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411’s UFC on FOX 21 Report 8.27.16

August 28, 2016 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to UFC on FOX 21, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening calling the action just as I see it. Thank you for being here and reading along, I know just how many options you have for this type of coverage and am perpetually humbled that you all choose mine. On the heels of last weeks UFC 202 event the UFC returns to FOX tonight with a main event that has serious title implications. Carlos Condit has twice fought for the UFC welterweight title, and arguably won against Robbie Lawler, and if he wants to get a third shot he’s got to win here against fellow top contender Demian Maia. Maia fought Anderson Silva for the middleweight title way back in 2010 and if he can extend his current winning streak to six at the expense of Condit he’ll likely secure a second title shot this time in the welterweight division. The co-main event is a do or die fight for former lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis as he drops to featherweight on a three fight losing streak and takes on the dangerous Charles Oliveira. We’ve also go the return of Paige VanZant against Ben Rawlings, and a rematch of what I thought was the fight of the year in 2012 as Joe Lauzon looks to even the score against Jim Miller. This event comes to the world from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This is the first UFC on FOX event to be held in Canada and just the second to be held outside of the U.S. as UFC on FOX 14 came from Sweden. We’ve got Mike Goldberg and Brian Stann on commentary tonight, I believe this is Stann’s FOX debut so the audience should be in for a treat as I believe he’s the best commentator the UFC has right now.

Jeremy Kennedy is undefeated as a professional fighter and making his promotional debut here, he’s looking to score a big win in his home country and get his UFC career off on the right foot. Alessandro Ricci is taking this fight on short notice, just five days, but is 3-1 in his last four fights and will be looking to get his own UFC career going with a win and establish himself in the promotion. Ricci is the underdog here at +180 while Kennedy is set at -150 to win.

Lightweight Bout: Jeremy Kennedy (8-0, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Alessandro Ricci (10-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Kennedy has two inches of reach on Ricci. Touch of gloves to get things going. Ricci lands a right. Kennedy jabs forward and lands a right then grabs the clinch and pushes Ricci into the cage. Ricci able to spin Kennedy into the fence while they jockey for position. Ricci lands a couple of knees to the body, Kennedy switches him into the fence and starts looking for an outside trip. Ricci defends that attempt and they break without incident. Kennedy lands a jab, Ricci lands a couple of front kicks to the body. Kennedy lands a couple of punches in close but eats a couple of knees to the body and Kennedy pushes him into the fence again. Ricci defending well, working knees to the body when he gets space to do so. They break without incident. Ricci lands a jab and a couple of hard body shots. Ricci with a couple of left body kicks, he’s working well from the southpaw stance when he switches to it. Kennedy pushes into the clinch again and resumes working for trips that Ricci defends. Kennedy lands a bit of an elbow as they break. Kennedy pushes into the clinch again. Ricci lands a knee towards the head as they break. They trade body kicks and Kennedy gets the clinch and finally gets a trip but Ricci immediately wall walks and spins Kennedy into the fence. Ricci lands some knees to the body and leg as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Ricci lands a hard left knee to the body, he’s staying southpaw this round. Ricci pushing forward but eats some knees to the body. Kennedy lands a couple of punches and tries a double leg against the fence that Ricci defends. Ricci doing more in the clinch than Kennedy is really, Kennedy lands a couple of short knees but he’s just kind of hanging out in the clinch. Kennedy tries a takedown, he gets Ricci to a knee against the cage but Ricci is on his feet again and Kennedy lands a couple of elbows before they break. Kennedy lands a couple of punches as he clinches again. They break and trade rights, Kennedy throwing well in the pocket and dives for a double leg again, this time he reaps one of the legs and gets Ricci down sitting against the fence. Ricci back up and spins Kennedy into the cage. The ref breaks them apart after they stall out. They trade body kicks, Kennedy lands a couple of punches and clinches yet again. The round comes to an end in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kennedy, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Kennedy moving forward, lands a right to the body and gets the clinch. Ricci lands a couple of short elbows. Ricci spins Kennedy and tries a double leg that’s blocked. Kennedy spins Ricci now, and drops for another takedown. Ricci defending so far and is able to spin Kennedy into the fence. Kennedy lands an elbow and gets Ricci back on the fence. Ricci tries to block a takedown with a guillotine but Kennedy never let the grip develop and Ricci has to wall walk again but Kennedy is still glued to him. Ricci tries to grab a power guillotine as Kennedy gets him to a seated position again but there’s an arm engaged and he needs to switch but bails on the grip instead. Kennedy trying to keep him on the mat, Ricci on a knee and now back up but Kennedy sticks with him and looks to take him back down with a leg sweep and does. Ricci still sitting on the fence, Kennedy can’t rotate him away from it but will hold position until the round ends.

