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411’s UFC Fight Night 121 Report 11.18.17

November 19, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 121. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Hopefully we can avoid the technological issues that plagued last weeks coverage, and I’m still sorry about that for the record. Tonight the UFC is back in Australia, the main event was to feature Mark Hunt before he published an article where he mentioned suffering symptoms of CTE and the UFC pulled him for safety concerns then un-ironically put on an Andrei Arlovski fight last night. The new main event is former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum taking on Marcin Tybrua while the rest of the card is full of native Australians taking on the evil foreign invaders, because jingoism is still a thing. We also had four fighters miss weight, which might be a record.

We’re in the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia for this event with John Gooden and Dan Hardy on commentary. In your regularly scheduled rules update the Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales have adopted the changes to the unified rules of MMA, so extending fingers towards your opponent is a foul regardless of contact being made, you need to have both palms or fists on the mat to be considered downed, and the language around scoring is clearer while also encouraging more 10-8 rounds.

Anthony Hamilton (15-8) is on a three fight losing streak, in fact he’s just 3-6 overall in his UFC career. Suffice it to say, Hamilton must win here as another loss could easily end his UFC run. Adam Wieczorek (8-1) is finally making his UFC debut here, he’s been scheduled to fight for the first time in the UFC three previous times this year, and brings a seven fight winning streak with him. Wieczorek is trying to make a big first impression. The odds are with Wieczorek, -175 to +145 for Hamilton.

Heavyweight Bout: Anthony Hamilton (15-8, 261 lbs.) vs. Adam Wieczorek (8-1, 238 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Hamilton is a full twelve years older while Wieczorek has five inches of reach on him, and of course Hamilton is heavier by twenty three pounds. They touch gloves to get things going. Wieczorek is circling and sniping with kicks to the legs and body. Hamilton eats a leg kick and dives into the clinch, he’s got Wieczorek on the fence and hits a body lock takedown to land in Wieczorek’s guard. Hamilton passes to half guard and lands some rights to the body. Hamilton moves to side control, he’s looking for knee on belly but Wieczorek blocks that. Wieczorek gets half guard back, Hamilton still landing a few rights to the body. Wieczorek gets guard back, Hamilton stands to pass to half guard again. Wieczorek lands a few punches, Hamilton stands and then comes back to the guard again. Hamilton moves to half guard again and lands a few rights to the body. Wieczorek gets guard, Hamilton stands and lets him back up. Wieczorek lands a couple of ugly jabs, he lands a right then a knee to the body. Hamilton dives for a double leg that stalls out on the fence, Weiczorek defending so far. They trade a few knees to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hamilton

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Wieczorek is stalking forward this round, Hamilton circling and breathing hard. Hamilton loses his balance and takes a knee to the head, he goes down and Wieczorek is on top in half guard. Wieczorek is trying to set up a pass to mount, Hamilton trying for a lock down from the bottom. Wieczorek lands some elbows to the thigh while looking to pass, Hamilton still stalling him out. Wieczorek lands a solid left elbow. Mount for Wieczorek but he has no control, Hamilton scrambles back up and blocks a head kick. Wieczorek lands a bit of a right then a leg kick. Hamilton breathing hard, Wieczorek struggling with the distance a bit now. Both guys just probing at distance. Wieczorek lands a body kick, Hamilton catches it and pushes him to the fence in the clinch but Wieczorek spins him at the last second to achieve superior position. Wieczorek lands a knee to the body, he tries a throw but Hamilton smothers it and gets a hold of his legs against the fence. Wieczorek looking to wall walk, Hamilton just holding as he does and they end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wieczorek, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves yet again. Wieczorek lands a bit of a right, he’s pushing forward early and looking to push the pace. They both have rights blocked, Hamilton pushes into the clinch again and they’re on the fence. They jockey for position a bit and trade some knees. Wieczorek lands a knee to the body as they separate. Hamilton has a high kick blocked then eats a left. Wieczorek isn’t putting a ton of weight on his blows but he’s starting to land a bit more. Hamilton tries another takedown, and again they stall out on the fence. Wieczorek lands a knee to the body and circles free. They both try combinations that are blocked. Wieczorek lands a leg kick. Hamilton tries another double leg, and again they hit the fence. Hamilton is hoping to wall and stall this round out. Hamilton tries a trip, Wieczorek stays upright. He’s still after the takedown, Wieczorek staying upright though. Wieczorek lands a knee to the body as they break. A right lands for Wieczorek. Hamilton lands a bit of a body kick. Wieczorek lands a knee to the body, Hamilton tries another blast double leg that hits the fence. They trade a bit as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-10, 29-29 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Adam Wieczorek via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Somewhat surprising but thankfully the judges weren’t too swayed by stalling without effect. Wieczorek on the mic now, he says the time difference really effected him and he promises that his next fight will be better. He says he’ll train harder for his next bout and reiterates that it will be better than this one.

Jenel Laus is 1-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss to Magomed Bibulatov and is trying to get back on the winning side of things. Eric Shelton is 0-2 in the UFC, both were relatively competitive fights that went to split decisions but he’s got to get his first UFC win here or risk getting cut after going 0-3. Despite being winless in the UFC the odds are with Shelton by a significant -340 to +260 on Lausa.

Flyweight Bout: Jenel Lausa (7-3, 124 lbs.) vs. Eric Shelton (10-4, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shelton is an inch taller while Lausa has half an inch of reach on him. They touch gloves to get things going. Shelton stalking forward, both men miss a few offerings while range finding. They both land straight rights. Lausa has a head kick blocked. Shelton stalking forward, lands a glancing right after missing a left hook. They both miss rights but Lausa is in on a double leg and gets Shelton to the mat, landing in his guard. They trade some punches, Shelton has his feet on the hips and is scooting to the cage so he can wall walk. Lausa is able to turn him parallel to the cage and keep him down. Shelton hits a few elbows, he slips out and gets a rear waist lock as they stand. Shelton turns the corner and gets a double leg against the fence. Lausa is sitting on the cage but Shelton has the legs mounted. Shelton looking to attack the posts, not the best work at it though and Lausa is back up and they separate. Shelton still stalking forward. A bit of a right lands for Shelton. Shelton hits a low double leg, he was down around the calves when he completed it, and he’s on top in guard. Some solid blows landing for Shelton to the body and head as the round winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shelton

