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411’s UFC 205 Report: 11.12.16

November 13, 2016 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 205. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, calling the action just as I see it. While you’re here check out the Radulich in Broadcasting Network, it’s home to a bunch of podcasts including the 411 Ground and Pound radio show on Sunday’s at 8pm eastern standard time. This is the big one folks, the UFC’s debut in the worlds most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. This card suffered a surprising amount of adversity, losing two fights in the last week. First up there was a medical issue with Rashad Evans so his fight with Tim Kennedy was moved to UFC 206, then yesterday Kelvin Gastelum didn’t even attempt to make weight causing his fight with Donald Cerrone to be scrapped and Cerrone to be rescheduled for a clash with Matt Brown at UFC 206. Also of note Thiago Alves missed weight for the third time in his UFC run, and missed it so badly that in order to remain within seven pounds of his opponent and keep the fight on Jim Miller actually had to re-hydrate early. Still the card is full of great fights. At the top featherweight champion Conor McGregor is after history and the lightweight title as he tries to become the only fighter in UFC history to hold two belts in two different weight classes at the same time, though watch Dogeberg botch that and say he’s holding them consecutively, while lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez tries to get his first title defense out of the way. Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is trying to continue proving all of his doubters wrong, but standing in his way is the surging Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson who’s on the longest active winning streak in the division and trying to prove everyone who’s called him a future champion right. Rounding out our trio of title fights, strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzecjzyk is after her fourth title defense and trying to prove again that she’s the best female fighter on the roster while her fellow countrywoman Karolina Kowalkiewicz tries to get her first UFC title. Also on the card Yoel Romero and Chris Weidman fight for the next middleweight title shot, Frankie Edgar and Jeremy Stephens square off in a battle of power vs. technique, Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to remind the world why he deserves the next lightweight title shot at the expense of Michael Johnson, and so much more. This event comes to the world from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York with the usual commentary duo of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan on the call.

Katlyn Chookagian is undefeated as a professional fighter including a successful UFC debut when she defeated Lauren Murphy pretty decisively and earned herself a spot in the top fifteen rankings of the division. Tonight she’s looking to make a big move up the ranks as a win over a former title challenger almost certainly means bigger and better things ahead for her. Liz Carmouche challenged for the bantamweight title back in 2013, a losing effort to Ronda Rousey, but recently broke a two fight losing streak with a win over Lauren Murphy. Carmouche is trying to rebuild some momentum tonight and possibly work back towards title contention. Chookagian actually has the odds on her side at -170 to the +140 of Carmouche.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #9 Liz Carmouche (10-5, 134.8 lbs.) vs. #14 Katlyn Chookagian (8-0, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian has three inches of height and two of reach on Carmouche. Carmouche misses a couple of punches, Chookagian circling and flashing the jab early. Neither woman having much success, Chookagian lands a leg kick. Carmouche lands an inside leg kick. Carmouche lands a leg kick. Carmouche tries out southpaw, gets leg kicked a few times then goes back to orthodox. Carmouche lands a leg kick. Carmouche lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Chookagian lands a jab. Carmouche lands a calf kick then dives into the clinch and gets a double leg against the fence. Chookagian sitting against the cage looking to wall walk. Chookagian lands a few elbows to the head. Carmouche just holding on, Chookagian up but still in the clinch. They trade some knees to the body. Chookagian lands another knee to the body, Carmouch drops for a takedown. Chookagian blocking the attempt so far, Carmouche finally gets it into the guard of Chookagian. Carmouche with a few blows to the body and head. Carmouche lands a couple of short elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carmouche

ROUND TWO: Chookagian lands an inside leg kick then a stiff jab. Chookagian lands a body kick then they clinch and Carmouche gets her on the fence. Chookagian lands a knee and spins off the fence, Carmouche spins her back then Chookagian breaks free. Chookagian working the lead hand, lands a counter one two then an inside leg kick. Chookagian lands a double jab and body kick but Carmouche gets the clinch and hits a big slam into side control. Carmouche lands an elbow, Chookagian gets to half guard though. Carmouche trying for a guillotine as Chookagian tries to escape, Chookagian to her back again to avoid the choke. Chookagian to full guard now. They’re trading some weak arm punches but not much else. Chookagian back to her feet but still in the clinch. Chookagian lands a knee to the head and a jab as they break. Chookagian lands a jab, Carmouche hits a front kick to the body. Chookagian lands a counter right after eating a leg kick. Chookagian lands a hard leg kick then just misses a high kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Carmouche opens up with a leg kick then a body kick. Another leg kick from Carmouche. Chookagian lands a right then a flush high kick that drops Carmouche. Carmouche grabs a takedown attempt to buy time to recover but she’s rocked and Chookagian lands a couple of knees to the head. Carmouche desperately after this takedown but Chookagian defends and lands another knee. Chookagian separates and lands a one two combination. Hard right from Chookagian lands. Carmouche in full retreat mode. Chookagian lands a jab and just misses a high kick. Carmouche tries another takedown and gets it against the fence. Chookagian sitting on the fence trying to wall walk. Chookagian lands a couple of elbows then gets up but eats a knee on the way. Carmouche still has the clinch, Chookagian gets free has a high kick blocked. Carmouche lands another calf kick. They both miss some punches. Carmouche hits another leg kick, Chookagian seems to have missed her window of opportunity. Chookagian lands a couple of lefts then has a high kick blocked. Chookagian lands a right. Carmouche lands a leg kick. Carmouche tries another takedown, Chookagian might be setting up a choke, decides to defend against the fence and land short punches instead until the clock runs out.

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

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

Not sure which of rounds 1 or 2 went to Chookagian. Carmouche on the mic now. She puts over Chookagian as tough and thanks New York for their hospitality. Asked about that head kick she says she got caught but she wanted it more and wasn’t going to give up.

Here’s that head kick from round three if you missed it.

Jim Miller has been with the UFC’s lightweight division seemingly forever, actually since 2008, and is now on his first winning streak since 2014 with wins over Takanori Gomi and Joe Lauzon. Miller needs a win here to reaffirm his spot in the division, and while he’s closing in on the end of a great career one final run towards the top isn’t inconceivable. Thiago Alves is another UFC vet, his tenure dating to 2005, and this was to be his UFC lightweight debut but he badly missed weight. This is Alves’ third time missing weight in the UFC and if follows that up with a loss the former welterweight title contender could be shown the door. It’s worth noting that Jim Miller did not miss weight for this fight, he was at 155 lbs but had to weigh in within five pounds of Alves and so re-hydrated into acceptable range. Also Alves could not weigh more than 173 lbs prior to this fight or the bout would be called off, and since he’s blaming food poisoning for missing weight his cardio bears watching. Despite that the odds favor the bigger Alves at -155 with a Miller win paying out at +125.