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

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

I can understand giving Kennedy the first, disagree but I can see it. Mic time for Kennedy, he talks about Ricci being better than he thought and says that lightweight is probably too big for him and he’ll be trying for featherweight next. He puts over the crowd for showing up at 2 pm local time to cheer him to close the interview.

Thibault Gouti is 0-2 in the UFC and really has his back up against the wall here desperately needing his first UFC win to avoid likely getting his walking papers. Chad Laprise missed weight pretty badly for this fight and combined with being just 1-2 in the UFC and on a two fight losing streak a third consecutive loss here would likely mean him getting cut despite winning The Ultimate Fighter: Nations. The odds favor Laprise pretty heavily at -335 while the comeback on Gouti is +225.

Lightweight Bout: Thibault Gouti (11-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Chad Laprise (10-2, 159 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Gouti has an inch and a half of reach on Laprise. Touch of gloves, then Laprise lands a spinning back kick to the body. Laprise lands a leg kick and a bit of a left hook. Laprise lands another leg kick. Gouti lands a leg kick and a bit of a left hook. They clinch and Laprise gets Gouti on the cage. Laprise misses an elbow as they break. Gouti lands a bit of a leaping left but Laprise cracks him with a counter right that drops him. Laprise swarms him, Gouti tries to stand back up but gets clobbered again and the ref saves him from taking more blows.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chad Laprise via TKO, punches, at 1:36 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Laprise for his work this evening. Laprise gets an interview after that one. He puts over his coaches and team mates, then he apologizes for missing weight and says he’ll be moving back up to welterweight next as the cut to lightweight is too much for him now. He says this is his first UFC knockout and is very happy to get it then thanks another coach and talks us through the finish. Laprise promises more knockouts in the future to close out the interview. That wraps up Fight Pass prelims, we’re on big FOX for the rest of the evening.

Shane Campbell is a decorated kick boxer and solid MMA fighter, but his UFC record is pretty poor at just 1-3 and he’s on a two fight losing streak. If Campbell is going to justify his spot on the roster he needs a win here. Felipe Silva is unbeaten as a professional fighter and makes his UFC debut here on the strength of a win over UFC veteran Anton Kuivanen and if he can beat a veteran like Campbell he’ll announce his arrival in a big way. The odds are pretty close on this one, but Campbell is a slight favorite at -155 while Silva is just a +125 underdog.

Lightweight Bout: Shane Campbell (12-5, 156 lbs.) vs. Felipe Silva (7-0, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Both of these guys are 6 feet tall, Silva has an impressive six inch reach advantage though. Touch of gloves to start things off. Feinting to start, Silva lands an inside leg kick. Campbell lands a leg kick. They clinch up, trade some knees to the body and Silva lands an elbow as they break. Campbell lands a hard inside leg kick. Campbell slips a couple of hooks and lands a leg kick. Campbell lands a right, Silva lands a hard left to the body that hurts Campbell, he follows up with a flurry that drops him then some lefts on the mat to close the show.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Felipe Silva via TKO, punches, at 1:13 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Silva for his contributions to the evening. Silva and the UFC’s translator get some mic time now. He says he didn’t expect to be in the UFC at this point, once he hit 32, but he knew he could take Campbell after he studied some tape on him. He wont call out a fighter after just one win but does want to fight in Brazil later this year.

Here’s the finish to that fight, lovely left to the body to set that whole thing up.

