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411’s UFC Fight Night 136 Report 9.15.18

September 15, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 136. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host, relaying the action to you just as I see it. Tonight the UFC makes it’s long awaited debut in Russia, but for the majority of the world the event will take place on Fight Pass. This card isn’t great but has a few fighters on it that are worth watching. The main event is a heavyweight bout between knockout artist Mark Hunt and submission master Aleksei Oleinik as the battle for heavyweight position, Nikita Krylov returns to the UFC and takes on surging Jan Blachowicz even though the entire light heavyweight division is basically a waste of time right now. Elsewhere on the card Petr Yan is fighting again, Mairbek Taisumov looks to continue his great though entirely unheralded run, and Rustam Kahbilov takes on Kajan Johnson.

UFC Fight Night 136 comes to the world from Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Moscow, Russia. On commentary we have John Gooden, Paul Felder, and Dan Hardy. As for the rules we’ll be under the new Unified Rules, so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), extending fingers towards your opponent is a foul regardless of contact being made. The language around scoring is also clearer and more encouraging of 10-8’s. We’ve also got the use of replay for fight ending sequences, but as usual once replay is invoked the fight cannot be restarted.

Merab Dvalishvili has gone 0-2 in the UFC, though the first of those was a split decision and the second had a weird ending when he was choked unconscious at the end of the last round, now he’s trying to get the all important first UFC win under his belt. Terrion Ware is also winless in the UFC, though his streak is worse at 0-3 and now needs a win in the worst way to keep his job. Despite both fighters being on such bad streaks one has to be the favorite, and in his case it’s Dvalishvili at a whopping -550 to +375 on Ware.

Bantamweight Bout: Merab Dvalishvili (7-4, 135 lbs.) vs. Terrion Ware (17-7, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ware is two inches taller and has three inches of reach on Dvalishvili. They touch gloves to get us going, Ware fighting southpaw. Ware coming forward early, Dvalishvili hits a knee tap and gets on top of Ware in Ware’s full guard. Dvalishvili swinging some rights and moves to half guard. A few short elbows from Dvalishvili as Ware gets full guard back but Dvalishvili is keeping a very high pace with his offense. Dvalishvili moves to half guard again, Ware seems unable to get any motion going to regain his feet. They’re against the fence and Ware wall walks then separates. Ware going orthodox now, lands a counter right but Dvalishvili gets a single leg and they hit the mat again. They’re right against the fence again, and Ware has full guard looking to wall walk but Dvalishvili is landing punches. Ware to his feet but they’re clinched and Dvalishvili gets a duck under to have the back, Ware has to turn into him and finally pushes free. Both men miss punches, Ware defends a single leg but Dvalishvili lands some punches and then has a jumping switch kick blocked as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Dvalishvili

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Ware coming forward again but his offense looks labored already, the prolonged grappling seems to have slowed his arms. Dvalishvili slips on a kick attempt and eats a bit of a right from Ware as he regains his feet. Bit of a leg kick from Dvalishvili, he’s trying to keep Ware at kicking distance rather than boxing range. Double leg from Dvalishvili and he’s got Ware down but Ware is sitting on the fence which allows him to try and wall walk quickly. Dvalishvili is fighting to strip his posts out from under him, and he’s got Ware down on a hip and then gets the ride position. Short lefts from Dvalishvili as Ware stands up, Dvalishvili gets a few knees and can’t finish a mat return. Dvalishvili is still holding a rear waist lock, landing knees to the thigh and then gets a knee tap transition to get Ware down in open space. Ware has full guard but he’s not doing much with it. Ware’s full guard is basically keeping Dvalishvili on top of him at this point and Dvalishvili is content to control and land a few bits of offense along the way as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dvalishvili, arguable 10-8 again, 20-17 Dvalishvili overall

ROUND THREE: Ware’s left shoulder seems a little injured, or his right hand, or both. Dvalishvili comes out dancing around, Ware tries a couple of kicks then lands a right but gives up the double leg off of it and he finds himself on the mat again. Half guard for Dvalishvili against the fence, landing some short lefts. Dvalishvili lands a few elbows and moves them away from the fence, smart given that Ware’s only ability to regain his feet has been against the cage. A few body shots and hammer fists from Dvalishvili, he’s not doing a lot of damage but he’s scoring a lot with consistent offense. Elbow from Dvalishvili and he moves through a loose triangle attempt and gets to half guard. Ware is just drowning under the pressure and control of Dvalishvili. And time runs down with Dvalishvili still on top working offense.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision (30-25 x3)

If Dvalishvili were better he’d have ended that, but the first win feels great for him. Mic time for Dvalishvili, who starts with English to put over his coaches and says he’s a dangerous fighter for anyone in the division. He switches to Russian for a bit, at least I think it was Russian, then back to English and calls out Sean O’Malley, telling him to keep smoking while he keeps training.

Ramazan Emeev is on a six fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to continue that run here now that he’s dropped to welterweight full time. Stefan Sekulic brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and is hoping to unseat a talented prospect in Emeev. Emeev is your -600 favorite to a +400 comeback for Sekulic.

