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September 16, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC Fight Night 116

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MAIN CARD (FS1, 10 p.m. ET)
#3 Luke Rockhold (185.5 lbs.) vs. #9 David Branch (186 lbs.)
Mike Perry (170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Reyes (167.5 lbs.)
Hector Lombard (186 lbs.) vs. Anthony Smith (186 lbs.)
Gregor Gillespie (155.5 lbs.) vs. Jason Gonzalez (156 lbs.)
Sergio Moraes (171 lbs.) vs. #13 Kamaru Usman (169.75 lbs.)
Zu Anyanwu (263.5 lbs.) vs. Justin Ledet (244.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1, 8 p.m. ET)
Tony Martin (156 lbs.) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155 lbs.)
Anthony Hamilton (255.75 lbs.) vs. Daniel Spitz (244 lbs.)
Uriah Hall (186 lbs.) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (185 lbs.)
Gilbert Burns (156 lbs.) vs. Jason Saggo (156 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 116. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be relaying all of the action to you fine people. This card suffered a couple of hits recently, and I’m not sure it could afford them. We lost half of the co-main event when Thiago Alves fell out of his fight with Mike Perry, two days ago a potentially interesting bantamweight bout between Felipe Arantes and Luke Sanders fell apart, and half of the main cards heavyweight bout dropped out. The main event is still intact though, and sees the return of former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold as he tries to make his way back to the title at the expense of David Branch. Also on this card Hector Lombard tries to salvage his career against Anthony Smith, Kamaru Usman is trying to get people to care about his fights, and on the prelims Krzysztof Jotko takes on Uriah Hall. This event comes to us from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA with Jon Anik and Dominick Cruz on commentary. Only moderately related note, I already really miss Brian Stann’s commentary.

In your weekly update, the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission has not adopted the changes to the Unified Rules of MMA. So anything other than the soles of your feet on the mat means your technically downed and the language around scoring criteria isn’t as clear.

Jason Saggo is 3-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss to Rustam Khabilov and hasn’t fought since December of last year. Saggo needs a win to avoid his first professional losing streak. Gilbert Burns is also coming off of a lay off, his almost exactly a year, and also lost his last fight. Burns is trying to make the move from prospect towards being a legitimate contender and he can’t afford a second loss here. The odds are close but lean towards Burns at -155 to a +125 for Saggo.

Lightweight Bout: Gilbert Burns (12-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Jason Saggo (12-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saggo is an inch taller but the reach is the same. They touch gloves to get things going. Saggo misses a left hook, both men feinting so far. Both men working the lead hand, mostly missing or being blocked. Burns misses an ugly right. Saggo lands a bit of a leg kick, not much on it. Burns lands a bit of a left hook after Saggo avoided a right. Saggo lands a leg kick but Burns is starting to read and counter that technique. Burns lands a straight right then a leg kick. Burns pushes into the clinch, Saggo blocks the double leg attempt but eats a knee as he gets free. Burns lands a body kick. Saggo lands a bit of a left hook. Burns with a bit of a left, another body kick but Saggo catches it and trips him down. Saggo standing over Burns, Burns lands a kick to the body from his back. Saggo avoids a leg lock attempt and lands a leg kick. Burns regains his feet, and lands a glancing right. Burns hits a double leg, Saggo back up against the fence but Burns sucks his legs out and has him on his seat again. Burns lands a right, moves to the ride position as Saggo is on a knee. Burns lands a couple of rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns

ROUND TWO: Burns comes out and pressures forward, Saggo circling. Saggo lands a front kick to the face and a body kick, Burns might have been a little buzzed by that. They split jabs, Saggo coming forward now. Saggo sprawls away from a takedown attempt. Saggo lands a body kick. Burns lands a body kick but Saggo catches it and trips him down again. Saggo standing over Burns, nothing comes of it so the ref restarts them on the feet. Burns lands a right. Saggo lands a body kick, Burns lands one as well. Whoever is going forward is generally winning, neither man is terribly adept at fighting while moving backward. Burns lands a couple of rights then hits a double leg all the way into the guard of Saggo. Saggo is up against the fence, Burns controlling him. Burns looking to pass, Saggo kicks him off and wall walks as they clinch up then separate without much else happening. Burns lands a bit of a knee as Saggo was ducking. Saggo avoids a punch and lands a left. Saggo lands a left body kick and avoids the counter hooks. Burns misses a right, Saggo tries to throw back and Burns loads up on another right that absolutely ENDS Saggo’s night.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gilbert Burns via KO, punch, at 4:55 of Round 2

Burns had been looking for that right frequently, he finally set it up and straightened it out just enough to reach the target. Burns on the mic after that, really good way to get the event going. Burns gives glory to God, thanks his coaches for the training and his wife for her support. He lives in south Florida and his wife drove up to Pittsburgh with him. He looks at the finish and says Henry Hooft keeps telling him to believe a little more in his hands because his jiu-jitsu is always there. He puts Saggo over as a tough guy then says he’s back and wants to keep fighting. He gives love to the crowd, his family and friends then says he’s looking forward to the next one. Worth noting that Burns will be competing in the upcoming ADCC grappling event next week, the man stays busy.

Here’s the finish, he lands a bit of the right and Saggo tries to fire back with a left that Burns slips and then counters beautifully.

Krzysztof Jotko has a stellar UFC record of 6-2 and just had a five fight winning streak snapped when he lost a close split decision to David Branch. Jotko is trying to defend his top ranking and avoid the first losing streak of his career. Uriah Hall is on a three fight losing streak but has barely retained a top fifteen ranking. Hall absolutely cannot afford a four fight losing streak while a win might get him back towards the top ten rankings. Jotko is the favorite, -225 against +175 on Hall.

Middleweight Bout: Uriah Hall (12-8, 186 lbs.) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (19-2, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jotko is an inch taller while Hall has two and a half inches of reach on him. Jotko fighting southpaw, and they come out trading jabs. Jotko pressuring forward, Hall switching his stance a bit. Jotko lands a right uppercut then a left. Hall slips a left but Jotko’s pressure is clearly freezing him up a bit. Hall blocks a couple of punches. Jotko has Hall on the fence but neither man gets much off before he circles away. Hall eats a right uppercut, Jotko lands a series of uppcurts and Hall drops but regains his feet against the fence. Jotko with more uppercuts in close, Hall pulls him down to the mat and is on top in half guard. Jotko lands a couple of rights. Hard punches from Jotko, Hall just holding on trying to tie him up. Jotko into full mount, lands some punches then takes the back as Hall gives it up. Hall stands but Jotko has a body triangle and is a human backpack. Jotko after the choke, pulls Hall back down but can’t finish the choke so he moves to full mount again. Hall is able to force himself to his feet and they separate. Jotko has Hall on the fence again looking to land but Hall lands a left that gets him to back off. Jotko lands a right uppercut, gets the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Jotko

ROUND TWO: Serious question about how much energy Jotko expended in that last round. Hall coming forward to start the second, lands a front kick to the body. Hall’s left eye is swelling, not badly but it bears watching. Jotko lands that right uppercut again, he’s leaning on that punch a fair amount and if Hall reads it he could end him with a counter. Hall misses a wheel kick, and another one. Jotko pressuring forward again, lands a bit of a combination along the fence. Jotko lands a body kick and a glancing right. Hall misses a right but Jotko is backing up. Hall lands a bit of a right. Hall lands a right that floors Jotko, a few follow ups on the mat end this one. Jotko will forever regret getting as wild as he did in the first and letting Hall survive.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Uriah Hall via KO, punches, at 2:25 of Round 2

Jotko had Hall ready to go in the first and let him off of the hook, he expended so much energy trying to finish without proper technique that he got really lazy with his lead hand in the second and paid for it. Hall on the mic now. He plays with the crowd a little to start, then says the city is beautiful and thanks them for the hospitality. He thanks his coaches and family for their support. He says his losses don’t matter and it’s not over until he wins. He says he was really hurt in the first and puts over Jotko, he tells Jotko that this was just a bump. He says he couldn’t get back into things in the first but between rounds he was able to get into the fight. He says he spends a lot of time looking into the future instead of being in the present and it took until the second to get into the moment. He says he’s scared every time he fights and that’s why he does this, because even if your fear kicks your butt every now and then fighting it is still worth it.

Here’s the finish in case you missed it. Jotko gets lazy with his lead hand and shoulder position, his arms were a little dead from the energy use in the first and you can see that in his rear hand as he half reaches to parry but lets that hand fall instead of coming back to block leaving Hall a clear lane for the right to the chin.

Anthony Hamilton (15-7) has yet to get a UFC winning streak going, in fact his record with the promotion is just 3-5 and he’s currently on a two fight losing streak. Hamilton is likely fighting for his job here. Daniel Spitz (5-1) lost his UFC debut and is trying to get the all important first UFC win under his belt. The odds are close but Hamilton’s UFC tenure has him a -200 favorite to +160 for Spitz.

Heavyweight Bout: Anthony Hamilton (15-7, 255.75 lbs.) vs. Daniel Spitz (5-1, 244 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spitz is two inches taller, has six inches of reach advantage, and is a full decade younger. They touch gloves to get things going. Spitz circling a lot, Hamilton trying to pressre forward. Spitz lands a counter right, Hamilton crumbles to the mat, Spitz lands as Hamilton is on his knees and the ref stops this one. Hamilton up quickly and protesting but I think it was mostly justified.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Spitz via TKO, punches, at :24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Spitz for his work this evening. The crowd is booing a bit, they didn’t like the stoppage, as Spitz gets an interview. He thanks his team for all of their time and support then says this moment is surreal. He knew Hamilton leaned forward a lot and was prepared with that right to counter it. He keeps expecting to wake up and find out he lost, says he’d like to fight Chase Sherman because he thinks the fight would be fun and wants to fight on the upcoming event in Detroit.

To kill some time after all of those finishes we’ll head to the analyst desk with Karyn Bryant, Kenny Florian, and Yves Edwards.

Tony Martin is on a three fight winning streak, the best of his UFC run, and is looking to crack into the top fifteen with a fourth consecutive win here. Olivier Aubin-Mercier is on a two fight winning streak and is also in a position to move into contention with a win here, at a minimum a crack at a top fifteen fighter would should come to the winner of this bout. These two have very similar skill sets and records, so the odds being close shouldn’t surprise anyone, in fact we closed at a pick ’em of -115 for each man.

Lightweight Bout: Tony Martin (12-3, 156 lbs.) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (9-2, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martin is three inches taller and has three inches of reach on Aubin-Mercier. Aubin-Mercier fighting southpaw, and both men pawing with the lead hand to get things going. Some range finding leg kicks go back and forth. Aubin-Mercier lands a bit of a left. Martin lands a bit of a body kick. Aubin-Mercier misses a left. Aubin-Mercier barely misses a head kick. Martin is a little complacent with his range and his reactions are saving him at the moment. Martin lands a straight right. Martin lands a right uppercut, Aubin-Mercier tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. They jockey for position, Martin is able to get a body lock and spin Aubin-Mercier into the cage. Martin lands a couple of short rights and they trade knees to the body. Aubin-Mercier able to get a trip and lands on top in side control. Martin bucks, he’s up and looking for a takedown against the fence. Aubin-Mercier spins free and they both miss punches. They both miss again, and nothing else happens before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aubin-Mercier

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Aubin-Mercier lands an inside leg kick, he also lands a left. Aubin-Mercier has a lot more bounce in his step this round. Martin eats a bit of a high kick. Aubin-Mercier gets the clinch and now has Martin on the fence. Aubin-Mercier gets another trip takedown, a modified outside reap I think, and he’s on top of Martin again. Aubin-Mercier nearly gets swept but retains top position. Aubin-Mercier trying to pass to half guard, Martin tries to kick him off but Aubin-Mercier uses that motion to pass his guard. Martin trying to wall walk now, Aubin-Mercier happy to land intermittent shots to the body and head. Martin tries a d’arce, uses that to scramble to his feet but Aubin-Mercier has the clinch. Aubin-Mercier with an inside trip and lands in the guard of Martin. Aubin-Mercier lands an elbow and stands, Martin lands an up kick as Aubin-Mercier returns to his guard. Aubin-Mercier mostly smothering right now but staying busy enough. The round comes to a close with Aubin-Mercier still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aubin-Mercier, 20-18 Aubin-Mercier overall

ROUND THREE: More pawing with lead hands to start things, Martin lands a bit of a right. They clinch up, Martin pulls free before he gets to the fence. Aubin-Mercier lands an inside leg kick. Martin lands a left. Aubin-Mercier hits a single leg, Martin tries for a modified anaconda choke but as he tries to roll to tighten it Aubin-Mercier is able to pop his head out as it was tightening up and Martin is on top in half guard. Aubin-Mercier working towards the fence, Martin trying to set up a kimura. Aubin-Mercier back to full guard, Martin lands a few rights and looks to pass again. Aubin-Mercier to his knees, Martin has his back now with a body triangle. Martin after the choke, Aubin-Mercier defending. Martin pulls Aubin-Mercier away from the fence but he still can’t get the choke. Martin lands a few rights but Aubin-Mercier is defending those as well as the choke, he’s gonna ride out the clock here.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martin, 29-28 Aubin-Mercier overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Olivier Aubin-Mercier via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

All comes down to round 1, which was incredibly close. Aubin-Mercier gets a quick interview. He says this wasn’t his best performance but was his best victory, he puts over Martin and says that he thought he was gonna go out in the third round from that anaconda choke but he was going to pass out or get out and he got out. He puts over Martin again and says he’d like to fight in Winnipeg preferably against Charles Oliveira because he’s a little bit broke.

That’s it for preliminary action, the main card will still be here on Fox Sports 1 though. We also welcome Paul Felder into the commentary position, he’s been really good on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series so I look forward to what he can bring to the booth. He’ll be here for the first four fights.

Justin Ledet has started making some waves in the heavyweight division as he’s undefeated and is 2-0 in the UFC, if he can extend that streak here he could find top fifteen opponents in his immediate future. Azunna Anyanwu has a five fight winning streak going and was last seen winning his fight on the first episode of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, he stepped in here on short notice as Ledet’s original opponent fell through but he could make a good impression on a larger audience tonight. Ledet is a notable favorite here, -450 against a tempting +325 comeback on Anyanwu.

Heavyweight Bout: Zu Anyanwu (14-4, 263.5 lbs.) vs. Justin Ledet (8-0 1 NC, 244.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ledet is three inches taller and has three inches of reach on Anyanwu, Anywanu is just about twenty pounds heavier. Ledet starts out circling, baiting Anyanwu into coming forward. Ledet circling right along the fence. Ledet lands a couple of short jabs, Anyanwu lands a right to the body. Ledet lands a straight right. Ledet starting to get his jab going, visible hand speed edge for him at the moment. Anyanwu lands a couple of jabs to the body. Ledet lands a bit of a left hook. Anywanu lands a bit of an overhand right, Ledet smiles and encourages him to continue engaging. Ledet lands a couple of jabs and a right. Ledet lands a right then a jab. Anyanwu lands a right to the body after taking a couple of jabs. Ledet lands another couple of jabs, he blocks a right and lands a counter left hook. Anyanwu playing very safe with his output, he doesn’t want to gas out. Anyanwu lands a right to the body. Ledet lands a couple more jabs before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ledet

ROUND TWO: Ledet circling again, Anyanwu following him. Anyanwu tries a couple of rights that are mostly blocked. Ledet lands some jabs and takes a right to the body. Another couple of jabs then a left hook from Ledet land. Ledet blocks a couple of punches. Anyanwu lands a bit of a right but Ledet is blocking a lot of his offense. Ledet lands a straight right. Jab and left hook from Ledet, he’s getting Anyanwu to lean back at the waist. Ledet lands another jab. Ledet blocks a looping hook. Anyanwu lands a right to the body. Ledet lands a jab, and another one. Stiff jab from Ledet, Anyanwu is backing up now after that one to the nose. Another jab from Ledet, Anyanwu’s eyes are swelling a bit now as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Anyanwu breathing rather hard, misses an overhand right to start the round. Anyanwu comes forward, has a right blocked but he’s pushing forward and lands a right. Ledet lands a left hook, Anyanwu may have just spent whatever reserves he got between rounds with that flurry. Ledet lands a jab. Ledet blocks some punches. Anyanwu lands a bit of an uppercut in close. Ledet lands a couple of jabs, Anyanwu throws back and his blows are mostly blocked. Anyanwu lands a jab to the body. Ledet lands a jab, Anyanwu’s right eye is mostly closed. Anyanwu lands an overhand right but Ledet just eats it and lands another couple of jabs. Ledet circling, Anyanwu is getting really sick of following Ledet. Ledet blocks a right. I’m not sure Ledet has thrown more than five blows with his right hand since the end of the first round. Anyanwu lands to the body and a right to the head but Ledet doesn’t care and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Anyanwu, 29-28 Ledet overall

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

Not sure you could give Anyanwu either the first or second when you actually look at efficacy but the myth of “aggression” winning despite doing nothing is alive and well. No interview for Ledet.

They officially break that Mauricio “Shogun” Rua has withdrawn from the main event of next weeks Fight Night. That was being reported on Twitter, now it’s official. Ovince Saint-Perux, who was trying to beat Shogun for a second time in the main event, now meets a returning Yushin Okami. If you’re wondering why Okami, that event is being held in Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Kamaru Usman has yet to taste defeat in the UFC, he’s 5-0 with them and has an overall winning streak of nine fights. Usman has cracked the top fifteen rankings and is looking to continue his march towards the top of the division. Sergio Moraes is unbeaten in his last seven UFC fights, his lone loss with them was his promotional debut. Moraes has a big opportunity here to take out a ranked fighter and prove himself an elite welterweight. Usman is the biggest favorite on this card, a whopping -800 while the +500 payout for Moraes must be temping a few degenerate gamblers out there.

Welterweight Bout: Sergio Moraes (12-2-1, 171 lbs.) vs. #13 Kamaru Usman (10-1, 169.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Usman has four inches of reach on Moraes. Some feinting to start, Usman switches his stance back and forth. Moraes lands a bit of a left hook, Usman lands a straight right. Usman lands a couple of low calf kicks, Moraes already wobbling on that lead leg. Usman lands a clubbing right that drops Moraes for a bit but he makes Moraes stand back up. Usman with another calf kick. Moraes lands a bit of a left hook. Moraes trying to get into a brawl to mitigate the movement issues he’s having. Usman switching his stance frequently, lands another calf kick. Moraes lands an overhand right. Moraes lands a left hook, eats a bit of a left. Usman gets close, lands another right that floors Moraes and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kamaru Usman via KO, punch, at 2:48 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Usman for his work this evening. That also gives Usman the longest active winning streak in the division. Usman on the mic now. He tells anyone in the division who thinks they want some of this they know they don’t, he calls himself a problem. He puts over Moraes as a good specialist but says he trains with specialists and he’s ready for anybody at any time. Asked who he wants next, he calls out Rafael dos Anjos and promises to make him go back to cutting weight. He closes with I think Swahili, I’ll have to double check. OK, I don’t think it’s Swahili, probably Igbo if I had to take a shot in the dark.

Here’s the finish. Usman does a really nice little shift, he enters and fakes in southpaw, Moraes covers up but also blocks his vision doing so and when Usman goes back to orthodox at a different angle Moraes is way out of position for the straight right that ended him.

Gregor Gillespie is 2-0 in the UFC and undefeated as a professional fighter. Gillespie had a great performance his last time out and is looking to keep that momentum going en route to bigger and better things. Jason Gonzalez is 1-1 in the UFC and looking to upset an up and coming fighter while proving himself a worthy member of the roster. The odds are with Gillespie at a notable -450 to +325 on Gonzalez.

Lightweight Bout: Gregor Gillespie (9-0, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Jason Gonzalez (11-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gonzalez is five inches taller and has three inches of reach on Gillespie. Gonzalez comes out southpaw, and starts off with high kicks that mostly land. Gillespie after a takedown, Gonzalez defending against the fence. Gonzalez eats a right elbow that drops him as they break the clinch. Gillespie lands a couple of rights, moves into half guard and Gonzalez fights to get full guard. Gillespie lands a hard right. Gonzalez able to get a sweep and regain his feet. They trade in close, RoadHouse style for a few seconds. Gonzalez lands a head kick but he’s been hit a lot. Gillespie hits a double leg and lands in side control. Gonzalez gets half guard against the fence but Gillespie moves to full mount. Gillespie gets the back, Gonzalez spins into him and they wind up scrambling to their feet. Gonzalez lands a bit of a head kick, Gillespie hits another double leg against the fence. Gillespie mounts the legs as Gonzalez sits on the fence. Gonzalez looking to wall walk, gets to a knee but eats an elbow as they regain their feet. Gonzalez lands a left uppercut that wobbles Gillespie, Gillespie tries a takedown that Gonzalez defends. Gillespie after another single leg, this fight is madness. They’re stalled out on the fence right now. Gillespie gets Gonzalez back down and mounts him again. Gillespie to side control now. Gillespie gets the mounted crucifix as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gillespie, absent that left uppercut might have been a 10-8

ROUND TWO: Gonzalez comes out quickly and lands a head kick that Gillespie just eats. They trade again, insanity and Gillespie gets a double leg. Gillespie nearly in half guard, and he does complete that pass then gets to full mount. That pass was slick. Gillespie trying to set up an arm triangle but Gonzalez is defending. Gillespie still after the arm triangle, bails to land a few lefts then goes back to setting it up. Gillespie nearly has the choke, Gonzalez is able to get free though. Gillespie after it again, he’s got the position, Gonzalez trying to defend but he can’t get the necessary motion and eventually has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gregor Gillespie via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 2:11 of Round 2

Well that was some pleasant insanity, thanks to both men for that. Gillespie on the mic. He says western Pennsylvania has a special place in his heart, he won the division one national championship representing a local university. He says his training partners kick him in the head all the time so he knows how to deal with it, though he does say those kicks from Gonzalez hurt. Asked who or what is next, he says hes got fishing to do and again says he’s the best fisherman in the UFC if not all of MMA and plans on catching some muskie. Best of luck with that, those things require a ton of patience.

Here’s the finish, some really nice small adjustments from Gillespie to keep the pressure through the defense of Gonzalez.

Hector Lombard is really up against the wall here, he’s on a three fight losing streak and has officially won a fight since besting Jake Shields way back in 2014. Lombard is likely fighting for his job with the UFC and likely his relevance in the sport as a whole. Anthony Smith has won his last two fights including coming off of an upset over Andrew Sanchez, if he can take out Lombard he’ll likely have the most recognizable win of his career. The odds closed favoring Smith at -155 against +125 for Lombard.

Middleweight Bout: Hector Lombard (34-7-1 2 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. Anthony Smith (27-12, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is seven inches taller and has five inches of reach on Lombard, he’s also a full ten years younger. Lombard fighting southpaw. Smith lands a bit of a jab, he lands a head kick as well. Smith lands a bit of a long right. Lombard lands a body kick, Lombard catches it though and lands a couple of punches. Smith fighting long so far, he’s being mindful of the power Lombard has. Lombard pushes close, misses most of the punches but Smith winds up reaching for a takedown that Lombard blocks. Smith back up from his knees and is back to circling. Smith lands an inside leg kick, Lombard lands a body kick. Smith just avoids a left, and Lombard lands a couple of leg kicks. Smith blocks a left. Lombard lands another couple of leg kicks then a body kick. They both miss punches butn Lombard keeps throwing and lands a couple of rights. Lombard lands a few leg kicks. Both guys already getting flat on their feet, Lombard working the inside and outside leg kicks. Smith gets forward and lands a bit of a knee. Lombard with some more leg kicks, those have some heat on them. They trade lefts as the last blows of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lombard

ROUND TWO: Some feinting to start things, Lombard with outside and inside leg kicks again. Another leg kick from Lombard. Smith lands a bit of a right, Lombard with another inside leg kick. Smith lands a hopping knee and manages to avoid the counters from Lombard. Smith lands a glancing right. Lombard comes forward and has a combination blocked. They both land power hand punches. Lombard lands a couple of leg kicks. They clinch up, Lombard gets the back standing and pushes Smith into the fence. Lombard lands a few knees to the thigh while holding a rear waist lock. Smith spins into Lombard and lands a couple of elbows before Lombard gets to distance. Smith lands a long right. Smith lands a right that wobbles Lombard, Lombard grabs a single leg and gets a takedown as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Smith lands a bit of a left then a couple of rights. They trade leg kicks, Smith lands a knee from a quick Thai clinch. Smith lands a body kick. Smith lands a left uppercut. Smith lands a straight right then a bit of a left. Smith blocks a high kick. Smith lands a jab but misses a couple of follow up blows. Lombard lands a leg kick. Smith winds up for a high kick that misses badly. Lombard coming forward now, lands another leg kick. Smith lands a right, then a delayed jab and follow up right that drops Lombard face first to the canvas, Smith jumps on him and gets the finish with more blows to the head.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Smith via TKO, punches, at 2:33 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Smith for his work this evening. Smith on the mic now. He says he just can’t seem to start fast, he needs to get beat up to get going in a fight. He asks Lombard if he knows his name now, these two had some bad blood going into this fight. He says again he needs to address starting slow, he needs to fix this issue with his game but he just got a finish over a former world champion and feels this is a really big win. Asked about possibly moving up to light heavyweight because that division sucks he says he’ll leave that to his management for the moment but he’s open to it.

Here’s the finish, and an object lesson regarding combination work as opposed to one and done blows. He lands the singular blow, Lombard tries to fire back with just one blow and Smith returns with a combination that lands and gets the finish. Throw combinations guys, they work.

They bid farewell to Felder on commentary for the last two fights, he did very well and is a welcome addition to the team from where I sit.

Mike Perry is coming off of a really wicked elbow knockout of Jake Ellenberger, he’s trying to keep that momentum going and start moving back towards the top of the division. Alex Reyes is stepping in on three days notice here to replace Thiago Alves. Reyes has won his last thirteen fights on the regional scene and if he can upset Perry here it’ll be a big statement to the UFC fan base. Perry is a significant -500 favorite against +350 for Reyes.

Welterweight Bout: Mike Perry (10-1, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Reyes (13-2, 167.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reyes is an inch taller and has two inches of reach advantage. Reyes is a natural lightweight so he’s giving up some significant weight after rehydration. Perry moving forward early, Reyes circling. Reyes lands a front kick to the body. Perry whiffs on a right and eats a couple of counters. Reyes lands a leg kick. Perry trying to get Reyes on the fence, Reyes circling well enough. Perry lands a knee and a right, Reyes is wobbled but they wind up in the clinch. They trade knees to the body, Perry lands a couple of elbows as well. Hard knee to the head from Perry ENDS Reyes.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mike Perry via KO, knee, at 1:19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Perry for his work this evening. Perry gets an interview now. He says he worked his butt off for this, says Thiago Alves ran from him then says everyone wants to see him beat up Robbie Lawler. Well, I didn’t before but now I kind of do. Asked about changing opponent right before the fight he says he was ready for anything, The Hulk couldn’t have stopped him tonight. He closes by saying he’ll be at the football game tomorrow with tickets that were a birthday present from his girl and he asks the fans to save him a beer.

And here’s the finish. Perry isn’t the most technical guy but he’s sneaky in that you just expect a brawler and then he makes smart adjustments. In this case he bulls into the clinch but once there he alternates between elbows and knees so as to keep you off balance, an elbow to the head draws up the guard of Reyes, he grabs a Thai clinch and breaks the posture (note how far bent Reyes is at the waist with his hands up around his ears) and a knee up the middle ends his night.

Luke Rockhold is the former UFC middleweight champion but he’s coming off of losing that title over a year ago. Rockhold needs to get back on the winning side of things here if he wants to reinsert himself into the title picture, assuming said title picture becomes less complicated in the near future. David Branch is the former PFL/WSOF middleweight and light heavyweight champions, he’s riding one of the more under appreciated winning streaks as he’s won eleven fights in a row and his last loss was to Anthony Johnson of all people. Branch has the opportunity here to take out one of the very best in the division and enter himself into the title picture. Rockhold is heavily favored to win here, -525 to a +375 comeback on Branch.

Middleweight Bout: #3 Luke Rockhold (15-3, 185.5 lbs.) vs. #9 David Branch (21-3, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rockhold is two inches taller but Branch has an inch of reach on him. Rockhold fighting southpaw. Branch comes forward early, lands a bit of a right and Rockhold lands a trio of body kicks then goes orthodox. Rockhold back to southpaw. Branch misses a couple of rights but does get the clinch against the fence. Rockhold spins out of the clinch. Branch still pressuring forward, lands a couple of rights and pushes close landing punches then gets the clinch again. Branch gets a takedown against the fence, Rockhold back up immediately but still pinned on the cage. Rockhold able to spin Branch, he lands a couple of knees to the body. Branch able to spin free and Rockhold lands an inside leg kick. Branch back to pushing forward, he’s relentless with that and he lands a right as he gets the clinch again. They jockey for position, Rockhold has Branch on the fence and lands a knee to the body as they break. Rockhold lands a leg kick. Rockhold switching his stance frequently but he’s still struggling with Branch coming forward. Rockhold has a jumping kick blocked and lands a left. Branch pushes back into the clinch, Rockhold spins him into the fence. Rockhold gets a takedown, Branch grabbed the top of the cage but still couldn’t stop him. Branch has full guard, Rockhold lands a bit of a right and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Branch

ROUND TWO: Rockhold lands a body kick to start the second. Branch coming forward again, eats a bit of a right hook. Branch lands a body kick, Rockhold lands an inside leg kick. Rockhold lands a couple of leg kicks. Branch lands a looping right. Rockhold landing some calf kicks, Branch lands a body kick and gets the clinch again. Rockhold lands a knee to the body and spins Branch into the fence. Rockhold after another takedown but he can’t quite finish it. Rockhold is relying on inside trips and Branch seems to have those scouted. Rockhold gets the outside trip and immediately mounts Branch. Rockhold lands a couple of rights, he moves towards the back now. Rockhold has the back, Branch is on a hip but Rockhold is teeing off with punches and elbows. Branch is turtled up, Rockhold flattens him out and starts landing punches until Branch taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luke Rockhold via Submission, punches, at 4:05 of Round 2

Good first round from Branch but Rockhold can out grapple basically anyone in the division. Rockhold on the mic now. He says he’s happy to get the win and he wanted to take his time but Branch rushed the fight. He says he’s coming for the belt, tells GSP that he doesn’t belong in the division and that Bisping fight is his fight. He says Branch came hard and he wanted to be patient and precise but he had to adapt to Branch and says that anyone in the second round with him is basically done as he’s got his bearings by then. He says he’ll be ready to go in November and tells GSP to back out and let him step in to fight for the belt.

Here’s the finish, Rockhold’s mount is basically death as he’s one of the few fighters who’s devoted time and energy into being able to keep that position and smash you from there. Also credit to Branch, if he knew he couldn’t get out and knew he’d only take more abuse then saving the damage by tapping out was the smart thing to do.

OK everyone, thanks for being here and following along as that will wrap up UFC Fight Night 116. Sunday evening at 8pm eastern standard time we’ll be reviewing this event and looking ahead to Fight Night 117, which lost half of the main event tonight. I’ll be back for that event, hopefully you’ll follow along as well. Until then thanks again for being here, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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