Garreth McLellan is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Magnus Cedenblad and he’s looking to rebound from that, bring his UFC record to the .500 mark, and avoid the first losing streak of his professional career. Alessio Di Chirico lost his UFC debut to Bojan Velickovic and is trying to get the all important first UFC win here. Di Chirico sits at a -300 favorite while McLellan’s underdog status is at +230.

Middleweight Bout: Alessio Di Chirico (9-1, 185 lbs.) vs. Garreth McLellan (13-4, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: McLellan is an inch taller than Di Chirico but Di Chirico has two inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get things going, McLellan fighting southpaw. Di Chirico catches a leg kick and lands a right then gets the clinch against the fence. They jockey for position, McLellan lands a knee to the body. Di Chirico lands a couple of rights to the body. They both miss as they break the clinch. McLellan lands a left body kick. Di Chirico lands a long right and a bit of a left. Di Chirico blocks a left high kick. McLellan lands a right uppercut. McLellan lands a left and a left body kick. Di Chirico is cut under the left eye, not bad but bears watching. McLellan lands a left body kick. They trade side kicks to the thigh. McLellan lands a couple of body shots and a left body kick. Di Chirico lands a counter left hook after eating a left. McLellan with a bit of an outside leg kick. They trade rights. Di Chirico trying to counter and he’s struggling to find the target. McLellan lands a body to head combination. They clinch off of a missed spinning elbow from Di Chirico, McLellan lands a couple of lefts, Di Chirico lands a knee as they break and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McLellan

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. McLellan misses a couple of kicks, Di Chirico pushing forward and lands an inside leg kick but gets taken down. Di Chirico trying to get up, McLellan keeps him down while staying in his butterfly guard. Di Chirico elevates with those butterflys and lands a couple of hard elbows that drop McLellan, Di Chirico tries to finish but McLellan guts it out and regains his feet though he’s bleeding from the head now. They trade in the clinch for a bit then break. McLellan lands a left. Di Chirico lands a right, McLellan lands a left and they clinch again. Di Chirico has McLellan on the fence, McLellan looks visibly more winded and they break. McLellan lands a bit of a left after eating a jab. McLellan tries a single leg, can’t finish it though. McLellan lands a body kick but Di Chirico catches it and gets a takedown into half guard. McLellan scrambles back to his feet and they stay at range. McLellan lands a leg kick but eats a right. They clinch, McLellan lands an uppercut but eats a knee as they break. Di Chirico gets the clinch again, lands a knee and they trade in close. McLellan lands a couple of short uppercuts and drops for a double leg against the fence and gets Di Chirico to a knee but Di Chirico grabs the fence and stays upright. Di Chirico separates and lands a left hook. They trade jabs to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Di Chirico, borderline 10-8 on the near finish, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: McLellan comes out aggressively, lands a couple of hard leg kicks and a left to the body. Di Chirico blocks a takedown and lands a knee to the body. McLellan lands a couple of punches and gets the clinch. Brief correction, Di Chirico didn’t grab the fence in the second round. They trade body work in the clinch, Di Chirico gets a double leg takedown into half guard. Di Chirico passes to full mount, McLellan gives up the back but stands and tries to slip Di Chirico off of his back and McLellan gets on top in half guard. McLellan now to side control, tries an arm triangle choke but Di Chirico blocks it and gets half guard again. McLellan lands some rights from top position while Di Chirico gets to sit on the fence. Di Chirico back up and they trade elbows before they break. Di Chirico lands a right and a left hook. McLellan lands a straight left then a one two combination. McLellan blocks a takedown but eats a right and a knee. McLellan has the clinch now and looks for a takedown against the fence. Di Chirico blocks it and they trade again before break. McLellan almost falls into a double leg attempt that stalls out on the fence. They break without incident. McLellan lands a left to the body and tries another double leg, switches to a single against the fence and gets Di Chirico down. McLellan is holding him down in half guard. Di Chirico gets to full guard but can’t get up and McLellan drives his shoulders into the mat as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McLellan but a very close round, 29-28 McLellan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alessio Di Chirico via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Not the best fight, but I appreciate the effort both men put in. Mic time for Di Chirico and his translator. He says fighting is his drug, he speaks decent English, and says that he tries to have fun in the cage. He’s visibly tired, thanks his opponent for the fight, and sends love back to Italy which is recovering from a recent earthquake.

