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Join 411’s Live UFC Fight Night 126 Coverage

February 18, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC Fight NIght 126

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FS1 Main Card, 9 p.m. ET
#11 Donald Cerrone (169.5 lbs.) vs Yancy Medeiros (170.5 lbs.)
#7 Derrick Lewis (264 lbs.) vs #9 Marcin Tybura (247 lbs.)
#12 James Vick (155.5 lbs.) vs #14 Francisco Trinaldo (156 lbs.)
Thiago Alves (170.5 lbs.) vs Curtis Millender (171 lbs.)
Steven Peterson (145.5 lbs.) vs Brandon Davis (146 lbs.)
Sage Northcutt (155.5 lbs.) vs Thibault Gouti (155.5 lbs.)

FS1 Prelims, 7 p.m. ET
Jared Gordon (156 lbs.) vs Diego Ferreira (155.5 lbs.)
Geoff Neal (171 lbs.) vs Brian Camozzi (171 lbs.)
Roberto Sanchez (126 lbs.) vs Joby Sanchez (125 lbs.)
#13 Sarah Moras (135.5 lbs.) vs Lucie Pudilova (134.5 lbs.)

UFC Fight Pass, 6 p.m. ET
Joshua Burkman (170.5 lbs.) vs Alex Morono (170.5 lbs.)
Oskar Piechota (185.5 lbs.) vs Tim Williams (185 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 126. 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. Thanks for being here for a Sunday night card, while these aren’t unheard of they’re a little on the rare side and I have no idea what caused this one to be on a Sunday. This card is. . . well it’s a card.

The main event has Donald Cerrone trying to break a three fight losing streak and defend his number eleven spot (how he retains that spot despite a three fight losing streak is a matter to take up with those who do the rankings) against Yancy Medeiros. Medeiros just beat Alex Oliveira and is on a three fight winning streak, so he might crack the top fifteen with a win. The co-main is a heavyweight fight when Derrick Lewis and Marcin Tybura try to avoid losing streaks while battling for top ten position. Probably the most interesting fight is James Vick taking on Francisco Trinaldo, both men are underappreciated in the lightweight division and could finally crack the top ten with a win here.

UFC Fight Night 126 comes to us from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, USA with a brand new duo on commentary as Brendan Fitzgerald and Jimmy Smith will be on the mic. As for the rules the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation has not adopted the changes to the (formerly) unified rules of MMA, so anything besides the soles of your feet on the mat means your downed and the language around scoring is slightly more nebulous than necessary.

Oskar Piechota is undefeated as a professional including a successful UFC debut, he’s trying to maintain that momentum here and begin proving himself a legitimate prospect in the division. Tim Williams brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and is looking to get his UFC career up and running with a win. Piechota is a significant -325 favorite to a tempting +250 payout for Williams.

Middleweight Bout: Oskar Piechota (10-0-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs Tim Williams (15-3, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Willimas is two inches taller but their reach is identical. We get a touch of gloves to get us going, and there’s a weird blue tint to the lighting for a few moments before getting fixed. Piechota is pressuring forward, lands a looping left shovel punch and takes a left hook counter. And the “woo’s” are here already, God help us. An exchange of rights then Willimas lands a leg kick. Head kick from Willimas is blocked, Piechota lands a right to the body. An exchange of lefts then Piechota lands a right that FLOORS Williams, he follows up on the mat and the ref has to save Williams.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Oskar Piechota via TKO, punches, at 1:54 Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Piechota for his work this evening. He’s on the mic, and says hello to everyone and puts over the people of Texas as being friendly then notes it’s his first time in the States. Piechota puts over Williams and says he respects him then gets the crowd to applaud him and wishes Williams good luck in his next fight. Asked who’s next he says he’s patient and will take whatever the UFC will give him.

Here’s the finish in case you missed it, Piechota draws Williams forward, steps off at a slight angle and drives all of his weight into that overhand right and Williams walks into it.

Alex Morono hasn’t won a fight since December of 2016, he’s coming off of a split decision loss and is trying to right the metaphorical ship that is his career here. Speaking of guys in desperate need of righting their career, Joshua Burkman has just one win in his current UFC run and is on a four fight losing streak, if he can’t get a win here I can’t imagine the UFC keeping him on the roster. Morono is your favorite at -325 against +250 for Burkman.

