411’s UFC 208 Holm vs. de Randamie Report 2.11.17

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 208. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Well this event has had some serious adversity thrown at it, but the UFC finally debuts on PPV in 2017. Initially 208 was supposed to take place in January and in Anaheim, California but nothing came together for it so they delayed it until now. Two fights that were fleshing out the prelims are gone, a heavyweight fight that started out as Marcin Tybura vs. Luis Henrique got scrapped after the New York State Athletic Commission had concerns over eye surgery Henrique had a little over a year ago and Henrique was replaced by Justin Willis but Willis was deemed medically unfit to compete at the weigh ins yesterday so the thing was scrapped. Also off of the card was a flyweight fight, initially supposed to be Ian McCall taking on Neil Seery it changed when Seery pulled out following the passing of his mother in law and was replaced by Jarred Brooks. Then this morning McCall fell ill and was taken to the hospital, the fight was subsequently canceled. That’s the fourth consecutive McCall fight to fall out basically the day of the event and his fifth overall, the man hasn’t fought since January of 2015 when he lost to John Lineker. This card was also rumored to host a featherweight title fight between champion Jose Aldo and interim champion Max Holloway but that never came to fruition. The main event is for the inaugural UFC women’s featherweight title, former bantamweight champion Holly Holm takes on Germaine de Randamie. Also Anderson Silva tries for his first win in five years as he takes on Derek Brunson and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is fighting Tim Boetsch to try and further secure a title shot. It’s not the sexiest card on paper, but there’s some potentially good fights here. The UFC is trying out the three man commentary booth for this event as Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will be calling the action cage side. This event is the UFC’s debut in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City, New York, USA and comes to us from the Barclays Center. Final note on this evenings event, New York is one of the states that has adopted the new rules for MMA including the new 10-8 language, the new definition of a grounded fighter, and so forth.

Ryan LaFlare has the makings of a top welterweight fighter, but he hasn’t fought since December of 2015 and the biggest mark against his career thus far has been injury related layoffs halt his momentum. LaFlare is coming off of a win over Mike Pierce and has only lost to Demian Maia, he needs a big reintroduction to the fan base after the long layoff. Roan Carneiro hasn’t lost at welterweight in the UFC and his only UFC loss was up at middleweight to Derek Brunson, and while he’s unlikely to make a run towards the top of the division at age 38 a win here is necessary if he wants to try and defy those odds. Speaking of odds, they’re heavily with LaFlare at -310 to the +240 of Carneiro.

Welterweight Bout: Roan Carneiro (21-10, 170 lbs.) vs. Ryan LaFlare (12-1,170.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: LaFlare is two inches taller while Carneiro has half an inch of reach on him. Touch of gloves, LaFlare is fighting southpaw. LaFlare lands a body kick. Carneiro switches to southpaw, lands a leg kick and returns to orthodox. LaFlare misses a wheel kick. LaFlare backing Carneiro towards the fence, lands another body kick. LaFlare again with a body kick, Carneiro is starting to react to those. They clinch briefly the break. Carneiro lands a bit of a right. Carneiro lands a right that stumbles LaFlare and LaFlare clinches up to recover then breaks. LaFlare misses a head kick. Carneiro lands an inside leg kick. Carneiro tries a single leg, LaFlare stuffs it and Carneiro winds up pulling half guard. LaFlare keeping top positions, lands a short elbow. Carneiro trying for a sweep, LaFlare stands and disengages. LaFlare still backing Carneiro up. LaFlare lands a body kick. They clinch, LaFlare lands a knee to the body and Carneiro gets LaFlare on the cage. LaFlare is able to spin free quickly and separate. Carneiro lands a bit of a straight right and LaFlare misses his counters. Carneiro lands an inside leg kick. LaFlare misses another high kick then blocks a high kick as the round closes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 LaFlare

ROUND TWO: LaFlare back to pressuring in the second. LaFlare lands an inside leg kick then a body kick. LaFlare tags Carneiro as Carneiro was a little off balance, Carneiro on his back and LaFlare on top in the guard of Carneiro. LaFlare keeping good posture and lands an elbow before they separate and we’re back standing. LaFlare misses a high kick. LaFlare ducks a punch and tries a single leg, Carneiro defends and LaFlare disengages. LaFlare lands a straight left that drops Carneiro, LaFlare landing punches before he goes into the half guard of Carneiro. Carneiro holding on to recover, LaFlare struggling to get offense going at the moment. LaFlare lands a bit of an elbow but he can’t posture consistently. Carneiro looking for a sweep, thinks about a leg lock attempt but nothing comes of it before LaFlare is upright again. They trade, LaFlare lands much better, but the round ends before anything can come of it.

SCORECARD: 10-9 LaFlare, possible 10-8 argument given the one sided offense, 20-18 LaFlare overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. LaFlare misses a wheel kick but he’s got a lot of forward pressure going. LaFlare lands a bit of a left. LaFlare lands a left to the body after missing a couple of punches. Carneiro misses a right, eats a counter right and tries to pull guard but LaFlare wants to remain standing. LaFlare lands a straight left. Carneiro misses a punch and LaFlare gets a takedown into half guard. LaFlare stands and makes Carneiro stand. Carneiro lands a right and LaFlare backs up a bit. LaFlare lands a body kick, Carneiro lands an inside leg kick. LaFlare has a head kick blocked, he tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Carneiro lands a knee to the body. They disengage without incident. LaFlare lands a nice short left then a right after slipping a punch and just misses another head kick. Carneiro lands a straight right. Carneiro catches a knee attempt and has a single leg on the fence, LaFlare gets free but eats a left and spins Carneiro into the fence. LaFlare tries a trip but Carneiro counters and lands on top in half guard. LaFlare holding a double wrist lock to threaten with a sweep, Carneiro gets his arm free and starts looking to pass. Carneiro lands some short blows, he’s trying to pass and gets to full mount. Carneiro lands some offense but LaFlare keeps bucking for the final few seconds as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carneiro, 29-28 LaFlare overall

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

No issues with any of those scores really. LaFlare on the mic now, he thanks everyone and says he’s been waiting his whole life to fight professionally in New York and he’s worked hard to make this happen and is thrilled to be the first fight in Brooklyn for the UFC. He says he got a little anxious towards the end and apologizes for not fighting to his best. That’s our only Fight Pass fight tonight, there was supposed to be one more but the card got shuffled after the flyweight bout between McCall and Brooks got called off.