Kyle Bochniak lost a hard fought decision to Charles Rosa in his UFC debut but was undefeated before that and is trying to rebound from that set back with a win here and rebuild a winning streak. Enrique Barzola won the second season of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America at lightweight in November of 2015 and finally gets back in the cage here looking to extend his two fight winning streak and begin climbing the shark infested ranks of lightweight. Kyle Bochniak is favored to win at -170 while Barzola’s odds are +140.

Featherweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (11-2-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Kyle Bochniak (6-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical height and reach. Barzola circling early, Bochniak pushing forward. Bochniak lands a bit of a leg kick and avoids a counter right. Barzola lands a body kick. Bochniak lands a leg kick. They both just miss rights, Bochniak lands another leg kick. Barzola lands a couple of body kicks. Bochniak doing the circling now, Barzola looking to find the range. Barzola lands a leg kick. Barzola misses a wheel kick. They clinch, Barzola lands a knee to the body then escapes the clinch. Bochniak lands a leg kick. Barzola lands a spinning back kick to the body. Barzola lands a bit of a knee then eats a leg kick. Bochniak gets a takedown off of a spinning kick from Barzola and quickly passes to half guard. Bochniak tries to mount, Barzola may have baited him there because he immediately explodes to his feet before Bochniak gets position. Bochniak lands a leg kick and a good right. Another leg kick from Bochniak lands. They spend the last ten seconds feinting, then they both miss rights at the horn.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bochniak

ROUND TWO: Barzola moving forward more this round, Bochniak lands a right. Barzola lands a leg kick. Barzola jabs his way in and lands an uppercut. They clinch and trade knees to the body then separate. Bochniak lands a leg kick and avoids a double leg takedown. Barzola with a front kick to the chest. Bochniak blocks a spinning back fist then lands a counter right. Bochniak lands a bit of a right and a leg kick. Bochniak lands another leg kick. Barzola lands a side kick to the body. Bochniak with a one two combination, Barzola lands a leg kick. Barzola slips a right and lands a jab, Bochniak lands another leg kick. Bochniak lands a right. Bochniak lands a counter right, Barzola lands a body kick. Bochniak lands a right a couple of lefts to follow that up. Bochniak lands a left, Barzola misses a flying knee then lands a bit of a left. Barzola ducks a right and gets a double leg, Bochniak back up but Barzola has a rear waist lock and elevates and slams him, Bochniak back up again and separates to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Barzola tries a high kick that’s blocked. Barzola backing up now, Bochniak lands a leg kick. Right lands for Bochniak. Bochniak lands a leg kick, Barzola lands a counter body kick. Bochniak lands a right and a left then a leg kick. Barzola misses a high kick. Bochniak lands another leg kick. They clinch briefly then separate. Barzloa lands a leg kick. Bochniak lands a right, Barzola just misses a right hook. Barzola ducks a right, tries a double leg but Bochniak avoids it. Barzola lands a double jab and a right. Bochniak eats a bit of a left hook from Barzola. Bochniak lands a leg kick and avoids a takedown. Bochniak lands a bit of a body kick. Barzola’s offense is slowing down a little here. Bochniak tries a double leg, defended by Barzola. Bochniak blocks a double leg and they trade in close quarters. Barzola lands a right uppercut, Bochniak lands a right. Bochniak lands a leg kick, they trade as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyle Bochniak via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)

Wait wait, 30-27 for Barzola? No interview for Barzola but that score has me confused.

 photo Foghorn clucky_zpsidsltk9q.jpg

But that wasn’t even a 29-28, curse you Clucky you can’t even follow your own rules!

Kevin Casey has a very odd UFC record of 1-1-1 with 2 No Contests and is after his first UFC win since July of 2015 here and is very likely fighting for his job with the promotion. Sam Alvey is 2-2 in his last four fights and coming off of a win over Eric Spicely, he’s trying to get another UFC winning streak going here and start climbing the middleweight ranks again. Vegas favors Sam Alvey at -260 with Casey’s comeback is at +200.