ROUND TWO: Lausa comes out throwing the jab, Shelton is backing him up still. Glancing overhand right lands for Lausa. Shelton is still coming forward, he misses a right and Lausa clips him with a left hook. Lausa has his back to the fence, he tries to circle but Shelton hits a double leg as he was at an odd angle and has him down. Lausa back up and evades a standing guillotine attempt, Shelton is still on a single leg and gets Lausa down again. Lausa went for a kimura as he went down but couldn’t get body control, Lausa gives up his back trying to regain his feet. Shelton hits him a few times, Lausa hip escapes to half guard and eats an elbow for his trouble. Shelton landing some elbows to the body and head, then he passes to full mount again. Hard elbow from Shelton, and another one. Lausa able to scramble, he drops for a guillotine though as they move and Shelton yanks his head out quickly to resume top control. Shelton lands some rights to the head, Lausa is trying to set up the guillotine again but Shelton seems wise to it now. Some good top work from Shelton, he’s staying busy and effective despite being in the guard of Lausa. The round ends in that position.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Shelton lands a leg kick, Lausa returns it. Still forward pressure from Shelton, Lausa is getting all the way to the fence before trying to circle and that’s limiting his movement. Shelton lands a hard right hand, then tries a single leg that Lausa defends. That right lands for Shelton again then he tries a double leg against the fence. Shelton has to work for it but he does get the takedown and holds the legs as Lausa sits on the fence. Shelton spins Lausa from the cage and gets into his guard, he’s back to working body to head blows. Lausa tries for that guillotine again, Shelton easily defends and hits him again. Shelton passes to half guard and is now after elbow strikes. Lausa is able to regain his guard but he eats another elbow strike. Lausa seems to just be hanging on waiting for the round to end as Shelton attacks him. A few signs of life from Lausa as he tries to get his hips engaged, Shelton disengages and makes him stand. Shelton lands a right that drops Lausa to his seat just as the final horn sounds.

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

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

I could see a 10-8 second round for Shelton, he’s happy and gets an interview. He says he’s happy to finally get interviewed, puts over Sydney and the people then thanks God for supporting him through his trials and tribulations. Shelton mentions that once he felt Lausa on the mat he knew he could beat him there, says the win is the only thing that matters. Hardy asks him about the preparation, he walks us through some of his training and thanks his coaches for their support.

Alex Chambers is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Paige VanZant, she’s trying to get a win in her home country and get her UFC record back to the .500 mark. Nadia Kassem is undefeated and making her UFC debut here. Kassem missed weight, never a good thing, and she’s hoping to erase a bit of that stigma with a successful debut. Kassem is your favorite, -200 to a +160 for Chambers.

Strawweight Bout: Alex Chambers (5-3, 115 lbs.) vs. Nadia Kassem (4-0, 120 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Kassem is two inches taller and has three inches of reach on Chambers, Chambers is a full seventeen years older as well. They touch gloves after a second, Kassem fighting southpaw. Chambers works a few inside leg kicks, Kassem returns them. Chambers lands a body kick. They trade inside leg kicks again, Kassem lands a short right. Chambers catches a body kick and drives Kassem into the fence. Chambers lands a knee to the body, she’s trying to get a trip but Kassem has wrist control and forces a break then lands a right. Chambers lands a right in close and tries for a high crotch, Kassem blocks it then takes a left hook from Chambers. Double leg along the fence from Chambers who passes to half guard quickly. Kassem trying to set up a heel hook, switches to the inside heel hook as they wind up in 50-50 guard. Kassem is after that inside heel hook, there isn’t enough control of the knee line to really threaten though and Chambers is safe to hand fight. Kassem lands a couple of lefts, Chambers is able to spin free and get on top in half guard again. Chambers lands an elbow. Kassem lands some elbows to the body from the bottom but Chambers is controlling her well thus far. Chambers lands some body shots then a few elbows to the head as the last meaningful blows of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chambers

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Chambers still with forward pressure, Kassem lands a couple of decent punches but Chambers gets a double leg. Chambers can’t keep Kassem down, Kassem wall walks though Chambers has a standing arm triangle choke locked up. There isn’t much danger of the choke finishing, Chambers bails on the attempt and Kassem hits her a couple of times then lands a body kick as Chambers breaks free. Chambers tries an ugly shot that winds up in the clinch. Some positional jockeying and Chambers lands a right as they separate. Kassem lands a bit of a combination and blocks a takedown attempt. Kassem lands a hard front kick to the body but when she tries to follow up Chambers gets her down and lands in the guard. Kassem quickly after a triangle choke, she’s got the position with her legs correct but she’s punching rather than compressing just now. Now Kassem tries to transition to an armbar, she’s going for the actual choke now but Chambers is fighting the angle just enough to stay safe. Kassem after the armbar again, Chambers steps over to release some of the pressure and Kassem switches to go all out for the armbar. Chambers able to get her arm safe though Kassem gets the ride position and starts landing blows while riding Chambers. Chambers gets a double wrist lock to stall out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Kassem, 19-18 Kassem overall

ROUND THREE: Chambers is looking tired between rounds but she’s back to moving forward, she just wont stop. Kassem working some kicks to the legs and body while circling, I wish Chambers would cut her off rather than follow. Chambers tries a takedown but Kassem blocks it and lands a knee to the body. Chambers lands a bit of a left hook, she keeps backing off when Kassem gets to the fence which I find a little puzzling. Kassem starts to taunt and posture, Chambers gets a double leg and lands in half guard. Chambers lands some short elbows before Kassem is able to get full guard. Kassem setting up the triangle again, Chambers is much more aware of it this time around and keeps both her arms in play. Chambers steps back and lands a few leg kicks before going back into the guard of Kassem. Chambers is in half guard but Kassem rolls for a leg entanglement to threaten the heel hook again, her finishing technique isn’t quite there. Kassem is able to roll into top position though and she goes for a reverse triangle from a ride position. Chambers after a takedown, she’s back up and has Kassem on the fence again. Some body work goes back and forth, Kassem lands a head kick as they break. Kassem lands a couple of body kicks, Chambers is dead tired but she’s walking forward. Kassem lands a straight left as they clinch again. Kassem has the back standing as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kassem, 29-27 Kassem overall

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

Kassem seems quite happy to have won, and she’s on the mic now. She says it feels great to finally get the win, then apologizes for missing weight and calls in unprofessional on her part before thanking Chambers for taking the fight after she missed weight. Asked about surprises in the fight she says she focused on what she can do and hopes everyone remembers her name because she’ll be back. Hardy asks about her future, she says she might have to move up to flyweight after missing weight then says she isn’t afraid of anyone in either division.

That does it for Fight Pass, we’re on Fox Sports 1 for the remainder of the evening.