Lightweight Bout: Thiago Alves (21-10, 162.6 lbs.)* vs. Jim Miller (27-8 1 NC, 157.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alves has an inch of height advantage but Miller has an inch of reach on him. Miller fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get things going. Miller pumping the jab early and trying to back up Alves. Miller lands a bit of a left. Miller lands a left to the body. Alves lands a hard knee to the head as Miller was ducking down. Miller lands an inside leg kick. Miller lands a bit of a left, he’s ducking too much but landing. Miller lands a right uppercut into a straight left. Alves misses a jumping round kick. Miller lands another left, Alves lands a bit of a high kick but Miller takes him down off of it and lands in his guard. Miller lands a few short punches and keeps Alves on his back. Alves working his way to the fence to try and wall walk, Miller passes to half guard. Miller lands some lefts, Alves tries to stand but kind of gives up his back. Alves explodes to his feet but Miller keeps him on the fence. They trade knees to the body then break. Miller lands a left and avoids the counter. Alves lands a bit of a body kick. Miller lands a hard body kick of his own. Miller with an inside leg kick as well. Alves really struggling to find the range here, eats another left from Miller. They trade power hands and then Miller gets Alves to the fence in the clinch. They break without incident, Alves lands a right then has a high kick blocked and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Miller moving forward here, lands a bit of a jab. Alves moving forward now, lands a body kick but eats a left. Alves misses a high kick. Alves lands an outside leg kick. Miller lands a bit of a left uppercut, Alves lands a left hook. Alves lands a one two but Miller grabs a leg and tries for a single leg. Alves sprawling and Miller bails on it. Miller lands a hard body kick. Miller times a double leg wonderfully and gets Alves down. Miller lands a left and tries to pass to half guard. Miller threatens with a choke to secure position. Alves trying to scramble but Miller keeping him on the mat. Miller lands an elbow. Alves still trying to stand, Miller pushing him to the mat again. Miller still in half guard, Alves trying to shrimp but Miller is threatening with the front head lock as he does so. Miller working for the guillotine, bails on that and lands some punches then a knee as Alves regained his feet and they break. They trade power hand punches. Alves lands a body kick. They clinch again, Miller looking for a takedown against the fence. They break and both miss punches. Miller lands an elbow and a jab. Miller digs a left to the body and Alves lands a right. Alves misses a spinning back fist and eats an elbow to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Alves lands a leg kick. Miller hits an inside leg kick. Miller lands a front kick to the body, Alves trying to push forward though and lands a body kick. Miller lands a straight left, then a right to the body and a left to the head. Miller lands a hard inside leg kick, Alves lands a right and he thinks Miller is hurt. Alves tries to flurry, mostly blocked and they trade then Alves lands a body kick. Miller ducks a right and hits a double leg into the guard of Alves. Alves trying elbows from his back, Miller lands some punches. Miller passes to half guard. Alves tries to stand, Miller pushes him over again. Miller lands some short elbows and punches, Alves trying to set up a sweep. Alves able to regain his feet and separate. Alves lands a bit of a high kick. Miller lands a bit of a left. Miller digs a left body kick then a straight left. Miller times a takedown with an outside leg kick and gets Alves down again in half guard. Alves rolls to his knees, Miller into the ride position. Miller lands some hammer fists. Alves to his knees, Miller tires a guillotine and uses that to retain top position. Miller trying for full mount from half guard, Alves fighting to keep him there. Alves gives up the front headlock again, Miller tries to sit for a guillotine or Peruvian necktie but loses the grip and Alves is on top now. Alves lands a couple of elbows but wont get the finish he needed.

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

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

Miller has the most wins at lightweight ever after that one, he’s also won at UFC 100, UFC 200, and now UFC 205. Miller on the mic now, he talks about having to gain weight for the fight and says that gaining weight is actually really hard but he wanted the fight. He puts over Alves as a legend and says it was an honor to share the cage with him. He says he felt badly during the beginning of the year but he feels much better now and thinks he has one more run in him. That’s it for Fight Pass, on to Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims.

Vicente Luque is 3-1 in the UFC and on a three fight winning streak, all three of those being finishes. Luque could really increase his profile here as a fourth consecutive win on a big card like this one would likely get some momentum behind him. Belal Muhammad is 1-1 in the UFC, he stepped in on short notice against Alan Jouban and lost but rebounded with a good showing against Augusto Montano, and looking to rebuild a winning streak as he was undefeated before debuting in the UFC and prove himself against a talented grappler like Luque. The odds here are actually at a pick ’em -115 for each man.

Welterweight Bout: Vicente Luque (10-5-1, 170.6 lbs.) vs. Belal Muhammad (10-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Luque has three and a half inches of reach on Muhammad. Touch of gloves to get things going. Luque switching his stance a bit here. Luque lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Luque lands. Muhammad lands an inside leg kick then a body kick. Luque lands a left body kick from the southpaw stance. Muhammad lands a bit of a left hook but Luque is pressuring forward. Luque lands a counter left hook that floors Muhammad, a couple of follow up shots on the mat put Muhammad out cold.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vicente Luque via KO, punches, at 1:19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Luque for his contribution to the evening, and is proud to be here for the UFC’s debut in New York City. Big win for Luque there, and an impressive one. Luque gets an interview after that quick finish, he thanks God for the opportunity and the strength to be here. He notes that he took this fight on short notice but he wasn’t going to pass this up and he came here for the fans, also says he was born in New Jersey and has family there still and this was an honor. He puts over his coaches for improving his striking and he knew that he could land that counter punch after Muhammad over committed to the left high kick. He speaks Portuguese then does his own translation thanking the people of Brazil. Here’s the finish there in case you missed it.

Rafael Natal just had a four fight winning streak snapped by top contender Robert Whittaker, tonight he looks to rebound from that loss and defend his top fifteen ranking. Natal isn’t exactly a young man in the sport and if he wants to stage another march up the ranks a win here is critical. Tim Boetsch just broke a three fight losing streak by beating the late Josh Samman to likely save his job, a win over Natal here is necessary to prove he’s back on track as a fighter. Natal is a -150 favorite to the +120 of Boetsch.

