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Join 411’s LIVE UFC Fight Night 134 Coverage

July 22, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree
Vicente Luque Curtis Millender UFC on FOX 27 UFC Logo - UFC Shanghai - UFC Fight Night 115 Image Credit: UFC

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Main card (FOX Sports 1 at 2 p.m. ET)
#8 Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua (206 lbs.) vs. Anthony Smith (205 lbs.)
#9 Corey Anderson (204 lbs.) vs. #3 Glover Teixeira (206 lbs.)
Vitor Miranda (185 lbs.) vs. Abu Azaitar (185 lbs.)
#13 Stefan Struve (264 lbs.) vs. #8 Marcin Tybura (246 lbs.)
Danny Roberts (169 lbs.) vs. David Zawada (171 lbs.)
Marc Diakiese (155 lbs.) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (156 lbs.)

Undercard (FOX Sports 1 at 12 p.m. ET)
Nick Hein (153 lbs.) vs. Damir Hadzovic (155 lbs.)
Emil Meek (170 lbs.) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (170 lbs.)
Khalid Taha (145 lbs.) vs. Nad Narimani (146 lbs.)
Justin Ledet (204 lbs.) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (206 lbs.)

Undercard (UFC Fight Pass at 10:30 a.m. ET)
Davey Grant (135 lbs.) vs. Manny Bermudez (135 lbs.)
Jeremy Kimball (204 lbs.) vs. Darko Stosic (205 lbs.)
Damian Stasiak (133 lbs.) vs. Liu Pingyuan (136 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 134. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be you host for this event, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Well we’re in a bit of a rut here for UFC events, last weeks Fight Night was pretty blase and this one is similarly uninspired on paper. The top two fights are in the dumpster fire of a division that is light heavyweight when former champion and all around legend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua takes on Anthony Smith. For the record this was originally Rua vs. Volkan Oezdemir, then Oezdemir got moved to a fight with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 227 but then Oezdemir had to pull out of that fight. The co-main has another couple of top light heavyweights fighting as Glover Teixeira takes on Corey Anderson. Beyond (including?) those fights it’s really slim pickings. Honestly I’m probably most interested in undefeated former heavyweight prospect Justin Ledet’s debut at light heavyweight, which is profoundly sad. Hopefully this is better in practice than on paper.

We’re back in Germany for this card, which really explains the quality of the card, specifically the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany. On commentary we have the usual European duo of John Gooden and Dan Hardy. As for the rules, I believe we’re under the new rules in his location so extending fingers towards your opponent is a foul regardless of contact being made, you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), and the language around scoring is clearer and slightly more encouraging of 10-8’s.

Damian Stasiak has gone 2-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he needs to avoid a third loss in a row here because there’s not a whole lot of places lower on a card than curtain jerking the Fight Pass prelims on a European Fox Sports 1 card. Pingyuan Liu brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and he’s finished his last five opponents. Liu is hoping to continue that streak here and get his UFC career off the ground. The odds are with Stasiak at a slim -130 to +100 on Pingyuan.

Bantamweight Bout: Damian Stasiak (10-5, 133 lbs.) vs. Liu Pingyuan (13-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pingyuan is an inch taller and has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Leg kick from Stasiak as Pingyuan is coming forward. There’s a clinch and Pingyuan lands a couple of elbows before getting Stasiak on the cage. Another elbow from Pingyuan and Stasiak separates. Stasiak lands a leg kick but gets hit with a counter right and drops for a moment. Spinning back kick to the body from Stasiak. Right then a left from Pingyuan. Pingyuan misses a combination, Stasiak after a single leg against the fence but Pingyuan is defending. Stasiak is able to spin Pingyuan down and get on top in guard. Pingyuan gets a double wrist lock but Stasiak has moved to half guard so there’s nothing really there. Full guard for Pingyuan again, Stasiak avoids an armbar attempt but can’t pass off of it. Pingyuan rolls to the fence and is looking to wall walk. They’re back up, Stasiak holding a standing guillotine and now looking to jump guard with it but Pingyuan is keeping him pinned on the fence so he can’t get any body into it. The round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stasiak but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Another touch of gloves for the second round. Stasiak lands a leg kick. Pingyuan misses a couple of hooks. They clinch briefly but Pingyuan gets free with a knee to the body along the way. Stasiak lands a leg kick. Pingyuan lands a spinning back fist that wobbles Stasiak but he gets too aggressive and lets Stasiak get a double leg then a clinch as they scramble back up. Stasiak is still after a double leg along the fence, it takes a bit but he is able to get it and Pingyuan pushes him to a hip which allows him to land elbows then get back up. Pingyuan now holding a guillotine, Stasiak gets free but has to separate. Stasiak lands a spinning back kick to the body but he’s still a little out of sorts. Pingyuan blocks a double leg and lands a knee to the body before selling out for another guillotine attempt. Pingyuan is squeezing but Stasiak is able to force his head free and obtain top position. Some elbows from the bottom by Pingyuan. Stasiak passes to half guard, then gets the back off of a roll attempt but his lack of hooks lets Pingyuan initiate a scramble and get to the fence. Bit of a right from Stasiak, and that’ll end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pingyuan, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Both men miss spinning attempts but Stasiak gets a double leg off of it and moves to half guard. Pingyuan reverses and lands elbows and hammer fists as Stasiak grabs full guard. Pingyuan stands free and we’re back on the feet. Stasiak avoids a couple of hooks and gets to the fence looking for a single leg. Pingyuan defends and lands some short blows to force Stasiak back into a clinch. Elbow from Pingyuan on the break. Stasiak’s hands are really low, but he does land a couple of punches then a leg kick. Pingyuan lands a right then a left but ate a bit of a counter uppercut from Stasiak. Solid right from Pingyuan but he eats another left uppercut. Pingyuan avoids a double leg attempt after landing a body kick. Not a lot of combination work from either man, Pingyuan lands a leg kick. Bad double leg attempt from Stasiak is blocked. They clinch up, trade some knees and time runs down.

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

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

Stasiak’s only real offense in the first was top control so Pingyuang taking that one is fine. Mic time for Pingyuan who says he feels great and expresses love for Hamburg. He says he was injured not too long ago and felt the pressure for his debut before thanking some people.

Jeremy Kimball has gone 1-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss to Dominick Reyes and is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak tonight. Darko Stosic is making his UFC debut here on the back of an eight fight winning streak and is hoping to keep that momentum up here. The odds are with the debuting Stosic at -270 to a +210 comeback on Kimball.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Jeremy Kimball (15-7, 204 lbs.) vs. Darko Stosic (12-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stosic has four inches of reach on Kimball despite them being the same height. They touch gloves to get things going. Kimball doing a bit of stance switching but generally staying orthodox. Stosic lands an inside leg kick. Both men miss some offense, neither man wants to make a critical error and are looking for openings. Stosic blocks a combination, he’s being incredibly patient. Kimball tries a high kick that barely misses. Circling from Kimball, Stosic is content to follow rather than cut him off so far. Stosic lands a counter right. Kimball tries a double leg, Stosic blocks it and then tosses him to get on top. Elbows and hammer fists from Stosic cause Kimball to turtle up and he keeps throwing until the ref halts the action.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Darko Stosic via TKO, elbows, at 3:13 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Stosic for his work this morning. Stosic on the mic, he says he’s always calm in the fight and he’s here to be number one, says he’s here to make history for his country and his people. He says he felt no pressure and he’s here to be number one, then tells the top ten to be ready for him.

Here’s the finish. Kimball over commits to linear motion with his takedown attempt without control of the hips or back of the thighs, this lets Stosic use an overhook and strong core to counter and misdirect him onto his back. From there he doesn’t quite get half guard but his hips are in the smash pass position compromising the posture of Kimball and then smashes him with elbows and hammer fists.

Davey Grant has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Damian Stasiak, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak tonight. Manny Bermudez is undefeated and coming off of a successful UFC debut when he submitted Albert Morales, he’s trying to stay perfect here and start making a name for himself in the division. Bermudez is your favorite here at -285 to a +215 payout for Grant.

Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (10-3, 135 lbs.) vs. Manny Bermudez (12-0, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bermudez is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Grant. They touch gloves to get us going. Grant doing stance switching already and they split jabs. Hard right from Bermudez floors Grant, he’s on top in full mount now and is setting up a triangle choke. Bermudez rolls under to get the triangle, rolls to mount to lock it up, then rolls to his back to tighten it up and puts Grant to sleep. Good Lord that was incredible technique from Bermudez at every step.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manny Bermudez via Technical Submission, triangle choke, at :59 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bermudez for his work this morning. Mic time for Bermudez, who jokes that his triangle choke propensity came before his nick name and further jokes that his right hand was all jiu-jitsu. He talks us through the finish, hitting a reverse triangle at one point then switching to an armbar then back to the triangle. Asked who he wants next he says there’s another undefeated bantamweight out there in Benito Lopez and he’d love to take his unbeaten record.

I mean, just look at this. The way he rotates around the body of Grant while keeping full control over his head and arm, the motion used to set up different attacks, this is just nuts.

Well that’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on to Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims. Sadly that means the pacing will go down the toilet.

Justin Ledet is undefeated overall and is 3-0 in the UFC, he’s dropping back to light heavyweight here and given the talent starved nature of that division he’s trying to make a big impact immediately. Aleksandar Rakic is on a nine fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut, he’s trying to prove himself a prospect in the shallow division with another win here. The odds closed at a -115 pick ’em.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Justin Ledet (9-0 1 NC, 204 lbs.) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (9-1, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ledet has two inches of reach on Rakic. Rakic fighting southpaw, and lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Both men have punches blocked, Rakic is chewing up Ledet’s lead leg with inside leg kicks though. Ledet tries a double leg, Rakic blocks it and gets a takedown into the guard of Ledet. Rakic just kind of holing top position, neither man doing a whole lot from here. Ledet trying to wall walk, and he gets to a seated position. Rakic lands a right as Ledet tries to get up, Rakic is keeping him on his seat so far. Some body to head punches from Rakic, he’s starting to do stuff now. A few short elbows from Rakic, Ledet trying to get his legs in play but Rakic flurries as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Rakic

ROUND TWO: Let’s see if Ledet can adjust after that bad first round. Ledet lands a one two to counter a combination. Both men land punches but both are missing as well. Rakic is orthodox now, lands a right. The leg kicks from Rakic are starting to add up, and he sweeps the rear leg when Ledet tried to check a leg kick, that allows Rakic to get on top in the guard of Ledet. Rakic keeping a higher pace of offense now, stifling Ledet’s attempts at sweeps or submissions. Ledet tries to kick free and roll but winds up giving his back in the ride position. Rakic landing more punches as Ledet tries to roll, Ledet after a knee bar but there’s nothing there and Rakic is back on top in half guard. Ledet is melting under the offense but is doing enough to see the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Rakic misses a leg kick then they both land jabs. Ledet avoids a double leg but eats a punch and drops for a second, he’s back up but they’re clinched and Rakic gets a trip off of it into guard. The head position from Rakic has been superb throughout the fight, it’s contributing to Ledet’s inability to do anything off of his back. Ledet kicks him off but can’t get up before Rakic is back on him in his guard. Rakic trying to stay busy but he’s stalling out just a bit here, probably not badly enough to warrant a stand up though. Rakic stands, gets the ride position then hits a mat return when Ledet trired to stand. Ledet back up but still clinched and Rakic tees off, Ledet fires back and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Rakic, 30-24 Rakic overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24 x2)

Total wipeout for Rakic, Ledet might do better to go back to heavyweight where he’s got a speed and technique advantage. On the mic Rakic says the game plan was leg kicks, pressure, mostly trying to replicate Cain Velasquez on the mat. Asked who’s next he says he’s here to stay and that he belongs in the top and wants a top fifteen guy next, saying he’s a well rounded fighter and that he’s ready.

Khalid Taha is making his UFC debut here and is hoping to get that all important first UFC win in his home country. It’s worth noting Taha took this on short notice and usually fights at bantamweight. Nad Narimani is also making his UFC debut here and looking to make a good first impression. Narimani is your favorite at -265 to a +205 comeback for Taha.

Featherweight Bout: Khalid Taha (12-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Nad Narimani (10-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Narimani is three inches taller but has just one inch of reach advantage. Touch of gloves to get us going. Both men feinting early, sniping with leg kicks mostly. Bit of a left from Taha but Narimani has a body lock and drives things to the fence. Narimani is after a single leg now but he’s not in position to finish it, Taha lands a knee but Narimani ducks around and gets a trip from behind and lands in the ride position. A few rights from Narimani but he’s mostly fighting to keep Taha down on his seat against the fence. Narimani lands a knee to the head, Taha only had one hand down so it was legal, and Taha is back up to avoid more of those but still in the clinch. Taha lands a knee to the body but he can’t get free yet. Hard elbow from Taha then he pulls free. Narimani took a finger to the eye on that break so we’ve got time. Narimani is good to continue, Taha lands a leg kick on the restart. Taha lands a bit of a leg kick, then an overhand right. Narimani gets a double leg under a right and lands in half guard. Things stall out there until the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Narimani but there’s an argument for Taha in there

ROUND TWO: They split jabs to start the round. Taha is trying to keep this at striking distance, he’s bloodied the nose of Narimani with his jab. Another jab from Taha and he just misses some follow ups. Narimani times a kick and gets a takedown into half guard. Elbows from Narimani and he wraps the head looking for a cradle position. They trade elbows and Narimani lost his mouth piece on that one. Impressive control from Narimani, he’s stifling deep half sweep attempts from Taha with ease and keeping top position. Elbows from Narimani as Taha is trying to set up forces Taha to go flat to defend himself. Narimani tries to pass but can’t and Taha is back up and free. Narimani is breathing heavily, Taha is trying to push the pace on him now at distance. Taha blocks a double leg attempt and lands a jumping knee but Narimani gets a clinch off of that. Knees to the body from Taha as he’s moving around digging for an under hook. Narimani lands a knee to the body and the round ends after Narimani misses some punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Narimani but Taha is definitely in this fight, 20-18 Narimani overall

ROUND THREE: Narimani is sucking some wind, Taha much fresher but needs a finish most likely. They touch gloves for the last round. Short right lands for Taha. Another right from Taha but Narimani catches a kick and gets a takedown into guard. They work to the fence, Narimani lands a couple of punches and Taha wall walks to a knee but gives up the ride position. Narimani lands a couple of rights, Taha still trying to wall walk, and he’s back up but is still stuck in the clinch. Narimani pulls Taha back down and has the back with both hooks in. Taha looking to stand, he’s up and trying to shake Narimani off over his head but Narimani isn’t high enough for that to work yet. Taha trying to turn in now and does break the hooks then gets on top. Lefts from Taha, they’re back up and he lands a knee to the body but Narimani is back on a high crotch against the fence. Taha lands an elbow on teh break but Narimani dives into another takedown then moves to the back with one hook in. Narimani gets too high and Taha sells out for a guillotine but can’t get it as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nad Narimani via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Narimani, but if that’s the worst fight all night I’ll celebrate.

Emil Weber Meek has gone 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Kamaru Usman. Meek is trying to avoid his first losing streak and get back on the winning side of things. Bartosz Fabinski has gone 2-0 in the UFC and has an overall six fight winning streak going on but hasn’t fought in nearly 3 years. Fabinski is trying to move towards prospect status with another win here. As for the odds, they lean towards Meek at -160 against +130 on Fabinski.

Welterweight Bout: Emil Meek (9-3-1 1 NC, 170 lbs.) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (13-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fabinski is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Meek. Meek charges out and jumps for a knee but Fabinski gets a double leg off of it and mounts the legs against the fence. Fabinski moves to half guard and moves Meek away from the fence to keep him from wall walking. Meek hip escapes to full guard again, Fabinski lands a couple of elbows. Fabinski lands a couple of knees as Meek gets to a knee, and trips Meek back down. Meek looking to wall walk, he’s back up but Fabinski lands some knees to the body and gets him back down against the fence. Fabinski is into a loose half guard, Meek is fishing for a kimura to try and get things moving in his direction. Fabinski has the legs tied up but Meek gets one free and is looking to wall walk again. Meek lands a few elbows as he’s seated but Fabinski pulls him back flat. A few elbows from Fabinski land and that will bring a close to the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Fabinski but a borderline one

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Meek, he’s more controlled this round but Fabinski is after a double leg quickly and gets him down away from the cage. Meek lands some elbows from his back and has cut the top of Fabinski’s head. Fabinski moves to half guard and lands some short elbows as Meek reguards. Meek fishing for a switch now but Fabinski steps over a leg and Meek decides to try and wall walk instead. Fabinski keeps pressure but Meek is up and separates then lands a couple of punches. Meek coming forward and lands a few punches before clinching up. Fabinski is after a single leg against the fence, moves to a double leg and gets Meek down again. Meek retaining guard more now, it helps that Fabinski’s guard passing is the Guida attempt to step over rather than actually setting anything up at the moment. Fabinski lands a few short elbows. Half guard now for Fabinski as Meek is looking to turn and wall walk, he lands some lefts from the ride position looking to smother Meek. Meek back up, holding a guillotine but gets dumped with a double leg and Fabinski is in side control off of that. Knees to the body from Fabinski, and a few elbows to the body as well. Another knee to the body, then full mount for Fabinski as he’s trying to set up an arm triangle when the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Meek comes out jabbing, he’s looking to brawl but Fabinski lands a right then a left. Fabinski fails on a single leg attempt, but he pushes into a clinch on the fence. Meek looking to defend but Fabinski wont give him space. Knees to the body from Meek as he spins Fabinski into the fence then pulls free. Both men miss punches but Fabinski is visibly tired and Meek is looking to take him out. Front kick to the body from Meek and he tries to tee off but Fabinski is slipping most of these offerings. Fabinski tries a double leg when Meek planted his feet to brawl and drives him to the fence. Meek grabs a ninja choke, Fabinski gets his head free and the ref breaks them after they stall on a double leg attempt from Fabinski. Left lands for Fabinski and he gets a double leg, meek after a kimura sweep but nothing doing on that front. Fabinski lands an elbow from top position and is trying to set up the arm triangle again. A couple of elbows from Fabinski as Meek gets full guard back. Fabinski passes to half guard, Meek tries to scoot his hips back but only succeeds in getting full guard again. Meek is trying to move but he’s not getting any space here and Fabinski ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Meek, 29-27 Fabinski overall

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

It’s like the fighters know they’re on Fox Sports 1 and just want to have a laugh at the pacing by having fights go the distance in forgettable fights. No interview for Fabinski.

Nick Hein has a solid UFC record of 4-2 and those losses are to James Vick and Davi Ramos, he’s coming off of that loss to Ramos though and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Damir Hadzovic has gone 1-2 in the UFC but those losses are to Mairbek Taisumov and Alan Patrick, he’s trying to get his UFC record back to the .500 mark and make good on the promise he’s shown. Hein is the -165 favorite to +135 for Hadzovic.

Lightweight Bout: Nick Hein (14-3 1 NC, 153 lbs.) vs. Damir Hadzovic (11-4, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hadzovic is three inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Hein. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men feinting a bit. Hein tries an overhand right, mostly blocked though. Hadzovic taking a measured approach so far, lands a leg kick. Hein lands the overhand right to counter a jab. Hein goes southpaw and Hadzovic lands a couple of punches, seems Hadzovic drilled for a southpaw Hein, and Hein goes back to orthodox. Neither man has done a lot of work so far, just getting reads and adjusting. Jab from Hadzovic lands, there’s some damage around the right eye of Hein from the jabs. More jabs from Hadzovic, that’s the most successful offense from either man so far. Hein misses a couple of lefts, he’s bleeding from the nose now as well. Hadzovic avoids some offense as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hadzovic but don’t be surprised if the “aggression” of Hein stole it

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again, Hein’s right eye is swelling and bruised under it. Hadzovic looking to jab again, he lands a right and blocks the counters from Hein. Stiff right from Hadzovic lands, and a jab to follow it up. Hein’s looping hooks are being blocked, he needs to straighten those out a bit. Another jab from Hadzovic lands, Hein lands a leg kick. Hein wades forward and lands a left but his face is becoming a mess. Hadzovic lands a leg kick. Body kick from Hadzovic. Hard right from Hadzovic lands then a front kick to the body. Hein’s offense is missing still, it’s a little weird to see him constaly hit the shoulders or arms. Hadzovic lands a leg kick. Uppercut lands for Hein, Hadzovic lands a straight right. Bit of a high kick from Hadzovic then a long right. Hadzovic is working step knees to the body but Hein cracks him with a left hook. Hadzovic lands a right. The defense of Hadzovic is really something, he lands a right then just misses a follow up left hook. Another jab from Hadzovic closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hadzovic, 20-18 Hadzovic overall but I’ve got a Clucky feeling about this one

ROUND THREE: Hein lands a left that off balances Hadzovic to start the round. There’s welling around both of Hein’s eyes now. Hein trying to double up on the left hook and is finding more success. Front kick to the face from Hadzovic lands flush and he lands a couple of follow up punches. Left hook from Hadzovic. Hein coming forward looking to brawl but Hadzovic is circling well. Hadzovic lands a left and avoids a counter. Hard counter right from Hadzovic drops Hein, he’s swarming him against the fence but Hein fires back and he resets to find a better angle of attack. Another right lands for Hadzovic. Hein trying to goad a brawl, he’s not all the way back from that right just yet. Hadzovic misses a couple of punches then lands a body kick. Right from Hadzovic lands. Bit of a left hook from Hadzovic counters a leg kick attempt from Hein. Hein coming forward but he’s not cutting the cage and is getting sniped because of it. We get a bit of a wild exchange to close things out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hadzovic, 30-27 Hadzovic overall but expect anything from the scores

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

I said expect weirdness there, and we got it. No interview for Hadzovic, but that wraps up our preliminary action. Still on Fox Sports 1 for the main card though.

Nasrat Haqparast lost his UFC debut to Marcin Held, he’s now trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Marc Diakiese has gone 3-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak, if he wants to regain the hype that surrounded him when he debuted he can’t afford to drop three in a row here. Fortunately for Diakiese he’s favored to do just that at -175 to a +145 comeback on Haqparast.

Lightweight Bout: Marc Diakiese (12-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (8-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Diakiese is two inches taller and has one inch of reach on Haqparast. Haqparast fighting southpaw, and we’ve got circling to start. Diakiese trying to get his jab working, he’s aiming to the body or head depending on what’s available. Front kick to the body from Diakiese. Haqparast is blocking or avoiding kicks and looking to close distance. Diakiese has a combination blocked. Haqparast is coming forward now, and lands a left. Left to the body from Diakiese. Haqparast comes forward and has some lefts mostly blocked. Another left to the body from Diakiese but Haqparast lands a series of counters including a bunch of knees to the body from a brief clinch. Left uppercut from Haqparast, he’s keeping the pressure on Diakiese. Haqparast digs some body shots in close, his pace and pressure is getting to Diakiese. Some dirty boxing and elbows from Haqparast before Diakiese circles free but he’s still on the fence. Lefts and a knee from Haqparast. Diakiese lands a left hook counter, these two clearly came to fight. Haqparast fades a right and lands a counter left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Haqparast

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Right hook lands for Haqparast and he blocks a couple of high kicks. Diakiese lands a couple of body shots but he’s still no good fighting off of the back foot and Haqparast is pressuring him. There’s an eye poke so we’ve got time for Haqparast to recover. Replay confirms the eye poke but Haqparast is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Haqparast lands a straight left. Another body shot from Diakiese but he’s still struggling with the pressure, he needs distance and Haqparast isn’t giving it to him. Haqparast lands a couple of punches along the fence then lands a calf kick. The cage cutting from Haqparast is pretty solid, he’s not letting Diakiese just circle free. Bit of an uppercut from Diakiese lands. Both guys starting to jab a bit now but the range is still a problem as they’re both missing. Left lands for Haqparast, he’s stopped his pressure and is looking to counter more now. Diakiese lands a front kick to the body. Haqparast lands a superman punch. Diakiese lands a left to the body but eats a counter left. Left uppercut from Haqparast lands. A series of lefts from Haqparast land, and one that staggers Diakiese. Diakiese staggers back, Haqparast lands again and gets on top, then lands hammer fists as the round ends, another fifteen seconds might have spelled the end of the fight there.

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

ROUND THREE: Diakiese’s right eye is swollen pretty badly at this point. Both men miss punches and Haqparast is coming forward. Both men land power hand punches. A couple of jabs from Haqparast land, Diakiese lands a couple of front kicks to the body. Lefts from Haqparast land. Diakiese tries a double leg, Haqparast nearly judo throws him and Diakiese immediately breaks away. Left lands for Diakiese, Haqparast lands a couple of lefts and Diakiese was falling backwards. Haqparast lands lefts as Diakiese gets up, Diakiese’s nose is bleeding now as well. Another blitz from Haqparast is mostly successful, Diakiese isn’t countering when Haqparast is coming forward and Haqparast is swarming him because of it. Calf kick from Haqparast takes the legs from Diakiese for a moment. Diakiese lands a body kick. Haqparast is a tank, he’s either blocking or just eating the offense from Diakiese. Another calf kick from Haqparast, and a left. Diakiese is bleeding around that swollen eye now. Haqparast lands another left. Body kick then a left from Haqparast, Diakiese still struggling on the back foot. Haqparast lands another calf kick that wobbles the legs of Diakiese. Both men try punches that don’t really land as time runs down.

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

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

I can see the second being a 10-8 for Haqparast with the near finish at the end. Mic time for Haqparast, he puts over Diakiese as tough then dedicates the fight to his mother who just had a stroke and is in the hospital. He says she’s better now, puts over his team and coaches, thanks the UFC for the chance to fight on the main card in his home town and closes by saying you should stay humble or life will humble you.

Danny Roberts has gone 4-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a first round win over Oliver Enkamp, he’s after his second ever UFC winning streak here. David Zawada brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and a win over a solid fighter like Roberts would be a big way to announce his arrival in the UFC. Roberts is the heavy -375 favorite to a +285 payout on Zawada.

Welterweight Bout: Danny Roberts (15-3, 169 lbs.) vs. David Zawada (16-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberts is an inch taller while Zawada has an inch of reach on him. Roberts fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves then trade leg kicks. Both guys moving well so far, Zawada is coming forward generally. Roberts digs a left to the body. They clinch up, Zawada tries a sacrifice throw but Roberts gets a standing guillotine in the scramble then lands a knee as Zawada gets his head free. Zawada lands an elbow but gives up position and Roberts is after a single leg against the fence. Roberts bails on that attempt and lands to the body before Zawada gets free. Decent counter from Zawada, then he tries a jumping knee but eats a straight left. Inside leg kick from Zawada and he’s in the clinch but tries that lateral drop again and again fails, Roberts on top in half guard now. Zawada gets his legs in place, now trying for a knee but Roberts is landing punches and hammer fists. Elbow from Roberts, he’s postured up looking to pressure into Zawada and stack him. Zawada has wrist control and tries a triangle choke but can’t get one of his legs in play so Roberts lands elbows. Roberts into half guard now, Zawada goes to a lockdown to stall things out. Roberts gets his posture and lands a couple of elbows before Zawada gets full guard back. Ermbar from Zawada, it’s deep but he’s short on time and Roberts survives.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Roberts

ROUND TWO: Another touch of gloves for the round. Zawada avoids a high kick and lands a couple of counters. Right from Zawada lands, we get a brawl for a bit before clinching up and Zawada is after a single leg. Roberts can’t get his legs free and Zawada spins him down then settles into top position. Lefts from Zawada land as Roberts gets up, they’re still clinched and this time Zawada hits the lateral drop and lands in side control. Zawada tries to spin to the back, they scramble and Roberts has to avoid a guillotine attempt then settles into the guard of Zawada. Roberts lands a few short elbows. Zawada dives under for a leg entanglement, he sweeps Roberts down but can’t get on top before Roberts returns to top position. Butterfly sweep from Zawada and now he’s on top in half guard. Zawada lands a few lefts, then sells out for a guillotine but he’s not got his hips in play so Roberts winds up on top again. Zawada wall walks, Roberts after a single leg and Zawada is fighting to strip his grip witha cross face. They scramble and Zawada ends the round on top in north-south landing rights to the head.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zawada, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Zawada stalking forward, Roberts lands a bit of a left. Right from Zawada lands. Roberts lands a couple of leg kicks then misses a one two. Zawada lands another right then knees the body in close. Roberts might be breaking from a cardio perspective. Zawada blocks a double leg attempt then sells out for d’arce choke. Roberts is defending but that choke is tightening up and he finally turns and gets Zawada to break the grip, Zawada is in side control now. Another d’arce attempt from Zawada, he can’t get his legs in play though and Roberts pushes him over and gets on top. Zawada initiates a scramble and Roberts uses a whizzer to drive Zawada over again but Zawada nearly has his back now from a leg drag position. Roberts trying to get on top but almost gives up the back, Zawada can’t keep the scramble pace though and Roberts is on top now in half guard landing lefts. Zawada gets full guard, half guard again from Roberts and he’s after an arm triangle. Roberts bails on that attempt and lands a few elbows. Zawada to his knees, rolls on to top position and lands elbows from side control. Roberts to his knees and Zawada lands a couple of elbows then punches and hurts Roberts. One final takedown attempt from Zawada is blocked and Roberts tiredly swings punches into the guard of Zawada as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danny Roberts via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)

No issue with 20-28 Roberts but 30-27 Zawada is incredibly dubious. Mic time for Roberts, he puts over Zawada for taking the fight on short notice and just coming to fight. He says he knows he has to win to feed his son and had to adapt as this fight went on because he couldn’t find tape on Zawada and brings up a rib injury he’d been struggling with. He closes by calling out Neil Magny.

Marcin Tybura is now 3-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, despite that he’s still considered a top heavyweight and if he wants to retain that distinction he cannot afford another loss here. Stefan Struve is also on a two fight losing streak but is also still thought of as a relevant heavyweight, he’s trying to avoid his first three fight losing streak here. The odds are with Tybura at -250 to +195 on Struve.

Heavyweight Bout: #13 Stefan Struve (28-10, 264 lbs.) vs. #8 Marcin Tybura (16-4, 246 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Struve is nine inches taller (he’s a full seven feet no matter what the stats say) and has six and a half inches of reach on Tybura. They touch gloves to get us going. They trade leg kicks. Struve is trying to get his jab working, I mean is he finally fighting long? Tybura coming forward, lands a leg kick. Single leg from Tybura and he’s got Struve down in butterfly guard. A few punches land for Tybura, Struve is trying to set up his guard game. A few elbows to the body from Tybura land. Struve lands a hammer fist from the bottom, Tybura lands to the body again. A few rights to the head from Tybura as Struve is trying to get his legs in play. The ref stands them back up, mostly fair they’d kind of stalled out. Leg kick from Struve. Left hook lands for Tybura, and surprise Struve is struggling to maintain distance again. Front kick to the body from Tybura. Struve checks a leg kick then lands a leg kick. Tybura lands an uppercut. Double leg from Tybura will close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tybura

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Bit of a jab from Struve, Tybura lands a right to the body. Tybura jabs the body but Struve is keeping range more to start the round. Leg kick from Tybura. Tybura with a double leg against the fence and he’s got Struve down again. Some body and head punches from Tybura, Struve is fighting for wrist control at the moment. We get some confusion as Struve was grabbing the fence with his toes to get the position and the ref takes it away from him. On the restart Tybura moves to side control and lands knees to the body. Elbow from Tybura. Struve shrimps to his feet but he’s bleeding from the mouth and nose. Struve lands a front kick to the face but Tybura clinches up. They break and Tybrua gets hit but pushes for another double leg to the fence. Struve’s jaw might be busted given how he’s bleeding from the mouth. Tybura with a big elevated double leg slam into side control. Tybura lands a few rights to the body and head as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: OK, that wasn’t the jaw there’s a massive cut on the chin and under the lip fo Struve. That’s nasty, but the doctor says he can continue but if that gets bigger they could stop it. Struve lands a front kick to the body. Tybura trying to close distance, Struve lands a bit of a right. Stomp kick to the knee from Tybura, then a right hand behind it. Inside leg kick from Tybura. Bit of a right from Tybura, he’s working oblique kicks to the lead leg of Struve now. Calf kick from Tybura, Struve returns it. Bit of a combination from Struve and Tybura tries a double leg but his drive isn’t there and Struve separates. Another double leg from Tybura hits the fence and he switches to a trip and gets Struve down landing in half guard. A few lefts land for Tybura then some knees to the body. A few short elbows from Tybura lands and Struve is able to get full guard. Tybura doesn’t seem to care about the guard of Struve, he’s elbowing the body and head when he can reach the head of Struve. Hammer fists now from Tybura, he’s going to end the round in top position.

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

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

Struve could have taken the second I guess, Tybura gets an interview. He puts over Struve, and he’s got some swelling around his right eye, and says the fight was tough. Asked who’s next he says he’s just broken a two fight losing streak and feels he needs to do more before he can call someone out, then closes with Polish for his Polish fans. That was a bad fight.

Vitor Miranda has gone 3-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to preserve his job because if he drops three in a row he’s likely on his way out of the promotion. Abu Azaitar brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and could make a good first impression with a finish here. Azaitar is the -200 favorite to a +160 comeback on the UFC veteran Miranda.

Middleweight Bout: Vitor Miranda (12-6, 185 lbs.) vs. Abu Azaitar (13-2-1, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Miranda is four inches taller and has one inch of reach on Azaitar. Azaitar comes out jabbing, and looking to circle. Azaitar misses a couple of counter hooks, then digs a left to the body. Leg kick from Azaitar lands. Bit of a left from Azaitar. Miranda misses a high kick and covers up to block the counter flurry. Azaitar is starting his rush from way too far out and Miranda is able to either avoid or block them. Azaitar lands a right. Body shots from Azaitar but he’s almost flailing with them once he starts moving. Leg kick from Azaitar, Miranda returns it. Left from Azaitar in close landed flush. Left to the body from Azaitar. Leg kick from Miranda. Bit of a right from Azaitar, if he’d stop lunging with his upper body so far forward he could fake into an uppercut as Miranda is blocking high with his elbows. Double leg from Miranda and he’s in half guard now. Miranda looking to pass, but he’s kind of stalled and they trade elbows to little effect. Another pass attempt from Miranda, he’s keeping Azaitar flat if nothing else. Azaitar kicks free then hits a takedown of his own, and flurries on Miranda as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Azaitar

ROUND TWO: Azaitar looks a little gassed after that round, he muscles a lot o stuff and it’s showing. Miranda coming forward, he’s not exactly fresh either. Also, Miranda should really look to angle and uppercut when Azaitar rushes him, his chin is only being hid by his shoulders on that rush but is the first thing going forward. Azaitar lands a right but eats a knee, that also works for Miranda. Azaitar lands a couple of body and head hooks but Miranda is mitigating most of them. Single leg attempt from Miranda, Azaitar blocks it but can’t hit a reversal and Miranda winds up on top in full mount. Miranda is after an arm triangle choke, but Azaitar slips free and regains his feet. Single leg from Miranda as Azaitar planted to swing hooks, Azaitar barely tried to fight that off, he threw a hammer fist from his seat rather than try to get up. Mount now for Miranda again, Azaitar explodes and gets on top in the guard of Miranda. Azaitar is strong as an ox if nothing else. They’re fighting for grips and control here but neither man is doing much. Azaitar lands a few elbows to the body but they’re stalling and the ref stands them up. Bit of a left from Azaitar. Azaitar should go back to the body, and he sprawls on a double leg and moves to the ride position to strike at Miranda. Miranda back up and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miranda but this was a close round, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch glove gloves for the last round. Both guys look pretty gassed at this point. Double leg from Azaitar and he lands in the guard of Miranda. Azaitar lands a few body shots, he tries a can opener but Miranda counters with an armbar attempt that’s really tight. Azaitar is holding his own hand to keep the arm from extending and then gets his arm free. Miranda is on top in north-south but Azaitar has an inverted triangle attempt if he wants it. Miranda gets free and settles in to north-south. The ref wants work, Azaitar bucks and gets to guard. Azaitar tries to throw up a triangle, Miranda avoids it and moves to side control. Both guys take a minute to breathe and regain their wind. A few elbows from Miranda sneak through. Knee on belly from Miranda but Azaitar reverses and gets on top again. Hammer fists from Azaitar, he’s trying to swarm and pass. Hard right from Azaitar as he gets to half guard. Azaitar gets the back now with both hooks in, they trade punches and scramble a bit as tie runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Azaitar but who knows, 29-28 Azaitar overall

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

Mic time for Azaitar, he expresses love for Hamburg and their support for coming out on a Sunday and filling the arena. He says the fight was tough and notes that he hasn’t fought for two years and was sick coming into this fight, but he wasn’t going to let the fans down. To close he thanks God and the King of Morocco who’s sponsored his training, then thanks his coaches and trainers and expresses love to Abu Dhabi and Morocco as well as his family. Another less than stellar fight.

Glover Teixeira has gone 2-2 in his last four fights, losing to Anthony Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson but he’s coming off of a win over Misha Cirkunov. Teixeira is trying to retain his top spot and maybe fight for an interim title in the near future. Corey Anderson has also gone 2-2 in his last four fights, he’s coming off of a win over Patrick Cummins but a win here would be the biggest of his career. Teixeira is the -160 favorite to a +140 payout for Anderson.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #9 Corey Anderson (10-4, 204 lbs.) vs. #3 Glover Teixeira (27-6, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Teixeira is a full ten years older, Anderson is an inch taller and has three inches of reach on Teixeira. Anderson quickly trying to close distance, and tries a double leg against the fence as Teixeira defends. Teixeira has double under hooks and then slips free of the clinch. Bit of a body kick from Anderson. Guillotine attempt from Teixeira blocks a double leg attempt then he pushes free. Anderson isn’t fighting for an under hook in close and Teixeira is blocking the takedown with relative ease because of it. Bit of an uppercut from Teixeira and he clinches up after blocking a double leg attempt. They break without incident. Anderson lands a bit of a right and gets a takedown against the fence but Teixeira is still sitting on the cage. Teixeira back up, mat return from Anderson and Teixeira is back up again still in the clinch. Anderson gets a single leg off of the clinch but he can’t keep Teixeira down. They’re still in the clinch then break as Teixeira blocks some punches. Anderson lands an uppercut. Another couple of punches land for Anderson, Teixeira looks slow so far. Single leg from Anderson but Teixeira gets a guillotine and sells out to squeeze it as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Anderson

ROUND TWO: Teixeira lands a bit of a right to get the round going. Left from Teixeira and Anderson lands an uppercut. Anderson gets a single leg but Teixeira is back up and after a double leg of his own against the fence. Anderson blocks that and they wind up clinched and Anderson lands a punch as they break. Teixeira reaches for a single leg but has no drive and can’t finish it. Bit of an uppercut from Teixeira. They each land rights in close, Teixeira is a little hurt and Anderson spins to his back and gets the ride position. Teixeira is able to roll under and get half guard but Anderson mounts him. Teixeira to his knees, Anderson gets the ride position and lands a few rights. Anderson gets both hooks in, Teixeira shakes him off and gets a body lock once they hit the feet, then they break and trade body kicks. Right from Teixeira lands but Anderson has faster hands. Another clinch, Anderson gets a takedown against the fence and lands in half guard. A brief flurry from Anderson brings the round to a close.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Anderson combing forward, we get a bit of an exchange but Anderson’s hand speed and diversity is overwhelming Teixeira at this point. Teixeira blocks a single leg attempt but he’s not landing much offense. Single leg attempt from Anderson, Teixeira looking to threaten with a guillotine to get him to bail on it. Anderson switches to a double leg, back to a single leg and he moves to the back standing and rides Teixeira down. Impressive chain wrestling from Anderson, he’s not stopping after the first attempt anymore. Anderson gets the back, Teixeira stands but they’re still in the clinch and Teixeira lands an elbow as they break. Bit of a knee from Anderson, Teixeira tries a takedown into a sit out but Anderson reads that and moves to the ride position, then half guard as Teixeira wants some control over him. Teixeira back to his feet and they break. Another clinch, and a single leg from Anderson gets Teixeira down again. Teixeira has been trying to get on top but Anderson’s scrambling and counter wrestling have stifled him when he’s tried that. Anderson gets the ride position again, Teixeira back up and is able to break free. Uppercut from Teixeira lands but he’s reaching for his offense and Anderson ties him up in the clinch again. Teixeira tries a guillotine, can’t get it and ends the fight on top position in a scramble.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Corey Anderson via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Teixeira looked slow and old, Anderson on the mic now. He’s proud of his performance but not happy with it, thanks his coaches and family for their support. Asked who’s next he says he wants whoever but says he wont take the Gustafsson fight on short notice on UFC 227 but wants someone ranked above him who previously beat him.

For the record, we have now tied the record for most decisions on a UFC card at 10 and every fight on Fox Sports 1 has gone the distance. I’ll have to double check on those other cards with 10 decisions, but a full nine in a row might be a record as well.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is one of the best light heavyweights in MMA history and a former UFC champion, he’s also on a three fight winning streak and with a win here could set himself up for a title/interim title fight as his career continues to wind down. Anthony Smith has gone 4-1 in his last five fights and had a successful debut up at light heavyweight when he knocked out former champion Rashad Evans. If Smith can take out another former champion here he could find himself in the title picture in short order. The odds are actually with Smith at -205 to a +165 comeback on Rua.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8 Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua (25-10, 206 lbs.) vs. Anthony Smith (29-13, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is three inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Rua stalking forward, Smith circling early. Jab from Smith, Rua lands a leg kick. Smith lands a leg kick of his own. they both miss wild hooks. Smith feinting a bit, trying to draw out Rua. Front kick to the face from Smith and a left hook to follow it up. One two from Smith, Rua is backing up and Smith is teeing off then standing KO’s Rua against the fence.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Smith via KO, elbow and punches, at 1:29 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Smith for his work this evening. I’ve got another cryptic message as well from the “Decisionatti” are apparently pleased with things. Jokes aside, big win for Smith there who looks good at light heavyweight. Mic time for Smith who believes in his coaches and his family who all believe in him more than he believes in himself and he doesn’t want to let them down. He talks us through the finish, mentions using elbows in close being a weapon for him. Asked who he wants next he says respects Jimi Manuwa, who’s sitting cage side, but offers to step in and fight Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 227.

Here’s the finish, I’ll try to find a better quality version and replace it later. Rua’s chin is just done, his style has been figured out and anyone who’s any good can replicate something like this.

That event was a little over six and a half hours long from start to finish. The pacing was brutal at times, and the fights weren’t exactly scintillating either. Fortunately it’s over, and the next event is one that’s much better on paper. Next Saturday we have UFC on FOX 30, which has the rematch between Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier (the two fought to a no contest at UFC 211 that should have been a DQ loss for Alvarez IMO), also features Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens and Joanna Jedrzejczyk taking on Tecia Torres.

Tonight the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show will record and we’ll have a full preview of that FOX event as well as a post mortem on this event. If you’ve got a question you’d like addressed on the show leave it in the comments below or you can tweet me @WinfreeMMA if you do the twitter thing. I’ll be back on Saturday to cover that UFC on FOX card, and hopefully it lives up to the hype because these last few events have been very blegh.

Until then everyone thank you for suffering along with me, and thank you for the support. I don’t deserve it but hope to one day earn it. Thanks again, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.