Damien Brown is 2-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss but is hoping to rebound with a win here. Frank Camacho missed weight for this bout, he’s still looking for his first UFC win after losing his debut and if he goes 0-2 with an instance of missing weight he could easily find himself outside of the promotion. The odds are close but lean towards Camacho at -135 to +105 on Brown.

Lightweight Bout: Damien Brown (17-10, 155 lbs.) vs. Frank Camacho (20-5, 160 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Camacho has four and a half inches of reach on Brown. They touch gloves to get things going. Brown blocks a jab and lands a bit of a right. Camacho is the one pressing forward thus far, and he lands a short right. Left hook from Camacho lands, these two are starting to swing leather early. Brown lands a couple of leg kicks, he tries a single leg that stalls out on the fence. Camacho pushes him over and winds up holding Brown on the fence. They fight for position, Camacho is able to sneak in a couple of elbow strikes. Brown lands a knee to the body, Camacho tries to trip him down but Brown stays upright and is after a single leg now. Camacho blocks and lands a few elbows, he tries a trip and Brown pushes him over, Camacho up but Brown slams him back down and Camacho has to fight back up to his feet again. Even in the clinch these two are trying to hurt each other. Camacho finally gets that foot sweep he’s been after and quickly moves to side control. Brown quickly bridges to his feet and is after a single leg, he can’t finish it and they wind up fighting in the clinch yet again. Camacho sneaks in a right uppercut then Brown is able to trip him down and get the back with both hooks in. Brown is after the choke, Camacho is keeping his neck safe thus far but Brown is in position to make a go of this. Brown loses one of his hooks, gets under the chin during a scramble, he has to switch to palm to palm as Camacho hand fought well. Camacho is able to break the grip and spin to end the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-10

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. They trade some rights, Camacho might be fading a bit. Camacho lands a series of jabs but his footwork isn’t quite what it was in the first round. Brown lands a bit of a right, Camacho returns fire. Leg kick from Brown. Brown lands that leg kick again but Camacho lands an uppercut and a left hook to counter. Brown goes back to the leg kick, he tries a single leg but Camacho blocks it. Camacho is winning the punching exchanges, he’s just got more firepower. Hard right from Camacho. Brown lands a stiff right of his own, defense is going away from both men. They trade punches again, Camacho lands a wicked right but Brown stays upright. Camacho wants this thing toe to toe and trading power blows because he’s winning that, Brown is starting to make this more mobile. They wind up clinched and Camacho has Brown on the fence as they trade body shots. Camacho lands an elbow as they break. Brown’s left eye is a bit of a mess. Brown wobbles Camacho with a right, Camacho lands a hard right of his own. Brown lands another right, they’re still just trading at close quarters, they both stop early to celebrate before they hear the horn and laugh at the mistake.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camacho, 20-19 Camacho overall

ROUND THREE: Well if nothing else the crowd is happy, and the two fighters hug to start the final round. Brown circling along the outside. Camacho lands a short right as Brown lands a stepping elbow. Brown lands a solid counter right. Brown misses a jab and lands a follow up right. Camacho pushing forward now but he’s eating counters when they’re in motion, when they’re static Camacho is winning. Brown lands a body kick and eats a combination. Camacho digs a left to the body, and just to add to the insanity Brown lands a hook kick to the face. They trade again, Camacho is bleeding around the left eyebrow now. Camacho coming forward and they’re trading more punches, I’m really surprised neither man has fallen yet. Brown lands a decent combination and angles away but Camacho follows him and gets him back on the fence. Camacho tees off a bit and Brown is finally wobbled but he wont be deterred and swings back then tries a single leg that doesn’t work. Brown lands a right uppercut, Camacho just eats it and lands a right of his own. We get some RoadHouse action, they’re just swinging to the final bell.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camacho, 30-28 Camacho overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Frank Camacho via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Wild wild fight, Camacho on the mic now. He says this is a beautiful place full of awesome people, he mentions coming from a small island and appreciates the sites. He puts over Brown and mentions they talked to each other and egged each other into the fight, he thanks Brown and his camp for the fight and says he’s a better man because of the effort Brown put in. Hardy asks him about Brown smiling while they were exchanging, he says he just hopes the fans liked it. Dan Hardy brings Damien Brown over for a quick word, he says he thought he won a couple of the rounds but thanks Camacho for the fight and says the last thirty seconds was what fans pay to see, they agree. He puts over Camacho a bit and hopes he earned a bonus as his sons first Christmas is coming up.

Here’s the end of the third round, notice Dan Hardy standing in appreciation in the background. Just a bit of insanity to close things out.

And here’s a few highlights, that was just an entertaining brawl from start to finish.

Rashad Coulter lost his UFC debut when he was stopped by Chase Sherman, his resilience earned him a second shot and he’s trying to make good on that opportunity tonight. Tai Tuivasa is undefeated and making his UFC debut, he’s trying to make a memorable first impression. Again the odds are close but with Tuivasa, -175 while Coulter’s comeback sits at +145.

Heavyweight Bout: Rashad Coulter (8-2, 249 lbs.) vs. Tai Tuivasa (5-0, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Tuivasa is three inches taller while Coulter has an inch of reach on him, Coulter is also twelve years older. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men, Coulter tries a double leg but they wind up clinched on the fence. Tuivasa spins Coulter into the cage. They break and Coulter misses a right. Tuivasa lands a glancing left hook as they clinch up again and he’s got Coulter back on the fence. They trade knees to the body then separate. Tuivasa lands a bit of a left hook and they clinch, Tuivasa tries a lateral drop but can’t finish it and Coulter is on top now. Elbows from Coulter as Tuivasa is able to force his way back to his feet. Tuivasa lands a bit of a body kick, and technique is rapidly exiting the cage. Tuivasa misses an elbow strike. They split jabs and Tuivasa lands a heavy leg kick. Tuivasa goes to the body a few times, Coulter responds with a body kick. Tuivasa lands a knee to the body, they both think about trips and Tuivasa lands to the body before they wind up chest to chest again. Tuivasa lands an elbow as they separate. Tuivasa tries a rush, it’s mostly blocked and he lands a decent leg kick. Coulter is getting tired, Tuivasa kicks his leg out from under him, Coulter scrambles back up and Tuivasa DESTROYS him with a flying knee.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tai Tuivasa via KO, flying knee, at 4:35 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tuivasa for his work this evening. Tuivasa on the mic after that one. He plays to the crowd a bit, then mentions he’s been waiting a full year for this moment and he plans on being here for a long time. Asked about getting a read on Coulter he says he’s gonna do what he’s gonna do, then closes by telling the division he’s here.