Welterweight Bout: Joshua Burkman (28-16 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs Alex Morono (13-4 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Morono is an inch taller but their reach is the same, Morono is a full decade younger for those who keep track of age differences. There’s a touch of gloves to get us going, Burkman lands a leg kick. Burkman is doing a fair bit of stance switching. Morono is circling a lot, he’s got much more bounce in his step. Inside leg kick from Burkman, Morono lands a leg kick to counter that off balances Burkman for a second. Another heavy leg kick from Morono, Burkman goes to southpaw quickly. They trade in close, Morono lands a left hook that drops Burkman then he jumps on a guillotine choke as Burkman was trying to recover that forces the tap from Burkman.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Morono via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Morono for his work this evening. Mic time for Morono now. He puts over Burkman as a veteran and says one of his life goals was to get a finish in the UFC and this was great. He says he’s a Texan through and through and appreciates the crowd. Asked who he wants next, he says fighting Diego Sanchez would be an honor.

Here’s the finish, Burkman doesn’t protect himself in the pocket and eats a left that basically ends it. Once Burkman is trying to recover Morono grabs the neck and jumps for the guillotine to get the tap.

That’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on to Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims.

Sarah Moras is 2-1 in the UFC with that loss being to top contender Jessica Andrade, she’s coming off of a win that saw her get an official ranking and she’s hoping to defend that spot tonight. Lucie Pudilova has gone 1-1 in the UFC, though I thought the decision in her loss was questionable. She’s coming off of a win though and is looking to get her first UFC winning streak up and running. The odds are with Pudilova at -140 to +110 for Moras.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #13 Sarah Moras (5-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs Lucie Pudilova (7-2, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pudilova is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Moras. Circling to start from both women. They trade jabs, Moras lands a bit of a left high kick then gets the clinch and takes Pudilova down. Pudilova has full guard, Moras lands a few body shots while trying to set up a pass. A bit of offense getting through from Moras, now a few elbows as well as punches. Just some consistent offense from Moras, she’s not forcing the pass and is content to beat up Pudilova from this position. More elbows from Moras. Moras stands, and she finally gets a bit of a pass but Puidlova recovers guard quickly. The ref stands them up, I can’t say I agree with that as Moras was being busy. They trade rights, a hard right from Pudilova drops Moras but Moras grabs an arm as Pudilova follows her down. Moras adjusts to a triangle, now an armbar but Puidlova is standing and the elbow is mostly out. Moras loses the armbar and Pudilova lands hammer fists as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moras

ROUND TWO: Moras has some bleeding from the nose and swelling around the left eye. Pudilova comes out swinging and looking to move around Moras. Moras ducks for a double leg, no drive though and she has to pull guard. An armbar attempt from Moras, she’s got the legs in position but the elbow keeps getting past the hips so Pudilova slams free. Moras holding a single leg from her knees, she can’t drive through and Pudilova winds up in side control. Half guard from Moras now, and full guard right after that. A few hammer fists from Pudilova but she’s not getting a lot of offense through the guard yet. And zero consistency from the ref, they’re stalled out much more here than in the first when he stood them up. High guard from Moras, Pudilova pulls free then takes an up kick and tries to pass but Moras gets an inverted triangle position. Pudilova gets her head free and lands a short punch. Pudilova stands and makes Moras regain her feet. Bit of a right from Moras lands, Pudilova lands a jab. Pudilova lands a right that off balances Moras, Moras back up and they clinch up then trade knees and elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pudilova, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both women circling again, they’re both fatigued but still moving. Pudilova sticking out a jab now, keeping Moras at bay. Moras dives for a single leg, has to pull half guard but Pudilova stands free quickly and we’re back to striking. They clinch, a few knees from Moras land and they trade punches on the break. A lot of jabs from Pudilova, Moras isn’t cutting her off much so she’s getting jabbed up trying to close distance. Pudilova lands a right. Moras tries a double leg, switches to a single leg after her derive ends but Pudilova is defending, Moras turns the corner and finishes the takedown. A few elbows from Moras as Pudilova is trying to control posture. They’re trading punches, Moras moves to half guard, and Pudilova sweeps her then lands a few punches as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lucie Pudilova via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28 x2)

A 10-8 second seems generous for Pudilova, who’s on the mic now with her translator. She’s very happy and says the fight was a war. Asked about representing her home country, the Czech Republic, she say’s it’s an honor to close her mic time.

Roberto Sanchez just suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut, he’s trying to rebound from that setback and get that all important first UFC win. Joby Sanchez previously had a 1-2 stint with the UFC, now he’s back after going 4-0 outside the promotion including two wins on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series and is looking to show off the improvements to his game. As for the odds, they’re close but with Joby at -150 against +120 for Roberto.

