411’s UFC Fight Night 99 Report: 11.16.16

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night/Morning 99. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for this event, I’ll also be around about an hour after this one wraps up for Fight Night 100 because today is the day that the UFC finally fulfills Dana White’s dream of running two events on the same day. Unfortunately neither card today has a ton of compelling fights on it, but hopefully the actual action makes up for the lackluster offering on paper. This event was supposed to be headlined by a fight between Gunnar Nelson and Dong Hyun Kim but in October Nelson got injured and Kim was moved to another card, in their place a rematch between middleweight’s Uriah Hall and Gegard Mousasi was placed in the main event. These two fought in September of last year with Hall taking a surprise upset win, and Mousasi wants to erase that memory tonight. Also on the card former Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov makes his way to the UFC, and buried on the prelims is a flyweight fight between Kyoji Horiguchi and Ali Bagautinov that will be critical for either of them in getting another crack at Demetrious Johnson’s title. We lost another flyweight fight yesterday when Ian McCall missed out on his third consecutive fight, this time it was he who fell ill during the weight cut and not his opponent and his fight with Neil Seery was called off. It’s a real shame about that fight falling through, not only was it a good one on paper but Seery had announced it would be his final fight and getting to go out on basically home soil is a special thing. This event is being held in The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland and has the underrated commentary duo of John Gooden and Dan Hardy on the mic tonight.

Charlie Ward is 2-1 as a professional and making his UFC debut here, many fighters would kill for this opportunity and Ward will be trying to make the most of it here to start a long UFC run. Abdul Razak Alhassan is undefeated as a professional with all of those wins coming by (T)KO, he’s also making his UFC debut at this event and trying to keep that streak alive while making a positive first impression on the audience. Alhassan is a hefty -310 favorite to the +245 underdog Ward.

Welterweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (6-0, 170 lbs.) vs. Charlie Ward (2-1, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ward has an inch of height and half an inch of reach on Alhassan. Touch of gloves to get things going tonight. Alhassan misses a front kick then just has a right blocked. Alhassan lands a wicked uppercut that drops Ward. Ward back up and these two are swinging with everything they’ve got. Both men land rights, we’ve gone full blown RoadHouse until Ward finally drops again and the ref waves this one off. Wild way to start the night off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abdul Razak Alhassan via KO, punches, at :53 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Alhassan for his work this evening, and is pleased to be back in Northern Ireland. Alhassan on the mic now. He says he was nervous but he’s been asking for this opportunity and is happy God gave it to him. He promises to get back on improving his game and be back. He puts over Ward for having a heck of a chin and being tough, he thanks Ireland for being fans and cheering him despite him fighting the hometown guy. Here’s the finish, though really the whole fight looked like this.

Well, that didn't take long. HUGE shots from Razak Alhassan and it's over just like that!! #UFCBelfast https://t.co/fVypdC57m5

— UFC (@ufc) November 19, 2016

Brett Johns is undefeated as a professional fighter and will be the first Welsh fighter to step into the Octagon. Johns is trying to make the best first impression possible and remain perfect. Also undefeated and making his UFC debut is Kwan Ho Kwak who got this shot after beating UFC veteran Alptekin Ozkilic. Kwak is also trying to stay perfect and make a splash in the division. The odds are leaning towards Johns at -225 to the +175 comeback on Kwak.

Bantamweight Bout: Brett Johns (12-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Kwan Ho Kwak (9-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johns has two inches of height but just one of reach on Kwak. Touch of gloves then Kwak lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Kwak then he lands a right. Another leg kick from Kwak then Johns misses a double leg attempt. They both land in close and Kwak exits the pocket with a leg kick. Johns lands a good short right but eats another leg kick. Johns catches a front kick and gets a brief takedown but Kwak is back up against the fence. Johns is after another double leg and gets Kwak down but Kwak immediately wall walks yet again. Johns gets another takedown but Kwak is up again, this time Johns moves to the clinch rather than still digging for the double leg. Johns tries a single leg, Kwak never lets him establish position and Kwak is still on the fence in the clinch. Johns hits an inside trip but Kwak is back up again, this time he tries to spin off of the fence but Johns keeps him there. Johns after another double leg and gets it but Kwak is up yet again. Kwak’s wall walking is very good but he’s got to exit the clinch one of these times. Johns gets another double leg, this time lands in the guard of Kwak and is finally able to get position. Johns passes to side control and starts looking for the mounted crucifix. Johns lands an elbow, Kwak trying to use his legs on the fence to bridge and escape. Johns moves to north/south to avoid being swept, then back into side control. Johns lands a couple of rights to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johns

