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411’s UFC on Fox 27 Report 1.27.18

January 27, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on FOX 27: Souza vs. Brunson. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, calling the action for all of you just as I see it. Before going any further I have to beg your indulgence for a quick moment or two. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I hate this time of year, one of the reasons is my insomnia tends to act up and I was hit with a lovely bout last night and didn’t actually fall asleep until something like 6 am my time. So my apologies in advance for typos, transposing of names, or a general lack of clarity that might pervade this. If you notice anything like that please leave a comment and I will try to fix it as quickly as possible.

If you feel like leaving a comment, I’m curious as to everyone’s thoughts on the announced heavyweight title fight between champion Stipe Miocic and light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and the decision to have them coach the upcoming season of TUF, as well as the general trend at the moment of trying desperately to book champion vs. champion bouts. I have my own thoughts which will be shared either on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show or in written format in the near future, but am always curious as to how you all feel about these things.

Also I’m setting the over/under in terms of fights starting before the “woo-ing” begins at 2, and am hoping I’m wrong.

With all of that out of the way, UFC on FOX 27 isn’t a really good card. In fact it would be a slightly below average Fight Night airing on Fox Sports 1, or a half way decent Fight Pass exclusive event. Nevertheless, the main event is a relevant middleweight fight between top contenders Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Derek Brunson. Both men have proven themselves as elite level fighters and are looking for position in the title picture, assuming it gains clarity and that Robert Whittaker recovers from his current issues. The next best fights exist on the prelims, Mirsad Bektic is trying to bounce back from his first ever loss and Bobby Green battles Erik Koch in a fight that would have been awesome five years ago.

As for the rules in use tonight the North Carolina Boxing Authority has no adopted the new rules, but we will have limited use of replay though if a referee invokes replay the fight cannot be restarted. UFC on FOX 27 comes to the world from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA with Jon Anik and Dominick Cruz on commentary.

Austin Arnett just had a thirteen fight winning streak snapped when he lost on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, but apparently did enough to earn a shot in the UFC proper anyway and tonight has the chance to make a good first impression. Cory Sandhagen is on a two fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut, and he’s also looking to make a good first impression to the audience. The odds are with Sandhagen at -210 to a +170 comeback on Arnett.

Featherweight Bout: Austin Arnett (15-3, 146 lbs.) vs. Cory Sandhagen (7-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Arnett is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Sandhagen. We get a touch of gloves to start things off. Leg kick early from Sandhagen, he’s moving a lot and feinting in looping punches while Arnett is showing straighter punches. Sanndhagen lands a jab but they wind up clinched and Arnett is after a takedown against the fence. They break without incident and then Arnett lands a bit of a left. Another leg kick from Sandhagen, this guy clearly studied Dominick Cruz in terms of his movement and offense. Hard left to the body from Sandhagen, he’s starting to really get to Arnett. A few more body shots from Sandhagen and a jab as well. Arnett pushes forward and eats a knee after landing a couple of jabs. Sandhagen gets a blast single leg and lands in half guard, he’s landing some elbows as Arnett gets guard. Pass towards side control as Sandhagen is standing, winds up in half guard and is still keeping a decent pace with his offense. Arnett escapes to his feet and blocks a kick. Leg kick from Sandhagen, he’s circling well but eats a combination from Arnett then fires back with his own. Body kick from Sandhagen and a leg kick behind it. Sandhagen digs another left to the body, he’s playing a longer game going to the leg and body as much as he is, and they wind up clinched on the fence. The round ends in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sandhagen

ROUND TWO: There’s some hooting and whistling at the Octagon girls, I’m not calling that a “woo” just yet though. And as I type that, there’s a definitive “woo” so if you took the under good on you. Arnett is showing straight punches again, he lands a couple of jabs before taking a leg kick. Left hook from Sandhagen lands then a couple of leg kicks. Another clinch situation, Sandhagen is able to slip behind then land an elbow as they separate. Bit of a head kick from Sandhagen. Another clinch, this time Arnett has the rear waist lock and rides Sandhagen down to a knee. Arnett tries for the back, only one hook though and Sandhagen shakes him off then gets on top in half guard. A few elbows from Sandhagen, Arnett is now bleeding under the right eye. Near mount from Sandhagen but he can’t settle then Arnett bucks him off and we’re upright then Sandhagen lands a spinning back fist. Arnett is marching forward now, lands a couple of rights but Sandhagen stuns him with a left to the body and is looking to swarm him along the fence. Another left to the body drops Arnett and this one is done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cory Sandhagen via TKO, body shots, at 3:48 of Round 2

Solid stuff from Sandhagen, still needs some polish to his game but looked really good. Mic time for Sandhagen, he says he’s been training for this and dreaming of it since he was a teenager and plans on getting better. Asked about taking this on eight days notice he says that only affects you if you let it and he’s happy he didn’t have to do another camp. He talks us through the finish and puts over Arnett as a tough guy for taking as much abuse as he did.