Flyweight Bout: Roberto Sanchez (7-1, 126 lbs.) vs Joby Sanchez (11-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Joby has an inch and a half of reach on Roberto but the height is identical. Touch of gloves to get us going. Bit of a right from Roberto, Joby replies with a right hook. Body kick from Joby but Roberto gets a takedown, they scramble a bit and wind up clinched on the fence. Roberto gets a takedown again, Joby back up as Roberto looks for a single leg. Robert gets the trip takedown then gets the back as Joby stands. Joby is up but Roberto has a body triangle locked in along with the backpack position. One arm is under the chin, Roberto pulls Joby back to the mat and nearly has the choke, he can’t get his hands locked in the traditional manner but gets them together enough to apply the necessary pressure for the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roberto Sanchez via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sanchez for his work this evening. Sanchez gets an interview, he says the first fight was a disaster and felt much better this time around. He says Joby is comfortable letting people have his back so he knew he could get the back and was able to finish it off. Asked when he wants to be back in the cage he wants to show the power of jiu-jitsu and says he works at a desk and has a day job, he can quit whenever he wants and does this for fun.

Here’s the finish, some nice directional changes going for the takedown and when Sanchez gets the trip he moves to the back almost immediately. The technique to finish is interesting, he can’t get his hands together and I can’t tell if he grabbed his own forearm to get the necessary pressure or if he grabbed the back of Joby’s shoulder for support and was able to get drive with his shoulder to force the tap.

Geoffrey Neal is making his UFC debut after being awarded a UFC contract on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, he’s won his last two fights and is trying to make a good first impression to the wider UFC audience. Brian Camozzi has gone 0-2 in the UFC and was finished in both of those losses, he really can’t afford another loss here as it could easily cost him his spot on the roster. Neal is the -210 favorite while Camozzi’s comeback sits at +170.

Welterweight Bout: Geoff Neal (7-2, 171 lbs.) vs Brian Camozzi (7-4, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Camozzi has three inches of height and reach on Neal. Neal fighting southpaw, and we get a touch of gloves to start things off. Right from Camozzi, Neal pushes close with a flurry and backs Camozzi into the fence. They wind up clinched, then break without incident. Both men throwing some power hand punches, they’re both landing too as defense seems like an afterthought. They clinch again, and Neal has Camozzi on the fence. They break without incident and reset in the center of the cage. A few body kicks go back and forth, Another exchange of punches and Neal lands the better power hand blow. They clinch then break, both guys doing a lot of rear hand lead punches, they trade elbows and Camozzi seems wobbled, Neal pushes him to his knees and gets the back then locks up a choke to force the tap. Neal has a nasty cut over his right eyebrow from that elbow exchange, he’s lucky he got that finish because that’s a fight ender of a cut.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Geoff Neal via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:48 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Neal for his work this evening. Neal in the mic now, he says the win feels great and he’s been struggling financially lately so this is great. He puts over the crowd, then talks us through the finish to close his interview.

Some highlights including the finish, they exchange going into that finish and Camozzi was wobbled while Neal’s head was split open but keeps his head about him and gets a one hook rear naked choke.

We’ve actually gone so quickly they replay the Piechota vs. Williams fight. It kind of defeats the purpose of quick finishes when we still have twenty minutes and three commercial breaks between fights.

Jared Gordon is on an overall five fight winning streak and is 2-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to extend that streak and start moving towards ranked opposition. Carlos Diego Ferreira just snapped a two fight losing streak, but he hasn’t fought since January of 2016. Ferreira is trying to take out a rising prospect and reassert himself as a relevant fighter in the division. With that kind of a layoff it’s not surprising Gordon is the -260 favorite thought Ferreira’s +200 payout is a tempting value bet given his skill set.

Lightweight Bout: Jared Gordon (14-1, 156 lbs.) vs Diego Ferreira (12-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ferreira has six inches of reach on Gordon. There’s a touch of gloves to get us going. Both men probing with lead leg kicks and jabs, just getting a feel for each other. And there’s a groin kick to Gordon, we’ve got time for him to recover. Gordon walks it off quickly and we’re back to fighting. Ferreira coming forward, lands a right uppercut. counter right lands for Gordon, and there’s another inside leg kick that hits the groin. The ref gives him a hard warning and the next groin shot will result in a point deduction, both have been accidental and we restart. Ferreira lands a few lead leg kicks, Gordon gets a clinch and can’t complete a takedown. They get close and Ferreira drops Gordon with a left, he’s into mount now and grabs a one handed kimura to control the arm, rolls Gordon to his belly so he can’t defend himself and unloads with punches until the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Diego Ferreira via KO, punches, at 1:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ferreira for his work this evening. That was a lovely finishing sequence from Ferreira, we’ll go over it once the replay is posted. Ferreira on the mic now, because there’s something like fifteen minutes to kill before the main card starts. He says this feels awesome and thanks the crowd for coming, notes his long layoff but feels it happened for a reason and he’s back better than ever. He talks us through the finish then says he wants another fight quickly.

Here’s the finish and there’s a couple of things to note here: Ferreira takes a straighter line with his left to follow up that exchange of rights so his punch gets there before Gordon’s even starts developing, then the wrist control to keep one hand pinned while he landed punches making defense impossible.

To fill out the remainder of their preliminary broadcast time we get the Burkman vs. Morono fight aired, I’m surprised they didn’t just do ten minutes of commercials because that’s the norm for these broadcasts. Anyway that’s it for prelims, we’re still on Fox Sports 1 for the main card though.

Sage Northcutt has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in his last four fights, but he’s coming off of a win and he’s trying to get his second UFC winning streak up and running while making good on some of the potential he’s shown. Thibault Gouti has gone just 1-3 in the UFC, but he’s coming off of a win as well and this would be the highest profile win of his career if he could take out a promotional golden boy like Northcutt. The odds are firmly with Northcutt at -315 against +245 for Gouti.

Lightweight Bout: Sage Northcutt (9-2, 155.5 lbs.) vs Thibault Gouti (12-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Northcutt is two inches taller but Gouti has an inch of reach on him. There’s a touch of gloves to get things going. Gouti coming forward, Northcutt trying to paw at him to keep hi off. Gouti lands a right that off balances Northcutt, Northcutt responds with a double leg into side control. Not much going on here, Gouti has a knee shield in place and Northcutt can’t get his head free. Northcutt does get his head free and lands a short punch. Gourti tries an armbar but misses and Northcutt lands a few hammer fists before Gouti regains his feet. Body kick from Northcutt and they trade some leg kicks. Hard right from Gouti drops Northcutt then he grabs a standing guillotine, he bails on that as Northcutt defends and they settle into a clinch. Gouti trying for a double leg, there’s not much there and he needs to switch or disengage. Gouti disengages and we’re striking again. Northcutt lands a left body kick, then misses a head kick. Wheel kick from Northcutt misses. A right lands for Norhtcutt, Gouti is still pressing forward but he’s eating some offense now. Northcutt avoids a bad takedown attempt. Gouti avoids a takedown, he lands a bit of a spinning back fist as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Northcutt

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. More forward pressure from Gouti, smart decision as the pocket isn’t Northcutt’s friend when it comes to exchanges. Hard left hook then a right from Gouti and he avoids a takedown attempt from Northcutt. Leg kick from Gouti, Northcutt responds with one of his own. Another left hook from Gouti lands flush. Solid flurry of punches from Gouti drop Northcutt and Gouti is on top in half guard now. Northcutt is looking to wall walk, Gouti mounts the legs for a moment. Northcutt is up to a knee, Gouti lands a few lefts as they regain their feet and he holds the clinch as well. Gouti gets a double leg against the fence and mounts the legs again. I”m curious as to the game plan here, Gouti could wear himself out with this style if he’s not used to it. Northcutt is trying to wall walk again, he’s back up and still pinned on the fence. The ref separates them after they stall out in the clinch. A few jabs go back and forth then Northcutt lands a body kick. More forward pressure from Gouti, and he lands a body kick of his own. Northcutt misses a wheel kick, lands a bit of a spinning back kick to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gouti, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Northcutt comes out kicking with his lead leg, lands a bit of a hook kick to the head and there’s a brief timeout for reasons yet to be determined. Gouti is good to continue and lands a left hook on the restart. Leg kick from Northcutt and a bit of a right behind it. Gouti is still coming forward, lands a left to the body. Double leg attempt from Northcutt but Gouti defends this one. Gouti punches into the clinch and gets a double leg against the fence. Northcutt looking to wall walk, and he’s up but gets taken down again. Another wall walk from Northcutt, another takedown from Gouti. Northcutt trying to get up again, he grabs a front headlock to try and assist his stand up, it works and he’s up but not free. The ref separates them from the clinch, they’re trading jabs and Norhtcutt lands a couple of kicks. Single leg attempt from Northcutt, Gouti defends and they hit the fence again. Northcutt lands an elbow as they break. Jab from Gouti, and he blocks another takedown attempt, he’s holding a front headlock but can’t do anything with it. They both miss kicks and Gouti lands a left as the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sage Northcutt via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Gouti gave that fight away with really bad decisions in the third round, he should have had that. Northcutt on the mic now, he knew he needed the third round and talks a bit about his need to improve his wall walking. He thanks the crowd and the audience at home, puts over Christ and thanks a few people in the crowd specifically and promises to improve his game going forward.

