411’s UFC 227 Report 8.04.18

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 227. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for this event, relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. Tonight, well, the top two fights are good. Both of our top fights are good on paper but are also rematches, and in the case of the main event an immediate one at that. In the main event newly crowned bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw takes on former champion Cody Garbrandt, these two fought in November of 2017 when Dillashaw took the title from Garbrandt but after a couple of other fights fell through the UFC decided to go with an immediate rematch between these two. The co-main is a rematch between flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo who fought in April of 2016 and Johnson TKO’d Cejudo in the first round.

Beyond that, there’s mighty slim pickings on this card with a featherweight clash between Cub Swanson and Renato “Moicano” Carneiro being the next most interesting thing with an honorable mention to Pedro Munhoz vs. Brett Johns on the prelims. Everything else, well let’s just hope it’s better in practice than on paper.

I’ve got a question for those of you reading, you don’t have to answer of course and I encourage you all to avoid pointless disagreement over this point if someone has a different perspective than you. Who’s a fighter, besides Demetrious Johnson because I feel a lot of you would use him as a cop out, that you know intellectually is great but who doesn’t seem to connect with you when they fight? In the spirit of getting that discussion going, mine would be Daniel Cormier. I know he’s great, there’s no argument on that point, but for whatever reason his fights don’t connect with me.

UFC 227 comes to the world from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and dual light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. As for the rules we are under the new rules, so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), extending fingers towards your opponent is a foul regardless of contact being made, and the scoring criteria is more encouraging of 10-8’s. We also have the limited use of replay, so the ref can check the finishing sequence but once replay has been used the fight cannot be restarted.

Marlon Vera has had an up and down UFC run, he’s currently on a two fight losing streak after going on a three fight winning streak and is now trying to avoid the dreaded three fight losing streak that has spelled the end of many a UFC run. Wuliji Buren just had a four fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to get that all important first UFC win out of the way. Vera is one of the biggest favorites on the card at a prohibitive -550 while the +375 payout on Buren has to tempt those who like to play the long shots.

Bantamweight Bout: Marlon Vera (10-5-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Wuliji Buren (11-5, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Buren is an inch taller while Vera has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Circling to start, and the “woo’s” are already going. It’s gonna be a long night. Leg kick from Vera and a bit of a jab behind it. Buren misses a wheel kick then they trade leg kicks. Vera doing some stance switching but neither man doing a whole lot so far. Missed head kick from Vera. Vera lands a leg kick. Both guys sniping with kicks but neither one is getting in close or committing too much. Buren lands a right and clinches up, Vera has a double leg blocked and Buren pushes him into the fence then lands an elbow on the break. A couple of rights from Buren are blocked then they split jabs. Bit of a left from Vera and Buren lands a couple of body kicks. Vera lands a left hook then a body kick. Sharp left from Vera and Buren is backing up, Vera pushes into the clinch and Buren gets him on the fence. A few knees from Buren land, Vera is struggling to get free. Inside trip from Buren and he lands in the guard of Vera. Buren lands a right then stands over Vera as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buren

ROUND TWO: Vera coming forward to start this round, and they trade punches. Combination from Vera mostly lands, Buren grabs a single leg and pushes Vera to the cage. Buren hits a trip from the high crotch and is back on top in the guard of Vera. Vera is trying to get his legs in play, Buren is stifling that but can’t get much offense going yet. Buren lands a right. The ref stands them up, not sure I agree with that but it wasn’t the worst stand up either. Vera lands a left then avoids a clinch. Another clinch and Buren gets Vera back on the fence. Vera pushes free rather quickly and resets at range. Buren lands a right to counter a body kick. Another counter right from Buren lands. A brief exchange and they clinch up again, Vera is looking for the takedown this time and gets a body lock takedown into side control. Vera lands a knee to the body then some elbows as Buren regains his feet but is still pinned on the fence. A few knees to the thigh from Vera then a right and he crumples Buren against the fence with a left to the body just as time is about to expire.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marlon Vera via TKO, body shot, at 4:53 of Round 2

Vera needed that after the last two losses. Mic time for Vera, who says he moved to California two years ago and had to fight to get his family here and afford them then references the recent successful surgery with his daughter that allowed her to smile. He talks us through the finish and says he’s living the dream and came here to get things done. He says he’s here to fight to close the interview.

Here’s the finish, nice adjustment by Vera as the first body shot is angled and blocked so he goes in straight with the next one and lands on the solar plexus which drops Buren like a sack of potatoes.

LIVER SHOT!@ChitoVeraUFC cripples Buren with a NASTY body shot and finishes it in round 2! #UFC227 pic.twitter.com/eAxygIL7XL

— #UFC227 (@ufc) August 4, 2018

Danielle Taylor has gone 2-2 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a loss though and is trying to avoid her first ever losing streak. Weili Zhang brings a sixteen fight winning streak into her UFC debut, she’s trying to keep that momentum up here and start her UFC career off with a win. Despite the difference in UFC experience the odds are with Zhang at -305 to a +235 comeback on Taylor.

Strawweight Bout: Danielle Taylor (9-3, 115.25 lbs.) vs. Weili Zhang (16-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Zhang is four inches taller and has three inches of reach on Taylor. They touch gloves to get us going. Zhang lands an inside leg kick. Taylor is bouncing and circling, Zhang is stalking more than engaging in circling. A couple of jabs land for Zhang then another hard inside leg kick. Body kick from Zhang then an inside leg kick. Taylor is trying to counter that left kick with a left hook as Zhang is dropping her right hand when she throws it. Zhang lands a left. They clinch up and Zhang lands a knee then an elbow as they break. Zhang isn’t here to play, that’s clear. Stiff jab from Zhang. Zhang slips on a flurry, they clinch up and then gets Taylor down with a trip into half guard. Right elbow from Zhang then a left. Taylor is trying to get her legs in play, she rolls under for a heel hook but has no control over the knee line and Zhang pulls free then they reset on the feet. Hard body kick from Zhang. Another body kick from Zhang. Taylor lands an overhand right. Side kick to the body from Zhang, those body kicks are starting to add up. Zhang lands another body kick then they trade punches in close, Taylor wobbled Zhang just a bit with a right in that final exchange.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Zhang coming forward again showing the inside leg kick. Right from Zhang then a bit of a counter left after Taylor whiffed on a hook. Body kick from Zhang lands then an inside leg kick. Zhang lands a left hook and is pushing Taylor towards the fence. A body kick then a hook land for Zhang, she’s starting to put combinations together. Taylor lands a right but Zhang just eats it and keeps coming forward. Bit of a left hook for Zhang, who slips after landing it but recovers immediately. Zhang is starting to reach a bit with those hooks and Taylor might be getting a read on them. Leg kick from Zhang and a couple of hooks to follow. Side kick to the body from Zhang. The biggest knock on Taylor at this point is her lack of volume, she’s banking on one or two power shots being enough. Zhang lands a leg kick then a body kick. A couple of lefts land for Zhang and Taylor lands a counter right to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang but more of an argument for Taylor here, 20-18 Zhang overall

ROUND THREE: Both women probing with inside leg kicks to start the last round. Zhang lands a side kick to the body. Bit of a left from Zhang. Counter left from Zhang. Hard couple of leg kicks from Zhang then a combination of punches in close. Taylor lands a left to counter a body kick and Zhang then lands another side kick to the body. Zhang is coming forward still, eats a right then lands a hard leg kick. Taylor has some swelling around the left eye. Another right from Zhang in close lands. Zhang misses a wheel kick, they both miss punches as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Weili Zhang via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Decent enough debut from Zhang, who’s on the mic now and says the UFC is a different organization and felt the nerves for this performance. She thanks the fans for watching and thanks her team for their support.

Jose Torres is undefeated and is coming off of an odd win in his UFC debut when his opponent knocked himself out on a botched slam attempt, he’s trying to stay perfect here and have a more positive performance. Alex Perez has an impressive six fight winning streak going on and is 2-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to take out another touted prospect and start moving from prospect towards legitimate contender. Perez is a slight -155 favorite to +125 for Torres.

Flyweight Bout: Alex Perez (20-4, 126 lbs.) vs. Jose Torres (8-0, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Perez is two inches taller but has just half an inch of reach over Torres. They touch gloves to get us going. Perez lands a cracking right then a combination to the body. Perez is here to fight early, Torres doing a lot of backing up and covering up so far. More body shots from Perez, now a couple of leg kicks. Another right to the body from Perez, he’s landing that consistently. Perez lands a couple of jabs but Torres’ defense is starting to be more effective. To adjust to that defense Perez lands a couple of elbows. Perez lands a combination but Torres lands a counter right that got his attention. They split rights now, Torres has blood coming from his face, I think it’s up on the forehead. Torres coming forward now, Perez might have punched himself out a bit with that fast start. Perez lands another right. Combination from Perez to counter a combination from Torres, these two are both firing at full power now. Perez wobbles Torres with a left hook and starts teeing off on him against the fence. Torres is still wobbled but lands a right and circles off of the fence. Perez digs to the body again and tees off on the fence, Torres tries to fire back but Perez squares up and keeps on him until he falls over and the ref stops the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Perez via KO, punches, at 3:36 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Perez for his work this evening. Apparently Perez landed 104 strikes of 170 attempted in just that time frame, which is an insane punch count. That’s why I like flyweights, activity. Mic time for Perez, he thanks the fans then talks about how hard he trains and talks about leading the fight. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches to close the interview.

Here’s the finish. The whole fight was basically this, just insane pressure and shot selection from Perez and Torres eventually wilts under the barrage.

ALEX PEREZ!!!@AlexPerezMMA takes the '0' from Torres with a first round KO! #UFC227 pic.twitter.com/cGCZbtUWCN

— #UFC227 (@ufc) August 4, 2018

That’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on FX for the rest of the prelims.

Matt Sayles has won his last two fights and is making his UFC debut here on the back of a win on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, he’s hoping to prove his skills to a larger audience tonight. Sheymon Moraes has only lost to Marlon Moraes and Zabit Magomedsharipov, but the loss to Magomedsharipov was his UFC debut and now he needs to get that all important first UFC win here or risk the awful 0-2 start to a UFC run. The odds are close but lean towards Sayles at -130 to +110 on Moraes.

Featherweight Bout: Matt Sayles (7-1, 145.75 lbs.) vs. Sheymon Moraes (9-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moraes has an inch of height and three and a half inches of reach on Sayles. They touch gloves to get going. Sayles working with leg kicks early, Moraes has a very muay thai stance and is heavy on his legs. Calf kick from Sayles and a bit of a right behind it. Moraes lands a knee to the body. Sayles still coming forward, lands a right to the body. Body kick from Moraes and they clinch up, Moraes lands a head kick on the break. Sayles trying to get Moraes on the fence, Moraes starting to oblige him in that respect. Moraes lands a solid right, he’s got a read on the timing of Sayles now so Sayles gets a clinch and forces things to the fence. Sayles has a body lock but can’t keep it and Moraes slips free. Bit of a right from Sayles at distance. Right to the body from Moraes. Moraes is going to the body more now, it’s circumventing the head movement of Sayles and forcing him to adjust. They clinch again and trade knees to the body then hit the fence. More knees from both men and they break without incident. Bit of a right from Sayles off of a clinch and Moraes lands a body kick. Left from Sayles in close lands and he’s after a single leg against the fence. Moraes lands a knee to the body as they break. Both men miss some punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moraes but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Moraes misses a couple of rights but he’s putting everything into those now. Sayles trying to work the body, and goes for a takedown against the fence. They break with a right from Sayles, and Moraes landed an eye poke so we’ve got time. Sayles walks that off quickly and wants to get back to fighting. Leg kick from Sayles to get things going again, and a jab behind it. Spinning back fist from Sayles is mostly blocked, Moraes lands an elbow. They split punches, Sayles is rolling well with the wide hooks for Moraes. Moraes has abandoned his body work here in favor of head hunting that isn’t working out for him yet. Sayles lands to the body and a right to the head. Leg kick from Sayles. Jab from Sayles lands, and another one after a delay. Moraes takes an eye poke and we’ve got time again. Moraes wants back in quickly so we’re back to fighting. Body work from Moraes now, Sayles lands a counter right. Sayles got punched in the eye, which is legal, and Moraes is pushing forward now looking to capitalize. Punches land for Moraes, commentary tells me that it was indeed a poke. Moraes lands a body kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Sayles working leg kicks, he off balances Moraes with one of them. Moraes digs the body and Sayles lands a counter. We get time as Sayles got poked in the eye again, he should take a point at this point but doesn’t and instead tells Moraes this is his last warning. On the restart Sayles is back to forward pressure and lands a couple of lefts. Sayles lands a right that might have stunned Moraes. Moraes tries a takedown but Sayles shucks him off easily. Knee to the body from Moraes but the pressure from Sayles is getting to Moraes a bit now. Moraes lands a right, Sayles fires back to the body and head. Knee to the body from Moraes, Sayles lands a knee as he was ducking down and Moraes is a little hurt. Sayles working jabs, bockks a takedown and grabs a standing guillotine to push Moraes into the fence. They break without incident but Sayles might have let Moraes off of the hook after he hurt him to the body. Counter right from Sayles lands, he’s trying to turn up the pressure as time runs down. Moraes lands a left hook but Sayles lands a counter. Left lands for Sayles but Moraes is going to wait out the round.

SCORECARD: 109 Sayles, 29-28 Moraes overall but likely comes down to the first round

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sheymon Moraes via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Commentary says this should have been a draw with a point deduction, both guys landed gnarly eye pokes in the second so I can see the logic there to some degree. No interview for Moraes.

Ricardo Ramos has gone 2-0 in the UFC and is coming off one of the better knock outs from 2017 when he took out Aiemann Zahabi with a vicious spinning back elbow, now he’s looking to keep that momentum going and earn a shot at some bigger opposition going forward. Kyung Ho Kang has won his last three fights in the UFC and is similarly trying to separate himself from the pack at bantamweight. The odds like Ramos after that highlight reel finish at -250 to a +195 comeback on Kang.

Bantamweight Bout: Ricardo Ramos (11-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (14-7 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Kang has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Kang circling, he’s avoided a few kicks so far. Kang lands a bit of a right. Ramos is still coming forward, he eats a leg kick while doing so. Counter right from Kang lands, then a leg kick behind it. That counter right from Kang lands again but this time Ramos lands a left hook. They trade some leg kicks while looking for openings. Ramos misses a wheel kick and Kang lands a straight right. Kang is doing a decent job of avoiding the kicks of Ramos and landing counters. Bit of a right from Ramos and Kang puts his back on the fence, we get a bit of a fire fight and Ramos backs off to avoid a bad situation. Kang lands a left to the body. Leg kick from Ramos and Kang lands a counter right. Hard leg kick from Kang. Both men miss rights, neither has a consistent read on the other. Double leg from Kang, Ramos whizzers hard and gets back up and they separate. Kang trying to get his jab going, lands a left tot he body then a leg kick. Ramos misses a spinning attack and Kang gets him down, Ramos back up quickly and is able to break the grip of Kang then separate. They stare away the final ten seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ramos but there’s a Kang argument in there

ROUND TWO: There’s a touch of gloves for the second round. Ramos is doing some stance switching now. Both guys sniping with leg kicks, Kang lands a bit of a right. Right from Ramos lands then a couple of hard body shots and an overhand right. Left hook from Ramos, he’s coming on but Kang catches a kick and sweeps the other leg then gets on top in the guard of Ramos. They trade some punches and elbows, I’m surprised Ramos hasn’t tried to get up. Kang lands a couple of elbows. Ramos rolls under for a knee bar, Kang reads it and defends but Ramos adjusts and has the leg extended but Kang gets his leg free. They scramble and now Ramos winds up on top when Kang tried to jump for a guillotine. Cormier is on commentary saying that 12-6 elbows should remain illegal, I can’t begin to fathom his logic here. Kang kicks free and we’re back up and Kang lands a leg kick. Left to the body then a leg kick from Kang. These two are incredibly evenly matched, Kang lands a straight right. Ramos tries a double leg, spins Kang down just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ramos but another close round, 20-18 Ramos overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Bit of a left hook from Kang. Kang lands a body kick then misses a high kick. Ramos misses a right. Right lands for Ramos, then a right to the body but he eats a counter left for that one. Kang lands a right then misses a left hook. That left hook to the body lands for Kang again, that’s been his most successful punch. Kang lands a leg kick. Now Ramos lands a leg kick, and Kang lands a bit of a right. Another leg kick from Kang then a bit of a right behind it. Kang lands another leg kick, Ramos might be coasting or waiting for the last minute to really start with his offense. More leg kicks from Kang, and a right as well. Left to the body again from Kang then a leg kick. Kang lands another leg kick and a couple of punches. Ramos dives for a single leg that hits the fence, he gets Kang down but Kang pops right back up and they clinch on the fence. They break as Ramos misses a knee strike. Bit of a right for Kang. Kang lands a leg kick and they stall out for the last few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kang, 29-28 Ramos overall

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

Close fight but nothing memorable, and no interview for Ramos.

Ricky Simon is coming off of a successful UFC debut when he scored an odd technical submission win over Merab Dvalishvili, but he’s also got an overall six fight winning streak going on and is looking to extend that here. Montel Jackson is another of the Contender Series guys showing up on this card, he’s undefeated overall and is looking for a memorable win in his UFC debut. As for the odds the give a slight edge to Jackson at -130 to an even +100 on Simon.

Bantamweight Bout: Ricky Simon (13-1, 135.25 lbs.) vs. Montel Jackson (6-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jackson is four inches taller and has six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Jackson fighting southpaw. Inside leg kick from Simon. Bit of a body kick from Simon but Jackson seems to be in control and is stalking Simon. They clinch up and Simon gets a trip takedown, Jackson back up immediately and they wind up in the clinch on the fence. They break without much incident. Simon ducks under a one two and clinches up again. Knees to the body from Simon, Jackson seems to be struggling to get things in gear here. They break with a knee to the body from Simon. Bit of a jab from Jackson. Jackson is fighting long right now, and avoiding the offense from Simon but not offering much of his own yet. Double leg from Simon hits the fence, he elevates and gets the takedown then moves to the ride position but can’t control Jackson and they wind up standing again. Simon has a body lock, ducks under and gets a double leg again, Jackson wall walks immediately but is still in the clinch. They break with a knee to the body from Jackson. Jackson lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a body shot from Simon but he’s struggling with the reach. Stiff left from Jackson wobbles Simon, who tries a double leg as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Simon

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the next round. If Jackson had a jab Simon would be in real trouble, but he doesn’t and Simon lands a few inside leg kicks. Jab from Jackson lands and he avoids a double leg attempt. Body kick from Jackson. Double leg from Simon, it takes a lot of energy but he gets the takedown and Jackson immediately sweeps into top position and they scramble a bit against the fence. They wind up with Jackson holding Simon on the cage, and they break without incident. Simon ducks a left and gets the back standing, Jackson breaks his grip quickly but can’t get off of the fence. Jackson lands a few elbows before they break apart. The “Woo’s” are constant now, and I kind of want to mute everything because of it. Simon is working leg kicks, and Jackson isn’t countering. Bit of a left to the body from Simon. Jackson lands a glancing left. Another bit of a left from Jackson, Simon responds with a left of his own. Takedown from Simon and he’s got the back now but has no hooks in. Simon gets one hook in but time is going to run out on the round before anything comes of it.

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

ROUND THREE: Jackson really needs to get something going, he’s being out worked in a low out put fight. They touch gloves for the last round. Both men miss punches. Simon lands an inside leg kick, Jackson responds with a body kick then a couple of punches. Knee tap from Simon gets Jackson down and he’s got the back again but can’t secure hooks and Jackson gets on top then punches him as Simon gets up. They’re still in the clinch jockeying for position then break with a jab from Jackson. Jackson lands an inside leg kick. Stepping knee from Jackson and a right, he tries to flurry but Simon slips free and mocks him. Solid elevation double leg from Simon and he’s into the full mount immediately. Now Simon has the back with both hooks in as Jackson fights for hand control. Simon gets his hands free, thinks about the choke but he’s too high and on the hip, he should just be punching here but Jackson powers up to his feet. Still in the clinch, Simon is after another double leg and gets Jackson down against the fence again. Simon towards the back again, settles for the ride position and lands a few weak rights then gets a body lock and works to keep Jackson on the mat. Jackson is back up, Simon switches to another double leg and gets Jackson up but can’t get him down with elevation and settles for an inside trip that works. Simon back to the ride position, Jackson breaks free and stancds but can’t get free and the fight ends with an exchange of elbows in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Simon, 30-26 Simon overall

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

These last few fights have killed the momentum of this card. No interview for Simon, Jackson was basically a deer in the headlights for this fight. Also his lack of a jab makes me sad.

Pedro Munhoz just had a four fight winning streak broken when he lost a split decision to John Dodson, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and defend his top ten ranking. Brett Johns is coming off of his first professional loss when he was unable to do much of anything against Aljamain Sterling, how he gets another crack at a top ten bantamweight and is hoping to elevate his ranking here at the expense of Munhoz. Munhoz is a -205 favorite to +165 for Johns.

Bantamweight Bout: #9 Pedro Munhoz (15-3 1 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. #14 Brett Johns (15-1, 135.25 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johns is an inch taller and has a surprising six inch reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Munhoz has a high kick blocked. Johns is pressing forward, Munhoz lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Munhoz and we get some hooks in close. Munhoz lands another calf kick. Johns after a takedown that hits the fence then he pulls free without incident. Munhoz lands another leg kick. Both men aren’t doing much with punches, they’re mostly blocked. They split jabs then Johns lands a couple of left hooks. Munhoz thinks about a takedown but Johns blocks it. Left to the body from Johns then Munhoz lands a leg kick. Johns has a feel for his counter right now, Munhoz lands a bit of a left hook. Munhoz lands a knee to the head in close. Bit of a left from Johns and he blocks the counters. They trade elbows in close. Munhoz lands a leg kick. Left from Johns and Munhoz lands a couple of counters. Johns is bleeding from the bridge of the nose, Munhoz blocks a takedown attempt and Johns avoids a threatened guillotine. Munhoz lands a left to the body then a leg kick. The round ends with a missed spinning back kick from Johns.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munhoz

ROUND TWO: They get close quickly and Munhoz digs punches to the body and head then Johns lands a knee to the head. Munhoz is trying to land but Johns’ defense is surprisingly effective so far. Leg kick from Munhoz. Another calf kick from Munhoz and that leg is compromised on Johns. Johns fighting southpaw to defend that leg and Munhoz is landing inside leg kicks now. Body kicks from Munhoz, one drops Johns and he pounds him out on the mat but Johns defends himself with the legs. Munhoz moves to half guard and starts landing elbows, there’s a leg entanglement going but Munhoz gets free and grabs a guillotine in transition but Johns survives and is back up looking for a takedown. Johns after a high crotch, Munhoz blocks it and gets a body lock then breaks and lands another calf kick that has Johns limping. Munhoz is going to the body when Johns is southpaw or leg when he’s orthodox and he drops Johns with a body kick then dives for an ankle lock and Johns gets free and stands. Another calf kick from Munhoz buckles the leg of Johns, then he kicks the body and Johns is just swinging to try and stay in this. They get close and trade hooks, Munhoz is getting sucked into a pocket brawl when he’s got Johns dead to rights at distance. They break and Munhoz lands a couple of body kicks. Johns lands a hard left to the body, Munhoz lands a head kick then a right and Johns is wobbled then falls and Munhoz tries to pound him out from guard. Johns ties Munhoz up and survives until the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Johns’ left leg is seriously compromised. They touch gloves on the start of the last round. Johns fighting southpaw to start the last round and Munhoz lands an inside leg kick then a body kick. Munhoz misses a high kick. More inside leg kicks from Munhoz then a body kick that again hurts Johns. Munhoz jumps on a guillotine but Johns defends and Munhoz lands punches then goes for another front choke variant. Johns breaks the grip and Munhoz settles for half guard. I’m shocked Munhoz isn’t attacking the body on the ground, he’s letting Johns off of the hook yet again. They’re stalling out a bit here, Munhoz can’t seem to pass the half guard and Johns can’t get up. They scramble up, Munhoz hits the fence and is defending a takedown attempt. Munhoz spins Johns around, they jockey for position and the round ends in that spot. Big loss of opportunity from Munhoz, he should have finished that.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

No idea which round went to Johns, but Munhoz does get a quick interview. He says that’s the only guy who’s defended his guillotine and puts Johns over as tough. He says he started in jiu-jitsu but has worked hard to become a well rounded fighter.

That’s it for prelims, to PPV for the main card. That was probably the best fight of the night, so good for them.

Thiago Santos just had a four fight winning streak snapped when he was knocked out by David Branch, now he’s trying to rebound and retain his top fifteen ranking. Kevin Holland brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut, which he earned on the Contender Series, and could make an immediate impact on the division by taking out a ranked contender. The odds like Santos at a significant -360 to a +270 payout on Holland.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Thiago Santos (17-6, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Kevin Holland (13-3, 184.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holland is an inch taller and has a whopping seven inches of reach on Santos. They touch gloves to get us going. They trade some kicks, both guys just probing each other for weaknesses. Holland working some side kicks, Santos instead lands a heavy body kick that gets Holland to settle down. They clinch, Holland might have tried a flying omoplata but Santos smothers it and lands punches. Holland with an armbar attempt, he’s got Santos rolling and looking to straighten it out, Santos gets his arm free and tees off for a few seconds. Elbows and hammer fists from Santos, Holland responds with elbows from his back. Santos stands and they trade leg kicks while Holland is on his back. Holland lands an up kick, Santos goes back down and lands more punches and elbows but Holland is trying to defend. Santos lands another elbow but Holland is keeping this long enough to mitigate a lot of the force. Santos finds the target a few times, Holland is cut I think. Holland rolls to his knees then tries to granby roll for guard and Santos is content to get in guard and land more offense. Another flurry from Santos is partially blocked and Santos lets Holland back up. Holland is struggling with vision in his left eye. Santos lands a leg kick and is coming forward. Hard left to the body from Santos and they clinch again where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos, there’s a 10-8 argument in there

ROUND TWO: Holland feinting again, Santos lands a couple of body shots that got Holland’s attention. They both throw body kicks, Holland took one to the groin so we’ve got time for him to recover. Holland is ready to continue quickly and we’re back to fighting. High kick from Holland, Santos enjoying the southpaw stance now to kick to the head and body. Now a double leg from Santos works and he’s on top in half guard. Santos into full mount holding a head and arm choke, as he re-positions away from the cage he loses the choke but now has full mount again. Holland kicks off of the fence and they’re back on the feet. Santos drives some kicks to the body and leg, those kicks are incredibly strong. Another left body kick from Santos and he’s after a takedown against the fence and rides Holland down. They’re in the ride position, Santos lands some rights to the head while Holland looks to regain his feet against the cage. Knees to the thigh from Santos then one to the head and an elbow. They trade in close and both land, Holland lands a knee as they clinch back up. Santos has a body lock and moves to the back standing then gets Holland down, Holland hits a kimura roll though and gets on top in side control. Elbows from Holland get through the guard of Santos. Holland looking for mount, he’s got half guard and rolls back to side control as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both guys are sucking a little wind but Holland looks more fatigued, and given the body kicks he’s taken I can’t blame him. They touch gloves for the last round. Santos lands a body kick then a right hook. Head kick from Santos is partially blocked but Holland is standing very still. More body kicks from Santos and they clinch up then Santos gets an outside trip into half guard. Santos lands some rights and hammer fists, he’s working to pin the arm of Holland and then punch him. Holland trying to get his body moving, Santos into basically full mount and is after an arm triangle choke. The positioning is off for Santos’ arms to finish this so he bails to land blows then Holland kicks him off from the fence and hangs out on his back until Santos makes him stand back up. A couple of lefts land for Santos, he’s swinging for the fences and sprawls on a double leg then goes for a front choke but uses that to move to the ride position. Rights to the body and head from Santos then he’s into full mount when Holland tries another granby roll. Santos is landing some short punches as Holland shrimps to half guard. Another arm triangle from Santos, he’s into side control and is turning to tighten it up. This one is tighter but Santos gets up on his knees and that lets Holland slip out the back and go to his knees. Santos follows him and starts landing punches as Holland tries to scramble. Time will run down with Holland holding guard.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Santos, 30-26 Santos overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thiago Santos via unanimous decision (29-26, 29-27 x2)

I can see Holland stealing the second round, and I have no argument with Santos getting two 10-8’s. Mic time for Santos, who puts over Holland and says the fight was important to him as he was coming off of a fight that fell through and prides himself on fighting whoever comes to fight him. He puts over Holland again as a tough guy then closes by saying he’ll be ready on the third of November and is willing to fight anyone on that card.

Polyana Viana has a six fight winning streak going on and was successful in her UFC debut, now she’s looking to make a play for a ranked opponent next time out with another win here. JJ Aldrich has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, she’s also trying to get a bigger named opponent next with a win here. The odds are close but lean towards Viana at -160 to a +130 comeback for Aldrich.

Strawweight Bout: Polyana Viana (10-1, 115 lbs.) vs. JJ Aldrich (6-2, 115.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Aldrich has half an inch of reach on Viana. Aldrich comes out southpaw. A bit of feinting from both women, then Viana lands a body kick. Viana lands a straight right. Aldrich clinches up and Viana gets her on the fence. Viana fishing for an inside trip but nothing doing so she lands an elbow and a knee. Aldrich spins Viana into the fence and Viana tries for a judo toss but Aldrich stays too tight to her for her to get position on the mat. They’re stalling out here, neither woman is doing much. Aldrich is holding a body lock and landing a few knees but there’s not much on them. Viana lands a knee now and Aldrich pulls free. They split rights and Viana lands a body kick. They clinch again, Viana lands an elbow and winds up on the fence. Viana jumping for a guillotine, she can’t get the arm under the neck and winds up on her back with full guard. Neither woman does much from there as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Viana

ROUND TWO: Quick right hook from Aldrich starts the second round off. Bit of a body kick from Viana. Viana pushes forward and we get a quick exchange that’s kind of sad from a technical stand point. Another clinch and Aldrich is holding Viana on the fence. They’re stalling out again then Viana lands a left hook on the break. Aldrich lands a couple of straight lefts while circling. Viana lands another body kick then a straight right. Straight left from Aldrich lands. They trade power hand punches then Viana lands a body kick. Stepping jab from Aldrich. Viana goes to that body kick again then ducks under a punch and gets a takedown almost immediately tot he back. Aldrich is shrimping quickly to get half guard as Viana gets on top. Viana goes for a triangle choke as she lost position but can’t get it and Aldrich is on top now in the guard of Viana. Half guard for Aldrich and she lands an elbow to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Viana but could easily go to Aldrich, 20-18 Viana overall

ROUND THREE: Body kick from Viana but she eats a counter right hook. Aldrich circling now, she wants to avoid the fence apparently. Counter left from Aldrich lands flush. Viana gets close and winds up pulling guard. Some offense from the bottom by Viana, Aldrich is trying for safety and a stand up. They’re stalling out even more as Viana is fighting for biceps control. Aldrich stands free and makes Viana stand back up. Viana is a little gassed and Aldrich lands a counter left after slipping a right. Viana misses badly with some punches but Aldrich doesn’t have a counter this time. Bit of a left from Aldrich but she’s letting Viana off of the fence and I’m not sure what she’s looking for on those resets. One two from Aldrich, Viana lands a body kick but eats another punch as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldrich, 29-28 Viana overall

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

10-8 for Aldrich anywhere is incredibly generous. Mediocre fight that shouldn’t have been on PPV, but Aldrich gets an interview anyway because why wouldn’t we draw this out. Alrich says she didn’t want to get crazy on the ground with a jiu-jitsu fighter like Viana and she feels great about winning in the Staples Center. She wishes she could have gotten going earlier to close the interview.

Cub Swanson has been a top featherweight for several years now but currently finds himself on a two fight losing streak, a reality somewhat mitigated by the opposition in those fights being top contenders Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar. Swanson needs to avoid what would be his first ever three fight losing streak here if he wants to get back towards the title picture. Renato “Moicano” Carneiro has been a rising contender in the division with his lone set back coming at the hands of Brian Ortega, he’s coming off of a win though and a win over a top five opponent like Swanson would be the biggest win of his career and could propel him into the title picture. The odds are with Carneiro at a surprisingly high -325 while the +250 comeback on Swanson has to be a very tempting value bet.

Featherweight Bout: #5 Cub Swanson (25-9, 145.25 lbs.) vs. #10 Renato “Moicano” Carneiro (12-1-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carneiro is three inches taller and has two inches of reach on Swanson. Both men come out feinting, Swanson lands a leg kick. Carneiro lands a bit of a body kick. Another leg kick from Swanson lands. Both men miss some punches, they’re still getting a feel for each other. Carneiro lands a left hook in close after Swanson landed a leg kick. Carneiro lands a jab, Swanson clubs him to the body with a right. Swanson’s calf kick has been the best offense he’s landed while Carneiro is fighting long. Swanson lands a calf kick then gets jabbed for his trouble. Right from Swanson lands but he eats a counter then lands a calf kick. Stiff jab from Carnerio drops Swanson and he’s flurrying on the mat. Swanson fights up but eats a hard knee to the body and Carneiro takes him down then gets full mount almost immediately. Carneiro postures up and lands as Swanson starts to shrimp looking for half guard again. Swanson has half guard now but Carneiro is smothering him and looking to pass. Swanson explodes but Carneiro gets an insanely quick rear naked choke and forces the tap. Man that transition from Carneiro at the end was sweet.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Renato “Moicano” Carneiro via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:15 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Carneiro for his work this evening. Mic time for Carneiro, he expresses love for his wife and hopes for a vacation with her this year then says God bless America as a country that has embraced him. He says he wants a rematch with Brian Ortega for the interim title, he felt he was doing well against Ortega before that guillotine and wants that one back and promises to be champion. He puts over his coaches for getting him to this point to close the interview. That finishing bit from Carneiro was great, good stiff jab then that transition to the back on the mat was very quick and he was already in choking position as his legs and hips got into position.

Henry Cejudo is on a two fight winning streak that has earned him another crack at the flyweight championship. Cejudo came up short in a title bid in 2016 but he’s hoping the refinements to his game since then will let him dethrone the most dominant champion going in all of MMA. Demetrious Johnson is on one of the best runs in MMA history, he’s undefeated at flyweight, hasn’t lost a fight since 2011, is the only flyweight champion the UFC has ever known, has defended his title a record setting eleven times, has the latest finish in UFC history, and scored one of the most impressive submissions you’ll ever see in his last fight when he hit a german suplex into an armbar. Johnson is trying to get his record up to twelve consecutive defenses here and maintain the superb form he’s shown to this point. While a loss wouldn’t erase his records, given his occasionally acrimonious relationship with the UFC it’s not something Johnson can really afford. Johnson is a significant -470 favorite to +400 for Cejudo.

Flyweight Title Bout: (c) Demetrious Johnson (27-2-1, 125 lbs.) vs. #1 Henry Cejudo (12-2, 124.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cejudo is an inch taller while Johnson has two inches of reach on him. Dammit Comcast, do not do this now, I swear I will find you. Johnson opens with a low leg kick, he’s doing some stance switching already. Johnson probing with leg kicks, just getting a read on Cejudo. Cejudo limps a bit, one of those leg kicks hurt Cejudo, his left leg is already shot. I don’t know what happened but that leg is badly compromised. Johnson working inside leg kicks now, he’s not getting crazy as Cejudo seems to get that leg back under him. Body kick from Johnson and a long left. Johnson lands a head kick, Cejudo just eats it but Johnson is chewing him up with kicks from the outside. Johnson lands a left and avoids the counters from Cejudo. The stance switching is keeping Cejudo from really getting a read on Johnson. Body kick from Johnson. Cejudo misses a couple of kicks, his leg seems to be back to functional status. Now Cejudo is southpaw, he’s protecting that left leg I think. Johnson lands a head kick but Cejudo gets close and lands a left. Johnson slams a leg kick to the left leg of Cejudo as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Johnson back to pressing forward, they trade leg kicks and Johnson tries a single leg that stalls out on the fence. Some knees to the body by Johnson before Cejudo disengages. Hard inside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson lands a right and avoids the counters then they clash on low kicks again. Another clinch, more knees from Johnson before they break. Right lands for Cejudo, he’s putting heat on his offense. Johnson misses a head kick. More leg kicks from Johnson both inside and outside. Bit of a body kick from Cejudo, Johnson lands a better one. Leg kick from Johnson, bit of a counter right from Cejudo. Another body kick from Johnson and he avoids a takedown. Second effort from Cejudo is successful though and he’s in half guard on top. Johnson looking to go under Cejudo, he’s up looking for a single leg and Cejudo is looking to counter as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but Cejudo might have stolen it

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the third round then Johnson lands a powerful inside leg kick. Another leg kick from Johnson, he’s chasing Cejudo just a bit now. Body kick from Cejudo. Another leg kick from Johnson but they clinch and Cejudo winds up holding a front headlock and they clinch. A few knees go back and forth in the clinch. They break after another couple of knees are exchanged. Another calf kick from Johnson, that lead leg is hurting again. Johnson lands to the body again. Another leg kick from Johnson but Cejudo lands a counter right this time. Left lands for Johnson. Cejudo misses some punches. Body kick from Johnson lands. Another leg kick from Johnson and he avoids the counters. More leg kicks from Johnson, those are starting to add up again. They trade punches in close, Cejudo gets a takedown and rides Johnson down but Johnson scrambles through and is back up instantly. Leg kick from Johnson, Cejudo is bleeding a little from the corner of his right eye. Another body kick from Johnson, this is a stick and move clinic so far from the champion. Knee to the body from Johnson, Cejudo tries a takedown but Johnson rolls through again. Leg kick from Cejudo ends the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: Johnson opens with an inside leg kick. Leg kick from Johnson. Both men miss punches and Johnson lands another leg kick. Johnson lands a hard counter right that definitely got Cejudo’s attention. Leg kick from Johnson but he slips and Cejudo lands a right, Johnson lands a right to return. Straight right lands for Johnson, while Cormier argues for wrestling takedowns as scoring criteria instead of secured positions and he continues to annoy me. Straight left from Johnson lands. Inside leg kick from Johnson lands and he again avoids the counters of Cejudo. Hard body kick from Johnson, Cejudo is trying to goad him into brawling. Johnson avoids the first takedown attempt from Cejudo then Cejudo’s second effort gets him down in half guard. Cejudo looking for control more than damage, Johnson is landing knees from the bottom. Full guard now for Johnson and he’s looking to elevate, Cejudo is bleeding more profusely now though I’m not sure of the source. Half guard again for Cejudo as the round ends.

SCORECARD: tough one, 10-9 Cejudo I guess, 39-37 Johnson overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the last round. Johnson lands an inside leg kick, then an outside leg kick. Bit of a left from Johnson. Another leg kick from Johnson then a left hook behind it. Front kick to the body from Cejudo. Body kick from Johnson lands. They clinch up then break with a knee from Cejudo. Johnson with another inside leg kick. Sharp left from Johnson in close lands. Leg kick from Johnson. Cejudo gets the back standing, Johnson looking to break the grip and spin into him. Cejudo tries to elevate, Johnson blocks that then gets the clinch chest to chest. Knees from Johnson and Cejudo gets that inside trip again but Johnson is back up immediately and lands a leg kick. Left hand from Cejudo lands. Johnson lands a bit of a head kick. Another clinch, Johnson blocks the trip this time, they trade knees to the body then swing as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 49-46 Johnson overall but watch Cejudo take this on pointless takedowns

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Flyweight Champion– Henry Cejudo via split decision (47-48, 48-47 x2)

Man that’s crap. Cejudo on the mic now, he thanks California to suck up to the crowd and then puts over his coaches and team. He dedicates the belt to his mentor then says the calf kicks hurt him and says composure was the key to his victory. He puts over Johnson’s speed but felt he definitely won. To close he mentions that he lost int he first round to DJ just two years ago and says he felt disrespected by Dana White and then says he wants to fight the winner of the upcoming bantamweight title fight so he can go up and take two belts.

Johnson gets an interview, says Cejudo is tough and he planned to bang up his legs then says that when he was on top Cejudo was just holding and not doing anything significant. He says Cejudo is the champ now, he’s clearly annoyed by that decision, but plans to go home so he can be there when his third kid is born and see what’s next. Given the UFC’s history with him I imagine Bellator is next for Johnson.

Cody Garbrandt was on a serious hot streak that culminated with a win over the best bantamweight ever in Dominick Cruz to claim the bantamweight title, unfortunately for him his reign never got off the ground as he was stopped by TJ Dillashaw in his last fight. Garbrandt is trying to reclaim the title here and re-establish himself as the premier bantamweight going right now. TJ Dillashaw just became a two time bantamweight champion by besting Garbrandt, now he’s looking to get his second reign up and running with a successful title defense and put Garbrandt in his rear view for the foreseeable future. Given how close their first fight was it’s no surprise the odds are close or that they lean towards the champion Dillashaw at -140 to +110 on Garbrandt.

Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) TJ Dillashaw (15-3, 135 lbs.) vs. #1 Cody Garbrandt (11-1, 134.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garbrandt is an inch and a half taller while Dillashaw has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Dillashaw will do a lot of stance switching. Garbrandt coming forward early, both men doing some probing with kicks. Body kick from Garbrandt. Feinting from both guys, still getting a feel for each other. Dillashaw blocks a combination. Garbrandt avoids a looping left. Both men landed in close, then Dillashaw lands a body kick. Now Garbrandt lands a front kick to the body then clips Dillashaw with a right hook. Another front kick from Garbrandt lands. Another right from Garbrandt lands and they start scrapping and Dillashaw lands a hook in close that drops Garbrandt. Dillashaw is on the ride position looking to land punches, Garbrandt back up and they separate. There’s swelling around the right eye of Dillashaw but Garbrandt doesn’t have his legs under him yet. Counter right from Dillashaw drops Garbrandt again and he swarms again but Garbrandt is fighting to survive. Knee from Dillashaw and a follow up combination ends the night of Garbrandt.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Bantamweight Champion– TJ Dillashaw via TKO, knee and punches, at 4:10 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Dillashaw for his work this evening. I’d like to congratulate the UFC’s booking for killing off the top contender for a couple of years now instead of letting it build. Dillashaw on the mic and puts over Duane Ludwig then says that Garbrandt caught him but he never lost himself. He says he expected more counters to his kicks and that’s what led to the finish. Dillashaw calls himself the best bantamweight ever, his loss to Cruz is notably omitted from his spiel, then tells Cejudo to bring it. He talks us through the finish then puts over a couple of his doctors for getting him here then plays with the crowd.

Well that wraps up UFC 227. Thanks to everyone for following along, and thankfully the top two fights delivered in terms of action even if I think the scoring was fundamentally wrong for the flyweight title fight. There’s a bit of a lull after this, no UFC until Fight Night 135 on the 25th so I’ll have my Saturday’s back. I wont know what to do with them, but at least I’ll have them. Tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show we’ll unpack all of the action here, so tune in for that. If you’ve got a question or comment you’d like addressed you can leave a comment below and I’ll get it on the air. Until next time thank you again for the support, it’s needed even if I don’t deserve it, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.