Phillipe Nover is in his second run with the UFC but is on a two fight losing streak. Nover, once hailed by UFC President Dana White as the lightweight Anderson Silva, desperately needs a win here because if he hits his second three fight losing streak in the UFC here he’ll likely also get his second pink slip. Rick Glenn lost his UFC debut when he stepped in on short notice to fight at lightweight against Evan Dunham, now back at his more natural featherweight Glenn is trying to get his first UFC win and prove he can be a relevant fighter in the division. Glenn is actually a slight -185 favorite against Nover’s +150.

Featherweight Bout: Rick Glenn (18-4-1, 145.8 lbs.) vs. Phillipe Nover (11-7-1, 145.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Glenn is three inches taller but Nover has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Glenn fighting southpaw. Probing from both guys early, most strikes either falling short or being blocked. Nover lands a body kick but eats a counter left. Nover blocks a high kick, then lands a body kick. Nover lands a lead leg high kick but Glenn lands a counter left. Glenn trying to back Nover into the fence but his cage cutting needs some work. Glenn lands a straight left, Nover is cut under the left eye now. They both land a couple of punches in close. Glenn lands a bit of a left. Nover lands a side kick to the chest. Nover lands a bit of a counter left. Glenn lands a couple of leg kicks. Nover is faster but Glenn is a bit like a robot. Glenn lands a straight left. Glenn catches a side kick and lands a couple of counters. Glenn lands a left and gets the clinch and has Nover on the fence. Glenn lands some knees and has the rear waist lock, lands a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Glenn but could go either way

ROUND TWO: That cut on Nover is actually on the eyelid. Glenn blocks a head kick. Glenn lands an inside leg kick. Glenn lands a body kick, he’s still trying to back Nover into the fence. Glenn lands a bit of a right. Glenn lands a leg kick, Nover tries a takedown but Glenn sprawls out of it. Glenn lands a bit of a body kick. Glenn with another body kick then an inside leg kick. Glenn pushes into the clinch again and has Nover on the cage. Glenn hits a double leg briefly, Nover posts and is still up. Glenn after a single leg now, switches to a double leg, Nover defending so far. Glenn looking for a trip, Nover lands a couple of knees to the head. Glenn lands a knee to the body and they break. Glenn lands an inside leg kick. Glenn lands a leg kick then a straight left after blocking a head kick. Nover’s offense is very muted now, Glenn lands another left. Glenn pushes to the clinch and lands two knees to the body before going chest to chest. Glenn with another knee and they trade elbows as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: More feinting from both guys, Glenn blocks a high kick. Nover lands a side kick to the body. Glenn working forward, lands a leg kick then a body kick. Nover starting to move forward now. Jabs go back and forth, Nover has a better jab. Glenn lands an inside leg kick, those are starting to add up but Nover lands another jab. Glenn lands a body kick. Glenn pushes into the clinch and has Nover on the fence. Glenn after a takedown, Nover defending well so far. Glenn can’t finish a takedown but lands a good couple of knees to the body. The ref separates them after they stall out. Nover lands a jab. Glenn lands an inside leg kick. Glenn misses a right and gets the clinch again. They trade knees to the body and Glenn drops for another double leg that he can’t finish. Nover is able to spin free. Nover lands a jab, eats a bit of a counter left. Glenn lands an inside leg kick. Glenn with forward pressure, lands a left then a right and they clinch again. Glenn with knees to the body. Glenn lands a couple of foot stomps. Nover tries a knee, Glenn trips him down but Nover is up and they trade in the clinch, Glenn lands a couple of good elbows as time expires.

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

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

30-27 for Nover is utter horse crap, Glenn pretty clearly had round 2. No interview for Glenn.

Nik Lentz is riding a two fight winning streak since returning to lightweight, and if he wants to really make a run in that division he needs to keep his winning ways going here. Islam Makhachev is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Chris Wade, Makhachev has drawn some talk as a prospect in the talent rich lightweight division and if he can beat a veteran like Lentz he’ll be well on his way to proving that speculation accurate. Makhachev is the notable -335 favorite while the +255 comeback on Lentz is sure to drawn some value bets.