Steven Peterson is making his UFC debut here, he’s traded wins and losses over his last four fights but is trying to get the biggest win of his career. Brandon Davis is coming off of a loss when he debuted in the UFC, he’s trying to get the all important first UFC win under his belt. It’s worth noting that Davis took this fight on short notice but despite that he’s the -185 favorite against +150 for Peterson.

Featherweight Bout: Steven Peterson (15-6, 145.5 lbs.) vs Brandon Davis (16-6, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Davis has two inches of reach advantage. Peterson comes out quickly, jabbing to close distance as Peterson throws to try and keep him at distance. Low leg kick from Davis, we get a bit of a brawl but neither man landed all that cleanly. Another leg kick from Davis, he’s doing a good job of keeping Peterson at the distance he wants. Peterson is really struggling to close distance, he tries a takedown but Davis is able to stuff this one. Another few leg kicks from Davis, Peterson is just trying to force a brawl and Davis is having none of it. Body kick from Peterson. Davis is slipping and turning now as well, he feels the range while Peterson doesn’t. Combination from Davis lands then another leg kick. Davis catches a body kick and lands a leg kick. Solid right from Davis, Peterson really needs to make some adjustments. Davis blocks a combination as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Davis

ROUND TWO: Peterson is back to forward pressure but he’s still running into offense from Davis. Double leg from Peterson, Davis stuffs it and lands a knee to the head. Davis lands a right, he’s moving so much better than Peterson in terms of footwork and angles. Leg kick from Davis. Bit of a right from Davis lands. Another right from Davis lands. They both miss a lot but Davis is landing more accurate strikes when they get close. Right then a follow up left from Davis land. Peterson blocks a takedown attempt and they jockey in the clinch for a bit before hitting the fence. Peterson gets the back standing and jumps to the backpack position but has no control and Davis shakes him off then gets into guard. Davis lands a right as Peterson regains his feet and they’re trading knees in the clinch. Peterson has the back standing and his holding the waist lock this time, Davis spins into him and gets him on the fence. More positional jockeying, Peterson lands a knee to the body as well then gets the takedown into half guard. The round will come to a close in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Peterson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Peterson lands a right to start the third, Davis lands a combination to counter. Leg kick from Davis, then an inside one as well. Davis has stopped moving as much and Peterson is closing the distance more reliably now. They trade a combinations but neither can really land that kind of fight changing shot. Davis lands a right then a left as Peterson chases him. Short elbow from Davis lands then a leg kick. Another right from Davis lands, Peterson is bleeding from the top of the head as well as under the right eye now. Hard right from Davis, then another. Peterson tries a double leg, Davis defends and stays upright. They clinch up then Davis lands an elbow as they break. Another combination from Davis as Peterson walks forward, this looks a lot like your local MMA event type of fight. Hard knee from Davis that Peterson leaned into, he’s hurt and Davis tries to follow up but Peterson fires back and gets him to back off. One more right from Davis, Peterson’s face is a mess. Head kick from Davis, Peterson lands a right to counter. Peterson dives into the clinch, he gets the back standing as the clock runs down for the last time.

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

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

It wasn’t boring but you can see that level of ability at your local MMA show. Davis says he thinks they have Fight of the Night wrapped up but he wanted the knockout and isn’t sure how Peterson survived that knee in the third. Asked what’s next he says he promised to put on a show and that his last fight was a fluke, he says he’d love to fight twelve times a year and thanks the crowd.

Here’s a couple of highlights, Peterson just kept walking forward in straight lines and Davis is able to angle on him consistently while landing hos own offense.

Thiago Alves is a longtime UFC veteran, he debuted way back in 2005, and is coming off of a win over Patrick Cote. Alves is trying to prove he’s still a top level welterweight and get his first winning streak since 2015 going. Curtis Millender is making his UFC debut on the back of a six fight winning streak, and if he can take out a recognized veteran like Alves he’ll immediately make himself a notable presence in the UFC. The odds are close but favor the UFC veteran Alves at -165 to +135 on Millender.