Middleweight Bout: Sam Alvey (27-8 1 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. Kevin Casey (9-4-1 2 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alvey is three inches taller than Casey but Casey has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both men are southpaws and start the fight by circling. Casey lands a bit of a left to the body, Alvey lands an inside leg kick. Casey lands a leg kick. Both men fighting cautiously, Casey lands a jab. Another jab from Casey then a leg kick. They clinch briefly, Casey transitions to a full body clinch and gets Alvey on the fence. Casey trying for a leg sweep or a reap but Alvey is defending very well. Alvey trying to get the Thai clinch going, lands a knee to the body. Alvey lands another knee to the body. Casey drops for a double leg, can’t keep Alvey down though and Alvey is back up quickly and lands some knees to the body from the Thai clinch. More knees from Alvey and a couple of elbows. Alvey lands a couple of punches as they break and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Casey but I could see arguments either way

ROUND TWO: Alvey back to plodding forward, Casey lands a jab. Alvey lands an inside leg kick. Casey lands a bit of a left. Alvey lands an inside leg kick. Both guys looking to counter, Casey with takedowns and Alvey with strikes, so neither one is committing to their offense. Alvey lands a right to the body. Casey jabs the body. Alvey lands a jab, tries to follow up but misses. Alvey lands a right then a monster left that drops Casey, Alvey tries to flurry but Casey looks to pull guard and Alvey makes Casey stand back up. Alvey stalking Casey now, both men still looking for jabs. Alvey lands a jab. Alvey lands a bit of a one two, Casey backs into the fence and Alvey lands another left. They clinch, Casey is bleeding I think and they separate. Alvey eats a bit of a right. Alvey lands a bit of a left, and a quick follow up drops Casey again. Alvey in side control now trying to finish. Alvey pounding away, Casey just turtles up and the ref stops this in the final ten seconds of the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sam Alvey via TKO, punches, at 4:56 of Round 2

Mic time for Alvey now. He says the game plan is to hit his opponent harder and more often, and if he can do that he’ll win every time. He puts over the Canadian fans, then asks if anyone has taken three kids to a fight week because while he hasn’t his wife has and puts her over. He challenges any light heavyweight in Europe for the upcoming Manchester card since no middleweight took him up on the fight, well one did but he’s got a fight scheduled. He puts over his wife for doing as much work for his career as he has, including tape study and camp alignment, he says his wife knows more about MMA than he does, he just hits people really hard. Sam Alvey’s interviews are awesome.

That’s it for the prelims, we’re still on FOX for the main card though. To make that transition easier, here’s the finish to Alvey and Casey.

Jim Miller has been with the UFC since 2008 and for a long time was one of the top lightweights in the world, but he’s just 2-4 in his last six fights. Miller is coming off of a win and should he win again here he’ll have his first UFC winning streak since 2014. Joe Lauzon is another longtime UFC veteran, he’s 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off of a win over Diego Sanchez. These two fought back in 2012 in a tremendous contest that saw Miller win a unanimous decision, this time around Lauzon is a slight -145 favorite to Miller’s +115.

