411’s UFC Fight Night 80 Report 12.10.15

UFC Fight Pass Main Card
#3 Rose Namajunas (115.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Paige VanZant (115.5 lbs.)
#14 Jim Miller (155.5 lbs.) vs. Michael Chiesa (156 lbs.)
Sage Northcutt (155.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Pfister (156 lbs.)
Elias Theodorou (185 lbs.) vs. Thiago Santos (185 lbs.)

UFC Fight Pass Prelims
Tim Means (170 lbs.) vs. John Howard (170 lbs.)
Omari Akhmedov (170 lbs.) vs. Sergio Moraes (171 lbs.)
Antonio Carlos Junior (185 lbs.) vs. Kevin Casey (185 lbs.)
#5 Aljamain Sterling (135 lbs.) vs. #10 Johnny Eduardo (135 lbs.)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (170 lbs.) vs. Andreas Stahl (171 lbs.)
Danny Roberts (169.5 lbs.) vs. Nathan Coy (170 lbs.)
Zubaira Tukhugov (145 lbs.) vs. Phillipe Nover (145 lbs.)
Kailin Curran (115 lbs.) vs. Emily Kagan (115 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to the first of three consecutive nights of UFC action. I’m Robert Winfree and I’m going to do my best not to be burned out by the time UFC 194 comes around in a couple of days, plus I’ll be relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight’s card is a Fight Pass exclusive, so to all of you who don’t have it I thank you for choosing 411mania’s coverage and I hope I don’t let you all down. This isn’t a bad card to kick off a three day event with, the main event has title implications for the strawweight division as former title challenger Rose Namajunas takes on rising contender Paige VanZant and the co-main event has a fun and almost guaranteed to be bloody lightweight fight between Jim Miller and Michael Chiesa. This event comes to you all from The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada with Jon Anik and Brian Stann on commentary. Of note both this and tomorrow’s event will feature the smaller twenty five foot cage while UFC 194 will get the larger one.

Kailin Curran is 0-2 in the UFC, losing to Paige VanZant and Alex Chambers and really needs a win here if she wants to remain with the UFC because 0-3 usually means a pink slip. Emil Kagan lost her UFC debut in December of last year to Angela Hill and after a year layoff she looks to rebound with a win here and establish herself in the UFC.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Kailin Curran (3-2, 115 lbs.) vs. Emily Kagan (3-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kagan fighting southpaw, after a touch of gloves Kagan starts swinging, lands a good series of punches and gets Curran on the fence. Curran trying to get off the fence, Kagan tries a trip but Curran scrambles out of it. They clinch again and Curran gets a throw but Kagan immediately pushes her off and they wind up clinched again on the fence with Kagan holding Curran there. Kagan working some knees to the body, she seems much stronger than Curran. They scramble off the fence and Kagan has the clinch still, she’s looking for a double leg but Curran keeps her balance. Kagan tries another trip, Curran drops to a knee but is back up quickly. Curran is being smothered, while Kagan isn’t doing a ton of damage Curran isn’t doing anything offensive. Knees to the body being traded and they break. Curran lands a weak high kick but a good follow up left lands, then Kagan gets the clinch again. Kagan with more knees as she’s got Curran on the fence. They break then clinch again, Curran lands a knee to the body as Kagan gets the clinch. Kagan trips Curran down, lands in full guard. Curran tries for a triangle choke, she postures well and lands a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kagan

ROUND TWO: Kagan lands a left then catches a kick and pushes Curran into the fence again. Curran able to spin out quickly this time and lefts are traded. Kagan lands a high kick then a couple of lefts and they clinch again. Curran as Kagan on the fence this time, lands a good knee to the body. Curran lands a knee to the head then they separate. Kagan wading forward and throwing punches but technique has gone out the window for her. Kagan lands a couple of leg kicks. Kagan throwing a ton of strikes to keep Curran from getting her game going. Kagan lands a left and they clinch again. Kagan can’t keep Curran on the fence this time and they break. Curran lands a good right, Kagan responds with a left. Kagan working front kicks to the body. They clinch again, Kagan lands a right as they break. Curran is getting out worked, she seems a little frozen when it comes to getting her offense off. Kagan gets the clinch on the fence again, works for a trip but Curran reverses it and lands on top in half guard. Kagan to her knees, Curran gets the back with both hooks, Kagan trying to shake her off but Curran gets an arm under the neck and Kagan has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kailin Curran via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:13 of Round 2

Curran is very emotional, that’s her first UFC win, and she gets some mic time. She says it doesn’t feel real yet, her coach told her she only got to cry twice tonight and one was backstage the other after the win. She walks us through the finish to close out the interview.

Phillipe Nover is in his second UFC stint, he went 0-3 the first time, and is coming off of a Clucky decision win over Yui Chul Nam. Nover is after his second straight UFC win, he’s got a four fight winning streak overall and a win here would be his second ever in the UFC and move him up the featherweight ranks. Zubaira Tuhkugov is riding an eight fight winning streak including going 2-0 in the UFC, and while he hasn’t fought in over a year a win over Nover would certainly move him up in competition.

Featherweight Bout: Zubaira Tukhugov (17-3, 145 lbs.) vs. Phillipe Nover (11-5-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nover has four inches of reach on Tukhugov. Touch of gloves to get us going. Nover misses a switch kick quickly, Nover circling looking for an angle. Nover southpaw now. Tukhugov blocks a high kick, Nover switching stances. Tukhugov lands a jab, just misses a right. Nover doing a lot of circling, Tukhugov just misses a right. Nover blocks a high kick. These guys are taking their sweet time getting going. Tukhugov lands a bit of a right, he’s starting to press the action now. Nover lands a body kick and Tukhugov just misses a couple of counters. Tukhugov lands a right hand. Tukhugov lands a spinning back kick. Nover lands a body kick but Tukhugov catches it and sweeps the leg. Nover back up but Tukhugov lands a right as he does. Tukhugov misses a spinning back fist. Tukhugov wades forward and lands a left hook. Nover doing a lot of circling as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tukhugov

ROUND TWO: Well that was a sedate first round, let’s see if the second picks up in terms of action. Touch of gloves to get us going. Tukhugov using some lead leg kicks early, lands a side kick to the body. Nover lands a body kick. Tukhugov blocks a takedown and lands a left hook that wobbles Nover a bit. Nover looking more hesitant now, Tukhugov moving forward but he’s still having a hard time with the distance. Nover lands a hard body kick but Tukhugov lands a couple of counter rights. Tukhugov lands a glancing wheel kick but Nover avoided most of it. Tukhugov lands a right that wobbles Nover, he follows up and Nover flops to his back to avoid the flurry. Tukhugov lands a right then makes Nover stand up. Nover seems to have his legs back under him now, lands a body kick. Tukhugov lands a left hook, which is the last strike landed of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Nover misses a couple of high kicks to start us going. Nover lands a body kick but eats a counter left hook from Tukhugov. Tukhugov lands a right to the body, he’s pressuring Nover. Nover lands a body kick that’s caught but Tukhugov and TUkhugov gets a takedown. That actually landed to Tukhugov’s face as Tukhugov was ducking down, he just ate it. Tukhugov lands a couple of short punches before Nove scrambles back to his feet. Nover lands another body kick, he’s circling a lot this round. Tukhugov lands a hard body kick. Nover lands a body kick, Tukhugov lands a counter left. Tukhugov catches a kick and lands a left hook. Nover shoots a double leg, stalls out on the fence with Nover holding Tukhugov there. Tukhugov spins out of the clinch. Nover lands another body kick. Tukhugov lands a right then left. Tukhugov lands a bit of a left. Tukhugov blocks a body kick as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nover, 29-28 Tukhugov overall

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

I can see Tukhugov getting round 3, don’t know which two rounds you’d give to Nover though. No interview for Tukhugov.

Nathan Coy is making his UFC debut here but has spent his last three fights in Bellator and is 6-1 in his last seven fights, while he’s coming off of a loss a big win in his UFC debut would be a great way to rebound from that loss. Danny Roberts is making his UFC debut as well but is riding a five fight winning streak and has been training with the Blackzilians to compliment his professional boxing experience and looks for a big win here as you only get one chance at a first impression.

Welterweight Bout: Danny Roberts (11-1, 169.5 lbs.) vs. Nathan Coy (14-5, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberts has three inches of height and four and a half inches of reach. Touch of gloves to get us going. Both men are southpaws. Coy lands a low leg kick, Roberts lands a leg kick. Both guys are throwing but missing so far. They clinch, Roberts lands some knees to the body before they break. Coy lands a bit of a right. Coy lands a jab. Roberts lands a leg kick. Coy lands a left then a couple of jabs. Roberts lands a switch kick to the body but Coy takes him down and lands in the guard of Roberts. Coy lands a couple of lefts. Roberts grabs a triangle choke, transitions to an armbar, back to a triangle choke and Coy goes out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danny Roberts via Technical Submission, triangle choke, at 2:46 of Round 1

Roberts gets an interview, he says he would have liked more time to get relaxed on his feet because he feels more dynamic since he’s moved to the Blackzilians but he’s happy to get a finish. He says that in the scrambles on the mat he was planning to get up but since Coy was leaving his arms out there he knew he could get his legs in position then just started squeezing for all he was worth. He thanks his fans and coaches to close out the interview.

Santiago Ponzinibbio is 2-2 in the UFC, while coming off of a loss to Lorenz Larkin he needs a rebound win here to start moving back up the welterweight ranks. Andreas Stahl is coming off of a loss to Gilbert Burns in his UFC debut, he’s also been out for about eighteen months and needs to get back on the winning side of things here especially after such a long layoff and a win over Ponzinibbio would get his career back on track.

Welterweight Bout: Santiago Ponzinibbio (20-3, 170 lbs.) vs. Andreas Stahl (9-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get us going. Stahl lands an inside leg kick but Ponzinibbio is the one pressing forward. Stahl shoots a single leg, switches to a double leg and gets Ponzinibbio down for a moment but Ponzinibbio back up. Ponzinibbio lands a jab and leg kick. Ponzinibbio looking to tee off against the fence, Stahl is backing up along the fence. Stahl ducks a right and takes Ponzinibbio down again. Ponzinibbio scoots to the fence and regains his feet. Ponzinibbio lands a leg kick, he’s really working Stahl over against the fence. Stahl keeping a high guard with his hands, Ponzinibbio just patiently trying to break him down with punches. Stahl eats a couple of jabs. Ponzinibbio lands a jab to the body. Leg kick lands for Ponzinibbio. Ponzinibbio lands four punches and a leg kick. Stahl just has nothing right now, Ponzinibbio is backing him up and landing against the fence. Ponzinibbio lands a leg kick, his jab is working well. Monster straight right from Ponzinibbio floors Stahl and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Staniago Ponzinibbio via TKO, punches, at 4:25 of Round 1

Ponzinibbio gets some mic time. He tries English first, explaining he’s going to speak Spanish for his Argentine fans. He says he fights hard for Argentina which is his home country but he also loves Brazil. He goes back to trying his English, thanks American Top Team, then a couple of his sponsors and the UFC for the chance to fight in Vegas. He closes out by saying he’s ready for his next fight, then thanking the UFC brass.

Aljamain Sterling is riding a big wave of momentum, he’s unbeaten as a professional fighter and moving up the wide open bantamweight ranks. While much of the hype about the future of the division centers around Thomas Almeida, Aljamain Sterling has been impressing lately and coming off of a submission win over Takeya Mizugaki, another win here would move him to 4-0 in the UFC and position him well for either a title shot or at least a title eliminator next year. Johnny Eduardo hasn’t fought since May of last year (nearly 20 months ago) when he knocked out Eddie Wineland, but a return win over the highly touted Sterling would move Eduardo up the ranks and give him a three fight winning streak in the UFC.

Bantamweight Bout: #5 Aljamain Sterling (11-0, 135 lbs.) vs. #10 Johnny Eduardo (27-9, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: The only real difference is in age, Eduardo is eleven years older than Sterling but height and reach are identical. Touch of gloves get things going. Sterling will switch his stance frequently, misses a spinning kick. Eduardo lands a leg kick. Eduardo walking Sterling down, doing a good job of cutting off the cage. Sterling lands a body kick. Eduardo lands a hard inside leg kick. Sterling misses a couple of kicks. Sterling catches a kick and takes Eduardo down. Sterling lands in half guard. Eduardo trying to wall walk but Sterling is keeping him down and working some short punches. Sterling lands an elbow. Sterling postures up and lands some lefts to the body then a right to the head. Sterling with another short left. Eduardo back to his feet as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves to start the second round. Sterling lands an inside leg kick. Sterling keeping Eduardo at bay with kicks, they’re missing but he’s keeping distance. Eduardo lands a hard inside leg kick. Sterling doing a lot of circling, he’s just looking for his openings and Eduardo isn’t doing anything to pressure him out of that strategy. Sterling blocks a high kick. Eduardo lands a bit of a right and a leg kick. Sterling working front kicks to the body now. Sterling shoots a low single leg and slings Eduardo down then lands in his guard. Sterling lands a couple of short left elbows. Right elbow then punch from Sterling. Sterling starting to tee off from top position with elbows. Sterling lands some rights to the body. Sterling grabs a guillotine as Edaurdo moved to his knees, Sterling doesn’t go to his guard he pushes Eduardo over with it and lands in mount to force the tap from Eduardo.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aljamain Sterling via Submission, guillotine choke, at 4:18 of Round 2

Sterling gets an interview now. He says he’s going to pull Mayweather out of retirement because he wants a big money check for him and his team. Asked about Eduardo he says he knew Eduardo was tough and had hard kicks but he’s got the best team in the world and he’s been working hard every single day then says that Chris Weidman will retain on Saturday. He walks us through the finish, saying that Matt Serra is a big believer in chokes and he’s happy to grab them then jokes that he’s the human anaconda.

Antonio Carlos Junior won TUF Brazil 3 as a heavyweight, this is his second fight at middleweight and his only professional loss is to Patrick Cummins at light heavyweight. He made a successful middleweight debut when he beat Eddie Gordon and tonight looks for his second consecutive win in his new weight class. Kevin Casey is looking for his second UFC win, he’s coming off of a win over Ildemar Alcantara and had a win over Bubba Bush overturned after he failed a drug test, a win over the up and coming Junior would move him closer to the official rankings in a shark infested middleweight division.

Middleweight Bout: Antonio Carlos Junior (5-1, 185 lbs.) vs. Kevin Casey (9-3 1 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Junior has three inches of height and two and a half of reach on Casey. Casey fighting southpaw, they touch gloves. They clash, Junior landed a couple of punches but we get time because Junior landed an eye poke. Casey has some time to recover, they bring in the doctor and Casey can’t see at all so the fight is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, accidental eye poke, at :11 of Round 1

Casey actually has some blood leaking out of his left eye. That’s unfortunate, but if you can’t see you can’t fight and I hope Casey isn’t seriously injured.

Omari Akhmedov is 3-1 in the UFC and riding a two fight winning streak, he got a stoppage win over Brian Ebersole last time and looks to get his third in a row tonight and start capitalizing on some of the promise he’s shown as a fighter. Sergio Moraes is also 3-1 in the UFC, riding a three fight winning streak including a win over Neil Magny in 2013 and getting four in a row in the welterweight division would move him up in competition next year.

Welterweight Bout: Omari Akhmedov (15-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Sergio Moraes (9-2, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get things going. Akhmedov lands a hard leg kick. Akhmedov lands a spinning back fist. Lots of probing with feints from both men. Moraes tries a jumping knee that’s partially blocked. Akhmedov moving forward now, they clinch then break. Akhmedov lands a leg kick. Moraes lands a overhand right. Akhmedov lands an uppercut, Moraes lands a left hook. Akhmedov hits another leg kick. Moraes being very inactive here, Akhmedov is winning these exchanges and lands another overhand right. Switch kick to the body from Akhmedov lands. Akhmedov lands a wicked counter right hook that drops Moraes. Akhmedov standing, lands a right then a couple of leg kicks while Moraes hangs out on his back. Few more leg kicks from Akhmedov before he makes Moraes get up. Moraes bleeding from the right eye. Moraes tries a takedown, Akhmedov defends and Moraes lands a bit of an elbow as they separate. They trade jabs as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Akhmedov

ROUND TWO: The cut around the eye of Moraes isn’t bad, not even bleeding that much. They touch gloves for the second round. Hard switch kick to the body from Akhmedov. Moraes wings a right that lands but Akhmedov lands a counter uppercut. Stiff left lands for Akhmedov. Akhmedov dodges a flying knee and just misses a left hook. Akhmedov lands the left kick to the body again. Moraes just misses a right hand, Akhmedov lands a jab and a leg kick. Akhmedov avoids a right hand, lands a bit of a right counter. Left body kick again from Akhmedov. Akhmedov gets a double leg on Moraes, Moraes tries to set up a guillotine but he’s got no body control and Akhmedov just rides out the round with Moraes squeezing his head.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Akhmedov misses a wild right. Moraes lands a jab. They trade in close, both men landed. Moraes lands a left. Akhmedov lands a right to the body then avoids a takedown from Moraes. Akhmedov lands another body kick, Moraes is a little hurt by those if his reaction is any indicator. Akhmedov working the jab now. Moraes lands a right that wobbles Akhmedov, a flurry from Moraes drops Akhmedov and the ref stops this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sergio Moraes via TKO, punches, at 2:18 of Round 3

Moraes gets some mic time. He says this is his first knockout and thanks his team for getting him to a place where he could get it. Asked about basically abandoning the takedown attempts he thanks his coaches who have told him to believe in his hands, he says that he’s been through a lot in life and dedicates the win to his daughter.

Tim Means is 4-1 in his last five but is coming off of a loss to Matt Brown and needs an impressive win tonight to get back on track to move up the ranks of the division. John Howard just broke a three fight losing streak with a split decision win over Cathal Pendred and really needs a win to begin finding some of the UFC consistency that he’s been lacking to this point.

Welterweight Bout: Tim Means (24-7-1, 170 lbs.) vs. John Howard (23-11, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Means is seven inches taller than Howard with six inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves, Means fighting southpaw. Means moving forward, lands a wicked straight left then tries a flying knee, Howard catches him but Means has his arms over the top of the fence and they break. Howard lands a couple of leg kicks, Means lands one of his own. Howard lands an overhand right. Means lands a hard right to the body. Means looking to out volume Howard, he’s walking forward and lands another couple of straight lefts. Means has a feel for the range and Howard doesn’t yet. Howard lands a body to head combination in close, Means returns it. Howard lands a left, they clinch and Means lands a knee to the head but Howard lands a couple of outside hooks before they break. Means lands another one two combination, he’s also checking the inside leg kick from Howard. Means lands a left elbow. Howard lands an inside leg kick, Means lands a left. Howard shoots a double leg, gets Means down against the fence but Means immediately working to get up. Howard just holding him, Means back to his feet. Howard hits a body lock takedown but Means again back up and this time separates. Means lands a knee to the body. Howard’s right eye is swelling from the lefts of Means. Means lands a right to the body. Means lands a glancing head kick, Howard gets the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Means

ROUND TWO: Means flashing the jab early in the second, lands an outside leg kick. Means lands a right to the body then a sweet short left hook right to the jaw that separates Howard from his consciousness. He was out before he hit the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tim Means via KO, punch, at :21 of Round 2

That was a beautiful hook. Means gets some mic time, he puts over his striking his coach for the hooks then the rest of his coaches for getting his overall game ready. He says he’s been working with hooks off the back hand and finally threw one and Howard was done. He puts over Howard as a monster who’s fought anyone and everyone in the division, then tells the crowd they need to get louder. Asked who he’d like next, he says he’ll take on anyone he’s lost too but will fight anyone that the UFC wants him too.

That wraps up the prelims, though we’re still on Fight Pass for the main card.

Elias Theodorou has a three fight winning streak in the UFC to go with being unbeaten as a professional, he’s looking to end 2015 with an impressive showing to set up a big 2016 and a win here would certainly move him closer to being ranked. Thiago Santos is 3-2 in the UFC and riding a two fight winning streak, he was last seen knocking out Steve Bosse with a wicked head kick and a win over the unbeaten prospect Theodorou would vault Santos from the rank and file of the division to someone that people take notice of.

Middleweight Bout: Elias Theodorou (11-0, 185 lbs.) vs. Thiago Santos (11-3, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Theodorou misses a couple of high kicks early. Santos lands an inside leg kick. Santos switches to southpaw. Theodorou throwing a lot, he’s missing but he’s keeping Santos out of his rhythm. Santos lands an inside leg kick, Theodorou returns it. Theodorou lands a leg kick. Theodorou lands a body kick, then another one. Theodorou southpaw now, Santos orthodox, both guys seem happy to fight from either stance. Theodorou lands a leg kick then a body kick. Theodorou working some body kicks now. Santos really having a hard time getting into a rhythm, Theodorou is out working him. Theodorou lands an inside leg kick, Santos lands a spinning heel kick to the body. Santos misses a left, Theodorou keeps him at bay with a front kick. Santos lands a couple of leg kicks. Theodorou lands a weak right but gets the clinch off of it. Theodorou lands an uppercut as they break. Theodorou misses a few more kicks before the round expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Theodorou

ROUND TWO: They come out kicking again to start the second. Theodorou lands another body kick. Santos lands an inside leg kick. They fight in close but Santos lands an elbow then grabs the fence to avoid a takedown but Theodorou keeps with it and hits the double leg. Santos quickly scoots to the fence and starts wall walking, Theodorou lands a knee to the face as he does and keeps him on the fence. Theodorou drops for a single leg, Santos with some hard elbows gets him to bail and just settle into the clinch. Santos lands a knee to the body. Theodorou keeps him in the clinch and looks for another takedown but Santos seems to have it defended. Santos with some elbows to the head to break the attempt. Santos lands a knee to the body and the ref separates them. Theodorou lands a body kick. Santos lands some body shots as Theodorou clinches him, Santos is starting to unload on him despite Theodorou putting him on the fence. Santos spins off of the fence and they break. Santos clinches now, Theodorou gets an arm around the neck but Santos takes him down anyway. Theodorou to his knees, Santos lands a knee to the body. Theodorou back to his feet then takes Santos down. Santos back up and the round ends with Theodorou trying to drag Santos back to the mat.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Theodorou lands a body kick to start the third round. Santos misses a couple of kicks, lands a few punches and they clinch. Theodorou has Santos on the fence, looking for a single let takedown but Santos is keeping his balance and working body punches. Theodorou bails on the takedown, now just holding Santos on the fence. Theodorou drops for another takedown but Santos is defending those and the ref separates them. Santos avoids a takedown and lands a knee to the head of Theodorou. Theodorou goes for another takedown that stalls out on the fence, Santos with some elbows to the head, one of them opened up Theodorou. The ref breaks them to check the cut on Theodorou. That’s a wicked cut but it’s well above the eyebrow and the doc says he’s fine so we restart in the clinch. Santos spins Theodorou, lands a knee to the body. Theodorou spins Santos and starts looking for a takedown that Santos avoids. Snatos with some elbows, now a knee to the head. Theodorou is hurt and Santos lands some elbows in close then they break. Santos lands a high kick, Theodorou somehow eats it and gets the clinch. Santos with some more elbows as Theodorou looks for a takedown. Theodorou drops for a fireman’s carry, both men roll through and Santos starts landing hard knees to the body. Theodorou seems to have no backup plan since the takedowns aren’t working and Santos is working him over. They break, Theodorou got poked in the eye so we get time. Theodorou is good to continue and Theodorou shoots but is stuffed and Santos lands a couple of knees to the head and a straight left. Santos with a couple of hard left kicks to the body and they clinch again. Round ends in the clinch.

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

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

I can see a 10-8 for Santos in round 3, impressive win for Santos who now gets an interview. He says he knew Theodorou would be a tough opponent with his grappling and cardio but he hopes the crowd enjoyed the fight. Asked about Theodorou working kicks early and if it threw him off he says he knew it would happen because Theodorou would try to keep him off balance then try to wrestle him but he was prepared. He thanks his home town and his team and family to close out the interview.

Sage Northcutt is unbeaten as a professional fighter including an impressive UFC debut when he crushed Francisco Trevino in the first round, he’s got a lot of hype behind him based off of that performance and is just nineteen years old, a win over the tough experienced Pfister would help validate the hype and show he’s not just a flash in the pan moving on in his career. Cody Pfister is 1-1 in the UFC but is 5-1 in his last six fights and a win over the touted prospect Northcutt would move him from just another lightweight fighter to someone with a bit of a spotlight on him.

Lightweight Bout: Sage Northcutt (6-0, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Pfister (12-4-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves and Pfister is out quickly, lands a right and gets a takedown against the fence. Northcutt gets to full guard and Pfister rotates him away from the fence. Pfister trying to posture up, Northcutt is tying him up well. Pfister passes to half guard and lands a short couple of elbows. Northcutt gets his guard back, Pfister lands some lefts to the body. Pfister lands a couple of short blows and passes to half guard again. Pfister with some more short lefts. Northcutt back to full guard and Pfister lands an elbow. Northcutt not doing much to get up off of his back. Pfister lands some more short blows and the ref stands them up, I disagree with that. Northcutt grabs a double leg and lands in the half guard of Pfister. Northcutt lands a bit of an elbow. Northcutt with a couple of elbows. Northcutt going for an arm tirangle choke now, and passes to mount with it. Pfister gets half guard to release the pressure, Northcutt bails on the choke and lands an elbow. Northcutt stands and lands a quick flurry as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Northcutt

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Pfister lands a left, Northcutt gets a takedown, they scramble and Pfister gets to his knees. Pfister gets a takedown into a guillotine from Northcutt, Northcutt has a squeeze going and Pfister has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sage Northcutt via Submission, guillotine choke, at :41 of Round 2

Interview time for Northcutt, he thanks Mr. White and Mr. Fertitta for the chance to fight in the UFC and plans to make the most of it. He says he loves Fight Pass and is happy to fight on that service, company kid right there. He says he knew Pfister would take him down but he worked on getting the guillotine and did in the second round. Asked when he’d like to fight again he says one month or two, he feels ready right now.

Jim Miller just broke a two fight losing streak by beating Danny Castillo, but is a long time veteran of the UFC and if he wants to defend his top fifteen spot tonight and prove that he’s not over the hill even though he’s over thirty a win over the tough wrestler Chiesa is a must for him. Michael Chiesa is 3-2 in the UFC, his last loss was to Joe Lauzon and that was due to a cut the fight itself was very close, and a win over the veteran Miller would move Chiesa towards a top ranking.

Lightweight Bout: #14 Jim Miller (25-6 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Michael Chiesa (12-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chiesa has five inches of height and four and a half of reach on Miller. Both men fighting southpaw and they touch gloves to start things off. Miller working the jab, Chiesa working hooks early. Miller lands a good counter left. Miller lands a jab and a body kick. They trade lefts and clinch, Chiesa gets a body lock takedown into half guard. Chiesa lands a left then a couple of elbows. Chiesa stands then comes back down into the half guard. Miller tries to roll for a kneebar, Chiesa rolls but Miller gets on top. Chiesa tries a triangle that Miller avoids without much problem and Chiesa closes his full guard. Chiesa tries another triangle, Miller keeps his posture then tries to get the back as Chiesa rolled to his kneees. Miller has the body lock on now, fully has the back. Miller with some lefts, Chiesa keeping his hands high to keep Miller from being able to get the choke in. Chiesa doing a good job of hand fighting, Miller lands some body shots. Round ends with Miller on Chiesa’s back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Miller circling, lands a bit of a left. Miller lands another left, then a body punch after Chiesa lands a body kick. Chiesa grabs a single leg then trips Miller down. Miller has full guard now, Chiesa lands a left elbow. Chiesa lands a hammer fist, Miller lands an elbow from the bottom. Miller to rubber guard, looking to tie up Chiesa. Chiesa lands a left, Miller tries to roll for a kneebar but Chiesa grabs the fence and gets his posture right. Chiesa is bleeding, that elbow from Miller opened up up by the hair line. Chiesa in half guard, Miller goes for another kneebar, this one is tight and Chiesa has to roll through to avoid. Chiesa into mount and working punches. Miller gives up the back, Chiesa is under the neck and Miller has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Chiesa via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:57 of Round 2

Interview time for Chiesa. He says he’s in the top fifteen now and plans to be in the top five by the end of 2016 and working for a title fight by the end of that year. He says he knew Miller has great first rounds so he just had to stay patient in the first round and feels he gets better as the fight goes on. He says he’ll fight anyone ranked above him and he wont take a backwards step, he specifically says he’d be happy to fight Beneil Dariush next but anyone ranked above him will do.

Rose Namajunas is 1-1 in the UFC but her loss was for the inaugural strawweight title when she lost to Carla Esparza but despite her only win being over Angela Hill she’s still ranked highly based on her time on The Ultimate Fighter contending for the title, if she wants to get back to the title she needs a win here over the surging Paige VanZant and set herself up for a title opportunity in 2016. Paige VanZant is 3-0 in the UFC and a win over the top ranked Namajunas would position her very well for a title opportunity next year. While Claudia Gadelha is likely the next contender for Joanna Jedrzejczyk the winner here should fight for the belt at some point next year.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: #3 Rose Namajunas (3-2, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Paige VanZant (6-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: VanZant circling early, Namajunas flashing the jab. VanZant lands a leg kick, Namajunas lands a one two. Namajunas lands a right hand. They clinch, Namajunas gets VanZant on the fence then takes her down, landing in half guard. VanZant to full guard, Namajunas passes to north/south position. Namajunas with some elbows, VanZant flips to her feet and she’s cut on her right cheek. Namajunas lands a jab. Namajunas lands a straight right. VanZant lands a leg kick and Namajunas lands a counter right. Stiff jab lands for Namajunas. They clinch again, VanZant tries a sloppy head and arm throw and Namajunas basically has her back now. Namajunas to full mount as VanZant rolls, now Namajunas has the back and is looking for the choke. VanZant breaks the grip and is holding one hand, Namajunas moves to the ride position, VanZant back up and they’re clinched. Namajunas with a knee to the body then trips VanZant down again. Namajunas stands and lands a leg kick. Namajunas lands a left as she goes back into the guard of VanZant. Namajunas lands a left, VanZant’s face is pretty bloody from that cut on her cheek. Namajunas with some lefts and a couple of elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas, borderline 10-8

ROUND TWO: VanZant circling again, Namajunas walking her down. VanZant walks forward and eats a one two from Namajunas. They clinch, Namajunas has VanZant on the fence. Namajunas with a body lock takedown and lands in side control. Namajunas looking to mount now, VanZant gives up her back. VanZant quickly hip escapes but Namajunas in side control again. VanZant to half guard now. VanZant to full guard and Namajunas stands then passes to half guard. VanZant to her knees then back up against the fence, Namajunas lands a knee to the head then one to the body while keeping VanZant on the fence. VanZant muscles a takedown and Namajunas reverses her to land again in side control. Namajunas gets the back without hooks as VanZant rolls to her knees. VanZant back to her feet, Namajunas tries a throw but VanZant avoids it and they break. They clinch, VanZant tries to pull for a roll, can’t get the sweep and just winds up in her half guard. VanZant just holding on, Namajunas content to ride out the last bit of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: VanZant tries a jumping kick that winds up in the clinch. Namajunas hits a body lock takedown from the clinch and lands in half guard. Namajunas with some knees to the body then stands, VanZant tries to grab a leg and starts working to get Namajuans down. They wind up on their feet. VanZant moving forward, lands a knee. Namajunas lands a couple of punches then ducks a spinning back fist and has the clinch then they break. Namajunas lands a leg kick. Namajunas lands an overhand right. VanZant lands a leg kick. They clinch again, VanZant with a knee to the body and Namajunas gets her on the fence. Namajunas with another takedown this time into half guard. VanZant really has nothing technically for Namajunas, Namajunas lands a couple of rights and looks to take the back as VanZant turtles up. VanZant back up, Namajunas jumps to her back and goes for the choke. VanZant hand fighting but Namajunas is under the chin going for the choke. VanZant breaks the choke, Namajunas lands some elbows as VanZant gets back to her feet and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajuans, another borderline 10-8, 30-27 Namajunas overall

ROUND FOUR: VanZant misses kick early and Namajunas gets yet another body lock takedown. VanZant desperately needs a finish here, Namajunas goes to VanZant’s full guard. VanZant lands a left from her back, Namajunas lands a right. Namajunas looking to spin for an armbar, she steps over and extends the arm. VanZant keeping her arm from being contorted and spins to her knees. Namajuans lands some elbows to the body, VanZant trying to hold a leg from the turtle position and Namajunas has the back again without hooks. VanZant back to her feet, still in the clinch. VanZant tries to roll forward but she had nothing, Namajunas has the armbar again this time VanZant’s elbow goes backwards but she spins out and winds up on top. How VanZant didn’t tap there I’ll never know. Namajunas uses an omoplata threat to get to top while VanZant is on her knees. Namajunas has the back again looking for the choke. VanZant rolls to her knees, Namajunas just flowing like water to maintain top position and beat up VanZant. VanZant back up but she can’t get free. Namajunas holding VanZant on the fence. They separate and Namajunas lands a front kick to the body. They clinch and Namajunas gets another trip takedown to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Namajunas, 40-35 Namajunas overall

ROUND FIVE: VanZant desperately needs a finish now. VanZant lands a couple of kicks but one is caught and Namajunas gets yet another takedown. Namajunas in the half guard now, looking to pass. Namajunas with some short elbows, she tries to get the back but VanZant blocks it. Namajunas has the back while VanZant turtles up, VanZant stands and Namajunas gets another rear naked choke as she does and finally VanZant can’t escape and just tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rose Namajunas via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:25 of Round 5

That was utterly one sided for Namajunas, I’m shocked at VanZant’s lack of technical improvement. Namajunas says she just wants to pet her dog after the win. She says that she felt armbars would be there all night but she knew not to be discouraged if VanZant could deal with them and escape. She says she’s a finisher and is frustrated when she can’t get it quickly but she kept calm and composed. Asked what she wants next she says she has no preference but wants some time to heal up.

Well one down two to go. I’ll be back tomorrow night for the finale of TUF 22, then Saturday for UFC 194. I hope you will all come back for both of those, and thank you for being here tonight. Until next time keep checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.