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Click Here to Join 411’s LIVE UFC Fight Night 111 Coverage

June 17, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

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MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 8 a.m. ET)
#5 Holly Holm (135 lbs.) vs. #11 Bethe Correia (136 lbs.)
#8 Andrei Arlovski (243 lbs.) vs. #13 Marcin Tybura (242 lbs.)
Colby Covington (171 lbs.) vs. #7 Dong Hyun Kim (171 lbs.)
Rafael dos Anjos (170 lbs.) vs. #11 Tarec Saffiedine (170 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 4:45 a.m. ET)
Takanori Gomi (156 lbs.) vs. Jon Tuck (156 lbs.)
Cyril Asker (245 lbs.) vs. Walt Harris (249 lbs.)
Alex Caceres (146 lbs.) vs. Rolando Dy (146 lbs.)
Ulka Sasaki (125 lbs.) vs. Justin Scoggins (126 lbs.)
Frank Camacho (169 lbs.) vs. Li Jingliang (170 lbs.)
Russell Doane (135 lbs.) vs. Kwan Ho Kwak (136 lbs.)
Carls John de Tomas (131 lbs.)* vs. Naoki Inoue (124 lbs.)
Ji Yeon Kim (136 lbs.) vs. Lucie Pudilova (134 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 111. I must stress live here, because this thing starts at an ungodly hour for me here in Mountain Standard Time and I weep for anyone on the west coast trying to watch this. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the duration of this event, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. This event is, well. . . it’s not all that good on paper. Thankfully that doesn’t preclude the possibility of the fights being awesome in practice, last weeks event wasn’t great on paper and turned out to be a perfectly acceptable night of fights. The main event has former bantamweight champion Holly Holm trying to remain relevant and stop a three fight losing streak as she takes on Bethe Correia, Correia coming off of a draw that most people thought she lost and both women are trying to stay relevant in a still developing division. The co-main event has Andrei Arlovski, retaining a top ten ranking despite a four fight losing streak, taking on Marcin Tybura in what could be a changing of the guard kind of moment. Also Dong Hyun Kim takes on the surging wrestler Colby Covington and former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos takes his first fight up at welterweight against veteran Tarec Saffiedine. This is the UFC’s return to Singapore, their first event there since Saffiedine vs. Lim kicked off live events on Fight Pass. I remember covering that event, it was also at a bit of an odd hour though not quite as bad as this one. The event comes to us from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore with John Gooden and Dan Hardy handling commentary.

Also, because we have to do this every freaking time, the adaptations to the Unified Rules have been adopted for this event. So the definition of a downed opponent requires both palms or fists down on the mat or you’re not grounded, the 10-8 scoring language is a tad different, and extending your hand with the fingers any direction besides down or straight up is considered a foul.

Ji Yeon Kim is riding a six fight winning streak coming into her UFC debut here and is looking to make a good first impression. Lucie Pudilova lost a hotly contested decision in her UFC debut that several people, myself included, thought she won. Tonight she can get the all important first UFC win out of the way. Pudilova has a slight edge in the odds at -140 to +110 for Kim.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (6-0-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Lucie Pudilova (6-2, 134 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pudilova is an inch taller but Kim has a significant reach advantage of four and a half inches. Touch of gloves to get us going. They trade some stiff jabs early then a few leg kicks. Both women are clearly here to fight, Pudilova a little more mobile early. Pudilova lands a couple of jabs. Kim lands a bit of a counter right, Pudilova lands a left and we get some close quarters brawling. Pudilova lands an inside leg kick. They split jabs again, Pudilova still moving while striking as opposed to Kim who tends to plant and throw when they engage. Kim lands a right then an inside leg kick. They trade a few more blows, Pudilova is relying on being in motion for defense as every time she gets caught out of rhythm she’s getting tagged. Pudilova lands a jab. Pudilova lands a few front kicks to the chest then a leg kick. Kim starting to just push forward, she eats a couple of lefts for her effort. Kim lands a glancing head kick and they clinch up, then both miss on the break. Pudilova lands a superman punch, they trade a little again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pudilova

ROUND TWO: Pudilova lands a couple of jabs to start the second round. Kim lands a leg kick. Kim lands a right. Kim lands a bit of a right then a body kick. Kim starting to pressure forward and lands a couple of rights. Kim is a little dialed in on the patters of Pudilova’s movement. Kim lands a hard combination. Kim lands a left then a right, Pudilova grabs a clinch to slow things down and gets Kim on the fence. Kim lands a knee to the body. Kim gets a body lock but can’t seem to do much with ith. They trade knees to the body. The ref breaks them up, not sure if I agree or not. Kim lands a right then a right uppercut. They split jabs again, and Pudilova misses a combination. Pudilova lands a jab, then eats a couple of counter rights. Pudilova grabs the clinch again. Some jockeying for position along the fence, and the round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kim, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Pudilova marches into a left then they clinch again. They trade short rights. Pudilova lands a knee to the body. Kim has the body lock again, I’m kind of surprised she can’t do anything with it. The ref breaks them up after they stall out. Kim lands a right. They trade jabs, Kim lands another uppercut and Pudilova grabs a clinch and has Kim on the fence. Pudilova is just trying to wall and stall here. Pudilova tries for a standing guillotine, Kim drops to her knees to release the pressure. Pudilova switches her grip to try and finish but Kim is hand fighting and gets half guard. Kim hits a single leg sweep, Pudilova is holding the guillotine but she’s got a whole side of her neck free and pulls out quickly. Kim stands, Pudilova is back up and Kim lands a right. Pudilova into the clinch again and resumes holding on. Pudilova after the guillotine again, it’s not close at all and she lands a few knees towards the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kim but probably went the other way, 29-28 Kim overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lucie Pudilova via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Yeah, enough wall and stall works in your favor I guess. No interview for Pudilova.