Welterweight Bout: Thiago Alves (22-11, 170.5 lbs.) vs Curtis Millender (14-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Millender is six inches taller and has six inches of reach on Alves. Touch of gloves to get us going. Alves circling early, Millender stalking forward. Calf kick from Millender mostly lands. Alves starting to get his jab working, and he misses a leg kick. Bit of a leg kick from Alves but the pressure is getting to him a bit. Millender lands a jumping knee, Alves quickly circles away from the fence after taking that. Leg kick from Millender lands. Leg kick from Alves this time. Alves is really struggling to find his offense, Millender wobbles Alves with a left and is pressing forward still. Bit of a left from Millender and he avoids a leg kick. Millender checks a leg kick and drops Alves with a right, he follows up with an uppercut that drops Alves. Millender backs off like he won, it’s not over and he tries to follow up but Alves is back up. Hard punches from Millender as he’s got Alves on the fence, Alves is still a bit wobbled and Millender lands another uppercut. Straight right from Millender but Alves gets a double leg, Millender grabs a guillotine to stall things out on the mat until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Millender

ROUND TWO: Alves really needs to find his offense because he was all kinds of out of sorts in that round. Millender avoids a kick and lands a right, Alves is bleeding from under the left eye. Alves starting to fire offense, Millender looking to counter. Millender really looking to counter leg kicks with a straight right, he’s clearly prepared for that strike from Alves. They trade rights, Alves seems much more engaged this round and is trying a lot more though his efficacy is still relatively low. Body kick and leg kick from Alves land, Millender lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Millender. Millender avoids a leg kick and lands a body kick. Alves lands a leg kick then takes an oblique kick to the knee. Alves lands a lunging left hook and eats a counter right. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Millender lands a knee to the head as Alves kind of leaned into it and then pulls a Mark Hunt by waving off his own fight, the ref comes over to take a look at Alves then officially waves it off. Big big knee from Millender.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Curtis Millender via KO, knee at 4:17 of, Round 2

That was surprisingly one sided, great timing from Millender. Millender on the mic now, he says this feels great and he’s been a pro for five years and has been working every day for this moment. He says he’s got a counter for everything and it doesn’t matter what they throw at him, he’ll counter it. Asked who’s next he says he’s got a hit list with everyone in the division on it and they can come get it.

Here’s the finish, Millender uses his height and reach even in close deciding to use the knee instead of a kick or smothered punch to cap off a great display of timing and countering.

James Vick is on a three fight winning streak, and his only professional loss is to top contender Beneil Dariush. Vick is looking to get to four in a row here and get a shot at a top ten opponent, something he’s been very vocal about lately. Francisco Trinaldo is on a career best run, he’s gone 8-1 in his last nine fights and that loss is to former title challenger Kevin Lee. Trinaldo is also looking to get another shot at the top of the division at the expense of Vick. Vick is your favorite at -225 while Trinaldo would pay out at +175.

Lightweight Bout: #12 James Vick (12-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs #14 Francisco Trinaldo (22-5, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Trinaldo is nine years older while Vick has six inches of height and reach on Trinaldo. There’s a touch of gloves, Trinaldo fighting southpaw. Vick circling so far, looking for an angle of attack. Body kick from Vick, Trinaldo returns it. Hook kick from Vick lands, then a body kick as Trinaldo tried to close distance. A right lands for Vick, he’s doing some stance switching. They clinch up and trade knees to the body while they hit the fence before disengaging without incident. Vick doing a good job of fighting long. Solid left lands for Trinaldo, then a left to the body but Vick lands a right that drops him. Trinaldo quickly tries a double leg from his knees, he gets the clinch and drives Vick to his back and is after an arm triangle choke. Vick is able to get full guard but Trinaldo moves to half guard quickly. Wall walk from Vick but Trinaldo jumps for a guillotine choke, he’s really after it but the angle is awkward and Vick is able to survive and move to top position. Vick back up and lands a knee then Trinaldo lands a left as they separate. Body kick from Trinaldo lands. Trinaldo misses a left and eats a couple of counters. Side kick to the body from Vick. Trinaldo just avoids a high kick, then lands a left to counter a body kick. The distance is really troubling Trinaldo, he’s falling just short with most of his punches. They stare away the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vick

