411’s UFC on FOX 17 Report 12.19.15

Greetings everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on FOX 17. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. While you’re here check out the Radulich in Broadcasting Network, home to a bunch of podcasts including the 411 Ground and Pound Radio show every Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time. This is the last card of the year and after the whirlwind events of last week culminating in UFC 194 this might feel like a bit of an anti-climax but is a pretty strong card. The main event has long time fan favorite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone finally getting a UFC title shot against lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos who’s looking for his first title defense after dominating Anthony Pettis for the belt in March of this year. The co-main event is a fight that’s been two years in the making when former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos takes on Alistair Overeem. Overeem was supposed to be dos Santos’ first title defense back at UFC 146, Overeem failed a drug test and the bout was scrapped. They tried to make that fight again for UFC 160 but Overeem got injured, now we’re finally getting it and heavyweight aficionados everywhere are rejoicing. Also on the main card Michael Johnson looks to rebound following a controversial split decision loss to Beneil Dariush by beating the returning Nate Diaz. This event comes to the world from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida with Mike Goldberg, Joe Rogan and former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz on commentary. Be interesting to see how Cruz does in a three man booth format, he’s been great on the analyst desk. My good friend, and the man who taught me everything I know about live coverage, Mark Radulich is actually at the event live so I’ll occasionally be putting in tidbits of information he’s providing about crowd size, crowd reactions, things of that nature.

For the record, photos on Twitter lead me to believe that even the media isn’t really here for the first prelim.

Luis Henrique is riding a six fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut, his only loss is from three years ago and tonight he looks to extend that winning streak and make a positive impression. Francis Ngannou has a four fight winning streak of his own and knows very well that you only get one chance to make a first impression and a win over Henrique would get his UFC career off to a strong start.

Heavyweight Bout: Luis Henrique (8-1 1 NC, 248 lbs.) VS Francis Ngannou (5-1, 254 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ngannou is a big man, he’s got two inches of height but nine of reach. His reach is 83 inches, among the longest in the UFC. Ngannou lands a hard leg kick. Henrique circling early, looking to deal with the reach. Ngannou lands a leg kick but Henrique catches it and gets a takedown into the guard of Ngannou. Henrique stands out of the guard, eats a bit of an upkick then goes back into the guard. Ngannou looking to be stood up I think, Henrique working some short lefts to the body and head. Henrique trying to pass, gets to half guard but his fight shorts are falling down. Ngannou still holding him and the ref stands them up. Henrique tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Henrique has Ngannou on the fence, Ngannou with a few knees to the body. The ref breaks them for inactivity. Ngannou lands a bit of a right. Henrique walks into a right that landed on the chin and tries a single leg, it stalls out on the fence to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-10 DRAW, could see arguments for either man though

ROUND TWO: NGannou just misses an uppercut to start the second, he’s walking Henrique back to the fence and looking to unload. NGannou lands a bit of a combination. They clinch, Ngannou lands a knee to the body but Henrique drops for a double leg against the fence. Henrique really going for this takedown, Ngannou defending it. Henrique moves to the clinch, stalls out, and the ref breaks them. Henrique pushes into the clinch again, again has Ngannou on the fence. Henrique can’t get a takedown and Ngannou pushes him off then lands a one two into a hook combination. Ngannou tees off with a combination, ending with a beautiful left uppercut and Henrique is out before he hits the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francis Ngannou via KO, punch, at 2:53 of Round 2

BOOM! Heavyweights. Interview time for Ngannou and his translator as he speaks French. He says he was a little nervous for the fight but he knows how he fights best and wanted to showcase his striking. He says he just stuck with his game plan and knew Henrique would get tired and he’d be able to get to him quickly when he was tired.

Here’s the finish to that fight.

Looks like we have a new bad ass heavyweight!!! Congrats @Francis_Ngannou! pic.twitter.com/qZrsDbX0KN

— Dana White (@danawhite) December 19, 2015

Vicente Luque lost his UFC debut to Michael Graves but is 3-2 in his last five and tonight needs to get the all important first UFC win. Hayder Hassan also lost his UFC debut and looks for his first UFC win as well. Both these guys were on TUF 21 and fought each other there where Hassan won via split decision.

Welterweight Bout: Vicente Luque (7-5-1, 171 lbs.) VS Hayder Hassan (6-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Luque has five and a half inches of reach on Hassan, despite just being one inch taller. Hassan lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Hassan lands. Hassan switching his stance, lands a left but Luque lands a right. Hassan circles away and lands a left hook. Luque lands a jab. Luque pressuring forward now, Hassan lands a stiff jab. Luque lands a hard inside leg kick. Hassan lands a leg kick. Hard right to the body from Hassan, Luque lands a counter right that leads to a clinch. Luque wraps up an anaconda choke in the clinch, rolls for it and Hassan struggles for a few moments before going out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vicente Luque via Technical Submission, anaconda choke, at 2:13 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Luque for his contributions to the evening. Mic time for Luque. He thanks God for all of his blessings and says he learned from their first fight that he didn’t want the judges involved and he loves the anaconda choke so when he saw the chance for it he went for it, then promises to keep working on it and get better. He talks us through the finish to close the interview.

Leon Edwards is 2-1 in the UFC with two straight wins to his credit over Seth Baczynski and Pawel Pawlak, tonight he’s after a third consecutive win to set himself up for bigger and better things next year. Kamaru Usman has won five fights in a row including his UFC debut when he choked out Hayder Hassan and a second win this time over someone with some UFC experience would move him from just another TUF winner to a guy to potentially keep your eye on.

Welterweight Bout: Leon Edwards (10-2, 171 lbs.) VS Kamaru Usman (6-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Usman has two inches of reach but both men are the same height. Edwards fighting southpaw. Edwards lands a left as Usman gets the clinch, they circle in the clinch and trade knees then break. Edwards working front kicks to the body, Usman dives on a single leg against the fence. Usman switches to a double leg, Edwards fighting this off so far. Usman bails on the takedown but works the clinch and lands a couple of short lefts. Edwards circles out of the clinch and separates. Edwards lands a left then a high kick that’s blocked. Edwards lands a left uppercut, he’s lighting Usman up on the feet. Usman shoots a single leg, fights hard for it and gets a takedown into the guard of Edwards. Edwards trying to set up a triangle choke, he’s got one leg around the shoulder and starts moving to lock it up. Usman keeping tight to keep it from becoming dangerous. Edwards now trying to get the arm of Usman across the face, Edwards lands an elbow and keeps working to secure the choke. Edwards lands another elbow and Usman breaks the triangle. Edwards back to his feet against the fence. Usman lands some rights to the body in the clinch. They trade work in the clinch as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards but very close round

ROUND TWO: Usman has a kick blocked to start the second. Usman lands a body kick but Edwards catches it and lands a couple of punches. Usman lands a winging left hook, they trade and Usman gets a takedown. Edwards might have been a little wobbled from that clubbing hook. Edwards sitting on the fence, looking to wall walk. Usman mounts the legs and lands a couple of punches. Edwards back to his feet, still in the clinch though. Usman lands some knees to the thigh, he’s got the rear waist lock while Edwards tries to use a double wrist lock to break the grip. Edwards spins into Usman, Usman with some rights to the body. Usman drops for a takedown, Edwards defends it. Usman switches to a single leg, he’s doing a much better job of being effective in the clinch this round. Edwards able to spin Usman into the fence, lands a couple of knees to the thigh. They stall out and the ref breaks them up. Edwards lands a straight left after dodging a right, Usman swinging wide with his hooks now. They clinch again and trade body blows, Edwards lands a left to the head but Usman took a bit of a knee to the groin so he’ll get time to recover. Usman ready to go and comes out quick. Edwards lands a body kick and they clinch, Edwards with more knees to the body as Usman gets him to the fence and trips Edwards down. Usman lands some body shots, Edwards kicks him off as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Edwards lands a knee to the body and a left hand. Usman grabs a takedown and drives Edwards to the fence with it. Edwards struggling to get back to his feet against the fence. Usman gets to the back as Edwards works to his knees. Usman in the ride position now with knees to the thigh as Edwards gets back up. Edwards fighting to break the grip of Usman, Usman with some rights to the body in close. Edwards can’t seem to get free of Usman. Usman goes for another double leg, Edwards tries for a guillotine threat but Usman passed to side control on the takedown to avoid it. Edwards to his knees, Usman into the ride position. Usman with some lefts to the head of Edwards, Usman lands some knees to the body as well as Edwards gets back up. Usman drags him back down again, Usman with some more rights to the head. Hard rights from Usman, Edwards defending but he’s on the receiving end of all the offense this round. Fight comes to a close in the clinch.

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

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

Mic time for Usman. He says he’s been working a lot on his striking, puts over his coaches. He says he didn’t feel the striking tonight and warns everyone else that he’ll show that off next time. He talks about putting pressure in fights and that no one can deal with his pressure.

That wraps up Fight Pass prelims, now to Fox Sports 1. Dominick Cruz has left commentary for the time being, shame because he did a good job, but will be back for the main event.

Cole Miller is 3-2 in his last five fights, and while he’s coming off of a loss to Max Holloway he won two in a row before that and looks to rebound from that loss tonight with a win over Jim Alers. Jim Alers is 1-1 in the UFC, he lost his last time to Chas Skelly but had a nine fight winning streak before that and tonight has a chance to start building a UFC winning streak and a win over the veteran Miller would be the biggest of his career.

