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411’s UFC 212 Report 6.3.17

June 4, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 212. Also welcome to everyone reading after the fact, I don’t want you to feel left out because I’m eternally grateful to you as well. I’m Robert Winfree and I’m your host for these proceedings, calling the action just as I see it. The main event tonight should be a great fight as UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo tries to defend that title against interim champion Max Holloway. Holloway is riding a ten fight winning streak while Aldo just put on a clinic against Frankie Edgar, the winner will become the undisputed featherweight champion and hopefully the division will finally be in a more function state after the damage Conor McGregor did to it. That’s easily the best fight on this card, though the co-main event might have title implications at strawweight as Claudia Gadelha takes on Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Vitor Belfort has maybe the last fight of his UFC career, and main eventing the prelims the anticipated debut of Marlon Moraes as he takes on the number three bantamweight in the UFC Raphael Assuncao. This event was supposed to feature Anderson Silva vs. Kelvin Gastelum, but Gastelum had a drug issue then Silva tried to politic himself into an interim title fight, the UFC went with an interim title fight for UFC 213 between Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker resulting in Silva not being on this card. This event comes to us from the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with probably the best commentary trio the UFC has as Jon Anik, Brian Stann, and Dominick Cruz will be on the mic tonight.

And here’s the usual update on the rules situation. The Brazilian commission has not adopted any of the changes to the Unified Rules, so the definition of a downed opponent, the extending of fingers, and the changes to the scoring language are out of play. Anyone else as tired as I am of trying to keep track of these differing rules systems?

Marco Beltran is making his flyweight debut here after getting submitted by Joe Soto in his last fight, it’s a somewhat interesting decision as he’d won his first three fights at bantamweight before that but the path to a title shot at flyweight is certainly a tad shorter. He’s trying to get his run at flyweight started with a memorable win here. Deiveson Alcantara is making his UFC debut here, he’s undefeated as a professional and looking to make a good first impression at the expense of Beltran. The odds are with Alcantara here at -155 to +120 for Beltran.

Flyweight Bout: Marco Beltran (8-4, 126 lbs.) vs. Deiveson Alcantra (11-0, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Beltran is three inches taller but has just an inch and a half of reach on Alcantara. They touch gloves to get things going. Circling to start, Beltran misses a high kick. Alcantara lands a bit of a leg kick. Beltran lands an inside leg kick. Alcantara lands a body kick, tries a double leg but Beltran manages to remain upright and gets Alcantara on the fence. They jockey for position and Alcantara hits an inside trip and lands in the guard of Beltran. Beltran trying to tie him up and stall things out, Alcantara working a can opener to get the guard to open. Alcantara lands a couple of lefts. Beltran trying to wall walk now, Alcantara passes to half guard as he tries though. Alcantara grabs a guillotine choke, it’s pretty tight and he passes to side control, Beltran kicks off of the fence but Alcantara holds the guillotine choke and is after it. He’s got full guard but he’s stretching rather than crunching with the arm in guillotine. Alcantara adjusts a bit, Beltran breaks the grip though and lands a few hard elbows. Beltran lands an elbow, Alcantara trying to roll under, Beltran stands and lets him back up. They posture a bit before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alcantara

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Beltran misses a high kick. Alcantara lands a side kick to the body, and eats a leg kick. Beltran lands an inside leg kick then has a high kick blocked. Alcantara trying to incite a brawl but Beltran is content to kick the legs. Alcantara bulls in close and lands a few body shots then gets a takedown from a poorly advised knee attempt. Alcantara passes to mount almost immediately. Alcantara tries to move to S mount, Beltran moves enough to get half guard and now Alcantara lands a hard elbow. Alcantara stands, he’s avoiding up kicks and moves to half guard and lands a few more blows. Beltran to his knees, Alcantara takes his back and is after the choke. Alcantara loses the grip and moves to mount as Beltran managed to defend. Alcantara to half guard to try and set up a choke attempt. Beltran scoots towards the fence but Alcantara gets close and catches an up kick then drops for a heel hook. He’s pretty tight on this attempt, Beltran trying to hand fight and Alcantara bails on the heel hook and they’re back up. Alcantara lands a hard right to the body, then an elbow that has cut Beltran. Alcantara lands an elbow that absolutely wobbles Beltran, Beltran falls on wobbly legs but gets saved by the bell.

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

ROUND THREE: And the ref waved off the fight between the rounds.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Deiveson “Figueiredo” Alcantara via TKO, referee stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 2

Solid stoppage there, Beltran was hurt. Alcantara on the mic now. He wishes good evening to the crowd, thanks Brazil and plans on coming for the top of the division. Asked about his strategy in the second round he puts over Beltran as tough but he felt he was hurt and he went for the finish, then says he’s a big fan of Brian Stann and thanks him for the interview. He closes by thanking his team.

Luan Chagas has yet to notch his first UFC win as he fought to a draw in his debut then was submitted by Erick Silva. Chagas needs a win here as going winless in your first three UFC appearances more than likely gets him cut at this point. Jim Wallhead is coming off of a loss in his UFC debut, a split decision affair, but is in a similar position of needing to get that all important first UFC win out of the way. The odds favor Chagas at -260 while Wallhead’s comeback sits at +200.