ROUND TWO: Vick moving laterally to start the round, Trinaldo lands a bit of an overhand left. They both miss and Trinaldo slips on a punch. Body kick from Vick, then a bit of a head kick but Trinaldo gets the clinch and takes him down with a slam. Vick back up and they fight for position in the clinch. Body lock takedown from Vick and he’s got the ride position then lands punches as Trinaldo gets up and they separate. Trinaldo coming forward but he’s still struggling withe range. Vick lands a side kick to the body, he’s using that to protect the angle when he has to circle. A few more side kicks from Vick then Trinaldo blocks a head kick. Bit of a right from Trinaldo lands and they trade body kicks. Left to the body from Trinaldo, he’s starting to magnage the distance better and his body work is helping. Slight head kick from Vick lands. Left to the body from Trinaldo and Vick again lands a bit of a hook kick to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: There’s a touch of gloves for the final round. Trinaldo coming forward, Vick lands a body kick. Hopping knee to the body from Vick and he avoids the counter from Tinaldo. More side kicks from Vick, he’s getting a lot of mileage out of that technique here. Body kick from Trinaldo lands. Another body kick from Trinaldo and Vick goes back to the side kick. Vick lands a knee to the body. Bit of a right from Tinaldo, Vick isn’t protecting the angle as much now and Trinaldo is getting closer before firing. Body kick from Trinaldo. Trinaldo blocks a couple of head kicks then eats a left from Vick. Another body kick from Trinaldo lands. Vick is mostly coasting here, he won the first two and feels content to be smart this round. A few more side kicks to the body from Vick, Trinaldo lands a left to the body. Body kick from Vick but Trinaldo lands a hard left to the body. They clinch up, Vick gets free then blocks a head kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trinaldo, 29-28 Vick overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – James Vick via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Vick did a good job of fighting tall, a few other long guys could learn from him. Mic time for Vick now, he says he dislocated his pinkie and Trinaldo took advantage of that, a bit of his words got bleeped. He puts over Trinaldo and thanks him for the fight. Asked who he wants next he says he’s tired of Chiesa and Lee turning down fights with him and then calls out Nurmagomedov, Ferguson, and McGregor before thanking the crowd.

Derrick Lewis was last seen in June getting bludgeoned by Mark Hunt, but that loss snapped an impressive six fight winning streak. Lewis is trying to get another shot up the ranks and avoid the first losing streak of his career. Marcin Tybura is also coming off of a loss, his against former champion Fabricio Werdum, but had won three in a row before that. Tybura is also trying to get a return date with the elite of the division here. The odds lean towards Tybura at -135 to +105 for Lewis.

Heavyweight Bout: #7 Derrick Lewis (18-5 1 NC, 264 lbs.) vs #9 Marcin Tybura (16-3, 247 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Lewis has an inch of reach advantage, biggest difference is weight where Lewis is seventeen pounds heavier. There’s a touch of gloves to get things going. Some feinting from both guys, Lewis lands a straight right and is able to bull Tybura over and land on top in half guard. Tybura goes inverted and looks for a knee bar, can’t finish it but gets a calf slicer position as Lewis tries to adjust on top. A few body shots from Lewis before he gets on top into side control. Tybura to his knees and Lewis moves to the ride position. Tybura is up, Lewis slips though and Tybura gets on top in half guard. Now full mount for Tybura, he lands a short elbow. Lewis tries to buck, gives up the back but Tybura can’t secure the position and they’re standing. Lewis lands a right, Tybura is down and Lewis swarms him from half guard but Tybura is defending enough to let the fight continue. Tybura gets to his knees and hits a sweep into half guard. A few body shots from Tybura, a couple of them were elbows. Tybura is trying to set up an arm triangle choke but Lewis is keeping his arm safe. More body shots from Tybura and he moves to mount. Lewis gives up his back and Tybura lands punches rom that position, he goes for an americana as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lewis

