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NEIL MAGNY (9-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) VS. GASAN UMALATOV (14-3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

Round 1 – Magny jabs and kicks low to start. He’s moving quickly to open. Magny very busy in the early going. His jab lands a bit, as doe sa right behind it, but Umalatov looks unfazed. Umalatov does reel a bit from a Magny flurry. The longer Magny is very active to start. He lands two more punches and just misses on a knee inside. Umalatov misses a leaping left hand. He continues to push forward and wraps the body, elevating and slamming Magny to the floor. Magny gets half-guard underneath. Umalatov postures, and Magny tags him with an upkick before scrambling back to his feet. Magny slips a big punch and drops for a takedown. Umalatov easily pushes it away. Two minutes left. Magny fakes a jab and lands a right. He kicks, and Umalatov catches it but is unable to take the fight to the floor. Magny not landing with power, but he’s definitely scoring. He drives inside again and lands a few knees against the cage. Both scramble for position on a trip, but it’s Magny who takes the back as they hit the floor. Final seconds of the round, and Magny can’t get the finish, but he wins the round on the MMAjunkie card, 10-9.

Round 2 – Umalatov catches a kick early and counters with a right. Magny settles right back in and goes to work with long jabs and straights. Umalatov winging power shots inside, but Magny avoiding them early and answering with volume. They work in the clinch. Nothing there, but it’s again Magny as the busier fighter the moment they break. Umalatov just a step behing. He still looks dangerous, but he’s not setting the pace. He is controlling the center, unlike the first round. He’s also starting to walk Magny down a bit. He lands a right hand that seems to stun Magny, but he doesn’t follow up. Magny gets off the fence and moves back to the clinch. He briefly gets the back, but Umalatov quickly spins back inside and gets his back to the cage. Final minute of the round. Magny kicks the legs a bit. Umalatov gets inside and looks for a takedown. Magny spins off the cage and holds the outside. He again moves to the back in a scramble in the final seconds. He punches away as Umalatov covers, and the round ends. MMAjunkie gives it again to Magny, 10-9.

Round 3 – Umalatov misses on a wild spinning kick to start. He’s down and fighting like he knows it. Umalatov takes the center and presses with strikes. Magny moving laterally and creating distance to use the reach to his advantage. Umalatov winging heavy right hands that just miss. Magny still the busier fighter. He’s avoiding Umalatov’s power and peppering him shots. Umalatov into the clinch, and this time he gets the fight to the floor. Magny gets to a kneeling position and tries to use the cage to prevent a move to the back. It works, and Umalatov backs away. Umalatov had a good opportunity there and let it go. Two minutes left. Umalatov still throwing powerful strikes. A left hand sneaks through. Kicks exchanged. Magny with a leaping knee, but it allows Umalatov to block it and push him to the floor. Umalatov can’t capitalize, instead backing away and basically allowing Magny to stand. Magny rushes forward with strikes on the restart. He briefly has his neck caught in a potential guillotine, but there’s nothing there Magny pulls away and continues to punch until the bell. Magny raises his hands in victory, and for good reason. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Magny, 10-9, and awards him the fight 30-27. Closest round of the three, but MMAjunkie goes with the clean sweep.

Result: Neil Magny def. Gasan Umalatov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)


RASHID MAGOMEDOV (16-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) VS. TONY MARTIN (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

Round 1 – Martin takes the center, and they paw jabs to feel out the range. Magomedov kicks the body and scampers away. He kicks the leg. Martin slips a right hand and looks for a takedown. Magomedov with excellent defense against the cage, but Martin eventually just rips him over and moves immediately into side control. Magomedov hooks the left leg to prevent a pass, and he turns to his hip. Martin wants the pass, but he can’t clear the legs. Halfway into the first, and Martin is looking to attack the left arm. He looks for the keylock. Magomedov with incredible strength to defend, but the limb is in trouble. Martin turns to the armbar. It’s extended, but Magomedov refuses to go away. He rolls walks up the side and hops over to escape after several tense moments. Incredible, incredible escape. Back to the feet, and Martin lands a stiff jab. Round ends on the feet, and it’s all Martin on the MMAjunkie card, 10-9.