ROUND TWO: Johns back to forward motion, Kwak lands a leg kick. Johns lands an uppercut, Kwak got a little wobbled but Kwak throws back. Johns fades a jab and lands a good right. Johns gets in on a double leg attempt against the fence, Kwak not digging for under hooks at all from this position. Kwak is able to break the grip for a bit, Johns gets the double leg after locking his hands again, and lands in the guard of Kwak. Johns lands a few blows, he’s postured up and Kwak is doing little to control him. Kwak is able to wall walk and finally disengages. They both miss rights and Kwak lands a bit of a leg kick. Kwak lands a left to the body, Johns returns it and lands a bit of a knee as well. Kwak is fading, Johns lands a good right. Johns lands a jumping knee to the chin, Kwak just eats it. Kwak misses a wheel kick. They both land upper cuts but the pressure of Johns is getting to Kwak. Kwak lands a bit of a knee. Johns lands a hard right then a right and a left hook. Kwak has zero defense but does land a combination. Kwak lands a couple of left body kicks but the second is caught and Johns takes him down and lands in half guard. Johns working short blows from here, Kwak just kind of holds on until the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Johns slips a jab and lands a left hook. Kwak lands a leg kick. Kwak lands a bit of a jumping knee then a combination. Johns is covering up and Kwak is coming on with punches. Johns lands a bit of a knee, Kwak lands a body kick and a couple of punches. Kwak lands an elbow but Johns ducks a punch and gets a double leg to stop the momentum of Kwak. Johns in the full guard of Kwak, landing some short punches. Kwak just hanging out on bottom, Johns working just enough to not get separated by the ref. Johns landing some body to head punches, not much on them but he’s staying busy. Johns passes to half guard and lands a right. A series of elbows from Johns lands but Kwak gets back to full guard. Kwak finally escapes to his feet and they trade in the clinch. Johns drops for a single leg, Kwak is able to spin to his back, Johns spins into him but eats a right as they break. Johns immediately shoots a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Johns after the double leg again, Kwak still not fighting for under hooks so Johns gets him down again but Kwak wall walks immediately. Kwak able to get off of the fence and lands a series of punches. Kwak lands elbows and punches but Johns just covers up until the clock runs out on the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kwak, 29-28 Johns overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brett Johns via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I disagree with 30-27 given Kwan’s effective work in round 3 but the right guy won. Johns gets an interview after that. He says he didn’t like the match as Kwan is too good, he wants an easier fight next time jokingly talking to Sean Shelby about it. He says he got his bell rung a little in the first round, thanks the UFC for the chance and thanks the fans for coming out and providing him support. He puts over his coaches for getting him to this point, thanks his parents and his girlfriend as well. He closes by thanking Brian Butler.

Marion Reneau is 2-2 in the UFC and on a two fight losing streak, though her last loss was a Clucky decision, and needs to defend her top fifteen spot here while getting back on the winning side of things. Milana Dudieva is 1-1 in the UFC but is also coming off of a loss, her’s a TKO at the hands of Julianna Pena, but a rebound win here over Reneau would be a big win and move her closer to being a ranked contender. Reneau is favored here at -230 while a Dudieva win pays out at +180.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Milana Dudieva (11-4, 135 lbs.) vs. #15 Marion Reneau (6-3, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reneau has three inches of height and a massive six and a half of reach on Dudieva. Reneau comes out quickly and starts pushing Dudieva back with the jab. Dudieva lands an inside leg kick but eats a double jab counter. Reneau still backing Dudieva towards the fence, she’s very patient so far working into the range and position she wants to be in. Reneau lands a jab. Stiff double jab into a cross from Reneau, Dudieva rolling with the punches but not fully slipping them. Dudieva lands a leg kick. Reneau lands a front kick to the face and avoid the follow up takedown attempt. Dudieva catches a body kick and gets a takedown but Reneau is on an armbar quickly. Dudieva pulls her arm free and tries to pass but Reneau keeps her in her guard. Reneau working towards a high guard, Dudieva stands out of the guard and Reneau regains her feet. Reneau back to forward pressure with the jab. Lots of faking and dodging so far, Dudieva just misses a right hand. Reneau lands a bit of a combination into the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Reneau

ROUND TWO: Reneau moving forward again, Dudieva trying to circle off of the fence. Reneau working the jab, still struggling with the range though. Reneau lands a leg kick. Dudieva lands a leg kick but eats a good counter right. Reneau lands a jab, she’s got Dudieva on the fence now and is keeping her there. Reneau lands a right and gets the clinch on the fence. Reneau gets the body lock and spins to the back standing. Dudieva able to spin into her then hits a hip toss into side control but Reneau immediately gets full guard. Reneau wall walks successfully and Dudieva lands a couple of knees to the body. Reneau lands a knee to the body. Reneau able to spin Dudieva and lands a couple of knees then an elbow. A hard couple of elbows from Reneau land, then a hard right elbow. Reneau lands two hard knees to the body, Dudieva got hurt by one of those. Reneau lands another knee and a hard elbow. Reneau lands some lefts and another couple of knees to the head. Another hard couple of knees to the head and a left land for Reneau. Reneau really working Dudieva over from this spot now. More knees from Reneau and a right elbow close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Reneau comes out quickly, not looking to let Dudieva recover from all of that body work from the previous round. Reneau lands a leg kick. Reneau misses a high kick. Dudieva misses a windmill right, Reneau lands a hard combination of punches into the clinch. Reneau back to kneeing the body while she’s got Dudieva on the fence. Reneau gets the back standing and spins Dudieva down and lands in full mount. Reneau lands some punches, switches to S mount for a bit possibly setting up an armbar. Reneau lands more punches, Dudieva trying to defend. Reneau back to S mount aiming for an armbar, swithces to a near mounted double triangle and Reneau keeps landing elbows and the ref knows Dudieva isn’t getting out of this and waves the fight off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marian Renau via TKO, strikes, at 3:03 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Reneau for her work this evening, and informs the First Round Finish Club that they always knew the difference between Northern Ireland and Ireland so their plan to divert us from Belfast was always destined to fail. Reneau on the mic, talks about how the original game plan was to fight at distance but after the first round she adjusted because she didn’t want the judges involved after that round. Reneau calls out Bethe Corriera for the third time.

Zak Cummings missed weight for this fight, never a good thing, but is 4-2 in the UFC and generally a slightly under-appreciated welterweight fighter. He is coming off of a loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio though and if he loses two in a row in addition to missing weight he could well find himself in an unrecoverable position. Alexander Yakovlev is 2-3 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Kamaru Usman, he needs a win to get his record back to even and a loss could easily see him cut as welterweight is a very competitive division. The odds are with Cummings at -175 to the +145 of Yakovlev.

Welterweight Bout: Zak Cummings (19-5, 172.8 lbs.)* vs. Alexander Yakovlev (23-7-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yakovlev has three inches of height on Cummings but Cummings actually has an inch of reach advantage for this one. They touch gloves to get things going. Yakovlev lands an inside leg kick, both guys are southpaws. Yakovlev has a high kick blocked. Yakovlev lands a leg kick. Cummings trying to pin him on the fence, Yakovlev lands a low leg kick. Cummings lands a left but looks like he got poked in the eye during that exchange. The doctor is in to check the eye while the replay confirms the thumb to the eye in that transition. The doctor has no issue with Cummings continuing and he is able to continue. Yakovlev just lands a high kick then a leg kick. Cummings lands a bit of a right hook, he can’t pin Yakovlev on the fence though. Yakovlev catches a leg kick and gets a quick takedown but Cummings is back up immediately. They trade lefts then Yakovlev lands an inside leg kick. Yakovlev lands a leg kick but Cummings lands a counter left and gets the clinch off of it. Yakovlev able to separate safely and Cummings is back to walking forward. Yakovlev lands a left then a right and a leg kick, good combination there. Yakovlev ducks a left and gets the clinch but Cummings gets him on the fence. Yakovlev spins out of the clinch and lands a leg kick. Yakovlev slips a left, Cummings lands a body kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yakovlev

ROUND TWO: Cummings working the lead hand this round, just misses a follow up left. Cummings lands a good leg kick that drops Yakovlev for a second. Yakovlev slips a couple of punches and lands a bit of a jab. They clinch up again, Cummings lands a couple of knees to the body and thigh. Cummings breaks the clinch willingly. Yakovlev lands a body kick. Cummings lands a bit of a left. Cummings still with forward pressure, he’s starting to get to Yakovlev. Yakovlev lands a body kick but eats a counter punch. Cummings lands a leg kick. Yakovlev lands a bit of a left. Yakovlev avoids a couple of lefts. Cummings lands a bit of a left then a right. Cummings lands a left then a left uppercut. Yakovlev tries a double leg but Cummings easily pushes him down and gets in side control. Cummings steps over to the mounted triangle and grabs a straight armbar that forces the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zak Cummings via Submission, straight armbar, at 4:02 of Round 2

No interview for Cummings though, wonder why they’re rushing through this after finishes. In lieu of that, here’s the finish in case you missed it.

Smooth armbar submission by @ZakCummings at #UFCBelfast! https://t.co/hMDR5vUhzZ

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 19, 2016

Justin Ledet is undefeated and coming off of a solid UFC debut where he out boxed his opponent for three rounds, now he’s looking to build on that momentum and prove himself a prospect in a division that could really use one. Mark Godbeer is making his UFC debut here on the back of a three fight winning streak, his last loss was in Bellator to Cheick Kongo, and he’ll be looking to keep that streak going at the expense of Ledet and get the all important first UFC win out of the way. Ledet is the -150 favorite to the +120 underdog Godbeer.

Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (11-2, 238 lbs.) vs. Justin Ledet (7-0 1 NC, 240 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Ledet has two and a half inches of reach on him. Ledet circling early, Godbeer lands a couple of leg kicks. Ledet flashing the jab, Godbeer lands another leg kick. Ledet lands a wicked counter left hook then a follow up jab. Godbeer lands a leg kick. Ledet slips a right and lands a combination then gets a double leg into the guard of Godbeer. Ledet lands an elbow but Godbeer is able to kick him off and regain his fet but Ledet is still in the clinch. Godbeer able to get Ledet on the fence and tries a single leg but Ledet smothers that and gets on top. Ledet has the back with one hook in and goes for the choke. Ledet has both hooks in and adjusts his grip to a pulling S grip and forces Godbeer to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Justin Ledet via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:16 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ledet for his work and is outraged by the allegations from the Final Round Finish Club. Ledet does get some mic time after that. He says he doesn’t know what happened but he just got his first ever takedown, says he was a little nervous because he wasn’t sure how good Godbeer’s jiu-jitsu game was but he got the back and got the finish. He says he’s here to fight and earn money however he can. He wants to be on the Houston card for Superbowl weekend, he’s a native of Houston, and says he doesn’t care who his opponent is.

Ana Elmose lost her UFC debut to Germaine de Randamie but was unbeaten before that, tonight she’s trying to rebound from that loss and get a UFC win under her belt. It’s worth noting that this is Elmose’s strawweight debut after being out classed and out sized at bantamweight in the UFC. Also without a win in the UFC is Amanda Cooper, who’s on a two fight losing streak including falling to Tatiana Suarez in the finale of the most recent season of TUF and she desperately needs a win here to justify her place with the promotion. The odds are with Cooper here by a slim -140 to the +110 of Elmose.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Amanda Cooper (1-2, 116 lbs.) vs. Anna Elmose (3-1, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: And my internet dies, thanks Comcast. Thankfully I don’t miss much and Cooper is fighting on the outside. Elmose gets the clinch and Cooper lands a couple of knees to the body before they break. Elmose lands an inside leg kick. Cooper lands a bit of a jab. Cooper lands a right. Another left uppercut into a right from Cooper lands. Cooper working the rear hand a lot at distance. Cooper has a switch kick blocked. Elmose lands a left body kick but eats a counter right hook. Cooper again with the one two combination. Cooper is just the superior striker so far. Cooper lands a right hook then a couple of side kicks to the body. Cooper lands a left to the body. Elmose lands a good counter right that puts Cooper on her back after catching her off balance. Elmose on top in the guard of Cooper and is throwing elbows. Cooper is bleeding from around the corner of her left eye. Elmose lands a right. Cooper able to kick Elmose off and regain her feet. Cooper lands a right then gets the clinch off of a failed takedown attempt and lands a knee to the body to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elmose though I can see arguments for a draw or for Cooper

ROUND TWO: Cooper circling again, lands a good right. Elmose slips a jab and lands a right. Elmose might have a read on that lead hand of Cooper, lands another right. Cooper lands a spinning elbow. Cooper lands a right hook, then a left and a bit of a right uppercut. Cooper trips Elmose down, Cooper tries to grab a guillotine in transition but Elmose gets her head free quickly and winds up on top in half guard. Elmose lands an elbow. Elmose stands, eats a bit of an up kick and Cooper is back up. Elmose lands a right, Cooper lands a right then gets a double leg into the guard of Elmose. Cooper trying to pass, Elmose tries an omoplata but Cooper pulls her arm free quickly and gets side control. Cooper to knee on belly and into full mount. Elmose immediately scrambles and gets her guard back. Cooper postures and lands a couple of rights then an elbow. Cooper passes to side control, she fights to keep Elmose on her back and lands a bit of a left. Cooper into full mount and lands some lefts and elbows then spins for an armbar but Elmose is able to hold on the last couple of seconds until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cooper, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Cooper circling again, lands a good right. Cooper backing up Elmose now. They split jabs then both miss follow up blows. Lefts traded again. Cooper lands a side kick to the chin. Cooper lands a right. Elmose lands a bit of a jab. Cooper lands a couple of lead hand punches. Cooper lands a right and a knee to the head. Elmose lands a right. Cooper lands a left from the southpaw stance. Cooper lands a bit of a looping one two combination then a right and another side kick to the face. Cooper slips a one two then lands a one two of her own. Cooper lands a stinging left from the southpaw stance then just misses a right high kick. Cooper hits another straight left, southpaw seems to be working for her in transition. Cooper hits a double leg takedown into half guard. Cooper lands a couple of lefts. Elmose trying to get to guard, Cooper passes to side control then gets mount and lands lefts as time expires.

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

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

Yeah, round 1 was weird in the sense that Cooper dominated most of it but ended badly so I can see her stealing it. Cooper on the mic jokes that she’s not upset to talk to Dan Hardy but she’s sad he’s not Joe Rogan. She talks about adjusting after the first round and thinks if there were a few more seconds in the second round she’d have gotten that armbar. Hardy apologizes for not being Joe Rogan to close out the interview.

Kevin Lee is an impressive 6-2 in the UFC and riding a two fight winning streak, really in any other division he’d be borderline top fifteen at this point but a win tonight might get him there and at a minimum would start moving him from prospect to contender. Magomed Mustafaev is on an impressive thirteen fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC, but Lee represents a step up in competition for him and he could move towards the top fifteen as well with a win. The odds have a slight edge for Lee at -130 to the +100 for Mustafaev..

Lightweight Bout: Kevin Lee (13-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Magomed Mustafaev (14-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lee has an inch of height but a big six inches of reach on Mustafaev. Lee moving forward, Mustafaev lands a wicked left body kick and they wind up in the clinch. Lee after the takedown, Mustafaev lands a couple of knees to the body as they break then hits two hard body kicks from the southpaw stance. Lee gets a takedown, Mustafaev back up and jumps for a guillotine but he loses the grip and regains his feet. Lee hits another double leg into the guard of Mustafaev. Lee passes to half guard but Mustafaev up on his knees and regains his feet quickly. Mustafaev has the body lock and lands a knee to the head. Mustafaev tries for a double leg, decides against it. They trade some knees to the body. Lee lands a couple of knees to the body and Mustafaev misses a spinning elbow as they break. Mustafaev lands a couple of side kicks to the body then a spinning elbow but Lee gets in on a double leg and takes Mustafaev down landing in half guard. These two clearly came to fight. Lee passes to side control then into full mount. Mustafaev immediately bridges and gets to his feet and has Lee on the cage. They trade knees to the thigh, Lee spins him into the cage and looks for another double leg. Lee elevates Mustafaev and takes him back to the center of the cage and slams him down. Lee into half guard. Mustafaev gives up the back and Lee locks in a body triangle and starts looking for the choke. Mustafaev defends the choke for the final ten seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee

ROUND TWO: Mustafaev seems to have settled into the southpaw stance after opening the fight orthodox. Mustafaev back to orthodox and lands a body kick then goes southpaw. I’m just saying that Mustafaev switches his stance frequently at this point. Lee ducks a right and gets a double leg takedown into half guard. Lee steps over the head and begins looking for a kimura. Lee bails on that and Mustafaev is back up looking for a single leg but can’t finish it and they break. Mustafaev lands a side kick to the body then a knee to the chest as Lee gets the clinch again. Lee after a takedown against the fence, it takes a couple of efforts but he does complete it and gets the back again. Lee has both hooks in and is after the choke again. Lee has the arm across the chin, Mustafaev breaks the grip but now has to contend with the body triangle. Lee still after the choke, Mustafaev actually gets to his knees and sneaks out the back door. Mustafaev lands a body kick and they trade with Mustafaev landing a hard couple of punches before Lee falls into a double leg takedown into the guard of Mustafaev. Mustafaev throwing elbows from his back as Lee passes to half guard. Lee going for full mount and gets it briefly but Mustafaev defends, Lee gets the mount again and then the back as Mustafaev rolls. Lee has the body triangle again and lands some punches while Mustafaev rolls looking for motion. Lee after the choke again, the arm is across the chin but he gets a wicked squeeze going and Mustafaev actually goes out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kevin Lee via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:31 of Round 2

Lee’s on a pretty good roll now, especially for lightweight, and is now on the mic. He says the division is full of bitches and he’s called out everyone in the division and proved he’s the best wrestler in the division. He closes by saying he’d take McGregor down right now and no one in the arena could stop him.