Welterweight Bout: Luan Chagas (14-2-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Jim Wallhead (29-10, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chagas is two inches taller, has two inches of reach, and is a full ten years younger than Wallhead. They touch gloves to get the fight underway. Feinting from both men early, Chagas switches to southpaw. Both men miss a few punches, range finding still. Wallhead just misses a right, Chagas lands a left. Wallhead lands a stiff left, Chagas lands an inside leg kick, then an outside one. Chagas switching his stance frequently. Wallhead blocks a head kick then they trade inside leg kicks. They both miss a few punches or have them blocked, Chagas lands a left. Chagas lands an inside leg kick. They trade, Wallhead tries a double leg that Chagas blocks easily, one of those punches landed hard on Wallhead to prompt that shot. Wallhead misses a spinning back fist then eats a stiff left. Chagas lands a couple of hooks. Wallhead lands a bit of a right but he’s not adjusting his offense to Chagas’ defense and motion. Chagas blocks a weak double leg attempt. Chagas lands a front kick to the chin. Chagas leans away from a right and lands a bit of a counter. Chagas lands a left, and a combination then a head kick. Chagas lands a knee to the chest. Wallhead is tough but he’s not adjusting and Chagas is starting to pick him apart. Chagas lands a leg kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chagas

ROUND TWO: This round picks up pretty much where the other left off. Chagas lands a right hook then a bit of a left. Wallhead lands a right hook. There’s a groin strike to Wallhead, who walks it off quickly and wants to get back to fighting. Chagas apologizes as we resume combat. Wallhead lands a bit of a left hook, he might have a bit of a read on Chagas. Chagas lands a bit of a left high kick. Chagas lands a leg kick but eats a counter right. Wallhead lands a right, then another one. Wallhead’s tenacity is starting to work for him. They clinch up and Wallhead has Chagas on the fence. They trade knees and separate. Chagas lands a left to the body. Chagas lands a jab then a body kick. Chagas lands a combination, Wallhead just eats it. Chagas lands a straight left, they trade and Wallhead complains of an eye poke. Replay confirms the eye poke, that’s pretty nasty and the doctor is in to check on Wallhead. The doctor says Wallhead can continue and he wants to. They trade power hand punches on the restart, Chagas lands a couple of stiff leg kicks. Wallhead just misses a wheel kick. They trade jabs, Chagas has found his rhythm again after that time out. Chagas lands a jab then a leg kick. Wallhead eats an uppercut. Chagas lands a jab then a leg kick, then an inside leg kick. Wallhead is back into one two mode rather than using the left hook that was working for him earlier this round. Chagas lands a left hook that drops Wallhead, Chagas lands a few blows on the mat, gets the back, locks in the choke and forces Wallhead to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luan Chagas via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:48 of Round 2

That’s the best Chagas has looked ever, and he gets an interview after that one. He thanks Brazil and always tries to get better from fight to fight, I think he asked for a bonus that didn’t get translated. Asked about the crowd and staying calm he talks about working hard on his cardio between fights and acknowledges he still has a ways to go.

Really well disguised left that set up the finish, he hides it behind an almost nothing right back fist but the follow up lands flush and the choke is academic on the compromised Wallhead.

Viviane Pereira hasn’t lost yet and scored a forgettable win in her UFC debut, tonight she’s trying to put in a better performance and assert herself as a possible force in the strawweight division. Jamie Moyle also won her UFC debut and is trying to move herself up in competition by becoming the first fighter to best Pereira in combat. The odds are close but lean towards Pereira at -165 to +135 on Moyle.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Jamie Moyle (4-1, 116 lbs.) vs. Viviane Pereira (12-0, 113 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Moyle has two inches of reach on Pereira. Touch of gloves to get us going. Moyle lands an inside leg kick. Pereira has a right blocked. Moyle lands a leg kick and just blocks a couple of counters. Both women still struggling with the range on punching. Moyle lands a leg kick but Pereira drives close and gets Moyle on the fence. They jockey for position, Moyle lands a knee to the body and eats a short right. More knees going back and forth, Moyle can’t get off the fence due to a lack of under hooks, she gets one and we spin a few times. Moyle lands another couple of knees to the body. Pereira lands an elbow and they disengage. Pereira lands a jab. Moyle lands a jab of her own, Pereira careful not to commit to forward motion and get double legged. Some jabs go back and forth, Moyle lands an inside leg kick as well. Moyle lands a leg kick but eats a counter right. Moyle lands a right to the body. Moyle lands a counter left hook. Pereira lands a right and they clinch then Moyle lands another hard knee to the body. Pereira lands a bit of a left before Moyle slips free. Moyle lands a body kick and avoids a takedown, they trade rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moyle

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Pereira lands a bit of a jab. They clinch, Moyle lands a knee to the body and Pereira lands a bit of a left as they separate. Pereira lands a jab. Neither woman is really committing their weight here. Moyle tries a telegraphed takedown that Pereira avoids easily. Pereira is starting to get her jab going. Moyle lands a front kick to the body, Pereira lands a good right. They clinch up and Pereira lands a few punches. Moyle lands a knee to the body as they break. Moyle lands an inside leg kick. Pereira pushing forward now with a combination, she’s not getting reckless but is starting to find the range and is landing. Pereira is backing Moyle up here. They trade rights to the body. Moyle lands a bit of a body kick. Pereira lands a looping right. Moyle lands a leg kick then gets tripped down. Moyle lands an up kick, Pereira lands a couple of leg kicks while standing. Some more leg kicks from Pereira close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pereira, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Pereira lands a jab then an inside leg kick. Pereira lands a looping right. Pereira lands another right, Moyle really needs to get her upper body moving or she’s gonna keep eating these. Pereira slips a combination and lands a few counters. Moyle lands a right uppercut but ate several punches during that exchange. They clinch up, Moyle lands a knee to the body before getting Pereira on the fence. Pereira is able to spin free without much issue. Pereira lands a right. Moyle really isn’t offering much here, they trade rights but Pereira is landing more significant blows. Pereira eats a leg kick but her punches are looking crisp. Pereira lands a bit of a right as things close.

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

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

No issues with Pereira taking the first, I disagree but I don’t think it’s objectively wrong. Pereira on the mic now. She’s very happy and thanks her team and celebrates being undefeated through thirteen fights. She said she wanted to use the jab and describes herself as 99% striker and 1% ready for whatever the opponent brings. That does it for Fight Pass, on to Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims. Well hopefully Fox Sports 1, there’s a baseball game on that will likely go long so try Fox Sports 2 or the Fox Sports Go app if the ball game goes long.

Iuri Alcantara was supposed to take on Felipe Arantes here, but Arantes pulled out. Alcantara has been a top bantamweight for a few years now, he’s riding a two fight winning streak and last lost to top contender Jimmie Rivera. Alcantara is trying to prove he’s still a relevant bantamweight and is looking to make another climb towards contender status. Brian Kelleher is making his UFC debut on short notice here but he brings a six fight winning streak with him and has a significant opportunity here to take out a top fifteen bantamweight and make a big statement to the rest of the division. Alcantara is a solid -350 favorite here to a +265 payout on Kelleher.

Bantamweight Bout: #13 Iuri Alcantara (35-7 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Brian Kelleher (16-7, 134 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alcantara is three inches taller and has a whopping five inches of reach on Kelleher. Alcantara fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to start things off. Alcantara lands a bit of a one two then a leg kick. Alcantara has a head kick blocked, hits a knee tap but Kelleher is back up and eats a knee as he does. Kelleher lands a body kick. Alcantara lands a bit of a body kick. Kelleher lands a body kick. Kelleher lands an inside leg kick but eats a hard body kick. Alcantara hits a double leg, Kelleher grabs a guillotine though, and Alcantara taps! Wow.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brian Kelleher via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:48 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kelleher for his work this evening. Did not see Alcantara getting tapped via guillotine of all things, big big win for Kelleher there who is now on the mic. He says he felt good and had no nerves, he feels he belongs in the UFC. He teases the crowd a little with the Portuguese “you’re gonna die” into a “shhh” sound and motion. The crowd cheers a bit. He talks us through the finish and says he knew the choke was tight but didn’t expect Alcantara to tap. The crowd gets loud booing him, he says that’s thirteen in a row for him and he just took out the thirteenth ranked guy, he doesn’t want the small fish he wants the sharks in the top ten. He and the crowd are going back a bit, he says he wants on the upcoming Long Island card as he’s from Long Island then wants a bonus as he took out the home town boy.

You can’t see the grip from this angle, which is always key to finishing a guillotine, but note the rest of his body. With the arm in guillotine choke you shouldn’t stretch out but crunch forward to compress rather than pull into the blood vessels to get the choke out, nicely done.

Johnny Eduardo has only lost in the UFC to Raphael Assuncao and Aljamain Sterling, he’s coming off of a win over Manvel Gamburyan and he’s looking to defend his top ten ranking here. Matthew Lopez is 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Mitch Gagnon, Eduardo represents a big step up in competition for him but a similarly big opportunity to launch himself into a possible top fifteen ranking. Lopez is the favorite here at -160 to +130 on Eduardo.

Bantamweight Bout: #10 Johnny Eduardo (28-10, 136 lbs.) vs. Matthew Lopez (9-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Eduardo has two inches of reach on Lopez. Touch of gloves to get us going, Lopez fighting southpaw. Eduardo lands an inside leg kick, then another one. Eduardo lands a short counter right. Lopez lands a right of his own. Eduardo lands another inside leg kick then a right. They trade power hand punches that landed flush. Eduardo lands a body kick then a right. Eduardo hits an inside leg kick but Lopez hits a double leg. Eduardo tries an armbar, switches towards an inside heel hook, Lopez trying to punch out of it. Lopez breaks the grip and lands an elbow from top position. Lopez lands some hard punches, Eduardo turtles up and Lopez is going off with hammer fists. More lefts from Lopez prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matthew Lopez via TKO, punches, at 2:57 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lopez for his work this evening. Lopez is limping a little, that inside heel hook was pretty tight hopefully there’s not serious damage. He says he was waiting to get a feel for Eduardo but didn’t expect that many inside leg kicks. He says the win is satisfying, thanks the crowd and Brazil for being awesome and appreciates them coming out to watch the fights. Asked who he’d like next he says he’s fought three consecutive top fifteen opponents and says he’ll take on anyone in the top ten. That position was a case study in not over committing to a leg lock, Eduardo held on too long when the position wasn’t necessarily there and Lopez just pounded him out.

Antonio Carlos Junior is on a two fight winning streak and is slowly rebuilding himself after a rough start to his UFC run. Junior is trying to run that streak to three and potentially earn a bigger name for his next fight. Eric Spicely is also on a two fight winning streak and looking to run that to three in a row then earn a bigger opportunity next time out. The odds are with Junior here at -315 against +225 for Spicely.

Middleweight Bout: Antonio Carlos Junior (7-2 1 NC, 185 lbs.) vs. Eric Spicely (10-1, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carlos is an inch taller and has a significant six inches of reach on Spicely. Touch of gloves to get us going. Carlos pushing Spicely back quickly towards the fence. Carlos lands a leg kick but gets taken down by Spicely. Carlos gets a leg over the head, lands a few elbows then rolls under looking for a leg. Carlos after the inside heel hook, Spicely shoves his leg further in and figure fours his own legs to set up 50/50 guard. They trade a few blows trying to get the other to move their legs. Carlos gets wrist control, Spicely hammer fists him a few times to get that broken. Carlos lands a few body shots, neither man is making a major error in the position. Carlos lands a left, goes for another inside heel hook but he doesn’t have the knee line controlled and Spicely gets free without issue. Spicely rolling for a knee bar, some interesting defenses from both men for grappling fans out there. They finally break the 50/50 guard and we’re back up. Carlos dives for a takedown against the fence, hits a single leg and lands in mount then spins to the back with one hook in. Spicely is trying to turn into him, Carlos has the body triangle now and is digging for the choke. Carlos can’t get the choke or a crank before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carlos

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Carlos showing the jab, Spicely lands a bit of a left. Spicely tries a single leg, Carlos hits a switch and dumps him to land on top in half guard. Carlos looking to pass, lands some elbows to the body. Spicely hip escapes and goes for another leg lock, they wind up back in 50/50 guard. Carlos moves through the guard this time and winds up taking the back again. Carlos into the ride position, looking for the back but only has one hook in. There’s a twister possibility, Spicely back to his knees to break that threat then he rolls into butterfly guard. Carlos stands, gets the back as Spicely rolls to his knees and gets one hook in. Carlos has a body triangle now and lands a few blows. Carlos after the choke again, Spicely defends and lands a few rights. Carlos still after the choke, finally gets the grip right and Spicely has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Antonio Carlos Junior via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:49 of Round 2

That was some exceptional guard play from both men, Carlos has some of the best small man jiu-jitsu for a big man in the sport. Carlos on the mic now. Asked what the difference has been as he’s now on a three fight winning streak he basically ignores the question to say it’s great to fight in front of his friends and family and that he plans on getting better going forward. He says he only fought three times before his season of TUF and he’s grown up in the UFC and plans on improving each time out. He puts over Spicely’s ground game but he’s been doing jiu-jitsu since he was 15 and was ready. He asks for the winner of Dan Kelly, the last man to beat him, or Derek Brunson whoever wins that upcoming fight.

There’s an important detail here in the finish. Carlos doesn’t get the forearm under the chin initially, he gets over the chin but then the stretch he generates with the body triangle forces Spicely’s chin up just enough to get under and force the tap. Just look at the arc in Spicely’s back as he has to tap.

Raphael Assuncao has only lost once at bantamweight, to TJ Dillashaw and he’s coming off of a win over Aljamain Sterling. Assuncao has been one of the best four bantamweights in the world for a few years now and he’s trying to retain that spot here and possibly enter himself into the title picture. Marlon Moraes has long been talked about as the best bantamweight outside of the UFC, he’s the lineal WSOF bantamweight champion, hasn’t lost since 2011 and brings a massive thirteen fight winning streak with him into his UFC debut. Moraes has been thrown into the deep end right away here, but if he can take out a consensus top flight bantamweight like Assuncao here he could fine himself in the title conversation immediately. The odds actually lean towards Moraes for this one at -230 while Assuncao’s +180 is a tempting value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #3 Raphael Assuncao (24-5, 136 lbs.) vs. Marlon Moraes (18-4-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moraes is half an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Assuncao. Assuncao switches his stance rather frequently, and they touch gloves to get us going. Moraes lands an inside leg kick. They trade leg kicks, Moraes just misses an uppercut then lands a leg kick. Both guys doing a bit of stance switching. Moraes lands a looping right. Moraes just misses a high kick. Assuncao lands a bit of a right. Moraes lands a counter overhand right after slipping a left from Assuncao. Moraes just has a head kick blocked. Assuncao lands an inside leg kick, that hit the groin but Moraes waves off the time. Moraes lands a bit of a body kick. Moraes lands a left body kick. Moraes lands a leg kick. Assuncao misses an uppercut and eats a bit of a counter left. Assuncao tries a double leg, Moraes avoids it. Moraes lands another body kick while avoiding a right. Moraes lands a counter left, eats a bit of a leg kick. Moraes swings a right to the body. Assuncao is falling a little short with his punches, Moraes misses a tornado kick. Moraes eats a jumping right. Assuncao lands a hard right, might have stunned Moraes but the round ends before that situation develops.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moraes

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Assuncao lands a bit of a jab. Moraes lands a short right uppercut then a bit of a leg kick. Assuncao lands a left body kick, Moraes lands a bit of a left hook. Moraes just misses a high kick. They both miss overhand rights. Moraes lands a right. Assuncao misses a high kick. Moraes lands a right to the body after taking a leg kick. Moraes lands a bit of a left hook in combination. Assuncao lands an inside leg kick. Moraes lands an inside leg kick. Moraes blocks a head kick then lands a right to the body. Moraes lands a left and just misses a right. Moraes just misses with a wheel kick. Moraes lands a left hook after slipping a right. Assuncao avoids a poorly executed knee tap. Moraes lands to the body then head with hooks. Assuncao lands a front kick to the body. Moraes lands a heavy left body kick. Moraes blocks a high kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Moraes lands a jab. Moraes lands a leg kick. Assuncao lands a right that drops Moraes to a knee for a second, Moraes lands a left hook when he regains his feet. Moraes lands a right. Moraes lands a leg kick. Moraes lands an inside leg kick that takes the balance from Assuncao for a second. Moraes lands another leg kick. Assuncao misses a spinning back kick. Moraes lands a jab. Another leg kick from Moraes. Moraes just misses a high kick, Assuncao seems to have tightened up after landing that right, though Moraes is feinting a lot more as well. We get time, Moraes has taken several accidental groin strikes and Moraes is annoyed. He walks it off quickly and we’re fighting again. Assuncao lands a leg kick, Moraes lands a right to the body then a left body kick. Moraes lands another left body kick, Assuncao is trying to protect that side of his body a bit now. Moraes lands another leg kick. Moraes lands a left hook to counter an overhand right. Moraes lands a leg kick, and avoids being taken down. Moraes catches a kick, can’t fully complete a takedown as Assuncao scrambled well from his butt. Moraes lands a right to the body. Assuncao lands a jab. Moraes lands a wheel kick, Assuncao looks a little wobbled. Assuncao just avoids a high kick. Moraes fires another combination as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Raphael Assuncao via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

30-27 for Assuncao?! WTF Clucky. That’s awful, just awful. Assuncao on the mic. He puts over Moraes as a tough guy, we’re short on time and he doesn’t get to say more.

Erick Silva (19-7 1 NC) was supposed to be a big deal at welterweight but has gone just 7-6 during his time with the UFC, he is coming off of a win though and if he wants to possibly recapture some of that momentum he can’t afford to let his UFC record slip back to .500 tonight. Yancy Medeiros (14-4) has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in his last four fights, but he’s coming off of a win in his welterweight debut and is looking remain unbeaten at that weight class while scoring what would be the highest profile win of his UFC run. The odds are with Medeiros here at -140 to +110 on Silva.

Welterweight Bout: Yancy Medeiros (14-4, 171 lbs.) vs. Erick Silva (19-7 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva is two inches taller but Medeiros has an inch and a half of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going, Silva fighting southpaw. Silva goes orthodox, both men feinting a little. Medeiros lands a left body kick then a spinning back kick to the body. Silva switching his stance, misses a left body kick. Silva lands a bit of a left high kick then misses a lunging right. Medeiros lands a right that drops Silva. Medeiros trying to swarm him on the mat, Silva back up but he’s still a little wobbly as he gets on his bike to buy time to recover. Medeiros just followed and didn’t cut him off at all. Silva lands a leg kick. Medeiros has a spinning back fist blocked then he lands a left body kick. Silva tries a body kick that’s blocked then Medeiros misses a right. Silva misses a right. Silva digs a left to the body then lands a left body kick. Another left to the body from Silva, those are starting to hurt. Medeiros lands a bit of a right. Medeiros lands a spinning back kick to the body. Medeiros lands a jab. Silva lands a bit of a right but Medeiros rolled with it. Silva lands a leg kick. Medeiros digs another left body kick. Silva lands another leg kick, Medeiros lands one of his own. Silva lands another leg kick. Silva lands a knee in a brief clinch. Silva back pedals for the last few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Medeiros

ROUND TWO: Silva lands a bit of a left to start, Medeiros lands a right. Medeiros lands a left body kick. Silva lands a left body kick. This is silly, whoever is moving forward is landing and the other guy has no sense of defense. They trade a few lead hand blows, Silva lands a leg kick. Medeiros lands a bit of a right. Silva lands a short counter right. Medeiros lands a left and eats a couple of counters. Silva lands a leg kick. Medeiros lands a right then a left hook that floors Silva, Medeiros swarms him on the mat and this one is over. Silva bitches about the stoppage, not sure he’s got much of a case.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yancy Medeiros via TKO, punches, at 2:01 of Round 2

Stoppage was a bit swift but I wouldn’t say early or even controversial. Medeiros on the mic now. He gives respect to Brazil, says he loves Hawaii and his family, he thinks the stoppage might have been a bit early but that’s not his call. He puts over his team and coaches, loves Hawaii again and wants to represent, whatever that means.

Here’s the finish, and this is why you keep your lead hand up and get your head off of the center line during pocket exchanges.

Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa is unbeaten as a professional and coming off of a solid win in his UFC debut, he’s trying to keep that momentum going here and prove himself a legitimate prospect in the middleweight division. Oluwale Bamgbose is in a rough spot being just 1-2 in the UFC, that win was over Daniel Sarafian, and coming off of a loss. Bamgbose needs a win to try and keep his job as a being 1-3 in your first four fights as well as being so young in the sport could easily spell the end of his UFC tenure. Costa enjoys favored status here at -270 against +210 for Bamgbose.

Middleweight Bout: Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa (9-0, 186 lbs.) vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (6-2, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Costa is two inches taller while Bamgbose has a whopping six inches of reach advantage. Bamgbose switches his stance frequently. Bamgbose lands a right. Costa lands a jab. Bamgbose lands a bit of an inside leg kick. Costa just misses a counter left hook. Bamgbose lands a bit of a leg kick. They clinch up as Bamgbose tries a single leg, can’t finish it, lands a right then hits a double leg. Costa back up, Bamgbose tries a choke but has no hooks and Costa shakes him off easily. Bamgbose is throwing head kicks, they’re blocked and he’s already slowing down. Costa lands a right, Bamgbose lands an inside leg kick that drops Costa to a knee for a second. Costa lands a couple of body kicks. Bamgbose still trying to bounce and move but he wore himself out, Costa lands a body kick. They trade some body shots. Bamgbose lands a bit of a right. Costa lands a couple of hard body kicks. Bamgbose misses a wild right, Costa lands an inside leg kick and backs Bamgbose into the fence and tees off. Costa digs body shots and moves to the head. They clinch, Bamgbose digs body shots as Costa lands a knee to the head then an elbow before they break. Bamgbose tries a body lock takedown, Costa defends with a hard whizzer. Bamgbose is holding the clinch against the fence, trying for a double as Costa threatens with a switch. Bamgbose gets the double but he’s just holding on and sucking wind. Costa looking to wall walk, he’s back up and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa

ROUND TWO: Both guys are visibly tired but Bamgbose is much more fatigued. Costa starts backing him up immediately. Bamgbose tries a spinning back kick, Costa smiles. Costa lands a bit of a head kick, blocks a right and lands a left. Bamgbose backing up, he’s trying to throw hooks but eats a punch and drops. Costa on top landing punches, the ref has to save Bamgbose.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa via TKO, punches, at 1:06 of Round 2

Well that was, certainly something I guess. Costa on the mic now. He says he did his best and that it was all he could do to honor the fans for coming out. He puts over Bamgbose but he knew his right would land and that would be the end of it. He talks us through the finish then says he wants a top ten fighter, good luck with that. He thanks everyone again and thanks his home town to close out his interview.

Vitor Belfort is a veteran of the sport, he’s been fighting nearly since the inception of the UFC, but his career has been winding down lately. Belfort’s last win was over Dan Henderson back in 2015 and he’s publicly talked about retiring in the very near future, or at least hitting the senior’s circuit that is Bellator rather than be in the UFC. Belfort is trying to score one more win in his home town of Rio de Janeiro in what could be his final fight in Brazil. Nate Marquardt is another veteran who’s career is winding down. Marquardt has traded wins and losses going 2-2 in his last four fights but those wins are over CB Dollaway and Tamdan McCrory and he’s coming off of a terrible performance against Sam Alvey. Marquardt is also trying to recapture a bit of glory as his career nears the end. Belfort is a slight -165 favorite to +135 on Marquardt.

Middleweight Bout: #11 Vitor Belfort (25-13 1 NC, 185 lbs.) vs. Nate Marquardt (35-17-2, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height and have identical reaches. Touch of gloves, Belfort fighting southpaw. Slow motion circling to start, and some pseudo feinting. Marquardt lands a bit of a leg kick. Marquardt misses a right, they clinch, trade knees to the body and Marquardt hits an inside trip into the guard of Belfort. Marquardt trying to get some posture, lands some shoulder strikes to try and break an over hook from Belfort. The ref stands them up, a little fast for my taste. Marquardt misses a right. Marquardt lands a bit of a leg kick, this fight has now gone beyond three minutes making everyone watching very nervous. Belfort lands a glancing left then a body kick. Marquardt lands a hopping body kick. They both miss power hand punches. Marquardt lands a right to the body. Marquardt lands a weak leg kick. Marquardt lands an inside leg kick. They feint some more, Belfort has a high kick blocked as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marquardt

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Marquardt lands a bit of a leg kick. Marquardt landing short leg kicks and cirlcing, Belfort kind of just walking forward. Marquardt lands a bit of a left high kick. Belfort lands a counter left hook in close. Belfort closes distance and starts teeing off, Marquardt fires back and Belfort backs off. Belfort still moving forward, lands a left body kick. Marquardt lands a bit of a jab. Marquardt lands a bit of a right. Marquardt lands a right hook, Belfort lands a leg kick. Belfort is bleeding from the left eyebrow. Marquardt misses a right. Marquardt has a high kick blocked then lands a body kick. They both miss power hand punches, clinch then break without incident. Belfort lands a bit of a head kick. Marquardt lands a body kick then a bit of a combination. More slow circling, Marquardt lands a right to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Belfort, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Belfort lands a bit of a left, Marquardt lands a leg kick. Marquardt lands a body kick. Marquardt lands a bit of a jab. Belfort blocks a high kick then eats an inside leg kick. Marquardt lands a bit of a straight right. Leg kick from Marquardt. Commentary tries to sell me on this being a smart fight, that’s a polite way to phrase it. Marquardt misses a right. Marquardt lands a bit of a left high kick. Marquardt lands a left hook after missing a right. Belfort lands a right. Belfort misses a couple of lefts in close. Belfort lands a mostly blocked left high kick. Marquardt lands a jab, eats a body kick though. Belfort lands a right. Marquardt tries a double leg, Belfort sprawls. Marquardt lands a jab. Belfort trying to close distance, misses a head kick. They clinch up, Marquardt lands a knee as they break. Belfort lands a left to the body. Belfort slips a right and lands a right of his own. Marquardt misses a right, they push out of a clinch and this snoozer ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vitor Belfort via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Surprised a judge didn’t give Marquardt the second, there’s a valid argument he won that round, but mostly I don’t care. That sucked. Belfort on the mic. He thanks God, his family, thanks his team in Canada and everyone who supported him on his journey. He says he was excited then apologizes for the lack of finish, it’s the first time he’s gone the distance in ten years. Asked about retirement he says he’s got five more fights left in him and plans on reinventing himself each time out.

They announce the next inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame. They’re going with Kazushi Sakuraba for his PRIDE run. Solid choice if you’re going with a PRIDE guy who isn’t still fighting for a competing company. They highlight his fights against much larger men in PRIDE and his taking down the Gracie family. Brief sound bytes from Mauro Ranallo, Joe Rogan, Josh Barnett, Don Frye, Alistair Overeem, and they specifically highlight the 90 minute epic against Royce Gracie. Sean Shelby calls Sakuraba his favorite fighter at the time and still one of his all time favorites. Again they talk about the roster of guys he’s beaten, Ken Shamrock, Quinton Jackson, Carlos Newton, and Vitor Belfort among them. Again, solid all around choice for the pioneer win of the Hall of Fame.

Claudia Gadelha has only ever lost to Joanna Jedrzejczyk, though she’s done so twice, and she’s looking to retain her top ranking and stay within striking distance of another shot at the title in the near future. Karolina Kowalkiewicz has also only lost to the strawweight overlord Jedrzejczyk and is coming off of that failed attempt to take the title, she’s trying to make a case for a rematch here by taking out the second best strawweight in the UFC. Gadelha is the biggest favorite on the card at -310 against +240 for Kowalkiewicz.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: #1 Claudia Gadelha (14-2, 116 lbs.) vs. #2 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-1, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gadelha is an inch taller while Kowalkiewicz has half an inch of reach on her. Touch of gloves to start things off. Kowalkiewicz moving forward. They trade power hands in close. Kowalkiewicz switching her stance a bit. They both miss power hand punches. Gadelha lands a body kick. They trade rights and clinch up. Gadelha lands a hard right elbow as they break. Gadelha tries a wheel kick that’s both ugly and misses badly. Both women working the distance so far, a few flurries in close but neither really has established themselves. Gadelha hits a double leg into a body lock then spins Kowalkiewicz down and lands in side control. Kowalkiewicz gives up her back, Gadelha only has one hook, now has both hooks in. Gadelha after the choke, she’s under the chin and Kowalkiewicz has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Claudia Gadelha via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:03 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Gadelha for her work this evening. Gadelha on the mic now, she says hello to the fans and thanks the fans for being here. She says you can’t expect different results if you do the same thing, she talks about the changes she’s made to her professional life and says she’s a new fighter. Asked who she wants next she’s focused on other stuff in her life at the moment, moving her life and buying a car but she’ll think about her career in the near future.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why you don’t give up your back in open space. You have to get to the fence if you’re going to make that move to regain your feet, otherwise a grappler the caliber of Gadelha will make you pay every time.

Max Holloway (17-3) is riding one of the bigger hot streaks in the sport, he’s on a ten fight winning streak and hasn’t lost since 2013 while visibly improving each time out and claiming the interim featherweight title. Holloway is looking to claim the real belt here and prove himself the best featherweight in the world. Jose Aldo (26-2) is the current UFC featherweight champion and has only lost once at featherweight, in fact there is only one loss between these two in the last four years. Aldo is coming off of a master class when he shut down Frankie Edgar to essentially regain the featherweight title after losing the belt, he’s trying to prove that he’s still the best featherweight in the world and further cement his claim as the best featherweight of all time. Aldo is a slight -160 favorite over +130 on Holloway.

UFC Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Jose Aldo (26-2, 145 lbs.) vs. (ic) Max Holloway (17-3, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holloway is four inches taller but Aldo has an inch of reach on him. Holloway will switch his stance frequently, and they touch gloves to get us going. Circling to start, Holloway feinting early. Neither man is letting their back move towards the fence. Holloway showing the jab, misses a straight right. Holloway jabs the body of Aldo. Cautious start from both men, neither wants to make the first big error. Aldo jabs the body as well. Holloway lands a bit of a left. Aldo lands a bit of a straight right. Aldo lands a right to the body. They clinch up, Holloway lands a left as they break. Aldo lands a sharp left hook, Holloway is hurt a bit and Aldo follows up, Holloway fires back and Aldo backs off. Aldo lands a leg kick, eats a counter right though. Aldo just misses a jab. Holloway trying to sneak forward into punching range. They both miss rights, Holloway jabs the body. Holloway is taking a very measured approach to this round, Aldo lands a right uppercut. Holloway lands a left but can’t land the follow up right. Holloway blocks a couple of hooks, he needs to get Aldo out of his rhythm. Holloway lands a spinning back kick to the body as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldo

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Holloway showing the jab early, Aldo digs a left to the body. Holloway just misses a right. Holloway lands a bit of a one two combination but Aldo is rolling with those. Holloway lands a bit of a counter left. I’m a little surprised Holloway hasn’t shown southpaw yet. Aldo lands a left hook, just misses a right. Holloway lands a bit of a right, he’s landing on the end of these rather than with a lot of force. They trade in close, Aldo is throwing more volume so far. Holloway lands a left hook, he follows up with a combination. Aldo’s defense is on point so far though. Holloway lands a straight right. Holloway lands a right then a long left follow up. Aldo lands a right to the body. They both just miss in close, these two are throwing heavy leather but can’t quite find the target. Holloway lands a right, Aldo lands a counter. Holloway just misses a combination. They split jabs, Aldo’s landed better. Holloway lands a body kick. Aldo lands a jab. Aldo lands a left then a right, Holloway taunts him Diaz style and they trade a bit in close. Aldo clocks Holloway with a left at the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the third round. Holloway tries a jab, Aldo just misses an intercepting knee. Holloway lands a right to the body. Holloway still walking into distance, Aldo lands a pretty stiff jab. Holloway lands a hard right then digs a left to the body. Holloway lands a one two, Aldo fires one back of his own. Aldo misses a right, they both miss in close and Aldo lands a hard knee to the body just before Holloway lands a left. They clinch up, then break without incident. Aldo lands a knee to the body int he clinch. Holloway trying to get angles and turning going, Aldo’s not playing too much into his game though. Holloway lands two stiff one two combinations that drop Aldo. Holloway follows him down, he’s in full mount but Aldo escapes to half guard. Holloway trying to follow up, Aldo trying to tie up him. Holloway into side control and lands a few blows. Hard couple of rights from Holloway, Holloway into full mount landing some rights. Holloway teeing off, Aldo gives up his back. Holloway after the choke now with both hooks in. Holloway spins around, he’s standing and lands to Aldo again. More rights from Holloway to Aldo. Lefts from Holloway, Aldo gives up his back again and turtles. Holloway just landing blows, Aldo telling the ref he’s OK but the ref finally stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Featherweight Champion – Max Holloway via TKO, punches, at 4:13 of Round 3

That was worse than McGregor’s 13 second win, Holloway hung in there with Aldo and beat him over a prolonged period of time. Holloway tries to let Aldo talk first, Stann won’t break protocol so Holloway gets the interview. He thanks Christ, expresses love to his son at home, thanks his team because he’s nothing without them, thanks Brazil because while they supported their countryman they’re fight fans and he respects that. He says this is the Blessed era, wants a post fight bonus and again says he wants a UFC event in Hawaii. That wont happen, but he can keep pushing for it.

Here’s the knockdown that led to the finish, Aldo pulled back with his chin up and didn’t allow for the trunk movement of Holloway to make up the distance he’d been operating at prior to that exchange. And the finish was positionally brutal, Holloway never let him off of the hook and also didn’t blow his gas tank making sure he could keep up the pace.

Holloway better get ready for Frankie Edgar, that’s the logical fight to make next and one I’ll be looking forward too. Really good three round fight, great small work from both of them to set up their offense, and really saved what I felt was a lack luster main card. Alright that wraps up UFC 212, thanks to everyone for being here and reading. I’m still surprised and humbled that people read this. We’ll be talking about this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show and we’ll be previewing UFC Fight Night 110 when Mark Hunt takes on Derrick Lewis. It’s not a great card but it’s free and I know more than a few fans of heavyweights who love that fight. I’ll be back for that event next Saturday, I hope you’ll all come back for that one and keep me company. We’re in for a rough series of events guys and I appreciate all of you hanging out. Until next time thanks again for being here and until next time keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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