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July 29, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 214 - Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier

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PPV Main Card
(c) Daniel Cormier (205 lbs.) vs. #1 Jon Jones (204.5 lbs.) – UFC Light Heavyweight Title Bout
(c) Tyron Woodley (170 lbs.) vs. #1 Demian Maia (170 lbs.) – UFC Welterweight Title Bout
Tonya Evinger (145 lbs.) vs. Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (145 lbs.) – UFC Women’s Featherweight Title Bout
#6 Donald Cerrone (170 lbs.) vs. #3 Robbie Lawler (170 lbs.)
#3 Jimi Manuwa (204.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Volkan Oezdemir (205.5 lbs.)

FXX Prelims
#15 Jason Knight (145.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Ricardo Lamas (145.5 lbs.)
Renan “Barao” Pegado (140 lbs.) vs. #8 Aljamain Sterling (139.5 lbs.)
#9 Renato “Moicano” Carneiro (146 lbs.) vs. #8 Brian Ortega (146 lbs.)
Andre Fili (145 lbs.) vs. Calvin Kattar (145.5 lbs.)

UFC Fight Pass Prelims
Alexandra Albu (115 lbs.) vs. Kailin Curran (115 lbs.)
Jarred Brooks (126 lbs.) vs. Eric Shelton (126 lbs.)
Josh Burkman (155.5 lbs.) vs. Drew Dober (155 lbs.)

– You can check out 411’s preview for the show here.

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 214. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be providing updates on the action for you all this evening. The UFC has put a lot of proverbial eggs into this basket, three title fights as well as a lot of promotional material and ad time. It’s also the last PPV before the con job Mayweather vs. McGregor event, so they’re hoping to make some money here then have basically given up on 215 as a drawing event. Anyway the fights tonight are solid on paper, even the prelims are really good. The main event is the long awaited rematch between Jon Jones and current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. There’s gallons of bad blood between these two as well as the ever popular narrative, Jones wants to move past his out of cage indiscretions and prove he’s still the best while Cormier wants to validate his title run. Also here Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia battle it out for the welterweight title and a theoretical date with former champion Georges St. Pierre, Woodley has been vocal about wanting to fight GSP given the money involved and I’m sure Maia would like being the first man in UFC history to share the Octagon with both Anderson Silva and GSP. Also the UFC will try once again to get a women’s featherweight division working, they stripped former champion Germaine de Randamie after she straight up refused to fight Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, now Justino takes on current Invicta bantamweight champion Tonya Evinger for the vacant title. Also one of the most fan friendly match ups possible takes place between former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone. UFC 214 comes to us from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, USA with Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Dominick Cruz on commentary.

For the record, because every week we do this, the California State Athletic Commission has adopted the new rules for MMA. That means more clear language around scoring criteria, qualifications for a downed opponent, and extending fingers towards your opponent in any manner other than a closed fist or pointed straight up is a foul regardless of contact being made.

Josh Burkman is a long time MMA veteran but is on the downside of his career, there was speculation that he’d either retired or be leaving the UFC to finish out his career on the regional scene after his last loss. Burkman has just one win in his current UFC run and is on a three fight losing streak, a fourth loss here would absolutely mean his dismissal while a win would be the best way to close out his career. Drew Dober is 3-4 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss and now finds himself jerking the proverbial curtain. Dober needs a win here to get his career back on track and prove he’s still got something to offer the UFC. Dober is a notable -315 favorite against a +245 comeback on Burkman.

Lightweight Bout: Josh Burkman (28-15 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Drew Dober (17-8 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burkman is two inches taller and has two inches of reach on Dober, he’s also nine years older. Burkman switches his stance a fair bit, Dober fighting southpaw. Burkman circling early, Dober lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Dober, he’s aiming at the rear leg with those when Burkman is fighting orthodox. Burkman tries a single leg, can’t get it and Dober pushes him into the fence. They trade some knees to the body while jockeying for position. They break without incident. Burkman lands a bit of a straight right then a body kick, Dober returns with a leg kick. Dober lands a lunging right hook and tries a double leg, Burkman defending against the fence so far. Dober bails on that and settles for the clinch, they break and Burkman lands a left. Dober lands a left, Burkman fires back with a left of his own. Dober lands a clean left hook, Burkman falls like a tree and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Drew Dober via KO, punch, at 3:04 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Dober for his work this evening, and is sorry to have heard a rumor that the Final Round Finish Club was looking into disbanding. Dober on the mic now. He’s bleeding a little under the right eye. Dober opens by talking us through the finish, he found a small opening and took advantage of it after properly setting it up. He says the sky is the limit for himself, he puts over Burkman and says that he wants to fight for the title and while this was great it wasn’t enough.

Here’s the finish, feinted double jab to draw the guard up then a left hook right around the guard into the jaw and that’s all she wrote.

Eric Shelton lost his UFC debut via a close split decision to Alexandre Pantoja, that loss snapped a four fight winning streak. Shelton is trying to get back on the winning side of things and start a legitimate run in the flyweight division. Jarred Brooks is undefeated as a professional, he’s fought pretty much everywhere that isn’t the UFC including Pancrase, MLF, and WSOF. Brooks is trying to make a positive impression in his UFC debut. Brooks is a slight -155 favorite to +125 on Shelton.

Flyweight Bout: Jarred Brooks (12-0, 126 lbs.) vs. Eric Shelton (10-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shelton is three inches taller and has a significant reach advantage of six inches. Touch of gloves to get us going. Brooks pressing forward, Shelton looking to counter. Shelton lands a counter right to off balance Brooks for a second. Brooks lands a leg kick. Shelton lands a straight right. Shelton lands a bit of a right, he’s being patient while Brooks bounces in and out then countering. Brooks tries a double leg, and gets Shelton to his seat against the fence. Shelton working elbows from his seat, Brooks lands a knee to the chest as Shelton regains his feet. Brooks still has him in the clinch, and hits a single leg then takes a bit of an illegal elbow. Shelton with elbows to the body, he’s staying busy while Brooks just holds on. Brooks setting up a front choke, Shelton fights up to his feet but Brooks goes for another single leg. Brooks into the ride position for a second, then towards the front. Shelton still working to wall walk. Brooks holding a front head lock, drops for a guillotine then rolls to full mount holding it, Shelton gives a thumbs up and rides out the final seven seconds from that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shelton but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Shelton moving forward this time, Brooks circling. Shelton showing the jab, and misses a windmill right. Shelton working the lead hand, mostly range finding. Brooks lands a bit of a right. They trade rights, neither had much on it. Brooks circling a lot, mostly he’s mitigating Shelton’s possible offense. Brooks tries a double leg that Shelton sprawls out of instantly. Shelton blocks a spinning back fist. Shelton starting to dial his jab in now, Brooks eats a right as well. Brooks lands a bit of a right uppercut and a follow up left hook. They both miss rights. Brooks lands a leg kick but Shelton hits a double leg against the fence. Brooks setting up a guillotine, Shelton is in a loose half guard but his head is on the dangerous side. Brooks sits back for the guillotine, uses Shelton’s flip over defense to get back to his feet and separate. Brooks ducks a right and hits a double leg, settles for the ride position against the fence and lands a knee to the body as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again for the final round. Brooks circling again, Shelton patiently cage cutting. Brooks lands a couple of punches. Shelton has Brooks backed basically into the fence, he’s doing a great job of keeping him there. Shelton lands a right shovel punch that drops Brooks to a knee, Brooks tries a takedown to buy himself time to recover but Shelton avoids it and is back to stalking Brooks. I’m a little surprised that Shelton hasn’t tried more offense, he avoids a combination from Brooks. They both have kicks blocked. Shelton lands a right. Shelton lands a bit of a jab. Brooks avoids a slightly telegraphed double leg attempt. Shelton sprawls out of double leg attempt, hits a bit of a flying knee, Brooks catches him and takes him down but Shelton closes up a a guillotine attempt as the round ends.

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

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

I can see Brooks taking the first but not the second or third. Brooks on the mic says he looked like crap but he plans on coming for the belt. He says he fights to win, he puts over the judges and Shelton then tells people to expect more from him in the future. He puts over Shelton again, thanks the UFC brass, reiterates that he’s coming for the belt this year. He says the experience was different, puts over Joe Rogan and says he’s watched him since Fear Factor back in the day. He says again that he didn’t fight at his best but he wants to take over the division.

Kailin Curran has just a single win in the UFC, she’s 1-4 in the promotion, and is on her second two fight losing streak. Curran needs a win here to keep her job, strawweight might be developing but she could easily find herself on the regional scene with a loss. Alexandra Albu has yet to lose as professional but her last fight was a successful UFC debut in April of 2015, she needs a win here to regain some positive momentum and shake off the ring rust. Despite that significant layoff Albu is a -160 favorite while Curran would pay out at +130.

Strawweight Bout: Alexandra Albu (2-0, 115 lbs.) vs. Kailin Curran (4-4, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Curran is two inches taller and has two inches of reach on Albu. Curran circling, Albu catches a body kick and lands a right. Albu lands another couple of punches. They clinch up, Albu lands knees, Curran lands a left. They trade knees then Curran lands a left as they break. Albu lands a couple of body kicks then a hard one two, they clinch up and Albu pulls full guard. I’m surprised by that one. Curran stands, comes back down and Albu rolls under for a knee bar. Albu is really digging for this, Curran bends the knee, lands a few rights and gets the back, Albu instantly able to re-guard. Curran lands an elbow. Albu wall walks, Curran gets the clinch again. Curran lands a knee to the body as they break. Albu lands a left hook then they clinch, Curran tries a trip but Albu muscles a counter and lands in Curran’s guard. Albu stands, lands a left as Curran stands. Albu lands another short left, neither woman has much defense. They clinch again, Curran has Albu on the fence. Curran lands a knee to the body. Albu able to pull free. Curran blocks a right and lands a leg kick. Albu lands a left body kick, clinches and throws Curran to the mat landing in side control. Albu lands an elbow, moves towards mount and lands punches, Curran hits a sweep and stands, Albu winds up back on the fence. They spin, and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Albu

ROUND TWO: Both women look a little gassed after that first round. Curran circling, lands a jab but eats a counter right. Albu lands a bit of a jab. Curran lands a right and they clinch then break almost immediately. Albu lands a front kick to the body, eats a counter right. They clinch again, Albu lands a couple of knees to the body then a right as they break. They trade lefts, clinch and Albu hits the head and arm throw and lands in guard. Albu lands a couple of lefts, Curran kicks her off and they trade in the pocket then clinch. Albu hits that head and arm throw again, this time landing in half guard. Curran able to get full guard as Albu lands a left. Albu lands an elbow. Curran tries a slow motion armbar that Albu avoids, Curran lands a blatantly illegal up kick. Albu tells the ref she’s good and they reset basically in the same position and Curran quickly stands. Curran has Albu in the clinch, they jockey for position, Albu lands a couple of elbows. And they break without much incident. Albu pushes forward, she lands a left body kick, then another. Curran walking forward, eats a right hook then a left. Technique is going away from both women now, but these two clearly came to right. They both land a few lefts, Albu lands a left body kick but eats a right. Albu clinches, they spin and end the round there.

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

ROUND THREE: Curran lands a jab to start the final round. They’re trading punches, again no defense but Curran is turning up the pressure, lands a good right and Albu has to force a clinch. They trade as they separate, and Albu lands another body kick. They split lefts and Curran lands a right. They clinch, spin, and break. Albu lands a left. Albu lands a right to the jaw. Albu lands another right, Curran returns it. Curran lands a right, Albu returns it. Another right from Albu then a left. Curran gets the clinch, Albu tries that headlock throw again but Curran finally reads it and smothers the attempt to land on top in side control. Albu gets to half guard. Curran lands a couple of rights, she’s setting up an arm triangle choke. Albu holding the head, gets to guard and they trade punches. Curran stands, Albu can’t get up in time and Curran is back into her guard. Curran lands an elbow. Curran lands a couple of lefts as Albu regains her feet. Albu lands a left body kick. Curran lands a body kick but Albu catches it and takes her down. Albu lands a couple of rights from guard. Curran kicks free and stands, they clinch, Albu tries a reverse armdrag but winds up on her back as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Curran, 29-28 Albu overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexandra Albu via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Fun, if unnecessarily sloppy, fight. No interview for Albu, might be a translator issue as her corner went un-translated as well. That’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on to FXX for the rest of the prelims. Alternatively feel free to use Fox Sports Go which I believe will carry these as well.

Andre Fili was to face Doo Ho Choi here before Choi got injured. Fili has traded wins and losses while going 4-3 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is looking for his first UFC winning streak. Calvin Kattar took this fight on short notice but hasn’t lost a fight since 2010 and brings an overall eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut. Kattar is trying to take out a somewhat recognizable name and prove he’s a UFC caliber fighter. Fili is a distinct -400 favorite while Kattar’s comeback stands at +300.

Featherweight Bout: Andre Fili (16-4, 145 lbs.) vs. Calvin Kattar (16-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Fili has two inches of reach on Kattar. They touch gloves to get things going. Fili showing the jab early, Kattar circling. Fili tries southpaw, lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Fili seems to like southpaw, goes back to orthodox. Kattar lands a couple of jabs, blocks a few counters. Fili has a high kick blocked, Kattar misses a couple of attempted counters. Fili goes southpaw, Kattar lands an inside leg kick. Kattar lands a right to the body. Kattar lands a long right then a leg kick. Kattar lands a left to the body. Fili lands a left. Kattar lands a jab. They both barely miss rights in close, Fili lands a leg kick. Both guys doing a lot of stance switching at this point. Kattar lands a looping left, Fili lands a one two combination. Kattar lands a bit of a right. Kattar has a high kick blocked. Kattar lands an uppercut then eats a bit of a knee to the head. Kattar gets a body lock after Fili slips and Kattar rides him down then lands a series of lefts to the head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Kattar lands a right after missing a left. Fili lands a bit of a right. Fili lands a left body kick. Kattar lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Fili lands a bit of an overhand right. Kattar lands a jab. Kattar lands a left hook then a right. Kattar lands a right, eats a bit of a counter knee. Kattar lands a powerful right, Fili is a little wobbled. Kattar lands a front kick to the body. Fili lands a body kick but eats a counter left. Kattar lands a jab then a long left. Fili lands a left body kick. Kattar lands a jab, and a delayed right lands for him as well. Fili is having more success southpaw, specifically with his left kick, and Kattar doesn’t have the same read on that stance that he does orthodox. Kattar lands a right, covers up to block a couple of counters. Fili lands a short left hook. Kattar lands a double jab then a right, Fili wobbles but stays upright. Kattar follows up but Fili defends, then get space as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Fili shows the jab early, Kattar avoiding it. Fili lands a jab. Kattar lands a stiff jab. Kattar lands another stiff left. Fili has a left kick blocked. Kattar just misses a wheel kick. Kattar lands a left and a bit of a right. Kattar lands another left hook. Kattar lands a right that off balances Fili as he tried to kick. Fili’s face is a bit of a mess at this point. Kattar lands an inside leg kick, they both duck under hooks. Kattar lands a hard right from the southpaw stance. Fili lands a left body kick and a bit of a left. Kattar bulls forward and lands a right. They both work jabs, Fili lands an uppercut in close and avoids a counter. Kattar lands another overhand right, he’s reading that left hand and countering nicely. Kattar lands a right and a jumping knee then a left. Fili is kind of falling apart at this point. Kattar catches a kick and takes Fili down landing in his guard. Kattar lands a couple of elbows and a right then stands and makes Fili stand back up. Fili has some hooks blocked then lands a body kick. Kattar blocks a high kick and lands an inside leg kick, that’s the last relevant exchange of the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Big debut there for Kattar, took on a known quantity on short notice and beat him everywhere. Kattar on the mic now. He says he couldn’t have picked a better card to debut on and he feels very blessed to be here. He puts over Fili for taking the fight on short notice, and Comcast craps out on me for a minute or two there. Thanks Comcast. To compensate, here’s a few highlights.

Brian Ortega has never lost a fight including three UFC wins. Ortega last fought a little over a year ago when he knocked out Clay Guida, he’s got to get moving if he wants to make good on his potential and move from prospect to contender. Renato “Moicano” Carneiro has also never lost a fight and has three wins in the UFC. Carneiro has stayed more active and is looking to push further into the top ten and possibly title contender status. Carneiro is a slight -180 favorite to +150 on Ortega.

Featherweight Bout: #9 Renato “Moicano” Carneiro (11-0-1, 146 lbs.) vs. #8 Brian Ortega (11-0 1 NC, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carneiro is three inches taller and has three inches of reach on Ortega. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men showing the jab early, mostly range finding. Carneiro lands an inside leg kick then they split jabs. Ortega jabs the body. Ortega lands a left hook and avoids a couple of counters. Carneiro lands a right, these two are throwing when they get into the pocket. Ortega lands a right that has Carneiro backing up. Ortega lands another couple of punches, Carneiro fires back. Carneiro lands a couple of rights. Carneiro lands a left hook. Ortega lands a bit of a right. Carneiro lands a leg kick, takes a bit of an eye poke and we’ve got time. Both guys bleeding a little. Carneiro lands a head kick. Ortega pushing forward still. Ortega lands a leg kick, Carneiro catches it but can’t do anything with it. Ortega lands a left to the body but eats a right. Carneiro lands a body kick. Ortega lands a right, Carneiro lands a jab. Carneiro misses a right, thne they trade rights. More punches going back and forth, Ortega is a little better defensively in terms of rolling with punches though. Carneiro lands a jab. Ortega blocks a couple of hooks and lands a right. Ortega lands a bit of a flying knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortega

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Carneiro falls short with a couple of punches. Ortega misses a couple of punches. Carneiro lands a glancing head kick. Carneiro lands a leg kick and a left hook. Carneiro lands a right to the body after having some hooks blocked, moving up and down with his strikes a lot more this round. Ortega misses a wheel kick. Carneiro lands a bit of a combination and a body kick. Carneiro complains of an eye poke, ref didn’t see it so they just fight on. Ortega lands a bit of a right, he eats a hard combination. Carneiro is coming on strong here. Ortega misses an elbow. Ortega lands a bit of a jab but misses the follow up punches. Ortega fakes a single leg and misses a spinning elbow. Carneiro lands three punches and eats a single counter. Ortega lands a one two then a hard right, Carneiro is stunned but starts firing back. Ortega lands a left to the body. Ortega lands an uppercut to the body. Ortega lands a couple of hard body shots, then Carneiro lands a right. Ortega again lands a left to the body. Ortega lands a right in close and avoids some counters. Ortega the one coming on now, Carneiro hits a double leg into the guard of Ortega. Ortega can’t get anything going from his back before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carneiro, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round then trade rights. They both land, these two are still throwing hard. Carneiro lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Carneiro. Carneiro blocks a takedown attempt and then avoids a high kick. Carneiro lands a leg kick. Ortega lands a right uppercut, a right hook, and a right hook to the body. Carneiro lands a couple of lefts. Carneiro lands a leg kick. Ortega misses a knee tap attempt. They both trade hooks in close, defense is going away for both men and they’re landing pretty consistently. Carneiro tries a single leg, he falls into a guillotine choke and has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brian Ortega via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:59 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ortega for his work this evening, and congratulates him on his fourth consecutive final round finish. They would also like to state for the record that reports of their demise are greatly exaggerated. Ortega just keeps on rolling, he’s on the mic now. He thanks God first and foremost, then says the fight was hard but he drilled that guillotine specifically to counter late takedowns after Carneiro got tired as the fight wore on. He says that guillotine was basically reflex after all of that drilling. Asked where he stands in the division he says he’s the only undefeated guy in the top ten left, he says he wonders if he’s going to lose and how, he meditates on that and looks forward to continued fights.

Here’s the finish, he gets that arm in place quickly then as he’s going down immediately switches his hips to lock up the body triangle from guard, even with the arm in the angle he hits and that quick adjustment to his grip let’s him stretch rather than crunch to force that very quick tap.

Aljamain Sterling just broke a two fight losing streak with a win over Augusto Mendes. Sterling is still rebuilding after that losing streak but he retains a top ten ranking in the bantamweight division, a win over a former champion could get him a shot at the top five next. Renan “Barao” Pegado is a former bantamweight champion, but he couldn’t get by TJ Dillashaw and after a two fight stint at featherweight is in the process of moving back down to bantamweight. Barao is trying to return to top form and take out a top ten bantamweight here. The odds lean towards Barao at -145 against +115 on Sterling.

Catchweight Bout: Renan “Barao” Pegado (34-4 1 NC, 140 lbs.) vs. #8 Aljamain Sterling (13-2, 139.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sterling is an inch taller and has an inch of reach on Pegado. Touch of gloves to get us going. Sterling tries a high kick that’s blocked. Sterling switching his stance and circling, Pegado more measured. Pegado working leg kicks regardless of the stance that Sterling takes. Sterling lands a leg kick. They trade glancing body kicks. Sterling avoids a hook kick, tries a front kick but slips and Pegado is on top. Sterling has near 50/50 position, Pegado is pretty safe here and looking to punch. Sterling trying to switch his hips but he’s not deep enough on the leg to really threaten with it. Pegado gets on top in the guard of Sterling. Pegado lands some rights to the body and passes to half guard. Pegado lands a knee to the body, Sterling able to get guard back but eats an elbow. Pegado back to half guard and lands another knee to the body. Sterling to full guard again. Pegado working to pass again, Sterling closes his guard. Pegado lands a few body shots and an elbow. Sterling tries an armbar, then a triangle, Pegado stands free and lands a left as he goes back into the guard. And the round ends in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pegado

ROUND TWO: Sterling firing long punches this round, aiming at the body mostly. Pegado lands a right, Sterling lands an inside leg kick. Pegado lands a leg kick that sweeps the leg, Pegado thinks about an anaconda choke, has the grip but bails on it and they both stand again. Sterling lands a left then a left to the body. They clinch up, Sterling gets Pegado on the fence and is after a double leg. Sterling tries to push him over, gets to a hip and has the back. Pegado tries to shake him off, Sterling is a little high and Pegado is looking to spin into him. Sterling riding the back well, he’s after the choke but Pegado is defending. Pegado gets one of those hooks out, Sterling switches to a body triangle to compensate. Sterling has good control here, he lands a few punches here and there to try and open up the choke. Sterling lands a hard couple of rights, Pegado spins and has full guard now. Sterling lands a couple of elbows. Pegado tries a triangle choke, Sterling pushes an arm through it. Sterling lands a few knees to the butt. Sterling lands a left, lands a few elbows that open up Pegado as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Sterling, 19-18 Sterling overall

ROUND THREE: They both show leg kicks to start the third. Sterling lands a long left. Sterling lands a front kick to the face that hurts Pegado. Sterling lands a leg kick and a couple of body shots. Sterling lands a knee to the body then an upward eblow that lands and he’s after a double leg against the fence. Pegado defending so far. Sterling moves up for the clinch and keeps Pegado on the cage. They trade knees to the body, but the ref decides they’re stalling and separates them. Sterling lands a long left to the body and they both miss in the pocket. Sterling lands a bit of a left. Pegado plodding forward. Sterling has a left blocked, lands a right and pushes into the clinch on the fence again. Sterling after another takedown, a single leg this time but still can’t finish it and the ref separates them after they stall. Sterling lands a straight left. Sterling lands a bit of a head kick. Pegado misses a couple of punches. Sterling lands a left then a jab. Pegado tries a double leg, Sterling blocking against the fence so far. Pegado switches to get the back standing, Sterling fighting the grip and looking to turn into him. Pegado gets a takedown, Sterling back up, Pegado takes his back, Sterling slams him onto his head and time runs all the way down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling, 29-27 Sterling overall

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

I’m surprised that anyone gave Sterling the first, he got controlled and spent the majority of that round on his back doing very little. Sterling on the mic now. He says he came up quickly in the UFC and lost close split decisions to top ranked guys but he’s still good and this is the funk-jitsu era.

A few quick highlights, best Sterling has ever looked really, he fought well at distance and his grappling is still superb.

Ricardo Lamas has been a top featherweight for years, his only losses in the UFC are to Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, and Max Holloway, and retains a top five ranking here. Lamas is trying to prove he’s still at the elite level and possibly get another crack at the title. Jason Knight is on a four fight winning streak that has seen him crack the top fifteen rankings. Lamas represents a significant step up in competition though, and Knight could launch himself into the top ten with a fifth straight win here. Knight is a slight -130 favorite while Lamas sits at +100.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Jason Knight (20-2, 145.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Ricardo Lamas (17-5, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Knight is two inches taller but the reach is identical, Lamas is also a full ten years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Knight showing the jab early, Lamas lands one of his own. Lamas tries a high single leg, Knight threatens with a guillotine and Lamas has to set him down and trie again for the takedown against the fence. Lamas able to spin and get that double leg, he lands in side control. Knight trying to walk up the cage, able to do so and get guard, Lamas stands, eats an up kick. Lamas lands a right then an elbow as he goes into the gaurd again. Knight working a rubber guard now, Lamas trying to stuff him into the fence. Lamas lands some knees to the butt, Knight working heel strikes to the kidneys. Lamas pulls free and stands, Knight tries to roll for a leg lock, Lamas avoids then takes an up kick. Lamas still standing, goes into the guard again but Knight rolls under for a kneebar. Lamas trying to adjust and roll, Knight tries a heel hook, Lamas grimaces but gets the foot free. Lamas lets him up and clobbers him with a right. Lamas teeing off but Knight firing back, full blown RoadHouse here. Lamas digs the body a few times, Knight is firing back but Lamas is finding the target here. Knight tries a double leg, Lamas defends and lands a couple of rights standing in the guard of Knight and that finally prompts the stoppage. Knight protests but I’m OK with that stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricardo Lamas via TKO, punches, at 4:34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lamas for his work this evening, and apologies for reporting rumors in the style of TMZ about our rival organization. Big win for Lamas, he holds off a young fighter and retains his top ranking. Lamas gets an interview after that. He puts over Knight as having brass balls for calling out the number three guy, he says he knows Knight will bounce back. He says they should call him the hillbilly zombie instead of Hick Diaz after that. He says he knew he’d have to keep coming after Knight, puts over his team and coaches, thanks his family for their support as well.

Here’s some of the finish, it was prolonged. Knight got sloppy with his hand position and ate a hook that started the end, Lamas stayed composed while finishing instead of getting wild and possibly punching himself out and allowing Knight to recover.

That’s it for prelims, we’re on to PPV for the rest of the card.

Jimi Manuwa has emerged as a top five light heavyweight between his current winning streak and the loss of two other top five fighters, it’s public knowledge that he was on this card to fill in for either half of the main event if it fell through. Despite basically being backup, Manuwa has a solid claim for a title shot with another win here. Volkan Oezdemir catapulted himself into the top five with just two UFC wins, such is the state of the division, but if he can get a third here he could overtake Manuwa’s spot as the presumptive number one contender to the title. While another close fight according to the odds they lean towards Manuwa at -185 to +150 for Oezdemir.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #3 Jimi Manuwa (17-2, 204.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Volkan Oezdemir (14-1, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oezdemir is an inch taller while Manuwa has four and a half inches of reach on him. Manuwa is also a full decade older. They touch gloves to get us going. Oezdemir lands a leg kick. They clinch up in the middle of the cage, Oezdemir lands an elbow as Manuwa pushes him into the fence. Oezdemir lands some short uppercuts and wobbles Manuwa, he follows up as Manuwa falls, Manuwa goes stiff on the mat and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Volkan Oezdemir via KO, punches, at :42 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Oezdemir for his work this evening. Oezdemir generates stupid power in short distances. Oezdemir on the mic, he jokes that there’s something in his gloves given how he’s putting guys out. He talks us through the finish, says he drew inspiration from the first Jones vs. Cormier fight in terms of setting up uppercuts in close quarters. Asked where he stands in the division he jokes that he has no time and wants a title shot next.

Here’s the finish, just powerful short punches that land where they’re supposed to from Oezdemir.

Robbie Lawler (27-11 1 NC) is the former UFC welterweight champion and has lost just twice since returning to the UFC, he is coming off of losing his title just about one year ago. Lawler is trying to bounce back from that loss and move back towards title contention. Donald Cerrone (32-8 1 NC) just lost his first fight at welterweight when he was stopped by Jorge Masvidal, despite that set back Cerrone is on one of the best runs of his career only losing twice since 2014, if he can take out a former champion like Lawler he could easily find himself in position to either fight for the title or in a clear cut number one contenders bout. Lawler, the more credentialed welterweight, enjoys a slight edge in the odds of -160 while a Cerrone victory pays out at +130.

Welterweight Bout: #6 Donald Cerrone (32-8 1 NC, 170 lbs.) vs. #3 Robbie Lawler (27-11 1 NC, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerrone is two inches taller while Lawler has an inch of reach on him. Lawler fighting southpaw. Lawler opens with a one two that mostly lands, they clinch and Lawler opens with knees to the body and head, elbows, uppercuts, Cerrone fires back with a knee or two and they break. Lawler avoids a punch and lands a left uppercut. Cerrone’s right eye is already nearly closed from swelling. They clinch again, Cerrone lands a knee to the body and they break. Cerrone lands a straight body kick, Lawler gets the clinch again and has Cerrone on the fence. Lawler lands a couple of rights, Cerrone lands an elbow. Lawler with another uppercut, they trade knees to the body while still jockeying for position. Cerrone lands an elbow as they break apart. Cerrone tries a double leg and they clinch again, Cerrone is trying to avoid middle distance, he wants either all the way out at distance or all the way in the clinch. They break again, Cerrone just misses a head kick. Lawler pushing forward, lands a knee to the head of a ducking Cerrone. Lawler lands a left body kick but Cerrone catches it and finally gets his takedown into the guard of Lawler. Cerrone looking to pass, lands a couple of body shots and an elbow. Cerrone passes to half guard, looks to pass into mount but Lawler blocks and he has to settle for side control. Cerrone into north-south now. Cerrone lands a knee to the body, Lawler scrambles up and they’re clinched, Cerrone lands an elbow as they break and Lawler wobbles for a second. Lawler lands a body kick, Cerrone returns with a high kick. Lawler lands an inside leg kick, Cerrone lands a body kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lawler

ROUND TWO: They got the swelling under Cerrone’s right eye under control between rounds. They touch gloves for the second round. Cerrone lands a jab after checking an inside leg kick. Lawler blocks a high kick. Cerrone lands a leg kick, Lawler eats a couple of punches. Lawler might have punched himself out a bit, he has a head kick blocked. They clinch, Cerrone lands an elbow and separates. Cerrone working front kicks to the belly, similar to the blow Rory MacDonald had so much succes with. Cerrone lands a kick to the chest after a brief clinch. Cerrone misses a combination but Lawler is very passive so far. Lawler lands a body kick, Cerrone lands a leg kick. Cerrone avoids a head kick and lands a couple of counter punches. They clinch, Cerrone lands a knee to the body before they break. Lawler lands a body kick. Cerrone lands a left hook after missing a couple of rights, then lands a body kick. Cerrone tries a double leg, bails to land a knee to the body then tries a high kick that’s blocked. Cerrone lands a leg kick. Lawler blocks a high kick. Lawler getting his legs back under him and circling but he eats a combination, Cerrone really teed off with punches and elbows then got away from a counter. They trade leg kicks. Cerrone lands a straight right as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cerrone, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Lawler lands a bit of a left. Cerrone lands a left uppercut. Lawler lands a bit of a head kick and just misses a couple of punches. Lawler lands a couple of body kicks, misses a head kick and they clinch. Cerrone lands a knee to the body and they break. Lawler with some serious pressure so far this round, lands another body kick. Cerrone moving around, lands a front kick to the body. Cerrone lands a couple of short rights in close. Cerrone doing a good job of faking a double leg then landing short punches before angling off. Lawler misses a combiantion, Cerrone tries a double leg but has to settle for a clinch. They break without incident. Lawler lands a right uppercut, Cerrone lands a couple of rightsin close. Cerrone lands a rising elbow, Lawler just wont be deterred. Lawler blocks a double leg attempt. Lawler lands a body kick. Cerrone lands a head kick. Lawler with another body kick. Lawler lands a three punch combination, Cerrone lands three of his own. Lawler lands a left to the body, he’s jsut not letting Cerrone set himself this round. Lawler blocks a head kick. Cerrone lands a bit of a combination, tries a double leg but Lawler blocks it. Cerrone lands a left hook. They trade body shots and clinch. Lawler lands a right, misses a right as they break then lands a body kick. Lawler lands a right. They both trade in close, they both block head kicks as time runs out. I want two more rounds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Great fight. Lawler on the mic now. He says he felt the fight was up in the air and came down to the third round, he dedicates the fight to Matt Hughes who’s fighting a much more important fight and is fighting a lot harder. He says he wanted to jump on Cerrone but Cerrone is tough and wouldn’t go away. Asked about Woodley vs. Maia, he just wants to spend time with his family and go visit his old friend Matt Hughes.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino is one of the best female MMA fighters ever, she hasn’t lost since her professional debut in 2005, is the former Strikeforce and Invicta featherweight champion and tonight looks to cement her legacy in the sport by adding the UFC’s featherweight title to her resume. Tonya Evinger is the reigning Invicta bantamweight champion, she took this fight on relatively short notice when Megan Anderson fell out. Evinger is on a career best run and hasn’t lost since she was bested by Sara McMann in 2011, if she could take out Justino here she’d end one of the most dominant streaks in women’s MMA and secure a UFC title for herself. Justino is a massive -1100 favorite, Evinger would pay out at +650, a win for Evinger wouldn’t be the biggest numerical upset in MMA history (it’s still Sokoudjou over Rogerio Nogueira for any trivia buffs) but it would certainly rate in the top ten.

Women’s Featherweight Title Bout: Tonya Evinger (19-5 1 NC, 145 lbs.) vs. Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (17-1 1 NC, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Justino is half an inch taller and Evinger has two inches of reach on her. They touch gloves to start things off. They goth show the jab early, Evinger lands a leg kick but eats a left hook that drops her, Justino makes her get back up. Evinger lands a jab, tries a leg kick but eats a straight right. Evinger back to the fence, grabs the clinch to avoid more damage. Evinger tries a trip, Justino smothers her, lands a punch from top position, then makes Evinger regain her feet. Justino avoids a looping right. Justino lands a combination, Evinger is hanging tough though. Evinger feinting forward, Justino lands an inside leg kick. Leg kick from Justino, and she avoids a right. Evinger lands a couple of jabs. Justino just misses a head kick, lands a knee but Evinger is after a double leg against the fence now. Justino is blocking so far, Evinger trying for a reap and gets Justino to her seat. Justino back up immediately, Evinger holding the clinch. Evinger with another outside reap, Justino back up and lands a heavy knee to the body as Evinger disengages. Justino takes an eye poke and we’ve got time for her to recover. Replay confirms the poke. The doctor is in to double check the eye, he’s OK with it going forward and Justino is ready to continue. They touch gloves on the restart. Justino lands an inside leg kick. Justino lands a right, a knee to the body in close and Evinger tries to tie up. Justino throws Evinger down and just misses a head kick as Evinger regains her feet. Justino lands a couple of rights then a body kick, Evinger tries to tie up again but she can’t control Justino. Evinger takes a hard body shot then a head kick. Evinger stays upright, Justino lands an inside leg kick. Methodical fight from Justino so far. Justino lands a haymaker that stuns Evinger. Justino lands a knee to the head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Justino

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Justino lands an inside leg kick. Evinger is a little unsteady on that lead leg. Another inside leg kick from Justino, and another. Justino avoids a couple of jabs and lands a left. Evinger lands a bit of a right. Justino lands a bit of a head kick then an inside leg kick. Justino lands a leg kick. Justino lands a left hook then a straight left. Justino lands a couple hooks in close then a knee to the body. Evinger lands a bit of a right. Justino backing Evinger up, lands a left. They clinch, Justino lands a head kick as they break. Evinger is tough as nails, it needs to be said. Justino misses a head kick. Evinger misses a right, Justino lands a left that straightens her up for a moment. Justino lands a heavy leg kick. Justino lands an inside leg kick. Justino lands a straight right, and another. Evinger is rolling a little with these. Justino misses a left hook. Inside leg kick from Justino. Justino lands a right to the body. Evinger just avoids a left high kick. They clinch up and the round ends there.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Justino, 20-16 Justino overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the third round. Justino lands an inside leg kick, she avoids a right and lands a left hook. Justino lands a leg kick. Justino lands an overhand right, and a head kick. Evinger is still upright. Justino lands a right, Evinger finally falls, Justino lands some hard leg kicks then makes Evinger stand again. Justino lands a spinning back kick to the body. Stiff jab from Justino then a leg kick. Justino lands a right then a couple of knees from a clinch. More knees, one to the head crumples Evinger and this is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion – Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino via TKO, knees, at 1:56 of Round 3

This title for Justino has been a long time coming, and she performed exceptionally here. Justino on the mic now. She doesn’t have words but thanks the fans for their support and for being here. She says she’s still learning and getting better and feels this was the perfect time for her to win the title. She says she’s very happy, thanks her team for their support, thanks Dana White for the opportunity, thanks the fans for their support over the years and her family as well.

The UFC announces their debut on mainland China for November 25th, in Shanghai. Cool moment for them.

Demian Maia (25-6) once fought for the middleweight title and tonight tries to become the welterweight champion. Maia hasn’t lost since 2013 and has an overall winning streak of seven coming into this title fight. Tyron Woodley (17-3-1) is the reigning UFC welterweight champion, he’s retained his title twice since taking it from Robbie Lawler and is looking to extend that here. Woodley is aiming for a big payday date with former champion Georges St. Pierre if he’s successful here as well as further cementing his legacy as champion. The odds lean towards Woodley here, for the first time in three fights, at -205 against +165 on Maia.

Welterweight Title Bout: (c) Tyron Woodley (17-3-1, 170 lbs.) vs. #1 Demian Maia (25-6, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Maia is four inches taller while Woodley has two inches of reach on him. Maia fighting southpaw. Woodley circling early, both men showing the jab early. Maia after a single leg, he nearly trips Woodley down but Woodley breaks free. Woodley lands a right after Maia tries to close distance again and stays free. Maia after another single leg against the fence, Woodley hand fighting well and keeps him from locking his hands then spins free. Maia misses a left. Maia has Woodley on the fence again, shoots for a single leg, Woodley grabs the fence to stay upright and they break. The ref warns Woodley and tells him another fence grab will result in a point deduction. Woodley lands a left and is able to avoid another single leg attempt. Maia lands a left, takes a right. Lots of staring and feinting. Maia blocks a right. Maia after a double leg, Woodley sprawls free. Maia lands a straight left. Woodley circling along the fence, they both stare away the last fifteen seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Woodley

ROUND TWO: Maia’s left eye was swelling up after that round, it bears watching. Woodley comes out southpaw, goes orthodox very quickly. Woodley lands a right. Maia backing up, Woodley lands an inside leg kick. Maia lands a bit of a left. Woodley ducks a left and lands a right that drops Maia, he makes Maia stand back up rather than follow him to the mat. Maia lands a straight left. Woodley has a couple of rights blocked. Maia circling along the fence now. Maia tries a low single leg, Woodley gets free immediately. Woodley lands a right to the body then an inside leg kick. Woodley runs away from a low single leg attempt. Woodley backing up now, circling as well. Woodley showing the jab now. Woodley lands a bit of a right and avoids a double leg attempt. Maia blocks a right. Woodley lands a right to the body. Maia lands a left. More circling and feinting. They stare away the last ten seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: The doctor is in to check Maia’s left eye between rounds, says he can continue so we’re off for the third round. Maia misses a left, Woodley misses a couple of rights then limp legs out of a single leg attempt. They both miss power hand punches. Maia blocks a right. Woodley lands a bit of a right to the body. Woodley lands an inside leg kick. Woodley is trying to set up his offense but he’s not doing it with action but rather feints. Woodley is also avoiding combinations, he’s one or two and done. By contrast, Maia is mostly standing and feinting trying to get close enough for a takedown. Woodley lands an inside leg kick. Maia lands a glancing left. They both land power shots, Maia tries a double leg but Woodley’s sprawl is immediate and powerful. Maia lands a bit of a left. Maia lands an inside leg kick. Maia lands another inside leg kick and blocks a couple of punches. They literally stare the last five seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia I guess, 29-27 Woodley overall

ROUND FOUR: More circling, Woodley nearer the fence so far. Maia avoids a couple of punches. Woodley lands a right to the body. Maia tries a single leg, stuffed easily. They trade a couple of single punches. Maia lands a bit of a left, tries a single leg against the fence, Woodley grabs the fence but is able to angle away from the attempt and break free. Woodley lands a bit of a right. Maia lands a left, eats a bit of a counter right. Maia tries a single leg, Woodley again limp legs free. Maia pushing forward now, Woodley circling. They land glancing power hand punches, Maia lands an inside leg kick. Maia misses a left. Woodley slips a left and lands a right. So much feinting and circling.

SCORECARD: 10-10 DRAW, 39-37 Woodley overall

ROUND FIVE: Maia tries a double leg to start the last round, nearly pulls guard, reverses to drive forward, but Woodley is able to remain upright. Maia ducks a right and tries a single leg but Woodley avoids it. Maia after a single leg, Woodley limp legs free again. Maia tries another single leg, not even close. Maia pushing Woodley towards the fence now. Woodley lands a bit of a right uppercut. Woodley lands a jab, Maia lands a left. Woodley blocks a head kick. Commentary tells me we have shattered the record for fewest total strikes in a welterweight title fight. I’m not even close to surprised. Parts of the crowd are lighting their cell phones and waving them, makes me think of Bray Wyatt’s entrance. Yeah, that’s how bored I am. Maia lands a bit of a left. Woodley lands a right, and the crowd chants “boring” as Woodley blocks a double leg attempt. Woodley lands a right to the body. Woodley lands a bit of a right. Maia lands a left. Woodley blocks a left. They clinch, and time mercifully runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia, 48-47 Woodley overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Welterweight Champion – Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46 x2)

The crowd just boos Woodley as he gets an interview. He says Maia cut the cage well, says he couldn’t get crazy and puts over Maia as tough. He says he fought two specialists back to back and looks forward to fighting a freestyle fighter in GSP in Madison Square Garden. Asked about having the lowest activity in a title fight he says he doesn’t care, he knew he couldn’t get crazy or he’d get tapped, says again he wants to fight a freestyle fighter where he can use all of his tools. I’m not sure they’ll even do GSP vs. Woodley after that.

To rub salt in the wound of that fight, we get a video promo for Mayweather vs. McGregor.

Jon Jones is the greatest light heavyweight in MMA history, his lone loss was a somewhat dubious disqualification, and he’s the former UFC light heavyweight champion. Jones lost the title due to behavior issues outside of the cage, tonight he’s trying to reclaim the title he never lost and get his career back on track. Daniel Cormier claimed the title in the absence of Jones, Jones is the only man to best Cormier in MMA. Cormier has defended the title twice, a highly competitive split decision over Alexander Gustafsson and a submission win over Anthony Johnson, but this could be the most important fight of his career. If he can win he validates his title reign and furthers a career resume that already ranks him among the best to fight in the division, while a loss would raise the narrative that his title reign was only due to the absence of Jones. Jones is the favorite here at -270 against a +210 for Cormier.

Light Heavyweight Title Bout: (c) Daniel Cormier (19-1, 205 lbs.) vs. #1 Jon Jones (22-1, 204.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jones is five inches taller and has a whopping twelve inches of reach on Cormier. Jones switches his stance with some regularity, Cormier is orthodox. They touch gloves to get things going. Jones lands a left hook. Jones lands a front kick to the body. Cormier lands an uppercut in close. Jones lands a spinning back kick to the body. Jones goes southpaw, they clinch and Jones avoids a takedown. Jones lands a side kick to the thigh. Jones lands a left hook. Jones lands a left to the body then a leg kick. Cormier is bleeding around the left eye I think, not badly. Jones landing side kicks to the thigh, Cormier lands a leg kick. Comcast fritzes on me again, thanks for that. Jones lands an overhand right as my feed comes back. Jones fighting long still, Cormier is chasing him. Jones lands a right, another side kick to the thigh as well. Jones avoids a couple of hooks, Cormier then lands a leg kick. Cormier lands a left hook. Jones lands a left to the body. Cormier blocks a left, then eats a straight left. Cormier lands a body kick. Cormier lands a right, they clinch up then break after a knee from Cormier. Jones avoids a right. Cormier has some serious volume going right now though. Cormier misses some body kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jones based on what I saw, apologies if that’s inaccurate

ROUND TWO: Jones lands a front kick to the body to get the second round going. Jones lands a leg kick then a couple of kicks to the body. Cormier lands a leg kick. Jones lands a right to the body, Cormier lands a leg kick. Jones lands a side kick to the leg and makes Cormier miss a right. We get time after a brief clinch, Cormier complains of an eye poke. No, it was an accidental head butt, they just ran into each other in close. Cormier is bleeding from the corner of his right eyebrow now. Jones lands a left. Jones lands a right to the body then a side kick to the knee. Cormier eats a left but lands a bit of a right. Jones lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Cormier lands a bit of a left. Jones with some more side kicks and a left hook as well. Jones lands a left. Cormier still marching forward. Jones lands a bit of a left elbow then a left to the body. Cormier lands a bit of a left. Jones lands a glancing right then a left to the body. They clinch again, Cormier able to force separation. Jones lands a side kick to the body. They clinch again, Cormier avoids a trip. Jones lands a knee to the body. Cormier tries a trip, Jones nearly spins to his back, they trade knees to the body as they regain their feet then separate. Cormier lands a left and they clinch again. Cormier breaks free, he’s pushing forward again and eats a left to the body. Jones has a left blocked. Cormier falls short with a few punches but he’s relentless in moving forward. Jones lands a left to the body, Comrier lands a right as the final blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jones but could see an argument for Cormier, 20-18 Jones overall

ROUND THREE: Jones circling again, lands a couple of leg kicks. Jones lands a bit of a left then a low leg kick. Jones lands a left to the body, then a right to the body and a leg kick. Jones lands a front kick to the body. Jones lands a knee to the body, they clinch then break without incident. They both miss rights. Cormier moving forward now, eats a short left. Jones lands a right to the body. Cormier lands a bit of a right as he lunges to close distance. Cormier doing a lot of following and not a lot of cage cutting. Jones lands a left to the body. Jones lands a head kick, Cormier is wobbled! Jones after him, knocks him down with a kick, starts hammering him against the fence with elbows and punches from the ride position, and the ref saves Cormier from taking more abuse.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Light Heavyweight Champion – Jon Jones via KO, head kick, elbows, and punches, at 3:01 of Round 3

Good grief, Jones set that kick up with all those low line kicks through the first two rounds then cracked Cormier flush with a head kick. Beautiful if you like violence. Jones drops to his knees in tears after they announce his victory and put the belt on him. He says he made it back and that this is a beautiful moment. He says he let everyone down but if you never quit it’s never over. Asked what this feels like after all the adversity, he says this is surreal, he thanks the fans for their love and support, says he loves them. He thanks them for lifting him up when all the negativity was swirling around him. He talks us through the finish, he puts over his coaches for getting him ready for that. He puts over a few coaches by name, talks about setting it up by getting him to bite on lower kicks so he’d lean into that. He thanks Cormier for being his rival and motivator, says Cormier has no reason to hang his head and calls him a model champion and human being. He says he’s proud to have shared the cage with him and says Cormier is a champion for the rest of his life.

Cormier on the mic now, he’s very emotional as well. Says he thought the fight was going well and he doesn’t even remember what happened. He says if the other guy wins both fights there is no rivalry, he’s still emotional and a little loopy.

Jones grabs a different mic and tells Brock Lesnar that if he wants to know what it’s like to get his ass kicked by someone who weighs forty pounds less than him to meet him in the Octagon.

Well on that note, that’s it for UFC 214. Thank you all for being here, for your insightful commentary, for the jokes, and for the camaraderie I get from all of you. I really can’t tell you what it means to me that you guys read along with my work, I know damn well all the other sources you have for this so thank you for being here. We’ll be reviewing this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, the show takes callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like on the air. Also feel free to send questions via Twitter, I’m @WinfreeMMA if you’d rather send them in that medium. We’ll also be looking ahead to Fight Night 114, and I’ll be back next Saturday for that same event. I hope you’ll join me for that event as well, until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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