Featherweight Bout: Jim Alers (13-2, 145 lbs.) VS Cole Miller (21-9, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Miller is four inches taller than Alers and a five inch reach advantage. Miller working a jab early, Alers circling. Alers lands a low leg kick. Alers struggling a little with the range of Miller. Miller lands a jab, Alers tries the low leg kick again. Alers lands a low inside leg kick. Miller lands a right, Alers lands a counter right of his own. Alers trying to work a lunging left hook. Miller lands a low leg kick. Alers lands a glancing jumping right, Miller lands a right counter. Alers lands a low inside leg kick. Miller doing a good job of fighting long. Miller lands a left hook then a jab. Alers dodges a right and lands a right to the body. They clinch, Alers lands a couple of knees to the body then they stare the last seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller but a close round

ROUND TWO: There’s a cut on the right eyelid, just under the eyebrow, of Alers. The doc says it’s OK so far. Alers lands a leg kick. Miller lands a leg kick. Alers lands a left hook. They’re starting to get after it, both men missing with wide hooks. Miller lands a body kick. Miller lands a left to the body. Alers lands a leg kick but as he did his fingers went into the eye of Miller so we’ve got time for him to recover. The Doctor is now in to look at the eye of Miller, Miller can’t seem to open his eye. They’re giving Miller time to recover then the Doc will come back in to check. Miller still says he can’t open his eye and that’s that.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, accidental eye poke at 1:44 of Round 2

The crowd is very unhappy with that, large sections with angry dialogue according to Mark Radulich. Hopefully the next fight can get some momentum back.

Danny Castillo is riding a three fight losing streak, he’s 1-4 in his last five fights with that only win being over Charlie Brenneman. If he wants to avoid a four fight losing streak, and likely his walking papers from the UFC, he desperately needs a win here. Castillo struggled to make weight but got to 156 on his second attempt, so we’ll see if that plays into the fight. Nik Lentz has been with the UFC since 2009, he went 4-2 in his recent featherweight stint but returns to lightweight tonight. While Lentz is coming off of a loss to Charles Oliveira he hopes a return to lightweight and a win over Danny Castillo will get his career back onto the world title track.

Lightweight Bout: Danny Castillo (17-9, 156 lbs.) VS Nik Lentz (25-7-2 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Castillo has three inches of reach on Lentz. Circling from both men to start. Castillo switching his stance. Lentz misses a right and they clinch, Lentz lands a knee to the body then they break. Castillo lands a bit of a left hook, Lentz lands a body kick. Lentz lands another body kick. Castillo tries a double leg but bails on it. Lentz lands a left hook. Castillo tries a takedown, Lentz hits a judo throw counter and lands some lefts from side control. Castillo hip escapes to his knees, back to his feet but Lentz jumps for a guillotine. Lentz standing with the choke, trying to drag Castillo down with it, Castillo trying to fight. Lentz drags him to guard with it but Castillo finally pops his head out. Lentz goes for the choke again from guard, Castillo pulls his head out again. Castillo trying to pass, grabs an arm triangle position but Lentz has full guard and Castillo bails on it. Lentz kicks Castillo off and regains his feet. Lentz lands an uppercut and a left. Castillo might be tired, Lentz lands a right. Lentz lands another right hand. Castillo lands a right and a left in close. Lentz just eats them. They scramble on the fence, Lentz lands some knees as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lentz

ROUND TWO: Castillo has a leg kick checked to start. Lentz lands a right, Castillo still sucking some air. Castillo winging the right hand, Lentz is either blocking them or just doesn’t care. Lentz lands a left. Lentz walking Castillo down, Lentz lands a body kick. Castillo slowing down a lot. Lentz working leg and body kick. Straight right lands for Lentz. Lentz lands a left and a body kick then reverses a takedown to land on top. Castillo has nothing right now. Lentz to half guard, Castillo back to full guard then just avoids a knee as he escapes to his feet. Lentz lands another body kick, he’s wearing Castillo down. Lentz sprawls a double leg from Castillo and lands some knees to the body. Lentz grabs a guillotine in close and uses the headlock to control Castillo in the clinch. Lentz jumps to guard with it but Castillo pulls his head out and passes to side control. Letz quickly back to guard, then to his feet and they break. Letz lands another left, he’s just relentlessly wearing down Castillo. Lentz lands a left to the body then a leg kick. They both miss to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Lentz resumes pushing forward, lands a leg kick. Castillo lands a leg kick. They clinch, Lentz hits another hip toss, Castillo scrambles to his feet and Lentz lands a right. The relentless pressure is getting to Castillo. Lentz lands a body kick. Lentz grabs another guillotine on a takedown, Castillo pulls out of it and Lentz lands a legal upkick as Castillo comes back into the guard. Castillo hugging Lentz, Lentz back up. Castillo has kind of poked Lentz in the eye twice, Lentz just dealing with it. Lentz lands a leg kick. Lentz gets poked again, he still wants no time but the ref tells Castillo that’s the last warning. Castillo gets another takedown against the fence, Lentz back up immediately and lands a knee to the body. Lentz lands some punches in close and pushes Castillo into the cage. Lentz works some rights and knees. Lentz looking for a trip, can’t finish it though. Lentz lands a hard left, Castillo is exhausted and just running out the clock. Lentz lands a right and continues walking Castillo down as time expires.

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

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

Interview for Lentz. Lentz says he’s had a lot of medical issues from cutting weight to featherweight for so long, he still had a hard cut. He says he hurt his left knee in the first round which made it hard to cut Castillo off and had to chase him. He says that while this wasn’t his best performance he’s staying at lightweight and anyone who gets in the cage with him will remember it for the rest of their life.

What in the world inspired that judge to give the fight to Castillo?

Cluckthulhu courtesy of Benjamin J. Colon

Well that explains it, Cluckthulhu is a well known patron of Team Alpha Male.

Josh Samman is riding a four fight winning streak, three of those in the UFC and all of his UFC fights have been finishes. A win here over the returning McCrory would give Samman an impressive four fight UFC winning streak with all of those in the middleweight division and set him up for bigger things next year. Tamdan McCrory actually took a five year hiatus from fighting from 2009 to 2014 and after two wins in Bellator he’s back in the UFC tonight for the first time since UFC 101 when he lost a split decision to John Howard. McCrory is after his first UFC win since UFC 96 tonight.

Middleweight Bout: Tamdan McCrory (13-3, 185 lbs.) VS Josh Samman (12-2, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Samman lands a hard leg kick and they clinch. McCrory has Samman to a knee against the fence. Samman works to his feet but can’t get free of the clinch. McCrory lands a knee to the body. Samman able to spin McCrory to the fence then takes him down against the fence. Samman working on passing to half guard, and does. Samman with some rights to the head. Samman now with a couple of short lefts, McCrory hip escapes to full guard. McCrory trying to set up an armbar, Samman gets his arm free but McCrory switches to a triangle and Samman has to scramble to get free and McCrory winds up on top. Samman quickly scrambles, McCrory misses taking the back and Samman on top again. Samman lands a couple of rights. McCrory uses a double wrist lock to sweep and tries for the back. McCrory trying for an armbar from the back, Samman yanks it free but these two have been scrambling like crazy. Samman lands a left from half guard. another couple of lefts from Samman then he passes. McCrory back up after eating a couple of punches and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Samman

ROUND TWO: Samman misses a couple of high kicks to start the round then they clinch on the fence. Samman gets a trip against the fence, McCrory gets full guard. Samman lands a couple of punches, McCrory to rubber guard now for increased control. McCrory tries an omoplata, Samman avoids it but McCrory uses the motion to get a sweep to top position. McCrory has one hook in trying to get the back, Samman turns to his back. McCrory lands some punches as Samman sits on the fence. McCrory in half guard, lands some elbows. McCrory with some punches, Samman covering up but McCrory working the ground and pound. McCrory with some more punches. Samman in a bad spot sitting on the fence but can’t get his feet under him to wall walk. Samman with some punches and elbows from his back. McCrory lands a short elbow. McCrory tries to set up a kimura from half guard, he wont even get the double wrist lock before time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McCrory, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: McCrory has a high kick blocked, Samman lands a high kick and pushes into the clinch. McCrory tries to hit a throw but winds up just spinning Samman to the mat against the fence. McCrory lands some rights and gets to half guard. Samman just stuck against the fence, McCrory lands some short lefts. McCrory keeps Samman against the fence, McCrory lands some punches. Samman able to reverse position and get on top. McCrory closes his guard and attacks with an omoplata. Samman gets his arm free but McCrory grabs a triangle choke in transition. McCrory with some elbows, Samman is certainly stuck right now. McCrory tightens up the choke with his whole body getting into it and Samman has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tamdan McCrory via Submission, triangle choke, at 4:10 of Round 3

Interview time for McCrory. He says today isn’t indicative of what he has to offer as he feels he’s got more to offer but he needed a win, then says he’s got a great wife who’s expecting. He talks us through the finishing sequence and hopes for a post fight bonus, jokes that he’s an OG for the UFC since he fought prior to UFC 100, then dedicates the win to a friend who passed away.

Sarah Kaufman is coming off of a loss to Alexis Davis but has been around the fight game for a long time and was the first ever women’s Strikeforce bantamweight champion and tonight she’s looking to get back on the winning side of things. Valentina Shevchenko took this fight on very shot notice when Kaufman’s original opponent got injured, but she’s got a long and decorated kickboxing career and has even defeated Joanna Jedrzejczyk in Muay Thai competition, she’s won gold at the IFMA world championships ten times and is riding a four fight winning streak in MMA with her last win being over Jan Finney. A win over the veteran Kaufman would certainly move Shevchenko into prime position for a UFC run next year.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Valentina Shevchenko (11-1, 134 lbs.) VS #5 Sarah Kaufman (17-3 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shevchenko fighting southpaw, touch of gloves to get us going. Shevchenko lands a couple of right hooks, Kaufman pushing forward but Shevchenko circles away. They clinch and Shevchenko gets Kaufman on the fence. Shevchenko lands a knee to the body. Shevchenko spins Kaufman to the mat and lands in her guard. Shevchenko not doing much, Kaufman rolls to her feet and we’re separated. Shevchenko lands a hard body kick and they clinch. Kaufman tries to get a trip, Shevchenko reverses it and lands in full mount. Kaufman quickly hip escapes to full guard. Shevchenko lands some rights as Kaufman gets to her feet and they resume striking. Another hard left round kick to the body from Shevchenko. Kaufman grabs a single leg then tries to drop for a heel hook, Shevchenko avoids it and has the rear waist lock standing now. They trade knees to the body as Kaufman turns into her. Shevchenko lands an elbow. Another hard elbow from Shevchenko then they trade knees to the thigh as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shevchenko

ROUND TWO: Shevchenko misses a spinning back fist to get us going. Kaufman lands a right and they clinch again. Kaufman has Shevchenko on the fence. Knees to the legs being traded as Shevchenko spins Kaufman to the cage. They break without incident. Spinning back kick to the body from Shevchenko. They clinch again, Shevchenko lands a hard knee to the body and gets Kaufman on the fence. Shevchenko lands an elbow and Kaufman spins her to the fence. Shevchenko spins out of the clinch and we’re at distance again. Clinch again and Shevchenko throws Kaufman to the mat and gets to full guard. Kaufman lands some elbows from her back, Shevchenko lands a couple of punches. Kaufman working off of her back with elbows, Shevchenko doing little from top position, she stands and we’re back up. Shevchenko misses a spinning attack and lands a hard knee to the body from the Thai clinch before Kaufman gets her on the fence. Kaufman trying for a body lock takedown, Shevchenko avoids it. They trade knees to the body as the round closes.

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

ROUND THREE: Kaufman working forward, Shevchenko gets the clinch and trips Kaufman down then lands a knee to the body as Kaufman regains her feet. Kaufman now has Shevchenko on the fence. Shevchenko spins Kaufman and lands some knees to the body. Shevchenko gets a body lock takedown, lands some lefts as Kaufman gets up again. Shevchenko lands a left as they break the clinch. Clinch again, Kaufman gets Shevchenko on the fence. Kaufman grabs a single leg and lands in side control. Kaufman with some elbows. Now to north/south position then to side control on the other side. Shevchenko trying to spin out but Kaufman has good control so far. Kaufman with some elbows to the body and thigh. Shevchenko can’t get free, settles for north/south again and tries for a triangle that Kaufman avoids. Kaufman lands an elbow then gets to mount and tries to land punches. Shevchenko rolls free and lands a left when they regain their feet and time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kaufman, 29-28 Shevchenko overall

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

Round 2 could have gone to Kaufman, no issues with a split decision. Mic time for Shevchenko, who speaks English quite well. She says she feels great because she won, notes it was a very shot notice fight but she worked hard and puts over her coaches. She says the grappling was designed to surprise both the fans and her opponent tonight.

Nate Marquardt is just 1-5 in his last six fights and riding a two fight losing streak, if he wants to keep his job he must get a win here to justify his continued employment by the UFC. CB Dollaway is riding a two fight losing streak as well, he was stopped quickly by Lyoto Machida then lost a decision to Michael Bisping, if Dollaway wants to ever make a run at the top of the division he must avoid a three fight losing streak here.

Middleweight Bout: Nate Marquardt (33-15-2, 186 lbs.) VS #12 CB Dollaway (15-7, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dollaway has two inches of height and reach on Marquardt. Dollaway flashing the jab and moving forward. Dollaway lands a leg kick. Dollaway lands a left kick to the body. Dollaway lands a leg kick. Marquardt checks a leg kick. Dollaway misses a right and eats a body kick from Marquardt. Marquardt lands a leg kick. Not a whole lot going on here, both guys very hesitant. Dollaway lands some body punches and Marquardt ducked into one of them. Marquardt a little wobbled, lands a heavy leg kick. Marquardt lands a right then stuffs a takedown, lands a knee to the body in the clinch then they break. Dollaway moves forward, both miss rights then Marquardt lands a body kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dollaway

ROUND TWO: Lots of kicks to start, Marquardt lands a right hook in close that ENDS Dollaway! Wow, nice short right.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nate Marquardt via KO, punch, at :28 of Round 2

Well the finish brought some life back into this card. Interview time for Marquardt. He puts over his coach for getting him to where he needed to be. He gives glory to God, puts over his coach and wife.