Kyoji Horiguchi is 6-1 in the UFC, that lone loss was a title shot against Demetrious Johnson, and is currently on a two fight winning streak. Horiguchi needs a win here if he wants to get back into title contention while a loss would be a significant setback. Ali Bagautinov is 4-2 in the UFC and just broke a two fight losing streak, in his defense those losses were to the aforementioned flyweight king Johnson and Joseph Benavidez, but he needs to keep on the winning track here if he wants to get another title shot as well. The odds sit with Horiguchi at -210 to the +170 comeback on Bagautinov.

Flyweight Bout: #8 Ali Bagautinov (14-4, 126 lbs.) vs. #4 Kyoji Horiguchi (17-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Horiguchi has an inch of height and half an inch of reach on Bagautinov. Bagautinov fighting southpaw, Horiguchi will switch his stance but opens orthodox. Horiguchi bouncing on the outside, Bagautinov lands a leg kick and eats a bit of a counter right. Horiguchi misses a high kick. Bagautinov lands a jumping knee to the body then just misses a wheel kick. Bagautinov lands an inside leg kick, Horiguchi returns one of his own. Horiguchi tries a knee but Bagautinov catches it and drives him into the fence then onto the mat. Horiguchi to his knees against the fence, Bagautinov lands a couple of knees to the body as Horiguchi regains his feet and spins Bagautinove into the cage. Horiguchi trying for an outside trip, Bagautinov blocks it and they trade some knees to the body. Horiguchi gets the back standing and gets Bagautinov to a knee. Horiguchi lands a few lefts, not much on them. Horiguchi in the ride position more than having the back, Bagautinov works to his feet against the cage. Bagautinov able to turn into Horiguchi and get on top of him. Horiguchi back up quickly but Bagautinov has a body lock and elevates then slams Horiguchi to the mat. Horiguchi scrambles up quickly then lands a right as they disengage. Bagautinov misses a couple of kicks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Horiguchi but plenty of arguments for either man

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Bagautinov just misses a straight left. Bagautinov just misses a wheel kick. They clinch up after a quick exchange and Bagautinov gets Horiguchi on the cage. They spin a few times, Horiguchi lands a couple of knees to the body before separating. Bagautinov lands a leg kick. They both land power hand punches in close. Horiguchi lands a left elbow then a follow up right that drops Bagautinov for a moment. Horiguchi tries to follow up but Bagautinov recovers very quickly and they wind up in the clinch again. Horiguchi gets the ride position again but Bagautinov is back up quickly. They both land lefts as they disengage. Bagautinov lands a hard body kick then Horiguchi slips a couple of follow up punches. Horiguchi misses a hook kick. They both miss and clinch up again. Horiguchi drops for a double leg, switches to a body lock and kind of drags Bagautinov onto a knee then gets the ride position again. Horiguchi is landing short rights while Bagautinov tries to reverse position. Bagautinov back up and grabs a single leg against the fence. Horiguchi defending and Bagautinov just misses an uppercut as they break. They stare the final couple of seconds away.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Both men probing with the jab early, Bagautinov lands a bit of a body kick. Another body kick from Bagautinov lands. Horiguchi lands a short left hook. They trade punches in the pocket. Bagautinov misses a left but is in on a double leg attempt against the fence. Bagautinov switches to a single leg, Horiguchi defends that as well and spins him into the fence and separates. Horiguchi lands a quick combination and eats a counter right. Bagautinov lands a leg kick then a body kick. Horiguchi lands a spinning back kick to the side of the head. Bagautinov eats a one two combination, lands a right and goes for a single leg takedown against the fence. Horiguchi defending well against the fence, Bagautinov can’t control him and Horiguchi is able to spin free. Bagautinov lands a body kick. Bagautinov on another single leg attempt on the fence, Horiguchi has a wide base and is blocking him. Bagautinov lands some knees to the thigh but Horiguchi is able to break the clinch and get distance. Horiguchi lands a knee to the head. Bagautinov lands a left. I want two more rounds of this fight. Horiguchi gets the clinch on the fence and gets a double leg. Bagautinov back up instantly but he wont break the clinch before the clock runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bagautinov, 29-28 Horiguchi overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyoji Horiguchi via unanimous decision (39-27 x3)

I thought Bagautinov had the third round but that late takedown could have swayed a few judges, I want two more rounds of that personally. Horiguchi on the mic now with his translator. He tries to speak English, he says he wanted to strike and wanted a KO. Asked about his recent move to American Top Team he puts them over and is proud to be part of their team, I think he also said he plans on becoming champion but my Japanese is hardly fluent.

Magnus Cedenblad is 4-1 in the UFC and on a four fight winning streak, unfortunately he lost a lot of momentum when he missed all of 2015 with injuries but did win his fight earlier this year. Cedenblad is looking to continue that momentum and if he can get that fifth consecutive win he might crack the top fifteen rankings. Jack Mashman is the second Welsh fighter to make the walk for the UFC, he brings a six fight winning streak into the cage with him including a win over “solid killer” Che Mills and a win over the underrated Cedenblad would be a big way to make his UFC debut. The odds favor Cedenblad at -265 to the +200 comeback on Marshman.

