411’s UFC Fight Night 84 Report 2.27.16

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 84. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. While you’re all hanging out here reading along check out the Radulich in Broadcasting Network, it’s home to a variety of podcasts including the 411 Ground and Pound radio show which returns this Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time. This is an important show for the UFC, it’s easily the biggest main event they’ve put on Fight Pass thus far and indicates that the promotion is serious about turning Fight Pass into something worth paying for. The main event is a long discussed clash between former middleweight champion Anderson Silva and perennial middleweight contender Michael Bisping. The co-main event is another important middleweight clash as Thales Leites and Gegard Mousasi are trying to get back on the winning side of things. This event comes to us from the O2 Arena in London, England with the underrated commentary duo of John Gooden and Dan Hardy calling the action.

David Teymur brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, a win would be massive for his young professional career. Martin Svensson is also making his UFC debut and has won his last two fights coming into tonight, he’s hoping to capitalize on a short notice opponent and get a win in his first UFC fight. Both of these guys took part in TUF 22, so anyone who watched that show might remember their names.

Lightweight Bout: Martin Svensson (14-5, 154 lbs.) vs. David Teymur (3-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Svensson has four inches of height on Teymur but Teymur actually has half an inch of reach on him. Both men fighting southpaw. Early kicks from both men, mostly range finding. Teymur reaching with an overhand left, they trade body kicks. Svensson reaches for a takedown, he was way too far and Teymur sprawls out. Teymur lands a couple of leg kicks. Teymur with an inside then an outside leg kick. Teymur lands a straight left, Svensson lands one of his own. Teymur lands another leg kick, Svensson’s striking is obviously levels behind Teymur. Teymur avoids another takedown. Body kick from Teymur then a leg kick. Svensson dives into the clinch when Teymur goes off balance on a kick. Svensson has Teymur on the fence, Teymur able to spin out and break free then land a body kick. Teymur catches a kick then sweeps Svensson down and makes him stand back up. Teymur lands a glancing uppercut. Teymur lands a spinning back kick high on the chest then hits a double leg into the guard of Svensson. Only ten seconds left so nothing will come of it before time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Teymur

ROUND TWO: Teymur misses a one two, Svensson lands a leg kick. Teymur starting to drop his hands and bait Svensson in. Teymur lands a left then a right. Teymur lands a body kick then a left after Svensson reached for the clinch. Svensson shoots from way outside, Teymur easily avoids it then lands a hard uppercut that floors Svensson, Teymur follows up on the mat with some punches and this one is all over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Teymur via TKO, punches, at 1:26 of Round 2

Mic time for Teymur. He says he’s got too much emotion, he really is choked up, says that he used to watch the UFC and now he’s here. He says that all you need to do is believe and work hard and you can accomplish anything. He’s too emotional for more questions but Dan Hardy does a good job of putting him over.

Teemu Packalen lost his UFC debut last time out but was undefeated before that and is after that all important first UFC win. Thibault Gouti took this fight on short notice when Lukasz Sajewski got injured but he’s undefeated as a professional fighter and knocked out Anton Kuivanen in November and a big win in his UFC debut tonight would be ideal for him.

Lightweight Bout: Thibault Gouti (11-0, 155 lbs.) vs. Teemu Packalen (7-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Packalen has three inches of height and reach on Gouti. Touch of gloves to get us going. Packalen lands a wicked uppercut quickly and tries to pound him out, Packalen spins to the back as Gouti gets to his knees, sinks in the choke and Gouti taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Teemu Packalen via Submission, rear naked choke, at :24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Packalen for his efforts this evening. Packalen with an interview now. He says he’s surprised at how fast the finish was, he trained for three hard rounds and trusted himself to get this done. He speaks a bit of Finnish to the crowd, there’s a Finnish contingent here, then does his own translation in thanking his countrymen and family for being here to support him.

Jarjis Danho is making his UFC debut tonight and brings an undefeated professional record with him. Danho has finished all of his wins and is after another one here. Daniel Omielanczuk is 2-2 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Chris De La Rocha, a win tonight would give him his first UFC winning streak and set him up for bigger things in the future.

Heavyweight Bout: Jarjis Danho (6-0 1 NC, 261 lbs.) vs. Daniel Omielanczuk (17-5-1 1 NC, 254 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Danho has three inches of height but only half an inch of reach on Omielanczuk. Touch of gloves to get us going, Omielanczuk fighting southpaw and lands a leg kick. Danho lands a right. Omielanczuk lands a body kick then a left in close. Danho lands a right and an uppercut and gets Omielanczuk on the fence. They trade some knees to the body. Omielanczuk lands a left in close that wobbled Danho a bit, Danho fires back with a right and Omielanczuk lands a heavy body kick. Danho lands a knee to the body but Omielanczuk pushes him off and Danho pushes into the clinch on the cage again. Omielanczuk with some knees to the body then one to the head. Danho lands a knee to the body and some short rights. Danho lands a couple of rights as they break then closes the distance again. Omielanczuk with some knees to the body, Danho lands an uppercut then a left. A few more knees traded and the ref breaks them apart. Danho lands a straight right, Omielanczuk pushes into a takedown attempt on the fence. Danho defends and spins him into the fence. Danho lands a quick three punch combination in close. The ref breaks them again with about ten seconds left. They circle those seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Danho, but a very competitive round

