411’s UFC 223 Report: Nurmagomedov Wins 04.07.18

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Main card (PPV at 10 p.m. ET)
#2 Khabib Nurmagomedov (154.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Al Iaquinta (155.2 lbs) – For UFC Lightweight championship, Iaquinta cannot win the title
(c) Rose Namajunas (114.2 lbs) vs. #1 Joanna Jedrzejczyk (114 lbs.) – For UFC Strawweight championship
#11 Renato “Moicano” Carneiro (145.6 lbs.) vs. #13 Calvin Kattar (145.5 lbs.)
Zabit Magomedsharipov (145.8 lbs.) vs. Kyle Bochniak (145.2 lbs.)
Joe Lauzon (155.4 lbs.) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (155 lbs.)

Preliminary card (FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m. ET)
#4 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (115 lbs.) vs. #8 Felice Herrig (115.4 lbs.)
#14 Evan Dunham (155.8 lbs.) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155 lbs.)
Bec Rawlings (125.8 lbs.) vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith (125.8 lbs.)
Devin Clark (205.2 lbs.) vs. Mike Rodriguez (203 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of Clown Fiesta 2018 UFC 223. I’m Robert Winfree and I’m going to be muddling through this event with all of you, relaying the action just as I see it. Boy, what a strange trip this has been to get to this point. Before we get to what’s actually on this card let us review the insanity that led to what we have here.

UFC 223 started out life as a really solid PPV event, one of the better on paper offerings of the year from the UFC really. The main event was to be a much anticipated lightweight clash between interim champion Tony Ferguson and the undefeated top contender Khabib Nurmagomedov, and the language from the UFC seemed to indicate that the winner of this fight would be promoted to full champion as current champion Conor McGregor has gone over 500 days without an MMA fight. The bout between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov has been scheduled several times and has fallen through each time, so what transpired on April 1st shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise. It was announced that Ferguson suffered a freak knee injury during some media obligations and the fight was off, and despite said news breaking on April 1st it was not some kind of elaborate prank.

This left the UFC with just six days to find a replacement to take on Nurmagomedov, and after a brief search they came up with UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway. While we all mourned this latest loss of Ferguson vs. Nurmagomedov, it might be the most cursed bout in UFC history, I think we all looked forward to Holloway vs. Nurmagomedov as the intriguing bout it is on paper. And for a few glorious days things moved forward normally.

Then April 5th happened, triggering a chain of events that would gut this card.

On April 5th UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor and a group of his goons attacked a bus moving fighters from the Barclays Center back to their hotel. During the incident a window was fully shattered and another broken, several passengers being injured. Among the injured, in fact sitting immediately next to the window that McGregor threw a dolly through, was Michael Chiesa. Chiesa was to fight Anthony Pettis on this card, but he sustained multiple facial lacerations and lost over an hour of weight cutting time, the full result wound up being him not being able to fight. Sitting next to Chiesa was flyweight Ray Borg, Borg wound up with microscopic shards of glass in his eye and about an hour after the attack had to withdraw from his fight with Brandon Moreno as his vision became compromised. The last fight immediately impacted by this was a bout between Artem Lobov and Alex Caceres, Lobov was part of the group that attacked the bus and the UFC pulled him for disciplinary reasons.

While that’s all pretty bad, yesterday things managed to get worse.

First the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) deemed Max Holloway unfit to compete due to his extreme weight cut to try and make 155 lbs. on such short notice. There are some conflicting reports about this being the call of medical officials or just commission members who didn’t like the way Holloway was looking. Again left without half of the main event the UFC started scrambling, first they tried former champion Anthony Pettis who had lost his fight with Chiesa the day before but they were unable to come to financial terms. Next they asked Paul Felder, Felder was to fight Al Iaquinta on this card and specifically made the 155 pound mark at weigh ins, but the NYSAC wouldn’t sanction that fight as Felder is not officially ranked in the UFC’s Super Serious Highly Professional And Incredibly Well Respected Rankings (At least one NYSAC official has disputed this assertion so really who knows). Finally they had to go with Al Iaquinta, who is officially ranked despite having just one fight in three years and that fight was against the quasi sentient body that is Diego Sanchez. Further complicating issues is that Iaquinta officially weighed in at 155.2 pounds, missing the strict 155 mark and technically making him ineligible to win the title; however, the UFC seems to have indicated they’ll consider him champion if he wins despite missing the championship weight limit. Because the UFC has a long history of only following rules when convenient.

The end result of all this insanity is a card that lost four fights: Lobov vs. Caceres, Chiesa vs. Pettis, Felder vs. Iaquinta, and Borg vs. Moreno all fell by the wayside.

I don’t know about all of you guys, but this is a bit much even for a spot as fundamentally prone to insanity as MMA is. So our current main event is Khabib Nurmagomedov taking on Al Iaquinta for some version of the lightweight title as the UFC has not yet officially announced the stripping of McGregor and UFC President Dana White intimated that the interim title held by Tony Ferguson will be dissolved. The co-main event is a rematch for the strawweight title as new champion Rose Namajunas takes on former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the two fought at UFC 217 and Namajunas scored a first round finish via strikes. Elsewhere on the main card there’s a couple of featherweight prospect fights, Renato “Moicano” Carneiro takes on Calvin Kattar in a battle for ranking position and Zabit Magomedsharipov (one of the hottest featherweight prospects in the last few years, and possibly since Max Holloway) takes on Kyle Bochniak.

One final note on the main event for the superstitious among you, Al Iaquinta is a student of Matt Serra and Ray Longo and tonight is the eleven year anniversary of Matt Serra’s incredible upset of Georges St-Pierre for the UFC welterweight title.

UFC 223 comes to the world from the aforementioned Barclays Center in New York City, New York, USA. Providing commentary is the three man booth of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Jimmy Smith. This will be the first grouping of these three and it should be interesting to hear how they gel. As for the rules, the NYSAC has implemented in the new rules so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), extending fingers towards your opponents face is a foul regardless of contact being made, and the language around scoring is clearer. We also have some use of replay tonight, only for fight ending sequences and once used the fight cannot be restarted.

Devin Clark has gone 2-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Jan Blachowicz, he’s trying to rebound and get his UFC record above the .500 mark. Mike Rodriguez brings a four fight winning streak with him into his UFC debut, he was last seen winning on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, and is looking to make an immediate impact on the incredibly thin light heavyweight division. The odds are the first of a few -115 pick ’em fights tonight.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (8-2, 205.2 lbs.) vs. Mike Rodriguez (9-2, 203 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is four inches taller and has a whopping seven and a half inches of reach on Clark. Rodriguez fighting southpaw, and we get a touch of gloves to start things off. They trade power hand punches but Clark gets a body lock and then an outside trip but Rodriguez is looking to wall walk immediately. Rodriguez is back up and we’re clinch fighting as the “woo’s” start. Clark is working a few body shots then they start trading knees to the body and thigh. The ref breaks them as they stall out. Body kick from Rodriguez. Hard leg kick from Rodriguez sweeps the balance from Clark, Clark is back up but now Rodriguez has him on the cage. There’s an elbow and a few hooks from Rodriguez but Clark closes the distance again and spins Rodriguez into the cage. Bit of an elbow from Clark, Rodriguez lands a knee to the body then eats another elbow to the head. They break after some knees and we’re at distance again. Jumping knee from Rodriguez is partially blocked and Clark gets a takedown into side control. They’re in space this time, Rodriguez is able to get full guard. Rodriguez scoots to the fence and is trying to wall walk again. Knee to the body from Clark and he strips the posting arm from Rodriguez then lands a few punches and slips to the back. One hook in for Clark and he lands a few short blows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark

ROUND TWO: Clark comes out quickly, he’s hoping Rodriguez has tired. Bit of a left from Rodriguez, he’s stalking forward now, lands another left then a body kick. Hard knee to the body from Rodriguez and Clark gets the clinch off of it. Nice head position from Clark as he’s pinning Rodriguez to the cage. Rodriguez reverses position and lands a knee to the body then an elbow as they break, that elbow wobbled Clark a bit. Stiff left and a leg kick from Rodriguez, Clark is very flat on his feet and Rodriguez is starting to overwhelm him. More fighting on the fence, Clark lands an elbow as they jockey for position. There’s another knee to the body from Rodriguez, Clark has him pinned from a position stand point but he hasn’t done much effective. Clark lands a right but he can’t complete a level change. Another double leg attempt from Clark but Rodriguez blocks it. They break with a body kick from Clark. Hard left from Clark then a takedown, he lands a few punches as Rodriguez wall walks. Rodriguez really needs to prioritize getting free from the clinch, he’s done a lot of work at distance but he’s very accepting of this position on the fence. They break, sloppy trade and another clinch and the round ends on the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both guys are visibly fatigued but Clark seems prepared to fight through it more. Clark tries a single leg, can’t finish it but they hit the fence and we’re back to positional battling. Rodriguez spins him and lands a knee to the body but Clark spins him back. Clark is able to pull Rodriguez down then duck under the arms and spin to the back. Rodriguez trying to wall walk but Clark is keeping him down and landing short punches. Finally a successful wall walk from Rodriguez but he’s still pinned on the fence. Body shots from Clark and a knee to the body. Clark switches to a high crotch single leg and gets Rodriguez down in away from the fence, landing in the guard of Rodriguez. Rodriguez is trying to work his guard but he can’t get prolonged control of the arms of Clark to set up the armbar. We’re back to the fence but Rodriguez is exhausted and can’t get off of his seat. Clark knees the body, and Rodriguez is back up but still on the cage. They trade body shots and knees but Clark is smothering Rodriguez. Another body lock takedown from Clark, Rodriguez looks to wall walk again but Clark punches him as he does so. Rodriguez lands a couple of knees to the body but he can’t get free. Clark lands a flurry to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark, might be a 10-8 argument in there based on the margin he won it by, 29-28 Clark overall

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

Inauspicious start to the card, and no interview for Clark. Hopefully that’s the worst fight of the evening.

Bec Rawlings is on a three fight losing streak and is a paltry 2-4 in the UFC, she recently lost in her return to flyweight and even the embryonic status of that division likely wont save her spot on the roster if she loses four in a row. Ashley Evans-Smith is on a two fight losing streak and is hoping that dropping to flyweight will revitalize her career. Evans-Smith is the favorite at -200 to a +160 comeback on Rawlings.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Bec Rawlings (7-7, 125.8 lbs.) vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith (5-3, 125.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Evans-Smith is two inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Rawlings. Leg kick from Evans-Smith to start us off. Rawlings lands a leg kick. Another exchange of leg kicks. Right from Evans-Smith to counter a leg kick. Evans-Smith is using kicks to try and keep this long, she lands a flurry of rights then a body kick. Another flurry from Evans-Smith and a knee to the body, Rawlings is getting bullied here. Leg kick from Rawlings, Evans-Smith lands a body kick and a bit of a right. Neither woman has a lot of power in their punches, this is a volume battle. Knee to the body from Evans-Smith and they trade in the clinch before separating. Bit of a wheel kick from Evans-Smith is blocked. Leg kick from Evans-Smith. Counter right lands for Rawlings. Evans-Smith pushes into the clinch and we get another exchange of knees before separation. Rawlings lands a right. Glancing right from Rawlings, Evans-Smith gets a takedown, and there’s a wild scramble to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Evans-Smith

