UFC Fight Night 9/17/08
Light Heavyweight Fight- Houston Alexander (8-3) vs. Eric Schafer (11-3-2)
Schafer has a 3 inch height and 4 inch reach advantage. Alexander is the hometown fighter in this one and he gets a huge reaction. Alexander usually has short fights so this one could be quick.
R1- Alexander gets a clinch early and hits Schafer with a knee and then really rocks him with another. Alexander is trying to finish and Schafer is trying to survive and gets Alexander into his guard but Alexander gets back up as he wants the fight to remain standing. Alexander with some leg kicks and then gets driven into the cage. Schafer going for take downs but Alexander is denying him. Schafer finally gets a take down and gets side control. Schafer going for short elbows. Alexander gets out of the position but then gets turned over and mounted by Schafer. Schafer hitting some strikes. Schafer with some elbows and punches. One minute left in the round. Schafer landing punches and Alexander gives up his back but Schafer doesn’t take it and continues with Ground & Pound. Schafer goes for an arm triangle and Alexander taps out. Good, exciting opening fight. Schafer did a good job weathering the early storm and after several take down attempts he stayed with it and finally got one and then ended the fight.
This is Alexander’s third straight loss in the UFC. Eric Schafer has won three straight fights but had lost his last two in UFC to Stephan Bonnar and Michael Bisping.
Winner: Eric Schafer by Submission (Arm Triangle) R1 4:53
Middleweight Fight- Ed Herman (16-5) vs. Alan Belcher (11-4)
R1- Lots of action early and then they clinch and are separated. Both guys hitting some strikes. Pretty even fight through the first half of the round. Herman hit a good combo and tried a take down but it was stopped and they clinched again. Herman picked Belcher up with a double-leg and got the take down. Herman is trying for what Rogan is calling a “Darth Choke” but Belcher gets to his feet. Herman gets another take down with half a minute left and is going for the same choke again. Pretty even round when they stood up but Herman took Belcher down twice and had two submission attempts. Herman is up 10-9 after Round One.
R2- Belcher hit a big left hand to start out the round. Herman hits a good combo after a couple of counter punches. Belcher with a couple of body punches and then hit a big punch that rocked Herman back into the cage. Belcher hit a kick to the midsection but got caught and taken down by Herman. Belcher got back to his feet with minimal damage from Herman. 45 seconds left in the round. Close round. Belcher controlled the first 2 and a half minutes and rocked Herman. Herman then got a take down and control for about a minute and the rest was even. Overall, I give Belcher this round which makes it 19-19.
R3- Herman went for a quick take down but got stuffed. Belcher landing some jabs. Herman went for another take down but Belcher stopped it again and they clinch against the cage and then get separated. Belcher showing good hands in this fight. Belcher goes for a spinning back fist and Herman goes for a take down but doesn’t get it. Herman stays with it and gets the take down. Herman gets some strikes in but Belcher gets back to his feet. One minute and fifteen seconds remain in the fight. It’s very even to this point so this will probably decide the fight. Herman gets another take down with 45 seconds left and lands some good punches. Herman continuing to hit some punches. Herman ends the fight in a dominate position. Belcher won the stand up part of the fight but Herman dominated in take downs and on the ground. Very, very close fight but I’ve got to give it to Herman as I think he won rounds 1 and 3 with a strong finish. Herman 29-28 on my score card. Not a dominate win but a good win and a good fight.
Judges score the fight: 29-28 Belcher, 29-28 Herman, and 29-28 Belcher.
Interesting decision, not sure that I agree with it though.
Winner: Alan Belcher by Decision (Split)
Lightweight Fight- Mac Danzig (19-4-1) vs. Clay Guida (23-6)
This should be a really fun fight.
R1- Danzig seems to be the aggressor early as he backs down Guida twice but doesn’t land anything substantial. Guida went for a take down on a Danzig kick but couldn’t get it. Danzig landed a couple of shots about two minutes into the round. Danzig rushes Guida and hits a big combo but Guida grabs him and takes him down. Great sequence of events. Danzig goes for a kimura from the bottom but Guida backs him up against the cage and Danzig gets back to his feet with no damage from Guida but Guida picks up Danzig and slams him down. Danzig once again has his back to the cage and stands up again and Guida slams him down again. Guida gets a couple of shots in but Danzig works his way back to his feet at the end of the round. Interesting round as Danzig won the first part of the round by winning the stand up game but Guida got several take downs and slams although not much actually offense on the ground. Almost an even round. Probably have to give it to Guida due to the slams but based on the way the judges scored the Belcher fight I would say that they would probably give it to Danzig. Guida 10-9. Good round.
R2- Guida looks to be more aggressive early in this round as he backs down Danzig and pushes forward. Danzig hits a good punch and then a front kick but Guida fights back and runs him down and gets a take down but Danzig goes right for his arm again and stands right up. Guida shoots in again about half way through the round and gets a take partial take down but Danzig doesn’t go all the way down and doesn’t take any damage. Danzig lands a couple of good shots with about a minute left but Guida grabs him and clinches and then takes Danzig’s back with 30 seconds left and takes him down and goes for a Rear Naked. Danzig rolls over and Guida finishes the fight in a dominate position but without landing much damage. I think Guida stole this round at the end with the big take down. I had Danzig winning based on strikes but Guida put himself in a position to finish the fight. I’ve got Guida winning a very close 20-18 so far.
R3- They sprawl early as Danzig missed a kick and then stopped a Guida take down. They both got some good shots in during a dirty boxing clinch. Danzig then got his first take down of the fight and attempted a kimura. Guida escaped and briefly took Danzig’s back. Guida with some knees against the cage. Danzig looks really tired and Guida is smothering him against the cage. Danzig got to his feet but got taken down again. Guida isn’t doing much damage but he’s controlling the fight. Danzig back to his feet but Guida is still holding him. Guida ends the fight with a flurry of punches on the ground. I’ve got Guida taking this fight 30-27. Not a dominate performance as far as damage but Guida controlled the fight with his wrestling.
Judges score cards are: 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 for Guida.
This is Guida’s second win a row after a loss to Roger Huerta. This is Danzig’s first loss after two consecutive wins.
Winner: Clay Guida by Decision (Unanimous)
Joe Rogan is joined by Dana White. Dana announces a fight on December 10th live from Ft Bragg a 3-Hour event called “UFC Fights for the Troops” to benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
Lightweight Fight- Nate Diaz (9-2) vs. Josh Neer (24-6-1)
This is the first fight that we get the ring walk and entrance music. Josh Neer is from nearby Des Moines, Iowa. Jens Pulver is in his corner for the fight. Neer comes out to some soft rock that sounds like something from Nickelback. Diaz comes out to some rap with his brother Nick by his side. Diaz has a four inch reach advantage.
R1- They clinch early and Neer gets an immediate take down. Neer goes for a choke but lets it go. Neer takes his back and Diaz stands up and Neer takes him down but Diaz back to his feet again with Neer still on his back. Nate gets turned around and they sprawl and are back to their feet with a clinch. Diaz gets some shots in on Neer to the corner. Diaz is landing some good jabs and then gets a great looking judo throw and ends in side control but Neer gets him to half guard. Neer gets out but gets puched. Diaz fights his way back to full guard and then steps over and transitions to the back in a great move but can’t get anything. Diaz ends the fight on top of Neer. Neer controlled early but Diaz looked great late first hitting jabs, then a judo throw and then some good ground work. I’ve got Diaz taking this round 10-9.
R2- They exchange to start the round. Neer gets a take down but Diaz scrambles and reverses it so he’s in full guard. Neer gets back to his feet and gets a take down and has Nate’s back. Neer goes for a choke but Nate turns out of it. Lots of action as Neer goes for an arm bar and Nate for a triangle and both come up short. Neer gets some shots in and continues to be at and advantage but Diaz gets to his feet and they clinch. Diaz peppers him with jabs. Close round, I think Neer took this one so I’ve got it 19-19 going into the final round.
R3- They come out with Nate as the aggressor and they clinch against the cage. Nate gets a take down and is in half guard. Neer gets out but Diaz gets back to full guard and then stands up and then gets full guard again. Neer to his feet and they clinch. Diaz winning the final round half way through. Diaz takes Neer’s back and then turns to full mount. Nate with some strikes. They stand up with 20 seconds left and Diaz gets another judo throw and ends with some strikes. Diaz wins round three and will win this fight 29-28.
Judges scorecards are: 29-28 Neer, 29-28 Diaz and 29-28 Diaz.
Winner: Nate Diaz by Decision (Split)
I thought this was a real solid show with 4 good fights. The only real disappointing thing I could see was that only 1 fight went to a finish. 2 really close fights as they were judged as split decision.
Showing posts with label Houston Alexander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston Alexander. Show all posts
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
UFC Wired 5/10 Re-Cap
UFC Wired 5/10 Re-Cap
Light Heavyweight Fight- Rashad Evans (14-0) vs. Sean Salmon (9-1)- UFC Fight Night 8- 1/25/07
R1- Salmon goes for a Karate Kid type move early that looks hilarious. Not much contact in the first minute. Neither guy really looks like they want to fight early. Evans is content to counter punch. They tie up 2 minutes in and Salmon takes Evans down and gets half guard. Salmon got side control but Evans quickly got to his feet. Salmon gets a couple of punches in on the cage. Salmon grabs a leg and takes down Evans again. Salmon is landing some blows on Evans. Round 1 easily goes to Salmon as Rashad didn’t really do anything and got taken down twice and sustained more damage.
R2- Salmon comes in and slips and Evans hits a knee and then attacks and gets his first advantage of the fight. After this Evans looks like the aggressor as he’s started to take control of the ring and then he just DESTROYS Salmon with a kick to the head. Awesome finish to the fight after a very poor first round by Evans. Evans started really slow, seemed very nervous but after he got that one knee his demeanor kind of changed and then he just nailed the finish.
Winner: Rashad Evans via KO (kick) R2
Light Heavyweight Fight- Thiago Silva (11-0) vs. Houston Alexander (8-1)- UFC 78- 11/17/07
R1- Alexander gets a really strong ovation at introductions. Alexander is stalking Silva early and Silva is trying to jab and kick to keep Alexander away. Silva is tying up when Alexander gets close. Alexander slams Silva but Silva reverses it and takes Alexander down. Silva’s got full mount. Silva getting in some decent shots, Alexander showing some good defense as he’s not opening himself up for damage. And just as I say that Silva lands 5 or 6 punches. And Sliva hits 5 or 6 more and the ref stops it. Real impressive fight for Silva as he got Alexander down on the mat and finished him.
Winner: Thiago Silva via TKO (strikes) R1
Light Heavyweight Fight- Chuck Liddell (20-4) vs. Keith Jardine (12-4-1)- UFC 76- 9/22/07
R1- This is the battle of the cool nicknames. “The Dean of Mean” versus “The Iceman”. Liddell gets a superstar intro, which is expected, so it will be interesting to see how Jardine can hang with him. This looks like it’s going to be fun as we are only 20 seconds in and both guys are swinging. Both guys also have awkward styles compared to most MMA guys. Liddell definitely the aggressor and landing more shots early. Liddell looks real good early. Jardine hits a couple of kicks trying to slow down Liddell a little. Liddell is controlling the octagon. Jardine starting to even out the fight a little and is gaining more confidence. Both guys really throwing and hitting good shots on each other. Jardine is really effectively using kicks to slow down Liddell a little bit. Just as I say that Liddell gets a good combo in on Jardine. Liddell really pushing the pace towards the end of the round and hitting some shots and stalking Jardine. Really entertaining first round. Liddell takes this one although Jardine looked good once he got settled. Liddell finished strong just making this round easier for the judges to score.
R2- Jardine looks a lot more comfortable starting this round out as he takes the middle of the octagon. Jardine nails a shot and Liddell went down but he got to his feet pretty quickly. Jardine with a big body kick. Jardine really taking over here in the second round as the body language of both guys are really showing it. Jardine is bleeding down the side of his head. Chuck seems to be trying to take back the octagon. Chuck counter punches and Jardine goes down to his knees. Chuck hits with a knee that wobbles Jardine but Jardine is back up. Liddell’s cardio looks a lot better at this point and it’s helping him get back into this round. I think Jardine took this round due to the first 3 minutes but Liddell did a good job seizing control back and getting back into the round. Liddell definitely has the momentum going into Round 3 as Jardine looks spent.
R3- Jardine starts out this round like round 2 as he takes the center of the octagon. Liddell stalks down Jardine but he’s getting nailed with leg kicks. Jardine with a good combo leg kick and right hook. Jardine with a couple more kicks. Chuck starting to stalk Jardine. This fight is real even right now so I think the guy that takes this last 2 minutes will take this fight. Jardine is continuing to hit leg kicks and seems to be in control. Both guys with a flurry to finish the fight as Lidell lands some good punches.
Really good and entertaining fight. Almost too close to call. I’m going to give this to Jardine as I felt he won rounds 2 and 3. Round 3 was a lot closer but he controlled the round and landed more body kicks and strikes.
Jardine 29-28, Liddell 29-28, and Jardine 29-28. Very just decision.
Winner: Keith Jardine via decision (split)
Light Heavyweight Fight- Rashad Evans (14-0) vs. Sean Salmon (9-1)- UFC Fight Night 8- 1/25/07
R1- Salmon goes for a Karate Kid type move early that looks hilarious. Not much contact in the first minute. Neither guy really looks like they want to fight early. Evans is content to counter punch. They tie up 2 minutes in and Salmon takes Evans down and gets half guard. Salmon got side control but Evans quickly got to his feet. Salmon gets a couple of punches in on the cage. Salmon grabs a leg and takes down Evans again. Salmon is landing some blows on Evans. Round 1 easily goes to Salmon as Rashad didn’t really do anything and got taken down twice and sustained more damage.
R2- Salmon comes in and slips and Evans hits a knee and then attacks and gets his first advantage of the fight. After this Evans looks like the aggressor as he’s started to take control of the ring and then he just DESTROYS Salmon with a kick to the head. Awesome finish to the fight after a very poor first round by Evans. Evans started really slow, seemed very nervous but after he got that one knee his demeanor kind of changed and then he just nailed the finish.
Winner: Rashad Evans via KO (kick) R2
Light Heavyweight Fight- Thiago Silva (11-0) vs. Houston Alexander (8-1)- UFC 78- 11/17/07
R1- Alexander gets a really strong ovation at introductions. Alexander is stalking Silva early and Silva is trying to jab and kick to keep Alexander away. Silva is tying up when Alexander gets close. Alexander slams Silva but Silva reverses it and takes Alexander down. Silva’s got full mount. Silva getting in some decent shots, Alexander showing some good defense as he’s not opening himself up for damage. And just as I say that Silva lands 5 or 6 punches. And Sliva hits 5 or 6 more and the ref stops it. Real impressive fight for Silva as he got Alexander down on the mat and finished him.
Winner: Thiago Silva via TKO (strikes) R1
Light Heavyweight Fight- Chuck Liddell (20-4) vs. Keith Jardine (12-4-1)- UFC 76- 9/22/07
R1- This is the battle of the cool nicknames. “The Dean of Mean” versus “The Iceman”. Liddell gets a superstar intro, which is expected, so it will be interesting to see how Jardine can hang with him. This looks like it’s going to be fun as we are only 20 seconds in and both guys are swinging. Both guys also have awkward styles compared to most MMA guys. Liddell definitely the aggressor and landing more shots early. Liddell looks real good early. Jardine hits a couple of kicks trying to slow down Liddell a little. Liddell is controlling the octagon. Jardine starting to even out the fight a little and is gaining more confidence. Both guys really throwing and hitting good shots on each other. Jardine is really effectively using kicks to slow down Liddell a little bit. Just as I say that Liddell gets a good combo in on Jardine. Liddell really pushing the pace towards the end of the round and hitting some shots and stalking Jardine. Really entertaining first round. Liddell takes this one although Jardine looked good once he got settled. Liddell finished strong just making this round easier for the judges to score.
R2- Jardine looks a lot more comfortable starting this round out as he takes the middle of the octagon. Jardine nails a shot and Liddell went down but he got to his feet pretty quickly. Jardine with a big body kick. Jardine really taking over here in the second round as the body language of both guys are really showing it. Jardine is bleeding down the side of his head. Chuck seems to be trying to take back the octagon. Chuck counter punches and Jardine goes down to his knees. Chuck hits with a knee that wobbles Jardine but Jardine is back up. Liddell’s cardio looks a lot better at this point and it’s helping him get back into this round. I think Jardine took this round due to the first 3 minutes but Liddell did a good job seizing control back and getting back into the round. Liddell definitely has the momentum going into Round 3 as Jardine looks spent.
R3- Jardine starts out this round like round 2 as he takes the center of the octagon. Liddell stalks down Jardine but he’s getting nailed with leg kicks. Jardine with a good combo leg kick and right hook. Jardine with a couple more kicks. Chuck starting to stalk Jardine. This fight is real even right now so I think the guy that takes this last 2 minutes will take this fight. Jardine is continuing to hit leg kicks and seems to be in control. Both guys with a flurry to finish the fight as Lidell lands some good punches.
Really good and entertaining fight. Almost too close to call. I’m going to give this to Jardine as I felt he won rounds 2 and 3. Round 3 was a lot closer but he controlled the round and landed more body kicks and strikes.
Jardine 29-28, Liddell 29-28, and Jardine 29-28. Very just decision.
Winner: Keith Jardine via decision (split)
Sunday, May 04, 2008
UFC Wired 4/26 Re-Cap
UFC Wired 4/26
Heavyweight Fight- Mirko Cro Cop (22-5-2) vs. Cheick Kongo (20-3-1)- UFC 75- 9/8/07
R1- Cro Cop is coming off of a knockout at the hands of Gonzaga and Kongo is coming off of a win. Cro Cop got a pretty good ovation at introduction. Mirko is kind of stalking him early- continually moving forward- and got in a couple of punches. Kongo slipped and Mirko jumped all over him but didn’t get any damage as they clinched against the cage. Mirko takes him down and is in control as he slides him up against the cage. Mirko gets full mount with about 50 seconds left in the round. Kongo is doing a pretty good job defending and actually reverses the position at the end of the round. R1 goes to Mirko as he controlled the cage and got more damage. Not a dominate performance but a good first round from him. Still anybody’s fight.
R2- Kongo is the aggressor in Round 2 as he’s throwing jabs and kicks. Kongo gets a take down on Mirko. Kongo controlling the round but not inflicting too much damage. Kongo with some nice knees while in the clinch. This round was all Kongo as he controlled from start to finish.
R3- This round will decide the fight. Kongo gets some nice strikes in right off the bat. Kongo with some knees and there is a low blow by Kongo and we have a break. Kongo with more kicks and jabs. Mirko trying to come back with a couple of kicks but Kongo is the aggressor again in this round. One minute left and Kongo with some knees and a nice kick and ties up Mirko on the cage. Kongo controlled this round and I’ve got him with a 29-28 win on my scorecard. Judges scorecards are all 29-28 in favor of Kongo
Rogan puts over that Kongo broke one of Cro Cop’s ribs in the first round.
Winner: Cheick Kongo via Decision (unanimous)
Light Heavyweight Fight- Keith Jardine (12-3-1) vs. Houston Alexander (6-1)- UFC 71- 5/26/07
This is Alexander’s UFC debut and they put Jardine over as being heavily favored coming off of his win against Forrest Griffin.
R1- Jardine starts off with some shots and gets Alexander down. He charges but Alexander catches him and just swarms on him laying down a ton of punches and a knee and more punches and Jardine just crumbles. Alexander takes time to scream at him after he’s knocked out. Just a wild one minute fight. Alexander landed a ton of brutal shots.
Winner: Houston Alexander by KO R1 0:41
Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin
This was on the UFC Unleashed 4/16 show.
Middleweight Title Match: Anderson Silva © vs. Rich Franklin
R1- This is the re-match and it’s in Franklin’s hometown of Cincinnati. Long feeling out process to start. Franklin trying to exchange. Anderson going for the clinch. Doesn’t get it but has Franklin against the cage. Anderson with some knees. Franklin gets the takedown and is in Anderson’s guard but Anderson is real active and they are standing up again with Franklin holding one of Anderson’s legs. Franklin has him up against the cage now. Anderson with some knees. They separate. Anderson with a spinning back kick. They are exchanging on their feet now. Anderson with a nice kick and some punches and knees. Anderson is taking it to him now. Franklin looking at the clock and trying to survive. Franklin with a couple knees. Anderson responds with a knee. Franklin is cut. Franklin with an attempted combo and Anderson dances around it. Anderson with a huge knee and some nice punches and Franklin gets destroyed with a punch at the end of the round and needs help getting back to his corner. Round to Silva- period.
R2- Franklin with some jabs, Anderson goes for the Muy Thai Clinch but misses. Anderson destroys Franklin with a knee and is now pelting him with kicks, knees and punches and it’s over.
Anderson Silva is just so impressive. He waits for his spot and when he attacks he’s so overwhelming. He’s got to be the best fighter in the world right now.
Winner: Anderson Silva by TKO R2 1:07
Heavyweight Fight- Mirko Cro Cop (22-5-2) vs. Cheick Kongo (20-3-1)- UFC 75- 9/8/07
R1- Cro Cop is coming off of a knockout at the hands of Gonzaga and Kongo is coming off of a win. Cro Cop got a pretty good ovation at introduction. Mirko is kind of stalking him early- continually moving forward- and got in a couple of punches. Kongo slipped and Mirko jumped all over him but didn’t get any damage as they clinched against the cage. Mirko takes him down and is in control as he slides him up against the cage. Mirko gets full mount with about 50 seconds left in the round. Kongo is doing a pretty good job defending and actually reverses the position at the end of the round. R1 goes to Mirko as he controlled the cage and got more damage. Not a dominate performance but a good first round from him. Still anybody’s fight.
R2- Kongo is the aggressor in Round 2 as he’s throwing jabs and kicks. Kongo gets a take down on Mirko. Kongo controlling the round but not inflicting too much damage. Kongo with some nice knees while in the clinch. This round was all Kongo as he controlled from start to finish.
R3- This round will decide the fight. Kongo gets some nice strikes in right off the bat. Kongo with some knees and there is a low blow by Kongo and we have a break. Kongo with more kicks and jabs. Mirko trying to come back with a couple of kicks but Kongo is the aggressor again in this round. One minute left and Kongo with some knees and a nice kick and ties up Mirko on the cage. Kongo controlled this round and I’ve got him with a 29-28 win on my scorecard. Judges scorecards are all 29-28 in favor of Kongo
Rogan puts over that Kongo broke one of Cro Cop’s ribs in the first round.
Winner: Cheick Kongo via Decision (unanimous)
Light Heavyweight Fight- Keith Jardine (12-3-1) vs. Houston Alexander (6-1)- UFC 71- 5/26/07
This is Alexander’s UFC debut and they put Jardine over as being heavily favored coming off of his win against Forrest Griffin.
R1- Jardine starts off with some shots and gets Alexander down. He charges but Alexander catches him and just swarms on him laying down a ton of punches and a knee and more punches and Jardine just crumbles. Alexander takes time to scream at him after he’s knocked out. Just a wild one minute fight. Alexander landed a ton of brutal shots.
Winner: Houston Alexander by KO R1 0:41
Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin
This was on the UFC Unleashed 4/16 show.
Middleweight Title Match: Anderson Silva © vs. Rich Franklin
R1- This is the re-match and it’s in Franklin’s hometown of Cincinnati. Long feeling out process to start. Franklin trying to exchange. Anderson going for the clinch. Doesn’t get it but has Franklin against the cage. Anderson with some knees. Franklin gets the takedown and is in Anderson’s guard but Anderson is real active and they are standing up again with Franklin holding one of Anderson’s legs. Franklin has him up against the cage now. Anderson with some knees. They separate. Anderson with a spinning back kick. They are exchanging on their feet now. Anderson with a nice kick and some punches and knees. Anderson is taking it to him now. Franklin looking at the clock and trying to survive. Franklin with a couple knees. Anderson responds with a knee. Franklin is cut. Franklin with an attempted combo and Anderson dances around it. Anderson with a huge knee and some nice punches and Franklin gets destroyed with a punch at the end of the round and needs help getting back to his corner. Round to Silva- period.
R2- Franklin with some jabs, Anderson goes for the Muy Thai Clinch but misses. Anderson destroys Franklin with a knee and is now pelting him with kicks, knees and punches and it’s over.
Anderson Silva is just so impressive. He waits for his spot and when he attacks he’s so overwhelming. He’s got to be the best fighter in the world right now.
Winner: Anderson Silva by TKO R2 1:07
Monday, April 21, 2008
UFC Unleashed 4/16 TV Re-Cap
UFC Unleashed 4/16
Houston Alexander vs. Alessio Sakara
R1- They really mix it up early and Sakara grabs him and takes him down but Alexander gets back to his feet quickly. They are going after each other pretty good and Alexander nails Sakara and drops him and is now pounding him and the ref stops it in what seemed to be under 2 minutes. Just a real quick aggressive fight. Alexander looked dominant here and not like the same guy that just got dropped at Fight Night.
Winner: Houston Alexander by KO R1 1:01
Rashad Evans vs. Michael Bisping
R1- This is hyped by Mike Goldberg was the battle of Ultimate Fighter 2 and 3. Evans is unbeaten at 15-0-1 (with a draw against Tito Ortiz). Evans is the aggressor early and goes for a take down as he backs Bisping against the cage. Evans works him down against the cage but Bisping gets back to his feet. Evans hits a couple of punches and goes back in after the take down. The ref separates them and Rashad hits some punches and they tie-up again against the cage. Evans seems to be the dominant fighter but not a lot of damage being done by either guy. Bisping goes for a kick and Evans grabs his leg and takes him down and falls into Bisping’s guard. Evans stands up and throws a big punch. Evans has side control now. Bisping slips out and they are up against the cage again. Bisping grabs a clinch and gets a knee. Rashad with some elbows and Rashad takes him down again and is now in half guard. Evans controlled this round and definitely won it. Bisping did a good job in getting out of some bad situations but needs to come off with some offense if he wants to have a chance in this one.
R2- Evans with a takedown attempt and then slams Bisping to the mat. Evans is in Bisping’s guard. Evans tries some punches. Bisping doing a good job on defense. Not much going on right now as they are on the mat and the ref stands them up with 3 minutes left. Bisping gets a jab after a couple of Evans misses. Bisping starting to get some shots in now but he eats a punch from Evans. Pretty even stand up fight going on right now. Evans goes for a take down but Bisping defends with a clinch and a knee. Evans seems to be a little winded here. Bisping grabs a clinch and nails a knee to the mid-section. Evans grabs Bisping and moves him against the cage. Nothing doing and they stand back up in the middle of the ring. Bisping with a knee and then gets a slam after the buzzer. This round was very even. I could see it going either way.
R3- They start out pretty even. Evans grabs a leg and then takes down Bisping. Evans has him up against the cage. Bisping reverses and Evans is up against the cage now and now they stand back up with Bisping having Evans against the cage and now they stand up in the center. Evans with a combo but he looks real winded. Evans shoots in for a take down and has Bisping up against the cage. They stand up and then Evans goes for another take down but it’s defended. Neither guy really going for the win here. Now they start to mix it up again. Evans goes for a take down with 10 seconds left to solidify his win and gets it.
Not a real exciting fight. Both guys looked OK but neither guy looked like a top contender in there. Evans definitely has the tools but he doesn’t have the cardio right now as he was wasted in the last two rounds and just barely hung on here and should pick up a unanimous decision. 29-28 Evans, 29-28 Bisping, 29-28 Evans. Not sure how that one judge got Bisping as the winner but that’s why you have to finish your fights.
Winner: Rashad Evans by Decision (Split)
Middleweight Title Match: Anderson Silva © vs. Rich Franklin
R1- This is the re-match and it’s in Franklin’s hometown of Cincinnati. Long feeling out process to start. Franklin trying to exchange. Anderson going for the clinch. Doesn’t get it but has Franklin against the cage. Anderson with some knees. Franklin gets the takedown and is in Anderson’s guard but Anderson is real active and they are standing up again with Franklin holding one of Anderson’s legs. Franklin has him up against the cage now. Anderson with some knees. They separate. Anderson with a spinning back kick. They are exchanging on their feet now. Anderson with a nice kick and some punches and knees. Anderson is taking it to him now. Franklin looking at the clock and trying to survive. Franklin with a couple knees. Anderson responds with a knee. Franklin is cut. Franklin with an attempted combo and Anderson dances around it. Anderson with a huge knee and some nice punches and Franklin gets destroyed with a punch at the end of the round and needs help getting back to his corner. Round to Silva- period.
R2- Franklin with some jabs, Anderson goes for the Muy Thai Clinch but misses. Anderson destroys Franklin with a knee and is now pelting him with kicks, knees and punches and it’s over.
Anderson Silva is just so impressive. He waits for his spot and when he attacks he’s so overwhelming. He’s got to be the best fighter in the world right now.
Winner: Anderson Silva by TKO R2 1:07
Houston Alexander vs. Alessio Sakara
R1- They really mix it up early and Sakara grabs him and takes him down but Alexander gets back to his feet quickly. They are going after each other pretty good and Alexander nails Sakara and drops him and is now pounding him and the ref stops it in what seemed to be under 2 minutes. Just a real quick aggressive fight. Alexander looked dominant here and not like the same guy that just got dropped at Fight Night.
Winner: Houston Alexander by KO R1 1:01
Rashad Evans vs. Michael Bisping
R1- This is hyped by Mike Goldberg was the battle of Ultimate Fighter 2 and 3. Evans is unbeaten at 15-0-1 (with a draw against Tito Ortiz). Evans is the aggressor early and goes for a take down as he backs Bisping against the cage. Evans works him down against the cage but Bisping gets back to his feet. Evans hits a couple of punches and goes back in after the take down. The ref separates them and Rashad hits some punches and they tie-up again against the cage. Evans seems to be the dominant fighter but not a lot of damage being done by either guy. Bisping goes for a kick and Evans grabs his leg and takes him down and falls into Bisping’s guard. Evans stands up and throws a big punch. Evans has side control now. Bisping slips out and they are up against the cage again. Bisping grabs a clinch and gets a knee. Rashad with some elbows and Rashad takes him down again and is now in half guard. Evans controlled this round and definitely won it. Bisping did a good job in getting out of some bad situations but needs to come off with some offense if he wants to have a chance in this one.
R2- Evans with a takedown attempt and then slams Bisping to the mat. Evans is in Bisping’s guard. Evans tries some punches. Bisping doing a good job on defense. Not much going on right now as they are on the mat and the ref stands them up with 3 minutes left. Bisping gets a jab after a couple of Evans misses. Bisping starting to get some shots in now but he eats a punch from Evans. Pretty even stand up fight going on right now. Evans goes for a take down but Bisping defends with a clinch and a knee. Evans seems to be a little winded here. Bisping grabs a clinch and nails a knee to the mid-section. Evans grabs Bisping and moves him against the cage. Nothing doing and they stand back up in the middle of the ring. Bisping with a knee and then gets a slam after the buzzer. This round was very even. I could see it going either way.
R3- They start out pretty even. Evans grabs a leg and then takes down Bisping. Evans has him up against the cage. Bisping reverses and Evans is up against the cage now and now they stand back up with Bisping having Evans against the cage and now they stand up in the center. Evans with a combo but he looks real winded. Evans shoots in for a take down and has Bisping up against the cage. They stand up and then Evans goes for another take down but it’s defended. Neither guy really going for the win here. Now they start to mix it up again. Evans goes for a take down with 10 seconds left to solidify his win and gets it.
Not a real exciting fight. Both guys looked OK but neither guy looked like a top contender in there. Evans definitely has the tools but he doesn’t have the cardio right now as he was wasted in the last two rounds and just barely hung on here and should pick up a unanimous decision. 29-28 Evans, 29-28 Bisping, 29-28 Evans. Not sure how that one judge got Bisping as the winner but that’s why you have to finish your fights.
Winner: Rashad Evans by Decision (Split)
Middleweight Title Match: Anderson Silva © vs. Rich Franklin
R1- This is the re-match and it’s in Franklin’s hometown of Cincinnati. Long feeling out process to start. Franklin trying to exchange. Anderson going for the clinch. Doesn’t get it but has Franklin against the cage. Anderson with some knees. Franklin gets the takedown and is in Anderson’s guard but Anderson is real active and they are standing up again with Franklin holding one of Anderson’s legs. Franklin has him up against the cage now. Anderson with some knees. They separate. Anderson with a spinning back kick. They are exchanging on their feet now. Anderson with a nice kick and some punches and knees. Anderson is taking it to him now. Franklin looking at the clock and trying to survive. Franklin with a couple knees. Anderson responds with a knee. Franklin is cut. Franklin with an attempted combo and Anderson dances around it. Anderson with a huge knee and some nice punches and Franklin gets destroyed with a punch at the end of the round and needs help getting back to his corner. Round to Silva- period.
R2- Franklin with some jabs, Anderson goes for the Muy Thai Clinch but misses. Anderson destroys Franklin with a knee and is now pelting him with kicks, knees and punches and it’s over.
Anderson Silva is just so impressive. He waits for his spot and when he attacks he’s so overwhelming. He’s got to be the best fighter in the world right now.
Winner: Anderson Silva by TKO R2 1:07
Thursday, April 10, 2008
UFC Fight Night 4/2/08 Thoughts
UFC Fight Night Live
Light Heavyweight- Houston Alexander (8-2) vs James Irvin (13-4)
This was pretty shocking and a great way to start the show. I’ve never seen Irvin before and I was pretty much expecting Alexander to take this one but Alexander just ate a huge punch right off the bat and the ref stopped the fight. This tied the record for fastest knockout in UFC history at 8 seconds.
Lightweight- Kurt Pellegrino (17-3) vs Nate Diaz (8-2)
Pellegrino is sporting brown hair instead of his normal colored looks- almost didn’t recognize him. Pellegrino seems to be controlling on the ground early. Pellegrino got side control and peppered Diaz with several quick punches. Diaz is busted open and Pellegrino dominating so far 3 minuts into the fight as he hits a big elbow. Diaz looks like he’s out and Pellegrino has his back. Diaz back to his feet as he is trying to get in some offense. Pellegrino just dominated the first round with Diaz holding on. It will be interesting to see if Diaz can come back. Pellegrino had 2 or 3 chances to really finish off Diaz in the first Round but didn’t get it done.
Round 2- Pellegrino takes Diaz down about 45 seconds into the round after some stand up with little contact. Diaz is going for a kimura but Pellegrino slips out and still is on top of Diaz. They get to their feet and Pellegrino has Diaz’s back but Diaz does a nice flip but Pellegrino still has control. Diaz with a brief control but Pellegrino lifts him up and takes him down but now Diaz is going for a triangle and he’s got it and Pellegrino taps.
Good fight. Pellegrino really dominated but Diaz got that one move and got the submission. Diaz showed a lot of guts cause he was almost gone several times in the first round.
Light Heavyweight- Matt Hamill (5-1)vs Tim Boetsch (7-1)
Hamill takes him down about 20 seconds into the fight. Hamill is controlling the fight but not much going on and the ref stands them up. Boetsch looks like the better striker as he’s definitely the aggressor when they are on their feet. Boetsch is really swinging for the fences. Matt Hamill is bleeding slightly from his mouth. Boetsch hits a big knee but Hamill comes back with some punches and lands a nice one. Really even first round. Hamill controlled early but really didn’t get in any offense and then they went back and forth on their feet and I think Boetsch landed more damage in those exchanges. Both guys looked a little winded after Round 1.
Round 2- Hamill goes for a high sidekick and falls but gets back up. Boetsch goes for a takedown but Hamill is landed a bunch of punches. Repeated punches and this might be over real soon and the ref stops it. Huge mistake by Boetsch in going for the takedown on a better wrestler. Hamill took advantage and won the fight by capitalizing on Boetsch’s mistake.
Welterweight- Karo Parisyan (26-4) vs Thiago Alves (19-4)
Karo grabs the clinch early and takes down Thiago quickly. Thiago gets back to his feet with little damage and they are back on their feet now. Karo is controlling the fight early but not dominating. Karo goes in for a takedown but Thiago fights it as they are up against the cage. They separate and are on their feet again. Thiago seems to be getting a little more comfortable and is throwing more punches and kicks as the round continues. They end the round with Karo at an advantage against the cage. Round goes to Karo but no real damage was landed by either fighter.
Round 2- Thiago just destroys Karo with a vicious knee about 20 seconds into R2 and wins via ref stoppage. Karo is the second guy tonight who is upset about stoppage but he just got destroyed by that knee.
Welterweight- Tommy Speer vs Anthony Johnson (4-1)
I’m actually in the process of watching The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 (Hughes vs Serra) from the marathon that came on last week (got 2 episodes left) so this should be interesting to see how Speer does and see how he has improved. Speer seems to have slimmed down a bit. Johnson nailed him with a left hook early and then destroyed him with a kick and is nailing him with punches and then just destroys him with a HUGE knockout punch. Great showing for Anthony Johnson. This one only last 51 seconds.
Lightweight- Frank Edgar (8-0) vs Gray Maynard (5-0-1)
Maynard seems to be a tad of the aggressor so far as he’s throwing more punches and throwing them with more force and Edgar just seems to be trying to measure Maynard and feel him out. Edgar starts to get some shots in and Maynard takes him down. Close Round- I’ve got to give it to Maynard due to him having the only takedown and maintaining control for the majority of the round. Little damage done in Round 1 by either guy. Both guys may have small cuts.
Round 2- Maynard comes out swinging and then Edgar does as well. Much more action in this round as both guys feel a sense of urgency. Edgar goes for a takedown but Maynard blocks. Instead Maynard gets the takedown. Edgar gets to his feet and gets in 2 decent shots. Edgar looking much more aggressive in this round and is landing more shots. Edgar gets a great takedown on a throw but Maynard quickly escapes. Edgar seemed to be controlling the game on the feet but Maynard took him down. Edgar battling trying to get a kimura. That takedown may have saved the round for Maynard but Edgar is trying to submit him from the bottom. This was real close and this one really could have gone either way.
Round 3- Both guys come out swinging and Maynard shoots in for a takedown and they are really going back and forth on the mat until they stand up. Edgar with a combo. Maynard with another takedown and then with a big slam. Maynard has been controlling the wrestling in this match. Maynard with another big slam and he’s still controlling the wrestling. Back to the feet and Edgar throws some elbows. Edgar’s got to do something here or he’s gonna lose via decision. Maynard with another takedown and throw. Maynard remains on top as the match is coming to a close. I’ve got this one Maynard 30-27 but I guess we’ll see what the judges think.
Winner by Unanimous decision 30-27 on all card Gray Maynard. Definitely the right decision. Maynard looked real impressive in his wrestling and control of the fight. Maynard really has to work on his submissions and/or killer instinct because even though he dominated the fight at no point was he even close to finishing Edgar.
Lightweight- Kenny Florian (10-3) vs Joe Lauzon (15-3)
Lauzon shoots in early and takes down Florian but gets nailed with several elbows to the head that busts Lauzon upon. The ref breaks it up. Florian lands a nice kick. Florian on top with some nice strikes. Lauzon takes down Florian and goes for a heel hook but never really gets any damage in. Lauzon goes for another leg hold but Florian gets out again and hits Lauzon with a couple of shots. Really close first round, I’d give it to Florian just based on damage inflicted as he got in more.
Round 2- They stand up for about a minute and then Florain gets a take down and gets Full Mount and is swinging on Lauzon as Lauzon is just trying to cover up right now. Florian with some elbows and now punching more in side control. Florian still just controlling Lauzon. Lauzon trying to squirm out. Florian just continuing to pound on Lauzon and the ref finally stops it.
Florian looked really good here. I haven’t seen much of him but he looks like a totally different fighter than when he was in The Ultimate Fighter Season 1.
Overall this was a good show and very enjoyable. Several good fights- Florian/Lauzon, Pellegrino/Diaz, Edgar/Maynard and Karo/Alves. I think my favorite fight was the Nate Diaz fight just due to the beating he took and then came back to win.
Light Heavyweight- Houston Alexander (8-2) vs James Irvin (13-4)
This was pretty shocking and a great way to start the show. I’ve never seen Irvin before and I was pretty much expecting Alexander to take this one but Alexander just ate a huge punch right off the bat and the ref stopped the fight. This tied the record for fastest knockout in UFC history at 8 seconds.
Lightweight- Kurt Pellegrino (17-3) vs Nate Diaz (8-2)
Pellegrino is sporting brown hair instead of his normal colored looks- almost didn’t recognize him. Pellegrino seems to be controlling on the ground early. Pellegrino got side control and peppered Diaz with several quick punches. Diaz is busted open and Pellegrino dominating so far 3 minuts into the fight as he hits a big elbow. Diaz looks like he’s out and Pellegrino has his back. Diaz back to his feet as he is trying to get in some offense. Pellegrino just dominated the first round with Diaz holding on. It will be interesting to see if Diaz can come back. Pellegrino had 2 or 3 chances to really finish off Diaz in the first Round but didn’t get it done.
Round 2- Pellegrino takes Diaz down about 45 seconds into the round after some stand up with little contact. Diaz is going for a kimura but Pellegrino slips out and still is on top of Diaz. They get to their feet and Pellegrino has Diaz’s back but Diaz does a nice flip but Pellegrino still has control. Diaz with a brief control but Pellegrino lifts him up and takes him down but now Diaz is going for a triangle and he’s got it and Pellegrino taps.
Good fight. Pellegrino really dominated but Diaz got that one move and got the submission. Diaz showed a lot of guts cause he was almost gone several times in the first round.
Light Heavyweight- Matt Hamill (5-1)vs Tim Boetsch (7-1)
Hamill takes him down about 20 seconds into the fight. Hamill is controlling the fight but not much going on and the ref stands them up. Boetsch looks like the better striker as he’s definitely the aggressor when they are on their feet. Boetsch is really swinging for the fences. Matt Hamill is bleeding slightly from his mouth. Boetsch hits a big knee but Hamill comes back with some punches and lands a nice one. Really even first round. Hamill controlled early but really didn’t get in any offense and then they went back and forth on their feet and I think Boetsch landed more damage in those exchanges. Both guys looked a little winded after Round 1.
Round 2- Hamill goes for a high sidekick and falls but gets back up. Boetsch goes for a takedown but Hamill is landed a bunch of punches. Repeated punches and this might be over real soon and the ref stops it. Huge mistake by Boetsch in going for the takedown on a better wrestler. Hamill took advantage and won the fight by capitalizing on Boetsch’s mistake.
Welterweight- Karo Parisyan (26-4) vs Thiago Alves (19-4)
Karo grabs the clinch early and takes down Thiago quickly. Thiago gets back to his feet with little damage and they are back on their feet now. Karo is controlling the fight early but not dominating. Karo goes in for a takedown but Thiago fights it as they are up against the cage. They separate and are on their feet again. Thiago seems to be getting a little more comfortable and is throwing more punches and kicks as the round continues. They end the round with Karo at an advantage against the cage. Round goes to Karo but no real damage was landed by either fighter.
Round 2- Thiago just destroys Karo with a vicious knee about 20 seconds into R2 and wins via ref stoppage. Karo is the second guy tonight who is upset about stoppage but he just got destroyed by that knee.
Welterweight- Tommy Speer vs Anthony Johnson (4-1)
I’m actually in the process of watching The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 (Hughes vs Serra) from the marathon that came on last week (got 2 episodes left) so this should be interesting to see how Speer does and see how he has improved. Speer seems to have slimmed down a bit. Johnson nailed him with a left hook early and then destroyed him with a kick and is nailing him with punches and then just destroys him with a HUGE knockout punch. Great showing for Anthony Johnson. This one only last 51 seconds.
Lightweight- Frank Edgar (8-0) vs Gray Maynard (5-0-1)
Maynard seems to be a tad of the aggressor so far as he’s throwing more punches and throwing them with more force and Edgar just seems to be trying to measure Maynard and feel him out. Edgar starts to get some shots in and Maynard takes him down. Close Round- I’ve got to give it to Maynard due to him having the only takedown and maintaining control for the majority of the round. Little damage done in Round 1 by either guy. Both guys may have small cuts.
Round 2- Maynard comes out swinging and then Edgar does as well. Much more action in this round as both guys feel a sense of urgency. Edgar goes for a takedown but Maynard blocks. Instead Maynard gets the takedown. Edgar gets to his feet and gets in 2 decent shots. Edgar looking much more aggressive in this round and is landing more shots. Edgar gets a great takedown on a throw but Maynard quickly escapes. Edgar seemed to be controlling the game on the feet but Maynard took him down. Edgar battling trying to get a kimura. That takedown may have saved the round for Maynard but Edgar is trying to submit him from the bottom. This was real close and this one really could have gone either way.
Round 3- Both guys come out swinging and Maynard shoots in for a takedown and they are really going back and forth on the mat until they stand up. Edgar with a combo. Maynard with another takedown and then with a big slam. Maynard has been controlling the wrestling in this match. Maynard with another big slam and he’s still controlling the wrestling. Back to the feet and Edgar throws some elbows. Edgar’s got to do something here or he’s gonna lose via decision. Maynard with another takedown and throw. Maynard remains on top as the match is coming to a close. I’ve got this one Maynard 30-27 but I guess we’ll see what the judges think.
Winner by Unanimous decision 30-27 on all card Gray Maynard. Definitely the right decision. Maynard looked real impressive in his wrestling and control of the fight. Maynard really has to work on his submissions and/or killer instinct because even though he dominated the fight at no point was he even close to finishing Edgar.
Lightweight- Kenny Florian (10-3) vs Joe Lauzon (15-3)
Lauzon shoots in early and takes down Florian but gets nailed with several elbows to the head that busts Lauzon upon. The ref breaks it up. Florian lands a nice kick. Florian on top with some nice strikes. Lauzon takes down Florian and goes for a heel hook but never really gets any damage in. Lauzon goes for another leg hold but Florian gets out again and hits Lauzon with a couple of shots. Really close first round, I’d give it to Florian just based on damage inflicted as he got in more.
Round 2- They stand up for about a minute and then Florain gets a take down and gets Full Mount and is swinging on Lauzon as Lauzon is just trying to cover up right now. Florian with some elbows and now punching more in side control. Florian still just controlling Lauzon. Lauzon trying to squirm out. Florian just continuing to pound on Lauzon and the ref finally stops it.
Florian looked really good here. I haven’t seen much of him but he looks like a totally different fighter than when he was in The Ultimate Fighter Season 1.
Overall this was a good show and very enjoyable. Several good fights- Florian/Lauzon, Pellegrino/Diaz, Edgar/Maynard and Karo/Alves. I think my favorite fight was the Nate Diaz fight just due to the beating he took and then came back to win.
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