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Join 411’s LIVE UFC Fight Night 127 Coverage

March 17, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC Fight Night 127

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MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 5 p.m. ET)
#3 Fabricio Werdum (249 lb.s) vs. #7 Alexander Volkov (246 lbs.)
#11 Jan Blachowicz (205 lbs.) vs. #4 Jimi Manuwa (205 lbs.)
Tom Duquesnoy (135 lbs.) vs. Terrion Ware (136 lbs.)
#15 Leon Edwards (170 lbs.) vs. Peter Sobotta (171 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 2 p.m. ET)
Charles Byrd (184 lbs.) vs. John Phillips (185 lbs.)
Oliver Enkamp (171 lbs.) vs. Danny Roberts (170 lbs.)
Hakeem Dawodu (145 lbs.) vs. Danny Henry (146 lbs.)
Magomed Ankalaev (205 lbs.) vs. Paul Craig (204 lbs.)
Kajan Johnson (155 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (156 lbs.)
Mark Godbeer (238 lbs.) vs. Dmitriy Sosnovskiy (238 lbs.)
Nasrat Haqparast (155 lbs.) vs. Nad Narimani (155 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411 mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 127. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. This card, well it’s a card. The main event is a relevant heavyweight fight between former champion Fabricio Werdum and surging Alexander Volkov, but it’s all down hill after that. The co-main is a rematch at light heavyweight between Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz, if you don’t remember the first fight just be grateful but because that division sucks we’re getting it run back.

We got a last minute change to the card as Nasrat Haqparast and Nad Narimani was called off when the medical team ruled Haqparast unfight to fight due to some infectious eye condition. I’m not really calling that one a loss. UFC Fight Night 127 comes to the world from The O2 Arena in London, England with John Gooden and Dan Hardy on commentary. As for the rules we are using the new rules tonight, so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or have a knee down), extending fingers towards the opponent is a foul regardless of contact being made, and the scoring language is clearer around 10-8 rounds. We also have the use of instant replay tonight, though only on the fight ending sequence and once it’s used the fight cannot be restarted.

Mark Godbeer (13-3) is 2-1 in the UFC though his last win was a DQ over Walt Harris, he’s trying to extend his winning streak to three and maybe get a bigger name opponent for his next fight. Dmitriy Sosnovskiy (10-0) is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he’s trying to make a positive impression and prove himself a heavyweight on the rise. The odds are with Sosnovskiy at -280 to +220 on Godbeer.

Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (13-3, 238 lbs.) vs. Dmitriy Sosnovskiy (10-0, 238 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Godbeer is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Sosnovskiy. Sosnovskiy pushes into a quick clinch but Godbeer separates. Leg kick from Sosnovskiy, bit of a counter right from Godbeer. Stiff jab lands for Sosnovskiy, there’s another clinch and Godbeer lands a knee to the body before they hit the fence. A few knees land, and God help me there’s “wooing” already. I really hoped it was just a thing in the States. Lateral drop from Sosnovskiy is successful and he’s on top in half guard, Godbeer quickly gets full guard. They trade punches but neither man has a lot on them right now. Sosnovskiy is postured up but Godbeer has wrist control, and there’s a pass from Sosnovskiy into side control. Godbeer circles with his hips and is able to get full guard back, and the ref stands them up almost as soon as he gets that position. We get a bit of brawling now that we’re on the feet, they trade uppercuts in the pocket. There’s a double leg attempt from Sosnovskiy and Godbeer is able to sprawl then move to the ride position. Sosnovskiy rolls under for Z guard, now full guard. The round ends in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Godbeer

ROUND TWO: Both guys taking a bit off the pace here, Godbeer lands a body kick and Sosnovskiy gets a clinch. They’re on the fence again, Sosnovskiy lands a couple of knees to the body as Godbeer starts appealing to the ref to break them. Another lateral drop from Sosnovskiy is successful and he’s in the guard of Godbeer. Sosnovskiy sits back for a straight ankle lock, nothing there and Godbeer spins to the ride position after he gets the leg free. Godbeer sells out for the back but can’t get it as he has no hooks and Sosnovskiy is on top again and moves to side control quickly. There’s a scarf-hold headlock attempt that goes badly and he loses the position to Godbeer in a scramble, Godbeer in the guard of Sosnovskiy now. Kimura attempt from Sosnovskiy now, more after the sweep I think, but he’s got the double wrist lock and is looking to crank on it. Sosnovskiy adjusts his grip and tries to crank but as he shifts Godbeer gets the arm free and lands a right to the body. The ref stands them up after they stall out, and we trade rights and Godbeer is rocked, he tries a double leg but Sosnovskiy uses a front headlock to push him over and get full mount. Back mount now for Sosnovskiy and he’s pounding him while looking for the choke, Sosnovskiy is under the chin and he forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dmitriy Sosnovskiy via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:29 of Round 2

Not the worst heavyweight bout in the world. Mic time for Sosnovskiy now, he says he’s feeling good and references an extended layoff which might help account for his huffing and puffing right now. He thanks a punch of people by name but his translator just says he thanked a lot of people to close the interview.

Here’s the finish, Godbeer gets a little rocked by I think that jab and a sloppy shot leads to him landing in an untenable position.

Stevie Ray is 5-2 overall in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Paul Felder, he’s trying to rebound and avoid the first losing streak of his UFC run. Kajan Johnson just returned from a two year hiatus and won his third fight in a row, he’s trying to get that to four tonight and move up the crowded ranks at lightweight. The odds lean towards Ray at -200 to +160 for Johnson.

Lightweight Bout: Kajan Johnson (21-12-1, 155) vs. Stevie Ray (21-7, 156)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is an inch taller and has a whopping five and a half inches of reach on Ray. Touch of gloves to get us going, Ray fighting southpaw. Circling from both men and there’s a significant amount of distance between them, Ray looking to stay out of range until he wants to engage I think. Johnson is doing some stance switching now, he favors orthodox but isn’t shy about southpaw either. A few front kicks to the body from Johnson have landed, Ray lands a spinning back kick to the chest. Calf kick lands for Johnson. Another wheel kick from Ray, this one misses. Lots of movement from Johnson but neither man has landed much of note to this point. Leg kick from Ray. Another spinning back kick from Ray, this one lands to the body. They circle away the last twenty seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but who knows with that limited activity

ROUND TWO: We’re back to Johnson circling and Ray trying to cut him off. The range of Johnson is really throwing off the offense of Ray, he can’t find offense. Johnson lands a stiff right, then a bit of a head kick and tries a double leg but Ray grabs a guillotine as he does so and he’s looking to clamp down with it. Johnson is able to spin free but Ray uses the headlock to get to the sprawl position. Quick move from Johnson and he nearly gets the back but they hit the fence with Johnson holding a waist lock. Knees to the body from Johnson then he gets an inside trip as they tried to move, Ray has full guard. Ray back to his feet but keeping both hands on the mat to stay grounded, Johnson knees the body then gets a mat return. Another wall walk from Ray, this time he’s able to face Johnson and lands a few short elbows then reverse a takedown and land on top. There’s a scramble back to the feet and they separate this time. Ray is punching his way forward now, lands a leg kick and Johnson’s right leg seems a little unstable. I don’t think it was from just that one kick but there’s something up with his leg for sure. Ray misses a right and gets a takedown as Johnson ducked to avoid the blow. Johnson is sitting on the fence now, Ray keeps the clinch and tries a trip, they scramble and the round ends with Ray sitting on Johnson’s head mid scramble.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but a competitive round, 20-18 Johnson overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Inside leg kick from Johnson, Ray misses a right and eats a counter left. Ray is backing Johnson towards the fence, he lands a left as Johnson circles away from the fence. Overhand left lands for Ray, he’s finding the range now and Johnson isn’t nearly as mobile. Another left lands, Johnson tries a double leg and they wind up clinched on the fence. They scramble and Ray rolls under for a leg lock, he can’t finish it and Johnson is on top in his guard now. Ray is tying up Johnson, Johnson looking to pass but can’t get by the guard. They’re stalling out and the ref stands them up. Leg kick from Johnson and a bit of a counter left from Ray. Superman punch from Ray lands. Johnson is really stationary, Ray gets a double leg against the fence and looks to mount he legs of Johnson. A few punches land for Ray, Johnson is trying to tie him up and ride out the round. Ray into leg drag position, lands some lefts to the face and really looks to tee off as the round ends.

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

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

That all came down to round one, which could have gone either way. Johnson on the mic, says that was a close fight and thinks the second round was the deciding one. He takes the fans to task for booing, they boo a little more but mostly it was the decision not Johnson personally. Johnson puts over Ray as strong and his distance closing then says that was the smartest anyone has fought him and reiterates that he wouldn’t have been surprised if Ray had gotten the decision. Asked about fighting a lot of south paws recently he talks through his stance switching and again mentions how close he thought the fight was.