ROUND TWO: Rawlings showing the jab to start this round. A couple of kicks to the leg and body from Evans-Smith. The kicking game from Evans-Smith is the big difference maker thus far, when she leads with those she’s doing much better in the follow up combinations. They trade leg kicks and Evans-Smith lands a couple of uppercuts to follow up. Rawlings avoids a double leg attempt. Head kick from Evans-Smith then a couple of punches to follow up. Another leg kick from Evans-Smith, then another. Combination from Evans-Smith and Rawlings lands a right. There’s a trade of rights and another slow motion wheel kick from Evans-Smith but it lands. Rawlings lands a right, she’s starting to turn up the volume but Evans-Smith lands a knee to stun her and we get some mediocre brawling. Once they separate Rawlings lands a leg kick. Stiff left uppercut from Evans-Smith lands. Spinning backfist from Evans-Smith is blocked and they trade lefts. Failed takedown from Evans-Smith and Rawlings lands a knee to the body. They stare the final few seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Evans-Smith but much closer round, 20-18 Evans-Smith overall

ROUND THREE: Evans-Smith lands a bit of a body kick to start the round. There’s a few side kicks to the body from Evans-Smith. Exchange of rights, Rawlings is landing that but she’s getting hit with higher volume and she doesn’t have the firepower to off set that reality. Uppercut from Evans-Smith lands. Both women are connecting below 40% in terms of accuracy. That stat should tell you pretty much everything you need to know about this fight. Evans-Smith lands a few kicks to the body and leg. Rawlings walks into a right that stuns her for a second. There’s a leg kick from Rawlings. Rawlings is trying to stick and move now, she’s finding a few angles but when she stalls out in terms of movement she’s getting hit by Evans-Smith. A little more of the same to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Evans-Smith, 30-27 Evans-Smith overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ashlee Evans-Smith via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Another mediocre fight, and no interview for the winner. This card needs to pick up soon.

Evan Dunham is coming off of a draw with Beneil Dariush, he’s looking to extend his five fight unbeaten streak here and improve on his top fifteen ranking. Olivier Aubin-Mercier took this fight on relatively short notice when Mairbek Taisumov’s visa issues persisted, he’s won his last three fights though and could crack the top fifteen with a fourth consecutive win here. The odds lean towards Dunham at -135 against +105 for Aubin-Mercier.

Lightweight Bout: #14 Evan Dunham (18-6-1, 155.8 lbs.) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (10-2, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dunham is an inch taller while Aubin-Mercier has half an inch of reach on him. Both guys are fighting southpaw, Dunham is coming forward early looking to engage. Solid couple of lefts from Dunham, Aubin-Mercier working to circle and lands a left of his own. Aubin-Mercier lands a knee to the body that hurts Dunham, he swarms with punches, lands another knee to the body that folds Dunham like a chair and a few more punches prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Olivier Aubin-Mercier via TKO, knee to the body and punches, at :53 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Aubin-Mercier for his work this evening. Mic time for Aubin-Mercier. He says this is just the beginning and says he wanted to be the Canadian gangster tonight and talks about the creed of said Canadian gangsters. Aubin-Mercier talks us through the finish and notes it’s his first TKO win and asks for a post fight bonus. Really nice body work from Aubin-Mercier here, he hiked up the right arm on that first clinch and landed a hard knee then when the initial flurry of head shots didn’t end it he went back to the body with another hard knee that ended things.

In the wake of that quick finish we get a couple of hype pieces for the top two PPV fights and spend time back at the analyst desk.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz is coming off of a win after hitting a two fight losing streak, she’s looking to get a winning streak up and running here while making her way back towards title contention. Felice Herrig is riding a four fight winning streak and a win here would certainly put her in the top five for the division with a number one contenders bout in the immediate future. The odds are with Kowalkiewicz at -200 to +160 for Herrig.

Strawweight Bout: #4 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (11-2, 115 lbs.) vs. #8 Felice Herrig (14-6, 115.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Herrig has an inch of height and reach on Kowalkiewicz. There’s a touch of gloves to get us going. Both women miss some rights, Kowalkiewicz lands a bit of a right. Leg kick from Herrig but Kowalkiewicz lands a hard counter right. Another right from Kowalkiewicz lands. Kowalkiewicz lands a right, this time Herrig lands a counter left. Both women are settling down a bit, they’re both making each other miss a lot more now. Body kick from Kowalkiewicz and a bit of a counter left from Herrig. There’s a clinch and they both tee off in close before getting chest to chest and Herrig can’t get a takedown from a body lock. Kowalkiewicz sneaks in a few more knees to the body then lands a right as they break. Herrig takes a deep breath on the break, she muscled a lot of that position. Kowalkiewicz lands some knees to the body, she’s trying to pressure before Herrig can regain her breath. Another clinch and Kowalkiewicz goes to the body with knees before they hit the fence. Impressive takedown defense from Kowalkiewicz as Herrig has almost nothing going in that regard. They break and Kowalkiewicz tries an Imanari roll, stupid decision and Herrig winds up on top. There’s a triangle sweep from Kowalkiewicz, making me look stupid, and Herrig has to scramble to get full guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kowalkiewicz

ROUND TWO: Herrig visibly breathing harder here, and we get a touch of gloves for the second round. Some rights are traded then leg kicks go back and forth. Kowalkiewicz lands a series of jabs then a knee to the body. Counter right lands for Kowalkiewicz then a leg kick and she avoids the offense from Herrig. Herrig is struggling with the distance, she’s punching from too far out and generally getting countered. Kowalkiewicz avoids a takedown attempt. Stiff right then a series of knees to the body from Kowalkiewicz, Herrig is getting worked in terms of volume and consistency. Solid combination lands for Kowalkiewicz, she’s kneeing hard to the body every time Herrig tires to close distance. Spinning back fist for Kowalkiewicz, we get another series of elbows from a collar tie and Kowalkiewicz lands more knees to the body before driving Herrig to the fence. Kowalkiewicz has a high crotch attempt here and is able to trip Herrig down, Herrig back up but Kowalkiewicz hip tosses her and they separate after Herrig scrambles back up. Knees and elbows from Kowalkiewicz again, the volume and accuracy is wearing Herrig down. They wind up clinched on the fence again but Kowalkiewicz gets her to the fence and lands to the body again before they break. A few punches go back and forth but Kowalkiewicz is still getting the better of these exchanges as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Kowalkiewicz is coming forward this round and they’re both looking to punch. There’s a few leg kicks from Kowalkiewicz, Herrig is fading visibly at this point. Another right lands for Kowalkiewicz then a body kick. Herrig lands a bit of a left. One two from Kowalkiewicz lands, then a delayed uppercut to follow. Another right, then a knee and an elbow from Kowalkiewicz all land. There’s a brief exchange but Kowalkiewicz is out landing Herrig. The jab from Kowalkiewicz is really showing off here as well. Herrig lands a bit of a jab. They trade rights but Herrig landed better, she pushes into the clinch but they stall out on the fence. Kowalkiewicz was hurt from that right but Herrig is smothering her own opportunity here against the fence. They trade body shots then break and we get some brawling to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Herrig, 29-28 Kowalkiewicz overall

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

I can’t get behind that split at all, no way Herrig took either of the first two rounds. Kowalkiewicz on the mic now, she feels she won all three rounds but says “it’s judging” because judging sucks. She says the fight was tough and she’s really happy she won. Asked who or what is next she thinks Namajunas will win the title fight and wants to fight for the belt again before dedicating the performance to her step-father who’s battling cancer.

That does it for prelims, on to the main card on PPV.

Joe Lauzon is a veteran of the sport and the UFC, but he’s clearly on the downside of his career and is currently riding a two fight losing streak. Lauzon is trying to avoid the first three fight losing streak of his career and temporarily halt the talk of retirement. Chris Gruetzemacher has gone just 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, this is a critical fight for his career as a win over a recognizable name like Lauzon helps him keep his job while a loss puts him very close to the proverbial chopping block. With both fighters on losing streaks the odds favor the more known quantity in Lauzon at -165 to a +135 comeback on Gruetzemacher.

Lightweight Bout: Joe Lauzon (27-14, 155.4 lbs.) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (13-3, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lauzon is two inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Gruetzemacher. There’s a touch of gloves to get us going. Both men willing to swing early, Lauzon lands a couple of hooks and Gruetzemacher is backing up. Gruetzemacher lands a calf kick, then another one. Lauzon misses a couple of hooks then eats another calf kick. Solid right elbow from Lauzon then he tries a single leg, Gruetzemacher defends and Lauzon pulls butterfly guard. Gruetzemacher trying to stay heavy, Lauzon elevates but can’t sweep or stand up, Gruetzemacher is now standing over him landing a few punches. Body shots from the standing Gruetzemacher, Lauzon tries to roll for a kneebar but Gruetzemacher stuffs it and punches him. Now Lauzon adjusts for a heel hook but no knee line control and Gruetzemacher pulls free then separates. Lauzon back up and we’ve got a bit more sloppy striking going back and forth. Gruetzemacher seems to be trying to wait out the first round and let Lauzon tire himself out. Lauzon lands a couple of elbows. Gruetzemacher lands a couple of elbows of his own and Lauzon is already looking a little fatigued. Gruetzemacher lands a couple of calf kicks in close then an uppercut and a few follow ups. Lauzon digs a left to the body but he’s much more stationary and Gruetzemacher is starting to come on with the pace. Hard uppercut from Gruetzemacher and a knee to the body. They’re in a prolonged pocket position and Lauzon’s diminished gas tank is obvious. Another combination from Gruetzemacher lands then a knee to the body. Front kick to the body from Gruetzemacher and an elbow bring the round to an end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gruetzemacher

ROUND TWO: Let’s see if Lauzon is capable of recovering, he was visibly tired and slow at the end of that round. Also of note is the damage to the calf of Lauzon. Gruetzemacher coming forward and lands another calf kick. Some jabs to the body from Gruetzemacher then a right. Single leg attempt from Lauzon but Gruetzemacher limp legs out of it. Gruetzemacher cuts the right eye of Lauzon, can’t see where, then lands a knee to the body. More body work from Gruetzemacher in close, they’re in the classic infighting position in boxing and Gruetzemacher is consistently breaking down Lauzon. There’s almost nothing on the offense of Lauzon at this point, Gruetzemacher lands a knee to the body and elbows to the head. This is getting horribly one sided, the ref should take a good look at Lauzon. Laauzon tries to rally but he misses most of his offense and then fades almost immediately. More body kicks from Gruetzemacher. That cut around the right eye of Lauzon is under it but his face is a mess at this point. Right from Lauzon after he took a ton of body shots, Gruetzemacher just doesn’t care and keeps offering offense. Another cut on Lauzon, this time near the hairline, his face is a bloody mess and his right eye is nearly shut. Hard combination of uppercuts from Gruetzemacher land. More body shots from Gruetzemacher hurt Lauzon, he tries to fire back but his body is shutting down from the abuse to his midsection. Another combination from Gruetzemacher closes the round, this fight should be over between rounds.

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

ROUND THREE: Yeah, Lauzon’s corner stopped the fight between rounds.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Gruetzemacher via TKO, corner stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 2

Lightweight Bout: Joe Lauzon (27-14, 155.4 lbs.) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (13-3, 155 lbs.)

Lauzon’s face is a mess, totally deserved stoppage and credit to Lauzon’s corner for protecting their fighter. Mic time for Gruetzemacher, he says he really needed this win for his soul as well as his career. He talks through his training and the need to vary offense to the head and body. He says he hoped the fight was stopped between rounds given how the second went and knew he’d win.

Zabit Magomedsharipov has an impressive ten fight winning streak going on, including two finishes in the UFC that have earned him top prospect status to a lot of pundits. Magomedsharipov is trying to extend that streak and continue marching up the competitive ranks. Kyle Bochniak has gone 2-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and looking to derail the hype train around Magomedsharipov and prove himself a prospect to watch going forward. Magomedsharipov is a prohibitive -650 favorite while the +425 payout for a Bochniak win has to tempt some of the degenerate gamblers out there.

Featherweight Bout: Zabit Magomedsharipov 14-1, (145.8 lbs.) vs. Kyle Bochniak (8-2, 145.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magomedsharipov is six and a half inches taller than Bochniak and has three inches of reach advantage as well. Magomedsharipov opens with a front kick to the body. Bochniak is coming forward early and trowing punches but he’s yet to find the target. Leg kick from Magomedsharipov and he avoids a counter right. Side kick to the body from Magomedsharipov then a left hook that backs up Bochniak. Body kick from Magomedsharipov lands. Another hard body kick from Magomedsharipov, Bochniak immediately starts looking to protect the body. A series of Bochniak hooks are blocked. Stiff left from Magomedsharipov then a spinning back kick to the body. Bochniak is just able to duck under a head kick. Bit of a right from Bochiak but he’s getting constantly hit at the end of Magomedsharipov’s reach and not doing much to counter. Another body kick from Magomedsharipov lands. They clinch up then break quickly, Bochniak just can’t get a consistent handle on this fight. Head kick from Magomedsharipov then a jumping switch kick both of which partially land. Knee to the chin from Magomedsharipov after a brief clinch. Another head kick from Magomedsharipov lands, Bochniak just eats it but can’t land a counter. Bochniak ducks under a spinning back fist. Another quick clinch and Magomedsharipov lands a body shot then they trade hooks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magomedsharipov, arguable 10-8 in terms of efficacy

ROUND TWO: Bochniak has some swelling and discoloration around his right eye. Quick pressure from Bochniak but Magomedsharipov avoids it and lands a hard left body kick. They clinch, Magomedsharipov ducks under and gets a rear waist lock then drags Bochniak down. Bochniak back up but Magomedsharipov is still on his back with one hook in looking to ride him. Mat return from Magomedsharipov then another this time into the guard of Bochniak. Closed guard from Bochniak but Magomedsharipov lands a couple of short elbows to the head. Bochniak is trying to hit an angle for an armbar but Magomedsharipov reads it and smothers him. Bochniak is able to kick free and regain his feet, then eats a leg kick. Body shots from Magomedsharipov then a left hook. Bochniak is trying to goad a brawl but Magomedsharipov is staying technical and consistent. A couple of straight punches then a leg kick from Magomedsharipov. Hard uppercut from Magomedsharipov lands, Bochniak is bleeding around both eyes, Magomedsharipov then hits a stepping judo foot sweep and gets on top in the guard of Bochniak. That was a sweet sweep from him. Bochniak is trying for another armbar but it’s not there. There’s a quick scramble and we’re back on the feet. Magomedsharipov stuffs a double leg attempt without much issue. Spinning backfist from Magomedsharipov mostly lands. Knee to the chin from Magomedsharipov lands as Bochniak was trying to close distance. They trade a bit and Bochniak is badly cut as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Bochniak is still in this in terms of his mentality but he gets clipped with a left hook coming forward. Another left hook from Magomedsharipov lands. Spinning back kick to the chest lands for Magomedsharipov then he hits a double leg. Bochniak wall walks but Magomedsharipov moves to the back again and is working on a mat return. Bochniak back up but still can’t get Magomedsharipov off of his back. Transition to a double leg from the rear waist lock from Magomedsharipov and he’s in the guard of Bochniak now. Body to head punches from Magomedsharipov, and a short elbow as well. Bochniak tries to escape, he’s up but Magomedsharipov keeps the waist lock and drags him back to his knees. Magomedsharipov gets too high on the back and Bochniak shakes him over the top but Magomedsharipov is back up and looking to turn into him on the fence. Bochniak tries a single leg, Magomedsharipov misses an enziguri but gets free. Bochniak avoids a double leg from distance, Magomedsharipov might be slowing a bit. Forward pressure from Bochniak and Magomedsharipov isn’t moving as well as he was before, we’ve got some slugging going on now. Both guys tired and we’ve got the pocket war between these two, both men land hard hooks as time expires. Wild finish.

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

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

Great fight, this card really needed that one. Mic time for Magomedsharipov, Rogan first thanks both guys for that fight and I’ll second that. Magomedsharipov thanks Bochniak because five guys turned down this fight and thanks the fans as well. He tries English, asking Dana White and Sean Shelby who’s next, which is a good question. Asked who he’d like he specifically names Yair Rodriguez for the upcoming Moscow card. He closes by I think wishing Khabib good luck for the main event.

We get an announcement that the late Bruce Connal will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as a contributor, if the stories about his television production and what that has meant to the presentation are true absolutely deserved. Joe Rogan audibly chokes out trying to put him over after the announcement and says he can’t even talk about him without crying.

Renato “Moicano” Carneriro is coming off of the first loss of his career, granted it was to top contender Brian Ortega, and he’s hoping to rebound from that setback and resume an upward trajectory in the division. Calvin Kattar is on an impressive ten fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s trying to improve his official ranking here and start making the leap from prospect to contender. Speaking of the odds we’re at a -115 pick ’em.

Featherweight Bout: #11 Renato “Moicano” Carneiro (11-1-1, 145.6 lbs.) vs. #13 Calvin Kattar (18-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical height and reaches. They touch gloves to get us going. Both guys trying to get a read on the other, feinting with jabs and leg kicks. Leg kick from Carneiro. Kattar lands a right that wobbles Carneiro, he tries to flurry but eats a left hook and decides to take a measured approach. Leg kick from Carneiro and Kattar lands a jab. Kattar lands a right, Carneiro is looping his punches while Kattar is throwing straighter. Body kick from Carneiro lands. Bit of a right from Carneiro then another left body kick. Leg kick from Carneiro then a bit of a jab. Another leg kick from Carneiro, then an inside one. That leg kick is the best offense Carneiro has so far. Hard inside leg kick from Carneiro. Kattar misses a right and takes a hard body shot, he’s falling off as the round goes on. Carneiro avoids a few punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar

ROUND TWO: Kattar misses a wild right, now he’s the one starting to loop his punches. Carneiro avoids a combination and lands a hard counter combo of his own. Counter right from Carneiro lands. Hard left body kick from Carneiro then a couple of inside leg kicks. That lead leg of Kattar is starting to suffer from those kicks, he actually has to switch stance for a bit. Carneiro content to kick the other leg and Kattar goes back to orthodox. Counter left then right from Carneiro and another inside leg kick. Right to the body from Carneiro then another inside leg kick. Another couple of leg kicks from Carneiro then an uppercut. Kattar has really dropped off this round, Carneiro is sticking and moving as well as sniping nicely. Carneiro doesn’t care which leg is forward from Kattar, he’s chewing up the inside of either leg. Body kick then an inside leg kick from Carneiro. Kattar misses a right to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carneiro, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Carneiro lands an inside leg kick, Kattar trips him but doesn’t follow him to the mat. Overhand right from Carneiro lands, Katar tries to get it back but his offense is mostly blocked. Leg kick from Carneiro. The crowd is booing a little, these poor guys have to follow Zabit and Bochniak. Carneiro lands a bit of a body kick after a series of hooks was blocked. Inside leg kick from Carneiro lands. Kattar is bleeding from the nose and there’s a lot of blood on his left foot, it’s dropping from his nose down to his feet. Counter right lands for Carneiro then another inside leg kick. The inside of Kattar’s left leg is pretty nasty looking at this point. Another leg kick from Carneiro then some body shots. Straight right lands for Carneiro and he starts following up as Kattar tries to recover. Really methodical approach from Carneiro, he lands an uppercut and is turning up the offense looking for a finish. Body kick from Carneiro is partially blocked. Kattar lands a bit of a right then takes a leg kick. Right then an elbow from Carneiro lands. Kattar badly misses a spinning kick, they both miss punches as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Renato “Moicano” Carneiro via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

There’s an argument for Carneiro taking the first outside of the initial flurry from Kattar, no interview for Carneiro though.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the former strawweight champion but is coming off of the first loss of her MMA career when she was stopped in the first round, she’s trying to reclaim her title in this fight and reassert herself as one of the best female fighters in the world. Rose Namajunas was the woman who ended Jedrzejczyk’s title reign in such emphatic fashion, she’s working to establish her own legacy as a top strawweight here by getting the all important first title defense under her belt and prove the first fight was no fluke. Despite the outcome of their first fight the odds closed at a -115 pick ’em.

Strawweight Title Bout: (c) Rose Namajunas (7-3, 114.2 lbs) vs. #1 Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-1, 114 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jedrzejczyk is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Namajunas. Early feinting from Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas seems not to be biting on them yet. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands. Both women starting to show the jab and look to read the other. bit of a left hook lands for Jedrzejczyk. Namajuans is controlling the distance, she’s not really engaging on the terms Jedrzejczyk wants so far. An exchange of rights. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands. One two from Namajunas lands. A few more inside leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk. Another exchange of rights, I think Jedrzejczyk landed better in that exchange. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands. Right lands for Namajunas, then another when they both swing in close. Jab lands for Jedrzejczyk and they both miss follow up offense. They trade lefts, Namajunas gets rocked by an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk but I’m not sold on that

ROUND TWO: Jedrzejczyk’s face is reddening a bit. Namajunas comes forward and lands a combination then takes a leg kick. They split jabs. They’re both throwing jabs more this round trying to read each other. A couple of leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk land. Namajunas is coming forward and they trade left hooks but Namajunas had more on hers. Hard leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Bit of a counter left from Namajunas lands but her follow up offense is blocked. Namajunas slips a series of punches from Jedrzejczyk, both women being more defensive minded at this point. They clinch up, Jedrzejczyk knees the body a few times before they hit the fence and separate with an exchange of punches. Jan from Jedrzejczyk lands but she gets tagged with a counter left hook. That counter hook from Namjunas is money. They clinch up and Jedrzejczyk lands knees to the body before they hit the fence. More knees to the body from Jedrzejczyk in the clinch then a short elbow. More knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 20-18 Jedrzejczyk overall but again not sold on it

ROUND THREE: Both women feinting to start the third. Namajunas lands another left hook. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk but she’s struggling to land punches. Jab from Namajunas lands. Bit of an exchange, both women landed rights but Namajunas is clearly the harder puncher. Body kick from Namajunas lands. Jedrzejczyk lands a head kick, Namajunas lands a bit of a right. Two more leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk. Namajunas jabs the body then we get an exchange of jabs. Another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands. Bit of a right from Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas lands a left. There’s another exchange of left hooks. Body kick from Jedrzejczyk. Right from Jedrzejczyk lands, Namajunas might be fading. Jedrzejczyk lands a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 30-27 Jedrzejczyk overall and I finally feel pretty good about my scoring for that round

ROUND FOUR: Namajunas’ lead leg is really red. Both women come out moving and feinting again, Jedrzejczyk lands a hard inside leg kick. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands. Another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas is moving slower now. Bit of a right and an inside leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Left to the body from Jedrzejczyk. another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas is slowing but still has power in her punches. Solid right from Namajunas lands. Counter left lands for Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas is starting to move first instead of bait the counters of Jedrzejczyk. Inside leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands and wobbles the leg of Namajunas. They trade lefts but Namajunas has slowed her output and Jedrzejczyk is out working her. Bit of a counter combination from Jedrzejczyk lands then they trade punches. Leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk land to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 40-36 Jedrzejczyk overall but at a minimum that first should have gone to Namajunas as I think back on it

ROUND FIVE: Jedrzejczyk’s right eye is swelling and nearly closed up. We get a touch of gloves for the final round. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of leg kicks and she avoids the counters ofr Namajunas. Left lands for Namajunas flush. Counter right lands for Jedrzejczyk now. Straight right from Namajunas lands, and a left. Namajunas is coming on in the fifth when we’re likely 2-2 in terms of rounds. A couple of knees to the head from Jedrzejczyk and we’re starting to brawl. Leg kicks go back and forth. Both women bleeding from the nose and Namajunas lands an uppercut. Jedrzejczyk jans the body and misses an uppercut of her own. Inside leg kick from Jedrzejczyk lands then another to the outside. Right lands for Jedrzejczyk and a leg kick, Namajunas lands a bit of a right. Namajunas blocks a combination then takes a front kick to the body. There’s an exchange of punches, Jedrzejczyk really hasn’t adjusted to the trunk movement of Namajunas at all and it’s compromised her game. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Takedown from Namajunas with less than a minute left, Jedrzejczyk to the fence and we get a trade of punches on the mat as she’s sitting on the cage to close the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas, 49-46 Jedrzejczyk overall but this likely goes to Namajunas and I wouldn’t object at all

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Strawweight Champion – Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision (49-46 x3)

Really, they only gave Jedrzejczyk the third or fourth? I’ll admit my scoring here is probably wrong but that still seems weird to me. Then again you can only judge what you see, and lots of my scores reflect that deep falacy in judging. Namajunas on the mic now, she says she felt heavy and apologizes for not being as technical this time. She says the weight cut probably messed up Jedrzejczyk the first time but despite that Namajunas is the better fighter. Asked about the leg kicks she says her fiance Pat Barry kicks her in the leg all the time so this wasn’t anything.

What a long strange trip it was to this fight. Khabib Nurmagomedov is undefeated as a professional and has been regarded as one of the best, if not the very best, lightweights in the world for a few years now. Tonight is his first chance at UFC gold and he’s trying to cement himself as the number one lightweight in the UFC, if not the world, with another win here. Al Iaquinta stepped in here on short notice when a bunch of fights fell through, but he’s on a five fight winning streak though he’s fought only once in the past three years and beat an over the hill Diego Sanchez in that fight. Iaquinta is trying to channel one of his coaches (Matt Serra) and score a major upset while claiming the UFC lightweight title. The odds are heavily with Nurmagomedov at -700 to +450 on Iaquinta’s upset.

Lightweight Title Bout: #2 Khabib Nurmagomedov (25-0, 154.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Al Iaquinta (13-3-1, 155.2 lbs)

ROUND ONE: These two are the shame height and have the same reach. Circling to start, Iaquinta tries to jab the body. Nurmagomedov is circling on the outside early, and he manages to avoid a right from Iaquinta. Bit of a left from Iaquinta lands. Slight jab from Nurmagomedov. Low single leg from Nurmagomedov and he gets Iaquinta down then lands in half guard. A few body shots from Nurmagomedov land, and he moves to side control. Iaquinta to his knees, Nurmagomedov has the back and is looking for the choke but Iaquinta scrambles up though he can’t get out of the clinch. High crotch single leg from Nurmagomedov and he moves to mount easily. Iaquinta has a double wrist lock but he’s got his legs mounted so there’s nothing there. Wall walk from Iaqunta but Nurmagomedov is riding and landing some lefts to the head. Short lefts from Nurmagomedov and Iaquinta’s face is already swelling. Nice mat returns from Nurmagomedov, he’s riding Iaquinta and sneaking lefts to the face at every opportunity. They’re upright finally but Nurmagomedov gets a single leg to a trip and lands punches from the guard of Iaquinta. A few more lefts to the head from Nurmagomedov as he’s looking to wall walk again. Iaquinta up but Nurmagomedov rides him back tot he mat. Another move to his feet from Iaquinta but Nurmagomedov is still pinned to him and working the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nurmagomedov but there’s a 10-8 argument given the margin that Nurmagomedov won it by

