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411’s UFC 206 Report 12.10.16

December 11, 2016 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 206. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the duration, mostly I’m hoping none of this cards bad luck rubs off on me because man oh man has this one been put through the ringer. UFC 206 was never going to be a commercially successful event as it falls between the super card that was UFC 205 and the return of Ronda Rousey at UFC 207 but over the last few weeks it took hit after hit. First the original main event, a light heavyweight title fight between champion Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson, fell through after Cormier got injured. Then the UFC decided to fabricate an interim title for the new featherweight main event, strip Conor McGregor of the featherweight belt, and promote former interim champion Jose Aldo to full title status in a move that did the division no overall favors and just muddied the waters. Then the weigh ins came and screwed things up even more when Anthony Pettis missed weight, making the main event an interim title fight for only half of the participants, plus two other fighters missed weight on the under card. The main event is still a great fight on paper as the surging Max Holloway puts his nine fight winning streak on the line against Anthony Pettis, a Holloway win would get him the dubious interim title and secure him a real title fight with Jose Aldo at a future date. The co-main event exists because Kelvin Gastelum didn’t even try to make weight for his UFC 205 fight with Donald Cerrone, Cerrone was moved to this card and given a new opponent in the form of Matt Brown in a fight that promises violence. Also Doo Ho Choi looks to move to the elite level as he takes on veteran Cub Swanson, and Kelvin Gastelum is back at middleweight to take on Tim Kennedy after Kennedy’s original opponent, Rashad Evans, couldn’t get a license for either 205 or 206. It’s kind of a mess, but hopefully the in cage action makes up for the number of pot holes we hit while getting here. This is the UFC’s first show in Toronto since UFC 165 in September of 2013, it comes to us from the Air Canada Centre with the usual PPV duo of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan on commentary.

Zach Makovsky has been a top flyweight for a while now but is in a rough patch and on a two fight losing streak. Now those losses are to Jon Dodson and Joseph Benavidez but even against the class of the division you can’t afford too many losses in a row and he needs to right the ship here if he wants to remain relevant in the division. Dustin Ortiz is also on a two fight losing streak though his losses are to Wilson Reis and Jussier Formiga, a third consecutive loss could easily spell the end of his UFC tenure, or at a minimum his time in the top fifteen rankings. The odds favor Makovsky to break the losing streak at -160 to the +130 comeback on Ortiz.

Flyweight Bout: #7 Zach Makovsky (19-7, 125 lbs.) vs. #11 Dustin Ortiz (15-6, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ortiz has an inch of height and reach on Makovsky. Makovsky fighting southpaw. Makovsky lands a side kick to the thigh. Makovsky lands a body kick. Ortiz has a very low stance, they clinch up and Makovsky lands a knee to the body before Ortiz gets him on the fence. Ortiz tries a trip, Makovsky blocks it and lands a knee. Makovsky lands an elbow, Ortiz keeping him on the fence though. Ortiz lands a knee to the body, Makovsky lands one of his own and breaks free. Makovsky lands a counter left. Ortiz has a small cut under the eye, Makovsky lands a knee to the body but Ortiz gets him down and has the back but no hooks in. Makovsky blocking the hooks, Ortiz gets one in but only one. Makovsky spins to his feet and hits a double leg to land on top of Ortiz. Ortiz kicks him off but Makovsky dives into the ride position, Ortiz turns in and picks an ankle, Makovsky in the crucifix position while Ortiz turns in and sits on a leg. Makovsky back up, Ortiz still has the clinch. They trade knees to the body, Ortiz lands some rights to the body as well. Makovsky lands an elbow, Makovsky is cut near the top of his head not sure what caused it. Ortiz loses the clinch and we’re at distance again. Makovsky misses a left. That cut on the eye of Ortiz is under the right eye. Makovsky catches a kick and gets a takedown, spins to the back in scramble though. Makovsky tries for an armbar, Ortiz blocks it and gets on top but Makovsky blocks his offense before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makovsky but could go either way really

ROUND TWO: Ortiz trying to out pace Makovsky so far, he comes out flashing the jab. Makovsky misses a hook kick but lands a spinning back kick to the body. Makovsky lands a body kick then gets a brief double leg, Ortiz back up quickly but Makovsky lands a knee to the body. Ortiz lands a leg kick, Makovsky lands a straight left. They clinch, Ortiz lands a knee to the body then gets Makovsky on the fence. Ortiz ducks to the back with a rear waist lock, he gets a bit of a suplex but Makovsky is back up immediately though still in the clinch. Makovsky spins into Ortiz and lands a knee to the body. Ortiz drops for a double leg, switches to a single leg and he gets him down landing in half guard. Makovsky pushes him up and goes for a heel hook, he uses it to roll but Ortiz is with him and gets the back with a body triangle locked in. Ortiz works some punches and elbows. Ortiz mostly trying to open up the choke with these punches but he’s content to land them. Ortiz lands an elbow, Makovsky breaks the body triangle and scrambles to his feet. Makovsky lands a straight left then has a high kick blocked. Makovsky gets a body lock takedown, tries to get the back but Ortiz shakes him off and lands a couple of knees to the body as Makovsky sits on the fence. Makovsky back to his feet but Ortiz lands to the body again. They separate and both miss power hand punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortiz, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Makovsky might be fading a little here, Ortiz doesn’t seem phased at all. Makovsky lands a right hook, Ortiz still pushing forward. They clinch up, Makovsky lands a knee to the body and they break. Makovsky lands a left. Makovsky hits a single leg, Ortiz threatening with a guillotine though. Ortiz gets to full guard holding the choke, Makovsky doesn’t seem bothered thus far by the grip. Makovsky gets his head free and starts looking to pass. Ortiz uses butterfly guard to elevate and regain his feet then eats a knee to the body. They clinch and scramble, Makovsky has the back but is very high and Ortiz tries to roll him off, Makovsky decides to get to his feet instead and Ortiz has him on the fence in the clinch. Ortiz with some knees to the body and thigh, Makovsky spins free. Ortiz tries a low single leg, Makvosky blocks it and gets a single leg of his own, Ortiz hits a switch and they wind up in the clinch on the fence. Ortiz after a single leg, gets Makovsky down and passes to side control then towards full mount but Makovsky catches the leg and bridges to his knees. Ortiz to the ride position, Makovsky scrambles back up and they both land knees to the body from the clinch. Makovsky tries a double leg, Ortiz blocks it and gets the back standing then drags Makovsky down. No hooks in for Ortiz and Makovsky explodes quickly to his feet and eats an elbow before they break. Ortiz lands a head kick but Makovsky takes him down off of it, Ortiz gets to top position though. Makovsky scrambles for a heel hook attempt, Ortiz lands a couple of punches as time runs out.

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

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

Action packed fight, not sure how you got two rounds for Makovsky though. Ortiz on the mic now, he gives Canada a shout out and says the wrestling just came naturally and this was the biggest win of his career. He puts over his new gym and team and says that he felt Makovsky breaking down over the fight. He says he’ll improve greatly before his next fight.

Rustam Khabilov missed weight for this fight, his first time doing so, but is on a three fight winning streak and his only UFC losses are to Benson Henderson and a debatable decision to Adriano Martins. Khabilov is trying to continue climbing the shark infested ranks at lightweight and a fourth consecutive win would likely get him a step up in competition and give him a 4-0 record for 2016 while a loss could relegate him to being an also ran. Jason Saggo is 3-1 in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak but Khabilov represents a big step up in competition for him, though with that risk comes the opportunity to get the biggest win of his career. Khabilov is the -225 favorite while a Saggo win pays out at +175.

Lightweight Bout: Rustam Khabilov (20-3, 158.5 lbs.)+ vs. Jason Saggo (12-2, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saggo has three inches of height on Khabilov but Khabilov has two inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get things going. Khabilov misses a right hand then misses a left high kick. Saggo blocks a right then misses a left hook. Saggo switching his stance, Khabilov lands a left hook then Saggo ducks a right. Leg kick lands for Saggo. Saggo lands a left body kick. Khabilov misses a right. Khabilov lands a right then a left. Saggo lands a left body kick but eats a counter one two combination. Saggo doing a lot of stance switching. Saggo has a left high kick blocked. Khabilov lands a couple of rights then shoots a double leg and slams Saggo down landing in his guard. Saggo has a rubber guard going, he’s just trying to control the posture here. Saggo tries some elbows, Khabilov lands a right. Saggo bails on the rubber guard, tries for a high guard but he’s not doing much and Khabilov slams him. Khabilov lands a couple of short elbows and hits another small slam. Saggo back to rubber guard, Khabilov lands a few more short punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khabilov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Khabilov lands an inside leg kick. Khabilov lands a bit of a right. Another inside leg kick from Khabilov, Saggo lands a left body kick. Saggo lands a right to the body then a left body kick. Saggo misses a left. Khabilov circling now, just avoids a right from Saggo. Khabilov lands a left body kick. A lot of circling going on here. Khabilov lands a left then a right. Saggo lands a leg kick. Khabilov has an overhand right blocked then lands a one two combination and hits a double leg into the guard of Saggo. Khabilov lands a right. Saggo has a body triangle going for a bit, clearly just looking for control. Saggo bails on that and goes to rubber guard, he tries an omoplata and Khabilov lets him up the lands a big knee to the body and a series of punches. Saggo lands a side kick to the body. Saggo tries a double leg, Khabilov blocks it and pushes him over then gets on top and lands an elbow. Saggo closes his guard and just rides out the round on bottom.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again for the last round. Khabilov fires a right that’s blocked. Khabilov lands a right after avoiding a side kick. Saggo lands a right to the body. Saggo lands an inside leg kick. Saggo trying to back Khabilov into the fence. They get close and swing hooks that miss. Saggo has a body kick blocked. Khabilov misses a superman punch. Saggo misses a windmill right and Khabilov gets a double leg into the guard of Saggo. Khaiblov lands some rights and lefts. Khabilov working body to head punches. Khabilov lands some more blows, Saggo is fading on the bottom. Khabilov with lefts to the body and head. Saggo tries rubber guard again, Khabilov breaks it quickly this time. Saggo able to scramble to his feet but Khabilov hits a double leg, Saggo tries to sweep with an armbar but Khabilov moves with him and secures top position. Saggo to his feet but slips and Khabilov hits one more double leg into the guard. Khabilov lands a flurry from top position as the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rustam Khabilov via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Khabilov’s takedown game is very good. Khabilov on the mic now. He says he worked a lot on his wrestling for this fight, wishes happy to his coach who’s also Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father. He says Kevin Lee has talked about Dagestan wrestling and if he wants to grapple in the cage he’s right here. He says he wanted a finish but knew Saggo was a good grappler and says the rubber guard prevented him from opening up but he knew how to deal with it. He thanks a local boxing gym for helping him out to close the interview.

Here’s that flurry from the second round.

Lando Vannata stepped in on short notice to fight Tony Ferguson and while he lost he made a good account of himself, tonight looks to prove what he can do with a full training camp behind him and get his all important first UFC win. John Makdessi just broke a two fight losing streak with a split decision win, a win here would be his first winning streak since 2013 and could start him back on the path towards contender status. Vannata’s debut performance impressed enough to give him favored status at -190 to the +155 of Makdessi.

Lightweight Bout: John Makdessi (14-5, 155 lbs.) vs. Lando Vannata (8-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vannata has an inch of height and three of reach on Makdessi. They touch gloves to get things going. Vannata lands a side kick to the thigh. Vannata lands a couple of front kicks to the body. Vannata showing kicks, just misses a straight right. Makdessi lands an inside leg kick. Vannata lands an uppercut in close but eats a right. Makdessi lands a jab. Vannata lands a leg kick. Makdessi lands a jab. Vannata lands a right to the body. Vannata lands a wheel kick walk off KO! Wow.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lando Vannata via KO, wheel kick, at 1:40 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vannata for his work this evening. Wicked knockout. Vannata gets an interview after that one. He says he’s happy enough that he should get a post fight bonus. He says he’s been working on that set up for the wheel kick all camp and is glad it paid off here. That’s it for Fight Pass prelims, to Fox Sports 1 for the final prelims of the evening.

Here’s the best I can do for that finish, a couple of stills including Makdessi’s KO face. Feel free to let the UFC know you like them posting video clips on Twitter and hopefully they’ll do more of them of finishes.

OK, found a better version, enjoy it while it’s up.

Mitch Gagnon had a four fight winning streak snapped in his last fight and was thought of as a top bantamweight. Unfortunately his last fight was just about two years ago in December of 2014 and if he wants to reclaim that spot in the rankings he absolutely needs a win here. Matthew Lopez lost his UFC debut when he was submitted by Rani Yahya, tonight he’s drawn another top shelf bantamweight and another chance to launch himself from unknown to possible contender with one win. Despite the layoff Gagnon is favored to win at -160 while Lopez’s comeback stands at +130.

Bantamweight Bout: Mitch Gagnon (12-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Matthew Lopez (8-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lopez has two inches of height and three and a half of reach on Gagnon. Lopez fighting southpaw. Gagnon lands a leg kick. Lopez lands a body kick but Gagnon catches the kick and forces the clinch. They trade knees to the body, Gagnon lands another knee to the body before Lopez pulls free. Lopez lands a straight left. Gagnon pushes into the clinch, lands a knee to the body then drops for a takedown. Lopez blocks the slingle leg attempt and tries a lateral drop but Gagnon scrambles back up immediately. Lopez lands a straight left. Gagnon lands a bit of a right then an inside leg kick. Lopez lands a body kick, Gagnon lands a counter left that drops Lopez. Gagnon on top landing elbows, Lopez tries to roll for a knee bar, Gagnon rolls into the ride position and lands lefts. Lopez gives up the back and Gagnon is after the choke. Lopez avoids the choke and spins into the guard of Gagnon. Lopez passes to half guard and lands a right. Gagnon to full guard. Gagnon kicks Lopez off and regains his feet. Gagnon lands a left elbow, Lopez lands a body kick but Gagnon catches it and drops for an ankle lock. They’re in 50/50 guard, Gagnon has a straight ankle lock that he could convert into a different attack while Lopez doesn’t have much. Gagnon lands a heel strike to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gagnon, arguable 10-8

ROUND TWO: Gagnon just misses a right to start the second. Lopez lands a body kick but Gagnon is in on a double leg and gets Lopez down but Lopez kicks him over and regains his feet though still in the clinch. Gagnon lands a knee to the body then disengages. Gagnon lands an inside leg kick but tries too hard for a takedown and Lopez reverses him and lands on top in half guard. Gagnon to full guard. Lopez trying to posture up, Gagnon doing a good job off of his back. Gagnon still trying to set up a triangle, he’s got one arm trapped in his guard and is looking to walk the legs up for the choke. Lopez breaks the position, gets to the ride position and lands some heavy lefts now rights. Gagnon sitting on the fence but he got tagged there by Lopez. Gagnon to his knees, Lopez spins for the back and grabs the choke, Gagnon manages to break the grip but that was tight for a second or two. Lopez only has one hook in, now gets the other one but he’s on a hip more than the back. Lopez transitions to full mount, he’s setting up an arm triangle choke. Gagnon gets his arm free and hip escapes to the fence where he’s up to a knee. Lopez in the ride position and lands some punches while Gagnon regains his feet. LOpez drops for a double leg and gets Gagnon again. Lopez lands an elbow before Gagnon gets some control from his guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lopez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: We come out for the final round, Gagnon tries an inside leg kick that hits the groin of Lopez. That was a bad one and Lopez is on his knees to try and recover. Replay confirms the low blow. Lopez back up and walking around and is good to continue. Lopez lands a straight left. Lopez trying a single leg, that stalls out on the fence but he sticks with it and gets Gagnon down and has the back quickly. Lopez has both hooks in, switches to being on top in half guard. Lopez moving towards the back again, has one hook in but Gagnon is still on a hip trying to get to his knees. Gagnon back to his feet, Lopez holding the clinch and Gagnon lands a knee then an elbow as they break. Lopez lands a left then a right. Gagnon pushes into the clinch and gets Lopez on the cage. Gagnon lands a left uppercut as they break then Lopez hits a double leg takedown. Lopez into half guard, now full guard as Gagnon is trying to wall walk. Gagnon gives up the back, Lopez lands some rights then gets a hook in. Gagnon to his feet and trying to shake Lopez off of him. Gagnon can’t keep the position and Lopez hits him a few more times. Lopez has both hooks in now. Lopez moves to mount, Gagnon escapes to his feet as the clock runs out.

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

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

There might have been a 10-8 argument for Lopez in the third round I suppose. No interview for Lopez.

Here’s the left hook that floored Lopez from the first round.

Valerie Letourneau missed weight here, her first time doing so to the best of my knowledge, and is on a two fight losing streak. One of those was a title fight with strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk while the other was to Joanne Calderwood, Letourneau desperately needs a win here as a three fight skid plus missing weight could easily earn her a pink slip. Viviane Pereira is undefeated as a professional and making her UFC debut here, a win over a top ten opponent while keeping her record perfect would instantly make her someone to pay attention to at strawweight and be the biggest win of her career. Letourneau has a slight edge with the odds at -145 to Pereira’s +115.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: #9 Valerie Letourneau (8-5, 117.5 lbs.)+ vs. Viviane Pereira (11-0, 114 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Letourneau has six inches of height and five and a half of reach on Pereira, Letourneau is also a full ten years older. Touch of gloves to get things going. Letourneau circling early. Letourneau showing the jab, Pereira waiting on the outside looking close distance. Pereira misses a right and eats a counter left. Letourneau switching stance, lands a right then avoids a clinch attempt. Pereira lands a right to the body. Letourneau lands a jab. Pereira lands a leg kick but Letourneau catches it and takes her down. Letourneau passes to full mount quickly and lands an elbow. Pereira sitting on the fence trying to wall walk but Letourneau is landing lefts and Pereira has to settle for getting back to half guard. Letourneau lands an elbow then a right as Pereira closes her full guard. Letourneau lands some rights then a few lefts and passes to half guard. Letourneau into side control and lands some rights to the body. Pereira hip escapes to her feet and gets the clinch on the fence. Letourneau lands a knee to the body. Letourneau with more knees to the body. Pereira holding a body lock. More knees going back and forth, Letourneau has a much higher output of strikes. They trade a few more knees as the round closes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Letourneau, arguable 10-8 given how one sided the offense was

ROUND TWO: Letourneau circling again and still switching her stance. Letourneau misses some kicks but Pereira is really struggling to get going. Letourneau fighting very long and effective. Letourneau lands a left body kick. Pereira lands a right to the body but eats a couple of counters. Left body kick again from Letourneau then an inside leg kick. Letourneau again lands a left but kick and Pereira pushes into the clinch. Letourneau with knees to the body. Pereira hits a takedown into half guard. Letourneau to full guard quickly. Letourneau eats a hammer fist then regains her feet after eating a body kick. They trade lefts. They stare away the last seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pereira, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Letourneau lands a right, eats a bit of a counter. Letourneau lands a jab. Letourneau lands a couple of rights in close. Letourneau lands a jab. Letourneau pushing forward now, Pereira circling. Letourneau lands a right. Pereira lands a leg kick. Letourneau lands a left body kick. Letourneau lands a right then a body kick. Pereira lands an inside leg kick. Letourneau lands another left body kick. They clinch up, Pereira lands a couple of knees to the body then they break. Pereira lands a left hook. Pereira lands a bit of a right. They clinch up, Pereira gets Letourneau on the fence. They trade knees to the body. Letourneau lands a right as they break. They trade a bit as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Letourneau, 29-28 Letourneau

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

Well, that was certainly fifteen minutes I’ll never get back. No interview, crowd boos the decision, and we’re all just trying to put that behind us.

Olivier Aubin-Mercier is someone the UFC is looking at to be a long term fighter and help keep Canada as a profitable marketplace for them. He’s 4-2 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Thibault Gauti, he’s trying to keep that momentum going and rebuild a winning streak en route to making a move up the ranks of the division. Drew Dober is on his first ever UFC winning streak at two but Aubin-Mercier is a step up in competition from the guys he beat to get that streak, still if he can turn back a prospect like Aubin-Mercier he’ll earn a bigger opportunity for his next fight. The odds are with Aubin-Mercier at -185 to Dober’s +150 comeback.

Lightweight Bout: Olivier Aubin-Mercier (8-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Drew Dober (17-7 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aubin-Mercier has an inch of height and half an inch of reach on Dober. Touch of gloves to get things going. Dober low in his stance, both guys fighting southpaw. Aubin-Mercier lands a jab. Dober misses a leg kick. Aubin-Mercier misses a left but lands a jab. Aubin-Mercier lands a leg kick. Aubin-Mercier lands another stepping jab. Aubin-Mercier lands a left that drops Dober for a second, Dober back up quickly though. Dober pushing forward, he’s bleeding from somewhere, not sure the position. Dober lands a body kick. Aubin-Mercier lands a right hook, the blood is coming from the nose of Dober. Aubin-Mercier lands another left. Aubin-Mercier lands a jab. Aubin-Mercier with the jab again. Aubin-Mercier lands a right hook, a right to the body lands as well. Aubin-Mercier lands a left, Dober lands a leg kick but he’s getting picked apart at distance. Aubin-Mercier lands a jab then a leg kick. Dober lands a jab. Aubin-Mercier lands a leg kick. Dober lands a left. They clinch up and trade in close as the round ends. Dober’s face is swelling around the left eye and cheek.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aubin-Mercier

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Aubin-Mercier lands a leg kick. Dober cracks Aubin-Mercier with a left, Aubin-Mercier is down and Dober jumps into his guard. Dober with lefts to the body but Aubin-Mercier is clearing his head and controlling posture. Dober stands, Aubin-Mercier switches for a knee bar and uses that to sweep and get on top in the leg drag position. Dober trying to scramble, Aubin-Mercier pushes him over and gets into his guard. Dober tries to scramble, Aubin-Mercier gets the back with one hook in against the fence. Aubin-Mercier has the body triangle going now. Aubin-Mercier after a neck crank, Dober defends. Dober trying to set up a spin but Aubin-Mercier is controlling him. Aubin-Mercier gets the arm under the chin and Dober has to tap. That’s actually the first Canadian victory of the evening.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Olivier Aubin-Mercier via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:57 of Round 2

Aubin-Mercier on the mic after that win. He says the experience edge went to him and he thanks Dober for the fight. He thanks GSP for helping him with the jab. He jokes that he doesn’t have his glasses so he can’t see the big screen to talk us through the finish. He puts over Toronto then speaks a little French for his fans back in Quebec.

Here’s the finish in case you missed it.

Nikita Krylov is on a five fight winning streak and has proven himself a legitimate prospect at light heavyweight, a division that could really use prospects, and earned a top ten ranking off of the back of that streak. Tonight Krylov has a chance to improve on that, set back another prospect, and start making the difficult jump from prospect to contender. Misha Cirkunov is another prospect in the light heavyweight division and has a seven fight winning streak going including being 3-0 in the UFC. Cirkunov is likewise trying to make the jump from prospect to contender, though in his case he’ll be taking out a fighter ranked above him and could earn a big fight his next time out with a win. The odds closed at a pick ’em -115 for each man.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #13 Misha Cirkunov (12-2, 205 lbs.) vs. #8 Nikita Krylov (21-4, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Krylov has half an inch of reach on Cirkunov but the height is identical. Touch of gloves, Cirkunov fighting southpaw. Krylov showing the kicks early. Cirkunov walking forward looking to close distance. Krylov working rear leg kicks aimed at the body. Cirkunov has a head kick blocked. Krylov lands a leg kick and blocks a high kick. Cirkunov lands a bit of a left. Cirkunov ducks under a head kick and gets a double leg against the fence. Krylov looking to wall walk, he’s sitting on the fence now. Krylov back up but still on the fence. Krylov lands some knees to the body then a left as they break. Krylov lands a right. Krylov lands a body kick but Cirkunov catches it and gets in on a single leg then spins Krylov down to the mat. Cirkunov tries to pass, Krylov escapes to his feet and gets a double leg of his own. Cirkunov hits a really nice sweep to get on top. Krylov uses a deep half guard escape and is up holding Cirkunov on the fence then separates. Cirkunov lands a hard left and is in the clinch. Cirkunov gets a single leg, can’t quite finish it though. Cirkunov lands a straight left as they break, Krylov down and Cirkunov jumps on a guillotine choke that forces Krylov to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Misha Cirkunov via Submission, guillotine choke, at 4:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Cirkunov for his work this evening, and is sad to hear that the fraudulent Final Round Finish Club was turned back at the Canadian border. Cirkunov on the mic now. He says he’s more than happy for the win and thanks the crowd for their support as he lives and trains in Toronto so their support means the world to him. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches for improving his stand up. He wants to fight Mauricio “Shogun” Rua next, interesting fight, and thanks the crowd again.

Here’s the finish, lovely arm in the same side guillotine choke. I can’t remember the name of that variant of the guillotine, I’ve heard it called several different things and now it’s bugging me not knowing the what else to call it.

To kill time we replay the Makdessi vs. Vannata fight from earlier, which will close out the preliminary broadcast. To PPV for the rest of the evening.

Jordan Mein returns from a nearly two year long sabbatical following a loss to Thiago Alves but he had won two in a row before that. Mein is trying to make a successful return and return to the form that had people talking about him as a top contender at welterweight. Emil Meek is riding a three fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut with his most recent win being a TKO victory over Rousimar Palhares, tonight he’s looking to have a successful UFC debut and prove he’s a fighter worth watching. The odds are with Mein at -155 while Meek’s comeback stands at +125.

Welterweight Bout: Emil Meek (8-2-1 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Mein (29-10, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mein has an inch of height advantage but Meek has an inch and a half of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get things going. Meek lands a leg kick. Mein lands a leg kick, eats a jab. Meek lands a leg kick. Mein grabs a single leg and spins Meek down but Meek regains his feet quickly. Mein lands a left then a right in close. Meek lands a couple of leg kicks but Mein takes him down and lands in side control. Meek is holding the head in side control, Mein thinks about setting up a Von Flue choke but Meek bails on holding the head. Mein lands a knee to the body and moves to north/south. Meek to his knees and back up. They trade, Meek hurt Mein with a right. Meek pushing forward, lands a left hook and Mein slips out. Meek lands a body kick, he’s pushing forward looking for a brawl. Mein lands a left to the body. Hard right from Mein lands, Meek smiles at him. Meek lands a body kick. Mein has a head kick blocked and lands a left then a left to the body. Mein ducks a left and gets a double leg, Meek hits a switch, Mein scrambles with him and gets back on top against the fence. Meek expresses pain and starts holding a rib, could easily have popped one during that scramble. Mein has the ride position, Meek back up and lands a right as they separate. Mein lands a body kick. Mein lands a right then a left from the southpaw stance. Meek lands a right that wobbles Mein then misses a flying knee follow up. Meek pushes into the clinch and has Mein on the fence. Meek lands a couple of kicks as they break then a couple of leg kicks to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Meek but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Whatever’s wrong with Meek’s rib isn’t serious enough to stop the fight. They trade leg kicks then both swing hooks. Mein switching his stance frequently now. Meek walking forward. Mein lands a leg kick, Meek returns it. Mein lands a couple of left hooks and blocks a flurry from Meek. Meek shoots a double leg and gets Mein down. Mein looking for a sweep, Meek lands a couple of rights. Meek passes to half guard. Meek tries to set up an arm triangle, Mein defends. Meek lands a couple of lefts. I’m surprised the ref hasn’t at least warned them to stay busy. Mein back to full guard, Meek passes back to half guard. Meek after the arm triangle again, uses that to pass to mount still holding the arm triangle. Mein bucks him off and Meek lands rights from half guard. Meek lands a right. Meek lands some more rights as Mein gets to full guard. And the round ends in that position with Meek landing some rights to the body.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Meek lands a leg kick. Mein lands a left hook. Mein still switching his stance, Meek lands a bit of a one two. Mein lands a left body kick. Meek lands an inside leg kick. Mein lands an uppercut then a left hook. Meek pushes into the clinch against the fence. Mein breaks free and lands a right. Mein tries a takedown but Meek slings him to the side and gets on top in the guard of Mein. Meek passes to half guard quickly. Mein to full guard. Meek working punches to the body. Mein doesn’t seem to have anything off of his back, he’s just hanging out. Meek pushes Mein towards the fence. Meek working short elbows and punches, apparently he’s doing enough to keep the ref from getting involved. Meek working punches towards the head now. Lefts from Meek. Mein looking for a kimura, Meek plays with the crowd then stands essentially holding Mein up with one arm, drops down again but that attempt doesn’t come close to being anything before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Emil Meek via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Sure, Mein could have taken the first though I’m surprised at the lack of 10-8’s for the second or third as they were horribly lop sided rounds. Meek on the mic now, says his jaw is screwed and he cracked a rib but he’s elated to be here talking to Joe Rogan and sharing this moment with the fans and the Valhalla army. He says debuting against a top guy like Mein on the main card of a PPV was awesome and speaks to the faith the UFC has in him. Asked about the rib injury he thinks it was more of a muscle issue initially and he fought through it, he jokes that this was the first time he ever shot for a double leg as a professional, puts over his team then asks to be on the Joe Rogan podcast to close the interview.

Here’s that bit at the end where Meek stood up holding Mein while Mein was fishing for a kimura.

This was originally Tim Kennedy vs. Rashad Evans but Evans couldn’t get licensed for UFC 205 or here for 206, then after Kelvin Gastelum failed to even show up for the weigh ins for his welterweight fight with Donald Cerrone at 205 he agreed to step in at middleweight here. Tim Kennedy has been a top middleweight for many years but hasn’t fought since losing to Yoel Romero in September of 2014, he needs a win here to prove he’s still deserving of his top ranking and start a march towards a title shot. Kelvin Gastelum has gone 2-2 over his last four but won his last fight against Johny Hendricks though his inability to reliably make welterweight is cause for concern. Tonight Gastelum could settle into middleweight in a more permanent capacity and do so with a win over a top ten opponent. Kennedy holds a slight edge at -135 while Gastelum is even money at +105.

Middleweight Bout: Kelvin Gastelum (12-2, 185 lbs.) vs. #10 Tim Kennedy (18-5, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kennedy has two inches of height and two and a half of reach on Gastelum, Kennedy is also twelve years older than Gastelum. Gastelum fighting southpaw. They touch gloves to get things going. Kennedy has a high kick blocked then lands an inside leg kick. Gastelum pushing forward, Kennedy lands a side kick to the body. Kennedy lands a right. Kennedy pushes for a double leg and gets into the clinch. Kennedy lands a knee then drags Gastelum down. Gastelum to his feet quickly but Kennedy has the rear waist lock going. Kennedy lands knees to the thigh and pulls Gastelum back down. Gastelum tries to roll, Kennedy gets the back but without hooks and Gastelum back to his seat, Kennedy has one hook in. Gastelum to his feet, Kennedy still has that rear waist lock and just wont let go. Kennedy with knees to the thigh and body. Gastelum trying to turn but Kennedy is still on his back. Kennedy with more knees to the thigh, Gastelum is kind of helpless here, he can’t get free or do much of anything. Gastelum finally spins free and we’re at distance. Gastelum lands a left. Kennedy lands a body kick. Kennedy lands a left hook. Gastelum lands a left but eats a counter and they clinch again. Gastelum able to spin free quickly this time. Kennedy’s right eye is starting to swell, he lands a couple of body kicks. Gastelum trying to push forward, they trade punches but Gastelum lands a good combination right at the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kennedy but I could see an argument for Gastelum

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Gastelum back to moving forward, they trade body kicks. Kennedy pushes into the clinch and gets Gastelum on the fence. Kennedy dropping for a takedown, Gastelum blocks it and spins to the back. Gastelum in the ride position, Kennedy against the fence looking to regain his feet. Kennedy back up, tries a single leg but settles for the rear waist lock on the fence again. Gastelum turns into him, Kennedy is holding a single leg now. Kennedy slides to the back again. Gastelum spins and breaks free then lands a right and a left. Kennedy misses a right, he’s getting wild with his punches. Kennedy lands a body kick, Gastelum returns it. Gastelum lands a body kick. Gastelum avoids a takedown attempt and lands a combination. Kennedy lands a couple of body kicks. Gastelum’s volume is getting through, lands an uppercut but Kennedy gets a double leg. Gastelum back up quickly, Kennedy holding the back, Gastelum rolls and reverses to get top position against the fence. Kennedy back up and they’re at distance. Kennedy lands a body kick. Gastelum lands to the body. Kennedy pushes forward to the clinch, Gastelum lands a knee to the body. Gastelum pulls free, Kennedy lands a body kick. Gastelum lands a left. Gastelum lands a straight left. Gastelum lands a jab, eats a right but Gastelum lands a combination to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gastelum, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Kennedy looks tired, Gastelum lands a one two combination and blocks a takedown attempt. Gastelum is teeing off on Kennedy, Kennedy is back on the fence and eats a straight left. Gastelum lands a jab that wobbles Kennedy. Gastelum lands a double jab then a hard left to the body. Gastelum lands another combination, Kennedy is basically dead on his feet. Gastelum lands a couple of more punches. Kennedy lands a right and a left but Gastelum seems unphased. Kennedy eats another jab. Gastelum lands a jab, Kennedy misses a wheel kick. Kennedy lands a body kick, Gastelum lands a better one. Kennedy gets the clinch but Gastelum instantly spins him and breaks free then lands a left to the body. Gastelum lands a right upper cut, then a one two that drops Kennedy and Gastelum lands a couple of punches on the mat to force the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kelvin Gastelum via TKO, punches, at 2:45 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gastelum for his work, and invites the First Round Finish Club to kindly cram it with walnuts. Gastelum gets an interview, he says it’s been a rough month but he’s got strength from God, his family, and the fans for their support. He says he felt like he was against the wall and thinks he proved he can overcome obstacles. He hopes this fight got him back in the good graces of the UFC brass after this fight. Rogan asks about Gastelum staying at middleweight, he says he cut no weight for this fight but he plans on changing his lifestyle and go back to welterweight. He thanks the fans again, his family, and plans on seeing his family at home again soon.

Doo Ho Choi is on a ridiculous thirteen fight winning streak including being 3-0 in the UFC but this represents a big step up in competition for him. Choi’s trying to prove he belongs not just in the top fifteen but near the top five and to be discussed as a possible title contender. Cub Swanson is on a two fight winning streak and trying to turn back the surging younger fighter, if he can do so Swanson could start one final run towards the top of the division while a loss would likely end any title aspirations he holds. The odds favor Choi by a respectable -225 while Swanson’s +175 payout has likely attracted a few value bets.

Featherweight Bout: #11 Dooho Choi (15-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Cub Swanson (23-7, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Choi has two inches of height on Swanson but the reach is identical. Choi moving forward, lands a right to counter a leg kick. Swanson clinches but Choi lands knees to the body, trips Swanson down then lands more knees and a left after Swanson regained his feet. Swanson lands a leg kick. Choi still pushing forward, lands a right and a left. Swanson switching his stance trying to move. Swanson lands a right. Choi lands a jab. Choi lands a left but Swanson lands a counter right. Swanson misses a wheel kick and lands a leg kick. Choi lands a right then they clinch and trade uppercuts then break. Choi lands another right, Swanson is rolling with them well so far. Swanson lands a right. Choi grabs a front headlock in the clinch, lands a knee before Swanson gets his head free and Choi pushes him into the cage. They trade some knees to the body. Swanson spins Choi into the fence and lands some knees to the thigh. Choi trips Swanson and they break. Swanson lands another right, that overhand right is working well for Swanson. Choi lands a right to the chest then one to the head. Swanson lands a left body kick. Swanson lands a looping left and right. Swanson misses some lead leg kicks. Swanson tries a single leg, Choi blocks it and lands a knee to the body to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Choi but a close round

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Swanson misses a right and eats a counter right. They trade some lefts, Swanson slips a couple of blows and pushes into the clinch. They trade body shots. Choi lands a knee as they break. Choi lands a jab then a left hook but Swanson is pushing forward and wobbles Choi with a right. Swanson teeing off, Choi lands a right that wobbles Swanson. Swanson lands a right and a body kick but Choi tags him with counters! Choi teeing off, this is insane. Choi with a body to head combination, Swanson covering up on the fence. They clinch, both men are tired but Swanson gets a takedown and has the back with both hooks in. Choi hip escapes to half guard. Swanson postures up and stands, Choi lands an up kick then Swanson lands an elbow and Choi regains his feet. Choi lands a jab. Choi lands a right, Swanson returns it. Swanson lands a head kick. Swanson lands a right, Choi has a high kick blocked. Choi still backing up Swanson, lands a straight right. They trade lefts, Swanson lands a left body kick then a flurry of punches. Swanson lands a right then a spinning back fist. Choi is still standing and they clinch again. They’re both taking a bit of a breather here, Choi pushes free. Choi lands a knee then a right. Choi lands a right to the body as the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: We get another touch of gloves, this fight has been bananas. Choi lands a right, eats a counter though. Choi lands a right and a left. Straight right lands for Choi. Swanson lands a right then a body kick. Choi lands a jab. Swanson tries a double leg, Choi blocks it. Choi lands a right that wobbles Swanson. They clinch again, Choi lands to the body then lands another right. Swanson gives up the back standing. Choi drags him down and goes for the back. Swanson gets top position though. Choi working to stand up, tries a hip sweep but Swanson remains on top. Choi lands some elbows. Swanson passes to half guard. Swanson stands, lands a couple of punches to the body then Choi trips him and regains his feet. Swanson lands a right, they start trading again. Swanson is teeing off, hits a judo hip toss from a clinch. Choi back up though and they’re still clinched. They break and Choi lands an uppercut. They trade again in the clinch, I have no idea what’s keeping these two up. Choi avoids a spinning elbow. Choi lands a left hook, Swanson lands a jab then a couple of rights. Choi fires back with rights, gets the waist lock, Swanson tries to roll but they wind up standing again. Lefts traded. Choi tries a trip, Swanson remains upright and they break. Choi eats a right, lands a right uppercut but Swanson lands a right. They trade rights again, Choi is rocked and Swanson is battering him. Choi drops after a spinning elbow but he grabs full guard to ride out the final seconds of the fight.

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

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

Great gravy, fight of the year contender right there. Like I said, Swanson could have taken the first. Wild wild fight. Swanson on the mic now. He puts over Choi and says the only mistake was calling out Cub Swanson, he trained really hard and wanted to prove he still had it. He says he was shocked at Choi’s chin because he landed three or four blow combination but he won because of his heart and ability to make adjustments, then warns people not to question him again.

Choi gets an interview as well. He says he prepared a winning interview but if this is what losing feels like he’s going to train even harder and he wont lose again. Asked why he called out Swanson he says both he and his team are fans of Swanson and he just really wanted to fight him and he believed he could win. He apologizes for losing but thanks the fans and his team members to close the interview.

Here’s a couple of the exchanges from that fight, just insanity.

Donald Cerrone was supposed to fight Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 205 but Gastelum didn’t show up for the weigh ins and Cerrone was rescheduled for this event against Matt Brown. Donald Cerrone was a longtime top lightweight but has looked sensational since moving up to welterweight where he’s undefeated and on a three fight winning streak with all three being finishes. Cerrone is looking to continue that momentum and potentially insert himself into title contention in his new division. Matt Brown is 2-2 in his last four fights and on a two fight losing streak, while dropping a third here might not necessarily get him fired from the UFC it would end any hope he had of making a run at the top of the division while a win would be big and vault him up in the rankings. The odds are pretty heavily with Cerrone here at -280 while Brown’s comeback pays out at +220.

Welterweight Bout: #14 Matt Brown (20-15, 171 lbs.) vs. #5 Donald Cerrone (31-7 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerrone has an inch of height on Brown but Brown has two inches of reach advantage. Cerrone flashing the jab early, lands a leg kick. Brown misses an overhand right. Cerrone lands a left body kick. They clinch, Brown lands a knee to the body and they break. Cerrone lands a combination while slipping a couple of shots from Brown. Cerrone with another left body kick, Brown’s already dropping the right arm. Cerrone lands a left head kick, tries to flurry but Brown fires back and Cerrone separates. They both miss left hooks. Cerrone lands a leg kick then a jab. Brown moving forward, Cerrone working the jab. Cerrone lands a left and eats a right. Brown lands another right. Brown lands another right. Cerrone lands a leg kick. Cerrone lands another left body kick. Brown lands a body kick of his own. Brown lands a right to the body. Cerrone lands another leg kick. Cerrone lands a left head kick that wobbles Brown. Brown still upright but he got stunned there. Cerrone lands a left to the body. Cerrone lands a right then a leg kick. Brown lands a left then a right and then a left to the body. Brown lands a right. Brown slips on a head kick and Cerrone drops into a triangle choke. Brown has that locked in, Cerrone defending but the legs are locked for Brown. Cerrone pulls out and makes Brown stand up again. Brown’s right eye is really swelling up, he doesn’t care but it’s worth noting. Brown lands a combination. Brown pushing forward still. Cerrone just misses a head kick. Brown digs a couple of hooks to the body. Brown lands a right and takes Cerrone down as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cerrone but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Brown back to forward pressure. Cerrone lands a short left hook. Brown working the front kick to the body. Brown blocks a takedown attempt from Cerrone. Brown avoids a high kick. They clinch, Brown lands a knee to the body then eats a right. Brown lands a left then a right, Cerrone lands a counter right. Leg kick from Cerrone lands. Brown lands a double jab. Brown lands a left to the body then a right that drops Cerrone. Brown backing Cerrone up landing punches. Cerrone lands an elbow as they break from a brief clinch. Brown digs a left to the body. Cerrone lands a couple of jabs. Brown lands a right. Another left to the body from Brown but Cerrone lands a left high kick that drops Brown, Brown back up and they clinch then break. Brown lands an elbow, Cerrone lands a jab. Right lands for Cerrone and Brown staggers back for a moment. Cerrone going forward now, lands a jab. Brown lands a left high kick. Cerrone lands a right to the body then a right to the head. Brown is bleeding from around both eyes, It hink both cuts are small and under the eye though. Cerrone lands another left high kick. Brown lands a long right. Brown again with that left to the body, Cerrone lands a stiff jab. Cerrone moving forward now, Brown lands a right. Brown lands a combination. Brown lands a couple of elbows, Cerrone lands a right. Cerrone lands a left. Leg kick from Cerrone. Cerrone has a left high kick blocked, Brown misses a spinning crescent kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cerrone, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug briefly to start the final round. Brown gets a double leg, Cerrone back up immediately. Cerrone lands a left hook then a leg kick. Brown lands a left to the body Cerrone lands a counter right then left. Cerrone lands a left high kick that ENDS Brown!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Donald Cerrone via KO, head kick, at :34 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Cerrone for his work this evening. This card has been violence from top to bottom so far. Cerrone on the mic now. He puts over Brown as being a good guy then says the finish just felt right in the moment. He says fighting is just fun and he loves it. He wants to fight on the Denver card in a couple of weeks, Cerrone is insane in the best way possible. He thanks everyone for coming out and says again that he loves this shit.

In case you missed that sweet head kick finish, here it is.

This was supposed to be for the interim featherweight title until Anthony Pettis missed weight, but Holloway could still claim that belt if he’s victorious here. Max Holloway is riding a stupidly long nine fight winning streak, tied with Tony Ferguson behind only Demetrious Johnson and Jon Jones for longest active winning streak. Holloway is trying to secure a date with Jose Aldo for the featherweight championship here by claiming the interim belt and extending that streak to ten in a row, he’d also likely claim a top spot on the pound for pound rankings should he win here. Anthony Pettis had a chance to become just the fourth man to hold titles in two different weight classes here before missing weight. Pettis made a successful featherweight debut against Charles Oliveira not too long ago and while the interim belt is no longer on the line for him, if he could stop the winning streak of Max Holloway he’d reaffirm his elite status and get his first winning streak on track since 2014. Holloway’s consistency has earned him favorite status at -240 while the odds on a Pettis upset stands at +190.

Featherweight Interim Title Bout: #2 Max Holloway (16-3, 145 lbs.) vs. #5 Anthony Pettis (19-5, 148)*

ROUND ONE: Cerrone has an inch of height but Pettis has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Both guys switch stances frequently. Pettis misses a jumping kick. Holloway sliding forward, pressuring Pettis. Both men probing with leg kicks, just taking their time. Pettis lands a bit of a right. Holloway lands a right. Pettis lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Pettis tries a kicking combination that misses. Holloway lands a leg kick. Holloway lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Holloway. Pettis avoids a combination. Pettis lands a spinning back kick to the body. Holloway lands a jab. Pettis lands a side kick to the body. Holloway lands a right that backs up Pettis. Holloway lands another right then a leg kick. Holloway lands a left to the body then a right to the head. They trade rights. Pettis lands a left body kick. Holloway lands a jab. Leg kick from Holloway, Holloway lands a flush left hook. Holloway lands a combination, he’s starting to read Pettis. Holloway lands a counter right. Pettis tries a double leg, Pettis defends and threatens with a front headlock as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway

ROUND TWO: Pettis has swelling around the right eye, same eye that Rafael dos Anjos punched him in during their fight. Holloway lands a jab to start the second then lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Holloway. Holloway lands a straight right. Hard counter right from Holloway drops Pettis. Pettis on his back, Holloway makes him stand back up. Holloway lands a leg kick. Pettis has a high kick blocked. Pettis walking forward, eats another right. They clinch up, Holloway lands a knee to the body then disengages. Holloway lands another jab. Pettis tries a cartwheel kick, Holloway pushes him over and lands a leg kick. Pettis walking forward, lands a jab. Holloway lands a body kick and a right. Another body shot from Holloway. Holloway content to make Pettis miss and counter him to the body. Holloway lands a left then a right. Hard left to the body from Holloway who blocks a takedown attempt and lands a right. Pettis lands a front kick to the body. Holloway lands a right then a left. They trade to the body in close. Pettis lands a body kick. Holloway lands a right. Holloway lands a right then a left. Pettis using front kicks to the body. Holloway lands a right, Pettis into the clinch and Holloway lands a knee to the body. Pettis has him on the fence but Holloway is landing knees to the body and blocking takedown attempts. Pettis holding a single leg attempt, Holloway blocking and lands another knee to the body. Holloway spins free, Pettis clinches him again and the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: We got a replay between rounds of Pettis saying between rounds 1 and 2 that he broke his right hand. Could be a big deal going forward. Pettis lands a couple of leg kicks. Holloway moving forward and lands a left. Hard left hook from Holloway. Pettis lands a bit of a high kick. Holloway lands a right in close, tries a knee to the body but it hit the groin so Pettis will have time to recover. Pettis walks it off quickly and we’re back to fighting. They touch gloves before continuing. Holloway pushing forward now, lands a counter right. Holloway lands a combination. They clinch up again, Holloway gets Pettis on the fenc and lands a knee to the body then an elbow and breaks. Holloway lands a right and slips a high kick. Holloway sweeps Pettis to the mat, debates following him but lets Pettis stand up. Holloway lands a right then a left and they clinch. Pettis pushes Holloway into the fence. Holloway lands an elbow. Another elbow from Holloway. Holloway lands a knee to the body then a body kick as they break. Holloway really moving well, he’s angling during and after attacks and making Pettis miss. Holloway digs a couple of body shots, Pettis lands a body kick. Holloway lands a combination but eats a couple of jabs. Holloway lands a right. Body kick from Holloway. Holloway jabs the body then lands a right and another left to the body. Holloway trips Pettis and gets on top in side control. Pettis tries to bridge for an armbar, Holloway avoids it and lets him stand. Holloway lands a spinning back kick to the body. Jab and a body kick from Holloway, another one then a right, Pettis is hurt. Holloway tees off as Pettis slumps against the fence and the ref waves this one off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Max Holloway via TKO, punches, at 4:50 of Round 3

That was masterful by Holloway, who’s now won ten in a row. Holloway thanks God first and foremost, he tells “Jose Waldo” to meet him in Brooklyn because he wants the real belt. He puts over Pettis, Rogan keeps trying to get him to praise the interim belt, he wants people to get #WheresJoseWaldo trending and says he wants a bonus because no one had stopped Pettis before.

Mic time for Pettis, who confirms he broke his hand in the first round, then puts over Holloway as a beast. Asked about what’s next for him he says he’s going back to lightweight as featherweight is beyond him at this point.

And one final time for this event, here’s the finish.

That’s it for UFC 206, an under promoted card and one that likely does less than 250k buys but more than delivered in terms of in cage action. Those top three in particular delivered in a big way. Thanks to everyone for being here and reading, we’ll be talking about this show and last night’s Fight Night 102 at 8pm eastern standard time Sunday 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. I’ll be back next week for UFC on FOX 22 featuring the final fight for Urijah Faber and a main event of Paige VanZant taking on Michelle Waterson. I hope you’ll come back for that one, until then thanks again for being here and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

article topics :

Max Holloway, UFC, UFC 206, Robert Winfree