Here’s the finish, nice body work from Sandhagen throughout the fight and that final liver shot was nasty.

Niko Price is coming off of the first loss of his professional career, he’s trying to rebound from that setback and prove he’s still a prospect to watch in the division. George Sullivan was last seen almost exactly two years ago losing to Alexander Yakovlev, the reason for his extended absence was a failed drug test, but he’s hoping to put that behind him and start moving up in the division. Price is a hefty -360 favorite to a +270 comeback on Sullivan.

Welterweight Bout: Niko Price (10-1 1 NC, 170 lbs.) vs. George Sullivan (17-5 1 NC, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Price has two and a half inches of reach on Sullivan. They touch gloves to get things going. Price circling early, Sullivan following him. Both guys missing power punches and probing with inside leg kicks. Sullivan showing the jab now, still range finding from both men. Bit of a combination from Sullivan lands. Single leg from Price, they stall out on the fence. Price is able to get a body lock takedown into side control but Sullivan quickly has half guard. Now full guard from Sullivan, he wall walks but eats a knee to the chest and Price spins to get his back, Sullivan quickly spins into him and we’re clinched. Sullivan lands a knee to the body but Price gets around towards a rear waist lock. Back chest to chest now but Sullivan has the body lock. Double leg from Sullivan but he pulled back too far and Price is able to hook an ankle with his foot to off balance him and get on top in guard. Quick scramble and we’re upright again with Sullivan after a takedown, Price breaks his grip with a double wrist lock then lands a knee to the chest as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Price

ROUND TWO: Some heavy breathing from both guys, this is a solid pace considering the weight on both guys. Jabs from both guys and Sullivan lands a leg kick. An exchange of rights and we’re clinched, Price lands a hard right on the break and he’s all over Sullivan now. Sullivan takes a knee and ducks for a double leg, he gets it and is in full guard. Price is trying to turn his hips, he tries an armbar but can’t finish it then takes a short elbow to the face. Solid top pressure from Sullivan, Price is bleeding a bit now and he’s staying active with his offense. I’m surprised Price hasn’t tried to get up, he’s way too content to play guard. Price tries an omoplata then uses it to sweep and get on top in half guard. Price to the back with just one hook as Sullivan tried to roll. Hard lefts from Price, he gets under the neck with a choke and pulls Sullivan back to the mat and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Niko Price via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:21 of Round 2

Decent stuff from both guys, nothing special. Price on the mic, says sometimes you need to get hit in the face to wake up and puts over Sullivan as being good everywhere while trying not to push too hard and force a finish. He walks us through the finish, then gets asked who’s next and says he doesn’t care but thinks a fight with Darren Till would be fun.

In case you missed the finish it’s a good example of striking to open up a submission attempt rather than just playing straight jiu-jitsu. Price lands punches to get Sullivan trying to move and straightening out his neck, then he dives under the chin with his right arm and gets a gable grip to finish it off.

That’s it for Fight Pass, on to Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims. As a brief note, we haven’t had any “woo’s” beyond that first one. I’m pleasantly surprised, but the crowd is still building so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Vinc Pichel has only lost to Rustam Khabilov and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s trying to get that to four in a row and earn a shot at a bigger name in the stacked lightweight division. Joaquim Silva is undefeated including being 3-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to prove he’s also ready for a step up in competition going forward at the expense of Pichel. The odds are close but lean towards Silva at -120 to -110 on Pichel.