Middleweight Bout: Magnus Cedenblad (14-4, 185 lbs.) vs. Jack Marshman (20-5, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cedenblad has five inches of height and six of reach on Marshamn, Marshman is eight years younger just to further the numerical differences. Touch of gloves to get us going. Cedenblad has a high kick blocked. Cedenblad lands a bit of a jab. Marshman pushes forward and lands a left hook that drops Cedenblad but Cedenblad recovers quickly and gets a double leg into the guard of Marshman. They trade on the mat, Marshman is cut on the corner of his left eye I think. They both land elbows, that blood might be coming from the ear of Cedenblad I can’t tell which is the point of origin as there’s blood in both spots. Cedenblad lands a couple of hammer fists, yeah that cut is on Marshman. Cedenblad lands a couple of punches. Marshman needs to regain his feet not close his guard, Cedenblad is happy to trade blows with him from this position. Cedenblad lands a right. Marshman trying to tie up Cedenblad now, Cedenblad is breaking his grip and landing short blows. Cedenblad lands a hard flurry if punches to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cedenblad

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Cedenblad misses a couple of front kicks then lands a left to the body but eats a left hook. Cedenblad lands a jab, Cedenblad lands a leg kick from the southpaw stance then goes back orthodox. Cedenblad lands another couple of jabs. Cedenblad lands a left body kick but Marshman catches it and lands a couple of body to head hooks. Cedenblad lands another few jabs. Marshman lands a double jab then a left hook. Cedenblad lands an inside leg kick. Cedenblad lands a right then a right uppercut. Marshman lands a lunging left but eats two counters. Cedenblad is using a knee to the chest. They trade, Cedenblad slips and eats a right as he regains his feet. Marshman lands a one two. They split jabs, pretty entertaining brawl. Marshman lands a right, Cedenblad wobbles a bit, they trade again and Cedenblad hits a quick double leg. Marshman back up against the fence quickly and misses a couple of rights. Marshman lands a hard series of hooks and Cedenblad goes down. Marshman follows up on the mat with hooks and the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Marshman via TKO, punches, at 3:32 of Round 2

Wild fight, plenty of blood and guts on both sides and a big debut for Marshman. Marshman on the mic now. He says this was everything he expected and more. He puts over Cedenblad and says he knows he can hurt any middleweight on the roster with either hand. He says the Welsh made a big statement here and he wants to do for Wales what McGregor did for Ireland. Asked who he wants next he says there’s no person but a date as he wants on the upcoming London card. Here’s the combination that led to the finish.

What a combo from @JackMarshman!! Beginning of the end!! #UFCBelfast pic.twitter.com/SYzNf9yjMa

— UFC (@ufc) November 19, 2016

That’s the end of the prelims, but we’re still on Fight Pass for the main card.

Artem Lobov finally got his first UFC win his last time out but is still 1-2 in the promotion and in need of a win here as going 1-3 could get him cut despite his friendship with Conor McGregor. Teruto Ishihara hasn’t lost in the UFC yet and has won his last two fights via knockout, he’ll be trying to get that to three in a row here and earn a step up in competition for his next fight. Ishihara is a significant favorite at -260 while Lobov’s comeback stands at +200.

Featherweight Bout: Teruto Ishihara (9-2-2, 146 lbs.) vs. Artem Lobov (12-12-1 1 NC, 144 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lobov has two inches of height on Ishihara but Ishihara has four inches of reach on him. Ishihara fighting southpaw, just misses a high kick. Lobov stalking forward, Ishihara lands an inside leg kick. Lobov misses a windmill right, Ishihara lands a body kick. Isihara lands an inside leg kick, then another. Ishihara misses a left. Lobov has a left hook blocked. Ishihara lands a left to the body. Lobov lands a bit of a right, Ishihara shoots and trips Lobov down but doesn’t get top position. Ishihara lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Lobov lands a bit of a right, Ishihar lands another inside leg kick. Ishihara lands a left then just has a high kick blocked. Another blocked high kick from Ishihara. Lobov lands a bit of an inside leg kick. They trade inside leg kicks, Ishihara lands another one for good measure. Ishihara lands a jab. Ishihara lands a couple of body kicks. Lobov lands a body kick. Lobov lands a counter right after eating a body kick. Lobov lands a left. Lobov lands a right but eats a knee. Lobov lands a body kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lobov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Ishihara lands another inside leg kick then a body kick. Lobov misses a right, Ishihara misses a high kick. Lobov lands a couple of lunging rights. Lobov misses a couple of punches. Lobov fighting southpaw now, Ishihara lands a leg kick. Ishihara lands a left. Lobov lands a body kick then avoids a left. Ishihara lands a leg kick. Lobov lands a leg kick, just misses a couple of follow up punches. Ishihara lands a left, Lobov lands a leg kick. Lobov lands a glangcing spinning back kick, Lobov lands a couple of leg kicks to follow up. Ishihara needs to start doing something. Lobov lands a left. Ishihara lands a counter right and left. Lobov lands a right to the body, Ishihara lands a jab. Lobov lands a leg kick. Ishihara misses a left. They both miss power hand punches. Lobov lands a bit of a right and a leg kick. Lobov lands a left then avoids a single leg takedown attempt from Ishihara. Lobov lands a left and they both trade against the fence as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Ishihara lands a leg kick. Ishihara lands another leg kick. Lobov lands a leg kick, Ishihara lands an inside leg kick. Lobov misses a right but lands a left then a left to the body. Hard leg kick from Lobov. Lobov lands a left hook then a leg kick. Ishihara misses a left. Lobov blocks a takedown attempt. Lobov lands a right uppercut. Lobov lands a leg kick, Ishihara’s leg is a little compromised as well as his cardio. Lobov lands a left. Ishihara lands a left that drops Lobov! Ishihara on top in the guard now but Lobov got dropped. Ishihara trying to posture, Lobov tries for an armbar but eats a couple of punches for his trouble. Ishihara passes to half guard. Lobov tries to roll for a foot lock and uses that to regain his feet. Ishihara lands a left then eats a leg kick. They trade lefts, Lobov then lands a body kick. Ishihara tries a very poor takedown, Lobov easily avoids it and pushes him over to get on top. Ishihara rolls to his feet then avoids a leg kick. Lobov lands a left then clinches up. Lobov muscles into a body lock takedown into side control. Lobov into full mount and tries a few punches as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ishihara but will likely go to Lobov, 29-28 Lobov overall

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

The crowd made that fight interesting at least. Lobov on the mic now. He says tell them the hammer is back, no one is safe then walks off.

