll through but Jury rides him and keeps top position. Jury grabs an anaconda choke to threaten, spins to the back and has both hooks in on Torre. Jury switches to a body triangle and starts looking for a choke. Jury landing a few punches, he’s just trying to expose the neck. Jury flattens Torre out and starts landing punches to the head. Hard rights from Jury, Torre is bleeding from above the right eyebrow. Torre on a hip now, Jury lands elbows. Torre flattened out again, and Jury lands more blows to prompt the stoppage from the ref.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Myles Jury via TKO, strikes, at 3:30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Jury for his work this evening, and cannot claim responsibility for their representative especially as there is now corroborating evidence. Jury on the mic now, he says it feels great to be back on the winning side of things and he plans to keep facing his fears. He puts over De La Torre as a tough guy, he says he knows he’s supposed to call out someone but he just thanks God and says he doesn’t know what’s next but he’s back. That does it for the preliminary card, to PPV for the main card. Oh for the love of, there’s enough time to revisit the old tradition of Joe Rogan and Dana White standing in front of a camera yelling at you to buy the PPV. That tradition and Face the Pain really need to go the way of the dinosaur.

Will Brooks just had an eight fight winning streak snapped when he was defeated by Alex Oliveira after Oliveira missed weight to six pounds. Brooks had some hype behind him when he debuted as a former Bellator lightweight champion and very consistent fighter, if he ever wants a shot at the lightweight belt (assuming that mess ever gets sorted out) he cannot afford a two fight losing streak here. Charles Oliveira has rather quietly been with the UFC for seven years, but his career has been very up and down. Once pegged as a possible lightweight title challenger, Oliveira hit a rough patch then dropped to featherweight where he missed weight four times (only John Lineker has missed weight more in the UFC) and now brings a two fight losing streak into his lightweight return. Oliveira is just 1-3 in his last four fights and desperately needs to right that particular ship, and a win over a respected fighter like Brooks would do just that. Brooks is a notable -235 favorite while Oliveira’s odds are at +185.

Lightweight Bout: Will Brooks (19-2, 155.4 lbs.) vs. Charles Oliveira (21-7 1 NC, 152.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height and Oliveira has two inches of reach on Brooks. Touch of gloves to get us going. Oliveira lands a leg kick. Brooks methodically moving Oliveira back towards the fence. Brooks switches to southpaw, and blocks a high kick. Oliviera lands an inside leg kick, Brooks lands a body kick and clinches then Oliveira lands a takedown into the guard of Brooks. Brooks sitting on the cage now, looking to wall walk. Oliveira trying to keep him down but Brooks is up, Oliveira hits a body lock takedown and then takes the back and is after the choke. Brooks is standing while Oliveira is after the choke. Oliveira looks to have it in, Brooks is trying to fight the grip but he’s in serious trouble and has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Oliveira via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Oliveira for his work this evening, and would request that the Final Round Finish Club representative stop “spilling” various condiments near ours. Big win for Oliveira back at lightweight, where he should really stay. Oliveira on the mic now. He thanks God and his family for their support and ignores the question that was asked of him about staying at lightweight. He talks us through the finish, he says he’s the best in jiu-jitsu. He closes in Portuguese that goes untranslated.

They announce the first member of the 2017 Hall of Fame class to be inducted at international fight week, to the surprise of no one who follows the sport it’s the recently retired Urijah Faber. On the plus side we get that absolutely awesome video package they played for him ahead of his retirement fight, and that video could always use more play.

Thiago Alves has been with the UFC since way back in 2005 and has fought for the welterweight title before, but the years and miles might be catching up to him. Alves is 2-2 in his last four fights but brings a two fight losing streak into this bout, including a failed attempt to make lightweight where he also lost the fight against Jim Miller, if Alves wants to prove he’s a relevant fighter in the division he cannot afford a third consecutive loss here. Patrick Cote is 3-1 in his last four fights and while he’s coming off of a loss that was to Donald Cerrone, Cote is trying to keep his third UFC stint free of losing streaks tonight and prove he’s still a relevant fighter. The odds here are closer but favor Cote at -140 to +110 on Alves.

Welterweight Bout: Thiago Alves (21-11, 170.6 lbs.) vs. Patrick Cote (23-10, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cote is two inches taller and has an inch of one inch on Alves. Touch of gloves to get us going. Circling and feinting to start, Cote lands a bit of a leg kick but eats a counter right. Alves lands a leg kick. Alves keeping distance, he doesn’t want to brawl with Cote. Alves eats an inside leg kick and misses a counter combination. Cote lands a right. Alves lands an inside leg kick. They get close and Alves lands a knee to the head, Cote is backing up now. Alves lands an inside leg kick and avoids a couple of counters. Cote lands a right then eats a leg kick. Alves lands a bit of a left high kick. Alves lands a couple of punches. Cote lands a glancing right. They get close and both miss punches then Alves exits the pocket with a left. They trade a few inside leg kicks. Alves lands a counter left that drops Cote, Alves into his guard and landing elbows. Alves passes to half guard as Cote ties him up. Alves passes to side control, Cote quickly shrimps and has half guard. Alves lands a few elbows then stands and replicates Donkey Kong for a few seconds before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alves

ROUND TWO: Circling to start again. Cote misses a few punches, he’s trying to turn up the pressure now. Cote lands a bit of a right. They get close and Cote punches into the clinch then gets Alves on the fence. Alves spins him and lands a knee then an elbow and a leg kick as they break. Alves lands a left hook, that punch has been working for him tonight. They trade a bit in close again, neither man landing flush. Alves lands a fade away left hook that lands flush. Cote lands a right. Cote lands a counter right. Alves lands a right then a leg kick. Alves with an inside leg kick, every time Cote tries to bait him into throwing Alves is attacking with the leg kick. Cote lands a combination in close. Alves lands an inside then an outside leg kick. Cote pushes forward with his chin up and Alves drops him with a right. Alves lands a knee to the body as Cote gets up and Cote lands a right as they separate. Alves lands a couple of lefts, Cote is fighting at Alves’ distance. Alves lands an inside leg kick then a left hook. They trade leg kicks as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Cote takes a kick to the groin and we’ve got time for him to recover. Cote doesn’t want time and we’re back to fighting. Alves lands a left hook. Cote is the one moving forward and trying to engage, Alves sniping from the outside and staying mobile. Cote lands a right to the body and a left hook. Cote tries a double leg, Alves blocks it against the fence but is stuck in the clinch. Alves gets a body lock and spins Cote into the fence. Alves hits an outside trip and lands in half guard. Cote is able to get to full guard and Alves lands a few punches. Alves lands a couple of elbows. Cote keeps trying to spin his hips for an armbar but Alves is reading it. Cote is able to kick Alves off and regain his feet. Cote is bleeding from the head, one of Alves’ elbows cut him. Alves lands a leg kick. Alves lands an inside leg kick and a jab. Alves lands a jab and eats a counter right. Alves lands a left body kick. Cote lands an uppercut that Alves ducked into. Alves lands a leg kick. They clinch and trade knees then break. Alves lands another leg kick. Alves just misses a jumping knee, Cote backs up while gesturing as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thiago Alves via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Good stuff from Alves, the best he’s looked in years. Cote takes the mic briefly and announces that this was his last fight, which was always planned, he thanks the fans, speaks some French for his fans in Montreal, a lot of the UFC brass and bows out. Alves on the mic now. He says it feels good to be back at welterweight and it’s been too long since he got his hand raised. He says he lost a bit of weight trying to make lightweight so this particular cut was much easier, then he pimps his after party and closes with Portuguese for his Brazilian fans.

Here’s Cote’s retirement speech. The man fought Tito Ortiz way back at UFC 50 and notably took on Anderson Silva for the middleweight title, he’s never been at the very top level but he’s always been good for a fight.

Cynthia Calvillo had a successful UFC debut and is trying to keep that momentum going here, if she can remain undefeated as a professional she could start making waves quickly in the still developing strawweight division. Pearl Gonzalez brings a six fight winning streak into her UFC debut here, she’s looking to derail the hype around Calvillo and announce herself in a big way to the UFC audience. The odds are with Calvillo at -270 to the +210 on Gonzalez.

Strawweight Bout: Cynthia Calvillo (4-0, 115.6 lbs.) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (6-1, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gonzalez is half an inch taller and has a notable four inches of reach on Calvillo. They both probe a bit early, showing the jab. Gonzalez lands a counter right. Calvillo throwing more punches but they’re all either falling short or are blocked. Gonzalez has the forward pressure, lands a bit of a left, Calvillo circling. Calvillo lands a body kick. Calvillo sneaks a left through the defense of Gonzalez. Gonzalez lands a right, Calvillo gets close but Gonzalez wont go down and they separate. Calvillo lands a body kick then eats a leg kick. Gonzalez lands a straight right, she’s content to let Calvillo waste her energy on ineffectual offense and look to counter. Calvillo lands a left hook, Gonzalez tries a takedown that stalls out on the fence. Gonzalez can’t hold the single leg, Calvillo lands a knee to the body and starts looking for a front head lock. Gonzalez tries the single leg again on the fence and spins Calvillo down but Calvillo throws one leg around the hips and is looking to spin to the back. Calvillo has a triangle position now but there’s short time and she can’t finish it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Calvillo

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second. Gonzalez coming out quickly throwing jabs. Gonzalez lands an inside leg kick. Gonzalez lands a leg kick. They trade a bit, neither is landing all that hard. Calvillo lands a right. Gonzalez lands a right. Gonzalez catches a kick and gets a double leg and lands in mount when Calvillo tried a reversal. Calvillo gets to the fence and uses it to roll, Gonzalez tries for an armbar but Calvillo pulls free and is on top in side control. Gonzalez to her knees, Calvillo spins for the back and gets it with both hooks in. Calvillo after the choke now, Gonzalez hand fighting and trying to spin into her. Calvillo still after the choke, she’s across the face with an attempt and can’t quite finish it. Gonzalez tries to spin into her guard but Calvillo rides her and winds up in full mount. Calvillo to the back again, she’s riding well as Gonzalez tries to get her off. Calvillo can’t get the finish before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Calvillo, possible 10-8, 20-18 Calvillo overall

ROUND THREE: Gonzalez tries a one two early and lands an inside leg kick. Gonzalez misses a head kick, lands a leg kick. Gonzalez lands a right then a leg kick. Calvillo still circling. Gonzalez reaches for a takedown, Calvillo easily blocks it. Gonzalez lands a heavy right hand, then another one. Gonzalez still pressuring, lands an uppercut. Gonzalez lands a leg kick but Calvillo grabs it and Gonzalez slips, Calvillo on top in half guard. Calvillo setting up an arm triangle choke on the far side. Gonzalez tries to buck but gives up full mount as she does so. Gonzalez gives up the back and Calvillo is after the choke again. Gonzalez is defending so far, Calvillo has good control though. Calvillo still after the choke and finally gets it, forcing the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cynthia Calvillo via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:45 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Calvillo for her work this evening, and objects to the implications regarding our representative. Calvillo on the mic now, says the win feels great and she works hard for this then gives the now infamous Nate Diaz quote. She loves grappling and says that’s her ocean and she’s a shark. She thanks the fans for their support and says she’ll be back with more great performances.

Chris Weidman is a former UFC middleweight champion but he’s in a surprisingly rough spot for this fight. Weidman is on a two fight losing streak as he was finished by Luke Rockhold and Yoel Romero and between the damage he took in those fights as well as his history of injuries he could well be facing a do or die situation here with regards to his athletic career. Even with his level of competition taken into consideration if he goes to 0-3 tonight he might never get a chance to reclaim the middleweight belt. Gegard Mousasi has been one of the most well rounded and well traveled fighters in the sport for a few years now, he’s also on a four fight winning streak and has finished his last three opponents. If Mousasi can get a win here over a former champion he could stake a claim towards a title shot, of course that would require the champion to actually face relevant contenders. This is also the last fight on Mousasi’s current UFC deal and a win would give him added leverage to get more money from the UFC or from another promotion. The odds here are very close but favor Mousasi at -130 to the +100 on Weidman.

Middleweight Bout: #5 Gegard Mousasi (41-6-2, 185.8 lbs.) vs. #4 Chris Weidman (13-2, 185.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Weidman has two inches of reach on Mousasi. Touch of gloves to get us going. Mousasi showing the jab early, Weidman bouncing on the outside. Mousasi lands a bit of a one two combination, he’s got fast hands. Weidman lands a jab and misses the follow up. Weidman lands a body kick. Mousasi lands an inside leg kick. Weidman hits a single leg and gets Mousasi down in his guard. Mousasi elevates him and spins to his knees, Weidman is after a guillotine choke from the front head lock but Mousasi breaks the grip and regains his feet then pushes away. Textbook get up from Mousasi. They both land in close then split jabs. Weidman lands a leg kick but gets stumbled a bit by a left from Mousasi. Weidman hits another single leg into the guard of Mousasi. Weidman passes to half guard, Mousasi elevates and escapes again. Mousasi has prepared to get up but he’s got to land more offense. Mousasi lands a bit of a left. Weidman after another takedown, it stalls out on the fence but Weidman has his lands locked. Mousasi is defending so far and lands some elbows. They break without incident. Mousasi lands an inside leg kick. Weidman lands a right, Mousasi responds with a jab. Another jab from Mousasi lands hard, Weidman tries another single leg and the second effort gets Mousasi to his seat but Mousasi isn’t conceding the position yet. Mousasi back up without letting Weidman control him at all. Mousasi lands a right. Mousasi lands a left and a right in close but stumbles as they break and Weidman gets on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Weidman

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. They both start with lead hand action, Mousasi’s jab is good. Mousasi lands a counter left that wobbles Weidman, Mousasi is swarming him along the fence. Weidman is trying to circle, Mousasi tries a double leg that results in a clinch. Mousasi with knees to the thigh, Weidman is bleeding from the bridge of the nose I think. The ref separates their clinch and Mousasi lands a jab then gets taken down again. Mousasi has full guard and lands an elbow then looks to elevate and escape again. Weidman doing a better job of basing through those this time and keeping top control. Weidman passes into full mount. Mousasi rolls and gives up his back then spins into Weidman and gets on top but Weidman rolls through and they wind up back on their feet. Mousasi avoids a single leg attempt and lands a knee. Mousasi lands a couple of jabs and avoids a single leg, he lands a few knees to the head of Weidman, Weidman had both hands down so at least that last knee was illegal. We get time and a replay, the first knee was legal, the second one was questionable. There’s some debate on the second knee, might have been legal as Weidman’s second hand came up for that second knee. Weidman is getting time to recover, the ref tells Weidman that the knee was legal, still some confusion about procedure here. The doctor is checking Weidman now, there’s a lot of confusion going on right now. And Comcast chooses this moment to do routine maintenance causing my TV and internet to go off for a bit. Thanks Comcast. Apparently they stopped the fight after that series of knees and because they were legal Mousasi is the winner.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gegard Mousasi via TKO, knees, at 3:13 of Round 2

I missed the interviews, just caught the tail end of Weidman promising to come back stronger. We really handicap this sport with nonsensical rules and lack of replay or clear cut procedures for what happens in situations like this.

This is a rematch as these two fought before in 2015 for the vacant light heavyweight title after Jon Jones was stripped of the belt. Anthony Johnson has some serious momentum going right about now, he’s only lost once since returning to the UFC and has violently knocked out his last three opponents to earn another crack at the belt. He’s trying to secure his first UFC title and all the perks that come with it. Daniel Cormier has only lost to Jon Jones as a professional fighter, he’s the reigning light heavyweight champion and also has a three fight winning streak going. Cormier defeated Johnson when they fought previously and since then he won a split decision against Alexander Gustafsson and a boring decision over Anderson Silva when Silva filled in on very late notice at UFC 200. Cormier is also 38 and is fighting the hands of time as well, he’s trying for just his second successful title defense (the Silva fight was a non-title affair) and cement his title reign and possibly set up a rematch with Jon Jones when Jones returns later this year. The odds actually lean towards Johnson here, Cormier’s weight cutting issues might be playing a role there, at -130 to the +100 on Cormier.

Light Heavyweight Title Bout: (c) Daniel Cormier (18-1, 205 lbs.) vs. #1 Anthony Johnson (22-5, 203.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is three inches taller and has a significant five and a half inches of reach on Cormier. Touch of gloves to get us going. Johnson backing Cormier into the fence early, lands an oblique kick to the body. Johnson also switching his stance frequently. Cormier lands a bit of a right, Johnson lands a leg kick then a left but they clinch up and Johnson is after a takedown on the fence. Cormier defends that attempt and Johnson keeps him on the fence. Johnson seems to be trying to replicate what Jon Jones did. Cormier lands some elbows, Johnson takes his legs out for a moment but Cormier is back up quickly. Johnson still after a double leg, Cormier sprawls and angles away from the fence then comes up holding a front head lock and pushing Johnson into the cage. They trade a bit in the clinch. Johnson trying to spin free but he can’t break the under hooks of Cormier. Cormier holding a front head lock now, Johnson lands a knee to the body. Johnson lands a couple of punches then misses a head kick at close range and Cormier is back in the clinch. The ref breaks them after warning Cormier about grabbing the fence. Johnson lands a hard left body kick then a high kick that has Cormier backing up. Johnson lands a few oblique kicks to the knee, yeah he’s trying to imitate the Jones fight, and tries another takedown that stalls on the fence. Johnson finishes the takedown just as the horn sounds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Cormier’s nose is visibly broken from that head kick. Johnson comes out southpaw, Cormier has a head kick blocked. Johnson lands a front kick to the body. Johnson lands a bit of a right then a knee to the body but Cormier catches it and drives him into the fence. Cormier working short knees to the thigh and body as he controls Johnson on the cage. Johnson spins Cormier into the fence. Johnson drops for a double leg, he gets him to his seat and Cormier is up quickly. Johnson lands a knee to the body, Cormier drops for a single leg and spins Johnson down. Cormier immediately onto his back and looking to flatten him out. Cormier lands some short offense as Johnson is sitting on a hip. Cormier with more rights trying to open up the choke. Cormier is after the choke, he’s under the neck, and Johnson has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Light Heavyweight Champion – Daniel Cormier via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:37 of Round 2

Johnson proving again that only Jon Jones is Jon Jones by trying to replicate Jones’ success against Cormier. Big win for Cormier, who’s on the mic now. Cormier hugs Johnson briefly, and they’re actually starting with Johnson. Johnson puts over Cormier as the better man, he asks for his coaches to come into the cage with him and it takes them a while to get there. He says he loves the fans, sounds like he’s retiring. He gets emotional, and confirms that this was his last fight. He only told his coaches and family, thanks the fans for being there for him and the crowd cheers him appreciatively. He says he gave a committment to another job that he’s wanted to do for a while that isn’t MMA related, he says getting hit and rolling around with other guys isn’t fun but he’s enjoyed Rogan and everyone in the back then thanks the crowd and says he’s happy to end his career in Buffalo. He thanks everyone again for supporting him, says he loves them, then says he wanted Mike Godlberg for his last fight he couldn’t get him and gives him a shout out. He points out Jon Jones in the crowd and tells him to keep his head high and that he’s sorry they never got to give the fans the fight they wanted but has nothing but love for him.

Cormier on the mic now, he says his nose is broken and jokes that he can’t get cheers so what if this is his last fight? The crowd boos, he smiles and says go ahead and boo me because I’m winning titles and making money. He puts over Johnson and says he was surprised that Johnson forced the grappling. He says Johnson tends to panic after his bursts of offense and he’s a wrestler at heart but keeping him down is a tough proposition. He says he hopes Johnson is still in the sport because he can offer the sport. He talks some trash to Jimi Manuwa, who’s cage side, he says you just beat Corey Anderson so sit down young man. Cormier calls out Jones for not being eligible to fight, and says when Jones is ready to fight he’ll talk about him. He says that while he respects Jones as a fighter they don’t see eye to eye and he’s been waiting two years for a rematch with Jones but until Jones gets his stuff together he’s got nothing to say about him.

So just to clarify something, in the last 18 months or so the UFC has lost Phil Davis, Ryan Bader, Nikita Krylov, and now Anthony Johnson plus Jon Jones is still serving his suspension. That division is an absolute mess. Alright, on that note that’s it for UFC 210. Thanks to everyone for reading, be that live or after the fact, I’m well aware of just how many places you could go for this service and am humbled you choose mine. We’ll be talking about this event as well as previewing UFC on FOX 24 this Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show which takes callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like on air. I’ll be back next Saturday for that UFC on FOX card, which is a really stacked card for free TV. Until then thanks again and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.