mma / Reports

411’s UFC 216 Report 10.07.17

October 8, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411’s LIVE coverage of UFC 216. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you fine people just as I see it. This event has a couple of good fights, it was bolstered significantly by the addition of the flyweight title fight after that fell through not too long ago. The main event has a really great lightweight bout between the surging Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee as they clash for the interim lightweight title and a hypothetical future date for the real one. The co-main event has flyweight overlord Demetrious Johnson trying for his record breaking eleventh consecutive title defense against Ray Borg. There’s also a heavyweight bout between former champion Fabricio Werdum and Derrick Lewis, plus two legitimate prospects are competing on the prelims, at bantamweight Tom Duquesnoy battles Cody Stamann and Magomed Bibulatov tries to remain undefeated. UFC 216 comes to the world from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA with John Anik, Joe Rogan, and UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier on commentary.

And just before the first fight of the night news broke that the Werdum vs. Lewis bout was pulled. Great. That will likely push the start time for the first fight back something like 30 minutes, so apologies to those following live if it takes longer to get started.

In the weekly update on which set of rules are in effect, Las Vegas has not adopted the changes so anything other than the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re considered downed and the scoring language isn’t as clear.

We open with a Vegas Strong graphic in the wake of the mass shooting from earlier this week.

Thales Leites was enjoying something of a career renaissance a couple of years ago but has gone just 2-3 in his last five fights. Leites is coming off of a win but if he wants to retain his top ranking he can’t afford a loss here. Brad Tavares is on a two fight winning streak and his last loss was back in 2015 when he was stopped by current interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, Tavares is trying to climb his way back into the top fifteen rankings and maybe even make a run towards the title. The odds are close but lean towards Tavares at -175 to +145 for Leites.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Thales Leites (27-7, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Brad Tavares (15-4, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Leites has four inches of reach on Tavares. They touch gloves to get us going. Tavares lands a bit of a left to counter a leg kick. They trade leg kicks, Leites’ landed better. Tavares misses a right and lands a leg kick. Leites has a head kick blocked. Tavares lands a jab, he seems to have slightly faster hands. Leites lands a right to counter a lazy jab. Leites pushing forward, Tavares lands a jab then a left hook after a brief clinch. Leites is wobbled, Tavares pressures him and misses a jumping knee. Leites gets a single leg attempt and pushes Tavares into the fence. They jockey for position but stall out and the ref separates them. Leites lands a bit of a left hook, he seems to have recovered. Leites lands a leg kick. Leites tries a knee tap, it stalls on the fence yet again and they’re in the clinch. Leites is trying for a trip or a reap on one side but Tavares blocks it and the ref winds up separating them again. They trade hooks in close, Tavares tries another flying knee that doesn’t really land. A low leg kick from Tavares ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tavares

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Tavares blocks a high kick. Tavares lands a couple of leg kicks, he’s aiming at the calf now. Tavares lands a jab. They split jabs and Leites lands a leg kick. Some more jabs going back and forth, Leites lands a leg kick. Tavares lands a jab. Some more jabs from Tavares, Leites is visibly falling behind. Tavares with a leg kick and a body kick. Leites tries a single leg, he’s able to get an angle and get Tavares to his knees but Tavares is back up immediately. Leites has Tavares on the fence and is trying to get him back down, Tavares spins Leites into the fence. Tavares is able to pull free and they separate. Leites is busted up under the right eye, Tavares lands another calf kick. Tavares lands a bit of a right to counter a leg kick. Leites lands a bit of a left hook. They stare away the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again, and Leites lands a leg kick. They trade some punches then Leites gets a clinch and pushes Tavares into the fence. Leites after another trip but Tavares is avoiding that so far. Tavares spins Leites then pulls free. Tavares lands a jab and they trade rights. Tavares lands a right then another calf kick. Jab from Tavares. Leites is pushing forward but he’s struggling to find the target. Tavares lands another leg kick and that lead leg is compromised for Leites. They trade rights, Tavares is blocking a lot of the offense of Leites. Tavares lands a right in close then another calf kick. Another calf kick drops Leites and Tavares makes him stand back up. Tavares kicks the leg again then tries a high kick that’s blocked. Tavares with another leg kick, Leites tried to check it but gets swept anyway. Leites tries a double leg after the ref makes him stand but they hit the fence again. Tavares is able to turn Leites, Leites’ right eye is a mess. The ref separates the fighters again, Leites fails on a low single leg attempt and Tavares punches him in the head as he’s on his back. Leites lands a body kick, tAvares lands a couple of punches as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brad Tavares via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Not sure which round would be 10-8, maybe the third. Tavares on the mic now, he says that he knows there were going to be 1500 first responders here, he holds up the Nevada flag as he currently lives in Vegas and implores all of Vegas to stay strong. He says he knew he could outlast Leites over the full distance and closes with another stay strong for Vegas.

Ariel Helwani is reporting that Fabricio Werdum will now fight Walt Harris on the main card of the PPV, waiting for official word from the UFC.