Timothy Johnson is 2-1 in the UFC and looking to climb the contender ranks, if he can get a winning streak going tonight at the expense of the debuting Volkov he’ll be well on his way to elevating himself up from number fourteen. Alexander Volkov is a former Bellator heavyweight champion and veteran of the sport, he brings a two fight winning streak into this fight and will be looking to prove himself one of the best heavyweights in the world. Johnson has a slight edge in the odds at -160 to the +130 payout for Volkov.

Heavyweight Bout: #14 Timothy Johnson (10-2, 264 lbs.) vs. Alexander Volkov (26-6, 249 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Volkov has four inches of height and two and a half of reach on Johnson. Touch of gloves, Johnson fighting southpaw starts circling early. Volkov crowding him towards the fence. They both land in close. Volkov lands a couple of stepping knees to the body. Johnson tries a double leg that’s blocked and Volkov lands another knee to the body. Volkov eats a right but lands a wicked combination and gets Johnson on the fence in the clinch. Volkov landed five or six punches there. Volkov after a single leg and he gets Johnson down but Johnson is back up though he eats punches as he does so. Volkov has the rear waist lock, Johnson trying for a double wrist lock to break the grip. Volkov lands a combination but Johnson lands a MASSIVE uppercut that drops Volkov as they break. Johnson on top and all over Volkov but Volkov is still conscious. Volkov locks up full guard, Johnson stands and lands some lefts. Volkov eats a right as Johnson goes into the guard again. Johnson lands a few more punches before Volkov gets some control over his posture. Johnson stands, he’s trying to either pass or stack Volkov up so he can land more blows. Johnson tries to pass, Volkov sitting on the fence now and looking to wall walk. Volkov up, Johnson after a double leg but Volkov lands elbows and breaks the position. Johnson’s nose is bleeding badly, they clinch again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Volkov lands a straight right. Johnson circling away from the right of Volkov. Volkov backing Johnson towards the fence. Johnson lunges with some hooks and they trade blows in close. Volkov lands a combination then they clinch up. Volkov has Johnson on the fence and is looking for a trip. Johnson stays upright. Volkov lands a short right. Johnson spins Volkov and they trade knees to the body. Johnson after a single leg takedown, not sure if he can finish this one as Volkov is defending. Johnson adjusts to an ankle pick and lands some short rights as Volkov has to wall walk quickly. Volkov spins Johnson into the cage and lands an uppercut. The ref separates them after they stall out. Volkov back to pressuring, he avoids a couple of wide hooks from Johnson and lands an uppercut. Johnson lands a right then a couple of body shots. Volkov lands a knee and avoids a takedown by forcing Johnson into the fence. Johnson lands an uppercut and a right as they break. Johnson lands a straight left. Volkov needs to pick up the output a little at this point. Volkov lands a right. Johnson misses a left then eats a body kick and a right to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkov, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Johnson lands a leg kick but eats a couple of counters. Johnson lands an overhand left. Volkov responds with a right then a left. Volkov lands a head kick then an inside leg kick. Johnson tries a takedown but Volkov blocks it and shoves Johnson into the cage. They trade knees to the body while they jockey for position. Volkov lands a knee to the body. Volkov gets the back standing with the rear waist lock but jus lets it go and we’re at distance now. Volkov lands a one two combination. Volkov lands a knee to the body just before Johnson gets the clinch. Volkov spins Johnson into the fence and works knees to the thigh. Volkov keeping Johnson pinned, they break with a right to the body from Johnson. Johnson misses a windmill left. Volkov lands a body kick then a glancing head kick. Johnson misses a right. Johnson bulls into the clinch and gets Volkov on the fence. Volkov able to spin Johnson, Johnson tries a hip toss that doesn’t really work but they break. Volkov lands a knee to the body and sprawls out of a single leg attempt as the round ends.

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

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

Not sure I buy 30-27 for Johnson but Johnson could have stolen the second I think. Fun heavyweight fight all things considered, and no interview for Volkov.

This was originally Ross Pearson taking on James Krause but Krause got injured and Stevie Ray stepped in on relatively short notice. Pearson had been a very consistent fighter until recently, but now he’s 2-3 in his last five fights and on a two fight losing streak. Pearson badly needs to break that streak if he wants to remain competitive and ever make a run in the division. Stevie Ray is 3-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Alan Patrick, still if he can rebound from that with a win over a recognizable name like Pearson he’ll pick up one of the biggest wins of his career. The odds are a pick ’em at -115 for each man.