Lightweight Bout: Nik Lentz (27-7-2 1 NC, 155.8 lbs.) vs. Islam Makhachev (13-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Makhachev has two inches of height and two and a half of reach on Lentz. Makhachev fighting southpaw. Lentz circling early. They trade kicks and then clinch, Makhachev gets Letz on the fence. They trade knees to the body. Makhachev hits an inside trip and lands in the guard of Lentz. Makhachev passes to half guard, Letz after a guillotine and Makhachev is on the wrong side. Makhachev able to get on a hip and free his head. Lentz working to wall walk now, Makhachev is all over him though and keeps him flat. Makhachev lands a bit of an elbow. Lentz elevates with butterfly guard but Makhachev keeps him from regaining his feet and Lentz is still trying to wall walk. Makhachev into half guard, lands a right. Makhachev lands an elbow. Lentz trying to use the fence to push off of, Makhachev has some serious top control going though. Makhachev lands a couple of punches, Lentz able to wall walk but he’s still stuck in the clinch. Lentz spins Makhachev into the fence, tries a knee but Makhachev trips him down again and lands on top. Makhachev lands a couple of lefts. Lentz has a good bottom game going, Makhachev just a little bit ahead of him. Makhachev into half guard, Lentz tries the guillotine again but Makhachev seems unphased. The round ends in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makhachev

ROUND TWO: Lentz trying to move forward, Makhachev has a head kick blocked. They clinch up and trade rights as they break. Lentz lands a body kick. Makhachev lands a one two combination and avoids a kick. Hard front kick to the body then a head kick land for Makhachev. Makhachev lands a body kick. They clinch up again and Makhachev has Lentz on the fence. Makhachev hits an inside trip again and quickly passes to half guard. Makhachev lands a few lefts to the body and head. Makhachev working short blows and now looking to pass to mount. Makhachev into 3/4 mount for a moment, Lentz gets to full guard quickly. Makhachev avoids a guillotine attempt and lands an elbow. Makhachev’s top control over a guy with a good bottom game like Lentz is impressive so far. Makhachev might be trying to set up an arm triangle, he’s in side control now and might be switching to a Von Flue choke. Makhachev bails on that and lands a knee to the body. Lentz to half guard, Makhachev passes to full mount. Lentz to his knees, Makhachev into the ride position, Lentz to a knee against the fence and the round ends there.

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

ROUND THREE: Lentz moving forward now, misses a kick and some punches. Makhachev has a head kick blocked. Makhachev circling a lot so far, making Lentz miss. Lentz misses a spinning back fist, he doesn’t have the range down. Makhachev lands a body kick then a front kick to the body, Lentz is a little hurt to the body but they clinch. Lentz tries a trip, Makhachev grabs the fence to block it. Lentz tries again, this time Makhachev elevates a leg of Lentz and pushes him off balance to land in half guard. Makhachev lands a bit of an elbow. Makhachev lands an elbow. Lentz trying to move from his back, Makhachev riding him very well. Makhachev to side control, he’s after a kimura. Makhachev uses that to get full mount, Lentz tries to roll under him, Makhachev decides to go to half guard and land some elbows. Makhachev lands an elbow, he spins to the back as Lentz moves to his knees, Makhachev lands some lefts and starts teeing off as he’s got full back mount. More punches from Makhachev, he’s after the choke now but Lentz blocks it. Lentz picks an ankle and is up looking for a double leg on the fence. Lentz tries a trip, Makhachev counters and throws Lentz to end the fight in side control.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Islam Makhachev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25 x2)

I can see Makhachev getting two 10-8’s under the new criteria, specifically rounds 2 and 3. Utter domination for Makhachev, who’s on the mic now. He thanks everyone and says nothing surprised him in the fight but he’s disappointed he couldn’t finish because Lentz is such a tough guy. He says he was looking for secure positions to work from and puts Lentz over again as being tough but notes Lentz is older and he feels Lentz is passed his prime. Asked who he wants next, he speaks English and asks for Floyd Mayweather, the crowd laughs appreciably and I got a chuckle as well. He closes by thanking everone in the crowd or watching around the world.

Wilson Reis is 4-1 at flyweight in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak, he was supposed to fight for the flyweight title last year but that fell through when Demetrious Johnson suffered an injury. Reis is trying to reclaim that title shot, and a win here is necessary for that to come to pass. Yuta “Ulka” Sasaki was a mid level bantamweight but dropped to flyweight after losing two in a row and defeated Willie Gates. Sasaki could get the biggest win of his career here against the top ranked Reis. It would also be a massive numerical upset, Reis is a prohibitive -600 favorite while the degenerate gamblers out there are likely drooling over Sasaki’s +400 payout.

Flyweight Bout: #5 Wilson Reis (21-6, 125.2 lbs.) vs. Ulka Sasaki (19-3-2, 125.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sasaki has six inches of height and the same six of reach on Reis. Reis fighting southpaw and starts circling immediately. Sasaki working the jab, lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Reis lands a bit of a left. Sasaki lands a counter right. Reis lands a low leg kick. Sasaki lands a couple of straight rights. Reis hits a double leg and Sasaki can’t contain him, Reis quickly to half guard and then towards the back but Sasaki is back up and they trade punches. Reis lands an inside leg kick. Sasaki lands a bit of a right. Reis lands a leg kick, Sasaki lands a jab. Sasaki lands a right, he’s starting to find his range on Reis. Reis lands a bit of a straight left. Reis hits another double leg and passes to half guard. Sasaki tries for a double wrist lock, Reis setting up an arm triangle now, thinks better of it. Sasaki lands a couple of elbows while they jockey for hip position. Reis lands a couple of elbows from half guard. Sasaki to full guard, lands another elbow. Reis lands a bit of an elbow. Sasaki to his feet now, Reis into the clinch where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Reis

ROUND TWO: Sasaki comes out southpaw for this round. Reis lands an inside leg kick. Sasaki lands a jab, eats a counter hook. They trade in close, both men land but Reis hits a double leg and lands in the half guard of Sasaki. Reis passes to mount, now he’s got the back as Sasaki tried to move. Reis has both hooks in. Sasaki fighting the hooks and spins into him, winding up in the half guard of Reis. Sasaki lands an elbow, Reis sweeps him and they’re up again. Sasaki lands a hook. Sasaki lands a couple of jabs, tries a double leb then a single leg but Reis sprawls and winds up on top after a brief scramble. Sasaki has full guard, tries to stand but Reis has the back with both hooks in. Reis after the choke, Sasaki blocking it so far. Reis switching to an arm triangle, Sasaki breaks the grip and is on a hip. Reis to the back again and now has a body lock and is after the choke. It’s a crank more than a choke and Sasaki breaks the grip. Reis trying for the arm triangle again, Sasaki is able to spin free and they trade again. Reis avoids an uppercut and hits another double leg into guard as the round closes.