Round 2 – Magomedov looks a little livelier to open and kicks the leg. Martin looking to jab and move. He’s quickly in on another takedown. Magomedov defends against the cage. Martin continues to look for the takedown, and when he tries to pull his opponent off the cage, it backfires. Magomedov with a nice reversal and falls into top position. Martin holds guard underneath. Magomedov looks to posture and punch. Two minutes into the round, and it’s Magomedov’s first real offensive opportunity. He can’t really capitalize, as Martin scrambles back to his feet. Martin’s left eye a little busted up from the brief time underneath. Magomedov rushes forward and kicks the body. They settle in the center, and Martin looks a little out of rhythm. Magomedov agains works kicks to the body. Martin rushes forward with strikes that miss. Pace definitely slowing in the final seconds. Magomedov just misses on a big right hand in a flurry. Round ends on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it to Magomedov, 10-9.

Round 3 – Both fighters look lively to open the third. Magomedov looking again at the legs. Magomedov kicks low and alertly defends a takedown. Martin continues to look to bring the fight to the floor, but Magomedov refuses to hit the deck. He works for a single then switches to a double. Magomedov defends it all and then latches on to the neck. He falls to the floor and looks to finish with a guillotine. It’s a little threatening, but Martin pops his head free. Magomedov keeps the dominant position and punches from the top. Martin climbs to his feet, and Magomedov times a high kick to land just as he rises. A few punches follow. Magomedov in control of this fight with two minutes left. Martin still desperate for the takedown. Magomedov defends against the cage. Time winding down. Martin is going to need to make something big happen. Instead, he stays inside, and referee Gasper Oliver breaks them apart. Martin’s face is a mess. Oliver calls time to bring the doctors in to look at the damage, but we fight on. Less than a minute. Magomedov again with a high kick. Martin wants the takedown but won’t find it. He breaks away to close the fight, and Magomedov tags him with punches. Fight over, and MMAjunkie gives the third to Magomedov, 10-9, awarding him the fight 29-28.

Result: Rashid Magomedov def. Tony Martin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)


ANDY ENZ (10-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) VS. CLINT HESTER (10-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC)

Round 1 – Early low kick from Hester. He takes the center as Enz looks to move in and out of range. Hester wants to box. He’s using some head movement to pick up on Enz’s movement. A left hook sends Enz crashing to the floor. He pops up only to eat another right. Enz is hurt. He drives inside for a takedown. Hester punches away and pulls free when Enz looks for the leg. Back on the feet. Enz looks recover, but Hester tags him again. Jab scores. Right hook glances off the top. Hester looks very confident. Overhand right scores. Hester goes to the body. Enz doesn’t look wobbly, but he’s also yet to find any real offense. Enz scores his first real offense on two counter right hands and a kick to the body. Hester right back with a leaping left. One minute remains. Hester continues to tee off on the feet. Enz’s corner calling for the counter, and he is showing some toughness in the pocket Enz misses on a high kick in the final seconds. MMAjunkie sees the round for Hester, 10-9.

Round 2 – Hester agains takes the center and fakes a few rushes inside. Enz looks to engage, but Hester pushes inside and pushes him to the floor. Hester passes the half-guard, but Enz pops back to his feet. Overhand right for Hester just misses. Enz kicks the body. Enz with a jab, and Hester misses a counter. Hester slowing a bit, but he’s still controlling the center and throwing with the most power. Hester misses on a few huge power shots, but he slips inside and drives Enz again to the floor. Enz creates some space with his feet and crawls back to his feet but eats a punch and a kick for his efforts. Small cut under Enz’s left eye. Enz continues to fire his own jab and straight, and Hester is bleeding a bit under his left eye, as well. Round ends on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it to Hester, 10-9.

Round 3 – Hester out quickly, but Enz is turning up the pressure. He’s first to the punch, and he kicks the body, as well. Hester’s output has slowed, but he looks lively enough. Hester just misses a spinning backfist. Enz again walks forward with strikes. Enz’s corner calling for aggression. Hester lands a right hand. Enz is the busier fighter right now. He’s looking for the comeback. Hester still throwing with power, but he can’t match the output. Straight right for Enz. Hester with a huge overhand right. Hester holding the center. He doesn’t look concerned, but Enz is racking up points. Unfortunately for him, he’s going to need a finish. Jab for Enz. Hester digs to the boy. Final minute. Hester with a big left tha lands. Hester looks for a takedown. Enz does hit the deck but pops up and seems to land an illegal knee, though there’s no call. Both fighters swing at the bell. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Hester, 10-9, and awards him the fight, 30-27. Good final round for Enz, but Hester finished strong and landed the best strikes throughout.