Lightweight Bout: Ross Pearson (19-12 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Steven Ray (19-6, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ray has two inches of height and one of reach on Pearson. Ray fighting southpaw, they touch gloves to get things going. Ray lands a body kick. Pearson has a high kick blocked. Ray lands a jab. Pearson lands an inside leg kick. Ray lands an inside leg kick then misses a high kick. Ray lands a straight left. They both miss high kicks. Pearson checks an inside leg kick. Ray lands a front kick to the body, Pearson lands a leg kick. Ray lands a leg kick. Pearson lands an inside leg kick. Ray has a high kick blocked. Pearson lands a body kick. Ray lands a jumping body kick, Pearson lands a standard body kick. Ray lands a straight left then a knee from a brief clinch. Pearson lands a body kick. Ray just misses a high kick. Pearson lands a body kick and Ray lands a couple of counter punches. Ray in on a double leg and elevates then slams Pearson down. Pearson scrambles to his knees and Ray has the back but Pearson wall walks and eats a knee to the head. Pearson spins Ray into the fence then they break and Ray misses an outside crescent kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ray

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Ray circling again, Pearson trying to pin him on the fence. Ray lands a straight left. Ray lands a bit of a high kick and avoids the counters from Pearson. Ray misses a wheel kick. Ray lands an outside leg kick, then another, then an inside leg kick. Ray is fighting well at range and Pearson is struggling to close the distance. Ray lands a left and tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Ray settles for knees to the leg then one to the body. They both land body punches and then separate. Ray lands a body kick. Ray lands a jab after avoiding a knee. Ray lands the inside leg kick again. Pearson lands a leg kick then misses a body kick. Pearson lands a leg kick then a straight right. Ray misses a left. Pearson circling now, might be trying to draw in Ray so he can engage. Ray lands a hard inside leg kick then a side kick to the body. Pearson lands a right to the body. Ray lands a head kick but Pearson jsut eats it. They clinch, Ray lands a couple of knees then they break. Pearson lands a body kick and just avoids a counter wheel kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Pearson pushing forward again, Ray lands an inside leg kick. Ray lands a leg kick. Pearson misses a left but lands a right to the body. Ray again with the inside leg kick. Ray misses a high kick and Pearson lands a leg kick. Pearson misses a hook kick. Ray lands a bit of a left then has a high kick blocked. Ray lands a left to the body then a body kick. Pearson tries a knee that misses but eats a right for his trouble. Pearson lands a leg kick, Ray lands an inside leg kick. Ray misses a high kick. Pearson lands a right to the body then eats an inside leg kick. Ray eats a body kick and lands a left. Ray lands a high kick. Pearson slips a left from Ray. Ray hits another inside leg kick then misses a high kick. Pearson ducks a right and lands a right to the body. Ray lands another inside leg kick. Ray avoids a high kick then lands a high kick. Pearson avoids a takedown and lands a knee. Ray lands the inside leg kick again and they trade as the fight comes to an end.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Stevie Ray via split decision (27-30, 30-27 x3)

I can’t quite Clucky that, all three rounds were close. Ray on the mic, says this was a huge risk but he’s not going to run scared and he’ll fight anyone. He puts over Pearson and says the fight was close, he says he tried to do his best and puts over the crowd. He says the game plan was to hit and move but he’s Scottish and he prefers to stand and bang. He again puts Pearson over but says he feels this is his time. He mentions the loss to Alan Patrick but says no one wants to see people lay on each other. Asked what’s next he says he felt rusty here but he had 12 fights in his first year in the sport and wants to remain active. He thanks the crowd again and hopes they enjoy the main event. He thanks his coaches and family to close the interview.

This is a rematch from a fight in September 2015 where Uriah Hall picked up a massive upset win. Since that loss Gegard Mousasi has won three fights in dominant fashion and is trying to prove that loss was a fluke. A win for Mousasi not only keeps his top five status it could enter him into the title discussion. Uriah Hall hasn’t had it so good recently, since that win over Mousasi he’s 0-2 with losses to Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson. In a very real way Hall’s back is against the wall here as a three fight losing streak might not cost him his spot with the promotion but would certainly end his time as a contender. Mousasi is a massive -550 favorite while Hall’s payout of +375 probably looks pretty good to the degenerate gamblers out there.

Middleweight Bout: #10 Uriah Hall (12-7, 185 lbs.) vs. #5 Gegard Mousasi (40-6-2, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mousasi has two inches of height on Hall but Hall has a reach advantage of two and a half inches. Hall sliding forward early, Mousasi circling. Hall keeps threatening to spin, Mousasi is biting a little on them. They trade inside leg kicks. Mousasi backing up Hall now, Hall misses a spinning hook kick. Mousasi lands an inside leg kick. Hall lands a low leg kick. Mousasi lands a leg kick. Mousasi lands a stiff jab that snapped back Halls head. Hall lands a spinning back kick to the chest. Mousasi lands an inside leg kick then a front kick to the body. Hall lands a low leg kick. Hall misses another wheel kick. Mousasi lands a bit of a right. Hall lands a lunging left hook then an inside leg kick. Mousasi lands a bit of a left hook after eating a low leg kick. Mousasi in on a double leg, gets Hall on the fence. Mousasi drags Hall to the mat and lands in half guard. Mousasi lands a right, Hall on a hip but can’t control the arm. Mousasi lands more rights while Hall just turtles up. More rights from Mousasi and the ref decides Hall needs saving and ends this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gegard Mousasi via TKO, punches, at 4:37 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Mousasi for his work this evening, and is happy to have the final word on this event. Personally I’d like to thank Mousasi as well because that could have run over with the prelims for Fight Night 100. Mousasi on the mic now. He says Hall won the first fight fair and square, the thanks Hall for taking the rematch and says he has nothing against him. He’s checking himself out on the big screen, he’s pretty much unscathed. He says he’s coming for the belt and notes that Romero is probably the most difficult stylistic matchup but he wants a title shot or a major eliminator. He puts over the fans and the Irish in general, jokes that he has issues with McGregor but loves the Irish.

That wraps up Fight Night 99, thanks for being here and following along. I’m heading over right away to Fight Night 100 coverage, which you should be able to find easily here in the MMA zone of 411mania. I hope you’ll follow along over there, and continue checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.