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411’s UFC 209 Report 3.04.17

March 5, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 209. I’m Robert Winfree and I’m the guy sitting behind the keyboard relaying all of the action as I see it to you. This card suffered a substantial blow yesterday when the scheduled co-main event of Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov for the interim lightweight title fell through when Nurmagomedov fell ill during weight cutting. That was the fight I was most looking forward to on this card, on paper MMA doesn’t get much better than those two matching up, but the card is still solid enough. The main event is a rematch for the welterweight title between champion Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson, the two fought to a draw at UFC 205. Also on this card former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans makes his middleweight debut against Dan Kelly and a rematch between heavyweight strikers Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt. This event comes to us from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The UFC is trying out the three man commentary booth again, this time with Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Dominick Cruz. Given how little Anik got in during the prior three man booth I expect Rogan and Cruz to dominate the fight discussion while Anik does segues and advertisements. Worth noting is that Nevada is one of the states that has not adopted the changes made to the unified rules of MMA.

Albert Morales has yet to score his first UFC win, he’s 0-1-1 in the promotion, and is coming off of a TKO loss to Thomas Almeida. Morales needs a win here badly as failing to win in your first three UFC fights has cost more than one fighter their spot on the roster. Andre Soukhamthath, the first fighter of Lao descent in the UFC, brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, all three are finishes including a really nice flying knee KO, and tonight has the opportunity to make a big first impression to UFC fans. The odds lean towards Morales at -140 to the +110 on Soukhamthath.

Bantamweight Bout: Albert Morales (6-1-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (11-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Morales has two inches of reach on Soukhamthath. Circling to start, Morales lands a bit of a left body kick but Soukhamthath cracks him back with a right. Morales flashing the jab and showing leg kicks, just range finding. Soukhamthath lands a bit of a right. Morales lands a pretty good jab then a leg kick. Morales lands a jab then a leg kick, Soukhamthath really needs to get a feel for the range here as he’s getting sniped at distance. They both land left hooks but Morales landed better. Lefts traded again. Morales lands a leg kick, Soukhamthath is a little too upright once they get into exchanges. Soukhamthath lands a stiff jab and they trade leg kicks. Soukhamthath lands an uppercut and just misses a follow up left. They trade rights, Soukhamthath lands a left body kick. Soukhamthath misses a flying knee and eats a right. Morales lands a jab. Morales lands a leg kick, they trade in close and Soukhamthath lands a knee to the head as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales

ROUND TWO: Soukhamthath moving forward now and lands a bit of a combination. Jabs go back and forth, Soukhamthath lands a bit of a leg kick. Soukhamthath lands a leg kick. Left hook then a leg kick from Soukhamthath, he’s timing the jab of Morales this round. Morales tries for a double leg, gets Soukhamthath into a seated position on the fence. Soukhamthath back up quickly, Morales holding the clinch and looking for a trip. Morales bails on the trip and starts looking for control positions. Knees to the leg and body go back and forth. Morales tries for a single leg now, Soukhamthath goes down but has a switch and spins to the ride position immediately. Soukhamthath lands a couple of rights, Morales tries to Granby roll but winds up on his back and gets full guard. Not a lot going on here, Morales reaches for a kimura but Soukhamthath passes to half guard and lands a couple of rights. Soukhamthath lands an elbow. Morales scrambles back up, eats a knee to the face though. They stare away the last few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Soukhamthath, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Soukhamthath misses a leg kick to start the third, Morales misses a few punches. Soukhamthath lands a bit of a right then a left hook. Soukhamthath lands a left hook then a hard left hook to the body. Another hard left to the body and another, Morales is hurt to the body. More lefts to the body from Soukhamthath then a knee to the body. More lefts to the body from Soukhamthath, Morales is gutting through it but those are hurting him. They clinch and Soukhamthath disengages, lands a left to the body then tries a double leg. Soukhamthath can’t finish the double leg though and Morales spins to the ride position. Morales trying some lefts, he gets one hook in. Really poor decision from Soukhamthath, he was working Morales on the feet. Morales has both hooks in now and is after the choke. Both guys visibly tired, Morales content to stall out with the back and Soukhamthath can’t seem to break free. Soukhamthath lands some rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Soukhamthath as Morales did nothing with the back and was visibly hurt more than once on the feet, 29-28 Soukhamthath overall

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

No issues with Morales winning, he had a lot of back control time even if he did nothing with it. Real shame that Soukhamthath got off balance on the double leg. Morales on the mic now. He’s just happy to see Joe Rogan and tells everyone out there with a dream to keep pushing for it. He puts over Soukhamthath as a killer and notes that the body shots started hurting and he had to turn up the offense to compensate.

Up next a battle of unbeaten light heavyweights. Tyson Pedro had a solid UFC debut when he submitted Khalil Rountree in the first round, and he’s looking to keep that momentum rolling here. Paul Craig also had a good UFC debut, his an upset submission of Henrique da Silva, and he’s also trying to prove he’s a worthwhile prospect in a division that really needs them. The odds lean towards Craig at -140 while Pedro sits at +110.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Paul Craig (9-0, 204 lbs.) vs. Tyson Pedro (5-0, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Craig is half an inch taller but Pedro has a notable reach edge of three inches. Craig comes out quickly and just has a head kick blocked. Both men work a little with the lead hand, Craig still throwing that left high kick. Craig backing Pedro towards the fence, he lands a body kick. Craig lands a one two combination and gets the clinch, Pedro lands a hard knee to the body and they jockey for position. Craig lands some short rights, Pedro lands an elbow. Craig hits a judo throw, he can’t secure position and Pedro is back up and keeping him on the fence. More knees go back and forth. Craig tries a head and arm throw, nothing doing and they trade knees again. Pedro with a couple of knees to the head. Craig lands a right uppercut as they break the clinch. Pedro lands a straight right. Craig lands a leg kick. Pedro lands a counter right that drops Craig, seemed to be more of a balance thing, and Pedro lets him back up. Craig lands another leg kick but eats another counter right. They clinch and Pedro lands a series of knees to the head. Craig tries to drag him down while holding the head but Pedro lands in side control and lands a few elbows. Pedro into the mounted crucifix and lands elbows and the ref stops the fight. Craig protests a bit, that was a swift stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tyson Pedro via TKO, elbows, at 4:10 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pedro for his work this evening. Time to enter Pedro as a prospect at light heavyweight, still a few questions around him but he’s looked good through two UFC bouts. Pedro on the mic, says he was slow on the counter right and he should have been throwing it as soon as Craig started kicking. He talks us through the finish briefly to close out the interview. That’s it for Fight Pass prelims, we’ll be on Fox Sports 1 at the top of the hour. To tide you over here’s that finish again.

Mark Godbeer had a rough UFC debut when he was defeated by Justin Ledet. Godbeer is after his first UFC win tonight. Daniel Spitz took this fight on relatively short notice as he replaced Todd Duffee in mid February. Spitz is undefeated as a professional and looking to remain so here with a successful UFC debut. The odds are with Godbeer at -145 to the +115 of Spitz.

Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (11-3, 241.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Spitz (5-0, 240 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spitz is three inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach on Godbeer. Godbeer stalking forward early, lands a bit of a right and a left to the body. Sptiz lands a front kick to the body. They clinch and Spitz lands a couple of knees to the head before Godbeer breaks free. Spizt lands a jab, Godbeer lands a right to the body. Godbeer lands a leg kick. They both land lefts, Godbeer lands a right. Godbeer lands a right to the body and they clinch up. Neither man does much and they disengage. Godbeer lands a bit of a left, Spitz lands a leg kick. Godbeer lands an inside leg kick that drops Spitz to a knee for a second. Godbeer eats a jab. Godbeer lands a right to the body and pushes close, they trade and break apart. Godbeer lands a leg kick. Spitz lands a leg kick, he might be trying to tire Godbeer out, Godbeer throws pretty much everything into each blow. Godbeer lands a couple of inside leg kicks but he’s slowing down. Spitz misses a high kick. Spitz lands a jab, Godbeer lands a right to the body and eats a knee to the body before they separate. Godbeer lands a bit of a leg kick. Another leg kick from Godbeer and a right to the body. Godbeer lands another leg kick. They trade rights, Godbeer lands a left hook at the horn.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Godbeer

ROUND TWO: Godbeer moving forward again, lumbers and lands a bit of a right. Spitz lands a right. Spitz tries a single leg, Godbeer defending and forces separation. Godbeer lands a few blows in close and they clinch. They trade knees to the body, Godbeer lands a right and they break. Spitz lands a left hook. Godbeer lands a leg kick. Spitz lands a jab, Godbeer lands a right in close. Godbeer lands a sloppy right but they clinch and Spitz hits a body lock takedown. Godbeer quickly to full guard. Godbeer back up quickly but eats a knee to the head in the clinch and they break. Godbeer lands a right to the body then a knee to the body. Spitz visibly slowing down, Godbeer gets close and lands rights to the body and head. Spitz lands a right. Godbeer lands a left then a knee to the body, Spitz eats a right to the body. Godbeer lands a leg kick. Spitz is wobbly, they clinch up and Spitz has Godbeer on the fence. Knees to the body being traded. They break without incident. Sptiz is dead on his feet, and Godbeer is struggling to put him away. Godbeer lands a couple of body shots. Spitz lands a right. They clinch again, Spitz lands a knee to the body. Godbeer lands a right as they break. Godbeer misses a couple of punches and they stare away the last seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves and hug for the last round. Godbeer plodding forward again. Spitz misses an uppercut. Godbeer lands a right to the body, both guys are tired and have basically lost whatever technique they started with. Spitz lands a front kick to the body. They clinch up again then break without doing anything. Godbeer lands a lunging right. Spitz lands a bit of a right, even commentary is bored now and are talking about what makes Cain Velasquez such a different kind of heavyweight. Godbeer lands a bit of a left. Spitz lands a bit of a left body kick, Godbeer lands a body kick. Spitz lands a right. Both men try egging the other on, neither has the energy to respond. Godbeer lands a right to the body, Spitz lands a right to the head. Godbeer lands a right that stumbles Spitz. Godbeer pushes close and lands a couple of hooks then backs off to regain his wind. Spitz lands a left body kick. They clinch again and trade short punches and knees then they break. Godbeer blocks a head kick and clinches yet again. They trade some body shots from the clinch to bring an end to this fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mark Godbeer via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that’s one heavyweight fight down, two to go. No interview and let’s all hope that was the worst fight of the night.

