mma / News

Join 411’s LIVE UFC Fight Night 128 Coverage

April 21, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC Fight Night 128 Ricky Simon

Keep Refreshing For The Latest Results

MAIN CARD (FS1, 10 p.m. ET)
#5 Edson Barboza (155.6 lbs.) vs. #6 Kevin Lee (157 lbs.)*
#3 Frankie Edgar (145.6 lbs.) vs. #4 Cub Swanson (145 lbs.)
Chase Sherman (247 lbs.) vs. Justin Willis (265.4 lbs.)
#8 David Branch (186 lbs.) vs. #12 Thiago “Marreta” Santos (185.8 lbs.)
#14 Brett Johns (135.8 lbs.) vs. #8 Aljamain Sterling (135.2 lbs.)
Dan Hooker (155.6 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (155.4 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1, 8 p.m. ET)
Alex Garcia (171 lbs.) vs. Ryan LaFlare (170.6 lbs.)
Siyar Bahadurzada (171 lbs.) vs. Luan Chagas (170 lbs.)
#10 Corey Anderson (205 lbs.) vs. #11 Patrick Cummins (205.6 lbs.)
Merab Dvalishvili (135.2 lbs.) vs. Ricky Simon (135.8 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Tony Martin (170.6 lbs.) vs. Keita Nakamura (170.6 lbs.)

* Kevin Lee missed weight by one pound; fined 20 percent of purse

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 128. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. This card had some hardship over the last couple of days, we lost a flyweight fight between Magomed Bibulatov and Ulka Sasaki (I know, I know, I’m the only one who cares about flyweights) when Bibulatov suffered a back injury. Then at weigh ins there was more drama, Kevin Lee missed weight for the first time in his career for the main event with Edson Barboza then there’s the whole Leslie Smith situation. Smith was to fight Aspen Ladd, Ladd missed weight and the UFC elected to pay Smith both her show and win money, used that to say this constituted the completion of the last fight on her contract and released her from the promotion.

Despite that the card itself is pretty good at the top, the aforementioned lightweight fight between Lee and Barboza is darn good and likely has the winner in or near the title picture. Plus the co-main event is solid as we get a rematch between Frankie Edgar and Cub Swanson. The two met back in 2014 and Edgar won a lopsided fight with a late submission in the fifth round. The winner of that fight likely enters the title picture pending the outcome of the announced title fight between Max Holloway and Brian Ortega. As for the rest of the card, it’s passable as there’s a relevant bantamweight fight between Aljamain Sterling and Brett Johns as well as a lightweight clash between Jim Miller and Dan Hooker.

UFC Fight Night 128 comes to the world from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. This is the UFC’s first trip to this venue since 2005. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald and Paul Felder. As for the rules, New Jersey has not yet adopted the new rules so anything besides the soles of your feet on the mat means your considered downed and the language around scoring is needlessly nebulous. We do have instant replay available though, and of course once it’s been used the fight cannot be restarted.

Tony Martin just had a three fight winning streak snapped when he lost a close split decision to Olivier Aubin-Mercier, he’s trying to avoid his second UFC losing streak. He’s moving up to welterweight here and hoping that will revitalize his career. Keita Nakamura has gone 3-2 since returning to the UFC and was last seen in September of last year winning a split decision. Nakamura is after his first UFC winning streak here. The odds are with Martin at -225 to +175 for Nakamura.

Welterweight Bout: Tony Martin (12-4, 170.6 lbs.) vs. Keita Nakamura (33-8-2 1 NC, 170.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martin is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Nakamura. Nakamura fighting southpaw, and we get a touch of gloves to get us going. Martin whiffs on a high kick, and we’ve got “woo’s” already. Seriously people, knock it off. Both guys are feinting and pawing with lead hands, Martin’s keeping his hands lower and if he’s not careful Nakamura will crack him. There’s a bit of a counter left from Nakamura. Martin swings a right to the body. Solid couple of rights from Martin and Nakamura is wobbled, Martin is giving him a chance to recover though. Another hard right from Martin but he’s not following up this time and consequently Nakamura is able to recover. The biggest problem with Nakamura so far is his feet, he’s really flat and Martin is taking advantage of that limitation. Inside leg kick from Martin then a follow up right. Outside single leg from Nakamura is successful but Martin is looking for a guillotine. Nakamura is on the wrong side but there’s not a lot of time left in the round and time runs down in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martin, might be 10-8 if we were under the new rules given the numerical discrepancy

ROUND TWO: Another touch of gloves start the round off. Martin is starting to find the target with his jab now instead of just pawing with it. Nakamura misses a left and Martin lands a low inside leg kick. Bit of a counter right from Martin, Nakamura is starting to throw more but he’s getting countered. Body shot from Nakamura but he eats a counter right for the effort. There’s a bit of shadow boxing from both guys going on, they’re both mobile enough this round to avoid most of the damage. Left hook lands for Martin, Nakamura lands a body kick in response. Nakamura lands a left but he gets a couple of counters, then he barely blocks a high kick. Another single leg attempt from Nakamura and Martin sells out for the same guillotine attempt as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: There’s a bit of an exchange to get this round going, they both landed but Martin is landing a higher volume of offense. Nakamura tries another single leg, Martin counters with a kimura attempt this time and tries to roll Nakamura with it, Nakamura gets his arm free and winds up holding a front headlock after the scramble. They disengage without incident from that position. Nakamura has the forward pressure this round, Martin moving and looking to counter. We get time for some reason, oh Nakamura’s mouthpiece came out, they rinse it and we restart. A couple of jabs and left hooks from Martin. Stiff right from Martin lands. Martin is kind of coasting here, he knows he’s up and isn’t going to take any unnecessary risk. Another single leg from Nakamura, Martin hits the kimura sweep this time and holds the double wrist lock as he gets into half guard. Martin after the kimura but time is going to run down before he can finish it so he bails to land elbows as the fight winds down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tony Martin via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Academic performance from Martin, just proved better everywhere. No interview for Martin as we’re short on time for Fight Pass, we’ll be on Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims assuming a baseball game actually ended on time.

Corey Anderson is on a two fight losing streak, and was knocked out in both of those losses. He’s trying to avoid a three fight skid and begin making good on some of the potential he’s exhibited to this point. Patrick Cummins is on a two fight winning streak though they’ve both been close (arguably even dubious) decisions and he’s looking for a three fight streak here that could see him take a step up the rankings going forward. Despite the losing streak Anderson is the -155 favorite against +125 for Cummins.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #10 Corey Anderson (9-4, 205 lbs.) vs. #11 Patrick Cummins (10-4, 205.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Anderson is an inch taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Cummins. Some lead hand work from both guys, nothing serious yet though. Double leg attempt from Cummins that stalls out on the fence, Cummins has a body lock though and is looking to get Anderson down. Anderson breaks the grip and lands a right as they separate. There’s already blood around the right eye of Cummins. Anderson wobbles Cummins with a right and is pressuring him, Cummins fires back and is trying to survive. A few body shots from Anderson, Cummins tries a single leg but nothing doing and we’re fighting in the clinch now. Elbow from Anderson, and another then an elbow as they break. Anderson is battering Cummins but Cummins seems still in the fight. Uppercut and a left from Anderson. Quick double leg from Anderson, Cummins wall walks but now he’s pinned on the fence. Knee to the body from Anderson as they break. Another double leg from Anderson and he lands in half guard, then gets the back as Cummins tries to move to his feet. Lefts from Anderson, now he’s in the ride position as Cummins is back up. They end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Anderson

ROUND TWO: Cummins needs a big comeback after that round. Anderson lands a few jabs. Another clinch and we’ve got some body shots traded then they break. Cummins lands a left, he’s seemingly recovered and is trying to keep this competitive. Anderson lands a couple of rights then a body kick. Blast double leg from Anderson, and he’s holding a rear waist lock as Cummins is back up along the fence. Nice switch to a single leg from Anderson and Cummins is down again. Cummins wall walks again but Anderson hits a mat return and is after the back. Cummins is trying to shake Anderson off, Anderson bails on the back and sets free to reset on the feet. Anderson lands a leg kick, then a body kick. Hard jab from Anderson, then a right uppercut. Another double leg from Anderson, and he’s on the back again riding Cummins. Anderson gets a rear waist lock and a big mat return to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Anderson, might be 10-8, 20-17 Anderson overall

ROUND THREE: Cummins is definitely wearing damage on his face. They trade lefts. Another double leg and Anderson is back in the ride position. Cummins is trying to fight to his feet, Anderson happily rides him back down. Anderson continues dominating the positions though his damage isn’t quite there at this point. Cummins is back up, Anderson gets another double leg into the ride position. Anderson has the back now, just one hook in so far and he’s after the choke. Both hooks in now for Anderson, he’s setting up an arm triangle but Cummins powers to his feet though he’s still in the clinch. Left hook from Anderson then he hits another double leg. Anderson to the back and he’s landing some lefts. Cummins is back up, Anderson still holds the clinch as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Anderson, 30-25 Anderson overall

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

Kind of surprised the first round 10-8 wasn’t unanimous, but judging sucks. Anderson on the mic he puts over his own wrestling and says that he’s back after a rough 20-17. Asked who he wants next he says the division is a whirlwind, polite way of putting it, and defers to his manager but he’ll be in the gym and ready no matter what.

Siyar Bahadurzada is on a two fight winning streak that he’s looking to extend here, possibly earning a crack at the top fifteen in subsequent bouts. Luan Chagas is coming off of his first UFC win to bring his total UFC record to 1-1-1, he’s trying to get back to back wins in the promotion and also begin eyeing the top fifteen. Chagas is a slight -165 favorite to a +135 comeback on Bahadurzada.

Welterweight Bout: Siyar Bahadurzada (23-6-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Luan Chagas (15-2-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bahadurzada is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Chagas, the biggest difference is age as Chagas is a full ten years younger. They touch gloves to get things going. Hard leg kick from Bahadurzada, Chagas is doing some stance switching. A couple of rights from Bahadurzada land. Bahadurzada catches a leg kick and lands a couple of rights then trips Chagas down and lands in his guard. Some punches from Bahadurzada land, Chagas is trying to get wrist control but with mixed success so far. Quick and really nice switch from Chagas and he gets the back with a body triangle. That was really nice by Chagas, and he’s after the choke now. Chagas lands a few rights to the body, he’s trying to set up some kind of submission attempt with these punches. Bahadurzada back up, Chagas drags him back down quickly. They trade some punches, Chagas thinks about an armbar but decides against it and gets the body triangle again then resumes looking for the choke as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chagas but there’s an argument for Bahadurzada

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round, Chagas still doing stance switching. Bit of a right from Bahadurzada. Bahadurzada lands a right, Chagas returns it. Both guys are fatiguing now, and they both miss winging rights. Bit of a knee from Bahadurzada as he avoids a takedown attempt. Body kick from Chagas. Bahadurzada pushes forward and lands a couple of punches, his power is starting to trouble Chagas as he slows down. Body to head combination from Bahadurzada, then he folds Chagas with a front kick to the solar plexus, and lands an uppercut as Chagas collapses in slow motion just for good measure.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Siyar Bahadurzada via KO, body kick, at 2:40 of Round 2

Mic time for Bahadurzada after that one, he says he wants to fight and proclaims himself the best in the division. Asked about being down after the first, he says he’s seen it all to this point and now just wants to execute his game plan. He talks about the front kick being his hardest kick, then when asked what’s next he just wants someone in the top ten. To close he thanks the Afghan fans who made the trip and pimps his after party in what I think was Pashto.

Here’s the finish, just a thrust kick to the solar plexus timed well that took all the fight out of Chagas.

Merab Dvalishvili just had a six fight winning streak snapped when he debuted in the UFC, he’s trying to bounce back and get that all important first UFC win. Ricky Simon brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping for a good first impression because, as the old saying goes, you only get one chance to do so. Simon is the favorite at -140 against +110 for Dvalishvili.

Bantamweight Bout: Merab Dvalishvili (7-3, 135.2 lbs.) vs. Ricky Simon (12-1, 135.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Simon has an inch of reach on Dvalishvili. Touch of gloves to get us going. Circling from both guys, Dvalishvili tries a wheel kick but it’s mostly blocked. Hard right from Dvalishvili as they got close and exchanged. Another missed wheel kick from Dvalishvili, Simon gets the clinch off of it but they break quickly. Bit of an elbow from Dvalishvili, then a low single leg and he’s got the back standing then hits a mat return. Simon back up, back down, back up again and they hit the fence. They hit the mat, Simon shakes Dvalishvili off over his head and we wind up reset on the feet. There’s no way Dvalishvili can keep this pace up. Solid right then left from Dvalishvili, Simon responds with a right of his own. Leg kick from Dvalishvili and Simon counters with a right. Another right from Simon lands. Dvalishvili drops Simon with a right, Simon back up but he’s still wobbled and Dvalishvili is rushing after him looking to finish. Simon forces a clinch, Dvalishvili breaks and lands elbows but Simon is still moving and surviving so Dvalishvili hits a double leg and wind sup holding a rear waist lock along the fence. Mat return from Dvalishvili, there’s still a minute left in this round. Simon back up and is able to force a break from the clinch. Simon lands a right, he seems mostly recovered by this point and digs a left to the body as well. There’s an exchange of rights to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Dvalishvili given the near finish

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Hard leg kick from Simon. Bit of a right from Simon, Dvalishvili lands a counter this time. Left to the body then a left hook from Simon. Dvalishvili pushing forward, Simon misses a few punches. Single leg from Dvalishvili, he forces Simon down but again he can’t get the back and Simon lands a knee as they regain their feet. Dvalishvili lands a leg kick, can’t fault the mans output because he’s still a dervish. Simon times a double leg and gets Dvalishvili down then lands a few elbows from the guard. They’re back up and separate without incident. Dvalishvili lands a left and just misses a right. Simon lands a knee but he gives up the clinch and Dvalishvili gets a takedown but Simon is back up. Dvalishvili holding a rear waist lock, Simon tries a granby roll but Dvalishvili rides with him and keeps the waist lock. Simon is able to shake Dvalishvili over the top again, Dvalishvili really needs to secure over/under control when he goes for the back, and we’re back up. They trade punches then Dvalishvili lands a follow up right. Glancing left hook from Simon, Dvalishvili lands a knee tap but has no control and we’re still up, the round closes with a bit of a single leg from Dvalishvili.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dvalishvili, 20-17 Dvalishvili overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Both men miss some lefts then Dvalishvili lands a body kick. Counter right lands for Simon but he ate a front kick to the groin so we’ve got time for Simon to recover. He wants back in immediately and we’re back to fighting. Double leg from Dvalishvili, he’s got a rear waist lock again but this time Simon hits a switch and has the back now. They break and Dvalishvili misses a right. Simon digs a left to the body at range. Dvalishvili hits a double leg, Simon back up immediately but eats a right. Dvalishvili is finally slowing a bit but he’s not gassed by any stretch of the imagination. Simon gets a double leg now, into side control but Dvalishvili hip escapes to half guard. Dvalishvili after a kimura, he’s can’t control the wrist though. Simon is setting up an arm triangle choke, he’s got the arm in place and is looking to pass but can’t keep control so we’re back up. They trade lefts, Dvalishvili lands a combination along the fence. Left hook from Dvalishvili lands, Simon is struggling with the pace now. Double leg from Dvalishvili but he’s in a guillotine and Simon rolls to mount with it. Dvalishvili is holding on trying to fight the choke, Simon switches to the one arm variant but Dvalishvili just gives the thumbs up, he’s able to survive the final ten seconds in that choke and gut out until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Simon because that choke nearly ended things, 28-27 Dvalishvili overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricky Simon via Technical Submission, guillotine choke, at 5:00 of Round 3

There’s some confusion, if Dvalishvili was out after the bell then he loses based on established precedent. The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Simon for his work this evening. He says the ending was controversial, he knew that Dvalishvili was gone after he released the choke and says he doesn’t hear the choke only the pacific northwest cheering for him. There might be some further controversy around that rule given they were in the last round, and commentary sites the Hughes vs. Newton fight where Hughes went out in the triangle choke but the resulting slam knocked Newton out and Hughes was awarded the fight.

Ryan LaFlare is coming off of his second professional loss and the first time he’s been finished, he’s trying to get back on the winning side of the equation and start another move up the division. Alex Garcia has been trading wins and losses in the UFC since 2014, he’s coming off of a win though and is trying for his first UFC winning streak since his first two appearances. While he’s coming off of a knockout loss LaFalre is still the -160 favorite to a +130 payout on Garcia.

Bantamweight Bout: Alex Garcia (15-4, 171 lbs.) vs. Ryan LaFlare (13-2, 170.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: LaFlare is four inches taller and has two inches of reach on Garcia. Touch of gloves, LaFlare is fighting southpaw. Both men showing the lead hand, bit of a right from Garcia. LaFlare lands a body kick. Another body kick from LaFlare, he’s clearly fighting for the long game as Garcia has hand cardio issues in the past. Garcia tries a takedown, LaFlare sprawls and gets a front headlock to control the position. They’re back up and separate without incident. Body kick from Garcia. Exchange of rights and we’re in the clinch on the fence. LaFlare has Garcia on the cage, they trade some knees and LaFlare gets a body lock. Garcia is forced to a knee, LaFlare working knees to the chest until Garcia gets back up. They break and Garcia misses a left hook. Front kick to the body from LaFlare and he avoids a couple of power hooks. Another clinch and Garcia is back on the fence but this time he escapes relatively quickly. Hard inside leg kick from LaFlare drops for Garcia for a second. They dace away the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 LaFlare

ROUND TWO: LaFlare blocks a couple of hooks to start the second. Body kick from LaFlare. LaFlare shoots a double leg, moves tot he back and gets a takedown, tries to get the back but has to settle for a weak ride and Garcia picks the ankle to get on top. They scramble a bit and wind up standing, LaFlare thinking about a guillotine as Garcia gets him down against the fence. Garcia moves to mount the legs so LaFlare bails on the choke to get butterfly guard and wall walk. Garcia is keeping LaFlare on the mat, now moves to the back with one hook in. LaFlare looking for a chance to get up, Garcia lands a few punches but can’t control so LaFlare kicks him off and regains his feet. Inside leg kick from LaFlare and Garcia gets him down, nearly gets but back but that same ankle pick reversal works for LaFlare and he’s in half guard now. Body shots from LaFlare as he controls the position. LaFlare is trying to set up an arm triangle but Garcia has he leg of LaFlare locked down to keep himself mostly safe. More body shots from LaFlare. He’s really digging those in now. And the round comes to a close in that position.

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

ROUND THREE: Garcia has a right blocked. Bit of a counter right from LaFlare then a body kick but Garcia times this one and sweeps the leg then gets on top in the guard of LaFlare. LaFlare has a body lock and butterfly hooks, Garcia is basically being stalled out here. And the ref stands them up. Garcia’s punching is seriously labored here, he tries a double leg, LaFlare stuffs it without much issue. Head kick from LaFlare is blocked. Garcia punches into a double leg attempt, but LaFlare defends along the fence and he’s nearly got a crucifix and lands elbows to the body looking to control Garcia. LaFlare is thinking about a choke, the decides to just keep control over both arms. The ref admonishes them for stalling out, neither guy is able to really capitalize and the ref stands them back up again. Body kick from LaFlare. LaFlare slips a right and lands a couple of body shots then gets a clinch, granby roll from Garcia forces the reset on the feet. They both miss some punches as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan LaFlare via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Academic scoring, no interview for LaFlare as we’re in a hurry to start the main card, which is also here on Fox Sports 1.

Jim Miller is a veteran of the UFC and the sport more generally, but he’s on a three fight losing streak and desperately needs a win here to remain in the UFC as his career continues to wind down. Dan Hooker is 2-0 since returning to lightweight and has finished both of his last opponents, he’s trying to make it three in a row and start moving towards ranked opposition. Hooker is one of the biggest favorites on the card, -315 against a +245 comeback for Miller.

Lightweight Bout: Dan Hooker (15-7, 155.6 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (28-11 1 NC, 155.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hooker has four inches of height and reach on Miller. Miller fighting southpaw. Circling from Hooker to start, they trade some inside leg kicks. They trade power hand shots, Miller might have been poked in the eye but fights through it. Knee to the body from Miller gets Hooker to back off for a bit. There’s an exchange of rights, Hooker lands a knee to the body then an inside leg kick. Miller catches a kick and tries a takedown, it takes a bit but he does sweep the leg and gets on top in the guard of Hooker. Hooker pushes to his feet, h’es after a single leg against the fence and Miller knees the body before they break. Knee to the head and an elbow from Hooker. Straight right from Hooker lands, then he gets Miller to duck into a knee and Miller drops like a rock.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dan Hooker via KO, knee, at 3:00 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hooker for his work this evening. Mic time for Hooker, he puts over Miller as a legend. He talks us through the finish and thinks it’s a fifty grand performance, asked who’s next he says he wants a ranked opponent, and says that since a ranked opponent is interviewing him (Paul Felder) he’d love to fight and Felder seems happy to accept if the UFC will go with it. I’m down for that fight personally.

Here’s the finish, Hooker set that up by going to the head with slightly looping punches, when Miller tried to block then change levels he just dipped right into the knee.

We get the announcement of the next UFC Hall of Fame inductee, and it’s Matt Serra. They reference him as the first guy to win his season of TUF then win a UFC title then spend minutes talking about his massive upset of Georges St-Pierre. In all fairness he’s one of only two guys to do that. He’ll be inducted in the Pioneer Wing then we get a recorded interview with Serra, he tells the story of how he got told he was going in then calls it an honor and references the other Hall of Famers he’s fought like Penn and Hughes. Asked what his favorite moment is he says the first fight with GSP, definitely not the second one though then says Ray Longo will be the one inducting him. Cool moment for Serra.

Aljamain Sterling is coming off of his first ever knockout loss when Marlon Moraes absolutely starched him with a knee strike, he’s trying to rebound here and defend his top ten ranking. Brett Johns is undefeated, including three wins in the UFC and is coming off of a beautiful calf slicer win. Johns is trying to take a big move up through the rankings here, possibly into the top ten, and continue his current career trajectory. The odds have this a -115 pick ’em affair.

Bantamweight Bout: #14 Brett Johns 15-0, (135.8 lbs.) vs. #8 Aljamain Sterling (14-3, 135.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical height and reaches. Sterling does a lot of stance switching. Both men miss some early offense, Sterling focusing on kicks while Johns is looking for punches. Bit of a leg kick from Sterling. Johns lands a counter right. Another glancing right from Johns, he’s pushing forward and Sterling is circling looking to counter or keep things long. Inside leg kick from Sterling and they clinch up, he tries a lateral drop but Johns smothers it and nearly gets the back but he keeps a hold of the head and Sterling is able to force him under and get on top. Johns is back up, Sterling lands a knee to the body and keeps the clinch. Another body lock from Sterling, he’s working knees to the body and seems to be after control more than damage. They break when Johns threatens a judo throw and we’re at distance again. A few jabs go back and forth. Body kick from Sterling, then another one. Sterling has kept a good pace in terms of activity. Johns tries a single leg, he’s got Sterling down but Sterling holds the head and stalls out the last ten seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling

ROUND TWO: Sterling lands a leg kick, Johns needs to close the distance better as he’s letting Sterling snipe at him or evade his offense. Left to the body from Sterling, bit of a counter from Johns but the distance is hurting him. Johns lands a jumping knee, that definitely got Sterling’s attention and Johns is after a takedown against the fence. Sterling is defending well and Sterling lands a few knees to the body before they get chest to chest again. They break and Sterling lands a combination of punches, Johns is trying to fire back but the distance is still a problem. Johns finally lands a counter punch and Sterling resets the engagement. Johns lands a body shot but Sterling is after a single leg, he can’t finish it though. There’s some jabs from Sterling then another double leg, this one is successful into half guard. Body shots from Sterling then lefts to the head as Johns gets back up. Sterling is looking for a takedown on the fence, Johns lands a few elbows to the head and Sterling adjusts to a clinch. They trade knees to the body but Sterling’s superior head position lets him control things. The ref breaks them, not sure I agree with that one as both guys were working. They’re back to trading punches and Sterling is still getting the better of them. Side kick to the body from Sterling and Johns misses a couple of offensive moves as the round end.s

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

ROUND THREE: Johns just seems out of his depth so far, needs a serious adjustment and likely a finish. Sterling circling to start, they trade power hand punches then Sterling lands a body kick. More kicks from Sterling, some nice leg kicks then he tries a single leg but they stall out in the clinch. Body lock from Sterling and he rides Johns to the mat then gets the back with one hook in. Sterling now moves to the clinch, Johns isn’t pummeling much and Sterling is controlling him as a result. Knees to the body go back and forth but Sterling is landing a higher volume. Another duck under to the back from Sterling and he’s looking to drag Johns down but Johns just gives up the back standing. They’re chest to chest again, more knees are traded and Sterling thinks about a takedown but can’t finish it. The ref breaks them up as they’d kind of stalled out. Knee to the body from Sterling and Johns avoids a spinning elbow. Single leg attempt from Sterling, settles for the clinch on the fence then they break. Sterling is playing this safe, he knows he’s up on the score cards. Another double leg to back take from Sterling, he gets an elevated slam this time and moves to the back with one hook in. Lefts from Sterling, both hooks in now and he tees off as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling, might be 10-8, 30-27 Sterling overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Sterling was just a few levels above Johns tonight. Mic time for Sterling, he calls his last loss a big learning lesson and says this was to prove he’s still one of the top fighters in the division. He notes a fight in the stands then calls out Dominick Cruz. Asked about Serra going into the Hall of Fame he thanks them for pushing him to be the best version of himself, thanks the UFC and says his coaches changed his life and asks where the rest of the bantamweights are at. I mean Moraes and Rivera are set to main event an upcoming card and a lot of the top of the division is booked and I imagine a couple of them are still backstage.

We reiterate the announced fight between featherweight champion Max Holloway and Brian Ortega for UFC 226, they’ll be just under the heavyweight fight between Cormier and Miocic. Also official for that card is Ngannou vs. Lewis. That card is really stacking up nicely.

David Branch just had an eleven fight winning streak snapped by Luke Rockhold, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and prove he’s still an elite level middleweight. Thiago Santos has flirted with the top of the division at times, he’s on a four fight winning streak now with all of them being finishes and is trying to return to the top ten at the expense of Branch. The odds are with Santos at -165 against +135 for Branch.

Middleweight Bout: #8 David Branch (21-4, 186 lbs.) vs. #12 Thiago Santos (17-5, 185.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Branch is an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Santos. Santos doing a bit of stance switching early, Branch sliding forward. Bit of a body kick then an inside leg kick from Santos. Low leg kick from Santos. Left hook for Santos lands, Branch is being patient and looking to close distance. Another calf kick from Santos. There’s another leg kick from Santos, and another one. Branch reaches for a takedown, can’t get it but he lands a looping right that absolutely FLOORS Santos and he pounds him out on the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Branch via KO, punches, at 2:30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Branch for his work this evening. That’s Branch’s first win by strikes since 2015 and his first UFC finish. Branch on the mic now, he says Santos kicks really hard and his left leg is busted. He thanks the crowd for coming out and notes that he started his career here and it’s good to see them as he’s in the UFC. Branch talks us through the finish, notes that Santos was hard to get to then calls out his boxing coach for an upcoming fight which they share a laugh over.

Here’s the finish. Branch actually throws this right to set up a takedown, but Santos is looking to land a counter left hook and leaves himself open to the punch.

Also, for those of us still a little confused about the Dvalishvili vs. Simon finish, we have something official.

So there’s the official line. Wait, this means that Demetrious Johnson’s 4:59 of the fifth finish isn’t safe as a record. I wonder if he’ll try for the close of the fifth choke out next?

Justin Willis is on a six fight winning streak and has won both of his UFC fights, he’s been slowly but steadily moving up in competition to this point and he’s hoping to continue rising to the occasion. Chase Sherman has gone 2-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a knockout loss, he’s trying to bring his UFC record back to the .500 mark and turn back a bit of the hype growing around Willis. Willis is another big favorite on this card, a significant -310 while the +240 payout on Sherman is tempting to those who like long shots.

Heavyweight Bout: Chase Sherman (11-4, 247 lbs.) vs. Justin Willis (6-1, 265.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sherman is three inches taller but they have identical reaches. Big difference in weight as Willis is nineteen and a half pounds heavier. Willis opens southpaw, Sherman does some stance switching throughout the fight. Quick right from Willis then a left behind it. Willis has some fast hands. Body kick from Sherman, Willis lands a left uppercut off of a quick clinch. They trade power hand punches, Willis landed better. Another exchange of power hand punches and Sherman is wobbled. Glancing head kick from Sherman. Inside leg kick from Sherman and a right to follow it up but Willis just eats it. There’s a clash and Sherman caught a kick low so we’ve got time while he can recover. Sherman is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Hard counter left from Willis and Sherman is down, Willis swarms him on the mat with lefts and Sherman fights to tie him up, I’m shocked he’s still conscious. Sherman forces his way back to his feet, Willis content to let him and lands another couple of hard punches. There’s a body kick from Sherman, and another but he’s still a little off balance. Knee to the chin from Willis. They clinch up, Willis lands some uppercut in close and Sherman pushes them into the fence. They fight a bit on the fence as the round closes.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Willis based on the near finish

ROUND TWO: Sherman showing the leg kick, they trade lefts. bit of a high kick from Sherman, h’es starting to find his rhythm now and lands a couple of jabs. Left then a right hook from Willis. Another straight right from Willis, there’s a clash up close and Willis took a finger to the eye so we’ve got time out. The doctor is in to check on Willis as the replay confirms the poke. The ref pulls them together and warns them both about open lead hands and we restart. Bit of a left from Willis, if he gets a bead on the counter he could take Sherman’s head off. Sherman lands a body kick. Another git of a left from Willis, he’s got a lot more power on his strikes. Sherman lands a body kick, his kicking game has been his best asset so far, in addition to his chin of course. Willis pushes Sherman over on a head kick and gets on top in his guard. Willis landing a few body shots, and sneaks an elbow in. Body to head punches now from Willis as Sherman works towards the fence. Steady enough stream of offense from Willis to keep the ref from standing them up so far, and it looks like the round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Willis, 20-17 Willis overall

ROUND THREE: They trade lead hand hooks, defense isn’t high on either man’s priorities. Bit of a counter left from Willis, Sherman is trying to up the pace as he thinks Willis is tired. High kick from Sherman, Willis catches it and pushes Sherman into the fence. Knee to the body from Sherman and an elbow before they break. Combination from Sherman that ends with a body kick. They clinch up and Sherman moves things to the fence. Elbows from Sherman, he’s got good head position too and they break then trade punches. Counter left from Willis lands but doesn’t quite have the same pep on it now. They clinch up and hit the fence again, Sherman lands a few elbows and knees then they break. Bit of a left from Willis but Sherman lands a counter right. Left to the body from Willis, Sherman lands a body kick then a right. Another clinch, another move to the fence. Willis is just kind of running the clock at this point as they break. Right then a left from Willis, Sherman responds with a right. They tie up again and Sherman lands an elbow as the clock runs all the way down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sherman, 29-27 Willis overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Justin Willis via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No 10-8 in the first for Willis even with the near finish? Odd. No interview for Willis.

Frankie Edgar is one of the finest fighters in the UFC’s history, he’s a former lightweight champion and twice fought for the featherweight title; however, he’s been in some serious wars in his time and is coming off of his first knockout loss less than sixty days ago when Brian Ortega became just the second featherweight to best him. Edgar is trying to prove he’s still a top contender and solidify his position as the most likely next title challenger after the upcoming title fight. Cub Swanson just had an impressive four fight winning streak snapped by Brian Ortega, he’s trying to climb ahead of Edgar and possibly take his spot as the next likely contender while getting back a previous career loss. The odds lean towards Edgar at -260 to a +200 comeback for Swanson.

Featherweight Bout: #3 Frankie Edgar (22-6-1, 145.6 lbs.) vs. #4 Cub Swanson (25-8, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Swanson has two inches of height and reach on Edgar. Circling to start, no surprise considering the participants. Both men flashing the jab early, just gauging each other. Bit of a right from Edgar, Swanson rolls with it though. Edgar lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a bit of a right, both men still with jab heavy offense. Body kick from Edgar. Edgar thinks about a single leg, Swanson limp legs free and they stay at distance. Quick couple of rights from Edgar then a leg kick. Another bit of a right from Edgar, Swanson’s left eye has some swelling. Edgar clocks Swanson with a right and pushes into the clinch along the fence looking for a takedown. Edgar lands a left hook as they break. Swanson is cut a bit under the right eye, or it’s just a very red contusion. Nope, that’s a cut but it’s very small. Edgar misses a wheel kick, then lands a counter right. Swanson lands a leg kick then a bit of a wheel kick aas the last blows of the round that matter.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edgar

ROUND TWO: Back to movement for both guys, Edgar still generally the aggressor while Swanson looks to circle and counter. Both men throwing the jab a lot now, Edgar’s seems a tad more effective. Edgar lands a right. Edgar reaches for a knee tap, can’t get it but lands a right as Swanson defended. Leg kick from Edgar lands. Another leg kick from Edgar. Swanson is able to avoid a single leg attempt and land a bit of a right. Edgar is backing Swanson to the fence, lands a right and a leg kick. Edgar tries a takedown can’t get it and lands a couple of punches as they break. There’s another leg kick from Edgar, those are surprisingly effective for Edgar thus far. Short couple of lefts land for Edgar then another leg kick. Swanson lands a leg kick. They split a few jabs but Edgar is continuing to pull away with this. Another exchange of jabs then Edgar lands a right. Edgar is bleeding a bit under the right eye, Swanson avoids a knee tap and lands a couple of hooks. Nothing of note happens as the round winds down.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men again flashing the jab. Edgar punches close and can’t get a takedown. Inside leg kick from Edgar, Swanson really trying to keep this long now and keep his hips safe. Swanson lands a right. Another bit of a right from Swanson, he seems to have adjusted a bit this round. They get close and Edgar lands a right. Right hook from Edgar lands then a leg kick. Swanson digs a series of body shots, Edgar kicks the calf again. Edgar tries a takedown, they hit the fence though and Swanson is looking to defend. They jockey for position but Edgar has Swanson pinned on the fence so far. Swanson is able to pummel and spin free but he eats a left hook as he does so. They trade in close, both men landed there. Solid right from Swanson then a left hook, Edgar fires back in the pocket and lands on Swanson. They feint away the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Swanson, 29-28 Edgar overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Frankie Edgar via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Not sure about Edgar on the third, Swanson had the biggest moments in that round but it wasn’t all that clear cut either. Edgar on the mic now, he says he loves Jersey then puts over Swanson. He references that he lost his father the week before this one and then his grandfather the week of this fight and thanks his family and coaches for all of their support through this and he expresses more love for the fans and sport. Asked about the short comeback he says if you put your mind to something you can achieve it and he wants another title shot after Ortega and Holloway fight.

Edson Barboza just had a three fight winning streak snapped by now champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Barboza is trying to avoid the first losing streak of his career and position himself as a viable contender to the title as the top of the division is still a chaotic scene. Kevin Lee missed weight for this fight and is coming off of a loss to Tony Ferguson, he’s also looking to avoid his first losing streak and move into the top five rankings. The odds are close but favor Lee at -160 to +130 for Barboza.

Lightweight Bout: #5 Edson Barboza (19-5, 155.6 lbs.) vs. #6 Kevin Lee (16-3, 157 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Barboza is two inches taller but Lee has two inches of reach on him. There’s a touch of gloves and Barboza lands a body kick. Lee fighting southpaw and is pressing forward. They trade some lead hand work, both men landing punches at a pretty good clip. Lee shoots a double leg and gets it against the fence, he’s in the guard of Barboza. Lee is postured up looking to ass, and he gets to mount really fast, then half guard again as he lands punches. Barboza is able to get full guard back, Lee postures up and punches him. Another pass attempt from Lee, he’s nearly in side control again and moves to mount quickly, he’s reigning down some punches and elbows as Barboza hip escapes to half guard but Lee moves to mount again easily. Elbows from Lee now, he’s really teeing off and he’s got one of Barboza’s arms hand cuffed. Lee is threatening to get the back if Barboza moves too much, Barboza is able to get half guard but his face is welted up with a full minute left to go. More hammer fists from Lee, Barboza has full guard but he’s getting mauled. Another pass to side control from Lee and some elbows from a brief mount. Another mount from Lee, Barboza to half guard but he’s getting abused as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lee, that was a mauling

ROUND TWO: Lee tries orthodox this round, and both men land some jabs. Lee lands a right, Barboza tries a takedown that Lee shucks off easily. Lee tries a takedown, it hits the fence and he can’t finish the first trip attempt but he keeps Barboza there. Barboza lands a few knees to the body and they break. Slip and left to the body from Barboza but Lee is still pressing forward. Body kick from Lee then a left, Barboza is hurt to the body from that. Another double leg from Lee, he gets an elevated slam and lands in the guard of Barboza. Lee looking to posture up, they trade some elbows. Solid couple of otghts from Lee and he’s looking to pass again. Barboza trying for wrist control but he can’t get it. Lee moves to half guard then straight into mount and he starts teeing off again as Barboza gets half guard back. Lee is slamming Barboza every time he uses his hips defensively when he’s in a bad spot. More punches from Lee, now a few elbows. Mount again for Lee, he’s moving to the back but can only get one hook in and Barboza looks for a half guard sweep, Lee smothers it and lands more offense. Elbows and punches from Lee from half guard, Barboza is barely survivng here but he’s doing just enough to let the ref continue the fight. The round ends in that spot.

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

ROUND THREE: Barboza’s corner should think about stopping this, his face is a swollen mess and he’s losing badly. Lee back to coming forward and both men showing the jab. Barboza lands a body kick then a left to the body. Another body kick from Barboza lands. Lee still coming forward, tries a double leg but Barboza defends this one and circles off of the fence. Barboza lands a wheel kick and Lee is on rubber legs! Lee tries a takedown, Barboza defends but Lee persists and is after another one against the fence. Lee is able to finish this one and is trying to regain himself in the half guard of Barboza. Full guard now for Barboza, Lee is still trying to regain himself and Barboza kicks him off and regains his feet. Another wheel kick from Barboza but this one misses. Lee lands a right hook. Inside leg kick from BArboza, Lee responds with a double jab. Knee to the body from Barboza. Barboza tries a jumping knee but falls just a little short. There’s a front kick to the body from Barboza, Lee responds with a jab. Solid body kick from Barboza. A few more jabs are traded, then a body kick from Lee. Leg kick from Barboza. Another left body kick from Barboza gets through the guard of Lee. Lee might just be waiting out the round so he can regain himself between rounds. Bit of a head kick from Lee then a right hook, that’ll basically end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barboza, 29-26 Lee overall

ROUND FOUR: Both men pumping the left hand as the round starts. Left body kick from Barboza, Lee responds with a jab. Big left from Barboza, Lee is coming forward and we’re entering RoadHouse territory before Lee hits a double leg into the guard of Barboza. Some body shots from Lee then an elbow. Lee postures up, lands a bit of an elbow as he stands over Barboza. Lee able to pass and move to north-south for a second, then land a right as Barboza gets guard. A few more rights from Lee. Half guard now from Lee, he lands a few punches as Barboza moves towards guard again. Lee in 3/4 mount and lands a few more bits of offense then moves to mount. Hammer fists from Lee then elbows as Barboza hip escapes to half guard. You can’t fault the heart of Barboza, he’s still defending himself well enough despite losing badly and getting bludgeoned. Lee trying to mount again, he’s there and lands more offense as Barboza shrimps to half guard again. There’s a bit of a d’arce attempt from Lee but nothing develops before the round ends. Barboza’s left eye is badly swollen.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lee, 39-34 Lee overall

ROUND FIVE: Lee showing the jab here in the last round, Barboza lands a bit of a right. They trade rights but Lee landed better. More jabs from Lee, Barboza returning them and lands a bit of a wheel kick. Double jab into a right from Barboza, Barboza is bleedving under the right eye now, but he lands a left to the body. Lee bleeding from the bridge of the nose now, and another couple of body kicks from Barboza. Lee tries a double leg, Barboza sprawls and they wind up on the fence. Barboza is defending well against the cage but can’t separate yet. They split forcefully but someone lost a mouthpiece and the ref calls in the doctor to check on Barboza’s eye. The doctor waves this one off, I didn’t get a good look at the cut but with both eyes swollen like that a decent cut could be enough in totality to force the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kevin Lee via TKO, doctor’s stoppage due to cuts, at 2:18 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lee for his work this evening. Mic time for Lee, he says his mental strength was great and he wanted to prove he could fight for five rounds and feels his cardio was on point. He says he can do it all in the sport. Asked about the recovering, he says the kick hurt and puts over Barboza as the second best athlete in the division behind him, then says it’s Khabib time and wants that fight next.

That’s it for Fight Night 128, not a bad fight to end things on all things considered. We’ll be unpacking this event Sunday at 8pm eastern time on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, then I’ve got a few weeks off as the UFC wont be back until May 12th for UFC 224. Boy that’s kind of a dog of a card now that I look at it. Oh well, hopefully it delivers on fight night. Until next time thank you all for reading, Lord knows there’s a lot of places you can get this same type of content, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC, UFC Fight Night 128, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading