mma / Reports
411’s UFC Fight Night 73 Report 8.08.15
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 73. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. There’s a relevant fight in the main event as Ovince Saint Preux and Glover Teixeira battle it out for the right to possibly get into title contention if the light heavyweight division is ever able to sort itself out. Two rising stars at lightweight fight it out in the co-main event when Michael Johnson tries to get into title contention and Beneil Dariush looks to continue his impressive run. While you’re here check out the Radulich in Broadcasting Network, home to the 411 Ground and Pound radio show and a host of other quality on demand audio.
Tonight’s event comes to us from Nashville, Tennessee and features John Anik and Kenny Florian on commentary.
Scott Holtzman is making his UFC debut tonight but is undefeated as a professional and tonight will be looking to extend that streak and make a positive impression on the UFC fans. Anthony Christodoulou lost his UFC debut when he was knocked out by Mairbek Taisumov but had a seven fight winning streak going before that loss and tonight hopes to get his first UFC win.
Lightweight Bout: Scott Holtzman (7-0, 155.5 lbs.) VS Anthony Christodoulou (12-5, 156 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Christodoulou has three inches of reach on Holtzman. Christodoulou out quickly but eats a right from Holtzman. Holtzman stalking forward now. Holtzman lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Holtzman. Holtzman lands a left hook and they clinch up. Holtzman lands an elbow and a knee to the body. Holtzman working elbows in the clinch, Christodoulou finally extricates himself and Holtzman lands a couple of hard rights. Holtzman lands a knee to the body then again gets Christodoulou on the fence. Christodoulou able to spin Holtzman into the fence for a moment, Holtzman spins him back and lands an elbow. They break apart, Christodoulou lands a bit of a right. Holtzman lands a left and they clinch again. They break and Holtzman lands another left hook. Hard uppercut from Holtzman lands, Christodoulou gets the clinch to survive the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Holtzman
ROUND TWO: Holtzman comes out aggressively to start the second round. Body kick from Holtzman. Leg kick lands for Holtzman and a left as well. Holtzman is obviously better on the feet and in the clinch, he’s just picking Christodoulou apart. Holtzman lands a spinning elbow in close and a right hand. Holtzman landing at a decent clip, Christodoulou has no offense on the feet. Holtzman lands another clean right hand and a body kick. Christodoulou lands a bit of a right in close. Holtzman lands the spinning elbow again, he’s fallen a little too much in love with that technique. Holtzman lands a right as they clinch up. Holtzman with some knees to the thigh and an elbow. Christodoulou able to spin out of the clinch. Stepping knee to the head lands for Holtzman, this is turning into a showcase for him. Hard uppercut and a right from Holtzman lands. They clinch again, Christodoulou has the back standing and tries to drop for a leg lock but Holtzman spins out of it. Christodoulou back up, he tries to get a standing guillotine but time runs out.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Holtzman, 20-18 Holtzman overall
ROUND THREE: Circling to start the third, Holtzman lands a leg kick. Holtzman lands a right hand and they clinch again. Holtzman with a knee to the body and they separate. Holtzman lands a hard right to the body then a right to the head. Holtzman lands a left and they clinch again then break. Holtzman landing the right at will now. They clinch, Holtzman lands a hard knee to the body then trips Christodoulou to the mat and gets the back. Holtzman landing some punches and trying to get a chance for the choke. Holtzman gets the arm under the neck and Christodoulou has to tap out.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Scott Holtzman via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:40 of Round 3
Interview time for Holtzman. He says he loves Tennessee, makes sense as he’s from there. He says fighting for the UFC is a dream come true, then says the Octagon Jitters played into his anxiousness in the fight but he really wanted a bonus. He talks us through the finish to close out the interview.
Roman Salazar has yet to win in the UFC, going 0-1 with 1 No Contest in the promotion. Salazar really needs a win here as going without a win for your first three UFC fights is almost always grounds for losing your job. Marlon Vera lost his UFC debut his last time out to Marco Beltran and tonight is after his first UFC win in a division that is as close to wide open as there is right now in the UFC.
Bantamweight Bout: Roman Salazar (9-3 1 NC, 135 lbs.) VS Marlon Vera (6-2-1, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Vera has three inches of reach on Salazar. Vera flashing the jab early. Vera lands a body kick. Salazar bulls into the clinch but eats a knee to the head. Salazar tries for a body lock takedown but Vera nearly reverses into mount and then tries an armbar but Salazar gets his arm free and settles into the guard of Vera. Vera with a couple of elbows from his back. Salazar doing very little from top position. Salazar lands a bit of an elbow. Vera lands a couple of elbows and the ref stands them up. Vera fighting southpaw now. High kick from Vera is blocked but he lands a body kick. Salazar pushes into a double leg attempt that stalls out on the fence, Vera has the double wrist lock in the clinch while Salazar lands a few knees to the thigh. Vera bails on the wrist lock and Salazar lands a left as they break the clinch. Salazar lands a lunging right hand. Vera lands a jumping knee then a quick left and a body kick as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera
ROUND TWO: Vera resumes fighting in the southpaw stance. Vera lands a left, Salazar bulls into the clinch on the fence and starts looking for takedowns. Salazar able to get a takedown and after a brief scramble Vera has full guard. Salazar having a hard time posturing up and getting any offense going. Salazar lands a couple of short elbows. Vera locks up a triangle choke, he’s got the legs in proper position and lands some elbows, then switches to an armbar and Salazar taps to save his arm.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marlon Vera via Submission, triangle armbar, at 2:15 of Round 2
Interview time for Vera. He says the win feels awesome and he thanks the crowd, saying he loves them. He thanks everyone who has his back in his career. He says he’s a wrestler and he plans to finish his opponents wherever they put him. He says he fights for his daughter and he’s not stopping until she’s got a better life and is smiling.
Jonathan Wilson is unbeaten as professional fighter, tonight he makes his UFC debut and as the saying goes you only get one chance to make a first impression and he’s hoping to make it a good one. Chris Dempsey is 1-1 in the UFC, he got knocked out in his debut by Ilir Latifi but rebounded with a win over Eddie Gordon by split decision his last time out and tonight looks for a UFC winning streak.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Jonathan Wilson (6-0, 205 lbs.) VS Chris Dempsey (11-2, 204.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Wilson has four inches of height and three of reach on Dempsey. Touch of gloves, Wilson fighting southpaw. Wilson lands a quick left hand. They clinch up, Wilson has Dempsey on the fence. They break without incident. Wilson lands a vicious straight left that knocks Dempsey out cold.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jonathan Wilson via KO, punch, at :50 of Round 1
Wilson gets some mic time now. He says he feels great, thanks the crowd for coming out. He says the straight left was meant to be a set up not a knockout but it landed and he knocked out his opponent so he’s happy. He thanks his coaches for getting him ready for this opportunity.
Sirwan Kakai is riding a three fight winning streak, including a successful UFC debut. Tonight Kakai wants to extend his winning streak and beat the ranked Frankie Saenz, possibly breaking into the top fifteen in the process. Frankie Saenz is riding a six fight winning streak the last two being in the UFC including an impressive win over ranked contender Iuri Alcantara his last time out. Tonight Saenz looks to improve in the rankings, with a top ten spot a very real possibility with an impressive win.
Bantamweight Bout: Sirwan Kakai (12-2, 136 lbs.) VS #14 Frankie Saenz (10-2, 136 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to start things off. Saenz lands a hard inside leg kick and a jab behind it. Kakai lands a leg kick. Saenz lands a hard body kick. Kakai lands a leg kick. Saenz is closing his combinations with a hard body kick. Both men able to land some punches now. Saenz lands a couple of hard knees to the body from the clinch. Kakai hits a foot trip but Saenz is back up before Kakai can get position. Kakai looking for a body lock takedown on the fence, Saenz can’t stop it and Kakai gets him down. Saenz sitting on the fence trying to wall walk. Saenz back up, lands a knee in the clinch nad a right hand. Kakai lands a knee to the body as they separate. They both land knees to the body in close, Kakai lands another leg kick. Saenz lands a counter right hand. Kakai lands a short left hook. Saenz bulls into the clinch as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Kakai
ROUND TWO: Saenz has a right hand blocked to start the second round. Saenz trying to jab his way into range to land a winging right hand, he’s missing it badly thus far. Saenz bulls into the clinch, fails a takedown attempt, then lands a bit of a right as they separate. Saenz getting very sloppy with his offense, he’s missing a lot of them too. Kakai lands a leg kick. Stiff jab from Kakai then a left to the body and a leg kick. Saenz lands a leg kick, Kakai lands a better one. Saenz gets the clinch on the fence, Kakai breaks free. Kakai lands a bit of a jab, Kakai gets a double leg along the fence. Saenz trying to wall walk quickly but Kakai spins him off of the fence and settles into top position. Saenz scrambles to his feet and lands a hard elbow. Saenz bulls forward and lands a knee to the body. Kakai lands a couple of jabs. Saenz is just losing technically as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Kakai, 20-18 Kakai overall
ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves to start the final round. Saenz winding up on the right hand, mostly blocked by Kakai. Saenz grabs a single leg and spins Kakai down. Saenz lands a couple of elbows from the guard of Kakai. Saenz gets the back in a scramble, he gives it up as Kakai regains his feet. They both land rights in close, Saenz reaches for a takedown against the fence. Kakai threatens with a choke to get Saenz to bail on the double leg and they separate. They get close and trade body blows before Saenz gets Kakai on the fence. Kakai with a couple of body blows, Saenz lands an elbow. Saenz lands another couple of elbows from the clinch. They trade in the clinch for a bit before breaking. Kakai lands a stepping knee to the body, Saenz lands a knee of his own. Hard body punch from Kakai and a leg kick. Saenz tries a double leg, stuffed by Kakai and they wind up on the fence. Kakai spins Saenz to the fence and he dodges a right from Saenz as time expires.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Saenz, 29-28 Kakai overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Frankie Saenz via split decision (28-29, 30-27 x2)
No interview for Saenz. I’m not entirely sure why judges are so fixated on forward pressure that leads to nothing, but I’m pretty sure it’s not good.
No kidding, it’s not normal.
Dustin Ortiz is coming off of a loss to Joseph Benavidez but has an overall UFC record of 3-2 and tonight looks to possibly crack into the top ten with another impressive win. Willie Gates is 1-1 in the UFC, losing his debut to John Moraga but rebounding with a win over Darrel Montague a win here would give him a UFC winning streak and move him into the top fifteen of the flyweight division.
Flyweight Bout: #11 Dustin Ortiz (14-4, 125.5 lbs.) VS Willie Gates (12-5, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Gates has three inches of height and seven of reach on Ortiz. Gates lands a couple of jabs early, he’s using his reach effectively. Ortiz gets to the clinch, he’s got the back standing and is trying to drag Gates down. Ortiz can’t get Gates down, finally moves to the front and gets Gates down against the fence. Gates wall walks and pulls out of the clinch. Ortiz lands a bit of a right. Ortiz lands a right hand. Gates lands a body kick but Ortiz catches it and takes Gates down. Ortiz nearly in the mount and looking for an arm triangle choke. Ortiz bails on the choke and lands some rights to the body. Ortiz into the full mount, now he lands a few lateral elbows. Ortiz with some body and head blows, he can’t posture up but he’s staying very active. Ortiz lands a couple of rights. Ortiz winds up riding out the final seconds in full mount.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Ortiz
ROUND TWO: Gates flashing the jab early. Gates lands a body kick. Gates lands a left, then a knee to the body. Ortiz gets the clinch on the fence. Ortiz looking for a takedown against the fence, Gates defending well thus far. Ortiz lands a right elbow as they break. Ortiz back into the clinch. Ortiz with some short elbows. Ortiz roughing up Gates in the clinch, Gates seems unable to get off of the fence. Ortiz able to hit a trip takedown into full mount. Ortiz with some elbows to the head. More punches and elbows from Ortiz, Gates gives up his back and Ortiz now looking for the choke. Ortiz gets the arm across the chin, can’t get across the neck though. Ortiz back to mount and lands a few more punches. Hard barrage of lefts from Ortiz ends the round.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Ortiz, 20-16 Ortiz overall
ROUND THREE: Circling to start the final round. Ortiz bulls into the clinch and takes Gates down again. Ortiz passes to side control easily and starts landing hammer fists. Ortiz gets the back with one hook in while Gates is seated. Ortiz now looking for a crucifix. Elbows to the head from Ortiz. More punches from Ortiz, he’s just mauling Gates at this point. Ortiz into full mount and lands more punches and elbows until the ref finally stops this one.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Ortiz via TKO, punches and elbows, at 2:58 of Round 3
Ortiz gets some mic time and says that tonight he’s starting his run at the top of the division tonight. He says he’s been out for a while and used that time to improve and get smarter as a fighter. He says he felt good in the grappling, then says he’s not gotten a single fight he’s asked for so he’s done calling people out but whoever is next just gets him closer to the title.
Tom Watson is 2-4 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Rafael Natal, he desperately needs a win here to maintain any semblance of job security given his record and lackluster performances recently. Chris Camozzi started off his second UFC run with his second submission loss to Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, he needs a win tonight to get his second run on track and avoid another UFC losing streak.
Middleweight Bout: Tom Watson (17-8, 185 lbs.) VS Chris Camozzi (21-10, 185.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Camozzi has three and a half inches of reach on Watson. Camozzi fighting southpaw. Camozzi lands an inside leg kick. They clinch up and Camozzi lands some body blows. Camozzi with a few short elbows as well before Watson gets him to the fence. Camozzi spins Watson into the cage. They break and Camozzi lands a jab. They trade inside leg kicks and Camozzi lands a couple of rights as well. Camozzi gets a standing guillotine and forces Watson to the mat with it. Watson back up but Camozzi lands a knee as he does so and they separate. Watson reaches for a double leg, stuffed by Camozzi and they wind up in the clinch. Knees to the body from both men and they separate. Camozzi lands a double jab and a left. Camozzi hits a trip from the clinch and gets the back. Watson tries to explode to his feet but Camozzi gets side control and lands a few short punches. Watson to a knee now, Camozzi has the back again. Camozzi going for the choke but he’s only got one hook and Watson is able to escape to his feet. Watson lands a right. Watson tries a front kick but it goes to the groin of Camozzi who now has up to five minutes to recover. After a moment or two Camozzi is ready to continue. Watson tries a high kick that’s blocked. Watson lands a left hand. They clinch up, Camozzi lands a knee to the body then they break, Camozzi lands one more knee to the body as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Camozzi
ROUND TWO: Camozzi flashing the jab early. Both men land inside leg kicks. Watson tries a single leg that stalls out on the fence. Watson now trying for trips from the clinch. They trade knees, Watson’s went into the groin and Camozzi has time again to recover. I imagine this will be a point deduction as well if Camozzi can continue. And there’s the point deduction as Camozzi says he can continue. Jabs traded. Watson lands a right and a left. They clinch up, Camozzi with a couple of knees to the body. Watson lands a left, they trade knees to the body as they separate. Camozzi lands a couple of jabs. They clinch up again with Watson holding Camozzi on the fence, then separate without incident. Camozzi lands a left and a few jabs. Watson tries a double leg, stuffed by Camozzi who grabs a front choke and uses it to ride Watson to the mat against the fence. Watson back up after Camozzi bails on the grip and they’re back to striking. Camozzi lands a left and a knee to the body. Watson gets the clinch, breaks then lands a knee to the head. Camozzi grabs a single leg but bails on it and they resume fighting int he clinch. Watson with an elbow and some knees before they break. Both men are visibly slowing down, Watson dives on a double leg and finally gets Camozzi down. Not enough time for anything to come of it though and the round ends with Watson on top.
SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction, 19-18 Camozzi overall
ROUND THREE: Watson lands an inside leg kick to open up the final round. Body kick from Watson. Camozzi lands a jab. Camozzi lands a long left hand. Camozzi lands a couple of jabs in response to a right from Watson. They clinch up for a bit then separate without incident. Watson lands a couple of body kicks. Camozzi lands a left, technique is pretty much out the window at this point. They clinch, Watson lands a hard elbow. They separate without incident. Camozzi lands a couple of standing elbows then takes Watson down. Camozzi in the half guard of Watson, both men too tired to do a whole lot. Camozzi landing a few lefts to the head of Watson. Watson able to get to his feet after a failed attempt at a choke from Camozzi and they trade punches in the clinch. Watson with a knee to the body. Camozzi catches a knee and takes Watson down again. Camozzi lands a few lefts as Watson regains his feet and they separate. Camozzi lands a couple of jabs before they clinch again. Watson tries a couple of knees, Camozzi lands a knee and they trade punches as time expires.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Camozzi, 29-27 Camozzi overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27 x2)
No interview for Camozzi.
Uriah Hall is 3-1 in his last four fights but is coming off of a loss to Rafael Natal and needs a win here to avoid what would be his second two fight losing streak in the UFC. Oluwale Bamgbose is unbeaten as a profession with all of his wins being strike based stoppages, and while he’s a little light on experience a win over Hall in his UFC debut would be a great way to get his UFC career going.
Middleweight Bout: Oluwale Bamgbose (5-0, 184.5 lbs.) VS Uriah Hall (10-5, 185.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Bamgbose lands a right early, and a leg kick. Hall trying to stalk forward, Bamgbose seems content to counter him. Bamgbose switching his stance frequently. Bamgbose slips on a trip and Hall gets on top in half guard. Bamgbose back to full guard. Hall having trouble getting his offense off. Hall pressing Bamgbose against the fence, he stands and lands a left that badly rocks Bamgbose, a few more punches the ref has to save Bamgbose.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Uriah Hall via TKO, punches, at 2:32 of Round 1
Interview time for Hall. He says there are two great moments in anyone’s life, when they’re born and when they realize what they’re born to do. He knows he was born to do this and says he’s all about the next step in his career. He thanks his opponent for the short notice fight, says he loves Tennessee and puts over the fans to close out the interview.
Ray Borg missed weight for this fight, his first time doing so, but has just one loss and that was his UFC debut and was a debatable decision to Dustin Ortiz. Since that loss Borg has won two fights by submission and looks to extend that winning streak to three and advance up the rankings at flyweight. Geane Herrera is unbeaten as a professional fighter, a debut win over a ranked opponent would be a great way for Herrera to get his UFC career going.
Flyweight Bout: Geane Herrera (8-0, 126 lbs.) VS #14 Ray Borg (8-1, 126.75* lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Herrera has three inches of reach on Borg. Herrera comes out quickly, Borg circles early. Borg gets an elevated double leg takedown and gets Herrera down. Borg in the guard of Herrera. Herrera active off of his back, Borg postures up and lands a winging right hand. Borg trying to pass, Herrera elevates him with his hips but Borg grabs a guillotine in transition and is using it to pass from top position. Borg rolls to the guillotine again, Herrera defends and reaches for a heel hook after Borg bailed on the choke. Borg spins out of the heel hook and lands some rights to the head. Borg uses an inside heel hook to settle into top position. Borg in half guard, landing some punches and elbows. These two are both just full of action thus far. Borg tries to pass to mount but Herrera is able to hip escape to full guard. Borg passes to side control. Borg threatens an arm triangle choke and uses that to mount Herrera. Herrera able to get his arm free and hip escape to full guard. Herrera tries for a triangle choke but Borg quickly pulls out of it and lands a left. Borg misses a couple of rights as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Borg
ROUND TWO: Borg misses a wheel kick to start off the second round. Borg lands a left hook and gets a double leg takedown. Herrera grabbed the double wrist lock as he was being taken down but Borg is in half guard and Herrera has no leverage to go for the kimura. Borg attack with the guillotine from top position again, he uses it to get to full mount and still has the choke. Borg squeezes on the choke but Herrera is able to pull his head out, that was pretty close though. Herrera got back to half guard during that escape, Borg resumes looking to pass. Borg again goes for the choke from top position, Herrera gets his head free. Borg just relentless with his activity in top position. Borg lands an elbow as Herrera gets back to full guard. Borg threatening with an arm triangle choke, Herrera gets his head free again. Herrera still looking for offense when he gets to full guard, Borg lands a right and passes to side control. Borg now going for a north/south choke, he uses it to get to mount position and lands a short punch before Herrera hip escapes to full guard. Borg lands a right, then pulls out of a triangle attempt to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Borg, 20-18 Borg overall
ROUND THREE: Body kicks traded to start the final round. Borg hits a double leg and Herrera is down again. Herrera lands a couple of elbows from his back, one of them opened up Borg. Borg passes to half guard, that’s bleeding a lot from Borg’s head. We get time to look at the cut, which is outside the left eye on the eyebrow. The doctor looks and says he’s good to continue, it’s not a bad cut it was just bleeding a lot, and we’re back on the mat. Borg going for the choke from top position, bails and lands a couple of punches. Borg with some punches and elbows from the guard of Herrera. Herrera trying to attack with his legs but Borg is defending and landing strikes. Borg in half guard, trying for a kimura but Herrera hits a sweep, then dives on a guillotine but Borg quickly to side control on the safe side. Herrera trying for a reverse triangle now but Borg again counters and gets to side control again. Borg lands a couple of rights as Herrera gets to full guard. They scramble, Borg tries for a guillotine but Herrera gets to his back to avoid it. Borg just superior on the mat. Borg into mount, gets the back and lands some punches just before time expires.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Borg, 30-27 Borg overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ray Borg via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Interview time for Borg. He starts off by apologizing for missing weight to everyone, noting it’s his first ever issue with it. He says he let guys on the internet get into his head and affect his ego as he decided to prove his superiority on the mat. Borg says while he’s not calling out Demetrious Johnson and that Johnson likely doesn’t know who he is but he’s overcome a lot of obstacles and he’ll overcome a lot more to eventually become champion and he doesn’t care how long it takes or about any possible set backs.
Sara McMann is just 1-2 in her last three fights, dropping a title bout to champion Ronda Rousey and a fight with Miesha Tate. Tonight McMann desperately needs a win if she ever wants to get back into title contention, and to hold on to her top ranking. Amanda Nunes is 3-1 in the UFC, the lone loss was to top contender Cat Zingano, and a win over highly ranked McMann could move Nunes towards title contention, especially given how decimated the women’s bantamweight division is.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #7 Amanda Nunes (10-4, 136 lbs.) VS #4 Sara McMann (8-2, 136 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to start things off. Nunes lands a leg kick and a bit of a left hook. McMann lands a right and shoots into the clinch but can’t finish the takedown and they separate with a slip from Nunes. McMann seems to be very straight line oriented and Nunes has no problem circling. Nunes tries a wheel kick but gets taken down for her troubles. Nunes back up but McMann lands a right as they separate. McMann lands a right, Nunes lands a hard right that crumples McMann. Nunes has the back, just one hook and landing some rights. Both hooks in for Nunes now, she’s pouring on the offense and starts looking for the choke. The arm goes under the chin and McMann has to tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Amanda Nunes via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:53 of Round 1
Nunes gets an interview. She says she’s happy, and thanks the crowd. She says McMann is tough but she’s training hard at American Top Team and thinks she has the best wrestling coaches in the world. She thanks the rest of the coaches at ATT. She talks about her background in jiu-jitsu and judo and that she’s learning to strike but loves grappling. Asked who she wants next she expresses no preference. She closes out the interview talking to her family in Portuguese.
Jared Rosholt is 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Josh Copeland. Rosholt now looks to get a second UFC winning streak going and start climbing the ranks of the heavyweight division. Timothy Johnson had a successful UFC debut when he stopped Shamil Abdurakhimov and tonight looks to extend an eight fight winning streak.
Heavyweight Bout: Timothy Johnson (9-1, 265 lbs.) VS Jared Rosholt (12-2, 237 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves, Johnson fighting southpaw. Lots of feinting early. They clinch up and Rosholt gets Johnson into the fence. This is gonna be a long one, you can tell already. They jockey for position on the fence, Johnson lands a couple of knees to the body. Rosholt with a few knees to the thigh. Johnson spins Rosholt into the fence and lands a couple of more knees to the body before Rosholt turns him back to the cage. Rosholt lands a knee to the body. Johnson able to spin Rosholt to the mat briefly then lands a couple of short rights as Rosholt regains his feet. Rosholt grabs a standing guillotine from the clinch, just going for control as opposed to a submission. Rosholt bails on the grip. Johnson leaning on Rosholt, both men land some short body blows before the ref separates them. Johnson lands a bit of a right. Rosholt ducks under and gets a single leg takedown, then passes into full mount. Rosholt has an arm triangle position, bails on that and tries for a Von Flue choke but Johnson defends. Rosholt lands a right elbow. Johnson lands a couple of elbows from his back. Rosholt lands a couple of short rights. Rosholt closes out the round in side control.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosholt
ROUND TWO: Johnson lands a bit of a jab. Johnson lands a couple of rights as he defends a takedown. Rosholt lands a short uppercut as he bulls into the clinch. Rosholt looking for a takedown against the fence. Johnson lands a couple of rights to the head and spins Rosholt to the fence. Rosholt able to spin Johnson. Both men land rights in close. Johnson ducks a right and spins Rosholt into the fence. Rosholt spins Johnson but Johnson lands an uppercut. Rosholt looking for another takedown, Johnson defends it. Johnson able to trip Rosholt down and tries to get the back in the resulting scramble but Rosholt shakes him off and gets on top in Johnson’s half guard. Rosholt lands an elbow. Roshold trying for a keylock, he’s got it locked but is way out of position for proper pressure and Johnson gets his arm free. Round ends with Rosholt on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosholt, 20-18 Rosholt overall
ROUND THREE: Lots of circling to start. Johnson lands a looping left then some more short blows as Rosholtl shoots for a takedown but they stall out in the clinch against the fence. Rosholt able to drop and get a takedown against the fence. Johnson sitting on the fence but Rosholt has control at this point. Rosholt in side control, Johnson able to wall walk to his feet but Rosholt has him on the fence still. Rosholt tries a few knees to the body, mostly to avoid being separated but the ref breaks them apart anyway. Rosholt ducks a right form Johnson. Johnson trying to walk Rosholt down but the clock is running out on him. Johnson lands a right and a left but they clinch again then break without incident. Johnson pushes Rosholt into the fence, Rosholt spins him quickly. The ref breaks them, they clinch back up quickly. Johnson has Rosholt against the cage and lands some knees to the body. They break the clinch again, Johnson lands some hard punches in close. A big flurry from Johnson, Rosholt is hurt and Johnson gets a takedown into half guard. Rosholt ties him up for the final ten seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Rosholt overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jared Rosholt via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Rosholt-
You know, you could let me speak first Mr. Sherman I mean you are technically a guest here.
Derek Brunson is 4-1 in the UFC, his only loss is to Yoel Romero and he’s won his last two fights. A win here moves Brunson up the rankings and towards title contention in what is actually one of the more stacked divisions the UFC has right now. Sam Alvey is currently riding a three fight winning streak, winning all of those via strike related stoppage, and a win over a ranked opponent to compliment what would then be a four fight winning streak would move Alvey towards contention in the middleweight division.
Middleweight Bout: Sam Alvey (26-6 1 NC, 186 lbs.) VS #15 Derek Brunson (13-3, 186 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Both men fighting southpaw. Brunson lands a left and gets the clinch on the fence. Brunson with some lefts to the body and head. Brunson landing some uppercuts in the clinch. Alvey lands a knee to the body. Brunson just controlling Alvey and using effective dirty boxing. Brunson lands a combination as they break, they get into a wild exchange, Brunson is starting to tee off. A left from Brunson finally drops Alvey and a few more blows on the mat brings a conclusion to this one.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Derek Brunson via TKO, punches, at 2:19 of Round 1
Interview time for Brunson. He thanks his coaches and God for helping him through a tough traning camp and he wants to put on a show for the fans. He says he didn’t stop the fight, but if it wasn’t stopped he was just going to keep punching. Asked who he wants next he says he needs to take a little time to be with his daughters who are about to start school and reminds the fans that family is everything.
Beneil Dariush is riding a four fight winning streak and is 5-1 in the UFC overall, he’s coming off of an impressive win over veteran Jim Miller and a win over Johnson here plus a five fight winning streak in a division as stacked as lightweight would move Dariush that much closer to title contention. Michael Johnson is also riding a four fight winning streak, he beat Edson Barboza his last time out and tonight looks to defend his top five ranking and move that much close to a title shot in the most talent rich division in all of MMA.
Lightweight Bout: #12 Beneil Dariush (11-1, 156 lbs.) VS #5 Michael Johnson (16-8, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Both men are southpaws. Touch of gloves to start things off. Dariush lands a leg kick. Both men pawing with the lead hand, looking for openings. Dariush lands a leg kick. Johnson trying with some punches but Dariush has his defense in place and lands another leg kick. Dariush lands a right to the body. Dariush lands a leg kick. Both men land lefts. Both men cautious early, no one wants to make the first mistake. Dariush lands a knee to the body. Johnson lands a bit of a jab. Dariush lands a leg kick then blocks the counters. Johnson lands a stiff left that stumbles Dariush. Johnson starts pouring it on against the fence, measured but persistent with some punches. Dariush survives and Johnson backs off the pressure. Johnson lands a bit of a body kick. They clinch up as the round comes to an end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson
ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves to start the second round. Dariush lands a leg kick and Johnson misses a couple of punches. Dariush lands a knee to the body. Dariush reaches for a takedown, easily sprawled out of by Johnson. Dariush lands a left in close then a flying knee to the body. Dariush lands a knee to the head but eats a hard counter left from Johnson. Dariush lands a body kick. Johnson lands a right to the body. Johnson lands a left then stuffs a takedown from Dariush. They get clsoe and both land some punches. Johnson’s hand speed and countering are winning him this fight so far. Johnson lands a jab to the body, Dariush lands a bit of a left. Dariush lands a bit of a left, Johnson lands a better one. Johnson just out working Dariush so far. Dariush dives on a double leg but Johnson defends again. They circle away the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 20-18 Johnson overall
ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Both men willing to engage here in the third. Johnson backing Dariush up. Johnson lnads a left to the body, Dariush lands a jab. Dariush lands a bit of an uppercut. Dariush has a bit more urgency this round and Johnson is coasting a little. Dariush lands a good left hand. Jumping knee lands for Dariush and Johnson lands a bit of a counter left. Dariush landing some jabs. Dariush lands a knee to the body. Dariush lands a leg kick. Dariush is just going to run out of time, they trade some inconsequential jabs to end the fight.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Dariush, 29-28 Johnson overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Beneil Dariush via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
I can see the second round going to Dariush, so no Clucky but I will say that was a little surprising. Interview time for Dariush. He thanks God for everything he’s got, he says he understands the crowd booing because the fight was close and he doesn’t know what swung things his way and if they’d raised Johnson’s hand he would have totally understood. He says he expected to get the takedown but once he realized he couldn’t he switched up the game plan to using his jab much more effectively.
Glover Teixeira is ranked in the top five despite being on a two fight losing streak, including one to a guy who isn’t even with the promotion anymore. Tonight Teixeira hopes to defend his top ranking in a division that is very much in shambles, plus a three fight losing streak would spell the end of any future title opportunities. Ovince Saint Preux has only lost to Ryan Bader in the UFC, he’s riding a two fight winning streak and has finished Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Patrick Cummins in those outings. Tonight Saint Preux looks to move into the top five of the division and move closer to a title shot.
Light Heavyweight Bout: #6 Ovince Saint Preux (18-6, 206 lbs.) VS #4 Glover Teixeira (22-4, 205.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Saint Preux has four inches of reach on Teixeira. Saint Preux fighting southpaw. Saint Preux lands a body kick, Teixeira gets the clinch on the fence. Teixeira gets a double leg and settles into the half guard of Saint Preux. Saint Preux scrambles to his feet but Teixeira still has the clinch. Saint Preux lands a knee to the groin of Teixeira and Teixeira will have time to recover. Just takes a moment or two for Teixeira to recover and we’re back to fighting. Hard body kick from Saint Preux wobbles Teixeira. Saint Preux follows up with some punches, now on the mat he’s got the ride position and lands some lefts as Teixeira regains his feet. Another body kick from Saint Preux is caught by Teixeira and he gets a takedown into mount. Teixeira postures up and lands some short punches and elbows. Saint Preux rolls to his knees, Teixeira has the back now with both hooks in. Teixeira adjusts to the ride position and Saint Preux escapes to his feet but Teixeira still has the clinch on the fence. Teixeira drops for another takedown and gets Saint Preux down again. Teixeira into mount again and then gets the back as Saint Preux rolls. Saint Preux able to spin into Teixeira and get to half guard. Teixeira holding a guillotine and Saint Preux looking to get a Von Flue choke off of it. Saint Preux pulls his head out and both men regain their feet. Saint Preux grabs a single leg and gets close enough to land a right hand. Both men miss power hand punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Teixeira
ROUND TWO: Circling to start, and Saint Preux lands another hard body kick. Teixeira walking forward and throwing some bombs, Saint Preux lands a body kick then avoids a takedown. Teixeira lands a couple of body shots. Teixeira dives on a double leg against the fence, elevates and takes Saint Preux down again into half guard. Teixeira working his striking now from top position. Teixeira just controlling Saint Preux now, landing a few elbows when possible. Looks like these two expended most of their energy in the first round because the work rate has seriously waned here. Teixeira lands a few elbows to the body. Teixeira seems to be planning on tiring out Saint Preux and taking him out in the later rounds. Teixeira lands a knee to the body as Saint Preux regains his feet but Teixeira still has him on the fence. They break and Sanit Preux lands a body kick then a couple of punches to end the round strong.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Teixeira, 20-18 Teixeira overall
ROUND THREE: Saint Preux lands a body kick to start the third round. Teixeira lands a left hook in close. Teixeira lands a right in close as well. Saint Preux reaches for a single leg but it’s stuffed by Teixeira and Teixeira gets a takedown off of it into half guard. This is rapidly deteriorating to a slow motion affair. Teixeira landing a few punches here and there. Teixeira passes to full mount. Teixeira with some elbows and punches. Saint Preux gives up the back and Teixeira gets the arm under the neck and Saint Preux passes out rather than tap out.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Glover Teixeira via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:10 of Round 3
Interview time for Teixeira. He says he’s back, says his last performance against Phil Davis was bad and if he was going to fight like that he was going to quit. He thanks his coaches for getting him back to fighting shape, he says Saint Preux hurt him with the liver shots then thanks everyone for coming out before telling Daniel Cormier that he’s coming for him.
Interview for Saint Preux now. He thanks God and asks the crowd to give Teixeira a hand. He aplogizes for not winning, he wasn’t going to tap and knew Teixeira would have to put him to sleep. He apologizes to his family for losing, they’re here in the building, then says he’ll be back better next time.
That wraps up UFC Fight Night 73, thanks for being here. I get a week off next week (hooray) but on the 23rd of this month UFC Fight Night 74: Swanson vs. Oliveira goes down and I’ll be here providing you all with live coverage. Tonight’s show will be talked about this Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show, which takes live callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’d like to call in and get your opinion on the air. Until next time, thanks again for being here and remember to keep checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.