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

ROUND THREE: Reis trying to fake his way in close, Sasaki lands a body kick. Reis lands a right hook. Reis tries a double leg after missing a jumping knee, Sasaki defending on the fence and they break with a left from Sasaki. Sasaki lands a knee as Reis was ducking his head. Another knee from Sasaki. Sasaki has a head kick blocked. Sasaki lands a right uppercut but Reis lands a hard left. Reis tries a double leg, Sasaki defending on the fence. Reis able to hit a double leg and he’s looking to mount the legs. Sasaki to his feet and Reis has the rear waist lock. Sasaki has a double wrist lock to try and break that grip, he does so and they separate. Sasaki lands a front kick to the body. Reis lands an inside leg kick. Reis slips a punch and hits a double leg into half guard. Reis now to the back but slips off, Sasaki spins and takes his back quickly. Reis to his knees, Sasaki has a body lock and is after the choke. Sasaki lands a couple of hard elbows, possibly the illegal 12 to 6 elbows. Reis has two on one wrist control and just holds on for time to expire.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sasaki, 29-28 Reis overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Wilson Reis via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Reis. We get an announcement about upcoming fights, including the main card for an upcoming Fight Night in April which is apparently headlined by Rose Namajunas taking on Michelle Waterson.

Randy Brown was supposed to fight George Sullivan here, but Sullivan had a potential anti-doping violation and got replaced. Brown is 3-1 in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak, he’s got a lot of potential and if he can run that streak to three here he could well get a bigger opportunity his next time out. Belal Muhammad is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Vicente Luque, with the recent roster trimming going on a loss here could well end his UFC run while making his a must win for him. The odds lean towards Brown at -150 to Muhammad’s +120.

Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown (9-1, 170.6 lbs.) vs. Belal Muhammad (10-2, 170.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brown has four inches of height and six of reach on Muhammad. Muhammad coming forward early, lands a couple of inside leg kicks then Brown lands a front kick to the face. Muhammad is trying to get inside and smother the offense of Brown, lands an inside then an outside leg kick. Muhammad again with an inside leg kick. Muhammad misses a right, lands an inside leg kick. Leg kick from Muhammad, Brown isn’t checking those. Brown lands a bit of a jab and a right. Brown lands another jab. Muhammad misses a left hook. Muhammad still pressuring forward, Brown jabs the body but takes a hard leg kick. Brown lands a spinning back kick to the body. Muhammad checks a leg kick then lands one. Another leg kick from Muhammad. They both land glancing rights then Muhammad lands a leg kick. Brown’s lead leg is starting to give a bit on those kicks, not a good thing. Muhammad lands another leg kick. Muhammad lands that leg kick again and checks a return leg kick. Muhammad lands a left to the body. Another leg kick lands and Brown’s leg buckles a bit. Brown is firing back but he’s not dealing with those kicks. Muhammad lands another leg kick. And they clash again without landing much as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Muhammad

ROUND TWO: Muhammad lands an inside leg kick ot start the second round. Leg kick from Muhammad, that makes 26 that Brown has taken according to commentary. Brown lands a body kick. Muhammad with inside leg kicks, lands a couple of overhand punches and gets the clinch. Muhammad has the rear waist lock now, Brown fighting to turn into him. Muhammad tries to elevate but Brown stays on his feet and breaks free. Brown lands a jab. Muhammad lands a right but took an eye poke that the ref didn’t see. Muhammad to the clinch and Brown gets him on the fence. They jockey for position and Muhammad gets him on the fence. Muhammad lands knees to the thigh and body. They break without incident. Muhammad lands a leg kick, he complains of another eye poke that commentary tells me happened. Muhammad lands a leg kick and a couple of body shots. Brown lands a jab. Muhammad lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Muhammad shoots a single leg, spins Brown down and has the back in transition. Both hooks in for Muhammad as Brown goes to his knees. Muhammad lands some lefts to the head. Muhammad landing regularly, Brown just kind of holding on until the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Brown showing the jab early, Muhammad lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Muhammad. Brown lands a bit of a jab. Muhammad takes a groin kick but shakes it off without taking time. Muhammad shoots a double leg, Brown defending on the fence. Muhammad finally completes the double leg and Brown goes quickly to rubber guard. Brown trying to get his legs in play, Muhammad avoids the attempt and lands some short blows. Brown still trying to roll but Muhammad is reading that and countering then punching. Brown trying to wall walk, Muhammad spins to his back and gets both hooks in. Brown on his knees, Muhammad landing punches. Muhammad is trying to open up the choke with these punches. Muhammad switches to a body triangle and is after the choke again. Brown is hand fighting successfully so far. Brown is able to explode into the guard of Muhammad. Muhammad tries an armbar, Brown pulls free and lands a right, but nothing will come of that before the round ends.

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

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

No interview for Muhammad as we’re short on time. That’s it for prelims, to PPV for the main card.