Welterweight Bout: Vinc Pichel (10-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Joaquim Silva (10-0, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pichel is two inches taller and has three inches of reach on Silva. There’s a touch of gloves to get us going. Pichel is coming forward early, Silva slips and takes a leg kick. They get close and trade rights then Pichel digs the body a couple of times. A bit of stance switching now from Pichel, he’s looking for angles to attack from. Solid leg kick from Pichel but both guys are struggling to find the angle of attack or the distance to do so. Pichel has landed a couple of inside leg kicks now, and Silva lands to the body. Range finding kicks from both guys, Silva lands a bit of a right. Inside leg kick from Pichel but Silva is doing a good job of cutting him off rather than following him. Silva slips on a high kick, Pichel is on him against the fence now and is after a takedown. Silva maintains his balance and the round ends on the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pichel but 10-10 might be more accurate, so who knows how it’ll score

ROUND TWO: Pichel pressuring forward again, he lands a right to the body. Leg kick from Pichel and a clubbing right behind it, now he’s after a takedown that hits the fence. Short elbow from Silva as they break. Silva lands a one two combination then a body kick. Pichel returns the body kick. Basically whoever’s going forward is winning, neither guy is great while backing up. Right lands for Silva. Silva has a kick blocked then eats a counter combination that ends with a knee to the body from Pichel. The “woo’s” have started in earnest, and I die a little inside. Leg kick from Pichel and a knee to the body. Silva is coming forward more now, neither guy really finding a lot of success though. Bit of a combination and a hard leg kick from Pichel end the round.

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

ROUND THREE: A touch of gloves for the final round. Pichel misses a head kick. Silva pushing forward, misses some punches but lands a body kick. Pichel catches a kick and gets Silva down, Silva wall walks immediately and separates. They trade body work but there’s a lot of waiting going on. Things are getting a little wild from both guys. Bit of a right from Silva lands. Body kick from Pichel. Another right lands for Silva, bit of a counter left from Pichel. That right lands for Silva again, Pichel is bleeding from the nose and he tries a takedown, he can’t finish it but we get some back and forth clinch work. A final exchange of rights closes the round, the scoring will be interesting.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Pichel overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vinc Pichel via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Surprised at the unanimous nature of that one. Pichel on the mic, he says that fight was incredibly tough and likens hitting Silva to hitting a brick wall. He puts over Silva as a game fighter, says they rocked each other and had a lot of fun. He says he thought Silva won the first round, knew he had the second, and felt the third could go either way. Pichel thanks the judges but says he doesn’t trust them because “who the hell does” then says Al Iaquinta is still ducking him and gives a shout out to I believe the MMA Roasted guy.

Justine Kish is 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Felice Herrig, she’s trying to find her footing in the burgeoning flyweight division. Ji Yeon Kim is coming off of a disappointing loss in her UFC debut, she’s trying to get that all important first UFC win and show more of her skill set in this outing. Kish is your -200 favorite to a tempting value bet of +160 on Kim.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Justine Kish (6-1, 125 lbs.) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (6-1-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kim is two inches taller and has a whopping eight inches of reach on Kish. Brief touch of gloves to start things off. Kim is circling, lands a right and then Kish lands a leg kick. Kim is trying to set up the right, Kish is being very mindful of the distance. Kish lands a couple of leg kicks. Bit of a right lands for Kim but it was on the end of the punch. Left hook in close from Kish. Kish lands that leg kick again, she’s investing heavily in it. Kim lands an uppercut and a left hook. Kim lands a jab that off balances Kish but she can’t follow up on it. Another glancing right from Kim, then a left and right in combination. Kish lands another leg kick. Leg kick from Kim then they both miss rights. A jab lands for Kim, that’s the last blow of the round as they feint away the final twelve seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kish

ROUND TWO: Solid right from Kish gets things going, then she misses some follow up kicks. Jab from Kim then a body kick from Kish. Bit of an exchange, neither woman landed flush. Kim lands a right after taking a leg kick. Kish is just generally busier even though neither woman is being terribly effective thus far. Those leg kicks from Kish are starting to add up. Kish lands another leg kick, Kim isn’t fighting like a fighter with a significant reach advantage. Body kick from Kish. Kish lands to the body then the head, her work rate is impressive if nothing else. A couple of straight lefts land for Kish. They both miss a bit as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Kish lands a couple of leg kicks to get things going. Kim is coming forward a lot more this round, she lands a leg kick then takes a left hook from Kish. Kim lands a left that off balances Kish, they trade in close then Kim complains of an eye poke and she gets a quick second to recover. A couple of jabs land for Kim, she’s much more active now. Right and a left land for Kim, we’re getting into a brawl at this point. Kish is bleeding from the nose now. Counter right lands for Kim and a left behind it, Kish is backing up now. Kish back to the leg kicks but Kim is walking through them. Counter right from Kim after taking a body kick. Right lands for Kish, she’s still fighting, we get an exchange in the clinch as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kim, 29-28 Kish overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ji Yeon Kim via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

30-27?! Clucky is definitely in the building, Kish at least had the second though there might be an argument for Kim taking the first.

Randa Markos has been trading wins and losses while going 3-4 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a loss to Alexa Grasso and is hoping to avoid the first losing streak of her professional career. Juliana Lima is also coming off of a loss and is hoping to redeem herself here and possibly crack the official rankings with a win. The odds are with Markos at -160 to a +130 comeback on Lima.

Strawweight Bout: Juliana Lima (9-4, 116 lbs.) vs. #11 Randa Markos (7-5, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lima is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Markos. Early kicks from Lima, mostly range finding. Markos is pressuring forward, Lima trying to keep her at distance. They punch into the clinch and Markos has Lima on the fence. Knees to the thigh from Markos as they jockey for position. Markos keeps trying to grapevine a leg and get a takedown, Lima seems wise to it and is keeping her leg out of trouble. Body lock from Markos now, Lima digging for under hooks and fighting for position. Lima has a body lock and gets a trip, she’s on top in half guard now. Markos hits a hip bump sweep into full mount, she lands a few punches but there’s short time left and she ends the round elbowing the body.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos

ROUND TWO: Both women showing the jab early. They get close and Markos lands uppercuts then gets a takedown but Lima reverses and they wind up in leg drag with Lima on top. Markos has a triangle on the legs of Lima, they wind up settling for guard with Lima on top. The ref almost immediately stands them up, a little fast but they’d stalled out pretty quickly. Bit of a right from Markos. They clinch again, Markos again after a trip and she gets Lima down this time and moves towards mount immediately. Markos has the legs mounted, she moves her hips up to full mount and she starts landing as Lima hip escapes to half guard. Short punches and elbows from Markos. Lima is able to get full guard and is trying to work a high guard. A few body shots from Markos bring the round to a close.

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

ROUND THREE: Lima showing front kicks now, Markos pushes forward with punches and they wind up clinched again. Lima has Markos on the fence as they’re jockeying for position, Markos gets a hip toss into full mount and she’s landing punches while Lima is trying to shrimp. Half guard now for Lima but Markos keeps hitting her before she gets control over the posture. Markos moves to side control, Lima trying to walk along the fence and she does to escape to her feet but they’re still clinched. Knees to the thigh from Markos, and she lands an elbow as well. Some positional jockeying, Markos with some knees to the thigh as time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Randa Markos via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Solid overall control from Markos and generally superior grappling, she’s on the mic now. She mentions she had a knee injury a few weeks ago and had to fight through that here, she puts over her physio therapist for getting her through that and her coaches for getting her to this point. Asked who she wants she just says someone in the top five and feels she’s improved recently and deserves a shot at the top of the division.

Katlyn Chookagian is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Irene Aldana, she’s after what would be her first UFC winning streak and possibly an official ranking by taking out a ranked opponent. Mara Romero Borella is on a four fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut that saw her get a top ranking, she’s looking to continue her ascent up the ranks here. Despite being unranked at flyweight Chookagian enjoys favored status to the tune of -155 to +125 for Borella.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #9 Mara Romero Borella (12-4 1 NC, 125 lbs.) vs. Katlyn Chookagian (9-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian is three inches taller while Borella has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a leg kick from Borella. Chookagian looks like she’s shadow boxing, eats a left from Borella. Another low calf kick from Borella, those are quickly starting to work. Right lands for Borella and they both miss follow up arm punches. More leg kicks from Borella, Chookagian is falling just short with the majority of her offense thus far. Leg kick and a right from Borella. Right to the body from Chookagian lands. Borella lands another couple of leg kicks. Counter right from Borella lands, they clinch up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Borella

ROUND TWO: Borella misses a right then lands a leg kick. A few more straight punches land for Borella, she’s doing a good job of reading those first couple of punches that fall short and countering them. They exchange body kicks. Borella lands another calf kick. Bit of a right lands for Chookagian. Borella bulls into the clinch and has Chookagian on the fence, they break and Borella lands a knee to the head as they do. Bit of an uppercut lands for Chookagian. Borella lands another leg kick, she eats a bit of a right and that’s the final exchange of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Chookagian lands a bit of a right and a leg kick. Borella pushes forward but can’t secure a clinch. Chookagian lands a bit of a high kick. Combination lands for Chookagian. They’re both throwing more at this point but still struggling to really find the target. Borella gets a body lock and has Chookagian on the fence now. Outside trip from Borella and she’s on top, Chookagian quickly gets a triangle position and Borella pulls free but Chookagian regains her feet off of the separation. Another leg kick from Borella. Chookagian lands a bit of a right. They both swing at air, Borella tries a single leg but can’t finish it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 Borella overall

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

That sucked. Not the decision, though I obviously disagree, but the fight. No interview for Chookagian, thankfully.

Mirsad Bektic is coming off of the first loss of his career as he smashed Darren Elkins for two and a half rounds before falling to a barrage of blows along the fence. He’s hoping to put that setback behind him and reinforce his status as one of the future contenders in the division. Godofredo “Pepey” Castro is 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off of a loss to Shane Burgos, he’s trying to score a big upset and potentially find himself ranked with a win here. Speaking of upsets, Bektic is the biggest favorite on the entire card at a whopping -600 while Castro’s +400 payout has to tempt a few gamblers out there.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Mirsad Bektic (11-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Godofredo “Pepey” Castro (13-5, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bektic is an inch taller while Castro has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Castro circling early, Bektic showing the jab. Bektic lands a right. Castro misses a wheel kick. Spinning back kick to the body from Castro lands. Bektic misses a couple of punches, the distance and height is troubling him, but he gets the clinch. They break quickly and without incident. Glancing right from Bektic but Castro is moving well. Jab lands for Castro. Right to the solar plexus drops Castro, Bektic swarms him on the mat and gets the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mirsad Bektic via TKO, body punch, at 2:47 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bektic for his work this evening. Impressive stuff from Betkic, and needed after the last three fights, and he’s on the mic now. He puts over Castro as a dangerous opponent and felt he had to be very sharp to fight him. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches at TriStar. Asked who he wants next, he says the winner of the upcoming Bermudez vs. Fili fight or anyone ranked ahead of him, and notes he’s never let the fans down then plays with the crowd a bit and puts over Charlotte. Bektic then asks for a post fight bonus, thanks his coaches again, both past and present, then plays a bit with Dominick Cruz verbally to close his interview.

Here’s the finish. Bektic backs Castro up with punches, then reads the knee counter and when Castro squares up to throw the knee he drills that right into the solar plexus. For those who’ve never heard that term, it’s the area right at the very tip of your sternum and is one of the worst places to get hit. Great stuff from Betkic.

Bobby Green hasn’t won a fight since 2014, he’s lost three of his last four and is coming off of a draw against Lando Vannata that he was somewhat lucky to get. Green desperately needs a reversal of fortune here as another loss likely sees him cut from the UFC. Erik Koch was thought to be one of the future featherweight contenders back in 2011, sadly that never quite panned out and he’s gone 2-2 since moving back up to lightweight. Koch is coming off of a loss to Clay Guida and similarly really needs a win to remain relevant. The odds are close but favor Green at -155 to +125 on Koch.

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (23-8-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Erik Koch (15-5, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Koch has half an inch of reach on Green. Koch fighting southpaw. Green sliding forward early looking to get into boxing range and smother the kicks of Koch. Body kick then an inside leg kick from Koch both land. Green decides to try southpaw and they trade jabs. Koch lands a long left that catches Green off balance but he recovers quickly. Solid left then a right from Green and they clinch up. Green lands a knee to the body, can’t finish an inside trip though and they separate. Short right in close lands for Koch, Green avoids a couple of more punches and they clinch up. Koch gets a quick foot sweep and lands on top in half guard. Arm triangle attempt from Koch but the fence is preventing him from getting to the side to finish it. Green gives up the back as Koch bails on the choke to start elbowing him, only one hook in though. Green on a hip now, Koch gets both hooks in now and is after the choke. Koch loses the hooks and Green shakes him off then gets up and they’re at distance. Green lands a body kick then a head kick but Koch just eats it. They clinch, Green has a rear waist lock now, he lands punches and we get a quick exchange to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Koch

ROUND TWO: Green moving forward again, Koch lands a body kick. They both miss punches, then clinch and Green digs three hard knees to the body before they break. Green is backing Koch into the fence, they trade body kicks. Right to the body from Green and they clinch, Green lands knees to the body then lands an elbow as they break and Koch is bleeding now. Koch lands a right but the pressure of Green is starting to work. Body kick from Green and we clinch again, this time Koch lands a right as they break. Another clinch and another knee from Green then a right as they break. Solid counter left from Koch lands then a jab. Both guys bleeding from the nose, they’re starting to really tee off on each other now. Green marching forward with his hands down, he lands a left. Another left from Green, they clinch again and again Green slams knees to the body before they break. Another quick clinch, Green lands some short rights to the head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Koch lands a bit of a left to start the third round. Green is still coming forward though, and he lands a hard right then a short right as they clinch. Koch is on the fence and Green tees off to the body before they break. Jabs to the body and head from Green, his pressure is getting to Koch visibly at this point, and they clinch up where Green goes to the body with knees before they break. Green has abused Koch’s face a lot, he’s visibly damaged at this point. Another couple of lead hands to the body from Green, they clinch up again but Green is better there at the moment and he’s after a single leg. Koch defends but Green adjusts and gets a double leg into side control. Short elbows from Green land. Green tries to mount, Koch reads it and gets a reversal but now Green is after a switch while Koch holds his legs. Koch tries to get the ride position but gives up a leg and Green uses that to pull him under and he’s got side control again. Elbows to the body from Green. Green lands a few lefts and hammer fists, he moves into guard and tees off from there until time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bobby Green via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I’m seriously curious as to why that and the Bektic fight weren’t on the main card. Green on the mic now, he plays with the crowd a bit then thanks his family and friends back home. He says he does what he can but this is why they made him the main event of the prelims, because he brings it every time and says he just had the fight of the night. Asked who’s next he says Eddie Alvarez and Kevin Lee come to mind as Nate Diaz is like his cousin so anyone who wants Diaz has to come through him.

Here’s a couple of highlights, that was a really good fight.

That’s it for prelims, we’re on to big FOX for the main card.

Drew Dober is coming off of a win and is actually 3-1 in his last four fights, he’s hoping to prove himself a rising prospect that’s finally finding himself in the cage with another win here. Frank Camacho is 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a split decision win, the fact that both of his UFC fights have been declared Fight of the Night is probably why he’s kicking off the FOX portion of the card, and he’s trying for his first UFC winning streak tonight. Dober is a slight -170 favorite to +140 on Camacho.

Welterweight Bout: Frank Camacho (21-5, 169 lbs.) vs. Drew Dober (18-8 1 NC, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Camacho is two inches taller and has three inches of reach on Dober. Dober fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. Camacho coming forward, both men swinging early but struggling to find the target. Dober lands an inside leg kick, they trade and clinch up. Knees to the body from Dober as he gets Camacho on the fence. Quick foot sweep from Camacho and he’s got Dober on his back, Camacho in side control. Dober to the fence and wall walks, they separate as Dober misses a couple of elbows. Slip and right from Camacho lands. Right to the body from Camacho, and another one but Dober comes back with a straight left this time. Body kick from Dober lands. They clinch up again, trade some knees then break. Camacho is really after that uppercut, they clinch up and Dober lands an elbow but then Camacho hits that foot sweep again and lands in half guard this time. Dober tries to shrimp, Camacho nearly gets an arm triangle off of the motion but can’t finish it and Dober winds up with both feet on the hips. Closed guard now from Dober, and Camacho passes to half guard. Dober to this feet and Camacho stumbles him with a right just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camacho

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Camacho swings a right to the body that lands. Dober tries a double leg, can’t get it and they clinch up. They trade body shots, Dober tries a trip but Camacho reverses to land on top in the guard of Dober. Dober gets back to his feet rather quickly and we’re at distance. Another right to the body from Camacho. Dober lands a left, Camacho is looking winded while Dober is starting to pick him apart. A bit of brawling but Dober is landing the better shots, though Dober is bleeding from the nose now. Bit of a one two from Camacho. Camacho is on the fence now, Dober is finding the target but Camacho is swinging back. Head kick from Dober is blocked but Dober is attacking, Camacho lands to the body to get him to back off. Sharp jabs from Dober, Camacho tries a head kick that’s blocked. Left to the body then a right from Dober wobbled Camacho. They trade power hand punches, defense is slipping away from both guys. A couple of rights land for Dober as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dober, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Dober lands a left then a body kick. They trade, Dober is bleeding from the left eyebrow now as Camacho is coming after him after the break between rounds. Dober tries a single leg, Camacho defends against the fence and hits a trip of his own to land in half guard. Camacho can’t keep him down too long though and Dober is back up and lands an inside leg kick. Some nice slip and counter stuff from Dober, then Camacho lands a heavy knee to the body. A serious exchange of power punches, neither guy falling over but they’re both landing. Dober lands a left to the body. Solid left from Dober lands, Camacho lands a right to the body. A couple of rights land for Camacho but he’s basically dead on his feet so there isn’t as much on these punches. They get close and trade again. Body kick from Camacho lands. Another body kick from Camacho and they trade lefts. Camacho lands a body kick, then a hard combination in the pocket, Dober is wobbled a bit. We get some more brawling just as the round ends.

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

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

Upon reflection that’s probably correct, my bad on the third round but I’m surprised on the 30-27 after the first. Dober on the mic, he asks the crowd if they gave them the fight of the night, the crowd is kind of tepid as they just saw Green and Koch. He says neither he nor Camacho cared about winning rounds, they just wanted to give blood, sweat, and tears to the fans.

A couple of highlights for you all, not a bad fight but essentially a lesser version of Green vs. Koch from where I sit.

Jordan Rinaldi is 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and looking to get his first UFC winning streak up and running at the expense of a hot prospect. Gregor Gillespie is undefeated as a professional and is 3-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to prove he’s ready to make the jump from talented prospect towards legitimate contender. Gillespie is the biggest favorite on the main card at -600 to +400 for a Rinaldi upset.

Lightweight Bout: Gregor Gillespie (10-0, 155 lbs.) vs. Jordan Rinaldi (13-5, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rinaldi has an inch of height and reach on Gillespie. Both men flashing the jab early, a lot of range finding. Bit of a left hook lands for Rinaldi, Gillespie responds in kind. Rinaldi lands a head kick but Gillespie pushes forward and lands a couple of hard punches. Stepping knee lands for Rinaldi and he limp legs away from a possible single leg. Gillespie tries another single leg and this time finishes it, landing in half guard. Gillespie moves to side control and is trying to set up an arm triangle on the far side. Rinaldi gets his arm free and removes the threat of the submission but Gillespie moves to mount. Rinaldi gives up the back, now to a hip and he’s trying for half guard again. He gets half guard back but Gillespie is smothering him and moves to side control and into mount again. A few rights from Gillespie get Rinaldi to roll, Rinaldi to his knees and trying to get up but Gillespie has a ride position and is driving Rinaldi to his knees over and over again. Gillespie has the back again and tees off with some rights. Rinaldi is flattened out now and Gillespie slams punches to the head until the ref has to save him.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gregor Gillespie via TKO, punches, at 4:46 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gillespie for his work this evening. Gillespie on the mic now, he says he felt awkward on the feet so he went to what he’s great at. He mentions that he hits really hard but he’s not going to lean on either one exclusively as you have to mix things up. Asked who’s next he says just put someone in front of him and he’ll beat them but he wont call out someone and jump through hoops like that, then expresses his desire to go fishing tomorrow as he’s heard North Carolina has some good fishing then plays with the crowd a bit to close his interview.

Your post fight highlights. Gillespie has serious top control and just battered Rinaldi once they locked up.

Dennis Bermudez has gone just 2-4 in his last six fights and is on a two fight losing streak, but his level of competition has allowed him to retain a top ranking. A third loss would certainly put an end to that though and he needs to right the metaphorical ship in a bad way here. Andre Fili has traded wins and losses while going 5-4 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is hoping to get his first UFC winning streak tonight. The odds are with Bermudez at -160 to a +135 comeback on Fili.

Featherweight Bout: #12 Dennis Bermudez (16-7, 145 lbs.) vs. Andre Fili (17-5, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fili is five inches taller and has eight inches of reach on Bermudez. They touch gloves and immediately trade jabs. Bermudez pushing forward, he’s working inside leg kicks and jabs to close distance. Bermudez pushes into the clinch but they break quickly without incident. More jabs being traded, Bermudez lands a leg kick. Short counter right from Fili after he took a couple of jabs, Bermudez digs the body with a right. Clinch again, Bermudez has a body lock this time and he’s working for a takedown. A couple of lefts to the body and head from Bermudez as they break. Fili lands a right and they trade jabs again. Fili ducks under a jab and gets a takedown but he never gets position and Bermudez is back up. Hard leg kick from Bermudez. Bermudez jabs his way in close and ladns a right. Leg kick from Bermudez then they trade rights and clinch up again. Bit of a left to the body and head as they break apart. An exchange of leg kicks, Bermudez landed harder, and he lands another one to the calf. Fili ducks a right and gets a takedown, they’re back up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bermudez

ROUND TWO: Quick takedown attempt from Bermudez is blocked by Fili. Both guys showing the jab still, Bermudez lands one and gets another clinch on the fence. Bit of a right from Bermudez as they separate. Fili avoids a hook and lands a straight right. Leg kick from Bermudez and Fili gets a takedown. Bermudez back up but Fili has him clinched, this time Bermudez tries an inside trip but Fili gets his back on the fence to remain upright. High crotch attempt from Bermudez but Fili stays upright and they break. Hard couple of calf kicks from Bermudez land but the last one is countered with a right. Fili eats a couple of jabs, his left leg is a little compromised. Bermudez blocks a takedown attempt. Fili lands a left hook. Inside leg kick and an exchange of rights, they wind up clinched again and Fili is on the fence. Bermudez lands a few knees to the body then a couple of punches as they break. Leg kick from Bermudez but Fili gets a takedown into half guard. Full guard now from Bermudez, he’s back up and they battle in the clinch again. Bermudez lands a right as they break. That’ll be the last exchange of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Fili showing the jab but he seems the slightly more fatigued party. Bermudez lands a left to the body then a couple of leg kicks. Double jab from Permudez then they trade in close a bit. Bermudez lands a couple of jabs but he eats an uppercut. Hard leg kick from Bermudez, it buckles the lead leg of Fili for a second. Fili lands a high kick but Bermudez just eats it. Bermudez blocks a takedown attempt and resumes pushing forward. Knee to the body from Bermudez and they clinch. More knees from Bermudez, one of them went low though and Fili will get time to recover. Replay confirms the low knee. Fili taking his time, as much getting his wind back as recovering from the groin shot I think. Fili is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. They touch gloves on the restart. Bit of a head kick from Bermudez then a couple of leg kicks. Left hook from Bermudez lands, they clinch up and Bermudez lands an elbow on the break. Fili tries a double leg, can’t get it and he’s still backing up but throwing leather. Straight left lands for Fili. Another calf kick from Bermudez then they trade rights in close. Left to the body from Bermudez but eats a jab. Tehy wind up clinched and Fili is on the fence again. Bermudez lands a couple of elbows then gets a double leg into half guard. Bermudez tries an armbar from a brief mount, Fili slips free and we end in a half clinch as they were standing back up.

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

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

And meaningless takedowns win a fight, hooray I guess. Fili on the mic, calls this not the prettiest win of his career and calls the state lovely. He thanks his grandmother, it’s her birthday today, and says hte best fighters in the world are Polynesians so he shouts them out.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is one of the premier middleweights of his era, his only losses in the last eight years are to Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero, and current champion Robert Whittaker. Souza is coming off of that loss to Whittaker, also the first time he was finished since 2008, and if he wants to reassert himself as a force in the division he needs a big win here. Derek Brunson is on a two fight winning streak and is looking to establish himself as the next contender in the division, Brunson’s only UFC losses are to Yoel Romero, Robert Whittaker, and a horrible Clucky decision to Anderson Silva, but if he can take out Souza tonight he’ll put himself into the title picture in a big way. Souza is a slight -120 favorite to +110 on Brunson.

Middleweight Bout: #3 Ronaldo Souza (24-5 1 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. #8 Derek Brunson (18-5, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Brunson has five inches of reach on Souza. Brunson fighting southpaw. Both guys showing the lead hand early but just getting a feel for each other. Now a few range finding kicks from each man. Neither man really comfortable yet, trying to get a feel for each other. Hard counter right from Souza and Brunson is backing up again. Brunson has some punches blocked. Bit of a right from Souza. Souza ducks a fush and tries a double leg, Brunson defends and they’re separated. Souza again lands the counter right hook as Brunson was coming forward. Massive head kick from Souza causes Brunson to crumple, it takes a few follow ups along the fence as Brunson was staggering around before the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza via KO, head kick and punches, at 3:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Souza for his work this evening. Mic time for Souza after that one, big win for him and a good finish. He says he feels great and mentions the list of injuries he’s had to deal with over the last eight months, thanks his wife for all of her support and mentions it’s their anniversary and expresses love for his wife. He thanks the fans for coming out and calls fighting for them a blessing. Souza puts over his coaches and thanks them for their support to close his interview.

Here’s the finish if you missed it, big head kick from Souza that’s only partially blocked by Brunson. Souza’s ice cold Michael Myers walk up to him as he’s staggering against the fence is pretty sweet as well.

OK everyone, that wraps up UFC on FOX 27. Thank you being here and reading, be it live or after the fact. Also thanks for putting up with the slowness of the updates this time, hopefully I’m back in normal form next week. We’ll be unpacking all of the action from this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, we’ll also have a preview of the upcoming UFC Fight Night 125. That’s a really weird card, the main event is Lyoto Machida taking on Eryk Anders while John Dodson vs. Pedrom Munhoz is probably the better fight but is serving as co-main. Also the woman who should be bantamweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko, makes her flyweight debut. I’ll be back next week to provide you with updates on that card, because again I have no life. Until then thank you all again for being here, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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