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Click Here to Join 411’s UFC Fight Night 108 Coverage

April 22, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

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MAIN CARD (FS1, 10 p.m. ET)
Artem Lobov (145 lbs.) vs. #4 Cub Swanson (145 lbs.)
#14 Al Iaquinta (154.5 lbs.) vs. Diego Sanchez (155.5 lbs.)
Marcos Rogerio de Lima (210 lbs.)* vs. #8 Ovince Saint Preux (206 lbs.)
#7 John Dodson (135 lbs.) vs. #10 Eddie Wineland (135)
Joe Lauzon (155.5 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (156 lbs.)
#13 Jake Ellenberger (170.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Perry (170 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS2, 8 p.m. ET)
#13 Sam Alvey (184 lbs.) vs. #11 Thales Leites (186 lbs.)
#10 Brandon Moreno (125 lbs.) vs. #9 Dustin Ortiz (124.5 lbs.)
Scott Holtzman (156 lbs.) vs. Michael McBride (155.5 lbs.)
#14 Jessica Penne (116) vs. Danielle Taylor (115 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Cindy Dandois (135 lbs.) vs. #10 Alexis Davis (134.5 lbs.)
Bryan Barberena (170 lbs.) vs. Joe Proctor (170 lbs.)
Hector Sandoval (125.5 lbs.) vs. Matt Schnell (126 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 108. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. This isn’t a bad fight card all things considered, the main event is a bit of an odd one as top contender Cub Swanson takes on Artem Lobov, Swanson has a tremendous amount to lose in this fight as he has momentum and could be in the title picture while Lobov is just 2-2 in the UFC with wins over a dubious level of competition. Also on this card Al Iaquinta returns from a two year layoff to take on Diego Sanchez, John Dodson and Eddie Wineland battle for top ten positions, and Ovince Saint Preux desperately tries to avoid a four fight losing streak. This event comes to the world from the Bridgestone in Nashville, Tennessee, USA with Todd Grisham and Brian Stann on commentary.

Worth noting, Tennessee has not adopted the new rules for MMA. As always this redefines what a grounded opponent is as well as the language for a 10-8 round or extending the hand with fingers outward not being considered a foul.

Hector Sandoval is 1-1 in the UFC, his debut was a short notice fight against future title contender Wilson Reis, but is coming off of a win over Fredy Serrano and is looking to get his first UFC winning streak going tonight. Matt Schnell just had a seven fight winning streak snapped when he lost to Rob Font in his UFC debut, he took that fight up at bantamweight and on somewhat short notice. Schnell is hoping a return to flyweight nets him his first UFC win and some traction in a division that is relatively open despite the level of talent. The odds are with Schnell at -140 to +110 for Sandoval.

Flyweight Bout: Hector Sandoval (13-3, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Matt Schnell (10-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Schnell is six inches taller and has six inches of reach on Sandoval. Touch of gloves to get things going. Circling to start, Schnell lands a left and a bit of a leg kick. Sandoval lands a leg kick. Sandoval lands a bit of a right, Schnell lands a leg kick. Sandoval lands a couple of leg kicks but eats a counter right. They get close and mimic Frye vs. Takayama for a bit, Sandoval tries a jumping knee but trips and Schnell is on top. Schnell tries an armbar but Sandoval spins free and they separate. Crazy sequence there in the clinch. Both have slowed down now, they spent a ton of energy trading like that. Schnell lands a counter left uppercut. Sandoval lands a right and converts to a double leg into the guard of Schnell. Sandoval trying body shots, Schnell threatens with a triangle choke and they’re back up. They trade in the clinch again, both men using knees and punches, then they break. Schnell lands a leg kick, Sandoval tries to take him down but Schnell grabs a guillotine, Sandoval slams him twice to finally break that grip. Schnell eats a series of left hammer fists while trying to set up a sweep and he actually goes out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hector Sandoval via KO, hammer fists, at 4:24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sandoval for his work this evening. Not a bad fight to get things going with. Sandoval gets an interview after that one. He says he’s excited and couldn’t be more happy, thanks his team. He says he was working on those hammer fists in the back and he knew he could finish someone with them. He says he wants anyone in the top five next including Demetrious Johnson, he doesn’t care who’s next.

I’d love to post the finish, but for some reason the UFC’s twitter took it down. Instead here’s Sandoval and Schnell re-enacting Frye vs. Takayama.

Bryan Barberena is 3-2 in the UFC overall but is coming off of a loss to Colby Covington, and he isn’t exactly a favored son of the UFC at the moment so he needs to avoid a second consecutive loss here. Joe Proctor is 4-3 in the UFC and is also coming off of a loss, his a TKO to Magomed Mustafaev way back in 2015. Proctor needs a win pretty badly as a losing streak combined with that kind of layoff could spell the end of his UFC tenure, he’s hoping that moving up to welterweight will breathe some life into his career. Between that layoff and Barberena’s higher profile wins the odds favor Barberena by a significant -350 to +265 for Proctor.

Welterweight Bout: Bryan Barberena (12-4, 170 lbs.) vs. Joe Proctor (11-4, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Barberena has two inches of height but just half an inch of reach on Proctor. Touch of gloves to get us going, Barberena fighting southpaw. Barberena circling, Proctor plodding forward a bit. Proctor moving Barberena towards the fence, Barberena lands an inside leg kick. Barberena lands another inside leg kick. Both guys still figuring things out here so far. Barberena lands a stiff jab then a left. Barberena again with the inside leg kick and a bit of a right hook. Proctor lands a body kick. They trade lead hand punches, Proctor is moving forward in a straight line but Barberena is backing straight up when pressured that way. Barberena again lands an inside leg kick. Proctor lands a bit of a body kick then a leg kick. Barberena lands a counter left hook and Proctor is backing up. They’re both posturing, Barberena drops Proctor with a right hook. Barberena with a Thai clinch and lands knees until Proctor drops then a few more punches on the mat to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bryan Barberena via TKO, punches and knees, at 3:30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Barberena for his work this evening. That’s why you don’t taunt like that guys, leaves your chin wide open. Barberena on the mic now. He expresses love for his family who are in attendance. He brings up the taunting, which he’s fine with and loves to stand and bang like that. He talks about training smarter this time, staying healthy, puts over his coaches and training partners for getting him ready. He brings up his painted fingernails and toenails, says his daughter did those before the fight and he might have just found his new good luck charm and again expresses his love for his family then thanks the crowd to close out the interview.

