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411’s UFC 228 Report 9.08.18

September 9, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 228. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. UFC 228 was a card that started out with 14 fights on it, just to torture those of us who have to watch it from start to finish, headlined by a welterweight title fight between champion Tyron Woodley and surging contender Darren Till. That fight, against the odds given Till’s issues with weight cutting and Woodley’s history of injuries, remained in tact. Sadly we lost the original co-main event when inaugural women’s flyweight champion Nicco Montano was to make her first title defense against former bantamweight title challenger Valentina Shevchenko, the fight fell through on Friday when Monano was hospitalized and she was subsequently stripped of the title.

The main card also includes rising featherweight prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov trying to extend his perfect UFC run, a strawweight fight that should determine the next title challenger as Jessica Andrade takes on Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and Jimmie Rivera battles John Dodson as well. It’s not the flashiest card but there’s some quality fights hiding in there. UFC 228 comes to the world from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, USA with Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier on commentary. As for the rules the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Combative Sports has not adopted the new rules, so anything besides the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed and the language around scoring is needlessly nebulous and discouraging of 10-8’s. We also don’t have any kind of instant replay available for this event.

Jarred Brooks is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off of one of the more comical losses you’ll see, he knocked himself out slamming his opponent. Despite the two fight losing streak Brooks has shown some promise and is looking to avoid a three fight skid here. Roberto Sanchez has gone 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running here. The odds are with Brooks at a significant -275 to a +215 comeback on Sanchez.

Flyweight Bout: Jarred Brooks (13-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs Roberto Sanchez (8-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sanchez is three inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach on Brooks. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men feinting, Brooks doing more circling with his footwork. Bit of a right from Brooks then a left hook behind it. Sanchez lands a left. Single leg attempt from Sanchez and he gets it against the fence but Brooks looks to scramble immediately and threatens to take the back. Brooks is looking to get one leg around to take the back but the size difference is hurting him. We’ve got “woo’s” already, God help us. Sanchez blocks the transition attempt after a bit and moves to a near mount position, there’s just a knee shield in for Brooks as they’re stuffed on the fence. Brooks rolls under for a heel hook, now looking for a knee bar, back to the heel hook, back to the knee bar. Sanchez lands some elbows to the thigh while trying to break the grip of Brooks, the heel hook is pretty tight but Brooks doesn’t have full leverage around the heel just yet and is looking to adjust. More punches from Sanchez, Brooks tries to switch sides with the leg and they wind up in 50/50 guard as Brooks fishes for an inside heel hook. Punches from Sanchez, and they scramble back up and hit the fence in a clinch. Sanchez lands some knees to the inside of the thigh, despite the submission threats from Brooks Sanchez has landed the better blows by far. A few more knees go back and forth as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sanchez

ROUND TWO: Sanchez stalking forward to get this round going, showing the jab. Brooks barely misses an overhand right. Sanchez has done a good job of cutting off the cage, and when he’s got Brooks near the fence he shoots a single leg. Brooks avoids a takedown, nearly secures top position but Sanchez scrambles back up and Brooks holds a rear waist lock. Sanchez turns into Brooks though Brooks still holds a body lock. Sanchez nearly steps over to take the back and winds up pulling guard. Wrist control for Sanchez, Brooks fights to get his hands back. Sanchez closes his guard, he’s after an armbar but decides against it. Brooks lands some body to head punches. I’m surprised Brooks hasn’t looked to pass yet, Sanchez tries to get butterfly hooks working but Brooks just rides through them. Sanchez seems more concerned with sweeping than submitting. Brooks postures up and lands some punches and elbows to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brooks, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Someone landed a spinning back fist but I missed who it was, Brooks lands an uppercut as Sanchez gets close and they clinch up again. Brooks has Sanchez on the fence and is looking for a takedown. Sanchez can’t stay upright and Brooks gets him down, this time landing in side control. Brooks lands a few knees to the body, Sanchez has a bit of a crucifix from the bottom to tie up Brooks. Sanchez loses the control position and Brooks resumes smothering him. Sanchez back to his knees now and Brooks is holding a front head lock. They’re back up on the fence, Sanchez has a hand down and Brooks lands a few knees to the shoulder but those came close to the head and under these rules even fingertips makes him a downed opponent. Sanchez winds up pulling guard again and gets a body triangle from the bottom. Brooks with a good pace of offense to the body and head, even if none of it is especially damaging. They both start swinging from their positions, Brooks lands a couple of hard elbows to close out the round.

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

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

Really? Split for that fight? It’s gonna be a long night isn’t it. Mic time for Brooks, who mentions he took this fight on five days notice and puts over the pioneers of the sport who paved the way. He puts over his coaches, commentary, the UFC for giving him the shot and promises to look better next time.

Irene Aldana is just 1-2 in the UFC and broke a two fight losing streak with her most recent win. She debuted with a bit of hype around her and needs a win badly here to regain a bit of that momentum. Lucie Pudilova has gone 2-1 in the UFC and that loss was a somewhat dubious decision, she’s trying to get to three wins in a row here and earn a crack at a top ten opponent next. The odds here closed at -120 on Aldana to -110 on Pudilova, making Aldana the slimmest of favorites.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #12 Irene Aldana (8-4, 135 lbs.) vs #13 Lucie Pudilova (8-2, 134 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aldana has an inch of height and reach on Pudilova. There’s a failed touch of gloves to get us going. Pudilova shows the jab early, Aldana doing a lot of circling. They split jabs but Aldana’s landed better. A couple of jabs sneak through for Pudilova, both women just sniping and probing so far. Hard hook in close from Aldana, that definitely got Pudilova’s attention. A few inside leg kicks from Aldana, she’s just trying to score and annoy Pudilova into making a mistake. Counter right from Aldana lands and she avoids the follow up offense. Pudilova lands a right. The jab from Pudilova is starting to find the target and Aldana isn’t countering, and as I type that she lands a hard right. Another right from Aldana but Pudilova is still coming forward on her. Leg kick from Aldana, and she blocks the counters. Aldana’s defense so far is solid, she’s blocking or avoiding the vast majority of Pudilova’s output. Pudilova lands an overhand right, in fact both women have landed mostly counter rights off of jabs. They trade in close, Pudilova starting to land leg kicks now as well as punches. High kick from Pudilova, the pressure is getting to Aldana but Aldana lands a spinning back fist that lands flush but Pudilova wont give her space and they trade more as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pudilova but a really good round

ROUND TWO: Pudilova is circling to start this round, both women have redness and swelling around the face. Both women land rights in close and Pudilova lands a body kick. The power edge seems to be with Pudilova, she’s just walking through the offense of Aldana so far. Leg kick from Aldana and Pudilova misses a combination. Bit of a head kick from Pudilova then they split jabs. A right lands for Aldana but Pudilova lands a counter. Superman punch from Pudilova lands. Jabs are traded again and Aldana lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Aldana, Pudilova is squaring up her stance a bit to protect that leg. Pretty good one two from Aldana, her defense has come back up this round. Right to the body from Aldana. More inside leg kicks from Aldana, she’s out working Pudilova here. Pudilova is trying to fire back but she’s fading a bit in the cardio department. Body kicks and a one two from Aldana, she’s slipping the punches of Pudilova. Double leg attempt from Aldana but she has no second effort and then eats an elbow as they break. Another leg kick from Aldana closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldana, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Aldana opens up with an inside leg kick and a right hand. Pudilova wont stop coming forward but she’s not really landing those counters. More leg kicks from Aldana and she avoids the counters. Pudilova lands a right, Aldana returns it then lands a leg kick. That one hurt the leg of Pudilova, and Aldana lands a front kick to the face. They split rights then Pudilova lands a left. Counter right from Aldana lands and a right uppercut, these two are nuts. Pudilova is leaking blood from the nose. Another leg kick from Aldana but Pudilova is still coming forward despite the compromised leg. More jabs from Aldana land, both women are bleeding from the face and Aldana lands a hard leg kick. Pudilova can only take a couple more of those leg kicks. Combination from Aldana, she’s angling all over Pudilova and is starting to really chew her up. Aldana takes what looked like a finger to the eye that goes unnoticed, they clinch and Aldana lands a series of knees to the head of Pudilova before they break. Pudilova still coming forward, she just wont be deterred despite getting hit with counters. More punches, Aldana has abandoned the leg kicks. We get another clinch exchange as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldana, 29-28 Aldana overall but Pudilova might steal it based on aggression

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

Good fight. Minor point, that eye attack wasn’t a poke, just a back fist to the eye and therefore perfectly legal. The crowd seems split on that decision but I agree with it, and it was a really entertaining fight. Mic time for Aldana, she puts over Pudilova as tough and she knew she wouldn’t back off. She wanted the knockout but Pudilova wouldn’t go away and promises to have a better performance next time. Rogan asks about her footwork, which was solid, she mentions some opponent changes over the last month or so but feels better in the cage now and is working to evolve then hopes the fans enjoyed the fight.

Jim Miller is making his thirtieth UFC appearance here, apparently he’s the first fighter to do that. Despite his veteran status he’s on the worst run of his career, he’s lost his last four fights and while those losses were to largely top shelf talent he can’t afford a fifth loss here if he wants to retain a roster spot. Alex White has gone just 2-4 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to James Krause, this is a chance to get a win over a noted name and move his UFC record towards the .500 mark. The odds here closed in favor of White at -165 to a +135 payout for Miller.

Lightweight Bout: Jim Miller (28-12 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs Alex White (12-4, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: White is four inches taller but has just half an inch of reach advantage. Miller fighting southpaw, as is White, and they touch gloves. Miller lands a leg kick. White is probing with the jab, Miller lands a hard inside leg kick. Miller lands a hard straight left then a left to the body. Combination from Miller drops White, he’s on top landing some elbows and punches. White tries to turn, Miller grabs the choke and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jim Miller via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:29 of Round 1

That gives Miller the most wins in UFC lightweight history and he’s second all time for finishes in that division. Respect to that man, a ten year UFC vet who wins and loses but always shows up. Miller on the mic now, he says he’s trying to hold back tears and mentions that he’s been battling Lime Disease for over two years and it’s gonna be with him for a long time, he says he finally feels like his head is above water. He talks us through the finish and feels like he’s finally been able to train to his ability again and worked on his pressure game for this fight.

Here’s the finish, the clip starts just as the damaging left has landed and Miller swarms him with blows then grabs a choke as White’s defenses are overwhelmed.

Diego Sanchez is another veteran of the sport but is just 1-3 in his last four fights and has been brutally finished in all of those losses. Despite his up and down UFC career Sanchez has never lost three fights in a row and is trying to keep that statistic in tact. Craig White lost his UFC debut, and a four fight winning streak, when he stepped in on short notice to fight Neil Magny. White is trying to prove what he can do with a full camp under his belt, and an opponent more commensurate with his skill level. The odds favor White here at -210 to +170 on Sanchez.

Welterweight Bout: Diego Sanchez (27-11, 171 lbs.) vs Craig White (14-8, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: White has four inches of height and reach on Sanchez. Sanchez charges out, southpaw, and he gets hit a few times, then falls into a standing guillotine when going for a single leg. Big slam from Sanchez gets the guillotine to break but White has a triangle position all set up, then lands an up kick as Sanchez pulled out then dove back in. White is fighting for wrist control, he’s got decent control over the posture of Sanchez so far. Sanchez looking to pass but he can’t get around the legs yet. White with some decent guard retention but he’s got to start doing stuff and get his head off of the fence. Sanchez moving towards side control but White gets his guard back, Sanchez has decent hips but no control over the legs of White. Sanchez lands an elbow. A few rights from Sanchez get through and he’s moving towards half guard. Side control for Sanchez. Mounted crucifix for Sanchez, then he bails on it for no reason. White lands an up kick as Sanchez stands and lands punches. Sanchez is throwing like a maniac but White goes under for a leg lock. Sanchez lands more punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Sanchez

ROUND TWO: Sanchez charges out again, White lands counters this time and pushes Sanchez into the fence and lands a knee. High crotch from Sanchez and White can’t scramble out from under him before Sanchez gets on top. Full guard from White but he’s still against the fence and not working to get up. White lands a hard up kick as Sanchez was standing, that rocked Sanchez a bit but he fell into the guard and has time to recover. I’m really shocked at White’s lack of get up attempts. Another up kick from White but Sanchez lands some punches this time. They trade elbows and Sanchez passes to side control. Knees to the body from Sanchez. North-south position now and White gets guard back. Sanchez lands a few hammer fists and is back in north-south position. I have no idea what White is doing here, Sanchez is controlling him from top position. And that’s where the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Another patented Sanchez rush, White lands a body kick and a right. A punch from White lands and off balances Sanchez but White doesn’t keep distance, you’d think he’d have learned to keep distance by now, and Sanchez gets him down again. Full guard from White and Sanchez lands a couple of elbows. I wonder if White just doesn’t know how to get up from here, because he’s not even doing the basics. A few punches land for Sanchez. There’s a big hematoma over the right eyebrow of White. Sanchez lands a knee to the shoulder, dangerously close to being illegal. Sanchez has side control again, White is fishing for some kind of americana sweep but he’s got nothing on the attempt and Sanchez nearly has a crucifix. White is able to get guard back but eats some elbows for the trouble. A couple of up kicks from White but he should be working to stand from that position. Sanchez lands a couple more elbows as time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Diego Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Even under the new rules that first round should have been 10-8. Sanchez gets an interview, he says 2017 was a rough year that would make most men quit but he’s not a quitter, he apologizes for the lack of finish and laments being the David in a division of Goliaths. He puts over White for not fading and being full of heart.

That wraps up Fight Pass, on to FX for the rest of the prelims.

Charles Byrd is riding a four fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut. Byrd is trying to keep that momentum going here and solidify his spot as a UFC caliber fighter. Darren Stewart just got his first UFC win to bring his UFC record to 1-3 with 1 No Contest. Stewart is trying to get his first UFC winning streak going here. Given the recent track records for both men it’s no surprise that Byrd is a -185 favorite to a +150 for Stewart.

Middleweight Bout: Charles Byrd (10-4, 185 lbs.) vs Darren Stewart (8-3 1 NC, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stewart is two inches taller and has one inch of reach on Byrd. They touch gloves to get us going. Byrd is sliding forward, both men showing the jab early. Bit of a right from Byrd then a body kick. Byrd tries a takedown, Stewart blocks that and they wind up clinched on the fence. They jockey for position on the fence, Stewart lands a knee to the body. They break without incident and Stewart avoids a right. Left lands for Byrd. Bit of a leg kick from Byrd, and he lands a couple of rights then gets another clinch on the fence. Knee tap from Byrd, and he jumps for a standing guillotine but can’t get the hands together and they wind up on the fence again. Elbow from Byrd, and another as they break. Byrd lands a right and they clinch again, Stewart is really out of sorts on the feet, I’m not sure he’s thrown much of anything at distance. Another break and Byrd lands a body kick then a head kick and clinches again. Bit of an elbow from Byrd as they break. Another failed shot and another clinch on the fence. A few elbows in close from Byrd, his dirty boxing is on point. The round ends with an exchange of elbows, then Byrd avoids a high kick.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Byrd

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. More forward pressure from Byrd, and he lands a leg kick while backing Stewart towards the fence. Another clinch, this fight has a definite rhythm if nothing else. Byrd lands an elbow as they break. They trade rights but Stewart keeps giving ground and winds up on the fence and then in the clinch. Elbows from Byrd as they break the clinch. A couple of rights from Byrd have Stewart locking up, but they clinch again and Stewart lands a right as they break and Byrd is a little out of sorts. More rights from Stewart, he drops Byrd and is looking to tee off on the feet. Elbows from Stewart, he drops Byrd and this time the ref jumps in to stop this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Darren Stewart via TKO, punches and elbows, at 2:17 of Round 2

Byrd had that one and let it slip away, good on Stewart to capitalize on it. Stewart gets an interview, he says he knew Byrd would be aggressive but wasn’t quite ready for it and says despite the power from Bryd he’s got a chin and was ready for it. He talks us through the finish and says he’s been working on those elbows, then thanks his sponsors, coaches, and the crowd despite them booing him in favor of the home town guy in Byrd.

Geoff Neal is on a three fight winning streak and won his UFC debut, he’s trying to extend that streak here and start moving up the ranks at welterweight. Frank Camacho has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to avoid the first losing streak of his career. The odds are with Neal at -200 against +160 for Camacho.

Welterweight Bout: Geoff Neal (9-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs Frank Camacho (21-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Neal is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Camacho. Neal fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. Camacho coming forward, Neal lands a stiff one two. Bit of a left from Neal, he seems to be content to back up and counter the aggression of Camacho. Camacho lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a counter left from Neal. Neal lands a head kick, Camacho just eats it. Another counter left lands for Neal, he’s dialed in on that punch. The hand speed of Neal is really troubling Camacho, he can’t get out of the way or land first. A couple of straight lefts land for Neal. Camacho is bleeding from the nose, he’s also struggling with the angles and footwork of Neal. They clinch up and hit the fence. Neal lands an elbow and a left punch as they break. Camacho lands a body kick. Another couple of straight lefts from Neal, that punch is money for him and Camacho is just taking it on the face. Neal avoids a double leg and lands a left. Hard left from Neal at the buzzer drops Camacho, Camacho is able to grab a leg and hold on for the final few seconds but that was nearly stopped.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Neal

ROUND TWO: Camacho doesn’t look like he’s all the way back after that finish to round one. Neal stalking forward, lands a jab and Camacho is after a single leg but can’t get it and Neal lands a left. Flurry from Neal but Camacho flurries back from the pocket so Neal resets to out technique him. Jumping knee from Neal and a left, Camacho lands a right and screams to draw on the fight. Neal resets at distance, and lands a final head kick that lands flush and SLEEPS Camacho.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Geoff Neal via KO, head kick, at 1:23 of Round 2

Brutal finish, Neal looked slick but Camacho is the right kind of guy to look good against. Mic time for Neal after that one, though Rogan is over selling the performance a bit relative to the level of competition. He says this was a really hard camp and it’s good to get it out of the way and get the post fight bonus, it’ll be hard to take that one away from him. He says the fight was just a matter of time but Camacho is tough and has a reputation for coming back, then talks us through the finishing blow.

Here’s the finish, I’ll try for a better quality one later. Neal fakes the left punch but pawing with his lead hand like he’s clearing the way, Camacho leans to his right to avoid what he thinks is a straight left and ducks directly into a head kick that removes his ability to do math.

Aljamain Sterling has gone 2-1 in his last three fights and is looking to defend his top ranking here and then earn another shot at someone ranked above him. Cody Stamann is riding a serious hot streak of ten wins, he’s also 3-0 in the UFC and is trying to improve on his current top ten ranking. The odds are with Sterling at -150 to +130 on Stamann.

Bantamweight Bout: #8 Aljamain Sterling (15-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs #10 Cody Stamann (17-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sterling is an inch taller but has seven inches of reach on Stamann, and he’s fighting southpaw. Stamann is coming forward and looking to pushing the pace. Sterling swings a left to the body. Stamann lands a bit of a right. Some stomp kicks to the knee of Sterling by Stamann, he’s attacking the long legs if he’s at distance. Sterling throwing some kicks now, they’re mostly missing but he’s got Stamann thinking and goes for a double leg against the fence that stalls out. Stamann pummels to break the hands of Sterling and spins Sterling into the fence with a body lock. Knees to the body from Stamann and he’s after a double leg that Sterling is blocking. They break without incident. Stamann coming forward throwing punches but mostly missing. Sterling lands a right but has a takedown blocked. Sterling tries a spinning back fist, Stamann eats it and gets Sterling down, Sterling scrambles back up but Stamann has a body lock and spins him down again. Now there’s a triangle attempt from Sterling, it’s pretty deep but Stamann has space to defend if necessary. Stamann spins free, Sterling is back up though and Stamann is holding a rear waist lock. Sterling tries to get a single leg, he’s able to spin Stamann into the fence but can’t get a body lock, Stamann gets a rear waist lock and slams Sterling down then ends the round with back side control.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stmann but I’m not standing by that

ROUND TWO: Stamann coming forward to start the round, lands a bit of a head kick. Sterling coming forward now, misses a jab but he’s trying to get a takedown and gets one when Stamann slips on a takedown. Stamann trying to get up but gives up his back from a knee, Sterling only gets one hook in though and Stamann is back up and Sterling lands some knees to the thigh while holding a rear waist lock. Now Stamann turns into him and hits a double leg, Sterling immediately to the cage and wall walks but now Stamann has a rear waist lock. A few knees from Stamann to the body, Sterling spins into him then breaks. Sterling gets a takedown but Stamann granby rolls, Sterling stays with him and gets on top in side control. Full mount from Sterling, that was slick, and Sterling lands punches trying to get Stamann to give up his back. Sterling has the back, lands some punches and he’s got a full nelson on. More punches from Sterling as Stamann gets to his base, Sterling is after a knee bar from the back, it’s a nasty one and Stamann has to tap. I’ve heard that referred to as a stump puller, it’s a nasty version of a knee bar.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aljamain Sterling via Submission, knee bar, at 3:42 of Round 2

That’s a nasty knee bar to hit, and Sterling did it wonderfully. Sterling on the mic, he says that’s the second time he’s almost finished with a full nelson and he wants to get one, then says he’s the future title contender and wants the winner of Dodson and Rivera or if they don’t want to fight he’ll take Dominick Cruz. he talks us through the finish, says he heard the knee pop, and in that position the knee always pops, calls himself the human anaconda, the human backpack, and promises to take the neck of anyone who’s back he gets.

For those of us who care about obscure submission names, that knee bar variation is usually referred to as a Suloev Stretch and usually hits the hamstring with all the force but in this instance Sterling and Stamann wound up at an odd angle and Stamann’s knee took all the torque and force, then popped as he tapped out.

The UFC announces their debut in Argentina for November, the main event is Neil Magny vs. the native Santiago Ponzinibbio. I think they’ve tried to make that fight before, and if they haven’t they should have because it’s a good one.

Carla Esparza has gone 2-2 in her last four fights but is coming off of a loss to top contender Claudia Gadelha, she’s trying to avoid her first ever losing streak and reassert herself as a viable title contender. Tatiana Suarez is undefeated including three wins in the UFC, she’s trying to insert herself into the title picture with another win here over a former champion. Suarez is a significant -500 favorite over the +350 on Esparza.

Strawweight Bout: #6 Carla Esparza (13-5, 115.5 lbs.) vs #9 Tatiana Suarez (6-0, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Suarez is four inches taller and has three inches of reach on Esparza. Suarez comes out southpaw, she’s showing lead leg and hand work. Double leg from Suarez, Esparza blocks the first effort but Suarez keeps driving, switches to a body lock and hits an arm drag to get on top and starts landing hammer fists. Elbows from Suarez. Esparza is trying to tie up arms but she’s eating elbows. Now Esparza is looking to wall walk but Suarez is stripping her posts and moves to half guard. Full guard for Esparza but Suarez is smashing her with elbows. There’s some serious swelling under the eyes of Esparza from those elbows. Armbar attempt from Esparza but Suarez gets the elbow past the hips and keeps Esparza on the mat. Esparza is looking to wall walk again, Suarez has her lands locked under her butt though and gets the mat return into half guard. More offense from Suarez, this is a mauling so far and Esparza’s face is all lumped up. Rights from Suarez, Esparza is trying to wall walk again but she’s unable to mount any kind of motion. Suarez is in side control, working for knee on belly. Hammer fists from Suarez, Esparza kicks her off but she can’t even get to her seat before Suarez is back on her. Suarez gets the back and is landing blows from a hip, Esparza fights back up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Suarez

ROUND TWO: Esparza’s corner should think about stopping this. Suarez land a side kick to the body then gets a duck under double leg and gets Esparza to her seat against the fence. Esparza is trying to wall walk again, Suarez fighting to keep her down. Suarez mounts the legs, Esparza is able to get up but can’t get free. A few knees to the body from Esparza, Suarez returns them and keeps her on the fence. Elevated body lock slam from Suarez and she lands in side control. And back to the elbows from Suarez as she moves to north-south and side control. Knee on belly from Suarez but Esparza gets full guard again. More elbows from Suarez, this is a mauling. Esparza is able to wall walk but she still can’t get separation and Suarez holds a body lock. Esparza tries an inside trip but Suarez reverses it and lands in side control yet again. The pace of Suarez’s offense has fallen off a bit, Esparza with a hip sweep, tries to get up but Suarez spins her down with a single leg and Esparza limp legs free. Suarez has a high kick blocked and gets another takedown into side control. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Suarez, arguable 10-8 under the new rules, 20-17 Suarez overall

ROUND THREE: Suarez back to forward pressure, Esparza avoids a side kick. Leg kick from Suarez, Esparza tries a double leg but Suarez blocks it. Now Suarez with a single leg, she gets Esparza down, Esparza rolls through but Suarez rolls with her and gets a double leg position against the fence. Suarez gets that up and down body lock takedown and lands in side control again. Esparza gets full guard back and is after an armbar. Suarez nearly has her arm free, mostly the fence is keeping Esparza from rolling to extend it. Esparza trying for a single leg position but Suarez spins around her and is in knee on belly position. Rights from Suarez, she’s in 3/4 mount now. Esparza with a hip bump to get full guard but Suarez is still landing punches and moves to side control. Knee on belly again for Suarez, she lands elbows as Esparza gets full guard back. Side control again for Suarez, she’s landing rights to the face while moving to mount again. Full mount, and elbows from Suarez. Esparza is gutting through this but she needs to be saved by her corner as Suarez keeps smashing her until the ref steps in to stop this.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tatiana Suarez via TKO, elbows, at 4:33 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Suarez for her work this evening. That was an old fashioned beat down. Mic time for Suarez, she says she’s been working for this her entire life and dedicates this to the people and everyone who’s struggling with something, specifically a friend of her’s who’s in a wheel chair after a car accident. Asked who’s next she says she’ just beat the woman who beat Rose and tells Namajunas to put the belt in her mail box.

Here’s the finish, this was basically the whole fight.

That’s it for prelims, we’re on to PPV for the rest of the card.

Abdul Razak Alhassan is 3-1 in the UFC and currently on a two fight winning streak, if he can get that to three in a row here he could well find himself squaring off with a recognizable name in the immediate future. Niko Price has an impressive UFC record of 3-1 with 1 No Contest, he’s on a two fight winning streak right now and could also start something of a break through with an impressive win here. The odds are close but lean towards Alhassan at -120 to -110 for Price.

Welterweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (9-1, 170.5 lbs.) vs Niko Price (12-1 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Price is two inches taller and has three inches of reach on Alhassan. They touch gloves to get us going. Alhassan lands a leg kick but eats a counter right to the face. Alhassan still coming forward, Price seems to be looking to counter. They get close and trad punches, Alhassan lands a clean right and drops Price that prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abdul Razak Alhassan via KO, punches, at :43 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Alhassan for his work this evening. Poor decision making from Price, he never even tried to force a grappling exchange with a power puncher. Alhassan gets an interview, he calls Price a brawler who can get you when you think you’ve got him but didn’t expect him to just plant and throw back at him. He says when people throw at him he gets mad and stands his ground to throw back at them. He talks us through the finish to close his interview.

Here’s the finish. Price just plants and swings while immobile and with his back on the fence, Alhassan is able to move, find the right angle and pick his shots for power hooks that put Price to sleep.

The UFC announces the rematch between Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman for UFC 230, though I’ll be shocked if that’s the main event. Still it was a good fight the first time around.

Jimmie Rivera just had his massive twenty fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Marlon Moraes, now he’s trying to rebuild himself and prove that despite the set back he’s still one of the best bantamweights in the world. John Dodson has gone 3-2 since returning to bantamweight and is coming off of a win over Pedro Munhoz, he’s trying to get his first winning streak since 2015 up and running here. Rivera is the -145 favorite against +115 on Dodson.

Bantamweight Bout: #5 Jimmie Rivera (21-2, 136 lbs.) vs #7 John Dodson (20-9, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rivera is an inch taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Dodson. Dodson fighting southpaw, and he comes out quickly looking to pressure Rivera. Inside leg kick from Rivera. Dodson misses a few lefts. Dodson lands an inside leg kick. Both guys still getting a feel for each other. Body kick from Rivera but Dodson catches it and lands a left. Rivera lands a right. Dodson lands a glancing head kick. Another inside leg kick from Rivera but both guys are still just looking for the right opening. Rivera lands another inside leg kick then gets a rear waist lock but Dodson avoids the elevated slam and then pulls free quickly. Nice defense from Dodson there, a lot of guys would have been on the mat. Dodson misses a high kick and eats a stiff jab. Bit of a left from Dodson and Rivera lands a right to the body. A couple rights in close from Rivera, Dodson is looking for the perfect punch a bit too much and Rivera is content to land punches or leg kicks to score and keep him off balance. They trade punches in close again. Left hook from Rivera lands as Dodson exits to his right. A body kick from Dodson and a counter from Rivera will bring the round to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rivera

ROUND TWO: Dodson still has the problem of always exiting the pocket to his right and Rivera’s left hook at the end of the first was a read on that. Rivera opens the second round with a powerful inside leg kick. Bit of a left from Dodson, who’s started to feint a bit this round. Rivera with another inside leg kick. There’s a pocket exchange and Dodson checks a leg kick. The crowd is getting restless, mostly because the rest of the fights have been action packed and this is tactical. Rivera lands a right, Dodson lands a body kick. A couple of body shots from Rivera as Dodson slips out of the pocket, again to his right. Rivera avoids a left. Body kick from Dodson again. Dodson misses a left, he’s still being too picky with his shot selection. Dodson lands that body kick yet again, it’s been his best weapon all fight. Rivera with a hard inside leg kick, Dodson claims it’s a groin shot and we’ve got time. Replay shows the ankle grazed the cup as the shin landed on the thigh, Dodson quickly walks it off and we’re back to fighting. Another body kick from Dodson and he avoids a single leg attempt. They’ll stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rivera but a very close round, 20-18 Rivera overall

ROUND THREE: Rivera lands an inside leg kick but takes a bit of a counter left. Left hook from Rivera off balances Dodson but Dodson recovers quickly and lands a right of his own. Another straight right from Rivera lands. They both slip then Rivera lands a right to the body. Rivera kicks the inside leg a couple more times. A right to the body from Rivera lands. Bit of a leg kick from Rivera, that leg is starting to buckle a bit. Dodson lands a front kick to the body but eats a leg kick. They trade power hand punches but neither man is able to follow up. Right to the body then a left hook from Rivera. They clash again and again Rivera with that right hook to the body then left hook to the head. Rivera lands a couple of rights and they both grab a half collar tie up and trade body shots as the clock runs down.

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

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

Meh, they can’t all be barn burners and Rivera needed that win badly after the Moraes KO loss. No interview for Rivera, and the crowd booed essentially the whole time. They’ve been spoiled by a combination of mid level brawling and high level match making designed to be very fan friendly.

Zabit Magomedsharipov has rapidly become the prospect to watch at featherweight, he’s on an eleven fight winning streak and is 3-0 in the UFC. He was supposed to fight Yair Rodriguez here but that fell through and now he’s looking to prove himself a class above his replacement opponent. Brandon Davis has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak here and derail the considerable hype around Magomedsharipov. Also worth noting is that Davis took this fight on eleven days notice. Magomedsharipov is an almost comically large favorite at -1400 against a +750 payout on Davis.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Zabit Magomedsharipov (15-1, 146 lbs.) vs Brandon Davis (9-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magomedsharipov is three and a half inches taller and has an inch of reach on Davis. They touch gloves to get us going. Davis showing the lead hand, and lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Davis. Magomedsharipov lands an inside leg kick. A bit of stance switching from Magomedsharipov now. Davis content to kick whichever leg is forward. Magomedsharipov avoiding the jabs for Davis but he’s not really done much so far. Jab from Magomedsharipov lands as Davis continues to work leg kicks. Spinning back fist from Magomedsharipov is blocked. Magomedsharipov counters a leg kick with a one two. Attempted osotogari from Magomedsharipov but Davis blocks it. Davis is pressuring Magomedsharipov to the fence and gets cracked with a couple of left hooks. Leg kick from Davis, and another one. Davis lands an uppercut after taking a right, Magomedsharipov lands an inside leg kick of his own. Magomedsharipov ducks under a punch and gets a rear waist lock then drags Davis down. Davis back up and is fighting the hands, Magomedsharipov working to keep him down and hits an elevated mat return. Back up for Davis but Magomedsharipov is still on his back. Magomedsharipov tries a wheel kick on the break then lands a left to the body as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magomedsharipov but could go to Davis

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Davis with another couple of leg kicks, Magomedsharipov off balances him with a counter and gets the back standing again. Davis trying to move around the fence, Magomedsharipov holding a rear waist lock and switching to a double leg then gets Davis down. Magomedsharipov works to half guard immediately and lands some punches but Davis rolls and gets back up though Magomedsharipov still has his back with a waist lock. Magomedsharipov lands a couple of elbows as they fight. Davis can’t break the grip of Magomedsharipov and he’s giving up his back now. One hook from Magomedsharipov and he’s landing rights as Davis is trying to stand. Davis is back up but Magomedsharipov is all over him in the clinch. They break and Magomedsharipov lands a body kick then takes a leg kick. Short left hook lands for Magomedsharipov and an osotogari then almost immediately gets the back as Davis turtles up. Magomedsharipov is under the chin looking for the choke, Davis is hand fighting and keeping his chin tucked so Magomedsharipov bails on the choke to punch him some more. Now Magomedsharipov goes over the top for that knee bar from the back, the Suloev Stretch and he gets it!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zabit Magomedsharipov via Submission, knee bar, at 3:46 of Round 2

Twice in one night at a UFC event, that’s nuts. Mic time for Magomedsharipov and his translator. First asked about the knee bar finish he puts over his jiu-jitsu trainer, Ricardo Almeida, for that one and says that his opponent questioned his jiu-jitsu and he wanted to prove that he doesn’t have that problem. Asked if there’s frustration in finding opponents for him, he says thanks to the match makers for finding him guys and he thanks Davis for the fight then says he still wants to beat Yair Rodriguez. He closes in some broken English to thank the crowd and call out Chad Mendes. That seems like a bridge too far for him at this point, but ballsy call out.

Jessica Andrade has gone 5-1 since dropping down to strawweight, that lone loss a title fight against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and she’s knocked off back to back contenders since then. A third consecutive win here for Andrade would almost certainly earn her another shot at the title. Karolina Kowalkiewicz is on a two fight winning streak, and her only professional losses are to Joanna Jedrzejczyk and top contender Claudia Gadelha, she’s also looking to earn a return title shot with a third consecutive win. The odds are with Andrade at -500 to a +350 comeback for Kowalkiewicz.

Strawweight Bout: #2 Jessica Andrade (18-6, 116 lbs.) vs #4 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kowalkiewicz is an inch and a half taller and has two inches of reach on Andrade. They touch gloves to get us going. Andrade coming forward and hurts Kowalkiewicz with hooks. A series of hooks from Andrade has Kowalkiewicz backing up quickly. those power punches from Kowalkiewicz are landing right now. Kowalkiewicz lands a knee to the body in close, she’s trying to keep distance now. They trade rights and clinch up, Andrade lands a wicked right. Kowalkiewicz lands a right then an uppercut, these two are landing cleanly on each other. I’m surprised Andrade hasn’t tried a double leg yet when Kowalkiewicz plants her feet. Kowalkiewicz now trying to keep off of the fence, Andrade just walking forward, lands just one more wicked right hook that cleans Kowalkiewicz’s clock, she was out before she hit the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jessica Andrade via KO, punch, at 1:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Andrade for her work this evening. That was a brutal right hook. Mic time for Andrade after that one, that’s one of the few one punch KO’s at strawweight, and says this is the result of hard work and puts over some people at her gym. Asked if she’s the number one contender she points to the brass sitting cage side and says she’s the best she’s ever been and she wants to fight for the belt at an upcoming event with another Brazilian fighting for the belt.

Kowalkiewicz is a little gun shy here, she plants her feet and flails a bit, she’d been hit hard already and her defense after the offense isn’t there. Andrade channels prime Wanderlei Silva with that counter right over the loose punches to the body and takes Kowalkiewicz’s head off with a right hook.

Darren Till has had a very rapid ascension in the UFC, though it’s easy to understand why. Till is undefeated including five wins in the UFC and his last two fights were a destruction of Donald Cerrone and out pointing Stephen Thompson over five rounds. Till is getting his first shot at UFC gold here and is looking to become just the second English UFC champion. Standing in his way is Tryon Woodley, the current champion who hasn’t lost since 2014. Woodley is trying to successfully defend his title for the third time and continue trying to etch his name among the all time greats at welterweight. The odds have swung back and forth a few times but settled favoring Till at -130 to +100 on Woodley.

Welterweight Title Bout: (c) Tyron Woodley (18-3-1, 170 lbs.) vs #2 Darren Till (17-0-1, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Till is three inches taller but has just half an inch of reach advantage, Till is also a full decade or so younger, and is fighting southpaw. Woodley circling early, his hands are low and he tries a right that’s blocked. They clinch up and Woodley lands a knee then gets a body lock but can’t get the takedown as they hit the fence. Woodley still after an outside trip or reap with the body lock as he’s got Till on the cage. They stall out a bit and the ref separates them, might have been a tad early IMO. Both men pawing with the lead hand at distance. Till backing Woodley towards the fence, he avoids a right from Woodley. Woodley is doing his usual schtick of backing up to the fence then trying to blitz on the counter. Another right from Woodley is blocked. Body kick from Woodley. Very cautious from Till, he doesn’t want to get bombed on the counter. Single leg attempt from Woodley, then he aborts that to get a body lock on the fence. They’re in a 50/50 clinch now, and stalling out again. A few knees to the leg from Woodley and Till spins him into the fence. The ref breaks them up again, this time I’m more OK with it but that type of timing on the clinch breaks isn’t boding well for Woodley. Till lands a bit of a left along the fence. Woodley blocks a high kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Woodley

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Till jabbing to start the round, and walks into that counter right from Woodley and goes down. Woodley on top looking to pound him out with elbows from the guard. Till is trying to tie him up but he’s eating a lot of offense. There’s a big cut on the head of Till but he seems aware even if over powered. Till still isn’t fully recovered and Woodely has slowed down to make sure he doesn’t go too hard for the finish. Till trying to get his legs in play but Woodley is reading all of those moves easily. Half guard now for Woodley, and another elbow lands. Full mount for Woodley, Till rolls enough to get half guard though. Another few short elbows from Woodley but he’s starting to wind up too much and Till is avoiding a few of these. A knee to the body now from Woodley. Woodley is setting up a d’arce choke, he sits for it and Till has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Welterweight Champion – Tyron Woodley via Submission, d’arce choke, at 4:19 of Round 2

Solid stuff from Woodley, that’s his first submission win since 2009, and he proved just too much for Till everywhere. Interview time for Woodley, who earned his black belt for that. He says you don’t fight fights by the odds, and puts over God and everyone who supports him. He puts over Till as a tough opponent and he says he had to draw Till in rather than go forward because of the size difference and mentions the patience he needed to finish like this. Asked how this feels he denies the existence of ring rust and puts over God again, giving Him glory. Asked what’s next he says the biggest challenge is his single coming out soon, then jokes that he can’t call out anyone because he gets crap for it and will just continue to beat up whoever is put in front of him and prove he’s the best ever.

Till on the mic now, he puts over Woodley and says he feels gutted but losses make you stronger and he plans to come back stronger. He says the goal doesn’t change but this really hurts, and again puts over Woodley. He says he knew Woodley was powerful, his strategy was to feel him out in the first and tire him out by making him use his strength but he came in with his hands down and puts over Woodley again.

Alright everyone, that wraps up UFC 228. One of the best cards of the year so far, smart match making in terms of a few relevant fights and a few squash matches to keep the crowd happy. Thank you for being here and following along, I’m well aware of just how many other places you can get this same service and am perpetually humbled by the support. Tomorrow evening on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show we’ll be unpacking all of the action from this card and previewing UFC Fight Night 136 when the UFC debuts in Russia. That card is next Saturday, and since it’s exclusively on Fight Pass it’ll probably take place at some stupidly random time here but I’ll be covering it so stop by and say hello if you’re so inclined. If you’ve got a question or comment for the podcast leave them down in the comments here or tweet me @WinfreeMMA and I’ll do everything I can to get them on the air.

Until next Saturday, thank you all for being here, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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