Iuri Alcantara has been trading wins and losses while going 3-2 in his last five fights. Despite that he’s still ranked as a top fifteen bantamweight and is coming off of a win over Brad Pickett, Alcantara is trying to get his first UFC winning streak since 2014 going here and move himself up the ranks. Luke Sanders had a big UFC debut up at featherweight when he upset Maximo Blanco, but that was over a year ago and Sanders is looking to prove he’s just as effective at his natural weight class and possibly crack into the top fifteen rankings. The odds are with Sanders at -145 while Alcantara pays out at +115.

Bantamweight Bout: #15 Iuri Alcantara (33-7 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Luke Sanders (11-0, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alcantara is three inches taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Touch of gloves to get us going, both men are fighting southpaw. Alcantara hits a trip bit Sanders rolls through and lands a left then disengages from a leg entanglement then makes Alcantara stand up. Alcantara misses a spinning attack but does land an overhand left. Sanders lands a right in close. Sanders lands a left in close that stuns Alcantara, then another left. Sanders sliding forward, he’s got a good feel for the range thus far. Sanders slips a couple of punches and lands a left. Alcantara misses a looping left. Alcantara lands a right body kick but Sanders takes him down and lands some punches, Alcantara rolls to his knees and Sanders is teeing off from the ride position. A series of lefts from Sanders land. Sanders switches sides when Alcantara grabs for a kimura, Sanders lands rights instead now. Hard rights from Sanders, Alcantara to the fence and trying to stand, he’s doing just enough to keep the fight from being stopped. Sanders lands some short elbows now along with rights. More elbows from Sanders, then an illegal knee to unfortunately call a halt to the action. Alcantara had a knee down on the mat, clearly illegal, and he’s likely going to take the way out as Sanders was mauling him. The ref takes a point from Sanders, fair enough given how hard that was, and Alcantara decides to continue after the doctor checks him. Sanders stalking forward, wobbles Alcantara, Alcantara lands a left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 9-8 Sanders after the point deduction

ROUND TWO: Alcantara bouncing a little to start the second, lands a looping left. Sanders gets the clinch but can’t get Alcantara down. Sanders slips a left. Alcantara lands a bit of a left. Sanders lands a jab, he’s pushing Alcantara to the fence. Sanders misses a body kick. Sanders lands a left in close then a straight left. Alcantara shoots in desperation, tries for a leg lock but Sanders scrambles out easily and they’re standing again. Sanders lands a bit of a left. Sanders lands a knee to the body, Alcantara drops to a knee and Sanders starts swarming him with rights and elbows. Alcantara back up and still in the clinch. Sanders sprawls a bad double leg attempt and is back in the ride position. Sanders with more lefts from that position. Alcantara tries to roll for a kneebar, he actually gets it, Sanders doesn’t pull his leg free and has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Iuri Alcantara via Submission, kneebar, at 3:13 of Round 2

Impressive comeback from Alcantara, he was getting mauled but switched his hip angle and rolled through nicely. Alcantara on the mic now, He thanks everyone for coming and says he trained hard for this one and notes that the illegal knee happens frequently in training so he was prepared to keep going. He talks us through the finish and puts over his submission training and then asks to fight in Brazil next and to fight someone ranked above him. Here’s that finish, really nice job securing it by Alcantara. Apparently that’s the first kneebar in the UFC since 2013, tough submission to finish at a high level when strikes are involved.

Mirsad Bektic is regarded as one of the top prospects at featherweight and is unbeaten including being 4-0 in the UFC. Unfortunately he’s struggled with consistent activity but last fought in October of last year, a fifth consecutive win here would almost certainly earn him a shot at the top ten of the division. Darren Elkins is riding a three fight winning streak and has been a tough upper level gatekeeper for a while now, he’s trying to take down a tough prospect and prove that he’s deserving of another crack at the elite of the division. Bektic is a prohibitive -700 favorite while the +450 payout on Elkins is a very tempting value bet.

Featherweight Bout: #13 Mirsad Bektic (11-0, 145 lbs.) vs. #14 Darren Elkins (21-5, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Elkins has two inches of height and one of reach on Bektic. They both flash jabs early, Bektic lands a counter right to one of them. Bektic lands a left hook then a right in close. Stiff counter right then two follow up blows from Bektic to a lazy jab of Elkins, Bektic then hits a double leg and passes into half guard almost instantly. Bektic passes to side control and lands a series of elbows that have opened Elkins up. Bektic after the mounted crucifix, Elkins gets to half guard though. Bektic lands some short rights. Betkic passes to side control again and lands an elbow then gets the mounted crucifix and lands rights. Rights and elbows from Betkic land, Elkins scrambles back to half guard but he’s in trouble. Betkic lands some rights and is trying to pass again. Bektic lands a couple of elbows. Elkins to full guard but Bektic lands a couple of hard punches and passes to half guard again. Betkic relentless here and Elkins is a bloody mess. Bektic lands another couple of elbows. Bektic to side control again, Elkins rolls and winds up back with full guard. Bektic lands three hard elbows. Elkins gets to a body triangle from the bottom to stall out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Bektic