Welterweight Bout: Ramazan Emeev (171 lbs.) vs. Stefan Sekulic (170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sekulic is two inches taller while Emeev has half an inch of reach advantage. Sekulic fighting southpaw, Emeev pressing forward to start things. Bit of a jab from Emeev. Mostly feeling each other out but Sekulic has been landing a few side kicks to the knee. Right lands for Emeev then they clinch up along the fence. A few knees from Emeev as he’s got a body lock. Sekulic is able to get off of the fence and spin free. Emeev pushes to another clinch, Sekulic is after a single leg now though. Emeev hits a kimura roll and they separate on the feet. Sekulic after another single leg against the fence and they wind up clinched again. Emeev gets a body lock now and lands a few knees to the body. Elbow from Emeev as they break. Inside leg kick from Emeev. Bit of a head kick from Emeev but it’s partially blocked. Body kick from Sekulic but Emeev gets a takedown off of it into the guard of Sekulic. Sekulic elevates with a butterfly hook and is back up but Emeev cracks him with a right then a head kick that drops Sekulic. Sekulic holding on, Emeev grabs a near choke, then a couple of punches land as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Emeev

ROUND TWO: Sekulic seems to have his legs back under him but Emeev is coming hard at him. Head kick from Emeev after he ate a left. Right to the body from Emeev. Sekulic after a double leg against the fence, and gets Emeev down. Emeev after a kimura as Sekulic passes to half guard. Emeev gets his feet on the hips and kicks free, they wind up clinched again and Emeev gets Sekulic on the fence. Knees to the body from Emeev and a right uppercut as they break. Sekulic is backing up again, he’s swinging a little wide with his punches and Emeev is avoiding them. Emeev lands a right. Constant forward pressure from Emeev, he’s a little focused on the head kick though. Emeev blocks a takedown attempt and they trade punches. Bit of a right from Emeev in close. They clinch up as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Emeev back to forward pressure, lands a knee to the body. There’s a poke to the eye of Emeev so we’ve got time for him to recover. Emeev is good to continue so we’re back to fighting, and Emeev lands a bit of a right. Body kick from Emeev but Sekulic is coming forward now. Sekulic backs off of his pressure and Emeev is happy to come forward again. Emeev doesn’t look tired at all, if nothing else his conditioning is impressive. Spinning elbow from Emeev misses and they clinch, Emeev hits another kimura roll and gets on top this time. Emeev has half guard and lands some elbows as Sekulic gets back to his feet. They’re still clinched up on the fence. A few knees go back and forth then Sekulic separates. Sekulic misses a left then avoids a counter left. Emeev lands a right to the body. Another right from Emeev lands. Emeev lands another straight right then a bit of a head kick. Sekulic catches another kick and clinches but Emeev is threatening the kimura roll again. Emeev breaks the clinch and they trade punches in close. Emeev misses a high kick as the last blow of the round.

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

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

I can see a 10-8 for a near finish in the first. Mic time for Emeev who says he wanted an early finish but couldn’t get it then thanks his family and coaches for their support. Asked how he’s liked the UFC’s debut in Russia he says it feels great as the most important fights in his career have been here.

Jordan Johnson is undefeated including being 3-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to establish himself down at middleweight here and is looking to remain perfect as a professional. Adam Yandiev is undefeated as well and is making his UFC debut here, he’s trying to make a positive first impression as you only get one chance to do so. The odds lean towards Johnson at -260 to +200 for Yandiev.

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Johnson (9-0, 186 lbs.) vs. Adam Yandiev (9-0, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson has a whopping five inches of height and reach on Yandiev. A bit of circling to start, Johnson is visibly bigger. Yandiev lands a heavy leg kick. Single leg from Johnson, he can’t finish it but lands an uppercut after Yandiev landed a knee and Johnson is on top now in the guard of Yandiev. Yandiev to his knees, Johnson to the ride position as Yandiev is back up and he turns into Johnson and grabs a guillotine attempt. Johnson pulls his head free as Yandiev never got his hips in play but Yandiev is able to get motion and regain his feet then separate. Both men miss but Yandiev is looping his punches already. Another clinch and Johnson gets the back then rides Yandiev down and lands lefts from the ride position. More lefts from Johnson as Yandiev is back up but Johnson rides him back down and gets full mount. The size difference is significant and Johnson’s wrestling advantage is just exacerbating things. Punches from Johnson, Yandiev spins into him but his scramble ends there while Johnson’s continues and Johnson is back on top in half guard. Hammer fists from Johnson. Johnson is setting up an arm triangle, then switches to a rear naked choke as Yandiev rolls, man that’s tight but Yandiev guts through it and Johnson didn’t have the best hooks in so Yandiev gets his head free though Johnson is in full mount still as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Johnson

ROUND TWO: The ref warns Yandiev that if he grabs the fence again, which he’s done at least twice in the first round, he’ll lose a point. Johnson coming forward early, Yandiev has swelling around his left eye. Yandiev misses a right and Johnson gets him down off of it. Johnson after another arm triangle, he’s in half guard on the wrong side but between his squeeze and Yandiev just being done Yandiev taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jordan Johnson via Submission, arm triangle choke, at :42 of Round 2

That was a one sided mauling. Johnson gets an interview after our first finish of the evening, he says he took this fight on short notice and says Russia has been a dream and puts over wrestling legend Alexander Karelin and goes down a list of Russian combat sports athletes who’ve inspired him over the years, some impressive name dropping there. He says he didn’t have much of a game plan and wasn’t planning on making the middleweight debut until October but couldn’t pass up on the opportunity and puts over his coaches for getting him ready despite the circumstances and thanks the crowd.