Paul Craig is 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to break that streak here as a three fight losing streak could easily spell the end of his UFC run. Magomed Ankalaev is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and has finished his last six opponents, given the talent starved nature of light heavyweight he could prove himself a prospect here. Ankalaev is a heavy -700 favorite while the +450 payout on Craig likely tempts a few people who like to bet the long shots.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Ankalaev (10-0, 205 lbs.) vs. Paul Craig (9-2, 204 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Craig is half an inch taller and has an inch of reach on Ankalaev. Ankalaev fighting southpaw. Craig showing the jab early, lands a bit of a body kick. Left lands for Ankalaev. Another bit of a left from Ankalaev, his chin is up in the air on those rushes though. Hard body kick from Ankalaev and Craig backs up trying to regain his breath. We get a clinch and Ankalaev takes a knee to the groin so we’ve got time for him to recover. Replay shows a pretty clear knee to the groin, not intentional I think but it hit straight into the cup. Ankalaev is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Some kicks from Craig now, he’s missing most of them but he’s keeping distance. Low single leg from Craig, Ankalaev blocks it and lands a knee to the body before they hit the fence. Ankalaev is able to spin Craig into the fence with a body lock and lands a hard left elbow that wobbles Craig but Craig gets a takedown off of being rocked and is in side control on top now. Quick move from Ankalaev and he’s got guard and looking to wall walk, Craig looking to threaten with a choke but Ankalaev hits a takedown from his knees and is on top now. Butterfly guard for Craig, Ankalaev lands a few punches then stands over Craig, looking for an angle to return to the mat. Hard right from Ankalaev and another flurry from full mount just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ankalaev

ROUND TWO: Ankalaev comes out orthodox this round, lands a leg kick. Right and left from Ankalaev. Both guys pawing with jabs, Ankalaev lands a left as he returns to the southpaw stance. Body kick from Craig. Ankalaev blocks a single leg and pushes Craig into the fence. They trade body shots then a combination from Ankalaev lands as they break the clinch. Craig lands a right. Another double leg from Craig, he gets this one but Ankalaev moves to the fence and is looking to wall walk. Ankaleav grabs for a takedown, gets a double from his knees showing some serious upper body strength and get son top in side control. Elbows to the body from Ankalaev. Elbow to the face from Ankalaev. Craig gets quarter guard and Ankalaev lands a few punches then moves to side control again. A few move body shots from Ankalaev close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Craig tries a jab but eats a couple of counters. Hard head kick from Ankalaev, Craig is a little wobbled and tries a double leg, Ankalaev avoids it and makes him stand back up. Bit of a head kick from Craig but Ankalaev is stalking forward looking to smother him. Body kick from Ankalaev, and a left behind it. Another left from Ankalaev lands. Single leg attempt from Craig, Ankalaev avoids it and starts landing punches from a front headlock position then moves towards the ride. Craig quickly wall walks but he’s still in the clinch. They break and Craig misses a spinning elbow, Ankalaev lands a knee as he slips then a few punches as Craig reaches for a single leg. Ankalaev moves to the ride position again, he’s throwing knees to the body and forces Craig to roll and get full guard. Hard right from Ankalaev, and another as he pushes Craig into the cage. Body shots from Ankalaev as Craig tries to straighten out his lower body. A few rights land for Ankalaev. Craig throws up a trianlge choke and Ankalaev taps with less than three seconds left in the round. Horrible awareness from Ankalaev there.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Paul Craig via Submission, triangle choke, at 4:59 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Craig for his work this evening. Seriously bad decision making from Ankalaev, one second and he’d have won a lopsided decision. Craig on the mic now, he says he heard the ten second warning and threw up the attempt because he knew he’d been beaten up for three rounds and figured “why not”. He says this was the last fight on his contract and needs a new one off the back of this win and plans on working hard on his striking going forward. Craig talks us through a few points in the fight, being reversed after working hard for a takedown, then says winning here was great and plays with the crowd.

Here’s the finish, the latest finish possible in a three round fight. Ankalaev winds up with his right kind of ignoring the wrist control on his left arm, and then taps to what has to be a powerful squeeze. I still think he should have waited, literally one second and I’d be shocked if that tap was one second away from him going to sleep.

Danny Henry is on a four fight winning streak and had a successful UFC debut, he’s trying to extend that streak here and move on to bigger and better things. Hakeem Dawodu is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he’s trying to make good on the promise he’s shown on smaller shows while making a good first impression to the UFC audience. The odds are with Dawodu at -260 to a +200 comeback for Henry.

Featherweight Bout: Hakeem Dawodu (7-0-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Danny Henry (11-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Henry is four inches taller while Dawodu has half an inch of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going. Leg kick from Dawodu. Henry double jabs then lands a hard right that drops Dawodu, Henry is selling out for a guillotine and after a couple of rolls from Dawodu adjust to a high elbow variation and pushes into full mount to finally force the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danny Henry via Submission, guillotine choke, at :39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Henry for his work this evening and objects to the Final Round Club stealing our taxi from the hotel. Dawodu tapped just as he was going to sleep. Henry on the mic, he talks us through the finish, puts over his power and range as dangerous for anyone in the division. He says he didn’t expect the quick finish and puts over Dawodu’s striking but felt he was more well rounded. He talks us through the finish and says he’s going to keep working hard on training to improve.

Here’s the finish if you missed it, double jab to set up the right then the commitment to the choke from Henry. There’s a really nice adjustment after the second escape from Dawodu, he keeps the forearm under the chin as he posts with the other hand to reset as they go vertical and he gets the high angle choke off of that switch.

Danny Roberts has gone 3-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a bad loss when he was knocked out with a head kick from Nordine Taleb, he’s trying rebound and avoid the first losing streak of his professional career. Oliver Enkamp lost his UFC debut, also to Taleb, and he’s trying to get his first UFC win here. Roberts is the -145 favorite to +115 for Enkamp.

Welterweight Bout: Oliver Enkamp (7-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Danny Roberts (14-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberts is an inch taller while Enkamp has three inches of reach advantage. Touch of gloves, Roberts fighting southpaw. Enkamp has a very bladed stance, lined up to spin quickly I think. Leg kick from Roberts. They both miss head kicks, still getting a feel for each other. A few side kicks to the knee from Enkamp, Roberts lands a left and they clinch up along the fence. Lefts from Enkamp as they spin along the fence, Enkamp lands a knee to the body then a left hook as they break. Roberts lands a straight left to counter a side kick to the knee and that one blows knocks Enkamp out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danny Roberts via KO, punch, at 2:12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Roberts for his work this evening. Mic time for Roberts, who says he tries to put you to sleep. Roberts walks us through the finish, specifically counter his kicks with punches. He puts over his coaches and the crowd then says he represents the people and wants to prove you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Here’s the finish. Enkamp tries that lead leg side kick to the knee or thigh but he sweeps his lead hand in a loop to try and land a hook leaving his chin wide open for the straight left of Roberts.

We get some cage side interview with Darren Till to talk about the UFC’s upcoming Liverpool debut. He talks about a teammate of his who he feels deserves a shot on that card and jokes about having to charge his phone every hour as he’s been bombarded on social media platforms wanting to know who he’s fighting on that card. Till mentions he’s happy to fight anyone in the top ten on that card, doesn’t care who it is. He thinks Liverpool will surpass other cities as the greatest atmosphere for fights and Dan Hardy jokes about them fighting in the same weight class, Till looks visibly larger than Hardy in height and in the shoulders just to reiterate that Till is a really big guy for that division. A few more moments of hype before moving on to the next fight, not the worst way to kill time as Till could rally be someone in the division and will be in the main event for that card.

John Phillips is finally making his UFC debut, he’s been scheduled to do so since January of 2017, and is looking to extend an overall four fight winning streak while getting his UFC career off on the right foot. Charles Byrd is on a three fight winning streak with the last two coming from Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, he’s finally making his UFC debut as well and is similarly trying to make a good first impression. As for the odds, they’re a -115 pick ’em.

Middleweight Bout: Charles Byrd (9-4, 184 lbs.) vs. John Phillips (21-6 1 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Phillips is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Byrd. Touch of gloves, Phillips fighting southpaw. Byrd ducks under a left and gets a quick double leg then moves to full mount. A few blows from Byrd sneak through, he’s also trying to set up an arm triangle choke. Elbows from Byrd, Phillips is really struggling to get out of this position. Shoulder blows from Byrd and some rights as well now. Phillips finally able to hip escape to half guard, Byrd content to land to the body now. A few more blows from Byrd, Phillips to his knees along the fence and Byrd takes the back. Phillips is able to roll into Byrd but Byrd continues to land as he settles into half guard. Knee on belly from Byrd and he lands a right then a left elbow. Phillips to a knee, Byrd moving to the back with one hook in and after the choke. Byrd sells out, the arm is across the chin but he keeps the squeeze going as he gets both hooks in and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Byrd via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Byrd for his work this evening. That was horribly one sided, once they hit the mat Phillips had nothing to offer. Interview time for Byrd, he puts over the experience on the Contender Series getting him set for the UFC experience then sucks up to the crowd a bit. He walks us through the finish and puts over the need to be well rounded, thanks all of his coaches and training partners as well. Asked who or what is next for him he wants to get back to the gym and keep improving. He mentions this is his first trip outside the USA and again puts over England to close his interview.

Here’s the finish, Byrd does some nice stuff to increase the squeeze as despite the arm being across the chin he exerts enough pressure to still constrict the blood vessels and get the tap. Specifically he gets the crank across the face then as they roll he extends his hooks to bow the back of his opponent and get the neck more exposed as he squeezes.

That wraps up the prelims, most of us are still going to be on Fight Pass for the main card though.

Leon Edwards has finally cracked the top fifteen rankings on the back of a four fight winning streak, he’s looking to extend that to five here and move up from his current ranking. Peter Sobotta seems like he’s been with the UFC forever, he’s on a career best run though with just one loss since 2011 and is looking to get his current streak to three here and maybe move into the rankings himself. Edwards is the favorite at -205 to +165 on Sobotta.

Welterweight Bout: #15 Leon Edwards (14-3, 170 lbs.) vs. Peter Sobotta (17-5-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Sobotta has an inch of reach advantage. Both guys fighting southpaw to start. Sobotta is pushing forward early, looking to crowd Edwards. Bit of a left from Edwards lands. Hard right hook from Edwards drops Sobotta but as Edwards follows him down Sobotta grabs an armbar. The legs are in proper position but Edwards pulls his arm free and lands an elbow as Sobotta locks up full guard. Edwards moves to half guard, Sobotta uses a knee shield to get his full guard back. Sobotta leans up for a kimura, he’s got the double wrist lock but Edwards gets his arm back and is looking to pass. Edwards stands and makes Sobotta join him there. A few jabs go back and forth. Stiff jab from Sobotta. Jab from Edwards but he falls short on the follow up left. Body kick from Edwards is the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards

ROUND TWO: Edwards is back to stalking forward, he tries a body kick but his foot lands to the groin of Sobotta so we’ve got time while Sobotta recovers. Sobotta is good to continue and we reset. Body kick from Sobotta. Both men still showing the jab, they punch into the clinch and Sobotta is on the fence. Edwards gets an outside trip and lands in the guard of Sobotta. This time Edwards moves to half guard quickly and looks to settle there. Impressive hip escape from Sobotta lets him get a knee shield in to stifle the motion of Edwards. Another kimura attempt from Sobotta, he’s got the double wrist lock and uses that to move to the back with both hooks in. Edwards trying to shake Sobotta off the top, Sobotta retains the wrist lock and uses that to keep threatening Edwards as he loses the back. Sobotta tries to roll for the armbar, Edwards reads it and gets his arm free then gets on top in the guard of Sobotta. Sobotta’s bottom game is really troubling Edwards, he can’t get any offense going. The ref stands them up after they stall out. Both men show the jab, Edwards misses an overhand left and that’s basically the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sobotta, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Edwards misses a high kick and he eats a counter punch but lands a bit of a left. Failed shot from Sobotta and Edwards tries a double leg then they break after a clinch. Bit of a left from Sobotta, Edwards is looking for the perfect counter on the feet and it’s really slowed down his offense. Uppercut from Edwards lands. Double leg from Sobotta, successful and he’s on top now. Edwards looking to wall walk but Sobotta moves to the back while holding the waist lock. A few knees to the thigh from Sobotta, Edwards is able to avoid a level change and gets a takedown of his own to land in the guard of Sobotta. Edwards moves to half guard, lands a bit of an elbow. There’s a few more elbows from Edwards, Sobotta is bleeding now but I can’t see the location of the cut. Edwards moves to the ride position and lands punches, now he’s got both hooks in and is looking to get a finish. Back to the ride for Edwards but he’s still landing punches and hammer fists. Sobotta is able to cover up enough to ride out the round, wait, scratch that it looks like the ref stopped it with a second or so left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Leon Edwards via TKO, punches, at 4:59 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Edwards for his work this evening, as well as the staff at the O2 Arena for their assistance after being locked in a closet at the venue by persons unknown (likely the First Round Finish Club). That’s our second last second finish of the evening. Edwards on the mic now, immediately calls out Darren Till for the Liverpool card and talks trash to Till who’s sitting cage side then drops the mic and walks out of the cage.

Here’s the finish. The short elbows from Edwards seemed to just drain the fight from Sobotta and he poured on just enough offense as Sobotta just covered up to prompt the stoppage.

Tom Duquesnoy is coming off of his first loss since 2013 and is 1-1 in the UFC, he still has a bit of hype behind him despite that setback and is trying to show he’s learned from that loss. Terrion Ware is 0-2 in the UFC and seems to be in the promotion simply to make prospects look good, if he wants to move beyond that label he has to win here. Duquesnoy is a notable -380 favorite to +290 on Ware.

Bantamweight Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (15-2 1 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. Terrion Ware (17-6, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ware is an inch taller and has three inches of reach advantage. Touch of gloves to get us going. Duquesnoy lands a leg kick, he’s jabbing forward and lands another leg kick. They trade leg kicks. A couple of more leg kicks from Duquesnoy. They clinch up then break without incident, and Ware lands a body kick. Heavy leg kick from Duquesnoy. Ware avoids an elbow strike, his jab has been his most effective weapon thus far. A couple of body shots from Ware land after he took a leg kick. High kick from Duquesnoy lands, Ware responds with a combination. Stiff right from Duquesnoy lands. They clinch up, Duquesnoy can’t get a takedown and they break. Solid one two from Duquesnoy lands. Duquesnoy ducks a right and lands to the body. Ware has a high kick blocked and they trade leg kicks. They both land in the pocket, Ware to the body and Duquesnoy to the head. Ware digs a left to the body and gets a takedown into half guard. A few short elbows from Ware bring the round to an end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ware

ROUND TWO: Inside leg kick from Duquesnoy starts the second, then a body kick behind it. Leg kick from Duquesnoy lands. Ware lands a couple of punches, Duquesnoy blocks high and leaves his body wide open. Bit of an elbow from Duquesnoy after taking a body shot. Leg kick from Duquesnoy lands, then a left to the body and another leg kick. Elbow and a left hook from Duquesnoy land but Ware is just walking through them. Body shots and an uppercut from Ware then a leg kick from Duquesnoy. Solid body shots from both guys and Duquesnoy lands a couple of leg kicks as well. Left hook lands for Duquesnoy. A few jabs from Ware, then a clash of kicks and one went to the groin of Duquesnoy so we’ve got time for him to recover. Duquesnoy walking it off, the ref almost seems to be coaching him a bit and we get a restart. Hard leg kick from Ware, Duquesnoy returns it. Duquesnoy blocks a double leg, tries a lateral drop but loses the grip and Ware is able to land on top in guard. Ware lands a few hammer fists and elbows to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Solid leg kick from Duquesnoy, then another and Ware is limping a bit after that sequence. Another leg kick from Duquesnoy. Left to the body then a leg kick from Duquesnoy. Glancing right lands for Ware. Double leg from Ware, can’t finish it and we’re clinched on the fence instead. They spin a bit then disengage with a knee from Duquesnoy. More forward pressure from Ware, Duquesnoy lands a leg kick. Inside leg kick from Duquesnoy and he takes a couple of counter punches. Hard right to the body from Ware. Counter left from Duquesnoy lands then he takes a body kick. Duquesnoy blocks a double leg attempt but he’s fading a bit at this point. Bit of a right from Ware and he avoids a counter left hook. Ware gets a single leg, Duquesnoy back up and then he circles off of the fence. Quick uppercut from Ware lands. They trade in the pocket then Duquesnoy lands a leg kick as time runs out.

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

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

What the?! I guess Clucky had to show up as well. I don’t like the decision, but 30-27 for Duquesnoy is borderline indefensible. Duquesnoy on the mic now, puts over Ware and he wanted to avoid excessive brawling and use the leg kick. He wants to become the champion eventually and plans to get back in the gym.

Jimi Manuwa is coming off of a loss and is just 2-2 in his last four fights, but light heavyweight is a terrible division right now and so he retains a top ranking. Manuwa is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and insert himself back into the title picture with a win here. Jan Blachowicz is on a two fight winning streak, his first in the UFC, and is a top fifteen guy as well. Blachowicz is trying to move up the ranks here with what would be the biggest win of his career. These two fought a few years ago and Manuwa won, that likely contributes to his -190 favored status against +155 for Blachowicz.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #11 Jan Blachowicz (21-7, 205 lbs.) vs. #4 Jimi Manuwa (17-3, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Blachowicz is an inch taller while Manuwa has an inch and a half of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going. Manuwa stalking forward, has a head kick blocked. Both men showing the jab, Manuwa’s has more on it. Manuwa misses a couple of hooks, he was swinging from the bleachers with those. Bit of a head kick from Blachowicz, Manuwa lands a leg kick. Glancing right from Manuwa. Bit of a left from Blachowicz. Solid leg kick from Manuwa. Manuwa blocks a high kick and misses a counter right. Left then a right from Blachowicz drops Manuwa, he follows him down but Manuwa is back up and they’re in the clinch. Blachowciz lands a couple of punches as they break, Manuwa is bleeding badly from the nose. Another combination from Blachowicz and he’s on the clinch again. A few knees to the body go back and forth. Body work from Blachowicz as they jockey for position. Blachowicz lands a right as they break the clinch. Manuwa still coming forward but he’s breathing heavy from the mouth and much more tentative. We get a bit of brawling to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blachowicz, I’d have no problem with a 10-8 really

ROUND TWO: Time to see if Blachowicz has worked on his cardio, he tends to fade in the second historically. They touch gloves for the second round. Manuwa has a head kick blocked, he’s still coming forward but he’s much more cautious now. Calf kick from Blachowicz lands. A few jabs from Blachowicz land to the nose of Manuwa and they trade leg kicks. Hook from Blachowicz lands, Manuwa lands a counter and then he is able to avoid a double leg from Blachowicz. Manuwa avoids an uppercut and lands a left. Blachowicz lands a couple of punches including an uppercut and Manuwa is backing up to regain himself. Manuwa misses a hook kick then a right. Another couple of punches from Blachowicz land and we’re clinched again. Blachowicz is working the body in the clinch, Manuwa is trying to get a foot sweep but loses the position and nearly gets choked before escaping to his feet and resetting. Bit of a left from Manuwa but Blachowicz gets the clinch off of it and has Manuwa on the fence again. They break without incident. Both guys slowing down, Blachowicz checks a leg kick. A bit of an exchange of punches, Manuwa seems to be finding his second wind now. Manuwa lands a head kick but Blachowicz just eats it and tries a double leg that winds up in the clinch again where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Manuwa, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Body kick from Blachowicz, he’s showing the jab as well. They trade hooks, both men landed and Blachowicz exits the exchange with a body kick. The jab of Blachowicz is working well at this point, he lands a counter left after avoiding a right and lands a body kick as well. Calf kick from Blachowicz lands. Right uppercut to a left hook from Blachowicz lands, and he checks a leg kick. Bit of a left from Blachowicz then a jab behind it as he switches stances. Body kick from Manuwa but eats a couple of counter punches. Another exchange of hooks, the volume of Blachowicz is troubling Manuwa when he sells out for a single power punch. Series of jabs from Blachowicz lands. Left uppercut and a right from Blachowicz land. Body kick from Blachowicz lands. Double leg from Blachowicz and he gets it into the guard of Manuwa. A bit of offense from Blachowicz will bring the clock all the way down.

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

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

Entertaining if rather unspectacular. I don’t like the 30-27, Manuwa had the better second round but Blachowicz started well in that round. Mic time for Blachowicz, he says he’s down for a third fight with Manuwa. He says the game plan was different this time and he’s worked hard on his striking in the interim. Blachowciz thanks the English for supporting Manuwa and thanks the Polish fans in attendance. Asked who’s next he says he doesn’t choose his opponents but will fight anyone, just hoping to get some down time after three fights in close proximity to each other.

Fabricio Werdum is one of the best heavyweights in the world and a former UFC heavyweight champion, he’s on a two fight winning streak coming into this bout and is hoping to get another shot at the title with a win here. Alexander Volkov is also a top heavyweight and is on a five fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, if he can knock off the former champion here he could find himself in the title picture in the immediate future. The odds lean towards the former champion at -205 to +165 on Volkov.

Heavyweight Bout: #3 Fabricio Werdum (23-7-1, 249 lbs.) vs. #7 Alexander Volkov (26-9, 246 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Volkov has three inches of height and reach on Werdum, he’s also eleven years younger. Werdum tries the jumping side kick, Volkov avoids it. Single leg from Werdum, he’s able to finish it against the fence and he’s moving to half guard quickly. Volkov is able to get to full guard and close it up. Werdum lands a couple of rights, he’s working a can opener to get Volkov to open his guard but he’s not doing it. Some consistently paced punches from Werdum as he works to posture and keep Volkov on the mat. They trade a few punches, and Werdum really can’t seem to get by the guard of Volkov just yet. Werdum stands, Volkov able to get up and he lands a combination of punches that has Werdum backing up. Knees and uppercuts from Volkov, Werdum able to cover up and circle off of the fence. Volkov catches a kick and trips Werdum down, then lets him back up. Missed jumping knee from Werdum. Another single leg from Werdum, he transitions to an inside trip a la Daniel Cormier and gets the takedown inot the guard of Volkov. Volkov lands a couple of elbows from his back. The round comes to an end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Werdum

ROUND TWO: Werdum has a mouse or something on his right eyelid, bears watching going forward. Werdum coming forward, Volkov circling early. Volkov doing a bit of stance switching, they both miss rights. Jab from Volkov, Werdum tries a single leg but this time it’s defended and they trade knees in the clinch while jockeying for position. They brak without incident. Another failed takedown from Werdum, the pace is slowing moment by moment at this rate. Volkov catches a kick, lands a leg kick then pushes Werdum over but makes him stand again. Short left from Volkov lands. Single leg from Werdum, outside trip this time and he gets Volkov down and lands in half guard this time. Hip escape from Volkov and he’s got full guard again. Werdum lands a couple of punches. Elbow from the bottom by Volkov. Elbow from Werdum lands, and another one. Volkov is bleeding after that second elbow. Werdum postures up and stands, uses that to pass to half guard and is after a kimura. Werdum has the double wrist lock but Volkov is stalling the motion out and will see the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: That cut on Volkov is small and on the hairline, so it probably wont stop the fight. Another attempt at the flying side kick from Werdum, again it misses. Volkov is stalking forward, they trade rights and Werdum pulls guard off of a single leg attempt then hits a sweep onto top. Volkov scrambles back up and they settle for the clinch. Werdum is cut under the right eye, serious swelling around that eye now as they disengage. Single leg from Werdum and another guard pull, Volkov defends and stands back up. Werdum stalking forward, Volkov lands a combination and is trying to target that eye with his left hook. Body kick from Volkov. Volkov avoids a right, Werdum tries to pull guard again and rolls under to get the back in a beautiful sweep and is after the arm but Volkov avoids it and stands over him. Up kick from Werdum lands, Volkov backs off and makes him stand back up. Right uppercut lands for Volkov. Jabs from Volkov now, he’s peppering Werdum every time Werdum tries to engage and close distance. Werdum flops to his back, Volkov catches a kick and pushes him over again to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkov, 29-28 Werdum overall

ROUND FOUR: The swelling around Werdum’s right eye is becoming a problem, if it gets much worse it could end the fight. Circling to start, Volkov coming forward this time. The jab from Volkov is really halting the distance closing of Werdum, and Volkov lands a right behind it this time. Another single leg to guard pull this from Werdum, Volkov is aware of it this time and is able to get on top of Werdum in his guard. They stall out almost immediately, Volkov then lands a few rights and makes Werdum stand up again. They trade hooks in close, we’re wild but Volkov drops him with a right uppercut then a right on the mat ends the fight!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexander Volkov via KO, punches, at 1:38 of Round 4

Big win for Volkov there. Mic time for Volkov now, he speaks some broken English to thank the crowd and calls this the biggest win of his career then puts over Werdum. He says he’s after the title and that’s the only reason he’s here. He talks about working incredibly hard on his jiu jitsu defense and planning on defending then attacking when he saw openings. Asked who’s next, he says it doesn’t matter but he wants the title whether that’s Cormier or Miocic.

Interesting strategy all around from Volkov, his ability to fight either long or leverage his limbs into accurate close quarters offense is impressive. The accuracy he showed off too was impressive, he was able to aim at that damaged eye pretty consistently and cause Werdum’s vision issues.

Alright everyone, on that note UFC Fight Night 127 has come to a close. Thank you all for reading, be that live or after the fact, I know just how many places provide this type of content and am perpetually humbled and baffled that you choose mine. There’s no major event next week but this Sunday at 8pm eastern time the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show will unpack this event. I’ll be back in a few weeks for UFC 223 when Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson (hopefully) finally fight for the interim UFC lightweight title. Until then thank you again for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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