Naoki Inoue has yet to taste defeat as a professional, he’s trying to add his name to the mix of talented up and comers at flyweight. Carls John de Tomas is undefeated as well, though he missed weight for his UFC debut by a whopping five pounds putting him in a situation where a win is almost a necessity as a loss could either end his time with the UFC. Inoue is the favorite at -275 against +215 on de Tomas.

Flyweight Bout: Carls John de Tomas (8-0, 131 lbs.)* vs. Naoki Inoue (10-0, 124 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Inoue is four inches taller but de Tomas has half an inch of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going and de Tomas fighting southpaw. Some circling to start, de Tomas lands a bit of a leg kick. De Tomas has a high kick blocked. Inoue lands a bit of a right. They trade power hand punches, de Tomas landed better. De Tomas tries a single leg, Inoue blocks then de Tomas elevates and slams, Inoue scrambles, back up looking for a single leg and settles for the clinch. They trade knees to the body and thigh. De Tomas tries to reach for a double leg, Inoue sprawls easily then tries to spin for the back but de Tomas blocks it. Inoue hits an arm drag and gets the back almost immediately. That was really slick. Inoue has a body triangle and is after the choke. Inoue can’t quite get under the chin so far, goes for a crank instead but de Tomas is hand fighting well. Inoue lands some rights trying to open up the choke. De Tomas spins into him, Inoue after an armbar in the transition but can’t quite secure it. De Tomas in side control, Inoue rolls to his knees and is back up without much issue. De Tomas winds up pulling half guard and Inoue is looking to pass immediately. Inoue has a full neslon from the front, de Tomas gets his arms free and Inoue is nearly passed to side control. Inoue nearly mounts but de Tomas shrimps to full guard. Inoue lands a few knees to the butt and an elbow before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Inoue

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second. Inoue moving forward now, de Tomas looks a little fatigued by comparison. They trade body kicks then Inoue lands a right. Inoue lands a leg kick then an inside leg kick. De Tomas in counter striking mode to conserve energy. They trade rights, de Tomas landed better. Inoue moving forward, lands a bit of a right. De Tomas misses a leg kick and eats a leg kick to the rear leg for his trouble. Inoue lands a straight right. Inoue lands an inside leg kick. De Tomas lands an inside leg kick. Inoue lands a jab. Inoue slips a head kick and lands a counter combination. Inoue lands a right then sprawls on a reactive double leg, Inoue spins to the back immediately and starts landing punches when he’s got both hooks in. Inoue traps an arm and goes for the choke, now after an armbar from S mount. De Tomas trying to defend, Inoue out scrambling him and has the body triangle again. Inoue throws up a triangle choke, he’s got mount with it, switches to an armbar attack, can’t finish it though and de Tomas tries to turn into him but Inoue spins to the ride position. Inoue is mauling him on the ground with position and pace. Inoue to spider web position, drops for the armbar, it’s locked but de Tomas guts through the last two or three seconds of agony to hear the bell.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Inoue, 20-17 Inoue overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Inoue stalking forward, lands a bit of an inside leg kick. De Tomas eats a hard one two combination, then circles away from a single leg attempt. Inoue lands an inside leg kick, de Tomas visibly slower at this point. Inoue after a single leg, de Tomas lands some elbows that are really borderline illegal towards the back of the head but Inoue bails on that attempt and settles for the clinch. Inoue blocks a double leg, spins towards the back and is after another armbar. Inoue has a triangle position, bails to get more control with traditional hooks. Inoue lands a few elbows and hammer fists. Inoue after the choke again, gets a body triangle again but can’t quite close the show with the choke. Inoue after the choke again, can’t quite get under the chin. Inoue spins for an armbar, de Tomas scrambles up and tries to hit a double leg from his knees. Inoue blocking so far, back up and de Tomas has a rear waist lock. De Tomas after the back, can’t control it though and Inoue turns into his guard as he over commits to a poor choke attempt. Inoue lands a few short elbows. Some more elbows from Inoue then missed sloppy punches as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Inoue, 30-26 Inoue overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Naoki Inoue via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

Holy crap, 10-8’s used appropriately by all the judges. No interview, instead here’s the end of the second round so you can see how tight that armbar was.

Kwan Ho Kwak lost his UFC debut, he needs a win here to prove he’s worth keeping around as the dreaded 0-2 start has ended many a fighters tenure with the promotion. Russell Doane really should have been cut a while ago, he’s on a four fight losing streak between both bantamweight and featherweight. Doane is back at bantamweight here and really can’t afford another loss as five in a row might be the contractual limit before getting cut. Kwak is a slight favorite at -130 while Doane’s recent woes have him a +100 underdog.