Dustin Poirier has looked very good since moving up to lightweight, he’s 4-1 in that division but is coming off of a loss to Michael Johnson. Poirier has to win here to defend his top ranking because a second loss could end any title aspirations he might have. Jim Miller is on a three fight winning streak, he’s also a veteran of the UFC having fought for them since 2008 and he’s nearing the end of his career. Miller could return to the top fifteen rankings with a win here and prove he’s not quite ready to be put out to pasture just yet. Poirier is a substantial favorite at -450 while those practicing value bets are likely quite enticed by Miller’s payout of +325.

Lightweight Bout: Jim Miller (28-8 1 NC, 154.6 lbs.) vs. #10 Dustin Poirier (20-5, 155.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Poirier has an inch of height and reach on Miller. Both of these guys are southpaws. Both men showing the jab early, Poirier lands a leg kick. Miller lands a left, they both trade and Poirier exits with a leg kick. Miller trying to back Poirier towards the fence, he lands a left to the body then a right hook and a leg kick. Poirier lands a jab and misses the follow up punches. Poirier lands a leg kick and a jab. Miller lands the left to the body again, Poirier lands a leg kick. Miller lands a leg kick. Poirier blocks a high kick. They both miss lefts in close, Miller tries a double leg but Poirier blocks it and they clinch as Poirier lands some body punches and gets Miller on the fence. Miller lands knees to the body, Poirier lands an uppercut. Poirier lands a right as they break, Miller fires back. Poirier lands a leg kick but takes a bit of a counter left. Miller lands a body kick, eats a bit of a counter left. Miller lands a left. Miller lands a combination to the body and head then has Poirier on the fence. Poirier lands a jab and a leg kick as he circles. Miller lands a right, these two certainly came to fight. Poirier lands a left then a bit of a leg kick. Miller lands a body kick, Poirier catches it and sweeps the leg but they scramble and Miller gets the back insanely fast. Miller has both hooks in and is after the choke. Poirier is able to break the grip and spin into Miller then passes to half guard. Miller back up and they trade punches, Miller cracks Poirier with a left and they brawl to the end of the round, which ends with an uppercut from Poirier.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Miller lands a hard low leg kick to start the second. Poirier lands a leg kick. Miller blocks a jab and lands an uppercut. Miller lands another leg kick, Poirier actually loses his balance for a moment. They trade lefts, Miller landed a little better that time. Poirier lands a right but he eats two counters from Miller. Miller lands a leg kick. Poirier lands a jab, he’s backing Miller to the fence. Poirier wobbles Miller with a left, Miller holding a single leg, Poirier blocks that and lands a right. Miller misses a left and eats a right. Miller lands a leg kick but eats a couple of counters. Poirier lands a straight left. Miller lands a bit of a left. Poirier lands a left and starts to tee off, Miller fires back though. Poirier slips a left and lands two hard counters. Miller lands a right to the body. Miller lands a body kick. Poirier working the right, he lands a combination as well. Miller tries a double leg, switches to a single leg against the fence. Poirier landing some elbows, Miller bails on the takedown attempt. Poirier spins Miller, Miller lands a knee to the body. Poirier drops for a double leg and gets Miller down. Poirier trying to pass, decides against it as Miller threatens with a triangle choke. Poirier stands back and makes Miller regain his feet. Miller’s face is a mess, he lands a good leg kick though. They both swing but find only air. Miller lands a body kick and they trade rights. Miller lands a left, they trade knees to the body and then rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Poirier much clearer round, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Miller clearly the more fatiuged fighter here, but he’s still in it. Both men showing the jab, he lands a counter left after checking a leg kick. Miller lands a right then a delayed left, Miller is still trying to win. Miller lands that low calf kick, then a second one. Miller lands a right, Poirier lands a left. Poirier takes another leg kick and drops for a moment, that lead leg is in trouble. Miller lands a left. Poirier lands a jab. Miller lands another leg kick, Poirier is limping and switches his stance now. Miller lands another leg kick. Miller lands a leg kick but Poirier catches it and trips him down. Miller into rubber guard, Poirier looking to pass. Poirier passes to half guard, Miller tries to escape and is sitting on the fence now. Miller holding a front headlock, bails on that to get guard again. Poirier lands a left, Miller lands an elbow. Poirier lands a right, Miller wall walks and Poirier to the ride position. Miller all the way up and lands some lefts while holding Poirier on the fence. They trade knees, Poirier switches and gets on top in half guard. Miller tries for a kimura, he’s got the double wrist lock and he’s after it but time is running down. Poirier gets his arm free, lands a right and time runs down. Lovely fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Poirier via majority decision (28-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Poirier can’t even stand, his shin might be busted. No complaints there on the scoring, great fight. Poirier still limping, says he hopes it isn’t broken. He says his game plan was to tear up the leg of Miller but Miller must have gotten that memo too. He says between the first and second round he just kind of got sucked into the brawl, he says he landed shots that would have ended other guys and puts over Miller as a tough guy who’s always relevant. He says he wanted a finish but the win was more important, he wants to get back to his six month old daughter who’s his whole world to close the interview.

Here’s the end of the first round.

Yes!!!! #UFC208 pic.twitter.com/zHzIdWC3BO

— #UFC208 (@ufc) February 12, 2017

Some from the second round.