Result: Clint Hester def. Andy Enz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)


AL IAQUINTA (8-2-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) VS. KEVIN LEE (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

Round 1 – Iaquinta with an early left hand as they engage quickly in the center. Lee blocks a high kick. Iaquinta very busy to start. Lee land s a straight right. Quick left drops Lee. He gets up, but he’s on shaky legs. Iaquinta looking to finish. Lee somehow survives the onslaught, and the pace settles. Good recovery from lee, who was in real trouble. Two minutes into the round. Lee slips down on a leg, and Iaquinta hits an incredibly slick transition into an attack on his opponent’s right leg. Lee stacks and twists to relive the pressure. As Iaquinta turns to get back to his feet, Lee slips around to his back. Iaquinta defends well, and Lee backs away to reset. Lee looks to be the quicker fighter, but Iaquinta is managing everything well and doing the most damage in the final minute. Jab for Lee is stiff. Round ends with traded punches, and MMAjunkie gives it to Iaquinta, 10-9.

Round 2 – Quick jabs traded. Both looking to strike in the early going. Lee kicks the body. Iaquinta just misses on a big right hand. Lee shoots in. Iaquinta tries for a switch, but Lee slips around to the back. He goes for the choke, and the left arm is under the neck. Iaquinta tries desperately to peel the arm away. He turns the chine to create some space for his neck. Lee is adjusting, and Iaquinta squeezes down. Incredible to survive that attempt. Iaquinta still not out of danger, but that was a huge test to survive. Lee now looks again for the rear-naked choke, this time with the right arm. It’s still not there. Iaquinta free again, but the figure-four around his body is preventing him from turning in and reversing the position. Lee wants the choke. He throws a short elbow and tries again to get the right arm under the neck. They roll as Lee looks again to finish the fight. Crowd boos, but you can hardly ask referee Herb Dean to stand them up from this position. Iaquinta somehow survives this tough spot, and we go to the third. MMAjunkie gives the second to Lee, 10-9. Great fight through 10 minutes.

Round 3 – Lee quickly forward. Iaquinta drills him early. Lee staggers, and Iaquinta drills him again with a right hand. Another right. A left. Lee on wobbly legs, but he’s standing in the pocket. Lee just misses a high kick. He shoots in, and Iaquinta again tries to attack the leg. This time Lee feels it and spins quickly free and strikes. Iaquinta back to his feet, and his nose is bloodied. Lee slips on a knee strike, but he gets up before Iaquinta can pounce. Two minutes into the final round. Iaquinta shoots on a leg, and Lee defends and launches into an acrobatic counter kick. It misses, and he scrambles back to his feet. Lee wants the leg, but Iaquinta pushes him away with punches. Lee changes levels again, but he’s unsuccessful. Time winding own. Lee again wants the floor, but it’s not going to happen. Final minute. Iaquinta staying tight with his strikes. Lee misses a big haymaker. Iaquinta counters up the middle. Iaquinta bloodied, but he’s banging. They trade in the final seconds in a solid ending to a fun fight. MMAjunkie scores the third for Iaquinta, 10-9, awarding him the fight 29-28.

Result: Al Iaquinta def. Kevin Lee via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-27)


NICK CATONE (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) VS. TOM WATSON (16-7 MMA, 1-3 UFC)

Round 1 – Watson with a low stance, and he misses an early kick. Catone out of range early. Watson misses a front kick. Shortly after, he chops the leg. Catone just misses a few counter punches on a missed kick. Watson moving well early, not giving a stationary target. He kicks the leg again. Catone answers in kind, though a little less powerful. Catone holding the center. Watso moving laterally and chopping the legs. He keeps the low stance, and Catone has yet to shoot. He finally does rush forward, and Watson tries to brush him to the side. He can’t, but he stays upright and pulls away. Jab for Catone. Watson still firing kicks. Watson blocks and drives on to the legs. He tries a knee just as Catone fires in, but Catone pushes through and gets the fight to the floor. Watson quickly to a knee. Catone holding tight. and kneeing the leg. Watson looking to punch. Watson climbs up in the final seconds. Takedown makes it tight, but MMAjunkie leans toward Watson, 10-9.