In case you missed the finish, here it is. While ideally you’re in mount or on the other side for this choke it’s possible to get a good enough frame with your arms to apply the necessary pressure, add to that Johnson’s generally squeeze pressure and Yandiev being beaten up and dead tired and you get the finish.

Magomed Ankalaev is coming off of a his first ever loss in his UFC debut, when he was caught at the literal last second of a fight he was dominating. Ankalaev is trying to rebound from that setback here and reassert himself as a light heavyweight prospect. Marcin Prachnio lost his UFC debut and an eight fight winning streak when he ran into the fists of Sam Alvey, he’s trying to rebound as well and prove himself a fighter worth watching in a talent starved division. Ankalaev is a big -500 favorite to the +350 underdog Prachnio.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Ankalaev (10-1, 204 lbs.) vs. Marcin Prachnio (13-3, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ankalaev has an inch of reach on Prachnio. Ankalaev fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. Forward pressure from Ankalaev, but both men are just looking for openings. Prachnio lands an inside leg kick. Knee from Ankalaev in close after both men missed punches. Bit of a head kick from Ankalaev. Ankalaev checks a couple of leg kicks, Prachnio lands a body shot but eats a counter combination. Every time Prachnio closes distance Ankalaev is blitzing him with a combination. Ankalaev lands a left, then a right hook in close. Prachnio seems out gunned so far. Right hook from Ankalaev rocks Prachnio, then a high kick floors him and a few follow ups on the mat prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Ankalaev via KO, punches and head kick, at 3:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ankalaev for his work this evening. Mic time for Ankalaev after that one, he says it’s been a long road to his first UFC win and notes that his last fight didn’t go his way but this one went perfectly. He talks us through the finish, and says he duplicated the Sam Alvey fight and felt stronger and smarter than Prachnio. His closing remarks don’t get translated, but I think he thanked his coaches and called out someone but I didn’t catch the name.

And here’s the finish. Watch Anakalaev’s lead hand, he hits a lovely intercepting right hook as Prachnio closes in and rocks him. The follow up head kick is partially blocked, but he’s already rocked enough that it doesn’t help and it’s all over from there.

Mairbek Taisumov is one of the best lightweights that you’re not paying attention to, he’s on a five fight winning streak and has finished all of those to compliment an overall UFC run of 6-1. He’s mostly been held back by his inability to fight in the USA, though him missing weight for this fight isn’t going to help much, but he’s looking to extend that streak here and force a bigger name opponent for his next bout. Desmond Green has gone 2-2 in the UFC and just broke a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to score the biggest win of his career here against his toughest opponent. Taisumov is a significant -500 favorite against a +350 payout on Green.

Lightweight Bout: Mairbek Taisumov (27-5, 161 lbs.) vs. Desmond Green (21-7, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Green is an inch and a half taller while they have identical reach, the biggest difference is weight where Taisumov missed by a significant margin. Touch of gloves to get us going, Green fighting southpaw. Body kick from Taisumov. Inside leg kick from Taisumov, he’s putting some heat on those already. Another body kick from Taisumov, that one hurt to watch but Green just eats it. Taisumov lands an inside leg kick. Green blocks a high kick. Bit of a right from Taisumov. Taisumov lands another body kick. Green is struggling with the speed and distance management, but he got poked in the eye so gets a moment to recover. Green is good to continue though and we’re back to fighting. Bit of a body kick from Green. A few more kicks from Taisumov, he’s got the better distance game it seems. Bit of a right from Green. Inside leg kick from Taisumov. Taisumov lands a right, avoids a takedown and blocks some punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taisumov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Both men doing some more feinting now, Green lands a left to the body. Bit of a left from Green, he’s extending himself but leaving his chin open. They trade inside leg kicks. Double leg from Green, easily defended by Taisumov. Green lands a jab. Left hooks are traded, Taisumov is cut around the right eyebrow. Taisumov lands a body kick then a right hand. One two from Green, this is starting to heat up. Taisumov with an inside leg kick that hit the groin, Green will get time to recover. Green walks it off, the replay isn’t clear on that low blow but we’re back to fighting. Leg kick from Taisumov. Body kick from Green then Green lands a straight left. Bit of a head kick from Taisumov then a right that drops Green off balance. Green comes up with a single leg but Taisumov disengages. Body kick from Taisumov lands, Green lands a straight left. They stare away the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taisumov but could go either way, 20-18 Taisumov overall

ROUND THREE: There was a replay that showed the cut on Taisumov came from an accidental clash of heads, and they touch gloves for the final round. Both men showing the jab early. Inside leg kick from Taisumov. Bit of a right from Taisumov. Green lands a left. Bit of a head kick from Taisumov but Green mostly blocked it. Straight right from Taisumov lands. Body kick from Taisumov. Green lands another straight left, he’s been finding that punch more reliably. Right to the body from Taisumov. Inside leg kick from Taisumov, those are starting to add up. Bit of a head kick from Taisumov again. Taisumov blocks a takedown attempt and lands an inside leg kick. They briefly clinch up, break and Taisumov lands a right as the last blow of the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mairbek Taisumov via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I’d have had no issues with Green taking the second all things considered, but Taisumov keeps on rolling. Taisumov on the mic now, he puts over Green then says Green ran from him for most of the fight but thinks this is a step closer to the title. He switches to English saying he needs a Visa to America to prove how good he is, then says he deserves to be in the top ten and will fight anyone. He’s back to Russian now, credit to the multilingual skills because he also speaks German, much of it goes untranslated but closes in English with “who’s next”.

Rustam Khabilov is on a five fight winning streak and has been working himself back towards recognition in a talent rich division, and if he can get to six in a row here he should command a top fifteen opponent for his next time out. Kajan Johnson just had a four fight winning streak snapped when Islam Makhachev nearly tore his arm apart, now he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak and take what would be a big win for him over someone of Khabilov’s stature. Khabilov is one of the biggest favorites on the card at a whopping -750 while Johnson would payout at +475.

Lightweight Bout: Rustam Khabilov (22-3, 156 lbs.) vs. Kajan Johnson (23-12-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is three inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Khabilov. Southpaw for Johnson, and they touch gloves to get us going. Khabilov lands a bit of a right, he’s pushing forward as Johnson circles. Bit of a right from Khabilov, Johnson doing some stance switching now. Johnson lands a right. Khabilov still pressing forward, and blocks a high kick. Left to the body from Khabilov. Both men miss a few punches, neither has a great feel for the distance yet. Johnson lands a leg kick. Khabilov is doing a lot of following rather than cage cutting. Johnson has been working some side kicks to the knee. Left hook lands for Khabilov as a counter. Right lands for Johnson. Both men miss some jabs, and Khabilov misses an ugly wheel kick. Bit of a head kick from Johnson closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Khabilov lands a right. Johnson lands a body kick, Khabilov’s lack of footwork is really biting him here as Johnson is walking him into stuff. A couple of lefts then a right from Khabilov land. Khabilov gets a single leg and drives Johnson into the fence with it but Johnson spins free and eats an elbow on the way out. Calf kick from Johnson. Double leg attempt from Khabilov, they hit the fence and he switches to a high crotch single leg and spins Johnson down. Johnson looks to invert for a knee bar, Khabilov stands over him and looks to establish top position. Khabilov gets his leg free, Johnson throws up a triangle attempt but Khabilov postures through it and gets full guard. Omoplata now from Johnson, Khabilov reads it and keeps top position though. Khabilov pushes Johnson into the fence and starts landing body shots. Hard right from Khabilov as he avoids a horribly telegraphed armbar attempt. Elbows from Khabilov now as he blocks another armbar attempt, he’s reading those hips of Johnson and countering nicely. Johnson kicks free, Khabilov kicks him in the leg as he’s on his back and they both engage in some facial shenanigans as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khabilov, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Khabilov misses a right, then they trade rights. Johnson is doing a lot of pawing with fingers, I’m surprised the ref hasn’t warned him about that. Bit of an uppercut from Khabilov. Johnson lands a couple of calf kicks. Bit of a left from Khabilov, he’s starting to cut the cage better now. Johnson lands a knee to the chin of Khabilov and lands a right. Khabilov eats another knee but gets a double leg but Johnson rolls through and is back up after landing a knee. Single leg from Khabilov, Johnson limp legs free and lands a bit of a knee. At this rate the fight is going to hinge on the scoring for round 1. Khabilov gets a double leg into the guard of Johnson. Short elbow from Khabilov. Johnson angling his hips, they trade hammer fists and Johnson tries a triangle but Khabilov postures through it. Khabilov lands a few punches, Johnson moves to 50/50 guard and reaches for a heel hook as the round ends.

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

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

Like I said, the first round is the deciding one as 2 and 3 are rather clear and the first was a very close round. No interview for Khabilov.

Petr Yan is on a four fight winning streak and coming off of a really good UFC debut when he dismantled Teruto Ishihara in the first round, Yan is trying to keep that streak going here and prove he’s going to be a force in the division for years to come. Jin Soon Son brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut, though he missed weight for this bout. Son could score a massive upset here and prove that Yan isn’t quite deserving of the hype he’s been getting. Yan is a prohibitive favorite at -1000 while Son’s +600 likely tempts those who bet the long shots.

Bantamweight Bout: Petr Yan (9-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Jin Soo Son (9-2, 137 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is an inch and a half taller while Son has two inches of reach on Yan. They touch gloves, Yan opens orthodox but will do stance switching. Yan lands a heavy body kick. They trade power hand punches. Bit of a right from Yan. Son doubling up on the jab, Yan lands another hard left body kick. Short left from Yan in close lands. Son lands a right, he’s having success when Yan is southpaw. Yan lands a right. They clinch and trade knees to the body then separate. Son walks onto a finger to the eye and we’ve got time for that one. That was a pretty bad one and the doctor is in to check on Son and the ref warns Yan about his fingers. The doctor has no issues with the fight continuing, Son wants to continue and we’re back to fisticuffs. Both men jabbing, Son gets a double leg but Yan back to his base as Son moves to the ride position. Yan to the fence, they wind up chest to chest and trade knees and uppercuts then break apart. Hard elbow from Yan but Son just eats it. Counter left from Yan then a right hook. Bit of a left from Yan and he misses a follow up head kick. Side kick to the knee from Yan and a body kick then they clinch up. Son has a body lock and they’re trading knees. Son is after a takedown but Yan blocks it and they’re chest to chest then break apart. Combination from Yan from a collar tie up, Son eats it all but comes away smiling. Bit of a right from Son to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second. Son kicking, Yan lands a straight right and avoids a takedown attempt. Another right then a couple of hooks from Yan. Right and another combination from Yan, he’s slamming these home. They clinch up then break apart. Bit of a combination from Yan. A couple of right uppercuts from Yan land, Son’s left ear is bleeding now. A couple of lefts from Yan, his ambidexterity is impressive and he’s starting to work Son over. Yan lands a few more straight punches. Hard straight right from Yan lands then a body kick. Left hook to a straight right counter from Yan, he’s beating Son technically but Son gets a well timed double leg into guard. Yan doesn’t care about being on bottom and launches a barrage of elbows to the head of Son. Son able to posture and pass but Yan gets guard again quickly. Son has good top control going, Yan kicks him off and gets to his knees but gives up the ride position. Yan blocks a back take and gets top position, Son scrambles immediately and Yan holds a front headlock. They stand and trade as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Yan’s timing on punches has been excellent, Son’s chin has been saving him so far. They touch gloves for the last round. Son ducks a one two and tries a single leg but Yan is defending and they break. Combination of punches from Yan in close land. Son lands a left hook of his own but Yan snipes him with a straight left. Yan looking to counter mostly, he lands an elbow in close after landing a couple of punches. Head kick from Yan as he tossed Son aside, Son’s chin is made of rock. Spinning elbow from Yan lands flush but Son just eats it and smiles. Yan is landing knees now, I have no idea how Son is still upright. Right hook and a straight left from Yan, that straight left of his is sublime. Another combination from Yan on a clinch break. Son’s face is swelling, his nose is bleeding and his ear is bleeding. Yan lands a head kick again, again Son just eats it. A combination from Yan lands, Son is wobbling a bit though at this point I think it’s more cardio than damage. Knees to the body from Yan in close and a couple of punches as they separate. Bit of a chest kick from Yan after Son off balanced himself. Another straight left from Yan and a counter right. Good grief, Yan lands another straight right but Son just eats it. Another body to head combination from Yan but Son just stands and punches back. This was bonkers and they trade uppercuts as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Yan, 30-26 Yan overall

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

I disagree with Son getting the second, nothing but a takedown. Sadly no interview for Yan, must be a timing issue because that was the Fight of the Night so far.

Khalid Murtazaliev is making his UFC debut here on the back of a two fight winning streak, he’s looking to get that all important first UFC win out of the way and make a good first impression. CB Dollaway has been hanging around the UFC for a while now, he’s currently on a two fight winning streak though the call on his most recent win remains a bit dubious (look up his fight vs. Hector Lombard if you want more details) but he could claim his first three fight winning streak in the UFC since 2010 here. The odds are with the debutante Murtazaliev at -175 to a +145 comeback for Dollaway.

Middleweight Bout: Khalid Murtazaliev (13-2, 185 lbs.) vs. C.B. Dollaway (17-8, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dollaway is two inches taller but they have the same reach, Dollaway is also a full ten years older. Dollaway comes out quickly, showing the jab. Murtazaliev circling and doing some stance switching. Leg kick from Dollaway. Murtazaliev lands a leg kick of his own. Right to the body from Dollaway, Murtazaliev lands a hard inside leg kick. Double leg from Dollaway but from too far away, Murtazaliev blocks the first effort but doesn’t fight the hands and Dollaway spins him down from a body lock. They keep scrambling, and wind up back on the feet then separate. Hard body kick from Murtazaliev hurts Dollaway, and another to follow up. Murtazaliev gets a double leg but Dollaway is getting a guillotine choke. Shame that Murtazaliev did that, he had Dollaway really hurt with that body kick. Murtazaliev breaks the grip finally and gets to side control. Dollaway’s body is already bruising. Murtazaliev into the ride position, Dollaway to his base and Murtazaliev takes him back down. Murtazaliev is holding a waist lock and landing knees to the body. Another takedown from Murtazaliev into the guard of Dollaway. Elbows from Murtazaliev and a couple of hard punches. Now Murtazaliev digs some body shots and moves to half guard, where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Murtazaliev

ROUND TWO: Dollaway looking to jab, Murtazaliev goes for another body kick. Murtazaliev fighting southpaw for the moment, both guys visibly fatigued at this point. Spinning back kick to the body hurts Dollaway but he gets a body lock and gets Murtazaliev down in full guard. Murtazaliev has a body lock from the bottom, he’s not trying to generate motion yet though and Dollaway moves into full mount. Full back mount for Dollaway but Murtazaliev breaks the hooks and spins to get on top as Dollaway sells out for a guillotine variant. There’s an anaconda choke for Dollaway but he’s rolling the wrong way and Murtazaliev gets on top as Dollaway loses the grip. Murtazaliev into full mount now and he lands punches then an elbow. Dollaway reverses the position, Murtazaliev slips out and gets the ride position. Knees to the body from Murtazaliev and a couple of punches to the head. Wall walk attempt from Dollaway, Murtazaliev lands a knee and gets a double leg to have Dollaway down again. Blood coming from the nose of Dollaway and Murtazaliev moves to side control with incredible ease. Dollaway tries to scramble but Murtazaliev is all over him and is slamming punches to the head. If Murtazaliev mounts a solid bit of offense he could force the stoppage here. More punches from Murtazaliev and Dollaway is done, come on ref, end this. Come on ref, what’s the matter with you?! Dollaway keeps eating punches, probably over 20 or so as he just covers up. For some reason the round ends and the fight isn’t stopped, that was damn near criminal.

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

ROUND THREE: Dollaway never got off of his knees and told the ref that he was done. Horrible non-stoppage by Herb Dean, who’s generally a good ref.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Khalid Murtazaliev via TKO, punches, at 5:00 of Round 2

Horrible stoppage/non-stoppage there. No interview as we’re pressed for time to get the main card underway.

This went on just entirely too long.

Here’s a still from the end of the second round, tells you all you need to know. The ref told Dollaway that he needed to get up if he wanted to fight, Dollaway then essentially waved off the fight himself.

Alexey Kunchenko is undefeated as a professional and could make an immediate impact in the UFC here with a win over a veteran like Alves. Thiago Alves is just 1-3 in his last four fights and was knocked out pretty badly in his last fight, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak here and prove he’s still a UFC caliber fighter. As for the odds, they like Kunchenko to a surprisingly high -600 to a +400 payout for Alves.

Welterweight Bout: Alexey Kunchenko (18-0, 170 lbs.) vs. Thiago Alves (22-12, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alves is an inch taller but they have identical reaches. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men moving well to start, feinting a bit mostly. Kunchenko blocks a high kick. Bit of a left from Kunchenko. Still in the feeling out process for both guys, just trying to get a read on each other. Kunchenko lands an inside leg kick. Sharp right from Kunchenko. Leg kick from Kunchenko, Alves responds with an inside leg kick. Kunchenko seems to be finding the range sooner than Alves is. Alves lands a leg kick. Kunchenko tries a leg kick but Alves checks it. Body kick from Alves but Kunchenko is starting to walk him down. A couple of close rights from Kunchenko land. Counter right from Kunchenko lands, he’s got a read on Alves’ left hand it seems. Body kick from Alves. They feint for the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-10 DRAW

ROUND TWO: There’s a mark under the right eye of Alves, not sure what caused it. Both men more energetic this round, Kunchenko pushing forward. Right to the body from Kunchenko. Leg kick from Kunchenko and we get an exchange of punches. Alves lands a left hook after they both landed punches. Hard leg kick from Alves lands. Bit of a right from Kunchenko and Alves lands an inside leg kick. Jumping kick from Alves is mostly blocked, Kunchenko is still marching forward. Body kick from Alves, Kunchenko lands a bit of a right. Kunchenko blocks a high kick but his offense has been more muted this round. Alves lands a couple of punches to counter an inside leg kick. Counter jab from Kunchenko lands. Alves lands another body kick. Another leg kick from Alves, he’s starting to tee off on Kunchenko. One two from Kunchenko lands but he’s not landing at a high enough clip. Inside then an outside leg kick from Alves, and a left body kick as well. Counter right lands for Kunchenko. Another right from Kunchenko, Alves responds with one and the round closes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alves, 20-19 Alves overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again for the last round. Alves lands a leg kick. Kunchenko lands a leg kick then a left body kick of his own. Right from Kunchenko, Alves responds with a body kick. They trade rights in close and Alves lands a left body kick. Alves blocks a combination, Kunchenko lands a bit of a right after that though. Kunchenko lands a right to the body. Combination from Kunchenko, Alves lands a couple of leg kick counters. Right to the body then a left hook from Kunchenko. Alves lands a leg kick. Clubbing right from Kunchenko after he missed a jumping knee. Cunter one two from Kunchenko lands, but Kunchenko took a groin shot so we’ve got time for him to recover. We’re back to fighting, Kunchenko is pushing forward and his punching is getting to Alves. Kunchenko drops Alves briefly with a right, Alves back up but they’re clinched now. Knees go back and forth then Kunchenko gets a double leg into the guard of Alves. Alves back up but eats a combination as he does so and Kunchenko has him on the fence still. Elbow from Kunchenko and an uppercut on the break. Kunchenko is coming on strong now, he’s teeing off as Alves is along the fence. Body shot from Kunchenko and a stepping elbow strike into the clinch. Knees from Kunchenko, Alves lands one and they break. Kunchenko trying some spinning attacks as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kunchenko, 29-29 DRAW overall

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

I don’t agree with Kunchenko getting the second, but no issues with him getting the nod overall as the first was very close. Mic time for Kunchenko, he says the win feels like business as usual then apologizes for the lack of action in the fight. That’s a bit harsh, it was a tactical fight but not a boring one. He says he can’t pick a specific time for his next fight but would love to fight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

Andrei Arlovski just had a two fight winning streak broken and is just 2-6 in his last eight fights, he’s trying to hold off another losing streak here and stick around the somewhat stagnant heavyweight division. Shamil Abdurakhimov has gone 3-2 in his last five fights and is coming off of his first finish in the UFC when he knocked out Chase Sherman, now he’s trying to build on that momentum and take out a former UFC heavyweight champion. Abdurakhimov is a slight -140 favorite to +110 for Arlovski.

Heavyweight Bout: #12 Andrei Arlovski (27-16 1 NC, 244 lbs.) vs. #14 Shamil Abdurakhimov (18-4, 256 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Arlovski has an inch of reach on Abdurakhimov. Both men feinting a bit to start, Abdurakhimov looks lighter on his feet despite being the heavier man. Abdurakhimov catches an inside leg kick and spins Arlovski down then stands over him and lets Arlovski back up. They clinch up, Arlovski lands a couple of knees and Abdurakhimov lands an elbow as they break. Abdurakhimov lands a right and gets a knee tap takedown into the guard of Arlovski. A few short elbows from Abdurakhimov and body shots as Arlovski closes his guard. Abdurakhimov lands some body shots as Arlovski looks to tie him up with over hooks. They’re stalling out a bit, Abdurakhimov is landing body to head but they’re just arm punches and the ref stands them back up. Arlovski tries a head kick that’s blocked. They clinch up on an Arlovski rush, trade some knees then break. Bit of a left hook from Abdurakhimov lands. Inside leg kick from Arlovski sweeps the legs from Abdurakhimov but he gets up immediately. Arlovski already breathing from the mouth, the fact that his nose is horribly off center might have something to do with that as opposed to raw fatigue. Hard short rights are traded as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Abdurakhimov

ROUND TWO: Feinting to start the second round, Abdurakhimov lands a bit of a right and clinches up. Arlovski has his back on the fence as they jockey for position. They move back to the middle of the cage, we get time as Abdurakhimov took a shot to the groin. Abdurakhimov walks it off quickly and we reset at distance. Abdurakhimov catches a kick and punches Arlovski down then follows him to the guard. Arlovski closes his guard looking to stall out as Abdurakhimov lands body shots. Arlovski’s stalling things, now he’s looking to wall walk and Abdurakhimov lands a series of lefts as he does so then settles back into the clinch. They break and reset at distance. Arlovski is bleeding from the bridge of the nose and around his right eye, not bad but Abdurakhimov clearly landed on him. They clinch up again, and trade body work but it’s in slow motion. Arlovski gets a trip, Abdurakhimov immediately shrimps and scrambles back up. Abdurakhimov avoids some long range punches from Arlovski then lands a counter. Bit of a right from Arlovski, Abdurakhimov returns it and they clinch up. Arlovski is fading fast at this point but they’re spending a lot of time in the clinch. Knees go back and forth, Arlovski hits a trip but Abdurakhimov reaches for a kimura, Arlovski lands a right as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Abdurakhimov lands an inside leg kick. Spinning back elbow from Abdurakhimov lands, Arlovski just eats it. They clinch up off of a missed Arlovski right then push free after a moment or two. Abdurakhimov lands a couple of body shots. Another clash into a clinch and push apart. Left from Arlovski lands. We’re basically in slow motion now, Abdurakhimov lands a right to the body. They look to trade jabs but Arlovski took a finger to the eye. The doctor is in to check on Arlovski, he’s allowing it co continue and Arlovski wants to keep fighting so we’re back to action. There’s a touch of gloves on the restart and Abdurakhimov lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Abdurakhimov and they clinch up. Some knees go back and forth then they break. Abdurakhimov misses a spinning back fist. Left hook lands for Abdurakhimov and they clinch then trade knees. Arlovski complains of a shot the groin and we’ve got time for him to recover. Replay shows the knee did go to the groin but Arlovski wants to continue. Abdurakhimov lands to the body again, Arlovski is really flat on his feet. A couple of rights from Abdurakhimov land, Arlovski is complaining to the ref but that was a clean one. Another clinch up, Abdurakhimov blocks a trip and lands a right as time runs down.

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

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

Mediocre heavyweight fight, but since we’re not short on time there’s an interview for Abdurakhimov. He says the fight wasn’t easy and puts over Arlovski then says he wanted more offense but couldn’t find the openings. Asked who he’d like next he mentions Derrick Lewis for a rematch but knows Lewis has a fight with Volkov coming up and wishes Volkov luck. Dan Hardy asks him how the fight week has been in Russia, opening for cheap pop, and he says it was great then laments his lack of finish.

Jan Blachowicz has had a real up and down UFC run, it wasn’t that long ago he was just 1-4 in his last five fights but currently finds himself on a three fight winning streak and ranked in the top five. Blachowicz is trying to defend that top ranking and earn a shot at another contender for his next bout. Nikita Krylov was a top prospect in the light heavyweight division, but left the UFC after a loss to Misha Cirkunov. Krylov has won four fights in a row since then and returns to the UFC here, looking to immediately re-establish himself as a top contender. We’ve got a close on here by the odds, but they like Blachowicz at -170 to +140 for Krylov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #4 Jan Blachowicz (22-7, 205 lbs.) vs. Nikita Krylov (24-5, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Krylov is an inch taller while Blachowicz has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Krylov bouncing around, looking to kick early. Body kick from Blachowicz. Krylov jabbing, looking for an opening. Single leg from Krylov and he’s got Blachowicz down, Blachowicz closes his guard. Krylov going for a can opener to open the guard of Blachowicz, he lands an elbow. Blachowicz trying to set up an armbar off of those can opener attempts, Krylov now landing to the body with punches. Body to head punches from Krylov now, Blachowicz tries to elevate but Krylov sells out for a guillotine and loses guard, Blachowicz into side control as Krylov holds the head. Krylov pails on holding the head, Blachowicz settles into side control looking for a mounted crucifix. Blachowicz lands a couple of short rights. Krylov is able to get half guard back, now full guard. Blachowicz passes back to half guard, then to side control again. That position is where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blachowicz

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves to get the round going. Krylov lands a front kick to the body. Both men doing some stance switching now, Blachowicz grabs a single leg and spins to hold a rear waist lock. Blachowicz pulls Krylov back and Krylov tries for a knee bar, then tries a triangle as Blachowicz gets on top and Blachowicz moves to side control again. Krylov is disturbingly ineffective from this position, though that isn’t to discount the ground skills of Blachowicz. Blachowicz lands a few body shots and looks to get the back as Krylov gets to his knees. Blachowicz has an arm triangle position from the side, he’s got a body scissors going as well and after a second or two Krylov has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jan Blachowicz via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 2:41 of Round 2

I need to find the correct name for that choke, because it’s not exactly an arm triangle choke. Blachowicz on the mic, instantly tells Daniel Cormier that if he’s coming back to 205 he’s waiting for him. He then tells both the Polish and Russian fans hello in their native languages, though his Russian isn’t fluent I think. Asked who’s next he says that if Cormier is afraid to return to the division he’s down to fight Alexander Gustafsson again. He talks us through the finish to close the interview.

Here’s the finish, if anyone knows the name of that choke please let me know. Beyond that, total domination on the mat from Balchowciz, Krylov wasn’t prepared for the pressure there.

Mark Hunt is one of the more notable heavyweights right now, despite being in a bit of a rough patch he’s still a fan favorite given his penchant for exciting fights and violent knockouts. Hunt is coming off of a loss and needs a win here to prove he’s still a top flight heavyweight. Aleksei Oleinik has been a top heavyweight but one that doesn’t get much attention, he’s 5-2 overall in the UFC and is coming off of his second Ezekiel choke win in the UFC, a win over Hunt here would be one of the biggest of his career and could move him into the top ten rankings. The odds are close again but like Hunt at -140 to +110 for Oleinik.

Heavyweight Bout: #8 Mark Hunt (13-12 -1 1 NC, 265 lbs.) vs. #11 Aleksei Oleinik (56-11-1, 235 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hunt has something on his right arm, looks like staph but commentary tells me they’ve tested it and it’s not staph, more likely a bug bite thing. Though it wouldn’t be the first time the UFC let someone go into the cage with staph, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt this time. Oleinik is four inches taller, thirty pounds lighter, and has eight inches of reach on Hunt. They touch gloves to get us going. Oleinik jabbing and looking to close distance, Hunt circling. Leg kick from Hunt. Hunt avoids a couple of hooks. Oleinik still coming forward, lands a left hook of his own then a front kick to the knee. Hunt lands another leg kick, those are solid kicks. Hunt lands a right, Oleinik just eats it and give s a thumbs up but man that landed flush. Another leg kick from Hunt, Oleinik’s limping already on that lead leg. That last kick went to the calf and just deadened the lead leg of Oleinik. Hunt just avoiding the looping punches of Oleinik, and he avoids a badly timed single leg. Another leg kick from Hunt. Oleinik lands a left hook, then a right that drops Hunt to a knee for a moment. Hunt is back up but Oleinik clearly came to fight. Oleinik on a single leg, has to switch to the back and drag Hunt back, now he’s got both hooks in and is looking for the choke. Hunt is defending well so far, Oleinik adjust and gets under the neck and despite the grip not being great his squeeze is so intense he forces Hunt to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aleksei Oleinik via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:26 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Oleinik for his work this evening. That’s the first underdog win of the evening. Oleinik gets an interview after that, Hardy jokes that Oelinik had mentioned earlier that Hunt didn’t have a neck so he couldn’t be choked and says he practiced all kinds of submissions and clarified that he meant the Ezekiel choke specifically. Asked about the leg kicks he says he felt them and a few more would have really hobbled him. The usual question about what’s next follows and he says all he wants is a chance at the title and you’ll see what he can do, then declines to name anyone specifically but will fight anyone ranked above him. He closes with a round of thanks, it doesn’t get translated but I know how to say “Thank you” in Russian.

Mark Hunt on the mic now, he says this is just the business, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose then puts over Oleinik. He thanks the fans for their support, says he loves Russia and thanks them again.

In all seriousness about Oleinik, the man is 41 and has fought over sixty times and has amassed a UFC record of 6-2 with all of his wins being some form of stoppage. All things considered the man is deeply impressive as a fighter even if he’s unlikely to get the belt. He’s also lights out on the ground if you get there with him, I mean the type of squeeze has to have to get subs like that out of optimal position is pretty nuts.

On that note, that wraps up UFC Fight Night 136 and the UFC’s Russian debut. Not a bad card all things considered, this was a carefully constructed card to be sure but that’s not the worst thing in the world when done sparingly. Now I’m going to sleep, because I got up entirely too early for this. We’ll unpack all of the action from this card Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show as well as preview next week’s UFC Fight Night 137 when the UFC is back in Brazil. That card is really rough in spots, but we’ll go over all of it and try to find a few diamonds in the rough. Until then thank you all for reading, be that live or after the fact, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.