Here’s the finish to that fight, again don’t taunt like that. It’s just a bad idea.

Alexis Davis has only lost twice in the UFC, once to Ronda Rousey and to Sara McMann in her previous fight. Davis has never lost twice in a row though, and she’s trying to avoid that and prove she still has something to offer the UFC. Cindy Dandois was a top featherweight contender in Invicta, she’s the only woman to beat current Invicta FC featherweight champion Megan Anderson in that promotion, and is bringing a three fight winning streak into her UFC debut. If Dandois can unseat a former title challenger she’ll announce herself in a big way to a larger audience. The odds are with Davis at -300 to Dandois’ +230 payout

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Cindy Dandois (8-2, 135 lbs.) vs. #10 Alexis Davis (17-7, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dandois is an inch taller with half an inch of reach on Davis. They touch gloves to start the fight. Davis lands a right, Dandois doesn’t like that and is able to fall into a trip takedown. Davis quickly gets her legs up to the shoulders and starts getting them in play. Davis trying to set up a triangle choke, Dandois is able to block that. Davis trying for an armbar, Dandois spins her hips with her and lands a few punches. Dandois landing some body shots but they’re both neutralizing each other a bit. Davis after the arm again, she gets pretty close, Davis tries to go belly down and hits the roll into spider web but Dandois steps a leg over the head to minimize the armbar threat. Davis is still holding the arm though and is threatening. Davis gets her head free and moves to full mount. Davis lands a few punches but Dandois has her legs in play to try and escape. Davis lands some punches, Dandois has her legs in play agian and is threatening with a leg lock, Davis steps on top again and they wind up in 50/50 guard. Dandois tries to roll on top, Davis rolls through and is in a version of half guard that has some name I’m not aware of. Dandois still fighting for that position, she gets on top and lands a few punches while they keep scrambling from that near honey hole position. Davis tries to convert to a knee bar then threaten an inside heel hook as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Davis

ROUND TWO: They both miss some arm punches, Davis moving forward though. They both land some weak rights, Davis trying to keep this thing at distance. They clinch briefly and trade knees to the body then break. The punching technique from these two is ugly. Dandois gets in close, can’t finish a takedown though and Davis lands a knee to the body then pushes Dandois into the fence. Dandois lands a few knees to the body. Dandois holding a standing head lock, Davis slides towards the back and they break without issue. Davis working an inside leg kick a bit now. Dandois has a double leg blocked. Davis lands a left hook. Davis lands a body kick. They clinch up, Dandois gets a head throw but can’t secure the position and Davis winds up on top. Davis into half guard now. Dandois to full guard, Davis stands and makes Dandois regain her feet. They trade again with sloppy punches, Dandois looks really awkward here. Dandois hits a tripping double leg into the guard of Davis. Dandois stands and lands a few rights as she returns to the guard of Davis. Davis spinning her hips, tries for a sweep but has no control as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: And we resume ugly arm punching. Davis lands an inside leg kick. Dandois gets the trip double leg again into the guard of Davis. Davis lands a few elbows and tries to set up the armbar again. Dandois lands a few punches. Davis after the armbar again, Dandois follows her hips much quicker this time. Davis is able to kick Dandois off and regain her feet. Davis stalking forward, lands a jab. Davis lands a body kick and Dandois clinches immediately. Davis lands a knee to the body and Dandois has that standing head lock again. They trade more knees to the body, Dandois tries that head and arm throw again but this time she’s able to secure top position more or less. Davis rolls her over and they regain their feet without incident. Davis lands a body kick. Davis with another body kick, Dandois hits that deep trip takedown again and is in the guard of Davis. Davis tries for a triangle position, Dandois is smothing her enough, Davis switches the angle to attack with an armbar as well as the triangle, Dandois defending and lands a few hammer fists as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I suppose 3 or maybe 2 could go to Dandois. The crowd boos the decision, not sure why. Davis on the mic now. She says training is challenging now that she’s got a kid and juggling the time is tough. Asked what the key to her win was she thinks it was how close her submission attempts were relative to what Dandois was able to accomplish with her top position. That’s it for Fight Pass, the rest of the prelims will be on Fox Sports 2.

Jessica Penne is just 1-2 in the UFC and on a two fight losing streak, that is somewhat mitigated by her opposition in those bouts as one was a title fight with champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and the other was to the current challenger Jessica Andrade, and needs to break that trend tonight if she wants to retain a top ranking much less possibly return to title competition. Danielle Taylor is 1-1 in the UFC, she lost a weird fight on short notice to Maryna Moroz and is coming off of a win over Seo Hee Ham. Taylor is trying to get a winning streak going and knock off a top fifteen opponent all in one fight. The odds closed at a -115 pick ’em after leaning towards Penne for a while.

Strawweight Bout: #14 Jessica Penne (12-4, 116) vs. Danielle Taylor (8-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Penne has five inches of height and seven of reach on Taylor. Taylor really seems like she’d be more physically at home at atomweight but she’s also quite thick in the thighs so who knows. Taylor lands an inside leg kick. Taylor trying to circle then feint her way in. Penne lands a bit of a body kick. Taylor lands a heavy leg kick. Penne sliding forward, Taylor circling and looking to counter. Taylor using inside and outside leg kicks, and lands a bit of a left hook. Taylor slides in on an aborted side kick and lands a right. Taylor catches a body kick and lands another right. Penne lands a body kick. Taylor lands another right, Penne is walking into those and getting countered with naked kicks attemps. Taylor eats a knee to the body in close. Taylor lands a bit of a left after Penne lands a body kick. Taylor blocks a weak takedown attempt. Taylor lands a bit of a combination. Taylor slips a few jabs from Penne as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taylor

ROUND TWO: Taylor back to circling, lands an inside leg kick then an outside leg kick. Penne starting to bounce a bit and find the range. Taylor ducks a left hook, Penne lands a body kick. Taylor lands a couple of rights then a flush left hook. Taylor eats a body kick but she’s backing Penne up a bit now. Penne lands a couple of knees to the body from a brief clinch. They trade a bit and get close. Penne lands a right then a left. Taylor is starting to have to lunge to close the distance now rather than feint her way in. Taylor misses a right, Penne is definitely getting more comfortable. Taylor lands a right to the body, Penne lands a straight right. Penne lands a body kick. Taylor lands a leg kick. Taylor lands a right to the body then a left to the head. Taylor lands a bit of a left hook. Taylor again with that lunging left hook, she’s landing high on the temple but she’s finding the range a bit now. Penne lands a body kick, Taylor lands a leg kick. Taylor lands a left then a right, Penne got wobbled a bit but Penne grabs a Thai clinch and lands some knees to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Penne, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Penne showing the jab early, eats a leg kick. Another leg kick from Taylor lands. Taylor moving well, misses an overhand right. Taylor lands a straight right. Taylor slips a right, she’s keeping her back off of the fence. Penne tries a takedown but Taylor avoids it. Taylor lands a bit of a left hook. Taylor lands a right. Taylor lands another straight right, Penne tries a clinch but Taylor gets free quickly. Penne slips a right and lands a hard knee to the body. Taylor lands a leg kick, eats a counter right though. Penne tries a double leg, can’t finish it but gets the back standing. Penne tries to drag her back, Taylor fights to remain upright though. Taylor spins into Penne, eats a knee to the body but does get free. Nice scrambling there from Taylor. More circling, Taylor lands a glancing left hook. Penne lands a straight right. Taylor lands a right. Taylor lands a body kick. Taylor lands another left hook. Taylor lands a jab, they clinch and Penne gets a takedown into half guard just as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danielle Taylor via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Nice to see meaningless takedowns ignored in scoring. Taylor on the mic, she’s crazy happy and dedicates the fight to her mom who pushes her every day and puts over her coaches. She says her key is movement, bobbing and weaving to get inside and jokes about her height and needing that to be successful.

Scott Holtzman is 2-2 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Josh Emmett, he’s been trading wins and losses during that time and is hoping to continue that pattern just long enough to get a win tonight and avoid the first losing streak of his career. Michael McBride is also coming off of a loss, he took a short notice fight with Nik Lentz, and he’s hoping to show more of his skill set now that he has a full camp under his belt. Holtzman is a significant favorite at -315 while McBride pays out at +245.

Lightweight Bout: Scott Holtzman (9-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Michael McBride (8-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: McBride is four inches taller and has six inches of reach on Holtzman. Touch of gloves to get us going. Holtzman circling on the outside, McBride lands a leg kick. Holtzman lands a flush left hook. Hard right from Holtzman but McBride fires back. They clinch up and Holtzman has McBride on the fence. Holtzman avoids a takedown attempt and lands a knee to the body. Holtzman moves to a hip, gets McBride down but McBride threatens with a kimura, Holtzman gets on top though and now has his arm free. Holtzman stands out of his guard and makes him stand back up. McBride lands a bit of a body kick. McBride lands another body kick, Holtzman lands a couple of leg kicks. Holtzman again with that misdirection left that drops McBride this time, and he makes McBride stand. They trade again, McBride took a kick to the groin as he tried a side kick, he’ll get time to recover. Replay confirms that was a groin shot, pretty nasty one too, but he’s ready to continue after a minute or so. Holtzman lands a bit of a right, he’s finding the target now. McBride lands a counter right. McBride lands a leg kick. Holtzman lands a wicked sounding left hook, McBride stays upright though. Holtzman lands a leg kick. Holtzman lands another left hook. Overhand right from Holtzman lands. A couple of left hooks then a right land for Holtzman, McBride times one and hits a single leg then transitions to the back but Holtzman scrambles to his knees quickly and McBride winds up on his back. Holtzman into the ride position while McBride uses a kimura attempt to regain his feet. McBride rolls holding the double wrist lock into the guard of Holtzman as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holtzman

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Holtzman lands a leg kick. Holtzman ducks in and lands a left hook. We get time called for a lost mouthpiece, McBride just puts it back in though. Holtzman lands a right, eats a body kick then lands a leg kick. Holtzman still bobbing and weaving in and out. Holtzman lands an elbow in close, McBride dives for a low single leg, he’s got him down but Holtzman gets back up quickly, McBride had a leg only kneebar starting to develop before Holtzman escaped. Holtzman lands a couple of leg kicks, that lead leg is nearly compromised at this point. Holtzman catches a body kick and pushes McBride over. Holtzman lands a few hammer fists from half guard, McBride threatens with a heel hook but he’s got no control over the knee line. McBride lands a right, he might be switching to a calf slicer but Holtzman is pulling free, McBride into the rear waist lock as they stand and he tries to drag Holtzman back down. Holtzman spins into him though and winds up in his guard. Holtzman lands a few lefts. Holtzman has McBride stacked on the fence and is landing lefts. Holtzman postures up and lands some hard lefts, McBride trying to set up an omoplata sweep, Holtzman gets his arm free and lands a right. Holtzman stands and makes McBride get back up. Holtzman lands a one two combination, McBride tries a low single leg and Holtzman avoids it then lands a couple of leg kicks. McBride hanging out on his back, Holtzman lands another leg kick then passes towards side control as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Holtzman lands a hard leg kick then a stiff right hand. McBride misses some kicks. Holtzman lands an uppercut then a right hook. McBride misses a diving single leg, Holtzman stands over him and lands a leg kick then makes him stand back up. Holtzman lands a leg kick. McBride has switched his stance a bit now. Holtzman trying a left high kick but it’s blocked. Holtzman misses a high kick and lands a couple of leg kicks. Holtzman with another leg kick. Holtzman lands the left hook again then a leg kick, this is getting more and more one sided as time goes on. McBride lands an uppercut then a left, Holtzma gets a single leg and has the ride position as McBride holds a double wrist lock. McBride is trying to set up that kimura roll, Holtzman spins around into side control and lands a series of hard elbows. McBride gets half guard now. Holtzman looking to pass, lands a few punches as he postures up but can’t pass the half guard. McBride towards full guard, Holtzman stands, lands a leg kick then comes back into the guard with a right. Holtzman stands, eats a bit of an up kick, lands a leg kick then another couple of them. Holtzman back into the guard and throws some more punches, McBride tries a triangle armbar as time expires.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Scott Holtzman via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Holtzman on the mic now as his home state crowd cheers him on. Asked about trying so hard to get the finish he says that McBride was like Gumby, he struggled to find the range and really put him away and he plans on going back to the drawing board. He engages the crowd a bit, thanks the UFC and says this is the best job he’s ever had.

Dustin Ortiz has earned a top ten ranking while going 5-4 in the UFC though one of those was a Clucky decision to John Moraga and the others are to top contenders Joseph Benavidez, Wilson Reis, and Jussier Formiga. Ortiz is coming off of a win and if he wants to move up from high level gatekeeper to possible contender he must get another win here. Brandon Moreno is on an impressive ten fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC with wins over Louis Smolka and Ryan Benoit, if he can take out Ortiz he’ll find himself in title contention in the near future. Ortiz has the slight favor of the odds makers here at -135 to +105 for Moreno.

Flyweight Bout: #10 Brandon Moreno (13-3, 125 lbs.) vs. #9 Dustin Ortiz (16-6, 124.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moreno has two inches of height and a significant five of reach on Ortiz. Touch of gloves to get us going. Ortiz moving forward, ducks a left and gets the clinch against the fence. Ortiz lands a few short rights in the clinch, he moves to the rear waist lock quickly. Moreno breaking the grip, Ortiz switching towards a knee tap but Moreno is holding a double wrist lock to block that. Ortiz gets his wrist free and hits the single leg, Moreno scrambles back up immediately but Ortiz hits a double leg against the fence. Ortiz to the back but has no hooks in yet, just holding the rear waist lock. Moreno back up but still stuck in the clinch. Ortiz drags Moreno down, Moreno back up but eats a knee as he does so and Ortiz is still on him like glue. Moreno finally greaks the grip and spins free. They both miss a few blows, Moreno lands a body kick but Ortiz takes him down off of it. Moreno looking to wall walk, Ortiz has the rear waist lock again. Ortiz landing knees to the thigh, Moreno holds another double wrist lock and kind of pulls guard with it. Ortiz lands elbows to the thigh and body, Moreno uses the kimura grip to roll into full mount, lovely sweep there. Ortiz rolls Moreno back again, Moreno up but Ortiz lands on him and then gets him back to the mat with a rear waist lock. Moreno up again, Ortiz still all over him. They break just a second before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortiz

ROUND TWO: Ortiz comes out quickly, both men shadow boxing a bit. Moreno lands a low leg kick. Moreno keeping distance better this round, both men still missing a lot so far. Ortiz lands a leg kick, Moreno lands an inside leg kick. Moreno blocks a high kick and lands a heavy inside leg kick. Ortiz lands a bit of a left. They trade rights in close. Ortiz lands a leg kick. Ortiz eats a body shot but lands a right. Moreno lands a right, Ortiz hits a double leg though and has Moreno down against the fence. Moreno on his knees, Ortiz into the ride position. Ortiz lands a knee to the body and gets one hook in. Moreno back up and is able to separate. Moreno lands a head kick that drops Ortiz, Ortiz gives up his back and Moreno has a body triangle and is after the choke. Ortiz trying to hand fight, Moreno riding him and still looking for the choke. Ortiz to his knees, Moreno holding the body triangle and still after the choke. Moreno has it in tight, Ortiz goes out in the choke and the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brandon Moreno via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:06 of Round 2

Big big win for Moreno, he’s beaten Smolka, Benoit, and now Ortiz, the man is for real. Ortiz grabs the mic and puts over Moreno as a tough kid and that this was just a minor setback, classy move to put him over like that. Moreno on the mic now, he puts over Ortiz as strong physically and says he adjusted the game plan just a bit and it worked out. He talks us through the finish and thanks his coaches for seeing that switch kick and calling for it. Asked who he wants next he says he had some names but wants to wait a bit before calling them out. He says maybe not today, tomorrow, or the next month, but he will be champion one day to close out the interview.

Here’s the full finish, head kick to choke out. Really small opening he capitalized on for the kick then again to get the back, Moreno is someone to pay attention to.

Thales Leites is in his second UFC run and got off to a good start but has hit a rough patch lately. He’s 1-3 in his last four fights and is coming off of a loss to Krzysztof Jotko, if he wants to avoid his second losing streak in five fights he has to get a win here. Sam Alvey is 7-3 in the UFC and currently on a notable four fight winning streak that has seen him near the top ten rankings, if he can get that streak to five at the expense of Leites he’ll likely make the top ten and earn a bigger opportunity his next time out. Despite their recent trends Leites’ experience has him a slight -130 favorite to the near even +100 payout on Alvey.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Sam Alvey (30-8 1 NC, 184 lbs.) vs. #11 Thales Leites (26-7, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alvey is an inch taller but Leites has two and a half inches of reach on him. Alvey fighting southpaw, Leites opens with a hard inside leg kick. Alvey backing up a bit, blocks a head kick. Leties lands another inside leg kick then lets Alvey off of the fence. Leites circling now, Alvey blocks another high kick. Leites lands another inside leg kick. Alvey isn’t trying to close the distance and is getting chewed up with kicks while out of counter range. Leites lands a right. Another inside leg kick from Leites. Alvey lands a jab but eats another leg kick. Leites lands again to the inside of the lead leg. Alvey is even more immobile than usual right now. More inside leg kicks from Leites. They trade, Leites took a right that has him backing up. Leites circling now, lands another inside leg kick. Alvey just misses a straight left. Alvey moving forward, Leites reaches for a single leg, Alvey defends and lands a knee to the head. Alvey blocks a head kick. Leites circles away and slips a left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Leites

ROUND TWO: Alvey said his lead ankle was tweaked on that first inside leg kick and that’s what’s causing him the issues with his mobility. Alvey is limping a bit on that lead leg, and Leites lands an inside leg kick. Alvey walking forward. Leites with another inside leg kick. Alvey starting to close distance, they both miss some hooks. Alvey checks an inside leg kick. Alvey trying to walk forward, Leites circling away from the fence. Alvey lands a bit of a left but eats a counter left hook. Alvey lands a bit of a glancing left. Alvey lands a left in close but misses the follow up offense. Alvey lands a bit of a right and they clinch up. Alvey has Leites on the fence in the clinch. Alvey lands a knee to the body and Leites turns him into the cage. They jockey for position then break without incident. Leites lands another inside leg kick. Alvey lands a couple of straight lefts, Leites wobbled but gets the clinch and Alvey looks to block a takedown. Leites looking for a trip, Alvey blocks the initial attempt but not the second, Alvey back up and Leites holding the rear waist lock. Alvey has a double wrist lock now, he spins into Leites and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Leites but there’s an argument for Alvey, 20-18 Leites overall

ROUND THREE: Leites coming out and moving forward feinting. Leites lands a bit of a body kick then an inside leg kick. Alvey walking forward now. Leites circling but lands a groin kick. Alvey will have time to recover, he looked annoyed by that turn of events. Replay confirms that was a groin shot, Alvey walks it off pretty quickly. Alvey just misses a left then eats a body kick and an inside leg kick. Alvey is following him as he circles rather than cutting him off, Alvey lands a one two combination. Leites tries to clinch, Alvey breaks free and Leites is back to circling. Alvey catches a head kick but can’t follow up. Alvey takes an eye poke and we’ve got time again. Replay shows the glancing eye poke. Alvey is good to continue. Alvey misses a left, takes an inside leg kick. Alvey trying to move forward and Leites is circling. Alvey blocks a head kick. Alvey lands a right in close quarters. Alvey lands a left. Alvey avoids a single leg attempt, Leites lands a bit of a body kick. Alvey blocks a single leg attempt but they’re clinched now. Alvey lands a few knees to the thigh as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alvey, 29-28 Leites overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thales Leites via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Not sure I agree with 30-27, but I don’t especially care as that fight sucked after the first round. No interview. Minor programming note, the baseball game on FS1 is running long so we’ll be staying on Fox Sports 2 until it ends. If you’ve got the Fox Sports Go app you should be able to watch it there as well.

Jake Ellenberger was thought to be a possible title contender at one point but has fallen off pretty hard lately. Ellenberger is just 2-6 in his last eight fights and one of those wins is over Josh Koscheck so it almost doesn’t count. He’s coming off of a weird loss to Jorge Masvidal that was due to a cage malfunction more than anything else, he needs to prove that was a fluke and his recent change in camps will lead to a career resurgence with more performances like his recent win over Matt Brown, a loss would be his third losing streak in the last three years. Mike Perry is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of his first professional loss when he was out struck by Alan Jouban, Perry is trying to take out the ranked Ellenberger and possibly claim a top ranking for himself. Perry is the favorite at -140 to +110 for Ellenberger.

Welterweight Bout: #13 Jake Ellenberger (31-12, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Perry (9-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Perry is an inch taller while Ellenberger has half an inch of reach advantage. Perry misses a bicycle kick, lands a leg kick but Ellenberger catches it and gets a takedown into the half guard of Perry. Perry trying to get on a hip, he’s back up and they break. Perry stalking forward now. Perry lands a bit of a left. Perry lands an inside leg kick. Ellenberger lands a counter right. Perry lands an inside leg kick, he’s moving forward but Ellenberger is sliping most of his offense. Perry shrugs off a single leg attempt. Ellenberger lands a couple of lefts to counter Perry’s lead hand work. Perry lands a jab. Perry blocks a clinch attempt and lands a knee to the body. Perry lands a right to the body. Ellenberger bleeding from the bridge of the nose, I think a jab from Perry started that one. Perry lands a couple of leg kicks and a body kick. Ellenberger lands a hard left body kick. Ellenberger hits a quick knee tap but never gets on top and Perry is back up and misses a windmill right. Perry still going forward but he’s struggling to find the target and avoid the counters. They clinch then break and the round comes to an end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ellenberger

ROUND TWO: Perry back to moving forward, lands an inside leg kick. Ellenberger is breathing a little heavy, not sure if he’s trying to clear the nose or what. Ellenberger lands a right then a left and another body kick. Ellenberger lands a combination. Perry lands a lunging left hook that floors Ellenberger, Perry’s nose but busted up in that exchange, Ellenberger back up. They trade again, clinch up then break with a wicked elbow from Perry that ENDS Ellenberger! Wicked knockout, Ellenberger is still down flat on his back.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mike Perry via KO, elbow, at 1:05 of Round 2

Good grief that finish, that’s a scary knockout. Ellenberger is still down on the mat as they announce the time, I think he’s conscious at least but he’s prone. Perry on the mic now. He says he’s doing what he’s been trained to do and thanks the crowd then Jesus. He asks for a UFC fight for his coach who won a fight earlier tonight in a smaller organization. He talks us through the finish, setting up the elbow in close because Ellenberger was looking for the overhand. He asks the crowd who’s life he should ruin next, Stann asks him the same question, his response is the last guy to beat his last opponent, so Gunnar Nelson maybe. On the plus side Ellenberger is sitting on his stool at the close of that interview and seems to be alright.

In case you missed it, here’s that elbow again. That’s a scary finish.

Joe Lauzon has been trading wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights, he is coming off of a Clucky decision win over Marcin Held that Lauzon himself said he thought he lost. Lauzon is trying to get his first winning streak going since 2014 and prove he’s still a relevant fighter in the division, or at least still king of the post fight bonuses. Stevie Ray is 4-1 in the UFC and coming off of a big win over Ross Pearson. If Ray can take out Lauzon here it’ll be the biggest win of his career to date and almost certainly set him up for a big fight next. The odds are with Ray to do just that at -185 to a +150 comeback on Lauzon.

Lightweight Bout: Joe Lauzon (27-12, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (20-6, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Lauzon has an inch and a half of reach on Ray. They touch gloves, Ray fighting southpaw. Ray lands an inside leg kick. Ray lands a front kick to the body but Lauzon catches it, takes him down but Ray back up but eats a knee to the head and they’re still clinched. They jockey for position, Lauzon gets a trip takedown but can’t secure the back, Ray is after a leg to keep this as a scramble. Lauzon gets on top and lands a couple of elbows, Ray still holding the leg and trying to regain his feet but Lauzon has the back now with one hook and is after the choke. Lauzon has both hooks in now and is really after that choke. He can’t finish it but gets full mount and lands a couple of elbows. Ray trying to get free, he gets to half guard but eats a couple more elbows. Lauzon back towards mount, he stands and Ray tries to hit an ankle sweep but eats an elbow. Ray nearly completes the sweep but the cage keeps Lauzon up and he lands an elbow while moving back into mount. Ray ot half guard, now full but he can’t get Lauzon off of him. Ray to his knees, Lauzon into the ride position. Lauzon lands some lefts, Ray back up but Lauzon drags him back down and is on top again. Lauzon into half mount, it’s half guard but he’s so high on the chest it’s more like a mount. Ray hip escapes to full guard. Lauzon passing to half guard, lands a couple more lefts. Ray trying to sit up, Lauzon trying to set up a d’arce but can’t finish it, he lands a couple more hard elbows to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lauzon