You knew these warriors were going to put on a show! #UFC208 pic.twitter.com/NQP0aM7UL8

— #UFC208 (@ufc) February 12, 2017

Glover Teixeira is 3-1 in his last four fights but is coming off of a devastating knockout loss to Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Teixeira has fought for the title in the past and has only lost to the top fighters in the division, if he ever wants another crack at the belt he needs to get back on the winning side of things here and defend his top five ranking. Jared Cannonier lost his UFC debut up at heavyweight to Shawn Jordan but is on a two fight winning streak and is 1-0 at light heavyweight. Cannonier could take a monumental step up the rankings with a win over the proven Teixeira here and enter himself into the conversation of prospects in a division sorely in need of talent. Teixiera enjoys favored status at -230 to the +180 on Cannonier.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Jared Cannonier (9-1, 204.4 lbs.) vs. #3 Glover Teixeira (25-5, 205.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Teixeira has three inches of height on Cannonier but Cannonier has an inch and a half of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get things going. Both men circling and feinting early. Teixeira misses a right, Cannonier is moving a lot. Teixeira lands a bit of a right. Teixeira lands a short uppercut in close. Cannonier lands a jab. Teixeira grabs a single leg and spins Cannonier down easily. Teixeira to half guard quickly, Cannonier fights to full guard. Teixeira landing short blows, Cannonier trying to use butterfly guard to stand. Teixeira passes to half guard again. Teixeira lands a couple of elbows. Cannonier tries to escape, Teixeira grabs a guillotine, Cannonier struggles and winds up going to his back and Teixeira is back on top in half guard. Teixeira lands an elbow. Teixeira lands a left, Cannonier is pinned pretty flat and Teixeira is keeping him there. Teixeira passes to full mount. Cannonier moves and is able to get half guard again. Teixeira to mount again, but Cannonier wall walks and they trad knees to the body. They trade punches as they break then again just at the horn, Teixeira might have been a little buzzed at the end there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Teixeira, borderline 10-8

ROUND TWO: Both guys feinting again, Cannonier switching his stance to southpaw. Cannonier back to orthodox. Cannonier just misses a right, but lands a jab. Teixeira hits a single leg, not a good shot but Cannonier doesn’t defend well and Teixeira is in half guard again. Teixeira lands a short elbow then a left. Cannonier still trying to shrimp, he gets to full guard while taking short elbows. Teixeira lands another elbow. Teixeira lands some lefts to the body. Teixeira passes to half guard again. Cannonier trying to set up a wall walk, the ref actually stands them up. Not sure I agree with that. Cannonier lands a bit of a right. Teixeira lands a couple of jabs. Teixeira lands a right to the body and misses the follow up left. Cannonier lands a bit of a left hook. Teixeira lands a right. Teixeira lands a flush right then a couple of body shots. The round ends with a couple of missed jabs from Cannonier.

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

ROUND THREE: They shake hands to start the final round. Teixeira misses a couple of punches. Cannonier lands a leg kick. Teixeira grabs a single leg and spins him down again, Cannonier really must work on his single leg takedown defense. Teixeira landed in side control, tries to mount but Cannonier gets half guard. Teixeira lands a couple of elbows. Teixeira lands a couple more rights and elbows. Cannonier landed an elbow from the bottom that seems to have cut Teixeira. Teixeira moves to full mount now. Cannonier kicks off of the cage but Teixeira rides him and has the back now. Cannonier on a hip but Teixeira lands blows. Full mount again for Teixeira. Cannonier agian trying to buck, Teixeira thought about an armbar and Cannonier is able to get to half guard. Teixeira lands an elbow. Teixeira to full mount yet again and starts landing. Cannonier to half guard but eats a hard elbow. Teixeira lands more rights and elbows, this is almost comically one sided in this spot. Teixeira to 3/4 mount and lands lefts. Teixeira to full mount, Cannonier rolls and Teixeira has his back again, no hooks this time though. Teixeira into the ride position, lands a few more punches. Cannonier to his feet but there’s no time left for him to find a miracle comeback.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Glover Teixeira via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

Just too much too soon for Cannonier there in terms of career progression. Teixeira on the mic now. He puts over Cannonier as a tough dude and says he hurt his shoulder a couple of weeks before the fight, the same shoulder Jon Jones injured in their fight. He says he needs to step up his game if he wants to compete with Cormier, Anthony Johnson, or Jon Jones. He was a little surprised he couldn’t finish Cannonier, puts over Cannonier’s defense on the bottom, he brings up the benefits of good defense as he got finished by Johnson because he tried to take him out rather than take his time.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has been one of the best middleweights in the world for some time now, he’s 6-1 in the UFC with that lone loss being a controversial split decision to top challenger Yoel Romero. Souza needs a win here if he’s going to force the UFC’s hand into giving him a title shot as a loss would be utterly devastating to his career trajectory. Tim Boetsch is on a two fight winning streak but had lost three in a row before that. Souza represents one of the two best fighters Beotesch has ever faced, the other being Luke Rockhold, but if Boetsch can pull off the upset he might find himself improbably in title contention. Souza is one of the biggest favorites on the card at -550 while Boetsch sits at +375.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Tim Boetsch (20-10, 185.8 lbs.) vs. #3 Ronaldo Souza (23-4 1 NC, 185.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Souza is an inch taller but Boetsch has the reach advantage at two inches. They touch gloves to get us going. Boetsch bouncing and circling, Souza stalking forward. Souza lands a front kick to the body. Boetsch lands a leg kick. Souza tries a double leg, too far out and Boetsch sprawls but Souza has the clinch now. Souza lands a knee to the body then an elbow as they break. Boetsch lands a leg kick, Souza lands a front kick to the body. Souza lands a counter right. Another right lands for Souza then a body kick. They trade rights, Boetsch landed better though. Souza jabs the body. Souza catches a leg kick and takes Boetsch down, he almost lands in full mount. Souza in side control now. Souza looking to mount, lands some lefts to try and set it up. Souza to knee on belly, now full mount. Souza’s transitions are so smooth. Souza lands some punches, grabs a kimura, moves to side control and forces the tap for our first finish of the evening.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza via Submission, kimura, at 3:41 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Souza for his work this evening. Souza fighting anyone who isn’t the champion next is sheer lunacy. Souza gets an interview after that master class in top position. He starts in English with “Hello New York, I love you guys!” Then sticks with English to say he’s the next champion and wants the title. He switches to Portuguese for the more complicated questions, he says the more they deny him the belt the worse it’s going to be for his opposition, he tells Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold to stop running.