Middleweight Bout: Tim Boetsch (19-10, 185.4 lbs.) vs. #14 Rafael Natal (21-7-1, 185.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Natal has two inches of reach on Boetsch. Boetsch moving forward early, lands a bit of a looping right. Natal circling early, looking for an angle to attack from. Boetsch lands a bit of a right. Natal switches to southpaw, lands a bit of a high kick. Boetsch starting to work a front kick to the body, he blocks a takedown attempt and lands a right. Natal misses an overhand right, then lands a leg kick. Natal with another leg kick then fakes a takedown attempt. Boetsch still moving forward, his pressure is starting to work a bit. Boetsch lands a bit of a leg kick then a front kick to the body. Natal lands a glancing spinning back fist. They trade rights in close. Natal southpaw again, Boetsch lands an inside leg kick. Natal lands a body kick then they trade rights and Natal goes down, a few more rights from Boetsch as Natal is down end his night.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tim Boetsch via TKO, punches, at 3:22 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Boetsch for his work this evening. Boetsch is on his first winning streak since 2012 after that one and he’s on the mic now, he puts over his coach Marcus Davis for getting him ready and improving his game. He says he knew after one of the first punches that Natal was a little hurt and he knew he just had to be patient and he’d get another one of those. He says he thinks Natal got up against the fence too much and left himself open for that right. Here’s that finish again, nice to see Boetsch back on form.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the best lightweights in the world, and has been for some time, but injuries have caused some heavy inactivity for him as he just returned from a two year absence. Nurmagomedov needs an impressive win here to retake this number one contender status, he was supplanted by Tony Ferguson after Ferguson beat Rafael dos Anjos, and get a title shot for his next fight. Michael Johnson was considered a rising lightweight contender at one point, but back to back losses to Beneil Dariush and Nate Diaz halted that momentum abruptly but he’s coming off of an impressive first round finish of Dustin Poirier and a win over the highly touted Nurmagomedov would be the biggest win of his career. Nurmagomedov is a heft -300 favorite while Johnson’s +230 is a tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: #6 Michael Johnson (17-10, 155.8 lbs.) vs. #2 Khabib Nurmagomedov (23-0, 155.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Johnson has three and a half inches of reach on Nurmagomedov. Johnson fighting southpaw. They both circle early, getting a feel for each other. Johnson reaching with some hooks that are falling short. Johnson lands a left. Another left lands for Johnson. Johnson is starting to find that left hook consistently. Nurmagomedov needs to get going. Johnson lands a right hook then a left. Nurmagomedov is a little wobbled. Johnson lands another left. Nurmagomedov gets the clinch and has Johnson on the fence. Nurmagomedov easily hits an outside trip and lands in side control. Nurmagomedov going for the mounted crucifix and starts landing left elbows and punches. Johnson escapes the crucifix but he’s still on his back. Nurmagomedov lands an elbow then goes into half guard. Nurmagomedov lands some lefts while Johnson tries to shrimp. Elbows from Nurmagomedov and now rights as well. Hard lefts from Nurmagomedov, Johnson tries to reguard but Nurmagomedov passes to 3/4 mount. Nurmagomedov lands some hard rights. Nurmagomedov into full mount and lands more lefts. Johnson just covering up, Nurmagomedov starting to tee off on him. Johnson just hoping for the end of the round now. Nurmagomedov tees off as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

ROUND TWO: Johnson circling to start this round, Nurmagomedov looking to close distance. Johnson misses a left. Johnson lands a jab. Nurmagomedov lands a right uppercut then a left. They clinch up and Nurmagomedov tries a single leg but Johnson is able to slip out. Nurmagomedov tries a double leg, Johnson blocks it. Johnson tries a front head lock and drops for a guillotine choke but Nurmagomedov gets his head out and is in the guard of Johnson. Nurmagomedov passes to full side control and gets the mounted crucifix. Wicked pass there. Nurmagomedov lands lefts to the head. More lefts from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov to knee on belly position and lands more lefts. Johnson rolls to a hip, Nurmagomedov into the ride position and starts hammering more lefts. More lefts from Nurmagomedov, Johnson just praying for the end of the round again. More lefts from Nurmagomedov. Johnson rolls but now just eats rights to the face instead of lefts. More rights until the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Johnson works the jab early, landing one to the body. Nurmagomedov lands a right uppercut, then they both land hooks and Nurmagomedov dives on a double leg and Johnson is down again. Nurmagomedov has the legs mounted against the fence and landing right punches and elbows. More rights from Nurmagomedov, Johnson is getting mauled again from top position. Nurmagomedov into full mount again, this time he’s got Johnson’s right arm trapped by his legs so he’s one armed trying to defend. Nurmagomedov passes to side control and lands more rights. Johnson tries to walk up the fence for a reversal, Nurmagomedov blocks that easily though. Nurmagomedov looking for a kimura, he’s got the double wrist lock and starts cranking until Johnson taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Khabib Nurmagomedov via Submission, kimura, at 2:31 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club offers congratulations to Mr. Nurmagomedov for his work this evening, and informs the First Round Finish Club that they can find their door guard at the local hospital because they weren’t missing this event for anything. Nurmagomedov on the mic after that impressive display of grappling, and as usual he puts his hat on Joe Rogan. He grabs the mic before anything happens, says he tries to stay humble but he has to say something. He insults Conor McGregor for tapping out to start the year, then says there are only 6 million Irish but 150 million Russians. He praises Allah in Arabic and thanks the crowd. Rogan now able to ask some questions, he says he spent 10 years as an amateur and 8 as a professional and he’s undefeated then thanks Johnson for the fight. Nurmagomedov asks the crowd what they think of his 24 fight winning streak. Rogan putting over his having earned a title shot, Nurmagomedov asks Rogan if he deserves a title shot, Rogan agrees, then he reiterates that he wants to fight the Irish chicken McGregor.

Here’s the finish to that fight, wicked kimura.

Frankie Edgar has been one of the most skilled fighters in the world for several years now, but lost another decision to Jose Aldo and now needs another rebound win. Edgar remains a top contender at featherweight, assuming that title ever gets defended, but a loss here likely ends his title aspirations for at least 2017 and would be a significant set back for him. Jeremy Stephens is just 2-3 in his last five fights but is coming off of a win over former bantamweight champion Renan Barao, if he can unseat another former champion here he’d place himself in prime contender status despite having recently lost to Max Holloway. Edgar is a significant favorite at -325 while Stephens has a really good payout at +250.

Featherweight Bout: #2 Frankie Edgar (20-5-1, 145.4 lbs.) vs. #7 Jeremy Stephens (25-12, 145.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stephens has two and a half inches of height and three of reach on Edgar. Edgar moving early, Stephens flashing the jab. Edgar avoids a leg kick, he’s trying to stay on the outside. Edgar slips a right, reaches for a double leg but Stephens stuffs it and lands a body kick. Stephens lands a leg kick. Edgar tries another takedown, Stephens defends and disengages but eats a left hook as he does so. Edgar lands a body kick. Stephens misses a wide left hook. Edgar lands a bit of a right to the body. Edgar doing a good job of moving around and making Stephens miss. Stephens lands a leg kick, Edgar lands a good one two combination. Stephens lands a body kick, Edgar lands a leg kick. Edgar tries another double leg, they wind up on the fence and Edgar has a front head lock and is landing knees to the head. Edgar drops for a single leg, Stephens still defending well. Edgar finally gets Stephens up and down but Stephens is back up, Edgar takes him down again but again he’s back up and still in the clinch. Edgar lands a few short lefts, Stephens lands a knee and breaks free. Edgar takes a poke to the eye so we’ve got time for him to recover and the doctor in to check on him. Replay confirms the pinkie to the eye, the doctor says Edgar is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Edgar lands an inside leg kick. Edgar slips a left hook, Stephens has a high kick blocked. Edgar lands a right and avoids the counter left. Edgar lands a front kick to the body. Stephens lands a bit of a right, he tries some follow up hooks that miss and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edgar

ROUND TWO: Stephens back to forward pressure, Edgar back to circling. Edgar tries a double leg that Stephens avoids. Stephens lands a leg kick. Edgar tries a right to the body but Stephens took it to the groin. Stephens walks it off quickly and we’re back. Stephens lands a leg kick but eats a counter right. Edgar lands a leg kick then a left body kick. Edgar lands a bit of a right and avoids the counter. Edgar’s speed and technique are really showing here, he lands a leg kick. Edgar ducks a right and lands a combination against the fence then enters the clinch. Edgar after the takedown, gets the back and slams Stephens down. Stephens back up quickly but still in the clinch, Stephens breaks free quickly though. Stephens lands a leg kick, Edgar responds with a combination. Stephens still moving forward, Edgar lands a right then a left. Edgar lands a leg kick, Stephens lands a jumping left kick to the face that drops Edgar! Edgar back up and on a takedown that Stephens avoids, Edgar is still wobbled. Stephens is swinging, Edgar is circling and dodging. Stephens lands a jab and then they split lefts. Edgar lands a bit of a right but he’s still a little uneven on his feet. Edgar eats a jab. Stephens lands a right and starts bulling forward. Edgar lands a right and a left uppercut. Edgar ducks a right and hits a double leg into half guard. Stephens back up but Edgar grabs a guillotine and rolls to mount with it. Stephens blocks the choke but Edgar is on top and landing some elbows from half guard. Edgar after the guillotine again from half guard, he mounts with it but Stephens breaks the grip and Edgar lands a couple of elbows to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stephens, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Stephens misses a couple of hooks to start the final round. Stephens lands a hard leg kick then a stiff jab. They trade some jabs while Edgar looks for angles. Edgar misses a high kick. Stephens lands another leg kick but Edgar catches it and gets him down. Edgar passes to half guard and lands a few lefts. Stephens grabs a double wrist lock from the bottom, Edgar adjusts his hips and blocks that motion. Edgar lands some elbows to the body. Stephens against the fence now, Edgar towards full mount now. Edgar has the ride position with one hook in against the fence. Edgar after the choke, Stephens hand fighting to block it. Stephens back up but Edgar takes him down again and tries for that same position. Edgar after the choke, Stephens back to his feet though and breaks the clinch. Stephens moving forward now, lands a good right. Edgar lands a body kick, trying to keep distance. Edgar tries a double leg, Stephens blocks it. Edgar lands a short left. They trade rights, Stephens tries the jumping round kick again this time it misses. Edgar lands a left hook. Stephens still walking Edgar down. Edgar lands a bit of a right and avoids three punches. Stephens lands a right to the body. Edgar avoids an uppercut and lands a left. Edgar lands a right. Stephens misses an uppercut and they sling some leather in close for the last few seconds.

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

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

Disagree with 30-27 after getting dropped that hard, but good win for Edgar. He’s on the mic now with short time on the broadcast. He’s happy to be in the Garden, puts over Stephens and jokes that it’s not a Frankie fight if he doesn’t get his bell rung. He says he wants to fight in Brooklyn next. We’re done with Fox Sports 1 and on to PPV!

Here’s the head kick from the second round, you need a baseball bat to stop Frankie Edgar apparently.

Miesha Tate is the former bantamweight champion but lost badly in her last fight when she was finished by current champion Amanda Nunes in the first round. Tate had won five in a row before that though, and if she ever wants to get another title shot she must avoid a two fight losing streak here. Raquel Pennington seems to have found her groove as a fighter recently and is on a three fight winning streak with a place in the top fifteen as a reward for her efforts. A win here over a former champion would rocket Pennington up the rankings and easily be the biggest win of her career. The odds favor Tate at -165 with Pennington’s comeback set at +135

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #8 Raquel Pennington (8-5, 135.8 lbs.) vs. #1 Miesha Tate (18-6, 135.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pennington has an inch of height and two and a half of reach on Tate. Touch of gloves to get things started. Both women throwing and fading, both miss a lot. Tate lands a leg kick. They both miss rights. Tate lands an inside leg kick. Tate reaching with punches, Pennington lands a left hook. Tate jabs the body, Pennington lands another jab. Tate falls short with a one two combination. Pennington lands a combination, Tate’s face is turning red. Tate gets the clinch and they trade uppercuts to the body before Tate tries for a single leg against the fence. Pennington using a front headlock to block that attempt. Tate still after the takedown, Pennington grabs a front choke and lifts Tate completely off of the ground, Tate is trying the Diego Sanchez escape and uses it to break the choke. Pennington still after the choke, bails on that to defend the takedown attempt. Tate finally hits the outside trip and lands in the guard of Pennington. Pennington trying to wall walk, Tate moves to half guard. Pennington gives up the back to stand, Tate trying to get the back standing but Pennington is hand fighting. Pennington lands some elbows to the thigh. Tate trying to get the back standing but the fence positioning is making that impossible, Pennington takes her down and lands on a hip as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pennington

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves again. Pennington flashing the jab and moving forward this round. Pennington lands a jab. Pennington lands a one two combination. Tate misses a few punches but lands a bit of a knee. Pennington lands another stiff couple of jabs. Another couple of jabs from Pennington. Pennington avoids a takedown attempt and lands a combination. Tate is getting desperate and pushes into the clinch but eats an uppercut. Tate lands a couple of knees to the body, Pennington lands one as well. Pennington blocks a takedown attempt, they trade more knees to the body. Tate lands an elbow but eats a hard uppercut. Pennington gets the rear waist lock. Tate trying elbows and decides to spin into the clinch. Pennington lands some rights to the body and head. More rights from Pennington as she holds Tate on the cage. Tate goes to the Thai clinch and they trade body work. Pennington lands some more rights to the head. Knees to the body going back and forth, Tate’s able to spin Pennington into the cage. Pennington lands some knees to the body. They trade body work, Pennington is getting the better of this position here. Lefts to the head from Pennington then Pennington lands a combination to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again and Pennington lands a jab. They clinch and Tate jumps for full guard. Pennington carries her to the fence and goes into her guard. Pennington lands some left elbows while Tate tries for an armbar. Pennington blocks that and lands more lefts to the head. Tate trying to go after a submission, Pennington landing punches and elbows. Tate trying for a triangle now, Pennington avoids that with hand positioning. Pennington into north/south position looking to set up the north/south choke. Tate trying to walk up the cage and does to get to her knees, Pennington holding the front head lock again and avoiding a double leg. Pennington going for the front choke, Tate escapes but is still on bottom. Tate trying for a heel hook, Pennington avoids it and lands a right while standing over Tate. Pennington lands a leg kick, Tate tries to sit up but Pennington on the front head lock again. Tate still after the takedown but Pennington blocking that. Pennington lands some lefts to the head from the clinch. More punches from Pennington, Tate doesn’t really want to be there anymore. Pennington takes Tate down and lands in half guard. Pennington lands some punches and passes to side control. Tate able to recover half guard but Pennington batters her to the body and head then stands. Pennington lands a flurry as time expires.

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

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

Huge win for Pennington, she just knocked off the number one ranked contender. Pennington on the mic now. Rogan wastes his first question asking about TUF, she ignores that and puts over the crowd then says that earning a fight with Tate proves she’s doing something right. She says a lot of people in the UFC have called her one dimensional but she proved tonight she has a full tool box.

Tate takes the mic, puts over Pennington and announces her retirement. She says she’s been fighting for over a decade and it’s not her time anymore, the crowd cheers in appreciation for her career. She says that she retired because she lost, she knows she has more but can’t perform at the highest level anymore and is ready to step aside for the next generation. We at 411mania thank Miesha Tate for all her work over the years and wish her the best in the next phase of her life. If you’re interested, here’s Tate’s retirement announcement.

Yoel Romero last fought almost a year ago when he defeated Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, he’s also unbeaten in the UFC and on a seven fight winning streak. Tonight represents a huge opportunity for him as the winner of this fight likely secures the next title fight, and if he does in fact add Chris Weidman to his list of fallen opponents he’ll have the best credentials for that shot anyway. Weidman is coming off of a loss to Luke Rockhold then had to pull out of their scheduled rematch with an injury, tonight he’s looking to rebound from what was his first professional loss and stake his claim for another shot at the title he once held. The odds favor Weidman at -185 to the +150 on Romero.

Middleweight Bout: #4 Yoel Romero (12-1, 185.6 lbs.) vs. #2 Chris Weidman (13-1, 185.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Weidman has two inches of height and four and a half of reach on Romero. Touch of gloves, Romero fighting southpaw and Weidman opens up with an inside leg kick. Weidman lands a body kick. Weidman working kicks, Romero lands a heavy body kick. Romero blocks a single leg attempt. Romero misses a side kick to the thigh. Weidman tries a single leg, spins Romero down but Romero is back up and blocks a follow up attempt. Weidman has a high kick blocked. Weidman lands a couple of body kicks then tries another single leg but can’t finish the takedown. Weidman lands a leg kick. Another body kick lands for Weidman. Romero lands a bit of a left, eats a counter though. Romero blocks a takedown attempt and lands an uppercut. Romero lands a body kick. Weidman hits another single leg, Romero back to all fours, Weidman has the rear waist lock looking to drag him back down. Romero back up all the way and Weidman holds the rear waist lock. Romero has a kimura grip going as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Weidman

ROUND TWO: Both men missing early, range finding mostly. Weidman lands a body kick then tries a single leg that Romero avoids. Romero misses a left. Romero lands a left to the body. Romero misses a few more lefts then lands an inside leg kick and avoids a takedown attempt. Weidman lands a jab then an inside leg kick. Romero lands a left. Weidman lands a couple of body kicks, he’s trying to take Romero deep and out work him. Weidman lands a couple of rights then a knee to the body. Romero complains of an eye poke, the ref believes him and the replay confirms he did get poked. Romero is good to continue though. Romero pushing forward now, lands a hard left body kick but Weidman catches it and can’t do anything before Romero gets his leg back. Weidman avoids a takedown attempt, Romero trips him in the clinch but Weidman is back up quickly while Romero gets the rear waist lock. That was sweet stuff from Romero there. Weidman trying to break the grip, Romero landing knees to the thigh and looking for trips. Romero spins Weidman down, Weidman back up but Romero still riding him from the back. Weidman tries to spin out but Romero takes him down into side control and lands some blows before Weidman gets basically to guard. Romero landing blows, Weidman to his knees and Romero ends the round in the ride position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Romero, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Weidman opens up with a body kick, Romero returns it. Romero lands a flying knee that floors Weidman! He follows up with blows but this one is all over. Weidman is pouring blood from a cut that knee opened up.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yoel Romero via TKO, flying knee and punches, at :24 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Romero for his work this evening. Good heavens, that was unbelievable. Romero on the mic now. He says God is great, says he trained very hard and that the past doesn’t matter because he’s going forward then says he’s coming for the belt. Asked about how he matches up with Bisping he says God just finished opening the opportunity. Bisping is on the analyst desk and gives him a thumbs down then the bird, Romero responds by telling Bisping that he loves him. He says that he’s the real champion then tells Bisping he doesn’t know him and that he’s coming for him. Not the finish but here’s the blood pouring from Weidman after that knee.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz is undefeated as a professional fighter, including three wins in the UFC, and has the biggest opportunity of her life tonight as she goes for UFC gold. Joanna Jedrzejczyk is also undefeated and the reigning strawweight champion, she’s going for a fourth consecutive title defense tonight and further cementing her status as the best female fighter in the sport. Jedrzejczyk is also the biggest favorite on the card tonight at -375 while the +285 comeback on Kowalkiewicz likely appeals the degenerate gamblers.

Women’s Strawweight Title Bout: (c) Joanna Jedrzejczyk (12-0, 114.4 lbs.) vs. #2 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-0, 114.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jedrzejczyk has three inches of height but just half an inch of reach on Kowalkiewicz. Both women pawing with the jab early, both will also switch stances. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of jabs to the body then a hard couple of leg kicks. Kowalkiewicz moving forward, dodges a couple of rights but eats a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick then an inside leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of punches then a leg kick. Another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick, Kowalkiewicz lands a couple of jabs. Jedrzejczyk using leg kicks a lot here, regardless of Kowalkiewicz’s stance. Hard combination and a leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of more leg kicks. Hard body kick from Jedrzejczyk. Kowalkiewicz is falling short with her offense and getting countered so far. Jedrzejczyk lands a counter right after slipping a right. They clinch up, Jedrzejczyk lands some knees to the body as Kowalkiewicz gets her to the fence. Jedrzejczyk spins her to the fence. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow and a knee to the body, they jockey for position again, Jedrzejczyk lands several hard knees to the body then Kowalkiewicz lands an elbow when they break. Jedrzejczyk lands another combination ending with a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk going southpaw now, back to orthodox. Jedrzejczyk lands a body kick and gets the clinch. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow. Jedrzejczyk gets the Thai clinch and lands a knee to the body. More knees to the body going back and forth and they break. Jedrzejczyk lands a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Jedrzejczyk moving forward early here, lands a body kick. Kowalkiewicz moving forward but getting countered. Jedrzejczyk lands a body kick and they’re clinched. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow, then another when they disengage. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a stiff jab. Another hard jab from Jedrzejczyk, Kowalkiewicz struggling with the distance. More leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk and a right as well. They clinch, Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow then a body kick while they break. Kowalkiewicz misses a spinning back kick. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of inside leg kicks, they trade in close then Jedrzejczyk gets Kowalkiewicz on the cage. They jockey for position then break without incident. Jedrzejczyk lands a hard one two to the body then a leg kick. Another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk and another. Another leg kick, this is getting one sided in a hurry. Jedrzejczyk lands a front kick to the body, they clinch again and Kowlakiewicz is looking for a takedown. Jedrzejczyk defends that though and misses a body kick when they break. They clinch again, trade knees to the body and Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow as they break. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk lands a high kick, Kowlakiewicz uses that to get the clinch on the fence. Jedrzejczyk defends that takedown attempt and lands a knee to the head then spins Kowalkiewicz into the fence and lands a couple of elbows on the break. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick then a high kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a spinning back fist then a leg kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, there’s probably a 10-8 argument in there somewhere, 20-18 Jedrzejczyk overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the second round, and Jedrzejczyk fades a kick then lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick. Kowalkiewicz gets the clinch and they trade knees to the body before Jedrzejczyk gets her on the fence. They spin a few times and Jedrzejczyk blocks a single leg attempt and lands a body kick on the break. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. Kowalkiewicz lands a punch but eats an elbow and a body kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a jab. Jedrzejczyk just misses a high kick then lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a front kick to the chest. Jedrzejczyk avoids a spinning attack and lands a combination then lands in the clinch and lands punches as they break. Kowalkiewicz is getting out classed here. Jedrzejczyk lands a hard right in combination then a left and a body kick. Kowalkiewicz lands a right but eats a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of punches and a leg kick. Kowalkiewicz lands a body kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick and they trade in close. Jedrzejczyk lands a bit of a left, they clinch and Jedrzejczyk lands a knee to the body and pushes Kowalkiewicz into the fence then elbows her a few times as they break. Jedrzejczyk lands an inside leg kick. They clinch again, Jedrzejczyk lands a knee to the body and a couple of elbows. Kowalkiewicz gets her on the fence but isn’t doing much with that position. Jedrzejczyk gets her on the fence and lands a knee to the body then an elbow. Jedrzejczyk has her on the fence still, lands another couple of knees to the body and head. Jedrzejczyk lands two elbows and a left as they disengage. Jedrzejczyk avoids some punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves for the fourth round. Jedrzejczyk lands three inside and outside leg kicks. Another leg kick and a body kick from Jedrzejczyk. They trade in close, Jedrzejczyk gets Kowalkiewicz on the fence. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow from the clinch. Jedrzejczyk lands a knee to the head. They both miss punches while they break and Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick, bit of a left hook behind it. Kowalkiewicz misses three punches. Jedrzejczyk lands a right then two leg kicks. Kowalkiewicz lands a hard right, Jedrzejczyk is rocked! Jedrzejczyk fires back and lands a body kick but that was a big right. Jedrzejczyk on the fence, gets hit with another right. They trade rights and Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of head kicks. Jedrzejczyk has her back standing, transitions to her back but Kowalkiewicz regains her feet quickly. Kowalkiewicz lands a couple of punches then avoids a head kick a they break. Jedrzejczyk lands another couple of leg kicks and is back to moving. Jedrzejczyk lands a body kick, Kowalkiewicz gets Jedrzejczyk on the fence. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow and spins Kowalkiewicz then lands an elbow on the break. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick. Kowalkiewicz lands a bit of a right but eats a knee. Jedrzejczyk lands a left hook, eats a right then lands a jab. They both miss spinnin back fists then Jedrzejczyk lands a front kick to the face and then a couple of leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick. They both trade, Jedrzejczyk lands a front kick to the body then some hard knees to the body from the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz, 39-37 Jedrzejczyk overall

