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411’s UFC Fight Night 94 Report 9.17.16

September 18, 2016 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 94. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight marks the UFC’s debut in Hidalgo, Texas. It’s far from their first trip to Texas, but this is their first time in that city. They’re bringing an under card with a lot of guys from The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America to this card, so adjust your expectations accordingly. The main event is very good though, the surging Dustin Poirier looks to extend his winning streak and keep climbing the ladder at lightweight while Michael Johnson desperately tries to avoid a three fight losing streak and maintain his status in the top ten of the division. Also the flashy Uriah Hall takes on Derek Brunson in the co-main event. We’ve got Jon Anik and Brian Stann on commentary tonight as the event comes to the world from the State Farm Arena in the aforementioned Hidalgo, Texas.

Alejandro Perez won the first season of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America at bantamweight and has an overall UFC record of 3-1 and is on a two fight winning streak. He was supposed to take on Manny Gamburyan here but that fell through and while his new opponent doesn’t have the same name value a third consecutive win would still likely get him a step up in competition. Albert Morales is undefeated as a professional fighter with stints in both Bellator and the WSOF promotions, and while this is a short notice fight for him a win to remain perfect as a fighter and have a successful UFC debut would be a great way to get his UFC career going. The odds are even at -115 for each man.

Bantamweight Bout: Albert Morales (6-0, 135 lbs.) vs. Alejandro Perez (17-6, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Morales has three inches of height and a whopping five of reach on Perez. Morales moving forward early, Perez circling and looking to angle. Morales lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick lands for Morales and he misses a right. Perez lands a leg kick. They trade rights, Morales backs Perez into the fence and they trade before Perez spins away and lands a leg kick. Perez lands another leg kick but eats a bit of a counter right. Morales lands a left, eats a left. Morales flurries briefly then Perez defends a takedown attempt. Morales still backing Perez up, lands an inside leg kick. Perez lands a bit of a counter right. Morales is cut under the right eye, doesn’t look bad but bears watching. Morales lands a couple of inside and outside leg kicks. Perez still backing up, he’s backing straight up almost to the fence before he starts circling and Morales is landing from the outside wile backing him up. Morales lands a couple of hard leg kicks. Morales lands a left hook after missing a right. Inside leg kick from Morales. They trade leg kicks. They both miss some blow, Morales lands a leg kick then they trade a bit after the bell but both apologize immediately, apparently the ref didn’t speak loudly enough.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales

ROUND TWO: Morales opens up with a leg kick. Another leg kick from Morales. Perez lands a bit of a leg kick but he’s still struggling to fight while moving backwards. Morales lands a left body kick. Perez lands a leg kick, Morales lands one as well. Another leg kick from Morales. Perez slips a couple of hooks but he’s still not pulling the trigger much. Morales lands a left hook and a leg kick. Another couple of good leg kicks from Morales land. Perez lands a quick left and an inside leg kick. Morales lands a jab. Perez slips a right then lands a right. Morales lands a leg kick. Morales lands yet another leg kick, then an inside leg kick. Perez lands a bit of a jab. Perez finally checks a leg kick. They trade jabs. Morales lands a push kick to the body. They both miss some punches then Morales checks a leg kick. They trade as the horn sounds, Perez threw a left after the bell, these two pretty clearly don’t care for each other.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Morales after the point deduction, 20-17 Morales overall

ROUND THREE: The ref takes a point from Perez for striking after the bell after the second round to start the third. They come out swinging, Perez lands some rights but Morales lands a right and Perez drops for a moment. Morales really after Perez, Perez drops down and gets a double leg against the fence. Perez lands a couple of good rights, Morales scrambles up and they’re trading again. Perez tries another double leg, Morales blocks this one and pushes Perez over. Morales tries a running knee to the downed Perez and lands to the jaw but the ref stays out of this one. Perez recovers and they’re back upright again. Perez backs off a bit and we’ve finally got a breather in this round. Morales trying to work his jab now. Perez lands a good jab. They both land lefts, Perez still backing up though. Morales lands a right. Leg kick from Morales. They trade jabs again, both men still in recovery mode a little bit here. Morales still moving forward, Perez lands a jab. Perez lands a couple of jabs. Morales is clearly more fatigued here, Perez lands a right uppercut. Another uppercut from Perez. Perez misses a takedown attempt, lands a bit of a left high kick as the fight comes to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perez, 29-27 Morales overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Majority DRAW (29-27 Morales, 28-28 x2)

Well a crazy fight has a strange ending, I stand by my scoring though. No interview for either man.

Randy Brown is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off of a loss, but if he can rebound here with a win he’ll show the continued improvement and prove himself a prospect in the division. Erik Montano is riding a three fight winning streak including winning the second season of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America and is looking to keep that momentum going here and begin climbing the ranks of the welterweight division. Brown is the biggest favorite on the card at -550 the comeback on Montano is +375.

Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown (7-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Erick Montano (7-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brown has three inches of height and five of reach on Montano. Brown is a massive welterweight. Brown comes out quickly, Montano misses an overhand right. Montano fighting southpaw now, but he’s switching that frequently. Brown lands a side kick to the thigh. Brown misses a running right hand and they clinch. They jockey for position along the fence. Brown lands a knee to the body. Brown tries for an outside trip, Montano stays upright and they separate. Brown lands a body kick, Montano lands a couple of lefts in close before Brown gets the clinch. Brown with some knees to the thigh while he’s holding Montano on the fence. Brown lands a knee to the head as they disengage then he grabs the clinch again immediately. Montano able to spin Brown against the cage. More fighting for position, they can’t get anything going and the ref separates them. Brown lands a long right hand. Montano lands a couple of leg kicks then Brown gets the clinch again. Brown grabs a guillotine attempt to block a takedown from Montano as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown

ROUND TWO: Montano lands a bit of a right. Brown backing Montano into the fence now, lands a right and a left and they clinch. Brown muscles a body lock takedown and gets Montano onto his knees. Montano back up quickly and gets a takedown of his own into the guard of Brown. Brown tries for an armbar, Montano gets his arm free but Brown tries to transition to a triangle choke, Montano avoids it and passes to side control. Brown quickly gets back to full guard. Brown has wrist control and tries to set up another triangle but Montano postures out of it and lands a hard right. Brown kicks Montano off of him and gets to his knees before Montano dives onto a single leg attempt but Brown grabs the fence and remains upright. The ref gives Brown a stern warning and Montano finishes a double leg and lands in side control. Montano with some elbows to the body. Brown is able to walk up the cage and gets to his guard. Montano with some body shots as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Montano, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Circling to start, Montano lands a side kick to the thigh. Brown lands a high kick, Montano tries for a takedown but leaves his head in the chest of Brown who grabs a ninja choke and drops to his back to force the submission from Montano.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Randy Brown via Submission, ninja choke, at :18 of Round 3

Mic time for Brown now. He says his coaches told him between rounds that he was down both rounds. He mentions that he needs to get going sooner, then calls out Bryan Barberena for his next fight. That’s it for Fight Pass fights for the evening, we’ll be on Fox Sports 2 while the baseball game on Fox Sports 1 goes long. If you don’t have Fox Sports 2 it should be on the Fox Sports Go app just fine.

Jose Quinonez is 1-1 in the UFC, he lost in the finals of his season of TUF: Latin America but came back with a win and is looking to build his first UFC winning streak tonight. Joey Gomez had a rough UFC debut when he was stopped by Rob Font but was unbeaten before that and will be trying to get back on the winning side of things here and get the all important first UFC win. Gomez is a slight -150 favorite while Quinonez’s odds stand at +120.

Bantamweight Bout: Joey Gomez (6-1, 135 lbs.) vs. Jose Quinonez (4-2, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gomez has two inches of height and four of reach on Quinonez. Touch of gloves to get us going. Gomez circling early, lands an inside leg kick. Quinonez hits a quick takedown from the clinch, Gomez to his knees and Quinonez tries to get the back. Gomez gets back up but Quinonez takes him down, Gomez up again and they separate. Quinonez slips on a high kick but Gomez lets him back up. Gomez lands a body kick, Quinonez lands a couple of punches but Gomez fires back. Body kick and an inside leg kick land for Gomez, Quinonez seems to enjoy the southpaw stance here. Quinonez catches a kick and gets a takedown into the guard of Gomez. Quinonez stands, Gomez tries to regain his feet and Quinonez lands a knee to the head that might have been illegal. Gomez lands a good right, Brian Stann informs me that the knee Quinonez landed hit the shoulder and lower neck, making it a legal blow. They both miss some power hand punches. Quinonez lands a right. Quinonez lands a hard couple of left body kicks, Gomez is wobbled and Quinonez punches him to the mat and lands in his guard. Gomez tries a sweep, Quinonez blocks it but eats an up kick and Gomez scrambles back to his feet. Gomez slips a couple of punches, Quinonez lands a left body kick again. Gomez misses a couple of kicks, lands a right but eats a knee and then both men trade in close. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Quinonez