John Moraga just broke a three fight losing streak but despite his rough going recently he retains a top ranking. Moraga is trying to keep that spot and potentially return to title contention if he can get a run going tonight. Magomed Bibulatov is undefeated as a professional, he’s the last WSOF/PFL flyweight champion, and had an impressive UFC debut. Bibulatov is trying to climb the ranks here against a former title challenger and cement himself as a possible title contender. The odds here are definitively with Bibulatov, a whopping -600 to a possible +435 payout for a Moraga win.

Flyweight Bout: #15 Magomed Bibulatov (14-0, 126 lbs.) vs. #11 John Moraga (17-6, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moraga is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach of reach on Bibulatov. They touch gloves to get things going. Moraga lands a low leg kick, and another one right off the bat. Bibulatov catches a leg kick, gets a takedown but Moraga rolls through and is back up immediately. Moraga lands a bit of a right. Bibulatov lands a right of his own. Bibulatov lands a leg kick. Moraga lands an overhand right, Bibulatov is wobbled, he follows up with a kick that’s blocked then a left hook that floors Bibulatov and ends the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – John Moraga via KO, punches, at 1:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Moraga for his work this evening. Moraga on the mic now. He says God is good then admits he sucks at interviews. Asked who he wants next he says he just wants to get home to his kids. He thanks the fans, says he was working on being patient and felt the right land and knew he had to go for the finish.

Here’s the finish, nice overhand right and the way he comes back across with the left hook after missing the high kick is really nice. It’s not the kind of punch you really train for but that also means it can land as people don’t expect it.

The UFC has confirmed that Walt Harris now faces Fabricio Werdum on the main card. That means we’re done with Fight Pass fights, on to FX for the rest of the prelims. We open with a moment of silence for the victims of the mass shooting.

Matt Schnell (9-4) is in a tough spot, he’s just 0-2 in the UFC and while his debut was on short notice and up at bantamweight he got stopped when he returned to flyweight as well. Schnell can’t afford to go winless in his first three UFC appearances, fighters have been cut for much less. Marco Beltran (8-5) is also on a two fight losing streak, though he has three UFC wins to counter balance that, and is also in serious need of a win if he wants to establish himself as a relevant fighter in the division. We’re back to close odds here, a -115 pick ’em in fact.

Flyweight Bout: Marco Beltran (8-5, 126 lbs.) vs. Matt Schnell (9-4, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Schnell has half an inch of reach on Beltran. They touch gloves to get going. Schnell lands a bit of a leg kick. Schnell lands a glancing right. Another leg kick from Schnell. Beltran lands a front kick to the face. Both guys still feeling each other out. Beltran lands a short left. Schnell lands a leg kick. Schnell avoids a kick and lands a long right. Beltran with another front kick to the face but Schnell fires back with a combination of punches. Schnell lands a straight right. Schnell lands a bit of a left hook. Schnell catches a body kick, looks for a single leg but can’t and instead lands a left hook as Beltran pulls free. Nothing else of note happens before the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Schnell

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Beltran lands a leg kick. Beltran focusing on his kicks for offense, Schnell leaning on his hands. Schnell lands an inside leg kick to the rear leg, nice kick. Schnell avoids a couple of punches, he’s moving well so far. Schnell falls just a little short with a combination. Schnell misses a right, he’s about half an inch short on these punches. Schnell lands a leg kick. Beltran sneaks a left high kick up that’s partially blocked and then lands a leg kick. Schnell catches a body kick and lands a left hook then a leg kick. Schnell misses a couple of punches and lands an inside leg kick to the rear leg. Beltran lands a bit of a left body kick, mostly blocked though. Schnell lands a jab. They trade in close, Schnell lands some body shots then a right before they separate. Beltran misses a couple of kicks to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Schnell catches a kick, goes for a takedown that stalls on the fence. Schnell has a body lock but they separate without much incident. Beltran has swelling around his right eye, not sure what caused it, might have been an accidental headbutt when they clashed heads near the end of the second. Beltran has an overhand right smothered and they break a brief clinch. Beltran lands a left hook. We get time called for a low blow to Beltran, he walks is off quickly and I’m not sure it was even a low blow. Schnell lands a right in close, Beltran lands a right of his own. Schnell avoids a high kick and Beltran lands an inside leg kick. Schnell lands a straight right. Schnell lands a left hook and a leg kick. They trade a couple of lefts. They clinch up, Beltran tries a double leg but Schnell locks up a guillotine as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-10, 30-28 Schnell overall

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

No interview for Schnell, that was a decent sparring match but a less than interesting fight.

Pearl Gonzalez lost her UFC debut to snap a six fight winning streak, she’s after the all important first UFC win here. Poliana Botelho has won her last three fights leading into her UFC debut tonight, she’s trying to make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Botelho is a slight -170 favorite while Gonzalez’s comeback stands at +140.

Strawweight Bout: Poliana Botelho (6-2, 115 lbs.) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (5-1, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Botelho is three and a half inches taller while Gonzalez has an inch of reach advantage. Gonzalez lands a leg kick, she’s pressuring forward early. Both women are jabbing and throwing leg kicks. Gonzalez lands another leg kick and gets the clinch against the fence. Gonzalez looking for a takedown, she’s landing knees to the thigh as well. Botelho lands a few elbows to the head, Gonzalez still after the single leg. Gonzalez with some knees to the thigh again. Gonezalez bails on the takedown attempt and settles for the clinch and lands knees to the body. The ref warns her about grabbing the fence, she does it again and the ref pulls them off of the cage. They trade leg kicks and then clinch again. Botelho has Gonzalez on the fence, they trade some knees to the legs. They spin again, Gonzalez has Botelho is on the fence now. Some more fighting for position, Gonzalez after another double leg but Botehlo defends as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gonzalez

ROUND TWO: Gonzalez showing the jab to start the second, Botelho lands a front kick to the body. Gonzalez after a double leg, again they stall out on the fence. Gonzalez trying for a trip, Botelho avoids that and lands a few more elbows. Gonzalez bails on the double leg and they wind up chest to chest. Botelho lands a couple of knees to the body, she’s trying more of those elbows to the head and Gonzalez is really struggling to get anything going. The ref separates them and we’re at distance. They both miss at distance. Botelho lands a front kick to the body. Botelho lands a leg kick. Gonzalez ducks a couple of wild hooks and gets the clinch again. They trade some knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Botelho, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Gonzalez lands a couple of inside leg kicks. They trade leg kicks, Gonzalez catches one but Botelho lands some punches as Gonzalez pushes her into the fence again. Gonzalez bent over after the takedown, Botelho is landing short punches and knees. Botelho lands a knee to the body but she can’t get off of the fence. Gonzalez still trying for a single leg but she can’t finish it. Botelho has double under hooks, lands a few knees to the body and the ref separates them. Gonzalez lands a leg kick, tries another takedown that again hits the fence. Botelho lands some knees to the body. The ref separates them once they stall out. Botelho lands a spinning back kick to the body then just misses a high kick. Gonzalez lands a leg kick and tries a double leg that again stalls out. Botelho hits a body lock takedown into the guard right before time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Poliann Botelho via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Not sure I agree with 30-27 given that Gonzalez did some good work in the first but it’s hard to get too worked up over it. No interview for Botelho.

Bobby Green is in a tough spot, he’s lost his last three fights and that’s a nearly untenable position when you’re competing in the lightweight division. Green really can’t afford to drop four in a row or he could be looking at a pink slip. Lando Vannata is just 1-2 in the UFC and while his lone win was a highlight reel knockout he has to get back on the winning side of things after coming up short against David Teymur or risk falling towards irrelevance. Green’s recent losses have the odds leaning towards Vannata at -210 to a +170 payout for Green.

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (23-8, 155 lbs.) vs. Lando Vannata (9-2, 155.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Green is an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves, and Green lands a jab. Both guys switch their stances rather frequently. Vannata sliding forward, Green nearly on the fence. Vannata lands a bit of a right and they clinch up. They jockey for position then break with a short right from Green. Vannata lands a couple of solid leg kicks. They trade power hand punches. Vannata lands a right to the body and they clinch up. Green has Vannata on the fence, Vannata lands an elbow as they break. Vannata lands a bit of a head kick. Vannata lands a hard right to the body, lands a right to the head of Green as Green was trying to angle that drops him. Vannata swarms him on the mat, Green fights to regain his feet and Vannata lands a knee to the head but Green was still on a knee. We’ve got time for the doctor to check on Green, and replay confirms the thigh of Vannata landed to the head of Green. That’s good in terms of Green not taking a bunch of damage from it, and the ref takes a point from Vannata for the illegal blow. They touch gloves on the restart. Vannata lands a back kick to the body. Vannata lands a right, grabs a guillotine as Green tries a takedown and they scramble back up, Vannata still holding the standing guillotine. Green trying to fight through it and Vannata bails on the choke. Green lands an elbow. Vannata fighting off a single leg and they separate. They clinch again, Vannata lands a couple of rights before they separate. Vannata lands a leg kick. Green lands a knee to the body. Vannata lands a heavy leg kick then another. Vannata gets a takedown, he’s basically in mount as they land. Vannata can’t get anything off before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction, might be a 9-8 Vannata argument in there