Bantamweight Bout: Russell Doane (14-7, 135 lbs.) vs. Kwan Ho Kwak (9-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Doane is two inches taller but has just half an inch of reach on Kwak. Circling to start. Doane misses a right, avoids a right then eats a hard leg kick from Kwak. Kwak catches a leg kick and gets a takedown, he’s standing over Doane. Doane sits up, and regains his feet without much issue. Kwak avoids a leg kick. Kwak has a head kick blocked. Kwak eats a right, lands a counter right of his own. Kwak lands another hard leg kick, I can’t tell if he’s hitting the calf or thigh but he’s hitting hard when he does. Left body kick from Kwak. Kwak lands a leg kick, yeah he’s aiming high on the calf just under the knee. Kwak kicks the calf again. They trade rights in close, Kwak also lands a left hook. Kwak lands a bit of a right, then another right. Kwak lands a bit of a leg kick then a stiff left body kick. They both miss rights. Doane lands a leg kick. They clinch up, Doane lands a right as they break. Doane lands a right against the fence, Kwak drops, Doane pounces to finish him off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Russell Doane via TKO, punches, at 4:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Doane for his work this evening. Pity that Kwak couldn’t adjust to the clinch work, Doane made it ugly quickly and Kwak couldn’t adjust. Doane on the mic now. He dedicates the fight to his family back home and thanks them for all of their support. He puts over Kwak and said he expected a brawl and one of them was going down, he’s happy it went the way it did. He says the game plan was to knock out his opponent. He puts over the current generation of Hawaiian fighters coming up then says anything is next.

Here’s a bit of the finish, it doesn’t really tell the story of Kwak not adjusting to that brief clinch and then getting spun into the fence but you can see Doane’s really nice straight right to basically end the fight.

Li Jingliang is on a two fight winning streak in addition to being 4-2 overall in his UFC run, he’s trying to extend that winning streak to three and potentially move up in competition for his next bout. Frank Camacho is making his official UFC debut, he competed on some meaningless season of TUF years ago, on short notice after Jonathan Meunier got injured. Camacho has won his last two fights and will be trying to make the most of his opportunity. Jingliang is a significant -450 favorite while Camacho could pay out at +325.

Welterweight Bout: Frank Camacho (20-4, 169 lbs.) vs. Li Jingliang (12-4, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jingliang is two inches taller while Camacho has two and a half inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going. Some feinting to get us started, both men trying to get a read on each other. They trade jabs. Camacho lands a heavy right and Jinliang is back on the fence. Jingliang fires back, Camacho lands a right uppercut. Camacho lands again, Jingliang still firing back but Camacho is slipping nicely. Jingliang lands a counter right after slipping an uppercut. Camacho lands a couple of glancing blows. Jingliang gets a clinch, Camacho lands a short elbow. They break as Jingliang misses a knee. Jingliang tries a trip, Camacho reverses and lands on top in half guard. Camacho stands and legs Jingliang back up. Jingliang lands a couple of leg kicks. Camacho lands a straight right and they clinch again. They trade body shots then break. Jingliang lands a stiff left hook and Camacho backs up to reset. Jingliang lands an inside leg kick, then another. Jingliang tries a double leg, gets the rear waist lock then elevates and slams but Camacho is back up still giving up that waist lock. Jingliang rides him down, Camacho back up but with no change in position. Jingliang slams him again, goes for the choke, Camacho nearly tapped just as time expired.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camacho

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Jingliang flashing the jab, lands a bit of an inside leg kick, then an outside one. They trade lefts in close. Jingliang after a single leg, Camacho defending and they clinch up. Jingliang drives him into the fence and Camacho spins free. Jingliang lands a bit of a right. Camacho is fading a bit here, Jingliang lands a jab to the body. Jingliang lands a right. Jingliang lands a leg kick. Jingliang jabs the body a few times then lands a front kick to the body and a leg kick. Jingliang slips a couple of hooks and lands an inside leg kick. Camacho fading fast under the patient assault to his body and legs. Camacho lands a bit of a lunging left hook but there’s almost no follow up. Jingliang lands a series of jabs then a straight right. Jingliang jabs the body and lands a leg kick. Jingliang lands a leg kick then an uppercut. Stiff right from Jingliang wobbles Camacho then he lands a front kick to the body. Jingliang tries a single leg, Camacho defends and they reset. They both miss lefts then Jingliang misses a right as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jingliang, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Camacho moving forward and eats a right then a leg kick. Jingliang jabs the body, Camacho lands a couple of punches but eats another hard leg kick. Camacho lands a left to the body after taking one. Jingliang lands a right then a leg kick. Camacho’s lead leg is compromised at this point, Jingliang lands an inside leg kick. Jingliang lands a few jabs to the head and body. Jingliang lands an uppercut then a leg kick. Right then a hard leg kick from Jingliang. Camacho tries to fire up but Jingliang wont brawl. Jingliang lands a hard straight right. Another right from Jingliang. They clinch up then break without incident. Jingliang lands a couple of rights then a series of lefts. Jingliang lands left from the southpaw stance. Camacho trying to incite a brawl but Jingliang wont bite, he’s content to bait and tag him. Leg kick from Jingliang, Camacho’s hurt to that leg. Jingliang lands another couple of rights then a leg kick. Camacho is just on the fence limping, Jingliang lands a few blows and then makes Camacho move forward again. Camacho is dead tired. Jingliang lands a combination. Another right from Jingliang. Jingliang lands a couple of lefts then a hard leg kick that buckles the leg but Camacho circles away as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Jingliang, 29-27 Jingliang overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Li Jingliang via unanimous decision (28-27, 29-27 x2)

28-27 is an odd scorecard, not sure I’d give Camacho 10-8 in that first given how strong Jingliang closed. No interview again.