ROUND FIVE: Touch of gloves and a quick hug for the final round. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick then a combination and a body kick. Kowalkiewicz closes distance but eats some elbows as they clinch. They break with an elbow from Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a straight right then a leg kick and just misses a high kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a hard inside leg kick, fades a spinning back kick, then lands a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk just misses a high kick then lands a leg kick. They both land rights in close. Jedrzejczyk lands another inside leg kick. Another leg kick then a front kick to the body from Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk digs a right to the body followed by a left hook. They clinch, Jedrzejczyk lands an uppercut and an elbow. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow in close. Jedrzejczyk lands a counter left hook. They both trade rights, they’re both throwing. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick. Jedrzejczyk avoids a spinning back fist and lands a right. Jedrzejczyk has a spinning back fist blocked. Jedrzejczyk lands another leg kick. They clinch and Jedrzejczyk gets Kowalkiewicz on the cage. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow then a left as they break. Kowalkiewicz after the clinch again, Jedrzejczyk gets the rear waist lock and lands a knee to the head then a couple of elbows. Another elbow from Jedrzejczyk then an uppercut. Jedrzejczyk lands a head kick as they break the clinch. They swing for the finish but the clock runs down before either can get a finish.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 49-46 Jedrzejczyk overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Strawweight champion – Joanna Jedrzejczyk via unanimous decision (49-46 x3)

Not an easy win for Jedrzejczyk, who is emotional after that win and on the mic now. Her face is swelling around the eyes a bit and her nose. Asked if she got hurt by that right she says not much but you never see those coming. She puts over Kowalkiewicz and says Polish girls are the toughest in the world. She asks for a big event in Poland next year, says this wasn’t quite as hard as her last fight Gadelha but she’s still a champion because she works hard, stays humble, and is very hard on herself. She thanks the UFC for the fight in New York, thanks the crowd and says she loves them, thanks Kowalkiewicz, then closes with some Polish for her countrymen.

Kowalkiewicz gets an interview now as well, the crowd cheers her effort in that fight. She says Jedrzejczyk is the best but she’s proud because she gave a good fight for the fans and hopes that next time they can fight in Poland. She says he strategy was to fight standing up but use the switching of stances to gain an advantage, just got her leg kicked though.

Stephen Thompson is on a tremendous run having won his last seven fights, the longest active winning streak in the division, and having a grand total of one loss across his MMA and kickboxing careers, both amateur and professional. Thompson gets his first opportunity at UFC gold tonight and the chance to prove himself the best welterweight in the world. Tyron Woodley is coming off of his title win, the fastest title win in welterweight history, where he knocked out Robbie Lawler in the first round to claim the gold. Woodley needs a win here to begin forging his legacy as champion. The odds are actually with the challenger here, Thompson is favored at -200 to the +160 for Woodley.

Welterweight Title Bout: (c) Tyron Woodley (16-3, 169.8 lbs.) vs. #2 Stephen Thompson (13-1, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Thompson has three inches of height and one of reach on Woodley. Thompson switches his stance frequently, Woodley fights orthodox. They touch gloves to get things going. Woodley circling on the outside, Thompson misses a leg kick. Both men circling early. Woodley staying all the way out here, trying to bait Thompson into closing distance for him. Thompson misses a hook kick. Thompson has a high kick blocked. Lots of staring going on, Thompson lands a leg kick but Woodley catches it and gets him down in half guard. Woodley lands a couple of short rights. Thompson trying to stand, Woodley keeping him down though, lands a bit of an elbow. Woodley lands some lefts to the body. Woodley in full wet blanket mode here. Thompson to full guard. Woodley stands and hammer fists the body a few times then one to the face. Woodley lands a couple of elbows to the face, Thompson bleeding from the bridge of the nose as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Woodley

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Woodley circling again. Woodley blocks a high kick. Thompson has him against the fence now, looking to snipe from that position. Thompson lands a left and Woodley gets the clinch and has Thompson on the cage. They trade some knees to the body and thigh. Thompson spins Woodley to the fence, Woodley spins him back. They trade some more knees then punches to the body. Thompson lands a good knee to the body. Thompson spins free without incident. Thompson backing Woodley up again. Woodley seems content to have his back on the fence, Thompson lands a couple of punches. Woodley misses an overhand right. Thompson lands a spinning back kick to the body. Thompson lands a bit of a left as Woodley circled along the fence. Thompson lands a bit of a jab then a counter right. Thompson lands a couple of right jabs. Woodley lands a leg kick but eats a hard counter left. Thompson just slips a right from Woodley. Thompson lands a left to the body then a straight left. Thompson is starting to take over a bit here. Thompson lands a side kick to the body, they trade rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thompson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the third round. Woodley misses a right but he’s moving forward this time. Thompson lands a side kick to the chest. Thompson circling, Woodley avoids a high kick. Woodley backing up again now, lands a bit of a right. Thompson lands a couple of counter rights while slipping a left. Thompson slips a couple of jabs, still backing Woodley into the fence. Thompson lands a right then a left. Woodley has a high kick blocked. Thompson lands a leg kick. Woodley lands a leg kick but eats a right and a left counter. Thompson lands a stiff one two combination that stunned Woodley. Thompson lands a right to the body, Woodley back on the fence again. Thompson lands a bit of a left hook. Thompson lands a leg kick then dodges a jab. Thompson lands a right to the body then a left to the head. Woodley avoids a wheel kick. Thompson avoids a right and lands a right of his own. Thompson lands a right. They clinch up, Woodley lets him go then lands a hard leg kick. Thompson lands a left hook. Thompson avoiding the majority of Woodley’s offense and countering. They trade hard rights in close then stare the last seconds away.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves for the round. Woodley misses a jab. Thompson lands a body kick. Thompson lands a leg kick. Thompson lands a stiff right counter. Thompson lands a quick combination of punches. Woodley lands a right, Thompson hits the canvas briefly but he’s back up immediately. Woodley trying to close the show, lands another right that drops Thompson. Woodley landing elbows from half guard, Thompson trying to stand but Woodley is teeing off on him. Thompson back up amazingly and Woodley tries knees from the clinch. Woodley blocks a takedown attempt with a standing guillotine, somehow Thompson is still surviving. Thompson has Woodley up on the fence now, Woodley holding the standing guillotine. Woodley drops for full guard with the guillotine. It’s tight, Thompson trying to fight this off, I can’t believe he’s in this fight. Woodley is squeezing for all he’s worth but Thompson is surviving. Thompson lands some punches to the body and Woodley bails on the choke. Thompson pulls his head out and settles into top position. Thompson lands some right elbows. Thompson lands a couple of rights as well. Thompson lands a right. Thompson postures up and lands a series of rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Woodley, 38-37 Woodley overall

ROUND FIVE: High five to start the last round. Thompson needs a finish or a 10-8 here. Thompson has a high kick blocked. Thompson lands a bit of a jumping round kick. Woodley is back on the fence again. Thompson lands a bit of a left hook. Thompson lands a leg kick. Thompson lands a straight right. Thompson has a high kick blocked. Thompson still backing up Woodley, lands a jab. Thompson lands a snap kick to the body then a straight right. Woodley lands a couple of leg kicks. Thompson slips a right and lands a bit of a wheel kick. Thompson misses a right. Thompson lands a right to the body then a one two combination. Stiff jab from Thompson. Thompson lands a big counter right. Thompson lands a one two, Woodley still backing up. Thompson lands a counter left. Thompson lands a hard leg kick then a left body kick. Thompson slips a right and lands a counter left. Thompson lands a right to the body, Woodley has basically given up on this round. Woodley misses a right. Thompson lands a jab. Thompson lands a counter left. Another left from Thompson. Thompson lands a right. Thompson lands a hard left then a right. And the clock ends with Thompson staggering Woodley with a right.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thompson, 47-47 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Majority DRAW (48-47, 47-47 x2)

Winner is erroneously announced as Woodley via decision, there were two 47-47’s so it’s a draw. Woodley keeps the belt either way. Woodley says Thompson is good, talks about regretting going for the guillotine but now we’re getting a correction to the announcement. No one is happy about how that played out. Woodley reiterates that he shouldn’t have gone for that guillotine.

Thompson on the mic now, puts over Woodley as a monster in the clinch and on top position. He says he thought he won the last round but wants to do it again back here in MSG.

Conor McGregor is the reigning UFC featherweight champion, a title he won in December of last year, and tonight is going for history. McGregor went 1-1 over his last two fights with Nate Diaz but is coming off of a win there and trying to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts in two different weight classes at the same time. That feat has only been equaled, on a major stage, by Dan Henderson in PRIDE and if he can claim that second title tonight he’ll have done something no one else in UFC history has been able to do. Eddie Alvarez has been one of the best lightweights in the world for several years now and cemented his status as such in his last fight when he stopped Rafael dos Anjos in the first round to take the UFC lightweight title. Alvarez needs a win here to begin a positive championship legacy, not to mention a win over the biggest draw the UFC has would likely be the biggest payday of his life. McGregor actually has a slight edge in the odds at -135 to the +105 for Alvarez.

Lightweight Title Bout: (c) Eddie Alvarez (28-4, 154.6 lbs.) vs. (FW c) Conor McGregor (20-3, 154.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but McGregor has five inches of reach on Alvarez. McGregor fighting southpaw, as per usual. They touch gloves, Alvarez lands an inside leg kick. McGregor lands a bit of a left but Alvarez lands another inside leg kick that drops him to a knee for a moment. Another inside leg kick from Alvarez. McGregor lands a front kick to the body. Alvarez circling so far, McGregor baits him into a counter left that drops him but Alvarez is back up immediately. Alvarez has a high kick blocked. McGregor backing Alvarez into the fence, Alvarez fakes a shot to get some space. McGregor lands another front kick to the body. Alvarez misses a right uppercut. McGregor lands another counter left after Alvarez misses a right that drops him to a knee for a second. Alvarez blocks a high kick. Another straight left from McGregor drops Alvarez but Alvarez is still aware. McGregor on top in north/south position, now side control. McGregor postured up and lands a couple of lefts. Alvarez regains his feet but eats another left as he does so. Alvarez clinches, eats a knee to the body then McGregor pushes him off. McGregor lands a straight left, Alvarez lands a right. Alvarez lands a bit of an inside leg kick. Alvarez lands a right. McGregor lands another left, Alvarez lands a body kick. Alvarez lands a left to the body then just misses a right hook. Alvarez with another body kick. Alvarez has a high kick just blocked, then lands a right to the body. They trade body kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 McGregor

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Alvarez lands a body kick, McGregor returns it. McGregor avoids a punch and lands a left flush on the chin, Alvarez just eats it. Alvarez reaches for a takedown, McGregor stuffs it. Alvarez fakes a wheel kick. McGregor working side kicks to the thigh now. McGregor lands a bit of an uppercut and a left. Alvarez pushes forward and lands a couple of rights. Alvarez misses a right and eats a left but gets the clinch on the fence. Alvarez looking for the takedown, McGregor blocks it. Alvarez lands a couple of rights and looks for the takedown again. McGregor able to land a knee to the body and break free. McGregor lands a front kick to the body. McGregor lands a hard combination of three punches that drop Alvarez for the final time and the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Lightweight Champion – Conor McGregor via KO, punches, at 3:04 of Round 2

That’s history for McGregor, no one has ever been a simultaneous champion in the UFC before. McGregor on the mic now. He asks for his second belt to be brought out, then calls the UFC cheap mother fuckers because he wants his other belt. He nothing was surprising and no one is on his level, you’ve got to be bigger than him physically to have a chance. He puts over Alvarez but says he shouldn’t have been in there with him. Asked what’s next he just thanks the crowd for coming out and says they’re half the reason we’re on top of the world. He gets annoyed again about not having both of his belts here, then says he’s ridiculed everyone on the roster and wants to take this chance to apologize to absolutely no one as the two weight champ does whatever he wants. They bring out his second belt and he’s now a happy man. He didn’t answer the question about what’s next for him though.

Alright everyone, we’ve seen some history tonight. We’ll be talking about this show Sunday evening at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, which takes live callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like addressed. We’ll also be trying out the chat room option for the first time, so that’ll be fun. We’ll also be previewing next weeks double show, that’s right two events on the same day. I’m going to hate my life next Saturday with that schedule. Anyway, until next time thank you all for being here and I hope you’ll come back next week and continue to check 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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