Travicity
07-04-2010, 01:39 AM
LAS VEGAS – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from tonight's "UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin" event.
Tonight's show takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Two preliminary-card fights air on Spike TV, and the main card airs on pay-per-view.
Tonight's event features a heavyweight title-unification bout between champion Brock Lesnar and interim title-holder Shane Carwin, and Yoshihiro Akiyama meets late replacement Chris Leben in the night's co-headliner. A host of other notables compete as part of the night's 12-fight lineup.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
* * * *
JON MADSEN VS. KARLOS VEMOLA
Round 1 - Referee Mario Yamasaki in the cage as the heavyweights kick off tonight's preliminary card action. Fighters circle early. Vemola throws a huge right hand that misses. He moves behind a kick, and Madsen wraps his right arm around the neck and pushes into the clinch. Nothing there, but Madsen lands a stiff right on the break. Vemola moves into the clinch. Madsen defends, and Vemola tries an armdrag. Madsen defends, and the fighters are back in the clinch. Madsen pushes his opponent into the cage, but there's little action. Halfway through the round. Fighters moving around the cage, but it's a stall in the clinch. Vemola loses his mouthpiece, and Yamasaki calls time. Vemola shoots in for a double on the restart, but Madsen stands him up easily. Madsen throws a few knees inside as he pushes the action against the cage. Yamasaki asking the fighters to improve position, and he calls a restart. Vemola throws another big right that misses, and we're immediately back in the clinch. This time Madsen moves it to the floor and sets up in half-mount. Less than a minute. Madsen setting up a side choke, but he's too close to the cage to squeeze it. Few short elbows from top to end the round, and MMAjunkie sees it for Madsen, 10-9.
Round 2 - Madsen takes the center and fakes a few forward movements. Vemola again looks to measure a big shot, but it doesn't come. Madsen pushes forward with a takedown. Vemola tries to turn and scamper away, but Madsen's second effort nets the takedown. Half-mount again for Madsen. Vemola's head against the cage. Madsen throws a few soft punches to the ribs as he crossfaces with an elbow, but it's a methodical pace. Two minutes in. Vemola shifts his hips to the side, but Madsen stays on top with well-executed pressure. Vemola is stuck. Madsen tries to secure Vemola's right arm across his own face, but Vemola pulls it free. Little action, and Yamasaki calls for a restart. Vemola slow to rise. Madsen stalks with a few straight punches. Vemola tries another massive right hand. Madsen blocks and clinches, but little action again. Another restart. Vemola kicks low and adds in a right over the top, but Madsen absorbs it and pushes forward into the clinch. Nothing happens there, and the round ends. It's another round for Madsen, 10-9, on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 3 - The crowd is restless as the third round begins, and rightfully so. Vemola misses with another powerful overhand right. Madsen bullrushes in, though Vemola pulls away. Vemola with a mid-level kick followed by a right. Vemola still loading up on homerun punches that aren't finding their mark. Madsen shoots in and falls into Vemola's guard. Madsen has controlled this fight on the canvas throughout, but it's difficult to gather what his intentions are once on the canvas. He's not interested in advancing, but he also isn't delivering much, if any, punishment from the top. Vemola works his back to the cage and sits up slightly. Vemola rolls to his left and looks for a kimura on Madsen's right arm. Two minutes left, and Yamasaki wants action. Crowd does too. Madsen does use Vemola's shift to switch out to side control. Vemola spins underneath into north-south, but Yamasaki wants a restart. Vemola tries to punch, and Madsen shoots in. Vemola grabs a standing guillotine, but he slips off as he falls to guard. Madsen sets up on top, but it's a quick restart as he does nothing with the position. Madsen circles away as time expires. They engage briefly in the final seconds, but it's the only action of the round. MMAjunkie sees it 10-9 for Madsen, and awards him the fight, 30-27. Jon Madsen def. Karlos Vemola via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
FORREST PETZ VS. DANIEL ROBERTS
Round 1 - Referee Steve Mazzagatti in charge of the night's second contest. Roberts moves forward quickly. A few jabs pawed, and Roberts shoots in. Petz defends against the cage, but Roberts persists and pulls him down. Petz works back to his knees, but Roberts pushes him over. Petz works back up again, and they split. The two circle, and Petz lands a right to the body. Roberts hands a bit low as he eyes the shot. Petz jabs, but it's blocked. Roberts sees the opening and lands a double-leg, though Petz pops immediately back up to his feet. Roberts pressing the action into the cage. Petz has underhooks and remains upright. Petz circles off and presses Roberts into the cage. Roberts breaks the clinch and slides away. Less than two minutes. Roberts shoots in again. Petz defends, but he's pushed down again. Petz looks frustrated as he looks up at the clock. Roberts pushes in and keeps Petz down this time. He looks at an arm-triangle and then shifts to the back. Roberts with both hooks in. Roberts locks the right arm around the neck for the rear-naked choke, though it looks to be on the chin. Petz throws a few punches backward, but he'll make it until the bell. MMAjunkie sees it for Roberts, 10-9.
Round 2 - Petz takes the center early. Roberts' hands at chest-level, but Petz can't pull the trigger. Petz does score with a few low kicks. Roberts chasing, and he walks into a punch as he shoots. He looks a bit staggered, but he survives as he clinches and moves away. Roberts shoots in for a single-leg and nearly eats another stiff right hand, though he persists with the takedown and brings Petz to the floor. Petz wraps his left arm around the neck, but Roberts slides under it and again takes the back. Both hooks in again as Roberts rolls to his own back. Roberts working back and forth with the arms under Petz's neck. Petz doing a good job of controlling the arms, and he spins into the moves. In a scramble, Petz takes Roberts's back. Roberts pulls away, and Petz tags him with a combination. Roberts shoots in again with little energy, and Petz tags him a second time. Another takedown from a fatiguing Roberts does score, and he transitions briefly into side control. Petz scrambles up and lands his own takedown, but Roberts secures an arm-in guillotine. Petz again makes it to the bell. Closer round, but MMAjunkie still sees it to Roberts, 10-9.
Round 3 - Petz again opens with a low kick. Petz misses with a combination. Roberts stalking, but he has nothing in the standup. Petz lands a right. Petz firing shots that are mostly missing, but Roberts is not really throwing, and he doesn't seem to have the energy for another takedown. Petz lands another right hand. Petz bouncing, and he's circling away as he attacks. Roberts moving in, but he's really just moving into Petz's attacks. Roberts with a low kick, and Petz lands a left hook over the top that connects flush. Halfway through. Roberts finally shoots in, and he bearhugs a single-leg. He sets up in half-mount when they hit the floor, and Roberts delivers several short elbows and left hands from the top. Roberts walks Petz to the cage and throws a few short punches from the top. Petz works his back to the cage and tries to work to this feet. Roberts does a good job of preventing the move. Roberts lifts up and moves into mount. Petz tries to sweep, but Roberts' base is secure. The bell sounds, and MMAjunkie sees the late action from Roberts earning him the final frame, 10-9, and the fight 30-27. Petz might have earned the final round with the early standup success, but he won't take the fight. Daniel Roberts def. Forrest Petz via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
DAVE BRANCH VS. GERALD HARRIS
Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean makes his first appearance of the night. Branch takes the center early as the tow fighters open patiently. Branch dances on the outside while Harris keeps his head low. First strike comes 50 seconds in, and it's a big overhand right form Harris. Branch lands a nifty kick shortly after. Branch dancing on the outside. Harris rushes in, an both fighters exchange. Harris moves away and Branch fires a high kick that's blocked. Harris throws a few punches up top that miss as Branch moves away. Branch with his hands at his waist, and he tauntingly circles the left hand before scoring with a right. Harris returns fire and Branch stumbles. Harris just misses a big right hand as Branch pulls away. Harris lands a three-punch combo and moves into the clinch. Branch defends well against the cage and lands a knee to the gut. Harris continues to press forward. Branch lands a few elbows before Harris elevates and slams him to the floor. The round ends there. Close round that could go either way, but MMAjunkie sees it for Harris, 10-9.
Round 2 - Quicker start this time, but similar approach. Harris with a low stance in the center. Branch moving well on the outside, and he fires a right straight. Branch kicks high, though it's blocked. Harris shoots in and gets Branch to the floor.Branch with a closed guard, and his head is against the cage. Harris elevates and lands a few heavy shots from the top before Branch pulls him back down. Branch opens the guard and scrambles up, though Harris shoves him back into the cage. Branch lands a knee inside and spins off the cage. Two minutes left. Harris spins off and ducks in for a takedown. He gets his head under Branch's leg and upends him to the floor. Branch opens his guard for an attack, but Harris stands. As Branch follows, Harris tags him with a right. They reset, and Branch lands a solid strike before time expires. MMAjunkie sees the second for Harris, 10-9.
Round 3 - Similar approach from both fighters. Branch rushes in. Harris moves away, but Branch presses in and locks in a triangle choke while falling to his back. It's not quite in, but it's close, and Harris slams out of the hold. Branch doesn't want to stay on his back, so he pulls away and back to his feet. Harris tags him again as he moves away. Branch pushes into the clinch, and his left hand is wrapped firmly on the fence. Dean gives a warning, then restarts soon after when Branch refuses to let go. Branch frantic, and he pushes forward. Harris spins away and pushes Branch into the cage. Branch jumps on on Harris looking for a standing guard attack, and Harris slams him to the floor. Branch is out cold immediately. Harris looks to land a right, but he does the right thing and walks away. Spectacular finish. Gerald Harris def. David Branch via knockout (slam) - Round 3, 2:35.
KENDALL GROVE VS. GORAN RELJIC
Round 1 - Referee Mario Yamasaki returns to the cage. Traded jabs early as Grove circles to his left. Reljic with a high kick that misses. Reljic misses with two punches, and then each fighters fires off high kicks that are blocked. Reljic coming up just short against the lanky Grove. Reljic kicks low. Both fighters pushing, but neither has landed anything of real consequence two minutes in. Grove kicks high, but it's blocked. Reljic scores with a right to the body. Grove kicks to the legs. Halfway in. Front kick from Grove scores. Reljic with two overhand lefts and a high kick, but still not much scoring. The two clinch up and hit the floor, and it's Reljic on top. Grove lands a few elbows from underneath. Reljic rises, and Grove dumps him with a stunning upkick to the chin. Reljic pops right back up, and Grove tries to swarm. Reljic scampers away and clinches as he regains his wits. Reljic pushes into the cage. Traded knees inside. Grove scores again on the break, and it's a decent round that MMAjunkie sees for Grove, 10-9.
Round 2 - Reljic aggressive with his hands, but he's still coming up short. Grove moves in and eats a right hand. Grove pushes in again and eats a knee to the gut, but he winds up in top position. Reljic tries an omo plate from the bottom, but spins through it and pulls free. Reljic stands over his foe, and Grove fires up the upkicks again. Two score, though not quite as flush, and Reljic moves forward to top position. Grove active underneath and throws several elbows to the top of Reljic's head. Reljic stays in guard on top, but his offense is very limited. Crowd wants a standup, and they might be right. Reljic with nothing from the top while Grove is really the busier fighter, but it's not finishing-type blows. Grove starts to work his elg up, and Yamsaki stamds them. Grove misses a high kick. Left hand from Grove. Reljic stumbles him with a low kick. They circle until the bell. Interesting round with the top position and submission attempt form Reljic, while Grove was far busier. MMAjunkie will give the round to Reljic, 10-9, but it's close.
Round 3 - Traded flurries early. Grove lands a nice right hand, but Reljic retreats. Grove wants to chase but pulls back. Reljic shoots in, but Grove stands him up. One minute in. Anybody's fight. Low kick from Grove. Straight from Grove. Grove pushing forward, and he lands a few looping hooks. Reljic pushes in. Grove grabs a guillotine and falls to his back, then feels he doesn't have it and stands up and delivers a knee before releasing the head. Slick sequence. Halfway in. Grove finds a straight again then a few knees from the Thai clinch. Reljic tough, and he continues to push in for a single-leg, but Grove defends against the cage and delivers a few right hands. Reljic continues to push into the cage, and he finally spins and throws Grove to the floor. Reljic in half-mount, and he immediately works on the pass. He gets it, and takes side control. Grove knees to the body from underneath. Reljic switches up to north-south then back to the side. Reljic on top, but Grove transitions out and back to his feet. MMAjunkie.com sees the final round for Grove, 10-9, and the fight for him as well, 29-28. We could see some wild scores, though. Kendall Grove def. Goran Reljic via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28).
SETH PETRUZELLI VS. RICARDO ROMERO
Round 1 - Referee Steve Mazzagatti in the cage as the evening's Spike TV broadcast gets underway. Petruzelli with an early low kick. Romero rushes in, but Petruzelli slides away and tags him with a combination. Front kick from Petruzelli. Romero shoots in, but Petruzelli pulls away again. Right hand from Petruzelli, and he swarms. Petruzelli firing punches as Romero covers up and recovers. Quick clinch, and Petruzelli backs away and restarts. Petruzelli with two punches and a high kick that lands, though he slips and can't follow. Toss attempt and a scramble, and the pair resets. Romero pushing forward, though Petruzelli is throwing bombs. Romero moves to the back on the feet, and Petruzelli falls forward and turtles. Petruzelli swings to the top and fires off shots from his opponent's guard. Romero threatening with his legs, but Petruzelli just blasting away from the top. Another transition sees Romero pull top and move immediately to mount. Romero looks to attack the arms from the top, and Petruzelli rolls. Romero looks for a choke, but Petruzelli turns into it. Petruzelli sneaks away from the danger and drops Romero. Petruzelli pounces and delivers double hammerfists from a standing position. Romero rolls underneath and moves to Petruzelli's back in the closing seconds. Amazing round of action comes to a close, and MMAjunkie sees it for Petruzelli, 10-9.
Round 2 - Traded jabs. GOing to be interesting to see what's left in the tank. Knee from Petruzelli drops Romero. He gets up, though he circles and staggers. Maybe an injury? Romero shoots in. Petruzelli rolls into a crucifix then a very high back position. Petruzelli on the left and looking for an armbar. Romero's arm looks trapped, but he spins to his knees and pulls it free. Romero now firing off rights to the ribs from inside of Petruzelli's guard. Blood dripping all over from Romero. Petruzelli fires elbows underneath. Romero posture and Petruzelli looks for a triangle, but Romero pops out easily and moves all the way to side control. Romero traps Petruzelli's left arm in a crucifix and delivers elbows to the head. Instead of maintaining the attack, he changes his focus to Petruzelli's right arm and lock in a straight armbar. Petruzelli taps with his left hand, and the right was tweaked horribly. Amazing fight. Ricardo Romero def. Seth Petruzelli via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 3:05.
BRENDAN SCHAUB VS. CHRIS TUCHSCHERER
Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean calls the evening's final prelim fight. Tuchscherer circles right on the outside. Traded right hands early, but Schaub gets the best of it. Schaub low in front of Tuchscherer, and he lands a jab. Big right hand drops Tuchscherer and Schaub swarms with a flurry of quick shots to the head. Dean watches closely and gives ample time for Tuchscherer to recover, but he's not going to. Brendan Schaub def. Chris Tuchscherer via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:07.
-------------
UFC 116: George Sotiropolous vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Lightweight Division
UFC 116: George Sotiropolous vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Round 1:
Both men trading back and forth on the feet. Sotiropolous drops Pellegrino and gains top control. Pellegrino gets back up. Pellegrino takes down Sotiropolous but gets back up. Pellegrino was in Sotiropolous’s guard. George worked for a triangle but Kurt got out.
Round 2
Sotiropolous is controlling the pace of the fight. He has Pellegrino against the cage. Kurt walks up the cage but Sotiropolous still has him pinned. Sotiropolous tries for a slam but it was blocked. Ref telling them to work. Pellegrino got away from the cage and both are back in the center of the cage. Pellegrino hits a well placed knee to end the round.
Round 3
Kurt is fighting with more aggression. Pellegrino with a take down as Sotiropolous hits him with elbows. Sotiropolous has Pellegrino in his guard for most of the round. Sotiropolous was landing strikes and working for a submission. Sotiropolous got back on his feet. Pellegrino drops Sotiropolous with a huge knee to steal the round.
George Sotiropolous wins via Unanimous decision
Judges score 30-27 30-27 29-28
---------
UFC 116: Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar
Light Heavyweight
Round 1
Krzysztof lands a right hand that rocked Bonnar for a moment. Bonnar hits an over hand right of his own and takes down Krzysztof. Krzysztof has Bonnar in his guard. Krzysztof attempts and arm bar but no luck and both men are back on their feet. Krzysztof is landing some good shots. Bonnar gets Soszynski against the cage and lands some good elbows. Soszynski pushes away Bonnar away and both are in the center of the cage. Soszynski lands some hard shots. Bonnar turns away but survives.
Round 2
Both men are landing punches. Bonnar is landing more. Krzysztof has more power behind his shots. Bonnar lands a knee to the mid section of Krzysztof. Bonnar jumps all over him and is landing a lot of shots. Krzysztof is not defending. Ref stops the fight.
Winner: Stephan Bonnar via TKO at 3:08 of round 2
------------
UFC 116: Chris Lytle vs. Matt Brown
Welterweight
Round 1
Brown lands some hard shots early. Pins Lytle against the fence and takes him down. Brown applies a Darce Choke and holds on to it for awhile. Lytle gets back to his feet. Lytle and Brown trade punches. Brown takes down Lytle but Lytle tries to hit an arm bar to but the round is over.
Round 2:
Lytle takes down Brown and gains side control. While in side control he lands a mounted triangle and applies and arm bar on Matt's right arm. Matt verbally taps.
Winner Chris Lytle via arm bar at 2:02 in the 2nd round
-------
UFC 116: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben
Middleweight
Round 1
Akiyama drops Leben with a glancing blow. Leben gets back up to his feet. Leben is landing with a lot of leg kicks. Akiyama comes back with a leg kick that lands low. Leben takes a few seconds to recover. Fight has resumed. Leben is taken down. Leben attempts an arm bar. No luck with that. Akiyama attempts a similar mounted triangle that we saw in the Lytle fight. Akiyama maintains top control. Leben gets to his feet but Akiyama is still controlling Leben’s position. Akiyama hits a judo trip to end the round.
Round 2:
Both men come out and trade shots right away. Akiyama hits a glancing spinning back fist. Both men and still going toe to toe. The crowd is coming to their feet. Both men are rocked. Leben looks to be the worse off of the two. Akiyama gets lands a judo sweep. Akiyama has Leben against the fence. Leben gets back up and they keeping landing hard shots. tough round to call. Round of the night for sure!
Round 3
Both fighters are really exhausted. Akiyama drops Leben with a right hand. Leben hits an arm bar again. Akiyama lifts up Leben and gets out of the arm bar. Akiyama is in Leben's half guard. Leben is landing a lot of shots from the bottom even though Akiyama is still on top. Leben hits a triangle ckoke while pounding Akiyama in the head. AKIYAMA TAPS OUT! Fans are going crazy.
Winner: Chris Leben via Triangle Choke in the Third round
====
UFC 116: Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin for the UFC Heavyweight Championship
Carwin walks out first. His entrance music is "Let the bodies hit the floor" by Drowning Pool.
Lesnar walks out second. The boo birds are out for Lesnar. His entrance music is "Enter Sandman" Metallica.
Round 1
Carwin lands a punch that rocks Lesnar early. Carwin lands another right hand. Lesnar tries a take down but no luck at all. Carwin uses his wrestling to stop the take down and lands on top of Brock and controls the rest of the round pounding Lesnar in the face. Lesnar is still defending. Carwin just keeps landing shots. Brock gets back up and they wrestle against the fence.
Round 2
Lesnar's corner is screaming that Carwin is tired. Brock takes Carwin down. Lands some shots. Gets the full mount. Lands a head and arm triangle choke. Carwin TAPS OUT!
Winner: Brock Lesnar via head & arm triangle in the 2nd Round
Post Fight Interview: Lesnar says tonight is not about him. It's about his family and training partners. He says he is blessed by God. Says he is humble, but he is the toughest SOB around.
--------------
SOME MORE
---------------
KURT PELLEGRINO VS. GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS
Round 1 - Referee Josh Rosenthal makes his first appearance. Sotiropoulos paws a few early jabs, and lands a right. Sotiropoulos lands another right. More punches score, and he stalks. Thinks about a kick but pulls back. Pellegrino lands a jab, but it's Sotiropoulos busy early. Sotiropoulos lands a big left that drops Pellegrino. Sotiropoulos swarms and moves to the back. Pellegrino scrambles up from a choke attempt and resets. Sotiropoulos again gets the better of the quick standup exchange. Halfway in. Sotiropoulos landing punches and a knee sneaks in. Pellegrino briefly gets top position in a scramble, but they pop right back up. Pellegrino works in a punch in the clinch, but Sotiropoulos answers with a knee. Sotiropoulos controlling the pace early. Pellegrino shoots and takes top position, though Sotiropoulos works his legs high. Pellegrino pulls away, but he eats an upkick as he tries to move back in. Traded elbows on the ground at the bell, and MMAjunkie sees the first for Sotiropoulos, 10-9.
Round 2 - Sotiropoulos takes the center, but Pellegrino lands an early right. Pellegrino standing his ground early. He moves in with a combo and Sotiropoulos grabs a single-leg. Pellegrino lands a few punches while hopping on one leg, but Sotiropoulos eventually works him to the floor. Sotiropoulos in half-mount, though Pellegrino regains guard quickly. Sotiropoulos stands and avoids upkicks while moving to half-mount again. A scramble nearly nets mount, but Sotiropoulos catches a leg. Sotiropoulos throws a few elbows from the top, and Pellegrino is struggling to answer. Halfway through, and Sotiropoulos landing punches and elbows. Sotiropoulos out to the side. Pellegrino scrambles away, but Sotiropoulos relentless with his pressure. Sotiropoulos in side control as Pellegrino works to a knee. Sotiropoulos stands with him but pushes into a clinch against the cage. Sotiropoulos pops a knee to the chin. Sotiropoulos just pasted to Pellegrino right now, and "Batman" has no escape. Crowd doesn't like the stall against the cage, but Sotiropoulos is moving as best he can. They do split, and Pellegrino lands a crisp knee as he pulls away. Sotiropoulos with a high kick, and Pellegrino answers back with a knee. Bell sounds, and Pellegrino is visibly frustrated. Another round for Sotiropoulos on the MMAjunkie card, 10-9.
Round 3 - Pellegrino pumps a jab early, but Sotiropoulos shows ample defense and slips and counters. Traded shots, and Pellegrino does connect. Sotiropoulos with a crisp jab. Sotiropoulos lands another few lefts. Pellegrino light on his feet and firing jabs on occasion, but he needs to get busy. He does with a right, but Sotiropoulos pushes forward with his own shots. Pellegrino pushes in and secures a takedown, but Sotiropoulos immediately fires elbows from his back. Sotiropoulos works a closed guard. Pellegrino with short shots on both sides from the top. Elbows from the top. Sotiropoulos rolls to his right before returning to his back and working both legs high. Sotiropoulos lands a few lefts from underneath as he squeezes tight with his legs around Pellegrino's neck. Pellegrino shakes free and returns to his feet with less than a minute. Sotiropoulos comes forward on the feet while Pellegrino returns for the takedown attempt. Sotiropoulos shakes it off easily and pushes him to the cage. Pellegrino lands a flurry in the closing seconds and a knee drops Sotiropoulos, but there's not enough time for a finish. MMAjunkie sees the final frame for Pellegrino, though Sotiropoulos takes the fight, 29-28. George Sotriopoulos def. Kurt Pellegrino via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
STEPHAN BONNAR VS. KRZYSZTOF SOSZYSNKI
Round 1 - Mario Yamasaki officiates this light heavyweight rematch. Bonnar kicks early, but Soszynski moves in and the two fire off a flurry before moving away. Traded low kicks. Nice pace early. Soszynski with a low kick that Bonnar catches and tosses him to the floor. Soszynski works a high guard early as Bonnar stacks him against the cage. Soszynski briefly has an arm, but Bonnar spins free of the pressure. They return to the feet and fire off shots, though Soszynski gets the better of it. Soszynski pushes into the clinch, and we're two minutes in. Bonnar spins off the cage and fires a few elbows in, as well as a stiff knee. He moves away and Soszynski circles off. Bonnar's eye bloodied, but the cut is underneath. Bonnar misses a spinning back kick, and Soszynski takes the back. Bonnar pulls away and runs before spinning around and moving into another clinch. Bonnar flurries, and this fight is spirited. Soszynski grabs the Thai plum, but Bonnar pulls away. Soszynski grabs the neck, though he releases it and lands a straight. Soszynski really laying it on now, though Bonnar standing in the pocket and retuning fire as he only he can. High kick and front kick at the end of the first. Great fourth round between these two, but MMAjunkie gives the nod to Soszynski, 10-9.
Round 2 - Bonnar lands first to open, but Soszynski standing in the pocket. Traded bombs from both and the crowd is electric. Bonnar lands a knee inside and several hooks. Soszynski answers with a straight and Bonnar buckles. Soszynski charges, but Bonnar recovers. Both fighters tiring already (and understandably), but both game in attack. Knee to the gut for Bonnar. Soszynski drops and shoots, but Bonnar stands him and scores his own takedown. North-south two minutes in. Bonnar on top and throwing short punches. Soszynski works to his feet, though Bonnar keeps the clinch. Knee stuns Soszynski, and Bonnar starts firing left hands. They're blocked mostly, but Soszynski hasn't worked free from trouble. Soszynski turtling up. Yamasaki gives him the benefit of the doubt, but he's not answering. Bonnar gets plugging away, and Yamasaki finally halts it. Bonnar stands to reveal a huge gash on his head, but it's a much-needed win for "The American Psycho." Stephan Bonnar def. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:08.
MATT BROWN VS. CHRIS LYTLE
Round 1 - Steve Mazzagatti in charge. Brown rushes forward as expected and Lytle is there to answer. Brown grabs a Thai clinch, and Lytle punches inside. Lytle pulls away, but Brown is right back on top. Quick scramble to the floor and up, and the action remains in the clinch. Brown sneaks in a high kick and pulls away. He rushes forward with a knee, and two minutes in they're back in the clinch. Brown tosses Lytle to the floor, though Lytle works his left leg up for an omo plata. It looks fairly tight, but Brown works free and pounces right back on his foe. Brown locks in an anaconda choke and tries to roll, but Lytle surviving underneath. Lytle fires a left hand that appears to hie the groin, but Brown doesn't budge. He finally releases the hold rather than burn his arm, and he returns to the feet. Lytle lands a stiff straight, and Brown kicks in retaliation. Lytle lands again with a right and just misses another. Overhand right form Lytle misses, and Brown adding kicks to his attack frequently. Lytle swinging wildly in the closing seconds. Brown lands a stiff jab that sends Lytle to the canvas. The round ends there, and it's 10-9 Brown on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 2 - Lytle comes out big to open, and he leaps in with several powerful rights. Brown answers back in a firefight. Brown ducks in for a shot, but Lytle feels it and locks in a guillotine on his left side. He rolls to top and tries to crank, it, but he eventually releases. Smart move as he works out from mount to side control to an inverted triangle. With his opponent trapped, Lytle goes to work on the left arm and tries for the arm bar. Brown winces underneath as he tries to find a way to work free, but he is trapped and forced to give up. Chris Lytle def. Matt Brown via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 2:02.
YOSHIHIRO AKIYAMA VS. CHRIS LEBEN
Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean in the cage for the evening's co-main event. Akiyama takes the center. Akiyama catches and early low kick and sends Leben to the floor. Panicky scramble, but both return to the feet. Leben misses a high kick, and Akiyama patiently stalking. Leben with an outside leg kick. Traded low kick. Leben rushes in with a flurry. Leben returns to the kick. A left wobbles Akiyama briefly. Leg kicks for Leben. Akiyama tries one and catches the cup. Brief timeout after the direct hit. Akiyama lands a right on the restart, and he's timing the leg kicks. Akiyama misses a spinning backfist. Akiyama clinches up and tosses Leben to the canvas. Leben rolls for an armbar underneath. He lets it go and fires a few punches upward. Halfway through the round. Akiyama pressing in, and Leben tries again for the arm. Akiyama pulls it free and transitions to one of his own in a slick sequence. Leben defends well, but as he turns, Akiyama looks for the kimura. Can't secure, but he's still on top of Leben. Akiyama in half-mount, and he looks to be setting up a side choke. Leben pulls his arm out, and Akiyama looks briefly at an Americana. Leben rolls and stands. Good defense so far from Leben, but it's all defense. Akiyama lands a stiff right, though Leben answers with a left. Akiyama with a trip at the bell, and it's 10-9 Akiyama on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 2 - Leben lands an early high kick and slips. He gets back up and trades punches with Akiyama. Akiyama lands a spinning backfist flush, but Leben keeps moving forward. Superman punch by Leben and a left hand wobbles Akiyama just briefly. Akiyama with a right and a left. Another right from Akiyama. Leben answers. Akiyama scores. Toe-to-toe classic here. Leben spins Akiyama around and the crowd on its feet. Two minutes in and they finally clinch. Akiyama takes it to the floor in a smart strategic move. Both guys are tired after the spirited action. Akiyama pressing in, and Leben works his back to the cage. He tries to stand, but Akiyama pressing in and keeps the action on the floor. Leben wall-walks up as Akiyama throws tired rights. Leben tries to push Akiyama away, and his fingers are close to the eye. Akiyama ducks in, and Leben controls the head. Crowd wants knees, but Leben tries to squeeze a guillotine. Akiyama pops out, and they reset. Right hand from Akiyama. Left from Akiyama. Leben with a high kick and a left. Leben firing off shots that find their mark. Unbelievable action to close the round. Great round, and MMAjunkie sees a close one for Akiyama, 10-9.
Round 3 - Show of respect to open the third. Leben kicks hard to the body. Left hand from Leben. Akiyama shoots in unsuccessfully. High kick from Leben. Low kick follows. Akiyama lands a right over the top and Leben hits the deck. Akiyama stalls a bit on top, and Leben throws punches with both hands simultaneously. Leben again rolls for the armbar. Akiyama has firm grip on his own arm, but Leben on his head and won't let go. He finally has to as he slides off. Akiyama on top and sets up a side choke. Leben wiggles free. Halfway in, and Akiyama smothering on top. Crowd doesn't like the strategy. Leben creates distance from underneath and punches up. Akiyama content to control the action on the floor. Leben to full guard, and the simultaneous punches again, followed by elbows. If you can win a round on the bottom, this might be how. Leben still throwing punches, elbows, kitchen sinks. Akiyama postures, but Leben still the busier man. Close guard from Leben, though he open and works for the triangle. Akiyama in trouble. He wiggles and turns, and he finally taps with seconds reaming. Holy [expletive]. Chris Leben def. Yoshihiro Akiyama via submission (triangle choke) - Round 3, 4:40.
BROCK LESNAR VS. SHANE CARWIN
Round 1 - Referee Josh Rosenthal in the cage for the main event, and the MGM Grand Garden Arena is electric. Lesnar moves to the center. He's not fighting southpaw. Right hand from Carwin, but Lesnar rushes for the takedown. He gets it as they slam into the cage, but Carwin scrambles immediately back up Carwin lands and uppercut, and Lesnar is wobbled. He retreats to the cage. Carwin all over him. Knees, punches and Lesnar hits the deck. Carwin keeps punching, but Rsenthal lets him defensd. He kicks Carwin away briefly, but he's right back on top throwing short punches. Two minutes in. Carwin stands over Lesnar who looks unable to get off his back. Lesnar turns into Carwin's legs, and the punches stop. Has he punches himself out? Halfway in. Carwin posturing up in half-mount. Lesnar throws soft shots upward, but Carwin continues to throw shots from the top. Most are blocked, but a few land flush. Carwin backs away, and Lesnar's face is battered. Carwin pushes back into half-mount. Lesnar pushes up and back to his feet, where he pushes in on Carwin. Stall against the cage. Less than a minute. Both fighters taking a breather as they jockey for position. Rosenthal lets them work in the clinch, and they'll stay there until the bell. All Carwin early, 10-9 on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 2 - High five to start. Lesnar tries to rush in but catches a straight. Lesnar ducks in and gets the takedown. Lesnar in half-mount, though he's not posturing up. Lesnar steps over with his right leg into mount, then slides over with a side choke locked in. Carwin looks uncomfortable and Lesnar tweaks the move. He twists out to the side, and Carwin is in trouble. More leverage, and Carwin has no choice but to tap. Brock Lesnar def. Shane Carwin via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 2, 2:19.
Tonight's show takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Two preliminary-card fights air on Spike TV, and the main card airs on pay-per-view.
Tonight's event features a heavyweight title-unification bout between champion Brock Lesnar and interim title-holder Shane Carwin, and Yoshihiro Akiyama meets late replacement Chris Leben in the night's co-headliner. A host of other notables compete as part of the night's 12-fight lineup.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
* * * *
JON MADSEN VS. KARLOS VEMOLA
Round 1 - Referee Mario Yamasaki in the cage as the heavyweights kick off tonight's preliminary card action. Fighters circle early. Vemola throws a huge right hand that misses. He moves behind a kick, and Madsen wraps his right arm around the neck and pushes into the clinch. Nothing there, but Madsen lands a stiff right on the break. Vemola moves into the clinch. Madsen defends, and Vemola tries an armdrag. Madsen defends, and the fighters are back in the clinch. Madsen pushes his opponent into the cage, but there's little action. Halfway through the round. Fighters moving around the cage, but it's a stall in the clinch. Vemola loses his mouthpiece, and Yamasaki calls time. Vemola shoots in for a double on the restart, but Madsen stands him up easily. Madsen throws a few knees inside as he pushes the action against the cage. Yamasaki asking the fighters to improve position, and he calls a restart. Vemola throws another big right that misses, and we're immediately back in the clinch. This time Madsen moves it to the floor and sets up in half-mount. Less than a minute. Madsen setting up a side choke, but he's too close to the cage to squeeze it. Few short elbows from top to end the round, and MMAjunkie sees it for Madsen, 10-9.
Round 2 - Madsen takes the center and fakes a few forward movements. Vemola again looks to measure a big shot, but it doesn't come. Madsen pushes forward with a takedown. Vemola tries to turn and scamper away, but Madsen's second effort nets the takedown. Half-mount again for Madsen. Vemola's head against the cage. Madsen throws a few soft punches to the ribs as he crossfaces with an elbow, but it's a methodical pace. Two minutes in. Vemola shifts his hips to the side, but Madsen stays on top with well-executed pressure. Vemola is stuck. Madsen tries to secure Vemola's right arm across his own face, but Vemola pulls it free. Little action, and Yamasaki calls for a restart. Vemola slow to rise. Madsen stalks with a few straight punches. Vemola tries another massive right hand. Madsen blocks and clinches, but little action again. Another restart. Vemola kicks low and adds in a right over the top, but Madsen absorbs it and pushes forward into the clinch. Nothing happens there, and the round ends. It's another round for Madsen, 10-9, on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 3 - The crowd is restless as the third round begins, and rightfully so. Vemola misses with another powerful overhand right. Madsen bullrushes in, though Vemola pulls away. Vemola with a mid-level kick followed by a right. Vemola still loading up on homerun punches that aren't finding their mark. Madsen shoots in and falls into Vemola's guard. Madsen has controlled this fight on the canvas throughout, but it's difficult to gather what his intentions are once on the canvas. He's not interested in advancing, but he also isn't delivering much, if any, punishment from the top. Vemola works his back to the cage and sits up slightly. Vemola rolls to his left and looks for a kimura on Madsen's right arm. Two minutes left, and Yamasaki wants action. Crowd does too. Madsen does use Vemola's shift to switch out to side control. Vemola spins underneath into north-south, but Yamasaki wants a restart. Vemola tries to punch, and Madsen shoots in. Vemola grabs a standing guillotine, but he slips off as he falls to guard. Madsen sets up on top, but it's a quick restart as he does nothing with the position. Madsen circles away as time expires. They engage briefly in the final seconds, but it's the only action of the round. MMAjunkie sees it 10-9 for Madsen, and awards him the fight, 30-27. Jon Madsen def. Karlos Vemola via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
FORREST PETZ VS. DANIEL ROBERTS
Round 1 - Referee Steve Mazzagatti in charge of the night's second contest. Roberts moves forward quickly. A few jabs pawed, and Roberts shoots in. Petz defends against the cage, but Roberts persists and pulls him down. Petz works back to his knees, but Roberts pushes him over. Petz works back up again, and they split. The two circle, and Petz lands a right to the body. Roberts hands a bit low as he eyes the shot. Petz jabs, but it's blocked. Roberts sees the opening and lands a double-leg, though Petz pops immediately back up to his feet. Roberts pressing the action into the cage. Petz has underhooks and remains upright. Petz circles off and presses Roberts into the cage. Roberts breaks the clinch and slides away. Less than two minutes. Roberts shoots in again. Petz defends, but he's pushed down again. Petz looks frustrated as he looks up at the clock. Roberts pushes in and keeps Petz down this time. He looks at an arm-triangle and then shifts to the back. Roberts with both hooks in. Roberts locks the right arm around the neck for the rear-naked choke, though it looks to be on the chin. Petz throws a few punches backward, but he'll make it until the bell. MMAjunkie sees it for Roberts, 10-9.
Round 2 - Petz takes the center early. Roberts' hands at chest-level, but Petz can't pull the trigger. Petz does score with a few low kicks. Roberts chasing, and he walks into a punch as he shoots. He looks a bit staggered, but he survives as he clinches and moves away. Roberts shoots in for a single-leg and nearly eats another stiff right hand, though he persists with the takedown and brings Petz to the floor. Petz wraps his left arm around the neck, but Roberts slides under it and again takes the back. Both hooks in again as Roberts rolls to his own back. Roberts working back and forth with the arms under Petz's neck. Petz doing a good job of controlling the arms, and he spins into the moves. In a scramble, Petz takes Roberts's back. Roberts pulls away, and Petz tags him with a combination. Roberts shoots in again with little energy, and Petz tags him a second time. Another takedown from a fatiguing Roberts does score, and he transitions briefly into side control. Petz scrambles up and lands his own takedown, but Roberts secures an arm-in guillotine. Petz again makes it to the bell. Closer round, but MMAjunkie still sees it to Roberts, 10-9.
Round 3 - Petz again opens with a low kick. Petz misses with a combination. Roberts stalking, but he has nothing in the standup. Petz lands a right. Petz firing shots that are mostly missing, but Roberts is not really throwing, and he doesn't seem to have the energy for another takedown. Petz lands another right hand. Petz bouncing, and he's circling away as he attacks. Roberts moving in, but he's really just moving into Petz's attacks. Roberts with a low kick, and Petz lands a left hook over the top that connects flush. Halfway through. Roberts finally shoots in, and he bearhugs a single-leg. He sets up in half-mount when they hit the floor, and Roberts delivers several short elbows and left hands from the top. Roberts walks Petz to the cage and throws a few short punches from the top. Petz works his back to the cage and tries to work to this feet. Roberts does a good job of preventing the move. Roberts lifts up and moves into mount. Petz tries to sweep, but Roberts' base is secure. The bell sounds, and MMAjunkie sees the late action from Roberts earning him the final frame, 10-9, and the fight 30-27. Petz might have earned the final round with the early standup success, but he won't take the fight. Daniel Roberts def. Forrest Petz via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
DAVE BRANCH VS. GERALD HARRIS
Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean makes his first appearance of the night. Branch takes the center early as the tow fighters open patiently. Branch dances on the outside while Harris keeps his head low. First strike comes 50 seconds in, and it's a big overhand right form Harris. Branch lands a nifty kick shortly after. Branch dancing on the outside. Harris rushes in, an both fighters exchange. Harris moves away and Branch fires a high kick that's blocked. Harris throws a few punches up top that miss as Branch moves away. Branch with his hands at his waist, and he tauntingly circles the left hand before scoring with a right. Harris returns fire and Branch stumbles. Harris just misses a big right hand as Branch pulls away. Harris lands a three-punch combo and moves into the clinch. Branch defends well against the cage and lands a knee to the gut. Harris continues to press forward. Branch lands a few elbows before Harris elevates and slams him to the floor. The round ends there. Close round that could go either way, but MMAjunkie sees it for Harris, 10-9.
Round 2 - Quicker start this time, but similar approach. Harris with a low stance in the center. Branch moving well on the outside, and he fires a right straight. Branch kicks high, though it's blocked. Harris shoots in and gets Branch to the floor.Branch with a closed guard, and his head is against the cage. Harris elevates and lands a few heavy shots from the top before Branch pulls him back down. Branch opens the guard and scrambles up, though Harris shoves him back into the cage. Branch lands a knee inside and spins off the cage. Two minutes left. Harris spins off and ducks in for a takedown. He gets his head under Branch's leg and upends him to the floor. Branch opens his guard for an attack, but Harris stands. As Branch follows, Harris tags him with a right. They reset, and Branch lands a solid strike before time expires. MMAjunkie sees the second for Harris, 10-9.
Round 3 - Similar approach from both fighters. Branch rushes in. Harris moves away, but Branch presses in and locks in a triangle choke while falling to his back. It's not quite in, but it's close, and Harris slams out of the hold. Branch doesn't want to stay on his back, so he pulls away and back to his feet. Harris tags him again as he moves away. Branch pushes into the clinch, and his left hand is wrapped firmly on the fence. Dean gives a warning, then restarts soon after when Branch refuses to let go. Branch frantic, and he pushes forward. Harris spins away and pushes Branch into the cage. Branch jumps on on Harris looking for a standing guard attack, and Harris slams him to the floor. Branch is out cold immediately. Harris looks to land a right, but he does the right thing and walks away. Spectacular finish. Gerald Harris def. David Branch via knockout (slam) - Round 3, 2:35.
KENDALL GROVE VS. GORAN RELJIC
Round 1 - Referee Mario Yamasaki returns to the cage. Traded jabs early as Grove circles to his left. Reljic with a high kick that misses. Reljic misses with two punches, and then each fighters fires off high kicks that are blocked. Reljic coming up just short against the lanky Grove. Reljic kicks low. Both fighters pushing, but neither has landed anything of real consequence two minutes in. Grove kicks high, but it's blocked. Reljic scores with a right to the body. Grove kicks to the legs. Halfway in. Front kick from Grove scores. Reljic with two overhand lefts and a high kick, but still not much scoring. The two clinch up and hit the floor, and it's Reljic on top. Grove lands a few elbows from underneath. Reljic rises, and Grove dumps him with a stunning upkick to the chin. Reljic pops right back up, and Grove tries to swarm. Reljic scampers away and clinches as he regains his wits. Reljic pushes into the cage. Traded knees inside. Grove scores again on the break, and it's a decent round that MMAjunkie sees for Grove, 10-9.
Round 2 - Reljic aggressive with his hands, but he's still coming up short. Grove moves in and eats a right hand. Grove pushes in again and eats a knee to the gut, but he winds up in top position. Reljic tries an omo plate from the bottom, but spins through it and pulls free. Reljic stands over his foe, and Grove fires up the upkicks again. Two score, though not quite as flush, and Reljic moves forward to top position. Grove active underneath and throws several elbows to the top of Reljic's head. Reljic stays in guard on top, but his offense is very limited. Crowd wants a standup, and they might be right. Reljic with nothing from the top while Grove is really the busier fighter, but it's not finishing-type blows. Grove starts to work his elg up, and Yamsaki stamds them. Grove misses a high kick. Left hand from Grove. Reljic stumbles him with a low kick. They circle until the bell. Interesting round with the top position and submission attempt form Reljic, while Grove was far busier. MMAjunkie will give the round to Reljic, 10-9, but it's close.
Round 3 - Traded flurries early. Grove lands a nice right hand, but Reljic retreats. Grove wants to chase but pulls back. Reljic shoots in, but Grove stands him up. One minute in. Anybody's fight. Low kick from Grove. Straight from Grove. Grove pushing forward, and he lands a few looping hooks. Reljic pushes in. Grove grabs a guillotine and falls to his back, then feels he doesn't have it and stands up and delivers a knee before releasing the head. Slick sequence. Halfway in. Grove finds a straight again then a few knees from the Thai clinch. Reljic tough, and he continues to push in for a single-leg, but Grove defends against the cage and delivers a few right hands. Reljic continues to push into the cage, and he finally spins and throws Grove to the floor. Reljic in half-mount, and he immediately works on the pass. He gets it, and takes side control. Grove knees to the body from underneath. Reljic switches up to north-south then back to the side. Reljic on top, but Grove transitions out and back to his feet. MMAjunkie.com sees the final round for Grove, 10-9, and the fight for him as well, 29-28. We could see some wild scores, though. Kendall Grove def. Goran Reljic via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28).
SETH PETRUZELLI VS. RICARDO ROMERO
Round 1 - Referee Steve Mazzagatti in the cage as the evening's Spike TV broadcast gets underway. Petruzelli with an early low kick. Romero rushes in, but Petruzelli slides away and tags him with a combination. Front kick from Petruzelli. Romero shoots in, but Petruzelli pulls away again. Right hand from Petruzelli, and he swarms. Petruzelli firing punches as Romero covers up and recovers. Quick clinch, and Petruzelli backs away and restarts. Petruzelli with two punches and a high kick that lands, though he slips and can't follow. Toss attempt and a scramble, and the pair resets. Romero pushing forward, though Petruzelli is throwing bombs. Romero moves to the back on the feet, and Petruzelli falls forward and turtles. Petruzelli swings to the top and fires off shots from his opponent's guard. Romero threatening with his legs, but Petruzelli just blasting away from the top. Another transition sees Romero pull top and move immediately to mount. Romero looks to attack the arms from the top, and Petruzelli rolls. Romero looks for a choke, but Petruzelli turns into it. Petruzelli sneaks away from the danger and drops Romero. Petruzelli pounces and delivers double hammerfists from a standing position. Romero rolls underneath and moves to Petruzelli's back in the closing seconds. Amazing round of action comes to a close, and MMAjunkie sees it for Petruzelli, 10-9.
Round 2 - Traded jabs. GOing to be interesting to see what's left in the tank. Knee from Petruzelli drops Romero. He gets up, though he circles and staggers. Maybe an injury? Romero shoots in. Petruzelli rolls into a crucifix then a very high back position. Petruzelli on the left and looking for an armbar. Romero's arm looks trapped, but he spins to his knees and pulls it free. Romero now firing off rights to the ribs from inside of Petruzelli's guard. Blood dripping all over from Romero. Petruzelli fires elbows underneath. Romero posture and Petruzelli looks for a triangle, but Romero pops out easily and moves all the way to side control. Romero traps Petruzelli's left arm in a crucifix and delivers elbows to the head. Instead of maintaining the attack, he changes his focus to Petruzelli's right arm and lock in a straight armbar. Petruzelli taps with his left hand, and the right was tweaked horribly. Amazing fight. Ricardo Romero def. Seth Petruzelli via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 3:05.
BRENDAN SCHAUB VS. CHRIS TUCHSCHERER
Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean calls the evening's final prelim fight. Tuchscherer circles right on the outside. Traded right hands early, but Schaub gets the best of it. Schaub low in front of Tuchscherer, and he lands a jab. Big right hand drops Tuchscherer and Schaub swarms with a flurry of quick shots to the head. Dean watches closely and gives ample time for Tuchscherer to recover, but he's not going to. Brendan Schaub def. Chris Tuchscherer via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:07.
-------------
UFC 116: George Sotiropolous vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Lightweight Division
UFC 116: George Sotiropolous vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Round 1:
Both men trading back and forth on the feet. Sotiropolous drops Pellegrino and gains top control. Pellegrino gets back up. Pellegrino takes down Sotiropolous but gets back up. Pellegrino was in Sotiropolous’s guard. George worked for a triangle but Kurt got out.
Round 2
Sotiropolous is controlling the pace of the fight. He has Pellegrino against the cage. Kurt walks up the cage but Sotiropolous still has him pinned. Sotiropolous tries for a slam but it was blocked. Ref telling them to work. Pellegrino got away from the cage and both are back in the center of the cage. Pellegrino hits a well placed knee to end the round.
Round 3
Kurt is fighting with more aggression. Pellegrino with a take down as Sotiropolous hits him with elbows. Sotiropolous has Pellegrino in his guard for most of the round. Sotiropolous was landing strikes and working for a submission. Sotiropolous got back on his feet. Pellegrino drops Sotiropolous with a huge knee to steal the round.
George Sotiropolous wins via Unanimous decision
Judges score 30-27 30-27 29-28
---------
UFC 116: Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar
Light Heavyweight
Round 1
Krzysztof lands a right hand that rocked Bonnar for a moment. Bonnar hits an over hand right of his own and takes down Krzysztof. Krzysztof has Bonnar in his guard. Krzysztof attempts and arm bar but no luck and both men are back on their feet. Krzysztof is landing some good shots. Bonnar gets Soszynski against the cage and lands some good elbows. Soszynski pushes away Bonnar away and both are in the center of the cage. Soszynski lands some hard shots. Bonnar turns away but survives.
Round 2
Both men are landing punches. Bonnar is landing more. Krzysztof has more power behind his shots. Bonnar lands a knee to the mid section of Krzysztof. Bonnar jumps all over him and is landing a lot of shots. Krzysztof is not defending. Ref stops the fight.
Winner: Stephan Bonnar via TKO at 3:08 of round 2
------------
UFC 116: Chris Lytle vs. Matt Brown
Welterweight
Round 1
Brown lands some hard shots early. Pins Lytle against the fence and takes him down. Brown applies a Darce Choke and holds on to it for awhile. Lytle gets back to his feet. Lytle and Brown trade punches. Brown takes down Lytle but Lytle tries to hit an arm bar to but the round is over.
Round 2:
Lytle takes down Brown and gains side control. While in side control he lands a mounted triangle and applies and arm bar on Matt's right arm. Matt verbally taps.
Winner Chris Lytle via arm bar at 2:02 in the 2nd round
-------
UFC 116: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben
Middleweight
Round 1
Akiyama drops Leben with a glancing blow. Leben gets back up to his feet. Leben is landing with a lot of leg kicks. Akiyama comes back with a leg kick that lands low. Leben takes a few seconds to recover. Fight has resumed. Leben is taken down. Leben attempts an arm bar. No luck with that. Akiyama attempts a similar mounted triangle that we saw in the Lytle fight. Akiyama maintains top control. Leben gets to his feet but Akiyama is still controlling Leben’s position. Akiyama hits a judo trip to end the round.
Round 2:
Both men come out and trade shots right away. Akiyama hits a glancing spinning back fist. Both men and still going toe to toe. The crowd is coming to their feet. Both men are rocked. Leben looks to be the worse off of the two. Akiyama gets lands a judo sweep. Akiyama has Leben against the fence. Leben gets back up and they keeping landing hard shots. tough round to call. Round of the night for sure!
Round 3
Both fighters are really exhausted. Akiyama drops Leben with a right hand. Leben hits an arm bar again. Akiyama lifts up Leben and gets out of the arm bar. Akiyama is in Leben's half guard. Leben is landing a lot of shots from the bottom even though Akiyama is still on top. Leben hits a triangle ckoke while pounding Akiyama in the head. AKIYAMA TAPS OUT! Fans are going crazy.
Winner: Chris Leben via Triangle Choke in the Third round
====
UFC 116: Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin for the UFC Heavyweight Championship
Carwin walks out first. His entrance music is "Let the bodies hit the floor" by Drowning Pool.
Lesnar walks out second. The boo birds are out for Lesnar. His entrance music is "Enter Sandman" Metallica.
Round 1
Carwin lands a punch that rocks Lesnar early. Carwin lands another right hand. Lesnar tries a take down but no luck at all. Carwin uses his wrestling to stop the take down and lands on top of Brock and controls the rest of the round pounding Lesnar in the face. Lesnar is still defending. Carwin just keeps landing shots. Brock gets back up and they wrestle against the fence.
Round 2
Lesnar's corner is screaming that Carwin is tired. Brock takes Carwin down. Lands some shots. Gets the full mount. Lands a head and arm triangle choke. Carwin TAPS OUT!
Winner: Brock Lesnar via head & arm triangle in the 2nd Round
Post Fight Interview: Lesnar says tonight is not about him. It's about his family and training partners. He says he is blessed by God. Says he is humble, but he is the toughest SOB around.
--------------
SOME MORE
---------------
KURT PELLEGRINO VS. GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS
Round 1 - Referee Josh Rosenthal makes his first appearance. Sotiropoulos paws a few early jabs, and lands a right. Sotiropoulos lands another right. More punches score, and he stalks. Thinks about a kick but pulls back. Pellegrino lands a jab, but it's Sotiropoulos busy early. Sotiropoulos lands a big left that drops Pellegrino. Sotiropoulos swarms and moves to the back. Pellegrino scrambles up from a choke attempt and resets. Sotiropoulos again gets the better of the quick standup exchange. Halfway in. Sotiropoulos landing punches and a knee sneaks in. Pellegrino briefly gets top position in a scramble, but they pop right back up. Pellegrino works in a punch in the clinch, but Sotiropoulos answers with a knee. Sotiropoulos controlling the pace early. Pellegrino shoots and takes top position, though Sotiropoulos works his legs high. Pellegrino pulls away, but he eats an upkick as he tries to move back in. Traded elbows on the ground at the bell, and MMAjunkie sees the first for Sotiropoulos, 10-9.
Round 2 - Sotiropoulos takes the center, but Pellegrino lands an early right. Pellegrino standing his ground early. He moves in with a combo and Sotiropoulos grabs a single-leg. Pellegrino lands a few punches while hopping on one leg, but Sotiropoulos eventually works him to the floor. Sotiropoulos in half-mount, though Pellegrino regains guard quickly. Sotiropoulos stands and avoids upkicks while moving to half-mount again. A scramble nearly nets mount, but Sotiropoulos catches a leg. Sotiropoulos throws a few elbows from the top, and Pellegrino is struggling to answer. Halfway through, and Sotiropoulos landing punches and elbows. Sotiropoulos out to the side. Pellegrino scrambles away, but Sotiropoulos relentless with his pressure. Sotiropoulos in side control as Pellegrino works to a knee. Sotiropoulos stands with him but pushes into a clinch against the cage. Sotiropoulos pops a knee to the chin. Sotiropoulos just pasted to Pellegrino right now, and "Batman" has no escape. Crowd doesn't like the stall against the cage, but Sotiropoulos is moving as best he can. They do split, and Pellegrino lands a crisp knee as he pulls away. Sotiropoulos with a high kick, and Pellegrino answers back with a knee. Bell sounds, and Pellegrino is visibly frustrated. Another round for Sotiropoulos on the MMAjunkie card, 10-9.
Round 3 - Pellegrino pumps a jab early, but Sotiropoulos shows ample defense and slips and counters. Traded shots, and Pellegrino does connect. Sotiropoulos with a crisp jab. Sotiropoulos lands another few lefts. Pellegrino light on his feet and firing jabs on occasion, but he needs to get busy. He does with a right, but Sotiropoulos pushes forward with his own shots. Pellegrino pushes in and secures a takedown, but Sotiropoulos immediately fires elbows from his back. Sotiropoulos works a closed guard. Pellegrino with short shots on both sides from the top. Elbows from the top. Sotiropoulos rolls to his right before returning to his back and working both legs high. Sotiropoulos lands a few lefts from underneath as he squeezes tight with his legs around Pellegrino's neck. Pellegrino shakes free and returns to his feet with less than a minute. Sotiropoulos comes forward on the feet while Pellegrino returns for the takedown attempt. Sotiropoulos shakes it off easily and pushes him to the cage. Pellegrino lands a flurry in the closing seconds and a knee drops Sotiropoulos, but there's not enough time for a finish. MMAjunkie sees the final frame for Pellegrino, though Sotiropoulos takes the fight, 29-28. George Sotriopoulos def. Kurt Pellegrino via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
STEPHAN BONNAR VS. KRZYSZTOF SOSZYSNKI
Round 1 - Mario Yamasaki officiates this light heavyweight rematch. Bonnar kicks early, but Soszynski moves in and the two fire off a flurry before moving away. Traded low kicks. Nice pace early. Soszynski with a low kick that Bonnar catches and tosses him to the floor. Soszynski works a high guard early as Bonnar stacks him against the cage. Soszynski briefly has an arm, but Bonnar spins free of the pressure. They return to the feet and fire off shots, though Soszynski gets the better of it. Soszynski pushes into the clinch, and we're two minutes in. Bonnar spins off the cage and fires a few elbows in, as well as a stiff knee. He moves away and Soszynski circles off. Bonnar's eye bloodied, but the cut is underneath. Bonnar misses a spinning back kick, and Soszynski takes the back. Bonnar pulls away and runs before spinning around and moving into another clinch. Bonnar flurries, and this fight is spirited. Soszynski grabs the Thai plum, but Bonnar pulls away. Soszynski grabs the neck, though he releases it and lands a straight. Soszynski really laying it on now, though Bonnar standing in the pocket and retuning fire as he only he can. High kick and front kick at the end of the first. Great fourth round between these two, but MMAjunkie gives the nod to Soszynski, 10-9.
Round 2 - Bonnar lands first to open, but Soszynski standing in the pocket. Traded bombs from both and the crowd is electric. Bonnar lands a knee inside and several hooks. Soszynski answers with a straight and Bonnar buckles. Soszynski charges, but Bonnar recovers. Both fighters tiring already (and understandably), but both game in attack. Knee to the gut for Bonnar. Soszynski drops and shoots, but Bonnar stands him and scores his own takedown. North-south two minutes in. Bonnar on top and throwing short punches. Soszynski works to his feet, though Bonnar keeps the clinch. Knee stuns Soszynski, and Bonnar starts firing left hands. They're blocked mostly, but Soszynski hasn't worked free from trouble. Soszynski turtling up. Yamasaki gives him the benefit of the doubt, but he's not answering. Bonnar gets plugging away, and Yamasaki finally halts it. Bonnar stands to reveal a huge gash on his head, but it's a much-needed win for "The American Psycho." Stephan Bonnar def. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:08.
MATT BROWN VS. CHRIS LYTLE
Round 1 - Steve Mazzagatti in charge. Brown rushes forward as expected and Lytle is there to answer. Brown grabs a Thai clinch, and Lytle punches inside. Lytle pulls away, but Brown is right back on top. Quick scramble to the floor and up, and the action remains in the clinch. Brown sneaks in a high kick and pulls away. He rushes forward with a knee, and two minutes in they're back in the clinch. Brown tosses Lytle to the floor, though Lytle works his left leg up for an omo plata. It looks fairly tight, but Brown works free and pounces right back on his foe. Brown locks in an anaconda choke and tries to roll, but Lytle surviving underneath. Lytle fires a left hand that appears to hie the groin, but Brown doesn't budge. He finally releases the hold rather than burn his arm, and he returns to the feet. Lytle lands a stiff straight, and Brown kicks in retaliation. Lytle lands again with a right and just misses another. Overhand right form Lytle misses, and Brown adding kicks to his attack frequently. Lytle swinging wildly in the closing seconds. Brown lands a stiff jab that sends Lytle to the canvas. The round ends there, and it's 10-9 Brown on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 2 - Lytle comes out big to open, and he leaps in with several powerful rights. Brown answers back in a firefight. Brown ducks in for a shot, but Lytle feels it and locks in a guillotine on his left side. He rolls to top and tries to crank, it, but he eventually releases. Smart move as he works out from mount to side control to an inverted triangle. With his opponent trapped, Lytle goes to work on the left arm and tries for the arm bar. Brown winces underneath as he tries to find a way to work free, but he is trapped and forced to give up. Chris Lytle def. Matt Brown via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 2:02.
YOSHIHIRO AKIYAMA VS. CHRIS LEBEN
Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean in the cage for the evening's co-main event. Akiyama takes the center. Akiyama catches and early low kick and sends Leben to the floor. Panicky scramble, but both return to the feet. Leben misses a high kick, and Akiyama patiently stalking. Leben with an outside leg kick. Traded low kick. Leben rushes in with a flurry. Leben returns to the kick. A left wobbles Akiyama briefly. Leg kicks for Leben. Akiyama tries one and catches the cup. Brief timeout after the direct hit. Akiyama lands a right on the restart, and he's timing the leg kicks. Akiyama misses a spinning backfist. Akiyama clinches up and tosses Leben to the canvas. Leben rolls for an armbar underneath. He lets it go and fires a few punches upward. Halfway through the round. Akiyama pressing in, and Leben tries again for the arm. Akiyama pulls it free and transitions to one of his own in a slick sequence. Leben defends well, but as he turns, Akiyama looks for the kimura. Can't secure, but he's still on top of Leben. Akiyama in half-mount, and he looks to be setting up a side choke. Leben pulls his arm out, and Akiyama looks briefly at an Americana. Leben rolls and stands. Good defense so far from Leben, but it's all defense. Akiyama lands a stiff right, though Leben answers with a left. Akiyama with a trip at the bell, and it's 10-9 Akiyama on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 2 - Leben lands an early high kick and slips. He gets back up and trades punches with Akiyama. Akiyama lands a spinning backfist flush, but Leben keeps moving forward. Superman punch by Leben and a left hand wobbles Akiyama just briefly. Akiyama with a right and a left. Another right from Akiyama. Leben answers. Akiyama scores. Toe-to-toe classic here. Leben spins Akiyama around and the crowd on its feet. Two minutes in and they finally clinch. Akiyama takes it to the floor in a smart strategic move. Both guys are tired after the spirited action. Akiyama pressing in, and Leben works his back to the cage. He tries to stand, but Akiyama pressing in and keeps the action on the floor. Leben wall-walks up as Akiyama throws tired rights. Leben tries to push Akiyama away, and his fingers are close to the eye. Akiyama ducks in, and Leben controls the head. Crowd wants knees, but Leben tries to squeeze a guillotine. Akiyama pops out, and they reset. Right hand from Akiyama. Left from Akiyama. Leben with a high kick and a left. Leben firing off shots that find their mark. Unbelievable action to close the round. Great round, and MMAjunkie sees a close one for Akiyama, 10-9.
Round 3 - Show of respect to open the third. Leben kicks hard to the body. Left hand from Leben. Akiyama shoots in unsuccessfully. High kick from Leben. Low kick follows. Akiyama lands a right over the top and Leben hits the deck. Akiyama stalls a bit on top, and Leben throws punches with both hands simultaneously. Leben again rolls for the armbar. Akiyama has firm grip on his own arm, but Leben on his head and won't let go. He finally has to as he slides off. Akiyama on top and sets up a side choke. Leben wiggles free. Halfway in, and Akiyama smothering on top. Crowd doesn't like the strategy. Leben creates distance from underneath and punches up. Akiyama content to control the action on the floor. Leben to full guard, and the simultaneous punches again, followed by elbows. If you can win a round on the bottom, this might be how. Leben still throwing punches, elbows, kitchen sinks. Akiyama postures, but Leben still the busier man. Close guard from Leben, though he open and works for the triangle. Akiyama in trouble. He wiggles and turns, and he finally taps with seconds reaming. Holy [expletive]. Chris Leben def. Yoshihiro Akiyama via submission (triangle choke) - Round 3, 4:40.
BROCK LESNAR VS. SHANE CARWIN
Round 1 - Referee Josh Rosenthal in the cage for the main event, and the MGM Grand Garden Arena is electric. Lesnar moves to the center. He's not fighting southpaw. Right hand from Carwin, but Lesnar rushes for the takedown. He gets it as they slam into the cage, but Carwin scrambles immediately back up Carwin lands and uppercut, and Lesnar is wobbled. He retreats to the cage. Carwin all over him. Knees, punches and Lesnar hits the deck. Carwin keeps punching, but Rsenthal lets him defensd. He kicks Carwin away briefly, but he's right back on top throwing short punches. Two minutes in. Carwin stands over Lesnar who looks unable to get off his back. Lesnar turns into Carwin's legs, and the punches stop. Has he punches himself out? Halfway in. Carwin posturing up in half-mount. Lesnar throws soft shots upward, but Carwin continues to throw shots from the top. Most are blocked, but a few land flush. Carwin backs away, and Lesnar's face is battered. Carwin pushes back into half-mount. Lesnar pushes up and back to his feet, where he pushes in on Carwin. Stall against the cage. Less than a minute. Both fighters taking a breather as they jockey for position. Rosenthal lets them work in the clinch, and they'll stay there until the bell. All Carwin early, 10-9 on the MMAjunkie card.
Round 2 - High five to start. Lesnar tries to rush in but catches a straight. Lesnar ducks in and gets the takedown. Lesnar in half-mount, though he's not posturing up. Lesnar steps over with his right leg into mount, then slides over with a side choke locked in. Carwin looks uncomfortable and Lesnar tweaks the move. He twists out to the side, and Carwin is in trouble. More leverage, and Carwin has no choice but to tap. Brock Lesnar def. Shane Carwin via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 2, 2:19.