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Join 411’s LIVE UFC Fight Night 137 Coverage

September 22, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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Keep Refreshing For The Latest UFC Fight Night 137 Results
MAIN CARD (FS1, 10:30 p.m. ET)
Thiago “Marreta” Santos (203.7 lbs.) vs. Eryk Anders (205.6 lbs.)
#14 Alex Oliveira (171 lbs.) vs. Carlo Pedersoli (170.3 lbs.)
Sam Alvey (205.6 lbs.) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (205.3 lbs.)
Renan “Barao” Pegado (141.75 lbs.)* vs. Andre Ewell (135 lbs.)
#13 Randa Markos (115.7 lbs.) vs. Marina Rodriguez (115.4 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS2, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Christos Giagos (155.6 lbs.) vs. Charles Oliveira (153.9 lbs.)
Evan Dunham (156 lbs.) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (155 lbs.)
Luis Henrique (204.8 lbs.) vs. Ryan Spann (203.8 lbs.)
Augusto Sakai (265.6 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (257.1 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Sergio Moraes (170.8 lbs.) vs. Ben Saunders (170.3 lbs.)
Marya Bueno Silva (125.4 lbs.) vs. Gillian Robertson (125.6 lbs.)
Thales Leites (185.9 lbs.) vs. Hector Lombard (185.7 lbs.)
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (170.6 lbs.) vs. Luigi Vendramini (170.4 lbs.)
Alex Chambers (115.8 lbs.) vs. Livia Renata Souza (116 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 137. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Boy this event has taken some strange twists and turns hasn’t it? The main event started life as Glover Teixeira vs. Jimi Manuwa, Teixeira got injured and replaced by Thiago Santos, then Manuwa got injured last week and was replaced by Eryk Anders. So a fight that started as two top light heavyweights battling for top position has become two middleweights who are around the top 15 level fighting up at light heavyweight.

The co-main event is also a replacement fight, Alex Oliveira was to fight Neil Magny but Magny was pulled in favor of being in the main event of Fight Night 140 and was replaced by Carlo Pedersoli Jr. Honestly the most interesting fights are on the prelims, Francisco Trinaldo vs. Evan Dunham is a solid affair, Sergio Moraes is fighting Ben Saunders, and one of the most under appreciated welterweights in the world Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is fighting.

Beyond that, it’s slim pickings and this event has fourteen fights and we could be in for a really long evening. UFC Fight Night 137 comes to the world from Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil. On commentary we have the duo of Brendan Fitzgerald and Jimmy Smith, a decent enough duo. As for the rules we are under the new rules tonight, 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, and the language around scoring is clearer as well as encouraging more 10-8’s.

Livia Renata Souza is a former Invicta strawweight champion with just a single loss on her resume. Souza is making the jump to the UFC here and looking to extend her two fight winning streak and make a good first impression to the audience. Alex Chambers has gone just 1-3 in the UFC and is currently on a two fight losing streak, she’s trying to break that here and spoil the debut of Souza. As for the odds, they see this as a horribly lopsided -1200 for Souza to a +700 comeback for Chambers.

Strawweight Bout: Alex Chambers (5-4, 115.8 lbs.) vs. Livia Renata Souza (11-1, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Souza is a full twelve years younger, but the height and reach is identical. Circling to start, Souza much lighter on her feet. Souza misses a few leg kicks then lands an overhand right and backs Chambers to the fence. Another couple of rights from Souza then she gets a single leg and has Chambers down. Full mount for Souza almost immediately, Chambers shrimping but gives up the mounted guillotine and Souza starts squeezing for all she’s worth. It takes a second but Chambers taps, and the first squash of the night goes as planned.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Livia Renata Souza via Submission, mounted guillotine choke, at 1:21 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Souza for her work this evening. Mic time for Souza, she puts over her coaches for working her through that specific finishing sequence. She talks us through the finish to close the interview.

Here’s the finish, not much to detail here, just a beating from Souza.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is on a five fight winning streak and is 5-1 overall in the UFC, if he can get to six in a row here he’ll be looking for a bigger name opponent for his next bout. Luigi Vendramini is stepping in on short notice here after Belal Muhammad fell out of this fight, but he’s undefeated and looking to take out a very successful UFC fighter. The odds are with dos Santos at a whopping -800 against +500 for Vendramini.

Welterweight Bout: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (19-5, 170.6 lbs.) vs. Luigi Vendramini (8-0, 170.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dos Santos is three inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get things going. Dos Santos stalking forward, Vendramini looking to circle. Body kick from dos Santos, Vendramini catches it and tries a takedown but dos Santos snaps him down then jumps on a Peruvian necktie. The choke looks pretty close, Vendramini trying to fight free but seems a little lost in the position. Dos Santos bails on the choke, Vendramini gets the back standing and looks to jump to the backpack position. There’s a body triangle from Vendramini and he’s after the standing choke. He’s nearly got it, pulls them to the mat but dos Santos breaks the choke and lands some elbows to the thigh. Vendramini is back on the choke but dos Santos breaks the grip again. Dos Santos is standing again but Vendramini is still on his back. They break, not sure why Vendramini gave that position up but he did. Both men miss some kicks, they both might have gassed their arms out a bit during that exchange. Side kick to the body from dos Santos. Body kick from dos Santos. Vendramini slips and blocks a couple of rights as he wall walks. Both men miss kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vendramini

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves to start the second. Leg kick from Vendramini. Dos Santos still coming forward, he’s doing some stance switching looking to kick at range. Failed double leg from Vendramini. Bit of a left from dos Santos. Vendramini tweaks something on a kick that he threw, dos Santos responds with a jumping knee to the chin and a couple of follow ups that put Vendramini out cold.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via KO, flying knee and punches, at 1:20 of Round 2

Lovely flying knee from dos Santos. Dos Santos on the mic, he says he saw that his opponent was hurt and then puts him over but anticipates Vendramini returning to his more natural lightweight. He plays with the crowd a bit then wishes his mother a Happy Birthday and calls out Robbie Lawler, which would be a pretty bonkers fight.

Here’s the finish. Vendramini tweaks his knee I think on the missed kick, dos Santos never lets him recover and hits a gorgeous flying knee. I’m honestly surprised Vendramini stayed upright, but a right hook puts him down and out.

Thales Leites looks to have seen his best UFC runs behind him, he’s currently on a two fight losing streak and is just 2-5 in his last seven fights. Leites is looking to get a win as a feel good moment as he’s announced this will be his final fight. Speaking of horrible losing streaks though, we have Hector Lombard. Lombard is on a five fight losing streak, though his last one was a dubious DQ loss, and he hasn’t won a fight officially since 2014. Lombard needs a win badly if he wants to have even the pretense of an argument to sticking around the UFC. The odds closed favoring Leites at -130 to +100 for Lombard.

Middleweight Bout: Thales Leites (27-9, 185.9 lbs.) vs. Hector Lombard (34-9-1 2 NC, 185.7 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Leites is four inches taller and has seven of reach over Lombard. Lombard fighting southpaw. Both men start pawing with the lead hand, then Leites whiffs on a high kick. Bit of a body kick from Leites. Leites misses another high kick. Lombard lands an inside leg kick. Leites avoids a left from Lombard, Lombard lands a leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Lombard, Leties limps a bit on that leg. Lombard clearly looking to counter or snipe, Leites lands a right to counter a leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Lombard, that’s been his best weapon so far. Lombard is backing Leites towards the fence but neither man is landing all that much offense. Another inside leg kick from Lombard. More inside leg kicks, that lead leg of Leites is starting to buckle on him. Leites isn’t throwing counters to those leg kicks, and Lombard kicks him again. Leites misses a high kick and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lombard

ROUND TWO: Counter right hook lands for Lombard, Leites is looking to attack more. Lombard lands another inside leg kick, and another one. Another inside leg kick from Lombard. Lombard lands another kick, but slips and he gets back up as Leites tries to get on top of him. They trade body shots in the clinch then separate. Each man misses a power hand punch. Lombard lands another inside leg kick, there’s a serious bit of swelling on the inside of Leites’ knee. Leites lands a right. Some more forward pressure and punches for Leites but he’s not finding much success and Lombard kicks him again. They get close and trade some hooks but neither man lands anything damaging. There’s a clinch, Leites drops to guard and is after an armbar but Lombard swims through the attempt and lands from guard. Leites back up and lands a knee to the body. They stay in the clinch then break with another knee from Leites. Lombard with another inside leg kick. Leites lands a straight right then a body kick, Lombard is bleeding around the right eye rather badly now. Lombard avoids a high kick and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Leites but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: That swelling on the knee of Leites is nasty. The doctor wants a look at the cut on Lombard, it’s a pretty bad one above the right eyebrow, but he says they can continue. Leties reaches for a single leg, nothing doing. Body kick from Leites lands. Lombard lands another inside leg kick and they clinch up. Lombard is landing body shots and uppercuts, Leites is trying to get some control and lands a knee to the body as they break. Leties lands a body kick but takes another inside leg kick. Counter right from Lombard is good. Lombard’s foot work is getting bad, he’s rally flat and letting Leites choose the angle of attack. They trade inside leg kicks and Leites lands a right. More inside leg kicks going back and forth. Leites lands a jab, Lombard’s output has dwindled considerably. Lombard avoids a takedown, they clinch up and Lombard gets Leites on the fence. A few knees go back and forth but they’re both just kind of hanging out as time keeps ticking. Lombard slips on the break, Leites gets the ride position and that’s where the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thales Leites via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Leites gets a bit of a feel good moment to retire on, good for him. Mic time for Leites, who talks about all the work he’s done and the time he’s put into the fight game. He says getting this win in his last fight is incredible, expresses love to his family and the fans and thanks them before leaving his gloves in the middle of the cage.

Marya Bueno Silva is making her UFC debut here after winning on what I believe was the Brazilian version of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. She’s undefeated overall and is looking to remain perfect in this bout. Gillian Robertson is 2-0 in the UFC and if she can get to three in a row here she could make a run at ranked opposition, I mean it’s not like women’s flyweight is a well developed division. The odds are with Robertson at -145 against +115 for Silva.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Marya Bueno Silva (5-0, 125.4 lbs.) vs. Gillian Robertson (5-2, 125.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva is an inch taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Robertson. Robertson showing the jab early, Silva lands a bit of a counter right. Silva is the aggressor so far, Robertson reaches for a takedown but Silva defends. They wind up in the clinch and trade elbows but Silva definitely got the better of that as they break. Another double leg attempt from Robertson, this one successful and she moves to half guard almost immediately. Silva looking to get full guard, Robertson with a knee slice pass to half guard on the other side now. A couple of punches land for Robertson as she looks to move to side control. Hammer fists from Robertson and now she’s in side control. Silva with a hip bump roll and they’re back up on the feet at distance. Spinning back kick from Silva and a stiff right. Robertson is visibly outgunned on the feet so far. Robertson hits a knee tap, but winds up on bottom looking for a leg lock. They get to 50/50 guard and Robertson is after an inside heel hook, she’s got the knee line but bails to get top position. They trade some elbows as Silva clsoes her guard. Robertson postures up and lands more offense, it’s mostly short but it’s landing. Silva rolls for an armbar, it’s tight and Robertson has to tap with just seconds left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marya Bueno Silva via Submission, armbar, at 4:55 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Silva for her work this evening. Silva has some kind of leg injury, I think her left leg. Yeah, something is up with that leg, Silva can barely put pressure on it and is being helped around the cage. The first thing Jimmy Smith does is ask about the injury, she says God chose her to fight, not sure if she just didn’t answer the question or the translation was bad. She puts over her team, says her jiu-jitsu is good and wishes her mother a Happy Birthday. Shame for Robertson, Silva was done if they had to watch try to walk between rounds.

Here’s the finish. Robertson gets a little sloppy with her arm, as well as not respecting the location of the fence and what it would do to limit her mobility in terms of following the hips of Silva.

Sergio Moraes might be a bit unheralded but has gone an impressive 7-2-1 in the UFC and he’s coming off of a win. Moraes is trying to get his another UFC winning streak up and running here and prove that he’s a top shelf welterweight. Ben Saunders is a veteran of the sport and just broke a two fight losing streak when he defeated Jake Ellenberger. Saunders could get a winning streak up and running here and prove he’s still got something left in the tank as far as MMA is concerned. Moraes is your favorite at -285 to a +225 comeback on Saunders.

Welterweight Bout: Sergio Moraes (13-3-1, 170.8 lbs.) vs. Ben Saunders (22-9-2, 170.3 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saunders is two inches taller and has five and a half inches of reach on Moraes. Saunders fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us started. Circling from both men, Saunders is really pawing with the lead hand and looking for an angle. Moraes misses a right but they clinch up and he drives Saunders to the fence then spins him down to the mat. Saunders immediately looking for rubber guard and Moraes looking to pass over the weak side of the guard. Half guard for Moraes now, nice pass on his part. Moraes still looking for a pass, nearly there now but Saunders gets half rubber guard again. Now Moraes is after a knee slice pass, Saunders trying to block him but struggling to so far. Now full mount attempt from Moraes, he’s in 3/4 mount, now full mount. Moraes looking to set up a submission, decides to land punches instead and rolls for the armbar, gets to spiderweb control but Saunders will hold on until the round ends. Saunders definitely saved by the bell there.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Moraes as Saunders did nothing but defend

ROUND TWO: Let’s see how Saunders adjusts because he got worked on the ground. Saunders still circling, looking to close distance to striking range. Body kick from Saunders but Moraes catches it and gets him down instantly. Saunders tries the rubber guard again but again Moraes is looking to pass over the weak side. I wonder if Saunders has something in his ground game off of his back besides rubber guard. Moraes has Saunders on the fence looking to pass, and he’s back in half guard. Now Moraes again looking to move to side control, feels like a strict replay of the first round. Full mount again for Moraes but a lot more time to work this round. Moraes lands a few punches, he’s trying to get Saunders to over commit with his arms and grab something. Another few rights from Moraes, he’s after an arm triangle choke now but he’s too high with the position. Moraes adjusting his position with the choke to tighten things up, he gets to side control and Saunders has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sergio Moraes via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:42 of Round 2

That’s the first submission loss in the career of Ben Saunders. That was a straight jiu-jitsu schooling by Moraes on the mat. Mic time for Moraes, he plays a bit with the crowd and says his jiu-jitsu is the best in the division and notes that he’s the first guy to tap Saunders out. He puts over Saunders a bit while talking through the finish, then says that while his last fight in his home town of Sao Paulo wasn’t great he wasn’t going the distance this time. To close he wishes his son a Happy Birthday.

And the finish. A clinic from Moraes, even had knee on belly while holding the choke for a bit in case he lost the grip so he wouldn’t lose position.

That’s it for Fight Pass, on to Fox Sports 2 for the rest of the prelims.

Augusto Sakai is making his UFC debut here, and he brings a two fight winning streak with him while looking to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Chase Sherman has gone 2-4 in the UFC and is on his second two fight losing streak during that time frame, he’s trying to avoid a three fight losing streak here. As for the odds, they like Sakai at -230 against +180 for Sherman.

Heavyweight Bout: Augusto Sakai (11-1-1, 265.6 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (11-5, 257 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sherman has an inch of height and reach on Sakai. Both men feinting with the lead hand a bit, Sakai circling. Bit of a body kick from Sherman, Sakai lands a hard calf kick. Sherman lands a leg kick, Sakai returns it. Sakai lands a leg kick, and both men miss rights. Sherman lands a leg kick. Right to the body from Sherman, he’s got the quicker hands. They get close and swing hooks that mostly miss then Sakai lands a leg kick. The calf of Sherman is red already. Right then a left hook from Sakai. Sherman tends to square up after he gets hit, definitely an exploitable habit. Body kick from Sherman lands. Sakai lands a right, when they get into prolonged exchanges Sakai is winning but when they’re pot shotting Sherman seems to have an edge. Right from Sakai but Sherman lands a leg kick. They both swing in close, Sherman pushes close and lands a left then an elbow to wrap up the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sherman but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Sakai lands a front kick to the body. Sherman avoids a punch but lands an eye poke and we’ve got time. Not that this fight needed to be slowed down any more, but here we are. The doctor is in to check on Sakai as the replay confirms the eye poke. Sakai can continue and we’re back to fighting after Sherman gets a warning from the ref. Sherman lands a jab on the restart then a right behind it. Sakai is coming forward now but his feel for the range is off. A couple of front kicks to the body from Sakai, Sherman lands a couple of elbows and gets a clinch. I’m surprised Sakai abandoned those calf kicks, they were doing work for him. They break with punches, Sherman lands an uppercut to counter a right. Both men are falling just a little short or too long with their strikes. Sherman lands another stepping elbow, Sakai lands a couple of hooks that wobble Sherman but Sherman grabs a clinch. They jockey for position along the fence then break without incident. Sakai lands a couple of hooks. Body kick from Sherman, both guys are starting to suck some serious wind. Sakai lands a right and they clinch up again. A few knees land and then they break. Sherman misses a head kick and that legs Sakai land a leg kick. They trade and clinch, Sakai lands an uppercut before they break. Sherman lands something I’m charitably going to call a combination and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sakai, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: We’re back to fighting, but it’s in slow motion. Both guys are gassed. A few front kicks to the body go back and forth. Bit of a right from Sakai but Sherman lands a couple of counters. Sherman pushing Sakai towards the fence, they trade punches and reset towards the center of the cage. Technique is going away from both men, fatigue is setting in. Sherman lands a body kick. Sakai lands a right, and a flurry as Sherman can’t move out of the way. Sakai with a flurry, Sherman trying to fire back but they clinch up. That might have been all that Sakai had, and they break. Sherman coming forward, clinches up again then Sherman lands an elbow on the break. Another clinch, we’re at that phase of a heavyweight fight where it’s clinch and repeat. Sakai lands a knee to the body then a few to the head, Sherman stays upright but Sakai is looking to get him out of there. Sherman grabs a clinch and lands a knee but Sakai pushes him over to the mat and lands elbows from side control before Sherman ties up his body. Sakai lands elbows to the body, moves around in slow motion and lands a few punches, now hammer fists and mercifully the ref ends this. And Sakai uses his last energy to mime a field goal then collapses to the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Augusto Sakai via TKO, strikes, at 4:03 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sakai for his work this evening. Man I hate low level heavyweights. Sakai gets an interview, because drawing this even out even longer is necessary apparently, and he plays with the crowd and dedicates the win to them. He says the fight was a war and references some trash talk the two of them had going on and says his game plan was to keep hitting him. To close he asks for a bonus, so mark that one off of the old UFC bingo card.

I mean it’s kind of sad and vaguely pathetic, but here’s the finish. Also that post fight celebration was apparently miming a decapitation and drop kick to the severed head.

Luis Henrique is on a two fight losing streak and is 2-3 overall in the UFC, he’s hoping a drop to light heavyweight will revitalize his career. Ryan Spann stepped in on relatively short notice for this bout but has won his last four fights including one on the Contender Series and is looking to have a successful UFC debut. Spann is the -165 favorite to a +135 payout for a Henrique win.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Luis Henrique (10-4 1 NC, 204.8 lbs.) vs. Ryan Spann (14-5, 203.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spann is three inches taller and has five inches of reach on Henrique. They touch gloves to get us going. Some circling from Henrique and feinting from both men. Spann lands a couple of jabs, Henrique lands a leg kick. Spann lands another couple of jabs, he’s doing solid work at range. Henrique is reaching for takedowns already, no drive behind them and Spann is easily avoiding them. More jabs from Spann and a right. Henrique eats a bunch of jabs, ducks under a jab and tries a double leg but again has no drive and so Spann shucks him off. Spann’s jab has done a lot of work, Henrique is bleeding from the nose and he doesn’t want any of this fight at range. One two from Spann but Henrique is able to get a takedown this time into the guard of Spann. Elbow from Henrique but Spann kicks him off and is back up. Spann lands a right but Henrique is after a takedown, Spann uses a guillotine to slow that down and switch to force a roll. They’re back up against the fence and Spann gets free without incident. Spann lands a jab and avoids the looping punches of Henrique. Straight right from Spann lands and they clinch again on the fence. They break without incident. Henrique lands a right. Spann lands a combination, Henrique gets a double leg and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Spann

ROUND TWO: Both guys looking tired already. Spann opens up with some jabs that land. Double jab then a right from Spann land and Henrique gets a clinch but finds himself on the fence. They jockey for position a bit, Spann lands a knee to the body and they break with a right from Henrique. Spann avoids a right but eats a left, and they clinch again but again hit the fence. Outside trip from Henrique but Spann reverses and lands on top in half guard. Elbow from Spann lands. Henrique gets a scramble and is able to push Spann over then land in his guard. A few elbows from Henrique are mostly blocked. Neither man doing much, Henrique throwing a few elbows here and there but he’s not landing much. A few punches land for Henrique. Henrique now after a top position guillotine, Spann rolls to top position on the safe side and gets on top. There’s a Von Flue opportunity for Spann as he moves to side control if he sees it. Spann is after that choke and Henrique bucks to escape to his knees and Spann tries to roll for an anaconda choke. Spann just winds up on top in mount landing some elbows and punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Henrique’s face is a mess and he looks gassed. Spann lands a right and avoids a counter. Double leg attempt from Henrique but they stall out on the fence. Henrique is able to finish the double leg and land in half guard. Spann needs to get busy, he could be down two rounds because Brazil. A few bits of offense from Henrique and Spann gets full guard. Spann tries to roll, Henrique gets the ride position then Spann granby rolls into top position half guard. Elbows from Spann but he’s dead tired too. Spann trying to set up an arm triangle, he’s too tired to mount a necessary offensive flurry. Side control now for Spann and he’s after a kimura. Elbows from Spann, and we get a random commercial but come back to Spann keeping Henrique on the mat. Henrique reaches for a desperate kimura to tie things up, Spann with elbows to the body to break the grip of Henrique. Hard knee to the body from Spann and another as Henrique gets up. They trade punches as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Spann, 30-27 Spann overall but watch it go to Henrique because Brazil

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

My paranoia seems to have been misplaced. Mic time for Spann, who’s still gassed, but says he can do all things through Christ. He can barely talk, puts over his team for getting him ready and says they expected a war. Crappy light heavyweight fights, almost as bad as crappy heavyweight fights.

Francisco Trinaldo had a good winning streak going in a couple of years ago but is just 1-2 in his last three fights. Trinaldo is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak here. Evan Dunham was seen as a future contender some years back, but that time seems to have passed as his last win was in 2016 and he’s announced this will be his retirement fight. Dunham is trying to go out on a high note, something rarely achieved in MMA. Trinaldo is a -205 favorite to +170 for Dunham.

Lightweight Bout: Evan Dunham (18-7-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (22-6, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dunham is taller and I think has a longer reach but I didn’t get the actual stats as FS2 had another issue with the broadcast. Dunahm lands a body kick but eats a counter right hook. Both guys fighting southpaw, Trinaldo is the one pressing forward. Solid counter left from Trinaldo after blocking the punches from Dunham. Dunham after a double leg but Trinaldo blocks it. They trade power hand punches then Trinaldo lands a bit of a spinning kick. Leg kick from Dunham. Bit of a left from Trinaldo. They get close and trade, Trinaldo lands a left as they separate. Leg kick from Trianldo but Dunahm trips him up, they scramble landing punches and Dunham winds up holding a guillotine from the front headlock and Trinaldo double legs him from that spot and lands in half guard. A few blows land for Trinaldo, Dunham back up in the clinch. Trinaldo lands a few knees then a head kick as they break. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trinaldo

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Trinaldo lands a left and tries to flurry but Dunham escapes. Another left from Tinaldo lands, this time countering a kick. Trinaldo gets a snap down from a front headlock, he’s trying to lock up an anaconda choke but doesn’t have it just yet. Trinaldo is adjusting his arm position to tighten things up, he winds up bailing on it to land as they stand back up. Dunham lands a couple of punches but he’s not really impacted Trinaldo with any of them yet. Right hook lands for Dunham and a left behind it. They split lefts then Trinaldo misses some wide hooks. Left to the body from Trinaldo. Now Dunahm goes to the body, he’s doing well but walks into a counter left that ends his night. I think that one went to the body, Dunham dropped like a sack of potatoes.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francisco Trinaldo via KO, knee to the liver, at 4:10 of Round 2

Replay showed what a nasty shot to the ribs that was. Wonderful knee from Trinaldo. Mic time for Trinaldo, he and Dunham have their arms around each other. He thanks his training partners and Dunham for the fight, Jimmy Smith is doing a dual interview so Dunham can get his retirement speech in. Dunham thanks everyone, says he loves fighting in Brazil and didn’t want an easy fight for his last one. Trinaldo grabs the mic as Smith tries to walk off, he thanks everyone then says he wants a rematch with Kevin Lee. He grabs the mic again, production hates this man, to tell his kids hello.

I’ll get a better version of this soon but man, look at the timing. Dunham is fully extended and leaning towards Trinaldo, Trinaldo blasts his ribs with that knee strike.

As promised, here’s a better version. Nasty knee, that hurts me just looking at it.

Charles Oliveira has gone 2-3 in his last five fights and hasn’t won consecutive bouts since 2015, a streak he’s trying to break here as he’s coming off of a win. Christos Giagos is returning to the UFC after going 1-2 in the promotion back in 2014-2015, he’s looking to return with a win and take out a respected talent in Oliveira. To the shock of no one Oliveira is the favorite at -400 against +300 for Giagos.

Lightweight Bout: Christos Giagos (15-6, 155.6 lbs.) vs. Charles Oliveira (23-8 1 NC, 153.9 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Oliveira has a reach advantage of two and a half inches. They touch gloves to get us going. Giagos circling, Oliveira stalking forward. Both men miss some offense, Giagos lands a bit of a left to the body. Oliveira uses a high guard, his body is frequently open for the taking so it might be a good read. Bit of a right then a left from Giagos but Oliveira is blocking his head well so far. Oliveira lands a leg kick. Giagos lands another left to the body and they clinch up. Oliveira looking to spin down but Giagos stays mostly upright. Short elbows are traded on the break. Right to the body from Giagos. Oliveira with some front kicks to keep distance, Giagos lands a right as Oliveira tires a jumping knee. Seriously, any feint and Oliveira covers up high, his ribs are wide open. Double leg from Oliveira as he ducked under a punch, and he immediately moves to mount the legs then up to full mount. Giagos bucks and rolls then gets free and stands, he lands a leg kick as Oliveira gets up. Oliveira is bleeding from the nose, I think it’s on the bridge and I didn’t see what caused it. A couple of punches from Giagos land. A right and left from Giagos in close, then Oliveira tries to pull guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Giagos

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Oliveira misses a spinning back fist, then lands a right. Left hook from Giagos in close. Oliveira is much more aggressive so far. Bit of a left from Giagos, they clinch up after failed front kicks then break without incident. Giagos lands a right to counter a spinning back fist. Left to the body from Giagos then a body kick. Oliveira tries that spinning back fist again, still misses but he’s really committing to it. Oliveira lands a leg kick. There’s a jumping knee from Oliveira that misses, they clinch and Giagos lands a couple of punches on the break. Double leg from Oliveira into the guard of Giagos, and he moves to half guard immediately. Giagos looking to wall walk, but slips as Oliveira gets his back and rides him down. Oliveira gets a body triangle, and gets the rear naked choke.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Oliveira via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:22 of Round 2

Oliveira just broke the record for most submissions in UFC history with 11, passing Royce Gracie. Oliveira is visibly moved by the accomplishment, though he’s a very emotional guy anyway, as his interview starts. The first question is about passing Gracie’s record, he says he’s only 28 but is feeling the pressure and puts over his coaches and training partners. He notes he gets beat up in the gym and was ready for Giagos, he wants another shot at featherweight (bad idea given how many times he missed weight) and says he’ll be champion of that division. To close he thanks the crowd for their support.

Here’s the history making choke.

That’s it for Fox Sports 2, assuming the football game on FS1 is wrapping up on time, and we’re on Fox Sports 1 for the main card. The main card opens with a graphic dedicating the event to recently deceased MMA legend Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.

Randa Markos has been trading wins and losses dating back to 2014, a pattern she hopes will hold for this bout as she’s coming off of a loss as well as defend her top fifteen ranking. Marina Rodriguez is undefeated and making her UFC debut here, she could make an immediate impact with a win over a ranked opponent. We’ve got a -115 pick ’em affair here according to the odds.

Strawweight Bout: #13 Randa Markos (8-6, 115.7 lbs.) vs. Marina Rodriguez (10-0, 115.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach on Markos. Touch of gloves to get us going. Bit of a right from Markos, she’s looking more aggressive already. Markos punches into the clinch and Rodriguez gets her on the fence. A few knees to the body from Markos, then she goes for the head and arm throw and is able to get to the mat and stop Rodriguez from getting the back. Full mount for Markos now and she’s gift wrapping Rodriguez, wrapping one of Rodriguez’s own arms around her neck. It’s a great control position. Rodriguez gets her arms free and looks to lock up the posture of Markos. Markos has a strong crossface going and is trying to posture up and land offense. Punches and elbows from Markos as Rodriguez tries to buck. Rodriguez eats offense but gets her hips in play and gets half guard. Markos back to full mount, lands offense and Rodriguez gets half guard again. Side control for Markos, just total control from her so far. Knees to the body from Markos. Markos lands some elbows and hammer fists, they’re short but she’s beating this other woman up. The round ends with a few more elbows from Markos.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Markos, totally one sided

ROUND TWO: There’s bruising on the face of Rodriguez. Markos circling, Rodriguez lands a leg kick. They tie up and trade dirty boxing blows then Rodriguez lands a knee as they break. A couple of short uppercuts from Markos land. Rodriguez lands a couple of leg kicks. Jab from Markos but she’s not closing distance this round. Markos lands a jab but eats a couple of counters. Rodriguez misses a head kick, then lands a couple of leg kicks. Markos bulls forward with punches that land and gets a clinch on the fence. They trade knees and punches then separate. Markos pushes into another clinch and fishes for that awful head and arm throw, this time Rodriguez gets free and lands a right. Markos pushing forward, lands a left. They clinch and Rodriguez lands offense. Another leg kick from Rodriguez. We get some sloppy brawling to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 19-18 Markos overall

ROUND THREE: Markos opens up strong with punches and a clinch on the fence. Rodriguez trying to angle off of the fence but Markos has her pinned and fails on a top body throw, Rodriguez should get the back but can’t secure it and they scramble back up then Rodriguez lands an elbow. Seriously, someone explain to Markos the other clinch takedowns besides that head and arm throw. They break and Rodriguez lands a front kick then a superman punch into another clinch. Markos back to the head and arm throw, can’t get anything going this time and Rodriguez breaks free. This time Markos shoots a double leg to an outside trip and surprise surprise, a traditional takedown actually works. Markos in half guard looking to pass. Markos looking to mount, instead settles for side control. A few knees to the body from Markos, Rodriguez walks up the fence and rolls to her feet. Leg kick from Rodriguez, Markos lands a right. Both women are tired, Rodriguez avoids a bad double leg and lands a right. Jab from Markos, and they clinch then trade there and break. Rodriguez lands another leg kick. More leg kicks from Rodriguez and a front kick to the face. They clinch again, and trade there as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 28-28 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Majority DRAW, 29-28 Markos, 28-28 x2)

Yeah, it’s nice to see the scoring be accurate even if no one likes draws. Under this rule set the first was a 10-8 and Rodriguez took the other two but only 10-9, so a draw.

Renan “Barao” Pegado used to be one of the best bantamweights in the world, but he’s just 1-4 in his last five and that win was over Phillipe Nover so it means very little. Barao is trying to avoid his first ever three fight losing streak, and needs a win here because he missed weight badly and combining losing with missing weight is a recipe for promotional disaster. Andre Ewell was clearly brought in here to lose, but he’s on a four fight winning streak and could spring an upset by taking out the former champion even though Barao is clearly on the downside of his career. In a testament to how far he’s fallen recently Barao is only a -160 favorite to +130 for Ewell.

Bantamweight Bout: Renan “Barao” Pegado (34-6 1 NC, 141.75 lbs.) vs. Andre Ewell (13-4, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ewell is two inches taller and has five inches of reach advantage. The other big difference is the amount of weight that Barao missed by, nearly seven pounds. They touch gloves to get things going, Ewell fighting southpaw. A few power punches go back and forth. Barao wobbles Ewell to the body but Ewell responds with a right that drops Barao. They hit the mat and start scrambling, they wind up clinched on the fence. Barao trips Ewell down into his guard and looks to pass. Ewell trying to wall walk but Barao is stripping his posts and kneeing the body from half guard. Ewell keeps trying to move, Barao lands some knees to the body but a couple got close to the head, that bears watching. A series of rights from Barao land as Ewell tries to roll off of the fence but Barao just ridro him down. Barao hasn’t shown much interest in passing but is trying to set up an arm triangle choke, and now moves to full mount with a full minute left in the fight. Punches from Parao and he’s after the armbar, Ewell trying to walk over the head and Barao switches to roll him and is after the armbar again from the top. Ewell muscles out and is up but Barao has the clinch and trips him down again. Barao passes the guard of Ewell like it’s not ever there but runs out of time in half guard.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barao but could be 10-8

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Ewell has some swelling around his left eye. Some jabbing from Ewell, Barao lands a body kick. One two from Ewell lands. Ewell still jabbing and trying to maintain distance, he doesn’t want to be back on the mat with Barao. Stiff left from Ewell, at distance he’s starting to chew Barao up. Short right hook from Ewell lands and Barao is backing up. Another straight left from Ewell, Barao lands an inside leg kick. Ewell lands a left uppercut after landing a right to the body. Left to the body from Ewell, he’s boxing Barao up in the more technical sense of the term. Barao on a takedown, Ewell defending and stays upright. They hit the fence and Barao muscles down an upper body takedown to land in half guard. Barao can’t get anything going and they end the round in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ewell, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Quick couple of punches from Ewell land. Counter left from Ewell lands, as long as they’re upright he’s got Barao’s number. One two from Ewell again lands flush. Another left from Ewell lands. Ewell doubles up on the left and lands both of them. Barao lands a body kick but eats a couple of counters. Jumping knee to the body from Ewell then a left behind it. Ewell lands a jab and avoids a clinch attempt. Another left lands for Ewell and a right behind it. Barao lands a right, Ewell smiles at him and lands a left to counter a leg kick. Another left from Ewell, and another that hurts him. Ewell looking to flurry but intelligently and trying to take Barao out of this fight. That left from Ewell is money at this point. Front kick to the face from Ewell then a left behind it. Ewell is cruising now and Barao is out of sorts. A couple of counters land for Ewell, and we get a flurry as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ewell, 29-28 Ewell overall but Barao probably takes the split because Brazil

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

Huh, if my paranoia keeps resulting in decent scores I might have to be more paranoid. Also Barao can’t even win a squash match, this was as close to a gimme as you can get. Mic time for Ewell, because dragging out the broadcast is the order of the day, but he gives love to his son and puts over Barao. He says that two days before signing for this fight he was about to be homeless, now he’s fighting on the biggest stage in the sport. Asked about his motivation he again says his son and thanks his team for their support.

Sam Alvey has had some of the worst fights in recent memory, as well as some spectacular knockouts. Alvey is on a two fight winning streak since moving up to light heavyweight and if he can get to three in a row here he could be in line for a ranked opponent next. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira has among the premier light heavyweights for several years but that was nearly a decade ago and he’s currently just 1-3 in his last four and hasn’t fought since 2016. Nogueira is after a win in his native Brazil to stave off talk of retirement. The odds like Alvey at -365 to +275 on Nogueira.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sam Alvey (33-10 1 NC, 205.6 lbs.) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (22-8, 205.3 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Alvey has half an inch of reach on Nogueira, Nogueira is also a full ten years older for those who keep track of that stuff. Both of these guys fight southpaw. Alvey showing the jab early, looking to draw Nogueira out. A couple of inside leg kicks land for Alvey but they’re not hard. Bit of a left from Alvey. Nogueira is stalking forward but he’s not throwing much. They split a couple of jabs but neither has landed anything to really change the way the fight is going. Left lands for Nogueira. Another left lands for Nogueira but he’s not getting wild with his offense. Alvey lands another inside leg kick but takes an eye poke for it. We get time but Alvey is ready to continue almost immediately and we restart in the middle of the cage. Nogueira back to stalking forward, both men flashing the jab but not doing much with it offensively. Bit of a counter left from Nogueira lands after he took a jab. Alvey lands a left that stuns Nogueira and gets him to back off. Another left from Alvey but there’s a long time between these strikes. Nogueira lands another left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nogueira but there’s an argument for Alvey

ROUND TWO: And we’re back to flashing the jab early while Alvey probes with the inside leg kick. Nogueira lands a couple of punches and Alvey is back peddling trying to counter as Nogueira looks to swarm. We get a brawl and Nogueira lands a left that drops Alvey and prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Antonio Rogerio Nogueira via KO, punches, at 1:00 of Round 2

Now that’s a feel good moment for long time fans, Little Nog is 42 years old and can still fight. Mic time for Nogueira who starts with English and references his three years off, puts over the crowd and thanks his students for being here then does some in Portuguese. He talks us through the finish and brings up his boxing history. To close he says he loves the fans, his students, and his family in both English and Portuguese.

If you’ve got an emotional attachment to Little Nog this is great, but man it’s ugly as sin technically.

Alex Oliveira just scored one of the bigger wins of his career when he took out Carlos Condit and he’s only lost once since moving full time to welterweight. Oliveira is trying to build off of the momentum he has and improve on his official ranking. Carlos Pedersoli hasn’t lost since 2015 and is coming off of a successful UFC debut, now he’s looking to take down a ranked opponent and solidify his spot as a near elite level welterweight. Oliveira is a -450 favorite to a +325 payout for Pedersoli.

Welterweight Bout: #14 Alex Oliveira (19-4-1 2 NC, 171 lbs.) vs. Carlo Pedersoli (11-1, 170.3 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pedersoli is half an inch taller while Oliveira has an inch and a half of reach on Pedersoli. They touch gloves to get us going, Pedersoli fighting southpaw. Pedersoli probing with leg kicks, Oliveira lands a bit of a body kick. Oliveira with a counter right to a side kick and he pounds Pedersoli into rag doll status on the mat. And the last squash match of the evening goes off without a hitch.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Oliveira via KO, punches, at :39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Oliveira for his work this evening. Mic time for Oliveira and he says he imagined the fight ending quickly, wishes Happy Birthday to a lot of people and notes that this is the first time his brother has seen him fight live and promises not to cry. He talks us through the finish and notes he was the stronger fighter and heavier puncher. Asked who’s next he says anyone and he’s ready for anyone. He closes by giving a shout out to his mother.

This fight started life as Glover Teixeira vs. Jimi Manuwa, then Teixeira got injured and was replaced by Santos in Santos’ light heavyweight debut and then Manuwa fell out so now two decent level middleweights move up to light heavyweight and clash. What a world. Thiago Santos was a solid middleweight and is an impressive 5-1 in his last six fights, he’s testing the waters up at light heavyweight now and is looking to maintain that form. Eryk Anders proved himself a genuine prospect at middleweight, now on short notice he’s jumping up in weight and looking to build a second UFC winning streak off of the back of one of the more brutal knockouts so far this year. Santos is a slight -165 favorite against +135 for Anders.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Thiago “Marreta” Santos (18-6, 203.7 lbs.) vs. Eryk Anders (11-1, 205.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Santos has an inch of height and reach on Anders. Anders fighting southpaw, Santos does some stance switching, and they touch gloves to get us going. Both men circling and bouncing, Anders lands a counter left off of a leg kick and they clinch up. They spin and cartwheel over the ground and wind up still clinched on the fence. Santos is on the cage and Anders is all over him. Anders pulls Santos down from a high crotch attempt, Santos back up and now Anders holding a rear waist lock on the cage. They break with a bit of a left from Anders, Santos lands a bit of a high kick. Santos seems to like the southpaw stance at the moment, he lands a bit of a left. Anders coming forward but he’s very linear, and Santos is trying to keep this at kicking range with his movement. They clinch and Santos lands a knee to the body as they hit the fence. A few knees go back and froth and Anders is after a takedown, he gets a single leg but Santos wall walks immediately. Anders lands a left as they break the clinch. Santos lands a left of his own, then another one. Neither man caring much for finesse at the moment. Bit of a one two from Santos. Anders misses a high kick, Santos misses a wheel kick as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos but a close one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Santos lands a couple of body kicks, Anders responds with punches and is after a single leg against the fence. Santos slips free and gets on top landing some punches from the guard of Anders. Anders closes his guard, looks to get his hips involved and Santos stands over him now. Santos misses some punches but isn’t going to let Anders up for free. Full guard now for Anders, Santos lands a couple of elbows as Anders hip escapes but can’t get up. Anders back up and eats a knee as he does so. Santos lands a left, Anders lands a left and they brawl for a second or two with both men landing. Anders might be playing the long game, he’s fought five rounds before while Santos hasn’t. Both men land to the body then power hand punches as Santos gets off of the fence. Santos lands a couple of body kicks but eats a counter left on the last one. Santos might be fading a bit, and lands another body kick then a left. Anders swings back at Santos to get him to back off. Anders takes an eye poke and gets time to recover. Both men look to need the breather. It doesn’t take long for Anders to be ready to continue fighting. Right to the body from Santos, Anders bulls him into the fence and gets a takedown to the ride position and lands punches then a knee to the body as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Santos looks the more fatigued party, and lands a side kick to the knee. A couple of leg kicks from Santos but Anders is coming forward and lands a couple of lefts. Double leg from Anders and he’s on top in half guard landing punches. Anders has both hooks in now on the back. Elbows from Anders, he’s after the choke but can’t get his hands together to finish it. Santos able to spin towards top position, Anders wall walks up and eats a knee on the reset. Santos swinging with kicks and elbows but missing so far. A quick but hard punch from Santos lands, Anders responds with a counter. They clinch again and Anders gets the back with a rear waist lock. Anders lands a knee to the face but Santos turns into him and they break. Both guys are dead tired, Santos knees the body but Anders gets a double leg against the fence. Half guard for Anders and Anders lands some elbows. Santos wall walks but eats some punches and Anders is after another takedown. Single leg for Anders, Santos wall walks and lands some punches from his knees. They’re standing again, Anders after a single leg and Santos swinging with short elbows. Anders is working to get him to his back but can’t get it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Anders, 29-28 Santos overall

ROUND FOUR: Anders couldn’t get up between rounds, those short elbows took it all out of him, and the ref calls it between rounds.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thiago Santos via TKO, referee stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 3

Mic time for Santos. He thanks God and his coaches then says that winning and losing doesn’t matter that much it’s how you conduct yourself outside of the cage and thanks Anders for taking the fight on six days’ notice. He says this is where his UFC run began, puts over his social projects for youths at risk, dedicates the fight to his father who passed away, his mother in the crowd, and his son in the cage with him. Hard not to like that guy, though he’s an absolute killer in the cage.

Here’s the finish, Santos is landing short elbows to the temple that just prove too much. This wasn’t a war in the most entertaining sense of the word, but a very grueling battle and both men beat the crap out of each other. Between the short notice and the abuse Anders’ body was just done.

On that note UFC Fight Night 137 draws to a close. It was a slog at times, and this card got wrecked in the weeks leading up to by injuries or other issues getting fights replaced, but it could have been worse. Tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show we’ll be reviewing this event and talking about all the major news of the week, and boy did we get some major news pieces this week. If you’ve got a question or comment feel free to leave them below and I’ll try to get them on air.

There’s no UFC event next week so I’ll have a Saturday to myself, I don’t know what I’ll do with that extra seven hours or so of time. In two weeks though there’s the mega card that is UFC 229 when lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov takes on former two division champion Conor McGregor, plus Tony Ferguson returns to take on former champion Anthony Pettis. I hope you’ll all come back for that one. Until then thank you for reading because I know just how many places you can get this same product, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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