ROUND TWO: They both land some jabs early. Green lands a left hook at the end of a combination. Vannata coming forward, lands a right. Vannata lands a right to the body then a leg kick. Another leg kick from Vannata lands. Green jabs the body, and a bit of a left hook. Green lands a straight left. Vannata lands a straight right. Vannata lands a leg kick. Right lands for Vannata. They clinch then break with a right from Green, Vannata lands a leg kick. Vannata lands a couple of punches but he’s bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Green lands a jab, they clinch up and jockey for position before Green gets Vananta on the fence. They trade knees, Vannata hits a body lock takedown but Green is back up and they separate. Vannata lands a knee to the body, Green tries a takedown that Vannata reverses and Vannata nearly has his back. Green back up quickly and they’re clinched. Green lands a couple of rights before they break. Vannata wobbles Green with a right. Vannata lands to the body and head, he’s trying to keep Green from getting his bearings back. Vannata lands a leg kick. They clinch up again, Green lands a couple of knees to the body before they break. Vannata lands a couple of body kicks then a leg kick. Vannata lands a left hook. Green lands a double jab as the last blows of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vannata but could go either way, 19-18 Vannata overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Green blocks a high kick. Vannata lands a right to the body then a leg kick. Vannata lands a body kick. Green lands a bit of a left, Vannata lands a leg kick. Vannata lands a right, Green returns a jab. Vannata jabs the body. Vannata tries a double leg, Green blocks it and lands a knee to the body. Vannata lands a body kick and a short right. Green lands a right. Vannata punches into the clinch, Green has him on the fence and lands a knee to the body. Vannata spins free and lands a right to the body. Green lands a couple of jabs and clinches again. They separate again. Vannata lands a right elbow in close then a leg kick. Vannata lands a right, Green returns it. Vannata lands to the body. Vannata lands a bit of a high kick. Vannata lands a leg kick. Vannata lands a right then a left and hits a takedown, Green scrambles back up and they separate. They punch into the clinch again, both land knees to the body. Vannata spins free, Green lands a jab. They trade punches again in close, these two have put on a heck of a slug fest. Green lands a hard right uppercut and combination just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green, 28-28 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – DRAW (29-27, 27-29, 28-28)

At least that’s what I can make of the announced scores, or Buffer messed up reading the scores. No issues with the draw, heck of a fight. Here’s some highlights, that was a fun brawl.

Tom Duquesnoy (15-1 1 NC) is one of the brighter prospects at bantamweight, he’s on a twelve fight unbeaten streak and has finished his last four fights including an impressive UFC debut. Duquesnoy is trying to maintain that momentum here and start making the difficult jump from talented prospect to legitimate title contender. Cody Stamann (15-1) is also on a solid run, he’s won his last eight fights including his UFC debut which was up at featherweight. Stamann is trying to slow the hype train on Duquesnoy and prove that he’s ready for a bigger opportunity next. The odds are close but lean towards Duquesnoy, -175 to +145 for Stamann.

Bantamweight Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (15-1 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (15-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Duquesnoy is an inch taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Stamann. They touch gloves to get us going. They both probe a bit with the lead hand, Stamann lands a bit of a body kick. Duquesnoy pressuring forward. Stamann is switching his stance a bit, Duquesnoy lands a leg kick. Stamann hits a double leg, Duquesnoy wall walks and lands an elbow that has Stamann backing up again. Both men switching stances now. They trade body kicks. Duquesnoy lands another leg kick then a hard body kick. Duquesnoy lands a right. Stamann lands a bit of a right. Stamann lands a bit of a counter right. Duquesnoy lands a right then a couple of elbows in close, Duquesnoy avoids a double leg but has Stamann on the fence again. Duquesnoy lands a straight left, hits a body kick but Staman catches it and gets a takedown into the double butterfly guard of Duquesnoy. Duquesnoy back up, Stamann lands a knee to the chest as they separate. We get time for an eye poke to Stamann, he walks it off almost instantly and we’re back to fighting. Duquesnoy lands a left. Dusuesnoy lands a left, Stamann lands a left of his own. Stamann lands a leg kick. Duquesnoy lands a left. Stamann lands a right to the body, Duquesnoy lands a body kick. Nothing much happens for the final ten seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Duquesnoy

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Stamann lands a front kick to the body. Duquesnoy lands a left head kick, he’s pressuring Stamann. Duquesnoy lands a jab and blocks a lunging left hook. Duquesnoy lands an elbow, Stamann lands a leg kick. Hard ring from Duquesnoy lands, Stamann lands a knee to the body. Duquesnoy lands a left that backs Stamann up, Stamann lands a front kick to the body. Stamann hits a double leg, Duquesnoy has full guard and is after a triangle choke. Stamann postures through the attempt. Duquesnoy kicks him off and we’re standing again. Duquesnoy lands an elbow. Stamann lands a side kick to the body. Stamann hits another double leg in close and lands in the guard of Duquesnoy. Stamann can’t pass the guard, switches to the other side and is in half guard now. Stamann lands a couple of lefts. Stamann stands, throws a couple of punches that are partially blocked as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stamann, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Stamann lands a leg kick. Duquesnoy still pressuring forward. Duquesnoy lands a bit of a head kick. Stamann lands a bit of a left. Duquesnoy lands a left body kick. Stamann has a head kick blocked. Duquesnoy lands an elbow but eats a left hook. Stamann coming forward now. Duquesnoy avoids a combination and misses an elbow strike. They trade rights. Stamann lands a knee to the body. Stamann lands a bit of a right. Duquesnoy’s lack of activity this round is somewhat troubling. Stamann slips on a jumping back kick and Duquesnoy gets him down in half guard. Duquesnoy stands free with about five seconds left and time runs down.

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

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

I can’t agree with giving Stamann the first round, no interview as we’re short on time. On to PPV for the rest of the evening. We open with a video message from Dana White about the mass shooting then we cut to the arena where the UFC acknowledges six people who were affected by the shooting, a few of them are introduced in the Octagon and we get Everlast to sing America the Beautiful. This prompts a USA chant from the crowd once the song is over, and then to ruin any emotion they may have built we’re back to Face the Pain during our hype video packages. Ugh.

Beneil Dariush has been one of the top lightweights in the UFC for a while but has struggled to really break through towards title contention, he’s coming off of a loss to Edson Barboza and if he wants to keep a place in the top fifteen he needs to avoid what would be the first losing streak of his professional career. Evan Dunham is on an impressive four fight winning streak but Dariush is a notable step up in competition from the guys he’s fought recently. Dunham also hasn’t fought in over a year and wants to move up in the rankings at the expense of Dariush. Dariush enjoys favored status here at -225 while Dunham’s odds sit at +175.

Lightweight Bout: #12 Beneil Dariush (14-3, 156 lbs.) vs. #14 Evan Dunham (18-6, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Dariush has two inches of reach on Dunham. They touch gloves, both men fighting southpaw. Dariush pushing forward. Dunham circling, they trade some jabs. Dunham tries a double leg, Dariush stuffs it and lands a knee. They both miss lefts, both guys have a good feel for defense when it comes to punching. Dariush misses a left uppercut. Dariush lands a bit of a leg kick. Dariush lands a counter left and Dunham is backing up again. Dariush lands a body kick and they clinch up. Dariush lands a couple of left elbows that drop Dunham to his knees. Dariush takes his back, Dunahm rolls to his back and is working to his knees. Dariush stands and lands lefts as Dunham gets full guard. Dariush lands a series of punches and passes to half guard. Dunham to the cage and is looking to wall walk, Dariush lands a hard knee to the body. Dunham tries to hit a takedown from his knees, Dariush avoids it and retains top position. Dariush stands and lands a punch, Dunham tries for a leg lock but Dariush blocks it. Dariush on top in half guard again and lands a few elbows. Dunahm to his knees again and this time is able to escape to his feet and separate. They don’t do much for the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Dariush given how one sided it was

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Dunham lands a left and a right, Dariush counters with a left of his own. Dariush lands a leg kick. Dariush lands a jab. Dunham eats a knee to the body but Dunham gets a body lock and is able to get a takedown into the guard of Dariush. Dariush gets rubber guard, he might be setting up a gogo plata. Dunham is keeping close, Dariush uses the omo plata to scramble back to his feet and Dariush is holding the clinch. Dariush turns into the clinch and they’re chest to chest now. They separate without incident. Dunham still circling, Dariush lands a leg kick after they trade body shots. Dariush lands another leg kick. Dariush lands a bit of a left then another leg kick. Dunham tries a single leg, lands a couple of short punches from a clinch before they break. They clinch again, Dariush has Dunahm on the fence now. Dariush lands a knee to the body before they separate. Dunham lands a jab, Dariush might be gassing. Dariush lands a leg kick. They both miss and wind up clinching again. Dunham as Dariush on the fence, they trade some knees and short punches as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dunham, 19-18 Dariush overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Dariush pushing forward, lands a leg kick. Dunham lands a bit of a high kick. Dariush lands a counter left. Dariush misses a left uppercut and eats a counter left. Dariush lands a jab. They trade a couple of lefts. Dunham is throwing a higher volume generally, and they trade combinations in close. Dunham tries a double leg, Dariush blocks this one and they wind up on the fence again. Dunahm with some short rights to the body. Dariush lands a knee to the body then they separate. Some jabs go back and forth, Dariush lands a couple of leg kicks. Dunham into the clinch, they trade knees to the body then separate. They trade lefts, Dariush is finding the counter left more often now. Dunham lands a bit of a left, Dariush responds with a knee to the body. Dariush lands a leg kick and eats a counter left. Dunham wants a firefight, Dariush lands a jumping knee to the chest. Dariush lands another knee, Dunham pushes close to punch and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dariush but this was a close round, 29-27 Dariush overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Majority Draw (29-27 Dariush, 28-28 x2)

I can see that, the third was close. Dariush first on the mic, he tells the families of the victims that we’re all with them and that we pray for their comfort. Asked about going for the finish in the first he says he didn’t feel like he gassed but Dunham came back really strong and Dunahm kept changing the timing on him and he puts Dunham over again.

Dunham gets an interview now as well, he says he wasn’t going to give up as he’s from Vegas and he wasn’t going to stop and that Vegas doesn’t quit. Asked if he thought he did enough to win he thought he won the second and third but he called out Dariush because he wanted a hard test and he knew Dariush would deliver.

Mara Romero Borella is making her UFC debut here after taking out former UFC fighter Milana Dudieva in Invicta, she’s trying to make an immediate impact in the fledgling flyweight division. For those trivia buffs out there, Borella is the first female Italian fighter to compete in the UFC. Kalindra Faria was supposed to be fighting Andrea Lee here but Lee hadn’t been in the USADA testing pool for a sufficient length of time. Faria has won her last three fights and is also trying to make a good first impression and get the all important first UFC win under her belt. The odds are with Faria at -225 to a +175 comeback on Borella.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Mara Romero Borella (11-4, 126 lbs.) vs. Kalindra Faria (18-5-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Faria is an inch taller but Borella has a significant six inches of reach advantage. Some jabs go back and forth, Borella ducks under a right and gets a takedown into half guard. Borella looking to pass, and moves into full mount. Borella pulls Faria away from the fence to remove the possibility of wall walking. Faria trying to control posture, Borella lands a right. Borella with some short rights, she’s moving towards the back as Faria gets to a hip. Borella has the back now and is after the choke. Faria trying to hand fight, Borella gets to the body lock and has the arm under the chin, Faria has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mara Romero Borella via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Borella for her work this evening. Borella on the mic after that with her translator. She says this is a dream come true and she plans on being here for a long time. She says the camp was hard and she notes taking the fight on short notice but she knew if she could get this to the mat she could get the finish.

Fabricio Werdum is a former UFC heavyweight champion but has gone just 1-2 in his last three fights and is coming off of a really disappointing loss to Alistair Overeem, a fight he could have finished in the third round. Werdum is trying to rebound here because at age 40 if he wants to make another run towards the title time isn’t exactly on his side and he can’t afford a losing streak. Walt Harris just got his first UFC winning streak going with back to back wins over Chase Sherman and Cyril Asker, he’s trying to prove he’s finally found his rhythm and could be a player in the heavyweight division. Harris is taking this on literal hours notice after Derrick Lewis fell out of this fight but if he can get a win he could immediately vault himself into title contention. Werdum is the favorite at -270 while Harris’ comeback sits at +205.

Heavyweight Bout: Walt Harris (10-5, 251 lbs.) vs. #2 Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1, 247 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Harris is an inch taller but the reach is the same. Harris fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to start the fight. Some feinting from both guys, Werdum tries a single leg and gets Harris down after a brief struggle. Werdum passes to half guard and then straight into mount, beautiful stuff. Harris tries to buck, gives his back and Werdum gets his back, switches to the armbar, and Harris has to give it up.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Fabricio Werdum via Submission, armbar, at 1:05 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Werdum for his work this evening. Werdum on the mic after that beautiful grappling display. He says he wasn’t happy about the short notice change of opponent but this is his life and he wants to prove to everyone that he’s the best in the world. He says he trained a lot for that transition and is glad he could show it off. He says the Overeem loss is in the past and he wants a rematch with Stipe Miocic and he wants his belt back. On a related note, armbars from the back are severely underappreciated in MMA.

Ray Borg (11-2) is trying to unseat the best active fighter in the world right now, this is his first UFC title shot and his weight issues could preclude him getting another should he fail to take the flyweight title. Borg has won his last two fights and is trying to shock the MMA world. Demetrious Johnson (26-2-1) is the only flyweight champion the UFC has ever had, he’s regarded as the best fighter in all of MMA and tonight is his chance to make history. Johnson has won his last twelve fights and has successfully defended his title ten times in a row, bringing him even with the record set by Anderson Silva. If Johnson can get to eleven consecutive title defenses he’ll break a record many thought untouchable and further cement himself as the premier mixed martial artist of this generation. Johnson is the biggest favorite on the card at a prohibitive -1200 while a Borg upset would pay out at +700.

Flyweight title Bout: (c) Demetrious Johnson (26-2-1, 125 lbs.) vs. #3 Ray Borg (11-2, 124 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Borg is an inch taller while Johnson has three inches of reach on him. Johnson will switch his stance frequently depending on what he sees, Borg fighting orthodox. Johnson circling, lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Another couple of inside leg kicks from Johnson land, he’s circling and sniping while looking for a read. Johnson has a head kick blocked. Johnson lands a straight right. Borg trying to come forward now, eats another inside leg kick. Borg misses a right, Johnson lands a powerful left body kick. Another left body kick from Johnson, Borg tries to catch it but Johnson winds up getting his back as Borg sits on the mat. Borg able to spin up and free before taking too much damage. Johnson lands another left body kick, Borg tires another takedown but Johnson stuffs it and is nearly on his back again as Borg holds an ankle. Borg up holding the single leg, Johnson defends and they wind up clinched. Johnson spins free, gets the ride position as Borg is on his knees. Johnson lands a couple of rights. Johnson pushes Borg over onto his back and is on top in half guard. Johnson lands a couple of short elbows. Borg tries an armbar, Johnson easily avoids it and passes to half guard on the other side. Johnson lands an elbow. Johnson with some rights to the body while setting up for either a kimura or arm triangle to keep Borg defensive. Borg holding the head, Johnson passes to side control and is after the kimura again. Johnson lands a few more short elbows, Borg just defending. Johnson nearly takes mount, Borg able to get half guard, Johnson passes to half guard and the round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Johnson, I don’t think Borg landed a single strike

ROUND TWO: Circling again to start the round, Johnson lands an inside leg kick. Borg pushes close and gets the clinch, he’s got Johnson on the fence. Johnson lands some knees to the body and spins Borg. Johnson lands knees to the thigh, Borg thinking about jumping for a guillotine. Johnson pulls his head free before that develops though and is back to kneeing the body. Borg able to spin Johnson and drops for a double leg and gets Johnson to his seat. Johnson looking to wall walk, he’s back up and Borg gets another double but Johnson is back up and Borg jumps into the backpack position. Johnson shakes him down and jumps to land into his guard then passes to half guard. That was incredible. Johnson back to multi level threatening, he passes to half guard on the other side. Johnson lands some rights to the head and passes to side control. Borg tries to roll, gets to his knees and Johnson gets the ride position. Johnson with some lefts to the head and a knee to the body. Johnson has one hook in, bails to knee the body more as Borg wall walks. Another knee from Johnson, Borg able to spin him but Johnson spins him back and gets a takedown into side control. Johnson into the mounted crucifix. Borg able to roll to his knees, Johnson holds a front head lock and spins to the ride position again. Johnson lands a few short rights and another knee to the body. Johnson stands, avoids some up kicks as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Circling again, Borg with some stance switching to try and close distance. Johnson lands a body kick and a right hand. Johnson lands another left body kick, Borg holding the single leg he caught but Johnson is defending and gets his back to the fence. Johnson again blocks the low single and lands some punches. Borg tries to hit a different takedown, Johnson holding a front headlock then pushes Borg over and is on top again, in side control again. Johnson lands a few knees to the body and is moving towards the mounted crucifix. Borg is trying to scramble, Johnson controls him and settles for half guard. Johnson with more knees to the body from half guard, he just wont let Borg rest. Johnson lands an elbow. Borg is able to get full guard, Johnson elbows him. Johnson looking to pass, and does back into side control. Johnson knees the body again and is trying to set up a kimura. Johnson into full mount, gets the back as Borg scrambles and lands a few rights. Borg spins, Johnson spins with him and is back on top in side control again. Johnson lands a short elbow, looks to mount again but Borg is up and Johnson lands to the body then hits a double leg. Borg holding a guillotine attempt that isn’t there as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Johnson, 30-25 Johnson overall

ROUND FOUR: Johnson opens with an inside leg kick. Borg lunges for a double leg, he elevates and gets Johnson down. Johnson back up, Borg holding a leg and Johnson jumps for a knee and blocks the single leg attempt. Johnson lands a right to the body then gets to half guard and lands a flurry of blows including an elbow that opens up Borg. Johnson lands a left and an elbow. Johnson setting up another arm triangle, Borg avoids it. Johnson moves to side control, Borg bridges up and stands but Johnson hurts him with a knee to the body and they clinch again. Johnson with another knee to the body. Johnson spins to the back standing, lands a bit of a head kick as he’s holding it. Borg spins into him but Johnson is dominating him in the clinch. Johnson gets a double leg into side control again. Commentary tells me Borg has landed a grand total of 12 strikes this fight. Johnson moving to knee on belly, Johnson wants to finish him. Johnson lands some short elbows and knees to the body. Borg able to fight to his feet and clinch again, Johnson gets him on the fence instantly then hits a foot sweep to land in side control again. Johnson after the kimura as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Johnson, 40-33 Johnson overall

ROUND FIVE: Johnson lands an inside leg kick and avoids a couple of punches. Johnson catches a kick and gets a takedown into side control again. Johnson keeps Borg from wall walking, he’s in half guard now. Johnson lands an elbow, moves to stand while Borg is sitting on the fence and Johnson knees the body twice. Borg holding a single leg attempt that Johnson escapes, Johnson lands a body kick. Johnson lands another body kick and gets a takedown, Borg’s holding the head then bails to avoid a possible Von Flue choke. Johnson in side control again, lands some elbows to the body. Johnson into full mount, nearly gets the back as Borg tries to scramble but settles for the ride position. Borg tries to scramble, Johnson knees him in the body again and is on his back again. Johnson has the ride position, Borg in the turtle position. Borg back up, Johnson has the rear waist lock. Johnson elevates, grabs the armbar in mid freaking air and cranks it until Borg taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Flyweight Champion – Demetrious Johnson via Submission, armbar, at 3:15 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Johnson for his work this evening. That’s eleven defenses in a row for Johnson, in spectacular fashion. Johnson on the mic after that. He thanks the first responders of Vegas and says that we’re all in their debt. He says Borg talked crap about his scramble game, then says he was playing around and says he hits that suplex to armbar in training and knew he could get it once they were against the cage like that. He says he isn’t going to get into a firefight, he says he’s in the business of beating you like a fool not getting hit and getting concussions, which he calls overrated.

Seriously, a german suplex to an armbar in high level MMA. I don’t have words.

Tony Ferguson is riding maybe the best run in the lightweight division right now, he’s won his last nine fights which is the longest winning streak in UFC lightweight history. Ferguson is trying to claim the interim lightweight title here and set up a date for the lineal title with Conor McGregor sooner rather than later. Kevin Lee is on a fight fight winning streak of his own and is similarly after the interim belt and the shot at the real title it should mean. After the tough weight cut Lee went through Ferguson has extended his lead in the odds, -260 against +200 for Lee.