ROUND TWO: That cut is pretty nasty, we got a look at it between rounds. There’s several smaller ones as well. Bektic circling again, Elkins showing the jab yet again. Bektic avoids a combination and lands a right. They clinch, Bektic lands a couple of punches and hits a single leg into half guard. Elkins trying to wall walk, he’s up but Bektic lands two knees to the body and keeps him in the clinch. They trade some knees and Bektic lands a left then a right and tries another double leg. Elkins threatens with a guillotine to get on top, he moves to the back as Bektic gets to his knees. Elkins into the ride position, Bektic back up and they resume clinch fighting. Bektic pulls back and disengages. Bektic lands a left then a right. Hard couple of rights from Bektic. Bektic ducks a right, tries a double leg and they scramble but Bektic winds up holding a rear waist lock as they clinch. Elkins able to avoid a possible takedown, Bektic hits a trip and is on top again in the guard of Elkins. Bektic looking to pass, Elkins tries for a guillotine or a bad anaconda and loses the grip and Bektic is in side control. Bektic lands an elbow and Elkins gets half guard again. Bektic lands some rights. Elkins tries some elbows from the bottom. Bektic to side control, lands rights as Elkins gets half guard again. Bektic lands some rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bektic, 20-17 Bektic overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. More circling and Elkins lands a left kick that was aimed at the body but hit the groin. Bektic has up to five minutes to recover. Bektic takes a second or two and is back to fighting. Both men showing the jab again, Bektic is countering it though and landing rights. Bektic lands a hard left hook then a right. Bektic tries a double leg, Elkins sprawling and gets to the fence to defend. Bektic switches towards a single leg, they scramble and wind up back on the feet. Bektic lands a jab then a one two combination. Bektic tries another double leg, Elkins defends and gets to the fence. Bektic tries switching to a single leg, he can’t finish it again. Bektic switches legs and does get the single leg into half guard. Elkins tries to scramble for heel hook, he tries switching to a kneebar but Bektic spins free and Elkins gets the front headlock then spins to the ride position. Elkins lands a knee to the body then to the thigh. Elkins lands a couple of rights, one wobbles Bektic then he lands a head kick that finishes Bektic! Holy night of comebacks.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Darren Elkins via TKO, punches and head kick, at 3:19 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Elkins for his work this evening, though they cannot endorse his new chest tattoo. Massive comeback for Elkins, who’s on the mic now. He says the win feels awesome and this is the biggest comeback of his career and he knew he needed a finish. Here’s the finish, still a little shocked Bektic blew that one.

We get a brief interview with UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson who announces that he’ll be main eventing the April FOX show defending his belt against Wilson Reis. Should he be successful he’ll tie Anderson Silva’s record for consecutive title defenses. They also announce that Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will fight Robert Whittaker on that card, and suddenly I’ve got card to actually look forward to.

Marcin Tybura is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off of a win, he’s looking to get his first UFC winning streak as well as prove himself a heavyweight to watch going forward. Luis Henrique has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, that loss is to surging prospect Francis Ngannou. Henrique is trying to extend that streak to three and earn another step up in competition for his next fight. The odds are with Tybura at -155 to the +135 for Henrique.

Heavyweight Bout: Luis Henrique (10-2 1 NC, 248.5 lbs.) vs. Marcin Tybura (14-2, 251.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Tybura is an inch taller and has four of reach on Henrique. Touch of gloves to get things going. Tybura lands a front kick to the body. Henrique gets close and tries a takedown, Tybura defends and they wind up clinched on the fence. They trade some body work. Tybura lands a bit of an elbow, mostly missed. And the ref breaks them up as they’ve stalled out. Henrique lands a bit of a jab, Tybura lands a left body kick but Henrique catches it and takes him down. Tybura quickly scrambles back up and Henrique has him on the fence again. Henrique tries a body lock takedown, Tybura up and eats a knee to the head but he catches it and takes Henrique down. Henrique scrambles and gets to half guard. Henrique trying to wall walk, Tybura throwing some weak lefts. Henrique to a knee, Tybura lands a knee to the body but Henrique is up and takes Tybura down. Henrique lands some lefts from the ride position and Tybura is back up and they hold the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tybura