Lightweight Bout: Joe Lauzon (26-11, 156 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (26-8 1 NC, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lauzon is two inches taller and has half an inch of reach on Miller. Miller fights southpaw. Touch of gloves to get things going. Miller lands a left while backing up, Lauzon is pressing forward. Miller lands a left and a left body kick, Lauzon catches the kick and tries to convert to a heel hook but Miller escapes and they separate. Miller lands an inside leg kick. Lauzon lands a bit of a right. They clinch and trade knees to the body then separate. Miller lands a bit of a left elbow. Lauzon lands a knee to the body. They clinch again, Miller lands a knee to the body and Lauzon lands an elbow. Miller lands a knee to the head as they disengage. Miller lands a jab. Miller slips on a spinning elbow and Lauzon gets on top in half guard. Lauzon lands an elbow. Lauzon lands an elbow to the body. Lauzon lands an elbow. Miller able to get to full guard. Lauzon stands, Miller quickly to his feet and they separate. Miller lands a right then a left uppercut. Another left uppercut and a straight left from Miller. Miller with a body to head punchnig combination. Hard left to the body from Miller. Miller lands an elbow. Miller lands a left and tries a double leg that Lauzon defends. Miller lands a right and a left. Miller lands a hard combination and a left to the body to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Miller pushes forward quickly with body work. Miller lands an uppercut. Lauzon lands a jab. Miller tries a high kick that’s blocked. Miller lands a left to the body. Hard knee to the body from Miller. Miller working multiple punch combinations when Lauzon closes distance. Lauzon lands a jab. Lauzon lands a right, Miller fires back with a left. They trade again in close, these two should fight forever. Miller lands a body kick. Lauzon lands a right in close, Miller with a left. These two are starting to really open up. Miller lands a jab. Lauzon lands a good counter right after blocking a right. Miller digs a couple of body shots. Lauzon lands a jab. Miller lands a hard left elbow, Lauzon backing up now. Miller with a left to the head and a right to the body. Miller lands a body kick but Lauzon was close enough to trip him and get on top in half guard. Lauzon lands a hard elbow. Lauzon trying to isolate the far arm with a kimura, Miller blocks it. Miller to full guard, now rubber guard but Lauzon passes over the far leg. Miller with some elbows from his back then bails on rubber guard. Lauzon lands a series of short elbows and Miller regains full guard. Miller with another couple of elbows from his back, Lauzon passes again to half guard. Lauzon lands another elbow to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lauzon, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Miller moving forward this round, lands a left. Miller lands a hard left uppercut, and a left, Lauzon is backing up and Miller’s swarming him against the fence. Miller unloading, Lauzon firing back and lands a right that makes Miller back off. Miller lands a right, just misses a left uppercut. Lauzon moving forward now, Miller lands a hard counter left. Lauzon tries a double leg, gets Miller down against the fence and lands an elbow. Miller has half guard, Lauzon settles into top position. Lauzon passes towards full mount, Miller quickly back to half guard. Miller to his knees now, and he’s up but Lauzon still has the clinch. Miller able to slip out and get the back standing then land a knee as they break. They clinch again and Lauzon trips Miller to a knee. Miller up, rolls for a knee bar but Lauzon out scrambles him and gets on top again. Lauzon lands an elbow. Lauzon passes to full mount and goes for an armbar, he nearly gets the arm extended but time runs out on the attempt.

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

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

I can see Miller taking the second round, great fight. Crowd boos the decision. Mic time for Miller, he jokes that Lauzon said no more after this one not sure if that means no rematch or that Lauzon might be done as a fighter. He says he felt good but hates giving the judges a say in the fight. He puts over Lauzon pretty hard as being one of a kind and a great fighter and father and says he loves him.

Bec Rawlings is 2-2 in her last four but is on a two fight winning streak and looking to extend that to three and if she can knock off the number ten contender in the division here she’ll crack the top rankings and earn the biggest win of her career. Paige VanZant is 3-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Rose Namajunas back in December of 2015, she’s looking to rebound from that loss with a win and reaffirm her status as a top contender and top prospect in the strawweight division. VanZant is a decent favorite at -210 while Rawlings’ comeback is set at +170.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Bec Rawlings (7-4, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Paige VanZant (6-2, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rawlings is two inches taller but VanZant has an inch of reach on her. VanZant circling to start, Rawlings misses a right. VanZant lands a leg kick. Rawlings lands a right and a left in close. VanZant lands another leg kick. Both women generally trying to find the range still. VanZant lands a leg kick and they clinch. VanZant lands a couple of knees to the body, Rawlings lands a knee to the body as they separate. Rawlings lands a right to the body then a knee to the body from the clinch as they break. Rawlings really wants to avoid the clinch so far. VanZant still circling, and misses a tornado kick. VanZant lands a leg kick. Rawlings lands a bit of a right, eats a knee though. VanZant lands a body kick, Rawlings trying to flurry hard in close quarters. VanZant lands a bit of a left in combination. VanZant lands a hard jumping body kick. Rawlings lands a right to the body. VanZant lands a leg kick and a follow up left. Another leg kick from VanZant. Rawlings lands a right and a left. Rawlings lands a left in close, and a right as she avoids a takedown to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rawlings