Myles Jury is making his featherweight debut here, he’s coming off of a loss to Donald Cerrone at lightweight and he’s hoping a drop to featherweight will give him a shorter path to a UFC title and is still ranked in the top ten at lightweight and a win over Charles Oliveira would certainly position him nicely to move up the featherweight ranks next year. Charles Oliveira has missed weight for the third time at featherweight here (this time by nearly five pounds), he’s coming off of a loss to Max Holloway but had a four fight winning streak going before that and needs to bounce back with a win despite missing weight.

Catchweight Bout: Myles Jury (15-1, 146 lbs.) VS #7 Charles Oliveira (20-5 1 NC, 150.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get us going. Jury circling early, lands a leg kick. Oliveira lands a front kick to the body. Jury trying to creat openings by switching his stance frequently. Oliveira lands a leg kick. Jury lands a body kick but Oliveira catches it and gets a takedown into half guard. Jury tries to throw up an armbar but gives up his back in the process, Oliveira has both hooks in. Oliveira looking for the choke now, Jury trying to defend. Jury escapes to his feet but Oliviera has a front head lock and jumps guard for a guillotine, Jury has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Oliveira via Submission, guillotine choke, at 3:05 of Round 1

Oliveira gets an interview. Asked about Jury moving down despite being a top ten lightweight he says it’s basically what he did a couple of years ago. He says he respects all the fighters in the UFC but he thinks he has the best jiu-jitsu in the featherweight division. Asked who he’d like next he says he’s coming for Conor McGregor.

That wraps up prelims on Fox Sports 1, now to big FOX for the final four fights.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz is making her UFC debut here on shot notice but is unbeaten as a professional including a win in Invicta with the rest of her fights taking place in the Polish promotion KSW. A win over a top ranked opponent in her debut would be ideal for Kowalkiewicz’s debut. Randa Markos is 1-1 in the UFC, she lost a split decision to Jessica Penne in her debut but rebounded with a dominant win over Aisling Daly and now looks to get her first UFC winning streak going with a win tonight.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Karolina Kowalkiewicz (7-0, 114.5 lbs.) VS #7 Randa Markos (5-2, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get us going. Both swing right hands early that miss. Kowalkiewicz flashing the jab early, trying to back up Markos. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Markos slips a jab and lands a right hook. Rights traded in close, these two came to fight that’s obvious. Markos pushes into the clinch, they trade knees to the body then Kowalkiewicz pulls out of the clinch. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Circling by Kowalkiewicz now, they clinch again and Markos gets Kowalkiewicz to the fence. Markos has the body lock, looking for a trip but Kowalkiewicz pummels one arm in to break the body lock. Kowalkiewicz now with the body lock, they jockey for position and Markos gets her on the fence again. Markos tried to drag this fight down but Kowalkiewicz escapes and we’re standing again. Markos slips a couple of rights. Markos lands a jab. Kowalkiewicz lands a front kick to the body. Markos lands three leg kicks and pushes to the clinch. Markos lands some punches in close but walks into a right from Kowalkiewicz after they break. They both miss rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos

ROUND TWO: Kowalkiewicz lands a leg kick to get the second round under way. Kowalkiewicz lands a front kick to the body. Kowalkiewicz lands a leg kick. Markos seems to be trying to instigate a brawl, Kowalkiewicz is technically a better striking. Rights traded, Markos looking to counter mostly. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands a leg kick, Kowalkiewicz out working Markos this round so far. Markos gets the clinch, hits a trip but Kowalkiewicz back up and Markos has her on the fence and has a rear waist lock. Kowalkiewicz trying to set up a kimura to break the grip, Markos drags her down and gets the back with both hooks in. Kowalkiewicz trying to stand, gets to her knees and back up with Markos as a back pack. Markos has a body triangle, Kowalkiewicz grabbing an arm to defend. Markos trying to tip Kowalkiewicz over, Kowalkiewicz trying to shake her off but she hangs onto the back as Kowalkiewicz drops to the mat. Kowalkiewicz just defending, trying to control the arms of Markos. Markos lands some lefts. Kowalkiewicz trying to spin into Markos’ guard but Markos doing a good job of keeping back mount. Kowalkiewicz throwing some punches towards the head of Markos. Markos goes for the choke, Kowalkiewicz turns into her as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Kowalkiewicz comes out and lands a right, Markos fires back. Kowalkiewicz trying to get after the action this round, Markos being a tad predictable with her right hand and Kowalkiewicz lands a couple of short rights. Kowalkiewicz lands a left, then an uppercut. Kowalkiewicz circling, Markos lands a right. They clinch, Kowalkiewicz pulls free and lands a body kick. Kowalkiewicz lands a leg kick, she’s backing up Markos this round. Markos looking for the clinch or a takedown but she’s leaning and telegraphing it. Kowalkiewicz lands a spinning back fist but Markos gets the clinch because of it and pushes Kowalkiewicz to the fence. Markos with some knees to the thighs. Kowalkiewicz able to spin her then pull out of the clinch. Kowalkiewicz has a high kick blocked. Kowalkiewicz’s activity is evident, Markos gets a takedown but Kowalkiewicz elevates her off of it and lands on top in half guard. Kowalkiewicz lands some elbows. Kowalkiewicz into full mount. Kowalkiewicz lands some rights, Markos to a weak half guard. Kowalkiewicz lands a hard elbow as Markos gets to a more full half guard. Kowalkiewicz lands some knees to the body, Markos back to her feet but eats a body kick as she does. Kowalkiewicz pushing forward, lands an uppercut as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz, 29-28 Markos overall

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

No interview for the winner, round 1 could have gone to Kowalkiewicz so no issues with her winning.

Um, seriously who gave Kowalkiewicz round 2?

Well if Cluckthulhu is in town it makes sense Clucky would be there as well.

Nate Diaz is making his return after over a year on the shelf, he’s 1-3 in his last four fights with that win being over Gray Maynard and is coming off of an embarrassingly one sided fight to Rafael dos Anjos. Diaz needs a win here to justify his top fifteen ranking and to rebound from the slump he’s been on lately. Michael Johnson is coming off of a controversial loss to Beneil Dariush but had won four in a row before that in impressive fashion, a win over Diaz here would set Johnson up to make a run towards the top of the division next year while a loss would be devastating for his title aspirations.

Lightweight Bout: #15 Nate Diaz (17-10, 156 lbs.) VS #6 Michael Johnson (16-9, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Diaz has two inches of height and two and a half of reach on Johnson. Both men fight southpaw. Diaz flashing the jab early. Johnson lands a leg kick. Diaz lands a jab to the body, Johnson lands another leg kick. Johnson jabs the body then lands an inside leg kick. Diaz lands an inside leg kick. Johnson struggling with the range on his punches, his left is falling short. Johnson lands a leg kick, then another one. Johnson lands another leg kick. Diaz lands a long left. Diaz lands a jab. Diaz lands a left, his punching is starting to get loose. Johnson lands an inside leg kick, then an outside one. Johnson’s punching is off, he’s falling short with them but his kicks are working well. Johnson lands a bit of a left then a hard leg kick. Hard body kick from Johnson. Johnson lands another leg kick then a right to the body. Johnson falling just short with his punches, Diaz lands a left then evades a left. Johnson lands a leg kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Johnson lands a leg kick to start the round. Johnson lands a left that lands. Johnson lands another leg kick then a right. Diaz lands a front kick to the body. Lefts traded, Diaz lands a jab. Diaz lands another one two combination, Johnson hasn’t found a way to deal with the reach issue yet. Diaz starting to find his rhythm and range here with his punches. Diaz lands a couple of jabs. Johnson lands a left in close. Johnson lands another left, then a hard body kick. Lefts traded again. Johnson lands another left then they trade jabs. Johnson being bated into Diaz’s game here. Diaz backing Johnson up now. Diaz lands another hard one two combination, Johnson lands a counter left to the jaw. Johnson lands a straight left, then another. Johnson tees off in close to the body and head. Diaz lands a couple of one two combinations. Both men trade lefts again. These two are tagging each other. They clinch, Diaz tries a standing guillotine then they trade rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Diaz, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Diaz comes out jabbing and lands a couple of them. Johnson lands a left, Diaz lands a couple of jabs. Johnson lands a leg kick. Diaz lands a left, Johnson responds with a combination that’s mostly blocked. Diaz lands a long left. Hard one two from Diaz, his punching is on point tonight. They clinch and Diaz lands a couple of knees before they break. Rogan is cheerleading for Diaz now, not really a surprise. Lefts traded. Diaz lands a jab tot he body then one up top. Johnson is swinging mostly wild here. I’m shocked at how unprepared Johnson is for the range of Diaz. Johnson lands a combiantion in close, Diaz responds with a jab. Wild couple of punches traded. Diaz is working Johnson over with the lead hand and Johnson can’t close the distance. Lefts traded, Johnson tries to swarm Diaz and gets a takedown against the fence. Diaz up and rolls for a kneebar as time expires.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Interview time for Diaz. His opening interview is so profanity laden I can’t get any sense of what was said, though Goldberg informs me he called out Conor McGregor.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos is coming off of a win over Stipe Miocic and has a win over current heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, he’s been one of the best heavyweights in the world for quite a few years now. Dos Santos looks to get into title contention, and a win here combined with having beaten the current champion could set him up for a title shot next year. Alistair Overeem is on the first winning streak of his UFC career with wins over Roy Nelson and Stefan Struve, a win over the top ranked dos Santos would likely set up Overeem for either a title shot or a title eliminator next year. This fight was first put together three and a half years ago for the heavyweight title at UFC 146, they tried to put it together again for UFC 160 both times Overeem caused the fights cancellation, initially a failed drug test than an injury, but we’ve finally got it tonight.

Heavyweight Bout: #9 Alistair Overeem (39-14 1 NC, 243 lbs.) VS #2 Junior Dos Santos (17-3, 239 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Overeem has a three inch reach advantage but both men are the same height. Touch of gloves to get us going. Dos Santos backing up Overeem, Overeem switching his stance early. Overeem circling, dos Santos pressuring forward. Lots of staring and circling so far. Neither man wants to make an error, so neither is doing much of anything. Overeem lands a bit of a body kick from the southpaw stance. Dos Santos throws a high kick that’s blocked. Dos Santos lands a right to the body. Overeem lands an inside leg kick. Dos Santos lands a jab after Overeem lands a knee to the body. Overeem just misses a long left. Overeem lands a left, not a whole lot on it though. Overeem lands a flush left. Overeem lands a side kick to the knee. Overeem lands a body kick. Dos Santos thinks about a wheel kick but it stalls out in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Overeem

ROUND TWO: Both guys kick at the same time, Overeem took one to the groin so he’s got time to recover. Touch of gloves as Overeem is ready to continue. Overeem misses a left but lands a leg kick. Lots of movement. Overeem lands a body kick. Dos Santos just isn’t pulling the trigger here, even Overeem’s low activity style is out working him. Dos Santos lands a left to the body then misses a wheel kick. Dos Santos lands a knee to the head but Overeem blocked most of it. Overeem lands a leg kick. Overeem lands another leg kick. I’m really surprised by how little dos Santos is doing. Overeem lands a left then a right from the southpaw stance. Dos Santos is cut a little over the right eyebrow. Dos Santos lands some body shots, Overeem lands a monster left hook that floors dos Santos! A few hammer fists on the mat later and the ref waves this one off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alistair Overeem via TKO, punches, at 4:43 of Round 2

Crowd and JDS don’t like the stoppage, but I’m not complaining. Overeem gets an interview. He says he had to be cautious against dos Santos because dos Santos throws bombs so he had to find the rhythm of his opponent. He knew he had to soften up dos Santos, he knew dos Santos was starting to figure him out but he feels good about his career where it is and says he feels good about a title run.

Dominick Cruz has returned to commentary, in part to promote the upcoming bantamweight title fight between himself and TJ Dillashaw but also because he’s pretty darn good at it.

Donald Cerrone is on an eight fight winning streak, his last loss was a little over two years ago to Rafael dos Anjos. Tonight Cerrone has the chance to become UFC champion if he can avenge that loss to the current champion here. UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos is 9-1 in his last ten fights, he’s riding a four fight winning streak and coming off of the biggest win of his career when he dominated Anthony Pettis to become the champion. Dos Anjos is after his first title defense tonight, a pivotal fight if he wants to forge a legacy as a UFC champion.

UFC Lightweight Title Bout: #2 Donald Cerrone (28-6 1 NC, 154.5 lbs.) VS (c) Rafael dos Anjos (24-7, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerrone has five inches of height and three of reach on dos Anjos. Dos Anjos fighting southpaw, Cerrone will switch his stance. Dos Anjos lands a long left then an inside leg kick. Cerrone lands an outside leg kick. Cerrone lands a jab, dos Anjos lands a counter left. Dos Anjos rocks Cerrone with a body kick and starts swarming him along the fence. Cerrone survives and tries a takedown but dos Anjos sprawls and starts hammering rights from the ride position until the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Lightweight Champion – Rafael dos Anjos via TKO, liver kick and punches, at 1:06 of Round 1

Great performance from dos Anjos, now he gets some mic time. He says he’s happy with the win, then tells people throwing wild accusations that he’s still here and winning and plans to stay in the division. He says Cerrone is a great opponent, puts over his winning streak, but says he’s got the best team behind him and he’s just happy to win. He tells McGregor if he wants to come to lightweight this is his division and he’ll fight him anywhere but advises McGregor to stay at featherweight.

Alright everyone, that’s it for live coverage in 2015. There’s no event next week, but the UFC wants to get 2016 off quick as UFC 195 comes to the world on January 2nd and I’ll be here covering it. This event is going to be discussed this Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show, hope you can listen in and the show takes live callers at [phone] if you’d like to call in. I’ll see you all next year, until then stay safe and keep checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.