ROUND TWO: Danho circling, Omielanczuk misses a high kick. Omielanczuk lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Another leg kick from Omielanczuk and a thrust kick to the lead leg as well. Danho lands a straight right. Danho lands a hard inside leg kick. Omielanczuk lands a good couple of lefts in close. Omielanczuk lands an overhand left. Omielanczuk lands an outside leg kick. Both guys tired here, but they look like flyweights compared to Kimbo vs. Dada. Danho lands a hard straight right. Omielanczuk lands a body kick. Danho misses a couple of hooks then lands a right, Omielanczuk lands a right of his own. Omielanczuk lands an inside leg kick. Omielanczuk lands a glancing left and Danho falls, more off balance I think, and Omielanczuk tries to swarm him. Danho is standing bent over against the fence, Omielanczuk lands a knee to the head that was legal then Danho drops a hand to the mat and Omielanczuk lands an illegal knee to the head. The ref breaks them and warns Omielanczuk but Danho is OK to continue. Omielanczuk tries to swarm with punches along the fence, Danho able to spin out. Omielanczuk lands a right then left. Inside leg kick from Omielanczuk closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Omielanczuk, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Omielanczuk lands an inside leg kick. Omielanczuk lands a body kick, Danho lands a knee to the body. Dan Hardy is politely explaining his disappointment in Danho’s performance while Omielanczuk lands a couple of more leg kicks. Omielanczuk lands a punch to the cup of Danho while Danho was throwing a knee and Danho gets five minutes to recover. Both guys enjoying the time to recover. They get the doctor in now, Danho is talking with the ref and the doctor. Something was discussed that got the ref to wave the fight off. Omielanczuk is unhappy with that.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Omielanczuk via Technical Decision (29-28, 29-29, 29-28)

Since it was an accidental foul in the third round you score the final round up to the foul and give a technical decision. Round 1 or 3 could be 10-10 so no issues with the judge scoring that a draw. No interview for Omielanczuk.

Rustam Khabilov is on a two fight losing streak and if he wants to capitalize on the hype he had on his UFC debut he need to avoid a three fight losing streak and make a statement here against Parke. Norman Parke just broke a two fight losing streak when he got a decision win over Reza Madadi and a win over Khabilov would give him a UFC winning streak and start a climb up the stacked ranks of lightweight.

Lightweight Bout: Rustam Khabilov (17-3, 155 lbs.) vs. Norman Parke (21-4-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Parke has three inches of height on Khabilov but Khabilov has three inches of reach on Parke. Touch of gloves to get us going, Parke fighting southpaw. Khabilov lands a jab. Khabilov lands a right. Khabilov moving forward, both men still feeling out how the fight will go. Khabilov lands another right. Khabilov grabs a single leg then slams Parke down. Parke back up but has given up the rear waist lock so stays on a knee to try and break the grip before standing. Parke back up, eats a knee to the body and they separate. Parke moving forward now, Khabilov lands a right uppercut. Khabilov bails on a takedown attempt and lands a right but they accidentally clashed heads so they get a quick moment to make sure they’re both good and we’re back to fighting. Khabilov misses a high kick, lands a right uppercut. Khabilov grabs a single leg and gets the back again as they scramble. Khabilov has a hook in while Parke has a hip on the fence. Parke hand fighting while Khabilov has his back, they separate and Khabilov misses a knee to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khabilov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Parke moving forward quickly here, lands a bit of a left and they clinch then Khabilov quickly pushes him off. Parke lands a straight left that landed on the eye of Khabilov. Khabilov lands an uppercut. Parke lands another left, he’s found his range much more effectively this round. Khabilov’s right eye is swelling from that straight left. Parke lands an inside leg kick. Khabilov punches into the clinch, Parke quickly disengages. Parke lands another left after blocking an uppercut from Khabilov. Khabilov lands a right. Parke grabs a single leg against the fence, Khabilov defends and they separate. Khabilov shoots a double leg and gets Parke down, landing in his guard. Parke closes his guard, Khabilov lands an elbow. Khabilov stands and lands a right then a leg kick as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Parke, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Replay showed that Khabilov actually accidentally hit himself in the eye after his punch was deflected by Parke’s elbow. Parke lands a body kick. Khabilov lands a right. Both men miss power hands, the defense from both men has been solid. Parke dives on a double leg and gets Khabilov down against the fence. Khabilov to his knees but Parke jumps to his back and starts looking for the choke. Khabilov has wrist control, he’s able to spin into Parke as Parke scrambles and Khabilov drags him down and lands in his guard. Khabilov lands a couple of lefts and an elbow. Khabilov to half guard now and lands a couple of solid rights. Parke back to full guard. Khabilov with some rights to the body and head. Parke to his knees but Khabilov in the ride position and lands some lefts. Parke back up and Khabilov rides him back to his knees. Parke up again and Khabilov suplexes him and lands in the ride spot. Khabilov lands a couple of solid punches and gets the back with both hooks as time expires.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rustam Khabilov via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Khabilov but a solid enough fight.

Brad Scott has been trading wins and losses in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and a win here would give him some of the consistency he’s been missing in his UFC tenure. Krzysztof Jotko is 3-1 in the UFC and is riding a two fight winning streak, a third win here would move him very close to the top fifteen of the middleweight division.

Middleweight Bout: Krzysztof Jotko (16-1, 184 lbs.) vs. Brad Scott (20-3, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Both men have Dragonball Z tattoos on their left arms, just a little observation. Tough of gloves to get us going, Jotko fighting southpaw. Jotko misses a high kick. Scott moving forward, Jotko comfortable circling and looking for his opening. Scott lands a left hook, Jotko has a high kick partially blocked. Jotko lands a body kick. Scott working forward still. Jotko lands a bit of an upward elbow and a left behind it. Scott bleeding from the bridge of the nose now, Jotko lands a left. Body kick from Jotko. Scott has a lot of pressure but not a lot of effective stuff coming from it. Jotko lands a body kick. Scott lands a front kick to the body. Jotko lands an inside leg kick. Scott lands a right, Jotko lands an uppercut and a right. They clinch then break without incident. Jotko fires a high kick that’s blocked as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jotko

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Scott pressuring again. They clinch, Jotko lands a knee to the head before Scott gets him on the cage. Scott tries a body lock takedown, Jotko defends and they break. Scott lands a body kick. Scott lands an inside leg kick. Jotko gets the clinch, just misses a takedown and gets Scott on the fence. Jotko lands a knee to the body and a couple of knees to the thigh as well. Jotko tries an outside trip, Scott defends and they break with a knee from Jotko. Scott lands a right, Jotko lands one of his own. Jotko lands a body kick. Scott lands a wide right to the body. Jotko lands a bit of a left. Scott is backing up and circling now, power hands traded. Jotko lands a high kick. Jotko lands the upward elbow and pushes forward and they scramble a bit in the clinch to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men flashing the jab early, Jotko also lands a leg kick. Both men land lefts. Jotko lands a body kick then a left. Jotko lands a right then a leg kick. Jotko lands a knee in close, Scott just eats it. Jotko clips the top of Scotts head with a looping right. Jotko tries a high kick that’s blocked, Scott lands a low kick. Jotko lands a body kick, Scott lands a leg kick. Scott lands an outside low kick. Jotko lands a straight left after missing the upward elbow. Jotko lands another left. Jotko catches a kick and takes Scott down, landing in his guard. Scott to the fence and wall walks, Jotko lands some lefts as he does. Jotko spins Scott down again and lands in side control this time. Scott to half guard then full guard after eating an elbow. Jotko lands a couple of short elbows then a quick flurry as the round ends.

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

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

No interview for the winner.

Yaotzin Meza has been trading wins and losses in the UFC with a No Contest thrown in there for good measure. Meza lost his last time out to Sam Sicilia and needs to rebound with a win here if he wants to get a run going at featherweight. Arnold Allen has a three fight winning streak going including a short notice win in his UFC debut, a second here would signal big things for the featherweight prospect who’s just 22 years old.

Featherweight Bout: Arnold Allen (10-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Yaotzin Meza (21-10 1 NC, 144 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Meza has four inches of reach on Allen. Allen fighting southpaw and pressuring forward. Meza circling early. Meza lands an inside leg kick, Allen lands a body kick. Meza lands a straight left then a low inside leg kick. Allen lands a bit of a left. Both guys still getting a feel for the fight, Meza reaches for a single leg then bails on it in favor of the clinch and gets Allen on the fence. Meza lands a couple of rights from the clinch. Allen lands a knee to the body and spins Meza to the fence. Allen hits an outside trip and lands in half guard. Meza quickly to full guard. Allen lands a bit of a left. Meza trying to work a high guard, Allen able to stand and land a couple of leg kicks. Meza still on his back and the ref stands them up. Meza lands an inside leg kick. Allen lands a left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen

ROUND TWO: Allen aggressive early, Meza lands a right. Allen pushes forward and lands a left as they clinch. They break without incident. Meza lands a weak high kick but gets tripped and Allen lands a couple of leg kicks while Meza is on his back. Allen on top as Meza tries to wall walk now. Meza up to his feet but still stuck on the fence. Allen hits the outside trip again but Meza is back up immediately and we’re at distance. Meza lands a right. Allen isn’t moving his head much, just something to watch. Meza misses an uppercut. Allen lands a left to the body, Meza lands a body kick. Meza lands an inside leg kick. Allen lands a jab. Allen lands a body kick. Rights traded, Meza tries a takedown that’s stuffed but Meza got poked in the eye while they were scrambling there and we’ve got time. Replay confirms the eye poke occurred as Meza was entering for the takedown. The doctor checks the eye, he says Meza is OK to continue. Meza walks a little as he gets his vision back and then we’re back to fighting. Allen lands a short right hook. Meza lands a couple of leg kicks. Allen lands a left, his offense is just more consistent than Meza’s so far and the round ends after another left from Allen.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Allen moving forward early, Meza lands a jab and Allen counters with a left. Meza grabs a single leg, Allen fights it off and Meza gets him on the fence. The ref separates them for inactivity and Allen resumes moving forward. Meza lands an inside leg kick. They clinch again, Allen has Meza on the fence now. They break without incident. Allen lands a left and avoids a single leg attempt. Meza sticks with it and tries to transition to a double leg on the fence. Allen lands an elbow but Meza gets him down to a knee. Allen hip escapes up and hits a throw landing in the guard of Meza. Meza to his knees, Allen has a hook in but Meza is up and they separate with a kick from Allen. Allen sprawls on a sloppy double leg and pushes Meza into the fence. They break without incident. Allen blocks another takedown and lands an elbow in close before getting Meza on the cage. Allen lands an elbow as they break then a hard flurry from Allen floors Meza at the bell. Meza was out there at the end, no word yet on if that was a literal last second stoppage or not.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview again for Allen, they’re really pushing a non-stop pace tonight.

Scott Askham is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off of a decision loss, he needs a rebound win here in a big way to get his UFC record to an even 2-2. Chris Dempsey is also coming off of a loss and needs to rebound for an overall UFC record of 2-2 but Dempsey is unbeaten at middleweight as both his UFC losses were up at light heavyweight.

Middleweight Bout: Scott Askham (13-2, 185 lbs.) vs. Chris Dempsey (11-3, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Askham has five inches of height and three of reach on Dempsey. Dempsey moving forward early and gets a quick double leg against the fence. Askham has full guard, Dempsey lands some rights to the body. Askham climbs up and goes for an armbar, Dempsey able to keep his arm safe and lands a few more punches. Askham now trying for an omoplata, Dempsey defends and lands in half guard. Askham tries to roll for a heel hook, Dempsey rolls but Askham able to get on top. Dempsey quickly back up with a front head lock and Dempsey gets Askham on the fence. Dempsey looking for another takedown, Askham defending so far. Dempsey keeping Askham on the fence. Dempsey lands a knee to the body and a couple of rights to the body. Askham able to hit a hip toss but Dempsey scrambles back up immediately though Askham has one hook in. Dempsey able to shake him off and land a right before going for another takedown. Dempsey lands a right as they break. Askham lands a stiff left then a left high kick and Dempsey is out cold!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Scott Askham via KO, head kick, at 4:45 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Askham for his efforts this evening, also if I might BOOM middleweights! Mic time for Askham who says no one was beating him tonight, I think he said he lost someone recently though a combination of his accent and quick speech means I’m kind of guessing there, and used that to fuel his desire to win. Here’s the finish to that one for those interested.

Now THAT'S a walk-off KO if we've ever seen one! Huge win for @ScottAskham1!! #UFCLondon https://t.co/xoJynL9hHz

— #UFCLondon (@ufc) February 27, 2016

Davey Grant lost his UFC debut last time out against Chris Holdsworth but had an eight fight winning streak going before that and looks to get back on the winning side of things tonight. Marlon Vera is the first UFC fighter from Ecuador, he lost his UFC debut against Marco Beltra but rebounded with a win over Roman Salazar and getting his first UFC winning streak going tonight is a big priority for him.

Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (9-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Marlon Vera (7-2-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Grant comes out aggressively, lands a couple of rear leg kicks to the rear leg of Vera. Vera fighting southpaw now and gets the clinch on the fence. They trade some knees to the body then Grant spins Vera into the fence. Grant lands a right to the body as they break. Body kicks traded. Vera lands a leg kick. Grant lands a right, lands a nice flurry as well that rattled Vera a bit. They clinch and Vera drops for a scissor takedown. We get some confusion as Grant grabbed the fence there and Vera had grabbed the glove, a little confusion as they get reset in the same spot and Grant lands a right. Vera lands a couple of up kicks as Grant stands, Grant lands a few leg kicks. Grant with some more leg kicks, Vera nearly grabs a leg for a heel hook. Vera grabs the leg and jumps to the back in transition, he’s got both hooks in and gets a body triangle while looking for the choke. Grant trying to turn into him, Vera keeping the back and looking for the choke. Grant able to spin into Vera’s guard. Grant lands a right then a right to the body. Grant lands an elbow. Some solid blows land from Grant as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant

ROUND TWO: Grant is bleeding from the hairline and nose after that round, not sure exactly what caused it. Grant aggressive again, Vera lands a body kick then Grant lands a right to counter. Grant lands another right in close. Vera lands a body kick then a straight left. Grant lands a right to the body then a left hook and a body kick. They clinch, Grant lands some body blows and they break. Grant lands a right to the body and looks for a takedown on the fence. These two clearly came to fight. Grant lands a right then a knee to the body. Grant lands a solid couple of rights, Vera shoots a double leg then pulls full guard after Grant gets his hips back. Vera not controlling the posture of Grant, who lands a left. Grant lands an elbow, Vera lands a couple of elbows from his back. Grant working body and head shots. Vera tries for an armbar, the ref calls Vera for grabbing the glove instead of the wrist. The ref gives Vera a stern warning for grabbing the glove, next time will be a point, then the ref warns Grant for calling out fouls. Body kicks traded and Grant lands an elbow as he gets to the clinch. Grant gets a single leg and spins Vera to the mat. Grant stands and passes to side control, tries to mount but Vera gets half guard because of it. Grant lands an elbow, Vera lands an up kick that looked illegal as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: The ref warned Vera between rounds to clean up the fight. Grant dodges a left and lands a right. Vera lands a left to the body. Grant lands a right then gets a single leg, Vera uses the threat of a choke to break it then tries a throw that stalls on the fence and Grant lands on top in half guard. It’s actually crosswise half guard and Grant lands a left. Vera quickly gets to full guard. Grant landing some short rights. Vera throws up a triangle attempt, Grant able to pull out and lands a right as he returns to Vera’s guard. Vera keeps going for that triangle, he grabbed inside the guard again and the ref takes a point without pausing the action. Some elbows being traded, Grant with some hard rights to the body and the ref stands them up. Vera lands a right uppercut but Grant lands a hard counter combination of punches. Vera lands a jumping knee, Grant lands a hard body kick and gets the clinch again. Grant looking for a single leg, Vera has a double wrist lock and they break. Grant lands a right again. Vera lands a knee to the body. Vera with some more knees to the body in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Grant after the point deduction to Vera, 30-26 Grant overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Davey Grant via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