ROUND TWO: They clinch quickly and trade blows. VanZant lands a jumping round kick to the face and Rawlings falls! VanZant flurries on the mat to get the stoppage, that kick was similar to the one Yair Rodriguez used to end Andre Fili.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Paige VanZant via KO, jumping round kick and punches, at :17 of Round 2

Not sure I agree with the full KO there, but not my call. VanZant on the mic now. She jokes that her time dancing helped her not be so linear and got the knockout. She talks about smothering her own punches in the past and her coaches getting her to fight at distance and show her skills. She says she wants to fight in December in Sacramento, says that everything went wrong with this fight camp and she nearly pulled out. She puts over her coaches again to close out the interview.

Here’s that finish if you missed it live.

We cut to a pretaped interview between Brian Stann and CM Punk who debuts in two weeks. They pimp the ongoing documentary series featuring him, he talks a bit about having nerves about the fight not necessarily the crowd or size thereof. Stann talks about an interview he did with Mickey Gall, Punk says he’s not doing this to be a star but because the opportunity came his way and he’d feel foolish not to have taken it. Asked how he sees the fight going, he says the key is pressure as Gall hasn’t been pressured yet or put in an uncomfortable position.

Charles Oliveira is 5-1 in his last six fights, that loss due to an injury, and he bounced back with a win over Myles Jury in December of 2015. Tonight Oliveira is after the biggest win of his career if he could take out a former champion like Anthony Pettis and defend his top ranking in the featherweight division. Anthony Pettis used to be the UFC lightweight champion, but he fell pretty hard pretty fast and is on a three fight losing streak. Pettis is trying to revitalize his career with this move to featherweight but if he drops this one even his status as a former champion might not save him from an 0-4 skid. The odds favor Pettis to return to form with a win here by a margin of -225 with a pretty good comeback on Oliveira of +175.

Featherweight Bout: #6 Charles Oliveira (21-5 1 NC, 143 lbs.) vs. Anthony Pettis (18-5, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Oliveira has an inch and a half of reach on Pettis. Touch of gloves to get things going, Pettis opens southpaw and lands a body kick but Oliveira gets the clinch and has him on the cage. Pettis fights both from southpaw and orthodox. Oliveira looking for a takedown against the fence, can’t complete the single leg attempts though. Oliveira still after that single leg, Pettis breaks his grip and Oliveira lands a knee to the head as they break. Oliveira ducks a right and goes for another takedown that stalls on the fence. Oliveira lands a knee to the body. Oliveira gets the back, drags Pettis backwards and gets his back on the mat. Oliveira trying to trap an arm with his legs so he can go for the choke, Pettis able to explode and spin into him to wind up on top. Oliveira has full guard, throws up an attempt and Pettis breaks free and stands. They trade body kicks, Oliveira tries a single leg and Oliveira flops to his back then back up. Pettis with two hard left body kicks that drop Oliveira. Pettis on top landing punches, Oliveira tries to roll for an armbar but Pettis escapes and stands. Pettis in side control now looking for the mounted crucifix. OLiveira controlling him well enough, Pettis tries again for the crucifix but Oliveira rolls him and gets the back again. Pettis able to spin into him again and lands a couple of lefts, eats an up kick though before going into the guard again. Pettis standing, lands some body shots and eats an up kick. Pettis into the guard again, they trade a bit from that position to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pettis