ROUND TWO: Ray needs to make some serious adjustments after that beating. They touch gloves for the second round. Ray circling, lands a bit of a left. Ray lands a left to the body then a bit of a right hook. Lauzon might be a little gassed, Ray lands a combination. Lauzon lands a right and pushes in close. Ray lands a knee from a Thai clinch, then another one. They break without incident. Ray lands a right to the body. Left to the body from Ray then a straight left to follow up. Ray lands a couple of lefts. Lauzon tries a single leg, backs Ray into the fence with it but Ray stays upright and they separate. Ray lands a couple of lefts. Ray with another body to head combination. Straight left then a couple of elbows from Ray. Ray lands a body kick but Lauzon catches it and gets a takedown. Lauzon into half guard, Ray to full guard. Ray avoids an elbow and lands a couple of his own. Lauzon towards half guard, Ray trying to regain his feet but Lauzon is levels above him in mat technique. Lauzon to half guard again. Ray landing a few elbows from his back. Ray trying to elevate, Lauzon lands a right. Ray on a straight ankle lock, he should try to stand but he’s over committing on this and giving up his back. Lauzon blocks an inside heel hook attempt as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ray, 19-18 Lauzon overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Ray lands a few punches, and a left to the body then a knee to the body. They trade elbows in close. Lauzon visibly tired at this point but Ray needs a finish. Lauzon blocks a head kick. Ray lands a couple of straight lefts. Ray trying elbows in the pocket, Lauzon mostly just covering up. Ray lands a left tot he body, Lauzon tries a single leg that doesn’t work. Ray lands a hard left, Lauzon lands a jab. Lauzon lands a straight right. Lauzon lands a jab and drops for a double leg, Ray defending against the fence. Ray lands some elbows. Lauzon switching to a single leg, Ray with more elbows but Lauzon finishes the takedown. Ray trying to initiate a scramble, can’t do it though and he lands a few elbows but Lauzon passes to half guard. Lauzon lands a bit of an elbow. Ray with more elbows, he’s doing more work off of his back. Lauzon stands, Ray back up and spins Lauzon into the fence. Ray lands a bit of a knee to the head. Another knee from Ray. More knees from Ray and they break with a body kick from Ray. Ray lands a couple of lefts, Lauzon is a little wobbled. More punches from Ray, he’s teeing off. More punches going back and forth. Ray lands to the body and a left to the head. Knee from Ray, Lauzon is just covering, Ray teeing off but the bell saves Lauzon.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Ray, 28-27 Ray overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Stevie Ray via majority decision (28-28, 28-27, 29-27)

29-27? That’s odd, might have been a math error. Either a draw or that 28-27 is right in my mind. Ray on the mic now. He puts over Lauzon as being tough and hard to deal with on top, he explains why he thinks he won, puts over Lauzon again as a hero of his and says this was an honor. He says he’s 5-1 in the UFC and thinks he’s still flying under the radar as this was his first fight in the USA, says he hopes the fans liked the fight despite them rooting for Lauzon, they cheer appreciatively of his effort. He closes by saying you miss a lot when you fight, this fight was for his daughter who turned 2 on Tuesday and he missed that and almost missed her birth to make his UFC debut and dedicates this again to her and says he loves her and his wife. Nice promo.

Here’s the close to the third round.

John Dodson was a top contender at flyweight, only losing to Demetrious Johnson, but returned to bantamweight recently and has gone 1-1 since then. He’s coming off of a split decision loss to John Lineker, a fight I thought he won, and is trying to rebound here and prove he’s a threat to the title. Eddie Wineland is on a two fight winning streak with back to back stoppages of Frankie Saenz and Takeya Mizugaki, if he can take out Dodson here he’ll elevate his ranking and move closer to title contention. Dodson is a massive favorite, -500 in fact to a tempting value payout of +350 on Wineland.

Bantamweight Bout: #7 John Dodson (18-8, 135 lbs.) vs. #10 Eddie Wineland (23-11-1, 135)

ROUND ONE: Wineland is four and a half inches taller and has three inches of reach on Dodson. Dodson fighting southpaw. Circling to start from both men, Wineland pawing with the lead hand. Dodson lands a body kick. Wineland falls just short with a straight right. Dodson misses a left and just dodges a right. Dodson lands a left to the body and ducks a right hook. Another left to the body from Dodson, he’s moving in and out well. Dodson lands a combination to the body and head. They clinch up then break without issue. Wineland lands a bit of a right. They both land in close, Dodson lands a straight left to the body. Wineland lands a bit of a right. Dodson lands an overhand left as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dodson

ROUND TWO: They’re both still range finding a bit here. Dodson slips a right and lands a counter right. Dodson lands a bit of a body kick. Wineland is really struggling to find the target, and lands a right to counter a body kick. Dodson lands a straight left. Dodson lands a body kick. Another straight left from Dodson lands. Dodson lands a head kick, Wineland catches it but can’t follow Dodson to the mat. Wineland is bleeding under the right eye a bit. Dodson again lands a body kick, correction to that bleeding it’s from the bridge of the nose and was just smeared under the eye. Dodson lands a combination that backs Wineland all the way to the fence. Actually that might be two different cuts, hard to see right now. Wineland lands a body kick. Dodson lands a bit of a left. They both land power hand punches and the round ends. The crowd is booing, relatively undeserved from where I sit.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Wineland has a small cut on the outside corner of his left eyebrow. They go back and forth, both men slipping and countering but Dodson gets the better of that sequence. Wineland lands a straight right and he avoids the counters from Dodson. Dodson lands a left to the body then one to the head. Dodson slips an uppercut but can’t counter. Wineland avoids a high kick. Dodson lands three straight rights that wobbles Wineland against the fence. Dodson lands a leg kick. Wineland lands a bit of a straight right as Dodson tried a jumping body kick. Wineland avoids a rush from Dodson. Dodson lands a couple of straight lefts. Body kick from Dodson. They trade lefts then Dodson lands a body kick. Wineland just can’t find the target. Dodson lands a body kick, he slips and rips a bit in the pocket as time expires. The crowd boos again for reasons I can’t quite fathom.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dodson, numerically there might be a 10-8 argument, 30-27 Dodson overall

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

I can’t begin to understand which round Wineland won. Then again a judge didn’t give Lauzon a 10-8 first round, so who knows. Dodson on the mic now. He puts over Wineland as a dangerous striker, the crowd boos still and again I’m at a loss as to why. Dodson says he wanted the finish but he couldn’t force it, then says he’ll fight anyone who says “yes” and asks the division to stop saying no.

They announce the second inductee in the the UFC Hall of Fame for 2017, this time the Pioneer wing and it’s former UFC heavyweight champion Maurice Smith. Solid choice, Smith scored a huge upset win over Mark Coleman to claim the title. He was one of the original strikers who learned to stop the grappling dominant fighters along with Bas Rutten. Well deserved.

Ovince Saint Preux was thought to have turned a corner at one point with a vicious knockout win over former champion Shogun Rua but he’s currently riding a three fight losing streak. While two of those losses were to top fighters Jon Jones and Jimi Manuwa, he’s coming off of a loss to the unknown and somewhat unheralded Volkan Oezdemir. Despite that losing streak light heavyweight is a terrible division and Saint Preux is still ranked in the top ten, a fourth loss would almost certainly cost him that ranking though, and could cost him his stop with the promotion. Marcos Rogerio de Lima missed weight for this fight, his second instance of doing so, and has traded wins and losses while going 3-2 over his last fight fights. De Lima is coming off of a win though and if he can continue that momentum and take out a top ten opponent he’ll vault himself into the top fifteen. With de Lima’s weight issue as well as his lack of high level opposition Saint Preux has favored status at -165 to +135 on de Lima.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Marcos Rogerio de Lima (15-4-1, 210 lbs.)* vs. #8 Ovince Saint Preux (19-10, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saint Preux is two and a half inches taller and has five inches of reach on de Lima. Saint Preux fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves. Saint Preux switching his stance now, de Lima misses a leg kick then a body kick. Saint Preux checks a leg kick. De Lima misses a couple of punches then lands a leg kick and a body kick. De Lima following Saint Preux, lands another body kick. Saint Preux still circling, not sure if he’s looking for an angle or trying to tire out de Lima with movement. De Lima misses a couple of body kicks. Saint Preux misses a couple of straight lefts. De Lima lands a left then a right and a heavy leg kicks. Saint Preux blocks a high kick. De Lima lands another body kick. Saint Preux lands a jab. De Lima misses a leg kick. Saint Preux lands a body kick. They’re clashing on kick attempts with some regularity. De Lima lands a bit of a body kick. They both land lefts in close, de Lima blocks a double leg attempt. De Lima lands a heavy body kick and Saint Preux lands a left. Saint Preux lands a body kick. They circle away the final seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Lima

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves, this is the first time de Lima has been out of the first in his UFC tenure. Saint Preux lands a jab and de Lima lands a leg kick. De Lima has a kick caught and Saint Preux takes him down and lands in his guard. Saint Preux lands a couple of short elbows, de Lima is bleeding from under the left eye. Saint Preux lands some elbows, he stands and de Lima tries to sit up but Saint Preux gets a front head lock, de Lima tries to wall walk but Saint Preux pulls him down. De Lima trying for a guillotine but he’s got no legs in play to threaten with it. Saint Preux might be setting up a von Flue choke, de Lima closes half guard. De Lima’s right eye is a mess as well. And de Lima taps, Saint Preux becomes the only man in UFC history with two Von Flue chokes in the promotion.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ovince Saint Preux via Submission, Von Flue choke, at 2:11 of Round 2

Saint Preux really needed that win. He’s on the mic now. Saint Preux tells Dana White to show him the money. He says all he wanted from the first round was to get a feel and slow down de Lima, he says the kicks landed but didn’t do much and he feels great. He talks us through the finish and says he’s got that choke down from anywhere and his coach jokingly calls it the Von Saint Preux.

Al Iaquinta is on a four fight winning streak, the last of which was a somewhat Clucky influenced decision, but hasn’t fought in over two years due to a contract dispute with the UFC. Iaquinta will have to overcome that rust but is looking to prove he’s still a top fighter and relevant player in the lightweight division. Diego Sanchez has been trading wins and losses recently but is coming off of a win over Marcin Held, he’s hoping to buck that .500 trend here and score his biggest win in years. Despite the long layoff Iaquinta is a -400 favorite against +300 for Sanchez.

Lightweight Bout: #14 Al Iaquinta (12-3-1, 154.5 lbs.) vs. Diego Sanchez (27-9, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sanchez is half an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Iaquinta. Sanchez fighting southpaw. They touch gloves and we’re underway. Iaquinta circling, Sanchez lands a groin kick but Iaquinta waves it off. Sanchez misses a couple of hooks. Iaquinta lands a leg kick. Sanchez lands a bit of a right hook. Iaquinta lands a straight right. Both men still trying to find the range, Sanchez misses a right. Iaquinta lands a right hook that drops Sanchez, Sanchez back up but Iaquinta lands a left then another right that floors Sanchez, one more right as Sanchez is on his knees puts him out and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Al Iaquinta via KO, punches, at 1:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Iaquinta for his work this evening. Big reintroduction for Iaquinta after that layoff. Iaquinta on the mic now. He says this feels like a dream come true, then tells the UFC that the sooner they realize he’s the man the better everyone will be. He jokes as the crowd boos just a bit. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches and training partners. He pimps that he’s a realtor in New York so if you’re selling a house give him a call.

Here’s the finish again, really accurate straight punches in the very porous defense of Sanchez.

Cub Swanson is on a three fight winning streak and is coming off a Fight of the Year against Doo Ho Choi. In the UFC Swanson has only lost to the best, specifically Ricardo Lamas, Frankie Edgar, and Max Holloway. He’s looking to extend his current streak to four and enter himself into the title conversation now that the division is starting to sort itself out. Artem Lobov is on a two fight winning streak in the UFC after starting his run going 0-2. Lobov has a big opportunity here to take out a top five opponent and prove he’s more than just Conor McGregor’s sparring partner but a real player in the division. Swanson is a prohibitive favorite at -600 to a +400 payout on Lobov that likely has a few degenerate gamblers drooling.

Featherweight Bout: Artem Lobov (13-12-1 1 NC, 145 lbs.) vs. #4 Cub Swanson (24-7, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lobov is an inch taller but Swanson has five inches of reach on him. Lobov fighting southpaw, Swanson will switch his stance frequently. Swanson circling early, lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a body kick. Swanson avoids a right and they clinch. Knees to the body go back and forth, Swanson lands some knees to the thigh as well. Lobov pushes Swanson into the fence. Lobov hits a takedown against the fence, Swanson looking to wall walk. Swanson back up and they break. Lobov lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a right and they both miss follow up blows. Swanson lands an inside leg kick then an outside one. Lobov lands a body kick. Swanson again with the straight right. Swanson lands a body kick. Swanson lands a straight right to the body, Lobov lands a body kick. Swanson lands another straight right and blocks the counters. Lobov lands a side kick to the body, Swanson with a side kick to the thigh. They both miss spinning kicks, Swanson lands another right. Lobov lands a couple of leg kicks, not much on them though. Lobov lands a left then a leg kick. Swanson lands a right. Lobov lands a left to the body. Swanson lands the straight right again, he’s got a good read on that punch. Swanson avoids a left then checks a leg kick. Lobov lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a left. They trade lefts and Swanson lands a glancing head kick. Leg kicks go back and forth then Lobov has a combination blocked as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Swanson

ROUND TWO: Swanson blocks a combination, Lobov lands a couple of leg kicks. Swanson lands a right then a head kick and Lobov got wobbled a bit. Swanson lands another right but eats a leg kick. Swanson lands a body punch. Swanson lands a right, then a delayed left hook. Lobov lands a leg kick, they both miss rights. Power hands are traded then Swanson lands a left. Lobov lands a bit of a left and they clinch. They trade knees to the body. Lobov tries a trip, nothing doing though and Swanson lands a knee to the body. Lobov tries again for the takedown, Swanson is blocking them so far. Swanson is doing more in this position, he hits a foot sweep and lands on top in half guard. Swanson lands an elbow, they’re in the middle of the cage. Swanson lands a couple of more elbows, Lobov tries to attack a leg but Swanson passes to mount, now he’s got the back. That was a slick transition. Swanson has both hooks in, he’s a little high on the back but is using a half nelson to keep position. Swanson after the choke, can’t finish it but lands a couple of lefts. Lobov gets one of the hooks free and moves to all fours, Lobov standing and Swanson bails on the backpack position and they break. Swanson lands a left then a right. Swanson misses a right and just avoids a straight left as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Swanson pumping the jab to start this round, Lobov standing very flat. Swanson lands a right to the body. Lobov lands a leg kick and a right. Swanson lands a left hook in close. Swanson lands a right then a left hook. Another left from Swanson. Swanson lands a couple of stomp kicks to the knee. Swanson lands a right, and another right. Another straight right from Swanson, Lobov lands a left. Lobov lands a bit of a left. Swanson lands a stepping elbow and they clinch. Swanson gets Lobov on the fence. Lobov able to spin free and they separate. Lobov lands a left to the body but eats a left hook from Swanson. Swanson lands a right then a left and another right. Lobov is bleeding from under the right eye. Swanson lands a right and a wheel kick. Lobov is wobbled, Swanson is following up but Lobov lands a left to get Swanson to back off. Swanson lands a right. We get time for some reason, the ref wants to check the cut on the left eye. It’s under the eyebrow, actually on the eye lid according to Herb Dean so the doctor is in to check on it. Lobov is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Swanson using side kicks to the knee, lands a right then a left hook. Lobov lands a leg kick. Lobov lands a jab, Swanson lands a right. Swanson lands a glancing head kick, the offense from his left side is working well so far. Swanson lands a left hook. Swanson lands a left high kick, and a right hook in close. Swanson is really starting to pull away with this thing. Swanson avoids some hooks, lands a straight right. Lobov misses an uppercut, Swanson lands a cartwheel kick but Lobov catches it and gets a meaningless takedown at the horn.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Swanson, borderline 10-8, 30-27 Swanson overall

ROUND FOUR: Lobov stalking forward now, Swanson landing side kicks to the thigh. Lobov lands an uppercut and gets the clinch. Lobov dropping for a takedown, Swanson blocks it. Swanson breaks free and we’re at distance again. Swanson lands a right, eats a counter right from Lobov. Swanson misses a couple of hooks. Swanson lands a right to the body. Swanson lands a straight right, Lobov lands a right then a left hook. They clinch up again and start jockeying for position. Swanson lands a spinning elbow as they break, Lobov has a heck of a chin. Swanson lands a left hook, then a bit of a right. They trade power hand punches. They trade lefts, Swanson swings a right to the body as well. Lefts to back and forth, Swanson lands a straight right. They trade a bit in the pocket. Lobov tries a single leg, blocked by Swanson and they’re clinched in space. They break without incident. Swanson lands another right, then a left and a right. Lobov might be a little wobbled. Lobov lands a body kick. Lobov lands a leg kick. Swanson with the right into the left hook again. Swanson with a couple of rights, Lobov is just eating these punches. Lobov fails on a takedown attempt, they clinch and Lobov lands a knee as they break. Swanson just misses a wheel kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Swanson, 40-36 Swanson overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the last round. Lobov lands a body kick. Lobov lands a left, eats a left in return. Swanson jabs the body, both guys are a little fatigued. Lobov lands a leg kick. Lobov lands an uppercut in close that off balances Swanson, Swanson doesn’t go all the way down and they clinch up with Lobov’s back on the fence. Swanson avoids a knee tap attempt and they break. Swanson lands a left hook, Lobov lands a body kick. Swanson lands a right. Swanson lands another right then a left and another right. Another right from Swanson and they clinch again. Swanson gets Lobov to the fence and lands a knee to the body. Lobov muscles off of the cage and they disengage. Swanson lands a body kick then a right, Lobov lands a left. Lobov falls into a single leg attempt, Swanson blocks it and Lobov has Swanson clinched on the fence. They jockey for position, Swanson lands a knee to the head. They break with a knee to the body from Lobov. Swanson lands a left hook then a right. Swanson lands a glancing left head kick and avoids a couple of counters. Swanson lands a right and they clinch again. Swanson lands a knee to the body, hits a hip toss and lands in full mount. Swanson has the back and is landing punches. Lobov back up and Swanson lands a right as they break. Swanson lands a left, they trade a bit in close as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Swanson, 50-45 Swanson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cub Swanson via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46 x2)

Lobov could have taken the first without too much issue. Swanson gets an interview now. He says his coaches kept saying Lobov was hurt but he thought they were lying, he still followed their advice and went after him. He says this is his 21st fight in the WEC/UFC and he’s running out of opponents and thanks Lobov for taking the fight. He says he wants the winner of Aldo vs. Holloway and feels it’s about time he gets that shot. He puts over Lobov again and says that you wind up cherishing the guys you go to war with like this.

Lobov on the mic now. His face is pretty busted up. He puts over Swanson as tough but thought he could take him, he plans to keep improving and to return soon better than ever.

That’s wraps up UFC Fight Night 108. Thanks everyone for reading, be that live or after the fact, that you choose my work is equal parts humbling and baffling. I think I’ve got next week off but UFC 211 is on the horizon and boy is that a stacked card. We’ll be reviewing this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, so give that a listen and I’ll be back for UFC 211. Until then thanks again for being here, stay safe, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.