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Leg kick from Tybura lands, now we get to see who’s gassed worse. Tybura is backing Lewis up, landing thrust kicks to the knee. Lewis blocks a high kick. And a right lands for Lewis but Tybura just eats it. Another right from Lewis and they clinch but Tyubra gets a body lock takedown into half guard. A few short elbows from Tybura land, and he works the body as well. Knees to the body from Tybura, I’ve always thought those were an under utilized tool from side control. Another knee and Tybura moves to the back as Lewis moved to his knees. Tybura is too high on the back and Lewis is going to shake him off but he loses his base and drops to his knees before he can complete it. Some punches from Tybura as he’s got the mount, now he’s got the back again. Lewis is on his feet again, Tybura keeping the back and stripping the base of Lewis when he tries to stand. They roll a bit and Tybura winds up still in mount. Tybura lands a few short elbows. A few more elbows from Tybura, now he’s working the body and head. The round will end in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tybura, might be a 10-8 argument, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Tybura is pushing forward this round, lands a few stomp kicks to the knee. Lewis misses a high kick. Bit of a hook kick from Tybura, then a leg kick to follow it up. Lewis has a couple of punches blocked, he’s conserving energy between flurries. Tybura punches his way into the clinch and starts landing knees to the thigh. A few knees to the body are traded but Tybura is controlling this position. Single leg attempt from Tybura, Lewis defends and forces Tybura back up into the clinch. Lewis tries a takedown, they get back up and he lands a flurry along the fence that drops Tybura, he follows up on the ground and prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Derrick Lewis via KO, punches, at 2:48 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lewis for his work this evening. Lewis isn’t technical but he knows how to fight to his strengths, and that gets you a long way especially at heavyweight. Interview time for Lewis, he plays with the crowd a bit then says that’s the way he fights. He jokes that Jimmy Smith is new to the game coming over from Bellator but that’s how he fights then talks us through the finish. Next he puts over his wife some first responders, and makes what I think was a vaguely sexual reference to close the interview.

Here’s the finish, Tybura just doesn’t move well off of the break as his head is on the center line and despite his hands being in generally correct position he’s still vulnerable to the power comeing back his way from Lewis.

Donald Cerrone is a fan favorite fighter with a lot of years in the sport, he’s also on the worst run of his career. Cerrone has lost his last three fights and was finished in two of them, if he wants to avoid talk of retirement creeping around him he can’t afford to drop four in a row. He’s also trying to hold on to his top ranking, odd that he’s got one on a three fight skid as welterweight isn’t exactly starved for contenders. Yancy Medeiros has looked good since moving up to welterweight, in fact he’s 3-0 since doing so and if he can take out Cerrone here he’ll likely find himself ranked and looking at a top ten opponent next. The odds closed at a -115 pick ’em.

Welterweight Bout: #11 Donald Cerrone (32-10 1 NC, 169.5 lbs.) vs Yancy Medeiros (15-4 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerrone is three inches taller while Medeiros has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Medeiros comes out southpaw and they trade lefts immediately. Medeiros doing some stance switching as they trade punches. Spinning back kick from Medeiros lands. Cerrone lands a left, and eats a left counter. Left body kick from Cerrone lands. Leg kick from Cerrone. Medeiros coming forward now, lands a jab. Right to the body from Medeiros, then one to the head. A couple of rights land for Medeiros, Cerrone is struggling with the boxing distance. They trade rights, Medeiros slips and Cerrone lets him up then they hug. Left lands for Cerrone, Medeiros lands a one two then Cerrone lands a left of his own that off balances Medeiros. Knee to the body from Cerrone but Medeiros is still coming forward. Long left to the body from Medeiros and they clinch up. Cerrone has Medeiros on the fence but Medeiros spins him. Knees to the body from Medeiros then they break with a right from Cerrone. A bit of a fire fight and both men land, this is heating up even more now. Hard right wobbles Medeiros and Cerrone swarms him to get the finish just before the round ends.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Donald Cerrone via TKO, punches, at 4:58 Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Cerrone for his work this evening. Mic time for Cerrone now. He says puts over Medeiros then jokes that his grandma got more cheers than he did. He talks us through the finish, says he wasn’t aware of the time and just wanted the finish and thinks he tied the all time record for most wins in UFC history. Asked who’s next he says all he needs is a date and a place, commentary confirms that he’s tied with Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping for most UFC wins at 20 and he’s also tied for most finishes.

Here’s the finish, once Cerrone got the timing down he was able to counter effectively and here Medeiros reaches for a Thai clinch and Cerrone punches him across the jaw on the exit when he can’t defend himself to get the win.

Alright everyone, that wraps up Fight Night 126. Thanks for being here on a Sunday evening and keeping me company, I needed it at times on this card. There’s no podcast this week, because normally it’s on Sunday but I’ll be back Saturday for UFC on FOX 28 when Josh Emmett and Jeremy Stephens battle in the main event. A really underwhelming FOX card when you look at it, but I’ll be here to cover it for you guys. Until next time thanks again for being here, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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