Anderson Silva is one of the best mixed martial artists ever, possibly the best, but he hasn’t officially won a fight since beating Stephan Bonnar in 2012. Silva is 0-4 with 1 No Contest in his last four and is on a two fight losing streak. Silva needs a win here in the worst way if he wants to prove he’s anything more than an attraction fighter living on his past accomplishments. Derek Brunson is 5-1 in his last six fights but is coming off of a first round knockout loss to Robert Whittaker. Brunson needs a win to get back on track towards the top of the division, and adding the name of Anderson Silva to his list of wins would be a big feather in his cap. Brunson is a slight -150 favorite against the +120 comeback on Silva.

Middleweight Bout: #8 Derek Brunson (16-4, 186 lbs.) vs. #7 Anderson Silva (33-8 1 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva is an inch taller but their reach is identical. Silva fighting southpaw, as is Brunson. Brunson circling early, Silva clearly measuring and looking for timing. Brunson lands a leg kick. Silva lands a counter right hook after slipping a jab. Silva lands another counter right hook after slipping a punch from Brunson. Anderson moves forward and has some punches miss. Brunson on a single leg attempt, he gets Silva on the fence and starts landing some lefts to teh body and head. Silva spins free relatively quickly. Silva orthodox right now, decides he likes southpaw better. Silva lands a jab. Brunson misses some looping hooks and Silva counters him again. Brunson lands a left, tries a double leg that fails and they trade in clinch a bit then break. Brunson lands a leg kick. Silva lands a bit of a right while going forward. Silva lands a body kick, he’s starting to move now. They get close and Brusnon lands uppercuts from a Silva Thai clinch but Silva lands a knee. Silva tries a flying knee but falls and Brunson ends the round in the guard of Silva.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brusnon but could see a Silva argument

ROUND TWO: Silva bouncing on the lead leg now, very Muay Thai stance. Silva slowly backing Brunson towards the fence. Brunson tries a double leg, Silva sprawls out of it without any issue. Silva lands a bit of a right. Brunson lands a bit of a left. Silva lands a right and just misses a kick. Silva lands a front kick to the body. Hard body kick from Silva. Brunson hits a double leg off of that kick though. Silva wall walks almost immediately and is still in the clinch. Brunson lands some knees, Silva lands an elbow. Silva slips a couple of punches as they break. Brunson tries another double leg, this time from way outside and they briefly clinch then break. Silva lands a double jab then a leg kick. Silva has a high kick blocked but lands a follow up right. Silva lands a jab. They trade jabs as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-10, 20-19 Brunson overall

ROUND THREE: Brunson misses a right hook to start the round. Silva lands a straight right. Brunson tries for a single leg, can’t quite finish it and Silva lands a knee to the body before they break. Brunson tries another double leg that Silva sprawls out of and they wind up clinched on the fence. Silva avoids a couple of punches as they break. Silva lands a body kick. Silva lands a jab. They both miss and clinch, Brunson lands a knee to the head and they break. Silva lands a body kick. Brunson fails on a single leg and lands a left. Silva grabs a Thai clinch but Brunson lands a barrage of punches before they break. Brunson is slowing down now, Silva lands a left. Silva lands a wheel kick to the leg. Brunson lands a leg kick. Silva lands a bit of a left as Brunson tries to take him down, Brunson has to make a big second effort but does spin Silva down and lands in his guard. Silva lands an elbow. Brunson working short punches. Brunson lands a right, Silva lands an elbow. The fight comes to a close in that position.

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

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

OK, what the actual FUCK? 30-27 for Silva?! I just don’t know anymore. That makes zero sense. Silva on the mic after that robbery. Silva is in tears, he thanks the crowd in English for their support. He just thanks the fans and the UFC brass, his family, and God. He says he’s been working a long time in fighting and despite the aches and pains he draws inspiration and motivation from the fans and his family. He says he knows he’s too old for fighting anymore but he puts his heart out there and that this is his life and where his heart is. Asked if he’s still enjoying competing he says he’s worked his life for this, that he respects the fans and now he just comes to fight happy because he loves his job and the sport. He says fighting in New York was a dream of his, he’s removing my anger at that decision with this interview. He closes by thanking a personal friend by name.

If you happen to live near the coast in New York I’d watch out for this guy, it’s the only thing that makes sense for that score.

Cluckthulhu courtesy of Benjamin J. Colon

Holly Holm is one of the best female combat sports athletes ever, a multiple time world boxing champion and former UFC bantamweight champion, unfortunately she’s also on the first losing streak of her entire professional combat sports career. Holm can make history here as the first woman in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes and become the first ever UFC women’s featherweight champion. Germaine de Randamie is a multiple time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion, she’s also on a two fight winning streak in the UFC and is looking to add her name to the mix of all time great female fighters by claiming the inaugural UFC women’s featherweight title as well. The odds are close but favor de Randamie at -125 to the +100 on Holm.

Women’s Featherweight Title Bout: Holly Holm (10-2, 144.4 lbs.) vs. Germaine de Randamie (6-3, 143.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De Randamie is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Holm. Holm fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. Holm circling early, de Randamie stalking forward. Holm lands a right, de Randamie lands a body kick. Holm lands a bit of a straight left and miss the follow ups. Holm lands an outside leg kick, de Randamie lands an inside one. Holm lands a leg kick. De Randamie lands an inside leg kick. De Randamie lands an elbow. Holm’s offense is falling short so far, she lands a side kick to the thigh. De Randamie lands a right, Holm lands a counter right. Holm lands another leg kick. De Randamie lands a counter left hook. De Randamie lands a right then a left in close. De Randamie lands a counter right. They clinch briefly then break without issue. Holm lands a side kick to the thigh. Holm ducks a right, tries a double leg but de Randamie blocks it, tries a trip but can’t finish it and Holm gets her on the fence. Holm after a single leg, can’t finish it though. De Randamie lands a knee to the body to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Randamie

ROUND TWO: Holm opens up with a side kick to the thigh. Holm lands another leg kick, de Randamie lands a body kick. De Randamie lands an inside leg kick. De Randamie lands a counter right. Holm misses a head kick. De Randamie lands another straight right. Holm lands a one two combination. Holm lands another side kick to the thigh. Holm lands a left and a side kick to the body. De Randamie lands another counter right, she’s reading the first two punches and landing that heavy counter. Holm pushes to the clinch, lands a knee to the body and gets de Randamie on the fence. Holm working short knees to the thigh. Holm after a double leg but she can’t finish it and de Randamie spins her. De Randamie lands some knees to the body, Holm returns them. Holm able to spin de Randamie again. Holm lands an elbow, they jockey some more and de Randamie lands a knee to the body. Holm gets the back standing, de Randamie quickly turns into her. De Randamie lands a knee to the body, Holm spins her again. More knees to the thigh going back and forth. De Randamie lands a right well after the bell that wobbles Holm, poor form there from de Randamie.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Randamie, 20-18 de Randamie overall

ROUND THREE: De Randamie apologizes to start the third round. They trade power hand punches, Holm still looks a little wobbled after that late blow from de Randamie. Holm lands a leg kick but eats another counter right. De Randamie lands an inside leg kick. Holm lands a side kick to the body. They trade leg kicks, de Randamie landed better. Holm slips the counter right and lands a counter right of her own. Holm reaches for a takedown, easily blocked by de Randamie. De Randamie lands a body kick after missing a couple of punches. Holm lands a leg kick, de Randamie lands an inside leg kick. Holm lands a leg kick and avoids the counter then clinches. Holm tries a trip, can’t finish it though and de Randamie has her on the fence. They trade lefts. De Randamie misses an elbow and then lands a right as they break. Holm lands a side kick to the thigh. Holm badly wobbles de Randamie with a right head kick, they trade and de Randamie again hits Holm after the bell. Commentary is incensed at that and I’m a little with them, a point should be taken for that.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holm, 29-28 de Randamie overall

ROUND FOUR: Holm opens with a side kick to the thigh. Holm misses a combination. They clinch up again, Holm gets de Randamie on the fence. Holm just kind of holding right now. Holm after a single leg, bails and lands a short left. Holm trying the single leg again, bails and the ref separates them. De Randamie lands an inside leg kick. Holm lands a side kick to the thigh. De Randamie lands another inside leg kick. Holm misses a combination then lands a left and a body kick. De Randamie lands a right and a leg kick. Holm pushes back into the clinch and has de Randamie on the fence. Holm lands a knee to the body. Holm tries for a single leg, can’t finish it though. De Randamie clearly breathing heavy, Holm might be wearing her down. Knees to the body go back and forth. Holm can’t hit a trip, de Randamie lands a knee to the body. Holm lands another knee to the body and they trade knees then break with a body kick from Holm. The stare the final seconds away and de Randamie doesn’t strike after the bell this time.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holm, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Quick hug to start the last round. Holm lands a right to the body then a leg kick but eats a counter right and leg kick from de Randamie. Holm lands a bit of a body kick. Holm lands another leg kick. Holm lands a bit of a right, de Randamie lands a better one. Holm staggers de Randamie with a left, de Randamie pushes into the clinch but Holm spins her into the fence. Holm lands an elbow. Holm lands another elbow. Holm thinking about a takedown but again can’t quite finish it. Holm lands a right elbow then some body shots. The ref separates them, not sure I agree. Holm lands a leg kick but de Randamie lands the counter right. Holm lands another body kick. They clinch up again and Holm has de Randamie on the cage. Holm lands some short lefts and a knee to the body. De Randamie lands a knee to the body. Knees go back and forth. Holm after another single leg, can’t finish it and they break. They trade again, and Holm lands a side kick to the body as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holm, 48-47 Holm overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion – Germaine de Randamie via unanimous decision (48-47 x3)

Round 4 is the disputed round here, 1 and 2 for de Randamie while 3 and 5 for Holm. No real issues with the scoring though, apart from the lack of point deduction that should have come. Germaine de Randamie on the mic now, she says Holm caught her in the third but that Holm didn’t want to fight and says she’s a brawler. Rogan asks about the late blows, she says it was just heat of the moment stuff and apologizes. She says she hoped Holm would fight with her more but puts over Holm. Rogan asks about Cyborg Justino, she says she wants to fight everyone and if Cyborg is next then so be it but she needs surgery on her hand and once that’s out of the way she’ll see what’s next. She thanks the fans, most of whom boo her, thanks her friends and family as well. She’s the first Dutch UFC champion since El Guapo Bas Rutten.

On that somewhat anticlimactic note, UFC 208 comes to a close. We’ll be talking about this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, we’ll also be previewing UFC Fight Night 105 which airs next Sunday. I’ll be back on Sunday for that event, and boy am I utterly non plussed by it. Hopefully good fights come out of it despite the lackluster name value on that card. I hope you’ll come back for that event as well, and until then thanks again for being here and keep checking 411mania for all of you pop culture needs.