Justin Scoggins has been a promising fighter at flyweight but he lost his last fight by moving up to bantamweight, he’s back at flyweight tonight and hoping to continue what is a two fight winning streak in the division including a win over possible title contender Ray Borg. Yuta “Ulka: Sasaki is 2-3 and those wins are over guys no longer with the UFC. Sasaki only recently debuted at flyweight and is 1-1 in that division, the loss being a competitive decision against former title challenger Wilson Reis, he’s trying to get back on track here. Scoggins is a prohibitive favorite at -500 against a tempting long shot +350 Sasaki.

Flyweight Bout: Yuta “Ulka” Sasaki (19-4-2, 125 lbs.) vs. Justin Scoggins (11-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sasaki is three inches taller and has a significant reach advantage of five inches. They both start southpaw, Scoggins gets a rear waist lock and hits a German suplex but Sasaki escapes immediately. They trade again and Scoggins gets another clinch against the fence. Sasaki hits an outside trip and spins Scoggins to the fence, Scoggins back up but eats a few knees. Sasaki tries another trip, Scoggins spins around and lands a knee. Sasaki hits a low single leg, Scoggins tried to spin to the back immediately but couldn’t control it, Sasaki gets over zealous trying to jump to the back and Scoggins is on top now against the fence. Scoggins lands knees to the body as Sasaki regains his feet in the clinch. Sasaki lands a knee to the body then they break. Scoggins lands a couple of punches and clinches yet again. They break without much issue. Scoggins lands a spinning back kick to the body. Sasaki lands an inside leg kick, Scoggins switching his stance frequently now. Scoggins lands a body kick then a side kick to the body. Scoggins lands a bit of a left. Sasaki lands a bit of a left. Scoggins misses a wheel kick but smoothly lands a one two after that and Sasaki wobbles to his seat and Scoggins is in his guard now. Scoggins lands a few elbows. Scoggins lands a few body to head combinations. Scoggins has Sasaki stuffed on the fence and is landing good blows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Scoggins

ROUND TWO: Both men show the lead hand early. Scoggins lands a heavy spinning back kick to the body that drops Sasaki, Scoggins follows him down and passes to half guard almost instantly. Scoggins lands some hard punches and elbows, Sasaki recovers guard. Scoggins lands an elbow. Scoggins lands a series of elbows. Sasaki tries to elevate and sweep, Scoggins rides the attempt and retains top position. Scoggins lands a left and passes to half guard. Sasaki trying to hit a single leg sweep, Scoggins is sprawled out hard though and spins to the back, Sasaki tries to roll through for a heel hook, Scoggins spins free and rolls towards the ride position. Sasaki doesn’t let him get position, hip bumps him and lands in mount. Scoggins gives up the back, Sasaki has a body triangle and is after the choke. Sasaki with a hard squeeze, arches the back a bit, and Scoggins has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yuta “Ulka” Sasaki via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:19 of Round 2

Heck of a comeback by Sasaki who was a step behind basically the whole fight until that final scramble. Sasaki on the mic now, he puts over Scoggins as a great fighter with a diverse skill set in broken English then switches to Japanese to thank the fans for coming out. Asked what’s next for him he loves Singapore and wants to fight in his native Japan in the near future and hopes everyone will come out to support him there as well.

Here’s the finish, sadly no scramble footage which was incredible given that Scoggins had been out hustling him on the mat for that fight. Biggest thing of note is the arch in the back, Sasaki gets his arms basically in position then uses pressure on the lower back to arch Scoggins into the choke and force the submission. Antonio Carlos Junior does basically the same thing so he has to hand fight less and use that kind of torque to force his opponent into a choke position.

Alex Caceres is just 2-5 in his last seven fights and currently on a two fight losing streak. Caceres needs to avoid what would be his second three fight losing streak here, he’s being given a promotional new comer and one has to imagine a loss could end his somewhat improbable UFC run. Rolando Dy brings a three fight winning streak with him into his UFC debut, and has a chance to take out a recognizable name in his first fight. Despite his recent record Caceres being a more known quantity has him as a notable -310 favorite against +240 for Dy.

Featherweight Bout: Alex Caceres (12-10 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Rolando Dy (8-4 1 NC, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Caceres is two inches taller and has four inches of reach on Dy. Caceres fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves. Dy lands a body kick. Caceres lands a body kick, eats a bit of a counter left hook though. Caceres just avoids a head kick. Dy lands a left hook. Caceres lands a bit of a straight left. Dy dives on a single leg, Caceres spins free and lands a one two combination. Caceres lands a couple of punches along the fence then an inside leg kick. Dy just sitting on the fence and covering up. Caceres digs a right to the body then a left to the head. Caceres lands a head kick, Dy just eats it then eats another hard left. Dy covers up but Caceres is picking him apart. Caceres lands a right to counter a kick and Dy drops for a second. Dy back up, Caceres threatens with a guillotine and Caceres spins to his back as he tries to defend. Caceres has a body triangle, and is afer the choke. Caceres can’t quite finish the choke yet, Dy defending but at this point it’s just a matter of time. Caceres after the choke again, Dy does defend though. Caceres switches to the ride position, Dy elevates and regains his feet. They fight in the clinch then separate. Dy still backing up, Caceres lands a body kick. Dy lands a right in close, gets a body lock against the fence as well. Dy spins Caceres down, Caceres spins free and misses a knee to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Caceres

