411’s UFC Fight Night 102 Report: Lewis Wins

MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 9 p.m. ET)
#15 Shamil Abdurakhimov (253.8 lbs.) vs. #10 Derrick Lewis (265.6 lbs.)
Anthony Hamilton (254.6 lbs.) vs. #12 Francis Ngannou (257.2 lbs.)
#9 Corey Anderson (205.4 lbs.) vs. Sean O’Connell (205.6 lbs.)
Saparbek Safarov (205 lbs.) vs. #14 Gian Villante (205.8 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 5:45 p.m. ET)
Justine Kish (116.4 lbs.) vs. Ashley Yoder (115.2 lbs.)
Randy Brown (170.8 lbs.) vs. Brian Camozzi (169.6 lbs.)
Joe Gigliotti (186 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (184.4 lbs.)
Andrew Sanchez (185 lbs.) vs. Trevor Smith (185.4 lbs.)
Shane Burgos (145.6 lbs.) vs. Tiago Trator (145.6 lbs.)
Marc Diakiese (155.4 lbs.) vs. Frankie Perez (155.8 lbs.)
Keith Berish (184.6 lbs.) vs. Ryan Janes (184.8 lbs.)
J.J. Aldrich (115.4 lbs.) vs. #15 Juliana Lima (115.6 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 102. I’m your host Robert Winfree, I’d like to thank you for clicking and reading along, I’m well aware of just how many other places you could go for your coverage and I’m eternally grateful that you choose mine. This card hasn’t faced a ton of adversity, certainly not like tomorrow night’s UFC 206, but is short on name value while hopefully being long on in cage action. The main event will see two top fifteen heavyweights square off as Derrick Lewis tries to prove himself ready for a top five opponent and Shamil Abdurakhimov tries to take over the tenth spot occupied by Lewis. The co-main event is also heavyweights as the building process of budding prospect Francis Ngannou continues against Anthony Hamilton. Personally I’m just hoping for fast finishes in those fights, we all know what bad heavyweight fights look like the longer they go. There’s a couple of light heavyweight fights rounding out the main card, though the whole thing is on Fight Pass, when Corey Anderson takes on Sean O’Connell and Gian Villante faces promotional newcomer Saparbek Safarov. This is the UFC’s debut in the capital city of New York, Albany and emanates from the Times Union Center in that city with Jon Anik and Brian Stann on commentary.

We open with a tribute to Josh Samman, who was scheduled to compete on this card against Oluwale Bamgbose, who passed away in October.

This was supposed to be Juliana Lima taking on TUF winner Tatiana Suarez but Suarez got injured leading to this current fight. Juliana Lima is 2-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Carla Esparza, if she wants to make any kind of run at the top of the division she has to avoid a two fight losing streak here. JJ Aldrich has only fought for Invicta to this point and brings a three fight winning streak into her UFC debut here. There’s no better way to debut than by taking out a top fifteen opponent. Lima is a notable -250 favorite to the +195 of Aldrich.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: J.J. Aldrich (4-1, 115.4) vs. #15 Juliana Lima (8-3, 115.6)

ROUND ONE: Aldrich has two inches of reach on Lima but they’re the same height. The biggest difference is age, Lima is a full ten years older than Aldrich. Aldrich fighting southpaw comes out quickly, both women feinting early. Both still measuring with punches that are falling short, Lima circling around the outside. Lima has a high kick blocked. Lima lands a leg kick. Lima lands a body kick and they clinch up. Lima lands a couple of knees to the body, Aldrich returns them and then gets free. Lima still fighting long, Aldrich lands a body kick then Lima tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Lima’s able to get a body lock takedown and land in half guard. Lima passes to side control. Aldrich trying to shrimp back to half guard, she actually gets to full guard. Lima lands a couple of rights. Lima postures up and lands a couple of punches, Aldrich to her feet but eats a knee and is still in the clinch. They trade knees to the thigh while Lima holds Aldrich against the fence. More knees back and forth as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lima

ROUND TWO: Aldrich back to feinting to start the round, Lima lands a bit of a left high kick. Aldrich backing Lima towards the fence, lands a bit of a high kick. Lima starting to work outside leg kicks while circling. Both women still struggling with distance. They trade rights and Lima gets into the clinch and has Aldrich on the fence. Aldrich lands some rights but Lima gets the body lock and hits a trip. Aldrich quickly back up but Lima still has the body lock and has Aldrich on the cage. Some knees going back and forth. Lima dropping for a double leg and spins Aldrich down. Aldrich now sitting on the fence looking to wall walk while Lima hugs her legs. Aldrich lands some elbows then eats a couple of rights as she gets to her feet. They trade more knees from the clinch. Aldrich spins Lima into the fence and lands a few more knees. More body work from Aldrich as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Aldrich moving forward again showing the jab. Lima circling away, Aldrich trying to cut her off. Aldrich gets the clinch and pushes Lima into the fence. Aldrich lands a knee to the body, Lima returns it then disengages. Lima lands a leg kick. Lima lands a counter left after slipping a jab. Aldrich following too much and not cutting Lima off. Aldrich lands a body kick, Lima catches it and gets the clinch on the cage. They trade knees back and forth. Aldrich eats a knee to the body as they break. Lima lands a right in close, Aldrich is starting to fade. Lima pushes for a double leg and gets it against the fence. Aldrich sitting on the cage looking to wall walk. Aldrich back up but still in the clinch. Lima lands a knee to the groin so Aldrich will have time to recover. Aldrich is able to walk that off pretty quickly and we’re back to fighting. Aldrich lands a counter right. Lima lands a hard counter combination after slipping a left. They clinch again and trade before breaking and Lima lands a right. Aldrich pushing forward throwing but they clinch again and Lima gets her on the fence as time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Juliana Lima via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That went about as expected, Lima on the mic now. She says she trained to finish but is happy to have gotten the win and says Albany is great. She puts over her coaches then apologizes to everyone she forgot. She says she trained hard for this fight but is still disappointed about not getting the finish as she’s yet to finish an opponent in the UFC but there’s always next time.

Ryan Janes is making his UFC debut here but brings a seven fight winning streak into this fight, and is looking to make a good impression here. Keith Berish has fought in the UFC once before, he was submitted by Robert Drysdale but the result was changed to a No Contest after Drysdale tested positive for elevated testosterone. That fight was over two years ago and Berish is hoping to regain some momentum going forward. Janes has the favor of the odds makers at -250 while a Berish comeback pays out at +195.

Middleweight Bout: Keith Berish (5-0 1 NC, 184.6 lbs.) vs. Ryan Janes (8-1, 184.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Janes has three inches of height and reach on Berish. Berish opens up with a leg kick, Janes lands a couple of counters in close quarters. They trade rights, neither of these guys has any head movement to speak of. Janes lands a front kick to the body. Berish lands a leg kick. Janes lands a counter right. Janes lands an uppercut in close but eats a flush counter right. Berish lands another right, he’s timing that jab a bit now. Janes lands an inside leg kick to the rear leg. They trade rights in close. Janes lands a counter left hook. Janes lands a couple of punches then a body kick. Berish lands a bit of a right. Berish lands a left hook in close. Berish lands a good counter right. Janes lands a front kick to the chest and just trying to break Berish with forward pressure. Berish lands a leg kick. Janes still doggedly moving forward. Janes lands a left hook then a leg kick. Janes lands a leg kick. Janes lands a jab then a right to the body. Neither of these guys are great technically but Janes still moving forward. Berish lands a counter right then another right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Berish

ROUND TWO: Berish injured a finger during that round, his left ring finger I think so pay attention to that. Berish is already sucking wind and Janes is back to pressuring him. Janes lands a bit of a left hook. Janes lands a leg kick. Berish lands a bit of a left but eats a couple of counters. Another leg kick from Janes. Janes lands a jab, then another one. Berish lands a left. Janes lands a left hook. Janes with a double jab into a cross. Berish lands a bit of a leg kick. Janes lands a bit of a left then a good body kick. Berish lands a jab. Janes lands a couple of jabs. Berish gets a left hook to connect. Janes lands a right then an inside leg kick. Janes lands a left hook then a straight right. They trade rights then Janes lands a jab. Janes lands another right. Janes lands an inside leg kick. Janes lands a left body kick then they trade rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Janes, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Janes slips a left hook and starts moving forward. Janes lands a couple of rights then pushes into the clinch and gets Berish on the fence. Janes tries to knee the body, hits the groin instead so Berish gets up to five minutes to recover. Berish walks it off quickly, odd considering how much wind he’s taking in, and we’re back to fighting. They trade hard hooks in close, Janes back to moving forward and lands a right. Janes lands a front kick to the body. Janes lands a couple of hooks then a body kick but Berish gets a takedown against the fence. Janes sitting on the fence and wall walks quickly then spins Berish into the fence. Janes lands a knee to the body. More knees to the body going back and forth, Berish able to spin Janes into the cage. Berish tries a takedown, he can’t quite secure position before Janes gets to the fence. Janes back up and takes Berish down landing in half guard. Janes lands a couple of rights then stands and works to pass the guard. Janes passes to half guard. Janes lands a couple of rights. Janes working to pass again, Berish tries for a head lock and gets to full guard because of it. Janes postures up again and lands some lefts then avoids an armbar attempt. More elbows from Janes as time expires.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan Janes via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Crowd boos, Berish was the hometown guy, though they might just be booing how sloppy that was. No interview for Janes.

Marc Daikiese is unbeaten as a professional and had a successful UFC debut in October, tonight he’s trying to continue that streak and prove himself a prospect in the division. Frankie Perez is 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Sam Stout over a year ago, a win over the touted talent Daikiese would move him in the right direction. Daikiese is a substantial -300 favorite to the +230 comeback on Perez.

Lightweight Bout: Marc Diakiese (10-0, 155.4 lbs.) vs. Frankie Perez (10-2, 155.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Perez is an inch taller of the two but their reach is identical. Perez feinting his way forward early, lands an inside leg kick. Perez lands a leg kick. Diakiese misses a leg kick. Perez lands a spinning back kick to the body. Diakiese lands a body kick. Perez lands a leg kick. Diakiese lands a counter right that catches Perez off balance and Diakiese gets into the guard of Perez. Diakiese stands and tries to pass, almost gets swept but does secure half guard. Perez back to full guard, Diakiese lands a left. Diakiese passes to half guard, Perez scrambles back up but is taken down again, then back up against the fence and Diakiese has the rear waist lock. Diakiese able to get the takedown into the guard of Perez. Perez tries for a leg entanglement, Diakiese backs off and Perez regains his feet. Perez lands a counter right then they wind up in the clinch again and Diakiese has him on the fence. Diakiese muscles his way into a body lock takedown, Perez lands a couple of elbows from his back. Perez looking to wall walk. Perez back up and Diakiese can’t quite finish another body lock slam before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Diakiese

ROUND TWO: Perez back to moving forward, misses a couple of kicks. Diakiese misses a leg kick, Perez lands a leg kick. They both miss looping punches, Perez lands a leg kick. Diakiese lands a body kick, Perez is trying to wear Diakiese out with his pace. Diakiese switches to southpaw and just misses a straight left. Perez lands a couple of rights and Diakiese goes back to orthodox. Perez lands a right to the body. Perez misses a couple of hooks. Perez tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Perez looking for a trip, he’s able to spin Diakiese away from the cage and hits an inside trip to land in his guard. Perez lands a couple of short elbows. Perez lands a left. Perez lands an elbow. Diakiese got cut from that elbow, it’s around the corner of the right eyebrow I think. Perez lands another couple of elbows, he’s aiming at that cut with those. Perez passes to half guard. Perez lands a couple of rights, Diakiese back up with a fence grab, Perez lands a knee to the head then avoids a throw attempt and lands in the ride position. Diakiese back up but still in the clinch and on the fence. Perez lands another knee to the head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: That cut is right on the outside corner of the left eyebrow, not bad enough to stop the fight but bears watching. Perez catches a kick early and they clinch up again. Perez gets Diakiese on the cage. Diakiese lands a knee to the head. Diakiese able to spin free without incident. Perez lands an inside leg kick. They both miss a few punches. Diakiese catches an inside leg kick and gets a takedown into the half guard of Perez. Perez working to the fence, Diakiese lands a right. Perez to full guard but Diakiese got him away from the cage. Perez works to the fence again and tries to wall walk. Diakiese working some short punches and keeping Perez from wall walking. Perez finally back to his knees, Diakiese gets to the back with a rear waist lock as Perez gets to his feet. Perez misses a switch attempt, Diakiese back to the rear waist lock. Diakiese working knees and hits another takedown but Perez back up again. Perez lands an elbow, he turns into Diakiese and we’re back chest to chest. Diakiese stalling here, Perez slips trying for a throw and Diakiese rides out the end of the fight with the rear waist lock.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Daikiese, 29-28 Diakiese overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marc Diakiese via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Diakiese, though a nice response considering he lost that second round decisively.

This was originally Tiago Trator taking on Zubaira Tukhugov but Tukhugov had a potential out of competition drug testing violation and was replaced with Shane Burgos. Tiago Trator is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Clay Collard a little over a year ago, a win here would give him his first UFC winning streak and set him up to start a move up the ranks next year. Shane Burgos is undefeated as a professional fighter and looking to stay that way here and get the all important first UFC win out of the way. Despite being the debutante the odds are with Burgos at -165 while Trator’s are at +135.

Featherweight Bout: Shane Burgos (7-0, 145.6 lbs.) vs. Tiago Trator (20-5-2 1 NC, 145.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burgos has two inches of height and a whopping five of reach on Trator. Touch of gloves to get things going. Burgos stalking forward, Trator has a high kick blocked. Burgos still going forward, Trator tries a single leg then switches to the back as Burgos regains his feet and has the rear waist lock going. They trade some weak punches, Trator trying to drag Burgos back down. Burgos defending well, Trator can’t move him off of the fence. Burgos spins into Trator, tries a takedown but Trator avoids it and they break. Trator lands a bit of a left hook. Burgos still moving forward, he’s trying to bait Trator into missing so he can counter. Trator misses a windmill right. Burgos doing a good job of slipping. Trator lands a spinning back kick to the body. Burgos lands an inside leg kick. Burgos lands a good left hook. Burgos blocks a takedown attempt, they trade in the clinch then Trator lands a right at distance. Burgos lands a left to the body then a right to the head and avoids a double leg attempt. Burgos lands a left hook. They trade in close, Burgos avoids another double leg but winds up with Trator holding the rear waist lock as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trator

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Burgos stalking forward again, they’re both working hooks in the pocket. Trator lands a leg kick, Burgos lands a right that drops Trator to a knee. Trator back up and lands a body kick. Burgos moving forward again, lands a left to the body. Trator lands the spinning back kick to the body. Burgos lands another left to the body and avoids a double leg attempt. Burgos walking after Trator, lands a left hook that wobbles Trator. Hard counter left from Burgos lands, he’s got that punch working now. Trator in full defense mode. Burgos lands another left hook to the chin that wobbles Trator, Trator falls to his back and Burgos jumps into side control. Trator kicks him off and Burgos makes him stand. Trator back up and circling away, Burgos lands an uppercut in close but eats a right. Burgos eats a left, Trator tries a double leg that Burgos defends and lands an elbow as they get to the fence. Trator holding a single leg, Burgos breaks free. Burgos digs a couple of body shots after ducking a jab. Burgos lands another couple of counters. Burgos lands a counter right. They trade hooks in close but Burgos is winning those exchanges. Burgos blocks a takedown attempt and lands a leg kick. Trator tries to flop to his back but Burgos not going to the mat. Burgos lands a couple of more body shots in close. Trator lands a knee from a brief Thai clinch. Burgos avoids a spinning back kick, Trator flops again and Burgos tries a jumping right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Burgos, 19-18 Burgos overall

ROUND THREE: They cut Burgos’ pony tail off between rounds. Not sure why. Burgos back to forward pressure, lands a right. Trator circling, Burgos walking him down. Trator lands a bit of a left, then a leg kick but Burgos landed a right and Trator slips to his back. Trator doing a lot of flopping now. Burgos lands a left hook. Burgos lands a right in close. Trator misses a takedown and tries to get Burgos into his guard, Burgos makes him stand again. Trator taking his sweet time getting up. Burgos lands a wicked left hook in close. Right then left from Burgos lands. Burgos lands a left to the body then a couple of lefts to the head. Burgos lands another left hook. If Burgos would cut off the cage he’d really get Trator in a bad spot. Burgos eats a left hook. Trator lands a couple of leg kicks. They trade rights then trade left hooks. Defense is going out the window at this point. They trade in close then Burgos gets a takedown into the guard of Trator. Not sure how much of that was Trator pulling guard. Burgos passes to half guard and lands some short elbows before making Trator stand back up. They trade more, Burgos landed a good right uppercut. Trator lands a series of left body kicks then we get the wild hook exchange one would expect.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos, 29-27 Burgos overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shane Burgos via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

I can see Burgos taking the first, that second should have been 10-8 though. No interview, we’re likely dealing with time issues.

Andrew Sanchez won the twenty third season of TUF as a light heavyweight and has a three fight overall winning streak going on. Sanchez is returning to middleweight here and looking to make an impact and start his way up the ranks of the division. Trevor Smith is 3-2 in his last five fights and on a two fight winning streak, he’s trying to turn back the younger fighter and make a case for himself as a relevant fighter in the division. Sanchez is a -225 favorite to +175 for Smith.

Middleweight Bout: Andrew Sanchez (8-2, 185 lbs.) vs. Trevor Smith (14-6, 185.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith has two inches of height and one of reach on Sanchez. Touch of gloves to get us going. Both men circling early and miss some punches. Smith lands a right, Sanchez lands a counter right. Smith backing Sanchez up. Sachez misses a kick and eats a hard right that drops him briefly, they clinch up and trade some body work then disengage. Sanchez lands a front kick to the body. They clinch again and trade uppercuts in close. Sanchez has a higher volume in the clinch so far and gets Smith on the fence. They trade knees to the body then disengage. Sanchez has a one two combination blocked but he looks to be the better striker. Sanchez wobbles Smith with a left hook. Smith avoids a spinning back kick and gets the clinch. Sanchez quickly spins out of that clinch. Sanchez lands a right, Smith is wobbled again. Sanchez being patient here, maybe too patient. Smith lands a bit of a left high kick. Sanchez has a left high kick only partially blocked. Smith lands a heavy inside leg kick. Smith lands a right, Sanchez lands a leg kick. Smith lands another leg kick, they clinch up and trade uppercuts then break. Sanchez lands a leg kick. They both miss spinning attacks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sanchez, there’s probably a 10-8 argument in there

ROUND TWO: Feinting from both men, Smith lands a leg kick. Sanchez has a head kick blocked. Smith lands a leg kick then a left, Sanchez lands a left body kick and they clinch. They trade knees to the body then Sanchez lands a short left as they break. Smith lands a leg kick. Sanchez misses a very awkward question mark kick. Sanchez lands a right uppercut. Smith lands a leg kick and clinches. Smith lands a knee then several rights to the body. More rights from Smith and Sanchez breaks the clinch with a right. Smith lands another leg kick. Sanchez misses another head kick. Sanchez again with the long right uppercut but Smith lands a heavy left body kick. Smith lands another left body kick. Smith lands a couple of rights to the body in close. Sanchez lands a right. Sanchez misses an uppercut, he’s telegraphing that punch now. Smith lands a leg kick. Sanchez lands a front kick to the body. Smith lands a bit of a left after eating a right. Smith lands a bit of a combination then a leg kick. Sanchez slips a jab and lands a couple of punches. Smith lands a low leg kick as the last relevant blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Smith’s left eye is swelling badly, there’s also a cut just above the eye lid. Stann says that swelling looks like Smith blew his nose, I’d agree. Smith pushes in close and they trade in the clinch, Sanchez drops Smith to a knee briefly. Sanchez again with that telegraphed long range right uppercut that mostly lands. Smith in on a takedown attempt, gets Sanchez on the cage in the clinch. Sanchez spins Smith into the cage and breaks the clinch. Smith lands a leg kick and a left hook. Sanchez lands a left, tries a right high kick but slips and Smith tries to get on top but Sanchez is back up immediately. Smith lands a knee to the body. Sanchez lands a right then a left hook. Smith sucking some serious wind now. Sanchez isn’t exactly bouncing around either, they trade in close again. Smith lands a right then a left. They clinch, Smith lands a knee to the body and they break. Sanchez lands a right. Sanchez circling, lands a jab. Smith plodding forward, lands a bit of a left high kick. Sanchez lands a one two combination. Smith misses a couple of wild hooks, Sanchez lands a short counter. Smith lands a left body kick. Sanchez lands a left body kick. Sanchez lands a bit of a spinning back fist. Smith lands a leg kick and a bit of a left. Sanchez lands an uppercut then a right. Smith lands a couple of body kicks to close the round.

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

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

I stand by my scorecard but can see Sanchez taking the second. No interview, again we’re still short on time.

Joe Gigliotti lost his UFC debut to Trevor Smith, also the first loss of his career, and he’s trying to rebound here and get the first UFC win. Gerald Meerschaert brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut here, he’s hoping to keep that streak alive and make a positive impression in his UFC debut. The odds favor Meerschaert at -225 while Gigliotti’s comeback stands at +175.

Middleweight Bout: Joe Gigliotti (7-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (24-8, 184.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Meerschaert has two inches of height and a whopping eight and a half inches of reach on Gigliotti. Meerschaert fighting southpaw and stalking forward. Both men flashing the jab. Meerschaert misses a left then blocks a takedown attempt. Gigliotti misses a right. Meerschaert lands a head kick. Meerschaert lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Meerschaert misses a left. Gigliotti misses a right after eating a jab. Meerschaert lands a counter left, then grabs a front head lock and snaps Gigliotti down. Gigliotti back up but Meerschaert lands some knees to the head while holding the front head lock. Meerschaert with a right as they break the clinch. Gigliotti moving forward now, Meerschaert lands a couple of counter lefts to the chin of Gigliotti. Gigliotti tries a single leg, Meerschaert falls to his seat looking to take the back but Gigliotti transitions to the guard. Meerschaert looking to wall walk, Gigliotti is cut somewhere. Gigliotti pulls Meerschaert off of the fence but Meerschaert tries a triangle attempt and uses that to regain his feet. Meerschaert lands a left, tries a hip toss to counter a double leg and winds up on the back of Gigliotti. Gigliotti to his knees, now the three point stance looking to shake Meerschaert off. Meerschaert sits back for an anaconda choke from the back and starts squeezing. Meerschaert rotates his hips and Gigliotti has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gerald Meerschaert via Submission, anaconda choke, at 4:12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Meerschaert for his work this evening. Meerschaert gets an interview, where he says he’s here to “fuck up” the whole middleweight division. He says he had a little bit of jitters but once he found the range on his left he felt at home. He brings up that this was the first finish of the night and thinks that’ll get him a post fight bonus. He talks us through the finish to close the interview.

Randy Brown was supposed to fight Charlie Ward here but Ward had visa issues and was replaced. Randy Brown is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of a win over Erick Montano, he’s looking to keep that momentum going here and continue proving himself a prospect in the division. Brian Camozzi brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut here, a win over Brown would be the biggest win of his career. The odds are with Brown at -160 to the +130 on Camozzi.

Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown (8-1, 170.8 lbs.) vs. Brian Camozzi (7-2, 169.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brown has an inch of height on Camozzi but the reach is identical. Brown comes out with a front kick to the body. Brown lands a bit of a left but eats a leg kick. Camozzi lands an inside leg kick. Camozzi slips a couple of punches from Brown. Camozzi lands another leg kick, Brown lands a jab. Camozzi lands another leg kick. Camozzi eats a left then lands another leg kick. Brown starting to work the jab. Brown lands a long right then a left, he tries to push in but winds up in the clinch. Brown hits a trip into the half guard of Camozzi. Camozzi threatening with a guillotine choke, bails on that to get control of Brown’s posture. Camozzi lands an elbow. Camozzi tries for an armbar, Brown tries to slam out of it but Camozzi holds the arm and is looking to extend that arm. Camozzi still after that armbar, Brown squaring up and Camozzi looking to switch to a triangle choke. Camozzi back to the armbar. Brown gets his arm free and stands over the guard of Camozzi. Brown lands a couple of rights to the body. Brown lands a right as he goes into the guard of Camozzi. Camozzi is bleeding from the bridge of the nose, Brown lands an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown

ROUND TWO: Brown lands a jab, eats an inside leg kick. Camozzi lands a leg kick. Brown misses a jab and eats a leg kick. Brown trying to fight long, eats a counter left hook though. Camozzi lands a right and pushes into the clinch. Camozzi after a single leg, Brown tries some elbows then threatens with a front head lock. Brown able to spin Camozzi and hurts him with a knee. Camozzi drops to a knee, Brown starts teeing off, Camozzi tries to stand but drops again and the ref waves this one off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Randy Brown via TKO, knee and punches, at 1:25 of Round 2

Brown gets an interview now, he says he’s getting comfortable in the cage now and there was no way he was losing in New York. He asks to be on the upcoming February card from Brooklyn. He says this is indicative of his abilities as he was ill for his last fight, asked who he’d like for that Brooklyn card Brown ignores the question and gives a shout out to his son.

Here’s the knee that led to the finish, I really wish the UFC’s twitter would put out more of these.

Vicious knee by @TouchNGo_! #UFCAlbany https://t.co/WnYSF8AzWc

— #UFCAlbany (@ufc) December 10, 2016

Justine Kish is undefeated as a professional and including being 1-0 in the UFC, but she missed weight for this fight and now needs a win to overcome that blemish and keep working up the ranks of the division. Ashley Yoder is riding a four fight winning streak coming into her UFC debut and won her Invicta debut her last time out, she’s looking for the biggest win of her career and the all important first UFC win here. Kish is the -235 favorite to the +185 comeback on Yoder.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Justine Kish (5-0, 116.4 lbs.) vs. Ashley Yoder (5-1, 115.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yoder has two inches of height and five and a half inches of reach on Kish. Touch of gloves to get things going. Both women feinting. They clinch up and start trading knees to the body. Kish has the Thai clinch and works knees to the body. Yoder trying for a head and arm throw, nothing doing. Kish lands a couple of knees as they break. Yoder lands a counter left. Another left from Yoder, both women are fighting southpaw now. Kish lands a leg kick. Yoder misses a left. Kish lands a body kick. Kish lands a couple of leg kicks then eats a counter left. These two are throwing but there’s a serious issue of distance. Yoder tries another head an arm throw, this one is more successful and Yoder has side control. Yoder to the other side now. Yoder after an armbar, loses it and Kish gets on top. Kish passes to half guard, Yoder is bleeding from the top of the head. Kish tries to drop for a Peruvian necktie, loses the grip around the neck and Yoder is on top. Kish tries to bridge out, Yoder stays in mount but Kish powers back up anyway and lands a couple of punches. Kish lands a body kick. Yoder misses a couple of punches. Kish lands a leg kick. Kish lands another body kick but eats a counter left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kish but could see that going either way

ROUND TWO: Kish orthodox now, lands a body kick then another one. High kick from Kish lands then she lands a right elbow as they clinch. Kish lands a knee and Yoder pushes chest to chest. They trade knees to the body then Kish lands a couple of leg kicks as they break. Kish trying to close distance without clinching up, Yoder trying to be all the way out or all the way in. Kish lands a leg kick that drops Yoder, a balance issue, and Kish winds up on top with a front headlock. Kish after an anaconda choke but isn’t finishing it properly. Kish adjusts to a guillotine but Yoder rolls into side control on the safe side. Kish still holding that grip on the head, Yoder spins out and tries for knee on belly but Kish explodes and gets the back. Kish after the armbar now, Yoder rotates her elbow so there’s no pressure and Kish bails on that to get into the leg drag position. Yoder with some body shots. Yoder tries to pass to side control, Kiss rolls to her knees and Yoder is now after the arm, instead gets mount. Yoder lands some rights to the head. More rights and Yoder gets the back briefly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yoder, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Kish lands an inside leg kick. Kish lands a hard spinning back fist, Yoder just eats it. They get close and brawl a little. Kish lands a right. Yoder lands a body kick. Kish with a body kick, those are starting to hurt Yoder. Kish lands a couple of leg kicks and Yoder lands a counter left. Kish lands a body kick but Yoder is doing a good job of keeping Kish out of range. They clinch up and Kish muscles Yoder over with a head lock. Yoder into north/south, Kish moves to side control. Yoder is able to corkscrew and roll into side control. Kish gives up mount but escapes just long enough for Yoder to push her over and get on top in her guard. Yoder passes to half guard then towards mount. Yoder in 3/4 mount, now full mount. Kish trying to get motion going and is able to escape and regain her feet. Kish lands a body kick then another spinning back fist. Kish lands a right, Yoder grabs the clinch and pulls guard. Kish easily escapes this time and lands a couple of leg kicks before letting Yoder back up. Kish lands a couple of leg kicks. Yoder lands a jab. Yoder misses a spinning back fist and Kish lands a couple of counters. Kish gets close and lands a couple of hard rights to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kish but again could go either way, 29-28 Kish overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Justine Kish via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Surprised we didn’t get a split decision there, crowd boos the decision but Kish gets an interview. She says it’s great to fight in Albany and thanks Yoder for the last minute fight. She puts Yoder over again. She talks about the tough weight cut and hopes for 125 for women soon then says she’ll take over both of those divisions. She puts over some coaches to close out the interview. That’s it for prelims but we’re still on Fight Pass for the rest of the main card.

This was supposed to be Gian Villante taking on Patrick Cummins but Cummins got a staph infection and was replaced by Saparbek Safarov. Gian Villante has gone 2-2 over his last four fights and is coming off of a loss to Ilir Latifi, he’s trying to defend his top fifteen ranking and avoid what would be his first UFC losing streak. Saparbek Safarov is undefeated as a professional he’s coming off of a win over former UFC fighter Rodney Wallace and looking to score a big win over a ranked opponent in his UFC debut, thus proving himself a top prospect in the talent starved light heavyweight division. Villante has a slight edge in the odds at -175 to the +145 of Safarov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Saparbek Safarov (8-0, 205 lbs.) vs. #14 Gian Villante (14-7, 205.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Villante has two inches of height on Safarov but Safarov has two inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get things going. Safarov lands an inside leg kick. Safarov lands a jab. Villante lands a leg kick, Safarov lands another jab. Safarov gets close and lands some hooks, Villante lands a right. Safarov has a small cut under the left eye from that right. Safarov lands a couple of lefts then a left front kick to the body. Villante lands a leg kick, Safarov lands an uppercut. Villante lands a counter left that wobbles Safarov. Safarov lands a body kick then a jab. Villante drops Safarov with a left, Safarov scrambles but gets dropped with an uppercut. Villante on top throwing rights but Safarov is defending. Villante decides to let Safarov up. Safarov lands a left body kick but tweaked his leg. Villante throwing back, lands a couple of hooks. They split jabs again. Villante lands a good one two combination. Safarov pushes forward, lands an accidental groin kick so Villante has time to recover. Villante walks it off quickly and they touch gloves to restart the action. Villante blocks a left body kick, Safarov wobbles on that left leg, the shin or knee is bothering him. Safarov lands a right that wobbles Villante, then a right that knocks him down! This is wild, Villante back up and they’re still slugging it out. Safarov pushes and lands a couple of rights. They clinch and Safarov looks for a takedown against the fence. Villante blocks that attempt and they disengage. More lefts going back and forth, Safarov lands a right. They trade again, this is wild, Villante lands a leg kick and eats a counter right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Villante

ROUND TWO: The doctor is checking the leg between rounds, Safarov has enough mobility to continue fighting. They touch gloves again. Villante lands a leg kick but eats a counter uppercut. Safarov lands a left then a right. Villante lands a leg kick. Safarov misses a right. Safarov lands a left and Villante lands a leg kick. Safarov’s left knee is visibly bruised. Safarov just kind of bulling forward. Villante lands a right. Safarov lands a right but eats a counter left. They trade and Villante lands a leg kick. Villante lands a knee to the head from a brief clinch. Safarov catches a kick and tries for a takedown but Villante is able to scramble free. They clinch up again and Villante lands some rights before they break. Safarov misses a couple of hooks, Villante lands a leg kick. Villante hurts Safarov with a right and starts landing rights and elbows against the fence until the ref stops the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gian Villante via TKO, punches and elbows, at 2:54 of Round 2

Wild fight, Villante with the mic now. He puts over Safarov as a tough opponent, he’s winded here. He says his coaches wanted to kick his ass after the first round for not attacking the injured leg. He puts over New York, thanks Joe Silva for his years of dedication to the UFC and thanks him for coming to Albany for this event. He closes saying the pressure in this sport sucks but once you’re in there it’s not so bad and he’s happy to have gotten the finish in New York and invites the crowd to go drink with him.

Villante’s knockdown from round one.

.@GPVillante drops Safarov!!!! #UFCAlbany https://t.co/3yMDC2lcVt

— #UFCAlbany (@ufc) December 10, 2016

And Safarov’s knockdown from the same round.

Safarov drops Villante!!!! These guys are swinging!! #UFCAlbany https://t.co/9B5NSqilI9

— #UFCAlbany (@ufc) December 10, 2016

Corey Anderson is one of about three prospects in the light heavyweight division, he’s coming off of a somewhat Clucky influenced decision loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Anderson is trying to avoid his first professional losing streak and defend his top ten ranking. Sean O’Connell is 2-4 in the UFC and currently on a two fight losing streak, he needs a win here as a three fight losing streak could easily earn him a pink slip while a win would be the biggest of his career. Anderson is a hefty -450 favorite while an O’Connell upset would payout at +325.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #9 Corey Anderson (8-2, 205.4 lbs.) vs. Sean O’Connell (17-8, 205.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Anderson has two inches of height and a substantial five of reach on O’Connell. They touch gloves to get things going. O’Connell lands an inside leg kick. Anderson lands a bit of a right. Anderson circling, lands a right to the body. O’Connell pushing forward, lands a front kick to the body. Anderson hits a double leg, O’Connell instantly wall walks but is in the clinch now. Anderson lands some knees to the body and thigh. Anderson gets a double leg against the fence, O’Connell back up but gets suplexed by Anderson who takes the ride position. O’Connell tries to roll but Anderson blocks him and gets side control. Anderson to half guard and lands a few rights. O’Connell working towards the fence, Anderson lands a hard right elbow. More rights from Anderson. Anderson lands more rights. O’Connell just trying to hold on, Anderson lands a series of elbows. O’Connell trying to wall walk now, he can’t get past the knees though before Anderson pushes him over. Anderson lands some rights, O’Connell to his feet now but Anderson keeps him on the fence. Anderson down and hits another double leg into side control. Anderson lands a series of elbows. O’Connell to half guard, Anderson lands some body shots. And the round ends with some left elbows from Anderson.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Anderson

ROUND TWO: Anderson lands a right then catches a leg kick and sweeps O’Connell to his back. Anderson in half guard landing elbows again. Anderson lands a couple of lefts. Anderson looking to pass into full mount, O’Connell blocking that with a lock down on the trapped leg. Anderson moves to the other side and lands an elbow. Rights from Anderson land. Anderson trying to set up an arm triangle, loses that but does have full mount now. Anderson landing lefts to the head and an elbow. More rights from Anderson, Anderson starts teeing off and O’Connell can do nothing but cover up until the ref saves him from taking more damage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Corey Anderson via TKO, punches, at 2:36 of Round 2

That was one sided. Anderson on the mic now. He thanks God first and foremost then his family and his camp. He says he went back to the drawing board after the loss to Shogun and started focusing on keeping guys down and beating them up, then apologizes to a friend who he promised a first round finish. He calls out Nikita Krylov but will take Misha Cirkunov if Cirkunov wins their fight tomorrow night but hopes it’s Krylov.

Francis Ngannou is on a seven fight winning streak including being 3-0 in the UFC, he’s slowly moving up the ranks at heavyweight while progressing as a fighter. Ngannou is looking to keep that winning streak going and prove he’s ready for a step up in competition going forward. Anthony Hamilton has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and trying to get his first ever UFC winning streak active, plus earn top fifteen consideration at the expense of a prospect. Ngannou is the biggest favorite on the card, a massive -500 while Hamilton’s +350 payout has to be attracting the attention of degenerate gamblers.

Heavyweight Bout: Anthony Hamilton (15-5, 254.6 lbs.) vs. #12 Francis Ngannou (8-1, 257.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hamilton is an inch taller but Ngannou has a massive seven inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Hamilton slowly circling, Ngannou working to back him up. Hamilton misses a middle kick. Hamilton switching his stance, Ngannou lands a leg kick but Hamilton gets a double leg, Ngannou kicks him over and regains his feet but Hamilton has him in the clinch against the cage. Ngannou working a double wrist lock to break the grip of Hamilton. Ngannou uses the kimura to force Hamilton down, lands in side control and actually keeps the grip and forces the arm behind the back and gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francis Ngannou via Submission, kimura, at 1:57 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ngannou for his work this evening. I mean that shouldn’t work from that position but Ngannou is so physically strong. Ngannou on the mic now. He talks us through the finish, noting the grip gave him that opportunity once they hit the mat. He puts over his team who showed him recently that attack from that position. He says he wants someone in the top ten, name drops Andrei Arlovski and Travis Browne specifically.

Derrick Lewis is riding a four fight winning streak in the UFC and if he can get that to five here he’ll have proven himself a contender and likely earn a top five opponent for his next fight. Shamil Abdurakhimov is 2-1 in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak, this fight represents a big opportunity as he’d take out an opponent ranked above him and definitely continue climbing the ranks. Lewis is a notable -225 favorite to the +175 comeback on Abdurakhimov.

Heavyweight Bout: #15 Shamil Abdurakhimov (17-3, 253.8 lbs.) vs. #10 Derrick Lewis (16-4 1 NC, 265.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Lewis has three inches of reach on Abdurakhimov. Touch of gloves to get things going. Abdurakhimov circling early, Lewis plodding forward. Abdurakhimov ducks a high kick and takes Lewis down landing in side control. Abdurakhimov has a keylock grip, bails on that. Abdurakhimov can’t control Lewis, Lewis rolls and stands up but Abdurakhimov has the rear waist lock. Abdurakhimov lands a knee and pushes Lewis into the cage. Lewis turns into Abdurakhimov and they trade knees to the body. Abdurakhimov working knees to the thigh. They break without incident. Abdurakhimov back to circling, Lewis stalking forward. They each miss a punch. Lewis misses a front kick. Abdurakhimov still circling, looking to snipe. Lewis pushes into the clinch but Abdurakhimov spins him into the fence. Abdurakhimov working knees to the thigh then disengages. Abdurakhimov circling again, Lewis lands a leg kick but Abdurakhimov catches it and lands a right that knocks Lewis down and Abdurakhimov is on top in the guard of Lewis. Abdurakhimov into the full mount and postures up briefly then lands some short elbows to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Abdurakhimov

ROUND TWO: They clinch up quickly and start jockeying for position. Lewis lands a knee to the body then Abdurakhimov gets him on the fence. Abdurakhimov with some knees and hammer fists to the thigh. Abdurakhimov avoids a throw and tries a double leg that Lewis blocks but we’re still in the clinch and the ref separates them. Lewis misses a leg kick. Lewis is blinking his right eye, Brian Stann tells the audience it was a glancing punch from Abdurakhimov. Lewis misses a flurry and Abdurakhimov has him on the fence again. Abdurakhimov is clearly trying to fatigue Lewis and beat him later. They break without incident. Lewis misses a kick. Abdurakhimov still circling, lands a counter right that gets Lewis to his back and Abdurakhimov lands another right then goes into his guard. Abdurakhimov’s timing to counter those kicks is really nice. Abdurakhimov working to the body with punches. Abdurakhimov tries to pass, Lewis ducks under for a heel hook and gets to 50/50 guard and Lewis is back up but Abdurakhimov picks up a leg and pushes him over after eating an uppercut. Abdurakhimov lands in half guard this time. Abdurakhimov works some more short blows as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Abdurakhimov circling again, Lewis plodding forward. Abdurakhimov catches a kick, Lewis avoids the takedown this time and pushes forward. Lewis lands an uppercut, Abdurakhimov lands a bit of a counter right. Lewis misses a series of uppercuts. Abdurakhimov still circling. Abdurakhimov lands a bit of a left after missing a right. They clinch up again and Lewis gets Abdurakhimov on the fence. Lewis after a double leg, Abdurakhimov avoids it and separates. Abdurakhimov misses a spinning back fist, Lewis misses a couple of wild hooks and Abdurakhimov ducks the second and takes Lewis down into side control. Lewis tries to stand, Abdurakhimov keeps him down but Lewis has full guard now. The ref stands them up, neither man was doing anything, and we’re up right again. Abdurakhimov circling, makes Lewis miss a wild right. We get time for the ref to warn Abdurakhimov for timidity, not sure that’s warranted. Lewis moving forward, they clinch up then both miss as they break and the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Abdurakhimov circling again, Lewis plodding forward. Lewis misses a right. Lewis has a high kick caught and Abdurakhimov tips him over, Lewis back up but Abdurakhimov has the clinch now and has Lewis on the fence. Lewis spins Abdurakhimov, Abdurakhimov disengages. They split rights then Lewis lands an uppercut as they clinch. Lewis has Abdurakhimov on the fence, Abdurakhimov spins him into the cage. Abdurakhimov lands an elbow as they break. Lewis blocks a takedown and lands a knee to the body. Abdurakhimov misses a spinning back kick. The ref implores them to fight. Lewis lands a knee to the body. They clinch up again, Lewis gets a double leg against the fence and lands in side control. Lewis starts landing rights. Lewis still throwing rights, moves to knee on belly then full mount. Abdurakhimov tries to buck but Lewis keeps posture and lands punches until the ref stops the fight. Slightly early stoppage but the ref wanted that to end just as much as everyone watching it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Derrick Lewis via TKO, punches, at 3:42 of Round 4

Well that, certainly took a lot of time. At least it’s over now. Lewis on the mic. He says that was one of his worst fights ever and that he hated his performance. He says his plan was to be on top and pound out the win. He says the blow to the eye is still bothering him but he should have adjusted and overcame it. Asked who’s next he says after his performance he doesn’t deserve to call someone out, he’s going to sit his ass down.

That might have been anticlimactic but that’s the end of Fight Night 102. Thanks for being here and following along or reading after the fact. I’ll be back tomorrow evening for UFC 206, assuming nothing bad happens tomorrow to that poor card. I hope you’ll come back for that one. We’ll be talking about this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show. Until tomorrow then, thanks again for reading and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.