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves again. Pettis is orthodox now, eats a body kick. Oliviera pushing forward, he’s swelling around the left eye. Oliveira tries a takedown, Pettis scrambles to top and makes Oliveira get up. Pettis southpaw now, has a high kick blocked. Oliveira lands a right. Pettis lands a jab. Oliveira slips on a kick, Pettis makes him stand again. Oliveira lands a body kick and a left hook. Oliveira came to fight, he’s pushing forward still. Oliveira lands a body kick, they trade lead hand hooks. Oliveira lands a knee in close and gets Pettis on the fence. They trade body blows and clinch again. Oliveira lands a right elbow and they break. Pettis lands a right but eats a couple of counters. Oliveira pushes into the clinch, gets the back standing and looks to jump for the backpack position. He’s got the back again and they’re on the mat now. Oliveira has a body triangle locked up now and is looking for the choke. Oliveira lands a couple of punches, Pettis able to explode and spin into him to wind up on top. Oliveira tries a triangle, Pettis pulls out and stands but Oliviera is up quickly and lands a knee to the body. Oliveira eats a right, lands an elbow then a right to the body and they clinch. Oliveira eats a spinning back kick to the body but lands another couple of punches. Oliveira gets a double leg against the fence and lands a couple of elbows to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Pettis lands a jab. Oliveira walking forward, lands a one two combination. Oliveira shoots a double leg and gets Pettis down against the fence. Oliveira lands an elbow and passes to side control when Pettis tried to throw up something. Pettis kicks off of the fence and throws up an armbar, Oliveira defends easily and lands another elbow. Pettis trying to bridge off of the fence, gets to his knees but Oliveira gets the back, Pettis scrambles to top position and they’re in north/south. Oliveira holding a single leg, uses that to stand and get a takedown but Pettis has a guillotine choke and Oliveira has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Pettis via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:49 of Round 3

Mic time for Pettis. He asks the crowd to clap for Oliveira who came to fight. He says he’s adjusting to the new weight class and felt Oliveira go out in the first but will make adjustments for next time. He says he’s never been finished and no one’s striking or jiu-jitsu threatens him. He says he just took out number six in the world and wants to climb the ladder at featherweight.

And here’s that finish, really nice set up.

Carlos Condit is 2-2 in his last four fights, one of those a knee injury in a fight with current champion Tyron Woodley and the other a hotly debated and controversial split decision in a title shot against Robbie Lawler. Condit openly contemplated retirement after that Lawler fight but is looking to get back on the winning side of things here with a win over another top contender and get back into title contention. Demian Maia is riding an impressive five fight winning streak and boasts a UFC tenure dating all the way back to 2007, a win here over a former two time title challenger in Condit would likely get Maia his second UFC title shot. The odds are very close but give Condit a slight -125 edge while Maia’s just a +105 underdog.

Welterweight Bout:#4 Carlos Condit (30-9, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Demian Maia (23-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Condit has an inch of height and three and a half of reach on Maia. Maia fighting southpaw, Condit will switch back and forth. Maia backing up Condit quickly, trying to get Condit against the fence. Condit misses a combination. Maia grabs a single leg and spins Condit to the mat in his half guard. Maia lands a right. Maia looking to pass, lands a right to the body. Condit lands an elbow, Maia lands a right. Maia looking to mount, Condit tries to hip escape and gives up his back. Maia looking for the choke while Condit tries to defend. Maia has a heck of a squeeze going, Condit fights as long as he can then has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Demian Maia via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:52 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Maia for his work this evening. Maia gets an interview now, he’s very emotional after that win. He says this is his sixth win in a row and over a former champion, he mentions sitting in the front row for Condit vs. Lawler and that he though Condit won and he feels like he beat a champion. He talks about working hard for this fight, and says he’s earned a title shot and will wait for the winner of Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley. He speaks some Portuguese then does his own translation to English saying that he’s glad Brazilians are here and that he fights to represent Brazilian jiu-jitsu on this kind of stage and wished his children love to close the interview.

Mic time for Condit now, who is still visibly disappointed. Asked first about retirement, he puts over Maia first then says he doesn’t know what the future holds for him but he’s disappointed in his performance. He gets a good round of applause from the crowd though as he exits the cage.

In case you missed it, here’s the finish. Maia’s jiu-jitsu is really really good, if you want to know more about that I can heartily recommend the 4 part series on youtube that BJJScout did on his skills.

Alright everyone, that wraps up UFC on FOX 21. Thank you for reading, be it live or after the fact. Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show we’ll be reviewing this entire event and previewing next week’s UFC Fight Night 93. I’ll be back next week for the aforementioned Fight Night 93, I hope you’ll return for that one as well. Until next time keep checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.