ROUND TWO: Iaquinta’s left eye is swelling up and there’s some damage to the bridge of his nose. Some jabs from Iaquinta to start that miss, bit of a front kick from Nurmagomedov. Bit of a right from Iaquinta. Another low single from Nurmagomedov and he’s got Iaqinta to the fence then trips him down to the mat. Iaquinta has full guard but Nurmagomedov is stacking him and lands a few rights. Nurmagomedov to the back again, just a ride and lands a left as Iaquinta moves to a knee and starts sucking air. One hook in now for Nurmagomedov, he moves to a double leg and gets Iaquinta down again. Nurmagomedov to the back, now he’s got both hook in and is looking to secure position. Nurmagomedov after the choke, he’s under the chin but loses it and settles for landing punches after flattening Iaquinta out on the mat. Punches from Nurmagomedov, Iaquinta is starting to move and Nurmagomedov lands another couple of rights while looking to set up a no win position for Iaquinta. Iaquinta holding one of Nurmagomedov’s arms to try and stem the offense, Nurmagomedov gets it back and resumes controlling and landing punches. One more choke attempt from Nurmagomedov ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nurmagomedov, no ambiguity that time, 20-17 Nurmagomedov overall

ROUND THREE: Iaquinta standing almost still, Nurmagomedov lands a right. They split jabs. Bit of a right from Iaquinta and Nurmagomedov lands a jab. Body kick from Nurmagomedov lands. Leg kick from Nurmagomedov lands. A few more jabs from Nurmagomedov land. Solid combination from Nurmagomedov lands then a delayed right to follow up. Iaquinta avoids a low single this time then Nurmagomedov lands a one two. More jabs from Nurmagomedov but Iaquinta lands a right. There’s serious bleeding from the nose of Iaquinta now from the jab of Nurmagomedov. They trade inside leg kicks. Another body kick from Nurmagomedov. Leg kick from Nurmagomedov and Iaquinta gets a bit of a counter right. Iaquinta’s nose is visibly broken at this point. Left hook lands for Nurmagomedov. More jabs from Nurmagomedov at this point. Iaquinta misses a right and takes a jab as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Iaquinta showing the jab to start the fourth, Nurmagomedov circling looking for an angle. A few jabs from Nurmagomedov then a right and an uppercut fromm Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov jabbing and they trade rights. There’s a trade of lefts. Nurmagomedov lands a right then a jab. Single leg from Nurmagomedov, Iaquinta limp legs out of it though. One two from Nurmagomedov lands then a leg kick. A couple of body shots from Iaquinta land. Right to the body from Iaquinta lands. Iaquinta tries a single leg, nothing doing and he has the follow up punches blocked. More jabs from Nurmagomedov to the nose of Iaquinta. Nurmagomedov is working at distance effectively if rather unspectacularly. Right lands for Iaquinta.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 40-35 Nurmagomedov overall

ROUND FIVE: Part of me wonders if Nurmagomedov isn’t going five rounds just to prove he can. They touch gloves for the final round. Nurmagomedov misses a single leg attempt. Jabs and a left hook from Nurmagomedov land. Left to the body from Iaquinta lands. Left hook lands for Iaquinta. Bit of an uppercut from Iaquinta lands and Nurmagomedov responds with a series of jabs. Uppercut from Nurmagomedov lands. Nurmagomedov pushes into the clinch and has Iaquinta on the fence but can’t keep him pinned this time. Uppercut from Nurmagomedov lands then he tries a head kick. Iaquinta is slowing down and Nurmagomedov pushes into the clinch the takes him down without issue. The ride position form Nurmagomedov and he’s after the choke, he really wants a finish. Lefts to the head from Nurmagomedov as Iaquinta moves to his knees, his left eye is swelling badly. Iaquinta is up but Nurmagomedov has a waist lock and is now talking to Dana White cage side and punching Iaquinta in the head. Another back take from Nurmagomedov and he gets under the chin this time with the choke but Iaquinta has a hand in place and defends. Nurmagomedov bails on that and lands some punches then moves for the choke again. More defense from Iaquinta so Nurmagomedov lands punches to the head as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 50-44 Nurmagomedov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Lightweight Champion – Khabib Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (50-44 50-43 x2)

Nurmagomedov is now the first undisputed Russian champion in UFC history and the first Muslim UFC champion, he’s on the mic now. He puts over God and feels sad that his father wasn’t here to see this moment, thanks his coach Javier Mendes and the rest of his team then calls AKA the best team ever. Next he thanks the rest of his training partners and puts over everyone around him as humble and then says he wants to fight Georges St-Pierre in Madison Square Garden in November. He puts over Iaquinta as a real gangster, then jokes that McGregor wants to fight a bus while he wants to fight real fighters and thanks God again. Asked about all the opponent changes he had to deal with he says it was nothing and again thanks Iaquinta for taking the fight. He says if the UFC gave him 30 minutes he could fight the next guy in line right now, and jokingly mentions Daniel Cormier in that list. Some Russian follows then he does his own translation where he spoke to his brother back home and I swear I heard him mention Vladimir Putin but he doesn’t bring that up.

On that note, the insanity seems to have quieted with the closing of UFC 223. We’ll be breaking down not only this event but the chaos leading up to it tomorrow at 8pm eastern time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show. We’ll also preview UFC on FOX 29 when Justin Gaethje meets Dustin Poirier in the main event and Carlos Condit tries to get back on the right side of things against Alex Oliveira. I’ll be back for that event next week and I hope you’ll be back as well. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.