Round 2 – Watson takes the enter, but Catone pops him with an early jab. Watson not moving nearly as much to start the second. Watson misses a front kick but chops the leg. Watson holding the center, but neither really doing much on the feet. Watson continues to utilize kicks as a primary attack. He’s chopping the legs over and over. Catone scores with a big right hand. Boos come in from the crowd. The fighters have pace, but neither is really doing much. Catone responds by shooting in and taking the fight to the floor. Watson is immediately back to his feet, and Catone backs away. Catone drives in again on a takedown. One minute left. Watson turns to a knee, but Catone flips him back over and keeps him on the floor. He slips around to the back and then circles again to top position. Watson scrambles up and lands a nice knee in the clinch, but MMAjunkie gives the second to Catone, 10-9.

Round 3 – Catone scores with an early left. Watson again returns to the legs. He misses with a high kick. Catone wants a takedown, but Watson defends it. Catone complains of an eye poke, but we fight on. Watson holds the center. He’s the busier fighter right now. Catone ducks for a takedown, but Watson defends well and punishes him inside. Watson keeping the pace high. He’s still using kicks to the lego slow his opponent. Catone moving on the outside, and he lands a stiff jab. Two minutes left. Watson misses a big hook and eats an uppercut. Catone shoots in on a takedown and gets it, but Watson gets back to his feet before thee’s an damager. Catone now bleeding from a cut on his forehead. Another takedown for Catone, and this time he gets to the back. One minute left. Catone with his hooks in, and Watson spins to put his back on the canvas. Catone turns again and regains the back. MMAjunkie gives the final round again to Watson, 10-9, though judges may very well reward Catone again for the takedowns. Round one could be the same thing. MMAjunkie has Watson, 29-28.

Result: Nick Catone def. Tom Watson via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)


CHRIS CARIASO (16-5 MMA, 6-3 UFC) VS. DANNY MARTINEZ (16-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

Round 1 – Cariaso with an early high kick, and Martinez rushes inside. He’s looking for the takedown, and Cariaso defends against the cage. Cariaso pummels inside and pushes Martinez away, and we reset. Cariaso continues to rattle off high kicks. Meanwhile, Martinez is blasting away with big punches from the center and driving in for takedowns. Cariaso defending well against the cage, but it’s non-stop pressure from Martinez. Halfway through the first round, and we reset. Both fighters throwing heavy punches in the pocket. Cariaso kicks the body, but Martinez is right back inside on a takedown. He wraps the body and drags Cariaso to the floor. Cariaso immediately pops up, trying to regain his feet. He gets to a knee and then stands. Martinez is unrelenting with his pressure. Crowd boos a bit, as they’d like more action. Martinez rewards them with a big slam, and the round ends there. MMAjunkie gives the first to Martinez, 10-9.

Round 2 – Cariaso out quickly with strikes. He misses with most of his strikes, and Martinez is right there to answer back. Both fighters swing with big, powerful hooks, though neither can really capitalize. Cariaso works the leg, but Martinez is overwhelming him with volume right now. Cariaso’s left eye busted up a bit. Cariaso working a jab, but Martinez rushes through it to look for a takedown. Cariaso defends against the cage and sneaks in an elbow. They back away and rest. Martinez still throwing massive power shots, but he’s struggling to land. Cariaso also defending the takedowns better, though another Martinez attempt does see him hit the floor. Cariaso crawls immediately to his feet. Final minute. Martinez still looking for a takedown. Cariaso punches and elbows the head as he defends. Quick trade on the feet to close, and MMAjunkie gives it to Cariaso, 10-9, based on his effective striking in the round.

Round 3 – Martinez winging big shots again, but Cariaso largely avoiding the blows and effectively countering. Cariaso kicks the leg on the end of a combination. Martinez does land a big left hand as they flurry, and he moves immediately in on a takedown yet again. Cariaso defends and looks for the center. Cariaso looks for a high kick, and Martinez pushes through it for a takedown. He gets it, but Cariaso pushes his legs high for a submission. Not there, but Caiaso scrambles up. Martinez grinding away. Cariaso defending and countering. Cariaso cops the legs in the final 90 seconds. Martinez walking forward, but he’s mostly missing. Nice three-punch combination from Cariaso, and Martinez’s nose is bleeding. Martinez shoots in, and Cariaso takes a peek at the clock while he defends. Martinez misses on a flying knee. It’s another close fight with a clash of styles. MMAjunkie leans toward Cariaso in the third, 10-9, giving him the fight 29-28. Will boil down to what the judges valued.

Result: Chris Cariaso def. Danny Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)


JOHN MAKDESSI (12-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) VS. ALAN PATRICK (12-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

Round 1 – Southpaw Patrick opens with a front kick. He rushes into a clinch. Makdessi defends and backs away. Patrick misses on a left hand. Patrick with a front kick just under he chin. Spinning kick blocked. Brazilians pick up the, “Uh, vai morrer” chant. Patrick very loose early. He chops the leg. Makdessi holding the center. Patrick misses another spinning strike. Makdessi tries to set one up of his own but pulls back. Patrick with a few left hands that come up short before missing on a capoeira kick. Knee inside for Patrick. Left hand lands again for Patrick. Makdessi doesn’t seem bothered, but the wild movement from his opponent slowing him down. Makdessi kicks the leg and slips then has to block a rushing knee. Straight left lands again for Patrick. He rushes in on a takedown, but Makdessi pops right back to his feet. They end in the clinch, and MMAjunkie gives it to Patrick, 10-9.

Round 2 – Referee Dan Miragliotta calls for Patrick’s corner to dry him off before we start. Once we do, Patrick rushes forward with wild strikes. Constant movement from Patrick, who throws from all angles. Makdessi not fazed, and he lands a nice side kick to the chest. Patrick still the aggressor, and he never leaves a stationary target. Makdessi holding the center. Patrick rushes forward with a driving takedown, but Makdessi is immediately back to his feet. Patrick lands a knee in the clinch before the back away. Short left for Patrick. Halfway through the fight. Makdessi kicks the leg. He’s starting find his range a little better. Patrick rushes in but isn’t landing quite as heavily. Makdessi with a jab. Makdessi’s nose bleeding, but he’s the one landing more frequently now. Crowd again starts to boo. Spinning kick to the body for Makdessi to close the round. MMAjunkie leans toward Makdessi, 10-9.

Round 3 – Quick striking to open the third. Both land before Makdessi tosses aside a Patrick takedown attempt. Makdessi holding the center with Patrick still moving well. Patrick with a high kick that just misses. Makdessi chops the legs. Patrick still looking for angles to attack and having some success, but Makdessi is controlling the center and landing the more effective blows. Front kick sends Patrick to his butt. He looks frustrated as he gets to his feet. Patrick looking for ways to rush in and score the takedown, but Makdessi is defending well. They clinch against the cage, and it’s a stalemate. Miagliotta breaks them apart with less than a minute. Makdessi chases to close the fight as the crowd boos. Both fighters raise their hands at the bell, but MMAjunkie leans toward Makdessi in the final round, 10-9, and gives him the fight 29-28. Judges disagree.

Result: Alan Patrick def. John Makdessi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)


ABEL TRUJILLO (12-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC) VS. JAMIE VARNER (21-9-1 MMA, 3-4 UFC)

Round 1 – Trujillo bounces on the outside as Varner holds the center. Varner avoids an early rush. Trujillo lands a left but can’t follow as Varner retreats and gets back to the center. Trujillo off-balance on a wold miss. Left hands traded. Trujillo is on the attack, and Varner is answering well. Good action to start. Both fighters winging off big punches in the early going. Trujillo pushes in and wants the takedown, but it’s Varner who his a slick move to the back in a great transition. Trujillo turns and sits down, and Varner turns to a north-south choke attempt. It looks troublesome, but Trujillo signals he’s OK. Trujillo stuck, but he punches the head as Varner tries to find a away to finish the hold. Referee Dan Miragliotta watches closely. Varner finally lets go, and they scramble up. Trujillo comes alive with punches. Varner absorbs a few but works back to the center. Trujillo wild but powerful. They flurry to close an exciting first round. MMAjunkie gives the first to Varner, 10-9.

Round 2 – Trujillo out quickly. He’s still firing wild hooks. Varner works to the center. He misses on a knee but lands a straight. Trujillo with power shots inside, but Varner tags him with a counter. Both guys wobbly on some incredible exchanges inside. Varner keeps pressing, and he rocks Trujillo against the cage. Trujillo shoots in to slow things down, but Varner is all over him. Trujillo gets back to his feet, but he’s dazed. Still, he won’t stop throwing. Varner rattles off knees inside. Incredible action. Massive heart, and Trujillo lands a crushing counter right hand as his opponent attacks. Varner is flat on his face. Unbelievable finish.

Result: Abel Trujillo def. Jamie Varner via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 2:32


ALI BAGAUTINOV (13-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) VS. JOHN LINEKER (23-7 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

Round 1 – Brazilian chanting to open, and the two touch gloves. Bagautinov backs to the cage, and slips a big right, shooting in and taking the fight to the floor. Lineker holds tight underneath, lacing in a few short punches from his back. Bagautinov eventually postures and hits a few power strikes from the top. Lineker kicks away and creates some space, but Bagautinov pushes back in before his opponent can stand. Lineker throws some short elbows from his baclk Bagautinov stands and tries to pass the leg. Instead, Lineker goes to the ankle. Bagautinov falls back and tries the same. Lineker lets go, and Bagautinov adjusts. Lineker eventually pulls free and looks to strike with two minutes remaining. he kicks the lead leg. Bagautinov again on the outside. Lineker stoic in front of him. Lineker kicks the body, and Bagautinov catches it and drives him to the floor. Half-guard for Lineker, but he’s spending too much time on his back. Round ends with Bagautinov punching, and he takes the opening round on the MMAjunkie card, 10-9.

Round 2 – Lineker takes the center as Bagautinov retreats to the cage. Bagautinov looks again to grab the leg. Lineker stationary in front of his opponent. He works the body as Bagautinov rushes forward. Bagautinov dives for a leg but can’t quite get it. He circles off and looks to strike but again looks for the takedown. Lineker defends and lands a knee inside, and they break away and return to the center. Bagautinov circling on the outside, and Lineker is giving chase but not letting his hands go. Bagautinov finding some success with an uppercut. Bagautinov misses a wild strike at the halfway mark. He does land a left hand, but Lineker flurries. Bagautinov looking to shoot but now struggling to get that takedown. He dives on a leg, and Lineker sprawl and elbows the body. Lineker gets underhooks and stands. Bagautinov still pressing inside. Eventually, he lets go. Bagautinov lands a left hand. He kicks the body. Lineker again sprawls on a shot and lands to the body. Uppercut for Lineker. Shots traded inside. Lineker avoids another takedown, and they trade at the bell. MMAjunkie gives the second to Lineker, 10-9.

Round 3 – Lineker takes the center, and Bagautinov shakes his arms out and looks for a spark. He moves laterally on the outside. Lineker keeping some space but looking to strike. Left hand for Bagautinov, and he drives in and scores the takedown he’s wanted. Lineker crawls immediately back up but can’t get underhooks, and he’s back down. Lineker looks for the kimura, but it’s not there. Bagautinov turns out to the side. Lineker gets to his feet and tries to get some distance, but Bagautinov rushes forward and scores another takedown. Two minutes left. Bagautinov grinding away from top position. Lineker crawls to his feet, but Bagautinov is still holding very tight from the outside. Bagautinov finally backs away with 70 seconds left. Lineker stalks, but he’s not letting go. Bagautinov pushes in for a takedown. Lineker initially stops it but eventually settles to his back. He turns to attack the right leg, but Bagautinov just stands and flexes his muscle. Confident move, but he’s safe, and the fight ends. MMAjunkie gives the final round to Bagautinov, 10-9, awarding him the fight 29-28.

Result: Ali Bagautinov def. John Lineker via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)


FRANK MIR (16-9 MMA, 14-9 UFC) VS. ALISTAIR OVEREEM (37-13 MMA, 2-2 UFC)

Round 1 – Touch of gloves to start. Mir takes the center. Overeem leaps in with a punch to the body. Overeem kicks low, and Mir counters over the top. Mir pushes forward, and they work into the clinch. Overeem tries to bully him against the cage, but Mir circles off, and they reset. Overeem kicks the leg on the restart. Mir looking to trade early. Overeem slips a punch and lands a knee to the body. Another lands up top, and Mir is badly hurt. He falls to the canvas, and Overeem follows to finish. Overeem drives in elbows to the body. Mir is in a world of trouble. Overeem knees the body, but Mir crawl to his feet. Overeem continues to batter him against the cage. He eventually lets go and backs away, and Mir asks for more. Two minutes left. Overeem with a slight smile on his face as he circles on the outside. Mir bleeding from his nose. Into the clinch. Mir looks for a toss but doesn’t get it then tries to drop for a leg. It’s creative, but it doesn’t get the job done. Mir has half-guard. Overeem postures and punches. Mir ties him up underneath, and he survives to see the second round. MMAjunkie gives the first to Overeem, 10-9. Close to a 10-8, but MMAjunkie stops just short of that.

Round 2 – Mir again takes the center. Overeem lands a stiff jab. Mir kicks the leg in return. Big overhand left for Overeem. He moves in and Mir falls willingly back on a push, but his opponent won’t follow. Overeem into the clinch on the restart. Mir controls the wrist, and referee Dan Miragliotta calls for a restart. Overeem quick with punches. Overeem dives in and scores a takedown. He tries to take mount. Overeem gets to a seated position. Mir looks for the guillotine and drops to his back, but Overeem immediately pops his head free. Risky attempt, and now Overeem is on top. Mir bleeding from his right eye. Overeem holding top position but not doing much with it. Mir looking for options. Overeem postures and lands a big shot. Mir regains full guard. He’s working his legs up for options, but Overeem content to just stay compact and keep the dominant spot. Mir rolls his hips out for the armbar, but Overeem feels it and pulls free. Overeem stands over Mir, but Miragliotta eventually stands them in the stalemate. Round ends on the feet, and MMAjunkie gives it again to Overeem, 10-9.

Round 3 – Not many expected this fight to see three rounds, but here we go. Mir misses a few kicks from distance. Overeem still looks pretty fresh. They clash moving forward, and Overeem overpowers Mir and winds up on top. Mir has a hematoma over his right eye. Overeem decides he wants to stand and backs away. Mir dives for a takedown on the restart, but Overeem stuffs it and pushes down to top position. Mir struggling to control things underneath, but Overeem postures up and lands a few big strikes, first to the head and then to the body. Overeem lands a few short elbows. He’s in complete control of this fight. Mir holding on underneath, but he doesn’t have many options. Overeem looking for space to strike. He eventually backs away with a minute left, and we move to the feet. Mir’s face bloodied. Overeem hits him with a big right hand. Both fighters take a look at the clock. Overeem waving for Mir to come forward. Mir pulls back on a kick. Overeem lands a punch but seems content to just walk away. Round ends, and MMAjunkie gives the final round to Overeem, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-27. A few 10-8s certainly would not surprise.

Result: Alistair Overeem def. Frank Mir via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)


JOSE ALDO (24-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) VS. RICARDO LAMAS (13-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC)

Round 1 – Touch of gloves to start the co-main event. Aldo takes the center. Lamas opens up with low kicks. Aldo finally throws a jab. Lamas moving laterally. Aldo just studying him for now. He does fire two punches, and Lamas covers. Aldo punches the body. Aldo very patient to start. Lamas circling on the outside. Aldo throws again to the body. Lamas kicking the legs. Lamas looks confident early. Aldo has yet to really attack through three minutes. Aldo finally fires two punches and a snapping low kick that score. Aldo kicks the body. Ninety seconds left. Lamas off-balance, and Aldo tries to rush forward. Aldo slowly settling in. Lamas misses on a kick. Right hand scores for Aldo. Lamas misses a spinning attack. Leaping knee from Aldo to close, and MMAjunkie gives him the opening round, 10-9.

Round 2 – Aldo again to the center. Lamas looking to kick, but Aldo avoids the early strikes. Aldo punches again to the body. He lands a counter left and then a snapping low kick. Aldo just stalking. Lamas now can’t find the range. He does kick the leg. Aldo with a few snapping hooks to the body. Lamas does land a nice right hand. Aldo with a lunging left. Pace picking up. Lamas having some success with his hands. Aldo kicks the body. Leg kicks traded. Aldo’s stronger, of course. Punches traded. Lamas with a nice jab that scores. Aldo kicks his legs, and he hops a bit. Stiff jab from Aldo. Leg kicks starting to add up. Aldo again to the body. Lamas fires a wild spinning kick. He’s certainly not going away. Jab for Lamas. One minute left. Aldo is controlling the center and methodically working his game. He just misses a spinning kick to the body. Aldo continues to chop the legs. Lamas lands a glancing blow wit the spinning kick. Round ends, and MMAjunkie sees it again for Aldo, 10-9.

Round 3 – They trade kicks to the body to open. Lamas trying to press. Still, he’s having a hard time getting inside. He’s hasn’t even really attempted a takedown. Aldo starting to mix up the combinations, continuing to batter the leg. Lamas does finally shoot, but Aldo just turns around and pulls away. Aldo tags the leg again. Lamas stuck on the outside, and his leg has to be hurting. Lamas short n a punch, and Aldo slaps the leg. Aldo just the quicker man right now. It’s a very Aldo-like performance thus far. Two minutes left. Aldo punches the body and kicks the leg. Lamas still returning fire, and he’s landing some punches up the middle, but they’re not big shots. Aldo avoids a big flurry. He scores a right hand. Aldo not over-exerting himself. Aldo punching the body, and he avoids a rush of strikes. Round ends on the feet, and it’s another easy one for Aldo, 10-9.

Round 4 – Lamas is going to need a finish. He does look eager enough, but Aldo immediately attacks the leg. Lamas finally pushes in on a takedown and gets on a leg. Aldo defends against the cage. Lamas unrelenting on the takedown, but Aldo simply stays upright and then spins off the cage, reversing the position. Aldo keeps his right hand high to prevent a guillotine attempt and then trips Lamas to the floor, scoring his own takedown. Aldo comfortably on top, and he patiently works into mount. Lamas immediately turns and exposes his back. Aldo looks for the choke. It’s not there immediately, but Aldo adjusts and tries again. Lamas turns in to prevent the finish, and he eventually scrambles to his feet. Aldo defends the takedown agains the cage. He drops in elbows to the head, and he’s still upright. Lamas can’t take him to the floor. They finish in the clinch, and MMAjunkie gives it again to Aldo, 10-9.

Round 5 – Lamas’ corner tells him that Aldo is tired, but that doesn’t really seem to be the case. Lamas does press to open, and he scores with a pair of kicks to the body. Aldo ties him up, and it’s the striker who again scores the takedown. Lamas gets to guard, but Aldo postures up and looks to pass the legs. It’s a struggle, but he eventually gets to mount. They’re against the cage, so not a lot of room to work on the right-hand side. Lamas scrambles up, and in a slick sweep finally gets to the first dominant position of the bout. Aldo defends underneath as Lamas looks to capitalize on his time on top. He’s got less than two minutes to do it. Referee Keith Peterson calls for action. Aldo doing a good job of tying up underneath. Aldo scoring a few punches, but his time is winding down. Aldo just holding tight from the bottom. Final seconds tick away. Lamas works in a few punches, but he won’t get the finish. MMAjunkie gives Lamas the final round, 10-9, but it’s little consolation to him as Aldo takes the fight 49-46.

Result: Jose Aldo def. Ricardo Lamas (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) – to retain UFC featherweight title.


RENAN BARAO (32-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) VS. URIJAH FABER (30-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC)

Round 1 – Barao misses on an early front kick and avoids a rush of Faber punches. Barao holds the center. Faber ducks for a takedown but lets it go to land punches. Faber busies early. Barao holding the center. He kicks the body. Fabe changing stances. He slips on a kick but scrambles back up without giving up his back. They clinch, and Barao lands a nice punch on the exit. Faber moving well, getting in and out of range. Barao scores with a big low kick. A solid punches drop Faber. Barao looking to finish on the floor. Barao swarming, and Faber somehow gets to his feet. He’s shaky, and Barao keeps the pressure high. Barao drops him again with a right hand and unleashes a barrage of hammerfists. Faber is clinging to the leg, but Barao won’t stop. Referee Herb Dean decides to step in, and Faber is incensed at the call. Faber was unquestionably in trouble, but this may have been one rare time where Dean was a little premature.

Result: Renan Barao def. Urijah Faber via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:42 – to retain UFC bantamweight title