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411’s UFC Fight Night 104 Report 2.04.17

February 5, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 104: Return of the Korean Zombie. OK that’s not the actual name, but it should be. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for this event, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. This is the UFC’s Super Bowl card this year, and it’s really lacking when compared to the other entries into that time frame. Despite this one lacking the name value and fight value of past Super Bowl events, at least one fight between Liddell and Couture took place on Super Bowl weekend as well as the rematch between Georges St. Pierre and BJ Penn, there are some interesting fights here. The main event sees former featherweight title challenger Chan Sung Jung return from injuries and mandatory military service that has had him sidelined for over three years as he takes on Dennis Bermudez. Also rising strawweight prospect Alexa Grasso is taking the next step up the ladder as she takes on Felice Herrig, plus Jessica Andrade tries to make a claim for a title shot as she takes on the returning Invicta FC strawweight champion Angela Hill. This event comes to the world from Houston, Texas, USA with Jon Anik and Brian Stann on commentary.

Final point worth noting, Texas has not yet ruled on adopting the changes to the Unified Rules of MMA so we’re still on the “old” system here.

Khalil Rountree is making his third UFC appearance here but has yet to get a win in the promotion, going 0-2 so far. Rountree looked like a killer on a recent season of TUF and light heavyweight is in desperate need of exciting and talented fighters so the promotion is giving him this chance to finally make good on some of that promise. One has to imagine that if he loses again here his time with the UFC will be coming to an end. Daniel Jolly is also trying for his first UFC win, he lost his undefeated record in his UFC debut when he was defeated by now top ranked Misha Cirkunov, and he’s also in a position where a loss could easily mean the end of his time with the UFC. Despite having the worse record in the UFC the odds are with Rountree at -170 to the +140 on Jolly.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Daniel Jolly (5-1, 204.5 lbs.) vs. Khalil Rountree (4-2, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Rountree has an inch and a half of reach on Jolly. Rountree is also six years younger, for those who keep track of such things. Rountree fighting southpaw. Feinting from both men, Jolly is circling. Rountree avoids a bad double leg, they wind up clinched and Rountree lands a knee that drops Jolly, then an illegal knee when Jolly was on a knee and the ref stops it. I think the ref is saying he was done before that second knee, or that the second knee hits the chest.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Khalil Rountree via KO, knees, at :52 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rountree for his work this evening. Commentary is saying that second knee was to the chest, not sure if I buy that. Rountree on the mic now. He says the old him is dead and gone, he’s done looking at this as a sport because the other guy wants to hurt him so he’s trying to end fights quickly and get out healthy and back to his family. He talks us through the finish, noting that he waited on the first knee until it was legal and they just kind of ignore the second knee’s legality. Asked about the state of the division he says the lack of contenders is a big motivator for him and he plans to get back in the gym quickly and not take any down time.

Here’s that finish, I’ll let you all decide if that second knee was legal or not. That first was legit though.

Alex Morono is on an impressive seven fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC, if he can extend that to three here he’ll likely get a bigger opponent his next time out. Niko Price is undefeated as a professional fighter and had a solid win in his UFC debut when he choked out Brandon Thatch. Price is trying to remain perfect and prove that he’s moving upward in the division. The odds are even here at -115 for each man.

Welterweight Bout: Alex Morono (13-3, 170 lbs.) vs. Niko Price (9-0, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Price is an inch taller and has a substantial four inches of reach on Morono. Price showing the jab early then lands a leg kick. Morono sliding forward, Price lands an inside leg kick. Morono lands a right. Morono misses a combination, both guys still getting a feel for the range. Morono lands a counter right after stuffing a jab. Price lands a leg kick then a glancing head kick that Morono just eats. Price has another head kick blocked. Morono drops Price to a knee with a left hook, he lands a solid right as well after a moment. Price looks really flat with his movement and energy, Morono is faster with both feet and hands. Morono lands a bit of a right then a left hook. Price’s left eye is starting to swell a bit and is clearly red. Morono falls short with a couple of punches. Morono lands a spinning back fist and a right that drops Price, he recovers immediately and hangs out on his back for the final ten seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Morono based on two knock downs

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Lefts traded, Morono still bouncing and looking light. Price lands an inside leg kick. Price lands a glancing right then a jab. Morono lands a jab then blocks a head kick. Price is still very flat, eats a leg kick then lands a body kick. Price lands a right then a body kick, Morono is backing up and avoids another right. Morono lands a jab. Morono lands a front kick to the body. Price lands a left body kick. Morono blocks a right and lands a combination that ends with a body kick. Price lands a bit of a right. Morono lands a hard right to the body, Price trips him down and lands a knee to the body as Morono scrambles to his feet. Price lands a jab. Price gets close and lands a right, he’s starting to find the range and is landing. Price lands a right uppercut. Technique is going out the window, Morono lands a combination but Price flurries hard and drops him with a right as the round ends, Morono is out after that uppercut as the round ends and the ref waves it off when he sees Morono is out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Niko Price via KO, punches, at 5:00 of Round 2

Gotta love a buzzer beater. Price on the mic now. He says it took him a while to get the distance of Morono and that Morono moved very well. He says he wanted to bang this one out and wants a bonus, he didn’t get one after tapping out Brandon Thatch. He talks us through the finish, then says he’ll take on anyone at any weight and he’s the one to watch. That’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the night.

Tecia Torres is coming off of her first loss as a professional when she was best by Rose Namajunas but has been a top strawweight for some time now, she needs to rebound from that loss to prove she still belongs near the top of the division. Bec Rawlings missed weight for this fight and is coming off of a highlight loss to Paige VanZant, her UFC record is also just 2-2. Rawlings is trying to avoid another losing streak and reinsert herself into the conversation of elite strawweights. Torres is a substantial -375 favorite while a Rawlings win pays out at +285.

Strawweight Bout: Bec Rawlings (7-5, 117.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Tecia Torres (7-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rawlings is five inches taller and has three and a half of reach on Torres. Both women flashing the jab early, Torres lands an inside leg kick. They get close and Torres lands a combination. Torres lands a right and avoids a counter. Torres lands another combination and a left body kick. Torres misses a couple of hooks but lands a bit of a head kick. Torres lands a leg kick, she’s out working Rawlings quite easily so far. Torres lands another couple of leg kicks. Another leg kick from Torres lands. Torres lands a left hook and a leg kick, that left is working well for Torres now. Torres again lands the left hook, Rawlings has some damage on the right side of her face. Torres lands a right. Another leg kick lands and Torres avoids the counters. Rawlings gets a quick clinch and lands a couple of knees before they break. Torres lands another right then a left body kick. Torres with another combination, she’s more than doubled the strikes landed by Rawlings. Left body kick lands for Torres. Torres eats a jab and lands a body kick. Torres moving very well, in and out with combinations and making Rawlings miss. Torres lands a side kick to the body as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres, but based on the lopsided numbers there’s a 10-8 argument in there

ROUND TWO: Rawlings coming out hard this round, Torres working side kicks to the body to keep her at bay. Torres lands a left body kick, they clinch up and Torres lands a knee to the body, they scramble and trade positions on the mat now Torres is looking to wall walk. Rawlings hugging the legs trying to keep Torres on the mat. Torres back up, Rawlings trying to get the back standing but Torres is able to block most of that. Rawlings grabs the rear naked choke arm position but Torres spins into her easily and has Rawlings on the fence. They trade some knees back and forth then trade rights, Rawlings tries an ill advised head and arm throw that fails and Torres jumps onto her back. Torres has one hook in, Rawlings to her knees and is blocking the second hook. Torres gets the second hook in now and is trying for a body triangle. Torres after the choke while Rawlings hand fights. Torres lands a couple of rights. Torres tries to transition to an arm triangle as Rawlings tries to scramble, Torres goes for an armbar as the round ends, she can’t quite finish it before time runs out.

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

ROUND THREE: Torres working the lead hand to start this round. Rawlings misses a head kick. Torres lands a left hook then a right. Torres lands a short counter right after Rawlings misses. Torres still just out working Rawlings pretty much everywhere. Torres lands a right, Rawlings lands a bit of a counter left. Torres lands another right, then a leg kick that buckles the lead leg of Rawlings a bit. Another couple of leg kicks from Torres land then a left body kick. Another leg kick from Torres, and another. Torres lands a counter right then a leg kick, Rawlings looks like she’s fighting in slow motion compared to Torres. Torres lands another combination and avoids the counters. Torres lands a body kick, avoids a head kick, then lands a leg kick. Rawlings pushes into the clinch and has Torres on the fence now. They jockey for position, Torres spins Rawlings into the fence. Torres trips Rawlings down and gets the ride position. Torres lands a couple of rights as Rawlings gets to her feet, Torres spins her back down and looks to take the back. Torres has both hooks in now, Rawlings trying to pull Torres over her head. Torres after the armbar again, Rawlings pulls her arm free and stands but Torres is back up and lands a leg kick then a right as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tecia Torres via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Best performance of Torres’ UFC run right there. Torres gets an interview now. She hopes she wont have a long layoff again and asks to stay active. She thanks her fans and coaches as well as her girlfriend to close the interview.

Ricardo Ramos is making his UFC debut here, and as the old saying goes you only get one chance to make a first impression so expect Ramos to try and make the most of this opportunity. Michinori Tanaka is coming off of a somewhat Clucky influenced loss to top bantamweight Rani Yahya and his UFC record is at 2-2, he needs a win to prove his continued worth to the promotion and get his UFC record above .500. The odds favor Tanaka at -145 with Ramos’ comeback at +115.

Bantamweight Bout: Ricardo Lucas Ramos (9-1, 135 lbs.) vs. Michinori Tanaka (11-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ramos has four inches of height and four and a half of reach on Tanaka. Touch of gloves to get things going. Tanaka bouncing around early as they both feint. Ramos lands a front kick to the face then misses a wheel kick. Tanaka lands a leg kick. Ramos misses another wheel kick. Ramos lands a leg kick. They clinch up and Tanaka hits a throw but Ramos wall walks quickly and they’re still in the clinch. Tanaka looks for a double leg, can’t finish it and Ramos spins him into the fence. Ramos with some knees to the body and occasionally to the head. Ramos lands a knee to the body but eats a bit of a right as they disengage. Ramos lands a leg kick, Tanaka tries to return it but misses. Tanaka slips while trying to flurry and Ramos almost kicks him in the head while he’s down but misses. Ramos lands a stiff counter right that drops Tanaka. Ramos on top now trying to flurry, Tanaka back up but falls down again and Ramos is in side control. Ramos lands a couple of elbows, Tanaka back up though and avoids an uppercut. Tanaka still a little wobbly. They just circle the last 40 seconds or so away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ramos but there’s a valid 10-8 argument in there

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Tanaka still circling, Ramos misses a front kick. They clinch up again, Ramos avoids a trip attempt and then Tanaka drops for a single leg against the fence. Ramos lands a short elbow, Tanaka drops for the takedown again but Ramos is defending well. Tanaka tries a trip, Ramos actually reverses and winds up on top then lands an elbow and passes to side control then mount. Tanaka bucks and Ramos tries an armbar. Tanaka defending but Ramos is holding the arm, Tanaka gets free and lands a right as Ramos closes his guard. Tanaka passes to half guard and lands a couple of lefts. Tanaka to full mount for a moment, Ramos trying to wall walk but Tanaka is keeping him flat. Tanaka using a cradle while Ramos tries to stand, Ramos breaks the grip and is up but Tanaka is after his back standing. Ramos is able to spin Tanaka down, Tanaka quickly hip bumps and is back up then lands a right. Tanaka lands a jab. Ramos is breathing heavy now, Tanaka lands a leg kick then another one. Ramos lands a bit of a right. Tanaka with another leg kick. Tanaka bounces for the final couple of seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Tanaka clearly the fresher fighter to start the third, now to see if he can capitalize on that. Tanaka lands a leg kick. Tanaka slips a right, can’t get the takedown but lands a glancing left. Tanaka lands an inside leg kick, lot of bouncing from Tanaka but he’s got to get busy. Tanaka lands a right then a leg kick. Tanaka lands a right to the body. Tanaka lands a left in close. Tanaka avoids a couple of blows from Ramos. We get time and the ref warns Tanaka for timidity. I don’t agree with that personally, but I’m not a ref. They clinch up and Tanaka lands a right as they break. Another right to the body from Tanaka. They trade leg kicks and Tanaka lands another right to the body then avoids a poor takedown. Tanaka hits a takedown, Ramos tries a guillotine from full guard. Tanaka is moving his hips to avoid the pressure, Tanaka passes to half guard and slams home a bunch of rights and elbows as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tanaka, 29-28 Tanaka overall but these scores could be all over the place

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

Not sure I agree with giving Ramos the third round given he was out struck and got hit hard many times at the end of the round. Giving him 1 and 2 is perfectly valid though. No interview for Ramos.

Chas Skelly has a very good UFC record of 5-2 only losing to top fighters Mirsad Bektic and Darren Elkins, he’s coming off of a win and is looking to build another winning streak here while proving he’s still a top featherweight. Chris Gruetzemacher is riding a massive twelve fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut, if he can keep that streak alive at the expense of Skelly tonight he’ll almost certainly be near the top fifteen of the division and moving towards bigger things. Skelly’s UFC experience has helped him achieve favored status at -300 while Gruetzemacher sits at +230.

Featherweight Bout: Chris Gruetzemacher (13-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Chas Skelly (16-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Skelly has three inches of height and four and a half of reach on Gruetzemacher. They touch gloves to get things going. Skelly lands a jab, he’s circling around the cage. Skelly lands a bit of a right, Gruetzemacher is fighting southpaw now. They clinch up and Skelly lands a good knee as they break. Gruetzemacher lands a bit of a leg kick. Skelly shoots a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Skelly lands an elbow. Some body shots go back and forth then Skelly lands an elbow as they break. Gruetzemacher lands a leg kick but eats a right. Gruetzemacher lands a counter right. Skelly tries a single leg, drives Gruetzemacher to the fence and gets him down. Gruetzemacher sitting on the cage trying to wall walk. Gruetzemacher lands some elbows to the forearm to break the grip of Skelly, Skelly adjusts to get the back with one hook in. Skelly riding well, he thinks about the choke but can’t get control and bails on it quickly. Skelly into basically full mount, he’s riding the hip and Gruetzemacher goes to his back giving up half guard. Skelly lands a couple of elbows. Gruetzemacher to full guard now and he’s trying to walk along the fence to get an angle. Skelly stands and comes down into a front headlock position, lands a knee then a right as they break and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Skelly

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again, Gruetzemacher pushing forward quickly. Gruetzemacher lands a leg kick but Skelly lands a right. Gruetzemacher lands a left body kick from the southpaw stance. Skelly lands a one two combination. Straight right lands for Skelly, then another one. Skelly lands a right to the body, he’s looking good at range. Gruetzemacher lands a body kick. Skelly tries a double leg, he gets Gruetzemacher down against the fence and now has the back with one hook in. Gruetzemacher lands some elbows and Skelly rolls him to his knees and tries for the back again. Skelly grabs at the choke, he’s only got one hook in as he locks down the choke, gets the second hook in and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chas Skelly via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:01 of Round 2

Nice all around performance from Skelly there, he’s on the mic now. He says he’s working to constantly improve and puts over his coaches and training partners. He says he can finish the choke around the jaw rather than under the chin because he’s got a great squeeze and he drills his squeeze in training when he’s dead tired so he can get them if he’s down after over two rounds. He has no preference for an opponent but wants to be on the Dallas, Texas card that’s coming up shortly, then puts over his hometown to close out the interview. They kill a little time by replaying the Rountree vs. Jolly fight, the UFC may have found their Roman Reigns in the form of Rountree.

Adam Milstead is riding an eight fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut when he defeated Chris de la Rocha, given the somewhat thin nature of the heavyweight division a second impressive win here could get people talking about him and might even set him up for a bigger name opponent next time. Curtis Blaydes is 1-1 in the UFC, that loss being to surging prospect Francis Ngannou, but he’s coming off of a win over Cody East and if he can build a UFC winning streak here he’ll also likely earn a bigger opportunity next time out. Blaydes is a notable -325 favorite to the +250 comeback on Milstead.

Heavyweight Bout: Curtis Blaydes (6-1, 264.5 lbs.) vs. Adam Milstead (8-1, 233.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Blaydes has an inch of height and four of reach on Milstead, biggest difference is Blaydes being 31 pounds heavier. They touch gloves as things get going. Blaydes misses a leg kick, hits a quick double leg and is in the ride position. Milstead back up but Blaydes hits a German suplex. Milstead back up, another German suplex. Blaydes in the ride position landing some punches. Milstead trying to regain his feet while Blaydes lands some punches to the body. Milstead back up, Blaydes still has the rear waist lock and gets one more suplex and scrambles to the ride position again. Blaydes with some short lefts, Milstead absorbing these well, his defense is pretty good, and Blaydes lands some knees to the butt. Milstead back up, but his right knee gives out and Blaydes hits him a few more times with several being illegal. Milstead back to a knee, his right knee was the one that gave out last time. Hopefully it wasn’t a serious injury. Milstead up, Blaydes holding the rear waist lock. Blaydes spins Milstead down again and is back in the ride position. Milstead spins and has full guard to finally get some control over Blaydes. Milstead tries to roll for a knee bar, Blaydes avoids it and makes Milstead regain his feet. Milstead shakes out his right knee. Blaydes lands a jab, avoids a one two combination and hits a tackle takedown. Balydes back in the ride position and looks for punches. Blaydes with some shots to the body. Milstead back to a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Blaydes, that was stupidly one sided

ROUND TWO: Milstead is just praying that Blaydes gassed himself out after that first round. Milstead still a little unsteady on that right leg. Blaydes tries a knee tap, winds up holding the rear waist lock and rides Milstead down to a knee against the fence. Blaydes landing hard knees to the butt, jokes aside those hurt. Milstead up to sitting on the fence, Blaydes sweeps the left leg and the right buckles yet again, Milstead cries out in pain and the ref stops it. Replay shows the knee pop sideways on that leg sweep. Nasty.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Curtis Blaydes via TKO, knee injury, at :59 of Round 2

Ugly knee injury, Blaydes on the mic now. He says he planned to get this fight to the ground and he always tries to wrestle, especially here where he had the skill, size, and conditioning to make it work. He says he’s going to keep on getting better, his conditioning will keep improving and so will everything else. He says he’ll fight whoever next but wants someone ranked above him. That does it for preliminary action, though we’re still on Fox Sports 1 for the main card.

Jessica Andrade was a top bantamweight before dropping to strawweight after dropping back to back fights, and she’s looked nearly unstoppable in the new division going 2-0 and garnering talk of her challenging for the title. If she can win here a title shot might be in her immediate future, and certainly no more than one more win away. Angela Hill is starting her second stint with the UFC here, she was cut after going 1-2 before, but had a very good run in Invicta and is the current strawweight champion for that promotion. Hill brings a four fight winning streak into this fight, and if she can upset Andrade tonight she’ll launch herself into the top ten rankings and could take over Andrade’s spot in the title discussion. Andrade is a prohibitive favorite at -550 while Hill’s +375 payout likely has some degenerate gamblers drooling.

Strawweight Bout: #5 Jessica Andrade (15-5, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Angela Hill (6-2, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hill has an inch and a half of height and two and a half of reach on Andrade. Hill will switch her stance frequently. Inside leg kicks going back and forth, Hill is circling and Andrade is trying to cut her off. Andrade lands a counter left hook. Hill lands a couple of lefts then a counter right after Andrade missed a few hooks. Andrade trying to bull rush forward, she lands a hard right but eats a knee. Hill lands a stepping knee to the body, Andrade lands a counter uppercut. These two clearly came to fight. They clinch up and trade again, Hill exits the clinch with a left body kick. Andrade lands a combination in close, Hill grabs a Thai clinch and spins free but she took a lot of punches to the body. Hill lands a counter right but Andrade gets close and unloads with hooks to the body and head. Hill grabs a Thai clinch and lands a knee to the head. Andrade tries an overhand right and they break. Hill is doing a good job of not getting stuck on the fence but Andrade is relentless with her pressure and offense. Andrade pushes into the clinch again and they trade then break with a right from Hill. Hill already breathing a little heavy, the body work from Andrade already paying off. Andrade pushes close, eats a knee as she lands to the body and head. Another flurry and Andrade lands a hard right then a left. Hill lands a knee to the head, eats a couple of counters and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Andrade

ROUND TWO: Hill declines to touch gloves. They trade lefts and Andrade misses an overhand right. Andrade lands an inside leg kick. Andrade lands a bit of a left hook. Hill lands a couple of lefts and a leg kick. Hill eats a couple of rights as Andrade pushes forward, Hill lands a couple of knees to the head before they break and Andrade is bleeding from under the right eye from one of those. Andrade lands a right to the body. They clinch up again and Andrade lands some knees, Hill lands a right as they break but Andrade runs her down and keeps firing punches. They tie up and spin then disengage. Hill lands a right but Andrade lands a body shot. Andrade gets close and unloads again, Hill spins off of the fence and lands a jab. Andrade misses some punches, then digs a few body shots as they clinch and Hill lands a knee to the body as they break. Hill lands a body kick. Hill lands a knee to the body and a right. Andrade lands a bit of a right then a front kick to the body. Hill lands that left knee to the head but eats two counters. Hill lands a jab. Andrade misses some hooks and tries a single leg then spins Hill to the mat. Andrade in half guard, then full mount, Hill to her seat and Andrade is on her back without hooks. Andrade towards the ride position, lands a few rights as Hill regains her feet. Andrade gets an elevated single leg takedown but Hill lands elbows from her guard, Andrade stands and avoids an up kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Hill circling again, Andrade stalking forward. Hill lands a couple of jabs then a left body kick an Andrade lands a left hook counter. They get close and flurry RoadHouse style for a bit then Hill slips off of the fence. Hill lands a jab. They clinch up, Hill lands a knee to the body, Andrade lands one to the head and they break. Hill lands a jab. Andrade lands a counter left hook, Hill lands a knee to the body. Andrade is walking forward and they’re trading again. Hill lands a right, Andrade lands a right to the body then a right to the head and Hill is backing up. Andrade following and flurrying, Hill drops Andrade with a left that was mostly off balance and she regains her feet and they trade body kicks. Andrade lands a left hook then a right, Hill fires back but is getting the worst of these. Hill lands a knee to the body. They tie up again, Andrade lands a right as they break. Andrade lands a left, they clinch again and Andrade lands a knee then a right. Hill rolling well with the punches but she needs to get her offense working. Andrade eats an elbow but lands a counter flurry. Andrade has Hill on the fence and tees off again but Hill slips free and returns fire. Another flurry from Andrade. Andrade misses a flying knee. They trade yet again, Andrade ends on a positive note as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Really fun fight, Hill showed off her improvements and gave Andrade a fight. That’s also a fight that’s closer than the scores indicate. Andrade on the mic now. She thanks everyone for their support and she wanted to see if she could take the Invicta belt and considers herself the uncrowned Invicta champ now and then tells Joanna Jedrzejczyk that she’s coming for the UFC belt. She thanks the fans here and says this is her second win in Texas and appreciates the support, puts over Hill again as the interview comes to a close.

Here’s that flurry to start the third round in case you missed it.

Anthony Hamilton is 3-4 in the UFC and has been trading wins and losses that whole time, he’s coming off of a loss to Francis Ngannou and is trying to keep that pattern in tact and get a rebound win here. Marcel Fortuna brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut here, and if he can hand Hamilton his first UFC losing streak he’ll announce himself as someone to watch at heavyweight going forward. Hamilton is the -225 favorite to Fortuna’s +175.

Heavyweight Bout: Marcel Fortuna (8-1, 210.5 lbs.) vs. Anthony Hamilton (15-6, 258.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hamilton has four inches of height and two of reach on Fortuna, biggest difference is 48 pounds of weight going to Hamilton. Touch of gloves to get things going, and Hamilton looks massive relative to Fortuna. Fortuna lands a jab and an inside leg kick, he’s trying to fight long. Hamilton pushes close and lands rights to the body before Fortuna gets free. Fortuna is bleeding from over the right eye, not sure if it was an uppercut or a clash of heads. They clinch and Fortuna lands some knees to the body before Hamilton gets him on the fence. Hamilton lands a right to the body as Fortuna breaks free. We get time as the ref wants the cut looked at. Replay confirms a clash of heads, and the cut is pretty nasty, it’s under the eyebrow but the doctor has no problem with the fight continuing. Fortuna lands an inside leg kick. They trade a bit in close, Fortuna still trying to stay mobile. Fortuna lands a right. Hamilton lands a right to the body. Fortuna lands a counter right that wobbles Hamilton. Fortuna misses a right and eats a counter right. Fortuna lands a one two that floors and ENDS Hamilton! Fortuna scores the walk off before the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcel Fortuna via KO, punches, at 3:10 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Fortuna for his work this evening. Also BOOM. . . heavyweights! Big win for Fortuna, who’s on the mic now. Stann brings up that Fortuna told the UFC he weighted 230, clearly not true. He says he took the fight on short notice because he wasn’t going to let the chance pass him by, and says he had the right strategy. He talks us through the finish then says he’s definitely moving to light heavyweight going forward. In case you missed it, here’s the KO again.

Ovince Saint Preux is on a two fight losing streak, but despite that he retains a top ten ranking because light heavyweight is in such a terrible position. Saint Preux needs a win here though, as losing to a UFC newcomer would almost certainly see him drop out of the top ten and a three fight losing streak has spelled the end of many a UFC run. Volkan Oezdemir is making his UFC debut here on short notice as Saint Preux was to fight Jan Blachowicz, he’s also the first Swiss fighter in UFC history. Oezdemir has won his last two fights and if he can score the upset tonight he’ll become an immediate player near the top of the division. Saint Preux is favored to win though at a notable -325 while Oezdemir stands at +250.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Volkan Oezdemir (12-1, 206 lbs.) vs. #6 Ovince Saint Preux (19-9, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saint Preux has an inch and a half of height and five of reach on Oezdemir. Saint Preux fighting southpaw. Oezdemir lands an inside leg kick then a body kick. Oezdemir working forward, lands a left to the body then head and a right and they clinch up. Oezdemir has Saint Preux on the cage. Oezdemir working knees to the thigh. Saint Preux tries a trip, can’t complete it and they break with an uppercut from Oezdemir. Saint Preux lands a body kick. Oezdemir lands an inside leg kick. Oezdemir lands a body kick then a bit of a head kick. Oezdemir lands a right, eats a counter left though. Oezdemir lands another inside leg kick and they clinch up. They break without incident. Oezdemir lands a bit of a right then an inside leg kick. Saint Preux is struggling here with the movement and timing of Oezdemir. Saint Preux lands a front kick to the body. They clinch up and Oezdemir lands a knee to the body. Oezdemir trying for a double leg, can’t finish it though he keeps Saint Preux on the fence. They break without incident. Saint Preux has a left blocked. Oezdemir lands another inside leg kick. They get close and trade punches. Saint Preux goes orthodox and lands a jab then Oezdemir lands a leg kick. Saint Preux lands a left to the body. Oezdemir lands a bit of a body kick then an inside leg kick. Saint Preux lands a body kick. They trade power hand punches and Oezdemir tries to flurry before Saint Preux ties him up and they kill the last ten seconds in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oezdemir

ROUND TWO: Oezdemir moving still, has a high kick blocked. Saint Preux lands a bit of a body kick and has a couple of punches blocked. Oezdemir lands a couple of lefts in close. Saint Preux misses a couple of uppercuts then tries a takedown, Oezdemir defends the first attempt so Saint Preux switches to a trip but Oezdemir is back up immediately though Saint Preux has him on the fence still. Oezdemir lands an elbow as they break. They split jabs and Saint Preux lands a body shot. Oezdemir lands a couple of inside leg kicks, Saint Preux is switching his stance to protect that leg. Oezdemir with that inside leg kick again. Saint Preux lands a bit of a left, the pace has slowed though. Saint Preux lands a left and Oezdemir is backing up. Oezdemir lands a leg kick. Both guys are sucking some wind now. Oezdemir lands a bit of an inside leg kick. Oezdemir lands a left to the body. Body kick from Oezdemir lands. Saint Preux lands a body kick of his own. Oezdemir lands a sharp left hand. Oezdemir lands a leg kick. The pace has slowed to a crawl at this point. Oezdemir lands a body kick. Oezdemir eats a right and lands a counter left. Oezdemir lands a left to the body. Oezdemir lands a bit of a jab and a body kick as the last blow of the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oezdemir, 20-18 Ozedemir overall

ROUND THREE: Oezdemir pushing forward and lands a couple of punches. Saint Preux lands a bit of a right. Oezdemir pushes into the clinch, Saint Preux gets him on the fence. Saint Preux lands a combination as they break. Oezdemir lands a right. Saint Preux checks a leg kick. Oezdemir blocks a high kick and lands a couple of punches. Saint Preux tries a double leg but has no drive and Oezdemir sprawls out of it. Oezdemir lands a left. Oezdemir pushing forward and they trade sloppy punches. Saint Preux lands a one two combination. Oezdemir has a couple of punches miss. Oezdemir lands a leg kick. Saint Preux lands a bit of a left, then a better left. Technique and activity are at a real low here. Oezdemir misses a couple of looping punches. Oezdemir slips a couple of punches, lands a bit of a left. Saint Preux lands a bit of a left after eating a couple of punches. Oezdemir lands a right. Saint Preux lands a left to the body. Saint Preux again digs to the body. Oezdemir lands a right and a left then a knee and Saint Preux backs up. They trade again, both land flush and Saint Preux is trying to tee off. Oezdemir covers and counters, Saint Preux lands one more right as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saint Preux, 29-28 Oezdemir overall

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

No issues with the scoring. Oezdemir on the mic he puts over Saint Preux for the tough fight and thanks everyone who’s supported him back home. He says he’s blessed to be the first Swiss in the UFC. He mentions that the fight was on short notice and he was preparing for a heavyweight fight and he struggled to make weight, puts over OSP again for the tough fight.

Abel Trujillo is riding a three fight winning streak and if he can get that to four in a row here he’ll likely earn a crack at the top fifteen of the division next. James Vick is coming off of his first professional loss when he was violently knocked out by Beneil Dariush, he’s trying to rebound from that and prove he’s still a relevant player in the lightweight division. The odds here are at -130 for Vick and +100 on Trujillo

Lightweight Bout: Abel Trujillo (15-6 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. James Vick (9-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vick has seven inches of height and six of reach on Trujillo. Trujillo moving forward early, Vick circling. Trujillo trying to back Vick into the fence. Both men feinting. Trujillo misses a left. Vick lands a long one two combiantion. Vick keeping the fight long. Trujillo shoots a double leg, elevates and takes down Vick. Vick after a guillotine but he’s only got butterfly hooks, more likely to sweep than submit. Vick sitting on the fence, still holding the front head lock and trying to control Trujillo and threaten with the choke. Vick bails on the choke attempt. Vick back up and has Trujillo on the fence. They jockey for position then disengage without incident. Vick misses a side kick to the face. Trujillo misses a one two combination. Trujillo is struggling to get into boxing range so far, he’s either too far out or all the way in. Vick lands a body kick, Trujillo lands a leg kick. Vick lands a right that induces a shot from Trujillo but it stalls on the fence as the round expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vick

ROUND TWO: Trujillo trying to back Vick up again, Vick circling but Trujillo lands a left. Vick avoids a left hook. Trujillo lands a lunging left hook. Vick lands a leg kick. Trujillo lands a right hook. Trujillo avoids a knee and lands a left hook. Trujillo starting to find that range this round. Vick lands a jab. Trujillo tries for a double leg, it stalls out on the fence then they break quickly. Vick lands a leg kick. Trujillo lands a bit of a left again. Vick lands a right uppercut and a knee. Trujillo catches a knee and tries a takedown, Vick blocks it and takes Trujillo down with a trip. Vick after a d’arce choke, he’s got it locked up and is trying to walk into it and increase the pressure. Trujillo trying to avoid the pressure and they roll some more. Vick on top with the choke, Vick finally bails on that and settles for side control. Trujillo tries to get to his knees again, Vick gets the d’arce arm position again, bails on it and Trujillo is back up again. Vick holds the rear waist lock, they break and Vick has a high kick blocked as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Trujillo back to forward pressure, Vick lands a jumping knee that wobbles Trujillo and Trujillo starts firing back as Vick pushes forward. They both land, Trujillo catches a knee and tries a double leg but Vick sprawls and locks up another d’arce choke attempt. Trujillo doesn’t have it in him to fight this one off and he taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – James Vick via Submission, d’arce choke, at :49 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vick for his work this evening. Nice all around performance from Vick, who gets an interview now. He says he felt a little too patient tonight but he knew Trujillo couldn’t hang with his volume over the fight and that he’d get tired. He talks us through the finish, he’s quite proud of that jumping knee and his choke game as well. He puts over his coaches, then says he wants to be on the Dallas card coming up as he’s a native Texan and then asks for a post fight bonus. Here’s the jumping knee and flurry, the finish came quickly after this.

Alexa Grasso is undefeated including a successful UFC debut when she out classed Heather Jo Clark for three rounds, Grasso is trying to continue her march towards the top of the division as well as improve upon her top fifteen ranking. Felice Herrig has gone 2-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Kailin Curran, a win over the highly touted prospect Grasso would be one of the biggest of her career and would likely get her a top ranking. Grasso is another notable favorite at -315 while Herrig’s +245 will likely attract a few value bets.

Strawweight Bout: #12 Alexa Grasso (9-0, 116 lbs.) vs. Felice Herrig (11-6, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Grasso has an inch of height and reach on Herrig. Grasso circling early, Herrig flashing the jab and moving forward. Grasso lands a body kick and they trade rights. Grasso lands an inside leg kick and slips a counter right. They trade inside leg kicks. Herrig has a right blocked. Grasso lands a body kick. Grasso lands a bit of a left, Herrig is falling short with her offense thus far. Grasso lands a body kick, tries a jumping kick but slips, Herrig tries to get on top but Grasso threatens with a heel hook and Herrig backs off and Grasso regains her feet. Grasso avoids a punch and lands a right. Grasso lands a side kick to the body. Herrig lands a right but eats a leg kick. Grasso misses a spinning kick. Grasso avoids some offense from Herrig and lands a left. They trade in close, they both landed. Grasso lands a jab. Grasso lands an inside leg kick, Herrig’s offense is still struggling to land flush. Grasso lands a straight right and eats a bit of a counter combination. They get close, Grasso lands a knee to the body and they trade briefly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grasso

ROUND TWO: They both show the jab early, Grasso still circling well. Herrig lands a right. Grasso moving forward now. Grasso lands a one two combination and misses a couple of kicks. Grasso lands a counter left after eating a body kick. Grasso lands a fade away right. They trade punches, Herrig lands a right to the body and a left. Herrig lands another right. Grasso lands a leg kick then an inside leg kick. Grasso lands a heavy body kick. Herrig lands a good counter right. Grasso lands a straight right. Grasso lands a leg kick then a body kick. Herrig lands another right, she’s timing that punch very well. Grasso lands a counter left hook, lands a knee as Herrig tries a takedown. That stalls out on the fence and they trade knees to the body then Herrig hits a body lock takedown to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Herrig, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Herrig comes out with some hooks and a body kick. Grasso lands a side kick to the body. Grasso lands a bit of a left, eats a right. Grasso lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Grasso lands a left hook in close. Herrig tries a double leg, Grasso tries to roll through but Herrig rolls with her and gets on top. Grasso tries a kimura, uses it to scramble to her feet. Short right lands for Grasso in close. Herrig lands a bit of a right. Herrig lands a counter right. Grasso lands a body kick and a couple of hooks. Grasso lands a leg kick. They split lefts, Grasso still moving forward this round. Another leg kick from Grasso lands. They trade in close again. They trade jabs. Herrig slips some punches and lands a left to the body. Grasso lands a left body kick, Herrig felt that and tries a double leg that Grasso avoids. They clinch and jockey for position then break without incident. Grasso lands a right then a leg kick. Grasso lands another right, Grasso is starting to open up. Grasso misses a head kick but gets close and wobbles Herrig with a combination as time runs down.

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

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

I’m calling BS on that 30-27, Grasso clearly had the third. Herrig on the mic and reminds everyone that she’s a multiple time kick boxing champion. She dedicates this to her brother, who passed away 25 years ago yesterday. She says she’s finally able to perform at the right level now that she’s got her weight cut down then asks for a rematch with Paige VanZant or a fight with Michelle Waterson.

Dennis Bermudez is 2-2 in his last four fights and on a two fight winning streak, he’s looking to return to the title discussion with another win here proving his consistency once again. Chan Sung Jung, better known by his nick name “The Korean Zombie”, is fighting for the first time since his failed title challenge to Jose Aldo in 2013. Injuries combined with his mandatory military service have kept him out of competition, but a win over top ranked Bermudez would indicate he’s more than ready to pick up essentially where he left off. The odds lean towards Bermudez at -190 to the +155 comeback on Jung.

Featherweight Bout: #9 Dennis Bermudez (16-5, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Chan Sung Jung (14-4, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jung is an inch taller but has a massive six of reach on Bermudez. Touch of gloves to get things going. Jung lands an inside leg kick. Jung lands a short right and avoids a takedown attempt. Bermudez circling, lands a leg kick but eats a couple of counter punches. Bermudez lands a jab. Jung slips some punches and gets the clinch, then Bermudez lands a knee and they break. Bermudez lands a right that wobbles Jung, Jung stays upright and they clinch. Bermudez lands some body shots and they break. Bermudez tries a single leg, blocked by Jung. Jung lands a bit of a right. Bermudez lands a leg kick. Jung avoids a single leg attempt and they clinch again. Jung lands a knee to the body then a left as they break. Jung still moving forward, lands a one two combination. Bermudez can’t hit a double leg. They trade rights. Jung lands a right uppercut in close, Bermudez drops unconscious and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chan Sung Jung via KO, punch, at 2:49 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Zombie for his work this evening. Seriously, that kind of takedown defense and adjusted punching, especially after that massive layoff was darn impressive. Jung on the mic now. Jung hugs Brian Stann before the interview starts, he’s very happy to be back. He says this felt different from sparring and he’s glad to be back in the cage. Asked how badly he was hurt by Bermudez he says he doesn’t remember it, that’s always a good sign. Asked about working on his game while serving in the military he says he worked very hard on his wrestling and footwork, then jokes that the footwork didn’t work so well tonight. He talks us through the finish, says he wasn’t expecting that to be over so quick but is very grateful it worked out. He gets emotional as he closes, he thanks everyone who helped him prepare, says that things in Korea aren’t great and morale might be low but he wishes that they’ll stand strong and live in harmony. Here’s that finish, lovely uppercut.

Well, on that finishing note UFC Fight Night 104 is in the books. Thanks for being here, either live or after the fact. I’ll be back on Saturday for UFC 208, a really underwhelming card on paper but with some potential for solid action. Quick note, the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show has a special start time this Sunday at 2pm eastern standard time so as not to conflict with the Super Bowl. That show takes live callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like on the air. Again I’ll be back next Saturday for the UFC’s first PPV of 2017, until then thanks again and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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