Here’s the finish, heavy leg kick to off balance his opponent then goes for the jumping knee as Coulter is scrambling back to his feet. Nice stuff, and heavyweight can use all the talent they can get.

Will Brooks debuted in the UFC with some serious hype behind him, but he’s hit a two fight skid and is in pretty desperate need of a win to begin the rebuilding process. Nik Lentz is a longtime veteran but he’s coming off of a loss and looking to rebound. Brooks is a nearly prohibitive favorite at -450 while Lentz’s +325 payout must tempt a couple of gamblers who like to live dangerously.

Lightweight Bout: Will Brooks (19-3, 156 lbs.) vs. Nik Lentz (27-8-2 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brooks is two inches taller and has four inches of reach on Lentz. They touch gloves to get things going. Lentz opens up with a leg kick, Brooks decides to go southpaw and lands an inside leg kick. They get close, Lentz lands a knee to the body before taking an uppercut as they separate. Leg kicks go back and forth at distance, both men measuring and reading each other. Brooks is fighting with his hands at his waist, he lands a couple of punches. Some good movement from Books thus far, Lentz is chasing him in straight lines. Brooks working some jabs, he ducks a jab and gets a double leg as Lentz tries for a guillotine. Brooks gets free, Lentz after the guillotine again. Lentz has the arm in variant, he’s really after it but Brooks hops over and they wind up on the feet again. Lentz lands a bit of a left, Brooks slips free and lands a combination. Brooks lands a left, he’s moving well but eats a right from Lentz. Another couple of jabs from Brooks, he needs to get his chin down as he angles after those exchanges. Brooks lands a straight left, Lentz tries for a double leg and has to settle for a rear waist lock against the fence. Lentz goes for some knees to the thigh. Brooks breaks the grip, they trade knees to the body before they separate. Lentz misses a kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brooks but there’s an argument for Lentz

ROUND TWO: Brooks comes out quickly for the second round, Lentz lands a body kick. Brooks is backing Lentz up, he lands a left and then avoids some counters from Lentz. They trade in close, Brooks is moving better but he’s not quite getting as much offense out of it as I’d like. Brooks lands a solid one two combination. Lentz with some leg kicks, Brooks gets him in the clinch and has him on the fence. Lentz is bleeding from the bridge of the nose, Brooks avoids some offense and sticks Lentz with a few jabs. Brooks gets a double leg, Lentz sells out for another guillotine, rolls through into mount and is able to force the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nik Lentz via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:05 of Round 2

Lentz’s face is still a mess, he’s on the mic now and jokes that he’d beat his mom up in the cage if he has to. He talks us through the finish, he deliberately ate the jab to try and bait Brooks into a follow up double leg where he could get the choke from and then asks Hardy to be the one to give him his Nobel Prize. Lentz says it broke his heat to leave American Top Team but that camp came after him in this fight and he says he’ll bet fifty thousand dollars that no one from that camp can beat him, and when asked who he’s got on his mind he just says to line everyone from the bottom to the top like Mortal Kombat

OK, there’s a couple of things to go over in the finish. First is Brooks’ finishing technique on the takedown as he’s got his head on the outside rather than in the center so he’s basically asking for his head to be wrapped up, the second is him going to the same escape attempt (hopping and rolling over the top to get his hips free) that he did in the first because this time Lentz read it and rolled with him to finish the choke.

Ryan Benoit missed weight for this bout, and boy do I wish that was the last time I was typing that out tonight. Benoit has traded wins and losses while going 2-3 in the UFC, he was last seen dropping a decision to Brandon Moreno, he’s trying to avoid the first losing streak of his professional career. Ashkan Mokhtarian just had a six fight winning streak snapped when he lost to John Moraga in his UFC debut, he’s trying to erase the memory of that fight and turn in an impressive performance to get his first UFC win. Benoit is the favorite at -285 against +225 for Mokhtarian.

Flyweight Bout: Ryan Benoit (9-5, 129 lbs.)* vs. Ashkan Mokhtarian (13-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mokhtarian is an inch taller while Benoit has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Mokhtarian fighting southpaw, and circling a lot early while Benoit follows him. Mokhtarian misses a couple of punches, then lands an overhand left that rocks Benoit. They clinch up, Mokhtarian is looking for a takedown but Benoit is defending against the fence. They separate and Mokhtarian lands another left then fails a takedown attempt. Some more circling from Mokhtarian, Benoit lands a body kick. Mokhtarian is coming forward now, eats a right from Benoit as he’s doing so though. Mokhtarian lands an inside leg kick, he’s still circling a lot to very little effect. Benoit switches to southpaw, misses a leaping right hook and goes back to orthodox in time to eat an inside leg kick from Mokhtarian. Benoit is getting frustrated with the motion of Mokhtarian, as is the crowd. Mokhtarian is trying out orthodox now, I am baffled by his choices thus far. They both land a bit but nothing much. Mokhtarian lands a bit of a jab, they clinch up, trade a bit again just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mokhtarian

ROUND TWO: Mokhtarian comes out quickly again, apparently Benoit told his corner that his right hand was broken between rounds so that’s something to keep an eye on. Benoit lands a glancing head kick, Mokhtarian backs away. They trade in close and Benoit just misses a head kick. Benoit lands a bit of a right but he’s not got a lot on that. Mokhtarian lands a couple of punches and backs away. Mokhtarian blocks a high kick. Mokhtarian lands a bit of a left to counter a body kick then lands an inside leg kick. Some uppercut attempts from Mokhtarian now, he’s missing but he’s still keeping Benoit off balance. Mokhtarian lands a left hook that definitely got Benoit’s attentions. Benoit coming forward for a bit, he’s gone to southpaw now. They trade clubbing punches, Mokhtarian lands a bit of a left uppercut. Missed spinning back fist from Mokhtarian. Benoit tries a double leg, gets Mokhtarian to a knee and lands some punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Benoit, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Benoit lands a couple of rights, Mokhtarian responds with a left to the chin. Benoit lands a leg kick. They trade power hand punches, Benoit still fighting souhtpaw. Another left lands for Benoit, Mokhtarian has a spinning back fist blocked. Inside leg kick lands for Mokhtarian. Benoit is orthodox now, Mokhtarian ducks right into a high kick from Benoit that causes him to lose the ability to do math.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan Benoit via KO, head kick, at 2:38 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Benoit for his work this evening. Benoit gets an interview after that finish. He says his improved grappling gave him more confidence in his striking and his commitment to those strikes. He thanks his team and the city of Sydney. He mentions that Mokhtarian caught him off guard with his game plan, he talks about setting up his kicks and looking for the right shot rather than throw a lot of naked kicks.

Here’s the finish, they split power hand punches then as Mokhtarian tries to re-engage he drops his left hand and dips forward into the power kick of Benoit.

That’s it for preliminary action, though we’ll still be on Fox Sports 1 for the main card.

Alexander Volkanovski is riding an impressive twelve fight winning streak and is coming off of a successful UFC bout when he defeated veteran Mizuto Hirota. Volkanovski is trying to maintain that momentum and prove himself a legitimate prospect for the division. Shane Young took this fight on short notice after Volkanovski’s two previous opponents had to withdraw from the bout, he’s on a five fight winning streak and is hoping to score a major upset to announce his arrival in the UFC. Volkanovski is the biggest favorite on this card at a whopping -650 while a Young upset would pay out at +425.

Catchweight Bout: Alex Volkanovski (15-1, 149 lbs.) vs. Shane Young (11-3, 147 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Young is two inches taller and has an inch of reach on Volkanovski. They touch gloves to get things going. Volkanovski circling and feinting, Young trying to cut him off. Volkanovski misses a high kick. Body kick from Volkanovski sneaks through. Volkanovski tries a takedown, they wind up clinched on the fence. A couple of knees to the body from Volkanovski before they separate. Young lands a bit of a jab. Bit of a right from Volkanovski as he dives into a takedown position. Volkanovski lands a knee to the chest and gets a takedown to the knees. Volkanovski gets a rear waist lock, sweeps the legs from Young but Young is back up immediately. They separate without incident. Young avoids a head kick. A few inside leg kicks and a jab from Volkanovski, he lands a couple of rights to follow up and gets in on a clinch against the fence. Nice outside reap from Volkanovski, he threatens with an arm triangle as Young forces his way back to his feet and they separate. Stiff jab from Volkanovski, they trade in close and we’re clinched again. Volkanovski digs tot he body in close and lands a glancing spinning back fist as they break. Leg kick from Volkanovski and he misses a few follow up blows as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski

ROUND TWO: A touch of gloves gets the second round going. Some feinting from both men, Volkanovski working inside leg kicks. Short elbow from Volkanovski as he gets to the clinch and lands a knee to the body. Young ducks under a spinning back fist as he escapes the clinch. A few leg kicks are traded, Volkanovski jabs the body as well. Another right lands in close for Volkanovski, they’re clinched up and Volkanovski reaps the outside leg from a body lock, he lands in half guard. Volkanovski lands a left as Young wall walks, hard right elbow from Volkanovski as they disengage. More forward pressure from Volkanovski, he’s just slowly breaking down Young with pace and intelligent output. Volkanovski lands another right and they clinch. Volkanovski deep on a double leg, he elevates and drops Young, Young scrambles back up and Volkanovski drives him into the fence. Another double leg, another elevation and Volkanovski pulls Young away from the fence to slam and land in half guard. Pass to side control, then nearly into mount but Young hip escapes to half guard again. Volkanovski misses a couple of rights, he lands a few then stands, Young is back up and we end the round on the feet.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski, might be a 10-8 argument based on the differential in efficacy, 20-18 Volkanovski overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. A couple of leg kicks go back and forth. A couple of jabs go back and forth, Volkanovski pushes Young into the fence and lands a knee before going for a single leg takedown. Volkanovski settles for a clinch position, he lands a good knee to the body then one to the head. Volkanovski has insane pressure going in the clinch right now, he misses a right uppercut and Young hits a surprise double leg into half guard. Volkanovski elevates him with his upper body, gets up and is after a single leg now. Volkanovski hits a loose fireman’s carry and is on top in half guard now. Young able to get his guard for a moment, Volkanovski keeping him flat on the mat. Volkanovski lands a couple of punches and passes to side control, Young gets to half guard. A couple of punches land for Volkanovski and he moves to side control. Volkanovski lands a few punches, Young rolls to his knees, Volkanovski is all over him as Young is back up. Volkanovski lands a right as they’re clinched, he drops for a takedown, bails on that to land a couple of punches and a knee. One final knee to the body from Volkanovski brings us to the end of the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)

I probably should have gone 10-8 in the second, Volkanovski put on a smothering and brutal clinic. Volkanovski on the mic now, he puts over Young as one of the best guys in the region and mentions they were supposed to fight before but it never quite materialized. He says he wanted the finish but is happy with a 30-26 score. Asked what’s next he mentions that he’s had a lot of fights fall through and he wants a top guy, then invites anyone who likes to talk and bully people to try and bully him.

Elias Theodorou has been on an up and down journey in the UFC, he had a lot of hype around him after his debut and subsequent winning streak but that was somewhat derailed by Thiago Santos. Theodorou won two bouts after that but lost his last fight to Brad Tavares, he’s trying to avoid his first professional losing streak. Dan Kelly just had a four fight winning streak snapped violently by Derek Brunson, he’s trying to rebound in his home country and get another feel good moment as his career winds down. Theodorou is favored at -310 while Kelly sits at +240.

Middleweight Bout: Daniel Kelly (13-2, 185 lbs.) vs. Elias Theodorou (13-2, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: We got shortchanged on the tale of the tape, my apologies but if I had to guess Theodorou is taller by a couple of inches, much younger, and likely has a slight reach advantage. Kelly fighting southpaw, Theodorou using inside leg kicks and circling. More circling, Theodorou doing some stance switching. Kelly pushes close and lands a short left. Theodorou lands a bit of a body kick and avoids a left. Kelly wobbles Theodorou with a left then lands a couple of short uppercuts in close before they separate. They keep falling into upper body clinches then separating with a kick from Theodorou. Thoedorou lands a bit of a body kick. Kelly lands a couple of wild punches before they clinch up again and separate. Theodorou lands a body kick. Kelly working to close distance, they trade in close again and Theodorou lands a couple of weak body kicks to exit the pocket. Solid body kick from Theodorou. Kelly pressing the action, he keeps landing some short punches when they tie up but Theodorou is making the most of the space when they exit. The round ends as they stare at each other.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Theodorou

ROUND TWO: Theodorou opens with leg kicks, he’s trying to keep distance and Kelly is trying to crash close and make this ugly. They clinch up and break without much incident. Kelly eats a couple of slapping body kicks as he’s getting close. They clinch again, Kelly can’t get anything off before they separate. Another clinch, Kelly lands a couple of short shots then trips Theodorou down. Theodorou back up but Kelly has his back with a waist lock. Kelly disengages, Theodorou is breathing a little heavy. Kelly takes a groin kick and we’ve got time for him to recover. Kelly is back to fighting quickly and eats an inside leg kick then a bit of a high kick. Kelly pushing forward, Theodorou seems to have regained his wind after that break and is back to kicking and moving. Another clinch and some ugly trading in close, Kelly wobbles Theodorou as they break with a left. Theodorou throwing kicks to keep Kelly off of him. Kelly eats a knee and lands a short left hook as they clinch. Kelly gets Theodorou on the cage, Theodorou spins free without incident. Theodorou still sniping with leg kicks but Kelly is relentlessly pushing forward. They clinch up again, Kelly is just making Theodorou work at every opportunity. Theodorou still moving and kicking, Kelly misses a left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Theodorou but a better argument for Kelly this time, 20-18 Theodorou overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. More kicks from Thedorou as he moves away from Kelly. Hard body kick from Theodorou and a right that off balances Kelly for a moment. Kelly lands a body kick. They exchange wildly in close then clinch up again. Kelly has a body lock and spins Theodorou down, hes on the back and under the chin going for the choke. Kelly is really after this, he’s only got one hook in though and Theodorou is hand fighting well. Theodorou peels one of the hands away and gets the ride position. Kelly back up and takes a knee to the head. Theodorou holding the body lock. Knee to the body from Theodorou but Kelly tries a throw and forces separation. Kelly moving forward again, Theodorou sniping with kicks and moving around the cage. Kelly pushes close, they both land and then separate. Kelly lands a bit of a left, eats a back fist. They clinch again, not much happens and they break with a glancing kick from Theodorou. Kelly wings a left that lands. Theodorou circles away as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kelly, 29-28 Theodorou overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elias Theodorou via unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27, 30-26)

No idea which round could be 10-8, none of them were that far apart. Theodorou on the mic, he explains that he and Kelly had a bit of beef but Theodorou says he’s very Canadian and squashes the beef. He says he’s going home with his whole paycheck, mentions that Kelly has done judo longer than he’s been alive. Theodorou mentions that he fought his fight and that winning is the most important thing.

Jake Matthews is on a two fight losing streak at the moment, he had some hype around him but has struggled to take the next step at the UFC level. Matthews is hoping a move up to welterweight reinvigorates his career after almost a year away from the cage. Bojan Velickovic has an odd UFC record of 2-2-1, he’s coming off of a loss to Darren Till and is looking to avoid the first losing streak of his career. The odds are close, but lean towards Matthews at -150 against +120 for Velickovic.

Welterweight Bout: Jake Matthews (10-3, 170 lbs.) vs. Bojan Velickovic (15-5-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Velickovic is half an inch taller and has three inches of reach on Matthews. Velickovic fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. They both miss power hand punches, Matthews in on a takedown that stalls out on the fence. Velickovic defending and landing short elbows, Matthews still after the single leg. Matthews really tenacious but he’s struggling to get anything going on this takedown attempt. Velickovic landing to the body and head with punches as Matthews holds the legs. Matthews finally gets some motion going and spins Velickovic down, Velickovic back up though Matthews pushes him back into the fence. Matthews trying for the single leg again, Velickovic spins away from the fence and sprawls but Matthews spins him back into the fence. Velickovic lands a few short punches while defending the takdown. Matthews is finally able to secure the takedown, he lands in half guard this time. Velickovic rolls under for a leg lock attempt, they wind up in a modified 50-50 guard, Matthews is standing now and eats an up kick. Velickovic tries a heel hook, Matthews easily spins free and gets a rear waist lock where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matthews

ROUND TWO: A quick touch of gloves gets us started. Velickovic coming forward more this round. Matthews lands a bit of a right. Big jumping knee from velickovci lands, they get close and trade a bit, Velickovic counters a takedown attempt with a guillotine attempt, he moves to mount with it and is going for the mounted choke. Velikcovic can’t keep the arm around the neck and Matthews pops his head out, he is still mounted though. Velickovic lands a few punches then gets the back as Matthews turtles. Velikcovic lands a few punches as he adjusts his position to maintain the back. Velickovic pulls Matthews back and he’s looking for the choke. Velickovic riding well as Matthews tries to move. Matthews is able to spin free after a twister attempt and Matthews is in the clinch again. Velickovic lands some knees, eats an elbow as they jockey for position away from the fence then disengage. Velikcovic pressing forward, Matthews looks to be fading. They trade rights and circle away the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Velickovic, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Velickovic moving forward again. They trade a few kicks and body punches. Matthews tries a single leg, switches to a double leg and gets Velickovic down. Velickovic lands a few elbows from his back, Matthews returns them. Velikcovic spins free and is up, he’s got Matthews on the fence and is after a double leg of his own. Velikcovic hits the double leg and gets on top in half guard. Matthews looking to wall walk, Velickovic moves towards the back and he’s got one hook in. Both hooks in now for Velickovic and he’s after the choke. Matthes to his feet and he’s trying to shake Velickovic off of the top but Velikcovic keeps his position on the back. Matthews finally shakes the hooks free and gets on top in the guard of Velickovic. Matthews lands a few punches as he moves to half guard. Velikcovic looking for a double wrist lock, he can’t get it and me moves to his knees. Matthews gets one hook in but Velickovic tries to roll, Matthes rolls with him then sells out for the choke without control so Velickovic spins on top. Matthews back on top as they jockey for position and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Velickovic but will probably go to Matthews, 29-28 Velickovic overall

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

The first round probably could have gone to Velickovic rather than the third, this went about as expected given the venue and how the fight went down. Matthews says he felt he won the fight and puts over Velickovic as a big and tough opponent. Hardy brings up the move to welterweight, he says it was a very emotional experience and mentions he plans on staying at welterweight for a bit.

Tim Means is a veteran of the sport and the UFC, he’s getting up there in terms of years and miles though. Means won his last fight and if he wants to make any kind of move towards contender status he can’t afford to lose here. Belal Muhammad is on a two fight winning streak and looking to improve that here at the expense of a veteran while making his own move towards the top fifteen. Means is the favorite at -210 to +170 for Muhammad.

Welterweight Bout: Tim Means (27-8-1 1 NC, 170 lbs.) vs. Belal Muhammad (12-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Means is three inches taller and has three inches of reach on Muhammad. Means fighting southpaw. They both come out showing sharp punches, they both land a bit but Means has a feel for the range already. Muhammad lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a right and a left from Muhammad but Means is still pressuring forward. Means lands a couple of leg kicks. Means lands a straight left. Short right lands for Muhammad, these two aren’t afraid to throw down at all. Muhammad lands a right to the body then a left hook. They trade some lead hand activity. Front kick to the body from Means. Muhammad lands a couple of rights, he’s getting a feel for the distance now. Means lands a left. Another right lands for Muhammad, Means responds with a left to the body. Another right to the body then left hook from Muhammad lands. Muhammad tries a takedown but Means stuffs it. They clinch up, Means lands an elbow as they break. Left hook from Muhammad lands and then Means ducks a spinning back fist to essentially close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Muhammad

ROUND TWO: And we pick up basically where we left off, both men throwing hands. Means lands a good jab and a follow up left. They trade combinations, Means lands an inside leg kick. Straight left lands for Means. Muhammad tries a single leg, Means transitions to a guillotine but Muhammad rolls through and gets on top in half guard. Muhammad lands a few blows before Means escapes to his feet. Means lands a looping left and manages to slip the counters from Muhammad. Muhammad lands a jab, both guys seem to be settling down a bit and are choosing their spots more deliberately. They trade front kicks to the body. Means lands a leg kick and they both show jabs. Means off balances Muhammad with a left hook in close, he’s got some swelling around his right eye though. Some more jabs go back and forth. Means lands a leg kick and blocks a right. Muhammad tries a takedown but Means stuffs it. Muhammad has some swelling on his left cheekbone. They exchange again, and both show kicks that miss as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Means but could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They both come out jabbing, Means lands a bit of a head kick. Counter one two from Means lands, he’s got a feel for the timing of Muhammad at this point and Muhammad needs to adjust. They trade punches and leg kicks, both men landed well. Means misses a head kick, we get a brief timeout for a contact lens of Muhammad but he puts it back in and we’re back to fighting. Means blocks a head kick. They both show jabs, Means tries a takedown but Muhammad shrugs him off. Means is pulling away numerically, he’s much more accurate at the moment. Muhammad lands a left hook, Means lands a jab to counter. Means whiffs on a left, Muhammad lands a right to the body. Bit of a head kick from Muhammad but he can’t finish the follow up takedown attempt. Means eats a one two, he’s slowing down a bit. Another one two from Muhammad, he’s got the range now. Means lands a body punch then eats a counter right. Left hook from Muhammad lands. I kind of wish these two had five rounds to beat each other up with. Muhammad lands a right. Another right from Muhammad then they trade elbows. Means lands a counter left, eats a glancing head kick and Muhammad misses a spinning back fist as time runs out.

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

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

Fun little fight there, and I can see the argument in favor of Means. Muhammad puts Means over and says this was a tough fight, he mentions that he watched means fighting growing up. Muhammad calls out Colby Covington then tells Covington to meet him in the cage because if he sees him on the street he’ll wind up in the ICU.

Bec Rawlings is on a two fight losing streak and looking to break that with a win in her home country. Jessy Rose-Clark is making her UFC debut here on relatively short notice which probably contributed to her missing weight for this bout, she’s coming off of a win but this would easily be the biggest win of her career. The odds are with Rawlings at -135 to a +105 comeback for Rose-Clark.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Jessica-Rose Clark (7-4 1 NC, 128 lbs.)* vs. Bec Rawlings (7-6, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rawlings is an inch taller while Clark has half an inch of reach on her. Circling to start, Rawlings lands a one two combination. Clark lands a bit of a right. Rawlings is pressing forward but she’s missing a lot. Clark lands a leg kick. Clark tries another leg kick but Rawlings catches it and hits a takedown into guard. Rawlings lands a couple of rights and moves to half guard. Clark hits a hip sweep and is on top in the guard of Rawlings now. Clark lands a couple of short elbows, Rawlings tries for an armbar but Clark rolls around and is in north-south now. Rawlings is able to get a loose half guard back. Clark postures up and stands free then makes Rawlings get up as well. Clark lands a leg kick and we get a bit of wild brawling. Clark land a bit of a left then a body kick and a right behind it. Clark lands an overhand right and a leg kick. Clark blocks some offense and lands a couple of counters. Straight right lands for Clark. A few punches go back and forth to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark

ROUND TWO: Clark circling to start the second. Clark lands an inside leg kick and Rawlings is trying to walk her down. Right lands for Clark. Clark lands a leg kick and avoids the counters. Another right lands for Clark, Rawlings is slowing down a bit. They clinch up and Rawlings has Clark on the cage. They jockey for position, Clark lands a knee and spins Rawlings into the fence. Another couple of knees to the body from Clark before Rawlings reverses position. Clark spins her back and lands a knee to the body. They separate and then trade in close. Clark lands a left hook. Rawlings lands a jab then takes a leg kick. Knee to the body from Clark, she hurt Rawlings with that and follows up with another body shot and a right then a takedown into side control. Clark has an arm triangle to threaten with while she also works to take mount from a loose half guard. Rawlings turns to a hip but basically gives up her back. Clark has both hooks in while riding the hip of Rawlings. Clark lands an elbow. Rawlings gets to a hip but eats some more elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark, might be a 10-8 argument, 20-18 Clark overall

ROUND THREE: Rawlings might still be hurt to the body as the last round starts. They trade rights and Clark lands a leg kick. Another exchange of punches then Clark lands a body kick. Stiff leg kick from Clark lands, then another one. Rawlings lands a right and resumes marching forward. Clark lands a right. Another right from Clark lands. Left hook from Clark lands, Rawlings is much less mobile. They trade heavy punches and Clark lands a knee to the body. Right lands for Clark, she’s angling all over Rawlings and lands a hard left body kick. Another body kick from Clark lands. Rawlings blocks a combination and they split rights. Clark lands a right, Rawlings lands one of her own and Clark exits the pocket with a knee to the body. Rawlings lands a jab. Rawlings lands a left then a right, they clinch up but Clark was a little hurt. Clark gets Rawlings on the fence and slows things down. Rawlings able to spin Clark and gets a trip to land on top as Clark sits on the fence. Clark wall walks and spins to the back standing. Clark lands some knees to the thigh and gets a trip of her own to land in half guard. Clark lands a couple of elbows then hammer fists. Another final flurry from Clark runs the clock all the way down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jessica-Rose Clark via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Rawlings could have taken the third, and the first if you over value forward motion. Clark on the mic, she expresses happiness that her friends and family are here. She jokes that she needs to stop taking short notice fights and would really like to get a fight with a full camp under her belt.

Fabricio Werdum is the former UFC heavyweight champion, he took this fight on short notice after the UFC removed Mark Hunt from this card, he’s coming off of win and he’s looking to continue that here while getting back into title contention. Marcin Tybura is 3-1 in the UFC and on a three fight winning streak, if he can take out a former champion and proven elite competitor like Werdum it will be the biggest win of his career and could easily move him into the title picture. Werdum is your favorite for this bout at -325 while a Tybura win would pay out at +250.