Lightweight interim title Bout: #2 Tony Ferguson (22-3, 155 lbs.) vs. #7 Kevin Lee (16-2, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ferguson is two inches taller while Lee has half an inch of reach on him. Ferguson switches his stance constantly, Lee fighting orthodox. Circling to start, Lee probing with a jab. Lee lands a bit of a head kick, Ferguson lands an inside leg kick. Ferguson lands a jab, Lee responds with a right. Ferguson lands a leg kick that takes the legs from Lee for a second. Ferguson lands a left body kick. Ferguson lands a short left while avoiding a right. Ferguson lands a jab. Lee lands a right that off balances Ferguson, Ferguson lands a right as he comes after him that drops Lee to a knee. Ferguson lands an inside leg kick, Lee lands a left. Lee gets a body lock takedown, Ferguson scrambles and is almost on top, Lee gets on top but Ferguson is after a triangle choke. Ferguson has full rubber guard, Lee pulls free and steps over into side control while Ferguson has his right arm locked up with his legs. Ferguson bails on that to get full guard. Lee lands some body to head shots. Ferguson tries to fish for an armbar, Lee moves to north-south. Ferguson moves until Lee is in side control. Lee into mount and lands some punches and a couple of elbows. Ferguson defending, Lee tries to flurry but time runs out on him as Ferguson escapes then Lee lands a couple of blows after the ref stopped the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee

ROUND TWO: The ref gave Lee a stern warning between rounds about hitting after the bell. Ferguson coming forward, lands a bit of a right. Ferguson lands a body kick. Ferguson lands a front kick to the body. Ferguson lands a left hook, then they split jabs. Lee lands a leg kick. Ferguson lands a jab and avoids a couple of counters. Ferguson lands a front kick to the body and a short right. Lee lands a body kick. Ferguson lands a jab. Lee reaches for a double leg, Ferguson sprawls away. Lee lands another body kick. Ferguson with a leg kick and left to the body. Ferguson lands a right. Lee lands a bit of a leg kick. Ferguson lands a jab. Ferguson lands a lead hand uppercut. Ferguson with another jab. Ferguson lands a front kick to the body then a left. Ferguson lands a left stepping elbow. Ferguson lands a left to counter a right that fell short. Lee lands a jab. Right then a bit of a high kick from Lee. Ferguson lands a right, Lee is visibly slowing down. Ferguson with a left body kick, Lee returns it. Lee after a double leg, Ferguson blocks this one and lands a knee to the body. Ferguson jabs the body. Lee lands a body kick, Ferguson lands an inside leg kick and a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ferguson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Lee looking flat, Ferguson stalking him and lands a left body kick. Lee after a double leg, it hits the fence and Lee elevates then slams Ferguson to the mat. Ferguson has full guard. Lee lands a right to the body, Ferguson is trying to get his legs in play. Ferguson kicks Lee off and regains his feet. Ferguson lands a jab. Ferguson misses an uppercut and avoids a takedown from Lee. Lee lands a body kick, Ferguson is walking him down though. Ferguson lands a right. Ferguson lands a front kick to the body. Ferguson avoids a high kick and lands an inside leg kick. Lee lands a body kick. Lee ducks a left, hits a double leg and Ferguson lands some elbows. Ferguson after an armbar, he’s got it extended, Lee steps over and retains top position but that was pretty close. Ferguson with some elbows from his back. Ferguson after a triangle choke now, he’s got it locked up and starts pulling on the head until Lee taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and interim lightweight champion – Tony Ferguson via Submission, triangle choke, at 4:02 of Round 3

Some really good guard work from Ferguson, that armbar was really close but Lee just wouldn’t quit then as he got top position again Ferguson was able to get the triangle position. Ferguson on the mic now. He says this feels amazing. He says this was how he wanted the fight to go, for Lee to come at him and burn himself out. He says he knew Lee would get out of the armbar and he felt he just had to weather the early storm. He talks us through the finish, then says “Where you at McNugget” and tells McGregor to defend or vacate, there’s some profanity laced in there I wont repeat.

Lee gets an interview now. He says he underestimated the elbows of Ferguson and he feels he gave his best. Rogan asks about a lump on his chest being a staph infection, he says it is a staph infection and it bothered him all through the weight cut and he should have been on medication. He puts over Ferguson and his bottom work and hopes he beats McGregor, he says he respects Ferguson and he’ll be back.

So the NSAC let a man with staph fight, I hope they’ll reimburse Ferguson for all the Purell he’s going to bathe in after grappling with Lee for that long.

Alright everyone that wraps up UFC 216, I’m still a little stunned at that finish from Johnson. There’s no UFC event next week so I’ll probably be off but I’ll be back the Saturday after that for Fight Night 118: Cerrone vs. Till. I hope you’ll all come back for that one. Thank you for being here and following along, I know how many places you can go for this product and can’t put into words what it means that you choose mine. Until next time everyone, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

411's UFC Reports, Demetrious Johnson, Tony Ferguson, UFC, UFC 216, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading