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February 19, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 9 p.m. ET)
#8 Derrick Lewis (262 lbs.) vs #9 Travis Browne (241 lbs.)
Johny Hendricks (185.5 lbs.) vs Hector Lombard (182 lbs.)
Sam Sicilia (144 lbs.) vs Gavin Tucker (145 lbs.)
Elias Theodorou (185.5 lbs.) vs Cezar Ferreira (186 lbs.)
#7 Sara McMann (135 lbs.) vs Gina Mazany (139.5 lbs.)*
Paul Felder (155 lbs.) vs Alessandro Ricci (156 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1, 7 p.m. ET)
Nordine Taleb (171 lbs.) vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (170 lbs.)
#3 Carla Esparza (116 lbs.) vs Randa Markos (116 lbs.)
Aiemann Zahabi (135 lbs.) vs Reginaldo Vieira (136 lbs.)
Jack Marshman (184 lbs.) vs Thiago Santos (186 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Gerald Meerschaert (185 lbs.) vs Ryan Janes (185.5 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 105. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, calling the action just as I see it. This is the UFC’s last event in February and it’s been a rough start to 2017 for the MMA leader. While this card doesn’t look great on paper it could still hold a great night of fights and get some positive momentum going as we head towards UFC 209. The main event is a heavyweight bout that has some title implications as the surging Derrick Lewis takes on Travis Browne, and the co-main sees former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks desperately try to breathe life back into his MMA career up at middleweight against Hector Lombard who’s also in dire straights. This is the UFC’s second event in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and their first since October of 2014. Worth noting is the time zone, Halifax is in the Atlantic Time Zone, one hour ahead of eastern standard time, so the main event will be getting a very late local start time. This event is being hosted in the Scotiabank Center in the aforementioned Halifax with the UFC commentary debut of Todd Grisham and Brian Stann on commentary duty. Of note is that Nova Scotia has adopted the changes to the Unified Rules of MMA, including the downed opponent redefinition, the scoring language changes that could easily lead to more 10-8 rounds, and changing extending fingers to a foul regardless of making contact with them.

Gerald Meerschaert is riding a six fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut, he’s trying to keep that momentum going here and prove that he’s going to be a factor in the UFC. Ryan Janes has won eight fights in a row and won his UFC debut his last time out. Janes is also trying to move himself up the card. The odds are with Meerschaert at -300 to the +230 on Janes.

Middleweight Bout: Gerald Meerschaert (25-8, 185 lbs.) vs Ryan Janes (9-1, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Janes is two inches taller but Meerschaert has the reach advantage of one inch. Meerschaert fighting southpaw and is circling early. They both land power hands, Janes is pushing forward and they wind up clinched on the fence. Janes hits an inside trip and lands in the guard of Meerschaert. Janes looking to pass, gets to half guard but Meerschaert is still quite active. and gets full guard again. Meerschaert throws up an armbar as Janes was starting to throw elbows, it’s tight and Janes verbally taps almost immediately.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gerald Meerschaert via Submission, armbar, at 1:34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Meerschaert for his work this evening. Meerschaert on the mic now, that was a nice sub off of his back. He says he wanted to strike a little more and he felt he started too loose and says he doesn’t understand why people keep taking him down as this is his world, his 19th overall submission, and if you take him down you will get tapped. He talks us through the finishing sequence and says he has no preference for his next opponent he just wants to keep racking up wins and bonuses.

That’s it for Fight Pass prelims, we’ll be back at the top of the hour on Fox Sports 1 for the remainder of the evening. To kill some time, here’s that finish again. Really fast hips from Meerschaert.

Jack Marshman has a seven fight winning streak going and scored a win in his UFC debut, tonight he’s taking a step up in competition and if he can beat Thiago Santos he’ll certainly earn a bigger opportunity next time. Thiago Santos had some hype behind him at one point with a four fight winning streak, unfortunately he’s lost his last two fights and needs a win here to prove he’s worth keeping around and could still be a factor towards the top of the division. Santos’ UFC experience has him as a -170 favorite against +140 for Marshman.

Middleweight Bout: Jack Marshman (21-5, 184 lbs.) vs Thiago Santos (13-5, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Santos has three inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going, Santos opens orthodox but will go southpaw if he sees an opening. Santos moving forward, Marshman circling and showing the jab. Santos lands a right and a leg kick after slipping a couple of punches. Marshman pushes forward but he eats a couple of left hooks and is backing up, Santos hits a double leg against the fence. Santos lands an elbow. Santos lands some punches, Marshamn struggling to control him from his guard. Santos stands, lands a leg kick, then moves back into the guard of Marshman. Santos lands a left elbow. Marshamn kicks him off and regains his feet, they trade and clinch then break on a body shot from Marshman. Marshamn lands a good left to counter an inside leg kick. Santos lands a bit of a left body kick. Santos lands a left body kick and both fall a little short on punches. Santos lands a heavy left body kick. Santos eats a wicked counter right that drops him, Marshman tries to flurry but Santos fires back and grabs a clinch, Marshman breaks and they trade wild hooks again. Brief bit of insanity there, they stare away the final fifteen seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marshman, possible 10-10 though

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Santos has a left high kick blocked. Marshman falls short with a couple of punches. Santos avoids a right. Marshman lands a left to the body and just misses a couple of follow up punches. They both land rights, Marshman landed the better though. Santos lands a left body kick. Marshman lands a right then eats a couple of counters. Marshman moving forward, eats a glancing body kick. Santos lands a wheel kick that floors Marshman! Santos follows up on the mat and the ref waves this one off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thiago Santos via TKO, wheel kick and punches, at 2:21 of Round 2

Marshman briefly protests, and Stann on commentary notes the stoppage might have been a tad early but Marshman was bleeding from what I think was the mouth pretty badly when it was stopped. Also might have been a cut on his temple from that kick, it was a swift stoppage for sure but pretty warranted all things considered. Looks like that blood was coming from the nose or a cut under the eye, it’s under control now. Mic time for Santos, who says in English this was his first time in Canada and he’s happy to be here and thanks them for coming out. He goes back to Portuguese for the rest of his interview. He says Marshman is a good boxer and very fast, while he likes to fight that way he had to adjust. Asked about the blows in the first he says he felt them and his legs went out but he fought through it. He talks us through the finish, noting that he felt Marshman would bite on a feint then go back to the center line and he timed that kick perfectly. He closes dedicating the win to his kids at home and all the people of Rio de Janerio who he says need the win more than he does.

Here’s that wheel kick again, it’s just the kick and not the finishing blows on the mat or the stoppage, which upon review I tend to feel was justified even if it was swift.

Aiemann Zahabi is undefeated as a professional and making his UFC debut here, as the saying goes you only get one chance to make a first impression and Zahabi is looking to make his a good one. Reginaldo Vieira is 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, he needs a win here to get his UFC record back on the winning track as the UFC seems to be in a house cleaning mood lately and dropping to 1-2 would make him a tempting target to get the ax. Zahabi enjoys favorite status at -270 while Vieira pays at +210.

Bantamweight Bout: Aiemann Zahabi (6-0, 135 lbs.) vs Reginaldo Vieira (13-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Zahabi is an inch taller as well as having a three and a half inch reach advantage. Touch of gloves at the start. Zahabi working the lead leg early, he’s got a weird stance where he leans back at the waist. Vieira lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Vieira then an inside leg kick. Vieira misses some ugly hooks, he’s struggling with his punching range but his kicks have been effective so far. Vieira lands a bit of a right. They trade and Zahabi lands a good left then a bit of a head kick. Zahabi lands a straight left, he’s switching his stance a bit now. Zahabi just misses a combination but Vieira is backing up a lot now and still struggling with the distance. Zahabi lands a left in combination. Vieria misses a couple of punches then shoots a double leg and gets Zahabi down on the fence. Zahabit quickly looking to wall walk and does, Vieira lands some body shots before Zahabi disengages from the clinch. Vieira lands a bit of a left after a failed double leg. Zahabi lands a left body kick. Vieira lands a bit of a left then a right uppercut. Vieira lands a right, Zahabi isn’t moving nearly as much now. Vieira eats a leg kick and lands a counter right. Vieira hits a low double leg against the fence and lands some punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira

ROUND TWO: They both miss hooks to start. Vieira seems to have a better feel to the distance now, and Zahabi’s loss of mobility hasn’t helped him. Zahabi lands a left. They trade again, Vieira landed better blows. Zahabi blocks a double leg attempt. They trade rights then Zahabi lands a left as well. Vieira lands a glancing uppercut then an inside leg kick. Zahabi avoids a right hook. Vieira lands a leg kick then a jab. Vieira tries a single leg that stalls out on the fence. Zahabi trying to spin out off the fence but Vieira is keeping him pinned. Vieira lands a knee to the body as they break. Vieira throwing again then goes for a double leg, Zahabi blocks that with a guillotine attempt and Vieira has to settle for clinching him on the cage. Vieira tries a single leg, Zahabi blocks and they separate. They both miss punches but Zahabi lands a couple of follow up blows. Vieira lands a bit of a left hook. Vieira digs a left to the body then lands a jab. Zahabi lands a right and pushes forward with another right that drops Vieira, Zahabi into full mount and Vieira tries a heel hook that forces a scramble as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zahabi, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Vieira lands a couple of inside leg kicks then an outside leg kick. Vieira lands a left to the body but he eats a counter right. Vieira lands a left hook after missing a right. Zahabi slips an uppercut. Vieira lands an inside leg kick. Vieira misses some punches then lands a leg kick. They swing and miss in close, Zahabi lands a jab. Zahabi avoids a takedown attempt. Vieira lands a couple of inside leg kicks then an overhand right. Vieira lands a right to the body, Zahabi misses a wheel kick. Vieira tries another single leg that Zahabi blocks. Vieira lands a right. Vieira lands a stinging left hook in close. They trade again, Vieira tries another takedown attempt and tries a slam but Zahabi avoids letting him secure the slam. They trade again, Vieira lands an uppercut then a right. Vieira lands a couple of punches, Zahabi pushes forward and they start swinging again. Vieira grabs a front head lock and gets Zahabi into the fence as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira, 29-28 Vieira overall but this one could go either way

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

No issues with that, 30-27 seems a tad dubious. Zahabi on the mic now, he thanks everyone for their support and thanks Vieira for giving him a tough fight. He thanks everyone for their support and for the motivation to keep improving.

Carla Esparza was the first ever UFC women’s strawweight champion, but lost that title in devastating fashion to current champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Esparza did win her last fight out, a decision over Juliana Lima, and if she ever wants another shot at the title she needs to keep that momentum going. Randa Markos has been trading wins and losses in the UFC while going 2-3 in the promotion, a win over Esparza would be one of the biggest of her career and would have her avoid a two fight losing streak. Esparza is a notable -265 favorite to the +220 for Markos.

Strawweight Bout: #3 Carla Esparza (11-3, 116 lbs.) vs Randa Markos (6-4, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Markos is three inches taller but only has half an inch of reach on Esparza. Lots of distance between them to start, Markos lands a jab and is circling a lot. Markos violating the new rule about extended fingers consistently so far, no word from the ref. Markos lands a couple of jabs, Esparza misses a counter. Esparza really struggling to get in close, she’s at the end of Markos’ blows thus far. Markos lands a jab, Espraza lands a bit of a counter left. Esparza lands a one two combination. Markos lands another jab. Markos lands a right after they both miss inital punches. Esparza misses a right. Esparza tries a single leg, spins Markos down but Markos gets a crucifix, Esparza spins free and gets into north/south position. Markos trying to set up a reverse triangle choke now, she lands some body shots and then posts out to top position. Esparza trying for control but gives up the crucifix again and Markos lands a series of hammer fists, Esparza finally gets free and then lands some lefts from top position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Markos lands a jab to start things. Esparza lands a couple of punches. Markos lands a few jabs. Esparza lands a right then a glancing left. Esparza rushes forward with a left and eats a couple of counters. They land rights in close. Esparza still falling short with most of her punches. Esparza lands a right, eats a bit of a counter. Markos lands a counter right. Esparza lands a right then a left. Markos lands a couple of jabs while avoiding a rush from Esparza. They both land arm punches and Markos gets the clinch then breaks with some punches that land. Esparza lands a straight right. Markos trying to set up a spinning attack, Esparza hits a double leg into side control. Esparza looking for mount, she’s got an arm triangle choke as well. Markos traps one of the legs of Esparza but Esparza is basically in mount and working to the dangerous side to finish the arm triangle choke. Markos just holds on for the last ten seconds and lands illegal weak arm punches to the back of Esparza’s head.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Esparza, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They both miss rights, Markos follows up and lands then avoids a double leg from Esparza. Markos lands a bit of a right. Markos lands a spinning back fist, Esparza just eats it. Esparza lands a right and a bit of a follow up left. Markos lands a stiff right. Esparza lands a bit of a right. They both land in close, Markos is starting to turn up the pressure now. Esparza tries a single leg, blocked and Markos lands a right as they break. Markos lands a right. Markos lands a jab, she’s stiffing Esparza with that so Esparza misses her punches when she runs into it. Markos avoids a single leg and lands an uppercut. Markos lands again but Esparza hits a double leg. Markos wall walks, eats a legal knee from Esparza with one hand down (new rules) and they trade again in the clinch. Markos is bleeding from the right eyebrow, she lands an uppercut after eating several knees to the body as they break. Markos lands a right. Brian Stann tells me that knee was illegal as Markos had a knee down, I missed that. They also tell me that cut was from a head butt. Markos lands a combination and avoids a double leg. Esparza hits a single leg and winds the fight in side control.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos based on that knee being illegal and therefore I’m not counting it, 29-28 Markos overall

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

No issues with 29-28 either way, round 1 was close while 2 was clearly for Esparza and Markos had a darn good overall 3. Markos on the mic, says she’s wanted this for a long time and thanks the crowd. She goes on an anti-bullying speech for a bit. She’s asked about the illegal knee, she didn’t know it was illegal and just came up pissed and wanting to reclaim the round after that blow because it probably looked good even though it didn’t hurt.

Nordine Taleb is an impressive 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Erick Silva, Taleb is trying to build his second UFC winning streak tonight and continue moving up the ranks. Santiago Ponzinibbio also has a winning UFC record, his is 5-2, and he’s on a three fight winning streak. If Ponzinibbio can get that streak to four he could earn another shot at a top fifteen opponent next. Ponzinibbio is a significant -355 favorite against +255 on Taleb.

Welterweight Bout: Nordine Taleb (12-3, 171 lbs.) vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (23-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Taleb is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach on Ponzinibbio. Touch of gloves to get us going. Circling from Ponzinibbio to start, Taleb trying to back him into the fence. Both guys showing feints and jabs, Taleb lands a leg kick. Taleb lands another leg kick. Both guys still fighting carefully, neither wants to make the first big error. Ponzinibbio lands a bit of a leg kick then a right to the body. Taleb lands another leg kicks and avoids a windmill right. Taleb lands a jab then another leg kick. Taleb lands a left body kick then an inside leg kick. Ponzinibbio really needs to get going here as he’s getting picked apart at distance. Taleb catches a leg kick and lands a good right. Ponzinibbio starting to back Taleb up. Ponzinibbio lands a bit of a jab. Taleb lands another inside leg kick and a jab. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Taleb lands a bit of a right then a left body kick. Taleb lands another leg kick and avoids a high kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taleb

ROUND TWO: Another touch of gloves. Taleb using his lead leg again to the body. Taleb lands a leg kick. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Another leg kick from Taleb then a left body kick. Ponzinibbio pushes close, I think he poked Taleb in the eye but commentary tells me it was a right to the nose. Ponzinibbio working the jab now, he’s aiming for the nose trying to compromise the vision of Taleb. Taleb lands a leg kick. Ponzzinibbio lands a triple jab then eats a leg kick. Another jab from Ponzinibbio, Taleb’s nose is bleeding now. And Stann now says that it was in fact an eye poke eariler, nice to know I wasn’t seeing things. Ponzinibbio pushing forward, eats a hard leg kick. Ponzinibbio lands a jab then a body kick. Ponzinibbio lands a hard one two combination, the right dropped Taleb and Ponzinibbio is on top in his guard. Ponzinibbio lands an elbow and passes to half guard. Taleb shrimps to full guard, Ponzinibbio content to land arm punches. Ponzinibbio passes to half guard again. Ponzinibbio lands a short elbow, both guys content to just ride out the final seconds in this position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ponzinibbio, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again for the last round. Ponzinibbio working the jab early, Taleb lands a couple of leg kicks. We get time as the ref gives Taleb a hard warning about his fingers not being up or down while extending his hand. Ponzinibbio lands a bit of a right, Taleb lands a leg kick. Ponzinibbio lands a jab, eats a leg kick then lands a right. Ponzinibbio lands a right. Taleb lands a left body kick. Ponzinibbio misses some punches, Taleb lands a leg kick. Ponzinibbio counter that kick with a right then just misses a high kick. Ponzinibbio lands a right. Jab from Ponzinibbio lands. Taleb lands a short left hook then a leg kick. Another leg kick and Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Taleb lands a leg kick, Ponzinibbio lands a bit of a jab. Taleb lands a couple of jabs. They both miss punches, Taleb lands a leg kick. They split jabs, Taleb also lands a left hook. Taleb lands a leg kick then a left body kick. Ponzinibbio misses a few punches then gets leg kicked again. Ponzinibbio lands a right. Hard one two from Ponzinibbio. Taleb lands a straight right and they both land lefts as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taleb but the closest round of the fight, 29-28 Taleb overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Santiago Ponzinibbio via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Ponzinibbio could easily take the third, I might have over valued Taleb’s closing in that third relative to Ponzinibbio’s general efficacy. No interview for Ponzinibbio as we’re out of time for the prelims, we’re still on Fox Sports 1 for the main card though.

Alessandro Ricci lost his UFC debut and really needs to bounce back here, going 0-2 has spelled the end of many a UFC run. Paul Felder is 3-3 in his last six fights and is coming off of a loss to Francisco Trinaldo, he needs a win to avoid the second losing streak of UFC run and prove he still has enough upside to keep around. Felder is a substantial favorite at -375 while the +285 on Ricci will likely get a few value bets.

Lightweight Bout: Paul Felder (12-3, 155 lbs.) vs Alessandro Ricci (10-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Felder has an inch and a half of reach on Ricci. Touch of gloves to get us going. They trade jabs and Felder wobbles Ricci with a left hook. Ricci is southpaw now, both guys will swap stances depending on their feel of the fight. Leg kicks go back and forth, Felder also lands a right. Ricci lands a left body kick then a short left in close quarters. Felder lands a bit of a counter right. Ricci lands a leg kick. Felder lands a bit of a counter uppercut. Felder lands a counter right, he really seems dialed into Ricci’s game. Ricci lands a body kick. Felder lands a bit of a leg kick and a one two combination. Ricci lands a couple of jabs, Felder counters the second with a spinning elbow that lands. Felder lands a right then a right to the body. Felder lands a push kick to the body. Ricci lands a bit of a right then a left, Felder lands a knee to the body. Body kick from Ricci. They’re both missing a lot now, both seem to have adjusted their defense. Felder lands something, maybe a right, Ricci backs into the fence, Felder lands a knee as Ricci covers up, Ricci slumps to a sitting position and Felder lands some punches until the ref waves this off. Ricci’s nose was violently relocated from a left elbow, that’s what led to the finish.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Paul Felder via TKO, strikes, at 4:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Felder for his work this evening. Felder on the mic after that one. He says he can’t express how happy he is, he left his family to live in the gym with Duke Roufus for six weeks. He thanks the team and mentions his father who is battling cancer and says this was for him, and encourages anyone in that position. He says that after seeing people fight cancer this is nothing. He talks us through the finish and deciding to use elbows, asked who he wants next he jokes that he’d written down a manifesto for if he won that included calling out an opponent, but he’s just too happy to do that right now. The UFC knows that if the phone rings he’ll take the fight.

Here’s that finish again, note the stepping upward elbow that sets up the whole thing. Nice technique.

This was supposed to be Sara McMann taking on Liz Carmouche, but Carmouche fell out early in the month and was replaced by Gina Mazany. McMann is riding a two fight winning streak and hoping to build herself back into title contention, she previously fought for the title and was defeated by Ronda Rousey, as well as defend her top ranking. Mazany missed weight for this fight and with her limited professional experience needs an impressive win here as without it she could easily be one and done with the UFC. McMann is a prohibitive -600 favorite while Mazany’s +400 payout must be calling to the degenerate gamblers.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #7 Sara McMann (10-3, 135 lbs.) vs Gina Mazany (4-0, 139.5 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Mazany has two and a half inches of reach on McMann, also of note is that Mazany missed weight. Mazany fighting southpaw. They trade power hands and McMann pushes into the clinch immediately. McMann spins Mazany down without much effort and lands slefts while she looks to mount the legs. McMann into the ride position and lands lefts while Mazany gets to a knee. McMann has the rear waist lock as Mazany gets up, McMann rides her back down and lands in mount and grabs an arm triangle almost immediately, she gets a squeeze going immediately and doesn’t even have to pass to further tighten it up and Mazany has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sara McMann via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 1:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. McMann for her work this evening. They would also like to express their sadness at the Final Round Finish Club’s inability to make it to Halifax due to the recent weather. That was just a mugging. McMann gets an interview now. She says she’s finally finding the arm triangle chokes recently even in training. She puts over Mazany and her camp and says she wants another title shot with two submissions in a row. Asked about balancing her life as a single mom with fighting, she says she focuses on growing and when she takes the belt from either Amanda Nunes or Valentina Shevchenko you’ll see the best version of her.

Elias Theodorou is coming off of a win over Sam Alvey in an abysmal fight, if he wants to reclaim some of the hype that was around him for his first three UFC fights he needs to win and win impressively here. Cezar Ferreira is riding a three fight winning streak and if he can move that to four he could get another shot at moving into the rankings while a loss could relegate him to gatekeeper status. The odds closed at -115 for each man.

Middleweight Bout: Elias Theodorou (12-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs Cezar Ferreira (11-5, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Ferreira has three inches of reach on Theodorou though. Ferreira fighting southpaw. Theodorou comes out jabbing, Ferreira lands a straight left. Theodorou lands a body kick. Theodorou lands a couple of rights, not much on them. Ferreira lands a counter right. Ferreira times a kick with a sweep that drops Theodorou to a knee briefly. Theodorou misses some punches. Ferreira circling now, really just looking for openings to counter. Theodorou is throwing a lot of kicks but is missing the majority of them. Ferreira lands a low leg kick, Theodorou lands a leg kick. Ferreira lands a bit of a counter right, he tries a body kick but Theodorou catches it and forces the clinch and has Ferreira on the fence. They break without incident. They both miss, Theodorou’s lunging offense is very ugly. Ferreira lands a body kick and disengages before Theodorou can counter him. Ferreira lands a bit of a left. Theodorou lands a bit of a body kick and eats a counter left. Another body kick from Theodorou ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ferreira

ROUND TWO: Theodorou comes out and lands a skipping stone jab. They’re both back to missing kicks at distance now. Ferreira reaches for a double leg, nothing doing and Theodorou blocks that and they break. Theodorou tries a jumping double knee that Ferreira catches and takes him down, Ferreira gets the back as Theodorou tried to stand. Theodorou blocks one of the hooks and is able to spin into Ferreira and they’re back standing in the clinch again. Ferreira hits a trip and lands in half guard. Ferreira to the ride position as Theodorou gets to his feet. They’re back to clinching and break with a left from Theodorou. Theodorou is breathing a little heavy at this point. Ferreira slips on a left punch, Theodorou hits a double leg but Ferreira grabbed a guillotine and Theodorou quickly fights to get his head free. Theodorou lands some rights, Ferreira kicks him off and stands, Theodorou tries a double leg but Ferreira grabs the guillotine again and pulls guard. This one is much tighter, Theodorou fights through it and lands some rights from top position. Ferreira kicks Theodorou off and regains his feet. Both guys sucking some wind at this point. More missed kicks from both men. Ferreira lands a bit of a left. Ferreira lands a leg kick. More circling and heavy breathing, Ferreira lands a bit of a leg kick and eats a counter left. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Theodorou, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They both miss some kicks to start the third round. They trade kicks and miss punches. Theodorou lands a bit of a long left. Theodorou lands a bit of a right to the body and misses some follow up offense. Theodorou lands a leg kick and avoids a poor double leg attempt. Theodorou misses a spinning back fist. They clinch up again, Theodorou gets Ferreira on the fence. They break without much happening. More missed offense, this is getting painful to watch. Theodorou lands a bit of a jab. Ferreira times a takedown with a body kick and gets the double leg. Ferreira gest the back with both hooks in this time as Theodorou tries to stand. Ferreira is after the choke, he’s just across the jaw and wont finish it before Theodorou breaks his hand position. Ferreira riding the back, Theodorou is able to break his hooks and tries a double leg that Ferreira blocks. Ferreira misses a double leg, and nothing happens for the final fifteen seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elias Theodorou via unanimous decision (39-27, 29-28 x2)

I’m calling BS on 30-27, Ferreira should have had the first. Theodorou gets an interview, he puts over Brian Stann to start and says he’s a bit of a slow starter and needs to get warm in the fight. He says he was tired in the third but he had the mental edge knowing that Ferreira was more tired. He talks about evolving and needing a little more time to truly get elite. He name drops someone from twitter who said if Theodorou mentioned him by name on the broadcast he’d get a portrait of Theodorou’s face and hair tattooed on himself, he’s even willing to pay for the flight to Toronto to make sure it happens. I guess just be careful what promises you make a guy like that on twitter, Theodorou will make you pay up.

Sam Sicilia is on a two fight skid coming into this fight while going 2-2 over his last four fights. Sicilia has been with the UFC since 2012 and has never hit a three fight winning streak, if he gets to the dreaded three fight losing streak here the UFC could easily decide to cut him loose. Gavin Tucker hasn’t lost as a professional and is making his UFC debut here, and while Sicilia isn’t the biggest name if Tucker can impress against the veteran he’ll have announced himself in a big way. Tucker is actually the favorite here at -165 while Sicilia’s recent losses have him a +135 underdog.

Featherweight Bout: Sam Sicilia (15-7, 144 lbs.) vs Gavin Tucker (9-0, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sicilia has an inch and a half of height and an inch of reach on Tucker. Tucker fighting southpaw. Tucker lands an inside leg kick. Outside leg kick from Tucker lands. Sicilia blocks a high kick. Tucker lands a leg kick. Sicilia blocks another high kick. Tucker lands an inside leg kick and a bit of a straight left. Tucker doing a good job of sliding forward with his offense, Sicilia avoiding a lot of it but the range is there. Sicilia is having a real hard time with the movement and angles of Tucker. Tucker lands a left then a right hook. Tucker lands a left. Body kick from Tucker. Another body kick from Tucker, Sicilia is really struggling to find his offense. Tucker lands an inside leg kick. Sicilia starting to get closer, Tucker circles free and lands a front kick to the body. Sicilia lands a leg kick, Tucker returns it. Tucker is fighting to his speed advantage quite well so far. Tucker lands a glancing high kick. Sicilia misses a couple of hooks. Tucker lands a quick combination of body to head punches. Tucker lands a stepping knee to the body. Straight left from Tucker closes the first round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tucker

ROUND TWO: Tucker back to circling, has a head kick blocked then he lands a leg kick. Tucker lands an inside leg kick. Tucker lands another leg kick then a side kick to the body. Tucker lands a bit of a right. Sicilia misses a right hook. Tucker lands a straight left. Tucker lands another inside leg kick then a hard body kick. Tucker lands another kick, he’s landed 30 strikes to the 3 of Sicilia. Tucker lands a left to the body. Sicilia just misses a right. Tucker lands a right uppercut then an inside leg kick. Tucker lands a one two then a stiff jab. Tucker lands another inside leg kick then has a high kick blocked. Sicilia lands a bit of a right. Tucker lands a right hook. Leg kick from Tucker. They both have power hand punches blocked. Tucker lands another inside leg kick. Tucker lands a jab and slips a couple of hooks. Tucker has a high kick blocked as the final blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tucker, borderline 10-8 based on how one sided the numbers are, 20-18 Tucker overall

ROUND THREE: Sicilia moving forward this round, Tucker slips a right and lands a right. Sicilia blocks a head kick and then has a right blocked. Tucker lands a right hook and blocks a high kick. Tucker lands a right uppercut. Sicilia lands a bit of a right and pushes into the clinch. Tucker lands some knees to the body. Tucker spins free without incident. Rights traded again, Sicilia is starting to find the target through sheer force of will. Sicilia pushes into the clinch and lands a bit of a right as they break. Tucker hits a double leg into the guard of Sicilia. Tucker passes to side control, moves back into half guard so he can attack a knee bar, Sicilia escapes and eats a knee to the head. Tucker lands a bit of a left and avoids the counters. Tucker lands a one two then another straight left. Stiff one two from Tucker. Sicilia lands a bit of a left but he’s getting picked apart by volume and technique. Sicilia wades forward with hooks that miss, Tucker lands a front kick to the body. Tucker lands a knee to the body. Sicilia blocks a high kick, Tucker lands two hard body kicks then a left uppercut. Those body shots are working, Sicilia is sucking wind. Tucker slips a hook with ease. Tucker dances away from the offense of Sicilia for the last ten seconds or so, and the scoring should be totally academic.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gavin Tucker via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Big debut for Tucker there, impressive technique for a guy with as limited experience as he has. Tucker on the mic now. He asks someone to give his mother a hug, and says this is a dream come true but the dream isn’t over yet and he wants to keep going forward. He puts over Sicilia as a beast but said it was going to take more than one punch to get him out of this one and he plans on staying around for a long time. He puts over his coaches and says he feels if he’d had a full training camp for this he’d have gotten out without a scratch but he took no damage and is ready to be back as soon as possible.

Johny Hendricks is a former UFC welterweight champion but has hit a serious skid. Since becoming champion he’s a paltry 1-4 and is on a three fight losing streak. Hendricks is officially moving up to middleweight here, he’d previously missed weight twice and had at least one fight called off after medical complications from weight cutting, and really needs to make a fresh start in his new weight class. Hector Lombard is in a rough after a poor run at welterweight and a loss to Dan Henderson in his return to middleweight, he’s looking to prove he’s worth keeping around. Lombard is also riding a two fight losing streak and much like Hendricks could easily get the ax if he loses again. The odds are a -115 pick ’em.

Middleweight Bout: Johny Hendricks (17-6, 185.5 lbs.) vs Hector Lombard (34-6-1 2 NC, 182 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Lombard has two inches of reach on him. Both men are southpaws. Lombard circling early, Hendricks flashing the jab. Hendricks lands a bit of a leg kick. Hendricks lands a glancing leg kick and eats a left to the body. They get close, Lombard lands a left and eats a bit of a knee. Lombard lands a left. Lombard lands another left to counter the jab of Hendricks. Lombard catches a kick, lands a left, and pushes Hendricks into the fence. Lombard lands a right then a left as they break. Lombard still looking to counter, Hendricks lands a kick and Lombard has the rear waist lock. They trade in the clinch then break. Lombard lands a jab and avoids a reaching single leg. They both land, Hendricks landed a good left in that exchange. Lombard catches a kick and trips Hendricks down, Hendricks back up and Lombard lands a left as he holds the rear waist lock and pushes Hendricks into the fence. Lombard tries a trip, Hendricks stays upright. Lombard lands some lefts to the body. Lombard tries a trip, can’t finish it and lands a right as they break. And they stare away the final five seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lombard

ROUND TWO: Hendricks showing the jab early, Lombard ducks a left and lands a right then can’t hold the clinch. Hendricks lands a leg kick. Lombard lands a body kick. They trade in close, Lombard landed better. Hendricks lands a straight left and Lombard pushes into the clinch. Lombard lands a knee to the body, one to the groin, then one to the body and the ref halts the action from the groin shot. Hendricks will have up to five minutes to recover. That knee laned to the groin because Hendricks was throwing a knee at the same time, purely accidental. Hendricks walks it off rather quickly and we’re back to fighting. Lombard lands a stiff jab. Lombard lands a right hook in close, he’s pushing forward now. Hendricks lands a jab, then they both land in close. Lombard jabs the body then lands a bit of a right to the head. Hendricks lands a left and blocks a return left. Lombard grabs a leg, tries a single leg and lands a knee to the body then they break. Lombard checks a leg kick. They clinch up again then break. Lombard lands a left. They both land lefts. Lombard lands a couple of jabs. Hendricks lands a knee, Lombard catches it and pushes him into the fence. The ref breaks them, Lombard was grabbing the fence to keep the position and gets a warning, then they restart at distance. Lombard lands a bit of a counter left. Hendricks lands a knee to the body and a bit of a right. They trade in close again, Hendricks lands a knee to the body. Lombard lands a leg kick. Lombard lands a body kick then ducks a left. Hendricks blocks a right and lands a knee to the body as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hendricks but a much closer round, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Those stepping knees from Hendricks were doing work in the second, Lombard stalking forward again, lands a right hook. Lombard lands a leg kick. Hendricks trying to flick out his jab, nothing landing. They both miss looping lefts. Lombard slips a left and lands a bit of a body kick. Hendricks lands a bit of a one two combination. Leg kicks go back and forth. Hendricks lands the stepping knee again then a bit of a left. Lombard lands a jab. Hendricks has a knee caught and Lombard lands an uppercut. Lombard lands a jab. Hendricks lands a left. Hendricks fakes a shot and just misses an uppercut. Lombard catches a knee, but he can’t finish the takedown attempt. They trade lefts, Hendricks landed better though. Hendricks lands another left then Lombard catches a knee and hits a sweep to get Hendricks down. Hendricks instantly to his knees and shakes Lombard off of his back and stands up. Lombard lands a body kick. More body kicks from Lombard then a left. Hendricks eats a body kick and lands a leg kick. Lombard pushes forward, Hendricks runs as he feels he’s won the fight.

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

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

30-27 seems a tad dubious given the first round Lombard had. Don’t care enough to Clucky though, that fight kind of sucked. Hendricks on the mic now, puts over Lombard as dangerous and says he felt his power all three rounds. Hendricks thanks God, the UFC, and Canada as he’s never lost in Canada apparently. He’s clearly elated at the win. Hendricks says the sky is the limit now as he’s got energy and wants to keep fighting.

Derrick Lewis is riding an impressive five fight winning streak, no mean feat in a division as volatile as heavyweight, and if he can extend that to six here at the expense of a name like Travis Browne he could be staring at a title opportunity sooner rather than later. Travis Browne was once thought of as a future contender if not champion, but his recent run is just 2-4 and he’s on a two fight losing streak. If Browne loses again here he could be cut, and almost certainly would be out of title contention for quite some time. The odds again are even at -115 for each man.

Heavyweight Bout: #8 Derrick Lewis (17-4 1 NC, 262 lbs.) vs #9 Travis Browne (18-5-1, 241 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Browne is three and a half inches taller but the reach is identical, biggest difference is weight where Lewis is twenty one pounds heavier. Lewis misses a right and eats a left to get us going. Browne circling early, lands a leg kick. Lewis has a high kick blocked. Lewis misses another kick. Browne has Lewis near the fence, Lewis lands a leg kick. Browne lands a front kick to the liver that hurts Lewis. Lewis is holding his midsection, Browne kicks the body again. Browne lands an inside leg kick then a body kick, Lewis is really feeling those. Browne lands a leg kick. Browne doing a lot of stance switching, Lewis tries an ill advise wheel kick that misses badly. Browne lands a glancing left body kick. Lewis lands a counter right that drops Browne for a moment, Browne back up quickly. Lewis lands a right in close, Browne lands another body shot that crumples Lewis and they clinch briefly then break. Browne lands an inside leg kick. Browne lands another leg kick, Lewis is content to sit at range and is getting absolutely chewed up. Browne with more front kicks to the body. Browne lands a leg kick, Lewis returns it. Lewis misses a right. Browne again with a leg kick. Lewis tries another wheel kick, stupid. Lewis side steps a front kick and lands a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Browne, nearly 10-8

ROUND TWO: Circling to start the second, Browne lands the front kick to the body then a leg kick. Browne just avoids a right, his head positioning is asking to get hit with it but Lewis isn’t working the correct range to do so. Browne lands another front kick to the body. Browne misses a high kick, Lewis unloads in close quarters with punches, Browne is covering up and Lewis is landing massive uppercuts. Browne grabs the clinch but Lewis breaks and lands more punches before Browne pushes to distance. Lewis pushes back to the clinch and they start jockeying for position, Browne tries a trip but Lewis blocks it and lands on top in half guard. Lewis lands some elbows. Browne to his knees, can’t reverse though and Lewis pushes him back over and lands in half guard again. Lewis lands rights, Browne to his knees and back up but Lewis lands a right as they break. Lewis wobbles Browne with a right, Browne is down, Lewis is on top hammering rights and Browne goes out!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Derrick Lewis via KO, punches, at 3:12 of Round 2

Bit of a late stoppage there, Browne took at least three or four unnecessary punches to the jaw. That is six in a row for Lewis though, he’ll be fighting a top five guy next. Lewis on the mic now, he’s still holding his body. He says he just got a boo boo from those kicks, I appreciate his sense of humor. He says he’s got a bigger heart than Browne, then says he’s more of a man than Browne as Browne has put his hands on women. Asked about his cardio he says it’s a work in progress and he needs to press the reset button and take a bit of a break, the man fought four times in 2016 and early this year so I don’t blame him. He says he was over trained for this fight between the training and all the sex he’s been getting he just needs a break. He talks us through the finish and talks about slipping the right then countering. He puts over his coaches and team, then gives love to Canada. He says he’s from Texas and isn’t down with all the snow, Halifax had been hit with something like three feet of snow over the last couple of weeks, and the line gets a chuckle out of the crowd.

Here’s that finish, so you can judge for yourself if that stoppage was late.

That does it for Fight Night 105. Thanks for being here and reading along, be that live or after the fact. I’m well aware of just how many places you can go for this service and am humbled that you choose my work. There’s no event next week, thankfully because I am battling some serious burnout right now, but I’ll be back for UFC 209 on March 4th. Hopefully I’m back to full strength for that event because on paper it’s absolutely awesome. I hope you’ll all come back for that one, and we’ll be reviewing this event one week from tonight on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show as well as previewing UFC 209. Thank you again for being here, for having fun conversations and keeping me and each other company. Until next time thanks again for being here and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.