ROUND TWO: Gomez circling again, Quinonez moving very well. Quinonez lands a left hook. Quinonez switching between southpaw and orthodox with relative ease. Quinonez grabs a clinch and takes Gomez down. Gomez up against the fence, Quinonez in the ride position and lands a hard knee to the body. Quinonez drags Gomez down again, Gomez back up but he’s clearly fatigued. Quinonez tries another outside trip, Gomez blocks this one and lands a couple of punches as they separate. Quinonez lands a bit of a jab. Gomez lands a couple of jabs. Gomez lands a couple of uppercuts in close, Quinonez is hurt. Gomez pressures him, lands a punch and drops into the gaurd of Quinonez. Quinonez back up and lands a right. Quinonez lands a couple of body kicks and a few punches. Gomez lands a bit of a right. Gomez slips a left and lands a right. Gomez lands a right, he’s starting to get to Quinonez a little here. Quinonez pushes into the clinch and they trade there then separate. Quinonez lands a left to the body. Gomez just misses a counter right. They circle the final seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: And my feed flickered out there for a minute, curse you Comcast and your lack of competition. I get my TV back with Quinonez in full mount. Gomez trying to regain his feet, Quinonez smothering him and looking for back mount. Quinonez lands a left, he’s also looking for the choke. Gomez turns into him and gets full butterfly guard. Gomez is able to elevate with the butterfly guard and regain his feet. And my feed blacks out again, I come back to a commercial. I apologize for that, I hope it wont happen again.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Quinonez based on what I saw, 29-28 Quinonez overall

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

Apologies again for my connectivity issues. Quinonez and his translator get an interview now. He says he’s happy to be back after a year out and wants the world to know he’s here to stay. He says he has great cardio and that Mexicans just keep fighting through anything.

Antonio Carlos Junior has a UFC record of 2-2 with 1 No Contest and tonight will be trying to rebound from the first stoppage loss of his career and move his UFC record to the winning side of .500. Leonardo Guimaraes lost his UFC debut but had a pretty good seven fight unbeaten streak going before that set back and if he can turn back Junior here he’ll have his UFC career going in the right direction. Carlos is the favorite at -250 to the +225 of Guimaraes.

Middleweight Bout: Antonio Carlos Jr. (5-2 1 NC, 185 lbs.) vs. Leonardo “Leleco” Guimaraes (11-2 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carlos has two inches of height and six of reach on Guimaraes. Touch of gloves to get things going. Carlos feinting a lot early, Guimaraes lands a left to the body. Carlos lands a jab. Carlos working the jab well early. Guimaraes switches to southpaw. Carlos has a body kick blocked. Guimaraes misses a left. Both men still finding the range so far, looking for openings and getting a feel for the fight. Carlos misses a right. Carlos misses a high kick, Guimaraes misses a right to the body. Guimaraes switches to orthodox, misses a right but eats a couple of counter punches. Carlos works the jab, Guimaraes back to southpaw. Carlos shoots a single leg against the fence, Guimaraes defending so far. Carlos settles into the clinch, misses a couple of punches as they separate. More feinting, this is bordering on the passive from both men. Carlos tries another single leg that stalls out in the clinch on the cage. Carlos sticks with a body lock, lands a knee to the head of Guimaraes but Guimaraes had a hand down making the blow illegal. We get time for the foul, and the ref takes a point from Carlos for the blow and Guimaraes is good to continue so we’re back to fighting. Carlos quickly gets a double leg against the fence. Guimaraes back up but still in the clinch and Carlos gets another trip takedown and ends the round landing punches from the ride position.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction to Carlos

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Guimaraes lands a winging left. Carlos goes for a double leg, spins around to the back and tries to pull Guimaraes down but Guimaraes quickly spins into his guard. Carlos uses an oma plata to sweep and gets the back with one hook in. Carlos adjusts to the ride position and lands some rights. More short punches from Carlos while Guimaraes turtles up. Carlos with some knees to the body. Carlos stands and lands some knees to the body then takes the back with one hook in. Guimaraes to his knees and Carlos back into the ride position. Carlos lands some elbows to the body. Carlos doing a great job of riding Guimaraes and landing punches while looking to advance his position. More offense from Carlos, he lands a series of rights and pushes Guimaraes into the fence. Guiamares stands but eats a knee to the body and Carlos is looking for another takedown. Guimaraes holding a guillotine threat, Carlos trips him down and Guimaraes wont finish the choke before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Carlos, 19-17 Carlos overall

ROUND THREE: Guimaraes lands a couple of hooks to the body, Carlos circles and lands a jab. Good one two from Carlos lands and then he pushes into the clinch on the cage. Guimaraes lands a knee to the body. Carlos misses an elbow as they break then he dives into another clinch. Guimaraes again holding a guillotine, he drops to his back for it but he’s not squeezing a whole lot. Carlos breaks the grip and settles into half guard. Carlos lands a left, Guimaraes to his feet against the fence and Carlos takes him down again. Guimaraes to his feet but he’s taken down again. Guimaraes on his knees again, Carlos in the ride position. Guimaraes back up but Carlos is still on his back and hits a bit elevated double leg takedown. Guimaraes to his knees, Carlos still has the back as he stands. Carlos gets another takedown into half guard then he quickly slides around and gets the back of Guimaraes. Carlos has a body lock going and is looking for the choke. Carlos going for the choke, he has to adjust his grip briefly but he forces Guimaraes to submit.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Antonio Carlos Jr. via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:46 of Round 3

Good grappling display from Carlos there, who doesn’t get an interview though.

Here’s the finish to that fight.

Augusto Montano is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Cathal Pendred, he’s looking to avoid the first losing streak of his career here and start climbing the welterweight ranks rather than falling down them. It’s been over a year since his last fight as he failed a drug test after losing to Pendred and really needs a win here. Belal Muhammad lost his UFC debut in a short notice fight against Alan Jouban but turned in a great performance, now he’s trying to erase the memory of that loss and get the all important first UFC win under his belt. The odds favor Muhammad at -500 while Montano’s comeback should attract some value bets at +350.

Welterweight Bout: Augusto Montano (15-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Belal Muhammad (9-1, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Montano has two inches of height and one of reach on Muhammad. Montano misses a jab. Circling from both men, Muhammad misses a left high kick. Montano trying to work the lead leg side kick, Muhammad doesn’t care much about it. Muhammad lands a bit of a left high kick. They start to engage but Montano fires a left low kick that was supposed to hit the inside of the lead leg but that hit the groin flush and we’ve got time for Muhammad to recover. Muhammad takes a little less than a minute but he’s good to continue and Montano gets a hard warning from the ref. Muhammad lands a leg kick, Montano lands an inside leg kick. Both men still working feints to feel the range and get a read on the opposition. Muhammad lands an overhand right that briefly wobbles Montano. Muhammad lands another right. Montano lands a hard inside leg kick. Montano doing a lot of circling, Muhammad trying to close distance. Muhammad lands a right to the body. Muhammad lands a left body kick. Muhammad lands a left hook. Muhammad lands a right but takes an eye poke. We get time for that, the ref warns them both as they’ve been pawing a lot with open hands on both sides. Muhammad is able to continue and lands a left high kick. Another left high kick from Muhammad lands. Montano lands two hard inside leg kicks. Muhammad lands an overhand right. Muhammad lands a leg kick but eats a jab. Muhammad tries a double leg, that stalls out on the fence and Montano slips free. Muhammad lands that left high kick one more time before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Muhammad

ROUND TWO: Muhammad flashes the jab early, Montano lands an inside leg kick. Montano lands an inside leg kick and they both land jabs. Montano lands a side kick to the thigh but eats a bit of a left high kick. Montano lands a bit of a right then an inside leg kick. Muhammad lands a counter right. Muhammad shoots a double leg and gets Montano down then passes immediately into half guard. Muhammad with some elbows to the body and thigh. Muhammad gets the back with both hooks in when Montano tries to scramble up. Montano trying to set up for a spin, Muhammed blocking it and tries to mount but Montano gets half guard. Muhammed with more elbows to the body, tries to get the back again but Montano is able to scramble back to his feet and separate. Muhammad working that lead leg high kick well, it lands again. Muhammad lands a left uppercut and an overhand right. Montano ducks a left high kick. Montano lands a left and a body kick. Montano lands a side kick to the thigh. Muhammad lands a left hook. Muhammd misses an uppercut, lands a left then a jumping knee to the body as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men jabbing a little, Muhammad misses a left hook then lands a leg kick. Muhammad lands a left body kick. Muhammad lands a left, Montano fires back with a jab and an inside leg kick. Muhammad ducks a hook and gets a takedown then gets the back quickly and has both hooks in. Muhammad lands a couple of heel strikes to the gut while looking to open up the choke. Montano to his knees, Muhammad to the ride position. They scramble and Muhammad can’t hold him down and they separate. Stiff left lands for Muhammad. Montano lands an inside leg kick. Montano lands a bit of a left high kick. Muhammad lands a bit of a one two combination. Montano lands another inside leg kick, Muhammad lands a couple of left high kicks. Technique is going out the window here and they’re throwing. Muhammad ducks a right and gets a takedown into mount. Muhammad landing punches, he’s got the back again and is teeing off on Montano. More rights from Muhammad, now lefts as well and the ref steps in to save Montano from taking more punishment.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Belal Muhammad via TKO, punches, at 4:19 of Round 3

I might have to found a Third Round Finish Club after tonight for the effort these guys are putting in late in the fight. No interview for Muhammad as they’re a little pressed for time after that ball game ran long. In case you missed the finish to that one, here it is again.

Sam Sicilia has been with the UFC for a while now, he’s 3-3 in his last six fights but is coming off of a loss to Doo Ho Choi. Sicilia needs a win here to avoid his second UFC losing streak and prove he still belongs near the top fifteen rankings of the division. Gabriel Benitez is 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Andre Fili. Benitez is looking to rebound here over a UFC veteran like Sicilia and return to the winning side of things. Sicilia is the -135 favorite while Benitez stands at +105.

Featherweight Bout: Gabriel Benitez (18-5, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Sam Sicilia (15-6, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Benitez has four inches of reach advantage. Benitez fighting southpaw, misses a body kick. Sicilia misses a jab, Benitez lands a heavy inside leg kick. Body kick then an inside leg kick from Benitez, those are heavy kicks. Sicilia misses a couple of hooks and eats a few counter punches from Benitez. Sicilia wings a right to the body. Benitez lands another inside leg kick. Sicilia lands a right and a left, Benitez counters then circles away. Benitez lands another inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Benitez, and another. Sicilia’s inner thigh is already turning red. Sicilia can’t corral Benitez here, and his punches are missing as a consequence. Benitez with another inside leg kick. Sicilia lands a good right and a left then eats a counter left from Benitez. Benitez lands another inside leg kick. Sicilia lands a body kick, eats an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Benitez. Sicilia lands a couple of hooks against the fence before Benitez slips away. Benitez lands a left high kick and they trade some punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Benitez

ROUND TWO: Benitez comes out jabbing and misses a body kick. Sicilia slips close and lands a right. Benitez lands a couple of jabs then a body kick. Benitez lands a left that drops Sicilia, Benitez on top in the crucifix position and lands some elbows before Sicilia regains his feet and lands a couple of punches. Benitez lands another inside leg kick. Sicilia tries a takedown, Benitez grabs a standing guillotine to defend then forces Sicilia to his seat against the fence and the squeeze puts Sicilia to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabriel Benitez via Technical Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:20 of Round 2

Nice performance from Benitez there, Sicilia is anything but an easy out. Benitez on the mic now. He thanks the fans for coming out and says this is amazing to be fighting in Texas. They bring in his translator when Anik asks a more technical question so there’s no confusion and Benitez says his strategy was to fight standing but he saw an opening and jumped on it. Here’s the finish, lovely blocking of the hips against the fence to prevent Sicilia’s escape.

That wraps up preliminary action though we’re still on Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the card.

Chas Skelly is 4-2 in the UFC with those losses coming to top competitors Mirsad Betkic and Darren Elkins and while he’s coming off of that loss to Elkins if he can get back on the winning track he’ll prove himself a prospect worth watching at featherweight. Maximo Blanco is 3-3 in his last six fights but is similarly coming off of a loss when he was upset by Luke Sanders, he’s also looking to come back in a big way and remind everyone that he’s a featherweight to be reckoned with. Skelly is a notable -185 favorite to the +150 of Blanco.

Featherweight Bout: Maximo Blanco (12-7-1 1 NC, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Chas Skelly (15-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Skelly has three inches of height but just one and a half of reach on Blanco. Skelly comes out with a flying body kick that drops Blanco, he adjusts to an anaconda choke as they scramble and Blanco goes out rather than tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chas Skelly via Technical Submission, anaconda choke, at :19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Skelly for his work this evening. That’s the fastest submission in UFC/WEC featherweight history. Mic time for Skelly after that little bit of insanity. He says that’s two records for him and says he’s after a bonus then asks the crowd to support a Texas boy going for that bonus, they oblidge by cheering. Asked about the fight he says he knew Blanco would come out sprinting and he tried to go for a drop kick but he’s not athletic enough so he went with the Hulk Hogan one footer. He talks us through the finish and says he wants a top fifteen opponent then says he wasn’t prepared for his last fight with Darren Elkins and asks for a rematch because he knows he’s better than he showed in that fight.

Since that whole fight fits on a video, in case you missed it here’s the entirety of that fight.

Chris Wade is 4-1 in the UFC and had a pretty good bit of momentum behind him before he ran into Rustam Khabilov in his last fight, now Wade is trying to rebuild himself in the lightweight division and needs to avoid what would be the first losing streak of his professional career. Islam Makhachev is 1-1 in the UFC but also coming off of a loss, his to Adriano Martins, and is trying to also avoid a losing streak and prove himself a fighter worth watching in the absolutely stacked lightweight division. Makhachev is the favorite in this fight at -125 while Wade’s comeback stands at +105.

Lightweight Bout: Islam Makhachev (12-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Chris Wade (11-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical height and reaches. Biggest difference is that Wade is four years older than Makhachev. Makhachev fighting southpaw while Wade is switching back and forth. Wade lands an inside leg kick. Outside leg kick from Wade lands. Makhachev lands a bit of a left then has a high kick blocked. Makhachev shoots a single leg and gets Wade onto a knee against the fence. Wade is holding a head lock, might be working towards a guillotine but Makhachev mounts the legs to release the pressure and Wade gives up half guard to control position. Wade gives up mount but rolls through and avoids an armbar then lands in the guard of Makhachev. Makhachev going for a triangle choke, he’s got his legs in the right position and is looking to fully lock it up. Wade keeping the trapped arm away from choking position but Makhachev is patiently working to tighten it up. Makhachev has it pretty tight, Wade is throwing hammer fists but he’s letting Makhachev tighten this up. Makhachev gives up the triangle and Wade visibly exhales. Wade is standing and passes to half guard. Makhachev tries to set up a sweep, Wade lands a couple of elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makhachev

ROUND TWO: Wade coming forward, lands a body kick. Makhachev lands a left then a body kick. Hard left from Makhachev lands and he tries a single leg but Wade grabs a tight guillotine choke and Makhachev has to give up top position to avoid getting choked. Makhachev able to roll into top position and lands in Wade’s half guard. Makhachev to the ride position, looking to take the back but Wade is able to explode and turn into him and get on top and tries for the choke again but again is swept by Makhachev and Makhachev is in side control. Makhachev lands some knees to the body. Wade holding the head, he’s leaving himself vulnerable to a choke but Makhachev pulls his head free while kneeing the body. Makhachev gets the mounted crucifix briefly but Wade rolls to his knees and Makhachev is in the ride position. Makhachev gets the back with one hook in. Wade tries to scramble, Makhachev to the ride position and Wade keeps digging for a reversal but Makhachev reverses him and is still in top position. Wonderful scrambling from both men here. Makhachev riding Wade and sneaking in body work when he can. Wade tries to roll for a knee bar, Makhachev reads it, Wade switches to an inside heel hook but he wont finish it before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Wade lands a leg kick but eats a left. Wade has a high kick blocked. Makhachev lands a left and clinches Wade into the fence. Makhachev drops for a single leg, switches to a double leg and gets Wade down against the fence. Wade looking for a switch but Makhachev reads it and gets the ride position while Wade tries a kimura roll. Wade rolls and gets to full mount, Makhachev immediately scrambles up and takes Wade down while Wade tries for a guillotine again but Makhachev easily pulls his head out and beings working from half guard. Makhachev with a knee to the body then he tries to mount but Wade keeps him in half guard. Makhachev lands a short elbow. Makhachev trying to mount again, and does. Makhachev gets the back as Wade moved and Makhachev has a body triangle working for him. Makhachev looking for the choke, Wade hand fighting. Makhachev landing some punches, still after the choke generally though. Wade trying to turn into Makhachev but Makhachev is reading thoose attempts. Makhachev with some impressive control here in keeping Wade in this position, he’s digging for the choke for the final ten seconds but Wade’s defense holds up until the fight ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Islam Makhachev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I’ll have to watch this one again to see if I stand by giving Makhachev round one. Makhachev gets an interview with his translator now. He says the fight was very tough but he wanted this one and fought a little safely because he needed a win but promises better next time out. Asked who he’d like next he says he wants to fight one more time before the end of the year and just wants someone tough and a little further up the ladder than he is. He closes by thanking his coaches, Dagestan, and Russia.

Roan Carneiro is in his second UFC stint and is 1-1 during that time, but just recently had a six fight winning streak broken by Derek Brunson. If Carneiro is ever to make a run at the top of the division, however unlikely at age 38, he desperately needs to avoid a second consecutive loss. Of note is that Carneiro is returning to welterweight tonight, so we’ll keep an eye on how he performs at the lower weight class. Kenny Robertson is 3-2 in his last five fights with the UFC and is coming off of a very competitive and somewhat controversial split decision loss to Ben Saunders that snapped his three fight winning streak. Robertson is trying to get back on the winning side of things here and avoid the first losing streak of his career. The odds favor Robertson slightly at -130 to the +100 for Carneiro.

Welterweight Bout: Roan Carneiro (20-10, 171 lbs.) vs. Kenny Robertson (15-4, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carneiro has an inch of height and half an inch of reach on Robertson. Touch of gloves to get things going. Robertson feinting his way forward, misses a right and they clinch. Carneiro lands a knee to the head and gets a body lock against the fence. Carneiro kicks off of the fence and tries to get the back. They wind up scrambling, Carneiro tries a sweep and Robertson is able to scramble free and separate. Robertson lands a right, Carneiro lands a right of his own. They clinch again, Carneiro lands a knee to the body. Carneiro lands a knee as they break. Carneiro lands a bit of a left hook. Robertson is keeping his hands very low here, lands a bit of a right. Carneiro lands a jab. Robertson still walking forward, eats a jab though. Carneiro lands a hard left body kick. Carneiro misses a spinning back fist. Robertson lands a leg kick. Carneiro lands another left body kick. Another left body kick from Carneiro, he’s landing that when he switches to the southpaw stance. They clinch then break easily. Robertson lands a leg kick. They both miss looping hooks. Carneiro lands a hard inside leg kick. Robertson lands a couple of jabs. Robertson lands a leg kick, Carneiro lands an inside leg kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carneiro

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Robertson back to forward motion, Carneiro circling along the fence. Carneior lands a right. Stiff one two combination from Carneiro lands, Robertson responds with a right and a leg kick. Carneiro ducks a punch and hits a double leg takedown into the guard of Robertson. Robertson able to sweep Carneiro and get on top in his half guard. Robertson with some body shots. Robertson landing some rights now and a few elbows. Carneiro able to duck and roll for a knee bar, Robertson quickly gets his leg free and is in the guard of Carneiro now. Robertson lands a short elbow. Carneiro hits a reversal into full mount. Really nice sweep there. Carneiro lands a couple of rights. Carneiro lands a couple of elbows and tries to set up an arm triangle. Robertson gets his arm out of danger and just holds on for the last few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carneiro but these have both been close rounds, 20-18 Carneiro overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Carneiro lands a bit of a jab. Carneiro lands a right, Robertson still just moving forward and pressuring him. Carneiro hits a double leg but Robertson sweeps and regains his feet immediately. Carneiro lands another straight right. Carneiro lands a left body kick. Carneiro lands a bit of a right but misses a follow up left hook. Carneiro lands a right uppercut and a left hook that lands flush. They clinch and Robertson has Carneiro on the fence. Carneiro able to spin free. Carneiro has a high kick blocked. Robertson lands a right. Robertson lands a leg kick. Carneiro misses a wild left. Robertson lands another leg kick. Robertson misses a left, this is a pretty lethargic display. Carneiro lands a right uppercut. Carneiro shoots into the clinch, lands a knee to the body before Robertson pushes free. They both miss, Carneiro lands a bit of a spinning back kick as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carneiro though these scores will likely be all over the place, 30-27 Carneiro overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roan Carneiro via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Yeah, all over the place. No interview for Carneiro, and why is that Mr. Sherman?

photo it-stinks-250x249_zps40cfed62.jpg

Yes, everything stinks.

Evan Dunham has been with the UFC since 2009 and is 3-3 in his last six fights in addition to being on a three fight winning streak. He’s looking to prove he’s found consistency here and that he’s ready for a step up in competition and is paying off on much of the promise he showed during the early part of his UFC career. Dunahm was supposed to fight Abel Trujillo here, but Trujillo fell out and was replaced with former WSOF featherweight champion Rick Glenn. Glenn brings an impressive overall record and a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut tonight, a win over a recognized talent like Evan Dunham would launch him into the consciousness of the greater MMA world and easily be the biggest win of his career. Given the short notice replacement for Glenn he’s a rather substantial +270 underdog to the -360 for Dunham.

Lightweight Bout: #15 Evan Dunham (17-6, 156 lbs.) vs. Rick Glenn (18-3-1, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Glenn has two inches of height and half an inch of reach on Dunham. Both men fighting southpaw. Glenn lands a bit of a front kick to the body. Dunham lands a good three punch combination. Dunham has a couple of punches blocked then lands a knee to the body. Dunham drops for a double leg and gets Glenn down landing in his closed guard. Dunham lands a bit of an elbow. Dunahm lands some body shots. Dunham passes to half guard and starts setting up a choke. Glenn able to get his legs free and removes the leverage of Dunham so Dunham returns to the guard of Glenn. Dunham stands and lands a right, Glenn lands a bit of an up kick but Dunham lands a couple of more punches as he returns to the guard. Dunham lands a couple of elbows. Glenn tries to stand, Dunham gets his back as he stands and becomes a human backpack. Glenn on a knee with Dunham on his back. Dunham lands a couple of lefts while looking for the choke. Dunham after the choke, Glenn fighting hard to break the grip but that is tight. Glenn somehow breaks the grip before he passed out, that was a tight attempt from Dunham. Dunham lands some rights, he might be looking for an armbar before the round ends. He tries to get the armbar but Glenn gets his arm free and gets half guard and lands a couple of elbows from his back as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dunham, borderline 10-8

ROUND TWO: Glenn moving forward this time, they trade some lead hand blows then Glenn lands a stiff left cross. Glenn blocks a double leg, Dunham resets and tries again this time completing the takedown. Glenn with some elbows from his back, Dunham passes to side control. Glenn gets to half guard, Dunham trying to set up a d’arce choke but Glenn escapes then Dunham returns to side control. Dunham lands an elbow, tries the d’arce again but this time Glenn regains his feet and they separate. Glenn misses a couple of punches and Dunham clinches him on the fence. Dunham with some body shots from the clinch then a right. Dunham has the back standing now, lands a knee to the head while looking to get Glenn down. Another knee from Dunham lands, Glenn spins into him and lands a knee to the body. They separate without incident. Dunham lands a left then has a high kick blocked. Dunham catches a kick and takes Glenn down landing in his guard. Dunham lands a couple of rights then lands an uppercut as Glenn kicked him off and regained his feet. They trade a couple of punches at distance. Dunham lands a right hook. Glenn misses a takedown attempt. Dunham lands a couple of punches then Glenn blocks a double leg attempt. Dunham is cut on the back of his head, Glenn took a kick to the groin so he’ll get time to recover. Glenn is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Dunham working his boxing, they both swing in close as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Glenn lands an inside leg kick, Dunham exchanges with him then gets the clinch on the fence. Dunham trying to get that takedown, he’s landing punches and now a couple of elbows before they separate. Dunham lands a left and a right hook. Dunham really starting to out work Glenn now. Glenn misses a takedown and they clinch, Dunham lands some blows before they break apart. Dunham lands a couple of punches then clinches Glenn again. They break without incident. Glenn lands a bit of a left but he’s eating three or four punches for every one he lands. Glenn lands a really good counter left but eats a knee to the head. Glenn still fighting, he doesn’t care that he’s getting hit and is egging Dunham on. Dunham lands a left. Glenn lands a knee to the body, both these guys are tired at this point. Dunham lands a couple of punches. Dunham has landed more than 100 more head strikes than Glenn has. Dunham lands a right head kick, Glenn postures and fires back. Dunham lands a one two combination then a right hook. These two are dead tired but still swinging with everything they’ve got. Dunham lands a right head kick, Glenn lands a couple of punches. Full blown Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots exchanges now from these two. Dunham lands a right and a right knee to the head, Glenn wobbles for a moment but fires back. Glenn tries a front flipping kick but lands on his back and Dunham immediately slides for an armbar that Glenn defends as the fight comes to a close.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Evan Dunham via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Really fun fight there. Dunham on the mic now. He says the game plan was to fight smart but that kind of went out the window, he puts over Glenn and says he’s looking forward to seeing him keep fighting in the UFC. He talks about the change to a southpaw opponent and says he wants to fight again soon. He doesn’t care who’s next he just likes to fight.

Uriah Hall is 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off of a loss to Robert Whittaker, despite being just middling with his recent results Hall holds a top ten ranking in the division and if he wants to keep that status a win here is absolutely imperative. Hall has been touted many times for his potential and needs a win to begin showing consistency as a fighter. Derek Brunson’s only losses during his Strikefoce/UFC career have been to Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Yoel Romero, two of the best middleweights on the planet. Brunson is riding a four fight winning streak that earned him the number ten contender spot, a win over Hall here would move him up the rankings in a substantial way and possibly get him into the title discussion. Brunson is a -190 favorite to do just that while Hall’s comeback is at +155.

Middleweight Bout: #10 Derek Brunson (15-3, 186 lbs.) vs. #9 Uriah Hall (12-6, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brunson is an inch taller than Hall but Hall has two and a half inches of reach on him. Brunson fighting southpaw, they clinch immediately and Brunson gets Hall on the fence. They jockey for position, Brunson tries a trip then lands a knee to the head of Hall. Brunson lands a knee to the body and a bit of a right. They break without incident. Hall lands a front kick to the body. Brunson lands a wicked left that floors Hall, a few more blows on the mat and this one is all over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Derek Brunson via TKO, punches, at 1:41 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brunson for his work this evening. The crowd boos the stoppage a bit, I disagree with them. Brunson grabs the mic and says there’s enough hate in the world, he just comes out to fight. He says no one stopped Hall or most of the guys he’s fought, his only UFC loss is to a guy who failed a drug test and he wants a title shot. He talks about having to be at his smaller gym to be around his kids during summer but that his family comes first and foremost.

As I said, the crowd was unhappy with the stoppage so here’s a replay so you can make up your own mind.

Dustin Poirier is undefeated since returning to the lightweight division and is on a four fight winning streak in the deepest division in the sport. Poirier is looking to defend his top ten spot and potentially move towards the top five and title contention if he can get his fifth consecutive win tonight. Michael Johnson is on a two fight losing streak and barely holding onto his top ten spot in a division filled with talented fighter, a third consecutive loss here would kill any title aspirations he might hold and could realistically spell the end of his time in the UFC. The odds favor Poirier at -170 to the +140 for Johnson.

Lightweight Bout: #10 Michael Johnson (16-10, 154.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Dustin Poirier (20-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson has an inch of height and an inch and a half of reach on Poirier. Both men are southpaws. Johnson flashing the jab early, both men circling. Johnson misses a left. Poirier lands a double jab and blocks a couple of counter hooks. Poirier lands a leg kick. Johnson’s throwing with volume but Poirier’s defense is on point. Poirier lands a leg kick. Poirier cut under the right eye, not bad though. Poirier lands a left. Johnson lands a counter right hook that FLOORS Poirier, follows up on the mat and the ref has to stop this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Johnson via KO, punches, at 1:35 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Johnson for his work this evening. The 411 unanimous pick curse has felled Dustin Poirier. Johnson on the mic now. He says he’s trying to prove that he’s serious in this division, mocks Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor for having a sparring session and getting paid a lot he comes to finish so pay him. He puts over his punching power and hand speed then declares his intention to come for the belt. He closes by saying he wants in on the New York card and will fight anyone.

Here’s the finish, please notice how Poirier doesn’t move his head off of the center line while he’s striking which exposes him to the fast hooks from Johnson.

That’s it for this event, thanks to everyone for reading be it live or after the fact. I’ll be back next week for UFC Fight Night 95: Cyborg vs. Lansberg. This Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show we’ll be reviewing this event and previewing the aforementioned UFC Fight Night 95 at 8pm eastern standard time, that show takes live callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like the panel to address. Until next week thanks again for being here and I’ll see you next week, until then please keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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