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Henrique lands a bit of a jab and Tybura misses a combination. Henrique catches a knee and tries a takedown but that stalls out in the clinch. Henrique gets a body lock and spins Tybura down landing in side control. Henrique trying for the mounted crucifix. Tybura bridges out and is up but Henrique has a front headlock and pushes him into the fence again. Henrique lands a couple of knees to the body and head. Tybura tries to break free, Henrique drops for a single leg that doesn’t work and they’re clinched. And the ref separates them and Henrique tries another takedown that winds up in the clinch. The ref breaks them up again, they had stalled out pretty badly. Henrique lands a right, Tybura lands a left front kick to the face and Henrique clinches again into the fence. Henrique lands a few knees to the thigh. They trade rights and Henrique keeps Tybura on the fence. They land rights, break and Tybura blocks a takedown attempt as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Henrique, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Tybura lands a right and eats a knee to the head. They trade and Tybura wobbles Henrique with a right, Tybura rushes forward and they’re clinched again. They trade some weak blows, Henrique eats an elbow. Tybura lands another elbow, Henrique is gassed and just hanging out so the ref separates them. Tybura comes forward, misses a left high kick and blocks a takedown attempt then pushes Henrique into the fence. Tybura lands some body shots and tries a double leg but Henrique uses a guillotine to stall then goes for a standing guillotine against the fence. Tybura guts through that choke, which was pretty tight for a standing guillotine. Henrique drops for a double leg, Tybura spins to his back and has full mount now. Tybura postures and lands an elbow. Tybura lands some rights then lefts and the flurry from a mostly gassed Tybura gets the stoppage as Henrique was just laying on a hip.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcin Tybura via TKO, punches, at 3:46 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tybura for his work this evening. Well that was, certainly 13 minutes I’ll never get back. We’re short on time so no interview for Tybura and we’re on to PPV next.

This is a rematch of a fight from 2008 when Alistair Overeem submitted Mark Hunt (12-10-1 1 NC) with an americana. Overeem is coming off of a failed bid to capture the heavyweight title but had won four in a row before that. He’s trying to avoid another losing streak and prove he’s still very much in the title picture. Hunt is coming off of a No Contest against Brock Lesnar, originally Hunt lost a unanimous decision, and is in an odd spot considering his law suit against the UFC and several statements he’s made regarding being unhappy, one has to imagine a loss could easily see the UFC cut him loose. The odds lean towards Overeem at -140 to the +110 on Hunt.

Heavyweight Bout: #8 Mark Hunt (12-10-1 1 NC, 265 lbs.) vs. #3 Alistair Overeem (14-15 1 NC, 256 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Overeem has six inches of height and eight of reach on Hunt. Touch of gloves, Overeem opens orthodox but will switch his stance frequently. Hunt lands a leg kick. Overeem checks a leg kick. Overeem just misses a counter right as Hunt tried a leg kick. Overeem lands a front kick to the body. Hunt has a nasty cut on his right shin from that checked leg kick, it’s leaking all the way down to his foot. They trade body kicks, Overeem is in the southpaw stance now. Overeem lands an oblique kick to the thigh and goes to orthodox then lands a low leg kick. Overeem lands a front kick to the thigh or hip, couldn’t quite see the exact point of impact. Hunt lands a body kick. Overeem lands a left body kick and they clinch then break quickly. Overeem with a front kick to the body then a calf kick. Overeem lands a right. Hunt lands a leg kick. Overeem lands a leg kick and is a little off balance from a Hunt right. Overeem lands a left body kick. Hunt just misses a right and Overeem lands a leg kick. Hunt checks a leg kick. Hunt lands a body kick. Overeem lands a body kick then an oblique kick to the thigh. Overeem lands a right then a left and a leg kick. Hunt ducks under a left hook. They clinch and Overeem lands a knee to the body as they break. Overeem slips a bit and then covers up as Hunt tries to flurry but Hunt bails on that after a few blocked punches and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Overeem

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Overeem lands a front kick to the body. Overeem lands a spinning back kick to the body. Hunt still working to close the distance, Overeem lands a straight left and Hunt lands a body kick. Overeem lands another straight left then just misses a front kick to the head. Overeem wobbles Hunt a bit with a spinning elbow then side kicks the thigh. Hunt is bleeding from the nose now. Overeem lands a knee to the body. They clinch, Overeem hurts Hunt with a knee to the body then one to the head. Overeem has Hunt on the fence. Overeem working knees to the body. Overeem disengages with another knee to the body then lands a body kick. Hunt lands a right elbow that wobbles Overeem. Hunt lands a right, he’s pushing forward trying to finish but Overeem gets the clinch again. Overeem lands a knee to the body. Overeem lands a hard left elbow then a knee to the chest. Overeem lands another knee to the body. Overeem with more knees to the body. Hunt lands an elbow, Overeem lands a knee. More knees to the body from Overeem, Hunt is starting to feel those. Hunt lands another elbow and the round ends in the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Overeem circling and lands a side kick to the thigh. Overeem lands a left. Overeem lands a right and they clinch briefly then break. Hunt lands a right in close. Overeem lands a front kick to the body. They clinch and Overeem lands a knee to the body as he gets Hunt on the fence. Overeem lands another knee to the body. Overeem lands an elbow then a knee to the head, another knee to the head, Hunt face plants and this is over!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alistair Overeem via KO, knees, at 1:43 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Overeem for his work this evening. Also why not, BOOM. . . heavyweights! Overeem on the mic now. He puts over Hunt as tough and says he’s a fan of Hunt and has been through the years and he’s not done yet. He talks us through the finish and says he’s proud of this one because of how tough Hunt is and then thanks his coaches and reiterates he’s not done yet implying another run at the title. Here’s a still of that face plant. Haven’t seen Hunt straight KO’d in a long time, maybe since the Melvin Manhoef fight years ago.

When Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson fell through the UFC decided to elevate this fight from Fight Pass to filler on the main card of a PPV as opposed to a relevant featherweight bout or a bantamweight scrap featuring top fifteen Iuri Alcantara. Amanda Cooper is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Anna Elmose, she’s trying to get her first ever winning streak as a professional fighter. Cynthia Calvillo is undefeated as a professional and making her UFC debut here, given the increased visibility of being on a PPV she has a chance to make a big first impression. The odds here are with Calvillo at -135 to the +105 on Cooper.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Cynthia Calvillo (3-0, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Amanda Cooper (2-2, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Calvillo is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Both women flashing the jab early. Cooper lands a counter right that off balances Calvillo a bit. Calvillo lands a leg kick and just avoids a counter right. Cooper lands a right uppercut. Cooper lands a bit of a right, Calvillo lands an inside leg kick. Calvillo catches a kick and gets a single leg then basically lands in side control. They roll a bit and Cooper is up, tries a double leg but Calvillo rolls through and holds a front headlock then tries to set up an anaconda choke. Calvillo rolls for the choke, uses it to take the back in a really nice transition. Calvillo working for the choke, Cooper breaks the grip once but Calvillo switches to a gable grip and forces the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cynthia Calvillo via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Calvillo for her work this evening. Calvillo on the mic and says she was ready for this opportunity. She puts over her team for getting her grappling on point. She closes with a little Spanish then tells Dana White to give one of her teammates, a flyweight, a chance.

Rashad Evans is making his middleweight debut here after dropping two fights at light heavyweight and his last wins being in 2013 against Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen. Evans is trying to prove that despite pushing 40 he’s got enough left in the tank to be a relevant fighter in his new division. Dan Kelly is a four time Olympian in judo and a solid 5-1 in the UFC including a three fight winning streak. Kelly is older than Evans and while he’s admitted that a title run is unlikely a win over Evans would be the biggest of his career. Evans’ high level UFC experience has him as the -225 favorite against the +175 underdog Kelly.

Middleweight Bout: Rashad Evans (19-5-1, 185 lbs.) vs. Daniel Kelly (12-1, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Evans has four and a half inches of reach on Kelly though. Kelly fighting southpaw. Both men pawing with the lead hand, Evans lands a bit of a right. Evans lands another right, he’s quickly finding that straight right regularly. Kelly falls just a little short with a left. Kelly blocks a head kick. Evans lands a right and avoids a couple of counters, Evans is almost comically faster than Kelly so far. Kelly lands a counter left after slipping a right. Kelly lands a bit of a left, Evans isn’t respecting the distance anymore. Kelly lands a left that stuns Evans. Kelly has quietly closed the distance to his range. Evans hits a single leg, Kelly to all fours and Evans settles for the clinch then Kelly fails on a trip and they disengage. Evans lands a right uppercut. Kelly lands another left. They clinch up and Kelly lands a couple of punches as they break. Evans lands a knee to the body but they clinch and Kelly lands a series of lefts then an elbow as they break. Kelly lands another left. Evans lands a body kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kelly

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Kelly moving forward, both men feinting. Kelly just misses a left. Evans lands a right. Kelly lands a left and they clinch but Kelly can’t quite finish a throw and they wind up disengaging. Kelly lands a left and they trade in close. Kelly lands a left that wobbles Evans a bit, Kelly pushing forward and they clinch again. Kelly eats a one two combination as they break, Evans reaches for a takedown but Kelly stuffs it and they break a clinch. Kelly fails on a trip and eats a knee to the head. Kelly lands a left. Kelly gets poked in the eye trying a foot sweep and he’ll have time to recover. Replay confirms the thumb to the eye. Kelly is good to continue and we’re back to sloppy one two combinations that are mostly blocked from both men. Kelly lands a body kick. They trade power hand punches. Evans lands a body kick, they clinch and Kelly lands some lefts then a right as they break. Evans lands a right but eats a bit of a combination. Evans throwing a lot of single shots while Kelly is throwing two or three blows. Evans hits a single leg, gets the rear waist lock as Kelly regains his feet but Kelly spins free quickly and just avoids a head kick. Kelly lands a straight left then a body kick. Evans can’t land a head kick but avoids a takedown attempt and they trade in close before Evans circles away. Evans lands a body kick. They stare away the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again for the final round. Kelly pushing forward again, lands a left. Kelly gets the clinch and tries a trip but Evans only drops to his knees and then they break. They both miss lefts. Kelly lands a left. Kelly lands a bit of a combination then an inside leg kick. They trade power hands. Evans lands a right uppercut. Kelly lands a left. Evans lands a left hook. Evans lands a jab, Kelly trips him down but can’t get top position before Evans is back up. Evans lands a body kick. Kelly lands a jab. Kelly’s pressure is relentless but Evans is finding the target. Kelly lands a left uppercut. Kelly lands a couple of lefts. Kelly with a couple of short lefts in close and they clinch. They break without incident. Kelly blocks a head kick and lands a leg kikc then a left uppercut. Kelly just wont go away and now lands some punches in the clinch and Evans avoids a throw attempt. Kelly with a left as they break. Kelly lands a left uppercut, we’re full blown ugly pocket fighting now folks. Kelly lands a left. Evans lands another uppercut. Kelly lands a left, and another left. Kelly lands a counter one two combination, then a left in close. Kelly is just out working Evans. They trade in close, Evans grabs the shorts obviously on a takedown attempt and the ref stops long enough to warn Evans. Kelly’s shorts are actually torn. They trade in close for the final ten seconds.

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

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

Old man power! Kelly on the mic now, he says this feels awesome. He thanks Evans for the fight and puts him over as a legend of the sport. Rogan asks him about his knee which is taped up, he says he had that knee reconstructed a few years ago and he injured it again years ago and he’d need to take a year off to get it fixed surgically but as long as he can wear the brace he’s good to keep fighting. Respect to that man’s toughness. He says he feels he might be due a ranked opponent next, he’s won four in a row, and thanks Vegas for being awesome. Here’s the final exchange, not much technique but plenty of fun.

Lando Vannata had an impressive UFC debut as despite losing on short notice to Tony Ferguson he more than held his own, then followed that up with a highlight reel finish of John Makdessi. Vannata is looking to continue that momentum and prove he’s not just a prospect, but a future contender at lightweight. David Teymur has gone 2-0 in the UFC and if he can upset the highly touted Vannata here he’ll have the biggest win of his career and would prove himself a lightweight worthy of note going forward. Vannata is a substantial -375 favorite while a Teymur win would pay out at a tempting +305.

Lightweight Bout: David Teymur (5-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Lando Vannata (9-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Teymur has a two inch reach advantage. Both men switching their stance pretty regularly so far. Vannata working the lead leg kick, lands a side kick to the thigh. Vannata lands a bit of a left hook. Teymur circling and Vannata moving forward. Teymur lands a couple of leg kicks. Teymur lands an inside leg kick. Vannata lands a jumping body kick. They trade in close after Vannata misses a spinning back fist. Teymur misses a right. Vannata catches a leg kick and lands a right. Teymur lands a body kick. Vannata lands a cartwheel kick! Good grief. Vannata gets close, drops Teymur with a right and tries to follow up but Teymure clinches and lands some knees to the body that force a disengage. Teymur lands a straight left. They clinch up and break. Teymur lands a knee to the body. Vannata lands a bit of a head kick then a spinning back kick to the body. Teymur lands a bit of a head kick. Teymur lands a body kick and Vannata hits a double leg, spins towards the back and they scramble but Teymur is back up and away. Vannata lands an inside leg kick. They trade rights, Vannata gets stunned by a right and Teymur lands some follow ups but Vannata fires back. They both miss hooks then Vannata lands a left high kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Teymur

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Vannata back to forward pressure, lands a body kick. Teymur lands a body kick. They clinch, Vannata lands a right as they break. They both miss kicking attacks. Vannata lands a bit of a right. Rights are traded, they both landed hard. They clinch up again and Vannata lands a short punch as they break. Teymur lands a couple of hard knees to the body from a clinch before they break. Vannata catches a kick and lands a wheel kick counter. Teymur lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Teymur. They trade rights again. Teymur lands a right then a left. Teymur has a head kick blocked then lands a superman punch. Teymur hits a double leg and lands a couple of punches then a knee as Vannata regains his feet. Vannata lands a body kick. Teymur lands a body kick. Teymur lands a body kick. Vannata lands a right, Teymur lands a left. Vannata misses a jumping back kick. Teymur lands a couple of knees to the body from a clinch. Teymur catches a kick but doesn’t counter as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Vannata misses a spinning back kick and eats a left. Teymur lands a knee to the body. Teymur lands another knee to the body from a brief clinch. Vannata lands a counter right after avoiding a punch. Teymur lands an inside leg kick. Teymur lands a body kick. Teymur lands an inside leg kick. They trade in close and Teymur lands a knee to the body. They break without incident. Vannata lands a bit of a counter right. Vannata lands an inside leg kick. Vannata slips a left and lands a counter right. Teymur lands a left then a right. Teymur hits a single leg, Vannata back up and Teymur holds the clinch. Teymur lands an elbow as they break the clinch. Vannata lands a right, then another right. Teymur catches a kick and trips Vannata but Vannata is back up instantly. Vannata lands another right then a right hook. Teymur after another single leg, Vannata blocks it and lands a right as they break. They clinch up then break without incident. Teymur lands a left then a right and hits a single leg. Vannata back up immediately and just misses a right. Teymur lands a left. Teymur lands a body kick then tries a takedown that Vannata blocks. They trade rights as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Teymur via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

A little surprised Vannata didn’t get a round on at least one scorecard, round one was close. Teymur on the mic now. He says this is a dream come true and he can barely realize that he’s right here right now, and hopes he made some American fans. He says he’s here for the belt and after two finishes and a great fight he wants a post fight bonus and then gives glory to God. He speaks some Swedish for his fans and family back home to close the interview.

This is a rematch of the co-main event from UFC 205 where Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson fought to a majority draw. Woodley is reigning UFC welterweight champion and hasn’t lost since June of 2014 when he was comprehensively out pointed by Rory MacDonald, and while he retained his title on the draw with Thompson he’s looking for a more emphatic outcome this time around and to continue forging his championship legacy. Thompson hasn’t lost since 2012 when Matt Brown proved just a little too experienced for him, he’s been touted as a future champion for his last few fights and is trying to prove that accurate and claim the welterweight title tonight. The odds are, again, slightly with Thompson at -135 while Woodley sits at +115.

Welterweight Title Bout: (c) Tyron Woodley (16-3-1, 170 lbs.) vs. #1 Stephen Thompson (13-1-1, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Thompson has three inches of height but just one of reach on Woodley. Woodley fight orthodox, Thompson will switch his stance frequently. Touch of gloves and we’re underway. Thompson stalking forward a bit, both men feinting a lot. Thompson backing Woodley towards the fence, Woodley happy to give ground and look to counter. Thompson lands a side kick to the body, Woodley misses a blitz. Thompson lands an inside leg kick. Woodley blocks a high kick. Woodley blocks another high kick. Lots of feinting, Thompson avoids a right. Thompson misses a question mark kick. Thompson lands a quick combination of punches. Both men very cautious so far, both know the skills of the other and don’t want to make a big error. Thompson lands a body kick then eats a leg kick. Woodley just gives ground until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thompson

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Thompson misses a high side kick then lands an inside leg kick. Woodley moving forward now, misses a combination. Thompson takes a right to the body and avoids a couple of head punches. Woodley backing up again, circling along the fence. Thompson lands a couple of straight lefts. Thompson lands a bit of a side kick to the body. Woodley lands a bit of a jab. Thompson probing with the lead hand now, lands it a couple of times. Woodley lands a bit of a right. Thompson lands a jab. Thompson lands a side kick to the body. Thompson lands a bit of a head kick. Thompson again with a side kick to the body. Thompson lands a body kick to close out the second round.

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

ROUND THREE: Thompson has a small cut under his left eye on the cheek bone, Woodley is swelling around the left eye. Thompson lands a low outside leg kick. Woodley tries a single leg, it stalls out on the fence. Woodley after a double leg again and gets Thompson down into half guard. Thompson looking to wall walk but Woodley is working to control one of the hands and stop him posting. Woodley lands a couple of lefts. Woodley lands some lefts to the body. Thompson has his arms back and is looking to wall walk. Thompson back up, Woodley lands a couple of knees in the clinch and Thompson spins Woodley into the fence. Thompson lands some punches to the body and disengages. Thompson back to forward pressure, Woodley circling. Thompson lands a bit of a left. Thompson lands a left to the body. Thompson again with a left to the body then has a head kick blocked. Thompson lands a side kick to the body. Thompson lands a left to the head then a left to the body. Thompson with another left to the body. Woodley lands a bit of a right. Thompson lands a body kick. They trade in close and Thompson lands a heavy left hook to close the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves yet again. Thompson pressuring again, Woodley misses a right. Woodley misses a right. Woodley lands a right to the chest. Thompson with a side kick to the body. Woodley lands a bit of a body kick. Thompson lands a bit of a left. Thompson lands a wheel kick but Woodley absorbed it well. Woodley misses another overhand right. Thompson with another side kick to the body. Thompson working forward, just misses a left. Thompson lands a body kick. Thompson lands a head kick. Thompson lands a left and Woodley misses a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thompson, 39-37 Thompson overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the last round. Woodley moving forward now, he knows he needs a finish. Thompson circling now. Thompson with a side kick to the body. Woodley lands a bit of a right after eating a side kick to the body. Woodley misses a right. Thompson lands a right and avoids a takedown attempt. Woodley misses badly on a right. Woodley misses a couple of rights. Thompson lands a left to the body. Woodley misses another right. Thompson lands another left to the body then a body kick. Thompson avoids some punches from Woodley. Thompson lands an inside leg kick. Thompson lands a counter left. Woodley lands a bit of a right. Woodley drops Thompson briefly with a right, he flurries and Thompson is trying to survive. Woodley can’t finish him though. Woodley lands a left and Thompson lands a jab at the horn.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Woodley, 48-47 Thompson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Welterweight Champion – Tyron Woodley via majority decision (47-47, 48-47 x2)

I never want to see those two fight each other again, they just don’t match up at all. The crowd boos loudly, Woodley on the mic. He says he was nervous and Thompson made life hard for him, he says he wishes he had done what he did in the fifth earlier. He says at a minimum he knew he needed the fifth and is just happy to get the victory at the end of the day. Nothing surprised him, he says it was hard to storm forward and that sometimes fights between the two best guys look like this.

Thompson gets an interview now. He says he had to fight like that against Woodley’s style, he says he thought he had the fight (I agree) but he’ll live to fight another day. He thanks the fans and God and reiterates that he does this to fight the best. He says he wasn’t too hurt in the fifth that it was more of a flash knockdown. He says you can’t leave it to the judges.

Alright, that wraps up UFC 209. A mostly good event but that final fight wasn’t good at all. I’m deeply frustrated by both of those guys because I know they can do better. We’ll be reviewing this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, where I’ll be desperately trying to find my interest in the sport again. We’ll also be previewing UFC Fight Night 106 which takes place next week, headlined by Kelvin Gastelum taking on Vitor Belfort. That show takes live callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like addressed on air. I’ll be back next week for the aforementioned Fight Night, I hope you’ll come back for that one. In the mean time thanks again for being here and reading and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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