ROUND TWO: A little confusion on the restart, Dy then misses a high kick. Caceres lands a straight left. Dy’s right eye is giving him problems and has been since a straight left in the first round. Dy lands a heavy body kick. We get time of the eye issue, the ref wants the doctor to check the eye. The doctor says he’s OK to fight and Dy wants to continue so we’re back to fighting. Dy backs against the fence, Caceres lands a few punches then a side kick to the body. Dy lands a bit of a body kick. Dy avoids a wheel kick, trips Caceres down and gets the back. Caceres stands and Dy is in the backpack position. Dy bails on the hooks to settle for a rear waist lock. Caceres spins into him and lands a few knees towards the head. They separate without incident. Dy lands a bit of a left hook and he eats a left in return. Caceres lands a jab. Dy is really struggling with the distance, and fighting with his right eye closed isn’t helping the depth issue. Caceres lands a left to the body. Dy lands a left hook then an inside leg kick. Dy lands another inside leg kick. Caceres lands a straight left and they clinch again. Dy spins Caceres into the fence. Caceres spins free and they disengage. Dy lands a straight right to the chin of Caceres. Dy lands a body kick. Left hook from Dy lands. Caceres lands a bit of a head kick then a left just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Caceres, 20-17 Caceres overall

ROUND THREE: The ref waves off the fight between rounds as Dy was fighting one eyed. That was all on the ref as the doctor said there was still vision in the eye but he wasn’t using it so the ref believed it was affected and wasn’t comfortable with it continuing.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Caceres via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 2

Not sure why they called that doctor stoppage as that was mostly the ref. Caceres gets some mic time. He says he feels good and he went back to the gym after his last fight and worked hard on fight long and being fast. He puts over Dy as tough and having a fighters heart. He says the fans can expect more of the same and he plans on bringing back some traditional martial arts going forward. Pretty gutsy call by the ref there to wave that off all things considered, I’m generally OK with it.

Cyril Asker is 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win over Dmitry Smolyakov, tonight he can get his first UFC winning streak up and running in the relatively shallow heavyweight division. Walt Harris is 2-2 in what is his second UFC run, he’s coming off of a win over Chase Sherman and if he wins here it’ll be his first ever UFC winning streak. Harris is a moderate -325 favorite against +250 for Asker.

Heavyweight Bout: Cyril Asker (7-2, 245 lbs.) vs. Walt Harris (9-5, 249 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Harris is five inches taller and has three inches of reach on him. Harris fighting southpaw. Harris lands a body kick. Asker circling a lot, trying to make Harris work mostly I think. Asker lands a right in close that wobbles Harris. Asker still circling, Harris now struggling a bit with the range. Harris lands a bit of a body kick then an inside leg kick. Harris lands a right then a left, Asker is down and Harris is in his guard now. Harris lands a couple of rights, Asker trying to tie him up. Harris lands a hard series of elbows until the ref finally saves Asker.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Walt Harris via TKO, elbows, at 1:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Harris for his work this evening. Those were some vicious elbows from the guard. Harris on the mic now. He says he feels amazing and believes this is the start of big things. He tells the fans to believe in themselves, he lost his first three UFC fights but never gave up and plans on getting gold in the near future. He puts over his coaches and appreciates the one on one time he got in this camp. He’ll fight whoever the UFC wants, calls himself a hired hitman, then says he needs a post fight bonus as his son is going to school just had to move after his prior house flooded and he really needs that bonus.

Takanori Gomi is an MMA legend, but his best days are pretty clearly behind him. Gomi has lost three in a row and been finished in all of them, he’s looking more to end on a high note here than possibly start a title run. Jon Tuck has been on the wrong end of tough decisions in his last couple of fights and is currently on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to break that streak and add the name of a legend to his resume. Gomi’s recent decline has given Tuck favorite status at -310 to a +240 payout for Gomi.

Lightweight Bout: Takanori Gomi (35-12 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Jon Tuck (9-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Tuck is four inches taller and has three inches of reach on Gomi. Touch of gloves to get us going. Tuck lands a front kick to the face. Tuck lands a front kick to the body, Gomi is hurt. Tuck swarms him, lands some rights from the ride position. Tuck tries to sit back for both hooks, Gomi tries to defend but Tuck is under the chin, squeezes and Gomi taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jon Tuck via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tuck for his work this evening. That body kick was well timed and basically ended the fight. Tuck gets an interview after that. He says fighting Gomi is an honor and puts over Gomi as a legend. He hopes to bring home a title to Guam, thanks his team and family for their support then thanks God. He expected Gomi to come out southpaw but was grateful to sneak in a liver shot but had to be careful to not leave himself open to counters because Gomi still hits very hard. He recounts being happy to get this fight and says this fight was a dream come true.

Here’s the finish, sadly does not include the glancing liver shot that set up the whole finishing sequence.

Well for whatever it’s worth that’s the end of the prelims, we’re still on Fight Pass for the main card though.

Tarec Saffiedine is on a two fight losing streak, the first of his professional career. Saffiedine needs a win here in a big way, he’s always been a respected fighter but never truly memorable or spectacular and a win here over the former lightweight champion could get people talking about him again. Rafael dos Anjos went on one of the best lightweight runs in recent memory taking him all the way to the title and one successful defense when he ran over Donald Cerrone. Unfortunately for him he’s lost his last two fights, a TKO loss to Eddie Alvarez as well as a clear cut decision to Tony Ferguson, he’s moving up to welterweight here and hoping to revitalize his career in the division. Despite the size discrepancy the odds are with the former champion dos Anjos at -260 while Saffiedine’s odds sit at +200.

Welterweight Bout: Rafael dos Anjos (25-9, 170 lbs.) vs. #11 Tarec Saffiedine (16-6, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saffiedine is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Dos Anjos fighting southpaw and we touch gloves. Saffiedine misses a head kick. Dos Anjos circling, trying to slowly pressure Saffiedine back. Dos Anjos lands a hard body kick. Saffiedine lands a hard inside leg kick. Saffiedine catches a body kick and takes dos Anjos down landing in half guard. Dos Anjos grabs a kimura, he can’t control the body though and can’t sweep before Saffiedine gets his arm free. Dos Anjos tries a sweep, Saffiedine is up and lands a knee then a short elbow in the clinch. They trade knees to the body while jockeying for position. Saffiedine lands a bit of an elbow as they break. Dos Anjos pushing forward now, lands a jab. Dos Anjos lands another body kick. They wind up clinched again and dos Anjos lands knees to the body then drops for a double leg and trips Saffiedine down. Saffiedine is perpendicular threatening an armbar, dos Anjos lands a left and gets his arm free. Dos Anjos basically in side control, he’s got a double wrist lock but Saffiedine is back up and they separate. Dos Anjos kicks the body again, Saffiedine lands an inside leg kick. Dos Anjos lands a hopping knee and they clinch again. They jockey for position again then break and dos Anjos lands a right to the body. Saffiedine lands a short right. Dos Anjos digs the body again and lands a right hook then they both miss as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 dos Anjos

ROUND TWO: Saffiedine opens southpaw this round. Dos Anjos lands a leg kick. Saffiedine lands an inside leg kick. Dos Anjos pushing forward, lands a body kick. Saffiedine lands a leg kick. Dos Anjos kicks the body again and they clinch up. Saffiedine has dos Anjos on the fence. Dos Anjos spins him and looks for a single leg, he elevates but Saffiedine stays balanced and avoids the takedown then they break. They both miss a few lead hand punches then clinch up yet again. Saffiedine after the single leg now against the fence, dos Anjos blocks that and they resume trading knees to the body. Dos Anjos snaps Saffiedine down, Saffiedine down to a knee and dos Anjos knees the shoulder. Saffiedine back up now but still clinched. Dos Anjos lands knees to the body while they spin a bit. Dos Anjos drops for a double leg, Saffiedine blocks and dos Anjos switches to a single, Saffiedine lands an elbow and breaks free. Saffiedine blocks a double leg, they clinch again and start jockeying for position. Dos Anjos lands a knee to the body. They break without incident. They trade some short punches in close, Saffiedine lands a leg kick. Saffiedine is breathing a little heavy, dos Anjos lands a body kick and some body shots. Saffiedine after a single leg against the fence, dos Anjos defending. Dos Anjos lands a right in the clinch. And the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 dos Anjos, 20-18 dos Anjos overall

ROUND THREE: Dos Anjos lands a body kick and is back in pressure mode. Dos Anjos lands a right to the body then a body kick. Dos Anjos lands a left, Saffiedine lands a right. Dos Anjos blocks a head kick. Saffiedine lands a short right hook, dos Anjos lands a leg kick. Saffiedine lands a leg kick and they trade some jabs. Dos Anjos lands a lunging right hook. Dos Anjos lands a leg kick. Saffiedine really struggling with the pressure of dos Anjos, he can’t find a rhythm. They clinch up and trade knees to the body before they hit the fence. Saffiedine winds up with his back on the cage, he lands an elbow as they break. Dos Anjos lands a solid leg kick. Dos Anjos lands a body kick, eats a bit of a counter left. Dos Anjos misses an uppercut and they clinch. They break without incident and Saffiedine lands a short combination. Dos Anjos lands a right to the body. They trade a bit in close and dos Anjos kicks the body again. Dos Anjos lands a leg kick. They clinch again, trade knees to the body and wind up on the fence. They spin a few times, Saffiedine looks for a double leg that dos Anjos defends. Dos Anjos circles free and lands a bit of a left. They trade a bit, dos Anjos lands a body kick then misses a high kick as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 dos Anjos, 30-27 dos Anjos overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

Saffiedine could have taken the first. Solid debut at welterweight for dos Anjos. Dos Anjos on the mic now, he gives glory to God then says he struggled a lot making lightweight and felt good tonight. He plans to stick around at welterweight and make it his new home. He thanks the fans and his team, gives love to his wife and children. He’s looking forward to being home after this one and spending time enjoying his family. He talks about training in Singapore for the last month or so and is grateful to have fought here. He plans on doing big things in the division.

Dong Hyun Kim has only lost to Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, and Tyron Woodley. He’s one of the more successful and unheralded welterweights in the UFC right now. Kim is currently riding a three fight winning streak and looking to defend his top ranking as well as possibly move into title contention with another win here. Colby Covington is riding a three fight winning streak as well, and looking to force his way into the top rankings of the division. This fight is big opportunity for him to prove he’s ready to be in the discussion of elite welterweights. Covington is the favorite here at -325 while +250 for Kim is a very tempting value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Colby Covington (11-1, 171 lbs.) vs. #7 Dong Hyun Kim (22-3-1 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kim is three inches taller and has four inches of reach on Covington. Kim fighting southpaw, as is Covington. Covington misses a high kick and slips but is back up. They clinch, Covington gets a bit of an ankle pick and Kim is sitting on the fence. Kim wall walks, Covington has a body lock though. Covington trying to ride Kim down, Kim remaining upright. Covington lands a bit of a knee to the body. Covington moves to the back, Kim just kind of hanging out. Kim trying to fish for a double wrist lock to break the grip but can’t quite get it. Covington gets a double leg, Kim sitting on the fence again. Covington holding the legs, Kim looking to wall walk. Kim back up and they’re still clinched. Covington lands an elbow then a knee to the body. Covington lands an elbow. Kim lands a knee to the body. Covington just misses a spinning elbow as they break. Kim walking forward now, lands a bit of a left. Kim lands a knee to the head, Covington dives on a double leg and gets Kim down on the fence again. Kim wall walks very quickly. Covington holds the clinch until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Covington

ROUND TWO: Covington’s right eye has some bruising under it after just a couple of punches from Kim. Covington lands a body kick then a leg kick. Kim walking forward, lands a left. Covington tries a double leg, Kim sprawls free and lands some body shots from the sprawl position. Covington trying to switch to a single leg from his knees, Kim landing punches, Covington shoots from his knees and winds up clinched. Covington hits a double leg against the fence, Kim looking to wall walk. Kim looking for a switch but Covington retains the position. Kim back up but Covington is holding the clinch. Covington to the back, Kim turns into him this time and they break. Kim lands a jab, Covington lands an overhand left that wobbles Kim. Covington trying to swarm and Kim is backing up. They clinch and Covington hits a knee tap along the cage. Kim again trying to wall walk. Kim back up, Covington holding the bear hug. Kim half hits a throw, can’t finish it but he does wind up on top while Covington is on his knees. Kim tries to lock up a d’arce but Covington shucks free and they’re up still clinched. Covington holding the rear waist lock as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Kim blocks a spinning back fist. Kim walking forward, lands a bit of a jab. Covington lands a jab. Covington lands a couple of leg kicks. They trade inside leg kicks. Covington’s striking is relatively poor, a better striker would be punishing his lack of head movement and looping punches. Covington lands a right hook. They clinch up again, Covington hits a knee tap and Kim winds up sitting on the fence. Kim back up, Covington holding a rear waist lock now. Kim gets a double wrist lock, bails on it as Covington tries to trip him down. Covington spins Kim into a sitting position again. Kim back up but he can’t get free to save his life. They wind up chest to chest, Kim keeps wrapping the head to no effect. Kim trips Covington down but Covington is to his knees quickly and holding a single leg attempt. Covington up, gets the body lock again and resumes hugging and stalling. Covinton drags this to the mat again, Kim wall walks again and time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Colby Covington via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27)

I don’t think he won any of those by a wide enough margin for a 10-8 but those were all clear Covington rounds. On the mic he says he’s the uncrowned king of the division and tells Dana White that he’s got a 32 inch waist and to customize the belt. He loudly calls for a title shot, he puts over Kim and the fans but says this is his time and no one is stopping him. He puts over American Top Team and says he and Masvidal are taking over the welterweight division, and again says he wants a title shot.

Andrei Arlovski (25-14 1 NC) is a former UFC heavyweight champion but has hit a serious skid recently. Arlovski has lost his last four fights and been finished in all of them, if he wants to keep his job and retain something of the luster he used to have as a fighter he can’t lose here, if he gets finished again one has to imagine his career might be ending sooner rather than later. Marcin Tybura (15-2) is 2-1 in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak that has landed him a top fifteen ranking. Tybura has a big opportunity here to take out a legend, move himself possibly into the top ten, and set up an even bigger fight his next time out. The odds are with Tybura here at -235 to +185 for Arlovski.

Heavyweight Bout: #8 Andrei Arlovski (25-14 1 NC, 243 lbs.) vs. #13 Marcin Tybura (15-2, 242 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Tybura has an inch of reach on Arlovski. Touch of gloves get us going. Tybura lands a weak leg kick. Circling, Arlovski lands a spinning back kick to the body. Tybura catches a kick and takes Arlovski down, landing in his guard. Arlovski ties up Tybura looking to stall things out. Tybura fighting to get his arms free, lands a few hammer fists before Arlovski ties him back up. Tybura lands a bit of a left. Tybura lands a short elbow. Tybura passes to half guard, then into full mount. Arlovski gives up his back, Tybura rides him back to full mount. Tybura postures up and lands some right hammer fists. Tybura lands a hard left elbow, then another. Arlovski gives up his back again, Tybura with some rights while Arlovski spins back and forth and Tybura floats over him landing blows. Tybura to the back again, Arlovski just covering up but doing so effectively. Arlovski finally able to spin and regain his feet. Arlovski fires a few punches, he flurries and then they clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tybura

ROUND TWO: And both fighters are kind of gassed after that round. Arlovski’s face is kind of lumped up as well. Arlovski lands a couple of rights. Arlovski gets the clinch and has Tybura on the fence. They’re just hanging out sucking wind. Arlovski thinks about a single leg, poor posture for it though. Arlovski lands a short right, and I’m shocked the ref hasn’t separated these two by now. They break and Arlovski lands a bit of a right. They clinch again, Arlovski tries a trip but Tybura nearly reverses so they clinch again. I’ve been awake for 22 hours by this point and this fight isn’t helping my cognitive functions. Arlovski lands a short right elbow. Tybura lands a knee to the body, normally I wouldn’t call that but I can’t just leave a bunch of empty space here. Seriously ref, break these two up they’re just holding on. Finally the ref breaks them up. They clinch briefly and Tybura lands a knee. Arlovski pushes into the clinch again and I die a little inside. Arlovski tries a single, fails, and they break then stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Arlovski, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Arlovski lands a leg kick. Tybura misses a left. They clinch up, Tybura lands an elbow as they hit the fence. Tybura after a single leg, Arlovski defending so far. Tybura bails on that attempt, and goes back to it. Tybura gets the single leg but Arlovski is sitting on the fence. Arlovski up, Tybura hits a double leg though and lands in guard. Tybura trying to work but he’s dead tired and Arlovski is trying to hold on for a stand up. Tybura passes to half guard, tries mount but he moved too fast and has to fight to retain half guard. Tybura lands a bit of a right. Arlovski to a hip but he’s dead tired and can’t wall walk. Arlovski to his knees, Tybura slides around to get the back with both hooks in. Arlovsky trying to turn in, Tybura just takes mount. Tybura lands an elbow. Arlovski to his knees and Tybura has his back. Arlovski tries to spin in again, he does get half guard this time. Tybura lands a few rights. Tybura lands a knee to the body. Tybura lands a few more weak rights and time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcin Tybura via unanimous decision (29-27, 28-27, 29-28)

I can’t even complain about the scoring. Tybura on the mic, sucking wind. He says Arlovski is an idol of his, notes that he punched himself out in the first and had to rally in the third. He was surprised that Arlovski survived the first but notes Arlovski’s fighting heart. Asked who he wants next he jokingly calls out Dan Hardy.

Holly Holm is a former bantamweight champion and one of the more accomplished women in combat sports history. Despite that she’s on a three fight losing streak, though in fairness I maintain she should have won her last fight when she lost a decision to Germain de Randamie, and a four fight losing streak could end her UFC run putting her in a must win situation. Bethe Correia is coming off of a draw that she was lucky to get, she’s got the biggest name in front of her since she got annihilated by Ronda Rousey and if she can win here she could prove that she’s still got something to offer. Holm is a huge -600 favorite against +400 on Correia.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #5 Holly Holm (10-3, 135 lbs.) vs. #11 Bethe Correia (10-2-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holm is three inches taller and has five inches of reach on Correia. Holm fighting southpaw, per usual. Circling to start, some feinting as well. Holm slowly backing Correia towards the fence. I’m not sure either woman has landed a blow yet. Holm lands a side kick to the body. Holm lands another side kick to the body. Holm lands a bit of a jab. Holm with another side kick to the body. Correia trying to suck Holm in close, she doesn’t want to get countered but she’s not good at this style. Holm lands a heavy body kick. Correia lands a left hook after eating a straight left. Holm stomps another side kick to the abdomen. Holm misses a head kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holm

ROUND TWO: Correia flashing the jab to start this round. Holm lands a side kick to the thigh. Holm lands a glancing side kick to the body. Holm just misses a left. Holm with a side kick to the thigh then one to the body. Correia misses a right then a left. Correia lands a bit of a right. Holm misses a high kick. Holm side kicks the body again. The crowd is getting restless, and the ref pauses the action to warn both of the combatants to actually fight. Correia lands a bit of a spinning back fist. Holm lands a leg kick. Correia starting to open up a bit now. Holm lands a body kick. Holm kicks the body again. They both miss superman punches. Correia pushes to the clinch and gets a rear waist lock. Nothing comes of it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-10, 20-19 Holm overall

ROUND THREE: And we’re basically where we were at the start of the other rounds. Holm lands a bit of a body kick. Holm lands a straight left. Correia tries to goad Holm forward, Holm wont bite. Holm lands a head kick, Correia is OUT COLD. One punch more as Correia landed on her seat and the ref let it through but that kick was all that was needed.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Holly Holm via KO, head kick, at 1:09 of Round 3

Holm set up that head kick rather well but showing a rear leg oblique kick that I don’t think she ever even landed but the set up with hips and legs are the same and Correia misread that one. Holm on the mic now, says this feels amazing. She said she knew Correia prefers messy fights and she wanted to fight clean and land a clean shot which she did. She thanks her coaches and family for all of their support even through her losing streak. She dedicates this fight to them for all of the work they’ve helped with. She talks us through the finish again, and jokes that her brothers always talk about shin to face so this was also for them. Asked what’s next she says she just wants to enjoy the moment of her first win in a while, thanks the fans and says she feels at home in Singapore despite being halfway around the world.

Here’s a still of the head kick, again she set up the question mark kick well by showing a different borderline irrelevant kick that Correia was reaching to catch and then boom, up to the face.

Alright, I found a clip of the finish. Again, shows that rear leg oblique kick set up, switch to head kick, done.

Alright everyone, I’ve been up for about 22 hours or so, closer to 23 really, so I’m out. Thanks for being here and reading along live if any of you were crazy enough to be up in the early a.m. hours or after the fact if you don’t have Fight Pass and wanted a recap. I’m always aware of just how many other options you have for this same service and am humbled that you choose my work. This Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time we’ll be reviewing this card on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, we’ll also preview Fight Night 112 for next Sunday. I’ll be back Saturday for, ugh, Bellator and then Sunday for Fight Night 112. I hope you’ll all come back for those events, until then thanks again for being here. Remember to stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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