Heavyweight Bout: #2 Fabricio Werdum (22-7-1, 249 lbs.) vs. #8 Marcin Tybura (16-2, 247 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Werdum is an inch taller while Tybura has an inch of reach on him. Some bouncing around to start, they trade leg kicks. Tybura doing some stance switching, he lands a leg kick. Werdum lands a leg kick of his own. Tybura blocks a high kick and has a right hook blocked. Werdum is coming forward now, lands a body kick and blocks the counters. Tybura working some front kicks to the thigh to keep distance, Werdum lands another body kick. Werdum lands a knee from a quick Thai clinch. Tybura staying patient but he needs to get some offense off. Tybura lands a left to the body. Another front kick to the body from Tybura. Tybura lands a left and a bit of a looping right. Werdum lands a body kick, both guys planning for a long fight it seems. Werdum gets a single leg then switches to a rear waist lock. Werdum lands a glancing knee to the head. Werdum really trying to get this down but Tybura is staying upright. Werdum tries to get the back but slides off the top and Tybrua gets the rear waist lock now. Werdum gets a double wrist lock and tries to sit for a kimura as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Werdum

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Werdum lands a glancing right then a body kick. Tybura misses a head kick. Tybura avoids a jumping knee. Tybura lands a jab after blocking a body kick. Low leg kick from Tybura then a knee to the body. Werdum lands a body kick. Tybura lands a head kick, Werdum just eats it. They trade some arm punches and Werdum lands a leg kick. Another head kick from Tybura, this one partially blocked. Werdum lands a right then has a head kick blocked. Both men stabbing at the body with front kicks and looking to slow down the other. Werdum lands a bit of a blitz attack. Tybura lands a front kick to the knee. Tybura lands a couple of punches from a brief clinch and Werdum doesn’t get any return offense. More kicks to the thigh and knee from Tybura, Werdum misses a wheel kick. Werdum lands a knee to the body and lands a couple of follow up blows. They trade in close for a few seconds. Tybura lands a bit of a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Werdum but a much closer round, 20-18 Werdum overall

ROUND THREE: Werdum lands a quick one two then misses a head kick. Tybura is starting to bite on the feints of Werdum. Hard kick to the knee from Tybura. Tybura lands a front kick to the body, Werdum returns it then lands a jumping knee. Head kick from Werdum is partially blocked. Tybrua tries the head kick and Werdum partially blocks it. Tybura lands a bit of a head kick and Werdum lands a counter. Tybura lands an uppercut and Werdum is coming into clinch range with him. They trade elbows in close and Werdum lands a knee to the chest. They trade some leg kicks then Werdum lands a jab. Tybura lands an elbow in close then a kick to the thigh. Tybura ducks a spinning attack and pushes out of a clinch. Tybura eats a left then another body kick. Werdum lands a knee from a clinch, Tybura is backing up now. Werdum goes for a single leg that Tybura defends and both men settle for the clinch. Werdum things about a takedown, then bails to get distance back. Werdum lands a body kick, Tybura has another head kick blocked. They kind of stare away the last few seconds.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves again. Werdum lands a body kick, and commentary tells me were about to hit the longest thirteen fight card in UFC history in terms of run time. I dearly wish I didn’t feel that long, but it does. Tybura lands a left hook as Werdum comes forward. Werdum lands a hard leg kick. Werdum tries a single leg, can’t get on top on the mat but he does get the clinch against the fence. They trade some hammer fists in the clinch, Werdum lands a knee to the body and then disengages. They trade kicks to the leg then both land some punches. Werdum lands a knee in close then another. Werdum gets a single leg and lands in half guard. Werdum lands some short elbows. Hammer fists from Werdum but he’s not really looking to pass yet. Werdum now looking to pass into mount, Tybura stifling that so far but Werdum is making progress. Werdum now looking for side control, and there he completes the pass. Werdum steps over the head, Tybura uses the motion to scramble to his feet but he eats a knee and they wind up in the clinch. They trade in the clinch then separate. Tybura hits a double leg, Werdum goes for a guillotine but time runs out before that can develop.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Werdum, 40-36 Werdum overall

ROUND FIVE: Werdum lands a kick, Tybura lands a bit of a left hook. Tybura rocks Werdum with a head kick, Werdum recovers quickly but he lost his balance for a second there. Tybura lands a looping left. We get time as Werdum has some tape coming loose on his glove, they handle it quickly and we’re back to fighting. They trade some leg kicks. Tybura lands a front kick to the body, Werdum lands a knee. Tybura lands another head kick, Werdum returns it. They both land some power hand punches. Tybura lands a right then a body kick. Tybura has a head kick blocked. They trade punches as Werdum walks forward. Werdum lands a body kick then blocks a head kick. Tybura lands a left, Werdum lands a knee. Werdum lands a jab. Stabbing body kick from Tybrua, Werdum lands a counter combination. Werdum blocks a high kick. Tybura avoids some offense from Werdum. Werdum eats a left then they trade in close. Tybrua lands a head kick then an uppercut, Werdum misses a head kick as the final round comes to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tybura, 49-46 Werdum overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Fabricio Werdum via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-4 x2)

No issues with the scoring, thankfully this event is almost over. Werdum is on the mic with Dan Hardy, he plays with the crowd and puts over Australia and says everyone is happy there and plans to bring his family out here. He puts Tybura over as a tough guy with a long career ahead of him then reiterates that he wants to reclaim the heavyweight title. Asked about the short notice fights he keeps taking he says every fight in the UFC is hard and he just wants to get back to the title. He speaks some Portuguese for the Brazilians in attendance to close the interview.

That event was seven hours from start to finish, I can’t fathom the pacing through the middle of the card as they drowned us with commercials. The first five fights on Fox Sports 1 had 21 commercials, and it didn’t get better as the night went on. There was a lot of fight ends, commercial, come back for brief hype package, then commercial, then come back to fight. That was just brutal to sit through, though there were some good fights it’s just the pacing was so rough.

Alright, that wraps up Fight Night 121 and I thank you all for sticking with the coverage or just reading after the fact. We’ll be talking about this event Sunday at 8pm eastern time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, we’ll also preview Fight Night 122. Speaking of Fight Night 122, it starts at some unholy hour for me so it’ll be fun to see how punchy I get covering that. I do hope you’ll come back for that event but until then, thank you again for reading, stay safe out there and of course keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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