No interview for Grant but a wild fight.

Mike Wilkinson is coming off of a win over Niklas Backstrom and has a UFC record of 2-1, he’s looking for his first UFC winning streak here if he can beat the surging Amirkhani. Makwan Amirkhani is 2-0 in the UFC, both of those wins came in the first round in a combined total of 1:59 of fighting and a third consecutive win here would move him closer to the top rankings at featherweight.

Featherweight Bout: Makwan Amirkhani (12-2, 145 lbs.) vs. Mike Wilkinson (9-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Amirkhani has two inches of height and six of reach on Wilkinson. Both men come out southpaw. Wilkinson circling early. Amirkhani drives on a single leg and gets Wilkinson down landing in side control. Wilkinson to full guard but ate a right hand. Amirkhani lands a left elbow then passes to half guard. Wilkinson trying to get a scramble going but can’t unseat Amirkhani. Amirkhani lands a right as he passes to half guard. Amirkhani passes, Wilkinson scrambles and Amirkhani winds up in side control. Amirkhani to full mount now, Wilkinson quickly to half guard but Amirkhani lands a series of rights. Wilkinson to full guard now, Amirkhani working short elbows. Amirkhani passes to side control and lands a flurry of punches and elbows. Wilkinson grabbed the Mir elbow lock as he got back to full guard, Amirkhani guts it out and gets his arm free then lands a flurry of punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Amirkhani

ROUND TWO: Wilkinson trying to mimic the footwork of Dominick Cruz, clearly still a work in progress there. Amirkhani lands a jumping knee then shoots a double leg and lands in side control. Amirkhani working for the mounted crucifix now. They wind up in north/south position with Amirkhani landing a few elbows. Amirkhani back to side control looking to mount. Wilkinson able to explode to his feet. Amirkhani lands a long left. Amirkhani drops for a double leg, Wilkinson goes for a guillotine choke and rolls to top with it, Amirkhani fights back up to top position and gets his had free but that was a tight guillotine from Wilkinson. Amirkhani lands a right and passes to side control. Amirkhani passes to full mount now and postures up to land some rights. Wilkinson trying to hold on to Amirkhani, able to get a butterfly hook in and back to guard. Amirkhani lands a right, Wilkinson lands a couple of elbows. Amirkhani stands and lands a leg kick then gets back on top as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Wilkinson circling again to start the third. Amirkhani lands a right then tries a double leg, Wilkinson uses head control to stuff it, Amirkhani uses that to push him over and land on top. Amirkhani lands an elbow then stands and lands a right. Amirkhani lands a right, Wilkinson kicks him off, Amirkhani shoots again, Wilkinson tries another guillotine and is able to get on top against the fence. Wilkinson lands an elbow, Amirkhani to half guard. Amirkhani able to use the fence to roll Wilkinson over and land in his guard. Amirkhani stands and lands a right then Wilkinson lands a right as they were standing and Wilkinson back on top in half guard. Wilkinson lands some left elbows. Wilkinson lands a couple of rights. Amirkhani able to get to his knees and push into top position. Amirkhani into full mount now with 45 seconds left. Amirkhani with some punches and elbows. Amirkhani lands a series of short elbows. A few more elbows from Amirkhani runs out the clock.

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

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

Third round could got to Wilkinson, fun fight though. Interview time for Amirkhani, he apologizes for fighting the hometown guy and says he gave a good show for them. He says that two months ago a friend of his bought a ticket for this show but passed away before the event and dedicates the fight to him, then puts over Wilkinson for helping put on a great show for London. That wraps up the preliminary card, we’re still on Fight Pass for the upcoming main card.

Francisco Rivera is just 1-3 in his last four fights but the loss to Urijah Faber was influenced by an eye poke and his last fight with John Lineker was two minutes of utter insanity, but if Rivera wants to defend his top ranking he has to win here and avoid another losing streak. Brad Pickett is on a three fight losing streak, including his return to bantamweight and a fourth consecutive loss here would likely mean him getting cut from the UFC so a win is imperative.

Bantamweight Bout: Brad Pickett (24-11, 136 lbs.) vs. #15 Francisco Rivera (11-5 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rivera has two inches of height and reach on Pickett. Touch of gloves to get us going. Pickett showing leg kicks early. They trade left hooks, Rivera’s might have been as much of a clothesline as a punch. Both men getting a feel for the distance, Rivera lands a right. Leg kicks traded. Rivera lands a leg kick. Pickett trying to close distance, Rivera lands a leg kick, Pickett lands a body shot and Rivera counters with a short uppercut. Rivera lands a one two combination. Rivera lands a left that drops Pickett for a second, Pickett back up quickly. Rivera lands a counter right left right combination. Pickett lands a couple of low leg kicks. Rivera lands a right uppercut then left and right. They trade in close, Rivera is landing much better blows so far. Rivera lands a hard couple of right and left hooks. They get close and go full blown RoadHouse for a few moments. Rivera stuffs a takedown then misses a couple of strikes to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rivera

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves to get the second round going. They start trading quickly, these two clearly not getting paid by the hour. Leg kicks traded. Rivera lands a right. Pickett circling, Rivera calmly walking him down. Rivera lands a right then left. Pickett grabs a single leg and gets Rivera down landing in his guard. Pickett passes to half guard. Rivera able to push him off and regain his feet. Rivera lands a one two combination. Leg kicks traded. Pickett lands a left to the body. Rivera doing a good job of slipping most of Pickett’s offense. Rivera lands a couple of jabs. Rivera gets a double leg but Pickett back up quickly and able to get out of the clinch. Rivera lands a hard right, Pickett threw a left aimed at the body but it went into the groin of Rivera and he’ll get time to recover. Rivera walking around now and says he’s good to continue. We get another flurry from toe to toe range to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pickett, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Both men feinting early. Pickett tries a double leg, Rivera defends and they stall out on the fence. Pickett working some knees to the thigh of Rivera while Rivera is on a knee, Rivera goes for a guillotine but Pickett takes him down and lands on the safe side of side control. Rivera working to half guard, now trying for full guard and the ref stands them up. Rivera lands a leg kick. Rivera lands a right, he’s trying to time the jab of Pickett. Rivera catches a kick and lands a couple of hard rights. Rivera grabs a single leg and gets Pickett down. Pickett able to kick him off and roll to his feet. Rivera lands a stiff right hand and Pickett goes for a double leg and gets Rivera down landing in side control. Pickett working some short lefts as time expires.

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

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

This one hinged on the second round, which was the closest round of the fight. Pickett collapses after being announced as the winner, he knew he needed that one and is very emotional as he gets the mic. He says he’s happy he won after fighting some personal demons and getting tired. He puts over Rivera as though and thinks he maybe made it harder on himself than he needed to. He says he started his career in London and was prepared to end it tonight but since he won he’s going to keep on fighting, says the fans and company mean a lot to him. He mentions that this is his job and just hopes to keep putting food on the table for his family.

Keita Nakamura is a long time veteran of MMA and he’s riding a five fight winning streak including a win in his UFC return but given the miles on his body you have to imagine that if he’s going to make a run towards the top rankings he has to win here. Tom Breese is unbeaten as a professional with two first round finishes in the UFC, a third here would move him to maybe the most exciting prospect in the welterweight division moving forward.

Welterweight Bout: Tom Breese (9-0, 171 lbs.) vs. Keita Nakamura (31-6-2 1 NC, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Breese is four inches taller than Nakamura but has only half an inch of reach advantage. Breese fighting southpaw. Nakamura lands a body kick. Nakamura gets the clich after ducking a left. Breese able to get Nakamura on the fence but Nakamura has the body lock and gets a takedown. Nakamura passes into full mount. Breese quickly bridges and threatens with a heel hook to get a scramble and they regain their feet with Nakamura holding Breese on the fence. The ref separates them for inactivity. Breese lands a jab, Nakamura fires back and gets the clinch again. Breese has Nakamura on the fence, working some lefts to the body. They separate without incident. Breese lands a body kick. High kick from Breese is blocked. Nakamura lands a short right uppercut then a right overhand. Nakamura pushes to the clinch and Breese spins him to the fence. Breese lands a knee to the body and an elbow as they break. Breese lands a left. They trade kicks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Breese but a close round

ROUND TWO: Both men miss a couple of blows early. Breese lands a knee to the body in close and they clinch. Nakamura gets an inside trip and lands in half guard, actually full mount. Breese trying to get out, goes for a heel hook after creating some motion but Nakamura is very relaxed and gets out but Breese winds up on top. Breese in half guard now. Breese looking to mount, Nakamura defends that. Breese lands a short elbow. Breese postures up and lands a couple of lefts, Nakamura trying for a sweep now and gets ahold of one of the legs of Breese. Breese gets his leg free and resumes top position in half guard. Breese is in the guard of Nakamura landing some blows to the body and head. A few elbows from Breese get through. Nakamura goes for an omoplata, he’s in the right position with the arm trapped and sitting to the side. Nakamura adjusts to tighten the shoulder lock and tries to grab the neck as well for more leverage. Breese gets his arm free and Nakamura settles into side control as the round expires.

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

ROUND THREE: Breese fighting southpaw, moving forward slowly on Nakamura. Breese lands a jab. Breese lands a body kick. Nakamura reaches for a single leg, he’s able to get deep on it against the fence but Breese is defending so far. Breese able to spin Nakamura, Nakamura gets some motion going, Breese ducks under a takedown and goes for a toe hold. Breese now switching to a heel hook, Nakamura trying to get the back as they scramble and Nakamura gets on top in half guard. Breese trying to elevate and sweep, does so and gets on top while Nakamura is on his knees holding a leg. Breese going for a reverse triangle choke here and starts tightening it up. Nakamura very calm here but Breese is controlling him with that triangle. Breese with some elbows to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Breese, 30-27 for Breese overall

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

Again I’ll go back after the event is done and edit in the first round, sorry about that guys. Mic time for Breese now, he says fighting Nakamura was frustrating and puts him over as a tough veteran then mentions he needs more cage time to help him improve. He says he felt a little flat tonight, apologizes to the fans and says he feels bad about that performance.

Gegard Mousasi is coming off of a disappointing loss to Uriah Hall but had won two fights in a row before that and if he wants to avoid the first losing streak of his MMA career and potentially move back up the ranks at middleweight he needs to win here. Thales Leites is also coming off of a loss, his to Michael Bisping, but had won an impressive eight in a row before that and if he wants to return to top contention a win over the veteran Mousasi would set him up for a bigger opportunity down the line.

Middleweight Bout: #10 Thales Leites (25-5, 186 lbs.) vs. #9 Gegard Mousasi (37-6-2, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Leites has two inches of reach on Mousasi despite being an inch shorter. Touch of gloves to start things off. Leites slips a right and immediately pushes for a double leg that stalls on the fence. Mousasi lands a knee to the body. Leites trying for a body lock takedown, Mousasi keeps upright without too much trouble. Leites pulls guard, Mousasi back up and Leites on another takedown attempt. Mousasi spins out and lands a short right. Mousasi lands a counter left after slipping a couple of punches from Leites. Another jab lands for Mousasi. Mousasi lands an inside leg kick. Mousasi lands a right. Mousasi hits another inside leg kick. Leites lands a leg kick then reaches for a takedown but eats a right. Mousasi landing the jab frequently now. Mousasi avoids a double leg, lands a knee to the body and then gets Leites on the fence. Mousasi lands a knee to the body, Leites tries another throw that winds up basically being a guard pull. Mousasi lands a right then stands out of the guard and lands a leg kick before Leites regains his feet. Mousasi lands a right. They stare away the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mousasi

ROUND TWO: Mousasi lands a stiff right as Leites tried to move forward. Leites lands a leg kick but Mousasi lands a knee to the body then a right hand. Hard counter left from Mousasi lands, he’s disecting Leites at distance here. Leites able to land a bit of a left hook. Leites grabs a single, nothing there. Leites lands a leg kick, Mousasi starting to pressure him now and lands a jab. Mousasi working the lead hand now, lands a left hook. Mousasi lands a couple of jabs. Mousasi lands a left hook, Leites reaches for a single leg that Mousasi avoids then lands another couple of jabs. Mousasi lands a one two combination. This version of Leites looks like the one who flopped around against Anderson Silva. Leites reaches for the clinch, Mousasi pushes him off. Leites tries to get a takedown then flops to his back. Mousasi lands a couple of leg kicks to close the round while Leites hangs out on his back.

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

ROUND THREE: Leites comes out quickly and pulls guard after a failed double leg attempt. Mousasi keeping close and landing some short rights. Mousasi stands up out of the guard and makes Leites stand. Mousasi lands a couple of jabs and an inside leg kick. Mousasi lands another one two combination. Mousasi just picking Leites apart with technical straight punches. Leites lands a wild left hook. Mousasi lands a couple of counters, Leites fails miserably on a takedown attempt. Mousasi lands a right to the chin then an uppercut as Leites tries to shoot. Mousasi into half guard as Leites got a clinch then sat down. Mousasi trying to pass into mount. Mousasi lands a couple of elbows while Leites gets to full guard. Mousasi with some more short rights, Leites tries to get rubber guard but he’s spent and Mousasi knows what’s going on. The clock winds down in that position.

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

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

Which round went to Leites? That’s really just silly. Mousasi gets some mic time now. He says Leites is tough and hard to finish, he says he knew he dominated the fight and wasn’t going to get reckless in the last thirty seconds. He says he knew he could take the punches from Leites but he knew he was better, he mentions he took chances against Uriah Hall and he lost so he’s fighting smarter now. He feels he’s top five in the world right now.

Michael Bisping is riding a two fight winning streak and his last loss was to current middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, he’s a long time UFC veteran and is unbeaten when fighting in England. A win here over the former champion Anderson Silva would easily be the biggest win of Bisping’s career and could get him a title shot given the uncertainty around the top of the division. Anderson Silva is widely considered one of, if not the, greatest fighter in MMA history and holds several UFC records including most consecutive title defenses and longest UFC winning streak. Despite those accolades he hasn’t won since October of 2013 when he beat Stephan Bonnar, since then he’s lost twice to Chris Weidman and had a win over Nick Diaz overturned because of a failed drug test and if he wants to ever get back towards the title or just solidify his legacy as he ages he needs to win tonight.

Middleweight Bout: #7 Michael Bisping (27-7, 185 lbs.) vs. #5 Anderson Silva (33-6 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva has an inch of height and two and a half inches of reach on Bisping. Silva fighting southpaw. Bisping moving forward early, Silva circling. Bisping missing a high kick. Silva switches to orthodox, goes back to southpaw. Silva lands a pawing left, Bisping lands a bit of a left hook in response. Bisping lands a bit of a right. Both guys still feeling out the range here. Bisping lands a right, Silva lands a hard body kick. Silva lands a push kick to the knee. Silva avoids a head kick. Silva moving forward now. Silva slips a right from Bisping. Silva lands a short right hook. Silva backing up Bisping now, lands another body kick. Silva avoids a couple of punches from Bisping. Silva backs up to the fence and easily fades a couple of high kicks. Silva lands a left, Bisping lands a one two and they trade as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bisping but a very close round

ROUND TWO: Silva pumping the jab early here. Bisping lands a right as Silva stands on the fence. Silva dodging Bisping now while standing on the fence, Bisping backs up and Silva decides to move off of the fence. Silva lands a jab. Both guys feinting a lot, also very aware this is a five round fight. Bisping trying to push forward, Silva doing a good job of slipping his offense. Silva lands a right. Silva jabs the leg then jabs the head of Bisping. Silva looks off and lands a wide left while looking at his corner. Bisping starting to work outside leg kicks now. Silva slips a couple of jabs. Bisping lands a left hook that drops Silva to his butt. Bisping on top in the guard of Silva now. Silva kicks Bisping off as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Silva switches to orthodox to start the third round, goes back to southpaw. Bisping backing up Silva, he slips a few punches and lands an inside leg kick. Silva misses an elbow. Silva lands a bit of a right hook. Silva blocks a couple of kicks then lands a leg kick as Bisping slipped. Silva throws a high kick that’s just blocked by Bisping. Silva lands a jab. Silva moving forward now, lands a right after dodging a jab from Bisping. Bisping lands a jab then Silva has a high kick blocked. Silva lands a knee to the body. Silva pushes in close and lands a flurry along the fence then gets the Thai clinch and a massive jumping knee and Bisping drops as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, borderline 10-8 with that massive knee, 29-28 Bisping

ROUND FOUR: Serious confusion at the end of three there, Silva and his corner thought the fight was over but the ref didn’t stop it. Bisping has a big cut under his left eye and is still bleeding from it. Silva circling now, throws a high kick that’s blocked. Silva dodges a high kick. Bisping pushes forward with a punch that misses, Silva tried a knee and his leg went into the groin of Bisping so Bisping will get time to recover. My mistake, it was a low kick that went into the groin. Bisping is good to continue though and we’re back to fighting. Bisping pushing forward, lands a jab and a right. Silva standing on the fence again now, looking to slip and counter. Silva lands a stiff jab. Bisping lands a jab and a right. Silva lands a body kick. Silva off of the fence now and lands a body kick. Silva blocks several Bisping punches again. Silva lands a one two but got poked in the eye. The doctor comes in to check the eye, replay confirms it, and the doctor has no issue if Silva wants to continue. Silva is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Silva backed to the fence again and Bisping lands a right. Silva moving forward now, lands a stiff left. Silva suddenly seems to have woken up. Silva lands an elbow in close then an uppercut and a left. Bisping circling away and Silva lands a super man punch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Silva very aggressive to start the fifth, has a high kick just blocked. Bisping lands a bit of a jab. We get time to check the cut on Bisping’s face, which is a mess after a high kick opened up the bridge of his nose. Bisping is OK to continue and we’re back to fighting. Silva circling and lands a straight left. Bisping pushes forward and Silva lands a front kick to the face that rocks Bisping. Silva lands a couple of knees to the head of Bisping. Silva grags the clinch and knees the body. Silva lands an inside crescent kick and a left. Bisping backing up now. Silva lands another straight left. Bisping lands an outside leg kick. Silva lands a jab. Bisping tries a double leg against the fence, Silva defends and we’re in the clinch. Silva lands a hard knee to the body before Bisping gets free. Silva lands another stiff jab. Bisping backing up Silva, Silva lands a long left. Silva lands another jab, he’s trying to get the spinning elbow but he’s looking for it too much. They kind of dance around for the last seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 48-47 Silva overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Bisping via unanimous decision (48-47 x3)

I scored it for Silva but a couple of those rounds, four specifically, were very tight. Mic time for Bipsing, who says he wanted this fight his entire life and the crowd gave him the power by being in his corner. He says he doesn’t know what to say, he’s actually in tears. He speaks to the confusion at the end of the third, then puts over Silva as the best ever saying you can’t measure the respect he has for Silva and talks about being inspired by Silva. He thanks the crowd again, asked what’s next he says to a doctor probably and while he wants a title shot he’s just proud to represent Great Britain.

Mic time for Silva now. Asked about the decision and what’s next, he thanks the crowd for being there and says he’s happy to be in London for this fight and thanks the city and the citizens. He thanks his team then thanks Brazil in Portuguese, he mentioned his family as well during that bit though Ed Soares is here to translate. He says he thought he won but the judges thought differently.

That wraps up UFC Fight Night 84, thanks for being here. This show, as well as last Sunday’s event, are going to be discussed this Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show plus we’ll be previewing UFC 196. Speaking of UFC 196, I’ll be back next week for that. Until next time guys stay safe and keep checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.